Tim Omaji to Open Easter Blockbuster Match

Tim Omaji to Open Easter Blockbuster Match







To celebrate the biggest game in the NRL Telstra Premiership calendar, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are pleased to announce the inclusion of award winning artist Tim Omaji (AKA Timomatic) to perform pre-game this Friday.

Omaji surprised some of the Bulldogs young guns this afternoon at Belmore Sports Ground where he checked out their skills as potential backup dancers. Omaji also proved to be a surprise packet with a football in hand impressing everyone with his skills, Omaji decided he’s best sticking to what he does best.

"It is a clear objective of the Club to set the benchmark for game day and fan experience, and we are excited to announce the inclusion of Tim Omaji as part of our game day entertainment,” Bulldogs Chief Executive Raelene Castle said.

Omaji clearly enjoyed sharing a joke with the young pups and was excited to be playing at the biggest game of the NRL season with a message to fans, “I’ll be performing my latest single ‘Something Bout You’, let’s do this!”

Fans are encouraged to arrive early, to ensure they take in all aspects of the event which includes drumming lessons, Jaycar remote control car races and a banner-making station. Easter Bunnies will be roaming the precinct and t-shirts will be fired into the crowd.

Comedians Rob and Tahir will host a pre-match show in the warm-up zone outside the stadium from 2.30pm with music, interviews with former players and autographs before leading a march into the stadium with all the fans at 3.00pm.

There’ll be a DJ on field, fan photos on the big screen, plenty of give-aways throughout the day and most importantly, the two best teams in the competition going head to head.

Pre-Sale tickets start at $50 for 2 Adults and 4 Juniors through http://ift.tt/1CvJ4UZ

With the Royal Easter Show in full swing next door, all Members and Fans who have not pre-booked parking should not drive and are instead reminded all tickets to the big game, including Bulldogs Member cards include entry and return travel on Sydney Trains, buses, ferry, light rail and Olympic Park Major Event Buses. Plan your trip at transportnsw.info.



Leave the car at home and take advantage of the additional and direct public transport services in place.





:crazy:



http://ift.tt/1CvJ5Z8

Tim Omaji to Open Easter Blockbuster Match

Anyone seen this?

http://com.google



Totally throws me off.



Even works on images.



Do a search and click the image results....

Anyone seen this?

Who is your "second team'?

Do you have a 'second team' and if so, which is it?

Who is your "second team'?

Eels crack the Rabbitohs’ code

Quote:

With predictable attacking structures dominating the competition, regular NRL 360 guests Mick Ennis and Benji Marshall gave their opinions on whether the Eels big upset win over the Rabbitohs had uncovered a formula for beating the reigning premiers. “What that win did show was that a lot of teams these days are so good defensively because of the structure that is so common throughout other teams that when you atsrt to throw unpredictability at them it takes them out of their comfort zone defensively,” Ennis said. “That’s when you get tested. “That’s why people always found Tim Sheens’ Tigers back in the day — when all the structure and block plays started to come in — would beat a side that had been travelling well for a period of time. “They’d bring them undone because they played such unstructured football. “... All of a sudden they play a side so good at defending structure and you get Marshall and Farah and those blokes changing angles and pushing into holes and playing that support football, and it creates havoc.” NRL 360 co-host Ben Ikin agreed and revealed that there was a growing school of thought that the better teams were throwing structure out the window to score points. “Brad Fittler said that the other night on Friday night football that he felt the game had moved past being all about attacking structures,” Ikin said. “The teams that were prepared to throw a bit of caution to the wind, sure have a base foundation of attack to build on, but it was the jumping and darting from dummy half with a late offload or a tip on or support play or a bloke poking his nose through — that was the stuff that was getting the better sides their points.”

http://ift.tt/1xVzw7c

Eels crack the Rabbitohs’ code

Docker to join saints asap

I just heard on fith and last pod cast that Adam docker has requested an immediate realise to join the dragons, thoughts I think he would be a nice fit to the team but definitely not at the caliber of merrin

Docker to join saints asap

Fun fact of the day

Since the inception of the ARL (now NRL), the Eels hold the record for longest reign as minor premiers. After winning the minor premiership, nobody took it from us for 3 straight years (so 4 in total).



In fact, that is the longest period a team hasn't been replaced as minor premiers since the 60s Dragons team (unlimited tackles), and that club has since gone by the wayside.



So, since the 6 tackle rule came in, no club has won more consecutive premierships (3 in a row), or had a period of 4 years without being replaced as minor premiers.







*yes, I realize we didn't win 4 in a row, the MP we won in 2005 was not replaced until 2009 since the cheats were stripped, so we ruled in 2005,6,7 and 8. Of course, I am very happy for someone to suggest the 2nd placed team on the premiership ladder should be awarded the MP for those seasons, in which case the SeaEagles and Eels would be awarded another premiership.

Fun fact of the day

Sam Kasiano re-signs

http://ift.tt/1yxYTXp

Sam Kasiano re-signs

Game: Sign Ups: Game of Thrones Mafia 3

f**k it. I'm going for it.



Just in time for season five. No book spoilers.



Get amongst it.

Game: Sign Ups: Game of Thrones Mafia 3

Bye bye Sir Kevin

http://ift.tt/1MwdG0h

Bye bye Sir Kevin

I'm with you Danny Boy

Best of luck mate, and i mean it :thumb

http://ift.tt/1MwdFK3

I'm with you Danny Boy

ECB wants 4 day Tests

Quote:

INCOMING England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Colin Graves confirmed on Tuesday that he is considering tabling proposals to shorten Test matches from five days to four. "Personally, I think we should look at four-day Test cricket and play 105 overs a day starting at 10.30am in the morning, and finish when you finish as all the grounds now have lights,” Graves, who takes up his role in May, told the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) website. The ECB could not itself introduce four-day Test matches, but it could push for changes to the Test format in international negotiations. Expanding on the idea, Graves added: “Every Test match would start on a Thursday, with Thursday and Friday being corporate days and then Saturday and Sunday the family days. “From a cost point of view, you’d lose that fifth day, which would save a hell of a lot of money from the ground’s point of view and the broadcasters. I would look at that.”

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ECB wants 4 day Tests

Sterlo: Eels will play Finals in 2015

Quote:

EELS legend Peter Sterling says the first month of the season has convinced him his old club is going to return to finals football for the first time since they made the grand final in 2009. Sterling tells RLW some of the biggest positives he sees from Parramatta, which has two wins and two losses from the first four rounds, revolve around the form of fullback Will Hopoate and five-eighth Corey Norman, the emergence of John Folau, the toughness of the forward pack and the direction under coach Brad Arthur. “I tipped them to make the finals before the season started. I always thought that after coming close last year they should step up and make it this year,” Sterling says. “Plenty of mention was made about Jarryd Hayne leaving and that was obviously a blow, but on the positive side I thought it would be the making of Will Hopoate, going back to fullback. He’s playing very well. “I thought Corey Norman would probably take on more responsibility as well, and that is happening. I didn’t think we’d see John Folau emerge until midway through the season, but he’s here now and he’s making an impact. “They’re a tough football team and that starts up front, in the forwards. They’ve recruited well and they’ve got the right man at the helm, in Brad Arthur. “There will be some hiccups along the way, with young players, but apart from the first half against the Warriors I like what I see so far. “Parra should have played finals football last year and based on the natural improvement it is reasonable to expect from the team and their early-season form, they should play finals footy this year.”

http://ift.tt/19z1JFd

Sterlo: Eels will play Finals in 2015

PNG Kumuls players available for Fiji Test

With a 34 men squad to be announced sometime this week, I've decided to put a list of eligible players that are playing in Australian based Competitions that could be available for selection.



Intrust Super Cup



1. Stargroth Amean -Hunters

2. Oti Bland Tony -Hunters

3. Ase Boas -Hunters

4. Kato Ottio -Hunters

5. Israel Eliab -Hunters

6. Roger Laka -Hunters

7. Henry Noki -Hunters

8. Wartovo Puara -Hunters

9. Esau Siune -Hunters

10. Willie Minoga -Hunters

11. Brandy Peter -Hunters

12. Adam Korave -Hunters

13. Thompson Teteh- Hunters

14. Adex Wera- Hunters

15. Enoch Maki- Hunters

16. Tim Lomai - Hunters

17. Ryse Martin - Townsville BlackHawks

18. Neville Costigen- Townsville BlackHawks

19. Josh Damen - South Logan Magpies

20. Matt Trnka - South Logan Magpies

21. Tyson Martin - Mackay Cutters

22. Rodney Griffin - Ipswich Jets

23. Joe Bond - Redcliffe Dolphins

24. Josh Benjamin- Redcliffe Dolphins

25. Tommy Butterfield -East Tigers

26. Jason Chan - Burleigh Bears

27. Tim Natusch - Wynnum Manly Seagulls



NRL/NSW Cup/NYC



28. Wellington Albert - Penrith Panthers

29. Stanton Albert - Penrith Panther

30. Luke Page - Canberra Raiders

31. Ray Thompson- NQ Cowboys



There are also players in England but a doubt very much that any of them will be brought over for this Test Match.

