This time of year is always one of great anticipation for footy fans. The trial games are just around the corner and excitement builds. For the past two seasons the center piece of the pre-season has been the Indigenous All Stars Game. Unfortunately, the advent of the The All Stars game always brings out accusations that having an all Indigenous representative side is racist. I won't link to the disingenous cretins who promolugate this nosense. Google will do that for you if you want to wallow in the mire.
This argument that the Indigenous All Stars team is racist is no diffferent from claiming that the Women In League round is sexist. The argument comes from a position of priviliege that ignores all the historical and social differences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The failure to recognize privilege along with some good old fashioned relevance deprevation syndrome concludes that recognising Indigenous Australians is somehow racist against the white majority.
The great thing about the Indigenous All Stars game is that it is inclusive. Non-Indigenous Australians are welcomed to join in the celebrations not the least through helping select the NRL All Stars team. The point of the game is also to help raise awareness of the issues that the Indigenous community still face in Australia. As Mark Liebler wrote in The Age recently regarding proposed constitutional changes:
We need to have laws that relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people just as we do for many groups in society - women, the elderly, the disabled, veterans, people living in remote areas - but these laws should be based on need and the national interest, not race.
Need because Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain Australia's most disadvantaged citizens. The national interest because their cultures and languages are unique to this country to be celebrated as part of our common heritage.
And while the efforts of Indigenous NRL players to engage with the community are important that is not enough. The future of Indigenous Australians is part of the future of all Australians and is something we all should be concerned about. The All Stars game helps reminds us that as far as Australian has come in regards to Indigenous Australians there is still a long way to go. The game itself won't solve all the problems but if each year the gap can be closed then a better country we will be.
Remember the game is a celebration and not black against white (and if you still think that, consider the make up of the NRL All Stars sides). Both teams will play hard but at the end of the game they will stand united. Sit back and enjoy that footy. That is what I'll be doing.
Once a mighty fortress where giants strode the fields in battle. Now, only sad ghosts remain bickering over the remains of faded glories as they starve into oblivion.
You can smell it in the air. Sure cricket season is still in full swing but footy is only just over a week away. The trials start on January 28th with the Bunnies welcoming the Warrington Wolves to Redfern. The weekend after is when the action really hots up with quite a few games including the All Stars match. And the following two weekends feature quite a lot of footy. Of course the games are trials and as past seasons show provide no guide to how your side will fare once the real season is underway.
But they are great fun (as long as key players don't get injured) and I look forward to Bismark and I stretching our friendship as we take on opposite sides at Bluetongue on Feb 11th. Full list over the fold and sourced from League Unlimited.
Saturday 28 January
RETURN TO REDFERN
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Warrington Wolves
Australian Technology Park, Redfern
Friday 3 February
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Toyota Stadium, Woolooware
Ipswich Jets (QRL) v Penrith Panthers
North Ipswich Reserve, QLD
Newcastle Knights v Newcastle RL Rep Squad
Newcastle Venue TBC
Saturday 4 February
ALL STARS MATCH
Indigenous All Stars v NRL All Stars
Skilled Park, Gold Coast
Wests Tigers v Southern Stingrays
Campbelltown Sports Stadium
Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys
Dolphin Oval, Redcliffe
Warriors v Gold Coast Titans
North Harbour Stadium, Auckland
Easts Tigers (QRL) v Melbourne Storm
Langlands Park, Coorparoo QLD
MERCURY CHALLENGE
St George Illawarra Dragons v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Saturday 11 February
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Warriors
BCU International Stadium, Coffs Harbour
Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers
Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Newcastle Knights v Penrith Panthers
Port Macquarie Regional Stadium
North Queensland Cowboys v St George Illawarra Dragons
NIB Stadium, Perth
Gold Coast Titans v Brisbane Broncos
Pizzey Park, Burleigh
Canberra Raiders v Melbourne Storm
Lavington Oval, Albury
Sunday 12 February
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Sydney Roosters
Belmore Sports Ground
Saturday 18 February
"HEINZ BIG SOUP" WORLD CLUB CHALLENGE
Leeds Rhinos v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Headingley, UK
Newcastle Knights v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Olympic Park, Muswellbrook
CHARITY SHIELD
South Sydney Rabbitohs v St George Illawarra Dragons
ANZ Stadium, Sydney
BATTLE OF THE WEST CUP
Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels
Centrebet Stadium, Penrith
FOUNDATION CUP
Wests Tigers v Sydney Roosters
Leichhardt Oval
Canberra Raiders v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Equex Centre, Wagga Wagga
STOCKLAND TROPHY
North Queensland Cowboys v Gold Coast Titans
Virgin Australia Stadium, Mackay
Warriors v Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles (QRL)
Toll Stadium, Whangarei
Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos
North Hobart Oval, Tasmania
Tap, tap. Check 1,2,3. Hmm seems to be working. A bit dusty but everything seems to be in place. Could do with a paint job. Glad the door keys still work. Well, better get started then.
