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How do I feel about Israel?

Peter Holmes a Court

by Peter Holmes a Court

02 Jun 05:50am

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Filed under: Afl, Greater Western Sydney, Israel Folau, Nrl, Sport

58 comments

I am torn.  There are clearly two sides, and they just can’t seem to get on with each other.

Hands across the water ... bridging the gulf etc. Picture: Getty

Sometimes I think the fighting must stop, other times I am prepared to back my favourite.

Then there is the issue of the constant expansion! I just don’t understand why it is going ahead in West, Bank(stown).

(Enough: this is a light hearted article and the country Israel is a serious issue, particularly today in light of the tragic events on the Turkish flotilla).

So let’s get serious: how should one feel about Australia’s favourite Israel, Israel Falou, joining the AFL’s expansion in the West of Sydney?

First place I always start is to think of the individual.  Good on him.  Most people will take a new job in an exciting new field; most will try their hand at new challenges particularly when it comes with a (significant) pay increase.

Will he make it? Nobody knows, as there is no data one way or another. So let’s watch with interest.

Is it a big hit to Rugby League?  Rugby League was forged when players left one code (Rugby Union) to join another expanding code (Rugby League), so it would be a bit off if people started thinking code-switching was a bad thing.  It has always been in League’s DNA to support the working athlete who has a short and risky career.

Can the West really support an AFL team?  Not sure that is the question.  The real question is “what does the West of Sydney look like with three more very professional teams?”  The answer is the next Sporting Capital of Australia.

Three new teams? The Sydney Rovers enter the A-League in 2011, Greater Western Sydney AFL team kicks off in 2012 and surely the West will ensure it gets a Twenty20 franchise when Cricket Australia belatedly joins the Twenty20 revolution (don’t worry CA, it only started about 10 years ago).

By 2012 the West of Sydney will have 4 well supported Rugby League Teams (if you include that part of the Tigers that still represents the West), an AFL team with star recruits and a heap of early draft picks, a Twenty20 Franchise that will have to fight off its fans with a stick, a V8 car race that may be considered the best in that competition and the most exciting A-League franchise in the country.

(I admit my bias: a company I chair, ISFM, has been advising the Sydney Rovers who are building an incredibly solid Club in the middle of the largest catchment of soccer players in this country. There are a couple of hundred thousand people who are determined to help them and they will become a force).

Add to this the region’s physical assets: ANZ Stadium (you can get there quicker from downtown Sydney, on a nice train, than it takes people from downtown NYC, London or most other large organically grown cities to get to their major grounds), an upgraded Showgrounds arena for the AFL to play, Acer Arena, a cricket and AFL training paradise in Blacktown, a world class rowing centre, Sydney International Equestrian Centre, two racecourses (Rosehill Gardens and Warwick Farm), a drag racing track, a white water rafting centre, two athletics centres (Blacktown and Campbelltown), baseball and softball centre at Blacktown and a damn fine competition shooting range.  That is a world-class set of facilities.

Sure Melbourne has a much faster car race, a cushier stadium, even one with a roof. And a tennis tournament we can all cheer.  Lucky Melbournites.

And good luck to Israel, I wish him and his family well.

As for the West of Sydney, you can look forward to wrestling Melbourne for their (self-anointed) crown as king of all Australian sports.

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58 comments

Show oldest | newest first

    • S.L says:

      07:30am | 02/06/10

      Peter you are 0 right on the origins of League so their faithful should pull their heads in crying about how other codes are pinching their stars. Look at good ole Izzy for example.
      Born and bred in Minto (Sydney) he is a cornerstone of the QLD origin team along with that other great Queenslander Bowraville born and bred Greg Inglis!
      There has been no loyalty shown in this game since (Sea Eagle till he dies) Steve Menzies retired to the big bucks of English Super League.
      A switch to AFL will be nothing new if the money is right to these guys.

      Reply

    • BTS says:

      07:45am | 02/06/10

      Hindmarsh has been pretty loyal, same for Lockye…there are plenty around who have been loyal club men.

