While it’s not the same as the Collingwood thing in the AFL (whatever that is), for decades every NRL fan has grown up to hate Manly. Their own fans have a saying, transferred onto a banner, stating “Nobody likes us, we don’t care”. You know what, I don’t hate Manly. I think they are Premiership Favourites and if they make the Grand Final, I hope they win.
Where’s the hate?
I live in Brisbane so we’re shielded away from the Sydney media frenzy unless we go looking for it online. We only really hear from Sydney when a story has a Queensland relevance, unless of course it’s a major story. But a regular run-of-the-mill ‘we hate Manly’ yarn won’t get a run here.
I tend to base my support of other players or teams based on what I personally see on the field or what I can see of their personality. From my viewing this year, there’s nothing to hate about Manly.
The rookie halves are wonderfully talented and conduct themselves outstandingly well in the media also. There’s a big fat guy who represents all the big fat guys in Australia, and does it in style through hard work and good times. You’ve got a hit man lurking out wide and the return of one of the better fullbacks in the competition. Then there’s a guy called T-Rex crushing blokes and scoring tries.
Yes there are a few players I don’t really care for in that squad but overall, I think Manly as a football team is great to watch every week. Even more importantly, the last two months has shown me they are going to take a heck of a lot of beating.
Siege Mentality
I must confess, this is my favourite mentality. The “us against the world”, true underdog story is a good one every time. Manly manufacture it deluxe, almost like the Maroons I guess, but it works. The Sea Eagles whinge about home grounds and administration and match allocation but it assists in their results. For that I say good luck.
Jamie Lyon can grind the gears with his questioning of referees but he’s not the most annoying in the competition by a long way (that would be Kurt Gidley, for those playing at home).
Rival teams and fans should focus on the winning rather than whinging about Manly’s whinging.
NRL Finals
Last week Manly were ropeable they had to play their final with the Cowboys at the Sydney Football Stadium. I agree they deserved a home ground advantage and the 8:30pm time slot was a shocker, but EVERY club agreed to this last year – Big games at the big stadiums.
As far as Sydney goes, I think we might see a loophole allowing grounds like Brookvale Oval to be used in Week 1 against a non-Sydney club.
I’m really torn on this McIntyre Finals system after the weekend. For starters, we have probably got the best 6 teams left standing in the Premiership Race. The Cowboys were busted and Newcastle ... no offence, but we should have just played a Top 7 this year.
The games last weekend were shit.
Apart from the Tigers and Dragons match, the rest didn’t really feel like a Final. The Warriors got pumped, Manly always looked likely if they got one try and Melbourne were just foxing by not putting 40 points on.
Maybe it is time to go with the AFL system to give us closer matches and to create a bit more equality. Would it have been fair for the Tigers, who won, to have to play the Minor Premiers this week? Ask the Broncos 2009 team about that one.
TIPPING
Tips – Tigers, Broncos
Last Week – 3/4
Total –124/196 (63%)
You can share your thoughts on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) or comment below.
Have a great week,
Keyto
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Qld Teams - Lockyer's Final Show
Regardless of the result, Saturday night’s elimination semi final against the Dragons will be Darren Lockyer’s final match at Suncorp Stadium.
Fresh off a 40-10 thumping of the Warriors last week, the Broncos now face the defending premiers for the right to play Manly in Sydney in the Grand Final Qualifier.
Saturday will be the last stop in the Queensland leg of Lockyer’s season-long farewell tour with the loser of the match eliminated from the Telstra Premiership race.
In a fitting finale, Lockyer comes up against perhaps the single most influential man in his career – St George-Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett.
It was Bennett who introduced Lockyer to the world with the Broncos club when he was a teenager and moulded him into one of the best fullbacks to have played the game.
Then Bennett switched Lockyer into the halves where he was eventually to become one of the best five-eighths to have played the game.
Now Bennett will comprise a game plan to nullify Lockyer and effectively end his NRL career.
The Broncos are anticipating a near capacity 50,000 strong crowd at Suncorp Stadium for their
biggest game of the season.
In the corresponding match two years ago, a Greg Inglis try in the dying seconds won the match for Melbourne and ended Brisbane’s season.
Coach Anthony Griffin has named an unchanged side from last week to tackle the Dragons.
In their only other meeting this season, immediately following Origin II, the Broncos prevailed 21-14 at Suncorp Stadium.
Justin Hodges left training early today but is not expected to be any doubt for his personal battle with the Dragons’ Matt Cooper.
The Broncos will get captain-in-waiting Sam Thaiday back for next week’s match should they defeat the Dragons.
Saturday’s game kicks off shortly after 6:30pm and will be televised live on Channel Nine.
Cowboys in squads
Six North Queensland Cowboys have been included in representative squads following their disappointing exit from the competition last week.
Despite leading 8-0 at halftime against Manly, the Cowboys were comprehensively outplayed by the Premiership favourites to leak 42 unanswered points in the second half.
With their season over, attention now turns for some to the October Test matches and Four Nations tour to England.
Incumbents Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott have been named in the Australian squad along with fullback Matt Bowen and Maroons centre Willie Tonga.
They will meet the rest of the squad in Sydney on Thursday before selectors name the Prime Ministers squad to face PNG on September 25.
Australian selectors overlooked former Queensland regulars Brent Tate, who played nine games at the end of the year after recovering from a knee injury, and Dallas Johnson, who returned to the NRL this year after spending 2010 in the English Super League.
Cowboys’ winger Kalifa Faifai Loa and impressive young prop James Tamou have been included in New Zealand’s train-on squad.
The full squad will assemble after the Grand Final and play a Test against the Cook Islands on October 6, before meeting Australia on October 16 in Newcastle.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Dragons, Saturday 6:30pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Gerard Beale, Dale Copley, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Ben Hannant, Alex Glenn, Ben Te’o, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Scott Anderson, David Hala.
Fresh off a 40-10 thumping of the Warriors last week, the Broncos now face the defending premiers for the right to play Manly in Sydney in the Grand Final Qualifier.
Saturday will be the last stop in the Queensland leg of Lockyer’s season-long farewell tour with the loser of the match eliminated from the Telstra Premiership race.
In a fitting finale, Lockyer comes up against perhaps the single most influential man in his career – St George-Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett.
It was Bennett who introduced Lockyer to the world with the Broncos club when he was a teenager and moulded him into one of the best fullbacks to have played the game.
Then Bennett switched Lockyer into the halves where he was eventually to become one of the best five-eighths to have played the game.
Now Bennett will comprise a game plan to nullify Lockyer and effectively end his NRL career.
The Broncos are anticipating a near capacity 50,000 strong crowd at Suncorp Stadium for their
biggest game of the season.
In the corresponding match two years ago, a Greg Inglis try in the dying seconds won the match for Melbourne and ended Brisbane’s season.
Coach Anthony Griffin has named an unchanged side from last week to tackle the Dragons.
In their only other meeting this season, immediately following Origin II, the Broncos prevailed 21-14 at Suncorp Stadium.
Justin Hodges left training early today but is not expected to be any doubt for his personal battle with the Dragons’ Matt Cooper.
The Broncos will get captain-in-waiting Sam Thaiday back for next week’s match should they defeat the Dragons.
Saturday’s game kicks off shortly after 6:30pm and will be televised live on Channel Nine.
Cowboys in squads
Six North Queensland Cowboys have been included in representative squads following their disappointing exit from the competition last week.
Despite leading 8-0 at halftime against Manly, the Cowboys were comprehensively outplayed by the Premiership favourites to leak 42 unanswered points in the second half.
With their season over, attention now turns for some to the October Test matches and Four Nations tour to England.
Incumbents Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott have been named in the Australian squad along with fullback Matt Bowen and Maroons centre Willie Tonga.
They will meet the rest of the squad in Sydney on Thursday before selectors name the Prime Ministers squad to face PNG on September 25.
Australian selectors overlooked former Queensland regulars Brent Tate, who played nine games at the end of the year after recovering from a knee injury, and Dallas Johnson, who returned to the NRL this year after spending 2010 in the English Super League.
Cowboys’ winger Kalifa Faifai Loa and impressive young prop James Tamou have been included in New Zealand’s train-on squad.
The full squad will assemble after the Grand Final and play a Test against the Cook Islands on October 6, before meeting Australia on October 16 in Newcastle.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Dragons, Saturday 6:30pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Gerard Beale, Dale Copley, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Ben Hannant, Alex Glenn, Ben Te’o, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Scott Anderson, David Hala.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
My Own Dally M Awards
Last night Billy Slater was a worthy winner of the Dally M award for best player throughout the 2011 season. I can’t fault any of the award winners and can’t really justify why anyone else should have claimed a category. Today I name my team of the year – these guys aren’t necessarily the best in their position, but they are the ones I have enjoyed watching. Yep, a popularity contest!
Fullback – Josh Hoffman (Broncos)
It’s a real shame injury has punctuated his season but Hoffman showed enough in his 16 games to prove he is an absolute gem. He’s been a more than worthy heir to Karmichael Hunt and will be New Zealand’s main fullback for a long time. Great in defence, attack and counter-attack. Also wonderful at a live match to sit behind the posts and watch Hoffman organise defenders.
Wing – Akuila Uate (Rabbitohs)
He’s an excitement machine the NRL could build a marketing campaign on, not to mention a superstar player and, from all reports, a wonderful person too. Aku was probably the most feared NSW player this Origin series and will play for Australia in October. Best part is – the term ‘Uate Party’ will be in full song next year!
Centre – Steve Matai (Sea Eagles)
I know there’s a bit of rubbish in his game but I don’t care. Steve Matai is one guy I always look for when Manly play. I think his attack is underrated but Matai seems like the ideal guy you want to play alongside. Let’s just say I’d rather be with him than against him.
Five-Eighth – Darren Lockyer (Broncos)
Best player I’ve ever seen playing his final season – Enough Said.
Halfback – Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles)
I had seen a little bit and heard plenty about this guy last year in the Queensland Cup and DCE has lived up to the hype. I loved his enthusiasm, skill and coolness this year and it was really good to watch him live last week. Cherry-Evans was a deserved rookie of the year winner and a future Queensland Origin player.
Front Row – Josh McGuire (Broncos)
Anyone who calls himself “Big Show” after a couple of NRL games is a winner in my book! I loved watching his development this season and was thrilled he did so well playing 80 minutes last weekend. Having Petero at the club next year will do wonders for McGuire.
Hooker – Josh Reynolds (Bulldogs)
He was a late nomination but I really like the cut of his jib and needed to find a spot for him in my side. Reynolds looked like a real tenacious competitor and there is plenty to like in his game. I’m not sure where his best position is, but he should become a regular in the Bulldogs side next season.
Back Row – Tariq Sims (Cowboys)
I saw him play for the Broncos 20s last year and it’s been great to see him explode onto the NRL scene with the Cowboys. He’s strong, aggressive and skilful – the modern back-rower. Injury has cut short his season but Sims will play for NSW next year.
Lock –Michael Crocker (Rabbitohs)
An old favourite of mine and it’s been great to watch him in a new role – the old head amongst a group of young, flamboyant Rabbitohs. Injuries hammered their season but Crocker, with Ben Ross, largely held things together. That, plus the great unknown, made their matches must-see TV.
Rookie – DCE (Sea Eagles), special mention Jack Reed (Broncos)
Jack Reed comes in a respectable second for my rookie award. He’s done a fabulous job with the Broncos and is proof there is still room for regular “footballers” in the NRL. He was one Inglis or Hodges failed fitness test away from a Queensland debut this season in my opinion and will push hard next year. Reed isn’t the flashiest or the prettiest player in the league, but he will be a damn fine one.
TIPPING
Tips – Tigers, Broncos, Cowboys, Storm
Last Week – 6/8
Total –121/192 (63%)
Enjoy the Finals,
Keyto
Fullback – Josh Hoffman (Broncos)
It’s a real shame injury has punctuated his season but Hoffman showed enough in his 16 games to prove he is an absolute gem. He’s been a more than worthy heir to Karmichael Hunt and will be New Zealand’s main fullback for a long time. Great in defence, attack and counter-attack. Also wonderful at a live match to sit behind the posts and watch Hoffman organise defenders.
Wing – Akuila Uate (Rabbitohs)
He’s an excitement machine the NRL could build a marketing campaign on, not to mention a superstar player and, from all reports, a wonderful person too. Aku was probably the most feared NSW player this Origin series and will play for Australia in October. Best part is – the term ‘Uate Party’ will be in full song next year!
Centre – Steve Matai (Sea Eagles)
I know there’s a bit of rubbish in his game but I don’t care. Steve Matai is one guy I always look for when Manly play. I think his attack is underrated but Matai seems like the ideal guy you want to play alongside. Let’s just say I’d rather be with him than against him.
Five-Eighth – Darren Lockyer (Broncos)
Best player I’ve ever seen playing his final season – Enough Said.
Halfback – Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles)
I had seen a little bit and heard plenty about this guy last year in the Queensland Cup and DCE has lived up to the hype. I loved his enthusiasm, skill and coolness this year and it was really good to watch him live last week. Cherry-Evans was a deserved rookie of the year winner and a future Queensland Origin player.
Front Row – Josh McGuire (Broncos)
Anyone who calls himself “Big Show” after a couple of NRL games is a winner in my book! I loved watching his development this season and was thrilled he did so well playing 80 minutes last weekend. Having Petero at the club next year will do wonders for McGuire.
Hooker – Josh Reynolds (Bulldogs)
He was a late nomination but I really like the cut of his jib and needed to find a spot for him in my side. Reynolds looked like a real tenacious competitor and there is plenty to like in his game. I’m not sure where his best position is, but he should become a regular in the Bulldogs side next season.
Back Row – Tariq Sims (Cowboys)
I saw him play for the Broncos 20s last year and it’s been great to see him explode onto the NRL scene with the Cowboys. He’s strong, aggressive and skilful – the modern back-rower. Injury has cut short his season but Sims will play for NSW next year.
Lock –Michael Crocker (Rabbitohs)
An old favourite of mine and it’s been great to watch him in a new role – the old head amongst a group of young, flamboyant Rabbitohs. Injuries hammered their season but Crocker, with Ben Ross, largely held things together. That, plus the great unknown, made their matches must-see TV.
Rookie – DCE (Sea Eagles), special mention Jack Reed (Broncos)
Jack Reed comes in a respectable second for my rookie award. He’s done a fabulous job with the Broncos and is proof there is still room for regular “footballers” in the NRL. He was one Inglis or Hodges failed fitness test away from a Queensland debut this season in my opinion and will push hard next year. Reed isn’t the flashiest or the prettiest player in the league, but he will be a damn fine one.
TIPPING
Tips – Tigers, Broncos, Cowboys, Storm
Last Week – 6/8
Total –121/192 (63%)
Enjoy the Finals,
Keyto
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Qld Teams Qual. Final - Hodges returns as Thaiday suspended
The Brisbane Broncos will welcome back strike centre Justin Hodges for Saturday’s Qualifying Final against the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium.
However his return from a two week hamstring injury has been dimmed slightly with news Sam Thaiday will miss two matches for a dangerous tackle and fullback Josh Hoffman’s season is over with a knee injury.
Thaiday could have challenged the grading at the judiciary however had he failed the ban would have increased to three matches – possibly ruling him out for the Grand Final.
The Broncos finished third after their 18-10 win against Manly on the weekend and now host the sixth-placed Warriors.
Brisbane could possibly secure a free passage to the Grand Final Qualifier with a win however history is against them.
Six times in the past eight seasons the sixth-placed side has upset the third-finished hosts.
Brisbane did it themselves to the Gold Coast Titans just two years ago and just last month escaped with a 21-20 win over the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium.
Coach Anthony Griffin has been forced into some changes this weekend with Hodges slotting straight back into his right centre position.
His past two injury-ravaged years should have Hodges primed for a big Finals series, especially after fears his latest hamstring injury against the Knights in Round 24 could have ended his 2011 season.
Hodges replacement for the past fortnight, Ben Te’o, moves to his favoured back row position in place of the suspended Thaiday.
With Hoffman out for the Finals series Gerard Beale will move back to fullback – a position he excelled in at the start of the season.
Beale was in such good form at the back for the Broncos that he found himself in the New Zealand squad for the Test Match in May.
The vacant wing spot will be filled by Dale Copley, who has already played 14 NRL games this season in the Broncos back line.
Ben Hannant, as he ended up doing last week, will start in the front row with Scott Anderson playing from the bench.
David Hala has been named in the squad after he was replaced by Mitchell Dodds last week – however Dodds was not used at all during the match.
A loss for the Broncos is unlikely to end their season with both the Cowboys and Knights needing to defeat Manly and Melbourne respectively to eliminate Brisbane.
Saturday’s match will be available live on Channel Nine from 6:30pm.
Johnson returns
Former Maroons lock Dallas Johnson has recovered from concussion and will take his place for North Queensland’s sudden-death Qualifying Final against Manly in Sydney on Saturday night.
Johnson took a nasty head knock two weeks ago and as a precaution did not play in the 6-18 loss to the Warriors in New Zealand last week.
