How good was that Maroon victory last night!! Four in a row is a fantastic effort, especially last night where the victory was based on traditional Origin values of grit, determination, passion and hunger rather than sheer skill and attacking flair. This current Queensland team is one of the best sporting teams this country has produced; joining the likes of the former great St George teams and the past Australian cricket teams etc. But where to now for New South Wales...they need something desperately to salvage their own Origin integrity.
The Blues have been out-Origined in all aspects of this series...attack, defence, coaching, passion, hunger...all aspects of this series. Queensland’s win last night came with guys playing with busted knees, sore ribs...nearly half the team was struck down with a virus less than 24 hours earlier. Dallas Johnson was on a drip all day, Nate Myles wanted to come off the field because he had to go to the bathroom. Their star centre Greg Inglis was taken out by an illegal play...yet the Maroons, even though it wasn’t sudden-death football, tackled their hearts out to win a game for Queensland. They wanted it more and New South Wales need to find out why.
At the end of the day the Blues can say they got close, their second half was good etc...but a loss is a loss and they’ve now lost four series in a row. Now they have to travel up to Brisbane next month to prevent a clean sweep. So what do they do now? Stick with this squad, some of which have played the last few years and be beaten, some of which were out of position and some of which simply outplayed? I think the Blues need to take a serious look at themselves and pick a team for next year. In the end, they’ve lost the series and it won’t matter if it’s 2-1 or 3-0. They need to blood a team for next year and for god’s sake, STICK WITH IT!!
There are quite a few changes I would make for Game Three with a view to the 2010 series:
Michael Ennis
This guy has to come into the side at hooker. Robbie Farah has proven himself to be a very good player at club level but his little trick shots are not what Origin is about. He has been outplayed and out-Origined by Cameron Smith in this series. I’m certain he was playing injured last night too, there’s no way a rib cartilage injury like he got ten days ago would have healed in time. My suspicion is he didn’t want to give up his spot, and fair enough, but if you go into an Origin game at less than 100% chances are you will be found out. Farah’s missed tackle on Folau and his shocking pass that gifted Lockyer a try, to me, was consistent with such a rib injury.
I’m not saying Farah was to blame for the two losses but he hasn’t had the impact or performances they need from their hooker. Smith has been all over him and taught Farah an Origin lesson. It’s time for Farah to go back, learn a few more things, and come back a better player. For now Michael Ennis needs a shot. I said earlier this year Ennis has Origin written all over him and could really take it to the Maroons. It’s time to give him a go.
The Morris Twins
Josh got a game last night but was utterly wasted. He is a right centre but was picked to spend an hour on the bench and twenty minutes marooned (pun intended) on the left wing. His twin brother Brett is one of the hottest try scorers (left winger) in the game this season and that’s something the Blues need. For mine it should be Josh at right centre and Brett at left wing.
Jamie Soward
I think it’s fair to say that apart from Thurston, Jamie Soward has probably been the form five-eighth or halfback in the competition this season. His coach Wayne Bennett said a while ago that Soward is not ready for Origin...and he probably isn’t. But come May 2010 Soward might well be ready for Origin. I can’t see the harm in blooding him now, alongside Trent Barrett, in a low-pressure game. Whatever experience he has in Brisbane Soward can take back to his club, work with Bennett, and become a better player for this season and beyond.
I feel sorry for Peter Wallace. He isn’t in great form this season but for both the Broncos and definitely the Blues he’s been playing behind a badly beaten forward pack. Wallace has probably had his shot for now, it’s time to go back to club football and become a better halfback. His short-term Origin career is probably over, but I doubt he’s played his last ever Origin game.
The Forwards
The Blues have really missed Ben Cross this year. Their forwards are a bit too pretty I think. You look at a guy like Nate Myles...he is a fair club player, nothing really special but he stands tall in that Queensland jumper. Myles is an Origin player...the Blues don’t really have one in their forwards. Luke O’Donnell has probably been their best and Anthony Watmough made an impact from the bench, but there’s not much else apart from that.
