Rugby League 2017

WideWally wrote:I bet New Zealanders are angry (re the defectors) after Tonga defeated them today.

I'm just annoyed that I didn't watch the game live.

Apparently* it was a cracker.

Only watched the highlights...great win by Tonga. Kiwis are wethers
.

Tournament from hell for New Zealand. They have just lost to Fiji 4 - 2. No tries scored.

Goodbye!

Congrats to Fiji!!!

skully wrote:Congrats to Fiji!!!

...apart from the Hayne Playne

Aye.

The dog rooter going to the Filth?

"Manly has released Blake Green from the final year of his contract in a move that could pave the way to sign Sydney Roosters half-back Mitchell Pearce.

Pearce has been granted a release from the Roosters with two years remaining on his contract, and the Sea Eagles have quickly emerged as the most likely destination for the Blues playmaker.

"Obviously, this hasn't been an easy decision for me to come to, but I feel that it's the right one," Pearce said.

"The Roosters and people there will always mean a lot to me, but I'm looking forward to the opportunity and challenge joining a new club will bring, while continuing to push myself to be the best half-back I can be.

"Now that I've made this decision, hopefully I'll have the rest of my future sorted over the next few weeks."

Green has long been tipped to join the Warriors on a three-year deal, and the Sea Eagles on Monday confirmed the veteran playmaker would depart the club immediately."

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Gives me a good reason to "hate" Pearce.

His dog rooting wasn't enough to earn your scorn?

Well, I more thought "what a dickhead, you'll pay for that". It's hard not to just roll one's eyes at the constant parade of drunken footballer exploits.

I didn't see the game but apparently Tonga were cheated of victory by the ref. I guess we all knew that was likely to happen.

WideWally wrote:I didn't see the game but apparently Tonga were cheated of victory by the ref. I guess we all knew that was likely to happen.

loose carry or one on one strip. stuffed if I know... It was an exciting finish with Tonga scoring 3 tries in the last 7 mins, that much I know for sure.

So the dogrooter has gone to Newcastle. Let's see if he's as good as he thinks he is.

And it looks like the Braynefade may be returning to the Slimeys.

Cracking World Cup final - Aust 6-0 with 30 to go up but England more than holding their own.  It's tough as a hell and being played at Origin pace.

Aus win 6-0.

Abso-bloody-lootely cracking game.

Well done Aussie, I think you just deserved it because we spilled too many chances with errors which your lads didn't.

On the other hand, had we just nicked it, I don't think there could have been any complaints.

A game played in good spirit, I thought. Only thing of note - two high tackles. First one, by Australia not given, the second, by England picked up. That's how it goes sometimes. It did look like the few seconds of handbags just released a bit of tension all round, and the remainder of the game wasn't at all niggly.

Again, well played Aus - but well proud of our boys.

Growler wrote:Abso-bloody-lootely cracking game.

Well done Aussie, I think you just deserved it because we spilled too many chances with errors which your lads didn't.

On the other hand, had we just nicked it, I don't think there could have been any complaints.

A game played in good spirit, I thought. Only thing of note - two high tackles. First one, by Australia not given, the second, by England picked up. That's how it goes sometimes. It did look like the few seconds of handbags just released a bit of tension all round, and the remainder of the game wasn't at all niggly.

Again, well played Aus - but well proud of our boys.

You should be. England were immense.

SO it looks like both Cronk and Slater are retiring from all but NRL footy. Maybe Freddy has some hope next year in the SoO.

They will be missed for sure, skulls. You don't replace 200-or so international caps worth of experience and "big-game nous" easily, no matter how talented the replacements may be.

It's not a coincidence that when Carter(112 caps), McCaw(148), Mealamu(132), Nonu(103), Woodcock(118) and Conrad Smith(94) quit international RU post 2015 World Cup, the All Blacks have looked more vulnerable (and been rattled during matches) than they did for the better part of 10 years previously.

NZ are still leading the pack, but they're no longer just about out of sight. Maybe not within touching distance - but now close enough to be a target for other teams to aim for. In the same way, the loss of those greats from the Australian RL team can do nothing but weaken it for a year or two. You'll still be the best, but p'raps others won't be on the receiving end of so many complete leatherings.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/manly-sea-eagles/manly-sea-eagles-facing-significant-fine-after-nrl-salary-cap-breach-notice-20171211-h02l94.html

Nothing short of being stripped of multiple premierships will suffice.

Word.

make them take Mitchell Pearce anyway