Superbowl Saints Win 31-17
First Quarter Colts 10 Saints 0 . Saints appear nervous and turning the ball over. Colts Manning in charge. Saints starting second quarter more composed. The third quarter saw the lead exchanged, but th fourth quarter saw a concerted effort from the Saints to firstly take the lead with a touchdown to lead 22-17. Then the call of the game when a two point conversion decision was overturned on the field and saw the Saints led 24-17. A 70 m intercept touchdown to the Saints saw th Saints leading 31-17 in the final four minutes. The Colts blew their final assault and the New Orleans Saints, in an absolute fairytale, have won the Superbowl 31-17
Just Twelve Hours to Go
The two best teams all year, have just twelve hours left in their preparation for the Super Bowl. In what everyone hopes will be an attack fest, the white hot Indianopolis Colts take on the fairy tale that is the New Orleans Saints. Peyton Manning from the Colts is the favourite for the MVP. The Who are performing the halftime show, which while spectacular will not be a patch on the game itself. Roll on Superbowl!!!!!
Mason Divides Qlders
The NQ Cowboys fans have been reported as being very much divided over Willie mason joining the team. Mason is a goose, yes, but in terms of misbehaviour he is a choir boy. Tipping him for a BIG year.
An Eventful Day in NRL
Yesterday was certainly a news day for the NRL with many exciting announcements made.Firstly, Big Willie Mason has signed with the Cowboys. This is good news for the game and was tipped exclusively by THEFOOTY.com and never wavered from for the last month. Willie will start afresh in NQ and whichever way he goes should have a top season. Strange how he polarises the fans, with the thought that 50% hope he has a great season and the other 50% believe he will show up to be a dog. Lote Tuquiri is back in league, and following the exploits of Wendell, is tipped to have a great season. One of the reasons why Wendell was welcomed back so warmly was his larger than life personality, and his outward enthusiasms for the game and the team. Lote has neither of these characteristics and I personally believe his return does nothing for the game. The NRL AllStars game has been rocked by injury with four Aussie Allstars out, including Englishmen Gareth Ellis. The Indigenous All Stars are also rocked by injury. I am not sure of the replacement program yet, but will advise once announced.
NRL All Stars Game should be Huge
I just sat and watched the NFL Pro Bowl game, and the new scheduling for the game interested me. Previously played in Hawai, the week after the Super Bowl, it is now played in Florida the week before the Super Bowl and fills the empty weekend prior to the Bowl. The teams are decided by voting from the fans, players and coaches. Of course the Super Bowl team representatives sit out the game, but with both the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl being played in Florida this season, the Pro Bowl has been the ideal lead in.Which led me to thinking. After a hards finals series, would it not be advantageous for both teams to have a fortnight off. The first week off they prepare seriously in their home ports for the game and get their more serious preparation done. Then in the week leading to the game, both teams set up shop in Grand Final town annd set the buzz happening.Now imagine if you will, the NRL Allstars game being held on the spare weekend before the Grand Final. Both of the these teams (minus the GF teams players selected) converge on Grand Final town and dominate the media, leaving the two GF teams in peace in their home port to seriously prepare for the GF and even get over some of the niggling issues.Just call me an ideas man, but this could work brilliantly and would work better than the February Time slot.
Cowboys and Big Willie!!!
Willie Mason has been rumoured to be in the sights of the North Queensland Cowboys and Manly. Maybe a change to Townsville is just what the doctor ordered for the human wrecking ball.Many would agree that a charging Willie Mason is a great sight! It's about time we see the deeds back on the footy field and not in the gossip pages! The Cowboys fan base are split 50-50 on the Mason issue, but personally I reckon they will be getting a player that will have so much to prove it isn't funny. The Cowboy Players seem to want him, the coach is keen but is the board prepared to take the risk? I hope he does go to the Cowboys and he has an amazing season.