With no further ado I give you the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles versus The New Zealand Warriors.
Regular season: Manly finished second on 40 points and the Warriors ended up in sixth spot on 32 points.
The path to the Grand Final: The Sea Eagles beat the Cowboys 42-8 and then Brisbane 26-14 after a week's rest to make the Grand Final. The Warriors had a arguably tougher path firstly losing 42-10 to the Broncos before ending the Tigers' season with 22-20 victory. Then they overcame the The Storm 20-12 to set up the decider against Sea Eagles.
Head to Head: Played 20 times. The Sea Eagles have 13 wins, the Warriors 7. Manly have won the past three games against the Warriors (including two games in 2011). They also beat the Warriors 32-6 in the 2008 preliminary final which was the last time the teams met in the finals.
The Teams:
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Jamie Lyon (capt), Steve Matai, Will Hopoate, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Joe Galuvao, Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Tony Williams, Glenn Stewart. Interchange: Shane Rodney, Jamie Buhrer, Vic Mauro, George Rose, Darcy Lussick, Tim Robinson
New Zealand Warriors: Kevin Locke, Bill Tupou, Lewis Brown, Krisnan Inu, Manu Vatuvei, James Maloney, Shaun Johnson, Sam Rapira, Aaron Heremaia, Jacob Lillyman, Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering (capt), Micheal Luck. Interchange: Lance Hohaia, Russell Packer, Ben Matulino, Elijah Taylor, Steve Rapira.
The Verdict: A game that pits evil against not so evil but they are from New Zealand so sure to be some mischief in their souls. But, as it appears from my view point, the Warriors mischief has captured the hearts of not just their Kiwi brethren but many Aussies as well. If the grand final was against the Storm then Manly would have not so much the hearts but some generally more positive feelings from Sydney. But without any real hard hearts against the Warriors, the hatred engendered in the 70s against Manly has risen greatly to make them almost outcasts in their home city.
But even with a team not well like and a team from across the ditch, the Grand Final is a sell out much the chagrin of some tweeters early in the week attempting to talk down the crowd and support footy has.
We know what Manly will bring to the grand final but what about the Warriors? Consistency is not one of their qualities but big games seem to be becoming their forte. But I like the enthusiasm of youth they have. Which is the difference between the two sides. The Warriors are generally a young side and a testament to Cleary's patience. Manly is a little more grizzled and experience. A team on the up meets a team at the top who one will start to fade is a season or two.
I know what the heart says as well as years of enmity as a Parra fan. But the head tells me Manly have the experience and consistency to get them over the line. I could be wrong and I bet I'll enjoy finding out.
Pending results this weekend, the NRL could have that supposedly terrible situation of no Sydney team in the final. What utter rubbish.
What almost excessive parochialism is what makes State of Origin, it serves not place in the overall scheme of the competition. Next weekend could see two non-Sydney teams play in the Grand Final. The only thing that concerns me that the two teams that do make it put on one hell of a game.
Sometimes it is great to watch footy without the crushing expectations of your chosen team pressing down on your enjoyment of the game.
Sea Eagles v Broncos, Friday 7:45pm, SFS
What a tough game. The two most hated sides in Sydney. For the Broncos, it is a much too early glimpse of life without Lockyer. Matt Gillett has done some good things for the Bronocs this year but to replace one of the game's greats in a preliminary final is another thing. But the loss of Lockyer could worm its way in the Manly psyche and just make them that little bit complacent.
