NRL 2011.

NaTe · Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2011 4:30 pm�� Post subject: NRL 2011.

Well..

Haven't seen a thread about rugby league yet this year.

I know the thread last yr remained a little inactive for the most part, but I figure we should have one anyway.

Is anyone involved in any dream teams or tipping comps?

Can't wait for the season to begin

Up the roosters!
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Big Pete · Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2011 6:13 pm�� Post subject:

Good initiative NaTe!

Really looking forward to this season, judging by all the squads the standard has all but risen across the competition and it will be great to see Melbourne in the thick of things.

Not to mention rep. footy is going to be great, NSW are finally ready to debut the likes of Dugan, Uate and Carney and they're going to be a real handful for the Maroons this year.

Personally speaking, I can't wait to see how the Broncos go. Last season our fate seemed sealed as soon as Hodges went down injured and then well and truly fell apart when Locky went down. With a relatively healthy roster I reckon we'll be back into contention, especially with the return of Hannant who will give us that momentum in the middle we so badly missed in 2010. I mean, you know your front row is bad when Shane 'Turtle' Tronc is your best prop.

Any guesses for premiers?

It's bloody tough to come up with a winner, at this stage I might have to go Chookies but I get this weird vibe about them. There's just something about Brian Smith that leads me to believe he's destined not to win a premiership, I hope he proves me wrong because he's well overdue but it remains to be seen.
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Kurupt · Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2011 7:19 pm�� Post subject:

Go the Doggies!

I'll join any PALGN tipping comp. I'm not that much of a fan that knows all the players names. I just kinda follow the Doggies.

Qbert · Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2011 3:55 pm�� Post subject:

Can we make it 6 in w row this year?! I firmly believe that we can, but I agree with Pete that this will be a tougher challenge, more like the 06,07 blues sides that we beat.

I hope that the Broncos can not do worse than last year, and with Hodges back they should be sweet.
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Big Pete · Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2011 5:10 pm�� Post subject:

I'd probably put this prospective Blues side in the same league as the 05 side...

1. Josh Dugan
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Mark Gasnier
4. Michael Jennings
5. Akuila Uate
6. Todd Carney
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Michael Weyman
9. Robbie Farah
10. Tom Learoyd Lahrs
11. Luke Lewis
12. Greg Bird
13. Paul Gallen

14. Kurt Gidley
15. Tim Mannah
16. Kade Snowden
17. Anthony Watmough

Not neccesarily the side I'd go with, but I'd imagine Stuart will go with it.

In contrast here is the likely Queensland side...

1. Billy Slater
2. Lote Tuqiri
3. Greg Inglis
4. Justin Hodges
5. Darius Boyd
6. Darren Lockyer
7. Johnathan Thurston
8. Mat Scott
9. Cam Smith
10. Dave Shillington
11. Nate Myles
12. Sam Thaiday
13. Dallas Johnson

14. Cooper Cronk
15. Ben Hannant
16. Dave Taylor
17. Petero Civoniceiva

Both are fairly even sides and I reckon it's going to go right down to the wire, should be fantastic to watch and should be the best series since 2007 if not 2002.

Sounds like Hodges started where he left off, set up a try with his first touch of the footy, had a linebreak and made a number of good darts from dummy half. With him back it leaves the Broncos with one question, who will fill the left centre position.

From the sounds of things that man will be Norths Devils centre Jack Reed who's been extremely solid in the trials. Reliable defender who's able with the ball in hand. Failing that there's also the balanced Copley and the talented Beale.

Here's how I predict the Broncs will look for Round 1...

1. Josh Hoffman
2. Denan Kemp
3. Jack Reed
4. Justin Hodges
5. Jharal Yow Yeh
6. Darren Lockyer
7. Peter Wallace
8. Ben Hannant
9. Andrew McCullough
10. Sam Thaiday
11. Ben Te'o
12. Matt Gillett
13. Corey Parker

14. Alex Glenn
15. Shane Tronc
16. Josh McGuire
17. Ben Hunt

Do any of you other supporters have team predictions?

EDIT: Henjak has just been sacked...wow.
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Tsargrad · Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2011 9:09 pm�� Post subject:

Go the Sharkies!!
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NaTe · Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2011 3:32 pm�� Post subject:

I certainly agree with regards to origin. The emergence of Uate, Dugan and obviously Carney, as well as Pearce being a year older and more experienced are making me excited and optimistic about the blues chances of ending this streak.

I think big Petes side is pretty accurate as to what will be picked. I'm a bit unsure about Haynes merit as a rep football player. Shows flashes of the brilliance we all know he's capable of, however he's also shown signs of stupidity at times. I'd be tempted to go with Gordon or B.Morris instead. Also a bit unsure about Gasnier, at his best there aren't many better centres but time will tell if he can get back to that level. One thing is for sure though, Farrah has to be picked over Ennis to give us any chance.

