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
Thursday, July 29, 2010
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.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The Cowboys Conundrum
Jonathan Thurston is one of the best players we have seen over the last 10 years. He has excelled at all levels of the game and has been a great rugby league personality on and off the field. However, he is also the captain of a team who should be a Premiership contender yet are effectively wooden spooners. Unfortunately, in my opinion I see Thurston as a big part of the problems in Townsville.
Thurston Theory
This is NOT a Thurston-bashing piece; I think he is part of the problem but not necessarily responsible. Everyone in the game knows the Cowboys are based around Thurston and generally need him firing to consistently win matches. By his very nature, Thurston comes across as a fairly relaxed guy off the field. He is a damn good competitor on the field, but always carries that big grin and is up for a laugh away from the playing arena.
This relaxed attitude works very well for him and I’m sure is part of the reason he has had such a successful career to date. Thurston can afford to be so relaxed because he has so much natural talent and is such a gifted footballer. For an individual, who produces on the field, that is absolutely fine.
However at the Cowboys, this attitude is where the problem lies.
Thurston, combined with the Townsville lifestyle and relative obscurity of the Cowboys, has rubbed off on his team mates and subsequently rolled through the club. It’s come to a point now where the Cowboys are too relaxed.
On field performances are a reflection of the training paddock and the fact the Cowboys have been slow starters all year and their defence has been horrible, tells me they aren’t doing the work during the week.
Thurston is the captain and needs to be leading by example. When players see him so relaxed and possibly not working as hard as he could at training, it funnels down through the team. The rest of those guys aren’t as naturally gifted as JT and can’t afford to be so relaxed.
The Coach
My theory is that coach Neil Henry has seen this exact thing but can’t quite stamp it out. From time to time we hear of Henry and Thurston not always working on the same page and I think it comes down to the attitude of the two men.
Henry sees a need for adjustment while Thurston is reluctant to change the things that have made him a superstar player. Both guys could probably do things a bit differently but at the end of the day the coach needs to find a way to make it all work.
The Cowboys are almost at the point where they need to bring a Brian Smith in and clean the whole place out. They are in need of an overhaul because, quite frankly, they are in a great location and have too good a team to be running last.
Their underachievement is not limited to 2010, it’s been happening since the 2005 Grand Final.
The Future
I can’t see the coach getting sacked any time soon and that’s fair enough. However he needs to make some tough decisions. Getting Brent Tate next year is a good move but I would also be looking at finding a hard working, no-nonsense forward to join the club next season.
The other move I would make, and this won’t be popular, is taking the captaincy away from Thurston. Tell him to just play his own game and steer the team around the field.
I would make Matt Scott the leader of that club. He has been in the system a while, he’s an Origin player and a solid prop. I think he would be a very good leader of that club and can help bring back the professionalism they seem to be lacking.
TIPPING
Tips – Brisbane, Dragons, Melbourne, Penrith, Manly, Canberra, Roosters, Tigers
Last Week – 3/7
Total – 69/128 (54%)
A full round this weekend so make sure you head out and support your team if possible. I’m making the trip down to the Gold Coast tomorrow night and very much looking forward to what should be a pretty good game of footy. Any comments, or complaints, can find me directly using the button below, on Twitter (@keyto316) or on the email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com).
See you next week,
Keyto
Thurston Theory
This is NOT a Thurston-bashing piece; I think he is part of the problem but not necessarily responsible. Everyone in the game knows the Cowboys are based around Thurston and generally need him firing to consistently win matches. By his very nature, Thurston comes across as a fairly relaxed guy off the field. He is a damn good competitor on the field, but always carries that big grin and is up for a laugh away from the playing arena.
This relaxed attitude works very well for him and I’m sure is part of the reason he has had such a successful career to date. Thurston can afford to be so relaxed because he has so much natural talent and is such a gifted footballer. For an individual, who produces on the field, that is absolutely fine.
However at the Cowboys, this attitude is where the problem lies.
