NRL 2024

@bayimports said in NRL 2024:

@antipodean said in NRL 2024:

@bayimports you'd think in a competently run organisation, that would alternate each year.

You would like to believe in an equitable set up, but with each team getting a chance request matchups Im guessing Melbourne were unlikely to budge

I think it’s a case of the NRL (and Storm) wanting that direct presence here in Melb on one of the AFLs biggest days. Not that the ground, crowd or occasion can directly compete, but more so the NRL being in Melb where there is so much activity already.

@ACT-Crusader said in NRL 2024:

@bayimports said in NRL 2024:

@antipodean said in NRL 2024:

@bayimports you'd think in a competently run organisation, that would alternate each year.

You would like to believe in an equitable set up, but with each team getting a chance request matchups Im guessing Melbourne were unlikely to budge

I think it’s a case of the NRL (and Storm) wanting that direct presence here in Melb on one of the AFLs biggest days. Not that the ground, crowd or occasion can directly compete, but more so the NRL being in Melb where there is so much activity already.

For me that is not good enough, presence is one thing, but I do think to get the most out of the relationship it needs to work both ways. I would have thought a NZ home game in Rugby territory would have been also of value if they actually cared about expanding (where it is not PNG).

@ACT-Crusader said in NRL 2024:

@bayimports said in NRL 2024:

@antipodean said in NRL 2024:

@bayimports you'd think in a competently run organisation, that would alternate each year.

You would like to believe in an equitable set up, but with each team getting a chance request matchups Im guessing Melbourne were unlikely to budge

I think it’s a case of the NRL (and Storm) wanting that direct presence here in Melb on one of the AFLs biggest days. Not that the ground, crowd or occasion can directly compete, but more so the NRL being in Melb where there is so much activity already.

My understanding the nrl are also keen for the storm to keep that timeslot as well for broadcasting , Sydney game through the day , melb at night .

If the warriors want to play at home that will also work with the in between time .

I think I'm in the other camp on this than most.

There was a lot of mana in that game, it had a good following, was against one of the top teams in the comp. Instead we're now playing the Titans ... who the fuck cares, I couldn't even name half their squad most years.

I think a better thing for George to push for was a similar locked in game in NZ on another occasion (Matariki/indigenous round etc), and build that up.

@African-Monkey said in NRL 2024:

@kiwiinmelb 1983? We beat them 19-12 at Lang Park?

Haha my dad always talks about that 1971 game, says he sat on the dirty bank behind the posts with his dad.

I remember Gary Kemble picked up an injury, and lowe picked Nicky Wright , the otahuhu fullback out of auckland club football and he was outstanding,

Joe ropati on the wing , i played against him in junior league

@bayimports I don’t disagree with that, but I’d say they would make more money with the game her than in Auckland, especially with whatever Super rugby game is going on also.

@ACT-Crusader said in NRL 2024:

@bayimports I don’t disagree with that, but I’d say they would make more money with the game her than in Auckland, especially with whatever Super rugby game is going on also.

Perhaps, it averages around 23k for last couple of years in attendance and I am sure that could have been matched this year in NZ. While I tend to agree with you longer term of commercial viability there is not a lot of evidence due to lack of games played to support that theory either.

I do agree they would want the Storm to play the evening game (no matter with who they are playing, because the Roosters/Dragons have cemented the afternoon spot, however that does open the door for NZ to also play in the gap.

I am not excited to play the Titans either and I am surprised other teams weren't up for it.

@nepia I dont mind your idea either, play Melbourne in Melbourne for Anzac if there is a return leg on Matariki, allows for both to make an occasion out of it, currently I dont think NZ has historically got a good deal out of any relationship

thinking about it a little bit more, given NRL is all about tribalism and rivalry I would be looking for new relationships to build grudge matches on ANZAC, Matariki and Indigenous rounds

@bayimports said in NRL 2024:

thinking about it a little bit more, given NRL is all about tribalism and rivalry I would be looking for new relationships to build grudge matches on ANZAC, Matariki and Indigenous rounds

Other than the Storm who I do think we have built a decent rivalry over many years, I always thought we could build one against Manly.

Titans could be a potential. When I went to a Titans home game (the Warriors weren’t playing) and it was probably 75% kiwis there anyway

@ACT-Crusader Warriors Broncos was always a fun rivalry. I remember Campion decking Webcke during one ill tempered game at Mt Smart

@canefan said in NRL 2024:

@ACT-Crusader Warriors Broncos was always a fun rivalry. I remember Campion decking Webcke during one ill tempered game at Mt Smart

I agree we have had some really close games against the Broncos, would be good if we could get some traction with another team with a large supporter base like them as well

Titans works because they have a huge Kiwi presence on the GC. But they don't seem to be that well supported

@canefan said in NRL 2024:

Titans works because they have a huge Kiwi presence on the GC. But they don't seem to be that well supported

The GC is where teams go to die.

