Tuesday 26 October 2010

Roy Slaven & HG Nelson Commentary Highlights from Australian Kangaroos v PNG Kumuls in 2010 Four Nations

FOUR NATIONS 
RUGBY LEAGUE
2010
Highlights from the Roy Slaven & HG Nelson Call of the Australian Kangaroos v PNG Kumuls in Four Nations for Triple M - October 24, 2010.
Roy & HG returned to their rightful place as the best colour commentators in the business, when they called the Four Nations clash between the Australian Kangaroos and the PNG  Kumuls from Parramatta Stadium for Triple M on Sunday October 24, 2010.

You can get your hands on the full podcast via this link on iTunes and I recommend you start downloading it now before reading the Best Highlights of the Call below.

The Roy & HG Experience is best served in Podcast form as syncing up the TV to the radio when the lads were calling from a studio saw the 3 second delay just too annoying to sit through.


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Below are the Highlights from Roy & HG's Call along with In-Game Notes Tweeted on The NRL Tweet and collated here.

Pre-Match:
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL HG Nelson "I'm joined on the sideline by a man who is virtually nude, save a big gourd round the donger, Roy Slaven." #royandhg 

NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Roy Slaven "I think the time is always right for Rugby League" ... "The weather gods have smiled on us today HG" #4nations #royandhg

NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Took Rampaging Roy Slaven way too long to mention the mighty Lithgow Shamrocks! Pull your finger out Roy! #4nations #royandhg

NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL PNG Rugby League just isn't the same without Bruce Mamando... although Jessie Joe Parker is their Great Name Hope! #4nations #royandhg

NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL PNG War Dance time.... best packed scrum of the 2010 Season. #4nations #royandhg

1st Half:

NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Roy Slaven "If I was the New Guineans HG, as soon as I received the ball I'd be kicking it straight back." #royandhg


Wednesday 20 October 2010

2011 NRL Player Movements + Team Roster Recruitment Analysis by The NRL Tweet

The NRL Tweet's Player Movement Analysis for the 2011 NRL Premiership.

2011 NRL Grand Final Preview Video - Manly v Warriors


Here is our NRL Season Preview Video for 2011 
PODCAST HERE


For the internet's most comprehensive Injury List - bookmark this page.


Original Article... Last Update early Feb. For all the changes pick up a copy of the NSC Rugby League Almanac available March 7.
January Update: It appears Matt Orford has finally secured a release from the Bradford Bulls and will play for the Canberra Raiders in 2011.
December Update: Greg Inglis is FINALLY a Rabbitoh after Beau Champion agreed to move to the Storm in a sign & trade deal. Well we think so... the NRL could still find a way to nix the deal if they tried hard enough!
November Update: Greg Inglis will be a South Sydney Rabbitoh after walking away from a handshake agreement with the Broncos.

With the St.George-Illawarra Dragons claiming their maiden premiership with a 32-8 win over the Sydney Roosters in October, here is a quick look at the Playing Rosters of the 16 NRL Clubs looking to emulate the Dragons in 2011.

For a full rundown on each roster - including Scouting Reports, Player of the Year Voting Statistics and plenty more - be sure to get a copy of the brand new NSC Rugby League Almanac due out in late November/early December. To register your interest and guarantee yourself a copy - email this address.

Each Addition is given a NSC Rating Out of 5.
5 = Just added a superstar who will change games.
4 = Outstanding addition, important piece of the puzzle.
3 = Great addition, will be a starter for new team.
2 = Youngster with potential to be a starter or veteran who adds depth.
1 = Unknown rookie entity or reserve grade filler.

These Player Movements were originally sourced from MarathonStadium.com with assistance from Player Movement Guru Aaron Winder, and updated independently from October onwards.

All Addition Ratings & Recruitment Summaries are from NSC & The NRL Tweet.

2011 NRL Player Movements
If there are any Player Movements missing - please make a comment with the details.

2011 BRISBANE BRONCOS
Finished 10th in 2010, Missed Playoffs.
COMING IN:
4 - Ben HANNANT.
2 - Dane CARLAW.
1 - John TE REO.
GOING OUT: 
Israel FOLAU, Ashton SIMS, Korbin SIMS, Tariq SIMS, Antonio WINTERSTEIN, Lagi SETU.
RECRUITMENT SUMMARY: 
In a staggering development in early November, Greg Inglis will not be a Brisbane Bronco after walking out on an agreement (but not a contract) with the the club after a legal dispute with his former team the Melbourne Storm saw his earning potential drop if he had moved to Brisbane. Considering Israel Folau has defected to the West Sydney Wombats in the AFL - the Broncos have suddenly gone from an upgrade at centre to a massive downgrade at the position... although a returning Justin Hodges helps. Inglis has since joined South Sydney. The Broncos big signing now becomes Ben Hannant - who isn't chump change yet the Broncos picked him up mid-contract from the Bulldogs for some free tickets to Canterbury members and adds some instant grunt to the Brisbane engine room. Folau is without doubt a massive loss but Hodges should be healthy - so Brisbane will find a way to cope. Setu, Winterstein & the Sims trio departing cost the Broncos some depth but nothing more. Hooker John Te Reo is a former Brisbane junior who gets a second chance a few years after being cut by the club for an off-field incident. In late November the Broncos bolstered their youthful pack with the signing of Dane Carlaw who returns to the club after a number of years in the Super League.

