So Meninga looks as menacing as always and now as Coach. He looks set for his goal of a Decade of Wins. He wants it so bad, that he wants to put it on the shelf next to his Greatest Player of All Award and his Ego.
Its so predictable that Stuart doesn't have what it takes to face Meninga head on - he's either too gutless or just plain distracted by the Refereeing as always (a hang-up since his Union days). This is why the Maroons will win the third match. Of course, Ricky will blame a Ref mistake or something that costs the match - blah, blah :P
That ain't good enough. The NSW Coach should be 'beyond' the Ref factor, hell - beyond the QLD factor as well ;)
Des Hasler seems like the next 'Contender' to face Mal 'Darth Vader' Meninga. Des is like Pearce and Folkes - they base their regime on 'fitness' and Hasler taught Manly to still be in it in and come home in the 2nd half = x2 premierships.
Dirk Wellham is in the poll because besides the Blues predicament being so sad these past years - maybe Mr Intelligence himself, who led the Blues Cricketers to dominance and taught Steve Waugh all that he was to become - could weave some magic  :P ?

...finally, and you all probably know - I'm staking my claim upon Mark 'Sparkles' McGaw: Head of a successful 'Science Academy of Sport' that has churned out good sports people. Mark also looks after American Pro Wrestlers - this is probably from his Gladitator 'Hammer' days. Also, he successful had the OOMPH to sue a Television Network for $85,000 in damages.
Basically, what I'm saying is that he has the 'Intelligence' that is needed for a Coaching role ...a successful Coaching role. Meninga isn't intelligent, he just has a persona that is feared and respected by his team.
Well, Mark has the CHARISMA to match that without feeling intimidated. Sure Meninga has made his 'after footy' success 'through' League, but McGaw has been one of the very rare major successes outside of the game. Put it this way, he doesn't have to sell himself for an advert like most sportspeople end up doing.
The advantage of this is McGaw won't be afraid of losing like Meninga would - Mark can take it (the game) or leave it and this is pure 'confidence' in a very attacking nature.
Through in the fact that his Centre partner Andrew E.T. Ettingshausen is possibly the most successful Footy player outside of the any football sport (inc Soccer players, although they make millions from the game itself) here in Australia. Its a win/win combination if ever there was. :) :)
McGaw also faced up to Meninga upon the field and answered the challenge well - hell, it was his period that the blues were winning mostly! 8-) McGaw was never afraid of slapping Meninga around and even with his fists. In fact, McGaw seems to be the only player that slapped Meninga around. Sparkles was never intimidated ...although E.T. may have been at the size of Gene Miles, but Miles could never catch E.T.  :P

So with all this said: I think the word should be spread to bring forth Mark 'Sparkles/the Hammer' McGaw to put some spark into the game-plan of the the Blues and hammer the Maroons.
It would be nice to tease Meninga and make him think he was gonna make x10 straight series wins - only to be snuffed by McGaw at the final hurdle. I can see Meninga's lip curl at the site of Mark in the opposite box.  ;D

The only other 'certainty' that I can think of and someone who could make x10 straight series wins easily - is none other than Peter Sterling. But we all know that will never happen as he has stated so, so many times.  :(

Oh, and the Grocer who took a swipe at Tallis during a celbrity match. Well, it was sad to see someone like him having some grunt while the team itself lacked any. They have some grunt now through one player ...damn, I forget his name right now - the Sharks forward and a UFC fighter ...Gallen, that's it!. But League is a 'team' sport and there should be no 'individuals' or individual performances in the side ...except for the Coach. Mark McGaw is his own man, and he will never be 'owned' by Meninga.

So,  there you have it. :)

If Carney steps up for the 3rd game NSW should win. The NSW forwards have dominated in the first two games, the only problem was a lack of scoring opportunities set up from the halves. Forget Pearce trying to do this, only Carney can. If Carney can replicate his club form then NSW should win.

Des Hasler by a country mile...

Yeah, I think Hasler is a certainty for next year.
Stuart couldn't even 'stand up as if he's got a pair' and slag off Meninga in the papers. Too gutless and picks at the Ref's instead.

