Its that time of year ladies and gents, when the professional season is well and truly over and the Golden Boot has been awarded, that A Tap on the Twenty recognises the achievements and gaffs that have kept us entertained throughout the season.
As ever the Player of the Year will be awarded to the player who has been an all round star, performing to the highest standard each week for club, state and even country.
This year the awards and winners are:
The 'Andrew Voss' little bitch' Award: David Gallop
The Injury of the Year: Luke Burgess (broken jaw V Castleford)
Try of the Year: Nathan Fien V Australia
Match of the Year: Australia V New Zealand (Four Nations final)
Special Mention Award: Michael McGuire (Wigan coach)
Team of the Year: New Zealand
Player of the Year: Benji Marshall (West Tigers & New Zealand)
Wednesday 22 December 2010
Wednesday 19 May 2010
Its State of Origin time!
Its that time of year again!
State of Origin kicks off a week today at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The Australians are celebrating 30 years of what is the most anticipated three matches of the summer. And with that, the two squads were selected and announced on Monday.
Without further ado, the New South Wales side will be:
1. Kurt Gidley (Newcastle)
2. Brett Morris (St George Illawarra)
3. Matt Cooper (St George Illawarra)
4. Timana Tahu (Parramatta)
5. Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta)
6. Jamie Lyon (Manly)
7. Brett Kimmorley (Bulldogs)
8. Michael Weyman (St George Illawarra)
9. Michael Ennis (Bulldogs)
10. Josh Perry (Manly)
11. Trent Waterhouse (Penrith)
12. Ben Creagh (St George Illawarra)
13. Anthoney Watmough (Manly)
14. Jamal Idris (Bulldogs)
15. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (Canberra)
16. Luke Lewis (Penrith)
17. Brett White (Melbourne)
I said it last year, and I will say it again this year. New South Wales are missing the quality of half backs that Queensland will have. Its what has cost them the last four series. It was more evident last year than ever when Jamie Soward should have been selected. Terry Campese flopped in game one and they replaced him with Trent Barrett, who past his best before he moved to Wigan and went back to the NRL.All of this was despite Campese had the better game between him and scrum half Peter Wallace. But Wallace gets the second shot in game two and when the series is over by game three they select two players with the combined age of 63 years to run in the halfs and past their best five years ago.
This year they have brought in Jamie Lyon at five eighth. A man who wants to play Origin one minute, then changes his mind the next. Because the selectors for NSW can see that the tried and tested partnership of Darren Lockyer and Jonathan Thurston works for Queensland, they think it will work for them. The only difference is, Lockyer and Thurston have been playing together at representative level for years. They have played together for Australia since Andrew Johns retired, so have developed a winning partnership that finally clicked many moons ago. The same hasn't developed for NSW because the selectors want immediate success, and after four straight Origin losses who can blame them? But they won't get that series win unless they can gel two players together in the halfs. Then NSW half backs can start to claim that green and gold jersey.
So what of the Queensland team? Here is it:
1. Billy Slater (Melbourne)
2. Darius Boyd (St George Illawarra)
3. Greg Inglis (Melbourne)
4. Willie Tonga (North Queensland)
5. Israel Folau (Brisbane)
6. Darren Lockyer (Brisane)
7. Jonathan Thurston (North Queensland)
8. Matthew Scott (North Queensland)
9. Cameron Smith (Melbourne)
10. Petero Civoniceva (Penrith)
11. Nate Miles (Sydney)
12. Sam Thaiday (Brisbane)
13. Ashley Harrison (Gold Coast)
14. Cooper Cronk (Melbourne)
15. David Shillington (Canberra)
16. Neville Costigan (St George Illawarra)
17. David Taylor (South Sydney)
18. Ben Te'o
For the four Melbourne players, it might be nice to actually play a competitive match for once. Joking aside, that team excels in the half back roles as I mentioned earlier. Other than that, the two teams are very evenly matched. The Queensland backs may have the edge on New South Wales, but I feel the NSW pack is a lot stronger. On paper it might seem very close, but my pre series predictions are an easy pick.
Game one winner: New South Wales. They are on home turf and I think they could be motivated to get that first win on the board early.
Series winner: Queensland. Overall, I can't see anything but a fifth straight series win for the Maroons.
State of Origin kicks off a week today at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The Australians are celebrating 30 years of what is the most anticipated three matches of the summer. And with that, the two squads were selected and announced on Monday.
Without further ado, the New South Wales side will be:
1. Kurt Gidley (Newcastle)
2. Brett Morris (St George Illawarra)
3. Matt Cooper (St George Illawarra)
4. Timana Tahu (Parramatta)
5. Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta)
6. Jamie Lyon (Manly)
7. Brett Kimmorley (Bulldogs)
8. Michael Weyman (St George Illawarra)
9. Michael Ennis (Bulldogs)
10. Josh Perry (Manly)
11. Trent Waterhouse (Penrith)
12. Ben Creagh (St George Illawarra)
13. Anthoney Watmough (Manly)
14. Jamal Idris (Bulldogs)
15. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (Canberra)
16. Luke Lewis (Penrith)
17. Brett White (Melbourne)
I said it last year, and I will say it again this year. New South Wales are missing the quality of half backs that Queensland will have. Its what has cost them the last four series. It was more evident last year than ever when Jamie Soward should have been selected. Terry Campese flopped in game one and they replaced him with Trent Barrett, who past his best before he moved to Wigan and went back to the NRL.All of this was despite Campese had the better game between him and scrum half Peter Wallace. But Wallace gets the second shot in game two and when the series is over by game three they select two players with the combined age of 63 years to run in the halfs and past their best five years ago.
This year they have brought in Jamie Lyon at five eighth. A man who wants to play Origin one minute, then changes his mind the next. Because the selectors for NSW can see that the tried and tested partnership of Darren Lockyer and Jonathan Thurston works for Queensland, they think it will work for them. The only difference is, Lockyer and Thurston have been playing together at representative level for years. They have played together for Australia since Andrew Johns retired, so have developed a winning partnership that finally clicked many moons ago. The same hasn't developed for NSW because the selectors want immediate success, and after four straight Origin losses who can blame them? But they won't get that series win unless they can gel two players together in the halfs. Then NSW half backs can start to claim that green and gold jersey.
So what of the Queensland team? Here is it:
1. Billy Slater (Melbourne)
2. Darius Boyd (St George Illawarra)
3. Greg Inglis (Melbourne)
4. Willie Tonga (North Queensland)
5. Israel Folau (Brisbane)
6. Darren Lockyer (Brisane)
7. Jonathan Thurston (North Queensland)
8. Matthew Scott (North Queensland)
9. Cameron Smith (Melbourne)
10. Petero Civoniceva (Penrith)
11. Nate Miles (Sydney)
12. Sam Thaiday (Brisbane)
13. Ashley Harrison (Gold Coast)
14. Cooper Cronk (Melbourne)
15. David Shillington (Canberra)
16. Neville Costigan (St George Illawarra)
17. David Taylor (South Sydney)
18. Ben Te'o
For the four Melbourne players, it might be nice to actually play a competitive match for once. Joking aside, that team excels in the half back roles as I mentioned earlier. Other than that, the two teams are very evenly matched. The Queensland backs may have the edge on New South Wales, but I feel the NSW pack is a lot stronger. On paper it might seem very close, but my pre series predictions are an easy pick.
Game one winner: New South Wales. They are on home turf and I think they could be motivated to get that first win on the board early.
Series winner: Queensland. Overall, I can't see anything but a fifth straight series win for the Maroons.
Wednesday 12 May 2010
Fax thrown out of the cup.
Halifax have been thrown out of this year's Challenge Cup, after the Yorkshire club were found to have fielded an ineligible player in their fourth round tie with Swinton.
Halifax fielded Michael Ostick, currently on loan from Roachdale, who the prop forward had already played for against Lezignan in round three.
The misconduct was spotted by a Halifax supporter, who revealed the information on a fans forum. It was only after this revelation that the RFL took action, and postponed Halifax's fourth round tie with Batley on Sunday hours before kick off.
Two things strike me as odd in this scenario.
Number one, why did the player not own up before being selected to play against Swinton knowing full well he had already played for Rochdale? Were the coaching staff not aware there was a possibility Ostick played in the third round?
Number two, why did it take a fan of the guilty club to reveal this information on a fans forum before the RFL acted? Did the RFL not know about the breach in competition rules until this point, and if so, why not?
In my opinion there are two incompetent parties here, the RFL and Halifax RLFC.
Halifax should have done their research and background checks before signing the player on loan and fielding him in the cup. Its completely unacceptable that they did this. Matt Calland, if he is being held responsible, has every right to be suspended pending further investigation as to why this happened.
As for the RFL, they shouldn't have to leave it to a supporter in order to find out breaches in the rules. This should have been checked after the fourth round tie, and not hours before the fifth round was about to kick off. Again, this is unacceptable of what is supposed to be a respectable governing body. Thankfully the information came to light just in time, but in my opinion the RFL's blushes haven't been spared. This should have been checked earlier and punishment have been dealt out a lot sooner.
Halifax fielded Michael Ostick, currently on loan from Roachdale, who the prop forward had already played for against Lezignan in round three.
The misconduct was spotted by a Halifax supporter, who revealed the information on a fans forum. It was only after this revelation that the RFL took action, and postponed Halifax's fourth round tie with Batley on Sunday hours before kick off.
Two things strike me as odd in this scenario.
Number one, why did the player not own up before being selected to play against Swinton knowing full well he had already played for Rochdale? Were the coaching staff not aware there was a possibility Ostick played in the third round?
Number two, why did it take a fan of the guilty club to reveal this information on a fans forum before the RFL acted? Did the RFL not know about the breach in competition rules until this point, and if so, why not?
In my opinion there are two incompetent parties here, the RFL and Halifax RLFC.
Halifax should have done their research and background checks before signing the player on loan and fielding him in the cup. Its completely unacceptable that they did this. Matt Calland, if he is being held responsible, has every right to be suspended pending further investigation as to why this happened.
As for the RFL, they shouldn't have to leave it to a supporter in order to find out breaches in the rules. This should have been checked after the fourth round tie, and not hours before the fifth round was about to kick off. Again, this is unacceptable of what is supposed to be a respectable governing body. Thankfully the information came to light just in time, but in my opinion the RFL's blushes haven't been spared. This should have been checked earlier and punishment have been dealt out a lot sooner.
Saturday 8 May 2010
Australia scrape by in appalling conditions.
Australia won the ANZAC Test 12-8 at the opening of AAMI Park, but had the weather conditions been kinder the game could have been a lot more exciting.
The new rectangular purpose built stadium looked great at its opening match, and will suit the Melbourne Storm and future internationals played at the ground. Credit must go to the ground staff, for not only producing a carpet like pitch in the first place, but to be able to maintain the surface in horrible conditions.
In my opinion the weather conditions seemed to have an effect on the match. There were more knock ons and errors than I would have expected to see, but they were from both sides which was testament to New Zealand who underperformed in last season's Four Nations.
But don't let that suggest New Zealand were the better side. It would have been nice to see them win, but their first half attacking play was woeful. They were too flat on Australia's line, and I feel Benji Marshall could have done better to organise his team in such a scenario.
That said, New Zealand had their chances but they didn't have many. For most of the first half Australia seemed to make better use of possession, and under performed in that they should have gone into half time 12 or 18 points ahead. Again, the weather did not suit Australia's style of play. They seemed to think they were the 'Australian Globetrotters' and insisted on offloading the ball in unbelievable situations with a great degree of difficulty. It was justice in a way that they did have the lead at half time, but it should have been more.
But by the end of the game it was only two missed conversions that cost New Zealand the game, with both teams scoring two tries apiece. A credit to the Kiwis, but they must know they have a long way to go before they can match Australia in dryer conditions. They picked up the pace in the final twenty minutes, but playing well for that amount of time is not good enough at international level.
I look forward to the Four Nations, when both teams will undoubtedly be playing in conditions at the height of the southern hemisphere spring when both teams can open the taps a bit more, and play better free flowing rugby league.
The new rectangular purpose built stadium looked great at its opening match, and will suit the Melbourne Storm and future internationals played at the ground. Credit must go to the ground staff, for not only producing a carpet like pitch in the first place, but to be able to maintain the surface in horrible conditions.
In my opinion the weather conditions seemed to have an effect on the match. There were more knock ons and errors than I would have expected to see, but they were from both sides which was testament to New Zealand who underperformed in last season's Four Nations.
But don't let that suggest New Zealand were the better side. It would have been nice to see them win, but their first half attacking play was woeful. They were too flat on Australia's line, and I feel Benji Marshall could have done better to organise his team in such a scenario.
That said, New Zealand had their chances but they didn't have many. For most of the first half Australia seemed to make better use of possession, and under performed in that they should have gone into half time 12 or 18 points ahead. Again, the weather did not suit Australia's style of play. They seemed to think they were the 'Australian Globetrotters' and insisted on offloading the ball in unbelievable situations with a great degree of difficulty. It was justice in a way that they did have the lead at half time, but it should have been more.
But by the end of the game it was only two missed conversions that cost New Zealand the game, with both teams scoring two tries apiece. A credit to the Kiwis, but they must know they have a long way to go before they can match Australia in dryer conditions. They picked up the pace in the final twenty minutes, but playing well for that amount of time is not good enough at international level.
I look forward to the Four Nations, when both teams will undoubtedly be playing in conditions at the height of the southern hemisphere spring when both teams can open the taps a bit more, and play better free flowing rugby league.
Monday 3 May 2010
Nathan Brown rant is not the first.
Nathan Brown's rant after his side's loss to Wigan on Sunday is not the first time the man has last the plot in front of the media.
In his post-match comments at Edinburgh, the Huddersfield coach said: "The officials can do better and protect the small players. I'll quite clearly instruct my players if the officials are going to allow people to hit our key players late and in the head, you do it back."
For the former St George Illawarra boss, it is not the first time he has instructed his players to take the law into their own hands. In 2008 he was so appalled by the tackling techniques of Melbourne in a game at Olympic Park, that he then instructed his players to respond with violence, and called on every other NRL club to turn their games against Melbourne into a bloodbath because that was the only way to beat them.
To me, and with the historical evidence at hand, this is a case of the toys being thrown out of the pram. Huddersfield played very well on Sunday, and it was only a lapse in concentration for ten minutes that really cost them the game.
Brown's criticism of the match officials could see him fined by the RFL like Justin Morgan was earlier in the year.
In his post-match comments at Edinburgh, the Huddersfield coach said: "The officials can do better and protect the small players. I'll quite clearly instruct my players if the officials are going to allow people to hit our key players late and in the head, you do it back."
