Redneck Redfaces

[POPEYE]

not many Maoris (if any) in the Warriors, but there'd be a few that could be named throughout the years from other teams that would contradict your assertion. Maori are natural athletes and stamina is not a problem.

Re the Tonga/ Samoa game...it was played how it suits ...hard, fast and a lot of ball-throwing. Ever watched a game of PI cricket? Goes on for a long time but really different to the traditional game..

The grind is what some lose interest in & I agree that too many in the same team (not sure how many is too many though), and not used at what they're naturally best at, can lead to a situation like the Warriors.

Regardless, its erroneous to say attention span, body structure or the pace of the game has anything much to do with it imo. There are 2 Maori in the Storm atm (proctor & harris) as a case in point. They may not be used that way right now but they're both 80min players, can handle the grind & defense as good as anybody else & they are not the exception, more the rule for Maori in league...need more! and selecting primarily from AK means a lot don't get a look in at the Warriors!

My use of the term Maori is not meant to be derogatory, just a lackadaisical way of including NZ'ers as Pacific Islanders. The Tonga/Samoa game derived its intensity from an age old rivalry which is hard to replicate when it's just club against club, not island against island. By too many in one side I mean enough to establish a too comfortable regime.

Proctor and Harris for example have no choice but to be consistently intensive, their coach won't accept otherwise. 'Body structure' as a term is emphasised by junior teams considering weight restrictions because underdeveloped youngsters can't compete with children their age twice their weight. When they reach manhood stamina becomes the criteria making an even playing field.

Pacific Islanders don't play AFL because of the stamina required, when stamina dissipates the next to follow is attention span. Most are carting around strong frames and it's no coincidence the current interchange rules in League suit big men more than before. There are always exceptions, Tawera Nikau a perfect example, so don't take what I say too literally. Basically what I'm saying is a team needs a diversity in attitude to succeed and a mindset made easier by harvesting stamina.

 

[POPEYE]

Storm will want to be another 75% better next game, Roosters are by far the more dangerous team. Roosters youngsters and return players not overwelmed by the occasion. Starting props yet to return and players like SBW, LOD and rookies needing the bye to refresh, I couldn't be happier after watching the replay. Don't under estimate the loss of JWH and MOA.. LOD and Kennedy in their absence have gone to a new level, my confidence in the team has grown 10 fold this round..

Spoken like the true supporter I know you are and don't expect an argument from me as to the worth of the Roosters, I totally concur. I just don't see a need to denigrate other teams that are also trying to do the best with what fate deals them . . . I don't even rubbish the Dogs as a team, just who they represent. Some coaches are an exception, speaking of which, how did the old man take another Stuart fiasco.

 

[bellyache]

Robbo is quickly becoming top shelf.

http://www.roosters.com.au/news-display/Roosters-v-Storm--Round-11-Press-Conference/75604

 

[bellyache]

Spoken like the true supporter I know you are and don't expect an argument from me as to the worth of the Roosters, I totally concur. I just don't see a need to denigrate other teams that are also trying to do the best with what fate deals them . . . I don't even rubbish the Dogs as a team, just who they represent. Some coaches are an exception, speaking of which, how did the old man take another Stuart fiasco.

Not sure mate ? I was at the game and watched a lazy performance led by Hayne..

 

[POPEYE]

If anyone doubts the credibility, ability or promise of Robbo he/she hasn't listened to the bloke speak about the game and his team. I don't differentiate more than an iota between Maguire/Robbo/Bellamy/Hasler . . . circumstance and opportunity the only denominator. The test is would you be unhappy if any of the four were coaching your team

 

[POPEYE]

I think it's about time NSW won Origin, not that I will be in their corner but for the good of the game. The Blues as selected probably get as close as I can expect to be non-political and even Gallen in the front row makes sense if he doesn't play too many minutes. Fifita/Ferguson/Hoffman/Merrin are the high rate intimidation necessary in Origin plus an expertly coached halves combination should see the bounce of the ball win this game. Hayne and Gidley wouldn't have been in my team but wtf.

Sermons are not a long term solution and if Stuart didn't learn that when given control of readymade champion teams he has no chance of resurrecting the Eels. What works in Origin coaching is insufficient over 26 rounds, the chances of him creating and improving Ist graders ala Cleary are practically non existent. Less qualified than Elliott and way out of his depth.

 

[POPEYE]

Great win for Flanagan and I must admit I was willing the Sharks to win. The game meant sfa to Souths and it showed, Gallen was saving himself for Origin off the field and Inglis was doing the same on the field. Rabbitohs like Manly, Roosters and Melbourne are in need of a rest after a torrid start to the season but at least they haven't suffered on the ladder.

