2013 Preview

2013 Preview

We are back baby, it has been a long time between drinks, pro-verbally speaking of course as I literally just had a drink 5 minutes ago.... I feel I must give you full disclosure and the real reasons why it has been so long between editions-
Basically we were crippled by the GFC (global financial crisis). Although now we have cut out the 'BPO' (business process outsourcing) and are more focussed on our 'B2C' (business to consumer) relationship. There is no more 'dis-intermediation' and we have no 'exit strategy', we have come up with some 'big data' which is 'directionally accurate.'
That's enough of the business buzz words so lets get to some rugby league!!!!!!

For the 2013 Preview as always I feel it is impossible to predict where a team will come in 10 months time with so many variable situations which occur throughout the season, such as amount of injuries, injuries to key players, coaches being sacked, off field dramas and club crisis'. However I will give my list of how I think the teams will end up based on their recruitment and quality of squads, I have broken them up into 5 different blocks.

First block has three teams which are good things to finish at the top of the table because of the quality of their squad of players.
Storm- The big 3 (Smith, Slater and Cronk) is a sure fire recipe to finish at the top, throw in new signing Brett Finch and there is added depth.
Bulldogs- No surprises here being the other grand finalist, they have a great pack of forwards and now even more size and power with new signing Tony Williams.
Manly- Have probably lost a little bit after losing Williams, Whare, Lussick and Mauro whilst gaining Richie Fa'aoso, Justin Horo, David Gower and Esi Tonga but still a nearly all representative 1st choice team.

The next is another block of 3 which I expect to finish between 4th and 6th.
Souths- Came out ahead in losing Dave Taylor and Eddy Pettybourne but gaining Jeff Lima and Ben Teo. They had a successful season last year and should have a similarly good one this.
Sharks- Have probably done the best out of all the clubs in recruitment in signing Luke Lewis, Michael Gordon, Chris Heighington, Beau Ryan and Jonathon Wright. If they can handle the pressure of expectation they should comfortably make the 8.
Cowboys- Boasting names such as Thurston, Bowen, Tamou, Scott, Tate and Simms coupled with always having a great home record up in Townsville will keep the cowboys up there.

This is the toughest block, only 2 more places in the top 8 but at least 4 teams will be vying for them. If I was pressed I would have them in this order-
Roosters- This is the team I think will improve the most this year compared to last. Not for the obvious reasons of signing Sonny Bill Williams and Michael Jennings but more because they are a young team that has blooded players who are ready to step up. Players such as Boyd Cordner, Martin Kennedy and Waerea Hargreaves. The best young halves pairing in the league of new signing James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce is a huge boost too.
Tigers- The Tigers will play without expectation after last year being touted as premiership favourites before round 1. There are still question marks especially after losing back rowers Gareth Ellis and Chris Heighington. Braith Anasta is a good signing but I feel the Tigers success this season will rest on whether their youngsters can step up, players like halfback Jacob Miller, 5/8 Curtis Sironen, Winger Marika Koroibete, Fullback James Tedesco and front rower Matt Groat.
Knights- They have added tough players like Beau Scott, Jeremy Smith and Anthony Quinn but will need to improve a fair bit on last season to make an impression, an injury free season from Kurt Gidley will help.
Broncos- I think the Broncos might struggle this season, mainly with their attack. As we saw last year with the Broncos, Dragons and Knights, that having good defence and playing no mistake football isn't enough these days. Scott Prince will help with variety but will it be enough.

The next 3 teams can still make the 8, as Canberra did last season, but they would have to do what Canberra did last season and go on a big run of wins to get there..
Canberra-Only gain of note is Joel Edwards from Newcastle and lost Bronson Harrison to the Dragons, will need to use the cold and windy home ground advantage and teams hating to go and play there.
Warriors- Had a poor year last year but now have a new coach in Matt Elliott, they have signed Thomas Lealuai from Wigan and Dane Nielson from the Storm but lost one of their best in James Maloney.
Dragons-Struggled to score points last year and I can see that happening again, the major signing of Gerard Beale doesn't change my mind. Probably need more a squad shake up.

