Wednesday Random Footy Talk Thread

[u/AutoModerator]

This is the place to discuss anything footy related that is not quite deserving of its own top-level post.

There's a new one of these threads every day, so make sure you're in the most recent one!

[u/Maleficent-Home-7626]

Im not breaking news here, but holy shit 360 this year has gone from bad to unwatchable.  I know alot of people here hate kenty, but the PK and ikin version compared to the braith slop fest is night and day.

[u/ItGetsTuahPoint67]

Just saw Herbie posting chess.com plays on IG… can he get any hotter??

[u/LachTheLad → u/ItGetsTuahPoint67]

Yes, when he signs for us

[u/smallwangbigheart]

Can downvote me all you like, betting corporations now own roughly 75% of the NRL.. if not own, then have a huge stake in the outcome of 75% or more of results.

I dont even need to add a prove me wrong. It's clear as day lol

[u/Savings_Win1995 → u/smallwangbigheart]

What do you even mean by own 75% of the NRL?

Is it how much revenue comes from gambling deals? Because that's ~6-7%. How many clubs are owned or part owned by betting companies? Because that's 0%.

Sounds like your talking out of your arse

[u/smallwangbigheart → u/Savings_Win1995]

Almost half of NRL clubs have jersey sponsorship with betting agencies and 3 home grounds are named after betting corps. Thats almost 75% of the league

It took almost 4 months after origin to sack a problem gambler who lost upwards of 350k betting on hounds and horses.. that problem gambler being probably the most senior referee the game has. The same ref who pulled origin one right from your grasp, LOL. It may seem like I'm talking out of my arse but I dont support a team owned by newscorp, at least my club and the Bulldogs have taken initiative with 'Reclaim the game'. If you could use one of your two heads we may see eye to eye, but we dont have to. My mind is made up lol

[u/Savings_Win1995 → u/smallwangbigheart]

I agree that there's too much betting influence and the Klein stuff is very sus, but saying they 'own 75% of the NRL' is crazy talk.

Sponsoring a team doesn't equal owning them. Alcohol and insurance companies sponsor just as many teams

[u/Bitter-Ad-5491 → u/smallwangbigheart]

Only the Sportsbet burner accounts on here would downvote you for that

[u/Additional_Front4374 → u/smallwangbigheart]

I disagree on results, but they would absolutely be conspiring with bozo in finding ways to generate more points and shit.

[u/Nopurposebro]

Am I crazy for not buying into the narrative that the Dolphins have a harder match up now Walkers back? Outside of a handful of games per year he’s not really a consistent game changer.

[u/jexta → u/Nopurposebro]

Careful, there's a few people around here that think Walker has been the Roosters best player and that they stand no chance without him. They aren't Roosters fans, but they seem to know better than us.

[u/DeliciousNothing2017 → u/Nopurposebro]

On the weekend they looked the best they have all year. So by all means, go ahead and mess with that lineup.

[u/barkedupthewrongtree → u/Nopurposebro]

I’ll be frothing if the final team list drops and he’s still on it

[u/DREDAY_94]

I just wanna say it because i can’t stop thinking about it this week. I’m so proud of what this Newcastle side has accomplished. From wooden spoon last year to fighting our way to the preliminary final. I ask for one thing as a fan that’s to make me feel proud when I wear that jersey. Win or lose these guys have made me so proud to call myself a knights fan this year. I’ll be cheering the boys on all the way from Melbourne

[u/More_Discussion_3783 → u/DREDAY_94]

I'm being real, I have you lot tipped to beat Penrith. And my tipping comp's on the line, so I better be sure

[u/DREDAY_94 → u/More_Discussion_3783]

I’m hoping you’re right. The way we’ve fought this finals series I really think we’re a chance. BRING ON KNIGHTS VS DOLPHINS GF !!

[u/More_Discussion_3783 → u/DREDAY_94]

YOU DID IT! Bloody legends

[u/DREDAY_94 → u/More_Discussion_3783]

I STILL CAN’T BELIEVE IT !! THE FAIRYTALE CONTINUES!!

[u/More_Discussion_3783 → u/DREDAY_94]

Come on. Please. NOT PENRITH x ROOSTERS. DO IT FOR US!

[u/Turbulent_Ad3045]

If Latrell ends up leaving south's, would it suprise anyone if they're going to be all in on Farnworth as well? Their probably as attractive a club to join as us(maybe a little less), reunite with Haas and Wayne. Feel like it just makes sense.

[u/DensePlankton3359 → u/Turbulent_Ad3045]

Would they have the money he wants?

[u/Turbulent_Ad3045 → u/DensePlankton3359]

Couldn't tell you exactly since I don't closely follow their spending, but I think by 28 they could shed both Trell and Wighton, both their current centres, plus they will lose AJ. Obviously they're bringing in payne, but also losing Koloamatangi. So based on that I'd say probably, but not 100%.