For the former St George Illawarra boss, it is not the first time he has instructed his players to take the law into their own hands. In 2008 he was so appalled by the tackling techniques of Melbourne in a game at Olympic Park, that he then instructed his players to respond with violence, and called on every other NRL club to turn their games against Melbourne into a bloodbath because that was the only way to beat them.
To me, and with the historical evidence at hand, this is a case of the toys being thrown out of the pram. Huddersfield played very well on Sunday, and it was only a lapse in concentration for ten minutes that really cost them the game.
Brown's criticism of the match officials could see him fined by the RFL like Justin Morgan was earlier in the year.
Friday 30 April 2010
Murrayfield Magic preview.
This weekend will see the fourth Magic Weekend, the second time the event will be hosted in the Scottish capital city of Edinburgh.
Every round 13 Super League game will be played at Murrayfield Stadium. It gives the fans a unique opportunity to watch every single game in the same round of matches in the flesh, but how does this years event wet the appetite compared to previous years in Edinburgh and Cardiff?
When the draw for this year’s Magic Weekend was made during the close season, there were very few games that would catch the imagination of the neutral fans on paper. As the trip to Edinburgh is less than a week away, a quick glance at both the weekend’s fixtures and the current league table shows that the next seven games may not be as predictable as many people suggested at the start of the season.
If certain results go in favour of a particular team, there could be several changes to the league table on bank holiday Monday. Super League may have a new league leader, a new top four and a reshuffle of the eight play off places. It all makes for an exciting weekend of rugby league in Scotland.
There are fans who would have preferred to see the return of the derby matches that proved to be a unique selling point for the original Millennium Magic weekend back in 2007. These fans will no doubt argue there is more at stake than just the two competition points, and that more fans are compelled to travel the greater distance to support their team against a local foe. But close proximity between two clubs geographically does not always provide a classic rugby match. It is often the case when two teams close to each other in the league table provide a much more thrilling contest, and a fantastic advert for the game on both live television and on ‘foreign’ ground away from the M62 corridor.
Every club has something to play for at this stage of the season, and so there is every chance that each game can be a thrilling encounter as we look ahead to this years Magic Weekend.
Bradford Bulls V Crusaders RL – Saturday May 1, 1pm.
After their demolition of Hull KR at home, Bradford go into this game full of confidence against a 11th place Crusaders. The appointment of Steve McNamara as the new England coach obviously blew the wind in the Bradford sails as they were able to score six tries past a tough Hull KR side last weekend. They have no new injury concerns ahead of travelling to Edinburgh which is good news for McNamara’s side, although Nick Scruton is facing charges in front of the RFL’s disciplinary panel for a high tackle in Sunday’s win over Hull KR. They face the Crusaders, who secured their first ever Super League win against the Bulls last season at the Grattan Stadium.
Crusaders will be boosted ahead of this game by the presence of Gareth Thomas for the entire 80 minutes last weekend, as well as the expected debut appearance of Jarrod Summut. But Brian Noble will be expecting his side to begin the game better on Saturday, which would be in stark contrast compared to what they did against Huddersfield at home last weekend. Crusaders also have no more injury worries as they look to avenge their 20-16 loss earlier on in the season against Bradford on Easter Monday.
Hull FC V Harlequins RL – Saturday May 1, 3pm.
Harlequins will be travelling to Edinburgh after competing one of the biggest upsets of the season so far. Despite being down 24-6 at half time away to Wigan, the London-based team went 40 minutes without conceding a try to win the game 38-26. Before the game it was bottom verses top of the league, and Quins were able to win the game proving that there are no guaranteed victories in Super League. This could well be a lesson that Hull FC should learn before taking on the Quins in the second game of the weekend at Murrayfield. However despite the win, Quins are to be without Ben Jones-Bishop for six weeks with a fractured skull.
Hull FC are still missing Sean Long and Craig Fitzgibbon who are just two of their key players out through injury, but Kirk Yeaman is expected to make his return after missing his sides 12-8 victory over Wakefield with a leg injury. Hull are just one point behind Bradford in the league table, and should the Bulls lose against Crusaders Richard Agar’s men will be expected to make the jump from sixth to fifth with the same number of wins as top four side Huddersfield.
Salford City Reds V Warrington Wolves – Saturday May 1, 5pm.
When these two teams met on Good Friday, it was Salford that had all the reason to feel confident at half time despite being behind at the break. And despite the one sided score line of 32-2, the result didn’t reflect the hard work Salford put in to prevent Warrington from scoring more than two tries in the first half. They also kept Wigan to a low score line, only losing 18-4 at home to the current league leaders. Shaun McRae will want his side to repeat three of their last four performances, forgetting what will hopefully be a blip against Castleford last weekend.
Warrington welcomed back Lee Briers to full fitness against Catalan on Sunday, after missing several games through injury since his sides home loss to Wigan in round three. Warrington have met Salford during the Magic Weekend once before in 2007, in which the Wolves thrashed the Reds 50-18 at the Millennium Stadium. Tony Smith does have one injury concern after Ben Harrison was taken off within the first five minutes against Catalan and failed to return. Gareth Carvell is still on the sidelines after picking up an injury two weeks ago against Hull KR.
Leeds Rhinos V Wakefield Trinity Wildcats – Saturday May 1, 7pm.
Leeds are expected to bounce back from their disappointing loss to last years fellow grand finalists on Saturday, which will conclude the first day of this years Magic Weekend. Leeds were heavily defeated against St Helens 41-20 at the GPW Recruitment Stadium. But they will face the tough task of beating Wakefield, who happen to be tucked neatly inside the top eight one point above Leeds who are currently in ninth place. When the two teams last met in round two, it was Wakefield who came away victorious with a 28-18 win at the Hearwell Stadium.
Leeds will want to avenge that loss, and potentially move up two places in the league up to seventh. Wakefield narrowly lost to Hull FC on Friday in a very stop, start game that saw 20 scrums and 20 penalties. Wakefield coach John Kear will want to make sure his side improve on their ball retention, or else he could see his side take a battering against the champions. Leeds are expected to bring back Ali Lauitiiti from injury, subject to the second rower passing a fitness test before the game.
Castleford Tigers V Catalan Dragons – Sunday May 2, 2pm.
Despite winning 30-12 against Salford last weekend, Castleford will be happy to have an extra game away from home, as their form at the Jungle is a dire one. They have only won two of their seven home games this season, including a Challenge Cup loss to Barrow the weekend before last. Things weren’t much better last year, as Terry Matterson’s team only chalked up four home wins during last season’s league campaign. On the other hand Kevin Walters will want an all round improvement as his side were comfortably beaten at the weekend away to Warrington 40-6.
Castleford have no more injury concerns after their win against Salford, although Catalan’s Cyrille Gossard will miss the trip to Edinburgh after sustaining a sprained ankle during the Dragon’s loss at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. The Dragons did receive some good news as Jean Philippe-Baile will not be charged with fighting against Warrington’s Chris Riley by the RFL disciplinary panel, and is free for Sunday’s game.
Huddersfield Giants V Wigan Warriors – Sunday May 2, 4pm.
Huddersfield have been dealt the news that fullback Brett Hodgson will be out for at least a month after picking up a thigh strain. The Giants captain rejected a 12 month contract extension and is rumoured to be signing for Warrington in time for 2011. However, Nathan Brown was given good news as Shaun Lunt will be back a lot sooner than expected. Lunt has an Achilles injury, and should be back on the pitch in two or three weeks. Brad Drew’s return from injury is also imminent, and should give the Giants a boost ahead of their game against third place St Helens who are just above Huddersfield in the league.
In what is arguably the game of the round, Wigan will be looking to put their 38-26 loss at home to Harlequins behind them. Wigan have lost only twice in 2010, and on both occasions they threw away a healthy half time lead. Wigan’s injury concerns are minimal, with Martin Gleeson expected to return after suffering a calf injury in the week leading up to the Quins game. Thomas Leuluai will be out of action for a further two weeks while Harrison Hansen will be out until June at the earliest.
Hull KR V St Helens – Sunday May 2, 6pm.
In the final game of the Magic Weekend both teams go into this game in opposite for to each other, with one team conceding 40 points last weekend, the other scoring over 40. After a disappointing loss to Bradford, Hull KR will be hoping to close the gap between them and the top six, which includes overtaking their city rivals. Justin Morgan will want to see an improved disciplined performance after conceding 14 penalties against Bradford on Sunday.
St Helens will be flying high after a comfortable win over the champions, which included a team of lesser known young players proving that Saints have huge strength in depth. James Foster made his debut for the Saints on the wing, and despite the presence of Kyle Eastmond, was able to convert eight goals from eight attempts. Saints were able to rely on youngsters Andrew Dixon, Gary Wheeler and Matty Ashurst, who stepped up to arguably their biggest challenge in their careers and succeeded proving the production line is still open for business at St Helens.
Every round 13 Super League game will be played at Murrayfield Stadium. It gives the fans a unique opportunity to watch every single game in the same round of matches in the flesh, but how does this years event wet the appetite compared to previous years in Edinburgh and Cardiff?
When the draw for this year’s Magic Weekend was made during the close season, there were very few games that would catch the imagination of the neutral fans on paper. As the trip to Edinburgh is less than a week away, a quick glance at both the weekend’s fixtures and the current league table shows that the next seven games may not be as predictable as many people suggested at the start of the season.
If certain results go in favour of a particular team, there could be several changes to the league table on bank holiday Monday. Super League may have a new league leader, a new top four and a reshuffle of the eight play off places. It all makes for an exciting weekend of rugby league in Scotland.
There are fans who would have preferred to see the return of the derby matches that proved to be a unique selling point for the original Millennium Magic weekend back in 2007. These fans will no doubt argue there is more at stake than just the two competition points, and that more fans are compelled to travel the greater distance to support their team against a local foe. But close proximity between two clubs geographically does not always provide a classic rugby match. It is often the case when two teams close to each other in the league table provide a much more thrilling contest, and a fantastic advert for the game on both live television and on ‘foreign’ ground away from the M62 corridor.
Every club has something to play for at this stage of the season, and so there is every chance that each game can be a thrilling encounter as we look ahead to this years Magic Weekend.
Bradford Bulls V Crusaders RL – Saturday May 1, 1pm.
After their demolition of Hull KR at home, Bradford go into this game full of confidence against a 11th place Crusaders. The appointment of Steve McNamara as the new England coach obviously blew the wind in the Bradford sails as they were able to score six tries past a tough Hull KR side last weekend. They have no new injury concerns ahead of travelling to Edinburgh which is good news for McNamara’s side, although Nick Scruton is facing charges in front of the RFL’s disciplinary panel for a high tackle in Sunday’s win over Hull KR. They face the Crusaders, who secured their first ever Super League win against the Bulls last season at the Grattan Stadium.
Crusaders will be boosted ahead of this game by the presence of Gareth Thomas for the entire 80 minutes last weekend, as well as the expected debut appearance of Jarrod Summut. But Brian Noble will be expecting his side to begin the game better on Saturday, which would be in stark contrast compared to what they did against Huddersfield at home last weekend. Crusaders also have no more injury worries as they look to avenge their 20-16 loss earlier on in the season against Bradford on Easter Monday.
Hull FC V Harlequins RL – Saturday May 1, 3pm.
Harlequins will be travelling to Edinburgh after competing one of the biggest upsets of the season so far. Despite being down 24-6 at half time away to Wigan, the London-based team went 40 minutes without conceding a try to win the game 38-26. Before the game it was bottom verses top of the league, and Quins were able to win the game proving that there are no guaranteed victories in Super League. This could well be a lesson that Hull FC should learn before taking on the Quins in the second game of the weekend at Murrayfield. However despite the win, Quins are to be without Ben Jones-Bishop for six weeks with a fractured skull.
Hull FC are still missing Sean Long and Craig Fitzgibbon who are just two of their key players out through injury, but Kirk Yeaman is expected to make his return after missing his sides 12-8 victory over Wakefield with a leg injury. Hull are just one point behind Bradford in the league table, and should the Bulls lose against Crusaders Richard Agar’s men will be expected to make the jump from sixth to fifth with the same number of wins as top four side Huddersfield.
Salford City Reds V Warrington Wolves – Saturday May 1, 5pm.
When these two teams met on Good Friday, it was Salford that had all the reason to feel confident at half time despite being behind at the break. And despite the one sided score line of 32-2, the result didn’t reflect the hard work Salford put in to prevent Warrington from scoring more than two tries in the first half. They also kept Wigan to a low score line, only losing 18-4 at home to the current league leaders. Shaun McRae will want his side to repeat three of their last four performances, forgetting what will hopefully be a blip against Castleford last weekend.
Warrington welcomed back Lee Briers to full fitness against Catalan on Sunday, after missing several games through injury since his sides home loss to Wigan in round three. Warrington have met Salford during the Magic Weekend once before in 2007, in which the Wolves thrashed the Reds 50-18 at the Millennium Stadium. Tony Smith does have one injury concern after Ben Harrison was taken off within the first five minutes against Catalan and failed to return. Gareth Carvell is still on the sidelines after picking up an injury two weeks ago against Hull KR.
Leeds Rhinos V Wakefield Trinity Wildcats – Saturday May 1, 7pm.
Leeds are expected to bounce back from their disappointing loss to last years fellow grand finalists on Saturday, which will conclude the first day of this years Magic Weekend. Leeds were heavily defeated against St Helens 41-20 at the GPW Recruitment Stadium. But they will face the tough task of beating Wakefield, who happen to be tucked neatly inside the top eight one point above Leeds who are currently in ninth place. When the two teams last met in round two, it was Wakefield who came away victorious with a 28-18 win at the Hearwell Stadium.
Leeds will want to avenge that loss, and potentially move up two places in the league up to seventh. Wakefield narrowly lost to Hull FC on Friday in a very stop, start game that saw 20 scrums and 20 penalties. Wakefield coach John Kear will want to make sure his side improve on their ball retention, or else he could see his side take a battering against the champions. Leeds are expected to bring back Ali Lauitiiti from injury, subject to the second rower passing a fitness test before the game.
Castleford Tigers V Catalan Dragons – Sunday May 2, 2pm.
Despite winning 30-12 against Salford last weekend, Castleford will be happy to have an extra game away from home, as their form at the Jungle is a dire one. They have only won two of their seven home games this season, including a Challenge Cup loss to Barrow the weekend before last. Things weren’t much better last year, as Terry Matterson’s team only chalked up four home wins during last season’s league campaign. On the other hand Kevin Walters will want an all round improvement as his side were comfortably beaten at the weekend away to Warrington 40-6.
