Another long season is all but over and unfortunately it’s probably going to be remembered for the Melbourne Storm cheating drama. That aside, let’s take a look at five of the entertaining, enjoyable and positive events of this season.
5. Young Talent Time
This season we have seen the emergence of so many young superstars, future household names. We’ve seen Dugan, Hoffman, Gardner, Gillett, Croker, Fifita, Linnett, Waerea-Hargreaves and so many more make their mark. Throw in the Englishmen, Ellis in his second year and of course Sam Burgess who have really added to our competition. Even though it was a tough year at times for this Broncos supporter, it was also so very exciting thanks to the new talent on show.
4. Todd Carney
I was a doubter, heck I was a hater. I thought once Todd Carney made his umpteenth off-field mistake we should have shipped him out and marked him ‘never to play again’. The guy was a grub and tarnished the NRL with his off-field behaviour.
My how he’s turned things around. He seems remorseful and determined on and off the field to be successful ... and he has delivered. My hat is off to Todd Carney who has all but redeemed himself. His football talent was unquestionable, but he’s been an asset to our game off the field too.
While we’re here, huge congratulations to the Roosters too who had the wooden spoon this time last year. Regardless of Sunday’s result, they have had a stellar season.
3. Week One Finals
Anyone who watched that Saturday night 100 minute epic final between the Roosters and Tigers followed by a very entertaining Panthers and Raiders match would agree the entertainment was top draw. It was a brilliant night of rugby league and one fans won’t forget.
This night was a wonderful advertisement for our game and plain, old-fashioned good fun.
2. Canberra Raiders
It took a long time, but we finally saw the potential this side had explode onto the mainstream NRL arena. They dicked around for most of the year with inconsistent form and poor team selections but when it counted they finally got it right.
At the start of the year I predicted the Raiders to finish in the Top Four – they failed, but it was their own fault. I also predicted the Raiders would make a Grand Final in the next 2-3 years and I am extremely confident of this.
There is so much potential in this club it’s scary. If they stick together, this club could potentially become the next great side.
1. QUEENSLANDER!!
For my final point of the year how could I look anywhere else? This is the greatest Origin side we have ever seen and the scary part is, there are another five or six guys equally capable who can’t get a run.
I was lucky enough to be at all three games this year to witness Queensland’s ‘Maroon Wash’ in their historical Five-time Championship reign.
For Queenslander’s this was a really special season and while it’s good for the game to have a strong NSW side, even a winning one, this Queensland fan wouldn’t have it any other way!!
TIPPING
Tips – Dragons
Last Week – 1/2
Total – 111/200 (56%)
Thanks so much for reading this season. As always you can contact me on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) and directly below.
Enjoy the Grand Final,
Keyto
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Epic GF encounter awaits
After seven months of intense competition the NRL Grand Final will see the minor premiers tackle the rags-to-riches fairy tailers in what should be a memorable match.
St George-Illawarra have been the best team for two years and have dominated the 2010 season since the first ball was kicked.
On the other side of the field stand the Roosters, a club in turmoil and holding the wooden spoon this time last year.
An intriguing battle awaits and now there only one question remains – who is going to win?
How the Dragons can win
If the Dragons play the way they have all season, it will keep them in the game. However this is a Grand Final and so often teams will need to find something extra to get over the line. That something extra has to be in attack.
Mark Gasnier may well hold the keys to success on Sunday. If he can get some early ball we may just see the Gasnier of old. The forwards will have to aim up and the Dragons will need Nathan Fien at his attacking best. If Jamie Soward holds his nerve, he’s good enough to steer the side to that elusive premiership.
How the Roosters can win
The Roosters need to find a way to get two tries in front – the earlier the better. If the game turns into an arm wrestle the Dragons will have the advantage. Not that the Roosters can’t hold their own as we saw three weeks ago against the Tigers. We’ve seen some good defence from the Chooks in the Finals and that must be on song this Sunday.
The Roosters have an x-factor to them – they can beat anyone and be beaten by anyone. They also have points in them which will definitely worry the Dragons. The forwards will try and bully their way to an advantage and if that happens then Pearce and Carney can send the likes of SKD away for plenty of points. They’ll need at least four tries which won’t be easy.
The Coaches
Now, this is a battle within a battle. Wayne Bennett and Brian Smith – two guys who don’t really know each other yet have a storied rivalry dating back nearly 20 years. It stems from when Bennett’s Broncos beat Smith’s Dragons in consecutive Grand Finals and has grown ever since.
Neither guy is likely to get involved this week but a quick look at their records tells a story. Bennett won six out of six GF’s with Brisbane while Smith is still chasing his first after four losing ARL/NRL and English Super League attempts.
The 2010 history
These two clubs met twice this season with the Dragons winning both. They got home 28-6 in Round 7 on ANZAC Day before finishing 19-12 winners in front of a packed SCG crowd in Round 22.
On both occasions the game broke down into an arm wrestle before the Dragons ran over the top of the Roosters in the second half.
Key Players
I like the Roosters forward pack – there’s a great mix of workers, aggression and solid first graders in there. A guy like Jared Waerea-Hargreaves can be a huge asset, he can also give away penalties, but if he’s on then so are the Roosters.
Shaun Kenny-Dowall in the centres is a huge weapon but he will be up against Matt Cooper while Gasnier must be used more by the Dragons. Across the backline Saints have the edge man-for-man but as a unit there’s more points in the Roosters.
This is really going to come down to a battle between the five-eighths ... Jamie Soward against Todd Carney. They must steer their sides around and make good decisions under pressure. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the winner of this earn the best on ground award.
Finally, never under-estimate Braith Anasta. He has been great all season and especially in the last six weeks. The Roosters skipper could be about to play the game of his life.
It all comes down to this ...
I think this game can be won in the first half, even the first 20 minutes. The Roosters need to at least stick with the Dragons because if they fall behind, Saints will choke them out.
However if the Roosters can get to a 10 or 12 point lead and maintain the rage, I don’t think the Dragons have the attack to score two or three consecutive tries in quick time to win the game.
If the Roosters can play from in front they can win, if they fall behind they can chase the points but I don’t think the opposition will let that happen.
If the Dragons get in front they will stay in front ... if they lead by six or more with 20 minutes to go and keep doing what they’ve done all year they’ll win the game fairly comfortably. But if they fall behind or start to panic (choke?), then it’s Game On!
Prediction
I’m really looking forward to this game ... the defensive kings against the great unknowns. I like the fairy tale aspect of the Roosters and individually I like a few of their players.
I just can’t go past the Dragons though in this one. They are a better team than last season and Bennett knows how to win these games. I’m expecting a reasonably low scoring game, maybe a 15-8 score line to Saints.
On the other hand I could see the Dragons putting on some late tries after a tight 60 minutes to blow the score out.
My official tip is St George-Illawarra by 7 points with the Roosters centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall pipping Brett Morris for the first try.
St George-Illawarra Dragons vs. Roosters, Sunday 4pm QLD, (Channel Nine, live).
Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Ben Hornby (c), Neville Costigan, Dean Young, Michael Weyman, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh, Jeremy Smith Interchange: Nathan Fien, Trent Merrin, Matt Prior, Jarrod Saffy, Nick Emmett, Kyle Stanley, Jon Green, Luke Priddis (four to be omitted).
Sydney Roosters vs. Dragons, Sunday 4pm QLD, (Channel Nine, live).
Anthony Minichiello, Joseph Leilua, Kane Linnett, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Sam Perrett, Todd Carney, Mitchell Pearce, Jason Ryles, Jake Friend, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Nate Myles, Mitchell Aubusson, Braith Anasta (c) Interchange: Martin Kennedy, Jared Waeara-Hargreaves, Daniel Conn, James Aubusson, Nick Kouparitsas, Tom Symonds, Lopini Paea, Phil Graham (four to be omitted).
Referees – Tony Archer and Shane Hayne
St George-Illawarra have been the best team for two years and have dominated the 2010 season since the first ball was kicked.
On the other side of the field stand the Roosters, a club in turmoil and holding the wooden spoon this time last year.
An intriguing battle awaits and now there only one question remains – who is going to win?
How the Dragons can win
If the Dragons play the way they have all season, it will keep them in the game. However this is a Grand Final and so often teams will need to find something extra to get over the line. That something extra has to be in attack.
Mark Gasnier may well hold the keys to success on Sunday. If he can get some early ball we may just see the Gasnier of old. The forwards will have to aim up and the Dragons will need Nathan Fien at his attacking best. If Jamie Soward holds his nerve, he’s good enough to steer the side to that elusive premiership.
How the Roosters can win
The Roosters need to find a way to get two tries in front – the earlier the better. If the game turns into an arm wrestle the Dragons will have the advantage. Not that the Roosters can’t hold their own as we saw three weeks ago against the Tigers. We’ve seen some good defence from the Chooks in the Finals and that must be on song this Sunday.
The Roosters have an x-factor to them – they can beat anyone and be beaten by anyone. They also have points in them which will definitely worry the Dragons. The forwards will try and bully their way to an advantage and if that happens then Pearce and Carney can send the likes of SKD away for plenty of points. They’ll need at least four tries which won’t be easy.
The Coaches
Now, this is a battle within a battle. Wayne Bennett and Brian Smith – two guys who don’t really know each other yet have a storied rivalry dating back nearly 20 years. It stems from when Bennett’s Broncos beat Smith’s Dragons in consecutive Grand Finals and has grown ever since.
Neither guy is likely to get involved this week but a quick look at their records tells a story. Bennett won six out of six GF’s with Brisbane while Smith is still chasing his first after four losing ARL/NRL and English Super League attempts.
The 2010 history
These two clubs met twice this season with the Dragons winning both. They got home 28-6 in Round 7 on ANZAC Day before finishing 19-12 winners in front of a packed SCG crowd in Round 22.
On both occasions the game broke down into an arm wrestle before the Dragons ran over the top of the Roosters in the second half.
Key Players
I like the Roosters forward pack – there’s a great mix of workers, aggression and solid first graders in there. A guy like Jared Waerea-Hargreaves can be a huge asset, he can also give away penalties, but if he’s on then so are the Roosters.
Shaun Kenny-Dowall in the centres is a huge weapon but he will be up against Matt Cooper while Gasnier must be used more by the Dragons. Across the backline Saints have the edge man-for-man but as a unit there’s more points in the Roosters.
This is really going to come down to a battle between the five-eighths ... Jamie Soward against Todd Carney. They must steer their sides around and make good decisions under pressure. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the winner of this earn the best on ground award.
Finally, never under-estimate Braith Anasta. He has been great all season and especially in the last six weeks. The Roosters skipper could be about to play the game of his life.
It all comes down to this ...
I think this game can be won in the first half, even the first 20 minutes. The Roosters need to at least stick with the Dragons because if they fall behind, Saints will choke them out.
However if the Roosters can get to a 10 or 12 point lead and maintain the rage, I don’t think the Dragons have the attack to score two or three consecutive tries in quick time to win the game.
If the Roosters can play from in front they can win, if they fall behind they can chase the points but I don’t think the opposition will let that happen.
If the Dragons get in front they will stay in front ... if they lead by six or more with 20 minutes to go and keep doing what they’ve done all year they’ll win the game fairly comfortably. But if they fall behind or start to panic (choke?), then it’s Game On!
Prediction
I’m really looking forward to this game ... the defensive kings against the great unknowns. I like the fairy tale aspect of the Roosters and individually I like a few of their players.
I just can’t go past the Dragons though in this one. They are a better team than last season and Bennett knows how to win these games. I’m expecting a reasonably low scoring game, maybe a 15-8 score line to Saints.
On the other hand I could see the Dragons putting on some late tries after a tight 60 minutes to blow the score out.
My official tip is St George-Illawarra by 7 points with the Roosters centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall pipping Brett Morris for the first try.
St George-Illawarra Dragons vs. Roosters, Sunday 4pm QLD, (Channel Nine, live).
Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Ben Hornby (c), Neville Costigan, Dean Young, Michael Weyman, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh, Jeremy Smith Interchange: Nathan Fien, Trent Merrin, Matt Prior, Jarrod Saffy, Nick Emmett, Kyle Stanley, Jon Green, Luke Priddis (four to be omitted).
Sydney Roosters vs. Dragons, Sunday 4pm QLD, (Channel Nine, live).
Anthony Minichiello, Joseph Leilua, Kane Linnett, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Sam Perrett, Todd Carney, Mitchell Pearce, Jason Ryles, Jake Friend, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Nate Myles, Mitchell Aubusson, Braith Anasta (c) Interchange: Martin Kennedy, Jared Waeara-Hargreaves, Daniel Conn, James Aubusson, Nick Kouparitsas, Tom Symonds, Lopini Paea, Phil Graham (four to be omitted).
Referees – Tony Archer and Shane Hayne
Thursday, September 16, 2010
So, what have we learnt?
Saturday night I sat at home and watched an epic battle at the Sydney Football Stadium followed by a very entertaining dual at Penrith. I had nothing on either game, my team is gone and I wasn’t on the punt, so I didn’t care who won. That’s probably why last Saturday night was the best fun I’ve had in football for a long time. There are six teams remaining now and the title picture is a little clearer.
The teams to beat
One thing is abundantly clear – the Dragons are the team to beat this season. They took care of Manly easily. Yes it was a tad boring but nothing was going to beat the fun of Saturday night. As Wayne Bennett said though, they got the job done. They did it the same way they’ve done all year – a slow, methodical strangulation. The only concern I have about the Dragons is their ability to chase 10 or 12 points, but the challenge for the opposition is building that lead.
The Gold Coast Titans were very professional in their win last week and will be well rested for a final tilt come next weekend. I don’t want to see a Titans/Dragons Grand Final because it could be a real grind of a match – but I think this is the match up we’re headed for. The Titans this year have proven they can match Saints so their fate really does rest in their own hands.
Canberra Raiders are my favourite team to watch at the moment. Two months ago they had an aging winger playing halfback and the Raiders were shot ducks, another year of what could have been. But since picking a genuine halfback (what were they thinking earlier?) has turned their season. The only thing that will stop Canberra is themselves – mentally they have to deal with the fact they would have won 9 in a row to take the GF. I think they can do it, heck I would love to see them do it.
Wobbly boots
I’m worried about the Panthers. I have been on them all season but now I don’t think they will beat the Roosters next week. There’s just something missing and I’m not sure what. I don’t think it’s creativity, maybe a bit of mental toughness or even self belief. This is coupled now with some big injuries and the wheels might be about to fall off. I love the Panthers so I hope I’m wrong.
As much as I hate to say this but Wests Tigers might be busted. They too have had big injuries at the wrong time of the year and mentally it’s going to be very hard to back up from what happened last week. I think they lost that game the moment (53rd minute) Farah snapped a field goal to take the score to 15-8 I think. We could argue the bad refereeing decisions all week long but the fact is Wests are one loss away from death and they are facing the hottest team in the comp this weekend. I love both the Tigers and Raiders so I’m just going to sit back and enjoy a great game Friday night.
The great unknown
As has been the case all season, I have absolutely no idea about the Roosters. They weren’t in the contest for a long time against the Tigers and then just turned it on. That’s a good quality to have in any side and I think the Chooks can beat anyone on their day. They’ve got a good football team built around the workers Myles and Anasta, the impact of Frank-Paul and Waerea-Hargreaves, the elusiveness and power of SKD plus the freakish Carney. Honestly, I just don’t know if they can beat the Panthers, then beat the Titans, then win the comp – but they’ve certainly got the ability.
TIPPING
Tips – Raiders, Roosters
Last Week – 2/4
Total – 109/196 (56%)
That’s it for this week, any thoughts please share them on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) or below. I am away on holidays from Saturday and will return in Grand Final week for some sort of 2010 review.
Cheers,
Keyto
The teams to beat
One thing is abundantly clear – the Dragons are the team to beat this season. They took care of Manly easily. Yes it was a tad boring but nothing was going to beat the fun of Saturday night. As Wayne Bennett said though, they got the job done. They did it the same way they’ve done all year – a slow, methodical strangulation. The only concern I have about the Dragons is their ability to chase 10 or 12 points, but the challenge for the opposition is building that lead.
The Gold Coast Titans were very professional in their win last week and will be well rested for a final tilt come next weekend. I don’t want to see a Titans/Dragons Grand Final because it could be a real grind of a match – but I think this is the match up we’re headed for. The Titans this year have proven they can match Saints so their fate really does rest in their own hands.
Canberra Raiders are my favourite team to watch at the moment. Two months ago they had an aging winger playing halfback and the Raiders were shot ducks, another year of what could have been. But since picking a genuine halfback (what were they thinking earlier?) has turned their season. The only thing that will stop Canberra is themselves – mentally they have to deal with the fact they would have won 9 in a row to take the GF. I think they can do it, heck I would love to see them do it.
Wobbly boots
I’m worried about the Panthers. I have been on them all season but now I don’t think they will beat the Roosters next week. There’s just something missing and I’m not sure what. I don’t think it’s creativity, maybe a bit of mental toughness or even self belief. This is coupled now with some big injuries and the wheels might be about to fall off. I love the Panthers so I hope I’m wrong.
As much as I hate to say this but Wests Tigers might be busted. They too have had big injuries at the wrong time of the year and mentally it’s going to be very hard to back up from what happened last week. I think they lost that game the moment (53rd minute) Farah snapped a field goal to take the score to 15-8 I think. We could argue the bad refereeing decisions all week long but the fact is Wests are one loss away from death and they are facing the hottest team in the comp this weekend. I love both the Tigers and Raiders so I’m just going to sit back and enjoy a great game Friday night.