As for club teams, I'd like to fancy the roosters for the premiership, but something makes me doubt. I hope they prove me wrong. Hopefully with last years experience they'll be better for it, particularly guys like Kane Linnet, Joseph Leilua, and Martin Kennedy who definately impressed me last year. I also like the fact they have three points of attack in Anasta, Carney and Pearce.

I'd suggest rd 1 lineup would look something like..

1. Anthony Minichiello
2. Joseph Leilua
3. Kane Linnet
4. Sean Kenny-Dowall
5. Sam Perrett
6. Todd Carney - if fit
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Jason Ryles
9. Jake Friend
10. Frank Paul Nuuausala
11. Braith Anasta
12. Mitch Aubusson
13. Nate Myles

14. Mark Riddell
15. Martin Kennedy
16. Jarrod Warea-Hargreaves
17. Mose Masoe

Is anyone playing any fantasy comps this year? I'm part of the NRL dream team comp on nrl.com. Found it difficult to pick a lineup with the salary cap but this is what I've come up with:

1. Josh Dugan
2. Micharl Gordon
3. Sean Kenny-Dowall
4. Brett Morris
5. Jason Nightingale
6. Todd Carney
7. Jonathon Thurston
8. Keith Galloway
9. Robbie Farrah (c)
10. Tim Mannah
11. Ashley Harrison
12. Nate Myles
13. Luke Lewis

14. Luke Burt
15. S. Mills
16. K. O'Donnell
17. K Morgan
19. D. Gagai
18. Dale Cherry-Evans
20. David Shillington
21. Aaron Payne
22. Fui Fui Moi Moi
23. Tom Leyroyd-Lahrs
24. Tariq Sims
25. Ben Murdoch-Masila

Players in bold are non scoring reserves, just making up the numbers.
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Big Pete · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 2:07 pm�� Post subject:

So what did everyone make of round 1?

I didn't catch every game but those that I did...

Sydney vs. Souths - Roosters bench was awesome but again showed that they could switch off badly. Souths are still bit of a rabble even though they did lose Burgess and Geddes relatively early.

Brisbane vs. Cowboys - Brisbane played woefully while the Cows capitilised brilliantly through Thurston and then showed some great resolve when the Broncos were afforded every opportunity to come back.

Storm vs. Sea Eagles - Storm grinded the life out of a Sea Eagles side that came up with too many coach killing mistakes.

Raiders vs. Sharks - Raiders out-lasted the Sharks and went onto rack up an impressive through their impressive backs and halves.

Panthers vs. Knights - Panthers played one of the worst games I've seen and the Knights made them pay.
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A l e x · Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2011 4:21 am�� Post subject:

New season same shit for the sharks, looked dangerous for the first 10 mins then the mistakes and dropped balls started showing up, will be suprised if we dont come last tbh

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A l e x · Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 9:03 pm�� Post subject:

hmm i take that back, played awesome tonight completed most of our sets and held onto the ball, great defence aswell if we can play like that each week could go well this season
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Tsargrad · Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 10:52 pm�� Post subject:

What a match. Great game, great win!!

Go the Sharkies!
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NaTe · Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2011 9:23 pm�� Post subject:

Well..

What about those sharkies huh?

Admittedly, Penrith played very poorly, but the skarks look like a team full of confidence and full of faith in each other.

Plus, they have Paul Gallen. He's got to be one of the best forwards going.
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A l e x · Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2011 9:44 pm�� Post subject:

Yea Penrith were really poor but we also played good and some of that attack was the best ive seen from them in a while, add our awesome defence to that and if we can keep it consistent each week it will be a good season.

I know its early on but im predicting top 8 finish, i thought it was the same old sharks team after round 1 but now after 2 really good performances i can see they have worked on alot of things.
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Big Pete · Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2011 12:44 am�� Post subject:

I haven't watched Cronulla since their opening round game, how's Graham/Kelly going?

These were the games I caught.

Titans vs. Broncos - Unsure whether the Broncos defence was brilliant or the Titans attacked sucked arse but I was happy none the less. Reed continues to impress me as a rookie and Beale played his best game in first grade.

Sea Eagles vs. Knights - Sea Eagles just outmuscled the Knights across the paddock, Watmough was back to his best and Will Hopoate looks to be a player of the future. Just about every carry either produced an awesome offload or a great try and I can see him making the Blues in a few years time. Knights were unlucky to lose the players they did and I think they'll be doing it tough over the next few rounds.

Cowboys vs. Storm - Cows stepped it up and I was so pleased to see them put a score on the Storm after all those years of torment. Just an all-round good team performance, couldn't even chalk that up to just JT. Sad to see Sika Manu injured, I reckon he could be the best second rower in the game if he could stay fit.

Caught bits of Dogs/Roosters (if only they had one more interchange!), Eels/Rabbitohs (Wesser's pass was awesome, Parra s**t in the second half and Inglis looks to be finally waking) and Tigers/Raiders (Benji is awesome, shame about the injuries).

