The off-season 2019-2020

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.

Comments

mark ashford's picture

Baggy & The Butcher
The Sunday morning sports show announced that the Roosters have withdrawn their offer to Latrelle after he put himself on the open market. The Chooks upped an offer to JWH with the resulting cap freedom. I believe Latrelle had a year to go on his Roosters contract.
Where does this leave us with contracted players. Did Latrelle break his contract by going on the open market? Cowboys and Tigers don't want him at his price, are the Titans his only option? Look what happened to Jarryd Hayne when he went to the Titans. I'm certain Latrelle has had some very bad advice and someone should step in and guide this young man. I'm not a great fan of his but as The Butcher has said he has ability and has runs on the board.
Just wish he could be consistant in his plays.

mark ashford's picture

Israel Falou and the media.
When Israel made his first post about homosexuals, fornicators, liars
drunks and whatever else upset him, it was intended for his followers in his tiny church. The Media picked it up and cruicifed him. Now I looked at it and thought I'm not homosexual, but I do enjoy a drink, I have told a few lies and I must admit I have been a fornicator on many occasions.
Was I upset by his post? No I just laughed and thought what a joke.
The ARU decided to make a thing of this, after our vote on same sex marriage (I voted no) and concentrated on Israel's homosexuals comment. Surely he is entitled to his belief.
Now the ARU has settled his claim between 3 and 4 million. Not the 8 million our ravenous media has reported.
This is a young man who has shown exceptional skill in both RL and ARU and should be allowed back into our game.
It's time the minorities f--ked off and left our sportsmen alone.

nola todd's picture

ok whats happening

nola todd's picture

hey all whats happening

Christine 's picture

I hear jai arrow is a done deal just waiting for the announcement ...

Steel Panther's picture

Well lads if the Gurus didn't cut it how about this gem....timely I'd say after the passing last week of lead singer Andrew "Greedy" Smith at the young age of 63...loved this band!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvlcVBKLe0M

Baggy_Gee's picture

That's the point Mark, the ARU played both issues badly. As a sporting organisation they should have said "what our players say is their deal" not pushed hard on what was a political banana skin, and similarly with Israel, "we do not endorse, or refute what he said, we are only concerned with the quality of Rugby in Australia and beating those F$@!!ng All Black for the first time in 17 years." If a player is heterosexual, or Homosexual, makes no matter, it's what they produce on the field that is how they are measured. If like a few players recently, they require attention from the law, let the law deal with them and once guilt or innocence has been proven, throw them out. Or in the case of Barba where there is concrete proof of wrong doing act on that.

a's picture

Great song there Steel Panther I know it’s not Wednesday but I believed we already have a song to beat already

So it’s a yes from me Steel

Steel Panther's picture

Glad u liked it a.....a lot of good music came out of Australia in the 80s. Mental as Anything was one of those bands who contributed. Another band that springs to mind from the same era is Men at Work. Who will ever forget "Down Under" what a classic!!

Steel Panther's picture

Big Pete....are you out there??

I thought you'd be shouting from the ceiling after your Red Devils had probably their most significant win in ages at the weekend. Sadly my Rangers were beaten 1-0 by the auld enemy in the League Cup final despite being the dominant side. It didn't help that we missed a penalty.

Phoenix have turned their season around after four losses to begin the season. Now a draw & three wins in their last four starts. The win on Saturday came courtesy of a VAR penalty decision. It was tough against the lad from the Wanderers. Hard to get out the way when the ball gets fired at you from close range.

Hope you are well!!

mark ashford's picture

Hey Steel
You definitely get a pass on this one. I've had plenty of sad faces and always hoped a beautiful woman say "come up to my place etc" it did happen a few times but not as often as I would have liked.
Bit surprised about your offerings as I expected some metal. I know your "Steel Panther" can be a bit naughty and I asked for some Aussie imput but we're not restricted to Aus bands. Interestingly enough no one has offered any early ACDC, now they really float my boat.

mark ashford's picture

There are some rumours that Israel Folau may be returning to the Broncos in the near future. I know that clown Peter Beatty has said he won't be back in the NRL but apparently it's up to the club. I would love to see him at my Broncs if they can afford him or at any other club, just to see him play again. Why does political correctness interfere with our sports men & women? Sick of this s--t.