The great unknown
As has been the case all season, I have absolutely no idea about the Roosters. They weren’t in the contest for a long time against the Tigers and then just turned it on. That’s a good quality to have in any side and I think the Chooks can beat anyone on their day. They’ve got a good football team built around the workers Myles and Anasta, the impact of Frank-Paul and Waerea-Hargreaves, the elusiveness and power of SKD plus the freakish Carney. Honestly, I just don’t know if they can beat the Panthers, then beat the Titans, then win the comp – but they’ve certainly got the ability.
TIPPING
Tips – Raiders, Roosters
Last Week – 2/4
Total – 109/196 (56%)
That’s it for this week, any thoughts please share them on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) or below. I am away on holidays from Saturday and will return in Grand Final week for some sort of 2010 review.
Cheers,
Keyto
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Qld Teams - Free pass perfect for Titans
Barring a training mishap, the Gold Coast Titans should be fully fit in two weeks when they challenge for their maiden Grand Final appearance.
Following their professional 28-16 win over the Warriors at Skilled Park last Friday, the Titans earned a week off following losses by the second-placed Panthers and third-placed Tigers on Saturday.
Gold Coast will play the winner of Saturday’s night’s Roosters vs. Panthers match in two weeks at Suncorp Stadium for a place in the 2010 Grand Final.
The Titans players and coaching staff agree the bye is ideal with so many players carrying niggling injuries.
Fullback Preston Campbell should be fully recovered from a hamstring injury by Friday week’s Preliminary Final to ensure a virtually fully fit squad.
Scott Prince is carrying a shoulder bump while prop Luke Bailey played 53 minutes against the Warriors without painkilling injections for a broken thumb.
Titans quartet Greg Bird, Anthony Laffranchi, Ashley Harrison and Steve Michaels all join Prince with minor shoulder complaints while Mat Rogers is still being hampered by a hip problem.
All were likely to play this weekend if required meaning they should be certain starters in two weeks.
The Titans did lose both games following byes this season but with a crowd of at least 40,000 people expected at Suncorp Stadium for the Preliminary Final, they will start favourites to qualify for the Grand Final no matter who they face.
Broncos, Cowboys feeders in Grand Final
While the NRL squads are already looking ahead to 2011, the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys feeder clubs meet in the Queensland Cup Grand Final on Sunday.
Norths Devils (Broncos) and Northern Pride (Cowboys) face off at Suncorp Stadium in the Decider following good wins on the weekend.
The Cowboys had both their feeder sides in the Preliminary Finals but their other side Mackay were sent packing with a 56-12 walloping dished out by the Devils.
Northern Pride had to work a little harder but were equalling impressive in defeating minor premiers Souths Logan 28-8 last Sunday.
The Devils side will likely contain Broncos 2006 Premiership winning halfback Shane Perry and having finished second in the regular season may start slight favourites.
The Pride will boast Cowboy 2010 squad members Michael Bani, Clint Amos and Nick Slyney while Ty Williams was a late withdrawal on the weekend due to injury.
Former NRL players Rod Jensen and Chris Sheppard are also key members of the team.
The Queensland Rugby League is planning a big day of entertainment including three Grand Finals.
The main event Queensland Cup Grand Final kicks off at 2pm and will be broadcast live into Queensland on ABC1 and ABC local radio.
Authors Note – I am on holidays next week and will return in two weeks on Tuesday 28 September with a Grand Final preview.
Following their professional 28-16 win over the Warriors at Skilled Park last Friday, the Titans earned a week off following losses by the second-placed Panthers and third-placed Tigers on Saturday.
Gold Coast will play the winner of Saturday’s night’s Roosters vs. Panthers match in two weeks at Suncorp Stadium for a place in the 2010 Grand Final.
The Titans players and coaching staff agree the bye is ideal with so many players carrying niggling injuries.
Fullback Preston Campbell should be fully recovered from a hamstring injury by Friday week’s Preliminary Final to ensure a virtually fully fit squad.
Scott Prince is carrying a shoulder bump while prop Luke Bailey played 53 minutes against the Warriors without painkilling injections for a broken thumb.
Titans quartet Greg Bird, Anthony Laffranchi, Ashley Harrison and Steve Michaels all join Prince with minor shoulder complaints while Mat Rogers is still being hampered by a hip problem.
All were likely to play this weekend if required meaning they should be certain starters in two weeks.
The Titans did lose both games following byes this season but with a crowd of at least 40,000 people expected at Suncorp Stadium for the Preliminary Final, they will start favourites to qualify for the Grand Final no matter who they face.
Broncos, Cowboys feeders in Grand Final
While the NRL squads are already looking ahead to 2011, the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys feeder clubs meet in the Queensland Cup Grand Final on Sunday.
Norths Devils (Broncos) and Northern Pride (Cowboys) face off at Suncorp Stadium in the Decider following good wins on the weekend.
The Cowboys had both their feeder sides in the Preliminary Finals but their other side Mackay were sent packing with a 56-12 walloping dished out by the Devils.
Northern Pride had to work a little harder but were equalling impressive in defeating minor premiers Souths Logan 28-8 last Sunday.
The Devils side will likely contain Broncos 2006 Premiership winning halfback Shane Perry and having finished second in the regular season may start slight favourites.
The Pride will boast Cowboy 2010 squad members Michael Bani, Clint Amos and Nick Slyney while Ty Williams was a late withdrawal on the weekend due to injury.
Former NRL players Rod Jensen and Chris Sheppard are also key members of the team.
The Queensland Rugby League is planning a big day of entertainment including three Grand Finals.
The main event Queensland Cup Grand Final kicks off at 2pm and will be broadcast live into Queensland on ABC1 and ABC local radio.
Authors Note – I am on holidays next week and will return in two weeks on Tuesday 28 September with a Grand Final preview.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
How the rest can beat the best
One thing all NRL fans agree upon is the St George-Illawarra Dragons are THE team to beat in season 2010. From Round One they have been the pace setters and league leaders and it’s been up to the 15 other teams to find a way to knock them off. The Dragons are well deserved Premiership favourites in my eyes, but what’s it going to take from the other seven clubs standing to knock the Dragons off?
West Tigers
These guys are the best bet to beat Saints in my opinion. We know about their attack, but in the back half of the season Wests defence has been very good too. They’ve held some pretty good sides like the Titans, Storm, Panthers and Canberra to three tries or less over the last few months. I think the Tigers have a real shot at taking this title.
Penrith Panthers
I love watching this side play because, as I’ve said, they’re a real throw back club with a team of footballers rather than athletes. I like the mix of youth and experience and all they need is belief. Their attack outscores the Dragons, but the defence will win Penrith the game.
Gold Coast Titans
The experience at this club and their ‘never-say-die’ attitude is the Titans greatest asset. They’ve beaten the Dragons before and will get in an arm wrestle. Gold Coast won’t blow the Dragons away, but if they hang tough it will come down to someone producing a match winning play.
Warriors
These guys are still a relatively unknown to me. I don’t know if they can beat the Dragons, but I’d love to see them try. The Warriors would have to play to their strengths but whether they have the creativity to break down the Dragons remains to be seen.
Sydney Roosters
When they get their attack firing the Roosters worry everyone. The Dragons don’t panic though and would probably win another arm wrestle. The Roosters would really need to aim up and try and bully their way to a win – I’m not certain they have that in them yet.
Canberra Raiders
Well, these are the guys who know how to beat the Dragons – they’ve been doing it for 10 years. Canberra play that ‘in-your-face’ style against the Dragons and for the Raiders, it works. Canberra would need to bring the aggression, fight to the death and use their big men to intimidate before the backs do their sparkling things.
Manly Sea Eagles
Unfortunately, this is the one side I don’t think can beat the Dragons. Manly just don’t have the troops, their form has been mixed all year and they’re on wobbly legs. The Eagles have a one in ten shot on Sunday, and I can’t see it coming off.
The Dragons – 2010 success beckons?
So far I have seen nothing to suggest the Dragons won’t be there challenging for the title. They look near the top of their game and ready to peak. I think there are a few teams capable of beating the Dragons, but in this season I don’t see it happening.
However, this is the NRL and we’ve seen so many wonderful things happen this year already!
TIPPING
Tips – Titans, Tigers, Panthers, Dragons
Last Week – 5/8
Total – 107/192 (56%)
To share your thoughts please email me (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), tweet me (@keyto316) or comment below.
Enjoy the Finals,
Keyto
West Tigers
These guys are the best bet to beat Saints in my opinion. We know about their attack, but in the back half of the season Wests defence has been very good too. They’ve held some pretty good sides like the Titans, Storm, Panthers and Canberra to three tries or less over the last few months. I think the Tigers have a real shot at taking this title.
Penrith Panthers
I love watching this side play because, as I’ve said, they’re a real throw back club with a team of footballers rather than athletes. I like the mix of youth and experience and all they need is belief. Their attack outscores the Dragons, but the defence will win Penrith the game.
Gold Coast Titans
The experience at this club and their ‘never-say-die’ attitude is the Titans greatest asset. They’ve beaten the Dragons before and will get in an arm wrestle. Gold Coast won’t blow the Dragons away, but if they hang tough it will come down to someone producing a match winning play.
Warriors
These guys are still a relatively unknown to me. I don’t know if they can beat the Dragons, but I’d love to see them try. The Warriors would have to play to their strengths but whether they have the creativity to break down the Dragons remains to be seen.
Sydney Roosters
When they get their attack firing the Roosters worry everyone. The Dragons don’t panic though and would probably win another arm wrestle. The Roosters would really need to aim up and try and bully their way to a win – I’m not certain they have that in them yet.
Canberra Raiders
Well, these are the guys who know how to beat the Dragons – they’ve been doing it for 10 years. Canberra play that ‘in-your-face’ style against the Dragons and for the Raiders, it works. Canberra would need to bring the aggression, fight to the death and use their big men to intimidate before the backs do their sparkling things.
Manly Sea Eagles
Unfortunately, this is the one side I don’t think can beat the Dragons. Manly just don’t have the troops, their form has been mixed all year and they’re on wobbly legs. The Eagles have a one in ten shot on Sunday, and I can’t see it coming off.
The Dragons – 2010 success beckons?
So far I have seen nothing to suggest the Dragons won’t be there challenging for the title. They look near the top of their game and ready to peak. I think there are a few teams capable of beating the Dragons, but in this season I don’t see it happening.
However, this is the NRL and we’ve seen so many wonderful things happen this year already!
TIPPING
Tips – Titans, Tigers, Panthers, Dragons
Last Week – 5/8
Total – 107/192 (56%)
To share your thoughts please email me (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), tweet me (@keyto316) or comment below.
Enjoy the Finals,
Keyto
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Qld Teams - Titans name injured brigade
The Gold Coast Titans have as many as seven players in doubt for Friday’s Qualifying Final with the Warriors at Skilled Park.
Preston Campbell (hamstring) and Luke Bailey (thumb) are the biggest inclusions, both hopeful of returning from recent lay-offs.
After missing the past three matches, Campbell returns to fullback pushing William Zillman back to the wing and Jordan Atkins on to a six man bench.
Meanwhile Bailey, who missed last week, will partner Anthony Laffranchi in the front row with Matthew White returning to the bench.
Campbell and Bailey face fitness tests on Thursday with Atkins and Luke O’Dwyer the likely replacements.
The Titans secured the home final with an exciting 21-18 win over Wests Tigers last week but it came at a cost.
Captain Scott Prince missed part of the game with a shoulder injury but returned to pilot the side home and will play this weekend.
Centre Steve Michaels (shoulder), forward Brad Meyers (ribs) and lock Ashley Harrison (broken nose) all finished the match injured with only Harrison certain at this stage to face the Warriors.
Five-eighth Mat Rogers is still struggling with a rib injury but, like Prince, is considered a near guaranteed starter this weekend.
The Titans have not lost to the Warriors since 2007 with victories this season in Auckland (28-20) six weeks ago and at Skilled Park (24-18) in Round One.
Another win for the Titans will either give them a week off, pending results, or another Queensland-based match in Week Two.
NQ feeders’ alive
In what’s been a horror season for the North Queensland Cowboys NRL side, there is plenty of hope for the future.
The Cowboys under 20’s and both Queensland Cup sides are still in the hunt for premiership success.
The 20’s finished fourth and face the Sydney Roosters this weekend while feeder clubs Northern Pride and Mackay Cutters are down to the final four Queensland Cup sides.
The Pride finished the regular season in third position and downed fifth-placed Wynnum-Manly last Sunday.
They now face minor premiers Souths Logan, Canberra’s feeder club, for a spot in the Grand Final.
In one of the biggest upsets of the season, the sixth-placed Mackay eliminated defending premiers Sunshine Coast with a precision perfect 14-4 ambush last weekend.
The Cutters scraped into the Finals on points differential after winning half their games this season and were expected to be little threat to the Sea Eagles feeder club.
However in blustery conditions the Cutters perfectly executed their game plan to win away from home to now sit one win from the Grand Final.
They face the Broncos feeder club Norths Devils on Saturday with the Grand Final to be held at Suncorp Stadium a week from Sunday.
Both semi finals this weekend will be broadcast live into Queensland on ABC1 from 2pm.
Cowboy stars Johnathan Thurston, Willie Tonga and Matt Scott were all included in the Australian squad but Thurston (foot) and Tonga (groin) will face fitness tests.
Big night for Gillett
Brisbane’s most impressive youngster Matt Gillett is the favourite to take home the NRL rookie of the year award at tonight’s Dally M awards.
Gillett came from nowhere to play 21 (of a possible 24) NRL games and scored 11 tries this season.
So obscure was the 22-year-old Gillett, he was not even included in the 2010 Broncos media guide and looked set to play out the year in the Queensland Cup.
However his versatility proved invaluable to the Broncos with him spending time in the back-row, centre, wing and five-eighth to see him touted as a future Queensland star.
Gillett faces tough competition tonight from Sharks fullback Nathan Gardner, Eels forward Justin Horo and Manly halfback Trent Hodkinson.
Karmichael Hunt was the last Bronco to win the award in 2004.
Meanwhile after missing the last month of NRL competition, in which the Broncos lost all four matches to limp out of Finals contention, Darren Lockyer puts his injured ribs under the microscope tomorrow.
Lockyer yesterday was named in the Australian train-on squad for October’s Four Nations series but must first prove his fitness.
Last week Lockyer declared he would have been fit for this weekend so it is expected he will once again lead Australia in the end of year tournament.
Sam Thaiday is the only other Bronco in the squad while young backs Alex Glenn and Antonio Winterstein earned call-ups to the New Zealand squad.
Fellow youngsters Andrew McCullough and Jharal Yow Yeh join Gillett and veteran lock Corey Parker in the Prime Minister’s XIII train-on squad.
That team will be finalised on Monday and play Papua New Guinea in an exhibition match next month.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Warriors, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live).
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, William Zillman, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Anthony Laffranchi, Greg Bird, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Brad Meyers, Matthew White, Bodene Thompson, Luke O’Dwyer, Jordan Atkins (two to be omitted).
Preston Campbell (hamstring) and Luke Bailey (thumb) are the biggest inclusions, both hopeful of returning from recent lay-offs.
After missing the past three matches, Campbell returns to fullback pushing William Zillman back to the wing and Jordan Atkins on to a six man bench.
Meanwhile Bailey, who missed last week, will partner Anthony Laffranchi in the front row with Matthew White returning to the bench.
Campbell and Bailey face fitness tests on Thursday with Atkins and Luke O’Dwyer the likely replacements.
The Titans secured the home final with an exciting 21-18 win over Wests Tigers last week but it came at a cost.
Captain Scott Prince missed part of the game with a shoulder injury but returned to pilot the side home and will play this weekend.
Centre Steve Michaels (shoulder), forward Brad Meyers (ribs) and lock Ashley Harrison (broken nose) all finished the match injured with only Harrison certain at this stage to face the Warriors.
Five-eighth Mat Rogers is still struggling with a rib injury but, like Prince, is considered a near guaranteed starter this weekend.
The Titans have not lost to the Warriors since 2007 with victories this season in Auckland (28-20) six weeks ago and at Skilled Park (24-18) in Round One.
Another win for the Titans will either give them a week off, pending results, or another Queensland-based match in Week Two.
NQ feeders’ alive
In what’s been a horror season for the North Queensland Cowboys NRL side, there is plenty of hope for the future.
The Cowboys under 20’s and both Queensland Cup sides are still in the hunt for premiership success.
The 20’s finished fourth and face the Sydney Roosters this weekend while feeder clubs Northern Pride and Mackay Cutters are down to the final four Queensland Cup sides.
The Pride finished the regular season in third position and downed fifth-placed Wynnum-Manly last Sunday.
They now face minor premiers Souths Logan, Canberra’s feeder club, for a spot in the Grand Final.
In one of the biggest upsets of the season, the sixth-placed Mackay eliminated defending premiers Sunshine Coast with a precision perfect 14-4 ambush last weekend.
The Cutters scraped into the Finals on points differential after winning half their games this season and were expected to be little threat to the Sea Eagles feeder club.
However in blustery conditions the Cutters perfectly executed their game plan to win away from home to now sit one win from the Grand Final.
They face the Broncos feeder club Norths Devils on Saturday with the Grand Final to be held at Suncorp Stadium a week from Sunday.
Both semi finals this weekend will be broadcast live into Queensland on ABC1 from 2pm.