PNG Kumuls players available for Fiji Test

Josh Dugan Released

The St George Illawarra Dragons have today granted Josh Dugan an immediate release from his playing contract in a swap deal with Brisbane Broncos forward Sam Thaiday. The fullback is expected to sign a 3 and a half year deal with the Broncos and is a possibility in starting in this weeks match against the Titans. There will be a press conference at 3:00pm.



http://ift.tt/1G4meaV

Josh Dugan Released

Dragons workhorse De Belin backs reduced interchange

Dragons workhorse De Belin backs reduced interchange



By MITCH JENNINGS



March 31, 2015, 9:14 p.m.







RUGBY LEAGUE

Dragons workhorse Jack de Belin has a backed a push for a reduction in the interchange, saying the game risks churning out more "robots" if the drastic change isn't made.

It comes as the NRL considers cutting the number of interchanges allowed per game from 10 to eight or even six.

Having trimmed down to 102 kilograms this season, de Belin is averaging 60 minutes per game for the Dragons and has made a whopping 169 tackles in the first four rounds of the competition.

A reduction in the interchange would play into his hands but the durable 24-year-old said the change would have a positive impact on the game as a whole.

"Players these days are a little bit like robots," de Belin said.

"It's a game that really doesn't suit the little guy at the moment, it's more of a big man's game in the middle as you can see by the teams that have been successful. All we have to do is hit the ball up and tackle.

"There's not as much passing or offloads because we've become so accustomed to just taking the ball forward getting to our points and getting to the kick.

"I think it will suit the overall game once there's a bit more fatigue, we can ball play a bit more and play off the cuff.

"The game does need to change a little bit to accommodate the faster, quicker guys who can start playing their game when fatigue sets in."

De Belin said it would certainly suit his own game.

"When I saw the first article on that I was so happy," he said.

"It suits my game a 100 per cent. On the weekend I played 60 minutes straight ... I feel like I could play 80 most weeks so to be able to do that, lessen the interchange and get a few more tired lads out there would definitely suit my game."

The Dragons secured their second win of the season against Manly on the back of their big men and Saturday's match with an undefeated Newcastle is shaping as another war of attrition.

"It was one of our focal points against Manly to tighten up our middle and get a bit of whack and dominate their forward pack and I think we did that," de Belin said.





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Dragons workhorse De Belin backs reduced interchange

The last man part II.

Everyone welcome.



Simple first round.

Pick a winner from Storm vs Warriors.

The last man part II.

Euro Leagues

Most of you probably don't realise but there was a lot going on in Europe over the weekend. I know it can be hard to following the emerging nations, but I like to believe there are others here that may be interested in what's going on there. So, I took the time to compile a list of results and a few pics to go with it, just to make it easier for everyone. If I see that others are interested in this, I'm happy to put regular updates here. So, here goes:



Czech Republic - Round 1

Mikulov Roosters 54-14 Krupka Dragons

Orli Havlíčkův Brod 16-0 Mad Squirrels Vrchlabí

Chrudim Rabbitohs 32-0 Lokomotiva Beroun









Serbia - Round 3
RLK Radnički NP 28-36 Partizan

Tašmajdan Tigers 10-42 Dorćol

Red Star Belgrade 66-16 Radnički Niš









Sweden - Round 1
Kungsbacka 16-42 Skane Crusaders

Södertälje 0-86 Stockholm











Greece - Round 7
Rhodes Knights 46-4 Aris Petroupolis









Ukraine - Round 2
Krivoi Rog 6-82 Kharkiv Legion XIII

Euro Leagues

OT- Tooves

Now I have to be careful with how I word this as "rumours" get deleted on here, however if by chance he became available would he be a good fit for our club?



I've heard people throw up some names like Nathan Brown and Mick Potter but just interested to hear fans opinions of him?



Just for the record I wouldn't mind him one bit!

OT- Tooves

Native/fluent german speakers?

Any here?

Native/fluent german speakers?

Round 5 vs Titans Discussion + Voting

Few change ups to the team. Plenty to discuss.



Hodges and Blair out injured. Joffa demoted to get some more game time.



BRONCOS NRL TEAM



1. Jordan Kahu

2. Corey Oates

3. Jack Reed

4. Dale Copley

5. Lachlan Maranta

6. Anthony Milford

7. Ben Hunt

8. Josh McGuire

9. Andrew McCullough

10. Sam Thaiday

11. Alex Glenn

12. Matt Gillett

13. Corey Parker ©



Interchange:



14. Jarrod Wallace

15. Mitch Garbutt

16. Mitchell Dodds

17. Kodi Nikorima



18. Francis Molo



Coach: Wayne Bennett



http://ift.tt/1OTBAlh



Not a fan of the Dodds selection personally.

Round 5 vs Titans Discussion + Voting

R5 v Eels

Interesting mix-up in the pack with Lovett to start and Sue to the bench. Any ideas what's behind this? Like the look of Lovett but I thought Sue was pretty much holding his own...



1. Tedesco

2. Naiqama

3. Simona

4. Lawrence

5. Richards

6. Moses

7. Brooks

8. Woods

9. Farah

10. Galloway

11. Sironen

12. Lovett

13. Taupau

14. Halatau

15. Seumanufagai

16. Buchanan

17. Sue

18. Santi



http://ift.tt/1Ms7DKm

R5 v Eels

Team Vs chooks

Valentine Holmes

Sosaia Feki

Gerard Beale

Ricky Leutele

Michael Gordon

Jack Bird

Jeff Robson

Matt Prior

Michael Ennis

Chris Heighington

Luke Lewis

Wade Graham

Paul Gallen



Jayson Bukuya

Anthony Tupou

Andrew Fifita

David Fifita

Team Vs chooks

Team List Round 5: Dragons V Knights

1. Josh Dugan

2. Eto Nabuli

3. Euan Aitken

4. Dylan Farrell

5. Jason NIghtingale

6. Gareth Widdop

7. Benji Marshall

8. Leeson Ah Mau

9. Mitch Rein

10. Mike Cooper

11. Tyson Frizell

12. Joel Thompson

13. Trent Merrin

14. George Rose

15. Jack de Belin

16. Jake Marketo

17. Heath L’Estrange

20. Rory O’Brien

Team List Round 5: Dragons V Knights

Round 5 vs Cowboys

1 Matt Moylan

2 Josh Mansour

3 Dean Whare

4 Jamal Idris

5 Dallin Watene Zelezniak

6 Isaac John

7 Peter Wallace (c)

8 Sam McKendry

9 James Segeyaro

10 Jeremy Latimore

11 Sika Manu

12 Isaah Yeo

13 Elijah Taylor



Interchange

14 Tyrone Peachey

15 Nigel Plum

16 Reagan Campbell-Gillard

17 Bryce Cartwright

18 Apisai Koroisau



NSW CUP:



Panthers v Tigers

Saturday, April 4

Pepper Stadium, Penrith

Kickoff: 3pm



Coach Garth Brennan has named another strong team this week with Waqa Blake retaining the fullback jersey, while Will Smith will play in the halves with Sam Scarlett.



Dave Simmons was impressive last week and will keep his spot on the wing, with George Jennings on the other side of the park.



1. Waqa Blake



2. George Jennings



3. Nu’u Akeripa



4. Robert Jennings



5. David Simmons



6. Will Smith



7. Sam Scarlett



8. Sam Anderson



9. Sione Katoa



10. Leilani Latu



11. Tupou Sopoaga



12. James Fisher-Harris



13. Brendan Attwood



INTERCHANGE



14. Andy Saunders



15. Rodney Coates



16. Matt Eisenhuth



17. Chris Smith



NYC:



Panthers v Cowboys

Monday, April 6

Pepper Stadium, Penrith

Kickoff: 4.45pm



Coach Cam Ciraldo has done a bit of reshuffling this week after last weekend’s disappointing loss to Newcastle.



His back row is predominantly the same as last week with the exception of Soni Luke, who moves into the halves, while there are a few fresh faces in his forward pack.



