The World of Rugby Thread

[Queenslander]

The NRL trying to sanction him for being honest is a laugh.

They are deadset hopeless.

[Queenslander]

What an off season.


Former footy star Brett Finch charged with sharing child abuse material

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-nsw/former-footy-star-brett-finch-charged-with-sharing-child-abuse-material/news-story/f5078d62cb9096dd46b69be5308706da

[Lewis]

Everyone was patting him on the back last week for admitting he had problems on some podcast. Well...

[Queenslander]

There are no more words with this bloke.


She says that on the night when they finally met up at her home, which she shared with her mother, she did not consent to any sexual contact with Hayne because of the presence of a cab outside.

Hayne was in town for a two-day buck’s party for a former teammate when he agreed to stop by the woman’s home on the way back to Sydney.

He drank a Vodka cruiser on the cab ride over to her house and on the way in, plonked his empty bottle on the letterbox.

Once inside her room, in an attempt to break the ice, he had told her, “Let’s do singalongs” as he commandeered her laptop, opened up YouTube and put on an Ed Sheeran’s cover of Wonderwall.


During her testimony, the woman said she was thinking “this was really weird”.

They were interrupted after she heard beeping outside and looked out onto her front lawn to see a taxi which was waiting to take Hayne back to Sydney for a sponsor’s event.

Her description of that moment was central to the trial.

She said at that point her “heart dropped” because “I felt like he had only come there for one thing”.

“I felt saddened because I felt like he must have only seen me in one type of way,” she said.

“He thought he was only going to come in for 20 minutes and then leave.”

Hayne went out to speak to the driver but returned, only after making a detour to the loungeroom to watch the closing stages of the Sydney Roosters’ grand final win with the woman’s mother.

“Go the Roosters” and “I’m jealous,” Hayne exclaimed as he came back to her bedroom.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/three-words-that-will-decide-jarryd-haynes-fate-as-he-spends-first-new-years-behind-bars/news-story/078de37d1d4b0a7dbd8bee87164517ad

[Queenslander]

If Cheika is also sacked then my year has peaked already.


The fallout from Blake Ferguson’s wild night in Tokyo has continued, with his former Japanese club issuing a 506-word statement of shame in a bid to stay in the new League One competition.

While former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, who was announced as the director of rugby of the NEC Green Rockets last year and was a key driver in signing Ferguson, is under pressure to hold onto his job.

Ferguson, 31, was sacked on January 2 just months after signing with the Green Rockets.

The Green Rockets issued a 10-word statement updating their statement on Monday to confirm the new recruit had been sacked, but there were deep fears the club would have to fold as a result of the embarrassment caused to the game and country.

It is alleged the former NRL premiership winner and State of Origin regular punched a patron and was found soon after with cocaine by Tokyo police in Roppongi at 6:30am on December 30.

While Ferguson’s rugby career in Japan is over before it started, the former NRL winger’s problems could extend further than his next career move if he is found guilty for allegedly being in possession of cocaine.

Japan has a “zero tolerance” attitude to drugs and drug charges can carry prison sentences of up to five years.



https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2021-covid-rules-players-banned-from-indoor-venues-peter-vlandys-andrew-abdo-covid19/news-story/7f136877196e8a21abeea1fd5840e1b6?fbclid=IwAR20UDhw XMKsup_v0PY_5WlvVKZTtkVhOHQ1NdkZRHfGnDz6A0JkmwdY-Pw

[Lewis]

The statement the club put out was like he had killed somebody. Not sure where he goes now. Probably Melbourne on minimum wage to score thirty next season.

[Disco]

Or jail, the japanese legal system does not fuck about.

[Waffdon]

I wonder who the England International is who has been arrested on suspicion of rape. My detective skills lead me to believe it’s Danny Cipriani

[Baz]

I wonder who the England International is who has been arrested on suspicion of rape. My detective skills lead me to believe it’s Danny CiprianiIndeed.

[Waffdon]

Never mind :D

Oops

[Queenslander]

Heads have gone.


New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has made the decision to relocate the six New Zealand-based Super Rugby Pacific squads to Queenstown to mitigate against the risk of COVID-19 side-lining any of the teams.

https://www.superrugby.co.nz/news/new-zealand-rugby-to-relocate-super-rugby-pacific-teams-to-queenstown/

[niko_cee]

Is there anything left of Queenstown after 2 years with no tourists?

Also, who the fuck are Moana Pasifika?

[Queenslander]

They can only sign Tongan and Samoan blokes who have put their hands up to play for either nation and they have signed former All Blacks and Wallabies with said heritage eg Sekope Kepu is the inaugural captain.

The Fijian Drua play in the Australian group I think they will play out of Western Sydney somewhere also the Force will play the entire season out of Sydney because their State is a joke.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I've only just googled the recent mess that has occurred in southern hemisphere rugby, but here's my question: how come the South African teams are all languishing below Llanelli, Connacht and Benetton Treviso in the new league they're in? Have they lost all their players or something?

[Queenslander]

They do struggle to hold onto to most these days from my understanding.

[hfswjyr]

Heads have gone.



https://www.superrugby.co.nz/news/new-zealand-rugby-to-relocate-super-rugby-pacific-teams-to-queenstown/

Sure there's less people in Queenstown, but without any further restrictions does it make Queenstown any safer?
I suspect players will spend more time 'out of the house', and have a higher risk of catching/spreading COVID.