I think Luke Douglas from Cronulla has got Origin written all over him. He has played something like 80 consecutive games since his debut and that’s the sort of toughness you need in Origin. Also someone like Alan Tongue would bring some passion and grit back to the Blues, he could become their Dallas Johnson. I’m also surprised neither Josh Perry or Brett White even got a mention...they are big guys, with a bit of mongrel attitude, and I think you need that in a team. The current Blues pack has been dominated by a couple of old blokes, Price & Petero, and a group of passionate Queenslanders.
The Coach
For whatever reasons Craig Bellamy hasn’t been able to bring his club success to the representative table. The Blues need to look at what Queensland has done and pick someone with no club ties who can dedicate more time and resources to winning a series.
Phil Gould is the leading candidate for that...he is a guy that could stop this Maroon juggernaut but I’m not sure he wants the job. Failing that I would look towards a Blues legend like Andrew Johns or Laurie Daley...they need someone from outside the club scene. At this level you don’t need a technical coach, you need a man-manager to bring passion and pride to the jersey.
For whatever it’s worth, this is my New South Wales team for Game III in Brisbane on July 15th:
(1-17) Gidley, Hayne, J.Morris, Jennings, B.Morris, Soward, Barrett, Perry, Ennis, Weyman, O’Donnell, Creagh, Tongue. Bench: Hornby, Watmough, White, Douglas
Most of those guys have been picked in their regular club positions and the forwards have a bit more size and aggression about them. I don’t know what the selectors will do, as a Queenslander I don’t really care to be honest. But I would like to see a competitive series next year because 2009 has been one of the great Origin miss-matches.
Tips this week: Dragons, Bulldogs, Titans, Roosters, Melbourne, Brisbane, Newcastle
Last week: 3/5 (Total: 62/105)
Winning percentage: 59%
I’ll catch you later, any comments can be left below or email me directly at andrew.keyte@gmail.com.
Cheers,
Keyto
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Why the Blues need Barrett
Hello everyone and thanks for coming back. While we are just six days from Origin II and I would normally do a preview I have decided to go with something more regular. There are a few reasons: I find Origin build ups and subsequent previews boring and I don’t think New South Wales can win (everything being equal). That’s not to say they won’t win, but if Queensland turn up with the right attitude I can’t see them being beaten.
Don’t get me wrong, New South Wales have picked a fairly strong side and do have a definite home field advantage in terms of conditions (not crowd). 50,000 Blues fans (which there should be in an 80,000 seat venue) at ANZ Stadium won’t make the same noise or create the same passionate feeling as 50,000 Maroon fans at Suncorp Stadium.
To win New South Wales need a few things to go their way. Firstly, they will need Queensland to be slightly off their game. Whether this is brought about by new tactics, complacency or a drop in attitude it doesn’t matter...the Blues need Queensland to be at most playing at 90% of their ability. Also, New South Wales will need some luck from maybe a good bounce or a few fifty-fifty calls and they probably need a slow track in slippery conditions. That will limit the Queensland backline and allow the Blues forwards to better manoeuvre through the larger, less mobile Queensland pack.
But most importantly, New South Wales need to play better. Much better. And they need to score tries.
And this is where Trent Barrett can help them. After the last game, which for those Blues supporters let me remind you the score read Queensland 28 New South Wales 18, most critics agreed the Blues attack left plenty to be desired. They scored three tries but none were constructive...they all had a degree of luck (fluke) in them from a lucky bounce or ricochet or something.
Anyone that would listen to me knows I thought they had too many guns firing the bullets. They had Gidley, Campese, Wallace and Farah trying to call shots. That’s what they do very well for their individual clubs but I thought four of this type of player in one team was too many. I compared it to Queensland who have Thurston as the main man, the classy Lockyer as his back up and hooker Smith as the alternative. That structure works so much better in my opinion.
Last week I also told anyone who would listen that I thought Luke Lewis was the answer to this problem for the Blues. I believed he should be a link man at five-eighth with the halfback calling the shots, Farah the back up and Gidley the alternative. However, the more I thought about it the more sense it makes to go with someone like Trent Barrett and I began to change my way of thinking.
With such a young team it was blatantly obvious the Blues lacked direction and guidance, particularly in attack. For that reason, I began thinking they needed to pick either Barrett or Brett Kimmorley to guide these other guys around. The creative quartet had about 4 or 5 games experience between them. From memory Barrett and Kimmorley have played 8 or 9 games each.
