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I go to two, sometimes three live games a week mate. Don't talk to me about getting to games. This has nothing to do with live coverage though. The AFL's crowd numbers have not been hurt by live television. It is bollocks to suggest otherwise.
Well written but I think you will eat your words on the 20 Round pre scheduling.
We will get the same teams over and over again, with very little sharing. I actually hope the Broncos are good next year because otherwise friday nights are going to become yoga night.
Also, why the obsession with live games on TV? Get your butt off the coach and go sit in the stand. You never know, we might actually get a decent atmosphere at a game in Sydney on a Saturday.
I have moved to the UK but remain a paying member of my club. One surprising thing about the Premier League is that they play 6 games at 3pm Saturday, not a single game shown live on TV, not even pay. There are big, passionate crowds and this adds to the international appeal.
Why? Because it looks good to have people shouting, screaming and singing. Why would foreigners tune into the NRL when only 10,000 show up for a casual picnic and the odd wave of a flag?
I think considering where the last deal was and where this one is now I think it is a huge improvement. My only issue is with the games not being shown live.
Taking back control of the game doesn't happen overnight. I felt this was a step in the right direction and the next deal will be even better. I would expect that in 5-10 years the game will be able to run itself completely on its own and not have to bend to the whim of others.
I am hoping to see that this money goes to those who need it and not just the players. Clubs and development would be top of my list. ARLC needs a plan. It is one thing to have the cash but entirely another to spend it wisely.
I am 100% with you on this. Along with Laurie Daley named NSW coach, yesterday was the saddest day in Rugby League history.
It's now obvious why Gallop was punted. Grant is a Channel 9 man through and through. Gallop wasn't. Gyngell got his bitch. Gallop would NOT have folded like Grant. And jeez, isn't Gyngell tough with other people's money.
What a disgrace.
How on earth did Corey Parker get a point in the Willie M Medal stakes from the Storm game? Despite playing injured, he was one of the most potent forwards in attack and still made about 50 tackles. His injury should have rendered him out until the finals; he's a hero for playing and playing as well as he did. Thaiday should take a leaf out of his book.
The fuss about the obstruction rule really annoys me. In recent years, the commentators and media complained bitterly that the obstruction rules were too black and white and referees needed to show discretion. Now they are allowed to use their common sense and everyone is up in arms because it's too confusing. You can't have it both ways. I agree that the Bulldogs/Tigers one from Friday was an ordinary decision, but Robbie Farah and his team mates again threw their hands in the air (like the Hodges one in Origin) rather than trying to make a tackle. Sure, you're taught from a young age not to run around the back of another player, but before that, you're told to play the whistle.
Jason from Brisbane
I eagerly await your views on the new broadcast deal! I think it is terrible that Channel Nine are getting the rights again. They are continuing with their pathetic delayed telecasts ... The only positive was the fixed scheduling. Disgraceful.
Meryck
Totally agree with your comments on Bill Harrigan and the referees and the video referee. I will also add that who would want to be a referee when if you make the slightest judgment call on the field you get ripped into for the next few weeks. Anasta had the audacity to question Mini's send off when he hit the bloke square in the face with his elbow. I mean refs have to start demanding respect from the players.
Also, with rule changes, we should be doing things not just for the NRL but trying to mirror rules with the ESL as well. Because otherwise soon the two games will look different and will affect international rugby league.
The RLIF should control the rules of the game.
I'm actually yet to see any real stats. The line Nick uses from the telegraph sounds more like a throwaway line rather than any actual statistical analysis. For example...if a team is leading by 12 points after say 10 minutues, loses the penalty count but either a) wins the game or B) loses the game how does that fit in the stats. What was the control group...soccer?
There is more anecdotal evideince that mermaids exsist than refs trying to manufacture close games through penalty counts.... I'm surprised with any lack of examination from Nick but I'm sure the Conspiracy Theorists will lap it up
It wasn't me who nominated Daniel Fitzhenry....but i was about to. Definately deserved his place in the team, a more inept player it is hard to imagine. Offered nothing, with little talent and no physical gifts. One 'notable' ommission was plodding Parramatta prop of the early 90s, Greg Drake. Anyone remember him? Dunno how many games he played, but it was too many
This article has made my day.
Ray H
Who nominated Fitzhenry for the 50+ game worst players? For a 'worst' player he certainly did alright, winning a permiership and scoring a vital try in the grand final but whatever people have their opinions.
I want to get your thoughts on the Dragons vs Tigers game and inparticular when Fien went to dummy half. I thought that Soward had an ordinary game but I thought once Mitch Rein went off, we lost all direction around the ruck and that ultimately led to the Tigers gaining ascendancy.
I also think that Ben Hornby runs sideways way too much and that does not help our cause at all. His time is up but I don't think there are man available halfback options at present.
Saints are old and we need an injection of youth.
