NSW Blues Will Never Learn

June 29, 2010

I don’t think the NSW Blues officials will ever learn. How many times have they been told by commentators, the media and astute fans that sticking by the same group of players might just bring improved results?

Haven’t seen the NSW Origin side lineup yet? Check the bottom of this article for the full team.

Queensland have been laughing at NSW for years now. They’ve known for decades that sticking by the same group of blokes brings trust, combinations and success.

Throwing a player an Origin jumper, hoping he will perform with a group of guys he hardly knows and then turfing him out to dry a few weeks later is stupidity. It not only breaks the spirit of the player, it removes all trust from the playing group – who think they are playing for their lives in one single match.

It effectively makes every single NSW Origin game a Grand Final – hence, extremely talented club footballers do silly, nervous things in NSW’s case.

NSW need to select the best team available and state to that team, “We will stick with you for this 3 Game series, injuries and suspension permitting.”

You immediately breed confidence, support and give yourself a chance of winning.

NSW have selected a good team for Origin 3. But, the Blues also had very capable teams in Game 1 and Game 2.

Poor Brett Kimmorley was made a scapegoat in Game 1. Noddy is an experienced, icecool performer who hardley put a foot wrong in the first game.

He is told that NSW want fresh, younger legs and he wouldn’t be selected for Game 2. Thats fair enough, I’m sure even Noddy would cop that on the chin.

But then, the NSW selectors turn around and pick Trent Barrett in the halves? Again, Barrett is a fine player and doesn’t look out of place in Origin – but ummm, isn’t he a veteran around the same age as Noddy?

This screams of disrespect. Not only will Noddy feel cheated, but Barrett too would be concious of the selectors knifing him in the back too if things went bad.

The revolving door policy NSW have used seemingly forever – is now killing them.

I wish all the best to the 4 new debutants in the NSW Blues side. But please, someone take a stand and confirm the playing group and even elements of the coaching group can remain in place.

While it’s highly likely Craig Bellamy won’t be a part of the NSW Origin group moving forward, achieving some kind of familiarity within the group is critically important. This is where Queensland have leapt so far ahead, from the coach right down to the officials – they are a unit.

NSW throw in a varied group of talented people and hope within a few weeks – the whole unit can gel. The pressure has mounted with every series loss and it’s simply got too much for a new, raw group of individuals and officials to handle.

The one positive it seems is that NSW have stuck with the key men in positions, 1,6,7 and 9. Hayne, Barrett, Pearce and Ennis need to form the core of the Blues moving forward.

Barrett is the exception here, the veteran is of course moving towards the end of his career. However, injury permitting – he should be there until he walks away now.

By sticking with this group – NSW can build the spine of a team, who can help develop a style and gameplan with better understanding of each other. With every minute they play together, they’ll get better and better as a team.

The other ingredient is the ‘attacking’ element. In the past few years, NSW have always picked a side that favoured defence – attempting to thwart Inglis, Folau and Slater in the Queensland backline.

We need to start attacking. Be the hunter, instead of the hunted.

By picking Michael Jennings and Michael Gordon – the NSW outfit has the chance to put on some points. Ok, both guys might not be text book defenders – but given recent Blues performances, they can’t do much worse.

Jennings has to remain in the NSW outfit moving forward. The guy is a superstar and can score points at will. The same goes for Brett Morris, a natural flier – they both need to form the future of this NSW State of Origin outfit.

Form has demanded Michael Gordon be selected and he deserves a shot.

Now, what about the ‘enforcer’ component?

NSW fans screamed for some hardmen to come into the side and deal with bullies like Carl Webb and Sam Thaiday.

While Webb might be gone, there is no question that NSW need someone in their ranks to dish the dirt and deal with standover men like Thaiday.

While Luke O’Donnell and Paul Gallen copped flack for their heavy-handed tactics in Game 2, few people commented on the nasty role of Thaiday.

The big Queensland forward, who has probably been the best forward for 2010 – was at his aggressive, brutal best.

He threw several punches that connected with O’Donnell, albeit from a unsighted ’sniping’ position – but he also got involved in every scuffle and was willing to ‘turn it on’ should he need to.

While Luke O’Donnell may have blown his chances, the selection of the bash brothers Paul Gallen and Greg Bird is mandatory.

