: Sat Mar 28, 2009 2:52 pm  

Stirlingshire Saint wrote:

I'm afraid you're in denial chappie.

Regardless of that game, it doesn't make any difference to the reality that our 'best' got their backsides handed to them time and again less than 12 months ago. It doesn't change the reality that we have professional rugby players that can't pass, tackle, run good lines etc. It doesn't change the reality that British RL is so far behind the NRL it is unbelievable. It doesn't change the reality that to the Australasians, SL is a figure of ridicule and so are our 'best' players.

I suppose we can always keep making these threads up that x could do this and x could do that. Funny how, whenever x plays these players from the 'poor games' in the NRL, x looks garbage.

all true except the bit on your best players

morley for example is very well regarded in australia, and ellis is going the same way.

as youve mentioned your backs are where the problem arises, especially the halves.

your forwards are certainly on par with anything nz or australia can match

: Sat Mar 28, 2009 4:18 pm  

Stirlingshire Saint wrote:

Having just watched Canberra and Parramatta, I think its safe to say neither McGuire, Burrow or any other British half could seriously consider getting a contract to play half in the NRL.

We have professional rugby players in the SL who cannot pass accurately to both sides, thats how bad the situation is.

campese looked very very good. SoO call up i think.

: Sat Mar 28, 2009 4:22 pm  

Catalancs wrote:

campese looked very very good.

He was about the only on, that game was way below NRL standards IMO.

I wished Setanta would have shown the Wests V roosters game instead

: Sat Mar 28, 2009 4:23 pm  

christopher wrote:

He was about the only on, that game was way below NRL standards IMO.

I wished Setanta would have shown the Wests V roosters game instead

in hindsight maybe, but you nebver know how a game is going to go.

: Sat Mar 28, 2009 5:09 pm  

Catalancs wrote:

in hindsight maybe, but you nebver know how a game is going to go.

To be fair they should have been showing both, the useless g!ts.

: Sat Mar 28, 2009 8:45 pm  

Stirlingshire Saint wrote:

Hello.

I'd like to point out that in your signature, you have Wigan finishing 3rd this year and reaching the Grand Final as well as Warrington winning the Challenge Cup.

Therefore, I will not be taking you seriously.

The difference is bad tipping doesn't get in the way of facts...

: Sun Mar 29, 2009 10:18 am  

christopher wrote:

He was about the only on, that game was way below NRL standards IMO.

I wished Setanta would have shown the Wests V roosters game instead

The Tigers v Roosters game was a far better match to watch.
It reminded me of a Super League game in the way it was played.
The two refs experiment seems to have changed the way the NRL is played for the better or is it the coaches who have stopped the wrestle tactics. Either way it's a better product for the spectator.

Gareth Ellis was good again without doing anything spectacular, he played the full 80mins. He did go on one long run which preceded the best try of the game for Tuiaki, Benji Marshall produced a superb pass under extreme pressure to get the winger over the line.

: Sun Mar 29, 2009 11:22 am  

roughyedspud wrote:

when taking about NRL defences we should start adding 'pre 2refs system' and 'post 2ref system'


'pre 2refs system' defences where tough,hard etc... because the game was so regimented,everyone knew that the ball was going to be driven in 4 or 5 times right up the middle...

'post 2refs system' the game has been blown wide open,fast moving,free flowing,gaps galore,exciting RL...


the likes of danny mcguire.....and rob burrows would thrive in a 'post 2ref system' NRL imo...

not a bad point raised, although i think it would take a lot longer for a half from england to make a mark over here. there are worse halves and 5/8ths running around in the nrl then these 2.

: Sun Mar 29, 2009 12:05 pm  

The five drives and a kick are a myth.
If that was the case the game would be predictable as buggery.

If it was 5 hits up the middle and a kick why is that not what is seen at a much higher level like Test or even SOO level?
Predictable play like that should have been easy for England to overcome with their natural "flair"

Manly did not use that theory in the GF last year nor do most teams.
Off your own line maybe.
The Warriors or the Cowboys or Canberra last year?
Burrow is too small, McGuire is inconsistent and neither bring the skill sets required in the NRL for a Half.
They have there own qualities that are more suited to SL.
A kicking game is almost Mandatory for a Half Back in the NRL, Burrow is average in that department.
The ability to set up your backline and pass in either direction at speed is a basic skill of a 5/8 that McGuire has not accomplished.

: Sun Mar 29, 2009 2:19 pm  

dally messenger wrote:

what a load of tripe.

did you watch the WCC?

mcguire defence was exposed for what it is.

danny mcguire has great potential to be a good player in the nrl.

on current standards his defence is well below par for a 6.

You really are thick as two short planks - you didn't understand any of that did you. It wasn't about Danny McGuire you two cent piece of pond life it was about players in general and how none of them deserve to be called "speed bumps" by guttless keyboard warriors like you.

Now crawl back under your stone and come back out when you're a man.

As an aside how old are you exactly, my ball park guess would be twelve. I need to know just so as I can find some excuse for you.