Tag Archives: Australia

Satisfashion: Rugby League

Posted in Lifestyle, Satisfashion, Sports by

In this second installment of Satisfashion, I thought I’d write about something that I am clearly passionate about – that being rugby league, or NRL in particular. I’m doing the darndest thing and combining that with something that is complete opposite to rugby league – fashion. Dun dun duuuuun. Fashion in the NRL? Whatever do I mean?

Well, I’ve seen many o’ fashion mistakes at all the NRL games I’ve been to through the years and decided to help the fashionably challenged at NRL games. In spirit of the NRL finals around the corner – and seeing as my team is out for the season *Sadface* – here we go with the Do’s and Dont’s of fashion at NRL games.

The obvious fashion must at an NRL game (if you’re willingly going to one and support a team) is a footy jersey. These must be done tastefully because there are some blindingly horrendous cases that you shouldn’t wear your team’s jersey. For example, if you support the Warriors and you are going to a Broncos vs. Bulldogs game, please for the love of all that is holy, do not wear your Warriors jersey and call out ignorant things like “GO THE WARRIORS!!” Nobody found it funny the first time so no one will find it funny this time. When people do this, I want nothing more than for them to get kicked out for being stupid. Genuine team jerseys can be a bit pricey unless you know when and where to shop for your team merchandise… or you support the Eels because their jerseys are usually reduced to $60 by the fifth round.

As most nights at a league game are cold, all of the teams have their own scarves, beanies and jackets you can purchase at a relatively cheap price. These are obviously to be worn with your team’s jersey for a full-on supporter effect. Like you don’t mix patterns in an every day outfit, do not mix teams in your choice of clothing. Wearing a Bunnies jersey and a Cowboys scarf and a Raiders beanie is not funny. I repeat, NOT funny. The amount of times I see people doing this thinking they are Kevin Hart hilarious is saddening.

Now, this next one is going to be specific to women – please, I implore you, do not dress as if you are going out to Kings Cross on a Saturday night at a rugby league game. If you’re there to try and pull men, that’s fine, but in extension to that, you are dampening the spirit of the game and in the process bringing your IQ down by fifty points and making women as a whole look clueless. I know lots of diehard female NRL fans who despise the “fakers” for making them look foolish. It is possible to look great at a league game without overdoing it and looking out of place.

League games or any sport match alike is a perfect excuse if you want to go that step further and don face paint and/or something else outstanding like the Blues wigs at Origin games or body paint. There is no such thing as over-accessorizing when it comes to fan merchandise at games and that’s the thing I love. While I personally choose not to don body paint, I love seeing the team spirit in the crowd with the people that do. It’s diehard fans that make sitting in the stands watching a game that much more entertaining.

If you’re not a diehard supporter of a team and are just going to enjoy the environment with friends, wearing anything is fine.

As a Broncos fan, when I go to a Broncos game, I wear the obvious Broncos jersey, Broncos scarf, a normal pair of jeans and boots and I look fine. If I’m feeling patriotic enough, I will even wear my Broncos “cape-flag” around my neck with pride. For extra oomph, I even have a pull-out “GO BRONCOS/TRY” sign to use at the appropriate times. And thus, the appropriate look is created.

Ta da! #bronxnation

Ta da! #bronxnation

So please, everyone, do yourself a favour and dress appropriately the next time you intend on going to a league game. I’m going to watch the Bunnies vs. the Storm in what is sure to be a 5/5 stellar game between the two sides, and I’m not going to do something as foolish as wear my Broncos gear and call out “GO COREY PARKER!” Widow out!

– by The Black Widow

My Daddy and I

Posted in Lifestyle, Opinion by

As it would be appropriate being Father’s Day (in Australia at least), I wanted to write about my father and I, and also about the other father figures in my life. All day at work, all I’ve wanted to do is go home to my Dad and hug him, and when I eventually did hug him, he pushed me off and said “Where’s my present?”

Me and my father in our matching Queensland Maroons gear.

Me and my father in our matching Queensland Maroons gear.

