South Sydney Rabbitohs (2nd) vs Canterbury Bulldogs (7th) – Sunday night – ANZ Stadium
South Sydney Rabbitohs
- Greg Inglis
- Alex Johnston
- Dylan Walker
- Kirisome Auva'a
- Lote Tuqiri
- Luke Keary
- Adam Reynolds
- George Burgess
- Apisai Koroisau
- Dave Tyrell
- Ben T'eo
- John Sutton (c)
- Sam Burgess
- Jason Clark
- Kyle Turner
- Chris McQueen
- Thomas Burgess
Coach - Michael Maguire
Canterbury Bulldogs
- Sam Perrett
- Corey Thompson
- Josh Morris
- Tim Lafai
- Mitch Brown
- Josh Reynolds
- Trent Hodkinson
- Aiden Tolman
- Moses Mbye
- James Graham (c)
- Josh Jackson
- Tony Williams
- Greg Eastwood
- Dale Finucane
- David Klemmer
- Frank Pritchard
- Tim Brown
Coach - Des Hasler
* note: team line-ups are subject to considerable change, but will be updated as news filters through.
The last time the South Sydney Rabbitohs played in a Rugby League grand final was way back in 1971, and details from that game are sketchy at best. Fossil records indicate the Bunnies defeated the Dragons by 16 points to 10. It's likely the winning margin would have been greater but for a dinosaur stampede which stalled the Bunnies momentum. Despite the unfortunate death of the great Ron Coote (trampled by a Muttabuttasaurus ten minutes from full time) the Bunnies celebrated long and hard - Yabba Dabba Doo!
Many thousands of years later and its 2014. The Bunnies defeated the side they met in round 26 to progress to the grand final, and they play the side they met in round 25 to win the premiership. The Bunnies won that round 25 clash, although the Dogs were without Josh Reynolds and his combination in the halves with Hodkinson is pretty darn important. I questioned whether the Bulldogs backline could outscore the Panthers backline last week and I was right, but I didn't count on three Bulldogs forwards picking up all their tries to get them over the line. They'll need to back that up again - against some of the biggest guys in the business. I think it's too much, but I'm keen to see James Graham try. If the Bulldogs win he carries them to victory, and is a logical Clive Churchill contender if that were to happen.
If the Bulldogs have an edge it's in finals experience. Des is near enough to a super-coach these days, and (correct me if I'm wrong) this will be his fifth grand final in seven years - with two different clubs. And he's getting there with teams that most don't expect to get there. Manly were doubted year in year out but they kept finding a way. The same can be said for the Bulldogs who, let's be honest, are a slightly limited team. You couldn't call any of their seventeen superstars but they find a way to win with what they have - these guys have won more close games this season than anyone. They get there.
His coaching opponent is in a final for the first time, and the same can be said for the vast majority of the Bunnies seventeen. Expectation weighs heavily, and we're yet to see how they respond to that. This could be their worst game all season or their best....I doubt it will be anywhere in between. I'm punting on the latter - the Bunnies have kept it together throughout the finals series and it's hard not to be impressed. They blew the Sea Eagles off the park in week one and the Bulldogs couldn't do that in week two. Then the Bunnies did everything right against the Chooks - that's good form however you want to slice and dice it. I expect them to win, but the Bulldogs will try to suffocate the life out of this contest...so I think the scores will be tighter than most anticipate.
Greg Inglis already has a Clive Churchill medal for his efforts in a Grand Final that was taken off him (although I think he got to keep the boat). He is a giant of the game and 'dual Churchill medallist' would sit well with him. The medal is named after 'The Little Master', arguably the greatest fullback to don the red and green. He won five premierships for the Bunnies and another three as their coach. He is a legend of the club and the game, and Inglis can't be far away from being described in much the same way. Assuming Joyce Churchill is well enough it would be a tremendous moment in Australian sport if she could present the medal to GI. Here's hoping. Glory Glory to South Sydney.
Verdict – Rabbitohs 20 to defeat Bulldogs 12 : Result - Rabbitohs 30 def Bulldogs 6
First try scorer - Alex Johnston : Result - Alex Johnston
Clive Churchill medallist - Greg Inglis : Result - Sam Burgess
Wally Lewis - Grand Final (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Thursday night or early Friday morning.