Thurston, combined with the Townsville lifestyle and relative obscurity of the Cowboys, has rubbed off on his team mates and subsequently rolled through the club. It’s come to a point now where the Cowboys are too relaxed.
On field performances are a reflection of the training paddock and the fact the Cowboys have been slow starters all year and their defence has been horrible, tells me they aren’t doing the work during the week.
Thurston is the captain and needs to be leading by example. When players see him so relaxed and possibly not working as hard as he could at training, it funnels down through the team. The rest of those guys aren’t as naturally gifted as JT and can’t afford to be so relaxed.
The Coach
My theory is that coach Neil Henry has seen this exact thing but can’t quite stamp it out. From time to time we hear of Henry and Thurston not always working on the same page and I think it comes down to the attitude of the two men.
Henry sees a need for adjustment while Thurston is reluctant to change the things that have made him a superstar player. Both guys could probably do things a bit differently but at the end of the day the coach needs to find a way to make it all work.
The Cowboys are almost at the point where they need to bring a Brian Smith in and clean the whole place out. They are in need of an overhaul because, quite frankly, they are in a great location and have too good a team to be running last.
Their underachievement is not limited to 2010, it’s been happening since the 2005 Grand Final.
The Future
I can’t see the coach getting sacked any time soon and that’s fair enough. However he needs to make some tough decisions. Getting Brent Tate next year is a good move but I would also be looking at finding a hard working, no-nonsense forward to join the club next season.
The other move I would make, and this won’t be popular, is taking the captaincy away from Thurston. Tell him to just play his own game and steer the team around the field.
I would make Matt Scott the leader of that club. He has been in the system a while, he’s an Origin player and a solid prop. I think he would be a very good leader of that club and can help bring back the professionalism they seem to be lacking.
TIPPING
Tips – Brisbane, Dragons, Melbourne, Penrith, Manly, Canberra, Roosters, Tigers
Last Week – 3/7
Total – 69/128 (54%)
A full round this weekend so make sure you head out and support your team if possible. I’m making the trip down to the Gold Coast tomorrow night and very much looking forward to what should be a pretty good game of footy. Any comments, or complaints, can find me directly using the button below, on Twitter (@keyto316) or on the email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com).
See you next week,
Keyto
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Qld Teams - Titans set for derby
Gold Coast Titans will hope to snap a two game losing streak when they host the Brisbane Broncos in a blockbuster showdown at Skilled Park on Friday night.
In Round 10 the Titans had a three game winning streak ended by the Broncos in a 28-6 thumping at Suncorp Stadium.
Two months later both sides will hope to spark their run towards the finals when they meet in front of what should be close to a sold out crowd at Robina.
The Titans have lost four of their last five games against the Broncos and went down 40-32 in their most recent clash at Skilled Park in the first week of the 2009 Finals series.
Coach John Cartwright has included former Bronco Steve Michaels on a five man bench for this weekend’s local clash.
Michaels signed with the Titans midway through the season after playing just one NRL game for Brisbane in 2010.
He is the only addition to the side that lost 15-14 to the Wests Tigers last week.
Scott Prince made a successful return from a hamstring injury while Origin representatives Ashley Harrison and Greg Bird also managed to back up.
The Titans sit in fifth position but a loss could see them slip out of the top eight if other results go against them.
Glenn back for Brisbane
Utility Alex Glenn joins returning Queensland trio Darren Lockyer, Sam Thaiday and Israel Folau in the Broncos team for Friday night.
Glenn, on the fringe of New Zealand selection, injured his ankle in the loss to Penrith a month ago.
After missing the win over Parramatta three weeks ago, the last minute 16-14 loss without Origin stars to Wests Tigers and with the bye last week, Glenn is set to return in the centres two weeks ahead of schedule.
His inclusion pushes Matt Gillett back to the bench where he is likely to be injected into the match at his preferred back row position.
