2014 Four Nations

[broncos4life]

[MENTION=1917]Ari Gold[/MENTION]

What are you going to say if New Zealand pull of an upset

Ah shut the sux ay bro

 

[Super Freak]

They won't pull off an upset.

That's a promise.

 

[Ari Gold]

@Ari Gold

What are you going to say if New Zealand pull of an upset

There's more chance of me marrying Anna Kendrick.

 

[Harry Sack]

There's more chance of me marrying Anna Kendrick.

That defeatist attitude. Don't give up on your dreams man.

 

[broncos4life]

You can do it Ari. Give her one for me

 

[mitch222]

Going into the match with just one front rower should be a worrying sign for anyone. Especially considering the kiwis always run out a big pack. This especially when that backrow is not known to be workhorses in defence.

 

[FaithinHook]

Breaking News: Josh Hoffman has been rushed back into the NZ squad! Wow another twist and turn. What next ?! Coach Kearney says his ecstatic to have Josh back in teh team.

 

[Danoz Direct]

Breaking News: Josh Hoffman has been rushed back into the NZ squad! Wow another twist and turn. What next ?! Coach Kearney says his ecstatic to have Josh back in teh team.

That was breaking about 6 hours ago but anyway...

 

[Super Freak]

Samoa copped a blow today.

Reni Maitua, Tautau Moga and Sauaso Sue have been fined 10k and won't be taking part in the opening game.

 

[Super Freak]

Since there are a few debutants in the Four Nations, I thought I would post a list of the best & worst Test debuts.

Best Test Debuts

1. Don Adams

Maitland winger Don 'Brady' Adams was Australia's saviour in the opening Test of the 1956 series with New Zealand. The stocky winger - who was rated the fastest player over 20 yards in the game at the time - scored two tries, including the match-winner when the scores were locked at 9-all, to make a fantastic start to his five-Test career.

2. Andrew Johns

Gifted halfback Andrew Johns enjoyed a feast of points on debut, tallying a world-record-equalling 30 when Australia tackled South Africa during the 1995 World Cup. Johns scored two tries and booted 11 goals against the minnows as Australia marched towards World Cup glory. It was the start of a spectacular Test career for the future Immortal.

3. Lionel Cooper

Speedster Lionel Cooper was one of 12 debutants for Australia in the first post-war Test in 1946 and enjoyed a marvellous - and heroic - first outing. With Australia trailing 5-8 late in the match, he made a spectacular 70-metre run, with a smart change of pace fooling the cover defence and allowing him to score the equalizer in a classic Test that ultimately finished 8-all.

4. Bobby Bugden

St George halfback Bobby Bugden played just two Tests, both in 1960 against France, with Queenslander Barry Muir often preferred at scrum half. The 1959-60 Kangaroo made the most of his opportunity, though, with a clever hat-trick on debut in the second Test of the '60 series. Australia won 56-6, with Bugden's first try after the halftime siren extremely controversial.

5. Bernie Purcell

Goalkicking South Sydney backrower Bernie Purcell played just one Test during his illustrious career, but it was the most famous in Australian Rugby League history. Purcell debuted in Australia's famous drought-breaking series win over Great Britain in 1950 on a mud-soaked SCG, where Ron Roberts' try in the third Test brought the Ashes home to Australia for the first time in 30 years.

6. Brad Mackay

Athletic St George lock Brad Mackay enjoyed a fairytale Test debut in 1990. Named to play his first Test against France in the NSW Central West centre of Parkes, he scored three tries in sopping-wet conditions in an emphatic 34-2 victory.

7. Benny Wearing

South Sydney star - and maybe the most popular player in the premiership throughout the 1920s - Benny Wearing made his belated debut in the dead-rubber third Test against Great Britain in 1928. He scored two tries and booted three goals in the 21-14 victory, but remarkably never played for Australia again.

8. John Muggleton

Versatile Parramatta utility John Muggleton was a surprise selection for the 1982 series against New Zealand and became an unlikely hero in the series opener. Coming off the bench, he charged on to a Craig Young pass to score the winning try in the final minute of the match. It was the only try in Australia's 11-8 win and Muggleton's only try in his three-Test career.

9. Israel Folau

Code-hopper Israel Folau capped a spectacular debut year in 2007 by becoming Australia's youngest Test player at just 18. He did not disappoint, with a two-try performance in a 58-0 drubbing of New Zealand. The Melbourne three-quarter started on the wing and was marvellous.

10. Norm Provan

St George legend Norm 'Sticks' Provan made an immediate impact in the first game of his Test career, starring in the 37-12 thrashing of Great Britain during the 1954 Ashes series at the SCG. Provan scored a try and had a hand in a number of others in a dominant debut alongside outstanding second-row partner Kel O'Shea.

