THEFOOTY.com

WE ARE MOVING

curly — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 07:49:00 GMT

The team at THEFOOTY.com have made the decision to again pull up stumps and move hosts. Little web-sites get crap service, and again this has been the case from our host. They moved to new servers and have spent well over a month moving our site, and still have been unsuccessful.

We have made the decision to move our little site to a free service run by Blogger. We hope that this transition goes smoothly, but if our service is interrupted you can view our new site at :

http://thefootycom.blogspot.com/

OUR DOMAIN http://www.thefooty.net should already be pointing at our new site.

Being a small, independant hobby site without much revenue potential, has also seen the costs of hosting start to drain as the years have gone on. We enjoy sharing our thoughts with our small audience, and will continue to do so, but at a much reduced cost.

I hope that our loyal readers join us on our new site.

Cheers

Curly

The Annual Shot in the Foot

curly — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:53:00 GMT

Pre-Season, every season, we have a drama of some magnitude envelop the game of rugby league. Whether it was Coffs Harbour and the Bulldogs, Brett Stewart and even Kings Cross and the shots fired at Jarryd Hayne, there is always some drama that take the headlines away from what can happen on the field.

This season promised different, until the drug squad in Newcastle had other ideas. They arrested Chris Houston for drug offences. Danny Wicks also felt the brunt of the law last December, but honestly, that had faded from the news and our memories.

So here we go, the Annual Rugby League shot in the foot, just two weeks out from the season start.Will we ever learn?

Melbourne Score World Club Challenge Win

curly — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:13:00 GMT

The Melbourne Storm, fielding a younger side than won the NRL comp last season, withstood a concerted Leeds effort to win the World Club Challenge 18-10. The game started well for Leeds with a bit of luck and the provision of a two point penalty kick, but Melbourne answered back and the game was level at 2 apiece. A further penalty goal by each team gave the half-time score a dramatic four all.

The second half showed intensity and passion from both sides, but it was Melbourne that proved themselves the better side, scoring two tries to one and having Cameron Smith kick five from five, in his unaccustomeed halfback role.

Smith was best on the ground, while Danny Maguire kept toiling for the English team. The win by the Storm is the second in succession by the Australian NRL Premiers, following Manly's win last season, and this will no doubt cause all sorts of angst for the English game.

It will be interesting to see how Melbourne start the NRL season this year, considering Manly's struggle to compete early last year.

What do we Take from Pre-Season Form

curly — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 03:37:00 GMT

What do we make of the early pre-season form of the teams this year. In a nutshell, I don't think much can be taken at all.

Parramatta have struggled to win a trial, yet teams like the Warriors, Roosters and others have bounded out during the trials with hints of promise for the season ahead. I am not saying that the Warriors and Roosters are down for poor seasons, but in all likelihood they will improve, exactly how much will be the question.

From a recruitment and quality of team base, my fears are for the Dragons and Broncos who really havn't added to their squad and in real terms are minus in terms of squads they ran out last year. The Broncos look hell-bent on blooding new forwards, while the Dragons are expected to conjure up some greater attack to go with the discipline in defence they found last season.

The big improvers in our eyes are expected to be the Panthers, Tigers and the Rabbitohs. The Rabbitohs need some of the steel-like discipine to match thier enthusiasm, while the Tigers seem to have added to their roster well. However, I expect Matt Elliot to have a good season with his Panthers as he finally seems to have some quality in his squad, which appears to have a real Elliot touch to it.

So don't take anything from the trials team, as from March 12, is when it all counts.

Charity Shield 26 all Draw

curly — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 11:03:00 GMT

The Rabbitohs and Dragons played out the latest installment of the Charity Shield and in the final minutes, a piece of Brett Morris magic secured a 26 all draw for the Dragons. Jamie Soward was left with a sideline conversion to win the game, and the attempt sailed just outside the sticks.

For a pre-season game, the standard was high and the wingers from both teams had crackers, while John Sutton and Jamie Soward showed the full repertoire of tricks. The Souths Forward pack of Asotasi, Taylor and Burgess while Isaac Luke played with a deal of spirit.

