I am glad this story broke yesterday because I didn’t really have much to write about this week! Hello everyone and welcome to my take on the Karmichael Hunt defection to AFL...I figure everyone else is talking about it so why not me! I will open up by saying I am more surprised than disappointed, even now some 24 hours later I am not that disappointed to be honest.
I am a Karmichael fan, he plays for my club, and obviously my first preference would be for him to remain at the Broncos followed by him staying with rugby league. But nope, K pretty much shocked everyone with his announcement yesterday.
I had the TV on Fox Sports News yesterday morning and was only half-listening when I heard Hunt was expected to sign with the Gold Coast AFL club...WTF?? I did a little googling and read the report myself...news that breaks in this fashion is RARELY wrong, particularly when a “major announcement” is promoted for later in the day. I knew it was coming, but it was still a surprise. AFL, really?
I had never thought of AFL as a threat to rugby league especially up here in Brisbane; down south in Storm territory maybe, but not up here. Plus the rumours of Karmichael defecting to overseas rugby, or even the Dragons, had lead me to believe that’s what we would be reading about before the end of the season. So I guess we have to throw out a ‘well played’ to all involved on keeping this secret.
Am I disappointed in Karmichael Hunt like quite a few other fans, particularly up here...? No, I don’t think I am. Partly because we all knew this sort of announcement was coming, it’s been obvious for months through the papers and speculation that it was highly unlikely Hunt would be with the Broncos next year. I think a lot of people had probably accepted that and moved on. Just, we were all surprised at him playing AFL!!
I’m certainly not going to bag him for his decision. He’s only 22 years old, accomplished absolutely everything in rugby league and needs a change. Hunt is one of the most scrutinised players in Brisbane, particularly in the last 12 months, and I think it has shown on the field. At times he has looked tired...and at just 22 years of age and five full years in the NRL, who could blame him?
There’s people saying he defected for money and all that but K has said he wants the challenge. Who could bag him for that? His athletic ability is his main source of income and with only a maximum of 15 years to earn that big money, I couldn’t blame him even if it was for money. The man is off contract and wants a change. Who of us didn’t change jobs multiple times before 22 years of age? I’m not going to bag Karmichael Hunt or call him a traitor or anything...I hope he does really well in AFL because they could use a star athlete like him.
I’ve also had some people comment to me about the NRL scrapping salary caps and letting players earn as much as they want etc. I don’t know about that either...we were saying that when Sailor, Tuqiri and the others all defected but the game survived. And any scrapping of the salary cap will create a “haves” and a “have-nots” situation which will make for a sub-standard competition.
Yes it’s shit that we’ve lost a Karmichael Hunt but it opens up an opportunity for someone else. And the door remains open at the Broncos...there’s nothing to say that in three or five years he could come back an even better player. So good luck Karmichael...I won’t be cheering you (because I don’t really like your new code), but I wish you the very best!
Tips this week: Titans, Dragons, Brisbane, Penrith, Newcastle, Cronulla, Bulldogs, Manly
Last week: 2/8(Total: 81/140)
Winning percentage: 58%
Hopefully I can have a better week with the tips! If you have any thoughts on Karmichael Hunt or anything else please email me at andrew.keyte@gmail.com, use the feedback below or you can find me on Facebook.
Cheers,
Keyto
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Biggest Little Men
Good evening all and thanks for stopping back. Thankfully there were no off-field incidents to ruin what I thought was a great weekend for rugby league last week. The double-header here in Brisbane was fantastic. For the first time in a long time I was genuinely disappointed I couldn’t get tickets to a game (well two, actually) of football. For those wondering, tickets were valued as normal (adult minimum at $27).
These double-headers should become regular events. I would love to see four a year:
1. ANZ Stadium on the first Sunday afternoon of the year...could even make it the Friday night however I like a Queensland ‘derby’ game that night too.
2.Melbourne involving a marquee game for the Storm (possibly the Broncos). For the other choose a team with a strong kiwi-connection to try and reach that audience down there. And if there’s an Origin or Test in Melbourne...play the double-header straight after.
3.New Zealand obviously involving the Warriors and another team with a strong Kiwi connection. The Roosters or Souths would be good options.
4.Suncorp Stadium straight after an Origin game as we saw last week.
