Hi Sportloungers,
We are the lucky recipient of the Troy Garner Award for Excellence in Sports Programming in Community Radio.
I want to thank you all for your continuing support over the years!
Tanya
Monday, December 1, 2008
Tonight's Show - Monday 1/12/08
Hi Sportsloungers!
We're moving to Monday nights as of TONIGHT!
I hope you can join us in the move from wednesday to monday nights.
Tonight we will be chatting netball with Adelaide Thunderbirds and Australia Diamonds star defender, Moóina Gerrard. Last night, she was the recipient of the Liz Ellis Diamond Award for the most oustanding achievement on the international arena and ANZ Championship.
Maurie Plant, Commentator and Athletics Australia Promotor will be joining us to cover the HBA Great Australian Run at Albert Park at the weekend.
Jen Sampey will be covering the latest in AFL and cricket news.
That and a whole lot more.
I hope you can join us!
Tanya
Host
The Sports Lounge
We're moving to Monday nights as of TONIGHT!
I hope you can join us in the move from wednesday to monday nights.
Tonight we will be chatting netball with Adelaide Thunderbirds and Australia Diamonds star defender, Moóina Gerrard. Last night, she was the recipient of the Liz Ellis Diamond Award for the most oustanding achievement on the international arena and ANZ Championship.
Maurie Plant, Commentator and Athletics Australia Promotor will be joining us to cover the HBA Great Australian Run at Albert Park at the weekend.
Jen Sampey will be covering the latest in AFL and cricket news.
That and a whole lot more.
I hope you can join us!
Tanya
Host
The Sports Lounge
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Narelle's NRL Report
NRL Report
Results from the Week 3 Finals matches last week:
Melbourne Storm convincingly defeated Cronulla Sharks 28-0
Late super coach, Jack Gibson once said waiting for Cronulla to win a premiership was like leaving a porch light on for Harold Holt. He was right again on this occasion, with Cronulla saving their worst performance of the season for this match.
Cooper Cronk stepped in for Cameron Smith and was outstanding.
Although there were a lot of errors from both sides in the first half, the Storm were still able to score.
The game turned in the second half when Cronulla couldn’t penetrate the Storm line in the opening 15 minutes. Cronulla did have a lot of possessions in the second half, which is testament to Storm’s defence, holding them off with 18 straight tackles.
Manly Sea Eagles also trounced the NZ Warriors 32-6
Manly showed they are a superb outfit in this match, with superbly constructed tries and wonderful attacking plays – typified by a through the legs pass by Brett Stewart to the Centre, Steve Matai for Manly to score at half time.
Manly have scored more tries than any other team this season. They also make more line breaks and offloads than Melbourne Storm. Steve Bell has made 19 line breaks this season for Manly. This is two fewer than Melbourne’s Billy Slater though.
GRAND FINAL: Manly vs Storm, Sunday 5th October
· Tony Archer to referee the Grand Final, it’s his second Grand Final.
· When they played each other during the season, the Storm won both times, 26-4 at Olympic Park in Round 5 and 16-10 at Brookvale Oval in Round 22. Manly were also beaten by the Storm in last year’s grand final, losing 34-8.
· Manly centre, Steve Matai is delaying surgery to his injured shoulder until after the Grand Final.
· The Storm’s Greg Inglis has said his ‘knees are shot’, but will also play.
· Melbourne Storm prop, Brett White has been cleared to play in the Grand Final, after elbowing Cronulla’s Ben Ross last week. White actually came out this week to say that there isn’t a rift between the pair, despite rumours there were (White punched Ross in Round 2).
· After their impressive display last week against the Warriors, Manly have been stamped has favourites for the Grand Final, but I am going to pick the Storm to win the match given they have beaten them already twice this year.
Results from the Week 3 Finals matches last week:
Melbourne Storm convincingly defeated Cronulla Sharks 28-0
Late super coach, Jack Gibson once said waiting for Cronulla to win a premiership was like leaving a porch light on for Harold Holt. He was right again on this occasion, with Cronulla saving their worst performance of the season for this match.
Cooper Cronk stepped in for Cameron Smith and was outstanding.
Although there were a lot of errors from both sides in the first half, the Storm were still able to score.
The game turned in the second half when Cronulla couldn’t penetrate the Storm line in the opening 15 minutes. Cronulla did have a lot of possessions in the second half, which is testament to Storm’s defence, holding them off with 18 straight tackles.
Manly Sea Eagles also trounced the NZ Warriors 32-6
Manly showed they are a superb outfit in this match, with superbly constructed tries and wonderful attacking plays – typified by a through the legs pass by Brett Stewart to the Centre, Steve Matai for Manly to score at half time.
Manly have scored more tries than any other team this season. They also make more line breaks and offloads than Melbourne Storm. Steve Bell has made 19 line breaks this season for Manly. This is two fewer than Melbourne’s Billy Slater though.
GRAND FINAL: Manly vs Storm, Sunday 5th October
· Tony Archer to referee the Grand Final, it’s his second Grand Final.
· When they played each other during the season, the Storm won both times, 26-4 at Olympic Park in Round 5 and 16-10 at Brookvale Oval in Round 22. Manly were also beaten by the Storm in last year’s grand final, losing 34-8.
· Manly centre, Steve Matai is delaying surgery to his injured shoulder until after the Grand Final.
· The Storm’s Greg Inglis has said his ‘knees are shot’, but will also play.
· Melbourne Storm prop, Brett White has been cleared to play in the Grand Final, after elbowing Cronulla’s Ben Ross last week. White actually came out this week to say that there isn’t a rift between the pair, despite rumours there were (White punched Ross in Round 2).
· After their impressive display last week against the Warriors, Manly have been stamped has favourites for the Grand Final, but I am going to pick the Storm to win the match given they have beaten them already twice this year.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Sports Lounge on a Friday!
Hi Sportsloungers,
The Sports Lounge team will be going to air on Friday 26th September on Paul Anthony's show from 1-3pm to discuss all things sporty over the weekend. We will be looking at the AFL Grand Final; how to find the right personal trainer; how to start a fitness regime with the onset of spring; how to watch the spring racing carnival.
We hope you can join us!
Tanya
The Sports Lounge team will be going to air on Friday 26th September on Paul Anthony's show from 1-3pm to discuss all things sporty over the weekend. We will be looking at the AFL Grand Final; how to find the right personal trainer; how to start a fitness regime with the onset of spring; how to watch the spring racing carnival.
We hope you can join us!
Tanya
Narelle's NRL Report 24/9/08
SONNY BILL WILLIAMS
Former Bulldogs player, Sonny Bill Williams is starting to feel homesick and has indicated his interest in coming back to Sydney to play for the Bulldogs. Todd Greenberg, the Bulldogs Chief Executive has blatantly said ‘no’ to their former star, saying the damage is done and he has to live with his decision of a few months ago to leave the Bulldogs and the NRL behind.
Williams has been sidelined with injury recently, and apparently the millionaire Club president of Toulon (Mourad Boudjellal) is not happy about that. This is making Williams more homesick due to the way he is being treated by the millionaire.
Williams paid $750,000 compensation to the Bulldogs when he left midway through the first year of a five year deal. This compensation won’t be enough to allow him to play for them again though – he may as well focus on becoming a good Rugby Union player.
WEEK 2 FINALS REVIEW
The Brisbane Broncos were leading most of the way last weekend against their Melbourne Storm opponents. In the 80th minute, Melbourne came back and ended Brisbane’s season with a 16-14 loss. Brisbane led 12-0 at half time and inside the final two minutes they were still up by 2 points. Ashton Sims gave away a possession and Greg Inglis scored with only 49 seconds remaining. They have now set up a grand final qualifier with Cronulla Sharks this weekend.
The result meant it was the end of the Wayne Bennett era of 21 years. (Broncos Coach)
Cameron Smith…as has often been the case this season with Melbourne Storm and their supposed ‘grapple tackles’, Cameron Smith is now in trouble of losing his spot to play this week due to a ‘grapply tackle’ on Sam Thaiday.