However he is in no doubt to miss the Cowboys first match at the Sydney Football Stadium in over a year.
North Queensland lost four of their last five matches to slip down into seventh position on the ladder and now face the second-placed Sea Eagles.
A loss will end the Cowboys season however victory will ensure they not only stay alive in the competition, but get to play next week’s match in Queensland.
North Queensland defeated Manly 22-20 at home in Round Eight this year before losing 4-24 without their Origin representatives back in Round 14.
Coach Neil Henry has moved Johnson straight back into the starting side with Scott Bolton dropping to a five man bench.
Leeson Ah Mau has been omitted to accommodate Johnson with Cory Paterson named 18th man.
The Cowboys head into camp today as they prepare for their first finals appearance in 2007, where ironically they lost to Manly and were eliminated.
Saturday’s match will immediately follow the Broncos game live on Channel Nine with kick-off scheduled for 8:30pm.
Titans in train-on
Four Gold Coast Titans, including retiring veteran Preston Campbell, have been named in the combined Prime Ministers XIII and Australian train-on squad.
Campbell, William Zillman and Origin duo Ashley Harrison and Greg Bird are part of the 34 man squad with a chance to represent their country in the coming weeks.
The Prime Ministers XIII, coached by Mal Meninga, plays the Kumuls in Papua New Guinea on September 25 before the Australian Kangaroos squad is named on October 3.
Campbell is more likely to push for a spot against PNG while Zillman, clearly the Titans best player in a horror season, could cap a fine individual year with representative honours.
Bird will be strongly considered for a place in the Australian side while Harrison will need to prove he has overcome an elbow injury that ruled him out of the Titans’ last seven games.
The squad assembles in Sydney next week and will be expanded as teams are eliminated throughout the Finals series.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Warriors, Saturday 6:30pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Gerard Beale, Dale Copley, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Ben Hannant, Alex Glenn, Ben Te’o, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Scott Anderson, David Hala.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Manly, Saturday 8:30pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Scott Bolton, Jason Taumalolo, Ashton Sims, Cory Paterson (one to be omitted).
However his return from a two week hamstring injury has been dimmed slightly with news Sam Thaiday will miss two matches for a dangerous tackle and fullback Josh Hoffman’s season is over with a knee injury.
Thaiday could have challenged the grading at the judiciary however had he failed the ban would have increased to three matches – possibly ruling him out for the Grand Final.
The Broncos finished third after their 18-10 win against Manly on the weekend and now host the sixth-placed Warriors.
Brisbane could possibly secure a free passage to the Grand Final Qualifier with a win however history is against them.
Six times in the past eight seasons the sixth-placed side has upset the third-finished hosts.
Brisbane did it themselves to the Gold Coast Titans just two years ago and just last month escaped with a 21-20 win over the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium.
Coach Anthony Griffin has been forced into some changes this weekend with Hodges slotting straight back into his right centre position.
His past two injury-ravaged years should have Hodges primed for a big Finals series, especially after fears his latest hamstring injury against the Knights in Round 24 could have ended his 2011 season.
Hodges replacement for the past fortnight, Ben Te’o, moves to his favoured back row position in place of the suspended Thaiday.
With Hoffman out for the Finals series Gerard Beale will move back to fullback – a position he excelled in at the start of the season.
Beale was in such good form at the back for the Broncos that he found himself in the New Zealand squad for the Test Match in May.
The vacant wing spot will be filled by Dale Copley, who has already played 14 NRL games this season in the Broncos back line.
Ben Hannant, as he ended up doing last week, will start in the front row with Scott Anderson playing from the bench.
David Hala has been named in the squad after he was replaced by Mitchell Dodds last week – however Dodds was not used at all during the match.
A loss for the Broncos is unlikely to end their season with both the Cowboys and Knights needing to defeat Manly and Melbourne respectively to eliminate Brisbane.
Saturday’s match will be available live on Channel Nine from 6:30pm.
Johnson returns
Former Maroons lock Dallas Johnson has recovered from concussion and will take his place for North Queensland’s sudden-death Qualifying Final against Manly in Sydney on Saturday night.
Johnson took a nasty head knock two weeks ago and as a precaution did not play in the 6-18 loss to the Warriors in New Zealand last week.
However he is in no doubt to miss the Cowboys first match at the Sydney Football Stadium in over a year.
North Queensland lost four of their last five matches to slip down into seventh position on the ladder and now face the second-placed Sea Eagles.
A loss will end the Cowboys season however victory will ensure they not only stay alive in the competition, but get to play next week’s match in Queensland.
North Queensland defeated Manly 22-20 at home in Round Eight this year before losing 4-24 without their Origin representatives back in Round 14.
Coach Neil Henry has moved Johnson straight back into the starting side with Scott Bolton dropping to a five man bench.
Leeson Ah Mau has been omitted to accommodate Johnson with Cory Paterson named 18th man.
The Cowboys head into camp today as they prepare for their first finals appearance in 2007, where ironically they lost to Manly and were eliminated.
Saturday’s match will immediately follow the Broncos game live on Channel Nine with kick-off scheduled for 8:30pm.
Titans in train-on
Four Gold Coast Titans, including retiring veteran Preston Campbell, have been named in the combined Prime Ministers XIII and Australian train-on squad.
Campbell, William Zillman and Origin duo Ashley Harrison and Greg Bird are part of the 34 man squad with a chance to represent their country in the coming weeks.
The Prime Ministers XIII, coached by Mal Meninga, plays the Kumuls in Papua New Guinea on September 25 before the Australian Kangaroos squad is named on October 3.
Campbell is more likely to push for a spot against PNG while Zillman, clearly the Titans best player in a horror season, could cap a fine individual year with representative honours.
Bird will be strongly considered for a place in the Australian side while Harrison will need to prove he has overcome an elbow injury that ruled him out of the Titans’ last seven games.
The squad assembles in Sydney next week and will be expanded as teams are eliminated throughout the Finals series.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Warriors, Saturday 6:30pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Gerard Beale, Dale Copley, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Ben Hannant, Alex Glenn, Ben Te’o, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Scott Anderson, David Hala.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Manly, Saturday 8:30pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Scott Bolton, Jason Taumalolo, Ashton Sims, Cory Paterson (one to be omitted).
Thursday, September 1, 2011
The greatest player I have ever seen
On Sunday I will be one of more than 50,000 Brisbane fans to officially pay tribute to retiring superstar Darren Lockyer. All the rugby league I have ever watched has been in the Lockyer era and it will be quite surreal knowing he won’t be there anymore. Put simply – Darren Lockyer is the best in this business I have had the pleasure to watch with my own eyes.
Debut Season
When I was about 10 years old we used to go to the old Brisbane ANZ Stadium to watch the Broncos play – the year this began was 1995. That also happened to be the year a skinny blonde kid from Roma debuted at the great club as well.
My first Lockyer memory is of him kicking an easy goal late in a match and telling my grandparents, “Hey Darren Lockyer is on, this new kid is pretty good”. Of course I was the kid and how would I know talent, but I must have heard it somewhere and that judge was fairly good!
Lockyer has played in every team I have loved ever since.
Fullback Evolution
As I grew older I was able to watch rugby league differently and truly work out which players had talent and who the stars were. It was pretty obvious Darren Lockyer was one of these. I believe guys like Tim Brasher and Brett Mullins paved the way for fullbacks like Lockyer.
But it took the great Locky to pave that road in a whole new direction to where things are today. Look at the Slater’s, Hayne’s, Dugan’s and Barba’s in our competition – these excitement machines largely developed from the way Lockyer evolved the fullback position.
He was safe and brave in defence but also came with a renewed X-Factor in attack. Fullback wasn’t just there to chime into a backline movement; the position became a weapon and focal point of attack. He was a rare custodian with a genuine kicking game and played like another halfback.
Today they all do it, but Lockyer is the one who got that ball rolling.
State of Origin
The one memory every Queenslander has is Darren Lockyer swooping on a loose ball in the year 2006 to steal a game from the Blues and secure our first series win in four years. There was talk of the death of Origin should NSW win four years in a row.
That play not only saved Queensland, but it sent the Blues on a six year losing streak!
Locky is the most capped Queensland player and we all have a lifetime of memories. He is easily the most influential Maroon since Wally Lewis and some might even say he is the new king.
Lockyer was rarely rattled in the toughest competition and could always find a match winning play when it was needed. He has left a lasting legacy on Queenslanders everywhere.
The best twice
Few players have the honour of being crowned the best player in their position for a significant length of time. Even less have had that honour twice.
At a time where Darren Lockyer was still the best fullback in the game, his mentor Wayne Bennett decided to make his star the best five-eighth in the game too. While it took time, I think it’s fair to say eventually Lockyer could lay claim to being the best in that position too.
It seemed a natural transition but it wasn’t the case – there were some tough games and it probably took two seasons to really come good. We’ve seen other fullbacks try the switch and fail in the years since.
That’s another testament to Lockyer’s great skill, character and determination and to be honest, most will probably remember him as a great five-eighth rather than the great fullback. To me he is just the great player.
Leadership
Finally I believe the hallmarks of a champion are the influence they have not only on team mates, but on the fans as well. It’s obvious that Lockyer has had a massive bearing on hundreds of careers and thousands of fans.
While maybe he was never perfect, the man just commands respect and that’s largely because he respects people back. Only a true star can have a stellar 16 year career relatively incident free.
Darren Lockyer is a superstar, a legend, a champion, a hero and a gentleman. He is the best in the world at what he does and will be missed next year. But on Sunday we will all celebrate.
After that – there’s a championship to win!
TIPPING
Tips – Newcastle, Dragons, Warriors, Tigers, Gold Coast, Bulldogs, Brisbane, Melbourne
Last Week – 6/8
Total –115/184 (63%)
See you later,
Keyto
Debut Season
When I was about 10 years old we used to go to the old Brisbane ANZ Stadium to watch the Broncos play – the year this began was 1995. That also happened to be the year a skinny blonde kid from Roma debuted at the great club as well.
My first Lockyer memory is of him kicking an easy goal late in a match and telling my grandparents, “Hey Darren Lockyer is on, this new kid is pretty good”. Of course I was the kid and how would I know talent, but I must have heard it somewhere and that judge was fairly good!
Lockyer has played in every team I have loved ever since.
Fullback Evolution
As I grew older I was able to watch rugby league differently and truly work out which players had talent and who the stars were. It was pretty obvious Darren Lockyer was one of these. I believe guys like Tim Brasher and Brett Mullins paved the way for fullbacks like Lockyer.
But it took the great Locky to pave that road in a whole new direction to where things are today. Look at the Slater’s, Hayne’s, Dugan’s and Barba’s in our competition – these excitement machines largely developed from the way Lockyer evolved the fullback position.
He was safe and brave in defence but also came with a renewed X-Factor in attack. Fullback wasn’t just there to chime into a backline movement; the position became a weapon and focal point of attack. He was a rare custodian with a genuine kicking game and played like another halfback.
Today they all do it, but Lockyer is the one who got that ball rolling.
State of Origin
The one memory every Queenslander has is Darren Lockyer swooping on a loose ball in the year 2006 to steal a game from the Blues and secure our first series win in four years. There was talk of the death of Origin should NSW win four years in a row.
That play not only saved Queensland, but it sent the Blues on a six year losing streak!
Locky is the most capped Queensland player and we all have a lifetime of memories. He is easily the most influential Maroon since Wally Lewis and some might even say he is the new king.
Lockyer was rarely rattled in the toughest competition and could always find a match winning play when it was needed. He has left a lasting legacy on Queenslanders everywhere.
The best twice
Few players have the honour of being crowned the best player in their position for a significant length of time. Even less have had that honour twice.
At a time where Darren Lockyer was still the best fullback in the game, his mentor Wayne Bennett decided to make his star the best five-eighth in the game too. While it took time, I think it’s fair to say eventually Lockyer could lay claim to being the best in that position too.
It seemed a natural transition but it wasn’t the case – there were some tough games and it probably took two seasons to really come good. We’ve seen other fullbacks try the switch and fail in the years since.
That’s another testament to Lockyer’s great skill, character and determination and to be honest, most will probably remember him as a great five-eighth rather than the great fullback. To me he is just the great player.
Leadership
Finally I believe the hallmarks of a champion are the influence they have not only on team mates, but on the fans as well. It’s obvious that Lockyer has had a massive bearing on hundreds of careers and thousands of fans.
While maybe he was never perfect, the man just commands respect and that’s largely because he respects people back. Only a true star can have a stellar 16 year career relatively incident free.
Darren Lockyer is a superstar, a legend, a champion, a hero and a gentleman. He is the best in the world at what he does and will be missed next year. But on Sunday we will all celebrate.
After that – there’s a championship to win!
TIPPING
Tips – Newcastle, Dragons, Warriors, Tigers, Gold Coast, Bulldogs, Brisbane, Melbourne
Last Week – 6/8
Total –115/184 (63%)
See you later,
Keyto
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Qld Teams Rd 26 - Cowboys' date with destiny
A post-Origin slump and injuries to key players have left the North Queensland Cowboys in a precarious position ahead of their clash with the Warriors in New Zealand.
The Cowboys enter Saturday evening’s match knowing a win could see them secure fourth position but a loss could see them slip to the sudden-death seventh place come the end of the round.
While it was not pretty, North Queensland did secure a 28-20 win over Cronulla last week but poor form the month prior has left them in a dog fight with four teams for the highest positions on the ladder.
Currently the Cowboys are level on competition points with Wests Tigers, but have a 17 point for-and-against difference to make up.
The Dragons sit just one point behind the Cowboys while the Warriors, with a 35 point superior differential, will leap frog the Townsville club with a win Saturday night.
A seventh place finish will bring a sudden death away match with either Manly or Brisbane in the first week of the Finals.
Coach Neil Henry has recalled Ashton Sims and Cory Paterson to a five man bench for the trip.
They will cover the loss of rookie of the year contender Tariq Sims who had his season ended with a broken leg last week.
His brother Ashton returns after resting a knee injury while Paterson was omitted from the Sharks match.
Dallas Johnson is being monitored after suffering a nasty concussion last week.
Saturday’s crucial match will be live on Fox Sports from 5:30pm.
Titans’ spoon battle
The Gold Coast Titans host Parramatta on Saturday night where the loser will carry the 2011 wooden spoon mantle.
In what has been a horror season for the Titans they will at least have a chance at Skilled Park to shed that unwanted tag while also farewelling a number of foundation players.
Preston Campbell, the Titans initial signing, will retire from the NRL following the match while forward Anthony Laffranchi will continue his career in England.
Fans will also get the chance to farewell injured duo Nathan Friend, who is joining the Warriors, and popular forward Brad Meyers who retired during the season because of injury.
It has been a wretched year for the Gold Coast with injuries and poor form dominating their season.
However a host of new signings and young talent will bring a fresh squad into the 2012 season and the Titans will look to enter that on the back of a victory over Parramatta.
The side is unchanged from the one beaten 10-39 by Wests Tigers last night.
Saturday’s match will be available live on Fox Sports from 7:30pm.
Brisbane farewell Lockyer
Sunday’s match between the Broncos and Manly at Suncorp Stadium is sold out as the club officially farewells retiring superstar Darren Lockyer.
The club is planning a massive celebration for the NRL’s most experienced player and all 52,000 tickets have been sold well in advance.
While Brisbane is guaranteed a home final in Week One, they could also play two more Finals at Suncorp Stadium if they keep winning.
The most likely scenario is the Broncos will finish third and host the sixth placed team at 6:30pm on Saturday week.
However a big win over Manly will prop the Broncos up to second meaning they will host the seventh placed side and earn a second week bye with a victory.
The Broncos and Sea Eagles have 85 points differential separating them; meaning Brisbane would need to win by 43 points to overtake Manly.
On face value that scenario looks highly unlikely however the Sea Eagles will be without several key players due to injury and suspension following last week’s ugly brawl against the Storm.
The Broncos only have Justin Hodges absent for the match but the star centre is anticipating a Week One Finals comeback from a hamstring injury.
Coach Anthony Griffin has kept the same side that disposed of South Sydney 22-10 last weekend.
Sunday’s match has a special 4pm kick-off and will be broadcast live on Channel Nine.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Warriors, Saturday 5:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Scott Bolton, Jason Taumalolo, Ashton Sims, Cory Paterson (one to be omitted).
Gold Coast Titans vs. Eels, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Jordan Rankin, Steve Michaels, Esi Tonga, Clinton Toopi, David Mead, William Zillman, Preston Campbell (c), Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Greg Bird. Interchange: Brenton Lawrence, Will Matthews, Bodene Thompson, Luke O’Dwyer.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Sea Eagles, Sunday 4pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Ben Te’o, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Ben Hannant, David Hala.
The Cowboys enter Saturday evening’s match knowing a win could see them secure fourth position but a loss could see them slip to the sudden-death seventh place come the end of the round.
While it was not pretty, North Queensland did secure a 28-20 win over Cronulla last week but poor form the month prior has left them in a dog fight with four teams for the highest positions on the ladder.
Currently the Cowboys are level on competition points with Wests Tigers, but have a 17 point for-and-against difference to make up.
