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NRL 2014

  • 06-03-2014 12:58pm
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,325 ✭✭✭✭


    Start of new season down under, looking forward to seeing how Sam Tomkins goes for my NRL team the Warriors this weekend.

    Big turn up for the books in League opener with the Rabbitohs beating the Roosters, 3 of the Burgess boys played for South Sydney. Its some league, shame the BBC or someone don't pick it up, would nicely fill a morning schedule for them, highest quality sport, for dirt cheap.


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Comments

  • Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 621 ✭✭✭Slim Charles


    It's on setanta only in Ireland i think ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,265 ✭✭✭ciarriaithuaidh


    Brief highlights here of Bunnies v Roosters season opener.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWZH4qY_zqc

    Looking forward to following the season as best I can..and never miss State of Origin.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10,325 ✭✭✭✭Dozen Wicked Words


    It's on setanta only in Ireland i think ?

    Yeah, 20 euro a month. Nowhere on their advertising does it mention NRL, just about every other sport going, but not the Rugby League. Yet Setanta 1 has all the games on their tv listing. Odd.

    http://www.setanta.com/ie/subscribe

    Only other option might be the Premier Sports online player, tenner a month.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,220 ✭✭✭n32


    Great game on Setanta this morning between NQL and Canberra.



    Lovely try by Thurston


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10,325 ✭✭✭✭Dozen Wicked Words


    n32 wrote: »
    Great game on Setanta this morning between NQL and Canberra.



    Lovely try by Thurston

    Great try, defence half asleep at the start, but Thurston finished it brilliantly.


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  • Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 621 ✭✭✭Slim Charles


    Yeah, 20 euro a month. Nowhere on their advertising does it mention NRL, just about every other sport going, but not the Rugby League. Yet Setanta 1 has all the games on their tv listing. Odd.

    http://www.setanta.com/ie/subscribe

    Only other option might be the Premier Sports online player, tenner a month.

    I have it alright but have rarely watched it


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,265 ✭✭✭ciarriaithuaidh


    https://www.youtube.com/user/FrancisGonzalezNRL/videos

    This guy is brilliant for highlights of games on youtube.


  • Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 621 ✭✭✭Slim Charles


    I watched a bit of Gold Titans game on setanta yesterday morning, that try by Kelly (Albert ?) was phenomenal running.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10,325 ✭✭✭✭Dozen Wicked Words


    I watched a bit of Gold Titans game on setanta yesterday morning, that try by Kelly (Albert ?) was phenomenal running.

    Albert Kelly, great name, sounds like he should be wearing a flat cap. Ran virtually length of the pitch. Looked like he went a bit early and might have been offside, although I only saw one angle. Like a whippet when he got going though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 784 ✭✭✭kirk buttercup


    Nice to see an NRL thread, I grew up in oz in the 80s and went to all the Doggies games for years at belmore before they moved ( including the 1985 winfield cup grand final (SCG) that finished 7-6 still the closest final ever) I thinks year is shaping up to be great... just not for the Doggies unfortunatly.
    my thoughts
    1. Roosters
    2. Nth QLD
    3.Manly
    4. Storm
    5. Bunnies
    6. Penrith
    7.Titans
    8.Just making it... THE DOGGIES!

    Love the NRL.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10,325 ✭✭✭✭Dozen Wicked Words


    Still love the Super League , but I'm a bit of a NRL convert, quality of a lot of the games are just something else. Hardest thing for most weekend games is trying to get up early enough to watch them though. (Not the early games, I'm not that committed!)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 784 ✭✭✭kirk buttercup


    Just out of Interest Who do people support on here ( if anyone)?


  • Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 621 ✭✭✭Slim Charles


    I have only recently taken a small interest in it, and am cheering on the GC Titans


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10,325 ✭✭✭✭Dozen Wicked Words


    As I say, its newish to me, but looked out for NZ Warriors results last season or 2. Got off to their usual start away from home. Have a good squad on paper. Like the Dragons too, Gareth Widdop got off to a flyer, but don't think either of my teams will be bothering the top 8 this year.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 784 ✭✭✭kirk buttercup


    Dont know about that I reckon one of the titans/ warriors will make the 8. I think st george will struggle this year.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10,325 ✭✭✭✭Dozen Wicked Words


    Dont know about that I reckon one of the titans/ warriors will make the 8. I think st george will struggle this year.

