The Gold Coast Titans are sitting on the very bottom of the NRL ladder with three losses, including one thrashing and one match they should have won by 20 points according to the statistics. Their Under 20’s side is also propping up that table following three beltings. So what the heck has gone wrong at one of the new age ‘glamour’ clubs?
Dad’s Army
I’m only going to focus on the NRL side and remind you at the start of the year I tipped the Titans to run 13th – I can’t see them playing Finals Football this season.
I agreed with what many people are now saying ... the Titans are an ageing team that’s not getting better.
And when you have an ageing team not getting better ... there’s only one way to go.
Peter Sterling mentioned on Triple M Monday Night Football (a very good show by the way), the Titans have a mix of veterans and kids. However there’s not really anyone between the ages of 24-28 who are hitting their peak form. They don’t have a Chris Lawrence, David Shillington, Matt Scott or a Cooper Cronk in the side.
I believe there would also be a feeling of missed opportunity at the club. They have buckled under the pressure of Finals Football – the Titans have failed each year and haven’t won the big September games when they had a team who could have won the whole thing. I don’t know why it happened, but past scoreboards don’t lie.
For this current squad their time might have now passed and as a result, they’ve now been surpassed it seems by at least half the sides in the 2011 competition.
Scott Prince
I’m in the minority, but I don’t think Scott Prince had a great season last year. He will always be solid and do some good things because he’s a quality player. But when the whole show runs through one guy ... when he’s down, the whole show is off too. That creates major problems.
Prince, for mine, hasn’t been the same player since missing Australian selection for an ANZAC Test two years ago. He was the form halfback for the opening eight weeks that year – there was absolutely no question about it. However Jonathan Thurston was the incumbent and a proven match-winner across all forms of the game. While JT and his Cowboys were down a bit, Thurston wasn’t playing so badly that the axe hovered. However had he been overlooked for Prince, that would have been justified and few arguments would have been made of it.
Since missing out then, Prince has been down. As an outsider looking in it appeared he was shattered almost to the point of finding it impossible to crack into that next level. We see it all the time; look at Brad Hodge in the cricket. Sometimes no matter how good you are or how well you play, there’s someone in front of you and the player becomes a victim of their era.
Prince has since wavered, or been over-taken, to the point where now he’s Queensland’s clear third choice halfback behind Thurston and Cronk. Along with those guys he’s also got Mitchell Pearce in front of him at Test level.
Prince is still the Titans main man and without a foil since Mat Rogers retired, Prince will have to lift his game to help the Gold Coast succeed this year – I don’t know how he’ll do it, but look forward to watching him try.
Solution?
I’m not ready to put the bullet through any team but as I’ve said, I don’t think they will make the Finals this year. I don’t think the Titans have one of the top eight (fully fit) squads in the competition.
But one thing we do know is in the regular 26 round competition, the Titans are a team of winners. They will however have to change their game to remain that way in season 2011.
Tipping
Tips – Souths, Brisbane, Canberra, Parramatta, Warriors, Dragons, Roosters, Storm
Last Week – 3/8
Total – 9/24 (38%)
Thanks for reading again, if you have anything to say or Titans fans want to blast me I’m on Twitter (@keyto316), email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com) or comment below.
Good luck,
Keyto
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Qld Teams Rd 4 - Brisbane lose Hoffman but Hodges retained
Broncos 2010 player of the year Josh Hoffman will miss Friday night’s home match with Penrith but centre Justin Hodges is expected to play.
Hodges returned from 548 days on the injured list to score the match-winning try in Brisbane’s 14-8 win over the Gold Coast last week.
In doing so he twinged his troublesome hamstring, which had kept him out of the opening two rounds of the season, but he should make his Suncorp Stadium return this week.
This came after missing the 2010 season with a ruptured Achilles but Hodges showed enough to suggest he will still be a major asset for the Broncos.
However fullback Hoffman has a badly corked shin and will not play this weekend.
Hoffman was in agony after a covering tackle stopped a long run against the Titans and he immediately left the field, with pictures suggesting he could have sustained a season ending knee or leg injury.
However the news was as good as it could have been and the New Zealand fullback-hopeful should be fit to play Newcastle in Round 5 Monday week.
Gerard Beale, who filled in admirably for Hoffman following the injury, has been named in the number one jersey this week.
That change allows Dale Copley, fresh off a hat-trick in the Under 20’s competition last week, to come onto the left wing.
Dane Gagai played that position for the opening two NRL rounds before missing last week with a minor knee injury and he will return via the Under 20’s.
Friday’s match will be the first since Darren Lockyer announced his retirement yesterday from all rugby league at the conclusion of the season.
The Broncos sit in third position and will aim to build on their consecutive wins away from home.
Penrith won the only clash between the sides last season and Friday’s match will be live into Queensland on Channel Nine from 7:30pm.
Titans sit rock bottom
The Gold Coast Titans have made their worst start to a season in their short history with both their NRL and Under 20’s side sitting in last place on their respective tables.
NRL Coach John Cartwright has resisted more changes for Saturday’s tough road trip to Canberra.
Young forward Ben Ridge, with a handful of NRL match experience, comes into the starting side to replace Ashley Harrison who has a hamstring injury.
In the only other change Esi Tonga and Steve Michaels will swap wing and centre roles on the left side of the field, while prop Matt White has been named in the starting side after he was made 18th man against Brisbane.
The Titans had enough possession and field position against the Broncos to win easily but failed to crack the stonewall defence.
Only an opportunist try to Michaels after the halftime siren gave fans a reason to cheer with halfback Scott Prince looking noticeably flat in attack.
Gold Coast comes up against a Raiders side who have dropped their last two matches but who always seem to play better at home.
The teams share a 4-4 record with neither side recording back to back victories against each other.
Canberra was victorious in the last meeting, defeating the Titans 28-24 in the middle of the 2010 season.
The match is live on Fox Sports from 4:30pm Saturday.
NQ unchanged
Following last night’s crushing 34-6 win over the previously undefeated Melbourne Storm, Cowboys Coach Neil Henry has named the same team to face Parramatta in Sydney on Saturday night.
North Queensland led for the entire match at Dairy Farmers Stadium to put Melbourne to the sword for their second win of the year.
However the victory came just over a week after a really poor showing against the Knights and North Queensland will hope to find consistency this weekend.
New winger Kalifa Faifai Loa and replacement hooker James Segeyaro were strong while Tariq Sims announced himself as a blockbusting forward to watch this season.
Matt Bowen will become the most capped North Queensland Cowboy this weekend in his 204th match for the club.
Bowen breaks former captain Paul Bowman’s record and has started the season so strongly, some judges are comparing his form to when he last represented Queensland four years ago.
The Cowboys snapped an eight game losing streak to Melbourne last night but face another daunting task against the Eels this weekend.
Parramatta has won five of the last six clashes between the sides and the Cowboys have not beaten the Eels in Sydney since Round 4, 2006.
The match starts at 6:30pm from Parramatta Stadium with Fox Sports’ live coverage following the conclusion of the Titans game
Brisbane Broncos vs. Panthers, Friday 7:35pm QLD, (Channel Nine, live) Gerard Beale, Dale Copley, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Sam Thaiday, Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Ben Te’o, Josh McGuire, Shane Tronc.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Canberra, Saturday 4:30pm QLD, (Fox Sports, live) William Zillman, Steve Michaels, Esi Tonga, Bodene Thompson, David Mead, Greg Bird, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Riley Brown, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ben Ridge. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Sam Tagataese, Ryan James, Preston Campbell, Brad Meyers (one to be omitted).
