Who'd you support before the merge ?

[LOYAL DRAGON]

:lol:its a landslide:lol:
rip steelers

 

[Jasdragon]

lol. I noticed that too.
Kogarah Magpies? :lol:

What year was that Dave?

Hey Dave, I assume you do know its an open poll. Are you trying tell us that before 1999 you were a Steelers supporter?[/quote]

(cough) Yes well, I saw a few of their matches from time to time.

I had a mate who played in the lower grades for the steelers until a foot injury wiped him out.

I also saw Lindner play the best game of Rugby League I have ever seen.

I saw a young Girds too.

Nobody cared about Saints in those days.

They were merely a place where the Kogarah Magpies went to take it easy, earn big bucks and retire.

This guy is as f**ked in the head as smartman :crazy:.

 

[Southernsaint]

There are nine mighty heroes in the poll thus far.

The maginificent nine!

A poem for the illawarra part of the J.V.

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]

[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I love a scarlett jersey, [/FONT]
And flame trees by the sand
A mighty Mt Keira
And Unanderra is my land.​

A steel city arises
With people brave and true
Who know how to play rugby league
A university too​

The Steel in my heart
Shall never melt away
Even padded by a dragon
And Doustee's rude toupee​

We are forever Steelers
From the land of sea and air
A region full of heroes
Of courage and those who dare!​

Give 'em a taste of steel!​

What about a Haiku:

The Steelers are sh*te
They can't pay their debts to Saints
End the merger now

 

[Dave Q]

What about a Haiku:

The Steelers are sh*te
They can't pay their debts to Saints
End the merger now

Everyone knows that before the merger, the saints were running around with reserve grade players at best.

If it wasnt for the steelers, the saints would be probably be expelled from the NRL and replaced with a side from Dubbo or Bathurst.

The unkindness and rudeness the steelers fans have to put up with is a joke.

End the merger, boot the saints out of the NRL.

The Saints are indebted to the steelers for bringing some footballing credibility to the venture.

Give 'em a taste of Steel.

 

[big pat]

nice rant dave, what was it preacher use to say, dave are you off your medication again.

 

[j0nesy]

Sorry for the delay haven't really had a chance to respond.

Btw, not sure what you mean by right wing pro-St George. Please elaborate.

Of the most committed pro-StGeorge supporters I know on this forum, a good portion (if not the majority) seem to come from a left wing background.

All I meant is that most St George fans, atleast on this forum, appear to be quite passionate about a return to the traditional St George as a single entity. I wasn't referring to any political leanings, nor was I making any judgements about it. Just an observation.

As I said, its just an observation. The two biggest Dragons forums have discussion traffic that seems to be largely driven St George supporters

What do you base your opinion on?

Aren't both of those forums affiliated with Jubilee Avenue? If so it should be only natural that both forums have predominately St George members and discussion traffic. That's the basis of my opinion.

No, it was number of members - and I may have been overstating the number. It was years and several computers ago, so I lost the link. I was told that they softened their stance in recent times but truth is I don't even know if they exist anymore. I'm sure they meant well.

In any case, there are bigger issues.

I just thought it would have been interesting to see the other side of the debate.

Perhaps the best thing is for the Illawarra to push to have a side in the NSW Cup and for there to be an end to the JV. I understand the agreement is due for renewal or termination in 2011. In the next 18 months we should hear more about it.

IMHO this would be the worst thing for the Illawarra. It would effectively end any official Illawarra rugby league representation at the NRL level. My feeling is that this would not be good for rugby league in the Illawarra and rugby league in general - as the Illawarra provides a disproportionately high number of NRL players.

It will be interesting to see what transpires over the next 18 months with St George holding a 50% share in the JV, the Steelers a 26% share and Bruce/Andrew Gordon (WIN TV) a 24% share.

The $8,000,000 (?) funding provided to Kogarah vs the $80,000 funding provided to WIN stadium certainly demonstrates the NSW State Government's position on the JV. :x

 

[blackberryman]

Illawarra !!!

If STGI were smart they'd offer a merge with the Shark's!

 

[Willow]

Sorry for the delay haven't really had a chance to respond.

You're a true gentleman j0nesy, rest assured I wasn't watching the clock.

All I meant is that most St George fans, atleast on this forum, appear to be quite passionate about a return to the traditional St George as a single entity.

Well there's a reason for that. Prior to the JV, St George had enjoyed playing in premiership deciders in every decade since the 1920s. Plus since the the 1960s we were widely regarded as a financially stable club.

