Grand Final Preview

A brief overview of season 2010 and who I think will win on Sunday night

My honest view, 2010 hasn't been a strong year for Rugby League and the quality of Football has left a lot to be desired. The Bulldogs and Parramatta underachieved, the Storm's salary cap bombshell exploded and the Dragons are favourites to win the Grand Final playing some of the most dreadfully boring and sour football we've seen.

On a club level, I'd much prefer the Dragons winning the competition. Simply because the Roosters are the scum of the competition, but we'll leave that for another blog. On a footballing level and in terms of which team will provide a greater spectacle to win on Sunday, my preference is with the Roosters.

What the Dragons will be relying on:

• Jason Ryles to make mistakes
• Nathan Fien to get them rolling
• Michael Weyman to be fit to play to carry their forward pack, along with Jeremy Smith
• Jamie Soward's boot and his confidence. We saw last week, when the Tigers put plenty of pressure on Soward, he was virtually useless. He finally chanced his arm and threw a nice cut-out pass to Mark Gasnier who tapped it on for Jason Nightingale to make a break down the right. 1 tackle later and the Nightingale did brilliantly to backup a Dean Young inside ball to score under the posts.

What the Roosters will be relying on

• Todd Carney to step up and take control
• Both of their young halves to not get overwhelmed by the occasion
• Jared Waerea-Hargreaves to play his typically enforcing role
• Braith Anasta to continue his strong form in the backrow

Where it will be win

Todd Carney - his boot, his ball running and his ball playing.

My Tip

Sydney Roosters

Round 26 Preview

This week, the NRL farewell's a number of champion footballers, including Brett Kimmorley and Nathan Cayless


Gold Coast Titans vs Wests Tigers

The Titans will be looking to bounce back after their disappointing loss to a spirited Sharks outfit last week. The Tigers are in form and playing some great football. Robert Lui is stepping up and Benji Marshall had a sensational game last week. I expect them to carry this form in to the finals series and win tomorrow night.


My Tip - Wests Tigers

Brisbane Broncos vs Canberra Raiders

Darren Lockyer .... will he play or not ? Henjak says not.. but the Raiders should not write him off just yet. A champion of our game, the future of the Broncos in 2010 rests on his ribs. Halfback Peter Wallace is expected to play, but with Lockyer the Broncos will struggle. The Raiders are the form team of the competition, having won 7 of their last 8 games, the Green Machine are flying home behind their imposing forward pack, backed up by stars like Josh Dugan, Jarrod Croker and Terry Campese. Hooker Travis Waddell has been named on their extended bench and don't be surprised if he plays tomorrow night, with Danny Galea dropping off the bench. Rumours also flying around that Justin Hodges will be a possible late inclusion for the Broncos...




My Tip - Canberra Raiders

Parramatta Eels vs New Zealand Warriors

The Eels are playing for pride now and hoping to send co-captain Nathan Cayless out on a high. The Warriors will be hopeful of carrying momentum into the finals, but I'm tipping Jarryd Hayne to have one last hurrah to send Cayless off. Feleti Mateo and Krisnan Inu will play their last games for the Eels, having both signed with the Warriors for next season. I'm sniffing an upset.

My Tip - Parramatta Eels



North Queensland Cowboys vs Sydney Roosters



Should be an easy win to the Roosters... don't be surprised if a few of their players are rested or come off early. The Cowboys packed up when Thurston was injured a few rounds back...



My Tip - Sydney Roosters



Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla Sharks

Penrith should be far too strong for the Sharks... although sending off Trent Barrett on a high note, might be motivation for the Sharks to step up. Tim Smith is also finishing the season strongly.

My Tip - Penrith Panthers

Melbourne vs Newcastle

Both teams are playing for pride, but I can see the Storm finishing the season strongly with a victory at home.

My Tip - Melbourne Storm

Manly vs Bulldogs

Should be a decent game. Brett Kimmorley plays his last game of professional Rugby League ever and Manly will be backing up from a dissapointing 2nd half vs Roosters last week. I can see a tight game here, but Sunday afternoon at Brookvale Oval, Manly should take this one out.

