Hello readers and welcome to my NRL season preview, part three of four. Today I’m looking at the teams I expect to finish 5th to 8th, in no particular order. Once again I will give a team motto, and x-factor and a prediction as seen through my eyes! As always any feedback is greatly appreciated.
PARRAMATTA EELS – Beware of second year syndrome
Prediction – Parramatta have brought some really good talent and there’s nothing to suggest they can’t be a major player. I think though they might find things tough at times and they may over-rely on a few key players.
X-Factor – Jarryd Hayne – After the season he had last year how could anyone bar Hayne be the key man this season? Opposition players and coaches will be after him and how he handles that will have a huge influence on the Eels’ season.
GOLD COAST TITANS – Moving Forward
Prediction – The Titans have improved every year in their short lifespan and will have very high expectations. I expect them to plod along as they have in the past, win their home games and play well enough on the road. They need to learn to win the really big games; they haven’t done that in the past.
X-Factor – Greg Bird – Has plenty to prove after his well-publicised off-field issues. He should prove a really good foil to Scott Prince and his toughness will be felt too. A good buy for the Titans.
St GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS – No love, but who needs that.
Prediction – After from their own loyal fans, no one else really likes the Dragons (opposition, media, fans). That shouldn’t worry the Dragons but they will have a big target. I can’t see how they’ve strengthened their squad from last year and have lost a few guys too. All about attitude in 2010.
X-Factor – Jamie Soward – Talked up for Origin last year before going slightly off the boil. His ‘second year’ will be vital for the Dragons chances; has potential to do some very good things (and some bad).
NORTH QLD COWBOYS – Bound for Glory.
Prediction – I think we should see the Cowboys return to their glory days of 4 or 5 years ago. They’ve got a good forward pack and the world’s best halfback. Matt Bowen is a loss early but they have some quality backs – another team where attitude will play a huge role in their season.
X-Factor – Willie Mason – The big fella got a second (or third) chance when the Cowboys gave him a lifeline. He should be back at his best after spending most of last year recovering from a serious knee injury. Has the potential to be back at his highest representative level while having relative anonymity.
That’s it for today and tomorrow I will give you my top four – including one pretty big surprise team. I can be reached through the comments on this page or at andrew.keyte@gmail.com.
Talk to you soon,
Keyto
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Preview part 2
G’day again folks and welcome to my NRL season 2010 preview, part two of four today. Once again you can reach me through the various feedback forms. The focus for now though is on the four teams (in no particular order) I believe will finish close to the top eight, but won’t quite make it to September. Again I have a team motto, and X-factor player and a brief prediction of how I think the season will pan out.
BRISBANE BRONCOS – Rebuild, maintain culture
Prediction – Write the Broncos off at your peril but I just think they lack a bit of class this year. Very young side and lacking recognised game-breakers. The forwards are also a bit of a worry. Brisbane will be thereabouts as always, but won’t quite make it.
X-Factor – Tim Smith – One of many ‘second chance players’ for this season but this bad boy faces the toughest challenge. Probably won’t start any games early in the season, but will be a more than handy asset.
PENRITH PANTHERS – Punch above your weight
Prediction – Potential to be a real hot and cold team, as they were last year. They’ll beat some good sides but find ways to lose against teams they should beat. And that’s why they won’t make the eight, but gosh I hope they do!!
X-Factor – Luke Walsh – He is the chief footballer in a team off football players. Penrith don’t have many athletes but they have genuine rugby league players and Walsh, at halfback, is one of the better ones. Should steer this side well and does have a big play in him.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS – Must Win More Games!
Prediction – The Roosters are a team coming off a dead-set embarrassing 2009. What’s more, they haven’t been competitive on the field for longer. They’ve had a clean out and should do better, but I feel 2011 might be a better year.
X-Factor – Todd Carney – It seems all his sins are forgiven and he will be a key member of this side, likely at fullback. For all the class he shows on the field he lacks it off the field. Hopefully we read more about Carney the star player than Carney the grub; rep footy not out of the question.
MANLY SEA EAGLES – Stop the rot
Prediction – The Eagles have been on a slippery slope since this time last year with their 2009 season launch. Still harbouring a 2008 Grand Final hangover, have lost their halfback and captain too. I can’t see them finishing better than mid-table.
X-Factor – Kieran Foran – This Kiwi half made a strong few showings last year and was part of the New Zealand squad at the end of the season. Not sure where he’ll play, but should be in the top 17 and will do some good things.
I’ll be back tomorrow with a look at the bottom four of the best eight teams I believe will contest the 2010 Premiership. As always feel free to comment below or email me at andrew.keyte@gmail.com.
Chat again tomorrow,
Keyto
BRISBANE BRONCOS – Rebuild, maintain culture
Prediction – Write the Broncos off at your peril but I just think they lack a bit of class this year. Very young side and lacking recognised game-breakers. The forwards are also a bit of a worry. Brisbane will be thereabouts as always, but won’t quite make it.
X-Factor – Tim Smith – One of many ‘second chance players’ for this season but this bad boy faces the toughest challenge. Probably won’t start any games early in the season, but will be a more than handy asset.
PENRITH PANTHERS – Punch above your weight
Prediction – Potential to be a real hot and cold team, as they were last year. They’ll beat some good sides but find ways to lose against teams they should beat. And that’s why they won’t make the eight, but gosh I hope they do!!
X-Factor – Luke Walsh – He is the chief footballer in a team off football players. Penrith don’t have many athletes but they have genuine rugby league players and Walsh, at halfback, is one of the better ones. Should steer this side well and does have a big play in him.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS – Must Win More Games!