It's a Colts v Saints Superbowl
The Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints will play off in the Superbowl on February 8 after each became the champions of their respective conferences today. The Colts defeated the New York Jets 30-17 to win the AFC Title and firm as favourites for the Superbowl. The NFC title went into overtime when the Saints and the Minnesota Vikings were locked at 28 all after regulation. The Saints chipped in a field goal to win 31-28. In the words of one of the fans on the NFL forum, "Who would have thought that Saints and Superbowl would be in the same sentence". Both teams now have a fortnight to prepare for the Superbowl which promises to be a great game, with the sentimental favourites New Orleans Saints taking on the odds-on faves in the Colts. Should be a classic.
Folou to Union???
Well I guess I have heard it all now. Israel Folou has expressed an interest in Union. Why, oh why, do league players feel the need to entertain thoughts on joining Rugby Union. The game is crap, ruined by referees and certainly not the sporting nirvana that it is painted up to be. Additionally, one would have to guess whether Folou would actually succeed in Union. I don't see too many high kicks to the corner, which appears to be Folous specialty. Union has fast agile backs, and I don't see this in Folou. Just another leaguie attempting to raise his money, I guess
AFC and NFC Championship Games This Weekend
Sorry for the lack of updates recently, but the boys from thefooty.com have been away in Yamba enjoying the fruits of their labour. While away the first two weeks of the NFL playoffs and the first thing we need to mention is the San Diego Chargers (Curlys tip to make the Superbowl) were knocked out last weekend going down 17-14 to the New York Jets. In the other AFC game, the Indianapolis Colts destroyed the Baltimore Ravens 20-3. This sets up the Colts-Jets clash for the AFC title and a tilt at the Superbowl.Over at the NFC our tip, the New Orleans Saints are still in with a shot after getting rid of Arizona 45-14. The Minnesota Vikings won the other game over the Dallas Cowboys 34-3 setting up the Vikings v Saints title game.For what it is worth, our tip is for the Saints to take on the Jets in the Superbowl.
NFL Playoffs: Wildcard Weekend
Well the Carolina Panthers finsihed outside of the playoffs this season, however that hasn't stopped the interest in the NFL Playoffs as we look ahead to the final 12. This weekend sees the two top seeds of each Conference have the weekend off and the wildcard playoff to see what faces who in the following Divisional Round of the Playoffs. This weekend we see in the AFC, the New York Jets (9-7) playing Cincinnati (10-6), while the Baltimore Ravens (9-7) face New England (10-6).The San Diego Cgargers and the Indianapolis Colts have the bye and freshen up to play the winners of the Wild Cards. In the NFC Philadelphia (11-5) play Dallas (11-5), while Green Bay(11-5) play Arizona (10-6). The Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints await the winners.The NFL Playoffs are all knockout with no second chance and while New Orleans and Indianapolis have been the form sides for much of the year, their late season form wasn't as convincing. Personally, I feel it will be a San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints Super Bowl.
Do we need Johny Larkin?
A well-meaning friend delivered the Johny Larkin book, The Cockroach tells all, to me for Christmas. I must say it did start with some promise with his photo and disclaimer on Russell Crowe. After that it went downhill and fast. It had the usual predictable humour, based around booze, out-dated anecdotes, self-gloating bullshit and the gratuitous use of a fat middle aged man in various photos of distaste. Predictable use of the nickname in an attempt at humour to sell beer and the odd g-string shot. I am pretty sure that the vast majority of league fans will see some humour in this, but by mid-book will be bored shirtless, much like the Reg Reagan book of a few years back. The book isn't even well written as a parody, with contradictory pieces, snippets and cannot even keep its own historical context. Heaven forbid, if anyone actually took this book as a serious piece of journalism. Now some may describe this rant as a bit hypocritical seeing that we churn out the ole Myth and Legend, Snowy "Bloody" Fraser on our completely independent footy.com site. We don't trot Snowy out as anything Snowy isn't. A real reserve grade bush legend , with some outdated views but a real grip on the new world of Rugby League and the expectations of the fans and games. Snowy lives in our world, everyone knows a Snowy. No-one would ever admit to knowing a Johny Larkin. Not sure how the NRL stops this sort of crap from going to print. The American NFL has such strict controls on how their game is depicted, that some movies have been forced to create their own league for their stories. A case in point is "On Any Given Sunday" in which a fictitious league was created as the NFL did not approve the movie script. It's time we moved the humour of our game to the next level, Lets get rid of the "fart" joke toilet humour and embrace some originality.
