Great Responses for 'Rothfield Vs Me' Article

Well another article and this time great response from fellow passionate Rugby League Supporters. Please keep them coming.

Yesterday I wrote an article 'Rothfield Vs Me'. The article was about Phil Rothfield, highly respected Sports Editor for the Daily Telegraph and his proposed selections of the NSW Blues team, versus my selections.

To read this original article follow link http://cahndcotterrugbyleaguewriter.blogspot.com/2010/03/rothfields-versus-me.html

A lot of people have given great response to this, with there choice of selections for the Blues team and surprisingly a lot of them agree with some of my choosing, rather than Rothfields.

Cahn D. Cotter's Selection

1. Jarryd Hayne
2. Brett Morris
3. Timana Tahu
4. Matt Cooper
5. Josh Morris
6. Brett Finch
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Keith Galloway
9. Michael Ennis
10. Luke Douglas
11. Nathan Hindmarsh (C)
12. Anthony Laffranchi
13. Chris Heighington

Reserves - Luke Lewis, Ben Creagh, Feleti Mateo, Anthony Watmough/Dan Hunt

I would certainly like to write about all of the responses but unfortunately I cannot. Here is a few of the majority selections that have been mentioned.

Ben Cross Played lasts years State of Origin and is ready for another year. Strong up-front and can make metres.

Todd Carney Half-Back choice over Mitchell Pearce; like I explained to one follower, and this is only my opinion, that Todd Carney can still be a little selfish at times with the ball and is not a team player. While Mitch Pearce is a quality half-back with team commitment around him.

And finally Isaac De Gois After reading a followers adding of De Gois, I am in favour of swapping Ennis around to play De Gois at hooker. He is a work horse and plays full 80 minutes with class.

It was a great choice.

Thanks for all your responses, if anyone else wants to add more, please do so via blog site, and I will see to it to get back you http://cahndcotterrugbyleaguewriter.blogspot.com/2010/03/rothfields-versus-me.html

Kind Regards

Cahn D. Cotter

Junior Sharks Thrown Back Into the Water for Land Dwellers

Written By Cahn D. Cotter

Ricky Stuart is a legend of the game. 243 first grade games for the Raiders and the Bulldogs.

Stuart won three premierships with the Canberra Raiders, playing 203 games and winning the Clive Churchill Medal in 1990.
In 1992 and 1993 he was again named the Raiders' player of the year and in 1993 Stuart won the Dally M Medal for the Winfield Cup's Player of the Year.

Ricky Stuart played nine test matches for Australia from 1990, touring with the Australian side to Great Britain and France in 1990 and 1994.

Stuart also played fourteen State of Origin matches for New South Wales. He was named man-of-the-match in the second game of the 1990 series.

His coaching career began in 2002 with the Sydney Roosters where he won a premiership in the same year.
With the Sydney Roosters Ricky Stuart had 65% wins, with 130 games as coach.

Now with Cronulla, from 70 games as coach has had just 41% wins.

There is nothing wrong with Ricky Stuart. Just the Sharks.

My question being asked is their loyalty to the Sharks Guernsey?

How many Juniors do the Sharks have playing for them now?

My theory is that the Sharks are releasing junior players to free up money to buy other high profile prospects.
This in turn leaves a huge dilemma on the Sharks, and that is there is no Loyalty, Passion or Pride for the Sharks Guernsey.

Keith Galloway, who is a potential NSW State of Origin player was a Sharks junior, playing for the Yarrawarrah Tigers as a boy. Now he plays for the Tigers.

Cameron Ciraldo now play for the Newcastle Knights, however played for St. Josephs Joeys.

Sharks Team Now

Luke Covell: Junior Club Murwillumbah Colts Previous Club Wests Tigers

Paul Aiton: Junior Clubs Caboolture Snakes Previous Clubs Penrith Panthers

Trent Barrett: Junior Clubs Temora Previous Clubs Illawarra Steelers 1996-98, St George Illawarra Dragons 1999-2006, Wigan UK 2007-08

Paul Gallen: Junior Clubs Wentworthville

Anthony Tupou: Junior Clubs West Newcastle Magpies

Nathan Stapleton: Junior Clubs Southport School

Ben Pomeroy: Junior Clubs Cambridge Park

I'll stop there, because the list goes on. The only players that are Sharks Juniors currently are:

Scott Porter: Junior Clubs Cronulla-Caringbah
Reece Williams Junior Clubs Yarrawarrah Tigers

Massive problems at the Sharks, because without the juniors there, no loyalty or pride can be built around the Sharks Guernsey.