The Dragons sit just one point behind the Cowboys while the Warriors, with a 35 point superior differential, will leap frog the Townsville club with a win Saturday night.
A seventh place finish will bring a sudden death away match with either Manly or Brisbane in the first week of the Finals.
Coach Neil Henry has recalled Ashton Sims and Cory Paterson to a five man bench for the trip.
They will cover the loss of rookie of the year contender Tariq Sims who had his season ended with a broken leg last week.
His brother Ashton returns after resting a knee injury while Paterson was omitted from the Sharks match.
Dallas Johnson is being monitored after suffering a nasty concussion last week.
Saturday’s crucial match will be live on Fox Sports from 5:30pm.
Titans’ spoon battle
The Gold Coast Titans host Parramatta on Saturday night where the loser will carry the 2011 wooden spoon mantle.
In what has been a horror season for the Titans they will at least have a chance at Skilled Park to shed that unwanted tag while also farewelling a number of foundation players.
Preston Campbell, the Titans initial signing, will retire from the NRL following the match while forward Anthony Laffranchi will continue his career in England.
Fans will also get the chance to farewell injured duo Nathan Friend, who is joining the Warriors, and popular forward Brad Meyers who retired during the season because of injury.
It has been a wretched year for the Gold Coast with injuries and poor form dominating their season.
However a host of new signings and young talent will bring a fresh squad into the 2012 season and the Titans will look to enter that on the back of a victory over Parramatta.
The side is unchanged from the one beaten 10-39 by Wests Tigers last night.
Saturday’s match will be available live on Fox Sports from 7:30pm.
Brisbane farewell Lockyer
Sunday’s match between the Broncos and Manly at Suncorp Stadium is sold out as the club officially farewells retiring superstar Darren Lockyer.
The club is planning a massive celebration for the NRL’s most experienced player and all 52,000 tickets have been sold well in advance.
While Brisbane is guaranteed a home final in Week One, they could also play two more Finals at Suncorp Stadium if they keep winning.
The most likely scenario is the Broncos will finish third and host the sixth placed team at 6:30pm on Saturday week.
However a big win over Manly will prop the Broncos up to second meaning they will host the seventh placed side and earn a second week bye with a victory.
The Broncos and Sea Eagles have 85 points differential separating them; meaning Brisbane would need to win by 43 points to overtake Manly.
On face value that scenario looks highly unlikely however the Sea Eagles will be without several key players due to injury and suspension following last week’s ugly brawl against the Storm.
The Broncos only have Justin Hodges absent for the match but the star centre is anticipating a Week One Finals comeback from a hamstring injury.
Coach Anthony Griffin has kept the same side that disposed of South Sydney 22-10 last weekend.
Sunday’s match has a special 4pm kick-off and will be broadcast live on Channel Nine.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Warriors, Saturday 5:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Scott Bolton, Jason Taumalolo, Ashton Sims, Cory Paterson (one to be omitted).
Gold Coast Titans vs. Eels, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Jordan Rankin, Steve Michaels, Esi Tonga, Clinton Toopi, David Mead, William Zillman, Preston Campbell (c), Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Greg Bird. Interchange: Brenton Lawrence, Will Matthews, Bodene Thompson, Luke O’Dwyer.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Sea Eagles, Sunday 4pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Ben Te’o, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Ben Hannant, David Hala.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Where did it all go wrong?
South Sydney’s winning run has created a renewed excitement as we head towards the Finals with now nine teams trying to fit into eight spots. But there are seven teams out of the Premiership race and today I will have a look at just why that may be the case.
Bulldogs – Who Knows!
So technically if they win their last two matches the Bulldogs may scrape in but this is a serious long shot and one, quite frankly, the Bulldogs do not deserve. They brought an entire new team for this season and started well before it all fell to bits. Obviously there were off field issues with the coach getting sacked, but this roster should have done better. The new look team just hasn’t gelled for the full season but maybe they’ll be better for next year.
Penrith – Distractions
There’s an obvious communication issue at the club between players and management, as highlighted by Petero Civoniceva this week. A popular coach was sacked and another popular coach was overlooked. We’ve had a star player in Michael Jennings out of form and getting up to (minor) off-field mischief. There’s been a guy swiping doctors’ prescription pads plus a challenging injury toll. A tough year for the club but following the on-going overhaul, they should be better next year.
Roosters – Attitude
About a month ago I wrote the Roosters Grand Final appearance last year was beginning to look like a fluke. They have been better in the last two weeks but for the majority of the season, the Roosters attitude has flat out stunk. They’ve got guys in that club that seem more interested in drinking and partying then winning games. It’s not helped either by a protective-management – as seen with the entire Todd Carney saga this season. I feel sorry for Braith Anasta because they need guys at that club to follow his leadership – which is top shelf.
Sharks – Talent
Same old story for Cronulla this year – they just don’t have the talent across the club to compete every week with the best sides. They have a good attitude and tremendous heart throughout the side, but their best 17 would be in the bottom three of the NRL. Their team is decent but, Gallen aside, there are no superstars. They do have a couple of potential stars, but not yet. Unfortunately I can’t see much changing for them next season.
Raiders – Desire
I think this is the greatest disappointment of the season. After last year, Canberra had no excuses for missing the top eight this year. They were rightly predicted to finish top four. Sure Terry Campese was out but he came back mid-season. Yes he got re-injured but the damage was done because the Raiders had dropped the ball before he returned anyway. They have a very talented side but perhaps they lack the desire to knuckle down in the hard times. A shit year like this should fix the problem for the 2012 season.
Titans – Age
Too old, too slow. The modern game has passed this side by in a matter of only six months. Remember they were one win from the Grand Final last year? Now, with virtually the same squad, they are battling for the wooden spoon. They are getting a squad overhaul for next season and they needed it. The Titans need to be winning because the Gold Coast fans, across all sports, don’t support losers. The Titans also need Scott Prince back to his best next season which I expect will happen. Don’t fear Gold Coast fans, this has been a bump in the road but 2012 should be successful.
Eels – Points
I admire the fact Parramatta rarely gave up in their matches and only had one or two significant blow-outs. Their attitude and defence was creditable but they couldn’t win the tight matches. However this experience should help them next year. The Eels had a new coach with a very questionable roster this season. Parramatta recruited ‘Dad’s Army’ and most of them won’t be at the club next year. The signings of Chris Sandow, Willie Tonga and Ben Roberts could be outstanding and nothing less than a top eight finish will be good enough in season 2012.
TIPPING
Tips – Manly, Roosters, Newcastle, Cowboys, Canberra, Dragons, Broncos, Tigers
Last Week – 6/8
Total –109/176(62%)
Thanks for reading,
Keyto
Bulldogs – Who Knows!
So technically if they win their last two matches the Bulldogs may scrape in but this is a serious long shot and one, quite frankly, the Bulldogs do not deserve. They brought an entire new team for this season and started well before it all fell to bits. Obviously there were off field issues with the coach getting sacked, but this roster should have done better. The new look team just hasn’t gelled for the full season but maybe they’ll be better for next year.
Penrith – Distractions
There’s an obvious communication issue at the club between players and management, as highlighted by Petero Civoniceva this week. A popular coach was sacked and another popular coach was overlooked. We’ve had a star player in Michael Jennings out of form and getting up to (minor) off-field mischief. There’s been a guy swiping doctors’ prescription pads plus a challenging injury toll. A tough year for the club but following the on-going overhaul, they should be better next year.
Roosters – Attitude
About a month ago I wrote the Roosters Grand Final appearance last year was beginning to look like a fluke. They have been better in the last two weeks but for the majority of the season, the Roosters attitude has flat out stunk. They’ve got guys in that club that seem more interested in drinking and partying then winning games. It’s not helped either by a protective-management – as seen with the entire Todd Carney saga this season. I feel sorry for Braith Anasta because they need guys at that club to follow his leadership – which is top shelf.
Sharks – Talent
Same old story for Cronulla this year – they just don’t have the talent across the club to compete every week with the best sides. They have a good attitude and tremendous heart throughout the side, but their best 17 would be in the bottom three of the NRL. Their team is decent but, Gallen aside, there are no superstars. They do have a couple of potential stars, but not yet. Unfortunately I can’t see much changing for them next season.
Raiders – Desire
I think this is the greatest disappointment of the season. After last year, Canberra had no excuses for missing the top eight this year. They were rightly predicted to finish top four. Sure Terry Campese was out but he came back mid-season. Yes he got re-injured but the damage was done because the Raiders had dropped the ball before he returned anyway. They have a very talented side but perhaps they lack the desire to knuckle down in the hard times. A shit year like this should fix the problem for the 2012 season.
Titans – Age
Too old, too slow. The modern game has passed this side by in a matter of only six months. Remember they were one win from the Grand Final last year? Now, with virtually the same squad, they are battling for the wooden spoon. They are getting a squad overhaul for next season and they needed it. The Titans need to be winning because the Gold Coast fans, across all sports, don’t support losers. The Titans also need Scott Prince back to his best next season which I expect will happen. Don’t fear Gold Coast fans, this has been a bump in the road but 2012 should be successful.
Eels – Points
I admire the fact Parramatta rarely gave up in their matches and only had one or two significant blow-outs. Their attitude and defence was creditable but they couldn’t win the tight matches. However this experience should help them next year. The Eels had a new coach with a very questionable roster this season. Parramatta recruited ‘Dad’s Army’ and most of them won’t be at the club next year. The signings of Chris Sandow, Willie Tonga and Ben Roberts could be outstanding and nothing less than a top eight finish will be good enough in season 2012.
TIPPING
Tips – Manly, Roosters, Newcastle, Cowboys, Canberra, Dragons, Broncos, Tigers
Last Week – 6/8
Total –109/176(62%)
Thanks for reading,
Keyto
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Qld Teams Rd 25 - Cowboys eye home final
Three consecutive losses have made a top four finish difficult but not impossible for the North Queensland Cowboys.
Last week’s golden point defeat to the Rabbitohs, combined with wins for the Warriors and Tigers, meant the Cowboys slipped to fifth on the ladder.
They are now in a four way battle with the Warriors, Tigers and Dragons for fourth position and a vital Week One Finals match at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
The Cowboys host Cronulla on Saturday night before flying to New Zealand in what could be a showdown for the right to host that opening Final.
Forward Scott Bolton has been added to the bench after making way last week for Jason Taumalolo to play his second NRL game.
North Queensland face a Cronulla side playing only for pride with both the top eight and wooden spoon virtually out of reach.
Earlier in the year the Cowboys recorded a comfortable 30-12 win over the Sharks and will be aiming for a similar performance this weekend.
It could be centre Willie Tonga’s final home match for the Cowboys with the Queensland star to join Parramatta from season 2012.
Halfback Johnathan Thurston requires just five points to break the 1,000 NRL career point barrier.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 7:30pm and will be available live on Fox Sports.
Hodges Hamstrung
Broncos centre Justin Hodges is facing his third stint on the injury list after leaving last night’s 26-6 win over Newcastle with a hamstring injury.
The Queensland centre missed six weeks in the middle of the season and was also hampered by hamstring issues in the opening weeks.
This all after Hodges missed the entire 2010 season with a ruptured Achilles.
While initial reactions seemed to indicate his NRL year was finished, it now appears Hodges could miss only this weekend’s match against the Rabbitohs.
More scans will be taken later in the week but any Hodges return before or during the finals will boost the Broncos.
Coach Anthony Griffin named the versatile Ben Te’o to replace Hodges this weekend.
Te’o has battled a fractured arm for most of the season but after three games back in the NRL from the bench and spending time in the centres last year, he should play a full match.
The loss of Hodges has been offset by the return of Queensland prop Ben Hannant from a hip flexor injury.
Hannant has missed wins over the Cowboys and Knights but replaces Te’o on the bench in the only other change to the side.
Winger Jharal Yow Yeh showed no ill effects of an ankle injury last night while sprinting for a 90 metre intercept try that swung the game back to the Broncos.
Yow Yeh was a late inclusion for the Knights game with Dale Copley scoring a try in his return to the Under 20’s side.
Both the Broncos and their opponents this weekend, South Sydney, are on four game winning streaks.
While the Broncos have secured a home final and can finish no lower than third, the Rabbitohs need to keep winning to force their way into the Finals.
A loss this weekend could end Souths season while Brisbane know a win for them keeps them in the mix to finish second and avoid elimination in the first weekend of Finals.
Sunday’s match kicks off at 3pm and will be shown delayed on Channel Nine from 4pm.
Bailey Boost
A depleted Gold Coast Titans will welcome back prop Luke Bailey for Monday night’s match with Wests Tigers at Campbelltown.
Bailey was a late withdrawal, due to a neck injury, from the side that defeated Canberra 26-18 last week.
While he will be monitored during the week, it is expected the extra time before a Monday night game should allow him to play.
The Titans moved out of last position with the win over Canberra but sit just one point ahead of the bottom-placed Eels.
With a match against Parramatta to finish the season, the game against Wests Tigers could be vital for Gold Coast to avoid the wooden spoon.
Impressive young centre Dominic Peyroux has likely played his last game of the season after suspicions he broke his hand against Canberra.
Coach John Cartwright has named Clinton Toopi to replace Peyroux for the Tigers game.
Such was the Titans injury crisis, the club was forced to name Toopi on the bench last week despite him being virtually no chance of playing.
Toopi was experiencing symptoms of vertigo but the club had no other fit players to choose from for the Raiders match.
Even though he was medically cleared to play, Cartwright has since revealed he was only going to use Toopi if it was absolutely necessary.
However the former New Zealand international will be fully prepared for a full match against the Tigers on Monday night.
The final Monday night game of the season kicks off at 7pm and will be live on Fox Sports.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Sharks, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Tariq Sims, Jason Taumalolo, Ashton Sims, Scott Bolton (one to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. Rabbitohs, Sunday 3pm, (Channel Nine delayed, 4pm)
Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Ben Te’o, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Ben Hannant, David Hala.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Tigers, Monday 7pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Jordan Rankin, Steve Michaels, Esi Tonga, Clinton Toopi, David Mead, William Zillman, Preston Campbell (c), Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Greg Bird. Interchange: Brenton Lawrence, Will Matthews, Bodene Thompson, Luke O’Dwyer.
Last week’s golden point defeat to the Rabbitohs, combined with wins for the Warriors and Tigers, meant the Cowboys slipped to fifth on the ladder.
They are now in a four way battle with the Warriors, Tigers and Dragons for fourth position and a vital Week One Finals match at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
The Cowboys host Cronulla on Saturday night before flying to New Zealand in what could be a showdown for the right to host that opening Final.
Forward Scott Bolton has been added to the bench after making way last week for Jason Taumalolo to play his second NRL game.
North Queensland face a Cronulla side playing only for pride with both the top eight and wooden spoon virtually out of reach.
Earlier in the year the Cowboys recorded a comfortable 30-12 win over the Sharks and will be aiming for a similar performance this weekend.
It could be centre Willie Tonga’s final home match for the Cowboys with the Queensland star to join Parramatta from season 2012.
Halfback Johnathan Thurston requires just five points to break the 1,000 NRL career point barrier.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 7:30pm and will be available live on Fox Sports.
Hodges Hamstrung
Broncos centre Justin Hodges is facing his third stint on the injury list after leaving last night’s 26-6 win over Newcastle with a hamstring injury.
The Queensland centre missed six weeks in the middle of the season and was also hampered by hamstring issues in the opening weeks.
This all after Hodges missed the entire 2010 season with a ruptured Achilles.
While initial reactions seemed to indicate his NRL year was finished, it now appears Hodges could miss only this weekend’s match against the Rabbitohs.
More scans will be taken later in the week but any Hodges return before or during the finals will boost the Broncos.
Coach Anthony Griffin named the versatile Ben Te’o to replace Hodges this weekend.
Te’o has battled a fractured arm for most of the season but after three games back in the NRL from the bench and spending time in the centres last year, he should play a full match.
The loss of Hodges has been offset by the return of Queensland prop Ben Hannant from a hip flexor injury.
Hannant has missed wins over the Cowboys and Knights but replaces Te’o on the bench in the only other change to the side.
Winger Jharal Yow Yeh showed no ill effects of an ankle injury last night while sprinting for a 90 metre intercept try that swung the game back to the Broncos.
Yow Yeh was a late inclusion for the Knights game with Dale Copley scoring a try in his return to the Under 20’s side.
Both the Broncos and their opponents this weekend, South Sydney, are on four game winning streaks.
While the Broncos have secured a home final and can finish no lower than third, the Rabbitohs need to keep winning to force their way into the Finals.
A loss this weekend could end Souths season while Brisbane know a win for them keeps them in the mix to finish second and avoid elimination in the first weekend of Finals.
Sunday’s match kicks off at 3pm and will be shown delayed on Channel Nine from 4pm.
Bailey Boost
A depleted Gold Coast Titans will welcome back prop Luke Bailey for Monday night’s match with Wests Tigers at Campbelltown.
Bailey was a late withdrawal, due to a neck injury, from the side that defeated Canberra 26-18 last week.
While he will be monitored during the week, it is expected the extra time before a Monday night game should allow him to play.
