Wendell Sailor. A name familiar with everyone in the Australian sporting world and just about everyone in Australia that follows mainstream media. He is a football player, athlete, larrikin, entertainer and even a goose to some. But to me he is one of the good things to come out of rugby league. Yes there have been problems in the past and he is by no means a clean skin. But Sailor is a still a professional at what he does and brings that X factor to our game. On Sunday Wendell Sailor plays his 200th first grade rugby league match when his now beloved Dragons host the Cronulla Sharks at WIN Jubilee/Kogarah Oval. And I for one couldn’t be happier for him.
Wendell Sailor broke into the Broncos top squad in 1993 and had really established himself by late 1994 when I started to develop a love for the game. For me, Wendell has been part of the game ever since I started watching and he soon became a fan favourite of mine at the Broncos. You look at this bloke and think he could (and has) easily pack into the back of a scrum yet there he is out on the wing outmuscling blokes and hanging with them metre for metre in a footrace. Wendell was big, powerful and fast which made for an ideal outside back and he still is all of those things today. Sure the pace has probably dropped a touch but whatever he’s lost on foot he’s gained between the ears.
We just have to go back two weeks to see Sailor at his best when he set up the try that sent the match against the Storm into golden point. Sailor used his size, speed and brains from deep inside his own half before sending Matt Cooper over for the points. And last week, I didn’t see much of the game, but all reports indicate that young Titans winger Esi Tonga got a really working over by the old fox. At age 34 Wendell may be on the way out but he will remain a fixture in this Dragons side for the whole season.
Of course it hasn’t all been smooth sailing (pun intended) over the last 17 years: code swaps, drugs, suspensions to name just a few controversies that seemed to follow him. The rugby experiment seemed to be a successful one as it didn’t take long for Sailor to establish himself in the Wallabies line up. Personally, Sailor and later converts Mat Rogers and Lote Tuqiri were solely responsible for me taking any interest in rugby union. That’s the beauty of a guy like Wendell...he gets people talking, watching and going to games.
Sailor is an entertainer on and off the field. He’s always good for a quote and rarely shy to express his opinions. Sure his kicking game in rugby union left a lot to be desired (even I as a non-fan could see that) but Sailor still had that match winning ability and show stealing ability to draw a crowd. And that crowd could be at Suncorp Stadium for either code or a TV studio or people listening by a radio just to hear this guy speak. Love him or hate him Wendell is an entertainer that gets people interested in whatever it is he is on about.
Never one to shy the spotlight, Wendell is now using his powers for good (not they were ever for evil). He has literally grown up, in the spotlight, a heck of a lot in the last four or five years. That’s certainly be evidenced since he was first suspended by the Waratahs in May 2006. We’ve seen a remorseful Wendell since then, followed by a determined Wendell to a) win back lost respect; b) make himself a role model and c) prove to everyone that he’s still as good as he says he is.
I think Wendell has ticked all three boxes since his return to top-class sport...back in the NRL with the Dragons since May 13, 2008. You can see the aura this guy has on the field and even around a club just by the way other people talk about him in the media. In fact I remember telling friends last year that following the suspension of Justin Hodges during the State of Origin series that Queensland could do worse than selecting Wendell Sailor for a Decider. He had played only a couple of NRL games for his new club but there is just something about the guy that lifts teams and wins big games.
To some Wendell may be an egotistical, rugby league boofhead but to me he is an entertainer, a show stopper and one of the great men of our game. Yes he’s had problems, but who hasn’t? Yes he’s had a second chance or two, but who hasn’t? I look forward to watching him go round in his 200th game on Sunday and of course in another big one next week against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium. And I for one won’t be surprised should the big Dell be in a maroon jersey this year if injuries or form cut down the regular backs.
*
Whilst on the subject of milestones it was remiss of me last week not to offer my small congratulations to Hazem El Masri on breaking the world rugby league point scoring record. Hazem is one of the true role models of our game; a quality human being and from what I can tell a quality human being to. Well done to Hazem and hopefully he can keep kicking goals for a few more years yet.
Tips this week: Roosters, Bulldogs, Brisbane, Parramatta, Cowboys, Knights, Dragons, Manly
Last Week: 4/8 (Total: 10/16)
Winning Percentage: 63%
Geez, tough round this one to pick and I’m really torn on the Titans/Bulldogs game. In fact I had tipped the Titans but changed to the Bulldogs in this sentence! I think Prince will play but the Dogs are barking (re: point stripping) plus I like cheering on Brett Kimmorley!
If you have any thoughts or comments on Wendell, Hazem or anything at all please feel free to email me at andrew.keyte@gmail.com. Of course you can leave a comment at http://keytonrlhits.blogspot.com/ and you can read the rest of my articles at http://www.sportsaustralia.com/.
Have fun at the football this weekend,
Keyto
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Loving The Game!
Hi again everyone and thanks for coming back or a welcome to those here for the first time reading my column at www.sportsaustralia.com or my BlogSpot site: http://keytonrlhits.blogspot.com. If you have anything at all to say please feel free to leave a comment or email me directly at andrew.keyte@gmail.com.
Before we start this week I just want to remind you of something I said last week, “I won’t touch the off-field dramas today. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of other opportunities across the season...”