Prediction – The Roosters are a team coming off a dead-set embarrassing 2009. What’s more, they haven’t been competitive on the field for longer. They’ve had a clean out and should do better, but I feel 2011 might be a better year.
X-Factor – Todd Carney – It seems all his sins are forgiven and he will be a key member of this side, likely at fullback. For all the class he shows on the field he lacks it off the field. Hopefully we read more about Carney the star player than Carney the grub; rep footy not out of the question.
MANLY SEA EAGLES – Stop the rot
Prediction – The Eagles have been on a slippery slope since this time last year with their 2009 season launch. Still harbouring a 2008 Grand Final hangover, have lost their halfback and captain too. I can’t see them finishing better than mid-table.
X-Factor – Kieran Foran – This Kiwi half made a strong few showings last year and was part of the New Zealand squad at the end of the season. Not sure where he’ll play, but should be in the top 17 and will do some good things.
I’ll be back tomorrow with a look at the bottom four of the best eight teams I believe will contest the 2010 Premiership. As always feel free to comment below or email me at andrew.keyte@gmail.com.
Chat again tomorrow,
Keyto
Monday, March 8, 2010
2010 Preview - Part 1
Hello everyone and welcome to rugby league season 2010. My name is Andrew Keyte and I will be back this year with weekly columns, previews and match reports for Sports Australia and my blog site. Like last year I welcome your feedback and hope to have some interesting topics to discuss.
To begin this season I have a four-part season preview to release over the next four days as we prepare for Round One on Friday night. For each team I will give a brief season prediction, a look at their ‘X-Factor’ player and assign a team motto I think they should each follow.
Remember these are just my thoughts so take them with a grain of salt. Feel free to leave your own comments or drop me an email at andrew.keyte@gmail.com with your thoughts. I’ll kick-off with my opinion on the bottom four teams, in no particular order, for season 2010.
WESTS TIGERS – Lote = RATINGS (but not Finals)
Prediction – Same story as the last few years, the Tigers are a flamboyant team with plenty of flair but lack consistency. They get out-muscled in the forwards too often and questionable halves. Great off-field team and a few interesting recruits but won’t, unfortunately, make the eight.
X-Factor – Tim Moltzen – Great potential in a young player, the question is where to play him? Has spent time in the backs and the halves but I reckon fullback is the best bet.
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS – Let the coach sleep at night
Prediction – Coach Cleary to be the first sacking of the season. It’s going to be a tough year; they’ve lost some of that home intimidation and will struggle away. Need an attitude overhaul and MUST WIN MORE GAMES in Australia.
X-Factor – Joel Moon – This has to be Moon’s year. He moved to the Warriors for a chance at five-eighth and didn’t show a lot in limited opportunities last year. He has been around the top grade long enough and it’s almost now or never.
CRONULLA SHARKS - 2010 can’t be any worse than 2009
Prediction – Look, I would love to see the Sharkies do well. And they need to – financially they have to win games. I just can’t see it happening, not enough class across the field. They are turning and will have a better year, but at least 18 months away from being genuine contenders.
X-Factor – Anthony Tupou – A change of club and return to his old coach should do wonders for a guy who has been way below his potential in recent years. I won’t be surprised to see him back at representative level again this season.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS – Drug free for a year!
Prediction – They sacked the coach last year, players possibly going to jail, heart and soul man Gidley is injured ... but they have spirit. They’ll need it all because the Knights are my favourite for the wooden spoon.
X-Factor – Jarrod Mullen – He is the only bright spark in Newcastle at the moment and will have Andrew Johns-like pressure on his shoulders.
Tomorrow I will have a look at the four teams who in my opinion will have decent years, but just miss out on the final eight. Until them you can send me an email or leave comments below. Talk to you all again soon.
Cheers,
Keyto
To begin this season I have a four-part season preview to release over the next four days as we prepare for Round One on Friday night. For each team I will give a brief season prediction, a look at their ‘X-Factor’ player and assign a team motto I think they should each follow.
Remember these are just my thoughts so take them with a grain of salt. Feel free to leave your own comments or drop me an email at andrew.keyte@gmail.com with your thoughts. I’ll kick-off with my opinion on the bottom four teams, in no particular order, for season 2010.
WESTS TIGERS – Lote = RATINGS (but not Finals)
Prediction – Same story as the last few years, the Tigers are a flamboyant team with plenty of flair but lack consistency. They get out-muscled in the forwards too often and questionable halves. Great off-field team and a few interesting recruits but won’t, unfortunately, make the eight.
X-Factor – Tim Moltzen – Great potential in a young player, the question is where to play him? Has spent time in the backs and the halves but I reckon fullback is the best bet.
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS – Let the coach sleep at night
Prediction – Coach Cleary to be the first sacking of the season. It’s going to be a tough year; they’ve lost some of that home intimidation and will struggle away. Need an attitude overhaul and MUST WIN MORE GAMES in Australia.
X-Factor – Joel Moon – This has to be Moon’s year. He moved to the Warriors for a chance at five-eighth and didn’t show a lot in limited opportunities last year. He has been around the top grade long enough and it’s almost now or never.
CRONULLA SHARKS - 2010 can’t be any worse than 2009
Prediction – Look, I would love to see the Sharkies do well. And they need to – financially they have to win games. I just can’t see it happening, not enough class across the field. They are turning and will have a better year, but at least 18 months away from being genuine contenders.
X-Factor – Anthony Tupou – A change of club and return to his old coach should do wonders for a guy who has been way below his potential in recent years. I won’t be surprised to see him back at representative level again this season.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS – Drug free for a year!
