Veteran prop Petero Civoniceva has recovered from a broken hand and will play for Queensland in Origin III at ANZ Stadium next week.
Civoniceva missed four weeks of football after suffering the injury in Origin I but made a successful return for club side Penrith last Friday night.
He slots straight back into the starting side as Queensland travel to Sydney in the hope of securing their first series whitewash since 1995.
With replacement front row pairing Matt Scott and David Shillington in irresistible form, the unlucky man to miss out is Bulldogs bookend Ben Hannant.
The Broncos-bound prop, who missed Origin I with a knee injury, replaced Civoniceva for the Maroons 34-6 drubbing of NSW in Origin II at Suncorp Stadium.
That rout ensured Queensland became the first side in 30 years of Origin history to claim five consecutive interstate series.
All attention now is on a ‘Maroonwash’ with Queensland desperate to reaffirm their dominance by winning all three games this year.
AFL-bound winger Israel Folau has been selected despite cries from the NSWRL the vision will be used by the rival code to promote their game.
It will be Folau’s final Origin match for Queensland while champion five-eighth Darren Lockyer has indicated next week’s match in Sydney may not be his Maroon swansong.
South Sydney lock Ben Lowe has been named 18th man.
Meanwhile the Queensland Residents team, made up of players from the Queensland Cup, has been named.
The squad includes recent NRL-experienced players David Milne (Canberra), Steve Michaels (Gold Coast), Josh McGuire (Brisbane) and Jamie Buhrer (Manly).
The team plays the New South Wales Residents in the curtain raiser to Origin III.
‘Baby’ Broncos host Tigers
The Brisbane Broncos will again rely on their youth as they battle a full strength Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium on Friday.
Brisbane have lost captain Lockyer, leading try scorer Folau and inspirational forwards leader Sam Thaiday to Queensland duty.
Corey Norman again steps into Lockyer’s five-eighth jersey as the Broncos aim to replicate the 50-22 hammering of South Sydney last time they were without their representative stars.
Coach Ivan Henjak named Ben Te’o as Folau’s replacement in the centres while Ashton Sims and Lagi Setu form a new look back row.
Corey Parker captains the side with props Scott Anderson (elbow soreness) and Josh McGuire returning on the bench.
A win over the third placed Tigers will see the Broncos leapfrog them towards the top four.
Bird returns to NSW
Gold Coast five-eighth Greg Bird last night was one of eight new faces to the Blues side as he won a recall after a two year absence.
He has played four games for New South Wales after debuting in 2007 but hasn’t played since Cronulla tore up his contract in January 2009 for off-field incidents.
Bird has been solid for the Titans in his NRL return this season and his form over the last month has proved too hard for the selectors to ignore.
He joins Queensland regular Ashley Harrison as the Titans only representative players this season.
With the bye this weekend, the Titans will hope to have some troops back on deck after a challenging injury period.
Already without Scott Prince and Luke O’Dwyer (hamstring injuries), the Titans lost right side combination David Mead (ankle ligaments) and Sam Tagataese (shoulder ligaments) in the first half of their 24-16 loss to Newcastle on Sunday.
The Titans will hope to at least have Prince back for their next match against Wests Tigers on Friday week.
Cowboys lose two
North Queensland Cowboys have the bye this weekend but have lost two of their forwards to rival clubs.
After spending the last 18 months shifting between the NRL and Queensland Cup, Manase Manuokafoa has been released immediately to join Parramatta.
Manuokafoa has had an unhappy time in Townsville unable to secure a regular spot in the side after arriving with high expectations from South Sydney last season.
Former Storm and Queensland prop Antonio Kaufusi followed a similar path and was released last week to join Newcastle.
North Queensland have been active in the recruitment market with Broncos winger Antonio Winterstein and former Queensland centre Brent Tate to join the club from next season.
The Cowboys lost a seemingly unlosable contest with Cronulla on the weekend after blowing an 18-0 lead to fall 19-20 losers in extra time.
North Queensland has the bye this weekend with their chances of playing finals football all but blown for the 2010 season.
This weekend the Broncos game is live on Channel Nine from 7:30pm Friday with Origin III live on the network on Wednesday with kick-off at 8pm.
Queensland vs. NSW, Origin III, July 7th, ANZ Stadium, Sydney (Channel 9, live).
Billy Slater (Melbourne), Darius Boyd (St George-Illawarra), Greg Inglis (Melbourne), Willie Tonga (North Queensland), Israel Folau (Brisbane), Darren Lockyer (captain, Brisbane), Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland), Matt Scott (North Queensland), Cameron Smith (Melbourne), Petero Civoniceva (Penrith), Nate Myles (Roosters), Sam Thaiday (Brisbane), Ashley Harrison (Gold Coast). Interchange: Cooper Cronk (Melbourne), David Shillington (Canberra), Neville Costigan (St George-Illawarra), David Taylor (South Sydney). 18th Man – Ben Lowe (South Sydney).
Brisbane Broncos vs. Tigers, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Matt Gillett, Ben Te’o, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Corey Norman, Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Nick Kenny, Ashton Sims, Lagi Setu, Corey Parker (c). Interchange: Ben Hunt, Mitchell Dodds, Scott Anderson, Josh McGuire.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Top 10 best things in the NRL today
From the dawn of new eras to the influx of new talent, plus some of the quirkier events, season 2010 is flowing along swimmingly. As we begin to reach the end of another Origin series and clubs begin shifting focus towards the business end of the competition, now is a good time to reflect on the season to date. Without the alleged racism, cheating and drug use, this season has been pretty good to date – and here’s why:
10. The Dragons
They are the competition heavyweights and the team to beat. This side seems to be in cruise control and because of their lofty heights at the top of the table, become the villains. Everyone wants to beat them, and every comp needs someone raising the bar. Last year Canberra showed the NRL how to beat the Dragons. Who can step up this year, or, can anyone indeed step up at all?
9. Gareth Ellis
I love watching this Tigers tough nut play the game. He doesn’t get the headlines of a Burgess, Thaiday or Hindmarsh but he is just as important. Ellis would be the first forward I would pick in a new side. He is professional, old fashioned and plays his heart out. This Englishman is great to watch and a real credit to his club, his country and himself.
8. End of season 100m race
I was not really interested in seeing this until last weekend. The plan is for the fastest 10 or 12 players to race each other in a traditional 100m dash at the end of the year. I didn’t care until I saw the Titans winger Kevin Gordon race away at Suncorp Stadium last week. I thought he was the man to beat until Greg Inglis ran the length of the field in second gear on Saturday, and no one got near him. Throw in guys like Akuila Uate and Michael Jennings – plus the prospect of Usain Bolt – and I’m looking forward to this. I would like to see the race happen in full playing gear and carrying a ball however.
7. The Youth
We are just starting to see the evolution of the first year Toyota Cup players coming through. I think players need a year or two playing against men after the U20’s and we’ve seen that now with guys like Matt Gillett, Josh Dugan, Jamal Idris, Alex Glenn, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Nathan Gardner and Ben Barba emerge. I love seeing some of the young talent at the Broncos and Canberra really shine and we’re seeing new superstars created before our very eyes.
6. Sunday Footy
I think everybody loves this and when you see Leichardt Oval jammed to the rafters in glorious sunshine, you can see why. I’ve said before we need more Sunday arvo games because that’s what the people want. These games give fans a perfect afternoon out at the game while still having time to go for a drink or get kids home for bed before it gets too late.
5. South Sydney
I’m not a Rabbitohs fan but I make the effort to try and watch them every week. No matter their opponents or how they play, the Rabbitohs provide entertainment. They’re a young team and we may just be seeing them evolve as well. Some of their players, like the team, are hit or miss – but that’s what makes Souths must see viewing.
4. The Sunday Roast
This is hands down the best rugby league show in the game, bar none. It involves Andrew Voss, Phil Gould, Mark Geyer and, usually, Terry Kennedy discussing the big and not so big issues in the game. They generally cover most angles to an issue without being too serious which allows the viewer to form their own opinions. It’s the only NRL show I tape if I miss it and the only downside is the program only runs for one hour.
3. New Media
This season especially rugby league has taken on a whole new blogging and internet presence. If you want a good blog (apart from this), find Phil Rothfield over at the Daily Telegraph website. If you want to stay really well informed, join the Twitter family and follow as many voices as you can. League fans can now really participate and be heard which helps the entire buzz and feeling of the game. I think this can only be a good thing and I’m sure any Twitter fans who followed the Storm scandal on that Thursday afternoon would agree with me.
2. Penrith Panthers
These guys are my self-confessed ‘second team’. I love everything about the Panthers from their work man attitudes to the preference of footballers over athletes. I saw them live last week and I now believe they are the real deal. They have strong forwards, try scoring backs and a really good footballers’ halfback. Throw in stars like Lewis, Jennings and Petero and I say we are looking at a genuine premiership contender.
1. Queensland Origin side
This has got to be the greatest Origin side every assembled across the board. The Maroons run this squad almost as a football club with guys who leave replaced by others more than ready for instant success. The current side has the best fullback, five-eighth, halfback and hooker of the past 10 years and a ruthless attitude to winning. Throw in megastars of the game out in the backs and think of the talent no longer in the NRL and you wonder what it’s going to take to beat these guys. This Queensland side is a joy to watch but the challenge is there for anyone with the courage to try and beat them. The problem is, there just may be no one with such an attitude or skills left out there.
TIPPING
Tips – Dragons, Penrith, Brisbane, Cowboys, Souths, Warriors, Titans, Canberra
Last Week – 5/7
Total – 59/108 (55%)
Thanks for reading again this week and as always you can talk to me on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) or comment below.
We’ll do it all again next week,
Keyto
10. The Dragons
They are the competition heavyweights and the team to beat. This side seems to be in cruise control and because of their lofty heights at the top of the table, become the villains. Everyone wants to beat them, and every comp needs someone raising the bar. Last year Canberra showed the NRL how to beat the Dragons. Who can step up this year, or, can anyone indeed step up at all?
