2007 NRL Season

[Courty]

Go the Titans! :twisted:

[PeteyD]

Forget it courty, tigers will romp it in.

[Jarro]

i'm really looking forward to seeing how the Titans go.

We can't have enough teams in QLD as far as i'm concerned ;)

[PeteyD]

Hopefully the Titans can be a force. They have recruited well but you never know how those guys will play together.

[dc68]

Back to back Bronc attack!!!!!!!!

[PeteyD]

Be hard without Webke, although they will definately be contenders. Not like the bulldogs or dragons or roosters, bunch of chokers. Sharks with whiney coaching em might have a chance.

[Fishman Dan]

Bronco's will surely win it in 2007.

The Titans TV ads being shown on Nthn NSW TV are pretty good. If that team gels in their first year on the park they will be formidable.

[Grunt]

Have doubts that they will gel as well as everyone is saying Fishy. I think next year will be full of lots of surprises. Lots of teams have lost key players in their line-up to either other teams or retirements.

Bronco's - Webke, big loss
Storm - Hill, Kidwell, the guy to the Titan's
Dog's - Asotsi
Dragon's - Bailey, Barrett
Sea Eagles - Kennedy
Roosters - all coaching staff, Morley

The list is longer, but there are lots of teams that will be rebuilding. One team that does come to mind that does not seem to be losing too many key players is the Knights. They do have the other thing that may unsettle them though, New Coach.

2007 A year of surprises!!!

[Moe Norman]

I've never really followed a League Team, I was sort of following the Storm a few years back but never got into it.

As a result, I'm officially adopting the Titans as my league team. I'm guessing that actually supprting a side will make the season a bit more interesting.

Go the TITANS!

[Courty]

You & Me, Moe. We can take on the world! :twisted:

[dc68]

Will be interested in the Titans and hope they go well.

[Fishman Dan]

They have signed some big names... Prince, Lafranchi, Campbell among them. The problem will be how much support they can gather week by week. Crowds of 5-10k won't be enough to remain commercially viable, which is what football is all about these days :roll:

[3oneday]

Will Brian Smith survive the year at the Knights ???

[dc68]

The problem will be how much support they can gather week by week. Crowds of 5-10k won't be enough to remain commercially viable, which is what football is all about these days :roll:

Tell that to the bunnies.

[Grunt]

Crowds are only a small part of it Dan. TV rights are huge right now and the bonuses paid to getting free to air games from sponsorship deals are huge. The NRL is pressured by teams to ensure free to air games are evenly spread through the teams. It never happens though.

[cazandpaul]

Will always have a soft spot for the Eagles however the Titans have recruited well and seem to have good corporate and public support to make a go of it.

Playing at Carrara their first year is a bit of a bummer as far as viewing is concerned but their move to the new Skilled Park at Robina in 2008 will be awesome (plus it's only 5 minutes from home).

GO THE TITANS

[Grunt]

Tell that to the bunnies.
Well this year we were 2nd last in crowds, just over 10K average. We have still probably got the best sponsored team in the comp though. Deals of over 7 million to be announced this week. They have had them signed for quite some time but did not want to announce them in the finals.

[dc68]

:roll: Sponsorship doesn't win games. For your sake mate I really do hope the bunnies get their act together on the park and actually start winning.

At least they can say they beat the premiers eh mate?:shock:

[Grunt]

Was waiting for that.

[Jarro]

I really hope the Titans are competitive right from the word go.

They seem to have done their homework and put together a great starting side, and from all accounts their facilities for the players is pretty top notch.

All looks good.

[goughy]

FGS, can't this thread have waited another week or 2. I'm still recovering from the lack of friday night television viewing. At least I may get 3 or 4 months of quality 80's reapeat movies, maybe even predator 2. ;)

[dc68]

Will Brian Smith survive the year at the Knights ???

More importantly will the Knights survive brian smith? Could prove to be the worst coaching appointment in history.

[Grunt]

More importantly will the Knights survive brian smith? Could prove to be the worst coaching appointment in history.
or the Greatest? I think Parramatta have a greater risk with Hagan. Tahu left Newcastle because of problems with Hagan. Smith has been unlucky in my opinion, talking to players who have been coached by him he is a master, up there with Gibson etc. but just has not got the results.
Also heard off the players of the Eels that the coaching changes at parra had nothing to do with their form reversal. The players themselves have said it was them not Smith that were not performing.

[3oneday]

Could prove to be the worst coaching appointment in history.it looked like that a week after he left and Taylor took over. ;)


Shortest odds for first coach sacked next year ??

[BrisWesty]

When does next season start?

[Fishman Dan]

About 2 days ago by the looks of this thread.

[Grunt]

Charity Shield is on in 135 days, it is usually acknowledged as the kickoff to the new Season. I also know Souths are playing the Roosters in round 1.

[dc68]

So only 135 days until next cricket season then.

[Grunt]

Hey DC, your a funny guy, just wait a sec while i pick up my spleen it fell out because I was laughing so hard.

[dc68]

I know mate :p

[3oneday]

Still banging your fist under the desk again then ????

:p

[dc68]

I am Still banging my fist under the desk

:p

Whatever takes your fancy mate.:shock:

[3oneday]

Whatever takes your fancy mate.:shock:ahhh, learning quickly ;)

Hey Grunter, given your spleen is on the ground somewhere, does this count as your 3rd near death experience ???????????

;)

[Grunt]

lol Pete. It was 2nd this year.