Prediction – They sacked the coach last year, players possibly going to jail, heart and soul man Gidley is injured ... but they have spirit. They’ll need it all because the Knights are my favourite for the wooden spoon.
X-Factor – Jarrod Mullen – He is the only bright spark in Newcastle at the moment and will have Andrew Johns-like pressure on his shoulders.
Tomorrow I will have a look at the four teams who in my opinion will have decent years, but just miss out on the final eight. Until them you can send me an email or leave comments below. Talk to you all again soon.
Cheers,
Keyto
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The Things we've learnt
Well hello and welcome to my final NRL opinion/blog piece of season 2009. I had a fantastic holiday last week but still had a footy fix – we listened to the Broncos beat the Dragons two weeks ago and the Eels topple the Bulldogs last week at the beach, sitting around the camp fire. So now we’re all set for Sunday afternoon where the mighty Melbourne Storm takes on the red-hot Parramatta Eels.
I was going to preview this match but I always find build up to Grand Finals and Origins a little bit boring. Instead, I will offer a few thoughts at the end but for now I’m going to borrow something from Rove McManus and talk about the things we’ve learnt in season 2009.
Off-field behaviour
Ok, let’s start with the shit.. You have to wonder if things are that bad or is the public demanding this information thus leading to heavy media scrutiny and publication? No one wants to see criminal acts such as sexual and physical assaults ... they need to be made public and offenders dealt with accordingly. But is it really that bad if a player has too many drinks and stumbles down Cronulla mall or someone takes a slash on a wall and gets warned away by police? It is the media world we live in and while there’s demand from the audience, nothing will change. While we’re hearing more these days about ‘player misbehaviour’, the reality is most incidents are no worse then what happened 20 years ago ... in fact players are probably better behaved.
Pay structures
The biggest story at the Broncos this year was the defection of Karmichael Hunt to the AFL from next year. Where the game needs to look is to how to generate more money and keep players from defecting to England or another code. I’m not sure what the answer is, but the best suggestion I have heard is to allow a certain number of players at each club to earn as much as they can from 3rd party sponsorships. Something definitely needs to be done at the NRL though.
Two Refs – Potential, but not a long term thing
If it stays I won’t be too concerned but if it goes next year I won’t shed a tear. The biggest concern it raised was the awful quality of our referees. Do you know the reserve referee for the Grand Final this weekend is Ben Cummins? He is a guy who ‘Gus’ Gould on Triple M screamed “HOW DO YOU HAVE A JOB??” during a Monday Night game this year! The overall quality of the current referees is poor, but I too am starting to think their job has become over-complicated. Ideally I would like to see things simplified and maybe after two more years, when these guys have gained more experience, we go back to having one ref.
The most consistent thing about consistency are the inconsistencies (Video Refs)
I give up ... how was Billy Slater not even considered for a try last week and Dallas Johnson awarded one against the Broncos last week? I’m with ‘Gus’ in saying the Video Referee is a joke and probably the biggest blight on the game. It’s honestly a toss of the coin job. If we get rid of the Video Ref next season, again I won’t shed a tear. I don’t think that’s the answer: the best thing to do is allow referee discretion by simplifying rules and stripping the Video Ref down to the barest duties.
Origin is alive
The Maroons have won four in a row but after THAT match up here in July, we can’t wait for next year! For the overall good of the concept the Blues need to win a series or two soon, but for now I’ll cheer on a 5-time Queensland championship.
Queensland is strong
Origin aside, rugby league is super strong in Queensland. Suncorp Stadium and Skilled Park are world class venues while I understand the game is alive and well up north. There are still two dreams for next season: three Queensland sides in the top eight and an all-Queensland Grand Final!
The greatest game
Figures have shown that rugby league is the number one winter sports in Queensland and New South Wales and with a pretty tame cricket summer ahead, I say bring on NRL 2010!!
The Grand Final
I know a few people who have been on the Storm for a while, I was one of them. For two months I have told anyone who would listen I wasn’t prepared to write them off. After seeing them destroy Manly I thought the Storm would brush past either the Broncos or Dragons last week. They have class all over the field and I think they’ll beat the Eels quite well on Sunday. Wouldn’t surprise me if it’s a 20 point margin.
Having said that, like everyone else the Eels have grown on me. I’ve enjoyed watching them play in the last two months and they made history by qualifying from 8th spot. I think their best chance on Sunday is to play from in front. If they fall 8-10 points behind, I can’t see them coming back. Hopefully it will be a good game fitting of a great season.
Tip this week: Storm
Last two weeks: 2/4 (Total: 117/194) – Eels & Broncos; then Dogs & Broncos
Winning percentage: 60%
So, that’s it for the season then. I’ve had a good time bringing this to you each week and I’d like to thank everyone who has sent me mail and opinions throughout the year. I can always be reached at andrew.keyte@gmail.com and hopefully I’ll be back again next year. Be sure to check out Sports Australia over the summer where I may pop up with some cricket stuff.
Have a great summer, Keyto
I was going to preview this match but I always find build up to Grand Finals and Origins a little bit boring. Instead, I will offer a few thoughts at the end but for now I’m going to borrow something from Rove McManus and talk about the things we’ve learnt in season 2009.
Off-field behaviour
Ok, let’s start with the shit.. You have to wonder if things are that bad or is the public demanding this information thus leading to heavy media scrutiny and publication? No one wants to see criminal acts such as sexual and physical assaults ... they need to be made public and offenders dealt with accordingly. But is it really that bad if a player has too many drinks and stumbles down Cronulla mall or someone takes a slash on a wall and gets warned away by police? It is the media world we live in and while there’s demand from the audience, nothing will change. While we’re hearing more these days about ‘player misbehaviour’, the reality is most incidents are no worse then what happened 20 years ago ... in fact players are probably better behaved.