Smith is facing the judiciary tonight to plead his case. If he fails, the Storm will not only be without him for the Cronulla match, but also Jeremy Smith (chicken wing tackle on Thaiday) and Ryan Hoffman who has an ankle injury and needs surgery. All three of these players are International forwards, so it will be a big deal tonight if Smith doesn’t get through. Aiden Tolman and Scott Anderson will replace Smith and Hoffman against Cronulla.
The Storm blame the media for the focus on ‘grapple tackling’, but Ricky Stuart (Cronulla coach) thinks Smith deserves a two week ban saying Thaiday could have become a paraplegic from the tackle around the head and neck.
The Warriors convincingly beat the Roosters, 30-13 in the other finals match in New Zealand. The Roosters actually led the game until half time, but as happened last week, they were kept scoreless in the second half.
The Warriors now face Manly this week. The Warriors finished 8th on the ladder this season, so even making it this far is a great achievement.
WEEK 3 FINALS PREVIEW
Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm: 7.45pm Friday
Cronulla’s Brett Seymour is out with a knee-injury after hurting it during a game of soccer at training. The five-eighth, Blake Green could be his replacement.
Although Melbourne Storm could lose Cameron Smith, they may have a lot of depth in their side and a very well prepared for this match. Matt Geyer may be Smith’s replacement, but we will wait and see.
Prediction: Melbourne Storm to win.
Manly Sea Eagles vs New Zealand Warriors: 7.45pm Saturday
Although it may be a big upset, there are predictions that the Warriors can win this one – having beaten the Roosters and the Storm over the last couple of weeks. Their confidence is sky high at the moment as well.
However, if I was going to predict, I would go with the Sea Eagles, they’re not a flashy team but they are really solid. Their forwards will have to take any ascendancy away from the Warrior’s forwards, otherwise they could be in trouble.
Prediction: Manly Sea Eagles to win in a close one.
*The 2008 Telstra Premiership Grand Final will be held on Sunday, 5 October at ANZ Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park, NSW. Gates 11.45amVB NSW Cup Kick Off 12.15pmToyota Cup U 20’s Kick Off 2.15pmTelstra Premiership NRL Grand Final Kick Off 5.00pm
Former Bulldogs player, Sonny Bill Williams is starting to feel homesick and has indicated his interest in coming back to Sydney to play for the Bulldogs. Todd Greenberg, the Bulldogs Chief Executive has blatantly said ‘no’ to their former star, saying the damage is done and he has to live with his decision of a few months ago to leave the Bulldogs and the NRL behind.
Williams has been sidelined with injury recently, and apparently the millionaire Club president of Toulon (Mourad Boudjellal) is not happy about that. This is making Williams more homesick due to the way he is being treated by the millionaire.
Williams paid $750,000 compensation to the Bulldogs when he left midway through the first year of a five year deal. This compensation won’t be enough to allow him to play for them again though – he may as well focus on becoming a good Rugby Union player.
WEEK 2 FINALS REVIEW
The Brisbane Broncos were leading most of the way last weekend against their Melbourne Storm opponents. In the 80th minute, Melbourne came back and ended Brisbane’s season with a 16-14 loss. Brisbane led 12-0 at half time and inside the final two minutes they were still up by 2 points. Ashton Sims gave away a possession and Greg Inglis scored with only 49 seconds remaining. They have now set up a grand final qualifier with Cronulla Sharks this weekend.
The result meant it was the end of the Wayne Bennett era of 21 years. (Broncos Coach)
Cameron Smith…as has often been the case this season with Melbourne Storm and their supposed ‘grapple tackles’, Cameron Smith is now in trouble of losing his spot to play this week due to a ‘grapply tackle’ on Sam Thaiday.
Smith is facing the judiciary tonight to plead his case. If he fails, the Storm will not only be without him for the Cronulla match, but also Jeremy Smith (chicken wing tackle on Thaiday) and Ryan Hoffman who has an ankle injury and needs surgery. All three of these players are International forwards, so it will be a big deal tonight if Smith doesn’t get through. Aiden Tolman and Scott Anderson will replace Smith and Hoffman against Cronulla.
The Storm blame the media for the focus on ‘grapple tackling’, but Ricky Stuart (Cronulla coach) thinks Smith deserves a two week ban saying Thaiday could have become a paraplegic from the tackle around the head and neck.
The Warriors convincingly beat the Roosters, 30-13 in the other finals match in New Zealand. The Roosters actually led the game until half time, but as happened last week, they were kept scoreless in the second half.
The Warriors now face Manly this week. The Warriors finished 8th on the ladder this season, so even making it this far is a great achievement.
WEEK 3 FINALS PREVIEW
Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm: 7.45pm Friday
Cronulla’s Brett Seymour is out with a knee-injury after hurting it during a game of soccer at training. The five-eighth, Blake Green could be his replacement.
Although Melbourne Storm could lose Cameron Smith, they may have a lot of depth in their side and a very well prepared for this match. Matt Geyer may be Smith’s replacement, but we will wait and see.
Prediction: Melbourne Storm to win.
Manly Sea Eagles vs New Zealand Warriors: 7.45pm Saturday
Although it may be a big upset, there are predictions that the Warriors can win this one – having beaten the Roosters and the Storm over the last couple of weeks. Their confidence is sky high at the moment as well.
However, if I was going to predict, I would go with the Sea Eagles, they’re not a flashy team but they are really solid. Their forwards will have to take any ascendancy away from the Warrior’s forwards, otherwise they could be in trouble.
Prediction: Manly Sea Eagles to win in a close one.
*The 2008 Telstra Premiership Grand Final will be held on Sunday, 5 October at ANZ Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park, NSW. Gates 11.45amVB NSW Cup Kick Off 12.15pmToyota Cup U 20’s Kick Off 2.15pmTelstra Premiership NRL Grand Final Kick Off 5.00pm
Sunday, September 21, 2008
This week's show 24th September
Hi Sportsloungers,We're gearing up for a very special AFL Grand Final Edition of The Sports Lounge this week! I am sure many of you aren't surprised that the Hawks are challenging Geelong in a 1989 replay but didn't the doggies put up a good fight?! Also, we will cover the Brownlow Medal outcome and look at the lowlights and highlights of the 2008 AFL season.
Also on the show, we are very LGBT focussed this week. TJ will be in the studio from the Ace Girls covering the inaugural Billie Jean Cup. The Ace Girls will be flying to Perth to take on the Loton Park tennis club. Can't wait for the outcome of that one.
Loraine Little will also join us to chat about the new Sporty Women's Social Networking and Information Exchange girls network on Sunday 28th September. Tune in for more details.
Narelle will give us the latest in the exciting NRL finals series.
Boh's Horsey Moments will cover the Spring Racing Carnival at Caulfield.
Brendan's Racquet will be looking at the Davis Cup results among others.
Marcus Lovett will give his final snow report for the season from Mt Hotham.
Amy-Jane Roberts will keep us motoring with her fortnightly motorsport report.
Hope you can join us this Wednesday 8-10pm on JOY 94.9fm!
Have a great sporting week.
Tanya
Host,
The Sports Lounge
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Tonight's Show 17.9.08
Hi Sportloungers!
I can't wait for tonight's show. Are you all geared up for finals fever this month...then Spring Carnival? As the great Bill Lawry says...It's all happening!
Tonight are our usual chats with Marcus Lovett from the snow at Mt Hotham. What a fantastic season it's been.
Brendan's Racquet will cover the latest in Davis Cup and Federation Cup news. The Russian women are far too strong!
The Beijing Paralympics have been moving along and Australia are sitting 5th on the medal tally. Hopefully we can keep South Africa away from taking our 5th spot. The Aussie men's wheelchair basketballers won gold last night defeating Canada the world champs! Plus, our men's track team won gold in the Cerebral Palsy category.
Anthony Sharwood, the Senior Writer from Alpha Magazine will be covering the controversial magazine this month. There’s sure to be some fired up footy arguments over the selection and what’s been missed and even what’s been included. From St Kilda’s lone grand final triumph over Collingwood in 1966 to the Bulldogs’ unbelievable turnaround against Adelaide in round one this year, it will make for great discussion.
Jen will give us a wrap of AFL and Cricket news.