The first decade of the JV is shaping up to be a financial mess off the field, with no grand final appearances on the field.

This is despite the promises that the JV would make St George a stronger club. It is, for all intents and purposes, our worst ever decade.

You can't blame people for looking at the facts.

I wasn't referring to any political leanings, nor was I making any judgements about it. Just an observation.

Perhaps you are trying to say traditional St George supprters are more comservative? If so, on what grounds? In my opinion, the St George based supporters are quite radical, and with good reason - as pointed out above.

Aren't both of those forums affiliated with Jubilee Avenue? If so it should be only natural that both forums have predominately St George members and discussion traffic. That's the basis of my opinion.

The history of this is that in the year 2000, the Msn Jubilee Av forum, also known as WORL, was started by a Canterbury supporter.

It was initially inhabited by supporters from all clubs, including the founders of LeagueUnlimited - at the time they were Dragons, Raiders, Warriors, Knights, Broncos and Eels supporters

Since 1997, a St George supporter, Glenn Baker had his own discussion forum and website called 'Jubilee Avenue'. In 2000, he opted to join forces with WORL and the Canterbury supporter who offered a free sub domain.

Through Glenn's efforts, it wasn't long before WORL was pretty much taken over by Saints supporters. FTR, Glenn and I have known each other since 1998-99. Started off with email exchanges in those heady days when the internet was a fun hobby. lol

In 2002, LeagueUnlimited started. It was preceded by a mass exodus from WORL - most people had had enough of the nutty moderating.

Glenn had a falling out with the Canterbury supporter. Glenn hoisted the flag as long as he could, but other work and life committments took hold. I simply made a promise to keep the Jubilee Avenue name alive on LU as a sub domain. Glenn took up the offer.

In 2003-2004, the WORL forum were finally able to rid themselves of the Canterbury supporter nutter. And WORL became the Jubilee Av forum. Rexxy, Smithtown, Rufus Rex were all part of that. Sorry if I've left anyone out.

It was decided between LU and the Msn Jubilee Av forum that we would form an affilation.

That's pretty much how it happened. If there is a Steelers internet forum with that much history, passion and fight, then please let me know. I haven't seen one as yet.

I just thought it would have been interesting to see the other side of the debate.

There is indeed another side of the debate. Dave Q is currently the best representative.

IMHO this would be the worst thing for the Illawarra. It would effectively end any official Illawarra rugby league representation at the NRL level. My feeling is that this would not be good for rugby league in the Illawarra and rugby league in general - as the Illawarra provides a disproportionately high number of NRL players.

I tend to agree. But St George are obviously unable to nuture a massive junior base. St George are not the saviours of the Illawarra.

Consider the amount of Illawarra players in other NRL clubs, and then ask again where the funding should be coming from.

 

[Jasdragon]

Illawarra !!!

If STGI were smart they'd offer a merge with the Shark's!

:lol: never!

 

[Jasdragon]

Well there's a reason for that. Prior to the JV, St George had enjoyed playing in premiership deciders in every decade since the 1920s. Plus since the the 1960s we were widely regarded as a financially stable club.

The first decade of the JV is shaping up to be a financial mess off the field, with no grand final appearances on the field.

This is despite the promises that the JV would make St George a stronger club. It is, for all intents and purposes, our worst ever decade.

You can't blame people for looking at the facts.

I agree with that big time mate. I never bought into this JV crap, we didn't need it and shouldn't have done it. We much better off on our own (the results show it). We should do what Manly did look at them now.

 

[j0nesy]

Well there's a reason for that. Prior to the JV, St George had enjoyed playing in premiership deciders in every decade since the 1920s. Plus since the the 1960s we were widely regarded as a financially stable club.

The first decade of the JV is shaping up to be a financial mess off the field, with no grand final appearances on the field.

This is despite the promises that the JV would make St George a stronger club. It is, for all intents and purposes, our worst ever decade.

You can't blame people for looking at the facts.

Are you suggesting that the Illawarra component of the JV has somehow brought down St George? How so?

The Illawarra has delivered the juniors as promised. The JV CEOs and coaches, such as Doust and Brown, have let some of the better players slip through the cracks (e.g. The Stewarts, Fitzgibbon, Bailey, etc), hardly the fault of Illawarra. In 2008 the majority of the NRL squad was made up of Illawarra juniors.

My understanding of the financial stability issue, this season, is that St George leagues was forced to cut the annual committment to the JV as a direct result of the State government's poker machine tax. The majority of the 10 year loan provided by St George to Illawarra has been repaid.