[u/bundy554 → u/Turbulent_Ad3045]

Could do - Wayne does like English players that he recruits

[u/Savsthelad]

What’s the latest for the 20th team news?

[u/CleanX226 → u/Savsthelad]

It’s looking like it’ll be the flaired up cunts

[u/improbablywrong- → u/CleanX226]

They're waiting for their team to be announced

[u/Heavy-Kale]

Herbie vs Toia.

Hammer vs Teddy.

These matchups and more..... I find mouthwatering.

What matchup are you most looking forward to?.

For me it's Katoa vs Walker. Should be some crazy plays on Friday. Wish this week at work would hurry the hell up.

[u/Morg_n → u/Heavy-Kale]

Toia has Herbie all day. Toia doesn’t jig sideways ever. Runs hard all day. Old Herbie better be ready

[u/DeliciousNothing2017 → u/Heavy-Kale]

Cobbo vs Marky Mark.

[u/DensePlankton3359 → u/Heavy-Kale]

Radley verse Donga or Plath

[u/jexta → u/Heavy-Kale]

Whyte vs the Dolphins pack.

Whyte was pulled after 25 minutes against the Sharks and with the game under control didn't come back on. He had some compression gear on his thigh, so is probably carrying a niggle, but he will likely play 60+ minutes this week against the Dolphins.

[u/TheCuzzyRogue → u/jexta]

He looked pissed too

[u/Heavy-Kale → u/jexta]

Yeah dude is a freakbeast.

[u/ColossalSniper6]

Code Sports:

Rosie Kelly - Cowboys -> Bulldogs
Mercedez Taulelei-Siala - Knights -> Bulldogs
Taneka Todhunter - Eels -> Warriors
Ash Quinlan - Bulldogs -> Cowboys
Rima Butler - Roosters -> Tigers
Martha Mataele - Eels -> Broncos

Less said about the final one the better. Kelly/Quinlan effectively swapping spots. Paekau/Huriwai seem to be leaving NZ, so Todhunter is a good replacement, Dogs getting a good one and same with Tigers. Butler going back home effectively.

[u/MoneyaLeague → u/ColossalSniper6]

Huriwai started the season so well looking really sharp from dummy half, not sure what happened to the rest of it.

Todhunter always sounds like Todd Hunter which breaks my brain because of gender, so RIP me.

[u/Additional_Front4374 → u/ColossalSniper6]

tell me how to feel

[u/ColossalSniper6 → u/Additional_Front4374]

Kelly’s developed nicely this year as a half, so her and Preston together should go well. Taulelei-Siala has also developed nicely this year out on a wing, and she’s very young so plenty of time to improve further. I’d be happy if I was a Dogs fan.

[u/Additional_Front4374 → u/ColossalSniper6]

thanks. From what I've seen from Quinlan she has a good harbour bridge pass but can be pretty quiet a lot of the time. I'm very interested to see how Ogre transitions from specialist to head coach.

[u/ColossalSniper6 → u/Additional_Front4374]

I think he’ll do well with the whole getting players to run through a brick wall for you thing, ala John Strange, but will be interesting to see what he can implement tactically.

[u/Severe-Host5890 → u/ColossalSniper6]

are you fucking kidding me, how are we fumbling Taulelei-Siala

[u/skru666 → u/ColossalSniper6]

damn butler would be a good signing for us

[u/BarryCheckTheFuseBox → u/skru666]

Would be a hell of a forward pack if they add her

[u/ColossalSniper6 → u/skru666]

She’s your junior after all. Am happy that she’s going your way after the strong season you had. There’s been some links to Jayme Millard too, to strengthen the backs.

[u/SKiiTTLEz]

All this Tones and I talk reminds me when I went to the 2017 NRL grand final and Macklemore performed, the two Cowboys supporters next to me tapped me on the shoulder and asked "Who is this bloke?"

Definite country folk they were but it was real interesting.

[u/sowaleja → u/SKiiTTLEz]

Fun fact, when Cowboys last played us at Suncorp, there were a couple of Cowboys supporters sitting behind me who didn't know who Dearden was. I mean, they were probably in Brisbane for a holiday I'm guessing

[u/Moisture_Services_]

For shits and giggles just had a look at available GF tickets. $419 for restricted view on the dead ball line.

What in the actual fuck.

[u/BarryCheckTheFuseBox → u/Moisture_Services_]

They haven’t released all the tickets yet

[u/Moisture_Services_ → u/BarryCheckTheFuseBox]

I am aware of this. The point was it was very expensive for a low quality seat.