The Dragons showed fans more promise than many have predicted, and they will actually look forward to the season opener against the Eels.

Pre Season: Best Time of the Year

curly — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 09:35:00 GMT

We say it every year, But we will again say it. Pre Season is the best time of the year for all supporters. It is that time of the year where we look ahead with anticipation. There are no losers at the moment, just winners waiting to happen. We can read all the previews, but know in our heart that 2010 just could be the year. We look at the betting markets and make our visions to what we will do with our winnings at season end. We analyse our off season signings, our coming and goings, and can't wait for our best 17 to take the field.

Just weeks away and we are all winners.

NRL All Stars Wrap Up

curly — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 21:36:00 GMT

The Indigenous All-Stars won the inaugural NRL All-Stars game 16-12, with two Jonathon Thurston Conversions the difference. The game was played with an intensity that surprised many, but from those within the Indigenous camp didn't.

Inspired by deed by the like of Loinel Morgan (first ever Indigenous Kangaroo) and stories of tribal warfare, and spurred on by a large majority of the crowd, the Indigenous team played with greater passion and commitment and deserved their win.

The first game has been played and the merits of the game will now be debated. We saw two major injuries with Darren Lockyer and Kurt Gidley likely to miss opening rounds of the season proper. Travis Waddell was knocked out and will need some rehabilitation. Many other likely injuries will be glossed over in coming weeks, as the match was intense enough to create.

Doubts must be cast also on the future of the game, due to the high level of dropouts that occurred preceding it. While clubs publicly praised the concept, it would appear that behind the scenes there may have been some dissent. This is likely to increase with the injuries that have occurred. Additionally, the Indigenous camp banished Justin Hodges due to his non-commitment to the game, which flies in the face of his public comments as well as the attitude of the vast majority of the squad.

The addition of the trial rule, the double try, was a joke. This MUST never be seen on a rugby league field again!!!!

Personally, I feel this game should not be played as our opening game. Much was spoken about reconciliation and the like on the night, I believe this game has a greater capacity to divide. It didn't last night. We saw a good natured crowd, with the passion and cheering purely one-sided. You might have thought the NRL All-Stars should have won and that is who you were cheering for, but the crowd didn't form an emotional attachment with the NRL. Emotion was ONLY evident in the cheering of the Indigenous team. And personally, I don't think most people really cared who won, they came for the entertainment and potentially the novelty, there were others for who it meant everything. This is where the potential divide and ugliness came in.

In contradiction, this game actually needs that emotion to survive. Without it, it becomes a meaningless clash. So we fuel the viability of this game through emotions based on race. Doesn't sound like reconciliation to me????? I love Preston Campbell, but I don't think his original idea was to play the NRL All-Stars. Maybe more in line with taking on other Pacific Indigenous tribes.

I will refer to an earlier article from THEFOOTY.com and again state, that this game should be played as the week lead-in to the Grand Final after giving the grand final qualifiers a fortnight break before the big game. This is an ideal time, when season commitments for most players have finished.

I am confident also that players like Ben Jones, are 100% proud of whatever tribal culture they possess. Not sure if his selection does anything for the credibility of the game, however.

NSW Under 16 Kooris 24 Qld under 16 Murris 14

curly — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 08:16:00 GMT

In an entertaining curtain raiser to the NRL AllStars the NSW Kooris were too good for the Qld Murris in the Under 16 clash 24-14. The nsw boys certainly looked the goods early with better speed and fitness, but QLD put together a spirited comeback in the second half to trail by just 4. Howver asoft intercept try to NSW gave them the winning margin with three minutes left.

Shut Your Mouth Willie?

curly — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 06:37:00 GMT

Its a good thing we have Willie Mason, otherwise the news around the NRL would be pretty quiet. David Gallop, the NRL CEO came out yesterday and told Willie to keep his mouth shut. While that is probably some good advice, as Willie certainly doesn't seem to be learning any lessons from any mistakes that he has made. It is much easier to blame everyone else for your woes and continue on as is.

