The Rugby League season has finally come to a close this morning with Australian defeating England in the final of the Four Nations 30-8. We learnt many things through this competition about the English and we're their players are at. We learnt that Sam Tomkins, whilst being a great talent, couldn't rise to the occasion and was quiet in the Final. James Graham will be a great buy for the Bulldogs. England still can't match Australia's second man plays. England can beat New Zealand convincingly. Paul Gallen can play prop at an international level. Ryan Hall is a very skillful winger. Video Referee Ian Smith needs a better guide dog. Ex-NRL players can referee internationals (Henry Perenara). English commentators are extremely biased.
On to my grievances about the final. After the English screamed murder the last time they played Australia. English Video Referee Ian Smith created controversy after disallowing an Australian try where the 2 offside players didn't encroach the 10 metres. He then awarded a Penalty Try to England after English winger Ryan Hall was caught high by Johnathan Thurston and then lost the ball. It appeared in the replays that Thurston's hit didn't force the ball loose, it was Luke Lewis' knees which dislodged the ball legally. Then, at the end of the game, the English commentators had the hide to say that Ian Smith had a wonderful game.
Now to the positives. Australia re-affirmed their dominance as the best team in the world after going through the competition undefeated. Cooper Cronk will be the perfect man to replace Darren Lockyer. Tony Williams is a one-man wrecking ball. Inglis has lost none of his skill through injury. Johnathan Thurston is one of the best goal-kickers in the world after he broke Stacey Jones' record of 21 goals in a 4 Nations tournament. Tim Sheens is one of the best coaches Australia has had. Darius Boyd is one of the best fullbacks in the world. Darren Lockyer is the King of Rugby League. He retired as he should've, with a competition win in the 4 Nations. He retired as the most capped Broncos player, NRL player, QLD player and Australian player of all time.
Replies
Ryan Hall's dropped ball wasn't because of Thurston? You've got to be kidding yeah? You hold a ball and I'll smack you around the chops and see if you hold onto it. If Thurston hadn't hit Hall high he would've scored the try, I'm still amazed that nothing was said about Lewis leading with the feet/legs. The penalty try was a must, I don't think you can deny that. Also, I didn't think players could kick the ball out of someone's hands while they were scoring a try, they might be able to use their hands (In NRL, not too sure about International) but I'm pretty sure they aren't allowed to kick the ball out. Leading with the feet/legs should be rubbed out of the game A.S.A.P
James Graham mightn't be a good buy for the Dog's, he may be able to produce some good footy for 4 weeks but will be be able to do it consistently over 26 rounds? Only time will tell.
Well, who else is there to "replace" Lockyer other than Cronk? I believe the only reason we saw Tony Williams step up this year because he was due for another contract signing, I think we'll see him go back to his lazy self, unless he's changed his mirrors in his house. Anyone could have told you Thurston is one of the best if not the best goal kicker in Rugby League before the 4 Nations tournament. The amount of forwards passes that Darius Boyd throws that go undetected is incredible, watch how many he'll throw to Uate next year with very few picked up.
As I said before the 4 nations is crap...waste of time & effort...its now overdone every year...the pommies will never beat us ...forget it... at least go back to old Kangaroo tour every 4 years...