Andrew Streeton will cover the latest in the Hyundai A-League and the English Premier League. Chelsea are doing very well!
Narelle will get into finals Rugby League fever.
We hope you can join us on another jam packed show tonight!
Tanya
Host, The Sports Lounge
I can't wait for tonight's show. Are you all geared up for finals fever this month...then Spring Carnival? As the great Bill Lawry says...It's all happening!
Tonight are our usual chats with Marcus Lovett from the snow at Mt Hotham. What a fantastic season it's been.
Brendan's Racquet will cover the latest in Davis Cup and Federation Cup news. The Russian women are far too strong!
The Beijing Paralympics have been moving along and Australia are sitting 5th on the medal tally. Hopefully we can keep South Africa away from taking our 5th spot. The Aussie men's wheelchair basketballers won gold last night defeating Canada the world champs! Plus, our men's track team won gold in the Cerebral Palsy category.
Anthony Sharwood, the Senior Writer from Alpha Magazine will be covering the controversial magazine this month. There’s sure to be some fired up footy arguments over the selection and what’s been missed and even what’s been included. From St Kilda’s lone grand final triumph over Collingwood in 1966 to the Bulldogs’ unbelievable turnaround against Adelaide in round one this year, it will make for great discussion.
Jen will give us a wrap of AFL and Cricket news.
Andrew Streeton will cover the latest in the Hyundai A-League and the English Premier League. Chelsea are doing very well!
Narelle will get into finals Rugby League fever.
We hope you can join us on another jam packed show tonight!
Tanya
Host, The Sports Lounge
Narelle's NRL Report 17.9.08
NRL Report
STORM DEFEATED BY THE WARRIORS
What a major upset last weekend at Olympic Park for Melbourne Storm and their fans – the minor premiers were given a rude awakening by being narrowly defeated by the New Zealand Warriors in the dying stages of the match. The final score was 18-15.
This was a history creating win as it’s the first victory by an eighth placed side over a minor premiership team since 1999.
The Warriors now play the Roosters in a sudden death semi-final at Mt Smart Stadium on Friday night. The Warriors go into the match as favourites – they have won nine of their past eleven games.
Cronulla and Manly now have this week, while the Broncos and Melbourne Storm battle it out in the other sudden-death semifinal at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. The Broncos earned themselves a home final after coming from behind last week against the Roosters.
GREG INGLIS RENEWS CONTRACT WITH STORM
Greg Inglis signed a new four year deal with the Melbourne Storm, apparently the day of the Dally M Awards (although this was kept under wraps). This supersedes his contract which expired in 2010. The new deal is supposedly worth $450,000 a year.
THE MCINTYRE SYSTEM
The McIntyre System was brought into the NRL in 1999. The system has it’s critics around finals time. With the system, potentially 2 of the top 4 sides can play each other in a sudden death play-off in week 2 of the finals. That’s not happening this time around, but what it means, is that you can be on top of the rankings and this isn’t taken into account during the Finals series.
Warren Ryan who is an ex-NRL coach, has made big statements recently about the system. His calls for a change comes amid calls for the system to be changed to an AFL type system – where the top 4 teams and the bottom 4 teams are divided in the first round of the finals. The NRL don’t look like they will be changing to this system in a hurry though.
OTHER NEWS
· Former Rothmans medallist Ewan McGrady, now has a nephew playing for Cronulla, Jason McGrady. The 18 year old has signed a 2 year deal.
· Surprisingly, no charges were laid last weekend in week one of the finals. Some players came close to being charged though, including Roosters prop Mark O’Meley who figured in a couple of incidents in the match against the Broncos.
· Warriors second-rower, Simon Mannering has won the Player of the Year award at the NZ Warriors annual awards dinner in Auckland. Winger, Manu Vatuvei won the One Tribe Player award.
· The Prime Minister’s XIII was announced yesterday. The side, coached by Mal Meninga, will play Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on Sunday, September 28. Parramatta’s Nathan Hindmarsh has been named Captain.
Finals Week 2:
Warriors vs Roosters: 8.30pm Friday
Broncos vs Storm: 7.45pm Saturday
Cronulla and Manly have a week off.
STORM DEFEATED BY THE WARRIORS
What a major upset last weekend at Olympic Park for Melbourne Storm and their fans – the minor premiers were given a rude awakening by being narrowly defeated by the New Zealand Warriors in the dying stages of the match. The final score was 18-15.
This was a history creating win as it’s the first victory by an eighth placed side over a minor premiership team since 1999.
The Warriors now play the Roosters in a sudden death semi-final at Mt Smart Stadium on Friday night. The Warriors go into the match as favourites – they have won nine of their past eleven games.
Cronulla and Manly now have this week, while the Broncos and Melbourne Storm battle it out in the other sudden-death semifinal at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. The Broncos earned themselves a home final after coming from behind last week against the Roosters.
GREG INGLIS RENEWS CONTRACT WITH STORM
Greg Inglis signed a new four year deal with the Melbourne Storm, apparently the day of the Dally M Awards (although this was kept under wraps). This supersedes his contract which expired in 2010. The new deal is supposedly worth $450,000 a year.
THE MCINTYRE SYSTEM
The McIntyre System was brought into the NRL in 1999. The system has it’s critics around finals time. With the system, potentially 2 of the top 4 sides can play each other in a sudden death play-off in week 2 of the finals. That’s not happening this time around, but what it means, is that you can be on top of the rankings and this isn’t taken into account during the Finals series.
Warren Ryan who is an ex-NRL coach, has made big statements recently about the system. His calls for a change comes amid calls for the system to be changed to an AFL type system – where the top 4 teams and the bottom 4 teams are divided in the first round of the finals. The NRL don’t look like they will be changing to this system in a hurry though.
OTHER NEWS
· Former Rothmans medallist Ewan McGrady, now has a nephew playing for Cronulla, Jason McGrady. The 18 year old has signed a 2 year deal.
· Surprisingly, no charges were laid last weekend in week one of the finals. Some players came close to being charged though, including Roosters prop Mark O’Meley who figured in a couple of incidents in the match against the Broncos.
· Warriors second-rower, Simon Mannering has won the Player of the Year award at the NZ Warriors annual awards dinner in Auckland. Winger, Manu Vatuvei won the One Tribe Player award.
· The Prime Minister’s XIII was announced yesterday. The side, coached by Mal Meninga, will play Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on Sunday, September 28. Parramatta’s Nathan Hindmarsh has been named Captain.
Finals Week 2:
Warriors vs Roosters: 8.30pm Friday
Broncos vs Storm: 7.45pm Saturday
Cronulla and Manly have a week off.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Tonight's Show 10/9/08
Hi Sportsloungers,
I hope you're all well and enjoying the Beijing Paralympics. They really are amazing athletes!
Tonight's show will cover:
Brendan's Racquet - wrap of the US Open with an exciting win for Roger Federer. A 13th grand slam title. Something tells me he is getting back on track with a confident win over Andy Murray.
Snow Report - Marcus Lovett will keep us updated from Mt Hotham.
Melbourne Spikers - President Steve Vicarioli will join us in the studio to chat about the upcoming trivia night and the exciting tournaments.
MCV Report - Daniel Witthaus will join us to cover the latest in discussion about Homophobia in Mainstream Sport. Daniel writes a sports article for the MCV paper every fortnight.
AFL - Jen will be giving us the latest in AFL and Cricket news.
Motorsport - Amy-Jane Roberts will cover the latest in Formula One with controversy in Belgium. Marcus Ambrose finally wins Nascar and Sebastian Loeb - another WRC win in New Zealand.
NRL - Narelle will give us the latest in NRL news and a wrap of the Dally M Awards last night. Go Storm!
Join us for an exciting show tonight!
Tanya
Host
The Sports Lounge
I hope you're all well and enjoying the Beijing Paralympics. They really are amazing athletes!
Tonight's show will cover:
Brendan's Racquet - wrap of the US Open with an exciting win for Roger Federer. A 13th grand slam title. Something tells me he is getting back on track with a confident win over Andy Murray.
Snow Report - Marcus Lovett will keep us updated from Mt Hotham.
