Photo by S.Alexander
Stephen Kearney has frustrated Rugby League fans with an apparent façade over questionable selections for New Zealand’s ANZAC clash. The most notable being the axing of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
Tag: Rugby League
Wests Tigers v Gold Coast Titans Round 8 Preview
What: NRL Round 8
Who: Wests Tigers v Gold Coast
When: Sunday 27th April – 3pm
Where: Leichhardt Oval
I Can Watch It On: Channel Nine
Form Guide
WT – LWWLWWW
GC – WLWWWWL
Things You Need To Know:
Human wrecking ball James Gavet is a huge loss for the Tigers, the enforcer dropping out with a hamstring injury. Sitaleki Akauola is on the bench to accommodate the return of Liam Fulton.
The Titans’ only change is Mark Ioane coming in for the suspended Matt White. Surprisingly William Zillman is still out of the side after reports he was training last week.
Reason To Watch:
Two (surprise) heavyweights go head to head with the Tigers coming off three wins and playing their best footy in recent seasons. The Titans are firming in premiership contention after a 5-2 start to the season. The Tigers always aim up at Leichhardt, and their 42-12 win over the Titans earlier this season shouldn’t be brushed aside.
Reason To Turn Away:
Just when the Tigers thought they’d never hear of him again, Benji arrives home asking for forgiveness from the rugby league brethren. He won’t be in black and gold again but the mere mention of his name is guaranteed to start a blue in Tigertown.
Say What:
“I’m not getting ahead of myself – the coaching staff know it’s a long haul getting to the semis.” – Mick Potter is keeping it real despite the Tigers’ great start to 2014.
Final Word:
Recent form and home ground advantage will get the Wests Tigers across the line – but only just. WT by 6.
Sam Alexander
Story published on sportal – http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/match-centre/314088/nrl
North Queensland Cowboys v Parramatta Eels Round 8 Preview
What: NRL Round 8
Who: North Queensland v Parramatta
When: Saturday April 26 – 5.30pm
Where: 1300Smiles Stadium
I Can Watch It On: Fox Sports
Form guide:
Cows: WLLLWLL
Eels: WLLWWWL
Things You Need To Know:
Ray Thompson shifts to halfback for Robert Lui who has been dumped to reserve grade. Rookie Kyle Feldt also finds himself on the outer, making way for Kane Linnett.
Following the Eels’ heart-breaking loss last week, Brad Arthur has only made one change with back rower Pauli Pauli moving into the starting line up. Peni Terepo shifts to the bench. Kenny Edwards is set for a lengthy stint in the injury ward following a fracture to his hand, with reports that he could miss 4-6 weeks. The Cowboys have won their past three against Parra.
Reason To Watch:
When the Eels are in this sort of form, they are one of the most exciting teams to watch in the competition. Jarryd Hayne is in irresistible touch while we’re enjoying Chris Sandow’s revival.
Reason To Turn Away:
The only thing turning away NRL fans recently is the constant refereeing blunders. The match officials look like they are controlling the game with zero confidence. Both these teams copped raw deals last start. Maybe steer clear of the post-match press conference – it could prove ugly if there is another contentious issue.
Say What:
“Our fans want to know they are getting a fair rub of green.” – Paul Green following last week’s controversial loss to the Eagles. Surely the old NSW conspiracy theory won’t fire up again will it?
Final Word:
Parramatta has blown away better sides than North Queensland this year, so be wary of discounting them. The Cowboys showed their potential last week against Manly but they continue to blow hot and cold and butchered another potential win – with considerable help from the video refs. Eels by 8.
Sam Alexander
Published on sportal – http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/match-centre/314085/nrl
Spirit of Anzac inspires Sydney Roosters to perform against St George Illawarra in Anzac Day clash
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Story published in The Daily Telegraph – Friday April 25, 2014
BOYD Cordner became the first Roosters player to win the Spirit of Anzac medal last year and his captain Anthony Minichiello wants more of the same on Friday.
