PVP Round 1 (2004): Dirty Reds v Bluebags

[Willow_2003]

Possibles v Probables Tournament 2004

Glebe Dirty Reds v Newtown Bluebags

Game Thread
Please note - This is a game thread only, therefore only game posts can be made here (Teams, Articles).
Any other posts will result in loss of points and is at the discretion of the referee.
Only original essays, not used in previous games, will be marked by referees.

For more information about the PVP tournament, participants are advised to check out this link: http://f7s.leagueunlimited.com/pvp.asp at the Forum 7s website.

Full Time: Wednesday November 17th 9:00PM AEDT (Sydney time)

Venue: Wentworth Park

Crowd: 14,160
REFEREE: antonius

**Referee Blows Game On!**

 

[Misanthrope]

The Dirty Reds get off the team bus and march onto Wentworth Park for their first game as a club.

Lineup
2: PJ Marshal
3: chriswalkerbush (c)
7: thuganomics
9: MrCharisma
13: Matt23

Reserves
Andy
balmain benny

 

[thuganomics]

My Awards for 2004

The NRL season of 2005 will have a hard act to follow after the 2004 season. In season 2004 we saw many memorable matches, we saw a tough and hard-hitting Origin series, we saw young rookies and old veterans entertain us week in week out, and we also saw one of the best final series on record. Here are my awards for the 2004 NRL season.

Fullback of the year – Billy Slater
He entertained us all season. He scored many memorable tries that were on the highlight reel at the end of the year, the most famous one being his sizzling State of Origin 2 try.

Winger of the year – Amos Roberts
Without this man the Panthers would have struggled all year. He played fullback, wing, five eighth, and halfback for the team, as well as being the leading try scorer for the year and improving his goal kicking immensely.

Centre of the year – Willie Tonga
He came ahead leaps and bounds this year. His magical feet dazzled many defenders therefore giving him many tries and setting up many for his winger as well. Played out of his skin against the Roosters in their second meeting of the year at Telstra where he made Justin Hodges look like what he is…Rubbish.

Five Eight of the year – Darren Lockyer
The switch from fullback to five eighth worked a treat. Darren was up there with the leading try assists yet again and gave the Broncos more experience in the halves.

Halfback of the year – Matt Orford
In the past two years Orford has established himself as one of the finest halfbacks in the NRL. He has got a tremendous kicking and passing game which he utilised magnificently in most Storm games.

Prop of the year – Mark O’Meley
After a few quiet seasons, the ‘Ogre’ finally showed us his true talent. Starred in Origin and was one of the Bulldogs’ strongest all year. He was one of the most unlucky players not to get picked for Australia in 2004.


Second Rower of the year – Nathan Hindmarsh
Carried the Eels on his back all year, made 40 tackles nearly every game and around 15 hit ups a game. He was rewarded with a NSW jersey and a green and gold jersey.

Hooker of the year/Player of the year – Danny Buderus
Has had his best year on record. He has captained his club, state, and country this year, as well as winning the prestigious Dally M medal. His service from dummy half was outstanding, and he, like Hindmarsh basically carried his club throughout the 26 rounds of football.

Lock of the year – Ashley Harrison
His team struggled yet again this year, however he kept on performing week in week out and it was his performances that inspired many of Souths victories.

Rep Player of the year – Craig Fitzgibbon
Playing nearly 240 minutes in State Of Origin this year, he took the responsibility of goal kicking and didn’t disappoint anyone. He is a truly a player made for representive football.

Coach of the year – Graham Murray
Took his club to the final four, and gave the competition a real shake up. He gave players like Steve Southern and Shane Tronc a go in the top grade and they did not disappoint. He was one of the few people that believe that the Cowboys would develop into something, and this year he proved a lot of people wrong.

Match of the year – Brisbane Broncos vs Newcastle Knights Round 10
One of the truly great games of rugby league, the match had everything that a great match had to have. It was fast paced, had hard hits and had a great climax to the match. The match was won in extra time by one of the most wonky field goals ever seen by Kurt Gidley.

Rookie of the year – Sonny Bill Williams
Sonny Bill Williams has intimidated every team that he has come up against, from the Eels in Round 1 to the Roosters in the Grand Final. His shoulder charge has become a crowd favourite and Sonny Bill has quickly become one of the league’s most popular players.

Word Count – 699 (including heading )

 

[The Piper]

The Newtown Bluebags take the field for the first time after their historic Grand Final victory with a team of new and old...

Team
Wal (c)
MysteryGirl (vc)
Hoggy
SpaceMonkey
JoeD

Reserves
frank
Willow

Fire Up Bags!

 

[The Piper]

Wal with an original offering for the Bags...

