State of Origin 1, 2013 - the fallout.

Back on your perch, this is Origin.

I don’t care if Paul Gallen’s action were right or wrong – I’m not that kind of blogger. But the reaction to the punches thrown by Gallen during State of Origin 1 last Wednesday have been uneducated and mostly, ridiculous.

Perhaps it’s just the fallout of new media and the exponential growth of twitter that allows traditional rugby league fans to hear the voices of those who have never seen an origin game, or perhaps a game of NRL. Or perhaps some media types have never forgiven or forgotten Paul Gallen’s murky history with foul play. Perhaps…

But what we are hearing from social commentators is basically this – if you condone the sort of violence perpetuated by the NSW captain against his QLD rival, then you are immoral. Ha? If what Gallen is saying is true, then every footballer will agree with his action. Nate Myles had taken the laws of rugby league and flushed them down the toilet. Nate Myles had gone beyond what is acceptable and Nate Myles deserved a smack in the face.

Leading with the head? Attacking a fellow competitor’s injury? What are watching here, WWE? For those commentators who see a punch thrown or a swinging arm and feel the need to lecture us all about violence in sport and bad examples set for our children, I’ve two things to say to you: 1: go jam yourselves and 2: educate yourself.

The reaction from every Origin explosion has been the same up to this point – it is discussed and replayed ad nauseam but never has one man been vilified by both states. They usually pick sides. Example – Kurt Gidley being gang bashed by 5 Queenslanders, the Brent Tate punch on a tied down, defenseless Greg Bird and then one more tiny little example you may remember – THE 7 MILLION PUNCH UPS THAT HAVE OCCURRED IN ORIGIN OVER THE PAST 33 YEARS!

Am I taking crazy pills!?! What was so different about Gallen’s swinging arm and 3 punch combination to the head of a bully? That it didn’t even seem to hurt Myles? That it seemed unprovoked? I don’t get it. There are reams of footage showing Myles lead with his head in tackles and all you have to have is the basic knowledge of rugby league to see that Myles throws himself at opposition runners a little differently than anyone else.

So why the talk of violence in society? Surely with a bit more investigation, education and common sense, you'll see two sides to the story and perhaps even learn a lesson about how to take on a bully and stand up for yourself. Maybe these social commentators have never watched Origin before, never watched footy in general – perhaps too busy on the internet to play sport... So I assume our marketing is working. Congratulations to the NRL and both Origin camps for making yourselves available for promotional duties.

Rugby League is the talk of the town and the ratings for Suncorp Stadium’s Origin II will be through the roof.

Paully's Picks - Round 13, 2013

Parramatta Eels v Sydney Roosters

Fortress Parra? Don’t laugh. The Eels have quietly amassed a record of 3 wins from 4 starts at Parramatta Stadium this season. Quite an effort considering how bad some of their overall performances have been in 2013 but they’ve somehow been inspired when defending the Brett Kenny and Peter Sterling hills. Well, they’ll need all the inspiration they can muster on Friday night to open round 13.

The 8 and 3 Roosters are coming to town and bringing the second best attack in the comp with them. Will this attack be on song and ready to deliver? Hard to say with their 7 and 6 just 48 hours removed from one of the biggest games of their lives but if Maloney and Jennings have their legs, the Eels and their new found fortress are in trouble. Reni Maitua plays his 150^th first grade game in what must be a bittersweet moment. Maybe just bitter.

My tip: Roosters 28-12

 

Newcastle Knights v St George Illawarra Dragons

Saturday night football from the Hunter brings you another dose of Wayne Bennett v former understudy Steve Price. In their last meeting, Saints were hot to trot from the beginning and held on for a big win at Kogarah. In just two short months since that match, the Dragons have lost 5 from 7 and also lost their star playmaker. Jamie Soward dropped to the Illawarra Cutters in another example of why the NRL’s contract signing system is a failure.

The Knights have not fared much better since round 5, but will be very happy to come home after a fortnight of struggles against the Warriors and Bunnies. They’ll start favourites and rightly so with the Dragons not slick enough in attack to threaten for sustained periods. The Nathan Fein / Chase Stanley combination is unproven and unimpressive. Hunt and Weyman v Mason and Snowden one of the few highlights here.

My tip: Newcastle 24-10

 

North Queensland Cowboys v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

The Bulldogs will travel to Townsville as favourites on Saturday night and with the number of Cowboys backing up after Origin, combined with their recent struggles, it comes as no surprise. They’ve lost 4 in a row and averaged just over 12 points in attack over that span. Not good numbers for a club boasting the Australian number 6, the NRLs reigning try scoring champion and a bunch of forwards that should be beating the crap out of people every week.

So, this match pits 9 v 12 on the ladder but momentum is huge here with the visitors winners of 5 from their past 6. Good form to take to 1300SMILES Stadium and they’ll need it. The Cowboys will be desperate and with Neil Henry in his third year away from the distraction of the Queensland Origin team, the club will be expecting something positive. They may not get it. The Bulldogs forwards should enjoy the conditions up north and Ben Barba should see some space.

