Rugby League Tri-Nations 2005

[howardj]

And what was Wayne Bennett thinking by bring on Waterhouse for Tahu instead of Gower?

Ive given up trying to read Bennett. He'll probably draft Darren Smith or his perennial favourite, Tony Carroll into the 2nd Test squad

 

[BoyBrumby]

Now I have right to be annoyed. They're showing Fergie's press conference for the sceond time in about 20 minutes now when GB is supposed to be naming their squad as we speak.

Presume you've seen it by now? Just in case:


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/international_and_australian/4349040.stm

Horne's made it, but no Briscoe.

 

[steds]

GB Squad for Tri-Nations

Finally

Rob Burrow (Leeds)
Paul Deacon (Bradford)
Brian Carney (Wigan, vice-captain)
Keiron Cunningham (St Helens)
Nick Fozzard (St Helens)
Gareth Ellis (Leeds)
Stuart Fielden (Bradford)
Lee Gilmour (St Helens)
Martin Gleeson (Warrington)
Iestyn Harris (Bradford)
Richard Horne (Hull)
Mickey Higham (St Helens)
Paul Johnson (Bradford)
Jamie Thackray (Hull)
Adrian Morley (Sydney Roosters/ Bradford)
Jamie Peacock (Bradford, captain)
Leon Pryce (Bradford)
Gareth Raynor (Hull)
Keith Senior (Leeds)
Kevin Sinfield (Leeds)
Chev Walker (Leeds)
Paul Wellens (St Helens)
Stephen Wild (Wigan)
Jon Wilkin (St Helens)

Couple of surprises. Higham hardly played a game between May and the Playoff's and definitely looked short of fitness and form against Bradford. Paul Johnson is another example of Noble's Bradford love, even though he has played well this season and deserves it, he wouldn't be in if he played for any other team. Wild, Wilkin and Raynor is just a joke, as is the exclusion of Crabtree, who's been outstanding all season for Huddersfield.

 

[steds]

but no Briscoe.

Yeah. We're farked if Wellens breaks down (as unlikely as that is)

 

[Mister Wright]

Finally

Rob Burrow (Leeds)
Paul Deacon (Bradford)
Brian Carney (Wigan, vice-captain)
Keiron Cunningham (St Helens)
Nick Fozzard (St Helens)
Gareth Ellis (Leeds)
Stuart Fielden (Bradford)
Lee Gilmour (St Helens)
Martin Gleeson (Warrington)
Iestyn Harris (Bradford)
Richard Horne (Hull)
Mickey Higham (St Helens)
Paul Johnson (Bradford)
Jamie Thackray (Hull)
Adrian Morley (Sydney Roosters/ Bradford)
Jamie Peacock (Bradford, captain)
Leon Pryce (Bradford)
Gareth Raynor (Hull)
Keith Senior (Leeds)
Kevin Sinfield (Leeds)
Chev Walker (Leeds)
Paul Wellens (St Helens)
Stephen Wild (Wigan)
Jon Wilkin (St Helens)

Couple of surprises. Higham hardly played a game between May and the Playoff's and definitely looked short of fitness and form against Bradford. Paul Johnson is another example of Noble's Bradford love, even though he has played well this season and deserves it, he wouldn't be in if he played for any other team. Wild, Wilkin and Raynor is just a joke, as is the exclusion of Crabtree, who's been outstanding all season for Huddersfield.

At least one person cares...

 

[howardj]

I totally agree with this article, where the Kiwi coach is having a chop at the Aussie NRL clubs for ruling out Kiwi players, rather than letting the Kiwi medical staff make a proper assessment. It's this type of garbage from NRL clubs that really has the potential to kill the Tri Nations. These clubs, it doesn't matter what the issue is, never seem to be able to put rugby league's interests first. I'm a huge supporter of Australia, but I do want to see the Kiwis field their best possible side and for the Tri Series to flourish.

Kiwi Coach Slams NRL Clubs

 

[steds]

I totally agree with this article

I don't. The NRL club pays the player's wages, and if he got a niggle and he risks it and causes longer term damage, it's the club which stands come off worst, not the country. The NRL clubs have nothing to gain from their players going on international duty, but everything to lose.

 

[Mister Wright]

I don't. The NRL club pays the player's wages, and if he got a niggle and he risks it and causes longer term damage, it's the club which stands come off worst, not the country. The NRL clubs have nothing to gain from their players going on international duty, but everything to lose.

Tough titties IMO. Clubs can't just force players to play for them. Unless a player has retired from rep footy they should be eligible for state and country. The medical staff from a country are not going to risk a player if they are not fit, they will choose someone else. The only time they may take a risk would be in the tri-nations final.

A player is just as likely to get injured during their off season orgies or in pre-season training as they are in an international.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Even as a Hull fan I'm a bit surprised at Raynor & Thackray. Both have had decent seasons, but neither is exactly in the first flush of youth & neither's really shown test potential before.

Raynor is quick at least, I suppose.

 

[howardj]

I don't. The NRL club pays the player's wages, and if he got a niggle and he risks it and causes longer term damage, it's the club which stands come off worst, not the country. The NRL clubs have nothing to gain from their players going on international duty, but everything to lose.

That's beside the point. All players selected should be independently assessed by the respective medical teams of Australia and New Zealand. Im not saying they should be forced to play with injury, nor would the Aus or NZ doctors make them.

 

[steds]

Even as a Hull fan I'm a bit surprised at Raynor & Thackray. Both have had decent seasons, but neither is exactly in the first flush of youth & neither's really shown test potential before.

Raynor is quick at least, I suppose.

I disagree wih Thackray. He's a very good prop who's been held back by injuries and playing in some ***** teams. Saying that, Paul Anderson has been the best forward in Superleague this year and he hasn't made it and neither has Crabtree. Both cases are a travesty.

 

[steds]

That's beside the point. All players selected should be independently assessed by the respective medical teams of Australia and New Zealand. Im not saying they should be forced to play with injury, nor would the Aus or NZ doctors make them.

That's fair enough, I suppose...

 

[chaminda_00]

How about the Willie Mason issue, gets injured aganist USA and misses most of the season. Then comes back for the last month or so, regain a bit of fitness, then gets re-injured playing NZ A. Add to the fact that Mark O'Meley got injured during the USA game too and i can see why the clubs don't want players to play if they are not 100% fit. Fair enough that players want to play for their countries but whats the point in picking the 1st graders for NZ A and USA games, they might as well let reserve graders or U19 or U21 players play these games.

 

[BoyBrumby]

"Australia should get used to defeat" - Bennett

Hmm. Not exactly "we'll fight them on the beaches", is it? From the beeb's website:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/international_and_australian/4356900.stm

 

[Burpey]

Bennett's a senile old fool IMO.

Well, it my be an exaggeration, but he is losing it

 

[Blaze]

Another great game of footy tonight with the aussies getting the chocolates just. NZ dominated first half but let AUS get on a role again and score 3 quick tries which basically secured the game.

Still a valient effort from the kiwis and we will get them in the final!

International league is alive and kicking IMO.

 

[James]

Well said Blaze, a really enjoyable game!

 

[Entrael]

Everyone be warned. Darren Lockyer is BACK

 

[shaka]

so close at the double. Similar game to the first 1, but NZ left it too late. Great game.

 

[age_master]

go Australia