FRIDAY FOOTY PREVIEW: AFL ROUND 11

FRIDAY FOOTY PREVIEW: AFL ROUND 11

[AFL] FRIDAY FOOTY PREVIEW: AFL ROUND 11

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 11.

ESSENDON BOMBERS
V
WEST COAST EAGLES
Who I’m Tipping… West Coast by 25 points
Why... Daniel Kerr returns to a West Coast team that picked the Kangaroos apart for most of their clash last weekend at Subiaco. Although Essendon got the cash against the Swans they didn't look like they had another 5 minutes left in them to hold the lead, so I'm tipping a convincing West Coast win here.

HAWTHORN HAWKS
V
SYDNEY SWANS
Who I’m Tipping… Swans by 21 points
Why… The Hawks are the league's second hottest team behind the Cats and they have taken down some more fancied teams (notably West Coast in Launceston two weeks ago) in recent weeks to put themselves in the Top 4. Sydney looked to be back on track when they defeated the Western Bulldogs a fortnight ago but left their run against the Bombers too late to get the 4 points last week. The Swans have a great record at the MCG and the young Hawks might struggle to make it 4 big scalps in a row.

BRISBANE LIONS
V
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Who I’m Tipping… Lions by 11 points
Why… Brisbane had fallen away badly in the final quarter of their past two games and really should have taken more than 2 points from the available 8 from both games. They Lions have a total of 2 goals from their past 2 final terms but despite this the gut feel here is they will send the Bulldogs to their 3rd straight defeat at the Gabba. Although most of the focus going into the match will be on Jason Akermanis returning to Brisbane, the game itself should be entertaining with two talented midfields going head to head.

CARLTON BLUES
V
PORT ADELAIDE POWER
Who I’m Tipping… Power by 16 points
Why... Port Adelaide can't play as poorly as they did in the 2nd quarter against Hawthorn last week surely... they had a 27 point lead and finished up trailing at half time. Against the Blues - who broke through for a much needed win over the Bulldogs - they should bounce back and take the 4 points at the Telstra Dome.

ADELAIDE CROWS
V
GEELONG CATS
Who I’m Tipping… Cats by 29 points
Why… Geelong just keep on rolling and the Crows recent form has been anything but impressive despite 3 wins in their last 4 - all of which could point to another Cats victory. Despite the Crows holding an 11-1 winning record over Geelong at AAMI Stadium - the Cats ended a similar hoodoo at the ground against Port Adelaide, so Geelong should have no troubles getting over that mental hurdle. Adelaide's attack didn't really test the winless Demons last Saturday in the first 3 quarters and the way Geelong can kick goals has me confidently tipping the Cats.

ST.KILDA SAINTS
V
KANGAROOS
Who I’m Tipping… Kangaroos by 27 points
Why… This is a tip made with a strong leaning towards the Kangaroos' recent 6 match winning streak and the Saints on and off field struggles. St.Kilda do welcome back a few more players from injury this round but the Kangaroos should not have lost all the mojo they'd created over their winning streak and will win.

FREMANTLE DOCKERS
V
RICHMOND TIGERS
Who I’m Tipping… Dockers by 22 points
Why… Fremantle can't afford to lose this match if they want to have a crack at the premiership come September. They are at home, playing an opponent that has still yet to win a game in 2007 and a loss here could have them 3 games out of the Top 8 if results go against them. The Tigers did well to get a draw at the death against the Lions but surely the Dockers won't let this one slip.

MELBOURNE DEMONS
V
COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES
Who I’m Tipping… Magpies by 18 points
Why… The Magpies are really flying under the radar in this year's premiership and the Demons have only won the ONE game this season - so don't get carried away with all the Demon love going on now they've broken through against Adelaide. At the MCG on Monday the Demons' faithful should turn out with renewed hope but the Magpie army should enter the gates expecting a victory.

Australia could have a National League within 18 months

Australia could have a National League within 18 months

[BASEBALL] Australia could have a National League within 18 months

Foxsports.com.au is reporting that Major League Baseball is looking to invest nearly $15 million in order to setup a National Baseball League in Australia. In the 1990s the ABL while not overly successful in making inroads into the major Australian sports - it got decent coverage in the press to the extent that as a Sydneysider I knew when the Sydney Blues were in contention for the title - they won in 1995/1996. Now it appears that with a growing development base in Australia providing a steady stream of prospects to the Major Leagues in the USA, scouts and general managers from those MLB teams see the value in giving young Australian prospects the chance to develop their games in their home country first so they don't get rushed and burned out by moving to the Minor League system in the USA and Canada too soon.
Check out the story:
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21866712-23218,00.html

FRIDAY FOOTY PREVIEW – NRL ROUND 13

FRIDAY FOOTY PREVIEW – NRL ROUND 13

[NRL] FRIDAY FOOTY PREVIEW – NRL ROUND 13

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 13.

