Tri-Nations Game III (2005) NEW ZEALAND Vs GREAT BRITAIN

[roosterboy60]

[font=Times New Roman, Times, serif]New Zealand Kiwis v Great Britain Lions[/font]
The Henry and Robbie Paul Cup

[font=Times New Roman, Times, serif]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 and is at the discretion of the referee.
Only original essays, not used in previous games, will be marked by referees.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman, Times, serif]REP Match rules:
7 posts per team.
Teams allowed 3 reserves each.
Total (including reserves): 10 players per team.

Rules: http://f7s.leagueunlimited.com/rules.asp[/font]

[font=Times New Roman, Times, serif]Full Time: Wednesday 30th November at 9pm (Syd time)[/font]

[font=Times New Roman, Times, serif]Venue: The Front Row Stadium

Crowd: 20,160
REFEREE: Mystique[/font]

[font=Times New Roman, Times, serif]**Referee Blows Game On!**[/font]

 

[Robster]

Kiwis team

Robster (c) (souths)
LeagueNut (panthers)
Edabomb (Newton)
Warrior_soul (Warriors pvp)
Parra_panther (Lions)
Half (pirates)
Dragons_psa (Newton)

Bench
jasbass (Warriors pvp)
Esoj (Souths)
Murphdogg1 (Souths)

 

[Dragon_psa]

It's haka time!

Ka Mate! Ka Mate!
Ka ora! Ka ora!
Tenei te ta ngata puhuruhuru
Nana nei i tiki mai whakawhiti te ra!
Hupane kaupane!
Hupane kaupane
Whiti te ra!

 

[Misanthrope]

chriswalkerbush leads the proud Great Britain Lions out onto the field, ready to do battle with the Kiwis.

Great Britain and Irish Lions
1: MrCharisma (Glebe Dirty Reds/Newcastle Knights)
2: Rammo (The OC Rhinos)
3: griffo346 (Cronulla Sharks)
4: chriswalkerbush (c) (Glebe Dirty Reds/Newcastle Knights)
5: Mizilikazi (The OC Rhinos)
6: bartman (The OC Rhinos)
7: gothebears (Penrith Panthers)

8: Big Mick (Penrith Panthers)
9: Hightown Tiger (The OC Rhinos)
10: terracesider (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

 

[Mzilikazi]

Mzilikazi takes the first brave hit up for the Mother Country before going insane:

The morning after:

It infuriates - this sneering disdain from gnarled old warhorses for those that haven’t played the game.

“You can’t really have an opinion about this game” they growl out of battered lips “because you don’t really know what it is to play it”.

You can be sure that what they’re thinking of is one thing – the pain.

If you’ve never played the game of Rugby League you’ve no idea of the pain the game inflicts.

Sure the uninitiated can nod ascent to the theory that the body takes a battering, but it’s a little like saying you’ve experienced the Battle of the Somme because you’ve watched a documentary on the First World War.

Consider that at its very essence the game is little more than two walls of large men that run at each other and collide sometimes up to five hundred times in the space of 80 minutes of frenzied action.

There are few games that compare with the brutal combat that is Rugby League.

Of the contact sports AFL occurs in wide open spaces and the accent is on running. Rugby Union has far more breaks in play. American Football follows a similar format but the ball is only in play for an average of 12 minutes per weekend.

In comparison to League, basketball is little more than orchestrated ballet and it’s plainly obvious that a David Beckham wouldn’t last beyond the first hit-up!

And it is with the first hit-up that the pain begins. The ball slowly spirals into your hands as you sprint with all effort towards two or three men of similar size, hardened by hours on a weights bench. They stand less than ten metres away, slowly advancing with feet planted.

Hitting the defensive line at full pace takes immense bravery. One millisecond you are traveling at full pace, the next your momentum comes to a shuddering halt as you careen into several hard men with intent.

In many respects it would be preferable to run into a brick wall as at least it comes in a flat line with no possibility of stray knees and elbows shuddering into vulnerable areas of your person.

That first hit stings like fire. Inevitably it is enough to inflict the first bruise or worse still a cork.

Ah yes, the cork! That burning, throbbing sensation that comes from pulverized flesh smashed up against bone – capillaries and vessels exploding under impact and blood seeping into areas never intended.

I wince at just the thought of it!

Yet this is not the end. This is just the beginning. If the first hit-up takes bravery, the next requires insanity. For now the muscles are already burning, and the body is screaming in protest. And the brain knows what is coming next.

Yet you do it again – hurtling towards the wall for yet another round of pulverization. And again. And again. And again.

Along with the battering comes the fatigue. The lungs burning and gasping for air whilst the muscles tighten and legs begin to wobble. Overwhelming exhaustion overcomes the body as the limbs start to scream that another step is impossible.

It’s at just that point when the opposition winger makes that half-break. When weary body begrudgingly responds and propels itself forward against all odds to make the tackle that needs to be made. Few know the price that is paid when the brink of exhaustion is shattered.

Often the first price tag arrives late in the game. Excruciating cramps as muscles work themselves into golf balls sized knots, well intentioned trainers digging thumbs deeply into protesting fibre.

Twenty minutes pass and still the pain assaults unrelentingly - cramping so fierce that the prone player begins asking for death through gritted teeth.

There’s the long slow limp to the dressing shed, the victory song and half a dozen beers before the blissful ritual of the hot shower. Scalding hot water cascades over spent bodies as rivers of grime, sweat and blood snake downwards to form a brown puddle on the floor.

However it is the next morning when gnarled men form opinions on who knows what about the game.

You must have played the game to understand the weary response to alarm clock, the fall to the floor and the bone weary crawl to the medicine cabinet. The agony of those excruciating, knife in the flesh stabs of agony exuding from every pore.