Castleford have no more injury concerns after their win against Salford, although Catalan’s Cyrille Gossard will miss the trip to Edinburgh after sustaining a sprained ankle during the Dragon’s loss at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. The Dragons did receive some good news as Jean Philippe-Baile will not be charged with fighting against Warrington’s Chris Riley by the RFL disciplinary panel, and is free for Sunday’s game.
Huddersfield Giants V Wigan Warriors – Sunday May 2, 4pm.
Huddersfield have been dealt the news that fullback Brett Hodgson will be out for at least a month after picking up a thigh strain. The Giants captain rejected a 12 month contract extension and is rumoured to be signing for Warrington in time for 2011. However, Nathan Brown was given good news as Shaun Lunt will be back a lot sooner than expected. Lunt has an Achilles injury, and should be back on the pitch in two or three weeks. Brad Drew’s return from injury is also imminent, and should give the Giants a boost ahead of their game against third place St Helens who are just above Huddersfield in the league.
In what is arguably the game of the round, Wigan will be looking to put their 38-26 loss at home to Harlequins behind them. Wigan have lost only twice in 2010, and on both occasions they threw away a healthy half time lead. Wigan’s injury concerns are minimal, with Martin Gleeson expected to return after suffering a calf injury in the week leading up to the Quins game. Thomas Leuluai will be out of action for a further two weeks while Harrison Hansen will be out until June at the earliest.
Hull KR V St Helens – Sunday May 2, 6pm.
In the final game of the Magic Weekend both teams go into this game in opposite for to each other, with one team conceding 40 points last weekend, the other scoring over 40. After a disappointing loss to Bradford, Hull KR will be hoping to close the gap between them and the top six, which includes overtaking their city rivals. Justin Morgan will want to see an improved disciplined performance after conceding 14 penalties against Bradford on Sunday.
St Helens will be flying high after a comfortable win over the champions, which included a team of lesser known young players proving that Saints have huge strength in depth. James Foster made his debut for the Saints on the wing, and despite the presence of Kyle Eastmond, was able to convert eight goals from eight attempts. Saints were able to rely on youngsters Andrew Dixon, Gary Wheeler and Matty Ashurst, who stepped up to arguably their biggest challenge in their careers and succeeded proving the production line is still open for business at St Helens.
Wednesday 28 April 2010
Melbourne Storm - the immediet impact.
What a turn around for Melbourne Storm.
I don't think too many people expected a crowd of over 23,000 at the club's first home game since the scandal broke in the Australian media. On the day, many people threw down their memorabilia outside the club's HQ with emotions of anger, denial and depression.
Many expected this to be the end of rugby league in Victoria and Melbourne. It appears the exact opposite has happened, confirming that rugby league has a permanent home in AFL territory. Memberships for the club have surged at 100 per day since the news broke, with many of those who requested to cancel their membership having sent withdrawal emails asking to continue their membership.
This is fantastic news for the club and rugby league in general. Granted the club will not play for any points throughout the rest of the season (which is only fair as they are still over the cap) it seems the fans still want a rugby league club in Melbourne.
Overall its fantastic news for the short term future of Melbourne Storm. I'm fully hopeful the club can come away from the scandal better for it. The fans have shown their full support already knowing full well any future success from 2011 onwards will have been hard earned and honest.
I don't think too many people expected a crowd of over 23,000 at the club's first home game since the scandal broke in the Australian media. On the day, many people threw down their memorabilia outside the club's HQ with emotions of anger, denial and depression.
Many expected this to be the end of rugby league in Victoria and Melbourne. It appears the exact opposite has happened, confirming that rugby league has a permanent home in AFL territory. Memberships for the club have surged at 100 per day since the news broke, with many of those who requested to cancel their membership having sent withdrawal emails asking to continue their membership.
This is fantastic news for the club and rugby league in general. Granted the club will not play for any points throughout the rest of the season (which is only fair as they are still over the cap) it seems the fans still want a rugby league club in Melbourne.
Overall its fantastic news for the short term future of Melbourne Storm. I'm fully hopeful the club can come away from the scandal better for it. The fans have shown their full support already knowing full well any future success from 2011 onwards will have been hard earned and honest.
Tuesday 27 April 2010
The biggest news since Super League ruined the sport.
Wow!
Just, wow!
Rugby League really did produce one of those 'where were you when' moments. I remember where I was on April 22, when I found out Melbourne Storm had broken the salary cap and had been stripped of both NRL Premierships and Minor Premierships since 2006. I was being my typical student self. having just woke up, I switched on my laptop, accessed the News Now website and thought I had woken up on April 1.
I don't think there has been a punishment like it, and highly doubt there ever will be another like it. This was truly a once in a lifetime moment for rugby league fans in both Australia and across the world. On top of the stripped titles, the club will pay back $1.1million of prize money to be distributed between the 15 remaining clubs, and be fined $500,000.
To summarise, under the leadership of then chief executive Brian Waldron, Melbourne Storm operated their salary cap with two sets of books. One to show the cap invigilators, the other to show the real accounts for the club's finances. Once Waldron jumped ship to the new rugby union franchise in Melbourne, the new owners responsible for the running of the club blew the whistle and came clean. From what information was released, the club have over spent on the salary cap for the past five seasons, including a $400,000 breach in 2009, and a projected $700,000 breach for this season.
By all accounts it was a clever system, designed so that there was no possible way the NRL could discover it by themselves. It is also believed to the the brainchild of Waldron, and that none of the players in the past five years knew anything about it.
So where do we begin to dissect the news here?
Lets start with the punishment. Was it justified? Yes, it was. Is it fair on the players and fans? No, not at all.
The reason its justified is that as a club they cheated. Not everyone in the club was aware of the wrong doings, but the senior figures did, and as a result the club has been punished. However, it is deeply unfair on the players, who are only going to take whatever lucrative deal was offered to them individually. As a team and a group of mates, you do not talk about what each player is earning. Deep down you may know you aren't earning as much as the guy next to you, but it is never talked about. You get on with the job of succeeding on the field and playing well.
As for the fans, well they have been cheated. They have been royally screwed over by the club many of them have supported since 1998. The small consolation is, and this goes for the players too, David Gallop can never take away those feeling of joy that were being expressed on September 30, 2007 and on October 4, 2009. Whilst in hindsight those memories may now be tarnished, the thoughts back to that day will still live in the memories of players and fans alike.
Just, wow!
Rugby League really did produce one of those 'where were you when' moments. I remember where I was on April 22, when I found out Melbourne Storm had broken the salary cap and had been stripped of both NRL Premierships and Minor Premierships since 2006. I was being my typical student self. having just woke up, I switched on my laptop, accessed the News Now website and thought I had woken up on April 1.
I don't think there has been a punishment like it, and highly doubt there ever will be another like it. This was truly a once in a lifetime moment for rugby league fans in both Australia and across the world. On top of the stripped titles, the club will pay back $1.1million of prize money to be distributed between the 15 remaining clubs, and be fined $500,000.
To summarise, under the leadership of then chief executive Brian Waldron, Melbourne Storm operated their salary cap with two sets of books. One to show the cap invigilators, the other to show the real accounts for the club's finances. Once Waldron jumped ship to the new rugby union franchise in Melbourne, the new owners responsible for the running of the club blew the whistle and came clean. From what information was released, the club have over spent on the salary cap for the past five seasons, including a $400,000 breach in 2009, and a projected $700,000 breach for this season.
By all accounts it was a clever system, designed so that there was no possible way the NRL could discover it by themselves. It is also believed to the the brainchild of Waldron, and that none of the players in the past five years knew anything about it.
So where do we begin to dissect the news here?
Lets start with the punishment. Was it justified? Yes, it was. Is it fair on the players and fans? No, not at all.
The reason its justified is that as a club they cheated. Not everyone in the club was aware of the wrong doings, but the senior figures did, and as a result the club has been punished. However, it is deeply unfair on the players, who are only going to take whatever lucrative deal was offered to them individually. As a team and a group of mates, you do not talk about what each player is earning. Deep down you may know you aren't earning as much as the guy next to you, but it is never talked about. You get on with the job of succeeding on the field and playing well.
As for the fans, well they have been cheated. They have been royally screwed over by the club many of them have supported since 1998. The small consolation is, and this goes for the players too, David Gallop can never take away those feeling of joy that were being expressed on September 30, 2007 and on October 4, 2009. Whilst in hindsight those memories may now be tarnished, the thoughts back to that day will still live in the memories of players and fans alike.
Thursday 22 April 2010
Steve McNamara appointed ne England coach.
Steve McNamara was appointed the new England coach yesterday, with former Bradford coach and current Sydney coach Brian Smith appointed as his mentor.
What has been public knowledge for several days, the whole scenario stinks of a copycat New Zealand similarity, which eventually won New Zealand the World Cup. The only difference is that Wayne Bennett is a proven winner, never mind a tactical genius, and was the puppet master in Stephen Kearney's triumph.
The only thing McNamara and Smith have won between them is a raffle.
McNamara was promoted from within after Brian Noble left Bradford to join Wigan in 2006. Since then he has not been able to guide the club to anything near the success Noble did at the West Yorkshire club, having achieved a grand total of zero finals in four years.
Smith on the other hand is a perennial underachiever, and has lost every single major final he has ever guided a team to. That is including English Premierships (pre Super League,) Challenge Cups, and ARL/NRL Grand Finals. He has not won a single thing ash head coach, that that is where the similarity between New Zealand of 2008 and England of 2010 starts and ends.
I don't rate McNamara, and have been saying consistently for a number of years that Bradford will begin to slide down the table. Last year they did. At the same time, McNamara seems to be always hanging onto his club job by the skin of his teeth before an unexpected result goes his way. See Super League round 5, Bradford 22-20 Wigan for a perfect example. Before that game, McNamara was halfway out of the door. After the final hooter went, he had a months grace before scraping a draw against Leeds.
The RFL must have seen the warning signs immediately after the announcement when Bradford fans were happy McNamara was on his way out of their club. Its not often you see a scenario like that in professional sport.
But what's done is done, and I for one am hoping that England do not finish last in this years Four Nations. Last time we went to Australia we badly under performed, and fear Papua New Guinea revenge for that 32-22 win in Townsville will be on the cards. A last place finish will not only erase whatever credibility the national side has recovered over the past 12 months, but it will set off enormous warning bells in the RFL's preperation ahead of the 2013 World Cup.
What has been public knowledge for several days, the whole scenario stinks of a copycat New Zealand similarity, which eventually won New Zealand the World Cup. The only difference is that Wayne Bennett is a proven winner, never mind a tactical genius, and was the puppet master in Stephen Kearney's triumph.
The only thing McNamara and Smith have won between them is a raffle.
McNamara was promoted from within after Brian Noble left Bradford to join Wigan in 2006. Since then he has not been able to guide the club to anything near the success Noble did at the West Yorkshire club, having achieved a grand total of zero finals in four years.
Smith on the other hand is a perennial underachiever, and has lost every single major final he has ever guided a team to. That is including English Premierships (pre Super League,) Challenge Cups, and ARL/NRL Grand Finals. He has not won a single thing ash head coach, that that is where the similarity between New Zealand of 2008 and England of 2010 starts and ends.
I don't rate McNamara, and have been saying consistently for a number of years that Bradford will begin to slide down the table. Last year they did. At the same time, McNamara seems to be always hanging onto his club job by the skin of his teeth before an unexpected result goes his way. See Super League round 5, Bradford 22-20 Wigan for a perfect example. Before that game, McNamara was halfway out of the door. After the final hooter went, he had a months grace before scraping a draw against Leeds.
The RFL must have seen the warning signs immediately after the announcement when Bradford fans were happy McNamara was on his way out of their club. Its not often you see a scenario like that in professional sport.
But what's done is done, and I for one am hoping that England do not finish last in this years Four Nations. Last time we went to Australia we badly under performed, and fear Papua New Guinea revenge for that 32-22 win in Townsville will be on the cards. A last place finish will not only erase whatever credibility the national side has recovered over the past 12 months, but it will set off enormous warning bells in the RFL's preperation ahead of the 2013 World Cup.
Saturday 17 April 2010
NRL is back on our screens.
Forget trying to google a dodgy internet connection in order to see some live NRL action this year. The best domestic rugby league competition is back on UK screens thanks to Premier Sports.
Available to Sky subscribers only for the time being, Premier Sports looks like a re-branded version of Setanta Sports. The channel consists of plenty of Gaelic football and other Irish sports along side the weekly NRL matches.
Premier Sports will show three weekly NRL matches per week. But here is the good news for fans of the Australian game. Sky Sports will show the biggest five games in the NRL calendar. These games include the upcoming ANZAC Test match between Australia and New Zealand, all three State of Origin matches and the NRL Grand Final.
But here is a little tip. If you do not have Sky, Bet365.com and Ladbrokes.com are still streaming the non televised games live on their betting websites. All you have to do is register an account and your away. You don't even need to enter any credit card details in order for you to watch it. Simples.
Available to Sky subscribers only for the time being, Premier Sports looks like a re-branded version of Setanta Sports. The channel consists of plenty of Gaelic football and other Irish sports along side the weekly NRL matches.
Premier Sports will show three weekly NRL matches per week. But here is the good news for fans of the Australian game. Sky Sports will show the biggest five games in the NRL calendar. These games include the upcoming ANZAC Test match between Australia and New Zealand, all three State of Origin matches and the NRL Grand Final.
But here is a little tip. If you do not have Sky, Bet365.com and Ladbrokes.com are still streaming the non televised games live on their betting websites. All you have to do is register an account and your away. You don't even need to enter any credit card details in order for you to watch it. Simples.
Wednesday 14 April 2010
Junior rugby switch is a good move.
Imagine for a moment that you are nine years-old. It is currently the middle of December, and you play for a local junior rugby league club. Your team train on a tiny floodlit field every Tuesday and Thursday night, but the pitch is in continual use from other teams and has become very boggy.
The weather is cold, damp and there is a constant shower of rain and sleet. Your coach tries to keep the sessions fresh and interesting, but he cannot teach you the skills to develop because of the harsh weather conditions and the limited players available.
Are these suitable conditions to teach a child how to play rugby league? Would a parent like to stand in the cold for an hour while they watch their child slowly becomes disheartened is uninterested?
The call made for amateur clubs to switch their playing season from winter to summer is starting to carry some weight, and there are many reasons why teams affiliated with BARLA should make the switch.
While the original call is for teams at all age groups to make the switch, the teams in the lower age groups should be allowed to play in summer regardless of when the open age teams play their matches. A switch of junior clubs from winter to summer would see a significant increase in playing numbers. It would retain the children who also play both football and rugby league during the winter, as well as attract those who play football and would like the opportunity to play rugby league.