    • MenarefromMars says:

      08:59am | 02/06/10

      Elephant in the room: Salary Cap.

      Why protect the clubs who can’t manage their finances?, Bring in the AFL style draft and drop the cap.

    • Macca says:

      09:29am | 02/06/10

      Luke Patten, Hazem El Masri, Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Braith Anasta, Anthony Minichello, Andrew Johns, Matthew Johns, Johnathon Thurston. I’m sure there are plenty more loyal players in League.

      Good article Peter, I hate the rabbits with a passion, but you’re alright

    • TheRealDave says:

      09:52am | 02/06/10

      SL did you mean to type 100% right - because he is 100% right. Rugby League was founded on the backs of Rugby Union players who wanted to be paid to play and have insurance in case they were injured playingthe game. You can Google it if you like.

      Getting back to Israel, Falau that is, the AFL are morons. How many actually talented AFL players could they have bought/produced, how many doingit tough junior AFL clubs could have used the millions thrown away on Falau and Hunt - two guys that have never played a game of AFL in their lives ??

      Why not get a Basketball team to pay millions for say Jonathan Brown? He’s tall isn’t he? He can jump and catch a ball? He must be a potential basketballer the likes of Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neill etc surely?

      League and Union has produced some great Dual Internnationals over the decades. I suppose it does highlight the quality of modern Rugby League players in their strength, versatility, ball handling skills, endurance etc that they can turn their hand to other games. Its sadly lacking in the other codes though. Who was the last Union player to make a successful switch? Last ‘big’ name I can remember was Garrick Morgan - and he couldn’t get out of Reserve grade with the Crushers.

      As for loyalty to League - that went out he window about 25 years ago. At least Hunt and Falau had the decency to honour their contracts, unlike that other Kiwi bastard who should be banned for life from ever playing Rugby League professionally again - in ANY country.

      On the bright side - its going to be awesome watching all those AFL millions get flushed down the shitter - can only make League stronger wink

    • BTS says:

      11:32am | 02/06/10

      Didn’t Thurston play for the Doggies?

    • Markus says:

      11:58am | 02/06/10

      TheRealDave
      You probably haven’t seen a Union to League switch, coincidentally, since Rugby turned pro in 1996.
      There is the opportunity to tour the world, better foundations for a career after rugby (helping players get degrees and qualifications), and the honour of representing your country in a REAL international competition. Not to mention the pay is much higher, as the ARU is run like a real professional business (mostly).
      Not sure what top level Rugby player would want to give that up, and take a paycut on top to boot.

    • Tim says:

      12:57pm | 02/06/10

      Markus,
      you are obviously severly deluded.
      Only the very top echelon of Rugby players in Australia get the big bucks.
      There would probably be less than 50 Rugby players in Australia who are earning a serious wage.
      Think about the average Super 14 player or the tier of players on the cusp on Super 14, they are getting 2/5ths of bugger all. The next step down is Sydney and Brisbane club Rugby. And they get heaps or cash don’t they? LOLZ.
      There are plenty of Rugby players who are currently playing League, you just don’t know about it because they usually do it early on in their careers.

    • TheRealDave says:

      01:38pm | 02/06/10

      Macca, fyi

      Luke Patten played for St George before going to the Dogs. Anasta played for the Dogs before taking the cash at Easts and Thurston played for the Dogs befor epacking his bags and heading up north.

      Just sayin’

      :p

    • Markus says:

      02:01pm | 02/06/10

      Tim of course I’m only talking about the top level players with regards to the money.  Only the very top echelon of League players in Australia get the big bucks too, and their top is less than the top in Rugby.
      Even at Super rugby level, the lowest level Tier 1 contracts (not counting Academy contracts) still pay higher than the lowest Tier 1 contracts in the NRL.
      The ARU offered top level money to the League converts, the main reason they converted in the first place.
      My argument was that the NRL would not front up enough money to an established Rugby player to offer them more than they already earn in Rugby, so none would bother making the switch.
      This obviously does not apply to players who never made it to professional ranks in Rugby before trying League, as it is hardly a switch in that case.

