zakspiders
Great White
thought that was pretty ordinary myself fitz.i'd have given him a bit more than a kick in the arse too.
it was one of those moments when sport should take a backseat-if only for a minute ffs.
State Of Origin 2010 General Discussion
- Thread starter Google News
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thought that was pretty ordinary myself fitz.i'd have given him a bit more than a kick in the arse too.
it was one of those moments when sport should take a backseat-if only for a minute ffs.
Capital_Shark
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I think I broke something laughing!
This is an absolute gem!
You ever think of placing a bet mate give me a shout I'll better anyone's odds for you.
Mark^Bastard
Great White
Joey, Sterlo, Gus, they're all part of the problem not the solution.
IronShark
Moderator
Hey, at last some people are starting to realise the farce that is Origin. Do what I do, boycott Origin. I refuse to watch it, I will not give them the ratings for their manufactured cash cow. If we all, as Club supporters shun this crap, we can put Origin in the scrapheap where it belongs, or at least make it a one off game at the end of the season when it doesn't matter. Don't go to the games, don't watch the telecast.
When I heard Gallen was on report, I was absolutely livid. He risked missing our biggest game of the year for a series that means nothing - a two horse race that comes around every year. Forty odd years without a premiership, Queensland can sign all the NSW players they want and call them Maroons and win the next fifty years straight for all I care. It is meaningless.
Who said they wanted to sign O'Donnell? He is only lucky it happened in Origin. If that had have been an NRL game, the ban would have been at least double.
The only thing he did that was worthy of praise was to once again dispel the myth of the "Queenslander" fighting spirit and prove conclusivley that Dave Taylor is the biggest cat in the game. He may be 118kgs or whatever but the look of sheer terrorstricken panic that came across his face when confronted by O'Donnell was hilarious. I hope he changed his undies at the next interchange
Seriously mate, why don't you let everyone know the truth. You moved from Queensland at five and were raised in NSW and now choose to make NSW your home and the place you raise your family! Last time I checked, Penrith was still in NSW!:gal:
Even under the mysterious QLD Origins selection guidlines you couldn't qualify as one of those mouth-breathers!
I think the term you are looking for is less "QUEENSLANDER" and more "BANDWAGONEER" :fergo:
At the end of the day, let's remember that four of the six tries scored by Queensland were scored by players born, raised and educated in NSW. Guess Origin is good for something, it just proves the best footballers still come out of the Premier state.:good:
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NSW must stick with Pearce: Barrett - Brisbane Times
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...r.html&usg=AFQjCNEhBCOprePrTzEWNbTdwfnIU3M4Lg
NSW must stick with Pearce: Barrett
IAN MCCULLOUGH AND DAVID BENIUK
June 18, 2010 - 5:54PM
Fresh from one of the toughest nights in his long career, Trent Barrett has backed Mitchell Pearce to be the Blues' halfback for the next 10 years.
The Cronulla five-eighth admitted Wednesday's 34-6 humiliation by a rampant Queensland side, who sealed a fifth successive series win, was one of the lowest moments in a career that has spanned 14 seasons.
However, he said he was impressed by the young Sydney Roosters playmaker on a night of few positives for NSW.
"I roomed with Mitchell and he is a very good player, but with the limited opportunities we got with the footy it was hard for a halfback," Barrett said.
"But on the occasions we did have it, Mitch did well and I would have no hesitations leaving him in there long-term.
"It is something we should definitely do, he has all the attributes of being a good Origin player for a very long time."
Barrett said he hoped Craig Bellamy would remain as coach after his resignation was rejected by NSWRL chief executive Geoff Carr in the wake of the Suncorp Stadium humbling.
In addition to presiding over three successive series defeats, Bellamy's achievements with the all-conquering Storm have also been questioned following the salary cap scandal that saw the club stripped of two grand final wins and three minor premierships.
"It is a year that Belly will want to cross off his calendar that is for sure and he will want the year to end soon," Barrett said.
"I certainly don't see Belly as being the problem, we as players have to fix it as well.
"Craig Bellamy is a great coach and a terrific bloke and one all of the guys have a lot of respect for.
"I don't see sacking him as being the answer."
With the series now lost, the inevitable blood letting is underway in NSW, with the notoriously trigger-happy selectors under pressure to ring the changes yet again for the third match in Sydney on July 7.
Barrett's name has been in the firing line with calls for John Sutton or Terry Campese to fill the five-eighth role as the Blues look to prevent a first series whitewash by the Maroons since 1995, but the 32-year-old said he is unfazed by the speculation.
"I don't mind, it comes with the territory after a defeat, that is out of my control," he said.
"I have two weeks to play well for the Sharks and if I am chosen for the third games then fantastic and I hope I can help restore a bit of pride."
Pearce saluted the Blues' old guard of Barrett and Nathan Hindmarsh for bolstering spirits among the crestfallen players in the dressing room after the game.
"A few of the older boys were real positive after the game, they were great all week," Pearce said.
"They spoke after the game about everyone keeping their heads up and the tide will turn. I think that's true.
"It's the first time I'd met Trent and Nathan and they were champion blokes and really good leaders around the camp and I learnt a lot off them.
"I remember watching Baz when I was younger ... and it was really good asking him different questions ... you learn a lot off them."
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...r.html&usg=AFQjCNEhBCOprePrTzEWNbTdwfnIU3M4Lg
NSW must stick with Pearce: Barrett
IAN MCCULLOUGH AND DAVID BENIUK
June 18, 2010 - 5:54PM
Fresh from one of the toughest nights in his long career, Trent Barrett has backed Mitchell Pearce to be the Blues' halfback for the next 10 years.
The Cronulla five-eighth admitted Wednesday's 34-6 humiliation by a rampant Queensland side, who sealed a fifth successive series win, was one of the lowest moments in a career that has spanned 14 seasons.
However, he said he was impressed by the young Sydney Roosters playmaker on a night of few positives for NSW.
"I roomed with Mitchell and he is a very good player, but with the limited opportunities we got with the footy it was hard for a halfback," Barrett said.
"But on the occasions we did have it, Mitch did well and I would have no hesitations leaving him in there long-term.
"It is something we should definitely do, he has all the attributes of being a good Origin player for a very long time."
Barrett said he hoped Craig Bellamy would remain as coach after his resignation was rejected by NSWRL chief executive Geoff Carr in the wake of the Suncorp Stadium humbling.
In addition to presiding over three successive series defeats, Bellamy's achievements with the all-conquering Storm have also been questioned following the salary cap scandal that saw the club stripped of two grand final wins and three minor premierships.
"It is a year that Belly will want to cross off his calendar that is for sure and he will want the year to end soon," Barrett said.
"I certainly don't see Belly as being the problem, we as players have to fix it as well.
"Craig Bellamy is a great coach and a terrific bloke and one all of the guys have a lot of respect for.
"I don't see sacking him as being the answer."
With the series now lost, the inevitable blood letting is underway in NSW, with the notoriously trigger-happy selectors under pressure to ring the changes yet again for the third match in Sydney on July 7.
Barrett's name has been in the firing line with calls for John Sutton or Terry Campese to fill the five-eighth role as the Blues look to prevent a first series whitewash by the Maroons since 1995, but the 32-year-old said he is unfazed by the speculation.
"I don't mind, it comes with the territory after a defeat, that is out of my control," he said.
"I have two weeks to play well for the Sharks and if I am chosen for the third games then fantastic and I hope I can help restore a bit of pride."
Pearce saluted the Blues' old guard of Barrett and Nathan Hindmarsh for bolstering spirits among the crestfallen players in the dressing room after the game.
"A few of the older boys were real positive after the game, they were great all week," Pearce said.
"They spoke after the game about everyone keeping their heads up and the tide will turn. I think that's true.
"It's the first time I'd met Trent and Nathan and they were champion blokes and really good leaders around the camp and I learnt a lot off them.
"I remember watching Baz when I was younger ... and it was really good asking him different questions ... you learn a lot off them."