Steel Panther's picture

Hey Mark

The Folau saga is a minefield for me. I agree with freedom of speech but not hate speech. As a high profile sportsman you are in the limelight so are expected to act in a way that doesn't bring your code into disrepute. The guy blamed your bush fires as God's vengence on those he sees as sinners. Those comments alone sum up my thoughts on this guy. Your Broncos can have him.

a's picture

Yeah I agree with you Steel Panther That bushfire is God’s punishment is very unacceptable and should not be allowed back in the game at all

mark ashford's picture

Steel
Thems hard words from a Kiwi not here experiencing the bush fire crisis.
Israel speaks a load of crap about Hell and who should be going there.
His posts are aimed at a small congregation of about 20 people. So who cares what he says? Our local media just salivates on his every word to sell papers and TV ads. The Greens have blamed the bushfires on our Government, who are doing all they can to help. No one can make it rain here in Aus. But the greens actively stopped burn offs, clearing of combustible material and other fire proofing attempts. Our problem is the Greens not Israel Folou. He has such a small voice.
Not sure why you chose a media report to castigate Israel. thought you were better than this.

Christine 's picture

Falou won't sign another nrl contract again he doesn't agree to the terms he doesn't like the way our contacts are worded end of story ...

Christine 's picture

Thinker what are your thoughts on the falou saga if you care to comment do you think the nrl has fhe right to do what they have done firstly by sacking him & then by paying him & giving him an apology & do you think raylene castle should step aside ...

mark ashford's picture

Seriously folks who really believes in Heaven & Hell. Give it a thought for a minute, so if you're good you go to Heaven if your bad you go to Hell. So who decides if you've been good or bad? Is there someone out there who keeps a book on the baddies or the goodies? My God it must be a big book considering the trillions of humans who have passed since the beginning of time.
Now there may be a super computer in Heaven that works all this out and I respect everyone on this site who has religious beliefs as has Israel Falou, so how about we give him a break.

mark ashford's picture

Hi All
I must post an apology to my friend Steel. I took the wrong meaning from his post and went about ripping him a new one.
Steel, sorry mate, hope you can forgive me.
As it seems I'm the only person on the site that has any feelings for Israel Folau (remember I don't agree with what he has said but his right to say it, even if it's absolute rubbish) I'm going to cease & desist.

Hardyards's picture

Hey Mark,
I don’t comment here or anywhere very much, as I don’t believe I have to spread or justify my thoughts or beliefs. What I do think though, is that freedom of speech is a right for all Australians so if the minorities can preach their opinions, then all others can share as well. Neither side has to agree with the other, but let it go and respect diversity from all. Cheers

Steel Panther's picture

Good evening Mark

Thanks for your post. I have to admit I was struggling to see how my post came across so badly in your eyes. Anyway all is good. I don't disagree that Folau has the right to express his views but we all make up our own minds as to what we think of them.

Good to see your posting Hardyards. Any thoughts on how the Cows will travel next season? Holmes signing is a real boost to the playing group.

The Butcher's picture

I went to a strict catholic college and I think I was in Year 8 when we were told we were going to have an open forum which every student can voice life’s concerns and we would all take something away from this forum
Most spoke about girls and relationships but when it was my turn I told Brother Cletus (yes that was his name) that I struggled to believe in God heaven and hell etc because of the lack of evidence
He was dumbfounded the class was stunned he put his hand on my head and chanted you must have faith at least 20 times when he finished
I said the problem with faith is it’s not evidence if anything it’s the opposite
He was right about one thing I did take something away from the class ...,
Six cuts of the cane and 50 Hail Marys

Hardyards's picture

Hi steel,
Trick question, every year I believe we will conquer the ladder😀
I have purchased tickets to the pre-game in Cairns against the broncs so I can see the new talent in action. Holmes will be a huge bonus, once he gets his marathon fitness back, after becoming explosive fit playing NFL. Mixed thoughts with him wanting to play fullback as one of the few highlights last season was Drinkwater and I don’t want him pushed out just yet. Want to see how we fair with the loss of Thumper and Bolts up front too. I believe we will do better, and I think we will make the top eight as per normal.
Cheers

mark ashford's picture

Hardyards
Thank you for your post. Yes we live in a great country where we are free to express our thoughts and feelings. Hate speech is an interesting thing depending on your outlook and interpretation. Them that choose to denigrate our first Australians, or our Asian immigrants, or our Muslim immigrants should be silenced for all time. Interesting no one seems to complain about the millions of immigrants from the UK and Europe.

mark ashford's picture

Butcher
I too was brought up a Catholic. I remember as a young lad going to Sunday Church after one of the parishioners had lost a baby at about 2 months. We had a meeting after church when the priest explained that the baby could not go to heaven as it had not been baptised. As a 7 year old this was horrendous to me, as I believed, and couldn't understand why a baby would be sent to purgatory, the place for unbaptized people. I lost my faith after this and it has not come back.

mark ashford's picture

OK lets talk some footy
Hardyards
I have watched Drinkwater since he was in the QLD cup. Mate this guy has heaps of ability, not sure why Storm let him go as he was looked at as a Slater replacement but happy to see Cows pick him up last year. Valentine can play centre or wing so can compliment each other. With the retirement of my favourite player Scotty who will be your forward pack.