1. Brent Naden



2. Braidon Burns



3. Christian Crichton



4. Jack Nelson



5. Josh Jay



6. Dylan Edwards



7. Soni Luke



8. Stanton Albert



9. Maliko Filino



10. Moses Leota



11. Kaide Ellis



12. Corey Harawira-Naera



13. Tyrone May



INTERCHANGE



14. Oliver Clark



15. Paea Pua



16. Thompson Tuigamala



17. Josh Grant

Round 5 vs Cowboys

Drew Hutchison

He was just named in the NYC team this week.



Is there a reason he has been relegated from NSW Cup or is he just in there to help the NYC boys who have had a tough start to the year?

Drew Hutchison

Round 5 team

Round 5 team



1 Matt Moylan

2 Josh Mansour

3 Dean Whare

4 Jamal Idris

5 Dallin Watene Zelezniak

6 Isaac John

7 Peter Wallace (c)

8 Sam McKendry

9 James Segeyaro

10 Jeremy Latimore

11 Sika Manu

12 Isaah Yeo

13 Elijah Taylor



Interchange

14 Tyrone Peachey

15 Nigel Plum

16 Reagan Campbell-Gillard

17 Bryce Cartwright

18 Apisai Koroisau



Isaac John, James Segeyaro and Nigel Plum all return for the Panthers. Brent Kite and Lewis Brown haven't been named while Bryce Cartwright and Apisai Koroisau drop back to an extended bench.

Round 5 team

Rd 5 - Game thread v Tigers

So with Brad T suspended and Vai still injured apparently, we could potentially have a rookie debuting this week.

Rd 5 - Game thread v Tigers

Rd 6 - Game thread v Tigers

So with Brad T suspended and Vai still injured apparently, we could potentially have a rookie debuting this week.

Rd 6 - Game thread v Tigers

Bombers

Not guilty

Bombers

OT Essendon ASADA verdict

Unconfirmed report all 34 players not guilty of taking banned substances

OT Essendon ASADA verdict

Rate Our Coach For The Round 4 Game Against Manly

You are invited to rate the performance of Mary for round 4 (Dragons v Manly).


Ratings are 10 - Best score to 1 worst score. Voters can only select once.

Rate Our Coach For The Round 4 Game Against Manly

NSW Universities planning to visit Canada

A passing mention in another story caught my eye in the March Rugby League Review so thought i'd find out more !



http://ift.tt/1xQBNAo





I think teams from the Education and Armed Forces / Public Safety sector have the potential to be the trailblazers for our game in the next decade or so.

NSW Universities planning to visit Canada

Frank Worrell Trophy and Ashes Squad

http://ift.tt/1xQBNk1

Quote:

Australia's Frank Worrell Trophy/Ashes squad Michael Clarke (c), Steve Smith (vc), Fawad Ahmed, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris (Ashes only), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Peter Nevill, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Adam Voges, David Warner, Shane Watson Victoria's Fawad Ahmed has got the nod ahead of Ashton Agar as Australia's second spinner in their Test squad for the tours of the West Indies and the UK for the Ashes. And veteran Western Australian Adam Voges has been rewarded for his record-breaking domestic season with a Test call-up. Ahmed took a competition high 48 wickets for Victoria in the Bupa Sheffield Shield this season, including an eight-wicket haul in the final, while Agar also had an excellent season with 31 wickets at 30.48 for Western Australia. Agar had been called into Australia's Test squad for the final Commonwealth Bank against India in January, but Ahmed's brilliant end to the Shield season meant he got the nod for his first Test tour for Australia. The leg-spinner was born in Pakistan and was only granted Australian citizenship in 2013. He played a role in Australia's limited overs series that followed the 2013 Ashes tour. Australia will take four fast bowlers to the West Indies; Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Peter Siddle. Ryan Harris will miss the tour of the Caribbean due to the birth of his first child but has been named in the Ashes squad. NSW wicketkeeper Peter Nevill has been selected ahead of Matthew Wade as back-up to Brad Haddin. “The Test team has performed very well in recent times, but the big challenge is to do that away from home," said National Selector Rod Marsh. “We believe this squad has sufficient depth for these important Test matches against the West Indies and England and will give us the best chance of success. “Adam Voges and Fawad Ahmed had sensational seasons at domestic level and their performances just couldn’t be ignored. They thoroughly deserve their call-up and the opportunity to be a part of this squad. We believe that both can play important roles in the side if required. “Adam had one of the great seasons in Sheffield Shield history. He is an experienced player and quality character who will add talent and leadership to the touring party. “Fawad has worked incredibly hard on his game and has demonstrated throughout the season that he can be a consistent wicket taker. “Peter Nevill has been on our radar for some time and deserves his opportunity through weight of runs and performances behind the stumps. He has also demonstrated impressive leadership qualities which have caught our eye.” Fast bowler James Pattinson has been ruled out of the tour of the West Indies due to a left hamstring injury he picked up during the Sheffield Shield final. "James’ injury is similar to the one he sustained during round eight of the Sheffield Shield," said CA Physiotherapist Alex Kountouris. "Scans confirmed that he has a moderate grade injury that will require intensive rehabilitation over the coming weeks. "Unfortunately, the rehabilitation time for that injury as well as the need to build his workloads means he will not be available for the tour of the West Indies. "We will continue to monitor his progress to determine his availability for the rest of the winter.” The squad departs for the West Indies on 19 May. Cricket Australia has also announced the squad for the Australia A tour of India and the 2015-16 contracted player list.

Frank Worrell Trophy and Ashes Squad

Your dream classic cars

I watch loads of those shows on Discovery turbo max, where people I wouldn't normally associate with, find, fix up and sell classic old cars



In these shows, they often admit that old cars were pretty darn crap and don't translate into good daily drives, so they often moderise the suspension, engine and brakes and sometimes the interiors too.



So if you had your own Gas Monkey / Wheeler Dealer person to create what you desired and restore classic cars for you - what would be your top 3?

Your dream classic cars

1st Test: West Indies v England at Antigua, April 13-17 2015

Test cricket is back in under 2 weeks, first of 3 test series between WI and the poms



Gayle looks to be out with back injury



Poms rebuilding somewhat



Anyones series this one

1st Test: West Indies v England at Antigua, April 13-17 2015

State of Origin ticket price hike shows how NRL are out of touch with modern fans

Source: http://ift.tt/1DgA2Ns

Quote:

THE NRL is facing State of Origin embarrassment with fears that games in Sydney and Brisbane won’t sell out due to a hike in ticket prices. The Daily Telegraph understands loyal Sydney and Brisbane Origin fans will be forced to pay astronomical prices to ensure ticket prices for the Melbourne match are kept affordable. Blue-collar rugby league fans face being priced out of attending State of Origin I at ANZ Stadium on May 27 and game three at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on July 8. Angry fans are labelling the NRL “greedy”. A family of four pass for the Blatchy’s Blues section at ANZ Stadium will cost up to $555.63. The NSW side deserves to play before a sellout crowd in Sydney after the heroics last year. But increased ticket sales may now halt what has in recent years become a formality — an 83,000 crowd at ANZ Stadium. Some ticket prices have jumped up to 15 per cent on last year. Ticket prices for the Melbourne Cricket Ground game on June 17 are cheaper, with seats for kids starting at $20. The NRL is aware AFL-mad fans won’t pay top-dollar to watch rugby league. That means the NRL is gouging fans in league heartlands of NSW and Queensland to try to ensure Melbourne is a success and the governing body doesn’t lose out financially. What about this: * A family pass for Sydney — two adults and two kids — ranges from $203.90 to $489.36; * A single adult entry, including booking fee, into ANZ Stadium ranges from $71.36 to $280.36; * Gold seats last year were $155, this year they will be $168.22; * A family gold pass last year was $465, now it’s $489.36; * Ticket prices into Blatchy’s Blues — which the NSWRL bought last October — are staggering. Last year’s minimum price was $70. An adult ticket will now cost between $96.85 and $249.78, a child between $81.56 to $163.12 and a family pass between $254.88 and $555.63; and; * A junior, aged between four to 15, is facing a ticket price of between $56.07 to $137.63 for the Sydney match. It’s in stark contrast to an NRL promotion released on Monday that’s offering $50 family passes for up to six people to watch the grand final rematch between South Sydney and Canterbury on Good Friday. In Brisbane, Origin ticket prices are even worse. Maroon Zone Tickets for adults cost $173.32 while a child is $142.73. To sit in Blatchy’s Blues at Suncorp Stadium will cost $147.83. Maroon membership packages range from $260 to $425 for a single game. Membership package costs have increased 15 per cent on 2014. Brisbane isn’t even offering a reduced family pass. There is now some chance all three games will fail to sell out. Suncorp Stadium didn’t sell out last year. Having empty seats at the game’s blue-chip event would be a horrible look for the game. State of Origin is a premium event but ticket prices, fans say, are out of whack with the average NRL supporter. Hornsby Heights league fan Michael O’Rourke said: “I think it’s the NRL being greedy. I would love to take my league-mad kids to State of Origin but there’s no way I could afford to pay those type of prices.” And Glenn Russell said: “It sounds like it’s being pitched at the corporate market rather than the true fan. I can’t justify that sort of outlay for one game of footy.” An NRL spokesman said most tickets for the Sydney State of Origin match had risen by $5 to $10 on last year. The spokesman said family tickets would range from $200. “In other words, a family of four can attend one of the biggest sporting events of the year for $50 per person,” the spokesman said. “Juniors can buy single tickets from $55 and adults from $70. Naturally, for an event like this there are tickets aimed at every section of the market — from families through to fanatical supporters and corporates. “State of Origin is the biggest sporting brand in Australia and is priced similar to other premium events. Tickets to the final of the cricket World Cup, for instance, ranged from $60 to $400.”

