sidelined

The past week, the limited business imagination of the Parramatta Eels CEO Dennis Fitzgerald suggested that the salary cap should be reduced. Though it did meet with some support, the idea did not go over that well.
On the opposite side, I came across a blog post that argued the salary cap, in the name [...]

Sanity prevails.
Iraq’s WCQ campaign is now officially on soapie melodrama turf but tomorrow it switches to full on Sports Movie triumph-of-the-underdogs mode. “Two Teams. One Grudge. On a rainy night at a sold-out Lang Park, the universe hangs in the balance”, etc.

With the notes of last night’s cultural activities lingering in the ears, time to get serious regarding the weekend’s action.
The bye has a rest this round allowing the full compliment of games. Only four points separates 1st and 11th place so a few teams aren’t out of the race just yet. But a loss for [...]

A talking point of the NRL’s so called demise over the weekend (a bit of truth and whole lot of Telecrap beat up) was about the grounds. Is the future ANZ Stadium (unless the AFL snag it) or does the heart of league still beat in the grass roots of the old suburban grounds?
David Gallop, [...]

… really, WTF?
You guys get Bassem Abbas back from season-ending injury due to the power of ancient Mesopotamian necromancy*, you’re in Thailand getting ready to restart your stunted qualifying campaign… and this happens.
Basically according to FIFA regs, unilaterally disbanding your FA in the middle of a World Cup qualifying campaign is not on, and if [...]

Last night @SFS wasn’t a game for the ages, but in broader strategic terms there was a fair bit going on.

Down here we are basking in the afterglow of a great Origin win. What a game and I don’t mind admitting that I had it wrong about the NSW Origin team. They stood up when needed. Bring on Origin 2 up at Suncorp. Queensland are shot ducks for 2008.
But time to go back to [...]

Any other Sideliners going to the Ghana match on Friday? I got my China ticket a while ago and was going to skip this one but I figure Our Harry will probably break his leg between now and then so I should grab my chance.

Its on again folks! Live blogging the sporting gala that is State of Origin. First snark will be directed at Ben Ikin (unless Nine bless us all and give him a rest from the commentary).
Live blogging is on over the fold.

State of Origin I is almost upon us folks. Just one sleep to go for the big day. And what better time to give a preview of the game.