Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name....and they're always glad you came.
As promised, here is our page to keep the embers glowing until round one of 2018.
The Thinker
NRL tips from the biggest mind in Rugby League
The latest in NRL news
-
St. George Illawarra, under Shane Flanagan, has shown improvement with a 3-3 start, but inconsistency remains a challenge. They face a test of their week-to-week performance...
-
Storm giant Nelson Asofa-Solomona has opened up on a turbulent few weeks when he was dropped to reserve grade, with rumours swirling that he could be released from the final three...
-
Nelson Asofa-Solomona has shut down talk over his NRL future and declared he wants to repay the Storm after "letting my teammates down" last season.
-
Stuff assesses the expectations surrounding their season and the significance of one of the biggest recruits in the club’s history. Mat Kermeen and Joseph Pearson
-
Twelve players have been charged for last November’s ugly brawl between Fiji and Samoa at the Pacific Games nine’s tournament in the Solomon Islands.
-
The Roosters have dodged a double blow with skipper James Tedesco and veteran enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves avoiding bans for incidents out of Thursday night’s loss to the...
Comments
Submitted by a on
Wow How good is Valentine Homes 11 tires in 2 games
Submitted by a on
Wow How good is Valentine Homes 11 tires in 2 games
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
True Mark, but how do you propose that this player cap would work? As you rightly put out there, take JT out of the Cowboys his game might just fall apart, so you can't rate it on "star power" and the first grade cap is only for the top 23 players. I still think the NRL gives each club a set amount of money, e.g. $10000000 and removes the cap. If the Knights spend over that money then the club has to shore up the difference, so theoretically you could pay someone 5 mill a year, but then you have the remaining 22 players to split up 5 mill. It would enforce some checks and balances within the team itself, who wants to go and drink with the 5 mill man who is in bad form and coming off the bench or not even picked in the first grade team. you would have to work quite hard to get the balance right as the average wage would be roughly 400K per player. Team moral, fan expectations, and attendance would all be important as well as a move back to the suburban grounds as you want to play to a packed house weekly and not to a 3/4 empty ANZ. Still always worth a discussion.
Submitted by The Annoying Devil on
I think players should get paid what they deserve as there are better players than others but I would have KPIs on them so they get paid on their performance in each game.
Take Hayne who is inconsistent and let’s say his expectation was to run 150 metres 3 tackle busts and 1 try per game to get his full pay I’m sure he’d play more consistent
There should be salary cap exemptions for juniors who stay at their club and for players loyal like one club players
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Agreed TAD, there should have always been a good discount for 1 club men. But how do you punish a player, we'll use your example of Hayne's KPI's. If the defence is just all over the Titans, and Hayne is putting in the effort but is stopped by great defence isn't that wrong. I understand that a player needs to have goals to determine if they have been a success in any given year. But that's why no cap is good, as the fans pick up the slack for wages, if they aren't happy with the team or the wage bill for certain players they won't come, and no fans equals no money, equals Hayne taking a massive pay cut.
Submitted by The Annoying Devil on
True
I wouldn’t say your being punished you get paid the bigger bucks to perform to what you get paid
Say your a furniture salesman and you selling lounges you earn more commission the more you sell
You still get paid and in Haynes case plenty but there is an incentive to perform more consistently
Then you look at Cameron Smith and he would meet his kpis every week regardless no excuses and he’s a target every week
He could sell you a leather lounge at fantastic furniture.
Submitted by a on
The finish to the England and Tonga ???????? game was Fing awesome but what do you think of that Fifta no try
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Actually that ain't bad TAD, base salary, and the performance based bonuses. Nice idea. They would have to exclude certain team based performance standards, i.e. Bronco's make the top 4 for Darius Bennett to get his bonus, but Darius to make 150M kick returns and 15 tackles isn't out of the realm for expectation, and that is worth 5k a game or 120k a season.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Can someone help me with regard to the England/Tonga game yesterday.
Fiffita was heading to the line in the final minute when the ball came out and the ref ruled knock on and game over.
It appeared to me to be a strip by the Poms propelling the ball towards the goal line. Fiffita regathered and scored.
Tonga win.