State of Origin ticket price hike shows how NRL are out of touch with modern fans

MacGuyver in a plane

Serious question: Given that an axe couldn't do it, would there be any other way to conceivably force the cockpit door using what was at the captain's disposition?

MacGuyver in a plane

Tipping Comp - Round 5.

Still waiting for a "bonus" round.



Dogs vs Souths

Tits vs Broncos

Manly vs Raiders

Knights vs Dragons

Roosters vs Sharks

Eels vs Tigers

Storm vs Warriors

Panthers vs Cows

Tipping Comp - Round 5.

Eels poor record @ ANZ

Quote:

After Friday's big win over South Sydney, Parramatta are looking to win for only the 10th time in four years away from Pirtek Stadium on Easter Monday. Source: AAP Parramatta hooker Nathan Peats says Friday's shock win over South Sydney will count for little unless the team finds a cure for their homesickness away from Pirtek Stadium. Brad Arthur's side host Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium on Easter Monday, one of two 'home' games the club will play at a venue where they've tasted victory just once in their last 12 visits. In contrast, the Eels have won 11 of their last 13 matches at Pirtek Stadium - after the Rabbitohs were put to the sword 29-16 - their first defeat since round 26 last year. That win over the reigning premiers was the most impressive of Arthur's reign as coach and evidence the Eels have potentially turned a corner from the lowest period in their recent history that resulted in two wooden spoons and a 14th-place finish since 2011. However, Peats said a real sign of progress would be victory against Jason Taylor's Tigers. "It was a good win against Souths but we can't just be good at Pirtek and fall over a week later," Peats said. "We've got a 10-day turnaround but the Tigers beat us last year on Easter Monday a week after we'd beaten the Roosters who were the premiers at the time. We can't let that happen again." The Eels' record away from Parramatta since 2011 is abysmal with the team losing 52 of 61 matches - a win ratio of just 14.8 per cent. Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium and Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast have been the Eels' happiest hunting grounds in that five-season span with four of their nine victories coming at the home of the Broncos and the Titans. Eels great Nathan Hindmarsh believes the acoustics of Pirtek Stadium make it the most atmospheric venue in the NRL and referees and opponents are often be intimidated by the home support. "Sometimes, and I am only saying sometimes, it can get the referee on side and you may get some decisions that go your way more than they would otherwise," Hindmarsh told AAP. "It's also the perfect-sized stadium. I know when you run out there on a packed Friday night there is no better feeling. "Like a lot of teams you have home ground advantage, I don't really know the answer. Maybe it is you know your home track, the bounce of the ball, the size of the in-goal areas. "It could maybe have a few more seats, but it's the perfect place to host big games." PARRAMATTA'S HOME-AWAY RECORD SINCE 2011 * Number of games played: 100 * At Pirtek Stadium: 39 * Won: 22 * Lost: 16 * Drawn: 1 * Win percentage: 56.4 * Away from Pirtek Stadium: 61 * Won: 9 * Lost 52 * Win percentage: 14.9

http://ift.tt/1bKhAT0

Eels poor record @ ANZ

Dead Last

Could get ugly,

I'm tipping 0 from 8.

Dead Last

Magic tricks in the NRL?

GW,



I have a feeling that the next stage in the tactical warfare coaches employ will be magic/illusion.



Ten years ago we saw the wrestle introduced by Craig Bellamy,

Where we saw WWE wrestlers get brought in to teach tactics like the Chicken Wing etc.



What about magics?



For instance if Luke Keary employed slight of hand where he has the ball shaping to pass to Sutton but in reality Dylan walker has it on the other side of the field.

Ball goes missing etc.



Maybe something happening around the scrumbase?

Magic tricks in the NRL?

Zero tackle after a missed field goal

I like the zero tackle after the ball goes dead rule, but I don't think it should apply when missing a field goal. It just kills teams in close games when opposition get an extra tackle to get further up field to have a shot themselves.

Zero tackle after a missed field goal

Spoon Watch

Officially last.



Cowboys a gutsy win over Melbourne in extra time after being 7 down with 5 to go.

Spoon Watch

Rugby League in HD

How good is it ?



For some reason we have HD stations available on Foxtel tonight.

We have the normal cheapo package



Even wifey remarked on how great the picture quality is

Rugby League in HD

Concussion Q.

GW here,



I have a question regarding the concussion rule.



From my understanding when the head knock happens its a free interchange right?



Assuming thats truth,



Couldnt this rule be exploited?



A puffed out forward (Kasiano, Mason, Rose,Blair etc) can just go for one big hit. Stand up and do a wobble...get taken off for a head inspection and be ruled all good to go back on?

In the process getting a sick 5 minute toilet break in the process?



WILL happen if they reduce the interchange.

Concussion Q.

Fiji's strong team and fabulous outside backs

Kevin Naiqama



Semi Radradra, Wes Naiqama, Marika Koroibete, Sisa Waqa



Alipate Noilea

Ryan Millard



Eloni Vunakece

Jason Bukuya,Tariq Sims,

Ashton Sims, Apisai Korisau, Korbin Sims



Interchange: Junior Roqica, Peni Botiki, Kane Evans, Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Fiji's strong team and fabulous outside backs

Young T

Cannot defend, not first grade standard.



So sick of watching his horrible reads week in week out.

Young T

R5 | Knights vs Dragons @ Hunter | Sat 7.30pm

Team announced after 5pm Tuesday







Team announced after 5pm Tuesday







Officials confirmed Tuesday





Holden Cup Under 20s R5
SAT 5:15PM | Knights v Dragons @ Hunter Stadium



VB NSW Cup R5
SAT 3:00PM | Illawarra (SGI) v Newcastle (NEW) @ Ziems Park, Corrimal