I would think NSW are favourite to win. QLD are looking tired and there are form problems so if NSW loose this one they really should hang their heads.

As for Stuart, he is the worst coach in the game. He has taken every club side he has coached to the bottom from a better start when he took over. He embarrassed the nation when national coach and he just does not have it. Win or not NSW need a real coach for the future, not a hair brain like Stuart.

True and true Nairbe.
NSW are favourite to win, its been a long time since they have been for a series ...but can they actually do it? QLD looked the same last series, they didn't win it. Its just that NSW lost it like a bunch of headless chickens.

Come to think of it - you're right. Stuart has plagued every club he has coached ...except Cronulla: they are already losers, they know it and that's what peeved Stuart off to make him quit  ;D

I'm pretty sure Stuart's tactic for the 3rd Game will be based around 'kicking', rather than running or tackling towards a win.

oh dear, looks like NSW are resigning Ricky for three years and Canberra are fav to sign him as coach over there as well. Looks like Canberra are favourites for the spoon in 2013.

I think the Two necessary changes are that we either always play the 3 games in three states or that NSW stops taking a game to Malbourne.

and

We need a better selector of referees.

I thought the coach did a pretty good job although I was critical of his selection and not a big supporter.

I would put a big question mark on some of the selections.

Pearce at Half was very ordinary - he kicked very poorly in all 3 games.

It_is_the_Darkness wrote on Jun 26^th, 2012 at 6:59pm:

Yeah, I think Hasler is a certainty for next year. Stuart couldn't even 'stand up as if he's got a pair' and slag off Meninga in the papers. Too gutless and picks at the Ref's instead.

To be honest when 2 results came down to refereeing errors I think some criticism their way was due. How do they select a ref for the decider with a historical Qld bias?

How does a ref find a no obstruction decision when the instruction all year has been that to run behind a player is an automatic penalty?

In game 1 we had a ten min bin for a nothing punch which changed the game but in game 3 a serious punch didn't even get a penalty?

Dnarever wrote on Jul 8^th, 2012 at 10:13pm:

It_is_the_Darkness wrote on Jun 26th, 2012 at 6:59pm: Yeah, I think Hasler is a certainty for next year. Stuart couldn't even 'stand up as if he's got a pair' and slag off Meninga in the papers. Too gutless and picks at the Ref's instead. To be honest when 2 results came down to refereeing errors I think some criticism their way was due. How do they select a ref for the decider with a historical Qld bias? How does a ref find a no obstruction decision when the instruction all year has been that to run behind a player is an automatic penalty? In game 1 we had a ten min bin for a nothing punch which changed the game but in game 3 a serious punch didn't even get a penalty?

It is always the weakest and most arrogant line to blame the referee's for your performance. A good team wins anyway and NSW need to understand that and stop finding excuses each year. The refereeing was ordinary for everyone. They won two games one for each and diddikums, both states give up a home game to Melbourne every third year so suck it up buttercup.

nairbe wrote on Jul 9^th, 2012 at 7:54pm:

Dnarever wrote on Jul 8th, 2012 at 10:13pm: It_is_the_Darkness wrote on Jun 26th, 2012 at 6:59pm: Yeah, I think Hasler is a certainty for next year. Stuart couldn't even 'stand up as if he's got a pair' and slag off Meninga in the papers. Too gutless and picks at the Ref's instead. To be honest when 2 results came down to refereeing errors I think some criticism their way was due. How do they select a ref for the decider with a historical Qld bias? How does a ref find a no obstruction decision when the instruction all year has been that to run behind a player is an automatic penalty? In game 1 we had a ten min bin for a nothing punch which changed the game but in game 3 a serious punch didn't even get a penalty? It is always the weakest and most arrogant line to blame the referee's for your performance. A good team wins anyway and NSW need to understand that and stop finding excuses each year. The refereeing was ordinary for everyone. They won two games one for each and diddikums, both states give up a home game to Melbourne every third year so suck it up buttercup.

Qld have never given up a game - it really does help to know what you are talking about.