I still Mason to have a huge season with the Cowboys and Cowboys fans must be secretly happy with the potential of the forward pack they will be producing.

One thing, however, of concern for the NRL is the lack of personalities within our game. Mr Personality, himself, David Gallop also must recognise this. Losing Wendell Sailor will be huge in this aspect, and the comp needs colourful players urgently.

Superbowl Saints Win 31-17

curly — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:13:00 GMT

First Quarter Colts 10 Saints 0 . Saints appear nervous and turning the ball over. Colts Manning in charge. Saints starting second quarter more composed. The third quarter saw the lead exchanged, but th fourth quarter saw a concerted effort from the Saints to firstly take the lead with a touchdown to lead 22-17. Then the call of the game when a two point conversion decision was overturned on the field and saw the Saints led 24-17. A 70 m intercept touchdown to the Saints saw th Saints leading 31-17 in the final four minutes. The Colts blew their final assault and the New Orleans Saints, in an absolute fairytale, have won the Superbowl 31-17

Just Twelve Hours to Go

curly — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:58:00 GMT

The two best teams all year, have just twelve hours left in their preparation for the Super Bowl.

In what everyone hopes will be an attack fest, the white hot Indianopolis Colts take on the fairy tale that is the New Orleans Saints.

Peyton Manning from the Colts is the favourite for the MVP.

The Who are performing the halftime show, which while spectacular will not be a patch on the game itself.

Roll on Superbowl!!!!!

Mason Divides Qlders

curly — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:38:00 GMT

The NQ Cowboys fans have been reported as being very much divided over Willie mason joining the team.

Mason is a goose, yes, but in terms of misbehaviour he is a choir boy.

Tipping him for a BIG year.

An Eventful Day in NRL

curly — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:47:00 GMT

Yesterday was certainly a news day for the NRL with many exciting announcements made.

Firstly, Big Willie Mason has signed with the Cowboys. This is good news for the game and was tipped exclusively by THEFOOTY.com and never wavered from for the last month. Willie will start afresh in NQ and whichever way he goes should have a top season. Strange how he polarises the fans, with the thought that 50% hope he has a great season and the other 50% believe he will show up to be a dog.

Lote Tuquiri is back in league, and following the exploits of Wendell, is tipped to have a great season. One of the reasons why Wendell was welcomed back so warmly was his larger than life personality, and his outward enthusiasms for the game and the team. Lote has neither of these characteristics and I personally believe his return does nothing for the game.

The NRL AllStars game has been rocked by injury with four Aussie Allstars out, including Englishmen Gareth Ellis. The Indigenous All Stars are also rocked by injury. I am not sure of the replacement program yet, but will advise once announced.

NRL All Stars Game should be Huge

curly — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:33:00 GMT

I just sat and watched the NFL Pro Bowl game, and the new scheduling for the game interested me. Previously played in Hawai, the week after the Super Bowl, it is now played in Florida the week before the Super Bowl and fills the empty weekend prior to the Bowl. The teams are decided by voting from the fans, players and coaches. Of course the Super Bowl team representatives sit out the game, but with both the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl being played in Florida this season, the Pro Bowl has been the ideal lead in.

Which led me to thinking. After a hards finals series, would it not be advantageous for both teams to have a fortnight off. The first week off they prepare seriously in their home ports for the game and get their more serious preparation done. Then in the week leading to the game, both teams set up shop in Grand Final town annd set the buzz happening.

Now imagine if you will, the NRL Allstars game being held on the spare weekend before the Grand Final. Both of the these teams (minus the GF teams players selected) converge on Grand Final town and dominate the media, leaving the two GF teams in peace in their home port to seriously prepare for the GF and even get over some of the niggling issues.

Just call me an ideas man, but this could work brilliantly and would work better than the February Time slot.

Cowboys and Big Willie!!!

curly — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 01:38:00 GMT

Willie Mason has been rumoured to be in the sights of the North Queensland Cowboys and Manly.

