Roar Rookie
Joined April 2012
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former nrl player, traveller and surfer who likes to dabble in a bit of journalism and new media
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I wanted to write about something today that gets omitted from the usual stories around teams and players, winning streaks and losing droughts. That…
Hi Johnno,
Yep, thats me mate. 100kg and built like a brick shithouse.
Mentality defines Origin and Rabbitohs' fortunes
Hi Q1der,
Fair point. It was an outstanding defensive display and as is so often said, the mark of a champion team is to win when not playing at their best. The most telling thing from a QLD perspective is that they were on the wrong end of everything but made their rare trips into the NSW half count.
As for over coaching, not sure I agree. The teams that have been dominant in recent years (Storm and Dragons) are hallmarks of structure and Melbourne especially have designed sets of six… as for Ricky’s antics, there is no contest – his intensity and passion are his greatest strengths but also his worst weakness. He doesn’t lose gracefully at all and that can spill over into his public comments.
Mentality defines Origin and Rabbitohs' fortunes
Hey Johnno,
It’s been a while for the Red and Green and I’m not predicting they’ll win it this year, but it is definitely the best they have looked in a while after hovering around the 8 for the last few years.
Mentality defines Origin and Rabbitohs' fortunes
Gday Hoy,
Yep, the law of averages says NSW have to win eventually, but for me there has been an improvement over the 3 games last year and last Wednesday. It’s probably easy to say NSW are simply copying QLD’s blueprint with selecting a core group and holding junior Blues camps etc but for mine NSW finally seem to have their house in order. It’s a work in progress to instill a culture amongst Blues players.
And yes, the pressure is on Sticky but he’s the kind of coach who would be driven by it. I think Origin coaching really suits him – as you read in the press he is emotional and intense, something which is perfect for a short space of time and getting players ‘up’.
Mentality defines Origin and Rabbitohs' fortunes
No doubt Ricky can be a bad sport. He takes losing extremely personally and this is the negative side of being so intense and competitive. On the positive side though there are many good attributes, but yes it looks bad in public…
I think the players step up at Origin time for many reasons, the main one being it is the most respected series in league. I don’t think match payments mean bugger all in this arena but a good showing obviously does contracts no harm.
I agree with NSW should take that ‘beat em whatever is thrown at us’ attitude, much better than blaming the officials, although I love a good Us v The World attitude.
And yes, as we saw last year, QLD won when NSW were the better side and came out next game and blew the Blues off the park – scary thought for Game 2.
Mentality defines Origin and Rabbitohs' fortunes