[Jarro]

BRONCOS FOR PREMIERS IN 2007 !!!!!!!!!

[Grunt]

Got my Souths Sydney Membership Renewal today. Also included is the Red & Green Mag. Bring on 2007. An article by Peter Holmes a Court was a little optimistic though, top 8 predictions for 2007.

[Jarro]

It appears our ranks could be bolstered by a couple of high-profile RahRah boys next season.

I'd love to see Lote back playing league. He was awesome for the Broncos, but talk is around that the Bunnies wanna sign him :shock: Not really sure if he'd play for them or not ;)

[Courty]

I've heard the Cowboys want him also. In fact, I'm pretty sure there wouldn't be a club in the NRL who wouldn't want him in their team.
Mat Rogers has been given a week to decide if he's going to stay with Rugby or not. Apparently Mark Gerard is also considering coming over from the dark side too.

[Jarro]

Has Mark Gerard every played league ?

I heard he used to be a Manly supporter :-s #-o

[Courty]

No idea. Could be a good proposition in the centres somewhere though.

[PeteyD]

Gerarde would walk into the bunnies. Probably have difficulty anywhere else though. hehe ;)

Tigers will win if Marshall stays fit. Big if for the injury prone kiwi though.

[Jarro]

Why are all these players considering switching to league ?

Is it the new Wallaby coach ? or is it simply that they are looking for new challenges ?

I know that Rogers is on record as saying that he is unhappy with how he is being used in the current Wallaby side. What about Lote ? Wouldn't you be better off staying put and pulling in much more money on a creamy ARU contract ? I mean, we're talking a contract reduction of around $400,000 per annum :shock:

Nobody in their right mind knocks back that kind of money.

[PeteyD]

Rogers - no fit in the current line up. Tried at flyhalf - hopeless. Would be better served going to league straight away.

Lote - speculation due to him coming off contract. Personally rugby would be better off spending the money on bringing through some talent, but I expect him to stay.

[Courty]

These guys have made enough money already. It's more about the achievements on the field now. Rogers and Tuqiri have both exressed dissappointment about how little ball they get playing limited minutes and on the end of the backline.

[PeteyD]

Wah wah wah wah wah my heart bleeds for them cos they don't have the ball all the time.

[Jarro]

What position will Rogers play at the Titans ?

Have they signed any class fullbacks ? I think he'd be great at fullback in league

[PeteyD]

Chris Walker I think to fill in for the year ;) I think Rogers should play prop, might knock some sense into his head.

[Jarro]

Walker is on "trial" at the moment i think.

What a waste of talent. I remember watching him play SOO a few years ago and he carved 'em up.

If only the wanker could get his head screwed on right.

[Courty]

What position will Rogers play at the Titans ?

Have they signed any class fullbacks ? I think he'd be great at fullback in league

Rogers was the QLD and Australian centre before being blinded by Wallaby $$$. He probably has aspirations of playing at 5/8th, but I'm not sure if the Titans already have a 5/8th in the squad. I think Walker maybe a bakup plan in case Rogers stays with Union for the World Cup.

[terryand]

I'm thinking the boys are thinking they have no chance in the World Cup ( as a team), so might as will jump ship back to the one true football they love to play.

Terry.

[Jarro]

Courty, i think the Titans have Preston Campbell and Scott Prince pencilled in to play in the halves.

That's why i asked where he might play ..... seems fullback or centre might be his only option ???

[PeteyD]

Fullback I think. Maybe centre, he has built up a bit since he started playing real rugby.

[Fishman Dan]

Prince and Campbell would be the softest pair of halves going around, neither of them are known for their defensive ability.

[Jarro]

Campbell never defends in the normal 5/8th spot anyway Fish .... they hide him out on the wing.

Nothing wrong with Princes defence though, he's a tough little bugger.

[PeteyD]

Yea Fish, you might want to watch the 2005 GF again.

[Fishman Dan]

Or not. It's a crap game.

[PeteyD]

It was great! One of the best Grand Finals in recent memory.

[dc68]

Sorry can't remember it ! ;)

[Fishman Dan]

I was generalising ;)

[3oneday]

I was generalising ;)just dirty no one has started a "How far last will Carlton run this year" thread yet ???

[PeteyD]

Sorry can't remember it ! ;)

Tigers are still premiers aren't they, can't remember another game between then and now, except QLD winning SOO of course.

[Fishman Dan]

just dirty no one has started a "How far last will Carlton run this year" thread yet ???

Can we please keep this thread on-topic please.. i'll be forced to dob.

[Jarro]

Watch for a press release on Rogers future within the next couple of days.

Word has it the ARU will release him from the final year of his contract, upon which the Titans will sign him up for the 2007 season 8)

[3oneday]

Watch for a press release on Rogers future within the next couple of days.that's nice, maybe the ARL might work out they need forwards instead of backs, these backs they are signing are good players but it's made no difference to how the Wallys perform :p

[Grunt]

Have to agree there Pete, the lack of forwards is very easily the big reason for the difference between the top and bottom teams.

One point that highlights this is that the Wooden Spooners had the top try scorer in their team. Imagine how much better they would have been with a forward pack that was going forwards in attack and defence. Bring On 2007 :)

[Jarro]

the lack of forwards is very easily the big reason for the difference between the top and bottom teams.


That's right, look at the 2006 premiers ... best pack in the comp by a mile.

Bulldogs pack was a bunch of nancy-boys

[Grunt]

I would not say a country mile but yes they were good. I hope they have someone that is going to step up and replace Webke. His shoes will be very hard to fill. His retirement and Asotasi's move to Souths has severely weakened the 2 strongest packs in the comp from last year.