White Jersey Blue
“Brians and Brawn”

Steve Bisley as Inspector Phillip Rorter
Peter Phelps as Detective Nathan Hindmarsh
Glenn Robbins as Sergeant David Moffett
Brendan Walton as Constable Rhys Wesser
Tammin Sursok as Probationary Constable Amanda Flynn
Gary Sweet as Chief Inspector Peter Sterling

Scene 1 – Sydney Police Station

The team are at headquarters, bar Detective Hindmarsh out on a salary cap assignment, as Sergeant Moffett speaks on the phone

Moffett (puts down phone) – “That was the Parra Leagues Club, seems to be some sort of biff is breaking out outside. Wesser, come with me.”

Rorter (walks in from his office) – “Actually, Sargent, I’ll handle this. I will take the probationary constable with me. Good experience for the young girl.”

Moffett – “The boy and I can surely sort this disturbance out…”

Rorter – “No, Sargent. I’ll deal with this. Come along, Flynn.”

Scene 2 – Parramatta Leagues Club

A large scrum of people are screaming and waving banners as Inspector Rorter and Constable Flynn arrive. One security guard is trying to hold the rowdy people back from entering the premises

Rorter (as he gets to the front of the row) – “What seems to be the problem?”

Woman among the crowd – “We want to tell the club board what we believe should happen concerning our team.”

Crowd roars in agreement

Security guard – “I told you, the CEO is in a meeting now.”

Woman – “Why are they making these huge decisions in meetings without talking to the fans?”

Flynn – “And who are ma’am?”

Woman – “Bronwyn Mulligan, and I have been an Eels supporter the entire 44 years of my life.”

Rorter – “And what are these huge decisions that you think they’re making up there, that you think you should be involved with?”

Bronwyn – “Its concerning the future of Parramatta’s coach.”

Rorter (after a moment) – “I see…Well, I am afraid you are going to have to leave, or the constable and I will arrest you. And you wont be spending just ten in the bin.”

After the mob finally leaves, Amanda stands and watches the Inspector speak secretively with the security guard…

Scene 3 – Back at HQ

Detective Hindmarsh walks in to speak to the man in charge

Hindmarsh (enters office) – “You have a minute, boss?”

Rorter – “No. Why?”

Hindmarsh – “A lady was found in the Parramatta River this arvo. Her purse was found by the riverside, a bit upstream. Her name was Mulligan. Bronwyn Mulligan.”

Amanda Flynn hears the name through the open door and takes notice

Rorter (not fazed whatsoever) – “You working alone on this case?”

Hindmarsh – “So far.”

The two talk and then Hindmarsh leaves the room, off to the crime scene. Flynn rushes into Rorter’s office.

Flynn – “Boss. Bronwyn Mulligan. She was the Parra supporter at the club this morning. Why didn’t you tell Nathan? What did you say to the guard?”

Rorter (looks around, then slowly at Flynn) – “You remembered her, did you? Well, Constable, remember this. If you let anyone know that we met Mulligan then you won’t be passing your probation. You’ll just be remembering you time on the force. Got it?”

Stunned and horrified, Flynn turns and slams the door behind her

Scene 4 – Casual Interview Room

Rorter and Hindmarsh begin to speak to the deceased’s husband…

Rorter – “Sir, did you know your wife’s plans for today. Where she was when this might have happened?”

Mr Mulligan – “She, she was actually going to the leagues club to protest.”

Hindmarsh – “She wanted the board to sack the current first grade coach.”

Mr Mulligan – “What? No…no, she wanted him to stay.”

Rorter (surprised) – “What?”

Mr Mulligan – “A grandstand full of supporters wants to see him go, mainly so he leaves on a high rather than hang around and bring down his good reputation, but Bronwyn and a lot of others want him to stay. The group she went to the club with were with mixed opinions, but they all just wanted to have a say. The NRL should listen to the fans’ opinions. Think – if there were no fans, there would be no game. Would there, Inspector?”

Scene 5 – The 50m line of Parramatta Stadium

The next day, the security guard from the Leagues Club stands alone, until he turns to find Inspector Rorter right behind him
Phillip reached for his holster, and pulled out two thousand dollars .He hands it all to the security guard

Rorter – “We took care of the wrong one this time, mate. But you still took care of her for me. So here…”

750 words

 

[JoeD]

The Worst Season Ever.

Warriors’ fans will tell you that over its short history the club has provided many lows and few highs. The 2004 season however was the worst ever. Never mind the fact that they had their worst win/loss record ever. Never mind the fact that version ‘04 conceded more points than any other Warriors side. Never mind the fact that they came the closest they have ever been to the wooden spoon, only the Rabbitohs incompetence saving them there. None of these things make 2004 the worst season ever.