NRL ROUND 13 PREVIEW

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
V
PENRITH PANTHERS
Who I’m Tipping… Rabbitohs by 7
Why… The Bunnies are really struggling to score points and their halfback Jeremy Smith isn’t a great playmaker. But his kicking game isn’t terrible and the South Sydney forwards are as consistent a group as any in the competition, so if Smith can give the Bunnies decent field position off the back of his pack – Penrith will have a real fight on their hands for the 2 competition points. For Penrith they need their big name forwards to play to their reputations just to match the South Sydney go-forward and although the Panthers have the superior backs they will be relatively useless if Souths gain the ascendancy in the middle of the field. The wet weather today in Sydney has me going with the Bunnies by 1-12.

CANBERRA RAIDERS
V
PARRAMATTA EELS
Who I’m Tipping… Eels by 12
Why… Despite playing at home the Raiders can’t be picked based solely on the way they played in the second half against the Gold Coast Titans last weekend. Quality field position, possession, repeat sets and opposition turnovers – the Raiders had everything going their way but they never looked like turning those factors into points against a Titans team that was there for the taking (despite the Titans leading 28-0 at halftime). Whereas the Eels were brilliant against the Tigers and despite losing their Origin representatives Nathan Hindmarsh and Jarryd Hayne for this match – they should be too good and too creative for a Canberra team that ‘boasts’ one of the most inexperienced three-quarter lines in recent memory (David Milne, Marshall Chalk, Brad Cross and Bronx Goodwin – you’d be doing well to have heard of Chalk if you didn’t follow Canberra). Eels will overcome the cold and win.

SYDNEY ROOSTERS
V
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Who I’m Tipping… Roosters by 4
Why… Because despite both teams lacking their best players (although the Cowboys still have Matt Bowen) the Roosters have actually played decent football in recent weeks around the rucks and as I mentioned Wednesday – Mitchell Pearce should be feeling more comfortable in the halfback role with his two backups Jamie Soward and Josh Lewis no longer at the club and Pearce having his best game of the season last week against the Knights. Don’t count out Matt Bowen having one of those special games when he plays every attacking role in the one match (like he did against the Broncos in Round 20 last year when Johnathan Thurston was injured in the first 5 mins of the game) but I just think the Roosters pack will be too strong on the night and Pearce will shine again… maybe.

WARRIORS
V
MELBOURNE STORM
Who I’m Tipping… Warriors by 14
Why… I honestly think the Warriors are the specials of the weekend. I know Melbourne get called a great team because of their ability to cover multiple positions and roles within the side with different players but their lineup is really weak for the visit to Mt. Smart Stadium and the Warriors have brought back a few players who will make a big difference to their attack. Grant Rovelli is back running the show from halfback and Ruben Wiki’s return will help off-set the loss of Steven Price to Origin. Cooper Cronk is the dangerman for the Storm if his forwards can give him a platform but the Warriors will be too good on home soil.

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
V
WESTS TIGERS
Who I’m Tipping… Tigers by 16
Why… Despite not having Benji Marshall or Brett Hodgson in the lineup the Tigers simply have the class of Robbie Farah at the helm and the Knights don’t have a player who can match the influence Farah will have on the game. Luke Walsh made an encouraging debut last weekend but he has no creativity around him with two converted backrowers in Chris Bailey and Riley Brown at the key positions of five-eighth and hooker. Newcastle’s pack might also lose stand in skipper Adam Woolnough before kickoff but even with him in the lineup the Tigers forwards should have an easier time containing the home side’s go-forward than they had with the Eels on Monday night. Tigers to run over the Knights in the second half.

ST.GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
V
CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Who I’m Tipping… Dragons by 6
Why… Both teams have key players missing through injury and Origin duty but the Sharks have been hit the hardest in the latter category with Brett Kimmorley and Greg Bird – their two in-form players – both missing. The Dragons played well enough to beat a Darren Lockyer-less Broncos side last Friday night but they didn’t play particularly well and as a result should not be considered good things in this one. Whereas the Sharks should have beaten the Cowboys in Townsville if not for Bird’s brain-snap in the closing minutes when he tried to lay out big Ray Cashmere instead of staying on Jason Smith who used the extra space created to put Ty Williams over and in doing so hand the Sharks their second straight loss. In the end my gut feeling says the Dragons can build on last week’s much needed win easier than the Sharks can adapt to losing Kimmorley and Bird – so the home team in what could be a dour affair at Oki Jubilee Stadium on Monday.