What did we get, two days maybe three after the first game before we had Jake Friend from the Roosters and Brett Seymour from Cronulla in the papers for the wrong reasons? I am sick of talking, reading and hearing about these sorts of things. There’s an article here by Dean Ritchie where Brett Kimmorley sums up the feelings of most of us who love or are involved in the game. There’s nothing more I can add to these off field dramas other than I hope we can go a week without any more.
I did something really fun with rugby league last weekend. I needed to write a human interest story for uni and when my original idea became a little unstuck I turned to something I love: suburban rugby league. I’m a regular at home Queensland Cup games for my team, Wynnum-Manly Seagulls, and last weekend I decided to spend my Sunday at their home ground Kougari Oval and my Saturday watching Easts Tigers play Norths at Langlands Park, Coorparoo. Below is the article I wrote for my assignment and I hope it shares the fun and beauty I find in watching footy out in the suburbs.
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“Get in there 8 you lazy shit!”…the second weekend in March and the suburban Brisbane grounds are abuzz. Away from the bright lights, six figure pay days, mainstream television coverage and ‘suits’ with expert opinions. These are the rugby league grounds where you can smell the grass on the way in and clean the car park mud from your shoes whilst the kids are immersed in their own private games of touch (or tackle) on the hill. You can reach out to wipe the sweat off the players, hear their instructions and breathe the passion of the team. This is the way rugby league was played; 3pm out in the suburbs.
Ken Booth has been an Easts Tigers player and supporter for as long as he can remember having represented the club from 1948 – 1957 and now involved with the past players association. “I do a little journalism myself,” Ken explains in reference to the Easts newsletter he regularly pens. Ken, 75, is a life member of the club but never played at Langlands Park, Coorparoo.
“The first game played here was in 1961...we used to play at the Brisbane Cricket Ground.” A humble Ken was more than happy to reminisce on his career highlight, a night in 1954 where he represented Brisbane against England in the first match played under floodlights. These types of stories flow through Langlands Park on this particular afternoon, which also happened to be Past Players Day.
An $8 ticket gives you access to all areas…grandstands, hills, open air bars and ‘Chook Pens’ at the northern, southern, eastern or western sides of the ground amongst a host of these wonderful characters all sharing their love of the game.
The role of supporter is tough; everyone needs to be multi-skilled to play the part of spectator, fan, captain, coach, halfback and referee! While some will just make quiet comments to those who’ll listen there are always others willing to share their sentiments with all and sundry.
“You just want to get your head on TV ref!” says one man in the back of the licensed grandstand…a reference to the rookie referee assigned the ABC match of the round. The $8 ticket allows movement away from that section past a group of kids racing through the mud under the grandstand. “They just came to see Ashton Sims and he’s off now,” their mother sighs.
Even people like Ken are running their own fine tooth comb over the action. “I have to pick the best forward and best back for Easts today and they’ve all been terrible!” A scrap of paper to show his notes…a number 11 under ‘forwards’ and the number 1 under ‘backs’. “That’s all I’ve got,” Ken exclaimed midway through the second half before pausing to acknowledge a good piece of work from the opposition. “See this halfback for them, the number 7 for Norths…put him in our side and it’s a different game.”
There are similar scenes at Kougari Oval, home to Wynnum-Manly Seagulls, where another good crowd has turned out to watch footy in the suburbs. It’s not a home player that gets the crowd talking but rather a visiting man mountain. “We just call him Pele” one of the travelling fans says while another remarks to her friend, “Wow, look how big and strong and fast he is!” Pele certainly stands out with his dark skin punctuated by a mop of frizzy hair streaked with a tinge of orange.
The postcard feature at Kougari Oval is an area nestled on the eastern hill known as the ‘Chook Pen’. People gather here to drink beer, hurl abuse to those sporting an opposition jersey and share special tips with anyone blowing a whistle. Even their own are not always immune as the unfortunate ‘8’ from the top of this story was decked in the red, white and green of the home side.
For people like Ken Booth the Easts Tigers will always remain ‘the best club in Brisbane’ despite the scoreboard. With ten more afternoons this season there’s always a second chance right? Another day to sit wherever you want, smell the grass on the way in, clean the mud off your shoes, breathe the game and offer advice from the safety of a grandstand or the sanctity of a ‘Chook Pen’.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was a lot of fun writing that article the other day and mingling with the numerous characters you find at these games. By all means I encourage people to head out and support their NRL team, but don’t discount the local comps. I only have experience with the Queensland Cup but I know the standard is always relatively high and there is always a sprinkling of handy players running around.
Just last weekend Ashton Sims, Rod Jensen, Chris Walker, Grant Rovelli and Kaine Manihera were all on display at various grounds. So wherever you are, if you’re looking for something to do this weekend look up your local team and see if you can get down to their games. It’s a lot of fun.
My tips this week: Souths, Brisbane, Dragons, Bulldogs, Cowboys, Canberra, Manly, Cronulla
Last week: 6/8
Winning Percentage: 75%
If you want a smokey; get on the Panthers. I don’t know why but I have a massive feeling about them this week. I can’t explain it, I didn’t see them or the Bulldogs last week but I’m sure in recent seasons these sides have met in Round 2 with the Panthers claiming unexpected wins. Having said that, I can’t pick them with any confidence! Maybe take Penrith with a bit of a start.