2011 CANBERRA RAIDERS
Finished 7th in 2010, Eliminated in 2nd Week of Playoffs.
COMING IN: 
4 - Matt ORFORD.
3 - Blake FERGUSON.
2 - Brett WHITE.
1 - Mark IOANE, Nathan MASSEY.
GOING OUT:
Joel MONAGHAN, Justin CARNEY, Adam MOGG, Scott LOGAN, Brett KELLY, Marc HERBERT, Troy THOMPSON.
RECRUITMENT SUMMARY: 
Canberra were rocked with the departure of Joel Monaghan after being caught in a photograph scandal in November and he has left the club after a huge public backlash against the contents of the photo. Canberra's biggest concern remains at halfback with Terry Campese out for at least half (if not all) of 2011 with a knee reconstruction and Josh McCrone masquerading as a halfback all year despite being nothing more than a solid five-eighth. The Matt Orford rumours persist (the club now has more cash to spend with Monaghan's departure) and the club better make it a reality or the loss of Campese will crush the momentum this team built up in their run to the Finals in 2010. Ferguson is a talented young outside back with errors in his game, his arrival will see Joel Thompson move to the forwards (although with Monaghan's departure Thompson may remain at centre). Oh yeah and the Raiders signed Brett White - as if they didn't have enough big boppers up front. Canberra would have preferred to keep Carney, while veterans Mogg & Logan were still useful in 2010 but Thompson had no future in Canberra so wisely moved on. The club also secured youngsters Mark Ioane from the Warriors and Nathan Massey from the Bulldogs.
In January Canberra finally secured the services of Matt Orford after the Bradford Bulls released him from his contract. Orford keeps Canberra's playoff chances afloat with the long term injury to Terry Campese and although he's not quite in the elite superstar status - Orford is just the kind of player Canberra needed with or without Campese in the lineup. It is a major coup for the Raiders who only had the money to spend after the Joel Monaghan incident.

2011 CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Finished 13th in 2010, Missed Playoffs.
COMING IN:
4 - Aiden TOLMAN, Frank PRITCHARD, Greg EASTWOOD.
3 - Trent HODKINSON.
2 - Kris KEATING, Grant MILLINGTON, Jonathan WRIGHT.
1 - Michael LETT.
GOING OUT: 
Brett KIMMORLEY, Luke PATTEN, Ben HANNANT, Daniel HARRISON, Danny WILLIAMS, Yileen GORDON, Jarrad HICKEY, Blake GREEN, Nathan MASSEY, Tim WINITANA, Shane NEUMANN.
RECRUITMENT SUMMARY:
Let a host of veterans go and made sure they got the best available replacements - making their 2011 recruitment the best in the NRL. Were forced to release Ben Hannant so they got Aiden Tolman who could be an even better long term player than the Polar Bear - a nickname that Tolman too could inherit. Brett Kimmorley retired to take up a coaching role once the club had secured Trent Hodkinson & Kris Keating, but Kimmorley is in a position where he could come out of retirement if injuries hit the Dogs hard in the halves. Then the club finally addressed it's weakest area - the backrow. Andrew Ryan could move to the front row in 2011 after the club grabbed Frank Pritchard & Greg Eastwood - finally giving them some strikepower on the edge of the ruck. Veteran fullback Luke Patten was encouraged to go to England to allow Ben Barba a crack at the spot in 2011, while Michael Lett & Jonathan Wright will put pressure on the incumbent three-quarters. Grant Millington adds some more depth up front with the departures of Yileen Gordon, Daniel Harrison, Danny Williams & Jarrad Hickey. Canterbury also released Blake Green to the UK, Tim Winitana was released and Shane Neumann returned to the QLD Cup (and may turn out for the Storm). Now all that needs to happen at Canterbury is for Coach Kevin Moore to find his 2009 game plan and throw out the woeful one he installed in 2010.

Friday 8 October 2010

Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Hockey - My 2010/2011 Sydney Kangaroos


NHL: Sydney Kangaroos begin assault on Fantasy Hockey Crown

Regular readers of wdnicolson.blogspot.com will know I love my Ice Hockey.