My ageing eyes aren't what they used to be so maybe I missed something.
Was it a loose carry or a strip?
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Mark there's a lot in the media over here about the game. I guess it depends what defines a loose carry v a strip. Either way the worst thing was under the circumstances (the outcome would determine the result) I can't for the life of me understand why Checchin didn't go to the video ref. That was a disgraceful decision & no wonder the refs get grief. It looked like a strip for all money to me.
Submitted by The Annoying Devil on
It was one of those 50/50 decisions that you could make a case either way
I didn’t care who won so my thoughts are not biased
Just because a hand touches the ball in a tackle doesn’t mean you are stripping the ball and in most cases when in happens in the nrl it’s deemed as a loose carry
I can live with the team that played the better taking the points
Submitted by a on
I think they should have gone to the video ref
Submitted by mark ashford on
Thanks Steel. TAD and "a"
Archer "ref's boss" has stated he has reviewed the decision and come out in support of Checcin.
I agree TAD the poms were far better for 70 minutes and no doubt deserved the win.
Fiffita has a history of lost balls, not sure if he has slippery hands or is playing for strip penalties.
It was a crucial time in the game so why not call for a video review.
Simple thing to do and (hopefully) most people would be happy.
Submitted by christine on
Johnny awesome On Saturday we had pulled up along side a v8 purple gtr xu1 in smick condition except for the colour not a dark purple more of pale purple ( they don't even make lipstick that colour , it was that bad ) & the number plate was lc gtr 1 so I thought I would mention it to you hope I made your day have a good one ...
Submitted by The Thinker on
Plenty of rain in Brisbane for the next few days – might bring the Kangaroos back to the Poms a little bit on Saturday.
Submitted by christine on
I can't understand why hayne had to get rid of henry if hayne knew he wasn't going to stay at the titans , the only reason I believe he wants out of titans now is garth will make him train & we all know hayne doesn't like to train , he might be taking a pay cut to go back to eels but a what cost to the club they were doing fine without him ...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Firstly a huge congrats to our RL girls taking out the crown.
Not sure I like to see young ladies belting the crap out of each other but if this is what we are at in equality then so be it.
Christine
Jarryd Hayne is a product of the NSW media. Overall he is not a bad player, but was seen as the great hope to break QLD origin dominance.
Some years ago he was electric with his line breaks and ability to find the line. Unfortunately it didn't last long but the media tried to keep it alive. Jarryd's ego grew with the comments and led to him trying NFL (dismal result), Fiji Rugby (same), a stint at the Titans (a complete f up)
and now he's going back to the Eels on a big pay cut.
Jarryd has managed to see off 5 or 6 Coaches and given nothing to those clubs, no finals, no premierships, just disruption.
If I was an Eels fan I would be protesting big time.
The Eels already have a good roster for 2018 and surely Hayne will be a disrupting factor for the club.
BAGGY, good luck my friend with this pest in your camp.
Submitted by a on
Well done to AUS for winning the World Cup
Submitted by a on
WellI think that Hayne should be playing res
Submitted by a on
Well I think Hayne should be playing reserve grade because he is the most Argont player out Titans got rid of Henry for him than he leaves him self Brad Arthur coaching job is in trouble now thanks to this prick
Submitted by Mary S on
It was certainly a lot tighter match between Aus & England than was predicted. A thrilling/tense match!! Excellent result Australia!!
Cheers to all
Mary
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Nah, BA has runs on the board, Henry had slightly the opposite, yes he had players that were/are great injured but everyone was being reported in saying that life as a Tit wasn't that great. I'm shattered about some of the reshuffle that is being bounced around. Takarangi into the second row? WTF he and Bevan French were pretty f%$^ing good on the right edge last year. Throw in Napper, we have to many great young forwards and second rowers who will have to move to get game time. I reckon that we have enough of a forward pack to field 2 complete pack that would be competitive in the comp. But yes I'm still really really really really pissy that JH is coming home, back when he first touched ground in Aus would have been fine, but now that boat has sailed and its time for him to go else where.