What are your tips?

And if you've got a special for the weekend - give us all the tip!

AFL Teams Named for Round 11

AFL Teams Named for Round 11

[AFL] AFL Teams Named for Round 11

If you're an AFL nut then you'd be interested in who is in and who is out of your favourite team for Round 11 of the Premiership.

Some key players returning include:

Daniel Kerr for West Coast.

Damien Peverill for Essendon.

Trent Croad for Hawthorn.

Robert Murphy for Western Bulldogs.

Tom Harley for Geelong.

Adam Yze for Melbourne.

Paul Licuria for Collingwood.

Some key players missing from last week include:

Ben Dixon for Hawthorn.

Chris Johnson for Brisbane.

Ian Perrie for Adelaide.

Tipping preview of the AFL along with Round 13 of the NRL later today.

Full team lists can be found here:

http://afl.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=44742

Best off-season moves in the NFL

Best off-season moves in the NFL

[NFL] Best off-season moves in the NFL

If you follow the National Football League in the United States you'll probably like the following article by ESPN's John Clayton - who if you also have pay tv you would recognised from the Sportscenter program - as he breaks down what he believes have been the best moves of the NFL's off-season. There's no doubt that the NFL is the most discussed sport on ESPN and Clayton is the man who knows all at ESPN.

There will be potentially one more big move coming up and that involves the Miami Dolphins offloading Quarterback Daunte Culpepper now they have acquired veteran Quarterback Trent Green from the Kansas City Chiefs. A number of teams would love to get they're hands on the physical package and pedigree Culpepper has but a major knee injury has limited him to just a handful of games in the past two seasons and he is a big risk in that department. Still Culpepper (who has one of the great names in pro sport) will find a home and get paid handsomely in the process.

Check it out:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=2893751

ARTICLE HUNT: Thursday's Articles Worth Reading

Thursday's Articles Worth Reading

[ARTICLE HUNT] Thursday's Articles Worth Reading

[CRICKET] Michael Vaughan claims misquotation

But unfortunately for the England skipper his claims of misquotation by The Guardian newspaper in an article that said Vaughan blamed his star all-rounder Andrew Flintoff of being a massive distraction to the team – have proven false and the newspaper has listed the audio grab on their website for all to hear. This is a smart move by the paper to help their credibility in the story but one has to wonder why Vaughan would say what he thinks then deny saying that, rather than saying what he thinks then apologizing outright. This story shouldn’t hurt the English team in their preparations for tonight’s 3rd Test with the West Indies but it was a great scoop for The Guardian.
Check it out:
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21864349-23212,00.html

[AFL] Simon Black on AFL Origin

Following on from the Chris Mainwaring column posted on Tuesday calling for the reintroduction of the State of Origin concept to AFL football, current Brisbane Lions’ midfielder Simon Black has added his support in his own column on www.afl.com.au. Black has fond memories of the Western Australian side taking on Victoria back in the early 1990s and says he would love to emulate his heroes from then.
Check it out:
http://www.afl.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=208&newsId=44678

[AFL] Journalist Mike Sheahan sides with former St. Kilda coach

Mike Sheahan from Melbourne’s Herald Sun lashes out at St. Kilda president Rod Butterss for the latter’s public attack on former Saints coach Grant Thomas. It makes for very interesting (if a little sided with Thomas) reading on an issue that is big big news in Victoria at the moment.
Check it out:
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21863567-23211,00.html

[NBA BASKETBALL] Is the NBA Draft bigger than the NBA Playoffs?

On SportsIllustrated.com, Frank Deford (a columnist I’d never heard or read of until today) made an interesting observation about how the NBA Draft is actually beginning to take more of the public’s interest than the current NBA Playoffs. With the San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers facing off in the NBA Finals Friday, Deford remarks that despite the fact that the Finals should be the pinnacle of the sport – it is actually coming a clear second in the fan interest stakes to the upcoming 2007 NBA Draft. He also says both the NBA and NHL post-seasons drag on far too long (as well as the regular seasons) and that sports played during the autumn/winter seasons in North America should be finished in March – not June.
Personally I can’t see any changes being made to the current setup in either league and besides I need every regular season game I can get so my fantasy league squads in both the NBA and NHL can make up for their terrible early season form when I stick with players whose names I know best rather than the no-names who are performing.
Check it out:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/frank_deford/06/05/nbafinals/index.html

Anaheim Ducks take out 2007 Stanley Cup

Anaheim Ducks take out 2007 Stanley Cup

[NHL ICE HOCKEY] Anaheim Ducks take out 2007 Stanley Cup

In the end boasting two of the NHL's top three defencemen proved to be the too much for their rivals in the race for the 2007 Stanley Cup, as the Anaheim Ducks capped their first ever title with a 6-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators in Anaheim.