In fact when the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup in June of 2009... I got a little excited.

Well the Penguins will attempt to make it back to the Stanley Cup Finals after falling two rounds short of a 3rd straight Finals appearance - when the 2010/2011 NHL Season starts on Thursday (Friday AEST).

But that's not what this post is about - this is my Fantasy Hockey Squad for my own assault on a Stanley Cup.

I have limited myself to just one Fantasy League of the NHL variety this year so that I will literally live & die by the production of just one group of players - rather than multiple cross-overs if you are in more than one league.

I joined the 'PUCKEYES' League - a collection of Ohio and New York State natives in the USA who have been holding an annual league for a few seasons now - and was lumped with the 4th overall pick.

Okay lumped isn't the right word - yes I didn't get a shot at the two best players in the game in Sidney Crosby or Alexander Ovechkin but landing 2009/2010 Art Ross (Most Points) winner Henrik Sedin wasn't a bad consolation prize.

Here are the Draft Picks made by the Sydney Kangaroos and why I think they'll lead me to Fantasy Hockey Glory this year.

Round 1, Pick 4
CE - Henrik SEDIN, Vancouver Canucks.
He topped the NHL with 112 points last season so kid can play. Vancouver are expected to contend for the regular season title yet again and playing with brother Daniel is a bonus. Had to pick him given Crosby & Ovechkin were taken (Stamkos went 3rd overall) and I couldn't let my Pittsburgh bias steer me towards Evgeni Malkin way too high.
What I'm Hoping For: 30 Goals & 75 Assists.
Who I could've had (Next 4 Picks): Nicklas Backstrom, Ryan Miller, Malkin & Zach Parise (Daniel Sedin went 9th overall).

Round 2, Pick 21
CE - Joe THORNTON, Sharks
Since this league has Face-Off's Won as a category (making it just as important as Goals & Assists etc) - I couldn't pass up another elite centre with 100+ point potential. Thornton doesn't shoot enough for my liking but like Sedin - I've now got two guys with 80 assists written all over them if they stay healthy. Like Sedin he's a Power Play Machine which helps.
What I'm Hoping For: 20 Goals & 80 Assists.
Who I could've had instead (Next 4 Picks): Jimmy Howard, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Henrik Zetterberg. (Didn't want to take a goaltender this high not named Brodeur but Zetterberg got some consideration)

Round 3, Pick 28
GO - Marc-Andre FLEURY, Penguins
Needed to address my goaltending with this pick after taking two high scoring forwards early. The fact I could get the Pittsburgh starter in Fleury was just gravy. Might have been a tad high for MAF but he should start at least 60 games for the Pens and 35 wins looks likely. You need goaltending to win a Roto league and this isn't a bad start between the pipes.
What I'm Hoping For: 35 Wins, Sub 2.50 GAA and 5 Shutouts.
Who I could've had instead (Next 4 Picks): Martin St.Lous, Jason Spezza, Jarome Iginla & Rick Nash. (Passed up some real high end goal-scoring talent in Iginla & Nash for goaltending).

NOT The Footy Show Episode 47 - Dragons 32 def Roosters 8 NRL Grand Final Review Podcast 2010

NOT The Footy Show 
Episode 47 - Dragons 32 def Roosters 8 NRL Grand Final Review Podcast 2010 
 32 - 8

|=| Episode 47 is here - The Grand Final Review: The St.George-Illawarra Dragons 38 defeating the Sydney Roosters 8 at ANZ Stadium on October 3, 2010.


What's on NOT The Footy Show Episode 47?
|=| Warrick Nicolson & Dave Chapman are your hosts (Dave is the extremely happy one now his team has won a premiership in his lifetime) and are joined by Matt Duncan to dissect the Grand Final and the fan reaction to the Dragons’ victory, look at Wayne Bennett’s legacy & future, discuss how we would feel if our teams never won another title and hear about Israel Folau’s last Rugby League match.
|=| We also list the Four Nations Squads for the 2010 Tournament involving Australia, New Zealand, England & Papua New Guinea.
|=| We also explore the 2011 NRL Premiership draw that was released on the day we recorded the show – our first impressions and why the NRL swung and missed mightily on their scheduling of the Dragons v Storm.
|=| And more... on NOT The Footy Show
Cheers,
Waz, Dave, Matt & Nic from NOT The Footy Show
|=| More at The NRL Tweet or wdnicolson.blogspot.com |=|
Subscribe via iTunes - http://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/not-the-footy-show-2010-nrl/id370905391
|=| LISTEN TO THIS WEEK'S PODCAST IN FULL (right click/save target as to copy mp3 file)
|=| Episode 47 PODCAST is LIVE:

|=| Episode 46 VIDEO is LIVE:

|=| Episode 47 VIDEO to come...

|=| Haven't subscribed to NOT THE FOOTY SHOW yet?