[The Merse]

I've only just googled the recent mess that has occurred in southern hemisphere rugby, but here's my question: how come the South African teams are all languishing below Llanelli, Connacht and Benetton Treviso in the new league they're in? Have they lost all their players or something?

It's just fixtures right now.

The first lot of games all of the SA teams are in NH, and the fixtures were tough - sure, the Stormers capitulations were unexpected, but Leinster, Ulster and Edinburgh would go in as fave's at home to most NH teams with the full outfits afforded to them in September.

Then they played each other and took points off each other. Let them bed in, get some home games vs NH and they'll be challenging.

[The Merse]

This ITV dickhead that looks like an even more budget Matthew Wright is awful.

[Lewis]

God that's a stupid rule. Matey's hands all over his face coming down as well.

[Manc]

Completely thrown this game away.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The whole move he did back there was such bad decision-making. Why not just goalkeeper it with one hand, and the worst that can happen is you miss it and the bloke behind you has a really difficult catch to get the try.

I guess front rowers are barely athletes in any meaningful sense.

[Jimmy Floyd]

What on earth is George Ford doing? Two penalties in quick succession and they both went basically sideways into touch. Bizarre.

[Lewis]

Absolute case study in why we do need Owen Farrell actually.

[Lewis]

Fucking hell referee.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Eddie Jones is useless and a prick. Get him gone.

Referee first ruling his way through the game at the end there. No real excuse in rugby as you just get 'thank you sir' at the end.

[Manc]

That was a penalty. Absolute horseshit.

[Waffdon]

England getting battered again. :drool:

[Lewis]

We should just join the Rugby Championship. Playing shithouse rugby against seething fringe countries and their officials isn't going to help us win the World Cup.

[Giggles]

We should just join the Rugby Championship. Playing shithouse rugby against seething fringe countries and their officials isn't going to help us win the World Cup.

I’ve little to no interest in this shite, but that is some of the most epic seethe of all time :D

[Lewis]

It's a seethe-worthy issue year after year, and Proper Rugby Men are too emotionally invested in FRONTING UP to do anything about it.

[Lewis]

*referee wears a Wales kit and sends England players off for handball*
'Well, you know, we have to look at our own execution...'

[Baz]

Lewis there's a competion to win a Saints season ticket and I feel like question three is a trick.


1. Which former Saint played in the first team to beat Saints at Langtree Park
2. Which two-time Saints Grand Final winner had previously played for Catalans Dragons
3. What was the name of the team Saints defeated in Perpignan in the Challenge Cup in the early noughties?


1. Leon Pryce
2. Zeb Taia
3. Catalans Dragons? :cab:

[Baz]

Union Treiziste Catalane?

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/st-helens-at-pains-to-cope-with-french-diversion-wq3pzpjzkqc

:wtf:

I guess it's them, right? I can't read the full article.

[Lewis]

Yeah, it's what Catalan Dragons were called before Super League made them pick a fruity name.

[Baz]

Yeah, it's what Catalan Dragons were called before Super League made them pick a fruity name.
Glad I looked it up.

[Lewis]

BUZZING for it coming back. Catalan have got stronger, Leeds have made some good signings, and Warrington finally have a proper coach. It should be quite competitive.

[Lewis]

Jack Welsby in the number one shirt LAD. Interested to see how Mitchell Pearce goes as well. He could be incredible, but he might also be crippled by now.

[Baz]

Big win, that. Unbeaten season, lessgooo

Dylan Napa seems a right bellend.

[Queenslander]

He is.

[Lewis]

I wanted Catalans to win but I popped for that James Roby try. He's going out with a World Cup win.

[Queenslander]

Tupou wants $1 million a year for his next ARU contract so I guess that's Tongan Thor to French Rugby confirmed. :(

[Queenslander]

Can you imagine how silly this would be..




“If the Kangaroos go down the path of adopting the unity dance that the All Stars do, you could argue you don’t need an Indigenous side on the world stage because that war dance is the best recognition you could have.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/thurston-inglis-want-to-take-indigenous-all-stars-to-the-world-20220210-p59vde.html?fbclid=IwAR0B1_JM_tGsgkU3I3aZ5lRve7Sot pwTjHWYoHJy2Tx6r85YvV6l5FmsHcM

[Lewis]

The Indigenous Fellas touring the islands or England would be great, and I could see them doing their stupid dance whilst the rest of the Kangaroos watch, but the thought of Third Reich supermen like Tom Trbojevic waggling a stick around next to some naked idiot is an insult to everybody.

[Lewis]

I am well impressed with Kyle Amor on co-commentary. Between Sky persisting with 'Baz and Tez' and the NRL having half a dozen old men wittering over each other I had lost hope.

[ScousePig]

New rules I think, but that sin-bin for Dwyer seemed harsh?

Cracking game.

[niko_cee]

It's such a shit system that the TMO can seed things in the ref's mind [the knock on being a penalty offence] when he has already, rightly, come to a different conclusion on the field.

[Ben]

VAR is much the same. When they refer the referee to the pitchside monitor, you know they're indirectly telling him to change his decision.

[niko_cee]

More TMO lols, I'm pretty sure they've got every part of that wrong.

