**Official** NRL 2009 Thread

[NUFAN]

Thompson has been part of the leadership group for about 3-4 years, was between he and Tongue for the captaincy when Schifcofske left. Pretty sure last year the leadership group was Tongue, Thompson, Turner and Carney.

Thompson is very well liked here, probably the most popular player in the squad, he trains hard and doesnt make many errors I guess thats why he's always going to be in the team.

Oh okay, I wasn't aware that he was part of the leadership group before. LOL at Carney's leadership qualities last year...

What are your thoughts on Glen Turner? I don't rate him at all, but my Raider mate think he's a good player.

 

[Simon]

Oh okay, I wasn't aware that he was part of the leadership group before. LOL at Carney's leadership qualities last year...

What are your thoughts on Glen Turner? I don't rate him at all, but my Raider mate think he's a good player.

He's pretty reasonable, he was solid for melbourne before he missed that year through injury. Came to Canberra with a lower profile but he hasnt done a lot wrong. He tackles well and is generally good in defence but doesnt run hard enough in attack for mine. He's definitely not as good as Joe Picker or Alan Tongue and I don't see him starting in front of Bronson Harrison, so barring injuries he's going to be a squad/fringe player at best. I also notice that Furner hasnt included him in this years Leadership group with Campese being promoted.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Crocker might be back in the NRL rather sooner than anticipated: we won't give him a visa because of his affray conviction. From BBC.

As a Hull fan this sucks out loud.

 

[Simon]

I read something the other day saying that he'd retire if he didn't get a visa. Would be a shame if he cant pick up an nrl contract as he'd still be a valuable player for State of Origin.

 

[Craig]

Crocker might be back in the NRL rather sooner than anticipated: we won't give him a visa because of his affray conviction. From BBC.

As a Hull fan this sucks out loud.

Then how did Tevita Latu get a WP when he beat the bejesus out of a woman? I would of thought any Violence Against Women groups would of been outraged, but I guess his profile is not that high too care. I read that the Leeds chairman said there should be a ban on Super League clubs signing NRL players who have been sacked and de-registered as it lowers the standard and the respect of the Super League. He did that in response to Bradford signing Greg Bird, so maybe he missed out and was just bitter.

 

[Simon]

Then how did Tevita Latu get a WP when he beat the bejesus out of a woman? I would of thought any Violence Against Women groups would of been outraged, but I guess his profile is not that high too care. I read that the Leeds chairman said there should be a ban on Super League clubs signing NRL players who have been sacked and de-registered as it lowers the standard and the respect of the Super League. He did that in response to Bradford signing Greg Bird, so maybe he missed out and was just bitter.

There are new tighter laws now craig, basically any player with a criminal conviction is going to find it impossible to get a visa to play over there.

 

[chaminda_00]

Pretty sure Tevita Lat got WP as he case was still pending investigation, similar to Bird. The laws have always been very tight over there with regard to guys with a criminal brackground, regardless how minor.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Then how did Tevita Latu get a WP when he beat the bejesus out of a woman? I would of thought any Violence Against Women groups would of been outraged, but I guess his profile is not that high too care. I read that the Leeds chairman said there should be a ban on Super League clubs signing NRL players who have been sacked and de-registered as it lowers the standard and the respect of the Super League. He did that in response to Bradford signing Greg Bird, so maybe he missed out and was just bitter.

If he qualifies for a passport from one of the pacific islands he won't need one. The EU has trade agreements with Samoa & Fiji, I think, so he could qualify for Kolpak status if he has parents from there.

 

[NUFAN]

Leading sports betting agent Sports Acumen has the Canberra Raiders at $3.75 to make the top 8 in 2009.

Anyone else going to get on them?

 

[Simon]

Would get on it but I don't like betting that far in advance, really cant wait wait 6+ months for a result.

 

[James90]

Any team that finishes 6 or lower will get out to above $4 for the eight at some stage during the season. Got great odds on Canberra and Newcastle at around Round 18. Warriors were $9 at most bookies at the same time.

 

[howardj]

I see Locky wants to play until the end of 2011. If anybody can do it, he can. He is so disciplined in both his training and his diet. What a jet!

 

[Simon]

I see Locky wants to play until the end of 2011. If anybody can do it, he can. He is so disciplined in both his training and his diet. What a jet!

I think he'll sign a one year extention to the end of 2010 with an option for 2011 in his favour. He is 32 now I think it's going to be a case of one year at a time now.

 

[Johnners]

I think it's going to be a case of if his body can hold up or not. Can't see him playing another full season with his dodgy knee and all, suspect Henjak might have to try and play him off the bench on the odd occasion because of it.

 

[Burgey]

Intersting to hear of the ructions at Board level over at Campbelltown-by-the-Sea. Anyone have an idea what's going on there? I'd have thought barring an implosion of massive proportions they'll be awfully hard to beat this year.

Also heard Jarred Hayne will be given a crack at five-eigth this year at Parra. I've never seen him pass the ball so it will be interesting to see how he goes. Any thoughts?

 

[Simon]

Hayne at 5/8 is pretty much the same as Gasnier, can't see it working. I always thought there were big wraps on the youn parra halves like Keating, Mortimer etc... not to mention they already have Mateo and Finch, I'm not entirely convinced this move isnt more to allow them to re-unite the ever successful combo of Eric Grothe and Ben Smith on one side of the field, keep Krisnan Inu and Joel Reddy on the other side and play Burt at fullback.

 

[Burgey]

I think you're right mate, it also allows them to keep Mateo in the back row, and I think they need him there - otherwise there's precious little creativity going on. Apparently Hayne's had a massive wake-up call through the WC and has come back a different bloke with a much better attitude. It will be interesting to see how he goes.
I'll be interested to see if guys like Hauraki kick on this year - he looked OK in 07 but did nothing last year. He might add some decent size to the back row as well.

 

[Johnners]

Would have thought Inu would be more suited to playing at 5/8 than Hayne itbt.

 

[Simon]

Would have thought Inu would be more suited to playing at 5/8 than Hayne itbt.

Yeh agree, although apparently Hayne has a pretty reasonable general play kicking game.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

Apparently Fittler is moving Anasta to lock. Top move IMO.