The switch would also benefit the young players who can train in better conditions, and therefore learn the skills of rugby league much quicker in a better environment. Ask any junior coach and they will say it is easier to coach kids during a summer evening when the weather is much cooler than during the day.
As a result of training in less harsher conditions, this will increase the potential talent pool of young players. This will benefit the England squad in the long term as players will have mastered the skills in a better environment compared to their winter counterparts. The quality and level of skill will improve in the Super League and Championship in years to come as the players being selected at under 16 will have played their entire careers in the summer, and won’t have to adapt from winter to summer in preparation for the under 18 academy competition.
Should the amateur clubs choose to continue playing their open age playing season in the summer, then the transition from summer to winter will happen immediately after under 18 and not to the benefit of the players should the junior teams make the switch. Therefore it may be beneficial for the youth teams to continue playing in winter. But playing numbers across the under 17-18 age group take a dive, and this may be partly down to the fact these players have just left high school.
Many players take on jobs and apprenticeships once they leave secondary school, while the rest go into further education. These young adults are capable of making their own decisions with regards to if they want to play rugby league, so the winter playing season may not be a greater factor as the players grow up. However, they are becoming young adults and are tempted by the lure of alcohol and going out with their friends on a Saturday night. Therefore it may be beneficial for these age groups to play on a Saturday afternoon parallel to that of the open age team.
This time is much more flexible socially and gives the players a chance to socialise with their team mates and non-rugby playing friends during the evening. As a result the player drop out would decrease significantly, and may attract new players who would like a social activity to participate in on a Saturday afternoon.
Whatever the outcome of the open age switch to summer rugby, whether it goes through or not, the junior and youth teams must consider a separate opportunity to change from their traditional winter Sunday morning kick off times. They must take into account their player’s other commitments and work with them to increase and retain playing numbers.
The weather is cold, damp and there is a constant shower of rain and sleet. Your coach tries to keep the sessions fresh and interesting, but he cannot teach you the skills to develop because of the harsh weather conditions and the limited players available.
Are these suitable conditions to teach a child how to play rugby league? Would a parent like to stand in the cold for an hour while they watch their child slowly becomes disheartened is uninterested?
The call made for amateur clubs to switch their playing season from winter to summer is starting to carry some weight, and there are many reasons why teams affiliated with BARLA should make the switch.
While the original call is for teams at all age groups to make the switch, the teams in the lower age groups should be allowed to play in summer regardless of when the open age teams play their matches. A switch of junior clubs from winter to summer would see a significant increase in playing numbers. It would retain the children who also play both football and rugby league during the winter, as well as attract those who play football and would like the opportunity to play rugby league.
The switch would also benefit the young players who can train in better conditions, and therefore learn the skills of rugby league much quicker in a better environment. Ask any junior coach and they will say it is easier to coach kids during a summer evening when the weather is much cooler than during the day.
As a result of training in less harsher conditions, this will increase the potential talent pool of young players. This will benefit the England squad in the long term as players will have mastered the skills in a better environment compared to their winter counterparts. The quality and level of skill will improve in the Super League and Championship in years to come as the players being selected at under 16 will have played their entire careers in the summer, and won’t have to adapt from winter to summer in preparation for the under 18 academy competition.
Should the amateur clubs choose to continue playing their open age playing season in the summer, then the transition from summer to winter will happen immediately after under 18 and not to the benefit of the players should the junior teams make the switch. Therefore it may be beneficial for the youth teams to continue playing in winter. But playing numbers across the under 17-18 age group take a dive, and this may be partly down to the fact these players have just left high school.
Many players take on jobs and apprenticeships once they leave secondary school, while the rest go into further education. These young adults are capable of making their own decisions with regards to if they want to play rugby league, so the winter playing season may not be a greater factor as the players grow up. However, they are becoming young adults and are tempted by the lure of alcohol and going out with their friends on a Saturday night. Therefore it may be beneficial for these age groups to play on a Saturday afternoon parallel to that of the open age team.
This time is much more flexible socially and gives the players a chance to socialise with their team mates and non-rugby playing friends during the evening. As a result the player drop out would decrease significantly, and may attract new players who would like a social activity to participate in on a Saturday afternoon.
Whatever the outcome of the open age switch to summer rugby, whether it goes through or not, the junior and youth teams must consider a separate opportunity to change from their traditional winter Sunday morning kick off times. They must take into account their player’s other commitments and work with them to increase and retain playing numbers.
Tuesday 23 March 2010
NRL on the small screen - TV or PC?
Anybody been able to watch much NRL lately? Anybody aware the domestic season in Australia has even started?
Didn't think so.
Ever since the collapse of Setanta Sports a day before a crucial State of Origin game last year, the NRL has been shown on live streams via the Telstra owned Australian internet giant, Bigpond. It was very kind of them to allow us international based fans a chance to watch the greatest domestic league this sport has to offer.
Towards the back end of the season ESPN showed coverage of both elimination semi finals, and broadcast the Grand Final live in the early hours of the morning in the UK. That was the last time any NRL action was shown of British television screens. We are two rounds into the new season and there is no television deal that allows NRL matches to be broadcast of British television. It is a situation that should worry the NRL, as without good international figures it is another hurdle David Gallop must overcome if he is to negotiate a better domestic television deal with Australian broadcasters on behalf of all 16 clubs.
So far British fans of the NRL have had to settle for live streams via the internet, on either Bigpond or Bet365, who last weekend streamed live coverage for its account holders. Ladbrokes also did the same apparently for its own users. Their aim is to get its users betting during the match, but you can sign up and view via Bet365 without registering a credit or debit card. They do ask you to log in or register, but your account can be cancelled once a TV channel picks up the coverage. Not all games were shown on both websites, but there was a nice split with Bet365 showing Friday and Monday night games, while Bigpond showed every Saturday and Sunday games last weekend.
So while there is a legal way of viewing the NRL, this is a temporary measure. IMG Media have struck a deal with the NRL. IMG Media act as agent in order to try and sell broadcasters the rights to matches. It was IMG who sold the 2008 World Cup television pictures to broadcasters including Sky Sports in the UK and to the New Zealand sports channel by the same name. According to reports on another website, a deal in the UK is imminent.
I should stress a deal has been imminent for quite a few months now, so how imminent it will be before the pictures are shown on our screens remains to be seen.
Didn't think so.
Ever since the collapse of Setanta Sports a day before a crucial State of Origin game last year, the NRL has been shown on live streams via the Telstra owned Australian internet giant, Bigpond. It was very kind of them to allow us international based fans a chance to watch the greatest domestic league this sport has to offer.
Towards the back end of the season ESPN showed coverage of both elimination semi finals, and broadcast the Grand Final live in the early hours of the morning in the UK. That was the last time any NRL action was shown of British television screens. We are two rounds into the new season and there is no television deal that allows NRL matches to be broadcast of British television. It is a situation that should worry the NRL, as without good international figures it is another hurdle David Gallop must overcome if he is to negotiate a better domestic television deal with Australian broadcasters on behalf of all 16 clubs.
So far British fans of the NRL have had to settle for live streams via the internet, on either Bigpond or Bet365, who last weekend streamed live coverage for its account holders. Ladbrokes also did the same apparently for its own users. Their aim is to get its users betting during the match, but you can sign up and view via Bet365 without registering a credit or debit card. They do ask you to log in or register, but your account can be cancelled once a TV channel picks up the coverage. Not all games were shown on both websites, but there was a nice split with Bet365 showing Friday and Monday night games, while Bigpond showed every Saturday and Sunday games last weekend.
So while there is a legal way of viewing the NRL, this is a temporary measure. IMG Media have struck a deal with the NRL. IMG Media act as agent in order to try and sell broadcasters the rights to matches. It was IMG who sold the 2008 World Cup television pictures to broadcasters including Sky Sports in the UK and to the New Zealand sports channel by the same name. According to reports on another website, a deal in the UK is imminent.
I should stress a deal has been imminent for quite a few months now, so how imminent it will be before the pictures are shown on our screens remains to be seen.
Thursday 4 March 2010
Welsh union legend joins Crusaders.
Is this a publicity stunt?
Well it could be. The Crusaders have had a terrific off field start to Super League, with all the doom and gloom merchants being asked very kindly to leave for a few months while the club basks in its new found success.
The club which hired players with suspicious visas and upped sticks moving to Wrexham from Bridgend has become a creditable rugby club all within a few months.And now they have pulled off their biggest coup yet with the signing of Welsh rugby union legend Gareth Thomas.
The openly gay union star wants to try a proper sport before his body gives up on him. At 35, he has a big challenge ahead of him to be able to make the starting 13 on a regular basis. But at the same time, I can't help but think this is nothing more than an attempt to keep spectators at the Racecourse Ground visiting on a regualr basis. And if it is, good luck to the club, because if Thomas is no good at the sport the attendances will start to subside. The Welsh fans will want Thomas to make a success of it and if he doesn't, it could drop Crusaders into a similar situation less than six months ago with poor attendance figures and once again the club will be struggling to survive.
Well it could be. The Crusaders have had a terrific off field start to Super League, with all the doom and gloom merchants being asked very kindly to leave for a few months while the club basks in its new found success.
The club which hired players with suspicious visas and upped sticks moving to Wrexham from Bridgend has become a creditable rugby club all within a few months.And now they have pulled off their biggest coup yet with the signing of Welsh rugby union legend Gareth Thomas.
The openly gay union star wants to try a proper sport before his body gives up on him. At 35, he has a big challenge ahead of him to be able to make the starting 13 on a regular basis. But at the same time, I can't help but think this is nothing more than an attempt to keep spectators at the Racecourse Ground visiting on a regualr basis. And if it is, good luck to the club, because if Thomas is no good at the sport the attendances will start to subside. The Welsh fans will want Thomas to make a success of it and if he doesn't, it could drop Crusaders into a similar situation less than six months ago with poor attendance figures and once again the club will be struggling to survive.
Saturday 27 February 2010
2013 World Cup is set in motion.
Before a ball had been kicked, the 2008 World Cup was under criticism from fans and the media for its ten team tournament structure. The fact that three teams could progress into the semi finals from one group of four was scandalous, a mockery to the sport, and downright embarrassing.
And maybe it was. For those unfamiliar to modern day rugby league, we are not in a position to draw up a "fair" tournament and expect attendances, revenue and TV audiences to remain consistent. The 2008 World Cup was a success because it was biased and because the top nations in rugby league were guaranteed to play each other in the early rounds keeping fans interested throughout the four week competition. It generated a good amount of interest, attendances and TV audiences for the pinnacle of international rugby league. More importantly, it generated enough money to make a profit and wet the appetite of smaller nations for more international rugby league in the near future. So the news this week that the 2013 World Cup will consist of 14 nations, with 12 being granted automatic qualification, should not be criticised until we have the full facts about the tournament structure.
Rugby League hasn’t been afraid of introducing innovative ideas to draw in new fans and dive into fresh territories, all in the name of expansion. The Magic Weekend was considered by the Premier League, albeit on a larger international scale, in that each team plays one more league game on neutral territory. This shows that the Rugby Football League and the Rugby League International Federation must be doing something right if the smartest businessmen in world sport want to copy an idea from a small sport from the north of England. So what new hair-brained scheme must the International Federation some up with to make the World Cup an even bigger success? Here is my ideal tournament structure for a fourteen team competition.
They can start with including the ten teams that competed in the 2008 tournament. That leaves the RLIF a choice of three teams for two remaining automatic places. The most realistic choices would be between Wales (the current European Cup holders,) Cook Islands (who surprised everyone to reach the 2009 Pacific Cup final,) or Lebanon who earned a massive amount of credit from neutral fans for their performances in the qualifying process for the 2008 World Cup.
It’s important for the top three teams to play each other early and carefully seed the competition so that interest is created early on in the tournament. Therefore a ‘Super Group’ is the only way to go. Include Australia, New Zealand, England and the fourth team from the 2011 Four Nations tournament, which would be the last before the World Cup. From there the remaining ten teams are split into one group of four and two groups of three. Have three teams qualify from the groups of four and one from the two groups of three leaving eight teams remaining in the quarter finals. Teams should be carefully seeded to keep TV interest and try to prevent a team whitewashing another.
The groups of three should be the sides of the lowest quality, including the two qualifiers in each group. The winners of the groups of three (pools three and four) will play the winners of the two groups of four (pools one and two.) The runners up from pools one and two will play the team finishing third in both groups. Moving onto the semi finals it would be the winner of those games that meet each other in the first semi final, with winners of the first two quarter finals meeting in the remaining semi final.
The above tournament structure is only a theory, but following the same style of the 2008 competition in seeding the top teams, it will guarantee competitive games as well as giving the better sides in pools one and two an advantage. As I’ve mentioned countless times already, TV audiences and revenue is what will make the tournament a success in this country. The aim is to build on the success of the 2008 competition and provide international rugby league with a secure long term future.
And maybe it was. For those unfamiliar to modern day rugby league, we are not in a position to draw up a "fair" tournament and expect attendances, revenue and TV audiences to remain consistent. The 2008 World Cup was a success because it was biased and because the top nations in rugby league were guaranteed to play each other in the early rounds keeping fans interested throughout the four week competition. It generated a good amount of interest, attendances and TV audiences for the pinnacle of international rugby league. More importantly, it generated enough money to make a profit and wet the appetite of smaller nations for more international rugby league in the near future. So the news this week that the 2013 World Cup will consist of 14 nations, with 12 being granted automatic qualification, should not be criticised until we have the full facts about the tournament structure.
Rugby League hasn’t been afraid of introducing innovative ideas to draw in new fans and dive into fresh territories, all in the name of expansion. The Magic Weekend was considered by the Premier League, albeit on a larger international scale, in that each team plays one more league game on neutral territory. This shows that the Rugby Football League and the Rugby League International Federation must be doing something right if the smartest businessmen in world sport want to copy an idea from a small sport from the north of England. So what new hair-brained scheme must the International Federation some up with to make the World Cup an even bigger success? Here is my ideal tournament structure for a fourteen team competition.
They can start with including the ten teams that competed in the 2008 tournament. That leaves the RLIF a choice of three teams for two remaining automatic places. The most realistic choices would be between Wales (the current European Cup holders,) Cook Islands (who surprised everyone to reach the 2009 Pacific Cup final,) or Lebanon who earned a massive amount of credit from neutral fans for their performances in the qualifying process for the 2008 World Cup.
