Rugby League 2008 Season

[Italian MVP]

The ESL is so competitive right now, everyone is feeling it. Bottom beats top, Second team finished last not long ago, there'a a 1 point difference in the top 6, with at least 6 teams not sure on whether they will finish at the top half. Points difference means everything this season and it shows just how close this competition is.

But isnt Rhinos way ahead ontop of the table. While your comp is pretty close NRL is probably closer the teams coming 11, 12 are only 4 points from the leaders. And the top 8 is seperated for 2 points, so really we competitive as well. But its not only that, but the quality of football. Im sure that game was really good, but here in Australia is just so more competitive, its more physical and its more skill involved. And i have evidence to back it up. Micheal Crocker, a Storm player, is leaving to play for HULL next season and his reason was because he wouldnt last another season over here its too physical wereas in the Super League, he can play another 3-5 years and finish his career on a high.

While the Super League is getting more and more competitive i just see NRL being miles ahead. i watched a game with um i think it was Bradford Vs Leeds and im assuming their top teams, but i just couldnt see that game compared to the top games over here, huge difference, our games are still better and the Super League its too infearior at the moment. As i say Super League has still got a lot more to learn before its going to challenge the NRL.

 

[HBK-aholic]

But isnt Rhinos way ahead ontop of the table. While your comp is pretty close NRL is probably closer the teams coming 11, 12 are only 4 points from the leaders. And the top 8 is seperated for 2 points, so really we competitive as well. But its not only that, but the quality of football. Im sure that game was really good, but here in Australia is just so more competitive, its more physical and its more skill involved. And i have evidence to back it up. Micheal Crocker, a Storm player, is leaving to play for HULL next season and his reason was because he wouldnt last another season over here its too physical wereas in the Super League, he can play another 3-5 years and finish his career on a high.

The top and bottom teams are, I would say, already known to be finishing there. It's the middle of the table that is the most competitive. Leeds are too good for the Super League at the moment, Castleford too bad. FACT.

It's just as tough over here in the Super League, and I'm pretty sure he'll realise that just as soon as he gets over here.

While the Super League is getting more and more competitive i just see NRL being miles ahead. i watched a game with um i think it was Bradford Vs Leeds and im assuming their top teams, but i just couldnt see that game compared to the top games over here, huge difference, our games are still better and the Super League its too infearior at the moment. As i say Super League has still got a lot more to learn before its going to challenge the NRL.

No way. The NRL is better at the moment, but only just. I don't know where you got miles ahead from, but it certainly isn;t true. And if you want to see a good game of rugby, trust me, Bradford are not what you wanna see. Leeds, St. Helens, Wigan, and even maybe Catalan are what you're looking at. If you'd have seen the Leeds Vs Wigan game yesterday you'd know what I was talking about.

 

[Italian MVP]

No way. The NRL is better at the moment, but only just. I don't know where you got miles ahead from, but it certainly isn;t true. And if you want to see a good game of rugby, trust me, Bradford are not what you wanna see. Leeds, St. Helens, Wigan, and even maybe Catalan are what you're looking at. If you'd have seen the Leeds Vs Wigan game yesterday you'd know what I was talking about.

Well im guessing you havent watched the NRL much either. The Bradford game isnt the only one i watched either, i watched the team that had Luke Dorn and the other team had Matt King. That game was good but both games just lack intensity and physicality that the NRL is customed to and thats while its miles ahead. Watch some NRL games, the good ones and you will see what a mean, and we have big hits left right and centre, lol its great too see!

 

[Shadowmancer]

The Warriors finally got a Road win this season it is about freakin time. I enjoyed the demolishing of the Bulldogs by the Storm this weekend, and i love the fact that In a 48-0 shut out a storm player, I can't remember which said that they let the Doggies back into the game in the second half. Hopefully next weeks games are good. despite the loss of State of Origin players. The Second State of O is looking like it will be good after that masterful piece of play by Lockyer in that Bronco's nailbiter over the Eels. I mean look at the precision of the kicking in that game and he came back from injury to do it, just masterful. he is the current master of the halves. And my second team in the Panthers got a win over the cowboys in that graveyard of Dairy Farmers stadium.

