Greetings football fans.
For those of you hoping to stay in touch between now and season 2020...here is the place to do so.
All things sport and anything else for that matter. There won't be a massive number of people around in the off season, but those that are usually pretty good value. I'll drop in from time to time myself, for what it's worth.
All the best.
Rugby league legend Darren Lockyer has slammed the Cowboys after being flogged by the Sharks, questioning the player’s “attitude” and “aggression”.
Bulldogs forward Jackson Topine has reportedly launched legal proceedings against the club after claiming he was formed to endure “unlawful corporal punishment” for being late to...
Four debutants will feature in Round 8, with the Eels handing one of the game’s best rising playmakers his first NRL jersey.
Wally Lewis was diagnosed with suspected chronic traumatic encephalopathy in 2023. On Tuesday, he pleaded for more funding for research. Billie Eder
Manly’s decision to re-sign Josh Schuster on a big-money deal last season has been declared the “worst contract ever negotiated from a club.”
Dale Finucane’s shock medical retirement from the NRL due to repeated concussions has sparked a call for change in tackling technique.
Comments
Submitted by a on
Australia vs New Zealand tomorrow night
Submitted by tigerholic on
Next catch up, Tiger would like to come up for a drive.
Cheers
Submitted by manyana on
Hi all, we had a lovely day with Mark & Steel Panther, they are both really great blokes, and both myself & my friend felt as though we'd known them forever. It's nice to put a face to the name.
Enjoyed the company, the food and the view of the beach.
All sorts of subjects were addressed, and we solved the problems of the world. Well, of sport anyway.
The surf looked very inviting, & I would have loved to have had a swim, but as I didn't have any togs, I probably would have cleared the beach!!
Steel Panther had a better suntan than any of us.
Thanks for a lovely day, & hope to catch up with you next time you're visiting, Steel Panther.
BTW, just saw the post from Tigerholic about joining us next time. I'm sure we would all love to meet you Tiger. Mark is the Secretary, so If you get in touch with him, he will be able to let you know what's going on.
Bye for now, manyana.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Tigerholic
Mate you would be so welcome, I'm salivating just thinking about it.
Unfortunately Steel flies back to NZ tomorrow for work and we may not see him again until maybe next March. He has some holiday options but I'll try and lure him back in March. This guy is an NRL cyclopedia and its a joy to be with him.
THINKER please give Tiger my contacts so we can set something up.
This site justs gets better and better.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Hey Mark
I am already looking forward to it, we should put the wheels in motion and maybe look at a Thinkers Tipping Site Reunion. We could do this every second year or so but how nice would it be to actually meet the tipsters on this site.
This site is growing into a family, it takes a special person to commit to catching up.
All the best
Tiger
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Before I post up this week’s OSSOTW, just wanna “chime in” with a comment on the Nelson Asofa-Solomona affair. Yeah, what Mr Ashford said. What the hell is a bloke supposed to do in a situation like that?
If knucklehead Aussie idiots fuelled up way too much on the grog wanna have their 15 minutes of fame and have something to brag about to their mates at home or on FB and they target big beefy NRL players, then they deserve every single slap they get.
No sympathy whatsoever for those deadbeat losers. And you wonder why Aussies have a bad “rep” when discussions focus on Bali holiday makers? Sheesh!
I know I sorta bagged Nelson a few weeks ago but seriously, he didn’t deserve the punishment he got. Absolute joke and a travesty of justice in my book.
The NRL should hang their collective heads in shame. 😣🤬
Read some of Todd Greenberg’s comments on this and how players should conduct themselves while out and about and I am left scratching my head! That fella has absolutely no idea. Seriously Todd, get in touch with the real world.
OK, that’s enough ranting from me. Music time…
Submitted by NuL1F3 on
Good evening to all, I would have preferred to put up an OSSOTHW somewhat relating to Newbie's but as it has not been posted yet I will, this week, go in a different direction.
Every time I hear this song I can't help but think of 'Happy Days' and Richie's rendition 😂
We lost this wonderful entertainer two years ago today (Well, tomorrow in USA time) I hope you all enjoy 😊
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ardeW1HPhH0
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Newbie’s Thursday Night Banger…
This came out nearly 30 years ago (29 actually). A little “risqué” so those offended by “almost topless-ness” be warned. Nah, it’s alright, they’ve kept it clean so to speak. A little clue … the video featured (some may remember these ladies) Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford and Tatjana Patitz. Say what you will about the man, he was a legend and so cool. Shame he’s gone…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diYAc7gB-0A
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Gosh darn it NuL1F3! Date stamp tells me you beat me by one minute. Let me just have a click on that link of yours...
