Rugby League 2023

[greeneyed]

The Daily Telegraph now reporting…

Merritt played in the Koori Knockout on The Central Coast last weekend. Onlookers claimed Merritt sustained concussion during a game but it’s unknown whether the head knock is related to his collapse.

Read more: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport ... ce2d19a5ad

[gerg]

Reaction to painkillers, not good

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I wish him all the best but I'm genuinely curious how a Professional athlete could be allergic to painkillers and not discover until 10 years into retirement? I hope he makes a full recovery.

It depends on the pain killer. Some have horrible side effects for some people and you might not be exposed to them until quite late in life.

True, especially with that nasty fentanyl in everything these days.

[greeneyed]

Tough loss for Les Catalans. Two players sent to the sin bin… one definitely harsh. It just spoils the game. The only try of the game scored against 12 men. Wigan win the Grand Final 10-2. Crowd of 58,137.

[greeneyed]

Great for the game in England that every game of every round will be broadcast on Sky for the next three years. It’s been surprising to me that it has taken this long to have every match live on TV… when you consider that happened 25 years ago in Australia.

[LimeGreenMachine]

PNG in box seat to become NRL’s 18th team

The federal government has financially backed PNG to join the NRL in a move made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to improve international relations. PNG Prime Minister James Marape asked the Australian Government for an NRL team by 2025 to mark the 50th anniversary of his country’s independence - and Albanese is determined to deliver it.

Albanese wants a Port Moresby-based team, with games to also be played in Cairns, as a way to counter China’s growing influence in the region.

Read more: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-pr ... dd6cffba3c

[greeneyed]

That funding could very easily be switched off by a future government. It would be a short sighted decision. Teams need to be selected on the basis of what’s most sustainable, what generates the most commercial funding for the game. No TV rights dollars in it, the infrastructure not there, security, local finances. Turn off the government funding… what happens?

[reptar]

Independence by funding a professional sports team for them. What am I missing here?

[dubby]

Independence by funding a professional sports team for them. What am I missing here?

Well..



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[reptar]

And that will stop them?

[dubby]

I think it's ridiculous TBH.

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[greeneyed]

Peter V’landys’ White House visit, meeting US President Joe Biden and NRL’s 10-year America plan



ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys has revealed plans for the NRL to bury the AFL as Australia’s No.1 sport and reign in America for decades after his meeting with US President Joe Biden.

“Joe Biden was very nice and friendly. We took a photo with Anthony Albanese. We had a reception on the lawns of the White House and Albo’s speech was exceptional. People don’t realise the power of us connecting with America,” he said. “I’m not talking benefits in the tens of millions, I’m talking hundreds of millions, but only if the strategy is properly implemented and I am making sure we dot every I and cross every T. We have the AFL on the run.

Read more: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport ... 96be1acb9c

[Sid]

Regarding the bears bid to enter the nrl I just.. I just don't think the nrl needs to add another team based in the Sydney region.

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[greeneyed]

Regarding the bears bid to enter the nrl I just.. I just don't think the nrl needs to add another team based in the Sydney region.

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Definitely not. They don't need another one based in north Queensland (Cairns) either. If the NRL is keen on the dollars for PNG (a reported $60 million over 10 years, for the team as well as development) then they'd best to try and link it to the Brisbane Tigers (who are open to that). These articles explain...

NRL expansion: Australian government to provide $600 million in funding for PNG bid: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport ... 9c8f3044ea

NRL expansion: Brisbane Tigers make their pitch for 18th franchise: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport ... 15bd364c57

The issue with PNG is that it would be a team that is almost wholly dependent on government funding. It's not sustainable and the funding can be turned off at short notice with a change of government.

V'landys says that they are open to going to 20 teams soon, and that if Perth and the Brisbane Tigers miss out to PNG, they still have hope of being 19th and 20th teams. Perth and Brisbane Tigers would be the strongest next franchises, full time in those locations, in my view.

The North Sydney Bears shouldn't feature in the discussions at all... unless they're prepared to have every home game played in Perth. Has to be a complete and full relocation for the NRL operation. If they want a NSW Cup team to continue, fine, but they folded for a reason.

[dubby]

I suspect the next 3 clubs will be PNG, Perth and another Brisbane club.

I'd much rather have another NZ team instead of PNG for reasons Fergus outlined.

[-TW-]

The PNG bid is a crock of ****, I get they're passionate about RL but it's purely being bankrolled by the government as a diplomatic exercise rather than on merit

I'd much rather see a team in Perth or a 2nd NZ team. Don't need another one in Brisbane

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[dubby]

The PNG bid is a crock of ****, I get they're passionate about RL but it's purely being bankrolled by the government as a diplomatic exercise rather than on merit

I'd much rather see a team in Perth or a 2nd NZ team. Don't need another one in Brisbane

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I agree re: PNG. No player wants to move to Port Moresby.

Perth is a must IMO.

PVL is determined to expand, so I can only fathom the only other markets suitable are Brisbane and NZ. I can't see Adelaide being considered.

