Coach gives up his job for a legend

Coach gives up his job for a legend

[NHL] Coach gives up his job for a legend

Current New York Islanders head coach Ted Nolan has made a fine gesture to former Islanders coach Al Arbour by stepping down from his post for one game during the upcoming 2007/2008 NHL season. Arbour who led the greatest of all Islanders teams to four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1980-1983 finished his tenure with the Islanders on 1,499 career games behind the bench and at Nolan's request he will step behind the bench for game 1,500 against the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 3, 2006.

Considering the pressure on sides to make the Playoffs each season, Nolan is putting his own neck on the line by letting another coach take the reigns - even if it is for just one game - but the gesture (even with a loss) creates a gigantic amount of positive press for a club that lost a vast array of their top players in Free Agency this month.

Arbour was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996 and finished his Islanders career with 739 career wins and of course - those 4 Stanley Cups.

Check out the full story here:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AvyjljB7AkecXqraiKHqGWJ7vLYF?slug=ap-islanders-coacharbour&prov=ap&type=lgns

NRL to bring back two byes in Season 2008

NRL to bring back two byes in Season 2008

[NRL] NRL to bring back two byes in Season 2008

Bowing to pressure that has been around for about 5 years, the NRL has decided to re-introduce two byes to the 2008 draw in an attempt to reduce the strain on their players.

The proposed draw structure has not been officially released but I understand that all teams will have two byes over a 6-8 week period (from the weekend of the Anzac Test to the end of the Origin Series). If this is the case then the NRL is on the right track but if they only give teams that may have the highest number of representative players involved byes on the weekend before Origin games - then they are significantly disadvantaging the other teams who will be forced to play games without their best players.

Ideally over the four weekends in question we would see all 8 teams have a bye on each of the 4 weekends that have representative football attached to them. While that would only mean 4 NRL games on each weekend you've still covered all your significant television bases with a Friday Night game, a Saturday Night game, a Sunday Afternoon game and a Monday Night game. The current setup gives 4 teams the bye on these 4 weekends and it has certainly worked the best of all the setups since the bye was reintroduced in 2002.

The next step on the road to respectability would be to have the NRL Judiciary actually judge cases objectively and the Finals System revert back to the Final Five that flourished during the late 80s and early 90s when only the best teams played off for the ultimate prize of a premiership.

Check out a few articles on this topic:
* http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/schedule-changes-a-good-step/2007/07/20/1184559965975.html

* http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,22098722-23214,00.html

Money and spare time = dangerous combination

Money and spare time = dangerous combination

[NFL] Money and spare time = dangerous combination

Former #1 Draft Pick and Atlanta Falcons superstar quarterback Michael Vick has been indicted in the USA for allegedly creating an illegal dog fighting organisation based out of one of his homes in Virgina.

It is probably best you read the entire article as it sums things up cleanly - but this is a tragic example of how vast amounts of money and spare time (plus surrounding yourself with people who don't have the money but do have the spare time) can put professional athletes on the road to ruin.

Check out the good summation at Yahoo! Sports:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AtGfRqB_m9Q.aKr6UiI_Av05nYcB?slug=ap-vickindictment&prov=ap&type=lgns

Get your NFL pre-season fix here

Get your NFL pre-season fix here

[NFL] Get your NFL pre-season fix here

The doyen of American Football reporting is Peter King from Sports Illustrated in the USA. His regular column Monday Morning Quarterback is the best weekly read on the NFL available on the internet and I highly recommend it.

If you want to find out where King rates your team heading into the 2007 season then get your butt over to SI.com and read up.

For the record my Top 5 heading into the pre-season is:
1. Indianaoplis Colts

2. New England Patriots

3. Carolina Panthers

4. Seattle Seahawks

5. Chicago Bears/San Diego Chargers (tie)

Check out Peter King's full NFL Pre-season Power Rankings here:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/peter_king/07/16/mmqb/index.html

Continuous Call Team stink

Continuous Call Team stink

[RUGBY LEAGUE] Continuous Call Team stink

2GB radio personalities Bob Fulton and Darryl Brohman let their real feelings be known towards each other... shame to see this happen but if you are familiar with the way Rugby League was played 30 years ago you might see both sides of the argument.

Personally Brohman is right saying that thuggery needs to be stamped out and I can't agree with Fulton's stance with Les Boyd - but that's just my opinion.

Check out Fulton and Brohmans:
http://media.dailytelegraph.com.au/multimedia/mediaplayer/index.html?id=223

'Rickey's the best'

'Rickey's the best'

[BASEBALL] 'Rickey's the best'

It might be made up (well a good percentage of it anyway) but this blog makes for some very amusing reading.

Former Major League Baseball player Rickey Henderson (who at 45 years of age was still pushing for a comeback) is a legend of the game but he is also a major fan of himself and as this blog shows - he might lack a little star power upstairs.

Here's the link:
http://100percentinjuryrate.blogspot.com/2007/07/definitive-rickey-henderson.html

Interested in coaching an AFL team in 2008?

Interested in coaching an AFL team in 2008?

[AFL] Interested in coaching an AFL team in 2008?

After the resignation of long term head coach Neale Daniher two weeks ago, the Melbourne Football Club will officially and publicly advertise the position of head coach for 2008 this weekend.

If you're happy to deal with the few dozen players with inflated egos, equally self involved football boards on top of the ever present media and demanding fan base - then the Demons want you!

I'll post the full job ad if I can find it on the weekend - on Monday.

Here's the AAP article at Foxsports.com.au:
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,22067570-23211,00.html

Time for bowling machines in English County Cricket

Time for bowling machines in English County Cricket

[CRICKET] Time for bowling machines in English County Cricket

Over the past few years if you've ever checked the scorecards for a County Cricket fixture in England invariably you'll see both team's scoring a boatload of runs for the loss of minimal wickets and an actual outright result seems rarer than hen's teeth.