Pay structures
The biggest story at the Broncos this year was the defection of Karmichael Hunt to the AFL from next year. Where the game needs to look is to how to generate more money and keep players from defecting to England or another code. I’m not sure what the answer is, but the best suggestion I have heard is to allow a certain number of players at each club to earn as much as they can from 3rd party sponsorships. Something definitely needs to be done at the NRL though.
Two Refs – Potential, but not a long term thing
If it stays I won’t be too concerned but if it goes next year I won’t shed a tear. The biggest concern it raised was the awful quality of our referees. Do you know the reserve referee for the Grand Final this weekend is Ben Cummins? He is a guy who ‘Gus’ Gould on Triple M screamed “HOW DO YOU HAVE A JOB??” during a Monday Night game this year! The overall quality of the current referees is poor, but I too am starting to think their job has become over-complicated. Ideally I would like to see things simplified and maybe after two more years, when these guys have gained more experience, we go back to having one ref.
The most consistent thing about consistency are the inconsistencies (Video Refs)
I give up ... how was Billy Slater not even considered for a try last week and Dallas Johnson awarded one against the Broncos last week? I’m with ‘Gus’ in saying the Video Referee is a joke and probably the biggest blight on the game. It’s honestly a toss of the coin job. If we get rid of the Video Ref next season, again I won’t shed a tear. I don’t think that’s the answer: the best thing to do is allow referee discretion by simplifying rules and stripping the Video Ref down to the barest duties.
Origin is alive
The Maroons have won four in a row but after THAT match up here in July, we can’t wait for next year! For the overall good of the concept the Blues need to win a series or two soon, but for now I’ll cheer on a 5-time Queensland championship.
Queensland is strong
Origin aside, rugby league is super strong in Queensland. Suncorp Stadium and Skilled Park are world class venues while I understand the game is alive and well up north. There are still two dreams for next season: three Queensland sides in the top eight and an all-Queensland Grand Final!
The greatest game
Figures have shown that rugby league is the number one winter sports in Queensland and New South Wales and with a pretty tame cricket summer ahead, I say bring on NRL 2010!!
The Grand Final
I know a few people who have been on the Storm for a while, I was one of them. For two months I have told anyone who would listen I wasn’t prepared to write them off. After seeing them destroy Manly I thought the Storm would brush past either the Broncos or Dragons last week. They have class all over the field and I think they’ll beat the Eels quite well on Sunday. Wouldn’t surprise me if it’s a 20 point margin.
Having said that, like everyone else the Eels have grown on me. I’ve enjoyed watching them play in the last two months and they made history by qualifying from 8th spot. I think their best chance on Sunday is to play from in front. If they fall 8-10 points behind, I can’t see them coming back. Hopefully it will be a good game fitting of a great season.
Tip this week: Storm
Last two weeks: 2/4 (Total: 117/194) – Eels & Broncos; then Dogs & Broncos
Winning percentage: 60%
So, that’s it for the season then. I’ve had a good time bringing this to you each week and I’d like to thank everyone who has sent me mail and opinions throughout the year. I can always be reached at andrew.keyte@gmail.com and hopefully I’ll be back again next year. Be sure to check out Sports Australia over the summer where I may pop up with some cricket stuff.
Have a great summer, Keyto
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Skilled Park
G’day everyone and hello to you all again. Tonight I’m going to talk to you about Skilled Park; a simply wonderful venue for rugby league. I made my maiden trip down there last week, dressed in my best Broncos jersey, and was blown away by the facility. I’m a regular at Suncorp Stadium and south-east Queensland is so lucky to have two world-class rugby league stadiums.
I didn’t intend to head down to the game but when the opportunity came up I jumped at it. My mate and I, who have attended a stack of footy games together, drove down to a nearby area before catching the train one stop to Robina. That station is 200 metres away from Skilled Park and they have set up a nice, easy walkway directly to the venue.
One of the surprising things about the ground is it is literally in the middle of nowhere. I had no idea about that; there were actually cows grazing on surrounding paddocks. Inside the ground is pretty special too.
All reports of it being a ‘mini Suncorp Stadium’ are correct. We were sitting about halfway up the southern stand, behind the goal posts, and had the same sort of view we get in Brisbane. Of course we were in enemy territory too, another first for me. That was great, I wouldn’t call it hostile as such, but I could definitely feel I was in the minority.
There are two massive features of Skilled Park that hit me: flags and noise.
It seemed every Titans fan had a flag! Their ground announcer made the call to start waving flags and looking across the crowd it was a sea of blue. It actually looked like a wave, it was almost hypnotic but a fabulous thing to see as well. Television doesn’t do it justice, you’d have to go down and see it for yourself. I’m not sure if flags are banned at Suncorp Stadium, but I have never seen anything like that up here.
But the noise, my God it was loud. I’d heard the stories about the place but you could almost see the sounds bouncing off the walls. The best way I can describe the design of the stadium is like a cylinder along each boundary. The whole thing just echoes and it’s like the noise can’t escape out the roof. The cheer when Kevin Gordon snared an intercept in the second half and ran 100 metres to score was the loudest I’d heard in rugby league. I’ve been to State of Origins and the one event I can recall coming close was the fight after the ‘up-and-under’ in Origin III this year.
Unfortunately there are some areas for the stadium to work on.