Cowboy stars Johnathan Thurston, Willie Tonga and Matt Scott were all included in the Australian squad but Thurston (foot) and Tonga (groin) will face fitness tests.
Big night for Gillett
Brisbane’s most impressive youngster Matt Gillett is the favourite to take home the NRL rookie of the year award at tonight’s Dally M awards.
Gillett came from nowhere to play 21 (of a possible 24) NRL games and scored 11 tries this season.
So obscure was the 22-year-old Gillett, he was not even included in the 2010 Broncos media guide and looked set to play out the year in the Queensland Cup.
However his versatility proved invaluable to the Broncos with him spending time in the back-row, centre, wing and five-eighth to see him touted as a future Queensland star.
Gillett faces tough competition tonight from Sharks fullback Nathan Gardner, Eels forward Justin Horo and Manly halfback Trent Hodkinson.
Karmichael Hunt was the last Bronco to win the award in 2004.
Meanwhile after missing the last month of NRL competition, in which the Broncos lost all four matches to limp out of Finals contention, Darren Lockyer puts his injured ribs under the microscope tomorrow.
Lockyer yesterday was named in the Australian train-on squad for October’s Four Nations series but must first prove his fitness.
Last week Lockyer declared he would have been fit for this weekend so it is expected he will once again lead Australia in the end of year tournament.
Sam Thaiday is the only other Bronco in the squad while young backs Alex Glenn and Antonio Winterstein earned call-ups to the New Zealand squad.
Fellow youngsters Andrew McCullough and Jharal Yow Yeh join Gillett and veteran lock Corey Parker in the Prime Minister’s XIII train-on squad.
That team will be finalised on Monday and play Papua New Guinea in an exhibition match next month.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Warriors, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live).
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, William Zillman, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Anthony Laffranchi, Greg Bird, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Brad Meyers, Matthew White, Bodene Thompson, Luke O’Dwyer, Jordan Atkins (two to be omitted).
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Monday Night Football is here to stay
About 15 minutes after the brilliant finish to the Bulldogs/Panthers game earlier this week, I jumped on Twitter and asked ‘what are we going to do next Monday’? I started the year as a Monday Night Football (MNF) hater but as season 2010 wore on it quickly became regular viewing.
Why the hate for MNF
When we returned to regular Monday night fixtures a few years ago, I didn’t care for it. I liked having all games done and a completely updated ladder by 6pm Sunday so we could spend Monday de-briefing and discussing the big issues of the weekend. Then Tuesday would roll around and we’d start it all again.
The fans had other things, better things, to do on a Monday night than watch or attend the football. Many had work or school the next day which removed all social aspects of an NRL match. They might be having dinner, watching other shows and just simply had no room to incorporate a fourth rugby league night (day).
I was very much in this group at the start of the year. I had other things to do Monday nights and I was more likely to throw the game on the radio or take sporadic score updates online. However as this season moved on, I would start doing these other things while tuning in to watch MNF. More often than not, MNF would take precedence as the game progressed.
New found love
Fox Sports deserve enormous credit for what they have done with MNF this year. They have made every game – whether it be top of the table, bottom of the table, first against last or Origin generated sub-teams – Fox has made each Monday night an event.
For those without pay television, Fox gave MNF the absolute full treatment. They had a one hour, panel discussion preview show, a range of pre and post-match interviews, press conferences, expert tips and analysis plus a full three man plus sideline broadcast team.
Triple M is the official radio broadcasters for MNF and also does a wonderful job. They are a bit unconventional in their style but that’s what makes it entertaining. Football is just a game and Triple M doesn’t mind having fun across their two hour show. They still present the facts and call the action as it is seen but they do it with a smile and this really comes across through the radio.
Throw in a social media aspect, Twitter, and there’s fun to be had. Because Monday night is not a good social evening, more people are at home following the football. The best and easiest way for social interaction during the game is Twitter. People take to it and have some fun.
This fun aspect across three mediums has, in my opinion, helped carve MNF a special place in the NRL landscape.
The Future
I have to acknowledge two serious shortcomings Monday Night Football does face. Firstly, I don’t think the players like it. Having to sit through the entire weekend before finally playing is not an easy thing to do. Many guys have been quoted saying it can mess with their routine and can be challenging to get their heads around.
Also, the home fans don’t seem to like it that much either as shown in crowd figures. I would severely doubt any club’s highest crowd of the year came on a Monday night – actually I reckon the MNF crowds would probably rank near the bottom at all clubs.
As a Broncos season member I really enjoyed our lone MNF home game against the Roosters about six weeks ago. It was new, different and a good night out. However I am also exceptionally glad we only had to do it once.
Despite that, Monday Night Football is here to stay beyond the next TV deal. I believe Fox get good ratings for it making the weekly broadcast a winner. Fans might complain about the influence Fox and Channel Nine have over match allocation, but in this case I’m happy for Fox to maintain their Monday night timeslot.
We tend to forget sometimes just what Fox Sports does for our game. A heck of a lot of revenue comes from these guys, they broadcast every game live (when possible), they have implemented things like Viewers Choice, mid-week replays and classic matches. They do a wonderful job broadcasting our game and if they want MNF, I’m happy for them to have it.
And I’m more than happy to watch it.
But, the big question – what the heck are we all going to do next Monday?!?
TIPPING
Tips – Titans, Broncos, Eels, Panthers, Roosters, Storm, Manly, Dragons
Last Week – 4/8
Total – 102/184 (55%)
That’s all for this week and don’t forget to email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) or comment below.
Good luck to your team this week,
Keyto
Why the hate for MNF
When we returned to regular Monday night fixtures a few years ago, I didn’t care for it. I liked having all games done and a completely updated ladder by 6pm Sunday so we could spend Monday de-briefing and discussing the big issues of the weekend. Then Tuesday would roll around and we’d start it all again.
The fans had other things, better things, to do on a Monday night than watch or attend the football. Many had work or school the next day which removed all social aspects of an NRL match. They might be having dinner, watching other shows and just simply had no room to incorporate a fourth rugby league night (day).
I was very much in this group at the start of the year. I had other things to do Monday nights and I was more likely to throw the game on the radio or take sporadic score updates online. However as this season moved on, I would start doing these other things while tuning in to watch MNF. More often than not, MNF would take precedence as the game progressed.
New found love
Fox Sports deserve enormous credit for what they have done with MNF this year. They have made every game – whether it be top of the table, bottom of the table, first against last or Origin generated sub-teams – Fox has made each Monday night an event.
For those without pay television, Fox gave MNF the absolute full treatment. They had a one hour, panel discussion preview show, a range of pre and post-match interviews, press conferences, expert tips and analysis plus a full three man plus sideline broadcast team.
Triple M is the official radio broadcasters for MNF and also does a wonderful job. They are a bit unconventional in their style but that’s what makes it entertaining. Football is just a game and Triple M doesn’t mind having fun across their two hour show. They still present the facts and call the action as it is seen but they do it with a smile and this really comes across through the radio.
Throw in a social media aspect, Twitter, and there’s fun to be had. Because Monday night is not a good social evening, more people are at home following the football. The best and easiest way for social interaction during the game is Twitter. People take to it and have some fun.
This fun aspect across three mediums has, in my opinion, helped carve MNF a special place in the NRL landscape.
The Future
I have to acknowledge two serious shortcomings Monday Night Football does face. Firstly, I don’t think the players like it. Having to sit through the entire weekend before finally playing is not an easy thing to do. Many guys have been quoted saying it can mess with their routine and can be challenging to get their heads around.
Also, the home fans don’t seem to like it that much either as shown in crowd figures. I would severely doubt any club’s highest crowd of the year came on a Monday night – actually I reckon the MNF crowds would probably rank near the bottom at all clubs.
As a Broncos season member I really enjoyed our lone MNF home game against the Roosters about six weeks ago. It was new, different and a good night out. However I am also exceptionally glad we only had to do it once.
Despite that, Monday Night Football is here to stay beyond the next TV deal. I believe Fox get good ratings for it making the weekly broadcast a winner. Fans might complain about the influence Fox and Channel Nine have over match allocation, but in this case I’m happy for Fox to maintain their Monday night timeslot.
We tend to forget sometimes just what Fox Sports does for our game. A heck of a lot of revenue comes from these guys, they broadcast every game live (when possible), they have implemented things like Viewers Choice, mid-week replays and classic matches. They do a wonderful job broadcasting our game and if they want MNF, I’m happy for them to have it.
And I’m more than happy to watch it.
But, the big question – what the heck are we all going to do next Monday?!?
TIPPING
Tips – Titans, Broncos, Eels, Panthers, Roosters, Storm, Manly, Dragons
Last Week – 4/8
Total – 102/184 (55%)
That’s all for this week and don’t forget to email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) or comment below.
Good luck to your team this week,
Keyto
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Qld Teams - Broncos pin hopes on youth
The Brisbane Broncos proud Finals record rests on the shoulders of rookie halves Ben Hunt and Corey Norman.
Aiming for their 19th consecutive Finals campaign, the Broncos will be without halfback Peter Wallace (shoulder) and, most likely, captain Darren Lockyer (ribs) for Friday’s must win clash with Canberra.
Not only do the Broncos have to defeat the in-form Raiders, they need to do so by a minimum 15 point margin.
Even then, Brisbane must rely on the Dragons to beat South Sydney in the last match of the season on Sunday night to jag eighth spot.
Lockyer’s absence has been fatal for the Broncos season with the young squad aimless in slumping to three heavy defeats without their star leader.
While Lockyer will be desperate to play at Suncorp Stadium against Canberra, the painful injury may make it impossible.
The Raiders believe Lockyer will be a late inclusion but the Broncos will not risk further damage to their playmaker.
To make matters worse, Wallace played just 41 minutes in Brisbane’s horror 36-4 thumping loss to the Warriors in New Zealand last week.
Coach Ivan Henjak has thrust 20-year-old Hunt into the halfback position for Friday’s match.
Hunt was a regular halfback throughout his two years in the under 20’s competition but has played virtually all of his 19 NRL games this season from the bench as a backup hooker.
Five-eighth Norman, 19, has been retained despite having defensive deficiencies regularly exposed during the three matches he has substituted for Lockyer.
In the only other change Nick Kenny joins a four man prop rotation on the bench to combat Canberra’s massive forward pack.
If the Broncos fail to defeat Canberra, or win the game but fall short of the required 15 point margin, it will be Israel Folau’s final rugby league match before departing for his four year AFL contract.
The match will be broadcast live into Queensland on Channel Nine from 7:30pm Friday.
Rogers farewell
Gold Coast will use Friday night’s showdown with Wests Tigers to officially say goodbye to retiring veteran Mat Rogers.
Rogers announced earlier this month 2010 would be his final season and the Titans will pay tribute to one of their inaugural signings at Skilled Park this weekend.
The match however carries much more significance for the Gold Coast with victory securing either second or third place on the ladder and a home final Saturday week.
However a loss could see them slip as low as sixth after last week’s upset 30-16 loss to Cronulla.
Rogers missed the last half hour of the match with a hip injury but is adamant he will play this weekend.
Meanwhile prop Luke Bailey fractured his thump against the Sharks but has also been named in the side to face the Tigers.
Anthony Laffranchi (shoulder) returns after missing last week while fullback Preston Campbell (hamstring) will likely be given at least another week off.
Back-row utility Sam Tagataese made a successful return from a shoulder injury last week but was not named by coach John Cartwright for the Tigers game.
The match kicks-off just after 7:30pm Friday but will be broadcast delayed on Channel Nine following the Broncos game.
Cowboys send-off Williams, O’Donnell
In a forgettable 2010 season, North Queensland will hope to farewell two favourite sons with a win against the sixth-placed Sydney Roosters on Saturday night.
Centre Ty Williams, who played his 150th match for the Cowboys last week, will retire after the match.
Luke O’Donnell, sidelined with a knee injury, departs North Queensland after seven seasons to play in the English Super League.
While desperate to play, it is unlikely O’Donnell will be fit to take on the Roosters.
It is also expected to be the final Cowboys appearance for Willie Mason and Carl Webb.
Mason is favoured to join the English Super League while Webb has been linked with Parramatta and Newcastle for next season.
Coach Neil Henry has made just one change to the inept team thrashed 48-4 by Canberra last weekend.
Anthony Watts returns to the bench while Clint Amos will start at hooker with Aaron Payne partnering Grant Rovelli in the halves.
In positive news, the Cowboys today announced the signing of former Storm and Queensland lock Dallas Johnson for the next three years.
Johnson joins the likes of fellow former Queensland and Australian rep Brent Tate, former Cowboy and current Panther Gavin Cooper plus Broncos Antonio Winterstein and Ashton Sims at the club next season.
The Cowboys have won just five matches this season and would have claimed the wooden spoon had it not been for Melbourne’s salary cap rorting.
Their opponents, the Roosters, have a mathematical chance of stealing fourth spot with victory over the Cowboys – pending other results.
North Queensland’s final match of the year will be available on Fox Sports Viewers Choice from 7:30pm Saturday.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Raiders, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live).
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Alex Glenn, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Corey Norman, Ben Hunt, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Ben Te’o, Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker (c). Interchange: Nick Kenny, Josh McGuire, Mitchell Dodds, Scott Anderson.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Tigers, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, delayed 9:30pm).
William Zillman, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, Jordan Atkins, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Brad Meyers, Greg Bird, Bodene Thompson.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Roosters, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Matthew Bowen, Michael Bani, Ty Williams, Ashley Graham, John Williams, Grant Rovelli, Aaron Payne, Matt Scott, Clint Amos, Willie Mason, Scott Bolton, Leeson Ah Mau, Ben Harris. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Nick Slyney, Carl Webb, Isaak Ah Mau.
Aiming for their 19th consecutive Finals campaign, the Broncos will be without halfback Peter Wallace (shoulder) and, most likely, captain Darren Lockyer (ribs) for Friday’s must win clash with Canberra.
Not only do the Broncos have to defeat the in-form Raiders, they need to do so by a minimum 15 point margin.
Even then, Brisbane must rely on the Dragons to beat South Sydney in the last match of the season on Sunday night to jag eighth spot.
Lockyer’s absence has been fatal for the Broncos season with the young squad aimless in slumping to three heavy defeats without their star leader.
While Lockyer will be desperate to play at Suncorp Stadium against Canberra, the painful injury may make it impossible.
The Raiders believe Lockyer will be a late inclusion but the Broncos will not risk further damage to their playmaker.
To make matters worse, Wallace played just 41 minutes in Brisbane’s horror 36-4 thumping loss to the Warriors in New Zealand last week.
Coach Ivan Henjak has thrust 20-year-old Hunt into the halfback position for Friday’s match.
Hunt was a regular halfback throughout his two years in the under 20’s competition but has played virtually all of his 19 NRL games this season from the bench as a backup hooker.
Five-eighth Norman, 19, has been retained despite having defensive deficiencies regularly exposed during the three matches he has substituted for Lockyer.
In the only other change Nick Kenny joins a four man prop rotation on the bench to combat Canberra’s massive forward pack.
If the Broncos fail to defeat Canberra, or win the game but fall short of the required 15 point margin, it will be Israel Folau’s final rugby league match before departing for his four year AFL contract.
The match will be broadcast live into Queensland on Channel Nine from 7:30pm Friday.
Rogers farewell
Gold Coast will use Friday night’s showdown with Wests Tigers to officially say goodbye to retiring veteran Mat Rogers.
Rogers announced earlier this month 2010 would be his final season and the Titans will pay tribute to one of their inaugural signings at Skilled Park this weekend.
The match however carries much more significance for the Gold Coast with victory securing either second or third place on the ladder and a home final Saturday week.
However a loss could see them slip as low as sixth after last week’s upset 30-16 loss to Cronulla.
Rogers missed the last half hour of the match with a hip injury but is adamant he will play this weekend.
Meanwhile prop Luke Bailey fractured his thump against the Sharks but has also been named in the side to face the Tigers.
Anthony Laffranchi (shoulder) returns after missing last week while fullback Preston Campbell (hamstring) will likely be given at least another week off.
Back-row utility Sam Tagataese made a successful return from a shoulder injury last week but was not named by coach John Cartwright for the Tigers game.
The match kicks-off just after 7:30pm Friday but will be broadcast delayed on Channel Nine following the Broncos game.
Cowboys send-off Williams, O’Donnell
In a forgettable 2010 season, North Queensland will hope to farewell two favourite sons with a win against the sixth-placed Sydney Roosters on Saturday night.
Centre Ty Williams, who played his 150th match for the Cowboys last week, will retire after the match.
Luke O’Donnell, sidelined with a knee injury, departs North Queensland after seven seasons to play in the English Super League.
While desperate to play, it is unlikely O’Donnell will be fit to take on the Roosters.
It is also expected to be the final Cowboys appearance for Willie Mason and Carl Webb.
Mason is favoured to join the English Super League while Webb has been linked with Parramatta and Newcastle for next season.
Coach Neil Henry has made just one change to the inept team thrashed 48-4 by Canberra last weekend.
Anthony Watts returns to the bench while Clint Amos will start at hooker with Aaron Payne partnering Grant Rovelli in the halves.
In positive news, the Cowboys today announced the signing of former Storm and Queensland lock Dallas Johnson for the next three years.
Johnson joins the likes of fellow former Queensland and Australian rep Brent Tate, former Cowboy and current Panther Gavin Cooper plus Broncos Antonio Winterstein and Ashton Sims at the club next season.