[3oneday]

I was talking about ARU, but said ARL, sorry :oops:

[dc68]

Why post about the ARU in an NRL thread?


:roll:

[3oneday]

Why post about the ARU in an NRL thread?


:roll:the discussion had moved to Rogers, doodlebrain, please keep up :p

[dc68]

the discussion has moved up my ar5e, please forgive me for being a doodlebrain who cant keep it up :p

No probs :p

[Courty]

Rofl

[Trung]

Oh Dear, whats next?

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/images/nrldoggies.jpg/nrldoggies.jpg

[Grunt]

Is that the new Bulldogs Playing strip?

[3oneday]

Is that the new Bulldogs Playing strip?dress like chicks and still beat those ferrets :p

:lol:

[Jarro]

If the players get around in that sorta gear, what the hell do the supporters get up to :shock:

[3oneday]

If the players get around in that sorta gear, what the hell do the supporters get up to :shock:well, we sure as hell don't rub ourselves on our golf bags :p

[Jarro]

i'm not so sure about that.

[Grunt]

I reckon they might be licking Ball Bags!

[dc68]

If the players get around in that sorta gear, what the hell do the supporters get up to :shock:


Tea towels.

[Jarro]

Well it looks like the Bunnies are off to a great start for 2007 :roll:

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21028718-23214,00.html

[dc68]

I thought we had this running already Grunter.

[terryand]

See they are playing 2 games on Friday night now and Monday night footy is back.

http://www.nrl.com.au/Season2007/tabid/416/Default.aspx



Worked a treat last time they tried it, didn't it :-s

Terry.

[PeteyD]

Monday night football works well in the states. But for most of the season you only get pro football on Sunday, not the saturation every day coverage we have here.

[3oneday]

hehe, wifey should be happy as well with footy also on Mondays now ;)

[Jarro]

Monday night footy is only available if you have pay-tv ;)

[Grunt]

Souths V Roosters is the first Monday Night Game.

[3oneday]

Monday night footy is only available if you have pay-tv ;)what a shame ;)

[Jarro]

what a shame ;)

yeah, i'm shattered :p

[Courty]

Souths V Roosters is the first Monday Night Game.

*YAWN*

[3oneday]

Yeah, you would have thought they might have preferred a contest first up !!!

[Grunt]

Who the Bunnies? The feather Dusters are easy Beats!!!

[Fishman Dan]

Souths V Roosters is the first Monday Night Game.

Not exactly the blockbuster the NRL would be looking for to launch the concept.

[Jarro]

It'll rate hugely Dan, Monday nights in front of the telly are an Aussie institution

[Fishman Dan]

Which is why it failed every other time they tried? It's a shame they don't try and get fans to the game. I suppose the TV ratings might compliment the 5000 Roosters and Souths fans turning up to the game - one team never attends (Roosters), and the other is too embarrassed.

I'll be watching South Park ;)

[Jarro]

When was the last time they trialled Monday night football ?

Can't seem to recall myself ;)

[Courty]

WTF is this all about?

Crowe sacks cheerleaders (http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21197341-23214,00.html).

Apparently, the cheerleaders make male fans 'uncomfortable'.

The only discomfort caused by cheerleaders would be diminishing space in the reg grundies. :mrgreen:

[Jarro]

It's official, the Bunnies are GAY !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Grunt]

This is not news it was announced over a week ago. Must be a slow news day for News Ltd. All you non Souths believers will be converted soon.
No posts here about the fact Souths signed a 7 figure sponsorship deal with VirginBlue for Training & Shorts sponsorship. Souths are now the team to play for.

[Grunt]

It's official, the Bunnies are GAY !!!!!!!!!!!!

No Parramatta are gay, they have guys in the cheer squad.

[dc68]

VIRGIN Blue and no cheer chicks....... hmmmmm

[Grunt]

well if you want the facts, they wanted Virgin as front jersey sponsor but the NRL vetoed it as QANTAS is a major sponsor of the NRL.

[dc68]

Ha good old QF sucked in Faggies..... I mean Butties er.... bunnies.











Hold your spleen Grunt.Don't want it falling out now. ;)

[Grunt]

lol

[Jarro]

surely the male Souths members would prefer to see cheerleaders rather than some hippies playing drums .... badly !!

[Fishman Dan]

So GayFL huh. You've got Ian Roberts, Hoppa and Dategate, and now a Cheerleader Team being replaced by a marching band.

What's next - lycra skirts?

[Grunt]

No replacement at all, Drums will play during the game but the Footy is going to be the entertainment.

[Fishman Dan]

No replacement at all, Drums will play during the game but the Footy is going to be the entertainment.

What did DC68 say?? Oh yeah... "Yaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnn".

Face it, NRL is good for one thing - tipping comps.

[goughy]

Sorry Grunt, but your bunnies fans only had one thing worth turning up to watch (and not many of you turned up to the games anyway) and now even that's gone. You're screwed ;) :)

[Grunt]

We will see how all these posts look later in the year, I am confident that i won't be the one with a little bit of foot in mouth disease.

[terryand]

So GayFL huh. You've got Ian Roberts, Hoppa and Dategate, and now a Cheerleader Team being replaced by a marching band.

What's next - lycra skirts?

So what is the carlton cheergirls squad called :-s

Terry.

[Grunt]

Do any AFL team have or have ever had Cheer Squads? I remember the swanettes but have there been any others?