Casting our minds back to this time last year the Warriors had performed well and were only one game off the Grand Final and a rematch with the Roosters. Where did it all go wrong? Firstly in February the Warriors announce that they are planning on managing Pacific Island rugby. Well that’s what everybody thought anyway. When Mick Watson was asked whether he had informed the NRL of what he was doing his reply was "it is nothing to do with the Warriors, it is to do with Cullen Investments". Good point Mick, but one that was missed by seemingly everybody, from the media to the fans and in my opinion the players. What did the players think of this? Union was supposed to be the enemy and now your boss is sleeping with them – or at least trying a few of his best pick up lines. This had to be disheartening for the players. With the management not totally focussed on winning the NRL, how could the players be? Before they had gained the NRL’s ultimate prize they were already off chasing another one. The three fundamental components of a rugby league team are: players, coach and fans. Mistake #1 was that the management lost the faith of the players, losing one of their key components.

The second key component on my list is the coach. In Daniel the Warriors had a great coach. Unfortunately by June the Warriors no longer had that great coach. It has been said hundreds of times before but I’ll say it again. He took the Warriors from points table bottom feeders to Grand Finalists in two years, something no other coach could come close to doing. How could they release such a great coach? We’ll have to wait for various careers to end and biographies to be published before we know the full story but I am certain that whatever the reason it was a mistake.

OK so far the management have lost the players faith and sacked the coach, still these weren’t the worst mistakes the management made. The last and most important component of a successful RL team is the fans. On many occasions throughout the year it seemed Warriors management was doing its best to discourage and disillusion its fans.

Ali Lauititi, 2nd rower of the year 2002, so called ‘marquee player’, the Michael Jordan of rugby league, 2nd highest paid player at the Warriors and most importantly, crowd favourite, sacked. Was he taking drugs? Did he commit a serious crime? Did he punch the coach? Did he get lured away by another club? No, it was none of those things that might require instant dismissal it was something else. He had an attitude problem. He didn’t want to win a premiership. He played for ‘fun’. Motivation is a curious thing, for the Warriors management to think that every player is motivated by the same goals is presumptuous at best. Was his motivation any different than when he was 2nd rower of the year? I’m guessing it wasn’t. The sacking of Ali smacked of knee jerk, ego driven decision making and most importantly discouraged lots of fans.

While I think that this was the worst case of management displeasing the fans there were many others. The mid week sacking of long time crowd favourite Henry Faafili, the bickering between Warriors management and various media outlets and the ticket price hikes to name a few.

2004 was the worse season ever not because of the on field performance but because of the off field performance. So where to now? Can they turn it around? Thankfully I think the answer is yes. The signings of Campion, Cleary, Wiki and Price have been a welcome reprieve from the bad news that has followed the club around this year. With these four on board and more humility from the rest of the management team I think 2005 can be a successful year.

Word Count - 750

 

[MysteryGirl]

MysteryGirl taking the field for the Bluebags.....

The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth

I have a confession to make.

I am not proud of this situation but I feel it is time for me to finally come clean with everyone and make peace with myself.

After a successful few tries in F7s, playing for the Newton Bluebags and scoring much higher than I ever anticipated, I must admit to everyone that prior to the last weekend in October, I had never seen a complete game of Rugby League.

I had seen clips from games – watched highlight moments – even attempted to watch a complete game that was recorded and sent to me. Unfortunately, it was pretty fuzzy and the details of the game were lost (although I did enjoy the commercials).

Keeping up with the latest news, watching clips, and participating in conversation could never have prepared me fully for the game that I watched. Thank goodness I had an Aussie with me to explain the whole thing to me or I would have been completely lost.

In American football, the players huddle between plays and have elaborate strategic plans in place for almost any imaginable setup. There are time outs, a snap clock, two-minute warnings, stepping out of bounds, and half time to stop the clock and touch base with your teammates and be sure everyone is on the same page. Each play is an opportunity for an elaborate and perfectly executed plan.

I am not even sure I blinked during the match I watched. It was the Grand Final between the Bulldogs and the Roosters and even though I knew the outcome, there just wasn’t a second for me to even catch my breath. Play after play after play the game went. It was far more similar to our game of basketball than to our game of football.

I am glad that Geoff had seen the game prior to watching it with me. I’m sure that if he hadn’t, he’d have sent me on some errand after the first 5 minutes so he could have some peace and quiet. I was surprised with how many times I had to ask, “What happened?” or “What was that?” and “Could you explain that scrum thing to me one more time?” For someone as sports-minded as myself, I suddenly felt completely ignorant.

