Well what a start to the 2013 league season.
As usual there is the never ending circle of problems that seem to arise from the arrival of a new season in league and already some great matches.
It would be great for one season to start without the usual off field dramas but as it stands our players and the upper nrl hierarchy have not failed to deliver once again.
Firstly there is the issue of the drug scandal that is threatening to derail the perpetual nrl train off its tracks. What a mess. My thoughts on this subject are one of amazement and anger. We have ASADA promising to weed out drug cheats and the people that have assisted them along the way, the NRL commission standing on the side lines scratching their heads, and politicians as far as the eye can see lining up for camera opportunities to throw their two cents in.
The sharks board have made an absolute meal of the whole situation and have sacked some great front line people who vehemently deny any involvement in the whole scandal and without anyone coming forward with the promise of protection or severe penalties if they don't, it seems ASADA are looking like a pack of witch hunters.
Don't get me wrong i agree that if there are drug cheats in the game then by all means name them, ban them for a significant amount of time and lets all move on. The fact that ASADA have come out and said we have a number of interested parties at more than one club but hey this could take months to sort out, is both detrimental to the game to keep and attract sponsors and unfair to fans of the game.
What I find funny is the disappearance of John Grant during this whole mess. It seemed that before this mess he was in every promotional opportunity that he could, to the point where alot of people were asking is this guy going to actual let someone else run the game, the CEO maybe? Which brings me to my second point point regarding player behaviour.
To start the season we have the Ben Barba issue. I think the Bulldogs and Ben have handled the situation quite well. Firstly they have kept it out of the public eye, and there has been a great deal of speculation over what exactly Ben did. But at the end of the day they stated its a private issue, nothing he did was illegal,he asked for help and the Bulldogs stood him down to deal with his issues.
Better now than six years down the track when he has blown all his cash and is caught in an awkward public situation, there has been plenty of those moments to mention, Ala Sonny Bill engaging in a restroom rendezvous.
Now we have the issue of Josh Dugan and his antics with Blake Ferguson on the roof of a Canberra house, giving the bird, drinking pineapple cruisers. This one I have trouble understanding.
Josh surely must realise that the game wholly supports the responsible consumption of Wild Turkey and cruisers are not in the best interests of the game in line with their target market.
The issue here however is his complete lack of respect for his team mates and club. The Raiders have come out and stated that Josh's indiscretions were long and numerous and that there was a great deal of pressure from his team mates on the club to terminate his contract.
When will players learn that when you are drinking or socialising with friends that they should maybe think twice before uploading any pictures or text to Twitter or other social media?
I have met Josh a couple of times once at one of my sons Rugby League matches, where I found him to be pleasant and willing to engage with the younger kids to promote the sport and the Raiders. Mind you that particular time that I encountered Josh, he and Blake were stood down for the week for a drinking session the previous week.
I hope that any club that takes him has the management in place to get him on the straight and narrow. However there is no way i would be paying anywhere near the $650,000 per season he was commanding at the Raiders.
I suppose what doesn't help the game is the fact we are now being bombarded by constant alcohol and gambling advertisements and on the other hand trying to communicate the need for our young athletes to deny all that the game promotes so unashamedly.
I don't know about anyone else but I sure am sick of seeing Tom Waterhouse plastered across my T.V. every two minutes. Tom if you knew what punters wanted you wouldn't be annoying us at half time while were getting the teams analysis.
As far as the actual game is concerned the competition looks juicy again, Melbourne are of course as dominant as usual with the Eagles, Bulldogs, Cowboys, and Souths looking to have the goods this year.
The new rule changes are for me a bit ordinary. I agree with the stricter control of the ruck, but they still haven't sorted out the obstruction rule. The Bulldogs, Storm game last night was testament to that. Cooper Cronks try in the second half that was disallowed was nothing short of a joke. The dummy runner was no where near the play the ball and if the defending player was not touched had zero chance of stopping a try.