Hardyards's picture

Hey Mark,
It looks like our main men up front will be Josh McGuire, Gavin Cooper, Coen Hess, Jason Taumalolo, John Asiata, Francis Molo, Jordon McLean which is a great start, along with a couple of good players from the Blackhawks and some Kiwi signings. Now with a strike player joining the backs, we are looking good I think.

NuL1F3's picture

Thanks for the song SP, definitely my favorite Mentals tune!

If I may chime in with the Folau debate, I certainly don't think a man should be crucified because of his beliefs, regardless of how radical they might be. He was under contract though, and he was also warned about breaching said contract. His 'opinions' are hurtful, and as such socially not ok. Freedom of speech means you are granted the freedom to speak, not given permission to be hurtful without consequence.

That being said, I didn't see the big deal of what he posted... He was insensitive but he is entitled to believe what he believes, the rest of us just instinctively know how wrong his beliefs are and pay the correct amount of mind accordingly ;)

By the way, I do believe in the big Guy upstairs.

newbie from perth's picture

@ Steely
Yeah, nice “tribute” wacking up that video mate. Well done. Sad news about Greedy but it will come to all of us at one stage or another. Didn’t mind me a bit of Mental As Anything now and then back in the day. Thanks for the reminder bro’ 👍

@ Baggy
Yeah mate, in a perfect world it’d be good to be able to say "we do not endorse or refute what so and so has said” but I’m pretty sure in the current climate, all and sundry are more worried about being PC and their decisions are often based around that. Sorta sad, but it is what it is.

@ Mr Ashford
When I think of AC/DC I think only when Bon Scott was fronting them. Still remember the days when we weren’t quite old enough to drive so we’d play cards at my cousin’s place (in the garage) and listen to some AC/DC on his old (new at the time) stereo. And we played those audio cassettes. Remember those? Anyway, seeing as you loved those “early days” so much, here’s a little something to hopefully gladden your day (or night). 6:08 of sheer bliss brother 😍. Cheers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f2g4RMfhS0

P.S. Angus looks younger than his 22 years in this video. Still reckon he’s the best guitarist I’ve heard bar none. Just my opinion of course 💪

@ The Butcher
Ha-Ha! I was in the same boat mate. Brought up RC, went to RC college and I too questioned but not to the Brothers. I questioned my Grandmother when I was about 12 years old (I think). She was a darling woman and I still miss her but she was a staunch RC nevertheless. I didn’t get the cane or 50 Hail Marys but I did get a scolding and I still remember the disappointment in her loving eyes. Felt bad about that for years and years. It only dissipated after her passing. All this because of our “need” to make sense of the world. Meh!

One final comment
Israel’s “God’s punishment” comments and all the argy-bargy that goes back and forth is one reason (not the only one though) why I’m an atheist. I know I’ve touched on it briefly above but the less I talk about this subject the better I reckon (a touchy one for sure). Suffice to say, everyone’s perfectly entitled to believe in whatever they want (and I respect that) but I’ll make up my own mind 😁

OK kids, be good, keep safe and enjoy life 😍 Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔

NuL1F3's picture

Good evening Newbie, I was sorry to hear Jimmy still upset you in that song, I was sure you would be too busy laughing. What would that genre be? Country/Dance? Either way.. It was definitely shyte!

I have a great number lined up for the OSSOTW! Can't wait to see everyone's reaction :P

newbie from perth's picture

@ Markus
Yeah mate, Jimmy drives me insane! Just one of those things I suppose. You asked “what genre would that be”. That’s an easy one bud. That particular genre is known as “crap”. In the USA and Europe however, it’s known as “garbage” but you get the drift 😉. Looking forward to hearing tonight’s song offering, especially seeing as you’ve built the excitement levels up 🤟. Cheers…

Steel Panther's picture

Thank you Newbie. Finally I can give you a tick. With me, you can't go wrong with AC/DC old or new. I do enjoy Bon on vocals and the old early stuff though. I have seen the band 5 or 6 times and loved every show. Would you believe I first saw them at the Sydney Entertainment Centre back in 1988. $35 a ticket!! They played two nights and I went to both of them. Sadly I never got to see Bon.