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Ha-Ha! That makes me think of Ritchie's rendition too 😁. No disrespect to the "Big Man" but I think I prefer Ritchie's version to tell you the truth.
Thanks for the share brother...
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Sorry Markus, just realised you might’ve thought I was a wee bit late but it’s all to do with me being over here on the West and time differences and all that. Depending on which State you’re in (I’m assuming Qld?) there’s always daylight saving to contend with 😁 So, 8pm here is 10pm or 11pm over your side. Might see if I can get ‘em up a little earlier. Cheers bro’…
Submitted by NuL1F3 on
Good morning Newbie. I was actually heading to bed early yesterday, ordinarily, though you are dead right in regards to the time difference which I had forgotten about, your 8pm is still more than early enough for me as I usually don't go to bed until around 10.30 on weekdays.
The freaky thing with your song of the week, and would have been really cool had I gone with my original idea, is I was thinking John Farnham's 'That's Freedom'.
Ah to think, the girls still thought he was singing to/about them at this time. That revelation shocked me actually, maybe because of my age at the time or maybe because all the guys wanted to be him due to his being a ladies man and chick magnet (and he was really really ridiculously good looking haha) and you are right, he was definitely cool!
Thanks for sharing Newbie, the film clip still confuses me lol
Submitted by manyana on
Hi Tiger, that sounds like a great idea.
Cheers, manyana.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Afternoon All
Footy on tonight, what a treat hey? Have a great weekend folks. A bit of golf Saturday and a bit more golf on Sunday for the Tiger.
Take Care Everyone
Submitted by mark ashford on
Newbie & NuLiF3
Two classic songs from two different eras. Yeah Richie C did a great job of this classic but Fats was "the Man". Newbie I couldn't watch all of your selection. Those girls mate were stirring things that haven't been stirred for a while. Thanks guys two great songs.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Tiger
Yes mate a game of footy to watch tonight, can't wait.
Your Tiger Benji is leading the Kiwis for the umpteenth time.
What a great honour for a great player. I was told today he is playing for the Tiges next year on a reduced salary to help the club.
You can't get any more loyal than that.
Enjoy the game.
Submitted by a on
We’ve got a great game of football tonight
Submitted by Christine on
Some news for me today is i don't have high colesterol my colesterol ia good but i do have fatty liver but my dr says everyone does at the moment so i don't know why but even in a month my number has gone up & everthing i am doing is the same
Submitted by newbie from perth on
G’day “Off-Season” Crew,
@ Big Pete
Ouch! My Gooners got rolled last week as you know. You said to watch out for Sheffield didn’t ya? I bow to your superior EPL knowledge my friend 👍
Bad set of results last week brought the “system” crashing back to reality (Home 1-4 and Away 1-2) but I’ll persevere regardless. Not many picks this week. There’s actually only one (1) so I’ve got a 50-50 chance I suppose.
“Standout Winners” Predictions - EPL Round 10
Home Winners
- Man City
Away Winners
- no selections
Results so far:
Home Teams
Selections - 20
Winners – 12 @ 60%
Away Teams
Selections - 7
Winners – 5 @ 71.43%
@ Markus
Yeah, the clip confuses me a bit as well. I think the secret is to not try and understand it and just enjoy the music 😁
@ Mr Ashford
Glad you enjoyed the clip brother. Dare you, double dare you and triple dare you to watch the whole video 😉 I believe in you mate. You can do it. Go team!
Watched the Test tonight but completely forgot it was on and missed the first 10 minutes. D’oh! Quite a few new faces and I kept asking “how did he get a game?” and then later on another one comes on and I ask myself “how did he get a game?”. Gotta blood in the new faces sooner or later I suppose.
I didn’t think it was really that good a game with respects to excitement and brilliant play and so on but great to see some footy again. Nice little passage from the Kiwis in the second half when they were doin’ the “hot potato”. Just a shame (for them) that we intercepted from one of those little passages and scored. All in all, not too bad I suppose and that game has now re-ignited my interest just in time for tomorrow’s game between the Poms and Tonga 💪 Well, the Great Britain Lions and the Tonga Invitational XIII to be exact. Tamayto-Tamarto. Patayto-Patarto. Y’all know what I mean.