Aside from my questions, I sat totally spellbound throughout the game. I even found myself cheering and cringing as play went on and I was caught up into the emotion of the game. The size of Willie Mason had me astounded. The agility of Craig Wing and the speed of Sonny Bill Williams were incredible to watch. The determination of both teams was evident, as each minute that passed seemed to be no closer to declaring one team a winner over the other, than the minutes previous. Both teams were refusing to give up any ground and they diligently made their opponent work for each stride forward that was gained.

I could not have asked for a better game to call my first than this. I was sure the Roosters were going to pull it off in the last few minutes but as the game came to a close and it became evident that there just wasn’t enough time left for the Roosters to score, I could sympathize with the crying girl in the audience. Watching the game was emotionally draining, no matter which side you were going for. There were so many big plays - so many critical moments. It was impossible to compare this to American football at all. Sure, the field looked similar and the basic idea the same – but the speed of play, the execution of each try, and the inability to challenge the rulings on the field made this a truly unique and highly addicting sport.

I can earnestly say that I am waiting with everyone else for the next season to start. I am ready to watch more of these games and ask more questions, and maybe even someday completely understand this “scrum” thing. I’ll watch them recorded and after the fact so that poor Geoff can enjoy them live and in peace.

Meanwhile, all plans he had for teaching me the game of cricket have been put on hold. Maybe when I stop snickering at the terminology he’ll consider giving it a go.

____________________________________
727 words

 

[Misanthrope]

chriswalkerbush is greeted by a roar of approval from the Wentworth Park faithful, making an incisive break to inspire his team.

The Next Best Thing

Sitting around a beer stained coffee table, my mates and I tell candid details of our first time, that moment when we stopped being little boys, and became men. MrCharisma proudly boasts that he lost his cherry at the tender age of fifteen, with his first and only love. Next in line is the vastly more experience Matt23, who regales us all with tales of excitement and disappointment. We shake our heads sagely at opportunities missed, and give nods of approval as he recounts moments that we all suspect he’s exaggerating just a little. Once he’s done, it’s my turn, and I shift nervously in my faded armchair. This time I’ve got a story to tell. Last time we talked, I had to shyly confess to having never experienced it. But now, now I’ve got a story to tell. Now I’m finally one of the boys. Uh... men.

I begin by setting the scene, letting each of them get a picture in their head. It was an impossibly sunny Saturday afternoon, and I was down in Newcastle to visit friends. As I had a lunch of McDonalds at Broadmeadow, I saw her. Staring out the window and across the car park, I locked eyes with a beauty unlike any I’d ever seen. For a simple country boy, whose only experience comes from television and magazines, it was one of those defining moments. Forgetting about my Big Mac, I got up and walked towards her, my body in autopilot as if I’d been seduced by the song of the mythical Sirens. Maybe I had, because the next thing I knew I was approaching her nervously. It was a brief seduction, and before too long I was fumbling towards ecstasy, as Sarah McLachlan might put it. I admit to my mates that I didn’t know where I was going or what I was doing, not immediately, anyway. Sure, I made a few wrong turns and got a little bit too adventurous, but then, that’s what every first time should be like. Eventually I found a place where I was comfortable, and it all felt natural.

It’s hard to put into words the waves of dizzying pleasure, or the way it felt when it was all said and done and I was basking in the warm afterglow of success. Maybe it could be done, but I think it would prove difficult without the constraints of a mere 750 words. My love needs to be immortalised in epic prose, or in the melodic harmony of some unforgettable ballad. Suffice it to say, as it should be, my first time was an experience to be remembered. I didn’t seek to dull the moment with alcohol, nor do I let my friends know all of the details as I smugly take a deep swig from my stubbie of New. They plead, of course, but I just give them a knowing smile and turn my attention back to the game on television.

At this point I must ask that my readers pause for a moment, and let their minds drift up from the gutter and move their thoughts to the portion of the brain that handles higher functions. You know… the part that gives you a buzz whenever you hear Ray Warren push himself to the verge of aneurism in attempting to describe a Darren Lockyer break. Why, you may well ask, do I attempt to liken my first league experience to the pleasures of the flesh? Why not just come out and say ‘I saw Newcastle beat Wests in Round 26, and it was goooood’. Two reasons, the least important of which is: ‘the previous statement is a mere twelve words, and I dare say I’d be marked down for such a short article’, but the second is different. For me, there are few experiences as fulfilling as a good game of live league. Like a grainy Jenna Jamison ‘classic’ doesn’t do justice to the world of carnal knowledge, so too do Channel Nine’s images on Friday night football fail to impart just how special a game of live league is. I bet most of us could recount our first experience in live league, and each tale would undoubtedly have that tingle of excitement and awe in it. While sex may become a little less appealing as you age, league just keeps getting better and better.