But the recent Essex v Nottinghamshire four-day game produced a draw that makes a mockery of both the ability of the County bowling attacks and the fact the pitches are nothing short of batting paradises.

In the space of four days a total of 1,554 runs were scored for the loss of just 20 wickets (an average of 77.7 runs per batsman) and a mammoth 390.4 overs were bowled!

Essex batting first declared at 9/700 in 151.5 overs and then in reply Nottinghamshire put up 791 all out in 212.5 overs. Essex batted again for 26 overs in their 2nd innings to end the game at 1/63 as the game petered out into a draw.

Seriously if any fans attending the game had to pay to get in they should be refunded double. Not that I can vouch for the entertainment value in the batting but honestly if the bowling attacks of both sides can not bowl out the other side for less than 700 runs - Houston we've got a problem in the bowling stocks.

As a bowler myself this kind of result just makes me cringe and feel sorry for the poor blokes who delivered delivery after delivery for four days without any reward. But I guess on the bright side a guy like Andy Bichel who bowled 32 fairly fruitless overs - still scored 148 runs batting at #8 proving even bowlers got amongst the runs!

If you want to check out the full scorecard go here:
http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/countycricket2007/engine/current/match/268153.html

A gallant effort at explaining cricket...

A gallant effort at explaining cricket...

[CRICKET] A gallant effort at explaining cricket...

This article from the Chicago Tribune makes a commendable effort at explaining what cricket is to the American masses - based around the proposed installation of a cricket training net in one of the suburbs of Chicago.

You need to read the entire article for yourself to appreciate how hard the writer has tried to explain the game - but the good news is that cricket is at least getting some support from the community to expand its reach in the USA.

Check out the full article here:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/nearnorthwest/chi-cricketjul11,1,3017376.story?coll=chi-newslocalnearnorthwest-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true

Round 18 NRL Quick Predictions

Round 18 NRL Quick Predictions

[NRL] Round 18 NRL Quick Predictions

FRIDAY

SEA EAGLES v TIGERS @ BROOKVALE

Quick Tip: Sea Eagles

Why? Manly at home is always a tough ask for any side and the Tigers still don't have two of their best three players (Marshall and Hodgson) available for this clash - so I'm leaning towards the Sea Eagles in this one.

COWBOYS v BRONCOS @ DAIRY FARMERS
Quick Tip: Broncos

Why? Brisbane didn't really knock the Titans out of last Friday night's contest when they had the upper hand but give them credit for overcoming a deficit in the second half to get the 2 points. The Cowboys need Thurston at full health to win these big games and he'll be anything but fully fit if he plays on Friday. Broncos away for mine.

SATURDAY

BULLDOGS v PANTHERS @ TELSTRA
Quick Tip: Bulldogs
Why? The Panthers can't tackle and half their team hasn't responded well to the tight leash new coach Matt Elliott has put on their once 'do what I want' lives under John Lang. But knowing the Bulldogs they'll go into this game as raging hot favourites, believe their own press and hand the Panthers an easy 2 points. But I can't officially pick Penrith in this one.

ROOSTERS v SHARKS @ SFS
Quick Tip: Sharks

Why? Even without Kimmorley or Dykes the Sharks should have too much control in the middle of the ruck for the Roosters to overcome and build pressure through field position. The Roosters don't have the offensive skills to worry the Sharks too much in this one and if Cronulla can score 3 or 4 tries they'll win.

SUNDAY

WARRIORS v DRAGONS @ MT SMART
Quick Tip: Warriors

Why? The Dragons had the good fortune of coming up against a Canberra team that couldn't tackle last weekend - yet only secured the game with 20 minutes to go regardless of the 58-16 final scoreline. The Warriors on the other hand weren't brilliant against the Cowboys but were hard done by thanks to video refereeing that defied belief. Warriors at home here.

RAIDERS v TITANS @ CANBERRA
Quick Tip: Raiders

Why? I've been burnt by the Raiders the past month and here I go picking them again. This week the reasoning is the possible absence of Scott Prince for the Titans and the fact Canberra might actually remember how to tackle this week.

EELS v RABBITOHS @ PARRAMATTA
Quick Tip: Eels

Why? Parramatta were horrible in some key areas against the Knights and Newcastle were very good as well - that amounted to a comprehensive loss at home on Monday night. I can't see that happening again when the Bunnies come to visit on Sunday afternoon. If Souths had a halfback who could actually create opportunities I'd be tempted by the Bunnies but fact is - Jeremy Smith is a below average playmaker and Souths can't win these games with him in the #7.

MONDAY

STORM v KNIGHTS @ OLYMPIC
Quick Tip: Storm

Why? Even if Cooper Cronk doesn't play the Storm will have too much dominance in the play the ball for the Knights to prevail. Newcastle were excellent against Parramatta but the Storm don't allow you to get a roll on very often - and that's how the Knights attack - with momentum. Storm at home.

Anderson steps aside, Fittler takes the reigns

Anderson steps aside, Fittler takes the reigns

[NRL] Anderson steps aside, Fittler takes the reigns

Stress and a playing roster that simply has not lived up to expectations are the two main reasons that two-time premiership winning coach Chris Anderson stepped down from the Sydney Roosters' head coaching position today. His assistant and Roosters' legend Brad Fittler will take over in a stunning move given Fittler's openness about not being ready for the full time role.

Anderson has done in my opinion a good job of pushing the young players in the club into first grade and while many might criticise the decision to let the likes of Josh Lewis, Jamie Soward, Nigel Plum and Chris Flannery go mid-season - the fact remains the club was going no-where if the new coach didn't come in and start the team on a new path.

