The NRL Season of 2016
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Both teams have had chances to win it.
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Guts
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<p>Fuck! Ugly kick from the grub goes over.</p>
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<p>We should have taken the shot off the break before halftime</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="591385" data-time="1466835179"><p>
So yet again the NRL schedules a Warriors match directly up against the ABs. Why are they so idiotic?</p></blockquote>Greatest game in the world mayyyyyyyyyyte, who fucking cares about yawnion mayyyyyyttttteeee. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="591385" data-time="1466835179"><p>So yet again the NRL schedules a Warriors match directly up against the ABs. Why are they so idiotic?</p></blockquote>Sorry, I misread. Thought it said directly after not directly up. Can I blame the small screen on my phone?
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<p>Considering I thought the Warriors would get spanked 40+ prior to kick-off, especially with the coach deciding to sit Lolohea on the bench, it wasn't a bad result. All I want from my Warriors is for them to put in the effort each week and they did that tonight.</p>
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<p>Some thoughts:</p>
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<p>- Lolohea on the bench for 60 mins of the game was the coach out-thinking himself and being a complete bald-headed fucking fluffybunny. If Shaun Johnson is that injured, that you feel you need cover, then don't risk Shaun Johnson and play Lolohea in the halves instead. Or, if you were thinking outside the box like good coaches do, put Lolohea on the right wing and allow him to come in field to help out in the halves when Shaun Johnson is struggling. Even if you think Fusitua is the better defensive fullback (which I think he is) the point is you keep Lolohea on the field for the 80 minutes because as the coach you should have realised by now that Lolohea is an effective play-maker across 80 mins and Jonathan Wright is an extremely limited player at best. Lolohea and Fusitua could even share the fullback/right wing position as both have had good chemistry with Ayshford (who has been one of the bargain buys of the 2016 season) but again the point is keep Lolohea on the field. Heck, use Jeff Robson, Mason Lino off the bench if you think Nathaniel Roache isn't up to it at halfback (a position he is meant to cover this season) but play Lolohea for the full 80 minutes.</p>
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<p>- Jonathan Wright cost the Warriors the game. Three opportunities to score (two on break-aways) ends with one being a Sharks try. You know who would have probably scored on at least two of those three opportunities? That's right, Tui Lolohea. Game won. </p>
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<p>- The penalty try was the right call but the wrong call by the refs. All season it has been sin bin, like the case with Maumalo against the Roosters last week, or nothing, like the case of Guerra against Hoffman in the early rounds of the season. Mannering should have gone to the bin but instead it was a penalty try (which was probably the better outcome for the Warriors). To conclude, NRL refs are shit.</p>
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<p>- Said it in my Lolohea rant but Blake Ayshford has been a steal of a deal. Thought he would be another Jonathan Wright but the guy plays smart footy. Plays more like a backrower, in that he isn't that fast and is used more for defensive purposes, but I've been impressed with his passing and plays. </p>
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<p>- Jonathan Wright not so much. Fuck off.</p>
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<p>- The Sharks are the dirtiest, grubbiest team of veterans since the Newcastle Knights in the Wayne Bennett era. Ennis was being Ennis, Luke Lewis was trying every dirty play in the book against Kata while the Sharks were off-side for most of the game. Add Maloney and Barba and you have every right to hate them. But damn, I have to respect their grit. </p>
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<p>- In saying that, the Sharks' window is only open this season and next before it all blows up ala the Knight, as we all know it will. Probably something to do with mafia-links and hookers (the shake-yer-titties type, not the dummy-half type).</p>
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<p>- Simon Mannering, despite the penalty try, made 67 tackles while Bodene Thompson had another awesome game on attack. Hoffman is showing signs of father-time so another 80 minute backrower needs to be signed for 2017 (because I think Hoffman will be traded to a Superleague team). Maybe bring back either Elijah Taylor or Lewis Brown? Can see both being available next season....</p>
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<p>- Jonathan Wright. Fuck off again. </p> -
<p>Fair bit of head-scratching in the media over here about Tui getting left out, especially for Wright who was terrible.</p>