9. Gareth Ellis
I love watching this Tigers tough nut play the game. He doesn’t get the headlines of a Burgess, Thaiday or Hindmarsh but he is just as important. Ellis would be the first forward I would pick in a new side. He is professional, old fashioned and plays his heart out. This Englishman is great to watch and a real credit to his club, his country and himself.
8. End of season 100m race
I was not really interested in seeing this until last weekend. The plan is for the fastest 10 or 12 players to race each other in a traditional 100m dash at the end of the year. I didn’t care until I saw the Titans winger Kevin Gordon race away at Suncorp Stadium last week. I thought he was the man to beat until Greg Inglis ran the length of the field in second gear on Saturday, and no one got near him. Throw in guys like Akuila Uate and Michael Jennings – plus the prospect of Usain Bolt – and I’m looking forward to this. I would like to see the race happen in full playing gear and carrying a ball however.
7. The Youth
We are just starting to see the evolution of the first year Toyota Cup players coming through. I think players need a year or two playing against men after the U20’s and we’ve seen that now with guys like Matt Gillett, Josh Dugan, Jamal Idris, Alex Glenn, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Nathan Gardner and Ben Barba emerge. I love seeing some of the young talent at the Broncos and Canberra really shine and we’re seeing new superstars created before our very eyes.
6. Sunday Footy
I think everybody loves this and when you see Leichardt Oval jammed to the rafters in glorious sunshine, you can see why. I’ve said before we need more Sunday arvo games because that’s what the people want. These games give fans a perfect afternoon out at the game while still having time to go for a drink or get kids home for bed before it gets too late.
5. South Sydney
I’m not a Rabbitohs fan but I make the effort to try and watch them every week. No matter their opponents or how they play, the Rabbitohs provide entertainment. They’re a young team and we may just be seeing them evolve as well. Some of their players, like the team, are hit or miss – but that’s what makes Souths must see viewing.
4. The Sunday Roast
This is hands down the best rugby league show in the game, bar none. It involves Andrew Voss, Phil Gould, Mark Geyer and, usually, Terry Kennedy discussing the big and not so big issues in the game. They generally cover most angles to an issue without being too serious which allows the viewer to form their own opinions. It’s the only NRL show I tape if I miss it and the only downside is the program only runs for one hour.
3. New Media
This season especially rugby league has taken on a whole new blogging and internet presence. If you want a good blog (apart from this), find Phil Rothfield over at the Daily Telegraph website. If you want to stay really well informed, join the Twitter family and follow as many voices as you can. League fans can now really participate and be heard which helps the entire buzz and feeling of the game. I think this can only be a good thing and I’m sure any Twitter fans who followed the Storm scandal on that Thursday afternoon would agree with me.
2. Penrith Panthers
These guys are my self-confessed ‘second team’. I love everything about the Panthers from their work man attitudes to the preference of footballers over athletes. I saw them live last week and I now believe they are the real deal. They have strong forwards, try scoring backs and a really good footballers’ halfback. Throw in stars like Lewis, Jennings and Petero and I say we are looking at a genuine premiership contender.
1. Queensland Origin side
This has got to be the greatest Origin side every assembled across the board. The Maroons run this squad almost as a football club with guys who leave replaced by others more than ready for instant success. The current side has the best fullback, five-eighth, halfback and hooker of the past 10 years and a ruthless attitude to winning. Throw in megastars of the game out in the backs and think of the talent no longer in the NRL and you wonder what it’s going to take to beat these guys. This Queensland side is a joy to watch but the challenge is there for anyone with the courage to try and beat them. The problem is, there just may be no one with such an attitude or skills left out there.
TIPPING
Tips – Dragons, Penrith, Brisbane, Cowboys, Souths, Warriors, Titans, Canberra
Last Week – 5/7
Total – 59/108 (55%)
Thanks for reading again this week and as always you can talk to me on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) or comment below.
We’ll do it all again next week,
Keyto
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Qld Teams - Broncos battle Eels for eighth
The Brisbane Broncos sit precariously in 8th position on the NRL ladder but a loss to Parramatta on Saturday will see them slip outside the top half of the table.
The Eels, after an ugly 6-4 loss to Newcastle last night, will leapfrog the Broncos if they bounce back on their home ground.
Brisbane’s five game winning streak was broken last Friday when they were out-enthused and out-played (22-12) by the second placed Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium.
Coach Ivan Henjak has welcomed prop Lagi Setu (concussion) back into the team to play Parramatta.
Centre Alex Glenn suffered a high ankle sprain against Penrith and faces 4-6 weeks on the sideline.
He has been replaced this weekend by utility Matt Gillett with International centre Justin Hodges (Achilles) still at least a month away from his long awaited return.
Nick Kenny made a successful return from a calf injury last weekend and will play off the bench this weekend.
Winger Denan Kemp is available for selection after an injury spell and could be a late inclusion.
The Broncos, with a 7-7 record this season, could finish the weekend as high as 5th however a loss will see them slip out of the top eight.
Bowen in the halves
North Queensland coach Neil Henry has officially listed Matt Bowen to partner Johnathan Thurston in the halves to face Cronulla at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Saturday night.
Bowen was shifted to pivot for the Cowboys shocking 58-12 belting at the hands of Melbourne last weekend.
Henry has resisted mass changes but has named Bowen in the number six with Shannon Gallant retained at fullback.
The Cowboys, with just four wins this season, would be in last had it not been for the Storm’s salary cap rorts.
With the season all but gone, North Queensland must win a minimum eight of their last 10 matches to be any chance of making the finals.
Carl Webb has been recalled to the bench after missing the Storm debacle while Ben Harris has been named in the centres after playing the past two matches.
Steve Rapira will play lock against the Sharks with Luke O’Donnell serving the second of a three match suspension for his spear tackle in Origin III.
The Sharks are also lagging near the foot of the ladder and like the Cowboys will be desperate for a victory in Townsville.
Campbell subs for Prince
Preston Campbell will return to the halfback jersey on Sunday in the Titans home game with the Newcastle Knights.
For the fifth match this year, Campbell replaces Scott Prince in the number seven jersey with William Zillman to play fullback.
The Titans lost Prince midway through the first half of their streaky 25-24 win over the Bulldogs last week with the captain hopeful of missing just the one game due to a small hamstring tear.
With Campbell missing that game and forwards Luke O’Dwyer (hamstring) and Ryan James (concussion) also limping off, it was left to Mat Rogers and Greg Bird to steer their side towards the narrow victory.
Luke Bailey (ankle) and Ashley Harrison (cut eyelid) should return to Skilled Park to face Newcastle after they too were spectators for the Bulldogs match.
Young playmaker Kayne Lawton, who made his NRL debut last year before spending this season in the halves with Queensland Cup feeder side Tweed Heads, has been included on a five man bench.
The Titans snuck home with a 38-36 win over the Knights back in Round Nine and plenty of points could again be on show this weekend.
With Origin III just over two weeks away, the Queensland Cup breaks this weekend for the annual City vs. Country match.
NRL experienced players Steve Michaels, Brad Davis, Josh Graham and Josh McGuire will all compete for a spot in the Queensland Residents side to play the curtain raiser to the final Origin match in Sydney.
That match will be televised live on ABC from 2pm Saturday while the Titans match with Newcastle will air on a one hour delay from 4pm Sunday on Channel Nine.
Fox Sports Super Saturday will have the Broncos game live from 5:30pm with the Cowboys to follow straight after live from 7:30pm.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Parramatta, Saturday 5:30pm, (Fox Sports Two, live)
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Matt Gillett, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Lagi Setu, Ben Te’o, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Ashton Sims, Mitchell Dodds, Nick Kenny.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Cronulla, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports Two, live).
Shannon Gallant, Ashley Graham, Ben Harris, Willie Tonga, John Williams, Matthew Bowen, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott, Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Scott Bolton, Willie Mason, Steve Rapira. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Leeson Ah Mau, Carl Webb, Dane Hogan, Isaak Ah Mau (one to be omitted).
Gold Coast Titans vs. Newcastle, Sunday 3pm, (Channel Nine, delayed 4pm)
William Zillman, Kevin Gordon, Mat Rogers, Sam Tagataese, David Mead, Greg Bird, Preston Campbell Luke Bailey (c), Nathan Friend, Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Matthew White, Brad Meyers, Bodene Thompson, Kayne Lawton, Ryan James (one to be omitted).
The Eels, after an ugly 6-4 loss to Newcastle last night, will leapfrog the Broncos if they bounce back on their home ground.
Brisbane’s five game winning streak was broken last Friday when they were out-enthused and out-played (22-12) by the second placed Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium.
Coach Ivan Henjak has welcomed prop Lagi Setu (concussion) back into the team to play Parramatta.
Centre Alex Glenn suffered a high ankle sprain against Penrith and faces 4-6 weeks on the sideline.
He has been replaced this weekend by utility Matt Gillett with International centre Justin Hodges (Achilles) still at least a month away from his long awaited return.
Nick Kenny made a successful return from a calf injury last weekend and will play off the bench this weekend.
Winger Denan Kemp is available for selection after an injury spell and could be a late inclusion.
The Broncos, with a 7-7 record this season, could finish the weekend as high as 5th however a loss will see them slip out of the top eight.
Bowen in the halves
North Queensland coach Neil Henry has officially listed Matt Bowen to partner Johnathan Thurston in the halves to face Cronulla at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Saturday night.
Bowen was shifted to pivot for the Cowboys shocking 58-12 belting at the hands of Melbourne last weekend.
Henry has resisted mass changes but has named Bowen in the number six with Shannon Gallant retained at fullback.
