Saturday, November 15, 2008
Be your best
In his just released autobiography the Warriors Steve Price has given an excellent insider's account of the behaviour of the former CEO and heavy Mick Watson:
Mick may have been ambitious but I didn't like the way he was talking about some of the players that were already at the club. I had seen him talk to Francis acting as if they were good mates and I couldn't help but wonder: 'If you're saying that to me about Francis, what are you saying to the other guys about me?'I had heard a number of things about PJ Marsh and how he was sent packing from the club when he really didn't want to be. Mick would tell me that PJ was causing problems, but the players said otherwise. Then there was Vinnie Anderson. He had just returned from the Kiwi tour of Great Britain when all of a sudden he started being called out of training to meet with Mick. Two weeks later he was off to St Helens in England. Before he left he was quoted in the media saying, 'I'll never play for the Warriors while Mick Watson is in charge'. Mick would tell me that there were a number of issues with Vinnie — one being that he was told not to tour with the Kiwis in 2004 so he could get over an injury and have a full pre-season for the club — and that he didn't have the right attitude, but that didn't make sense to me. I had started to become good friends with Vinnie and he loved being at the Warriors, loved living in New Zealand and loved his team-mates. Here was Mick telling me otherwise and it didn't add up.
Eventually Mick stopped talking to me as well. Rumours started circling through the media about how I was homesick and wanted to return to the Bulldogs. People would call me to ask if the rumours were true and I had to tell them they were way off the mark.
It was exactly the same cycle that had taken place time and time again. I had heard similar stories about Ali Lauiti'iti and even Stacey Jones. Once the rumours began about me I knew I was next on the chopping block.I just didn't like the way he went about his business. There was no trust in the place and I could understand why.
Even the front office staff were frightened of him. Mick is quite an intimidating guy when you look at the size of him and he can be quite aggressive.
Mick Watson successfully drained the club of some of its top talent and several forgetable seasons followed.
It was bloody tough for fans to accept - (admittedly less so for Yamis).
Interesting though how accurate a portrayal of the clubs woes was being written by outsiders, at the time.
Anyway, my tip for tonight: Kiwis.
Although the King just suggests flipping a coin.
From the same article, imagine if an Indian cricket sports great said the equivalent about Andrew Symonds.
Of another of the Kiwi danger men, giant winger Manu Vatuvei, once a regular target of opposition kickers because of handling frailties, Lewis said the New Zealand Warrior looked to have put those woes behind him and was exuding plenty of confidence.Vatuvei was in rampaging form against England last weekend, notching a World Cup recording-equalling four tries in the match.
"Without being insulting, he's a gorilla when he's out there on the field," Lewis said.
We'll just take it as a compliment.
But the most satisfying piece of journalism I've read lately was a story regarding the freakish mystery of the numerous shoes, complete with detached and decomposing feet, that keep washing up in Canada and the northern US.
Seven feet in the last two years....and check out the quote.
The discovery of dismembered feet, all in buoyant sneakers, has been headline-grabbing world news for the last year....Gold.Dr. John Butt, a forensic pathologist and former chief medical examiner in Alberta and Nova Scotia, said earlier this year that finding the feet in the same area is difficult to explain, although that's not the case with the condition of the feet.
Butt said a foot and leg will separate naturally, in water or in the ground, given enough time.
I know the media is accused of focusing too much of its coverage on crime and death, and it undeniably does, but to be fair to them there have been some damned interesting crime stories out there lately.
Like Germany's Woman without a Face.
In April 2007, Michèle Kiesewetter, a 22-year-old policewoman from an elite drugs squad, was taking a lunch break with a colleague in their BMW patrol car in Heilbronn, nearly 100 miles from Bad Kreuznach. Two people climbed into the back seat and shot the officers from behind, killing the woman and seriously injuring her 25-year-old partner. The assailants struck so quickly their victims had not even drawn their weapons.As dozens of green-uniformed officers, carrying a smiling portrait of their murdered colleague, paraded at her funeral, the case shocked and moved the country. It also sparked one of the largest criminal investigations in German history - with results that at first puzzled, then stunned, the investigators.
The only clue was microscopic traces of DNA, found on the centre console and the rear passenger seat of the BMW. And when the samples were finally fully secured, tested and compared with Germany's central crime database nearly three months later, there was an extraordinary match - from two quite different murder scenes stretching back a decade and a half. The 'Woman Without a Face' had, it seemed, struck again.
To the Canadian film producer who found his latest creation came to life - unfortunately his art wasn't no Pinocchio - but a film script about a stranger who gets lured to a garage and cut to pieces.
Meanwhile, in New Zealand our law breakers don't seem to understand the most fundamental basics of committing crime - trying to get away with it.
Stacey Bennett knew she was too drunk to be driving - so she called the police..."She stopped outside the Northern Dairy (Stratford) and used a pay phone to call police to request assistance," Prosecuting Sergeant Lewis Sutton said.
Bennett told police she had been drinking and had decided she was too drunk to carry on.
"Police arrived at 4.46am to find the defendant asleep in the driver's seat with the headlights on and the keys in the ignition," Mr Sutton said.
Nor him.
Labels: crime, rugby league, warriors
Sunday, June 08, 2008
NZ Players in the NRL 2008 edition
Jesus this takes me fucking ages to put together. You all better appreciate it! And there are dozens missing from Toyota Cup sides because I just can't scratch out any info on where a lot of the players were born.
82 NZers have played first grade this year. 6 are in first grade squads but haven't played.
79 NZers have played Toyota Cup this year with a further 22 who haven't got on the field yet. Those are just the players I know of (on the list below). So that's 189 NZ players in those 32 teams. There are of course a whole heap playing Jersey Flegg and NSW Premier League with NRL affiliated clubs. And that's not even starting on NZers in the Super League.
And that ladies and gentlemen is why league is stuffed IN Aotearoa. Imagine NZ rugby if the best 200 players were overseas. We would be left with something akin to the Heartland Championship as our best football. My old man was going on about how a bloke like Wairangi Koopu wouldn't have even made the senior club side he played in in Auckland in the 1960s and 70s. I was thinking they were the ramblings of a drunken man but you know what, he's probably right. The guys whose spot he would have had were all Auckland and NZ reps and great footballers and this was when ALL the best league players NZ had were in NZ. Now we have guys in the Warriors and other NRL and Super League teams who would be average club footballers in Auckland and elsewhere if all the 300 or so overseas came home.
BRISBANE BRONCOS
Greg Eastwood (b. Auckland – Manurewa Marlins)
Isaak Ah Mau (b. NZ - Otahuhu Leopards)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Alex Glenn (b. ? - ?)
Jared Kahu (b. ? -?)
Leon Panapa (b. ? - ?)
Wiremu Ratana (b. ? - ?)
BULLDOGS
Ben Roberts (b. Sydney - X)
Matthew Utai (b. Auckland - X)
Sonny Bill Williams (b. Auckland – Marist Saints)
Tim Winitana (b. Wellington - X)
Lee Te Maari (b. Tokoroa - X)
Lorenzo Ma'afu (b. NZ - X)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Josh Bishop (b. ? - ?)
Jeco Makatoa (b Auckland - Otara)
Mason Pure (b. ? - Northern Storm)
Sene Tala (b. Wellington - Earlwood Saints)
Arana Taumata (b. ? - Te Aroha)
Martin Taupau (b? - ?)
Brendan Hikaka (b. Taranaki - ?)
Paki Afu (b. NZ - ?)
CANBERRA RAIDERS
Glen Turner (b. Christchurch – Linwood)
Toyota National Youth Competition
???
CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Fraser Anderson (b. Auckland – East Coast Bays)
Luke Covell (b. Australia but repped Kiwis - X)
Misi Taulapapa (b. Auckland – Marist Saints)
Terence Seu Seu (b. Auckland - ?)
Sam Moa (b. Auckland - ?)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Shane Pumipi (b. Dargaville - Waioroa Bulls)
Karlos Filiga (b. Wellington - Harbour City Eagles)
Bracken Karauria-Henry (b. Auckland - Halswell)
Tu’u Maori (b. Auckland - St Pauls College)
GOLD COAST TITANS
Aaron Cannings (b. Auckland - X)
James Stosic (b. New Plymouth - Waitara Bears)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Kingi Akauola (b. ? - repped Junior Kiwis)
Jordan Rapana (b. Wellington - but repped Junior Kangaroos)
Tyson Lofipo (b. ? - De La Salle College)
Billy Ngawini (b. Auckland - Papakura Sea Eagles)
Phil Dumelow (b. West Coast - ?)
MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES
Steve Matai (b. Auckland – Ponsonby Ponies)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Kenny Edwards (b. Levin - Whititera)
Michael Tiopira (b. Rotorua - Tokoroa)
Kieran Foran (b. Auckland - ?)
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (b. Rotorua - ?)
MELBOURNE STORM
Jeremy Smith (b. Christchurch - X)
Jeff Lima (b. Auckland - De la Salle H.S.)
Sam Tagataese (b. Lower Hutt – Hutt Valley Marists)
Sika Manu (b. Wellington - ?)
Clifford Manua (b. Auckland - ?)
Kevin Procter (b. NZ - repped J.K's)
Joseph Tomane (b. NZ - ?)
Adam Blair (b. Whangarei – Northland Carvers)
Toby Roche (b. ? - ?)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Liam Foran (b. ? - ?)
Theodore Stuart (b. ? - ?)
Malo Feterika (b. NZ - ?)
Petera Tamarua (b. Melbourne but NZ parents - X)
Laurence Nathan (b. Melbourne but NZ parents - X)
Junior Afu (b. ? - ?)
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Cooper Vuna (b. Auckland - Otahuhu Leopards)
Jesse Royal (b. Waikato - Linton Cobraz)
Tim Natusch (b. Wellington - ?)
Luke Toimoana (b. Auckland - Mangere East Hawks)
Marvin Karawana (b. Wellington - Wainui Lions)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Jason Schirnack (b. NZ - ?)
Manaia Osborne (b. NZ - ?)
Zane Tetavano (b. Tokoroa - ?)
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
David Faiumu (b. Wellington – Wainuiomata)
Sione Faumuina (b. Auckland – Glenora Bears)
Ben Vaeau (b. Auckland - Mangere East Hawks & Manukau Magpies)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Leo Faagutu (b. Auckland - ?)
Chippie Korostchuck (b. Invercargill - Aranui Eagles)
Darren Tonihi (b. Christchurch - Shirley Hawks)
Daniel Vineula (b. Auckland - Suburbs rugby)
Dylan Smith (b. Auckland - New Lynn Stags)
PARRAMATTA EELS
Nathan Cayliss (b. Australia - X)
Krisnan Inu (b. Auckland - X)
Fuifui Moimoi (b. Auckland – Mt Albert Lions)
Junior Paulo (b. Auckland - ?)
Joe Gulavao (b. Auckland - Manurewa Marlins)
Weller Hauraki (b. Dannevirke - Levin)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Mase Laulu Togagae (b. Auckland - ?)
PENRITH PANTHERS
Geoff Daniela (b. Auckland - ?)
Joseph Paulo (b. Auckland - ?)
Frank Pritchard (b. Sydney - X)
Tony Puletua (b. Auckland - X)
Frank Puletua (b. Auckland - X)
Junior Moors (b. Auckland - X)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Tinirau Arona (b. Dunedin - ?)
Jesse Sene-Lefao (b. Wellington - ?)
Sonny Tuigamala (b. NZ - ?)
Masada Iosefa (b. Samoa but repped NZ at lower grades? - ?)
William Isa (b. Auckland but repped Aussie U15s - ?)
Daniel Penese (b. NZ - ?)