Melbourne Spikers - President Steve Vicarioli will join us in the studio to chat about the upcoming trivia night and the exciting tournaments.
MCV Report - Daniel Witthaus will join us to cover the latest in discussion about Homophobia in Mainstream Sport. Daniel writes a sports article for the MCV paper every fortnight.
AFL - Jen will be giving us the latest in AFL and Cricket news.
Motorsport - Amy-Jane Roberts will cover the latest in Formula One with controversy in Belgium. Marcus Ambrose finally wins Nascar and Sebastian Loeb - another WRC win in New Zealand.
NRL - Narelle will give us the latest in NRL news and a wrap of the Dally M Awards last night. Go Storm!
Join us for an exciting show tonight!
Tanya
Host
The Sports Lounge
Narelle's NRL Report 10/9/08
Dally M Awards
Manly halfback Matt Orford has won the Dally M Player of the Year in a very entertaining finish to rugby league’s night of nights at Hordern Pavilion. Wally Lewis presented Orford with his award.
Orford finished on 24 points – only 2 points ahead of Storm’s captain Cameron Smith.
Billy Slater was 3 points behind Orford in the final tally. He could have been the joint winner though if only he hadn’t been suspended for his Round 19 punching debacle on Dragons winger Jason Nightingale.
If a player gets suspended at any point in the season, they lose 3 points for every week of suspension.
In 2001, Andrew Johns missed out on the Dally M to Sharks halfback Preston Campbell due to suspension when he dropped a forearm on a Cronulla player (Adam Dykes).
Orford had a fantastic start to the season – and really set himself up in the early rounds for a win of the medal. After Round 16 though he had many challengers for the medal – as mentioned Slater and Smith, but also from the Raiders five-eighth Terry Campese and the Newcastle Knight’s captain, Danny Buderus.
The Dally M Award is also great recognition for him as he was overlooked for the NSW jumper in this year’s State of Origin series.
Will Orford be part of a Grand Final winning side though? Statistics show that only twice in 22 years a player has won the Dally M award and the premiership in the same year. Cameron Smith did it last year though with the Melbourne Storm and became the first player since Peter Sterling in 1986 to do it.
Critics say Orford should work on his kicking game if he is to achieve this feat – he has received a lot of criticism this year, saying that he can’t perform in big matches.
Awards:Fullback: Billy Slater (Storm)
Winger: Colin Best (Raiders)
Centre: Israel Folau (Storm)
Five-eighth: Greg Inglis (Storm)
Halfback: Matt Orford (Sea Eagles)
Lock: Alan Tongue (Raiders)
Second Row: Glenn Stewart (Sea Eagles)
Prop: Petero Civoniceva (Panthers)
Hooker: Cameron Smith (Storm)
Captain: Alan Tongue
Coach: Neil Henry (Raiders) – took the Raiders from 14th position in ‘07 to finish in 6th place this season.
Rep Player: Greg Inglis
Rookie: Chris Sandow (Rabbitohs) – this one was to be expected, he has starred this season.
People's choice: Nathan Hindmarsh (Eels) – the fourth consecutive season he has won this award.
Under-20s player of the year: Ben Hunt (Broncos)
Round 26 in Review
THE MINOR PREMIERSHIP
The Melbourne Storm have won the minor premiership thanks to a win of more than 26 points against the Rabbitohs. They receive a $100,000 bonus as well for finishing as minor premiers.
The Roosters finished fourth after defeating St George Illawara.
The Dragons fell back to seventh spot after the Raiders defeated the Bulldogs by 17 points which then put them in sixth position.
The Newcastle Knights finished in ninth spot, but could have finished eighth if Parramatta had beaten the Warriors – but the NZ team was too good so they claimed eighth position themselves.
MATT ELLIOTT – STAYING ON AS PENRITH COACH
Matt Elliott thought he was destined for the axe with the Penrith board convening a special meeting on Sunday. He was given a chance to plead his case though and has now been given the opportunity to stay on. An AFL coach may not have been given the same opportunity – Penrith finished in 12th position on the ladder this year and in 2007 they won the wooden spoon.
SPITTING SUSPENSION
NZ Warrior Wade McKinnon received a three game suspension for spitting at a touch judge.
The NRL has said they will be dealing out harsher penalties to any player who does this again – suspensions could be months rather than weeks.
NRL boss David Gallop said: “This directive operates to over-ride any precedents that may or may not have been established in terms of previous penalties in this area… what the board is making clear today is that should a player ever be proven to spit at or towards a match official that the panel should impose a heavy penalty which recognises the board’s resolve to protect our officials and the broader interests of the game.”
Source: www.nrl.com.au
OTHER NEWS
Nathan Brown, the Dragons Coach will be departing for the UK Super League club Huddersfield and will be joined by de-registered Canberra Raiders player, Todd Carney. Carney will join Huddersfield from 2009. If after a year he decides to go back to the NRL he can, given he has a get-out clause in his contract.
Billy Slater, the Melbourne Storm fullback could be in doubt for the World Cup as his wife is expecting their first child in October.
Finals Week 1:
Roosters vs Broncos – Friday 7.45pm
Sharks vs Raiders – Saturday 6.30pm
Sea Eagles vs Dragons – Saturday 8.30pm
Storm vs Warriors – Sunday 4pm
Manly halfback Matt Orford has won the Dally M Player of the Year in a very entertaining finish to rugby league’s night of nights at Hordern Pavilion. Wally Lewis presented Orford with his award.
Orford finished on 24 points – only 2 points ahead of Storm’s captain Cameron Smith.
Billy Slater was 3 points behind Orford in the final tally. He could have been the joint winner though if only he hadn’t been suspended for his Round 19 punching debacle on Dragons winger Jason Nightingale.
If a player gets suspended at any point in the season, they lose 3 points for every week of suspension.
In 2001, Andrew Johns missed out on the Dally M to Sharks halfback Preston Campbell due to suspension when he dropped a forearm on a Cronulla player (Adam Dykes).
Orford had a fantastic start to the season – and really set himself up in the early rounds for a win of the medal. After Round 16 though he had many challengers for the medal – as mentioned Slater and Smith, but also from the Raiders five-eighth Terry Campese and the Newcastle Knight’s captain, Danny Buderus.
The Dally M Award is also great recognition for him as he was overlooked for the NSW jumper in this year’s State of Origin series.
Will Orford be part of a Grand Final winning side though? Statistics show that only twice in 22 years a player has won the Dally M award and the premiership in the same year. Cameron Smith did it last year though with the Melbourne Storm and became the first player since Peter Sterling in 1986 to do it.
Critics say Orford should work on his kicking game if he is to achieve this feat – he has received a lot of criticism this year, saying that he can’t perform in big matches.
Awards:Fullback: Billy Slater (Storm)
Winger: Colin Best (Raiders)
Centre: Israel Folau (Storm)
Five-eighth: Greg Inglis (Storm)
Halfback: Matt Orford (Sea Eagles)
Lock: Alan Tongue (Raiders)
Second Row: Glenn Stewart (Sea Eagles)
Prop: Petero Civoniceva (Panthers)
Hooker: Cameron Smith (Storm)
Captain: Alan Tongue
Coach: Neil Henry (Raiders) – took the Raiders from 14th position in ‘07 to finish in 6th place this season.
Rep Player: Greg Inglis
Rookie: Chris Sandow (Rabbitohs) – this one was to be expected, he has starred this season.
People's choice: Nathan Hindmarsh (Eels) – the fourth consecutive season he has won this award.
Under-20s player of the year: Ben Hunt (Broncos)
Round 26 in Review
THE MINOR PREMIERSHIP
The Melbourne Storm have won the minor premiership thanks to a win of more than 26 points against the Rabbitohs. They receive a $100,000 bonus as well for finishing as minor premiers.
The Roosters finished fourth after defeating St George Illawara.
The Dragons fell back to seventh spot after the Raiders defeated the Bulldogs by 17 points which then put them in sixth position.
The Newcastle Knights finished in ninth spot, but could have finished eighth if Parramatta had beaten the Warriors – but the NZ team was too good so they claimed eighth position themselves.
