Round 9 (2008) Panthers v Cougars

[Willow]

Forum 7s - Round 9 2008
PENRITH PANTHERS v COUGARS​

-v-

​

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

Naming Teams:
* 5v5 (+ 2 reserves for visiting team, 3 reserves for home team)
* No 'TBA' or changing players named
* Captains must stick with original teams named​

ALL THE RULES & REGULATIONS: http://f7s.leagueunlimited.com/rules.php​

FULL TIME: Wedneday 13 August 2008 at 9pm (Syd time)​

REFEREE: Willow
Venue: CUA Stadium​

**The Referee Blows Game On!**

CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL WORD COUNTER​

 

[griffo346]

HERE IS THE TEAM FOR THE COUGARS TO TAKE ON THE PANTHERS IN THE WESTERN SYDNEY SHIELD

Starting
1. griffo346 (c)
2. NKA
3. Big Pete
4. Dally Messenger
5. lockyno1

Bench
6. Mr. F (c)
7. 110K PantherPower

 

[Big Mick]

Penrith team to take on Cougars

1. Azkatro
2. [Furrycat]
3. Madunit
4. The Piper
5. Glockers

RES:
6. Big Mick
7. Leaguenut

 

[dallymessenger]

In his second game, DM has ensured his spelling is spot on, as in the past misspelling players nicknames has been a major source of embarrasment.

Never Before, Never Again.



In 1956 a cyclone was about to hit the world of rugby league in Sydney. It would eventually result in rule changes to the game, and a new team brought in to stop the juggernaut. That cyclone was the Saint George RLFC, whose premiership reign lasted continuosuly until 1966.

A world record for any sport in its day, it still remains a record in our game, and will never be matched in these days of a salary cap. The legacy of that streak is a club loved over much of Australia.

The impact of that era is reflected in Saints having 3 Immortals from that team, more than any other rugby league club. The Immortals played their part in these achievements, but as always in a team sport, there was more than these high profile players.

The 3 Immortals are of course Reg "Puff the Magic Dragon" Gasnier, John "Chook" Raper and Graham "Changa" Langlands. Reg was a local kid playing for the Renown club. Gasnier debuted for Saints in 1959, and was one of the most skillful centres the game has ever seen. A series of knee injuries took away much of his pace and caused him to retire from the game early.

Chook Raper was signed from the Newtown club, and made his debut for saints in 1959. Raper was a genuine character in the game, often enjoying wild nights out in Sydney. Regularly he would come home drunk in the early hours of the morning, before backing up and playing with only a few hours sleep. Raper gained further fame as the man in the bowler hat when it appeared he had run around naked on a tour to England, wearing just a hat for cover (it wasnt actually him).

Graham Langlands was signed from Wollongong. Legendary saints boss Frank Facer sent Laurie Doust to check the guy out. The reply came back, he's no good, he can only step off one foot, he'll get killed in Sydney. Langlands was signed anyway by Facer, and proved how wrong Doust's comments were when he proceeded to show a massive step off either foot in his first game, tearing the opposition apart. Langlands sadly is remembered for his performance in the 1975 grand final, when his poor performance was blamed on the white boots he wore that day. The real reason was a pain killing needle gone wrong had made his leg numb, and its sad that such a gifted player is remembered in this way.

Outside these names, there are others who made probably more of a contribution to that winning run. Norm Provan is probably the most notable, starting his career with the club in 1951. Famous for the "Gladiators" photo after the controversial 1965 grand final against Wests, Norm Provan was a succesful Captain/Coach of the team for many years.

Ken "Killer" Karney is another who doesn't get the accolades he deserves. A cunning hooker, Kearney learnt the art of forward play in England with Leeds, before returning to Saints and helping to develop their famous brick wall defence.

Similarly with Harry Bath, who played over 500 games with Warrington in England, before returning home to show Australian forwards a game involving offloads, instead of bash and barge. Bath also went on to coach Saints to grand finals in the 70s with his team known as "Bath's Babes".

Other notables were Billy "Captain Blood" Wilson, Brian "Poppa" Clay and Kevin "Kandos" Ryan. Wilson was a tough prop who formed the backbone of the Dragons forward power, Clay a skillful 5/8th and Ryan a second rower, signed from Rugby Union.

