sidelined

Hopefully, an outcome of the new television rights deal will be the humbling of Channel 9. For some years now, 9 has not had the best interests of the NRL at heart. That lack of live Storm games into Melbourne, so called live games on delay, the absurdity of the Sunday game on delay, etc [...]

They say you learn a lot about someone in how they handle defeat. But what do we learn from how someone handles victory? Specifically, what does Mal Meninga’s outburst tell us about him? It tells us that Mal is a passionate person but maybe he lets that sometimes get in the way of common sense. [...]

It has happened again. For the sixth year running I have no memory between 8pm and 10pm for a Wednesday night in early July. I have no idea why this continue to happen. I wonder if I have missed anything important? I was going to use the intro to talk about the NRL and pokies. [...]

So Dave Taylor didn’t get off. While Queenslanders will be sure to cry conspiracy theory and take the case to Lord Monckton, a man who has never come across a conspiracy theory he didn’t like, I’m more interested in the very petty manners of the judiciary. Taylor’s charge was originally only four weeks but because [...]

The farce that the citing of Jonathan Thruston reached its nadir when Bob Katter wanted to suspend standing orders to condemn the charge. My view is that Thurston did not see Chechin and it was an accident. If I remember correctly there was a time in the AFL where any contact with the umpire meant [...]

Just a few weeks ago Petero Civoniceva’s game against Titan’s was lauded as a great example of how a front rower can inspire a team. After New South Wales’ display last night, some are saying the game has moved past such a role. Gallen’s performance as a makeshift prop was tremendous. But not every side [...]

Ricky’s Revenge or Magnificent Maroons? A lot rides on this match not at leat Stuart’s reputation. For a loss, no matter how close, just wont do for NSW. All the renewal of spirt, the exclamations of pride and curios selections will mean bugger all if NSW lose. Any claims of “We are getting better” will [...]

Loyalty ain’t dead in the NRL. Darren Lockyer is set to retire a one club man. Nathan Hindmarsh will do so for the Eels. Gidley once a Knight, always a knight. Benji Marshall will never be anything other than a Tiger. If you are one of the premier players then it is easier to a [...]

Last Saturday, Newcastle beat Parra by two points. The penalty goal that was the difference came from ref Brett Suttor claiming a Moi Moi tackles was too high. But the call was wrong. With regards to how the call influenced the game, ref boss Bill Harrigan said: “There are a number of decisions that can [...]

There were some observations that because of the lack of Origin players the standard of footy last round was poor quality. The Tigers v Panthers game wasn’t one of the best. But it wasn’t due to a lack of Origin players. It was due to a disorganised Tigers (with a seemingly disinterested Benji Marshall) against [...]