MATT ELLIOTT – STAYING ON AS PENRITH COACH
Matt Elliott thought he was destined for the axe with the Penrith board convening a special meeting on Sunday. He was given a chance to plead his case though and has now been given the opportunity to stay on. An AFL coach may not have been given the same opportunity – Penrith finished in 12th position on the ladder this year and in 2007 they won the wooden spoon.
SPITTING SUSPENSION
NZ Warrior Wade McKinnon received a three game suspension for spitting at a touch judge.
The NRL has said they will be dealing out harsher penalties to any player who does this again – suspensions could be months rather than weeks.
NRL boss David Gallop said: “This directive operates to over-ride any precedents that may or may not have been established in terms of previous penalties in this area… what the board is making clear today is that should a player ever be proven to spit at or towards a match official that the panel should impose a heavy penalty which recognises the board’s resolve to protect our officials and the broader interests of the game.”
Source: www.nrl.com.au
OTHER NEWS
Nathan Brown, the Dragons Coach will be departing for the UK Super League club Huddersfield and will be joined by de-registered Canberra Raiders player, Todd Carney. Carney will join Huddersfield from 2009. If after a year he decides to go back to the NRL he can, given he has a get-out clause in his contract.
Billy Slater, the Melbourne Storm fullback could be in doubt for the World Cup as his wife is expecting their first child in October.
Finals Week 1:
Roosters vs Broncos – Friday 7.45pm
Sharks vs Raiders – Saturday 6.30pm
Sea Eagles vs Dragons – Saturday 8.30pm
Storm vs Warriors – Sunday 4pm
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Boh's Horsey Moments: 3rd Sept
Melbourne Cup Weights released
The three horses responsible for the best staying performances in the world over the past twelve months head the weights for the 2008 BMW Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) released today.Champion Irish stayer Yeats, which this season won his third straight Ascot Gold Cup (4000m), heads the Melbourne Cup weights for the third year in a row with 59kg. This is the same weight he carried to finish seventh in 2006.Stablemate Septimus, crowned the champion stayer of Europe in 2007, was allotted 58.5kg in both Cups and heads the weights for the Caulfield Cup. The Aidan O'Brien-trained star has built up an impressive record in Europe's feature staying events but is yet to win at Group 1 level.Reigning Melbourne Cup champion Efficient will carry 58kg in his bid to become just the sixth horse in history to win the race more than once. The John Sadler-trained five-year-old was allotted 54kg last year and the 4kg increase includes a 2.5kg penalty for last year's win. This is the same penalty given to Makybe Diva in 2005 and Delta Blues in 2007.Australia's newly-crowned Horse of the Year, Weekend Hussler, has received 55.5kg in both Cups. “In the last 15 years only Octagonal (56.5kg in 1996) and Mahogany (56kg in 1994) have received more weight as four-year-olds in the Cups,” said Racing Victoria's Chief Handicapper Greg Carpenter. “Like Weekend Hussler, both Octagonal and Mahogany had won six Group 1 races prior to weights being released, however Octagonal had won the Cox Plate, Tancred Stakes and AJC Derby, and Mahogany had won the VRC Derby and AJC Derby.” The six-time Group One winner, prepared by Ross McDonald, is weighted to carry 2.5 kilos below weight-for-age for a four-year-old in the Melbourne Cup and two kilograms under weight-for-age in the Caulfield Cup. Weekend Hussler is yet to race beyond 1600 metres. In the Caulfield Cup, last year's winner Master O'Reilly will be asked to carry 55kg in his bid to become the seventh multiple winner of the race.Of the other key international entries the Luca Cumani-trained Mad Rush and Bauer have received 53.5kg and 51kg respectively in both races, while the Godolphin trained All The Good will carry 53kg. Darley Australian Cup winner Sirmione received 56kg and Brisbane Cup winner Viewed, 53kg. The pair provide the best hope for Cups King Bart Cummings to claim his 12th Melbourne Cup.New Zealand Derby winner C'est La Guerre, VRC Derby winner Kibbutz and AJC Derby winner Nom De Jeu all received 54kg. Australia's champion filly of last season and AJC Oaks winner Heavenly Glow was allotted 52.5kg, Australasian Oaks and SA Derby winner Zarita received 52kg, as did New Zealand Oaks winner Boundless, while Riva San, winner of the Queensland Oaks-Derby double, received 51.5kg.
Weekend Hussler to Line Up against Light Fantastic in this weekend's Makybe Diva Stakes
Jockey Brad Rawiller believes the timing is right for Weekend Hussler heading into this Saturday's Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington.
Rawiller is confident that backing up from last week's victory in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) won't be a problem for the Australian Racehorse of the Year despite him failing in the Emirates Stakes last November on a seven-day turnaround. He said Weekend Hussler still had a lot of improvement in him this campaign and that the Makybe Diva (1600m) would give him a perfect lead-in to the Group One Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield a fortnight later. "He won the other day on class and is looking for further," Rawiller said. "It will suit him better (running in the Makybe Diva) with two weeks to the Underwood and set him up for the rest of his preparation."
Rawiller said Weekend Hussler would improve with every challenge that came his way in the spring. "He is not at his best yet," Rawiller said. "We don't want him peaking now as there is still a long way to go but he is right on track for everything that comes his way."
The Makybe Diva Stakes will be Weekend Hussler's third run this campaign and a chance for him have another crack at Light Fantastic who beat him first-up in the Liston Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 16. Light Fantastic's trainier Mick Price said that Light Fantastic looked sharp in a track gallop on Monday, and said that the horse had benefitted from it's win in the JJ Liston Stakes. Price has said that Light Fantastic's goal is the Cox Plate, and the Makybe Diva stakes is only a stepping stone towards that race. To date, Light Fantastic has never lost a race.
Also lining up in the Makybe Diva Stakes, will be last year's Caulfield Cup winner Master O'Reilley, and Melbourne Cup winner, Efficient, as wellas the David Hayes trained winner of last years Victoria Derby, Kibbutz. It promises to be a very exciting race on Saturday.
Horse of the Year Awards
As expected, Weekend Hussler has been named Australia's Racehorse of the Year for 2007-08 after an amazing season during which he equalled the record of Kingston Town with six Group One wins. Weekend Hussler earned 82 per cent of the overall votes from racing administrators and journalists to become the first horse since Octagonal in 1995-96 to be honoured for his three-year-old season. Less than six weeks after winning a maiden at Cranbourne on September 2, 2007, Weekend Hussler won the first of the Group Ones, the Caulfield Guineas (1600m)and claimed the Ascot Vale (1200m) at his next start. He really shone in the autumn when he was undefeated in four starts - the Oakleigh Plate (1100m), the Newmarket Handicap (1200m), the Randwick Guineas (1600m) and the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) where he defeated Sydney star Racing To Win.
He had to share the limelight with a veteran with 80-year-old Cups King Bart Cummings elevated to Legend status in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame alongside last year's inductee Phar Lap. Cummings has rewritten the record books in Australian racing since winning the first of his 11 Melbourne Cups with Light Fingers in 1965.
Seven racing icons were also officially inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.
Champion mares of the past Tranquil Star and Wenona Girl were joined by associate Percy Miller, trainers Bob Hoysted and David Hayes and champion jockeys Frank Dempsey and Damien Oliver.
The full list of champions for 2007-08:
Group One jockey: Corey Brown
Group One trainer: Ross McDonald
International Performer: Takeover Target
Jumper: Some Are Bent
Sire: Encosta de Lago
Two-year-old: Sebring
Three-year-old filly: Heavenly Glow
Three-year-old colt/gelding: Weekend Hussler
Sprinter: Apache Cat
Middle Distance Performer: El Segundo
Stayer: Efficient
Australian Racehorse of the Year: Weekend Hussler
Melbourne Cup to Tour the World
The Melbourne Cup goes global this month when the $125,000 trophy tours Ireland, England and Dubai weeks before the international horses arrive for the Spring Carnival.
The Cup will visit the Curragh racecourse in Kildare, the home of Irish racing, on September 13 before travelling to London and Dubai as the Victoria Racing Club promotes the race that stops Australia to a wider market. The Irish are already very familiar with the Cup after local horses Vintage Crop and Media Puzzle came home with the trophy in 1993 and 2002.
