Redneck Redfaces

[POPEYE]

Luke Keary, the little bloke with the Campese Strut, made a statement last night which explained a few things. I wondered why Reynolds hogged the ball a couple of times when he should have passed, he must have thought he needed a try to remind everyone he was the master midget before Keary came on.

Game really belonged to Maguire and once it was home and hosed it's not hard to imagine Adam's stubbed toe could have even been part of a grand plan. Keary's re-signing may not have been enough, his confidence could only be boosted or tested with game time and Madge must have slept well knowing only f**kwits need talk about hamstrings now.

Highlight of the night for me was to see the hair from the bush back in business, he has overcome injury just as he overcame severe homesickness in England. I'm sure there were many vultures hovering over keyboards waiting for Matty to let the team down but this great bloke is a King in more ways than one.

Watching last night my missus thought it a real giggle the Pommie coach saying that Australian based players would have to prove their worthiness for the WC . . . 3 Burgess and a Graham in a pear tree

 

[POPEYE]

Not one to prepare posts I was just going to do the usual and plomp my arse down and write whatever comes, now I wish I had of known that Graham Murray had passed away, the man deserves a thousand proper eulogies.

Muzz was the greatest coach to achieve recognition by just being a good bloke, his genius almost enough to make him a supercoach without the need to threaten, coerse or dominate. It's not the results he achieved in the top grade but the pathing of the way for promising players that he should be remembered.

Every player he came into contact with he made better on and off the field and Rugby League will be never be as good as it could have been without him. His passing cannot be treated as less significant than any before in the sport of Rugby League, condolences to his family and multitude of friends

 

[Big Tim]

Not one to prepare posts I was just going to do the usual and plomp my arse down and write whatever comes, now I wish I had of known that Graham Murray had passed away, the man deserves a thousand proper eulogies.

Muzz was the greatest coach to achieve recognition by just being a good bloke, his genius almost enough to make him a supercoach without the need to threaten, coerse or dominate. It's not the results he achieved in the top grade but the pathing of the way for promising players that he should be remembered.

Every player he came into contact with he made better on and off the field and Rugby League will be never be as good as it could have been without him. His passing cannot be treated as less significant than any before in the sport of Rugby League, condolences to his family and multitude of friends

Amen.

 

[POPEYE]

The loss of Muzza and the sacking of Henry brings to mind the state of coaching affairs in the discovery place of Ross River Fever. Muzz had a coaching record of 49% at the Cowboys while Henry has 44% with a club that has only won 37% of games since inception.

In my hairbrained opinion NQ do it tougher than any other because of their energy sapping location but that's purely conjecture. You'd be forgiven for thinking the symptoms of Ross River are evident in the way the Cowboys have been playing but it's probably time Henry had a change of climate. Maybe swap with Brownie who is ready to graduate from where all the elite coaches nowdays come from.

Ironic that a country that has a second rate competition can afford to give a coach the time he needs to learn while in the land of shit doesn't stink we persevere with incompetency because it comes with a designer label. If Muzz had of been coaching the Eels for as long as Smith did they might not have won premierships but they wouldn't have sacrificed players and they wouldn't be a laughing stock.

Brownie did his apprenticeship at the Dragons and never should have had to go downtown to impress uptown yuppy CEO's. You have to look no further than the Raiders to understand perseverance with promise, all Furner has to do is win home games, the most important of all when it comes to bums on seats ala Manly and Melbourne.

 

[POPEYE]

I have nfi when it comes to forming the odds and I often wonder if the bookies take desperation into account when doing so. Hook and the horses have to beat Benny's mob, they're at home and they have the wood but that said, the Knights can't afford to lose touch with the Warriors breathing down their neck . . . see, I have nfi

Going to do the Roosters a favour by putting the mockers on Penrith, tipping an upset in the same way I play two-up, betting against three heads in a row. Panthers are due for a win and the Roosters will retain the status quo either way, although Robbo wouldn't like even a hint of a precedent by losing without Sonny. It's just that $1.18 on 'don't need' against $5 on 'must win' is tantalising.

