The Roar » Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au Your Sports Opinion Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:19:13 +0000 en hourly 1 theroar/stephen-kalesshttp://feedburner.google.com NRL set for gripping final round http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/29/nrl-set-for-gripping-final-round/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/29/nrl-set-for-gripping-final-round/#comments Sun, 28 Aug 2011 19:20:57 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=49267 NRL boss David Gallop does not have an easy job, and rarely does he seem to be given a chance to sit back and smile at his achievements, but a wry smile must come across his face when he sees what the final week of the NRL regular season has popped up. The annual debate [...]

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]]> Chris SandowNRL boss David Gallop does not have an easy job, and rarely does he seem to be given a chance to sit back and smile at his achievements, but a wry smile must come across his face when he sees what the final week of the NRL regular season has popped up.

The annual debate over which finals series works better (also known as a one of the most boring debates of mankind, because we hear exactly the same arguments every single year) seems to have been postponed this year as League supporters actually watch the game to see how their top eight settles.

Both Manly and Melbourne still have an opportunity to gain the minor premiership, although you’d be hard pressed to imagine a team as professional as the Storm toss it away against a side like the Roosters.

While Brisbane are guaranteed 3rd place, fourth looks like a real lottery.

I fancy the Tigers (which is incredible given their mid season slump) however one wonders how much good consecutive games against the Titans and Sharks will do them when they then need to play finals footy.

While Friday night footy is an obvious highlight with the battle for eighth between the Knights and the Bunnies, there are a number of other games which could prove fascinating for the league fan looking to get some early indication about who might be contenders or pretenders when the finals kick off.

The Dragons fell over the line against the Warriors at WIN and they will need to build on that against the Panthers for anyone outside the Red and White Army to believe that they could make a serious tilt at the finals.

Their brilliance was there in patches against the Warriors but they really need 80 solid minutes next week.

Speaking of the Warriors, they clash with the Cowboys and both teams will be looking for a win a) to build confidence and b) to ensure they don’t end up in 7th or 8th spot.

Every team from the Broncos down is currently doing everything they can to avoid those two death seats as trips to Melbourne or Brookvale both shape as tall orders in week one.

Manly passed their contender test at home against the Storm and they will be many people’s favourites if they can beat Brisbane in Brisbane when the Broncos look to farewell Darren Lockyer.

The Broncos were in cruise control against the Rabbitohs this weekend but they get a much more thorough examination by the Sea Eagles next Sunday.

For the hell of it, I’ll stick my neck out and predict the Bunnies to make the eight. Any team that throws away a 22-6 lead like the Knights can’t be touched the following week.

Here is how I see the NRL final eight ending up:

1. Melbourne Storm
2. Manly Sea Eagles
3. Brisbane Broncos
4. Wests Tigers
5. St George Illawarra Dragons
6. New Zealand Warriors
7. North Queensland Cowboys
8. South Sydney Rabbitohs

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Article link: NRL set for gripping final round. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/29/nrl-set-for-gripping-final-round/feed/ 20 Manly vs Storm Grand Final is a certainty. Or is it? http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/22/skip-the-finals-manly-vs-melbourne-is-certainty-or-is-it/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/22/skip-the-finals-manly-vs-melbourne-is-certainty-or-is-it/#comments Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:33:46 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=48812 For as long as I’ve been following rugby league I’ve heard people making bold predictions about the two teams who will face off in the Grand Final. They bang on about how any other game bar that one is a waste of time. Invariably these people are proven, in a word, wrong. Most armchair experts [...]

Article link: Manly vs Storm Grand Final is a certainty. Or is it?. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

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Manly vs Melbourne NRL

Melbourne Storm v Manly Sea Eagles NRL match in Melbourne (AAP Image/Action Photographics, Brett Crockford)

For as long as I’ve been following rugby league I’ve heard people making bold predictions about the two teams who will face off in the Grand Final. They bang on about how any other game bar that one is a waste of time. Invariably these people are proven, in a word, wrong.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/08/22/skip-the-finals-manly-vs-melbourne-is-certainty-or-is-it/feed/ 36 The nightmare of the royal wedding http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/04/29/the-nightmare-of-the-royal-wedding/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/04/29/the-nightmare-of-the-royal-wedding/#comments Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:41:50 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=43215 It was the worst piece of rugby league coverage I’ve ever seen, and sadly history is set to repeat. The NRL coverage on Nine is to be bumped for a full hour tonight – for you guessed it – William and Kate’s royal wedding. It’s not the first time we’ve been had by the royals. [...]

