***Official*** NRL 2008 Thread

[Craig]

I have heard a few stories about why Tim Smith really left Parramatta. There isn't a lot of basis to it.

 

[Son Of Coco]

I have heard a few stories about why Tim Smith really left Parramatta. There isn't a lot of basis to it.

Craig, you can't just say that and then not tell us the stories!

 

[Craig]

Craig, you can't just say that and then not tell us the stories!

Waiting for our legal man here to give me the seal of approval to post them. Screw that, rumour has is that Smith doesn't suffer from bi-polar disorder, it was an excuse to get out of his contract as he found he couldn't handle the fishbowl existence of a top line NRL player in Sydney, where instead he wanted to go out and have a good time, but he couldn't because he was order from his club. An old school contact of Craigos saw him on a night out and he confessed all. Said contact informed me that he was already been having a pretty good time himself. Smith admitted that it was not for him in the end so he got out, especially when the media was out to get him.

Anyway this is a 3rd or 4th hand story so don't take it as fact or as the gospel.

 

[Simon]

Wouldn't be a surprise but I'm not buying it.

 

[Craig]

Wouldn't be a surprise but I'm not buying it.

Yeah that is fair enough IMO.

 

[Craig]

What a game, shows why rugby league is such a great game. Certainly a lot of attacking flair was displayed out there, and the brilliance of Darren Lockyer. And Denan Kemp shows why it was a massive coup by the Warriors to sign him, 4 tries eh? What a star.

 

[Son Of Coco]

What a game, shows why rugby league is such a great game. Certainly a lot of attacking flair was displayed out there, and the brilliance of Darren Lockyer. And Denan Kemp shows why it was a massive coup by the Warriors to sign him, 4 tries eh? What a star.

It was a good game in the end, Inu was great and so was Kemp. Loved the shoulder charge on Hunt from Inu Fantastic play from Lockyer in the last 2 seconds to get Brisbane the win.

 

[James90]

I've got terrible seats. On the dead ball line ffs. Will probably be obscured by a cameraman. I refuse to put the money to waste though.

Definitely got my money's worth.

 

[sideshowtim]

Waiting for our legal man here to give me the seal of approval to post them. Screw that, rumour has is that Smith doesn't suffer from bi-polar disorder, it was an excuse to get out of his contract as he found he couldn't handle the fishbowl existence of a top line NRL player in Sydney, where instead he wanted to go out and have a good time, but he couldn't because he was order from his club. An old school contact of Craigos saw him on a night out and he confessed all. Said contact informed me that he was already been having a pretty good time himself. Smith admitted that it was not for him in the end so he got out, especially when the media was out to get him.

Anyway this is a 3rd or 4th hand story so don't take it as fact or as the gospel.

Sounds about right. Tim Smith is a massive, massive pisshead and a kid who refuses to grow up. I've seen him out at the Fiddler a couple of times absolutely gone. He'll regret it in a few years when he eventually does grow up, though. Nothing but an immature little snot who doesn't realise he had it all made for him if he was willing just to work a little bit hard.

 

[Mister Wright]

Holy crap, that was an excellent finish to the game last night. Was yelling, and swearing at the t.v. for last 5 minutes, especially when the Corey Parker near try was called back. Lockyer is a genius and he will certainly suit up for Origin 2, which is bad news for Prince unless he has an absolute massive game on Sunday and Thurston is injured or has a dead-set shocker this weekend.

Also worried about Hodges origin chances and Hayne should go to for his brain explosion against Carroll - was hoping there'd be some more biff from that incident itbt.

 

[Craig]

Holy crap, that was an excellent finish to the game last night. Was yelling, and swearing at the t.v. for last 5 minutes, especially when the Corey Parker near try was called back. Lockyer is a genius and he will certainly suit up for Origin 2, which is bad news for Prince unless he has an absolute massive game on Sunday and Thurston is injured or has a dead-set shocker this weekend.

Also worried about Hodges origin chances and Hayne should go to for his brain explosion against Carroll - was hoping there'd be some more biff from that incident itbt.

In the paper yesterday that there was some speculation that Thurston would be dropped. I kid you not.

 

[Mister Wright]

In the paper yesterday that there was some speculation that Thurston would be dropped. I kid you not.

Same in the Courier Mail mate. It was a line from Des Morris that prompted it all. "No one is a certain selection."


Given Hodges is likely to be out (which is a massive blow for QLD) this is the team I think will be picked, assuming no more injuries or suspensions.

1. Hunt
2. Tait
3. Inglis
4. Falou
5. Slater
6. Lockyer
7. Thurston
8. Price
9. Smith
10. Civoneciva
11. Thaiday
12. Myles
13. Johnson
14. Prince
15. Webb
16. Crocker
17. Hannant

If Thaiday is suspended would probably see Crocker come in for him and possibly Harrison onto the bench.

 

[Mister Wright]

Given the Queensland team of the century is to be named next Wednesday, and given I'm in a team picking mood, thought I might have a crack at the team. Given most of the players are going to be from the State of Origin period and I don't know many players pre-origin all my players are Origin period players.

