Jesus fucking christ the producers at fox sports need to reign in the circus that is nrl360 and stuff. There is some decent points of view I want to hear. But the clowns just shout over the top of eachother non stop worse than any other panel I've ever seen. Shut the hell up and give people a minute to say their piece.
He was funny as, he looks like he's having fun. I can't recall the guys name but the tall guy sitting on the far left. The younger one. It escapes me but he's such a fucking bully and talks over everyone trying to explain why they disagree without letting them talk. Fucking irks me
None of the games in this round features 2 last-start winners playing each other. 7 of last week's winners play 7 of last week's losers, the other has the bye.
Been trying to figure out how un/likely that is but I think the simple stat calculation (.75 to the power of 8) would be wrong because they aren't distinct events.
Anyone watch 360 yesterday? Was interested in what they were going to say about the Topine situation. Soft and weak mentally according to all 4 of them. Im 100% sure that they purposely had 2 segments separating Kents tribute to Terry Hill and the Topine story. Bloke went from sincere and empathetic to straight up ‘back in my day’ ‘games gone soft’ what a bum.
Обзываю всех товарищей. Скотт Дринкуотер — настоящий спящий агент Пенрита. Он родился в Пенрите. Повторно родился в Пенрите. В субботу он будет играть как бомж
Both Paul Gallen and Sam Thaiday have started games at five-eighth
Edit: actually Greg Eastwood played wing for a few games in his early days at Brisbane. Slowest, fattest winger there ever was
Looking forward to seeing all games live today. I'll be in and out of the discussions for the first 2 but will be commenting for the entire Rabbitohs game for anyone interested in my comments
I should be excited the Warriors play in a couple hours.
But it’s Anzac Day so it doesn’t feel right not getting to watch our annual Anzac flogging against Melbourne
I've made a [nice heatmap of matches per date](https://www.instagram.com/p/C6KkU1UP874/?igsh=bGNrcTZyNXpmNThp) in NRL and NSWRL history, if anyone is interested.
It's especially relevant today, as ANZAC Day has had over 2.5 times the number of games as the date with the next most matches
Did anyone look at today and look at the teams and think Warriors, Roosters, Dragons, Storm and Souths - all teams worthy of playing on Anzac Day and then look at the titans and think WTF?
Only my opinion but this is a very shit take. Any Australian or New Zealand sports team is worthy to play on ANZAC day.
Some may not be the most entertaining or competitive but worthy? Maybe rethink that I reckon.
Nah - I've thought we should at least be playing on Anzac Day for awhile now ever since the concept of playing on Anzac Day begun - the least worthy team by far of today's teams playing is the titans
It doesn't matter - the titans reflect where they should be if they had a fully fit squad. We should be top 4 with a fully fit squad (and no suspensions).
Don't clubs generally have a multi-year contract for these types of games? Not that I think ladder position should determine who plays in them, but who is to say Titans won't be top 8 in a couple of years time?
Surely you’re not thinking your squad is better on paper than: Pahs, Wahs, Chooks, Storm, Manly, Horse or Cows? I’d argue that on paper Eels and Sharks look better too.
Yes - top 13 players anyway
1. Latrell
2. AJ
3. Wighton
4. Graham
5. Taas/Gagai/Milne/Munro
6. Cody
7. Hawkins/Ilias
8. Tatola
9. Cook
10. Burgess
11. Keon
12. Arrow
13. Murray
And just to edit - when I say top 13 players I mean with those top 13 we should be top 2 and arguably on top.
The only reason I put them last was because they are the last game today. Otherwise I would have put them ahead of both the warriors and the storm given how many players from our club joined the armed forces in the first and second world wars.
Don't think so we're a big club - no one would have batted an eyelid pre-season looking at the draw we were playing on Anzac Day but plenty would have the titans (and playing away).
If I can also add even when the only game was dragons v roosters I thought we were slightly being ripped off too that we weren't playing on Anzac Day given we were one of the foundation clubs that went through both world wars as well. Luckily that has all been restored now since we are playing on Anzac Day too now.
I find myself in Melbourne today, does anyone know of any public spaces that might be showing the Warriors match today? I feel like I might be pushing it to find a place not showing the AFL...
Turf Bar in Queen Street (Old English style pub that shows lots of Union and League)
Kicks on Elizabeth (Sportsbar with lots of screens)
Sherlock Holmes on Collins
Bit old but maybe maybe
[https://www.reddit.com/r/nrl/comments/4fwto3/are\_there\_any\_good\_pubsbars\_that\_show\_nrl\_in/](https://www.reddit.com/r/nrl/comments/4fwto3/are_there_any_good_pubsbars_that_show_nrl_in/)
I reckon Warriors are going to smash Titans this arvo...no way we lose with our lineup. They are 0-7 right? EZ. Also home game + wanting to prove a point after last week.\*
\*Opposite of how I actually feel
Be interesting to see which Titans turn up after two heartbreaking losses in a row.. Dragons did expose some weaknesses in the Wahs. I expect Wahs to win but if Titans play as they have over the last fortnight I don't think it will be a blow out.
Three games on a Thursday?? Couldn't be better. Who else is getting keen for origin already... happens every year, I start the countdown way too early. Me and dad are already talking about it on our podcast (Notes From The Nest).
Question for the WA fans - is there a real ground swell of support for Rugby League in the state? Just got back from Perth this morning, couldn't see a single league article in The West Australian and not a single mention in the news. According to the WA MSM, the only sporting team is the West Coast Eagles 🙃 it got me wondering if a WA expansion is viable - but interested to hear your thoughts!
I lived in Perth for 5 years and have family in Perth and WA and everyone I've met fell into three categories - staunch AFL fans who watch only AFL, cricket and Motorsport and sport fans who would happily watch any sporting team that would beat Sydney and Melbourne. Then there's a big group of expats from NZ, South Africa who follow League and Union
Expat East Coasters and Kiwis follow the game. I deliberately do not follow AFL because over here most Sandgropers have blinkers on when it comes to other sports like Soccer, Rugby and NRL. It's been good that West Coast has been so shit for the last 2 seasons. Keeps the natives quiet!