The final 3 could well surprise me and others but are more than likely trying to build the right squad for the next few years to come.
Parramatta- Their biggest signing is coach Ricky Stewart who is one of the best in the business and will have them ready to play. Probably needs a couple of years to shape the squad to how he wants it and get another marquee player too.
Penrith- Definitely the busiest in transfers, in comes Manu, Whare, Segeyaro, Naqama, Masoe Masoe. Out is 3 big guns Lewis, Jennings and Gordon. Definitely in the process of shaking up and re building the squad around the salary cap, will need a marquee player or 2 in the next couple of years to be able to compete at the top.
Titans- Their big signing was Dave Taylor who will have a big job trying to improve the Titans go forward. They have lost Scott Prince to Brisbane which will put huge pressure on young halves Aiden Seizer, Jordan Rankin, Beau Henry and Albert Kelly.

Lets take a seat in the light hearted lounge, The trials have starting and its always a tricky time for the players and the coaches. The players do go hard and put in at least close to 100% effort in the trials but there is always a bit in the back of the mind trying to just get through the game and make it to the competition proper. The coaches want to give the players some match fitness and work on the combinations and team play but also don't want injuries especially to their star players before the season starts.
In fact for the players playing in the trial matches is a bit like a porn star's first movie-
Both are watched by a hand full of people and a few cameras.
Both are done with the big name stars not there.
Both will probably not see out the entirety, going for about 20 minutes stints each.
Both are at risk of injury, either a painful impact injury, an injury as a result of twisting of bodies, or a facial injury.
Both will be sweaty, out of breath, filthy dirty and in need of a shower afterwards.
Both would be nervous before and then glad it's over afterwards and probably very sore and tired.

Lets finish 2 new segments!!!! The first is called

Punching above his Weight

Basically this is a Rugby League player who is probably ok looking and is quite fit and muscular but has a girlfriend or wife who is amazingly beautiful and probably should be out of their league. Our first inductee is Sharks player Ben Pomeroy, who is punching with his wife Erin.

Well played Ben, well played.

The next new segment is called

Hi!!! I used to have hair!!!

Our first inductee is Wests Tigers larrikin back rower Liam Fulton.

There you have it, a before and after, I'm guessing the players would rather be in the 'punching' segment rather than 'Hi!!! I used to have hair!!'.....or perhaps someone will be in both, only time will tell. As always your comments are welcome or you can e mail with suggestions or comments to lovingleaguewithlavers@gmail.com

and remember- I'm Loving League with Lavers.

P.S

We have deliberately kept away from the drugs in sport scandal as frankly it bores me, especially as it will roll on for a long time seemingly before anything will happen.

Mid Year Review

Welcome all to our mid season review edition of Loving League with Lavers.
First off lets see how our pre season predictions are coming along-


The Dragons will struggle somewhat this season-

By somewhat I mean not up to the high standards they have set themselves in recent seasons. Yes Bennett is a big loss but I believe Boyd is a huge loss in terms of their style of play. The Dragons play a basic, no mistake football but without Boyd and Gasnier, and with an ageing and slowing Ben Hornby (who is still a good organising player) and Jamie Soward who is not a runner I’m not sure where the tries will come from.


This seems to be looking pretty good, the Dragons are averaging 2.7 tries and 15.2 points a match which makes them the 2nd most impotent team in the clubs 14 year history. They are sitting 11th and struggling.


The Sharks to improve-
They have good halves in Carney who when not blind drunk can unlock any defence along with Wade Graham and Chad Townsend who both are young and have potential coupled with the experience of Jeff Robson if needed too. Another big season from talisman Paul Gallen will be vital too!! Their other X factor players is little full back Nathan Gardner and big man Sam Tagataese.


The Sharks have certainly improved to the point where they have been in the top 4 for most of the season, if they can just get through the Origin period where they lose Gallen and Carney they should be right to make the finals.