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Kate Middleton and the NRL go head to head

It's the royal wedding vs NRL (AAP Image/Action Photographics, Brett Crockford)

It was the worst piece of rugby league coverage I’ve ever seen, and sadly history is set to repeat. The NRL coverage on Nine is to be bumped for a full hour tonight – for you guessed it – William and Kate’s royal wedding. It’s not the first time we’ve been had by the royals.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/04/29/the-nightmare-of-the-royal-wedding/feed/ 69 Media ‘insight’ dire on Wayne Bennett’s move http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/04/15/media-insight-dire-on-wayne-bennetts-move/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/04/15/media-insight-dire-on-wayne-bennetts-move/#comments Thu, 14 Apr 2011 21:23:04 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=42544 Wayne Bennett enjoys his privacy. Nathan Tinkler enjoys his privacy. The media hates privacy. These three statements sum up why the analysis of Wayne Bennett’s move to Newcastle has ranged from utterly dire to completely pointless. It seems that journos know about as much as the average punter. The average punter in Newcastle who has had [...]

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St. George Illawarra Dragons 2010 NRL premiers

St. George Illawarra Dragons' coach Wayne Bennett (centre) with Jamie Soward andf Trent Merrin celebrate thier teams win over Sydney Roosters during the NRL Grand Final at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Oct. 3, 2010. Dragons defeated the Roosters 32 to 8. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)

Wayne Bennett enjoys his privacy. Nathan Tinkler enjoys his privacy. The media hates privacy. These three statements sum up why the analysis of Wayne Bennett’s move to Newcastle has ranged from utterly dire to completely pointless.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/04/15/media-insight-dire-on-wayne-bennetts-move/feed/ 12 Israel Folau: Izzy a flop? http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/04/08/israel-folau-izzy-a-flop/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/04/08/israel-folau-izzy-a-flop/#comments Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:59:10 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=42249 Gee this AFL lark’s a bit tougher than expected. Let’s be frank, two debuts for Karmichael Hunt and Israel Folau, and two disasters. But how much damage has actually been done and where to from here? In the bizarre dimension where sport meets marketing it’s actually pretty hard to get a straight answer on the [...]

Article link: Israel Folau: Izzy a flop?. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Israel FolauGee this AFL lark’s a bit tougher than expected. Let’s be frank, two debuts for Karmichael Hunt and Israel Folau, and two disasters. But how much damage has actually been done and where to from here?

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/04/08/israel-folau-izzy-a-flop/feed/ 147 Referees damned if they do, damned if they don’t http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/04/01/nrl-referees-dammed-if-they-do-dammed-if-they-dont/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/04/01/nrl-referees-dammed-if-they-do-dammed-if-they-dont/#comments Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:03:38 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=41991 There comes a time in each season where I take a break from my default position of bile-spitting, stomach churning hatred of referees, to one where I feel nothing but sympathy for them. I have that charitable glow right now after a weekend where our noble whistleblowers received the sort of treatment which is normally [...]

Article link: Referees damned if they do, damned if they don’t. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> There comes a time in each season where I take a break from my default position of bile-spitting, stomach churning hatred of referees, to one where I feel nothing but sympathy for them.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/04/01/nrl-referees-dammed-if-they-do-dammed-if-they-dont/feed/ 6 Form’s temporary; class as long as you’re in form http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/03/23/form-is-temporary-class-lasts-as-long-as-youre-in-form/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/03/23/form-is-temporary-class-lasts-as-long-as-youre-in-form/#comments Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:41:12 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=41623 I remember someone saying that everyone they knew who ran marathons had either lost their job or lost their relationship. They had something to prove. Motivation is always interesting and it certainly was the theme for round two of the NRL season. In the last ten years round one losers have beaten round one winners [...]