The Cowboys, with just four wins this season, would be in last had it not been for the Storm’s salary cap rorts.
With the season all but gone, North Queensland must win a minimum eight of their last 10 matches to be any chance of making the finals.
Carl Webb has been recalled to the bench after missing the Storm debacle while Ben Harris has been named in the centres after playing the past two matches.
Steve Rapira will play lock against the Sharks with Luke O’Donnell serving the second of a three match suspension for his spear tackle in Origin III.
The Sharks are also lagging near the foot of the ladder and like the Cowboys will be desperate for a victory in Townsville.
Campbell subs for Prince
Preston Campbell will return to the halfback jersey on Sunday in the Titans home game with the Newcastle Knights.
For the fifth match this year, Campbell replaces Scott Prince in the number seven jersey with William Zillman to play fullback.
The Titans lost Prince midway through the first half of their streaky 25-24 win over the Bulldogs last week with the captain hopeful of missing just the one game due to a small hamstring tear.
With Campbell missing that game and forwards Luke O’Dwyer (hamstring) and Ryan James (concussion) also limping off, it was left to Mat Rogers and Greg Bird to steer their side towards the narrow victory.
Luke Bailey (ankle) and Ashley Harrison (cut eyelid) should return to Skilled Park to face Newcastle after they too were spectators for the Bulldogs match.
Young playmaker Kayne Lawton, who made his NRL debut last year before spending this season in the halves with Queensland Cup feeder side Tweed Heads, has been included on a five man bench.
The Titans snuck home with a 38-36 win over the Knights back in Round Nine and plenty of points could again be on show this weekend.
With Origin III just over two weeks away, the Queensland Cup breaks this weekend for the annual City vs. Country match.
NRL experienced players Steve Michaels, Brad Davis, Josh Graham and Josh McGuire will all compete for a spot in the Queensland Residents side to play the curtain raiser to the final Origin match in Sydney.
That match will be televised live on ABC from 2pm Saturday while the Titans match with Newcastle will air on a one hour delay from 4pm Sunday on Channel Nine.
Fox Sports Super Saturday will have the Broncos game live from 5:30pm with the Cowboys to follow straight after live from 7:30pm.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Parramatta, Saturday 5:30pm, (Fox Sports Two, live)
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Matt Gillett, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Lagi Setu, Ben Te’o, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Ashton Sims, Mitchell Dodds, Nick Kenny.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Cronulla, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports Two, live).
Shannon Gallant, Ashley Graham, Ben Harris, Willie Tonga, John Williams, Matthew Bowen, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott, Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Scott Bolton, Willie Mason, Steve Rapira. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Leeson Ah Mau, Carl Webb, Dane Hogan, Isaak Ah Mau (one to be omitted).
Gold Coast Titans vs. Newcastle, Sunday 3pm, (Channel Nine, delayed 4pm)
William Zillman, Kevin Gordon, Mat Rogers, Sam Tagataese, David Mead, Greg Bird, Preston Campbell Luke Bailey (c), Nathan Friend, Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Matthew White, Brad Meyers, Bodene Thompson, Kayne Lawton, Ryan James (one to be omitted).
Thursday, June 17, 2010
NSW Must sack the LOT
In the most important match in NSW Origin history last night, the Blues failed to show up. They were blown away, for the fifth year in a row, by a rampaging Queensland team. There can be no excuses in Origin football and now everyone, from the selectors to the captain to the coach to the bus driver, need to go.
I love Queensland and nothing brings me greater pleasure than to stick the boot right in and brag about being the FIVE TIME State of Origin Champions. We all acknowledge that Queensland has a champion team but it looks like the Blues are beaten way before a ball is kicked. They don’t have the passion or belief to win, and that is why they fail. Enough is enough and for their fans sake, the whole lot (bar three exceptions), need to be shown the door.
Underdogs
NSW are too quickly and WAY too frequently stating how good this Queensland side is. They are correct, this is probably the greatest era the Maroons will ever see and there is no end in sight. But NSW don’t need to talk about that and can NEVER use it as an excuse.
Queensland built a legacy on beating teams better than them. For the best part of 20 years Queensland started matches as rank underdogs with the Blues boasting bigger, faster, stronger and more skilful players than the 17 in the Maroon jersey.
Yet Queensland found ways to win. They didn’t care about reputations, they didn’t care about the Blues, - all they cared about was winning the game. NSW now need to do the same – they can’t be overawed or talk themselves out of defeating a champion team.
If you don’t believe it can happen, look up the 1995 Origin series.
Coach, captain, players GONE
I’m writing this in the early afternoon the day after Origin II and to be honest, have no idea why I haven’t seen a NSW press conference yet. Coach Craig Bellamy, on the back of three straight series losses, should have been cut free at 9am today. There needs to be mass changes for next year and the first change should happen right now.
After five successive series lost, and an abysmal display in the biggest Origin game in NSW history last night, there is no pride left. There can be no redemption in Origin III next month and even a victory from this current NSW squad will mean nothing. This group has proven they can’t match it with Queensland when it really counts so why keep them around?
Captain Kurt Gidley has to go too ... it’s not his fault he lead the side from the bench but that call has to be in the Grand Final of greatest Origin stuff ups. Frankly Gidley has had his chance and even though I personally have nothing against him, it is time to find someone new.
Everything else to do with this horror NSW era needs to go as well. I’m not sure who makes the call, but I would get new selectors, management and even a brand new NSW board as well. I would appoint a full time coach – preferably a NSW former great like Ricky Stuart, Glenn Lazarus or Brett Kenny – and have them start a four or five year campaign at Origin III. Roles need to be found for guys like Mark Geyer and Steve Mortimer as well.
The next move is to name a massive 12-14 debutants for Origin III next month – a radical move but the players used in recent times simply cannot beat Queensland. Find guys who believe they can, don’t have the scars, and want to build their own dynasty.
Most importantly, stick with them.
My new look Blues
The one man that must be retained to lead this new era is halfback Mitchell Pearce. He is the future and no good comes from having him chopped and changed in and out of the side. If you look at Queensland, Cameron Smith debuted during our horror run at the start of the decade but the Maroons stuck with him and now Smith is one of the first picked. The Blues need to do the same with Pearce and build a team around this boy.
Thankfully for his sake, Luke Lewis missed the debacle last night. He is a tough footballer, very much the heartbeat of his club side and if given a chance, a NSW Origin great in the making. He would be my captain for Origin III only because the guy I want to see lead next year, is injured.
The only other person I would retain is winger Brett Morris because he is a try scorer and a match winner. I don’t think the Blues have used him properly yet but Morris is worth sticking with.
In 2011 the first forward picked, and new NSW Blues captain, has got to be Alan Tongue. If this bloke was a Queenslander he would have played plenty of Origins. He isn’t pretty, but he does the shit work. He has a massive heart and gives his all no matter what. Tongue is made for Origin and it’s a disgrace he hasn’t played before.
Below is my NSW team for Origin III this year and the guys they need to build on for next season and beyond.
1. Josh Dugan
2. Nathan Merritt
3. Michael Jennings
4. Josh Morris
5. Brett Morris
6. Brett Finch (last played 2006, perfect mentor for Pearce if he stays. If not, Jamie Soward).
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Tim Grant
9. Isaac De Gois
10. Jason King
11. Luke Douglas
12. Chris Heighington
13. Luke Lewis (c)
14. Preston Campbell
15. Kade Snowden
16. Matt Prior
17. Tim Mannah
18. Jamal Idris, Cory Paterson, Chris Lawrence, Lachlan Coote, Akuila Uate, Mitch Aubusson, Beau Champion, Todd Payten
This is the playing pool I would be selecting from, effective immediately. Most of these guys probably are not the best in their position; the best guys though simply have not been good enough to beat Queensland. It’s time for radical thinking and to find guys with the passion and desire to create their own history.
TIPPING
Tips – Broncos, Bulldogs, Melbourne, Manly, Dragons, Tigers, Newcastle
Last Week – 3/5
Total – 54/101 (53%)
That’s all from me on the NSW Origin side – if you want to share your thoughts please email me (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) or comment below.
Catch you later,
Keyto
I love Queensland and nothing brings me greater pleasure than to stick the boot right in and brag about being the FIVE TIME State of Origin Champions. We all acknowledge that Queensland has a champion team but it looks like the Blues are beaten way before a ball is kicked. They don’t have the passion or belief to win, and that is why they fail. Enough is enough and for their fans sake, the whole lot (bar three exceptions), need to be shown the door.
Underdogs
NSW are too quickly and WAY too frequently stating how good this Queensland side is. They are correct, this is probably the greatest era the Maroons will ever see and there is no end in sight. But NSW don’t need to talk about that and can NEVER use it as an excuse.
Queensland built a legacy on beating teams better than them. For the best part of 20 years Queensland started matches as rank underdogs with the Blues boasting bigger, faster, stronger and more skilful players than the 17 in the Maroon jersey.
Yet Queensland found ways to win. They didn’t care about reputations, they didn’t care about the Blues, - all they cared about was winning the game. NSW now need to do the same – they can’t be overawed or talk themselves out of defeating a champion team.
If you don’t believe it can happen, look up the 1995 Origin series.
Coach, captain, players GONE
I’m writing this in the early afternoon the day after Origin II and to be honest, have no idea why I haven’t seen a NSW press conference yet. Coach Craig Bellamy, on the back of three straight series losses, should have been cut free at 9am today. There needs to be mass changes for next year and the first change should happen right now.
After five successive series lost, and an abysmal display in the biggest Origin game in NSW history last night, there is no pride left. There can be no redemption in Origin III next month and even a victory from this current NSW squad will mean nothing. This group has proven they can’t match it with Queensland when it really counts so why keep them around?
Captain Kurt Gidley has to go too ... it’s not his fault he lead the side from the bench but that call has to be in the Grand Final of greatest Origin stuff ups. Frankly Gidley has had his chance and even though I personally have nothing against him, it is time to find someone new.