Young props Mitchell Dodds and Josh McGuire have retained interchange spots with more experienced forwards Lagi Setu, Ashton Sims and Scott Anderson expected to play Queensland Cup this week.
The Broncos enter Round 19 in eighth position on the table but are amongst a host of teams log-jammed in the middle of the ladder.
A win could propel Brisbane into the top four albeit temporarily with other matches to complete across the weekend.
Cowboys search for answers
North Queensland Cowboys have only pride to play for after slumping to another loss at Parramatta Stadium last night.
They have won just one of their past six games, plus two byes, and have lost their last three.
With just four victories all season the Cowboys would be in the wooden spoon position without the Melbourne Storm salary cap drama.
They gain back-rower Luke O’Donnell back from suspension but could lose utility Anthony Watts for Monday night’s match with the Wests Tigers at Leichardt Oval.
Watts will challenge a one match suspension at the judiciary tomorrow night after he was charged for a dangerous tackle in the final minute of last night’s 36-24 loss to the Eels.
O’Donnell comes in at lock as Wests Tigers aim to complete a Queensland treble by adding the Cowboys scalp to complement wins over Brisbane and Gold Coast in the last two weeks.
Ben Harris drops out of the 17 man squad used last night.
The match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Two with kick-off just after 7pm Monday.
Channel Nine will have the south-east Queensland derby live from the Gold Coast from 7:30pm Friday.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Brisbane, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Mat Rogers, Bodene Thompson, William Zillman, Greg Bird, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Matthew White, Brad Meyers, Ryan James, Luke O’Dwyer, Steve Michaels (one to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. Gold Coast, 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, Ben Te’o, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Matt Gillett, Mitchell Dodds, Josh McGuire.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Tigers, Monday 7pm, (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.
In Round 10 the Titans had a three game winning streak ended by the Broncos in a 28-6 thumping at Suncorp Stadium.
Two months later both sides will hope to spark their run towards the finals when they meet in front of what should be close to a sold out crowd at Robina.
The Titans have lost four of their last five games against the Broncos and went down 40-32 in their most recent clash at Skilled Park in the first week of the 2009 Finals series.
Coach John Cartwright has included former Bronco Steve Michaels on a five man bench for this weekend’s local clash.
Michaels signed with the Titans midway through the season after playing just one NRL game for Brisbane in 2010.
He is the only addition to the side that lost 15-14 to the Wests Tigers last week.
Scott Prince made a successful return from a hamstring injury while Origin representatives Ashley Harrison and Greg Bird also managed to back up.
The Titans sit in fifth position but a loss could see them slip out of the top eight if other results go against them.
Glenn back for Brisbane
Utility Alex Glenn joins returning Queensland trio Darren Lockyer, Sam Thaiday and Israel Folau in the Broncos team for Friday night.
Glenn, on the fringe of New Zealand selection, injured his ankle in the loss to Penrith a month ago.
After missing the win over Parramatta three weeks ago, the last minute 16-14 loss without Origin stars to Wests Tigers and with the bye last week, Glenn is set to return in the centres two weeks ahead of schedule.
His inclusion pushes Matt Gillett back to the bench where he is likely to be injected into the match at his preferred back row position.
Young props Mitchell Dodds and Josh McGuire have retained interchange spots with more experienced forwards Lagi Setu, Ashton Sims and Scott Anderson expected to play Queensland Cup this week.
The Broncos enter Round 19 in eighth position on the table but are amongst a host of teams log-jammed in the middle of the ladder.
A win could propel Brisbane into the top four albeit temporarily with other matches to complete across the weekend.
Cowboys search for answers
North Queensland Cowboys have only pride to play for after slumping to another loss at Parramatta Stadium last night.
They have won just one of their past six games, plus two byes, and have lost their last three.
With just four victories all season the Cowboys would be in the wooden spoon position without the Melbourne Storm salary cap drama.
They gain back-rower Luke O’Donnell back from suspension but could lose utility Anthony Watts for Monday night’s match with the Wests Tigers at Leichardt Oval.