 

[Italian MVP]

The Warriors finally got a Road win this season it is about freakin time. I enjoyed the demolishing of the Bulldogs by the Storm this weekend, and i love the fact that In a 48-0 shut out a storm player, I can't remember which said that they let the Doggies back into the game in the second half. Hopefully next weeks games are good. despite the loss of State of Origin players. The Second State of O is looking like it will be good after that masterful piece of play by Lockyer in that Bronco's nailbiter over the Eels. I mean look at the precision of the kicking in that game and he came back from injury to do it, just masterful. he is the current master of the halves. And my second team in the Panthers got a win over the cowboys in that graveyard of Dairy Farmers stadium.

Yeh i totally agree with you, and this just proves my point the NRL is miles ahead. The precision of the kicking game in Australia is undoubtably the best and is classed as masterful. The games are just so much better than the Super League, look this week there were three games decided with mere seconds to go, just great! Im a Roosters fan so to see the Warriors win gave me a smile cause we were just too good for them last week, there just awful.
I just hope we beat the Tigers tomorrow night in what should be a cracker of a game. Anyway, ShadowMancer who you go for in the NRL?

 

[Shadowmancer]

As a kiwi it seems that there is a rule. The Warriors and an Aussie team of your choice. And it is the Panthers that have my Aussie team allegiance. Don't ask me why, I don't know. I started supporting them in 1994 at the age of 6-7, beats me why but I have followed the Panthers since then. And The Warriors are my team for obvious reasons. It is hard to judge the Warriors this season as it is probably the team second most affected by injuries with Price, McKinnon and Wiki among others all being injured. McKinnon is a key member of the Warriors and his season ending injury in pre-season screws up the cycle by either putting it off by a year at best or getting the Warriors to start at the bottom of the 5 year rotation again.

 

[Italian MVP]

As a kiwi it seems that there is a rule. The Warriors and an Aussie team of your choice. And it is the Panthers that have my Aussie team allegiance. Don't ask me why, I don't know. I started supporting them in 1994 at the age of 6-7, beats me why but I have followed the Panthers since then. And The Warriors are my team for obvious reasons. It is hard to judge the Warriors this season as it is probably the team second most affected by injuries with Price, McKinnon and Wiki among others all being injured. McKinnon is a key member of the Warriors and his season ending injury in pre-season screws up the cycle by either putting it off by a year at best or getting the Warriors to start at the bottom of the 5 year rotation again.

Well the Panthers are the suprise pack of the year, got off to a bad start, but now are going great guns. They seemed to have quick backs and pretty good forward pack led by Petro and Lewis is going good at Half, who thought? There looking like they can be a real underdog this year, but my Roosters will take care of them lol

Now the Warriors have been slaughtered with injures and yes Mkinnion is there best player and they are missing him alot, but still even if they had him i just cant see them being a threat at all. Their forward pack isnt formidable as it was in previous years and they look there going to struggle this year im afraid. But hey thats the great thing about Rugby League, its unpredictable! Anything can happen....

 

[FoleyIsGod]

What do you think about the Challenge Cup draw Becca?


St Helens vs Rhinos, going to be a cracker and I cant pick a winner

I would have rather it been Leeds vs St Helsn in the final( I have family in BOTH cities, even though im a Rhinos fan) and my Dad supports Wakefield Trinity/Wildcats so if both teams get through, I can expect a day of ribbing!

 

[Pinocchio]

First post! Woooooo!

Well I have 2 teams, the Rhinos in England and the Knights in Aus, both good sides! In terms of which league is better, I believe that the NRL is better, but Super League has caught up in the squad depth a little bit than the had done in previous years (see the failed WCC in 97ish?).