Only a few understand the true cost of Rugby League.

(746 words including title)

 

[LeagueNut]

LeagueNut decides to try something a little different ...

LeagueNut (Kiwis)

Live!

Sunday morning, 6:47am - Good morning everyone, and welcome to the first ever LIVE F7's post! I'll be writing this as I watch the Kiwis take on the Kangaroos in the Tri-Nations final - and at this stage I've been struck by an illogical sense of optimism that maybe, just maybe, we'll be witnessing a mighty triumph for the Kiwi boys today!

7:06am - The build-up is underway. Both teams are looking pretty focused in the changing rooms (as they always do), and it looks pretty bloody cold at the ground. I'd still rather be there than here though! The crowd sounds decidedly pro-Kiwi, which can only be a good thing.

7:18am - There's nothing like a Haka to pump up the blood before a game. Here we go!!!

7:22am - KIWIS!!!!! This has to be a try! C'mon video ref .....

..... YOU BEAUTY!!! This is exactly the start we need!!

7:29am - The Kiwis are looking good at the moment, some great defense out there. Brian McLennan has done an awesome job with this team. Let's just hope we can keep him in New Zealand ...

7:35am - Geez, the Kiwis are starting to look a bit shaky. These commentators are useless as well - who cares what 'Europa' means???

7:41am - This is sensational!!! If Kidwell was offside, then I'm the Queen of England. I wish he'd got a decent shot on Luke O'Donnell as well, that guy pisses me off. Manu Vatuvei definitely deserves his Rookie award this year. C'mon Kiwis, you've got them rattled now!!

7:46am - Damn, why'd you have to go to the video?? It's clearly another FANTASTIC KIWI TRY!!!!! After a dusty start (and understandably so!!), Stacey has got his kicking game honed beautifully. VATUVEI IS A LEGEND! ... I just wish Stacey could kick some goals!

7:56am - The levels of optimism are sharply rising. The Kiwis are looking very solid, the Kangaroos are looking pretty rusty, and Stacey has finally kicked a goal. Memo Wayne Bennett - keep Willie Mason on for as long as possible!

8:04am - I think this is probably the best half of League I've seen from the Kiwis in a long, long time. Holding Australia to NIL after 40 minutes would have to be pretty rare, wouldn't it?? This ref could probably be handing a few more penalties out though, it wouldn't surprise me to see a sin-binning or two next half. (Steve Price??)

Every single Kiwi out there is playing the game of their lives at the moment.

8:13am - It's just occured to me that should the Kiwis pull off the impossible, it will probably mean more in Australia that their team lost than it will over here that WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!! That's kinda sad ... but it's not going to stop me screaming!

8:31am - Well, we're ten minutes in to the second half and it still looks like the impossible can happen. To tell you the truth, at the moment it all seems like a bit of a dream ...

8:34am - YYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! 22-zip! I remember having a mighty whinge when the Kiwis decided to pick Webby a couple of years ago ... but stuff that, he can be our next Prime Minister!!

8:38am - How bad are these Aussie forwards today?? Fitzgibbon looks half asleep, and he's not the only one. C'MON KIWIS!!!!!

8:43am - 24-nil, 20 minutes to go. This is simply unbelievable. If we could bottle the spirit that exists within these Kiwi boys today, we could make a fortune.

8:46am - Bugger. At first I thought he was buying some time, but it looks pretty serious for Nigel "Zoidberg" Vagana. The Sharks should use him at #6 next year, they'd be mad if they didn't.

8:55am - History has taught me some very harsh lessons - namely, it's impossible to rule out the Aussies from miracle comebacks. But to hell with that, it's not going to happen today. GO THE MIGHTY KIWIS ... 2005 TRI-NATIONS CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

9:10am - I'll keep on typing as soon as I've stopped crying ...

9:18am - Sometimes there are simply no words. I'm still shaking a bit, and I keep randomly screaming in pure elation. These boys have achieved the impossible dream, and every single one of them rated a 10/10 with that performance. As Danny Buderus said, the Aussies had everything to lose ... and they just did.

This is one very happy Kiwi signing off.
YYYYYYYEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!


750 words including title.

 

[Robster]

warrior_soul comes off, in comes Murphdogg1 for his international debut.

 

[Rammo]

Rammo is sent to the blood bin after an early punch-up with his fired-up Kiwi opposite.

He is attended to by the Great Britain Medical Staff.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LETTING OFF SOME STEAM


I write this article knowing that it will be my final one for the year and I would just like to take this opportunity to let off some steam.

Australia were beaten comprehensively in the Tri-Nations final and there needs to be a serious overhaul of selection processes. There will be no hiding in this article, all will be spilt out onto the table.

Petero Civoniceva and Brent Tate are nowhere near the test match standard of football, but yet they were considered as certainties on the tour. Wayne Bennett picked these players because they are Broncos and good mates of his, lets not beat around the bush here.

But on Civoniceva in particular, a man considered a certain selection for rep sides for so long, but one has to wonder why.

The answer is obvious, he is a Bronco and a good mate of Bennett’s.

He would have to be one of the most overrated prop forwards of all time, he has played 20 tests for Australia, but as a Canterbury supporter, I can assure you that he would not make our current 17 if he was in our squad, or at least I wouldn’t have him there. But what would I know? I’m not Wayne Bennett.

Bennett raised eyebrows at the end of last season, choosing 6 Broncos in the Australian squad, but last year he was lucky enough to get away with it.

Australia have been so arrogant for so long, and the coach of the Australian side knew that a side chosen purely based on ‘loyalty’ would still be good enough to succeed.