Fabulous effort by the Sharks and I tipped Fafita and Ferguson as Origin material long before this season so I'm feeling fairly chuffed. Cronulla on equal terms with the Knights and Titans is a monumental effort considering the distractions and season 2013 is starting to become very interesting.

 

[POPEYE]

Nothing better to write about and I may try sitting on the fence for Origin, the question is who would replace Gidley. As far as I'm concerned Gidley in Origin is akin to taking a Kelpie pig hunting, run around amongst them easily but what then.

Wade Graham maybe, plenty of mongrel and can play in the backs, hurts where Kurt can't and has a footy brain while Kurt doesn't. Woods imo if you want big and if you want an elusive nutter who doesn't take prisoners and would die for the cause, Josh Reynolds.

Then of course there is a giant who can run like the wind in Idris, not the same one we've seen in Origin before either, should be there instead of Jennings anyway.

 

[POPEYE]

Dragons might have been in with a chance against the Dogs but Origin interference is going to effect them more. CB will use this f**ked up part of the season exactly the same as they did last year and Hasler will take full advantage. He probably thinks it's only fair because his mob have been running on empty up until recently and what comes around goes around.

Strangely enough Souths will be hardly affected by Origin, especially if the Blues win, even without Inglis they will remain the gun side during Origin. Newcastle are in a similar position except backing them at the best of times is like playing two-up.

Titans should beat the Cowboys because their leadership is intact and would probably win if both were full strength. I have absolutely no faith in Lui or Morgan and Thurston will relish being away and not playing in a team where he runs around like the chicken hawk on the Bugs Bunny Show.

If the Warriors lose against the Broncos running on four cylinders . . . say no more

 

[POPEYE]

Except for about 270 minutes of it I hate the middle third of the league season, no rhyme or reason about it and equivalent to wining and dining a beautiful woman only to have her pass out before the pillow gets warm. Maybe if I was a Blues' supporter I would be a little more reverent, unable to wait for a more satisfying time and hope if my State can't get it up maybe my team will when the season reawakes.

Just rambling on folks, a combination of early dementure, boredom and difficulty coping with ignorance. The following are a few questions, without a mark so as to discourage the dummies, just to fill in time.

How many think that the League season after round 12 is struggling to keep us interested, so much so that we need to give it a transfusion of State against State, mate against mate. Maybe we need to have a half time so the teams that are struggling can change their game plan, catch their breath or possibly even put the opposition off their game. Better still, the best players might be handicapped enough to even up the field in the run home.

Why do we need to have trials that can cause as much damage as the real thing when we could dispense with them, start the season early by the light of the moon and every team plays each other twice. Let the players turn off-season practice into perfect from a standing start. By the time all have played each other once time to get down to the nitty gritty. In reality this happens anyway, albeit in a distorted manner, when the 'top eight' are chosen in a manner manipulated by interference.

What is the reasoning for a need for 'Immortals' when there are so many great players that have fabulous records compiled under circumstances that pass scrutiny equally if not more so than the paltry few offered as exceptional.

How many of us actually believe the Dally M's mean anything in the scheme of things. Is it too hard to give all players in a game points out of ten after 24 hours consideration. If the aim is to compile a scorecard that still finishes in a gala presentation night does it matter if it's accurate . . . suppose not.

The answer to these questions revolve around what is best for the media, not the game, if for instance Origin was the pinnacle of the season it would mean it was played at a time not suited to tv ratings. Media don't care if the best team of the year is decided fairly or want too many players be recognised for their efforts when fewer sell more magazines.

Herein lies the quandary, without the media we don't have a game outside one that mums and dads want to watch or the blokes down the pub want to argue over so the status quo has to remain as it is. I guess all I'm really saying is that I take pleasure in not being fooled by all the f**king bullshit and watch every game as a single enjoyable entity, wars are contrived where battles are fought.

 

[The Mad Hatter]

I've always wanted a full 30 round season, home and away, no finals and no pre-season.

Doubt I will ever see that happen.

On the other hand, wouldn't mind seeing an 18 team comp - maybe 20, and play 17 home and away (or 19) and weeks off for 3 State of Origins on a Saturday night and an ANZAC Test.

Then the 17/19 H/A games are reversed the next season.

And the 'grand finale' if you like could be some knock out style cup.

But I doubt it will ever happen.

 

[Amadaca]

I've always wanted a full 30 round season, home and away, no finals and no pre-season.

Doubt I will ever see that happen.

On the other hand, wouldn't mind seeing an 18 team comp - maybe 20, and play 17 home and away (or 19) and weeks off for 3 State of Origins on a Saturday night and an ANZAC Test.