Souths to make the Top 8-

Assuming young half back Adam Reynolds is as good as they say he is they should make it fairly easy as they tick all other boxes. A injury free season from big Sam Burgess will make a difference, the same goes for Greg Inglis who when both fit are 2 of the best in the game in their positions.Perhaps their best acquisition is coach Michael McGuire from Wigan. Obviously time will tell but I think with the squad at his disposal he will get them over the line.

The Bunnies are looking the goods to make the top 8, Reynolds is doing a really good job directing the team, Inglis is dead set on fire and Sam Burgess is hitting some good form too. Michael McGuire looks to be a very good coach and has turned Souths from also rans to contenders.

Lets see how those players of the future/a big season for are going- (Some need changing)


Canberra-  Jack Wighton- Was going pretty well and playing quite a few games in the top grade, however he injured his toe on his back yard trampoline and will have an operation and miss the rest of the year!!!! Change to Edric Lee- He's black as the ace of spades, tall, quick and an athletic outside back.
Penrith- Lachlon Coote- Having a good season in a struggling team, has been one of the few consistent players for coach Cleary.
Storm- Matt Duffie- 8 tries in 13 games which is even more impressive considering team mates Chambers and Slater have scored more.
Cowboys- James Segeyaro- Hasn't yet been outstanding but solid none the less coming off the bench for the Cowboys.
Broncos- Corey Norman- Playing really well at 5/8 for the powerful Broncos, helping direct the team and setting up tries and will continue to improve.
Warriors- Konrad Hurrell- Been in and out of 1st grade but has still made an impact scoring some great tries.
Titans- Jordan Rankin- Has struggled so far this season and not in the team recently so would like to change to his replacement Aidan Sezer.
Bulldogs- Josh Reynolds- Having a break out season if ever I've seen one!!!! Has been so impressive he was talked about as a bolter for the Blues.
Tigers- Ben Murdoch Masila- Has been stepping up this year and performing but still could do more and dare I say be a bit fitter. Paul Sironen's son Curtis debuted a couple of weeks ago and looks to be a player of the future, same size as his Dad but plays 5/8!!!!
Roosters-Tautau Moga- Finally got his start a few weeks ago, he is finding his feet in the top grade and just starting to live up to his hype.
Manly- Darcy Lussick- Wasn't the best start to the year as he wasn't getting many minutes but the last couple of games have been better with more opportunities from Origin and injuries.
Souths- Adam Reynolds- Playing some good footy off the back of the good form of the Bunnies, he doesn't take on the line much but has been directing the team around well and kicked the winning field goal in golden point.
Sharks-Chad Townsend- Will finally get his start this weekend with Carney away on Origin duty, will be interesting to see how he goes and we'll stick with him as he is a talented player.
Dragons- Jack De Bellin- Started the year off really well with his good work rate but has recently dropped his form and hasn't been playing many minutes.
Parra- Matt Ryan- Debuted a few weeks ago and has caught the eye, a tall rangy back rower who has a good off load too.



Below is the from the Official Loving League with Lavers stats webpage-

Pageviews by Countries


Australia
563
United States
238
United Kingdom
133
New Zealand
46
Germany
20
Russia
14
Canada
9
Morocco
7
Iceland
3
Oman
3

A few interesting points come out of this-

Firstly we have cracked the 1000 page views which is just mind blowing as we expected that to take the full year!!!! So thanks very much to Dad for buying Mum an I Pad, and to Mum for constantly going on our page.

The next is our big following in the United States of America which is good for our up coming trip, which we'll touch on that later.

We have a truly global audience, reaching out to Moroccans, Icelanders and Omanis who I'd love to hear from!!!!!

Well we have copped a bit of flak recently for our lookalike wall and the people not really looking like the player in question, so the team and I have stepped up!!! We have over hauled the segment!!! Now the person only has one player as his lookalike. This week we induct 2 people to show our intent. Firstly we have long time reader Andy Rea and former Knight, Eel, Tiger and current Shark John Morris. Also we have separated at birth Michael Tyne and Canberra legend and Queensland coach Mal Meninga.