I think the NRL got the interpretation right a few years back when they said that there would be a penalty only if the ball runner stepped into the space that a dummy runner had made by interfering with a defending player. It was at least an easier rule for me to grasp, and I think fair for both teams.
So tell us your thoughts.
Is our commission doing a great job?
Are the new on field rules to your liking?
And is Tom Waterhouse your favourite half time analyst?
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Monday, April 16, 2012
Country Of Origin
Well sports fans welcome to another week of sport.
The big issue over the last couple of weeks seem to revolve around the upcoming representative season.
For most supporters of Rugby League it gives most of us,both Kiwis and Aussies alike,a sick feeling to see James Tamou put on the green and gold for the upcoming match against New Zealand. Tamou was born in New Zealand, was in the train in squad for the four nations, is of Maori heritage and has clearly taken an opportunity because he was knocked back for a spot within the Kiwi squad.
I have a huge problem with this, especially if players are pledging allegiance with Australia, purely so that they can play State of Origin. A classic example of this is Tonie Carroll, who played for Qld, Australia and New Zealand.Of course he played for Qld first and although I wouldn't have liked him omitted from Origin his heart was obviously to play for New Zealand.
Personally I believe that we should let players play state of origin if they have played their first games in either state but still opt to play for their home countries if they still wish. Jack Reed is one player that springs to mind for me. Even though he would be eligible to play State of Origin, he has opted to play for England and therefore omitted from origin, even though he has lived here most of his life and would no doubt be of benefit for the Cane Toads. Another example is Karmichael Hunt, would he have played for Australia if he could have played State of Origin, regardless of whether he played for the Kiwis?
I also think that if players could play for their country of heritage without expulsion from origin, it would further enhance the representation of the game on an international level. Robbie Farah expressed his wishes to play for Lebanon, yet of course if he were to change preferences then he wouldn't be eligible to play state of origin.
Some fans will say that by giving players free will to play for their countries of birth, it would water down the state of origin series and there would be an influx of international players taking over the contest. But really isn't that already the case?
It may go to prove that players will choose to play for Australia anyway, but I don't believe that they should be blackmailed into missing out on the toughest contest in Rugby League purely because they want to play for their home country. If the Australian team has to win by taking a couple of players from the kiwis then it doesn't make the victory very sweet, at least not for me anyway.
Tell us what you think. Should players be allowed to play state of origin and still play for their home countries?
Monday, March 12, 2012
2012 Our best year ever?
Well what a great couple of weeks for sport.
Firstly a big congratulations to the Aussies who trounced an unlucky Sri Lanka who looked the goods throughout the one day series, capping off a great year for our home side. Although I was skeptical of the Australians both on and off the field earlier on in the season, they shone through with a dominate display over the Indian team in the test series and fought tooth and nail to capture the one day series.
Michael Clarke looks as though he will be a great captain showing humility and true leadership in leading our side to victory. It seems as though he has gained the trust and respect of his fellow cricketers which will hopefully see us dominate for years to come.
On to my favorite subject, what a great first couple of weeks for the NRL. On a personal note I have done absolutely terrible in the tipping, this year proving to be hard to pick with some unlikely winners in the first few games. So far this year there have been some contentious issues raised that have stirred a lot of heart felt debate.
Firstly the issue of shoulder charges and should they be outlawed from the game. Growing up, I think the defining moments that cemented my love of the game, came from those hard fought matches involving plenty of fire. None could be as hard fought or more passionate than our very own State of Origin. The series has been successful on its ability to deliver a brutal display of power, determination and endurance.With big hits shown, some freaky tries and the odd dust up it is nothing short of spectacular.
I suppose that is why every year the referees in these games relax the rules to suit the popularity of the contest. With the surrounding debate on concussion and the effect it has on players, the issue is highlighted by some misdirected shoulder charges that have made contact with the players head.
Personally I believe that the shoulder charge is a great part of our game. Whilst players that make contact with the head should be punished, it also opens a window for attacking players to exploit. A classic example of this was Josh Reynolds efforts last weekend when the Bulldogs took on the Panthers. He attempted no less than three shoulder charges and on each occasion was ineffective, in doing so he opened up gaps in defense which made the Bulldogs line vulnerable.