It’s important for the top three teams to play each other early and carefully seed the competition so that interest is created early on in the tournament. Therefore a ‘Super Group’ is the only way to go. Include Australia, New Zealand, England and the fourth team from the 2011 Four Nations tournament, which would be the last before the World Cup. From there the remaining ten teams are split into one group of four and two groups of three. Have three teams qualify from the groups of four and one from the two groups of three leaving eight teams remaining in the quarter finals. Teams should be carefully seeded to keep TV interest and try to prevent a team whitewashing another.
The groups of three should be the sides of the lowest quality, including the two qualifiers in each group. The winners of the groups of three (pools three and four) will play the winners of the two groups of four (pools one and two.) The runners up from pools one and two will play the team finishing third in both groups. Moving onto the semi finals it would be the winner of those games that meet each other in the first semi final, with winners of the first two quarter finals meeting in the remaining semi final.
The above tournament structure is only a theory, but following the same style of the 2008 competition in seeding the top teams, it will guarantee competitive games as well as giving the better sides in pools one and two an advantage. As I’ve mentioned countless times already, TV audiences and revenue is what will make the tournament a success in this country. The aim is to build on the success of the 2008 competition and provide international rugby league with a secure long term future.
Power play doesn't work.
The NRL Indigenous All Stars defeated the NRL All Stars 16-12 in a high intense game at Skilled Park last week. While the game signalled the end of Wendell Sailor's career, it kick started that of Sam Burgess' who was called into the NRL All Star side without making his first grade début for South Sydney. It was encouraging to see that he didn't show himself up unlike so many British players plying their trade on the other side of the world.
The match was one of many trials and tribulations, Sam Burgess' appearance was one of the less significant ones on a night that could see the beginning of a new era for the sport of rugby league. Considering the game was merely an exhibition game, similar to that of the NFL Pro Bowl or the NBA All Star game, it gave the organisers a chance to implement and test a set of new rules designed to make the game more appealing. Well, when I say appealing, I actually mean similar to American Football.
The big changes were to split the game into four quarters and the introduction of a power play opportunity after a try is scored. While the split into four quarters may also have been down to the fact the Gold Coast is one of the hottest places on earth in mid February. It also gave Channel Nine, the host broadcaster, a perfect chance for extra revenue through advertising.
I prefer to see rugby league split into two halfs, so with this in mind I would rather see the game be stopped for five minutes after a break in play mid way through the half for what can be called a 'water break'. It wouldn't be the first time this has happened in both the NRL or Super League. The game can then restart where it left off without a needless kick off to restart the half.
Secondly, I don't think the power play worked and showed to be another gimmick to draw in the fans.
The idea was that play restarted on a white circle 25 metres from the try line. The try scoring team had one play in an attempt to score another try. If play was interfered with a knock on, penalty to the defending side, an interception or a tackle then the game would be restarted with a kick off as usual. The attacking team were not allowed to kick the ball, which meant at one point the attacking team was forced back to almost their halfway line.
I think the biggest flaw in this was that too many players were on the field. Yes, the defending team were forced to lose their fullback to make it 13 v 12, but it really wasn't much of an advantage. The way it was played and the restarts made it look like a training session. This aspect of the game just didn't appeal to me.
I'm happy to see these new rules implemented in what is essentially an exhibition game, but under no circumstances should the rules be brought into the NRL competition and further the rule interpretations between Super League and the Australian game. With the build up to the 2013 World Cup beginning this week, its important that we build on the success of the 2008 tournament, and not lose the credibility of the game before a ball has been kicked.
Overall the quality of the All-Star game was impressive. For a game played in 30 degree heat at the peak of the Australian summer on the Gold Coast, it was a credit to see these men provide such quality entertainment in testing conditions.
The match was one of many trials and tribulations, Sam Burgess' appearance was one of the less significant ones on a night that could see the beginning of a new era for the sport of rugby league. Considering the game was merely an exhibition game, similar to that of the NFL Pro Bowl or the NBA All Star game, it gave the organisers a chance to implement and test a set of new rules designed to make the game more appealing. Well, when I say appealing, I actually mean similar to American Football.
The big changes were to split the game into four quarters and the introduction of a power play opportunity after a try is scored. While the split into four quarters may also have been down to the fact the Gold Coast is one of the hottest places on earth in mid February. It also gave Channel Nine, the host broadcaster, a perfect chance for extra revenue through advertising.
I prefer to see rugby league split into two halfs, so with this in mind I would rather see the game be stopped for five minutes after a break in play mid way through the half for what can be called a 'water break'. It wouldn't be the first time this has happened in both the NRL or Super League. The game can then restart where it left off without a needless kick off to restart the half.
Secondly, I don't think the power play worked and showed to be another gimmick to draw in the fans.
The idea was that play restarted on a white circle 25 metres from the try line. The try scoring team had one play in an attempt to score another try. If play was interfered with a knock on, penalty to the defending side, an interception or a tackle then the game would be restarted with a kick off as usual. The attacking team were not allowed to kick the ball, which meant at one point the attacking team was forced back to almost their halfway line.
I think the biggest flaw in this was that too many players were on the field. Yes, the defending team were forced to lose their fullback to make it 13 v 12, but it really wasn't much of an advantage. The way it was played and the restarts made it look like a training session. This aspect of the game just didn't appeal to me.
I'm happy to see these new rules implemented in what is essentially an exhibition game, but under no circumstances should the rules be brought into the NRL competition and further the rule interpretations between Super League and the Australian game. With the build up to the 2013 World Cup beginning this week, its important that we build on the success of the 2008 tournament, and not lose the credibility of the game before a ball has been kicked.
Overall the quality of the All-Star game was impressive. For a game played in 30 degree heat at the peak of the Australian summer on the Gold Coast, it was a credit to see these men provide such quality entertainment in testing conditions.
Monday 8 February 2010
Super League goes global, baby!
The news that Super League is attracting record viewing and attendance figures is a very good sign that the sport has the potential to grow over the course of time. Lets not kid ourselves that we'll see RL on a par in the tabloids with football and RU in our lifetime, but steps are in place for the code to slowly become a truly national sport.
Attendance figures and viewing figures on TV are a small but significant sign that expansion is working. According to an article in this week's League Express, 350,000 watched Crusaders host Leeds and is one of the biggest audience figures for a rugby league game other than the Grand Final on Sky television.
And while we're on the topic of TV figures, the RFL have brokered a deal with America One, an American broadcast company that apparently covers the entire country. Their website can be found here and the eagle eyed of you will notice that the Super League is one of three sports advertised on the home page. For those following the game in America, tune in at 7pm eastern time every Thursday in an attempt to see the St Helens V Hull FC game! A week later, Castleford host Warrington at the same time.
This is only good news for the sport to attract itself to wealthy businessmen in the States that would be interested in investing in our sport, or even better, invest in the US domestic league which is still attempting to make itself a fully professional league.
Attendance figures and viewing figures on TV are a small but significant sign that expansion is working. According to an article in this week's League Express, 350,000 watched Crusaders host Leeds and is one of the biggest audience figures for a rugby league game other than the Grand Final on Sky television.
And while we're on the topic of TV figures, the RFL have brokered a deal with America One, an American broadcast company that apparently covers the entire country. Their website can be found here and the eagle eyed of you will notice that the Super League is one of three sports advertised on the home page. For those following the game in America, tune in at 7pm eastern time every Thursday in an attempt to see the St Helens V Hull FC game! A week later, Castleford host Warrington at the same time.
This is only good news for the sport to attract itself to wealthy businessmen in the States that would be interested in investing in our sport, or even better, invest in the US domestic league which is still attempting to make itself a fully professional league.
Round one completed.
Super dooper league is back in full swing.
There were some shocks in the first proper round of Super League to begin 2010. Castleford came from 10-6 behind at half time to leave the Champions pointless in the second half and go on to win 24-10. Leeds seem to be focusing on their World Club Challenge match against Melbourne as it is idiotic for any team to think that at 10-6 up they can waltz away with victory. The players are out to regain their world title crown and in doing so, they are sacrificing the opening league games in order to prepare for the big game. That said, look out Wakefield next week. You could be in for a bumpy ride with players to prove two weeks before the big day.
Huddersfield played very well against Bradford, in a game I was expecting Matt Orford and Heath L'Estrange to tear the Huddersfield defence in two. It does pile pressure on Steve McNamaram early in the season after a dire performance and dissatisfaction from the fans stretching as far back as 2008. Bradford play St Helens next week at Odsal. More on that game later in the week, which could spell the beginning of the end for one coach.
Wigan brushed Crusaders aside in a thrashing that will spell concern for Brian Noble. After a promising start, this defeat could be bump back to reality as it shows the club and playing staff will have to dig deep in order to gain lost respect this season.
Hull KR beat Salford comfortably at New Craven Park, while Wakefield just got past Catalan in a competitive eight point win against the French side, who were missing star-man Thomas Bosc. Warrington also put 58 points past Harlequins, who must be wondering what happened to them as they failed to score even a point leaving them bottom of the table at this early stage.
The game of the week was difficult to see, but that was mainly thanks to an awful lot of fog at Knowsley Road on Saturday night. However it was a pleasure to see Saints defeated so comfortably as the opening game went from bad to worse for last year's beaten grand finalists. Hull FC made the best of the awful conditions, and outplayed Saints in every department for over an hour. Mick Potter said after the match that his side didn;t make the most of their chances. The truth is, Saints didn't create any chances and sufferend in a humiliating defeat.
Pity nobody saw it.
There were some shocks in the first proper round of Super League to begin 2010. Castleford came from 10-6 behind at half time to leave the Champions pointless in the second half and go on to win 24-10. Leeds seem to be focusing on their World Club Challenge match against Melbourne as it is idiotic for any team to think that at 10-6 up they can waltz away with victory. The players are out to regain their world title crown and in doing so, they are sacrificing the opening league games in order to prepare for the big game. That said, look out Wakefield next week. You could be in for a bumpy ride with players to prove two weeks before the big day.
Huddersfield played very well against Bradford, in a game I was expecting Matt Orford and Heath L'Estrange to tear the Huddersfield defence in two. It does pile pressure on Steve McNamaram early in the season after a dire performance and dissatisfaction from the fans stretching as far back as 2008. Bradford play St Helens next week at Odsal. More on that game later in the week, which could spell the beginning of the end for one coach.
Wigan brushed Crusaders aside in a thrashing that will spell concern for Brian Noble. After a promising start, this defeat could be bump back to reality as it shows the club and playing staff will have to dig deep in order to gain lost respect this season.
Hull KR beat Salford comfortably at New Craven Park, while Wakefield just got past Catalan in a competitive eight point win against the French side, who were missing star-man Thomas Bosc. Warrington also put 58 points past Harlequins, who must be wondering what happened to them as they failed to score even a point leaving them bottom of the table at this early stage.
The game of the week was difficult to see, but that was mainly thanks to an awful lot of fog at Knowsley Road on Saturday night. However it was a pleasure to see Saints defeated so comfortably as the opening game went from bad to worse for last year's beaten grand finalists. Hull FC made the best of the awful conditions, and outplayed Saints in every department for over an hour. Mick Potter said after the match that his side didn;t make the most of their chances. The truth is, Saints didn't create any chances and sufferend in a humiliating defeat.
Pity nobody saw it.
Monday 1 February 2010
Crusaders kickoff new era in style.
Crusaders finally kicked off their new season in style and in front of over 10,000 people at the Racecourse Ground. That's 9,999 more people than what other critics claimed would be at the first match.
On a pitch covered in freshly fallen snow, the Crusaders battled hard for 65 minutes until Danny McGuire led the Leeds charges onto what was a harsh 34-6 scoreline for the brave Welsh side. If it hadn't been for glaringly obvious errors under no pressure, they might have pushed Leeds all the way. Scott Donald's try should have been safely collected by the winger, instead it went straight through his legs and allowed Donald to touchdown. There was also the kicking of Michael Witt, who guided the ball safely into touch on the full on two occasions when the Crusaders desperately needed field possession.
But overall it was a promising start to the night, which was obviously spoilt by weird refereeing decisions. Ali Lauititi's first try looked dodgy on a first glance, but his second was defiantly held up over the line and should not have been awarded. I can only presume Richard Silverwood was on Leeds -24 at William Hill, who knows?
What was even more exciting for me however, was the amount of people in the stands. Over 10,000 people watched the match in Wrexham, a figure that has kept all the anti-expansionists quiet for the time being. But if the club can so much as keep half that attendance and average 4-5,000 on a weekly basis, then it will have to be said that the move to Wrexham was the right one.
However there is a long way to go in the season, and there will be plenty more written about this topic before the seasons end.
On a pitch covered in freshly fallen snow, the Crusaders battled hard for 65 minutes until Danny McGuire led the Leeds charges onto what was a harsh 34-6 scoreline for the brave Welsh side. If it hadn't been for glaringly obvious errors under no pressure, they might have pushed Leeds all the way. Scott Donald's try should have been safely collected by the winger, instead it went straight through his legs and allowed Donald to touchdown. There was also the kicking of Michael Witt, who guided the ball safely into touch on the full on two occasions when the Crusaders desperately needed field possession.
But overall it was a promising start to the night, which was obviously spoilt by weird refereeing decisions. Ali Lauititi's first try looked dodgy on a first glance, but his second was defiantly held up over the line and should not have been awarded. I can only presume Richard Silverwood was on Leeds -24 at William Hill, who knows?
What was even more exciting for me however, was the amount of people in the stands. Over 10,000 people watched the match in Wrexham, a figure that has kept all the anti-expansionists quiet for the time being. But if the club can so much as keep half that attendance and average 4-5,000 on a weekly basis, then it will have to be said that the move to Wrexham was the right one.
However there is a long way to go in the season, and there will be plenty more written about this topic before the seasons end.
Super League XV preview.
Its that time of year again. The Super League season finally kicked off in Wrexham, the first time the season has kicked off outside of England since Paris St Germain did the honors in 1996, and I for one am looking forward to what must should be a ground breaking season in all three divisions of professional rugby league in the UK and France.
The focus off attention off the field will be on both the Crusaders RL (I'm still going to call them Celtic) and South Wales Scorpions (the scorpions bit wont be written ever again.) Both teams came under the spotlight after Celtic moved from their home in Bridgend to move to Newport, then without playing a game and in the space of a few weeks got sold off and moved up north to Wrexham to provide the football club with an extra source of income.
On the field its a case of somebody stopping Leeds making it four straight Super League titles, and becoming the most successful team to date in the Super League era. It'll be a tough ask for the remaining thirteen teams, as Leeds seem to be getting better on paper each year. They have made some enormous signings, and have a tendency to back up all the pre-season hype with some tremendous performances over the course of the season. The only domestic title eluding them is the Challenge Cup, which they haven't won since 1999 which non of the current Leeds squad.