Your song choice seemed very appropriate given the religious content of some of our recent posts on here!!!

NuL1F3's picture

Good day ladies and gents. My hump day diddy is one I had planned to share last week but since it turned out to be OZ week I put it on the back burner. This song gets played quite often on the radio and I always think of this cover version when I hear it. So, for my rock brothers and sisters tuned in to The Thinkers Jukebox please enjoy this offering 😁

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH9FyLsfDzw

For the Newbie friendly version (and original recording), please use this link: --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTQbiNvZqaY

NuL1F3's picture

Oh, and for a throwback to OZ week, try this cover:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GghwqS0AWc

I'm hoping to make some fans of this guy, I think he is pretty cool and I love his sense of humor :)

Newbie BEWARE!! I think I have upset you enough this December!

mark ashford's picture

Hardyards
That sounds like an impressive line up. Scotty & Bolton will be missed but there is plenty of talented guys to step up. Your backs are looking good so just 2 questions. is Jake Granville still hooking and have you settled on halves.

mark ashford's picture

Newbie
Early AC/DC really floats my boat. Bon Scott was their best vocalist by far. All their early stuff just blew my mind and Angus on guitar with his schoolboys uniform was so good. This song today would be unacceptable to the politically correct people. I wonder if it would have raised as much ire as Isrea (sorry I said I'd not mention him again)

mark ashford's picture

Nulif3
Have always loved the original version of this song but must admit I enjoyed this. Wasn't sure what the rabbit bit at the end meant but did enjoy a new a new version of "down under"

mark ashford's picture

NuLif3
Sorry missed the second link and just had a listen.
Sorry mate no one can do this song like Toto.
It's a classic and should be left alone.

The Butcher's picture

Long before selling Coles products with oversized hands these guys were good
This is their biggest hit written by John Fogerty from Creedence
This clips unique as the bass player who comes into vision around the 2 minute mark starts acting to what I would say a real dummy https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw_sJifUYgM

NuL1F3's picture

Haha Mark, strongly disagree here, I LOVE the cover of Toto's 'Africa'! I do enjoy the original, make no mistake, but I love the metal cover of it more :)

NuL1F3's picture

And it would seem Butcher, that no one ever wants it changed ;) Even though, within the world, it really seems it needs to be! (RE: Bands namesake)

Bloody good song!!! :D

a's picture

As for my song of the week I am keeping the theme Australian but this guy is an frickin legend and this song is a classic in it own right check it out here

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR-eTR3Dcps

a's picture

The Butcher I also love your song to just hope Newbie song is good to

Baggy_Gee's picture

That's the problem. I disagree with homosexuality, but if the best person for the job is one what does it matter? Your personal life ends at the gate and your professional life starts, at the end of the day it is in reverse. Who cares if Alan Joyce is homosexual, heterosexual or in between as long as he runs his company with ability and shrewd leadership, but because everyone seems scared that consumers will be turned off by not toeing the PC line, we have companies playing politics and politicians trying to stay relevant according to marketing expectations. It's a problem that needs to be fixed.

NuL1F3's picture

Hi a, I actually like both those covers you shared :) Thanks for that! Such a great song, so awesome so many talented artists have taken the time to present it for younger or more diverse audiences :D

NuL1F3's picture

For your song of the week a, Top mfarks!! I actually do a cover of that one myself, though I must admit it is simply an acoustic cut down version of the original.

NuL1F3's picture

Top mfarks? Surly I mean 'top marks'? Am actually quite sick at the moment and that is my excuse for my grammar and spelling mistakes.

Happy Wednesday everyone,
PEACE!

a's picture

Sorry for the name mix up I’m very bad for it LOL

newbie from perth's picture

Newbie’s Wed Night OSSOTW

I might be giving the identity away here but this band was originally known as “Flowers”. Yeah, I reckon some of you older family members know exactly who they are 😁 Absolutely loved this song back in the day. Here’s the “pretty average” quality video…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7_BtSCNig4

… and here’s one if you just wanna close your eyes and listen…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCaSJuhHNps

OK kids, stay well, keep safe and enjoy life 😍 Cheers…

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