Round 7: Bulldogs Vs Roosters

[Mr BuLLdOgS]

Bulldogs Vs Roosters

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.

**Referee Blows Game On!**

Full Time: Wednesday 30th July, 2003. 9:00PM AEST

Referee: Willow

 

[ozzie]

ozzie (c)
roostargirl
roosterboy60
The Backpacker (BP to his friends)
Brook

Reserves:

Penenlope pittstop
Lord Reynoldson
Morticia

Reserves get those posts ready I feel a headache coming on...

 

[The Engineers Room]

DvdHntr – Parramatta Bulldogs

Rewarded for effort (or lack of it)

At the beginning of the year the governing body, the NRL, made a brave decision to depart from years of tradition by in essence removing the possibility of a drawn game in both the premiership competition and the showpiece of the game, the State of Origin. This decision was brought to a head by the most recent series of the State of Origin in which the title of the champion was given to Queensland. This was decided by virtue of the fact that they were defending champions with the series was effectively tied one all. The decider, as it was billed had turned out to decide nothing with the Queensland side scoring late in the game to force a draw. This result was seen to be unfair by many south of the border and due to the fact that this was not the first occurrence, a solution needed to be found. The decision was made to introduce golden-point extra-time in which the first team to score in the extra time periods was crowned the winner of the contest. However, this was not an exclusive decision to the State of Origin, the premiership would perform under these rules as well for all of their premiership matches.

Inherent in this decision has become a problem with the system. The simple fact is that teams are not rewarded for effort. If a team is able to force another to extra time only yo lose they were not rewarded for their trouble. This system echoes the championship of the American sporting institution, the NFL. But should teams be rewarded for forcing teams to extra time? Should the points system be reformed to ensure that the best and most consistent teams are embedded in the finals at the time of the finals? It is the opinion of many fans that the finals should represent the pinnacle and therefore, teams that have been inconsistent should not stand as much a chance as those whom have been. To decide on a final points system, this article will now show some common examples and proposals for “bonus points”.

Extra Time Bonus

This is present in the NHL when the loser in extra time is rewarded for forcing their opponent to extra time. They receive a point and their opponent is given two points.
JUDGEMENT: DESIREABLE

Closeness Bonus

A team is rewarded for reaching a score a relatively small distance behind the winner. In Rugby this is given to reward consistent and persistent teams.
JUDGEMENT: DESIREABLE

Restriction Bonus

If the winning team were able to restrict their opposition team to a set mark, then this bonus would apply. Whether the mark is a number (zero) or an amount below their own score (win by more than 35 points). This bonus would not be encouraging consistency in the loser of the contest
JUDGEMENT: UNDESIREABLE

Thrashing Bonus

A team is rewarded for beating another by scoring a certain number of tries. This bonus is in place in Rugby Union. The purpose of the bonus is to encourage teams to be exciting, however that problem is not a factor in Rugby League as the game is far more expansive.
JUDGEMENT: UNDESIREABLE
(NOTE: The punishment of the other team may serve to tighten games)

The Solution Proposed

From the discussion above, a solution to the best system of bonuses to adopt in the N.R.L. premiership has been formulated. The decision has been to use the following:

Supplementary (or SP)

Awarded to a losing team whose score is equal to or less than 5 points difference from that of their opponent at full time. Value to team 1

Extra Time (or ETP)

Awarded to a team that force their opposition to extra time and is unsuccessful. Value to team 2

Terminal (or TP)

Awarded to a team that loses and their opposition scores equal to or greater than 40 points in the game. This is negated and not charged to the team when the loser is within scores an SP. Value to team -1

Winning (or W)

When a team wins the game. Value to team 3

Bye (or B)

When a team has a bye. Value to team 2

Below is an example of the table based on this year’s competition. Rewarded are teams like Parramatta, Dragons and Tigers who have come so close and punished are teams like the Broncos, Knights and the Sea Eagles because when they are bad they are very, very bad.