My father, Ma’atusi La’ulu, and I – if you can’t tell by the picture of us – are complete opposites (I demanded he take a picture with me in our QLD gear and he just continued watching TV as if I wasn’t there). He is quiet and reserved and rather introverted when catapulted into a social situation, whereas I am loud, outstanding and demand attention when with other people. He hates the idea of contemporary men’s fashion, constantly stating that “skinny jeans are for women”, while my whole wardrobe is pretty much as tight as spandex.

I find it difficult to maintain a lengthy conversation with my father even though I have the ability to talk until the cows come home. My father is more of a listener than he is a talker. Despite being often annoyed by my “Nikkilicious” antics, the one thing that I have found my Dad gets really animated about when talking to me is rugby league; he’ll often sit with me when I am watching (yelling) at a Broncos game on TV and will tell me why he thinks a certain player is great and why a certain player is overrated and will go into great detail. It fascinates me how passionate he is.

My Daddy and I have one of the most unique father-son relationships I have noticed – it’s not the usual “take my son out to throw a ball” relationship. It’s more of a “I drag my father out to places he would rather not be just to keep me happy” and, now that he’s softer in his old age, I often get sassy with him if things don’t go my way and he just sits there and quietly takes it in. My mum doesn’t like how I speak to my Dad sometimes but I say “That’s how we communicate; I yell at him and he calls me stupid”.

My father is the hardest working man that I’ve ever met; the one thing that has been drilled into me since I was born was happily giving service to others. Daddy’s always helping people who don’t ask for the help but need it and never expects anything in return. He is half the reason why I am the man I am today. He’s not the perfect father – as no one in this world is perfect – but he’s pretty damn close to it.

The other fathers I would like to mention are both of my grandfathers, Koloti La’ulu and Rueben Paraha, the latter of which I was unfortunately never able to physically meet, and my oldest brother, Dane La’ulu, who is celebrating his first father’s day this year with his wife and baby boy.

As a “control-freak Princess” that I’ve been described to be, I am used to getting what I want, so when neither of my parents would give me what I want, I’d run to my granddad Koloti who would cave in just because of his gentle nature. And then I’d be like “IN YO FACE” to my parents. My father has this inability to tell people that he loves them so I’m always elated when Granddad tells me he loves me on the phone. After which, I tell my father “AT LEAST GRANDDAD LOVES ME”.

My brother Dane lives in (the better state) Queensland so I don’t see him as often as I’d like, but the last time I did, the change I saw in him was enormous – he is a fantastic father to my first nephew Drake and a great husband to my sister-in-law Jamie. It’s what fatherhood does to you, I’m guessing.

It may seem weird or unbelievable to some but I’ve always felt that I’ve had a special connection to my other grandfather Rueben, real name Taruna. While he passed away before I was born, I have a strong spiritual connection with him where I sometimes see him and speak to him in my dreams. Our connection is so strong that when I watched my parents wedding tape where he was present, I bawled my eyes out like I really knew him.

I’d also like to quickly make mention of the other father figures in my life who have treated me with such kindness in my life, Charles Leota, Vince Giuliano, just to name a couple. And also to the single mothers who take on the role as father for whatever reason, you women are amazing.

I’m going to wrap this up quickly so when my Dad gets home, I can give him his present he so desperately wants. Happy Father’s Day to all the hardworking, amazing fathers out there who have done incredible work with their children, and also to the single mothers who have the privilege of wearing both mother and father hats for their children. Enjoy the only day your kids will go out of their way to appreciate you!

– by The Black Widow

Tipping for Dummies: Round 23

Posted in Sports by

The finals are literally around the corner and the entire NRL world are holding their breath… figuratively speaking, I hope, I don’t want anyone passing out just because I told them to. There are five teams who are definitely going to make the finals, which means there are three spots left up for grabs! Alas… welcome to Tipping for Dummies, Round 23!

Everybody's favourite "Tipping for Dummies!"

Everybody’s favourite “Tipping for Dummies!”