The upcoming World Cup will test the strength of the English league, but I still think that the Aussies will win it. I also think that Samoa are gonna be the dark house with so many Kiwi's changing their allegience (don't get me started on that rule!) I think they'll shock a few teams!

 

[HBK-aholic]

What do you think about the Challenge Cup draw Becca?


St Helens vs Rhinos, going to be a cracker and I cant pick a winner

I would have rather it been Leeds vs St Helsn in the final( I have family in BOTH cities, even though im a Rhinos fan) and my Dad supports Wakefield Trinity/Wildcats so if both teams get through, I can expect a day of ribbing!

I agree with you; I would have preferred a Rhinos Vs St Helens final, no doubt. The 2 teams are the biggest in the SL and have been for a while now. The Grand final I saw last year was utterly amazing, I loved every minute of it. To me Leeds Vs Saints feels like a derby due to the amount of animosity between the fans. Both want to be on top, and you can feel that in the atmosphere.

It's going to be incredibly tough. We narrowly beat Saints at the beginning of the season. We play them on Friday night so that may give us a better indication of what will happen.

A Leeds Wakefield final would be brilliant. I have family living in Wakey who support them so it would be great to see definitely.

 

[HBK-aholic]

So, the Super League has taken a MAJOR change for next season. Relegation has been scrapped and 2 extra teams have been added. What does everyone think about this?

I am most excited about the Celtic Crusaders. It shows how much Rugby League is taking off in Wales; a country traditionally known for its Rugby Union. First Millenium Magic, and now Bridgend based Crusaders joining the league.

Added on, the away games will be EPIC. I love travelling long distances to see my team play. And now we have 2 countries to travel to in the space of a season, as well as the England games. Freaking amazing.

 

[HBK-aholic]

I think I need to go through a few of the basic rules of rugby league for a certain Mr. Klein, so here goes.

Players need to be onside.
That means 10 metres away from where the tackle is taking place. As a referee, you should be watching this. If players are caught offside, a penalty is awarded.

Touching the Whitewash = out.
This means if a player goes over the white line, possession is given to the other team, usually in the form of a scrum formation. What you do not do, is givethe team that went out a goal line drop out.

You can only pass the ball backwards
Throwing the ball so that it gors forward is a forward pass, and illegal. In these circumstances you give a scrum to the opposition. What you do not do is ignore it.

Tackling regulations
When an opposition player goes into a tackle wrong, which ends up in a player fearing a broken neck, a penalty is given. Furthermore, when a member of the opposition team participates in a tackle where the feet go over the head, this is also a dangerous tackle. A penalty, yellow, or red card is given in these circumstances.

No fighting
When a player punches an opposition player after a tackle is completed, you do not 'have words'. A penalty atthe very least is given. The offence is put on report.

And finally, Mr. James Graham. You are a professional when you are on that pitch. Taunting opposition fans is not the way to show that. This is not what rugby league is all about, and I am ashamed to say you are a part of this great game. When your team scores a try, you congratulate the player. What you do not do is go up to the opposition fans, and taunt them until 2 fans actually attempt coming on to the pitch. Sickened is how I felt. Any respect I had for you as a player has certainly gone.

 

[HBK-aholic]

So the Carnegie Challenge Cup is set up. With 2 teams who theoretically shouldn't be there.

Hull Fc Vs St Helens.

For a start, Hull FC shouldn't be there officially, however the RFL decided there was little they could do now. Hull Fc signed player Jamie Thackray from the Leeds Rhionos, however, this was after the cut off point set in the rules of the Challenge Cup. Players signed after a certain date cannot participate in qualifying matches for the Challenge cup. However Hull Fc disregarded this and fielded Thackray regardless. Due to this, they shouldn't have been awarded victories in there matches and therefore should not be in the final.

St Helens semi-final win against the Rhinos was overshadowed by St Helens having 14 players on their team on that pitch. Well, 13 players and the referee. When discussing this with St Helens fans they seem to think Leeds are just sore losers, however websites agree the decisions made my referees were wrong.