In taking this form of defense away from the game I feel as though we would miss the x factor that separates the game away from sports like Rugby Union. Maybe the answer is to only tackle below the nipple line, or wear helmets as Des Hasler suggests the game will head, but I believe that there needs to be a stronger penalty for defenders as an incentive to adjust their tackling style.
The other issue up for debate is the current player transfer system currently being utilised by NRL clubs. While no team likes to see players strike deals with clubs mid season I don't know if the draft system is the answer the game is looking for.
While some clubs will be licking their fingers at the prospect of an open market, it does pose the question of whether it will open opportunities for juniors that will be in their best interests. I think that the current system works fine for our game although the window of opportunity should be narrowed as to when player transfers can occur so as to protect the marketing efforts of individual clubs. Also there could be more done to increase the attractiveness of juniors and seniors such as greater concessions on the cap.
So, tell us what you think. Should the shoulder charge be outlawed? Should a draft system be implemented? Hopefully whatever decision the new commission comes up with will serve the game justly and make 2012 the best year ever.
Firstly a big congratulations to the Aussies who trounced an unlucky Sri Lanka who looked the goods throughout the one day series, capping off a great year for our home side. Although I was skeptical of the Australians both on and off the field earlier on in the season, they shone through with a dominate display over the Indian team in the test series and fought tooth and nail to capture the one day series.
Michael Clarke looks as though he will be a great captain showing humility and true leadership in leading our side to victory. It seems as though he has gained the trust and respect of his fellow cricketers which will hopefully see us dominate for years to come.
On to my favorite subject, what a great first couple of weeks for the NRL. On a personal note I have done absolutely terrible in the tipping, this year proving to be hard to pick with some unlikely winners in the first few games. So far this year there have been some contentious issues raised that have stirred a lot of heart felt debate.
Firstly the issue of shoulder charges and should they be outlawed from the game. Growing up, I think the defining moments that cemented my love of the game, came from those hard fought matches involving plenty of fire. None could be as hard fought or more passionate than our very own State of Origin. The series has been successful on its ability to deliver a brutal display of power, determination and endurance.With big hits shown, some freaky tries and the odd dust up it is nothing short of spectacular.
I suppose that is why every year the referees in these games relax the rules to suit the popularity of the contest. With the surrounding debate on concussion and the effect it has on players, the issue is highlighted by some misdirected shoulder charges that have made contact with the players head.
Personally I believe that the shoulder charge is a great part of our game. Whilst players that make contact with the head should be punished, it also opens a window for attacking players to exploit. A classic example of this was Josh Reynolds efforts last weekend when the Bulldogs took on the Panthers. He attempted no less than three shoulder charges and on each occasion was ineffective, in doing so he opened up gaps in defense which made the Bulldogs line vulnerable.
In taking this form of defense away from the game I feel as though we would miss the x factor that separates the game away from sports like Rugby Union. Maybe the answer is to only tackle below the nipple line, or wear helmets as Des Hasler suggests the game will head, but I believe that there needs to be a stronger penalty for defenders as an incentive to adjust their tackling style.
The other issue up for debate is the current player transfer system currently being utilised by NRL clubs. While no team likes to see players strike deals with clubs mid season I don't know if the draft system is the answer the game is looking for.
While some clubs will be licking their fingers at the prospect of an open market, it does pose the question of whether it will open opportunities for juniors that will be in their best interests. I think that the current system works fine for our game although the window of opportunity should be narrowed as to when player transfers can occur so as to protect the marketing efforts of individual clubs. Also there could be more done to increase the attractiveness of juniors and seniors such as greater concessions on the cap.