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Eels, Saturday 6:30pm QLD, (Fox Sports, live) Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Will Tupou, 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, Leeson Ah Mau, Tariq Sims, Ashton Sims.
Hodges returned from 548 days on the injured list to score the match-winning try in Brisbane’s 14-8 win over the Gold Coast last week.
In doing so he twinged his troublesome hamstring, which had kept him out of the opening two rounds of the season, but he should make his Suncorp Stadium return this week.
This came after missing the 2010 season with a ruptured Achilles but Hodges showed enough to suggest he will still be a major asset for the Broncos.
However fullback Hoffman has a badly corked shin and will not play this weekend.
Hoffman was in agony after a covering tackle stopped a long run against the Titans and he immediately left the field, with pictures suggesting he could have sustained a season ending knee or leg injury.
However the news was as good as it could have been and the New Zealand fullback-hopeful should be fit to play Newcastle in Round 5 Monday week.
Gerard Beale, who filled in admirably for Hoffman following the injury, has been named in the number one jersey this week.
That change allows Dale Copley, fresh off a hat-trick in the Under 20’s competition last week, to come onto the left wing.
Dane Gagai played that position for the opening two NRL rounds before missing last week with a minor knee injury and he will return via the Under 20’s.
Friday’s match will be the first since Darren Lockyer announced his retirement yesterday from all rugby league at the conclusion of the season.
The Broncos sit in third position and will aim to build on their consecutive wins away from home.
Penrith won the only clash between the sides last season and Friday’s match will be live into Queensland on Channel Nine from 7:30pm.
Titans sit rock bottom
The Gold Coast Titans have made their worst start to a season in their short history with both their NRL and Under 20’s side sitting in last place on their respective tables.
NRL Coach John Cartwright has resisted more changes for Saturday’s tough road trip to Canberra.
Young forward Ben Ridge, with a handful of NRL match experience, comes into the starting side to replace Ashley Harrison who has a hamstring injury.
In the only other change Esi Tonga and Steve Michaels will swap wing and centre roles on the left side of the field, while prop Matt White has been named in the starting side after he was made 18th man against Brisbane.
The Titans had enough possession and field position against the Broncos to win easily but failed to crack the stonewall defence.
Only an opportunist try to Michaels after the halftime siren gave fans a reason to cheer with halfback Scott Prince looking noticeably flat in attack.
Gold Coast comes up against a Raiders side who have dropped their last two matches but who always seem to play better at home.
The teams share a 4-4 record with neither side recording back to back victories against each other.
Canberra was victorious in the last meeting, defeating the Titans 28-24 in the middle of the 2010 season.
The match is live on Fox Sports from 4:30pm Saturday.
NQ unchanged
Following last night’s crushing 34-6 win over the previously undefeated Melbourne Storm, Cowboys Coach Neil Henry has named the same team to face Parramatta in Sydney on Saturday night.
North Queensland led for the entire match at Dairy Farmers Stadium to put Melbourne to the sword for their second win of the year.
However the victory came just over a week after a really poor showing against the Knights and North Queensland will hope to find consistency this weekend.
New winger Kalifa Faifai Loa and replacement hooker James Segeyaro were strong while Tariq Sims announced himself as a blockbusting forward to watch this season.
Matt Bowen will become the most capped North Queensland Cowboy this weekend in his 204th match for the club.
Bowen breaks former captain Paul Bowman’s record and has started the season so strongly, some judges are comparing his form to when he last represented Queensland four years ago.
The Cowboys snapped an eight game losing streak to Melbourne last night but face another daunting task against the Eels this weekend.
Parramatta has won five of the last six clashes between the sides and the Cowboys have not beaten the Eels in Sydney since Round 4, 2006.
The match starts at 6:30pm from Parramatta Stadium with Fox Sports’ live coverage following the conclusion of the Titans game
Brisbane Broncos vs. Panthers, Friday 7:35pm QLD, (Channel Nine, live) Gerard Beale, Dale Copley, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Sam Thaiday, Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Ben Te’o, Josh McGuire, Shane Tronc.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Canberra, Saturday 4:30pm QLD, (Fox Sports, live) William Zillman, Steve Michaels, Esi Tonga, Bodene Thompson, David Mead, Greg Bird, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Riley Brown, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ben Ridge. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Sam Tagataese, Ryan James, Preston Campbell, Brad Meyers (one to be omitted).
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Eels, Saturday 6:30pm QLD, (Fox Sports, live) Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Will Tupou, 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, Leeson Ah Mau, Tariq Sims, Ashton Sims.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Write off GI at your peril...
So, how’s everyone’s tipping going? We’ve had a magnificent start to the season with almost every game a 50-50 bet. One team not winning though is the South Sydney Rabbitohs and one guy attracting criticism, is their million dollar man Greg Inglis. I’m not one of those about to get stuck into GI.
The Inglis Hate
Moving to Sydney, on a huge contract, was always going to be tough for anyone. Inglis was hailed as the saviour South Sydney have been searching for – the missing x-factor in their Premiership aspirations. Anyone with his credentials, on his money, is going to come under the pump when his club is losing ... especially in the harsher Sydney media.
The facts are Inglis has been a bit below his best to start the season, but he’s not the reason the Bunnies have lost two from two. They’ve been in both games with a chance to win, only to be run down in the last 10 minutes. There’s nothing much a centre can do about that.
I’ve seen reports and blogs, mainly from Sydney, saying that Inglis needs to lift and get more involved or possibly shift to fullback or five-eighth. To me, none of that is the answer.
South Sydney’s woes
Inglis was always going to be a massive signing for whatever team landed him. It looked like the Broncos for a while and having him playing outside Darren Lockyer would have made them so dangerous and Inglis would not be getting any criticism.
However Inglis is playing outside two guys who are nowhere near the class of Lockyer, they’re not in the same postcode. They’re no Cooper Cronk or Cameron Smith from the Storm either. I like the Rabbitohs halves pairing of Sutton and Sandow. I love watching them, but that’s probably because I rarely have anything invested in them winning or losing a game.
For now, Inglis will best serve South Sydney out at left centre. He is coming back from injury remember – Inglis had no pre-season and played no trials. No one can be at their peak with that sort of build up. It’s up to the other players to produce a better 80 minute performance this week that allows Inglis to build into the game and help Souths win, rather than everyone look for their superstar to win the game on his own.
The form of a Champion
Let me also give you a brief rundown of how Inglis tends to operate, as evidenced the last couple of seasons. He starts the year off slowly, usually because of a disrupted pre-season. He might get a bit of flak, people saying he’s out of shape or unfit. Inglis will look a bit flat but ultimately get picked in the Australian side for ANZAC Test in May.
That’s where the fun begins!
Inglis will play his best game of the season, probably score a try or two and palm off a few New Zealanders. The giant is now awake.
Inglis will go back to his club and you will noticeably see his involvement and quality touches increase throughout the games. Queensland begins getting excited, the Blues start getting worried and BOOM – Inglis is in peak form ready to wreck havoc in the State of Origin series.
We’ve seen it before and that’s why I’m not writing off Inglis yet, Champions fight back.
TIPPING
Tips – Souths, Brisbane, Penrith, Canberra, Warriors, Roosters, Manly, Melbourne
Last Week – 3/8
Total – 6/16 (38%)
That’s all for another week, as always feel free to share your thoughts. I’m on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) or directly below.
