The Roar » Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au Your Sports Opinion Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:20:39 +0000 en hourly 1 gabrielknowleshttp://feedburner.google.com Strange Blues selections raise plenty of questions http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/X9R6L0P71Ko/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/24/josh-morris/#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:14:53 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=20295 When it comes to Origin, Darren Lockyer knows what he’s talking about. So when the Maroons captain comes out and publicly questions the selection of an opposition player, you know something is amiss. Clearly, Lockyer isn’t having a go at Josh Morris’ playing ability, nor is he engaging in ritual pre-match gamesmanship. It seems he, [...]

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New South Wales team huddle before their final training session at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Tuesday, June 23, 2009. New South Wales take on Queensland in the second State of Origin match tomorrow night. AAP Image/Dean Lewins

New South Wales team huddle before their final training session at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Tuesday, June 23, 2009. New South Wales take on Queensland in the second State of Origin match tomorrow night. AAP Image/Dean Lewins

When it comes to Origin, Darren Lockyer knows what he’s talking about. So when the Maroons captain comes out and publicly questions the selection of an opposition player, you know something is amiss.

Clearly, Lockyer isn’t having a go at Josh Morris’ playing ability, nor is he engaging in ritual pre-match gamesmanship. It seems he, like many, is perplexed as to why the Blues selectors have gone the way they have.

WIth Craig Wing ruled out, many were predicting the inclusion of Ben Hornby in the utility role. Even Michael Ennis would have offered more variety off the bench than Morris.

The problem for the Blues is that if Morris is called into action, then a myriad of positional changes will most likely occur. Kurt Gidley, Jarryd Hayne and Joel Monaghan will all potentially shuffle around if, as expected, Robbie Farah is given a rest at some stage.

For a team who have struggled for cohesion in recent times, it’s hardly an ideal scenario to be facing.

On the other hand, if there is an injury somewhere across the back line, then they’ll have more than adequate cover – but only slightly more than what Hornby could have offered.

The other potential problem facing the Blues is the decision to only go with one frontrower on the bench. Despite the Maroon’s frontrowers getting on top of the Blues pack for all but the back end of each half in Origin One, the NSW selectors have opted to up the ante on their policy of having mobile forwards.

The Maroon’s are fortunate to be largely unchanged, once again, and they have all the momentum heading into the second match.

While they’ll miss Justin Hodges on their right side, Willie Tonga has been in good form of late and has done the job at this level before. Whether he can move away from his preferred left side is another story, but modern footballers are more than capable of playing on different sides these days.

Across the board, the Maroon’s have too many game breakers, even on the bench, who will be able to turn the game in the unlikely event that it’s a close one.

The Blues selectors will need to go back to the drawing board for Game Three if they want to get anything out of this series.

Again.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/24/josh-morris/feed/ 12 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/24/josh-morris/ Blues selectors need to show faith in young stars http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/S_vllwv2fmg/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/16/nsw-selectors-need-to-show-faith/#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:39:25 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=20011 As if we were in any doubt about what controls rugby league, the NSWRL prove it once again. Perhaps they figured that they didn’t cop too much about it last time, so why not announce their State Of Origin team at half-time during Monday night football again? Sure, there are the commercial realities of the [...]

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Johnathon Thurston of Queensland scores a try during the Queensland v New South Wales State of Origin Rugby League game at the Ethiad Stadium in Melbourne, Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009. AAP Image/Martin Philbey

Johnathon Thurston of Queensland scores a try during the Queensland v New South Wales State of Origin Rugby League game at the Ethiad Stadium in Melbourne, Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009. AAP Image/Martin Philbey

As if we were in any doubt about what controls rugby league, the NSWRL prove it once again. Perhaps they figured that they didn’t cop too much about it last time, so why not announce their State Of Origin team at half-time during Monday night football again?

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/16/nsw-selectors-need-to-show-faith/feed/ 15 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/16/nsw-selectors-need-to-show-faith/ Should the NRL give the Wild West another chance? http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/PPDabFg69Aw/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/11/rugby-league-perth/#comments Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:50:06 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=19815 This Saturday night, top flight rugby league is being played in Western Australia again, which gives the people of Perth the chance to show the NRL whether or not their state is ready for a team again. Only a handful of NRL games have been played in Perth since the Reds were disbanded following the [...]