My Tip - Manly Sea Eagles

St George Dragons vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

Souths need to win this game and need Canberra lose to make the top 8 and keep what has been a relatively disappointing season, alive in 2010. However St George will be looking to finish this season in strong fashion, having already the minor premiership and will look to bring momentum in the finals series. Should be an entertaining game, but I'm tipping the Dragons to get home with the points.

My Tip - Dragons

For a punt... I'd be taking Newcastle at $8.20 (Centrebet, to win against the Storm on Sunday afternoon.

Melbourne's Mid-Year Clearance Over ?

Greg Inglis > Brisbane, Brett White > Canberra...

Melbourne might have just finished offloading players to rival clubs and overseas to allow them to compete in 2011, with Greg Inglis now officially signing with the Brisbane Broncos for 2- seasons and Brett White to the Canberra Raiders for 3-seasons.

The contract of Greg Inglis' has attracted plenty of attention, with questions raised over how a club already sporting the likes of Darren Lockyer, Peter Wallace, Sam Thaiday, Justin Hodges and Corey Parker - can afford to sign Inglis and Ben Hannant. Broncos CEO Bruno Cullen has revealed an extensive web of 3rd party deals and new salary cap concessions for marquee players has allowed Inglis to sign a reported $570,000 a season deal and Hannant for $350,000 a season.

Meanwhile, Storm prop Brett White has agreed to terms with the Canberra Raiders for 3- seasons. The Cooma junior is excited about returning to his roots and giving back to the community. White will play in what is widely regarded as the NRL's most imposing forward pack, boasting arguably the 2 best props for their respective states in David Shillington and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs and the NRL's tallest player, Dane Tilse.

This means Melbourne would have lost 8 players sinces their salary cap rorts had been uncovered. This includes Jeff Lima, Brett Finch & Ryan Hoffman > Wigan, Ryan Tandy & Aiden Tolman > Bulldogs, Greg Inglis > Brisbane, Brett White > Canberra, Luke MacDougall > unconfirmed.

My Tips for this week = Parramatta, Sydney Roosters, Gold Coast, Canberra, New Zealand, Melbourne, Penrith and St George.

NRL Round 18 Preview

With players backing up from Origin......

Wests Tigers vs Gold Coast Titans

With both halfbacks, Robert Lui and Scott Prince returning for their respective teams, this should be a very good game. Prince will allows Greg Bird to play wider of the ruck and hopefully to play his natural game as a powerful ball runner. The Tigers better watch out for Bird's offloads and Titans flyer Kevin Gordan. Meanwhile the Tigers will be hoping the home ground advantage will play in their favour. Should be a tight game however.....

My Tip FTW = Titans

Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

Mitchell Pearce should be the difference this week, allowing Todd Carney to play his natural game at 5/8th. South Sydney will be boosted with the return of Michael Crocker from injury, who will play in #14 off the bench. The Roosters have both size and mobility in their forward pack, who will need to be on their game if they are to tame the mountains that South Sydney boast. I think that without Issac Luke, Souths will struggle and I can see Carney, Anasta & Pearce controlling the game successfully...

My Tip FTW = Sydney Roosters

Manly Sea Eagles vs Canberra Raiders

The Sea Eagles started the season off very well, but have struggled to hit such form of late. However the Raiders lack of ability to score points will hurt them until they instill structure in their attacking line. Without Glen Buttriss, Travis Waddell will need to step up and take control around the ruck, hopefully distributing plenty of ball to the halves and in particular Terry Campese. Waddell is yet to play 80 minutes at hooker for the Raiders, which will be a tough ask especially down at Brookvale. Jamie Lyon is back for the Sea Eagles and should give them the edge to get home in front of the home fans.

My Tip FTW = Manly Sea Eagles

Bulldogs vs Melbourne

With a number of key players backing up from Origin, the crux of the Melbourne outfit will be battered and bruised. Against a vocal Bulldogs crowd, they will definatly be up against it. With Ben Barba hitting his straps at 5/8th, Melbourne will have their work cut out for them. The class of the Storm is beginning to wear thin and if you want a chance to beat the Storm while they are down, this is the week to do it. The Bulldogs should make it 3 wins in a row.