Of those grand finals wins, the 1963 and 1965 grand finals stand out. In 1963 Wests controversially lost their third straight grand final to Saints with allegations the referee(Darcy Lawler) had bet on Saints before the game. In 1965 a record crowd exceeding 80,000 packed the SCG to watch Saints defeat Souths. Such was the crowd that people were sitting on top of the stands.

When that winning run came to a halt against Canterbury in 1967, even Canterbury fans had tears in their eyes as people realized that the winning run was over.

Today you would never see a club winning 11 straight, but luckily for some they did manage to see it 50 years ago.

 

[NK Arsenal]

NKA for the mighty Cougars

Good luck all.

*****

The Five Advantages​

This season is meant to be the centenary season, and we are meant to be celebrating. But instead we have all being crying out loud thinking that AFL has taken over traditional Rugby League territory. It’s not all doom and gloom people. Whilst Australian Football can claim that they have the most memberships and highest crowds in any Australian sports league we can brag about having five advantages over them.

1. SYDNEY – Since 1907, when ex-cricketer Victor Trumper and co. had a meeting in Batemans Crystal Hotel in Sydney and the New South Wales Rugby Football League was born, we’ve had the advantage of Sydney. This place has always been the home of Rugby League (in Australia at least) and will continue to be but people are panicking over the AFL putting a team in the Western Sydney suburb of Blacktown. There is no need to, though. Rugby League is still the game that runs the town. We still have the advantage of producing more juniors here than any other sport. AFL has to inflate figures to show that they are actually doing successful here. Sydney is Australia’s biggest city in terms of population, and if we give up on Sydney, we may as well give up on Rugby League.

2. NEWS LIMITED & NINE – I know that most of the readers of this article were laughing when they saw those four words (including the ampersand) because of the way they prop up AFL, but the fact is they are an advantage. News Ltd has kept the Melbourne Storm, the game’s most foreign club, in the last 10 years and we should thank them for that. News Ltd need to do things that are in the interests of Rugby League to benefit their product. The same applies to Nine. Despite not showing AFL anymore, they continue to show their version of The Footy Show, and not show Melbourne Storm games at a respectable time.

3. INTERNATIONAL FUTURE – In this year, 2008, both Rugby League and Aussie Rules will be holding their international events. Rugby League’s will be hosted across the eastern seaboard of Australia, from Townsville to Melbourne with the final in Brisbane. It’s going to be a great event that’s had a few minor hiccups but guaranteed financial success. Australia goes into the event as favourites, but we know that the other nine countries do have a chance of winning the RLWC trophy on November 22. Meanwhile, AFL’s International Cup is a farce and will be hosted in Warrnambool, a Victorian regional city. They are too afraid to include Australia because they know that they will give the other teams a severe beating. The closest thing to internationals that AFL fans will experience in a while was this year’s Victoria v Dream Team match.

4. TV RATINGS – Rugby League is still the most watched show on Pay TV in Australia. This year alone, the NRL can boast that it has 64 of the top 100 sports matches on Foxtel. The AFL has a miserable 23. However, Foxtel pays only $42m/year for five Rugby League matches per week compared to $50m/yr for four Aussie Rules matches per week. This year State of Origin got record ratings in the OzTAM areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Rugby League’s seventh most important match this year (behind NRL Preliminary Finals, Grand Final and RLWC Semi Finals and Final) in State of Origin 3 almost out-rated last year’s AFL Grand Final. We cannot forget how regional viewers are constantly ignored in the television ratings either.

5. PAPUA NEW GUINEA – In Papua New Guinea, Rugby League is a religion. It is their national sport, so it came as no surprise when Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd presented his Papua New Guinean counterpart a Brisbane Broncos jersey with pride. They have produced some famous names in Rugby League – Marcus Bai, Adrian Lam and Stanley Gene to name a few. The country has a semi-professional Rugby League competition, but in time they will get what they truly deserve, a team in the National Rugby League. Michael Searle, the Gold Coast Titans CEO has floated the idea of a team based in Darwin and Port Moresby.

*****

709 words

Sources:

http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/how-the-afl-boosts-its-numbers-to-sell-its-game/2008/07/11/1215658140139.html
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/ratings-show-nrl-dudded-in-rights-deal/2008/07/16/1216162958657.html
http://blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare/archives/2008/06/
http://blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare/archives/2007/09/
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,24037371-5006066,00.html
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/regional-viewers-blown-off-map/2008/07/31/1217097437991.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1

 

[madunit]

madunit for the Panthers (hasn't missed a game for the Panthers for 2 straight years now)

A Statistical Insight

With the finals of the 2008 Premiership drawing nearer, I have taken some time to analyse results from the games history in an attempt to determine who will claim Premiership glory this year.