Anyway, the main thing I wanted to talk about were some of the fullbacks we have in the game these days. There was no better way to follow up the Origin and double-header than having a sold out Sunday arvo game at Leichhardt Oval as we had. The biff was good and the whole atmosphere was outstanding...as it often is at these grounds. But what I wanted to talk about were the fullbacks.
It really was a clash of the titans out there...little Matty Bowen from the Cowboys up against littler Shannon Gallant of the Tigers. These two guys stand at a tick over 170cm each but are in there mixing it with monsters each and every week. You have to really admire the courage and bravery they show because let’s face it; as fullbacks they get belted more than any other player and as tiny warriors in a land of giants...these little guys get bashed more often than not.
Yet not once do you see these guys back down from a challenge. Anyone that saw the game last week might remember Carl Webb scoring a try before getting involved in a bit of a scuffle with a few Tigers. And you know who was right there having words with the big man? Little Shannon Gallant. Webb towered over the fullback and had a look on his face of, “Back down little man, I know and you know I could eat you for breakfast whenever I choose!” And it was true. But the point is little Gallant was right there, standing gallantly toe-to-toe with someone much bigger than him.
We’ve all probably heard the saying about not being the size of a dog in a fight and these guys sum it up beautifully. They also have their own unique skill-set...like Gallant slicing through the middle of the field then racing Bowen to score in the corner. That little moment was simply outstanding.
Then of course there’s Preston Campbell. There was a great moment the other night when Campbell, one-on-one with a defender, used the goal post to zig around and make a fool of his opponent to escape the in-goal area!! That was brilliant and fantastic to watch!
Earlier that night I was sitting watching that game when I thought I was about to see little Presto squashed to death. He gathered his kick-return and was faced with three or four big forwards looming down on him. So you think Preston would try and dart around them or die with the ball to try and soften the impact right? No...Campbell wound up and charged right into two of them. They hit him from both sides and I dead-set thought they’d pan-caked him! I think I even shut my eyes for a split second on impact! But nuh, not little Presto, he bounced straight back up and got on with the game.
I did feel a bit sorry for him when the coach pushed him into the centres to mark none other than the biggest pup in the kennel, Jamal Idris!! Talk about a miss-match, Idris had already trampled him once that night to score a try. But Campbell, as ever, held his own and handled the big unit pretty well.
I think it’s fantastic to have these little guys in the game. Don’t get me wrong, I think fullbacks like Billy Slater, Jarryd Hayne and Karmichael Hunt are great but the Bowen’s, Gallant’s and Campbell’s are pretty special too. Not only the way they dance around opponents but the way they get belted every time and just dust themselves off is outstanding and admirable to watch.
If they were in my team, I wouldn’t swap ‘em for no one.
Tips this week: Broncos, Manly, Bulldogs, Cowboys, Melbourne, Canberra, WARRIORS, Roosters
Last week: 3/7(Total: 79/132)
Winning percentage: 60%
Yes I have tipped the Broncos…they are my team and if the Titans are serious this year they should roll them by 30 points. Am I confident the Broncos can win? Not at all…but, as Justin Langer used to say, you just never know.
Also, and I have no reason or explanation why, but I’m on the bro’z to beat the Dragons in NZ this weekend. I have sworn off the Warriors at least three times this season...but now I’m back, and I don’t know why!
Any mail or opinion hit me up at andrew.keyte@gmail.com, comment below or on my Facebook.
Go the bro’z,
Keyto
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Oh to be a 'Queenslandah'
Hello everyone from a somewhat sleep deprived yet proud Queenslander! I was part of the 52,439 strong at the game last night and even though the Maroons went down, it was a heck of a night! First off, congratulations to the New South Wales Blues on a good win. They were by far the better side last night and I thought their captain Kurt Gidley was outstanding.
The talking point of course was the “thuggery” in the final couple of minutes. I wouldn’t call it thuggery, the NSW media has, but I wouldn’t. It was Origin football, Queensland spirit and sticking up for your mates. For me, someone who has been to I think four Origin games, the minutes following the Price hit was my Origin Moment. Let me take you through things the way it unfolded from my point of view and that of the other Queenslanders sitting in the bottom tier of the Southern Stand.