My Tip FTW = Bulldogs

Newcastle vs Cronulla

With both teams desperate to stay in touch with the top 8, this is bound to be a close game. Newcastle have the home ground advantage but Cronulla are just beginning to bring their season together. With Ben Pomeroy, Nathan Gardner and Trent Barrett in good form, Cronulla are in with a decent chance of taking the 2 points. However, the likes of Gidley, Mullen, Uate and De Gois should bring the Knights success on Sunday afternoon.

My Tip FTW = Newcastle

Penrith vs New Zealand Warriors

Both teams have been surprise packets this season. Penrith are equal with the Dragons on top of the competition and New Zealand are equal 6th. The Panthers are proving they are the real deal this season and managed to sneak home last week against the Dragons, without regular halfback Luke Walsh. He will be back this week and I think there is too much quality in the across the team for the Warriors to handle.

My Tip FTW = Penrith

Parramatta Eels vs North Queensland Cowboys

The Eels have struggled all season. The halves aren't combining well, Jarryd Hayne isn't firing and Mateo's offloads aren't sticking. The Cowboys have tried hard all season, (especially captain Johnathan Thurston) but it just isn't coming together. They have made a good positional change, switching Matt Bowen back to fullback. His defensive lapses at 5/8th were really hurting the Cowboys and it gives Grant Rovelli another shot at 5/8th. Expect plenty of points and an attack dominant game. I think Jarryd Hayne will hit his straps on Monday Night and guide the Eels to victory.

My Tip FTW = Eels

Another Raider becomes a Rooster...

Justin Carney signs a new 2-year deal with the Sydney Roosters

The Roosters have stolen yet another Canberra Raiders junior - this time it's 22 year old Justin Carney. Returning from a broken leg suffered midway through last season vs Titans, Carney has struggled to re-gain fitness and crack the Raiders first grade team.

He rejected a 2-year deal from the Raiders, for a more favourable salary out at Bondi. Despite the Raiders management wanting to keep him, it's clear Carney wants to back himself and is tired of sitting on the sidelines. Rest assured, this is a very good signing and Carney will not fail to impress in a backline already swimming with Raiders talent. With the likelihood of Josh Dugan jumping ship and heading over to the Roosters, their backline is shaping up to be a real force.

Potential Roosters backline in 2012 (assuming Minichiello will move on)

1. Josh Dugan
2. Phil Graham
3. Justin Carney
4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall
5. Sam Perrett
6. Todd Carney
7. Mitchell Pearce

Adding to their signing of Joel Monaghan a few seasons back and Brett Finch before that..... it's clear the Roosters backline breeding is mostly done down in the Nationals Capital.

Shadows must be cast over the dealings of the Roosters in recent years. The National Rugby League must step up and take control of handling player contract and payments and there needs to be incentives to keep junior talent.

The Roosters began seriously poaching talent from the Bulldogs, with the signings of Mark O'Meley, Willie Mason, Braith Anasta and Nate Myles. With rumours surrounding the dealings going on in Bondi, including the incentive of apartments in Bondi and the like, the NRL must step in and investigate.

The Raiders have managed to get one back on the Roosters, snaring 26-year old David Shillington for season 2009. However even then, he took a pay cut to play with the Raiders and get some recognition for his talent ! Since going on to play for Queensland and Australia and establishing himself as one of the best prop forwards in the game.

Roosters or Rorters ?

It's Tuesday the 29th of June (not Monday, as pointed out above!)

Mark Gasnier to return, Poor NSW Origin selections, Kris Keating to join the Bulldogs in 2011 & Steve Price hangs up the boots....

There is always a certain amount of anticipation and excitement surrounding the return of former greats, to the National Rugby League. Yesterday confirmed the return of one of the great centres to the National Rugby League - Mark Gasnier. He is set to make his return next Monday night for the Dragons (@ Home vs Penrith) and could force Matt Cooper out of NRL at the end of the year.

Gaz has made his intentions clear saying he's back to win a premiership. Hopefully the exciting outside back brings his form back to the NRL and earns himself a spot in the 2011 State of Origin Series.

