Official NRL 2006 Thread

[howardj]

When's the side picked, anyone know?

Probably Sunday night April 30 (game is on Friday May 5)

 

[chaminda_00]

Agreed on that side. Cooper will be pushing Hodges hard for that spot, though.

I would have Cooper on the wing for Tahu still atleast, I think he is too good to leave out.

BK not going to play, so their is no point picking him. When it comes to the forwards i would have Fitzs and Tronc in my side. O'Donnell, Ryan, Creagh and Price to fight out for the last forward spot.

 

[Cloete]

Well for one, it's a racial slur. Aside from that, it's a pretty negative generalisation. It would be the same if you suggested that aboriginals were all criminals or something.

See I'm not sure it is a racial slur. Because he's not mentioned how many of them he thinks fights just that, when they do fight, they fight in groups. I'm not sure that can really be deemed negative.

I suppose Tharmi did mean it as a slur thoguh, but his choice of words are such that it could very easily be taken as simply a generalisation.

 

[Blaze]

Let's get to more important issues - the NZ side.

1. Webb
2. Vainakolo
3. Whatuira
4. Vagana
5. Vatuvei
6. ????????
7. ????????
8. Rauhihi
9. Faiumu
10. Wiki
11. Pulatua
12. Faumuina
13. Halutau

14. Asotasi
15. Sonny Bill
16. Lauitiiti
17. Kidwell

That relies on the English clubs releasing our players... which I doubt they will.

Toopi is a favourite of the selectors so he will probably be picked and Vagana will play 5/8.

In terms of a half back, I hope they don't go for Thomas Lulaui. His kicking game is ordinary and we need a strong kicking game from our half back. I really don't see many options around though. Perhaps Hohiah but he hasn't been getting any game time for the Warriors, they might go for a bolter and pick either Jeremy Smith or Marcus Peranara from Paramatta reserve grade.

 

[Blewy]

If the sides are picked on form there is no chance Fitzgibbon will be there.. However we all know that they arent so he will, as will all the other old, out of form noobs who just have to turn up to get picked...

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

Get Fitzy out of the front row, it's NOT his position. Though I agree, he hasn't been playing well enough to get picked ahead of players like O' Donnell.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

For sure man.

Matty Cooper is one of the, if not the, best defensive centres in the game.

Gotta agree, and when he starts running towards the line, he's hard to stop. [Evidenced by his try in the corner over the weekend]

 

[Burpey]

I myself was shocked at that try. Even Gasnier would struggle to stand up Steve Bell like Cooper did.

 

[Buddhmaster]

I'd have Cooper in the centre, he's an awesome player, as well as being my favourite player, so i'd love to him play. Gasniers been great the last few years, and id have him in the team too. Can't have enough Dragons in the team

 

[Burpey]

Hodges should be picked ahead of Cooper though if he is available.

 

[Simon]

My Aussie Team:

Minichiello
King
Gasnier
Hodges
Tahu
Lockyer
Johns

O'Donnell
Hindmarsh
Kennedy (he's thinking of coming back)
O'Meley
Buderus
Civoniceva

Mason
Bailey (if fit)
Simpson
Thurston

my team would be exactly the same, i think Michael Crocker could be a bolter if he has 2 good games in the next few weeks...

 

[Simon]

Hodges should be picked ahead of Cooper though if he is available.

definately, Hodges could have played against Roosters but Brisbane just didnt think it was worth the risk long term, he'll be back this week...

 

[Burpey]

Yeah, Mick Crocker has been in great form this year. I wouldn't complain if Stuart found a place for him, though I have a feeling he might not want him in his side.

 

[Simon]

Yeah, Mick Crocker has been in great form this year. I wouldn't complain if Stuart found a place for him, though I have a feeling he might not want him in his side.

he was outstanding against Penrith on Saturday and i think he's learning to control himself the same way Hodges has since he left the Roosters, maybe theres an message in this...

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

Hodges was excellent at the Roosters until his final season where he just did not want to be there at all, and you could tell.

And how's Crocker controlling himself? He nearly broke his own neck against the Panthers. I just think he likes Melbourne more, less public pressure and the like.

 

[Simon]

Hodges was excellent at the Roosters until his final season where he just did not want to be there at all, and you could tell.

And how's Crocker controlling himself? He nearly broke his own neck against the Panthers. I just think he likes Melbourne more, less public pressure and the like.

lol Hodges was never excellent at the Roosters, he was injured, unhappy and a total tool, but hes now being coached properlly and has learnt to play to his strengths and hes blossoming into a world class player...
i can see the same thing happening with Crocker, i mean he hasnt been sin binned yet this season which is a good effort for him

 

[Buddhmaster]

lol Hodges was never excellent at the Roosters, he was injured, unhappy and a total tool, but hes now being coached properlly and has learnt to play to his strengths and hes blossoming into a world class player...
i can see the same thing happening with Crocker, i mean he hasnt been sin binned yet this season which is a good effort for him

Hodges still is a total tool. I've met the guy, and he's a complete *****.

Crocker on the other hand, has been excellent for a number of years, and deserves to be in the Kangaroos team

 

[Burpey]

Mick Crocker is from the Alex Blackman school of rugby league. Tough and uncompromising.

 

[Craig]

lol Hodges was never excellent at the Roosters, he was injured, unhappy and a total tool, but hes now being coached properlly and has learnt to play to his strengths and hes blossoming into a world class player...
i can see the same thing happening with Crocker, i mean he hasnt been sin binned yet this season which is a good effort for him

Missing a few weeks with a broken nose helps

 

[howardj]

Yeah, the thing about Mick Crocker is that he's passionate - whoever he plays for. With some of the guys selected to play for Australia, you get the feeling that they regard it as a real chore.