St Helens will have every intention of avenging their previous three Grand Final defeats, and the signing of Sia Soliola will boost their chances of a fifth straight appearance at Old Trafford. But overall I feel the Leeds/Saints GF partnership will finally be broken in 2010 and its Saints that will break up the marriage. They didn't look the same team in 2009 under Mick Potter as his first year as head coach, and the old guard of Leon Pryce, Paul Wellens and Keiron Cunningham didn't look the same as they did in the three years before 2009. There wasn't the same spark or cohesion that Daniel Anderson managed to install into the side, and I think Saints' reign in the top two is coming to an end.
But who will replace them and challenge Leeds for the title? Wigan? Warrington? Hull KR? If I had five pounds, my bet for 2010 dark horse would be Catalan. They have signed some very useful talent to add to their already good side. The signing of the year would have to be Dallas Johnson. He will challenge Malcolm Alker for the most tackles in a season, as he regularly makes over forty tackles a game in the NRL and State of Origin. Throw in their other signing of former New Zealand centre Setaimata Sa and they have a side that can go one better in 2010. They're the type of side that could seriously give Warrington a run for the Challenge Cup come August.
Speaking of Warrington, they should also have high aspirations of challenging for Super League as well. The signings of fringe England players Richie Myler and Ryan Atkins shows that Warrington can attract not just older and experience talent, but they can attract and invest in the long term. Now they have achieved their goal of winning the Challenge Cup after seven years building the foundations, they can become another Leeds or Saints of 2006 two or three years from now. Looking towards the start of 2010, the added signing of David Solomona will give Warrington added bulk into their already strong looking pack of Adrian Morley, Paul Wood and Gareth Carvell. I expect them to make the top four along with Leeds, St Helens and Wigan.
Wigan have high expectations every year, and for the past five years have failed to achieve those ambitions. They are the most successful British club, and with such a tag the coaching job can be even harder than at any other club. In my opinion Brian Noble was unfairly treated last year, and his replacement, Michael Maguire, will have to be careful as to not upset the board behind the scenes. They have brought in Paul Deacon, no doubt as a master the the young apprentice called Sam Thomkins. They are always a threat and very intimidating, but they need to stop losing big matches in order for the glory to return to the cherry and white.
From Lancashire to Yorkshire, and as you cross the pennies on the M62 the first town you come to is Huddersfield. Under Nathan Brown last year they were sensational. Finished third in the regular season but just couldn't handle the pressure of a massive knock-out match. They lost the Challenge Cup final, and unexpectedly bowed out of the play offs early in week two to Catalan. This year they'll want to go one better, and they haven't recruited too badly in order to achieve that goal. Their star signing is David Fa'alogo, the former New Zealand and South Sydney player. They also welcome back Brad Drew, who carried Huddersfield to the play offs in 2007. After two years at Wakefield he has returned to see the town which gave birth to rugby league achieve more success. Except they won't make the top four having narrowly over achieved last year.
Further down the M62 you pass Bradford. Steve McNamara is standing tall after some major signings that easily could change the face of Super League. Considering they have been on the slide since Brian Noble left in 2006, they have attracted Matt Orford, Heath L'Estrange from Manly and Brett Kearney from Cronulla. L'Estrange will add a bit of aggression and bulk into the Bradford back row and is a direct replacement for Sam Burgess, while Orford in his prime was better than Paul Deacon ever will be. While I don't think you will see a better Matt Orford than when he was at Melbourne and his early career at Manly, but I do think he is more than capable of single handedly guiding McNamara's side into the top five or six.
Bradford to Wakefield is the route Terry Newton has travelled this winter, and I can't help but think it'll be business as usual for Wakefield this year. Last year they had two people to play for in Adam Watene and Leon Walker who both tragically died doing what they loved, and when I say business as usual, I mean they'll be struggling at the bottom half of the league. I do rate John Kear as a moderately successful coach, who has transformed countless clubs around with small finances. However their squad this year looks like a whos who of players past their prime and top four rejects. Only Danny Brough looks capable of shining, but he on his own can't transform Wakefield's woes this year.
Swiftly moving onto Castleford, and it'll be a similar story at Whelden Road. Terry Matterson has only brought in two players in Paul Jackson and Steve Snitch, who were average at best for Huddersfield and Wakefield respectively. Michael Shenton and Joe Westerman both need good years this year, as I though Westerman was a little too quiet for my liking and failed to get a game for England after such promise two years ago. Shenton on the other hand had a decent season, but is probably wasted in a team well below his standards.
Lingering below both those two sides will be the cockneys. Harlequins are often questioned along with Celtic as to why they are in Super League, never mind being in existence in the first place. Many people believe they bring nothing to the sport after thirty years, originating as Fulham and playing at Craven Cottage. I expect their performances to be a little below par this year yet again. They seem to have been struggling to attract any half decent players from up north, while focusing their attentions in developing players down south. While that's good for the longer term, short term their star signings for this season seem to be Ben Jones-Bishop, Oliver Wilkes and Andy Ellis. They won't improve under Brian McDermott, in fact they might be standing still if he is in charge for a few more years.
From one expansion club to another, and Crudaders/Celtic will have to do it even tougher this time round. I'd say there were a few more signings yet to come, and they have already played one game so need to get pen to paper pretty quickly. But there are promising signs. Their performance against Leeds was fairly good for an hour, while they do have promise in Michael Witt and experience in Gareth Raynor and Jamie Thackeray. It'll be interesting how they perform on and off the field, with a close eye on their attendances and marketing efforts to attract the nice folk from north Wales. If they can perform the way they did against Leeds for the rest of the season, they will give a few teams a mighty shock or two.
Salford promise progression and improvement every year, but I can't help but think they're on a hiding to nothing. While they did managed to beat more teams other than Celtic last year, they will do even better to move up a position in the league. An unlikely task in my opinion. They no longer have Richie Myler, but the progress of Stefan Ratchford should see him being touted as a future star, obviously not at Salford. They seem to be a dumping ground for fringe players in other teams to learn what Super League is like. Both Matty Smith and Steve Tyrer are on loan from St Helens and can't be far from pulling on that red vee shirt themselves. I'm fairly confident an academy side could beat their first team, and confidence is something Shaun McRae will have to be stocking up on to have any hope this season.
Last but by no means least, we have the two Hull teams. I'd like to end on a positive, so its best to start with Hull FC. Richard Agar is on his very last legs. If he can't get this side playing together then his time has to be up. However despite all the experience in Shaun Berrigan, Sean Long, Mark O'Meley and the one and only Craig Fitzgibbon, all of these players will soon be cashing in their pensions. It'll be difficult to keep these four players on the pitch at the same time without arthritis playing up on them. But in all seriousness, if Agar can pull them together and wrap the four older players in cotton wool on a weekly basis then they can make the top eight. It's fielding a consistent side every week that will be Agar's problem, and good luck to him because it's only a matter of time before he is out of the door.
Across the river Hull and we come to east Hull, twinned with Basra, Iraq. It's also the home to Hull KR who should be aiming to improve on 2009. In my opinion, they struggled to come to terms with their extra time loss to Warrington in the Challenge Cup, and lost the following five out of seven games. Other than that, it was a terrific season and one they can really bounce onwards from. They have kept all the key players that did so well for them this year in Shaun Briscoe, Michael Dobson, Ben Galea and Kris Welham. Justin Morgan is a great coach who has learnt a lot in a short space of time since joining the club from Toulouse in 2005 and would be my pick for the next England coach.
Finally here is how the league will look come September, if all is predicted well. Which it wasn't!
Leeds
Wigan
St Helens
Warrington
Catalan
Huddersfield
Hull KR
Bradford
Hull FC
Wakefield
Castleford
Harlequins
Salford
Crusaders RL
The focus off attention off the field will be on both the Crusaders RL (I'm still going to call them Celtic) and South Wales Scorpions (the scorpions bit wont be written ever again.) Both teams came under the spotlight after Celtic moved from their home in Bridgend to move to Newport, then without playing a game and in the space of a few weeks got sold off and moved up north to Wrexham to provide the football club with an extra source of income.
On the field its a case of somebody stopping Leeds making it four straight Super League titles, and becoming the most successful team to date in the Super League era. It'll be a tough ask for the remaining thirteen teams, as Leeds seem to be getting better on paper each year. They have made some enormous signings, and have a tendency to back up all the pre-season hype with some tremendous performances over the course of the season. The only domestic title eluding them is the Challenge Cup, which they haven't won since 1999 which non of the current Leeds squad.
St Helens will have every intention of avenging their previous three Grand Final defeats, and the signing of Sia Soliola will boost their chances of a fifth straight appearance at Old Trafford. But overall I feel the Leeds/Saints GF partnership will finally be broken in 2010 and its Saints that will break up the marriage. They didn't look the same team in 2009 under Mick Potter as his first year as head coach, and the old guard of Leon Pryce, Paul Wellens and Keiron Cunningham didn't look the same as they did in the three years before 2009. There wasn't the same spark or cohesion that Daniel Anderson managed to install into the side, and I think Saints' reign in the top two is coming to an end.
But who will replace them and challenge Leeds for the title? Wigan? Warrington? Hull KR? If I had five pounds, my bet for 2010 dark horse would be Catalan. They have signed some very useful talent to add to their already good side. The signing of the year would have to be Dallas Johnson. He will challenge Malcolm Alker for the most tackles in a season, as he regularly makes over forty tackles a game in the NRL and State of Origin. Throw in their other signing of former New Zealand centre Setaimata Sa and they have a side that can go one better in 2010. They're the type of side that could seriously give Warrington a run for the Challenge Cup come August.
Speaking of Warrington, they should also have high aspirations of challenging for Super League as well. The signings of fringe England players Richie Myler and Ryan Atkins shows that Warrington can attract not just older and experience talent, but they can attract and invest in the long term. Now they have achieved their goal of winning the Challenge Cup after seven years building the foundations, they can become another Leeds or Saints of 2006 two or three years from now. Looking towards the start of 2010, the added signing of David Solomona will give Warrington added bulk into their already strong looking pack of Adrian Morley, Paul Wood and Gareth Carvell. I expect them to make the top four along with Leeds, St Helens and Wigan.
Wigan have high expectations every year, and for the past five years have failed to achieve those ambitions. They are the most successful British club, and with such a tag the coaching job can be even harder than at any other club. In my opinion Brian Noble was unfairly treated last year, and his replacement, Michael Maguire, will have to be careful as to not upset the board behind the scenes. They have brought in Paul Deacon, no doubt as a master the the young apprentice called Sam Thomkins. They are always a threat and very intimidating, but they need to stop losing big matches in order for the glory to return to the cherry and white.
From Lancashire to Yorkshire, and as you cross the pennies on the M62 the first town you come to is Huddersfield. Under Nathan Brown last year they were sensational. Finished third in the regular season but just couldn't handle the pressure of a massive knock-out match. They lost the Challenge Cup final, and unexpectedly bowed out of the play offs early in week two to Catalan. This year they'll want to go one better, and they haven't recruited too badly in order to achieve that goal. Their star signing is David Fa'alogo, the former New Zealand and South Sydney player. They also welcome back Brad Drew, who carried Huddersfield to the play offs in 2007. After two years at Wakefield he has returned to see the town which gave birth to rugby league achieve more success. Except they won't make the top four having narrowly over achieved last year.
Further down the M62 you pass Bradford. Steve McNamara is standing tall after some major signings that easily could change the face of Super League. Considering they have been on the slide since Brian Noble left in 2006, they have attracted Matt Orford, Heath L'Estrange from Manly and Brett Kearney from Cronulla. L'Estrange will add a bit of aggression and bulk into the Bradford back row and is a direct replacement for Sam Burgess, while Orford in his prime was better than Paul Deacon ever will be. While I don't think you will see a better Matt Orford than when he was at Melbourne and his early career at Manly, but I do think he is more than capable of single handedly guiding McNamara's side into the top five or six.
Bradford to Wakefield is the route Terry Newton has travelled this winter, and I can't help but think it'll be business as usual for Wakefield this year. Last year they had two people to play for in Adam Watene and Leon Walker who both tragically died doing what they loved, and when I say business as usual, I mean they'll be struggling at the bottom half of the league. I do rate John Kear as a moderately successful coach, who has transformed countless clubs around with small finances. However their squad this year looks like a whos who of players past their prime and top four rejects. Only Danny Brough looks capable of shining, but he on his own can't transform Wakefield's woes this year.
Swiftly moving onto Castleford, and it'll be a similar story at Whelden Road. Terry Matterson has only brought in two players in Paul Jackson and Steve Snitch, who were average at best for Huddersfield and Wakefield respectively. Michael Shenton and Joe Westerman both need good years this year, as I though Westerman was a little too quiet for my liking and failed to get a game for England after such promise two years ago. Shenton on the other hand had a decent season, but is probably wasted in a team well below his standards.
Lingering below both those two sides will be the cockneys. Harlequins are often questioned along with Celtic as to why they are in Super League, never mind being in existence in the first place. Many people believe they bring nothing to the sport after thirty years, originating as Fulham and playing at Craven Cottage. I expect their performances to be a little below par this year yet again. They seem to have been struggling to attract any half decent players from up north, while focusing their attentions in developing players down south. While that's good for the longer term, short term their star signings for this season seem to be Ben Jones-Bishop, Oliver Wilkes and Andy Ellis. They won't improve under Brian McDermott, in fact they might be standing still if he is in charge for a few more years.
From one expansion club to another, and Crudaders/Celtic will have to do it even tougher this time round. I'd say there were a few more signings yet to come, and they have already played one game so need to get pen to paper pretty quickly. But there are promising signs. Their performance against Leeds was fairly good for an hour, while they do have promise in Michael Witt and experience in Gareth Raynor and Jamie Thackeray. It'll be interesting how they perform on and off the field, with a close eye on their attendances and marketing efforts to attract the nice folk from north Wales. If they can perform the way they did against Leeds for the rest of the season, they will give a few teams a mighty shock or two.
Salford promise progression and improvement every year, but I can't help but think they're on a hiding to nothing. While they did managed to beat more teams other than Celtic last year, they will do even better to move up a position in the league. An unlikely task in my opinion. They no longer have Richie Myler, but the progress of Stefan Ratchford should see him being touted as a future star, obviously not at Salford. They seem to be a dumping ground for fringe players in other teams to learn what Super League is like. Both Matty Smith and Steve Tyrer are on loan from St Helens and can't be far from pulling on that red vee shirt themselves. I'm fairly confident an academy side could beat their first team, and confidence is something Shaun McRae will have to be stocking up on to have any hope this season.
