The future looks bright for NSW

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For the past eight years NSW have suffered consecutive defeats at the hands of Queensland. This year NSW will try to stop the Maroons from winning their ninth State of Origin series win.

While Queensland have penciled in about 90 per cent of their team, NSW are in all sorts of trouble.

Greg Bird is set to miss the opening Origin match and Mitchell Pierce had some off-field problems over the weekend.

The Blues won't be ruled out just yet! (SOURCE: Michael Sheil's Flickr photostream)

The Blues won’t be ruled out just yet! (SOURCE: Michael Sheil’s Flickr photostream)

While NSW are still yet to determine a number of key positions, they have a lot of options for young players ready to prove themselves in the Origin arena.

Fullback
David Mead was a surprise call up for country and if injuries occur to Josh Dugan and Jarryd Hayne, Mead could find himself in the number one jersey for NSW. He is surely going to be on selectors’ minds in the near future.

James Tedesco has been unfortunate to not play as much as he has wanted in the past couple of years due to season-ending injuries. Before his injury this year Tedesco was proving a hand full for many teams and was forming a great partnership with Luke Brooks. There’s a certain NSW jumper in the future for young Tedesco.

Matt Moylan has been sensational for the Panthers this year. Molyan’s form has earned himself a City jersey and from the rep round we have seen Moylan really putting a stamp on the game. He is truly an Origin worthy player.

Wings
Even though his form has been down on lately, Kevin Gordon earned himself a Country jersey. He has a very friendly rivalry happening between ex-winger, and now fullback, David Mead. Gordon’s a very speedy player and is a great finisher when scoring tries. A bit of work in defence and somewhere down the track he could be putting on the sky blue jersey.

Jorge Taufua and Daniel Tupo have been great this year for their respective clubs. Both have earned representative call ups and have been on the Origin radar for a while now. They have great power, have a lot of speed to burn and are excellent finishers when it comes to try scoring. These two wingers will make memories that are unforgettable in the future during Origin time.

Centres
Jack Wighton has been one of the game’s best defensive centres this year. He showed what he can do when being called up into a representative jumper and he took the chance with both hands in the City versus Country game. Playing five-eighth at the Raiders is only going to improve his passing and kicking game. When called up into Origin, he will be remembered as one of the most classiest centres.

Jamal Idris has played only one game for NSW but you can tell that he is hungry for another call up. This year he as shown similar form from his younger days at the Bulldogs. Bench, centre or second row, Idris will take the opportunity with both hands and show why he belongs there. His power and strength, mixed with hiss attacking and defensive plays, for the Panthers and Country have shown why he is on the Origin radar.

Five-eighth
Josh Reynolds has had a superb start to the season. Since being moved from bench to hooker to five-eighth he has made the spot his own. His grubby get-in-your-face style of playing is what NSW needs for this position. The last five-eighth that played like this was Greg Bird and NSW won the series. If chosen this year for five-eighth, Reynolds will show why he should stay in the position for years to come.

Aiden Sezar is a player that plays beyond his years. Similar to Johnathan Thurston, Sezar has a cool head and plays with class. Sezar is also excellent with the boot, kicking many 40/20s and an 83 per cent conversion rate. If Sezar is called up to the NSW side, he will bring class to the five-eighth role, something that has been missing since Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler.

Jarrod Mullen has an excellent boot on him too. He had a crack early in his career at Origin and wants another one this year. His form is always on and off but has been very switched on as of late. Maybe no Origin this year for Mullen but the future looks bright for him.

Halfback
Albert kelly is a cousin to Queensland great Greg Inglis. No wonder Kelly is a freak in the field then. Since being thrown a lifeline by the Titans, Kelly has shown why Inglis had rated him so highly. Kelly has plucked intercepts all over the field, chip-and-chased over fullbacks and poses a great tactical kicking game. He is not ready for Origin yet but some more defensive practice and a few more years at the Titans, and the Blues could be calling Kelly up for some attacking power in their team.

Luke Brooks is way ahead of Kelly, however. Some people are even calling for Brooks to make his State of Origin debut this year. Brooks still needs to work on his game, but he has shown glimpses of brilliance for the Tigers this year. When he is ready Brooks will be holding onto the NSW number seven jersey for many years.

Prop
Andrew Fifita in undeniably one of the game’s greatest props. He is the quickest prop that has played NRL and is so valuable to NSW making metres up the front and getting up in the faces of the Queensland defensive line. Fafita has been in NSW for a while now and no player will force him out of the side, there is just no questioning his abilities on the field.

James Tamou and Aaron Woods have both been outstanding for their clubs. Both players have made over 1000 metres in nine games so far. At 23 and 25 years of age, respectively, they are two players who will be there for many years to come. With that much power and strength they are able to gain so many valuable metres for NSW. They could be the reason NSW wins a series in the future.