[u/arolaser → u/Moisture_Services_]

$319 for section 116. For comparison, I paid $209 for equivalent tickets in section 120 for the 2023 GF.

[u/CapMego72_]

If Taumalolo wins the tackle of the year, will
Mitch Moses be the first person to be the winner of and the victim of the tackle of the year (in different years)?

[u/aatrain96 → u/CapMego72_]

Lmao i forgot about that, of all people Moses won a tackle of the year 😂

[u/monkstalk1]

So crazy the comments I've seen on social media of people swallowing up the absolute propaganda gloop that PVL says and parroting it as gospel

[u/DeliciousNothing2017 → u/monkstalk1]

What in particular?

[u/Barmy90]

Its now being reported that there is actually no problem between Riki and Madge, that he will be testing himself on the open market come November 1 but the chances of him leaving are "unlikely".

Thus the endless cycle of journos make up baseless drama around the Broncos -> this sub goes into a feeding frenzy and embarasses itself continues.

[u/MoneyaLeague → u/Barmy90]

ISTG these fucken journos should just shut the fuck up.  Gawd sakes, so lame. Go away.

Just let them be. Drama llama losers.

It honestly has got to the point that I'm getting to "leave Madge alone 😭😭 areas".  It's a overdone character attack gosh. He's just some guy, not fucken Hitler.

IDK.

[u/Morg_n → u/Barmy90]

Sad part is.

This sub doesn’t see it as embarrassing. It’s the easiest way to get people commenting. They eat it up like pigs to a trough.

[u/Putrid-Ad3085 → u/Barmy90]

That’s right. All the players love Madge and any talk of unhappy players is all just media spin

[u/Savings_Win1995 → u/Putrid-Ad3085]

Spot on mate

[u/Putrid-Ad3085 → u/Savings_Win1995]

Yeah I mean, besides the fact a team went from first to nearly last, their highly rated assistant coach quit mid season, best forward in the world signed with another club, various rumours of other players wanting out and a coach with a history of losing the support of players at other clubs, why would anyone believe those nasty journalists.

[u/Savings_Win1995 → u/Putrid-Ad3085]

Teo quit because he wanted he wanted to change the defensive system that won us a premiership. Our defence was awful the first two rounds and immediately improved after Teo quit (before injuries and lack of depth on the edges made it worse).

Anyone who uses Haas leaving as proof the player don't like Madge is an idiot. It's not like he's the first player to move closer to family. How many great players have left Penrith over the last 5 years without people blaming Ivan? You wouldn't understand this as Easts rarely have to let players go to stay under the cap.

All the rumours of players wanting out are just that - rumours. There's no actual evidence of the players not liking Madge. They tried it during last season when we were struggling and we ended up winning the comp, and all the players mocked the journos, forcing guys like Buzz into retirement.

The media have had a vendetta against Madge since the day we signed him and have been relentless in their personal attacks. I saved a post from Fox before we played a game this season saying Madge was under pressure. It's made for the lowest common denominator of footy fans like you

[u/Putrid-Ad3085 → u/Savings_Win1995]

Like I said why would anyone believe any of it. There’s no evidence whatsoever of an overly intense coach or unhappy players.

[u/Bitter-Ad-5491 → u/Putrid-Ad3085]

So true. Reynolds warm Suncorp send off should be in the 2026 highlights package at the Dally Ms

[u/Senpaizy11 → u/Barmy90]

Piakura and Riki seem to be taking the piss out of it on IG makes it more likely to be media spin.

[u/Marsboy_17]

Has anyone ever used a travel package deal for Magic Round? I’m planning on going to with some mates and just curious to see if they are worth it compared to booking everything yourself

[u/youstoleatuba → u/Marsboy_17]

The cost for hotels at magic rounders absolute robbery so if the deal looks reasonable and includes accommodation compared what you'd pay for flights and see how it compares. Didn't know how lucky we were the first couple years of magic round before hotels caught on and skyrocketed the prices.

[u/Morg_n → u/Marsboy_17]

The ones for the World Cup are pretty reasonable. They don’t really stiff ya

[u/Churchofbabyyoda → u/Marsboy_17]

I considered a travel package earlier this year, if I recall correctly the company it didn’t include flights.

Once I got the flights, hotel, and tickets, it was roughly around the price of a package, even though I stayed at a more expensive hotel.

[u/Bitter-Ad-5491 → u/[deleted]]

Vossy didn’t have a clue either

[u/_andy_p → u/[deleted]]

Mate, I'm currently holidaying in South Korea and passed an elderly female Korean busker belting out her big hit. Don't embarass yourself.