Last but by no means least, we have the two Hull teams. I'd like to end on a positive, so its best to start with Hull FC. Richard Agar is on his very last legs. If he can't get this side playing together then his time has to be up. However despite all the experience in Shaun Berrigan, Sean Long, Mark O'Meley and the one and only Craig Fitzgibbon, all of these players will soon be cashing in their pensions. It'll be difficult to keep these four players on the pitch at the same time without arthritis playing up on them. But in all seriousness, if Agar can pull them together and wrap the four older players in cotton wool on a weekly basis then they can make the top eight. It's fielding a consistent side every week that will be Agar's problem, and good luck to him because it's only a matter of time before he is out of the door.
Across the river Hull and we come to east Hull, twinned with Basra, Iraq. It's also the home to Hull KR who should be aiming to improve on 2009. In my opinion, they struggled to come to terms with their extra time loss to Warrington in the Challenge Cup, and lost the following five out of seven games. Other than that, it was a terrific season and one they can really bounce onwards from. They have kept all the key players that did so well for them this year in Shaun Briscoe, Michael Dobson, Ben Galea and Kris Welham. Justin Morgan is a great coach who has learnt a lot in a short space of time since joining the club from Toulouse in 2005 and would be my pick for the next England coach.
Finally here is how the league will look come September, if all is predicted well. Which it wasn't!
Leeds
Wigan
St Helens
Warrington
Catalan
Huddersfield
Hull KR
Bradford
Hull FC
Wakefield
Castleford
Harlequins
Salford
Crusaders RL
Saturday 23 January 2010
It just ain't rugby league...
...without something going wrong.
Half a dozen Huddersfield players have been arrested and released on bail, on suspicion of rape during a pre-season tour.
Now personally I don't care anymore what NRL players get up to in their spare time, but these sort of incidents are usually left best to the experts in Australian rugby league. We don't need these sort of allegations in this country, where rugby league is promoted as a family sport. I'm not saying Australian players were necessarily involved in this specific incident, but after a year when Brett Stewart was accused and Matthew Johns lost his career as a broadcaster due to a similar accusation its vital the spread of off-field behavior doesn't reach these shores any time soon.
Half a dozen Huddersfield players have been arrested and released on bail, on suspicion of rape during a pre-season tour.
Now personally I don't care anymore what NRL players get up to in their spare time, but these sort of incidents are usually left best to the experts in Australian rugby league. We don't need these sort of allegations in this country, where rugby league is promoted as a family sport. I'm not saying Australian players were necessarily involved in this specific incident, but after a year when Brett Stewart was accused and Matthew Johns lost his career as a broadcaster due to a similar accusation its vital the spread of off-field behavior doesn't reach these shores any time soon.
Sunday 17 January 2010
Pre season gets under way.
There were plenty of games played today thanks to the usual climate conditions arriving back off holiday. It was nice to see some decent rugby being played as well, with some interesting scores to ponder before the season kicks off for real.
I went to the Leigh Sports Village to see the home team take on a full strength Warrington side, where Richie Myler scored four tries to make sure his team won 60-16. Elsewhere George Carmont scored in the last minute to deny Wakefield a win, resulting in Wigan's 40-38 victory. Huddersfield's academy side edged out Whitehaven at the Recreation Ground 22-24. Over at Humberside, Hull FC won 28-16 against their dear rivals from the east of the city, Hull KR. Salford thrashed Swinton 50-12 while Featherstone saw off Blackpool 20-10 at the newly named Bigfellas Stadium. Doesn't quite have the same ring as the Chris Moyles Stadium, does it?
These were just a few scores I was able to get hold of at this time. But at the end of the day I'm just glad rugby league is getting back into the swing of things ahead of the new season. Its been too long since England lost to Australia in Leeds. There are only twelve days until the start of the new season. I for one, cannot wait!
I went to the Leigh Sports Village to see the home team take on a full strength Warrington side, where Richie Myler scored four tries to make sure his team won 60-16. Elsewhere George Carmont scored in the last minute to deny Wakefield a win, resulting in Wigan's 40-38 victory. Huddersfield's academy side edged out Whitehaven at the Recreation Ground 22-24. Over at Humberside, Hull FC won 28-16 against their dear rivals from the east of the city, Hull KR. Salford thrashed Swinton 50-12 while Featherstone saw off Blackpool 20-10 at the newly named Bigfellas Stadium. Doesn't quite have the same ring as the Chris Moyles Stadium, does it?
These were just a few scores I was able to get hold of at this time. But at the end of the day I'm just glad rugby league is getting back into the swing of things ahead of the new season. Its been too long since England lost to Australia in Leeds. There are only twelve days until the start of the new season. I for one, cannot wait!
Friday 15 January 2010
Team of the decade - centres
Over the years there have been some amazing centres. Players who wow the crowd with dazzling side steps, outrageous back-door passes and often a short burst of speed. More importantly, a centre has to provide his winger with a large amount of quality ball and area for the winger to run in. He must draw both the opposition centre and winger to him in order for his winger to run through the space created.
Brent Tate
What can I say about Brent Tate that hasn't been said already? Even playing with a neck brace he is one of the best centres to have ever worn the green and gold, on 19 occasions since 2002. No matter what team he was playing for, his winger would always score tries and so would he. He has scored 47 of them in 141 NRL appearances. He started his career at Brisbane where he became a household name thanks to his performances that earned him a Queensland shirt. He made his début for Brisbane in round 21 of the 2001 season against Melbourne. That was one of three games he played that year. The following year he achieved his potential and was selected for both his state and his country. Injury has forced the 27 year-old out of the game for a long time in the past. Most noticeably was when he suffered a career threatening neck injury which resulted in the permanent use of a neck brace whilst playing the sport. Despite the injury, he was still selected for Australia and Queensland the following year, and despite further visits to the physio's room, he continues to be one of the best experienced players in the NRL.
Jamie Lyon
Life is never dull for Jamie Lyon. In 2000 he made his début for Parramatta against West Tigers. The following year he made a bigger impact on the competition, scoring 11 tries and was part of the squad that won the minor premiership, but lost the grand final to Newcastle. His performance for Australia in 2001 against Papua New Guinea earned him a plane ticket to Great Britain, in which Australia won the series 2-1. From there he earned State of Origin call ups in 2002 and 2003. In that time he won several club awards and was well on the way to becoming one of the best players in the game. That was until he suddenly quit Parramatta without warning, and went home. Despite his homesickness a year earlier, in 2005 Ian Millward convinced him to fly to England and play for St Helens. It worked wonders. He was instantly regarded as one of the best centres in the competition, scoring 39 tries in 59 league appearances. Despite not playing in the NRL, he earned selection for Australia in 2006 and played in their 23-12 defeat to Great Britain, the last player to play for Australia not in the NRL at the time. In 2007 he returned to Australia with Manly and immediately made an impact, guiding them to two consecutive grand finals in 2007 and 2008. After winning the grand final in 2008, Manly won the 2009 World Club Challenge.
Mark Gasnier
The nephew of the immortal Reg Gasnier, Mark Gasnier just about lived up to his uncle's legacy. He made his début against Newcastle at the turn of the millennium for St George Illawarra, and ended up playing 141 times for the red vee contingent. He was one of the popular player in Australia, and hardly ever got into trouble keeping his nose clean. His first appearance for New South Wales came in 2004 in which he scored two tries and one goal. From that moment on, he was a regular starting centre and scored two more tries in the 2005 series. I will never forget his final appearance for Australia in the Centenary Test in 2008. It was the perfect send off for a true modern rugby league great. His first try was a stunner, and came off a Jonathan Thurston kick, and a Greg Inglis catch and throw over the head for Gasnier to touch down. A remarkable player.
Shontayne Hape
Along with Lesley Vainikolo, he formed one of the most devastating left flanks in Super League history. While his team mate scored 135 tries, Hape himself was scored 76 tries meaning the total partnership scored 211tries combined. He started his career at Aukland where for three seasons he only managed to appear 28 times. In that time though he scored seven tries, his first two coming against Canterbury Bulldogs in 2000. He only playing one game for the New Zealand based side in 2002 before moving to link up with Vainikolo a year later.
The right centre for the Team of the Decade is Brent Tate, while the left centre is Shontayne Hape.
Brent Tate
What can I say about Brent Tate that hasn't been said already? Even playing with a neck brace he is one of the best centres to have ever worn the green and gold, on 19 occasions since 2002. No matter what team he was playing for, his winger would always score tries and so would he. He has scored 47 of them in 141 NRL appearances. He started his career at Brisbane where he became a household name thanks to his performances that earned him a Queensland shirt. He made his début for Brisbane in round 21 of the 2001 season against Melbourne. That was one of three games he played that year. The following year he achieved his potential and was selected for both his state and his country. Injury has forced the 27 year-old out of the game for a long time in the past. Most noticeably was when he suffered a career threatening neck injury which resulted in the permanent use of a neck brace whilst playing the sport. Despite the injury, he was still selected for Australia and Queensland the following year, and despite further visits to the physio's room, he continues to be one of the best experienced players in the NRL.
Jamie Lyon
Life is never dull for Jamie Lyon. In 2000 he made his début for Parramatta against West Tigers. The following year he made a bigger impact on the competition, scoring 11 tries and was part of the squad that won the minor premiership, but lost the grand final to Newcastle. His performance for Australia in 2001 against Papua New Guinea earned him a plane ticket to Great Britain, in which Australia won the series 2-1. From there he earned State of Origin call ups in 2002 and 2003. In that time he won several club awards and was well on the way to becoming one of the best players in the game. That was until he suddenly quit Parramatta without warning, and went home. Despite his homesickness a year earlier, in 2005 Ian Millward convinced him to fly to England and play for St Helens. It worked wonders. He was instantly regarded as one of the best centres in the competition, scoring 39 tries in 59 league appearances. Despite not playing in the NRL, he earned selection for Australia in 2006 and played in their 23-12 defeat to Great Britain, the last player to play for Australia not in the NRL at the time. In 2007 he returned to Australia with Manly and immediately made an impact, guiding them to two consecutive grand finals in 2007 and 2008. After winning the grand final in 2008, Manly won the 2009 World Club Challenge.
Mark Gasnier
The nephew of the immortal Reg Gasnier, Mark Gasnier just about lived up to his uncle's legacy. He made his début against Newcastle at the turn of the millennium for St George Illawarra, and ended up playing 141 times for the red vee contingent. He was one of the popular player in Australia, and hardly ever got into trouble keeping his nose clean. His first appearance for New South Wales came in 2004 in which he scored two tries and one goal. From that moment on, he was a regular starting centre and scored two more tries in the 2005 series. I will never forget his final appearance for Australia in the Centenary Test in 2008. It was the perfect send off for a true modern rugby league great. His first try was a stunner, and came off a Jonathan Thurston kick, and a Greg Inglis catch and throw over the head for Gasnier to touch down. A remarkable player.
Shontayne Hape
Along with Lesley Vainikolo, he formed one of the most devastating left flanks in Super League history. While his team mate scored 135 tries, Hape himself was scored 76 tries meaning the total partnership scored 211tries combined. He started his career at Aukland where for three seasons he only managed to appear 28 times. In that time though he scored seven tries, his first two coming against Canterbury Bulldogs in 2000. He only playing one game for the New Zealand based side in 2002 before moving to link up with Vainikolo a year later.
The right centre for the Team of the Decade is Brent Tate, while the left centre is Shontayne Hape.
Wednesday 6 January 2010
Oh the weather outside is frightful...
Recently there was an opportunity given to me to write a 600 word article for the Leigh V Warrington match day programme. They were asking for fans to write about any rugby league related topic and I got given the task. Unfortunately after Leigh's home friendly to Salford got cancelled again, the club has decided to recycle that programme with a few minor changes so it can be sold to us on the 17th January. Anyway instead of letting that article go to waste, I thought I'd publish it on here instead. Enjoy!
If you reading this it must mean that the match has been given the all clear, and the powers that be have put the UK back outside the Arctic Circle. That’s a good thing from a Warrington point of view, as this is our first pre-season game before the start of the season. We will need to be at the top of our game if we are to defeat Harlequins in round one, as their round three fixture against Wakefield is being brought forward three weeks so they can play Melbourne Storm a week before the World Club Challenge.
It appears this has been the worst winter for some time. We have had sub zero temperatures, 11 inches of snow and we’ve had to put up with Rage against the Machine being the Christmas number one. Rugby League has been affected too, with countless matches for both amateur and professional teams being postponed due to the adverse weather conditions. The entire amateur programme was postponed the weekend before Christmas due to the frost, while two of the three county cups were originally postponed the day after Boxing Day. The entire Challenge Cup programme fell foul of the weather as we welcomed in 2010, while very few scheduled games went ahead elsewhere across the country. Warrington’s pre-season plans have already gone pear shaped after our extravagantly titled ‘World of Beds Cup’ match against Widnes was cancelled on two occasions leaving us with one less game to give the reserve side, plus a few familiar faces, a decent run out. Alas, it would have been nice to celebrate another cup win.
Of course we are not alone in cancelling fixtures. The not-so-friendly friendly between St Helens and Wigan was called off along with what would have been Salford’s visit to this wonderful new stadium. Amazingly there were some friendly matches played over the festive period, all of which seem to have been played in Yorkshire. In all honesty I would have thought that would be the first place to call a game off in the middle of winter, considering I have seen it snow at Belle Vue in the middle of April. Leeds and Wakefield managed to play their Boxing Day contest on the same day Dewsbury and Batley gave their pitch the all clear. The following day York City Knights played against a York Select XIII consisting from players from the local amateur teams. But overall the amount of games called of due to the weather has been alarming this year, and begs the question why the RFL insist on starting the season earlier and earlier each year.
Gone are the days in the summer era of rugby league when the Challenge Cup would signal the start of the season before the league kicked off a week later. The season is starting earlier each year, with Celtic hosting Leeds two weeks after this game in Super League, while the Northern Rail Cup commences with Leigh travelling to York on the 31st January. For me growing up in the nineties and remembering very little before Super League, it was all part of the romance of the Challenge Cup that the season would often start with the fourth round tie. It meant spring was just around the corner and the start of another rollercoaster season was waiting for us after several months without rugby. Of course it wasn’t so romantic if you drew Barrow away only to find there was more water floating down the main road than there was in Morecambe Bay during a heavy spell of rain. Summer rugby, eh?
If you reading this it must mean that the match has been given the all clear, and the powers that be have put the UK back outside the Arctic Circle. That’s a good thing from a Warrington point of view, as this is our first pre-season game before the start of the season. We will need to be at the top of our game if we are to defeat Harlequins in round one, as their round three fixture against Wakefield is being brought forward three weeks so they can play Melbourne Storm a week before the World Club Challenge.
