|
 |
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| International Chairman | 17148 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Dec 2001 | 23 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Jan 2025 | Jan 2025 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
| Quote ="SmokeyTA"What people seem to forget is 18 players did impose their own alcohol ban. 6 went for a few drinks and by all accounts 5 of them kept it light and were responsible enough to not get leathered. They got home, got to bed, got to camp, got to training.
1 idiot didn’t.
I have no problem with a player having a beer or two a week before the game. There is an obvious problem with 1 player who couldn’t keep it together. But its unfair to focus on him and think of him as representative of the squad when he is an isolated incident.'"
Unless I am missing something there is no evidence that the others only had one or two, only that they didn't sleep in. I dare say most on here could go out, have 5 or 6 & still get up for breakfast. I don't think they would all perform to 100% of their abilities however. |
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| International Star | 156 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| May 2013 | 12 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Oct 2021 | Oct 2021 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
|
From an outsiders point of view your posts have been a riveting entertaining read , not so much fun when it's your own mob implicated.
Do people think that had England convincingly won over Italy........were Mcnamara a more respected coach by fans......that the management would have had wider support for sacking players after a slosh up ?
You've got some very good talent in reserve if Tom Burgess didn't make the top side first up , I rate the brothers highly.
England could pull out the feel good story of Three Burgess , and reap the reward in real terms of them firing off each other in the England Shirt ?
If nothing else it would be a positive morsel to distract the media dogs with.
They wouldn't let you down either.
Pleased to see big George in there , you have to counter the dump trucks NZ and Aus use off their benches.
|
|
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| Player Coach | 22777 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| May 2006 | 19 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Jun 2020 | Feb 2018 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
| Quote ="tigertot"Unless I am missing something there is no evidence that the others only had one or two, only that they didn't sleep in. I dare say most on here could go out, have 5 or 6 & still get up for breakfast. I don't think they would all perform to 100% of their abilities however.'"
but similarly we have no evidence that they had a skinful either. Fact is without Hock's idiocy they would have been given the benefit of the doubt. I think its unfair on the others that Hock's behaviour means that benefit of doubt is removed. |
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| International Board Member | 32361 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Oct 2002 | 22 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Dec 2024 | Dec 2024 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
|
I wonder who Hocks roommate was? Surely he should have given him a kick to get him out of bed and down to training. If it were me (as either Hock or the roommate) I would have expected it.
|
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| International Chairman | 32302 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Feb 2002 | 23 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Nov 2018 | Oct 2016 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
| Quote ="The Eagle"Great column. Sent shivers down my spine at the end'"
Me too. I'm lacing my boots up as we speak. |
|
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| Club Coach | 12106 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Oct 2004 | 20 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Oct 2015 | Oct 2015 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
| Quote ="G1"Me too. I'm lacing my boots up as we speak.'"
Is that a euphemism? |
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| Club Coach | 12106 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Oct 2004 | 20 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Oct 2015 | Oct 2015 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
|
Quote ="Mt Smart"
England could pull out the feel good story of Three Burgess , and reap the reward in real terms of them firing off each other in the England Shirt ?
If nothing else it would be a positive morsel to distract the media dogs with.
They wouldn't let you down either.
Pleased to see big George in there , you have to counter the dump trucks NZ and Aus use off their benches.'"
Your wish is my command:
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24650021
Not sure about describing SBW as a "New Zealand great" mind you.
Tremendous player, but failure to pick something and stick to it holds hiom back from being "a great" in my book. Certainly it's hard to describe a guy who I don't think has won a Test for the Kiwis and has only played 7 times a "great."
He may, of course, fix that over the next month. Then you can think about using the term. |
|
Quote ="Mt Smart"
England could pull out the feel good story of Three Burgess , and reap the reward in real terms of them firing off each other in the England Shirt ?
If nothing else it would be a positive morsel to distract the media dogs with.
They wouldn't let you down either.
Pleased to see big George in there , you have to counter the dump trucks NZ and Aus use off their benches.'"
Your wish is my command:
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24650021
Not sure about describing SBW as a "New Zealand great" mind you.
