Is the NBL dead?

I just read this little snip from Derek Rucker:
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,22984925-23769,00.html 

Does anyone have any ideas on how the NBL can become a popular Australian sport again?
Crowd numbers are pretty abismal, the game has little cash, it’s hard to attract good imports and frankly, the game is just not that exciting to watch.

• Do we need to change the rules and go to a more American model that is more focussed on entertainment?
  Purist would argue that this is not how the games is meant to be played, however aren’t sports essential about the spectators? Look at the reformation in Cricket and how that has improved its popularity…
• Do we need to change the emphasis on playing style at a junior level?
  I know the game is about defense as much as offense (i.e. UQ basketball), but that makes for a very boring game if you are on the sideline. The games needs better athletes who are dynamic scorers. I don’t want to watch a guy take charges all day, I want to see someone dunking over 2 dudes or draining some monster treys!

I am personally in favour of freeing up the game a bit and encouraging a more attacking style of play. Every other sport has implemented changes to this affect. Union has just implemeted 8 new rules aimed at improving the game: http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/52353

The key to a successful sport is punter numbers. From this comes follow-ons like sponsorship and most importantly growth in the game. Keen to hear the thougths os the other ballers out there…

Monkey see, monkey do…

Does anybody else see the irony in the Indian cricket fans taunting Andrew Symonds for being black and calling him a monkey??

Granted he may be a different shade and far more physically able (and more likely to be able to swing from tree tops with his large physique) but seriously, I would have though with 50 million people at each game they could come up with something a little better then having a go at someone for being essentially the same colour as you…

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,,22585237-23212,00.html

Mate Vs Mate, Mistake Vs Mistake

Hellelujah! NSW finally manages to stumble over the line and get the win they should have got in the last game. Full credit to QLD for doing enough to win the series, but I just can’t give you the credit for winning it. NSW lost the series due to their own 5th tackle incompetence and the stats have been showing that all series…I lost count of the amount of bombed tries. Enjoy having it for another year, but it has been a very long time since I have seen a dominant QLD performance…

An Independent Footy Watcher

The state of Australian Rugby

After going to see the Wallabies play Wales on Saturday night, I am both quietly confident and extremely concerned about their chances in the up coming world cup. 

The first half of the game was quite possibly the worst game of professional rugby I have eve seen, and I watched a lot of Reds games this year… The ball security, backline moves, and lineout throws were just appalling. The wallabies, quite fittingly were booed off the field at half time. 

After about five minutes of the second half I was convinced that the real wallabies had just run out on the field and that the team in the first half was a team of “look-alikes” out there to lull the Welsh into a false sense that they could still win it. The back line was slick, lineouts going well and been stolen from the Welsh, we even scored a few tries!! All in all, the second half was an enjoyable half of Rugby to watch. 

So what was the difference? I am sure there were a number of factors that contributed to the Wallabies playing much better in the second half; John Connelly going off his nut at them in the dressing rooms certainly would have helped, but I think the most important factor was bringing George Gregan on and putting Matt Giteau into the centers. This may be an unpopular position to take but hey, this is my post. 

For all of Gregan’s faults he still adds a hell of a lot to the back line; this comes in the form of direction, strong defense, fast flat passes, and the combination with Larkham.

The main criticism of his game has been that he takes too many sideways steps away from the ruck before passing and I will concede, he does this, but show me half back who doesn’t from time to time. One of the things that people often praise Gregan for is his running of the ball when he sees a gap around the ruck but in order for him to do this he needs to take a few steps to the side to get around the ruck and see if there are any gaps. I am sure you can see the difficulty faced in this situation. 

Either way I don’t think anyone is overly confident about Australia’s chances in the up coming world cup but I think they will be a hell of a lot better if Gregan is at halfback.

GBL update…

For all the unireds out to sea and around the world.

We started 2-4, and have won our last 6 to be equal second at 8-4. Knocked over Saints, Crosby and Lang Park in the last three weeks.

Massey is tearing it up – would have had 30 the last three on an array of post moves, jumpers, putbacks etc – most dominant. Cam has been killing it as the one, completely outplayed LP guards on Wednesday and shut Shawy down completely also. Little Adds has been Vinnie Johnsoning it also – guy can flatout play with the best of em’. Aside from this, Tim G has been solid, BG has been reincarnated as a screen setting, jump shooting 4 and Shaneo has seen a renaissance of sorts, putting up decent numbers (in spite of no stat keepers) in the last few.

Unireds is in good hands

Pete – can we please see some of your shots of late Reply in kind.

Origin time

I’m sure the skype will get a work out some time on wednesday night week as the annual bllues bashing begins.

In the spirit of things here is a picture of the great Mal. And who’s that in support? Shrek?

Interesting…

Check this out - http://www.myfootballclub.co.uk/

The guy who runs it is a mate of one of our designers. The idea is that he gets as many people from around England (or the world?) to sign up and once there are enough of them (50,000 is the first target) they will all put in 35 pounds (1,750,000 pounds total) and buy a low grade soccer team. Then they as a group make decisions of players to sign, how to play etc all the website by democratic vote. I’m sure everyone can see some flaws but the idea is quite nice.

The Chaser

I’m sure you guys are watching it, but just in case you missed it – ‘The West Coke Eagles‘. The funniest thing I have seen in a while!

Salute The Great Man!

I would like to make mention that Rugby League has seen the departure of one of the greats, if not the greatest!

Andrew Johns

It is unfortunate to see him go out that way, but shit happens. I was kind of looking forward to a dominating return in Origin this year

Tiger Trap

This is a pretty funny video of Tiger Woods having some fun with some unsuspecting golfers .

Good to see that someone of his status still likes to have fun with average golfers… even if it is for a sponsors promotion.