Cheers,
Keyto
The Inglis Hate
Moving to Sydney, on a huge contract, was always going to be tough for anyone. Inglis was hailed as the saviour South Sydney have been searching for – the missing x-factor in their Premiership aspirations. Anyone with his credentials, on his money, is going to come under the pump when his club is losing ... especially in the harsher Sydney media.
The facts are Inglis has been a bit below his best to start the season, but he’s not the reason the Bunnies have lost two from two. They’ve been in both games with a chance to win, only to be run down in the last 10 minutes. There’s nothing much a centre can do about that.
I’ve seen reports and blogs, mainly from Sydney, saying that Inglis needs to lift and get more involved or possibly shift to fullback or five-eighth. To me, none of that is the answer.
South Sydney’s woes
Inglis was always going to be a massive signing for whatever team landed him. It looked like the Broncos for a while and having him playing outside Darren Lockyer would have made them so dangerous and Inglis would not be getting any criticism.
However Inglis is playing outside two guys who are nowhere near the class of Lockyer, they’re not in the same postcode. They’re no Cooper Cronk or Cameron Smith from the Storm either. I like the Rabbitohs halves pairing of Sutton and Sandow. I love watching them, but that’s probably because I rarely have anything invested in them winning or losing a game.
For now, Inglis will best serve South Sydney out at left centre. He is coming back from injury remember – Inglis had no pre-season and played no trials. No one can be at their peak with that sort of build up. It’s up to the other players to produce a better 80 minute performance this week that allows Inglis to build into the game and help Souths win, rather than everyone look for their superstar to win the game on his own.
The form of a Champion
Let me also give you a brief rundown of how Inglis tends to operate, as evidenced the last couple of seasons. He starts the year off slowly, usually because of a disrupted pre-season. He might get a bit of flak, people saying he’s out of shape or unfit. Inglis will look a bit flat but ultimately get picked in the Australian side for ANZAC Test in May.
That’s where the fun begins!
Inglis will play his best game of the season, probably score a try or two and palm off a few New Zealanders. The giant is now awake.
Inglis will go back to his club and you will noticeably see his involvement and quality touches increase throughout the games. Queensland begins getting excited, the Blues start getting worried and BOOM – Inglis is in peak form ready to wreck havoc in the State of Origin series.
We’ve seen it before and that’s why I’m not writing off Inglis yet, Champions fight back.
TIPPING
Tips – Souths, Brisbane, Penrith, Canberra, Warriors, Roosters, Manly, Melbourne
Last Week – 3/8
Total – 6/16 (38%)
That’s all for another week, as always feel free to share your thoughts. I’m on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) or directly below.
Cheers,
Keyto
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Qld Teams Rd 3 - Winless Titans ring the changes
Gold Coast Titans Coach John Cartwright has made six changes for this weekend’s local showdown with the Broncos.
The Titans backed up their gutsy first round loss to the Dragons with a diabolical performance in Melbourne against the Storm last week.
After conceding a penalty from the kick-off, Gold Coast never got into the contest as the Storm skipped to a 40-nil lead.
The Titans salvaged two late tries but for the first time in their history, find themselves in last position on the competition ladder.
Heading into the Broncos game, of which Brisbane has won four of the last five including the last two at Skilled Park, the Titans will have forwards Anthony Laffranchi and Brad Meyers available for the first time in 2011.
Laffranchi has been named to start in the back-row following off-season shoulder and wrist surgery.
Meyers has been listed as 18th man with a decision on his availability to be made later in the week after the former Queensland forward had minor knee surgery during the pre-season.
Mark Minichiello, who had been hampered by a groin injury, played 32 minutes from the bench last week but has been named in his familiar second-row starting position.
Laffranchi and Minichiello replace last week’s starting back row pair of Greg Bird and Bodene Thompson.
Both have been given new roles in the side with Bird to play five-eighth and Thompson in the centres.
They replace Luke Capewell and Clinton Toopi, both of whom have been dropped to the Queensland Cup.
The final change sees winger Esi Tonga play his first match for the Titans since late 2009 after missing all of last season with a torn pectoral muscle.
Tonga replaces the exciting Kevin Gordon whose season is over following a serious knee injury against Melbourne.
Gordon will need a full knee reconstruction for a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).
A big crowd is expected at Skilled Park for the traditional Broncos Blockbuster with the match broadcast live on Channel Nine throughout Queensland from 7:30pm Friday.
Broncos call in cavalry
It might be two weeks later than expected, but star Broncos Ben Hannant and Justin Hodges seem certain to play their first games of the season against Gold Coast on Friday.
Both were expected to form vital components of the 2011 Brisbane team but were forced to cool their heels after pre-season injuries.
Hannant, who left the Broncos in 2008 for two years at the Bulldogs, has recovered from a calf injury and comes straight into the starting side to replace Scott Anderson – ironically missing with a calf injury of his own.
Anderson’s is more serious with a tear suffered in the warm up to last week’s 20-4 win over Canberra sidelining him for at least a month.
The last minute injury resulted in minor chaos with Dale Copley, normally a winger or centre, pulled from the on-going Under 20’s match to sit on the NRL bench.
However Copley eventually played 30 minutes against Canberra after winger Dane Gagai (ankle) was injured.
Gagai is expected to miss only one or two weeks and his place in the NRL side has been taken by the returning Hodges.
After missing last season with a ruptured Achilles before tweaking a hamstring in the final trial of the pre-season, Hodges will play his first NRL game in 18 months on Friday.
Hodges returns to his preferred right centre position with impressive rookie Jack Reed shifting to the left side.
That pushes Gerard Beale to the left wing in place of Gagai.
In signs of the Broncos depth, regular first grade forwards Nick Kenny, Mitchell Dodds and Dane Carlaw will all play Queensland Cup for a second week.
Dodds was impressive in playing most of the match for Wynnum Seagulls last week while Carlaw had two solid stints in the game.
Both are expected to back up for a road trip to play one of the Cowboys feeder sides, Northern Pride, this weekend while Kenny will play for Central Comets against Canberra’s feeder side Souths Logan.
Two Cowboys debut
After a disappointing performance against the table-topping Knights at home last week, North Queensland Cowboys Coach Neil Henry has resisted mass changes for Monday night’s game against Melbourne.
After a lean few years the Townsville-based club had renewed hope for success after defeating the Broncos in Round One.
However the Cowboys fell back into bad habits last week with poor handling and at times dismal tackling punctuating a 22-34 loss – a scoreline flattering North Queensland after three late tries.
Former Dragons winger Kalifa Faifai Loa will play his first game for the Cowboys, replacing Michael Bani.
Faifai Loa played two games last year during the Origin period but will have a chance on Monday to claim a long term position.
James Segeyaro, a Papua New Guinea-born hooker, replaces Ben Jones on the interchange bench.
Segeyaro, 20, will make his NRL debut after a strong Queensland Cup performance for Northern Pride last week.
The Cowboys will hope to avenge a 58-12 thrashing at the hands of the Storm in their last meeting.
However to do that North Queensland will have to snap an eight game losing streak against Melbourne.
The Cowboys last win against the Storm came in 2006 and face a Melbourne side unbeaten after two weeks.