Article link: Form’s temporary; class as long as you’re in form. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> I remember someone saying that everyone they knew who ran marathons had either lost their job or lost their relationship. They had something to prove. Motivation is always interesting and it certainly was the theme for round two of the NRL season.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/03/23/form-is-temporary-class-lasts-as-long-as-youre-in-form/feed/ 6 There is too much emphasis on chasing young ‘stars’ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/03/17/clubs-should-stop-obsessing-over-young-players/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/03/17/clubs-should-stop-obsessing-over-young-players/#comments Wed, 16 Mar 2011 22:56:06 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=41343 Round one of the NRL season was filled with the usual hype and excitement for the young players making their debuts, and there was probably plenty of backslapping for the job that the Toyota Cup is doing in continuing to produce the next “superstars” of the NRL. Once the reality of first grade set in [...]

Article link: There is too much emphasis on chasing young ‘stars’. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Round one of the NRL season was filled with the usual hype and excitement for the young players making their debuts, and there was probably plenty of backslapping for the job that the Toyota Cup is doing in continuing to produce the next “superstars” of the NRL.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/03/17/clubs-should-stop-obsessing-over-young-players/feed/ 24 A big, brutal NRL season starts tonight http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/03/11/a-big-brutal-nrl-season-starts-tonight/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/03/11/a-big-brutal-nrl-season-starts-tonight/#comments Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:48:57 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=41099 Well, it’s that time of year again where the first word out of any player’s lips will be to tell how it’s been the toughest off-season they’ve ever had. This pre-season has been somewhat unique in the fact that there have been former player’s and player’s agents probably sweating more than some of the game’s [...]

Article link: A big, brutal NRL season starts tonight. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Well, it’s that time of year again where the first word out of any player’s lips will be to tell how it’s been the toughest off-season they’ve ever had. This pre-season has been somewhat unique in the fact that there have been former player’s and player’s agents probably sweating more than some of the game’s stars, but more on that later.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/03/11/a-big-brutal-nrl-season-starts-tonight/feed/ 24 Now’s not the time to tackle corruption in FIFA http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/12/08/nows-not-the-time-to-tackle-corruption-in-fifa/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/12/08/nows-not-the-time-to-tackle-corruption-in-fifa/#comments Tue, 07 Dec 2010 16:00:45 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=38032 As we pick off the pieces of the failed World Cup bid, there is clearly a mood of anger against FIFA and the perceived corruption that occurred during the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. My immediate reaction was, why the sudden interest in graft? Then why the surprise? And finally, is [...]

Article link: Now’s not the time to tackle corruption in FIFA. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]>

As we pick off the pieces of the failed World Cup bid, there is clearly a mood of anger against FIFA and the perceived corruption that occurred during the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. My immediate reaction was, why the sudden interest in graft? Then why the surprise? And finally, is there any hard proof?

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/12/08/nows-not-the-time-to-tackle-corruption-in-fifa/feed/ 32 The four big questions for the Four Nations http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/10/22/the-four-big-questions-for-the-four-nations/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/10/22/the-four-big-questions-for-the-four-nations/#comments Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:23:06 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=36800 Rugby League’s Four Nations kicks off in Wellington on Saturday as the code looks to continue to build its international calendar. Let’s have a look at four key questions which will be answered over the next month. I have chosen four because it’s the same number of teams in the tournament, i.e. four. It’s one [...]

Article link: The four big questions for the Four Nations. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Rugby League’s Four Nations kicks off in Wellington on Saturday as the code looks to continue to build its international calendar. Let’s have a look at four key questions which will be answered over the next month.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/10/22/the-four-big-questions-for-the-four-nations/feed/ 4 Dragons and Bennett deserve the accolades http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/10/04/dragons-and-bennett-deserve-the-accolades/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/10/04/dragons-and-bennett-deserve-the-accolades/#comments Sun, 03 Oct 2010 19:54:58 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=36369 St George Illawarra Dragons have turned on a five-star second half performance to win the merged entity its inaugural premiership, end a 31-year wait for the Kogarah based half, crown Wayne Bennett as the game’s greatest ever coach and kick-off an almighty party at the two Leagues clubs and plenty of pubs in between. Bennett [...]