Big crowd expected for NRL blockbuster between the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers
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THE Easter resurrection of NRL crowds in Sydney is set to continue with today’s blockbuster between the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium on track to post 40,000-plus fans.
Farah Injured as Tigers Maul Cowboys
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An elbow injury to Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah soured his side’s 16-4 victory over North Queensland at Campbelltown Stadium.
What: NRL Round 6
Who: Wests Tigers v North Queensland Cowboys
Result: Tigers 16-4
When and Where: Saturday April 12, Campbelltown Stadium – 7.30pm
Match Rating: 6/10
80 Minutes in 80 Seconds: The Tigers’ great win has been overshadowed by the departure of captain Robbie Farah who left the field in the dying minutes nursing a hyper extended elbow. The injury wasn’t pretty – early reports suggest he may have dislocated it – and comes on the back of a serious ankle injury to full-back James Tedesco last week. The Cowboys were completely outclassed in a match where the Tigers dominated possession and field position. Johnathan Thurston won the first round of his duel with Luke Brooks, scooping up a Brooks error and sending Brent Tate over. Things were looking good for the Cowboys but errors proved costly as they let the hosts back into the game. Farah called for ‘more energy’ at half-time and the Tigers certainly delivered, sealing their fourth win of the season.
Who Killed It? Robbie Farah produced a brilliant captains knock before the injury. He controlled the game beautifully, picking up a try through some super vision at dummy half and setting up another for rookie half Blake Austin. James Gavet was a standout off the bench, making crunching tackles and some barnstorming runs.
Who Stank It Up? Rookie fullback Michael Morgan had yet another rough night, rarely looking comfortable under the high ball. In the moments you would expect the experience of Johnathan Thurston to pull through; it was nowhere to be found. Thurston’s most prominent failure being when he butchered a certain try on the back of a Brent Tate line break.
What Do I Need To Know? Martin Taupau limped off the field in the 40th minute with a hip flexor injury along with Kurtis Rowe who was later replaced at fullback by Tim Simona. Antonio Winterstein’s hamstring injury in the 63rd minute looked ugly and the flying winger could find himself in some trouble.
Look Out Up Ahead: The hot-and-cold Cowboys take on the dangerous Sea Eagles Friday night at Brookvale Oval. Wests Tigers are against the rampaging Eels in a Monday night match up at Parramatta.
Check out the review published on sportal.com.au http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/robbie-farah-injured-in-wests-tigers-victory/1p292rwdcdlmh1wrwbaknxdgjs
Titans Upset Storm in Thriller
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Melbourne Storm have suffered their second straight defeat with a 28-26 loss to the Gold Coast Titans in their NRL clash at AAMI Park.
What: NRL Round 5
Who: Melbourne Storm v Gold Coast Titans
Result: Titans 28-26
When and Where: Sunday April 6 – AAMI Park
Crowd: 11,930
Match Rating: 8/10
80 MINUTES IN 80 SECONDS
This one see-sawed thoughout before ending in a nail-biter. Sisa Waqa’s 7th minute try set the tone for the match up, with the Titans hitting back in the 15th minute through a Kevin Gordon four pointer and again in the 18th minute thanks to a Brad Tighe try. The Titans opened up a handy lead but the Storm fought their way back to level at 26-all in the dying stages. A contentious late penalty goal saw the Titans sneak home for a memorable win – and pole position on the competition table.
WHO KILLED IT
Cooper Cronk had a massive impact on his side’s performance just when they needed an experienced head to lead the troops. Unfortunately for the Storm it wasn’t enough as an inspired Titans outfit, led by Albert Kelly, proved impossible to see off. Special mention to Sisa Waqa and David Mead for standout performances on the wing. Brad Takairangi’s crunching defence, continually shutting down Ryan Hoffman, also deserves praise.
WHO STUNK IT UP?