The three horses responsible for the best staying performances in the world over the past twelve months head the weights for the 2008 BMW Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) released today.Champion Irish stayer Yeats, which this season won his third straight Ascot Gold Cup (4000m), heads the Melbourne Cup weights for the third year in a row with 59kg. This is the same weight he carried to finish seventh in 2006.Stablemate Septimus, crowned the champion stayer of Europe in 2007, was allotted 58.5kg in both Cups and heads the weights for the Caulfield Cup. The Aidan O'Brien-trained star has built up an impressive record in Europe's feature staying events but is yet to win at Group 1 level.Reigning Melbourne Cup champion Efficient will carry 58kg in his bid to become just the sixth horse in history to win the race more than once. The John Sadler-trained five-year-old was allotted 54kg last year and the 4kg increase includes a 2.5kg penalty for last year's win. This is the same penalty given to Makybe Diva in 2005 and Delta Blues in 2007.Australia's newly-crowned Horse of the Year, Weekend Hussler, has received 55.5kg in both Cups. “In the last 15 years only Octagonal (56.5kg in 1996) and Mahogany (56kg in 1994) have received more weight as four-year-olds in the Cups,” said Racing Victoria's Chief Handicapper Greg Carpenter. “Like Weekend Hussler, both Octagonal and Mahogany had won six Group 1 races prior to weights being released, however Octagonal had won the Cox Plate, Tancred Stakes and AJC Derby, and Mahogany had won the VRC Derby and AJC Derby.” The six-time Group One winner, prepared by Ross McDonald, is weighted to carry 2.5 kilos below weight-for-age for a four-year-old in the Melbourne Cup and two kilograms under weight-for-age in the Caulfield Cup. Weekend Hussler is yet to race beyond 1600 metres. In the Caulfield Cup, last year's winner Master O'Reilly will be asked to carry 55kg in his bid to become the seventh multiple winner of the race.Of the other key international entries the Luca Cumani-trained Mad Rush and Bauer have received 53.5kg and 51kg respectively in both races, while the Godolphin trained All The Good will carry 53kg. Darley Australian Cup winner Sirmione received 56kg and Brisbane Cup winner Viewed, 53kg. The pair provide the best hope for Cups King Bart Cummings to claim his 12th Melbourne Cup.New Zealand Derby winner C'est La Guerre, VRC Derby winner Kibbutz and AJC Derby winner Nom De Jeu all received 54kg. Australia's champion filly of last season and AJC Oaks winner Heavenly Glow was allotted 52.5kg, Australasian Oaks and SA Derby winner Zarita received 52kg, as did New Zealand Oaks winner Boundless, while Riva San, winner of the Queensland Oaks-Derby double, received 51.5kg.
Weekend Hussler to Line Up against Light Fantastic in this weekend's Makybe Diva Stakes
Jockey Brad Rawiller believes the timing is right for Weekend Hussler heading into this Saturday's Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington.
Rawiller is confident that backing up from last week's victory in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) won't be a problem for the Australian Racehorse of the Year despite him failing in the Emirates Stakes last November on a seven-day turnaround. He said Weekend Hussler still had a lot of improvement in him this campaign and that the Makybe Diva (1600m) would give him a perfect lead-in to the Group One Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield a fortnight later. "He won the other day on class and is looking for further," Rawiller said. "It will suit him better (running in the Makybe Diva) with two weeks to the Underwood and set him up for the rest of his preparation."
Rawiller said Weekend Hussler would improve with every challenge that came his way in the spring. "He is not at his best yet," Rawiller said. "We don't want him peaking now as there is still a long way to go but he is right on track for everything that comes his way."
The Makybe Diva Stakes will be Weekend Hussler's third run this campaign and a chance for him have another crack at Light Fantastic who beat him first-up in the Liston Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 16. Light Fantastic's trainier Mick Price said that Light Fantastic looked sharp in a track gallop on Monday, and said that the horse had benefitted from it's win in the JJ Liston Stakes. Price has said that Light Fantastic's goal is the Cox Plate, and the Makybe Diva stakes is only a stepping stone towards that race. To date, Light Fantastic has never lost a race.
Also lining up in the Makybe Diva Stakes, will be last year's Caulfield Cup winner Master O'Reilley, and Melbourne Cup winner, Efficient, as wellas the David Hayes trained winner of last years Victoria Derby, Kibbutz. It promises to be a very exciting race on Saturday.
Horse of the Year Awards
As expected, Weekend Hussler has been named Australia's Racehorse of the Year for 2007-08 after an amazing season during which he equalled the record of Kingston Town with six Group One wins. Weekend Hussler earned 82 per cent of the overall votes from racing administrators and journalists to become the first horse since Octagonal in 1995-96 to be honoured for his three-year-old season. Less than six weeks after winning a maiden at Cranbourne on September 2, 2007, Weekend Hussler won the first of the Group Ones, the Caulfield Guineas (1600m)and claimed the Ascot Vale (1200m) at his next start. He really shone in the autumn when he was undefeated in four starts - the Oakleigh Plate (1100m), the Newmarket Handicap (1200m), the Randwick Guineas (1600m) and the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) where he defeated Sydney star Racing To Win.
He had to share the limelight with a veteran with 80-year-old Cups King Bart Cummings elevated to Legend status in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame alongside last year's inductee Phar Lap. Cummings has rewritten the record books in Australian racing since winning the first of his 11 Melbourne Cups with Light Fingers in 1965.
Seven racing icons were also officially inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.
Champion mares of the past Tranquil Star and Wenona Girl were joined by associate Percy Miller, trainers Bob Hoysted and David Hayes and champion jockeys Frank Dempsey and Damien Oliver.
The full list of champions for 2007-08:
Group One jockey: Corey Brown
Group One trainer: Ross McDonald
International Performer: Takeover Target
Jumper: Some Are Bent
Sire: Encosta de Lago
Two-year-old: Sebring
Three-year-old filly: Heavenly Glow
Three-year-old colt/gelding: Weekend Hussler
Sprinter: Apache Cat
Middle Distance Performer: El Segundo
Stayer: Efficient
Australian Racehorse of the Year: Weekend Hussler
Melbourne Cup to Tour the World
The Melbourne Cup goes global this month when the $125,000 trophy tours Ireland, England and Dubai weeks before the international horses arrive for the Spring Carnival.
The Cup will visit the Curragh racecourse in Kildare, the home of Irish racing, on September 13 before travelling to London and Dubai as the Victoria Racing Club promotes the race that stops Australia to a wider market. The Irish are already very familiar with the Cup after local horses Vintage Crop and Media Puzzle came home with the trophy in 1993 and 2002.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Narelle's NRL Report 3/9/08
NRL Report
Round 25 in Review
No Greg Bird in the news this week, so more news about the actual rugby than controversies outside the game.
STEVE FOLKES
The Bulldogs bid farewell to their coach Steve Folkes at ANZ Stadium last week. Folkes played 245 games for the team, becoming a player in 1978. He then became their first grade coach in 1998 and guided them to a premiership in 2004. But bidding farewell to a 30-year career as a player and a coach, wasn’t enough to draw in the crowds. Only 7,000 spectators turned up to say goodbye. Folkes is now looking for work in the UK Super League but has been turned down by a couple of clubs. Hopefully the Bulldogs poor performance in 2008 won’t impede his chances of employment.
STEVE MENZIES
Another Steve said goodbye to the world of NRL. After 16 years of playing with Manly, Steve Menzies played his final regular season game on Monday night. In contrast to the Bulldogs match, the crowd did turn up, there were more than 15,000 at the game. Steve Menzies will now have the southern grandstand at Brookvale Oval named after him, along with Bob Fulton, another Manly legend.
CHRIS SANDOW
South Sydney’s halfback Chris Sandow was named as the NRL’s Indigenous Rising Star – claiming the inaugural George Green Medal.
George Green was the first indigenous player in the league, and it will now become an ongoing award. Around 11% of the players in the NRL are of indigenous heritage.