He got away with it in 2004, Australia started shakily but managed to rampage Great Britain in the final, scoring 38 points in the first half.

This year Bennett decided to push the boundaries even further, choosing just 2 players who took part in the 2005 Grand Final in his squad.

Australia were shocked in Game One on home turf against the Kiwis.

Bennett came out with a “We will lose sometime” mentality.

How were his players supposed to react? The pressure should have been right on his players after that loss, but he then took the pressure off by saying that his team will lose a series sometime.

This would have developed a losing mentality. Bennett may not have intended this, nor would any coach in their right mind, but it’s amazing how things said by coaches in the media rub off on the playing group sub-consciously.

Australia felt as though they had got away with it again. Getting one win off the Kiwis and assuming that they would roll over on the European leg of the tour.

Hey, they weren’t the only ones, the tour organisers hadn’t even booked the Kiwi accommodation past the group stage.

Add to all this that Sonny Bill Williams and Benji Marshall, the Kiwis’ 2 best players, were missing from this tour.

Your time is up Wayne, it ended this morning, it was always going to be a matter of time.

It is unbelievable that it happened this year though, of all years, I mean, the Kiwis were injury ravaged and treated like crap for the whole tour.

The amazing thing is that Bennett is regarded so highly in the coaching ranks, but has he ever proven it?

He has coached Brisbane for years and had a team choc full of stars, I mean, my dog could coach a team to victory if it had the players.

Tim Sheens is a coach 10 times the value of Bennett, he began this year with a bunch of rejects, and pulled a premiership out of nowhere.

Bennett wouldn’t be able to even handle a situation like that, let alone succeed in it.

This victory from the Kiwis this morning has done Australian rugby league a favour, we all know now that the team will be selected on form, not incumbency or ‘loyalty’.

The incumbent case is not a strong one and it has never been, the best 17 players in Australia will always beat the best 17 from New Zealand.

The problem for Australia, is that they haven’t been selecting the best 17 players for sometime now.

The only people that can beat Australia are the ARL selectors, and they stood out especially well this morning.

Coaches for rep sides should have no association with any club, this is the only way to stamp out this ongoing favouritism.

It’s time to go Wayne, we’ve all woken up now.

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750 Words (Not including title)

 

[Robster]

Murphdogg1's debut will have to wait , as the captain as decided to use jesbass instead.

 

[Robster]

Murphdogg1 comes on the field again to replace Dragon_psa, the interchange bench is in shambles.

 

[Murphdogg1]

Murphdogg1 with the ball......


Could Bluey Coach NRL?
By Murphdogg1


Brian McClennan. What a year for the rookie coach. In the space of a month the man has out-coached the great Wayne Bennett twice on the way to a Tri Nations title. The man nobody knew 6 weeks ago and the man everyone in international league is talking about today.

Closer inspection of his triumph uncovers that he is a master of both detail and the ‘ambush’ tactic. One example of his on field tactic is the mousetrap play has been brought back to great effect by this coach, slowing opposition’s defensive line speed. His tactics can also be seen off field in press conferences. He mixes confidence in his team while also taking pressure off by eagerly claiming underdog status whenever possible.

By ambushing the world champions twice, once in their own backyard and another in the Tri Nations final, it is clear that this coach is perfect for the Kiwis, his ability to get this team to perform even without some of their superstars is a top effort and it is obvious to all that he will be the Kiwis coach for a long time and deservedly so.

But does this coaching success at international level translate into club league such as the NRL?

Much of McClennan’s success is based on passion and pride for the black and white jumper, short tournaments based on passion is a different proposition to a 26 round NRL competition. This is not to say one is easier than the other as McClennan has had to deal with the idea of touring (something not overly familiar to Rugby League players) and having to get players from all over the world to buy into the one game style quickly.

Getting players up for the ‘big games’ will not get consistent success in the NRL. To succeed in this tournament much more of a campaign mentality is needed, with the seemingly ‘small time’ games against lower opposition just as important as Friday night contests.

McClennan as a coach brings back memories of Paul Vautin in his days as Queensland origin coach, operating on passion and a special connection with the players. Although McClennan does have some pedigree in coaching with his father being a legendary St Helens coach of the 1980s and Brian himself coaching to two Bartercard Cup premierships in the last five years.

Although it seems as if ‘Bluey’ as he is known, will be coaching the Kiwis for a long time and mixing club duties with the international position does not always work as can be gathered from Daniel Anderson’s reign of the Kiwis and now the pressure applied upon Wayne Bennett of the Kangaroos.

Another issue would be talent. If he was to start coaching in the NRL he would almost certainly have to start with a team lacking talent compared to its rivals. One issue with coaching the 2005 Kiwis he has had quite a bit of talent at his disposal with a host of quality New Zealand players coming on the scene over the last few years. He may not have this same level of talent if he was to coach an NRL side.

The obvious transition would be to become coach of the Warriors once he has established himself in the international scene a while longer. Although once again this can cause problems with bias becoming an issue. Wayne Bennett has been criticised of late for picking players with big reputations rather than on form.

Brisbane players such as winger Brent Tate (who was exposed by his opposite in the Final) and prop Petero Civoneciva chosen ahead of Grand Final stars such as North Queensland’s Tai Williams and Wests Tigers John Skandalis. One of the strengths of McClennan’s plan in 2005 was that he brought a fresh approach with no pre conceived ideas about players or bias. Coaching of the New Zealand based Warriors could brings this upon Bluey and also hinder his time with his emphasis split between two priorities.

However, a man who has coached the Kiwis to arguably their greatest ever success with a month in the job definitely has started on the path to receiving a coaching position in the NRL. If and probably when he is coaching in NRL, his ability to translate his international success to the NRL is an issue which will be greatly observed by all in the near future.