Sinfield couldn't convert, but Burrow returned and Leeds suddenly had a sniff of something, but that evaporated as referee Ashley Klein and his assistants became the centre of attention.

First, Smith was penalised in possession. Then the officials allowed play to continue after Meli offloaded over the touchline and Klein ruled Smith had been trapped in goal, though he seemed to have got out.

This is a growing problem in Rugby League. The referees shouldn't be noticed in the game, let alone newspaper articles discussing their desicions. One decision wrongly is acceptable. About 5 is not. Especially when all 5 wrong decisions go against one team.

All in all, St Helens will win this one. Well, they will if the referee is Ashley Klein or Steve Ganson.

 

[Italian MVP]

Well im going to talk about the growing problems in the NRL, the Rugby League Competiton in Australia. This week it has been on the news for all the wrong reasons, and the game here in Australia could be in trouble.

One of our most played players, Sonny Bill Williams, who was in a five year contract with the Bulldogs fled the country to go to France without telling anyone to take up a 3 million dollar deal with some French Rugby Union side. The thing was, he didnt tell anyone, his team had a game in a couple of days and he still had 4 years remaining on his contract with the Bulldogs.

What he has done has rocked the NRL, with the majority losing respect for Sonny and calling him a dog for just getting up and leaving to take more money and not playing out his contract over here. His NRL club are now looking for an injuction to stop him from playing in France and stop him playing anywhere for the next 4 years.

This has stirred up many other problems within the NRL. Sonny Bill is prepared to take the NRL to court for their salary cap which limits clubs to spend 4 million dollars a season for their players, and Sonny is complaining that is a restriction of income. This has caused many people to talk about changing the salary cap or getting rid of it, which has its pros and cons.

With Sonny leaving, there is a fear that there could be a player exodus to French Rugby has they have heaps of money to spend. Manly players are already leaving for overseas so this is a struggle the NRL has to learn to fight against.

Then there along with the salary cap, The clubs are struggilling financially due to poker machine tax imposed by the Government which is a problem as poker machines are the main form of income for the NRL clubs. The NRL need to more income into the game otherwise there are going to continue to struggle.

Then there is a problem of how the game run and the structure on how its run. At the moment, many different boards are running the game and as a result, things cant be agreed on because different people are running the damn thing. There is now talk of having one board run the whole league and start fixing the game up.

These are the front running problems at the moment and it has all come about from Sonny Bill Williams. There are many problems besides these, and i just hope we find solutions to these problems otherwise if we let it slide, Rugby League in Australia could be in hot water....

 

[HBK-aholic]

The salary cap is something I have mixed views on. For a start, I actually agree with him in saying it's a restriction of income, which it is. However I think it's needed to help produce new talent, as well as make sure every team has a fair amount of players. I mean if one team has billions to spend, and one has a couple of million, it's not exactly fair is it?

As for Sonny Bill, I am disgusted at what he has done. He shouldn't be allowed to play rugbt for any club for the next 4 years. It was a breach of contract and I've lost all respect for him. If he wanted to leave he should have discussed it with his coach and see what was done. This is totally unprofessional and disrespectful to the club and fans who had so much faith in him.

 

[HBK-aholic]

Derby weekend for the Rhinos this week. Something all Yorkshire fans look forward to. the Bulls have yet to beat Leeds this season, and have beaten them in some of the biggest events; namely the Millenium Magic weekend in May.

Neither team have been on form recently, both losing out to some tough competition in recent weeks. Leeds need this win to keep them hunting for thje League Leaders shield. Bradford need this win to get them to the playoffs.

With reports Rhinos Scruton is playing for Bradford next season, you can tell this is going to be a great game. However in my opinion Leeds will win it. Bulls always bottle it against Leeds, whereas the Rhinos put on a great game. They make sure to step up their game, which is much needed in games like this.