Worst Test Debuts

1. Darren Lockyer

Darren Lockyer, the record holder for most Test appearances and one of Rugby League's all-time greats, made the most notorious debut in the history of international football. Selected on the bench for the 1998 Anzac Test, he replaced injured fullback Robbie O'Davis during the first half with Australia ahead 12-2 and was caught behind his goal-line just before halftime, and the Kiwis posted their first try from the resultant dropout. But it got much worse for Lockyer after the break, when he made two errors that led directly to New Zealand tries as the underdogs rallied to a 22-16 victory. Ironically, Lockyer had made a stellar debut for Super League Australia at the end of the previous season, scoring two tries.

2. Brendan Tuuta

Western Suburbs backrower Brendan Tuuta was dubbed 'The Baby-faced Assassin' after a wild debut for New Zealand in the first Test of the 1989 home series against Australia. The 24-year-old Chatham Islands product's international introduction was marked by reckless tackling and the blatant kneeing of Australian vice-captain Paul Vautin. Pilloried by the media in Australia and in his homeland, the skilful and hardworking Tuuta somehow escaped censure over several unsavoury incidents but never fully shed the stigma of his hot-headed Test debut despite making a further 15 appearances for the Kiwis and enjoying a decade-long professional career in Australia and England.

3. Paul Hauff

Paul Hauff claimed the Australian fullback berth for the first Test against New Zealand after a brilliant Origin series for Queensland. But the 21-year-old, a veteran of just 25 games for the Broncos, experienced a tough debut in a shock 24-8 loss to the Kiwis in Melbourne. His ordinary night culminated in a fumble of a Gary Freeman kick to gift the Kiwis' fourth try to Tawera Nikau. The gangly custodian never played another rep match, and the remainder of his career was frequently interrupted by injuries.

4. Noel Pidding

St George's Noel Pidding was selected to debut as Australia's fullback for the opening Test against New Zealand in 1948 - the first Trans-Tasman series in 11 years. The green-and-golds led 13-5 at halftime, and Pidding made a long break early in the second half. But instead of passing to unmarked winger Pat McMahon, he went himself and was brought down as a match-sealing try went begging. The Kiwis clawed back to claim a 21-19 upset. Pidding was dropped after his crucial mistake, beginning the Test career of Clive Churchill, but went on to play a further 18 Tests as a winger.

5. John Hopoate

After scoring 21 tries for Manly, John Hopoate ousted several strong wing contenders to make his debut for Australia in the opening match of the 1995 World Cup against England at Wembley. But a vital error bringing the ball off his own line gifted a try to opposing winger Jason Robinson with 11 minutes to go, helping England to a 20-16 win. Hopoate scored three tries in a subsequent pool match against South Africa, but was left out of the tournament's big matches and never again represented Australia.

6. Gene Ngamu

Five-eighth Gene Ngamu was chosen to make his Test debut for New Zealand against Great Britain at Wembley in 1993 at the tender age of 19. But the youngster, opposing seasoned international Garry Schofield, was one of several Kiwis to endure a torrid afternoon at the hallowed venue as they were thumped 17-0. He was dropped for the remaining Tests on tour, but reclaimed his spot in '94 and was a Kiwis regular for several seasons. The Auckland Warriors pivot eventually made 22 Test appearances, scoring 11 tries.

7. Ray Laird

Mackay fullback Ray Laird was the surprise choice to replace injured captain Graeme Langlands in the No.1 jumper for the second Test of the 1970 Ashes series. The debutant was peppered with high balls by the Great Britain side, one of which he allowed to bounce for Lions five-eighth Roger Millward to score the opening try. The 18-game Queensland rep was dropped for the decider in the wake of Australia's 28-7 SCG loss and did not play another Test.

8. Wendell Sailor

Exciting young Brisbane winger Wendell Sailor was a bolter in the 1994 Kangaroo Tour squad, and his tremendous form in the early club matches garnered a spot on the flank for the opening Test at Wembley. But after being closely marked by Great Britain and making little impact as the Kangaroos went down 8-4 to the 12-man hosts, Sailor was dropped in favour of Rod Wishart for the remaining Tests. He went on to score 17 tries in 16 Test appearances.

9. Dennis Manteit

Queensland forward Dennis Manteit was selected in the 1967-68 Kangaroo Tour squad and made his Test debut in the first Ashes encounter at Headingley. But the front-rower was sent off, leaving the tourists short-handed as they went down 16-11. Dropped for the second Test, Manteit was recalled for the decider, which Australia won 11-3 at Manchester.

10. Luke Covell

An unlikely New Zealand representative, Goondiwindi-born Cronulla winger Luke Covell was selected to make his Test debut for the Kiwis against Australia at the end of 2007. But the unlucky Covell was forced from the field after just six minutes in Wellington when he suffered a dislocated elbow. His exit set the tone for a terrible day for the Kiwis, who were crushed by a record 58-0 scoreline, and he did not play another Test match.

 

[Big Pete]

Nation	Wins	Losses	Draws	Points Difference	Points
New Zealand	1	0	0	18	2
England	1	0	0	6	2
Samoa	0	1	0	-6	0
Australia	0	1	0	-18	0

 

[Big Pete]

For the first time in history, a league Test between Australia and New Zealand drew more people than its union equivalent.