 

[bartman]

Bartman makes a hit up for GB&I close to the sideline, casting a curious eye to the confusion on the Kiwi bench...

- - - - -

"Who are ya?"

"Who are ya? Who are ya?" The crowd at Elland Road Stadium stood and chanted, directing their question and pointed fingers toward the obvious group of Australian fans all seated together, the ever-conspicuous Fanatics. They turned around and returned fire - such is the way amidst a mob of like-minded supporters, who'll cling even more fiercely to their pride when the team they support is getting a pounding on the field.

Being seated among mostly friendly English fans - and also being a bit less identifiable than the Fanatics - I could afford to sit back and have a chuckle at all this crowd banter from a safe distance. But at 24-0 down, watching my national team under-perform against the underdogs, it got me thinking… they've actually got a point!

Representative rugby league is a peculiar beast. At certain times through the year we willingly put aside our club allegiances and prejudices and unite to cheer for teams built around a broader sense of place. We do this automatically, almost through instinct toward our "blues" or our "maroons", our "kiwis", "lions" or "kangaroos"… ignoring for that moment our personal views on the particular players, coaching tactics or selection decisions. It's the best example of low-consequence blind national (or regional) pride in action, and it feels good!

But exactly who are we? What exactly am I cheering for underneath all this green and gold? Why do I feel united behind a collection of 17 uniformed men running around a field with a strange shaped ball? And what's so important about it to me and to everyone else in this stadium?

I'm sitting in the terraces with my girlfriend, who has thankfully been accepting of my passion for rugby league, without knowing who half the players on the field are. But there she is seeming more fervently patriotic that me! When an Australian player ends up on the receiving end of some boos from Kiwi supporters in the crowd, she's on her feet responding and defending their honour, while I just shrink into my seat, fearing she might start a Fanatics-like situation complete with mass pointing and chanting….

During the game I found myself yelling out support to Brent Tate and respecting the effort he was making in the face of injury and inadequate interchange options. But in club competition I'd be much less forgiving. I also yell out encouragement to "Gaz" and "Coops" and even to Trent Barrett - all players I would hope beyond hope to have quiet games whenever I saw them play during the regular season. I don't like the current Australian government - heck, I don’t even live in the country anymore! So, as a famous player that never represented his nation might say: What's Doing?

Perhaps it has its basis in the instinct for survival among tribal ancestors, where humans first learnt that there is strength in numbers and sometimes it pays to belong. Perhaps these increasingly individual and isolated times give us all the more reason to strengthen our collective identity and sense of belonging. Perhaps we as individual human beings want to be involved in something special, and this isn’t always possible in the course of our daily lives. Perhaps an international sporting match captures all of these human feelings, and more besides? Though of course most of all, at the time we just really want our team to win against the other tribe!

But we also want this beautiful contagious disease to spread further, so that others might benefit from the same feelings we experience. Representative rugby league takes us from disparate smaller warring club factions and for a moment gives us a higher sense of place, uniting us as missionaries for the code! It's also about celebrating with others the common belief you hold in this strange and all too rare transformative experience, through which we can temporarily lose ourselves and forget our other worldly cares. Looking at the Fanatics, they must have the type of belief that can make you travel to the other side of the world, come out in all sorts of weather, and dress like a bit of a goon all in the name of national pride!

So after sitting through that cold 24-0 defeat, for no apparent reason I invoke the Blue Brothers to conclude that when next asked "Who are ya?" in the context of representative rugby league we should unite and respond: "We are on a mission from our rugby league gods…."

- - - - -

750 words including title.

 

[Jesbass]

Amidst the interchange bench confusion, Jesbass suddenly finds himself on the field and receiving a hospital pass before desperately attempting to avoid the rushing Great Britain defence...

Proud To Be A Kiwi (738 words including title)

As New Zealand rugby league is still basking in the warmth of their historic Tri-Nations victory on the weekend, and with the victor's trophy casting a very long shadow over their Australian counterparts, it seems only fitting that I should find myself writing about patriotism and national pride. Only days after it was discovered that Kiwis can not only fly but soar, with years of past heartache on the international scene suddenly seeming worth the joy of broken records, the weather to the East of the Tasman Sea appears a lot more inviting than it did during the previous few weeks.

And the records are many: the first time Australia has been kept scoreless since they lost 18-0 to the Kiwis in Wellington in 1985; the first time Australia has lost a series since they were beaten 2-1 by France in 1978; the first time New Zealand has beaten Australia in a test series since 1953; the equal largest winning margin by New Zealand over Australia in rugby league test history, having previously beaten them 49-25 in Brisbane in 1952.

But it was another record - or, rather, the record holder - that inspired me to write this article. Ruben Wiki extended the record for the most international caps by an individual in rugby league history. His man of the match performance in the Tri-Nations final was his fiftieth in a test career that spans as far back as 1994. He is the quintessential leader of men, wearing his heart on his sleeve and feeling the pain of four million fans for every mistake he or a team member makes. He is always exerting every last bit of energy within his body to push his team towards the opposition try line. He is the first to take control in the team huddle following the team conceding a try, instructing the players on what to do and giving them the motivation to carry out the task with absolute precision.

But more than all of that, he inspires. And it isn't just his fellow team members that he inspires. It is every dedicated New Zealand rugby league fan. His actions and words reveal a man born to be a leader, a maturity and humility not often seen on the sports field in the modern era. In Maoridom, what he possesses is referred to as 'mana' - he commands respect simply by who he is as a person and as a leader. Opposition players respect him, as do those who are fortunate enough to play alongside him. And his passion for his country is what drives him.