The curious case of Greg Smith

Now folks I would like to take your mind back to the year 1999 and an amazing Rugby League story. Warren Ryan was the new coach of the Newcastle Knights and had signed an extremely quick and athletic American winger who had played 2 seasons in the NFL for the Philladelphia Eagles by the name of Greg Smith.
His first game came against the Bulldogs and everything was going great with the Knights quick out of the blocks and had build up a 24-4 lead at half time. Then came Greg Smith, a bomb was put out to his wing and seemed to have no idea of what to do and the Dogs had scored. He also had no idea in defence and the dogs peppered his wing and ended up winning 26-24.
I believe Greg thought that those Aussies down under won't have the internet yet and probably not even international telephones because truth has it that he hadn't played NFL at all. He had made it all up and it was taken as gospel by Wok Ryan.
The Sydney Morning Herald said 'Dreadful is a word that struggles to convey Smith's ineptitude' in a good old spray.
This was to be Smiths one and only game and no other American has played in the NRL since.
Finally here is a great quote from fellow internet scribe Nick Tedeshi about Greg's performance that I wish I could call my own-
 'His ability under the bomb was laughable. Smith displayed the same kind of awkwardness exhibited when you walk into a swinger’s party only to see your best friend and his wife enjoying the festivities with two other men, a woman and a ball-gag. Or so I would imagine, based on the tales of a Richmond publican who is familiar with all kinds of scenes and regaled the bar with weird and amusing tales last Wednesday evening.'


On the back of this story (or was it because of Nick Tedeshi's comment) we here at Loving League with Lavers are off on a fact finding mission to LA, Las Vegas, Miami, New York and Mexico, where we will be attending a seminar called 'Amar las tetas con tequila' which translated I can assure you roughly means 'Business tips for internet blogs' and certainly does not mean 'Loving Tits with Tequila'
So we will be away for a month but we will no doubt be keeping abreast (ha ha...we said breast) with all the Rugby League news starting with the Blues win on Wednesday night.

Estoy amando a la liga con Lavers
(I'm Loving League with Lavers)

Go the Blues!!!!!!!

Hi there all, finally it's time for State of Origin!!!!! So to fire you all up lets look at a brawl in another state of Origin game played at Melbourne, this one in 1995!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIX5MA7uiwc
We here at Loving League with Lavers love to hear your ideas on topics for blog, and we have had a suggestion from long time reader Ian Thompson which was goal kicking styles, so here are few-
Jamie Soward- A very different style, especially his pre kick step out and run up. Most kickers take a few steps back then a couple across, not Soward, he does a pirouette in his his walk back, then stares at the posts and finally a little dipsy do skip forward and back on his way in to strike the ball.
Interstingly there is a facebook page called 'That awkward moment when Soward looks Asian just b4 kicking 4 goal' referring to when he sqints his eyes and zooms in at the posts.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Awkward-Moment-When-Jamie-Soward-Looks-Asian-Just-B4-Kicking-4-Goal/214994411876799
Also check out this you tube clip on Soward kicking a goal called 'Jamie Soward Chicken Dance'. Both of these prove that there are other people out there with even more time on their hands than me.
Next is Mark 'Piggy' Riddell, who could forget his 'salute' as he held his hand up before he kicked and the crowd would duly oblige in copying him as shown in this clip from his Wigan days.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1UcKND8q8Y&feature=related
Rod Wishart- His special shimmy and shake of his hips just before he moved in to kick.
Mal Meninga- Probably one of the last exponents of the 'toe poke'.
Benji Marshall- Has changed his style recently to just a 2 step run up.
Johnathon Thurston- Stands almost directly across from the ball and because of this gets huge swing from right to left, so he aims outside the posts and swings it in between them.
Just on Thurston or in particular his laugh, it has its own facebook page!!!!! Plus a montage clip on you tube-
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jonathan-Thurstons-laugh-ahha/244514188893226
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=tLhAjdohmbo