Team      	P  	W  	L  	SP 	ETP	 TP 	B  	Pts
Raiders   	20	 13	  7	  1	  0	   0	 2	 44
Roosters  	20	 12	  8	  3	  0	   0	 2	 43
Panthers  	20	 14	  6	  1	  0	   2	 1	 43
Bulldogs  	20	 12	  8	  3	  0	   0	 1	 41
Broncos   	20	 12	  8	  0	  0	   1	 2	 39
Warriors  	20	 11	  9	  1	  0 	  0	 2	 38
Dragons   	20	 9	  11	  6	  0	   0	 2	 37
Storm     	20	 11	  9	  0	  1	   2	 1	 35
Eels      	20	 8	  12	  3	  1	   2	 1	 29
Knights   	20	 9	  11	  1	  0	   3	 2	 29
Cowboys   	20	 7	  13	  3	  0   	2	 1	 24
Sea Eagles	20	 7	  13	  2	  0	   3	 2	 24
Tigers    	20	 6	  14	  2	  0	   0	 2	 24
Sharks    	20	 5	  15	  1	  0	   2	 2	 18
Rabbitohs 	20	 2	  18	  3	  1	   1	 1	 12

743 Words + a table (this has many numbers and spaces so I didn't count the words in it).

 

[Penelope Pittstop]

Penelope Pittstop -- #1 -- Vice Captain Easts
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The Tough Men of Rugby League
League Unlimited

Tuesday, 29th July, 2003



In a code that produces tough Men. We have seen over the years some really gutsy performances. When you think of Spud Carroll and Paul Harragon, you think tough. When you think about Webcke, Morley Tallis, you think tough. Tough according to the dictionary means not easily injured or broken, hard to tackle or overcome, hardy, able to endure hardship. Well don’t we have some tough blokes in League, past and present?

Looking for the ‘toughest’ man in League has unearthed some incredible stories from Rugby League Supporters and it would be impossible for me to choose just one to be the outright winner, so I leave it to you to be the judge.

Is it Simon Bonetti, a man who will tackle until he spews, with an amazing 662 tackles last season, and no shoulders, the Man showed not just tenacity and determination but also courage and bravery. His eyes blackened and bruised, but he still took to the field with no fear.

Another extremely popular contender is Geoff Toovey, which goes to prove that the runt of the litter needs to be strong to survive. A Clive Churchill medallist, maybe the only one who if he was xrayed would show bandage not bone, a Test Captain who weighed in at 76 kilos and rose to the nose bleeding height of 175cm. Despite his small stature, he, pound for pound would be one of the toughest Men I have ever seen compete in any athletic code.

Arthur Patton in a Balmain Grand Final broke his leg yet continued play three-quarters of the game, with his leg meerly strapped. John Sattler with a broken jaw, which was wired for several months after he played in a Grand Final. Or would you choose Jason Croker, playing like the mad Knight in the Monty Pythons Holy Grail with no legs, but screaming its merely a flesh wound.

Matthew Johns in the final year of an amazing career put his body on the line for the Sharks and his beloved Reggies. Through the season he was stretchered off with a suspected broken neck in a game against the Roosters. Luke Bailey cleaned him up with a knee to the shoulder. He suffered a devastating calf injury that saw him spend a week in a “Hypo” chamber, only to come out next week and play the house down.

And what a tough decision Brad Fittler had to make for his Roosters, turning his back on his representative career to play solely for his Club. Alfie Langer, playing despite knowing his much loved Dad was dying of Cancer, hey guys, that’s tough, it’s heart-breaking, and we all admire him for putting his character to the test. Wally Lewis being sledged because his Daughter is deaf, now that was a tough call, but with true grit he rose above it and took it out on the opposition with a series of tries, not with his fists or mouth.

Tough doesn’t begin to describe the year that was Justin Hodges, his horrific mistakes in State of Origin would have mentally crippled a lesser Man, instead he turned the negative into a positive and can contemplate his year while polishing his Premiership Ring.

The Representative Players for both State of Origin and International, proved to be tireless and capable of good footy. The injury toll was harsh, and serious premiership contenders have lost key players. A great sacrifice for Representative Football. Disappointing to the fans, teams and clubs.

