Hi sports fans and welcome to another great week of sport.
Firstly I just wanted to say how great it was to see Bernard Tomic reach the quarter finals at Wimbledon. If your an Aussie and not behind this lad, you should be. On sheer belief and determination the 18 year old beat ranked 42 Xavier Malisse. Watch this space for a great finish for the young champion, I'm sure there will be more great things to come.
On Saturday I had the honour of seeing the Ice Hockey in our nations capital. The Canberra Knights went down 10-3 to the Goldcoast Blue Tongues in what was a thrilling game. Being my first time at the Ice Hockey I was in awe at the speed and toughness shown by both sides. There were a couple of dust ups during the game which only added to the magnificent intensity of the game and saw players from both sides binned several times. The cosy, yet chilly confines of the arena made it a memorable night for myself and my wife and definitely got me jumping out of my chair. If you haven't already, get down to see the boys get into it every Saturday night, you won't be disappointed I know i wasn't.
On to League, everyone is awaiting the impending State of Origin match at Suncorp stadium. There is an injury cloud surrounding the blues at the moment, most noticeably the hamstring injury to Jamie Soward. I'm sure Jamie will be fine and we will see another fast paced fiery encounter when the two sides meet at next Wednesday. Having the series now levelled I'm sure that both sides will be out to prove which state deserves to be victors.
It will be great to see Darryn Lockyer play his final game for the maroons and I hope that he gets the send off that the great man truly deserves. We as league supporters have been blessed to see him perform week in an week out and I'm sure that he will try his hardest to lead the Broncos to another premiership victory.
Speaking of injuries, there is debate at the moment over the "Cannonball" tackle currently being used by a few players. Anyone unfamiliar to the tackle, a player is held up whilst another player hits the legs of the player with a great deal of force. This no doubt will be banned by the NRL and will be another grey area for referees to police. There is a fine line however when it comes to the attacking player still fighting in the tackle. I guess the players that are guilty of these tackles need to remember that what comes around will surely go around.
So what was your memorable moment in sport for the last couple of weeks? Do "Cannonball" tackles need to be abolished and who will win the State of Origin?
Monday, June 27, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
The downside of being a Sports Twit
I was reading the Daily Telegraph the other day in relation to the hoo ha over Tigers players expressing their views on Twitter and couldn't help thinking that this was one topic that will be sure to bring on some hard fought debate.
It got me thinking about the role that social networking sites play in relation to our sporting clubs. There is no doubt that they have a huge benefit in promoting sports and are sometimes used unashamedly by some stars to promote other entrepreneurial endeavours they may have. A couple of examples of this are of course Shane Warne with his "Spinners" line of underwear and Russel Crowe with the announcement of the Rabbitohs Star City Casino sponsorship.
Sites like Twitter and Facebook create the perfect medium for our sports codes and for that matter any organisation to engage their audience head on. If conducted in the right way they are able to give themselves a free plug at zero cost. This type of promotion can be invaluable for organisations that wish to raise money for charity, we seen this all too recently with the news of devastating Queensland floods. Social network sites enabled users to discuss the event , share photos and create links so that people could donate money. Personally my first footage of the tragedy was through a link on Twitter.
Not only are these sites free, but they offer users an interactive relationship with their sporting heroes. I've never had the pleasure to meet Wendel Sailor, but I can easily grab my HTC and write him a message and if he's kind enough then he will send me a message back. It's this type of networking that benefits both the clubs and their fans and perhaps that could explain the massive increase in club memberships for the past couple of years.
Going beyond this, Footy Social a product of the social networking universe, allows ordinary people to learn more about their stars and get a glimpse into their private lives.Players offer their photos, what they like to eat, videos on events they have been to and much more. The site also enables players to promote their own wares and all through the use of interactive networks.
This type of technology is changing the way that people interact with one another and it is even spreading to mainstream television. Foxtel offer viewers full HD viewing, T.V. now can be Internet enabled and we can view the state of origin in 3D. We can even view the games from our mobile phone, just in case your out fishing on lake Jindabyne and don't want to miss Billy Slater score a winning try.
As stated in earlier articles the confusion starts when celebrities don't like what is written about them. Don't get me wrong, I'm in no way endorsing the spreading of rumours, especially when it involves family members of the said celebrity, but if you invite people into your lives then you have to unfortunately deal with the not so kind ones that come with it.
Like it or not there is always going to be someone that disagrees with the way that you play the game or how you behave in public. I think in this instance the Tigers need to be careful how they approach this situation, the fans that they condemn on these sites today, could be the same one's that they need to fuel a special event in the future. Although not everyone is engaged with these sites the users of the sites will often talk about what they read around the office or with friends and family.