It wasn't held up [I thought it was at first], but it was knocked on [after the Irish hand knocked it out to give the penalty away].

[Giggles]

Lolrland :D love to see it

Fucking hun cunts.

[Queenslander]

Got a bit heated at the All Stars game. :cab:





https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2022-indigenous-vs-maori-all-stars-jordan-rapana-shoulder-charge-video-sin-bin-andrew-fifita-fight/news-story/95b71e853392ec157bedf514cc309e63?fbclid=IwAR0k4I4x PRH8dw3lsqFjxSs4LVlEoyNS2uE3skuQRt97OrYvXzYvg5vYlZ g

[ScousePig]

Jai Field is rapid.

[Lewis]

Looks like the fastest white man since Darren Albert.

[Lewis]

Fuck me we'll all be dead by the time this gets going.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Sorry, I can't watch a sport where the clock counts down.

[Manc]

Never a red.

[Baz]

:harold:

[Lewis]

No more Saints games on Channel 4 please. Lewis Dodd is class.

[Baz]

No more Saints games on Channel 4 please.Howcome?

[Lewis]

They're too good. It might be worth watching them against Wigan/Leeds/Warrington (on a good day), but everyone else you can turn it off at half-time.

[Baz]

Didn’t win a season ticket but I have won a signed Saints shirt. :cab:

[Lewis]

Mega. Let's have a look.

[Baz]

Mega. Let's have a look.

Picking it up on Thursday. Will take some pics.

[Manc]

XS.

[Lewis]

I sort of helped, so I'll have those pictures as NFTs.

[Baz]

I sort of helped, so I'll have those pictures as NFTs.Haha. This was a different competition where I just had to cut something out and post (lol) it to them.

[Lewis]

Sounds like you were the only person who did.

[Baz]

I did think that. :D

[Waffdon]

The French are absolutely shagging Scotland here

[Ben]

I don't watch much outside of Six Nations and World Cups. France look genuinely good this year, how long have they been like this? Last year they were just alright.

[Manc]

What an awful game this is.

[Baz]

Mega. Let's have a look.

https://i.imgur.com/l2DRQ52_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium

[Lewis]

:cool:

What you doing with it?

[Baz]

:cool:

What you doing with it?
Dunno.

Want it? :rosebud:

[Lewis]

Not really. If it doesn't have 'To Barry...' anywhere on it it must be worth a few hundred quid. Possibly more if they do four in a row.

[Manc]

Home Bargains. :harold:

[Baz]

Lewis Dodd :cool:

[Baz]

Deffo need tickets for Saints vs Toulouse, purely to witness history. 3rd September sez the website.

[Lewis]

Is that winning every game? Might have won the World Club Challenge had it been on, since Penrith are the type of wankers who wouldn't take it completely seriously.

[Baz]

Is that winning every game? Might have won the World Club Challenge had it been on, since Penrith are the type of wankers who wouldn't take it completely seriously.I meant scoring 100 points but yeah, that too.

[ScousePig]

Jake Connor is some player to watch.

[Lewis]

Biggest talent in Super League, but also a shithouse and potentially a liability against Australia, so what can you do. Penrith are going back-to-back going off the NRL highlights, and it will be interesting to see how teams use the penalty changes against Manly.

[Baz]

Our Matautia’s brother is dreadful. :harold:

It’s like me (Sione) and Mike (Peter).

[Queenslander]

1 from 1.:cool:


https://fb.watch/bHEaZRIEl3/

[Lewis]

Game's gone. Jesus. Andy 'Andrew Farrell' Farrell singing their anthem too.

[Giggles]

The real one or the fake one? The handful of Brits on the team normally only do the latter.

[Waffdon]

Forward passes never getting punished is the most boring thing ever

[niko_cee]

It's more galling when they are called as the 'flat pass' has pretty much taken over both varieties of eggball.

[Manc]

Absolute toss. Throw the tournament in the bin.

[Giggles]

That’s always an awful result for the actual Irish here, they’ll all be insufferable now. I thought England were meant to be shit hot?

[Waffdon]

They’ve been battered by England and Scotland so probably not

[niko_cee]

Could have done with one of those 20 minute red cards.

If they were actually bothered about player welfare, or just the welfare of the wider pub going public they'd just call it quits and abandon the game.

[Boydy]

Oh dear, Wales.

[Baz]

Got my RLWC wall chart yesterday. :cab:

There are so few games that it also has the women's and wheelchair games on it.

[Waffdon]

How did Scotland lose to these :D

[Lewis]

It looked like a massive and blatant obstruction as the Italian try started but oh well never mind.

[Ben]

Happy for them. Fuck the rules.

[Lewis]

Is that winning every game? Might have won the World Club Challenge had it been on, since Penrith are the type of wankers who wouldn't take it completely seriously.


I meant scoring 100 points but yeah, that too.

Well.

[Baz]

:harold:

[niko_cee]

How come Andy Farrell is coaching Ireland, Shuan Edwards is coaching the French defence and England end up with Eddie what the fuck Jones seemingly forever?

Quite shocked Nowell wasn't sent off for that aerial coming together.

I sort of get why it exists, but I really dislike the advantage forever rule in union.

[Waffdon]

Is this referee on the take? He’s tried to get in the way of both teams multiple times

[Manc]

French defence is ridiculous.