Imo there are two 'matches of the round' and Mt Smart will host the first, superGalifragilistic is making an appearance but it remains to be seen if he will be an asset or a distraction. The Warriors are exuding a steely demeanor lately even with the loss of superb players and they are not the same team the Sharks are used to beating. Flanagan v Elliott, has to be a loser so no feel good for me

If Manly need to rest anyone they won't get a better opportunity . . . Sticky can't really walk on water can he

Can't wait to see Keary prove it wasn't a fluke and there's no need to suffer cramp in crossed fingers for King so should be a lay down misere for the Rabbitohs. Provided of course we don't see the usual do-it-for-the-coach to say sorry for letting him down by the Cowboys. Pet hate of mine when a team gets off it's arse after it's too late . . . either be a big score or a nailbiter

Surprisingly it's almost a 'must win' for both Canberra and Melbourne and this game is the other match of the round. For that reason I don't understand why the Storm's boogeyman Ferguson isn't playing. Naturally I want Melbourne to prosper but not at the expense of the Raiders, maybe Furner thinks the home ground will compensate for keeping a lesson needing bad boy in detention

The more Potter People we see the better the Tigers look and with the demise of Benji this year can best be described as a learning curve. Unfortunately for the Titans they are the perfect team for the cubs to practice on the way they've been playing, not helped again by curvature of the spine. Can't help but think of Eeyor when I see Cartwright, if it's not one f**king thing it's another.

WIN Jubilee used to be a happy hunting ground for the Dragons, will they too get off their arses like they did with Souths or is it still too soon. Ffs boys, do some good for your supporters one last time in '13

 

[POPEYE]

Ben Ikin says Henry will leave with his head held high because he's a worthwhile coach, we all know Neil talks like one, even has had results that appear to show he knows what he's doing. Ikin imo handles logic erratically and his statement on the NRL website is at best contradictory, but whether Henry would be a better coach somewhere else is beside the point.

The point is that Thurston is nowhere near as influential as a Cowboy as he is as a Queenslander and as a result Henry is paying the price, because Johnathon is so good the Cowboys are so bad. Whether by design or poor recruitment the fact remains that the team can't think outside the Thurston square, the poor bloke has far too much on his plate.

The Cowboy spine consists of a champion #7 about to become a legend and a one time champion #1 in need of a greener pasture. All the great f**king forwards in the world can't make up for an overworked playmaker, not hard to imagine what a difference Sutton or Smith would make, to name just a couple. There might have been a lot of money spent in NQ but like Ikin's logic, haphazard to say the least.

The only reason Henry should be sacked is for his inability to recruit or train a spine capable of doing the job, but if he was hindered by selectors or management he is not the one to go. The irrefutable fact is Thurston cannot do it all and the Cowboys can't consistently win with this player configuration

 

[POPEYE]

My missus called me inside last night to watch a replay of 360, "why" I asked, footy show shit doesn't interest me. "Bellamy is on" she said, should have known better, thought I was watching Big Brother, the Block or one of those imbecilic cooking shows that you accidentally see an ad for. Craig reminded me of a big Snapper badly in need of a quick photo and throwing back, he clearly was out of his depth.

Funny how arguably the greatest tactician manages communicating with players but gets so tongue tied when faced with non-eventers like Ikin and Kent who himself talks like he's half pissed and doesn't belong on camera. Hopefully behind closed doors when relaxed Bellamy and Dave Smith had a meaningful rapport.

When you watch after-game pressers it's interesting to compare coaching skills to oratory prowess. If you consider Bellamy to be the best/worst Bennett is almost his equal in both. Robbo is a great coach but stumbles on camera, Hasler the same, Cleary more comfortable with players than press, Elliott just humours interviewers but gives the impression players will listen if they try.