In the first brief moments after the final whistle of the shock victory against Australia in the Tri-Nations final, Ruben Wiki was in tears. The man referred to as 'Jake the Muss', in reference to the tough and staunch character played by Temuera Morrison in Once Were Warriors and What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted, couldn't help but shed a tear. And how did he explain his emotional release? He simply said: "History is sweet, mate."

In the eyes of Ruben Wiki, history is sweet because, for at least the next twelve months, the Tri-Nations trophy is safe at the New Zealand Rugby League headquarters. And it was Wiki, Captain Fantastic himself, who lead from the front, inspiring the other Kiwis and simply refusing to take a backward step. His statistics must have been envied by every other player on the field: 196 metres gained with three offloads and no errors from 24 hitups in attack, and 26 tackles with only one missed tackle on defense.

As an onlooker, it seems obvious to me that Ruben Wiki will be sorely missed when he does eventually decide to hang up his boots. His kava drink seems to have lengthened his playing career somewhat, enabling him to make quick recoveries from injuries. The man known as Jake the Muss sets an example for players of both sides every time he steps on the field, and the loss of his leadership will leave a huge void in the Kiwis squad. But that's a concern for the future. For now, the man is on top of the world, and he doesn't look like he'll be slowing down any time soon. And for this awe filled fan, that seems like more than enough to think about for the time being.

Yes, Rubes, history is sweet.

 

[edabomb]

Marc Herbert for the Kiwis.

-----------------------------------

Australian Idol



It was a cold July evening. My mate rang up and asked me if I was keen to head into Sydney for some beers, knowing the sweet taste of alcohol would help warm me up I agreed. We got there around eight o’clock, as I walked in I went for the usual scope. Scope number one is always the one for girls who look decent, but have relatively low standards. This one came up empty, so I went for scope two, the scope for familiar faces. It was during scope two I spotted him. My childhood idol that had left the game two seasons previous. All of a sudden I felt nervous, more nervous than if I’d seen Claire Forlani at the bar. I’d built this man up my entire early life, a great player, and an even better man. I decided I should go over and shout him a beer. As I approached him I overheard his conversation.

“Spotted any good sorts” quizzed his friend.

“You know me, if they ain’t close to spewing, they ain’t worth pursuing” he answered.

I stopped. I made sure I’d heard right. Could this man simply have the same values as myself, and everyone other average bloke on the planet?




You see, fandom is a pretty intense thing when growing up. Players are built up everywhere. Built up by the clubs and their media. We’re constantly shown how they’re supporting charities, and living a lifestyle more rewarding than the majority of the working force. As a youngster growing up it appears the ultimate lifestyle, go to practise with a few mates, head home have a beer and relax, then get up tomorrow and do it all again. This is what we are force-fed as young fans; we’re not told that practices are more work, than recreation. The life of a football player is an ideal to a pre-adolescent male.



We grow up watching these players attend award ceremonies with their Barbie-like girlfriends. They have everything we want, but will never have. Then something negative happens, like Coff’s Harbour. It hits the news hard for a few months; we’re reminded these players are human. But three or four months down the track we forget it, we are hit with images of the players giving money to charity, celebrating great tries and victories. The positive images cancel out any negative images within a few weeks when it comes to young minds. While more mature fans will never forget the scandal that revolved around Coff’s Harbour, the younger fans do not recognize the seriousness of such an event.



While I am not suggesting that youngsters be subjected to the truths of every negative event that hits the NRL, I think there should be a squarer picture given. Perhaps the insinuation of great riches being in the game could be addressed. Most of these players will only stay in the top grades for three or four years. They will of sacrificed tertiary education to make their attempt at the NRL. They will essentially be four years behind the friends they grew up with. While they may have earned a fairly good amount while playing, they will be unqualified when entering the workforce. Youngsters need to be taught that while the figures players are being paid look large, rugby league is an extremely short-term career choice.



Is it dangerous to give the youngsters of today such a glorified view of football? Will they follow the lead of players like Roy Bell, Jamie Lyon and Eric Grothe, who have struggled to cope with the intense pressure of being part of the best rugby league competition in the world? We will see over the next few years, as the first generations of players that grew up with the media circus of the ARL and Super League wars hit the NRL.



I digress, I approached my idol and told him I’d made that 'pursuing' quote up and he had to shout me a beer for using it. I had a beer with my idol, discussed some of his post-football adventures and then moved on into the night. Why was I so surprised when I met my childhood idol in person? Because despite all common sense, I’d maintained a belief that somehow he had lived a life of stand up values that I could only aspire to. That’s the power of the media on a young, impressionable mind.


(738 words including title)

 

[choc_soldier]

parra_panther - Kiwis...

Credibility

Full time at the Sydney Cricket Ground, and the Penrith Panthers trudge off the field, at the receiving end of a soul destroying 38-6 loss against the Parramatta Eels.

It is the 7th of September, 1985. But despite the scoreline, history had been made. The Panthers had just competed in their first finals series. Granted, it only lasted 80 minutes. They were the victims of a ruthless display from their western Sydney neighbours, which hastily forced an end to their premiership aspirations. It was as public an initiation a team that was new to the concept of finals football could get, and the end result was humiliating. But the young Panther cubs could hold their heads up high with pride.

For a team where mediocrity was the buzzword for the previous 18 winters, it was an achievement that had a significance and magnitude that could not be underestimated. It lifted and galvanised the rugby league mad region at the foot of the Blue Mountains in the far western suburbs of Sydney. The community had invested so much faith in their local team, only to receive almost sweet bugger all in return in the form of success. Winning the pre-season Willis Cup in 1968 (in only their second season), making the final of the mid week Amco Cup in 1974 (only to lose to Western Division), and being crowned third grade premiers in 1978 were perhaps the only highlights in their history up until then. In general, it was one littered with dud buys, internal division and the highest finishing position on the ladder prior to 1985 being seventh. 1985 had seen Penrith finally shaking off the tag of underachievement that had dogged them, and in the only way possible. And with it, bought a sense of credibility to the club.