The Cowboys have won just five matches this season and would have claimed the wooden spoon had it not been for Melbourne’s salary cap rorting.
Their opponents, the Roosters, have a mathematical chance of stealing fourth spot with victory over the Cowboys – pending other results.
North Queensland’s final match of the year will be available on Fox Sports Viewers Choice from 7:30pm Saturday.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Raiders, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live).
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Alex Glenn, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Corey Norman, Ben Hunt, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Ben Te’o, Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker (c). Interchange: Nick Kenny, Josh McGuire, Mitchell Dodds, Scott Anderson.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Tigers, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, delayed 9:30pm).
William Zillman, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, Jordan Atkins, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Brad Meyers, Greg Bird, Bodene Thompson.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Roosters, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Matthew Bowen, Michael Bani, Ty Williams, Ashley Graham, John Williams, Grant Rovelli, Aaron Payne, Matt Scott, Clint Amos, Willie Mason, Scott Bolton, Leeson Ah Mau, Ben Harris. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Nick Slyney, Carl Webb, Isaak Ah Mau.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Luke Burt, Darren Lockyer, Gold Coast Titans
Over the past seven days we have seen one campaign end, another one seriously wobble while a third seems to be firming by the day. It is a huge weekend for a number of teams and Round 25 could make it or break it. Today I will have a look at three of the recent, biggest influences we have seen on this competition.
Luke Burt and THAT miss
Anyone watching Sunday Football at about 5:57pm last week would have been shocked to see Luke Burt spray a relatively easy penalty kick wide of the posts – effectively putting a bullet into what’s been a bad season for Parramatta. You can drum it up all you want but unfortunately, Burt choked and cost his side the chance of going to golden point to fight for their season.
The fact of the matter is no season should ever come down to a missed goal in Round 24. Burt is a wonderful player and it is unfortunate that he will be associated with this. Season 2010 has been one that never was for Parramatta.
They started the year as premiership favourites and at no stage have they delivered. The Eels have been poor from start to finish and that is accurately reflected on the table. Even if they find a miracle and qualify for the Finals, they do not deserve it. For now, that missed goal sums up perfectly what has been a pretty ordinary campaign.
Darren Lockyer’s ribs
As much as it pains me to say it, the Broncos season looks to have cracked the moment Lockyer was hurt against the Cowboys. There is hope that Lockyer will return and things will be fine again – but his return, whenever that is, might be too late. The damage could have already been done.
A few weeks ago I wrote that with such a young team the Broncos will have as many good days as bad ones. At their best they can win the competition, but it is obvious their best means having a fully fit Lockyer on the field. There is just no confidence, belief or fighting spirit there without him and Brisbane desperately needs to find a way to deal with his absence.
Corey Norman looks a great young player but he has been exposed ... actually not just him, but the Under 20’s concept to a degree as well. It is also obvious that Peter Wallace is playing below his best and you have to question just how much does Lockyer make Wallace look good? The Broncos are not far off, but they are going to need a brilliant performance against the Warriors this weekend. It is possible – they won the impossible against Melbourne earlier in the season. Not only was it a win, it was a thumping. But Lockyer was there on that afternoon too ...
Gold Coast Titans
About a month ago I labelled the Gold Coast Titans as premiership pretenders. They had lost a heap of games in a row, had a tough draw and were not offering enough in attack. However that has all changed and I think I have got this one wrong.
The Titans now are looking the goods. I think they sit only behind the Dragons in Premiership betting and have a new found confidence and attacking dynamic about their work. Having watched them the last couple of weeks, I do not think there is a side in the competition the Titans can’t beat.
Gold Coast’s biggest test is still to come – the pressure of Finals football. They have failed the last few years and that will play on their minds. But they’re also much better placed as a unit to take that test this season.
A final note
For those who missed it, Brett Kimmorley announced his retirement today. I have very much grown up following rugby league with Kimmorley. I remember him back in the Super League days and running that ‘flat attack’ in Melbourne.
He has been a favourite of mine and should be very proud of his career. He has also conducted himself in a fine manner on and off the field and has been great to watch. I look forward to watching him next year and beyond on Fox Sports and congratulate him on a wonderful NRL career.
TIPPING
Tips – Broncos, Eels, Titans, Dragons, Raiders, Storm, Roosters, Panthers
Last Week – 5/8
Total – 98/176 (56%)
Thanks again for reading and you can email me (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), twitter (@keyto316) or comment below.
Cheers,
Keyto
Luke Burt and THAT miss
Anyone watching Sunday Football at about 5:57pm last week would have been shocked to see Luke Burt spray a relatively easy penalty kick wide of the posts – effectively putting a bullet into what’s been a bad season for Parramatta. You can drum it up all you want but unfortunately, Burt choked and cost his side the chance of going to golden point to fight for their season.
The fact of the matter is no season should ever come down to a missed goal in Round 24. Burt is a wonderful player and it is unfortunate that he will be associated with this. Season 2010 has been one that never was for Parramatta.
They started the year as premiership favourites and at no stage have they delivered. The Eels have been poor from start to finish and that is accurately reflected on the table. Even if they find a miracle and qualify for the Finals, they do not deserve it. For now, that missed goal sums up perfectly what has been a pretty ordinary campaign.
Darren Lockyer’s ribs
As much as it pains me to say it, the Broncos season looks to have cracked the moment Lockyer was hurt against the Cowboys. There is hope that Lockyer will return and things will be fine again – but his return, whenever that is, might be too late. The damage could have already been done.
A few weeks ago I wrote that with such a young team the Broncos will have as many good days as bad ones. At their best they can win the competition, but it is obvious their best means having a fully fit Lockyer on the field. There is just no confidence, belief or fighting spirit there without him and Brisbane desperately needs to find a way to deal with his absence.
Corey Norman looks a great young player but he has been exposed ... actually not just him, but the Under 20’s concept to a degree as well. It is also obvious that Peter Wallace is playing below his best and you have to question just how much does Lockyer make Wallace look good? The Broncos are not far off, but they are going to need a brilliant performance against the Warriors this weekend. It is possible – they won the impossible against Melbourne earlier in the season. Not only was it a win, it was a thumping. But Lockyer was there on that afternoon too ...
Gold Coast Titans
About a month ago I labelled the Gold Coast Titans as premiership pretenders. They had lost a heap of games in a row, had a tough draw and were not offering enough in attack. However that has all changed and I think I have got this one wrong.
The Titans now are looking the goods. I think they sit only behind the Dragons in Premiership betting and have a new found confidence and attacking dynamic about their work. Having watched them the last couple of weeks, I do not think there is a side in the competition the Titans can’t beat.
Gold Coast’s biggest test is still to come – the pressure of Finals football. They have failed the last few years and that will play on their minds. But they’re also much better placed as a unit to take that test this season.
A final note
For those who missed it, Brett Kimmorley announced his retirement today. I have very much grown up following rugby league with Kimmorley. I remember him back in the Super League days and running that ‘flat attack’ in Melbourne.
He has been a favourite of mine and should be very proud of his career. He has also conducted himself in a fine manner on and off the field and has been great to watch. I look forward to watching him next year and beyond on Fox Sports and congratulate him on a wonderful NRL career.
TIPPING
Tips – Broncos, Eels, Titans, Dragons, Raiders, Storm, Roosters, Panthers
Last Week – 5/8
Total – 98/176 (56%)
Thanks again for reading and you can email me (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), twitter (@keyto316) or comment below.
Cheers,
Keyto
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Qld Teams - Broncos still without Lockyer
Broncos coach Ivan Henjak has refused to rush Darren Lockyer back for Friday’s high stakes clash with the Warriors.
In a game the Broncos must win to control their own destiny, Henjak has backed his young troops to bounce back from the 44-18 thumping in Newcastle last week.
The squad leaves for Auckland on Wednesday and while Lockyer may make the trip, he is unlikely to play at this stage.
Lockyer has missed the last two losses due to a painful rib cartilage injury with the club banking on him returning within two weeks for the Finals.
However a loss to the seventh placed Warriors will likely mean an eighth-place showdown with the Canberra Raiders at Suncorp Stadium on Friday week.
In the only change to the squad prop Nick Kenny returns to a five man bench.
Kenny injured his shoulder against the Cowboys three weeks ago and successfully returned in the Queensland Cup last week.
The match kicks off at 6:05pm Queensland time and will be broadcast on Channel Nine delayed from 7:30pm.
Titans eye home final
On the back of five consecutive victories the Gold Coast Titans can secure a top four finish with a win over Cronulla in Sydney on Saturday night.
The Titans came home strongly against the Roosters in their 23-14 victory last night to sit one win behind the Dragons in second position on the table.
Only two losses and other results can see the Titans slip below fourth but a win over the lowly Sharks will also keep Gold Coast in prime position for a top two finish.
Preston Campbell missed last night’s game with a hamstring injury but has been named for this weekend.
If passed fit he will return to fullback with William Zillman back to the wing replacing Jordan Atkins.
Another victory this weekend will make the Titans the first side in 2010 to record six consecutive wins.
Three teams, the Broncos, Roosters and Warriors, also managed five consecutive wins at various stages in the season.
The match kicks off Fox Sports Super Saturday live from 5:30pm.
Cowboys could help Brisbane
North Queensland could greatly assist their Bronco cousins with victory over Canberra on Saturday night.
The Cowboys travel to the nations’ capital and if they play spoiler, could effectively end the Raiders hopes of pipping the Broncos for eighth spot.
If Brisbane defeats the Warriors on Friday night, Canberra would have to down the Cowboys this weekend then beat the Broncos next week to steal eighth spot.
In a season to forget for the Cowboys they could gain some motivation knowing they have a chance to end the Raiders season.
North Queensland slumped to their 17th loss of the season last week when they conceded three tries in six minutes allowing the Bulldogs to run out 22-20 winners.
Willie Tonga suffered a groin injury in the loss and will be replaced by Ashley Graham for the Raiders match.
Graham moves in off the wing with Michael Bani recalled to the flank.
Aaron Payne will join Grant Rovelli in the halves with Clint Amos likely to take his place on the bench.
The game will be available live as a Fox Sports Viewers Choice option from 7:30pm Saturday.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Warriors, Friday 6:05pm AET, (Channel Nine, delayed 7:30pm).
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Alex Glenn, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Corey Norman, Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Ben Te’o, Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker (c). Interchange: Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Mitchell Dodds, Scott Anderson, Nick Kenny (one to be omitted).
Gold Coast Titans vs. Sharks, Saturday 5:30pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, William Zillman, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Brad Meyers, Greg Bird, Bodene Thompson.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Raiders, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Matthew Bowen, Michael Bani, Ty Williams, Ashley Graham, John Williams, Grant Rovelli, Aaron Payne, Matt Scott, Anthony Watts, Willie Mason, Scott Bolton, Leeson Ah Mau, Ben Harris. Interchange: Clint Amos, Nick Slyney, Carl Webb, Isaak Ah Mau.
In a game the Broncos must win to control their own destiny, Henjak has backed his young troops to bounce back from the 44-18 thumping in Newcastle last week.
The squad leaves for Auckland on Wednesday and while Lockyer may make the trip, he is unlikely to play at this stage.
Lockyer has missed the last two losses due to a painful rib cartilage injury with the club banking on him returning within two weeks for the Finals.
However a loss to the seventh placed Warriors will likely mean an eighth-place showdown with the Canberra Raiders at Suncorp Stadium on Friday week.
In the only change to the squad prop Nick Kenny returns to a five man bench.
Kenny injured his shoulder against the Cowboys three weeks ago and successfully returned in the Queensland Cup last week.
The match kicks off at 6:05pm Queensland time and will be broadcast on Channel Nine delayed from 7:30pm.
Titans eye home final
On the back of five consecutive victories the Gold Coast Titans can secure a top four finish with a win over Cronulla in Sydney on Saturday night.
The Titans came home strongly against the Roosters in their 23-14 victory last night to sit one win behind the Dragons in second position on the table.
Only two losses and other results can see the Titans slip below fourth but a win over the lowly Sharks will also keep Gold Coast in prime position for a top two finish.
Preston Campbell missed last night’s game with a hamstring injury but has been named for this weekend.
If passed fit he will return to fullback with William Zillman back to the wing replacing Jordan Atkins.
Another victory this weekend will make the Titans the first side in 2010 to record six consecutive wins.
Three teams, the Broncos, Roosters and Warriors, also managed five consecutive wins at various stages in the season.
The match kicks off Fox Sports Super Saturday live from 5:30pm.
Cowboys could help Brisbane
North Queensland could greatly assist their Bronco cousins with victory over Canberra on Saturday night.
The Cowboys travel to the nations’ capital and if they play spoiler, could effectively end the Raiders hopes of pipping the Broncos for eighth spot.
If Brisbane defeats the Warriors on Friday night, Canberra would have to down the Cowboys this weekend then beat the Broncos next week to steal eighth spot.
In a season to forget for the Cowboys they could gain some motivation knowing they have a chance to end the Raiders season.
North Queensland slumped to their 17th loss of the season last week when they conceded three tries in six minutes allowing the Bulldogs to run out 22-20 winners.
Willie Tonga suffered a groin injury in the loss and will be replaced by Ashley Graham for the Raiders match.
Graham moves in off the wing with Michael Bani recalled to the flank.
Aaron Payne will join Grant Rovelli in the halves with Clint Amos likely to take his place on the bench.
The game will be available live as a Fox Sports Viewers Choice option from 7:30pm Saturday.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Warriors, Friday 6:05pm AET, (Channel Nine, delayed 7:30pm).
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Alex Glenn, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Corey Norman, Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Ben Te’o, Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker (c). Interchange: Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Mitchell Dodds, Scott Anderson, Nick Kenny (one to be omitted).
Gold Coast Titans vs. Sharks, Saturday 5:30pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, William Zillman, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Brad Meyers, Greg Bird, Bodene Thompson.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Raiders, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Matthew Bowen, Michael Bani, Ty Williams, Ashley Graham, John Williams, Grant Rovelli, Aaron Payne, Matt Scott, Anthony Watts, Willie Mason, Scott Bolton, Leeson Ah Mau, Ben Harris. Interchange: Clint Amos, Nick Slyney, Carl Webb, Isaak Ah Mau.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Open letter to NRL referee's
Dear NRL Referee’s ... STOP IT!!
STOP IT NOW!!
As Gus Gould says, we (NRL fans) pay good money to watch the players. We don’t want to see a refereeing exhibition.
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate you have the courage to do what is a thankless task. I know you work hard and are bound by strict rules and interpretations – which is a whole other issue.
But my word, you guys are pissing me off!!
The great thing about rugby league is 50-50 calls are made by a referee, with confidence based on what he sees. We can deal with the wrong calls – you have a split second and we get countless slow motion replays.
But it seems you are convinced there should be no grey areas in this game – everything is either black or white. That’s why we have two Refs, that’s why we tried a blanket 10 metre advantage rule, that’s why we have separation and video ref’s and all that other piddling crap.
While we’re here – where the hell has common sense gone in our game?
Every NRL fan knows what a try looks like, we know obstruction and we know what’s cheating and breaking the rules. Do you? We’re taking the humanisation out of the game. These players are not robots; every play is not going to be textbook.
But we know what looks right and what looks wrong. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck – IT’S A DAMN DUCK!!
Grey areas are okay, they’re part of the game. All we ask is the refereeing stays consistent throughout the course of a match.
Is that too much to ask?
And another thing, do you guys have any understanding of “feel for a game”?
Let me enlighten you – as a lifelong rugby league fan I have watched many hours of rugby league across all levels. When watching you get a feeling of when a penalty is needed and when a referee needs to take control. Most of you guys do not, or aren’t allowed to.
It seems you have a need to get through a set quota of penalties per match and ensure they even out between the two sides. I can tell you, every match is different and sometimes both teams don’t deserve to concede/earn the same number of penalties.
You must understand I’m not normally one to spray the Ref’s. They are vitally important to our great game and I know all of them are doing their best. But under this system, their best just does not cut it anymore. These guys are professionals, just like the players, and must be accountable for the mediocrity we see most weeks.
I was going to write this earlier in the year but thought I would give you all another many chances – unfortunately that ended with Bill Harrigan’s video ref call the other night.
On that note, let’s scrap the video referee. It’s turned our great game into a farce. We slow down everything to a thousand frames per second, then go looking for separation and blades of grass and other minuscule, often meaningless crap that only super slow-mo will detect.
Topping things off, video refs seem to get just as many wrong as they get right.
Good luck this weekend, I hope for your sake you stay out of the news. We have eight wonderful games ahead of us just three weeks before the Finals and I don’t want to see any more refereeing exhibitions in season 2010.
TIPPING
Tips – Penrith, Broncos, Manly, Bulldogs, Melbourne, Dragons, Tigers, Roosters
Last Week – 4/8
Total – 93/168 (55%)
If you want to do any ref bashing, or defending, you can reach me through the comment section below, on twitter (@keyto316) or directly on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com).
Hope your team plays well,
Keyto
STOP IT NOW!!
As Gus Gould says, we (NRL fans) pay good money to watch the players. We don’t want to see a refereeing exhibition.
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate you have the courage to do what is a thankless task. I know you work hard and are bound by strict rules and interpretations – which is a whole other issue.
But my word, you guys are pissing me off!!
The great thing about rugby league is 50-50 calls are made by a referee, with confidence based on what he sees. We can deal with the wrong calls – you have a split second and we get countless slow motion replays.