Without doubt, Rugby League is one the toughest body contact sports around. Tom Petty got it right…. No they won’t back down, no they won’t back down, you can stand them up at the gates of hell but they won’t back down….

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Word Count: 736
Image from www.nrl.com.au









[/img]

 

[RoostarGirl]

Roostargirl - Eastern Suburbs - Roosters.
Word count including title 746.

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A CHAMPION IS REWARDED.

I would just like to raise an old issue from back in Season 2000 the year that Craig Wing affectionately known as Wingy became a Rooster. Craig Wing had signed a lucrative deal with Rabbitohs before they were abruptly dismissed from the NRL. After Souths were ejected from the NRL Craig obviously wishing to pursue a Rugby League Career had no alternative but to look for another NRL Club. Craig did receive offers from Rugby Union but he really wanted a Rugby League Career.

The Season 2000 kicked off at Stadium Australia (now Telstra Stadium) and I remember Graham Murray played Wingy at Fullback for this particular match against the Parramatta Eels and from all reports he had a reasonable performance.

After playing Fullback for a few more games I remember he had a not so memorable night at Shark Park in the rain and the Roosters went down for memory 26-0.

Craig Wing from that moment onwards had all sorts of opinions cast upon him. The most unfair was being touted as overrated by his peers which was echoed by supporters from everywhere.

Craig Wing was definitely over exposed but in my own opinion he was never overrated - unfortunately this term is used quite frequently when describing Rugby League players.

The tag of NRL's most overrated seemed at the time to cut at Craig and he then openly decided that he would forego all media commitments to concentrate on becoming the best footballer he could possibly be. Craig being young, good looking and fit was obviously the kind of guy that gets a lot of media attention and the media were touting him as "the next big thing" which is why I believe he was being over exposed.

During Craig's first year with the Sydney Roosters he made his first appearance in a Grand Final albeit the losing team however, a far cry from where he would have been if he remained with the Rabbitohs.

After a disappointing season 2001 with the Sydney Roosters Craig Wing continued to train the house down and he really was one of the Sydney Roosters best players week in and week out thoughout that season, a season the players would probably rather forget.

Then Season 2002 the Year of the Sydney Roosters Craig Wing seemingly became impossible to stop and went from strength to strength and his dedication along with many others including the Roosters great Coach Ricky "Sticky" Stuart and brilliant Captain Brad "Freddy" Fittler, Wingy and the rest of the Team were rewarded with another Grand Final appearance but this time a Trophy and Victory lap...which was well deserved.

Craig Wing after winning the Grand Final was picked in his first Kangaroo Team and he was remarkably proud of such an accomplishment.

Now we come to Season 2003 and Craig opens the season for the Roosters with a win in the World Club Challenge in England on Valentines Day but sustained a leg injury during the match and missed the end of the game.

Then the regular season begins and the Roosters play the season opener without Wingy the Star but as the season rolls on and Wingy gets back on the paddock his brilliance begins to shine yet again and he grabs his first NSW Wizard Blues jersey and joins the Bench. Wingy made a terrific impact in all three (3) games for the Blues and after the Blues took the series 2-1, Wingy was given the opportunity to play for the Kangaroos again. Craig made excellent contributions to the Kangaroos in their win over the Kiwis in that test and the scoreline heavily in the Kangaroos favour 48-6.

Now that brings us up to date and I strongly believe that in Rugby League circles people are far to quick and harsh in their comments about young up and coming players, true champions rise to the occasion and I can honestly say that Craig Wing has shown more heart in the last 3 years than I have seen from some players over their entire careers.

Craig Wing is a true Champion both on and off the field an inspirational player who always gives 110%.

I would like to say that I strongly believe that no one will ever have the opportunity to call Craig Wing over-rated or over-exposed ever, ever again........he truly deserves all the accolades that are bestowed upon him and with a surname like WING Craig was always destined to be a Chook.

 

[ozzie]

substitute time:

Lord Reynoldson in
Roosterboy60 out

this one may not eventuate -

Penenlope Pittstop in for Brook...