1984 paved the way for the achievement in 1985. History would state that they would finish seventh, and miss out on the finals by one solitary point, after their bold charge stumbled in the closing rounds - but not before recording a then club record six straight wins. It was also the debut season for two rookies in two distinctly different roles – coach Tim Sheens (who at the time held the record for most number of first grade matches for Penrith) and schoolboy sensation Greg Alexander. Both made an immediate impression, and were duly awarded with the Dally M Coach and Rookie of the Year awards respectively.

Built from the ground up by Tim Sheens, the Penrith Panthers was a team that lacked the big names of other clubs, but showed that if you worked hard enough and harnessed the talent in the right way, that success can be achieved. It was a team that knew how to win – and do so on a consistent basis.

However, Penrith would not have an easy passage to the ever elusive spot in finals football. They would be forced into a mid week playoff against Manly, with the winner claiming fifth spot, and living to fight on for another week, at least. Tied at 6-all at full time, extra time was called, with Manly quickly edging ahead 7-6. In the biggest match of the club’s relatively short history, Alexander brilliantly steered the ship through the storm with two penalty goals, and prevailed with a 10-7 victory.

At the time, it was as if Penrith had won the grand final. The champagne flowed and the celebrations were in full swing. Whilst it was not a desirable reaction, given that they had to back up four days later, this was a defining moment in the history of the club, and had to be marked.

Whether or not it affected the Panthers performance against the Eels is debateable. But Parramatta, three times premiers already for the decade, pushed the young and inexperienced Penrith outfit with absolute contempt, showing no mercy. The Eels opened the scoring after 60 seconds, and by halftime had rushed out to a 22-0 lead, which was extended to 38-0, before a late consolation try to Penrith made the final score 38-6.

Understandably, the players were shattered by the result, and was a direct contrast to the mood only four days previously. However, in amongst the sadness was a sense of achievement, and a steely determination to make a return. It gave the club confidence in their own abilities, and planted seeds of success, that would eventually sprout into premiership success on the last Saturday of September in 1991.

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Word count: 749

References:
"Bound For Glory - Story of the Penrith Panthers" Greg Pritchard & Gary Lester [1992]

 

[MrCharisma]

MrCharisma taking a kick on the full and runs at open space

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Pushing Away The Fans

When law and order have seemed to be lost in chaos and disorder, only one man can save us; Judge Dred? No stupid, it is the Canterbury Bulldogs CEO Malcom Noad. When he stepped in, the Dogs had breached the salary cap, had players surrounded by scandal and had a rebel army (The Bulldogs Army) disrupting games and bringing the club into disrepute. While our ‘Superman’ has completed most of the tasks at hand, I fear we are in a battle we are going to lose.

I still remember my first time in the Bulldogs Army. It was the World 7’s tournament back in 2004. I had come down from Armidale to support the Doggies in a two day event. Drums, chants and passionate fans just myself, which happened to include SBS actor from cult hit ‘Pizza’: Rocky. While I enjoyed the experience, I saw cracks in the system back then when Lebanon faced the Bulldogs in Round 3 of our pool. I was told frankly to cheer for Lebanon or get my face smashed in. How could they support Lebanon over the Bulldogs… even if it was my home country, I’d cheer both on. From that point in time, the Army has only gone down hill.

In crowd brawl between the Roosters army and acts of terrorism have just been a few things which have happened in the army since that sunny World 7’s weekend. A threat of lost competition points finally forced the club to move but it was too late. An introduction of ‘Registration Cards’ did little but move the army from Bay 111-114 to 117 and their attitude never changed.

2006 will see a new system in place for Bulldogs supporters. The army will be renamed to The Kennel and will see each Kenneler placed with an allocated seat for the season. This has eliminated general admission which will even see allocated seating. Other changes that will come into effect will be the closing of Level 4 of Tesltra stadium and a family area.

But how will this push away the fans Anthony, a reintroduction of a family area will only encourage people?

The fact is that the Bulldogs name has been tarnished and unfortunately will not change for sometime. Parents are concerned for their family members and for the next few seasons will need some strong convincing to move from supporting their team off the television. Blown out of proportion or perhaps the dead truth, either way the media has done it’s damage on a once proud family club. But this isn’t the worst feature about the new system;

Like so many other events in my life, it takes a handful of people to spoil the fun. No longer are the days where you could just turn up to a football match and meet up with your friends and enjoy yourself. What if you can not afford an outright $150 for a season pass? What if you work some weekends and are unsure of how many games you can turn up to in a season? How about all the travellers who come to games, like myself…

I’m apart of a huge Bulldogs forum known as The Kennel. For two years now I have travelled down from either Armidale or Newcastle to watch the game and enjoy their company. Unfortunately, I don’t have the luxury of living in Sydney so I miss out on meeting players at the team store of a Thursday night, I can’t attend early morning training sessions and now I’m punished with my seating because I can’t attend every game?

For someone like myself, why shouldn’t I just give in and support the Knights? I live 10 minutes away from the stadium, I live 3 doors down from Andrew Johns and it sure as hell doesn’t cost me a fair chunk of my pay to see them. This isn’t just me, what about fans living in Canberra or Wollongong… why don’t they save themselves dramas from unreliable public transport and just support the local team?