R5 | Knights vs Dragons @ Hunter | Sat 7.30pm

'15 | R5 | Mon 7pm | PEN v NQL | Pepper

Teamlists after 5pm Tuesday









Teamlists after 5pm Tuesday









Officials TBC Tuesday





Holden Cup Under 20s R5

MON 4:45PM | Panthers v Cowboys @ Pepper Stadium



VB NSW Cup R5

SAT 3:00PM | Penrith (PEN) v Wests Tigers (WST) @ Pepper Stadium



Intrust Super Cup R5

SAT 4:30PM | Townsville (NQL) v Wynnum Manly (BRI) @ Jack Manski Oval

SAT 5:00PM | Ipswich (BRI) v Pride (NQL) @ North Ipswich Reserve

SAT 6:00PM | Mackay (NQL) v Norths (BRI) @ Stadium Mackay

'15 | R5 | Mon 7pm | PEN v NQL | Pepper

'15 | R5 | Mon 5pm | MEL v WAR | AAMI

Teamlists after 5pm Tuesday









Teamlists after 5pm Tuesday









Officials TBC Tuesday





Holden Cup Under 20s R5

MON 2:45PM | Storm v Warriors @ AAMI Park



Intrust Super Cup R5

SUN 1:40PM | Easts (MEL) v Souths Logan @ TapOut Energy Stadium

SUN 3:30PM | Sunshine Coast (MEL) v PNG Hunters @ Sunshine Coast Stadium



VB NSW Cup R5

SUN 3:00PM | Wyong (SYD) v Warriors (WAR) @ Morry Breen Oval

'15 | R5 | Mon 5pm | MEL v WAR | AAMI

'15 | R5 | Mon 3pm | PAR v WST | ANZ

Teamlists after 5pm Tuesday









Teamlists after 5pm Tuesday









Officials TBC Tuesday





Holden Cup Under 20s R5

MON 12:45PM | Eels v Tigers @ ANZ Stadium



VB NSW Cup R5

SAT 3:00PM | Newtown (CRO) v Wentworthville (PAR) @ Henson Park

SAT 3:00PM | Penrith (PEN) v Wests Tigers (WST) @ Pepper Stadium

'15 | R5 | Mon 3pm | PAR v WST | ANZ

'15 | R5 | Sun 4pm | SYD v CRO | Allianz

Teamlists after 5pm Tuesday









Teamlists after 5pm Tuesday









Officials TBC Tuesday





Holden Cup Under 20s R5

SUN 1:45PM | Roosters v Sharks @ Allianz Stadium



VB NSW Cup R5

SAT 3:00PM | Newtown (CRO) v Wentworthville (PAR) @ Henson Park

SUN 3:00PM | Wyong (SYD) v Warriors (WAR) @ Morry Breen Oval

'15 | R5 | Sun 4pm | SYD v CRO | Allianz

'15 | R5 | Sat 7:30pm | NEW v SGI | Hunter

Teamlists after 5pm Tuesday









Teamlists after 5pm Tuesday









Officials TBC Tuesday





Holden Cup Under 20s R5

SAT 5:15PM | Knights v Dragons @ Hunter Stadium



VB NSW Cup R5

SAT 3:00PM | Illawarra (SGI) v Newcastle (NEW) @ Ziems Park, Corrimal

'15 | R5 | Sat 7:30pm | NEW v SGI | Hunter

'15 | R5 | Sat 5:30pm | MAN v CAN | Albury

Teamlists after 5pm Tuesday









Teamlists after 5pm Tuesday









Officials TBC Tuesday





Holden Cup Under 20s R5

SUN 12:05PM (FOX) | Sea Eagles v Raiders @ Central Coast Stadium, Gosford



VB NSW Cup R5

SUN 2:05PM (FOX) | Manly-Warringah (MAN) v Mounties (CAN) @ Central Coast Stadium, Gosford

'15 | R5 | Sat 5:30pm | MAN v CAN | Albury

'15 | R5 | Fri 8:35pm | GLD v BRI | Cbus Super

Teamlists after 5pm Tuesday









Teamlists after 5pm Tuesday









Officials TBC Tuesday





Holden Cup Under 20s R5

FRI 6:20PM | Titans v Broncos @ Cbus Super Stadium



Intrust Super Cup R5

SAT 4:30PM | Townsville (NQL) v Wynnum Manly (BRI) @ Jack Manski Oval

SAT 5:00PM | Ipswich (BRI) v Pride (NQL) @ North Ipswich Reserve

SAT 6:00PM | Mackay (NQL) v Norths (BRI) @ Stadium Mackay

SUN 2:00PM | Redcliffe (BRI) v Burleigh (GLD) @ Dolphin Oval

BYE | CQ Capras (BRI), Tweed Heads (GLD)

'15 | R5 | Fri 8:35pm | GLD v BRI | Cbus Super

'15 | R5 | Fri 4pm | CBY v SOU | ANZ

Teamlists after 5pm Tuesday









Teamlists after 5pm Tuesday









Officials TBC Tuesday





Holden Cup Under 20s R5

FRI 1:45PM | Bulldogs v Rabbitohs @ ANZ Stadium



VB NSW Cup R5

SAT 3:00PM | Canterbury (CBY) v North Sydney (SOU) @ Belmore Sports Ground

'15 | R5 | Fri 4pm | CBY v SOU | ANZ

Knights and Dragons launch Alex McKinnon Cup

Knights and Dragons launch Alex McKinnon Cup



The Newcastle Knights and St George Illawarra Dragons will play for the inaugural Alex McKinnon Cup this Easter Saturday at Hunter Stadium.



McKinnon made his NRL debut at the Dragons in 2011 and went on to play three games before joining the Knights in 2012, where he played 46 first grade games.



"I obviously spent a lot of time at the Dragons and cherish my time down there, I also really cherish my time playing first grade at the Knights," McKinnon said.



"To see the game this weekend where my mates are playing on both sides, I am really looking forward to being there.



"It is a privilege to have a Cup named after myself and for the two clubs to be playing for it this weekend."



The Alex McKinnon Cup will be an annual event and played for on the first occasion the two sides meet in a season.



"The Alex McKinnon Cup is a fitting way to recognise Alex's contribution to both Clubs and will certainly add a special significance to not only this Saturday's game, but future encounters between the Knights and Dragons," Knights CEO Matt Gidley said.



The Alex McKinnon Cup is an initiative of the two clubs the 23-year-old played for.



"The Dragons are proud to be working with the Newcastle Knights in the formation of such an appropriate initiative," Dragons CEO Peter Doust said.



"Alex is a remarkable individual who has always had a close relationship with both our players and our Club."



McKinnon, who will be in attendance at Saturday's match, looks forward to seeing the winning team receive the Alex McKinnon Cup for the very first time.



"I watch a bit of footy but I definitely make sure I watch the Knights and the Dragons each weekend because a lot of my mates are playing," McKinnon added.



"It will be a solid game on Saturday, I know it is always a good competition between the two sides."



http://ift.tt/1BV85W0

Knights and Dragons launch Alex McKinnon Cup

Knights and Dragons launch Alex McKinnon Cup

Knights and Dragons launch Alex McKinnon Cup



The Newcastle Knights and St George Illawarra Dragons will play for the inaugural Alex McKinnon Cup this Easter Saturday at Hunter Stadium.



McKinnon made his NRL debut at the Dragons in 2011 and went on to play three games before joining the Knights in 2012, where he played 46 first grade games.



"I obviously spent a lot of time at the Dragons and cherish my time down there, I also really cherish my time playing first grade at the Knights," McKinnon said.



"To see the game this weekend where my mates are playing on both sides, I am really looking forward to being there.



"It is a privilege to have a Cup named after myself and for the two clubs to be playing for it this weekend."



The Alex McKinnon Cup will be an annual event and played for on the first occasion the two sides meet in a season.



"The Alex McKinnon Cup is a fitting way to recognise Alex's contribution to both Clubs and will certainly add a special significance to not only this Saturday's game, but future encounters between the Knights and Dragons," Knights CEO Matt Gidley said.



The Alex McKinnon Cup is an initiative of the two clubs the 23-year-old played for.



"The Dragons are proud to be working with the Newcastle Knights in the formation of such an appropriate initiative," Dragons CEO Peter Doust said.



"Alex is a remarkable individual who has always had a close relationship with both our players and our Club."



McKinnon, who will be in attendance at Saturday's match, looks forward to seeing the winning team receive the Alex McKinnon Cup for the very first time.



"I watch a bit of footy but I definitely make sure I watch the Knights and the Dragons each weekend because a lot of my mates are playing," McKinnon added.



"It will be a solid game on Saturday, I know it is always a good competition between the two sides."



http://ift.tt/1BV85W0

Knights and Dragons launch Alex McKinnon Cup

At least we don't have to worry about Ferguson

Just heard on radio out for up to 4 months with foot injury.

At least we don't have to worry about Ferguson

SKD to centre, MacDonald to wing?

Fergo is out for 4 months.

SKD to centre, MacDonald to wing?

Million dollar digital media expansion.

Collingwood gains one million in revenue from their growing digital media business. Revenue comes from product placement, sponsorship and making media content for sponsors. But Collingwood has to pay $500 000 into a pool distributed to the poorer clubs. The NRL makes some Nrl clubs poor by poor scheduling, little free to air exposure and flow on lack of third party input. That wealth then flows to the chosen Friday night regular clubs without any compensation sought. Within time those unchosen clubs go broke and need to be bailed out. At least the Afl are not standing by watching it happen

Million dollar digital media expansion.

Team v Storm

Hurrell? Laumape?



1- Lolohea

2- Laumape/Wright

3- Allwood

4- Kata

5- Vatuvei

6- Townsend

7- Johnson

8- Lillyman

9- Leuluai

10- Matulino

11- Thompson

12- Hoffman

13- Mannering



Res- Henry, Lisone, Vete, Hurrell/Friend

Team v Storm

Billy Slater to re-sign at 900k a season

This deserves it's own thread, because the fact that storm continue to rort the cap is flying under the radar.



the big 3 + bromwich imo the best prop in the game + proctor knocked back 600k a season from canberra + hinchliffe knocked back big $ on his last deal, + re-siged harris and mclean on big coin + soo back chambers + big Tom etc etc etc......



if the big 4 (inc bromwhich) knock out 3.6m, how do they fit the remaining 21 plays at 3.4 (161k average). it's a scam!