[PeteyD]

Yea grunt they call em players!!

[terryand]

Players, i thought it was supporters :mrgreen:

Terry.

[Eag's]

No replacement at all, Drums will play during the game but the Footy is going to be the entertainment.

Except when your team are playing :twisted: they should be good for a laugh
though :-P

[Grunt]

At last a story with some real facts about the cheerleaders being not reqd at Souths this year.

Souths leading pack on cheers
Peter Fitzsimons
February 10, 2007 (SMH)

Souths. How refreshing to see the rugby league club, with roots that go the deepest into Sydney soil, peel back a couple of layers of American glitz by announcing that this year they won't have cheerleaders!

"Our focus," Rabbitohs co-owner Russell Crowe was quoted as saying, "is to re-establish rugby league and women. The focus on game day should be a positive experience for the crowd. We feel the [cheerleaders] made a lot of people uncomfortable … We felt we didn't need cheerleaders and would like them replaced by a group of drummers, male and female."

Yes, yes, yes, no, no, no … yes, I don't know how the drummer thing will work either. But at least Souths are trying something different! And the point remains that the whole cheerleading thing is antiquated American clap-trap, unfit for the 21st century.

After all, the premise is that when the try is scored, the cheerleaders are there to lead the cheers, that they are the ones who are most passionate about the game and are the most excited. Yet, when the subject has been raised before, the defence is always that, "we are professional dancers," and so it proved yesterday.

One Souths cheerleader, Ashleigh Francis, told the Tele: "We were employed by Souths as professional dancers and our role as cheerleaders was simply to add glamour to the image of the NRL in terms of marketing. Children at the games were constantly approaching us and asking us for autographs and photos and little girls would even ask us if they were old enough to be cheer-girls, too."

See? How many of us still think that whole cheerleading thing is glamorous? And how many of us want our daughters to aspire to the role of cheering for boys' sports, instead of playing sport themselves? Bravo Souths.

[terryand]

I think the the reason they got rid of the cheergirls is that they weren't getting their money's worth out of them, like come on, they didn't do too much cheering last year, did they.

Terry.

[Jarro]

Good point Tez ;)

[Courty]

I think the the reason they got rid of the cheergirls is that they weren't getting their money's worth out of them, like come on, they didn't do too much cheering last year, did they.

Terry.

ROFL :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

[Fishman Dan]

The Bunnies will try anything (http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/bunnies-keen-to-attract-gay-support/2007/02/18/1171405507014.html)

Gayfl? I think not!!

[3oneday]

hehe, "go sweety, go !!! ooh Russell, you are such a BEAST !!!"

:lol:

[just]

hehe, "go sweety, go !!! ooh Russell, you are such a BEAST !!!"

:lol:

Sounds like you've had a bit of practice at that!!!:-D

[just]

The Bunnies will try anything (http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/bunnies-keen-to-attract-gay-support/2007/02/18/1171405507014.html)

Gayfl? I think not!!

Maybe this prompted Grunts other thread! The real Grunt has come to his senses and realised that Souths are beyond saving.

[3oneday]

Sounds like you've had a bit of practice at that!!!:-D:smt056

[Courty]

Can't wait to hear Grunt's excuse/ justification for the Bunnies latest brain fade. :lol:

[Courty]

The Bunnies will try anything (http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/bunnies-keen-to-attract-gay-support/2007/02/18/1171405507014.html)

Gayfl? I think not!!

AFL don't need to attract the gay communities' support. They've already go it! :mrgreen: ;)

[dc68]

I can imagine all the old bunnies having fits of apoplexy.

[Fishman Dan]

Bunnies supporters don't do anything with more than 2 syllables in it DC.

[Jarro]

I can imagine all the old bunnies having fits of apoplexy.

don't you mean mixamatosis ;)

[dc68]

True

[Grunt]

WOO HOO got my tickets to the Charity Shield tonight, it is footy time once more.:p Got good tickets too, 6 rows back from the fence right on halfway.

Dragons goin' down.:)

[Courty]

*YAWN*.

Ass-whipping day when the Lizards beat Bunnies in a canter.

[AndyP]

The seats sound ordinary. Won't all the action be up the Dragon's end?

(sorry, I think I clicked on the wrong thread)

[Grunt]

*YAWN*.

Training run for the lizards.

You meant to say "ass whipping day"

[Courty]

You meant to say "ass whipping day"

Original post editted. ;)

[Grunt]

you will all eat humble pie mark my words

[Courty]

Mmmmmmm... Rabbit pie!

http://home.comcast.net/~khanman225/uknothing.jpg

[Jarro]

Be interesting to see how the lizards go in the post-Barrett era ?

I can't see Gasnier making a very good 5/8th :-s

[Eag's]

WOO HOO got my tickets to the Charity Shield tonight, it is footy time once more.:p Got good tickets too, 6 rows back from the fence right on halfway.

Dragons goin' down.:)

:smt046 :smt044 :smt043 Grant, stop dreaming mate :twisted:

[Grunt]

How many St George/Illawarra supporters are there here?

[dc68]

More than the lone Rabbitoh I would suspect...although they are nearly as long suffering as you are my friend.

[Fishman Dan]

How many St George/Illawarra supporters are there here?

For the sake of this discussion you know where my money is going!

[Courty]

Start a poll.

http://forum.skill-club.com/images/smilies/arated.gif

[dc68]

Get to it man!