 

[Genghis Chan]

Lord Reynoldson
Roosters number (4th reserve)

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Race for the 8

With the 2003 final series fast approaching the competition has started to divide into 3 groups. Those secure inside the 8, those fighting it out for the top 8, and those needing a miracle. These groups have changed dramatically over recent weeks. Not long ago, it was a breakaway top 4, those fighting to make the 8, and South Sydney.

So which teams are contenders, and which are the pretenders in the race to make the top 8?

The only thing stopping Penrith, Canberra, Brisbane or the Roosters from making the top 8 is a gigantic salary cap scandal on the same scale as a Bulldogs scam. Speaking of the Bulldogs (26 points), with a guaranteed 2 points from the bye it would take a drastically inept performance to miss out on the post season.

So on to the rest of the teams:

6th Warriors (26 points +17): Having to play Melbourne, Dragons, Knights, Broncos and Roosters, all of whom are either fighting for the top 8 or the minor premiership, will give them a tough run. However, currently being 4 points ahead of 8th only need to claim a few scalps to solidify their 3rd consecutive post season..

7th Melbourne (24 points +46): 2 home games left against the Eels and Manly as well as a bye should see them through to the finals. Despite a bad reputation for travelling in recent years, have scored road wins against both Canberra and Penrith. Away games against the Bulldogs, Warriors and Dragons will test their abilities to win the important matches outside of Victoria. A bye in round 25 will provide them a certain 2 points and their healthy for and against will help see them through to the final series.

8th Dragons (22 points +9)): Will do it tough against the Panthers, Warriors, Sharks, Storm, Knights and Broncos to close out the season. With their list of injured stars it will make it even harder. Crunch games come in round 22 (Warriors), 24 (Storm) and 25 (Knights) where a loss has the potential to be a 4 point turnaround in a struggle to make the 8. Their for and against may aid them, but without the likes of Barrett, Gasnier, Ryles and Amos Roberts on the park at the moment, will be in an uphill battle to hold onto 8th position.

9th Newcastle (22 points –97): Have hit a form slump due to a heavy rep schedule…supposedly. Their rep players, up until the test match, were playing on average only 1 match a week with the exception of the City/Country game that had the intensity of a lawn bowls match. Have lost their last 3 matches against the Bulldogs (34 points), Panthers (13 points) and Tigers (40 points). Finish off with games against Manly, Cowboys, Warriors, Canberra, Dragons and then the Cowboys again. They have a great opportunity to prolong their season if they can turn around their form slump. If they decide to rely on their for and against to make the finals, then Mad Monday will be happening sooner rather than later for this team.

10th Parramatta (18 points –31): They are a long shot to make the finals, and certainly won’t be catching the Storm or Warriors with only 6 rounds to go, but have hit some good form late in the competition and with a horrendous draw for the Dragons combined with a Knights form slump and woeful for and against, have the faintest of hope to slip into 8th position. A bye guarantees them 2 points and games against the Tigers, Sharks, Storm, Brisbane – who they normally save their best performances for could see them still in contention come round 26, when they would have to face the Panthers in order to earn their position in the 8. The faintest of hopes, but anything is possible.

What a period of football ahead, where each week games of the highest importance will be played in determining the make up of the final 8. The most important games to watch out for in the following weeks:

Round 21
Warriors v Storm

Round 22
Dragons v Warriors

Round23
Newcastle v Warriors
Melbourne v Parramatta

Round 24
Dragons v Melbourne

Round 25
Dragons v Newcastle

For the next 5 weeks, 1 result going either way could have drastic effects on the top 8, while loses to lower teams on the table out of contention could abruptly end another teams season.

Let the excitement begin!

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749 words between lines

 

[Zef]

Captain's Log

Please excuse my inability to name the team as I only got appointed CApt in the last day or so. I'll know the team when and if they post, that's all I can promise at this stage.

However, I do know that Dave (DvdHntr) is in - as always, because he is THE ROCK of this team. And I'm here to stand beside him and from here on in - we'll take on the f*****' lot of you'se ourselves if we have too!

Dave - this is the last regurgitated post I use, from now on I'm gonna stand and FIGHT with you!