It will be a rare Monday Night Football home game for the Cowboys and broadcast live on Fox Sports with kick-off at 7pm.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Broncos, Friday 7:35pm QLD, (Channel Nine, live)
William Zillman, Esi Tonga, Steve Michaels, Bodene Thompson, David Mead, Greg Bird, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Riley Brown, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Sam Tagataese, Ryan James, Preston Campbell, Brad Meyers (one to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. Titans, Friday 7:35pm QLD, (Channel Nine, live)
Josh Hoffman, Jharal Yow Yeh, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Gerard Beale, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Sam Thaiday, Andrew McCullough, Ben Hannant, Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Ben Te’o, Josh McGuire, Shane Tronc.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Storm, Monday 7pm QLD, (Fox Sports, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Will Tupou, 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, Leeson Ah Mau, Tariq Sims, Ashton Sims.
The Titans backed up their gutsy first round loss to the Dragons with a diabolical performance in Melbourne against the Storm last week.
After conceding a penalty from the kick-off, Gold Coast never got into the contest as the Storm skipped to a 40-nil lead.
The Titans salvaged two late tries but for the first time in their history, find themselves in last position on the competition ladder.
Heading into the Broncos game, of which Brisbane has won four of the last five including the last two at Skilled Park, the Titans will have forwards Anthony Laffranchi and Brad Meyers available for the first time in 2011.
Laffranchi has been named to start in the back-row following off-season shoulder and wrist surgery.
Meyers has been listed as 18th man with a decision on his availability to be made later in the week after the former Queensland forward had minor knee surgery during the pre-season.
Mark Minichiello, who had been hampered by a groin injury, played 32 minutes from the bench last week but has been named in his familiar second-row starting position.
Laffranchi and Minichiello replace last week’s starting back row pair of Greg Bird and Bodene Thompson.
Both have been given new roles in the side with Bird to play five-eighth and Thompson in the centres.
They replace Luke Capewell and Clinton Toopi, both of whom have been dropped to the Queensland Cup.
The final change sees winger Esi Tonga play his first match for the Titans since late 2009 after missing all of last season with a torn pectoral muscle.
Tonga replaces the exciting Kevin Gordon whose season is over following a serious knee injury against Melbourne.
Gordon will need a full knee reconstruction for a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).
A big crowd is expected at Skilled Park for the traditional Broncos Blockbuster with the match broadcast live on Channel Nine throughout Queensland from 7:30pm Friday.
Broncos call in cavalry
It might be two weeks later than expected, but star Broncos Ben Hannant and Justin Hodges seem certain to play their first games of the season against Gold Coast on Friday.
Both were expected to form vital components of the 2011 Brisbane team but were forced to cool their heels after pre-season injuries.
Hannant, who left the Broncos in 2008 for two years at the Bulldogs, has recovered from a calf injury and comes straight into the starting side to replace Scott Anderson – ironically missing with a calf injury of his own.
Anderson’s is more serious with a tear suffered in the warm up to last week’s 20-4 win over Canberra sidelining him for at least a month.
The last minute injury resulted in minor chaos with Dale Copley, normally a winger or centre, pulled from the on-going Under 20’s match to sit on the NRL bench.
However Copley eventually played 30 minutes against Canberra after winger Dane Gagai (ankle) was injured.
Gagai is expected to miss only one or two weeks and his place in the NRL side has been taken by the returning Hodges.
After missing last season with a ruptured Achilles before tweaking a hamstring in the final trial of the pre-season, Hodges will play his first NRL game in 18 months on Friday.
Hodges returns to his preferred right centre position with impressive rookie Jack Reed shifting to the left side.
That pushes Gerard Beale to the left wing in place of Gagai.
In signs of the Broncos depth, regular first grade forwards Nick Kenny, Mitchell Dodds and Dane Carlaw will all play Queensland Cup for a second week.
Dodds was impressive in playing most of the match for Wynnum Seagulls last week while Carlaw had two solid stints in the game.
Both are expected to back up for a road trip to play one of the Cowboys feeder sides, Northern Pride, this weekend while Kenny will play for Central Comets against Canberra’s feeder side Souths Logan.
Two Cowboys debut
After a disappointing performance against the table-topping Knights at home last week, North Queensland Cowboys Coach Neil Henry has resisted mass changes for Monday night’s game against Melbourne.
After a lean few years the Townsville-based club had renewed hope for success after defeating the Broncos in Round One.
However the Cowboys fell back into bad habits last week with poor handling and at times dismal tackling punctuating a 22-34 loss – a scoreline flattering North Queensland after three late tries.
Former Dragons winger Kalifa Faifai Loa will play his first game for the Cowboys, replacing Michael Bani.
Faifai Loa played two games last year during the Origin period but will have a chance on Monday to claim a long term position.
James Segeyaro, a Papua New Guinea-born hooker, replaces Ben Jones on the interchange bench.
Segeyaro, 20, will make his NRL debut after a strong Queensland Cup performance for Northern Pride last week.
The Cowboys will hope to avenge a 58-12 thrashing at the hands of the Storm in their last meeting.
However to do that North Queensland will have to snap an eight game losing streak against Melbourne.
The Cowboys last win against the Storm came in 2006 and face a Melbourne side unbeaten after two weeks.
It will be a rare Monday Night Football home game for the Cowboys and broadcast live on Fox Sports with kick-off at 7pm.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Broncos, Friday 7:35pm QLD, (Channel Nine, live)
William Zillman, Esi Tonga, Steve Michaels, Bodene Thompson, David Mead, Greg Bird, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Riley Brown, Matthew White, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Sam Tagataese, Ryan James, Preston Campbell, Brad Meyers (one to be omitted).
Brisbane Broncos vs. Titans, Friday 7:35pm QLD, (Channel Nine, live)
Josh Hoffman, Jharal Yow Yeh, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Gerard Beale, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Sam Thaiday, Andrew McCullough, Ben Hannant, Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Ben Te’o, Josh McGuire, Shane Tronc.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Storm, Monday 7pm QLD, (Fox Sports, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Will Tupou, 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, Leeson Ah Mau, Tariq Sims, Ashton Sims.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
QUEENSLANDER!!
Hi everyone and thanks for coming back again. What a marvellous opening round of rugby league we had!! Record crowds, a few good matches and plenty of points. Unfortunately for some (Cronulla) things haven’t changed, but it was great to see the Cowboys flair return and sides like the Bulldogs back to some winning form. Today’s column is a little bit different and something I’ve wanted to write for a while. I want to explain exactly what being a Queenslander is all about, even though we’re far from Origin time.
Origin Magic
For 30 years at State of Origin time, those of us north of the Tweed get into the spirit and that feeling that gets the Maroons home. It’s a belief that the boys in Blue never seem to understand. They’ve written it off as a myth while the Queenslanders stand by this.
Well earlier this year I saw it – Queenslander is real. It’s not just this State of Origin gimmick or catch cry anymore. It is something everyone living in this state can now attest to.
Queensland Floods
In January this year up to 80 per cent of Queensland was under water. We saw lives taken, lives and businesses destroyed and for many the world they knew was turned upside down. Since then we’ve of course seen devastating earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan which in comparison have had a catastrophic loss of life.
But remember the floods were the first of the big four disasters we’ve had in barely three months and it hit every Queenslander hard. Unless you’ve been through it, you can’t explain the empty loss you feel seeing your city slowly submerge under the murky waters. You don’t know the sinking feeling of the streets you walk or places you go slowly disappear.
That’s not even talking about those who lost their homes or their business – I was not one of those, but saw it with my own eyes. As Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said, the floods were breaking our hearts but weren’t breaking our spirits.