Everything else to do with this horror NSW era needs to go as well. I’m not sure who makes the call, but I would get new selectors, management and even a brand new NSW board as well. I would appoint a full time coach – preferably a NSW former great like Ricky Stuart, Glenn Lazarus or Brett Kenny – and have them start a four or five year campaign at Origin III. Roles need to be found for guys like Mark Geyer and Steve Mortimer as well.
The next move is to name a massive 12-14 debutants for Origin III next month – a radical move but the players used in recent times simply cannot beat Queensland. Find guys who believe they can, don’t have the scars, and want to build their own dynasty.
Most importantly, stick with them.
My new look Blues
The one man that must be retained to lead this new era is halfback Mitchell Pearce. He is the future and no good comes from having him chopped and changed in and out of the side. If you look at Queensland, Cameron Smith debuted during our horror run at the start of the decade but the Maroons stuck with him and now Smith is one of the first picked. The Blues need to do the same with Pearce and build a team around this boy.
Thankfully for his sake, Luke Lewis missed the debacle last night. He is a tough footballer, very much the heartbeat of his club side and if given a chance, a NSW Origin great in the making. He would be my captain for Origin III only because the guy I want to see lead next year, is injured.
The only other person I would retain is winger Brett Morris because he is a try scorer and a match winner. I don’t think the Blues have used him properly yet but Morris is worth sticking with.
In 2011 the first forward picked, and new NSW Blues captain, has got to be Alan Tongue. If this bloke was a Queenslander he would have played plenty of Origins. He isn’t pretty, but he does the shit work. He has a massive heart and gives his all no matter what. Tongue is made for Origin and it’s a disgrace he hasn’t played before.
Below is my NSW team for Origin III this year and the guys they need to build on for next season and beyond.
1. Josh Dugan
2. Nathan Merritt
3. Michael Jennings
4. Josh Morris
5. Brett Morris
6. Brett Finch (last played 2006, perfect mentor for Pearce if he stays. If not, Jamie Soward).
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Tim Grant
9. Isaac De Gois
10. Jason King
11. Luke Douglas
12. Chris Heighington
13. Luke Lewis (c)
14. Preston Campbell
15. Kade Snowden
16. Matt Prior
17. Tim Mannah
18. Jamal Idris, Cory Paterson, Chris Lawrence, Lachlan Coote, Akuila Uate, Mitch Aubusson, Beau Champion, Todd Payten
This is the playing pool I would be selecting from, effective immediately. Most of these guys probably are not the best in their position; the best guys though simply have not been good enough to beat Queensland. It’s time for radical thinking and to find guys with the passion and desire to create their own history.
TIPPING
Tips – Broncos, Bulldogs, Melbourne, Manly, Dragons, Tigers, Newcastle
Last Week – 3/5
Total – 54/101 (53%)
That’s all from me on the NSW Origin side – if you want to share your thoughts please email me (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) or comment below.
Catch you later,
Keyto
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Qld Teams - Maroons removed from dramatic build
After an Origin build-up never before seen, Queensland will look to cap the week with a victory in Origin II tomorrow to secure an unprecedented fifth consecutive series.
As both sides prepare for a potential record-breaking match, all of the pre-game hype has involved off-field incidents.
The drama began last Tuesday with many former and current players and media voicing opinions on the merits of Queensland selecting AFL-defector Israel Folau.
While most Queenslanders were supportive of the move, many south of the border were calling for the NRL to review their policy and ban Folau, and future code hoppers, from all future representative matches including Origin III.
Hours after Folau’s selection, New South Wales fullback Jarryd Hayne was sensationally cleared by the NRL judiciary for his Round 13 head butt on Maroons custodian Billy Slater.
The Folau debate briefly returned to the news agenda but was quickly forgotten in the wake of Timana Tahu’s dramatic withdrawal from the Blues camp and the subsequent Andrew Johns racism case.
The incident dominated all Origin hype with the Queensland side enjoying a quiet lead-in to the match on the Sunshine Coast.
Halfback Johnathan Thurston had a minor calf injury but was cleared for Origin II over the weekend and the Maroons are now in Brisbane for their final preparations.
Ben Hannant has replaced Petero Civoniceva (broken hand) and hooker Cameron Smith returns from injury, in place of capable deputy Matt Ballin, in the only changes from the opening 28-24 victory.
Injured Queensland stalwart Steve Price, who is retiring from the NRL at the end of the year, has spent time in camp with the Maroons and there will be a tribute to him at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow night.
Good conditions are forecast for the match with a crowd of up to 50,000 fans expected to fill out the stadium.
Broncos shoot for six
Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak has a welcome selection headache as the Broncos aim for their sixth straight victory.
In the first leg of a Suncorp Stadium double-header Friday night, the Broncos hope to include Origin trio Darren Lockyer, Sam Thaiday and Israel Folau when they host Penrith.
The young squad shone without their big names in demolishing the Rabbitohs 50-22 last Sunday as Brisbane became the first team to record five wins in a row this season.
Only five-eighth Corey Norman, who had a strong game against Souths, has been omitted pending Lockyer’s fitness following Origin II.
Matt Gillett and Ashton Sims have been pushed back to a seven man bench which again includes prop Nick Kenny.
Having aborted several comeback attempts from a calf tear, Kenny hopes to be now fully over the injury and available again for selection.
The Broncos are log-jammed with several other teams in the middle of the table but sit just two wins behind the second-placed Panthers.
Titans’ Bailey in doubt
Gold Coast prop Luke Bailey will need to pass a late-week fitness test to play in part two of the Suncorp Stadium double-header on Friday night.
Bailey injured his ankle during the Titans 28-14 win over Manly last round and will be checked, along with Queensland lock Ashley Harrison, before Friday’s match with Canterbury Bulldogs.
Coach John Cartwright named a 19 man squad to face the Bulldogs as cover for any late week injury omissions.
Fullback utility William Zillman was left out against Manly and has been listed as the last man on the six man bench for this weekend.
The bench for the Bulldogs game also includes young prop Ryan James after the 19-year-old impressed in his debut last week.
It is the second year in a row the Titans face Canterbury as the second leg of a Suncorp Stadium double-header with the Bulldogs choosing to bring their home game to Brisbane for the event.
Cowboys head to Melbourne
On the back of a season-saving 16-8 win over the Raiders, North Queensland head to AAMI Park for a showdown with the Storm on Saturday.
Coach Neil Henry today included captain Johnathan Thurston, centre Willie Tonga, prop Matt Scott and lock Luke O’Donnell in the 17 man squad for the trip.
Fullback Shannon Gallant and utility Ben Harris, who played five-eighth against Canberra, have unluckily been omitted from the squad.
Ashley Graham has been pushed out to the wing with Steve Rapira dropping back to the bench.
Veteran forwards Carl Webb and Willie Mason starred on Saturday night and will need to be at their best again to tackle a Storm side that should be boosted by the return of several Origin stars.
The Cowboys last night announced the re-signing of young playmaker Ray Thompson while also securing Broncos winger Antonio Winterstein for three years from season 2011.
North Queensland’s trip to Melbourne will be shown live on Fox Sports from 5:30pm Saturday.
Friday night’s double-header kicks off with the Broncos game at the earlier time of 7pm, with the Bulldogs and Titans to follow from about 8:45pm.
However at this stage both matches will be delayed on Channel Nine from 7:30pm Friday.
Queensland vs. NSW, Origin II, Wednesday, Suncorp Stadium, (Channel Nine, live).
Billy Slater, Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Willie Tonga, Israel Folau, Darren Lockyer (c), Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott, Cameron Smith, David Shillington, Nate Myles, Sam Thaiday, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Cooper Cronk, Ben Hannant, Neville Costigan, David Taylor.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Penrith, Friday 7pm, (Channel Nine, delayed 7:30pm)
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Alex Glenn, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Lagi Setu, Ben Te’o, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Matt Gillett, Mitchell Dodds, Ashton Sims, Nick Kenny, Scott Anderson, Josh McGuire (three to be omitted).
Gold Coast Titans vs. Bulldogs, Friday 8:45pm, (Channel Nine, delayed 9:30pm)
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Mat Rogers, Sam Tagataese, David Mead, Greg Bird, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Matthew White, Brad Meyers, Ryan James, Bodene Thompson, Luke O’Dwyer, William Zillman (two to be omitted).
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Melbourne, Saturday 5:30pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Will Tupou, Willie Tonga, John Williams, Michael Morgan, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott, Aaron Payne, Carl Webb, Scott Bolton, Willie Mason, Luke O’Donnell. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Steve Rapira, Leeson Ah Mau, James Tamou.
As both sides prepare for a potential record-breaking match, all of the pre-game hype has involved off-field incidents.
The drama began last Tuesday with many former and current players and media voicing opinions on the merits of Queensland selecting AFL-defector Israel Folau.
While most Queenslanders were supportive of the move, many south of the border were calling for the NRL to review their policy and ban Folau, and future code hoppers, from all future representative matches including Origin III.
Hours after Folau’s selection, New South Wales fullback Jarryd Hayne was sensationally cleared by the NRL judiciary for his Round 13 head butt on Maroons custodian Billy Slater.
The Folau debate briefly returned to the news agenda but was quickly forgotten in the wake of Timana Tahu’s dramatic withdrawal from the Blues camp and the subsequent Andrew Johns racism case.
The incident dominated all Origin hype with the Queensland side enjoying a quiet lead-in to the match on the Sunshine Coast.
Halfback Johnathan Thurston had a minor calf injury but was cleared for Origin II over the weekend and the Maroons are now in Brisbane for their final preparations.
Ben Hannant has replaced Petero Civoniceva (broken hand) and hooker Cameron Smith returns from injury, in place of capable deputy Matt Ballin, in the only changes from the opening 28-24 victory.