While Gallen seemingly always gives up a bucketload of penalties, his tag as the ‘grubbiest man in League’ does suit the State of Origin style. Gallen is a tough, no nonsense forward who can handle the hits that come his way – along with standing by his teammates in a storm.

Bird too will go down fighting, and that’s what NSW need.

In the front row, NSW have two young guns that need to remain in the side for the future. Tom Learoyd and Tim Mannah are two seriously big boppers that know exactly what they are doing. Kade Snowden too looks highly likely.

Please give these guys a chance. Don’t throw them to the scrapheap.

If the NSW selectors and officials can remain strong and refuse to buckle, who knows one day we might actually win an Origin series.

NSW team for Origin III

Jarryd Hayne, Brett Morris, Michael Jennings, Beau Scott, Michael Gordon, Trent Barrett (c), Mitchell Pearce, Jason King, Michael Ennis, Kade Snowden, Luke Lewis, Paul Gallen, Greg Bird. Interchange: Kurt Gidley, Tom Learoyd- Lahrs, Tim Mannah, Anthony Watmough.

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Cracks Appear at Parra Eels

June 28, 2010

The poor recent form of the Parramatta Eels has been compounded by news this morning that head coach Daniel Anderson and the clubs highest paid player Jarryd Hayne aren’t seeing eye-to-eye.

There was an inkling of the trouble at the press conference after the Broncos game, with the coach letting his feelings known – that Jarryd wasn’t at his best and still has a few lessons to learn.

It sounds a little like World Cup Soccer syndrome, a case of players becoming unhappy when criticized by the coach.

Whether wrong or right, the coaches word should always be the final say – as he is ultimately the person who lives or dies by the sword.

But the timing of this blow-up isn’t ideal for the Eels, given their poor recent form on and off the field.

They’ve had Timana Tahu unable to cope with the Origin fall-out, the talented centre taking his frustrations out on opposing Knights players and copping a 4 week ban.

Paul Osborne the Parramatta CEO was fined by Police for allegedly shoplifting.

It certainly doesn’t ready like a harmonious club.

The only person laughing would be former club boss Denis Fitzgerald who after being booted out by the 3P ticket would be happy the club is on shaky ground.

But back to the coach and player fallout.

People have suggested that coach Daniel Anderson’s man-management might be too ‘heavy handed’ hence unsettling the likes of Hayne. Some media outlets were quick to point out Andersons struggle with Polynesian players – a label dating back to his Warriors days.

However – the Eels absolutely need a coach in the Anderson style.

In the same mould as Brian Smith, Anderson certainly isn’t a pushover. The Eels players were guilty of turning ’soft’ under the quietly-spoken management of Michael Hagan. The club seemingly like a holiday camp with players taking advantage of the friendly coach.

All these men are talented coaches, as is Jason Taylor who controlled the Eels for a period also.

However, certain styles of coaches suit playing groups or club cultures better.

Anderson and Smith, love them or hate them – suit the current squad and culture at the Parramatta Eels. When their strict management policy was in place – the club hummed along better.

The Eels despite this years results, still boast an impressive roster. The likes of Feleti Mateo, Kris Inu and Jarryd Hayne can do astounding things on a Rugby League field.

But getting these guys mentally ‘up’ for a game on a weekly basis is the key to unlocking the consistency machine.

Some have suggested that John Lang has an ability to get the best out of Polynesian players. Lang certainly had the Panthers firing on all cylinders in 2003 with their large Islander contingent.

You saw a swift change when Matt Elliott came into play, quite the opposite of Lang – Elliott’s style obviously didn’t suit Polynesian and senior players, with key men unhappy, results dipping and the revolving door policy following.

Puletua left, Pritchard was set to walk and Priddis checked out of the Panthers too.

It seems to be a similar situation at the Eels.

Daniel Anderson is a good coach. He’s achieved success at an early age and has coached around the world.

Jarryd Hayne is a supremely talented player. However, Hayne along with a bunch of other big name players in the NRL need to remember who’s running the show.

The sooner Hayne realises that game plans must be followed and any problems with the coach need to be sorted out directly with the clipboard man as opposed to via a player manager – things will return back to normal.

The Eels have a bunch of issues to work through, but despite an average year so far – they have more runs on the board than they did last year, so they have ample time to turn it around.