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National Rugby League CEO David Gallop at a press conference at NRL headquarters. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

National Rugby League CEO David Gallop at a press conference at NRL headquarters. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

This Saturday night, top flight rugby league is being played in Western Australia again, which gives the people of Perth the chance to show the NRL whether or not their state is ready for a team again.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/11/rugby-league-perth/feed/ 59 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/11/rugby-league-perth/ Are they soap stars or footy stars? http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/vkt5bsCRwwg/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/10/are-they-soap-stars-or-footy-stars/#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:33:49 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=19772 To the outsider, it must often appear that rugby league is little more than a soap opera that just happens to contain some scenes in it where men in different coloured jerseys run around on a field. Such is the apparent enthusiasm that many sectors of the media and fans have for the seemingly never [...]

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Michael Ennis in his usual position at the centre of a brawl during NRL Round 5, Bulldogs v Rabbitohs at Sydney Olympic Stadium, Monday, April 13, 2009. (AAP Image/Action Photographics, Colin Whelan)

Michael Ennis in his usual position at the centre of a brawl during NRL Round 5, Bulldogs v Rabbitohs at Sydney Olympic Stadium, Monday, April 13, 2009. (AAP Image/Action Photographics, Colin Whelan)

To the outsider, it must often appear that rugby league is little more than a soap opera that just happens to contain some scenes in it where men in different coloured jerseys run around on a field.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/10/are-they-soap-stars-or-footy-stars/feed/ 18 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/10/are-they-soap-stars-or-footy-stars/ Queensland too quick, too strong for fast finishing Blues http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/VClwUor4tvc/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/04/state-of-origin-match-review/#comments Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:23:07 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=19507 After eighteen minutes, it looked as if the Maroons were going to run away with it, chugging along at a point a minute. You could have forgiven them for thinking it was all too easy. That’s because it had been. The Blues had only threatened their line once, through Jarryd Hayne’s contentious yet correctly ruled [...]

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Johnathon Thurston of Queensland scores a try during the Queensland v New South Wales State of Origin Rugby League game at the Ethiad Stadium in Melbourne, Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009. AAP Image/Martin Philbey

Johnathon Thurston of Queensland scores a try during the Queensland v New South Wales State of Origin Rugby League game at the Ethiad Stadium in Melbourne, Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009. AAP Image/Martin Philbey

After eighteen minutes, it looked as if the Maroons were going to run away with it, chugging along at a point a minute. You could have forgiven them for thinking it was all too easy. That’s because it had been.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/04/state-of-origin-match-review/feed/ 36 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/04/state-of-origin-match-review/ Maroons to wear down Blues in a close one http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/mCNB8f52PrE/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/03/maroons-to-out-last-blues-in-a-close-one/#comments Tue, 02 Jun 2009 19:17:56 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=19452 The general consensus seems to be that the Maroons will run riot over the Blues this year, courtesy of their all star back line. For mine, they’re far more likely to run riot over the Blues due to their frontrow providing better go forward. But that’s not to say that tonight’s match, or the series [...]

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Queensland Maroons celebrate Billy Slater's try against the New South Wales Blues in the third game of the State of Origin series in Sydney on Wednesday, July 2, 2008. AAP Image/Paul Miller

Queensland Maroons celebrate Billy Slater's try against the New South Wales Blues in the third game of the State of Origin series in Sydney on Wednesday, July 2, 2008. AAP Image/Paul Miller

The general consensus seems to be that the Maroons will run riot over the Blues this year, courtesy of their all star back line. For mine, they’re far more likely to run riot over the Blues due to their frontrow providing better go forward.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/03/maroons-to-out-last-blues-in-a-close-one/feed/ 6 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/03/maroons-to-out-last-blues-in-a-close-one/ Memo NRL: bring back the five minute sin bin http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/5te8FU7Ehj0/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/28/bring-back-the-five-minute-sin-bin/#comments Wed, 27 May 2009 18:30:24 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=19232 There seems to be a consensus amongst many long time league fans that the eighties were a golden period for the game. The game expanded beyond Sydney and the seeds were sown for the national competition that we have today. Good times. There’s probably still many who wouldn’t mind if the game was the same [...]