Manly probably deserve to be favourites but the idea of doing it for Lockyer so he can play in the grand final may get the Bronocs home. And anyway, it is Manly. I just can't tip them.
The Storm v Warriors, Saturday 7:45pm, AAMI Stadium
The Storm leave me in two minds. The more positive is that Bellamy has got a well structured side that despite losing players still could bring others through to compliment the big three. The less positive is the bleating from the Storm camp that they were somehow the victims when their club rorted the salary cap. But they have won their way to a preliminary final and deserve credit for rebuilding after last season.
The Warriors have scrapped their way to one game short of the grand final. At times awful when they show no respect for possesion, the same disdain for grafting play can be breathtaking in its audacity when the passes do stick.
The Warriors seem to play their best when they visit Melbourne. The heart is in this game as I'd like the free spirits be rewarded over the admirably disciplined methods of the Storm.
The Melbourne Storm fans are a little precious. It is not David Gallop's fault that the Storm sorted the cap and were found out. And while we could debate the intricacies of the punishment he did what he had to do. The Storm had not simply paid a player or two a bit than they should have. It was a systematic attempt to dodge the cap. The Storm fans would do better to turn their ire against those that created the issue not those that had to rightly respond.
But for Gallop to make a reference to terrorists in discussing the Melbourne fans' response wasn't one of the great moments in league diplomacy. Yes he may be frustrated that many in Melbourne just don't get it but still, better words could have been chosen.
And so the saga continues.
As do the finals.
Tigers v Warriors, Friday 7:45pm, SFS
Both teams can improve on last week. The Warriors were awful against Brisbane showing no respect for possession. They will need to reign in their passion for offloads to have a chance in this game. Expect a much better game from The Beast after his shocker. Beau Ryan could end up as a speed bump if he is not careful. I'm not even a Tigers fan but I expected the worst every time Matt Utai got involved. The mystery of the Dragons' loss last week was why the didn't exploit his side of the field. But Lawrence is back from injury and the Tigers are a far better side when he plays. I rate him quite highly and he will be the key if they Tigers go all the way.
Away from home will be too much for the Warriors and their season will end on Friday.
Broncos v Dragons, Saturday 6:45pm, Suncorp
I'm not going to write off the Dragons but they will need to do a lot better than last week to win here. It is possible. Against each other the honours are even with both sides having 13 wins. The Dragons showed enough in the first half that they can do it. The question is if they have the mental strength to keep fighting when behind? And while the Broncos were impressive against the Warriors, a large factor in the Broncos win was the Warriors lack of discipline.
This will be a titanic struggle and a Lockyer field goal to decide the game would not surprise me.
What about the teams that didn't make the top eight? Do they have a hope in 2012? Read on for some thoughts on next season.
The Rabbitohs
So much promise and so near in the end. Injuries and suspensions cost the Rabbitohs dearly but inconsistency from their key players (Sandow exluded) cost them. For a good part of the season Sandow carried the Bunnies. Inglis did not come into form till the second half but injury kept him from consistency. His combination with Dave Taylor was lethal at times but never happened enough. Sandow and Merritt (who should play Origin) were a highlight for the Bunnies this year. Sandow showed that he is a rare halfback capable of turning games. The Eels will be looking forward to having him in their colours for 2012.
2012 Prospects - Sandow will be a big loss. If Sutton can step up (and that is a big if) and Inglis and Taylor remain relatively free from injury and suspension, the Bunnies could challenge again for the top eight. The halfback spot will be interesting. Some Souths fans are talking up young Adam Reynolds but can a rookie carry the team?
The Bulldogs
Talked up as contenders, the Bulldogs probably ended up in the right place in the end. There were too many deficencies in the Bulldogs’ game especially in the halves. And while Ben Barba was scintillating at times at fullback, he struggled at times under the high ball. A highlight was that Frank Pritchard turned up more often than not and at times the Bullodogs showed they could out muscle other sides. But their form fell away quite quickly and revealed a few issues that need to be addressed. The loss of Ennis hurt them greatly.