Defencemen Chris Pronger (who was brought in from the Edmonton Oilers during the off-season) and captain Scott Niedermayer (a Free Agent signing the off-season before) formed the backbone of the Ducks' march towards Stanley Cup glory and the Ducks' big young forwards put an exclamation mark on the season with a 5 goal contribution in the final game. Forward Travis Moen scored 2 goals and had 7 for the post-season, a remarkable effort given he had just 11 goals in 82 regular season games this season.

Niedermayer also won the Conn Smythe Trophy for the Playoff MVP - vindicating management's decision to outlay millions of dollars to lure the former New Jersey Devil to the West Coast.

Check out the highlights and stats at www.nhl.com and it might be a classic case of 'sure you did' but I did pick the Ducks at the start of the season to take out the championship and as Channel Nine reporter Danny Weidler knows - if you throw enough darts eventually one will stick in the wall!

And just for the record the Anaheim Ducks are the same franchise that was featured as the Mighty Ducks in the Disney films oh so long ago... I think it is fair to say this win has gone a long way to help the team establish its own identity as a hockey team rather than living off the back of the movies.

Origin II: Willie Mason rallies the hate

Origin II: Willie Mason rallies the hate

[RUGBY LEAGUE] Origin II: Willie Mason rallies the hate

In today’s Daily Telegraph NSW Second Rower Willie Mason has made a pretty frank plea to the NSW fans to get out to Telstra Stadium next Wednesday night and give the Queensland Maroons both barrels in the hate stakes. Mason says that it is not only the Blues supporters who don’t hate Queenslanders enough. In fact he believes that the NSW team themselves lack the same intense hatred for the Cane Toads that the Queenslanders have for the New South Welshmen.
It is a great headline and for once the contents of a Telegraph article actually had some substance to backup the headline!

For the record I don’t have a warm spot in my heart for Queenslanders during Origin, in fact if during a match that Queensland is leading I usually get some unintelligible sms from a ‘friend’ in the sunshine state and of course while I assume it actually says something about Queensland leading the game – because it is unintelligible its actual contents are a mystery to me. So if anything I probably pity Queenslanders instead of hating them… stay in school!

Check it out:
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21862284-23214,00.html

ARTICLE HUNT: Wednesday's Articles Worth Reading

Wednesday's Articles Worth Reading

[ARTICLE HUNT] Wednesday's Articles Worth Reading

A few columns/editorials worth 5 minutes of your time today.

* [COLLEGE BASKETBALL/NBA] In the wake of University of Florida's head coach Billy Donovan having a sudden change of mind and wanting out of his newly signed contract with the NBA's Orlando Magic, Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski gives his frank assessment of why Donovan has made the right (if tail between his legs) decision. If you love your college hoops or want to get a good insight into Donovan's non-move - check out:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Aqnwlfti9O4Z2DjGwmLK23Y5nYcB?slug=aw-donovan060407&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

* [CRICKET] Cricinfo has an interesting feature on what has happened on June 6 over the years. Brian Lara's 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994 is the featured event and you should also check out the Scorecard of that magical innings. For a full list of events as listed by CricInfo - check out:
http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/current/story/149228.html

* [RUGBY UNION] In the wake of the mass exodus of current All Blacks heading to Europe after the 2007 World Cup, one of them, scrum half Byron Kelleher tells the Rugby News New Zealand that he believes the younger players who are leaving should reconsider their decision because they are somewhat cheapening the All Black experience by departing early. It isn't a long article but it is either a very good point Kelleher is making or at just 30 years of age the pot is calling the kettle black. Check it out:
http://www.rugbynews.co.nz/news_full.php?id=587

INSIDE FOOTBALL is a must buy

INSIDE FOOTBALL is a must buy.

[AFL] INSIDE FOOTBALL is a must buy.

In the past few weeks I've come to purchase the AFL newspaper/magazine INSIDE FOOTBALL every Wednesday and let me be blunt: If you like AFL at all or would like to really start following it closely - BUY THIS MAGAZINE.

I'll be breaking down the three big weekly football magazines (INSIDE FOOTBALL, RUGBY LEAGUE WEEK & BIG LEAGUE) in a few weeks time for a feature on EIUOO SPORTS but for the time being there is no doubting the fact that INSIDE FOOTBALL is the best weekly sports magazine on the market in Australia.

Just a few notes on the current issue dated Wednesday June 6, 2007.