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Gus heads list of Origin contenders - Sydney Morning Herald
Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...i.html&usg=AFQjCNFEf69M1JjPgZx1Tul1JYFsI4e0Gw
Gus heads list of Origin contenders
June 19, 2010
Greg Prichard and Brad Walter
Phil Gould, the most successful coach in State of Origin history, has refused to rule out the possibility of returning to help the Blues next year - but only if the ARL and News Ltd hand over the running of the game to an independent commission.
After guiding NSW to six series wins, a drawn series and just one series loss in his eight years at the helm over two stints between 1992 and 2004, Gould is the man most believe would be best qualified to end Queensland's record five consecutive years of Origin domination.
''At the moment my priority as it has been for the last 10 years is to see rugby league get its independence back. An independent commission to governing rugby league and that commission totally restructure the management and administration of this game. There still are people working out of self-interest who are putting road blocks in the way of this much needed change but we are persevering. I think it is achievable but until such time that that happens I can't see myself returning to coaching anytime soon.
''It's a hypothetical question but if you can wave a magic wand and put all of these things in place I think anyone offered this job … it is prestigious, it would be a great challenge to mount a campaign against this champion Queensland team and I would see that no differently to any other qualified coach. I wouldn't say no if it was offered under the right circumstances but there is a long way to go.''
It has been suggested Gould could work with Brad Fittler as the NSWRL begins the task of identifying a successor to Craig Bellamy, who is set to be replaced after this week losing his third consecutive State of Origin series.
But Fittler, a veteran of a record 31 games for the Blues, is not sure whether he is the right man to take on the most daunting coaching post in the game.
''I wouldn't totally rule myself out, but at this point in time I would have to say I think they could find someone who is in a better position to do the job,'' Fittler told the Herald last night. ''I'm not sure I'm the right bloke for the job. I'm already trying to build a media career, which takes up a bit of time and requires a lot of concentration, and I've got a responsibility to work at getting better in that job.
Asked whether he thought he could work with Gould, Fittler laughed: ''I'm still mates with Gus, but I'm not sure we'd stay mates if we were coaching together.''
NSWRL general manager Geoff Carr has already announced a sweeping review of the NSW Origin set-up at the end of this series, which the Blues conceded with a 34-6 thrashing at the hands of Queensland in Brisbane on Wednesday. Carr said greater consideration would be given to appointing a coach not already employed by an NRL club, and Fittler believes that is the right way to go.
''It would be another thing we have learned from Queensland,'' Fittler said. ''Craig [Bellamy] is the best-performed club coach, but the Queensland way enables their coach to concentrate on Origin alone.''
Assuming there is no shock decision by Gould to emerge from retirement, several other coaches are also likely to be considered before a decision is made. They include Ricky Stuart, Des Hasler, John Cartwright, Nathan Brown and Jason Taylor. Laurie Daley, now a NSW selector, could also be looked at.
When asked if he would be available, Hasler was guarded. ''That's a job you would only consider if you were asked,'' he said. ''I think it will be a while before the process the NSWRL will go through narrows it down.''
If the NSWRL does move away from the club coach option, Hasler (Manly) and Cartwright (Gold Coast) would be ruled out, while Stuart's claims to the job would depend on whether he finds employment when he finishes with Cronulla at the end of the season.
Taylor, who took Parramatta and South Sydney to the finals before leaving the Rabbitohs at the end of the 2009, has left the door open to a return to coaching. Asked if he would like to be considered for the Blues, Taylor replied: ''It's something that any coach would obviously be interested in.
Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...i.html&usg=AFQjCNFEf69M1JjPgZx1Tul1JYFsI4e0Gw
Gus heads list of Origin contenders
June 19, 2010
Greg Prichard and Brad Walter
Phil Gould, the most successful coach in State of Origin history, has refused to rule out the possibility of returning to help the Blues next year - but only if the ARL and News Ltd hand over the running of the game to an independent commission.
After guiding NSW to six series wins, a drawn series and just one series loss in his eight years at the helm over two stints between 1992 and 2004, Gould is the man most believe would be best qualified to end Queensland's record five consecutive years of Origin domination.
''At the moment my priority as it has been for the last 10 years is to see rugby league get its independence back. An independent commission to governing rugby league and that commission totally restructure the management and administration of this game. There still are people working out of self-interest who are putting road blocks in the way of this much needed change but we are persevering. I think it is achievable but until such time that that happens I can't see myself returning to coaching anytime soon.
''It's a hypothetical question but if you can wave a magic wand and put all of these things in place I think anyone offered this job … it is prestigious, it would be a great challenge to mount a campaign against this champion Queensland team and I would see that no differently to any other qualified coach. I wouldn't say no if it was offered under the right circumstances but there is a long way to go.''
It has been suggested Gould could work with Brad Fittler as the NSWRL begins the task of identifying a successor to Craig Bellamy, who is set to be replaced after this week losing his third consecutive State of Origin series.
But Fittler, a veteran of a record 31 games for the Blues, is not sure whether he is the right man to take on the most daunting coaching post in the game.
''I wouldn't totally rule myself out, but at this point in time I would have to say I think they could find someone who is in a better position to do the job,'' Fittler told the Herald last night. ''I'm not sure I'm the right bloke for the job. I'm already trying to build a media career, which takes up a bit of time and requires a lot of concentration, and I've got a responsibility to work at getting better in that job.
Asked whether he thought he could work with Gould, Fittler laughed: ''I'm still mates with Gus, but I'm not sure we'd stay mates if we were coaching together.''
NSWRL general manager Geoff Carr has already announced a sweeping review of the NSW Origin set-up at the end of this series, which the Blues conceded with a 34-6 thrashing at the hands of Queensland in Brisbane on Wednesday. Carr said greater consideration would be given to appointing a coach not already employed by an NRL club, and Fittler believes that is the right way to go.
''It would be another thing we have learned from Queensland,'' Fittler said. ''Craig [Bellamy] is the best-performed club coach, but the Queensland way enables their coach to concentrate on Origin alone.''
Assuming there is no shock decision by Gould to emerge from retirement, several other coaches are also likely to be considered before a decision is made. They include Ricky Stuart, Des Hasler, John Cartwright, Nathan Brown and Jason Taylor. Laurie Daley, now a NSW selector, could also be looked at.
When asked if he would be available, Hasler was guarded. ''That's a job you would only consider if you were asked,'' he said. ''I think it will be a while before the process the NSWRL will go through narrows it down.''
If the NSWRL does move away from the club coach option, Hasler (Manly) and Cartwright (Gold Coast) would be ruled out, while Stuart's claims to the job would depend on whether he finds employment when he finishes with Cronulla at the end of the season.
Taylor, who took Parramatta and South Sydney to the finals before leaving the Rabbitohs at the end of the 2009, has left the door open to a return to coaching. Asked if he would like to be considered for the Blues, Taylor replied: ''It's something that any coach would obviously be interested in.
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Gould and Stuart show hands for Blues - The Australian
Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...565077&usg=AFQjCNFQ9woe1-R_iOB-nGeAkpph8-bkKw
Gould and Stuart show hands for Blues
Stuart Honeysett and Margie McDonald
June 19, 2010 12:00AM
PHIL Gould has indicated he could return to save the Blues while Ricky Stuart has also said he would be interested in the NSW coaching job.
Gould and Stuart flagged their interest a day after the NSWRL promised it would launch its most comprehensive ever review to try to arrest its sagging State of Origin form.
The Blues have not won a series now for the past five years and the Queensland line-up has been tipped to dominate the interstate arena for many more years to come.
Blues coach Craig Bellamy has already offered his immediate resignation only to have it turned down by the NSWRL. He will not be back on deck next year after losing three straight series.
Gould is the Blues' most successful coach with six series wins to his name. He bowed out of the representative arena after becoming frustrated with officialdom in 2004 and has concentrated on his role as a commentator.
He has been sounded out about a return several times since then and last night told his employer, the Nine Network, he would return if an independent commission was up and running by 2011.
The game's owners, the ARL and News Limited (publisher of The Australian), have agreed to set up an independetn commission but are facing opposition in getting started from the QRL.