1. Dave
2. Zef
3. TBA
4. TBA
5. TBA.

Regards,
Zef.

 

[Zef]

Zef - Parra-Bulldogs.

TWO STORIES ABOUT RUGBY LEAGUE HEROES

DISCLAIMER: I’m probably bullsh.ting.
CLARIFICATION: No offence or disrespect is intended to the Service Men & Women of WWII. Lest we forget.

STORY ONE: Sydney - 1908.

Young Albert Miller is handed a document that absolutely positively has to be delivered overnight. He accepts his mission with pride and trepidation, as he knows with certainty both the documents importance and the determination of an enemy that will stop at nothing to prevent its delivery.

For Sydney is swarming with assassins and the word is out – “Stop Albert Miller, name your price.”

The second Albert steps into public with secret document secured in secret pocket, he is shot repeatedly at point blank range, twice to the head. Then the knife-men make their move and somewhere in George St, Albert loses an arm. Things then turn nasty as he is speared, set aflame and run over by horse and carriage.

Finally, on the steps of his destination, Albert is garrotted and drowned in a night bucket. Undaunted, he reaches up and knocks on the door as a masked assailant buries an axe in his skull.

James Joseph (JJ) Giltinan can hardly believe the bloody sight that greets him when he opens his door and in a moment of blind panic, inadvertently hammers a stake through poor Alberts heart. Then he notices the tattered document he has clenched in his teeth and realises Albert is the messenger he has been expecting.

JJ reads the document in trembling hand, dances a little jig, and then retires for a celebratory cognac or twenty.

So why did Albert Miller risk his life to ensure that document absolutely positively was delivered overnight? And why did JJ’s enemies unleash a swarm of assassins in an attempt to prevent Albert succeeding?

- It was a contract. Signed by one Herbert "Dally" Messenger.

Footnote: - Albert “Nails” Miller made a complete recovery from his injuries and went on to play seventy grade games for his beloved Rabbitohs. He passed away aged ninety-nine in 1986, “on the job” in Bangkok. RIP.

STORY TWO: Stalag 56, Germany - 1944.

The thirteen Allied prisoners of Stalag 56 were a mix of Pom, Frog, Kiwi and Aussie soldiers in the right place at the right time. For thanks to a shared passion for the greatest game of all, they would save themselves and each other.

The prisoners were subject to regular humiliation by their captors in “friendly” games of soccer. Finally, after the Germans cracked the ton in successive games, a German Sergeant confronted the prisoners and asked ‘Is there any game you Allies actually know how to play?’

It was the moment the Allies had been waiting for. Corporal Dave “Red” Turner (former Queensland front-rower), answered on behalf of his mates, ‘Fancy a game of League, Herr Sergeant?’

It was “game on”, and the Allies had a plan.

Deep in the second half with the Germans leading 75-0, the Allies receive their first “sympathetic” penalty on the German quarter and elect to take the tap. “Red” Turner gathers his team-mates and with a deafening battle cry of ‘Queenslander!’ leads a flying-wedge towards the German line.

A German guard on duty later testified: ‘My brothers bravely attempted to thwart the Flying-Wedge but were crushed underfoot. The Flying-Wedge just kept going, straight through the inner and outer perimeters and onwards to France. Of course we could of shot them, but we were under strict orders not to shoot prisoners whilst they had ball in hand.’

The Flying-Wedge rolled relentlessly towards France, crushing a German Panzer Division along the way. On the French border a Resistance Unit was on lookout. Pierre Lefrogge recounts the following:

‘We heard it first - “Queeeenslaaander!”. Then it came charging over the ridge. I recognised it immediately as a flying-wedge but I’d never seen one like this before. We dared not try to stop them while they had their game-face on, so we ran alongside until we could flag them down. Then a man with red hair placed the ball on the ground, looked me in the eye and said, “Blow that whistle Ref.” I pointed to the spot, these men were heroes.’

700 odd words, by my count.