Sure the club isn't exactly going great guns this season but the likes of Setaimata Sa, Mitchell Aubusson and Mitchell Pearce are cornerstones for the future of the club and had Anderson not invested his time in their development - the Roosters may not have recovered for three or four years and been a competitive unit.

Still Brad Fittler has never come across as the sharpest league mind in the business but for his sake I certainly hope his standing in the game helps inspire his new troops because if he can't - the Roosters may not win another game this season.

Tipping frustration!

Tipping frustration!
[NRL] Tipping frustration!

So another Round of the NRL has almost come to pass (Parramatta play Newcastle tonight) and alas my tipping expertise has fallen by the wayside thanks to the ONLY upset selection I picked for the weekend - going down. So far the seven favourites in all seven games have got up and that means probably 50% of the tipping population are on the verge of a perfect round if Parramatta (tonight's favourites) win.

Alas I selected the Canberra Raiders to upset the Dragons yesterday and the 58-16 scoreline suggests I was way off on my predicted upset for the Round.

So although I've picked Parramatta this evening - I am behind the Knights in a big way to wreck everyone else's perfect round and keep me alive in my tipping competitions!

What a dog of a day: Kobayashi falls by the wayside

What a dog of a day: Kobayashi falls by the wayside

[MISCELLANEOUS] What a dog of a day: Kobayashi falls by the wayside

In the end consuming 63 hot dogs in 12 minutes simply wasn't enough for six-time defending Nathan's Hot Dog Competition champion Takeru Kobayashi - as American Joey Chestnut knocked off a whopping 66 to claim the title and the new world record for fast food consumption.

The event is held on July 4 annually and has become quite the cult classic with Kobayashi's fame in his home country of Japan on par with that of a pop star. But the arthritic jaw complaint Kobayashi suffered from coming into the competition proved to great an obstacle to overcome and the Japanese hero had to settle for the silver.

I must pay respect to the brilliant play by play description by the writer of the SI.com article (who by Associated Press styling never gets a by line) who put this together:

"The two gustatory gladiators quickly distanced themselves from the rest of the 17 competitors, processing more beef than a slaughterhouse within the first few minutes. The two had each downed 60 hot dogs with 60 seconds to go when Chestnut -- the veins on his forehead extended -- put away the final franks to end Kobayashi's reign."

I'd love to see an Australian have a go at this next year... so if you're not particularly good at anything bar eating - get in training!

Check out the article at SI:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/07/04/chestnut.ap/index.html

Oden will go 1st Overall in NBA Draft

Oden will go 1st Overall in NBA Draft

[NBA] Oden will go 1st Overall in NBA Draft

The Portland Trail Blazers have the 1st overall pick in tomorrow's 2007 NBA Draft but there will be no last minute suspense over the selection as had been anticipated, with a report today confirming that the team has decided on Ohio State centre Greg Oden.

Texas forward Kevin Durant - considered the most naturally talented player available, will now in all likelihood, go 2nd overall to the Seattle Supersonics but the rest of the first round is well and truly up in the air.

The Draft will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York - Thurdsay night in the USA.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AppWmD.fv9tUArcKhJhagnk5nYcB?slug=txodentoppick&prov=st&type=lgns

Anthony Mundine wins again, but Haumono steals the show

Anthony Mundine wins again, but Haumono steals the show

[BOXING] Anthony Mundine wins again, but Haumono steals the show

The WBA Super Middleweight title is still Anthony Mundines but he was forced to tough it out against his Argentinean opponent Pablo Zamora Nievas last night. Mundine won with a unanimous points decision after the 9 rounds failed to produce a winner by knockout.

Nievas certainly gave Mundine and the Gold Coast crowd a fight worth remembering but lacked the poise of the 32 year old Australian and the final score cards went in Mundine's favour: 119-107, 120-108 and 119-108.

But despite the Mundine fight going the full 9 rounds, another former NRL player Solomon Haumono marched on in relative ease with his 12th straight win in the ring - beating Fijian Mosese Kavika in the first round. Haumono has always been a beast physically and here's hoping the experience he's built up over the past couple of years can have him challenging for a significant belt in the near future.

Round 16 NRL Teams & Really Quick Predictions

Round 16 NRL Teams & Really Quick Predictions

[NRL] Round 16 NRL Teams & Really Quick Predictions

Round 16 of the NRL competition is upon us and with the Eels, Storm, Cowboys and Sharks all having their bye this week - there will only be 6 games on the schedule.

FRIDAY
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS @ ENERGYAUSTRALIA
KNIGHTS
1-13: Hinton, McManus, Carmont, Tighe, A MacDougall, Mullen, Walsh, Sargent, Seu Seu, Woolnough, Abraham, Paterson, Tanner.
Bench: Young, Bailey, Royal, Snowden, White, Taia.
RABBITOHS
1-13: Peachey, Merritt, Vagana, Hegarty, Mellor, Rogers, Smith, Cusack (c), Webb, Asotasi (c), Stuart, Fa'alogo, Widders.
Bench: Luke, Rigon, Manuokafoa, Lowe.
Referee: S Hampstead
Quick Tip: Rabbitohs by 8

SATURDAY
GOLD COAST TITANS v WARRIORS @ CARRARA
TITANS
1-13: Campbell, Petersen, Rogers, Delaney, Webster, Lewis, Prince (c), Stosic, Friend, Donnelly, Swain, Minichiello, Hilder.
Bench: O'Dwyer, Hodgson, Cooper, Amos, Kahler.
WARRIORS
1-13: McKinnon, Ah Van, Byrne, Mannering, Vatuvei, Witt, Rovelli, Wiki (c), Fien, Tuimavave, Anderson, Swann, Luck.
Bench: Gatis, Hohaia, Koopu, Lauaki, Rapira.
Refereee: S Hayne
Quick Tip: Titans by 6