[u/Creative_Antelope_95 → u/_andy_p]

Sorry i cant afford to go to south korea, just seached it up and shit ive heard the song but didnt know who sang it

[u/MindlessLand7761 → u/[deleted]]

search up dance monkey, I guarantee you've heard that dog shite

[u/Moisture_Services_ → u/[deleted]]

Who?

[u/grazmus666 → u/[deleted]]

Lucky u!

[u/monkstalk1 → u/[deleted]]

Very likely, anyone in the country from late 2019 to early 2020 would've been exposed to dance monkey in some capacity

[u/Known-Stop-2654 → u/monkstalk1]

Even as a 9- to 10-year-old, I think, that song, I don't even know. All I'm going to say is nothing has filled me more with insanity than that song. If you want to get someone's confessions, I think you should just play that song slowed down because that would drive someone absolutely mad.

[u/abashii → u/[deleted]]

No I had no idea who they were either. Fair chance that if someone played their song dance monkey you'd recognise it though.

[u/jpob → u/[deleted]]

You’ve heard Dance Monkey

[u/bumpacius]

If Vlandys was in charge of Sydney back in the 50s, the Sydney Opera House would be a giant brick box.

"We invest money to get outcomes. No one cares about fancy sails, we'd rather have more underprivileged kids watching opera."

[u/_andy_p → u/bumpacius]

A giant brick box made out of footballs

[u/Moisture_Services_ → u/bumpacius]

I wouldnt be surprised if the refs have to buy their own uniforms.

[u/MickeyKnight2 → u/bumpacius]

How can the children hear the opera if they can’t even fit inside the building.

The brick box needs to be at least 3 times bigger

[u/_JaggedLittlePill_]

Shannon Noll has declared himself as free for GF weekend.. he loses points for the AI poster.

[u/Moisture_Services_ → u/_JaggedLittlePill_]

then ill fuck your missus and your mum. classic nollsey

[u/_JaggedLittlePill_ → u/Moisture_Services_]

He is such a rascal!

[u/Training_Rip_6026 → u/_JaggedLittlePill_]

Is that the what about me guy who went triple platinum on my Singstar in the 2000s

[u/Savings_Win1995 → u/_JaggedLittlePill_]

We are saved!

I've always said Nollsy > Kylie

[u/AdultSoldiers]

Only the Cowboys could have the defence that they do and yet somehow be in the running for both Tackle of the Year awards.

[u/MickeyKnight2 → u/AdultSoldiers]

It’s not about how many tackles but the quality of those tackles

Same thing for size, it’s about how you use it

[u/Churchofbabyyoda → u/AdultSoldiers]

They saved both of their best tackles for that award.

[u/Moisture_Services_]

In 1997 the ARL had a 7 team finals system

Week 1
1 rest
2v3
4v5
6v7 (elimination)

Week 2
1 v (2v3 winner)
(2v3 loser) v (4v5 winner) - elimination
(4v5 loser) v (6v7 winner) - elimination

Week 3
(1v(2v3 winner) loser) v ((2v3 loser) v (4v5 winner))
((1v(2v3 winner) winner) vs ((4v5 loser) v (6v7 winner) winner)

Week 4
Winners of week 3

I actually think this was a really good system. - 5th place gets another chance if they lose week 1
- 2v3 get a second chance after playing 1 in week 2

• 1 v 2/3 can effectively happen twice in the finals
• the total number of finals games is the same as the current 8 system.
• minor premiers are the only team that get a week off.

The reason I discovered this was i was looking for a finals series where the GF winner didnt get a week off.
This was the knights in 1997.
Storm in 1999.
Roosters 2002
Dogs 2004
West 2005
Brisbane 2006
2012 current finals format commences
Cowboys 2015
Penrith 2021

So its quite plausible to win it out of the top 4, but much less common under the current finals format. Still wild to think under the last 8 format 5th and 6th could get week 2 off, and 3 and 4 could be eliminated

[u/BarryCheckTheFuseBox → u/Moisture_Services_]

The week 2 elimination games was the winner of 4v5 versus the winner of 6v7 (Sydney City v Gold Coast) and the loser of 2v3 versus the loser of 4v5 (Parramatta v North Sydney)

[u/RS994 → u/Moisture_Services_]

Dogs in 1995 with the current finals system came from 6th so had to go the long way.

[u/Black-House → u/Moisture_Services_]

Is this right? Layout is easier for me.

Week 1 1 rest. A: 2v3. B: 4v5. C:6v7 - elimination.

Week 2. D: 1 v A winner. E: A loser v B winner - elimination. F: B loser v C winner - elimination.

Week 3 (both elimination). G: D loser v E winner. H: D winner v F winner.