[Lewis]

Twenty minutes on what 'this French team' are doing to capture the public imagination. Winning?

[Lewis]

1507637272123949058

Proper cup tie this. Shit ground, half the town out for it. :cool:

[Baz]

Drove to Windermere this morning and saw a lot of Saints fans on the M6, as well as loads waiting for a coach outside my local.

Just watched it back on YouTube. They weren’t that bad for the majority. Lots of missed forward passes, mind, and their conversion attempt made me lol out loud.

[Baz]

their conversion attempt made me lol out loud.

1508029663007977475

:lol:

[hfswjyr]

"What's happened there?" "I have no idea what happened there".

Unfortunately all too true with that video quality.

[Baz]

Christ, Saints are gonna get bummed by Castleford tonight. The grandkids are out, nevermind the kids.

[Ben]

As a casual-at-best follower, tell me what’s going on there then? Saints are pissing it so far.

[Lewis]

They can afford to throw a game after the stupid two games in three days Easter schedule, they have a few injuries anyway, and they have the Challenge Cup semi final coming up in a couple of weeks. They also play a really relentless game which must take its toll.

[Baz]

Good game, this.

[Baz]

1520167823078789126

[Lewis]

He's the best player in Super League, but he BOTTLED an NRL move so he deserves screwing out of Man of Steel by people choosing to not defend Jai Field with any sense.

[Manc]

Saints. :harold:

[Lewis]

At least the final won't be [such] a foregone conclusion now, even if a potential Baz meet is off.

[Baz]

Not good enough but stings extra cos it’s bloody Wigan. :moop:

[Lewis]

Maybe next year mate.

[niko_cee]

Absolutely farcical refereeing in the Parra v Manly match.

Joke sport.

[Lewis]

The season is done if 'Turbo' is out, so what can you do. It might give Queensland a look in though.

[Dark Soldier]

Cracking final this

[Dark Soldier]

Is Lolohea always this shit at conversions?

[Lewis]

You would like Huddersfield to win, but their fifty shit fans don't deserve it.

[Dark Soldier]

Fuck Hudds.

[Dark Soldier]

:cool: :cool:

[Manc]

Lolohea. What a cunt.

[Lewis]

It should have been me watching my team blow it. Gutted.

[Lewis]

Queenslander. :cool:

[Queenslander]

:cool:

[Lewis]

[Sir] Kevin Sinfield's Leicester Tigers. :cool:

[Queenslander]

:cool:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OodjM76E4_g

[Lewis]

The disgraceful sin binning sunk this.

[Baz]

1543181900793217024

[Baz]

Noooooooo.

1544229602918383617

:cry:

Can’t say I blame him.

[Lewis]

Saints haven't really missed him this season, and they don't need him at fullback, so I doubt even the NRL could match the money he will be getting there.

[Lewis]

10-16
44-12
12-22

:lol:

Brad Fittler is an awful coach.

[Queenslander]

:D


Ponga was on another level I haven't seen such a small fella gain so many post contact meters while running at forwards.

It's a shame he has pledged to the All Blacks.

[Lewis]

I've always been a bit of a Ponga-sceptic (at least in terms of him being a million dollar player), but he looks bigger this season and breaks tackles easier. He's still a turnstile in defence, so I'm not sure about him in union, but I don't think the fullback gets pressured on the ground that much in State of Origin for it to be a massive weakness in those games.

Speaking of which, how has Roger Tuivasa-Sheck gone? I read earlier that he might get his test debut against Ireland, so presumably quite well.

[Queenslander]

From what I saw of him he was pretty good at 12 for the Blues. I imagine he will be a utility back at best for the All Blacks as they have a ridiculous amount of depth and 12, 11, 14 and 15.




It will be interesting to see what club Billy Slater ends up at after his Origin stint? My hope is that he and Smith takeover at the Titans.

[hfswjyr]

Roger made the All Blacks squad, which is quite good for his first season in the game. I watched him for the Blues this season, and I wasn't too impressed. Too much time spent stepping with ball in hand, which allows cover defence to get around anyway. And his tackling looked a little suspect at times.

[Baz]

Wigan won 60-0 and Bevan French got 7 tries. :eek:

[Queenslander]

Roger made the All Blacks squad, which is quite good for his first season in the game. I watched him for the Blues this season, and I wasn't too impressed. Too much time spent stepping with ball in hand, which allows cover defence to get around anyway. And his tackling looked a little suspect at times.

Do you think he will make the World Cup squad?

[Queenslander]

Have the All Blacks employed Cheika as a consultant? I have never seen them kick this poorly.

[niko_cee]

Ireland have been pretty mega in this half.

[Queenslander]

Yeah their forward packs class.

[niko_cee]

Wayne Barnes donning the Kiwis.

[niko_cee]

Less good this half.

[Queenslander]

Huge call to play RTS for the last 10 minutes.

[niko_cee]

:cool:

Fuck off New Zealand [and fuck off having 'All Blacks' as the name on the score ticker thing].

[Queenslander]

I feel the Wallabies have been handed a once in a generation opportunity at winning the Bledisloe this year.

[Lewis]

Andy 'Andy Farrell' Farrell/[Sir] Kevin Sinfield dream team for England. :cool:

[Lewis]

Wales to let the hemisphere down.