Queensland Spirit
That week was one I will never forget. And you know the feeling that will stick with me the most? The fact that I had never been prouder to call Brisbane my city or Queensland my home. I’d never been prouder to be a Queenslander.
The spirit in this place was amazing from both those directly affected and those who just wanted to help. That’s exactly what being a Queenslander is about – people getting their gum boots, grabbing their shovels and cleaning through the mud.
I went out a few times myself and I didn’t do anything special. I helped clean up a warehouse and met a young couple who had their two storey house completely go under water. Both occasions I arrived at the location, found who was in charge and asked where they wanted me. I don’t know their names now, I don’t know their stories. I wouldn’t recognise them in the streets or even find my way back to their locations. It was the Queenslander spirit that I had, that everyone had. We just did it, no questions asked.
That’s the key – people just did it because it’s who we are. I didn’t feel obliged or feel that I HAD to go. I just did and had no second thoughts about it. It was the same for everyone and that’s what I mean about the Queenslander spirit.
You could physically see it across the state and feel it in the air. ‘Queenslander’ is real. No doubt about it.
What does that mean?
Danger for New South Wales in the 2011 series!! We’ve seen ‘Queenslander’ in State of Origin forever but at the end of the day, it’s just a game of football and winners and losers don’t matter. But come a few months time, it will mean everything to the people here who suffered in January. It will mean everything to the people who saw ‘Queenslander’ in real action. These experiences have only made ‘Queenslander’ stronger and this could very well be on display again in Origin football as the Maroons strive for their sixth consecutive title!
TIPPING
Tips – Eels, Broncos, Titans, Tigers, Cowboys, Bulldogs, Roosters, Dragons
Thanks for reading, that’s something I wanted to share for a while and hopefully it can renew all our spirits as the world battles on against Mother Nature. For a few hours each weekend we can take a break and enjoy the greatest game of all!
Let me know what you think at this site, over on Twitter (@keyto316) or directly on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com).
Cheers,
Keyto
Origin Magic
For 30 years at State of Origin time, those of us north of the Tweed get into the spirit and that feeling that gets the Maroons home. It’s a belief that the boys in Blue never seem to understand. They’ve written it off as a myth while the Queenslanders stand by this.
Well earlier this year I saw it – Queenslander is real. It’s not just this State of Origin gimmick or catch cry anymore. It is something everyone living in this state can now attest to.
Queensland Floods
In January this year up to 80 per cent of Queensland was under water. We saw lives taken, lives and businesses destroyed and for many the world they knew was turned upside down. Since then we’ve of course seen devastating earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan which in comparison have had a catastrophic loss of life.
But remember the floods were the first of the big four disasters we’ve had in barely three months and it hit every Queenslander hard. Unless you’ve been through it, you can’t explain the empty loss you feel seeing your city slowly submerge under the murky waters. You don’t know the sinking feeling of the streets you walk or places you go slowly disappear.
That’s not even talking about those who lost their homes or their business – I was not one of those, but saw it with my own eyes. As Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said, the floods were breaking our hearts but weren’t breaking our spirits.
Queensland Spirit
That week was one I will never forget. And you know the feeling that will stick with me the most? The fact that I had never been prouder to call Brisbane my city or Queensland my home. I’d never been prouder to be a Queenslander.
The spirit in this place was amazing from both those directly affected and those who just wanted to help. That’s exactly what being a Queenslander is about – people getting their gum boots, grabbing their shovels and cleaning through the mud.
I went out a few times myself and I didn’t do anything special. I helped clean up a warehouse and met a young couple who had their two storey house completely go under water. Both occasions I arrived at the location, found who was in charge and asked where they wanted me. I don’t know their names now, I don’t know their stories. I wouldn’t recognise them in the streets or even find my way back to their locations. It was the Queenslander spirit that I had, that everyone had. We just did it, no questions asked.
That’s the key – people just did it because it’s who we are. I didn’t feel obliged or feel that I HAD to go. I just did and had no second thoughts about it. It was the same for everyone and that’s what I mean about the Queenslander spirit.
You could physically see it across the state and feel it in the air. ‘Queenslander’ is real. No doubt about it.
What does that mean?
Danger for New South Wales in the 2011 series!! We’ve seen ‘Queenslander’ in State of Origin forever but at the end of the day, it’s just a game of football and winners and losers don’t matter. But come a few months time, it will mean everything to the people here who suffered in January. It will mean everything to the people who saw ‘Queenslander’ in real action. These experiences have only made ‘Queenslander’ stronger and this could very well be on display again in Origin football as the Maroons strive for their sixth consecutive title!
TIPPING
Tips – Eels, Broncos, Titans, Tigers, Cowboys, Bulldogs, Roosters, Dragons
Thanks for reading, that’s something I wanted to share for a while and hopefully it can renew all our spirits as the world battles on against Mother Nature. For a few hours each weekend we can take a break and enjoy the greatest game of all!
Let me know what you think at this site, over on Twitter (@keyto316) or directly on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com).
Cheers,
Keyto
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Qld Teams - Broncos without Hannant, Hodges
The Brisbane Broncos head to Canberra this weekend still minus star players Ben Hannant and Justin Hodges due to injury.
After both missed last Friday’s season opening 14-16 loss to the Cowboys, it was hoped they would be available for the Broncos traditionally tough road trip to the nation’s capital.
Hannant (calf) and Hodges (hamstring) will instead rest up in anticipation of facing their Gold Coast cousins in Round 3.
Coach Anthony Griffin named an unchanged team to face Canberra this week despite a rusty performance at home last week.
Brisbane was scrappy in Round 1 with dropped balls and missed tackles punctuating a disappointing result for the home fans.
While Sam Thaiday manages a groin injury, returning veteran Dane Carlaw, first grade regular Nick Kenny and young prop Mitchell Dodds are all expected to play their first games of the season when the Queensland Cup kicks-off on the weekend.
The Raiders have won their last four matches against the Broncos in Canberra with the most infamous being a 56-0 flogging in 2009, Brisbane’s worst ever loss.
Along with losing both encounters last year, the Broncos have not won in Canberra since 2005 and are expected to face former Premiership winning halfback Matt Orford in his Raiders’ debut.
However Canberra will be without captain Alan Tongue while fullback Josh Dugan remains in doubt after missing last week with a calf injury.
The Raiders opened their season with a 40-12 thumping of Cronulla and will embrace a rare Friday night home game.
Channel Nine will broadcast the game live into Queensland from 7:30pm.
Campbell’s 250th
NRL veteran Preston Campbell plays his 250th match this weekend when he lines up for the Titans match in Melbourne on Saturday.
The 14 year professional, Premiership winner (Penrith 2003), Dally M medallist and a driving force behind the Indigenous All Stars concept appeared to relish his versatile bench role in the Titans 16-25 loss to the Dragons last weekend.
Campbell, the Titans inaugural signing, has announced 2011 will likely be his last season and stepped back from the fullback jersey he had claimed for so long.
His decision has allowed William Zillman a chance to nail down the position while Campbell covers numerous positions from the interchange bench.
With regular hooker Nathan Friend still recovering from a shoulder injury, Campbell will again share dummy-half duties with Riley Brown this weekend.
Coach John Cartwright has named an unchanged 18 man squad for the away trip with Mark Minichiello still battling a groin injury.
It will be the first time the Titans have played at AAMI Stadium, where Storm was successful in defeating Manly last week.
In their only meeting last year, Gold Coast came out 20-16 winners at Skilled Park.