* Mick Ellis has a real dig at the AFL's new 'hands in the back' rule that has plagued games throughout this 2007 Premiership Season. Given INSIDE FOOTBALL is an independent publication it is extremely refreshing to see people call it as it is and Ellis likens the rule to the introduction of the Cane Toad to battle a beetle problem on sugar cane crops. He pleads with the powers that be to "accept that football is not ready for this rule. Apply the pesticide before it's too late".
* The 'Around the Coffee Urn' feature is a great look at the topical issues of the week through the eyes of each staff member (all of which adopt the bias of the team they support). This week they discuss the probability that St.Kilda's premiership window is about to close and the flood of former players into television and print media without actual journalistic training.

Do yourself a favour if you like Aussie Rules at all and get this outstanding publication.

For those of you that grew up on Rugby League Week when it was THE only place to get your Rugby League fix - you'll quickly fall in love with INSIDE FOOTBALL.

Note: INSIDE FOOTBALL did not pay for this endorsement... but if they want to in the future I'm up for discussions!

Round 13 NRL Teams & Quick Predictions

Round 13 NRL Teams & Quick Predictions

[NRL] Round 13 NRL Teams & Quick Predictions

Teams for Round 13 of the NRL Telstra Premiership have been named with a few surprises here and there for the weekend's action. EIUOO SPORTS gives a quick spin on who we'd pick right now if it was 5:30pm on Friday afternoon.

(Note: + = player debut)

FRIDAY: SOUTH SYDNEY v PENRITH @ TELSTRA

RABBITOHS

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

Bench: Rigon, Luke, Manuokafoa, Geddes, Galuvao.

PANTHERS

1-13: Wesser, Gordon, Jennings, Lewis, Youngquest, Wallace, Gower (c), Clinton, Priddis, F Puletua, Pritchard, T Puletua, Smith.

Bench: Worth, Moors, Grant, Aiton.

Wednesday Tip: Panthers

Why? Because despite a very solid forward pack the Rabbitohs have real problems getting out of their 'go-forward' gear and changing into an attacking one. Jeremy Smith isn't the answer at halfback but Joe Williams had gone missing in recent weeks so maybe a Premier League stint will do him good. The Panthers are a very hot and cold team so they could play terribly this week after overcoming Manly but they are untouched by the representative season and only injuries rob them of their top 17. Panthers to win.

SATURDAY: CANBERRA v PARRAMATTA @ CANBERRA

RAIDERS
1-13: Zillman, Milne, Chalk, Cross +, Goodwin, Campese, Dobson, Tilse, Withers, Logan, Jones, Turner, Tongue (c).

Bench: Miller, Thompson, Hinchcliffe, Weyman.

EELS
1-13: Burt, Reddy, B Smith, Inu, Grothe, Finch, T Smith, Cayless (c), Marsh, Cannings, Robinson, Mateo, Wagon.
Bench: Riddell, Cordoba, I Hindmarsh, MoiMoi, Harauki

Wednesday Tip: Eels

Why? Saturday evenings in the nation's capital can be a massive advantage to the Raiders and teams who are running hot can cool down very quickly once the reality of the conditions set in. Parramatta were nothing short of outstanding on Monday night and if you sat through the shambles that was Canberra's attacking efforts in the second half of their game with the Titans - there is no way no how you can pick the home team. Eels comfortably at this stage.

SATURDAY: SYDNEY v NORTH QUEENSLAND @ AUSSIE

ROOSTERS
1-13: Roberts, Kenny-Dowall, Perrett, Monaghan, J Williams, Sa, Pearce, Shillington, Wing, Nutely, Tupou, Fitzgibbon (c), Harrison.
Bench: Shackleton, L Paea, Aubusson, D Williams+.

COWBOYS
1-13: M Bowen, B Bowen, Minto, Graham, Williams, Justin Smith, Jason Smith, Tronc, Payne (c), Cashmere, Southern, Faust, Bartlett.
Bench: Faiumu, Bolton, Scott, Vaeau

Wednesday Tip: Roosters

Why? This is a potentially average football game in the making with two sides devoid of all but one genuine star in the Cowboys' fullback Matt Bowen. Mitchell Pearce was great against the Knights but his side lost so his confidence may not have been boosted as significantly as it might have been with a Roosters victory. When you look at the sides the Roosters have the forwards to probably gain some ascendancy which they will need to reduce the impact of the Cowboys outside backs. If Pearce builds on last week's performance I'll lean towards the Roosters but a bolder prediction says that the crowd will struggle to get past seven or eight thousand (especially considering the ticket prices at Aussie Stadium these days).