FYI Craig Bellamy is off contact at the end of 2013, same time as Steve Price. I don't expect him to move from Melbourne but that would be an incredible coup if he did. Price will get the first 5-10 rounds of next year to succeed before there is a call made on him.
Also, what is the deal with Phil Rothfield bashing all and sundry all of the time. He routinely takes aim at the ARLC and I recently read the article about them having no leadership. Change doesn't happen overnight. he frustrates me and I can see of course his main aim is to sell papers. Hard to see how he cares for the good of the game in my honest opinion.
I saw this on NRL.com under the weekly "Official View" column where Harrigan justifies the horrible refereeing each week:
"What is your official view on the 'flop' penalty made by Tony Archer in the Bulldogs-Broncos Game? Did he get this decision wrong?"
"As the rule currently stands in the NRL, once the referee blows a penalty, he cannot reverse that penalty unless there is deemed to be an act of foul play prior to the penalty being blown. Tony Archer got the decision wrong to penalise a Broncos player for a flop, but once he had blown the penalty, he could not change his decision under the current laws."
So there is nothing in the rules that allows referees to fix their own admitted mistakes? "I made a mistake, I know it, you know it, everyone watching knows it, but lets forget that and move on?" Ridiculous. How about "sorry, I got that wrong and am reversing the decision"?
Not surprised at all to see the stats on penalty counts to teams trailing, I've been saying this for the last few years. In my opinion, Harrigan was the prime culprit at this during his refereeing career - artificially trying to force a game to be close on the scoreboard so he could bask in the reflected glory of a "great game".
By the way, thought Kris Keating was a bit hard done by not to pick up points in the Willie M - dud kicks, dropped ball, missed tackles and overall lack of any positive contribution. First game back from injury though so maybe I shouldn't be too harsh.
Mate! That's scandalous. Michael Gillett was a jewel amoung footballers. Sure, he couldn't tackle or pass or kick but give him the ball in broken play and he was amazing.
If he is in this team then Lockyer had better be there too.
A little left field, but my vote is former Tiger Michael Gillett.
Equally inept at five-eighth, halfback or fullback, 'the speed hump' came to the Tigers in that glorious wooden spoon year of 1994 and somehow stayed for 7 painful seasons.
Other honourable mentions (off the top of my head): Sean Rudder, Corey Hughes and Daniel Fitzhenry
Nick, may I say that achieving a POT of 9.57% in this crazy comp is an outstanding effort, particularly with the number of teams turning in subpar performances each week. However, I cannot abide by you tipping ANY team with the 1.5 start. It is easily the worst line to bet on in sports. I don't have the exact stats, but I estimate that a team wins on handicap by utilising the +1.5 once in every thousand times a team has the +1.5. And you pay at least 10 cents for the privilege. Golden rule in NRL is never take the +1.5. If you like a team that has been handicapped +1.5, back them straight out.
Conversely, the -1.5 is the best bet in NRL if you fancy the -1.5 team. You get an extra 10-15 cents and you only have to worry about the unlikely draw or 1 point win.
PS in case I'm not clear, I realize there are a number of draws and 1 point wins in a season. But rarely in these instances is the line -/+ 1.5.
Can't you lower the selection bar to 49 games? The team can't do without Scott Fulton.
Surely Michael Ennis must be a certainty for the 'Worst 50-plus Gamers' team. What he offeres any football team is beyond me.
The run of losses NSW now finds itself in would most certainly be over if Blues selectors had stuck to their guns and continued to pick Farah, who by now should have over 10 origins under his belt, instead of listening to News LTD media like Ritchie.
Selecting Ennis because he is an 'origin' type player was laughable. He is barely an NRL standard player. His mid-field bomb on the opening set of origin three in 2011 will go down as the worst play in Origin history. The second worst play also belongs to Ennis: that punch on Nate Myles to gift QLD more points and another win seals the No.2 spot.
If Ennis isn't in the team, it's not a crediable 'Wrst 50-plus Gamers' side.
Yours in football,
Robert Horry.
Bob Fulton as NSW coach? Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Thanks for the wrap-up on the old footy grounds. And you threw in the Larry Corowa try scoring stat. The Black Flash was my very first footy hero and it's always good to be reminded of him. Good job!
The Broncos had a woeful 64 missed tackles against the Eels. Do you know what the average is per team, per game?
This is hilarious. Funniest take-down of the opening ceremony I've seen. Keep 'em coming.
Bob C
I'm glad you'll be backing New Zealand you spineless prick. Great cricketing legacy creates spoilt cricket viewers, which is all you are, a viewer. How dare you criticise Ricky Ponting. You've forgotton Australians love to play a higher ranked opponent, and beat them. And thats what will happen. And you'll be backing the beautifully hopeless fucking kiwis. Good, fuck off and live there too arsehole. You aint no Aussie.
Jeeze guy you are an ill informed numbskull, obviously a new south welshman, pathetic thread
Did you ever consider the barstaff where doing their job and are told to take bookings? But youre most likely young and don't know how employment works.