The match starts a Fox Sports Super Saturday live triple-header, with kick-off at 4:30pm Queensland time.
NQ name Sims Brothers
Ashton and Tariq Sims will fulfil a lifelong dream when they line up alongside each other in the Cowboys home match with Newcastle on Saturday night.
Both joined the Townsville club from the Broncos in the off-season and after being 18th man last week, Tariq is set to make his NRL debut this weekend.
Ashton was impressive in starting against Brisbane last week, a match that saw Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen rekindle their electric combination in defeating the Broncos.
Bowen was charged with a minor contrary conduct offence following the Broncos match but his clean record allowed him to miss suspension following an early guilty plea.
However impressive back-rower Scott Bolton suffered a calf injury in the match and will miss at least the next two games.
Gavin Cooper comes into the starting side for Bolton with Tariq Sims taking the vacant bench position.
Former Dragons forward Ricky Thorby could make his North Queensland debut after being named 18th man for the match with Newcastle.
A big Saturday night crowd is expected in Townsville after a new-look Cowboys set about erasing the memories of a disastrous 2010 season.
Their opponents Newcastle are on top of the NRL ladder for the first time in many years but suffered a heavy injury toll from their 42-8 win over Penrith.
Queensland Origin back-rower Neville Costigan won’t play the Cowboys after breaking his arm, hooker Isaac de Gois is sidelined with a broken thumb while captain Kurt Gidley (back) is a 50/50 chance at best.
The match completes Super Saturday and begins in Townsville at 8:30pm.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Raiders, Friday 7:35pm QLD, (Channel Nine, live)
Josh Hoffman, Jharal Yow Yeh, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Dane Gagai, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Sam Thaiday, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Ben Te’o, Josh McGuire, Shane Tronc.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Storm, Saturday 4:30pm QLD, (Fox Sports, live)
William Zillman, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, David Mead, Luke Capewell, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Riley Brown, Matthew White, Greg Bird, Bodene Thompson, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Sam Tagataese, Ryan James, Preston Campbell, Mark Minichiello (one to be omitted).
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Knights, Saturday 8:30pm QLD, (Fox Sports, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Will Tupou, Willie Tonga, Michael Bani, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Ben Jones, Leeson Ah Mau, Tariq Sims, Ashton Sims, Ricky Thorby (one to be omitted).
After both missed last Friday’s season opening 14-16 loss to the Cowboys, it was hoped they would be available for the Broncos traditionally tough road trip to the nation’s capital.
Hannant (calf) and Hodges (hamstring) will instead rest up in anticipation of facing their Gold Coast cousins in Round 3.
Coach Anthony Griffin named an unchanged team to face Canberra this week despite a rusty performance at home last week.
Brisbane was scrappy in Round 1 with dropped balls and missed tackles punctuating a disappointing result for the home fans.
While Sam Thaiday manages a groin injury, returning veteran Dane Carlaw, first grade regular Nick Kenny and young prop Mitchell Dodds are all expected to play their first games of the season when the Queensland Cup kicks-off on the weekend.
The Raiders have won their last four matches against the Broncos in Canberra with the most infamous being a 56-0 flogging in 2009, Brisbane’s worst ever loss.
Along with losing both encounters last year, the Broncos have not won in Canberra since 2005 and are expected to face former Premiership winning halfback Matt Orford in his Raiders’ debut.
However Canberra will be without captain Alan Tongue while fullback Josh Dugan remains in doubt after missing last week with a calf injury.
The Raiders opened their season with a 40-12 thumping of Cronulla and will embrace a rare Friday night home game.
Channel Nine will broadcast the game live into Queensland from 7:30pm.
Campbell’s 250th
NRL veteran Preston Campbell plays his 250th match this weekend when he lines up for the Titans match in Melbourne on Saturday.
The 14 year professional, Premiership winner (Penrith 2003), Dally M medallist and a driving force behind the Indigenous All Stars concept appeared to relish his versatile bench role in the Titans 16-25 loss to the Dragons last weekend.
Campbell, the Titans inaugural signing, has announced 2011 will likely be his last season and stepped back from the fullback jersey he had claimed for so long.
His decision has allowed William Zillman a chance to nail down the position while Campbell covers numerous positions from the interchange bench.
With regular hooker Nathan Friend still recovering from a shoulder injury, Campbell will again share dummy-half duties with Riley Brown this weekend.
Coach John Cartwright has named an unchanged 18 man squad for the away trip with Mark Minichiello still battling a groin injury.
It will be the first time the Titans have played at AAMI Stadium, where Storm was successful in defeating Manly last week.
In their only meeting last year, Gold Coast came out 20-16 winners at Skilled Park.
The match starts a Fox Sports Super Saturday live triple-header, with kick-off at 4:30pm Queensland time.
NQ name Sims Brothers
Ashton and Tariq Sims will fulfil a lifelong dream when they line up alongside each other in the Cowboys home match with Newcastle on Saturday night.
Both joined the Townsville club from the Broncos in the off-season and after being 18th man last week, Tariq is set to make his NRL debut this weekend.
Ashton was impressive in starting against Brisbane last week, a match that saw Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen rekindle their electric combination in defeating the Broncos.
Bowen was charged with a minor contrary conduct offence following the Broncos match but his clean record allowed him to miss suspension following an early guilty plea.
However impressive back-rower Scott Bolton suffered a calf injury in the match and will miss at least the next two games.
Gavin Cooper comes into the starting side for Bolton with Tariq Sims taking the vacant bench position.
Former Dragons forward Ricky Thorby could make his North Queensland debut after being named 18th man for the match with Newcastle.
A big Saturday night crowd is expected in Townsville after a new-look Cowboys set about erasing the memories of a disastrous 2010 season.
Their opponents Newcastle are on top of the NRL ladder for the first time in many years but suffered a heavy injury toll from their 42-8 win over Penrith.
Queensland Origin back-rower Neville Costigan won’t play the Cowboys after breaking his arm, hooker Isaac de Gois is sidelined with a broken thumb while captain Kurt Gidley (back) is a 50/50 chance at best.
The match completes Super Saturday and begins in Townsville at 8:30pm.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Raiders, Friday 7:35pm QLD, (Channel Nine, live)
Josh Hoffman, Jharal Yow Yeh, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Dane Gagai, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Sam Thaiday, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Ben Te’o, Josh McGuire, Shane Tronc.
Gold Coast Titans vs. Storm, Saturday 4:30pm QLD, (Fox Sports, live)
William Zillman, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, David Mead, Luke Capewell, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Riley Brown, Matthew White, Greg Bird, Bodene Thompson, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Sam Tagataese, Ryan James, Preston Campbell, Mark Minichiello (one to be omitted).
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Knights, Saturday 8:30pm QLD, (Fox Sports, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Will Tupou, Willie Tonga, Michael Bani, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Ben Jones, Leeson Ah Mau, Tariq Sims, Ashton Sims, Ricky Thorby (one to be omitted).
Thursday, March 10, 2011
My 2011 NRL Wish List
Well, I’m back! Finally the football is too, it’s been a long four months since the Four Nations Final in November! As always a new season brings renewed hope with 15 sets of fans believing this is ‘our year’ while one group crows about going ‘back-to-back’ and defending their premiership. This season I’ve got a couple of things I’d love to see but I’m sure we’ll get another bumper year no matter who’s WINNING and losing.