It may not be better than sex, but it’s the next best thing.

WORD COUNT: 747 words including title

 

[MrCharisma]

MrCharisma follows Chriswalkerbush’s line break and is rewarded with a flick pass to avoid an on coming defender. All MrCharisma has to do is outrun the chasing fullback!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Bulldog and the Eel

The front door slams as MrCharisma enters

MrCharisma: Honey I’m home
Brad: Shut up
MrCharisma: Hahahahahahahahaha
Brad: Can we not talk about it?
MrCharisma: Sure
Brad: Have you been drinking?
MrCharisma: ahhhhhhhhh yes (with a cheeky grin)

MrCharisma leaves the room and goes into his room while Brad continues lying on the lounge. As MrCharisma struts down the long corridor he beings chanting ‘Doggies’. To add injury to insult, MrCharisma turns his computer on and selects his favourite track of the moment: Who Let The Dogs Out by The Baha Men and continues to play it on repeat for a good two hours.

Welcome to the world of a flat in Dangar street in Armidale. Inside lives two passionate Rugby League supporters. One 25 year old, male, primary school teacher who is a die hard Parramatta fan and the other a 20 year old, male, theatre student who lives and breathes the colours blue and white. It sounds like a disaster waiting to happen, doesn’t it? If you had not already guessed, the incident at the beginning was from the beginning of the NRL season when the soon to be Premiers (Bulldogs) destroyed Parramatta 48 points to 14. We had both watched the game at different pubs although I watched the game with another Parramatta fan, well he watched the game until half time then he left.

Before moving to Armidale I never realised we had a rivalry with Parramatta. I at one stage lived in Parramatta, I have mates who live in Parramatta, I like players like Chris Thorman, Nathan Hindmarsh and Dean Widders plus I also have mates who support Parramatta, what reasons do I have to hate them? My first real experience of the rivalry was at the Seven’s tournament this year when us Bulldogs fans sat on the next bay to the Eels who were lead by the Parramatta Jesus. For two days chants were being thrown at each other which boiled to a point where there was almost a fight after a Parramatta fan decided to throw a raciest slur. For me it was all fun and games after all it is in the spirit of the game to have a go at the opposition. At the final for the tournament I went down to Bay 24, cheered the Eels on and even shook the hand of the Parramatta Jesus and said hi for my mate Marshal.

Fair enough Parramatta gained the services of Dymock, Pay, Smith and McCracken after the Dogs defected to Super League, but isn’t that the same as hating other NRL clubs after losing Vagana and Norton after the Salary Cap scandal? Isn’t it our fault? But I’ve got to say in all fairness that we have struck our revenge after gaining the services of Willie Tonga, Andrew Ryan and the Armit brothers. Although I am sure Parramatta would like to get revenge for that. As I’ve said before, it’s the players Brian Smith rejects which make the Bulldogs the best!

Another brilliant moment was during the Grand Final. Brad had gone back home to Orange which gave me a perfect opportunity to paint my house, not literally though. Blue and white streamers all up and down the huge hedges which fence our house, chalked the pavement, pinned blue and white balloons around the place and finally found every Canterbury merchandise I could find and position then around the lounge room, after all it was Grand Final night. The win was a glorious one and while cars continued to either honk at my house or yell abuse (I don’t know why, my house never did anything offensive) for days on end. Days later Brad would return to see everything blue and white still hanging around and as he entered the house wearing his Parramatta jersey and holding his Eels beach towel the first thing he said was “get that **** off” and all I could do was laugh before I thanked him for Andrew Ryan and Willie Tonga. It was at that point he disappeared into his room and it was days later that I actually took down it all.

Living with an opposition fan isn’t as bad as I thought it would be but I still couldn’t live with a Roosters fan and because fate has a twist or irony in it, I bet I marry a Roosters girl too.
------------------------------

Word Count: 735

 

[Matt23]