Catch ya later,
Keyto
Before we start this week I just want to remind you of something I said last week, “I won’t touch the off-field dramas today. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of other opportunities across the season...”
What did we get, two days maybe three after the first game before we had Jake Friend from the Roosters and Brett Seymour from Cronulla in the papers for the wrong reasons? I am sick of talking, reading and hearing about these sorts of things. There’s an article here by Dean Ritchie where Brett Kimmorley sums up the feelings of most of us who love or are involved in the game. There’s nothing more I can add to these off field dramas other than I hope we can go a week without any more.
I did something really fun with rugby league last weekend. I needed to write a human interest story for uni and when my original idea became a little unstuck I turned to something I love: suburban rugby league. I’m a regular at home Queensland Cup games for my team, Wynnum-Manly Seagulls, and last weekend I decided to spend my Sunday at their home ground Kougari Oval and my Saturday watching Easts Tigers play Norths at Langlands Park, Coorparoo. Below is the article I wrote for my assignment and I hope it shares the fun and beauty I find in watching footy out in the suburbs.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Get in there 8 you lazy shit!”…the second weekend in March and the suburban Brisbane grounds are abuzz. Away from the bright lights, six figure pay days, mainstream television coverage and ‘suits’ with expert opinions. These are the rugby league grounds where you can smell the grass on the way in and clean the car park mud from your shoes whilst the kids are immersed in their own private games of touch (or tackle) on the hill. You can reach out to wipe the sweat off the players, hear their instructions and breathe the passion of the team. This is the way rugby league was played; 3pm out in the suburbs.
Ken Booth has been an Easts Tigers player and supporter for as long as he can remember having represented the club from 1948 – 1957 and now involved with the past players association. “I do a little journalism myself,” Ken explains in reference to the Easts newsletter he regularly pens. Ken, 75, is a life member of the club but never played at Langlands Park, Coorparoo.
“The first game played here was in 1961...we used to play at the Brisbane Cricket Ground.” A humble Ken was more than happy to reminisce on his career highlight, a night in 1954 where he represented Brisbane against England in the first match played under floodlights. These types of stories flow through Langlands Park on this particular afternoon, which also happened to be Past Players Day.
An $8 ticket gives you access to all areas…grandstands, hills, open air bars and ‘Chook Pens’ at the northern, southern, eastern or western sides of the ground amongst a host of these wonderful characters all sharing their love of the game.
The role of supporter is tough; everyone needs to be multi-skilled to play the part of spectator, fan, captain, coach, halfback and referee! While some will just make quiet comments to those who’ll listen there are always others willing to share their sentiments with all and sundry.
“You just want to get your head on TV ref!” says one man in the back of the licensed grandstand…a reference to the rookie referee assigned the ABC match of the round. The $8 ticket allows movement away from that section past a group of kids racing through the mud under the grandstand. “They just came to see Ashton Sims and he’s off now,” their mother sighs.
Even people like Ken are running their own fine tooth comb over the action. “I have to pick the best forward and best back for Easts today and they’ve all been terrible!” A scrap of paper to show his notes…a number 11 under ‘forwards’ and the number 1 under ‘backs’. “That’s all I’ve got,” Ken exclaimed midway through the second half before pausing to acknowledge a good piece of work from the opposition. “See this halfback for them, the number 7 for Norths…put him in our side and it’s a different game.”
There are similar scenes at Kougari Oval, home to Wynnum-Manly Seagulls, where another good crowd has turned out to watch footy in the suburbs. It’s not a home player that gets the crowd talking but rather a visiting man mountain. “We just call him Pele” one of the travelling fans says while another remarks to her friend, “Wow, look how big and strong and fast he is!” Pele certainly stands out with his dark skin punctuated by a mop of frizzy hair streaked with a tinge of orange.
The postcard feature at Kougari Oval is an area nestled on the eastern hill known as the ‘Chook Pen’. People gather here to drink beer, hurl abuse to those sporting an opposition jersey and share special tips with anyone blowing a whistle. Even their own are not always immune as the unfortunate ‘8’ from the top of this story was decked in the red, white and green of the home side.
For people like Ken Booth the Easts Tigers will always remain ‘the best club in Brisbane’ despite the scoreboard. With ten more afternoons this season there’s always a second chance right? Another day to sit wherever you want, smell the grass on the way in, clean the mud off your shoes, breathe the game and offer advice from the safety of a grandstand or the sanctity of a ‘Chook Pen’.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was a lot of fun writing that article the other day and mingling with the numerous characters you find at these games. By all means I encourage people to head out and support their NRL team, but don’t discount the local comps. I only have experience with the Queensland Cup but I know the standard is always relatively high and there is always a sprinkling of handy players running around.
Just last weekend Ashton Sims, Rod Jensen, Chris Walker, Grant Rovelli and Kaine Manihera were all on display at various grounds. So wherever you are, if you’re looking for something to do this weekend look up your local team and see if you can get down to their games. It’s a lot of fun.
My tips this week: Souths, Brisbane, Dragons, Bulldogs, Cowboys, Canberra, Manly, Cronulla
Last week: 6/8
Winning Percentage: 75%
If you want a smokey; get on the Panthers. I don’t know why but I have a massive feeling about them this week. I can’t explain it, I didn’t see them or the Bulldogs last week but I’m sure in recent seasons these sides have met in Round 2 with the Panthers claiming unexpected wins. Having said that, I can’t pick them with any confidence! Maybe take Penrith with a bit of a start.