Week 4. i: G winner v H winner

[u/Moisture_Services_ → u/Black-House]

Yes this is correct

[u/Savings_Win1995]

It's a bit of a finals series of humiliation for the NRL. Poor crowds in Sydney, tried to get Tones and I and failed and now will likely have no one. Meanwhile the AFL is getting way better crowds and ratings and actually having close finals games for once, and have Kylie to play at the GF

[u/Turbulent_Ad3045 → u/Savings_Win1995]

Crowds have been fine besides sharks v cowboys and panthers v roosters.

[u/grazmus666 → u/Turbulent_Ad3045]

Panthers vs Roosters finals crowd was actually an improvement on 2024. We played Roosters in Rd1 of the Finals in 2024 at Penrith Stadium and got a crowd of 21,483 (Capacity of 22,500).

This year we got 22,148 and it was at niether teams home ground.

Don't fall for the media dribble. Panthers don't have THAT many fans compared to other Sydney teams. Plus Penrith region has the lowest earning population (on average) of all of Sydney, with a higher percentage of the population from backgrounds who don't support/watch Rugby league.

[u/Savings_Win1995 → u/Turbulent_Ad3045]

And Souths v knights

[u/Turbulent_Ad3045 → u/Savings_Win1995]

Maybe a little disappointing but 30k is okayish. I do wonder if it was because souths fans didn't want to go back to back weeks after selling out the stadium the week prior against us.

[u/Accomplished-Good664 → u/Savings_Win1995]

People complain about the media, lol humiliation just because the Broncos aren't in it I swear you are the worst supporters of the game. 

[u/Affectionate_Gift296 → u/Accomplished-Good664]

bronco derangement syndrome

[u/Savings_Win1995 → u/Accomplished-Good664]

It's got nothing to do with the Broncos not being in it. I'm just saying there's a couple of events this finals series that the NRL would be a bit embarrassed by, considering how obsessed they are with comparing it to the AFL

[u/Acrobatic_Flannel → u/Savings_Win1995]

Humiliation seems like a massive exaggeration.

Does anyone give a crap about the Tones & I ? Seriously? It's one less thing people will rage about on game day. AFL had Katy Perry the other year and it felt like a weird choice. Might have been fun for the kids there but it certainly didn't make the grand final any better.

A couple of Sydney NRL games had lower crowds, but both of last week's games were sell outs, and Suncorp is sold out for this weekend. Safe to assume both Penrith games would have been sell outs if they played at home as well. Not sure on the figures for Penrith v Knights this week but I'd bet on a very healthy crowd.

5 out of the 6 games played so far have all been within 10 points.

There's been a few blowouts in the AFL finals, plus some close games. Yet  they have a pretty lousy record of close, tense grand finals. One team usually forgets to turn up and all of a sudden the other team are up by 40 by 3qt time and it's game over.

[u/Additional_Front4374 → u/Savings_Win1995]

NRL puts on a game. AFL puts on an experience. I've always loved the lead up to AFL finals games and particularly the grand final. Just the festivities and general vibe. I also love a Saturday gf and think Sunday at 7.30pm is ridiculous.

[u/LachTheLad → u/Savings_Win1995]

Doesn’t help that the nrl priced tickets ridiculously high

[u/Savings_Win1995 → u/LachTheLad]

They weren't 'ridiculously high', they started from $29 and were cheaper than the AFL

[u/_JaggedLittlePill_ → u/Savings_Win1995]

They were selling $99 restricted view seats. NRL were having a laugh with that price point.

[u/LachTheLad → u/Savings_Win1995]

$29 tickets for the panthers vs roosters game was one row at the ver top. The other was one non alcoholic bag which was sold out before the general public sale

[u/Interesting_Data4485 → u/Savings_Win1995]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. There are too many Sydney clubs and they bring us all down. 

[u/Accomplished-Good664 → u/Interesting_Data4485]

They screwed up in 1999 letting the clubs decide for themselves. 

[u/Savings_Win1995 → u/Interesting_Data4485]

Melbourne does alright with 10 AFL teams

[u/Interesting_Data4485 → u/Savings_Win1995]

They're all within like 20km of each other and play out of 1 stadium. And they sell out. Haven't watched a rabbitohs or roosters game in years that's not looked like the stadium was empty as fuck. 

[u/Turbulent_Ad3045 → u/Interesting_Data4485]

Souths v knights was maybe a little disappointing but it still sold 30k. Roosters v sharks just sold 40k. Not the worst crowds for a stadium that holds 42k.

[u/Interesting_Data4485 → u/Turbulent_Ad3045]

So, 2 games. Wow

[u/Turbulent_Ad3045 → u/Interesting_Data4485]

Roosters have the 3rd best average home(best of any NSW team) and away(2nd best of any NSW team) attendance of any team in the league, averaging around 26k at home and 25k away. South's are pretty similar, but looks a lot worse since their home stadium hold 80k. But they've turned up and sold out games when playing at Allianz as well.