    • Macca says:

      02:42pm | 02/06/10

      @Menarefrommars

      The AFL have a salary cap, the average wage difference between an AFL Player and an NRL player is around $20,000 a year, AFL being the higher.

      @BTS, wow, I’ve been foiled, what a fail. Can I include Benji Marshall? 

      @Markus, don’t pretend Union is bigger / better than League, when you get 2 and a half million (Origin Audience) watching a Test Match, I’ll start to believe you

    • Markus says:

      04:26pm | 02/06/10

      Macca in terms of player salaries Rugby is definitely better than League.
      Considering that Rugby is a small fish in the Aussie sport market compared to League, this means that either the NRL is screwing over players in terms of pay compared to the sponsorship income their profiles are generating, or that the NRL and most of its clubs are still being run by a bunch of amateurs in a professional world market.
      As I said lower down, I believe the latter to be the case.

    • NS Welshmen says:

      08:54am | 02/06/10

      Good for the AFL in Western Sydney, they deserve their own team.

      Reply

    • Dasher says:

      09:14am | 02/06/10

      As a retired AFL player, I struggle to see how Israel is going to have the adequate skills to play at this level. Mark under pressure above his head leading towards the ball, kick straight, hit a player on the lead by foot 50 meters away, handball, positional play. These are skills that are not easily learned. Still as a marketing exercise, it’s perhaps good for the game. But AFL now is so quick and so different from league, I don’t see how it’s going to work. Still an interesting experiment. You must feel for kids in the draft who can actually play the game that aren’t being offered these bucks let alone the opportunity.

      Reply

    • paul says:

      12:51pm | 02/06/10

      What about the Irish Lads and the Canadian Rugby guy playing for the Swans , they picked it up are you saying that Israel and Karmichael don’t have the potential of these guys?????????

    • TheRealDave says:

      01:23pm | 02/06/10

      To be fair - in Rugby League you actually need to catch the ball….in AFL your hands just have to be in the general vicinity of the ball to get awarded a mark.

    • Mitch says:

      09:20am | 02/06/10

      Pretty sad you have to resort to parochialism. Australian rules was huge in Sydney 100+ years ago, it used to draw crowds the equivalent of 70,000 plus in today’s population terms. Then Rugby administrators locked the game out of grounds and denied it revenue for its development. All of which was decades before Rugby League even existed.

      Reply

    • Bensville Bear says:

      09:23am | 02/06/10

      The probleM, Peter, is the salary cap, which you defend.  Other codes are picking us off and laughing all the way to the bank.  Now the AFL is chasing the RL’s Polynesian community.  If they cut swathes through that we’re stuffed.

      Reply

    • Tim says:

      09:43am | 02/06/10

      The one thing I get out of the Isreal Folau fiasco is we are expected to believe Folau choose to leave Melbourne (massive salary cap breaches) to go to Brisbane because he was homesick?
      Apparently he was meant to be accepting less money to move back to the Broncos.
      If there is anything Folau has proven over the last couple of years, it’s that he goes where the money is.
      How much did Brisbane really pay him?
      And Peter,
      how much did you really pay for Sam Burgess?
      The salary cap is a farce.

      Reply

    • Glen says:

      10:37am | 02/06/10

      Did he just say that Sydney’s West will be come the capital of Australian sport becasue they have a crappy footy team doesn’t exist yet and a white water rafting centre?

      Reply

    • acker says:

      10:41am | 02/06/10

      Aussie Rules over about 100+ years has poured most of its profits into the grass roots levels of the game, it is run mostly by ex-players Demitriou, Fitzpatrick, Oakley, Aylett, Jackson, Hamilton and Collins hence works in closely with the Players Association.
      It seldom takes risky ventures and usualy pours money into junior development before it ventures into a new zone.
      The NRL looks like an underweight lightweight going into battle against Muhammed Ali at his peak.