SolSat’s Prediction Count from Round 22: 6 out of 8 (75%)

Same as last week, really. I would say “Way to fail me, Doggies” but really, the referees were clearly against them in that game. Poor Josh Reynolds… bugger was so worked up about the unfair ruling.

Friday 16th August, 2013
Brisbane Broncos vs. Parramatta Eels
The mighty Bronx take on the opposite-of-mighty Eels in the Round 23. Injury hit Round 22 hard and one of the teams to feel that are the Broncos who lose star player Hodges. The Eels, however, gained their star player in Jarryd Hayne. Will this affect the outcome of an otherwise easily predicted game?

SolSat’s Prediction: Brisbane Broncos

My Broncos are hungrier than ever for victory as shown in their previous few matches. They know that their finals dreams are disappearing and to keep that alive, they have to keep on truckin’. With Stagg in the centre, who has won a premiership in that position, I think the Broncos will do just fine with Hodges sidelined.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
The Bunnies have been in terrible form without Inglis in the past couple of weeks so, luckily for them, the big GI is returning in Round 23 alongside Bunnies key player John Sutton. With big man Watmough injured, impressive rookie Justin Horo will return to the starting lineup as Manly fans hope that this will lead them to victory.

SolSat’s Prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs

Tentatively, I am backing the Bunnies in this one. Surely the shining light in Inglis and Sutton’s returns will ignite the fire and get the Bunnies back in top form because, quite frankly, their previous performances have been embarrassing. These two teams are top contenders for the premiership so this one is bound to be stellar.

Saturday 17th August, 2013
Canberra Raiders vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
The Raiders, despite losing last week against the Chooks, put on an excellent performance which was an upgrade on their Round 21 shocker. The Doggies are coming off a pretty big upset as they were toppled by the Titans. In my opinion, the Doggies were cheated; the officiating in that game was bad. Either way, this one is looking to be pretty evenly matched.

SolSat’s Prediction: Canberra Raiders

I am strangely backing the unlikely horse as I am predicting a Raiders win in this one. With Barba’s Bulldogs future in heavy doubt, the Doggies backs are in need of a huge makeover as they haven’t been playing too well recently without him. The Raiders form fluctuates – one week their bad, the next week their good. I am expecting a two-good-week streak from them.

North Queensland Cowboys vs. Gold Coast Titans
Two Queensland teams lock horns as the Cowboys clash with the Titans. Both teams have stepped up their game recently as they are looking to lock in their position in the top 8. With both teams making no changes to the bench, this is bound to be an all-out classic.

SolSat’s Prediction: North Queensland Cowboys

The Cowboys were in celestial (you read right, celestial) form last week with a 32 point victory over the Panthers. The Titans also pulled out a great victory with Aidan Sezer setting up most of their impressive plays. However, the Titans seem comfortable and the Cowboys are hungry… the Cowboys will win this one, only by just.

St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. Cronulla Sharks
Good news for the Sharks – funny guy Beau Ryan has finally returned… along with Anthony Tupou. One notable change on the Dragons side is almost-as-funny-guy Jack de Belin starting as Lock. The Dragons haven’t had a good season. Can they look to defeat the Sharks in this one?

SolSat’s Prediction: Cronulla Sharks

The Sharks side was hurt with the multiple injuries that tarnished their form, so with their recent returns, the Sharks have stepped up their game and will defeat the Dragons. Just so I have something nice to say about the Dragons, I am expecting a great season from them next year!

Sunday 18th August, 2013
Newcastle Knights vs. Melbourne Storm
Speaking of the Sharks, they had a close one last week against the Knights who just managed to pull out the victory. Special mention going to Danny Buderus on his milestone game last week with the Knights. The Storm, on the other hand, skipped around the Bunnies terrible defense last week. These two victorious teams are looking to continue their winning streak.

SolSat’s Prediction: Melbourne Storm

The Storm seem to be over their surprising losing streak… or not streak, whatever you want to call it. Their mission is simple: reclaim the Telstra Premiership for 2013, and they’re doing a very good job at it. The Knights will put up a good fight though.