But it seems you are convinced there should be no grey areas in this game – everything is either black or white. That’s why we have two Refs, that’s why we tried a blanket 10 metre advantage rule, that’s why we have separation and video ref’s and all that other piddling crap.
While we’re here – where the hell has common sense gone in our game?
Every NRL fan knows what a try looks like, we know obstruction and we know what’s cheating and breaking the rules. Do you? We’re taking the humanisation out of the game. These players are not robots; every play is not going to be textbook.
But we know what looks right and what looks wrong. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck – IT’S A DAMN DUCK!!
Grey areas are okay, they’re part of the game. All we ask is the refereeing stays consistent throughout the course of a match.
Is that too much to ask?
And another thing, do you guys have any understanding of “feel for a game”?
Let me enlighten you – as a lifelong rugby league fan I have watched many hours of rugby league across all levels. When watching you get a feeling of when a penalty is needed and when a referee needs to take control. Most of you guys do not, or aren’t allowed to.
It seems you have a need to get through a set quota of penalties per match and ensure they even out between the two sides. I can tell you, every match is different and sometimes both teams don’t deserve to concede/earn the same number of penalties.
You must understand I’m not normally one to spray the Ref’s. They are vitally important to our great game and I know all of them are doing their best. But under this system, their best just does not cut it anymore. These guys are professionals, just like the players, and must be accountable for the mediocrity we see most weeks.
I was going to write this earlier in the year but thought I would give you all another many chances – unfortunately that ended with Bill Harrigan’s video ref call the other night.
On that note, let’s scrap the video referee. It’s turned our great game into a farce. We slow down everything to a thousand frames per second, then go looking for separation and blades of grass and other minuscule, often meaningless crap that only super slow-mo will detect.
Topping things off, video refs seem to get just as many wrong as they get right.
Good luck this weekend, I hope for your sake you stay out of the news. We have eight wonderful games ahead of us just three weeks before the Finals and I don’t want to see any more refereeing exhibitions in season 2010.
TIPPING
Tips – Penrith, Broncos, Manly, Bulldogs, Melbourne, Dragons, Tigers, Roosters
Last Week – 4/8
Total – 93/168 (55%)
If you want to do any ref bashing, or defending, you can reach me through the comment section below, on twitter (@keyto316) or directly on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com).
Hope your team plays well,
Keyto
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Qld Teams - Broncos walk Finals tightrope
Corey Norman is tipped to get a full game at five-eighth as the precariously placed Broncos travel to Newcastle Friday night.
With news Darren Lockyer may be sidelined longer than expected with a rib cartilage injury, coach Ivan Henjak may have no choice but to play the emerging playmaker alongside halfback Peter Wallace permanently.
Norman was named at pivot last week but spent the first 50 minutes warming the bench before Parramatta ran out comfortable 30-14 victors.
The result left Brisbane clinging to eighth spot but South Sydney, who have a superior point differential, sit just one win behind the Broncos.
Likely rookie of the year Matt Gillett was far from disappointing as starting five-eighth against the Eels but failed to create any real attacking opportunities.
His own creative attributes as a wide running forward or centre where also blunted with Brisbane unable to regularly build any pressure or points.
Gillett is likely to return to the back-row for the Knights game while Ben Te’o has again been named at prop in the absence of Nick Kenny.
While Newcastle are at very long odds to qualify for the finals, the Knights team believe winning their remaining three games will provide them with an outside chance.
The Broncos need to win at least two of their last three to secure a top eight berth while a win this week, at least mathematically, could see them rocket into fourth position.
Channel Nine will broadcast the match live into Queensland from 7:30pm Friday.
Cowboys lose two more
The season is definitely over for one North Queensland forward while another is battling to play a farewell match in Round 26.
Rookie back-rower Dane Hogan accepted a five game suspension for an ugly dangerous throw during the Cowboys 37-18 loss to the Titans last weekend.
He will be sidelined until Round Two next season while lock forward Luke O’Donnell may have played his last match in the NRL.
O’Donnell injured his knee and is only considered a 50-50 chance at best to play in the Cowboys last match of the year against the Roosters in three weeks.
The veteran lock links with English club Huddersfield next year and is desperate to farewell the Townsville crowd he’s played in front of since 2004.
Meanwhile impressive back-rower Scott Bolton will fly to Sydney tomorrow to fight a biting charge at the NRL judiciary.
Bolton was implicated by Titans centre Clinton Toopi during the match last week but Toopi did not make a formal complaint.
However the match review committee opted to send Bolton straight to the judiciary where he will plead his case.
North Queensland, with only pride to play for, host fellow 2010 disappointments Canterbury Bulldogs on Saturday night.
Ben Harris will start at lock for O’Donnell while forward Nick Slyney has been named on the bench for what would be his first NRL match of the season.
Bolton has been included pending his judiciary hearing while Isaak Ah Mau, 18th man last week, has been named in place of Hogan on the bench.
The match will be available through Fox Sports Viewers Choice with kick-off at 7:30pm Saturday.
Bird flies back in
After aborting his comeback last week, the Titans will hope Greg Bird has fully recovered from his hamstring injury to face the Roosters on Monday night.
Coach John Cartwright again named Bird on a five man bench but with the longer turnaround before Monday’s game, the former international should be fit to return.
Bird has missed the Titans four consecutive victories but has been admirably replaced by retiring veteran Mat Rogers.
After playing most of the season at five-eighth, Bird’s immediate future looks likely to be a return to the back-row.
After announcing his retirement yesterday, Rogers is expected to play out his career alongside Scott Prince in the halves.
Rogers has been in exceptional form in the last month and centres Clinton Toopi and Steve Michaels are playing too well to justify being dropped.
Young interchange forward Ben Ridge is expected to drop out of the squad to accommodate Bird.
Prop Michael Henderson missed the big win over the Cowboys with a virus but has been named to replace Aaron Cannings on the bench this weekend.
The second-placed Titans face a Roosters side aiming to avoid their third consecutive loss and a possible slide down to eighth position.
The match will be played at the Sydney Football Stadium and kicks-off live on Fox Sports at 7pm Monday.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Knights, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live).
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Alex Glenn, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Corey Norman, Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Ben Te’o, Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker (c). Interchange: Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Mitchell Dodds, Scott Anderson.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Bulldogs, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Ty Williams, Willie Tonga, John Williams, Arana Taumata, Grant Rovelli, Matt Scott, Aaron Payne (c), Willie Mason, Scott Bolton, Leeson Ah Mau, Ben Harris. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Nick Slyney, Carl Webb, Isaak Ah Mau.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Roosters, Monday 7pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, William Zillman, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Brad Meyers, Greg Bird, Bodene Thompson, Ben Ridge (one to be omitted).
With news Darren Lockyer may be sidelined longer than expected with a rib cartilage injury, coach Ivan Henjak may have no choice but to play the emerging playmaker alongside halfback Peter Wallace permanently.
Norman was named at pivot last week but spent the first 50 minutes warming the bench before Parramatta ran out comfortable 30-14 victors.
The result left Brisbane clinging to eighth spot but South Sydney, who have a superior point differential, sit just one win behind the Broncos.
Likely rookie of the year Matt Gillett was far from disappointing as starting five-eighth against the Eels but failed to create any real attacking opportunities.
His own creative attributes as a wide running forward or centre where also blunted with Brisbane unable to regularly build any pressure or points.
Gillett is likely to return to the back-row for the Knights game while Ben Te’o has again been named at prop in the absence of Nick Kenny.
While Newcastle are at very long odds to qualify for the finals, the Knights team believe winning their remaining three games will provide them with an outside chance.
The Broncos need to win at least two of their last three to secure a top eight berth while a win this week, at least mathematically, could see them rocket into fourth position.
Channel Nine will broadcast the match live into Queensland from 7:30pm Friday.
Cowboys lose two more
The season is definitely over for one North Queensland forward while another is battling to play a farewell match in Round 26.
Rookie back-rower Dane Hogan accepted a five game suspension for an ugly dangerous throw during the Cowboys 37-18 loss to the Titans last weekend.
He will be sidelined until Round Two next season while lock forward Luke O’Donnell may have played his last match in the NRL.
O’Donnell injured his knee and is only considered a 50-50 chance at best to play in the Cowboys last match of the year against the Roosters in three weeks.
The veteran lock links with English club Huddersfield next year and is desperate to farewell the Townsville crowd he’s played in front of since 2004.
Meanwhile impressive back-rower Scott Bolton will fly to Sydney tomorrow to fight a biting charge at the NRL judiciary.
Bolton was implicated by Titans centre Clinton Toopi during the match last week but Toopi did not make a formal complaint.
However the match review committee opted to send Bolton straight to the judiciary where he will plead his case.
North Queensland, with only pride to play for, host fellow 2010 disappointments Canterbury Bulldogs on Saturday night.
Ben Harris will start at lock for O’Donnell while forward Nick Slyney has been named on the bench for what would be his first NRL match of the season.
Bolton has been included pending his judiciary hearing while Isaak Ah Mau, 18th man last week, has been named in place of Hogan on the bench.
The match will be available through Fox Sports Viewers Choice with kick-off at 7:30pm Saturday.
Bird flies back in
After aborting his comeback last week, the Titans will hope Greg Bird has fully recovered from his hamstring injury to face the Roosters on Monday night.
Coach John Cartwright again named Bird on a five man bench but with the longer turnaround before Monday’s game, the former international should be fit to return.
Bird has missed the Titans four consecutive victories but has been admirably replaced by retiring veteran Mat Rogers.
After playing most of the season at five-eighth, Bird’s immediate future looks likely to be a return to the back-row.
After announcing his retirement yesterday, Rogers is expected to play out his career alongside Scott Prince in the halves.
Rogers has been in exceptional form in the last month and centres Clinton Toopi and Steve Michaels are playing too well to justify being dropped.
Young interchange forward Ben Ridge is expected to drop out of the squad to accommodate Bird.
Prop Michael Henderson missed the big win over the Cowboys with a virus but has been named to replace Aaron Cannings on the bench this weekend.
The second-placed Titans face a Roosters side aiming to avoid their third consecutive loss and a possible slide down to eighth position.
The match will be played at the Sydney Football Stadium and kicks-off live on Fox Sports at 7pm Monday.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Knights, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live).
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Alex Glenn, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Corey Norman, Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Ben Te’o, Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker (c). Interchange: Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Mitchell Dodds, Scott Anderson.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Bulldogs, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Ty Williams, Willie Tonga, John Williams, Arana Taumata, Grant Rovelli, Matt Scott, Aaron Payne (c), Willie Mason, Scott Bolton, Leeson Ah Mau, Ben Harris. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Nick Slyney, Carl Webb, Isaak Ah Mau.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Roosters, Monday 7pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, William Zillman, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Brad Meyers, Greg Bird, Bodene Thompson, Ben Ridge (one to be omitted).
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Is Brisbane the new Melbourne?
The Brisbane Broncos have the chance to embark on a Melbourne Storm-style dynasty. These Broncos have youth and experience, exuberance and excitement and are as skilful as any NRL team. Something special is brewing in Brisbane – something we saw in Melbourne the last five years.
Storm’s proud history
We all know how Melbourne’s dynasty crumbled in April this year, but let’s not forget what they had done for most of this decade. The Storm blooded and created stars out of Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Israel Folau, Greg Inglis, Dallas Johnson, Cooper Cronk, Ryan Hoffman, Adam Blair, Matt King and many more. Most of these guys came to the club as kids and left as stars.
Since 2006 Melbourne featured in all Grand Finals and would have been a contender this year. This is the best club we have seen in years and while they cheated to keep the band together, we can’t ignore what they created.
Broncos future path
Watching this Brisbane team on a weekly basis, gee whiz there are some similarities. Look at the young guys who have been in this squad fulltime for little more than a year: Hoffman, Gillett, McCullough, Yow Yeh, Glenn, Dodds, McGuire and Norman. Who’s to say in five years we won’t compare these guys to a Slater, Smith or Inglis?
The Brisbane side also has enough ‘old heads’ in the form of Lockyer, Thaiday, Tronc and Kenny to lead the rookies. Back in the day Melbourne had the likes of Robbie Kearns, Scott Hill, Matt Geyer and Michael Crocker guiding their new guys.
Most of this Brisbane squad will stay together for the next two years at least, creating the possibility of a Storm-style dynasty. Looking at this Broncos team now, you can see something special potentially lying beneath.
They are a young side in 2010 and we’ve seen they have as many good days as they do bad ones. However, as this squad grows under Lockyer, I think we could see another evolution just as we were lucky enough to have with the Melbourne Storm 2006-2010.
The coaches
Make no mistake why we have seen one great dynasty and the potential for another one under the watchful eyes of Craig Bellamy and Ivan Henjak. These two guys are quite similar and served very similar apprenticeships under Wayne Bennett.
They carry differences to Bennett and both have their own personalities, but the teachings and groundings are the same. They travelled an identical path created by the best coach we have seen in at least 25 years.
Salary Cap
Thanks to the Storm’s cheating, every successful team over the next few years will be heavily scrutinised. Any side that wins Grand Finals and contains more than four rep players will have salary cap doubts cast on them.
From a fans point of view, we have to believe that the clubs now are doing things above board. Of course Brisbane will be scrutinised, especially in the Sydney media, because of the names on their roster for 2011 following the Inglis signing.
I will say this – I have followed the club for more than 15 years and can tell you players will play for less money. Some of the great Broncos like Webcke, Tallis, Langer and Lockyer could all have made more money elsewhere but chose to stay.
The Broncos have also lost more quality players than any other club in the last decade or so – Sailor, Tuqiri, Hunt, Civoniceva, Berrigan – plus five guys from the current squad including Israel Folau. While the superstars are on good coin, these rising stars are not. They are well paid but could probably command more at other clubs now, and command more from the Broncos when their contract is up.
How the Broncos manage that will be the difference between them and the Storm.
2010 and beyond
I’m not saying Brisbane can win the competition this year – I think they’re in it up to their eyeballs and on their day can beat anyone though. No matter what happens over the next eight weeks, the potential in this squad is enormous. If they stay together, I think we will see Melbourne Storm Version 2 emulating out of Suncorp Stadium.
TIPPING
Tips – Broncos, Roosters, Titans, Bulldogs, Warriors, Storm, Penrith, Dragons
Last Week – 2/8
Total – 89/160 (56%)
To share your thoughts please email me (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), tweet me (@keyto316) or comment me below.
Until next week,
Keyto
Storm’s proud history
We all know how Melbourne’s dynasty crumbled in April this year, but let’s not forget what they had done for most of this decade. The Storm blooded and created stars out of Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Israel Folau, Greg Inglis, Dallas Johnson, Cooper Cronk, Ryan Hoffman, Adam Blair, Matt King and many more. Most of these guys came to the club as kids and left as stars.
Since 2006 Melbourne featured in all Grand Finals and would have been a contender this year. This is the best club we have seen in years and while they cheated to keep the band together, we can’t ignore what they created.
Broncos future path
Watching this Brisbane team on a weekly basis, gee whiz there are some similarities. Look at the young guys who have been in this squad fulltime for little more than a year: Hoffman, Gillett, McCullough, Yow Yeh, Glenn, Dodds, McGuire and Norman. Who’s to say in five years we won’t compare these guys to a Slater, Smith or Inglis?
The Brisbane side also has enough ‘old heads’ in the form of Lockyer, Thaiday, Tronc and Kenny to lead the rookies. Back in the day Melbourne had the likes of Robbie Kearns, Scott Hill, Matt Geyer and Michael Crocker guiding their new guys.
Most of this Brisbane squad will stay together for the next two years at least, creating the possibility of a Storm-style dynasty. Looking at this Broncos team now, you can see something special potentially lying beneath.
They are a young side in 2010 and we’ve seen they have as many good days as they do bad ones. However, as this squad grows under Lockyer, I think we could see another evolution just as we were lucky enough to have with the Melbourne Storm 2006-2010.
The coaches
Make no mistake why we have seen one great dynasty and the potential for another one under the watchful eyes of Craig Bellamy and Ivan Henjak. These two guys are quite similar and served very similar apprenticeships under Wayne Bennett.
They carry differences to Bennett and both have their own personalities, but the teachings and groundings are the same. They travelled an identical path created by the best coach we have seen in at least 25 years.
Salary Cap
Thanks to the Storm’s cheating, every successful team over the next few years will be heavily scrutinised. Any side that wins Grand Finals and contains more than four rep players will have salary cap doubts cast on them.
From a fans point of view, we have to believe that the clubs now are doing things above board. Of course Brisbane will be scrutinised, especially in the Sydney media, because of the names on their roster for 2011 following the Inglis signing.
I will say this – I have followed the club for more than 15 years and can tell you players will play for less money. Some of the great Broncos like Webcke, Tallis, Langer and Lockyer could all have made more money elsewhere but chose to stay.
The Broncos have also lost more quality players than any other club in the last decade or so – Sailor, Tuqiri, Hunt, Civoniceva, Berrigan – plus five guys from the current squad including Israel Folau. While the superstars are on good coin, these rising stars are not. They are well paid but could probably command more at other clubs now, and command more from the Broncos when their contract is up.
How the Broncos manage that will be the difference between them and the Storm.
2010 and beyond
I’m not saying Brisbane can win the competition this year – I think they’re in it up to their eyeballs and on their day can beat anyone though. No matter what happens over the next eight weeks, the potential in this squad is enormous. If they stay together, I think we will see Melbourne Storm Version 2 emulating out of Suncorp Stadium.