Injured Queensland stalwart Steve Price, who is retiring from the NRL at the end of the year, has spent time in camp with the Maroons and there will be a tribute to him at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow night.
Good conditions are forecast for the match with a crowd of up to 50,000 fans expected to fill out the stadium.
Broncos shoot for six
Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak has a welcome selection headache as the Broncos aim for their sixth straight victory.
In the first leg of a Suncorp Stadium double-header Friday night, the Broncos hope to include Origin trio Darren Lockyer, Sam Thaiday and Israel Folau when they host Penrith.
The young squad shone without their big names in demolishing the Rabbitohs 50-22 last Sunday as Brisbane became the first team to record five wins in a row this season.
Only five-eighth Corey Norman, who had a strong game against Souths, has been omitted pending Lockyer’s fitness following Origin II.
Matt Gillett and Ashton Sims have been pushed back to a seven man bench which again includes prop Nick Kenny.
Having aborted several comeback attempts from a calf tear, Kenny hopes to be now fully over the injury and available again for selection.
The Broncos are log-jammed with several other teams in the middle of the table but sit just two wins behind the second-placed Panthers.
Titans’ Bailey in doubt
Gold Coast prop Luke Bailey will need to pass a late-week fitness test to play in part two of the Suncorp Stadium double-header on Friday night.
Bailey injured his ankle during the Titans 28-14 win over Manly last round and will be checked, along with Queensland lock Ashley Harrison, before Friday’s match with Canterbury Bulldogs.
Coach John Cartwright named a 19 man squad to face the Bulldogs as cover for any late week injury omissions.
Fullback utility William Zillman was left out against Manly and has been listed as the last man on the six man bench for this weekend.
The bench for the Bulldogs game also includes young prop Ryan James after the 19-year-old impressed in his debut last week.
It is the second year in a row the Titans face Canterbury as the second leg of a Suncorp Stadium double-header with the Bulldogs choosing to bring their home game to Brisbane for the event.
Cowboys head to Melbourne
On the back of a season-saving 16-8 win over the Raiders, North Queensland head to AAMI Park for a showdown with the Storm on Saturday.
Coach Neil Henry today included captain Johnathan Thurston, centre Willie Tonga, prop Matt Scott and lock Luke O’Donnell in the 17 man squad for the trip.
Fullback Shannon Gallant and utility Ben Harris, who played five-eighth against Canberra, have unluckily been omitted from the squad.
Ashley Graham has been pushed out to the wing with Steve Rapira dropping back to the bench.
Veteran forwards Carl Webb and Willie Mason starred on Saturday night and will need to be at their best again to tackle a Storm side that should be boosted by the return of several Origin stars.
The Cowboys last night announced the re-signing of young playmaker Ray Thompson while also securing Broncos winger Antonio Winterstein for three years from season 2011.
North Queensland’s trip to Melbourne will be shown live on Fox Sports from 5:30pm Saturday.
Friday night’s double-header kicks off with the Broncos game at the earlier time of 7pm, with the Bulldogs and Titans to follow from about 8:45pm.
However at this stage both matches will be delayed on Channel Nine from 7:30pm Friday.
Queensland vs. NSW, Origin II, Wednesday, Suncorp Stadium, (Channel Nine, live).
Billy Slater, Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Willie Tonga, Israel Folau, Darren Lockyer (c), Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott, Cameron Smith, David Shillington, Nate Myles, Sam Thaiday, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Cooper Cronk, Ben Hannant, Neville Costigan, David Taylor.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Penrith, Friday 7pm, (Channel Nine, delayed 7:30pm)
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Alex Glenn, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Lagi Setu, Ben Te’o, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Matt Gillett, Mitchell Dodds, Ashton Sims, Nick Kenny, Scott Anderson, Josh McGuire (three to be omitted).
Gold Coast Titans vs. Bulldogs, Friday 8:45pm, (Channel Nine, delayed 9:30pm)
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Mat Rogers, Sam Tagataese, David Mead, Greg Bird, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Matthew White, Brad Meyers, Ryan James, Bodene Thompson, Luke O’Dwyer, William Zillman (two to be omitted).
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Melbourne, Saturday 5:30pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Will Tupou, Willie Tonga, John Williams, Michael Morgan, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott, Aaron Payne, Carl Webb, Scott Bolton, Willie Mason, Luke O’Donnell. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Steve Rapira, Leeson Ah Mau, James Tamou.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
NRL Judiciary is an absolute joke
The NRL judiciary has officially become a farce. The fact that Jarryd Hayne can escape suspension for a blatant head butt, just because he is an elite player, is crap. He should have been suspended for breaking the rules – Origin or not.
It does give the stink of preferential treatment especially when Issac Luke was ruled out of a Test match last year and Cameron Smith was punted from the 2008 Grand Final by the judiciary.
The first thing that everyone in the rugby league community, including myself, agrees on is that Hayne gave Billy Slater nothing more than a love tap last week. It was far from a vicious blow and would not have hurt Slater one bit.
That, however, is completely irrelevant.
This was no accident. It was planned and yes it was in the heat of battle, but a head butt is a head butt.
Jarryd Hayne broke the rules and needed to be punished. Hell, he even knew it in the post-match interview. He knew it Tuesday night too in his post-judiciary press conference. He was smiling like a cat that got the cream because he knew he just put one over the judiciary.
It was far from the worst incident in the history of the game but Hayne still hit Slater with his head – which is completely against the rules of the game – and deserved to be punished. Just his bad luck and stupidity that punishment was going to be, and damn well should have been, Origin II.
Lose the lawyers
I don’t know when it became common place for QC lawyers to defend players in an NRL judiciary, but it has got to stop. Rugby league is a simple game and far too often we buggerise around with it and muddy our own waters.
Lawyers have no place defending players for on field actions. While we’re at it, doctors, sports scientists, professors or any other left field character witness we have seen over the years have no place either. NRL players have either committed an offence, broken the rules, or they haven’t. It’s either a high tackle, dangerous throw, head butt ... or it’s not.
The judiciary is made up of ex- players who have been around the game long enough. They would have a fair idea of a punishment to suit a crime and all actions should be judged in rugby league terms. This is not a court room and it’s time we stopped treating it like one.
“Evidence” should only be given by the offending player and his coach. Let’s keep it simple.
Fix the damn rule
The fact that Hayne and Luke Lewis were even in jeopardy of missing an Origin game for minor incidents is actually the biggest joke of all. Peter Sterling says it best when he says some players toil for 300 NRL games and may only play a dozen Origin and Test matches.
There is a complete imbalance in weighting an Origin game the same as a match against the worst side in the NRL. I have two suggestions to fix this problem.
Firstly, all Test and Origin matches should be worth at least two club games. That means a two game NRL suspension rules the player out of Origin – not these one week ‘nothing’ offences.
The other is to keep club and representative reports and suspensions totally separate – the punishment is served in the arena in which the offence occurred.
Thurston/Hayne comparison
Now before I get labelled a hypocrite, let me clarify why I am happy with what the judiciary ruled on Johnathan Thurston last week.
Most thought Thurston should have been suspended for his swearing tirade last week. I believe otherwise as I don’t think swearing is nearly as bad as head butting. At the end of the day, the referee decided there was no issue with JT and didn’t penalise or report the issue.
In hindsight, maybe JT should have been suspended but again the lawyers got involved and screwed around.
Hayne head butted Slater and it doesn’t matter about the force, intent to injure or anything else – a head butt is a head butt and now, apparently, that is all ok.
TIPPING
Tips – Titans, Canberra, Newcastle, Brisbane, Roosters
Last Week – 4/8
Total – 51/96 (53%)
Thanks for reading and don’t forget you can comment below, find me on Twitter (@keyto316) or email me directly at andrew.keyte@gmail.com.
Cheers,
Keyto
It does give the stink of preferential treatment especially when Issac Luke was ruled out of a Test match last year and Cameron Smith was punted from the 2008 Grand Final by the judiciary.
The first thing that everyone in the rugby league community, including myself, agrees on is that Hayne gave Billy Slater nothing more than a love tap last week. It was far from a vicious blow and would not have hurt Slater one bit.
That, however, is completely irrelevant.
This was no accident. It was planned and yes it was in the heat of battle, but a head butt is a head butt.
Jarryd Hayne broke the rules and needed to be punished. Hell, he even knew it in the post-match interview. He knew it Tuesday night too in his post-judiciary press conference. He was smiling like a cat that got the cream because he knew he just put one over the judiciary.
It was far from the worst incident in the history of the game but Hayne still hit Slater with his head – which is completely against the rules of the game – and deserved to be punished. Just his bad luck and stupidity that punishment was going to be, and damn well should have been, Origin II.
Lose the lawyers
I don’t know when it became common place for QC lawyers to defend players in an NRL judiciary, but it has got to stop. Rugby league is a simple game and far too often we buggerise around with it and muddy our own waters.
Lawyers have no place defending players for on field actions. While we’re at it, doctors, sports scientists, professors or any other left field character witness we have seen over the years have no place either. NRL players have either committed an offence, broken the rules, or they haven’t. It’s either a high tackle, dangerous throw, head butt ... or it’s not.
The judiciary is made up of ex- players who have been around the game long enough. They would have a fair idea of a punishment to suit a crime and all actions should be judged in rugby league terms. This is not a court room and it’s time we stopped treating it like one.
“Evidence” should only be given by the offending player and his coach. Let’s keep it simple.
Fix the damn rule
The fact that Hayne and Luke Lewis were even in jeopardy of missing an Origin game for minor incidents is actually the biggest joke of all. Peter Sterling says it best when he says some players toil for 300 NRL games and may only play a dozen Origin and Test matches.
There is a complete imbalance in weighting an Origin game the same as a match against the worst side in the NRL. I have two suggestions to fix this problem.