Making his debut for the Glebe Dirty Reds - Matt23

Greats of the game – Wally Prigg

Long before Andrew Johns burst onto the scene as a teenager, the rugby league world was in awe of another Hunter Valley born and bred player in the late great “loose” forward Wally Prigg.
He would surely have been a success, in the modern game, he Possessed speed, sure handling skills, cleverness and sound defence, the loyal Novocastrian Wally Prigg stands tall in the line of other great Australian lock forwards.
Throughout his career (1927-1939) Wally Prigg resisted all attempts by Sydney clubs to lure him to play in the Sydney club competition, preferring to remain in his home town of Newcastle, where he played out his career playing for The Western Suburbs Rosellas and the Central Charlestown Butcher Boys.
Throughout his distinguished career, Prigg was a regular in representative teams, Prigg played for New South Wales for 11 seasons from 1929 to 39. He was the first man to go on three Kangaroo Tours (1929/30, 1933/34, 1937/38) and was captain of the Sixth Kangaroos. He made 17 Test appearances for Australia. The Highlight of his career was captaining the 1937/38 tour captaincy, this tour proved to be end of Wally Prigg’s glorious career with the Second World War bringing down the curtain on his career.
Prigg possessed great versatility, in emergency he played in practically every position in the backline - a pointer to his mobility
One of Prigg's finest moments was the Third Test of the 1937 Kangaroo Tour at Fartown Ground, Huddersfield. After having lost the first two tests, Prigg spearheaded his team to a 13-3 win that left English fans after the game chanting, “We want Prigg!”
This was a measure of the high regard in which Wally Prigg was held not only in Australia but in England as well.
Prigg was the perfect link between the backs and forwards, fulfilling entirely his role in defence, then adding cleverness and creativity in attack, and also raw aggression in defense.
Wally Prigg was some what of an innovator during his career, bringing ball playing flair to an era of unlimited tackle rugby league; he promoted a short passing game and a tight backing up game, a style almost unheard of in those conservative days.
Wally Prigg was one of the first Hunter Valley bred to play for there country, and the first to captain it, other Novocastrian captains including immortals, Clive Churchill and John Sattler, dual international Phil Hawthorne, and of course modern day greats Paul “The Chief” Harragon and the man some pundits regard as the best ever, the great Andrew “Joey” Johns, but that’s another story!.
With Players of that caliber it’s no wonder, Newcastle and The Hunter Valley is as widely regarded as a rugby league nursery, almost all the current NRL clubs have at least one Newcastle bred player in there lineup.
Wally Prigg would have been an outstanding success in the NRL, he combined mobility, speed finesse, and an excellent short passing, with raw aggressive defense, he would be an ideal back rower or centre, or in times of emergency even on the wing, he was a star player in the conservative unlimited tackle count days, how much of a star would he be today?
Wally Prigg was one of the first Newcastle players to be an International and representative career, how good we have become if he had played in the Sydney Club competition, would he have become an immortal like Clive Churchill and John Sattler, or regarded as one the greats of one of those Sydney clubs, like Canterbury legend Les Johns, and had Newcastle had a team still in the competition back then, would his name be named in the same breath as Andrew Johns?
Wally Prigg was Newcastle’s original Rugby league superstars, and he defiantly won’t be the last. (636 words including heading)

 

[PJ Marshal]

Cult Heroes
Rugby League is a game that people have come to love for many various reasons; some come for the spectacle, some are just die hard fans, and there are others who just come to watch their favourite player play. The fan’s Cult Hero or crowd favourite, whatever you would like to call them, week in week out entertains the many thousands of supporters who turn out to watch their team play. Cult Heroes have figured in every era of football dating back to the days of the Dally Messenger, John Sattler, Reg Gasnier and Wally Lewis just to name a few. Although in today’s modern game we have plenty of Cult Heroes running around on the footy field and in this report I’m going to talk about the fan favourites of the game.

Mark Riddell
The “Pig” as he is affectionately known by League fans is probably ones of the game’s biggest larrikins and one of the most powerful players in the game. He is also widely known for his “Nazi” salute that he uses to help his balance when kicking goals. Riddell first burst onto the scene as a young nuggetty hooker at the Dragons and he proved to be a shock weapon and a half. He would come out of dummy half and burrow his way through the defence, leaving defenders in his wake and he still does it to this day. Riddell is probably the most dangerous player ten metres out from any opposition try line. Next year the Pig dons the blue and gold with the hopes of many Eels fans, including myself, resting on his back and the rest of his team mates, can the “pig” be a vital cog in the revival of the Parramatta machine?

Sonny Bill Williams
Sonny Bill the Kiwi bombshell who hit the NRL this year has turned into the player that everyone is in awe of and talking up big time. His debut performance was so amazing he had critics labeling him as a player up with the greats like Johns and Fittler. His sheer size and strength is his major asset as his lethal shoulder charges have taken countless victims to the turf and he has left many defenders in his wake with his blockbusting runs. He looks like he is a combination of Gorden Tallis, Nathan Hindmarsh and Craig Fitzgibbon all rolled into one, he is destroying teams at just 19, imagine how good he will be when he is in his mid 20’s. That’s going to be definitely something worth looking forward too.

