World Cup Soccer - No thanks

A comment on World Cup Soccer and its effect on the NRL Competition.

So, much to the inconvenience of our local football codes, Australia is bidding to host the Soccer World Cup in 10 years time. This bothers me, but there could be an advantage to Rugby League.
Perhaps it is time to use this to the Great Game's advantage. Considering that essentially, no grounds will be available in Sydney for training and/or games, it might be time to return a 'favour' to the AFL. Rightly so considering the fact that Demetriou and the Aussie Rules clubs are apparently champing at the bit to destroy rugby league, and the business of rugby league.

If, indeed, the FIFA rules state that they "do not allow other major sporting competitions to be held in the same cities where world cup matches are scheduled", the NRL and clubs must prepare to accept a lower profit margin for 2018 or 2022.
More importantly, to ensure the season is safe the NRL could immediately book the Sydney Cricket Ground (46,000 capacity) and the Gabba (42,000) for State of Origin matches and perhaps negotiate with the FFA to schedule at least one game only in these same cities. (Game 3 might be taken to NZ, or PNG?) Not without their own problems during this time, the 16 NRL clubs could agree to send home games to our country towns and to NZ.

Rather than looking at these options as a financial disaster, it could be an opportunity to grow the game in NSW and QLD where the AFL is relentlessly attacking our product.
The AFL can then enjoy the crumbs in NSW and QLD after league has booked its stadium usage for the world cup period.
The NRL might also consider the fact that training facilities for the 4 nations that will call Sydney home during the preliminary rounds of the World Cup will be required. Which clubs will vacate their home grounds willingly for at least 3 months?
We must 'go bush' for this period of time - if at least to inspire country rugby league and at most to ensure we finish a full schedule of games! A consistent message from this blog is the hope that the NRL will plan for its future. What better opportunity to do this than cultivate the almost lost nursery of Country Rugby League?

Finally - shame on Australia for even considering a bid to host a sporting event where the cost of security will be in the billions, the local codes will lose millions, the Government will back the FFA 100% (think of the tourism dollars) and all for a sport where the majority of players wouldn’t recognise sportsmanship or integrity even if they dived over it. What a horrible advertisement for sport in general. Yes, much worse than Rugby League if that is possible in recent times.
I'm sure it will, once again, come as a great shock to the Australian media when a game of soccer is decided by one player (who no doubt spent more time styling his hair than warming up before kick off) feigns injury, dives, and receives a penalty for his country. This is the standard 'game-play'? Sportsmanship indeed.

Whether the argument is about money, or for morals, importing such a product to Australia can only do more harm than good. Especially for Rugby League, the greatest game of all. However if it has to happen, never let it be said that the League community did nothing but complain about it. There must be an opportunity here and hopefully the above represents some light at the end of the tunnel. Or is there too much hair product in the way to see any light at all?

Big Sports Breakfast - A Review

So I had the pleasure of listening to Michael Slater and Terry Kennedy this morning on the radio. Two gentleman who decided they were educated enough to discuss the outcome of the recent NRL CEO's meeting.

Lets start with a background check on these two.

Michael Slater - A fantastic career for Australia in the Baggy Green and a wonderful cricket commentator. He has matriculated successfully into the media world and delivers insightful comments during his cricket commentary. I remember being at the SCG many years ago when 'slats' scored a defiant century against England whilst the Australian batting order collapsed around him. He hit one of the most beautiful cover drives I have ever seen from Darren Gough to bring up his hundred. I think he scored 120 odd in an Australian total of less than 200.
Terry Kennedy - I remember "TK's" Rugby League commentary on the old C7 sports channel when optus ran its Rugby League pay TV coverage. He was part of a commentary team that included Steve Roach and Mario Fenech. All I can say about Terry is that he was the third smartest bloke in that commentary team.

To digress - this morning's opening had Michael Slater shocked and amazed that the NRL decided to stick with its McIntyre System for the finals, including no changes made to the first round 'home semi-final' rule. Terry agreed.

My question to Terry and Michael... If there is no hard and fast rule governing the semi finals... how is it decided which games are moved and which are not? We could conceivably have a scenario where the Sharks are forced to move their hard fought 'home semi' away from the shire, thus forgoing any advantage gained from playing so well during the 26 round season. You can say the same for all Sydney suburban teams who might host a semi final. There would be uproar and it would make a complete mockery of any playoff system.

I congratulate the NRL for sticking with this rule. The advantage should stay with the team finishing higher on the ladder. If we want to make more money from ticket sales, clubs could be given a biggger cut from NRL profits in the future. They might then invest this money in renovations to ensure bigger crowds going forward. Just a thought.

No need for a quick fix here Michael and Terry. What Rugby League needs now is foresight, patience and money. So please think before you speak on what is best for The Greatest Game of All. There has been enough criticism of the micro... lets try and think bigger and plan for the next 20 years. With the AFL now trying to cut off the preverbial artery to League's heartland, we must not get caught up with petty arguments.