My tip: Canterbury 20-12

 

Penrith Panthers v Wests Tigers

The stench of democracy has finally left the foot of the mountains and it’s been replaced by the wonderful smell of dictatorial success. Ivan Cleary looked up to the heavens and said, “Gus, lemme do it my way” and the heavens responded with a resounding, “yes, yes, yes, yes, yes”. ‘Vale’ Michael Jennings, ‘au revoir’ Luke Lewis and ‘pack your bags’ Michael Gordon. What the mighty Panthers have at their club now is one voice and a 3 match winning streak.

Ladies and Gentleman, the Penrith Panthers sit in 8^th spot on the NRL ladder. Believe it; they’re in semi-final contention and in for a bright future. Speaking of the Panthers future, this Sunday afternoon has them facing the bottom of the table Tigers at Centrebet Stadium. The Tigers had lost 7 in a row before sneaking one away against the Cowboys at Leichhardt but this could be too big of a mountain to climb for Robbie Farah and his rag tag collection of footballers.

My tip: Penrith 18-8

 

New Zealand Warriors v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

The Warriors seem to be getting their flow on lately. 3 weeks ago they were flushed by the Panthers but since that moment, it’s all been golden. They dominated the Knights at home and then left a stench on the Broncos last Monday night that will be very difficult to wash off. They now take this form home to Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday afternoon to face the visiting Eagles but this task could see them again leaking points.

Ably led by whiz kids Shaun Johnson and Kevin Locke, the home side will come out hoping to slash Manly to pieces, but they’ll be disappointed. The Eagles may have travelled far but to their fans relief, they’ll be ready to go in this one. DCE and Kieran Foran will lead the way here against a Warriors side busting with confidence but with the visitors defence ranked 2^nd in the competition, Manly finish number 1 in this match.

My tip: Manly 28-20

 

Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks

As always, we’ll have to wait until kick off to find out if Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy starts with, or even plays his Origin representatives. For the Sharks, we may hazard a guess and suggest that Captain Paul Gallen may miss this one and Luke Lewis might be a little too exhausted after his Man of the Match performance on Wednesday night. Either way, two defensive minded teams will look to out-grind each other on Sunday night at AAMI Park.

The Storm are heavy favourites mid-week but with the Sharks’ spine intact and on a 4 match winning streak, this one will go down to the wire. Australian Captain Cam Smith plays his 250^th 1^st grade game but while he is taking a bow at this achievement, Todd Carney and the visitors will be plotting his demise. And they’ll succeed in both your match of the round and your upset of the week. Cronulla get revenge for last year’s Melbourne miracle in the corresponding fixture.

My tip: Cronulla 12-8

 

Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos

Only in Canberra can you get this kind of promotional genius. Supporters of the mighty Green Machine, as well as the 14 Broncos fans in attendance on Monday night, can enjoy a Toboggan ride, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts. A Winter Wonderland at Canberra Stadium to celebrate the capital’s centenary but with temperatures set to fall below 5 degrees, there will be no celebration for the visitors. The Broncos are coming off the worst loss in club history.

They’ll be hard pressed to stop a Raiders team after a fortnights rest. Josh Papalii plays his 50^th first grade game whilst Blake Ferguson celebrates a big week by running out for his 100^th. The Raiders have lost two in a row but challenged in all 160 minutes. If they start with a bang here it could be trouble for the Broncos. Reece Robinson a stand out as always – if they give him a sniff it’s an automatic 4 points. Josh Hoffman v Ferguson a highlight.

My tip: Canberra 25-18

 

for live updates throughout  the weekend, go to www.leagueunlimited.com

 

Paully's Picks - State of Origin 1.

New South Wales v Queensland

State of Origin. There is no more important time on the rugby league calendar and none more exciting for league fans up and down the east coast of our great nation. We’ve all been raised on it. Queenslanders have been raised on the fabricated history and the manufactured outrage of a non-existent wrongdoing. New South Welshman were raised on the storied weekend rivalries of our great clubs, as well as the excitement of the Origin rivalry itself.  Maybe that's the difference; Origin came second for Sydney-siders whilst for the banana benders, there is nothing else.

Understandable too. The cane toads could hardly get excited about Wynnum Manly v Brisbane Brothers, so they cannot possibly understand how important our history is. Parramatta v Canterbury, Saints v Souths, Manly v Wests. Well, not anymore. The Blues can't afford to think about anything other than winning this series. There are little boys and girls out there who've never seen NSW win. They'll think this is normal and be scared away from their birth-right as Blues fans - to hate Queenslanders more than they hate us.

For all you parents out there; don't let this happen. To Laurie Daley, don't let this happen. To Paul Gallen and your mighty forward pack, don't let this happen. To all proud Blues fans; don't let it happen. This group of Queenslanders are vain and lack respect for their opposition and therefore the game. It's time they are taught a lesson and if it’s this group of brave New South Welshman who are to teach them, it will be Robbie Farah, Mitchell Pearce and Jarryd Hayne who lead the way and turn their dreams into a reality.

So, if you can forgive the above emotional explosion borne from of 7 years of suffering, let’s move on. Wednesday night at ANZ Stadium will have 80,000 Blues fans praying for it, pining for it and desperate for revenge. This year’s opener will start at a frantic pace and when she settles down at the 20 minute mark, the Blues’ spine must shift into a higher gear. Then, as with nearly every Origin we’ve seen in recent times, the last 20 minutes will require yet another gear from NSW. If they have it, the visitors, despite all their experience, future immortality and confidence, will not have an answer.

My tip: NSW 14-12

Man of the Match tip: Robbie Farah