Of the 88 times that finals matches have been played to declare a winner, the Premier had been defeated by the runner-up prior to the final in that season on 67 occasions. More amazing is the fact that this has happened 39 times in the last 44 years alone.

The last Premiers to achieve the feat of not being beaten by their runner-up was Brisbane in 1998, when they beat Canterbury 20-12 and 40-12 in regular season matches, then 38-12 in the Grand Final.

Eighth place has won a finals match ever, rendering eighth spot a death knell and completely useless.

Seventh placed teams have rarely seen the Preliminary Finals. Two appearances, in 2000 and 2004 are all they have, meaning that it too is a pointless finals addition.

The last time the sixth placed team made it to the Grand Final was in 1999. Since then, sixth has been in the Preliminary finals twice, in 2003 and 2006, thus it too is unlikely of premiership glory.

The fifth placed team has had one grand final appearance, in 2005. Aside from that, fifth has seen 3 Preliminary Finals series. Their appearance in 2007 was the first since 2002.

Now we move onto the top four sides. No team lower than fourth on the premiership ladder has won a Grand Final since the Bulldogs in 1995, when they won from sixth.

Fourth has claimed two premierships, in 2005 and 2002. Fourth also has not lost a grand final since 1998. However fourth hasn’t been in preliminary finals football since that victory in 2005.

Third and second have both participated in 7 of the last 10 preliminary finals series’. Third has claimed three Premierships while second only have one premiership and three runners-up tags.

Second has been in the last five preliminary finals series’, claiming a premiership and two runners-up prizes in that time.

First have had four premierships, four runners-up and two preliminary round losses. They have made it to the final four every time over the last 10 years. First has beaten second three times in premiership deciders, and lost just once in the last 10 years, making them very likely opponents in this years Grand Final.

Let’s see if we can predict the outcome for this years decider.

At present, the top four teams are Manly, Melbourne, Cronulla and the Roosters.

Cronulla have beaten Manly and Melbourne already this year and are yet to play the Roosters, meaning that they will more than likely expect a loss on Grand Final day against these two. However, fourth has won four grand finals and lost none since 1991.

Manly have lost to both Melbourne and Cronulla; however they have beaten the Roosters, leaving them in good stead for Premiership glory. The runner-up has claimed premiership glory the following season just 8 times since 1938. However, Melbourne did it just last year after losing the decider in 2006 to Brisbane.

If Manly remain at first though, they will have a strong chance of overcoming the Storm statistically speaking, but will struggle against a third placed side, as first has lost two deciders against third. First has played in 78 of the 88 deciders in the games history, winning 55.

The Roosters have beaten Melbourne, lost to Manly and are yet to play the Sharks. Fourth haven’t been beaten in a decider by first since 1991, so the Roosters stand a chance if they play Manly in the Grand Final. If they play someone else, they will most likely lose.

Melbourne have lost to Cronulla and Roosters but beaten Manly. If they were to advance to the Grand Final they will have statistics and history on their side to beat the Sharks and the Roosters, but not Manly. Second has won just 17 of 47 appearances in premiership deciders.

So to make it simpler – here is how the Grand Finals will end up for the top 4 teams, based on statistics and history.

Manly v Melbourne – Manly wins
Manly v Cronulla – Cronulla wins
Manly v Roosters – Roosters win
Melbourne v Cronulla – Melbourne wins
Melbourne v Roosters – Melbourne win
Cronulla v Roosters – Cronulla win

Or it may go the other way…

740 Words, including title.

Source:
www.rugbyleagueproject.com

 

[lockyno1]

Stopping the Exodus

A quiet morning in Sydney or so it seems….at Canterbury Bulldogs training…but there is one problem one person is not here…Sonny Bill Williams. Word has come through that he is “sick” but it is suspicious as he was seen having drinks last night at the pub. Eventually news comes through that SBW has boarded a flight bound for France…he plans to join the club Toulon in France playing Rugby Union. But is there anything rugby league can do to stop this happening in the future?

Well firstly it is essential to establish some of the facts. At its current state the NRL cannot compete, it has poor crowds, and frankly not enough money. This is seen by the NRL chief executive officer stating that the money available is only as much as the salary cap. So in turn the aim for any change must be to improve these two factors.