- RABBITOHS vs Bulldogs
Comments
Submitted by Guru Craig on
Well said Thinker, great write up as usual.
The Guru is behind the boss, but not in the 'We're fully behind the coach' then sack him a few days later kinda way...a la The Doggies a few seasons ago.
South Sydney will make history on Sunday, it's their time... that phrase gets plenty of leg work at this part of the season, its everyone's time when they've still a chance, but this one belongs to Sth Sydney.
Des Hasler is the better coach of the two sides, his experience and ability to get wins from his roster are top notch. The win over Melbourne a few weeks ago gave an indication of the Belmore boys intent and that was the standout performance from this side all year. Des will have a plan but The Guru can’t see his Puppies getting away with the W and denying the history books a red and green refresh, its been a thousand years, the Bunnies are due.
The loss of Ennis has been nullified to some degree with Isaac Luke also ruled out for being a bit naughty. The GF without a hooker will be a Gladiatorial contest of Burgess proportions, Sam an Co need to watch they don’t get overawed at the start as their opponents are no mugs, Dogs yes, but Maguire will have prepared his men for the Bankstown Super Dogs, Reynolds will be carrying the grub spirit of Mick and they will give everything, Teeth included.
The Guru fancies Souths to run away in the last 20mins, party at Russ’s house then onto Vegas!
Sths 30 – Dogs 12
MOTM and Clive Churchill medal G.I.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Well last tip for the year (footy that is)
Can't add much to what the Thinker and the Guru have said they are both spot on. I can't stand him but the Dogs will miss Ennis (IMO) more that Bunnies will miss Luke (no disrespect Isaac!)
Also Josh Morris is a shadow of his former self since Origin.
The Bunnies will win it for Maguire, for Big Sam, for Benny Teo, for Hollywood Russ but most of all for the 1000's of loyal, long suffering fans who really deserve a win.
GO THE BRONCOS sorry BUNNIES
Rabbits 24 Dogs 13
motm Big Sam.
Submitted by The Thinker on
And just a side note - the Baby Broncos vs Baby Warriors grand final should be an absolute belter of a game.
Submitted by christine on
I'm with the thinker & guru craig on this one it's souths year & I've been waiting 3 years for this to happen so I hope you 've got your saddle ready guru cause you did say your going to ride those bunnies all the way to the grand final.
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
*To The Tune Of Flintstones* Rabbitohs ! Meet Rabbitohs ! They're just not your everyday, modern day, history in making, football team !
From the town of South Sydney, Canterbury Bulldogs can milk all the penalties they like but they're still going to get cream ... ;-D
Yeah dude like The Thinker said it's been so long since Rabbitohs last won grand final it feels like forever ago ! Still times change and things move on and what we now have man is Rabbitohs about to win their first ever grand final in forty three years ! Rabbitohs 24 Bulldogs 16 final score ! Go Bunnies, go Far Qld Pride and F**k Yeah, go Jr Warriors ! Kiwi kid power ! Peow ! Peow ! ;-D
- That and I just want to take time out to thank Thinker for all work you've put in on site this year and to everybody else on here - Joker, A, Wally Lewis, Mark Ashford, Guru Craig, Christine, Steel Panther, Newbie From Perth, etc etc This place would be empty without you so thanks again for being a part of it and thanks again to Thinker for letting me be part of it too ! Thanks alot everybody ! Laters ! Bye ! :-)
Submitted by a on
Here is another video for your visitors
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=giupmmVru7s
Submitted by christine on
Johnny ray you gives us humour each week so thankyou for being on this website lets face it we need something to laugh at with whats going on in the world these days & I think it safe to say we appreciate you for it.
Submitted by christine on
" a " that video you posted are you trying to tell us souths might not win ?
Submitted by a on
I am trying to tell you what it's anyones game
Submitted by christine on
" a " I know what your saying it's a 50 - 50 game it could go either way but I really want souths to win.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Hi everyone,
Woo-Hoo! It’s GF time! Bit confused why it’s at 7.15 in the evening (has NSW gone to “daylight saving” I wonder) but hey, who am I to complain? Just stoked I’m watching it for free and that it’ll only be 4.15 over here in the West. You gotta be happy with that eh?