RABBITOHS ARE FIRING
While we’re on the South Sydney Rabbitoh’s, their coach Jason Taylor today said that even though the Rabbitoh’s had a poor start to the season, their good late form proves they will be real contenders in the 2009 season. They have won 8 of their last 12 games – with impressive wins over sides like Manly and the Warriors. They play Melbourne Storm on Sunday – if they beat Melbourne they may ruin their chances of a minor premiership. The Storm are second to Manly at the moment.
WADE MCKINNON AND MATT HILDER
Wade McKinnon from the Warriors, and Newcastle Knights’ Matt Hilder had their spitting charges referred to a hearing. McKinnon allegedly spat at touch judge, Brett Suttor, after a try was awarded to the Panthers, and Hilder was accused of spitting near Storm winger Anthony Quinn in the last stages of the game against Newcastle. The judiciary will make a decision on the punishment later this week.BRIAN HAMBLY
In sad news, former Eels and Rabbitoh’s legend Brian Hambly has passed away at 71 years of age. He played 18 Test matches for Australia and has been named in the top 100 of Australia’s greatest players of all time.
The Ladder: http://www.nrl.com.au/
Round 26:
Broncos vs Knights: 7.35 Friday
Roosters vs Dragons: 7.35 Friday
Panthers vs Sea Eagles: 5.30 Sat
Eels vs Warriors: 7.30 Sat
Sharks vs Cowboys: 7.30 Sat
Raiders vs Bulldogs: 2pm Sun
Titans vs Wests Tigers: 3pm Sun
Storm vs Rabbitohs: 7pm Sun
Round 25 in Review
No Greg Bird in the news this week, so more news about the actual rugby than controversies outside the game.
STEVE FOLKES
The Bulldogs bid farewell to their coach Steve Folkes at ANZ Stadium last week. Folkes played 245 games for the team, becoming a player in 1978. He then became their first grade coach in 1998 and guided them to a premiership in 2004. But bidding farewell to a 30-year career as a player and a coach, wasn’t enough to draw in the crowds. Only 7,000 spectators turned up to say goodbye. Folkes is now looking for work in the UK Super League but has been turned down by a couple of clubs. Hopefully the Bulldogs poor performance in 2008 won’t impede his chances of employment.
STEVE MENZIES
Another Steve said goodbye to the world of NRL. After 16 years of playing with Manly, Steve Menzies played his final regular season game on Monday night. In contrast to the Bulldogs match, the crowd did turn up, there were more than 15,000 at the game. Steve Menzies will now have the southern grandstand at Brookvale Oval named after him, along with Bob Fulton, another Manly legend.
CHRIS SANDOW
South Sydney’s halfback Chris Sandow was named as the NRL’s Indigenous Rising Star – claiming the inaugural George Green Medal.
George Green was the first indigenous player in the league, and it will now become an ongoing award. Around 11% of the players in the NRL are of indigenous heritage.
RABBITOHS ARE FIRING
While we’re on the South Sydney Rabbitoh’s, their coach Jason Taylor today said that even though the Rabbitoh’s had a poor start to the season, their good late form proves they will be real contenders in the 2009 season. They have won 8 of their last 12 games – with impressive wins over sides like Manly and the Warriors. They play Melbourne Storm on Sunday – if they beat Melbourne they may ruin their chances of a minor premiership. The Storm are second to Manly at the moment.
WADE MCKINNON AND MATT HILDER
Wade McKinnon from the Warriors, and Newcastle Knights’ Matt Hilder had their spitting charges referred to a hearing. McKinnon allegedly spat at touch judge, Brett Suttor, after a try was awarded to the Panthers, and Hilder was accused of spitting near Storm winger Anthony Quinn in the last stages of the game against Newcastle. The judiciary will make a decision on the punishment later this week.BRIAN HAMBLY
In sad news, former Eels and Rabbitoh’s legend Brian Hambly has passed away at 71 years of age. He played 18 Test matches for Australia and has been named in the top 100 of Australia’s greatest players of all time.
The Ladder: http://www.nrl.com.au/
Round 26:
Broncos vs Knights: 7.35 Friday
Roosters vs Dragons: 7.35 Friday
Panthers vs Sea Eagles: 5.30 Sat
Eels vs Warriors: 7.30 Sat
Sharks vs Cowboys: 7.30 Sat
Raiders vs Bulldogs: 2pm Sun
Titans vs Wests Tigers: 3pm Sun
Storm vs Rabbitohs: 7pm Sun
3rd September Show
Hi Sportsloungers,
SMS TOPIC TONIGHT: DO YOU AGREE WITH AFL's MAD MONDAY?
Be sure to tune into tonight's show at 8pm (Wed 3rd September) as we have some great guests.
First up tonight we will be covering the second week of the US Open. Hasn't it been exciting with the women's draw really opening up and the much sort after Quarter Final showdown between the Williams sisters. I can't wait to see how Nadal fares in the next round.
Our very special guest will be Louise Sauvage. Louise is one of Australia's most popular and successful sportswomen. Growing up in Perth, she began racing in 1983, and was so good, she quickly rose to the top of wheelchair racing, competing in every Paralympics from 1992 to 2004. Throughout her career, she has won nine gold and four silver Paralympic medals and held numerous world records. Today Louise is retired from competition, however she remains an integral part of the Paralympic team as a coach and member of the Australian Paralympic Committee Board.
Marcus Lovett will be updating what's happening in the snow from Mt Hotham.
We will be joined in the studio by Brett O'Connor from the Melbourne Argonauts Rowing Club. He will be covering the upcoming Learn To Row program starting 9th September.
Jen will cover the AFL finals series and the cricket with the second ODI between Australia and Bangladesh happening today.
Boh's Horsey Moments will focus on Weekend Hussler's Hall of Fame award. Narelle's NRL Report will go through the final rounds of the season.
I hope you can join us!
Tanya,
Host, The Sports Lounge
Wednesdays 8-10pm
SMS TOPIC TONIGHT: DO YOU AGREE WITH AFL's MAD MONDAY?
Be sure to tune into tonight's show at 8pm (Wed 3rd September) as we have some great guests.
First up tonight we will be covering the second week of the US Open. Hasn't it been exciting with the women's draw really opening up and the much sort after Quarter Final showdown between the Williams sisters. I can't wait to see how Nadal fares in the next round.
Our very special guest will be Louise Sauvage. Louise is one of Australia's most popular and successful sportswomen. Growing up in Perth, she began racing in 1983, and was so good, she quickly rose to the top of wheelchair racing, competing in every Paralympics from 1992 to 2004. Throughout her career, she has won nine gold and four silver Paralympic medals and held numerous world records. Today Louise is retired from competition, however she remains an integral part of the Paralympic team as a coach and member of the Australian Paralympic Committee Board.
Marcus Lovett will be updating what's happening in the snow from Mt Hotham.
We will be joined in the studio by Brett O'Connor from the Melbourne Argonauts Rowing Club. He will be covering the upcoming Learn To Row program starting 9th September.
Jen will cover the AFL finals series and the cricket with the second ODI between Australia and Bangladesh happening today.
Boh's Horsey Moments will focus on Weekend Hussler's Hall of Fame award. Narelle's NRL Report will go through the final rounds of the season.
I hope you can join us!
Tanya,
Host, The Sports Lounge
Wednesdays 8-10pm
Sunday, August 31, 2008
AFL Finals Fever!!
Hi SportsLoungers!
I can't believe the excitement of the last round of the AFL Home and Away season last weekend. It certainly provided some highlights:
- Buddy's 100th goal;
- Fevola just missing out on the 100th milestone...99 not out;
- Milne's awesome performance to propel St Kilda to 4th spot and a double-chance;
- Nth Melbourne's dismal thrashing to Port Adelaide.
I am so looking forward to the first week of the finals. They look like this:
Second Qualifying Final
Friday Sept 5
7.50pm, MCG
Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs
Elimination Final
Saturday Sept 6
2.00pm, AAMI Stadium
Adelaide v Collingwood
Elimination Final
Saturday Sept 6
7.30pm, ANZ Stadium
Sydney v Nth Melbourne
First Qualifying Final
Sunday Sept 7
2.40pm, MCG
Geelong v St Kilda
ENJOY!