TIPPING
Tips – Broncos, Roosters, Titans, Bulldogs, Warriors, Storm, Penrith, Dragons
Last Week – 2/8
Total – 89/160 (56%)
To share your thoughts please email me (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), tweet me (@keyto316) or comment me below.
Until next week,
Keyto
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Qld Teams - Broncos chance to end Eels
Brisbane can crush Parramatta’s season with victory at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night but they will be without Darren Lockyer.
The Broncos 332 game veteran is likely to miss two weeks with a rib cartilage injury suffered in the 34-26 win over the Cowboys on the weekend.
Lockyer was hit in a hard, front-on tackle by North Queensland enforcer Luke O’Donnell in the 60th minute and left the field clutching his ribs moments later.
While the injury is not overly serious, Lockyer has been advised to rest for two weeks as the Broncos edge closer to their 19th consecutive Finals campaign.
A win over a desperate Parramatta this weekend will consolidate the Broncos position in the top eight while effectively ending the Eels hopes.
Sitting two wins outside the top eight and with an awful points differential (-70), Parramatta probably need to win all four remaining matches to qualify for the finals.
The Broncos sit in 7th but could slip out of the top eight if they lose to Parramatta and South Sydney defeat Melbourne on Sunday.
Rookie Corey Norman, as was the case for the two games without Origin players, will deputise for Lockyer alongside Peter Wallace in the halves with Corey Parker captaining the side.
Winger Antonio Winterstein missed the Cowboys match with a knee injury but has been named to take on the Eels.
Ben Te’o made a remarkable comeback from two fractured bones in his foot and played the entire 80 minutes against North Queensland.
Te’o returned just 10 days after an initial diagnose had him missing at least 4-6 weeks.
In a bit of a surprise move coach Ivan Henjak today named Te’o in the front row in place of the injured Nick Kenny for the Eels match.
Meanwhile the Broncos announced superstar Greg Inglis would join the club from next season.
Inglis, who should partner Justin Hodges in the centres next year, should be a wonderful replacement for the departing Israel Folau.
Friday’s match is expected to produce another stellar Suncorp Stadium crowd and will be live on Channel Nine from 7:30pm.
Bird flies back in
Greg Bird has missed the Titans last three impressive wins but has overcome a hamstring injury in time for Saturday night’s home match with the Cowboys.
Coach John Cartwright today retained Mat Rogers at five-eighth and included Bird on a five man bench.
His inclusion is the only addition to the in-form Titans squad chasing their fourth consecutive victory.
Gold Coast are firmly entrenched in the top eight as one of four teams on 28 points – two wins behind the ladder-leading Dragons.
In Round Four the Titans were soundly beaten 32-18 by the Cowboys in Townsville but with the finals just around the corner, Gold Coast should have more than revenge on their mind this weekend.
Thurston’s NRL season over
Johnathan Thurston will not play for the Cowboys again in 2010 but hopes to be part of Australia’s Four Nation squad in October.
Thurston lasted just 18 minutes against the Broncos on Friday night before suffering a medial ligament tear in his right ankle.
The Australian halfback has been playing with nerve damage in his feet and will use the enforced layoff to have surgery.
However the initial prognosis has Thurston recovering within 6-8 weeks making him available for Kangaroo selection.
His place for Saturday night’s ‘other local derby’ with the Titans at Skilled Park has been taken by Grant Rovelli.
Interchange forward James Tamou accepted a two match ban for punching Brisbane forward Josh McGuire in the back of the head during last week’s 32nd minute melee.
Ben Harris and Isaak Ah Mau are the new faces on a five man bench.
Luke O’Donnell struggled through the Broncos match with a leg injury but has been named to tackle the Titans.
The game will be live on Fox Sports with kick-off just after 5:30pm Saturday.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Eels, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live).
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Alex Glenn, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Corey Norman, Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Ben Te’o, Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker (c). Interchange: Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Mitchell Dodds, Scott Anderson.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Cowboys, Saturday 5:30pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, William Zillman, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Brad Meyers, Greg Bird, Bodene Thompson, Ben Ridge (one to be omitted).
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Titans, Saturday 5:30pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Ty Williams, Willie Tonga, Will Tupou, Arana Taumata, Grant Rovelli, Matt Scott, Aaron Payne (c), Willie Mason, Scott Bolton, Leeson Ah Mau, Luke O’Donnell. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Dane Hogan, Carl Webb, Ben Harris, Isaak Ah Mau (one to be omitted).
The Broncos 332 game veteran is likely to miss two weeks with a rib cartilage injury suffered in the 34-26 win over the Cowboys on the weekend.
Lockyer was hit in a hard, front-on tackle by North Queensland enforcer Luke O’Donnell in the 60th minute and left the field clutching his ribs moments later.
While the injury is not overly serious, Lockyer has been advised to rest for two weeks as the Broncos edge closer to their 19th consecutive Finals campaign.
A win over a desperate Parramatta this weekend will consolidate the Broncos position in the top eight while effectively ending the Eels hopes.
Sitting two wins outside the top eight and with an awful points differential (-70), Parramatta probably need to win all four remaining matches to qualify for the finals.
The Broncos sit in 7th but could slip out of the top eight if they lose to Parramatta and South Sydney defeat Melbourne on Sunday.
Rookie Corey Norman, as was the case for the two games without Origin players, will deputise for Lockyer alongside Peter Wallace in the halves with Corey Parker captaining the side.
Winger Antonio Winterstein missed the Cowboys match with a knee injury but has been named to take on the Eels.
Ben Te’o made a remarkable comeback from two fractured bones in his foot and played the entire 80 minutes against North Queensland.
Te’o returned just 10 days after an initial diagnose had him missing at least 4-6 weeks.
In a bit of a surprise move coach Ivan Henjak today named Te’o in the front row in place of the injured Nick Kenny for the Eels match.
Meanwhile the Broncos announced superstar Greg Inglis would join the club from next season.
Inglis, who should partner Justin Hodges in the centres next year, should be a wonderful replacement for the departing Israel Folau.
Friday’s match is expected to produce another stellar Suncorp Stadium crowd and will be live on Channel Nine from 7:30pm.
Bird flies back in
Greg Bird has missed the Titans last three impressive wins but has overcome a hamstring injury in time for Saturday night’s home match with the Cowboys.
Coach John Cartwright today retained Mat Rogers at five-eighth and included Bird on a five man bench.
His inclusion is the only addition to the in-form Titans squad chasing their fourth consecutive victory.
Gold Coast are firmly entrenched in the top eight as one of four teams on 28 points – two wins behind the ladder-leading Dragons.
In Round Four the Titans were soundly beaten 32-18 by the Cowboys in Townsville but with the finals just around the corner, Gold Coast should have more than revenge on their mind this weekend.
Thurston’s NRL season over
Johnathan Thurston will not play for the Cowboys again in 2010 but hopes to be part of Australia’s Four Nation squad in October.
Thurston lasted just 18 minutes against the Broncos on Friday night before suffering a medial ligament tear in his right ankle.
The Australian halfback has been playing with nerve damage in his feet and will use the enforced layoff to have surgery.
However the initial prognosis has Thurston recovering within 6-8 weeks making him available for Kangaroo selection.
His place for Saturday night’s ‘other local derby’ with the Titans at Skilled Park has been taken by Grant Rovelli.
Interchange forward James Tamou accepted a two match ban for punching Brisbane forward Josh McGuire in the back of the head during last week’s 32nd minute melee.
Ben Harris and Isaak Ah Mau are the new faces on a five man bench.
Luke O’Donnell struggled through the Broncos match with a leg injury but has been named to tackle the Titans.
The game will be live on Fox Sports with kick-off just after 5:30pm Saturday.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Eels, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live).
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Alex Glenn, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Corey Norman, Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Ben Te’o, Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker (c). Interchange: Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Mitchell Dodds, Scott Anderson.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Cowboys, Saturday 5:30pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, William Zillman, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Brad Meyers, Greg Bird, Bodene Thompson, Ben Ridge (one to be omitted).
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Titans, Saturday 5:30pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Ty Williams, Willie Tonga, Will Tupou, Arana Taumata, Grant Rovelli, Matt Scott, Aaron Payne (c), Willie Mason, Scott Bolton, Leeson Ah Mau, Luke O’Donnell. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Dane Hogan, Carl Webb, Ben Harris, Isaak Ah Mau (one to be omitted).
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Chokers, Chargers, Creepers and Capitulators
There are five rounds to go and this year’s top eight is far from decided. In a week where plenty of questions have been asked about various teams, I will give my view on where four of the most popular sides are at.
Dragons Choking?
We saw it last year and the warning signs are back again, so after leading the comp all year are the Dragons stumbling towards an early finals exit again? One thing many underestimate is the pressure in leading the ladder for a sustained period of time. Every team you come up against is out to beat you and make a statement about the state of their club. It can’t be easy for the Dragons to contend with this on a weekly basis rather than a 6-8 week period leading into the Grand Final. Especially since they have had their top eight spot sealed since May.
Wendell Sailor told NRL on Fox “if the Dragons were in a form slump they would be getting beaten by 20 each week”. That’s a reasonable point and the criticism and blame on Mark Gasnier for the Dragons woes is a bit unfair too.
I don’t think the Dragons are choking, I think they are stumbling through a rough patch where other teams are on the rise. They’re playing a bit tired but quite possibly are simply saving and conserving themselves for September. I think they can get back to their best and it would really surprise me if, after last year, Wayne Bennett did NOT have something special up his sleeve for the Finals.
Roosters Charging?
The other big story doing the rounds regards the Roosters and their amazing winning streak courtesy of a breathtaking brand of attacking football. However, as the story goes, have they peaked too soon?
I think the Roosters are well placed and it’s not as if they are beating teams 12 to 16. The Chooks have knocked over genuine Finals aspirants Brisbane, Parramatta, Souths and the Bulldogs (at the time).
I don’t think they have peaked too early as such. They’re going to face some quality, and possibly desperate, sides in the coming weeks including Gold Coast and Manly. If they have the toughness to hang in those games the Roosters will confirm themselves as genuine title contenders. If they were to lose those games and succumb to a meek exit, hindsight will tell us a truer tale.
Very little is really known about the side with a still fresh halves combination (in terms of playing together) and a heap of solid yet relatively unknown players throughout the squad. No matter what happens, the Roosters story from wooden spooners to top four pace-setters is a nice one.
Broncos Creeping?
Brisbane are a sleeping giant in this competition. I’m biased towards them but I genuinely think the Broncos, if they make the eight, are in this competition up to their eyeballs. Who’d have thought after a 2-6 record two months into the season!
The Broncos have three good things going for them – combination of youth and experience, proud history and culture of the club and finally, Darren Lockyer. Throw in x-factors like Israel Folau and it will take a good team to beat a momentum-riding Brisbane.
However they still have plenty of work to do in order to qualify with any loss suffered over the next five weeks possibly slipping Brisbane out of the eight. But if they can make it, they’ll shake it.
Eels Capitulating?
After Parramatta’s debacle last week I got on Twitter to determine if I should lead with Hayne Train Derailed or Hayne Plane Grounded. This club relies solely on the one player. He relies on the forwards etc, but at the end of the day if Hayne doesn’t play well the Eels WON’T win.
A month ago I wrote them off as a title contender and nothing has changed my mind. They beat the Cowboys and an ordinary Bulldogs side, with a freakish win over Penrith in the middle – a win that happens for a club once every few seasons, if that.
Parramatta finally came up against a real premiership threat last week, in a ‘fair’ match void of freak displays, and got their bums smacked. The Eels were flogged from bell-to-bell and that performance showed me where they are really at.
The Eels play the Titans and Broncos in Queensland in the next two weeks. Honestly I think they need to win both but would be happy with one. However I’m not confident they can win either ... having said that I will reluctantly (not confidently) tip them under the ‘Hayne factor’ to get over the Titans this week.
TIPPING
Tips – Broncos, Eels, Storm, Tigers, Sharks, Bulldogs, Dragons, Penrith
Last Week – 7/8
Total – 87/152 (57%)
Thanks for reading and as always you can email me (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), tweet me (@keyto316) or comment me below.
Cheers,
Keyto
Dragons Choking?
We saw it last year and the warning signs are back again, so after leading the comp all year are the Dragons stumbling towards an early finals exit again? One thing many underestimate is the pressure in leading the ladder for a sustained period of time. Every team you come up against is out to beat you and make a statement about the state of their club. It can’t be easy for the Dragons to contend with this on a weekly basis rather than a 6-8 week period leading into the Grand Final. Especially since they have had their top eight spot sealed since May.
Wendell Sailor told NRL on Fox “if the Dragons were in a form slump they would be getting beaten by 20 each week”. That’s a reasonable point and the criticism and blame on Mark Gasnier for the Dragons woes is a bit unfair too.
I don’t think the Dragons are choking, I think they are stumbling through a rough patch where other teams are on the rise. They’re playing a bit tired but quite possibly are simply saving and conserving themselves for September. I think they can get back to their best and it would really surprise me if, after last year, Wayne Bennett did NOT have something special up his sleeve for the Finals.
Roosters Charging?
The other big story doing the rounds regards the Roosters and their amazing winning streak courtesy of a breathtaking brand of attacking football. However, as the story goes, have they peaked too soon?
I think the Roosters are well placed and it’s not as if they are beating teams 12 to 16. The Chooks have knocked over genuine Finals aspirants Brisbane, Parramatta, Souths and the Bulldogs (at the time).
I don’t think they have peaked too early as such. They’re going to face some quality, and possibly desperate, sides in the coming weeks including Gold Coast and Manly. If they have the toughness to hang in those games the Roosters will confirm themselves as genuine title contenders. If they were to lose those games and succumb to a meek exit, hindsight will tell us a truer tale.
Very little is really known about the side with a still fresh halves combination (in terms of playing together) and a heap of solid yet relatively unknown players throughout the squad. No matter what happens, the Roosters story from wooden spooners to top four pace-setters is a nice one.
Broncos Creeping?
Brisbane are a sleeping giant in this competition. I’m biased towards them but I genuinely think the Broncos, if they make the eight, are in this competition up to their eyeballs. Who’d have thought after a 2-6 record two months into the season!
The Broncos have three good things going for them – combination of youth and experience, proud history and culture of the club and finally, Darren Lockyer. Throw in x-factors like Israel Folau and it will take a good team to beat a momentum-riding Brisbane.
However they still have plenty of work to do in order to qualify with any loss suffered over the next five weeks possibly slipping Brisbane out of the eight. But if they can make it, they’ll shake it.
Eels Capitulating?
After Parramatta’s debacle last week I got on Twitter to determine if I should lead with Hayne Train Derailed or Hayne Plane Grounded. This club relies solely on the one player. He relies on the forwards etc, but at the end of the day if Hayne doesn’t play well the Eels WON’T win.
A month ago I wrote them off as a title contender and nothing has changed my mind. They beat the Cowboys and an ordinary Bulldogs side, with a freakish win over Penrith in the middle – a win that happens for a club once every few seasons, if that.
Parramatta finally came up against a real premiership threat last week, in a ‘fair’ match void of freak displays, and got their bums smacked. The Eels were flogged from bell-to-bell and that performance showed me where they are really at.
The Eels play the Titans and Broncos in Queensland in the next two weeks. Honestly I think they need to win both but would be happy with one. However I’m not confident they can win either ... having said that I will reluctantly (not confidently) tip them under the ‘Hayne factor’ to get over the Titans this week.
TIPPING
Tips – Broncos, Eels, Storm, Tigers, Sharks, Bulldogs, Dragons, Penrith
Last Week – 7/8
Total – 87/152 (57%)
Thanks for reading and as always you can email me (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), tweet me (@keyto316) or comment me below.
Cheers,
Keyto
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Qld Teams - Queensland's Friday night feast
In a rare occurrence, all three Queensland-based NRL clubs will feature on Channel Nine’s Friday Night Football this weekend.
The night will kick off at 7:30pm with the Townsville blockbuster between the North Queensland Cowboys and arch rivals Brisbane Broncos live throughout the state.
Meanwhile the Gold Coast Titans will host Parramatta simultaneously at Skilled Park with the delayed broadcast to follow from approximately 9:30pm.
Dairy Farmers Stadium will be close to capacity with the match traditionally North Queensland’s biggest draw of the year irrespective of how the Cowboys and Broncos seasons are faring.
The Cowboys have had two solid recent performances with their golden point win at home against Newcastle backed up with a competitive showing against the Panthers in Penrith last week.
North Queensland led the match, played in slippery conditions, for all but the final five minutes with a brilliant solo try ultimately condemning the Cowboys to a 24-16 loss.
Coach Neil Henry has stuck with the same squad for the Broncos match while utility Ben Harris comes in as 18th man.
Captain Johnathan Thurston was found to have no case to answer at the judiciary despite being penalised for dissent against the Panthers.
He will lead a mouth-watering head-to-head battle against Darren Lockyer while Queensland team mates Israel Folau and Willie Tonga will oppose each other in the centres.
Centre Ty Williams has only a handful of NRL matches left with the former Queensland representative announcing his retirement at the end of the 2010 season.
Meanwhile with Willie Mason increasingly likely to join lock Luke O’Donnell in England next season, the Cowboys have recruited Broncos forward Ashton Sims for 2011.
Sims, not named this weekend, will join Brisbane winger Antonio Winterstein at the Cowboys with North Queensland continuing their active recruitment policy in preparation for the 2011 season.
Broncos Unchanged
On the back of a gritty 10-6 victory over the Dragons on Sunday, coach Ivan Henjak will take the same 17 man squad to Townsville.