Article link: Dragons and Bennett deserve the accolades. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]>
St. George Illawarra Dragons 2010 NRL premiers

St. George Illawarra Dragons' coach Wayne Bennett (centre) with Jamie Soward and Dean Young celebrate thier teams win over Sydney Roosters during the NRL Grand Final at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Oct. 3, 2010. Dragons defeated the Roosters 32 to 8. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)

St George Illawarra Dragons have turned on a five-star second half performance to win the merged entity its inaugural premiership, end a 31-year wait for the Kogarah based half, crown Wayne Bennett as the game’s greatest ever coach and kick-off an almighty party at the two Leagues clubs and plenty of pubs in between.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/10/04/dragons-and-bennett-deserve-the-accolades/feed/ 47 NRL grand final is just too close to call http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/10/01/nrl-grand-final-too-close-to-call/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/10/01/nrl-grand-final-too-close-to-call/#comments Thu, 30 Sep 2010 16:24:27 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=36276 I’ve been pouring over form searching for a winner in Sunday’s NRL grand final. It’s proving hard work. You have the team of the year up against the team of the last month, the best defence against the game’s form player, the structure of the Dragons against the chaos of the Roosters. It’s an intriguing [...]

Article link: NRL grand final is just too close to call. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

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Braith Anasta

Braith Anasta dives in for a try: Rugby League, NRL, Week Two of Finals Series, Roosters v Penrith Panthers at SFS, Saturday September 18th, 2010. Digital image by Colin Whelan nrlphotos.com

I’ve been pouring over form searching for a winner in Sunday’s NRL grand final. It’s proving hard work. You have the team of the year up against the team of the last month, the best defence against the game’s form player, the structure of the Dragons against the chaos of the Roosters.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/10/01/nrl-grand-final-too-close-to-call/feed/ 35 Stop crying foul everytime the punters win http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/09/24/stop-crying-foul-everytime-the-punters-win/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/09/24/stop-crying-foul-everytime-the-punters-win/#comments Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:29:12 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=36044 When my mobile blurted out that I had a text message on Wednesday, I thought I been given a great inside scoop. However, my heart sank when I read that the entire newsroom of the Daily Telegraph had also received the missive. My source gave me the classic urban myth line that he’d received it [...]

Article link: Stop crying foul everytime the punters win. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> When my mobile blurted out that I had a text message on Wednesday, I thought I been given a great inside scoop. However, my heart sank when I read that the entire newsroom of the Daily Telegraph had also received the missive.

Read More...

]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/09/24/stop-crying-foul-everytime-the-punters-win/feed/ 4 Quit the moaning and let’s all get on with the footy http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/09/17/quit-the-moaning-and-get-on-with-the-footy/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/09/17/quit-the-moaning-and-get-on-with-the-footy/#comments Thu, 16 Sep 2010 17:57:12 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=35849 For all the calls for a review into rugby league made this week, one thing is perfectly clear: the five days leading up to week two of the finals should officially become known as “moan week,” because quite frankly, that is pretty much all we’ve got. It’s now become a tradition in week two that [...]

Article link: Quit the moaning and let’s all get on with the footy. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> For all the calls for a review into rugby league made this week, one thing is perfectly clear: the five days leading up to week two of the finals should officially become known as “moan week,” because quite frankly, that is pretty much all we’ve got.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/09/17/quit-the-moaning-and-get-on-with-the-footy/feed/ 38 Can the Sea Eagles slay the mighty Dragons? http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/09/10/can-sea-eagles-slay-the-mighty-dragons/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/09/10/can-sea-eagles-slay-the-mighty-dragons/#comments Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:00:40 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=35667 Heading into this year’s NRL final series first weekend, there seems to be two major questions: first, if either Mat Rogers or Todd Carney win the Grand Final, do they have any spare flesh for the traditional premier’s tattoo? Secondly, are Manly able to get within a bull’s roar of the Dragons on Sunday? I’m [...]

Article link: Can the Sea Eagles slay the mighty Dragons?. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Heading into this year’s NRL final series first weekend, there seems to be two major questions: first, if either Mat Rogers or Todd Carney win the Grand Final, do they have any spare flesh for the traditional premier’s tattoo? Secondly, are Manly able to get within a bull’s roar of the Dragons on Sunday?