      Reply

    • Tim says:

      01:06pm | 02/06/10

      Hahahaha,
      Yeah there are so many junior AFL players in Western Sydney aren’t there?????
      Face it,
      The GWS team (and Gold Coast) are just meant to be used as leverage for the next TV deal. Being able to negiotate with the TV stations with more product to sell is all the AFL are after. They couldn’t give a flying
      %%#@ about Western Sydney.
      Also, seeing as the NRL rate better on TV than AFL consistently, they may be in for a rude shock come 2012.

    • paul says:

      01:43pm | 02/06/10

      Tim, I hope you are not saying that the NRL rates better than the AFL on a national level are you because that may be a touch misleading. When the 3 networks line up to look at NRL or AFL coverage why is it that all 3 fight for the AFL and only the station that misses out takes the NRL. Do you believe that it may a touch harder for national networks to show NRL in SA, TAS, Vic, and WA than it is for a network to show AFL in NSW and QLD. When channel 9 joins the hunt for the AFL at the next round of talks and if they are successful where does that leave the NRL?

    • Tim says:

      02:13pm | 02/06/10

      Yes Paul,
      NRL has higher amounts overall in national ratings (total numbers).
      The problem is as you say, the NRL do not get shown in SA, WA and TAS (do they really count?). This allows the AFL to be shown to a wider possible audience, which is what the TV stations are after.
      AFL also has ads every time there is a goal scored and lasts 30 minutes longer, thus equating to more revenue for TV.
      The AFL’s move into Western Sydney is a cynical cash grab so the AFL can try and get more money from the TV rights (more product to sell in Sydney, Brisbane and Gold Coast).
      You say the NRL will be left out when channel nine join the race? Why?
      You don’t think the TV stations can see that GWS and Gold Coast games are going to rate extremely poorly?
      The AFL shouldn’t forget that the head’s of both Channel 7and 9 are massive Rugby League fans.

    • paul says:

      02:29pm | 02/06/10

      Tim, where are you getting your national figures from? http://www.talkingfooty.com/tv_ratings_2010 might be a fair place for you to start.
      On a national scale the afl seems to rate around 3.4 to 3.6 million compared to the NRL around 2.5 million.

    • Tim says:

      05:09pm | 02/06/10

      Paul,
      what i meant was when you comparing apples with apples.
      I was mistaken with the total numbers but the AFL only get a higher total overall simply because they have a higher number of free to air games compared to pay games on FOX.

    • Paul says:

      08:49am | 03/06/10

      Tim the facts will always be the facts no matter how people spin them. The TV networks are national networks and all 3 will always chase the AFL first and as such they will always attract the better deal, Simple market forces will always mean the NRL will always take what they can get as there is less competition.
      With the AFL expanding and the NRL stagnate this is not going to change any time soon.

    • Tim says:

      12:19pm | 03/06/10

      Paul,
      NRL rates much higher on FOX than AFL.
      I think you’re overestimating the appeal of the AFL for the next set of TV rights. They will be much closer in value than you expect.
      With regards to the AFL expansion, the problem is you assume the AFL’s expansion is going to be good for them.
      This could be not be further from the truth.
      The Gold Coast and Western Sydney teams will fail miserably both on and off the field.

    • paul says:

      05:03pm | 03/06/10

      Tim don’t quite get your argument, is it that the NRL only rates on Foxtel?  then why would the free to air channels pay through the nose for the rights or is foxtel in the market to fork out big money even though the average NRL game still only rates around 220k on Saturday night. The foxtel figures are in the overall rating figures so again I’m unsure of your argument.
      One thing that is for certain Tim is that the 2 new teams will not fail in a hurry because as like most things in life it all comes down to dollars and being a national sport companies will be lining up to sponsor them both. Have you ever wondered why QBE have sponsored the Swans for 23 years straight.

    • Sam Chowder says:

      10:42am | 02/06/10

      How do I feel about Israel - sickened.  They should not have boarded the vessel.

      Reply

    • Emma says:

      11:31am | 02/06/10

      Mate, did you read the article? It is about football not Israel. Feel a bit cheated, I am a bit confused about Israel (the country) would have liked a quick rundown on what is going on. Do they even know why they are fighting?