Maybe a change to Townsville is just what the doctor ordered for the human wrecking ball.

Many would agree that a charging Willie Mason is a great sight! It's about time we see the deeds back on the footy field and not in the gossip pages!

The Cowboys fan base are split 50-50 on the Mason issue, but personally I reckon they will be getting a player that will have so much to prove it isn't funny. The Cowboy Players seem to want him, the coach is keen but is the board prepared to take the risk?

I hope he does go to the Cowboys and he has an amazing season.

It's a Colts v Saints Superbowl

curly — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 04:04:00 GMT

The Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints will play off in the Superbowl on February 8 after each became the champions of their respective conferences today.

The Colts defeated the New York Jets 30-17 to win the AFC Title and firm as favourites for the Superbowl.

The NFC title went into overtime when the Saints and the Minnesota Vikings were locked at 28 all after regulation. The Saints chipped in a field goal to win 31-28. In the words of one of the fans on the NFL forum, "Who would have thought that Saints and Superbowl would be in the same sentence".

Both teams now have a fortnight to prepare for the Superbowl which promises to be a great game, with the sentimental favourites New Orleans Saints taking on the odds-on faves in the Colts. Should be a classic.

Folou to Union???

curly — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 02:53:00 GMT

Well I guess I have heard it all now. Israel Folou has expressed an interest in Union.

Why, oh why, do league players feel the need to entertain thoughts on joining Rugby Union. The game is crap, ruined by referees and certainly not the sporting nirvana that it is painted up to be.

Additionally, one would have to guess whether Folou would actually succeed in Union. I don't see too many high kicks to the corner, which appears to be Folous specialty. Union has fast agile backs, and I don't see this in Folou.

Just another leaguie attempting to raise his money, I guess

AFC and NFC Championship Games This Weekend

curly — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:36:00 GMT

Sorry for the lack of updates recently, but the boys from thefooty.com have been away in Yamba enjoying the fruits of their labour.

While away the first two weeks of the NFL playoffs and the first thing we need to mention is the San Diego Chargers (Curlys tip to make the Superbowl) were knocked out last weekend going down 17-14 to the New York Jets. In the other AFC game, the Indianapolis Colts destroyed the Baltimore Ravens 20-3. This sets up the Colts-Jets clash for the AFC title and a tilt at the Superbowl.

Over at the NFC our tip, the New Orleans Saints are still in with a shot after getting rid of Arizona 45-14. The Minnesota Vikings won the other game over the Dallas Cowboys 34-3 setting up the Vikings v Saints title game.

For what it is worth, our tip is for the Saints to take on the Jets in the Superbowl.

NFL Playoffs: Wildcard Weekend

curly — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 07:26:00 GMT

Well the Carolina Panthers finsihed outside of the playoffs this season, however that hasn't stopped the interest in the NFL Playoffs as we look ahead to the final 12. This weekend sees the two top seeds of each Conference have the weekend off and the wildcard playoff to see what faces who in the following Divisional Round of the Playoffs.

This weekend we see in the AFC, the New York Jets (9-7) playing Cincinnati (10-6), while the Baltimore Ravens (9-7) face New England (10-6).The San Diego Cgargers and the Indianapolis Colts have the bye and freshen up to play the winners of the Wild Cards.

In the NFC Philadelphia (11-5) play Dallas (11-5), while Green Bay(11-5) play Arizona (10-6). The Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints await the winners.

The NFL Playoffs are all knockout with no second chance and while New Orleans and Indianapolis have been the form sides for much of the year, their late season form wasn't as convincing. Personally, I feel it will be a San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints Super Bowl.

Do we need Johny Larkin?

curly — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:41:00 GMT

A well-meaning friend delivered the Johny Larkin book, The Cockroach tells all, to me for Christmas. I must say it did start with some promise with his photo and disclaimer on Russell Crowe. After that it went downhill and fast.