If the JV were to be disbanded I wouldn't completely write off the Illawarra, it may well be backed by Bruce Gordon. The problem is that there would probably only be one NRL licence to "fight" over. So, IMHO there is still a mutual benefit in continuing the JV. The biggest problem over the past few years have been our CEO and Coahes, as many on here have correctly pointed out we've had the playing roster to win the comp. Further, the unforseen changes to the State Government's Pokie tax, haven't helped.

 

[Scott Gourley's Lovechild]

Are you suggesting that the Illawarra component of the JV has somehow brought down St George? How so?

The Illawarra has delivered the juniors as promised. The JV CEOs and coaches, such as Doust and Brown, have let some of the better players slip through the cracks (e.g. The Stewarts, Fitzgibbon, Bailey, etc), hardly the fault of Illawarra. In 2008 the majority of the NRL squad was made up of Illawarra juniors.

My understanding of the financial stability issue, this season, is that St George leagues was forced to cut the annual committment to the JV as a direct result of the State government's poker machine tax. The majority of the 10 year loan provided by St George to Illawarra has been repaid.

If the JV were to be disbanded I wouldn't completely write off the Illawarra, it may well be backed by Bruce Gordon. The problem is that there would probably only be one NRL licence to "fight" over. So, IMHO there is still a mutual benefit in continuing the JV. The biggest problem over the past few years have been our CEO and Coahes, as many on here have correctly pointed out we've had the playing roster to win the comp. Further, the unforseen changes to the State Government's Pokie tax, haven't helped.

Bruce Gordon doesn't back anything that wont turn a big profit to himself. Just ask the South Coast A-League bidding team.

 

[dragonfan1]

Who have st george produced who are talented in the recent years apart from gasnier? I'd like to know. Illawarra have produced the likes of cooper, ryles, bailey, barrett and others.

And what's with all this 'I hate Illawarra' crap? you guys obviously take it for granted and you would only realise how much illawarra means to us if we demerged. Think about it.

 

[j0nesy]

Bruce Gordon doesn't back anything that wont turn a big profit to himself. Just ask the South Coast A-League bidding team.

Well he has a 48% share in the Steelers and a 24% share in the Dragons, neither are turning a profit for him as it stands. Now perhaps if St George were to make the right offer to buy out his part of the JV... Still I don't think that would be to the benefit of WIN TV. So it will be interesting to see what eventuates. Either way a few million here or there is only pocket change for him.

 

[Willow]

Are you suggesting that the Illawarra component of the JV has somehow brought down St George? How so?

Not suggesting that. I'm saying outright that for grand final appearances, on a decade-by-decade basis, the club had more success prior to the JV. The current decade is looking to be the least successful in those terms. This is despite the belief that we were going to be a stronger club.

There is no suggestion or innuendo, these are facts.

The Illawarra has delivered the juniors as promised. The JV CEOs and coaches, such as Doust and Brown, have let some of the better players slip through the cracks (e.g. The Stewarts, Fitzgibbon, Bailey, etc), hardly the fault of Illawarra. In 2008 the majority of the NRL squad was made up of Illawarra juniors.

You seem to be getting me mixed up with someone who is looking to blame the Illawarra.

I have never doubted the Illawarra's ability to produce rugby league players. Who they end up playing for is another matter. IMO, the NRL and NSWRL should be doing everything possible to nuture what is clearly a great RL nursery.

My understanding of the financial stability issue, this season, is that St George leagues was forced to cut the annual committment to the JV as a direct result of the State government's poker machine tax.

That seemed to be where the club wanted to point the finger. I am sure there is an element of truth to it. Although there has to be other factors... there are always other factors.

The majority of the 10 year loan provided by St George to Illawarra has been repaid.

Yes, the majority has been paid back, but only after the Steelers sold off about half their shares and reliquished a 50% control of the board.

In my opinion the pokie tax was only part of it. The club had $8million tied up for a long time and the Steelers club was reportedly the collateral. But they were losing money for a while. IMO there is a lack of financial commonsense about the whole thing. At best, it must have been frustrating for all concerned.

Having said that, I hold a quiet confidence that the club will recover and turn things around. They still have quite lot of capital and very healthy bank account.

If the JV were to be disbanded I wouldn't completely write off the Illawarra

If that happened I suspect they'd first make a push to have a team in the NSW Cup, where they would no doubt be quite competitive.

It may well be backed by Bruce Gordon.