The first and most important factor is money. In the end as a professional sportsman, money in the end is the primary factor. One strategy to improve the amount of money players can be offered is to cancel any restrictions on third party payments. This would mean that players can earn the most they can through sponsorships, etc without any of this being declared under the cap. This could mean that if Nike wants SBW then they could pay SBW any money amount. This means that the players are able to earn more even though the cap is still in place.

Another way to increase the money would be through a marquee players system. This would enable one to two players being exempt from the cap and this in turn would create an increase in money for the remaining 23 players to be fit under the other cap. The marquee players can be paid any particular amount and this should enable clubs to keep their most highly prized players from leaving to Rugby Union or the ESL in Europe. Now this is a rational approach and this puts the onus on the clubs to find the money and be more marketable. But in this age clubs must take some onus on themselves to find more money for the top line players of their club.

Another way that more money could be found would be by introducing a scheme that is used in cricket where the top 30 players are except from the cap. This puts the onus on the NRL to find the money. The only problem with this is the top 30 players is a very subjective topic and one that is often debated long and hard by many experts. Coming up with a formula to come up with the top 30 players in the game could be difficult and time consuming. However, it will increase what the players can earn and this will allow the clubs to focus on football operations rather than finding capital.

These three ways are essential and probably a combination of all three needs to be adopted into the NRL so that the NRL can retain the stars of our competition. If the NRL fails to act, make no mistake the NRL will struggle to survive beyond 2015. That is how severe this is and as a result measures are needed urgently.

Crowds also play a role in keeping players in the game. Crowds in general apart from Queensland are poor, make no mistake about it. Last week 90,000 fans went to a AFL match in Sydney…yet in the NRL a “good” crowd is 20,000 in Sydney. This frankly is not good enough. The most obvious way to change this is to eliminate playing at large stadiums EXCEPT in cases where demand is at its highest. People do not want to sit in an 80,000 seat stadium and have only 10,000 people there. It frankly looks pathetic. Playing in stadiums with atmosphere with near sellouts will help retain these players as they will want to play in these stadiums.

Therefore, it can be said that money is the primary factor in forcing players out of the country. Measures must be taken to ensure the top line players are being paid more than they are at the moment. Crowds need serious improvements and stopping playing at larger stadiums would increase the atmosphere. This in turn will help keep players in the NRL and this will decrease the exodus to England and to Rugby Union. A balance between money and a fair competition is needed though. As a sport we do not want only two or three teams being able to win the competition.

768 words

 

[The Piper]

Piper for the

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The 2028 Forum Sevens Year in Review

And what a year it was. A lot was depending on the highly contested Possibles Versus Probables pre season tournament, with many teams vying for a spot in the games premier league. With the town finally comprising their own team in the National Rugby League competition, the League Unlimited forummers from the Central Coast were writing up a storm to prove the could match it with the big guns in F7s first grade. Only just accounting for the Death Ninjas in the semi, the Gosford boys and girls came up against a dawnting task in the Illawarra Steelers F7s side. The Steelers, the 2027 PvP champions with one foot in the 2028 season door, were out to reclaim their title, but were done by the Coast 442-403. The Central Coast was invited two days later to play in the Forum Sevens.
In a record that no club would want, the Covell Brigade now competed in six straight PvP competitions, eleven overall, but are yet to be admitted to the F7s.

www.leagueunlimited.com planned to fills its forums with two classic clashes to begin Round 1. Two teams that had claimed finals spots over and over again for the past ten years were to battle it out straight up. The Newtown Bluebags took on the might of the Easts Roosters, who sat out a few seasons some years ago, but were back with a vengeance. In an upset, the Roosters defeated the Bags by just three points.
The other season opener contained the previous year’s surprise packets in the North Queensland Cowboys, facing another finalist, the Cronulla Sharks. The great El Coconuto-coached team returned from obscurity to take his previously defunct club back into exsitance and back into semi final F7s. Falling short of the grand final, El Coco has assured fans that he has retired from any Forum Sevens duties for good. The Cows beat the Shire writers in a high scoring affair.

This year, there were over 100 members online at the same time as the marks were dished out for the Australia versus New Zealand Test in April. Aussie captain Willow produced another mid 90s scoring article to see the green and gold victorious 630-616. Although there were unsavory claims of favouritism from one particular Kiwi, it’s always wonderful to see closely contended 7v7 representative matches. Sources say Willow will be playing until 3028.