Billy Slater to re-sign at 900k a season

2015 Injury updates

Thought Id start a thread for any injury news and updates



Looks like we are going to be without Rochow for a while

Quote:

But his availability is timely for Rick Stone’s unbeaten Knights with the club facing the possibility of losing Rochow for up to two months. He was a late scratching from his side’s 26-14 win over Penrith after suffering back spasms during the warm-up and will see a specialist on Monday. But Stone confirmed surgery was the likely option with Rochow’s back problem, which first surfaced at the Auckland Nines, and gradually got worse. “Robbie has a disc problem in his back and will see a specialist on Monday,” Stone said after the Penrith win. “He’s probably going to need some surgery there to have the disc shaved which is disappointing because he’s been going so well. “It’s a bit like what Bedsy (Danny Buderus) had done a couple of seasons ago and it could mean he might be out for eight weeks.’’

http://ift.tt/1BUKqFb

2015 Injury updates

The Pearce Problem

I'm usually one of his biggest detractors but even I admit that his in good form at the moment, and it looks likely he will get picked

But what happens if he gets picked in game 1 and puts in his usual horrid performance for the blues?

Do we drop him and put someone new in for a do or die match

Do we persevere even though it would of been his 13 chance to prove himself?

The Pearce Problem

Australian Story - Peter Jackson

http://ift.tt/1G6ukOJ

Quote:

Siobhan Jackson: Sexually abused footballer Peter Jackson's widow turning lives around as principal in remote Indigenous community of Lockhart River Nineties football legend Peter Jackson was famous for his athleticism on the field and for his humour and high spirits off it. He is described as 'the Matty Johns of his era'. To his contemporaries, he was the man least likely to be hiding a devastating secret. Broncos coach Wayne Bennett puts it this way: "He was so gifted, so much ability and ... then the devil would come along". Jackson died of a heroin overdose in Brisbane in 1997. He was only 33 years old. Only after his death was his troubled personal history revealed. He had been a victim of sexual abuse by a house master and football coach while he was in his early teens at boarding school. Bennett recalls his last meeting with Jackson in which the former player said he had been having some counselling. "He said it's helped me see the big picture for the first time in my life, but it really scares me, you know." ABC News 24 presenter Joe O'Brien, Jackson's brother-in-law, said he was a different man in his private life than he was on the field. "There is the popular image of Peter Jackson as someone so strong...but it's a stunning case of the debilitating nature of abuse and how this can cut anyone down, no matter who they are." Now, as Australian Story reveals, there is a happier sequel unfolding 20 years on in the classrooms of a remote Indigenous community. For the last year, Jackson's widow Siobhan has been principal of the Lockhart River School, working on the educational front line in an Indigenous community that faces its share of addiction and abuse issues. She is credited with improving attendance rates and with introducing initiatives that have broken down racial barriers. Jackson hid abuse by teacher for years: widow Peter Jackson was always a promising sportsman - right from his school days. However while he was shining in public as a rising star on the rugby union field, he was privately falling victim to a paedophile, a former Marist brother called Hugh "Ossie" McNamara. McNamara was not only Jackson's footy coach, but his boarding master as well. When Jackson was aged fourteen, McNamara started sexual abuse which continued for over a year. Jackson told no-one and continued his 'life of the party' trajectory into his professional football career. The dam broke one night, walking through Randwick in Sydney. Siobhan recalls that he suddenly broke down and told her what had happened. "My instant reaction was, 'Oh, it's not your fault, don't be ashamed', but that was the first time Peter had told anyone and that was 12 years that he'd kept that to himself," she said. As Jackson's former football coach and long time friend Bennett told Australian Story: "He was such a man's man, the way he'd been brought up... for him to make an admission about something that may have happened in his life would never have been easy for him. "He wouldn't have seen that as a manly thing to do." Dark past haunted the 'clown prince' of rugby league In the 90s Jackson's rugby league skills were much admired by the crowd, the media and especially fellow players. When his football career ended, he transitioned seamlessly into TV as a sports journalist and commentator. He was known for his crazy humour and non-PC wit. He appeared regularly on The Footy Show, The Midday Show, and with Andrew Denton. But at the time though he was slipping further into depression and heroin addiction. A year before his death Siobhan discovered white powder in his pocket and he admitted it was heroin. As his brother-in-law O'Brien said, Jackson struggled with his demons throughout his career. "This is a stunning case of the debilitating nature of abuse and how this can cut anyone down, no matter who they are," he said. "He seemed to act erratically once on one of the talk shows and you got the feeling that's pretty full on and it seemed too out of control there." Siobhan did fight to keep her husband afloat, but with three young children, she had to step away. "Up to a point we fought it together, but the only person that was going to be able to overcome this was him," she said. "I had three little children and I felt really guilty about that and I lost faith in my own altruism." In the end, Peter Jackson died alone in a hotel room. The coroner ruled that it was an accidental death. He had, during his final year, been through a cycle of overdosing and rehab four times. Jackson's alleged abuser served jail time for sex offences After Jackson's death, Siobhan sought for charges to be laid against McNamara, but she said with the complainant dead no action was possible. But it did emerge that McNamara had gone on to abuse other boys after Peter Jackson. He was convicted of sex offences against other youngsters in 1995 and for a physical assault in 1998. He died in 2012. Siobhan was left to raise the couple's three children, all under the age of 10. She said she never shied away from discussing all aspects of Peter's life and death with her children - both the good times and the bad. Peter and Siobhan's daughter Lucy said her mother had shared her father's life with her and her siblings. "Mum, ever since the second that it happened, was always very open about what happened and who our dad was. We always spoke about him all the time so it never became like a taboo or weird thing for us to discuss him, or how he died, or anything that happened ever." Son Ned Jackson says he and his brother Jim are happy to share memories of their father. "Me and Jim have some of dad's clothes that we wear, like I have a shirt of dad's that I wear - at least once a week probably, it's such an awesome shirt and I love it," he said. Siobhan inspired by husband in teaching career Siobhan moved her three children from Sydney back to the land of her youth, living at Mission Beach near her parents home in Far North Queensland and then re-entered the teaching profession. When her last child finished school, she finally got to fulfil "a life-long dream" and move to the very remote Indigenous community of Lockhart River, the most northerly town on Australia's east coast. She has been in Lockhart River for a year and has brought sweeping changes to its school, but not without some resistance. Lockhart River mayor Wayne Butcher recalls: 'There were some old teachers that basically said, "We can't work with this woman". "They just didn't want to change their old way of doing things - and then I watched her change the whole school environment." Dr Chris Sarra, who runs the Stronger Smarter Institute, an Indigenous education initiative, said Siobhan Jackson had made big changes to improve the educational prospects of the Aboriginal children in her care. "In remote communities, school has existed as essentially a white institution inside a black community," he said. "The key is to embrace the local community so that school and community can be working in partnership. I know that's been manifested under Siobhan's leadership today". Mr Butcher said he was impressed by Siobhan Jackson's move to employ 40 new local Aboriginal staff. "You see the value of ownership coming from the community. I mean, that's the largest number of local employment that we've ever [seen] I think in the history of that school". Latest attendance figures show primary attendance at between 80 per cent and 90 per cent. In some classes it is 100 per cent. Siobhan said her experience of her life with her husband was never far from her mind in her role with vulnerable children, some of them exposed to violence and sexual abuse. "I've done some work in schools about drug awareness and about sexual abuse awareness, and definitely as a principal it's something that needs to be on your radar," she said. Peter Jackson's life was blighted and eventually destroyed by the worst form of 'rotten apple' in the teaching barrel. Siobhan Jackson's work as the Lockhart River Principal certainly looks like an redemptive example from the other side of the classroom ledger.

Australian Story - Peter Jackson

NRL loosing money on MNF

I heard that the NRL has to re-reimburse teams up to $40,000 for MNF due to poor crowds. Let's look at that over 5 years, the current NRL tv rights deal until 2017.



So, there are 25 MNF games each season (round 26 doesn't count).



25 x $40,000 = $1,000,000. Multiply that by 5 and we have $5,000,000.



The NRL is throwing away that money that could go to such a better cause.



Dave Smith need to man up and tell fox to STFU and have it OUR WAY.



If I was CEO... if only... the things I would do.



MNF - gone



Sunday night football - gone



2nd FNF game - gone (one live game is more than enough - besides who wants to hear Hadley commentate - especially on delay)



Sunday afternoon (3:00pm) GF - in.