Watts will challenge a one match suspension at the judiciary tomorrow night after he was charged for a dangerous tackle in the final minute of last night’s 36-24 loss to the Eels.
O’Donnell comes in at lock as Wests Tigers aim to complete a Queensland treble by adding the Cowboys scalp to complement wins over Brisbane and Gold Coast in the last two weeks.
Ben Harris drops out of the 17 man squad used last night.
The match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Two with kick-off just after 7pm Monday.
Channel Nine will have the south-east Queensland derby live from the Gold Coast from 7:30pm Friday.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Brisbane, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Preston Campbell, Kevin Gordon, Mat Rogers, Bodene Thompson, William Zillman, Greg Bird, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Matthew White, Brad Meyers, Ryan James, Luke O’Dwyer, Steve Michaels (one to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. Gold Coast, 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, Ben Te’o, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Matt Gillett, Mitchell Dodds, Josh McGuire.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Tigers, Monday 7pm, (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.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Time to write off a few teams
Well, it’s that time of year to get out the big red pen and strike a nice thick line through a couple of teams. After watching two games last weekend, I am right now officially writing off the Canberra Raiders and Parramatta Eels. They might come good and make a fool of me and if that happens hey, good luck to them, but I can’t see it. Canberra and Parramatta have now joined Cronulla, North Queensland and Melbourne in planning next season. I know statements like that are dangerous, but from what I have seen neither will make the finals and more importantly, neither deserve to.
Whatsa Matta Parramatta?
The Eels are playing terrible football. We shouldn’t be surprised because we saw it last year until the stars aligned and freakish form by Jarryd Hayne and Fui Fui Moi Moi put them back in business. We won’t see play like that again and especially not from the 2010 Parra Eels.
The real catalyst of last year, hooker Kevin Kingston, is now with pace setters Penrith. No one realised his true value until he left the club and right now Parramatta have no direction. There seems to be a general laziness throughout the majority of the players whether they know it or not. They drift out of games and tend to rely way too much on individual brilliance to save them.
I’m tipping Jarryd Hayne to come back strongly on Monday night and the Eels will surely fire up to beat the Cowboys. On current form I can’t see them getting close to doing what they did last year. To be honest I don’t want them to either. It would be unfair for club like Brisbane or the Warriors – young teams who have tried and competed all year – to be punted by a Johnny come lately run from the Eels.
See ya later Canberra
I tipped Canberra to make the Top Four this season and they’ve done nothing. I said if they keep this team together they will play a Grand Final within three years and they’re further away than ever.
The Raiders are a young team but so are Brisbane and the Warriors have used plenty of kids too. Canberra did lose their heartbeat in Alan Tongue but for me this season has three major issues which all revolve around the play making.
Terry Campese – I know Mark Geyer is adamant players should never sign more than a three year contract and Campese is showing us why. Since penning a massive five year deal last season Campese has been well below his best. He is taking bad options and has lost his time and composure. However I don’t think he can take all the blame.
The halfback – There is none. For quite a while now the Raiders have persisted with Adam Mogg, an aging winger, in the critical number seven position. Campese plays like a halfback but needs a good foil alongside him. Mogg is not that foil – he doesn’t have a strong passing or kicking game and having watched their last few games I haven’t seen Mogg do anything well. With guys like Josh McCrone, Marc Herbert and Michael Picker waiting in reserve grade there is no excuse for this.
The Coach – This halfback selection comes back to the coach. In two home games within six days, Canberra had a staggering 95 tackles inside their opponents 20 metre zone and scored a measly four tries. That is inexcusable. Especially considering they went scoreless in both second halves. If the Coach wasn’t the CEO’s brother there would be serious questions asked about his future. But that’s a matter for another day.
Origin Wrap
This Queensland side is probably the best Origin team I will ever see. I was in Sydney last night to complete my own Origin Trifecta this year and was very proud of the boys yet again. The Blues threw absolutely everything they had at us, especially in the second half, and Queensland still won.