OK kids, be good, keep safe and enjoy life 😍 Cheers … Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔
Submitted by Christine on
You guys can all do a site reunion but i live too far away i am in sydney so that rules me out of it eg the distance i live away from you up there plus my illness makes it near impossible for it but by all means you guys go ahead just imagine i am there with you all & enjoy it ...
Submitted by newbie from perth on
How good was that Tongan try at the 40 minute mark! I’m yelling “kick it, kick it” but they keep it alive and score! It just makes me so happy to see footy like that. God I love this freakin’ game 💪😁 OK, gotta go and make a coffee, second half just about to start. Woo-Hoo!
Submitted by mark ashford on
Newbie
I took your challenge and watched it through. One question did GM actually appear in the clip, maybe my attention was elsewhere.
Watched the Kiwis/Aussie game and was a bit disappointed in the Kiwi effort. These teams should be a lot closer. One thing amused me it was JWH (playing for the Kiwis) getting penalised 3 times in the first 10 minutes. He does the same stuff for the Roosters and gets away with it. Just another notch in my conspiracy theory.
The Tonga/Lions game was a cracker. Every one of the Tongans is currently playing in the NRL. Huge guys with speed to burn, what chance did the Poms have. I'd like to see the Aus team play the same guys, IMO would get smashed.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good Sunday evening to you Newbie.
I wouldnt say vast superior knowledge of EPL - I'll go with a keen follower and student.
Who would have picked Leicester to win 9-nil over Southampton.
Struth it now equals EPL's record. I picked a draw and another draw in Burnley at home v Chelsea.
Anything can happen in Liverpool Spurs game, although I've gone with Pool at home.
Sydney FC very unlucky and should have had a penalty against Wanderers at Bankwest. Glory came home for you, but Steely wouldn't be impressed with Phoenix.
Cheers Guys and have a good week
Big Pete
Submitted by newbie from perth on
@ Mr Ashford
I knew you’d be able to rise to the challenge mate 😁 Now for the question whether or not GM was in the video … I went back and watched it again to find out. Actually, I had to watch it 3 more times before I noticed that he was indeed in the video. If you don’t pay attention you almost miss him 😉
Yeah, I saw JWH got penalised multiple times early on as well. Not making excuses but from memory he does go that little bit further when he’s playing internationals, especially against Aust. I could be completely wrong of course but I’ll watch how he goes next week against the Lions. Now that you’ve mentioned this, I’ll try and keep a closer eye on him in the future (next year) to see if your “theory” has merit 😃.
The Lions/Tonga game was much better I agree. I’m really looking forward to next weekend’s match between Aust and Tonga (GEM @ 2.40 WST roughly 4.40 your time?). Not convinced we have our best side in place yet but super pumped that Mal’s included Victor Radley in the squad for the Tongan game. Word is he more than likely won’t get a run but I can always hope for the best 💪.
@ Big Pete
Yeah, I saw that 9-0 scoreline in this morning’s newspaper. Struth indeed! Seems like the sensible thing to tip Liverpool at home I agree. Arsenal v Crystal Palace (5th v 6th) should be entertaining. Hoping my Gooners can get up at home.
Yeah, Glory have finally got their first win on the board. I think the Phoenix need to get it together (sooner rather than later) or else they’re in for a long season. Interesting their goal came in the 90+5’ mark of the game. Hey, they all help with the “for and against” so doesn’t really matter when they come eh?
OK fellas, must dash. Need to think about what I’m having for dinner I suppose. Take care. Cheers…
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Sorry to hear the noise surrounding your young hooker Pete. At first I ignored it like the Haas or TPJ debacle at the start of the year, not involved but present. Is it true the current rumour that he was the one wielding the knife. Hope the preseason comes together for you.
Submitted by The Thinker on
A very significant retirement today with Sam Burgess calling time on his impressive career.
There's also some talk that Matt Gillett could do the same.
I think these two players were, albeit briefly, the best forwards in the world at one stage in their careers.
Submitted by Christine on
I don't rate tom & george or luke burgess as good as sam but that is just my opinon of course ...