Firstly, all Test and Origin matches should be worth at least two club games. That means a two game NRL suspension rules the player out of Origin – not these one week ‘nothing’ offences.
The other is to keep club and representative reports and suspensions totally separate – the punishment is served in the arena in which the offence occurred.
Thurston/Hayne comparison
Now before I get labelled a hypocrite, let me clarify why I am happy with what the judiciary ruled on Johnathan Thurston last week.
Most thought Thurston should have been suspended for his swearing tirade last week. I believe otherwise as I don’t think swearing is nearly as bad as head butting. At the end of the day, the referee decided there was no issue with JT and didn’t penalise or report the issue.
In hindsight, maybe JT should have been suspended but again the lawyers got involved and screwed around.
Hayne head butted Slater and it doesn’t matter about the force, intent to injure or anything else – a head butt is a head butt and now, apparently, that is all ok.
TIPPING
Tips – Titans, Canberra, Newcastle, Brisbane, Roosters
Last Week – 4/8
Total – 51/96 (53%)
Thanks for reading and don’t forget you can comment below, find me on Twitter (@keyto316) or email me directly at andrew.keyte@gmail.com.
Cheers,
Keyto
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Qld Teams - QRL flip on Folau
Just days after black-listing AFL defector Israel Folau, Queensland selectors today named the Bronco for Origin II in Brisbane next week.
Following his announcement last week to join the rival code from next season, Folau was told in no uncertain terms by the Queensland Rugby League he had played his last representative match.
The decision was publicly backed by past players and senior leaders Darren Lockyer and Petero Civoniceva however momentum swung over the weekend.
Folau’s likely replacement, Brent Tate, broke his jaw on Sunday and the remaining members of the Queensland squad expressed overwhelming support for Folau.
This support, coinciding with his irresistible form for Brisbane, made Folau impossible to ignore for Origin II as the Maroons push for an unprecedented fifth straight series win.
Queensland also welcome back hooker Cameron Smith for the June 16 clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Smith missed Origin I with an elbow injury sustained in the May 7 Test against New Zealand but made a successful return for the Storm last week.
His replacement in Origin I, Manly hooker Matt Ballin, performed admirably but will have to bide his time in the NRL for now.
In the only other change prop Ben Hannant, who missed Origin I with a knee injury, returns in place of the injured Civoniceva (broken hand).
Hannant will start on the bench with Australian front rower David Shillington pushed into the starting side.
Broncos winger Jharal Yow Yeh has been named 18th man but will be released for NRL duty on Sunday.
The sold-out Brisbane crowd will likely be involved in a tribute to retiring Queensland stalwart Steve Price while captain Lockyer could be playing his final home game for the Maroons.
Titans make changes
A fresh-looking Titans side returns to Skilled Park against a depleted Manly side on Friday night and will hope to get their season back on track following three straight losses.
After conceding a big lead on Sunday, Gold Coast almost stole victory late against the Raiders, eventually falling 28-24 losers.
Coach John Cartwright has reacted to their third straight defeat by ringing in the changes for the match against Manly.
Veteran Mat Rogers returns from an eight week knee injury to partner Sam Tagataese in the centres replacing Clinton Toopi and Joseph Tomane (shoulder).
Bodene Thompson comes back into the side at lock with Ashley Harrison away with the Queensland team.
Luke O’Dwyer is set to return from a knee injury suffered against Manly in Round 26 last season.
O’Dwyer has spent the last month in the Queensland Cup and was named on a five man bench for his NRL return.
Gold Coast under 20’s captain, back-rower Ryan James, has also been named on the bench for what could be the 19-year-olds’ NRL debut.
Five-eighth Greg Bird left the Raiders game late with a knee injury and will likely be assessed later in the week.
NQ season hanging by a thread
With just three wins at the halfway mark of the season, the North Queensland Cowboys season is on life support.
They would be in last position had it not been for the Melbourne Storm salary cap rorting.
The Cowboys host Canberra, who have won their last two games against the Dragons and Titans, on Saturday night at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
Johnathan Thurston and Willie Tonga are definitely out of the match due to Queensland duty.
Michael Morgan returns from a shoulder injury to partner Grant Rovelli in the halves while winger John Williams has been recalled with Will Tupou moving to centre in place of Tonga.
Lock forward Luke O’Donnell was named in a 21 man New South Wales squad and will be unavailable for the Cowboys if, as expected, he makes the final Blues team to be named by tomorrow.
Leeson Ah Mau will start the Raiders game at lock with Carl Webb to replace Queensland prop Matt Scott in the front row.
Steve Rapira returns from a groin injury on a five man bench which also includes forwards Isaak Ah Mau and Dane Hogan.
Hooker Aaron Payne will captain the game North Queensland simply must win.
Norman replaces Lockyer
Brisbane Broncos return to Suncorp Stadium for the first time in a month on the back of four consecutive wins.
Youngster Corey Norman returns to the NRL and will replace Lockyer at five-eighth when Brisbane host South Sydney on Sunday.
Norman started the season at fullback before returning to the under 20’s competition in his preferred pivot position.
He played halfback a month ago in the win over Melbourne and will get another chance at the top grade alongside Peter Wallace this weekend.
Prop Scott Anderson returns on the bench from a four week absence due to an elbow ligament injury while fellow bookend Nick Kenny hopes to make his long awaited comeback from a calf injury.
Matt Gillett replaces Folau in the centres with goal-kicking lock forward Corey Parker to captain the side.
South Sydney will be without dynamic back-row pairing David Taylor (Queensland) and Sam Burgess (England) this weekend.
The Rabbitohs have won their last two games and currently sit in third position on the ladder.
The match will be shown on Channel Nine on a one hour delay Sunday while the Titans are live on Channel Nine from 7:30pm Friday.
The Cowboys are the only match on Saturday and will be live from 7:30pm on Fox Sports.
Queensland vs. NSW, Origin II, June 16th, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (Channel 9, live).
Billy Slater (Melbourne), Darius Boyd (St George-Illawarra), Greg Inglis (Melbourne), Willie Tonga (North Queensland), Israel Folau (Brisbane), Darren Lockyer (captain, Brisbane), Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland), Matt Scott (North Queensland), Cameron Smith (Melbourne), David Shillington (Canberra), Nate Myles (Roosters), Sam Thaiday (Brisbane), Ashley Harrison (Gold Coast). Interchange: Cooper Cronk (Melbourne), Ben Hannant (Canterbury-Bankstown), Neville Costigan (St George-Illawarra), David Taylor (South Sydney). 18th Man – Jharal Yow Yeh (Brisbane).
Gold Coast Titans vs. Manly, Friday 7:30pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Mat Rogers, Sam Tagataese, David Mead, Greg Bird, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Bodene Thompson. Interchange: Matthew White, Brad Meyers, Ryan James, Luke O’Dwyer William Zillman (one to be omitted).
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Canberra, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Matthew Bowen, Michael Bani, Ashley Graham, Will Tupou, John Williams, Michael Morgan, Grant Rovelli, Carl Webb, Aaron Payne (c), James Tamou, Scott Bolton, Willie Mason, Leeson Ah Mau. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Steve Rapira, Antonio Kaufusi, Isaak Ah Mau, Dane Hogan (one to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. South Sydney, Sunday 3pm, (Channel Nine, delayed 4pm)
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Jharal Yow Yeh, Corey Norman, Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Lagi Setu, Ben Te’o, Ashton Sims, Corey Parker (c). Interchange: Ben Hunt, Scott Anderson, Mitchell Dodds, Nick Kenny.
Following his announcement last week to join the rival code from next season, Folau was told in no uncertain terms by the Queensland Rugby League he had played his last representative match.
The decision was publicly backed by past players and senior leaders Darren Lockyer and Petero Civoniceva however momentum swung over the weekend.
Folau’s likely replacement, Brent Tate, broke his jaw on Sunday and the remaining members of the Queensland squad expressed overwhelming support for Folau.
This support, coinciding with his irresistible form for Brisbane, made Folau impossible to ignore for Origin II as the Maroons push for an unprecedented fifth straight series win.
Queensland also welcome back hooker Cameron Smith for the June 16 clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Smith missed Origin I with an elbow injury sustained in the May 7 Test against New Zealand but made a successful return for the Storm last week.
His replacement in Origin I, Manly hooker Matt Ballin, performed admirably but will have to bide his time in the NRL for now.
In the only other change prop Ben Hannant, who missed Origin I with a knee injury, returns in place of the injured Civoniceva (broken hand).
Hannant will start on the bench with Australian front rower David Shillington pushed into the starting side.
Broncos winger Jharal Yow Yeh has been named 18th man but will be released for NRL duty on Sunday.
The sold-out Brisbane crowd will likely be involved in a tribute to retiring Queensland stalwart Steve Price while captain Lockyer could be playing his final home game for the Maroons.
Titans make changes
A fresh-looking Titans side returns to Skilled Park against a depleted Manly side on Friday night and will hope to get their season back on track following three straight losses.
After conceding a big lead on Sunday, Gold Coast almost stole victory late against the Raiders, eventually falling 28-24 losers.
Coach John Cartwright has reacted to their third straight defeat by ringing in the changes for the match against Manly.
Veteran Mat Rogers returns from an eight week knee injury to partner Sam Tagataese in the centres replacing Clinton Toopi and Joseph Tomane (shoulder).
Bodene Thompson comes back into the side at lock with Ashley Harrison away with the Queensland team.
Luke O’Dwyer is set to return from a knee injury suffered against Manly in Round 26 last season.
O’Dwyer has spent the last month in the Queensland Cup and was named on a five man bench for his NRL return.
Gold Coast under 20’s captain, back-rower Ryan James, has also been named on the bench for what could be the 19-year-olds’ NRL debut.