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NRL Round 16 Preview

June 25, 2010

Round 16 of the NRL kicks off on Friday night with two huge matches.

Things should get exciting with the St George Illawarra Dragons at home to the Wests Tigers and while Wests have been successful in their last 4 matches – the bookies don’t give them a chance against the well drilled and defensive Dragons.

Despite Saints being the pace-setters, the Tigers style could upset them here. If Wests get a positive early start, anything could happen.

Despite being perched high on the NRL Ladder, plenty of critics refuse to believe the Penrith Panthers are the real deal. With a Top 8 spot all but confirmed for them – they get a chance to put on a show at home against the Sea Eagles.

Playing at CUA Stadium and the loss of Jamie Lyon for Manly gives Penrith all the ace cards here.

On Saturday the Eels do battle with the Broncos in the battle for a position in the eight – with both sides having indifferent form in 2010. The Broncos had a horror early run but came good, only to get patchy around Origin time.

The Eels have shown they have the ability, turning in good performances when they are ‘motivated’ such as their outing against the Storm – but at times they look disinterested.

This game is crucial for both sides who are slipping out of the range of Top 4 spots.

The battle of the strugglers also takes place Saturday night, with the Cowboys and Sharks doing battle. While plenty of folks might choose to wash their hair during this match – the reality is, that with some luck these sides might flook 8th spot if they start their run now.

A good matchup on Saturday night is the Rabbitohs and the Storm who will do battle in Perth, Western Australia. This is a great test for the ‘Bunnies’ and a strong win here consolidates their ladder positions.

Melbourne understandably are struggling for motivation, still playing for nothing – its hard to tell what kind of performance they’ll turn in.

On Sunday the Roosters have a chance to upset the Warriors at home and certainly need to get a win here to show some sort of consistency. Brian Smith has touched on the fitness of Todd Carney, suggesting the key man is back to his best and Smith expects some quality touches.

The Warriors have been hard to pick all season, the bookies don’t like their chances this week – but it’s a lottery with NZ it seems. They could pull off an upset here, despite it being away from home.

The Titans face the plucky Knights and will be nervous without Scott Prince. After a dramatic win last week, Newcastle could get back into the thick of it with another victory over the Gold Coast.

A win for the Titans without Price would do wonders for their confidence and would be ideal, cementing their Top Ladder position.

Monday night Football sees the Raiders do battle with the Bulldogs and despite being inconsistent they should put paid to the Dogs who have been on a horror slide in 2010.

The Canberra outfit are often forgotten, but for them – this is an ideal chance to jump an out of form team and get themselves a chance of making the NRL finals.

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Top 4 NRL Sides Firming

June 23, 2010

As the 2010 NRL regular season speeds up towards completion, it seems the current Top 4 could potentially be firmed in the finishing positions given their form, byes in hand and run home.

While the St George Illawarra Dragons have all but confirmed a Top 2 finish unless the wheels really fall off.

Bennett’s side has again performed beautifully, they’ve shown great depth during the Origin period and boast quality players in a range of positions as opposed to 1 or 2 strike men.

The Penrith Panthers have been the big surprise packet of 2010. Prior to the season kickoff NRL News feared Penny would again miss the Top 8 cut – but the reinvention of this side has been exciting to watch.

Penrith have always been an impressive attacking team, but they’ve developed more adaptive defensive techniques and since cutting the likes of Luke Priddis, they’ve been much more disciplined.

While some point to the amount of tries they score from kicks, they are running high on energy and are putting themselves in the right positions to get a good result when attacking.

Should remain Top 4.

What about the Wests Tigers? They’ve been in this position before, only to trip over a blade of grass in the final weeks and lose out of the Top 8 all together.

But 2010 looks to be different. Their current roster has not only performed well in recent weeks, but they’ve achieved some amazing feats.

They’ve bounced back from a horrible slump that saw a tonne of pressure on both coach and leading players. This can make or break teams and this year, it seems the furnace has galvanized the Tigers.

This year, Wests have also proved they can win in a grind. They have been able to tuck away their flashy attacking flair and roll the sleeves up.

Finally, they’ve had their fair share of injury woes. This has been tough, but allowed them to develop greater depth and blood some upcoming players. With several players due to return from injury in the back end of the season – the depth will only improve.

Lock them in, it’s Top 4 Tigers.