Had a gawk at the schedule and I’m impressed. Women’s Touch vs Media Team at 1.30 followed by the U20s at 1.50. I won’t get to watch that Johnny Ray but I’ll be rooting for your boys nevertheless. Go the Kiwi Kid Power! Peow! Peow!
Panthers vs Northern Pride in the State Champs at 3.55. Then we have something called the “Victor Sports Relay GF” which is obviously unknown to the Newbie. Following that we have the pre-match entertainment but no idea who gets the gig.
Finally the “Big One” at 7.15. At least the NRL knows how to put on a party, unlike the AFL last Saturday. Seriously, the best thing about last Saturday’s AFL Grand Final was Tom Jones. Well that and the fact that the Swans got severely “plucked” and the Newbie got severely "smashed". Anyway, not here to talk aerial ping-pong are we? No, we’re here to talk about the “Great Game” so all I have to say is “bring it on”…
Souths to win on Sunday. Only concern I have is a niggling little question that keeps going around in my head much like a goldfish swimming around in his bowl. After last week’s awesome effort against my beloved Chooks, did Souths play their GF a week too soon? Or do they have enough “emotional” gas left in the tank to outclass the Doggies and grab their piece of history?
Do the Doggies have a chance? Well, while they have completely confused the Newbie for most of the year, I do have to consider the “Des Factor”. The guy just has too much nouse (is that how you spell it?) to write his boys off completely. Really looking forward to seeing Burgess and Graham smacking the living daylights out of each other. Let’s see what they’re made of. Clash of the Titans baby!
I’m hoping the “grub” doesn’t play as I don’t want him to get anything for all the “hard work” he’s put in all year! But Souths will be missing the unlucky Isaac Luke so it sort of balances out doesn’t it. While I have to say what Isaac did last week was a bit silly, I reckon the judiciary should’ve taken SBW’s comments into account, cut Isaac some slack and let him play. Maybe they could have post-dated his penalty to next year or something. Man that’s gotta cut deep for the young fella. Oh well, that’s how life goes sometimes.
OK, with both sides missing a top player, I still reckon the Bunnies have a stronger line-up. Plus they’ll be hungrier than the Doggies. Souths have showed “passion and fire” leading up to Sunday but you can’t say the same about the Doggies I’m afraid. Newbie’s going the “fluffy ones” on Sunday.
Newbie’s margin: Rabbits by at least 8.
P.S. Before I leave, I too would like to thank a few people.
First and foremost - The Thinker. Without you we are nothing. I for one would be drifting aimlessly on the “Sea of Hopelessness” as far as my football education is concerned. Sincere thanks O Great One!
Secondly – the Thinkers Little Helper. You keep this site ticking along and I appreciate your efforts. Well done my man.
Thirdly - to all who contribute comments and thoughts on the games each week. A few insights, a few different ways of assessing games and definitely a lot of laughs. Special thanks to Johnny Ray, The Guru, Mark Ashford, The King, Steel Panther, Joker, Christine and of course our friend “a”. Apologies if I’ve missed anyone.
Last but not least - to all the unknown “visitors” here and overseas who drop in each week. I’m sure it’s your “hits” that give The Boss an incentive to keep going at it week after week. Thanks to each and every one of you.
OK, time for the Newbie to head off now. It’s getting late here and god knows he needs his beauty sleep! Only 3 big sleeps to go. Woo-Hoo! Game on! Cheers.
Final Observation:
Went online and checked out the ticket prices as the Newbie wants to experience a GF one day and boy, was he shocked. The “cheap and nasty” seats are $80 each (I can live with that) but the “primo” seats are $380 each! Whaaaa? Might have to get something in-between when I eventually get over there. Not to worry, I’d pay $380.00 just so I can say I’ve been there/done that. Cheers...