The Titans moved out of last position with the win over Canberra but sit just one point ahead of the bottom-placed Eels.
With a match against Parramatta to finish the season, the game against Wests Tigers could be vital for Gold Coast to avoid the wooden spoon.
Impressive young centre Dominic Peyroux has likely played his last game of the season after suspicions he broke his hand against Canberra.
Coach John Cartwright has named Clinton Toopi to replace Peyroux for the Tigers game.
Such was the Titans injury crisis, the club was forced to name Toopi on the bench last week despite him being virtually no chance of playing.
Toopi was experiencing symptoms of vertigo but the club had no other fit players to choose from for the Raiders match.
Even though he was medically cleared to play, Cartwright has since revealed he was only going to use Toopi if it was absolutely necessary.
However the former New Zealand international will be fully prepared for a full match against the Tigers on Monday night.
The final Monday night game of the season kicks off at 7pm and will be live on Fox Sports.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Sharks, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Tariq Sims, Jason Taumalolo, Ashton Sims, Scott Bolton (one to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. Rabbitohs, Sunday 3pm, (Channel Nine delayed, 4pm)
Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Ben Te’o, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Ben Hannant, David Hala.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Tigers, Monday 7pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Jordan Rankin, Steve Michaels, Esi Tonga, Clinton Toopi, David Mead, William Zillman, Preston Campbell (c), Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Greg Bird. Interchange: Brenton Lawrence, Will Matthews, Bodene Thompson, Luke O’Dwyer.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The end of an era
I started seriously following rugby league in the mid-90’s and remember attending my first game in 1995, watching Darren Lockyer’s early games at Brisbane’s version of ANZ Stadium. His retirement is a big one for me, but so is everyone else’s this season. These are guys I have grown up with in rugby league and really, from next year, there will be no one left from my own personal ‘old-school’. Today I will pay my own tribute to the other 2011 retiring stars.
Andrew Ryan
I remember Ryan debuting with the Parramatta Eels a long time ago and quite frankly, he hasn’t changed a bit! He has always been the hardworking, committed team man who never chases the headlines or rewards. My greatest memory of him was captaining the Bulldogs in their Grand Final win before calling injured skipper Steve Price up to share the moment. Andrew Ryan has been all class on and off the field.
Adam MacDougall
This guy ... I hated this guy. As a young Broncos fan, Wendell Sailor was THE man. Then along came ‘Mad Dog’ MacDougall who took the fight to Dell and often came away a points winner. I remember he came up with a one-on-one steal against Wendell, in perhaps a semi final, and streaked away to score a long range try. Gosh I hated when he had the ball and hated him when he did well! But that is a huge credit to him. MacDougall is one of the few genuine characters in the NRL at the moment and it will be sad not to watch him next year.
Preston Campbell
Do you know how many times I’ve cursed the Broncos for kicking the ball to this little guy!?! He has always been so quick, elusive, clever and dynamic even though he would often get belted. Campbell has to be one of the toughest to have ever played the game. I will miss his attitude, character and excitement he produces on the field. I will also miss his genuine love for the sport he portrays off the field. It’s sad to see Presto leave but I’m sure we will see him again doing something in rugby league.
Rhys Wesser
This is a guy I do actually believe I grew up watching. I remember him debuting for Penrith as a chubby little fullback, wearing headgear, who would drop as many bombs as he caught. Then, seemingly from nowhere, it all clicked for the Wesser-man. He became safe as a house in defence and electric in attack. Suddenly he was doing it for Queensland as well and doing a damn fine job. I watched him grow as a player and he always seemed humble, quirky and polite in interviews. I’m glad he’s had a decent season to finish a proud career.
Alan Tongue
The greatest compliment I can pay to Alan Tongue is I wish he was a Queenslander. He would have easily played 20 Origins for the Maroons and it’s a damn shame he never got a look in for the Blues. Tongue won’t go down in history as one of the greatest ever players – but he was the heart and soul of his team. I have often admired everything he achieved in the game and I don’t think the Raiders will ever forget his contribution. Of all the retirements, Tongue will be the most missed by his current team.
The Others
Todd Payten is a guy I will remember as the halfback trapped in a front rower’s body. Payten always had a neat pass or might fancy a little kick in attack and had he been blessed with a different body, may have been a decent playmaker. Payten also came across as the ultimate team man and the honest, hard worked everyone needs.
Mark Gasnier left the game and been farewelled once before, so this year has been a bit lower key. He always screamed ‘danger’ when he had the ball and never lost any of his class. He too seems a good person off the field and I doubt he will be lost to the game.
Chris Walker was electric when he broke into the Broncos side and soon after the Maroons. He was also enigmatic and even somewhat mercurial, but always entertaining. Injuries cruelly stalled his career but he was always one of the “must-watch” players in the game.
Carl Webb came into the game at the same time and he was just a “man-beast” of a player. Queenslanders will remember the explosive try he scored, barging through the Blues to announce his arrival. Webb had great aggression and as a viewer, you knew something was going to happen.
Darren Lockyer
This is the greatest player I have ever seen and I will be dedicating an entire column to Darren Lockyer. So stay tuned for that one!
TIPPING
Tips – Dragons, Cowboys, Titans, Warriors, Roosters, Manly, Tigers, Broncos
Last Week – 5/8
Total –103/168(61%)
Have a fantastic week,
Keyto
Andrew Ryan
I remember Ryan debuting with the Parramatta Eels a long time ago and quite frankly, he hasn’t changed a bit! He has always been the hardworking, committed team man who never chases the headlines or rewards. My greatest memory of him was captaining the Bulldogs in their Grand Final win before calling injured skipper Steve Price up to share the moment. Andrew Ryan has been all class on and off the field.
Adam MacDougall
This guy ... I hated this guy. As a young Broncos fan, Wendell Sailor was THE man. Then along came ‘Mad Dog’ MacDougall who took the fight to Dell and often came away a points winner. I remember he came up with a one-on-one steal against Wendell, in perhaps a semi final, and streaked away to score a long range try. Gosh I hated when he had the ball and hated him when he did well! But that is a huge credit to him. MacDougall is one of the few genuine characters in the NRL at the moment and it will be sad not to watch him next year.
Preston Campbell
Do you know how many times I’ve cursed the Broncos for kicking the ball to this little guy!?! He has always been so quick, elusive, clever and dynamic even though he would often get belted. Campbell has to be one of the toughest to have ever played the game. I will miss his attitude, character and excitement he produces on the field. I will also miss his genuine love for the sport he portrays off the field. It’s sad to see Presto leave but I’m sure we will see him again doing something in rugby league.
Rhys Wesser
This is a guy I do actually believe I grew up watching. I remember him debuting for Penrith as a chubby little fullback, wearing headgear, who would drop as many bombs as he caught. Then, seemingly from nowhere, it all clicked for the Wesser-man. He became safe as a house in defence and electric in attack. Suddenly he was doing it for Queensland as well and doing a damn fine job. I watched him grow as a player and he always seemed humble, quirky and polite in interviews. I’m glad he’s had a decent season to finish a proud career.
Alan Tongue
The greatest compliment I can pay to Alan Tongue is I wish he was a Queenslander. He would have easily played 20 Origins for the Maroons and it’s a damn shame he never got a look in for the Blues. Tongue won’t go down in history as one of the greatest ever players – but he was the heart and soul of his team. I have often admired everything he achieved in the game and I don’t think the Raiders will ever forget his contribution. Of all the retirements, Tongue will be the most missed by his current team.
The Others
Todd Payten is a guy I will remember as the halfback trapped in a front rower’s body. Payten always had a neat pass or might fancy a little kick in attack and had he been blessed with a different body, may have been a decent playmaker. Payten also came across as the ultimate team man and the honest, hard worked everyone needs.
Mark Gasnier left the game and been farewelled once before, so this year has been a bit lower key. He always screamed ‘danger’ when he had the ball and never lost any of his class. He too seems a good person off the field and I doubt he will be lost to the game.
Chris Walker was electric when he broke into the Broncos side and soon after the Maroons. He was also enigmatic and even somewhat mercurial, but always entertaining. Injuries cruelly stalled his career but he was always one of the “must-watch” players in the game.
Carl Webb came into the game at the same time and he was just a “man-beast” of a player. Queenslanders will remember the explosive try he scored, barging through the Blues to announce his arrival. Webb had great aggression and as a viewer, you knew something was going to happen.
Darren Lockyer
This is the greatest player I have ever seen and I will be dedicating an entire column to Darren Lockyer. So stay tuned for that one!
TIPPING
Tips – Dragons, Cowboys, Titans, Warriors, Roosters, Manly, Tigers, Broncos
Last Week – 5/8
Total –103/168(61%)
Have a fantastic week,
Keyto
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Qld Teams Rd 24 - Cowboys name duo for Rabbitohs
Hookers Aaron Payne and James Segeyaro have been included in the Cowboys squad for Friday night’s match with South Sydney despite battling injuries.
Payne missed North Queensland’s home loss to the Broncos last week after fracturing an eye socket in a training collision.
His replacement, Segeyaro, sprained his ankle during the Brisbane match and remains in the most doubt for the match on the weekend.
The Cowboys have included both men in their 19 man squad for the trip to Sydney’s ANZ Stadium.
Johnathan Thurston successfully returned from a knee injury last week and will hope to rekindle his combination with Payne.
Having lost their last two matches, North Queensland clings to fourth position on the ladder but have the Dragons, Warriors and Tigers right behind them.
The Rabbitohs are in red-hot form having smashed Parramatta and Canberra in recent weeks.
Cowboys coach Neil Henry has added forward Joel Riethmuller to the squad in the only other change.
It was announced today that fringe first-grader Will Tupou will leave the club at the end of the season to play rugby union.
However Roosters centre Kane Linnett will join the club for the 2012 season.
As of this writing, Friday’s match with the Rabbitohs will be delayed into Queensland with Channel Nine preferring to show the Storm and the Dragons live.
However, the Cowboys are working with the affiliate WIN network to get their match live into the areas outside of Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Laffranchi’s 100th
Anthony Laffranchi has overcome a corked thigh and will become the fifth Titan to register a century of NRL games for the club this weekend.
Laffranchi was a late withdrawal from the 16-40 loss to Melbourne but should notch his milestone Saturday night against Canberra at Skilled Park.
His inclusion is the only change to the side from last week, with Clinton Toopi named 18th man.
Laffranchi slots into the back row, Greg Bird moves to lock and Luke O’Dwyer pushes back to the bench.
Gold Coast currently sits last in both the NRL and Under 20’s competition ladders and will be desperate to end their seasons on some kind of positive.
They are unbeaten in three games against the Raiders at home and with Canberra also having a shocking season, the match could be high-scoring.
One of the Titans five wins this season came against Canberra when Bird slotted a field goal to win the match in golden point.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 5:30pm and will be live on Fox Sports.
Broncos Unchanged
The Brisbane Broncos have named the same side as last match to face the Knights in Newcastle on Monday night.
Test winger Jharal Yow Yeh (ankle) was a late withdrawal from Friday’s 32-16 win in Townsville over the Cowboys and has been left out by coach Anthony Griffin today.
Yow Yeh injured his ankle during the previous week’s win over the Warriors but could yet overcome it with the longer rest period for a Monday night match.
His replacement Dale Copley scored a try in one of his stronger NRL matches last week and has been retained for the Knights.
Prop Ben Hannant is still sidelined with a hip problem.
The Broncos have secured a top eight berth and one more win from their remaining three games ensures a home final at Suncorp Stadium in Week One.
Brisbane could yet finish second despite Manly currently sitting one win ahead of the Broncos.
However the Sea Eagles have a tough draw home, facing Melbourne next week before playing Brisbane in Darren Lockyer’s final home match celebration.
That final round clash could determine second place and a guaranteed second chance or bye in Week Two of the finals – if the Broncos can maintain their winning form beforehand.
The Broncos, currently on a three game winning streak, defeated the Knights 17-6 in their Round Five clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Monday’s match is live on Fox Sports and kicks off at 7pm.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Rabbitohs, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, delayed 9:30pm) Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Tariq Sims, Scott Bolton, Ashton Sims, Cory Paterson, Joel Riethmuller (two to be omitted).
Gold Coast Titans vs. Raiders, Saturday 5:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Jordan Rankin, Steve Michaels, William Zillman, Dominique Peyroux, David Mead, Beau Henry, Preston Campbell, Luke Bailey (c), Matt Srama, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Greg Bird. Interchange: Brenton Lawrence, Will Matthews, Bodene Thompson, Luke O’Dwyer, Clinton Toopi. (one to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. Knights, Monday 7pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Dale Copley, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Ben Te’o, David Hala.
Payne missed North Queensland’s home loss to the Broncos last week after fracturing an eye socket in a training collision.
His replacement, Segeyaro, sprained his ankle during the Brisbane match and remains in the most doubt for the match on the weekend.
The Cowboys have included both men in their 19 man squad for the trip to Sydney’s ANZ Stadium.
Johnathan Thurston successfully returned from a knee injury last week and will hope to rekindle his combination with Payne.
Having lost their last two matches, North Queensland clings to fourth position on the ladder but have the Dragons, Warriors and Tigers right behind them.
The Rabbitohs are in red-hot form having smashed Parramatta and Canberra in recent weeks.
Cowboys coach Neil Henry has added forward Joel Riethmuller to the squad in the only other change.
It was announced today that fringe first-grader Will Tupou will leave the club at the end of the season to play rugby union.
However Roosters centre Kane Linnett will join the club for the 2012 season.
As of this writing, Friday’s match with the Rabbitohs will be delayed into Queensland with Channel Nine preferring to show the Storm and the Dragons live.
However, the Cowboys are working with the affiliate WIN network to get their match live into the areas outside of Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Laffranchi’s 100th
Anthony Laffranchi has overcome a corked thigh and will become the fifth Titan to register a century of NRL games for the club this weekend.
Laffranchi was a late withdrawal from the 16-40 loss to Melbourne but should notch his milestone Saturday night against Canberra at Skilled Park.
His inclusion is the only change to the side from last week, with Clinton Toopi named 18th man.
Laffranchi slots into the back row, Greg Bird moves to lock and Luke O’Dwyer pushes back to the bench.
Gold Coast currently sits last in both the NRL and Under 20’s competition ladders and will be desperate to end their seasons on some kind of positive.
They are unbeaten in three games against the Raiders at home and with Canberra also having a shocking season, the match could be high-scoring.
One of the Titans five wins this season came against Canberra when Bird slotted a field goal to win the match in golden point.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 5:30pm and will be live on Fox Sports.
Broncos Unchanged
The Brisbane Broncos have named the same side as last match to face the Knights in Newcastle on Monday night.
Test winger Jharal Yow Yeh (ankle) was a late withdrawal from Friday’s 32-16 win in Townsville over the Cowboys and has been left out by coach Anthony Griffin today.
Yow Yeh injured his ankle during the previous week’s win over the Warriors but could yet overcome it with the longer rest period for a Monday night match.
His replacement Dale Copley scored a try in one of his stronger NRL matches last week and has been retained for the Knights.
Prop Ben Hannant is still sidelined with a hip problem.
The Broncos have secured a top eight berth and one more win from their remaining three games ensures a home final at Suncorp Stadium in Week One.
Brisbane could yet finish second despite Manly currently sitting one win ahead of the Broncos.
However the Sea Eagles have a tough draw home, facing Melbourne next week before playing Brisbane in Darren Lockyer’s final home match celebration.
That final round clash could determine second place and a guaranteed second chance or bye in Week Two of the finals – if the Broncos can maintain their winning form beforehand.
The Broncos, currently on a three game winning streak, defeated the Knights 17-6 in their Round Five clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Monday’s match is live on Fox Sports and kicks off at 7pm.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Rabbitohs, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, delayed 9:30pm) Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Tariq Sims, Scott Bolton, Ashton Sims, Cory Paterson, Joel Riethmuller (two to be omitted).
Gold Coast Titans vs. Raiders, Saturday 5:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Jordan Rankin, Steve Michaels, William Zillman, Dominique Peyroux, David Mead, Beau Henry, Preston Campbell, Luke Bailey (c), Matt Srama, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Greg Bird. Interchange: Brenton Lawrence, Will Matthews, Bodene Thompson, Luke O’Dwyer, Clinton Toopi. (one to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. Knights, Monday 7pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Dale Copley, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Ben Te’o, David Hala.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
A disappointing week all round
It’s been another funny old week in the NRL and one that has sort of summed up the 2011 season. On one hand, I have loved watching the good teams play. This current top eight will be in the Finals barring some kind of miracle – and we’ve known that for a month. The bottom eight have largely been terrible with Canberra, Parramatta, Roosters and Gold Coast at no stage challenging for a Finals berth. While I normally try and write positively, there’s too much negativity to avoid this week.
Parra woes
I don’t like Parramatta, I don’t support them and quite frankly I don’t care what happens at that club. But I do feel sorry for their fans, the coach and people like Nathan Hindmarsh. They were belted by 50 points the other night and probably deserved it.
Former Panthers coach Matt Elliott once said after a hammering, “We’ve had our pants pulled down, bums smacked ... and, whatever comes next”.