Catch ya later,
Keyto
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Game On!!
Hello everyone and welcome to the 1st Edition of Keyto’s NRL Hits (and misses). I am a current student journalist and spent last year writing NRL match reports, team previews and features for the Sports Australia website. This year I am introducing a weekly opinion piece where I will give my views on the big NRL issues from the week or just jibber on randomly.
Very briefly I will tell you a bit about myself. First and foremost I am a rugby league fan. I’ve been a fan since my grandparents took me to watch the Broncos play at the old ANZ Stadium when I was about 10 years old. I am an unabashed Queensland supporter and my favourite team is the Broncos. Last year I decided to try and turn my love of rugby league into a career by studying journalism at QUT in Brisbane and was invited to write match reports for Sports Australia (http://www.sportsaustralia.com/) by a work colleague.
I wanted to introduce a blog or opinion piece because while I love news reporting, sometimes it’s fun to speak what’s on your mind! I would love reader participation and welcome comments to be sent to my email, andrew.keyte@gmail.com, or on this site.
To start things off I would like to give my 2009 NRL season preview; we’ll have a look at each team and I will tell you how I think (or want) their season to pan out. And oh, I won’t touch the off-field dramas today. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of other opportunities across the season...
BRISBANE BRONCOS: Top Eight, just. That winning culture and sprinkling of superstars I think will be enough to slip the Broncos into the top eight. This is a young team but there’s potential there for great things...maybe not though in 2009.
Key Gains: Israel Folau, Ben Te’o, Lagi Setu, Michael DeVere
Key Losses: Wayne Bennett, Ben Hannant, Michael Ennis, Darius Boyd, David Stagg, Tonie Carroll, Denan Kemp, Greg Eastwood, Joel Moon
Key Man: D.Lockyer always figures but look for Peter Wallace to really build on an impressive 2008. He has a rep jersey to win back and seemed to relish guiding this side around last year. Wallace has a great chance to build on that platform he set in 2008.
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS: Fringe of the Eight: Looking at the recruits you would have to say, on paper, Bulldogs top four in 09. However, there’s a difference between a champion team and a team of champions...the Dogs may need this season to develop into a champion team.
Key Gains: Brett Kimmorley, Michael Ennis, Ben Hannant, David Stagg, Josh Morris
Key Losses: Corey Hughes, Reni Maitua, Willie Tonga, Kane Cleal
Key Man: Brett Kimmorley last year had one of his best seasons and took Cronulla to the cusp of a Grand Final berth. Another year on, can ‘Noddy’ do the same for the Dogs?
CANBERRA RAIDERS: Top Eight, maybe: The Raiders really surprised me last year so I’m not going to write them off now. Hardly a team of superstars but they have one in Terry Campese on the rise. They MUST learn to consistently win games away from Canberra.
Key Gains: David Shillington, Stuart Flanagan, Bronson Harrison.
Key Losses: William Zillman, Colin Best, Todd Carney, Michael Weyman, Neville Costigan, Ryan Hinchcliffe.
Key Man: Campese is their man in attack. He rocketed to within a handful of votes for the Dally M Medal last year and made his debut for Australia in the World Cup. Campese will be a target but also the man at the wheel for the Raiders.
CRONULLA SHARKS: Top Four: I loved the way Cronulla played old-school footy last year and it got them 3rd place and a game from the GF. Trent Barrett returns to the NRL and he will be expected to take Kimmorley’s role. Throw in Maitua and Tupou running wide...I like the Sharks again in 2009.
Key Gains: Trent Barrett, Anthony Tupou, Reni Maitua, Corey Hughes
Key Losses: Brett Kimmorley, Greg Bird, Isaac De Gois, Kevion Kingston, Adam Peek, Fraser Anderson.
Key Man: Brett Seymour. Barrett has spent a few years in England so may be a little rusty. Seymour really developed last year alongside Kimmorley and this year he has a chance to leave his mark on this team.
GOLD COAST TITANS: I want to say Top Eight, but can’t: They have the top squad but do they have the depth? History shows if Prince goes down so do the Titans...hopefully they have learnt from their (brief) past and can finally crack that elusive big match in September.
Key Gains: William Zillman, Matt White, Sam Tagataese
Key Losses: Gavin Cooper, Clint Amos, Michael Hodgson, Luke Swain, James Stosic, Josh Lewis.
Key Man: Scott Prince. Everyone knows he is the guy running this team and their attack revolves around him. Prince needs greater assistance consistently from those around him: Rogers, Friend and Campbell along with Laffranchi and Harrison.
MANLY SEA EAGLES: Grand Final bound: I can’t find a better team than the Premiers and it seems the only team that could hurt Manly is the Sea Eagles themselves. An awful week or so for them off the field before the competition begins but it’s on the field where Manly will turn now.
Key Gains: Chris Bailey, Tony Williams, Shane Rodney
Key Losses: Steve Menzies, Steve Bell, Luke Williamson, Mark Bryant
Key Man: Matt Orford. Personally I’m not sold yet on Orford as a big game player (Origin games: nil). But I’m just a guy on the street with an opinion. This has to be his year, not just a good 3 or 4 games in a row here and there...2009 must be the year of the ‘Ox’.