SUNDAY: WARRIORS v MELBOURNE @ MT SMART

WARRIORS
1-13: McKinnon, Ah Van, Martin, Hohaia, Vatuvei, Witt, Rovelli, Wiki (c), Fien, Rapira, Mannering, Swann, Luck.
Bench: Gatis, Tuimavave, Lauaki, Koopu.

STORM
1-13: Turner, Chambers, Manu, Quinn, Folau, Geyer, Cronk, Cross, Aubusson, Crossman, Newton, Tagataese, Smith.
Bench: Lima, Donnelly, Blair, Rua, Perkins +.

Wednesday Tip: Warriors

Why? Finally Ivan Cleary saw the light and brought his #1 halfback up from Premier League in Grant Rovelli - and it is a move that will see the home side end their 5 match losing streak. With Rovelli back in control the Warriors will get back to the style of controlled football they trained for in the pre-season and the Storm field their weakest lineup for some years as they travel across the ditch. Warriors to win well.

SUNDAY: NEWCASTLE v WESTS TIGERS @ ENERGYAUSTRALIA

KNIGHTS
1-13: Hinton, McManus, L MacDougall, Tighe, A MacDougall, Bailey, Walsh, Perry, Brown, Woolnough (c), Reynoldson (c), Paterson, Tolar.
Bench: Young, Tanner, Sargent, Snowden.

TIGERS
1-13: McDonnell, Fitzhenry, Collis, Moodie, Tuiaki, Lawrence, Morris, Payten, Farah, Gibbs, Galea, Heighington, Halatau.
Bench: Fulton, Te'o, Harrison, Galloway.

Wednesday Tip: Tigers
Why? Having seen the Eels walk all over this Tigers pack on Monday night this is a respect pick for what the Tigers have been doing the past two months rather than a reflection of their most recent game. Newcastle beat the Roosters thanks to Steve Simpson and Danny Buderus and without them again this week they will really struggle to replicate the forward domination Parramatta used to nullify the Tigers attacking game. Tigers comfortably if Farah gets time from dummy half.

MONDAY: ST.GEORGE-ILLAWARRA v CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND @ OKI JUBILEE

DRAGONS

1-13: J Morris, Nightingale, Scott, Luila, Stanley, Chase, Soward, Poore, Woolford, Ryles (c), Wicks, Houston, Creagh.

Bench: Peek, Ellis, Setu, Thorby, Hunt.

SHARKS

1-13: Taulapapa, Brown, Pomeroy, Williams, Covell, Watts +, Dykes, Douglas, Kingston, Stapleton, Weston, Leuluai, Gallen.

Bench: Selmes, Perenara, Stephenson, De Gois

Wednesday Tip: Dragons

Why? Sharks don't have Kimmorley, Bird, Thompson and either of their first choice fullbacks (Kearney/Simmons) and the Dragons although they struggle to score points have Ryles, Creagh and the early favourite for Rookie of the Year in Josh Morris in great form. The Sharks strength is their backrow and they are missing two thirds of it and their main playmaker... and are away so at the moment I'm tipping the Dragons without any confidence.

BRONCOS, BULLDOGS, SEA EAGLES & TITANS have the bye.

What are your tips?

Olympic News: London 2012 Logo Unveiled

Olympic News: London 2012 Logo Unveiled

[OLYMPICS] Olympic News: London 2012 Logo Unveiled

The organisers of the 2012 Olympic Games to be held in London, England have released a widely condemned logo that has been described as "a disfigured swastika, an arrangement of beer mats, a window kicked in by a football, a graffiti tag, a toileting monkey and a scribbled joke." according to an article from the Brisbane Times.

You can check out the logo for yourself at http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/a-disfigured-swastika/2007/06/05/1180809482334.html and from a personal standpoint it looks pretty ordinary. I think the swastika description is a bit of a reach but perhaps its best feature is the 0 from 2012 (in case you couldn't figure it out when you clicked the link - the logo is actually:

20
12

Because if you look at the 0 it looks remarkably similar to a past emblem used to represent an outline of the Australian mainland.

Good to see that Australian influence finally making progress in the UK after just over 200 years!

Origin II: QLD Side Named

Origin II: QLD Side Named

[NRL] Origin II: QLD Side Named

Predictably the Queensland State of Origin selectors have stayed strong with 16 of the 17 men who won the first game of the series and added Carl Webb to the run on team where he was originally listed for Game I before he pulled out with injury. The man who replaced him Antonio Kaufusi suffered a serious knee injury in that game and was obviously unavailable.

Matt Bowen failed to make the bench despite the media push for him to be included while it would appear unlikely that Dane Carlaw would be named 18th man again after being demoted to the bench by the Broncos last round.