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Referee Ben Cummins sends David Fa'alogo to the bin with captain Roy Asotasi in the centre in the NRL Rugby League Round 25 South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters at Sydney Olympic Stadium, Saturday, September 1st, 2007. Sydney Roosters 26 bt South Sydney 12. AAP Image/Action Photographics/Colin Whelan

Referee Ben Cummins sends David Fa'alogo to the bin with captain Roy Asotasi in the centre in the NRL Rugby League Round 25 South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters at Sydney Olympic Stadium, Saturday, September 1st, 2007. Sydney Roosters 26 bt South Sydney 12. AAP Image/Action Photographics/Colin Whelan

There seems to be a consensus amongst many long time league fans that the eighties were a golden period for the game. The game expanded beyond Sydney and the seeds were sown for the national competition that we have today. Good times.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/28/bring-back-the-five-minute-sin-bin/feed/ 7 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/28/bring-back-the-five-minute-sin-bin/ Queensland pack to give it to inexperienced Blues http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/1WCLWABAJLQ/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/26/state-of-origin-is-queenslands-to-lose/#comments Mon, 25 May 2009 16:28:40 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=19148 For the first time in a long time, there’s no way that Queensland can claim to be anything other than favourites heading into State Of Origin. With New South Wales naming eight debutants in their Origin team, and the Maroons boasting the same one through ten as the Australian side, at least the Blues can [...]

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Queensland's Michael Crocker and Scott Prince (left) react with tryscorer Israel Folau during the NRL State of Origin match between Queensland and New South Wales at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Wednesday, June 11, 2008. AAP Image/Dave Hunt

Queensland's Michael Crocker and Scott Prince (left) react with tryscorer Israel Folau during the NRL State of Origin match between Queensland and New South Wales at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Wednesday, June 11, 2008. AAP Image/Dave Hunt

For the first time in a long time, there’s no way that Queensland can claim to be anything other than favourites heading into State Of Origin. With New South Wales naming eight debutants in their Origin team, and the Maroons boasting the same one through ten as the Australian side, at least the Blues can claim to have underdog status.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/26/state-of-origin-is-queenslands-to-lose/feed/ 11 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/26/state-of-origin-is-queenslands-to-lose/ Origin selection time http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/KZZYhGOnBdE/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/21/state-of-origin-selection-time/#comments Wed, 20 May 2009 20:42:08 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=18990 The rather presumptuous and grey 40 man NSW squad is due to be whittled down to a final 17 for the first Origin this coming Monday so what better time to pre-empt the selectors than right now. Barring injuries and extraordinary performances this weekend you’d have to imagine the selectors are pretty well settled on [...]

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NSW Blues Benn Cross is tackled by Queenslands Sam Thaiday and Justin Hodges during game 1 of the State of Origin at ANZ Stadium, May 21, 2008. AAP Image/Dean Lewins

NSW Blues Benn Cross is tackled by Queenslands Sam Thaiday and Justin Hodges during game 1 of the State of Origin at ANZ Stadium, May 21, 2008. AAP Image/Dean Lewins

The rather presumptuous and grey 40 man NSW squad is due to be whittled down to a final 17 for the first Origin this coming Monday so what better time to pre-empt the selectors than right now.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/21/state-of-origin-selection-time/feed/ 14 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/21/state-of-origin-selection-time/ Full time Freddy http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/yMYZWxHt4uQ/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/19/full-time-freddy/#comments Mon, 18 May 2009 20:15:19 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=18931 For what would be the first time this season Brad Fittler could well be happy with Willie Mason’s form. Unfortunately for Big Willie it had nothing to do with his form on the field but rather his form off it. You see the hard hitting expose from the News Ltd sleuths on Mason’s indiscretion of [...]

