Official NRL 2006 Thread

[BoyBrumby]

Yeah I think he's a bit of a tool for it. Still, I like the guy.

But you have to have some respect for guys like El Masri. He could have easily been an origin legend.

Is El Masri not available for Origin then? I thought he'd played a test for Oz once or did I imagine that? I know he played for The Lebanon in the 2000 WC, but Ricketson played for the Micks & (I think) Mason played for Tonga too and that hasn't ruled them out for Rep games.

 

[Cloete]

Is El Masri not available for Origin then? I thought he'd played a test for Oz once or did I imagine that? I know he played for The Lebanon in the 2000 WC, but Ricketson played for the Micks & (I think) Mason played for Tonga too and that hasn't ruled them out for Rep games.

He's never played origin and isn't avaialble, no. I'm pretty sure he's never played for the Roos.

I'm not sure whether that's law or whether he's just made himself ineligible though.

 

[Simon]

El Masri is very much available for origin, he has played tests for Australia and often plays city vs country, they just never pick him in origin... i think he may have played a game or two though...

 

[chaminda_00]

El Masri can play orgin but has never been selected, i think you will find their is a different rule for teams like Lebanon, Italy, Malta and Russia compared to the rule for the Kiwis and Great Britian. You can play for these countries, but still be available for origin and Australia.

 

[Blewy]

El Masri's defence to a bit to suspect for origin for mine... He has a bad habit of coming off his wing when not needed.....

I very much doubt he would be an origin legend Andy...

 

[Blaze]

I hope they bring in the rule that Gould suggested. NZ players that come through the junior grades in AUS and represent QLD or NSW in age group teams should be allowed to play origin and also play for the kiwis...

Our halves combo is going to be a joke for the Anzac test.

 

[chaminda_00]

I hope they bring in the rule that Gould suggested. NZ players that come through the junior grades in AUS and represent QLD or NSW in age group teams should be allowed to play origin and also play for the kiwis...

Our halves combo is going to be a joke for the Anzac test.

time to send another SOS to Stacey...

 

[Blaze]

time to send another SOS to Stacey...

He has a broken arm. Otherwise he would be there.

 

[Mister Wright]

Neither can I, which says something about the selectors.

He might not get in ahead of Lockyer, but he should at least be in the team.

 

[Craig]

I think at the World Cup such regulations are relaxed.

A bit like Tonie Carroll (what side you want to play for ?).

 

[chaminda_00]

I think at the World Cup such regulations are relaxed.

A bit like Tonie Carroll (what side you want to play for ?).

El Masri played for Lebanon outisde the world cup in a series against Italy and another against Malta. One was before he played for Australia and another was after he played for Australia. So I don't think the World Cup had anything to do with, as he played for Lebanon outside the WC.

 

[Simon]

they let players like el masri play for lebanon for the good of the game, its not really essential that rules as tough as the ones in football are in place...

 

[Mister Wright]

Your Favourite Team? Brisbane Broncos
Most Hated Team? Sydney Roosters
Favourite Player? Clinton Shifcofske
Most Disliked Player? Brad Fittler
Favourite League Personality(Non-Playing)? Fatty
Most Disliked league Personality(Non-Playing)? Gould
Most Memorable League Moment? Watching Gould go into the dressing rooms when Fittler first retired from rep football and Fittler was on the verge of tears - it was great.
Best Ever Game? Langer returning from England for Qld to thrash NSW and send Fittler out a loser the first time.

 

[Sportsgirl]

Cowboys v Knights this weekend. Tough one to pick a winner. Johns v Thurston great match-up.

 

[Blaze]

Cowboys Knights - I have no idea where it is being played, but I will back the home team.

 

[Blewy]

Im tipping a blowout.. Knights by 20...

 

[Simon]

Knights to win, but it will be a cracker...

 

[Blewy]

Super news today that Benji's shoulder is not as bad as 1st thought...
He will be back in 4-6 weeks...

Also in other news related to the Tigers/Kiwis... There is a hot rumour going around that Brian Mclenan is looking very closely at Tigers Premier League player and Benji's School team mate Rangi Chase as an option for half in the Anzac Test... Chase can play and IMO we should be looking at him as a long term half for the Tigers...

Has any other player been selected to play for their country before playing a 1st grade game?

 

[Simon]

ill try and get my weekly preview in tomorrow, didnt have time today sorry...

 

[Burpey]

Has any other player been selected to play for their country before playing a 1st grade game?

In the past plenty of players were picked out of the country or Brisbane comp before the NSWRL expanded the comp. However, in this day and age, it certainly would be a very rare occurrence.