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Hello again people,
I never heard back from the Boss as to whether or not I could post the recipe for you-know-what, so I’m gonna assume that it’s OK. I really need to put this up now to give you enough time to get what you need and time for it to “mature”. If our friend Johnny Ray can put up a cake recipe, surely it must be alright to put up something to wash it down with yeah? So with that as “my only defence your worship”, here is Newbies homemade Baileys recipe as promised…
NEWBIE’S HOMEMADE BAILEYS
- 250ml Whiskey or Scotch
- 400ml can of Condensed Milk
- 300ml tub of Thickened Cream
- 250ml of Milk
- 2 tablespoons of Chocolate Topping
- 2 teaspoons of Instant Coffee
- 2 teaspoons of Vanilla Essence (or extract)
Put everything into a blender and whiz for 30-40 seconds or until well mixed and smooth. Pour into a 1 litre container (I just use one of those Décor ones with the screw cap) and whack it in the fridge.
Every hour or so, give the brew a gentle side to side shake to get everything mixed well. I usually do this about 4-6 times before I have to hit the sack. Obviously you can’t do it while you’re snoozing but that’s OK, it’ll all be good in the end.
For best results, allow it to "mature" for at least a day.
Then again, I’ve made up a batch at 6.30 on a Friday night and drunk it at 6.30 Saturday night and it was OK. Mind you, it will taste better if it has a little extra time to “blend” so to speak.
Once the brew has had enough time to finish its “blending”, you can pour it into your empty Baileys bottle if you have one. Lots of times I just used to pour it straight from the plastic container.
Don’t forget to give it another shake just before you pour out the first glass.
Anyway, if you decide to have a crack at this, I hope it turns out “scrum-diddly-umptious” and you’re happy with the result. And remember … Drink Responsibly!
P.S. Anyone game enough to make this with Bundy instead of Scotch? If you do, let us know how it turns out. I’m thinking it might be “crap” but you never know.
Cheers...
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Well we are finally here. The Grand Final. I've read a lot of comments both from my friends here and from other sources and I gotta admit that it's hard to look past the Bunnies. But when I see so many punters taking one team I get nervous. I'm with Craig here and I'm think that if the Bunnies can get on a roll it could blow out in the the end. Souths 13+, Penrith and the Junior Warriors for me this weekend.
I'm off to try out Newbies recipe (cheers mate!!). Enjoy the final eveyone. Thanks Thinker!!
Submitted by The Thinker on
Nice recipe Newbie...and thanks for all the kind words. You are an absolute asset to the site - and a gentleman to boot.
I might have a crack at that recipe over the summer months...its a long off-season and I'll have plenty of time.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Me again.
My old mate Tom Waterhouse is offering us another special that is pretty darn tempting.
$2.00 for the South Sydney Rabbitohs to win the Grand Final. The current price is $1.35 so that is quite a special. Max. bet is $50 and gamble responsibly.
Here is the link: http://bit.ly/1pWs2w2
Glory Glory to South Sydney
Submitted by christine on
Afternoon Thinker: I just wanted to say thankyou to you for having this tremendous website for us to frequent each week in the season which we can all share our nrl tips & comments on without it we would all be lost & a big thankyou also goes out to the thinkers little helper you both do an exceptional job week in week out during the season & we will see you again next season .
Submitted by The Thinker on
Thanks Christine
Enjoy the grand final weekend
Submitted by christine on
To the regulars who frequent this site ie a johnny ray mark ashford steel panther joker guru craig newbie from perth wally & just for the hell of it lady di saster : enjoy the grand final everyone & have a safe off season to all of you until we all return again next season I look forward to speaking to you all again & may the bunnies be victorious.
Submitted by christine on
" a " we are waiting on your tip .
Submitted by christine on
" a " best of luck this week with your tip .
Submitted by a on
Look I am tipping in Bulldogs up because to catch up to wally
Submitted by a on
And I also have a recipe for you to try
Lemon Kissed Brownie Bites
Peanut Butter Brownie Bites
Tiramisu Cups
Two Tone Fudge
Make-it-Yours Sweet and Salty Bark
Individual Chocolate-Amaretto Lava Cakes
Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Cookies
Raspberry Chocolate Tassies
Mini Dark Chocolate Pudding Cakes
Measuring All-Purpose Flour
Battle of the Butter: Salted vs. Unsalted
Types of Salt
Sugar and Sweeteners
Vanilla Extract vs Vanilla Bean
All about Eggs
Ingredients Edit and Save
Original recipe makes 16 servingsChange Servings
1/2 cup whole almonds*
1/3 cup brown rice flour
1 cup Ghirardelli® 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into chunks
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 cup walnut or pecan pieces (optional)
Check All Add to Shopping List Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees with a rack in the lower third of the oven. Line an 8x8-inch metal baking pan across the bottom and up two opposite sides with parchment paper.