MELBOURNE STORM: Close to the top, but not the force they once were: The Storm have been a victim of their own success with a host of their stars forced out of the club. Any team with a Slater, Inglis, Cronk and Smith plus a coach like Bellamy should always be a threat on some level.
Key Gains: Ryan Hinchcliffe, Wairangi Koopu, Matthew Cross
Key Losses: Israel Folau, Michael Crocker, Matt Geyer, Antonio Kaufusi, Jeremy Smith, Sam Tagataese.
Key Man: Cameron Smith. He is the conductor at dummy-half and his combination with the other superstars has won many a game. He leads from the front and will do the same this year. The signing of Hinchcliffe will likely see Smith spend more time in the halves this year too.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS: Come on Knights, Top Eight!! I am a fan of Brian Smith...always have been. I like that he had the guts to do what had to be done even though it made him a villain (again). Still a young team but they showed enough last year to have me cheering them this year. No Buderus hurts, De Gois though is a fair replacement.
Key Gains: Isaac De Gois, Ben Rogers, George Ndaira.
Key Losses: Danny Buderus, Chris Bailey, Matt White, Mitchell Sargent, Jesse Royal.
Key Man: Kurt Gidley. He did everything last year, probably even drove the bus some days. He is now the captain, fullback, goal kicker, key play maker, organiser and everything else. Gidley along with De Gois and Jarrod Mullen can provide a fine nucleus for this team.
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS: Building Momentum: A fast finish to the 2008 season, including an 8th-place finish that still produced a win over the Storm at Olympic Park, allows for a real platform into 2009. Match winner Stacey Jones returns, Ruben Wiki has retired but the Warriors have another motivation. Popular youngster Sonny Fai lost his life in January, presumed drowned after saving his younger brother and cousin from a rip. The Warriors still have a place for Sonny in their club and he will provide a huge motivation.
Key Gains: Stacey Jones, Jacob Lillyman, Joel Moon, Denan Kemp, Jesse Royal
Key Losses: Ruben Wiki, Grant Rovelli, Logan Swann, Wairangi Koopu
Key Man: Lance Hohaia. He had a great season last year but now with the return of Jones and a fully fit Wade McKinnon at fullback it remains to be seen where Hohaia fits. Wherever he does play, if Hohaia can replicate his form of 2008 the Warriors will be well placed for another strong finish.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS: Return to the Eight: There’s no reason I can see that suggests the Cowboys should have a season paralleling the horrors of 2008. The playing roster is strong, the coaching structure overhauled and the culture reflects wins. Mobility in the forwards is debateable...but a fully fit Bowen and Thurston pose trouble for any opposition.
Key Gains: Willie Tonga, Antonio Kaufusi, Grant Rovelli, Clint Amos
Key Losses: Jacob Lillyman, Ray Cashmere, Sione Faumuina, Justin Smith, Mark Henry, David Faiumu
Key Man: Carl Webb. We know about Thurston, Bowen and Payne but these guys need a strong forward pack to be at their best. Webb is the leader of a pack containing plenty of big boppers and a stack of aggression. Webb also has rep jumpers to reclaim this season.
PARRAMATTA EELS: Good Luck: I didn’t like the Eels at all last year and they’ve made no major changes to their playing roster for this year. To me, and others, the attitude in 2008 from the majority of the players STUNK and that’s what crushed them. Their still a young team, stacks of talent, but can new coach Daniel Anderson channel that towards winning consistently?
Key Gains: Kevin Kingston
Key Losses: Tim Smith, Mark Riddell, Chad Robinson, Daniel Wagon, Tony Williams
Key Man: Jarryd Hayne. He has been named at 5/8 to start the season and the Eels need to see something creatively from him. Only Brett Finch stands out as a play maker which makes me wonder where their points are going to come from. Huge ask for Hayne, but he is so talented that he may well deliver.
PENRITH PANTHERS: Too young for the Eight: I really like the youth at the club and I’m a fan of Matt Elliott but I just think they need one or two more years to really develop as a top team. The Panthers will win some good games and beat their share of top teams, but they won’t do it consistently enough. The big question: Does the club have the patience to wait or will Elliott cop the bullet before Origin time?
Key Gains: Gavin Cooper, Shane Elford
Key Losses: Tony Puletua, Rhys Wesser, Luke Priddis, Luke Rooney, Shane Rodney
Key Man: Jarrod Sammut. He has been given the halfback job in Round 1 and the club knows he has superstar written all over him. Sammut will need time to grow into this tag and hopefully this year he will be given more time to cement a regular position in the side.
ROOSTERS: Finals bound, but I’m not confident: When I think Roosters I think finals but that may just be a hangover from their most recent glory days now more than 5 years ago. A talented side that fell over last year in the finals...I just don’t know in 2009. The Roosters could honestly be top four or bottom four. Also, I haven’t heard of their two signings either!
Key Gains: Jordan Tansey, Sisa Waqa
Key Losses: Anthon y Tupou, David Shillington, Amos Roberts, Mickey Paea, Brent Grose
Key Man: Braith Anasta. Officially the club captain now and coming off, what I thought, was a career best season in 2008. He has grown as a player under Brad Fittler and that influence should shift through the entire team now. Anasta could see a permanent return to rep football this year.