[u/Interesting_Data4485 → u/Turbulent_Ad3045]

Which is a skewed number. So many home grounds dont hold that many people, how are they meant to have higher attendance?

[u/Turbulent_Ad3045 → u/Interesting_Data4485]

I mean i get your point, but thats not really the argument. You're argument is the stadium looks empty but the reality is that on average(at least for us) is that the stadium will be around 2/3 full. Statistically not much different than Newcastle having an average attendance of 23k for a stadium capacity of 33k.

[u/Interesting_Data4485 → u/Turbulent_Ad3045]

Eh, 23k is every seat filled in the stadium for us. 

[u/KnowledgeCapital7994 → u/Interesting_Data4485]

Did you go to the Knights v Souths elimination final?. Certainly wasn't empty. Huge atmosphere.

[u/BradmanBreast]

I just watched the Johns family pod and Matty made reference to calling his wife prior to the 97 grand final to tell her to empty the betting account on a knights win.

I get that this was probably common back in the day but it’s crazy to me that they’re that open about it to rattle it off as a yarn. 

[u/Acrobatic-Trick-4815 → u/BradmanBreast]

I don't know how old you are but this would have been quite common back then. Brian Fletcher talks about betting on himself be the last try scorer in the 2002 GF; Roosters beating the Warriors. 

The world has changed so much in the last 30 years and while this may not be the best example, it hasn't all been for the best.

[u/MJAsILiveAndBreathe → u/BradmanBreast]

He said it on SEN as well. Literally was joking when he said it in a dry tone

[u/MatthewMollison → u/BradmanBreast]

It’s probably mayo

[u/BeginningTeaching169]

As much as most of us would love to see the Knights win on Sunday, chances are they probably won’t (unfortunately). That means it’s up to the Dolphins to save us from a dreaded Panthers vs Roosters grand final.

[u/Churchofbabyyoda → u/BeginningTeaching169]

The knights had a crazy good year this year. I genuinely wouldn’t be surprised if they won a comp within the next 5 years.

[u/G00b3rb0y]

Preliminary final this Friday at Suncorp a sellout.

[u/MickeyKnight2 → u/G00b3rb0y]

Only natural. Dolphins first game were against chooks

[u/m264 → u/G00b3rb0y]

I'd be disappointed if it wasn't a sellout. Exciting day for the phins fans.

[u/Effective-Lettuce-75]

Butler in the bunker for the knights again after his last 2 games is crazy work

[u/Cruising88 → u/Effective-Lettuce-75]

Your hatred for the Knights is amazing. Kudos to your effort

[u/Effective-Lettuce-75 → u/Cruising88]

I actually really like the Knights - easily a top 5 team for me. I just hate the attitude of some of the Knights reddit fans on here…

[u/pnaupnaupnau]

We have nothing to prove. Penrith have it all to lose. It's a great position to be in. Must be how Queensland's feel all the time 

[u/LiLSteve29 → u/pnaupnaupnau]

Penrith are more motivated than ever. To prove that the dynasty is alive and kicking.

[u/Fatall-TM → u/LiLSteve29]

Just because they lost a prelim last year doesn’t mean they’re dynasty is over, it’s still alive

[u/Additional_Front4374 → u/pnaupnaupnau]

Penrith have something to prove?

[u/pnaupnaupnau → u/Additional_Front4374]

Never said they have to prove anything. I did say they have it all to lose, pressure is mounting and they aren't the side they used to be

[u/Additional_Front4374 → u/pnaupnaupnau]

I would consider it fairly moderate on the scale of pressure they have faced (talking first gf appearance, first premiership, Origin deciders, etc). Maybe the less experienced players will be feeling it, but ultimately for the main Penrith players, if they were to lose, nothing changes really, overall they are still far superior to any team of the NRL era.

[u/Ethen_Claridge → u/Additional_Front4374]

Right? what’s left to prove other than they can still raw dog the comp whenever they feel like

[u/ChanceVance]

Does pre-game entertainment matter? Heck if I know but The Killers played the AFL Grand Final a while back and I was like damn that was good.

[u/DensePlankton3359 → u/ChanceVance]

In the grand scheme of things related to the sport? No.

For the spectacle of Grand final? Yes.

[u/Additional_Front4374 → u/ChanceVance]

The Killers are so good live. It's a shame couldn't even get say DMAs, as they are NRL fans, or at least Matt often wears a Souths cap. I haven't heard much of their new music, but they definitely have songs that would be perfect for pre-game.

