sidelined

If you were at Origin last night at ANZ it was obvious that there is no love lost between NSW fans and Billy Slater. He will be remembered as one of the greatest fullbacks ever but he is public enemy number one south of the border (as well as a hero south of the other border). But still when news came out that Slater was injured and likely out for a good month or so, some rejoiced in that news. And that is just wrong. League does inflame the passions but to take delight in another person’s physical injury is just gutless. I for one which Slater a quick and speedy recovery. The game is better when he is playing and as much as he can rankle those with Blue blood, he is spectacular in full flight and one of the assets of the game.

Onwards as ever towards the tips in a progressive manner.

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It is put up or shut up for New South Wales. Origin II is sold out! An incredible show of support for the Blues after so many series defeats. What separate the teams in game one was that the Maroons took their chances (as well as some help from the video ref).

New South Wales have no issues in the forwards especially with Thaiday out. He had an ordinary first game but hopefully the nerves are gone for Carney and he can do his stuff. If Morris can contain Inglis and Hayne keeps his roving commission, 1-1 will be the result.

It is going to be a great game. I’ll be there so wave if you see me on the tele. I’ll be the one wearing blue.

Lingerie football has just made its debut in Australia. For the blessed who have no idea what I am talking about, lingerie football consists of women wearing only lingerie (plus helmets and some other concessions to body protection) playing American Football. Among features of the game is an accidental nudity clause in the players as it is a constant occupational hazard.

Real women playing a real sport

Apologies as this week has been very busy with preparing my job application for the ARLC CEO role. So a real quick whip around the games.

The Storm are hit by Origin and will find it tough against the Tigers tonight.

The Knights aren’t going that well but the Raiders are worse so they will lose on Saturday.

The Sharks minus Carney and Gallen will find it tough against a Titans team that seems to be on the rise first up on Sunday.

Was thinking the Broncos but with Parker called up to Origin I’m leaning to Easts.

And on Monday night, the Warriors should be too strong for Penrith.

David Gallop has resigned after only 4 months into a 4 year contract as the Australian Rugby League Commision CEO. This was after 10 years as the NRL CEO after the Super League war.

The Canterbury Bankstown rape allegations (and their salary cap breach) the Brett Stewart debacle and the Melbourne Storm salary cap rort, Gallop didn’t have it easy during his time. And in those matters he did well. Taking a hard stand that was needed even if some of the muppets involved (and like minded fans) failed to understand the gravitas of the situations.

This is not an original critque but Gallop’s reign did seem to indicate a lack of vision. At best he tried to preserve the status quo without taking the game to new heights.

Still the game can give Gallop its thanks for rebuilding the code after the Super League as well a steady hand when needed. But his time has gone and the ARLC is correct to demand a a new vision for the game.

I was right last week. Origin does seem to hang over the regular competition dampening expectations for the regular games. The quality of the games does seem to suffer around this time. But remember, once Origin is over, the run for the top eight begins. And then the footy really heats up.

To tide you over. A little ditty doing the rounds that shows well how Queensland seems to be everywhere. At least NSW can look forward to James Tamou doing the haka in game two.

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Work was interesting today. My cubicle is at a convenient point for those walking the corridors and who want to have a chat. As my coworkers drifted in you could tell those that had watched Origin. That look of indignation coupled with disbelief. Lots of head shaking but also a steely determination that natural justice will be restored in game 2. Such is Origin. And such is Origin that is makes round 12 almost anti-climatic.

Speaking of anti-climatic, Nine’s willingness to use the NRL to cross promote the crap meant that instead of some energetic entertainment to set the mood for Origin 1, we had Delta bloody Goodrem bore the crowd to death. A unplugged Billy Idol would have offered more.

Right, where was I? Oh, bagging Nine which means Friday night football.

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It is finally here. What is some respects is a relic of the golden era of league steeped almost obsolete parochialism, Origin still dominates the NRL and continues to provide some of finest footy ever witnessed. And that is why it is the perfect vehicle to promote league in Victoria. The AFL has nothing like Origin. Nothing where the best players of the game are provided a chance to go to the next level in their ability. Origin provides moments that seem to linger forever and grow in stature over the years. No other footy code in Australia has anything quite like.

But there is one great question about Origin, can NSW win?

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How low can the Eels go? Well this was up on www.nrl.com earlier in the week (apparently since take down).
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Update: The NSW side has been announced: Greg Bird, Jamie Buhrer, Todd Carney, Ben Creagh, Robbie Farah, Paul Gallen (capt), Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis, Trent Merrin, Josh Morris, Mitchell Pearce, Brett Stewart, Glenn Stewart, James Tamou, Tony Williams, Akila Uate.

Sunday is it. The NSWRL will release those chose to play for New South Wales in Origin I. But the MB’s chagrin, Inglis won’t be playing for New South Wales. Who will? Well we really know the answer to that. But I had my druthers and a key to the selection room’s liquor cabinet, my side would be:

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