Sam Mckendry (b. ? - Mt Albert Lions)
Junior Tia-Kilifi (b. NZ - ?)
Zoram Watene (b. ? - ? repped Junior Kiwis)
Onesemo Tiatia (b. NZ - ?)
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Roy Asotasi (b. Auckland – Marist Saints)
David Fa’alogo (b. Auckland – Mt Albert Lions)
David Kidwell (b. Christchurch – Hornby Hornets)
Issac Luke (b. Hawera - Hawera Hawks)
Eddie Paea (b. Sydney but repped NZ - X)
Jeremy Smith (b. Huntly - X)
Nigel Vagana (b. Auckland – Richmond Bulldogs)
Fetuli Talanoa (b. Auckland - ?)
John Tamanika (b. ? - X)
Eddy Pettybourne (b. Christchurch - Marcellin College ?)
Toyota National Youth Competition
???
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Jason Nightingale (b. Australia - X)
Ben Ellis ( - Turangi Dambusters)
Rangi Chase (b. NZ - Dannevirke Tigers)
Chase Stanley (b. Sydney - X)
Lagi Setu (b. NZ - ?)
Ricky Thorby (b. New Zealand - Central Falcons)
Toyota National Youth Competition
???
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Sam Perrett (b. Auckland - ?)
Iosia Soliola (b. Auckland – Ponsonby Ponies)
Setaimata Sa (Samoa - Papanui Tigers)
Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Brisbane - East Coast Bays)
Frank-Paul Nuuausala (b. Auckland - Mangere East)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Antonio Winterstein (b. NZ - X)
Dominique Peyroux (b. NZ - Mangere East)
Galu Teo (b. NZ - X)
James Tamou (b. NZ - X)
Mark Talanoa (b. NZ - X)
Mose Mapesone Moseo (b. Wellington - Randwick)
Meli Koliavu (b. Wellington - ?)
WEST TIGERS
Taniela Tuiaki (b. Auckland - X)
Benji Marshall (b. Whakatane - Whakatane H.S)
Dene Halatau (b. Invercargill - X)
Bronson Harrison (b. Auckland - ?)
Ben Te'o (b. Auckland - Hibiscus Coast Raiders)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Benson Tupou (b. NZ - ?)
Soueli Makaui (b. NZ - ?)
Lio Viaga (b. NZ - ?)
WARRIORS
Patrick Ah Van (b. Auckland – Te Atatu Roosters)
Simon Mannering (b. Napier – Wellington Orcas)
Manu Vatuvei (b. Auckland – Otahuhu Leopards)
Jerome Ropati (b. Auckland – Marist Saints)
Louis Anderson (b. Dargaville – East Coast Bays Barricudas)
Wairangi Koopu (b. Opotiki – Taniwharau)
Epalahame Lauaki (b. Tonga - Waitemata and Glenora Bears)
Sonny Fai (b. Auckland – Papatoetoe Panthers)
Sam Rapira (b. Hamilton – Hukanui)
Logan Swann (b. Auckland – Mt Wellington Warriors)
Evarn Tuimavave (b. Auckland – Richmond Bulldogs)
Ruben Wiki (b. Auckland – Otahuhu Leopards)
Nathan Fien (b. Mount Isa - X)
Lance Hohaia (b.Hamilton – Taniwharau)
Ryan Shortland (b. Masterton - X)
Russell Packer (b. Huntly - Levin Lions)
Toyota National Youth Competition
USED
Michael Afioga (b. ? - ?)
Leeson Ah Mau (b. ? - Otahuhu Leopards)
Thomas Ah Van (b. ? - Te Atatu Roosters)
Rusty Bristow (b. ? - Manurewa Marlins)
Angus Cameron (b. Lower Hutt - ?)
Jody Henry (b. ? - Otahuhu Leopards)
Isaac John (b. Tokoroa - Pacific Sharks)
Scott Jones (b. NZ - Bay Roskill Vikings)
Kurt Kara (b. ? - Turangawaewae)
Meli Koliavu (b. ? - Wellington)
Francis Leger (b. ? - Richmond Rovers)
Siuatonga Likiliki (b. ? - Marist Saints)
Kevin Locke (b. ? - Northcote Tigers)
Sione Lousi (b. ? - Bay Roskill Vikings)
Alehana Mara (b. ? - St George wellington)
Howie Matthews (b. ? - Mt Albert Lions)
Ben Matulino (b. ? - Te Aroha Eels)
Constantine Mika (b. Auckland - Otahuhu Leopards)
Matthew Neale (b. ? - ?)
Daniel O’Regan (b. Auckland - Mt Albert Lions)
Arron Pawley (b. ? - Otahuhu Leopards)
Mataupo Poching (b. ? - Mangere East Hawks)
Eddie Purcell (b. ? - Mt Albert Lions)
Nafe Seluini (b. ? - Mangere East Hawks)
Elijah Taylor (b. ? - Otahuhu Leopards)
Kurt Tehira (b. ? - ?)
Jason Tou (b. ? - Tamaki Titans)
Bill Tupou (b. ? - Marist Saints)
Ray Wallace (b. ? - Northcote Tigers)
NOT YET USED
Malo Solomona (b. NZ - Richmond Bulldogs)
Roman Hifo (b. ? - ?)
Daniel Palavi (b. ? - Richmond Rovers)
Wayne McDade (b. ? - Richmond Bulldogs)
Herman Retzlaff (b. ? - Pakuranga Jaguars)
Nopoto Tuimaualuga (b. ? - Pakuranga Jaguars)
Lance Sua-Poe (b. ? - Glenora Bears)
Steve Rapira (b. ? - Hukanui)
Jason Cook (b. ? - Northcote Tigers)
Mika Fa'amausili (b. ? - Mangere East Hawks)
Toleafoa Leaupepe (b. ? - Mt Albert Lions)
Arden Mccarthy (b. ? - Richmond Rovers)
NZ BORN (but traitors)
Karmichael Hunt (b. Auckland)
Tonie Carroll (b. Christchurch)
Willie Mason (b. Auckland)
82 NZers have played first grade this year. 6 are in first grade squads but haven't played.
79 NZers have played Toyota Cup this year with a further 22 who haven't got on the field yet. Those are just the players I know of (on the list below). So that's 189 NZ players in those 32 teams. There are of course a whole heap playing Jersey Flegg and NSW Premier League with NRL affiliated clubs. And that's not even starting on NZers in the Super League.
And that ladies and gentlemen is why league is stuffed IN Aotearoa. Imagine NZ rugby if the best 200 players were overseas. We would be left with something akin to the Heartland Championship as our best football. My old man was going on about how a bloke like Wairangi Koopu wouldn't have even made the senior club side he played in in Auckland in the 1960s and 70s. I was thinking they were the ramblings of a drunken man but you know what, he's probably right. The guys whose spot he would have had were all Auckland and NZ reps and great footballers and this was when ALL the best league players NZ had were in NZ. Now we have guys in the Warriors and other NRL and Super League teams who would be average club footballers in Auckland and elsewhere if all the 300 or so overseas came home.
BRISBANE BRONCOS
Greg Eastwood (b. Auckland – Manurewa Marlins)
Isaak Ah Mau (b. NZ - Otahuhu Leopards)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Alex Glenn (b. ? - ?)
Jared Kahu (b. ? -?)
Leon Panapa (b. ? - ?)
Wiremu Ratana (b. ? - ?)
BULLDOGS
Ben Roberts (b. Sydney - X)
Matthew Utai (b. Auckland - X)
Sonny Bill Williams (b. Auckland – Marist Saints)
Tim Winitana (b. Wellington - X)
Lee Te Maari (b. Tokoroa - X)
Lorenzo Ma'afu (b. NZ - X)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Josh Bishop (b. ? - ?)
Jeco Makatoa (b Auckland - Otara)
Mason Pure (b. ? - Northern Storm)
Sene Tala (b. Wellington - Earlwood Saints)
Arana Taumata (b. ? - Te Aroha)
Martin Taupau (b? - ?)
Brendan Hikaka (b. Taranaki - ?)
Paki Afu (b. NZ - ?)
CANBERRA RAIDERS
Glen Turner (b. Christchurch – Linwood)
Toyota National Youth Competition
???
CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Fraser Anderson (b. Auckland – East Coast Bays)
Luke Covell (b. Australia but repped Kiwis - X)
Misi Taulapapa (b. Auckland – Marist Saints)
Terence Seu Seu (b. Auckland - ?)
Sam Moa (b. Auckland - ?)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Shane Pumipi (b. Dargaville - Waioroa Bulls)
Karlos Filiga (b. Wellington - Harbour City Eagles)
Bracken Karauria-Henry (b. Auckland - Halswell)
Tu’u Maori (b. Auckland - St Pauls College)
GOLD COAST TITANS
Aaron Cannings (b. Auckland - X)
James Stosic (b. New Plymouth - Waitara Bears)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Kingi Akauola (b. ? - repped Junior Kiwis)
Jordan Rapana (b. Wellington - but repped Junior Kangaroos)
Tyson Lofipo (b. ? - De La Salle College)
Billy Ngawini (b. Auckland - Papakura Sea Eagles)
Phil Dumelow (b. West Coast - ?)
MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES
Steve Matai (b. Auckland – Ponsonby Ponies)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Kenny Edwards (b. Levin - Whititera)
Michael Tiopira (b. Rotorua - Tokoroa)
Kieran Foran (b. Auckland - ?)
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (b. Rotorua - ?)
MELBOURNE STORM
Jeremy Smith (b. Christchurch - X)
Jeff Lima (b. Auckland - De la Salle H.S.)
Sam Tagataese (b. Lower Hutt – Hutt Valley Marists)
Sika Manu (b. Wellington - ?)
Clifford Manua (b. Auckland - ?)
Kevin Procter (b. NZ - repped J.K's)
Joseph Tomane (b. NZ - ?)
Adam Blair (b. Whangarei – Northland Carvers)
Toby Roche (b. ? - ?)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Liam Foran (b. ? - ?)
Theodore Stuart (b. ? - ?)
Malo Feterika (b. NZ - ?)
Petera Tamarua (b. Melbourne but NZ parents - X)
Laurence Nathan (b. Melbourne but NZ parents - X)
Junior Afu (b. ? - ?)
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Cooper Vuna (b. Auckland - Otahuhu Leopards)
Jesse Royal (b. Waikato - Linton Cobraz)
Tim Natusch (b. Wellington - ?)
Luke Toimoana (b. Auckland - Mangere East Hawks)
Marvin Karawana (b. Wellington - Wainui Lions)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Jason Schirnack (b. NZ - ?)
Manaia Osborne (b. NZ - ?)
Zane Tetavano (b. Tokoroa - ?)
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
David Faiumu (b. Wellington – Wainuiomata)
Sione Faumuina (b. Auckland – Glenora Bears)
Ben Vaeau (b. Auckland - Mangere East Hawks & Manukau Magpies)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Leo Faagutu (b. Auckland - ?)
Chippie Korostchuck (b. Invercargill - Aranui Eagles)
Darren Tonihi (b. Christchurch - Shirley Hawks)
Daniel Vineula (b. Auckland - Suburbs rugby)
Dylan Smith (b. Auckland - New Lynn Stags)
PARRAMATTA EELS
Nathan Cayliss (b. Australia - X)
Krisnan Inu (b. Auckland - X)
Fuifui Moimoi (b. Auckland – Mt Albert Lions)
Junior Paulo (b. Auckland - ?)
Joe Gulavao (b. Auckland - Manurewa Marlins)
Weller Hauraki (b. Dannevirke - Levin)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Mase Laulu Togagae (b. Auckland - ?)