So, tell us what you think. Should the shoulder charge be outlawed? Should a draft system be implemented? Hopefully whatever decision the new commission comes up with will serve the game justly and make 2012 the best year ever.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Taking our bats and going home
The other day I was sitting at work reading through the national papers and was excited by the upcoming Bigbash Twenty20 tournament and the prospect of seeing my favourite and I'm sure a lot of others favourite cricketer in Shane Warne turn out for the Melbourne Stars.
It got me thinking about our current cricket side and what is missing when it comes to recapturing the hopes and dreams of today's australian public when they turn over to watch our boys compete against the best cricket nations on the planet.
The truth is that cricket is fast becoming the game that everyone is turning away from and it may have more to do with the attitudes and image of the players than the evolution of the game from what it was twenty years ago. It seems that cricket Australia is not only losing the interest of the younger generation, but that of our older and wiser generation. A generation that could tell us stories of how they had family barbecues where cricket was the number one backyard sport and a WII was something you did after you'd had three cans of VB.
When I suggested to my dad the other day that we switch on the cricket and watch the Aussies battle the Kiwis I was horrified to hear him say "I hope the Aussies get flogged, their nothing but a bunch of pretentious sooks". I immediately jumped to the defense of the green and gold and as I was flicking through the Telegraph came across an article on the ousting of Simon Katich and the excommunication of Darryl Hare and thought, maybe he has a point.
My heroes growing up came in the form of a chubby David Boon, a determined Dean Jones and a no nonsense larrikan in the form of Mervin Hughes. Now I'm bombarded by advertisements for vitamins from Ricky, KFC from Clarke and shaving cream from who knows who else. The trouble is the character and cheekiness have gone out the window for a serious business based approach and correct me if i'm wrong but the fun seems to have disappeared as well.
I hope that Michael Clarke can build a team built on not only competitiveness, but humility and friendship. No one wants to see infighting and the string of ads aimed at the viewers do nothing except confirm the public's belief that cricket Australia wants nothing more than to line its own pockets and look after their own interests.
The upcoming test of Australia vs India will more than likely show that our cricketers need to get back to our roots and focus on the things that are important. They need to show the world and more importantly the Australian public, that we are a nation of great competitors and not just a bunch of spoiled brats.
Tell us what you think. Has Australia lost it's personality?
It got me thinking about our current cricket side and what is missing when it comes to recapturing the hopes and dreams of today's australian public when they turn over to watch our boys compete against the best cricket nations on the planet.
The truth is that cricket is fast becoming the game that everyone is turning away from and it may have more to do with the attitudes and image of the players than the evolution of the game from what it was twenty years ago. It seems that cricket Australia is not only losing the interest of the younger generation, but that of our older and wiser generation. A generation that could tell us stories of how they had family barbecues where cricket was the number one backyard sport and a WII was something you did after you'd had three cans of VB.
When I suggested to my dad the other day that we switch on the cricket and watch the Aussies battle the Kiwis I was horrified to hear him say "I hope the Aussies get flogged, their nothing but a bunch of pretentious sooks". I immediately jumped to the defense of the green and gold and as I was flicking through the Telegraph came across an article on the ousting of Simon Katich and the excommunication of Darryl Hare and thought, maybe he has a point.
My heroes growing up came in the form of a chubby David Boon, a determined Dean Jones and a no nonsense larrikan in the form of Mervin Hughes. Now I'm bombarded by advertisements for vitamins from Ricky, KFC from Clarke and shaving cream from who knows who else. The trouble is the character and cheekiness have gone out the window for a serious business based approach and correct me if i'm wrong but the fun seems to have disappeared as well.
I hope that Michael Clarke can build a team built on not only competitiveness, but humility and friendship. No one wants to see infighting and the string of ads aimed at the viewers do nothing except confirm the public's belief that cricket Australia wants nothing more than to line its own pockets and look after their own interests.
The upcoming test of Australia vs India will more than likely show that our cricketers need to get back to our roots and focus on the things that are important. They need to show the world and more importantly the Australian public, that we are a nation of great competitors and not just a bunch of spoiled brats.
Tell us what you think. Has Australia lost it's personality?
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