[Jarro]

mike is a St.George supporter, so is Eag's

[Eag's]

More than the lone Rabbitoh I would suspect...although they are nearly as long suffering as you are my friend.

Long suffering is true mate but not quite as sad as a bunnies supporter :smt002

[dc68]

Nearly

[PeteyD]

At least the Tigers have won!!

[dc68]

In conjuntion with the Magpies ;)

[Jarro]

Davey, how do you think the Broncs will go on Saturday morning ?

The side looks pretty strong, but i'm not really sure about Carlaw starting at prop :???: I think Thorn would be better there than in the second row.

[dc68]

Mate will probably be watching it at an inner city venue. I reckon they can do it. fingers crossed.

[Eag's]

Looks very bloody cold over there right now :shock:
They looked like they were wearing thermals during their training session.

[Courty]

In other news, the Bunnies lost & the Titans won yesterday. :twisted:

[Grunt]

One word - Trials!!

[3oneday]

Yep, confidence building trials ;)

[Fishman Dan]

Yep, confidence building trials ;)

I thought only winners tend to 'build'. Losers tend to 'soul search'.

[Grunt]

You can all say what you like, The trial went well, even the papers said Souths were basically a reserve grade side and Cronulla were full strength. Cronulla had their understrength trial last week. More can be said if the Bunnies fail this week with a stronger side. That said even next week is still a trial and it doesn't count for anything other than raising money for the kids Hospitals in Sydney. Playing well against the Feather Dusters and walking away with a win in Round 1 counts!

[goughy]

Me thinks the rabbitohs are gonna be this years nrl bunnies ;) :)

[3oneday]

Me thinks the rabbitohs are gonna be this years nrl bunnies ;) :)Goughy, he's too easy a target mate ;) he fires up everytime :lol:

:lol:

[Jarro]

I'm more interested to see if Sonny-Dill can last more than 3 games into the season :roll:

:lol:

[goughy]

I want to see him last 3 games of the season in total.

Actually, I won't see him last 3 games 'cause I won't watch as many as 3 games the entire season.

[3oneday]

I'm more interested to see if Sonny-Dill can last more than 3 games into the season :roll:

:lol:well, if he does we could be in for a good year ;) :p

[Courty]

Sticky wants Lote (http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/sharks-pass-hat-round-for-lote-bid/2007/02/25/1172338468427.html?s_cid=rss_smh).

[Jarro]

EVERBODY wants Lote :roll:

He's talking with the Broncos today ;)

[Eag's]

EVERBODY wants Lote :roll:

He's talking with the Broncos today ;)

Would they have room for him with their salary cap limit?
He would be asking big money!!

[Courty]

EVERBODY wants Lote :roll:

He's talking with the Broncos today ;)

Talking is all he'll be doing with the Bronco's. ;)

[Jarro]

Would they have room for him with their salary cap limit?
He would be asking big money!!

Probably not mate.

.. but who sticks to the salary cap these days anyway ;)

For the money he's asking, i doubt any team would be able to afford him.

[Eag's]

Probably not mate.

.. but who sticks to the salary cap these days anyway ;)

For the money he's asking, i doubt any team would be able to afford him.

Maybe the Bunnies will pick him up :smt002
That way they will have one good player :twisted:

[3oneday]

He almost needs his own salary cap ;)

[Courty]

That article I posted says he was going to be offered around 900k per year by the ARU. :shock: Even if he was to be paid half of that by an NRL team, it's a lot of money for an outside back. You'd have to move him closer to the action and get the ball in his hands a lot to get your money's worth.

[Grunt]

Talk around the traps is, if SBW does not resign with the Bulldogs before the Competition starts they are withdrawing the offer that has been presented to him. Canberra has supposedly offered him a 10 year deal!!

[3oneday]

Yep, could see him going to Canberra !!!

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Grunt]

Did not say he was going but he has been offered a deal to go. I reckon the Roosters would be the specials to sign him if he does indeed leave the Bulldogs.

[Fishman Dan]

Climate isn't too different to NZ!

I found it flattering that a far north Queenslander reads the Sydney Morning Herald for his update on the state of the nation ;)

[Grunt]

Injuries Start debate over trials (http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/sport/200702260541/injuries_in_nrl_trial_matches_spark_debate)

[Courty]

I found it flattering that a far north Queenslander reads the Sydney Morning Herald for his update on the state of the nation ;)

Teh interweb knows no borders. ;)

[Fishman Dan]

Injuries Start debate over trials (http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/sport/200702260541/injuries_in_nrl_trial_matches_spark_debate)

Same bitchfight every year Grant. If they think they are going to play near 100% and not get an injury then they're kidding themselves.

[goughy]

Wot's the story with SBW then. I don't follow any of this, so it's news to me. But I've always gathered that he is 'reputed' to be one if the big stars but always seems to be injured. So wot's the deal?

[dc68]

He is a bit like one J Brown.

[Grunt]

News on SBW

http://www.skynews.com.au/sport/story.asp?id=156383

[Grunt]

Broncos cannot afford Tuqiri

By Stuart Honeysett and Brent Read
February 27, 2007

THE options for Lote Tuqiri are narrowing as his former NRL club Brisbane has declared it is unlikely to make an offer for the dual international.

Brisbane chief executive Bruno Cullen all but confirmed yesterday his club was out of the picture shortly after the Broncos arrived home from England after the World Club Challenge.

Tuqiri, 27, will be off contract with the Australian Rugby Union after the World Cup and is exploring his options.