Ordinary refereeing does not impact both teams when virtually all the ordinary decisions go the same way.

I was right. Ricky Stuart - blamed the refereeing AGAIN and as always.
Too scared to have a go at Meninga himself, who just happened to have a go at the Media - such is his self-confidence in his God-like Ego.

Meninga is obviously the Top Dog in the QLD scene.
Defeat 'him' and you annihilate the team easily.
NSW has a good team - but lack a 'brain' and strength of character from a Coach to show them the way.
NSW was lucky to get within 1 point to be honest, considering much of the game was played in their half.
Once again, the players stood around in a bunch unsure what to do with themselves besides wait for ...another 'kick'. ::)

So I'll say it again. Mark McGaw is the only person who isn't intimidated by Meninga (and his Legend status) - in fact, he has the 'wood' on Meninga quite well.
Ricky Stuart for another 3 years? ::) Such stupidity shows from the NSW heirachy.
Hasler? Well he is the opposite of Stuart. Passive in his approach to Refs - but would probably blame the NSW supporters for not getting behind the team more if they lose. Afterall, he's a Manly boy and Manly, like Broncos and even Carlton are the teams that suck up to Refs and a least liked by the general populace of their codes.

...so there you have it. ;)

Dnarever wrote on Jul 9^th, 2012 at 8:15pm:

nairbe wrote on Jul 9th, 2012 at 7:54pm: Dnarever wrote on Jul 8th, 2012 at 10:13pm: It_is_the_Darkness wrote on Jun 26th, 2012 at 6:59pm: Yeah, I think Hasler is a certainty for next year. Stuart couldn't even 'stand up as if he's got a pair' and slag off Meninga in the papers. Too gutless and picks at the Ref's instead. To be honest when 2 results came down to refereeing errors I think some criticism their way was due. How do they select a ref for the decider with a historical Qld bias? How does a ref find a no obstruction decision when the instruction all year has been that to run behind a player is an automatic penalty? In game 1 we had a ten min bin for a nothing punch which changed the game but in game 3 a serious punch didn't even get a penalty? It is always the weakest and most arrogant line to blame the referee's for your performance. A good team wins anyway and NSW need to understand that and stop finding excuses each year. The refereeing was ordinary for everyone. They won two games one for each and diddikums, both states give up a home game to Melbourne every third year so suck it up buttercup. Qld have never given up a game - it really does help to know what you are talking about. Ordinary refereeing does not impact both teams when virtually all the ordinary decisions go the same way.

OH dear ;D

Yes Yes in the early pre-super league era NSW did give up some games but the 94 - 96 sector was even. Then of late QLD gave to melbourne in the 09 series. Take a look.

http://stats.rleague.com/rl/soo/soo_idx.html

The rest is just sad rubbish, don't be so precious. NSW lost this year, QLD didn't win and i will maintain it is the looser coach you have.

nairbe wrote on Jul 11^th, 2012 at 7:28pm:

Dnarever wrote on Jul 9th, 2012 at 8:15pm: nairbe wrote on Jul 9th, 2012 at 7:54pm: Dnarever wrote on Jul 8th, 2012 at 10:13pm: It_is_the_Darkness wrote on Jun 26th, 2012 at 6:59pm: Yeah, I think Hasler is a certainty for next year. Stuart couldn't even 'stand up as if he's got a pair' and slag off Meninga in the papers. Too gutless and picks at the Ref's instead. To be honest when 2 results came down to refereeing errors I think some criticism their way was due. How do they select a ref for the decider with a historical Qld bias? How does a ref find a no obstruction decision when the instruction all year has been that to run behind a player is an automatic penalty? In game 1 we had a ten min bin for a nothing punch which changed the game but in game 3 a serious punch didn't even get a penalty? It is always the weakest and most arrogant line to blame the referee's for your performance. A good team wins anyway and NSW need to understand that and stop finding excuses each year. The refereeing was ordinary for everyone. They won two games one for each and diddikums, both states give up a home game to Melbourne every third year so suck it up buttercup. Qld have never given up a game - it really does help to know what you are talking about. Ordinary refereeing does not impact both teams when virtually all the ordinary decisions go the same way. OH dear ;D Yes Yes in the early pre-super league era NSW did give up some games but the 94 - 96 sector was even. Then of late QLD gave to melbourne in the 09 series. Take a look. http://stats.rleague.com/rl/soo/soo_idx.html The rest is just sad rubbish, don't be so precious. NSW lost this year, QLD didn't win and i will maintain it is the looser coach you have.