Five-eighth Greg Bird left the Raiders game late with a knee injury and will likely be assessed later in the week.
NQ season hanging by a thread
With just three wins at the halfway mark of the season, the North Queensland Cowboys season is on life support.
They would be in last position had it not been for the Melbourne Storm salary cap rorting.
The Cowboys host Canberra, who have won their last two games against the Dragons and Titans, on Saturday night at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
Johnathan Thurston and Willie Tonga are definitely out of the match due to Queensland duty.
Michael Morgan returns from a shoulder injury to partner Grant Rovelli in the halves while winger John Williams has been recalled with Will Tupou moving to centre in place of Tonga.
Lock forward Luke O’Donnell was named in a 21 man New South Wales squad and will be unavailable for the Cowboys if, as expected, he makes the final Blues team to be named by tomorrow.
Leeson Ah Mau will start the Raiders game at lock with Carl Webb to replace Queensland prop Matt Scott in the front row.
Steve Rapira returns from a groin injury on a five man bench which also includes forwards Isaak Ah Mau and Dane Hogan.
Hooker Aaron Payne will captain the game North Queensland simply must win.
Norman replaces Lockyer
Brisbane Broncos return to Suncorp Stadium for the first time in a month on the back of four consecutive wins.
Youngster Corey Norman returns to the NRL and will replace Lockyer at five-eighth when Brisbane host South Sydney on Sunday.
Norman started the season at fullback before returning to the under 20’s competition in his preferred pivot position.
He played halfback a month ago in the win over Melbourne and will get another chance at the top grade alongside Peter Wallace this weekend.
Prop Scott Anderson returns on the bench from a four week absence due to an elbow ligament injury while fellow bookend Nick Kenny hopes to make his long awaited comeback from a calf injury.
Matt Gillett replaces Folau in the centres with goal-kicking lock forward Corey Parker to captain the side.
South Sydney will be without dynamic back-row pairing David Taylor (Queensland) and Sam Burgess (England) this weekend.
The Rabbitohs have won their last two games and currently sit in third position on the ladder.
The match will be shown on Channel Nine on a one hour delay Sunday while the Titans are live on Channel Nine from 7:30pm Friday.
The Cowboys are the only match on Saturday and will be live from 7:30pm on Fox Sports.
Queensland vs. NSW, Origin II, June 16th, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (Channel 9, live).
Billy Slater (Melbourne), Darius Boyd (St George-Illawarra), Greg Inglis (Melbourne), Willie Tonga (North Queensland), Israel Folau (Brisbane), Darren Lockyer (captain, Brisbane), Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland), Matt Scott (North Queensland), Cameron Smith (Melbourne), David Shillington (Canberra), Nate Myles (Roosters), Sam Thaiday (Brisbane), Ashley Harrison (Gold Coast). Interchange: Cooper Cronk (Melbourne), Ben Hannant (Canterbury-Bankstown), Neville Costigan (St George-Illawarra), David Taylor (South Sydney). 18th Man – Jharal Yow Yeh (Brisbane).
Gold Coast Titans vs. Manly, Friday 7:30pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Mat Rogers, Sam Tagataese, David Mead, Greg Bird, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Bodene Thompson. Interchange: Matthew White, Brad Meyers, Ryan James, Luke O’Dwyer William Zillman (one to be omitted).
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Canberra, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Matthew Bowen, Michael Bani, Ashley Graham, Will Tupou, John Williams, Michael Morgan, Grant Rovelli, Carl Webb, Aaron Payne (c), James Tamou, Scott Bolton, Willie Mason, Leeson Ah Mau. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Steve Rapira, Antonio Kaufusi, Isaak Ah Mau, Dane Hogan (one to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. South Sydney, Sunday 3pm, (Channel Nine, delayed 4pm)
Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Jharal Yow Yeh, Corey Norman, Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Lagi Setu, Ben Te’o, Ashton Sims, Corey Parker (c). Interchange: Ben Hunt, Scott Anderson, Mitchell Dodds, Nick Kenny.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
JT's FU wasn't that bad
Johnathan Thurston last night fronted the judiciary to appeal a one match suspension – for f*cking swearing. Yep, swearing. The fact he was even charged was a joke – he was charged for dropping F-bombs left right and centre: but who hasn’t?
For those who missed it last weekend, JT went on an expletive rant at referee Jason Robinson after a delayed call on a forward pass late in the match cost the Cowboys a try and probable victory. First of all, the call was correct. But the lateness and because it came from a man 60 metres away – plus the fact Robinson couldn’t explain it – had Thurston blow up and swear I think eight times. He also sarcastically added, “You (Referee Robinson) should be man of the match”.
He was then charged for detrimental conduct, whatever that is, and the NRL Match Review committee wanted him punted for a week – for swearing. He didn’t call the referee a cheat, he didn’t accuse the ref of costing the game or anything like that. Thurston was guilty of swearing and that is all.
Let me ask you this ... when something in your life goes wrong, what is your first reaction? I bet at least 75 per cent of the time it is to swear either out loud or under your breath. If you jam a finger in the door, you swear. If you drop something on your foot, you swear. If you bump your head, you swear.
So now think about this ... you are the captain of a struggling NRL team. You play your guts out for them, you play injured for them. You play two full, intense matches within four days for them. You are carrying this team on your back, in front of your fans, and get so damn close to the victory you so desperately need only for a tight call to go against you. You’re in a highly intense, emotional situation under extreme pressure. Eventually something is going to give and in JT’s case he exploded with a bit of swearing.
The argument, mainly from Sydney, about why he should have been suspended AGAIN goes back to this Little Johnny character. You know the one – Little Johnny and his mum watching the game and impressionable Little Johnny is straight away mimicking everything his hero does.
Well, that’s what parents and junior coaches are for. They bridge the gap between Little Johnny and Little Johnny’s hero. For the record, our game panders to Little Johnny way too much. Little Johnny needs to man up or go away (and play AFL – couldn’t resist!).
Swearing is absolutely everywhere around us – television, radio and conversation. People swear, so what? As Thurston’s defence team said, “there’s more swearing on an episode of Underbelly".
I don’t want to see these Refs getting verbal barrages on a weekly basis but surely people can see how this one happened.
A fine and apology from JT would have been sufficient punishment. Keep in mind Thurston is a respected player and generally has a decent rapport with officials. Suspensions are for repeat offenders and thankfully the right decision has now been made. JT won his appeal and will play on Monday night against Souths.
Folau’s FU acceptable
As we all know Israel Folau is leaving the code at the end of the season to go play AFL in Sydney. Less than a day after his announcement the QRL came out and effectively put the black line through his name for the remainder of the Origin series.
I have no problem with this.
I like Folau and would love him in my team, but as Darren Lockyer said “the jersey is bigger than the player”. We can’t have guys walk away from rugby league and play at the highest level.
On the other hand I’m really looking forward to watching Izzy play out the year with my club and know he will continue scoring tries and winning games as we plough on towards September.
TIPPING
Tips – Bulldogs, Storm, Penrith, Roosters, Dragons, Titans, Broncos, Souths
Last Week – 4/7
Total – 47/88 (53%)
As always you can reach me on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) and through the comment section below.
See you next week,
Keyto
For those who missed it last weekend, JT went on an expletive rant at referee Jason Robinson after a delayed call on a forward pass late in the match cost the Cowboys a try and probable victory. First of all, the call was correct. But the lateness and because it came from a man 60 metres away – plus the fact Robinson couldn’t explain it – had Thurston blow up and swear I think eight times. He also sarcastically added, “You (Referee Robinson) should be man of the match”.
He was then charged for detrimental conduct, whatever that is, and the NRL Match Review committee wanted him punted for a week – for swearing. He didn’t call the referee a cheat, he didn’t accuse the ref of costing the game or anything like that. Thurston was guilty of swearing and that is all.
Let me ask you this ... when something in your life goes wrong, what is your first reaction? I bet at least 75 per cent of the time it is to swear either out loud or under your breath. If you jam a finger in the door, you swear. If you drop something on your foot, you swear. If you bump your head, you swear.
So now think about this ... you are the captain of a struggling NRL team. You play your guts out for them, you play injured for them. You play two full, intense matches within four days for them. You are carrying this team on your back, in front of your fans, and get so damn close to the victory you so desperately need only for a tight call to go against you. You’re in a highly intense, emotional situation under extreme pressure. Eventually something is going to give and in JT’s case he exploded with a bit of swearing.
The argument, mainly from Sydney, about why he should have been suspended AGAIN goes back to this Little Johnny character. You know the one – Little Johnny and his mum watching the game and impressionable Little Johnny is straight away mimicking everything his hero does.
Well, that’s what parents and junior coaches are for. They bridge the gap between Little Johnny and Little Johnny’s hero. For the record, our game panders to Little Johnny way too much. Little Johnny needs to man up or go away (and play AFL – couldn’t resist!).
Swearing is absolutely everywhere around us – television, radio and conversation. People swear, so what? As Thurston’s defence team said, “there’s more swearing on an episode of Underbelly".
I don’t want to see these Refs getting verbal barrages on a weekly basis but surely people can see how this one happened.
A fine and apology from JT would have been sufficient punishment. Keep in mind Thurston is a respected player and generally has a decent rapport with officials. Suspensions are for repeat offenders and thankfully the right decision has now been made. JT won his appeal and will play on Monday night against Souths.
Folau’s FU acceptable
As we all know Israel Folau is leaving the code at the end of the season to go play AFL in Sydney. Less than a day after his announcement the QRL came out and effectively put the black line through his name for the remainder of the Origin series.
I have no problem with this.
I like Folau and would love him in my team, but as Darren Lockyer said “the jersey is bigger than the player”. We can’t have guys walk away from rugby league and play at the highest level.
On the other hand I’m really looking forward to watching Izzy play out the year with my club and know he will continue scoring tries and winning games as we plough on towards September.