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/09/10/can-sea-eagles-slay-the-mighty-dragons/feed/ 20 What will the final eight look like? http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/09/03/what-will-the-final-eight-look-like/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/09/03/what-will-the-final-eight-look-like/#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:01:48 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=35451 To save you all the trouble of sitting through this weekend’s final round of the NRL, I’ve decided to put you out of your misery and let you know what will happen so you can spend the weekend doing whatever necessary in order to then enjoy the finals series guilt free. Friday night: Gold Coast [...]

Article link: What will the final eight look like?. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Titans celebrateTo save you all the trouble of sitting through this weekend’s final round of the NRL, I’ve decided to put you out of your misery and let you know what will happen so you can spend the weekend doing whatever necessary in order to then enjoy the finals series guilt free.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/09/03/what-will-the-final-eight-look-like/feed/ 9 Why Graham Murray should replace Finch http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/09/02/why-graham-murray-should-replace-finch/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/09/02/why-graham-murray-should-replace-finch/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:51:14 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=35418 So it’s finally happened: Robert Finch has decided to draw a close on his tenure as NRL referees coach. My initial reaction was a high volume “YAHOOOO,” as I thought back to the constant frustration of the past eight years as Finch lamely supported another dud refereeing decision in the face of a mountain of [...]

Article link: Why Graham Murray should replace Finch. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> So it’s finally happened: Robert Finch has decided to draw a close on his tenure as NRL referees coach. My initial reaction was a high volume “YAHOOOO,” as I thought back to the constant frustration of the past eight years as Finch lamely supported another dud refereeing decision in the face of a mountain of evidence.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/09/02/why-graham-murray-should-replace-finch/feed/ 3 Anti-siphoning legislation a microcosm of Australian politics http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/27/anti-siphoning-legislation-a-microcosm-of-australian-politics/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/27/anti-siphoning-legislation-a-microcosm-of-australian-politics/#comments Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:30:13 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=35237 The Federal Election was largely panned by most voters as being irrelevant to their day to day life. However, with the issue of the anti-siphoning list still to be resolved, a potentially explosive issue could be boiling away behind the scenes. In my opinion, the anti-siphoning legislation is a bit of a microcosm of Australian [...]

Article link: Anti-siphoning legislation a microcosm of Australian politics. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> The Federal Election was largely panned by most voters as being irrelevant to their day to day life. However, with the issue of the anti-siphoning list still to be resolved, a potentially explosive issue could be boiling away behind the scenes. In my opinion, the anti-siphoning legislation is a bit of a microcosm of Australian politics.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/27/anti-siphoning-legislation-a-microcosm-of-australian-politics/feed/ 15 Big pre-finals matches a fitting end to a quality season http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/24/big-pre-finals-matches-a-fitting-end-to-a-quality-season/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/24/big-pre-finals-matches-a-fitting-end-to-a-quality-season/#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:04:54 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=35158 The battle for NRL’s top eight simply refuses to go away, with twelve teams still fighting for the right to play September footy. However, the stakes are getting higher each week and on the weekend the Raiders took a big step towards claiming an unlikely spot in the finals. The Raiders look like they are [...]

Article link: Big pre-finals matches a fitting end to a quality season. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> The battle for NRL’s top eight simply refuses to go away, with twelve teams still fighting for the right to play September footy. However, the stakes are getting higher each week and on the weekend the Raiders took a big step towards claiming an unlikely spot in the finals.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/24/big-pre-finals-matches-a-fitting-end-to-a-quality-season/feed/ 5 Ex-player to make NRL referee debut in match http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/20/referees-find-a-diamond-in-the-rough/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/20/referees-find-a-diamond-in-the-rough/#comments Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:41:09 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=35057 There has already been too much attention paid to referees this season, but on Saturday night I’ll be watching one with keen interest, and hopefully it will become a good news story. Former Roosters player Luke ‘Diamond’ Phillips will make his debut as an NRL referee in the Storm versus Sharks match. His journey through [...]

