Since when does "Rep" stand for reputation

[CULLUS.ONLINE]

Lockyer slams NRL Test squad critics
15:55 AEST Thu Apr 14 2005


Australian rugby league captain Darren Lockyer has fired back at critics of the Kangaroos squad to play New Zealand in Brisbane next Friday.

The 22-man squad, named earlier in the week, contains just three players from teams inside the top five.

But Lockyer believes players from last year's triumphant Tri-Nations campaign deserve to keep their spot regardless of how their team has fared this season.

Cronulla skipper Brett Kimmorley, Melbourne flyer Billy Slater and Manly recruit Ben Kennedy were the only players selected from sides inside the top five with selectors keen to maintain stability.

"These guys have played for Australia before, earned their reputation and the right to hold on to that jersey," Lockyer said.

"You can't just swap Australian teams all the time. You have to do a lot to earn the jersey and I think everyone has a right to hold onto it for as long as you can."

Lockyer was one of four Brisbane players picked in the squad that will be reduced to 17 following this weekend's round of NRL matches.

Shaun Berrigan, Petero Civoniceva and Tonie Carroll join their skipper in the squad that will be based on the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the Test against New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium next Friday.

Get stuffed Lockyer and the australia ****cough cough**** selectors. Its an absolute joke. "hey, we are coming last, but so what?"... i wonder if they would have accepted that argument this time last year?
A bunch of absolute suckups.

I really hope NZ win. I really really really do! It will finally show that "rep" does NOT stand for "reputation".

:evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

 

[Big_Bad_Shark_Fan]

its a joke
Watmough, Covell, Gallen , Wesser are the best players going round on form but dont get to play cause NRL are a joke

 

[JK]

Hopefully they will be considered in Origin and beyond.

 

[Coaster]

[
Get stuffed Lockyer and the australia ****cough cough**** selectors. Its an absolute joke. "hey, we are coming last, but so what?"... i wonder if they would have accepted that argument this time last year?
A bunch of absolute suckups.

I really hope NZ win. I really really really do! It will finally show that "rep" does NOT stand for "reputation".

:evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

So you think if a player has played 5 games well, he should be picked over players that have proven themselves time and time again, at the highest level??

This is the same reason Kiwis will never continualy win at any sport against Australia, The Australian Kangaroos like the Australian Cricket squad, should be select group of the best players in the competetion that have proven to be reliable and fit well as a group, to compete at the most elite level of the sport.

A player to gain a spot in that group, should and must first show that they can be better then the current player in that position for a period of time long enough for it not to be in doubt.

City vs Country is picked on form, not the Australian Rugby League Side

 

[CULLUS.ONLINE]

[
Get stuffed Lockyer and the australia ****cough cough**** selectors. Its an absolute joke. "hey, we are coming last, but so what?"... i wonder if they would have accepted that argument this time last year?
A bunch of absolute suckups.

I really hope NZ win. I really really really do! It will finally show that "rep" does NOT stand for "reputation".

:evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

So you think if a player has played 5 games well, he should be picked over players that have proven themselves time and time again, at the highest level??

This is the same reason Kiwis will never continualy win at any sport against Australia, The Australian Kangaroos like the Australian Cricket squad, should be select group of the best players in the competetion that have proven to be reliable and fit well as a group, to compete at the most elite level of the sport.

A player to gain a spot in that group, should and must first show that they can be better then the current player in that position for a period of time long enough for it not to be in doubt.

City vs Country is picked on form, not the Australian Rugby League Side

So your saying that someone who has played 30 minutes of football should be let in over someone who has proven themselves for six rounds? Or prehaps someone who has had the mumps and been dangerously out of form.

Look, i see where you are getting at in the "experience" argument, but in honesty, there should be more than 3 players from the top 5 in the aus squad (im not saying they have to be tigers because i don't think any of the tigers deserve it yet). My example: Mini.... if slater doesn't get the number 1 spot it proves that the selection system is a rought! Mini has done NOTHING this whole season besides punch and bash the living daylights out of players without the ball.

 

[Raider Azz]

Agree 100% insanneink. I expect the Queensland and NSW teams to be even more of a joke, too.

 

[TooheysNew]

insanneink?

 

[innsaneink]

Agree 100% insanneink. I expect the Queensland and NSW teams to be even more of a joke, too.

I see I'm having an effect on you. :lol:

 

[MitchEel]

its a joke
Watmough, Covell, Gallen , Wesser are the best players going round on form but dont get to play cause NRL are a joke

When are you going to get over the stupid comment by that f**kwit on Fox sports. Covell is nowhere near the Australian Test side or origin side standard. His only positive is that he is a good at best goalkicker. GET OVER IT

 

[Raider Azz]

Agree 100% insanneink. I expect the Queensland and NSW teams to be even more of a joke, too.