"At the moment my priority is as it has been for the last 10 years: to see rugby league gets its independence back -- an independent commission governing rugby league," Gould said.
"There are still people working out of self-interest, putting roadblocks in way of this much-needed change but we're persevering, I think it's achievable. Until such time as that happens I can't see myself return to coaching soon.
"If you could wave a magic wand and put all those things in place, I think anyone offered this job -- it would be a great challenge to mount a campaign against this champion Queensland side.
"I would see that no different to any other qualified coach. I wouldn't say no if it was offered under the right circumstances."
Stuart is another worthy candidate for the job given he coached the Blues to a series win in his one and only stint as NSW coach in 2005. He asked for a release from the final year of his contract at Cronulla this season and has been unable to secure a coaching appointment for next year.
"I'd like to coach rep football again but in saying that, my first priority is looking for another NRL job," Stuart said. "I haven't spoken to anyone about it.
"I don't know what direction NSW Rugby League is taking. So it's really hard to make a comment because I don't know what they're thinking. So it's really too early yet.
"They're not doing (their) review until the end of the series; Craig is still the coach; and I don't want to dance on anyone's grave.
"Craig has got a decision to make and the NSW Rugby League has got a decision to make. It's very easy to sit back and criticise."
Former NSW coach Graham Murray, who lost two series before being replaced by Bellamy, said the NSWRL needed to appoint a non-NRL aligned coach if it was genuine about turning things around.
He added he had found it tough to juggle his role at the Blues during his two years in the job with his full-time coaching position at North Queensland.
"The first thing it (the NSWRL) has to do is copy Queensland's model of the coaching structure," Murray said.
"That's a full-time coach and his assistants can be NRL coaches but the number one man has to be full-time. I found it extremely difficult, it was really tough."
Murray's belief was also backed by the QRL.
"I've got to say that my philosophy has always been that you should have a coach who isn't a coach of a team," QRL chairman John McDonald said yesterday.
"You've still got to have a good coach -- and I'm not saying there's anything wrong with Bellamy -- but it makes it too tough.
"He's had to leave the camp and and attend to his team the other week and then come back again so it's disruptive for the team and all that business. There were a number of changes to this team for NSW and they played as if they really weren't working together and they didn't understand what was necessary as a team.
"I think the coach should be there the whole time and you don't have to work hard but you've got to have time to familiarise yourself with the players.
"An overhaul doesn't hurt and I think that's a positive move by NSW."
Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...565077&usg=AFQjCNFQ9woe1-R_iOB-nGeAkpph8-bkKw
Gould and Stuart show hands for Blues
Stuart Honeysett and Margie McDonald
June 19, 2010 12:00AM
PHIL Gould has indicated he could return to save the Blues while Ricky Stuart has also said he would be interested in the NSW coaching job.
Gould and Stuart flagged their interest a day after the NSWRL promised it would launch its most comprehensive ever review to try to arrest its sagging State of Origin form.
The Blues have not won a series now for the past five years and the Queensland line-up has been tipped to dominate the interstate arena for many more years to come.
Blues coach Craig Bellamy has already offered his immediate resignation only to have it turned down by the NSWRL. He will not be back on deck next year after losing three straight series.
Gould is the Blues' most successful coach with six series wins to his name. He bowed out of the representative arena after becoming frustrated with officialdom in 2004 and has concentrated on his role as a commentator.
He has been sounded out about a return several times since then and last night told his employer, the Nine Network, he would return if an independent commission was up and running by 2011.
The game's owners, the ARL and News Limited (publisher of The Australian), have agreed to set up an independetn commission but are facing opposition in getting started from the QRL.
"At the moment my priority is as it has been for the last 10 years: to see rugby league gets its independence back -- an independent commission governing rugby league," Gould said.
"There are still people working out of self-interest, putting roadblocks in way of this much-needed change but we're persevering, I think it's achievable. Until such time as that happens I can't see myself return to coaching soon.
"If you could wave a magic wand and put all those things in place, I think anyone offered this job -- it would be a great challenge to mount a campaign against this champion Queensland side.
"I would see that no different to any other qualified coach. I wouldn't say no if it was offered under the right circumstances."
Stuart is another worthy candidate for the job given he coached the Blues to a series win in his one and only stint as NSW coach in 2005. He asked for a release from the final year of his contract at Cronulla this season and has been unable to secure a coaching appointment for next year.
"I'd like to coach rep football again but in saying that, my first priority is looking for another NRL job," Stuart said. "I haven't spoken to anyone about it.
"I don't know what direction NSW Rugby League is taking. So it's really hard to make a comment because I don't know what they're thinking. So it's really too early yet.
"They're not doing (their) review until the end of the series; Craig is still the coach; and I don't want to dance on anyone's grave.
"Craig has got a decision to make and the NSW Rugby League has got a decision to make. It's very easy to sit back and criticise."
Former NSW coach Graham Murray, who lost two series before being replaced by Bellamy, said the NSWRL needed to appoint a non-NRL aligned coach if it was genuine about turning things around.
He added he had found it tough to juggle his role at the Blues during his two years in the job with his full-time coaching position at North Queensland.
"The first thing it (the NSWRL) has to do is copy Queensland's model of the coaching structure," Murray said.
"That's a full-time coach and his assistants can be NRL coaches but the number one man has to be full-time. I found it extremely difficult, it was really tough."
Murray's belief was also backed by the QRL.
"I've got to say that my philosophy has always been that you should have a coach who isn't a coach of a team," QRL chairman John McDonald said yesterday.
"You've still got to have a good coach -- and I'm not saying there's anything wrong with Bellamy -- but it makes it too tough.
"He's had to leave the camp and and attend to his team the other week and then come back again so it's disruptive for the team and all that business. There were a number of changes to this team for NSW and they played as if they really weren't working together and they didn't understand what was necessary as a team.
"I think the coach should be there the whole time and you don't have to work hard but you've got to have time to familiarise yourself with the players.
"An overhaul doesn't hurt and I think that's a positive move by NSW."
Beejay
Carcharodon Megalodon
While I do still think origin means something, this has to be the quote of the year. Kudos (read: rep) to you Iron. Mind if I steal it for my signature?
Ibanez
Great White
:Yes: :fergo:
IronShark
Moderator
Go for your life mate. When it comes to Origin, I really couldn't care less.
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blood next generation now, says Stuart
Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...k.html&usg=AFQjCNG7vHTIYuaeNKyFl88GR_-8XDcOWQ
Don't wait - blood next generation now, says Stuart
DANIEL LANE
June 20, 2010
FORMER NSW Origin coach Ricky Stuart has scoffed at the notion it would be a mistake to pitchfork the next generation of Blues players into the third Origin match against a Queensland outfit hailed as that state's best ever.
NSW selectors are expected again to make mass changes to include the likes of props Tim Mannah, 22, and Kade Snowden, 23, after the Blues lost their fifth consecutive series. But Stuart said it would be ridiculous to shield the next breed and wait until next year before playing them.
''I really believe NSW must look at [Origin III] as being the first game of a four-match series for the 2011 team,'' he said.
Stuart, whom many believe should be NSW's first full-time coach, was noncommittal when asked whether he wanted the job, saying he had not been approached. While he will leave the Sharks at season's end, he has said before he wanted to continue coaching in the NRL.
Regardless of what tack the NSW Rugby League takes, the message from 2010 is that the organisation must plough some of the millions of dollars it makes from the interstate series back into its Origin brand.
Many have expressed fears that should Queensland continue their dominance the Origin concept would be cheapened. Crowds and television ratings would drop if what is considered the toughest football of all remains a one-horse race.
NSWRL chairman Colin Love will receive this week a master plan compiled by a sports consultant to help NSW rebuild. The underlying message is that the Blues must be treated as if they are the NRL's 17th team.
Wayne Goldsmith, who has worked for Australian and US Olympic committees, the Australian Rugby Union, Swimming Australia, various AFL and NRL clubs and the UK Sports Institute, was adamant NSW Origin Incorporated needed its own Origin unit, with a full-time coach, a high-performance manager and administrator.