Maybe before some high profile people write messages, they should think about what they have written before they push send.
Tell us what you think.
Are social network sites a great thing for our sports?
It got me thinking about the role that social networking sites play in relation to our sporting clubs. There is no doubt that they have a huge benefit in promoting sports and are sometimes used unashamedly by some stars to promote other entrepreneurial endeavours they may have. A couple of examples of this are of course Shane Warne with his "Spinners" line of underwear and Russel Crowe with the announcement of the Rabbitohs Star City Casino sponsorship.
Sites like Twitter and Facebook create the perfect medium for our sports codes and for that matter any organisation to engage their audience head on. If conducted in the right way they are able to give themselves a free plug at zero cost. This type of promotion can be invaluable for organisations that wish to raise money for charity, we seen this all too recently with the news of devastating Queensland floods. Social network sites enabled users to discuss the event , share photos and create links so that people could donate money. Personally my first footage of the tragedy was through a link on Twitter.
Not only are these sites free, but they offer users an interactive relationship with their sporting heroes. I've never had the pleasure to meet Wendel Sailor, but I can easily grab my HTC and write him a message and if he's kind enough then he will send me a message back. It's this type of networking that benefits both the clubs and their fans and perhaps that could explain the massive increase in club memberships for the past couple of years.
Going beyond this, Footy Social a product of the social networking universe, allows ordinary people to learn more about their stars and get a glimpse into their private lives.Players offer their photos, what they like to eat, videos on events they have been to and much more. The site also enables players to promote their own wares and all through the use of interactive networks.
This type of technology is changing the way that people interact with one another and it is even spreading to mainstream television. Foxtel offer viewers full HD viewing, T.V. now can be Internet enabled and we can view the state of origin in 3D. We can even view the games from our mobile phone, just in case your out fishing on lake Jindabyne and don't want to miss Billy Slater score a winning try.
As stated in earlier articles the confusion starts when celebrities don't like what is written about them. Don't get me wrong, I'm in no way endorsing the spreading of rumours, especially when it involves family members of the said celebrity, but if you invite people into your lives then you have to unfortunately deal with the not so kind ones that come with it.
Like it or not there is always going to be someone that disagrees with the way that you play the game or how you behave in public. I think in this instance the Tigers need to be careful how they approach this situation, the fans that they condemn on these sites today, could be the same one's that they need to fuel a special event in the future. Although not everyone is engaged with these sites the users of the sites will often talk about what they read around the office or with friends and family.
Maybe before some high profile people write messages, they should think about what they have written before they push send.
Tell us what you think.
Are social network sites a great thing for our sports?
Monday, May 16, 2011
The deal of the century
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?
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?
Monday, April 4, 2011
This week in sport - Captains, loyalty and more
Well another week has passed and another great week in sport has been witnessed.
India deservedly won the Cricket world cup. After losing the "Little Master" early, India chased down Pakistan's 274 to win in stylish fashion. In other cricket news the ICC has reduced the number of teams for the 2015 world cup to ten instead of 15 in order to shorten the competition and make it more competitive. I think this is a great move by the ICC. By reducing the number of teams in the World Cup fans should see more quality matches and all within a reasonable time frame.
That being said though I don't believe that teams should gain automatic selection. To be considered for the World Cup, teams should have to prove that they belong there in the first place. I guess the ICC needs to work out whether the World Cup means letting all countries compete and not just member countries. According the the Daily Telegraph (April 5, 2011) Ireland Cricket Chief executive Warren Deutrum stated that he would not take the ICC's "outrageous" decision lying down. So it will be interesting what happens from here hopefully it is in the best interests of the game, however it is hard not to be sympathetic with any team that gives the English a hiding.
Ricky Ponting also announced that he was resigning from the top job as Australian cricket captain and has handed the reins over to Michael Clarke. Personally I find it strange that Ricky is not resigning himself altogether.
Obviously the choice is Punters alone, but how much more can he achieve as a cricket player? I believe he should leave on his own merits and let an up and coming star make their way into the side. In saying that if he does stay, I hope that when he does leave it is a gracious exit and not because of a falling out with other players. I say this because i think it must be hard for a player to completely remove them self from the top job while still being a part of the side, and I think he needs to do that for Michael Clarke to be able to captain effectively.
The NRL had some close games over the weekend with three games having a two point or less differential. With the Bulldogs losing their first game to the Storm, the top four now stands with the Broncos in the lead followed by The Storm, Dragons and Bulldogs. It looks like this years competition is going to be one hard fought out competition and each week so far has left tipsters and punters alike scratching their heads.