He has had feelers from the Waratahs and Queensland Reds in rugby, while league clubs South Sydney, Gold Coast and the Sharks have expressed interest.

Tuqiri said during a tour of the Rabbitohs' facilities last week that he wanted to talk to Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett before making a decision.

However, that process appears to be a mere formality now with the Broncos becoming the second club behind the Sydney Roosters officially to withdraw from the race.

"I haven't had any further discussions with Lote's management," Cullen said.

"Following our initial discussions, I was then, and remain convinced that we're nowhere in the ball park and under those circumstances will not be making him an offer."

It is believed that part of the problem facing the Broncos is the asking price it will take to lure Tuqiri back to the NRL.

The ARU has already offered Tuqiri $2.4 million over three years, which he rejected before Christmas.

It will put its final offer to Tuqiri later this week. And sources have indicated it will be reduced and come with a time limit.

It is becoming evident that the ARU is tiring of the dragged-out media saga surrounding the ongoing league v rugby, NSW v Queensland tug-of-war for Tuqiri's services and will demand an answer from him shortly after tabling its offer.

It is also understood the ARU deal will be put on a "take it or leave it" basis - there will be no further negotiations.

Unless he quickly accepts what is presented to him, the offer will be quickly withdrawn.

That would weaken his negotiating position with NRL clubs which have struggled to come close to matching the money Tuqiri can earn by staying in rugby.

It is believed Tuqiri would seriously consider switching codes for $600,000 a year, although salary cap constraints would prevent NRL clubs making such an offer.

That figure would certainly be beyond Brisbane as it would make Tuqiri the highest paid player at the club and in the game - surpassing what Australia captain Darren Lockyer earns.

Other clubs still in the hunt, chiefly the Sharks, are banking on corporate support.

Gold Coast has also explored those avenues but chief executive Michael Searle concedes if money is Tuqiri's primary consideration, the Titans are unlikely to woo him back to the NRL.

"If his decision is based on finances, I think we're a long shot," Searle said.

Searle will meet Tuqiri's manager Les Ross on Thursday to make Gold Coast's final pitch.

Ross has already called on all interested parties to table their offers this week so Tuqiri can make a decision on his future as soon as possible.

"Our offer will be more about lifestyle and opportunity for him to move back to Queensland, as opposed to finance," Searle said.

Meanwhile, the NRL is likely to scrutinise any rival bid for Sonny Bill Williams that falls below the Bulldogs' offer of $500,000 per season.

The Dogs have tabled a three-year, $1.5 million offer for the New Zealand forward, who is off contract at the end of the season.

Williams' management is shopping the 21 year old around, testing the patience of the Bulldogs, who are on the verge of withdrawing their offer.

[Jarro]

Didn't think we could afford him :(

I doubt any NRL clubs will be able to with that asking price :shock:

[AndyP]

He is a bit like one J Brown.
A country hick thug?

[dc68]

Nah more like a home boy wannabe Maori thug. My likening them was more to do with watching more games than they actually play.

[Jarro]

Just had a browse through this months Foxtel guide. It seems now you can chose which game you watch LIVE on Saturday nights double-header 8) .. or you can use the split-screen option and watch both games at the same time.

[Courty]

Titans have withdrawn from chasing Lote Tuqiri. If he keeps it up, he'll price himself right out of an NRL return.

[Grunt]

Titans have withdrawn from chasing Lote Tuqiri. If he keeps it up, he'll price himself right out of an NRL return.

Or the opposite, if he is not careful the Rugby union will pull out also. If that is the case the clubs will be in the upper hand.

[Eag's]

Just had a browse through this months Foxtel guide. It seems now you can chose which game you watch LIVE on Saturday nights double-header 8) .. or you can use the split-screen option and watch both games at the same time.

Sweet!! will have to check that out for sure :-D

[Grunt]

You can also choose one and then watch the other when it finishes. Or vise versa.

[Fishman Dan]

Titans have withdrawn from chasing Lote Tuqiri. If he keeps it up, he'll price himself right out of an NRL return.

The problem being? It's a World Cup year in Ra-Ra. He stands to make a lot more out of a) signing for the Waratah's again, and b) performance bonuses should the Wallabies actually achieve anything.

He's just talking up an NRL return to raise his price - and raise it above what the NRL teams can afford.

[Grunt]

SMH: Green Dragons Looking Like The Bunnies
Green Dragons looking like the bunnies
March 1, 2007

IN SOMETHING of a role reversal, South Sydney yesterday named a line-up of internationals and seasoned campaigners for the Charity Shield, while St George Illawarra had to opt for up-and-comers.

With Brett Morris this week joining Jason Ryles, Dean Young and Justin Poore on the sidelines after scans revealed he suffered a broken thumb against the Bulldogs last weekend - putting him out of action for two months - it was Dragons coach Nathan Brown who was forced to draft in a young and vastly inexperienced batch of replacements.

Against a Rabbitohs side which will, for the first time, include high-profile recruits Roy Asotasi, David Kidwell and Nigel Vagana, Brown has selected a schoolboy and a player who paid his own way from New Zealand to trial with the club just a few months ago in his squad for the annual contest.

Club officials thought Morris - the son of former Dragons great "Slippery" Steve Morris - who starred with 12 tries from 19 games last season, had only bruised his thumb slightly. But X-rays taken on Tuesday revealed a fracture, leaving his twin brother Josh to take the fullback jumper at Telstra Stadium.