 

[as260191]

Wigan are the kings of inconsistency, we play fantastic against Leeds, then slump against Hull KR, Stains and Huddersfield, before giving Hull FC their Super League record defeat. Our longest win streak all season is 3 in a row, which is disgraceful in a team full of internationals. Nobby needs to sort out the off the field problems (of which Mr Leneghan has asked people to tell him directly if they have evidence of incidents) and get us into gear or we won't win our last 4. Catalans away, Wakey home, Leeds home and Stains away. We need to win 3 out of 4 to be on a roll for the playoffs. We can beat Wakey, and Cats should be a close match this week, which we could scrape if they've not got over KR, also we are Leeds' bogey team, and always play well against them, so could win there, but I doubt we can beat our Knowsley Dump voodoo.

If Barrett Smith & Leuluai gel though, we could have a frightening attack with Carmont & Richards playing big roles there too, Fielden and Tomkins have been superb lately, and the abscence of Hock & Lockers could be a blessing in disguise.

Only time will tell though.

 

[HBK-aholic]

You better beat St Helens. Got Noble on the phone and let him know you HAVE to beat them. If there's a team I have ever despised more than that Saints scum I am not aware of them.

The Leeds game will be a good un. At Wigan as well, you have a great chance of winning. Leeds need to get rid of what they hold for Wigan, because it's getting in the way of the classic Rugby League we're renowned for. Leeds and Wigan are too of the biggest teams in the league, their games should be a LOT closer.

Personally, I'm hoping for a Leeds Vs Wigan Final.

 

[as260191]

Not really sure how much closer you can get than the 1 point win we got last time, that was nail biting stuff, however it must be said that Burrow should never have been given the penalty kick at goal, it was Captain Klown's ludicrous decision to penalise Andy Coley for getting a stud in the eye and staying on the floor that put them in that position, and then they even walked a few yards forwards whilst Barrett was contesting the decision.

Justice prevailed at least in that case, just hoping we don't get Klown again this season (which means we'll probably have him against Leeds and Saints) to say we've already got Ganson this week too.

Also find it's interesting that the players now vote for man of steel after last year's farce, is it the RFL admitting that Roby winning was a joke?

 

[HBK-aholic]

Don't get me started on Ganson and Klein, as I am shocked both still have their jobs. the bias both teams show, in favour of St Helens in awful. You shouldn't be too worried about having either against us, as both referees hate us, pretty much like they do you.
But Ganson should NEVER be in charge of a St Helens game. He's from St Helens, and it's awful he's allowed in that position.

And Klein decided that Semi Final a couple of weeks ago, not the players. Awful refeering he showed there.

As for Man of Steel, I could not believe Roby got it. Roby?? Ellis, Burrow and Sinfield all deserved it more and that was only from our team!! A couple of Wigan and Bulls players would have deserved it more too.

 

[HBK-aholic]

4 out of 4 wins for the Rhinos over Bulls. They are unstoppable. Easily the best derby in the whole of Super League. Bulls need to realise they just cannot beat Leeds, and are destined not to be in the playoffs this year.

The game itself was great. Both teams showing that form they've missed out on in the last couple of weeks. The atmosphere at these games is always incredible, and this one wasn't an exception. Leeds and Bulls fans have such banter you just cannot get anywhere else. With players moving to the other team and legal battles going on, you can see where the hatred comes from.

One thing I have to say was stupid, was one decision by referee Ben Thaler choosing to sin bin the Rhinos Scrum Half, Rob Burrow. Burrow was involved in a fight in which he was physically in the middle, however didn't add to. A Bradford player headbutted the Leeds Full Back, to which a fight broke out between the teams. However, Burrow did nothing except receive a puch to the head, which caused him to bleed, yet he didn't retaliate. Fans of both teams were baffled by this decision.