For years and years I’ve dreamt of getting a Bulldogs tattoo on my arm and before the 2004 Grand Final, I said to my mate Anastabation that I wouldd get one if we won the Grand Final. I now have the money I would love to do it but slowly more hurdles are being thrown. I’m worried if the trend continues I will be unsure of how long I will be their supporter.

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Word Count: 750

 

[Robster]

Robster comes off as he is at a all time low, has broken up with his love of his life, esoj comes on.

 

[Esoj]

Esoj gets his turn to come onto the field for the kiwis admist some bizarre interchanging by the Kiwis.

---------------------------------------------------
League v Girlfriends

This article has been inspired by a recent event in somone's life.
League represents a typical guy watching the league
Girlfriend is herself

League: What a try that was simply awesome.

Girlfriend: Can we go now?

League: Not likely the game is just getting good and it's Super Saturday so there will be 2 more games after this one.

Girlfriend: You're joking I thought I would get time alone tonight.

League: Not in a million years, Super Saturday is guy heaven night 3 games of league back to back

Girlfriend: But we aren't even playing in 2 of the games.

League: Who cares it's still league and will be better than anything you do.

Girlfriend: But spending time with me is always good though isn't

League: Not when the league is on.

Girlfriend: Fine then I'm going to go then.

League: Well the third game will be delayed anyway and the second game tonight is 2 bottom teams playing so I guess you can do what you want for a few hours.

Girlfriend: Ok cool thanks a lot. Now we can hang out together.

League: Yeah soon the game is nearly finished just has 5 mins left.

Girlfriend: But there is no way the other team can win.

League: This is the Warriors anything can happen.

Girlfriend: Fine but you better not start watching the second game.

League: I won't, I said I would do what you wanted for a few hours until the third game came on.

Girlfriend: I'm going to talk to my friends on the phone see you soon.

League: Sure thing I will be hanging out on msn.

Girlfriend: Ok we are going out with some people.

League: I thought we were staying here tonight.

Girlfriend: Well plans have changed.

League: Ok well I better go have a shower then.

Girlfriend: Ok see ya soon.

League: So where are we going?

Girlfriend: Meeting up with some friends at the plaza.

League: So we going to get some food and then come back?

Girlfriend: Yeah maybe see a movie or go clothes shopping.

League: Well I have to say bye to my friends on msn won't be long.

Girlfriend: Ok just make it quick as the others are waiting.

League: This better be worth it I am giving up a lot to spend time with you.

Girlfriend: Sure you are. Like watching some guys on tv is important anyway.

League: It is to me but I like you so I will make sacrafices for you.

Girlfriend: I like you too so we can go now right?

League: Yeah we can meet you out at the car

Girlfriend: Are you coming I have been waiting at least 5 mins out there in the cold.

League: I had to answer the phone and the trip to the plaza is off.

Girlfriend: Oh well will have to do it some other time. I can hang out with you now.

League: I am going to watch the game now

Girlfriend: But you said you wouldn't.

League: Well plans have changed since the trip to the plaza is off.

Girlfriend: I want to spend more time with you though.

League: I have spent all day with you can't I just watch this game and then we can do something.

Girlfriend: I want to watch a movie though.

League: After this game I promise I will get a movie out for you.

Girlfriend: How much longer will this game go on for?

League: Well there is still the second half to come so proabbly an hour.

Girlfriend: I can't wait that long and I want to spend time with you.

League: Ok I will just watch to the end of the first half will that be ok

Girlfriend: Well I really wanted to get a movie out tonight or do something than just sit around here all night

League: Ok I will be right there just have to see bye to the guys on msn.

Girlfriend: So are you coming or not.

League: One of the guys just reminded me that the Kiwis test is on in half an hour.

Girlfriend: So the movie is off?

League: It sure is.

Girlfriend: Our relationship is over then.

League Why?

Girlfriend: You care more about league than me and you don't spend enough time with me good-bye.

League: I feel so depresed now. I really liked her and thought she might have been the one.I am sticking with league from now on.

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word count 750 words including title

 

[Misanthrope]

chriswalkerbush looks to lead his side to what would be a series sealing victory.

A Misanthrope & The Game He Loves

Misanthrope - One who hates or mistrusts humankind

SOURCE: www.dictionary.com

I guess you’re wondering why exactly I’ve decided to define a word that has next to no relation to rugby league. Trust me, I’m going somewhere with this. You see, I consider myself to be a misanthrope. I’m of the belief that 85% of the people I pass day to day are complete and utter idiots – living proof that there should be some kind of pro-smothering law passed so as to keep oxygen waste to a minimum.

So, what does this have to do with league? Everything! When you dislike humanity, what better way to express yourself than by aligning yourself with one football team and utterly condemning each and every opposition supporter from other clubs? Think about it – I have to ‘like’ the bulk of Newcastle supporters, and I’m able to dislike and verbally abuse the combined mass of supporters from the remaining fourteen clubs.

First and foremost, I go to a game to see my team charge around the park and do well. Secondly, I go because I’m a member of the Knights Crusade and I can’t imagine having a better group of people to go to the football with. I don’t know about other supporters groups, but I daresay the Crusade go above and beyond the call of duty when they continue to organise social functions and gatherings long after the last whistle of the regular season was blown.

But third, and perhaps this is my guilty pleasure, I love the no-holds-barred ‘rule’ that exists at rugby league games. In normal life I’m expected to keep my thoughts to myself. In my work environment I’m paid to greet customers with a polite smile, a ‘how are you’, and a wish of a good day as they leave. But at a live game of league, all of those rules fly out the window. If you’re wearing any jersey that doesn’t remotely resemble a Newcastle Knights’ jersey – it’s open season.