ST GEORGE-ILLAWARA DRAGONS: Top Two: You can’t ignore the Wayne Bennett factor at this club. He knows how to produce the winning football teams by squeezing the very best from every player. They’ve made some good signings too and come September I expect the Dragons to be right near the top of the table.
Key Gains: Wayne Bennett, Jeremy Smith (forward), Darius Boyd, Luke Priddis, Neville Costigan, Michael Weyman, Mathew Head, Mickey Paea, Nick Emmett
Key Losses: Mark Gasnier, Jason Ryles, Lagi Setu, Josh Morris, Rangi Chase, Simon Woolford, Ben Rogers, Kirk Reynoldson
Key Man: Jamie Soward. I was going to say Bennett but he won’t be the guy setting up tries and making the tackles. Soward is the textbook example of a guy ready to take the next step under a coach like Bennett and this is the year for that to happen.
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS: Time to deliver: At this time of the year for at least the last four or five years we’ve heard that now is the time for the Bunnies. Well, now IS that time...they need to start delivering consistently in 2009. The squad has a nice mix of youth and experience, the coach has been there for a while and their fans deserve a consistently winning team.
Key Gains: Rhys Wesser, Colin Best, Kane Cleal, Garrett Crossman
Key Losses: Nigel Vagana, Dean Widders, Jeremy Smith (halfback), Manase Manuokafoa, Yileen Gordon, Eddie Paea, Germaine Paulson
Key Man: John Sutton. A guy like Chris Sandow will have heaps of pressure on him after a stellar debut season so it’s up to the experienced Sutton to lend a hand. He should have a regular gig at 5/8 to start the year and has been around long enough now. It’s time for Sutton to step up another notch on a regular basis.
WESTS TIGERS: There’ll be moments, but not enough: I can’t see the Tigers regularly beating good teams this year because, on paper, it appears most other teams’ line up at least equal or better to the Tigers in all positions. That may well amount to absolutely nothing and I hope it does...I like the Tigers! And games aren’t won or lost on paper.
Key Gains: Gareth Ellis, Josh Lewis
Key Losses: Brett Hodgson, Ben Te’o, Stuart Flanaghan, Bronson Harrison, Mathew Head, Ryan O’Hara
Key Man: Benji Marshall. Time to forget rugby union and concentrate on a full year of quality NRL. Someone may be able to help, but has Marshall completed a season from start to finish yet? He’s been handed the 7 jumper, this is his team to run and 2009 is the time for us to see Marshall raise his game and show us the player many think he can be.
So that’s my thoughts on each side for season 2009. I apologise for the length of the column but there are 16 teams to cover. I promise that things will be shorter next week and maybe more ‘random’...even though I hate that word!
My tips for Round 1: Storm (just), Broncos, Warriors, Manly, Cronulla, Gold Coast, Roosters, Tigers
Please feel free to email me at andrew.keyte@gmail.com or leave a comment below. Hope your team wins this weekend and I’ll talk to you again soon!
Keyto
Very briefly I will tell you a bit about myself. First and foremost I am a rugby league fan. I’ve been a fan since my grandparents took me to watch the Broncos play at the old ANZ Stadium when I was about 10 years old. I am an unabashed Queensland supporter and my favourite team is the Broncos. Last year I decided to try and turn my love of rugby league into a career by studying journalism at QUT in Brisbane and was invited to write match reports for Sports Australia (http://www.sportsaustralia.com/) by a work colleague.
I wanted to introduce a blog or opinion piece because while I love news reporting, sometimes it’s fun to speak what’s on your mind! I would love reader participation and welcome comments to be sent to my email, andrew.keyte@gmail.com, or on this site.
To start things off I would like to give my 2009 NRL season preview; we’ll have a look at each team and I will tell you how I think (or want) their season to pan out. And oh, I won’t touch the off-field dramas today. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of other opportunities across the season...
BRISBANE BRONCOS: Top Eight, just. That winning culture and sprinkling of superstars I think will be enough to slip the Broncos into the top eight. This is a young team but there’s potential there for great things...maybe not though in 2009.
Key Gains: Israel Folau, Ben Te’o, Lagi Setu, Michael DeVere
Key Losses: Wayne Bennett, Ben Hannant, Michael Ennis, Darius Boyd, David Stagg, Tonie Carroll, Denan Kemp, Greg Eastwood, Joel Moon
Key Man: D.Lockyer always figures but look for Peter Wallace to really build on an impressive 2008. He has a rep jersey to win back and seemed to relish guiding this side around last year. Wallace has a great chance to build on that platform he set in 2008.
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS: Fringe of the Eight: Looking at the recruits you would have to say, on paper, Bulldogs top four in 09. However, there’s a difference between a champion team and a team of champions...the Dogs may need this season to develop into a champion team.
Key Gains: Brett Kimmorley, Michael Ennis, Ben Hannant, David Stagg, Josh Morris
Key Losses: Corey Hughes, Reni Maitua, Willie Tonga, Kane Cleal
Key Man: Brett Kimmorley last year had one of his best seasons and took Cronulla to the cusp of a Grand Final berth. Another year on, can ‘Noddy’ do the same for the Dogs?
CANBERRA RAIDERS: Top Eight, maybe: The Raiders really surprised me last year so I’m not going to write them off now. Hardly a team of superstars but they have one in Terry Campese on the rise. They MUST learn to consistently win games away from Canberra.
