Trent Robinson has refused to blame a pivotal obstruction call from the bunker for his Sydney Roosters’ 22-16 loss to Penrith. But the coach questioned whether the bunker had been consistent in applying its rules after a similar play went unpunished in the lead-up to a Penrith try on Thursday night. Joey Manu appeared to […]
NRL’s kick-blocker crackdown changes the game – but the question is do we want that?
The NRL’s crack-down on kick blockers is a clear attempt to address the cynical practise of attacking teams using forwards as obstacles to make life difficult for those attempting charge-downs and life a little easier for the kicker. Many a subtle shoulder has been dropped over the years, by loitering big men creating nothing other […]
Richmond must embrace rebuild or risk getting ‘mired in mediocrity’ – here’s how they can do it
Valiant. Brave. Gutsy. In footballing parlance, these synonyms tend to be used to describe the efforts of bad teams that are having a crack. These adjectives have been used for the Tigers at times to start season 2024. Despite the likely grand ideas Adem Yze had when taking over, Richmond is a bottom-four team in […]
The third-tier German side that is going on a cup run for the ages … again
One of the unbridled feelings as a football fan (or even as a sports fan) is seeing your team going on an unexpected and positive run. This is especially true for cup competitions with the ability for single elimination games to provide upset results that no one sees coming. One of these stories is currently […]
How Italy revolutionised their youth system to produce a golden generation – and what Australia can learn from it
They used to be the laughing stock of the Six Nations. Winners of the wooden spoon 18 times in 24 years. Never escaping from the pool stage in the Rugby World Cup. Never higher than eighth in the world rankings. If you think Australia is in a hopeless situation then you should consider the position […]