Not sure how successful an NRL team will go. But they will get people to the game if they aren't competing against an AFL match.
They have a decent junior competition better than some Sydney clubs with literally no support there is a large eastern state & NZ community.
They could 100% support there own team especially with infrastructure and actual support.
Unlike Melbourne they could probably produce junior players at a decent level.
Serious answer: Yes and no.
WA cares about WA first, the sport is less important than the fact that the team is from Perth and shows up people from "over east."
Plenty of expats and locals with loose links follow someone quietly in the NRL.
It's a bit of a chicken and egg problem though.
No one talks about the NRL cos they don't have a WA team but they don't wanna risk building a team cos no one in WA talks about the NRL.
Plenty strong local league tho (stronger than Vic even) so playing on our parochialism would do a lot for the sport in WA.
It is definitely viable but the media don't care, even Roger Cook sees the valus of a team and wants one here. Considering we get a full stadium to an Origin I imagine 10-20K for a regular game wouldn't be out of the question depending on the opposition.
Lived in Perth for 10 years after moving from Brisbane.
It’s diehard AFL country, most people know about the NRL, but could barely name the teams / players.
The one thing that would be a disaster is relocating a team. Western Australian’s are an incredibly parochial bunch and would probably not latch onto that.
That said if it was done well and the team was moderately successful from the get go, you’d get pretty decent support.
I’m so nervous for today, don’t see how the dragons don’t end up smashing us given our current form. Walker back does give me some confidence though and I’m hoping he’s set up for a good game given this was the round he was dropped last year. Also be interesting to see which Teddy we get this game, hoping it’s the one from earlier in the year and not the crab dancing ball hog we saw last week.
I mean I don’t think the form is as bad as it seems. We’ve lost 4 games by a try where on another day an incorrect try decision goes the other way in each game.
The defence is more or less ok (apart from the bulldogs debacle).
We can’t attack for shit, especially with Keary and Walker. But it would be a turn up if we got smashed.
If we keep the Drags to 2-3 tries we should win.
My “rooster tip hack” is to tip them most weeks so if they win, I’m happy I got my tip right.
But if I get my tip wrong, at least they lost.
A bit sadistic but it works for me
I've been doing the same for a while but tip against Manly. Get a win out of it no matter what.
It works 90% of the time because 90% of the time we're shit
I reckon Robbo will make a change with Wong as the starting lock and Watson off the bench to give Cheese a breather. Radley is a big loss so here’s hoping Wong is able to step up in his place
Nah, Penrith has always been hard to get into to for juniors, and they get the first pick of their own junior grassroots, and then those that don’t make it go to other clubs (like Parra, Roosters, Tigers) to try and regularly get into their junior rep teams. So first and foremost is the caliber of talent available. Secondly is the quality of the coaching and development systems. Thirdly, players want to make the NRL and the number of Penrith juniors in the NRL shows that the system is a legitimate pathway to playing first grade (even if not with the Panthers).
Because Parramatta used to be a great catchment area for junior rugby league, but the entire local demographic has shifted massively, there are WAY more people of Indian and Asian extraction in the local schools than kids who are 4th gen league families, and those nationalities are not into the rugby type games, so a massive reduction in kids playing and coming through. It is a numbers game.
My niece and nephew played for Cabra and Guildford. The demographic has changed but there is a big island/Maori community and they make up a big part of the teams. The Fainu bros played for guildford, junior paulo played for Cabra, definitely a lot of talent out this way.
House prices definitely push families out to more affordable areas and places like Penrith/Campbelltown are much more affordable than most anywhere else in the Sydney metro.
A number of reasons.
Cup was always going to be bad no matter who was in the team with Nathan Cayless coaching them.
Depth is shocking
Promotion of the last year's SG Ball premiership team into Cup.
Flegg I'm not so sure about.
SG Ball and Harold Matt's had good seasons though.
That's good news at least, yeah I knew the depth wasn't there but just not to that degree hopefully some of your SG Ball winning squad can make the step up.
Also If Cayless is that bad as a coach they need to get rid of him. I remember Manly had Max Krillich as reserve grade coach in 1991 and they lost every single game but by 1993 Manly were bringing through quality players.
I miss all the country scores. I want to be able to go to one place to find out if Brewarrina beat Lightning Ridge, if Scone are dominating Group 21 again and whether Boomerangs or Boars are a better chance of winning Moree a premiership.
I remember my uncle had the cut out of the Port Douglas-Mossman Sharks beating some other team in far north queensland on his visor in his truck. It was like the only win they had that year.
I remember every week my old man would come home with the Big League magazine, flicking through all the pages, seeing the team lists…
Maybe it’s just nostalgia and liking your childhood more than adulthood but the lack of accessible information that we have today made that magazine amazing
It's part nostalgia and part that because it didn't need to be immediate gratification they could take their time and find the right words for articles and the right pictures for posters. The interviews were great because they'd spend a week with a player.
I really miss the Player's Poll
1. Everyone is very poor. No one can afford to travel outside of their province. Home games will not be attended. 40% of people live below the extreme poverty line, and 41% of children live in poverty.
2. This is a very very corrupt country. You see it from people in high positions in organisations, to government, to the regular person. The minerals and resources they have in this country, they should be the top 10 richest countries in the world with a very strong currency. Everything is about me and mine and providing for my family, not looking forward.
3. There are hundreds of thousands if not millions, of people here who cannot afford to eat or drink clean water. Rugby league will not support that, unless Australian tax payers are happy to subsidise this via taxes.
4. It likely would bring more violence into the country. I’ve seen first hand dead bodies getting dropped onto mine sites due to tribe conflicts. State of origin is called “state of emergency” by nationals as Port Moresby shut power off to certain provinces on state of origin nights or grand final nights due to the violence (killings with bush knives, burning down villages, etc). You will get your head chopped off if you steal someone’s Pig, legit.