Submitted by The Annoying Devil on
Hey baggy
Takairangi will only be used if needed like you said plenty of forwards to choose from
Not sure about the Hayne and the Tony Williams signings doing you any favours
But on the bright side you’ve got quality backs to keep the scoreboard ticking
Norman and Moses in the halves
Hayne and Jennings in the centres
French and Takairangi on the wing
Gutherson at the back
Plus Aauva Will Smith as back up
I’d be happy with that
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Oh I am over the moon we have a great team, its just something that always bothers me is the whole lets fix what ain't broke. How well did this team of non-rep players take us last year, and the only reason we lost to the Cows was we believed the hype. So why are we adding parts to a team that has all the parts. It's like supercharging the twin turbo v8 from a F40. Pointless.
Submitted by a on
Yes I think Hayne should be playing reserve grade
Submitted by mark ashford on
Well here we are Thinker lovers on the cruise into Christmas.
Aussie boys and girls own the world cup.
Congratulations to both.
Interesting transfers interclub some we like, some we don't.
I'm sure Mitch Pearce will bring plenty to the Knights and with their other signings will be a force in 2018.
I'm off to do some fishing and crabbing so will be quiet for a while.
I would like to wish Thinker & TLH and their families a wonderful Christmas and to thank you both for this site. It's one of the things that keeps me sane and happy.
To all of you other posters (too many to mention) may Santa be good to you and your families.
I can't thank you guys enough for the ongoing banter here.
Just feels like we are NRL lovers no matter who we support.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, KEEP SAFE & WELL,
Submitted by The Thinker on
Enjoy the break Mark....thanks for all your contributions throughout the year too.
All the best
Submitted by christine on
Merry Christmas to you Mark & a happy New Year & as always you really are a true gentlemen , see you back here in 2018
Submitted by a on
Happy Christmas ???? Mark and a happy new year
Submitted by The Thinker on
Merry Christmas to Christine and a
All the best
Submitted by a on
Merry Christmas to you to Thinker
Submitted by christine on
Merry Christmas Thinker to you & your family , hope you all have a safe & happy new year ...
Submitted by christine on
We must not forget to say merry Christmas to you Thinker's little helper we would all be lost without your help on this site so from all of us merry Christmas & have a safe new year & see you back here in 2018 ...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Just had a little peek back here as the wind has been terrible cancelling fishing & crabbing.
Thank you Thinker for your kind words.
Thank you "a" for the Christmas wishes. I hope you and family have a terrific Christmas, keep yourself well my friend.
Christine, your Christmas wishes are most welcome. Thank you for calling me a gentleman, I'm touched and try to be fair.
I really want your Christmas to be enjoyable and more importantly that you get some good news in the new year with your ms.
Here on Thinkers site you have many supporters and friends.
We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas, I think you know the rest.
all the best
mark
Submitted by christine on
Mark I mean what I say you really are a true gentleman & i'm not the only person that has said so , the Thinker has said it before too about you & the Thinker is right it's true you are so don't ever change that mark about yourself it's a good thing & I will say the same about a lot of people on this site "a" , pete , johnny awesome , mary s , newbie, steel panther, baggy gee, rick, rocket ryan ,scott m , I appreciate everyone on this site it would not be the same without you all on here so thank you to all for making this site what it has become ...
Submitted by a on
Yes it's good to be on a site when there is a lot of people who are friendly
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Mark,
Sorry to hear the weather has been unfavourable for your fishing/crabbing. Here I have been imagining you enjoying some succulent seafood in a relaxed atmosphere with a beer or two (or wine) to round off a perfect day. Have you ever had Crab in Black Bean Sauce??
To all who contribute to this site with comments, banter, music memories and friendliness, I thank you for this year. To Thinker and your invaluable helper, my congratulations and thanks for the hard work you put in to maintain a quality site.
Talking about sites - what do you think of the new NRL site?? Personally, I am totally unimpressed!!!
Have a Happy & Safe Christmas everyone and look forward to an even better New Year.
Cheers,
Mary S
Submitted by a on
I not very happy with the change but I might get used to it
Submitted by The Thinker on
Just noticed the new look NRL site now.....might take some time getting used to it.
The NRL have settled on a buyer for the Titans if anyone here didn't hear about it. A couple of locals. I wish them well.