I have to give a special mention to firstly Billy Slater whose try saver won us the match. He has become such an outstanding footballer and I’m glad he wears Maroon.
Israel Folau, who has seemed to relish his new found ‘villain’ persona in Sydney, is playing very well and we will miss him in our game. I’m proud to still have him in my side for the rest of the season. Likewise skipper Darren Lockyer who just amazes me every match. He is the best player I have ever seen.
Finally, Sam Thaiday has really come of age this year and I think it began in the brawl that ended last year’s series. He is a senior player and sticks up for his mates as we saw last night when noted rough-houser Greg Bird tried to hassle the usually milder Folau and Willie Tonga. Slamming Sam can be in my team any day.
TIPPING
Tips – Titans, Roosters, Manly, Storm, Newcastle, Penrith, Parramatta
Last Week – 2/5
Total – 66/121 (55%)
It’s a big weekend for a few teams – notably the Roosters, Manly, Newcastle and Parramatta in my opinion. I’m away for Round 18 but will happily answer any emails when I return. You can find me directly at andrew.keyte@gmail.com, Twitter (@keyto316) or comment below.
Cheers,
Keyto
Whatsa Matta Parramatta?
The Eels are playing terrible football. We shouldn’t be surprised because we saw it last year until the stars aligned and freakish form by Jarryd Hayne and Fui Fui Moi Moi put them back in business. We won’t see play like that again and especially not from the 2010 Parra Eels.
The real catalyst of last year, hooker Kevin Kingston, is now with pace setters Penrith. No one realised his true value until he left the club and right now Parramatta have no direction. There seems to be a general laziness throughout the majority of the players whether they know it or not. They drift out of games and tend to rely way too much on individual brilliance to save them.
I’m tipping Jarryd Hayne to come back strongly on Monday night and the Eels will surely fire up to beat the Cowboys. On current form I can’t see them getting close to doing what they did last year. To be honest I don’t want them to either. It would be unfair for club like Brisbane or the Warriors – young teams who have tried and competed all year – to be punted by a Johnny come lately run from the Eels.
See ya later Canberra
I tipped Canberra to make the Top Four this season and they’ve done nothing. I said if they keep this team together they will play a Grand Final within three years and they’re further away than ever.
The Raiders are a young team but so are Brisbane and the Warriors have used plenty of kids too. Canberra did lose their heartbeat in Alan Tongue but for me this season has three major issues which all revolve around the play making.
Terry Campese – I know Mark Geyer is adamant players should never sign more than a three year contract and Campese is showing us why. Since penning a massive five year deal last season Campese has been well below his best. He is taking bad options and has lost his time and composure. However I don’t think he can take all the blame.
The halfback – There is none. For quite a while now the Raiders have persisted with Adam Mogg, an aging winger, in the critical number seven position. Campese plays like a halfback but needs a good foil alongside him. Mogg is not that foil – he doesn’t have a strong passing or kicking game and having watched their last few games I haven’t seen Mogg do anything well. With guys like Josh McCrone, Marc Herbert and Michael Picker waiting in reserve grade there is no excuse for this.
The Coach – This halfback selection comes back to the coach. In two home games within six days, Canberra had a staggering 95 tackles inside their opponents 20 metre zone and scored a measly four tries. That is inexcusable. Especially considering they went scoreless in both second halves. If the Coach wasn’t the CEO’s brother there would be serious questions asked about his future. But that’s a matter for another day.
Origin Wrap
This Queensland side is probably the best Origin team I will ever see. I was in Sydney last night to complete my own Origin Trifecta this year and was very proud of the boys yet again. The Blues threw absolutely everything they had at us, especially in the second half, and Queensland still won.
I have to give a special mention to firstly Billy Slater whose try saver won us the match. He has become such an outstanding footballer and I’m glad he wears Maroon.