Where to now for Big Willie?
As a father of many kids around the nation, I have become prone to advising them of the need to get on with people and then in turn this helps you get on with the world. Don't be the person that people don't want to play, work or be with. Be the one they want to be with. Now if only Willie Mason had been given that advice, OR had chosen to use it if it had been given to him. Be the big personality does him no favours at the moment. Unwanted at his club, and indeed inside the NRL, Willie has limited options. He has apparently recieved big money offers off-shore, but whether this is true or an attempt to keep his name in the media is arguable. By appearing to be a wanted commodity, also helps drive the type of money, Willie has become used to. Desperate to remain in the NRL, the NRL doesn't appear desperate to keep him. Good luck Willie. What will he be remembered for???? News : www.thefooty.com
NRL All-Stars Game has Mixed Appeal
The Rugby League community has embraced the concept of the All-Stars game to be held in February, between the Aboriginal Dream Team and the NRL All-Stars. Most league fans are excited by the prospect of the game, but the voting for the game is the testing point in the game. While the concepts of having fans pick the players and having just one player from each club is admirable, it will limit the game as a spectacle and as an avenue to further increase revenue. The public are notoriously bad at voting for the right people. Witness any reality TV show, when popularity usually wins as opposed to actual talent or worthiness. Additionally, how many pub fights have come about due to footy team selections and the arguments from incensed patrons. Clubs would certainly not relish having multiple players involved in a Public Relations game, and I am sure that the limitation of players from clubs was one of the deciding factors behind allowing the game to go ahead. However it leads to the question of which player from which club. Why should Parramatta chosse between Nathan Hindmarsh, Fuifui Moimoi and Jarryd Hayne as their single representitive. Why should Brisbane be "allowed" to have captain Darren Lockyer and another player in the side. Here are the Top 10 Players voted. John Sutton is unavailable due to injury Player Club 1. Israel Folau Brisbane Broncos 2. Fuifui Moimoi Parramatta Eels 3. Nathan Hindmarsh Parramatta Eels 4. Jarryd Hayne Parramatta Eels 5. Michael Jennings Penrith Panthers 6. Billy Slater Melbourne Storm 7. Anthony Watmough Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 8. John Sutton* South Sydney Rabbitohs 9. Josh Morris Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 10. Ryan Hoffman Melbourne Storm Here is the remainder of the squad. The following 64-players have been shortlisted for the NRL All Stars selection: Club Name Position Brisbane Broncos Corey Parker Forward Nick Kenny Forward Israel Folau Back Peter Wallace Back Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Michael Ennis Forward David Stagg Forward Josh Morris Back Luke Patten Back North Queensland Cowboys Luke O?Donnell Forward Antonio Kaufusi Forward Ashley Graham Back John Williams Back Parramatta Eels Fuifui Moimoi Forward Nathan Hindmarsh Forward Jarryd Hayne Back Feleti Mateo Back Newcastle Knights Ben Cross Forward Chris Houston Forward Kurt Gidley Back Jarrod Mullen Back New Zealand Warriors Michael Luck Forward Sam Rapira Forward Manu Vatuvei Back Simon Mannering Back Penrith Panthers Petero Civoniceva Forward Frank Pritchard Forward Michael Jennings Back Luke Lewis Back South Sydney Rabbitohs Dave Taylor Forward Issac Luke Forward Fetuli Talanoa Back Colin Best Back Canberra Raiders Alan Tongue Forward David Shillington Forward Terry Campese Back Joel Monaghan Back Sydney Roosters Nate Myles Forward Jason Ryles Forward Anthony Minichiello Back Mitchell Pearce Back Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Anthony Watmough Forward Glenn Stewart Forward Michael Robertson Back Kieran Foran Back Cronulla Sharks Anthony Tupou Forward Luke Douglas Forward Trent Barrett Back Luke Covell Back Melbourne Storm Ryan Hoffman Forward Aiden Tolman Forward Billy Slater Back Brett Finch Back Gold Coast Titans Anthony Laffranchi Forward Luke Bailey Forward Mat Rogers Back Ashley Harrison Back Wests Tigers Gareth Ellis Forward Robbie Farah Forward Chris Lawrence Back Tim Moltzen Back St George Illawarra Dragons Ben Creagh Forward Jeremy Smith Forward Matt Cooper Back Darius Boyd Back