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Roosters coach Brad Fittler. AAP Images

Roosters coach Brad Fittler. AAP Images

For what would be the first time this season Brad Fittler could well be happy with Willie Mason’s form. Unfortunately for Big Willie it had nothing to do with his form on the field but rather his form off it.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/19/full-time-freddy/feed/ 7 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/19/full-time-freddy/ With Johns’ axing, Channel Nine finally gets it right http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/fFS9RxBplpo/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/14/with-johns-axing-channel-nine-finally-gets-it-right/#comments Wed, 13 May 2009 16:07:04 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=18716 We all know who really runs the NRL. Like any big business, the boss is never at the coal face, so it can’t be David Gallop, whose performance under extreme pressure this week has been admirable. As is the case for most professional sports around the world, television runs the show, in this case Channel [...]

Article link: With Johns’ axing, Channel Nine finally gets it right. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> We all know who really runs the NRL. Like any big business, the boss is never at the coal face, so it can’t be David Gallop, whose performance under extreme pressure this week has been admirable.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/14/with-johns-axing-channel-nine-finally-gets-it-right/feed/ 116 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/14/with-johns-axing-channel-nine-finally-gets-it-right/ Rugby league must act now on Four Corners fallout http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/z4ERL0mVAW4/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/12/rugby-league-must-act-now-on-four-corners-fallout/#comments Mon, 11 May 2009 16:26:39 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=18642 Monday night football didn’t stand a chance last night. Not following a week of anticipation after word spread that one of the game’s most recognisable faces had been implicated in a group sex scandal. It must have been a nervous wait for more than a few in the NRL fraternity, both past and present. Collectively [...]

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Sydney, February 20, 2002. Cronulla Sharks rugby league new recruites Matthew Johns (centre) and Brett Kimmorley (right) share a joke with Jason Stevens (left) at team training at the Sutherland Police Citizen Youth Club. AAP Image/Dean Lewins

Sydney, February 20, 2002. Cronulla Sharks rugby league new recruites Matthew Johns (centre) and Brett Kimmorley (right) share a joke with Jason Stevens (left) at team training at the Sutherland Police Citizen Youth Club. AAP Image/Dean Lewins

Monday night football didn’t stand a chance last night. Not following a week of anticipation after word spread that one of the game’s most recognisable faces had been implicated in a group sex scandal. It must have been a nervous wait for more than a few in the NRL fraternity, both past and present.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/12/rugby-league-must-act-now-on-four-corners-fallout/feed/ 171 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/12/rugby-league-must-act-now-on-four-corners-fallout/ Sharks circle the prospect of Central Coast relocation http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/bXvLSrrer4o/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/07/sharks-circle-the-prospect-of-relocation/#comments Wed, 06 May 2009 16:07:26 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=18452 Tony Zappia is in an unenviable position at the moment. The Cronulla Sharks are heading down the gurgler, by all accounts, and their CEO has one heck of a decision to make. With a reported $800,000 debt to the Australian Taxation Office, coupled with crowd and corporate support waning, Zappia must be pretty tempted to [...]

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Bryson Goodwin diving for the corner, NRL - St George Illawarra Dragons V Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. AAP Image/Action Photographics, Jonathan Ng

Bryson Goodwin diving for the corner, NRL - St George Illawarra Dragons V Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. AAP Image/Action Photographics, Jonathan Ng

Tony Zappia is in an unenviable position at the moment. The Cronulla Sharks are heading down the gurgler, by all accounts, and their CEO has one heck of a decision to make.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/07/sharks-circle-the-prospect-of-relocation/feed/ 15 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/07/sharks-circle-the-prospect-of-relocation/ Five changes isn’t enough for wounded Kangaroos http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/ecLTHExQ9Ew/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/05/five-changes-isnt-enough-for-wounded-kangaroos/#comments Mon, 04 May 2009 16:04:43 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=18364 If ever there was a time for the Australian selectors to break from their policy of choosing sides full of incumbents, regardless of form, this was it. The Kangaroos hardly covered themselves in glory when they lost the World Cup final to the Kiwi’s last time out. But you wouldn’t know it after only five [...]