Israel Folau, who has seemed to relish his new found ‘villain’ persona in Sydney, is playing very well and we will miss him in our game. I’m proud to still have him in my side for the rest of the season. Likewise skipper Darren Lockyer who just amazes me every match. He is the best player I have ever seen.
Finally, Sam Thaiday has really come of age this year and I think it began in the brawl that ended last year’s series. He is a senior player and sticks up for his mates as we saw last night when noted rough-houser Greg Bird tried to hassle the usually milder Folau and Willie Tonga. Slamming Sam can be in my team any day.
TIPPING
Tips – Titans, Roosters, Manly, Storm, Newcastle, Penrith, Parramatta
Last Week – 2/5
Total – 66/121 (55%)
It’s a big weekend for a few teams – notably the Roosters, Manly, Newcastle and Parramatta in my opinion. I’m away for Round 18 but will happily answer any emails when I return. You can find me directly at andrew.keyte@gmail.com, Twitter (@keyto316) or comment below.
Cheers,
Keyto
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Qld Teams
No Queensland teams today as I'm heading to Sydney in anticipation of the 'Maroonwash' tomorrow!
I have pre-written a blog, death-ridding two teams, and will post that Thursday night sometime so please come back then!
I have pre-written a blog, death-ridding two teams, and will post that Thursday night sometime so please come back then!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
A tale of two men: Jarryd Hayne and Steven Price
Jarryd Hayne has a decision to make – megastar or quiet achiever. He cannot have both. You can’t take the big contracts and demand the big money if you’re not going to perform and you can’t take criticism. Hayne blew up the other day because his coach said what everyone in rugby league knows – Hayne is not playing his best football.
We can question the merits of the coach doing this publicly and the media blowing things out of proportion, but the bottom line is a lot of fans don’t like Hayne because he attracts this sort of attention. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of young fans especially in Sydney love the guy. This is where Hayne has got his problems.
The guy has become a genuine superstar of the game on the back of four months of freakish football displayed last season. What we saw was a one-in-one-hundred year event. I don’t think any of us will ever see a player raise the bar so high and maintain it for so long again.
With that came the contracts and sponsorship and suddenly Hayne was transformed from a pretty good first grader with a stack of potential to absolute megastar. It’s one thing to take the contracts – and even demand more money and benefits (see: Test match ticket drama) – but he needs to back it up on the field. What’s more, he needs to take the good with the bad.
This season Hayne has been well below his best and although it’s unfair to expect anyone to replicate what he did last year, his inconsistencies and apparent laziness during games sparked that reaction from the coach.
Things could possibly have been handled differently, and reported accurately, but Hayne has to stop being so precious. When word gets out that Hayne is thinking about walking on the Eels I feel like telling him to grow up. If you take the money and play professional sport you need to take the criticism when it is warranted. Just like you take the praise and plaudits when things go well.
What got me today was Hayne saying on Twitter that his coach Anderson had “apologised” and everything was fine. I don’t think the coach needs to apologise for firing a rocket to an under-performing player – especially if it has been an issue building and sizzling away for a while.
For the sake of the Parramatta Eels season, they need to hope Hayne has now received the message loud and clear, has a big game in Origin III and returns to lead their push into the Top Eight.
Steven Price
Steve Price is a true champion of the game. Tags like that do get thrown around but in this case it is very true. He announced his retirement during the week after being unable to overcome injury and play any part in his final season. Price is a legend at the Bulldogs, a Queensland Origin hero and one of the true good guys of the NRL.
I started watching rugby league regularly around about the 1994 season and Price was one of my first favourite players. I was only nine or 10 years old at the time and I think what stood out was his enthusiasm and his headgear!
That made him very recognisable and I followed his career ever since. I thought his leadership on and off the field was absolute top shelf and it was always a pleasure watching him play for Queensland over the years.
It’s been a wonderful career for Steven Price and I’m sure he will do very well in whatever he decides to do next.
Meaningful Rounds
Very quickly, I really enjoyed the Women in League round last year with the pink theme carried across all games. I think our game can do more of these sorts of things, without going overboard. Rugby League is in a good position to promote worthwhile causes.