    • Sam Chowder says:

      01:14pm | 02/06/10

      @Emma - I never read the articles,are we supposed to?

    • Markus says:

      10:45am | 02/06/10

      League had been poaching Rugby players, even established Wallabies, up until Rugby turned pro in ‘96. That is near 100 years, so you are right in that any attempt to badmouth their players about chasing money is pure hypocrisy.

      I think the NRL fear removing the salary cap as it is the only thing keeping 2/3 of the teams competitive. Without it it will be a 3 horse race between the Roosters, Storm and Rabbitohs (backed by big Russ’ Robin Hood earnings).

      Perhaps an overhaul isn’t a bad thing. Most of the teams are currently being run like they are still in the 80s. Some clubs will either go under, or be forced to adapt a professional business model and thrive.

      On the Israel saga, I say good on him, but don’t see him going anywhere in the AFL. He is built for acceleration and strength, not aerobic fitness, and has no notable kicking game in a game that is built around kicking.

      Wish him all the best though.

      Short version: NRL should quit whinging and move into the 21st century.

      Reply

    • paul says:

      12:46pm | 02/06/10

      Markus you of course are welcome to your view but it is ludicrous to suggest that anyone who will be training 5 to 7 hours a day for 6 months from Jan 2011 on kicking being coached by people the calibre of Paul Kelly and Tom Harley won’t be able to kick by this time next year.

      Just look at all the Irish lads the AFL have recruited that hadn’t even touched an Oval football before 12 months later they are polished at the skills of the game.

      Think you might be surprised at how quick the 2 league boys pick up the skills of kicking and ball handling.

    • Frank says:

      01:10pm | 02/06/10

      He would do alright at full forward, all you have to do is sprint 20-30 meters half a dozen times a match. Look at Fevola, he plays FF and can barely run 50 meters without having a nap.

      His kicking probably won’t be much worse than a lot of current players that look like they picked up a ball yesterday.

    • neil says:

      12:44pm | 02/06/10

      I’ve seen this coming for years, the level of sophistication in training and coaching in today’s professional sports allows scouts to ignore learned skills and look for the right combination of genetics and mental attitude.

      Athletes like Israel Falou, Billy Slater, Ben Cousins, Cameron White, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, the Williams sisters etc can be moulded to be amongst the elite in any sport if they are picked up early enough.

      The future is not getting the best 20 y/o rookies for your team; it’s buying the best 15 y/o athletes for your sport.

      Reply

    • KJ says:

      01:23pm | 02/06/10

      I think you’re right, it’s not really about what sport they get him from it’s about being right for the game and possibly applying whatever knowledge they can from where they came. Some people are naturally talented to whatever they put their hand at.

      Besides this is really about publicity then anything else aand the AFL has got its moneys worth already. A few million is penuts to what is one of the biggest Australian companies. Personally I will be surprised to see any of them play anymore then NAB cup.

    • mrs smith says:

      01:26pm | 02/06/10

      I can’t support cheque book AFL, much like I don’t support hypocritical cheque book rugby league clubs like Souths. Good riddance to Folau and go Easts!!

      Reply

    • S.L says:

      04:55pm | 02/06/10

      You don’t support hypocritical cheque book rugby league clubs and yet you support Easts?

    • Fen says:

      01:32pm | 02/06/10

      Peter Holmes à Court is that the same Peter Holmes à Court who part own the South Sydney Rugby League Team?

      Im honestly amazed at your comments, rather rounded i thought.