PENRITH PANTHERS
Geoff Daniela (b. Auckland - ?)
Joseph Paulo (b. Auckland - ?)
Frank Pritchard (b. Sydney - X)
Tony Puletua (b. Auckland - X)
Frank Puletua (b. Auckland - X)
Junior Moors (b. Auckland - X)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Tinirau Arona (b. Dunedin - ?)
Jesse Sene-Lefao (b. Wellington - ?)
Sonny Tuigamala (b. NZ - ?)
Masada Iosefa (b. Samoa but repped NZ at lower grades? - ?)
William Isa (b. Auckland but repped Aussie U15s - ?)
Daniel Penese (b. NZ - ?)
Sam Mckendry (b. ? - Mt Albert Lions)
Junior Tia-Kilifi (b. NZ - ?)
Zoram Watene (b. ? - ? repped Junior Kiwis)
Onesemo Tiatia (b. NZ - ?)
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Roy Asotasi (b. Auckland – Marist Saints)
David Fa’alogo (b. Auckland – Mt Albert Lions)
David Kidwell (b. Christchurch – Hornby Hornets)
Issac Luke (b. Hawera - Hawera Hawks)
Eddie Paea (b. Sydney but repped NZ - X)
Jeremy Smith (b. Huntly - X)
Nigel Vagana (b. Auckland – Richmond Bulldogs)
Fetuli Talanoa (b. Auckland - ?)
John Tamanika (b. ? - X)
Eddy Pettybourne (b. Christchurch - Marcellin College ?)
Toyota National Youth Competition
???
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Jason Nightingale (b. Australia - X)
Ben Ellis ( - Turangi Dambusters)
Rangi Chase (b. NZ - Dannevirke Tigers)
Chase Stanley (b. Sydney - X)
Lagi Setu (b. NZ - ?)
Ricky Thorby (b. New Zealand - Central Falcons)
Toyota National Youth Competition
???
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Sam Perrett (b. Auckland - ?)
Iosia Soliola (b. Auckland – Ponsonby Ponies)
Setaimata Sa (Samoa - Papanui Tigers)
Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Brisbane - East Coast Bays)
Frank-Paul Nuuausala (b. Auckland - Mangere East)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Antonio Winterstein (b. NZ - X)
Dominique Peyroux (b. NZ - Mangere East)
Galu Teo (b. NZ - X)
James Tamou (b. NZ - X)
Mark Talanoa (b. NZ - X)
Mose Mapesone Moseo (b. Wellington - Randwick)
Meli Koliavu (b. Wellington - ?)
WEST TIGERS
Taniela Tuiaki (b. Auckland - X)
Benji Marshall (b. Whakatane - Whakatane H.S)
Dene Halatau (b. Invercargill - X)
Bronson Harrison (b. Auckland - ?)
Ben Te'o (b. Auckland - Hibiscus Coast Raiders)
Toyota National Youth Competition
Benson Tupou (b. NZ - ?)
Soueli Makaui (b. NZ - ?)
Lio Viaga (b. NZ - ?)
WARRIORS
Patrick Ah Van (b. Auckland – Te Atatu Roosters)
Simon Mannering (b. Napier – Wellington Orcas)
Manu Vatuvei (b. Auckland – Otahuhu Leopards)
Jerome Ropati (b. Auckland – Marist Saints)
Louis Anderson (b. Dargaville – East Coast Bays Barricudas)
Wairangi Koopu (b. Opotiki – Taniwharau)
Epalahame Lauaki (b. Tonga - Waitemata and Glenora Bears)
Sonny Fai (b. Auckland – Papatoetoe Panthers)
Sam Rapira (b. Hamilton – Hukanui)
Logan Swann (b. Auckland – Mt Wellington Warriors)
Evarn Tuimavave (b. Auckland – Richmond Bulldogs)
Ruben Wiki (b. Auckland – Otahuhu Leopards)
Nathan Fien (b. Mount Isa - X)
Lance Hohaia (b.Hamilton – Taniwharau)
Ryan Shortland (b. Masterton - X)
Russell Packer (b. Huntly - Levin Lions)
Toyota National Youth Competition
USED
Michael Afioga (b. ? - ?)
Leeson Ah Mau (b. ? - Otahuhu Leopards)
Thomas Ah Van (b. ? - Te Atatu Roosters)
Rusty Bristow (b. ? - Manurewa Marlins)
Angus Cameron (b. Lower Hutt - ?)
Jody Henry (b. ? - Otahuhu Leopards)
Isaac John (b. Tokoroa - Pacific Sharks)
Scott Jones (b. NZ - Bay Roskill Vikings)
Kurt Kara (b. ? - Turangawaewae)
Meli Koliavu (b. ? - Wellington)
Francis Leger (b. ? - Richmond Rovers)
Siuatonga Likiliki (b. ? - Marist Saints)
Kevin Locke (b. ? - Northcote Tigers)
Sione Lousi (b. ? - Bay Roskill Vikings)
Alehana Mara (b. ? - St George wellington)
Howie Matthews (b. ? - Mt Albert Lions)
Ben Matulino (b. ? - Te Aroha Eels)
Constantine Mika (b. Auckland - Otahuhu Leopards)
Matthew Neale (b. ? - ?)
Daniel O’Regan (b. Auckland - Mt Albert Lions)
Arron Pawley (b. ? - Otahuhu Leopards)
Mataupo Poching (b. ? - Mangere East Hawks)
Eddie Purcell (b. ? - Mt Albert Lions)
Nafe Seluini (b. ? - Mangere East Hawks)
Elijah Taylor (b. ? - Otahuhu Leopards)
Kurt Tehira (b. ? - ?)
Jason Tou (b. ? - Tamaki Titans)
Bill Tupou (b. ? - Marist Saints)
Ray Wallace (b. ? - Northcote Tigers)
NOT YET USED
Malo Solomona (b. NZ - Richmond Bulldogs)
Roman Hifo (b. ? - ?)
Daniel Palavi (b. ? - Richmond Rovers)
Wayne McDade (b. ? - Richmond Bulldogs)
Herman Retzlaff (b. ? - Pakuranga Jaguars)
Nopoto Tuimaualuga (b. ? - Pakuranga Jaguars)
Lance Sua-Poe (b. ? - Glenora Bears)
Steve Rapira (b. ? - Hukanui)
Jason Cook (b. ? - Northcote Tigers)
Mika Fa'amausili (b. ? - Mangere East Hawks)
Toleafoa Leaupepe (b. ? - Mt Albert Lions)
Arden Mccarthy (b. ? - Richmond Rovers)
NZ BORN (but traitors)
Karmichael Hunt (b. Auckland)
Tonie Carroll (b. Christchurch)
Willie Mason (b. Auckland)
Labels: new zealand players, nrl, rugby league
Friday, March 21, 2008
My NRL World Week II picks
I think I'll enjoy my/our lead as it will probably be shortlived as I slip back into mediocrity in the coming weeks. Hell, 5 from 8 is mediocre enough.
I'll expand on my comments which can be found here along with Sportsfreak and League Freak.
FRIDAY
Rabbitohs vs Bulldogs
Bulldogs by 8
"A tough one. The Rabbits may just get an awful start to the year and be back to the dark old days.” I'm definately off to my parents tonight so I can watch these games to actually see what sort of shape the Rabbits, Broncos and Roosters are really in. The Bulldogs showed the same attack that they have had for bloody decades with the likes of Mortimer and Lamb and more recently with a side stacked with flair. But then they also showed that tendency to just fold when the opposition got on a roll. Last week they conceded the biggest lead in their history but they have done the same thing many times, just not been in front by as much. Both sides will have a point to prove and the loser may start to worry a touch, especially since neither team will have left Sydney where its damn hard to pick up any points. I'll go for the Bulldogs but having read good things about aspects of the Rabbits game from week one I'm not in the slightest bit confident. Especially after re-reading my Bulldogs comments/pick from their last game last year.
Roosters vs Broncos
Roosters by 4
"Roosters played well last week v an average Rabbitohs team while the Broncos were on fire but at home and against a team which capitulated.”
Both teams face a similar problem in that they won convincingly in week one but v teams that didn't really turn up. This should be a very good game but I think I'll stick with the home team.
SATURDAY
Panthers vs Raiders
Panthers by 12
"If they can't bounce back from that hammering to beat a gutsy Raiders team who will try hard then they are heading for a shocker of a year.”
If the Raiders start well then they could well take the points but after watching a fair bit of their game v the Knights when I was flicking over during the Sharks - Sea Eagles game and seeing a bit of the replay later all I seemed to see was them defending. Theyw ere doing it well enough but the Knights aren't exactly leathal. The only other thing I have to go on is that the Panthers were attacking the Broncos line with the score at 16-6 and conceded an intercept. If they'd scored and made it 16-12 the game may have gone a slightly different way. Time will tell.
Knights vs Sea Eagles
Sea Eagles by 6
"The Knights will have gained a lot of confidence from last week but I just don't think they have the team to last for 80 v the Sea Eagles.”
That basically sums it all up. Sea Eagles will be desperate to get the ball rolling and this is a game where they can be expected to do that. If not then I'll be stoked.
Cowboys vs Tigers
Cowboys by 14
"The Cowboys should have way too much for a Tigers outfit that beat a ratshit team last week - especially with the bounce back factor that’s so common in the NRL"
Cowboys should win for the same reason that the Sea Eagles should. Plus they are at home. This must be the no-brainer of the week.
SUNDAY
Warriors vs Eels
Warriors by 2
"Somehow the Warriors will grind out a win. I just don't know how yet. I'll tell you after the game.”
After my pick in the Cowboys - Tigers game this pick probably indicates that I indeed have no brain. But we all know that the Warriors can turn it on at home and win more than they lose there. The loss of McKinnon is real bad, as is the loss of Price but they've won with him off at Origin duty before so it's not like they've never missed him. They just need several guys to step up in the forward pack and defend like animals for 80 minutes. Vatuvei not getting near the ball at certain times might help as well.
Storm vs Sharks
Storm by 4
"This will be a very interesting game - fast paced effective football versus slow paced effective football.”
You simply have to pick the Storm at home, but winning at Brookvale is nearly as impressive as winning in Melbourne so maybe the Sharks will have convinced themselves a win is possible. If the Storm don't find a new way of cheating maybe the Sharks could get over the line but I think the Storm will be a bit too clever.
MONDAY
Dragons vs Titans
Titans by 6
"If Nathan Brown didn't fire up the Dragons enough last week they'll never get fired up."
However, I wonder if they have the ability on the park to play the type of game needed. I'm picking the Titans but wouldn't be surprised if the Dragons bounce back to win it by 12 or more. We'll find out about 25 minutes into the game I suspect where many matches start to get blown apart.
25 minutes into round one saw:
Roosters 12 Rabbits 4
Titans 16 Cowboys 6
Bulldogs 8 Eels 0 (err, an exception to every rule)
Sea Eagles 6 Sharks 2 (the way the Sharks were hanging tough and the Sea Eagles were really getting no attacking opportunities was suggesting that an upset was on the cards, especially when they got up 8-6 by halftime).
Raiders 4 Knights 0 (OK, so I've blown this theory out of the water)
Broncos 8 Panthers 6
Tigers 18 Dragons 4
Storm 16 Warriors 6
I'll expand on my comments which can be found here along with Sportsfreak and League Freak.