Well get to it junior!
Cheers Waz, Nic, Dave & Matt
NOT The Footy Show
|=| |=| |=|
NOT The Footy Show is now an iTunes Podcast - make sure you subscribe today... regret your decision tomorrow.
Although we will still do our YouTube Videos that go up each Wednesday - our Podcasts have plenty of extra content as audio allows us to go a little deeper and dribble on a little more.
If you don't have iTunes but want to play the Podcast on your computer right click + save target as + this link.

Make sure you subscribe via the iTunes Page HERE or you can subscribe to us on through the iTunes function - just enter http://notthefootyshowblog.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?max-results=500 into the 'subscribe to podcast' option and you're away.

Check out http://www.wdnicolson.blogspot.com/  or follow us on Twitter @ NRLTweet - http://www.twitter.com/nrltweet

Cheers,
Waz & Nic

2011 NRL Draw Released for Telstra Premiership

2011 NRL PREMIERSIP DRAW 
With the 2010 NRL Season completed just days ago, the administration has jumped straight into preparations for the new season by releasing the 2011 NRL Premiership Draw.

You can download the Full 2011 NRL Premiership Draw here


Notes from The NRL Tweet on the Draw.
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Biggest travesty of 2011 NRL Draw is the fact the Dragons don't play the Storm until Round 24... unbelievable marketing stuff up. #RedV
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Recorded NOT The Footy Show in higher definition tonight... wow, now you'll really want to avoid our videos!
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Perhaps the biggest stuff up for Rivalry Round 2011 is making Tigers available & not putting them against the Raiders... 1989 anyone?
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Yes there's no 'perfect' way to do it (give me some time to think of an alternative) but it's like the schedule maker doesn't even try.
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL More than one shuffle for rest of Rivalry Round in 2011. Warriors get Bulldogs & Cowboys get Tigers. Who thinks this stuff up?
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Just can't get over the NRL thinking that there's any rivalry at all between Canberra & Melbourne... yet again part of 'Rivalry Round'
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Interesting that although both Raiders & Roosters don't get pre-Origin byes in 2011 - they get Broncos & Storm minus Origin 2 stars.
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Be interested in your thoughts on 2011 NRL Draw. Get the badly formatted NRL pdf here http://bit.ly/NRL2011Draw (print setup very poor)
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Fine with Grand Final Replay in this case (Dragons v Roosters) being held til Round 7 but Storm had to play Premiers in Rd 1 of 2011.
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL 2011 NRL Draw is automated for most part but no teams should play twice in 6 weeks. Rabbitohs v Bulldogs Rd2+6, Raiders v Tigers Rd3+8.
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Although both Roosters & Raiders are disadvantaged by this in 2011 - the NRL finally made it so no team had 2 Byes before Origin games.
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL @NRL improved the Origin Byes disparity but the @RaidersCanberra & @sydneyroosters will NOT get a bye before an Origin game in 2011.
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Titans, Storm, Broncos, Dragons, Cowboys & Sea Eagles get byes before State of Origin 1.
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Melbourne get a heavy home schedule too (2010 totally opposite) with 6 of first 8 games at AAMI Park in 2011.
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL With 6 of first 7 away in 2011 St.George-Illawarra could unveil the Premiership to their home crowd with an 0-4 record. I stress could.
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Eels will play 5 of their first 7 at home in 2011... with stopovers in Auckland and Melbourne. Must start well with that home draw.
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Dragons playing 6 of their first 7 away in 2011 must be ground related... I know WIN Stadium is unavailable but what's up with Kogarah?
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Can @NRL_Dragons please explain to the #RedV fans why WIN Jubilee can't host any more than 1 game in the first 7 weeks?
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Predicted 2011 Round 1 Schedule: Fri: GLD-STI, SYD-SOU, Sat: WAR-PAR, BRI-NQL, PEN-NEW. Sun: CAN-CRO, CBY-WTG. Mon: MEL-MAN.
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL On 2nd thoughts... while it makes zero sense for Dragons not to open at home in RD1, they'll get Titans on Friday instead of BRI v NQL.
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Which then leaves Titans v Dragons + Storm v Sea Eagles on the outer... mmm what would you do if you were Channel 9?
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL Lock in Broncos v Cowboys as one Friday spot, the other will be a Sydney home team ie. Roosters v Rabbitohs - Dogs v Tigers has Sunday.
NRLTweet The NRL Tweet 
#NRL 1st impressions of 2011 NRL Draw: Dragons v Storm simply had to be opening game on Friday Night. Another swing & miss by NRL Marketing.


In the next few days there will be Team by Team Schedules Uploaded to this page.