Of course, I do have rules. Decency dictates that I not abuse every woman and child that walks past and, out of respect, I try not to abuse old people. Wouldn’t want their untimely, heart-attacked induced deaths on my conscience, would I? But if you’re aged between 16 and 50, are male, or fall into the category of ‘footy s**t’ or ‘bogan’, you’re a prime target. You may as well strip down to your underwear, bath in pigs’ blood, and run naked through the lions’ enclosure at Taronga Zoo.

I’m sure I’m not alone in this either. I’m almost certain that certain forummers are reading this and nodding along. You know it’s true. A lot of you love this great game, but some of you derive a guilty pleasure from unleashing a stinging verbal serve against that idiot from earlier this year. He had a mullet, for Christ’s sake, and you didn’t say a word. Even now your mind is working at a mile a minute as you try to think of some witty quip you can hit him with if ever you see him again. It’s so wrong, but dammit, it feels so right.

Is this wrong? Does this no holds barred verbal debate that exists at every football game damage our game’s image? Hell no! Sparring between fans has existed for about fifteen seconds less than sport has existed. When two cavemen first picked up a vaguely spherical rock and ran with it – some smart arse on the sideline was quick to point out that one of them was fat and that his mother was promiscuous. Thus sledging was invented. Five seconds later another voice was heard from the opposite side of the ‘field’, and it was another man – this time telling the former caveman that he suspected he was a homosexual.

Of course, I translate – I’m sure the conversation would have come across as a series of clicks, grunts, and hand gestures back then.

But the fact remains that we all derive a certain sick pleasure from being able to tell people whatever it is we think about them without having to deal with repercussions. It’s good for your ego. It lets you release the pressure built up over a week of serving idiots. It’s liberating.

I saw a Cronulla fan in a wheelchair yesterday.

Easy target.

He’s lucky he wasn’t at a game.

WORD COUNT: 735 including title

 

[half]

half | Malaysia Chriscos (he he he, I mean New Zealand)

Panache

It’s not just the feathered plume on the helmet of an ancient Roman gladiator. Panache is an essential ingredient in the cake of success, the mark of true champions. And if it had the same qualities as kryptonite, Superman would fall to his death if he ever flew over West Auckland, home of Coos Bay Pirates’ Martin Denyer and Kurt Christensen. But fortunately for Superman, panache doesn’t have the same qualities as kryptonite. The Coos Bay Pirates’ outlet of panache is only lethal to other forum sevens teams and competitors, like the Canberra Raiders and Willow.

Martin Denyer - a Henderson local - likes studying French philosophers and lamenting the state of rugby league in New Zealand. As such, it’s hard to imagine that he’s often woken up in the middle of the night to the sound of gun shots, which to him just means another gangster left for dead at the end of his block where a hip-hop video clip was actually shot last week. It’s not like The Cosby Show, it’s just another day in the hood. Yet Martin has stood up tall from his ghetto surroundings against all odds to become the best rugby league journalist online. His articles may never make the Sydney Morning Herald, yet they are passionately read and appreciated by those who care most about rugby league - those who love rugby league so much that they spend hours discussing the sport online each day, just let me add. To put that achievement into perspective, most people Martin went to school with can’t even read, barely capable of writing their own tag in graffiti. They wouldn’t even know.

Kurt Christensen - a Whenuapai local - couldn’t come from more different circumstances. A close friend of Martin’s, however, he has a three-hole golf course in his backyard, complete with lake, which is practically arrogant. As Martin notes, Kurt’s sister is quite good looking. Perhaps suitably, Kurt believes the same about Martin’s younger sister. It’s just another stunning parallel between two great friends.

Aside from the Coos Bay Pirates link, Martin and Kurt are drawn together by a love of the New Zealand Warriors. Yet many differences are evident in their love as well. Whereas Kurt likes the eclectic yet composed madness of Clinton Toopi, Martin, perhaps as an acknowledgement to his gangster roots, admires the bravado of Francis Meli. And the differences stem much further than that. Whilst Martin blasts Wu-Tang Clan and Mobb Depp beats from his pimped out ride, Kurt prefers the subtle sounds of Maroon 5 and Aqua on his iPod Nano. Martin has time for Jeremy John Mohekey - a Porirua local - whereas Kurt has no time for Jeremy.

Through Martin and Kurt, I have come to learn that friendships are not just about what we share in common, but how we encounter our differences. Why are Kurt and Jeremy such enemies? Kurt’s arrogance regarding Clinton Toopi became too much for Jeremy, whom in turn became far too arrogant about his beloved Canberra Raiders. In all honesty, they are a very poor team and their early season form only fooled their faithful. Everyone loves a duel, but without and commonalities to fall back on, the friendship of Kurt and Jeremy came to a tumultuous close. I can’t see the same happening to Martin and Kurt because they do have so much in common. Ultimately, they have no one else to play golf with.

And as continual disagreements about Clinton Toopi and Francis Meli come to the fore, Kurt and Martin will always be grounded by not just a common love, but perhaps the biggest symbol of panache to ever exist, Steve Prefontaine. Faster than Justin “Sonic the Hedgehog” Murphy with more non-stop gusto than Nathan Hindmarsh, Pre is fondly remembered by both Kurt and Martin as the greatest athlete to ever exist. Even as an American middle-distance runner, his feats, his words could even touch the hearts of dedicated rugby league fans in New Zealand long after his tragic death. And that is what panache is all about. And that’s why Kurt and Martin have experienced success themselves, because of the right inspiration.

It was atop ancient Roman gladiators, it flowed through Steve Prefontaine’s veins. You can find it some of the NRL’s mist distinctly stylish players, but most pertinently, you can find it in the grandstands as well. You can find it in the hearts of Martin Denyer and Kurt Christensen. Respect that. Respect them.