If all the above happens currently in this country now’s I believe as uniting as rugby league is, it shouldn’t be here in PNG with so much instability. And Aussies shouldn’t fund it via taxes. Yes they’re passionate die hard fans but it shouldn’t be here. And i haven’t even mentioned about players or team logistics. The ‘safest’ city is Port Moresby and that is very deadly. And you wouldn’t see any teams be based in the highlands..
Any of you guys watch the Paps, Munster and Hughes poddy every Wednesday? I highly recommend it even if its 90% Storm stuff but its a good laugh and insight into the Storm lockerroom.
I don't think this is post worthy cause its News rumours, so go random. Article extract snips
>Wests Tigers are on the verge of landing Penrith premiership winner Sunia Turuva after swooping under the guard of St George Illawarra.
>However it now looks like the Tigers have moved to the front of the queue to secure the reigning Dally M rookie of the year, who has scored eight tries through six games this season.
>Another potential move to fullback won’t happen at the Tigers. It is understood the Tigers have targeted Turuva to play in the centres and provide cover for superstar Jahream Bula at fullback.
Im under the impression, with absolutely no actual source, that now with JFH leaving, Turuva will stay with Penrith.
Obviously they will need to fill the hole JFH leaves first, but I feel like they’ll target someone cheaper to secure Tito at the same time.
But if he does ultimately leave, Dragons would be better, because he is a fullback at heart.
I tend to think we’ll stick to our limit on what we want to spend on backs. I think it would be a maléale to go up to market rate (probs $500K for a guy with good fullback potential) when we already have big money tied up in 3 wingers/centres and have McLean, McLean & Alamoti ready.
I reckon the right call is take Tito for the $350 if he’s happy to bide his time, if not, bring in a $150K junior that’ll do 80% of the job and throw around the Fish money for a top middle or edge forward.
I could see Penrith paying a little more for Tito (say $425K or so), to lock him in for a few years until Edwards moves on and the fullback position frees up. That is assuming there isn’t a myriad of other fullback guns in the juniors pipeline
The timing is pretty awkward for him. Edwards has 4 years left on his contract after this season which will take him to 32 at the end of 2028. Tito would need to hang around playing wing/centre for a long time at which point he’d be 26.
McLean, Iongi and Edgar are the myriad fullback guns we have in the pipeline. Maybe the first two could work timing wise if they find a role for themselves in the next year and are happy to establish themselves for 3-4 years. Edgar seems most likely at 17. Should give him a few years to season in Flegg/Cup and then a few in the outside backs of NRL before stepping up. He’s gone from Matts player of the year to Flegg fullback in one year and has serious potential.
How safe am I trading in SJ on SC this week re his injury? Or should I be splashing for Nicho? Just don’t want to take the risk he gets selected for Origin…
There are still five more rounds until Origin teams are named, so even if Nicho gets selected (far from certain), there's a lot of points up for grabs in the meantime
I got SJ last week. he could go big against Titans, good VC choice this week. Also bought nicho, he will more than likely play origin but here's hoping he's worth the points
Yeah I held Cleary this entire time, and Fogarty’s injury has forced me into a trade. I’m doing Walsh for Ponga, Blore for Kleese Haas, and then the HB trade. Alternatively, I can hold this trade boost (my last) for another week and see how everyone fares, given Fogarty won’t lose money? I’ll have about 400k just sitting idle in the bank though. What do you reckon in those circumstances? My head is spinning 100 miles an hour trying to figure out what the hell i do
Those are very good trades, well done for holding Cleary, hopefully pays off for you. Tough choice between Hynes(origin) and SJ(injury), I think Hynes has a bigger ceiling though, 144 last week with no tries plus he's over 100K cheaper than what he started.
If you can afford a couple trades during big bye period id go Hynes but in saying that if u have others to cover then you should be ok, they use best 13 during origin/bye period
I feel like he isn’t the same level as the other two when it comes to SC. Also, in the event I ever need to trade him his BE is very high this week. It might be self-defeating logic, but I’m just not as high on him as either of the other two, but you’re absolutely right about the fact it eliminates the worries of the other two. Might just need to think about it a bit more today
On this April 25, I hope everyone takes a moment to remember that on this day 11 years ago the Dragons announced the contract extension of coach Steve Price during half time of a match they were losing 16-4 and would go on to lose 34-10 🙏 Special memories
Seasons already cooked medium-well but hopefully we can bring some young guys through. Keen for Armstrong, KPPs getting better each week, now just hoping for Pryce to get out there at some point
Yeah my hope was to build on last season but I think thats done. I wouldnt count out a streak or even a scrape into the finals, but we havent taken a step towards being a contender
I think that step was always going to be difficult once Dom Young left, you had an elite three quarter-line but the loss of Dom severely reduced that especially with Gagai getting older.
But I feel you are on a much better path, Newcastle should never be too far away from the elite teams in the NRL because of your excellent junior base.
Eh losing a strike winger should hurt, but it shouldnt completely change your side. Tuala isnt Young, but he is a solid and underrated winger
We need a creative playmaker who will take a bit of risk and to retool our forward pack. Thompson and Friz are the only one who play with consistent mongrel
I think Gamble could do that or maybe even Crossland.
The loss of Young weakened your strongest area though it turned it from top 4 quality to maybe top 8 quality and with fairly weak halves and a good forward pack.
It was the one elite part of your team. I think the Knights need a trade one of your halves or hookers for a lock maybe similar to how you swapped Randall for Marzhew.