TIPPING
Tips – Bulldogs, Storm, Penrith, Roosters, Dragons, Titans, Broncos, Souths
Last Week – 4/7
Total – 47/88 (53%)
As always you can reach me on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) and through the comment section below.
See you next week,
Keyto
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Qld Teams - Titans take extras to Canberra
Gold Coast Titans coach John Cartwright is looking for a change of fortune against the Raiders this weekend following back-to-back losses.
He has named forwards Bodene Thompson and Will Matthews on an extended bench for the traditionally tough away clash to Canberra on Sunday.
The Titans have never won at Canberra Stadium, in three attempts, and will need to turn around a two game losing streak.
Gold Coast, following a bye, were well beaten (16-30) at home last night by the Roosters.
Centre Joseph Tomane should return from a hamstring injury on Sunday and has replaced Josh Graham (sternum) in the only change to the team.
With both Queensland and New South Wales likely to face injury changes for Origin II, this weekend is the last chance for the likes of Greg Bird, Luke Bailey, Brad Meyers and Anthony Laffranchi to impress selectors.
Last week The Titans signed Broncos utility back Steve Michaels for the rest of this season through to 2012.
Michaels is expected to bide his time with the Burleigh Bears Queensland Cup side.
Flying Folau leaving Broncos
Israel Folau today officially confirmed he would leave the Brisbane Broncos, and rugby league, at the end of the season.
Folau signed a multi-million dollar, four year deal with new AFL side Greater Western Sydney (GWS) and becomes the second star Bronco, after Karmichael Hunt, in less than a year to defect to the code.
Debate is likely to rage this week as to whether Folau should be named in the Queensland side for Origin II on June 16.
That side will be announced next Tuesday with dual International Lote Tuqiri capable of replacing Folau should the selectors choose to omit him.
There is no rule stating any player leaving the code be ruled ineligible for Origin selection with the decision to be made by the Queensland selectors.
Folau, with five tries in the Broncos three consecutive wins, will have no problem retaining his spot in his club side for the rest of the season.
He scored the first try last week as the Broncos went on to beat Cronulla (20-4) in cold and wet conditions in Sydney.
Coach Ivan Henjak has stuck with the same 17 for what should be a hard match against the second placed Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.
Hooker Andrew McCullough played nearly an hour in his return from a pectoral injury last week and will again share the duties with Ben Hunt.
Prop Nick Kenny continues to struggle with a calf injury and after a number of late withdrawals in recent weeks has not been named for the Manly game.
Utility Gerard Beale, who has filled in at hooker and across the backline numerous times this year, is out for at least four weeks, possibly 12, with a knee injury requiring surgery.
Rookie front rower Mitchell Dodds signed a new two year deal with the Broncos yesterday as he continues to build on a strong debut season.
With three wins on the trot plus the bye last weekend the Broncos are now back in the top eight for the first time since Round 1.
The Broncos sit in 8th on the ladder but with just four wins from 13 games at Brookvale Oval, face a tough task this weekend to continue their winning ways.
Thurston fights swearing suspension
North Queensland Cowboys skipper Johnathan Thurston will fight a one game suspension for detrimental conduct.
Thurston was charged following an expletive-ridden outburst at referee Jason Robinson in the tense final stages of the Cowboys 24-20 loss to Manly last round.
The Queensland halfback also labelled Robinson ‘man of the match’ after a correctly ruled forward pass call cost his side a late try and probable victory.
He has been named in the Cowboys side to play South Sydney at ANZ Stadium on Monday but first must face the judiciary via video link tomorrow night.
Even if he loses and is suspended, Thurston will miss just the one game and will play for Queensland in Origin II.
In other team changes winger Michael Bani returns to replace John Williams while Will Tupou, who replaced Bani against Manly, has been retained.
Young forward Dane Hogan replaces Isaak Ah Mau as the 18th man for the trip to Sydney.
The Cowboys last played in Sydney a month ago and recorded an impressive win over the Roosters.
Willie Mason and Luke O’Donnell are thought to be in the frame for New South Wales with the side for Origin II to be named at halftime in the Cowboys match.
With just three wins heading into the halfway mark of the competition, North Queensland are rapidly losing touch and must turn their season around quickly if they are any hope of playing finals football.
The Cowboys and Souths are live on Fox Sports from 7pm Monday.
Gold Coast start Sunday Football live on Fox Sports from 2pm with the Broncos to follow on Channel Nine from 4pm, one hour after the match kicks-off.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Canberra, Sunday 2pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Clinton Toopi, Joseph Tomane, David Mead, Greg Bird, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Matthew White, Brad Meyers, Sam Tagataese, William Zillman, Bodene Thompson, Will Matthews (two to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. Manly, 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, Lagi Setu, Ben Te’o, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Matt Gillett, Mitchell Dodds, Ashton Sims.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. South Sydney, Monday 7pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Matthew Bowen, Will Tupou, Ashley Graham, Willie Tonga, Michael Bani, Michael Morgan, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott, Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Scott Bolton, Willie Mason, Luke O’Donnell. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Leeson Ah Mau, Carl Webb, Antonio Kaufusi, Dane Hogan (one to be omitted).
He has named forwards Bodene Thompson and Will Matthews on an extended bench for the traditionally tough away clash to Canberra on Sunday.
The Titans have never won at Canberra Stadium, in three attempts, and will need to turn around a two game losing streak.
Gold Coast, following a bye, were well beaten (16-30) at home last night by the Roosters.
Centre Joseph Tomane should return from a hamstring injury on Sunday and has replaced Josh Graham (sternum) in the only change to the team.
With both Queensland and New South Wales likely to face injury changes for Origin II, this weekend is the last chance for the likes of Greg Bird, Luke Bailey, Brad Meyers and Anthony Laffranchi to impress selectors.
Last week The Titans signed Broncos utility back Steve Michaels for the rest of this season through to 2012.
Michaels is expected to bide his time with the Burleigh Bears Queensland Cup side.
Flying Folau leaving Broncos
Israel Folau today officially confirmed he would leave the Brisbane Broncos, and rugby league, at the end of the season.
Folau signed a multi-million dollar, four year deal with new AFL side Greater Western Sydney (GWS) and becomes the second star Bronco, after Karmichael Hunt, in less than a year to defect to the code.
Debate is likely to rage this week as to whether Folau should be named in the Queensland side for Origin II on June 16.
That side will be announced next Tuesday with dual International Lote Tuqiri capable of replacing Folau should the selectors choose to omit him.
There is no rule stating any player leaving the code be ruled ineligible for Origin selection with the decision to be made by the Queensland selectors.
Folau, with five tries in the Broncos three consecutive wins, will have no problem retaining his spot in his club side for the rest of the season.
He scored the first try last week as the Broncos went on to beat Cronulla (20-4) in cold and wet conditions in Sydney.
Coach Ivan Henjak has stuck with the same 17 for what should be a hard match against the second placed Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.
Hooker Andrew McCullough played nearly an hour in his return from a pectoral injury last week and will again share the duties with Ben Hunt.
Prop Nick Kenny continues to struggle with a calf injury and after a number of late withdrawals in recent weeks has not been named for the Manly game.
Utility Gerard Beale, who has filled in at hooker and across the backline numerous times this year, is out for at least four weeks, possibly 12, with a knee injury requiring surgery.
Rookie front rower Mitchell Dodds signed a new two year deal with the Broncos yesterday as he continues to build on a strong debut season.
With three wins on the trot plus the bye last weekend the Broncos are now back in the top eight for the first time since Round 1.
The Broncos sit in 8th on the ladder but with just four wins from 13 games at Brookvale Oval, face a tough task this weekend to continue their winning ways.
Thurston fights swearing suspension
North Queensland Cowboys skipper Johnathan Thurston will fight a one game suspension for detrimental conduct.
Thurston was charged following an expletive-ridden outburst at referee Jason Robinson in the tense final stages of the Cowboys 24-20 loss to Manly last round.
The Queensland halfback also labelled Robinson ‘man of the match’ after a correctly ruled forward pass call cost his side a late try and probable victory.
He has been named in the Cowboys side to play South Sydney at ANZ Stadium on Monday but first must face the judiciary via video link tomorrow night.
Even if he loses and is suspended, Thurston will miss just the one game and will play for Queensland in Origin II.
In other team changes winger Michael Bani returns to replace John Williams while Will Tupou, who replaced Bani against Manly, has been retained.
Young forward Dane Hogan replaces Isaak Ah Mau as the 18th man for the trip to Sydney.
The Cowboys last played in Sydney a month ago and recorded an impressive win over the Roosters.
Willie Mason and Luke O’Donnell are thought to be in the frame for New South Wales with the side for Origin II to be named at halftime in the Cowboys match.
With just three wins heading into the halfway mark of the competition, North Queensland are rapidly losing touch and must turn their season around quickly if they are any hope of playing finals football.
The Cowboys and Souths are live on Fox Sports from 7pm Monday.
Gold Coast start Sunday Football live on Fox Sports from 2pm with the Broncos to follow on Channel Nine from 4pm, one hour after the match kicks-off.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Canberra, Sunday 2pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Clinton Toopi, Joseph Tomane, David Mead, Greg Bird, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Matthew White, Brad Meyers, Sam Tagataese, William Zillman, Bodene Thompson, Will Matthews (two to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. Manly, 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, Lagi Setu, Ben Te’o, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Matt Gillett, Mitchell Dodds, Ashton Sims.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. South Sydney, Monday 7pm, (Fox Sports, live).
Matthew Bowen, Will Tupou, Ashley Graham, Willie Tonga, Michael Bani, Michael Morgan, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott, Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Scott Bolton, Willie Mason, Luke O’Donnell. Interchange: Anthony Watts, Leeson Ah Mau, Carl Webb, Antonio Kaufusi, Dane Hogan (one to be omitted).
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