Leaving the venue was a real challenge and almost dampened the whole experience. As mentioned we only had to travel one stop on the train to get to the car but that trip took us over an hour. There was a capacity 27,000 crowd there but unfortunately they only have one entry/exit walkway. This wasn’t helped by a series of ‘bottlenecks’ where the crowd was forced to merge into narrower walkways or stadium exits. Some of this trip to the public transport was done in sheer darkness too which could cause problems should someone fall over or a young child get separated.
I did want to write a news story on this for our uni website, www.subtropic.com.au, but ran out of time this week. I have heard from Skilled Park Venue Manager David Lloyd about some of these issues.
Mr Lloyd claimed all patrons were exited and on public transport within an hour and the lack of size of Robina Station (two platforms, one direction) compared to Roma Street or Milton Station (many platforms, various directions), located near Suncorp Stadium, meant it is impossible to compare the systems.
“The venue has a transport plan and over 90% of patrons utilise the public transport services when attending events at Skilled Park,” Mr Lloyd said.
“Whenever 27,000 plus people try and exit the venue all at the same time going in the same direction there may be some minor delays getting on to the transport Hub.”
That really was the only blip on the Skilled Park experience. Not being familiar with the area it’s not appropriate for me to suggest viable suggestions. I’m sure the good people will work on it. That aside, Skilled Park is a fabulous venue and I strongly urge every rugby league fan to try and take a chance to watch their team play at Skilled Park.
Semi-Finals
As for the Titans, I reckon they’ll have a real task on their hands this week. I’m honestly struggling to see them beat the Eels on Friday. Parramatta are playing well and I’m not sure the Titans have the game to win a massive semi-final. They’ve been towelled up by Manly and conceded 40 points against the Broncos last week.
I hope I’m wrong, I really do. Every single Queensland rugby league fan wants to see an all-Queensland Grand Final one day and my word, a Titans/Broncos decider this year would be awesome!
The Broncos I’m a little more confident in. I, like most people, thought the Dragons had a play left this season, something big for the backend of the year. Now, I’m not so sure. I won’t write them off but I can definitely see them slipping out the back door. The Broncos are playing well and despite the 40-32 score last week, I think they have solid defence. Combine that with a lacklustre Dragons attack and I can see a 6-8 point win for Brisbane on Saturday night.
Tips this week: Eels, Brisbane
Last week: 3/4 (Total: 115/190)
Winning percentage: 61%
I’m going on holidays this weekend for a week and won’t actually see the Broncos v Dragons match, but please feel free to email me on andrew.keyte@gmail.com for your thoughts on the finals, Skilled Park or anything else.
I won’t be here next week but my early pick for the Grand Final is Melbourne Storm. They look fresh and are full of dangerous players; they destroyed Manly last week and look really good. Storm to play Bulldogs in the big one.
But if I have things my way, it’ll be Titans vs. Broncos. We, up here in Queensland, can only hope!
I’ll be back in two weeks for a Grand Final preview,Keyto
I didn’t intend to head down to the game but when the opportunity came up I jumped at it. My mate and I, who have attended a stack of footy games together, drove down to a nearby area before catching the train one stop to Robina. That station is 200 metres away from Skilled Park and they have set up a nice, easy walkway directly to the venue.
One of the surprising things about the ground is it is literally in the middle of nowhere. I had no idea about that; there were actually cows grazing on surrounding paddocks. Inside the ground is pretty special too.
All reports of it being a ‘mini Suncorp Stadium’ are correct. We were sitting about halfway up the southern stand, behind the goal posts, and had the same sort of view we get in Brisbane. Of course we were in enemy territory too, another first for me. That was great, I wouldn’t call it hostile as such, but I could definitely feel I was in the minority.
There are two massive features of Skilled Park that hit me: flags and noise.
It seemed every Titans fan had a flag! Their ground announcer made the call to start waving flags and looking across the crowd it was a sea of blue. It actually looked like a wave, it was almost hypnotic but a fabulous thing to see as well. Television doesn’t do it justice, you’d have to go down and see it for yourself. I’m not sure if flags are banned at Suncorp Stadium, but I have never seen anything like that up here.
But the noise, my God it was loud. I’d heard the stories about the place but you could almost see the sounds bouncing off the walls. The best way I can describe the design of the stadium is like a cylinder along each boundary. The whole thing just echoes and it’s like the noise can’t escape out the roof. The cheer when Kevin Gordon snared an intercept in the second half and ran 100 metres to score was the loudest I’d heard in rugby league. I’ve been to State of Origins and the one event I can recall coming close was the fight after the ‘up-and-under’ in Origin III this year.
Unfortunately there are some areas for the stadium to work on.
Leaving the venue was a real challenge and almost dampened the whole experience. As mentioned we only had to travel one stop on the train to get to the car but that trip took us over an hour. There was a capacity 27,000 crowd there but unfortunately they only have one entry/exit walkway. This wasn’t helped by a series of ‘bottlenecks’ where the crowd was forced to merge into narrower walkways or stadium exits. Some of this trip to the public transport was done in sheer darkness too which could cause problems should someone fall over or a young child get separated.
I did want to write a news story on this for our uni website, www.subtropic.com.au, but ran out of time this week. I have heard from Skilled Park Venue Manager David Lloyd about some of these issues.
Mr Lloyd claimed all patrons were exited and on public transport within an hour and the lack of size of Robina Station (two platforms, one direction) compared to Roma Street or Milton Station (many platforms, various directions), located near Suncorp Stadium, meant it is impossible to compare the systems.
“The venue has a transport plan and over 90% of patrons utilise the public transport services when attending events at Skilled Park,” Mr Lloyd said.
“Whenever 27,000 plus people try and exit the venue all at the same time going in the same direction there may be some minor delays getting on to the transport Hub.”