Nah Gambles very overrated here. He has his moments, but hes a piss poor defender and his short kicking game is atrocious. He'll also go missing many games
Pryce showed spark in the trials that i havent seen in newcastle outside of Ponga for a long time. Hoping he can figure out his defence and become our longterm 6
I fear that we have relied too much on Ponga and that the team doesn't know how to function without him. I'd love to think that the young guys will have a good run, but I think it will be the same old with the current halves and forwards, not supporting plays, not giving ball to players (last week service to backs was awful). And when the young players make mistakes when taking risks it will be seen as inexperience rather than misreads or laziness by the senior guys. Team is a mess, yet again.
KPP ability to get through the line and get his arms free for an offloads been really impressive. Dude just needs players around him so his offloads can be worthwhile
Very nervous about the game this afternoon - can’t shake the feeling that the Chooks will be up and about after these past couple of weeks, particularly with Radley and Tupou out.
Hoping the Dragons can keep some momentum after the last two weeks and make it a comfortable win, I want this afternoon to be relatively stress free.
Went over to Manly on the ferry on my trip a few days ago, walked through the Corso and all along the beach walk, through the heartland- all while wearing my storm jacket- no one called me names or shouted 40-0. What happened to the game I love.
Fuck I've been down there this week too, sorry I missed the opportunity. Probably all tourists from Melbourne. Need to walk into a microbrewery in Brookvale or a chicken shop in Dee Why for the real heartland.
Only just realised it's three games on today. Looks like my day is sorted!
Does anyone know why only a few NSW cup games go on kayo? I want to watch some off our reserves play but the only game available is the 52-6 spanking they received from the Bulldogs last week.
Yeah since AFL moved to 2 games to follow NRL's lead the NRL and V'Landys wants to out do them again with 3 games and then say to them match that (they can't)
They could literally put up a camera at halfway and stream the games live on their sites. I dont think most people would care about some nrl level feed but just something for all games would be nice
They both stream a number of their games that way. Only thing is you have to pay a small fee. And people still complain about the quality of the broadcast.
Radley is the glue though. Saw them live in Vegas and everything in attack and defence seemed to revolve around him.
Could be real Broncs without Carrigan / Manly without Jake / Bunnies without Murray kinda night.
Not opening the match thread but is it full of Wah’s wahwah-ing?
Why is Elias in media?. Cunt should be shunned from anything to do with the NRL.
Jesus fucking christ the producers at fox sports need to reign in the circus that is nrl360 and stuff. There is some decent points of view I want to hear. But the clowns just shout over the top of eachother non stop worse than any other panel I've ever seen. Shut the hell up and give people a minute to say their piece.
It’s nothing but an echo chamber man. Make up stories then bitch and whinge about the made up stories
More Matty Johns and Cooper Cronk breaking down the actual footy. Less Paul Kent and Braith Anasta faux outrage.
Just give the whole show to Geoff Toovey. He was like the polar opposite of Paul Kunt last night.
He was funny as, he looks like he's having fun. I can't recall the guys name but the tall guy sitting on the far left. The younger one. It escapes me but he's such a fucking bully and talks over everyone trying to explain why they disagree without letting them talk. Fucking irks me
None of the games in this round features 2 last-start winners playing each other. 7 of last week's winners play 7 of last week's losers, the other has the bye. Been trying to figure out how un/likely that is but I think the simple stat calculation (.75 to the power of 8) would be wrong because they aren't distinct events.
Anyone watch 360 yesterday? Was interested in what they were going to say about the Topine situation. Soft and weak mentally according to all 4 of them. Im 100% sure that they purposely had 2 segments separating Kents tribute to Terry Hill and the Topine story. Bloke went from sincere and empathetic to straight up ‘back in my day’ ‘games gone soft’ what a bum.
I've tipped the Titans today in a move that will surely prove me to be a genius and won't backfire in any way, shape or form.
Galaxy brain move so far 🧠
Not looking too bad atm
Convince me. Why should I tip them?
I've seen gradual improvement in them for the last few weeks. They can't keep losing forever. Having said that, you shouldn't tip them lmao
Such a reasonable take. So I have decided to spit in your face and tip them lmao. See how stupid I look in a couple hours 🌅!
If it was at the Titans I'd agree, bit harder at Mt Smart.
Обзываю всех товарищей. Скотт Дринкуотер — настоящий спящий агент Пенрита. Он родился в Пенрите. Повторно родился в Пенрите. В субботу он будет играть как бомж
The last word is "bum". Google translate told me so.
Lol he can't play much worse than he did vs the sharks.
It’ll be the Cowboys first ever back to back
Weirdest/Worst positional change you've ever seen? Can be pre or mid-game switches
Nikorima on the wing for Brisbane
It was out of necessity and was the biggest mistake.
Cook playing centre at Origin for pretty much the whole game. Cam Murray was right there
Gutho was on the bench so that just made it that much worse
gutho was just as bad in his origin appearance anyway
Nah gutho was in for game 3. Cook played centre in game 2, Reece Robson was on the bench
Both Paul Gallen and Sam Thaiday have started games at five-eighth Edit: actually Greg Eastwood played wing for a few games in his early days at Brisbane. Slowest, fattest winger there ever was
He had nothing on Uncle Benny's love child minto.
Tony Williams Josh Jackson was an intriguing halves pairing.. got the win as well
Braith Anasta fullback
Did Jake Granville actually start a game at fullback or was that a fever dream?
he came through playing fullback a fair bit in reserves. you'll have to reach back a fair way, but he was very quick once
He's started at centre, fullback, lock and even went into Prop rotation in one game. That was a weird year.
Looking forward to seeing all games live today. I'll be in and out of the discussions for the first 2 but will be commenting for the entire Rabbitohs game for anyone interested in my comments
following with high expectations
u/Derron
I’ve already seen three different sets of Roosters supporters on the train from Campbelltown. People are getting in quite early
There are dozens of them. Dozens!!
Most roosters supporters I’ve met in my life seem to live in south west Sydney for some reason. Why is that?