He added the necessary funds, which might amount to $1 million, had to be committed to ensure the unit was a success.
He advised the NSWRL to start their review as soon as possible.
''Critical review is crucial,'' Goldsmith said. ''Make the hard decisions and the changes as soon as possible. The biggest mistake is to wait until the end of the NRL season or the off-season, because when you're behind you have to get a march on …
''If we get to March and, say, we need to bring in a new coaching staff, they really have no time to gel or build the core unity Queensland has.
His five key points are:
❏ The NSWRL conduct an immediate independent review to determine where NSW must improve. The matters to scrutinise are planning, preparation and performance,
❏ Make the tough decisions early,
❏ Breed and grow the culture wanted, it can't be manufactured,
❏ Know the trademark - define the state's rugby league style, and
❏ Have self-belief.
''What typically happens is a sporting team will review its performance and say we won or lost so that's where we have to focus our attention,'' said Goldsmith. ''But what came before that was the planning and then the performance.
''NSW need to have a systematic but independent look at those three areas. The emotion has to be removed. We know NSW is going terrible, but we need to look at every aspect - coaching and science and technology, team management and selection policy, the engagement between Origin and NRL teams and [the NRL] coaches - so we know where we are.''
Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...k.html&usg=AFQjCNG7vHTIYuaeNKyFl88GR_-8XDcOWQ
Don't wait - blood next generation now, says Stuart
DANIEL LANE
June 20, 2010
FORMER NSW Origin coach Ricky Stuart has scoffed at the notion it would be a mistake to pitchfork the next generation of Blues players into the third Origin match against a Queensland outfit hailed as that state's best ever.
NSW selectors are expected again to make mass changes to include the likes of props Tim Mannah, 22, and Kade Snowden, 23, after the Blues lost their fifth consecutive series. But Stuart said it would be ridiculous to shield the next breed and wait until next year before playing them.
''I really believe NSW must look at [Origin III] as being the first game of a four-match series for the 2011 team,'' he said.
Stuart, whom many believe should be NSW's first full-time coach, was noncommittal when asked whether he wanted the job, saying he had not been approached. While he will leave the Sharks at season's end, he has said before he wanted to continue coaching in the NRL.
Regardless of what tack the NSW Rugby League takes, the message from 2010 is that the organisation must plough some of the millions of dollars it makes from the interstate series back into its Origin brand.
Many have expressed fears that should Queensland continue their dominance the Origin concept would be cheapened. Crowds and television ratings would drop if what is considered the toughest football of all remains a one-horse race.
NSWRL chairman Colin Love will receive this week a master plan compiled by a sports consultant to help NSW rebuild. The underlying message is that the Blues must be treated as if they are the NRL's 17th team.
Wayne Goldsmith, who has worked for Australian and US Olympic committees, the Australian Rugby Union, Swimming Australia, various AFL and NRL clubs and the UK Sports Institute, was adamant NSW Origin Incorporated needed its own Origin unit, with a full-time coach, a high-performance manager and administrator.
He added the necessary funds, which might amount to $1 million, had to be committed to ensure the unit was a success.
He advised the NSWRL to start their review as soon as possible.
''Critical review is crucial,'' Goldsmith said. ''Make the hard decisions and the changes as soon as possible. The biggest mistake is to wait until the end of the NRL season or the off-season, because when you're behind you have to get a march on …
''If we get to March and, say, we need to bring in a new coaching staff, they really have no time to gel or build the core unity Queensland has.
His five key points are:
❏ The NSWRL conduct an immediate independent review to determine where NSW must improve. The matters to scrutinise are planning, preparation and performance,
❏ Make the tough decisions early,
❏ Breed and grow the culture wanted, it can't be manufactured,
❏ Know the trademark - define the state's rugby league style, and
❏ Have self-belief.
''What typically happens is a sporting team will review its performance and say we won or lost so that's where we have to focus our attention,'' said Goldsmith. ''But what came before that was the planning and then the performance.
''NSW need to have a systematic but independent look at those three areas. The emotion has to be removed. We know NSW is going terrible, but we need to look at every aspect - coaching and science and technology, team management and selection policy, the engagement between Origin and NRL teams and [the NRL] coaches - so we know where we are.''
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Fulton is no quitter
Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...767436&usg=AFQjCNEVn4UnyefQzsR506MJJkN_cQssdg
Fulton is no quitter
By Phil Rothfield
June 20, 2010 12:01AM
AUSTRALIA'S most experienced selector Bob Fulton has attacked the NSWRL for sticking by Kurt Gidley as Blues captain after he lost his position in the starting line-up.
And the rugby league Immortal has nominated Mitchell Pearce as a future long-term captain of the Blues in this revealing interview with Sports Editor-at-large PHIL ROTHFIELD.
Your co-selectors Geoff Gerard and Laurie Daley have offered to stand down. You haven't. Why?
I am unaware of what the other selectors are feeling, but I have never quit on unfinished business in my life and I won't start now.
What do you think of all the criticism?
I find it hard to come to grips with it given there was little or no criticism after the selection of the side for game one ... some critics felt Cronulla's Paul Gallen should have been included in the side, which was debatable. For game two, general opinion was it was a better side than the one chosen for game one.
Who picks the team - the selectors or Craig Bellamy?
In my time as part of the selection panel we would never give the coach a player he didn't want. The selected coach, whoever he is, needs to be comfortable with the players he is given.
We've used 62 players in five years. Is it time to start again with a pick-and-stick motto involving the best young players in the state?
That would be ideal if the team was winning consistently. We stuck strongly to the side which won game three last year for game one. One of our major problems has been in the one, six, seven and nine positions. Queensland have been fortunate enough to have Slater, Lockyer, Thurston and Smith as their permanent quartet - a champion four in any era. Despite this, the tally from 2000 to 2010 is Queensland 17 wins and NSW 15 with the series 7-4 to Queensland. It is hardly a wrist-slitting figure.
You're an Immortal. You've played with, against and seen all the great players over the past 40 years. How good is this Queensland team?
Plenty of good judges like Mal Meninga and Arthur Beetson claim the current side is the best in Queensland's Origin history. I would rate the side the best I have seen from either state since Origin started. The big four I have named in the previous answer are backed up by Darius Boyd, Scott Prince, Cooper Cronk and Matt Ballin, so they have enormous depth at the moment in key positions.
How can Kurt Gidley captain the Blues from the bench?
With great difficulty. The selectors don't choose the captain and I have expressed my views to NSW boss Geoff Carr. The captain has to start the game.
Who should be our long-term captain?
We need to choose a player who is going to be a certain selection in the next few seasons and a player who can lead with passion. I can see a fair bit of that in Mitchell Pearce, who has a lot of his father's traits. He did well in Brisbane and will continue to improve.
It's obvious Craig Bellamy won't be there. Who do you think should coach NSW next year? Gus Gould, Ricky Stuart, Des Hasler, John Cartwright?
It depends on which way the board wants to go. If they want to duplicate what Queensland have done with Mal, Ricky Stuart must be signed up and give him a package that will take him out of the NRL equation. If they want to go with how it's structured at the moment, I agree with you that Phil Gould is the man for the job. Des Hasler, Carty or Laurie Daley wouldn't be out of place coaching the team either.
Why did you pick Joel Monaghan on the opposite side to where he normally plays to replace Timana Tahu and not someone like Michael Jennings or Josh Morris?
Michael Jennings and Josh Morris are centres with their respective clubs, while Joel Monaghan has had five Tests for Australia on the wing and played Origin before as a winger. We felt, given the limited preparation, he would handle it better than two Origin rookies.
What about two players missing the team bus to Suncorp Stadium. How unprofessional and sloppy was that?
It shouldn't have happened and is unacceptable. Team management need to buy a cattle counter.
Is it true you were told Timana Tahu pulled out of game two because he had a hamstring injury? And were you filthy when you found out the truth?
Yes, yes and yes - we were not kept in the loop and that is unprofessional.
How did you feel about Timana's walk-out? Would you pick him for game three?
