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Tim has been an NRL statistician for ABC Radio Grandstand since 1999, primarily as part of their Canberra coverage. Tim has loved rugby league since Sterlo was a kid with lots of hair but was cursed with having no personal sporting ability whatsoever. He couldn't take a hit in footy, was a third division soccer player making up numbers, plays off 41 in golf and is possibly the worlds worst cricketer ever. He has always been good at arguing the point though and he has a great memory of what happened. Follow Tim on Twitter @GorskiOPork
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The send-off finally made its long-awaited reappearance on Sunday night.
The Maroons were valiant right to the end. They dug as deep as any Queensland side I’ve ever seen. But they just didn’t have enough high-calibre players to prevail.
Next Wednesday night will be the climax of the strangest State of Origin series I’ve ever seen.
To this point in the season it has been the accepted wisdom of most students of the NRL that the 2019 premier would almost certainly be either the Roosters, Storm or Rabbitohs.
The cold, hard reality that New South Wales must face going into State of Origin Game 2 in Perth this Sunday is that the series is almost positively already gone.
The brazen inequity in the polar treatments of Queensland forward Josh McGuire and Canberra Raiders rookie Hudson Young shouldn’t anger or confound supporters of the various teams that play under the banner of the National Rugby League.
Once more the Queensland Maroons have shown the NSW Blues just what it takes to win an Origin match: game smarts and relentless effort.
There are a few things in the rugby league world that you can set your clock by.
“You do know I used to have a… problem… with trying to kill people…”
It’s only the end of Round 9 and already 13 of the NRL sides can pretty much be written off.
If history is a guide – and it is – this ‘Magic Round’ will need to be really magic if sides outside the current top eight are any chance of September appearances, let alone glory.
There is no question the players in each NRL side are a vital part of the rich tapestry that makes up our beloved game.
We are now a quarter way into season 2019. The form is starting to sort itself out. So how does each team look so far?
“Rugby league is a professional game run by amateurs”.
This is now the Brisbane Broncos’ equal second-worst start to a season ever and, barring a miracle, I cannot see it getting any better.
Before I begin, let me say this: the 2019 NRL draw is an improvement on last year’s.
There has been a lot of talk recently about relocating a team from Sydney to either greater Brisbane or Perth.
Just a month ago I predicted that the 2019 NRL premier would come from the usual suspects, with my tip being the Roosters to be the first side to go back to back since the Broncos in 1992-1993.
Cam Smith is right. There. I said it.
While I thoroughly support Todd Greenberg’s line in the sand in regard to player behaviour, I am very worried that it could have the consequence of attacking the civil liberties and rights of players.
As are the MRC guidelines, deliberations and members.
The NRL needs to better protect its players
no it isn’t. but Terepo’s most certainly was. Soliola’s most certainly was.
The NRL needs to better protect its players
really Baz? because myself and thousands of others can’t tell the difference at all. Must be a lot of eyesight problems…
The NRL needs to better protect its players
As a repeat offender with a long rap sheet that he got the benefit of the doubt is totally bizarre. What legal system in the world does that. What did Annesley say? “you’ve got to remove the individual from the offence” or something close to that. That is outrageous. Loading for previous offences is in complete opposition to that sentiment.
And here’s the thing: contrary conduct fines don’t incur any loading. It is a disgrace.
I’m not saying Burgess and Hudson Young didn’t deserve suspensions. They did. But McGuire absolutely did too. And big ones.
The NRL needs to better protect its players
Its bizarre quibbling to even attempt a distinction. the hand has absolutely no right to be on the face.
The NRL needs to better protect its players
So you are still mad…
I do not look forward to writing this years Christmas letter…
The Blues will have to defy history to defeat the Maroons in 2019
Mr Annesley… We’ve been through this before. If you want to hold a top job at the NRL you will be held accountable for how you carry it out.
I know you’re mad with me for pointing out your failures and hypocrisy but if you’re going to lash out like this please back it up with an actual argument.
The Blues will have to defy history to defeat the Maroons in 2019
I declare Queensland my Lock of the Week!
The Blues will have to defy history to defeat the Maroons in 2019
No, they show a lot of flair when they routinely do it.
The Blues will have to defy history to defeat the Maroons in 2019
Right…
When Qld have had two home games (18 times) they have won in: 82, 83, 84, 87, 89, 91, 01, 07, 11, 17 (10 times), They lost in 85, 86, 93, 96, 03, 05, 14 (7 times). The 1999 series was drawn.