Maybe. Who knows? I'm sure anyone who is ready to open the cheque book will be welcomed. He also might try to form a club in Adelaide and use the Illawarra as a feeder. All speculation.

The concept of millionaries owning football clubs is nothing new, ask Souths. But there is no bottomless pit of funds. Investors want to see their venture turning a profit, especially millionaires, and they'll take whatever action is neccesssary to meet those ends. They're usually not as benelovent as fellow District Football clubs.

The problem is that there would probably only be one NRL licence to "fight" over.

No, in the hypothetical event of the JV folding, my understanding is that NRL licence would revert back to St George. Of course the Illawarra can make a bid to be a stand alone NRL club, or try a joint venture with another NRL club. But as suggested, the NSW Cup would be the best bet.

 

[Willow]

And what's with all this 'I hate Illawarra' crap?

For the most part, people are simply expressing their views.

I suppose there are some forums which might supress opposing opinions on this issue, but this isn't one of them.

 

[Follow Me Up To Carlton]

All I meant is that most St George fans, atleast on this forum, appear to be quite passionate about a return to the traditional St George as a single entity. I wasn't referring to any political leanings, nor was I making any judgements about it. Just an observation.

What you call "traditional St George" is simply St George.

What we have now is bastardised St George.

 

[j0nesy]

I lost my reply to this the other day as a result of a "security token" error. I'm not going to type it all again, so excuse the brevity.

Not suggesting that. I'm saying outright that for grand final appearances, on a decade-by-decade basis, the club had more success prior to the JV. The current decade is looking to be the least successful in those terms. This is despite the belief that we were going to be a stronger club.

There is no suggestion or innuendo, these are facts.

You seem to be getting me mixed up with someone who is looking to blame the Illawarra.

I'm still unsure of your point. Can you please clarify?

I have never doubted the Illawarra's ability to produce rugby league players. Who they end up playing for is another matter. IMO, the NRL and NSWRL should be doing everything possible to nuture what is clearly a great RL nursery.

The majority end up playing for the Dragons. I guess you and I have a different opinion as to the value of juniors to an NRL club.

That seemed to be where the club wanted to point the finger. I am sure there is an element of truth to it. Although there has to be other factors... there are always other factors.

Well it was St George leagues club that made the claim, I'm sure there's more than just an element of truth to it.

http://stgeorge.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/rugby-league/tax-slays-the-dragons/777751.aspx

Yes, the majority has been paid back, but only after the Steelers sold off about half their shares and reliquished a 50% control of the board.

Yep, I could have sworn I said the same thing. So we agree on something?

In my opinion the pokie tax was only part of it. The club had $8million tied up for a long time and the Steelers club was reportedly the collateral. But they were losing money for a while. IMO there is a lack of financial commonsense about the whole thing. At best, it must have been frustrating for all concerned.

I just can't see a successful club, like St George leagues, offering a free loan with no strings attached...

Having said that, I hold a quiet confidence that the club will recover and turn things around. They still have quite lot of capital and very healthy bank account.

The concept of millionaries owning football clubs is nothing new, ask Souths. But there is no bottomless pit of funds. Investors want to see their venture turning a profit, especially millionaires, and they'll take whatever action is neccesssary to meet those ends. They're usually not as benelovent as fellow District Football clubs.

Yeah I think St George leagues will recover. However, gone are the days that an NRL club can depend upon it's leagues club alone to keep it competitive, certainly 2.5 million per season just wont cut it. Clubs are already looking to other avenues to generate income, unfortunate we may see more NRL clubs owned by rich entrepreneurs in the future.

No, in the hypothetical event of the JV folding, my understanding is that NRL licence would revert back to St George. Of course the Illawarra can make a bid to be a stand alone NRL club, or try a joint venture with another NRL club. But as suggested, the NSW Cup would be the best bet.

I vaguely remember reading something to that effect in the early days of the JV. Not that I'm doubting your claim, but do you have source?

 

[Southernsaint]

Prior to the JV we made a Grand Final in every decade. in this decade we've been lucky to make the 8.

The "near enough is good enough" attitude has well-and-truly permeated the ranks. It's up to Benny to sort it out...

 

[Southernsaint]

Who have st george produced who are talented in the recent years apart from gasnier? I'd like to know. Illawarra have produced the likes of cooper, ryles, bailey, barrett and others.

And what's with all this 'I hate Illawarra' crap? you guys obviously take it for granted and you would only realise how much illawarra means to us if we demerged. Think about it.

Premierships = 0