In the second half the Blues were running away from us and I had my eyes on the Jarryd Hayne try but could see Price and White in the corner of my eye. Very soon all eyes were on this stoush then this is all we could see: A NSW jersey come flying in from the side resulting in a Queensland player on the deck and shortly the medi-cab.
The Stadium only showed one inconclusive replay before (wisely) playing the ‘Do Not enter the field warning’. But the problem was 52,000 Queenslanders believe they saw one of the cheapest shots in Origin history with a Maroon hero blind-sided by a king hit. That’s when everyone saw Justin Hodges.
I’m not the biggest Hodges fan in the world...great player, but also a bit of a wanker. And that’s been highlighted this year playing next to Israel Folau. Two talented superstars, one who plays with niggle and one who doesn’t. But last night watching Hodges challenging the Blues players and firing up his team-mates to me just highlighted the mateship, pride and passion Queensland has. He was defending his mate; who remember after just one replay everyone thought was king hit by Waterhouse.
Then Waterhouse was sent off seemingly confirming a blindside king hit, something considered a dog act in rugby league. Queensland got the penalty, they’re running towards us, and everyone in the crowd knew it was going to be on. You could see Hodges firing the boys up, setting a plan, and leading the way! It was awesome!!
The bomb went up and the crowd stood as one...we wanted revenge and we didn’t care which Blue jersey it was on! Sure enough Gidley, who I must admire for his bravery all game and in taking that bomb knowing full well he was going to get belted for no fault of his own (other than his jersey!), caught the ball and was met by four or five Maroons. Hodges was there, Costigan too and the other usual suspects. It was back on, a scuffle really, but it was on. Old school Origin football!!
Ben Creagh was put in the bin for the Blues and he got re-sounding boos by the packed stadium. Then Sam Thaiday got called out and binned too. The Queenslanders were still fired up, Hodges gave him the high-fives and a hug while the entire Queensland contingent gave Thaiday a standing ovation. 52,000 Queenslanders applauding and cheering a man who had been removed from the field...it was cool!! I heard later Ray Warren said something like, “This crowd is going berserk”, and we were!!
There were “Queenslandah” chants going well after the final siren and even though beaten on the scoreboard, every Maroon fan seemed proud to wear the jersey. And that’s what it means to be a Queenslander. There is so much passion and pride there, I personally haven’t been prouder of Hodges for the way he was sticking up for his mate and leading the fight back at the Blues.
The atmosphere at the end of the night was something pretty special and I highly recommend any Queensland fan who has never done an Origin at Suncorp Stadium to save up and go next year. It is something you can’t really describe; you just have to try it!!
I read the Daily Telegraph website regularly and they are describing it all as thuggery etc. It wasn’t that bad...you’d think there were stiff arms and eye gouges the way these blokes are writing. One guy, in what was meant to be an objective article, called Hodges an ‘A-grade tool’. I haven’t been studying journalism that long but I’m pretty sure you can’t write that in your major paper.
If we’re calling people names and tags what about Brett White?? The bloke has a reputation as a thug and an animal...don’t believe me? Ask Ben Ross (Rd 2, 2008 Storm v Sharks). There’s also been talk of what would mummy and little Johnny think about the Maroons last night?
Well, too often we pander to mummy and Little Johnny. Last night was what built Origin football...passion and playing for your mates. As Queenslanders we expect nothing less. Bring on 2010 and FIVE IN A ROW!!
*******
And another thing...what the heck is with Channel Nine not showing tomorrow night’s Double Header live?? I hope this changes between now and then but my word Channel Nine it’s poor form. The games are sold out so there is no way to see them live unless you have a ticket...it’s bullshit. I hope ACA is a real ratings winner and they fork out a cracker of a Two and a half Men episode. I will be tuning in to ABC radio.
Tips this week: Broncos, Titans, Panthers, Manly, Roosters, Tigers, Storm
Last week: 3/5 (Total: 76/125)
Winning percentage: 61%
As always you can reach me personally at andrew.keyte@gmail.com or comment below. Hit me up on Facebook too at any time.
Cheers,
Keyto
The talking point of course was the “thuggery” in the final couple of minutes. I wouldn’t call it thuggery, the NSW media has, but I wouldn’t. It was Origin football, Queensland spirit and sticking up for your mates. For me, someone who has been to I think four Origin games, the minutes following the Price hit was my Origin Moment. Let me take you through things the way it unfolded from my point of view and that of the other Queenslanders sitting in the bottom tier of the Southern Stand.