Dragons on top
Every good television show, story or NRL Premiership season needs a team to hate – and if you’re not with them, the best team to hate is a team of winners. That’s exactly what the Dragons were last year, a side that would get in front and then just freaking stay there! I think it’s healthy for a competition to have a top dog everyone wants to knock over. It drives up viewers and gets people talking, so I hope the World Champions can maintain the rage in 2011.
A competitive Storm
I didn’t feel sorry for Melbourne last season. They cheated for four years or whatever it was. They cheated my team and me as a fan and I think they got exactly what they deserved. But now, in 2011, they’ve served their punishment and are fielding a legal football side again and I want them to do well.
We need a successful Melbourne Storm and let’s face it, the competition was strong when we all thought they were the (legal) team to beat. I’m not writing off any side that contains Slater, Smith and Cronk but injuries will really hurt the Storm. If they stay fit, they will make the Top Eight.
Nth Qld bound for glory
For the last two seasons at least, the North Queensland Cowboys have been a shit rugby league side. There’s no other way to say it, they were shit. It’s hard to find out why that was, but the results speak for themselves.
This year there are no excuses. They’ve brought very well – Tate, Johnson and Hall in particular. They’re tough, no-nonsense footballers who won’t tolerate the crap that’s happened in Townsville over the last few years. I would love to see a return of the entertainers but will gladly take winning Cowboys.
Canberra’s Evolution
Last year I picked the Raiders to make the top four. Then I wrote them off after 18 rounds because they were terrible. Then I jumped on their bandwagon because they were too damn good. Then during the finals I tweeted “No Campo, no chance. Sorry Canberra”.
Terry Campese is their main man but they won’t have him in 2011 after a serious knee injury. Yes he might play late in the year, but these things take 18 months to recover from (don’t believe me, ask Darren Lockyer). However Matt Orford could fill that void and by removing such a dominant force, it might open up guys like Dugan and Croker even further while elevating a play-maker like Josh McCrone. I want to back the Raiders all the way this season, please don’t let me down!
Personal Picks
Broncos to win the Premiership and Queensland to go six in a row – yes, Six Time Origin Champions! Not asking too much, is it?
My Top Eight
I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t give a prediction for the 2011 Finalists. I don’t have any formula or really any reasoning, this is just a list to laugh at in seven or eight months from now.
1. Dragons
2. Tigers
3. Bulldogs
4. Raiders
5. Broncos
6. Roosters
7. Cowboys
8. Storm
9. Panthers
10. Warriors
11. Knights
12. Rabbitohs
13. Titans
14. Eels
15. Sea Eagles
16. Sharks
TIPPING
Tips – Souths, Broncos, Warriors, Melbourne, Dragons, Raiders, Penrith, Tigers
There you go, first column of another big season. Hopefully I’m back next week with Queensland Teams on Tuesday and NRL Hits on Thursday. You can find me at http://keytonrlhits.blogspot,com, www.sportsaustralia.com, Twitter (@keyto316) or directly on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com).
Enjoy the new season,
Keyto
Dragons on top
Every good television show, story or NRL Premiership season needs a team to hate – and if you’re not with them, the best team to hate is a team of winners. That’s exactly what the Dragons were last year, a side that would get in front and then just freaking stay there! I think it’s healthy for a competition to have a top dog everyone wants to knock over. It drives up viewers and gets people talking, so I hope the World Champions can maintain the rage in 2011.
A competitive Storm
I didn’t feel sorry for Melbourne last season. They cheated for four years or whatever it was. They cheated my team and me as a fan and I think they got exactly what they deserved. But now, in 2011, they’ve served their punishment and are fielding a legal football side again and I want them to do well.
We need a successful Melbourne Storm and let’s face it, the competition was strong when we all thought they were the (legal) team to beat. I’m not writing off any side that contains Slater, Smith and Cronk but injuries will really hurt the Storm. If they stay fit, they will make the Top Eight.
Nth Qld bound for glory
For the last two seasons at least, the North Queensland Cowboys have been a shit rugby league side. There’s no other way to say it, they were shit. It’s hard to find out why that was, but the results speak for themselves.
This year there are no excuses. They’ve brought very well – Tate, Johnson and Hall in particular. They’re tough, no-nonsense footballers who won’t tolerate the crap that’s happened in Townsville over the last few years. I would love to see a return of the entertainers but will gladly take winning Cowboys.
Canberra’s Evolution
Last year I picked the Raiders to make the top four. Then I wrote them off after 18 rounds because they were terrible. Then I jumped on their bandwagon because they were too damn good. Then during the finals I tweeted “No Campo, no chance. Sorry Canberra”.
Terry Campese is their main man but they won’t have him in 2011 after a serious knee injury. Yes he might play late in the year, but these things take 18 months to recover from (don’t believe me, ask Darren Lockyer). However Matt Orford could fill that void and by removing such a dominant force, it might open up guys like Dugan and Croker even further while elevating a play-maker like Josh McCrone. I want to back the Raiders all the way this season, please don’t let me down!
Personal Picks
Broncos to win the Premiership and Queensland to go six in a row – yes, Six Time Origin Champions! Not asking too much, is it?
My Top Eight
I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t give a prediction for the 2011 Finalists. I don’t have any formula or really any reasoning, this is just a list to laugh at in seven or eight months from now.
1. Dragons
2. Tigers
3. Bulldogs
4. Raiders
5. Broncos
6. Roosters
7. Cowboys
8. Storm
9. Panthers
10. Warriors
11. Knights
12. Rabbitohs
13. Titans
14. Eels
15. Sea Eagles
16. Sharks
TIPPING
Tips – Souths, Broncos, Warriors, Melbourne, Dragons, Raiders, Penrith, Tigers
There you go, first column of another big season. Hopefully I’m back next week with Queensland Teams on Tuesday and NRL Hits on Thursday. You can find me at http://keytonrlhits.blogspot,com, www.sportsaustralia.com, Twitter (@keyto316) or directly on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com).
Enjoy the new season,
Keyto
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Qld Teams - Broncos lose stars for Rd 1
The Brisbane Broncos will enter Friday’s NRL season opener against North Queensland minus strike centre Justin Hodges and key prop Ben Hannant.
Both men were expected to be key components in the Broncos 2011 season however early season injuries will sideline them at least for another week.
The traditional Suncorp Stadium blockbuster was to be a home-coming of sorts but local fans will have to wait until Round Four to see the duo back in Brisbane colours.
Hodges missed the entire 2010 season with an Achilles injury suffered in the pre-season however it’s a hamstring issue that will prevent him from playing the Cowboys.
A calf injury will stop Hannant from playing his first game for the Broncos since 2008 however he’s expected to be fit for the second game of the season.
Hannant enjoyed three years at the Broncos, from 2006-2008, before spending the past two years with the Canterbury Bulldogs.
In other team news Coach Anthony Griffin has named rookie’s Jack Reed and Dane Gagai to debut in a fresh backline.
Gagai and father Ray will become the first father-son duo to represent the Broncos.
Sam Thaiday has been named in the front row alongside Scott Anderson with Shane Tronc and Josh McGuire on the bench.
Matt Gillett and Alex Glenn will start in the second row pushing arguably last year’s best Broncos forward, Ben Te’o, to the bench.
The Broncos have not lost to the Cowboys since Round 1, 2007 – a record stretching seven consecutive victories.
Five Cowboys debut
Up to five players could wear the North Queensland colours for the first time Friday night after Coach Neil Henry named a new-look side today.
Former Storm and Queensland workhorse Dallas Johnson and Manly premiership winning back-rower Glenn Hall will make their NRL returns after both spent last year in the English Super League.