New Zealand Warriors vs. Penrith Panthers
Also playing on the serene Sunday are the Warriors who are set to collide with the Penrith Panthers. Both of these teams were on the losing end last round; with the Panthers, SolSat favourite Josh Mansour played absolutely terrible. If the Panthers want to reverse their luck in this round, all of them will have to step up their game as they go against the Warriors.

SolSat’s Prediction: New Zealand Warriors

I’m going with the Warriors in this one. They pull out these shockingly amazing victories and the Panthers just aren’t up to scratch; they hit their form climax already and I don’t see them defeating the Warriors in this round, sadly enough. Here’s to a good game between both sides, however.

Monday 19th August, 2013
West Tigers vs. Sydney City Roosters
Great news for the Tigers: their captain Robbie Farah has officially re-signed with the Tigers (as opposed to resigned… grammar saves lives). However, they have the toughest challenge ahead for them as they take on the no#1 Chookies. The Tigers are hoping the good news of securing Farah to their squad plus the homefield advantage will lead them to victory.

SolSat’s Prediction: Sydney City Roosters

No offense to the Tigers but this one’s a no brainer: it’s team no#1 vs. team #15. I expect the Roosters to win this one with ease. That’s all I have to say about that really.

I’m hoping for a solid weekend of footy action that I may or may not keep an eye on – my nephew’s here from Brisbane and I plan on following him around for the entire weekend. It’s rare that I get to spend time with my handsome 10 month old nephew so I’m going to make the most of it.

– by The Black Widow

Tipping for Dummies: Round 22

Posted in Sports by

Here we are again after another full on weekend of some great footy. I missed the Broncos-Knights game because I was at my best friend’s 21st celebrations however I did ignorantly listen to the action on my iPhone radio and boy, did it sound like a classic. Alas, it’s time for TIPPING FOR DUMMIES!

Everybody's favourite "Tipping for Dummies!"

Everybody’s favourite “Tipping for Dummies!”

SolSat’s Prediction Count from Round 21: 6 out of 8 (75%)

I took a nap because I was exhausted only to wake up and see the Bunnies getting smashed. Yep. That happened.

Friday 9th August, 2013
Melbourne Storm vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
Two of the favourite teams are set to collide in the first match up of the round as the defending premiers take on the ever-impressive Bunnies. The latter of which, however, suffered an embarrassing loss against the Cowboys last week, which for me personally is a good thing because I love the Cowboys. With notable outs for the Bunnies, will they be able to change their momentum against the Storm?

SolSat’s Prediction: Melbourne Storm

It’s been evident in the Bunnies form that they are a near-hopeless cause without Inglis and Sutton and the Storm are redeeming themselves from a few unnecessary losses. As stated before, I’m tentative to back the Storm after failing me a couple of times but I am fairly sure that they’ll take the victory in this one.

Parramatta Eels vs. West Tigers

The two bottom teams also battle on Friday night footy as the Eels take on the Tigers. Both teams have had shocker years with the Eels accumulating a whopping amount of 3 wins this entire season. However, the Eels have their main player in Hayne back while the Tigers are still missing their captain and Sexiest Man in League nominee, Robbie Farah.

SolSat’s Prediction: Parramatta Eels

I never thought I’d see the day when I would predict an Eels win but, alas, that day is today. Despite my personal feelings for Jarryd Hayne, he is their key player and he is back and he means business. The loss of Robbie Farah will greatly effect the Tigers form and with Benji’s 90% effort, I am going with an Eels win.

Saturday 10th August, 2013
Sydney City Roosters vs. Canberra Raiders
Speaking of missing captains, the Chooks will be missing Minnichello in Round 22 as they go up against the Raiders who have key player Blake Ferguson back amongst their squad. I am predicting the impressive Chookies to make it to the semi finals and the Raiders are coming off a 64 point loss against the Storm so the latter of the two are looking to redeem themselves after that shocking loss.