I am always of the opinion that if a player's form is good enough he should be selected. I'll ask you something. If the coaching staff and the selectors swapped states, would the result be any different?
No, the other mob are just too good.
Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...767436&usg=AFQjCNEVn4UnyefQzsR506MJJkN_cQssdg
Fulton is no quitter
By Phil Rothfield
June 20, 2010 12:01AM
AUSTRALIA'S most experienced selector Bob Fulton has attacked the NSWRL for sticking by Kurt Gidley as Blues captain after he lost his position in the starting line-up.
And the rugby league Immortal has nominated Mitchell Pearce as a future long-term captain of the Blues in this revealing interview with Sports Editor-at-large PHIL ROTHFIELD.
Your co-selectors Geoff Gerard and Laurie Daley have offered to stand down. You haven't. Why?
I am unaware of what the other selectors are feeling, but I have never quit on unfinished business in my life and I won't start now.
What do you think of all the criticism?
I find it hard to come to grips with it given there was little or no criticism after the selection of the side for game one ... some critics felt Cronulla's Paul Gallen should have been included in the side, which was debatable. For game two, general opinion was it was a better side than the one chosen for game one.
Who picks the team - the selectors or Craig Bellamy?
In my time as part of the selection panel we would never give the coach a player he didn't want. The selected coach, whoever he is, needs to be comfortable with the players he is given.
We've used 62 players in five years. Is it time to start again with a pick-and-stick motto involving the best young players in the state?
That would be ideal if the team was winning consistently. We stuck strongly to the side which won game three last year for game one. One of our major problems has been in the one, six, seven and nine positions. Queensland have been fortunate enough to have Slater, Lockyer, Thurston and Smith as their permanent quartet - a champion four in any era. Despite this, the tally from 2000 to 2010 is Queensland 17 wins and NSW 15 with the series 7-4 to Queensland. It is hardly a wrist-slitting figure.
You're an Immortal. You've played with, against and seen all the great players over the past 40 years. How good is this Queensland team?
Plenty of good judges like Mal Meninga and Arthur Beetson claim the current side is the best in Queensland's Origin history. I would rate the side the best I have seen from either state since Origin started. The big four I have named in the previous answer are backed up by Darius Boyd, Scott Prince, Cooper Cronk and Matt Ballin, so they have enormous depth at the moment in key positions.
How can Kurt Gidley captain the Blues from the bench?
With great difficulty. The selectors don't choose the captain and I have expressed my views to NSW boss Geoff Carr. The captain has to start the game.
Who should be our long-term captain?
We need to choose a player who is going to be a certain selection in the next few seasons and a player who can lead with passion. I can see a fair bit of that in Mitchell Pearce, who has a lot of his father's traits. He did well in Brisbane and will continue to improve.
It's obvious Craig Bellamy won't be there. Who do you think should coach NSW next year? Gus Gould, Ricky Stuart, Des Hasler, John Cartwright?
It depends on which way the board wants to go. If they want to duplicate what Queensland have done with Mal, Ricky Stuart must be signed up and give him a package that will take him out of the NRL equation. If they want to go with how it's structured at the moment, I agree with you that Phil Gould is the man for the job. Des Hasler, Carty or Laurie Daley wouldn't be out of place coaching the team either.
Why did you pick Joel Monaghan on the opposite side to where he normally plays to replace Timana Tahu and not someone like Michael Jennings or Josh Morris?
Michael Jennings and Josh Morris are centres with their respective clubs, while Joel Monaghan has had five Tests for Australia on the wing and played Origin before as a winger. We felt, given the limited preparation, he would handle it better than two Origin rookies.
What about two players missing the team bus to Suncorp Stadium. How unprofessional and sloppy was that?
It shouldn't have happened and is unacceptable. Team management need to buy a cattle counter.
Is it true you were told Timana Tahu pulled out of game two because he had a hamstring injury? And were you filthy when you found out the truth?
Yes, yes and yes - we were not kept in the loop and that is unprofessional.
How did you feel about Timana's walk-out? Would you pick him for game three?
I am always of the opinion that if a player's form is good enough he should be selected. I'll ask you something. If the coaching staff and the selectors swapped states, would the result be any different?
No, the other mob are just too good.
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Ideal cure for Kurt's blues - Daily Telegraph
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...774824&usg=AFQjCNF5g9MRq9aK4-fTN6XFfd7aie2PHQ
Ideal cure for Kurt's blues
By Phil Rothfield and Rebecca Wilson
June 20, 2010 12:01AM
<EDITED>
QUEENSLAND skipper Darren Lockyer has revealed how a private pact with front-row warhorse Petero Civoniceva is driving the veteran duo's quest to lead the rampaging Maroons to a sixth consecutive Origin crown next season. As Queensland bask in the glory of a record fifth series win, Lockyer gave the strongest indication yet he will wear Maroon again in 2011 after detailing his heart-to-heart chat with Civoniceva, who implored the champion pivot to play on with him.
<EDITED>
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...774824&usg=AFQjCNF5g9MRq9aK4-fTN6XFfd7aie2PHQ
Ideal cure for Kurt's blues
By Phil Rothfield and Rebecca Wilson
June 20, 2010 12:01AM
<EDITED>
QUEENSLAND skipper Darren Lockyer has revealed how a private pact with front-row warhorse Petero Civoniceva is driving the veteran duo's quest to lead the rampaging Maroons to a sixth consecutive Origin crown next season. As Queensland bask in the glory of a record fifth series win, Lockyer gave the strongest indication yet he will wear Maroon again in 2011 after detailing his heart-to-heart chat with Civoniceva, who implored the champion pivot to play on with him.
<EDITED>
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Folkes eyes Blues' Origin challenge - The Australian
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...475618&usg=AFQjCNEx7l4nCo4M3Z8qszx3XtDcM_KliA
Folkes wants to coach Blues in Origin and end Queensland dominance
Brent Read
June 22, 2010 12:00AM
STEVE Folkes would love to end Queensland's stranglehold on State of Origin as the first full-time coach of NSW.
"For any coach with aspirations, it would be a great job," Folkes said.
NSW has already announced it will complete a full review of its State of Origin set-up at the completion of this year's series. Part of that investigation will centre on whether the Blues should replicate Queensland's model and appoint a coach without an NRL affiliation.
Cronulla's Ricky Stuart and former NSW coach Phil Gould are regarded as the leading candidates. Gould, however, has made it clear he would only make himself available should the game be run by an independent commission -- a goal which is looking increasingly more unlikely in the short term given the intransigence of the Queensland Rugby League.
Folkes has no such reservations. Although he remains keen to secure another job in the NRL, he would relish the opportunity to coach NSW.
"As I said that would be a great job," said Folkes, who made nine appearances for the Blues as a player. "There's plenty of people out there who would love the job."
Folkes, currently the high-performance manager with the Wests Tigers, has the pedigree. He is arguably the game's most successful coach without a full-time gig. Over 11 years at the Bulldogs, Folkes led the club to seven finals series and two grand finals. He won a premiership in 2004 and finished his tenure with a remarkable 56 per cent success rate.
After leaving the Bulldogs, he was the strength and conditioning coach of the Wests Indies cricket team before accepting a position with the Tigers. In previous seasons the Tigers have been criticised for their fragility. Folkes has helped the club shed that tag.
Like most with an interest in NSW and its current woes, Folkes believes the Blues job has become too onerous for a coach also lumbered with club duties. Maroons coach Mel Meninga, unencumbered by the burdens of an NRL job, has shown the benefits of being able to focus on state duties.
"I think that's probably the way they're going to go," Folkes said.
"It's obviously worked for Queensland. I assume when they review everything it will be one of the things that's discussed. It probably deserves a full-time coach."
Meanwhile, there was mixed news for two NSW aspirants at the judiciary yesterday. Cronulla forward Kade Snowden could miss a final chance to impress selectors after being charged with dangerous contact for his late hit on St George Illawarra's Jamie Soward at Toyota Stadium yesterday.
Snowden faces a one-match ban which would rule him out of Saturday night's game against North Queensland at Dairy Farmers Stadium -- the NSW side will be named 48 hours later. The Sharks prop was considered a possibility for the NSW side but could miss a last chance to press his claims.