Key Gains: David Shillington, Stuart Flanagan, Bronson Harrison.
Key Losses: William Zillman, Colin Best, Todd Carney, Michael Weyman, Neville Costigan, Ryan Hinchcliffe.
Key Man: Campese is their man in attack. He rocketed to within a handful of votes for the Dally M Medal last year and made his debut for Australia in the World Cup. Campese will be a target but also the man at the wheel for the Raiders.
CRONULLA SHARKS: Top Four: I loved the way Cronulla played old-school footy last year and it got them 3rd place and a game from the GF. Trent Barrett returns to the NRL and he will be expected to take Kimmorley’s role. Throw in Maitua and Tupou running wide...I like the Sharks again in 2009.
Key Gains: Trent Barrett, Anthony Tupou, Reni Maitua, Corey Hughes
Key Losses: Brett Kimmorley, Greg Bird, Isaac De Gois, Kevion Kingston, Adam Peek, Fraser Anderson.
Key Man: Brett Seymour. Barrett has spent a few years in England so may be a little rusty. Seymour really developed last year alongside Kimmorley and this year he has a chance to leave his mark on this team.
GOLD COAST TITANS: I want to say Top Eight, but can’t: They have the top squad but do they have the depth? History shows if Prince goes down so do the Titans...hopefully they have learnt from their (brief) past and can finally crack that elusive big match in September.
Key Gains: William Zillman, Matt White, Sam Tagataese
Key Losses: Gavin Cooper, Clint Amos, Michael Hodgson, Luke Swain, James Stosic, Josh Lewis.
Key Man: Scott Prince. Everyone knows he is the guy running this team and their attack revolves around him. Prince needs greater assistance consistently from those around him: Rogers, Friend and Campbell along with Laffranchi and Harrison.
MANLY SEA EAGLES: Grand Final bound: I can’t find a better team than the Premiers and it seems the only team that could hurt Manly is the Sea Eagles themselves. An awful week or so for them off the field before the competition begins but it’s on the field where Manly will turn now.
Key Gains: Chris Bailey, Tony Williams, Shane Rodney
Key Losses: Steve Menzies, Steve Bell, Luke Williamson, Mark Bryant
Key Man: Matt Orford. Personally I’m not sold yet on Orford as a big game player (Origin games: nil). But I’m just a guy on the street with an opinion. This has to be his year, not just a good 3 or 4 games in a row here and there...2009 must be the year of the ‘Ox’.
MELBOURNE STORM: Close to the top, but not the force they once were: The Storm have been a victim of their own success with a host of their stars forced out of the club. Any team with a Slater, Inglis, Cronk and Smith plus a coach like Bellamy should always be a threat on some level.
Key Gains: Ryan Hinchcliffe, Wairangi Koopu, Matthew Cross
Key Losses: Israel Folau, Michael Crocker, Matt Geyer, Antonio Kaufusi, Jeremy Smith, Sam Tagataese.
Key Man: Cameron Smith. He is the conductor at dummy-half and his combination with the other superstars has won many a game. He leads from the front and will do the same this year. The signing of Hinchcliffe will likely see Smith spend more time in the halves this year too.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS: Come on Knights, Top Eight!! I am a fan of Brian Smith...always have been. I like that he had the guts to do what had to be done even though it made him a villain (again). Still a young team but they showed enough last year to have me cheering them this year. No Buderus hurts, De Gois though is a fair replacement.
Key Gains: Isaac De Gois, Ben Rogers, George Ndaira.
Key Losses: Danny Buderus, Chris Bailey, Matt White, Mitchell Sargent, Jesse Royal.
Key Man: Kurt Gidley. He did everything last year, probably even drove the bus some days. He is now the captain, fullback, goal kicker, key play maker, organiser and everything else. Gidley along with De Gois and Jarrod Mullen can provide a fine nucleus for this team.
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS: Building Momentum: A fast finish to the 2008 season, including an 8th-place finish that still produced a win over the Storm at Olympic Park, allows for a real platform into 2009. Match winner Stacey Jones returns, Ruben Wiki has retired but the Warriors have another motivation. Popular youngster Sonny Fai lost his life in January, presumed drowned after saving his younger brother and cousin from a rip. The Warriors still have a place for Sonny in their club and he will provide a huge motivation.
Key Gains: Stacey Jones, Jacob Lillyman, Joel Moon, Denan Kemp, Jesse Royal
Key Losses: Ruben Wiki, Grant Rovelli, Logan Swann, Wairangi Koopu
Key Man: Lance Hohaia. He had a great season last year but now with the return of Jones and a fully fit Wade McKinnon at fullback it remains to be seen where Hohaia fits. Wherever he does play, if Hohaia can replicate his form of 2008 the Warriors will be well placed for another strong finish.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS: Return to the Eight: There’s no reason I can see that suggests the Cowboys should have a season paralleling the horrors of 2008. The playing roster is strong, the coaching structure overhauled and the culture reflects wins. Mobility in the forwards is debateable...but a fully fit Bowen and Thurston pose trouble for any opposition.
Key Gains: Willie Tonga, Antonio Kaufusi, Grant Rovelli, Clint Amos
Key Losses: Jacob Lillyman, Ray Cashmere, Sione Faumuina, Justin Smith, Mark Henry, David Faiumu
Key Man: Carl Webb. We know about Thurston, Bowen and Payne but these guys need a strong forward pack to be at their best. Webb is the leader of a pack containing plenty of big boppers and a stack of aggression. Webb also has rep jumpers to reclaim this season.