Lastly, the Gold Coast Titans should sneak into the final Top 4 spot. While their for and against isn’t as good as the teams above them, they do have a bye in hand.

They have the Sea Eagles and Roosters breathing down their necks, but the Titans have shown greater consistency this year and have an ability to win tight games.

Combine this with their fortress home ground and they should have enough in the tank to confirm a Top 4 spot this year.

With their experienced roster, it reads like a virtual who’s who of former and current representative players.

These guys are invaluable in the big games. When the heats on, Prince, Campbell, Rogers, Bird, Laffranchi, Meyers and Harrison have the runs on the board.

These guys are a genuine chance to take the trophy this year.

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Queensland Folau Backflip Typical

June 11, 2010

Its been an extremely interesting week in the world of Rugby Legue, firstly with the Queensland Rugby League putting themselves before the greater game and selecting defector Israel Folau and then the NRL judiciary amazingly letting Jarryd Hayne off the hook.

What about the QRL and the Folau selection? Only a week ago, we praised Ross Livermore and the Queenslanders who initially said they wouldn’t select Folau after the Bronco and former Storm star chose to turn his back on Rugby League all together and play AFL.

How things can change.

The Queenslanders were set to pick Brent Tate, but the experienced Warrior was outted with serious injury – so what do the Maroons do?

They backflip, bigtime. Picking Folau and letting the rival code of AFL laugh all the way to the bank.

You see, everytime Folau is mentioned now – AFL is too. Just look at last nights Footy Show, they had the ‘Big Maarn’ visiting schools and kicking around AFL balls.

Just here in this article, by talking about Livermore and the Queenslanders along with their Folau selection joke – it’s giving the AFL precious air-time.

The Australian Rugby League is now expected to hastily change the selection rules regarding defecting players prior to the Game 3 – so the whole game of Rugby League won’t be a laughing stock.

But we should have expected this selfish situation from Queensland, they’ve always bent the rules, cried poor and wouldn’t hesitate to sell their mums to win Origin.

They pulled the Lote Tiquiri TBA selection, forcing the rules of Origin selection to be changed.

The Queenslanders never wanted to give up their home ground to expand into Melbourne, forcing the Blues to offer their homeground advantage for the betterment of the game.

They plucked Allan Langer from the UK when things got tough – they’ll do anything to win this thing.

Even prior to the Maroon-wash, prior to them winning the 4 straight Origin series’ – when the NSW men had the upper-hand, they worried for the closeness of the contest.

NSW should have been thinking no mercy.

Now is the time, the selection of Folau should be even greater motivation for all of NSW to want to drive Queensland into oblivion.

Plenty of talk surrounds every Origin game, as does the hype. But this game is possibly the biggest ever. If NSW lose, it marks 5 long years of pain.

There was suggestion of a ‘trenches battle’ in Game 1, but it never eventuated.

Both forced and form reshuffles for NSW in Game 2 look to be for the better. Apart from Brett Kimmorley, who should never have been dropped – the Blues look to have more mongrel and workhorse in the forwards.

Blues players and fans, never ever forget this. Queensland have again thumbed their noses at the game and us. Roll up the sleeves and give them what they deserve in their own backyard.

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NRL Round 13 Preview Tips

June 3, 2010

NRL Round 13, the half-way point of the 2010 season gets underway tomorrow night with the Eels/Storm and Tigers/Bulldogs matches.

The long awaited Grand Final rematch will reignite old rivalries, but given what has taken place with the Storm salary cap drama since last year’s GF win – Friday’s return bout against the Eels takes things to another level.

On current form and personnel the Storm look to have the Eel’s measure, but coming back into the lineup for the homeside is Hindmarsh, Grothe and Reddy and with an apparent hostile Parramatta crowd, this makes for a good game.

The Storm too have their big guns returning in Inglis, Slater and Smith. The Melbourne side should have too much form and experience for the 2010 Eels.

The other cracker on Friday Night is the Bulldogs and the Wests Tigers. The Tigers display against the Warriors was stunning and they look to have rebounded in the last fortnight.

But the Bulldogs are in serious trouble, they are seemingly the most desperate outfit here and should come out firing. Expect a big showing from the Canterbury mob who are struggling in 13th position.

The Dogs should win this one.