Hooker
Paul Carter has shown the type of aggression that has people referring to him as a young Greg Bird. Coming off the bench, he poses a great threat to oppositions with a great running game out of dummy half. He is small but willing to get up in the face of his opponent and that is something NSW will need in the future.

However, Nathan Peats would be in front of him in the running to take over when Robbie Farah retires. Peats has been a great buy for the Eels this year. His performances in the first couple of rounds immediately grabbed the attention of the NSW selectors. With a great passing and kicking game, while being a very smart hooker, Peats is the perfect candidate to take over Robbie Farah.

Second Row
Josh Jackson may be playing for the Blues this year. In the short amount of time he has been at the Bulldogs he has really grabbed the NSW selectors’ attention. With barnstorming runs up the middle and edges of the field, it allows his halves to play. Jackson is a type of player who will put his hand up in the dying seconds of a game to slide in defence and work hard until the end.

Boyd Cordner has played for a premiership-winning side, won the World Cup for the Aussies, won an Anzac Test match and also starred in the NSW side last year. Cordner is one player who has already proven his worth and will remain in the team for years to come.

Tony Williams is one man that needs to regain his form. He has been quiet ever since moving to the Bulldogs, but if he finds form again he will be a menace. He has a big one-armed fend and is very quick and dangerous. Williams runs holes excellently. In his days at Manly he was very dangerous, and maybe a possible move back to the wing would be best. He has similar attributes as Luke Lewis in that he can play in numerous positions and has a wide set of skills. If Williams finds form he will definitely bring impact to the NSW side

Lock
Wade Graham is also on the verge of a NSW jersey, with the majority of his games for the Sharks playing off the bench or filling in at five-eighth or lock for Paul Gallen. Graham is a work horse and he is a mobile second rower/lock that NSW love to see on their team. Graham seems like the perfect candidate to take over Greg Bird’s position.

These players are just some of the players who have been on my radar for the future NSW side. I have missed a lot of valuable players but I have picked those that are in better form.

– by Mitch Moore

Tipping for Dummies: Round 10

Posted in Sports by

Keen to get this weekend of footy started after Collingwood’s disappointing loss last night. Like really. Really.

Everybody's favourite Tipping for Dummies!

Everybody’s favourite Tipping for Dummies!

SolSat’s predictions from round nine: 5 out of 8 (62.5%)

Friday May 16, 2014
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Melbourne Storm @ ANZ Stadium
Kicking off this week’s footy is the Bunnies and the Storm at ANZ. Both teams are coming off wins last week; the Bunnies soundly defeated the Titans while the Storm won a nailbiter against Manly. The Bunnies side remains unchanged with an extended bench while Joel Romelo starts as five-eighth due to suspension.
SolSat’s prediction: Melbourne Storm
Both of these finals footy teams have been utterly disappointing this season so this prediction was based on the “lesser of two evils” really. The Bunnies have only started to come back into form while the Storm have been up-and-down. Either way, I’ll be in attendance tonight so I hope this one’s phenom.

Brisbane Broncos vs. Gold Coast Titans @ Suncorp Stadium
After the Broncos’ disappointing loss in the Queensland derby last week, they run into the local Queensland derby against the Titans at Suncorp. The Titans were the unfortunate victims of the Bunnies last week and look to regain the form that kept them on the top of the ladder. Ben Hannant returns to the bench for the Bronx while the Titans face several changes, notably Bird’s absence due to suspension.
SolSat’s prediction: Brisbane Broncos
I know the Broncos don’t lack the fire or passion to win so there’s got to be something else hindering them recently. The Titans have just been scraping past with their victories and I think that even though this one will be very close, the Broncos will come out on top.

Saturday May 17, 2014
Parramatta Eels vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons @ Pirtek Stadium
The Eels will look to use their second straight home field advantage against the Dragons on Saturday after a decisive home victory over the Sharkies last week. The Dragons were hammered by the Doggies last week and will hope to turn their luck around. Joe Paulo starts for the Eels while Nightingale starts on the wing for the Dragons. Code hopper Benji Marshall will make his Dragons debut.
SolSat’s prediction: Parramatta Eels
Coming from someone who thought the Eels were a massive joke last season, I have now been turned into a firm believer of the Eels and wouldn’t be surprised to see them in the final 8. I predict a solid win for the Eels over the Saints in this one.

Cronulla Sharks vs. West Tigers @ Remondis Stadium
The Sharks are in desperate need of a win if they even want a glimmer of a shot at the finals. The Tigers started off on fire but that fire has simmered after a flogging at the hands of the Chookies last week. Gibbs and Tagataese start in the front row for the Sharks while Anasta and Farah return for the Tigers.
SolSat’s prediction: West Tigers
Anasta and Farah’s returns for the Tigers will definitely be the boost that they need to defeat the Sharks on Saturday. The Sharks need to re-discover what made them special but it might be too little too late for the Shire team.