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Australia's Greg Inglis races away for a try during the New Zealand Kiwis v Australian Kangaroos Centenary test at Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Sunday Oct. 14 2007. Australia won the game 58-0. AAP Image/Hagen Hopkins/PHOTOSPORT

Australia's Greg Inglis races away for a try during the New Zealand Kiwis v Australian Kangaroos Centenary test at Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Sunday Oct. 14 2007. Australia won the game 58-0. AAP Image/Hagen Hopkins/PHOTOSPORT

If ever there was a time for the Australian selectors to break from their policy of choosing sides full of incumbents, regardless of form, this was it. The Kangaroos hardly covered themselves in glory when they lost the World Cup final to the Kiwi’s last time out.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/05/five-changes-isnt-enough-for-wounded-kangaroos/feed/ 23 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/05/five-changes-isnt-enough-for-wounded-kangaroos/ Parramatta have way too many dummies on board http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/P_1n94td49c/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/28/parramatta-have-too-many-dummies/#comments Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:26:19 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=18093 What a year it’s been for Parramatta fans so far. It doesn’t look like the Eels are going to win anything this season, unless they give out a trophy for the dumbest club at the end of it all. We’ve only had seven rounds of action, yet the Eels have managed to get rid of [...]

Article link: Parramatta have way too many dummies on board. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> The Eel's celebrate their winning points during NRL's Round 3 Parramatta Eels v Newcastle Knights at Parramatta Stadium, Friday, March 28, 2008. Eel's beat Knights 24-23. AAP Image/Action Photographics/Grant Trouville

What a year it’s been for Parramatta fans so far. It doesn’t look like the Eels are going to win anything this season, unless they give out a trophy for the dumbest club at the end of it all.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/28/parramatta-have-too-many-dummies/feed/ 5 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/28/parramatta-have-too-many-dummies/ Baby blues have it all to do in this year’s State of Origin http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/Ai5XZ4_ZMqQ/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/23/baby-blues-have-it-all-to-do-in-state-of-origin/#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:08:58 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=17838 Notwithstanding the fact that choosing a 40 man “induction day” squad is ridiculous, especially when the top brass come out and say that players who missed out could still make the final team, NSW selectors have done well. Given three years without a series win, the Blues needed the kind of shake up that our [...]

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State of Origin. AAP Images

State of Origin. AAP Images

Notwithstanding the fact that choosing a 40 man “induction day” squad is ridiculous, especially when the top brass come out and say that players who missed out could still make the final team, NSW selectors have done well.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/23/baby-blues-have-it-all-to-do-in-state-of-origin/feed/ 6 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/23/baby-blues-have-it-all-to-do-in-state-of-origin/ City Vs Country must stay http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/AMg2t9JWHjM/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/16/city-vs-country-must-stay/#comments Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:40:18 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=17506 Yesterday over on a News Limited website, there was a interesting debate going on. Well, to be fair, the topic was probably more interesting than the actual debating that occurred. In this debate, chaired by a certain “executive sports editor,” the pros and cons of the City Vs Country game came in for some treatment. [...]

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Brett Finch with the ball during Representative Rugby League, Country v City match at WIN Stadium, Friday, May 2, 2008.AAP Image/Action Photograhics, Grant Trouville

Brett Finch with the ball during Representative Rugby League, Country v City match at WIN Stadium, Friday, May 2, 2008.AAP Image/Action Photograhics, Grant Trouville

Yesterday over on a News Limited website, there was a interesting debate going on. Well, to be fair, the topic was probably more interesting than the actual debating that occurred.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/16/city-vs-country-must-stay/feed/ 9 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/16/city-vs-country-must-stay/ Rugby league is doing away with the push and shove http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/O8Fj5IU_iW8/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/14/rugby-league-is-doing-away-with-the-push-and-shove/#comments Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:35:11 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=17391 With his team 14-6 up after 65 minutes at an ANZ Stadium that was resembling the adjacent Aquatic Centre more and more as the game wore on, it looked for all money that Michael Ennis had secured victory for the Bulldogs. Four Rabbitohs tried in vain to keep a firm grip on the rain soaked [...]