Super Bowl Beckons
Christmas has cleared the cobwebs from the heads and now are throughts turn to the playoff picture in the NFL. Unfortunately for me, the Carolina Panthers have only just remembered how to win and as such, won't get a look in at playoff times, but the picture becomes clearer for teams still in the hunt. In the National Football Conference, the picture seems the clearest with just one position up for grabs, New Orlean Saints, Minnesota Vikings, Philadephia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals will be the Division Winners, with the two wilcards teams coming out of Green Bay, Dallas and New York Giants. In the AFC, Only the San Diego Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts are assured of playoff berths. The New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals currently lead their divisions, and currently hold the upper hand. In the hunt for wildcards are Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and the Jacksonville Jaguars. For what its worths, our tips for the AFC championship is the San Diego Chargers, while we believe New Orleans Saints to win the NFC. The Super Bowl this year will be a beauty, as they always tend to be.
State Champs: Abilene and Euless Trinity
Abilene Eagles completed their first Texas State Championship title since their dominance in the 50's with a comprehensive 28-17 victory over Katy. Euless Trinity continued their recent success with yet another State Championship, coming from behind to defeat Austin Westlake 41-38Congratulations to Euless and Abilene and also to Katy and Westlake for great seasons. See you all next season for Texas High School footy.
State Championship on the Line in Texas High School 5A Football
After an absorbing Season, the 5A Texas High School football season draws to a close with State Finals in Div 1 and Div 2.In Division Euless Trinity take on Austin Westlake, while in Div 2 Abiline take Katy for the title.Another high school footy season ends and our tips lie with Trinity and Abiline.
JT Risking Being Alienated by League Fans
When Jonathon Thurston came out and spoke about being a Wallaby, many in the league game openly have said, " Who Cares" League fans are genuinely tired of seeing their superstars, talking up Yawnion and many see it as a way to bump up their salary. We are sick of the lack of loyalty shown by the league superstars to the game that has given them everything they haveSo CYA JT. You will be forgotten
Texas High School Footy at Semi-Finals Stage
After a disapointing season personally and for other fans of the Permian Panthers, Texas 5A High School footy draws to a close as semi-finals loom in both Div 1 and Div 2 categories. In Division One, perenial powerhouses Euless Trinity take on RR Stony Point in one Semi, while Katy Cinco Ranch take on Austin Westlake. The winners will square off in the State Championship decider. Division Two sees a return to power of Abiline Eagles who play Klein in what should be an absorbing battle and last years State Champs Katy play New Branfels. It is great to see some new teams progress to semi stage, the return of Abiline and the continuing power behind Katy and Trinity.
Birdie Tries Life on the Coast
Bad boy of league, Greg Bird has accepted a lifeline on the Gold Coast to take on life in the NRL from 2010. The redemption that he seeks, was the primary motivator behind the move, as he knocked back a much more substantial offer from Catalans In France, to sign with the Titans for a reported $100,000 for the season. Bird need to reshape his battered image. Apart from the charges that he successfully apealled, he has long been regarded as one of the Sharks Bruise Brothers with grub Paul Gallon. For Bird to sign with squeaky clean, Gold Coast, could well be a master stroke for his career and his personal life. Whatever happens, it is time for Bird to take ultimate responsibility for his issues and drive better standards, both on and off the field.