In the second half the Blues were running away from us and I had my eyes on the Jarryd Hayne try but could see Price and White in the corner of my eye. Very soon all eyes were on this stoush then this is all we could see: A NSW jersey come flying in from the side resulting in a Queensland player on the deck and shortly the medi-cab.
The Stadium only showed one inconclusive replay before (wisely) playing the ‘Do Not enter the field warning’. But the problem was 52,000 Queenslanders believe they saw one of the cheapest shots in Origin history with a Maroon hero blind-sided by a king hit. That’s when everyone saw Justin Hodges.
I’m not the biggest Hodges fan in the world...great player, but also a bit of a wanker. And that’s been highlighted this year playing next to Israel Folau. Two talented superstars, one who plays with niggle and one who doesn’t. But last night watching Hodges challenging the Blues players and firing up his team-mates to me just highlighted the mateship, pride and passion Queensland has. He was defending his mate; who remember after just one replay everyone thought was king hit by Waterhouse.
Then Waterhouse was sent off seemingly confirming a blindside king hit, something considered a dog act in rugby league. Queensland got the penalty, they’re running towards us, and everyone in the crowd knew it was going to be on. You could see Hodges firing the boys up, setting a plan, and leading the way! It was awesome!!
The bomb went up and the crowd stood as one...we wanted revenge and we didn’t care which Blue jersey it was on! Sure enough Gidley, who I must admire for his bravery all game and in taking that bomb knowing full well he was going to get belted for no fault of his own (other than his jersey!), caught the ball and was met by four or five Maroons. Hodges was there, Costigan too and the other usual suspects. It was back on, a scuffle really, but it was on. Old school Origin football!!
Ben Creagh was put in the bin for the Blues and he got re-sounding boos by the packed stadium. Then Sam Thaiday got called out and binned too. The Queenslanders were still fired up, Hodges gave him the high-fives and a hug while the entire Queensland contingent gave Thaiday a standing ovation. 52,000 Queenslanders applauding and cheering a man who had been removed from the field...it was cool!! I heard later Ray Warren said something like, “This crowd is going berserk”, and we were!!
There were “Queenslandah” chants going well after the final siren and even though beaten on the scoreboard, every Maroon fan seemed proud to wear the jersey. And that’s what it means to be a Queenslander. There is so much passion and pride there, I personally haven’t been prouder of Hodges for the way he was sticking up for his mate and leading the fight back at the Blues.
The atmosphere at the end of the night was something pretty special and I highly recommend any Queensland fan who has never done an Origin at Suncorp Stadium to save up and go next year. It is something you can’t really describe; you just have to try it!!
I read the Daily Telegraph website regularly and they are describing it all as thuggery etc. It wasn’t that bad...you’d think there were stiff arms and eye gouges the way these blokes are writing. One guy, in what was meant to be an objective article, called Hodges an ‘A-grade tool’. I haven’t been studying journalism that long but I’m pretty sure you can’t write that in your major paper.
If we’re calling people names and tags what about Brett White?? The bloke has a reputation as a thug and an animal...don’t believe me? Ask Ben Ross (Rd 2, 2008 Storm v Sharks). There’s also been talk of what would mummy and little Johnny think about the Maroons last night?
Well, too often we pander to mummy and Little Johnny. Last night was what built Origin football...passion and playing for your mates. As Queenslanders we expect nothing less. Bring on 2010 and FIVE IN A ROW!!
*******
And another thing...what the heck is with Channel Nine not showing tomorrow night’s Double Header live?? I hope this changes between now and then but my word Channel Nine it’s poor form. The games are sold out so there is no way to see them live unless you have a ticket...it’s bullshit. I hope ACA is a real ratings winner and they fork out a cracker of a Two and a half Men episode. I will be tuning in to ABC radio.
Tips this week: Broncos, Titans, Panthers, Manly, Roosters, Tigers, Storm
Last week: 3/5 (Total: 76/125)
Winning percentage: 61%
As always you can reach me personally at andrew.keyte@gmail.com or comment below. Hit me up on Facebook too at any time.