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Michael Ennis in his usual position at the centre of a brawl during NRL Round 5, Bulldogs v Rabbitohs at Sydney Olympic Stadium, Monday, April 13, 2009. AAP Image/Action Photographics, Colin Whelan

Michael Ennis in his usual position at the centre of a brawl during NRL Round 5, Bulldogs v Rabbitohs at Sydney Olympic Stadium, Monday, April 13, 2009. AAP Image/Action Photographics, Colin Whelan

With his team 14-6 up after 65 minutes at an ANZ Stadium that was resembling the adjacent Aquatic Centre more and more as the game wore on, it looked for all money that Michael Ennis had secured victory for the Bulldogs.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/14/rugby-league-is-doing-away-with-the-push-and-shove/feed/ 2 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/14/rugby-league-is-doing-away-with-the-push-and-shove/ Finch set free – why? http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/4I0sder4r4s/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/09/brett-finch-set-free/#comments Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:00:16 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=17221 So Brett Finch is on his way out of Parramatta after coach Daniel Anderson was apparently unable to guarantee him his first grade spot. If it’s true Brett Finch has just helped himself the title of the biggest prima donna to ever pull on an NRL jersey, let alone the fabled blue and yellow of [...]

Article link: Finch set free – why?. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]>
Brett Finch with the ball during Representative Rugby League, Country v City match at WIN Stadium, Friday, May 2, 2008.AAP Image/Action Photograhics, Grant Trouville

Brett Finch with the ball during Representative Rugby League, Country v City match at WIN Stadium, Friday, May 2, 2008.AAP Image/Action Photograhics, Grant Trouville

So Brett Finch is on his way out of Parramatta after coach Daniel Anderson was apparently unable to guarantee him his first grade spot.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/09/brett-finch-set-free/feed/ 5 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/09/brett-finch-set-free/ Titans tactics are inspired negativity http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/_8p6l1lRzrk/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/07/titans-tactics-are-inspired-negativity/#comments Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:01:28 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=17146 Some strange things happened on Saturday night in Melbourne. Firstly, the Storm lost at home, which secondly means that the Titans won away from home. The third strange occurrence was that the Titans managed to get up without Scott Prince steering them around the park. The fourth was the strange, but somewhat effective tactic that [...]

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]]> Aaron Cannings kisses Nathan Friend during the Parramatta Eels vs Gold Coast Titans NRL match at Parramatta Stadium. Titans won 28-20. AAP Image/Action Photographics/Grant Trouville

Some strange things happened on Saturday night in Melbourne. Firstly, the Storm lost at home, which secondly means that the Titans won away from home. The third strange occurrence was that the Titans managed to get up without Scott Prince steering them around the park.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/07/titans-tactics-are-inspired-negativity/feed/ 2 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/07/titans-tactics-are-inspired-negativity/ Big Willie’s gone soft http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/pfFOlyuUKoU/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/03/big-willies-gone-soft/#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:37:28 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=16978 Last Friday night I ducked into the toilets at the SFS after watching the Tigers finish over the top of the Roosters. The Roosters fan next to me piped up loudly when he saw an old mate a few spots down: “What are you doing in here mate? I didn’t know they let soft cocks [...]

Article link: Big Willie’s gone soft. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Willie Mason celebrates. South Sydney Rabbitohs V Sydney Roosters. AAP Image/Action Photographics, Jonathan Ng

Last Friday night I ducked into the toilets at the SFS after watching the Tigers finish over the top of the Roosters. The Roosters fan next to me piped up loudly when he saw an old mate a few spots down: “What are you doing in here mate? I didn’t know they let soft cocks in here!”

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/03/big-willies-gone-soft/feed/ 11 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/03/big-willies-gone-soft/ Waiting in the Wings http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/K4LG7Eq57wc/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/31/waiting-in-the-wings/#comments Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:29:47 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=16859 Souths fans must be mighty pleased to see that Craig Wing has indeed had time to fit some football training in amongst all his television commitments. It has been a long time coming but Wing’s return to Redfern looks like it’s finally getting going after a series of frustrating injuries. While he didn’t turn the [...]