It appears this has been the worst winter for some time. We have had sub zero temperatures, 11 inches of snow and we’ve had to put up with Rage against the Machine being the Christmas number one. Rugby League has been affected too, with countless matches for both amateur and professional teams being postponed due to the adverse weather conditions. The entire amateur programme was postponed the weekend before Christmas due to the frost, while two of the three county cups were originally postponed the day after Boxing Day. The entire Challenge Cup programme fell foul of the weather as we welcomed in 2010, while very few scheduled games went ahead elsewhere across the country. Warrington’s pre-season plans have already gone pear shaped after our extravagantly titled ‘World of Beds Cup’ match against Widnes was cancelled on two occasions leaving us with one less game to give the reserve side, plus a few familiar faces, a decent run out. Alas, it would have been nice to celebrate another cup win.
Of course we are not alone in cancelling fixtures. The not-so-friendly friendly between St Helens and Wigan was called off along with what would have been Salford’s visit to this wonderful new stadium. Amazingly there were some friendly matches played over the festive period, all of which seem to have been played in Yorkshire. In all honesty I would have thought that would be the first place to call a game off in the middle of winter, considering I have seen it snow at Belle Vue in the middle of April. Leeds and Wakefield managed to play their Boxing Day contest on the same day Dewsbury and Batley gave their pitch the all clear. The following day York City Knights played against a York Select XIII consisting from players from the local amateur teams. But overall the amount of games called of due to the weather has been alarming this year, and begs the question why the RFL insist on starting the season earlier and earlier each year.
Gone are the days in the summer era of rugby league when the Challenge Cup would signal the start of the season before the league kicked off a week later. The season is starting earlier each year, with Celtic hosting Leeds two weeks after this game in Super League, while the Northern Rail Cup commences with Leigh travelling to York on the 31st January. For me growing up in the nineties and remembering very little before Super League, it was all part of the romance of the Challenge Cup that the season would often start with the fourth round tie. It meant spring was just around the corner and the start of another rollercoaster season was waiting for us after several months without rugby. Of course it wasn’t so romantic if you drew Barrow away only to find there was more water floating down the main road than there was in Morecambe Bay during a heavy spell of rain. Summer rugby, eh?
Monday 4 January 2010
Team of the decade - winger
It appears the attributes and requirements of a winger have grown in recent years. There is no longer a small speedy winger in the modern game who can handle the rough and tough of the middle of the field, as as a result the species that brought us Martin Offiah, Brian Bevan and Jason Robinson are a dying breed. Warrington's Kevin Penny is the last player who earned his first team selection based on speed alone, and while it proved successful early in the young lad's career, he was vulnerable to many aspects of the game and his weaknesses were quickly exploited.
Today, fast paced and speedy wingers are no long an necessity. But they must be successful finishers, calm under pressure, but they must still possess that little bit of pace and acceleration to get past the defence. Just a bit. They must also be build so they can handle the physicality of the modern day game, therefore reducing their speed, but becoming effective in brushing aside the defence.
Ade Gardner
From 2002 Ade Gardner has always been a thorn in the teams playing against St Helens. He scored 114 tries for Saints in Super League and became one of the most respected players in the game. It took him four years to make the Great Britain team making his début in the 2006 international at Knowsley Road against New Zealand in which Great Britain were victorious 46-14. His last international appearance was, ironically, against the Kiwis in the 2008 World Cup, who would later become world champions a week later. But Gardner had already become a world champion himself by this point, playing in St Helens' 18-14 win over Brisbane in the World Club Challenge in which he scored two tries down the right wing. Sadly we may have seen Gardner at his peak in 2006, but during that time he was an effective and dangerous winger.
Brian Carney
There are not too many players who can say they are born and raised in the land of shamrocks and Guinness. Without a doubt Brian Carney is the best player ever to have come out of Ireland, and arguably he is one of the best wingers in the past decade. In his first season of NRL rugby league, he was voted the Dally M Winger of the Year in 2007 after a successful season with Newcastle, a year before he was due to play for the Gold Coast. He was scouted for Gateshead after playing for Dublin Blues RLFC and eventually signed for Wigan where he made his mark on Super League. In 14 appearances for Great Britain he scored eight tries, his last coming in the 2005 Tri Nations against Australia in Hull. But after his successful year in the NRL he made his retirement from both codes of rugby to concentrate on his family life. He later returned rugby union playing for Munster, but was later signed up for the remainder of the 2009 Super League season with Warrington. In four appearances he scored two tries, showing that at the age of 32 he was still capable of performing at a respectable standard. He career at Warrington was short lived after breaking his arm against Leeds, effectively ending his time on a rugby pitch.
Darren Albert
He was once tagged the fastest man in Super League after he won a charity foot race in 2004, and it was very hard to catch him with a ball in hand. In his four seasons at St Helens he helped them to one Challenge Cup win over Wigan as well as a Super League title. Beforehand he played for Newcastle in Australia (at which time was in the middle of the Super League war.) His début in 1996 was against Western Reds in Perth, and in which he scored a try. A year later he would go onto scoring one of the most memorable try in Australian rugby league history in a thrilling ARL Grand Final at the Sydney Football Stadium against Manly. If stats and figures are to be believed, he scored 77 tried in both Australia (ARL and NRL competitions for Newcastle and Cronulla) and Super League in the UK, totalling 154 tries in 217 apperances at first grade level. He showed pace and speed, but also the strength to compete in the middle of the field with the props when he was needed. He was a superb player, and it was great injustice he only ever played one game for New South Wales.
Hazem El Masri
One of the all time great players of rugby league. He broke and achieved a number of records in his career, including the all-time highest NRL career point scoring record scoring 2,418, he achieved 300 career apperances playing for the Bulldogs as well as the most points in a season of the NRL with 342. On top of that, he scored 160 tries at first grade level making him one of the most individual successful players to have played the game. During his time at Canterbury, he was part of a winning NRL Premiership side that defeated Sydney in 2004. El Masri retired after the 2009 season as the best point scoring player of all time against Parramatta in the preliminary finals, but will remain a memorable figure in the game for some time.
Jason Robinson
Jason Robinson left Wigan at the end of the 2000 season, so just about manages to become a nominee for this team of the decade. But before that, he was one of the best three quarters Great Britain had in their attacking arsenal. He had a quick side step and footwork a lot better any I have seen since. And his pace and speed was phenomenal. Eventually he left Wigan and transferred to the dark side of rugby union, where he made a very successful career out of playing that sport playing for England 51 times and the British Lions five times. But in rugby league, he started life at Hunslet before moving to Wigan in 1992 where he would appear for them 286 times and score over 600 points. Between 1993 and 1999 he went on to earn 12 Great Britain caps. A little unknown fact is he is the last person to score a try in a RU world cup final in 2003, as the 2007 final consisted of seven penalty goal kicks.
Lesley Vainikolo
Judging from the size of this bloke, you would never have guessed he played on the wing. But that is exactly what he did, and he did it with style. Along with his team mate, Shontayne Hape, he was part of a devastating left flank Bradford side that made four consecutive Super League Grand Final apperances winning two of them in 2003 and 2005. (Bradford won the 2001 final, but Vainikolo had not signed for Bradford by that point.) He caught the eye of Brian Noble playing for Canberra in which he scored 35 tries in the NRL between 1998 and 2001. This led to the nickname of The Volcano, christened to him by Peter Sterling. Once he settled into English life, he became a force to be reckoned with. He went onto score 135 tries in 136 apperances for Bradford in Super League, once scoring six tries in one match against Hull FC in 2005. A record that has not yet been broken. He left in 2007 to play rugby union for Gloucester but will always be remember for his trail blazing runs down the left flank at Odsal.
Martin Offiah
Martin Offiah left Salford in 2000 after 41 apperances for the club to join rugby union, a place where it seems many a great league winger goes off to collect their pension. He is a Londoner and one of the greatest wingers of all time. He made his name in the 1990s playing for Widnes, Wigan, St George, Eastern Suberbs and London. He scored 501 career tries playng in the UK and Australia, second to Brian Bevan.
For the team of the decade, on the right wing is Brian Carney and on the left wing is Lesley Vainikolo.
Today, fast paced and speedy wingers are no long an necessity. But they must be successful finishers, calm under pressure, but they must still possess that little bit of pace and acceleration to get past the defence. Just a bit. They must also be build so they can handle the physicality of the modern day game, therefore reducing their speed, but becoming effective in brushing aside the defence.
Ade Gardner
From 2002 Ade Gardner has always been a thorn in the teams playing against St Helens. He scored 114 tries for Saints in Super League and became one of the most respected players in the game. It took him four years to make the Great Britain team making his début in the 2006 international at Knowsley Road against New Zealand in which Great Britain were victorious 46-14. His last international appearance was, ironically, against the Kiwis in the 2008 World Cup, who would later become world champions a week later. But Gardner had already become a world champion himself by this point, playing in St Helens' 18-14 win over Brisbane in the World Club Challenge in which he scored two tries down the right wing. Sadly we may have seen Gardner at his peak in 2006, but during that time he was an effective and dangerous winger.
Brian Carney
There are not too many players who can say they are born and raised in the land of shamrocks and Guinness. Without a doubt Brian Carney is the best player ever to have come out of Ireland, and arguably he is one of the best wingers in the past decade. In his first season of NRL rugby league, he was voted the Dally M Winger of the Year in 2007 after a successful season with Newcastle, a year before he was due to play for the Gold Coast. He was scouted for Gateshead after playing for Dublin Blues RLFC and eventually signed for Wigan where he made his mark on Super League. In 14 appearances for Great Britain he scored eight tries, his last coming in the 2005 Tri Nations against Australia in Hull. But after his successful year in the NRL he made his retirement from both codes of rugby to concentrate on his family life. He later returned rugby union playing for Munster, but was later signed up for the remainder of the 2009 Super League season with Warrington. In four appearances he scored two tries, showing that at the age of 32 he was still capable of performing at a respectable standard. He career at Warrington was short lived after breaking his arm against Leeds, effectively ending his time on a rugby pitch.
Darren Albert
He was once tagged the fastest man in Super League after he won a charity foot race in 2004, and it was very hard to catch him with a ball in hand. In his four seasons at St Helens he helped them to one Challenge Cup win over Wigan as well as a Super League title. Beforehand he played for Newcastle in Australia (at which time was in the middle of the Super League war.) His début in 1996 was against Western Reds in Perth, and in which he scored a try. A year later he would go onto scoring one of the most memorable try in Australian rugby league history in a thrilling ARL Grand Final at the Sydney Football Stadium against Manly. If stats and figures are to be believed, he scored 77 tried in both Australia (ARL and NRL competitions for Newcastle and Cronulla) and Super League in the UK, totalling 154 tries in 217 apperances at first grade level. He showed pace and speed, but also the strength to compete in the middle of the field with the props when he was needed. He was a superb player, and it was great injustice he only ever played one game for New South Wales.
Hazem El Masri
One of the all time great players of rugby league. He broke and achieved a number of records in his career, including the all-time highest NRL career point scoring record scoring 2,418, he achieved 300 career apperances playing for the Bulldogs as well as the most points in a season of the NRL with 342. On top of that, he scored 160 tries at first grade level making him one of the most individual successful players to have played the game. During his time at Canterbury, he was part of a winning NRL Premiership side that defeated Sydney in 2004. El Masri retired after the 2009 season as the best point scoring player of all time against Parramatta in the preliminary finals, but will remain a memorable figure in the game for some time.
Jason Robinson
Jason Robinson left Wigan at the end of the 2000 season, so just about manages to become a nominee for this team of the decade. But before that, he was one of the best three quarters Great Britain had in their attacking arsenal. He had a quick side step and footwork a lot better any I have seen since. And his pace and speed was phenomenal. Eventually he left Wigan and transferred to the dark side of rugby union, where he made a very successful career out of playing that sport playing for England 51 times and the British Lions five times. But in rugby league, he started life at Hunslet before moving to Wigan in 1992 where he would appear for them 286 times and score over 600 points. Between 1993 and 1999 he went on to earn 12 Great Britain caps. A little unknown fact is he is the last person to score a try in a RU world cup final in 2003, as the 2007 final consisted of seven penalty goal kicks.
Lesley Vainikolo
Judging from the size of this bloke, you would never have guessed he played on the wing. But that is exactly what he did, and he did it with style. Along with his team mate, Shontayne Hape, he was part of a devastating left flank Bradford side that made four consecutive Super League Grand Final apperances winning two of them in 2003 and 2005. (Bradford won the 2001 final, but Vainikolo had not signed for Bradford by that point.) He caught the eye of Brian Noble playing for Canberra in which he scored 35 tries in the NRL between 1998 and 2001. This led to the nickname of The Volcano, christened to him by Peter Sterling. Once he settled into English life, he became a force to be reckoned with. He went onto score 135 tries in 136 apperances for Bradford in Super League, once scoring six tries in one match against Hull FC in 2005. A record that has not yet been broken. He left in 2007 to play rugby union for Gloucester but will always be remember for his trail blazing runs down the left flank at Odsal.
Martin Offiah
Martin Offiah left Salford in 2000 after 41 apperances for the club to join rugby union, a place where it seems many a great league winger goes off to collect their pension. He is a Londoner and one of the greatest wingers of all time. He made his name in the 1990s playing for Widnes, Wigan, St George, Eastern Suberbs and London. He scored 501 career tries playng in the UK and Australia, second to Brian Bevan.
For the team of the decade, on the right wing is Brian Carney and on the left wing is Lesley Vainikolo.
Steve Prescott MBE
A huge congratulations must go to Steve Prescott for being honoured in the Queen's new year's honours list. Steve will be awarded an MBE for services to rugby league and charity.
Steve played for St Helens, Wakefield and Hull FC but was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer in 2006 and given 12 months to live. Four years later, he is still going strong and has raised thousands of pounds for both The Christie Cancer Hospital and the Rugby League Benevelant Fund, which helps sick and injured rugby league players, via the Steve Prescott Foundation.
Visit www.steveprescottfoundation.co.uk for more information.
From A Tap on the Twenty, we would like to congratulate Steve and his helpers and wish him every success with future charitable events.
Steve played for St Helens, Wakefield and Hull FC but was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer in 2006 and given 12 months to live. Four years later, he is still going strong and has raised thousands of pounds for both The Christie Cancer Hospital and the Rugby League Benevelant Fund, which helps sick and injured rugby league players, via the Steve Prescott Foundation.
Visit www.steveprescottfoundation.co.uk for more information.
From A Tap on the Twenty, we would like to congratulate Steve and his helpers and wish him every success with future charitable events.
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