It had the usual predictable humour, based around booze, out-dated anecdotes, self-gloating bullshit and the gratuitous use of a fat middle aged man in various photos of distaste. Predictable use of the nickname in an attempt at humour to sell beer and the odd g-string shot.

I am pretty sure that the vast majority of league fans will see some humour in this, but by mid-book will be bored shirtless, much like the Reg Reagan book of a few years back.

The book isn't even well written as a parody, with contradictory pieces, snippets and cannot even keep its own historical context. Heaven forbid, if anyone actually took this book as a serious piece of journalism.

Now some may describe this rant as a bit hypocritical seeing that we churn out the ole Myth and Legend, Snowy "Bloody" Fraser on our completely independent footy.com site. We don't trot Snowy out as anything Snowy isn't. A real reserve grade bush legend , with some outdated views but a real grip on the new world of Rugby League and the expectations of the fans and games. Snowy lives in our world, everyone knows a Snowy. No-one would ever admit to knowing a Johny Larkin.

Not sure how the NRL stops this sort of crap from going to print. The American NFL has such strict controls on how their game is depicted, that some movies have been forced to create their own league for their stories. A case in point is "On Any Given Sunday" in which a fictitious league was created as the NFL did not approve the movie script.

It's time we moved the humour of our game to the next level, Lets get rid of the "fart" joke toilet humour and embrace some originality.

Where to now for Big Willie?

snowy — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 05:19:00 GMT

As a father of many kids around the nation, I have become prone to advising them of the need to get on with people and then in turn this helps you get on with the world. Don't be the person that people don't want to play, work or be with. Be the one they want to be with.

Now if only Willie Mason had been given that advice, OR had chosen to use it if it had been given to him. Be the big personality does him no favours at the moment. Unwanted at his club, and indeed inside the NRL, Willie has limited options. He has apparently recieved big money offers off-shore, but whether this is true or an attempt to keep his name in the media is arguable. By appearing to be a wanted commodity, also helps drive the type of money, Willie has become used to.

Desperate to remain in the NRL, the NRL doesn't appear desperate to keep him. Good luck Willie. What will he be remembered for????

News : www.thefooty.com

NRL All-Stars Game has Mixed Appeal

snowy — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:02:00 GMT

The Rugby League community has embraced the concept of the All-Stars game to be held in February, between the Aboriginal Dream Team and the NRL All-Stars. Most league fans are excited by the prospect of the game, but the voting for the game is the testing point in the game.

While the concepts of having fans pick the players and having just one player from each club is admirable, it will limit the game as a spectacle and as an avenue to further increase revenue.

The public are notoriously bad at voting for the right people. Witness any reality TV show, when popularity usually wins as opposed to actual talent or worthiness. Additionally, how many pub fights have come about due to footy team selections and the arguments from incensed patrons.

Clubs would certainly not relish having multiple players involved in a Public Relations game, and I am sure that the limitation of players from clubs was one of the deciding factors behind allowing the game to go ahead. However it leads to the question of which player from which club. Why should Parramatta chosse between Nathan Hindmarsh, Fuifui Moimoi and Jarryd Hayne as their single representitive. Why should Brisbane be "allowed" to have captain Darren Lockyer and another player in the side.

Here are the Top 10 Players voted. John Sutton is unavailable due to injury

Player	Club
1. Israel Folau	Brisbane Broncos
2. Fuifui Moimoi	Parramatta Eels
3. Nathan Hindmarsh	Parramatta Eels
4. Jarryd Hayne	Parramatta Eels
5. Michael Jennings	Penrith Panthers
6. Billy Slater	Melbourne Storm
7. Anthony Watmough	Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
8. John Sutton*	South Sydney Rabbitohs
9. Josh Morris	Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
10. Ryan Hoffman	Melbourne Storm

Here is the remainder of the squad.