Article link: Waiting in the Wings. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Craig Wing leaving the field after hurting his sholder during the NRL Rugby League Round 1. AAP Image/Action Photographics, Johnathan Ng.

Souths fans must be mighty pleased to see that Craig Wing has indeed had time to fit some football training in amongst all his television commitments. It has been a long time coming but Wing’s return to Redfern looks like it’s finally getting going after a series of frustrating injuries.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/31/waiting-in-the-wings/feed/ 4 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/31/waiting-in-the-wings/ The home ground disadvantage http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/186E1Ikb_04/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/26/the-home-ground-disadvantage/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:36:52 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=16687 The great news for Wests Tigers fans this year is that they aren’t playing any home games at ANZ Stadium anymore. The bad news is that these games aren’t being played at Leichhardt or Campbelltown, but instead at the Sydney Football Stadium. While the Tigers’ decision to step away from the financial bonuses on offer [...]

Article link: The home ground disadvantage. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Hazem El Masri of the Bulldogs in action at ANZ Stadium - AAP Image/Action Photographics/Colin Whelan

The great news for Wests Tigers fans this year is that they aren’t playing any home games at ANZ Stadium anymore. The bad news is that these games aren’t being played at Leichhardt or Campbelltown, but instead at the Sydney Football Stadium.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/26/the-home-ground-disadvantage/feed/ 11 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/26/the-home-ground-disadvantage/ The bench is key this season http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/9lzWNrkrGiU/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/24/the-bench-is-key-this-season/#comments Mon, 23 Mar 2009 19:26:41 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=16623 Storm fans aside, there can’t be too many complaints about the two referee system that looks to be everything NRL HQ had hoped for. Games are being played at such a frightening speed in early season heat it’s surprising club doctors haven’t got players on drips all week. Most matches have had a good flow [...]

Article link: The bench is key this season. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Storm player Billy Slater skips away from Andrew McCullough during the Rugby League, NRL Round 2, Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium, Friday March 20, 2009. Broncos won 16 - 14. (AAP Image/Action Photographics, Colin Whelan)

Storm fans aside, there can’t be too many complaints about the two referee system that looks to be everything NRL HQ had hoped for. Games are being played at such a frightening speed in early season heat it’s surprising club doctors haven’t got players on drips all week.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/24/the-bench-is-key-this-season/feed/ 0 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/24/the-bench-is-key-this-season/ Bennett’s shadow still looms over Broncos http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/-ko7vJjN0bM/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/20/the-bennett-legacy/#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:48:58 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=16494 Isn’t it great how the early rounds of the season are always jigged to throw up the juiciest of match ups? Last week we had our fair share and then some, and next week we’ve got Trent Barrett returning to his old stomping ground. This week’s juicy match-up has to be the Storm’s visit to [...]

Article link: Bennett’s shadow still looms over Broncos. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Wayne Bennett and Tonie Carroll after Round 26 against the Newcastle Knights at Suncorp Stadium. (AAP Image/Action Photographics, Colin Whelan)

Isn’t it great how the early rounds of the season are always jigged to throw up the juiciest of match ups? Last week we had our fair share and then some, and next week we’ve got Trent Barrett returning to his old stomping ground.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/20/the-bennett-legacy/feed/ 1 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/20/the-bennett-legacy/ Forget the drama, it’s a battle of the fullbacks http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/mqfXU3XeysU/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/13/battle-of-the-fullbacks/#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:45:25 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=16266 All the talk leading up to the opening round of the NRL season has been about a certain fullback’s alleged indiscretions and when he’ll play again. One of the saddest parts about this whole saga is that there are some tantalising match-ups between some of the games’ most exciting fullbacks flying under the radar. These [...]