Tremendous player, but failure to pick something and stick to it holds hiom back from being "a great" in my book. Certainly it's hard to describe a guy who I don't think has won a Test for the Kiwis and has only played 7 times a "great."
He may, of course, fix that over the next month. Then you can think about using the term. | |
|
|
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| International Star | 501 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Feb 2011 | 14 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Sep 2018 | Aug 2018 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
| Quote ="Rogues Gallery"I wonder who Hocks roommate was? Surely he should have given him a kick to get him out of bed and down to training. If it were me (as either Hock or the roommate) I would have expected it.'"
I thought this too....but then i wondered if maybe the incident was compounded by the roommate being told to do one when he tried to shift him....after all it was "only a 10 minute swim" and medical check. |
|
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| International Board Member | 17230 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Oct 2002 | 22 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Dec 2024 | Nov 2020 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
| Quote ="El Diablo"Not sure about describing SBW as a "New Zealand great" mind you.
Tremendous player, but failure to pick something and stick to it holds hiom back from being "a great" in my book. Certainly it's hard to describe a guy who I don't think has won a Test for the Kiwis and has only played 7 times a "great."
He may, of course, fix that over the next month. Then you can think about using the term.'"
All about opinions I suppose, but unsure of your definition of great.
He is regarded as one of the worlds best Rugby League players, and rightly so, he has talents beyond many others. He went to Union, was again very highly rated, and won a world cup with his country. Took up boxing, and holds two titles currently and is unbeaten. He is one of New Zealands most popular individuals. He is from New Zealand.
My definition, he is from New Zealand, he has excelled at three different sports, and won honours in all three sports, two of the sports at National level. How many other individuals regarded as a great could match that? I would say he is definitely a New Zealand great, and would guess the media's defnition is probably following mine, and why they termed it that. |
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| Player Coach | 1755 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Mar 2008 | 17 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Jan 2023 | Jan 2023 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
|
|
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| Club Coach | 12106 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Oct 2004 | 20 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Oct 2015 | Oct 2015 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
| Quote ="Gotcha"All about opinions I suppose, but unsure of your definition of great.
He is regarded as one of the worlds best Rugby League players, and rightly so, he has talents beyond many others. He went to Union, was again very highly rated, and won a world cup with his country. Took up boxing, and holds two titles currently and is unbeaten. He is one of New Zealands most popular individuals. He is from New Zealand.
My definition, he is from New Zealand, he has excelled at three different sports, and won honours in all three sports, two of the sports at National level. How many other individuals regarded as a great could match that? I would say he is definitely a New Zealand great, and would guess the media's defnition is probably following mine, and why they termed it that.'"
I see your point. It reads to me as a description of him as a "Great" in the pantheon of NZ RL internationals. Looked at in other ways, he is a great sportsman.
Just for the record, I assume he boxes for fun, because while he is OK and makes use of his outrageous physical gifts against lower opponents, he is never in a million years going to be a world class boxer. So when he has "excelled" at 3 sports, keep in mind that his "excelling" in one of them is several levels below the other two. Even our very limited crop in this country have 3 or 4 heavyweights he would stand very little chance against. And I'm not even counting Anthony Joshua yet. |
|
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| Club Coach | 12106 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Oct 2004 | 20 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Oct 2015 | Oct 2015 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
| Quote ="Jonesy's a Legend"www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24650021
looks like graham,mcillorum and hardaker all picked injuries up last weekend and havn't been selected in the 19'"
 |
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| Player Coach | 8893 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| May 2006 | 19 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Apr 2024 | Apr 2024 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
| Quote ="The Eagle"I do have a problem with people going out for a drink in the run up to a big tournament.