I see I'm having an effect on you. :lol:

I saw the Tigers avatar and assumed it was you. meh.

 

[Dakink]

CAnt say I disagree with Lockyer this early in the season though O'Meley would have to be on lucky bastado...

 

[brooksy19]

its a joke
Watmough, Covell, Gallen , Wesser are the best players going round on form but dont get to play cause NRL are a joke

When are you going to get over the stupid comment by that f**kwit on Fox sports. Covell is nowhere near the Australian Test side or origin side standard. His only positive is that he is a good at best goalkicker. GET OVER IT

I dont care what Wayne Pearce said, no one calls him a f**kwit.

 

[Twizzle]

what did they expect Lockyer to say, the captain has to come out in support of his coach and selectors

 

[Lantana]

Hang on, you can't just throw peolple into the Australian team because they have had 4 good NRL games?
Should Minichello, who has been playing well behind an uncreative team be forced to relinquish his jersey that he busted his arse for 3 years for and WON the Tri Nations final in because his team isn't winning the comp.
The Australian jersey has prestige and responsibility, sure Slater etc could handle fullback but why would you get rid of somebody who has proven themselves at this level?
Could be a couple of good selectors on these boards, "mmm he's playing well give him one.....mmm so is he....and him.....oh and what about him, his team is coming forth....hold on what do you mean we can only hand out 17 jumpers?
Absolutley no chance of nerves getting to a player who has represented his country before.
Thart is why we have City V Country and State of Origin to get guys ready for the Australian team.

 

[Mr Saab]

some people in this world just have NO F'N idea

Callus you are one of those!
So a player has played 5 good games...does that mean he is better than someone has been there and done that and done it well??????????
Wesser has had 5 good games yes, but what was his form like in 2004? wasnt that great was it? yes he made origin, but that was more to do with his 2003 form when he scored 25 tries. After origin he was not playing that well. Before 2003 he was struggling at best.
Minichello has been playing very well since he took over the fullback spot in 2004 for australia. He was player of the tri series. Does that count for nothing? A player who excelled at the highest level and was better than his other illustrious peers.
Minichello has done NOTHING wrong (i hate the chooks too) and deserves his spot.
5 games do not make a career. We cant just chop and change the team every time someone is in white hot form. If wesser maintains his form throughout the yr and then plays very well in origin then he will force his way in there.
From 1992-1994 Paul Sironen was playing in an avg to crap Tigers team (esp 1994) but he was always chosen to represent for NSW and Australia as he was tried and true and a great performer. He had competition for his 2nd row spot, but he was always chosen because of his class and ability to rise to the challenge in the rep arena.
Canberra are on top of the comp in 2005. Name me one player, one...that deserves to be there ahead of the ones chosen in the 23 man squad.
Watmough has been playing great for manly, but would you put him ahead of Fitzgibbon, or Ryan or Hindmarsh? I dont think so. Those guys have been consistent over a number of yrs and dont deserve to lose their spots to some 5 game upstart like Watmough.
THink before you whinge Callus.

 

[Big Mick]

Expect the players your saying to be considered for origin people and city v country.

This Australian team has been selected based on the fact that we kicked ass over in England.

The team for the end of the year could be completely different.

 

[Southern Rooster]

its a joke
Watmough, Covell, Gallen , Wesser are the best players going round on form but dont get to play cause NRL are a joke

Covell, Gallen play for Australia you smokin cones again. Covell will never play rep footy he is a reasonable first grader.

Watmough played well last year and is playing well again this year and could sneak a spot for NSW on the bench MAYBE but it's a big maybe.

Wesser can consider himself the unlucky one as he has been playing consistently for 3 seasons now and I am sure he will be in the QLD side somewhere. Actually a back three of Wesser, Slater, Williams for QLD could be exciting.


As for Covell :lol: :lol: :lol:

And lastly the ARL pick the Australian side it has nothing to do with the NRL. Best get your facts straight.

 

[skeepe]

Canberra are on top of the comp in 2005. Name me one player, one...that deserves to be there ahead of the ones chosen in the 23 man squad.

I'm sure you guys are sick of hearing it but you did ask. Clinton Schifcofske. He is the best defensive fullback in the game, has an electric attack and great vision. His form has been consistently high for the last 3 years, unlike most fullbacks who have a few great games then a few bad games.

There's your answer.

 

[Mr Saab]

clinton has been playing well, no question. However he hasnt been playing that great to displace Minichello...or minichello has not been playing that bad to be dropped. Mini was player of the tour in 2004....counts for "something"

 

[Jimbo]

some people in this world just have NO F'N idea

So a player has played 5 good games...does that mean he is better than someone has been there and done that and done it well??????????

Reminds me of last year when everyone was bagging the selection of Kimmorley...