PENRITH PANTHERS v BRISBANE BRONCOS
PANTHERS
1-13: Georgetown+, Daniela, Jennings, Lewis, Youngquest, Firman, Gower (c), Grant, Peters, F Puletua, Pritchard, T Puletua, Smith.
Bench: Nuumaalii+, O'Halloran, Rodney, Clinton, Aiton.
BRONCOS
1-13: Kemp, Michaels, Stagg, Boyd, Frawley, Perry, Ennis, Carlaw, Lacey, Hannant, Parker, Thorn (c), Eastwood.
Bench: Taylor, Moon, Te Reo, Kenny, Roberts, Emmett.
Referee: G Badger
Quick Tip: Panthers by 10

SUNDAY
CANBERRA RAIDERS v WESTS TIGERS @ CANBERRA
RAIDERS
1-13: Zillman, Milne, Chalk, Best, Kelly, Campese, Carney, Thompson, Withers, Logan, Plum, Turner, Tongue (c).
Bench: Miller, Tilse, Thurling, Hinchcliffe, Jones.
TIGERS
1-13: Fitzhenry, Ryan+, Collis, Whatuira, Tuiaki, Morris, Farah, Payten (c), Halatau, Gibbs, Fulton, Heighington, Lawrence.
Bench: Galea, Flanagan, Harrison, Galea, Galloway, McDonnell.
Referee: S Clark
Quick Tip: Raiders by 4

ST.GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS v MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES
DRAGONS
1-13: J Morris, Nightingale, Stanley, Luila, Hewitt, Chase, Soward, Poore, Woolford, Hunt, Scott, Houston, Creagh (c).
Bench: Peek, Ellis, Setu, Payne.
SEA EAGLES
1-13: Robertson, Bradley, Neumann, Menzies, Hicks, Burns, Orford (c), King, Monaghan, Bryant, Watmough, G Stewart, Williamson.
Bench: Ballin, Hall, Finefeuiaki, Afamasaga, Cuthbertson.
Referee: T Archer
Quick Tip: Sea Eagles by 16

MONDAY
BULLDOGS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS @ TELSTRA
BULLDOGS
1-13: Patten, El Masri, Millard, Tonga, Phelps, Roberts, Sherwin, Hickey, Hughes (c), Cleal, Williams, Kouparitsas, Maitua.
Bench: Perry, Morrin, Brideson, Green, Holdsworth, Wheatley.
ROOSTERS
1-13: Roberts, J Williams, Monaghan, Soliola, Perrett, Sa, Pearce, Shillington, Wing, Nutley, Tupou, Fitzgibbon (c), Aubusson.
Bench: Paul-Nuuausala, L Paea, D Williams, Harrison.
Referee: J Maxwell
Quick Tip: Bulldogs by 2

Last week I tipped 4 from 8...

Origin III: NSW & QLD Sides Named

Origin III: NSW & QLD Sides Named

[RUGBY LEAGUE] Origin III: NSW & QLD Sides Named

Here are the two sides named today for Origin III at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday night.

NEW SOUTH WALES
STEWART, Brett
KING, Matt
LYON, Jamie
COOPER, Matt
HAYNE, Jarryd
BIRD, Greg
KIMMORLEY, Brett
KITE, Brent
BUDERUS, Danny (c)
MASON, Willie
HINDMARSH, Nathan
RYAN, Andrew
GALLEN, Paul
Bench:
BAILEY, Luke
SIMPSON, Steve
HOFFMAN, Ryan
GIDLEY, Kurt

QUEENSLAND
HUNT, Karmichael
TATE, Brent
BELL, Steven
HODGES, Justin
INGLIS, Greg
LOCKYER, Darren (c)
THURSTON, Johnathan
PRICE, Steven
SMITH, Cameron
CIVONICEVA, Petero
CARROLL, Tonie
WEBB, Carl
JOHNSON, Dallas
Bench:
BERRIGAN, Shaun
LILLYMAN, Jacob
MYLES, Nate
COSTIGAN, Neville

Quick take:

NSW have failed to pick anything resembling a class playmaker (Kimmorley is the closest thing in the side but he's a busy player rather than a classy one) and they might be good enough to stay in the contest in Game III but I just can't see their lack of class overcoming the Maroons' abundance of class in the 6, 7 and 9 jerseys.

Queensland will be heavy favourites unless the bookies want to be fleeced.

Great retrospective feature over at SI.com

Great retrospective feature over at SI.com

[NBA] Great retrospective feature over at SI.com

One of the great features over at Sports Illustrated (www.si.com) is how they mix great action shots of athletes and a topic that links those athletes in a countdown of sorts.

Today they did a feature gallery called 'NBA Draft Steals' and listed 15 players who they believed were great steals (as in bargains where they were picked) of recent NBA Drafts. With the 2007 Draft just around the corner it offers a nice retrospective look at the quality NBA GMs have unearthed in the past.

They have also done a list of the great NBA Draft busts (as in no bargain found with that pick at all) so check it out.

Check it out here
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0706/gallery.nba.draft.steals/content.1.html

No more chances for Tank Johnson

No more chances for Tank Johnson

[NFL] No more chances for Tank Johnson

Just how many chances should a professional athlete get before he or she is shown the door by their team?

For the Chicago Bears they simply couldn't keep excusing the off-field actions of their defensive tackle Tank Johnson and in the end it was a relatively minor driving while under the influence offence in Arizona that saw him punted from the organisation.