      As a A-League fan I couldnt really care but I will be watching how the expansion into the heartland of League goes. Dont get me wrong I will watch any sport thats on. But Sydney as recognised by the A- League and the AFL is ripe for sporting clubs.  Israel move has created a storm of media hype with league old player giving the young so and so a right tounge lashing . (maybe they are jealous) Mate if some one gave me a couple million bucks I would even play netball.  If it is a success it mat path the way for others to follow. Any one who has a half decent kicking and plays in the back line could be a possiblity. Ingliss, Idris, Morrison, Dane Tilse, Lote Tuqiri, Issac Luke

      Reply

    • Peter says:

      01:36pm | 02/06/10

      Im an AFL fan, but im no fan of this. Isreal can’t even play footy and Hunt, i saw some of his skills as well and he looked uncoordinated. What a waste of money. I can see the NRL trying to poach an AFL star for Melbourne storm.. What a mess the AFL has created for itself…

      Reply

    • TheRealDave says:

      01:42pm | 02/06/10

      Hang on a sec….did I miss something there? You hate ‘cheque book’ Rugby League yet you support the Roosters?!?!

      What the?? Is it April 1st today? Did I miss something??

      Reply

    • mrs smith says:

      01:59pm | 02/06/10

      Its tongue in cheek Dave, Souths criticised the Roosters for playing cheque book rugby league, little ironic considering the purchases they’ve made in the last few years don’t you agree?

      Reply

    • Xavier says:

      08:59pm | 02/06/10

      Good luck to Izzy, I hope he does well, regardless of whether he joined GWS for money or the challenge.

      I still can’t understand the anti-AFL bias in Sydney though - what’s wrong with supporting both NRL and AFL teams?

      Reply

    • Nelson says:

      09:56pm | 02/06/10

      Dangerous times for AFL Rugby and League to be squabbling over the limited number of suitable players.  There’s a real world cup starting soon which will excite potential young players more than a game that only requires size and no built up skills.

      Reply

    • bigmuzz says:

      12:22am | 03/06/10

      as an NRL fan I say good riddance, folau has been nothing but a traitor since day dot. he was born and bred in minto, yet plays for QLD under some bullsh!!t eligibility rules… he was a very high profile player in melbourne through most of their cheating years, so even if he wasn’t involved, the mud still sticks to him… he is now an AFL puppet… NO-ONE in NSW gives 2 sh!!ts about israel folau! if the GWS were REALLY trying to bust into the western sydney rugby league market with a marquee NRL player, they should have chased Jarryd Hayne and Michael Jennings a lot more harder than they did. These 2 players would have gotten some interest from the westies, not Folau. The only reason people will tune in to watch him play his first couple of games is in the hope to see him epic fail and humiliate himself. /endrant

      Reply

    • Gary says:

      06:57am | 03/06/10

      I am glad you won’t miss him bigmuzz but I am sure his athletic ability will be enjoyed by the millions who watch AFL every week. Just on Hayne and Jennings I think you will find they don’t have the physical dimensions to be gambled on by the AFL. At 195cm and 102 kg Folou is comparable to the modern day power forwards like Hall, Brown, Pavlich etc. The other 2 you mentioned are shorter and in Haynes case just to solid and we know there are plenty of shorter guys in Australia it is just the athletic 195cm boys that are hard to find.

    • Adam Diver says:

      12:52pm | 03/06/10

      What about Hunt then gary?

    • Gary says:

      06:27pm | 03/06/10

      Mate I Reckon Hunt will struggle at first, The majority of the guys that have been recruited from other codes ie Basketball , Rugby Union (swans player Michael Pyke) have been tall which gives them an obvious advantage and can mask a skill deficiency for a while until eventually their skills improve but in Hunts case he is only of average height which means he will have to work a lot harder for his kicks. Folou on the other hand will work because in the main AFL is still basically a man on man game so someone the size and strength of Folou will always be hard to beat for the ball.

    • S.L says:

      05:56am | 03/06/10

      Nelson you are spot on and as the other codes will deny until they are blue in the face Soccer has more junior players in this country than all the other football codes combined. Add the heart attack it is giving netball because of the increasing female participation in the roundball code and you see the only code in this country that’s expanding.
      AFL isn’t expanding, it’s just spreading it’s player base around. There will be no more juniors play the game north of the border than before. Just like league participation south of the border.
      Bigmuzz you too are spot on. Signing messers Hayne or Jennings to AFL would have been a real kick in the guts for league in NSW more than Folau. He is a turncoat and has never shown loyalty anywhere.