There was better news for Tigers forward Chris Heighington. Heighington escaped with a minor charge for a lifting tackle on Canberra's Bronson Harrison and will be available to play against St George Illawarra on Friday night provided he pleads guilty and overcomes a hip injury.
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...475618&usg=AFQjCNEx7l4nCo4M3Z8qszx3XtDcM_KliA
Folkes wants to coach Blues in Origin and end Queensland dominance
Brent Read
June 22, 2010 12:00AM
STEVE Folkes would love to end Queensland's stranglehold on State of Origin as the first full-time coach of NSW.
"For any coach with aspirations, it would be a great job," Folkes said.
NSW has already announced it will complete a full review of its State of Origin set-up at the completion of this year's series. Part of that investigation will centre on whether the Blues should replicate Queensland's model and appoint a coach without an NRL affiliation.
Cronulla's Ricky Stuart and former NSW coach Phil Gould are regarded as the leading candidates. Gould, however, has made it clear he would only make himself available should the game be run by an independent commission -- a goal which is looking increasingly more unlikely in the short term given the intransigence of the Queensland Rugby League.
Folkes has no such reservations. Although he remains keen to secure another job in the NRL, he would relish the opportunity to coach NSW.
"As I said that would be a great job," said Folkes, who made nine appearances for the Blues as a player. "There's plenty of people out there who would love the job."
Folkes, currently the high-performance manager with the Wests Tigers, has the pedigree. He is arguably the game's most successful coach without a full-time gig. Over 11 years at the Bulldogs, Folkes led the club to seven finals series and two grand finals. He won a premiership in 2004 and finished his tenure with a remarkable 56 per cent success rate.
After leaving the Bulldogs, he was the strength and conditioning coach of the Wests Indies cricket team before accepting a position with the Tigers. In previous seasons the Tigers have been criticised for their fragility. Folkes has helped the club shed that tag.
Like most with an interest in NSW and its current woes, Folkes believes the Blues job has become too onerous for a coach also lumbered with club duties. Maroons coach Mel Meninga, unencumbered by the burdens of an NRL job, has shown the benefits of being able to focus on state duties.
"I think that's probably the way they're going to go," Folkes said.
"It's obviously worked for Queensland. I assume when they review everything it will be one of the things that's discussed. It probably deserves a full-time coach."
Meanwhile, there was mixed news for two NSW aspirants at the judiciary yesterday. Cronulla forward Kade Snowden could miss a final chance to impress selectors after being charged with dangerous contact for his late hit on St George Illawarra's Jamie Soward at Toyota Stadium yesterday.
Snowden faces a one-match ban which would rule him out of Saturday night's game against North Queensland at Dairy Farmers Stadium -- the NSW side will be named 48 hours later. The Sharks prop was considered a possibility for the NSW side but could miss a last chance to press his claims.
There was better news for Tigers forward Chris Heighington. Heighington escaped with a minor charge for a lifting tackle on Canberra's Bronson Harrison and will be available to play against St George Illawarra on Friday night provided he pleads guilty and overcomes a hip injury.
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The Blues need to get rid of Gidley. If he's not playing fullback there is no reason for him to be there. They would be much better served with two props and two back rowers on the bench to cover injuries.
For example:
14. Luke Lewis
15. Dean Young
It doesn't have to be these two specific guys, but this is the idea. Since Craig Wing came along the selectors have been convinced that you have to pick a utility. What's wrong with picking a good team and just making sure you cover you a$$ for injuries. Ennis can play 80 minutes if he's not injured, so why take him off? Having the above (or similar) on the bench covers any injury scenario.
Injured 1-5? Lewis to the centres
Injured 6-7? Lewis to the halves
Injured 9? Young to hooker
No injuries? Lewis and young play 40-50 minutes in the back row.
Gidley should be the first player droppoed IMHO; he's only in there because his picture is on the SOO posters they printed in February.
For example:
14. Luke Lewis
15. Dean Young
It doesn't have to be these two specific guys, but this is the idea. Since Craig Wing came along the selectors have been convinced that you have to pick a utility. What's wrong with picking a good team and just making sure you cover you a$$ for injuries. Ennis can play 80 minutes if he's not injured, so why take him off? Having the above (or similar) on the bench covers any injury scenario.
Injured 1-5? Lewis to the centres
Injured 6-7? Lewis to the halves
Injured 9? Young to hooker
No injuries? Lewis and young play 40-50 minutes in the back row.
Gidley should be the first player droppoed IMHO; he's only in there because his picture is on the SOO posters they printed in February.
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Peter Sterling: Top of the props
Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...t.aspx&usg=AFQjCNG-rxeEJvOJg-jBXrF_zKAprrfvJQ
Top of the props
Peter Sterling
23 Jun 2010 11:42:00
I find that players make the best judges when it comes to on-field matters.
It came as no surprise then to learn that front-rower David Shillington was the clear choice as Player’s Player for Queensland out of last week’s Origin II. He received 13 of the 17 votes, but I’m confident he didn’t vote for himself so it was really 13 of 16 from his teammates.
Whilst Darren Lockyer was also superb and took out the official Man-of-the-Match award, the Maroons' internal vote indicated the significant input that Shillington produced in their pronounced victory.
With Queensland enjoying such a dominant run - and boasting arguably the greatest ever backline - the only concern was how they would fare “up front” following the loss of some absolute stalwarts.
For so long they were able to rely on the likes of Shane Webcke, Steve Price and Petero Civinoceva to lay the platform that there had to be some concern as to how the void would be filled when their Origin days were over.
In 2008 Ben Hannant was blooded and he has emerged as another outstanding front-rower, but was in need of some partners in crime.
I’m sure we will see Petero represent again, but the pressure is now somewhat off with the emergence of Shillington, Matt Scott and Dave Taylor.
Both Shillington and Scott have been superb as starting props and were instrumental in gaining a physical advantage over the Blues in both games.
Obviously David’s confidence was boosted by being a part of Australia’s Four Nations touring party last season and then earning his first run-on Test Jersey against New Zealand last month.
On Wednesday night he relished the confrontation and was particularly keen to set a precedent early in each half.
After eight minutes he blindsided opposing prop Michael Weyman with a vicious shoulder charge which reinforced the strong start his team had made both physically and on the scoreboard.
Then to kick off the second-half he hit Tom Learoyd-Lahrs with a similar shot to make sure that the Blues were aware that despite the break and the 16-nil lead, there was to be no drop in intensity.
What was particularly impressive about this passage of play was that Shillington came up with two big tackles in a row but was able to produce an even more important effort immediately after. With NSW attacking to the right, an inside pass found Mitchell Pearce who looked set to scythe through. Shillington still found the energy to trail across and launch himself low to grass the flying half-back.
This was not only an indication of attention to detail but also a display of a real athletic ability.
At 111 kilos and standing 194 cm he is a big man, but this mobility gives him a distinct advantage over those who don’t move as well. It is especially important in enabling quick play-the-balls and Cameron Smith revelled in the space that these provided.
It is now NSW who are facing a shortage of Origin-type props.
The only specialists chosen last week were Weyman and Brett White with six back-rowers rounding out the forward rotation. At some time Gallen, Hindmarsh, O’Donnell, Waterhouse and Learoyd-Lahrs all found themselves sticking their head in the front of the scrum.
There are those who believe there is little difference in pushing up from the back-row but I think it takes a toll on those who aren’t used to it and it also goes against their natural instinct of playing a little wider in the ruck.
In my opinion, on a weekly basis the best NSW front-rower is actually Souths' Luke Stuart who goes about his business in a professional manner with little fanfare. He is as tough as old boots, always the first to put his hand up to take the tough metres and is virtually mistake-free.
So too is the Titans' Luke Bailey who may be a metre slower than in his prime but compensates by covering the ground in a smarter fashion and by doing all the little things right.
These days both men are considered unfashionable with representative football having passed them by but they should be the examples that our young props are looking to emulate.