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<p>Manly's season continued in a familiar fashion as they lost out to the Cowboys last night. Highlight was Taumalolo running through the player masquerading as Brett Steward like he wasn't there. It's the most casual bump off you'll ever see. </p> -
<p>Robson released. Thank fuck. </p>
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<p>wait, what time is it? Because that will depend on whether he is staying or going.</p>
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<p>No one has a fucking clue. I found it a little distasteful that there were Aus journos staking out his village and hitting up locals to get a hint. </p>
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<p>He's due back at training tomorrow, so that should give some indication</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Donsteppa" data-cid="592583" data-time="1467094683">
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<p>Anyone worked out what's actually happening with Radradradradradradra?</p>
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<p>These unconfirmed bits of speculation might give some insight. i guess with tomorrow being D day for his return to training at Paramatta a good indication one way or the other will be able to be drawn on.</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/81461185/semi-radradra-wants-to-emulate-sonny-bill-williams-says-nrl-stars-former-partner'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/81461185/semi-radradra-wants-to-emulate-sonny-bill-williams-says-nrl-stars-former-partner</a></p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/parramatta-eels/parramatta-eels-skipper-tim-mannah-says-semi-radradra-to-french-rugby-saga-is-not-just-about-money-20160628-gpthc6.html'>http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/parramatta-eels/parramatta-eels-skipper-tim-mannah-says-semi-radradra-to-french-rugby-saga-is-not-just-about-money-20160628-gpthc6.html</a></p> -
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<span style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Robson released. Thank fuck. </span></blockquote>
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<p>Bit harsh. He was only at the club for six months. Thought he might be a good crutch for SJ but turned out to be the complete opposite. Dunno who the Warriors will turn to if SJ or TL go down since Cappy will probably bench Lolohea either way.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Higgins" data-cid="592624" data-time="1467101200"><p>These unconfirmed bits of speculation might give some insight. i guess with tomorrow being D day for his return to training at Paramatta a good indication one way or the other will be able to be drawn on.<br>
<br><a class="bbc_url" href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/81461185/semi-radradra-wants-to-emulate-sonny-bill-williams-says-nrl-stars-former-partner">http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/81461185/semi-radradra-wants-to-emulate-sonny-bill-williams-says-nrl-stars-former-partner</a><br>
<br><a class="bbc_url" href="http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/parramatta-eels/parramatta-eels-skipper-tim-mannah-says-semi-radradra-to-french-rugby-saga-is-not-just-about-money-20160628-gpthc6.html">http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/parramatta-eels/parramatta-eels-skipper-tim-mannah-says-semi-radradra-to-french-rugby-saga-is-not-just-about-money-20160628-gpthc6.html</a></p></blockquote>
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Hmm... Doesn't look promising, but I'm still hoping he'll stay. Entertaining to watch, and great to hear the Oz commentators calling his name
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<p>pfffft hahaha desperate much? </p>
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<p>Semi is still in Fiji, and won't make training today. Brad Arthur has given him another couple of days off.</p>
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<p><img src="https://66.media.tumblr.com/586d280e8d32e1d522f449e53e8af976/tumblr_nfk156cxGB1rsyukao1_500.jpg" alt="tumblr_nfk156cxGB1rsyukao1_500.jpg"></p> -
<p>hahaha oh Parra are so fucked. </p>
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<p>Foran hasn't been doing what he is supposed to with his shoulder rehab, so they've had to officially strip him of the captaincy, issue him a breach of contract notice, and some say fine him as well. Rumour is they are angling to tear up his contract. </p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="592739" data-time="1467157962"><p>hahaha oh Parra are so fucked. <br><br>
Foran hasn't been doing what he is supposed to with his shoulder rehab, so they've had to officially strip him of the captaincy, issue him a breach of contract notice, and some say fine him as well. Rumour is they are angling to tear up his contract.</p></blockquote>
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Fair to say the Warriors dodged a bullet there then -
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<p><span style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Fair to say the Warriors dodged a bullet there then </span></p>
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<p>He looks done which is a shame for the Kiwis (unless Te Maire Martin kicks on).</p> -
<p>Becoming easier for the Eels to get under the salary cap...</p>