Before you start thinking the guy has been hard done by check out the article link below and judge for yourself if what he has done off the field prior to this offence should have seen him released long ago.

Although the Bears stood by him for all of last season the fact that Johnson was facing an 8 match ban in this coming season made their decision to cut him a little easier.

Check out the full article here:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AqmNYCRewl02H.Y1wuep4sNDubYF?slug=ap-bears-tankreleased&prov=ap&type=lgns

Who I like tonight - MNF

Who I like tonight - MNF

[NRL] Who I like tonight - MNF

The Brisbane Broncos will be too good for the Wests Tigers tonight at Suncorp Stadium to complete Round 15 of the NRL. Look for Darren Lockyer and Petero Civoniceva to have big games after a good ten days of rest since their last game.

Although given I've only managed to pick 3 winners from the 7 contests so far this round... back the Tigers if you are a punter.

Broncos by 12 points. Big Petero for man of the match.

New logo & uniforms for Atlanta Hawks

New logo & uniforms for Atlanta Hawks

[NBA] New logo & uniforms for Atlanta Hawks

The marketing department for any professional team never stops working on ways to get more money out of the fans who support their team and today the NBA's Atlanta Hawks released their new logo and uniforms for the coming season.

In the past (heck as recent as just 15 years ago) teams found their marketing team's best tool was the love fans had for the logo that team had had since their birth way back when. Fans loved their logo and uniforms because they had a tradition, a history and a uniqueness that allowed the fans to identify their team from the crowd.

Sadly for any marketing team in today's day and age - a new logo and uniform are just a way of life every two to three seasons.

The Atlanta Hawks new logo and home and away uniforms can be found here:

http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/newuniform_pr_062707.html

Final NRL & AFL Predictions for the Weekend

Final NRL & AFL Predictions for the Weekend

[NRL/AFL] Final NRL & AFL Predictions for the Weekend

Here are EIUOO SPORTS tips for Round 15 of the NRL and Round 12 of the AFL.

NRL ROUND 15
Panthers to beat Warriors by 4
Bulldogs to beat Sea Eagles by 2
Raiders to beat Cowboys by 1
Knights to beat Titans by 10
Sharks to beat Rabbitohs by 8
Storm to beat Dragons by 12
Broncos to beat Tigers by 12

Special Fried Rice of the Week - Bulldogs to beat Manly at Brookvale at $2.50 (Bulldogs had a 15 minute window to knock out the Broncos last week and didn't capitalise - if they get the same opportunity against the Sea Eagles I'm thinking they will.)
Near Certainty of the Week - Sharks to beat Rabbitohs at $1.75 (Rabbitohs can't score points at all and the Sharks just couldn't score points last weekend.)

Although if you decide to part with your hard earned to actually back these two teams you are a braver man than I!

AFL ROUND 12 (3/5 in first half of the round)
Demons to beat Tigers by 11
Swans to beat Magpies by 22
Eagles to beat Saints by 34

Special Fried Rice of the Week - Tigers to beat Demons at $2.55 (yes I realise I picked the Demons to win in my tips but again if you're a betting man the Tigers are certainly not without a good shot in this one.)
Near Certainty of the Week - Eagles to beat Saints at $1.10 (So why would you bother?)

Kobe Bryant wants out of the Lakers

Kobe Bryant wants out of the Lakers

[NBA] Kobe Bryant wants out of the Lakers

It only took a few weeks but it seems Kobe Bryant has finally figured out that yes, he does want to leave the Los Angeles Lakers and play elsewhere in the NBA next season. He has changed his mind publicly a few times during this period but now thanks to the internet his latest tirade regarding the inability of the Lakers to build a competitive team around him (he didn't say it quite that plainly mind you) has confirmed the fact he wants to leave.

So where will Bryant end up?

The challenge for NBA executives after Bryant start with whether or not Kobe wants to play in their city to the prospective NBA team having the players on their roster to trade for Bryant (both on a talent and salary level). Ironically in this day and age of professional sport - money may be the most irrelevant factor when it comes to Bryant's contract because let's be honest - anyone who can get Bryant will pay for him happily with the chequebook.

Check out the full Dan Wetzel article here:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AgmasgXPJ7sstGdFchuqVq45nYcB?slug=dw-kobebryant061907&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Big Petero to the Roosters?

Big Petero to the Roosters?

[NRL] Big Petero to the Roosters?

Foxsports.com.au is reporting that the Sydney Roosters have tabled a rather large offer to off-contract prop Petero Civoniceva with the intent of pairing him up with another big name signing Mark O'Meley for the 2008 NRL season. While the Roosters are always linked with the big name free agent this move still looks a little media driven given the Roosters will have O'Meley, Nate Myles, Danny Nutley and David Shillington on the books in 2008 even if they do sign Civoniceva.

The money from England has already been thrown at Civoniceva's agent and the 31 year old Australian and Queensland representative would have been weighing up his options overseas for some time now. But there seems to be a desire in the big fella to stay in the NRL and he wants a 3 year contract - and there should be a number of teams other than the Roosters after his signature.

While this is purely speculation I believe the following sides should be throwing the cash at one of the game's top three props:

Brisbane - they can't afford to lose him because Joel Clinton is not a #1 prop despite his contract.

Canberra - desperately need a leader in the forward pack for their young guns to follow.

Bulldogs - may not have the cap room but he'd be a far better option than the player he would replace in O'Meley.

Wests Tigers - if they can clear the cap room by letting the likes of Ben Galea and Ryan O'Hara go they would take the step from possible contender to probable contender in an instant.

Check out the full article here:

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21940414-23214,00.html

Round 15 NRL Teams & Really Quick Predictions

Round 15 NRL Teams & Really Quick Predictions

[NRL] Round 15 NRL Teams & Really Quick Predictions

Here are the lineups for Round 15 of the NRL Premiership and a very quick prediction as of Wednesday 10am.