I feel 2011 has been a total write-off for the Eels started by punting a coach after he had already recruited Dad’s Army for the new season. They have been in many tight contests but never really looked like winning most of them.
Hopefully this will make them a better team for 2012 because a strong Parramatta is good for the competition – and save for three months in 2009, we haven’t seen that for a long time.
Roosters Fall
The more we look at things the more it seems the Roosters 2010 Grand Final appearance was a fluke, or a case of last club standing. Let’s take a look back at last year ...
Melbourne were booted out of the competition, the Broncos fell over in the last month, a red-hot Raiders lost their best player and the Tigers were controversially beaten in a match where the Roosters were likely gone had they lost.
This club has been disgraceful all season and I don’t know if it’s a lack of professionalism, a party attitude or if the players just enjoy taking their pay cheques and don’t care about the result.
I feel sorry for Braith Anasta who has tried to hold this club together. He stayed on because of loyalty and sacrificed his position for the good of the team. A contract at the Cowboys playing alongside Johnathan Thurston probably looks pretty good now.
C-O-N-spiracy
I don’t buy into the whole Queensland conspiracy thing we had going on during the Origin series. But ... seriously!?!
How did Paul Gallen get off a stomping charge last night?? In my opinion, had his boot hit that player in the face it was a send off.
I thought one week was a very light punishment but it was at least something and he had to be suspended. Did anyone see the Channel Nine guys try and justify his actions last Sunday? They couldn’t keep a straight face!
Gallen made a mistake and I don’t think it was entirely deliberate – but there was intent on that vision and worthy of some suspension.
When Queenslanders see Thurston pulled in to face a bogus charge and Dave Taylor get a questionable 5 week ban only to see Gallen escape this ... it’s no wonder they (we) call shenanigans.
Todd Carney
Quite frankly, I’m sick of writing about this guy. Already this year I’ve expressed my own disappointment because I had no time for him, only to be inspired by the way he turned his life around. I had new respect for him but 2011 has been just like the ‘good-old-days’.
When I heard about his latest trouble all I could do was laugh.
Yeah he didn’t break any laws, throw hands or piss on another person in a urinal ... but it’s just one more to the list.
I respect the fact he can play rugby league but it’s at the stage now where I don’t want him on my television. We need to think about sponsors and the fact this guy is constantly bringing negative headlines for our game.
It’s time for the NRL to punt him for two years. He has to get his life sorted and I don’t care if that’s in England, North Queensland or PNG. If he can clean his act up then I’d be glad to have him back.
But for now, Carney has worn out his welcome and must surely have had his last chance.
TIPPING
Tips – Tigers, Broncos, Warriors, Sea Eagles, Storm, Raiders, Dragons, Sharks
Last Week – 5/8
Total –98/160(63%)
Hope your team wins,
Keyto
Parra woes
I don’t like Parramatta, I don’t support them and quite frankly I don’t care what happens at that club. But I do feel sorry for their fans, the coach and people like Nathan Hindmarsh. They were belted by 50 points the other night and probably deserved it.
Former Panthers coach Matt Elliott once said after a hammering, “We’ve had our pants pulled down, bums smacked ... and, whatever comes next”.
I feel 2011 has been a total write-off for the Eels started by punting a coach after he had already recruited Dad’s Army for the new season. They have been in many tight contests but never really looked like winning most of them.
Hopefully this will make them a better team for 2012 because a strong Parramatta is good for the competition – and save for three months in 2009, we haven’t seen that for a long time.
Roosters Fall
The more we look at things the more it seems the Roosters 2010 Grand Final appearance was a fluke, or a case of last club standing. Let’s take a look back at last year ...
Melbourne were booted out of the competition, the Broncos fell over in the last month, a red-hot Raiders lost their best player and the Tigers were controversially beaten in a match where the Roosters were likely gone had they lost.
This club has been disgraceful all season and I don’t know if it’s a lack of professionalism, a party attitude or if the players just enjoy taking their pay cheques and don’t care about the result.
I feel sorry for Braith Anasta who has tried to hold this club together. He stayed on because of loyalty and sacrificed his position for the good of the team. A contract at the Cowboys playing alongside Johnathan Thurston probably looks pretty good now.
C-O-N-spiracy
I don’t buy into the whole Queensland conspiracy thing we had going on during the Origin series. But ... seriously!?!
How did Paul Gallen get off a stomping charge last night?? In my opinion, had his boot hit that player in the face it was a send off.
I thought one week was a very light punishment but it was at least something and he had to be suspended. Did anyone see the Channel Nine guys try and justify his actions last Sunday? They couldn’t keep a straight face!
Gallen made a mistake and I don’t think it was entirely deliberate – but there was intent on that vision and worthy of some suspension.
When Queenslanders see Thurston pulled in to face a bogus charge and Dave Taylor get a questionable 5 week ban only to see Gallen escape this ... it’s no wonder they (we) call shenanigans.
Todd Carney
Quite frankly, I’m sick of writing about this guy. Already this year I’ve expressed my own disappointment because I had no time for him, only to be inspired by the way he turned his life around. I had new respect for him but 2011 has been just like the ‘good-old-days’.
When I heard about his latest trouble all I could do was laugh.
Yeah he didn’t break any laws, throw hands or piss on another person in a urinal ... but it’s just one more to the list.
I respect the fact he can play rugby league but it’s at the stage now where I don’t want him on my television. We need to think about sponsors and the fact this guy is constantly bringing negative headlines for our game.
It’s time for the NRL to punt him for two years. He has to get his life sorted and I don’t care if that’s in England, North Queensland or PNG. If he can clean his act up then I’d be glad to have him back.
But for now, Carney has worn out his welcome and must surely have had his last chance.
TIPPING
Tips – Tigers, Broncos, Warriors, Sea Eagles, Storm, Raiders, Dragons, Sharks
Last Week – 5/8
Total –98/160(63%)
Hope your team wins,
Keyto
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Qld Teams Rd 23 - Thurston returns for Broncos Blockbuster
North Queensland halfback Johnathan Thurston has been named to return from a knee injury and face Brisbane at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Friday night.
Thurston, pivotal to the fourth-placed Cowboys chance of a maiden premiership, suffered what many thought was a season-ending knee injury in Origin III on July 6.
However the diagnosis determined it was just a six week injury and Friday will be a day after the five week mark.
The Cowboys had done well to maintain their momentum in his absence by winning three of the five games.
However their attack was poor last week in losing a low quality 6-14 match to the Bulldogs in Sydney.
Thurston will be joined by co-captain and forwards leader Matt Scott, who was a late withdrawal last week with a niggling back injury flaring up.
The Maroons duo are critical components of the North Queensland side and will invariably boost the team and the expected near sold out crowd for what is traditionally the biggest match of the season in Townsville.
Winger Kalifa Faifai Loa has also been named after missing last week with a hamstring injury.
North Queensland escaped with a 16-14 win over Brisbane when they met at Suncorp Stadium in Round One, however the Cowboys have not defeated the Broncos at Dairy Farmers Stadium since Round 20, 2006.
Thurston replaces Ben Jones at halfback while Scott replaces Glenn Hall in the front row.
Hall is part of a strong five man bench which includes Scott Bolton, who successfully returned from a calf injury last week, and Cory Paterson as 18th man.
Victory for the Cowboys will likely see them jump the Broncos into third position on the table however a loss could see them fall to fifth.
Friday’s match will be live into Queensland on Channel Nine from 7:30pm.
Lockyer breaks record
Darren Lockyer will become the most capped NRL player in history on Friday night when he runs out for his 350th premiership match.
Lockyer joined Terry Lamb and Steve Menzies by playing in last weekend’s 21-20 win over the Warriors but will take the sole record when entering the Dairy Farmers Stadium playing field on Friday.
After debuting in 1995 as an 18-year-old, Lockyer has been a dominant fullback and five-eighth at all levels of the game.
He has won three premierships, including 2006 as captain, and been instrumental in Queensland’s Origin dynasty.
A serious knee injury, that ended his 2007 season and severely hampered his 2008, did not prevent Lockyer returning to the top of his game.
While not as quick, flashy or dominant as he used to be, Lockyer still possess an aura and match-winning ability to control a game and secure victories at all levels.
Lockyer’s farewell tour is coming to an end but victory on Friday night over the Cowboys will ensure the Broncos are in prime position to secure a vital home final in September.
Brisbane today announced Sam Thaiday would be Lockyer’s successor and lead the Broncos into the 2012 season.
However the Broncos are focussed on finishing the 2011 season as a genuine premiership contender and will need a strong performance to claim a third consecutive win.
Prop Ben Hannant could miss up to three matches with a hip flexor injury suffered against the Warriors.
He has been replaced in the starting side by Josh McGuire with David Hala gaining the vacant spot on the bench.
Winger Jharal Yow Yeh hurt his ankle in the first half but finished the game last week and should be fit to face the Cowboys.
Ben Te’o made a successful return from a broken arm last week while prop Mitchell Dodds has overcome a shoulder injury and should play Queensland Cup again this weekend.
The Broncos could face a hostile environment with this match traditionally the most anticipated by the Cowboys home fans.
Campbell gains swansong
A broken arm to Scott Prince will likely see retiring star Preston Campbell finish his career playing halfback for the Gold Coast Titans.
He will wear the number seven in Saturday night’s huge challenge against Melbourne, who have won 10 games in a row, at Skilled Park.
Campbell announced last week he would retire at the end of the 2011 season despite signing a contract extension with the club.
He should now get the chance to play most of the remaining four games having been taken from the bench to replace Prince.
The Titans captain broke his arm late in the morale boosting 20-16 win over Cronulla last week.
It was just the Titans second win in 14 weeks and gets them within one point of Parramatta as both clubs fight to avoid their first wooden spoon.
Luke Bailey will captain the Titans for the remainder of the year.
Prince had struggled all season to create attacking opportunities having lost hooker Nathan Friend to injury and five-eighth Mat Rogers to retirement for most of the season.
However new pivot Beau Henry has looked promising in his handful of matches while hooker Matt Srama has been the shining light in a disappointing season.
Coach John Cartwright, who himself has been in hospital and missed the last two games, added Greg Bird and Clinton Toopi in the only other changes to the team.
Bird missed the win over Cronulla with a hamstring injury while Toopi has been overlooked in recent weeks for the younger Dominique Peyroux.
The Storm are chasing a club record 11 straight victories and if they achieve it over the Gold Coast, will all but secure the minor premiership.
Saturday’s match will be live on Fox Sports and kicks off at 7:30pm.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Broncos, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Tariq Sims, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Glenn Hall, Scott Bolton, Ashton Sims, Cory Paterson (one to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. Cowboys, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Ben Te’o, David Hala.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Storm, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Jordan Rankin, Steve Michaels, William Zillman, Dominique Peyroux, David Mead, Beau Henry, Preston Campbell, Luke Bailey (c), Matt Srama, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Luke O’Dwyer. Interchange: Brenton Lawrence, Will Matthews, Bodene Thompson, Clinton Toopi, Greg Bird (one to be omitted).
Thurston, pivotal to the fourth-placed Cowboys chance of a maiden premiership, suffered what many thought was a season-ending knee injury in Origin III on July 6.
However the diagnosis determined it was just a six week injury and Friday will be a day after the five week mark.
The Cowboys had done well to maintain their momentum in his absence by winning three of the five games.
However their attack was poor last week in losing a low quality 6-14 match to the Bulldogs in Sydney.
Thurston will be joined by co-captain and forwards leader Matt Scott, who was a late withdrawal last week with a niggling back injury flaring up.
The Maroons duo are critical components of the North Queensland side and will invariably boost the team and the expected near sold out crowd for what is traditionally the biggest match of the season in Townsville.
Winger Kalifa Faifai Loa has also been named after missing last week with a hamstring injury.
North Queensland escaped with a 16-14 win over Brisbane when they met at Suncorp Stadium in Round One, however the Cowboys have not defeated the Broncos at Dairy Farmers Stadium since Round 20, 2006.
Thurston replaces Ben Jones at halfback while Scott replaces Glenn Hall in the front row.
Hall is part of a strong five man bench which includes Scott Bolton, who successfully returned from a calf injury last week, and Cory Paterson as 18th man.
Victory for the Cowboys will likely see them jump the Broncos into third position on the table however a loss could see them fall to fifth.
Friday’s match will be live into Queensland on Channel Nine from 7:30pm.
Lockyer breaks record
Darren Lockyer will become the most capped NRL player in history on Friday night when he runs out for his 350th premiership match.
Lockyer joined Terry Lamb and Steve Menzies by playing in last weekend’s 21-20 win over the Warriors but will take the sole record when entering the Dairy Farmers Stadium playing field on Friday.
After debuting in 1995 as an 18-year-old, Lockyer has been a dominant fullback and five-eighth at all levels of the game.
He has won three premierships, including 2006 as captain, and been instrumental in Queensland’s Origin dynasty.
A serious knee injury, that ended his 2007 season and severely hampered his 2008, did not prevent Lockyer returning to the top of his game.
While not as quick, flashy or dominant as he used to be, Lockyer still possess an aura and match-winning ability to control a game and secure victories at all levels.
Lockyer’s farewell tour is coming to an end but victory on Friday night over the Cowboys will ensure the Broncos are in prime position to secure a vital home final in September.
Brisbane today announced Sam Thaiday would be Lockyer’s successor and lead the Broncos into the 2012 season.
However the Broncos are focussed on finishing the 2011 season as a genuine premiership contender and will need a strong performance to claim a third consecutive win.
Prop Ben Hannant could miss up to three matches with a hip flexor injury suffered against the Warriors.
He has been replaced in the starting side by Josh McGuire with David Hala gaining the vacant spot on the bench.
Winger Jharal Yow Yeh hurt his ankle in the first half but finished the game last week and should be fit to face the Cowboys.
Ben Te’o made a successful return from a broken arm last week while prop Mitchell Dodds has overcome a shoulder injury and should play Queensland Cup again this weekend.
The Broncos could face a hostile environment with this match traditionally the most anticipated by the Cowboys home fans.
Campbell gains swansong
A broken arm to Scott Prince will likely see retiring star Preston Campbell finish his career playing halfback for the Gold Coast Titans.
He will wear the number seven in Saturday night’s huge challenge against Melbourne, who have won 10 games in a row, at Skilled Park.
Campbell announced last week he would retire at the end of the 2011 season despite signing a contract extension with the club.
He should now get the chance to play most of the remaining four games having been taken from the bench to replace Prince.
The Titans captain broke his arm late in the morale boosting 20-16 win over Cronulla last week.
It was just the Titans second win in 14 weeks and gets them within one point of Parramatta as both clubs fight to avoid their first wooden spoon.
Luke Bailey will captain the Titans for the remainder of the year.
Prince had struggled all season to create attacking opportunities having lost hooker Nathan Friend to injury and five-eighth Mat Rogers to retirement for most of the season.
However new pivot Beau Henry has looked promising in his handful of matches while hooker Matt Srama has been the shining light in a disappointing season.
Coach John Cartwright, who himself has been in hospital and missed the last two games, added Greg Bird and Clinton Toopi in the only other changes to the team.
Bird missed the win over Cronulla with a hamstring injury while Toopi has been overlooked in recent weeks for the younger Dominique Peyroux.
The Storm are chasing a club record 11 straight victories and if they achieve it over the Gold Coast, will all but secure the minor premiership.
Saturday’s match will be live on Fox Sports and kicks off at 7:30pm.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Broncos, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Tariq Sims, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Glenn Hall, Scott Bolton, Ashton Sims, Cory Paterson (one to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. Cowboys, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Ben Te’o, David Hala.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Storm, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Jordan Rankin, Steve Michaels, William Zillman, Dominique Peyroux, David Mead, Beau Henry, Preston Campbell, Luke Bailey (c), Matt Srama, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Luke O’Dwyer. Interchange: Brenton Lawrence, Will Matthews, Bodene Thompson, Clinton Toopi, Greg Bird (one to be omitted).
Thursday, August 4, 2011
My thoughts on standalone Origin
Last week we finally saw the formation of our independent commissioners to put us right on the verge of making this much talked about transformation. One of the big issues in recent months has been State of Origin with standalone games on a weekend favoured by players and clubs.
That will leave us with no club football at all for three (or four with the Test Match) weekends of the season. But I have a solution.
The Clubs
Most players and NRL clubs seem to agree Origin will be best suited to a Sunday night, with no other club games for that entire weekend. That means no one will be without their best players for potentially three matches of the season and no one has to back-up any less than five days after the match. This is a perfectly valid argument.
The Fans
Remember – these are the people buying the tickets, watching on television and generating the revenue so fans’ opinions are vitally important. The people love Origin on a Wednesday night. It is been the most successful of any other night and been a tradition that rugby league fans have known for 30 years.
They also love club football on weekends, even if the best players or teams aren’t there. Yes the standard is lower, but the one time we trialled standalone Origin matches the people were bored on the weekend. They were crying out for a game, any game, to watch before the big event.
In the modern age, if the fans can’t find an NRL game to watch in the middle of a season who is to say they won’t flick over and watch AFL instead?
