Big money rules football
Posted by Paul Gallen - Sat, 08 Oct 2011 07:42
SUCCESS BRINGS CHANGE
Firstly, I'd like to congratulate Manly on winning the 2011 NRL Premiership.
I felt the Sea Eagles were the stand-out team all year and predictably proved far too strong for the New Zealand Warriors in the decider last Sunday. Glenn Stewart was outstanding on the night. An impressive achievement following his suspension late in the year which left him without any match fitness or form to rely upon.
The days following the win have been interesting to say the least, with much speculation about the future of coach Des Hasler, William Hopoate and a number of their other leading players. More than anything I think this shows how success brings inevitable change under the current salary cap quota.
Playing late into September puts players in the frame for rep honours, which increases their value and puts pressure on club officials to be able to keep teams together. Big money offers and subsequent movement have become part of modern day football, which is something I know is difficult for fans to come to terms with.
I sometimes wish a rich oil sheik from the Middle East would come and take the Sharks under his wing, like in the English Premier League, but our cap has been set-up to keep things competitive, so we just need to accept it.
PREPARING FOR THE FOUR NATIONS
Earlier this week I was named in the Australian touring side for the Four Nations which was a very proud moment.
Tim Sheens has earmarked me to play front row for the game next Sunday against the Kiwis in Newcastle, which is something I am still getting my head around! Unfortunately for us, there aren't a lot of injury free specialist front rowers at the moment, with guys like Snowden, King, Weyman and Civoniceva all sidelined for various reasons.
The coaching staff feel confident I can do the job at prop after doing OK there during the Origin series, which gives me a bit of confidence.
I'm not too fussed to be honest - ultimately, if you're lucky enough to get picked for the Kangaroos, you play anywhere.
NEW BLOOD
One exciting thing about coming into camp with the Australian team is the opportunity to meet new, young players, who always tend to come in with boundless energy and enthusiasm.
Daly Cherry-Evans and big Tony Williams have really impressed me all year. Both seem like level-headed, nice guys as well, so it should be a lot of fun spending time with them over the next few weeks.
Once you're in that environment, the standard is always extremely high as well, which is something I am really looking forward to. My fitness is good and I'm injury free, so it should be a big week up in the Hunter.
Until next week, Gal
Firstly, I'd like to congratulate Manly on winning the 2011 NRL Premiership.
I felt the Sea Eagles were the stand-out team all year and predictably proved far too strong for the New Zealand Warriors in the decider last Sunday. Glenn Stewart was outstanding on the night. An impressive achievement following his suspension late in the year which left him without any match fitness or form to rely upon.
The days following the win have been interesting to say the least, with much speculation about the future of coach Des Hasler, William Hopoate and a number of their other leading players. More than anything I think this shows how success brings inevitable change under the current salary cap quota.
Playing late into September puts players in the frame for rep honours, which increases their value and puts pressure on club officials to be able to keep teams together. Big money offers and subsequent movement have become part of modern day football, which is something I know is difficult for fans to come to terms with.
I sometimes wish a rich oil sheik from the Middle East would come and take the Sharks under his wing, like in the English Premier League, but our cap has been set-up to keep things competitive, so we just need to accept it.
PREPARING FOR THE FOUR NATIONS
Earlier this week I was named in the Australian touring side for the Four Nations which was a very proud moment.
Tim Sheens has earmarked me to play front row for the game next Sunday against the Kiwis in Newcastle, which is something I am still getting my head around! Unfortunately for us, there aren't a lot of injury free specialist front rowers at the moment, with guys like Snowden, King, Weyman and Civoniceva all sidelined for various reasons.
The coaching staff feel confident I can do the job at prop after doing OK there during the Origin series, which gives me a bit of confidence.
I'm not too fussed to be honest - ultimately, if you're lucky enough to get picked for the Kangaroos, you play anywhere.
NEW BLOOD
One exciting thing about coming into camp with the Australian team is the opportunity to meet new, young players, who always tend to come in with boundless energy and enthusiasm.
Daly Cherry-Evans and big Tony Williams have really impressed me all year. Both seem like level-headed, nice guys as well, so it should be a lot of fun spending time with them over the next few weeks.
Once you're in that environment, the standard is always extremely high as well, which is something I am really looking forward to. My fitness is good and I'm injury free, so it should be a big week up in the Hunter.
Until next week, Gal
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