Sunday’s victorious arm wrestle saw the Broncos again jump into the top eight but a loss on Friday could see them again slip down the ladder.
Brisbane has been in and out of the top eight as they have followed a win-loss pattern for the past seven weeks.
With the Broncos unable to gather winning momentum since their five game winning streak mid-season, they will target the Cowboys match as the catalyst for a strong run towards September.
Prop Shane Tronc, who played 125 games for the Cowboys over six seasons, returns to Townsville to face his former club for the first time.
Some reports out of Brisbane suggest Ben Te’o may complete an incredibly quick recovery from a mid-foot sprain and play Friday night.
However it is more likely Te’o will be available for next week’s match against Parramatta but regardless his speedy return will be a bonus for Brisbane.
Coast eye the Hayne Train
The message from Sydney following the Eels 48-12 thumping at the hands of the Roosters on Saturday has been stopping Jarryd Hayne means stopping Parramatta.
Hearing that message is easy but executing it is the huge task facing the Titans Friday night.
The Titans season has been reinvigorated by a golden point win over the Dragons before Sunday’s impressive 28-20 victory over the Warriors in New Zealand.
Gold Coast sit in fifth position on the table and should only need two wins from their final five games to secure a finals berth.
Last year Parramatta sent the Titans crashing to their second loss in the Finals series with a 27-2 thumping in Sydney.
It is the only time the Titans have lost to the Eels but memories of the humiliating season exit are likely to still linger.
Ashley Harrison returns to the squad after missing two weeks with a knee injury and replaces Bodene Thompson at lock.
Thompson will play off the bench in place of Luke O’Dwyer while exciting young back Shannon Walker, like last week, is 18th man.
A win for the Titans will seriously dent Parramatta’s chances of qualifying for the 2010 Finals series.
However a loss could see the Gold Coast slip to eighth such is the closeness of the competition.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Broncos, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live).
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Ty Williams, Willie Tonga, Will Tupou, Arana Taumata, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott, Aaron Payne, Willie Mason, Scott Bolton, Leeson Ah Mau, Luke O’Donnell. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Dane Hogan, Carl Webb, James Tamou, Ben Harris (one to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. Cowboys, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live).
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Alex Glenn, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Nick Kenny, Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Mitchell Dodds, Scott Anderson.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Eels, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, delayed 9:30pm).
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, William Zillman, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Brad Meyers, Ben Ridge, Bodene Thompson, Shannon Walker (one to be omitted).
The night will kick off at 7:30pm with the Townsville blockbuster between the North Queensland Cowboys and arch rivals Brisbane Broncos live throughout the state.
Meanwhile the Gold Coast Titans will host Parramatta simultaneously at Skilled Park with the delayed broadcast to follow from approximately 9:30pm.
Dairy Farmers Stadium will be close to capacity with the match traditionally North Queensland’s biggest draw of the year irrespective of how the Cowboys and Broncos seasons are faring.
The Cowboys have had two solid recent performances with their golden point win at home against Newcastle backed up with a competitive showing against the Panthers in Penrith last week.
North Queensland led the match, played in slippery conditions, for all but the final five minutes with a brilliant solo try ultimately condemning the Cowboys to a 24-16 loss.
Coach Neil Henry has stuck with the same squad for the Broncos match while utility Ben Harris comes in as 18th man.
Captain Johnathan Thurston was found to have no case to answer at the judiciary despite being penalised for dissent against the Panthers.
He will lead a mouth-watering head-to-head battle against Darren Lockyer while Queensland team mates Israel Folau and Willie Tonga will oppose each other in the centres.
Centre Ty Williams has only a handful of NRL matches left with the former Queensland representative announcing his retirement at the end of the 2010 season.
Meanwhile with Willie Mason increasingly likely to join lock Luke O’Donnell in England next season, the Cowboys have recruited Broncos forward Ashton Sims for 2011.
Sims, not named this weekend, will join Brisbane winger Antonio Winterstein at the Cowboys with North Queensland continuing their active recruitment policy in preparation for the 2011 season.
Broncos Unchanged
On the back of a gritty 10-6 victory over the Dragons on Sunday, coach Ivan Henjak will take the same 17 man squad to Townsville.
Sunday’s victorious arm wrestle saw the Broncos again jump into the top eight but a loss on Friday could see them again slip down the ladder.
Brisbane has been in and out of the top eight as they have followed a win-loss pattern for the past seven weeks.
With the Broncos unable to gather winning momentum since their five game winning streak mid-season, they will target the Cowboys match as the catalyst for a strong run towards September.
Prop Shane Tronc, who played 125 games for the Cowboys over six seasons, returns to Townsville to face his former club for the first time.
Some reports out of Brisbane suggest Ben Te’o may complete an incredibly quick recovery from a mid-foot sprain and play Friday night.
However it is more likely Te’o will be available for next week’s match against Parramatta but regardless his speedy return will be a bonus for Brisbane.
Coast eye the Hayne Train
The message from Sydney following the Eels 48-12 thumping at the hands of the Roosters on Saturday has been stopping Jarryd Hayne means stopping Parramatta.
Hearing that message is easy but executing it is the huge task facing the Titans Friday night.
The Titans season has been reinvigorated by a golden point win over the Dragons before Sunday’s impressive 28-20 victory over the Warriors in New Zealand.
Gold Coast sit in fifth position on the table and should only need two wins from their final five games to secure a finals berth.
Last year Parramatta sent the Titans crashing to their second loss in the Finals series with a 27-2 thumping in Sydney.
It is the only time the Titans have lost to the Eels but memories of the humiliating season exit are likely to still linger.
Ashley Harrison returns to the squad after missing two weeks with a knee injury and replaces Bodene Thompson at lock.
Thompson will play off the bench in place of Luke O’Dwyer while exciting young back Shannon Walker, like last week, is 18th man.
A win for the Titans will seriously dent Parramatta’s chances of qualifying for the 2010 Finals series.
However a loss could see the Gold Coast slip to eighth such is the closeness of the competition.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Broncos, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live).
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Ty Williams, Willie Tonga, Will Tupou, Arana Taumata, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott, Aaron Payne, Willie Mason, Scott Bolton, Leeson Ah Mau, Luke O’Donnell. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Dane Hogan, Carl Webb, James Tamou, Ben Harris (one to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. Cowboys, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live).
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Alex Glenn, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Nick Kenny, Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Mitchell Dodds, Scott Anderson.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Eels, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, delayed 9:30pm).
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, William Zillman, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Brad Meyers, Ben Ridge, Bodene Thompson, Shannon Walker (one to be omitted).
Thursday, July 29, 2010
It's official, the AFL is Kidding!!
The AFL signed away Karmichael Hunt and Israel Folau as a publicity stunt – something they have basically admitted. The AFL justified their huge salaries by claiming the marketing value of these guys will outweigh the cost. So my question is this ... if the AFL want publicity, if they want marketing, why aren’t they looking at signing Jason Akermanis?
This guy Aker
NRL fans, Jason Akermanis is one of the most talented AFL players of the last decade. He is also the most outspoken man in the game. He is opinionated, candid and brutally honest with the ability to back things up on the field. Last week, ‘Aker’ was axed from his club side – the second time in the last four years.
The bottom line however is this – the man can damn well play the game and he puts bums on seats. He gets people talking, he has a huge media profile and generates interest wherever he goes. If the AFL wants publicity for their new sides, they should be looking at a guy like this rather than athletes who have never played the game.
The current plan
As we all know too well, the AFL signed Karmichael Hunt to be the face of the new Gold Coast franchise and Israel Folau to spearhead the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) team. Both are wonderful athletes and fine young men, but neither have huge media profiles or are proven on-field performers.
If GWS think Folau is going to generate headlines and interest with his words they will likely be sadly disappointed. Izzy is a wonderful guy but here in Brisbane, we hardly see him off field. He does not do a lot of media work but then again, the Broncos don’t need him to.
Hunt is a bit different with media work coming more naturally. I also think he is more likely to succeed at the sport.
But why take the risk with so many unknowns? Jason Akermanis is a proven performer, an AFL star, so why is the AFL happy to splurge millions on league guys when they have guaranteed publicity plus on-field success packaged and ready to go?
The fans
I’m sure I would not be the only rugby league fan puzzled by this. We see our superstars taken away, with money thrown at them, in what is effectively a glorified PR stunt. Stunts the AFL have never denied. Yet the chance comes for them to do something similar with their BIGGEST media personality, and not a whisper! Surely the AFL fans are a bit miffed as well.
I must point out, Akermanis was set to retire at the end of this season. That’s not the point though – the AFL have sort out our NRL stars for publicity at their new clubs. They threw huge money at our guys in a direct threat to rugby league.
Yet AFL turns its back on their own stars, arguably one of their bigger stars!! Someone who could, if given the option, assist a new franchise both on and off the field. If it’s got me puzzled, surely it has others from both codes equally bemused. I’m not saying Aker would even accept the offer, but if the AFL are serious about publicity they will consider it.
Otherwise, they’re just throwing their coins in a bold (yet hopeless) attempt at killing our code.
TIPPING
Tips – Penrith, Bulldogs, Roosters, Tigers, Warriors, Melbourne, Brisbane, Newcastle
Last Week – 5/8
Total – 80/144 (55%)
We’ll get back to regular NRL thoughts next week as the season really begins to pick up another gear on the road to the Grand Final. You can contact me directly (andrew.keyte@gmail.com) or at Twitter (@keyto316) and of course using the comments below.
Thanks for reading,
Keyto
This guy Aker
NRL fans, Jason Akermanis is one of the most talented AFL players of the last decade. He is also the most outspoken man in the game. He is opinionated, candid and brutally honest with the ability to back things up on the field. Last week, ‘Aker’ was axed from his club side – the second time in the last four years.
The bottom line however is this – the man can damn well play the game and he puts bums on seats. He gets people talking, he has a huge media profile and generates interest wherever he goes. If the AFL wants publicity for their new sides, they should be looking at a guy like this rather than athletes who have never played the game.
The current plan
As we all know too well, the AFL signed Karmichael Hunt to be the face of the new Gold Coast franchise and Israel Folau to spearhead the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) team. Both are wonderful athletes and fine young men, but neither have huge media profiles or are proven on-field performers.
If GWS think Folau is going to generate headlines and interest with his words they will likely be sadly disappointed. Izzy is a wonderful guy but here in Brisbane, we hardly see him off field. He does not do a lot of media work but then again, the Broncos don’t need him to.
Hunt is a bit different with media work coming more naturally. I also think he is more likely to succeed at the sport.
But why take the risk with so many unknowns? Jason Akermanis is a proven performer, an AFL star, so why is the AFL happy to splurge millions on league guys when they have guaranteed publicity plus on-field success packaged and ready to go?
The fans
I’m sure I would not be the only rugby league fan puzzled by this. We see our superstars taken away, with money thrown at them, in what is effectively a glorified PR stunt. Stunts the AFL have never denied. Yet the chance comes for them to do something similar with their BIGGEST media personality, and not a whisper! Surely the AFL fans are a bit miffed as well.
I must point out, Akermanis was set to retire at the end of this season. That’s not the point though – the AFL have sort out our NRL stars for publicity at their new clubs. They threw huge money at our guys in a direct threat to rugby league.
Yet AFL turns its back on their own stars, arguably one of their bigger stars!! Someone who could, if given the option, assist a new franchise both on and off the field. If it’s got me puzzled, surely it has others from both codes equally bemused. I’m not saying Aker would even accept the offer, but if the AFL are serious about publicity they will consider it.
Otherwise, they’re just throwing their coins in a bold (yet hopeless) attempt at killing our code.
TIPPING
Tips – Penrith, Bulldogs, Roosters, Tigers, Warriors, Melbourne, Brisbane, Newcastle
Last Week – 5/8
Total – 80/144 (55%)
We’ll get back to regular NRL thoughts next week as the season really begins to pick up another gear on the road to the Grand Final. You can contact me directly (andrew.keyte@gmail.com) or at Twitter (@keyto316) and of course using the comments below.
Thanks for reading,
Keyto
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Qld Teams - Cowboys set for Friday showing
The North Queensland Cowboys are preparing for a rare Friday night match against a spluttering Panthers team.
In a poor season to date, the Cowboys golden point win over the Knights last week provided one of the few highlights and they will hope to finish the year off positively.
They travel to Penrith this weekend to take on a second-placed Panthers side that have lost their last three games.
Coach Neil Henry has stuck solid with the 17 Cowboys who did the job last week with Arana Taumata retained in the troubled five-eighth position.
Taumata played his first three games for his new club at centre but is viewed as a potential halves partner for Johnathan Thurston.
The five-eighth position has been a huge headache for North Queensland all season with injury and form not allowing Thurston to find a regular cohort.
They have used Grant Rovelli without success, rookies Ray Thompson and Michael Morgan, fullback Matt Bowen and winger Ash Graham at various stages.
Ty Williams has been retained and will play right centre, likely opposite Michael Jennings, Friday night.
With no chance of playing in the finals, the Cowboys will hope to play spoiler as Penrith look to re-boot their season and chase down top spot on the ladder.
The match will be live on Channel Nine from 7:30pm Friday.
Titans unchanged, for now
Gold Coast travel to New Zealand for Sunday’s match with the Warriors but could be boosted by the early returns of Greg Bird and Ashley Harrison.
According to a report in Tuesday’s Courier Mail, the duo could be a shock inclusion for the Auckland match.
Bird (hamstring) and Harrison (knee) both missed the Titans thrilling 11-10 golden point win over the Dragons last week and were expected to be sidelined for another week at least.
Coach John Cartwright today named an unchanged side with Luke O’Dwyer listed as 18th man.
The travel factor may see the Titans urge on the side of caution with Bird and Harrison however both should be back for the Gold Coast to push towards the finals.
Last week’s last minute extra time win prevented the Titans from slipping out of the top eight and could prove to be the turning point they needed after some poor form.
Exciting backline talent Shannon Walker has been retained on the bench despite a mixed night in slippery conditions against the Dragons.
The winner of the match could see themselves in the top eight while, such is the closeness of the competition, the loser could slip as low as 10th on the ladder.
Fox Sports Two has the match live from midday Sunday.
Te’o gone for a month
Ben Te’o is in career best form however his season will be stalled due to a foot injury.
The powerful back-rower, who has scored 10 tries this year, suffered the injury midway through the first half of last night’s exciting 34-30 loss to the Roosters.
There were fears of a small break, which could have been season ending, but the Broncos say scans reveal a sprain and he could be back after four weeks.
Te’o has forged a lethal right-side combination with Israel Folau and Jharal Yow Yeh and was on the cusp of Queensland Origin selection.
His position for Sunday’s huge match with the league leading Dragons at Suncorp Stadium has been taken by Matt Gillett.
Coach Ivan Henjak has recalled Lagi Setu, Ashton Sims and Scott Anderson to a six man interchange bench as the Broncos try and force their way back into the top eight.
The trio have spent the last few weeks in the Queensland Cup with youngsters Mitchell Dodds and Josh McGuire preferred in the four prop rotation with leaders Nick Kenny and Shane Tronc.
The Broncos are precariously placed in ninth position and can ill-afford back-to-back losses heading into the last six weeks of the regular season.
Brisbane will wear a special navy blue jersey on Sunday as a dedication to late club servant Cyril Connell.
Connell served the club for nearly 20 years mainly as a recruitment officer and was credited with discovering the likes of Darren Lockyer, Petero Civoniceva and Wendell Sailor.
It will be the first time the Broncos have honoured an individual in such a way and a bumper crowd is expected on Sunday.
The match kicks off at 3pm and will be broadcast delayed on Channel Nine from 4pm.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Penrith, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live).
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Ty Williams, Willie Tonga, Will Tupou, Arana Taumata, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott, Aaron Payne, Willie Mason, Scott Bolton, Leeson Ah Mau, Luke O’Donnell. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Dane Hogan, Carl Webb, James Tamou.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Warriors, Sunday 12pm AEST, (Fox Sports Two, live)
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, William Zillman, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Bodene Thompson. Interchange: Matthew White, Brad Meyers, Ben Ridge, Shannon Walker, Luke O’Dwyer (one to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. Dragons, Sunday 3pm, (Channel Nine delayed, 4pm)
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Alex Glenn, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Nick Kenny, Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Mitchell Dodds, Scott Anderson, Lagi Setu, Ashton Sims (two to be omitted).
In a poor season to date, the Cowboys golden point win over the Knights last week provided one of the few highlights and they will hope to finish the year off positively.
They travel to Penrith this weekend to take on a second-placed Panthers side that have lost their last three games.
Coach Neil Henry has stuck solid with the 17 Cowboys who did the job last week with Arana Taumata retained in the troubled five-eighth position.
Taumata played his first three games for his new club at centre but is viewed as a potential halves partner for Johnathan Thurston.
The five-eighth position has been a huge headache for North Queensland all season with injury and form not allowing Thurston to find a regular cohort.
They have used Grant Rovelli without success, rookies Ray Thompson and Michael Morgan, fullback Matt Bowen and winger Ash Graham at various stages.
Ty Williams has been retained and will play right centre, likely opposite Michael Jennings, Friday night.
With no chance of playing in the finals, the Cowboys will hope to play spoiler as Penrith look to re-boot their season and chase down top spot on the ladder.
The match will be live on Channel Nine from 7:30pm Friday.
Titans unchanged, for now
Gold Coast travel to New Zealand for Sunday’s match with the Warriors but could be boosted by the early returns of Greg Bird and Ashley Harrison.