I am not a Ricky Stuart fan I thought his selection was an error but NSW dominated 2 games and were very compedative in the third.

The coach done his job well. You have to wear the refereeing even when it's terrible for me the big dissapointment were a few selections.

A half back who in the game for his kicking who's kicking game is not up to the right standard can not succeed - ever.

Carney was OK but struggles at that level as well - he is dependant on targeting weaker players and for the most part is not presented with the type of opportunity he needs at that level, though I think he may get there.

For Qld the end or their run is close this year the best team didn't win.

Dnarever wrote on Jul 11^th, 2012 at 7:42pm:

nairbe wrote on Jul 11th, 2012 at 7:28pm: Dnarever wrote on Jul 9th, 2012 at 8:15pm: nairbe wrote on Jul 9th, 2012 at 7:54pm: Dnarever wrote on Jul 8th, 2012 at 10:13pm: It_is_the_Darkness wrote on Jun 26th, 2012 at 6:59pm: Yeah, I think Hasler is a certainty for next year. Stuart couldn't even 'stand up as if he's got a pair' and slag off Meninga in the papers. Too gutless and picks at the Ref's instead. To be honest when 2 results came down to refereeing errors I think some criticism their way was due. How do they select a ref for the decider with a historical Qld bias? How does a ref find a no obstruction decision when the instruction all year has been that to run behind a player is an automatic penalty? In game 1 we had a ten min bin for a nothing punch which changed the game but in game 3 a serious punch didn't even get a penalty? It is always the weakest and most arrogant line to blame the referee's for your performance. A good team wins anyway and NSW need to understand that and stop finding excuses each year. The refereeing was ordinary for everyone. They won two games one for each and diddikums, both states give up a home game to Melbourne every third year so suck it up buttercup. Qld have never given up a game - it really does help to know what you are talking about. Ordinary refereeing does not impact both teams when virtually all the ordinary decisions go the same way. OH dear ;D Yes Yes in the early pre-super league era NSW did give up some games but the 94 - 96 sector was even. Then of late QLD gave to melbourne in the 09 series. Take a look. http://stats.rleague.com/rl/soo/soo_idx.html The rest is just sad rubbish, don't be so precious. NSW lost this year, QLD didn't win and i will maintain it is the looser coach you have. I am not a Ricky Stuart fan I thought his selection was an error but NSW dominated 2 games and were very compedative in the third. The coach done his job well. You have to wear the refereeing even when it's terrible for me the big dissapointment were a few selections. A half back who in the game for his kicking who's kicking game is not up to the right standard can not succeed - ever. Carney was OK but struggles at that level as well - he is dependant on targeting weaker players and for the most part is not presented with the type of opportunity he needs at that level, though I think he may get there. For Qld the end or their run is close this year the best team didn't win.

Ricky brings passion for sure but too much passion and he cannot control it. He is like a Les Boyd or Mark Geyer he just can not keep it together at the right moments for the team.

I agree, i find it hard to see QLD winning next year and then for a couple while they rebuild but NSW don't really have a lot to work with either. They have the forwards at the moment but this passes quickly. It is in the back line thatNSW are really in trouble. They have no halves and most of the good young halves are QLDers. We look forward to Cherry-Evans maturing as a player. I wonder where NSW will find their backs? Too many show ponies like Hayne over the years that are not team players. It is personal glory not team. As i said NSW lost this series and they will do it again if they are not careful.   

I don't know where you get the idea that Hayne is a show pony and not a team player. Often at the Eels he has had to play 5/8 and fullback at the same time because the Eels halves have been incompetent. Can you show me where he has not been a team player?

Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Jul 12^th, 2012 at 9:02pm:

I don't know where you get the idea that Hayne is a show pony and not a team player. Often at the Eels he has had to play 5/8 and fullback at the same time because the Eels halves have been incompetent. Can you show me where he has not been a team player?

Yep that's right he has to be all the team because everyone else just isn't good enough. And you were saying about the team?

Nairbe is right. Hayne, like Gasnier and even Marshall are players that exhibit too much 'individualism' and are not cohesive with other team members in a 'team' sport.
The only 'individual' should be the Coach, as Meninga is showing: Meninga + QLD side.
Whereas its Stuart, Hayne, Gallen, etc, etc, etc. ::)
Too many guys who are used to winning a game by themselves.
Bennett put Gasnier in line with St George saying "The team isn't here for you!". Gasnier sulked most of the year and then fled to France for an ego boost.

These type of players are only interested in their personal glory and contractual fee rises - NOT NSW. I mean, lets face it, who gives a shite about the Kangaroo jersey anymore? So why bother about the Blues jersey? Its all about the 'Club' now. :( :( ((NRL has gone in the wrong direction for fear of AFL ...thanks mostly to Gallop & Co))

Anyway - McGaw would have too much TV flair to outshine any of those players who think they are automatic 'celebrities'. They didn't call him 'Sparkles' McGaw for nothing and why he kicked on well as 'Hammer' in the Gladiators and why he works with Entertainment Wrestlers amongst other elite sportspeople. He knows his shite !

Stuart comes from Rugby Union: where the Refs get decisions right 80%+ of the time.
In League - you must play 'beyond' the Refs. In fact, you must play as if the Ref has already awarded the QLD's a penalty try! Just like you must win by knockout against Team Fenech or Anthony Mundine himself, because everyone knows that you won't win by the Ref scorecards. Fact!

So NSW must focus the Individualism upon the Coach and make the team play as a 'team'!
Navy Divers only choose the 'Grey Zone' recuits, not the worst and not the best. For the best can never gel as a team.

So if bringing in a unknown country player like Troy Preston, in place of Jarrod Hayne because he is more suited to the 'team' manouver - then so do it!

Stuart is a short-tempered fuse and Hasler has no personality at all.

Unless Sterling comes down from the Box (someone who everyone considers as potentionally 'the' greatest Coach, if ever he does)
...then Mark 'Sparkles/the Hammer' McGaw is the only person I know that can Coach NSW to outright victory:3-0 and by convincing scores of  20+ points beyond the opposition !!!

:( Sadly, I don't know how to get this view into constructive action. I don't know if McGaw or the NSWRL will ever see these posts, etc?? :-?
Even with Hasler next year - QLD will still win, because...  BIG BABY MAL 'smell my finger' MENINGA
wants his PERFECT 10 and nobody gonna say no to BIG BUBBA eh ::)

nairbe wrote on Jul 13^th, 2012 at 9:14pm:

Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Jul 12th, 2012 at 9:02pm: I don't know where you get the idea that Hayne is a show pony and not a team player. Often at the Eels he has had to play 5/8 and fullback at the same time because the Eels halves have been incompetent. Can you show me where he has not been a team player? Yep that's right he has to be all the team because everyone else just isn't good enough. And you were saying about the team?

If he wasn't a team player then he would do f.a. instead of a higher workload.

Quote:

jagsingnature wrote Nairbe is right. Hayne, like Gasnier and even Marshall are players that exhibit too much 'individualism' and are not cohesive with other team members in a 'team' sport. The only 'individual' should be the Coach, as Meninga is showing: Meninga + QLD side. Whereas its Stuart, Hayne, Gallen, etc, etc, etc.  Too many guys who are used to winning a game by themselves. Bennett put Gasnier in line with St George saying "The team isn't here for you!". Gasnier sulked most of the year and then fled to France for an ego boost.

I'd still like to see specific examples of this 'not a team player' from Hayne.