[Lewis]

Victor Radley declaring for England gives us the nastiest pack of shithouses imaginable. All coached by Shaun Wane as well. We're going to dog shot our way to a 30-6 final defeat. :cool:

[Queenslander]

He wont see it out the first game the lunatic.

[Lewis]

Hang on. I think we get Australia in the semi-final, unless we cleverly throw the opener with Samoa.

[Queenslander]

England losing the final to Tonga would be the best outcome for the game.

[hfswjyr]

Do you think he will make the World Cup squad?

I don't think he starts ahead of Havili. I don't see the potential other people see in Tupaea, so I'd probably have RTS on the bench.

[Jimmy Floyd]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/62194385

I really don't see how rugby (union at least, don't know about league) survives another 20 years in its present form.

[Queenslander]

Add the AFL as well with their mental hip and shoulder tackles.

[Giggles]

Give grown adults the choice.

[Kikó]

Woke rugby gone mad. In my day, head concussions and degenerative mental illnesses at an early age were encouraged.

[Shindig]

Do they have any concussion protocols like in the NFL? Also, what's gone on with that Bibey death?

[Giggles]

Woke rugby gone mad. In my day, head concussions and degenerative mental illnesses at an early age were encouraged.

Woke? What? :D

Surely once you arm grown ups with all the information then they can make an informed decision. There’s plenty of them minted with no head problems to go along with the few that have.

[niko_cee]

It's an interesting contrast to the situation in football. From an extremely lay perspective I'd wager degenerative brain injuries in football will diminish over time due to the changes that the ball has undergone [and also probably changes to the way the game is played], whereas in rugby union [probably league as well] the transition to every player being 120kg sub 11 second 100m running 6 foot tall 6 foot wide south pacific tank has upped the physicality stakes considerably, and with it the potential for significant head trauma.

They're obviously trying quite hard to change the game to mitigate against that now, but it feels like a bit of an uphill struggle which is more ruining the game than anything.

They should have some sort of weight limit the whole team has to come in under or something.

[Lewis]

The game needs to reduce the size of the collisions, which essentially boils down to bringing fatigue back into the game. I might be bias, but I think league is better placed to do that and still maintain the quality of the 'product' than union, which could get a bit shit if the breakdown and set pieces get even sloppier than they already are. League would, at worst, be like it was during the pandemic with a few too many six again blowout shitfests.

[Lewis]

Half of the Manly team standing themselves down over a rainbow stripe on their kit is a bit wild, and nobody can do anything about it because they need the islanders onside. :harold:

[Queenslander]

Polynesian blokes love to cherry pick the bible.



The press conference with V’Landys is a classic he talked up a Pride round for next year.


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/live-manly-captain-to-speak-on-boycott-as-vlandys-and-pm-weigh-in-on-pride-jersey-saga/news-story/15394b31aacfc65c25217b8bd056974d?fbclid=IwAR0lPMUY OneEdFnM42N1_kvffQ3NjhdYfAx_i11WGPLv4y3HlXS0C9tSie o

[Lewis]

I watched that Wayne Bennett podcast and it was pretty good, as was most of the Paul Kent one. In other gay news, Hull KR have been fined because the fans were calling some players 'rent boy', which might be a sporting first.

[Baz]

England World Cup kit could be a Widnes away kit

https://www.eliteprosports.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ERL22RHSFTT.jpg

[Lewis]

The badges aren't even level.

[Lewis]

I never understand these arguments. How come the people who gave you those ideas have managed to move away from them during the fifty years since you got your independence? Shouldn't we be the ones clinging on to them?

[Queenslander]

I agree. I dont understand how treating that community like children is helping.



Don’t blame Pacific Island cultures for queer fear. Blame colonisation

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/don-t-blame-pacific-island-cultures-for-queer-fear-blame-colonisation-20220727-p5b50c.html

[Lewis]

I like the characterisation of the islands as some bumming free-for-all before Europeans rolled into town as well. Yeah, with a life expectancy of about thirty. If you can keep one of those things...

[Queenslander]

I do wonder how the NRL would have handle it if it were 45% Serbian Australian players instead of the Polynesian Australian blokes.

Jesus Christ.


Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Tonga face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Homosexuality is illegal in Tonga, with a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, but the law is not enforced

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Tonga



Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Samoa face legal challenges not faced by non-LGBT people. Same-sex sexual acts are illegal, punishable by up to seven years imprisonment, but the law is not enforced.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Samoa

[Queenslander]

I like the characterisation of the islands as some bumming free-for-all before Europeans rolled into town as well. Yeah, with a life expectancy of about thirty. If you can keep one of those things...

:D

[Lewis]

Poor old Jason Saab being the odd man out without an excuse. Then again, he tried to put his hand up for Lebanon because of his step-dad, so he could just plead stupidity.

[Queenslander]

I missed that what a drongo.


I didn't know Mitchell Moses had put his hand up for Lebanon.

[Lewis]

Mitch Moses and Adam Doueihi is probably the second best halves combination in international league. The rest of the side not so much.

[Lewis]

1556380378855866368

What a sport.

[Shindig]

That's magnificent. :D

[Queenslander]

:D

[Queenslander]

Another perfectly legal hip and shoulder. :cab:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HlDQUSdgj8

[Lewis]

I'm not sure what's better between Ricky Stuart carrying heat from when his son was in under-twelves or 'weak-gutted dog' as a devastating character appraisal. Either way, a fine and a suspension is a disgrace.