What’s more, I think both of these guys are just about in career best form. Barrett has come back from England just a good a player as he left...and I think he is a bit ‘tougher’. By that I mean he seems to be taking the line on and defending better. He is doing a lot of the gritty work at the struggling Sharks and is visibly trying to carry that side every week.
Kimmorley is in career best form. Just take a look at what the guy is doing for the blokes playing around him. Kimmorley last year single-handedly contributed to the re-emergence of Brett Seymour as a first grade halfback while this year Kimmorley is assisting the evolution and arrival of Ben Roberts as the Bulldogs five-eighth. Kimmorley has evolved as a player and is playing the experienced role to perfection. We’ve seen it before...Brad Fittler with Brett Finch, Darren Lockyer to a degree with Peter Wallace, Cliff Lyons with Geoff Toovey (for anyone who can remember 15 years ago!!). Personally I think Kimmorley with Terry Campese at Origin level was probably the way to go, but Barrett with Wallace should do the job for them.
Some have said picking Barrett or Kimmorley at the expense of someone new next week would be a step backwards. I disagree...to go forwards sometimes you have to take a step or two backwards. I think having one of those old heads guiding people like Wallace, Campese, Farah and Gidley could be more beneficial than throwing the young guys in deep like they did for Game I. Look at Queensland...when Thurston was a rookie at this level he had an experienced Lockyer around guiding him not to mention forwards like Webcke, Civoniceva, Thorn and Carroll around too.
The Blues don’t have that experience to help their younger guys. The most experienced players were guys like Kite, who appears too nice to be an Origin front rower, and Luke Bailey who is a good club player but has never dominated at rep level. For mine, as an outsider looking in, it makes sense to have a Barrett or Kimmorley there.
That’s just my opinion and for the record I would have gone with Campese and Kimmorley but as a Queenslander what they do is not really any of my business. While I’m putting things on record, I think Queensland will win in Sydney next week. The Blues need a lot of things going their way and I can’t quite see it happening...Maroons by 4 points.
Tips this week: Bulldogs, Cowboys, Storm, Canberra, Brisbane
Last week: 6/8 (Total: 59/100)
Winning percentage: 59%
Any comments, theories or hate mail can be sent to my email: andrew.keyte@gmail.com or you can comment below.
Enjoy the Origin next week,
Keyto
Don’t get me wrong, New South Wales have picked a fairly strong side and do have a definite home field advantage in terms of conditions (not crowd). 50,000 Blues fans (which there should be in an 80,000 seat venue) at ANZ Stadium won’t make the same noise or create the same passionate feeling as 50,000 Maroon fans at Suncorp Stadium.
To win New South Wales need a few things to go their way. Firstly, they will need Queensland to be slightly off their game. Whether this is brought about by new tactics, complacency or a drop in attitude it doesn’t matter...the Blues need Queensland to be at most playing at 90% of their ability. Also, New South Wales will need some luck from maybe a good bounce or a few fifty-fifty calls and they probably need a slow track in slippery conditions. That will limit the Queensland backline and allow the Blues forwards to better manoeuvre through the larger, less mobile Queensland pack.
But most importantly, New South Wales need to play better. Much better. And they need to score tries.
And this is where Trent Barrett can help them. After the last game, which for those Blues supporters let me remind you the score read Queensland 28 New South Wales 18, most critics agreed the Blues attack left plenty to be desired. They scored three tries but none were constructive...they all had a degree of luck (fluke) in them from a lucky bounce or ricochet or something.
Anyone that would listen to me knows I thought they had too many guns firing the bullets. They had Gidley, Campese, Wallace and Farah trying to call shots. That’s what they do very well for their individual clubs but I thought four of this type of player in one team was too many. I compared it to Queensland who have Thurston as the main man, the classy Lockyer as his back up and hooker Smith as the alternative. That structure works so much better in my opinion.
Last week I also told anyone who would listen that I thought Luke Lewis was the answer to this problem for the Blues. I believed he should be a link man at five-eighth with the halfback calling the shots, Farah the back up and Gidley the alternative. However, the more I thought about it the more sense it makes to go with someone like Trent Barrett and I began to change my way of thinking.