Cheers,
Keyto
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Blues, Poo's and Lyon
Good afternoon or evening or whenever you may be reading this; hope you are well. With the Ashes starting last night and continuing over the weekend it’s been a nice little distraction from the NRL while we build up to the Origin dead-rubber game in Brisbane. Queensland of course have won the series and will play for a whitewash while the Blues need to find some form of respect, where nothing short of a win will do. Today I’m going to look at Origin from a couple of different angles as I discuss the big issues from this week.
Finally, NSW pick the right team
Without a doubt, in my opinion, this is more like the team the Blues needed for Game I if they were to challenge Queensland. Unfortunately though in the grand scheme of things that all means nothing...the series is over and the Blues could win 30-0 but they can’t take the trophy from the Maroons. They have the right mix in this side with an experienced and form halfback in Kimmorley, exiting try-scorers in Jennings, Morris and Hayne plus some smart, tough and aggressive forwards in Perry, White, Poore and Waterhouse. Not to mention a man made for Origin, hooker Mick Ennis.
This is more like the team I would have had for Game I, except minus Barrett for a Campese or Wallace, and more like the team that can beat Queensland. I actually think the Blues are favourites for this match. They need the win more than Queensland and this, as I keep repeating, is an Origin team that can win.
Myles wiped out of Origin III
Everyone knows the story now surely about Nate Myles bender Sunday night on the Central Coast. For those that don’t, he basically had a big night, got locked out of his room, took a dump in a hotel corridor and was found in a fire escape. Bottom line: six week suspension and out of Origin III. But there’s a bigger issue here...WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG AT THE ROOSTERS? I honestly don’t have an answer to that.
Ten years ago, less probably, the Roosters were one of the cleanest, trouble-free clubs that rarely had an off-field incident worth talking about. Now they’ve had three in three weeks, including one involving the damn COACH, and they’re $50,000 poorer, losing sponsors and losing all credibility. They need to ask some serious questions at that club to find the problems and deliver some answers. I’m not a Roosters fan but at the moment they are an embarrassment to the game.
Back onto Myles, his suspension adds to the list of Maroon ‘unavailables’ for Origin III. Of course big Petero Civoniceva headlines the list along with Folau and Hannant. They are all big losses but it does provide an opportunity for some fringe guys to come in, play at Suncorp in front of a packed house, in a low-pressure (by Origin standards) contest. Matt Scott, Neville Costigan and Dave Shillington are all good selections and deserve their opportunities. Re-calling a fully fit Hodges was a no-bainer but Willie Tonga may be found out on the wing marking Jarryd Hayne. We’ll find out soon enough I guess.
Jamie Lyon
The guy that didn’t want to play rep footy is in the news again today for the wrong reasons. He was ruled out of Origin III on Tuesday morning with an ankle injury but now looks likely to be fit to play for Manly on Sunday, three days BEFORE the Blues play. I have to be clear here in saying it was the Blues doctor who ruled Lyon out when he did...Jamie from what I have read had no real say in the decision. If it was any other player I would be against them playing this weekend but in Lyon’s situation I am like him, I just don’t care. Lyon made it clear early this year he didn’t really care about playing rep footy or not...he requested to be exempt and when that was denied, basically said he would play if picked.
And that’s where the Blues miss the boat on the passion surrounding Origin football. No Queensland would EVER say don’t pick me for Origin (unless obviously they had a good career and retired from rep footy). And I could also guarantee that if a player did say they weren’t interested, selectors wouldn’t give it another thought and would find someone who was.
In this case I don’t really blame Lyon, the decision was made by the doctors and management. Maybe it’s for the NRL to make a rule preventing this kind of thing...I don’t know. In my opinion Lyon will play for Manly this weekend but won’t play for the Blues again, whether he’s available or not.
Tips this week: Souths, Newcastle, Warriors, Manly, Titans
Last week: 6/8 (Total: 73/120)
Winning percentage: 61%
I’m off to Origin III next week and can’t wait! Would love to see the Maroon-wash but I have a feeling Noddy and co. might conjure up a Blues win by about 10 points. Anyway, as a Queenslander I won’t really care. I’m going to celebrate a fourth straight series win! Hit me up at andrew.keyte@gmail.com or comment below if you have anything to share.