Cartwright and Furner are two that talk a good game in front of a microphone and periodically convince the players. At the other end we have Henry who undoubtedly relates a game but apparently can't perpetuate a player's attention span, then we have last and least 'ol mate Ricky who is a snake oil salesman extraordinaire.

The one exception is Maguire who could talk the spots off a leopard but still maintain its capability

 

[POPEYE]

Those few who read what I scribble must wonder why I carry on like a pork chop about the 'pissant cup' as I call the grand finals series, after all last year's media mardi gras was irrelevant because the teams that finished 1 and 2 played the gf as it should be. With any luck the bullshit will be negated again this year if Souths and the Roosters can navigate the chicane without a hiccup.

The new team to beat last night continued on its merry way, Robbo imo the coach of the year, and it appears he and Madge will fight out the real season decider. When the cup goes through the motions afterwards lets hope they meet again, if not at least one of them against 3rd or 4th, we don't need a skating gold medal facsimile in this already terrible 2013

Yet to see Broncos/Knights but the NRL website relates a story of contentment with the draw, Hook even querying why it shouldn't be stopped after 80. Benny apparently is happy and supporters look upon the result as a win for both sides. At least 1 point variables make the table look far more interesting by diminishing the dreaded for and against influence

 

[Big Tim]

Those few who read what I scribble must wonder why I carry on like a pork chop about the 'pissant cup' as I call the grand finals series, after all last year's media mardi gras was irrelevant because the teams that finished 1 and 2 played the gf as it should be. With any luck the bullshit will be negated again this year if Souths and the Roosters can navigate the chicane without a hiccup.

The new team to beat last night continued on its merry way, Robbo imo the coach of the year, and it appears he and Madge will fight out the real season decider. When the cup goes through the motions afterwards lets hope they meet again, if not at least one of them against 3rd or 4th, we don't need a skating gold medal facsimile in this already terrible 2013

Yet to see Broncos/Knights but the NRL website relates a story of contentment with the draw, Hook even querying why it shouldn't be stopped after 80. Benny apparently is happy and supporters look upon the result as a win for both sides. At least 1 point variables make the table look far more interesting by diminishing the dreaded for and against influence

Only if your F/A is terrible.

If you are the team with the far superior F/A of those around you, 1 point renders it useless to you.

 

[POPEYE]

Only if your F/A is terrible.

If you are the team with the far superior F/A of those around you, 1 point renders it useless to you.

Works both ways, if you are the team that had a terrible start to the season but are on the road to redemption 1 point could be the difference between trying and giving up

 

[Big Tim]

Completely agree. Unfortunately the mob that I support are not on that side of the argument, so I am purposefully presenting the argument that my side is hard done by.

My biases are clear, and I am comfortable with that.

The one point would mean something if they did away with golden point once and for all. The mere fact that people were happy with a drawn result after 10 minutes of incompetence is proof that it is time to go.

 

[POPEYE]

Understand completely, some people are up in arms about the game becoming boring so anything that helps separate the combatants is a plus imo. Would rather a rate of attrition by less interchanges decide a game and not a field goal . . . Fulton would have loved to win more games with a fg

 

[POPEYE]

Be lying if I said I didn't want Melbourne to win the Shield or wasn't disappointed they missed out in '12 but I get satisfaction from knowing they're always a yardstick, anyway we've had enough of Storm/Seagles for the time being. Like to think I'm a fan of the game before teams and it's no secret my Cup winner wish list is any of Titans/Rabbitohs/Warriors/Sharks/Raiders/Cowboys.

Anyone who's not a fan of the Cowboys would be within their rights declaring them hypocrites after last night's performance. Sure, all teams step up when their coach is sacked and judging by the shine on the rabbit skins the opposition weren't in their comfort zone but still, what a mockery of justice for Henry.

As someone who wants NQ to record #1 float in the mardis gras I'm happy with being a little embarrassed after last night. Fans will excuse the display as what players can do when they are released from the doom and gloom of playing under a coach they're not content with, or as the favoured idiom would have it . . . moving in a different direction.