The Broadcasters
I think it’s fair to say Channel Nine love Origin on a Wednesday night too because it goes totally unopposed to any other sporting (or major) event. It’s also fair to say that Fox Sports want club football on the weekends too.
However both seem prepared to negotiate and work with the other shareholders on this issue.
England’s Challenge Cup
The English Super League breaks a number of times throughout the season to play a Challenge Cup knockout tournament. It is much the same as their soccer FA Cup – a host of clubs join the elite teams in a knock-out competition with the last team remaining declared the winners.
Often the winner of England’s Challenge Cup won’t necessarily be the team dominating the Super League competition and it’s a concept I would like to see here.
It is totally separate to the main competition and it may give the lesser teams, who realistically won’t be there on Grand Final day, something to aim for.
My idea
If we must go to standalone Origin matches on a Sunday night, without any NRL games at all on the weekend, I would like to see a knock-out competition played over the four representative weekends. We can use it to give some games to country areas and also as a way to bring in young talent.
Rules – Each NRL team will be represented however, they must use a minimum of 8-10 players from the Toyota Cup or with less than 3 NRL games under their belt. This helps to develop young players, introduce them to the audience and also allows the Coach to manage workloads and give his main players a rest should he choose.
Week One – The Test Match will be played on the Friday night before eight first round Knock-out matches in country areas. This will leave us with eight NRL teams remaining.
Week Two – Four Knock-out quarter finals to be played over the weekend. They can have one on Friday, one Saturday afternoon and two Saturday night, again in the country areas. This will culminate with Origin I on the Sunday night.
Week Three – The Knock-out semi finals to be held this weekend in places like Newcastle, Townsville, Melbourne or Perth – anywhere that’s a strong rugby league area but without the mainstream exposure of a Sydney or Brisbane. Origin II will be held alone on Sunday night.
Week Four – The Knockout Final to be held on the Friday night from the home side’s venue. The annual City-Country game to be played on the Saturday with any player not involved in the final to be considered. But both sides must have at least 5 players be included from the Toyota Cup. Finally Origin III to be played on Sunday night.
This gives us a minimum of three matches each weekend of the season while also allowing the clubs to manage workload and hopefully avoid burning out their key players. It satisfies the clubs, broadcasters and most importantly, the fans.
TIPPING
Tips – Dragons, Cowboys, Storm, Broncos, Sharks, Knights, Eagles, Rabbitohs
Last Week – 5/8
Total –93/152 (61%)
Thanks for reading again and let me know if this is something you would be keen to watch. You can comment below or find me on twitter (@keyto316) or email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com.
Have a great week,
Keyto
That will leave us with no club football at all for three (or four with the Test Match) weekends of the season. But I have a solution.
The Clubs
Most players and NRL clubs seem to agree Origin will be best suited to a Sunday night, with no other club games for that entire weekend. That means no one will be without their best players for potentially three matches of the season and no one has to back-up any less than five days after the match. This is a perfectly valid argument.
The Fans
Remember – these are the people buying the tickets, watching on television and generating the revenue so fans’ opinions are vitally important. The people love Origin on a Wednesday night. It is been the most successful of any other night and been a tradition that rugby league fans have known for 30 years.
They also love club football on weekends, even if the best players or teams aren’t there. Yes the standard is lower, but the one time we trialled standalone Origin matches the people were bored on the weekend. They were crying out for a game, any game, to watch before the big event.
In the modern age, if the fans can’t find an NRL game to watch in the middle of a season who is to say they won’t flick over and watch AFL instead?
The Broadcasters
I think it’s fair to say Channel Nine love Origin on a Wednesday night too because it goes totally unopposed to any other sporting (or major) event. It’s also fair to say that Fox Sports want club football on the weekends too.
However both seem prepared to negotiate and work with the other shareholders on this issue.
England’s Challenge Cup
The English Super League breaks a number of times throughout the season to play a Challenge Cup knockout tournament. It is much the same as their soccer FA Cup – a host of clubs join the elite teams in a knock-out competition with the last team remaining declared the winners.
Often the winner of England’s Challenge Cup won’t necessarily be the team dominating the Super League competition and it’s a concept I would like to see here.
It is totally separate to the main competition and it may give the lesser teams, who realistically won’t be there on Grand Final day, something to aim for.
My idea
If we must go to standalone Origin matches on a Sunday night, without any NRL games at all on the weekend, I would like to see a knock-out competition played over the four representative weekends. We can use it to give some games to country areas and also as a way to bring in young talent.
Rules – Each NRL team will be represented however, they must use a minimum of 8-10 players from the Toyota Cup or with less than 3 NRL games under their belt. This helps to develop young players, introduce them to the audience and also allows the Coach to manage workloads and give his main players a rest should he choose.
Week One – The Test Match will be played on the Friday night before eight first round Knock-out matches in country areas. This will leave us with eight NRL teams remaining.
Week Two – Four Knock-out quarter finals to be played over the weekend. They can have one on Friday, one Saturday afternoon and two Saturday night, again in the country areas. This will culminate with Origin I on the Sunday night.
Week Three – The Knock-out semi finals to be held this weekend in places like Newcastle, Townsville, Melbourne or Perth – anywhere that’s a strong rugby league area but without the mainstream exposure of a Sydney or Brisbane. Origin II will be held alone on Sunday night.
Week Four – The Knockout Final to be held on the Friday night from the home side’s venue. The annual City-Country game to be played on the Saturday with any player not involved in the final to be considered. But both sides must have at least 5 players be included from the Toyota Cup. Finally Origin III to be played on Sunday night.
This gives us a minimum of three matches each weekend of the season while also allowing the clubs to manage workload and hopefully avoid burning out their key players. It satisfies the clubs, broadcasters and most importantly, the fans.
TIPPING
Tips – Dragons, Cowboys, Storm, Broncos, Sharks, Knights, Eagles, Rabbitohs
Last Week – 5/8
Total –93/152 (61%)
Thanks for reading again and let me know if this is something you would be keen to watch. You can comment below or find me on twitter (@keyto316) or email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com.
Have a great week,
Keyto
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Qld Teams Rd 22 - Cowboys could secure Final
Victory over Canterbury on Friday night will ensure the North Queensland Cowboys return to Finals Football for the first time since 2007.
The Cowboys sit comfortably in 3rd position on 30 competition points – the maximum number their closest remaining top eight contenders Penrith, Canterbury and South Sydney can gain from the final five rounds.
A win over the 10th-placed Bulldogs in Sydney will put North Queensland out of reach of the other contenders no matter what happens in the final month of the regular season.
Victory will also equal the Cowboys club record 32 competition points in the season – a feat achieved in 2005 and their last Finals appearance in 2007.
Coach Neil Henry has retained the same team that ran over Penrith in the second half to record a 30-18 win last weekend.
Winger Kalifa Faifai Loa faces a fitness test later in the week after straining a hamstring against the Panthers.
He is the only Cowboy in doubt for Friday night’s match while Johnathan Thurston remains an outside chance to face the Broncos next week.
While he could possibly push for the Broncos game on August 12, the Cowboys are likely to take a cautious approach to rushing their superstar back before the Finals.
Fullback Matt Bowen has taken over the main organisational and kicking roles in Thurston’s absence with the Cowboys winning three of the four games since the injury.
Friday’s match is live into Queensland with kick-off at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium scheduled for just after 7:30pm.
Te’o returns
Brisbane forward Ben Te’o will return from his second fractured arm of the season in Saturday night’s match with the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium.
Te’o replaces David Hala on the bench in the only change to the side who routed Cronulla 46-16 last week.
After initially breaking the arm in Round Five, Te’o returned in Round 12 against Manly only to re-fracture it during the game.
He returned for Queensland Cup side Wynnum-Manly last Sunday and after growing up in Auckland, will be set for a big game against his New Zealand-based opponents.
The Broncos will celebrate Darren Lockyer playing his record-equalling 349th Premiership game – the most by any NRL player.
Lockyer joins Terry Lamb and Steve Menzies but will claim the solo record in Townsville next week against the Cowboys.
Like North Queensland, the Broncos can also secure their return to Finals Football with a victory over the sixth-placed Warriors.
However the Warriors are one of the form NRL teams with big wins over the Titans, Bulldogs, Rabbitohs and Raiders in the last four weeks.
Saturday’s potential Finals preview match will be live on Fox Sports Two from 7:30pm.
Bird sidelined
Titans lock Greg Bird will miss Saturday night’s match against his former team Cronulla with a hamstring injury.
His absence means a re-call for Will Matthews who has not been sighted at NRL level this season despite playing 28 games over the previous two years.
Matthews had an injury-interrupted start to the season but has shown good form with undefeated Queensland Cup leaders Tweed Heads.
He will play from the bench with Luke O’Dwyer to start in place of Bird.
Winger Steve Michaels returns after missing last week’s disappointing 20-50 loss to Newcastle.
That has pushed rookie Dominique Peyroux into the centres with Clinton Toopi dropped to the Queensland Cup.
Coach John Cartwright is still in hospital following surgery to remove his appendix.
He was rushed there last weekend, missing the game with Newcastle, and it is unlikely he will take control of the Sharks match.
Assistants Trevor Gillmeister and Steve Murphy are currently sharing coaching duties and selected the side for the Cronulla game.
Cronulla, who displayed inept defence to trail the Broncos 34-nil in as many minutes last week, have suffered three consecutive defeats to all but lose touch with the top eight.
The Sharks would need to win all five remaining matches and rely on other results but could welcome back inspirational captain Paul Gallen to face the Gold Coast.
Saturday’s match will be available live from Cronulla’s Toyota Stadium at 7:30pm on Fox Sports Two.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Bulldogs, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Ben Jones, Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, Ashton Sims, Gavin Cooper, Tariq Sims, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Glenn Hall, Cory Paterson, James Tamou.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Warriors, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn (c), Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Ben Te’o, Josh McGuire.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Sharks, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Jordan Rankin, Steve Michaels, Dominique Peyroux, William Zillman, David Mead, Beau Henry, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Luke O’Dwyer. Interchange: Brenton Lawrence, Will Matthews, Bodene Thompson, Preston Campbell.
The Cowboys sit comfortably in 3rd position on 30 competition points – the maximum number their closest remaining top eight contenders Penrith, Canterbury and South Sydney can gain from the final five rounds.
A win over the 10th-placed Bulldogs in Sydney will put North Queensland out of reach of the other contenders no matter what happens in the final month of the regular season.
Victory will also equal the Cowboys club record 32 competition points in the season – a feat achieved in 2005 and their last Finals appearance in 2007.
Coach Neil Henry has retained the same team that ran over Penrith in the second half to record a 30-18 win last weekend.
Winger Kalifa Faifai Loa faces a fitness test later in the week after straining a hamstring against the Panthers.
He is the only Cowboy in doubt for Friday night’s match while Johnathan Thurston remains an outside chance to face the Broncos next week.
While he could possibly push for the Broncos game on August 12, the Cowboys are likely to take a cautious approach to rushing their superstar back before the Finals.
Fullback Matt Bowen has taken over the main organisational and kicking roles in Thurston’s absence with the Cowboys winning three of the four games since the injury.
Friday’s match is live into Queensland with kick-off at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium scheduled for just after 7:30pm.
Te’o returns
Brisbane forward Ben Te’o will return from his second fractured arm of the season in Saturday night’s match with the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium.
Te’o replaces David Hala on the bench in the only change to the side who routed Cronulla 46-16 last week.
After initially breaking the arm in Round Five, Te’o returned in Round 12 against Manly only to re-fracture it during the game.
He returned for Queensland Cup side Wynnum-Manly last Sunday and after growing up in Auckland, will be set for a big game against his New Zealand-based opponents.
The Broncos will celebrate Darren Lockyer playing his record-equalling 349th Premiership game – the most by any NRL player.
Lockyer joins Terry Lamb and Steve Menzies but will claim the solo record in Townsville next week against the Cowboys.
Like North Queensland, the Broncos can also secure their return to Finals Football with a victory over the sixth-placed Warriors.
However the Warriors are one of the form NRL teams with big wins over the Titans, Bulldogs, Rabbitohs and Raiders in the last four weeks.
Saturday’s potential Finals preview match will be live on Fox Sports Two from 7:30pm.
Bird sidelined
Titans lock Greg Bird will miss Saturday night’s match against his former team Cronulla with a hamstring injury.
His absence means a re-call for Will Matthews who has not been sighted at NRL level this season despite playing 28 games over the previous two years.
Matthews had an injury-interrupted start to the season but has shown good form with undefeated Queensland Cup leaders Tweed Heads.
He will play from the bench with Luke O’Dwyer to start in place of Bird.
Winger Steve Michaels returns after missing last week’s disappointing 20-50 loss to Newcastle.
That has pushed rookie Dominique Peyroux into the centres with Clinton Toopi dropped to the Queensland Cup.
Coach John Cartwright is still in hospital following surgery to remove his appendix.
He was rushed there last weekend, missing the game with Newcastle, and it is unlikely he will take control of the Sharks match.
Assistants Trevor Gillmeister and Steve Murphy are currently sharing coaching duties and selected the side for the Cronulla game.
Cronulla, who displayed inept defence to trail the Broncos 34-nil in as many minutes last week, have suffered three consecutive defeats to all but lose touch with the top eight.
The Sharks would need to win all five remaining matches and rely on other results but could welcome back inspirational captain Paul Gallen to face the Gold Coast.
Saturday’s match will be available live from Cronulla’s Toyota Stadium at 7:30pm on Fox Sports Two.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Bulldogs, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Ben Jones, Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, Ashton Sims, Gavin Cooper, Tariq Sims, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Glenn Hall, Cory Paterson, James Tamou.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Warriors, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn (c), Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Ben Te’o, Josh McGuire.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Sharks, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Jordan Rankin, Steve Michaels, Dominique Peyroux, William Zillman, David Mead, Beau Henry, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Luke O’Dwyer. Interchange: Brenton Lawrence, Will Matthews, Bodene Thompson, Preston Campbell.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Headlines, Crap Games and Outsiders
Well, Week 21 of the 2011 NRL Premiership has been another one full of drama and interest. Before hitting some of the bigger issues – how about Canberra’s win on Monday night!! That is one of the great hoodoos in any Australian support and you’d almost think it was scripted! But one last gasp try won’t make or break the season for either side. Moving on, and Jarryd Hayne kicks us off this week.
Player Behaviour
Hayne was in the headlines for head-butting, again, at the start of this week but it was rather a playful incident that got just slightly out of hand. Then it spiralled out of control a little bit as Parramatta nearly made a complete mess of it. The incident was very, very minor and as Paul Kent said on The Back Page (Tuesday’s 8pm, Fox Sports News – check it out), was a case of “boys being boys”.
Kent was completely right and I think players’ off-field behaviour across the code has been very good this year. I can’t think of too many major incidents and there certainly hasn’t been as many as recent seasons.
I feel sorry for these guys who do like to go out and do the things most 20-something men and women do on any given Saturday night. But these footballers are in the spotlight and do become targets. Unfortunately you can’t take the big bucks and remain anonymous – you can’t have both.
Scheduling
NSW residents let’s be honest – did anyone really care to watch Bulldogs vs. Eels live on Channel Nine last week when Team One was playing Team Four? I understand the tradition between the clubs and yes Melbourne and Brisbane are two sides that probably don’t have a large following in Sydney. Sure that game also wasn’t the epic contest it could have been.
But it was better than Team 13 vs. Team 14 surely!! And better than two sides who have been pretty ordinary this year, who together would hardly have more wins than Melbourne or Brisbane! Last weeks’ Eels vs. Bulldogs was a game I call – two shit teams. The only interesting facet of that match was the fact the scores were close.
The worrying thing is these games were selected six weeks in advance. Can you imagine if we have a full pre-selected season like this? We could have shit game after shit game in what’s traditionally been the match of the round slot!
I could handle say the first half of the season being pre-determined with every team playing each other once. But after that, scheduling should be a maximum of six weeks in advance.
Welcome home Petero
As a Broncos fan I think it’s fantastic Petero Civoniceva is coming home to end his career. It was shattering when he was forced to leave and this champion man deserves the right to end things on his terms and get a proper farewell.
Full credit and thanks to Penrith as well for the professional way they have handled this situation.
Warriors in the mix
The Warriors are the only other team right now capable of pushing the top five contenders. They were ruthless in putting Souths away last week and play a brand of football that on its day can beat anyone. They have defeated Melbourne once this year and could easily string wins together when it counts.
Wests Tigers are the other team in the hunt if they get it together. Their playing rostered is too talented to be languishing in the bottom half of the eight but they still have time this season. Stringing a run together won’t be a problem for this side and they too can beat anyone on any day.
As for the other top eight contenders – it doesn’t matter. From what I’ve seen, they will be cannon fodder for the minor premiers.
TIPPING
Tips – Manly, Brisbane, Roosters, Penrith, Warriors, Newcastle, Dragons, Melbourne
Last Week – 3/8
Total –88/144 (61%)
That’s it for this week and you can contact me in the usual ways. My email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), comments board or Twitter (@keyto316) is waiting for you.