Submitted by a on
Yep agreed with you Thinker
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi Mary
Gotta say I don't think I've ever had crab in black bean sauce. But it sounds delicious.
Did have a big muddie in chilli sauce some years ago at a well known
Noosa restaurant. It was so good it bought tears to my eyes or maybe it was just the chilli.
We target sand crabs in the northern end of Moreton Bay and braved the conditions this morning to put 9 pots in.
Going back tomorrow morning hoping the wind has dropped and score a few crabs.
Hope you and family have an enjoyable Christmas.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good Saturday afternoon to all you great Thinkers out there.
Been around, got around, been away.......like I've been everywhere man, or round round get around, I get around - Beach Boys - you all hummin.
Firstly Merry Seasons Greetings to you all and my closer posters here. Secondly to Thinker and TLH - thanks Cobbers for a great year and a great site, where followings came from near and afar. Even over the ditch, WA, NT & Far NQ.
I was away last weekend in Sydney and had the last chance I'll ever get to see Sir Paul McCartney in Concert. What a Show that was.
At 75, he is truly addicted to his work and what he does and what he has done in the past. The Beatles, Wings and the stories he shared and the music he shared from those days. Last Saturday night, I/we were on Sydney Harbour enjoying a 3-course dinner cruise on The Glassboat and worth every cent of it, let me say. Even fireworks from around the Sydney foreshores, most likely doing tests for NY's Eve.
Then Sunday morning it was off to Newtown for a peek, as I hadn't been out that way for yonks. Then back to Paddy's for a snoop.
Monday morning was a ferry over to Mosman and many a fine palatial palace to view, but up to Military Rd, then walk to Neutral Bay for bus over Hbr Bridge back to Circular Quay for lunch at Jacksons on George. The concert that night and back home Tuesday morning train/car to home base here.
Some early NRL news for you Far NQ Cowboys supporters. Cowboys are playing Penrith Panthers at Carrington Park Bx on May 4th 2018 which I think is a Friday. I'll check the draw to see how it lines up.
Some interesting moves going about with C.Cronk at Chooks, then N. Pearce deciding on Knights for his landing with his former Chooks mates. Never know, you might see another ex Shark who was playing in Qld comp, head to Nthn Beaches.
@a - Taipans a bit unlucky in close matches lately.
@Chris - take it steady and keep well. All the best with you treatment in early 2018.
@Mark A - enjoy the fishing and the moderation attached to it, if a dull day. I'l be having one for yuz all.
@Newbie - how is that new stadium going Bro?
@Steely - don't be surprised if Warriors string a better season together. If the discipline is enforced, maybe there'll be a turnaround.
@Johnny Awesome - haven't forgotten ya mate, still about and around.
@Baggy G -Eels got some signings there and maybe a lopsided team combination. Is that more backs than forwards. Just one, might lopside and upend it all.
@Eagle Rocks/Fortress - keep it going lads, forget about salary cap crap. They are going back two CEO's and I thought that saga had passed. Is it a re-visit or just trying to smother Manly with mud,...... again.
@Mary S - that crab in black bean sauce sounds nice. I was in Chinatown Sydney last Sunday night and that wasn't on menu, so it must be getting ready to come down from your way.
@Pabdul - wherever you are, take it steady old son and keep those trains moving. Services not bad in metrop now and seems more of. In other words, no standing around for too long, unless u r leaving a concert from Qudos and changing trains at Lidcombe.
To all others that I don't hear from that much - all the very merry best to you and your families. We'll be speaking again, but I just want to post now, as next week will be bedlam at work and away from.
Then I will be on some leave and resume later in January, but my access to computer will be limited.
Cheers and keep well
Big Pete in Bx (Gods Country and the way the temps are here, its like The Devils Cauldron - not Suncorp Stadium either).
Submitted by christine on
Pete Good to hear from you & yes it is a cauldron here with no relief in sight next week for Monday , Tuesday , Wednesday & the heat is affecting my ms so I have to get out as early as I can before it gets too hot & go & sit in a shopping center in the air con to avoid the affects of the heat , with ms it's not just a matter of cooling your body down on the out side but you also have to lower your core temp , speak to you again pete before you disappear till January all the best till then but incase I miss saying it to you merry Christmas pete & a happy new year for 2018 & I put you pete in the same category as mark you sir are a gentleman so never change pete ok it's a good thing ...