Submitted by Christine on
What would you do in sam burgess's position if you could walk awsy from the game with that amojnt of money & not have to play another game knowing how bad you have damaged yourself wouldn't you do the same ...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Thinker
IMO Big Sam was one of the best forwards to play our game in the modern era. JWH loved to try and smash him but he kept going forward with a severely injured shoulder. He carried that injury for 5 or so years and never complained. My highlight with Big Sam was his GF win, when he played on with a smashed cheek bone, suffered in the first 5 minutes.
Souths will miss him big time as will a lot of fans of the game.
Sammy I wish you well in retirement.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Mr Ashford, I’m with you on that GF he played with his busted cheek. One of the gutsiest efforts I’ve ever seen and for mine, will be one of the best ever. Thanks for the memories Sam… 💪
Submitted by newbie from perth on
OK, change of plans. I’ve decided to put up the OSSOTW on Wednesday nights instead of Thursdays. Easier for me and easier for Markus 😃 Yeah, I do my food shopping on Thursday night after work and by the time I get there, do the shop, drive home, unpack, put away blah blah blah, it’s just a tad late, especially given the time difference and all. I’m a bit late tonight as well but I’ll get better 🤔 OK, let’s get those feet movin’ …
Newbie’s Wed Night OSSOTW
This little gem is a cracker! When I tell you that this has had over a billion views, would you believe me? At the time I copied the link (about 20 minutes ago), it has had 1,065,672,325 views. That’s right, over one BILLION views. Holey-Moley!
A few "guest appearances" if you look closely. One you should pick up was from a video I whacked up this year (round 15 actually).
The song title says it all. This is what we need peeps. Enjoy…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM
Submitted by christine on
I agree with you mark I am just saying except for there size tom ,George ,luke burgess just don't seem to have the same drive/ motivation as sam I mean yes they turn up to training but sam just has an extra spark to him that the others just don't have , yes your right he will be missed & if you go to the bottom of this page there is an article to say sam burgess has been charged for domestic violence offences & there is also an article on nine msn home page saying sam burgess has been charged for intimidation since he has announced his retirement but it is still a shame to see him go out this way ...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey Newbie
Loved that song mate. My slow brain failed to recognize the celeb guest appearances as they were so quick. Gotta be the happiest song for a long while.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi Chris
Agree with you on the Burgess boys. Sam was the stand out, George had his moments but IMO Luke failed to fire.
Unfortunately, and Sams not on his own here, overpaid footballers so easily get themselves in trouble with the law. Too much money, too much time and too much grog can be a dangerous combo.
Despite that I still wish Sam all the best in retirement.
Submitted by a on
Yeah Sam Burgess is the. Best out of the 4 Burgess
Submitted by NuL1F3 on
Good morning Newbie! What a week it has been, I failed to check back on The Thinker's site for the last couple of days and though I had planned to check in last night.. yeah, don't know what happened.
Thanks for the song :) What a great way to feel midweek and maybe help get you in the mindset to finish it out ready for the weekend! Also, I think that is the first time I have seen the video for that song.
My submission, in theme with October 1st. I am 'afraid' it might be a tad on the heavy side of rock for most? For those that it's not, enjoy :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mjlM_RnsVE
Have a great weekend all!
Submitted by mark ashford on
NuLiF3
My man loved that u-tube song. The thatch over the roof may be all gray now but I still love a bit of metal. Keep em coming.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
G’day “Off-Season” Crew,
The only selection for Round 10 last week (Man City) duly won and has kept the strike rate steady for the “home winners”. Funnily enough, this week’s selection is exactly the same as last week and again, no “away winners” popped up.
“Standout Winners” Predictions - EPL Round 11
Home Winners
- Man City
Away Winners
- no selections
Results so far:
Home Teams
Selections - 21
Winners – 13 @ 61.9%
Away Teams
Selections - 7
Winners – 5 @ 71.43%
OK kids, be good, keep safe and enjoy life 😍 Cheers … Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔
Submitted by newbie from perth on
@ Markus
Thanks for the share bro’. You were right, it was (for me anyways) just a tad on the heavy side. If we’re being truthful here, that “style/genre” has never been a favourite of mine. Not saying it’s bad or anything but it just doesn’t “get my freak on” so to speak. But hey, everyone’s different (thankfully) and glad that you and Mr Ashford dig it 😍 At least now I know to expect the “unexpected” from you (maybe) and it might make the weekly wait a little more enticing (ha-ha). But please promise me something ….