    Hopefully you're right about the Warriors, but aren't they well known for being consistently inconsistent?!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 784 ✭✭✭kirk buttercup


    they are, but all the aussie pundits rate them highly this year ( forget the parra game ). triple m nrl podcasts are pretty good with loads of former players and pundits ,pretty funny stuff.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10,325 ✭✭✭✭Dozen Wicked Words


    Tight wins for Manly and Brisbane already this round. Rest of the fixtures, starts with stupid o'clock game (our time) between my 2 particular favourites, couple of English lads playing each other

    New Zealand Warriors v St George/Illawarra
    Melbourne v Penrith
    Sydney v Parramatta

    Sunday

    Gold Coast v Wests
    Newcastle v Canberra

    Monday

    Canterbury v Cronulla

    No idea on results here, any gamblers care to give me any bets worth putting a euro on?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,220 ✭✭✭n32


    Just out of Interest Who do people support on here ( if anyone)?

    Sea Eagles fan, lived walking distance from Brookvale Oval for 12 months. What a venue for a night time game!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 784 ✭✭✭kirk buttercup


    there you go I said warriors were tipped for big things this year and they have been awful. great round.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,245 ✭✭✭old gregg


    Just out of Interest Who do people support on here ( if anyone)?

    I grew up in Bronte and went to school in Bondi in the early '70's so played League through those years and been a Rooster all my life. Living in Ireland now but get back to Oz every few years and try to catch as many games as I can regardless of who's playing. Brookie is a great spot for a night game for sure n32.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 784 ✭✭✭kirk buttercup


    old gregg wrote: »
    I grew up in Bronte and went to school in Bondi in the early '70's so played League through those years and been a Rooster all my life. Living in Ireland now but get back to Oz every few years and try to catch as many games as I can regardless of who's playing. Brookie is a great spot for a night game for sure n32.
    I have always liked Manly and Brookie is great.The Chooks will be hard to beat this year they have some side but I reckon Manly could be right up there with them.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,245 ✭✭✭old gregg


    It's hard to imagine a season when manly aren't in the mix come finals time. Always liked them too. Even as a kid I preferred their colours to the Roosters when they'd play each other.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 784 ✭✭✭kirk buttercup


    I grew up in fairfield and went to Pats everyone supported the eels because of the sterlo connection but I remained true to the doggies my brother was a magpies fan most weekends was a rotation of belmore and campbelltown.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,245 ✭✭✭old gregg


    Golly the Roosters v Broncos game was a thriller. Really liking the new time off rule for kick-offs within last 5 mins. Great Roosters win :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10,325 ✭✭✭✭Dozen Wicked Words


    Have they always had Thursday night games or is that a relatively new thing. Great for TV audiences anyway.


  • Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 621 ✭✭✭Slim Charles


    Mon the titans!!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 784 ✭✭✭kirk buttercup


    Have they always had Thursday night games or is that a relatively new thing. Great for TV audiences anyway.
    Good for TV the viewing numbers in sydney are really good , terrible for crowd numbers. the numbers this year are at an all time low. Broncos and melbourne bring the numbers up a bit but other clubs are struggling.there is a real cry for clubs to go back to small traditional stadiums (Belmore Cambelltown leichardt oval) and out of anz that is empty week after week. If you look at the manly v parra game on the weekend it looked great with a full crowd versus souths v wests looked terrible but similar numbers. With Bulldogs, Souths and wests sharing the ANZ, home ground buzz has faded a bit. That and the constant cry for a perth based team and another qld. team its only a matter of time before a sydney team is franchised out.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,245 ✭✭✭old gregg


    True thing. The ANZ really has killed a lot of the home ground buzz. None of the spirit and atmosphere you'd get at a small local ground and a bugger to get to/from.

    Have to say, my favourite ground from the last time I was back was Dairy Farmer's Stadium in North Queensland for a Cowboys v Tigers game. 7pm, 26 degrees, cold beer, cheerleaders to die for and the game had yet to start. Beautiful old setting.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 784 ✭✭✭kirk buttercup


    Fri 28 Mar Roosters v Sea Eagles Allianz Stadium --- Roosters for me but this is going to be a cracker
    Fri 28 Mar Dragons v Broncos WIN Stadium Going--- broncos here
    Sat 29 Mar Warriors v Wests Tigers Westpac --- Tigpies
    Sat 29 Mar Eels v Panthers Pirtek Stadium ---- Panthers but they will have to stop raradra he is an animal
    Sat 29 Mar Bulldogs v Storm NIB Stadium--- Bulldogs but only because Im a doggies Fan
    Sun 30 Mar Rabbitohs v Raiders ANZ ---- Bunnies
    Sun 30 Mar Knights v Sharks Hunter Stadium ----Knights hard one as they are both woeful at the moment
    Mon 31 Mar Titans v Cowboys Robina Stadium
    Cowboys/ JT will run a muck

    What Do you guys reckon?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,245 ✭✭✭old gregg


    I'd go along with your predictions. Shame to see Parra still struggling.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 784 ✭✭✭kirk buttercup