FRIDAY:

WARRIORS v PENRITH PANTHERS @ MT SMART

WARRIORS
1-13: McKinnon, Ah Van, Martin, Mannering, Vatuvei, Witt, Rovelli, Tuimavave, Fien, Price (c), Anderson, Swann, Luck.

Bench: Gatis, Rapira, Lauaki, Koopu.
PANTHERS
1-13: Wesser, Gordon, Jennings, Lewis, Youngquest, Blair+, Gower (c), Clinton, Aiton, F Puletua, Moors, T Puletua, Smith.
Bench: Grant, Pritchard, Peters, Daniela, R Williams.
Referee: S Clark

Wednesday Tip: Panthers

FRIDAY:
MANLY-WARRINGAH v BULLDOGS @ BROOKVALE
SEA EAGLES

1-13: B Stewart, Robertson, Bell, Matai, Hicks, Lyon, Orford (c), King, Monaghan, Kite, Watmough, G Stewart, Williamson.
Bench: Dunley, Hall, Bryant, Menzies, Cuthbertson.

BULLDOGS

1-13: Patten, El Masri, Millard, Tonga, Phelps, Roberts, Sherwin, O'Meley, Hughes, Mason, Williams, Ryan (c), Maitua.

Bench: Perry, Kouparitsas, Cleal, Hickey.

Referee: T Archer

Wednesday Tip: Bulldogs

SATURDAY:
CANBERRA RAIDERS v NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS @ CANBERRA
RAIDERS

1-13: Zillman, Milne, Chalk, Best, Kelly, Campese, Dobson, Thompson, Withers, Logan, Costigan, Turner, Tongue (c).
Bench: Miller, Tilse, Jones, Plum, Cross, Thurling, Hinchcliffe.

COWBOYS

1-13: M Bowen, B Bowen, Minto, Graham, Williams, Justin Smith, Thurston (c), Tronc, Payne, Webb, Southern, Lillyman, Faumuina.

Bench: Faiumu, Jason Smith, Bartlett, Cashmere, Henry.

Referee: T De Las Heras

Wednesday Tip: Raiders

SATURDAY:
GOLD COAST TITANS v NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS @ CARRARA
TITANS

1-13: Campbell, Petersen, Rogers, Delaney, Webster, Lewis, Prince (c), Bailey (c), Friend, Donnelly, Laffranchi, Minichiello, Swain.
Bench: Hilder, Stosic, Cooper, Amos, Kahler, O'Dwyer.

KNIGHTS

1-13: Gidley, McManus, Carmont, Tighe, A MacDougall, Mullen, Walsh, Snowden, Buderus (c), Woolnough, Simpson, Paterson, Tanner.

Bench: Young, Bailey, Tolar, Sargent, Royal, L MacDougall.

Referee: B Cummins

Wednesday Tip: Titans

SATURDAY:
SYDNEY ROOSTERS v PARRAMATTA EELS @ AUSSIE
ROOSTERS

1-13: Roberts, J Williams, Monaghan, Soliola, Perrett, Sa, Pearce, Shillington, Wing, Nutley, Tupou, Fitzgibbon (c), Harrison.
Bench: Shackleton, L Paea, Aubusson, D Williams.

EELS

1-13: Burt, Hayne, B Smith, Inu, Grothe, Finch, T Smith, Cordoba, Marsh, MoiMoi, N Hindmarsh (c), Mateo, Wagon.

Bench: Riddell, I Hindmarsh, Robinson, Cannings.

Referee: G Badger

Wednesday Tip: Eels

SUNDAY:
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS v CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS @ TELSTRA
RABBITOHS

1-13: Peachey, Merritt, Vagana, Talanoa, Mellor, Rogers, Smith, Cusack (c), Webb, Asotasi (c), Stuart, Fa'alogo, Widders.
Bench: Luke, Rigon, Manuokafoa, Geddes.

SHARKS

1-13: Simmons, Brown, Pomeroy, Anderson, Covell, Dykes, Kimmorley (c), Douglas, Kingston, Stapleton, Williams, Thompson, Bird.

Bench: Selmes, Ross, Ciraldo, De Gois.

Referee: S Hampstead

Wednesday Tip: Sharks

SUNDAY:
MELBOURNE STORM v ST.GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS @ OLYMPIC
STORM

1-13: Turner, Geyer, King, Quinn, Folau, Inglis, Aubusson, Cross, C Smith, White, Newton, Hoffman, Johnson.
Bench: Lima, Crossman, J Smith, Tagataese, Blair, Chambers, Manu.

DRAGONS

1-13: J Morris, Nightingale, Scott, Cooper, Hewitt, Chase, Soward, Poore, Woolford, Ryles (c), Payne, Houston, Creagh.

Bench: Hunt, Thorby, Setu, Ellis, Stanley, Caine.

Referee: P Simpkins

Wednesday Tip: Storm

MONDAY:
BRISBANE BRONCOS v WESTS TIGERS @ SUNCORP
BRONCOS

1-13: Hunt, Michaels, Boyd, Hodges, Tate, Lockyer (c), Ennis, Hannant, Berrigan, Civoniceva, Parker, Carlaw, Carroll.
Bench: Lacey, Eastwood, Thorn, Taylor, Moon.

TIGERS

1-13: McDonnell, Fitzhenry, Collis, Whatuira, Tuiaki, Lawrence, Morris, Payten (c), Farah, Gibbs, Galea, Heighington, Halatau.

Bench: Fulton, Te'o, Harrison, Galloway, Ryan.

Referee: S Hayne

Wednesday Tip: Broncos

Last week: 4 from 8.