Round 4 saw both a local derby and Grand Final rematch in the one contest. Runners up the Parramatta Eels went not so way out west to take on the reigning premiers the Penrith Panthers at CUA Stadium, without leaving their computer chairs. The result went the same way as last year’s “big one”. Captain Little Mick, alleged son of F7s legend Big Mick ©, took the forummers in black to the top of the table once more with a 428-420 win.

Speaking to Big Mick at the renowned Backpacker Medal night, he said he was proud of the boy, but insisted that DNA results had not returned to prove or deny anything as yet.
The prestigious award went the way of Jesbass Jr.

A disturbing situation rose when a Round 8 game was marked controversially by a referee known for his outlandish remarks. The match ended in a 0-all draw, when the ref insisted that he “didn’t get” any of the articles submitted. Both teams took it well, as the game of Forum 7s is played for the fun of it, and not to be taken too seriously.

At the business end of the year, the top eight consisted of teams new and old, with one of each unfortunately dropping out after the first round of finals. In week two of September, the Bluebags defeated the Raiders and Wests Tigers beat the Cougars. After Penrith and the Redcliffe Dolphins had a week off, the Panthers made it through to the decider, while the Queenslanders went down to Newtown by a single point.

It now comes to the present time, the eve of the 2028 Grand Final. The Penrith Panthers are to battle it out with the Newtown Bluebags for the Backpacker Shield. Whoever takes home the trophy and whoever goes home empty handed, it has been one of the best ever seasons of the great Forum Sevens competition. We are all hoping that the 2029 season of F7s will be even better!

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735 words

 

[Big Pete]

Where’s The Heart?​

It’s a simple yet fair question, where has the heart gone from Rugby League? No I don’t refer to the actual body organ nor the power Ma-Ti from Captain Planet fame possessed. I refer to heart in a metaphorical sense, as a way to describe a gutsy performance from a player, team or from the code itself. Sadly as of this day the 12th of August the heart Rugby League once so proudly presented has all but gone.

When did it disappear?

It’s hard to pin point an actual time or date however it has been fleeting for quite some time. Most League fans will tell you it died the day Super League came into power back in the early stages of 1994 others will tell you it died fairly recently with the defection of key players to other codes or countries for money. My take on the day Rugby League well and truly showed it lost it’s heart was part way through this season when I noticed an abundance of players being applauded by the media/players who for mine don’t deserve half the accolades they receive. Take for instance the case of Sonny Bill Williams.

My greatest apologies must go out to each and every Bulldogs supporter who reads this article however this is my humble opinion, an opinion I’ve kept to myself for quite some time. When Sonny Bill Williams came to fame back in 2004/5 as arguably the most talented player of all time I couldn’t help but accept what was said. However when there was talk of Williams being a great human being and a wonderful team player I couldn’t help but think it was a beat up and sadly I was proven right on Saturday night when Williams committed arguably the worst act of any Rugby League player, walking out on the game, his team mates and the fans all for one reason: money. Williams may say otherwise but unless he’s secretly the real life James Bond and he’s saving the world, his sole reason is money.

Over the past few days I’ve been hearing pundits say “Big deal he was only a Rugby League player” but there is much more to it. It’s true Rugby League is just a sport by definition but to the people and the players Rugby League has gone past that point. Rugby League is a sport that reflects the attitudes and beliefs of every player and fan involved. League is renowned for its action on the field but what sets it apart from other sports is the frequent amount of heart on display. Heart isn’t a very complicated term in fact it’s such a simple demonstration. Yet as fans we’ve seen so very little of it so far this season. Maybe it’s best to provide some examples just to clarify what heart is?

For mine one player in one game typified what Rugby League meant to me. That player was Paul Bowman and the game was Origin 1 2003 known as one of the toughest games in the history of Rugby League. New South Wales had made a daring break down the middle of the field before Bowman made a vital tackle to stop the Blues player in his tracks. During the process of the tackle Bowman had broken his leg and was unable to stand up straight due to the amount of pain. However with his team on the back foot Bowen mustered all his strength to tackle the next player who came his way before succumbing to the pain. Being a 13 year old at the time I never once understood why Bowman risked his own health to make that one dying tackle but have since grown to understand his justification. Bowman was doing an act of a selfless person. He knew once he’d worn that Maroon jersey he wasn’t just representing himself and his team mates, he was representing the state and everyone who’d lived in it. From the battlers to the wealthy Bowman represented each living and breathing person as he put in everything he could to make each and everyone of those people proud. For that one play Paul Bowman will be able to hold his head higher than Sonny Bill Williams could ever do so in my books.