The following 64-players have been shortlisted for the NRL All Stars selection:

Club	Name	Position
Brisbane Broncos
	Corey Parker	Forward
	Nick Kenny	Forward
	Israel Folau	Back
	Peter Wallace	Back
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
	Michael Ennis	Forward
	David Stagg	Forward
	Josh Morris	Back
	Luke Patten	Back
North Queensland Cowboys
	Luke O’Donnell	Forward
	Antonio Kaufusi	Forward
	Ashley Graham	Back
	John Williams	Back
Parramatta Eels
	Fuifui Moimoi	Forward
	Nathan Hindmarsh	Forward
	Jarryd Hayne	Back
	Feleti Mateo	Back
Newcastle Knights
	Ben Cross	Forward
	Chris Houston	Forward
	Kurt Gidley	Back
	Jarrod Mullen	Back
New Zealand Warriors
	Michael Luck	Forward
	Sam Rapira	Forward
	Manu Vatuvei	Back
	Simon Mannering	Back
Penrith Panthers
	Petero Civoniceva	Forward
	Frank Pritchard	Forward
	Michael Jennings	Back
	Luke Lewis	Back
South Sydney Rabbitohs
	Dave Taylor	Forward
	Issac Luke	Forward
	Fetuli Talanoa	Back
	Colin Best	Back
Canberra Raiders
	Alan Tongue	Forward
	David Shillington	Forward
	Terry Campese	Back
	Joel Monaghan	Back
Sydney Roosters
	Nate Myles	Forward
	Jason Ryles	Forward
	Anthony Minichiello	Back
	Mitchell Pearce	Back
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
	Anthony Watmough	Forward
	Glenn Stewart	Forward
	Michael Robertson	Back
	Kieran Foran	Back
Cronulla Sharks
	Anthony Tupou	Forward
	Luke Douglas	Forward
	Trent Barrett	Back
	Luke Covell	Back
Melbourne Storm
	Ryan Hoffman	Forward
	Aiden Tolman	Forward
	Billy Slater	Back
	Brett Finch	Back
Gold Coast Titans
	Anthony Laffranchi	Forward
	Luke Bailey	Forward
	Mat Rogers	Back
	Ashley Harrison	Back
Wests Tigers
	Gareth Ellis	Forward
	Robbie Farah	Forward
	Chris Lawrence	Back
	Tim Moltzen	Back
St George Illawarra Dragons
	Ben Creagh	Forward
	Jeremy Smith	Forward
	Matt Cooper	Back
	Darius Boyd	Back

Super Bowl Beckons

curly — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 23:46:00 GMT

Christmas has cleared the cobwebs from the heads and now are throughts turn to the playoff picture in the NFL. Unfortunately for me, the Carolina Panthers have only just remembered how to win and as such, won't get a look in at playoff times, but the picture becomes clearer for teams still in the hunt.

In the National Football Conference, the picture seems the clearest with just one position up for grabs, New Orlean Saints, Minnesota Vikings, Philadephia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals will be the Division Winners, with the two wilcards teams coming out of Green Bay, Dallas and New York Giants.

In the AFC, Only the San Diego Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts are assured of playoff berths. The New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals currently lead their divisions, and currently hold the upper hand. In the hunt for wildcards are Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

For what its worths, our tips for the AFC championship is the San Diego Chargers, while we believe New Orleans Saints to win the NFC. The Super Bowl this year will be a beauty, as they always tend to be.

State Champs: Abilene and Euless Trinity

curly — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:01:00 GMT

Abilene Eagles completed their first Texas State Championship title since their dominance in the 50's with a comprehensive 28-17 victory over Katy. Euless Trinity continued their recent success with yet another State Championship, coming from behind to defeat Austin Westlake 41-38

Congratulations to Euless and Abilene and also to Katy and Westlake for great seasons. See you all next season for Texas High School footy.

State Championship on the Line in Texas High School 5A Football

curly — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:10:00 GMT

After an absorbing Season, the 5A Texas High School football season draws to a close with State Finals in Div 1 and Div 2.

In Division Euless Trinity take on Austin Westlake, while in Div 2 Abiline take Katy for the title.

Another high school footy season ends and our tips lie with Trinity and Abiline.