Year to date: 62 correct tips.

Tiger Woods becomes a father

Tiger Woods becomes a father

[GOLF] Tiger Woods becomes a father

June 18, 2007 may go down as the most significant date in the Tiger Woods' career after he announced on his website www.tigerwoods.com he is now the proud father of a baby girl - Sam Alexis Woods.

According to the personal message on his website, Tiger's little cub was born on Monday morning and both Sam and his wife Elin are doing well.

We now have to wait a little longer until Tiger has a baby boy and calls him the name we all want him to... Juan.

Even non-contact sports produce serious injuries

Even non-contact sports produce serious injuries

[VOLLEYBALL] Even non-contact sports produce serious injuries

It is never a good thing to report a sporting injury and sadly the following injury is far more serious than your run of the mill hamstring strain. Tang Miao, a star on the Chinese Men's Volleyball Team broke his neck when he ran into a wall during practice in Russia. After emergency surgery, his doctor's indicated they expected the 25 year old to walk again but he would never play volleyball again.

The injury highlights the dangers any sport (let alone any physical activity) present to the participant - no matter how little contact a sport may advertise to the masses.

While this may very well be a one in a million injury in volleyball at this level* it just goes to show that kids playing any competitive sport will be at risk of injury.

But in saying that from what I understand the odds that you'll have a car accident are much higher than sustaining an injury in any competitive sport... so those who get up on their high horse when it comes to injuries in sport really need a reality check.

In saying that I'm not for one second saying that if you get injured playing sport you should just accept it - any injury (life threatening or not) is serious and if your personal experience has not been positive then by all means you can feel distraught if an injury affects someone close to you.

*That is a random figure I generated and not in fact - fact.

For the full article check out:

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21924875-23218,00.html

Can the 'unfashionable' Spurs go back to back?

Can the 'unfashionable' Spurs go back to back?

[NBA] Can the 'unfashionable' Spurs go back to back?

It only seems like yesterday that the San Antonio Spurs swept the Cleveland Cavaliers and took out their 4th NBA Championship in the past 9 seasons... and that's because it was. Now the press turns to the NBA Draft and looking forward - which team will topple the Spurs from the top of the pile. In an article by Ian Thomsen on SportsIllustrated.com he examines why there may not be a new champion in 2007/2008 as everyone seems to want given the Spurs unfashionable status.

Makes for a good (if relatively light) read:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/ian_thomsen/06/15/spurs.next/index.html

What can coaches really say about referees?

What can coaches really say about referees?

[NRL] What can coaches really say about referees?

One of the biggest grey areas in Rugby League is just what NRL coaches can say about the referees controlling the games they coach in. Today in the Daily Telegraph journalist Steve Mascord reports that South Sydney coach Jason Taylor and Penrith coach Matthew Elliott could be facing fines from the NRL for questioning the integrity of the referees who controlled their respective games in Round 14.

The NRL's Media and Communications Manager John Brady tried to explain what coaches can say about referees with this statement: "You can criticise a decision, you can criticise the referee, you can even say he shouldn't be in first grade. What you can't do is suggest some sort of preconceived idea on the part of match officials. You can't question their integrity."

Ummm forgive me for my ignorance but if you criticise a decision and thus/also the referee and then suggest he should be in reserve grade the next week - are you or are you not basically saying he's hopeless and has no business controlling a game at the top level because of his incompetence. Sure you may not technically be saying 'he's a cheat when he's officiating us' in so many words but you aren't exactly saying he's giving your team a level playing field if you are questioning his ability. Because if he is not up to the standard to officiate at the NRL level then isn't that lack of ability conspiring against the chances of your team winning games?

What do you think?

Check out Steve Mascord's article here:

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21922067-23214,00.html

ARTICLE HUNT: Friday's Articles Worth Reading

ARTICLE HUNT: Friday's Articles Worth Reading

[VARIOUS SPORTS] ARTICLE HUNT: Friday's Articles Worth Reading

If you've got 15 mins to kill at work or just want to be distracted here's a few articles worth checking out on the world wide web of sports.

* Luke Winn from Sports Illustrated, on the emergence and 'importance' of mock draft websites for NBA prospects:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/luke_winn/06/14/draft.sites/index.html

* Former Sydney Swans star full forward Warwick Capper has reacted with disbelief to his omission from consideration for a 25 years in Sydney Anniversary team announced by journalist Mike Sheahan. Poor guy...

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21902420-23211,00.html

* And the San Antonio Spurs are the champions of the NBA for the 4th time in 9 seasons after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals. Check out the NBA.com recap:

http://www.nba.com/games/20070614/SASCLE/recap.html

FRIDAY FOOTY PREVIEW – NRL ROUND 14

FRIDAY FOOTY PREVIEW – NRL ROUND 14

[NRL] FRIDAY FOOTY PREVIEW – NRL ROUND 14

Here at EIUOO SPORTS we’ll do our best to give you a leg up in your respective tipping competitions with some quick predictions for the weekend’s football in both codes. Here is the NRL Preview for Round 14.

ROUND 14 PREVIEW

MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES

v

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Who I'm Tipping: Sea Eagles by 10
Why? Manly have had a week off to rest any niggling injuries thanks to the bye and although they may have 4 players backing up from Origin and apparently have players struck down with a virus, they should have too much firepower for a South Sydney. I just can't see Souths being able to match Manly offensively although the wet weather again today gives Souths a far better chance if they can turn the game into a forward orientated arm wrestle.