Article link: Ex-player to make NRL referee debut in match. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> There has already been too much attention paid to referees this season, but on Saturday night I’ll be watching one with keen interest, and hopefully it will become a good news story. Former Roosters player Luke ‘Diamond’ Phillips will make his debut as an NRL referee in the Storm versus Sharks match.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/20/referees-find-a-diamond-in-the-rough/feed/ 7 Forget Cooper, Eels need to get their house in order http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/17/forget-cooper-eels-need-to-get-their-house-in-order/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/17/forget-cooper-eels-need-to-get-their-house-in-order/#comments Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:30:34 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=34981 Honestly, what the hell is going in Parramatta? The whole three ringed circus with Quade Cooper, while their season hangs from a thread and the rumblings continue about Daniel Anderson, just underlines what a basket case the club’s culture has become. Let’s deal with the Cooper angle first. Now, I’ll admit you could find a [...]

Article link: Forget Cooper, Eels need to get their house in order. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Honestly, what the hell is going in Parramatta? The whole three ringed circus with Quade Cooper, while their season hangs from a thread and the rumblings continue about Daniel Anderson, just underlines what a basket case the club’s culture has become. Let’s deal with the Cooper angle first.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/17/forget-cooper-eels-need-to-get-their-house-in-order/feed/ 20 The key NRL matches that could shape the finals http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/13/the-key-nrl-matches-that-could-shape-the-finals/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/13/the-key-nrl-matches-that-could-shape-the-finals/#comments Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:56:01 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=34851 With more teams becoming ‘also-rans’ each week as we officially enter the business end of the season there are four games which stand out for me this week in the NRL. Friday night: Broncos v Eels A few weeks ago the Eels looked set to charge into the finals and set up another dash for [...]

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Eric Grothe in action during the NRL, Parramatta Eels v Canberra Raiders. AAP Image/Action Photographics, Grant Trouville

Eric Grothe in action during the NRL, Parramatta Eels v Canberra Raiders. AAP Image/Action Photographics, Grant Trouville

With more teams becoming ‘also-rans’ each week as we officially enter the business end of the season there are four games which stand out for me this week in the NRL.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/13/the-key-nrl-matches-that-could-shape-the-finals/feed/ 2 Inglis signing brings bling back to Brisbane http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/11/inglis-signing-brings-bling-back-to-brisbane/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/11/inglis-signing-brings-bling-back-to-brisbane/#comments Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:41:34 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=34744 The signing of Greg Inglis could prove to be one of the most important in the history of the Brisbane Broncos. In one (albeit very expensive) foul swoop the Broncos have potentially found the piece of the puzzle which will return the club to their halcyon days of the early 90s when they were the [...]

Article link: Inglis signing brings bling back to Brisbane. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

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Greg Inglis playing for Queensland in State of Origin

Queensland player Greg Inglis (right) in action during Queensland's defeat over New South Wales in the 2nd State of Origin match between against New South Wales at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Wednesday, June 16, 2010. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

The signing of Greg Inglis could prove to be one of the most important in the history of the Brisbane Broncos. In one (albeit very expensive) foul swoop the Broncos have potentially found the piece of the puzzle which will return the club to their halcyon days of the early 90s when they were the benchmark for rugby league.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/11/inglis-signing-brings-bling-back-to-brisbane/feed/ 76 Who said the SCG was a great ground for league? http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/06/who-said-the-scg-was-a-great-ground-for-league/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/06/who-said-the-scg-was-a-great-ground-for-league/#comments Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:30:07 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=34579 There are some things in rugby league that I just don’t get. One of them is the attraction of playing games at the SCG. That the place has a history is used to silence dissent and to question it is akin to spitting in a Digger’s beer on ANZAC day. Well, Henson Park has history, [...]

Article link: Who said the SCG was a great ground for league?. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> SCG Members Stand

There are some things in rugby league that I just don’t get. One of them is the attraction of playing games at the SCG. That the place has a history is used to silence dissent and to question it is akin to spitting in a Digger’s beer on ANZAC day.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/06/who-said-the-scg-was-a-great-ground-for-league/feed/ 43 Win early, win often: a simple formula for NRL finals http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/05/win-early-win-often-a-simple-formula-for-nrl-finals/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/05/win-early-win-often-a-simple-formula-for-nrl-finals/#comments Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:07:08 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=34522 A few weeks ago the “water cooler” chat about the NRL was that all you needed was to really fire in the last few months, apparently it was largely pointless to be firing from day one. Those spreading this theory were using the Eels of 2009 as well as a resurgent Bulldogs and Eels of [...]