NRL loosing money on MNF

Raiders 3 2 1s

There isn’t a whole lot to say about this one, a run of the mill victory against a team that just isn’t up to standard, we never really left 2nd gear.



If I am being picky some of the defence in the middle was lazy at times but it was strong on the goal line when needed. The most pleasing this is, last year this would have been a 24-12 victory after clocking off but that wasn’t an issue this time.



3 Maloney

2 Pearce

1 RTS



I’ll provide a running tally a bit later on.

Raiders 3 2 1s

elephant joke on matty johns

all year the boys keep alluding to this elephant joke told by fletcher. the closest we've got is Con telling it on his speed date with a whole bunch censored. anyone know what the joke is?

elephant joke on matty johns

WWE WrestleMania 31

Tag Team Championship: Cesaro and Tyson Kidd (c) vs. The Usos vs. The New Day vs. Los Matadores



Singles Match: Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins



Divas Tag Team Match: Paige and AJ Lee vs. The Bella Twins



Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal:



Intercontinental Championship Ladder match: Bad News Barrett (c) vs. Luke Harper vs. Stardust vs. R Truth vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Daniel Bryan



United Staties Championship: Rusev (c) vs. John Cena



Singles Match: The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt



Singles Match: Sting vs. Triple H



WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Roman Reigns

WWE WrestleMania 31

Messiah's Musings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey mods, can we have all messiahs ideas and rants put into this thread. Maybe make it a sticky so we can skip straight past.



Who is with me???

Messiah's Musings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Same old ?

Haven't seen a game since cyclone Pam belted crap out of us and had very little internet access.



Reading through the posts and some game reviews it sounds like the same old shit from the Sharks and Flanno.



If this is the case I might be better off with no tele.



Really thought we would see SOMETHING positive this year.

Same old ?

3-2-1 vs Broncos

3. Matulino. Great to see him back to his best.

2. Hoffman. Forms a very solid back row.

1. Kata. Looked dangerous. (And made the fewest mistakes of the backs.)

3-2-1 vs Broncos

2013 WC Tickets

Does anyone here collect used match tickets? I have several from the 2013 WC which will be binned if no-one wants them. The matches covered are:-

England v Fiji x2

Tonga v Italy x2.



PM me if interested.

2013 WC Tickets

NZ's Dark Day of Sport

On this fateful day,29th March,2015 is the darkest day in NZ sporting history:



Rugby League:Warriors lost to Brisbane Broncos 24-16.



Cricket: Black Caps lose to Australia in the World Cup by 7 wickets.



Soccer: Wellington lost to Sydney 3-0.



Ruby Union:NZ lost to Fiji 33-19 in the Honkers 7's final.



How will the poor Kiwis ever recover?

NZ's Dark Day of Sport

France vs Serbia

...announced for 22nd of May in Perpignan, as I'm sure most have already heard by now. That's two weeks after the Elite 1 Final and one week after Elite 2 Final.



Essentially it's France 'A' as it's players only from Elite 1. This will be interesting, sadly, i believe the scoreline will be high, but I think it's great for the game that we're now starting to have a top tier nation willing to play an emerging nation and of course, very gutsy of Serbia willing to play the French.



I hope they will stream the match.

France vs Serbia

Key recruitment target

Our top priority should be a recruitment target who will win us games by lifting each and every player on the field. Someone who will make the rest of the team better players. Consistently.



Ladies and gents (and the other 98% of you), I put it to you, this someone exists. Not only do they exist, but we can bring them in at short notice. And they will not cost a cent under the salary cap.



All we need is a hypnotist to make the players think they're playing at Parra Stadium every week. Problem solved. 2 premierships by 2020? No worries.

Key recruitment target

4 - 0

4 Wins and no losses, does anyone else hve a bad feeling about whats to come?

4 - 0

Wade and gordon

Over rated and directly responsible for turning what should have been a comfortable win into a loss



It's seems like most I think barba will go to fullback and Gordon to the wing



Dunno what to do about wade

Use him as a battering ram until he finds some form perhaps



On a positive the kicking game was merely awful last night and not catastrophic



First try this year from a kick



Everyone was shocked



Preferred the grubbers to the seven tackle sets straight to the opposition though



Geeze our backline is over rated

I don't think anyone there will crack double digits in tackle busts for quite a while

Wade and gordon

Flanno's team for game vs Roosters

1. Gordon

2. Holmes

3. Lewis

4. Bakuya

5. Feki

6. Graham

7. Robson

8. Fifita A

9. Ennis

10. Heigninghton

11. Prior

12. Tupou

13. Gallen



Bench

14. Fifita D

15. Tagatese

16. Houma

17. Roqica



Flanno might as well put that team out, the backs see no ball so select backrowers in the back, let the bagging begin

Flanno's team for game vs Roosters

World Cup Cricket - ODI Final

Gal named in the XI. No end to what he can do.



Likely to open the batting & no doubt will send a few down as well - will bowl 10 overs straight. ;-)





Seriously, should be a good game. Won't be upset if the Kiwis win, for poor Martin Crowe - it's terrible what's happening to him.

World Cup Cricket - ODI Final

vs Broncos

Wright proving to be wrong again. No f**ken clue!

A lot of 50/50 calls not going our way.

Townsend line break about one of few bright spots, but ended in a bungled opportunity.

First time being at half time this year.

vs Broncos

Robbo the key factor?

I think he is.

http://ift.tt/1xorMKq

Robbo the key factor?

The Super League-ARL war will mark its 20th anniversary this coming Wednesday

http://ift.tt/1xorMtW

Quote:

The Super League-ARL war will mark its 20th anniversary this coming Wednesday DEAN RITCHIE THE DAILY TELEGRAPH MARCH 27, 2015 12:00AM IT exploded on April fool’s Day. But this was no joke. Revolutionary, ugly, unprecedented and heavily corporate, the Super League-ARL war will, unbelievably, mark its 20th anniversary this coming Wednesday. The gaping wounds have well and truly healed, some small scars though will forever remain. On April 1, 1995, Super League’s infamous raid on players began. It was to become the most tumultuous time in rugby league history. Two of Australia’s richest men — Rupert Murdoch and Kerry Packer — in a fight to the death for rugby league. Key players in the Super League battle recalled the drama and conflict. “I remember a lot of confusion and it certainly turned the game on its head,” said former Super League chief executive John Ribot. “It was a difficult period for rugby league but if look at many other sports, they all went thought it. You have these problems when you try and grow your game. “Where we are now, with the TV rights deal and where the game is heading, it is in much better shape. I am confident the game is about to have its time in the sun and become the number one winter sport in Australia. Everything we did in Super League wasn’t perfect, everything they (ARL) did wasn’t perfect either.” Brisbane, Canberra, Cronulla, Canterbury, Penrith, North Queensland and Auckland jumped to Murdoch’s rebel league. Balmain, Gold Coast, Illawarra, Manly, Newcastle, Norths, Parramatta, South Queensland, Souths, St George, Sydney City and Wests stayed loyal. “It was a tumultuous time for a lot of people, everybody in the game from volunteers to the highest paid players and officials,” said Bob Fulton, who supported the ARL. “Two of Australia’s wealthiest families fighting over rugby league. “And at the coalface, ‘Gus’ (ARL sympathiser Phil Gould) and I would regularly say how exciting it was to be involved in it and how it would be remembered for a long time. “It shows how much money was around then. When you look at the amounts being paid back then, it is only now the top players are reaching those amounts.” Canberra superstar Laurie Daley became the unofficial face of Super League, Brad Fittler the ARL’s poster boy. “At the time, I guess I didn’t know quite the impact Super League would have on the game,” Daley said. “Obviously it was massive. There was a lot of damage done to rugby league. Everyone at the time did what they thought best for themselves, their families and clubs.” Asked would he have done anything differently, Daley said: “Of course, we all would like to changes things in hindsight. But it was a time where no-one actually knew what the outcome was going to be. “Super League had some great ideas which are still being used today. The game has, over time, healed but I will always understand that some people will remain hurt and affected.” Fittler added: “It hurt the game severely. I only say that because I know how awkward it was going into rep teams (when ARL and Super League players when picked). “I was guided by people I trust. And I was only 23 years old. But I was happy with my decision. I don’t have any regrets.” After just one season of parallel competitions, with crowds down and interest in the game waning, the two competitions merged in 1998 to form the NRL.

The Super League-ARL war will mark its 20th anniversary this coming Wednesday

Time running out for Barba at 6?

Very very average since his arrival, and I'm being nice.

http://ift.tt/1xorO4R

Time running out for Barba at 6?

So close

Phew that was close.

http://ift.tt/1Npz2YC

So close

The Emperor plans to strike back.