On Saturday the Panthers who rely heavily on senior forward Petero Civoniceva will be without their star and will have to rebound quickly from last week in order to beat the Knights,

Given this is at CUA and there isn’t a world of pressure on the Penrith side, they should get back into top gear and burn the travelling Knights.

The other Saturday NRL Game is the Roosters and Cronulla. At the SFS and carrying good form on the back of the return of Mitchell Pearce, the Sydney Roosters should take this one.

The fallout of Ricky Stuart and Sharks CEO Dick Fisk could defocus this struggling outfit even more.

Roosters could win this by a big margin.

On Sunday the Warriors face the Dragons, while back in Auckland – this will still be a tough ask for the NZ side. Equally as challenging, the St George Illawarra side will enjoy the test of a solid away game.

While the Dragons are favourites, the Warriors could upset here.

The Titans will be looking to bounce back against the Raiders but as it stands – they don’t have a strong record in the ACT. The Gold Coast are at risk of having their confidence shaken here and the Green Machine will smell an opportunity.

The Raiders could spring a win here.

Broncos travel to Brookvale to take on the Sea Eagles. After a patchy win over the Cowboys, Des Hasler’s men will be primed to get things moving again after a good start to the season.

Will Israel Folau cop a spray from the Manly faithful? This away game should be too much for the young Broncos.

Manly to win.

Monday sees the Cowboys at home to the Bunnies. Boy do they need a win! But despite this being at home, North Queensland need a tonne of luck to stop the monster Souths pack rolling over them.

This should be an entertaining game, given both sides ability to throw it around – however the Souths outfit should have too much for the struggling Cows.

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NRL Power Rankings

June 2, 2010

At the halfway mark of the NRL 2010 season, we thought we’d invite the ‘Grubber’ back for his straight-shooting and comic Power Rankings – with some insight from John Chelsea, Peter Roy and one Scrappy Coco –

1. St George Illawarra – The Dragons have been pacesetters even prior to the Storm being bundled out of contention. Boasting good depth, they have done well thus far during the Origin period and are humming nicely.

Grubbers Comment: Chances of Bennett being elected Mayor of Kogarah should Dragons win NRL – 5/1

2. Penrith Panthers – The flashy new mountain men have been the surprise packets of 2010. They’ve improved out of sight defensively and can hurt you with the ball from anywhere. If key men such as Pritchard, Jennings and Coote remain fit – look out.

Grubbers Comment: Chances of Dane Laurie getting a run anytime soon? Slim to none.

3. Titans: They’ve managed to win several games despite misfiring. This is a good sign for the finals, it’s winning the ugly games that prove the most. While recent form isn’t ideal – this mob will feature at the business end. Don’t count them out.

Grubbers Comment: Chances of Scott Prince getting any extensions to his home anytime soon? Slim to none.

4. Manly Sea Eagles: Have overachieved thus far, but have a feeling there are some cracks in this side. Halves are playing out of their skin, but the likes of Kite and the Eagles bench lack punch. Need some luck with injuries and bounce of ball in next few weeks.

Grubbers Comment: Odds Steve Matai will get a third-party sponsorship deal with medical company ‘Band-Aid’ very soon? 3/1

5. Roosters – Sneak in at 5th spot, they’ve had ups and downs in 2010 – but with Mitchell Pearce fit, they are a different side. Expect to see Carney explode back into form, this side remain a darkhorse without doubt.

Grubbers Comment: Chances Jason Ryles will be eligible for a forwards pension at the end of 2010? Strong to certain.

6. Rabbitohs – On recent performances over the Panthers and Tigers, they Bunnies have finally aimed up and shown what they can do. Forget the hype, their forwards are the best in the NRL when they all fire. If Lang can work out what makes them tick, they’ll be unstoppable.

Grubbers Comment: Odds Jason Taylor will throw a re-union party for Souths players at the pub prior to this years finals? 50/1

7. Wests Tigers – Their performance against the Warriors was the most impressive attacking display of any side this year. Guilty of too much touch football, but if they get a strong run at the back end of the season – will be tough to stop. The team no one likes to play.

Grubbers Comment: Chances of Tim Sheens developing a split-personality to deal with his teams ups and downs? 15/1

8. Eels – Last years Grand Finalists are lucky to scrape into the Top 8 in the NRL News Power Rankings. Have sorely missed players from last season in Kingston, Lowrie and Galuvao. Restructure of halves and hooker helped briefly, but need to find their spark once more. Jury still out.