The affects of alcohol on training up to 48 hours after consumption are well known and documented. Although not rocket scientists the players should know this too. '"
Rebecca Addlington didn't drink for the two years prior to the London Olympics. |
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| International Star | 231 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Aug 2012 | 12 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Dec 2019 | Nov 2019 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
| Quote ="Jonesy's a Legend"www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24650021
looks like graham,mcillorum and hardaker all picked injuries up last weekend and havn't been selected in the 19'"
Looks like this is Steve M's stance and rightly so....it me the most important aspect in a coach and player relatioship is respect....if you show dis-respect to the team and coach like they did going for a drink then you should expect to deal with the consequences. |
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| Player Coach | 634 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Sep 2009 | 15 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Dec 2017 | Dec 2017 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
| Quote ="Rogues Gallery"I wonder who Hocks roommate was? Surely he should have given him a kick to get him out of bed and down to training. If it were me (as either Hock or the roommate) I would have expected it.'"
While they where in south Africa his room mate was sam Tomkins, I don't know if they will have kept the same once back in this country though??? |
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| Player Coach | 3813 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Jun 2008 | 17 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Mar 2020 | Feb 2020 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
| Quote ="DHM"Rebecca Addlington didn't drink for the two years prior to the London Olympics.'"
While Usain Bolt loaded up on KFCs. Not a recommended training technique.
Fact is, we don't know what Graham, Hardaker and McIlorum did, because the England RL set-up have refused to tell anyone, so we can't really judge whether the disciplinary sanctions were harsh, fair or whatever. There's an element of contempt there towards the people who have paid to see the game.
As long as you're comparing sports, if a top footballer or cricketer was left out of an important match, I'm pretty sure the FA or the MCC would be very quickly forced to say why. |
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| Club Coach | 761 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| May 2005 | 20 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| May 2021 | May 2021 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
|
Love him or hate him, Hock was our one forward with the ' x-factor ' who might have really scared the Aussies, with all due respect Farrell and Mossop just don't do it for me. Hopefully the Burgess trio will all have big games
|
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| International Star | 71 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Jun 2013 | 12 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Aug 2016 | Jul 2016 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
| Quote ="Jonesy's a Legend"www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24650021
looks like graham,mcillorum and hardaker all picked injuries up last weekend and havn't been selected in the 19'"
Of them all Jammer was the only one you would consider 'nailed on' for his spot in the game. Lets hope they all heed the warning and front up against the convicts. I hope George and Tom break a jaw each and Burgess snr gets a hat-trick created by Sir Kev. |
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| Club Coach | 12106 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Oct 2004 | 20 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Oct 2015 | Oct 2015 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
| Quote ="RAFLeaguer"I hope George and Tom break a jaw each.'"
I hope not. |
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| International Star | 11412 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Sep 2010 | 14 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Feb 2021 | Jul 2019 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
|
I'm not a big fan of McNamara but the way some on the VT are trying to put the blame on him for this is quite pathetic.
On the one hand they go on about respect and say he can't have the respect of his team if they didn't follow his booze ban.....yet saying he's wrong for dropping Graham for breaking it. Their main point being (in almost Hock style) "yeah but he's our BEST prop" as if players should be disciplined differently based on talent.
|
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| International Star | 662 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Feb 2011 | 14 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| May 2021 | Mar 2021 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
|
The sad thing about this whole sorry affair, is certain so called professional sportsmen can't go a short while, without the need for alcohol.
|
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| International Star | 156 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| May 2013 | 12 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Oct 2021 | Oct 2021 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
|
Quote ="El Diablo"Your wish is my command:
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24650021
Not sure about describing SBW as a "New Zealand great" mind you.
Tremendous player, but failure to pick something and stick to it holds him back from being "a great" in my book. Certainly it's hard to describe a guy who I don't think has won a Test for the Kiwis and has only played 7 times a "great."
He may, of course, fix that over the next month. Then you can think about using the term.'" Those Burgess boys take Strength from one another ( not comparing to players left out ) but this is a boost for England in the psychological warfare stakes.
People talk about " players the Aussies fear " well there's three genuine contenders they don't like and have had the experience of being on the receiving end of week in and week out.
I would be surprised if any of them don't turn up , never really seen a poor game from them ( haven't seen all of their games mind....enough to be confident....Sam and his ill discipline games would go closest ) so I think you're hedging your bets here.....you only need two out of three to really rip it up and bring their A game to have dominance in phases imo.