Please, please, please don’t put up any “death metal” my brother. That does my head in! There’s just something about it that makes me angry and scared at the same time 😱
Now that I think of it, that song would get a lot of likes if it was posted on a particular (non football) forum I frequent daily. They have a “what are you listening to now” thread and you get all sorts on there. I’ve noticed there’s a number of members who really like that sort of style you’ve posted above.
Keep ‘em coming mate, we need to find “balance” in this world and if you and I keep doing what we’re doing, we’re bound to find it. The “balance” that is 😃.
Don’t forget the footy on Saturday peeps. Really looking forward to watching us play Tonga. Should (in theory) be a good ‘un.
Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔
Submitted by The Thinker on
Tonga......wow!!!!!
Submitted by manyana on
Hi everyone, I'm spitting chips because I missed all the games.
Checked the free to air...No go.
Had a quick look at Foxtel, but still didn't see when, or if they were broadcasting it.
Sounds as though it was a great game......Sigh!!
Cheers, manyana.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Manyana
All 3 games were on #92 free to air. I got home from a Brisbane family do around 4pm (local) just in time to watch Tonga/Aus.
The Tonga lineup had every huge player currently in the NRL and were unstoppable. Our Aussie boys did their best but were overcome by size and aggression. Had a laugh today when Andrew Fiffita said it was the greatest win of his career. Andrew born in Sydney, trained to his best by the Sharks but claims Tongan heritage from his grandmother.
I would guess a similar story applies to the rest of the Samoan players.
Where will this leave AUST in future, just a bit worried.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Sorry I meant Tongan players. My bad.
Submitted by manyana on
Hi Mark, I didn't think to look there.......Silly me.
Cheers manyana.
Submitted by a on
Good win by Tonga
Submitted by NuL1F3 on
Good win by Tonga or poor game from Oz? Either way you look at it, Tonga deserved to win that one!
@Mark: Haha! Excellent :)
@Newbie: I'm glad you liked the surprise even if you couldn't like the song. I can promise absolutely NO death metal! My musical tastes lent a little to thrashed (Anthrax, Megadeth, early Metallica for example) in my younger days but even then I had to be in the mood for it and even THEN only the more melodic of their offerings. Last weeks song would be the heaviest I tend to listen to these days so you have nothing to worry about ;)
"Angry and scared at the same time" HAHAHA! I love it! My brother loves his death metal... I can't even make it to the chorus before I'm in a bad mood lol. He also loves bluegrass!??? Talk about extremes! I can't say I'm a fan of that either 😂
Submitted by manyana on
Yaay!! I tipped first & second in the cup, thanks to the protest.
Didn't back them, as I think Melbourne Cup Day is a bookies dream.
Had a great day just picking out horses.
Also had a couple of second & thirds in the other races.
Enjoyed the day thoroughly.
Cheers, manyana.
Submitted by manyana on
Yaay!! I tipped first & second in the cup, thanks to the protest.
Didn't back them, as I think Melbourne Cup Day is a bookies dream.
Had a great day just picking out horses.
Also had a couple of second & thirds in the other races.
Enjoyed the day thoroughly.
Cheers, manyana.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Newbie’s Wed Night OSSOTW
This one dates back from the old days (obviously) but a song that is just “infectious” as far as I’m concerned. Used to love playing the album (vinyl) on dad’s stereo, laying down on the floor with headphones plugged in. Ah, the good ol’ days.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_hPQcNtJcw
OK kids, stay well, keep safe and enjoy life 😍 Cheers…
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Yeah Markus, “angry & scared” at the same time my man 😱. It’s a genre I just can’t embrace. I know it’s “popular” but I still wonder if the guys and gals who are into it today will still be when they’re 85. Just sayin’…
A bit late to the party regards the Tongan win last weekend but just wanna say those Tongan boys were fantastic. Australia just not good enough on the day. There was a different look to the Aussie side but still no excuse. I thought it was great for Tonga and great for the game. Man, the crowd singing still gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.
Not that anyone will be interested but in one (1) week’s time Newbie will be MORTGAGE-FREE! Yee-freaking-ha! Now I can start saving like a “mad man” 🤪 so I can take early retirement. More time then to devote to all things footy, vaping and starting up my own website. Don’t worry Boss, it’s not gonna be a footy website 😁
See y’all tomorrow night. Be good, keep safe and enjoy life 😍 Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔
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