Error Page

 

[Big Pete]

Poms on verge of history

When England arrived for the Four Nations, their biggest aim was to end a 44-year drought in series involving Australia. But a win next Sunday at AAMI Park would put that achievement in the shade in terms of rugby league history, for it would force Australia to miss a major final for the first time since 1954. That was the first World Cup in France – Australia finished third that year, winning one of their three pool matches with France and Great Britain toppling them. The final of the 'Rugby World Cup' – it was the only one in either code at that stage – saw Britain beat France 16-12 before 30,368 people at Paris' Parc de Princes. Because Australia told Great Britain to stay home next year, the green and golds would have to wait until 2016 to atone should they be defeated.

Was wondering when the last time Australia failed to qualify for a final. Sunday will be interesting if England establish a two try lead at some point.

Technical glitch blights awards

Things go wrong from time to time – and in rugby league, you can almost guarantee it will happen at the worst time. The international game was trying to put its best foot forward at the Royal Exhibition Hall in Brisbane for the Player of the Year lunch last Thursday. But a stuff-up with video packages meant we never even got to hear the nominees – aside from James Graham – before Sam Burgess was announced as winner. "I'd like to congratulate my good friend James Graham – there were other finalists, weren't there?" Burgess joked on stage. Here they are, the other nominees, for the record: Daryl Clark, Jamie Peacock, Chris Hill, James Roby, Zak Hardaker, Johnathan Thurston, Jarryd Hayne and Greg Inglis. Interestingly, no Kiwis…

:laugh:

One day Rugby League will be able to put together an award's show without a hitch.

Lack of program a negative

In February, Wigan fans were shocked to front up at Allianz Stadium for the World Club Challenge and discover no program had been published. Match programs remain an institution in Super League, with each club printing its own and club chairman often using their columns to give the team a kick up the bum on game day. England's travelling supporters will have experienced simular disappointment to find out the Four Nations program is just some kind of fold-out poster. Like the International Player of the Year lunch, these publications are window dressing. The lunch cost $80,000, a proper program would have been $70,000. We're not sure the right choice was made between the two, though.

Team lists dog Poms

The contradiction of there being only a rudimentary published program is that the four competing nations still have to submit their starting teams of a Tuesday. This is a Sydney custom, of course, which goes back to getting Big League printed in time to be available in the shops for a couple of days before the weekend. At the World Cup, only squads had to be announced and it was later in the week, with teams and numbers often kept secret until an hour before kick-off . England are rather nonplussed at the new requirement – and not only because it forces them to play their hand early. While late changes are still permitted, they don't have enough jerseys on tour to indulge in subterfuge without copping a fine for players not wearing their listed numbers!

As somebody who likes to collect programs, that sucks.

I was pretty disappointed when I went to the Rugby League World Cup Final way back when and they basically just gave us a revised version of this preview special that was released a month or so prior. That discovery set the tone for the evening for sure.

Didn't realise Team List Tuesday was a Big League deal. Just thought it was a general media deal to fill an otherwise uneventful day of Rugby League.

International rugby league set for 12-year international calendar

Good read from Mascord.

 

[Ari Gold]

So RLIF just wants to add more tournaments outside World Cups to make more money?

 

[Big Pete]

So that's why the Poms had Ferres supporting Clark at dummy half.

Early Raiders Club Man of the Year effort right there.

 

[Super Freak]

He'll fit right in at the Raiders.

 

[Big Pete]

Catching up on the tournament after a couple of busy days.

Thought Australia put in their best performance of the tournament against Samoa but still have concerns over whether or not they can beat New Zealand on the weekend. Couple of good performances and the plan to exploit Ben Roberts was well executed but there were moments where they lacked fluency and I don't think they'll be gifted as many opportunities as the Samoans presented.

Guess it will come down to how well the spine can perform as well as certain players being able to put the pieces together just in time for the final.

Looking back on Samoa's campaign, I'd argue that it was the highlight of the tournament. Not many rated them a chance, but they weren't far off knocking England & NZ off in either game. Plus, I thought a lot of their players put in strong performances including Josh McGuire who was arguably the most consistent player all tournament. Was also impressed with what I saw from Leilua, Godinet, Pritchard and of course Masoe. If nothing else, the tournament got a lot of people talking about big Mose.

 

[Big Pete]

New Zealand wins.

What a win it was too. From an Australian perspective, it's easy to critique the Kangaroo's performance, how certain players didn't measure up, the selectors should have picked a more balanced squad blah blah blah...

But I don't think it would have made much a difference.

NZ really challenged the Aussies with that tournament and a lot of players like SJ, Foran, Taumalolo, Bromwich, Harris & Taupau really made their marks at the international level.

It was a sublime performance in the final and I believe they've done this competition major justice by winning it.

Australia have a lot of improvement left in them, even with the squad they had, they didn't play as well as they should have but I reckon if you add JWH, RTS, Hurrell & DWZ to the Kiwis side, they'll be a stronger team too and they have plenty more young talent coming through as well.