The Roar
The Roar

The Roar

Tony Harper

Editor

Joined July 2021

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Tony has been writing about sport since making a debut at the Queensland Times, Ipswich, in 1989 with a column entitled 'That's What I reckon Sport!' He has since worked as a reporter and editor with organisations including Fox Sports, Fairfax, AAP, The AP and ACP magazines, covering four Olympics, three FIFA World Cups and WC's in cricket and rugby. Favourite team: Arsenal. Favourite question: 'Did you even watch the game?'

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Can confirm this suggestion is total nonsense.

Exclusive: Embattled chair asks for extension, Rugby Australia meet AGAIN as civil war breaks out

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Rugby
 
3w

Hi Damo, I can’t find any mention of seeding for the next stage after this one in the AFC rules.

Just this: The draw for the third round of the global showpiece in 2026 will be conducted in 2024, where the 18 teams will be divided into three groups of six; the top two from each group will qualify directly for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

I’d assume there is seeding though, which I would expect is done on world ranking rather than for and against or results in the first pool stage.

I’ve asked FA if they can clarify.

The Socceroos are set for their easiest World Cup qualification ever - but will that hurt Australian football?

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Football
 
4w

Well, as I worked at Fox at the time, I wasn’t rejoicing!

If Paramount could go even close to replicating the coverage of Optus for EPL or Stan for CL – and that means an app fit for purpose with reasonable UX – it would help retain and increase interest.

It’s less about the deal that the APL should have pursued and more about ensuring that the partner they got was actually capable of not bottling their coverage so completely

There is only ever one 'must-see' fixture in the A-League Men each week

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Football
 
4w

Fair summary Mike, and while I have strong ideas as to how we got here I don’t know how we fix it.

After being a 7-year member from foundation of WSW, and specifically the RBB active section, various factors led me to drift away after the disappointing experience of the Spotless move.

On Saturday I went back to CommBank taking a friend and her children and was genuinely surprised by how the atmosphere but mostly the size of the crowd – has declined in the few years since I last attended.

David Gallop’s disastrous reign continues to impact the competition, and it’s almost sad to see.

For me a lot of this is due to how fans were treated under Gallop but also the absolute disaster that Paramount + has been for the code.

I believe the APL is aiming to spend some significant money on media promotion – hopefully this will help.

There is only ever one 'must-see' fixture in the A-League Men each week

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Football
 
4w

Yeah, I get it – but if we are not one of the top 8 teams in Asia in the future I’d prefer us to not be at a World Cup.

I like qualification with stakes – this seems like a foregone conclusion (uh oh I did it again!)

Yengi completes dream with Socceroos call-up as Arnold ditches several stalwarts - including World Cup hero

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Football
 
Nov

No chance. The top two go through (there are 9 groups) and then it’s three groups of six with the top two from that automatically through and 2 more to come via another round of playoffs. It’s 8 direct from Asia this time instead of 4 – we never have to worry about playoffs again

Yengi completes dream with Socceroos call-up as Arnold ditches several stalwarts - including World Cup hero

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Football
 
Nov

Thanks, yep, left Ned H off in error and fixing now

COMPLETE SRP 2024 squads: Rebels the big movers, Tahs build depth, Reds shore up front-row

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Rugby
 
Nov

Happy Invincibles day to all who celebrate 😊

What the EPL?!: Pundits bash 'crazy', 'naive' Ange, as coach sticks to his guns amid 9-man VAR chaos

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Football
 
Nov

fixed now thanks Hugh

The Wrap: What will the Wallabies' external season review reveal that we don’t already know?

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Rugby
 
Nov

It’s reading between the lines A LOT but wonder if Japan was who he told he couldn’t talk to until after the WC

'That's one of the options': Foster admits Test coaching return possible as he reacts to Wallabies link

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Rugby
 
Nov

We covered the match on the day (also WC final day so maybe why you missed it). The negativity of some of our readers is just very wearying some days.

Big time bounce back: How the Wallaroos claimed an epic win over France

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Rugby
 
Oct

United are terrible. Inject it into my veins

Manchester Derby recap: Onana hitting form, Amrabat's slow start, Ten Hag gets tactics wrong

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Football
 
Oct

Give yourself an uppercut, mate.

Exclusive: Path clear for McKellar to return as Wallabies coach despite Leicester job, Cheika's update on future

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Rugby
 
Oct

I’m a bit busy, mate

Exclusive: Path clear for McKellar to return as Wallabies coach despite Leicester job, Cheika's update on future

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Rugby
 
Oct

“Bit busy, mate”

'F---ing team effort!': Hat-trick hero's classic reaction after Wallaroos stun France

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Rugby
 
Oct

Hi NotKev,

Yes the headline has changed multiple times to reflect the changing story line. That’s not unusual here or on any other news sites.

The mention of abuse of Mbonambi is a direct quote of the World Rugby statement, not my words.

There have been no official mentions by players, or clubs, or officials about abuse levelled at Mbonambi that I have seen, but if I do I will add the the story (also the SARU statement has just been added), although I’m sure you can find some examples on social media if you look.

Thanks for reading.

England react with fury as Bok cleared by World Rugby after TWO racism allegations made by Tom Curry

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Rugby
 
Oct

COMPLETE RWC finals teams: All Blacks' answer to Boks' bold 7-1 bench call, Smith returns for England

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Rugby
 
Oct

Shirley you can’t be serious

COMPLETE RWC finals teams: All Blacks' answer to Boks' bold 7-1 bench call, Smith returns for England

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Rugby
 
Oct

Nice Billy Bragg reference

COMPLETE RWC finals teams: All Blacks' answer to Boks' bold 7-1 bench call, Smith returns for England

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Rugby
 
Oct

In football it’s called ‘the round of 16’

Breathe easy Aussies, World Rugby has devalued the 2027 RWC by expansion - and even the Wallabies are safe

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Rugby
 
Oct

Bloody hope not

Daring to dream: Ange Postecoglou has Tottenham on top... Can they stay there?

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Football
 
Oct

No sorry

'It will kill rugby': Minnows feel shafted as World Rugby hails 'historic' revamp with exclusive Nations Championship

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Rugby
 
Oct

They will play three opponents in the July window, but there is no confirmation it needs to be in three straight weekends

'It will kill rugby': Minnows feel shafted as World Rugby hails 'historic' revamp with exclusive Nations Championship

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Rugby
 
Oct

We understand Bledisloe will stay as two games per year.

'It will kill rugby': Minnows feel shafted as World Rugby hails 'historic' revamp with exclusive Nations Championship

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Rugby
 
Oct

World Rugby’s Bill Beaumont and Alan Gilpin have just given a lengthy media conference. I’m happy to answer any questions if I can about the plans

'It will kill rugby': Minnows feel shafted as World Rugby hails 'historic' revamp with exclusive Nations Championship

View Comment
Rugby
 
Oct
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