 

[Italian MVP]

Well if you want to talk about Referees they are getting worse every game in the NRL. Refs now have a habit of blowing a lob sided penatly count in favour of one team like 7-1 in the first half, then level it up in the second to make it look not as bad.

Its getting real frustrating and is ruining good games of footy, especially with the end of the season around the corner and finals coming up.

Also, the video ref decisions are becoming a joke. There so inconsistent, there not worth having anymore. One week they rule a try, then the next game in the same instance they give a stupid excuse to why it isnt. And there taking about 5 minutes to make one decision!

I dont know how it is in the ESL, but over here its become a liability. Anyway glad to see your team the Rhino's going good, my team the Roosters are 4th but just 2 points from the leaders. There are 3 teams on a tie for 1st place so its real tight. But the Roosters are becoming very inconsistent and are losing to the weaker sides and beating the tough ones.

Should be a good finals series. Is it nearly finals time in the ESL?

 

[as260191]

Inconsistent near the top? Sounds like us.

We managed to get a draw away in the south of France at least, wasn't looking good with 3 of our top players out (2 injured, 1 suspended) and never being in front for the whole game, but after having a try disallowed with just minutes to go, Harrison Hansen scored and we kicked the goal to pull it to 16-16. =D

And Leeds-Bradford best derby in SL? Pffft, Leeds-Bradford is just an Airport. Hull - Hull KR is a tiff over a dump.

Wigan - St Helens, That's a Derby.

 

[HBK-aholic]

Well if you want to talk about Referees they are getting worse every game in the NRL. Refs now have a habit of blowing a lob sided penatly count in favour of one team like 7-1 in the first half, then level it up in the second to make it look not as bad.

The two leagues are getting more similar than I thought. This happened at the Semi Final with Leeds Vs St Helens. the first 70 minutes the Penalty count was atrociously in their favour. Thelast 5 minutes we got about 7 penalties given. He did it just to cover his own back.

Its getting real frustrating and is ruining good games of footy, especially with the end of the season around the corner and finals coming up.

It's a worrying prospect. It's common knowledge there are 2 refs who favour St Helens. And that's not opinion, it's just fact. When these 2 refs are on a Saints game, they never lose and the penalty ount is always in their favour. There is always also at least 1 controversial decision where they benefit from it. This is what happens when you let a referee from St Helens referee a match for them.

Also, the video ref decisions are becoming a joke. There so inconsistent, there not worth having anymore. One week they rule a try, then the next game in the same instance they give a stupid excuse to why it isnt. And there taking about 5 minutes to make one decision!

Amen. Video refereeing is a good thing, but it's becoming a joke. I personally feel at the end of a match referees should be made to explain their decisions if queried. If they did what was right, they have nothing to fear.

I dont know how it is in the ESL, but over here its become a liability. Anyway glad to see your team the Rhino's going good, my team the Roosters are 4th but just 2 points from the leaders. There are 3 teams on a tie for 1st place so its real tight. But the Roosters are becoming very inconsistent and are losing to the weaker sides and beating the tough ones.

There's a team; Castleford, who do just that here. Beating teams like Leeds or Saints. But losing to their rivals at the bottom of the table. The top spot is between 3 teams with only 3 points in it. Will be a great end to the season.

Should be a good finals series. Is it nearly finals time in the ESL?

There's only 3 matches left of the season I believe. Leeds have Castleford, Wigan and Wakefield. The CC final is in a couple of weeks, hoping for a Hell FC victory, despite neither team in the final actually deserving to be there.

 

[HBK-aholic]

Wigan - St Helens, That's a Derby.

LMAO are you being serious? Those games have been shite for the last few years. The chant "You're just a small town in Wigan" to St Helens is fitting. Th matches are crap. I went to one last year because I was told the atmosphere was great. I was annoyed I'd wasted that much money going. The match was bad. The atmosphere was bad. If you want exciting RL, it's Leeds Bulls all the way. Followed closely by Hull FC and Hull KR. There's a real derby for you right there. Classic.