Mr BuLLdOgS - Posting for the Parra Bulldogs
NB: With all the drama thats been happening with the team and not being able to determine what is happening, i havent had time to write anything and won't tomorrow eiter as i have work, school etc.. I have decided i will use a post that i wrote earlier in the year about the bulldogs side and the World Sevens, i know its outdated and all, but its better than nothing and im interested to see what sort of marks it gets on here because it didnt score too high on rleague.
World Sevens
With less than 2 weeks remaining until the World Sevens, and team coaches naming their sides.
It was expected that Steve Folkes would opt to put a "weaker" side onto the field and he did, rather than selecting superstars like Hazem El Masri, Nigel Vagana, Braith Anasta, Brent Sherwin or Willie Mason. Overall, Folkes has selected an inexperienced side with the majority yet to make an appearance in first grade for the Bulldogs. The side that Folkes has selected is: Matt Riddle, Jonathan Thurston, Ben Harris, Todd Polglase, Brett Oliver, Sonny Bill Williams, Adam Brideson, Jamie Feeney, Shane Marteene, Andrew Ryan.
Without getting into specifics of each player, I believe that this side offers a great balance for the Sevens format of the game while protecting the Bulldogs key men who are not so suited to Sevens from injury. It also satisfies the Bulldogs fans who have been dying to see the likes of Matt Riddle, Sonny Bill Williams and new recruit Andrew Ryan in the "big time".
Folkes has achieved this by mixing speed, youth and mobility all in one.
However the Sevens is not just about Bulldogs fans, but league fans. Some might argue that names like Anasta and Mason should be present because the greater Rugby League community wants to see them in action; and Folkes has robbed them of this. But the Bulldogs, like all clubs, need to look after their own as well and a compromise needed to be found.
Turning back to the 1995 World Sevens Competition, the Bulldogs lost Steven Hughes with a lengthy injury and he has never been fully fit since. Going back further, Canberra lost one of their best ,Mal Meninga , who suffered his 3rd break competing in the sevens competition in 1988 which cost the Canberra side dearly after a Grand Final appearance in 1987. These are just two instances where needless injury had long-reaching effects and is why I agree with Folkes playing it a little safe. Winning the Sevens is not what the Bulldogs are here to do, they are here to win the premiership come September.
All this aside, I personally think Folkes' side is great, even though it is a little disappointing not seeing some of our best running around on the field after many a month missing them run around on the weekend. From the clubs' goals point of view, Steve Folkes didnt pick this side because he was being selfish by not letting the best guys have a run, he did it because he doesnt want any unexpected lengthy injuries just to play a competition that isn't part of the major goals for 2003. I think most would agree a fully competitive Bulldogs is who they want to see, whether it's to see them win or to knock them off without the "we had major injuries" stigma.
None the less it will be a great day and an unforgettable experience for the players and also the fans. Im looking forward to seeing my team run out onto the field and giving it their best shot. Win, lose or draw, It should be a great couple of days. Even though it is the supposedly Weaker team I look forward to seeing them proving some of the doubters and opposition teams wrong with exciting and enterprising play.
BRING ON THE SEVENS!!!