That really was the only blip on the Skilled Park experience. Not being familiar with the area it’s not appropriate for me to suggest viable suggestions. I’m sure the good people will work on it. That aside, Skilled Park is a fabulous venue and I strongly urge every rugby league fan to try and take a chance to watch their team play at Skilled Park.
Semi-Finals
As for the Titans, I reckon they’ll have a real task on their hands this week. I’m honestly struggling to see them beat the Eels on Friday. Parramatta are playing well and I’m not sure the Titans have the game to win a massive semi-final. They’ve been towelled up by Manly and conceded 40 points against the Broncos last week.
I hope I’m wrong, I really do. Every single Queensland rugby league fan wants to see an all-Queensland Grand Final one day and my word, a Titans/Broncos decider this year would be awesome!
The Broncos I’m a little more confident in. I, like most people, thought the Dragons had a play left this season, something big for the backend of the year. Now, I’m not so sure. I won’t write them off but I can definitely see them slipping out the back door. The Broncos are playing well and despite the 40-32 score last week, I think they have solid defence. Combine that with a lacklustre Dragons attack and I can see a 6-8 point win for Brisbane on Saturday night.
Tips this week: Eels, Brisbane
Last week: 3/4 (Total: 115/190)
Winning percentage: 61%
I’m going on holidays this weekend for a week and won’t actually see the Broncos v Dragons match, but please feel free to email me on andrew.keyte@gmail.com for your thoughts on the finals, Skilled Park or anything else.
I won’t be here next week but my early pick for the Grand Final is Melbourne Storm. They look fresh and are full of dangerous players; they destroyed Manly last week and look really good. Storm to play Bulldogs in the big one.
But if I have things my way, it’ll be Titans vs. Broncos. We, up here in Queensland, can only hope!
I’ll be back in two weeks for a Grand Final preview,Keyto
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Silly Sunday’s, Terrific Tuesday’s & Footy Finals
Good evening all and welcome back to the Qualifying Finals edition of my weekly ramblings. I don’t have anything decent to talk about this week … I have no idea who is going to win their games this weekend. I can tell you I was happy to see the Roosters take the wooden spoon last weekend. I went to the Broncos again on Sunday and must say, my headgear’s off to Raiders fullback Josh Dugan for his two great tackles/body-blocks on Dave Taylor in that game. Very brave effort from a player, who I think, is going to be pretty good. Tonight I will run through a couple of things making news this week.
South Sydney’s Silly Sunday
Ok, we’ve had plenty of crap in the game this year that’s seemed to occur about once every 2-3 weeks. We were due … and the Bunnies delivered. I don’t know why but I found this story to be a little bit funny: Big guy leaving the club, not his best season but had his moments, coach on the piss, does something that leaves the player embarrassed, player decks coach.
I just wonder how many other Bunnies players or fans wanted to see the same thing after this season. Hopefully something resembling the truth will come out eventually but if not…Player smacked his coach and I got a laugh.
Dally M’s
The NRL had their prestigious Dally M awards ceremony the other night. I am not a fan of these shows whether they are Dally M’s, AB Medal, Oscars, Logies or whatever … I don’t watch. But I do read the results and I think they were pretty spot on this season.
The Bulldogs were the big winners with a heap of positional awards handed out plus the coach and rookie of the year. If anything that is all good, official recognition of a strong season. But of course the best recognition is on Grand Final Day.
Jarryd Hayne won the Dally M medal for best player in the competition and it’s hard to argue against that. Hayne, like the Eels, had a slow start to the season but for the last three to four months at least he’s been head and shoulders above the rest and a deserved winner.
Moving Finals
I understand most of the talk in Sydney during the week was about why the NRL should or shouldn’t force the Dragons to take their home final against the Eels this week to a bigger stadium. Kogarah Oval holds 18,000 tops, with only half allocated seats, and the argument was this game could draw anywhere up to 60,000 people.
I’m happy for the game to stay there … as a TV viewer Kogarah is probably a better option on Sunday afternoon. The NRL was short-sighted in not granting themselves power to shift games like this. As far as I’m concerned the Dragons are allowed to play wherever they want and no one could blame them for making their choice.
If anything this should be major motivation for the Eels. They can take a real seize mentality into this contest now. But they have to show up this time … they were on the wrong bus last week and now there is no second chance.
All-Queensland Final
South-east Queensland is buzzing this week ahead of the Titans v Broncos game on Saturday night at Robina. Everyone is picking their sides and really looking forward to the game. I’m sensing that no one wants the loser punted out of the competition, but there’s a real possibility that may happen.
The Broncos are favourites but like the Eels above, the Gold Coast will have a real point to prove and will be so determined to win. It’s their maiden finals appearance, they’re at home and they’re playing the Broncos. And rugby league fans in Queensland will be the big winners.
Queensland Cup Grand Final
Northern Pride, one of two feeder teams to the Cowboys, and Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles, feeders for Manly, will contest the QCup Decider this weekend. The game was taken away from Suncorp Stadium months ago, I think due to a possible date (not time) clash with an NRL final, and awarded to Kawana. For those outside of south-east Queensland, Kawana is on the Sunshine Coast and is the home ground for the Sea Eagles.
It should be a very interesting game with a few NRL-experienced players running around. For the Pride, their halfback Chris Shepperd has been described as a ‘Brett Kimmorley’ player for them and holds the key. I haven’t seen much of the Sea Eagles but the ‘T-Rex’ Tony Williams has been in great recent form and will be playing five-eighth this weekend.