Anybody out there know other players? Please let me know what you think?

Rothfield Versus Me

Written By Cahn D. Cotter

It amazes me to see Phil Rothfield, Daily Telegraph Editor, as well as other experts of the game to have already been commenting on the State of Origin selections for the Blues, so early in the competition.

Honestly, Sharks to make the 8? Phil, every fan knew the Sharks were going to be lack-luster this year. Why? it has been the same for 30 years.

Check out:
(http://cahndcotterrugbyleaguewriter.blogspot.com/p/opinions-views.html)

Phil Rothfield, a highly regarded expert of the game, recently selected his version of the State of Origin Blues Squad that could potentially get the job done.
I believe, if the selectors go on what he said, the Blues will be looking down the barrel of 5 straight series losses.

Some of his selection I agree with, but the likes of Gallen, Jennings, Weyman, Bird and Perry are absurd. I tell you why soon...

Phil Rothfield's Side

1. Jarryd Hayne
2. Brett Morris
3. Chris Lawrence
4. Michael Jennings
5. Josh Morris
6. Greg Bird
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Michael Weyman
9. Robbie Farah (C)
10. Josh Perry
11. Ben Creagh
12. Anthony Watmough
13. Paul Gallen

Reserves - Prior, Galloway, Waterhouse, Carney

This side spells disaster. It is almost the same as past teams that have lost.
Is it just me or do selectors throw the same players around in a circle hoping that one-day it will work?

The Blues are looking for fire power, not just fire. Remember Michael Weyman playing for the Canberra Raiders; almost without a doubt loss ball, hot headed with stupid penalties and then no ability to off-load.
Since playing for the Dragons, I have seen a successful team, carrying the same Weyman as Canberra did. The only fact there is that Canberra did not have the success the Saints are currently.

Greg Bird - WOW, really. For a person that may have the skills to play Origin, should not be allowed near a football paddock again for all of his off-field dramas.
However, Bird does possess a passing game close to the line, and down field he is another forward with skills and ability. But I'm certain there are better players who have been honest to the game of Rugby League, and have the passion to enthrall in a Blues Guernsey.

Michael Jennings - Greg Inglis will have a field day playing against Jennings. No defense what so ever, where in Origin it is the biggest part of the game. Are you going for speed Phil, or giving Queensland a 4 try scoring advantage every match?

Josh Perry - OLD SCHOOL. Though this seems to be the problem with every State of Origin series. Hell, let's put Barrett back in the side along with Noddy.
Manly's forward pack is a heavyweight of the NRL competition, yet they always lack field percentage. Is this telling you something?

Paul Gallen - I say no more. Over-rated, that is the only position you can put him under. I cannot fathom that selectors would choose Gallen in the form that the Sharks are in.
An example for you to ponder is NATHAN HINDMARSH. To think this guy was dropped because the Eels lacked form last year was crucifying. Why then is Paul Gallens name being thrown around? What is happening?

Phil also spoke about Beau Scott coming into the team. WOW again. This guy has not scored a single try for the first 3 rounds. Scott has made 71 tackles, which is an average of 23.4 a game, which is what NSW need, but there are still better who have the ability to do both attack and defence.

Cahn D. Cotter's Selection

1. Jarryd Hayne
2. Brett Morris
3. Timana Tahu
4. Matt Cooper
5. Josh Morris
6. Brett Finch
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Keith Galloway
9. Michael Ennis
10. Luke Douglas
11. Nathan Hindmarsh (C)
12. Anthony Laffranchi
13. Chris Heighington

Reserves - Luke Lewis, Ben Creagh, Feleti Mateo, Anthony Watmough/Dan Hunt

For most part, I agree with Phil Rothfield's selection. He has great youth there with some mature players. The only problem is that the mature players he chose usually have brain explosions or lack match fitness.
Give Queensland as much penalties as you want them to have with Phil's team.