With such a young team it was blatantly obvious the Blues lacked direction and guidance, particularly in attack. For that reason, I began thinking they needed to pick either Barrett or Brett Kimmorley to guide these other guys around. The creative quartet had about 4 or 5 games experience between them. From memory Barrett and Kimmorley have played 8 or 9 games each.
What’s more, I think both of these guys are just about in career best form. Barrett has come back from England just a good a player as he left...and I think he is a bit ‘tougher’. By that I mean he seems to be taking the line on and defending better. He is doing a lot of the gritty work at the struggling Sharks and is visibly trying to carry that side every week.
Kimmorley is in career best form. Just take a look at what the guy is doing for the blokes playing around him. Kimmorley last year single-handedly contributed to the re-emergence of Brett Seymour as a first grade halfback while this year Kimmorley is assisting the evolution and arrival of Ben Roberts as the Bulldogs five-eighth. Kimmorley has evolved as a player and is playing the experienced role to perfection. We’ve seen it before...Brad Fittler with Brett Finch, Darren Lockyer to a degree with Peter Wallace, Cliff Lyons with Geoff Toovey (for anyone who can remember 15 years ago!!). Personally I think Kimmorley with Terry Campese at Origin level was probably the way to go, but Barrett with Wallace should do the job for them.
Some have said picking Barrett or Kimmorley at the expense of someone new next week would be a step backwards. I disagree...to go forwards sometimes you have to take a step or two backwards. I think having one of those old heads guiding people like Wallace, Campese, Farah and Gidley could be more beneficial than throwing the young guys in deep like they did for Game I. Look at Queensland...when Thurston was a rookie at this level he had an experienced Lockyer around guiding him not to mention forwards like Webcke, Civoniceva, Thorn and Carroll around too.
The Blues don’t have that experience to help their younger guys. The most experienced players were guys like Kite, who appears too nice to be an Origin front rower, and Luke Bailey who is a good club player but has never dominated at rep level. For mine, as an outsider looking in, it makes sense to have a Barrett or Kimmorley there.
That’s just my opinion and for the record I would have gone with Campese and Kimmorley but as a Queenslander what they do is not really any of my business. While I’m putting things on record, I think Queensland will win in Sydney next week. The Blues need a lot of things going their way and I can’t quite see it happening...Maroons by 4 points.
Tips this week: Bulldogs, Cowboys, Storm, Canberra, Brisbane
Last week: 6/8 (Total: 59/100)
Winning percentage: 59%
Any comments, theories or hate mail can be sent to my email: andrew.keyte@gmail.com or you can comment below.
Enjoy the Origin next week,
Keyto
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Mid-year Review
Well we are past the halfway mark in the regular competition in terms of length anyway. There is some imbalance with, for example, the Bulldogs having had two byes and the Dragons none but I think we have seen enough of all teams to give a brief assessment of where their season is heading. At least, I’ve seen enough to give my judgments!
I will list the teams in their current table position with team position and my pre-season prediction in brackets. I will then give a brief comment on where I think their season is heading.
DRAGONS (current: 1st; pre-season prediction: Top Two)
For anyone that knows Wayne Bennett and what he can do as a coach there aren’t many surprises with how they’re going. They have built up a toughness and play as a football team. The halves have come good and everyone is playing a role. Hard to see them missing a home final.
Finish: Top four, strong chance top two
BULLDOGS (current: 2nd; pre-season prediction: Fringe of the eight)
This team has gelled together much quicker and better than most judges expected. Despite a host of new players the team plays like your typical Bulldog team: tough, strong and they know how to win. Kimmorley has been great for them and they have some talented outside backs. Strong force this year.
Finish: Top four, strong chance top two
TITANS (current: 3rd; pre-season prediction: I want to say top eight, but can’t)
Nothing has changed from pre-season prediction because a fully fit Scott Prince remains the key to this football side. Some question marks over the forwards but they generally hold their own against the top sides. Only injuries will prevent a maiden finals appearance.