In other news, my favourite player of all time, Darren Lockyer is retiring. It's probably the right time for him, while he's been below his best ever since he did his knee there's no doubting he played a vital part in the ethos of the club and he's going to be sorely missed looking forward. I believe we have the talent to move forward but whether they discover it or not is an entirely different thing.
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Big Pete · Posted: Mon May 23, 2011 10:16 pm�� Post subject:

BUMP

Origin is coming up.

What are your thoughts?
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Qbert · Posted: Tue May 24, 2011 7:18 am�� Post subject:

QLD 2-1, but I'm more worried about this NSW team than I have been for the past 2 or so seasons. I think it's a massive blow that GI and Hodges are out for game 1 because if we had shut out the Blues in game 1 that would have forced changes and disrupted NSW quite a lot. Now NSW have time to build confidence. I'm expecting a massive 40 minutes from the Blues where the game will either be won or lost.

Bottom line is, you could never back against a team with 1,6,7,9 being Slater, Locky, Thurston and Smith.
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NaTe · Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 8:40 am�� Post subject:

It's definately a tough gig trying to knock off this QLD side, but I think NSW is heading in the right direction.

I do like the NSW side picked, I probably would've picked a little differently, but all in all I can't complain. This looks like the biggest challenge QLD has faced for a few years, especially minus Inglis and Folau.

Should be a good match.
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Big Pete · Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 4:40 pm�� Post subject:

I definitely feel like this is the best side NSW have announced since Game 3 2005. There's no telling whether it will play as well but the selectors have picked a 'good' team. Sure, they could have potentially picked a better side but I don't think there's a bad player amongst them.

Qld on the other hand are looking shakey. As Nate mentioned, no Folau or Inglis is a big loss. Especially Folau who's just so safe under the high ball. It's going to be a real big test for Yow Yeh and Nielsen but I have confidence in them that they'll do the job.

In the end, I have Qld just based on experience in key positions and their front row. However I expect it to be a close game and there will be plenty to talk about post-game.

Can't wait! I've put all my assignments on hold for tonight.

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John Marston · Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 4:43 pm�� Post subject:

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FalconDude · Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 6:54 pm�� Post subject:

Ive never really rooted for a certain team to win with origin. I just love the good games. The ones with brutal hits, fast football and close point scoring contests.

Hopefully tonight will be one of those types of games.
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FalconDude · Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 11:17 pm�� Post subject:

Not a bad game. Lots of intensity and speed. Even when NSW came back I still had a feeling QLD would win. The scuffle at full time was funny. Not sure who started it. Will have to see the replay.
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NaTe · Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 12:01 am�� Post subject:

Well..

I thought QLD came out much more ready to play than the blues. However after they put on that first try, I thought the blues did fairly well from then on, although the Yow Yeh and Slater tries were quite easily avoidable.

Was impressed with all the debutants for the most part. All played solidly without being outstanding, although I thought Uate was great, and Dugan had his moments.

A few referee decisions at crucial times didn't sit too well with me. Tonga taking out Dugan mid air in the first half with no penalty awarded left NSW deep in their own teritory instead of being piggy backed out. Would've been a penalty in any NRL match.

Also the forward pass at the start of the second half was an absolute joke. It's a farce that they pull that up as a forward pass, yet every dummy half in the game throws plenty every week and it never gets pulled up.

Eh. Hopefully the blues can square it all up in Sydney.
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Big Pete · Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 12:49 am�� Post subject:

The best Origin game in a looooooong time.

NSW played with a lot of heart tonight and I thought they'd run away with it late but the class of the Maroons was just too much. Still plenty of positives for them to take out of tonight and I reckon they could easily come out on top this series.

Maroons certainly got the brunt of the blatant calls but I thought in general play the Blues were given much more lee way in the ruck. Scott also got away with a lot of s**t in the ruck and even just some blatant thuggery like getting Yow Yeh in a spear.

With that said, good on him, I thought he lead the Blues more than Gallen ever did.
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Tooki · Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 5:50 pm�� Post subject:

Get rid of Mark Gasnier. All he did was get dropped by Darius Boyd.

I thought Michael Jennings did good though. He looked dangerous.

QLD are too good though. Too much experience.
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Qbert · Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 11:23 am�� Post subject:

Great game. It's funny, when we were 10-0 and Thurston missed the kick I felt nervous. Then when we were 12-10 down at the kickoff I think I felt the most confident haha. Just so spoilt by QLD comebacks.

Nate I agree that NSW got a lot of bad calls, I was sorry to see that. It will probably even out next game though. But as for Slater's try being easily aviodable?! Were you watching another game to me? After the work that the NSW deferders had to make for 70+ minutes, it was next to impossible to stop Slater at such an angle coming at speed that close to the line. That try is already up on youtube, have a watch and see if it doesn't change your mind! A Smith, Thurston, Lockyer and inside pass to Slater is something special. Like they say, you know it's coming, but stopping it is another matter!

Bring on game 2!
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