Go the Maroons,
Keyto
Finally, NSW pick the right team
Without a doubt, in my opinion, this is more like the team the Blues needed for Game I if they were to challenge Queensland. Unfortunately though in the grand scheme of things that all means nothing...the series is over and the Blues could win 30-0 but they can’t take the trophy from the Maroons. They have the right mix in this side with an experienced and form halfback in Kimmorley, exiting try-scorers in Jennings, Morris and Hayne plus some smart, tough and aggressive forwards in Perry, White, Poore and Waterhouse. Not to mention a man made for Origin, hooker Mick Ennis.
This is more like the team I would have had for Game I, except minus Barrett for a Campese or Wallace, and more like the team that can beat Queensland. I actually think the Blues are favourites for this match. They need the win more than Queensland and this, as I keep repeating, is an Origin team that can win.
Myles wiped out of Origin III
Everyone knows the story now surely about Nate Myles bender Sunday night on the Central Coast. For those that don’t, he basically had a big night, got locked out of his room, took a dump in a hotel corridor and was found in a fire escape. Bottom line: six week suspension and out of Origin III. But there’s a bigger issue here...WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG AT THE ROOSTERS? I honestly don’t have an answer to that.
Ten years ago, less probably, the Roosters were one of the cleanest, trouble-free clubs that rarely had an off-field incident worth talking about. Now they’ve had three in three weeks, including one involving the damn COACH, and they’re $50,000 poorer, losing sponsors and losing all credibility. They need to ask some serious questions at that club to find the problems and deliver some answers. I’m not a Roosters fan but at the moment they are an embarrassment to the game.
Back onto Myles, his suspension adds to the list of Maroon ‘unavailables’ for Origin III. Of course big Petero Civoniceva headlines the list along with Folau and Hannant. They are all big losses but it does provide an opportunity for some fringe guys to come in, play at Suncorp in front of a packed house, in a low-pressure (by Origin standards) contest. Matt Scott, Neville Costigan and Dave Shillington are all good selections and deserve their opportunities. Re-calling a fully fit Hodges was a no-bainer but Willie Tonga may be found out on the wing marking Jarryd Hayne. We’ll find out soon enough I guess.
Jamie Lyon
The guy that didn’t want to play rep footy is in the news again today for the wrong reasons. He was ruled out of Origin III on Tuesday morning with an ankle injury but now looks likely to be fit to play for Manly on Sunday, three days BEFORE the Blues play. I have to be clear here in saying it was the Blues doctor who ruled Lyon out when he did...Jamie from what I have read had no real say in the decision. If it was any other player I would be against them playing this weekend but in Lyon’s situation I am like him, I just don’t care. Lyon made it clear early this year he didn’t really care about playing rep footy or not...he requested to be exempt and when that was denied, basically said he would play if picked.
And that’s where the Blues miss the boat on the passion surrounding Origin football. No Queensland would EVER say don’t pick me for Origin (unless obviously they had a good career and retired from rep footy). And I could also guarantee that if a player did say they weren’t interested, selectors wouldn’t give it another thought and would find someone who was.
In this case I don’t really blame Lyon, the decision was made by the doctors and management. Maybe it’s for the NRL to make a rule preventing this kind of thing...I don’t know. In my opinion Lyon will play for Manly this weekend but won’t play for the Blues again, whether he’s available or not.
Tips this week: Souths, Newcastle, Warriors, Manly, Titans
Last week: 6/8 (Total: 73/120)
Winning percentage: 61%
I’m off to Origin III next week and can’t wait! Would love to see the Maroon-wash but I have a feeling Noddy and co. might conjure up a Blues win by about 10 points. Anyway, as a Queenslander I won’t really care. I’m going to celebrate a fourth straight series win! Hit me up at andrew.keyte@gmail.com or comment below if you have anything to share.
Go the Maroons,
Keyto
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Club Cultures
Well another week in the NRL and more negative headlines. Unfortunately the euphoria (at least where I live) of last weeks’ Origin victory is long gone and been replaced by more off-field, alcohol related incidents. This is not going to be a game-bashing column, but I’m rather going to look at the club culture throughout the game and why it plays such a big role in preventing these incidents.