Also, love the B.S.B. show. Anyone talking about Rugby League is good for the game.

cheers

New NFL Multi Bet

Perhaps its time to take a risk on our first ever 'Thanksgiving Day' parlay.

1st Score Type in all three games.
Dallas Touchdown 2.00
Detroit Touchdown 4.15
Denver Touchdown 3.65

Combined odds 30.29. I am putting $10 on this juicy thanksgiving feast. Good luck.

I’m thankful for online gambling.
cheers.

Kurt Warner - What happened?

What on earth is an "apparent head injury". Well I dont know.

What I do know is that it cost me a multi this week. Kurt Warner led the cards to a 21-3 lead and after he was replaced due to injury, no more points were scored by the defending NFC champs.

They won by 8 - i needed -10.5. Horrible.

until next time....

Another NFL Multi

So this week, I put together the following Multi...

arizona -10.5 over rams - 2.00
philly straight over bears - 1.53
houston straight over titans - 1.50
minnesota -10.5 over seattle - 1.85 (correct)

Put $20 on it.

Arizona are currently on offense on their own 37 yard line with 2 minutes on the clock. 8 point lead. I need -10.5: This Multi could die before we even get rolling.

C'mon Cardinals.

Rugby League - Off season blues

As the official NRL season ends with Australia winning the Four Nations Tournament in England, I cant help but wait with breathless anticipation for season 2010.
Orford gone - who will play the most important position on the field for the Eagles?
Lagi Setu leaves the Broncos? - Rumour going around that he has signed with the dogs.
Peter Wallace? Homesick? Is Wayne Bennett interested? That would make a good back line addition for the Dragons, and Tim Smith has signed with the Broncos feeder team. Very interesting.
Hopefully we wont have to wait until March to find out the answers to these questions.
This blog will keep all NRL fans updated with off season happenings over the summer. Let the countdown to league 2010 begin.

this could be it

The mighty Dallas Cowboys are a minute away from beating the Philadelphia Eagles.
Is that Tony Romo taking a knee to wind down the clock? I love him. More than Jessica did!!!
WIN.
Finally. Thats a collect of $473.00

I might retire before the rugby league season starts and the lovely people at my local 'online' betting agency get me to re-invest.

Until next time...

The Horror Continues

Had an NFL multi going over the weekend...
Chic-Arzona Arizona +3.5 1.75
Jcksnv-KCity Kansas City +6.5 1.85
NEngln-Miami New England -9.5 1.75
Philly-Dallas Dallas +3.5 1.67

combined proces of $9.46. Whacked $50 on it.

Guess what happens - Arizona tip comes up
Kansan City tip comes up
New England tip comes up
Dallas is tied 13 all with Philadephia with 1 quarter to play. I might need to change the shorts. Stay tuned.

multi tips today - 5 November 2009

Melbourne
race 4 number 2 (and the 17 emergency horse)
race 5 number 7
race 7 number 2

and keep an eye on the NBA today

lakers are paying 1.65 at houston
miami are paying 2.05 at washington
juicy

good times.

Melbourne Cup 2009

First things first - you are probably better off following a "celebrity tip" from the many annoying B listers that will occupy the channel 7 coverage today rather than follow my tips. I was on Efficient two years ago, and Viewed last year... but you never know what this race will dish up.
OK - Cup starts at 3pm.
My tip is the 6 (Roman Emperor). If you are searching for multiples, Roman Emporer will be followed closely by Master O'Reilly, Viewed, Daffodil and Leica Ding - Basaltico is also good. Fiumicino if it rains.
Reminder - this weekends multi tip is coming up.
Reminder 2 - Rugby League season is only 18 Weeks away.
Good luck

multi horror

this blogs first multi tip has gone down in flames. the miserable denver broncos save their worst performance of the season (previously undefeated) for this game? Why? The agony!!!
My reputation could be destroyed before its even created.
Moving on - as every good punter knows - there is always tomorrow, and in Australia, tomorrow just happens to be Melbourne Cup Day.
Stay tuned.
Also - thank god there is still rugby league being played. The greatest game of all is still dishing up a few odds. Next season, this blog will bring you match previews as well as punting tips and match reviews... including which teams and which players cost me money.
cheers.

MultiMen get up for once

WINNER!
Rockhampton race 4 number 7 comes up paying $4. With a lazy $10 on the nose our total collect this year now eclipses $1800.

Introduction to Multi Heaven

Welcome Punters.

When too many betting options abound you and you need to make sense of it all, join the MultiMen on a guide through sports gambling and get a tip or two from the couch potatoes.

Our official opening blog will begin on Australia's favourite gambling day, Melbourne Cup Day 2009.

For the mad punters out there though, we'll get started this week... get on our NFL Multi for week 8.

Denver +3 at Baltimore

Dallas straight over Seattle

Jacksonville @ Tenessee +43.5 total score.

For the crazy punters out there who just cant wait.

Rockhampton today Race 4 no 1,6 and 7 Trifecta.

Good Luck.