According to a report in Tuesday’s Courier Mail, the duo could be a shock inclusion for the Auckland match.
Bird (hamstring) and Harrison (knee) both missed the Titans thrilling 11-10 golden point win over the Dragons last week and were expected to be sidelined for another week at least.
Coach John Cartwright today named an unchanged side with Luke O’Dwyer listed as 18th man.
The travel factor may see the Titans urge on the side of caution with Bird and Harrison however both should be back for the Gold Coast to push towards the finals.
Last week’s last minute extra time win prevented the Titans from slipping out of the top eight and could prove to be the turning point they needed after some poor form.
Exciting backline talent Shannon Walker has been retained on the bench despite a mixed night in slippery conditions against the Dragons.
The winner of the match could see themselves in the top eight while, such is the closeness of the competition, the loser could slip as low as 10th on the ladder.
Fox Sports Two has the match live from midday Sunday.
Te’o gone for a month
Ben Te’o is in career best form however his season will be stalled due to a foot injury.
The powerful back-rower, who has scored 10 tries this year, suffered the injury midway through the first half of last night’s exciting 34-30 loss to the Roosters.
There were fears of a small break, which could have been season ending, but the Broncos say scans reveal a sprain and he could be back after four weeks.
Te’o has forged a lethal right-side combination with Israel Folau and Jharal Yow Yeh and was on the cusp of Queensland Origin selection.
His position for Sunday’s huge match with the league leading Dragons at Suncorp Stadium has been taken by Matt Gillett.
Coach Ivan Henjak has recalled Lagi Setu, Ashton Sims and Scott Anderson to a six man interchange bench as the Broncos try and force their way back into the top eight.
The trio have spent the last few weeks in the Queensland Cup with youngsters Mitchell Dodds and Josh McGuire preferred in the four prop rotation with leaders Nick Kenny and Shane Tronc.
The Broncos are precariously placed in ninth position and can ill-afford back-to-back losses heading into the last six weeks of the regular season.
Brisbane will wear a special navy blue jersey on Sunday as a dedication to late club servant Cyril Connell.
Connell served the club for nearly 20 years mainly as a recruitment officer and was credited with discovering the likes of Darren Lockyer, Petero Civoniceva and Wendell Sailor.
It will be the first time the Broncos have honoured an individual in such a way and a bumper crowd is expected on Sunday.
The match kicks off at 3pm and will be broadcast delayed on Channel Nine from 4pm.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Penrith, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live).
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Ty Williams, Willie Tonga, Will Tupou, Arana Taumata, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott, Aaron Payne, Willie Mason, Scott Bolton, Leeson Ah Mau, Luke O’Donnell. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Dane Hogan, Carl Webb, James Tamou.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Warriors, Sunday 12pm AEST, (Fox Sports Two, live)
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, William Zillman, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Bodene Thompson. Interchange: Matthew White, Brad Meyers, Ben Ridge, Shannon Walker, Luke O’Dwyer (one to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. Dragons, Sunday 3pm, (Channel Nine delayed, 4pm)
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Alex Glenn, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Nick Kenny, Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Mitchell Dodds, Scott Anderson, Lagi Setu, Ashton Sims (two to be omitted).
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Contenders and Pretenders
As we enter the business end of the season, there are three genuine premiership chances remaining in the competition. Realistically, any of the 10 remaining contenders could get on a roll and take this thing out. But for mine, assuming there are no dramatic changes in form or personnel, this is predominately a race in three.
The Contenders
Dragons – They have sat on top all year and will take the minor premiership, however as many have noted can they take the next step? Have they learnt from the mistakes of last season? The Dragons are well disciplined and somewhat predictable, but it works for them. What’s more, it’s hard to stop. If there’s still more to come, the Dragons will be one of the last four teams standing in 2010.
Panthers – I like what this team is doing despite a two week hiccup. Penrith are still a reasonably young team but they gel together nicely. I like their attack and while they’re in a flat spot now, I have seen enough to think they have another level and will push hard to finish the season strongly.
Broncos – After the pain at the start of the year, this side is on the verge of doing something special. The young backs are all superstars in the making, the forward pack works hard and there is a sprinkling of experience across the board. The Broncos are a fast team with new found steel in defence. They will be hard to beat, but not unbeatable.
The Pretenders
Titans – Gold Coast have lost six of their last eight matches and their season is spluttering. They have an old team and the slightest drop in speed and agility is all it takes in this competition. Scott Prince is below his best and lacks a genuine kicking foil at five-eighth. With a tough month ahead, the Titans could lose their next four to end the season.
Sea Eagles – A bit like the Titans, this side is a bit too old particularly in the forwards. They are using the same players and similar structures to their successful 2007-08 campaigns. But the game changes every year and Manly have not adapted. Manly should make the eight, but hard to see them winning more than one match in the finals series.
Warriors – I love watching this team but can’t see them consistently winning big games over the next two months. I know they have won five in a row and are playing good football now, but I don’t think they have the squad this year to win three or four high pressure finals.
The X-Factors
Tigers – Benji Marshall is the key to this side and their season rests in his hands. They are capable of the razzle dazzle and have won some tight games too. If they get on a role through September, I don’t think any team could stop the Tigers.
Roosters – I’m not sold on the Roosters, but I could be. Braith Anasta was outstanding on the weekend and the new halves combination looks threatening. My concern, like the Warriors, is I don’t know that the Roosters are capable this year of consecutively winning three or four high pressure games.
Eels – I’m not getting carried away with their form reversal because let’s face it – they beat the disgraceful Cowboys and produced a freakish display against Penrith. Those matches happen once or twice a season and no one can really explain it. I want to judge the Eels over the next month when they play Bulldogs, Broncos and Titans. However, I stand by what I said a few weeks ago in that I don’t think Parramatta will do anything in this competition. Memories of last year are still fresh, so have to include them here.
Bulldogs – If they make it the Bulldogs could be a genuine threat, especially the way they’re playing. The problem is, I don’t think they will make the top eight.
Rabbitohs – Isaac Luke holds the key to this side but the problem is, Luke won’t be on the field until a month out from the finals – at best. By then it could be too late. However, if Souths make the eight and Luke returns near his best, the Rabbitohs have the squad to give this competition a real shake.
Gone
Canberra – Far too inconsistent and although they look better with a genuine halfback playing alongside Campese. However, the Raiders have left the run too late and even if they somehow make the eight won’t do anything of note.
Newcastle – Watch a tape of their effort in Canberra on the weekend for the reason why they won’t make the eight let alone threaten to win the thing.
Cronulla and Cowboys – Prepare for next season.
Storm – Who knows what is doing down there, but need to sort it out ASAP to plan for 2011.
TIPPING
Tips – Dragons, Bulldogs, Raiders, Cowboys, Storm, Souths, Manly, Brisbane
Last Week – 6/8
Total – 75/136 (55%)
If you have any thoughts or comments on the top eight feel free to share them. You can get me directly on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) or comment below.
Cheers,
Keyto
The Contenders
Dragons – They have sat on top all year and will take the minor premiership, however as many have noted can they take the next step? Have they learnt from the mistakes of last season? The Dragons are well disciplined and somewhat predictable, but it works for them. What’s more, it’s hard to stop. If there’s still more to come, the Dragons will be one of the last four teams standing in 2010.
Panthers – I like what this team is doing despite a two week hiccup. Penrith are still a reasonably young team but they gel together nicely. I like their attack and while they’re in a flat spot now, I have seen enough to think they have another level and will push hard to finish the season strongly.
Broncos – After the pain at the start of the year, this side is on the verge of doing something special. The young backs are all superstars in the making, the forward pack works hard and there is a sprinkling of experience across the board. The Broncos are a fast team with new found steel in defence. They will be hard to beat, but not unbeatable.
The Pretenders
Titans – Gold Coast have lost six of their last eight matches and their season is spluttering. They have an old team and the slightest drop in speed and agility is all it takes in this competition. Scott Prince is below his best and lacks a genuine kicking foil at five-eighth. With a tough month ahead, the Titans could lose their next four to end the season.
Sea Eagles – A bit like the Titans, this side is a bit too old particularly in the forwards. They are using the same players and similar structures to their successful 2007-08 campaigns. But the game changes every year and Manly have not adapted. Manly should make the eight, but hard to see them winning more than one match in the finals series.
Warriors – I love watching this team but can’t see them consistently winning big games over the next two months. I know they have won five in a row and are playing good football now, but I don’t think they have the squad this year to win three or four high pressure finals.
The X-Factors
Tigers – Benji Marshall is the key to this side and their season rests in his hands. They are capable of the razzle dazzle and have won some tight games too. If they get on a role through September, I don’t think any team could stop the Tigers.
Roosters – I’m not sold on the Roosters, but I could be. Braith Anasta was outstanding on the weekend and the new halves combination looks threatening. My concern, like the Warriors, is I don’t know that the Roosters are capable this year of consecutively winning three or four high pressure games.
Eels – I’m not getting carried away with their form reversal because let’s face it – they beat the disgraceful Cowboys and produced a freakish display against Penrith. Those matches happen once or twice a season and no one can really explain it. I want to judge the Eels over the next month when they play Bulldogs, Broncos and Titans. However, I stand by what I said a few weeks ago in that I don’t think Parramatta will do anything in this competition. Memories of last year are still fresh, so have to include them here.
Bulldogs – If they make it the Bulldogs could be a genuine threat, especially the way they’re playing. The problem is, I don’t think they will make the top eight.
Rabbitohs – Isaac Luke holds the key to this side but the problem is, Luke won’t be on the field until a month out from the finals – at best. By then it could be too late. However, if Souths make the eight and Luke returns near his best, the Rabbitohs have the squad to give this competition a real shake.
Gone
Canberra – Far too inconsistent and although they look better with a genuine halfback playing alongside Campese. However, the Raiders have left the run too late and even if they somehow make the eight won’t do anything of note.
Newcastle – Watch a tape of their effort in Canberra on the weekend for the reason why they won’t make the eight let alone threaten to win the thing.
Cronulla and Cowboys – Prepare for next season.
Storm – Who knows what is doing down there, but need to sort it out ASAP to plan for 2011.
TIPPING
Tips – Dragons, Bulldogs, Raiders, Cowboys, Storm, Souths, Manly, Brisbane
Last Week – 6/8
Total – 75/136 (55%)
If you have any thoughts or comments on the top eight feel free to share them. You can get me directly on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) or comment below.
Cheers,
Keyto
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Qld Teams - Rogers in halves for crunch match
Veteran Mat Rogers will play five-eighth in the Titans crucial match with competition leaders St George-Illawarra on Friday night.
Coach John Cartwright named Rogers to partner Scott Prince in the halves after scans showed Greg Bird will miss 3-4 weeks with a hamstring injury.
Bird suffered the injury late in the Titans 24-10 loss to Brisbane last week – their sixth loss in the last eight matches.
Another defeat this weekend could see the Gold Coast tumble out of the top eight for the first time this season.
As a result of Bird’s injury, and a knee problem for lock Ashley Harrison sidelining him for two weeks, Cartwright has re-jigged his backline for this weekend’s match at Kogarah in Sydney.
Bodene Thompson reverts back to his more familiar lock forward position with Clinton Toopi and former Bronco Steve Michaels completing a new look centre pairing.
Enigmatic young flyer Shannon Walker, normally a fullback or winger, has been named on a five man bench alongside 20-year-old debutant back-rower Ben Ridge.
Impressive rookie forward Ryan James drops back to the under 20’s after limited NRL game time in recent weeks.
With a negative point differential and an away trip to New Zealand before a blockbuster with Parramatta to follow, Friday night shapes as a crunch match for the Titans.
Channel Nine will broadcast the game live from 7:30pm Friday.
Cowboys unchanged
Despite slumping to their fourth consecutive loss, North Queensland coach Neil Henry has named an unchanged squad to face Newcastle at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Saturday night.
The Cowboys blew a 16-nil lead to be run down 26-16 by the Wests Tigers last night to register their 13th loss of the season.
Anthony Watts will return to the bench after serving a one match suspension with Willie Tonga (ankle) named despite playing just 13 minutes last night.
North Queensland are officially out of this seasons’ finals race with the available 14 competition points not enough to see them even sneak into the top eight.
The Knights, who are still an outside chance at making the finals, will need to bounce back from their humiliating 52-18 loss to Canberra on the weekend.
Fox Sports will have viewer’s choice coverage of this match from 7:30pm Saturday.
Thaiday named
Rampaging back-rower Sam Thaiday is expected to overcome a corked thigh in time for the Broncos match with Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on Monday night.
Thaiday played barely 20 minutes against the Titans have getting an accidental knee to the thigh while taking a tackle early in the match.
He battled on before succumbing midway through the first half and failed to return.
However the 10 day turnaround should provide Thaiday with time to recover and coach Ivan Henjak today included him in an unchanged side for the clash with the in-form Roosters.
It will be the Broncos first Monday night game at Suncorp Stadium this season and just their second in 2010.
A win for Brisbane could see them replace the Roosters in the top four while a loss could result in the Broncos sliding out of the top eight.
The Broncos have won five of the last six matches between the clubs however the Roosters ran out convincing 25-6 winners when they met on Good Friday this season.
It will be the first time the Roosters have played the Broncos in Brisbane since 2005 with the match to be broadcast live on Fox Sports from 7pm Monday.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Dragons, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, William Zillman, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Bodene Thompson. Interchange: Matthew White, Brad Meyers, Ben Ridge, Luke O’Dwyer, Shannon Walker (one to be omitted).
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Newcastle, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports Two, live).
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Arana Taumata, Willie Tonga, Will Tupou, Grant Rovelli, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott, Aaron Payne, Willie Mason, Scott Bolton, Leeson Ah Mau, Luke O’Donnell. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Dane Hogan, Carl Webb, James Tamou, Ben Harris (one to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. Roosters, Monday 7pm, (Fox Sports Two, live)
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Alex Glenn, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Nick Kenny, Ben Te’o, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Matt Gillett, Mitchell Dodds, Josh McGuire.
Coach John Cartwright named Rogers to partner Scott Prince in the halves after scans showed Greg Bird will miss 3-4 weeks with a hamstring injury.
Bird suffered the injury late in the Titans 24-10 loss to Brisbane last week – their sixth loss in the last eight matches.
Another defeat this weekend could see the Gold Coast tumble out of the top eight for the first time this season.
As a result of Bird’s injury, and a knee problem for lock Ashley Harrison sidelining him for two weeks, Cartwright has re-jigged his backline for this weekend’s match at Kogarah in Sydney.
Bodene Thompson reverts back to his more familiar lock forward position with Clinton Toopi and former Bronco Steve Michaels completing a new look centre pairing.
Enigmatic young flyer Shannon Walker, normally a fullback or winger, has been named on a five man bench alongside 20-year-old debutant back-rower Ben Ridge.
Impressive rookie forward Ryan James drops back to the under 20’s after limited NRL game time in recent weeks.
With a negative point differential and an away trip to New Zealand before a blockbuster with Parramatta to follow, Friday night shapes as a crunch match for the Titans.
Channel Nine will broadcast the game live from 7:30pm Friday.
Cowboys unchanged
Despite slumping to their fourth consecutive loss, North Queensland coach Neil Henry has named an unchanged squad to face Newcastle at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Saturday night.
The Cowboys blew a 16-nil lead to be run down 26-16 by the Wests Tigers last night to register their 13th loss of the season.
Anthony Watts will return to the bench after serving a one match suspension with Willie Tonga (ankle) named despite playing just 13 minutes last night.
North Queensland are officially out of this seasons’ finals race with the available 14 competition points not enough to see them even sneak into the top eight.
The Knights, who are still an outside chance at making the finals, will need to bounce back from their humiliating 52-18 loss to Canberra on the weekend.
Fox Sports will have viewer’s choice coverage of this match from 7:30pm Saturday.
Thaiday named
Rampaging back-rower Sam Thaiday is expected to overcome a corked thigh in time for the Broncos match with Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on Monday night.
Thaiday played barely 20 minutes against the Titans have getting an accidental knee to the thigh while taking a tackle early in the match.
He battled on before succumbing midway through the first half and failed to return.
However the 10 day turnaround should provide Thaiday with time to recover and coach Ivan Henjak today included him in an unchanged side for the clash with the in-form Roosters.
It will be the Broncos first Monday night game at Suncorp Stadium this season and just their second in 2010.
A win for Brisbane could see them replace the Roosters in the top four while a loss could result in the Broncos sliding out of the top eight.
The Broncos have won five of the last six matches between the clubs however the Roosters ran out convincing 25-6 winners when they met on Good Friday this season.
It will be the first time the Roosters have played the Broncos in Brisbane since 2005 with the match to be broadcast live on Fox Sports from 7pm Monday.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Dragons, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, William Zillman, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Bodene Thompson. Interchange: Matthew White, Brad Meyers, Ben Ridge, Luke O’Dwyer, Shannon Walker (one to be omitted).
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Newcastle, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports Two, live).
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Arana Taumata, Willie Tonga, Will Tupou, Grant Rovelli, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott, Aaron Payne, Willie Mason, Scott Bolton, Leeson Ah Mau, Luke O’Donnell. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Dane Hogan, Carl Webb, James Tamou, Ben Harris (one to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. Roosters, Monday 7pm, (Fox Sports Two, live)
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Alex Glenn, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Nick Kenny, Ben Te’o, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Matt Gillett, Mitchell Dodds, Josh McGuire.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