    Parra actually look pretty dynamic (if you ignore the roosters game) they were great against warriors and were robbed against manly at brookie I reckon they def. will be further up the ladder this year. Alot of pace and power about them


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10,325 ✭✭✭✭Dozen Wicked Words


    I bow to both yours greater knowledge. Trying to persuade my brother in law to start going to games over there. He's a big union fan so half way there. Only down side is where he is in Oz has grand total of 1 club to choose from. Storm or nothing.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 784 ✭✭✭kirk buttercup


    Storm are good and he should def. go as they have one of the best players EVER playing with them in Cam Smith. They are consistantly top 3- 4. Nice stadium and good fans and great numbers everyweek.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10,325 ✭✭✭✭Dozen Wicked Words


    Storm are good and he should def. go as they have one of the best players EVER playing with them in Cam Smith. They are consistantly top 3- 4. Nice stadium and good fans and great numbers everyweek.

    Yeah I'm working on him, he goes to Richmond Tigers for the Aussie Rules, so if he goes out for that (don't mind it, but it's lunacy!) top quality RL should be a no brainier.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 509 ✭✭✭Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny


    Interesting to see Chrisy Sandow back in for the Eels, is over his off field issues and will be a boost to the eels goalkicking stats anyway! The Eels have a very potent backline with Hopoate getting better each week and Radradra looking unstoppable, Hayne getting fitter each week too. Think its gonna be a positive year for the Eels. Eels are up there with the most potent of backlines, if can get on front foot they've the finishing power to go places!

    Penrith looking good, gutted Mansour is out, guy is a wrecking ball. They'll push close this year.

    Was disappoint today by the Roosters, again penalised hugely, costing them at crucial times, Eagles were solid but was a disappointing contest in all honesty. Broncos dragons was a great watch, very tit for tat and the Broncos eventually pulled away!

    Surprised Inglis is togging this weekend after a pretty hefty blow to the head last weekend, how a guy is allowed play after a week on from being near decapitated and concussed is crazy. Despite everything the NRL are doing it still isn't enough, you just don't recover after a week following a bang like that!

    Big clashes this weekend i think are Tigers Warriors (who have been nothing but disappointing this year - despite winning last week) Parra testing themselves against Penrith.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10,325 ✭✭✭✭Dozen Wicked Words


    Warriors v Tigers is interesting. Read a couple of previews who give the Warriors the slight edge as they are at home, but they are actually playing on the road in Wellington tomorrow, and reading up on it, they are dreadful outside of Auckland. Reckon the Tigers might sneak it, although I hope I'm wrong. Fingers crossed for loads of tries.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 784 ✭✭✭kirk buttercup


    Tigpies are pretty exciting this year witb brooks/tedesco combo my bro. Supports them so always keep an eye on them ...should be a good match. Eels are promising but as a doggies fan I dont like seeeing them do well (even thoygh my mate coaches thereU/20's) the school I went to in oz was a feeder school for parra everyone supported them drove me nuts. However... even I think they are explosive at the back this year Raradra is an animal as Ive said and Hayne is always a handfull. Is it me or is this years comp look very close?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 509 ✭✭✭Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny


    Tigpies are pretty exciting this year witb brooks/tedesco combo my bro. Supports them so always keep an eye on them ...should be a good match. Eels are promising but as a doggies fan I dont like seeeing them do well (even thoygh my mate coaches thereU/20's) the school I went to in oz was a feeder school for parra everyone supported them drove me nuts. However... even I think they are explosive at the back this year Raradra is an animal as Ive said and Hayne is always a handfull. Is it me or is this years comp look very close?

    I don't really think there's an outstanding good/great side or an truly terrible/poor side this year. The Sharks (currently) look the worst side but they are majorly depleted and would expect a serious turn around soon! I genuinely cannot pick a minor premiership winner or wooden spoon winner!

    I have to say i Love the way Shaun Johnson plays. Been a serious admirer of his for a while, but has been disappointing to say the least! The Warriors have in the past played the BEST footie of all side but are too inconsistent! Really thought they'd push for top 4!

    I'm gonna stick my neck out very early and pick my top 8 in no specific order.......
    Rabbitohs, Manly, Rooster, Penrith, Broncos, raiders, Warriors, cowboys.

    Such a tough decision, trying to pick a side to replace for St. George but i don't think they can keep up the frenetic pace they've set, the whole we'll score more than you wont work, defence isn't great and were caught out badly by clever Broncos frowards offloading today.

    I can't call a wooden spoon winner but would be confident saying the Eels wont be there


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 509 ✭✭✭Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny


    Finally the warriors turn it on. Beat the West Tigers 42-18. Konrad Hurrell proved to be the real game changer. Two linebreaks, few assists, was outstanding, Shaun Johnson kicked into gear too, if he can get up and running, threatening like he has in the past than the Warriors could come good.