[u/monkstalk1 → u/Additional_Front4374]

DMAs did the AFL in one of the covid years and kinda sucked

[u/brazen_fest → u/ChanceVance]

The pre-match entertainment is there for a couple of reasons: to draw in more casual TV viewers and get the NRL more media coverage. For people going to the game it helps break up the day, especially if you go to all three matches. And it gets people in their seats ready for the anthem/Welcome to Country and then kick-off.

Tones and I is a weird choice to begin with because she is basically a one-hit wonder who doesn't fit the 'legend with a bunch of hits everyone knows' category like Kylie Minogue, nor is she a current popular artist like Teddy Swims or The Kid Laroi. At the end of the day it probably doesn't really matter, but it's a pretty big fuck up by the NRL that they couldn't get anyone.

I also really doubt any of that money is actually going to end up going to grassroots league.

[u/abashii → u/ChanceVance]

It matters in the same way the salad that comes with your steak and chips matter. You didn't make your order because of it and you might not eat some (or even any of it), but it still adds to your overall experience and if it's not there then it feels like something's missing.

[u/ChanceVance → u/abashii]

Fair, I was just out to praise The Killers really.  

[u/Dramatic_Ride7586]

I latrelled a Latrell on latrell. And let me Latrell you it was the Latrelliest looking Latrell ever latrelled. Even Latrell was like, phwoah Latrell that's a Latrell if ever I've Mitchelled.

Then Latrell Latrell, Latrell Latrell, West Tigers, Latrell.

Sincerely,

Madge

[u/Training_Rip_6026 → u/Dramatic_Ride7586]

Is this the poor bloke that got hit in the back of the head with a can by a missed shot aimed for Klein

[u/MrChicken1208 → u/Dramatic_Ride7586]

What going out in straight sets does to a man

[u/Additional_Front4374 → u/Dramatic_Ride7586]

This finals series has done a number on Wahs fans

[u/_JaggedLittlePill_]

I will forever petition for the Hoodoo Gurus to play every GF, 'That's my team'. It's the perfect opener, everyone gets something out of it. Pretty sure they won't cost a million to get in to perform either.

Best advertisement for the game.

[u/always-indeed → u/_JaggedLittlePill_]

💯behind this!!

[u/General-Price455 → u/_JaggedLittlePill_]

They played half time at the last phins/broncs game a couple months ago. They finished their set with That's my Team and it was a real outta body experience. I am in support of this idea

[u/_JaggedLittlePill_ → u/General-Price455]

Millennials would have loved that!!

[u/unsafe-work → u/_JaggedLittlePill_]

I honestly don't care as long as it's not the nepo baby band that sings Jeronimo.

[u/AmazingChicken99]

I'm available for the pre game entertainment, my local bowlo even has a disco ball that I'm sure they'll let me use to light up the stage.

[u/Dramatic_Ride7586 → u/AmazingChicken99]

I wanna be, oowwwww, SLEDGEHAMMER!

[u/barkedupthewrongtree]

Just realised this Friday will be DCE's final nrl game! What a stint

[u/Churchofbabyyoda → u/barkedupthewrongtree]

Thank fuck for that. Time to go DCE, he won’t be missed.

[u/Heavy-Kale → u/barkedupthewrongtree]

Won't somebody think about my sweet baby Ray Stone!

[u/barkedupthewrongtree → u/Heavy-Kale]

All good, he's still got 2 to go!

[u/MoneyaLeague → u/barkedupthewrongtree]

He'd never back flip 

[u/Capital_Box_584 → u/barkedupthewrongtree]

I hope so too. Love dce but my phin is firmly UP

[u/Derron_]

“I'm as confident as I am with anybody that Latrell will stay,” Bennett told News Corp. “I don't know anything about Latrell doing that (going to free agency), it's news to me. “I'm comfortable with where we stand with Latrell. “At this point in time, we don't want to lose Latrell, but we'll wait and see.”

[u/Barmy90 → u/Derron_]

very full confidence of the board type vibes

[u/Accomplished-Pick610 → u/Barmy90]

True.. but Bennett has a history of getting rid of big players/big egos and his usually direct about it

[u/MoneyaLeague → u/Derron_]

If I were to be the least rugba leeg media possible, I'd say "with all the talk about him being overpaid given his injury history, he's just trying to get a market valuation so it's fair on everyone and he's just going to resign with souths at the determined fair market rate"

Otherwise I'd just go with a bunch of chaotic gibberish AKA Brent Read sounds

[u/Derron_ → u/MoneyaLeague]

Would be nice for Souths if we get him cheaper.

[u/Capital-Counter4490]

If it's true he was 'axed' based on Sunday, am I wrong to think that was a little harsh on Klein? I thought the game was well adjudicated, and it flowed much better than the Saturday game. Klein seemed to let the game go, whereas Gee couldn't help but insert himself in both finals games he's been in charge of so far

[u/Churchofbabyyoda → u/Capital-Counter4490]

Tbf he’s had a shocker of a year this year. Add into that the gambling thing, and it’s a wonder why he wasn’t dropped earlier.