Along with the annual Women in League round, I would like to see a Round Against Racism (which may be on the cards) and a weekend devoted to Schoolyard Bullying.
I think these are big issues that every young fan in the game especially could relate to. While we argue reasonably about money and sponsorship, sometimes we also have to look at bigger society problems that our game can play a major role in assisting.
TIPPING
Tips – Broncos, Bulldogs, Canberra, Warriors, Dragons
Last Week – 5/8
Total – 64/116 (55%)
Once again thanks for coming back again this week, and welcome if you’re a first time reader! If you want to get involved you can comment below, email me directly (andrew.keyte@gmail.com) or find me on Twitter (@keyto316).
Cheers,
Keyto
We can question the merits of the coach doing this publicly and the media blowing things out of proportion, but the bottom line is a lot of fans don’t like Hayne because he attracts this sort of attention. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of young fans especially in Sydney love the guy. This is where Hayne has got his problems.
The guy has become a genuine superstar of the game on the back of four months of freakish football displayed last season. What we saw was a one-in-one-hundred year event. I don’t think any of us will ever see a player raise the bar so high and maintain it for so long again.
With that came the contracts and sponsorship and suddenly Hayne was transformed from a pretty good first grader with a stack of potential to absolute megastar. It’s one thing to take the contracts – and even demand more money and benefits (see: Test match ticket drama) – but he needs to back it up on the field. What’s more, he needs to take the good with the bad.
This season Hayne has been well below his best and although it’s unfair to expect anyone to replicate what he did last year, his inconsistencies and apparent laziness during games sparked that reaction from the coach.
Things could possibly have been handled differently, and reported accurately, but Hayne has to stop being so precious. When word gets out that Hayne is thinking about walking on the Eels I feel like telling him to grow up. If you take the money and play professional sport you need to take the criticism when it is warranted. Just like you take the praise and plaudits when things go well.
What got me today was Hayne saying on Twitter that his coach Anderson had “apologised” and everything was fine. I don’t think the coach needs to apologise for firing a rocket to an under-performing player – especially if it has been an issue building and sizzling away for a while.
For the sake of the Parramatta Eels season, they need to hope Hayne has now received the message loud and clear, has a big game in Origin III and returns to lead their push into the Top Eight.
Steven Price
Steve Price is a true champion of the game. Tags like that do get thrown around but in this case it is very true. He announced his retirement during the week after being unable to overcome injury and play any part in his final season. Price is a legend at the Bulldogs, a Queensland Origin hero and one of the true good guys of the NRL.
I started watching rugby league regularly around about the 1994 season and Price was one of my first favourite players. I was only nine or 10 years old at the time and I think what stood out was his enthusiasm and his headgear!
That made him very recognisable and I followed his career ever since. I thought his leadership on and off the field was absolute top shelf and it was always a pleasure watching him play for Queensland over the years.
It’s been a wonderful career for Steven Price and I’m sure he will do very well in whatever he decides to do next.
Meaningful Rounds
Very quickly, I really enjoyed the Women in League round last year with the pink theme carried across all games. I think our game can do more of these sorts of things, without going overboard. Rugby League is in a good position to promote worthwhile causes.
Along with the annual Women in League round, I would like to see a Round Against Racism (which may be on the cards) and a weekend devoted to Schoolyard Bullying.
I think these are big issues that every young fan in the game especially could relate to. While we argue reasonably about money and sponsorship, sometimes we also have to look at bigger society problems that our game can play a major role in assisting.
TIPPING
Tips – Broncos, Bulldogs, Canberra, Warriors, Dragons
Last Week – 5/8
Total – 64/116 (55%)
Once again thanks for coming back again this week, and welcome if you’re a first time reader! If you want to get involved you can comment below, email me directly (andrew.keyte@gmail.com) or find me on Twitter (@keyto316).
Cheers,
Keyto
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