[Queenslander]

It's just weird to bring it up at all. If Ricky didn't have a history of brain explosions he probably would have copped a suspended fine and 1 game ban.



The National Rugby League (NRL) today issued Canberra Raiders Head Coach Ricky Stuart with a breach notice after comments directed towards Penrith Panthers Player Jaeman Salmon.

The Breach Notice proposes a fine for Stuart of $25,000 and a suspension from all club activities with the Canberra Raiders for one full week commencing 4pm today (Tuesday, 9 August).

The period of suspension prohibits Stuart from performing any duties as Head Coach of the Raiders, including attendance at team or individual training or coaching sessions or the Raiders’ facilities.

Furthermore, he cannot provide instruction or direction to the team, individual players or Club Officials during the period of suspension including before, during or after any matches within this period.

Stuart will be unable to return to coaching duties until 4pm on Tuesday, 16 August.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said there was no place in the game for public comments of that nature.

“Leaders need to set the standard in the game. The comments are completely unacceptable from any individual let alone an official of such experience and standing.” Mr Abdo said.

“This is a highly unusual case, and we have taken the significant step of proposing a suspension from his duties for one week. This will be a full suspension precluding Ricky from having any involvement with any club activity either in person or remotely. Furthermore, the fine must not be paid by the Club but by Ricky himself.”

The NRL will now work with both clubs to ensure the wellbeing of the individuals concerned.

Stuart will have five business days to respond to the breach notice.

[Lewis]

I went out for a walk. Good decision. Paul Green is a seriously overrated coach. He rode a stacked side and Johnathan Thurston to a (lucky) competition win and it was downhill immediately after.

:uhoh:

[Queenslander]

Ponga getting caught doing nose beers while out for the season with concussion is wild. His dad coming out and defending him by saying he was celebrating buying a house is hilarious.

[Lewis]

His dad seems like a classic living through his son case. I wonder if they're a known idiot family.

[Queenslander]

They'd have to be. Im pretty sure he got a gig at the Knights as part of a package deal with his son.

[Queenslander]

The Knights have retained him as captain. :D

Edit: What a 24 hours Corey Norman has hoppa'd someone.

[Queenslander]

The cherry picking continues. :drool:


Manly players called out for supporting convicted teammate after refusing to wear pride jersey

https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/manly-players-called-out-for-supporting-convicted-teammate-after-refusing-to-wear-pride-jersey/news-story/c2641f0b45d899bc5aac07e756aec5b5

[Lewis]

1562579540110561283

Piledriving yourself for a penalty. Clever.

[ScousePig]

It was cheating and I'm really glad to hear Phil Clarke calling it out. Rugby always supposedly prided itself on aspects like honesty and respect, and as I've watched in the past few years it's been slowly going more the way of football where sly and underhand tactics have been creeping in and the ref's decisions are questioned more and more.

And in a complete contradiction I'm not convinced that big brute of a ref (Jack Smith?) is very good at the moment.

[Baz]

1563058670245519360

:dance:

[Lewis]

Hasn't had a bad game in fifteen years. :cool:

Toulouse being allowed to go down is typical short-sighted rugby league stupidity. Yo-yoing Leigh and not even Featherstone instead of an actual city with potential. Great.

[Queenslander]

Koroibete ran from the opposite wing to make this tackle. He's the greatest Wallaby winger of all time and second place isnt even close.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snJT3jeQjVU

[Queenslander]

Argies 25 - NZ 18 :drool:

[hfswjyr]

Koroibete ran from the opposite wing to make this tackle. He's the greatest Wallaby winger of all time and second place isnt even close.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snJT3jeQjVU
Awesome.

Unlike that All Blacks performance.

[Lewis]

Koroibete was never that sensational in the NRL. What makes him more suited to union?

[Queenslander]

He is world class both sides of the ball.

His player role is different to a traditional wingers as he is allowed to roam in tight and loose. He wins most collisions with or without the ball and his cover defence is the best in world Rugby.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvMQ3FiZUXU

[Ian]

Argies 25 - NZ 18 :drool:

What the fuck is going on with New Zealand?

[Queenslander]

The coaching staff and the old boys network running the show.

They have the players just no plan in attack apart from one out stuff.

[Queenslander]

Awesome.

Unlike that All Blacks performance.

You will still flog us at Eden Park as is tradition.

[Lewis]

He is world class both sides of the ball.

His player role is different to a traditional wingers as he is allowed to roam in tight and loose. He wins most collisions with or without the ball and his cover defence is the best in world Rugby.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvMQ3FiZUXU

I thought Semi Radradra would have taken the code by storm, but apparently not. His game is probably a bit too simple to convert over and master the other side of the game. You maybe actually need centres/fullbacks to go over as wingers, which is why I thought union might have had a nibble at Valentine Holmes when he was available.

[Queenslander]

Holmes would walk into the team as the other winger no doubt that at all. Vunivalu and his broken hamstrings has been an awful signing from League so far.


I think it's fair to say that Koroibete stands out more in a team with no depth and a forward pack that is happy to turn in a lazy 20 minutes here and there.

[Queenslander]

Argentina's defence stats were incredible 192/200 tackles made at 96% completion.


David Kidwell is their defence coach.