It is the job of the halves like Marshall and Hayne (when he plays the 5/8 role) to exhibit 'individualism.' Just like Thurston does for Qld. Their job is to steer the team around the park, giving them orders. The forwards job is to run the ball up and tackle. The centres, wings, and fullback, in most incidences, only complete plays set up by the halves. Again, it comes back to the 'individual' brilliance of the halves to set up tries.

NSW can't really compete with Qld because they basically have the Australian team in their side, particularly the backline.

Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Jul 14^th, 2012 at 7:43pm:

Quote: jagsingnature wrote Nairbe is right. Hayne, like Gasnier and even Marshall are players that exhibit too much 'individualism' and are not cohesive with other team members in a 'team' sport. The only 'individual' should be the Coach, as Meninga is showing: Meninga + QLD side. Whereas its Stuart, Hayne, Gallen, etc, etc, etc.  Too many guys who are used to winning a game by themselves. Bennett put Gasnier in line with St George saying "The team isn't here for you!". Gasnier sulked most of the year and then fled to France for an ego boost. I'd still like to see specific examples of this 'not a team player' from Hayne. It is the job of the halves like Marshall and Hayne (when he plays the 5/8 role) to exhibit 'individualism.' Just like Thurston does for Qld. Their job is to steer the team around the park, giving them orders. The forwards job is to run the ball up and tackle. The centres, wings, and fullback, in most incidences, only complete plays set up by the halves. Again, it comes back to the 'individual' brilliance of the halves to set up tries. NSW can't really compete with Qld because they basically have the Australian team in their side, particularly the backline.

they have most of the back line because???? Your question answered. Thurston does not play the show pony and yes it is the job of the halves to direct traffic not try and win the game single handed all the time. There have been many great fullbacks over the years and centres that have been able to create play. The most important part is that unless they are a team they have no hope at all. The individual star like Hayne will shine sometimes but it won't win premierships or origins. Love him all you like and yes he is a good player but he is no team player.

nairbe wrote on Jul 14^th, 2012 at 8:12pm:

Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Jul 14th, 2012 at 7:43pm: Quote: jagsingnature wrote Nairbe is right. Hayne, like Gasnier and even Marshall are players that exhibit too much 'individualism' and are not cohesive with other team members in a 'team' sport. The only 'individual' should be the Coach, as Meninga is showing: Meninga + QLD side. Whereas its Stuart, Hayne, Gallen, etc, etc, etc.  Too many guys who are used to winning a game by themselves. Bennett put Gasnier in line with St George saying "The team isn't here for you!". Gasnier sulked most of the year and then fled to France for an ego boost. I'd still like to see specific examples of this 'not a team player' from Hayne. It is the job of the halves like Marshall and Hayne (when he plays the 5/8 role) to exhibit 'individualism.' Just like Thurston does for Qld. Their job is to steer the team around the park, giving them orders. The forwards job is to run the ball up and tackle. The centres, wings, and fullback, in most incidences, only complete plays set up by the halves. Again, it comes back to the 'individual' brilliance of the halves to set up tries. NSW can't really compete with Qld because they basically have the Australian team in their side, particularly the backline. they have most of the back line because???? Your question answered. Thurston does not play the show pony and yes it is the job of the halves to direct traffic not try and win the game single handed all the time. There have been many great fullbacks over the years and centres that have been able to create play. The most important part is that unless they are a team they have no hope at all. The individual star like Hayne will shine sometimes but it won't win premierships or origins. Love him all you like and yes he is a good player but he is no team player.

Considering Hayne plays on the wing for NSW he's hardly going to win the game for them.

I'm still not convinced he's not a team player. You've provided no specific examples of it.

Valid points MM.
But remember the Canberra V Balmain Grand Final.
The Tiger's had Ellery Hanley and some great players like Roach, Sironen, Elias, Pearce and more.
As too did the Raiders with Meninga, Backo, Belcher, Stuart, etc.

Now why did the Raiders win?
Because they were a 'team' and not a pack of individuals. The Australians won at Cricket because no matter how good McGrath and Warne were - they still played to the tune of Mark Taylor and then Steve Waugh, wether they won or lost. Taylor in turn served the whim of their skills - not personas.