Then the 17/19 H/A games are reversed the next season.

And the 'grand finale' if you like could be some knock out style cup.

But I doubt it will ever happen.

You'll never see a season without Finals. Neither the fans nor the networks would ever get behind it.

 

[POPEYE]

This is going to go nowhere and I won't get involved in a heated debate about it but I don't see a need for 'finals' as they are now if Origin replaced them. The media need finals to keep supporters of as many teams as possible interested for as long as they can so they can sell whatever it is they are selling.

First past the post after every team plays each other twice is the undeniably rightful outcome for a season, the danger as far as the media is concerned is the loss of interest by one-eyed supporters, something they take for granted is most of us . . . which is an insult to our intelligence.

If the League season was fought to the end because Origin is the pot of gold players strive to be part of then interest to the very end would not be jeopardised. All the public want is a climax to the season, not assured by first past the post but definitely by Origin.

 

[POPEYE]

Got on the grog with bellyache last night and the bloke is incorrigible, the only bloke I know who takes the piss better than me but you think he would go easy on his father-in-law. It gets fairly lively around Origin time because I'm the traitor in the family who goes for Qld, even the members living in Qld go for NSW.

Toward the end of the session belly had me scratching my head over his claim that NSW were going to win this series because 2 games were being played in Sydney and when that happens Qld don't win. Even had me thinking he was right saying Qld had an unfair advantage when a game is played in Melbourne.

He probably already knows this but for those that don't Qld has won 7 series when 2 games were played in Sydney and 2 others when the deciding game was played in Sydney. Origin has been played in Melbourne 6 times with each team winning 3 times. Qld has won a series deciding game in NSW twice. Having no idea of statistics until now my only defence was that I thought venue meant sfa . . . and guess what?

 

[Bandwagon]

Perhaps the difference is more that Nsw are at more of a disadvantage when playing away from the comforts of home. We travel to Suncorp poorly.

There's no disputing Qld have been the better side over the last however long it's been. So getting away from Suncorp, particularly into Nsw , with the home ground advantage, merely serves to even up a contest that has been a little too lop sided for my liking.

Two home games and a team getting that bit closer, should serve up enough to make the contest a fairly even proposition. Importantly though, I think this year, we go in actually believing we can win.

 

[Amadaca]

First past the post is boring as shit as a concept.

The reason it'll never be seen again extends further than the networks --- in point of fact, that isn't even the original point of protest --- its because the fans don't want it. Most feel its dull, & look forward to the Finals as a highlight of the year.

Having first past the post wouldn't just damage revenue (read: interest) at the end of the year, either --- it would damage crowds & interest levels before the season was even over.

 

[POPEYE]

First past the post is boring as shit as a concept.

The reason it'll never be seen again extends further than the networks --- in point of fact, that isn't even the original point of protest --- its because the fans don't want it. Most feel its dull, & look forward to the Finals as a highlight of the year.

Having first past the post wouldn't just damage revenue (read: interest) at the end of the year, either --- it would damage crowds & interest levels before the season was even over.

Not if Origin followed the regular season, players from all teams instead only eight now would have reason to perform for the full season. Supporters of all teams would have something to look forward to instead of only eight. If you believe that State of Origin isn't more popular or contemplated more than any other award in League you are delusional.

 

[Amadaca]

You are crazy to think a Finals-free competition wouldn't be met with complete outrage & would ultimately hurt the game.

 

[POPEYE]

You are crazy to think a Finals-free competition wouldn't be met with complete outrage & would ultimately hurt the game.

The opinions expressed in this thread are my own, open for discussion definitely, but there is no avenue for change so don't bother. The game has to be improved if all teams play each other twice and for that to happen having a final series with half the comp is impossible as well as ludicrous . . . the finals as they stand are not for the sake of fans.

Hurt the game my arse, ask yourself which would you prefer, Australia to win the World Cup or your team to win Origin. Origin f**king hurts the game at the time it is played more than removing the pissant cup from the equasion would ever do. As it is now the grand final winner isn't always the best team of the year.

 

[Amadaca]

Picture this --- a team loses a shit tonne of matches early in the year, then comes home over the last 8-10 weeks with a second wind (basically, Canberra most of the time, LOL)...their early season leaves them zero chance of being first past the post, so where does that leave their late charge? Fans will stop showing up, revenue will be lost.

Now, how many teams are in contention for the MP most seasons? At absolute most, it's the top four, & usually only the top two or maybe three going into the last four weeks. Under FPTP, ALL other teams are out of the race --- fans won't keep coming once they know their team is no chance at all, & for most, that will be long before the season ends.