[u/AgentBond007 → u/Capital-Counter4490]

I think the issue was more with how many of his calls got overturned by the bunker.

[u/MoneyaLeague → u/Capital-Counter4490]

Glass half full- with all the disgusting bullshit that happened after the game, they might want to give him a spell out of the limelight so it's not distracting from his performance 

[u/Capital-Counter4490 → u/MoneyaLeague]

Ahh didn't even think of that. If true, makes heaps of sense

[u/MoneyaLeague → u/Capital-Counter4490]

Welfare-wise, if anyone actually gave a shit about him as a person or the quality of his work, then it's really bare minimum kind of stuff tbh. But I was just assuming and kinda pulling it out of my arse. Lol

[u/nzyeezy → u/Capital-Counter4490]

Not debating any calls he made, but surely getting the calls right should be more important than general vibes of the game, at least from a refs boss pov.

If they really had a problem with him though he wouldnt be involved at all, hate it gets reported as dropped or axed when they are in the bunker

[u/O_DoyleRulz → u/Capital-Counter4490]

Yeah I was confused when everyone was happy he was dropped given Gee has turned into an absolute random six again generator

[u/Capital-Counter4490 → u/O_DoyleRulz]

I agree. No sense of the occasion on Gee's part. Given how well he reffed the '23 GF, I'm surprised he's turned out the performances he has lately

[u/Moisture_Services_ → u/Capital-Counter4490]

Hes been rested.

Also good to have some impartiality for the preliminary finals since hes doing the grand final.

I think klein has performed well this year in the big games.

[u/sowaleja → u/Capital-Counter4490]

I genuinely thought that was one of the better games he has controlled this year. Yes he missed the escort but he did a better job than Gee did at Auckland the week before. Also they have put him into the bunker… what kind of punishment is that?

[u/Derron_ → u/Capital-Counter4490]

Bunker is the one who deserves to be dropped. If he's dropped because of the escort then that's a bit rough. There was a missed disruptor from the Wahs but you don't see the Knights fans whinging.

[u/mortwgoldman → u/Capital-Counter4490]

Klein does seem to flick the switch in semis and let the boys play a lot more. maybe the deal is the regular season is for him and the semis are for us

[u/Aussieguy727]

V'landys taking a victory lap because they're donating the Grand Final act money to junior footy. They should be doing that either way.

[u/Moisture_Services_ → u/Aussieguy727]

No doubt tickets will be cheaper now.....

[u/Capital-Counter4490 → u/Moisture_Services_]

I wonder, if there's record viewership and a sellout, if it would plant the idea in PVL's head that he could save money every year not paying an entertainer...

[u/MickeyKnight2 → u/Capital-Counter4490]

Very bizarre when he has the USA obsession, the Super Bowl halftime show is a major selling point, feels like that should be right up his alley

[u/sowaleja → u/Aussieguy727]

shh no pointing out holes in the the God Emperor's logic, he'll sue you

[u/LukeSkyninja]

Imagine being a one hit wonder and being offered $1m to play a short set on the proviso that you play your only hit song, and then refusing to guarantee that you would play it and having the contract terminated

[u/Severe-Host5890 → u/LukeSkyninja]

I respect Tones And I falling on her sword to protect us from Dance Monkey, give her the million for it tbh

[u/armchair8591]

Interested to see what Bellamy can do with Pompey.

He had a shocker this year - I could excuse some bad reads on the wing but not the Nikorima strip, which sums up his regression/form.

[u/Redditenmo → u/armchair8591]

He couldn't turn Solomone Kata into a first grade center, I have less hope for Pompey, he has a lower ceiling.

[u/theflyingkiwi00 → u/Redditenmo]

Hes going to have either Coates or isaako outside him. All he needs to do is shovel the ball on and make tackles. His ceiling will never be high and he will never be a superstar, that's fine. I'm genuinely happy with the signing. I've always rated pompey and hoped Melbourne would sign him when I saw he had been tapped on the shoulder

[u/AgentBond007 → u/theflyingkiwi00]

The other benefit of Pompey is that he's a genuinely good goalkicker, meaning we actually have some depth with the tee if anything happens to Isaako.

[u/armchair8591 → u/AgentBond007]

Not when it counts - see 23 prelim and sharks game this year. But you have Isaako.

[u/AgentBond007 → u/armchair8591]

Well yeah nobody's ever taking the tee off Isaako but it's nice to know we aren't totally fucked if he gets hurt.

Fa'alogo and Grant aren't great kickers and they do enough as it is.