Live coverage is available through the ABC outlets from 2pm Saturday and if like me you will be avoiding doing something constructive, I suggest you take a look.
Tips this week: Storm, Broncos, Bulldogs, Dragons
Last week: 5/8(Total: 112/186)
Winning percentage: 60%
Well that’s it for this week, please email your thoughts to andrew.keyte@gmail.com, and I will see you again soon.
Cheers,
Keyto
South Sydney’s Silly Sunday
Ok, we’ve had plenty of crap in the game this year that’s seemed to occur about once every 2-3 weeks. We were due … and the Bunnies delivered. I don’t know why but I found this story to be a little bit funny: Big guy leaving the club, not his best season but had his moments, coach on the piss, does something that leaves the player embarrassed, player decks coach.
I just wonder how many other Bunnies players or fans wanted to see the same thing after this season. Hopefully something resembling the truth will come out eventually but if not…Player smacked his coach and I got a laugh.
Dally M’s
The NRL had their prestigious Dally M awards ceremony the other night. I am not a fan of these shows whether they are Dally M’s, AB Medal, Oscars, Logies or whatever … I don’t watch. But I do read the results and I think they were pretty spot on this season.
The Bulldogs were the big winners with a heap of positional awards handed out plus the coach and rookie of the year. If anything that is all good, official recognition of a strong season. But of course the best recognition is on Grand Final Day.
Jarryd Hayne won the Dally M medal for best player in the competition and it’s hard to argue against that. Hayne, like the Eels, had a slow start to the season but for the last three to four months at least he’s been head and shoulders above the rest and a deserved winner.
Moving Finals
I understand most of the talk in Sydney during the week was about why the NRL should or shouldn’t force the Dragons to take their home final against the Eels this week to a bigger stadium. Kogarah Oval holds 18,000 tops, with only half allocated seats, and the argument was this game could draw anywhere up to 60,000 people.
I’m happy for the game to stay there … as a TV viewer Kogarah is probably a better option on Sunday afternoon. The NRL was short-sighted in not granting themselves power to shift games like this. As far as I’m concerned the Dragons are allowed to play wherever they want and no one could blame them for making their choice.
If anything this should be major motivation for the Eels. They can take a real seize mentality into this contest now. But they have to show up this time … they were on the wrong bus last week and now there is no second chance.
All-Queensland Final
South-east Queensland is buzzing this week ahead of the Titans v Broncos game on Saturday night at Robina. Everyone is picking their sides and really looking forward to the game. I’m sensing that no one wants the loser punted out of the competition, but there’s a real possibility that may happen.
The Broncos are favourites but like the Eels above, the Gold Coast will have a real point to prove and will be so determined to win. It’s their maiden finals appearance, they’re at home and they’re playing the Broncos. And rugby league fans in Queensland will be the big winners.
Queensland Cup Grand Final
Northern Pride, one of two feeder teams to the Cowboys, and Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles, feeders for Manly, will contest the QCup Decider this weekend. The game was taken away from Suncorp Stadium months ago, I think due to a possible date (not time) clash with an NRL final, and awarded to Kawana. For those outside of south-east Queensland, Kawana is on the Sunshine Coast and is the home ground for the Sea Eagles.
It should be a very interesting game with a few NRL-experienced players running around. For the Pride, their halfback Chris Shepperd has been described as a ‘Brett Kimmorley’ player for them and holds the key. I haven’t seen much of the Sea Eagles but the ‘T-Rex’ Tony Williams has been in great recent form and will be playing five-eighth this weekend.
Live coverage is available through the ABC outlets from 2pm Saturday and if like me you will be avoiding doing something constructive, I suggest you take a look.
Tips this week: Storm, Broncos, Bulldogs, Dragons
Last week: 5/8(Total: 112/186)
Winning percentage: 60%
Well that’s it for this week, please email your thoughts to andrew.keyte@gmail.com, and I will see you again soon.
Cheers,
Keyto
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Hello all and welcome to what is the penultimate week of the 2009 NRL competition and most judges, now more than at any stage this year, have no idea who is going to win this thing! In fact it’s even proving a hard task working out who is playing where next week let alone Grand Final day! Let’s have a look why:
The following takes place between 7:30pm Friday Rd 25 and 9pm Monday Rd 25
The Broncos defeat a spirited North Queensland but don’t have things going entirely their own way. They scrap hard for a win, drop a lot of football, but eventually out-class their northern cousins.
Parramatta Eels don’t just beat the Panthers, they annihilate the Penrith side in what was meant to be top eight shoot-out. It was a shoot-out alright, a dead set fatality as the Eels blazed Penrith off the park with a 48-6 thumping to all but confirm a spot in the final eight.
Moving on to Saturday where the Gold Coast Titans get locked in an attacking battle with a desperate, yet high octane, Wests Tigers. The visitors fought back a couple of times before the Titans turned to veteran Mat Rogers late in the game to get them home. The win, and future results, gave the Gold Coast a shot at a top two finish and meant they passed their toughest test in a month.
The Melbourne Storm, welcoming back star Greg Inglis, said goodbye to the ‘Graveyard’ by burying the Roosters by 40 points. It was clean, methodical and very ‘Melbourne Storm’. Just when you think this team is slipping, they go and fire a few more bullets.
Then came the big one...
The St George-Illawarra Dragons are beaten, humbled, embarrassed and thrashed 41-6 by Souths…South Sydney Rabbitohs of all teams!! An underperforming unit, a few weeks out of finals contention and a big casualty ward, put the cleaners through the side that spent all year leading the comp and carrying premiership favouritism. The Dragons have lost three in a row and are in some trouble. The one thing in their favour is the master coach Bennett, a man who has seen it all, but jeez they’re running out of time to bounce back.
