Rating the Brits

[vbfg]

if the British attitude is that there are appropriate times for dirty play, then they deserve to lose.

I'm not the entire population of Britain. I'm me, pleased to meet you. My attitude is this, the Aussies just aren't up to a fight in this series. If roles were reversed and Kearns had done to Morley what Morley did to Kearns Ganson would have spent the next five minutes pulling the two teams apart. If Newton can get away with being an antagonistic twat, and that's basically what he is, then he should go for it. If he's going to give away penalties though it's perhaps not the best time to do it when we've just sliced a huge chunk of territory out from under you.

Perhaps you feel test match Rugby Legue should tickle.

Judging by the comments attributed to Newton in the Sydney Morning Herald, he's just an idiot, plain and simple.

He's an idiot, he's plain and he's simple.

No time for him, end of story (and he's not close to the best hooker in the world)

No he isn't. He's not even close to the best hooker in the UK either. He just happens to be the best available for this series, though Higham is available and I'm sure there are plenty who would prefer him to be out there.

 

[Rich]

Newton is the least consistent of the top hookers but, at best, he is absolutely fantastic. There have been many big games for Wigan in the last 3 years that he has won almost single handedly. Against Saints surrounded by a team of kids on good friday for starters.

 

[JJ]

I'm not the entire population of Britain. I'm me, pleased to meet you. My attitude is this, the Aussies just aren't up to a fight in this series. If roles were reversed and Kearns had done to Morley what Morley did to Kearns Ganson would have spent the next five minutes pulling the two teams apart. If Newton can get away with being an antagonistic twat, and that's basically what he is, then he should go for it. If he's going to give away penalties though it's perhaps not the best time to do it when we've just sliced a huge chunk of territory out from under you.

Perhaps you feel test match Rugby Legue should tickle.

Why should the Aussies be up for a fight? In what way does a fight help the Poms cause? I'd go as far to say that their thuggish attitude cost them the game, it has cost them games in the past, and a similar attitude has cost us (the Kiwis) games too. It diverts focus from playing the game. Being tough does not entail putting on high shots, or high late shots, or gouging, or grabbing testicles... That's just filth, does nothing for the game more generally (you really think parents are keen for their kids to play when they see that shit?), and does nothing for the team or player doing it.

I think rugby league is the most physical hard game in the world (ahead of NFL) when it is played legally. Occasionally there will be accidental incidents (I think Morely and Newton were primed for that rubbish),k and that's fine. But if you're suggesting that the Lions might fight better, my question is, so what?

 

[vbfg]

I'm not the entire population of Britain. I'm me, pleased to meet you. My attitude is this, the Aussies just aren't up to a fight in this series. If roles were reversed and Kearns had done to Morley what Morley did to Kearns Ganson would have spent the next five minutes pulling the two teams apart. If Newton can get away with being an antagonistic twat, and that's basically what he is, then he should go for it. If he's going to give away penalties though it's perhaps not the best time to do it when we've just sliced a huge chunk of territory out from under you.

Perhaps you feel test match Rugby Legue should tickle.

Why should the Aussies be up for a fight? In what way does a fight help the Poms cause?

It's a test match ffs, it's part of the deal. Everyone wants a fight at the first scrum.

I'd go as far to say that their thuggish attitude cost them the game, it has cost them games in the past, and a similar attitude has cost us (the Kiwis) games too. It diverts focus from playing the game.

I agree, and if I were blaming anyone who stayed on the pitch for longer than 12 seconds for the loss I'd be blaming Newton. The point is to not niggle when it's not advantageous to do so, and that silly sod did.

But if you're suggesting that the Lions might fight better, my question is, so what?

I'm saying that people want to see a good scrap in test matches, me included. If it helps intimidate the opposition in what's going to be an incredibly intimidating atmosphere as it is on Saturday then go for it.

It goes without saying that they need to keep their eye on what what they're there to do.

 

[JJ]

[quote="vbfg]
I'm saying that people want to see a good scrap in test matches, me included. If it helps intimidate the opposition in what's going to be an incredibly intimidating atmosphere as it is on Saturday then go for it.

It goes without saying that they need to keep their eye on what what they're there to do.[/quote]

ok - so you're suggesting that foul tactics should be used to intimidate the opposition? You'd want a return to Les Boyd days? Want John Hopoate running around inserting his fingers into every hole he can find... Nice..

Shame you don't have any faith in the Poms intimidating anyone with their skill, legal hits etc...

You really think the Aussie players haven't played against thugs before, and are going to be worried by this?? A joke... their strength has always been their professionalism, your lot (and ours) have been trying for 30 years to put them off by niggling. WHEN ARE YOU FOING TO LEARN - IT DOESN'T WORK? But then, Poms have never been the fastest learners? Watch the last Kiwi vs Aussie test - we thrashed them, no dirty play (i'm not saying we'll win consistently). Watch the one earlier in the year when we were thrashed (we tried to bash them).

As the Poms haven't won too often, perhaps they should take a look at the occasions when the Kiwis have beaten the Aussies - it's been through skill, and a team playing to it's very highest potential, not through intimidating them with thuggish behaviour

 

[nqboy]

Well said JJ. vbfg is as silly as Newton but I don't think he's at all typical of the average British supporters. I've always found them engaging and true supporters of the game, they love good footy whoever turns it on.

And vbfg, you want to be a thug, bring it on. As JJ said, do you think we haven't played against teams with such cowardly tactics before? We'll handle it and then class will tell.

 

[vbfg]

Shame you don't have any faith in the Poms intimidating anyone with their skill, legal hits etc...

Now, now. Nowhere have you seen me say this. What I have said is that it will be a tough game and that there is bound to be some niggle and that it adds to the spectacle. I don't wish to see a dirty game, I want to see a passionate game.

Bloody whinging antipodeans. Dreary me.

 

[JOBPS]

From what Fitzgibbon has said he'll be one of the players to turn it into a dirty game. And believe me, Newton, McDermott and others will do their best to wind him up. Crocker will be a target too, he's shown that he isn't afraid to throw punches and thats "a weakness" that GB should try to exploit.

 

[ibeme]

From what Fitzgibbon has said he'll be one of the players to turn it into a dirty game. And believe me, Newton, McDermott and others will do their best to wind him up. Crocker will be a target too, he's shown that he isn't afraid to throw punches and thats "a weakness" that GB should try to exploit.

Fitzgibbon is tough, but he's one of the more placid players in the game. I can't see him going out to stir things up, and I think he'd be one of the last to react by lashing out. Can't wait for the game though. Wouldn't be surprised if the poms win.