2012 Prospects - Middling. Idris is leaving as Ryan has retired but the core group remain. A fit Ennis will see them challenge for the lower part of the eight.
The Panthers
Another side that suffered from injuries and inconsistency. At times the Panthers were capable of beating anyone. Yet in other games they would go down to sides they should’t have. Petero and Waterhouse are going to be big losses but having Phil Gould and Ivan Cleary aboard will strengthen the club and create long term success.
2012 Prospects - It depends on Gus’ master plan. He is building Penrith for lasting success. The Pathers will compete and I reckon that they will be well in the hunt for the next few seasons if all goes well according to Gus.
The Roosters
When Carney went missing so did the Roosters. It is obvious in hindsight that internal issues were destabilising the player group. Once those were resolved then Roosters start to win again albeit too late. A very disappointing year considering they played the grand final last year.
2012 Prospects - Hard to say. Again, another side that could challenge for the lower part of the eight but then again could just meander along the lower reaches of the ladder.
The Sharks
Consisting of Paul Gallen and bunch of cast offs from other clubs nothing too much was exepcted. And the Sharks delivered matching expections. I admit that I became a Paul Gallen fan this year. Some of this efforts were oustanding and he has also taken out the niggling part of his game to his merit. As per usual, the Sharks had the odd stirring victory but just don’t have the talent to challenge the top sides regularly.
2012 Prospects - Same as previous years.
The Eels
Stephen Kearney’s first year as a coach sure was tough one. The Eels showed that they could match it with the best in the comp but lack of class meant they lost the close ones. Having the slowest back line in the comp didn’t help. Hayne (who played better then what most people think) and Hindmarsh again were the highlights doing all they could to get the Eels over the line. And Fui Fui was devastating at times during the year. Just nothing in the halves to take advantage of any oppurtunities.
2012 Prospects - Good (Yes, I’m biased). Sandow will be a welcome addition and there will be more pace in the outside backs. There are also some good juniors coming through into grade. If they stick to Kearney’s plan then good times are ahead.
The Raiders
Easily the most disapointing team of the year. So much potentional was wasted. Orford was the dud of the year and Campese’s injuries just made it worse. Dugan, after being lauded during the leadup to Origin I, went missing for much of the year as did the vaunted Canberra forward pack. The one highlight was Josh Mcrone. He stood out in a overall poor team.
2012 Propsects - Promising. If a fit Campo can find his form and form a combination with McCrone then the Raiders maybe looking at good times again. Dugan needs to remain injury free and also get his head together. If the forwards can find their 2010 form then that will give the backs room to shine.
The Titans
Age did weary them and some internal issues may have also affected their form. For most of the season they seemed disinterested and even when Scott Prince was on the field, he seemed out of touch.
2012 Prospects - The Titans have recruited well but they will be missing Preston, Lafranchi and Friend who all were important parts of their team. Given rumours of internal issues they may rise up the ladder simply because they can’t do any worse.
League won't really moved in terms of broadcast till they rid themselves of Channel Nine as a major broadcaster. Nine takes the league rights for granted examples being showing games on delay when it feels like it (and the Sunday delay is a relic of the past that now only suits Nine to boost the ratings for its 6:00pm news), not showing the Storm live into Melbourne and the perennial embarrassment that is the footy show. Of course there was the pathetic instance where Nine tried to talk down the money the NRL hopes to make from the broadcast deal. Nine only care about Nine. Its attitude to the NRL is harming the game.
The NRL rates extremely well and the NRL better do a damn better deal. And if Nine is not part of it I won't be shedding any tears.
Of course, most of my attention will be on Nine this weekend.
Speaking of which...
Tigers v Dragons, Friday 7:45pm, ANZ Stadium
Is the Dragons resurgence of form a false spring or a harbinger of a tough, relentless finals campaign? I'm tempting to think the former. However the issue with the Tigers is that their last three games were against teams outside the eight. Intriguing to say the least. I'm tipping the Tigers as Benji is simply the one player on the field who can single handedly turn the game.