The Blues need go forward with players that can off-load to tire the Queensland big men. They also must have good off-field behavior as well as on field mongrel. Hard to find? Not really.

Nathan Hindmarsh is a perfect example. Can lead the side and make the tackles that others do not with that passion he shows every game for the Eels.
He also is a great player on and off the field with his notable charity work.

Reasons why I have selected this team

Back-line

It mixes speed, youth, experience and defence all into one. Jennings and Lawrence are not Origin players. Jennings has not scored a try for Penrith in the first 3 rounds and has made only 37 tackles.
Chris Lawrence lacks the heart with 49 tackles and 4 points to his name.

Now compare that with my selections.

Timana Tahu - The Queenslander's are putting Lote Tuqiri back into the mix, why not Tahu. He has previous experience in a winning side, strong, fast and passionate. He also can contain and match up against Greg Inglis in attack and defense.

Matt Cooper - Cooper knows about winning and losing. He wants it more than a Jennings or a Lawrence. I will be astounded if he is not selected.
He also is dangerous with his ability to pass and offload unexpectedly and is strong near the try line.

Brett Finch - Put Finchy next to Pearce and it is a match made in heaven. Experience and youth. Both are very skillful players and will direct play around the field without getting fatigued and none stop talk.
Brett Finch has not been given a solid chance in Origin, but he is an Origin player and if the Blues stick with him and Pearce they will win this years series.
They both have quality kicking games which past Blues teams have lacked.

Forwards

Nathan Hindmarsh (C) - Should be the Captain, and they should select him. They are mad if they do not. Hindy is an experienced campaigner and has the passion to pull on the Blue Guernsey. He can do the hard yards which will have his troops behind him doing the same.

Chris Heighington - A Paul Gallen without the crap. Tough both mentally and physically, he can defend and make metres with no problems. Already this season he has made a staggering 97 tackles, 387 metres with 34 hit-ups.

Anthony Laffranchi - Size and mobility. He can play anywhere on the field and is an enforcer.

Luke Douglas - Though he is playing in a losing side and young, he is a workhorse. He already has made 118 tackles this year and hit ups are over 40.
He can make metres and off-load. He also has mongrel, but will not lose his cool to give away penalties like a Weyman does.

Reserves

Luke Lewis - Can virtually play anywhere. 5/8th, Lock and Centre. If an injury happens to a Blues member, he can fill in and take control if necessary. He also has previous experience with the Blues and has a passion to be there.

Eg.If it is Mitchell Pearce that gets injured, push Finch to Half and Lewis to 5/8th.

Feleti Mateo - Damaging off the bench. Once Queensland's forwards get tired, Feleti can offload and cause havoc where ever he wants to be on the field. He is strong with great acceleration and with that ability to off-load will have the Queensland forwards turning back and forth all night in defense.

The other selected players are what Phil Rothfield chose. I added Dan Hunt into the mixture because of his early form to the 2010 season.

Origin is so far away and with this early talk, I can only hope that they get this team correct. Not just for the series, but for NSW fans, who rightfully know who should be in the side.

Leave your thoughts and tell me what you think?

My NRL Round 4 Tips

What another sensational week of League we all had to watch.

A Benji Marshall show against an Eels outfit that lacked attitude. The Bulldogs thrashing the Roosters with a Josh Morris 4 try spectacle.

Souths dominating a hapless Sharks on Monday Night, recording their first win of 2010.

The Warriors, obliterating Brisbane at Suncorp and the Raiders woeful errors again costing them two competition points.

4/8 tips correct last week for me. That brings my overall tally to 16/24, not bad. Can be improved though.

My Round 4 tips

Melbourne Storm V St. George Dragons

I Tip the Storm

We all know that the Storm playing in Melbourne are difficult to beat. They still have not reached their full potential, however this week at home for the first time, will bring it together. Especially knowing that they are going up against the Dragons.

Saints have also not won a game in Melbourne since 1999. It should be a tight match and I'm tipping that this should be that match of the round.