BULLDOGS

v

BRISBANE BRONCOS
Who I'm Tipping: Bulldogs by 8

Why? Both teams need to win this to bring themselves back into the thick of the Top 8 race but the Dogs seem to have weakened themselves by dropping Ben Roberts and Willie Tonga for disciplinary reasons. Quite frankly I expect at least Tonga to play as Phelps could be ruled out with post-concussion syndrome and if he does the Bulldogs might just be too tenacious for what will be a Lockyer-led (but Tate and possibly Hunt-less) Broncos outfit. By no means do the Broncos lack hope in this game but the Dogs pack looks fit and that's why I'm picking them in what will be below average (wet) conditions at Telstra.

CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
v
WARRIORS
Who I'm Tipping: Sharks by 14

Why? Cronulla welcome back a number of key players to the team that overcame the Dragons on Monday night and they will send the Warriors to their 7th straight loss. I tipped the Warriors to overcome a no-name Storm outfit last week because I thought they had far more points in them than the Storm... but they simply played themselves out of that game with a lack of urgency and I cannot tip them away from home.

PENRITH PANTHERS

v
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Who I'm Tipping: Panthers by 16

Why? The home ground advantage has me behind the Panthers as well as a belief they are a team that follow no form line and as a result might be up for a big win this week. The Roosters did score 64 points last week but due to injury they do not welcome back Minichiello and Anasta to that attacking unit, so although you could argue this could be a bonus to the continuity created last week I simply can't see them getting half as many points this week - even against a team with form as fickle as the Panthers.

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
v
MELBOURNE STORM
Who I'm Tipping: Storm by 4

Why? Thurston will play after being cleared of a broken hand but the Cowboys looked so incredibly soft in the middle of the ruck against the Roosters (not to mention the edges and just about everywhere on the field) that tipping them to fix everything up in 7 days is just folly. Sure Thurston can inspire his teammates and bring a significant boost to the team's attacking weaponry but the Storm play a far more disciplined brand of football and welcome back some class of their own.

PARRAMATTA EELS

v

ST.GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Who I'm Tipping: Eels by 1
Why? The Dragons are making big strides on the terrible football they were playing a month ago but the Eels will have plenty to prove after being humbled by the Raiders on the weekend. Saints named their best lineup for some weeks but the Eels have both the home ground advantage and their stars returning but even then I don't expect them to walk away with this one. In fact I smell a golden pointer here...

WESTS TIGERS
v
GOLD COAST TITANS
Who I'm Tipping: Tigers by 10

Why? The Tigers made it 7 wins in 8 games by overcoming the Knights on Sunday but they really weren't up against an opponent with any genuine firepower and that should change when they face the Titans. Although Preston Campbell may return from injury as a late inclusion the news that starting prop Luke Bailey may not play has tipped the balance of power back in favour of the Tigers. Watching Robbie Farah and Scott Prince run each team's attack will be reason alone to tune in on Sunday.

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
v
CANBERRA RAIDERS
Who I'm Tipping: Knights by 18

Why? Canberra certainly blew the Eels away on Saturday night but if you saw them struggle as bad as they did against the Titans a week earlier - you will be hesitant to confidently predict which Canberra side will turn up in Newcastle. The Knights welcome Gidley, Mullen, Buderus, Simpson and Woolnough back this week and realistically these additions turn the Knights into a Top 8 calibre side with the way the competition is travelling this year. But although the Raiders can certainly win this game by playing to their ability, the home ground advantage and return of key players for the Knights have me tipping a big Novocastrian win.

Last week: 3 from 6.

FRIDAY FOOTY PREVIEW: AFL ROUND 12a

FRIDAY FOOTY PREVIEW: AFL ROUND 12a

[AFL] FRIDAY FOOTY PREVIEW: AFL ROUND 12a

Here at EIUOO SPORTS we’ll do our best to give you a leg up in your respective tipping competitions with some quick predictions for the weekend’s football in both codes. Here is the AFL Preview for Round 12a which includes 5 of the 7 games this round.

CARLTON BLUES v HAWTHORN HAWKS

Tip: Hawks by 22 points

Why? Hawthorn can run and gun it with the Blues if need be but their midfield might control the tempo of the game well enough to get a good lead early and keep the Blues at arm's length the rest of the match. Carlton might have some momentum after two wins on the trot but the Hawks will be too good.

KANGAROOS v ADELAIDE CROWS

Tip: Kangaroos by 8 points

Why? Adelaide gave themselves a chance to win against the red-hot Cats but couldn't get it done and there will be a let down this week given they are on the road (Gold Coast) and have added key midfielder Simon Goodwin to a long injury list. The Kangaroos are outsiders yet again despite having 6 wins in their last 7 games and barring a melt-down at Carrara the Roos will make it 7 from 8.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v FREMANTLE DOCKERS

Tip: Bulldogs by 19 points

Why? Fremantle are a team that pretends to be very good at home and shows they are just a little above average on the road. They are going on the road in a big way (as are the Dogs) with the game in Darwin on Saturday night. The Bulldogs surprised me with their ability to switch back on offensively so fast against the Lions and they'll have too much run in their legs for the Dockers in this one.

GEELONG CATS v BRISBANE LIONS

Tip: Cats by 56 points

Why? The Cats are unbackable favourites and although something inside me says the Lions might do the unthinkable and win at Skilled Stadium - my tipping brain (i use that term loosely) won't let me tip against a team with a 6 game winning streak who are at home. Geelong by plenty... or the Lions by a single point!

PORT ADELAIDE POWER v ESSENDON BOMBERS

Tip: Bombers by 13 points

Why? Winning against the 2006 Grand Finalists in consecutive weeks by a single point each time will either make the Bombers supremely confident in their ability to beat anyone or they will suffer horribly with the mental letdown of facing a team without the same 'prized scalp' factor in Port. I've erred on the Power a few times during their current freefall and I can't let them disappoint me again... Bombers to win.

Last week: 4 from 8.