1. Lockyer
2. Bousted
3. Meninga
4. Renouf
5. Sailor
6. Lewis (c)
7. Langer
8. Webke
9. Steve Walters
10. Civoneciva
11. Gillmeister
12. Beetson
13. Linder
14. Shearer
15. Jackson
16. Larson
17. Bella

I'm probably way off the mark, especially with Sailor, but couldn't think of many other wingers other than Hancock and Carne.

 

[Simon]

Great finish to the game last night, Lockyer what a hero.

 

[James90]

Tallis unlucky to miss out on Kyle's team. I still think Folau is best suited to the wing so if Hodges is out I'd bring Tate into the centres and put Slater on the other flank with Hunt at fullback. Although, I'd like Hunt to come off the bench and play lock when Johnson gets concussed or five-eighth when Lockyer does his knee. Who else could play on the wing though? Would be so gun if they just picked Sailor but it won't happen.

I think Lockyer is such a huge presence in the maroon jersey and he complements Thurston very well. Prince is still the form player but the selectors don't want a personality clash in the halves.

Lyon a straight swap for Gasnier, Grothe in for a suspended Hayne and Gidley onto the bench for Hornby.

 

[NUFAN]

Tallis unlucky to miss out on Kyle's team. I still think Folau is best suited to the wing so if Hodges is out I'd bring Tate into the centres and put Slater on the other flank with Hunt at fullback. Although, I'd like Hunt to come off the bench and play lock when Johnson gets concussed or five-eighth when Lockyer does his knee. Who else could play on the wing though? Would be so gun if they just picked Sailor but it won't happen.

I think Lockyer is such a huge presence in the maroon jersey and he complements Thurston very well. Prince is still the form player but the selectors don't want a personality clash in the halves.

Lyon a straight swap for Gasnier, Grothe in for a suspended Hayne and Gidley onto the bench for Hornby.

It's so true though, and I agreed with you on Hunt being on the bench for game 1, but now I think he should just go to fullback.

NSW team is different, If I was them I wouldn't be bringing in a guy like Grothe who doesn't want to be there all the time, someone like Joel Monaghan has to be so close to coming in for either Gasnier or Hayne.He's been in better form than Jamie Lyon this season. I guess Lyon will still get picked though.

 

[Craig]

Tallis unlucky to miss out on Kyle's team. I still think Folau is best suited to the wing so if Hodges is out I'd bring Tate into the centres and put Slater on the other flank with Hunt at fullback. Although, I'd like Hunt to come off the bench and play lock when Johnson gets concussed or five-eighth when Lockyer does his knee. Who else could play on the wing though? Would be so gun if they just picked Sailor but it won't happen.

I think Lockyer is such a huge presence in the maroon jersey and he complements Thurston very well. Prince is still the form player but the selectors don't want a personality clash in the halves.

Lyon a straight swap for Gasnier, Grothe in for a suspended Hayne and Gidley onto the bench for Hornby.

Didn't Thurston play at lock as well earlier in his career. So when Johnson gets concussed again, move Thurston to lock and have Prince and Lockyer in the halves. Problem solved.



(Even though it is about as left field as it gets)

 

[chaminda_00]

Didn't Thurston play at lock as well earlier in his career. So when Johnson gets concussed again, move Thurston to lock and have Prince and Lockyer in the halves. Problem solved.

When did Thurston play lock in Under 10s.

 

[chaminda_00]

Tallis unlucky to miss out on Kyle's team. I still think Folau is best suited to the wing so if Hodges is out I'd bring Tate into the centres and put Slater on the other flank with Hunt at fullback. Although, I'd like Hunt to come off the bench and play lock when Johnson gets concussed or five-eighth when Lockyer does his knee. Who else could play on the wing though? Would be so gun if they just picked Sailor but it won't happen.

I think Lockyer is such a huge presence in the maroon jersey and he complements Thurston very well. Prince is still the form player but the selectors don't want a personality clash in the halves.

Lyon a straight swap for Gasnier, Grothe in for a suspended Hayne and Gidley onto the bench for Hornby.

Tate can't pass the ball, so it would be useless playing him anywhere other then on the wing.

If Gasnier out then Lyon comes in and if both Hayne and Gasnier is out then Monanghan and Lyon come in for NSW. I can't see Monanghan or Quinn being moved into the centres yet at Orgin level.

Would be tempted to play Gildey in the centres though were he started his NRL career. But most likely he will come off the bench and play in the havles and Bird will move into the forwards.

Reckon Queensland will just play PJ Marsh off the bench again and rotate him and Lockyer during the match like they do for the Broncos. Well Ennis basically plays in the halves but it wouldn't be a massive change. With Lockyer back I can't see Prince getting selected unless it is ahead of Thurston, which is unlikely now.

 

[Son Of Coco]

It's so true though, and I agreed with you on Hunt being on the bench for game 1, but now I think he should just go to fullback.

NSW team is different, If I was them I wouldn't be bringing in a guy like Grothe who doesn't want to be there all the time, someone like Joel Monaghan has to be so close to coming in for either Gasnier or Hayne.He's been in better form than Jamie Lyon this season. I guess Lyon will still get picked though.

4 tries were scored on Grothe's side of the field last night vs the Broncos too which is a slight concern.