[Lewis]

Remember when he killed Willie Mason with a shoulder charge to the head because they thought he had 'disrespected the haka' before the game?

[Queenslander]

I completely forgot about that game. :D


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igIOEGBkctU

[hfswjyr]

This was peak international league for me. When Australia always ruled (as they always do), but the Kiwis could actually compete and sometimes go on a run to win the big tournaments.

Why were we sponsored by Malaysia airlines? Is there an underground league fanbase in Malaysia?

[Queenslander]

I still have horrible memories from that 2008 final in Brisbane.






https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6SA59d_z5g


Stacy Jones is a bloke I always wanted at the Broncos.

[hfswjyr]

The most incredible thing is why the footage quality in that era always looks like it's from 1998?

[Lewis]

Those Tri-Nations tournaments were the peak. For us it was in 2004 when we beat Darren Lockyer-less Australia 24-12, topped the table and got all excited, and then he came back for the final and they won 44-4. I think it's probably no coincidence that the Kangaroos have been less arsed about touring since camera phones became widespread.

The New Zealand team (https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/tri-nations-2006/game-1/new-zealand-vs-australia.html) for that Mason death game is something else. They seemingly just rounded up the hardest men in the world (plus Simon Mannering) and told Stacey Jones to play around them. I think I would rather run the middle than take any of the outside backs on.

[Shindig]

The most incredible thing is why the footage quality in that era always looks like it's from 1998?

Broadcast television were slower to get in on the HD bandwagon.

[Queenslander]

Those Tri-Nations tournaments were the peak. For us it was in 2004 when we beat Darren Lockyer-less Australia 24-12, topped the table and got all excited, and then he came back for the final and they won 44-4. I think it's probably no coincidence that the Kangaroos have been less arsed about touring since camera phones became widespread.

The New Zealand team (https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/tri-nations-2006/game-1/new-zealand-vs-australia.html) for that Mason death game is something else. They seemingly just rounded up the hardest men in the world (plus Simon Mannering) and told Stacey Jones to play around them. I think I would rather run the middle than take any of the outside backs on.

Vagana would have to be the most terrifying 5/8th in recent memory.

[Queenslander]

The Old Boy's are circling again.



‘Soft privileged knobs’: Broncos greats slam players upset by Walters’ spray

Tallis must be 5 years away from full blown dementia.


“What about Craig Bellamy in the coach’s box every minute? It’s a high-pressure situation where at the moment what do you want them to say? Sir Alex Ferguson kicked the boot at David Beckham in the head,” Tallis said.


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2022-brisbane-broncos-kevin-walters-spray-players-whinged-upset-gorden-tallis-james-graham-ben-dobbin-triple-m/news-story/f2a5eb6aa945deac060391b915b4808a

[Lewis]

I'm not sure there is much to complain about the Broncos' season other than the couple of recent blowouts. Other than Adam Reynolds (who has been excellent) it's a young team, and if you assume that nobody is winning it from eighth then you might as well just finish ninth.

[Queenslander]

Adam Reynolds deserves his own bronze statue next to Aflie's for dragging us off the bottom of the ladder.

I give it a pass mark overall. If Walsh lives up to potential and one of the young hookers steps up then a top 4 finish might be possible in a couple of years.

[Lewis]

Is Ezra Mam the long-term seven and Reece Walsh at six? Because Selwyn Cobbo has to be the full-back by the time his next contract rolls around.

[Queenslander]

I think so but who knows with Walters.

[Lewis]

James Graham has claimed that over his 481 game career he was involved in over 18000 collisions and suffered over a hundred concussions. Unless he got the majority of them in Super League and/or pre-concussion protocol, there must have been times when he had one but it either wasn't detected or wasn't deemed bad enough to remove him from the game, which it would seem to me raises massive questions about the entire issue.

[Queenslander]

I reckon the protocols are a safe guard against future lawsuits.

I also cant imagine the likes of Ponga being allowed to play on if he has another year with multiple concussions.

[Lewis]

If he's sat in the stand/toilet cubicle for half the season Newcastle would want to retire his wages off their books at the first opportunity as well. The answer would appear to be just making the game more like the olden days, since those generations don't all seem to be dropping dead of it despite punches flying and all sorts of foul play being routine. And to think there are mentalists who want the shoulder charge brought back.

[Queenslander]

Yeah Ponga is a bad example as he is a complete deadshit off the field.

I reckon a few blokes from the 90's are drooling into their meals everyday. Willie Carn comes to mind.

[Queenslander]

Speaking of HIA this Roosters v Souths game has been full of them.


Edit: 7 sin bins and both teams had to use their 18th man due to the record amount of HIA.

[Lewis]

It looked like a bit of a classic going off the highlights.

[Queenslander]

Yeah it was a cracker.

I predict Radley will be sent off more than once at the World Cup.

[Lewis]

I think Latrell Mitchell will be the difference in the World Cup. The other big teams can more than compete in the forwards, and the rest of their backs are generally good enough; but nobody has anything to match him in the centres (and if Trbojevic plays the other side then no chance).

[Queenslander]

He could easily lose his head after the finals and piss off to his farm.

[Queenslander]

What a shit show.