If using whole almonds, add them to a food process with the rice flour and pulse until the nuts are finely ground. If using almond flour, mix it with the rice flour. Set aside.
Place the chocolate, butter and salt in the top of a large double boiler over barely simmering water. Stir frequently until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the bowl and let cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the sugar and vanilla. Stir in the eggs one at a time. Add the almond and rice flour mixture and stir until moistened, and then mix briskly about 40 strokes. Stir in the walnuts or pecans if using.
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until the brownies are slightly puffed all over and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out moist but clean. Cool the pan on a rack. Run a knife along the unlined sides of the pan to detach the brownies. Lift the edges of the parchment paper to remove the brownies. Cut into squares.
Submitted by christine on
" a " I know your trying to catch wally so good luck & speak to you again next season .
Submitted by christine on
'' a '' incase you forget I've been helping you .
Submitted by Guru Craig on
U20 GF has had enough unorthodox (bloody wrong) refs calls inside the first 9mins to change the game....not a good look NRL.
The Guru is backing The Bronco's and Northern Pride and of course those Bunnies from NSW for lack of a better (QLD) choice.
The Pride are over $5 @ H2H market
Guru's cash is going with Tom (the Thinkers link) and Souths -9.5
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Hi everyone,
Just a real quick post here. Thought I wouldn’t be able to watch the U20s game but was scrolling through the EPG and saw that GEM was showing the game as well as the Panthers vs Northern Pride game. For some strange reason the Bunnies and Dogs is gonna be shown on 9 and not GEM. Hey I don’t care, just as long as I get to see it.
P.S. I reckon your boys were “robbed” of their first try Johnny Ray. Maybe it’s because I’m a “newbie” but I can’t see how the video refs can call that a forward pass off the arm. Huh? Cheers but I gotta go now ‘cos your boys just scored! Gee your kicker has a strange action eh? Best of luck champ!
P.P.S. Just as I'm posting this they get another one Johnny! Woo-Hoo!
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Half time and someone with the initials of JR must be feeling pretty good! Can't believe these "kids" are 17-18 years old! Might go and make myself a brew during the break...
P.S. Thanks for the kind words Thinker. Makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. What a shame we have to wait so long until it all starts again.
Anyone having any "homemade Baileys" today? If you are, hope you enjoy. OK I'm going again. Cheers.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Wow, what a game Johnny Ray! Thought your boys had it all wrapped up but to the Baby Bronco’s credit, they made a game out of it. Well done to them for having a crack. I think the heat might’ve taken its toll on the Warrior boys but in the end, good defence got ‘em home.
Congratulations Johnny, the season wasn’t a total loss after all.
Submitted by a on
Broncos lost crap!
Submitted by The Thinker on
I think those Baby Warriors started to wilt in the heat.
Cracking game though.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
The heat along with some dubious 2nd half calls Thinker. Five sudden death weeks all in Sydney would have taken its toll on the young Warriors. I feel sorry for the Broncos lad who missed the conversation that would have tied it all up....and it was his birthday today!!
Submitted by christine on
it might be the day of the grand final but its'also the day my mother had a seizure went to hospital only to now find out she has had two strokes previously that non of the direct family knew anything about , (what a day she is watching the grand final in her hospital bed as we speak ) . sorry to mention that thinker but I needed to do so .
Submitted by a on
Rabbitohs won the grand final witch is good
Thinker what about we do a four nations page okay
Submitted by Guru Craig on
WooHoo, Go the Bunnies! and The Pride!
The Guru's had a tough year but nailed the GF with the spread and two win casts plus the $5.25 Pride...Shame the Baby Bronc's couldn't get over the line...but 2 from 3 pays nicely.
TY Thinker and Tom, another ripper special.
The Guru would like to thank all views and contributors to the site, hope to see you all next season. The 'G' guarantees better tipping next year, too much real life and not enough footy in 2014 have seen the Guru's percentages drop, some weeks the tips were from the cuff a bit and suffered...
Its not all over though yet, season review and Melb cup at least....