Tanya
Host, The Sports Lounge
I can't believe the excitement of the last round of the AFL Home and Away season last weekend. It certainly provided some highlights:
- Buddy's 100th goal;
- Fevola just missing out on the 100th milestone...99 not out;
- Milne's awesome performance to propel St Kilda to 4th spot and a double-chance;
- Nth Melbourne's dismal thrashing to Port Adelaide.
I am so looking forward to the first week of the finals. They look like this:
Second Qualifying Final
Friday Sept 5
7.50pm, MCG
Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs
Elimination Final
Saturday Sept 6
2.00pm, AAMI Stadium
Adelaide v Collingwood
Elimination Final
Saturday Sept 6
7.30pm, ANZ Stadium
Sydney v Nth Melbourne
First Qualifying Final
Sunday Sept 7
2.40pm, MCG
Geelong v St Kilda
ENJOY!
Tanya
Host, The Sports Lounge
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Fremantle Dockers Tonight
Hi Sports Loungers,Ok guys, it's the last game of the season for my team the Fremantle Dockers tonight. They are hosting Collingwood. If Collingwood win they can potentially push North Melbourne out of the top 4. If they lose, they could fall to 8th spot.
Fremantle on the other hand need to win to end a dismal season on a high.
GO THE DOCKERS!
Tanya
Host, The Sports Lounge
Tanya
Host, The Sports Lounge
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Narelle's NRL Report- 27/8/08
NRL Report
Round 24 in Review
Greg Bird
Cronulla star Greg Bird has been charged with ‘glassing’ his girlfriend – inflicting grievous bodily harm to her face and she also received a fractured eye socket from the incident.
It was claimed that Bird was not originally involved in the incident (He originally allegedly lied to police saying his flatmate was responsible for his girlfriend’s injuries). When it came to light he was responsible, Bird has been stood down indefinitely from playing with the Cronulla Sharks – so is highly unlikely to play again this season. His court case will be held around October the 8th which is 3 weeks after the Grand Final.
Bird is contracted with Cronulla until 2012. This will obviously have to be reviewed by the club as well. NRL boss David Gallop stated that if these allegations are proven, then Bird’s future in the game will be threatened.
Danny Buderus
The talented 30 year old from Newcastle, Danny Buderus confirmed the other night that scans revealed he had a damaged tendon near his right bicep which means he now needs urgent surgery. A 6-month rehab program will follow and then he will take up his UK Super League post with Leeds next year.
Buderus played 220 games for the Newcastle Knights, 21 games in a row for NSW and earned 24 Test Caps for the Kangaroos and 4 as Captain.
Other news…
Tom Learoyd-Lahrs from the Canberra Raiders, has been suspended for seven weeks for a dangerous throw on Newcastle Knight, Ben Cross. It downgraded though from a grade four to three. In better news for the Raiders, they have signed second rower Glen Turner for another two years. Turner is currently injured.
Titan’s Preston Campbell’s broken jaw means he has played his last game for 2008 last week against the Broncos. He sustained the injury in the first half, but urged the medical staff to keep quiet so he could return to the field in the second half.
The Cowboys signed Queensland and Kangaroos rep, Antonia Kaufusi, luring him from the Melbourne Storm on a 3 year deal from next year.
Round 25: The Ladder: http://www.nrl.com.au/
Roosters vs Rabbitohs: 7.35pm Fri
Wests Tigers vs Sharks: 7.35pm Fri
Knights vs Storm: 5.30pm Sat
Cowboys vs Raiders: 7.30pm Sat
Dragons vs Eels: 7.30pm Sat
Bulldogs vs Broncos: 3pm Sun
Warriors vs Panthers: 4pm Sun
Titans vs Sea Eagles: 7pm Mon
Round 24 in Review
Greg Bird
Cronulla star Greg Bird has been charged with ‘glassing’ his girlfriend – inflicting grievous bodily harm to her face and she also received a fractured eye socket from the incident.
It was claimed that Bird was not originally involved in the incident (He originally allegedly lied to police saying his flatmate was responsible for his girlfriend’s injuries). When it came to light he was responsible, Bird has been stood down indefinitely from playing with the Cronulla Sharks – so is highly unlikely to play again this season. His court case will be held around October the 8th which is 3 weeks after the Grand Final.
Bird is contracted with Cronulla until 2012. This will obviously have to be reviewed by the club as well. NRL boss David Gallop stated that if these allegations are proven, then Bird’s future in the game will be threatened.
Danny Buderus
The talented 30 year old from Newcastle, Danny Buderus confirmed the other night that scans revealed he had a damaged tendon near his right bicep which means he now needs urgent surgery. A 6-month rehab program will follow and then he will take up his UK Super League post with Leeds next year.
Buderus played 220 games for the Newcastle Knights, 21 games in a row for NSW and earned 24 Test Caps for the Kangaroos and 4 as Captain.
Other news…
Tom Learoyd-Lahrs from the Canberra Raiders, has been suspended for seven weeks for a dangerous throw on Newcastle Knight, Ben Cross. It downgraded though from a grade four to three. In better news for the Raiders, they have signed second rower Glen Turner for another two years. Turner is currently injured.
Titan’s Preston Campbell’s broken jaw means he has played his last game for 2008 last week against the Broncos. He sustained the injury in the first half, but urged the medical staff to keep quiet so he could return to the field in the second half.
The Cowboys signed Queensland and Kangaroos rep, Antonia Kaufusi, luring him from the Melbourne Storm on a 3 year deal from next year.
Round 25: The Ladder: http://www.nrl.com.au/
Roosters vs Rabbitohs: 7.35pm Fri
Wests Tigers vs Sharks: 7.35pm Fri
Knights vs Storm: 5.30pm Sat
Cowboys vs Raiders: 7.30pm Sat
Dragons vs Eels: 7.30pm Sat
Bulldogs vs Broncos: 3pm Sun
Warriors vs Panthers: 4pm Sun
Titans vs Sea Eagles: 7pm Mon
Amy-Jane Roberts - Motorsport Correspondent
T
his is our famous Motorsport Correspondent, Amy-Jane Roberts with her Toyota Celica.
his is our famous Motorsport Correspondent, Amy-Jane Roberts with her Toyota Celica.Last night's show
Hi Sports Loungers,
If you missed the show last night, we had our very special hockey correspondent and former Olympian and England Coach, Tricia Heberle giving us a wrap-up of the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos Olympic campaign. Tricia will be our regular hockey correspondent updating the latest in hockey news.
Jen Sampey gave us her usual controversial AFL comments. As long as we beat her in the tips, I'm happy for her to be as controversial as she likes!
Brendan is excited about the final tennis grand slam of the year, the US Open. Already the Aussies are falling down and without Lleyton Hewitt, Tennis Australia have a lot to think about.
Amy-Jane Roberts, our ever-so knowledgeable motorsport correspondent gave us an insight in local rallying as well as Chris Atkinson's chances in the upcoming New Zealand World Rally Championships.
If you're going to the snow before season-end, remember to listen to the Sports Lounge every week because Marcus Lovett reports the latest from Mt Hotham.
Happy sporting sports loungers!
The Sports Lounge Team x
If you missed the show last night, we had our very special hockey correspondent and former Olympian and England Coach, Tricia Heberle giving us a wrap-up of the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos Olympic campaign. Tricia will be our regular hockey correspondent updating the latest in hockey news.
Jen Sampey gave us her usual controversial AFL comments. As long as we beat her in the tips, I'm happy for her to be as controversial as she likes!
Brendan is excited about the final tennis grand slam of the year, the US Open. Already the Aussies are falling down and without Lleyton Hewitt, Tennis Australia have a lot to think about.
Amy-Jane Roberts, our ever-so knowledgeable motorsport correspondent gave us an insight in local rallying as well as Chris Atkinson's chances in the upcoming New Zealand World Rally Championships.
If you're going to the snow before season-end, remember to listen to the Sports Lounge every week because Marcus Lovett reports the latest from Mt Hotham.
Happy sporting sports loungers!
The Sports Lounge Team x
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