Enter Sunday and what a Sunday it was. Referees’ rob Cronulla of a victory over Manly which not only resulted in the Sea Eagles moving within a point of a top four berth, but also ended the faint hopes of the Tigers. I ended up watching the whole game and, withstanding the fact I should have won $100 on a Sharkies 1-12 win, I was quite shattered for Cronulla. I don’t support that team, but I felt worse for them Sunday than I did when the Broncos lost to the Storm in the last minute of a semi final last year.
Surely that would be the end of the drama with a day of celebration for Hazem to follow?
Nope, the Bulldogs easily beat the Warriors to move into first on the ladder but lose their on-field general Brett Kimmorley. He controls everything at that club with their entire game played out under his command. They have some decent replacements in Roberts, Ennis and Daniel Holdsworth … but neither of them are Brett Kimmorley. ‘Noddy’ might be back for the Grand Final, but the Dogs have to get there first.
Then there is Newcastle who simply had to beat the Raiders in Canberra on Monday night to seal their place in the eight. Right, sounds easy hey? Not quite…The Raiders explode out of the blocks, bring some weather with them, dominate the game, get in a fight and win quite comfortably. Hhmm…Newcastle v Penrith on Sunday for a spot in the top eight. Wow!
So how do we pick a winner from all this? Parramatta are the form team, the Dragons and Bulldogs have sat at the top all year, Manly and Melbourne have done it before, Brisbane are back, the Titans are new at this caper and whoever makes eighth can beat anyone on their day.
I still like Melbourne a bit but not sure why…stuff it, bet on the Dogs because they’ll pay alright now without Kimmorley...
Who am I kidding, I have no idea!
Tips this week: Dragons, Bulldogs, Warriors, Manly, Cronulla, Cowboys, Newcastle, Brisbane
Last week: 7/8(Total: 107/178)
Winning percentage: 60%
Who do you think can win this thing? You can share your thoughts at andrew.keyte@gmail.com or comment below.
Have fun,
Keyto
The following takes place between 7:30pm Friday Rd 25 and 9pm Monday Rd 25
The Broncos defeat a spirited North Queensland but don’t have things going entirely their own way. They scrap hard for a win, drop a lot of football, but eventually out-class their northern cousins.
Parramatta Eels don’t just beat the Panthers, they annihilate the Penrith side in what was meant to be top eight shoot-out. It was a shoot-out alright, a dead set fatality as the Eels blazed Penrith off the park with a 48-6 thumping to all but confirm a spot in the final eight.
Moving on to Saturday where the Gold Coast Titans get locked in an attacking battle with a desperate, yet high octane, Wests Tigers. The visitors fought back a couple of times before the Titans turned to veteran Mat Rogers late in the game to get them home. The win, and future results, gave the Gold Coast a shot at a top two finish and meant they passed their toughest test in a month.
The Melbourne Storm, welcoming back star Greg Inglis, said goodbye to the ‘Graveyard’ by burying the Roosters by 40 points. It was clean, methodical and very ‘Melbourne Storm’. Just when you think this team is slipping, they go and fire a few more bullets.
Then came the big one...
The St George-Illawarra Dragons are beaten, humbled, embarrassed and thrashed 41-6 by Souths…South Sydney Rabbitohs of all teams!! An underperforming unit, a few weeks out of finals contention and a big casualty ward, put the cleaners through the side that spent all year leading the comp and carrying premiership favouritism. The Dragons have lost three in a row and are in some trouble. The one thing in their favour is the master coach Bennett, a man who has seen it all, but jeez they’re running out of time to bounce back.
Enter Sunday and what a Sunday it was. Referees’ rob Cronulla of a victory over Manly which not only resulted in the Sea Eagles moving within a point of a top four berth, but also ended the faint hopes of the Tigers. I ended up watching the whole game and, withstanding the fact I should have won $100 on a Sharkies 1-12 win, I was quite shattered for Cronulla. I don’t support that team, but I felt worse for them Sunday than I did when the Broncos lost to the Storm in the last minute of a semi final last year.
Surely that would be the end of the drama with a day of celebration for Hazem to follow?
Nope, the Bulldogs easily beat the Warriors to move into first on the ladder but lose their on-field general Brett Kimmorley. He controls everything at that club with their entire game played out under his command. They have some decent replacements in Roberts, Ennis and Daniel Holdsworth … but neither of them are Brett Kimmorley. ‘Noddy’ might be back for the Grand Final, but the Dogs have to get there first.
Then there is Newcastle who simply had to beat the Raiders in Canberra on Monday night to seal their place in the eight. Right, sounds easy hey? Not quite…The Raiders explode out of the blocks, bring some weather with them, dominate the game, get in a fight and win quite comfortably. Hhmm…Newcastle v Penrith on Sunday for a spot in the top eight. Wow!
So how do we pick a winner from all this? Parramatta are the form team, the Dragons and Bulldogs have sat at the top all year, Manly and Melbourne have done it before, Brisbane are back, the Titans are new at this caper and whoever makes eighth can beat anyone on their day.
I still like Melbourne a bit but not sure why…stuff it, bet on the Dogs because they’ll pay alright now without Kimmorley...
Who am I kidding, I have no idea!
Tips this week: Dragons, Bulldogs, Warriors, Manly, Cronulla, Cowboys, Newcastle, Brisbane
Last week: 7/8(Total: 107/178)
Winning percentage: 60%
Who do you think can win this thing? You can share your thoughts at andrew.keyte@gmail.com or comment below.
Have fun,
Keyto
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