Reynolds Kicks Cowboys to loss
100 mins ago | Andrew Ferguson
Why can't NRL players be thankful for what they have and not expect to be above the law? It is disappointing to see big name players continually getting into trouble with the police. The latest headlines have put a dampener on the man-of-the-match performance of the Blues flyer.
Instead of celebrating a great performance, all the talk is on whether Michael Jennings should be available for the next match. This will consume a lot of energy leading into the decider and is an unneeded distraction for NSW.
This is not the first time that unsavoury actions have cost NSW players their position. Obviously players have short-term memories as they cannot recall past indiscretions of their fellow combatants. Maybe they should be reminded of this in every camp or tattooed to their forearms in case of emergency?
Last week I picked 5/8. Here are my picks for this week.
Rabbitohs vs. Sea Eagles @ ANZ Stadium
This game will be a good test for both teams. Rabbitohs by 6
Broncos vs. Knights @ Suncorp Stadium
Bennett's new brigade vs Bennett's old rabble. Broncos by 16
Warriors vs. Raiders @ Mt Smart Stadium
These two teams that can score, but they don't care about defence. Warriors by 2
Cowboys vs. Sharks @ 1300Smiles Stadium
This will be an enjoyable homecoming for the form team of the comp. Cowboys by 8
Eels vs. Dragons @ Pirtek Stadium
Which Sandow will come out to play? Dragons by 6
Roosters vs. Titans @ Central Coast Stadium
The Roosters take this game to their new juniors base. Roosters by 8
Tigers vs. Panthers @ Leichhardt Oval
These two teams have underperformed. Tigers by 6
Bulldogs vs. Storm @ Belmore Sportsground
This could be a spiteful clash between these sparring partners. Bulldogs by 4
The form guide is based on a predictive model that gives more weight to recent performances. There is no adjustment for personal bias, injury or their position on the table. Byes are given a 50% weighting.
Last week's composite team was made up of reputable Brits/Irishmen. Can you work out the theme for the team below?
This team has points in the backline, tough halves and a hard working pack. The bench does not give much away. Predicted placing in 2015 table: 3rd
This week's Flash Back was a tough Queensland hooker who played for the Broncos in their first ever match in the NSWRL. Before this, Greg Conescu played in the Brisbane competition for Norths Devils, Gladstone Brothers and Redcliffe Dolphins.
Conescu won a BRL premiership with the Devils in 1980. That year he was selected to play for Queensland in their interstate match. In 1981, Conescu was selected into his first Queensland State of Origin team and then became a mainstay from 1983 over the next 6 series. He played 20 matches in total at Hooker, winning 11 and scoring 2 tries.
Conescu also represented Australia in 1984 and 1985 against Great Britain (3 times) and then New Zealand (twice) in the respective mid-year tests. Australia won all five matches with him at dummy half. In 1987, Conescu played in the grand final for Redcliff. This was to be his last match in the BRL.
In 1988 he joined the Brisbane Broncos in the NSWRL premiership for their inaugural campaign. His form warranted selection back into the Australian team for the Ashes Series against Great Britain, winning two from three matches. His last match for the Kangaroos was against PNG in their 70-8 triumph where he contributed with a try.
Conescu played 17 matches for the Broncos in 1988 and then a further 11 games in 1989. His last match was against Cronulla in their Tuesday playoff for 5th. The Broncos were flogged 38-14 after a maestro performance from Johnathan Docking.
Despite being the incumbent Queensland and Australian hooker, Conescu was unceremoniously dumped by coach Wayne Bennett for Ipswich prodigy Kerrod Walters. He retired soon after.
In 2005 Conescu was named in Queensland's 25th anniversary team. He is remembered for his rugged play and for his influence over the early State of Origin teams.