2013 NRL - Official Discussion Thread

[TRF_melon]

Unfortunately with last night's result as well as their upcoming fixtures, the Broncos have little chance of making the eight now. They've been a right royal disappointment this year, much like the previous six seasons really.

 

[UilamOsa]

You can pretty much write off the Dragons as well. I still think the Origin hangover will affect a few teams - so mathematically Broncos might have a chance.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Was gutted after the Warriors lost to the Rabbitohs today. I expected something special.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Love the Rabbitohs comeback against the Warriors, big result.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Idd, but at halftime I was hoping for an upset

 

[UilamOsa]

Gutted. Brilliant first half but it's the second half which is showing who are the contenders and the pretenders right now.

That said, we can still squeeze in to the top 8, just gotta keep going.

 

[LittleGuy]

Really enjoeyed the close game between the Sharks and Broncos, boy did the Sharks nearly blow it late. Carney was maginificent in the 2nd half though, he's had a good couple of years now hopefully he can keep the demons in check heading forward.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Neglected the NRL a bit this week with the Ashes proven to be a real treat for the eye and the Warriors having a bye. Apparently the Doggies completely thrashed the Storm.

 

[LittleGuy]

Neglected the NRL a bit this week with the Ashes proven to be a real treat for the eye and the Warriors having a bye. Apparently the Doggies completely thrashed the Storm.

Storm are notoriously bad in Origin weeks, I gained a lot of spots on superbru by picking the Dogs though I didn't think it would be that big of a smashing.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Warriors on a roll and hopefully to the play offs.

 

[TRF_melon]

A few newsworthy stories arose yesterday from the NRL world.

*******

Former Origin and one time test player Dallas Johnson has announced his retirement after deciding his heart was no longer in the game. Whilst many have suggested it would be his body which would give out due to his small stature and repeated concussions, he has declared his desire to move on and look for a new challenge.

As well as the above mentioned representative honours, career highlights include 157 games and four straight grand finals with Melbourne Storm, as well has a stint in England with Catalan Dragons and finally 64 games with the North Queensland Cowboys where he set a club record of 1006 tackles in a regular season, averaging 41.9 tackles per game.

Read the full story here.

*******

During St George's clash with the Rabbitohs on Monday night, veteran centre Matt Cooper suffered a season-ending injury in the form of a torn pectoral muscle which will require surgery and four months of rehabilitation. All this from the game in which he was returning from a lengthy stint on the sidelines from a foot injury!

Given his age of 34, it is likely he will call it quits.

As well has Johnson, he is a former representative player with 13 State of Origin games to his name and 7 test caps.

Read the full story here.

*******

Serial idiot Blake Ferguson has had his registration reinstated by the NRL after having it suspended on June 17 following repeated alcohol fuelled behavioural issues.

Whilst the NRL has given the all clear, it is unclear when Canberra will name Ferguson in their team.

Read the full story here.

 

[Amobokoboko]

[h=2]Warriors Leak New Signing[/h][h=3]NZ players go off early to celebrate news of English international's arrival[/h]

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Tags: Sam Tomkins, New Zealand Warriors, NRL

<small>Sam Tomkins Photo: Getty Images</small>
According to some Warriors players, English international Sam Tomkins has signed with the New Zealand Warriors.
Sam Lousi tweeted the news earlier today: "Welcome @samtomkins1 to the @NZWarriors just announced at this lunch."
The 24-year-old fullback comes with a massive reputation, some critics calling him the next Billy Slater.
Former English flyer Martin Offiah says he'll bring a lot to the Warriors.
"Apart from his skills and physical attributes, Sam is a winner,'' Offiah said, last month.
''He is a person who wants to test himself and, like most players, he wants to test himself in the best league in the world. He has won most things, the Man of Steel, Super League ***les and the Challenge Cup. He will get to test himself in the World Cup soon, too."
Tomkins made his Super League debut in 2008 with the Wigan Warriors, playing 145 games. He has also played 19 tests for England.
More to come.
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[LittleGuy]

Wow HUGE pickup for the Warriors...Tomkins is a great player and a big loss for Wigan and Super League in general. This could really vault the Warriors to the next level, they;ve already started to recover this season. But this if true is massive.

 

[Amobokoboko]

The warriors beat the Storm, did somebody say play offs for the Auckland boys?

 

[UilamOsa]

The warriors beat the Storm, did somebody say play offs for the Auckland boys?

Not us Warriors fans....but we're thinking it...just don't want to jinx it...

 

[TRF_melon]

Benji Marshall played like absolute ass on the weekend. He made 4 runs for 19 metres and was lazy in defence. He's an embarrassment.

Although he has a lot on his plate on the moment and he's never been known to be a consistent player, but this is a new low.

He should be dropped again. The season is gone - give a young fellow a go.


With Souths nursing a few injuries and a slight lull in form, the Roosters are starting to firm as favourites after continued dominant performances. Sonny-Bill will be returning so they will only improve.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Didn't watch that much footie due to the Ashes but the Warriors had a close loss.

 

[TRF_melon]

Peter Wallace has announced his departure from the Broncos in order to return to his junior club at the foot of the mountains, Penrith.

He will partner Jamie Soward in the halves who is also a new signing.

Although not exceptional by themselves, as a duo they have the potential to be formidable considering their complimentary playing styles. Wallace will direct the Panthers around the park with precision whilst not providing too much creative play making, whereas Soward will take on the line and be a bit more flashy. Both have sound kicking games.

 

[TRF_melon]

Scott Prince will retire at the end of the season.

Courtesy of NRL.com

Former Test and Queensland halfback Scott Prince has announced he will retire at the end of Brisbane's NRL season.
After playing for four clubs over 16 seasons, plus representing Queensland and Australia, Prince says this is the right time to hang up his boots.
The 33-year-old started his career with the North Queensland Cowboys in 1998 and has had had two short stints with the Broncos as well as making his name with Wests Tigers and the Gold Coast ***ans.
It was at the Tigers, partnering Benji Marshall in the halves, where Prince achieved his NRL highlight, steering the team to the 2005 NRL premiership.
"It's been an incredible, massive journey and one I've been very honoured and proud to take part in," Prince said.
"Now is the right time and I've done all I can accomplish on the field."

 

[TRF_melon]

After a bit of wheeling and dealing between the two clubs, the Brisbane Broncos have signed Ben Barba on a 3 year deal equal to that he was on at the Bulldogs.

This is supremely important for the Queenslanders considering the impending departure of halves Peter Wallace and Scott Prince, as well as five-eighth/fullback Corey Norman.