FRIDAY
Rabbitohs vs Bulldogs
Bulldogs by 8
"A tough one. The Rabbits may just get an awful start to the year and be back to the dark old days.” I'm definately off to my parents tonight so I can watch these games to actually see what sort of shape the Rabbits, Broncos and Roosters are really in. The Bulldogs showed the same attack that they have had for bloody decades with the likes of Mortimer and Lamb and more recently with a side stacked with flair. But then they also showed that tendency to just fold when the opposition got on a roll. Last week they conceded the biggest lead in their history but they have done the same thing many times, just not been in front by as much. Both sides will have a point to prove and the loser may start to worry a touch, especially since neither team will have left Sydney where its damn hard to pick up any points. I'll go for the Bulldogs but having read good things about aspects of the Rabbits game from week one I'm not in the slightest bit confident. Especially after re-reading my Bulldogs comments/pick from their last game last year.
Roosters vs Broncos
Roosters by 4
"Roosters played well last week v an average Rabbitohs team while the Broncos were on fire but at home and against a team which capitulated.”
Both teams face a similar problem in that they won convincingly in week one but v teams that didn't really turn up. This should be a very good game but I think I'll stick with the home team.
SATURDAY
Panthers vs Raiders
Panthers by 12
"If they can't bounce back from that hammering to beat a gutsy Raiders team who will try hard then they are heading for a shocker of a year.”
If the Raiders start well then they could well take the points but after watching a fair bit of their game v the Knights when I was flicking over during the Sharks - Sea Eagles game and seeing a bit of the replay later all I seemed to see was them defending. Theyw ere doing it well enough but the Knights aren't exactly leathal. The only other thing I have to go on is that the Panthers were attacking the Broncos line with the score at 16-6 and conceded an intercept. If they'd scored and made it 16-12 the game may have gone a slightly different way. Time will tell.
Knights vs Sea Eagles
Sea Eagles by 6
"The Knights will have gained a lot of confidence from last week but I just don't think they have the team to last for 80 v the Sea Eagles.”
That basically sums it all up. Sea Eagles will be desperate to get the ball rolling and this is a game where they can be expected to do that. If not then I'll be stoked.
Cowboys vs Tigers
Cowboys by 14
"The Cowboys should have way too much for a Tigers outfit that beat a ratshit team last week - especially with the bounce back factor that’s so common in the NRL"
Cowboys should win for the same reason that the Sea Eagles should. Plus they are at home. This must be the no-brainer of the week.
SUNDAY
Warriors vs Eels
Warriors by 2
"Somehow the Warriors will grind out a win. I just don't know how yet. I'll tell you after the game.”
After my pick in the Cowboys - Tigers game this pick probably indicates that I indeed have no brain. But we all know that the Warriors can turn it on at home and win more than they lose there. The loss of McKinnon is real bad, as is the loss of Price but they've won with him off at Origin duty before so it's not like they've never missed him. They just need several guys to step up in the forward pack and defend like animals for 80 minutes. Vatuvei not getting near the ball at certain times might help as well.
Storm vs Sharks
Storm by 4
"This will be a very interesting game - fast paced effective football versus slow paced effective football.”
You simply have to pick the Storm at home, but winning at Brookvale is nearly as impressive as winning in Melbourne so maybe the Sharks will have convinced themselves a win is possible. If the Storm don't find a new way of cheating maybe the Sharks could get over the line but I think the Storm will be a bit too clever.
MONDAY
Dragons vs Titans
Titans by 6
"If Nathan Brown didn't fire up the Dragons enough last week they'll never get fired up."
However, I wonder if they have the ability on the park to play the type of game needed. I'm picking the Titans but wouldn't be surprised if the Dragons bounce back to win it by 12 or more. We'll find out about 25 minutes into the game I suspect where many matches start to get blown apart.
25 minutes into round one saw:
Roosters 12 Rabbits 4
Titans 16 Cowboys 6
Bulldogs 8 Eels 0 (err, an exception to every rule)
Sea Eagles 6 Sharks 2 (the way the Sharks were hanging tough and the Sea Eagles were really getting no attacking opportunities was suggesting that an upset was on the cards, especially when they got up 8-6 by halftime).
Raiders 4 Knights 0 (OK, so I've blown this theory out of the water)
Broncos 8 Panthers 6
Tigers 18 Dragons 4
Storm 16 Warriors 6
Labels: nrl, rugby league, tipping
Monday, March 17, 2008
NRL Kicksoff
An interesting start to the year.
All the fancied teams didn't do as well as expected while those who were variously written off either won or did better than picked.
I didn't see the Friday night games but the Titans obviously took care of the Cowboys easily enough while the Roosters made fairly short work of the bunnies. My father (the expert) reckons the Rabbits are too light weight in the forwards. I reckon they have too many NZers in their lineup but won't go quite as far as to take a Murray Deaker stance on team selection.
I did manage to see the Eels v Bulldogs which perfectly summed the Bulldogs up. I've written it many times before and they didn't let me down. Only the Bulldogs know how to drop their bundle the second the opposition gets their tail up. They capitulate quicker than the French. Perhaps they should rename themselves the Bullfrogs.
I also saw Ben Cross get ironed out (then bounce off the turf unconscious, then get jumped on and then get smacked with a cheap shot in the head). Seriously, hammering the crap out of a guy in a legit hit is one thing but must players really jump on the guy when its pretty obvious he's not with us. He's not the first and won't be the last. That was a bloody gutsy performance from the Sharks. As long as they can get some more out of their attack (which they will struggle to do given they play with 12 forwards and a goalkicker) then they should make the playoffs on the back of their defence. Although in saying that Gary Freeman had just finished mentioning how the Sharks had the 3rd best defence last year and thats what wins games when I recalled him 5 minutes earlier saying that the Sharks finished in 14th spot. So, yeah, it might be helpful but if you can't score any bloody points yourself you won't win games.
Then there was the wooden spoon matchup between the Raiders and Knights. The Knights looked quite slick at times on attack but couldn't put the Raiders away for ages. Both teams just look too lightweight and don't have the talent in the backs or the forwards to play the style of game they need to. Which was basically the style Tim Sheens had going with the Tigers when they won the premiership a few seasons back. Namely a draw and pass, side to side, hole running type game which I was hoping would revolutionise the game. Unfortunately we went back to the old hitup for three, wide for two style game. Or hitup for 5 and kick that the Sharks use.
Speaking of the Tigers, they put a "disgraceful", according to Nathan Brown, Dragons team away yesterday which is great news. They did it without Benji Marshall who went off after the 3rd minute when he injured his glass body once again. If he's out for the season he will be one more serious injury away from needing to look for a new job. I love it when the Dragons lose.
And then there was the Panthers getting gang banged by the Broncos. I didn't see the full game, only highlights so not really sure how it unfolded but to flag it like the Panthers obviously did indicates that they are not a happy bunch of campers. Look for Elliot to be out of a job in a month or two if that crap gets repeated a couple more times.
And then there's the Warriors who have kicked off v the Storm (Billy Slater has a hat trick after 25 bloody minutes!). I get too nervous listening on the radio as I can't see what is happening so will tune in for a couple of updates and tape it if we win. 1am on Prime just ain't doing it for me.
Incidentally I could do with Prime not changing their scheduling on the same day all the time. It really fucks me off to wait for something all day and find it doesn't come on. And a brickbat for the NRL website as well. It takes forever to load and has so many bells and whistles you can't find what you are looking for. It also slows to a crawl any other sites you may have open.
It's not necessary guys. People want live scoring, results, points tables, reviews, previews and news and thats about it. They don't want player blogs, tipping sections, competitions, flash ads, and one hundred and fifty eight links. That's right, I counted them, their are one hundred and fifty eight links that you can click on and that's no counting the drop down menus under the top banner. My cursor keeps freezing every 10 seconds when in the page and takes 5 seconds to come right again. God help anybody on dialup.
adios amigos
All the fancied teams didn't do as well as expected while those who were variously written off either won or did better than picked.
I didn't see the Friday night games but the Titans obviously took care of the Cowboys easily enough while the Roosters made fairly short work of the bunnies. My father (the expert) reckons the Rabbits are too light weight in the forwards. I reckon they have too many NZers in their lineup but won't go quite as far as to take a Murray Deaker stance on team selection.
I did manage to see the Eels v Bulldogs which perfectly summed the Bulldogs up. I've written it many times before and they didn't let me down. Only the Bulldogs know how to drop their bundle the second the opposition gets their tail up. They capitulate quicker than the French. Perhaps they should rename themselves the Bullfrogs.
I also saw Ben Cross get ironed out (then bounce off the turf unconscious, then get jumped on and then get smacked with a cheap shot in the head). Seriously, hammering the crap out of a guy in a legit hit is one thing but must players really jump on the guy when its pretty obvious he's not with us. He's not the first and won't be the last. That was a bloody gutsy performance from the Sharks. As long as they can get some more out of their attack (which they will struggle to do given they play with 12 forwards and a goalkicker) then they should make the playoffs on the back of their defence. Although in saying that Gary Freeman had just finished mentioning how the Sharks had the 3rd best defence last year and thats what wins games when I recalled him 5 minutes earlier saying that the Sharks finished in 14th spot. So, yeah, it might be helpful but if you can't score any bloody points yourself you won't win games.
Then there was the wooden spoon matchup between the Raiders and Knights. The Knights looked quite slick at times on attack but couldn't put the Raiders away for ages. Both teams just look too lightweight and don't have the talent in the backs or the forwards to play the style of game they need to. Which was basically the style Tim Sheens had going with the Tigers when they won the premiership a few seasons back. Namely a draw and pass, side to side, hole running type game which I was hoping would revolutionise the game. Unfortunately we went back to the old hitup for three, wide for two style game. Or hitup for 5 and kick that the Sharks use.
Speaking of the Tigers, they put a "disgraceful", according to Nathan Brown, Dragons team away yesterday which is great news. They did it without Benji Marshall who went off after the 3rd minute when he injured his glass body once again. If he's out for the season he will be one more serious injury away from needing to look for a new job. I love it when the Dragons lose.
And then there was the Panthers getting gang banged by the Broncos. I didn't see the full game, only highlights so not really sure how it unfolded but to flag it like the Panthers obviously did indicates that they are not a happy bunch of campers. Look for Elliot to be out of a job in a month or two if that crap gets repeated a couple more times.
And then there's the Warriors who have kicked off v the Storm (Billy Slater has a hat trick after 25 bloody minutes!). I get too nervous listening on the radio as I can't see what is happening so will tune in for a couple of updates and tape it if we win. 1am on Prime just ain't doing it for me.
Incidentally I could do with Prime not changing their scheduling on the same day all the time. It really fucks me off to wait for something all day and find it doesn't come on. And a brickbat for the NRL website as well. It takes forever to load and has so many bells and whistles you can't find what you are looking for. It also slows to a crawl any other sites you may have open.
It's not necessary guys. People want live scoring, results, points tables, reviews, previews and news and thats about it. They don't want player blogs, tipping sections, competitions, flash ads, and one hundred and fifty eight links. That's right, I counted them, their are one hundred and fifty eight links that you can click on and that's no counting the drop down menus under the top banner. My cursor keeps freezing every 10 seconds when in the page and takes 5 seconds to come right again. God help anybody on dialup.
adios amigos
Labels: nrl, nrl website, rugby league
Thursday, March 13, 2008
The Great NRL Intersite Tipping Challenge
Thanks to the folk at Sportsfreak and my Aussie arch nemesis League Freak (no relation) we have set up an intersite tipping competition which will have our picks for each week and a running tally of them and those of the so called experts who should have an edge with the 'inside oil' they supposedly get (but clearly never pay any attention to).
Check it out and feel free to post your own picks here or there to compare yourself. You never know, if you are dedicated and adept (like us, errr, not) you may get picked up by a franchise for next season.