Ex-Broncos forwards Ashton and Tariq Sims have been included on a five man bench and for Tariq it will be his NRL debut if selected.
Ben Jones, a Roosters utility with a handful of NRL games, has also been named on the bench where he can cover in the halves, backline, hooker or lock.
Gavin Cooper also returns to the Cowboys having made his debut for the club in 2003 before spending the last four years with the Titans and Panthers.
Rookie Ray Thompson, who also played a handful of games for the Cowboys last season, will partner Johnathan Thurston in the halves.
Thurston this season will share the captaincy with Maroons prop Matt Scott while fullback Matt Bowen will hope to return to his electric best after knee injuries ruined his past two seasons.
Former Broncos Antonio Winterstein (jaw) and Brent Tate (knee) weren’t considered for the match.
Winterstein, who was injured in a trial against Brisbane, hopes to be back in a month while Tate won’t play until midway through the season.
The Cowboys would have finished with the wooden spoon last season had it not been for the Melbourne Storm’s salary cap rorting.
Titans face Premiers
The Gold Coast Titans will face World Club Champions and defending premiers St George-Illawarra at Skilled Park on Saturday night.
Former Rabbitoh Luke Capewell will wear retired Mat Rogers’ five-eighth jersey having held off a push from teenager Jordan Rankin.
Preston Campbell, in his final season, will play off the bench meaning William Zillman will be the first choice fullback.
Campbell is expected to relieve hooker Riley Brown as the Titans wait for regular rake Nathan Friend to return from injury.
Coach John Cartwright has injected some youth into his forwards with Bodene Thompson, Sam Tagaetese and Ryan James named in the squad.
Mark Minichiello is the 18th man however if he proves his fitness from a groin injury by Friday, he will come into the final team.
Anthony Laffranchi is still recovering from wrist surgery and hopes to play within the first month of the competition.
The Titans have won two of their last three games against the Dragons but the visitors hold a daunting 6-2 overall winning record.
A strong crowd is expected Saturday night for a 6:30pm kick-off (local time) and the game will be live on Fox Sports.
The Queensland derby game will be live on Channel Nine from 7:30pm Friday.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Cowboys, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Josh Hoffman, Jharal Yow Yeh, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Dane Gagai, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Sam Thaiday, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Ben Te’o, Josh McGuire, Shane Tronc.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Broncos, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Will Tupou, Willie Tonga, Michael Bani, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Scott Bolton, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Ben Jones, Leeson Ah Mau, Gavin Cooper, Ashton Sims, Tariq Sims (one to be omitted).
Gold Coast Titans vs. Dragons, Saturday 6:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
William Zillman, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, David Mead, Luke Capewell, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Riley Brown, Matthew White, Greg Bird, Bodene Thompson, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Sam Tagataese, Ryan James, Preston Campbell, Mark Minichiello (one to be omitted).
Both men were expected to be key components in the Broncos 2011 season however early season injuries will sideline them at least for another week.
The traditional Suncorp Stadium blockbuster was to be a home-coming of sorts but local fans will have to wait until Round Four to see the duo back in Brisbane colours.
Hodges missed the entire 2010 season with an Achilles injury suffered in the pre-season however it’s a hamstring issue that will prevent him from playing the Cowboys.
A calf injury will stop Hannant from playing his first game for the Broncos since 2008 however he’s expected to be fit for the second game of the season.
Hannant enjoyed three years at the Broncos, from 2006-2008, before spending the past two years with the Canterbury Bulldogs.
In other team news Coach Anthony Griffin has named rookie’s Jack Reed and Dane Gagai to debut in a fresh backline.
Gagai and father Ray will become the first father-son duo to represent the Broncos.
Sam Thaiday has been named in the front row alongside Scott Anderson with Shane Tronc and Josh McGuire on the bench.
Matt Gillett and Alex Glenn will start in the second row pushing arguably last year’s best Broncos forward, Ben Te’o, to the bench.
The Broncos have not lost to the Cowboys since Round 1, 2007 – a record stretching seven consecutive victories.
Five Cowboys debut
Up to five players could wear the North Queensland colours for the first time Friday night after Coach Neil Henry named a new-look side today.
Former Storm and Queensland workhorse Dallas Johnson and Manly premiership winning back-rower Glenn Hall will make their NRL returns after both spent last year in the English Super League.
Ex-Broncos forwards Ashton and Tariq Sims have been included on a five man bench and for Tariq it will be his NRL debut if selected.
Ben Jones, a Roosters utility with a handful of NRL games, has also been named on the bench where he can cover in the halves, backline, hooker or lock.
Gavin Cooper also returns to the Cowboys having made his debut for the club in 2003 before spending the last four years with the Titans and Panthers.
Rookie Ray Thompson, who also played a handful of games for the Cowboys last season, will partner Johnathan Thurston in the halves.
Thurston this season will share the captaincy with Maroons prop Matt Scott while fullback Matt Bowen will hope to return to his electric best after knee injuries ruined his past two seasons.
Former Broncos Antonio Winterstein (jaw) and Brent Tate (knee) weren’t considered for the match.
Winterstein, who was injured in a trial against Brisbane, hopes to be back in a month while Tate won’t play until midway through the season.
The Cowboys would have finished with the wooden spoon last season had it not been for the Melbourne Storm’s salary cap rorting.
Titans face Premiers
The Gold Coast Titans will face World Club Champions and defending premiers St George-Illawarra at Skilled Park on Saturday night.
Former Rabbitoh Luke Capewell will wear retired Mat Rogers’ five-eighth jersey having held off a push from teenager Jordan Rankin.
Preston Campbell, in his final season, will play off the bench meaning William Zillman will be the first choice fullback.
Campbell is expected to relieve hooker Riley Brown as the Titans wait for regular rake Nathan Friend to return from injury.
Coach John Cartwright has injected some youth into his forwards with Bodene Thompson, Sam Tagaetese and Ryan James named in the squad.
Mark Minichiello is the 18th man however if he proves his fitness from a groin injury by Friday, he will come into the final team.
Anthony Laffranchi is still recovering from wrist surgery and hopes to play within the first month of the competition.
The Titans have won two of their last three games against the Dragons but the visitors hold a daunting 6-2 overall winning record.
A strong crowd is expected Saturday night for a 6:30pm kick-off (local time) and the game will be live on Fox Sports.
The Queensland derby game will be live on Channel Nine from 7:30pm Friday.
Brisbane Broncos vs. Cowboys, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Josh Hoffman, Jharal Yow Yeh, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Dane Gagai, Darren Lockyer (c), Peter Wallace, Sam Thaiday, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Ben Te’o, Josh McGuire, Shane Tronc.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Broncos, Friday 7:35pm, (Channel Nine, live)
Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Will Tupou, Willie Tonga, Michael Bani, Ray Thompson, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott (c), Aaron Payne, James Tamou, Scott Bolton, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Ben Jones, Leeson Ah Mau, Gavin Cooper, Ashton Sims, Tariq Sims (one to be omitted).
Gold Coast Titans vs. Dragons, Saturday 6:30pm, (Fox Sports, live)
William Zillman, Kevin Gordon, Steve Michaels, Clinton Toopi, David Mead, Luke Capewell, Scott Prince (c), Luke Bailey, Riley Brown, Matthew White, Greg Bird, Bodene Thompson, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Michael Henderson, Sam Tagataese, Ryan James, Preston Campbell, Mark Minichiello (one to be omitted).
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