 

[The Backpacker]

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The Backpacker #11 for Easts – making a late run for the line
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Brothers in Arms

It’s not an uncommon occurrence in rugby league, brothers realising their backyard, schoolboy dreams of being contracted to play in the world’s toughest rugby league competition together. It often happens that one brother is talent spotted and the other is signed up as well on the assumption that he will display the same sort of skills and the boys will come through the respective clubs development programme together. But, as is often the case, one brother shows more talent than the other and ends up being the centre of attention, while the other is basically left to his own devices. Even in an obscure way, this happened with the Johns boys at Newcastle. Andrew was postulated as a potential match winner from an early age and Matthew was left to develop alter egos to gain his own piece of the spotlight and has always said that Andrew is a natural footballer and he had to constantly work at his game to reach the level he did. But the Johns boys, like others before them, seemed to find a balance and managed to both carve out respectable careers playing together at the same club. More often than not however, one brother seems to languish in the others shadow and this is obvious when looking at the Cayless brothers.

Both boys were contracted from their junior club Wentworthville to the Parramatta Eels. Nathan making his first grade debut in round 13, 1997 and Jason in round 21 of 2000. Nathan was seen, very early on, as a natural leader and was handed the captaincy at Parramatta after being the surprise man named as captain of the Kiwis the previous year. Announcing his availability for the Kiwis was also a surprise to many who thought, in early 1998, that he was a chance of making the Kangaroos, if not that year, then the following and his uncompromising style of play was rewarded at seasons end with the coach choosing him for the Jack Gibson Award. Maybe it was a case of impatience on his part, in choosing to play for the Kiwis but to this day, I still remember thinking how out of place he looked doing the Haka. Like anything though, whether his heart was really in it or not, Nathan gave 110% in that test and the 17 others he’s played since.

Jason, on the other hand, spent his time at Parramatta in virtual anonymity. Nathan’s younger brother, a solid player but nothing to write home about. He was unceremoniously dumped from first grade for the 2001 finals series after playing 20 games during the season because Brian Smith didn’t think he was playing well and, while Nathan went on to play in the Grand Final that year, Jason had to be content with a spot in the premier Grand final side that also lost. But things were about to change for the younger Cayless. He may have been lamenting the premier grade Grand Final loss but he was about to embark on a new stage of his career. Come 2002, Nathan’s shadow emerged as a bright light in the Roosters squad. Captain Caveman was born, a hard running prop with a real physical presence on the field. Whether it was the natural progression that comes with maturity, the results of finally being a player and an individual in his own right, at his own club or that the Roosters style of play sits comfortably with him is a matter for debate but Jason has certainly come into his own.

Jason suits Ricky’s style of game plan. He’s a mobile prop, averaging 23 tackles a game and it’s defensively that Ricky has tapped into his potential. At the end of 2002, it was the younger Cayless that was mentioned in the same sentence as the Kiwis and he was rewarded for his seasons work by being included in the touring squad but only played one test due to injury. Unfathomably, he was a shock omission from the latest Kiwi squad but with Anderson’s selections, its debateable whether the older Cayless would have made the squad either. While these brothers now have to face each other on the field rather than backing each other up, they’re both consolidating their potential. They’re both solid players in their own rights and they’re both future stars for the Kiwis. But there’s one defining difference between these boys. The ring that Jason has that proves he played in a Grand Final winning team.

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750 words

 

[ozzie]

Ozzie for Rooooosteersss - cock a doodle dooo



The Photograph

On Sunday 16 September 1962, Jack O’Gready woke up looked out the window and no doubt swore to himself. It was a grey murky and miserable day with rain falling. One can only assume he thought to himself “If it wasn’t a grand final and I wasn’t employed by the Sun-Herald I would roll over and go back to sleep”. Little did he know what was in store for him that day, which would have an effect on his life and Rugby league in general.

He mustered up his photography gear and joined in with the 41,184 wending their way to the Sydney Cricket Ground for the grand final between St George and Wests. This game was a replay of the 1961 grand final, which the Saints ran away with 22-0.

The ground was a mud bath with mud stretching from goal post to goal post, and it looked good for a win for the mighty St George side and their battle scared forwards.