Skipper Darren Lockyer has been named despite suffering a back injury in the Broncos shock loss to the Dragons last Friday Night.

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

NRL.com
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21852891-23214,00.html

Origin II: NSW Side named

Origin II: NSW Side Named

[NRL] - Origin II: NSW Side Named

NSW have made 3 changes to their side for the second State of Origin clash at Telstra Stadium on Wednesday week.

Anthony Tupou has lost his bench spot to Ryan Hoffman in the only unforced change, while injured duo Kurt Gidley and Jarrod Mullen has been replaced by Greg Bird and Brett Kimmorley in a straight Knights for Sharks swap.

Interestingly Brett White who played terribly in Game 1 and looked well and truly out of his depth keeps his run on spot and Jamie Lyon who was targeted heavily in defence (when defending alongside Mullen) has retained his spot in the side although that means Matt King stays out on the wing.

NSW COCKROACHES

MINICHIELLO, Anthony

KING, Matt

LYON, Jamie

COOPER, Matt

HAYNE, Jarryd

ANASTA, Braith

KIMMORLEY, Braith

WHITE, Brett

BUDERUS, Danny (c)

KITE, Brent

MASON, Willie

HINDMARSH, Nathan

RYAN, Andrew

Bench:

BAILEY, Luke

SIMPSON, Steve

HOFFMAN, Ryan

BIRD, Greg

Coach:

MURRAY, Graham

On NRL.com

http://www.nrl.com/News/Latest/NewsArticle/tabid/76/NewsId/5454/Default.aspx

First Up Tuesday: NRL - Tigers overwhelmed by Eels; AFL - Call for State of Origin return

First Up Tuesday:

[NRL] Tigers overwhelmed by Eels

Well the Eels proved me right about one thing - they are outstanding when they have the lead and their go-forward just trampled a Tigers pack that simply could not stop the Parramatta momentum at any stage after the Eels took the lead.

Parramatta were more creative with the ball that I have given them credit for previously but they still built every set the same way – big boppers running onto the ball at 100 miles an hour and making big dents in the defensive line. Brett Finch had his best game I’ve seen him play this season and Feleti Mateo was very impressive on the edges.

And how about Eric Grothe’s try in the first half!
I’d be more than happy to see him in the NSW State of Origin team at the expense of Jamie Lyon with Matt King moving to the centres. But with the lineups due in the next hour or so (and the fact I’m not a selector) don’t expect to hear Guru juniors name read out.

You can find a full report of the game here at SMH.com.au:
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/lhqmatchreport/eels-in-demolition-derby/2007/06/04/1180809424743.html

[AFL] Call for State of Origin return

Former West Coast Eagle Chris Mainwaring has called for the re-introduction of State of Origin Football for all AFL players in his column for Yahoo7 Sport.

Mainwaring who was still playing in the AFL when the State of Origin concept still existed believes that players today do not fully appreciate the rivalry that exists between the 3 main Aussie Rules playing states – Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. He also labeled the Allies (made up of Tasmanians, New South Welshmen, Northern Territorians, Australian Capital Territorians and Queenslanders) as lacking the same credibility when it came to pitting state against state and that basically they should be an afterthought if the competition was revived.

Personally when I grew up I knew that the VFL/AFL Origin games were played but truth be told I could never get into the concept like I did with the Rugby League version. What probably didn’t help was that my Sydney Swans were an atrocious football team by the time I got old enough to start appreciating them and as a result I didn’t follow the sport closely.

But the question is if the AFL brought their State of Origin back would you care?

http://au.blogs.yahoo.com/aflchrismainwaring/33/bring-back-state-of-origin

News Bites: Craig Wing to Souths? Can Lleyton Hewitt take a set off Rafael Nadal?

Quick news bites at 4:49pm, Monday.

{NRL} Craig Wing to Souths?

There's a strong internet rumour doing the rounds that Sydney Rooster Craig Wing will sign a contract with his former club South Sydney within the next day or two. Wing who debuted for the Rabbitohs in 1999 and then signed with the Roosters when the Bunnies were squeezed out of the NRL for the 2000 season, has openly indicated his preferred position is halfback and he may get that opportunity if he moved to Redfern.

Personally I'd love to see him move to the Bulldogs to play hooker there in 2008 amongst a pack including Willie Mason and Sonny Bill Williams and who knows maybe releasing Nate Myles, Roy Asotasi and Mark O'Meley in the past 18 months might open up some salary cap space for the 26 year old Wing.

{TENNIS} Can Lleyton Hewitt take a set off Rafael Nadal?