Finish: Top four, if Prince is fit. Might scrape top eight if he gets a long-term injury
BRONCOS (current 4th; pre-season prediction: top eight, just)
The Broncos are winning more games then they’re losing but apart from the first month aren’t playing great football. Still, it’s better to be winning than losing and the team would know they can only improve. They must try and battle through the rep period before a final push in the last 6-8 weeks.
Finish: Top eight
STORM (current 5th; pre-season prediction: close to the top, but not the force they once were)
I think that prediction has more or less come true for the Storm. They are still a very good football team that’s hard to beat, but the difference is most teams now realistically think they have a real shot. Still, the form last weekend against Brisbane sounded an ominous warning we’ve seen before.
Finish: Definite top eight, probably top four and possibly top two
COWBOYS (current 6th; pre-season prediction: return to the eight)
After a slow start the Cowboys have clicked together and are just about playing their best football since the 2005 Grand Final run. Thurston is in career best form and the rest of the team are doing their jobs around him. Thurston is the key man and if he stays fit they will play finals football.
Finish: Top four not out of the question
PANTHERS (current 7th; pre-season prediction: too young for the top eight)
Well I take that prediction back: from what I’ve seen the Panthers have that desired balance of youth and experience. They have a good halfback now in Walsh who plays off strong forwards. Luke Lewis is the heart of that team, along with Civoniceva, their absence at times may hurt. And, with key injuries to other teams or a bit of momentum here...you just never know.
Finish: Top eight
KNIGHTS (current 8th; pre-season prediction: Come on Knights, top eight!!)
I like Newcastle this year and like Penrith they have a good mix in their side. They have a great record at home and have beaten pretty much all the top sides this year. A bit of momentum could take the Knights a long way and what a change 18 months would have made.
Finish: Top eight
RABBITOHS (current 9th; pre-season prediction: Time to deliver)
Look, Souths are an annoying team to watch because for every great win they can deliver a real shit of a performance. Their defence probably isn’t good enough to trouble the top teams.
Finish: Probably miss the eight, but won’t challenge for last
MANLY (current 10th; pre-season prediction: Grand Final bound)
That prediction was way off but I did say pre-season, “it seems the only team that could hurt Manly is the Sea Eagles themselves”...and they have. Too much work to do in the back end, they may squeeze into the eight but even that will be a struggle.
Finish: Only team outside the eight that could make it, but will probably just miss out
RAIDERS (current 11th; pre-season prediction: top eight, maybe)
Last year they made their run from a similar position at about this time. They could very well do it again but there’s no ‘X-Factor’ here. Campese was it last year, but he isn’t anonymous anymore.
Finish: Around 10th, won’t make the eight
WARRIORS (current 12th, pre-season prediction: building momentum)
The Warriors have been extremely disappointing, borderline disgraceful, at times this year. I can’t see them fighting back, too many bad games for them so far to claw their way back.
Finish: Might win more then they lose, but won’t make the eight
EELS (current 13th, pre-season prediction: Good Luck)
Yep, losing Brett Finch was it for their season. They don’t have a squad to consistently win and while they might jag a few, won’t be nearly enough.
Finish: Near the bottom
TIGERS (current 14th; pre-season prediction: There’ll be moments, but not enough)
The Tigers are playing better football then their position suggests but crucially they aren’t winning. It’s as simple as that and they’ve left a heck of a lot to do in the second half of the year.
Finish: Closer to ninth than last, but no finals football again
SHARKS (current 15th, pre-season prediction: Top Four)
Off-field dramas and a game plan that worked last year but not good enough this year is the story of their season. At least the team is trying their guts out and hopefully they’ll be regularly winning.
Finish: They’re trying hard, won’t make the eight but should avoid the spoon
ROOSTERS (current 16th; pre-season prediction: Finals bound, but I’m not confident)
This team has been in trouble since the opening whistle and there haven’t been many signs of change. Red-hot favourites for the wooden spoon because, simply, every week their opposition is trying harder and playing better.
Finish: Last, and I’m much more confident this time
So they’re my thoughts on the season to date and really I can’t see much changing. Having said that, every year we see one or two teams charge up the ladder and one or two fall away. Those in danger are probably the Broncos and either the Panthers or Knights while Manly and maybe Canberra are the only real threats I can see rising.