    Parramatta beat the Panthers this morning as well, HUGE result against a very very strong Perith side! Jarrad Hayne outstanding again, Radradra on theh score sheet again. Peats and Ma'u making a serious impact!

    And currently the doggies are making mincemeat of the Storm (missing Cam Smith - injured in warm up). Currently 36-12 and the Dogs are on fire, Josh Reynolds has been dynamite this morning completely opening up the Storm who are lacking direction around the POTB. Struggling to get repeat sets, full credit to the Dogs. James Graham been inspirational for his side, bashed from coast to coast


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 784 ✭✭✭kirk buttercup


    Another great weekend of footy. Doggies found there mojo so Im happy. As for my tipping 3 from 7 ...pretty poor. PARRA really have turned the corner,Warriors are starting to play. Feck me it would be hard to call the 8 at this stage ( only thing for sure is it wont be the sharks)


  • Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 621 ✭✭✭Slim Charles


    My adopted team the gold coast titans on setanta sports 1 at half 9 against north Queensland cowboys, anyone going watching?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 509 ✭✭✭Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny


    Terrible news coming from Melbourne as Alex McKinnon has been told he faces life as a quadriplegic after the unfortunate incident at last weeks game with Knights and the Storm. Matty Johns discussed on his show. Terrible news and hopefully he can make a recovery!

    Titans win thanks to a field goal from Aidan Sezer 13-12


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 509 ✭✭✭Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny


    Other huge news. Andrew Fafita has had his contract with the Doggies terminated and will be a free agent at the end of the summer heightening speculation that he will switch codes like Benji, SB and SBW. Des Hasler was less than impressed with Fafita's 'my heart is still with the sharks' and his 'I wish i went to Union' comments


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,265 ✭✭✭ciarriaithuaidh


    That is just awful news about young McKinnon..terrible. Wasn't anywhere near the worst tackle you'll see, just got his head at a bad angle. Shows how fragile even the strongest bodies are really.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 784 ✭✭✭kirk buttercup


    Other huge news. Andrew Fafita has had his contract with the Doggies terminated and will be a free agent at the end of the summer heightening speculation that he will switch codes like Benji, SB and SBW. Des Hasler was less than impressed with Fafita's 'my heart is still with the sharks' and his 'I wish i went to Union' comments
    A bit of a let off for the bulldogs they are well stacked up front and really need to get a fullback but were going to struggle with the wages fafita was reportedly going to get. good luck to him maybe next time he gets offered huge money he might keeps his mouth shut. Tedesco Maybe? he is off contract this year and not happy with the tigpies offer. belmore bound hopefully.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 509 ✭✭✭Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny


    A bit of a let off for the bulldogs they are well stacked up front and really need to get a fullback but were going to struggle with the wages fafita was reportedly going to get. good luck to him maybe next time he gets offered huge money he might keeps his mouth shut. Tedesco Maybe? he is off contract this year and not happy with the tigpies offer. belmore bound hopefully.

    Tedesco been linked with a lot of sides, Roosters (apparently became very close to Mini when at the World Cup), Rabbitohs (who need to add backs - would see GI back in the centre, Doggies who are in obvious need of a dominant No.1! But TBH i think he tigers would be nuts to leave him go, his relationship on the pitch with Luke Brooks is amazing! In a few years the Tigers could be a force again with young backs like Brooks, Simona, Nolfuluma Tedeso all coming good! Tigers need these lads if they want to build a future


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 784 ✭✭✭kirk buttercup


    Tigers are about to go bang so may have to sell some assests. I always liked wests so would hate this. If he doesnt go to the dogs I defo want to see him stay at wests


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10,325 ✭✭✭✭Dozen Wicked Words


    Probably old news to all, but just in case. Bet365 stream the NRL live on their website, you need to have a fiver in your betting account but that's it. Only problem I have is the player is small and doesn't, to my small brain, seem to be resizable. Still a good picture on it though and a much more reliable stream than the iffy illegal alternatives.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 509 ✭✭✭Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny


    Following on from the dogs tearing up Fafita's contract (which Fafita now claims was not by mutual consent) they've been linked with a huge spending spree. Names such as Josh Hoffman (again), James Tedesco (Tigers - FB), Josh Mansour (Penrith - CTW/FB), and interestingly following stories coming out of OZ, the Stewart brother from Manly, Glenn (Loose) and Brett (FB) could be targeted as a package deal have all been listed as potential targets! Don't be surprised to see 2/3 of these names in Blue & White next season!

    Steve Matai has been reported saying that if Glenn Stewart is allowed to leave (which it seems like he doesn't want to do!) it could be the beginning of a Mass Exodus at the Sea Eagles. Worrying times for Manly i think


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