The Aussie King of C'Mon takes on the Spanish Prince of Clay tonight in the French Open Fourth Round and although Hewitt has played some very good tennis in the tournament thus far - does he really stand a chance of taking a set let along the match off the reigning champion Nadal?
On clay Nadal has won both matches but Hewitt has won 4 of the 6 times they have faced each other.
But is Lleyton good enough to beat the just turned 21 year old Spaniard?
Well winning the match might be a stretch (but Nadal did finally lose on clay to Roger Federer recently) but Hewitt's hustle and aggressive style might give him a chance to take the first set off Nadal - who is also aggressive but has a more powerful baseline game.
I think Nadal will win but look for Hewitt to really give him a run for his money in the first set.

You can find a detailed story about the matchup here at Foxsports.com.au
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21844247-23216,00.html
or the official French Open preview here
http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/news/match_analysis/200706031180888946734.html

MNF RD12: Tigers host the Eels at Telstra Stadium

Tonight the streaking Wests Tigers and the Parramatta Eels clash at Telstra Stadium in Monday Night Football.

The Tigers have won 6 games in a row after starting the season with 4 straight losses but face an Eels side that has take the points in 3 of their past 4. So it is fair to say both teams are in good form.

Wests Tigers
> 10 Games, 6 Wins, 4 Losses & 1 Bye for 14 Points
> 36 Tries For, 30 Tries Against
> 3 Wins & 1 Loss at Home
> Currently 4th on NRL Ladder.

Parramatta Eels
> 11 Games, 6 Wins, 5 Losses for 12 Points
> 41 Tries For, 37 Tries Against
> 1 Win & 4 Losses on the Road.
> Currently 7th on NRL Ladder.

Team Changes:

Lineup wise the Tigers have lost Paul Whatuira with an ankle injury sustained against the Panthers last weekend with Chris Lawrence moving from the bench to start at centre and speedster Shannon McDonnell joining a 5 man bench. While the Eels have Feleti Mateo and Krisnan Inu replacing last week's impressive rookie Weller Hauraki and the injured Timana Tahu (who succumbed to another hamstring tear in his first game back from the same injury). Inu replaces Tahu directly while Mateo comes into the starting lineup relegating veteran forward Chad Robinson to the bench.

The Teams (#1 to 17+):

WESTS TIGERS
HODGSON, Brett ©
FITZHENRY, Daniel
COLLIS, Dean
LAWRENCE, Chris
TUIAKI, Taniela
FULTON, Liam
MORRIS, John
PAYTEN, Todd
FARAH, Robbie
GIBBS, Bryce
GALEA, Ben
HEIGHINGTON, Chris
HALATAU, Dene
Bench:
GALEA, Danny
McDONNELL, Shannon
HARRISON, Bronson
TE'O, Ben
SAFFY, Jarrod
Coach:
SHEENS, Tim

PARRAMATTA EELS
BURT, Luke
HAYNE, Jarryd
SMITH, Ben
INU, Krisnan
GROTHE, Eric
FINCH, Brett
SMITH, Tim
CAYLESS, Nathan ©
MARSH, Peter John
CANNINGS, Aaron
HINDMARSH, Nathan
MATEO, Feleti
WAGON, Daniel
Bench:
RIDDELL, Mark
CORDOBA, Josh
ROBINSON, Chad
MOIMOI, FuiFui
Coach:
HAGAN, Michael

Where it will be won:

The Tigers are capable of scoring points against any team and are excellent front-runners. But they can get a bit over-adventurous when chasing points and the Eels have based their game plan around a strong go-forward which helps them not only gain ground but control the flow of a game once in front. What this means is the Eels don't like chasing points (not that any team does mind you) as their structure means Tim Smith and Brett Finch build scoring opportunities off the strength of the preceding hit up. They are not as 'off the cuff' as the Tigers are labeled - although if you watch the Tigers carefully their attacking structure is actually quite complicated and born out of repetition rather than instantaneous inspiration. This is where the Tigers can rip teams apart because if they can throw a number of different attacking options into the mix it is harder for opposition defences to adapt. Tim Sheens has taken a big leaf out of the complexity of the NFL in America and his team (when they keep to the game plan) can look brilliant and creative in attack as a result.And that's where the game should be won - the Tigers ability to throw a number of different attacking options at the Eels who in return don't appear to be able to change their style on the run as easily and if the Tigers get an early lead - we can't see the Eels picking them up.

EIUOO SPORTS TIP: Wests Tigers by 4

EIUOO SPORTS 1st TRYSCORER: #4 Chris LAWRENCE, Wests Tigers

Welcome to EIUOO SPORTS

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