Every single rugby league club, at any level, has some sort of culture that filters to all aspects of the organisation from the CEO to the folks cheering on the sideline. In the NRL, the clubs with the best culture tend to be the clubs we don’t see any negative headlines about. Purely as a fan looking in, I think the clubs with the best culture at the moment are the Bulldogs way out in front, followed by the Gold Coast Titans and Newcastle. Two of those clubs have had to completely re-build their culture in the last few years while the Titans have set about a foundation in which to build their organisation.
Phil Gould often says it takes two years to build a culture but just 12 months to destroy it.
As a Brisbane Broncos fan, I’m alert but not alarmed about where the club is heading. Over the past twelve months there has been an increase in incidents not normally associated with the club. We all know about that September night last year where the 2008 Premiership virtually was lost in the toilet of a Brisbane nightclub. In 2009 there have been a few Broncos involved in some relatively minor off-field incidents...but incidents nonetheless not normally associated with the club. The Broncos are working hard to ensure the culture established over 20 years isn’t nose-diving (don’t believe me, ask Joel Clinton).
The alarming thing is that most of the off-field indiscretions at the Broncos over the past few years have occurred in the time since Wayne Bennett announced he was leaving the club. Would they have happened under his leadership? Hard to say, but we do know off-field problems were rare or very swiftly and dealt with harshly (see: Seymour, B. and Costigan, N.). We also know that there hasn’t been a negative off-field peep out of the Dragons this season.
The other thing I, and other Broncos fans, have noticed this season is a different attitude on the field. It’s obvious the players are trying very hard and they’ve had a reasonable season, but there seems to be a touch of laziness creeping in. The three 40-point hidings dished out last month have over-shadowed the start of the year where the Broncos were winning, but not after most teams were able to run over them during the second half.
What happens on the field is a reflection of what happens off the field and more specifically, the culture at a rugby league club.
You just have to take a look at the Roosters this season. On the field they’ve been ordinary, even accused of not trying hard enough at certain times. They have had at least four well publicised off-field incidents including two in the past three weeks. As a rugby league fan looking in, it’s not hard to think there are major problems within that club.
As I mentioned before, it is possible to turn a team around in a relatively quick period of time. I couldn’t be happier for the Bulldogs, a rabble last year but now they are the best rugby league club in the competition. They have all bases covered and have become a credit to themselves again.
It wasn’t easy; they had to sweep through the place. The Bulldogs had to lose a long serving, long suffering yet successful coach. They got rid of certain types of individuals and have had to start from scratch to win back sponsors and stakeholders. But the Bulldogs had some great individuals playing football for them still: Andrew Ryan, Luke Patten and Hazem El Masri.
These three guys are ten-plus year veterans all with unblemished off-field records. They are the sort of player you could build a club around; and the Bulldogs have. Bring in guys like Brett Kimmorley and Michael Ennis plus upstanding young gentlemen in Josh Morris and Ben Hannant...you have a nucleus to build your club around.
Newcastle are much the same. Brian Smith copped a lot of flack when he tore through the club and got rid of just about everyone. Like the Bulldogs, he kept guys you could build a club around: Kurt Gidley and Steve Simpson. He also brought in guys who were solid on the field and clean off the field. It’s taken longer than the Bulldogs, they’re a younger side and the club was really shaken up by the change, but the Knights are on the verge of major success.
And now we have stories like this: a great piece on Junior Sau from the Newcastle club. Hopefully you have heard about it already; if not go have a read. These are the sort of good things 95% of NRL players will do.
A strong culture is very important to a rugby league club. You will not win a Premiership if your club is a mess off the field. Everyone needs to be working to that one goal, and that goal can only be achieved by a strong club culture. And this comes from the CEO down to those cheering on the sidelines.
Most NRL clubs are going ok I think, or at least looking to head in a better direction. No doubt some need to look where they are and perhaps make some changes. But that can be difficult with so many personalities involved. However as a fan, I prefer to cheer on the good guys then read about the guys in trouble off the field.
Tips this week: Brisbane, Dragons, Tigers, Storm, Cowboys, Titans, Panthers, Manly
Last week: 5/7 (Total: 67/112)
Winning percentage: 60%
Any feedback can be sent directly to andrew.keyte@gmail.com or use the buttons located below.