Moving onto the wing is Chase Stanley, a 17-year-old who is in year 12 at Endeavour Sports High School and who had to miss training on Tuesday because of his school commitments.

With Ryles out until round one after wrist surgery, Luke Bailey now with the Gold Coast Titans and Poore suspended, Brown has opted for two rookies in south coast prospect Chris Houston and Wollongong product Dan Hunt in the front row.

Ricky Thorby, though, is the pick of the pack. Named to play off the bench, it will represent a remarkable turnaround after he paid his own fare to fly from New Zealand to Sydney to trial with the club in January after his manager phoned Brown in search of an opportunity.

"He's a good hard worker - he does a bit of concreting," Brown said. "He's only really been training with the first-grade squad for the last two weeks. But he came out last week [against the Bulldogs] and he had a good dig so I'll give him another shot this week and see how he goes. He's definitely keen and he's tough enough."

The Rabbitohs named seven of their off-season recruits, seven current or former internationals and a forward pack to rival most in the NRL. Only Nathan Merritt (neck), Beau Champion (eye surgery, round one) and Yileen Gordon (ankle, round two) were missing.

Joe Williams was named halfback, with Parramatta recruit Jeremy Smith on a 10-man bench. Souths coach Jason Taylor said he was hesitant to give Smith extended time following pre-season knee surgery.

"It's our last chance to get some confidence, to get some combinations," Taylor said. "It's important for us."

Yesterday was significant for the Rabbitohs on a number of fronts; Peter Holmes a Court and Russell Crowe officially took over the leagues club, taking it out of administration, with $10-15 million worth of refurbishments to be carried out.

"We've only used 15 per cent of this building," Souths chief executive Shane Richardson said. "We intend to use one hundred per cent."

The Rabbitohs will today announce their fourth and final major sponsor - but significantly, their second million-dollar one. Development company High Concept by Trivest will be the club's away jersey sponsor, giving the Rabbitohs a combined $2.8 million in sponsorship.

And while Holmes a Court is bringing the club itself back to Redfern, he is also bringing some of the club's legends, originally alienated by the takeover last season, back as well.

At yesterday's season launch, former Test back-rower Bob McCarthy was officially welcomed back to the club as host of its Legends Room on game days.

"I was sitting at home just after [former coach] Shaun McRae left the club, and I got a phone call from Shane Richardson," McCarthy said. "I thought they wanted me back for a football role. I went from football to an entertainer.

"The bottom line is, South Sydney are playing now. I don't care who owns them."

[Fishman Dan]

Readers Digest version?

[dc68]

Thump thump thump

[3oneday]

Thump thump thumphehe, anyone (other than Grant) read it ? Fish ??? "blah blah blah... crap ?"

[AndyP]

hehe, anyone (other than Grant) read it ? Fish ??? "blah blah blah... crap ?"
:lol:
It's funny 'cos it's true.

[Eag's]

Bunnies are still going DOWN Grant :twisted: :twisted:

[dc68]

Bunnies are still going DOWN Grant :twisted: :twisted:

Yes but the question is "Who on?"

[Eag's]

Yes but the question is "Who on?"

:smt037 :smt023

[Grunt]

We'll see.

[Bruce]

Such appalling grammar.

On whom?

[Courty]

Titans beat Panthers 28-6 8)

[3oneday]

Titans beat Panthers 28-6 8)thanks Grant ;)

[Jarro]

Pretty good showing from the Titans. I watched the highlights on Fox this morning and they appear to have a nice combination happening in the backs, forwards need to muscle up a bit more and they might go alright this season.

[Courty]

Pretty good showing from the Titans. I watched the highlights on Fox this morning and they appear to have a nice combination happening in the backs, forwards need to muscle up a bit more and they might go alright this season.

They were missing 6 forwards last night:


Mark Minichiello, Brad Meyers, Michael Henderson, Nathan Friend, Daniel Conn and Michael Hodgson

[Fishman Dan]

Both fans have turned up for this crucial game.

Good planning to have it on Mardi Gras night - isn't that Souths latest recruiting ground?

[Jarro]

What's the story on Gasnier ? I heard a rumour he might be out for the season :shock:

[terryand]

What's the story on Gasnier ? I heard a rumour he might be out for the season :shock:

Torn tit muscle :-s

Terry.

[Fishman Dan]

No post from Grunt? Must have gone to the Mardi Gras instead.

Gotta admit, Jarhead on Showtime was far more entertaining. But it was only a trial game anyway ;)

[Grunt]

I was at the game and it was goo. An unlucky intercept pass got the Dragons home. I think the bunnies played well but as you have already said it was a trial.

[Fishman Dan]

Peachey's try was crap. Blatent knock-on too. He landed at the same spot the ball came down - therefore he had to have knocked it forward.

16-6 in my books ;)

[CobraSS]

Gasnier out for season http://www.nrl.com/News/Latest/NewsArticle/tabid/76/NewsId/4085/Default.aspx

[Grunt]

The held up try should have gone to the Vid ref too. so I guess it evens out. Remember the vid ref has to feel that there is no chance it is a try to knock it back. If there is no proof it is not a try then it is given benefit of the doubt.

[Jarro]

Dragons will do it tough without Gasnier for the rest of the year. I think Nathan Brown was planning a lot of their attack around him.

Who they gonna throw in there now ???

[3oneday]

I was at the game and it was goo.gaa

Hey Grunt, those Dragons cheergirls were good mate, how was the marching band ???

:lol:

[goughy]

gaa

Hey Grunt, those Dragons cheergirls were good mate, how was the marching band ???