Only problem is that a precedent has been set, if Thurston's mob can't replicate the performance, shown possible and expected from season's start now that management have granted their wish, they indeed will be regarded as prima donnas.

 

[POPEYE]

Crikey, if the struggling Storm can put 68 on the Raiders at home, just imagine what the team to beat, the Mighty Roosters, will do to them away . . . could be the first NRL 100 point game.

Smith might be the captain but the executive officer is definitely Cronk, consulting Smith only when a stamp of approval is needed. Cooper's surname should be Daylight, the Squizzy Taylor haircut denotes he's not to be taken lightly. Raiders looked ominous when Milford waltzed in but 38% of the ball meant he couldn't carry on with it.

If he gets any better what colour can Fonua play in, or is he even eligible for Origin

 

[Noa]

Lol pops, Milford isn't ready for 6. If were taking % how about missing 60% of tackle's attempted, and you want put him in the front line.

Not yet old fella.

 

[POPEYE]

Lol pops, Milford isn't ready for 6. If were taking % how about missing 60% of tackle's attempted, and you want put him in the front line.

Not yet old fella.

Makes little difference, a Hayne or a Maloney . . . at least in the front line others will have time to cover. Besides, the vibes say he'll walk if he's unhappy and he's happiest in the line

 

[Noa]

If the rumours are true and Barbs is on his way to the filly's as well then he'll have no option but to play 6.

Behind a small pack and not much of a kicking game from anyone on that team I could see his development being hindered for a few years.

Which would be a shame.

 

[POPEYE]

The only people who should be forgiven for misinterpreting the role of a fullback is youngsters who look for a hero to worship, it is the common denominator between the game of last century and now. The job description is Full Back, primarily the last line of defence in case of a breakthrough. Hiding a player in this position because he can't tackle is tantamount to buying a bull because he has nice tits.

Hayne should not be playing fullback because the key is 'line' of defence. He may be able to tackle but a fullback is the only player in the last line and he has to be able to not only cover it but read the opposition attack, which Jarryd is lousy at. He would be an infinitely better centre than fullback, far better than Inu for instance.

Almost all the glory and recognition is given to blokes like Barba when he ceases to be a fullback and becomes a brilliant extra half, sometimes centre or winger. Spectacular they may be but long elusive kick returns are due to faulty defence more than great attack. Barba's emotional problems could stem from difficulty coping with the fact that his attack is negated by his pathetic defence.

Kids don't see what Inglis does in defence, like on one leg in the centres for Origin, Slater does more in defence than attack when you consider positional play is defence. So, if the Broncos want Milford for anything more than creating opportunities as a half I'd be surprised, and if the Raiders continue to hide the talent that got him here they're delusional, not to mention breaking his spirit

 

[POPEYE]

Never fathomed the reasoning behind supporters of one club who rejoice at injuries to players from another. Can understand ridiculing opposition team players if they lose form as long they are prepared to accept criticism of their own for the same reason, but to wish any athlete hurt so you can slap a loungechair with excitement is morose.

I'm guilty of wishing someone would break a part of Mattai's body so I'm no different, but as a Storm supporter any victory over Manly without him, or Stewart, or Lyon is a hollow one. Can't beat the Roosters without Sonny, Melbourne without Smith, Cowboys Thurston and so on and feel real f**king smart about it. The opposite should apply, a feeling of being awarded a win but denied a victory.

If you bother to recognise these great athletes for what they've achieved you should be disappointed when they get seriously injured, no matter who they play for. To celebrate their absence is to concede your mob can't win against them. Sutton is just the tip of an injury iceberg, the vast proportion of which is hidden away. To anyone who says it's just part of the game I say you're a f**kwit.

 

[Son of Minto]

If he gets any better what colour can Fonua play in, or is he even eligible for Origin

Not eligible anymore Pops. Born in Victoria and lived their till he was 16. Would have been eligible for NSW under the old rules as he played SG Ball for Canberra, but not anymore. Never played for NSW U18s or U20s either.