Last year I came in at 61.9% for the regular season and improved to 62.2% after the finals after picking 7 from 9 during showtime. My comrade dc_red ended the regular season at 60% flat and improved to 60.6% after picking 6 from 9.
I suppose 60% is about a par score. If you simply picked the home team to win every game you'd have scored 57.3% last season so certainly its nothing to write home about. But it's rare for anybody to go over 70%. That's the stuff dreams (and money) are made of.
If you were looking to play it safe I'd recommend the strategy of always picking the home team except for when you have one of the top sides (like Manly or Melbourne last year) playing away from home. But tipping like that's for pussies and we don't support no Panthers or Tigers round here.
Check it out and feel free to post your own picks here or there to compare yourself. You never know, if you are dedicated and adept (like us, errr, not) you may get picked up by a franchise for next season.
Last year I came in at 61.9% for the regular season and improved to 62.2% after the finals after picking 7 from 9 during showtime. My comrade dc_red ended the regular season at 60% flat and improved to 60.6% after picking 6 from 9.
I suppose 60% is about a par score. If you simply picked the home team to win every game you'd have scored 57.3% last season so certainly its nothing to write home about. But it's rare for anybody to go over 70%. That's the stuff dreams (and money) are made of.
If you were looking to play it safe I'd recommend the strategy of always picking the home team except for when you have one of the top sides (like Manly or Melbourne last year) playing away from home. But tipping like that's for pussies and we don't support no Panthers or Tigers round here.
Labels: league freak, nrl, rugby league, sportsfreak, tipping
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
NRL Week One 2008 stylz
Well, well, well, it's that time of the year again. Week one of the real RUGBY league season.
Stay tuned for a bit of a tipping collaboration website starting soon with another site. Details to come soon... just as soon as I cough, splutter, get them myself.
Anyway, lets see what we have to entertain us in round one. I'm only going to 'review' the first game properly as I can't be effed staying up all the night doing the rest.
Friday Night
Rabbitohs v Roosters
This is really anybody's guess, which is saying something for the NRL where every bloody game is anybody's guess. I'll start with the Roosters. Last year the Roosters were mud, until Brad Fittler took over from the quitting Anderson and fired them to within a point of making the top 8. They've signed O'Melley and Big Willie Mason ("Big" describes his body size and is in no way reflective of his brain mass) meaning they have the basis of a bloody tough forward pack. This is a bit unusual for the Roosters who are generally the pretty, rich boy poofs of the NRL. Mason said on the news tonight that nobody likes the Rabbitohs and neither does he. Shame for him that EVERYBODY HATES the Roosters. They also have tackling machine who also goal kicks Craig Fitzgibbon, Anthony Tupou, Danny Nutley and Nate Myles in the forwards which will mean headaches for many sides. They also have a decent backline with Mitchell Pierce (son of Wayne, who my mum used to fancy especially after meeting him in the 80s at an Auckland league awards ceremony) at half and Braith Anastha who is perenial winner of the most over rated player award by his peers. He's actually not a bad footballer though. He's just over rated. And add to them Anthony "the count (cos he looks like the one of Sesame Street)" Minichello, Amos Roberts and Kiwi Sam Perret (that's his legal name) and they'll put some tries on you if your poncing about.
On to the Rabbitohs. Three colours sum up the Rabbitohs again this year. Red, green and ... brown. Let me spell out what I mean: Craig Wing, Roy Asotasi, David Kidwell, David Fa'alogo, Nathan Merritt, Manase Manuokafoa, Jaiman Lowe, Jeremy Smith and Nigel Vagana. And they will be wearing red and green.
I think there's going to be a fair bit of bash and crash first up as the Rabbitohs have some meat in the engine room and the Roosters pack will be out to make a statement (though if Mason makes it nobody will understand what it meant, and will just want to punch him in the face). So I think the game will be won outwide and maybe, just maybe the Roosters have an edge there.
So... Roosters by 10 for me.
Titans v Cowboys
An all Queensland affair here, though the Gold Coast and Townsville probably have some err, subtle differences in terms of demographics.
If it was at NQ then I'd have to pick the Cowboys but down in the slums of the GC I think I may just ... still pick the Cowboys to ruin the suntanned Titanites night. Cowboys by 8.
Saturday
Eels v Bulldogs
Right, by this stage I am probably 0-2 and thankfully barring a bloody disaster can bank on an Eels win because the Bulldogs are imploding before the year even starts. They have a lot of quality players but too much infighting and a lack of intesticular fortitude from the Bulldogs most of the time should see the Eels take it out by 14. But I don't much like either team so I don't give a stuff who wins as long as both sets of fans fight like they usually do to remind us all of how fucking dumb Eels and Bulldogs fans are.
Sea Eagles v Sharks
You've gotta go with the Sea Eagles at home here. They probably are borderline top 4 on paper at best but Dessie Hasler seems to get the best out of them and they are a bloody organised, firing on all cylanders side. The Sharks on the other hand are predicted to make the top 8 in some quarters but even though they are always there or thereabouts I just can't see it with their mediocre backline. Sea Eagles by 13.
Knights v Raiders
If you're picking a game to miss this should be it. The Knights went from being one of the most feared teams in the comp to nothing about as fast as Joey Johns could say, 'I'm qutting and I quite like getting wasted on drugs". You have to go with the Raiders in this game but the Knights will know that a big start is crucial and its a home game v a middle of the road team so I think I'll stick my neck out and say Knights by 4 to get one of their few wins this season.
Sunday
Broncos v Panthers
The Broncos have shed some kgs (ie. Civinoceva to the opposition Panthers) but should still maybe, just scrape out a ... loss. Look for Pritchard and Puletua to do some damage and pip the Broncos by 8 (that's pip, not tip).
Tigers v Dragons
Tigers hopefully by 80.
Monday
Storm v Warriors
Bad start for the Warriors with a fighting 16 point loss after sort of being in the game for 60 minutes. Some skinny fast prick will smoke us near the end to blow the score out. The Storm are a good chance of repeating this year.
and in the Super 14 thank god the Crusaders and Blues are coming home. But I highly recommending avoiding watching any games at all costs unless one of those two teams is involved.
Stay tuned for a bit of a tipping collaboration website starting soon with another site. Details to come soon... just as soon as I cough, splutter, get them myself.
Anyway, lets see what we have to entertain us in round one. I'm only going to 'review' the first game properly as I can't be effed staying up all the night doing the rest.
Friday Night
Rabbitohs v Roosters
This is really anybody's guess, which is saying something for the NRL where every bloody game is anybody's guess. I'll start with the Roosters. Last year the Roosters were mud, until Brad Fittler took over from the quitting Anderson and fired them to within a point of making the top 8. They've signed O'Melley and Big Willie Mason ("Big" describes his body size and is in no way reflective of his brain mass) meaning they have the basis of a bloody tough forward pack. This is a bit unusual for the Roosters who are generally the pretty, rich boy poofs of the NRL. Mason said on the news tonight that nobody likes the Rabbitohs and neither does he. Shame for him that EVERYBODY HATES the Roosters. They also have tackling machine who also goal kicks Craig Fitzgibbon, Anthony Tupou, Danny Nutley and Nate Myles in the forwards which will mean headaches for many sides. They also have a decent backline with Mitchell Pierce (son of Wayne, who my mum used to fancy especially after meeting him in the 80s at an Auckland league awards ceremony) at half and Braith Anastha who is perenial winner of the most over rated player award by his peers. He's actually not a bad footballer though. He's just over rated. And add to them Anthony "the count (cos he looks like the one of Sesame Street)" Minichello, Amos Roberts and Kiwi Sam Perret (that's his legal name) and they'll put some tries on you if your poncing about.
On to the Rabbitohs. Three colours sum up the Rabbitohs again this year. Red, green and ... brown. Let me spell out what I mean: Craig Wing, Roy Asotasi, David Kidwell, David Fa'alogo, Nathan Merritt, Manase Manuokafoa, Jaiman Lowe, Jeremy Smith and Nigel Vagana. And they will be wearing red and green.
I think there's going to be a fair bit of bash and crash first up as the Rabbitohs have some meat in the engine room and the Roosters pack will be out to make a statement (though if Mason makes it nobody will understand what it meant, and will just want to punch him in the face). So I think the game will be won outwide and maybe, just maybe the Roosters have an edge there.
So... Roosters by 10 for me.
Titans v Cowboys
An all Queensland affair here, though the Gold Coast and Townsville probably have some err, subtle differences in terms of demographics.
If it was at NQ then I'd have to pick the Cowboys but down in the slums of the GC I think I may just ... still pick the Cowboys to ruin the suntanned Titanites night. Cowboys by 8.
Saturday
Eels v Bulldogs
Right, by this stage I am probably 0-2 and thankfully barring a bloody disaster can bank on an Eels win because the Bulldogs are imploding before the year even starts. They have a lot of quality players but too much infighting and a lack of intesticular fortitude from the Bulldogs most of the time should see the Eels take it out by 14. But I don't much like either team so I don't give a stuff who wins as long as both sets of fans fight like they usually do to remind us all of how fucking dumb Eels and Bulldogs fans are.
Sea Eagles v Sharks
You've gotta go with the Sea Eagles at home here. They probably are borderline top 4 on paper at best but Dessie Hasler seems to get the best out of them and they are a bloody organised, firing on all cylanders side. The Sharks on the other hand are predicted to make the top 8 in some quarters but even though they are always there or thereabouts I just can't see it with their mediocre backline. Sea Eagles by 13.
Knights v Raiders
If you're picking a game to miss this should be it. The Knights went from being one of the most feared teams in the comp to nothing about as fast as Joey Johns could say, 'I'm qutting and I quite like getting wasted on drugs". You have to go with the Raiders in this game but the Knights will know that a big start is crucial and its a home game v a middle of the road team so I think I'll stick my neck out and say Knights by 4 to get one of their few wins this season.
Sunday
Broncos v Panthers
The Broncos have shed some kgs (ie. Civinoceva to the opposition Panthers) but should still maybe, just scrape out a ... loss. Look for Pritchard and Puletua to do some damage and pip the Broncos by 8 (that's pip, not tip).
Tigers v Dragons
Tigers hopefully by 80.
Monday
Storm v Warriors
Bad start for the Warriors with a fighting 16 point loss after sort of being in the game for 60 minutes. Some skinny fast prick will smoke us near the end to blow the score out. The Storm are a good chance of repeating this year.
and in the Super 14 thank god the Crusaders and Blues are coming home. But I highly recommending avoiding watching any games at all costs unless one of those two teams is involved.
Labels: nrl, rugby league, tipping
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Here's Looking at you.... kids.
Thanks for the kind birthday wishes. Now fuck off and stop looking at our blog. It's mean't to be private reflections.
yeah whatever.
If you are stuck at work tomorrow or have your hand on the pump or some other object that you are pumping errr.... check out our friends at sportsfreaks 4th ODI web commentary. Was pretty funny last time round. Even if you can't follow it live you can still go back afterwards and read through to relive those great moment like Coldplays 6 consecutive french cuts for 4 or Vettori actually turning the ball.
Check it here, here or here.
Might take you a while to work out the nicknames. Here's some starters. Coldplay = Chris Martin well deerrrrrrr, English Tendulkar = Bopara who reckons he is it, oxymoron = sidebottom... good luck with the rest.
And my god random, the Bulldogs are a bloody laugh aren't they? I mean I've always liked watching them play because of their style ie, hard out attack, and a total gonad dropping tendency the second the opposition starts standing up to them but hell, their off field shit is awesome. Who needs soap operas when we have the NRL off season and week night dramas to fill our TVs?
yeah whatever.