SolSat’s Prediction: Sydney City Roosters

The Raiders have had two finals favourites in a row so after being steamrolled by the Storm in Round 21, I am predicting a solid, decisive victory from the Chooks over the Raiders. The Roosters have had bloody outstanding form nearly all season and the Raiders would have to bulk up their defense if they were to overthrow the Chookies in this one.

Cronulla Sharks vs. Newcastle Knights
In what I didn’t predict last week, the Sharks beat the Warriors with a close 4 point lead while the Knights played an absolute blast of a game against my Broncos with a draw finish. The Sharks have no changes to their side while the Knights get Kade Snowden and Knights veteran James McManus back to theirs. Which team will take out the much needed victory?

SolSat’s Prediction: Cronulla Sharks

It seems as if getting Gallen back has lit this violent fire underneath the Sharks’ buttocks; this was clear in their form last week against the Warriors so I am going to back the Sharkies in this one. I am predicting a very close game with ups and downs from both sides but the Sharks just coming out on top.

Sunday 11th August, 2013
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs. New Zealand Warriors
Before I even begin, I have to make mention of Foran’s absolutely remarkable form in Round 21. I was blown away. Now that that’s out of the way, Sunday football begins at 2pm with the Eagles clashing with the Warriors. There are no notable changes to either sides besides Queensland boy Lillyman moving to the bench; will this have any effect on the Warriors play?

SolSat’s Prediction: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

I am not hesitating in backing Manly in this one. If Foran plays half as good as he did last round, then the Eagles have got this one in the brown paper bag. Add in the finesse of Cherry Evans and we have ourselves a winnah! Sorry Warriors, you let me down in last week’s predictions so I’m going against you. Let’s see how that works out.

Brisbane Broncos vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons
My Broncos done me half-proud last weekend as they played a great game against the Knights that semi-unfortunately turned out to be a draw. The Dragons, however, took a light flogging from the Bulldogs, losing 20 to 39. Hannant is back in his rightful no. 8 jersey with Bronson Harrison starting in the second row for the Dragons. The Broncos need this win if they want to keep their finals dreams alive.

SolSat’s Prediction: Brisbane Broncos

I don’t know whether it’s just me but when Griffin made those key changes to the Broncos squad in Round 20, we haven’t been as sucky as we’ve been earlier in the season so with that in mind in addition to having Hannant back, I strongly believe that the Broncos are going to take this one and keep my finals dreams alive.

Penrith Panthers vs. North Queensland Cowboys
The Panthers, God bless their souls, were demolished last week in their 36 point loss against the Chookies, which in its own right is something not to be too ashamed of. On the contrary to that, the Cowboys pulled out the upset of the year as they trampled over the Bunnies in Round 21. SolSat favourite Mansour is starting on the wing for the Panthers so the Panthers are hoping they will kill the Cowboys momentum before it even gets rolling.

SolSat’s Prediction: North Queensland Cowboys

The Cowboys showed last week why they deserve to be in the finals with an outstanding performance from all with notable mention going to Tariq Sims so I am backing Thurston-and-Scott’s Cowboys for this one. The Panthers have played well this season, there’s no doubt about that, but I don’t see them winning this one.

Monday 12th August, 2013
Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Gold Coast Titans
Just wanted to make a personal comment that I have noticed that my usual dislike for the Doggies has died down since I have a soft spot for Josh Reynolds now… but anyway. The Doggies defeated the Dragons last week in an impressive game and the Titans also tasted victory last week over the Tigers. Both teams are looking to continue their upward momentum in Monday night football.

SolSat’s Prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs

The Bulldogs are too good to be overthrown at this point. I just don’t think the Titans have the starpower to do said overthrowing as well. However, I am expecting a good, solid game between the two sides though with generally even possession.

Speaking of Josh Reynolds, you should all check out his Twitter as he proudly announced he made lasagne by himself like a big boy. And don’t pay him out too much about it – he’s already copped some flack by fans and non-fans alike. It was cute to see how proud of himself he was. On ya Reynolds! Widow out!

– by The Black Widow