Article link: Forget the drama, it’s a battle of the fullbacks. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Billy Slater breaks away during the NRL Round 23 Match, Melbourne Storm v Sydney Roosters at Olympic Park, Friday, Aug. 15, 2008. Melbourne Storm beat the Roosters 30-6. AAP Image/Action Photographics, Jeff Crow

All the talk leading up to the opening round of the NRL season has been about a certain fullback’s alleged indiscretions and when he’ll play again.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/13/battle-of-the-fullbacks/feed/ 0 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/13/battle-of-the-fullbacks/ Punish indiscretions with comp points http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/CXgPz0SYUaE/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/09/punish-indiscretions-with-comp-points/#comments Sun, 08 Mar 2009 21:02:57 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=16125 It’s a time when NRL fans should only be filled with an overwhelming sense of anticipation for the first round of the season proper but once again off-field dramas are taking centre stage. Instead of column inches being filled by the build up of what should be a cracker of a match between the Dragons [...]

Article link: Punish indiscretions with comp points. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Brett Stewart celebrates after he scoring his 73rd try for Manly - AAP Image/Action Photographics, Grant Trouville

It’s a time when NRL fans should only be filled with an overwhelming sense of anticipation for the first round of the season proper but once again off-field dramas are taking centre stage.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/09/punish-indiscretions-with-comp-points/feed/ 15 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/09/punish-indiscretions-with-comp-points/ Gallop needs a new game plan in financial meltdown http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/vsL-2YpGMUg/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/06/in-wake-of-financial-crisis-gallop-needs-a-new-game-plan/#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:18:34 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=15987 As the global financial crisis swings full steam ahead into Australia just in time for the NRL season, there are conflicting messages coming from its administrators. Cronulla CEO Tony Zappia admits that his team are in financial trouble. He’s even gone so far as to say it’s “make or break” year for the Sharks. If [...]

Article link: Gallop needs a new game plan in financial meltdown. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> National Rugby League CEO David Gallop at a press conference at NRL headquarters. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

As the global financial crisis swings full steam ahead into Australia just in time for the NRL season, there are conflicting messages coming from its administrators.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/06/in-wake-of-financial-crisis-gallop-needs-a-new-game-plan/feed/ 5 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/06/in-wake-of-financial-crisis-gallop-needs-a-new-game-plan/ The Lockyer effect: switching your talent to five-eighth http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/PoUFBff99Eg/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/02/the-lockyer-effect-switching-your-talent-to-five-eighth/#comments Sun, 01 Mar 2009 20:01:39 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=15769 Before the start of the 2004 season, Wayne Bennett came up with the type of plan only Wayne Bennett can come up with. He moved the then world’s best fullback to five-eighth. The critics doubted the decision and initially Lockyer looked all at sea in his new role. But then it clicked – premierships and [...]

Article link: The Lockyer effect: switching your talent to five-eighth. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Darren Lockyer of Australia in action during the Tri Nations final between Australia and New Zealand. AAP Image/Jenny Evans

Before the start of the 2004 season, Wayne Bennett came up with the type of plan only Wayne Bennett can come up with. He moved the then world’s best fullback to five-eighth. The critics doubted the decision and initially Lockyer looked all at sea in his new role.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/02/the-lockyer-effect-switching-your-talent-to-five-eighth/feed/ 5 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/02/the-lockyer-effect-switching-your-talent-to-five-eighth/ Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United live blog http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/gabrielknowles/~3/sdP85ElGH0k/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/02/28/melbourne-victory-v-adelaide-united-live-blog/#comments Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:20:56 +0000 Gabriel Knowles http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=15677 6-0? 4-0? Even the most one-eyed Reds fan would have to agree that their team hasn’t fared well in big games at the Telstra Dome but even then there’s at least one good reason for them to be feeling optimistic ahead of tonight’s game. Football is a funny game. Which must be concerning for the [...]

Article link: Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United live blog. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> 6-0? 4-0? Even the most one-eyed Reds fan would have to agree that their team hasn’t fared well in big games at the Telstra Dome but even then there’s at least one good reason for them to be feeling optimistic ahead of tonight’s game. Football is a funny game.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/02/28/melbourne-victory-v-adelaide-united-live-blog/feed/ 19 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/02/28/melbourne-victory-v-adelaide-united-live-blog/