As For Sonny Bill. He's certainly not a NZ Rugby league Great yet. He is from my suburb and went to School with my nephew. I'm in two minds about him. One thing there is no disputing he is a New Zealander , if he were a hint of anything else he would have accepted the overtures form New South Wales to play for them in the joke that is the rep footy merry go round.
Williams has all the gifts to have a shot at being one of the greats of NZ representative rugby league , he has the ultimate Pack to hunt with in this era , and he has no excuses.
If he goes down in History as a World Cup winner and plays to his dominant potential , he will be NZ's Dally Messenger , code swapping God.
One thing I will say about him , he has chosen to play for the title so that's a start on the NZ's best ever 17......he has to go a long way to catch up with Mark Graham , Dean Bell , Ruben Wiki and Stacey Jones. |
|
Quote ="El Diablo"Your wish is my command:
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24650021
Not sure about describing SBW as a "New Zealand great" mind you.
Tremendous player, but failure to pick something and stick to it holds him back from being "a great" in my book. Certainly it's hard to describe a guy who I don't think has won a Test for the Kiwis and has only played 7 times a "great."
He may, of course, fix that over the next month. Then you can think about using the term.'" Those Burgess boys take Strength from one another ( not comparing to players left out ) but this is a boost for England in the psychological warfare stakes.
People talk about " players the Aussies fear " well there's three genuine contenders they don't like and have had the experience of being on the receiving end of week in and week out.
I would be surprised if any of them don't turn up , never really seen a poor game from them ( haven't seen all of their games mind....enough to be confident....Sam and his ill discipline games would go closest ) so I think you're hedging your bets here.....you only need two out of three to really rip it up and bring their A game to have dominance in phases imo.
As For Sonny Bill. He's certainly not a NZ Rugby league Great yet. He is from my suburb and went to School with my nephew. I'm in two minds about him. One thing there is no disputing he is a New Zealander , if he were a hint of anything else he would have accepted the overtures form New South Wales to play for them in the joke that is the rep footy merry go round.
Williams has all the gifts to have a shot at being one of the greats of NZ representative rugby league , he has the ultimate Pack to hunt with in this era , and he has no excuses.
If he goes down in History as a World Cup winner and plays to his dominant potential , he will be NZ's Dally Messenger , code swapping God.
One thing I will say about him , he has chosen to play for the title so that's a start on the NZ's best ever 17......he has to go a long way to catch up with Mark Graham , Dean Bell , Ruben Wiki and Stacey Jones. | |
|
|
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| International Star | 71 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Jun 2013 | 12 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Aug 2016 | Jul 2016 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
| Quote ="El Diablo"I hope not.'"
didn't mean their own jaws. I was thinking more Thurston and Smith. |
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| Club Coach | 12106 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| Oct 2004 | 20 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Oct 2015 | Oct 2015 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
| Quote ="RAFLeaguer"didn't mean their own jaws. I was thinking more Thurston and Smith.'"
I got that. |
|
|
| Rank | Posts | Team |
| International Star | 156 | No
Team
Selected |
| Joined | Service | Reputation |
| May 2013 | 12 years | |
| Online | Last Post | Last Page |
| Oct 2021 | Oct 2021 | LINK |
| Milestone Posts |
|
| Milestone Years |
|
|
| Location |
|
| Signature |
|
TO BE FIXED |
|
| Quote ="RAFLeaguer"didn't mean their own jaws. I was thinking more Thurston and Smith.'"
It will be interesting with the Burgess rough house style of play but that's nothing new for England internationals ( that's not a dig I'm a fan of a bit of old fashioned contact ) I hope they rile Paul Gallen into doing something stupid.
The Australian sides have the arrogance and the reputation to get away with a lot mind.
They also back their indiscretions up with defensive spells , I'm pretty sure the Top NRL teams give away the most penalties and back it up with their defence ( I read that somewhere , probably an article on Melbournes wrestling ).
I'm sure there will be plenty of fireworks , if it gets out of hand then you'd be looking at replacing your captain I guess , controlled aggression and all of that.
I've got me Beer in the Fridge and some Cold Pizza to set it off with , can't wait , I hope England smashes Australia !!! |
|
|
|
|
|