If you are stuck at work tomorrow or have your hand on the pump or some other object that you are pumping errr.... check out our friends at sportsfreaks 4th ODI web commentary. Was pretty funny last time round. Even if you can't follow it live you can still go back afterwards and read through to relive those great moment like Coldplays 6 consecutive french cuts for 4 or Vettori actually turning the ball.
Check it here, here or here.
Might take you a while to work out the nicknames. Here's some starters. Coldplay = Chris Martin well deerrrrrrr, English Tendulkar = Bopara who reckons he is it, oxymoron = sidebottom... good luck with the rest.
And my god random, the Bulldogs are a bloody laugh aren't they? I mean I've always liked watching them play because of their style ie, hard out attack, and a total gonad dropping tendency the second the opposition starts standing up to them but hell, their off field shit is awesome. Who needs soap operas when we have the NRL off season and week night dramas to fill our TVs?
Labels: birthday's, nrl, rugby league, sportsfreak.
Monday, October 01, 2007
And the winner is....
The Melbourne Storm. Quite a fun game I guess, as long as you weren't a Manly fan.
The Storm basically made yards at will, using the following formula: receive ball one (or sometimes two) out from the ruck, catch it at pace, aim for a gap ... make 12 yards. Rinse and repeat. Don't drop ball or force dodgy passes.
Neither team's kicking game was up to much, but Melbourne didn't need it to be honest. If they had kicked well, both in play and from the spot, it could have been a 40-point hiding.
Now for the announcement you've all been waiting for. Who is the King of the Tipsters?
YAMIS: 107/172: 62.2%
DC_RED: 63/104: 60.7%
The Storm basically made yards at will, using the following formula: receive ball one (or sometimes two) out from the ruck, catch it at pace, aim for a gap ... make 12 yards. Rinse and repeat. Don't drop ball or force dodgy passes.
Neither team's kicking game was up to much, but Melbourne didn't need it to be honest. If they had kicked well, both in play and from the spot, it could have been a 40-point hiding.
Now for the announcement you've all been waiting for. Who is the King of the Tipsters?
YAMIS: 107/172: 62.2%
DC_RED: 63/104: 60.7%
Labels: rugby league
Friday, September 28, 2007
Last NRL pick
Melbourne.
Labels: rugby league
Friday, September 21, 2007
NRL semi-final weekend
Manly Sea-Eagles vs. North Queensland Cowboys - Cowboys by 13+
Paramatta Eels vs. Melbourne Storm - This would be a no-brainer if played in Melbourne. But Sydney levels the playing field somewhat. Hard to call. Storm by 1-12.
Now read Yamis' post. That father was a real piece of work: Nai Yin Xue injured his baby daughter, Qian, in a violent domestic dispute last year before attacking his wife with a knife, court documents show. Who knew you could still get away with that shit just because the wife won't testify?
Paramatta Eels vs. Melbourne Storm - This would be a no-brainer if played in Melbourne. But Sydney levels the playing field somewhat. Hard to call. Storm by 1-12.
Now read Yamis' post. That father was a real piece of work: Nai Yin Xue injured his baby daughter, Qian, in a violent domestic dispute last year before attacking his wife with a knife, court documents show. Who knew you could still get away with that shit just because the wife won't testify?
Labels: rugby league
Friday, September 14, 2007
NRL secondary quarter finals (or whatever)
Bulldogs v Eels -
Hard to call. Good god the Eels were boring against the Warriors. Maybe the Dogs have more attacking flair? Plus I'm tempted to say Dogs just so we can delight in watching them be absolutely massacred by Melbourne next week. But the Eels are strong on defence, and if they're good enough to beat the Warriors in Auckland.... Might as well flip a coin.
I'm going to go with the theory that there's a reason the TAB has the Dogs at $1.70 and the Eels at $2.12. Quasi-home advantage or something for the mutts.
Dogs.
Cowboys v Warriors -
Those who follow my tipping (all 3 of you) will know I always pick the Cowboys to win at home. But this year their regular season home record was the same as their away record, with 8 wins from 12. Their home losses included the Rabbitohs and even the lowly Panthers. The TAB (which still thinks there is a team called the NZ Warriors) puts the North Queensland team at $2.00 and the Vodafone team at $1.80.
My heart says Warriors. My head says Cowboys.
Fuck it.
Cowboys.
Hard to call. Good god the Eels were boring against the Warriors. Maybe the Dogs have more attacking flair? Plus I'm tempted to say Dogs just so we can delight in watching them be absolutely massacred by Melbourne next week. But the Eels are strong on defence, and if they're good enough to beat the Warriors in Auckland.... Might as well flip a coin.
I'm going to go with the theory that there's a reason the TAB has the Dogs at $1.70 and the Eels at $2.12. Quasi-home advantage or something for the mutts.
Dogs.
Cowboys v Warriors -
Those who follow my tipping (all 3 of you) will know I always pick the Cowboys to win at home. But this year their regular season home record was the same as their away record, with 8 wins from 12. Their home losses included the Rabbitohs and even the lowly Panthers. The TAB (which still thinks there is a team called the NZ Warriors) puts the North Queensland team at $2.00 and the Vodafone team at $1.80.
My heart says Warriors. My head says Cowboys.
Fuck it.
Cowboys.
Labels: rugby league
Monday, September 10, 2007
More politics, more league
I note with interest the continuing success of the National Party in the polls. It is, of course, each individual voter's right to cast their votes as they please. Nevertheless, polling - I think - assumes a certain basic level of knowledge among those being polled.
So, for the near 50% of the population that states it currently intends to vote National, I raise the following questions:
1. Correctly spell the name of the leader of the National Party.
(Explanation: even in an educated context, I estimate that 50% of people I hear referring to him, pluralize his name to "John Keyes". And no, I never bring up politics just to test people.)
2. Name, and outline in at least one coherent sentence, any two National Party policies.
(Explanation: just a hunch, but I bet the majority of those intending National Party voters could only manage two words: tax, and cuts)
3. Name any two National Party frontbenchers (i.e., members of the "shadow cabinet"), other than the leader.
(Explanation: I anticipate plenty of blank looks in response to this one).
If prospective National Party voters fail on, say, any 2/3 of these tests, then methinks their choice isn't well-thought out or "educated"
Now on to league: bit of a grim game at Mt Smart on Friday. The crowd was something to behold, especially in the south stand where I hung out. It was eerily reminiscent of a Guns N Roses concert actually. As for the game itself, Bennyasena said afterwards: "I can't think of anything that would go on the highlights reel."
Tipping: both Yamis and I got 3/4, so our season averages now stand as:
Yamis: 107/172 (62.2%)
DC_Red: 63/104 (60.6%)
So, for the near 50% of the population that states it currently intends to vote National, I raise the following questions:
1. Correctly spell the name of the leader of the National Party.
(Explanation: even in an educated context, I estimate that 50% of people I hear referring to him, pluralize his name to "John Keyes". And no, I never bring up politics just to test people.)
2. Name, and outline in at least one coherent sentence, any two National Party policies.
(Explanation: just a hunch, but I bet the majority of those intending National Party voters could only manage two words: tax, and cuts)
3. Name any two National Party frontbenchers (i.e., members of the "shadow cabinet"), other than the leader.
(Explanation: I anticipate plenty of blank looks in response to this one).
If prospective National Party voters fail on, say, any 2/3 of these tests, then methinks their choice isn't well-thought out or "educated"
Now on to league: bit of a grim game at Mt Smart on Friday. The crowd was something to behold, especially in the south stand where I hung out. It was eerily reminiscent of a Guns N Roses concert actually. As for the game itself, Bennyasena said afterwards: "I can't think of anything that would go on the highlights reel."
Tipping: both Yamis and I got 3/4, so our season averages now stand as:
Yamis: 107/172 (62.2%)
DC_Red: 63/104 (60.6%)
Labels: politics, rugby league
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Sport ... and who is New Zealand's real head of state?
First things first, my tips for the weekend's all-important NRL matchups:
Warriors vs Eels - hell, I'll be there cheering the Warriors to victory myself. Warriors.
Cowboys vs Dogs - I'll go with my usual approach of always picking the Cowboys to win at home. It has served me well in the past. Cowboys.
Eagles vs Rabbitohs - Hard to go past the home team in this one too. Eagles.
Storm vs Broncos - Amazing the Broncos even made it to the final 8. I fear their unfortunate season will end in Melbourne, but if they want to prove me wrong, please go ahead. I can afford to miss one pick, and this might as well be it. Storm.
I need to get at least 3/4 picks to keep my average up above 60%.
Now on to politics, or matters constitutional really.
WHO IS NEW ZEALAND'S REAL HEAD OF STATE?
The formal answer is, of course, Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of New Zealand. Or something along those lines.
The "the Second" part is informative, as there has be no Queen Elizabeth "the first" of New Zealand. Literally, Betty Windsor is the first Queen of New Zealand with the name "Elizabeth".
This serves as an interesting clue as to the real identity of the Queen: she "the Second" Elizabeth only in the UK, "the First" in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and so on. This leads me to suggest that calling her "Queen of New Zealand" is something of a fiction. She is really the Queen of the UK ... and only Queen of New Zealand et al. by virtue of that fact. If the Brits abolished the monarchy tomorrow, and became a Protectorate or Republic, would New Zealand really cling to the monarch, or look to elect a President quick smart? An interesting question, but rather by-the-by for my purposes.
Queen Elizabeth the Second (sic) of New Zealand, like Queen Elizabeth the Second (sic) of Canada, is a Head of State who does nothing of any political consequence. She possesses no practical power, and exercises no practical power. A figurehead, as is well known. A de jure Head of State whose role is ceremonial/symbolic, not practical/political.
For real intents and purposes, most of the powers one associates with the Head of State (leader of the Executive Branch of government and all that) is the Prime Minister. This is particularly obvious in unitary states like New Zealand, but is also true in federal states like Australia and Canada. The Prime Minister does the real business of leading the country, for better or worse, albeit theoretically dependent upon the consent of the de jure Head of State.
But the de facto Head of State (the Prime Minister) seldom interacts with the de jure Head of State (the Queen) directly. Rather, he or she goes through the de jure Head of State's local proxy, the Governor General. And who appoints this person to the job? Not "we, the people" but ... the Prime Minister.
How fucked up is all this? We have a de jure Head of State, who is only in the position by virtue of being the de jure Head of State of another State (the UK), and fills a purely symbolic role. But she's not even really our symbolic Head of State in any day-to-day sense, this role being filled instead by a local representative, who is also a figurehead. (In Canada and Australia, add Lieutenants-General to this mix and you begin to sense high farce coming on).
And just to hammer home the point about who is really in charge of the state, this symbolic representative of a symbolic foreign Head of State, is actually appointed by the Prime Minister.
Warriors vs Eels - hell, I'll be there cheering the Warriors to victory myself. Warriors.
Cowboys vs Dogs - I'll go with my usual approach of always picking the Cowboys to win at home. It has served me well in the past. Cowboys.
Eagles vs Rabbitohs - Hard to go past the home team in this one too. Eagles.
Storm vs Broncos - Amazing the Broncos even made it to the final 8. I fear their unfortunate season will end in Melbourne, but if they want to prove me wrong, please go ahead. I can afford to miss one pick, and this might as well be it. Storm.
I need to get at least 3/4 picks to keep my average up above 60%.
Now on to politics, or matters constitutional really.
WHO IS NEW ZEALAND'S REAL HEAD OF STATE?
The formal answer is, of course, Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of New Zealand. Or something along those lines.
The "the Second" part is informative, as there has be no Queen Elizabeth "the first" of New Zealand. Literally, Betty Windsor is the first Queen of New Zealand with the name "Elizabeth".