Anyway, here’s my predicted ladder after 26 rounds from first to last:
Dragons, Storm, Bulldogs, Cowboys, Titans, Panthers, Broncos, Knights...Sea Eagles, Raiders, Tigers, Sharks, Rabbitohs, Warriors, Eels, Roosters
Tips this week: Warriors, Broncos, Titans, Manly, Melbourne, Raiders, Dragons, Tigers
Last week: 3/7 (Total: 53/92)
Winning percentage: 58%
I would love to hear your thoughts on how the season is panning out for your team…please comment below or you can reach me directly at andrew.keyte@gmail.com.
Cheers,
Keyto
I will list the teams in their current table position with team position and my pre-season prediction in brackets. I will then give a brief comment on where I think their season is heading.
DRAGONS (current: 1st; pre-season prediction: Top Two)
For anyone that knows Wayne Bennett and what he can do as a coach there aren’t many surprises with how they’re going. They have built up a toughness and play as a football team. The halves have come good and everyone is playing a role. Hard to see them missing a home final.
Finish: Top four, strong chance top two
BULLDOGS (current: 2nd; pre-season prediction: Fringe of the eight)
This team has gelled together much quicker and better than most judges expected. Despite a host of new players the team plays like your typical Bulldog team: tough, strong and they know how to win. Kimmorley has been great for them and they have some talented outside backs. Strong force this year.
Finish: Top four, strong chance top two
TITANS (current: 3rd; pre-season prediction: I want to say top eight, but can’t)
Nothing has changed from pre-season prediction because a fully fit Scott Prince remains the key to this football side. Some question marks over the forwards but they generally hold their own against the top sides. Only injuries will prevent a maiden finals appearance.
Finish: Top four, if Prince is fit. Might scrape top eight if he gets a long-term injury
BRONCOS (current 4th; pre-season prediction: top eight, just)
The Broncos are winning more games then they’re losing but apart from the first month aren’t playing great football. Still, it’s better to be winning than losing and the team would know they can only improve. They must try and battle through the rep period before a final push in the last 6-8 weeks.
Finish: Top eight
STORM (current 5th; pre-season prediction: close to the top, but not the force they once were)
I think that prediction has more or less come true for the Storm. They are still a very good football team that’s hard to beat, but the difference is most teams now realistically think they have a real shot. Still, the form last weekend against Brisbane sounded an ominous warning we’ve seen before.
Finish: Definite top eight, probably top four and possibly top two
COWBOYS (current 6th; pre-season prediction: return to the eight)
After a slow start the Cowboys have clicked together and are just about playing their best football since the 2005 Grand Final run. Thurston is in career best form and the rest of the team are doing their jobs around him. Thurston is the key man and if he stays fit they will play finals football.
Finish: Top four not out of the question
PANTHERS (current 7th; pre-season prediction: too young for the top eight)
Well I take that prediction back: from what I’ve seen the Panthers have that desired balance of youth and experience. They have a good halfback now in Walsh who plays off strong forwards. Luke Lewis is the heart of that team, along with Civoniceva, their absence at times may hurt. And, with key injuries to other teams or a bit of momentum here...you just never know.
Finish: Top eight
KNIGHTS (current 8th; pre-season prediction: Come on Knights, top eight!!)
I like Newcastle this year and like Penrith they have a good mix in their side. They have a great record at home and have beaten pretty much all the top sides this year. A bit of momentum could take the Knights a long way and what a change 18 months would have made.
Finish: Top eight
RABBITOHS (current 9th; pre-season prediction: Time to deliver)
Look, Souths are an annoying team to watch because for every great win they can deliver a real shit of a performance. Their defence probably isn’t good enough to trouble the top teams.
Finish: Probably miss the eight, but won’t challenge for last
MANLY (current 10th; pre-season prediction: Grand Final bound)
That prediction was way off but I did say pre-season, “it seems the only team that could hurt Manly is the Sea Eagles themselves”...and they have. Too much work to do in the back end, they may squeeze into the eight but even that will be a struggle.
Finish: Only team outside the eight that could make it, but will probably just miss out
RAIDERS (current 11th; pre-season prediction: top eight, maybe)
Last year they made their run from a similar position at about this time. They could very well do it again but there’s no ‘X-Factor’ here. Campese was it last year, but he isn’t anonymous anymore.