Although his overall performance was not bad, Ryan Hinchcliffe will be feeling horrible after conceding the penalty that led to the Titans winning conversion.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW
Dayne Weston was placed on report following a crusher tackle.
WHAT THE?
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy will be ropeable after a suspect penalty went the Titans’ way in the dying minutes, gifting them the win through a last minute goal, nailed by Greg Bird.
LOOK OUT UP AHEAD
The inspired Titans take on neighbours Brisbane on the Gold Coast on Friday, while the Melbourne Storm will be looking to bounce back against the Dragons at AAMI Park on Monday.
Sam Alexander
Published on sportal.com.au – http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/gold-coast-titans-upset-melbourne-storm-with-last-gasp-penalty/1q7do123jjq361bkleu3uimmtt
Snake lingers as Titans down Cowboys
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What: NRL Round 4
Who: North Queensland Cowboys v Gold Coast Titans
Result: Titans 13-12
When and Where: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Crowd: 9482
Match Rating: 6/10
80 MINUTES IN 80 SECONDS
We told you to watch out if the Cowboys scored first considering their tendency to get points on the board early, only to drop like flies. Well, they certainly kept tradition going. The Cowboys came out flying with an early try to Johnathan Thurston following a Robert Lui high ball, but it was all downhill from there. With the Cowboys consistently butchering chances in the opposition 20, and a very sloppy exchange between both sides, it was shaping up to be a long night.
Kevin Gordon’s first try (courtesy of a Michael Morgan shocker) set the tone for the Titans who kept the momentum going, which soon led to Brad Tighe bagging a four pointer.
And the Cowboys, well it’s safe to say they had a shocker. They showed unbelievable consistency, all for the wrong reasons. The Cowboys threw away possession in the first or second tackle, nearly every set. A completion rate of 25/47 sums it up for the Cowboys. Unbelievably they scored a Hail Mary try after the siren, but that didn’t stop JT giving the boys an absolute spray before converting the two. They allowed an extremely average Titans side to roll over them.
WHO KILLED IT
It was hard to find a standout in such an ugly contest, but man-of-the-match Aidan Sezer did the job for his team. Both Titans tries came from his boot, and then he sealed the match with a cool as they come field goal. Albert Kelly was also a standout, always looking dangerous in attack, often seen haring down field.
WHO STUNK IT UP
There were more than a few Cowboys who should be featuring in this section, but Michael Morgan and Kyle Feldt come on down. Their blunders led to both Titans tries. But they shouldn’t feel too bad – most of the Cowboys were woeful.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW
Paul Green’s Cowboys side are going to be a tough one to pick this season, continuing their hot and cold form.
WHAT THE?
Spectators were astounded to see a 1m brown snake take the field in the 13th minute as it occupied the south-east corner. No wonder the crowd was sparse in that area.
LOOK OUT UP AHEAD
The hot and cold Cowboys take on the Knights at 1300SMILES Stadium Monday night, while the Titans look to continue their winning form against the Storm at AAMI Park on Sunday.
Sam Alexander
Eagles Edge Lacklustre Roosters
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What: NRL Round 4
Who: Manly Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters
Result: Manly 8-0
When and Where: Friday, March 28 – Allianz Stadium
Crowd: 14,902
Match Rating: 7/10
80 Minutes in 80 Seconds:
The Eagles have done it again. Not even the loss of enforcer Glenn Stewart could stop the rampaging Sea Eagles who won yet another hard-fought battle. In a game where they dominated possession, with an 11-2 penalty count and 51% off possession, it’s hard to say they didn’t deserve it. The woeful completion rate of 17/33 didn’t offer any help for the Roosters either. It was quite obvious why these two were in the grand final last year, and they picked up where they left off. Roosters fans will feel the refs were against them, and who can blame them, but standout performances from Daly Cherry-Evans and Steve Matai sealed the win.