This week also brought up the question of preselection for State of Origin. I'm speaking of course about the announcement that prop Martin Kennedy will be playing for Queensland (should he be selected). There will be much debate on the issue and everyone will have their opinion, but at the end of the day if that's where Martin wants to play then I see no reason why anyone should stand in his way. It seems that the NRL has no problem with a players pledging their allegiance for the Kangaroos even though he may not have been born in Australia, so I personally see no problem with Martin choosing Queensland if that's where he believes he belongs. This is also coming from someone who has been a blues supporter their whole life.
The AFL this week saw why NRL stars shouldn't play AFL after watching Israel Folau fumble around the field to finish the game without even laying hands on the Steeden. I still have to wonder if the AFL made the right move in signing Israel Folau, purely to promote their game. From the outside it looks like an Almighty flop. Israel Folau belongs in Rugby League not on an AFL field and anyone who tells you otherwise is kidding themselves. Although he was obviously focused on money in the beginning, I hope that he comes back to us soon, so we can see more of that magic that he has showed us in the past.
The AFL ladder sees Collingwood and Carlton on top, followed by West Coast and Geelong. With Collingwood and Carlton facing off on Friday night, this weekends action promises to be riveting. Geelong will be boosted by the return of some key players for this weeks match against Port Adelaide and should strengthen their position on the ladder.
So what are your predictions for the week ahead?
Who is the Dark horse in the NRL and/or AFL? and has Michael Clarke got what it takes to lead our great side?
India deservedly won the Cricket world cup. After losing the "Little Master" early, India chased down Pakistan's 274 to win in stylish fashion. In other cricket news the ICC has reduced the number of teams for the 2015 world cup to ten instead of 15 in order to shorten the competition and make it more competitive. I think this is a great move by the ICC. By reducing the number of teams in the World Cup fans should see more quality matches and all within a reasonable time frame.
That being said though I don't believe that teams should gain automatic selection. To be considered for the World Cup, teams should have to prove that they belong there in the first place. I guess the ICC needs to work out whether the World Cup means letting all countries compete and not just member countries. According the the Daily Telegraph (April 5, 2011) Ireland Cricket Chief executive Warren Deutrum stated that he would not take the ICC's "outrageous" decision lying down. So it will be interesting what happens from here hopefully it is in the best interests of the game, however it is hard not to be sympathetic with any team that gives the English a hiding.
Ricky Ponting also announced that he was resigning from the top job as Australian cricket captain and has handed the reins over to Michael Clarke. Personally I find it strange that Ricky is not resigning himself altogether.
Obviously the choice is Punters alone, but how much more can he achieve as a cricket player? I believe he should leave on his own merits and let an up and coming star make their way into the side. In saying that if he does stay, I hope that when he does leave it is a gracious exit and not because of a falling out with other players. I say this because i think it must be hard for a player to completely remove them self from the top job while still being a part of the side, and I think he needs to do that for Michael Clarke to be able to captain effectively.
The NRL had some close games over the weekend with three games having a two point or less differential. With the Bulldogs losing their first game to the Storm, the top four now stands with the Broncos in the lead followed by The Storm, Dragons and Bulldogs. It looks like this years competition is going to be one hard fought out competition and each week so far has left tipsters and punters alike scratching their heads.
This week also brought up the question of preselection for State of Origin. I'm speaking of course about the announcement that prop Martin Kennedy will be playing for Queensland (should he be selected). There will be much debate on the issue and everyone will have their opinion, but at the end of the day if that's where Martin wants to play then I see no reason why anyone should stand in his way. It seems that the NRL has no problem with a players pledging their allegiance for the Kangaroos even though he may not have been born in Australia, so I personally see no problem with Martin choosing Queensland if that's where he believes he belongs. This is also coming from someone who has been a blues supporter their whole life.
The AFL this week saw why NRL stars shouldn't play AFL after watching Israel Folau fumble around the field to finish the game without even laying hands on the Steeden. I still have to wonder if the AFL made the right move in signing Israel Folau, purely to promote their game. From the outside it looks like an Almighty flop. Israel Folau belongs in Rugby League not on an AFL field and anyone who tells you otherwise is kidding themselves. Although he was obviously focused on money in the beginning, I hope that he comes back to us soon, so we can see more of that magic that he has showed us in the past.
The AFL ladder sees Collingwood and Carlton on top, followed by West Coast and Geelong. With Collingwood and Carlton facing off on Friday night, this weekends action promises to be riveting. Geelong will be boosted by the return of some key players for this weeks match against Port Adelaide and should strengthen their position on the ladder.
So what are your predictions for the week ahead?
Who is the Dark horse in the NRL and/or AFL? and has Michael Clarke got what it takes to lead our great side?
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