This serves as an interesting clue as to the real identity of the Queen: she "the Second" Elizabeth only in the UK, "the First" in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and so on. This leads me to suggest that calling her "Queen of New Zealand" is something of a fiction. She is really the Queen of the UK ... and only Queen of New Zealand et al. by virtue of that fact. If the Brits abolished the monarchy tomorrow, and became a Protectorate or Republic, would New Zealand really cling to the monarch, or look to elect a President quick smart? An interesting question, but rather by-the-by for my purposes.
Queen Elizabeth the Second (sic) of New Zealand, like Queen Elizabeth the Second (sic) of Canada, is a Head of State who does nothing of any political consequence. She possesses no practical power, and exercises no practical power. A figurehead, as is well known. A de jure Head of State whose role is ceremonial/symbolic, not practical/political.
For real intents and purposes, most of the powers one associates with the Head of State (leader of the Executive Branch of government and all that) is the Prime Minister. This is particularly obvious in unitary states like New Zealand, but is also true in federal states like Australia and Canada. The Prime Minister does the real business of leading the country, for better or worse, albeit theoretically dependent upon the consent of the de jure Head of State.
But the de facto Head of State (the Prime Minister) seldom interacts with the de jure Head of State (the Queen) directly. Rather, he or she goes through the de jure Head of State's local proxy, the Governor General. And who appoints this person to the job? Not "we, the people" but ... the Prime Minister.
How fucked up is all this? We have a de jure Head of State, who is only in the position by virtue of being the de jure Head of State of another State (the UK), and fills a purely symbolic role. But she's not even really our symbolic Head of State in any day-to-day sense, this role being filled instead by a local representative, who is also a figurehead. (In Canada and Australia, add Lieutenants-General to this mix and you begin to sense high farce coming on).
And just to hammer home the point about who is really in charge of the state, this symbolic representative of a symbolic foreign Head of State, is actually appointed by the Prime Minister.
Labels: politics, rugby league
Monday, September 03, 2007
NRL regular season tipping round up
Yamis 104 correct out of 168 picks = 61.9%
DC_Red 60 correct out of 100 picks = 60.0%
Bennyasena 65 correct out of 114 picks = 57.0% (retired)
Some weird/disappointing results for me this weekend: like the Eels beating the Broncos by more than 40 points ... after losing to the lowly Dragons the previous week. And the hapless Knights chalking up a win against the Tigers.
DC_Red 60 correct out of 100 picks = 60.0%
Bennyasena 65 correct out of 114 picks = 57.0% (retired)
Some weird/disappointing results for me this weekend: like the Eels beating the Broncos by more than 40 points ... after losing to the lowly Dragons the previous week. And the hapless Knights chalking up a win against the Tigers.
Labels: rugby league
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Round 24 picks
Bulldogs v Storm - Storm
Knights v Cowboys - ooohh, a tough one. Cowboys.
Sharks v Titans - Titans
Roosters v Panthers - Roosters
Broncos v Raiders - Broncos
Vodafone v Manly - Warriors in front of 25,000 mostly home fans
Tigers v Rabbitohs - Rabbitohs
Dragons v Eels - Eels
Knights v Cowboys - ooohh, a tough one. Cowboys.
Sharks v Titans - Titans
Roosters v Panthers - Roosters
Broncos v Raiders - Broncos
Vodafone v Manly - Warriors in front of 25,000 mostly home fans
Tigers v Rabbitohs - Rabbitohs
Dragons v Eels - Eels
Labels: rugby league
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Pickin's after round 22
Yamis 90 correct out of 144 picks = 62.5%
DC_Red 45 correct out of 76 picks = 59.2%
Bennyasena 65 correct out of 114 picks = 57% (retired)
It's quite exciting as we get to the business end of the season. I think I should receive some small bonus for picking Manly to demolish the Knights by more than 30 points. The winning margin was 34 points.
And the Cowboy's last-gasp win last night means the Warriors are back in 5th position. Keep winning guys.
DC_Red 45 correct out of 76 picks = 59.2%
Bennyasena 65 correct out of 114 picks = 57% (retired)
It's quite exciting as we get to the business end of the season. I think I should receive some small bonus for picking Manly to demolish the Knights by more than 30 points. The winning margin was 34 points.
And the Cowboy's last-gasp win last night means the Warriors are back in 5th position. Keep winning guys.
Labels: rugby league
Friday, August 10, 2007
Round 22 (alas, poor Titans, we hardly knew thee)
Sea Eagles v Knights - Sportsfreak is right to ask why this perverse mismatch justifies prime time. Sea Eagles by 30+.
Tigers v Roosters - very hard to pick this one, but I'll go with Tigers.
Warriors v Titans - Unfortunately I will not be in attendance due to a prior commitment with Ms_Red - but home fans don't let my absence put you off. The game might be a bit closer than you would like, but a win's a win. Warriors.
Dragons v Rabbitohs - Another one of these dire NSW matchups. Dragons I guess.
Eels v Sharks - A more interesting contest, hard to see the home team losing. Eels.
Bulldogs v Raiders - The Dogs should win this one.
Storm v Broncos - Could be the game of the round if the young Broncos can fire up in Melbourne in front of the 5000 fans the likely minor premiers seem to have. But it's hard to see the Broncs winning there. Storm.
Panthers v Cowboys - I like the Cowboys, always have. This one's hard to pick. My mind says Panthers at home. My heart says Cowboys. Cowboys (can't take the safe option of the home team for every game!).
Last week's picks: DC_Red (3.5/8); Yamis (5.5/8 - but that included picking the Eels after they had won - I'll give you the Dragons for free though).
And for those who are missing Bennyasena's input to this blog, I can offer the following report:
Sad, but there's still the weekend eh?
And there's 79 pages of comments, many of them highly moronic, on the Herald website, about the Paul Buchanan affair. Follow the first link at your own peril.
Tigers v Roosters - very hard to pick this one, but I'll go with Tigers.
Warriors v Titans - Unfortunately I will not be in attendance due to a prior commitment with Ms_Red - but home fans don't let my absence put you off. The game might be a bit closer than you would like, but a win's a win. Warriors.
Dragons v Rabbitohs - Another one of these dire NSW matchups. Dragons I guess.
Eels v Sharks - A more interesting contest, hard to see the home team losing. Eels.
Bulldogs v Raiders - The Dogs should win this one.
Storm v Broncos - Could be the game of the round if the young Broncos can fire up in Melbourne in front of the 5000 fans the likely minor premiers seem to have. But it's hard to see the Broncs winning there. Storm.
Panthers v Cowboys - I like the Cowboys, always have. This one's hard to pick. My mind says Panthers at home. My heart says Cowboys. Cowboys (can't take the safe option of the home team for every game!).
Last week's picks: DC_Red (3.5/8); Yamis (5.5/8 - but that included picking the Eels after they had won - I'll give you the Dragons for free though).
And for those who are missing Bennyasena's input to this blog, I can offer the following report:
My blogging has been destroyed by webmarshal - can't even get to blogger.com, nor any anonymiser websites to get around it.
And they've blocked nrl website so I can't do my tips.
By the time I finish work it's time to go out.
Sad, but there's still the weekend eh?
And there's 79 pages of comments, many of them highly moronic, on the Herald website, about the Paul Buchanan affair. Follow the first link at your own peril.
Labels: rugby league
Friday, August 03, 2007
Round 21
Round 20 was a dire week for me (4/8) but better for prominent tipster Yamis (6/8). Rumour has it that the seldom-sighted Bennyasena made a few dollars on the half-time/full-time bet for the Warriors over the Knights.
This week is a real lottery, with many sweet match-ups, but here goes:
Knights v Dragons - Not actually very sweet at all. Dragons.
Bulldogs v Eels - A bit more like it. Bulldogs.
Titans v Tigers - Good grief what's happened to the Titans? Tigers.
Cowboys v Raiders - Not so scintillating either - go with home advantage. Cowboys.
Panther v Rabbitohs - Interesting. I don't know. Rabbitohs.
Roosters v Warriors - Arrrgghhhh. My heart says Warriors. My mind says Roosters. Roosters.
Broncos v Sea Eagles - Arrrgghhhh again. Umm - Broncos. It's the 20th anniversary of their first encounter, when the Broncos slaughtered the reigning champs.
Sharks v Storm - The Storm won't fuck up again. Storm.
This week is a real lottery, with many sweet match-ups, but here goes:
Knights v Dragons - Not actually very sweet at all. Dragons.
Bulldogs v Eels - A bit more like it. Bulldogs.
Titans v Tigers - Good grief what's happened to the Titans? Tigers.
Cowboys v Raiders - Not so scintillating either - go with home advantage. Cowboys.
Panther v Rabbitohs - Interesting. I don't know. Rabbitohs.
Roosters v Warriors - Arrrgghhhh. My heart says Warriors. My mind says Roosters. Roosters.
Broncos v Sea Eagles - Arrrgghhhh again. Umm - Broncos. It's the 20th anniversary of their first encounter, when the Broncos slaughtered the reigning champs.
Sharks v Storm - The Storm won't fuck up again. Storm.
Labels: rugby league
Friday, July 27, 2007
Round 20, already
Raiders v Panthers - Raiders (home advantage separates two dire sides)
Roosters v Storm - Storm (who'd bet against them?)
Warriors v Knights - Warriors (they'd better win - I'm going and don't want to bare witness to another loss)
Dragons v Doggies - The most hated team.
Rabbitohs v Titans - Titans
Broncs v Sharks - Broncs
Eels v Eagles - what a sweet match-up. Normally I'd go with the Eagles, but home advantage often counts for something. Eels.
Tigers v Cowboys - Cowboys. A big call but they shouldn't lose three on the trot.
Roosters v Storm - Storm (who'd bet against them?)
Warriors v Knights - Warriors (they'd better win - I'm going and don't want to bare witness to another loss)
Dragons v Doggies - The most hated team.
Rabbitohs v Titans - Titans
Broncs v Sharks - Broncs
Eels v Eagles - what a sweet match-up. Normally I'd go with the Eagles, but home advantage often counts for something. Eels.
Tigers v Cowboys - Cowboys. A big call but they shouldn't lose three on the trot.
Labels: rugby league
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Seventy Seven New Zealand Players in the NRL
The title pretty much sums it up but what I have below is an up to date list of all the NZ eligible players in the NRL plus others in various categories. I'd like to have a list of all NZ players currently in the NRL who have actually taken the field this year or in previous years but it's really hard to keep up with things. Some clubs have literally hundreds of players on their books and their premier squads of 25 players don't mean that they can only pick those guys for first grade. There are others who come and go. Then of course there are players born in NZ but are essentially Aussies and players born in the islands but who may or may not have lived in NZ before getting a contract in Aussie. It's all very confusing and hard to find out due to there being piss all known about a lot of these recent arrivals on the scene. I'll add to the list or tinker around with it if I find any mistakes or things to add.
Anyway, the stats say (thus far) SEVENTY SEVEN NZers have either played in the NRL this year or last year. If I count every NZer on the fringe we get to 93. Both lists are growing as well, as I find out more. That's roughly nineteen percent of players in the NRL depending on how you calculate it.
So stick that up your arse Mark Geyer who thinks Aussie doesn't owe us anything and they've been giving us a helping hand for years. You reckon you can find 77 reserve grade Aussies good enough to fill those spots next week? That's three full squads so fuck it, give us three teams in your competition.