      Reply

    • Al says:

      08:38am | 03/06/10

      S.L you must be kidding with your line AFL juniors are not expanding, I mean push your soccer dream as much as you like but to deny that the AFL Auskick program is not expanding is just a plain old lie.
      Even up here on the mid north coast of NSW we have constant local news reports of increasing AFL junior numbers and we are talking about regions where until 10 years ago junior AFL didn’t exist. I think all codes should look at the way the AFL runs it Auskick programs and take some serious notes.
      I would suggest it may be a little way off until we see the local Australian soccer leagues with weekly TV ratings of average AFL ( 3.4 million) or average NRL ( 2.7 million) but hey you never know do you.

    • S.L says:

      11:34am | 03/06/10

      Al who is giving you these numbers? AFL count kids in the Auskick program as full participants when it’s just part of a school promotion. Junior comps north of the border are still barely or non existant. It has been discussed here before. If you are Victorian/SA/WA based I can tell you you are being fed lot of stuff from the rear of a cow! I remember a report in one of the Melbourne based papers that AFL had 700,000 players, I nearly laughed myself sick!
      Before you pick on league I know they are a dying breed too. The Polynesians are forcing the Euro and Indigenious kids out because of their physical advantage.
      I’m not saying soccer is a better sport just an expanding one.

      Reply

    • AL says:

      05:28pm | 03/06/10

      S.L -  not quite sure what you mean when you say Auskick is part of a school promotion, it has nothing to do with school my 7yo and my 12yo boys play on the weekend which has nothing to do with school.
      We live at Laurieton on the nsw mid north coast and I can only go on what I see and that is my boys play for the Camden Haven Bombers who didn’t even a club a few years back and now have teams in multiple age groups.
      So I am not sure how going from zero teams to filling a number of teams isn’t growth but if it going to make you happy we will pretend that they don’t exist so you can sleep at night.

    • S.L says:

      07:21am | 04/06/10

      Al I’m pleased you boys are getting out and exercising and playing sport instead of stuck on a video game all day. But where I am on the central coast Auskick is heavily promoted through schools as well as the local AFL teams.If they just included players such as your boys fair enough but they include the kids that have a kick about for curiousity at school.

    • AL says:

      09:29am | 05/06/10

      As you wrote S.L the most important thing is that the kids are out exercising. Whether it be soccer, afl or league as long as they are out and about and the clubs are well run with family atmospheres everyone has a good time.

    • Gavin Hodge says:

      02:20pm | 03/06/10

      Rugby League needs to grow up. I mean my God, it was RL who split from the Northern Football Union (as Rugby was known way back when) so that it could be professional. It then used this to poach players from the amateur Union, exclaiming that “Business is Business”. Suck it up, pay the players something comparable to the other codes (so therefore, not your administrators) and don’t cry poor. AFL and Rugby can spend their money on whatever they like, stop carrying on like a spoilt little turd-brat. And remember this: NRL clubs, State bodies and the ARL have no compunction in turning THEIR backs on players out of favour.

      Reply

    • Andrew says:

      04:38pm | 03/06/10

      Sport in general has become more about being a business and business men and women than it is about the love of the sport.  Are we going to get to the stage when we’ll be having our children needing to be paid to play on the weekends rather than for the simple enjoyment of the game?

      Reply
 
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Paul Colgan

Colgo 25 May 12 10:37PM

Greece makes the final and Ireland gets in on a golden ticket. How awkward and embarrassing. Love it. #sbseurovision

Anthony Sharwood

antsharwood 25 May 12 10:00PM

Every single #eurovision band is roxette #sbseurovision

Anthony Sharwood

antsharwood 25 May 12 09:58PM

The weird thing about #eurovision is you've got this massive collection of dorks in a room and no one is wearing Spock ears #sbseurovision

Anthony Sharwood

antsharwood 25 May 12 09:52PM

Europe has the large hadron collider which is light years ahead of its time and #eurovision, where the eighties never die

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