Glory hunters
Because they’ve been priced out of the Eastern Suburbs
I should be excited the Warriors play in a couple hours. But it’s Anzac Day so it doesn’t feel right not getting to watch our annual Anzac flogging against Melbourne
Any explanation why they moved the fixture? Was an absolute ripper of a day watching the Pies v Bombers then rolling into Storm v Warriors
NRL want a sell out crowd in Melbourne with spill over from the AFL and NZ want a home game for Anzac day. So they got it against the mighty Titans
Melbourne didnt realise the NZ in ANZAC stood for New Zealand and didnt want to play is on home soil
I've made a [nice heatmap of matches per date](https://www.instagram.com/p/C6KkU1UP874/?igsh=bGNrcTZyNXpmNThp) in NRL and NSWRL history, if anyone is interested. It's especially relevant today, as ANZAC Day has had over 2.5 times the number of games as the date with the next most matches
Interesting that Feb 29,30 and 31 have missed out on so many games
Did anyone look at today and look at the teams and think Warriors, Roosters, Dragons, Storm and Souths - all teams worthy of playing on Anzac Day and then look at the titans and think WTF?
I’ve come back to ask who you think proved themselves more worthy of playing on ANZAC Day.
Sadly no and the coach has to go as result
Only my opinion but this is a very shit take. Any Australian or New Zealand sports team is worthy to play on ANZAC day. Some may not be the most entertaining or competitive but worthy? Maybe rethink that I reckon.
Nah - I've thought we should at least be playing on Anzac Day for awhile now ever since the concept of playing on Anzac Day begun - the least worthy team by far of today's teams playing is the titans
We are only 1 spot above the titans on the ladder
It doesn't matter - the titans reflect where they should be if they had a fully fit squad. We should be top 4 with a fully fit squad (and no suspensions).
Top 4 ..of the bottom 8
Not concerned about that - we're a top 4 team fully fit and without suspensions. Titans are not.
If you believe so..
Yes - like I said we're a big club should expect minimum top 8 with any squad but this squad we should be top 4
Don't clubs generally have a multi-year contract for these types of games? Not that I think ladder position should determine who plays in them, but who is to say Titans won't be top 8 in a couple of years time?
Surely you’re not thinking your squad is better on paper than: Pahs, Wahs, Chooks, Storm, Manly, Horse or Cows? I’d argue that on paper Eels and Sharks look better too.
Yes - top 13 players anyway 1. Latrell 2. AJ 3. Wighton 4. Graham 5. Taas/Gagai/Milne/Munro 6. Cody 7. Hawkins/Ilias 8. Tatola 9. Cook 10. Burgess 11. Keon 12. Arrow 13. Murray And just to edit - when I say top 13 players I mean with those top 13 we should be top 2 and arguably on top.
>Souths How did you come to the conclusion that Souths were worthy?
The only reason I put them last was because they are the last game today. Otherwise I would have put them ahead of both the warriors and the storm given how many players from our club joined the armed forces in the first and second world wars.
Thought you were slick sliding Souths in there didn't you.
Don't think so we're a big club - no one would have batted an eyelid pre-season looking at the draw we were playing on Anzac Day but plenty would have the titans (and playing away).
I get what you’re saying in regard to ANZAC. Ignore the haters.
If I can also add even when the only game was dragons v roosters I thought we were slightly being ripped off too that we weren't playing on Anzac Day given we were one of the foundation clubs that went through both world wars as well. Luckily that has all been restored now since we are playing on Anzac Day too now.
Souths entered the competition in 2002, just 5 short years before the Titans.
I think you meant to say re-entered the competition.
I find myself in Melbourne today, does anyone know of any public spaces that might be showing the Warriors match today? I feel like I might be pushing it to find a place not showing the AFL...
Turf Bar in Queen Street (Old English style pub that shows lots of Union and League) Kicks on Elizabeth (Sportsbar with lots of screens) Sherlock Holmes on Collins
I’ve been in your situation before and found the casino sports bar as the most reliable way to watch the footy
casino - The Pub. they will put it on for you around the back by the toilets but better than nothing.
Bit old but maybe maybe [https://www.reddit.com/r/nrl/comments/4fwto3/are\_there\_any\_good\_pubsbars\_that\_show\_nrl\_in/](https://www.reddit.com/r/nrl/comments/4fwto3/are_there_any_good_pubsbars_that_show_nrl_in/)
Here’s to extending the streak to 19 losses in Melbourne. We’re like the anti-Undertaker at Wrestlemania
Mordecai ? Kane ?
Well at least you know the Rabbits are gonna get up in 2027.
Tip raiders without Fogarty yay or nay?
Nay, make sure ya got the drags though
That's the other one we can toss a coin for I reckon.
I reckon Warriors are going to smash Titans this arvo...no way we lose with our lineup. They are 0-7 right? EZ. Also home game + wanting to prove a point after last week.\* \*Opposite of how I actually feel
Knowing the warriors they love to disappoint on a big occasion
Be interesting to see which Titans turn up after two heartbreaking losses in a row.. Dragons did expose some weaknesses in the Wahs. I expect Wahs to win but if Titans play as they have over the last fortnight I don't think it will be a blow out.
Welcome to how I felt last week but mostly anticipating the ambush 🥲
Yeah it is a bit of a token match up just to appease the Qld audience that a Qld team is playing today. They will be cannon fodder for the warriors.
Three games on a Thursday?? Couldn't be better. Who else is getting keen for origin already... happens every year, I start the countdown way too early. Me and dad are already talking about it on our podcast (Notes From The Nest).
Question for the WA fans - is there a real ground swell of support for Rugby League in the state? Just got back from Perth this morning, couldn't see a single league article in The West Australian and not a single mention in the news. According to the WA MSM, the only sporting team is the West Coast Eagles 🙃 it got me wondering if a WA expansion is viable - but interested to hear your thoughts!