Cheers,
Keyto
Player Behaviour
Hayne was in the headlines for head-butting, again, at the start of this week but it was rather a playful incident that got just slightly out of hand. Then it spiralled out of control a little bit as Parramatta nearly made a complete mess of it. The incident was very, very minor and as Paul Kent said on The Back Page (Tuesday’s 8pm, Fox Sports News – check it out), was a case of “boys being boys”.
Kent was completely right and I think players’ off-field behaviour across the code has been very good this year. I can’t think of too many major incidents and there certainly hasn’t been as many as recent seasons.
I feel sorry for these guys who do like to go out and do the things most 20-something men and women do on any given Saturday night. But these footballers are in the spotlight and do become targets. Unfortunately you can’t take the big bucks and remain anonymous – you can’t have both.
Scheduling
NSW residents let’s be honest – did anyone really care to watch Bulldogs vs. Eels live on Channel Nine last week when Team One was playing Team Four? I understand the tradition between the clubs and yes Melbourne and Brisbane are two sides that probably don’t have a large following in Sydney. Sure that game also wasn’t the epic contest it could have been.
But it was better than Team 13 vs. Team 14 surely!! And better than two sides who have been pretty ordinary this year, who together would hardly have more wins than Melbourne or Brisbane! Last weeks’ Eels vs. Bulldogs was a game I call – two shit teams. The only interesting facet of that match was the fact the scores were close.
The worrying thing is these games were selected six weeks in advance. Can you imagine if we have a full pre-selected season like this? We could have shit game after shit game in what’s traditionally been the match of the round slot!
I could handle say the first half of the season being pre-determined with every team playing each other once. But after that, scheduling should be a maximum of six weeks in advance.
Welcome home Petero
As a Broncos fan I think it’s fantastic Petero Civoniceva is coming home to end his career. It was shattering when he was forced to leave and this champion man deserves the right to end things on his terms and get a proper farewell.
Full credit and thanks to Penrith as well for the professional way they have handled this situation.
Warriors in the mix
The Warriors are the only other team right now capable of pushing the top five contenders. They were ruthless in putting Souths away last week and play a brand of football that on its day can beat anyone. They have defeated Melbourne once this year and could easily string wins together when it counts.
Wests Tigers are the other team in the hunt if they get it together. Their playing rostered is too talented to be languishing in the bottom half of the eight but they still have time this season. Stringing a run together won’t be a problem for this side and they too can beat anyone on any day.
As for the other top eight contenders – it doesn’t matter. From what I’ve seen, they will be cannon fodder for the minor premiers.
TIPPING
Tips – Manly, Brisbane, Roosters, Penrith, Warriors, Newcastle, Dragons, Melbourne
Last Week – 3/8
Total –88/144 (61%)
That’s it for this week and you can contact me in the usual ways. My email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), comments board or Twitter (@keyto316) is waiting for you.
Cheers,
Keyto
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Qld Teams Rd 21 - Lockyer eases hamstring fears
Bronco hearts skipped a beat when Darren Lockyer left the Storm game late last week complaining of a hamstring twinge – but those concerns have been nullified.
In what was a precautionary measure, Lockyer called it a night with his side trailing the league leaders comfortably and watched the final eight minutes with ice on the hamstring.
However the retiring veteran has trained in both sessions this week and looks to be in no doubt to face Cronulla at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
In the only other change to the side that played better than the 6-26 scoreboard against Melbourne might suggest, hulking prop David Hala comes onto the bench with Mitchell Dodds (shoulder) ruled out.
Hala exploded onto the NRL scene during the representative period before being forced into the Queensland Cup due to Origin and injury returns.
In off-field news, the Broncos today announced Petero Civoniceva will return to the club for one final season in 2012.
Civoniceva played 215 games for the Broncos before spending the past four seasons captaining the Penrith Panthers.
Gold Coast Titan fullback Luke Capewell has also signed a one year deal with the Broncos for next season.
Having initially signed with the Titans as a five-eighth option, Capewell will compete with Ben Hunt and Corey Norman to fill Lockyer’s void next year.
Friday’s match with the Sharks kicks-off at 7:35pm and will be live into Queensland on Channel Nine.
Cronulla could have captain Paul Gallen back from a calf injury in what shapes as a must win game if they are to push for the top eight.
Cowboys unchanged
Despite having Johnathan Thurston sidelined, the North Queensland Cowboys have maintained their good form to sit in fourth position on the table.
They have won two of the three games without the pivotal Thurston and take an unchanged team into Saturday night’s home clash with Penrith.
Leeson Ah Mau has been added to the bench but coach Neil Henry is likely to stick with the same team that fought hard for a 28-20 win over the Titans last week.
Centre Brent Tate scored one of the Cowboys five tries against Gold Coast and looked impressive as he eased his way into another comeback.
Halfback Ben Jones admirably filled the halfback jersey and has at least three more games before Thurston is slated to return.
The injury-depleted Panthers need a victory on Saturday to be a chance at skipping into the top eight.
North Queensland will have Scott Bolton and Michael Bani available for selection next week with the duo to play Queensland Cup on Saturday.
Bolton has been troubled by a calf injury all season while Bani is returning from an ankle problem.
Saturday’s NRL match with the Panthers will be live on Fox Sports Two from 7:30pm.
Laffranchi notches 200
Foundation Titan Anthony Laffranchi will register his 200th NRL game Sunday against the Knights in Newcastle.
Laffranchi has been a key squad member since the Titans debuted in 2007 but is leaving the NRL at the end of this season to play in the English Super League.
Coach John Cartwright has made two changes to the side that lost 20-28 to the Cowboys last week.
With a view to the future, teenage fullback Jordan Rankin has been recalled while winger Dominique Peyroux will make his NRL debut.
After impressing in the Under 20’s, Rankin replaces the Broncos-bound Luke Capewell for the Knights game.
Peyroux represented Cook Islands in 2009 and the 22 year-old winger has impressed for the Titans undefeated Queensland Cup feeder team Tweed Heads.
He replaces Steve Michaels who was heavily concussed in the North Queensland match.
Five-eighth Beau Henry was solid in his Titans debut after playing just over an hour last week.
He returns this week to Newcastle where he played six games earlier in the season before linking with the Gold Coast.
Sunday’s match is live on Fox Sports Two and kicks off at 2pm.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Sharks, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn (c), Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, David Hala, Josh McGuire.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Panthers, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Ben Jones, Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, Ashton Sims, Gavin Cooper, Tariq Sims, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Glenn Hall, Cory Paterson, James Tamou, Leeson Ah Mau (one to be omitted).
Gold Coast Titans vs. Knights, Sunday 2pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Jordan Rankin, Dominique Peyroux, William Zillman, Clinton Toopi, David Mead, Beau Henry, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Anthony Laffranchi, Bodene Thompson, Mark Minichiello, Greg Bird. Interchange: Matthew White, Brenton Lawrence, Luke O’Dwyer, Preston Campbell.
In what was a precautionary measure, Lockyer called it a night with his side trailing the league leaders comfortably and watched the final eight minutes with ice on the hamstring.
However the retiring veteran has trained in both sessions this week and looks to be in no doubt to face Cronulla at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
In the only other change to the side that played better than the 6-26 scoreboard against Melbourne might suggest, hulking prop David Hala comes onto the bench with Mitchell Dodds (shoulder) ruled out.
Hala exploded onto the NRL scene during the representative period before being forced into the Queensland Cup due to Origin and injury returns.
In off-field news, the Broncos today announced Petero Civoniceva will return to the club for one final season in 2012.
Civoniceva played 215 games for the Broncos before spending the past four seasons captaining the Penrith Panthers.
Gold Coast Titan fullback Luke Capewell has also signed a one year deal with the Broncos for next season.
Having initially signed with the Titans as a five-eighth option, Capewell will compete with Ben Hunt and Corey Norman to fill Lockyer’s void next year.
Friday’s match with the Sharks kicks-off at 7:35pm and will be live into Queensland on Channel Nine.
Cronulla could have captain Paul Gallen back from a calf injury in what shapes as a must win game if they are to push for the top eight.
Cowboys unchanged
Despite having Johnathan Thurston sidelined, the North Queensland Cowboys have maintained their good form to sit in fourth position on the table.
They have won two of the three games without the pivotal Thurston and take an unchanged team into Saturday night’s home clash with Penrith.
Leeson Ah Mau has been added to the bench but coach Neil Henry is likely to stick with the same team that fought hard for a 28-20 win over the Titans last week.
Centre Brent Tate scored one of the Cowboys five tries against Gold Coast and looked impressive as he eased his way into another comeback.
Halfback Ben Jones admirably filled the halfback jersey and has at least three more games before Thurston is slated to return.
The injury-depleted Panthers need a victory on Saturday to be a chance at skipping into the top eight.
North Queensland will have Scott Bolton and Michael Bani available for selection next week with the duo to play Queensland Cup on Saturday.
Bolton has been troubled by a calf injury all season while Bani is returning from an ankle problem.
Saturday’s NRL match with the Panthers will be live on Fox Sports Two from 7:30pm.
Laffranchi notches 200
Foundation Titan Anthony Laffranchi will register his 200th NRL game Sunday against the Knights in Newcastle.
Laffranchi has been a key squad member since the Titans debuted in 2007 but is leaving the NRL at the end of this season to play in the English Super League.
Coach John Cartwright has made two changes to the side that lost 20-28 to the Cowboys last week.
With a view to the future, teenage fullback Jordan Rankin has been recalled while winger Dominique Peyroux will make his NRL debut.
After impressing in the Under 20’s, Rankin replaces the Broncos-bound Luke Capewell for the Knights game.
Peyroux represented Cook Islands in 2009 and the 22 year-old winger has impressed for the Titans undefeated Queensland Cup feeder team Tweed Heads.
He replaces Steve Michaels who was heavily concussed in the North Queensland match.
Five-eighth Beau Henry was solid in his Titans debut after playing just over an hour last week.
He returns this week to Newcastle where he played six games earlier in the season before linking with the Gold Coast.
Sunday’s match is live on Fox Sports Two and kicks off at 2pm.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Sharks, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn (c), Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, David Hala, Josh McGuire.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Panthers, Saturday 7:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Ben Jones, Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, Ashton Sims, Gavin Cooper, Tariq Sims, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Glenn Hall, Cory Paterson, James Tamou, Leeson Ah Mau (one to be omitted).
Gold Coast Titans vs. Knights, Sunday 2pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Jordan Rankin, Dominique Peyroux, William Zillman, Clinton Toopi, David Mead, Beau Henry, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Anthony Laffranchi, Bodene Thompson, Mark Minichiello, Greg Bird. Interchange: Matthew White, Brenton Lawrence, Luke O’Dwyer, Preston Campbell.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Premiership a race in Five
If your team is not currently in the top third of the competition then I’m sorry, it’s time to plan for next year. The current ladder reads Storm, Manly, Dragons, Broncos and Cowboys. The race for the last three spots will be exciting and these sides may give fans some hope, but with just 11 weeks to go the fab five are the only genuine contenders.
Manly – Team to Beat
Last weekend I watched Manly beat the Knights, a team well in the hunt for the Finals, on their home ground. What’s more, the Sea Eagles did it at half pace with one arm tied behind their back. It was just that easy. I know the Knights were hurting but still, now is the time to drop all excuses.
Manly absolutely smoked them probably from the toss of the coin. The week before, they rolled through South Sydney and not long ago ran over an Origin star-less Broncos.
Granted they failed their toughest test against the Dragons recently but this is a side with plenty left for September. The entire side is rock solid without being overly extravagant and they have the soon to be confirmed rookie of the year steering them around at halfback. This side is better than the 2009 Premiership one and will take some real stopping.
Dragons – World Champions
Never count out a champion and this football side is a very good one. What’s more, they only have 10 or so games left together because next year it will be completely different to the Grand Final side of 2010.
The Mark Gasnier retirement won’t be a huge driving force because he’s left the Dragons once before, but again he is one of many leaving the club.
These guys definitely have the side to go back-to-back and win another title. However having the side and the desire is one thing, doing it is a whole new challenge.
Melbourne – Point to Prove
I backed the Storm to finish in the lower part of the top eight this season but they have proven everyone wrong and will claim a top three finish. They keep their game simple with a flutter of world class plays from their big three. If one of them goes down though – trouble!
The concern with the Storm is they have been on top all year with this, with respect, spare parts team. Everything’s come together (which is a massive credit to the coaching) and they are as hard to beat as when they had the billion dollar team. But can they keep it going?
One or two injuries could derail this campaign but I also wonder how much they have left? I could see one of the other teams coming over the top of the Storm before GF day. But having said that, never discount the “us-against-the-world” mentality which this side is playing with.
Brisbane – Competition Smokey’s
The Broncos have surprised everyone too after missing the finals last season. Most judges picked the Broncos to hover around the top eight but now they will probably finish in the top four. This is a side full of talent but sprinkled with some big name, experienced players.
However they are also the youngest and most inexperienced side chasing the title and that could show in the big games.
Their biggest asset is the Darren Lockyer factor. These stories often end in tears but the Broncos have a very recent happy memory – Shane Webcke, 2006. This is huge motivation and can’t be overlooked. Big value in the Broncos for any punters out there because this side, on their day, can beat anyone.
Cowboys – On one man’s back (well, knee)
These guys, in my eyes, looked as though they could have been specials to rock this competition right up until Origin III earlier in the month. I was there when Johnathan Thurston busted his knee and said to my friends the Cowboys wouldn’t win another game without him.
Well they proved me wrong in Newcastle and they stuck with the Tigers for a while, but they can’t beat the top four without him. Thurston is what Lockyer is to the Broncos, Marshall is to the Tigers, Soward is to the Dragons and Johns was to the Knights.
As a Broncos fan I have seen it twice with Lockyer getting hurt around this time of year and the club struggled to win another game let alone challenge for a title.
Look, if the Cowboys can hang tough and JT can return to some kind of form before the Finals then I believe North Queensland is a genuine threat. But if they lose all momentum and Thurston comes back underdone, they will slip out the back door.
TIPPING
Tips – Bulldogs, Broncos, Titans, Cronulla, Tigers, Souths, Manly, Dragons
Last Week – 8/8
Total –85/136 (63%)
In the next few weeks I will have a look at the other sides’ challenging for the top eight. We know in this competition your season is never over until you lose a sudden-death game. For now you can email me (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Tweet me (@keyto316) or comment below.
See ya,
Keyto
Manly – Team to Beat
Last weekend I watched Manly beat the Knights, a team well in the hunt for the Finals, on their home ground. What’s more, the Sea Eagles did it at half pace with one arm tied behind their back. It was just that easy. I know the Knights were hurting but still, now is the time to drop all excuses.
Manly absolutely smoked them probably from the toss of the coin. The week before, they rolled through South Sydney and not long ago ran over an Origin star-less Broncos.
Granted they failed their toughest test against the Dragons recently but this is a side with plenty left for September. The entire side is rock solid without being overly extravagant and they have the soon to be confirmed rookie of the year steering them around at halfback. This side is better than the 2009 Premiership one and will take some real stopping.
Dragons – World Champions
Never count out a champion and this football side is a very good one. What’s more, they only have 10 or so games left together because next year it will be completely different to the Grand Final side of 2010.
The Mark Gasnier retirement won’t be a huge driving force because he’s left the Dragons once before, but again he is one of many leaving the club.
These guys definitely have the side to go back-to-back and win another title. However having the side and the desire is one thing, doing it is a whole new challenge.
Melbourne – Point to Prove
I backed the Storm to finish in the lower part of the top eight this season but they have proven everyone wrong and will claim a top three finish. They keep their game simple with a flutter of world class plays from their big three. If one of them goes down though – trouble!
The concern with the Storm is they have been on top all year with this, with respect, spare parts team. Everything’s come together (which is a massive credit to the coaching) and they are as hard to beat as when they had the billion dollar team. But can they keep it going?
One or two injuries could derail this campaign but I also wonder how much they have left? I could see one of the other teams coming over the top of the Storm before GF day. But having said that, never discount the “us-against-the-world” mentality which this side is playing with.
Brisbane – Competition Smokey’s
The Broncos have surprised everyone too after missing the finals last season. Most judges picked the Broncos to hover around the top eight but now they will probably finish in the top four. This is a side full of talent but sprinkled with some big name, experienced players.
However they are also the youngest and most inexperienced side chasing the title and that could show in the big games.
Their biggest asset is the Darren Lockyer factor. These stories often end in tears but the Broncos have a very recent happy memory – Shane Webcke, 2006. This is huge motivation and can’t be overlooked. Big value in the Broncos for any punters out there because this side, on their day, can beat anyone.
Cowboys – On one man’s back (well, knee)
These guys, in my eyes, looked as though they could have been specials to rock this competition right up until Origin III earlier in the month. I was there when Johnathan Thurston busted his knee and said to my friends the Cowboys wouldn’t win another game without him.
Well they proved me wrong in Newcastle and they stuck with the Tigers for a while, but they can’t beat the top four without him. Thurston is what Lockyer is to the Broncos, Marshall is to the Tigers, Soward is to the Dragons and Johns was to the Knights.