So in saying if the administration wanted to create more in-flow they’ve got to do so by promoting these values. Skills only get you so far, heart will always stand strong.

749 Words (Including Title)

 

[Azkatro]

Azkatro posting for the Panthers.

__________________________________________________

The disappointment of losing a great talent


Sonny Bill Williams was unleashed onto the NRL on a Saturday at 7.30pm. It was March the 13th, 2004 - round one of the 2004 season, and the Bulldogs were at home to the Eels. Williams wore a number 3 jersey and played in the centres.


The 42,717 supporters on hand at the Telstra Stadium had just witnessed a tight, yet mistake-riddled match between the Wests Tigers and Sharks. While some would have been aware of the feats of Williams during in the NSWRL Premier League the previous year, and in the pre-season trials, none could possibly have predicted what they were about to watch witness. Especially considering the added pressure on the Bulldogs' players with the infamous Coffs Harbour scandal still in full flight. Williams himself made headlines the week before for carelessly wearing a t-shirt bearing the inscription "We Play Dirty" to a police interview and DNA test related to a sexual assault case.


It certainly didn't bother the 18 year old too much. He went on to destroy the Eels in a first half display that nobody could forget.


A quick search of League Unlimited forum comments gives a clear picture of the kind of impression his performance left on fans.


"In 30 mintues [sic] he has already made 3 line breaks, set up to tries and scored one himself," says one person. "I have heard and read so much about him but to do what he has done 40 minutes into his 1st grade career is just astounding," gushes another. One person even offered a sentiment that was to come back later in his career when he mentioned "This was the most impressive debut I've seen. If he keeps playing like this I want him in the State of Origin Side.(and I dont give a damn that he's a kiwi)."


Despite all the turmoil surrounding him at such a young age, Williams allowed his talent to do all the talking. He was a young, softly spoken young man who - in 40 minutes of football - had already inspired countless youths around the world with his brilliant performance.


The NRL was introduced to the amazing talents of Sonny Bill Williams 4 years and 5 months ago.


Now when you mention his name, it is frustrating, saddening and disappointing to think that wonderful display on debut was just four and a half years ago.

Now he is in France, and is unlikely to even step foot in Australia in the forseeable future.


The chances of him playing rugby league, let alone in the NRL, again are practically zero.


I would like to take this opportunity to release my feelings about the situation. I don't care what is going through his mind. I don't care how he went about doing what he did. I don't care about what happens with his court summons. I don't care what the Bulldogs club do to try and stop him from playing overseas, nor do I care what the NRL does to help them. I don't care if he plays for the All Blacks. I don't care what he does anymore, full stop.


While I might have an opinion on all of those issues, at the end of the day they don't matter to me. It is all just hearsay now. His destiny is in his own hands.

What does matter to me is how disappointed I am that I will never get to see him display his remarkable talents in a game of rugby league again. There are a lot of things I love and hate. I hate Manly but I love seeing them lose. I hate tries from kicks but I love watching a chip and chase.


I hate the Bulldogs but I loved watching Sonny Bill play.


What is the point of this rant, you ask? There is none. I simply wanted to air my dirty laundry. Maybe there are other rugby league fans who will identify with my perspective.


Williams was one of the most incredible, naturally gifted athletes the NRL has ever seen. Now he is in France and playing rugby union, never to return, at the age of 23. While I understand you sometimes have to make decisions for yourself and your family, it doesn't make me any happier.


So I finish by saying this - damn you Sonny Bill, for taking your talents away from rugby league. The game will go on, but it is poorer for your loss.

__________________________________________________

747 words. Liftoff!

 

[griffo346]

griffo346 leading the cougars into the last game of the regular season
good luck all

*After reviewing the video footage of the game against the Raiders down in Canberra*

Elliott:Snoopy I think we need to call a team meeting about Sunday’s game. Can you summon the boys for me ‘bro.

Penrith Second Rower: Sup coach what we gunna chat about ‘bro.

Elliott:Boys we need to chat about what went wrong on Sunday’s game.

Elliott: boys - we will start with the basic aspect - this is a football. Catch it, hang on to it, pass it to your teammate, and run with it. Try to score against the opposition by putting it down behind this white line here - see? This is what Canberra did against us 25 times last weekend. It's not that hard. Any questions so far?