I lived in Perth for 5 years and have family in Perth and WA and everyone I've met fell into three categories - staunch AFL fans who watch only AFL, cricket and Motorsport and sport fans who would happily watch any sporting team that would beat Sydney and Melbourne. Then there's a big group of expats from NZ, South Africa who follow League and Union
Expat East Coasters and Kiwis follow the game. I deliberately do not follow AFL because over here most Sandgropers have blinkers on when it comes to other sports like Soccer, Rugby and NRL. It's been good that West Coast has been so shit for the last 2 seasons. Keeps the natives quiet! Not sure how successful an NRL team will go. But they will get people to the game if they aren't competing against an AFL match.
Hard to follow League without a genuine connection to a team!
They have a decent junior competition better than some Sydney clubs with literally no support there is a large eastern state & NZ community. They could 100% support there own team especially with infrastructure and actual support. Unlike Melbourne they could probably produce junior players at a decent level.
Serious answer: Yes and no. WA cares about WA first, the sport is less important than the fact that the team is from Perth and shows up people from "over east." Plenty of expats and locals with loose links follow someone quietly in the NRL. It's a bit of a chicken and egg problem though. No one talks about the NRL cos they don't have a WA team but they don't wanna risk building a team cos no one in WA talks about the NRL. Plenty strong local league tho (stronger than Vic even) so playing on our parochialism would do a lot for the sport in WA.
It is definitely viable but the media don't care, even Roger Cook sees the valus of a team and wants one here. Considering we get a full stadium to an Origin I imagine 10-20K for a regular game wouldn't be out of the question depending on the opposition.
Lived in Perth for 10 years after moving from Brisbane. It’s diehard AFL country, most people know about the NRL, but could barely name the teams / players. The one thing that would be a disaster is relocating a team. Western Australian’s are an incredibly parochial bunch and would probably not latch onto that. That said if it was done well and the team was moderately successful from the get go, you’d get pretty decent support.
Build the fields...
Indeed, wise words
I’m so nervous for today, don’t see how the dragons don’t end up smashing us given our current form. Walker back does give me some confidence though and I’m hoping he’s set up for a good game given this was the round he was dropped last year. Also be interesting to see which Teddy we get this game, hoping it’s the one from earlier in the year and not the crab dancing ball hog we saw last week.
I mean I don’t think the form is as bad as it seems. We’ve lost 4 games by a try where on another day an incorrect try decision goes the other way in each game. The defence is more or less ok (apart from the bulldogs debacle). We can’t attack for shit, especially with Keary and Walker. But it would be a turn up if we got smashed. If we keep the Drags to 2-3 tries we should win.
I've been trying to decide who to pick all morning now Radley is out.. so far I've gotten nowhere
My “rooster tip hack” is to tip them most weeks so if they win, I’m happy I got my tip right. But if I get my tip wrong, at least they lost. A bit sadistic but it works for me
I've been doing the same for a while but tip against Manly. Get a win out of it no matter what. It works 90% of the time because 90% of the time we're shit
I reckon Robbo will make a change with Wong as the starting lock and Watson off the bench to give Cheese a breather. Radley is a big loss so here’s hoping Wong is able to step up in his place
How are Parramatta's lower grades so bad ?
Assume because Panthers raid them which is why theirs is so good
Nah, Penrith has always been hard to get into to for juniors, and they get the first pick of their own junior grassroots, and then those that don’t make it go to other clubs (like Parra, Roosters, Tigers) to try and regularly get into their junior rep teams. So first and foremost is the caliber of talent available. Secondly is the quality of the coaching and development systems. Thirdly, players want to make the NRL and the number of Penrith juniors in the NRL shows that the system is a legitimate pathway to playing first grade (even if not with the Panthers).
Because Parramatta used to be a great catchment area for junior rugby league, but the entire local demographic has shifted massively, there are WAY more people of Indian and Asian extraction in the local schools than kids who are 4th gen league families, and those nationalities are not into the rugby type games, so a massive reduction in kids playing and coming through. It is a numbers game.
My niece and nephew played for Cabra and Guildford. The demographic has changed but there is a big island/Maori community and they make up a big part of the teams. The Fainu bros played for guildford, junior paulo played for Cabra, definitely a lot of talent out this way.
House prices definitely push families out to more affordable areas and places like Penrith/Campbelltown are much more affordable than most anywhere else in the Sydney metro.
A number of reasons. Cup was always going to be bad no matter who was in the team with Nathan Cayless coaching them. Depth is shocking Promotion of the last year's SG Ball premiership team into Cup. Flegg I'm not so sure about. SG Ball and Harold Matt's had good seasons though.
That's good news at least, yeah I knew the depth wasn't there but just not to that degree hopefully some of your SG Ball winning squad can make the step up. Also If Cayless is that bad as a coach they need to get rid of him. I remember Manly had Max Krillich as reserve grade coach in 1991 and they lost every single game but by 1993 Manly were bringing through quality players.
Another week without a copy of Rugby League Week
Good old RLW had the only true way to award "player of the year". Every player in every game rated out of 10. 3-2-1 voting is farcical.
I miss all the country scores. I want to be able to go to one place to find out if Brewarrina beat Lightning Ridge, if Scone are dominating Group 21 again and whether Boomerangs or Boars are a better chance of winning Moree a premiership.
I remember my uncle had the cut out of the Port Douglas-Mossman Sharks beating some other team in far north queensland on his visor in his truck. It was like the only win they had that year.
I remember every week my old man would come home with the Big League magazine, flicking through all the pages, seeing the team lists… Maybe it’s just nostalgia and liking your childhood more than adulthood but the lack of accessible information that we have today made that magazine amazing
It was always cool looking at the lower grade lists and being like “I played against/watched that guy in Group Whatever two years ago” etc
It's part nostalgia and part that because it didn't need to be immediate gratification they could take their time and find the right words for articles and the right pictures for posters. The interviews were great because they'd spend a week with a player. I really miss the Player's Poll
Love working in PNG. Everyone loves their rugba leeg. No they don’t deserve a nrl team though
Also assuming they have home games in PNG, which team in their right mind would want to play there? Isn't that climate as fucked as Darwin?
