NRL General Discussion Thread

[I bleed Maroon]

I think it says a lot when you consider that of the four teams remaining in the finals (admittedly the top 4 of the regular season), only 1 of those 4 haven't been embroiled in some sort of negative press regarding nefarious tactics, mind games and pushing the rules right to the edge during this finals series, and that's Manly.

Melbourne - We all are very familiar with their bullshit, even if the press haven't had them in the gun over it recently (funny that)
Penrith - Manipulating momentum by calling sudden stoppages at crucial times, abusing the concussion interchange etc
Souths - Bennett made sure to weave his own brand of ref manipulation and politicking in the leadup to Week 1 and it worked wonders

There really is nothing noble about the competition this year. It's been so bad. How is it so difficult for these gutless match officials to call games down the middle and tune out the noise?

 

[Kimlo]

Souths - Bennett made sure to weave his own brand of ref manipulation and politicking in the leadup to Week 1 and it worked wonders

In what way? Cleary tried to be a smart arse and got schooled by Bennett in media handling.

 

[theshed]

That tackle will be remembered for a long time but man, if that clip doesn’t highlight the flaws in Tesi’s attacking game.

 

[Foordy]

 

[Foordy]

Gus Gould is 100% correct here

 

[Kimlo]

Gus Gould is 100% correct here

Gus nailed it.
Glad he mentioned the absurd 15 interchanges. Absolutely destroying the game.

 

[Foordy]

in a bid to get the 17th licence, the Firehawks have said that they won't poach any of ours (or the Titans) players, coaches or sponsors for their first 2 years of existence. (with the exception of alcohol or betting sponsors, who generally sponsor more than one club)

Shane Richardson says:

“We are there to get new sponsors and new people to the game,” Richardson said.

“On top of that we have guaranteed that we will not touch any sponsor … that is on their website. Every other player, staff member or coach we will to contact for two years unless both clubs are agreeable.

“We also made a commitment to the Gold Coast that we will not go to the Gold Coast or the Northern Rivers to pick up players for two years.

“They’re worried about us poaching their staff — their coaches and administration. There is not one person from Brisbane or the Gold Coast that we want on our staff.

“In our summary to the NRL we have talked about where we are getting our players from and it is not Gold Coast or Brisbane.

“It’s about trying to attract new sponsors and we have new sponsors in line who have nothing to so with the Gold Coast and Brisbane.”

Shane Richardson also says they want to address the existing 16 clubs personally:

“We would love to be able to talk to the clubs generally, not just Gold Coast and Brisbane,” Richardson said.

“We would love to be able to point out or marketing plan is about an 18-44 category, which the NRL don’t have now anyway. It is about a string of people on the western corridor who aren’t attached to a club.”

 

[1910]

Penrith Physio banned for the rest of the year and fined $25k.

 

[BroncsFan]

in a bid to get the 17th licence, the Firehawks have said that they won't poach any of ours (or the Titans) players, coaches or sponsors for their first 2 years of existence. (with the exception of alcohol or betting sponsors, who generally sponsor more than one club)

Shane Richardson says:

“We are there to get new sponsors and new people to the game,” Richardson said.

“On top of that we have guaranteed that we will not touch any sponsor … that is on their website. Every other player, staff member or coach we will to contact for two years unless both clubs are agreeable.

“We also made a commitment to the Gold Coast that we will not go to the Gold Coast or the Northern Rivers to pick up players for two years.

“They’re worried about us poaching their staff — their coaches and administration. There is not one person from Brisbane or the Gold Coast that we want on our staff.

“In our summary to the NRL we have talked about where we are getting our players from and it is not Gold Coast or Brisbane.

“It’s about trying to attract new sponsors and we have new sponsors in line who have nothing to so with the Gold Coast and Brisbane.”

Shane Richardson also says they want to address the existing 16 clubs personally:

“We would love to be able to talk to the clubs generally, not just Gold Coast and Brisbane,” Richardson said.

“We would love to be able to point out or marketing plan is about an 18-44 category, which the NRL don’t have now anyway. It is about a string of people on the western corridor who aren’t attached to a club.”

5mins after getting the license "things change bro"...

Wonder if Melbourne are down there freaking out that their "catchments" haven't been mentioned in the 2yr moratorium

 

[Foordy]

MAGUIRE SURVIVES

TIgers CEO, Justin Pascoe says:

“While we always understood this review and process would take time, it was the responsibility of the football committee to ensure all information was considered to make the right decisions for the club moving forward,” Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said.

“Michael has been with the club over arguably its most challenging time with the COVID-19 pandemic, has overseen significant change both on and off the field throughout his tenure and, on behalf of all at Wests Tigers, I’d like to thank him for his effort so far.

“We are firmly committed to building a high performing club. With our strong financial position, increased investment and recent success of our pathways teams, the new Centre of Excellence and continued work on a South West academy, the arrival of Tim Sheens and his experience in NRL systems, this club is posed to reap the rewards of several years of hard work.

“We believe that through Michael’s vast experience and by continuing to challenge the way we operate, we will continue drive the high standards and behaviours needed to ensure we achieve our goals as a club.”

 

[Sproj]

'We'd like to announce a contracted employee will remain under contract'

 

[LittleDavey]

“We are firmly committed to building a high performing club. With our strong financial position, increased investment and recent success of our pathways teams, the new Centre of Excellence and continued work on a South West academy, the arrival of Tim Sheens and his experience in NRL systems, this club is posed to reap the rewards of several years of hard work."

The reward is fighting with the Cowgirls for the 2022 wooden spoon...

 

[Kimlo]

the new Centre of Excellence

Instantly reminded me of this from their documentary

 

[Sproj]

I imagine if the conversation was the reality, it'd be something like this:

Reporter: So what is happening with your coach?

Tigers: We are excited in what he is building, he finally has his team and he is our preferred coach.

Reporter: It's because you can't afford to pay him out isn't it.

Tigers: (Sigh) Yes, obviously.

 

[BroncsFan]

I imagine if the conversation was the reality, it'd be something like this:

Reporter: So what is happening with your coach?

Tigers: We are excited in what he is building, he finally has his team and he is our preferred coach.

Reporter: It's because you can't afford to pay him out isn't it.

Tigers: (Sigh) Yes, obviously.

Tigers: "Not entirely... Ciraldo also said no"

 

[LittleDavey]

Holy **** we're savage considering the state of our club even at the start of the year lol

 

[Sproj]

Tigers: "Not entirely... Ciraldo also said no"

Reporter: So...you guys have a fair bit of salary cap available right?

Tigers: Yes and we will be aggressive in going after the right marquee talent.

Reporter: Does that mean if anyone surprisingly wants to come to your club, you'll take them?

Tigers: (Sigh) Yes, obviously.

 

[I bleed Maroon]

While I think keeping Madge on is ultimately the right call, there is a part of me that seriously doubts he actually managed to talk his way out of being fired. Something tells me the pick of the litter when it comes to replacement coaches was pretty thin, especially if Flanagan knocked them back.