BRONCOS
Greg Eastwood (b. Auckland – Manurewa)
John Te Reo (b. Wellington – Wainuiomata)
Andrew Lomu (b. Sydney but played for Kiwis through parents)
BULLDOGS
Ben Roberts (b. Sydney but played for Kiwis through parents)
Matthew Utai (b. Auckland)
Sonny Bill Williams (b. Auckland – Marist)
Tim Winitana (b. Wellington)
Billy Ngawini (b. Auckland - Papakura Sea Eagles)
Lee Te Maari (b. Tokoroa)
RAIDERS
Glen Turner (b. Christchurch – Linwood)
Jason Williams (b. Auckland – Marist)
COWBOYS
David Faiumu (b. Wellington – Wainuiomata)
Sione Faumuina (b. Auckland – Glenora)
Toshio Laiseni (b. Tonga – Otahuhu Leopards)
SEA EAGLES
Steve Matai (b. Auckland – Ponsonby)
Jack Afamasaga (b. Wellington)
STORM
Adam Blair (b. Whangarei – Northland Carvers)
Sam Tagataese (b. Lower Hutt – Hutt Valley Marists)
Ryan Shortland (b. Masterton)
Matt Rua (b. Auckland – Waitemata)
Paletasala Ale (b. Auckland - Auckland Lions)
Sika Manu (b. Wellington)
KNIGHTS
George Carmont (b. Auckland – Otahuhu)
Cooper Vuna (b. Auckland)
Terrence Seuseu (b. NZ)
Jesse Royal (b. Waikato)
Marvin Karawana (b. Wellington)
PARRAMATTA EELS
Nathan Cayliss (b. Australia but has played for the kiwis)
Fui Fui Moimoi (b. Auckland – Mt Albert)
Krisnan Inu (b. Apia but has played for the Kiwis)
Aaron Cannings (b. Auckland)
Weller Hauraki (b. Dannevirke - Levin Knights)
PENRITH PANTHERS
Frank Pritchard (b. Sydney but has played 8 tests for the Kiwis)
Tony Puletua (b. Auckland)
Frank Puletua (b. Auckland)
Mark Meredith (b. Samoa – played for Junior Kiwis)
Junior Moors (b. Auckland)
SHARKS
Fraser Anderson (b. Auckland – East Coast Bays)
Luke Covell (b. Australia but available for the Kiwis due to a Kiwi father)
Phillip Leuluai (b. Auckland – Otahuhu)
Misi Taulapapa (b. Auckland – Marist)
Henry Perenara (b. Auckland - New Lynn)
RABBITOHS
Roy Asotasi (b. Auckland – Marist)
David Fa’alogo (b. Auckland – Mt Albert)
Joe Galuvao (b. Auckland – Manurewa)
David Kidwell (b. Christchurch – Hornby)
Jeremy Smith (b Huntly)
Nigel Vagana (b. Auckland – Richmond)
Isaac Luke (b. Hawera - Hawera Hawks)
DRAGONS
Lagi Setu (b. New Zealand)
Rangi Chase (Dannevirke Tigers)
Ben Ellis (Turangi Dambusters)
Ricky Thorby (b. New Zealand - Central Falcons)
ROOSTERS
Sam Perrett (b. Auckland)
Iosia Soliola (b. Auckland – Ponsonby)
Vince Mellars (b. Petone – Petone)
TIGERS
Paul Whatuira (b. Wellington – Wainuiomata)
Taniela Tuiaki (b. Auckland)
Benji Marshall (b. Whakatane)
Dene Halatau (b. Invercargill)
Bronson Harrison (b. Auckland)
Ben Te'o (b. New Zealand)
TITANS
Jake Webster (Melbourne but has played for the Kiwis)
WARRIORS
Patrick Ah Van (b. Auckland – Te Atatu)
Simon Mannering (b. Napier – Wellington Orcas)
Manu Vatuvei (b. Auckland – Otahuhu)
Jerome Ropati (b. Auckland – Marist)
Louis Anderson (b. Dargaville – East Coast Bays)
Wairangi Koopu (b. Opotiki – Taniwharau)
Epalahame Lauaki (Waitemata)
Corey Lawrie (b. Christchurch – Canterbury Bulls)
Sam Rapira (b. Hamilton – Hukanui)
Logan Swann (b. Auckland – Mt Wellington)
Evarn Tuimavave (b. Auckland – Richmond)
Ruben Wiki (b. Auckland – Otahuhu)
Nathan Fien (b. Mount Isa…grannygate anyone?)
Lance Hohaia (b.Hamilton – Taniwharau)
On the Warriors books but haven’t debuted
Malo Solomona (Richmond)
Miguel Start (Pakuranga)
Isaac John (Waicoa Bay Stallions)
Daniel O’Regan (b. Auckland)
Leeson Ah Mau
Sonny Fai (b. Auckland – Counties Manukau Jetz)
Roman Hifo
Scott Jones (Bay Roskill)
Wayne McDade (Richmond)
Russell Packer (Central Falcons)
Constantine Mika (Otahuhu)
Players in other NRL clubs who haven't debuted yet (that I know of)
Knights
Hanan Laban (b. Lower Hutt)
Tim Natusch (b. Wellington)
Cowboys
Karl Johnson (b. NZ – Taniurharall)
Sharks
Brackin Karauria-Henry (b. Auckland – Halswell)
Storm
Liam Foran
NZ BORN (but traitors)
Karmichael Hunt (b. Auckland)
Tonie Carroll (b. Christchurch)
Brad Thorn (b. Dunedin)
Willie Mason (b. Auckland)
At least thirty seven players in the NRL were born in Auckland. Not bad. I'd say that would be not too far off Brisbane born players and obviously behind Sydney by some margin.
Anyway, the stats say (thus far) SEVENTY SEVEN NZers have either played in the NRL this year or last year. If I count every NZer on the fringe we get to 93. Both lists are growing as well, as I find out more. That's roughly nineteen percent of players in the NRL depending on how you calculate it.
So stick that up your arse Mark Geyer who thinks Aussie doesn't owe us anything and they've been giving us a helping hand for years. You reckon you can find 77 reserve grade Aussies good enough to fill those spots next week? That's three full squads so fuck it, give us three teams in your competition.
BRONCOS
Greg Eastwood (b. Auckland – Manurewa)
John Te Reo (b. Wellington – Wainuiomata)
Andrew Lomu (b. Sydney but played for Kiwis through parents)
BULLDOGS
Ben Roberts (b. Sydney but played for Kiwis through parents)
Matthew Utai (b. Auckland)
Sonny Bill Williams (b. Auckland – Marist)
Tim Winitana (b. Wellington)
Billy Ngawini (b. Auckland - Papakura Sea Eagles)
Lee Te Maari (b. Tokoroa)
RAIDERS
Glen Turner (b. Christchurch – Linwood)
Jason Williams (b. Auckland – Marist)
COWBOYS
David Faiumu (b. Wellington – Wainuiomata)
Sione Faumuina (b. Auckland – Glenora)
Toshio Laiseni (b. Tonga – Otahuhu Leopards)
SEA EAGLES
Steve Matai (b. Auckland – Ponsonby)
Jack Afamasaga (b. Wellington)
STORM
Adam Blair (b. Whangarei – Northland Carvers)
Sam Tagataese (b. Lower Hutt – Hutt Valley Marists)
Ryan Shortland (b. Masterton)
Matt Rua (b. Auckland – Waitemata)
Paletasala Ale (b. Auckland - Auckland Lions)
Sika Manu (b. Wellington)
KNIGHTS
George Carmont (b. Auckland – Otahuhu)
Cooper Vuna (b. Auckland)
Terrence Seuseu (b. NZ)
Jesse Royal (b. Waikato)
Marvin Karawana (b. Wellington)
PARRAMATTA EELS
Nathan Cayliss (b. Australia but has played for the kiwis)
Fui Fui Moimoi (b. Auckland – Mt Albert)
Krisnan Inu (b. Apia but has played for the Kiwis)
Aaron Cannings (b. Auckland)
Weller Hauraki (b. Dannevirke - Levin Knights)
PENRITH PANTHERS
Frank Pritchard (b. Sydney but has played 8 tests for the Kiwis)
Tony Puletua (b. Auckland)
Frank Puletua (b. Auckland)
Mark Meredith (b. Samoa – played for Junior Kiwis)
Junior Moors (b. Auckland)
SHARKS
Fraser Anderson (b. Auckland – East Coast Bays)
Luke Covell (b. Australia but available for the Kiwis due to a Kiwi father)
Phillip Leuluai (b. Auckland – Otahuhu)
Misi Taulapapa (b. Auckland – Marist)
Henry Perenara (b. Auckland - New Lynn)
RABBITOHS
Roy Asotasi (b. Auckland – Marist)
David Fa’alogo (b. Auckland – Mt Albert)
Joe Galuvao (b. Auckland – Manurewa)
David Kidwell (b. Christchurch – Hornby)
Jeremy Smith (b Huntly)
Nigel Vagana (b. Auckland – Richmond)
Isaac Luke (b. Hawera - Hawera Hawks)
DRAGONS
Lagi Setu (b. New Zealand)
Rangi Chase (Dannevirke Tigers)
Ben Ellis (Turangi Dambusters)
Ricky Thorby (b. New Zealand - Central Falcons)
ROOSTERS
Sam Perrett (b. Auckland)
Iosia Soliola (b. Auckland – Ponsonby)
Vince Mellars (b. Petone – Petone)
TIGERS
Paul Whatuira (b. Wellington – Wainuiomata)
Taniela Tuiaki (b. Auckland)
Benji Marshall (b. Whakatane)
Dene Halatau (b. Invercargill)
Bronson Harrison (b. Auckland)
Ben Te'o (b. New Zealand)
TITANS
Jake Webster (Melbourne but has played for the Kiwis)
WARRIORS
Patrick Ah Van (b. Auckland – Te Atatu)
Simon Mannering (b. Napier – Wellington Orcas)
Manu Vatuvei (b. Auckland – Otahuhu)
Jerome Ropati (b. Auckland – Marist)
Louis Anderson (b. Dargaville – East Coast Bays)
Wairangi Koopu (b. Opotiki – Taniwharau)
Epalahame Lauaki (Waitemata)
Corey Lawrie (b. Christchurch – Canterbury Bulls)
Sam Rapira (b. Hamilton – Hukanui)
Logan Swann (b. Auckland – Mt Wellington)
Evarn Tuimavave (b. Auckland – Richmond)
Ruben Wiki (b. Auckland – Otahuhu)
Nathan Fien (b. Mount Isa…grannygate anyone?)
Lance Hohaia (b.Hamilton – Taniwharau)
On the Warriors books but haven’t debuted
Malo Solomona (Richmond)
Miguel Start (Pakuranga)
Isaac John (Waicoa Bay Stallions)
Daniel O’Regan (b. Auckland)
Leeson Ah Mau
Sonny Fai (b. Auckland – Counties Manukau Jetz)
Roman Hifo
Scott Jones (Bay Roskill)
Wayne McDade (Richmond)
Russell Packer (Central Falcons)
Constantine Mika (Otahuhu)
Players in other NRL clubs who haven't debuted yet (that I know of)
Knights
Hanan Laban (b. Lower Hutt)
Tim Natusch (b. Wellington)
Cowboys
Karl Johnson (b. NZ – Taniurharall)
Sharks
Brackin Karauria-Henry (b. Auckland – Halswell)
Storm
Liam Foran
NZ BORN (but traitors)
Karmichael Hunt (b. Auckland)
Tonie Carroll (b. Christchurch)
Brad Thorn (b. Dunedin)
Willie Mason (b. Auckland)
At least thirty seven players in the NRL were born in Auckland. Not bad. I'd say that would be not too far off Brisbane born players and obviously behind Sydney by some margin.
Labels: new zealand players, nrl, rugby league