North Queensland Cowboys vs. Sydney Roosters @ 1300 SMILES Stadium
At my favouritest named stadium ever, the Cowboys host the premiers with both teams coming off wins over the Broncos and the Tigers respectively. Antonio Winterstein, Ray Thompson and Tariq Sims return from injury for the Cowboys while the Roosters face a dramatic change with Maloney shifting to halfback and SBW of all people playing five-eighth.
SolSat’s prediction: Sydney Roosters
Regardless of the interesting dynamic with Maloney and SBW (I’m sure Maloney would love being that close to him), I think the Roosters will have a clean, decisive win over the Cowboys who continue to be the most wroughted team of the league regarding the refs shit calls.

Sunday May 18, 2014
Canberra Raiders vs. Penrith Panthers @ GIO Stadium
The Raiders are having possibly the worst season the Raiders have ever had while the Panthers have proven the doubters wrong with solid victories. Ricky Stuart has made a number of changes to the Raiders side to ensure victory while McKendry starts for the concussed Plum on the Panthers.
SolSat’s prediction: Penrith Panthers
The Panthers are also another favourite to fit comfortably in finals footy this year after having a good headstart. The Raiders haven’t convinced me that they’re in it to win it so I’m going with a comfortable Panthers victory here.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs. New Zealand Warriors @ Waikato Stadium
The Bulldogs have been firing on all cylinders with their definitive winning streak for the past several weeks. The Warriors have had an up-and-down and look to upset the Bulldogs on home turf. Both teams remain unchanged after both were victorious last week.
SolSat’s prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs
I want what the Doggies are drinking. But in all seriousness, they are the team to beat this season. Not the Eagles, not the Storm. The Doggies are the ones to watch and are proving to be serious final contenders. Solid win for the Doggies here.

Monday May 19, 2014
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Newcastle Knights
The Eagles are coming off a quite controversial loss to the Storm last week while the Knights were the recipients of a 22-point flogging from the Panthers. The Sea Eagles get an 18th man while Willie Mason and Korbin Sims return for the Knights, giving them a much needed boost in confidence.
SolSat’s prediction: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
I would heavily prefer the Knights to win because I genuinely like the side, however I think Eagles have got this one. After a rough week last week, they will be looking to regain their confidence and will do so at the expense of the Knights.

A couple of hours until the Bunnies-Storm game. Here’s to solid footy!

– by The Black Widow

You Know What Sh!ts Me?: People Getting Ready on Public Transport

Posted in Opinion, What Sh!ts Me by

I hate taking public transport. It’s already bad enough that I have to deal with the system’s terrible schedule, the dirtiness of the vehicles, and the fact that carriages are never at a comfortable temperature – but God, if there’s one thing that’s worse than all of this, it’s the people who take public transport, more specifically, those commuters in the morning.

Alright, so not everyone’s a morning person – granted, it’s probably safe to say a good 80% of us just hate mornings – and being grumpy in the morning is simply an uncontrollable side effect. That’s fine. I can handle grumpiness. But what I can’t handle is the fact some people think it is in within their social right to get ready on public transport.

It is not.

This is how it SHOULD be done. (SOURCE: Reginaldo Andrade's Flickr photostream)

This is how it SHOULD be done. (SOURCE: Reginaldo Andrade’s Flickr photostream)

The train, bus, ferry, light rail, or may I dare to say, the footpath, is not the place for you to get your morning shit together. I’m sorry, but I was under the impression you shouldn’t leave the house until you were ready for the day, or was that just me? Because judging from the number of women I’ve seen putting on an entire face of make-up on public transport alone, I feel like I’ve missed the memo.

Come on, girls. Is public transport really a good place to wave your mascara wand around? I mean it’s a skill to be able to apply make up on a moving platform, I give you that, but it is not a tip endorsed by make up professionals. I believe the correct and preferred way is still on an immovable seat in front of a large mirror. Do you really want other people to know how image obsessed you are, even if you never see them again in your life? That’s no way to give off that effortless beauty look you’re going for. Plus, I would prefer if none of your powder blush landed on my jeans.

I would also prefer if I didn’t have to deal with your dripping hair on my book/newspaper/phone. Or even just watching dripping water fall from your head down your neck onto your back. It’s strangely icky. I know you’re probably clean, assuming your hair is wet because you took a shower rather than taking a quick dip in that puddle outside your house before jumping onboard public transport, but I don’t have to consciously know that you got naked in the morning and scrubbed yourself clean. Icky. And the fact is, I’m seeing more and more people who I can tell have taken showers in the morning. It’s troubling, because the question is, when will we draw the line? Because I am going to be pretty upset if people start taking showers on their morning commute, especially if you’re one of those people who takes a little wee in the shower. Really upset.