The Kiwis need a new coach.

@Bovidae said in NRL 2024:

The Kiwis need a new coach.

Fozzie might be free, he can't be any worse than David Kidwell.

I think Maguire did a great job in restoring the Kiwis after Kidwell's effort at singlehandedly trying to destroy them. A 2-3 record against the Aussies is actually bloody good, especially when you include winning this final, and the iffy reffing in the WC semi last year.

Hope we find someone decent to carry on.

Big week for the Wahs

Tohu extended, Ford extended, Capewell done deal and in NZ from next week supposedly

I'm a little uneasy around this signing.

Tohu and Capewell in the same back row is a little slow of foot, and held together by tape and wishes

@mariner4life said in NRL 2024:

I'm a little uneasy around this signing.

Tohu and Capewell in the same back row is a little slow of foot, and held together by tape and wishes

I think that's valid

Tohu will be playing in a wheelchair by the time he is finished. I get the logic though, minutes will have to drop but team talisman in many ways.

Capewell for all his strengths misses a lot of tackles, but probably plays the way Webster wants (knows him from Penrith). Capewell for me seems to be a Curran replacement in style, but with more leadership and maybe take the Tohu role of leader when not on the field.

The big question is who comes in to replace AFB when he leaves, that is not easy to replace

@bayimports almost irreplaceable, there are very few in his league.

AFB, JFH, Haas…. then a drop off to the next lot.

@bayimports said in NRL 2024:

@mariner4life said in NRL 2024:

I'm a little uneasy around this signing.

Tohu and Capewell in the same back row is a little slow of foot, and held together by tape and wishes

I think that's valid

Tohu will be playing in a wheelchair by the time he is finished. I get the logic though, minutes will have to drop but team talisman in many ways.

Capewell for all his strengths misses a lot of tackles, but probably plays the way Webster wants (knows him from Penrith). Capewell for me seems to be a Curran replacement in style, but with more leadership and maybe take the Tohu role of leader when not on the field.

The big question is who comes in to replace AFB when he leaves, that is not easy to replace

We have at least one year with AFB

@Kiwiwomble This should be a big story at this time of the year for the Tigers, but then they sack their board at the same time!

@bayimports said in NRL 2024:

@Kiwiwomble This should be a big story at this time of the year for the Tigers, but then they sack their board at the same time!

First good decision they've made in years.

@antipodean said in NRL 2024:

@bayimports said in NRL 2024:

@Kiwiwomble This should be a big story at this time of the year for the Tigers, but then they sack their board at the same time!

First good decision they've made in years.

"Not guilty" Paul Kent probably looking for a new role .. nah thats not funny, Tigs fans been through more than enough

Luai moves to the Tigers on a reputed five year $6million deal. So the Tigers are paying overs as shit teams have to do.

@antipodean said in NRL 2024:

Luai moves to the Tigers on a reputed five year $6million deal. So the Tigers are paying overs as shit teams have to do.

He'll have all that money to console him over how shit they are gonna be. And it will weaken Penrith which gives everyone else a chance

@canefan I think Penrith will get by without Luai just fine. They've kept the players they really wanted to, so they'll cope.

They arguably won the GF because Luia went off. He's a luxury player there who shines because he has no pressure on him.

The Tigers are overpaying for the wrong player.

I seem to recall this being discussed briefly before. Webby seems very high on Capewell, believes he'll bring max effort and training ground intangibles

AFB to be a Sharkie from 2025... dont know if we get any player deal though

@bayimports said in NRL 2024:

AFB to be a Sharkie from 2025... dont know if we get any player deal though

So we get two years from him. Hope he keeps up his level from last year

@bayimports

Warriors chief executive Cameron George said they'd negotiated extensively with the Sharks to reach an agreement, which will not include a previously mooted player swap.

@Bovidae said in NRL 2024:

@bayimports

Warriors chief executive Cameron George said they'd negotiated extensively with the Sharks to reach an agreement, which will not include a previously mooted player swap.

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Up to him to give us 100% for the next two years now

@Bovidae So we will be middle shopping I guess since Webster not overly keen in moving Marata.

RIP Carl Webb, a true cult hero of the game in the 2000s with some very memorable moments both at club land and at origin level.

Shit, I didn't know he had motor neurone disease.

He was half kiwi IIRC.

I remember seeing Webb and a couple of other Maroon boys walking around Melbourne prior to game 3 of the 2006 SoO series. I was standing next to them at a crossing and I couldn’t believe how small Webb was. And also Thaiday. Both played well above their size.

Webb was a decent boxer too from what I recall.

@mikey07 Think Tigers needed a half more than a five eight, but lets see

Did i just miss the news we released Volkman? anyway he landed at the Dragons