At 28-years old, Gasnier still has a few golden years left in him (provided he wants them), but for now he is focused on forcing his way back into the Dragons starting side. Dragons centre pairing of Beau Scott and Matt Cooper have both made the NSW representative team this year - however my take on Beau Scott is that he should not have been picked for NSW. His defence is undoubtedly strong, however his attacking game is not existent. Scott's inclusion into State of Origin is the mark up against the #1 Player in the Game - Greg Inglis. However when Inglis wants to shine..... he will, and no Beau Scott can stand in his way.

My centres for game 3 would have been Michael Jennings (thankfully he was selected) and Chris Lawrence. Both Origin players with big futures ahead of them. The selection of Trent Barrett is a complete farce. A solid 5/8th in his last season of Rugby League...... the Origin series is over and QLD have won already ! Why not blood a new 5/8th who will be there next year ? Todd Carney, Terry Campese and even Jamie Soward were all much better options. Had Todd Carney been playing 5/8th for the Roosters for more time this season - his combination with Mitchell Pearce, would've secured his selection. Hopefully if Phil Gould returns to coach NSW, his bias toward the Roosters will come in handy in this department ! Anthony Watmough - NSW's best player for the last 2 series and he has been relegated to the bench !!! He should have been first picked at Lock for game 3.

Meanwhile, Parramatta's Kris Keating will link up with fellow Parramatta junior - Trent Hodkinson - in season 2011 - with both players signing deals with the Canterbury Bulldogs. Keating is a promising young talent who is likely to push for a starting spot at 5/8th. With Hodkinson poised to claim the #7 Halfback position, Brett Kimmorley is likely to move on at the end of the year and retire. Luke Patten is also rumoured to be moving on - the 30-year old veteran who is ever reliable for the Bulldogs, could end up in the English Super League. This opens the door for Ben Barba to settle in at Fullback.

Finally, Steve Price has played his last game in the National Rugby League. The 36-year old is forced to retire early following a persistent ankle injury. I hope he is given the recognition he deserves after playing for the last 17 seasons. A great player and a great guy who will be missed.

Go the mighty Green Machine & the Blues!

SOS Phil Gould !

5 series losses in a row as New South Wales continues to struggle against Mal Meninga's superstar Queensland team.....

In almost every position on the park, QLD are dominant over the Blues and unless wholesale changes occur - they will continue their winning streak.

It starts at the very top..... the selectors.... It was clear in last seasons State of Origin, that Kurt Gidley wasn't up to the pace of representative football. Yet we reluctantly sat back and watched him rack up crucial, rookie errors all series. Meanwhile Jarryd Hayne is becoming a freak over at Parramatta and can do no wrong - but is stuck out on the wing. Gidley has shown nothing in the past 2 seasons to warrant selection for NSW and hopefully for game 3, he is given the chop.

Jamie Lyon, is not a 5/8th..... he's said it himself and with the organising & short passing game of Brett Kimmorley in game 1 - we really needed a specialist 5/8th with an expansive passing and play making game.

Trent Barrett, is in his last season in the NRL..... he is not a player looking toward future success for the Blues and should not be picked for game 3. A damaging ball runner, skillfull playmaker and boasting one of the biggest boots in the competition - Terry Campese is the obvious selection for game 3 and would thrive with halfback Mitchell Pearce and hooker Michael Ennis.

Michael Jennings, is one of the most electrifying players in the competition and deserves another crack at Origin. With Jamie Lyon out, Beau Scott and Joel Monaghan's poor performances in game 2 - there are positions vacant for the Penrith flyer.

Next in line for the axe is Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy..... it's clear he is not up to the task of beating this QLD team, so why bother continue with someone who is tried, tested and failed. His input into selections and on field tactics have failed New South Wales Origin and he needs to step aside.

This brings me to the title of this blog post - Philip Ronald Gould. He is widely criticised by his audience for his agenda-driven ramblings, however there is no doubting Phil Gould's coaching ability and ability to step up for Origin. The most successful coach is NSW Origin history, Gould's NSW teams have won 14 of 24 games and 6 out of 8 Origin Series.