Billy Slater
Billy “The Kid” has gone from wonder rookie to Origin star in the space of a season and his meteoric rise was capped off with one of the greatest origin tires ever seen in the 2nd state of origin. This saw Billy scoop up a Lockyer grubber chip over Minichello’s head and wrong foot him at the same time, recover and score a brilliant try. On top of that we have become accustomed to Billy Slater scoring length of the field tries most games, in which he displays his sheer speed to beat defenders to the line. His defence is very good also in which he puts his body on the line every week to stop breakaway opposition members from scoring, putting on some big shoulder charge hits or boot lace tackles. We can safely say that Billy Slater will be a name talked about in many households for years to come.

Andrew Johns
The world’s best player has been the golden boy of Rugby League in many people’s eyes for a good half a decade now. Johns has such an influence on the game, Newcastle, NSW and Australia have got home just because of his presence in the side. His precision passing and kicking game, plus one of the greatest footballing minds the game has ever seen makes Johns the ultimate package you can get in football. Johns on his day can single handedly carve a team to pieces letting his team mates feed on the remains of the team and score tries upon tries on them - that’s how good he is. Put it this way you could put Johns into the Souths or Manly sides and they would finish in the top eight for sure, just because of his skill and presence in the team as it would inspire all who play around him. Johns is definitely one of the greatest products of rugby league.

WORD COUNT: 749 (including title)

 

[Hoggy]

Hoggy takes it up strong for the Bluebags.....

Watch this space

Melbourne Storm will be the 2005 Premiers.

Mark it down now loyal folks of League Unlimited, the Melbourne Storm will be Premiers for the 2nd time come the first Sunday night of October of 2005. Some might call me arrogant, or even brash, but I and the loyal Melbournians (and Earl) will be the ones celebrating by seasons end.

There are no two ways about it, we will win. There are no passengers in our line up, let’s go through our Premiership team and what will happen to each during 2005…

1. Billy Slater – Everyone knows about Billy The Kid. He is a sensation already and he will tear up the competition once again as he will have overcome Osteitis Pubis. Slater will also make his Test debut during 2005 while retaining his Queensland jumper.

2. Matt Geyer – The old general and the longest serving Storm member will be the only one that will have played in both of our premierships, Geyer will have an injury riddled year but will come good once the playoffs commence.

3. Steven Bell – Due to injuries the man that has very little hair left will again lead the Storm’s try scorers list and he will also don the Maroon jersey in Game 3 as Queensland look for a way to win a game.

4. Steve Turner – Souths fans of LU will be spewing because this kid will star for the Storm before signing a new contract that will see him stay at Melbourne until 2009. Will score in the Grand Final.

5. Matt King – The big afro man will continue his rocket ride into the games elite and will wear the Blue jersey as Luke Rooney will have gone down with a knee reconstruction in round 5.

6. Scott Hill – The franchise player of the team that missed out on 99 will be back better than ever, he will be the man of the match in the Grand Final and will be back in the origin scene after a certain P.Gould has left the picture.

7. Matt Orford – After signing a new 4 year deal in July after the Central Coast bid fails, Orford will lead the team throughout the finals like no other half back has ever done before. Will single handedly get the Storm through the first week of the finals at Olympic Park (we’re playing a home final as well).

8. Robbie Kearns – Big Kearnsy will retire on a high as he will have announced he will retire before the finals. He will go out as the captain of the side as well.

9. Cameron Smith – The ever reliable Smith will be the mainstay of the pack for 2005 (and many years ahead) as he tackles himself to a standstill. Will beat his opponent handsomely in the GF.

10. Alex Chan – Big Channy will once again fall foul of the judiciary and will be suspended twice during the year for high shots but will come good once the playoffs are under way. Will knock someone out in the final though.

11. David Kidwell – Big Kiddy will be laughing at Canberra as he watches the Raiders languish in the bottom 4 of the comp and he will have a premiership ring around his fingers. Will continue to play for New Zealand.

12. Jamie Feeney – After missing out on Canterbury’s triumph of 04, Feeney will be the buy of the year as he has finally reached the starting line up of a NRL team. Only Craig Bellamy could get this sort of skill out of a player like Feeney.

13. Dallas Johnson – Kirk who?

14. Dennis Scott – The big fella will be a valuable buy for the club as he will come off the bench every week and give his all. Will play every game.

15. Ryan Hoffman – Hoffy, son of Jay, will reach Country rep during the season as he becomes the new age Sonny Bill Williams. (Williams decides to go to rugby union during 2005).

16. Antonio Kaufusi – Kaufusi will struggle during the start of the season but will come good in the finals, ala 04, and will cross in the Grand Final.

17. Cooper Cronk – The man with the best name in the NRL will play a role like Michael Sullivan of Cronulla in 2004. Will push for Tri Series selection come October.

So there you have it folks, oh and if you wanted to know who we defeat in the Granny…the Roosters of course!