As a Broncos fan I have seen it twice with Lockyer getting hurt around this time of year and the club struggled to win another game let alone challenge for a title.
Look, if the Cowboys can hang tough and JT can return to some kind of form before the Finals then I believe North Queensland is a genuine threat. But if they lose all momentum and Thurston comes back underdone, they will slip out the back door.
TIPPING
Tips – Bulldogs, Broncos, Titans, Cronulla, Tigers, Souths, Manly, Dragons
Last Week – 8/8
Total –85/136 (63%)
In the next few weeks I will have a look at the other sides’ challenging for the top eight. We know in this competition your season is never over until you lose a sudden-death game. For now you can email me (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Tweet me (@keyto316) or comment below.
See ya,
Keyto
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Qld Teams - Reunion in Melbourne
Nine members of the successful Queensland Origin team will share AAMI Park on Friday night when the Broncos travel to face the Storm.
The Broncos are almost at full strength for what has been a grudge match since Brisbane defeated Melbourne in the 2006 Grand Final.
Darren Lockyer is expected to overcome the flu in time to join Origin team mates Justin Hodges, Sam Thaiday, Ben Hannant, Jharal Yow Yeh and Corey Parker for Friday’s game.
They will square off against fellow Queenslanders Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk as the Broncos seek to avenge a 22-29 loss earlier in the year.
That match was played barely 24 hours after the Test Match and Broncos coach Anthony Griffin took innovative injury precautions by refusing to play Lockyer, Hodges, Hannant and Thaiday.
Melbourne are currently leading the competition while the Broncos are two wins behind them in 4th spot.
The Broncos have regained starting prop Scott Anderson for this weekend’s return match after the former Melbourne player missed last week’s 30-10 win over the Titans with a bout of asthma.
His inclusion is the only change to the side and pushes young forward Dunamis Lui to the 18th man role.
However Lui may be battling a rib injury following a training accident this morning and would be in some doubt for the Storm game.
Former Australian forward Dane Carlaw made his return from a knee injury in the Queensland Cup last week.
That just leaves Ben Te’o on the injured list as he tries to overcome his second fractured arm of the season.
Friday’s match is live into Queensland from 7:30pm on Channel Nine.
Henry debuts
After waiting nearly a month, the Gold Coast Titans will reveal their new five-eighth Beau Henry in Saturday’s match against the Cowboys at Skilled Park.
Signed from Newcastle in June, Henry spent time training with the Titans before a back injury slowed his preparation.
After playing Queensland Cup last week Henry will finally have a chance to add to his six NRL games this season – all while playing for the Knights.
The Titans have struggled to create attacking opportunities all season with no one able to lock down a position alongside Scott Prince in the halves.
Coach John Cartwright has tried Luke Capewell, William Zillman, Preston Campbell, Greg Bird and even called Mat Rogers from retirement to fill the five-eighth jersey.
Henry now seems the front-runner to establish himself for 2012 in the final seven games of what has been a wretched season for Gold Coast.
The Titans are in last position, have lost four in a row and hold the worst points differential in the league meaning they cannot even mathematically make the 2011 Finals.
Henry’s debut sees Zillman move to the centres with Bodene Thompson into the back row replacing the injured Ashley Harrison.
The Queensland lock hurt his elbow against the Broncos and despite fears his season was over, Harrison is hopeful of returning in the last few weeks of the year.
Brenton Lawrence returns to the bench with Michael Henderson sidelined after breaking a finger.
Saturday will see the Titans play their second consecutive derby game and will be live on Fox Sports from 5:30pm.
Jones to halfback
Former Sydney Rooster and Indigenous All Star player Ben Jones will be given the lofty task of deputising for Johnathan Thurston on Saturday night.
Jones replaces Michael Morgan in the halfback jersey for the Cowboys match on the Gold Coast against the bottom-placed Titans.
After playing a handful of games in the centres and off the bench, Jones gets his chance this week alongside Ray Thompson in the halves while Morgan plays Queensland Cup.
Fullback Matt Bowen took over most of the organising in last weekend’s 18-38 loss to Wests Tigers and is expected to again be the attacking general against the Titans.
Captain Matt Scott will have to prove his fitness after a back injury saw him drop out of the side with Leeson Ah Mau called in to face the Tigers.
Ashton and Tariq Sims have been retained in the starting side with James Tamou joining Glenn Hall on a six man bench.
Joel Riethmuller, along with Scott and Jones, is the other new face in the 19 man squad.
Last week Brent Tate made a successful return from a serious knee injury and showed enough signs to suggest he will be a major asset as the Cowboys strive to return to Finals football.
North Queensland is in 5th position and while Thurston remains on track for a six week recovery from a knee injury, the Cowboys will hope to maintain some momentum and winning form while they wait.
They were badly beaten 18-37 in the corresponding match last year but comfortably defeated the Titans 22-12 at Dairy Farmers Stadium earlier this year.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Storm, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn (c), Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Mitchell Dodds, Josh McGuire, Dunamis Lui (one to be omitted).
Gold Coast Titans vs. Cowboys, Saturday 5:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Luke Capewell, Steve Michaels, William Zillman, Clinton Toopi, David Mead, Beau Henry, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Anthony Laffranchi, Bodene Thompson, Mark Minichiello, Greg Bird. Interchange: Matthew White, Brenton Lawrence, Luke O’Dwyer, Preston Campbell.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Titans, Saturday 5:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Ben Jones, Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, Ashton Sims, Gavin Cooper, Tariq Sims, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Glenn Hall, Cory Paterson, James Tamou, Joel Riethmuller, Leeson Ah Mau (two to be omitted).
The Broncos are almost at full strength for what has been a grudge match since Brisbane defeated Melbourne in the 2006 Grand Final.
Darren Lockyer is expected to overcome the flu in time to join Origin team mates Justin Hodges, Sam Thaiday, Ben Hannant, Jharal Yow Yeh and Corey Parker for Friday’s game.
They will square off against fellow Queenslanders Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk as the Broncos seek to avenge a 22-29 loss earlier in the year.
That match was played barely 24 hours after the Test Match and Broncos coach Anthony Griffin took innovative injury precautions by refusing to play Lockyer, Hodges, Hannant and Thaiday.
Melbourne are currently leading the competition while the Broncos are two wins behind them in 4th spot.
The Broncos have regained starting prop Scott Anderson for this weekend’s return match after the former Melbourne player missed last week’s 30-10 win over the Titans with a bout of asthma.
His inclusion is the only change to the side and pushes young forward Dunamis Lui to the 18th man role.
However Lui may be battling a rib injury following a training accident this morning and would be in some doubt for the Storm game.
Former Australian forward Dane Carlaw made his return from a knee injury in the Queensland Cup last week.
That just leaves Ben Te’o on the injured list as he tries to overcome his second fractured arm of the season.
Friday’s match is live into Queensland from 7:30pm on Channel Nine.
Henry debuts
After waiting nearly a month, the Gold Coast Titans will reveal their new five-eighth Beau Henry in Saturday’s match against the Cowboys at Skilled Park.
Signed from Newcastle in June, Henry spent time training with the Titans before a back injury slowed his preparation.
After playing Queensland Cup last week Henry will finally have a chance to add to his six NRL games this season – all while playing for the Knights.
The Titans have struggled to create attacking opportunities all season with no one able to lock down a position alongside Scott Prince in the halves.
Coach John Cartwright has tried Luke Capewell, William Zillman, Preston Campbell, Greg Bird and even called Mat Rogers from retirement to fill the five-eighth jersey.
Henry now seems the front-runner to establish himself for 2012 in the final seven games of what has been a wretched season for Gold Coast.
The Titans are in last position, have lost four in a row and hold the worst points differential in the league meaning they cannot even mathematically make the 2011 Finals.
Henry’s debut sees Zillman move to the centres with Bodene Thompson into the back row replacing the injured Ashley Harrison.
The Queensland lock hurt his elbow against the Broncos and despite fears his season was over, Harrison is hopeful of returning in the last few weeks of the year.
Brenton Lawrence returns to the bench with Michael Henderson sidelined after breaking a finger.
Saturday will see the Titans play their second consecutive derby game and will be live on Fox Sports from 5:30pm.
Jones to halfback
Former Sydney Rooster and Indigenous All Star player Ben Jones will be given the lofty task of deputising for Johnathan Thurston on Saturday night.
Jones replaces Michael Morgan in the halfback jersey for the Cowboys match on the Gold Coast against the bottom-placed Titans.
After playing a handful of games in the centres and off the bench, Jones gets his chance this week alongside Ray Thompson in the halves while Morgan plays Queensland Cup.
Fullback Matt Bowen took over most of the organising in last weekend’s 18-38 loss to Wests Tigers and is expected to again be the attacking general against the Titans.
Captain Matt Scott will have to prove his fitness after a back injury saw him drop out of the side with Leeson Ah Mau called in to face the Tigers.
Ashton and Tariq Sims have been retained in the starting side with James Tamou joining Glenn Hall on a six man bench.
Joel Riethmuller, along with Scott and Jones, is the other new face in the 19 man squad.
Last week Brent Tate made a successful return from a serious knee injury and showed enough signs to suggest he will be a major asset as the Cowboys strive to return to Finals football.
North Queensland is in 5th position and while Thurston remains on track for a six week recovery from a knee injury, the Cowboys will hope to maintain some momentum and winning form while they wait.
They were badly beaten 18-37 in the corresponding match last year but comfortably defeated the Titans 22-12 at Dairy Farmers Stadium earlier this year.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Storm, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn (c), Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Mitchell Dodds, Josh McGuire, Dunamis Lui (one to be omitted).
Gold Coast Titans vs. Cowboys, Saturday 5:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Luke Capewell, Steve Michaels, William Zillman, Clinton Toopi, David Mead, Beau Henry, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Anthony Laffranchi, Bodene Thompson, Mark Minichiello, Greg Bird. Interchange: Matthew White, Brenton Lawrence, Luke O’Dwyer, Preston Campbell.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Titans, Saturday 5:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Ray Thompson, Ben Jones, Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, Ashton Sims, Gavin Cooper, Tariq Sims, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Glenn Hall, Cory Paterson, James Tamou, Joel Riethmuller, Leeson Ah Mau (two to be omitted).
Thursday, July 14, 2011
The Great Expansion Debate
It seems a sure thing the NRL will increase by at least two sides at some stage in the next five years. The new Brisbane bid is the latest in the news with their claims as to why they must be given one of the licenses. I live in Brisbane but am probably in the minority by stating I think there are better options to expand towards a ‘National’ rugby league competition. Without getting too deep with a corporate or demographic debate, I’m going to rate the contenders in order from an NRL fans’ perspective.
WA is a MUST!!
The WA time zone is the biggest asset any Western bid has over their rivals and I think could almost be enough on its own to win. The two hour difference allows broadcasters to beam matches back live to the east coast – often after a live match already. This is great for advertising, sponsorship and for those fans who like to watch live NRL.
Plus you can throw in the bumper crowd last month in awful conditions, a decent stadium and strong fan support.
It’s a no-brainer for mine; Western Australia wins the first slot.
Central Queensland
I would be fascinated to see a team based out of Rockhampton or somewhere in that region. There is huge fan support in a large, vacant area between the Broncos and Cowboys catchment. The Queensland Government would need to get on board and there might be some financial challenges – but this is an option worth exploring.
Brisbane
The city is big enough and rugby league’s popular enough to sustain a second NRL side. The South Queensland Crushers were popular back in their day and if someone came in and worked the same way as the Titans, another team here could work.
But there is already one major side in Brisbane plus the Titans just down the road – only about 90 minutes tops from the CBD.
If we’re looking to expand the competition in south-east Queensland I would prefer to see a second ‘Brisbane’ team based out in the western suburbs. Somewhere in the Logan or Ipswich area would be good – that is (very) roughly halfway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
The Sunshine Coast is another possible option if the fan support and corporate dollar is favourable.
However any side in Ipswich, Logan or the Sunshine Coast would still likely be based at Suncorp Stadium because no government could really justify building or upgrading a new stadium.
Central Coast Bears
The biggest drawback for the Central Coast is their location – New South Wales. I don’t know the area but if the Bears come in, they will effectively become another Sydney team. That’s how everyone outside the state sees Newcastle and Penrith, by the way.
I understand there is huge fan support for a club and they will have the corporate backing, but for true expansion there is only one way I could fully justify a Central Coast team ahead of any others.
The best chance the Bears have is for a current Sydney team to fold or fully relocate to the Coast, and I don’t see that happening any time soon.
Wellington
The Warriors are great for the NRL but we don’t need a second team in New Zealand at this time. If they want more games in New Zealand then a deal will need to be struck with some of the current sides.
I’m not saying we’ll never have a side in Wellington, but there are other regions in Australia who need a team more at this stage.
PNG
If it was up to me I would have an NRL side in Papua New Guinea straight away. A PNG side would create a whole new dimension to the competition in terms of on-field play and fanatical fan support.
However, it’s just simply not a feasible option.
PNG would struggle to attract quality players, provide high quality facilities and favourable TV deals. Plus of course there are the challenges with sponsorship and corporate backing.
A Queensland Cup side is a more viable option for PNG but even that seems a long way off.
Adelaide
Sorry Adelaide, we tried it once and never again. Saturday night’s poultry 9,900 crowd for the Bulldogs vs. Storm game at Adelaide Oval was the final nail in, let’s face it, a very old coffin.
Apart from those diehard fans I doubt we could find too many people seriously interested in an Adelaide side above any of the other contenders.
TIPPING
Tips – Warriors, Broncos, Souths, Tigers, Penrith, Melbourne, Manly, Dragons
Last Week – 4/7
Total –77/128 (60%)
There’s a heap of teams with huge matches coming up in the next month so make sure you get out and support your side! Or get out and tell everyone why your region needs a side! You can chat to me on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) or comment below.
Have a great week,
Keyto
WA is a MUST!!
The WA time zone is the biggest asset any Western bid has over their rivals and I think could almost be enough on its own to win. The two hour difference allows broadcasters to beam matches back live to the east coast – often after a live match already. This is great for advertising, sponsorship and for those fans who like to watch live NRL.
Plus you can throw in the bumper crowd last month in awful conditions, a decent stadium and strong fan support.
It’s a no-brainer for mine; Western Australia wins the first slot.
Central Queensland
I would be fascinated to see a team based out of Rockhampton or somewhere in that region. There is huge fan support in a large, vacant area between the Broncos and Cowboys catchment. The Queensland Government would need to get on board and there might be some financial challenges – but this is an option worth exploring.
Brisbane
The city is big enough and rugby league’s popular enough to sustain a second NRL side. The South Queensland Crushers were popular back in their day and if someone came in and worked the same way as the Titans, another team here could work.
But there is already one major side in Brisbane plus the Titans just down the road – only about 90 minutes tops from the CBD.
If we’re looking to expand the competition in south-east Queensland I would prefer to see a second ‘Brisbane’ team based out in the western suburbs. Somewhere in the Logan or Ipswich area would be good – that is (very) roughly halfway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
The Sunshine Coast is another possible option if the fan support and corporate dollar is favourable.
However any side in Ipswich, Logan or the Sunshine Coast would still likely be based at Suncorp Stadium because no government could really justify building or upgrading a new stadium.
Central Coast Bears
The biggest drawback for the Central Coast is their location – New South Wales. I don’t know the area but if the Bears come in, they will effectively become another Sydney team. That’s how everyone outside the state sees Newcastle and Penrith, by the way.
I understand there is huge fan support for a club and they will have the corporate backing, but for true expansion there is only one way I could fully justify a Central Coast team ahead of any others.
The best chance the Bears have is for a current Sydney team to fold or fully relocate to the Coast, and I don’t see that happening any time soon.
Wellington
The Warriors are great for the NRL but we don’t need a second team in New Zealand at this time. If they want more games in New Zealand then a deal will need to be struck with some of the current sides.
I’m not saying we’ll never have a side in Wellington, but there are other regions in Australia who need a team more at this stage.
PNG
If it was up to me I would have an NRL side in Papua New Guinea straight away. A PNG side would create a whole new dimension to the competition in terms of on-field play and fanatical fan support.
However, it’s just simply not a feasible option.
PNG would struggle to attract quality players, provide high quality facilities and favourable TV deals. Plus of course there are the challenges with sponsorship and corporate backing.
A Queensland Cup side is a more viable option for PNG but even that seems a long way off.
Adelaide
Sorry Adelaide, we tried it once and never again. Saturday night’s poultry 9,900 crowd for the Bulldogs vs. Storm game at Adelaide Oval was the final nail in, let’s face it, a very old coffin.
Apart from those diehard fans I doubt we could find too many people seriously interested in an Adelaide side above any of the other contenders.
TIPPING
Tips – Warriors, Broncos, Souths, Tigers, Penrith, Melbourne, Manly, Dragons
Last Week – 4/7
Total –77/128 (60%)
There’s a heap of teams with huge matches coming up in the next month so make sure you get out and support your side! Or get out and tell everyone why your region needs a side! You can chat to me on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) or comment below.
Have a great week,
Keyto
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