[RedRaider]

The PNG Hunters finished 10th in the QRL comp. How will they be competitive in the NRL?

[dubby]

The PNG Hunters finished 10th in the QRL comp. How will they be competitive in the NRL?

Politics and sport don't mix

[Botman]

The PNG bid, whilst admirable and fun... is not viable
It would be a mistake.

If the goal is to get to 20... IMO its a NZ, another QLD team and Perth.
I think the league needs to be careful about expanding too quickly to 20 though. I think the talent is there, and you'd hope more teams will help parity in terms of spreading the talent... but NZ and Perth are tougher markets to expand into in terms of spreading talent.

[Botman]

The PNG Hunters finished 10th in the QRL comp. How will they be competitive in the NRL?

Politics and sport don't mix

Except for the fact since the dawn of time sports and politics have been inextricably linked.
But other than that, sure.

But i dont think PNG should be in the picture for an NRL team, as above, its not viable imo... but we need to retire this phrase.
PNG wont work because it's not commercially and competitively viable. That there are politics behind the bid is very much par for the course.

[Boomercm]

I'll steel man the PNG NRL side.

If having a PNG side is seen as beneficial geopolitically by the Aus govt, then the strategy is not about getting govt money for that one side, it would be about investing in the relationship between the Australian government and NRL (i.e., banking a favour, then holding an asset).

At worst, you don't get any special 'other' value from the PNG team, the next government do pull the funding, and the PNG team folds and you move on (at some cost X).

But at best, you hold a geopolitical asset that endears you to the current govt, and then links the Aus govt to the NRL strategically for at least the medium term.

The upside is potentially huge, and so the cost/benefit profile seems very favourable to me.

[BJ]

NRL draw for 2024 released. Thursday night Channel 9 opener in Newcastle will be a cracker for both teams fans and probably general fans after the Vegas games featuring some big teams a few days earlier.

[zim]

Dogs just swapped a development player for Connor Tracey. There's a better fullback option for them than Taaffe.

[BJ]

Dogs just swapped a development player for Connor Tracey. There's a better fullback option for them than Taaffe.

Good pickup Dogs, good player. There’s certainly advantages for Sydney teams to pick up players from neighbouring clubs easier. No need to move house when you go to a nearby club.

[zim]

Yeah big fan of his second stint. Was a fan of his earlier work but he could of gone either way and he found his confidence.
The dogs squad is such an odd mix. Tremendous left edge. Props a complete shambles. If they somehow land AFB they'll have a platform to work off.

[yeh raiders]

I am intrigued by the Dogs, it's interesting to see what they're doing and with the added 'Gus' factor, it keeps me entertained as a lover of Rugby League.

But, buying soo many 'all rounders' has never been a successful formula for as long as I've known.

The fundamental of a lot of winning teams is the specialisation of players, who have a very linear role to play.

I have no doubt Conner Tracey is a very decent footballer, but he has played with less pressure and less scrutiny than a starting first-grader would normally endure. He has to really step-up now.

I agree their front-row is and has been an issue for a long time. And keeping Kikau on the field is critical as well.

I can see them improving, and finishing close to the 8 next season.

[zim]

I think they'll have to play out of their skins to give the 8 a nudge, but I agree they'll improve.

[Dusty]

The Dogs 1-7 is interesting

1. Taafe
2. Fox
3. Critchon
4. Xerri
5. Tracey
6. Burton
7. Sexton

Plenty of combinations they could use


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[zim]

Kiraz is as locked in to start as Crichton, Burton or the Fox.

[yeh raiders]

Xerri will be interesting. Could be player of the year, in NSW Cup

[Botman]

Xerri will be interesting. Could be player of the year, in NSW Cup

I love that this guy got suspended for roids and came back off that suspension EDIT

[Sid]

Xerri will be interesting. Could be player of the year, in NSW Cup

I love that this guy got suspended for roids and came back off that suspension EDIT

Cartoon characters edited out? That's some CCP level censorship there

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[-TW-]

Xerri will be interesting. Could be player of the year, in NSW Cup

I love that this guy got suspended for roids and came back off that suspension EDIT

Cartoon characters edited out? That's some Chinese level censorship there

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New here?

[LimeGreenMachine]

NRL news: Peter V’landys steps up expansion as ARL commission prepares to make call in early 2024

Chair Peter V’landys has emerged from the final ARL Commission meeting of the year to declare that the code is ready to get serious about expansion as they prepare to make a decisive call on an 18th team early next year.

V’landys also revealed the prospect of salary cap exemptions for rugby union players remained on the agenda, although a final decision had also put on hold until the new year. Expansion has been a hot topic for the ARL Commission as they contemplate adding another team, with Papua New Guinea the clear frontrunners to become the game’s 18th franchise.

Read more: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nr ... f0d8900362

[gerg]

A PNG side would be great for that country, it's their national sport, and passion of the nation. I think they will make it work. Personally I would have preferred to see a Perth team first, but V'landys was pretty clear in his hatred for the west a few years back. I feel for them though, they were developing a solid fanbase with the Reds and the local league was growing. Unfortunate casualty from the Super League war.

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