Grubbers Comment: Odds of the Eels running a ‘We Miss Denis Fitzgerald’ campaign anytime soon? 150/1

9. NZ Warriors – With Price having a horror run with injury and a host of kids in this side, few predicted their position thus far. In fact, many had bets on Ivan Cleary’s head being on the chopping block. Have overachieved and are starting to believe – boast a graveyard of sorts in Auckland, if they sneak into the Top 8 could topple some big names.

Grubbers Comment: Odds of Stacey Jones coming out of retirement if NZ make the finals? 75/1

10. Broncos – Flashed back into contention after a horror start to the season. Locky is in rare form and fighting fit, and is obviously the key to their chances. The Israel saga could derail them a little, but honest forwards and quality young backs will ensure they’re in the hunt.

Grubbers Comment: Odds of Darren Lockyer scoring an Advanced Hair deal and becoming the face of ‘Yeah, Yeah!’ ? 35/1

11. Bulldogs – Are well below par at the moment, but there is life left in this side. Any team with Ryan, Kimmorley, Ennis, Idrs and Morris can hurt you. Need a few things to go their way and they’ll get back on track. Should still make the finals.

Grubbers Comment: Chances of Ben Hannant getting a farewell party when he leaves for Brisbane? 80/1

12. Knights – Have their fair share of problems, too much pressure falling on Gidley and speedster Vuna opting out to play Union. With a rookie coach and a rebuilding phase underway, they haven’t shown enough weekly improvement to warrant a pass mark. Put the glasses down for 2010.

Grubbers Comment: Odds of McDougall and Simpson playing into their 40’s? 40/1

13. Raiders – I’ll cop stick from Canberra fans over their position, but they just aren’t aiming up. Need more from Monaghan this year, however Adam Mogg could spark the Green Machine. Have the talent to do so much damage, just need to make it happen.

Grubbers Comment: Chances of the Raiders ever making the finals again? 35/1

14. Cowboys – Have been struggling for a long time now, Thurston is frustrated in this side and his impact when playing for Queensland is much more evident. Badly in need of a clean-out, even JT could do with a change of scenery. Tough gig for Neil Henry.

Grubbers Comment: Odds of Neil Henry organising a ’swear jar’ for JT and his players? 5/1

15. Sharks – Ahhh, the mob from the Shire. Such a tight knit community – if only they bothered to turn up and support their local side. However, not much to support given the quality of this outfit. Even when they manage a win, their style is extremely painful and tough to watch.

Grubbers Comment: Odds of Ricky Stuart and club boss Damian Irvine arranging a charity boxing match to sort their differences? 20/1

16. Melbourne Storm – Came out firing after the bad news, but look to have lost a little bit of interest. Bellamy is rightly resting key players when they aren’t right – must mentally switch off for the rest of the year and come back even stronger in 2011.

Grubbers Comment: Odds the Storm packing up and moving the whole side into the AFL comp next year? 18/1

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Maroons Make Right Call

June 2, 2010

The Maroons are known for their die-hard Origin spirit, but they’ve made a big call to dump Israel Folau from the upcoming State of Origin II in Queensland.

Mind you, it’s absolutely the right call.

Congratulations must go to Ross Livermore and the team at the Queensland Rugby League.

People on both sides of the border understand how good Folau is and just what he means to Queensland possibly winning the series – but his defection was a nose-thumbing at the game.

Queensland have put the game above all else and chosen to look to the future with their upcoming team selection.

With the door being slammed shut on Folau, it’s believed NZ Warrior Brent Tate is favoured over Lote Tiquiri – again, because loyalty was shown to the game by Tate, where as Lote left for Union for 7 years.

I must admit, I thought the Queenslanders would put their state first and thrown Folau back into the lions den.

Heck, look what games they pulled with Lote Tiquiri years ago when he was facing suspension – the Queenslanders made his position TBA so he would only miss a club game and be right for State of Origin the following Wednesday.

They are a crafty bunch those Maroons.

But this time, they’ve come good – for the game.

Folau has taken the money and run, while this is understandable – the fact that he is headed to a totally different game altogether makes it a little hard to swallow.

But for now, lets stop talking Folau and giving the AFL their precious exposure for the new Sydney franchise.