Broncos v Warriors, Saturday 6:30pm, Suncorp Stadium
The Broncos deserve to be favourites for this game. The Warriors are going to be all and nothing I think. If they don't win then they may exit the finals relatively quickly. But if they do when they will shake things up. But I just don't know. S'pose we'll find out around 8:30pm.
Sea Eagles v Cowboys, Saturday 8:30pm, SFS
One thing to be thankful for when the season ends is Manly's constant whinging. For that alone I'd like to see them lose. But I just don't see the Cowboys winning. JT is still struggling and while Manly don't have Glen Stewart, the Cowboys are equally handicapped by not having Tariq Sims. The Cowboys could cause a boil over but it seems unlikely.
Storm v Knights, Sunday 4:00pm, AAMI Stadium
Are the Storm struggling? That was the question posed last night on the NRL on Fox show. I'm not buying into that sentiment just yet. This game won't tell us much as it will be good Knight for Newy's season even if the Storm aren't completely on their game.
Here we are folks! The final regular competition round. My tipping hasn't been crash hot this year. Every year I say to myself "Tip using your head!" but my heart leads me astray.
I'm going to ignore the fracas from Friday. Plenty has been said elsewhere. I'm more interested in highlighting Billy Slater's wonderful sportsmanship from that game or Benji's masterful display against the Titans.
The great thing about the comp this year is that going into the final round is most positions for the top eight are up for grabs. If the Storm lose to the Roosters and Manly beats the Broncos by a large margin, the Sea Eagles could pip Melbourne for the minor premiership.
Regardless of results, the Broncos will finish in third place.
The Warriors v Cowboys game is a huge game. The winner could snare a top four sport. But that depends on the Dragons game against the Panthers on Friday night. If the Dragons finish on 33 points then only the Tigers and Cowboys can climb above them for fourth spot.
The Newcastle v Souths games on Friday night will decide almost eight spot. yet if the Rabbitohs just scrape home and the Bulldogs thrash Canberra then they will climb over the Bunnies and Knights and take eight spot.
And at the other end of the table, if the Eels beat the Titans then the spoon will end up with either the Gold Coast or Canberra on points differential.
What a glorious three days of footy we have ahead.
Knights v Rabbitohs, Friday 7:45pm, Tinkler's Castle
I expect both teams to have nothing left at the end of this game. If Inglis was available then I'd tip the Bun buns for sure but his absence leaves a big hole. Without him this game becomes a whole lot closer. I'm staying with Souths just so their win will set up the Bulldogs to come out firing against the Raiders.
Dragons v Panthers, Friday 7:30pm, WIN Stadium
The Dragons will be pumped up for a big effort to get their campaign back on track. A loss won't put them out of finals contention but would effectively kill their premiership hopes. I have no idea what mindset the Panthers will have for this game. I expect a free flowing attack from them in the final game. This could be interesting if the Panthers turn up in a mood to play.
Warriors v Cowboys, Saturday 5:30pm, Mt Smart Stadium
The winner will avoid finishing in seventh spot or worse. This will be a game for the ages however the Warriors will have the goods at home.
Titans v Eels, Skilled Park, Saturday 7:30pm
The last fling for Presto, a player who has left the game better for his participation. To me that is the highest accolade one can give a retiring player. And while sentiment will be with him that is not enough for me. For the last time in 2011, go the Eels!
Sharks v Tigers, Saturday 7:30pm, Toyota Park
The Sharks will be up for Paul Gallen's 200th game. They could trouble the Tigers early on but as the game grows so will Benji.
Bulldogs v Raiders, Sunday 2:00pm, ANZ Stadium
And we farewell Andrew Ryan (possibly as he still may get a final chance at finals footy) and Alan Tongue. Two great servants of the game. But if Souths win then the question will be the Bulldogs by how much?
Broncos v Sea Eagles, Sunday 3:00pm, Suncorp Stadium
Lockyer isn't riding off into the sunset just quite yet but his time is almost done. This week will have taken a lot out of the Sea Eagles. The Bronocs will be primed to give a favoured son a memorable last regular season game.
Roosters v Storm, Sunday 7:00pm, SFS
I'd say the Storm will play this game on autopilot but that will be too much for the Roosters.
The Sure Thing: The Bulldogs
The Roughy: The Tigers