Finish: Around 10th, won’t make the eight
WARRIORS (current 12th, pre-season prediction: building momentum)
The Warriors have been extremely disappointing, borderline disgraceful, at times this year. I can’t see them fighting back, too many bad games for them so far to claw their way back.
Finish: Might win more then they lose, but won’t make the eight
EELS (current 13th, pre-season prediction: Good Luck)
Yep, losing Brett Finch was it for their season. They don’t have a squad to consistently win and while they might jag a few, won’t be nearly enough.
Finish: Near the bottom
TIGERS (current 14th; pre-season prediction: There’ll be moments, but not enough)
The Tigers are playing better football then their position suggests but crucially they aren’t winning. It’s as simple as that and they’ve left a heck of a lot to do in the second half of the year.
Finish: Closer to ninth than last, but no finals football again
SHARKS (current 15th, pre-season prediction: Top Four)
Off-field dramas and a game plan that worked last year but not good enough this year is the story of their season. At least the team is trying their guts out and hopefully they’ll be regularly winning.
Finish: They’re trying hard, won’t make the eight but should avoid the spoon
ROOSTERS (current 16th; pre-season prediction: Finals bound, but I’m not confident)
This team has been in trouble since the opening whistle and there haven’t been many signs of change. Red-hot favourites for the wooden spoon because, simply, every week their opposition is trying harder and playing better.
Finish: Last, and I’m much more confident this time
So they’re my thoughts on the season to date and really I can’t see much changing. Having said that, every year we see one or two teams charge up the ladder and one or two fall away. Those in danger are probably the Broncos and either the Panthers or Knights while Manly and maybe Canberra are the only real threats I can see rising.
Anyway, here’s my predicted ladder after 26 rounds from first to last:
Dragons, Storm, Bulldogs, Cowboys, Titans, Panthers, Broncos, Knights...Sea Eagles, Raiders, Tigers, Sharks, Rabbitohs, Warriors, Eels, Roosters
Tips this week: Warriors, Broncos, Titans, Manly, Melbourne, Raiders, Dragons, Tigers
Last week: 3/7 (Total: 53/92)
Winning percentage: 58%
I would love to hear your thoughts on how the season is panning out for your team…please comment below or you can reach me directly at andrew.keyte@gmail.com.
Cheers,
Keyto
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I want WENDELL!!
What a great win by Queensland last night!! Hello everyone and thanks for stopping by. As most of you know I’m a born and bred Queenslander so I was pretty happy with the result last night. I’m going to spend today looking at three things: the game last night, the state of NSW and one big inclusion I want for Game II.
Origin I
I think the 28-18 score line flattered New South Wales in a big way. ‘Gus’ Gould was spot on when he said the Blues were ‘out-Origined’ last night. The Blues never really manufactured a try last night; their three came off a freakish play from Jarryd Hayne and two lucky bounces off kick deflections. Even when the margin was six points near the end I thought the Maroons were still in control and had another gear in them.
Queensland did what they had to do to win the game. They were far from brilliant but used all their experience to seal the game. This squad knows how to win Origins and it showed last night. It was a miss-match last night, especially early, and that probably hurt the game. Even though I am a Queenslander even I was slightly deflated at the early 18-2 scoreboard. I want the Maroons to win but I also enjoy tough, hard Origin battles.
I don’t know what the Blues can do for Sydney. I guess they either keep the same squad under the theory that they can only play better. But the problem is at no stage did the Blues look the better team or one capable of outplaying the Maroons for 80 minutes.
NSW Team
I think the Blues picked the wrong team. I know Craig Wing shined when he finally got on in the last 20 minutes but it came at the expense of Robbie Farah. For mine Farah is the most dangerous player in that team plus he plays 80 minutes on his head...they don’t need a reserve hooker, especially when Gidley is capable of playing there in an emergency.
Also, having Gidley, Campese, Wallace and Farah in the same team is one cook too many. By that I mean they are all fairly dominant creative players and having too many of those players in one team hurts. If you look at the Queensland side, Thurston is the main attacking conductor with Darren Lockyer chiming in when he feels the need and Cameron Smith playing an alternative role. The Blues have four guys all comfortable and preferring a Thurston role and it didn’t work last night.