PARRAMATTA EELS: Good Luck: I didn’t like the Eels at all last year and they’ve made no major changes to their playing roster for this year. To me, and others, the attitude in 2008 from the majority of the players STUNK and that’s what crushed them. Their still a young team, stacks of talent, but can new coach Daniel Anderson channel that towards winning consistently?
Key Gains: Kevin Kingston
Key Losses: Tim Smith, Mark Riddell, Chad Robinson, Daniel Wagon, Tony Williams
Key Man: Jarryd Hayne. He has been named at 5/8 to start the season and the Eels need to see something creatively from him. Only Brett Finch stands out as a play maker which makes me wonder where their points are going to come from. Huge ask for Hayne, but he is so talented that he may well deliver.
PENRITH PANTHERS: Too young for the Eight: I really like the youth at the club and I’m a fan of Matt Elliott but I just think they need one or two more years to really develop as a top team. The Panthers will win some good games and beat their share of top teams, but they won’t do it consistently enough. The big question: Does the club have the patience to wait or will Elliott cop the bullet before Origin time?
Key Gains: Gavin Cooper, Shane Elford
Key Losses: Tony Puletua, Rhys Wesser, Luke Priddis, Luke Rooney, Shane Rodney
Key Man: Jarrod Sammut. He has been given the halfback job in Round 1 and the club knows he has superstar written all over him. Sammut will need time to grow into this tag and hopefully this year he will be given more time to cement a regular position in the side.
ROOSTERS: Finals bound, but I’m not confident: When I think Roosters I think finals but that may just be a hangover from their most recent glory days now more than 5 years ago. A talented side that fell over last year in the finals...I just don’t know in 2009. The Roosters could honestly be top four or bottom four. Also, I haven’t heard of their two signings either!
Key Gains: Jordan Tansey, Sisa Waqa
Key Losses: Anthon y Tupou, David Shillington, Amos Roberts, Mickey Paea, Brent Grose
Key Man: Braith Anasta. Officially the club captain now and coming off, what I thought, was a career best season in 2008. He has grown as a player under Brad Fittler and that influence should shift through the entire team now. Anasta could see a permanent return to rep football this year.
ST GEORGE-ILLAWARA DRAGONS: Top Two: You can’t ignore the Wayne Bennett factor at this club. He knows how to produce the winning football teams by squeezing the very best from every player. They’ve made some good signings too and come September I expect the Dragons to be right near the top of the table.
Key Gains: Wayne Bennett, Jeremy Smith (forward), Darius Boyd, Luke Priddis, Neville Costigan, Michael Weyman, Mathew Head, Mickey Paea, Nick Emmett
Key Losses: Mark Gasnier, Jason Ryles, Lagi Setu, Josh Morris, Rangi Chase, Simon Woolford, Ben Rogers, Kirk Reynoldson
Key Man: Jamie Soward. I was going to say Bennett but he won’t be the guy setting up tries and making the tackles. Soward is the textbook example of a guy ready to take the next step under a coach like Bennett and this is the year for that to happen.
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS: Time to deliver: At this time of the year for at least the last four or five years we’ve heard that now is the time for the Bunnies. Well, now IS that time...they need to start delivering consistently in 2009. The squad has a nice mix of youth and experience, the coach has been there for a while and their fans deserve a consistently winning team.
Key Gains: Rhys Wesser, Colin Best, Kane Cleal, Garrett Crossman
Key Losses: Nigel Vagana, Dean Widders, Jeremy Smith (halfback), Manase Manuokafoa, Yileen Gordon, Eddie Paea, Germaine Paulson
Key Man: John Sutton. A guy like Chris Sandow will have heaps of pressure on him after a stellar debut season so it’s up to the experienced Sutton to lend a hand. He should have a regular gig at 5/8 to start the year and has been around long enough now. It’s time for Sutton to step up another notch on a regular basis.
WESTS TIGERS: There’ll be moments, but not enough: I can’t see the Tigers regularly beating good teams this year because, on paper, it appears most other teams’ line up at least equal or better to the Tigers in all positions. That may well amount to absolutely nothing and I hope it does...I like the Tigers! And games aren’t won or lost on paper.
Key Gains: Gareth Ellis, Josh Lewis
Key Losses: Brett Hodgson, Ben Te’o, Stuart Flanaghan, Bronson Harrison, Mathew Head, Ryan O’Hara
Key Man: Benji Marshall. Time to forget rugby union and concentrate on a full year of quality NRL. Someone may be able to help, but has Marshall completed a season from start to finish yet? He’s been handed the 7 jumper, this is his team to run and 2009 is the time for us to see Marshall raise his game and show us the player many think he can be.
So that’s my thoughts on each side for season 2009. I apologise for the length of the column but there are 16 teams to cover. I promise that things will be shorter next week and maybe more ‘random’...even though I hate that word!
My tips for Round 1: Storm (just), Broncos, Warriors, Manly, Cronulla, Gold Coast, Roosters, Tigers
Please feel free to email me at andrew.keyte@gmail.com or leave a comment below. Hope your team wins this weekend and I’ll talk to you again soon!
Keyto
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