Well what a few great weeks in sport!
The AFl was successful in securing a huge t.v. deal that was worth over a billion dollars to secure the future of the game. This is great news for anyone that wants easier access to viewing the game, with a dedicated channel for foxtel viewers and access over the web through Telstra services.
The NRL is anticipating a similar Television rights deal which will see a huge injection of badly needed funds into the game. Not only will it give the players of the game a pay rise, but it will also filter through to junior development and the strengthening of the individual clubs.
In watching the announcement of the sacking of Penrith Panthers coach Matthew Elliott, it was troubling to hear of the cutbacks that the club has had to endure to keep a first grade side on the field. Cutbacks to medical staff, trainers and by Matthews own admission junior development for the club. This deal will hopefully build clubs like Penrith back into the great clubs that their loyal fans wish to see.
Perhaps the power brokers within the game could even make way for the possibility of a Reserve grade competition that has been badly missed since being axed. In the Daily Telegraph today they reported that one of the key issues in the game was player burnout and the game was considering extending the play roster from 25 to 30 players. Surely bringing players straight up from NYC into first grade when their bodies aren't fully yet matured could contribute to burnout and early injuries.
Well its on again! State of Origin is just around the corner and New South Wales with the leadership of new coach Ricky Stuart has picked the opening team to take on Queensland. From my initial view of the team it seems like a good side to be taking on Queensland. For once players are picked in their respective positions and we see the omission of some stars namely Jarrod Hayne. Personally I think that Ricky has made the right decision in regards to Hayne and the team. Josh Dugan has shown that he has the fight to be an origin star and has the form to back it up, even though injury has plagued his initial few games.
If Dugan is the NSW fullback then it is hard to pick Hayne on either wing. Brett Morris has been in great form for the Dragons and Akuila Uate has been dominating for the Knights. Speaking of the Dragons it is refreshing to see Jamie Soward in the team. His kicking game combined with Mitchell Pearce at Half back and Michael Ennis at Hooker should make for an interesting match up for the likes of Thurston, Smith, Lockyer and Slater.
Our front and back row looks strong. Paul Gallen has earned the captaincy showing that he has what it takes to lead a team into battle shown by his dominating performance against the kiwis in the Ashes test. With Bird, Scott, Snowden, King and Creagh, Young, Merrin and Mannah off the bench there's a whole lot of angry ready to take on the Queensland pack.
One of the shock omissions from the side was Jamal Idris. I believe that he has shown that he belongs in the side if not in the starting side, then surely from the bench. Who knows this may make him hungrier for a spot in the next game. One thing I can't fathom though, is how a player can represent Australia and not be deemed worthy enough for NSW. If he keeps playing the way he is then there is no doubt that we will see him as a representative of the game for years to come. At least the new T.V. deal will hopefully ensure that we don't lose stars like Jamal to the English League or Union as we have done in the past.
So what do you think?
Is the new T.V. deal going to be everything the fans and NRL hope for? Will it give the game an edge on rival codes?
Has Ricky Stuart selected the right team to take on Queensland?
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