The Saints will be playing clinical football against a team that has made it their success the past four seasons.
Dragons will need to pull something new out of the hat now for teams are once again aware of how they play. REPETITIVE. The Storm will be on it.

Final Verdict Saints will have plenty of drop ball as the Storm defense will put Soward under constant pressure.
The Storm also have plenty of game breakers and with Cameron Smith kicking game out of dummy half should be able to pin the Dragons in there own end early.
Close finish. Storm by a margin of 4 - 12.

Sydney Roosters V Brisbane Broncos

I tip the Roosters

Unfortunate for Brisbane, the loss of Israel Folau and Denim Kemp is a massive blow to a side with big injury concerns every where. Darren Lockyer can only do so much.
They also have no Corey Parker or Justin Hodges and last weeks massive defeat from NZ at Suncorp has the alarm bells ringing.

Not this week; they travel to the heart of Sydney and take on a Roosters outfit with nothing to lose after the thrashing the Bulldogs gave them. The only thing to keep in mind is if the Roosters think they are an actual chance of making the 8, will surely collapse under the pressure they give themselves.

The need to play care-free football to keep winning. The likes of Myles, Guerra and Mitch Pearce will be looking to control the game up-front and around.
The relationship between Pearce and Carney is more than likely to erupt again this night and will run Brisbane's big men ragged.

Final Verdict Roosters by plenty. I know I said that last week, but I do not think anyone predicted the slaughter. The Roosters will be finally playing out of the harsh sun and heat, and will cherish playing under lights in Sydney.

Roosters must hold on to the ball and limit Brisbane's possession. Pearce and Carney show.

Cronulla Sharks V Parramatta Eels

I tip the Eels

Big concerns for Sharks. Attitude is key for them to improve, they must find pride in the Sharks Guernsey and then play for Coach Stuart if they are a chance.

The Eels are looking to stamp their label on this years NRL competition as a force to be reckoned with.
Last week the Eels forwards lacked momentum going forward and backs had no opportunity against the raging Tigers. They will not make the same mistake this weekend.

Final Verdict Parramatta forwards are they key here. Fui Fui, Poore and Hindmarsh must make inroads and give good off-loads to their backs.

Sharks are in crisis mode, they will play conservative and try to just complete the sets of six. The Eels will pounce on this style of play and should dominate out-wide.

Nth. Queensland Cowboys V Gold Coast Titans

I tip the Cowboys

1. Fortress 2. Jonathan Thurston 3. No Scott Prince 4. Gold Coast away from home.

However, if the Gold Coast are to be a chance, it's their forward pack that should do the damage. But with no Scott Prince, the Titans will find it hard to win this one away from home. Stats show that when Prince does not play for the Titans, that they can only win 1/3 of games.

J.T will direct the play smoothly and the difference of a solid half back will be the key for the Cowboys to win.

Final Verdict Cowboys will control all necessary field position and convert them to points.

Titans lack a quality half-back and even though Preston Campbell should fill in, it will not be enough for them to win.

NZ Warriors V Manly-Warringah Sea-Eagles

I tip the Warriors

The Warriors will continue this early form to post another win. Manly are still struggling and the win last week against Newcastle, though large, was not enough to prove to me that they are going to be able to compete in this one.

The Warriors at home are hard to beat. The Warriors have injury concerns but are able to fill in positions no problems.

Final Verdict - Warriors too strong at home.

Newcastle Knights V Penrith Panthers

I tip the Panthers

Penrith Panthers are about to show how dominating they can be. Newcastle do not stand a chance here.

Panthers forward running out-wide will get over the top of Knights backs and Kevin Kingston up the middle will tire the Knights forwards.

Final Verdict Panthers by plenty. Knights are about to hit the slump everybody predicted, while the Panthers are going to show everybody that they are top 8.

South Sydney Rabbits V Canterbury Bulldogs

I tip the Rabbits

Wow, what a match up this will be. Both teams hit form last weekend. Hard to pick however I think the Rabbits will continue winning know and roll the Bulldogs who are still not quite there.

Final Verdict Rabbits. Tough contest... Close match.