While the match was played mainly in the forwards, Johnny King, St George’s winger scored the only try of the match in the 17th minute following a break by the St George forwards. The initial burst was made by Norm Provan who was backup by Kevin Ryan who put King over for the try.

A lot of off the ball discretions were occurring with the West defence trying to keep Gasnier out of the game. Jim Cody for Wests was involved in some incidents and in the second half a punch unseen by the crowd, the referee and obviously Cody left him lying bleeding and stunned in the middle of the ground. Unfortunately for St George the captain, Billy Wilson was found guilty of the punch and was, in loose terms, invited to leave the field of play for the remainder of the game.

With only 12 men St George had to dig deep to keep the Wests side out and claim victory.

All through the game rain had fallen intermittently but come full time – God must have smiled on O’Gready as the sun shone onto the field for a few minutes long enough for him to take a snap shot which for many years has attracted the attention of Rugby league lovers as well as players of many other sports.

It is the photograph of Arthur Summons, Wests captain, and Norm Provan embracing as they left the field of play . Both players were covered in mud and showed the strains of the battle they had just gone through.

The photograph was nicked named by a lot of people as “The Gladiators” and has been used on the trophy for the grand final winners for many years now.

It was cast in bronze by the ARL originally in 1982 and even though the trophy has changed since then, the image still holds pride of place on the current NRL winner’s trophy.

To a lot of people it means many things but to me the scene shows me the mateship which can comes after a battle with both players knowing they had done their part to win. It is obvious the respect that both players hold for each other. And that the feeling of ‘there is no disgrace in losing gallantly”.

John O’Gready, a keen Balmain supporter, sadly left this world in 1999 knowing that he had left a legacy that gave many people so much pleasure in viewing his photograph.

Both Summons and Provan went on to be successful businessmen and administrators and they still show the same respect that they did that day whenever their paths cross.

Sometimes God is kind – the moment of sunshine in 1962 was one of those occasions. It showed that he too loves Rugby League

 

[ozzie]

GAME OVER - TIME GIRLS AND BOYS

 

[Anonymous]

Good show everyone. I'll be marking this match tomorrow (Thursday).
Cheers.

 

[Anonymous]

PARRAMATTA-BULLDOGS

DvdHntr
Rewarded for effort (or lack of it)
Very well thought out essay on drawn matches and comparitive bonus points for different type of results.
(Regarding DESIREABLE and UNDESIREABLE: actual spelling is DESIRABLE and UNDESIRABLE - only for future reference and no points deducted)
750 words (inc title. NB, table counted as an image).
Score: 8.9

Zef
TWO STORIES ABOUT RUGBY LEAGUE HEROES
More bullsh.t and another ripping yarn from Zef.
670 words (inc title).
Score: 8.3

PARRAMATTA-BULLDOGS TOTAL: 17.2

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ROOSTERS

Penelope Pittstop
The Tough Men of Rugby League
The title says it all. The toughest players in the toughest game of all.
634 words (inc title).
Score: 8.5

Roostargirl
A CHAMPION IS REWARDED
Exposé on Craig Wing who proved all the critics wrong.
753 words (inc title).
8.8 less word count penalty .2
Score: 8.6

Lord Reynoldson
Race for the 8
Top research and detailed analysis of the race for the top eight.
749 words (inc title).
Score: 8.2

The Backpacker
Brothers in Arms
Jason Cayless and the well known woe of being called 'someone's brother.'
750 words (inc title).
Score: 8.8

ozzie
The Photograph
Wonderful version of events that led up up the now famous 'Gladiator' photograph.
628 words (inc title).
Score: 8.3

ROOSTERS TOTAL: 42.4

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ROOSTERS 42.4 defeat PARRAMATTA-BULLDOGS 17.2
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Forummer of the match: DvdHntr (Parramatta-Bulldogs)

Well played everyone.

 

[The Backpacker]

Cheers ref. A nice quick turn around much appreciated.

 

[The Engineers Room]

Well Zef and I could almost win a game if we posted twice each. And BTW sorry about the mispelt words. I wasn't paying attention. I'm usually anal about that sort of thing.