And then there’s the issue of breakfast. If you have to eat, or want to eat, I suggest getting up a little earlier because it is just rude to be having your morning meal on public transport, especially if you’re not going to offer it to the person next to you. I am able to deal with coffee or other hot drinks, but not your toast or boiled eggs (oh yes, I’ve seen someone peel eggs on the train). Not only is there a problem of the smell of hot food, which lingers after you’ve long finished it or long gone by the way, there’s also the issue of you sitting on the aisle eating your food and the problem of me having to get over you to get off at my stop. It’s an awkward moment that simply shouldn’t exist, and wouldn’t if you would have have your damn breakfast at home like a normal person.

It’s not a lot to ask, but it would be a whole lot easier if you could actually be ready when you’re ‘ready’ to leave the house. But it seems everyone is getting ready on their morning commute in one way or another. No one is ever ready anymore. Have I been handling myself in public wrong all these years? Should I cut my morning routine by half, so that you can share the remainder with me as I struggle to pick my outfit on a moving vehicle on the train to work/uni/out for that day? Please tell me. I don’t want to look like a put-together morning idiot.

– by Nicole Lam

I Look So Perfect In My Own Underwear, Thanks

Posted in Entertainment, Music by

If you don’t get the 5 Seconds of Summer reference, you are forgiven.

5 Seconds of Summer is an Australian punky pop band from Sydney (reprazent!) who have released the annoyingly catchy She Looks So Perfect song. If it interests you, they have also been the opening act for artists such as Hot Chelle Rae and One Direction.

Boy bands will never die apparently. (SOURCE: Melissa Rose's Flickr photostream.)

Boy bands will never die apparently. (SOURCE: Melissa Rose’s Flickr photostream)

Back to their annoyingly catchy song, I’m going to put it out there that I genuinely like the song – which will come as a shock to those who know me as the country-lovin’ bogan that I am. In saying that, the lyrics to this teeny bopper song are… questionable to say the least.

For instance, the most recognisable line from this song reads: “You look so perfect standing there in my American Apparel underwear.” It rhymes. It’s cute. It makes teen girls everywhere flock to their nearest American Apparel store to buy mens underwear and rock them for that extra confidence boost. Because if one of the blokes sees them wearing mens AA undies, they’re so in!

Okay, now that’s done… rewind. These guys are singing about a girl wearing her boyfriend’s underwear looking like Grace Kelly or something. Let that sink in while I repeat myself… a girl wearing her boyfriend’s underwear. I get how it may be perceived as cute if the girl was wearing her boyfriend’s shirt or beanie or blazer, but his underwear? The hygiene police would have a riot over this. Who knows what that bloke’s done in those American Apparel underwears she’s wearing? Let’s not forget that, unless the bloke is rake thin and/or the girl’s a larger woman, they would be sagging around her girl bits looking like a diaper because she can’t fill it out properly. I don’t personally understand what is sexy about a chick wearing her boyfriend’s saggy underwear to be honest. That may just be me, but who knows.

The boys continue to sing “Your lipstick stain is a work of art”. Do I want to know where that lipstick stain is? Unless I just have a dirty mind and need my mouth to be washed out with soap, that could be very cute. A bit full on for the young teeny bopper age group, but cute nevertheless.

However, they rhyme that line with  “I got your name tattooed in an arrow heart”. Not even on my most hated enemy do I wish they get a loved one’s name tattooed on them (excluding family members and/or pets). I’m going to take a wild stab in the dark and guess that the members of the band are all under the age of 21. What would possess a 21-year-old to get a girlfriend’s name tattooed on them? What would possess anyone to get a lover’s named tattooed on them? This might sound hypocritical, but I don’t judge anyone on their life choices; if you want to cross dress and live with dolphins, be my guest. But the idea of getting a lover’s name tattoo is just tacky and it doesn’t seem to be practical because the harsh reality is there is every chance of that person packing up and walking out on you. And you have to live with that permanent reminder on you forever. So for these guys to be shouting it from the heavens to impressionable teenage girls just seems a little far fetched to me.

“If I showed up with a plane ticket and a shiny diamond ring with your name on it, would you wanna run away too?” It’s as if these guys moulded their song off Travis and Abby’s relationship from the Beautiful Disaster series. Except their story isn’t cute and full of fuzzy wuzzies; it’s just ridiculous.

I get that the song is just taking after that traditional boy band pop song mould of singing about a beautiful girl and making it annoyingly catchy, but come on – there have got to be better ways to write these songs. Because I’m still not convinced that a girl who doesn’t know she’s beautiful would flip her hair to the extent that it gets guys “overwhelmed”.

– by The Black Widow