The Cronulla duo of Kade Snowden and Luke Douglas look to be on the verge of attaining higher honours, whilst Panther Tim Grant, the Eels' Tim Mannah, Dragon Matt Prior, Raider Dane Tilse and the Tigers' Keith Galloway are the best of the young breed coming through. I think Mose Masoe at the Roosters also displays plenty of promise.
For a while there has been talk about the need for an academy style set-up for the play-makers of our game to be given direction and stop their slow demise in the modern game. We should also be looking at something similar for front-rowers early in their career to help them learn the trade of one of the toughest positions on the field.
All players should take heed of two of the most impressive but unnoticed plays from over the weekend.
On Friday night with his side holding a seven point lead and the game won, the Titans hooker Nathan Friend raced 80 metres with 80 seconds remaining to keep try-scorer Ben Barba out wide to make the conversion kick harder. Nathan had not had a break and at the time had racked up 42 tackles.
The next night in Melbourne Greg Inglis took an intercept and cruised 90 metres to add to the 18-0 score line the Storm already enjoyed. Pursuing him all the way was Cowboys second-rower Scott Bolton - also with the desire to keep him as far away from the posts as possible.
In each instance, neither Friend nor Bolton was any chance of catching the much quicker ball-carrier and each try was converted.
For both players, the easy thing would have been to stop and watch from afar but they still deemed it important enough to chase.
These things cannot be coached and one day they will make a difference.
They are both Queenslanders.
Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...t.aspx&usg=AFQjCNG-rxeEJvOJg-jBXrF_zKAprrfvJQ
Top of the props
Peter Sterling
23 Jun 2010 11:42:00
I find that players make the best judges when it comes to on-field matters.
It came as no surprise then to learn that front-rower David Shillington was the clear choice as Player’s Player for Queensland out of last week’s Origin II. He received 13 of the 17 votes, but I’m confident he didn’t vote for himself so it was really 13 of 16 from his teammates.
Whilst Darren Lockyer was also superb and took out the official Man-of-the-Match award, the Maroons' internal vote indicated the significant input that Shillington produced in their pronounced victory.
With Queensland enjoying such a dominant run - and boasting arguably the greatest ever backline - the only concern was how they would fare “up front” following the loss of some absolute stalwarts.
For so long they were able to rely on the likes of Shane Webcke, Steve Price and Petero Civinoceva to lay the platform that there had to be some concern as to how the void would be filled when their Origin days were over.
In 2008 Ben Hannant was blooded and he has emerged as another outstanding front-rower, but was in need of some partners in crime.
I’m sure we will see Petero represent again, but the pressure is now somewhat off with the emergence of Shillington, Matt Scott and Dave Taylor.
Both Shillington and Scott have been superb as starting props and were instrumental in gaining a physical advantage over the Blues in both games.
Obviously David’s confidence was boosted by being a part of Australia’s Four Nations touring party last season and then earning his first run-on Test Jersey against New Zealand last month.
On Wednesday night he relished the confrontation and was particularly keen to set a precedent early in each half.
After eight minutes he blindsided opposing prop Michael Weyman with a vicious shoulder charge which reinforced the strong start his team had made both physically and on the scoreboard.
Then to kick off the second-half he hit Tom Learoyd-Lahrs with a similar shot to make sure that the Blues were aware that despite the break and the 16-nil lead, there was to be no drop in intensity.
What was particularly impressive about this passage of play was that Shillington came up with two big tackles in a row but was able to produce an even more important effort immediately after. With NSW attacking to the right, an inside pass found Mitchell Pearce who looked set to scythe through. Shillington still found the energy to trail across and launch himself low to grass the flying half-back.
This was not only an indication of attention to detail but also a display of a real athletic ability.
At 111 kilos and standing 194 cm he is a big man, but this mobility gives him a distinct advantage over those who don’t move as well. It is especially important in enabling quick play-the-balls and Cameron Smith revelled in the space that these provided.
It is now NSW who are facing a shortage of Origin-type props.
The only specialists chosen last week were Weyman and Brett White with six back-rowers rounding out the forward rotation. At some time Gallen, Hindmarsh, O’Donnell, Waterhouse and Learoyd-Lahrs all found themselves sticking their head in the front of the scrum.
There are those who believe there is little difference in pushing up from the back-row but I think it takes a toll on those who aren’t used to it and it also goes against their natural instinct of playing a little wider in the ruck.
In my opinion, on a weekly basis the best NSW front-rower is actually Souths' Luke Stuart who goes about his business in a professional manner with little fanfare. He is as tough as old boots, always the first to put his hand up to take the tough metres and is virtually mistake-free.
So too is the Titans' Luke Bailey who may be a metre slower than in his prime but compensates by covering the ground in a smarter fashion and by doing all the little things right.
These days both men are considered unfashionable with representative football having passed them by but they should be the examples that our young props are looking to emulate.
The Cronulla duo of Kade Snowden and Luke Douglas look to be on the verge of attaining higher honours, whilst Panther Tim Grant, the Eels' Tim Mannah, Dragon Matt Prior, Raider Dane Tilse and the Tigers' Keith Galloway are the best of the young breed coming through. I think Mose Masoe at the Roosters also displays plenty of promise.
For a while there has been talk about the need for an academy style set-up for the play-makers of our game to be given direction and stop their slow demise in the modern game. We should also be looking at something similar for front-rowers early in their career to help them learn the trade of one of the toughest positions on the field.
All players should take heed of two of the most impressive but unnoticed plays from over the weekend.
On Friday night with his side holding a seven point lead and the game won, the Titans hooker Nathan Friend raced 80 metres with 80 seconds remaining to keep try-scorer Ben Barba out wide to make the conversion kick harder. Nathan had not had a break and at the time had racked up 42 tackles.
The next night in Melbourne Greg Inglis took an intercept and cruised 90 metres to add to the 18-0 score line the Storm already enjoyed. Pursuing him all the way was Cowboys second-rower Scott Bolton - also with the desire to keep him as far away from the posts as possible.
In each instance, neither Friend nor Bolton was any chance of catching the much quicker ball-carrier and each try was converted.
For both players, the easy thing would have been to stop and watch from afar but they still deemed it important enough to chase.
These things cannot be coached and one day they will make a difference.
They are both Queenslanders.
Mark^Bastard
Great White
Luke Stuart is really under rated. He is incredibly good.
snowman
Total gronk
meh
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Enforcer lines up Webb, Willie, Sonny
YOU wouldn't want to meet former NRL bad boy Jason Williams in a dark alley - but what about a boxing ring? Willie Mason might find out.
Source:http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp.../story-e6freye0-1225883962716?from=public_rss
Ex-NRL enforcer Jason Williams lines up Carl Webb, Willie Mason, Sonny Bill Williams
James Phelps
June 25, 2010 12:00AM
<EDITED>
ORIGIN bragging is kept in check at the Dragons. With five Blues, two Maroons and an ex-Queensland coach in the ranks, it would seem like open season for Cane Toads Darius Boyd and Neville Costigan. But not so. "We don't talk about it too much," said Boyd. "Wayne doesn't like giving the boys stick. We don't want to rub it in, either."
<EDITED>
YOU wouldn't want to meet former NRL bad boy Jason Williams in a dark alley - but what about a boxing ring? Willie Mason might find out.
Source:http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp.../story-e6freye0-1225883962716?from=public_rss
Ex-NRL enforcer Jason Williams lines up Carl Webb, Willie Mason, Sonny Bill Williams
James Phelps
June 25, 2010 12:00AM
<EDITED>
ORIGIN bragging is kept in check at the Dragons. With five Blues, two Maroons and an ex-Queensland coach in the ranks, it would seem like open season for Cane Toads Darius Boyd and Neville Costigan. But not so. "We don't talk about it too much," said Boyd. "Wayne doesn't like giving the boys stick. We don't want to rub it in, either."
<EDITED>
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Joey's been hung out to dry - Gidley
By Barry Toohey
June 27, 2010 12:01AM
KURT Gidley says he won't take it personally if he is dumped as NSW captain tomorrow night.