When NSW have had two home games (10 times) they won in 92, 00, 04 (three times). They lost in 88, 98, 08, 10, 13, 16 (six times). The 2002 series was drawn.
There have been eight series (not counting the 87 long beach game) with neutral venues. Qld won 95, 06, 09, 12 and 15. NSW won 90, 94 and 18.
I reckon the percentages pretty much stay the same.
The Blues will have to defy history to defeat the Maroons in 2019
Only two of them: QLD in 1982 and QLD in 1987.
All others have been away grounds – or neutral in 2006
The Blues will have to defy history to defeat the Maroons in 2019
Mushi, are you still mad with me because I questioned your intellect and personal hygiene?
The Blues will have to defy history to defeat the Maroons in 2019
As above, I meant 2013. 2014 was a typo. apologies.
But the stats aren’t misleading. They are pretty clear on this.
But feel free to bet against them if you wish.
The Blues will have to defy history to defeat the Maroons in 2019
A sub editor error.
in that the sub editor didn’t pick up my typo…
The Blues will have to defy history to defeat the Maroons in 2019
As above Champ, What?
Of course it’s emotive! If you tell a kid not to do something because it’s bad and he does it again, you are more strident the second time. By the fifth occasion, when he has continued to do it unabated and previous measures clearly haven’t stopped the actions, if you don’t a) view the recidivist behavior subjectively and b) impose a greater punishment that takes into account that the previous ones didn’t amend the behavior then you are a rank idiot.
To have the temerity, the gall, to suggest that each incident should be viewed in isolation of each other is pathetic.
There is no loading or carry over for fines for contrary conduct. Annesley is using pathetic and flimsy spin to try and explain away the NRLs inconsistent, ineffective and pathetic handling of the matter. And your sucking it all up.
And then trying to claim I’m only saying all this through my supporter bias…
With all due respect, I question both your intelligence and integrity.
McGuire escaping suspension shows the NRL doesn't care what you think
Nice to see we agree on something 40/20
McGuire escaping suspension shows the NRL doesn't care what you think
So He is a repeat offender. A recidivist. Yet you and Annesley want to argue who the person is should be removed from the evaluation?!?!
that is totally illogical. That is bizarre.
We have weighting’s for previous offenders, yet they and you are trying to remove that logic from this case???
WTF?
McGuire escaping suspension shows the NRL doesn't care what you think
The difference in opinion is they barely punish a clear recidivist while massively punish another.
You can quibble all you want – like Annesley does – about the nuances of those deliberately interfering with an opponents face of you like. I won’t. He’s continually doing it. They aren’t stopping it. They clearly aren’t consistent either. It’s appalling. But go ahead and quibble.
McGuire escaping suspension shows the NRL doesn't care what you think
I’ve got no issue with Hudson Young’s suspension. Nor do I say any such thing. Further, as you’ll see from my articles, I’m a bit of a QLD fan.
What I have an issue with is one bloke getting five weeks and another – with multiple priors – some very recent – getting nothing whatsoever.
That’s a pretty reasonable position.
What isn’t a reasonable position is defending the non suspension of a recidivist grub on technicalities like you are doing.
He is clearly not concerned about contrary conduct fines at all. He’s still acting like a total grub, putting his hands where they have absolutely no business being. Suspension might get through to him though.
And as for my historical and continuing objection to players deliberately attacking the genitals of their opponents, I most certainly am vocally against it and disgusted by it.
The question here Nat is why aren’t you? You a fan of the squirrel grip champ? You reckon it’s got a place in the game? That’s pretty poor pal.
McGuire escaping suspension shows the NRL doesn't care what you think
So you’ve got no issue with it being the 5th documented time he has interfered with a player’s face? The second this season. You reckon it’s all ok because it wasn’t a deep gouge and in spite of his clear recidivist ways?
All good with you, Nat?
McGuire escaping suspension shows the NRL doesn't care what you think
Which bit is trolling Dennis?
I’ve provided logical arguments to back up my position.
How is it trolling?
What is your definition of trolling?
Of course Queensland will win Origin. They always do
Of course Queensland will win Origin. They always do
That’s a great name, but I’d name mine Darren.
The craziest Origin series ever is destined for a crazy finish