Exclusive: Hodges explains walkout over ‘kids’ sledge as Gal admits emotions got better of him

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2022-south-sydney-rabbitohs-latrell-mitchell-jai-arrow-cameron-murray-emotion-sydney-roosters-allianz-stadium/news-story/240e3e2916185f5f0dc10d96096c0ee2?fbclid=IwAR3mKeTb vZlS2LSYQGta6_iE_vWeLxUvhjj2-Q0RjufHF3rwiHbSWLQkU4M

[Queenslander]

That Frog ref can get fucked.

[hfswjyr]

Just came here to check if you were alright.

[Queenslander]

After 2 decades Im quite dead inside when it comes to the Bledisloe.

Maybe next year.

Edit: The crowd was well over 50% All Black fans I reckon.

[Lewis]

Saints having Grand Final flashbacks as we speak.

[Baz]

Saints having Grand Final flashbacks as we speak.

Nah.

[Baz]

Morgan Knowles cleared to pay after a successful second appeal. :dance:

[Lewis]

It's a proper joke decision, but we might need all hands on deck for the World Cup opener, so I'll allow it.

[Lewis]

I will lol my cock and my balls off if Leeds pull this off.

[Lewis]

Might be lucky to get nil at this rate.

[Baz]

5 in a row? :youpi:

[Lewis]

James Roby is England's greatest active sportsman.

[Lewis]

5 in a row? :youpi:

You wouldn't bet against it. It should be Lomax and Welsby in the halves for England as well.

[niko_cee]

I watched the first half an hour or so of the Penrith/Souths game and, regardless of the rightness of the decisions, thought the refs were going through some serious mental gymnastics trying to rule out all those Penrith tries, so good, and somewhat surprising to see they got up over them in the end quite handsomely. Fuck off Russell.

What the fuck is that short drop-out rule? The ball has to go 10m? Surely it should be as in the NFL - ie the ball has to go 10m for the team taking the kick, but if it doesn't [meaning they've fucked up] then the other side should be free to take the ball and not have to wait for it to go 10, to their significant disadvantage? Seems odd that you can try for a risky advantage, fuck it up, and then get a penalty on the back of that. Same for the blocking/pulling infringement that ruled the first try out. I can see why that rule might exist, but what a load of nonsense on those actual facts.

[Lewis]

I think the issue would be if they picked it up, and you tackled them, it would technically be a professional foul, so you either have to concede the walk-in or the sin bin, and then nobody would attempt it. I can't remember a successful one. [Sir] Kevin Sinfield used to do a decent line in blasting it out as a grubber kick and catching people out, which seems like the obvious clever play.

Parramatta winning would be great, but the obnoxious Penrith Dynasty should really be rolling on.

[niko_cee]

Couldn't it just become live/open play once someone from the opposing team has the ball? Just feels like coming up short with the kick is a decent get out of jail free card for what should be a high risk play.

All aboard Parramatta, but, knowing nothing of it, I'd imagine they'll get wrecked.

[Lewis]

Yeah but then you would get farcical scenes of the opposing player standing there waiting for it to stop rolling to see if it gains a yard. Parramatta won both of the regular season games, but Penrith flattened them in the first elimination game, so it could be interesting.

[Lewis]

Batley are eighty minutes from Super League. Their pitch famously looks like this (https://www.batleybulldogs.co.uk/app/uploads/2017/01/1-2.jpg). What a sport.

[Queenslander]

Samoa have selected 8 players playing in the Grand Final.

On form I reckon they could beat England in the first game.



Toa Samoa World Cup Squad
Josh Aloiai (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
Fa'amanu Brown (Wests Tigers)
Stephen Crichton (Penrith Panthers)
Mathew Feagai (St George-Illawarra Dragons)
Braden Hamlin-Uele (Cronulla Sharks)
Chanel Harris-Tavita (Warriors)
Royce Hunt (Cronulla Sharks)
Oregon Kaufusi (Parramatta Eels)
Luciano Leilua (North Queensland Cowboys)
Spencer Leniu (Penrith Panthers)
Danny Levi (Huddersfield Giants)
Jarome Luai (Penrith Panthers)
Taylan May (Penrith Panthers)
Tyrone May (Catalans Dragons)
Anthony Milford (Newcastle Knights)
Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders)
Junior Paulo (Parramatta Eels)
Jaydn Su’a (St George-Illawarra Dragons)
Joseph Suaalii (Sydney Roosters)
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (North Queensland Cowboys)
Izack Tago (Penrith Panthers)
Martin Taupa'u (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers)
Kelma Tuilagi (Wests Tigers)
Coach: Matt Parish

[Baz]

What's the Australia rugby league world cup kit like? Weighing up if its worth getting one to troll the local Italians, of which there are plenty (including my own family). :harold:

[Queenslander]

I think it might be released when the squad is announced.

[Lewis]

The winner of Group A runs into Australia in the semi-final, so there is something to be said for losing to Samoa. They should make it gay pride round to throw them off.

[Queenslander]

I can see them beating the Kangaroos if everyone stays fit.


Someone should offer one of them a Manly Pride jersey to sign.

[Lewis]

I think we should have them covered, but I have no idea who half the England team will be. Alex Walmsley is a MASSIVE loss for us, and our best backrowers are suspended for the first game. They can't go wrong with just picking as many Saints players as possible. St. Helens plus Sam Tomkins and Mikolaj Oledzki.

[Queenslander]

Fair enough. I look forward to watching England play as it feels like a decade since they last played against Australia.