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.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
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.
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