I would respect Phil Gould more for taking on this difficult task of beating arguably the best Queensland Origin team in history and losing..... as oppose to sitting back and keeping his record warm.

His analysis of the game holds more weight than any other Footballing media identity and he is the man for the job.

Phil Gould, your time has come.

Rising Stars!

A look at the emerging talent in the NRL

1. Josh Dugan - The 19-year old backbone for the Canberra Raiders makes more try saving tackles than anyone else in the NRL and is establishing himself as one of the best defensive fullbacks in the game. He will always threaten to break the line with his deadly kick returns placing his team on the front foot.


2. Nick Kenny - Although Kenny is 27 and has been with the Broncos since 2005, its only been until recently that his opportunities to shine have come about. He is now part of the senior group of forwards along with Sam Thaiday and Corey Parker who need to provide the experience to mentor and assist young forwards like Ben Te'o and Lagi Setu.


3. Blake Ferguson - After a stellar opening season with the Cronulla Sharks, Ferguson has established himself as one of the best finishers in the game.


4. Joseph Tomane - Since last years debut season with the Melbourne Storm, Joseph Tomane has packed on a considerable amount of size and strength in a bid to secure a spot in the centres left vacant by Brett Delaney at his new club - Gold Coast Titans . His impact has been felt immediately with the sizey centre becoming a real handful for the opposing teams.


5. Shannon Gallant - Could not think of a more fitting replacement for injured Cowboys Fullback Matt Bowen. Gallant has a knack for popping up in the right place at the right time. His speed, agility and elusiveness make him a real weapon in broken play and will prove a great buy for the Cowboys.


6. James Moloney - The 23 year old is keen to make himself the permanent number 7 at the Warriors following the departure of club legend Stacy Jones and the hand injury suffered by Brett Seymour. His skills are on show this weekend at ANZ where all NRL club members can gain entry to the match in honour of outgoing Warriors veteran Steve Price.
7. Corey Norman - Taking over from superstar Karmichael Hunt was always going to be a tough ask, but Norman has already shown he's up for the challenge.
8. Akuila Uate - If there is one player the Newcastle Knights want to see in the clear, it's Uate. The explosive winger clocked 10.9 seconds for a 100m sprint when he was still in high school ! While Knights training staff wish to keep his current times a mystery - rest assured that if the Fijian flyer wasn't playing Rugby League - he'd still be on the track. He bagged a hatrick last week against Penrith and there are plenty more to come for season 2010.
9. Ben Barba - The Bulldogs young gun offers coach Kevin Moore a real asset off the bench. After being awarded the Bulldogs 2008 Rookie of the Year award - Barba has struggled to find a spot in the starting line up for the Bulldogs, but is primed to take over from halfback Brett Kimmorley after Daniel Mortimer re-signed with the Eels for the next 2 seasons. Barba has already crossed for 5-tries from 4-games to open season 2010.

Darren Lockyer to play on

Lockyer Commits

Darren Lockyer will continue toward a 5th straight Origin Series Victory.

Broncos Five-Eighth Darren Lockyer has decided to make himself available for Queensland Origin this year. The 33 year old is adamant he still has "something to offer" in Queensland's bid to land a record 5th straight Origin Series.

Lockyer will join a star-studded line up with the likes of Brent Tate, Israel Folou, Willie Tonga, Darius Boyd and the resurgence of power house Lote Tuqiri set to fight it out for the remaining Wing spots in the Queensland team, provided Justin Hodges makes a successful return.

Willie Tonga is tipped to take Hodges spot in the Centres if his return doesn't go to plan after making a stellar start to season 2010 with 7-line breaks (leading the NRL) and 4-tries from as many games.

Meanwhile 36-year old Warrior Steve Price has announced his retirement effective at the end of season 2010.

Predicted QLD Origin Backline:

1. Billy Slater

2. Lote Tuqiri

3. Greg Inglis

4. Justin Hodges/Willie Tonga

5. Israel Folou/Brent Tate

Unofficial National Rugby League Blog - 6.4.2010