This won't be pleasant

http://ift.tt/1Npz4iY

The Emperor plans to strike back.

Toovey's comments

When he was interviewed coming out by Fox after h/time he was asked what Manly has to do to comback he said get a fair share of the decisions go there way.

And also in his press conference he said something i just caught the end of which was a whinge .Cherry was guilty of lying on the tackle player and giving penalties away early on .

Sick of hearing him and Hasler whinging .Toovey and Hasler are big sooks

Toovey's comments

Vettori

http://ift.tt/1xnZuQe

Quote:

<H1>Selfless Vettori wants focus on his team as international retirement looms

Quote:

JONATHAN MILLMOW Last updated 05:00, March 29 2015 Share Getty Images Daniel Vettori is fully focussed on doing a job for his team in the World Cup final, not his impending international retirement. It has to be said that Daniel Vettori is reluctant to do this interview. Not because he is being difficult or unhelpful, quite the opposite in fact. His concern is that the focus should be on the team and not him in the lead-up to the World Cup final. Vettori is putting the cue in the rack after 18 years of international cricket but in stark contrast to Michael Clarke, who announced his retirement on the eve of the final, he wants as little fuss as possible. It shapes as an emotional occasion for Vettori, but the 36-year-old bats it away. "I'm just really looking forward to playing the game and having all my family there," he says. "They have all sacrificed so much for me for so long for me to play cricket so hopefully I can repay them." Wife Mary, his parents and his brother and sister and their other halves will all be at the MCG. "I don't know what my dad [Renzo] is going to do when there is no cricket to watch," he said. "He loves it. He never played growing up but he loves watching." Vettori is not one for the farewell tour. "For me it's about the game and the team. I don't want any focus on myself apart from the cricketing aspect and then, when it's appropriate, those things will happen. At this stage it's about the team. "That is what Brendon [captain McCullum] and Mike [coach Hesson] have installed since they took over. Put everything aside and focus on the team." If St Paul's Collegiate, the Hamilton City Council, Northern Districts or NZ Cricket want to do something special, they better be quick. Vettori leaves for India on Thursday to coach Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. His last hurrah is a mid-year playing commitment in the Caribbean Premier League. He nearly didn't get to depart on his own terms - Achilles surgery in 2013 was effectively a visit to the Last Chance Saloon. "Barely being able to walk and not being able to run was not conducive to playing good cricket," Vettori says his dry way. "To get that sorted out, to be able to get back on the park, to be able to run and to get fit again was the catalyst to wanting to get back into the team. "To have the support of Brendon and Mike all the way through has made it easy. I still had to get back on the park and I'm glad I have." This is Vettori's fifth World Cup, and clearly his favourite. Playing at home and reaching a stage of the tournament that he has never been to before would guarantee that, but Vettori adds the brand of cricket being played and the environment created by McCullum and Hesson makes an experience he will never forget. "Looking back at other World Cups we've played decent cricket and probably scraped into quarterfinals and semifinals. "This one there has been very good performances from different players the whole way along and that gives us a lot of confidence heading into it. "It is not Brendon every game, it is not Kane [Williamson] every game, we take our turn and hopefully that is a sign of a good team." Vettori doesn't necessarily agree McCullum is a transformed figure from the little rascal who used to light up our living rooms. "He is and he isn't. It is good to see him grow from where he was, everyone always knew he had it in him but to get the opportunity and what he has done with that has been inspirational. "You don't often get that leadership package of being tactically amazing and also being able to inspire everyone and also be able to be incredibly relaxed all the time. "That is something the guys really gravitate towards and Mike balances that and stands out as well for being pretty calm and being meticulous as well." Vettori will be a key player today. He played a significant hand in the one-wicket victory in pool play and has an economy record at the MCG in keeping with his career. He has played eight times at the MCG from 1997 to 2009, and though he only has eight wickets, his economy rate is 4.39. He has 297 one-day wickets for NZ but isn't looking for any personal milestone. "No. There is one goal that everyone wants." - Sunday News

All class, as we expect... very fortunate to be playing at all</H1>

Vettori

Cooper and Ah Mau

I want to pay some credit to Mike Cooper and Lesson Ah Mau. I think they have tried very hard over the last few weeks and whilst they are not the biggest and best props we have ever had they are showing good heart in getting us going forward.



Joel Thompson and Tyson Frizzle are also starting to make good edge contributions and Merrin is looking dangerous when he gets the ball.



The hooker rotation appears to be working well.



A special mention to the Euan Aiken. He looks a good player. He appears to be incredibly strong and his defence is excellent.

Cooper and Ah Mau

RIP Sharks centres.

ET..



I miss you.



Since you centres come here to die.



These days for our centres to see the ball, they go to dummy half or perhaps a hospital ball from a 2nd rower.



They rarely get the ball from a spine player......



Gordon does not pass, the halves look for 2nd rowers. Can handle the hooker not getting there.



Worst position in league, sharks centre, on going for ten years.



Hi Nigel.

RIP Sharks centres.

Please Wind This Club Up.

Close it.



End it.



Let us cry. Let us mourn. And let us move on to brighter horizons in our lives.





Do not let us become the London Broncos or the Oldham Roghyeds. Living clubs that are a laughing stock.



Do us all a huge favour.

Please Wind This Club Up.

Flanno the senior player centred coach

This is kinda funnyShane will always back his senior players...........how do you reckon Thaiday would have gone .........

He is backing the wrong horse.





The centre must always be the needs of the team.

Flanno the senior player centred coach

Washup

So we lose to the team with arguably the worst roster in the entire league after having a decent lead at half time. As a Sharks supporter, we should all be used to this kind of shit because we get it year in, year out. And despite the promising talents of Holmes, Bird etc I strongly believe there is absolutely NO positive out of this at all until Flanno gets the flick.



But in that lies a paradox. It's not a realistic option at all because A) Who do you replace him with, and; B) who would be insane enough to take over?



On paper we have the makings of a wonderful team, with that delicate blend of youth and experience. Flanno is pissing it all away, and until he is gone I for one do not expect to see any immediate change. You can expect us to be 0 from 8 once we play Roosters, Knights, Panthers and Souths.



So the balls in your court; sack Flanno and have no one to replace him, or continue to see the same shit dished out every week.



I just don't care anymore to be perfectly honest.

Washup

Rd3 3 2 1 v Raiders

Last weeks points:

Aitken 39

Flo 33

Thompson 32

Merrin 30

Frizzel 9

Stranger7

O’Brian1

Rein1

Nabuli1

Rd3 3 2 1 v Raiders

Pump your brakes people!

The teams coming good people a few on this forum spent their their dough before they earnt it ,we"ll go alright in the next month mary is installing a mindset and culture it's had its casualties and will take time but after tonight I think the team will go alright this year patience people patience!GO THE SAINTS!

Pump your brakes people!

LU site crashing my phone browser

Within the last week when im on LU my Galaxy S3 browser constantly crashes. I can surf many other forums but as soon as im in here my phones ram usage goes through the roof and the browser closes. Just curious if something has been changed here ? And wether others are having isues.

LU site crashing my phone browser

Positive Flanno post #1

Sandow - last night.



MOM.



Again.



Dynamo halfback at Bunnies - under Lang - which earns him a 500K payday from Eels.



In 2015 he's once again that player - under Arthur.



What happened in between those 2 periods?.....He was coached by Sticky and sent to Wentworthville.



Flanno spent over a decade under the Sticky model and continues it at our club.



The grind, the structure, the overplaying.



Our roster of past and present rep-players, which includes, Gallen, Lewis, fifita, Beale, Graham, Gordon, Tupou, Barba, Ennis and so on should be 3-4 wins after 4 rounds. Without a doubt.



The Sticky/Flanno model is unique in that it gets players to play the absolute worst football of their careers - whilst coaches like bellamy take 2nd stringers and have them playing at their absolute optimum.

Playing better than our 'stars'.



What Maguire does for guys like Reddy and Goodwin.



What Robinson has done for Pearce.



And so on.





The term Cronullafied isn't a joke. It's a fact.





Flanno won't see out his contract.



He won't see 3 more years as there won't be a bum left on a seat at Remondis.

Positive Flanno post #1

Souths vs dogs

Grand final replay will be a tough one for the Rabbitohs.

Souths vs dogs

It's the refs fault

Not Flannos.



Or the clowns that re-signed him for three years.

It's the refs fault

Come on through the lens

Tell us how good this club going with another home loss in front of an empty stadium with a team still without a major sponsor.



Tells us how good of a coach Flanno is with a team of his make up and choosing and playing his style of grinding football.

Come on through the lens