For mine I would play Luke Lewis at five-eighth. He wouldn’t need to do much of the attacking work and can just focus on running hard and playing a ‘link’ role to the backs. They need something more in attack but another attacking, creator is not the answer. Perhaps they need changes in the forwards too but I’m not sure whom they can call on.
WENDELL for Game II
Justin Hodges has a knee injury and will at least miss Origin II on June 24. I am deadly serious when I say Wendell Sailor is the man I would pick to be his replacement. I would play Wendell on the wing alongside Folau as the new centre. People might say Wendell is too old and too slow to play Origin anymore but Sailor is an Origin-player. He loves the big stage and I guarantee if chosen he will lift (as if that was more possible!) and be one of the best on ground.
Can you imagine eye-balling Folau and Sailor alongside each other charging right at you? It would be formidable and I honestly think Wendell has got to be seriously considered. He would be in my team that’s for sure.
Tips this week: Broncos, Tigers, Manly, Cowboys, Warriors, Newcastle, Titans
Last week: 3/5 (Total: 50/89)
Winning percentage: 56%
That’s all from me, any thoughts or comments please hit me up at andrew.keyte@gmail.com or comment below.
Cheers,
Keyto
Origin I
I think the 28-18 score line flattered New South Wales in a big way. ‘Gus’ Gould was spot on when he said the Blues were ‘out-Origined’ last night. The Blues never really manufactured a try last night; their three came off a freakish play from Jarryd Hayne and two lucky bounces off kick deflections. Even when the margin was six points near the end I thought the Maroons were still in control and had another gear in them.
Queensland did what they had to do to win the game. They were far from brilliant but used all their experience to seal the game. This squad knows how to win Origins and it showed last night. It was a miss-match last night, especially early, and that probably hurt the game. Even though I am a Queenslander even I was slightly deflated at the early 18-2 scoreboard. I want the Maroons to win but I also enjoy tough, hard Origin battles.
I don’t know what the Blues can do for Sydney. I guess they either keep the same squad under the theory that they can only play better. But the problem is at no stage did the Blues look the better team or one capable of outplaying the Maroons for 80 minutes.
NSW Team
I think the Blues picked the wrong team. I know Craig Wing shined when he finally got on in the last 20 minutes but it came at the expense of Robbie Farah. For mine Farah is the most dangerous player in that team plus he plays 80 minutes on his head...they don’t need a reserve hooker, especially when Gidley is capable of playing there in an emergency.
Also, having Gidley, Campese, Wallace and Farah in the same team is one cook too many. By that I mean they are all fairly dominant creative players and having too many of those players in one team hurts. If you look at the Queensland side, Thurston is the main attacking conductor with Darren Lockyer chiming in when he feels the need and Cameron Smith playing an alternative role. The Blues have four guys all comfortable and preferring a Thurston role and it didn’t work last night.
For mine I would play Luke Lewis at five-eighth. He wouldn’t need to do much of the attacking work and can just focus on running hard and playing a ‘link’ role to the backs. They need something more in attack but another attacking, creator is not the answer. Perhaps they need changes in the forwards too but I’m not sure whom they can call on.
WENDELL for Game II
Justin Hodges has a knee injury and will at least miss Origin II on June 24. I am deadly serious when I say Wendell Sailor is the man I would pick to be his replacement. I would play Wendell on the wing alongside Folau as the new centre. People might say Wendell is too old and too slow to play Origin anymore but Sailor is an Origin-player. He loves the big stage and I guarantee if chosen he will lift (as if that was more possible!) and be one of the best on ground.
Can you imagine eye-balling Folau and Sailor alongside each other charging right at you? It would be formidable and I honestly think Wendell has got to be seriously considered. He would be in my team that’s for sure.
Tips this week: Broncos, Tigers, Manly, Cowboys, Warriors, Newcastle, Titans
Last week: 3/5 (Total: 50/89)
Winning percentage: 56%
That’s all from me, any thoughts or comments please hit me up at andrew.keyte@gmail.com or comment below.
Cheers,
Keyto
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