Who Killed It:
It’s hard to go past Daly Cherry-Evans in this one. His brilliant vision, playmaking and never-say-die attitude has shaped him into the superstar he is today. His desperate try-saving tackle on Boyd Cordner in the fifth minute showed was outstanding and really set the tone for the Manly boys. Matai was also a standout, most notably having a hand in Cheyse Blair’s try in the corner through distributing a brilliant pass for the Extradited Eel to go diving over.
Who Stank It Up:
In a game where his team needed him to stand up, Michael Jennings found himself suffocated out wide. Jennings only made 8 runs for 50 metres. Although he finished with a solid 20 tackles, he didn’t offer that attacking genius he possesses, in which we have seen him tear backlines apart. Roosters’ fans will see the referees as the biggest mishap, but their lack of discipline was ultimately their downfall.
What Do I Need To Know:
One incident led to a huge blow for both sides with a Jared Waerea-Hargreaves high shot on Glenn Stewart landing both influential players in hot water. Waerea-Hargreaves was put on report for the shot that left Stewart dazed and requiring medical attention which ultimately led him off the field due to the new concussion guidelines. Given his record, Waerea-Hargreaves could struggle to get out of this one.
Look Up Ahead:
The hot and cold Roosters outfit takes on the Bulldogs, Friday night at home. The Sea Eagles play Wests Tigers in a classic Sunday afternoon fixture at Leichhardt Oval.
NRL Round 3 Preview Cowboys v Warriors
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What: NRL Round 3
Who: Cowboys v Warriors
When: Saturday, March 22 – 8.00PM (QLD Time)
Where: 1300SMILES Stadium
I Can Watch It On: Fox Sports
Form guide:
Cowboys: WL
Warriors: LL
Things You Need To Know: Notoriously strong at home, the Cowboys will be coming into the match looking to bounce back from their disappointing Round 2 loss against neighbours Brisbane Broncos. The Warriors will be searching for some form following two big losses to start the season, both against slightly lacklustre line-ups of the Dragons and Eels. Cowboys’ enforcer Tariq Sims moves into the starting line-up, while Glenn Hall shifts back to the bench. The Warriors receive a massive boost in the return of rampaging winger Manu Vatuvei, while Sione Lousi joins the bench. Konrad Hurrell wears the number 18 jersey with Ben Henry (knee, round 10) and David Fusitua out of the side.
Reason To Watch: The Shaun Johnson factor. After a quiet start to the season, dynamic half-back Johnson is due to deliver one of his memorable standout performances for the Warriors this week. Johnsons attack leaves players, and spectators, speechless. His impact can be just what the Warriors need to overcome their losing ways. However, it really is going to have a standout performance, as the Cowboys at home are going to be one monstrous task to overcome
Reason To Turn Away: If you’re a NSW fan, the only thing you will take out of this game is seeing two rampaging, rival forward packs tearing shreds out of each other. Furthermore, there is also the fact that there will be some serious cross-town talent on display, with high-profile outsiders Johnathan Thurston, Shaun Johnson and Sam Tomkins all displaying their immense talent, that sadly, will never grace a New South Wales origin team.
Say What: “Shaun Johnson is a freak. He’s the reason why people come through the gates and if we are 5 or 10 per cent off our game, he will make sure we get beaten again.” – Cowboys halfback Johnathan Thurston as he prepares for his much anticipated duel with Shaun Johnson.
Final Word: Shaping up to be an absolute cracker of a match between two very exciting attacks, the X-Factors from each side are going to play a massive part in their team’s performance. Players like brutal forward Jason Taumalolo, who has been in remarkable form this season, and hard hitting back-rower Tariq Sims are going to have to do the dirty work in the middle for the Cowboys. Warrior’s marquee men Shaun Johnson and Sam Tomkins will need to link together, using their influence in attack to give their team a chance. Slightly favouring the Cowboys, with a home ground advantage and some steady on-field form they are looking just too tough for the Warriors, who will be playing their first game in North Queensland since Round 23, 2012.
S.J.A 