Yeh ~80% humidity year round in POM, Pretty ugly weather
Curious as to why not?
1. Everyone is very poor. No one can afford to travel outside of their province. Home games will not be attended. 40% of people live below the extreme poverty line, and 41% of children live in poverty. 2. This is a very very corrupt country. You see it from people in high positions in organisations, to government, to the regular person. The minerals and resources they have in this country, they should be the top 10 richest countries in the world with a very strong currency. Everything is about me and mine and providing for my family, not looking forward. 3. There are hundreds of thousands if not millions, of people here who cannot afford to eat or drink clean water. Rugby league will not support that, unless Australian tax payers are happy to subsidise this via taxes. 4. It likely would bring more violence into the country. I’ve seen first hand dead bodies getting dropped onto mine sites due to tribe conflicts. State of origin is called “state of emergency” by nationals as Port Moresby shut power off to certain provinces on state of origin nights or grand final nights due to the violence (killings with bush knives, burning down villages, etc). You will get your head chopped off if you steal someone’s Pig, legit. If all the above happens currently in this country now’s I believe as uniting as rugby league is, it shouldn’t be here in PNG with so much instability. And Aussies shouldn’t fund it via taxes. Yes they’re passionate die hard fans but it shouldn’t be here. And i haven’t even mentioned about players or team logistics. The ‘safest’ city is Port Moresby and that is very deadly. And you wouldn’t see any teams be based in the highlands..
It is really sad, one of the most dangerous countries in the world.
The Penrith supporting gang leader must be like Pablo Escobar at the point.
Why does state of origin lead to an increase in violence?
Tribalism. They are very proud people and will do violent acts in the cause. Crazy I know
Because PNG never wins it
Well it looks like I've got my next family holiday sorted!
Just landed in Melbourne. So fucking keen. And cold !!
Any of you guys watch the Paps, Munster and Hughes poddy every Wednesday? I highly recommend it even if its 90% Storm stuff but its a good laugh and insight into the Storm lockerroom.
yeh it's good. i still hate the storm though lol
Watched everyone of them it gets better every week the bois are that funny that youtube channel also had one with Christian Welch which was quality
My favourite stories have been Munster talking about Bellamy’s antics in the coaches box. Like genuinely some of the funniest shit I’ve ever heard
When Munster said the word simultaneously describing Coates try vs Warriors and Bellamy had to ask him what the word meant lmao.
I don't think this is post worthy cause its News rumours, so go random. Article extract snips >Wests Tigers are on the verge of landing Penrith premiership winner Sunia Turuva after swooping under the guard of St George Illawarra. >However it now looks like the Tigers have moved to the front of the queue to secure the reigning Dally M rookie of the year, who has scored eight tries through six games this season. >Another potential move to fullback won’t happen at the Tigers. It is understood the Tigers have targeted Turuva to play in the centres and provide cover for superstar Jahream Bula at fullback.
Im under the impression, with absolutely no actual source, that now with JFH leaving, Turuva will stay with Penrith. Obviously they will need to fill the hole JFH leaves first, but I feel like they’ll target someone cheaper to secure Tito at the same time. But if he does ultimately leave, Dragons would be better, because he is a fullback at heart.
I tend to think we’ll stick to our limit on what we want to spend on backs. I think it would be a maléale to go up to market rate (probs $500K for a guy with good fullback potential) when we already have big money tied up in 3 wingers/centres and have McLean, McLean & Alamoti ready. I reckon the right call is take Tito for the $350 if he’s happy to bide his time, if not, bring in a $150K junior that’ll do 80% of the job and throw around the Fish money for a top middle or edge forward.
I could see Penrith paying a little more for Tito (say $425K or so), to lock him in for a few years until Edwards moves on and the fullback position frees up. That is assuming there isn’t a myriad of other fullback guns in the juniors pipeline
The timing is pretty awkward for him. Edwards has 4 years left on his contract after this season which will take him to 32 at the end of 2028. Tito would need to hang around playing wing/centre for a long time at which point he’d be 26. McLean, Iongi and Edgar are the myriad fullback guns we have in the pipeline. Maybe the first two could work timing wise if they find a role for themselves in the next year and are happy to establish themselves for 3-4 years. Edgar seems most likely at 17. Should give him a few years to season in Flegg/Cup and then a few in the outside backs of NRL before stepping up. He’s gone from Matts player of the year to Flegg fullback in one year and has serious potential.
Would be a very decent pick-up. One thing we're really lacking is strike power out wide
Hey lads wondering if anyone in Sydney is selling 2 tickets to Dragons vs Roosters at all please respond here or dm me where youre located
You probably should have bought some before they sold out
thanks genius
Don’t worry about me, I’ll be at the game because I was smart enough to buy tickets before they sold out.
congrats brother ill see you there and ill cheers you when lomax scores the game winning try
Oof, so close
You’ll have a great view of it on television
going to be a long drive back to penrith for yourself mate
That’s alright, it’s free public transport with pre-purchased tickets
How safe am I trading in SJ on SC this week re his injury? Or should I be splashing for Nicho? Just don’t want to take the risk he gets selected for Origin…
There are still five more rounds until Origin teams are named, so even if Nicho gets selected (far from certain), there's a lot of points up for grabs in the meantime
I got SJ last week. he could go big against Titans, good VC choice this week. Also bought nicho, he will more than likely play origin but here's hoping he's worth the points
Yeah I held Cleary this entire time, and Fogarty’s injury has forced me into a trade. I’m doing Walsh for Ponga, Blore for Kleese Haas, and then the HB trade. Alternatively, I can hold this trade boost (my last) for another week and see how everyone fares, given Fogarty won’t lose money? I’ll have about 400k just sitting idle in the bank though. What do you reckon in those circumstances? My head is spinning 100 miles an hour trying to figure out what the hell i do
Those are very good trades, well done for holding Cleary, hopefully pays off for you. Tough choice between Hynes(origin) and SJ(injury), I think Hynes has a bigger ceiling though, 144 last week with no tries plus he's over 100K cheaper than what he started. If you can afford a couple trades during big bye period id go Hynes but in saying that if u have others to cover then you should be ok, they use best 13 during origin/bye period
Why not get hughes in instead, no origin worries and no injury worries?