Titans Can Still Win

Written by Cahn D. Cotter

Gold Coast Titans are 3 from 3 in 2010, showing consistency and form. However now they face the dilemma of no Scott Prince. Prince suffered a broken thumb in there 24-8 win over the Raiders last Saturday night.

Prince had surgery to insert a screw and will need 6 weeks to recover. John Cartwright explained to the media yesterday that he was not concerned with statistics that showed the Titans had only won 4 games out of 12 without Prince.

Cartwright still believes that the Titans can go 4 from 4 against Nth Queensland this weekend with no Scott Prince.

Preston Campbell is the most probable selection to fill in for Prince with William Zillman pushing to fullback. Campbell has done the job before for the Titans and is no doubt a key player for the Titans who can still lead the backs around the field.

The Titans face-off with the North Queensland Cowboys in round 4.

Ricky Wants Attitude Change

Written by Cahn D. Cotter

The Sharks are now facing absolute disaster. After there 30-8 loss to the Rabbits last night at Toyota Park, Coach Ricky Stuart identified that a change of attitude is necessary in the Sharks camp.

Can you see it happening?

The signs are alarming for the Sharks, after their 13th straight loss. These results might only cause more problems amongst officials and players.
Is Ricky Stuart doing his job correctly? Are the players loyal to the Guernsey? What changes need to be made?
Already the Sharks have made massive changes to last weeks performance against the Warriors for this match up against the bunnies.

Seeing laughter and a blasè attitude amongst the devastated side in warm downs this morning, attitude is the key for the Sharks who are now confronted with a game next week that could virtually make or break there season and Ricky Stuart.

I was astonished to see these mannerism amongst a team that is facing 14 straight losses. Are these players taking this lack of form seriously? Over-hearing a player (not being named) saying, I was not playing, to a friend or fan before shrugging his shoulders and laughing.

In three weeks the Sharks have conceded 30 differential points, massed a total of 44 errors and are now facing off with a Parramatta outfit ready to stamp, perform and prove to the competition that they are favourites for this 2010 competition.

I only hope that I can be proven wrong about these Sharks. Experts have repeatedly said before this years starting, that the Sharks are the Dark-Horses of this competition and will push for the 8 at the back-end of the season.

I however believe that they are wooden spoon contenders. On the brink of disaster. Is Ricky Stuart facing losing his job over all of this? If so the Sharks will struggle for the rest of the season.

However, some positives for the Sharks is the new signing of half-back Tim Smith. He is a quality half-back that reminds me of a Todd Carney. You only have to see the growing maturity in Todd to see how well he is playing now.
Tim is exactly the same. I think it will be a huge lift for the Sharks and will add a new dimension for the club and more so for Trent Barrett who has lacked a quality half-back inside of him to get his job done.

Hearing the news, Sharks Coach and Legend of the game, Ricky Stuart announced that a change of Attitude is required for the Sharks to start winning. For Ricky sake, I hope the Sharks match up against the Eels for their fans next week and show a passionate display not just for the struggling club, but for their coach who has put so much into off-season, pre-season and now.

Good Luck to the Sharks, Please prove me wrong...

A Defining Moment for One

Written By Cahn D. Cotter

It's the clash of the bottom teams tonight. Sharks V Rabbits, two teams on the brink of disaster.

The Sharks could be going nine months straight without a win, while the bunnies with all their pre-season hype, may drop to last position after 80 minutes. A place where no NRL fan thought they would be.

I tipped the bunnies, for reasons being that the Sharks have made to many changes already in the season. I think the changes are for the better, and only time will tell. But this Sharks team lacks the desire to be able to win.
They will need more time to gel together, however will Ricky Stuart be forced to change the side again three weeks later, only to find the Sharks in the same position again. The Sharks are on a thin sheet of ice, they better get it right soon.

The Bunnies, need to deliver now, or it will be a never for them. Souths forward pack should be one that is feared when looked on paper, but once playing they lack momentum to go forward.
Add Chris Sandow to the mix and the bunnies continually drop ball when they require important possession to post points.

Either way, tonight's match-up, though bottom of the table is set to be a physical display of League. Both clubs are looking for that defining moment in there season and are taking this game none to lightly.