Enjoy the footy,
Keyto
Every single rugby league club, at any level, has some sort of culture that filters to all aspects of the organisation from the CEO to the folks cheering on the sideline. In the NRL, the clubs with the best culture tend to be the clubs we don’t see any negative headlines about. Purely as a fan looking in, I think the clubs with the best culture at the moment are the Bulldogs way out in front, followed by the Gold Coast Titans and Newcastle. Two of those clubs have had to completely re-build their culture in the last few years while the Titans have set about a foundation in which to build their organisation.
Phil Gould often says it takes two years to build a culture but just 12 months to destroy it.
As a Brisbane Broncos fan, I’m alert but not alarmed about where the club is heading. Over the past twelve months there has been an increase in incidents not normally associated with the club. We all know about that September night last year where the 2008 Premiership virtually was lost in the toilet of a Brisbane nightclub. In 2009 there have been a few Broncos involved in some relatively minor off-field incidents...but incidents nonetheless not normally associated with the club. The Broncos are working hard to ensure the culture established over 20 years isn’t nose-diving (don’t believe me, ask Joel Clinton).
The alarming thing is that most of the off-field indiscretions at the Broncos over the past few years have occurred in the time since Wayne Bennett announced he was leaving the club. Would they have happened under his leadership? Hard to say, but we do know off-field problems were rare or very swiftly and dealt with harshly (see: Seymour, B. and Costigan, N.). We also know that there hasn’t been a negative off-field peep out of the Dragons this season.
The other thing I, and other Broncos fans, have noticed this season is a different attitude on the field. It’s obvious the players are trying very hard and they’ve had a reasonable season, but there seems to be a touch of laziness creeping in. The three 40-point hidings dished out last month have over-shadowed the start of the year where the Broncos were winning, but not after most teams were able to run over them during the second half.
What happens on the field is a reflection of what happens off the field and more specifically, the culture at a rugby league club.
You just have to take a look at the Roosters this season. On the field they’ve been ordinary, even accused of not trying hard enough at certain times. They have had at least four well publicised off-field incidents including two in the past three weeks. As a rugby league fan looking in, it’s not hard to think there are major problems within that club.
As I mentioned before, it is possible to turn a team around in a relatively quick period of time. I couldn’t be happier for the Bulldogs, a rabble last year but now they are the best rugby league club in the competition. They have all bases covered and have become a credit to themselves again.
It wasn’t easy; they had to sweep through the place. The Bulldogs had to lose a long serving, long suffering yet successful coach. They got rid of certain types of individuals and have had to start from scratch to win back sponsors and stakeholders. But the Bulldogs had some great individuals playing football for them still: Andrew Ryan, Luke Patten and Hazem El Masri.
These three guys are ten-plus year veterans all with unblemished off-field records. They are the sort of player you could build a club around; and the Bulldogs have. Bring in guys like Brett Kimmorley and Michael Ennis plus upstanding young gentlemen in Josh Morris and Ben Hannant...you have a nucleus to build your club around.
Newcastle are much the same. Brian Smith copped a lot of flack when he tore through the club and got rid of just about everyone. Like the Bulldogs, he kept guys you could build a club around: Kurt Gidley and Steve Simpson. He also brought in guys who were solid on the field and clean off the field. It’s taken longer than the Bulldogs, they’re a younger side and the club was really shaken up by the change, but the Knights are on the verge of major success.
And now we have stories like this: a great piece on Junior Sau from the Newcastle club. Hopefully you have heard about it already; if not go have a read. These are the sort of good things 95% of NRL players will do.
A strong culture is very important to a rugby league club. You will not win a Premiership if your club is a mess off the field. Everyone needs to be working to that one goal, and that goal can only be achieved by a strong club culture. And this comes from the CEO down to those cheering on the sidelines.
Most NRL clubs are going ok I think, or at least looking to head in a better direction. No doubt some need to look where they are and perhaps make some changes. But that can be difficult with so many personalities involved. However as a fan, I prefer to cheer on the good guys then read about the guys in trouble off the field.
Tips this week: Brisbane, Dragons, Tigers, Storm, Cowboys, Titans, Panthers, Manly
Last week: 5/7 (Total: 67/112)
Winning percentage: 60%
Any feedback can be sent directly to andrew.keyte@gmail.com or use the buttons located below.
Enjoy the footy,
Keyto
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