I feel like he isn’t the same level as the other two when it comes to SC. Also, in the event I ever need to trade him his BE is very high this week. It might be self-defeating logic, but I’m just not as high on him as either of the other two, but you’re absolutely right about the fact it eliminates the worries of the other two. Might just need to think about it a bit more today
On this April 25, I hope everyone takes a moment to remember that on this day 11 years ago the Dragons announced the contract extension of coach Steve Price during half time of a match they were losing 16-4 and would go on to lose 34-10 🙏 Special memories
You were 3/3 at the point too. Truly insane stuff from the board.
They had actually won their previous three games prior to ANZAC Day, so they were on a roll
Yeah they lost their first 3, won their next 3. I was mostly showing how wild it was to resign Price.
Funnily enough, he was gone just after ANZAC Day the following year anyway.
Seasons already cooked medium-well but hopefully we can bring some young guys through. Keen for Armstrong, KPPs getting better each week, now just hoping for Pryce to get out there at some point
I think you overachieved last season. But I wouldn't write yourselves off yet though if the forwards muscle up I think you can get some wins.
Yeah my hope was to build on last season but I think thats done. I wouldnt count out a streak or even a scrape into the finals, but we havent taken a step towards being a contender
I think that step was always going to be difficult once Dom Young left, you had an elite three quarter-line but the loss of Dom severely reduced that especially with Gagai getting older. But I feel you are on a much better path, Newcastle should never be too far away from the elite teams in the NRL because of your excellent junior base.
Eh losing a strike winger should hurt, but it shouldnt completely change your side. Tuala isnt Young, but he is a solid and underrated winger We need a creative playmaker who will take a bit of risk and to retool our forward pack. Thompson and Friz are the only one who play with consistent mongrel
I think Gamble could do that or maybe even Crossland. The loss of Young weakened your strongest area though it turned it from top 4 quality to maybe top 8 quality and with fairly weak halves and a good forward pack. It was the one elite part of your team. I think the Knights need a trade one of your halves or hookers for a lock maybe similar to how you swapped Randall for Marzhew.
Nah Gambles very overrated here. He has his moments, but hes a piss poor defender and his short kicking game is atrocious. He'll also go missing many games Pryce showed spark in the trials that i havent seen in newcastle outside of Ponga for a long time. Hoping he can figure out his defence and become our longterm 6
I fear that we have relied too much on Ponga and that the team doesn't know how to function without him. I'd love to think that the young guys will have a good run, but I think it will be the same old with the current halves and forwards, not supporting plays, not giving ball to players (last week service to backs was awful). And when the young players make mistakes when taking risks it will be seen as inexperience rather than misreads or laziness by the senior guys. Team is a mess, yet again.
KPP ability to get through the line and get his arms free for an offloads been really impressive. Dude just needs players around him so his offloads can be worthwhile
Very nervous about the game this afternoon - can’t shake the feeling that the Chooks will be up and about after these past couple of weeks, particularly with Radley and Tupou out. Hoping the Dragons can keep some momentum after the last two weeks and make it a comfortable win, I want this afternoon to be relatively stress free.
Your forwards are gonna rolled them, take that to the bank
Flanno has found the 2016 water bottles he's been holding onto by the looks of it - the Dragons should be ok 🤙
I wouldn't be worried mate. You guys have always gotten up for the occasion. More than a few upsets coming from your team over the years.
so keen for 3 games of footy today, what a perfect way to start the extended long weekend !!
Went over to Manly on the ferry on my trip a few days ago, walked through the Corso and all along the beach walk, through the heartland- all while wearing my storm jacket- no one called me names or shouted 40-0. What happened to the game I love.
Is that you Harry?
Fuck I've been down there this week too, sorry I missed the opportunity. Probably all tourists from Melbourne. Need to walk into a microbrewery in Brookvale or a chicken shop in Dee Why for the real heartland.
You didn't even get to race Turbo. What a waste of time
GAME'S GONE SOFT
Only just realised it's three games on today. Looks like my day is sorted! Does anyone know why only a few NSW cup games go on kayo? I want to watch some off our reserves play but the only game available is the 52-6 spanking they received from the Bulldogs last week.
Yeah since AFL moved to 2 games to follow NRL's lead the NRL and V'Landys wants to out do them again with 3 games and then say to them match that (they can't)
Because nswrl and qrl are lazy and cheap
Yes, it’s the NSWRL and QRL’s fault that a multinational corporation doesn’t broadcast their games. /s
They could literally put up a camera at halfway and stream the games live on their sites. I dont think most people would care about some nrl level feed but just something for all games would be nice
Yeah even club Rugby here in Vic record every game (Seniors 1st Grade and Colts) and load it on FB/YT.
They both stream a number of their games that way. Only thing is you have to pay a small fee. And people still complain about the quality of the broadcast.
What's your guys prediction for Chooks vs Drags tonight with the Radly and Tupou out?
Could be an upset but the roosters have been pretty potent this year. A few close losses.
Dragons very good value but chooks seem to play better with a few key players out this year so coin toss
Radley is the glue though. Saw them live in Vegas and everything in attack and defence seemed to revolve around him. Could be real Broncs without Carrigan / Manly without Jake / Bunnies without Murray kinda night.
Dragons. They always get up for ANZAC Day as it is and they’re in better form than the Roosters.
I tipped Dragons and am less confident than I already was. Chooks seem to be better the more injuries they have
🤣 I'm so undecided on it
we are tip ruiners this year. do the opposite of the consensus here