Article link: Win early, win often: a simple formula for NRL finals. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> NRL FinalsA few weeks ago the “water cooler” chat about the NRL was that all you needed was to really fire in the last few months, apparently it was largely pointless to be firing from day one.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/05/win-early-win-often-a-simple-formula-for-nrl-finals/feed/ 1 Kickers must be made to feel the pressure http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/07/30/kickers-must-be-made-to-feel-the-pressure/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/07/30/kickers-must-be-made-to-feel-the-pressure/#comments Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:10:19 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=34311 At the start of the year I made a resolution not to blast referees this season. My resolution was made partly through a feeling that it was a tough job and having some no name blogger tapping away in fury did little to reach a productive solution of improved refereeing and two. If the improvements [...]

Article link: Kickers must be made to feel the pressure. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Titans celebrateAt the start of the year I made a resolution not to blast referees this season. My resolution was made partly through a feeling that it was a tough job and having some no name blogger tapping away in fury did little to reach a productive solution of improved refereeing and two.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/07/30/kickers-must-be-made-to-feel-the-pressure/feed/ 3 Blue Tongue crowd a sign that NRL should expand http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/07/27/blue-tongue-crowd-a-sign-that-nrl-should-expand/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/07/27/blue-tongue-crowd-a-sign-that-nrl-should-expand/#comments Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:31:11 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=34214 Sunday offered three debates, but only one was answered resoundingly. There was, of course, the debate between two party leaders, which lacked any clear winner, and there was the debate over whether Robbie Farah dived against the Sea-Eagles. But the one debate that was ended in the most conclusive fashion was: is the Central Coast [...]

Article link: Blue Tongue crowd a sign that NRL should expand. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Sunday offered three debates, but only one was answered resoundingly. There was, of course, the debate between two party leaders, which lacked any clear winner, and there was the debate over whether Robbie Farah dived against the Sea-Eagles. But the one debate that was ended in the most conclusive fashion was: is the Central Coast was ready for an NRL team?

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/07/27/blue-tongue-crowd-a-sign-that-nrl-should-expand/feed/ 139 Will we see a Fantasy League-styled Salary Cap? http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/07/23/will-we-see-a-fantasy-league-styled-salary-cap/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/07/23/will-we-see-a-fantasy-league-styled-salary-cap/#comments Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:10:36 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=34072 The suggestion that the NRL salary cap could be replaced with a “Fantasy League” style points system was one that intrigued me, largely because I find Fantasy League frustrating yet highly addictive and would love nothing more to see club bosses and CEOs facing the same predicament as I do each week. For those unaware, [...]

Article link: Will we see a Fantasy League-styled Salary Cap?. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> The suggestion that the NRL salary cap could be replaced with a “Fantasy League” style points system was one that intrigued me, largely because I find Fantasy League frustrating yet highly addictive and would love nothing more to see club bosses and CEOs facing the same predicament as I do each week.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/07/23/will-we-see-a-fantasy-league-styled-salary-cap/feed/ 26 Stuart departs early as the Storm keeps raging http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/07/21/stuart-departs-early-as-the-storm-keeps-raging/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/07/21/stuart-departs-early-as-the-storm-keeps-raging/#comments Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:11:45 +0000 Steve Kaless http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=34016 I awoke to two of the least shocking headlines a rugby league fan can expect from the 2010 season. The first was that there are now suspicions that News Ltd knew a lot more, a lot earlier than what they had previously let and the second was that Ricky Stuart was calling time earlier than [...]

Article link: Stuart departs early as the Storm keeps raging. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

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Former Australian rugby league team coach Ricky Stuart. AAP Image/Dave Hunt

Former Australian rugby league team coach Ricky Stuart. AAP Image/Dave Hunt

I awoke to two of the least shocking headlines a rugby league fan can expect from the 2010 season. The first was that there are now suspicions that News Ltd knew a lot more, a lot earlier than what they had previously let and the second was that Ricky Stuart was calling time earlier than expected on his coaching career with the Cronulla Sharks.

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