Penrith Second Rower: Sorry 'bro. What is it called again?

Elliott: A f**king football! It's a football dammit!

Elliott: Now. Let's talk about tackling. Does anyone know what a tackle is?

Penrith Second Rower: Well 'bro, if I remember correctly it is either something to do with fishing or the family jewels <followed by a series of high fives and lot's of laughter amongst the team>

Elliott: OK, ok let's leave tackling until another time. What about a game plan? Let's talk about the game plan.

Penrith Second Rower: Hey 'bro, we've played 20 games this season using the same game plan why should we talk about it now?

Elliott: What is wrong with my game plan?

Penrith Second Rower: Well 'bro - the whole game plan revolves around with Jarrod Sammut but we haven't seen Jaz for months so we are confused everytime we run onto the field.

Elliott: Really? I think you're right. Snoopy, make a note will you? "Must update game plan & replace Sammut with Luke Lewis".

Snoopy Collins: But Matty. Lewie is out injured.

Elliott: OK, just make it Wade Graham then!

Snoopy Collins: Injured.

Elliott: Bloody hell this coaching is hard. Look apparently I've got to nip upstairs Mike
Leary wants to have a chat to me about something. I'll be back in 5 minutes. Until then I want you all to have a good long hard look at the football and write a composition on "Why my football is my best friend".

Elliott:Snoopy can ya look after the drill for me while I go see Mike.

Snoopy Collins:No problem dog.

*The door closes as Elliott leaves the meeting bound for Mick Leary&#8217;s office*

*Elliott knocks on Leary&#8217;s Door, Leary says enter please*

Elliott: Hey Mick what you want to chat about mate?

Mick: Listen Matty we have had a really close eye on your achievements since you have relocated to Penno from Canberra and well Matty we as in the Board and I have decided to retain you for a further two years how&#8217;s that grab ya bro.

Elliott:Mick cuz that sounds freaking fantastic show me the dotted line and I will ink my siggy on the line bro.

*Elliott inks what it appears to be a two year deal to stay at the Panthers and this will see him at the foot of the mountains until 2011 which to some panthers fans doesn&#8217;t sit well*

*As the news travels on to PI (Panthers Interactive) that Elliott has re signed on for two more years the fans react in away that it sees that one fan is banned from PI*

Panthers Fan:f**k me management suck balls why sign this nuffy of a coach again for f**ks sake I don&#8217;t understand. We could of open discussions with other coaches on the market but nooooooo we had to go this nuffy.

*The fan struggles to come to grips with what he has read*

Elliott:Is that all Mick? If so thanks Mick and I will be looking forward to working with you until 2011. *Elliott gets up opens the door and leaves Leary&#8217;s office&#8230;. Door closes*

*Elliott walks out with a smile on his face and Snoopy goes whats up Matty*

Elliott:Snoopy I been re signed till 2011 mate I love being a first grade coach.

Snoopy Collins:Serious Matty you been re signed as club coach well congratulations.
Elliott: Thanks Mate it means a lot.

Snoopy Collins: Did Mick mention anything about me being re signed.

Elliott:Mate to be honest, he didn&#8217;t but surely he can&#8217;t forget you your part of my success here.

728 Words according to F7s word counter

 

[Willow]

 

[bartman]

Hard luck Panthers, coming up two short in a vital game. But well done Cougars on hitting 5 out of 5, with a chance on offer for the winner here to make the semis depending on other results.

Best of luck to all.

 

[Big Mick]

How was it vital...we had no chance to make the finals thanks to certain people anyway.

 

[bartman]

Um, Panthers get 5 posts in and a win, and you'd have fifth spot if the Ninjas go down in their match. Oh well, it obviously wasn't to be.

 

[Big Mick]

We were ready to go...but we were quite deflated as a team...and to be honest...I definately understand why...some decisions have been...interesting...to say the least.

 

[bartman]

Mate, you'd probably better leave it there... Wasn't meaning to have a dig or anything, just watching these games from the outside, while we finally kicked our feet up for our bye.

 

[Big Mick]

oh definately...not saying anything bad...just saying that my guys have been left disallusioned by the season thats all.

We'll be back better next year.

 

[griffo346]

Bad like BM and panthers sorry we couldnt see this as a 5v5

 

[Titanic]

No worries ... the Titans will remember their visit to CUA as a highlight of 2008.