The Prism - Round 20 2015

Hot topic

When will players learn that their on-field and off-field persona cannot be separated? The latest case of alleged domestic violence could forever tarnish the legacy of a on-field good guy.

The sport promotes aggression and physicality, but it is totally unacceptable to take it home. It is a poor show of character to pick on someone who cannot defend them self against a physical specimen.

The league has started to become less tolerant of domestic violence. I am not sure what else can be done, but the pressure must be kept up on these players to teach them that bullying and assault is not acceptable. Let's hope that both the league and the club take appropriate action if this case is proven to be as reported. However, if the player is contesting charges then common law suggests that he should be presumed innocent unless proven guilty which puts both the league and player in an awkward position.

Predictions

Last week I picked 7/8, just missing out of a perfect round with the Sharks overtime win. Here are my picks for this week.

Tigers vs. Roosters @ ANZ Stadium
The Tigers are not playing any consistent football. Roosters by 12

Broncos vs. Titans @ Suncorp Stadium
The Broncos are a machine that keeps on rolling over their opponents. Broncos by 12

Warriors vs. Sea Eagles Mt Smart Stadium
Both teams have had a stutter when trying to get momentum. Warriors by 10

Storm vs. Dragons @ Napier
The second game to be played in NZ, this time between two out of towners. Storm by 6

Rabbitohs vs. Knights @ ANZ Stadium
This will be a one sided affair between both last start winners. Rabbitohs by 18

Panthers vs. Raiders @ Pepper Stadium
Two exciting sides needing a win to keep in touch with the competition leaders. Panthers by 4

Bulldogs vs. Sharks @ Belmore Sportsground
The Bulldogs are building momentum but will tough it out with the in form Sharks. Bulldogs by 4

Cowboys vs. Eels @ 1300Smiles Stadium
The Eels are again mired in controversy and injury. Cowboys by 18

Form Guide

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.

1. Broncos (-) : who can stop this juggernaut?
2. Roosters (-) : maybe this quality squad can spoil the Queensland party
3. Cowboys (-) : won at fortress Brookvale
4. Sharks (+1) : have snuck into the 8 after a poor start to the season
5. Rabbitohs (+3) : their controlled game is coming back
6. Bulldogs (+3) : this team is proof that there will be a few contenders this year
7. Warriors (-3) : if only they could string a few wins together
8. Eels (-2) : have they thrown their recent good form away
9. Sea Eagles (-2) : without DCE, their renaissance may be short lived
10. Storm (+3) : great win against an understrength Panthers to break a four game losing streak
11. Raiders (-1) : cannot win at home, need to play more away games
12. Panthers (-1) : flogged by the Storm and losing touch with the top sides
13. Knights (+3) : finally got a win to break their long losing streak
14. Titans (-2) : how will they go next year with even fewer stars?
15. Tigers (-1) : the losses are racking up and the spoon is becoming more of a reality
16. Dragons (-1) : can't score, can't defend, can't play; six losses in a row and counting

Composite Team

Last week's composite team was made up of players who were forced into retirement with career ending injuries. Can you work out the theme for the team below?

1. Billy Slater
2. Darius Boyd
3. Justin Hodges
4. Steve Matai
5. Konrad Hurrell
6. Josh Reynolds
7. Chris Sandow
8. Nate Myles
9. Michael Ennis
10. James Graham
11. Greg Bird
12. Sam Thaiday
13. Paul Gallen
14. Cameron Smith
15. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
16. Anthony Watmough
17. Darcy Luussick

This team has class in the back line, volatile halves and a tough pack. Predicted placing in 2015 table: 3rd

Flash Back

This week's Flash Back was a great centre for his club who had a short post-football career as his alter ego "the Hammer". Mark "Sparkles" McGaw was the Australian centre partner of Andrew Ettingshausen at the Sharks.

McGaw debuted for the Sharks in 1984 as a fullback but played only 6 games. He returned the next season for a full campaign, initially on the wing and then moving to the centres from round 14.

In 1987 McGaw was selected for City for his first of 5 matches against Country. He was then rewarded for his good play with a berth in the NSW team. He went on to score 6 tries in his 13 Origins. His 1991 try preceded the famous side line conversion from Michael O'Connor.

In 1988, McGaw made his Australian debut against New Zealand. He followed this up with a spot in the 1990 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France where he scored four tries in his three appearances.

Back at the Sharks, they had a number of lean years but made the Preliminary Final in 1988; losing narrowly to the Tigers 2-9. The next year he played in the famous mid-weeks playoff for 5th against the start studded Broncos where the Sharks won 38-14. Unfortunately they were bundled out of the finals four days later by the equally talented Raiders.

McGaw finished his career with a season in Penrith and two at the Rabbitohs. He was plagued by injury and a loss of confidence. He retired after 193 games and 42 tries.

After his retirement he transformed into the "Hammer" on the show Gladiators (pictured on the left). He also starred in a few Lowes commercials with fellow league stars.

McGaw will be remembered as a hard running centre who formed arguably the best centre partnership that the Sharks have ever fielded.