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good Sunday morning to you Chris.
Keep cool "kid", I know the feeling, even when out cutting grass.
But you have to do it, due to what you go through and the shopping centres air con cooling, is much cheaper for you. Its just how you put your real hot days in, along with the getting to and from.
Thank you for those kinds comments you made. I am the same in community and work, with doors and acts of kindness.
Like Mark and a couple of others here, in the older brigade, we are from the old days of respect.
I'll be about, just depends on the posting. But mid- January 2018, I'll be limited to computer access, for at least a week. That will be the call of the specialist. At least, as one person said to me. He and hospital nursing staff will be in good form and condition, as they will be recharged, after their holiday break and rearing to go.
Off and out soon, until later today/night, or tomorrow.
Wasn't that last line a classic. I have a shrub grows in my front of residence and its call - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. It flowers three stages of colour leading from deep mauve/purple and fading to near white
Cheers & keep well - Pete
Submitted by The Annoying Devil on
Gday Pete
And anyone else around
I also went to see McCartney on Monday and it was great
I went with a group and afterwards the topic was brought up that when you get someone covering a Beatles song there is no comparison
One said they preferred Shirley basseys version of something another said they preferred John Farnham version of help
But I can only say that Eleanor Rigby by Zoot was a better version with Daryl cotton on vocals and rick Springfield on lead
And everything else just let it be
Submitted by Mary S on
Great to read your recent comments Pete, TAD, Christine, 'a' & Mark.
The Beatles certainly put out quality, memorable music over the years - glad you enjoyed Paul McCartney's concert. Sounds like you had a excellent few days in Sydney Pete.
The crab in Black Bean Sauce is a recipe my husband often cooks that Women's Weekly put out some years ago.
Currently I'm watching the cricket - hopefully Aussies will pull off a win in the 3rd Test and make it an even more memorable final play for the WACA. Believe the new grounds open soon Johnny Awesome?
To all - Seasons greetings and look forward to a great 2018!!
Mary
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good evening TAD,
Yes, I don't forget Zoot with DC and Jesse's Girl - Rick S.
But if Beatles wrote the original lyrics of anything, Beatles would know how they'd want it to be. But I guess, each to their own. Although I did like Zoot's version also.
Full House last Monday alright - Live and Let Die alright. Sure lifted many out of the seats. The special effects and lasers certainly ripped the place open.
You didn't happen to be with a group of four fellows did you?
If you were in Section 84 Row C, there is a strong chance you were sitting in front of me, as I was in Row D. But I could be wrong, as there were thousands there in groups. Glad you enjoyed it, like I did.
Class musician as was the band.
Bet ya that ten year old lad, from Campbelltown City Pipe Band will cherish that interview for life.
So we'll let it be and you have a nice Christmas.
Cheers - Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Thanks on that Mary.
Yes, all go for a few days. The Beatles music will always be good.
Cricket was great to see Aust put some runs on the board and see SS make history. Marsh sure put the critics in a spot for his selection.
On the crab in black bean, I used to like beef in black bean, but the chef always put green capsicum in it and got be burping a bit. It was still nice though and depended on how the beef is cooked, so it wasn't chewable like leather.
Cheers and enjoy the festive season
Pete
Submitted by The Annoying Devil on
I guess were blessed that McCartney met Lennon and wrote the greatest songs ever
Could you imagine if he met up with say Anthony the blue wiggle instead we’d be singing
Baby you can drive my big red car
Twist and mash
Captain feathers lonely hearts club band
Or all you need is wags
It wouldn’t be the same
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Ripper TAD - love it and your humour.
It wouldn't be the same alright.
I think Eleanor Rigby sounds better than Dorothy, as well.
Seeing there was no answer to my question, where you sat.
The bloke in front of me was wearing a Cavern Club t-shirt. That was where many started their careers from. Beatles, Monkeys, Rolling Stones, Gerry and The Pacemakers, Manfred Mann and so on.
So I'll ferry across the mersey and leave you in peace.
Cheers and keep well - Pete
Pages