____________________________________
748 words (including title)

 

[The Piper]

Newtown interchange

Off: SpaceMonkey
On: Willow

 

[Willow_2003]

*After getting the nod from the coach, Willow cops his injection and runs on for the mighty Bluebags.*

The 1963 grand final controversy – time to put it to rest

On the 24th August 1963, in the days of poor ground drainage, the St George Dragons and the Western Suburbs Magpies met on a muddy Sydney Cricket Ground pitch to battle it out. It was the grand final and the Rugby League premiership was up for grabs.

The ’63 grand final still rates as one of the most talked about matches in the history of the game. For many, it epitomised the spirit of Rugby League when photographer John O'Gready captured rival captains Norm Provan and the much smaller Arthur Summons in a brief muddy embrace at fulltime. Entitled 'The Gladiators', the photograph won many international awards and set the standard as an enduring symbol of Rugby League mateship.

But for others, the match will be remembered for the controversial and match-winning try, scored by Dragons winger Johnny King. Debate raged over the tackle on King and claims that the referee had called ‘held’. Accusations that referee Darcy Lawler had made a wager on the outcome of the game are still being made to this day.

From the opening whistle the 1963 decider was a gruelling affair. The wet SCG pitch quickly became a quagmire and players became unrecognisable as the ground turned into a grey, thick mudheap. At one point, St George five eighth, Bruce Pollard was blinded by the mud so badly that he couldn't pass or catch the ball, forcing him to swap places with John Raper in the back row. Raper set up the best movement of the match when he broke the line and found Reg Gasnier in support. Reg, with a Wests defender hanging off him, sent the ball to Norm Provan who was backing up out wide before finding Johnny King in support who came within a whisker of scoring.

As the match developed, it was clear that Wests had a game plan to target the Saints centre three quarters. Wests' player, Gil McDougall singled out Reg Gasnier and other Wests players joined in. Eventually, Gasnier was bashed out of the match and became a passenger in the backline.

Just before half time, Wests had a try disallowed. Then with only 15 minutes to go and the score favouring Saints 5-3, Johnny King scored ‘that try’, thus creating a sensation in Rugby League circles that was to rage for years. If ever there was an example of playing to the whistle, this was it. With a defender hanging off him, King overcame the slippery conditions long enough to score in the corner.

After the match, the debate continued. King claims it was a simple matter of 'play on' while Wests legend, Noel Kelly claims that King was tackled and that Wests 'were robbed'.

In the midst of the noisy and muddy atmosphere, no one doubted the word of any player. Indeed, the only clear issue was that St George had won their eighth consecutive Grand Final defeating a gallant Wests team, 8-3 and in doing so, destroyed the Magpies’ hopes for the third year running.

30 years later, I had the opportunity to watch the match in full, playing back the controversial try.

The claim that referee, Darcy Lawler, changed his mind and was corrupt throughout the match was utmost in my mind. These accusations have largely been hearsay as most people have never seen the match or have only caught glimpses of it on TV snippets. I looked closely for contentious decisions and found that for the most part, the referee allowed play to flow.

After seeing it several times, frame-by-frame, I think we can put this one to rest. There is no clear indication that King was held and there were no hand movements or hesitations from the referee, who was in good position.

In fact, King hit the mud on his knees, slid away from the tackle, and put his hand on the ground. He wasn't held.

For rest of the match, there was very little opportunity for both sides in the mud. Scrums were hard to pack down with players often losing their footing.

As a final adjunct I was intrigued by another incident which never gets a mention. Earlier in the match, Saints were leading 5-0 before Wests struck back with a try under the posts. Goal kicker Summons had the chance to convert and make it 5-5, which would have been a big boost under the conditions... but he missed from right in front.

*748 words*

Ref: SOTV

 

[antonius]

Ref Blows Fulltime.

 

[Willow_2003]

Thank you time keeper.
Tremendous effort from both teams: 5v5
The PVPs are looking great.

 

[Misanthrope]

Damn, this captaining gig is nerve-wracking. I never knew why Penelope Pittstop was so terrified every Wednesday night.

Cheers for the game Newtown. Giving us a real baptism of fire.

 

[Raider_69]

Damn, this captaining gig is nerve-wracking. I never knew why Penelope Pittstop was so terrified every Wednesday night.

Cheers for the game Newtown. Giving us a real baptism of fire.

yea ill agree with that one!!
thankfully all 5 of the raiders were in relatively early :lol:

if any raiders players read this, lets keep it that way, no 8:59pm posts please!! :lol: :lol:

Looks like we got a full round of 5v5

 

[thuganomics]

I got mine in right away,
congrats to all players

 

[The Piper]

Well done to all players from both sides. 5v5.
Good luck to the Dirty Reds.
Congrats to the Bluebags for getting five out there.
Good reads all over the park.