The NSW Blues were constantly bunched throughout the series (again) - sure sign of lack of communication as a team as if they need to get in one another's ear to say "Hey! Talk to me." Maybe they are all 'too good' for one another :-?
All that I know is that NSW can look as 'better' than the Maroons as they want: they can tackle better, run, better, kick better, swerve better, etc ...they just don't know how to win better.

With McGaw, they may not win 7+ straight series. But I can guarrantee you that NSW would THUMP QLD by large margins like never before in the series. Hell, I can see a 50-0 win by NSW !!! ;) ;D

It_is_the_Darkness wrote on Jul 14^th, 2012 at 10:00pm:

Valid points MM. But remember the Canberra V Balmain Grand Final. The Tiger's had Ellery Hanley and some great players like Roach, Sironen, Elias, Pearce and more. As too did the Raiders with Meninga, Backo, Belcher, Stuart, etc. Now why did the Raiders win? Because they were a 'team' and not a pack of individuals. The Australians won at Cricket because no matter how good McGrath and Warne were - they still played to the tune of Mark Taylor and then Steve Waugh, wether they won or lost. Taylor in turn served the whim of their skills - not personas. The NSW Blues were constantly bunched throughout the series (again) - sure sign of lack of communication as a team as if they need to get in one another's ear to say "Hey! Talk to me." Maybe they are all 'too good' for one another :-? All that I know is that NSW can look as 'better' than the Maroons as they want: they can tackle better, run, better, kick better, swerve better, etc ...they just don't know how to win better. With McGaw, they may not win 7+ straight series. But I can guarrantee you that NSW would THUMP QLD by large margins like never before in the series. Hell, I can see a 50-0 win by NSW !!! ;) ;D

Now why did the Raiders win?
Because they were a 'team' and not a pack of individuals

In that game with 12 minutes to play the tigers were leading by 12 points and the referee panalised a tigers player (Maguire) for using a canberra player as a shepherd - possibly the worst refereeing decision I have ever seen to change the result of a GF.

Ok, lets go back for big D here ::)

Blaming the Ref, especially in NRL of all codes - is not good enough.
NRL 'adudication'(spell?) is the worst of any Aust sports. So blaming the Refs is the ultimate cop-out.
...and if the Refs are corrupt in NRL, then again - they should have 'paid' better than the opposition. ;)

It_is_the_Darkness wrote on Jul 14^th, 2012 at 10:54pm:

Ok, lets go back for big D here ::) Blaming the Ref, especially in NRL of all codes - is not good enough. NRL 'adudication'(spell?) is the worst of any Aust sports. So blaming the Refs is the ultimate cop-out. ...and if the Refs are corrupt in NRL, then again - they should have 'paid' better than the opposition. ;)

Nobody said they are corrupt but you chose a poor example by using that game where the result was determined by a refs error - it does happen, I don't particularly care just a poor example

des hassler,  the guy is inspirational and a fitness nut. i hear when he takes the family for a sunday drive he sometimes stops at a random oval and runs 10 laps.  love the bloke

Des Hasler, along with Folkes and Pearce were the 'in' fit guys during their day. They didn't play 80min games - they played 120min games in their mind.

This is the secret behind Hasler's 'Manly' success - he trained ...oops, I mean Coached ;) - the team to play for the long haul and that's why statistically they won their matches mostly in the 2nd Half.

I just think he is too passive, and unlike angry ant Stuart - I think he will find it hard to come to grips with the fact that, although the Ref might be on his side - the crowd have lost 'interest' and faith in their team. He'll blame the lack of 'support' for his loss to QLD. I think that's why he left Manly too? ::)

So with just one series left for Meninga to gloat x10 in a row: Decade of Destruction!
In steps Mark McGaw ...and you watch Meninga cry. ;D ;D ;D ;D

Dez left Manly for $$$$$.....he's even had a hair cut.

Swagman wrote on Jul 26^th, 2012 at 12:54pm:

Dez left Manly for $$$$$.....he's even had a hair cut.

Well that has to rule him out.

Go MAROONS!!!