Submitted by a on
And Four Nations
Submitted by Steel Panther on
I hope everyone enjoyed the Grand Final. Well done to the Bunnies, Northern Pride and the Junior Warriors.
I'd like to thank the Thinker for inviting me to join in this season. It has been a pleasure and an honour and a lot of fun even if my tipping hasn't been as enjoyable as I would have liked it to have been. I'd love to be invited back next season.
To my fellow tipsters Wally Lewis, Guru Craig, Mark, Newbie, JR, a & The Joker thanks for the laughs and insight week in week out.
Thanks to the Thinker's Little Helper who does an awesome job behind the scenes.
And to all the other regulars Christine (hope your Mum's ok), Lady Di, the Animal) and anyone else thanks for your comments.
Like most of us I'm going to miss the footy. Enjoy the off season everyone and look forward to seeing you all again next year,
Bring on 2015!!!
Submitted by The Thinker on
Christine,
I hope your Mum is getting better and comfortable. Good luck.
Everyone,
Final tallies for the year will be updated. Congrats to Wally for taking top honours (and not for the first time). And well played 'a'...its been a tough season and you've had a ripper year. And the Joker wasn't far away at all (given he missed the first round completely).
What a way to finish the season. Yay!
Submitted by a on
How about a four nations page
Submitted by christine on
Thanks Thinker & Steel Panther for the kind thoughts for my mum I do appreciate it so again thanks.
Submitted by christine on
" a " you know where you went wrong this season so make sure you don't do so again next season , the thinker is right in saying you had a ripper of a season but next season no errors you've got to topple the king ok .
Submitted by a on
I will if I do get ahead of him like say round 26 I will be going same as him okay
Submitted by christine on
" a " it's best to start to get ahead of anyone else in a comp around week 7 the earlier the better by then you get a feel for the teams as to wheather or not they are winning their games so when it comes to round 26 your that far ahead in points that there is room for error if you need it if you don't you can get caught out by falling short in points as you did this time & you don't want a repeat of that so this time take the advice ok. don't leave it too late to get as far ahead as you can of everyone else.
Submitted by a on
Okay I will than
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi all...a couple of late comments.
Firstly Christine if you see this I hope your Mum is OK and recovering well.
Enjoyed the GF and pleased the Bunnies finally did it. They will miss big Sam but I think young George will step up to the plate (what a try he scored)
The NRL instead of fining the Dogs for being late and the Bunnies for not pulling Sam off (no pun intended) should look at James Graham tackling style. He uses his head (albeit rather cleverly) to injure opposition players (I think the poms invented the headbut).
He is a grub in a grubby team and there's no need for it.
He can be a great game changing player just get rid of the foul stuff. Maybe the NRL needs to have a chat with Des after all he must be condoning the grubby play just look at Ennis Reynolds etc.
Don't know if we'll have any more this year so wanted to say a final THANKS to The Thinker, his Helper and each one of the contributors to this site.
I will miss you guys (and gals). Don't you just hate the off season.
If we don't talk again this year have a safe and happy Christmas everyone.
Submitted by christine on
Mark ashford thankyou for your kind thoughts for my mum , just to up date you all she can speak & has movement but she is at risk of having another stroke so the hospital won't even say just how long she will be in there for but I don't see her coming home anytime in the next few months the strokes were both in the same part of her brain one is an old stroke the other is more recent say 24 to 48 hours before her seizure so she has been lucky that they were in the same spot other wise things would be worse.
Submitted by christine on
Too everyone I just want to say I miss you all already & next season can't come soon enough so have a safe off season & enjoy your xmas everyone I doubt we will have much of one ourselves but at lest we are all still here on this rock so at least I have that to be thankful for .
Submitted by a on
Will you do a four nations page thinker
Submitted by The Thinker on
a,
I think I will - it will keep me occupied for the off-season (part of it anyway).
I'll also put up my traditional Melbourne Cup preview as well...because I like it.
Mark A,
I have an issue with the James Graham tackling style myself - I can't say for sure that it is deliberate. It may be deliberate, but it could just be a question of technique. He does have a history, so I suspect there could be some intent there.
Either way I agree that the game, and his game, would be better off without it.
And thank you for your kind words and your contributions in season 2014. It's great to have you on our team.
All the best