Waiting in the wings for the Broncos – the likes of Yow-Yeh and Winterstein are potential superstars to take the vacant spot.

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Are You Still Homesick Israel?

June 1, 2010

With the announcement that former Storm outside back Israel Folau will break ranks with the NRL and link with the AFL code – the question should be are you still homesick Israel?

After bursting onto the scene with Melbourne and achieving almost everything, Premierships, Origins and International representation – Folau said he was desperately homesick and wished to return to Brisbane to be closer to family.

His timing was ideal, given the problems that were bubbling at Melbourne. He would consider himself fortunate to have escaped the stigma that current players have been forced to deal with.

But Folau and his management were insistent at the time – the deal to head north to the Broncos was more about homesickness than money.

It might not have been ideal for Folau with Wayne Bennett walking away from the club and Brisbane hitting troubled waters in terms of their win ratio – but thats life.

But now, homesickness has apparently gone away.

Melbourne, Brisbane and now Sydney-bound Folau will link with the new GWS franchise in a lucrative but extremely risky $3 million – 3 year deal.

Just like with Karmichael Hunt, the defection to a totally different code is a massive challenge. Folau is an athlete and has good chance of making the transition, but it will be a serious task just to become a ‘good’ player – let alone a star of the code.

While Broncos, Queensland and many other fans to the game will be sad to see the likes of Folau go – time has told us that we are fortunate to have so many upcoming stars in the game, Folau will be quickly replaced by someone equally as good.

There will be some frustration from some corners, Phil Gould has been very vocal about the NRL letting the best talent go and this does have some merit.

But the NRL despite missing the signs on the Storm cheating scenario, have done a good job to keep the competition even, by keeping talent spread evenly and the cap in-place to prevent clubs overspending.

The NRL nursery is and has always been strong.

We thought the sky was falling when the Rugby Union defectors left the League, but Sailor, Rogers, Tiquiri and Tahu all came back.

When Sonny Bill Williams illegally turned his back on Rugby League, many thought the game could never recover.

Not only did the NRL quickly move on, Jarryd Hayne and Greg Inglis reaffirmed their loyalty and went to even bigger heights. Establishing themselves as the new future of the NRL.

Sonny Bill Williams was quickly forgotten.

Karmichael and Israel do face an altogether different challenge.

We thank them for their services to Rugby League, but they’ll soon be replaced by even bigger young stars.

What about Queensland now? Will the QRL turn its back on the code defector? Or will the Maroons place their plight above that of the game?

It will be an interesting one.

One things for sure, homesickness is certainly out of the question now.

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Is it really Money Bill?

May 30, 2010

Since illegally walking out on the NRL and his team-mates at the Bulldogs several years ago, Sonny Bill Williams has been criticised for chasing the mighty dollar above all else.

Now, of course most players in professional sport work to earn the most possible. Sure, there are the odd exceptions to the rule – people left playing more for passion, enjoyment and mateship, but these days the dollar is certainly king.

But is it really what Sonny Bill seeks?

When he was tracked down in France and interviewed over his contract breaking antics, Sonny Bill declated his life-long dream was to play for the All-Blacks.

SBW said the constant spotlight (not the poor form of the Bulldogs at the time) in the NRL was causing him too much stress and his reason to exit stage left was to fulfil a life long dream to eventually become an All-Black Kiwi Rugby Union rep.

Now it seems, it’s time to put up or shut-up for Sonny Bill Williams.

Currently back in Australia to fight on the Anthony Mundine undercard, SBW is at the cross-roads of his career again.

Does he sign a new, lucrative multi-million dollar deal with French Rugby outfit Toulon and possibly fulfil all his financial dreams – or does he accept an offer from New Zealand Rugby Union to link with a Super Rugby Team?

It’s believed that while the NZ Rugby Union can’t match the dollars of the Frenchies, privately the Kiwis are offering SBW a fast-tracked path to the All-Blacks side.

Adding to the attractiveness of the offer, naturally Sonny Bill Williams and girlfriend could return to his homeland of New Zealand and enjoy being closer to their family.

Williams even left the door open to a possible NRL return in the years ahead – when the bounty on his head by the Bulldogs expires in 2013.

So – lets see, will it be Sonny Bill Williams the All-Black or Money Bill Williams the French?

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