:lol:

Rythmic!!

Those drumsticks are a real turn on. Imagine the uses for them. Much more inviting than a group of scantilly clad cheerleaders.

What is every other team in the nrl (maybe even every other sport in the country) thinking.

Considering america is the home of drum lines and also the home of cheerleading; how many sporting teams in the states have a drum troupe instead of cheerleaders (some may have both).

I'm wondering if Crowe was hit by a boomeranging phone!!

[Grunt]

gaa

Hey Grunt, those Dragons cheergirls were good mate, how was the marching band ???

:lol:
Honestly they were quite nice the dragons Cheergirls, they were right in front of us all night. Souths had no band last night. The team got led out by a heap of kids.

[Eag's]

What's the story on Gasnier ? I heard a rumour he might be out for the season :shock:

Man, what a kick in the guts that is :cry:
They will do well to make the top 8 now, but hopefully they will
lift like they have had to on previous occasions :neutral:

[Courty]

Man, what a kick in the guts that is :cry:
They will do well to make the top 8 now, but hopefully they will
lift like they have had to on previous occasions :neutral:

One man does not make a team. And IMO, Gasnier wasn't a 5/8's ar5ehole anyhow. I think Dragons will do just fine without him on the paddock.

[Eag's]

One man does not make a team. And IMO, Gasnier wasn't a 5/8's ar5ehole anyhow. I think Dragons will do just fine without him on the paddock.

I agree mate, but there is no doubt they do play better when he is on
the paddock :smt002
There are plenty of young talented players in the squad so this may
give one of them the chance they have been waiting for.

[Grunt]

They will rue letting a few young guys going last year to fit Gasnier in under the salary cap. I think the bulldogs have 2 ex st george 5/8's

[PeteyD]

Benji Marshall made it through a game! Even though the tigers got mangled.

[3oneday]

Benji Marshall made it through a game! really, I heard he did get a shoulder injury ???

[PeteyD]

hmm wasn't on the news up here, but he isn't a bronco ...

[dc68]

Grunt what was the toilet protocol like? Many fans get down from Oxford St?

[3oneday]

Many fans get down from Oxford St?so to speak ;) :smt061 :smt008


8-[

[Grunt]

Lote might just make it as a Rabbit.:p

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21337519-23214,00.htm

[3oneday]

How much can they actually raise in 3rd party agreements :shock: 700k a year is extreme... in the extreme !!!

[terryand]

Lote might just make it as a Rabbit.:p

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21337519-23214,00.htm


If he does go the Bunnies grunt they still won't come close to winning the premiership. But he will make you blues hurt that little bit more come state of Origin time.

So I guess there is an upside for the Bunnies forking out for him :mrgreen:

Terry.

[3oneday]

He's a good player, but is he worth 700k a year ? He's a winger FFS !!!

[terryand]

But he is a winger that is over 100kg's and when the forwards can't get back after a kick to take it up, he's there.

He probably is as strong and hard running as any back rower getting around, but obviously just that little bit smarter seeing as he is out on the wing :-s

Terry.

[Courty]

Speaking of back rowers, I was standing next to Beaver Menzies at the shops on the weekend (Manly was in town playing the Cowboys). I always got the impression that Menzies was at least as tall as me (6'2") if not taller. He always looks very tall on the tele. But standing shoulder to shoulder with him, I reckon he would be just 6'0" at the very most.

Just making an observation... back to your regular programme now.

[Fishman Dan]

But Souths already have the try scoringest winger in the game?

[Grunt]

I honestly don't think Lote will play on the wing when he gets back in the NRL. He will be a fullback/Centre.

[dc68]

No wonder they are forking out so much cash.... He is playing 2 positions. ;)

[PeteyD]

Speaking of back rowers, I was standing next to Beaver Menzies at the shops on the weekend (Manly was in town playing the Cowboys). I always got the impression that Menzies was at least as tall as me (6'2") if not taller. He always looks very tall on the tele. But standing shoulder to shoulder with him, I reckon he would be just 6'0" at the very most.

Just making an observation... back to your regular programme now.

It's the nose, distorts perception

[Courty]

It's the nose, distorts perception

His? or mine? :???: :-| :shock:

[PeteyD]

His nose Courty. I haven't seen yours

[AndyP]

It's hard to tell where Courty's nose is. It's a pretty messed up face.

[Courty]

Oooooh. Them's fightin' words. [-X :smt075 :smt021

[Grunt]

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21349741-23214,00.html

Likely Decision to be announced today :p

[dc68]

Tampon just resigned with the Bulldogs for another 5 years.

[3oneday]

great....


Must be due for a season ending injury then huh !!!

[dc68]

At least a 3 week one anyway. :p

[Grunt]

Is it on it's way to one of those Tunnels the Coyote used to paint on the side of the hill for the Road Runner

[dc68]

Hahahahahaha Bunnyboy.

[PeteyD]

Is it on it's way to one of those Tunnels the Coyote used to paint on the side of the hill for the Road Runner

Only where the rabbit gets squashed

[Grunt]

Not sure if any of you are keen on this but will post it anyway.

http://vrl.rleague.com/

Is a fantasy league comp where you pick your on team to run in a comp. If we get enough we could even run an OzGolf league.

[Jarro]

sorry Grant, i'm in too many tipping comps as it is :roll:

[Grunt]

no worries just putting out there. It is not a tipping comp though, you have to pick your team and manage it through the year.

[Grunt]

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21366703-23214,00.html