He also believes former Blues assistant coach and close mate Andrew Johns has been hung out to dry over racial comments in Origin camp for game two.
In his first major interview since Queensland wrapped up their fifth consecutive series, Gidley told The Sunday Telegraph he has heard from no one about the captaincy but, if replaced, he nominated Trent Barrett as the man to take over.
JOEY JOHNS
Gidley firmly believes Johns has been treated shabbily since news broke of his racial insult towards Queensland centre Greg Inglis.
It led to Timana Tahu walking out and Johns standing down as assistant coach.
"I really feel for both T [Tahu] and Joey in all this because it's really affected them," Gidley said. "But Joey's been hung out to dry - definitely
"He's guilty of making an inappropriate comment, but he put his hand up and apologised and he totally regrets what he said and would take it back in an instant.
"He's a great mate of mine and it's tough. It's tough to see him go through what he is going through, particularly when it seems to be day after day of it since it happened."
Gidley described Inglis's claim that Johns should be rubbed out of rugby league for good as "a big call".
"I thought Greg, better than anyone, would know what gets played out in the media is tough on the individual and those who surround them - family and friends," Gidley said.
"It's a tough thing when you are on the front and back page of the paper every day. Joey has his own [health] problems, which are well documented. As a friend of his, I don't think anyone at any stage has stopped to think about how his head is and how much of a toll it has taken on him.
"The bloke's done a lot of great things for the game, both on and off the field - a lot of it unnoticed."
THE MEETING
It was a meeting among the NSW backs at a local hotel, which Gidley said was an uneventful get-together - or so he thought at the time.
"It was pretty relaxed. We were just mixing with each other over a few beers. Nothing more than that and nothing unusual," he said. "There were other people at the hotel but we mostly stuck with each other talking about the game.
"Honestly, it wasn't until a day and half later that any of us realised something was wrong."
TAHU WALK-OUT
Gidley said Tahu's decision to leave the camp two days after the team meeting left everyone stunned.
"No one could believe it," he said. "There was concern for both T and Joey after it all happened.
"I was with T that morning. We had a day off from training and had a sleep in, and I was coming out of my room at the same time he was coming out of his. Everything seemed fine. I said I was going to breakfast and he said he just had to meet Belly [coach Craig Bellamy] first, so I just said I'd meet him there. He said sweet.
"Forty minutes later, Belly came and grabbed me at the cafe and told me. I went back to T's room and T was a different man. I don't know. I can't explain it. All the boys were stunned."
Gidley confirmed there had been no inkling of the trouble the previous day.
"Joey was actually hoisting bombs to T at one stage during the session and nothing was said."
THE EXPLOSION
Tahu's brain explosion during the Eels' 6-4 loss to the Knights last Monday left some Newcastle players privately fuming. There were suggestions that moments after he collected James McManus with a reckless swinging arm, he let fly with a comment of his own at Newcastle players which left one labelling him a "hypocrite".
Gidley point blank refused to confirm or deny the allegation, saying what happens on the field stays there.
"I wasn't happy with the fact he targeted us when we had nothing to do with what happened," Gidley said.
"But he is a mate of mine and has been for a long time now. I called him on Tuesday night to clear the air and see how he was, but he didn't take my call. Hopefully I'll talk to him soon."
BLUES CAPTAINCY
"I'd obviously love to do it again," Gidley said. "But if I'm on the bench and it's handed to someone else, I'm not going to drop my lip over it and take it personally. That's not my go.
"Plenty of former players are saying it [Queensland] might be the best ever. It's disappointing for me personally to be on the wrong end of history, but it's what keeps you coming back stronger with more drive to try to beat them.
"That's the challenge and that doesn't change for me if I'm captain or not, or if I start or come off the bench."
Gidley had little hesitation in declaring Sharks veteran Barrett as the player to lead the Blues if he is overlooked.
"Baz has been through a couple of different Origin eras and knows what it's about better than anyone. But I guess that's not really for me to say who the captain should be. I still hope it's me."
Joey's been hung out to dry - Gidley
By Barry Toohey
June 27, 2010 12:01AM
KURT Gidley says he won't take it personally if he is dumped as NSW captain tomorrow night.
He also believes former Blues assistant coach and close mate Andrew Johns has been hung out to dry over racial comments in Origin camp for game two.
In his first major interview since Queensland wrapped up their fifth consecutive series, Gidley told The Sunday Telegraph he has heard from no one about the captaincy but, if replaced, he nominated Trent Barrett as the man to take over.
JOEY JOHNS
Gidley firmly believes Johns has been treated shabbily since news broke of his racial insult towards Queensland centre Greg Inglis.
It led to Timana Tahu walking out and Johns standing down as assistant coach.
"I really feel for both T [Tahu] and Joey in all this because it's really affected them," Gidley said. "But Joey's been hung out to dry - definitely
"He's guilty of making an inappropriate comment, but he put his hand up and apologised and he totally regrets what he said and would take it back in an instant.
"He's a great mate of mine and it's tough. It's tough to see him go through what he is going through, particularly when it seems to be day after day of it since it happened."
Gidley described Inglis's claim that Johns should be rubbed out of rugby league for good as "a big call".
"I thought Greg, better than anyone, would know what gets played out in the media is tough on the individual and those who surround them - family and friends," Gidley said.
"It's a tough thing when you are on the front and back page of the paper every day. Joey has his own [health] problems, which are well documented. As a friend of his, I don't think anyone at any stage has stopped to think about how his head is and how much of a toll it has taken on him.
"The bloke's done a lot of great things for the game, both on and off the field - a lot of it unnoticed."
THE MEETING
It was a meeting among the NSW backs at a local hotel, which Gidley said was an uneventful get-together - or so he thought at the time.
"It was pretty relaxed. We were just mixing with each other over a few beers. Nothing more than that and nothing unusual," he said. "There were other people at the hotel but we mostly stuck with each other talking about the game.
"Honestly, it wasn't until a day and half later that any of us realised something was wrong."
TAHU WALK-OUT
Gidley said Tahu's decision to leave the camp two days after the team meeting left everyone stunned.
"No one could believe it," he said. "There was concern for both T and Joey after it all happened.
"I was with T that morning. We had a day off from training and had a sleep in, and I was coming out of my room at the same time he was coming out of his. Everything seemed fine. I said I was going to breakfast and he said he just had to meet Belly [coach Craig Bellamy] first, so I just said I'd meet him there. He said sweet.
"Forty minutes later, Belly came and grabbed me at the cafe and told me. I went back to T's room and T was a different man. I don't know. I can't explain it. All the boys were stunned."
Gidley confirmed there had been no inkling of the trouble the previous day.
"Joey was actually hoisting bombs to T at one stage during the session and nothing was said."
THE EXPLOSION
Tahu's brain explosion during the Eels' 6-4 loss to the Knights last Monday left some Newcastle players privately fuming. There were suggestions that moments after he collected James McManus with a reckless swinging arm, he let fly with a comment of his own at Newcastle players which left one labelling him a "hypocrite".
Gidley point blank refused to confirm or deny the allegation, saying what happens on the field stays there.
"I wasn't happy with the fact he targeted us when we had nothing to do with what happened," Gidley said.
"But he is a mate of mine and has been for a long time now. I called him on Tuesday night to clear the air and see how he was, but he didn't take my call. Hopefully I'll talk to him soon."
BLUES CAPTAINCY
"I'd obviously love to do it again," Gidley said. "But if I'm on the bench and it's handed to someone else, I'm not going to drop my lip over it and take it personally. That's not my go.
"Plenty of former players are saying it [Queensland] might be the best ever. It's disappointing for me personally to be on the wrong end of history, but it's what keeps you coming back stronger with more drive to try to beat them.
"That's the challenge and that doesn't change for me if I'm captain or not, or if I start or come off the bench."
Gidley had little hesitation in declaring Sharks veteran Barrett as the player to lead the Blues if he is overlooked.
"Baz has been through a couple of different Origin eras and knows what it's about better than anyone. But I guess that's not really for me to say who the captain should be. I still hope it's me."