A Step Forward
The Sunday Papers screamed "Independance Day" and I wondered what Ruby League had to do with an invasion of aliens who attacked the White House. But then I realised, that this wasn't a Hollywood blockbuster, but an Australian version designed to bring the game of Rugby League to life. Can I tell you. It has the full support of the team here at THEFOOTY.com, with a very big "IT's ABOUT TIME!!"
What is the Deal with Deanes?
What is the deal with Robbie Deanes. Since his appointment as the Wallabies coach, Australian Rugby has gone from bad to worse. I am not much of a union fan, but this game is dying and Deanes hasn't been the saviour.
District 2 OUT in Week 2
The two Arlington Teams, in Arlington Martin and Arlington accounted for the two Odeesa Teams, the Broncos and the Permian Panthers in week 2 of the Playoffs in Texas 5A High school Football.Arlington accounted for the Bronchos 70-42 while Arlington Martin disposed of the Panthers 25-15.
Odessa Teams Progress for District 2
In the District 1 v District showdown in the Texas High School Football play-offs, the honours were shared evenly with D1 winning through EP (El Paso) Coronado and EP Montwood, who knocked out Midland Lee and Amarillo, while the two Odessa Teams in the Odessa Bronchos and the Permian Panthers flew the flag for District 2 in their wins over EP Franklin and EP El Dorado
15 Minute surge Swamps England
A final fifteen minute Tidal Wave of Aussie Talent, swamped a resurgent England in the final of the Four Nations today at Ellend Road to win 46-16 after holding a slender six point lead just 13 minutes from the full-time hooter. The lead had exchanged hands often during the preceding 65 minutes, and it was England that set the tone early and indeed commenced the scoring to steal away the early lead. This was in fact delivered as a 12 point turnaround as Australia had just narrowly missed a try in the preceding set when Brett Morris was denied a try when he spilled the ball in a tackle from Ryan Hall. The English lead was quickly lost when Justin Hodges again put Morris over, but the try of the game followed soon after when a brilliant individual effort by NRL-bound Sam Burgess stamped a heroic English effort and the Poms were sniffing an upset. However the Australians led at the break by 14-10. Again it was the Pommies who scored first in the second half to take a 16-14 lead. This was to be the final time for the English, as the Aussies hit back soon after in the 54th minute to lead 18-16. This game was entering a dramatic stage with both sides, making errors with the increased pressure. Another try followed four minutes later for the Aussies to take a six point lead. It was in the 67th minute that Australia started to assert its dominance and scored to take a 12 point lead. From there the Aussie attacked came at the English in wave after wave in surges that highlighted the sheer brilliance of the Aussies to come up with the final 30 victory margin. Billy Slater scored a hat-trick and again, Brett Morris scored a double in the Green and Gold. Jaryd Hayne actually scored as did Cameron Smith. The Pommies were best served by Sam Burgess who scored a double
Wendell Goes: And the Game is poorer for it
Wendell Sailor announced his retirement today after 16 seasons of top grade football in both rugby union and League. It is hoped that Wendell will play his one last final match as one of the Indigenous All stars in the first all-stars game to be held in February at Skilled Park. He must be voted in to play, but understandably the public should get behind his selection.Sailor will be sorely missed as his personality is what is missing in our game at present. He leaves to take on community work with the Dragons and the NRL, and jokingly assisting Wayne Bennett in the coaches box. Sailor played 19 Tests for Australia in rugby league, five of which were in Super League, and 17 State of Origin matches for Queensland, three of them Super League. Sailor also played 37 Tests, including the 2003 World Cup final, for the Wallabies during his time in rugby union.