We spoke in the last edition about some commentary on channel nine, well I caught the Warriors vs Roosters game which was played at Mount Smart Stadium in New Zealand, and because of this they have New Zealand commentators. I enjoy how they presumably use the correct pronunciation of the Kiwi players and in particular the Maori names. The normal sounding Feliti Mateo becomes Ma tay o, Jerome Ropati gets the R at the start of his surname rolled become Rrro pati, and the usually easily said Ben Matulino transforms to Ma too lee no.
Whilst we are on the Warriors we had some feed back about how good the Auckland Vulcans (the Warriors reserve garde team) are, well I put it to you The all con-coring Junior Warriors (the warriors Toyota Cup U/20s team) would easily beat the Vulcans. The Junior Warriors have won the Toyota Cup the last 2 years in a row and from what I hear are just as popular as the NRL Warriors because they are just so good!!!! Young Conrad Hurrell who has been quite impressive in first grade this season has only played Rugby League for 18 months, he only decided to do so because he saw the Junior Warriors playing on TV and thought I want to play for them. I'd love to hear from our Kiwi contingent on this one.
Lets have a look at the lookalike wall, today it is none other than my brother Dean Lavers, we have a mixed bag for Dean, firstly greying Bronco Corey Parker, young Tigers prop Aaron Woods, ageing Eel Luke Burt and out of left field Jarryd Hayne. What do you think??

I think we should finish with a poem about the New South Wales Blues

The Blues

The 2012 State of Origin series we will not lose,

When I say 'we' I mean the New South Wales Blues.

In Australia New South Wales is clearly the best state,

But for an Origin series win, a long time we've had to wait.

Taking a home game to Melbourne will make the task even more tricky,

But if anyone can stop the rot, it's our inspirational coach Ricky.

If we don't win this game we will be sure to rue it,

Our team looks strong with brothers Glen and Brett Stewart.

Game 2 in Sydney will have Blues fans packed to the fence,

While Queenslanders are good at footy, they do lack intelligence.

I hope our forwards put in and don't shirk their loads,

Or leave it all up to Paul Gallen to smash those Cane Toads.

To say the Blues have no passion is ridiculous and quite frankly it is a myth,

If you're having beers, pizza and cheering loud, it's probably Lavers your loving League with.

Origin Special

G'Day all and welcome to another edition of Loving League with Lavers, this a representative special.
 The Aussies predictably beat the Kiwis in the one off test and there was a bit of a furore about the selection of James Tamou to play for Australia. In all seriousness the eleigibilty rules need to be reviewed and changed but I feel a simpler method is to make the rule if you have a Maori tattoo then you can only play for the Kiwis, if not you can't. Unfortunately this would make Tamou ineligible to play for Australia as he has one on his arm. The only other change would be Jason Nightingale would not be allowed to play for the Kiwis as he is the only one in their team without a Maori tatt, I suppose in part because he was born in Sydney, Australia.

I have been asked by one of our London readers about Manly resigning some of their stars, so far they have resigned Daly Cherry Evans and Kieran Foran, that still leaves the likes of Tony Williams, Brett Stuart and to a lesser extent Steve Matai and Matt Ballin. So we are half way there to cleaning out TAB dry with Manly to win the wooden spoon next year (through salary cap points deductions) or for those in London I'm sure my old mate William Hill will have a market, failing that perhaps look to Paddy Power or Ladbrokes.

With State of Origin just around the corner I am here to tell you New South Wales will win the series!!!!!!! and here is why- Sure Queensland have won 6 in a row and have the best 'spine' in the world in Slater, Thurston, Cronk and Smith. Throw in the 2 best centers in the world in Inglis and Hodges, Aussie rep forwards Matt Scott, Hannant, Shillington and Dave Taylor and few handy players like Boyd, Myles and Civonaceva and you a very imposing and successful team. However there are weakness's in every team, even this one. Granted they are only small weakness's none the less, one is the wingers, Yow Yeh will not play this series due to his broken leg and he is an Australian rep so you would think that his replacement won't be as good, Darius Boyd while he has played on the wing for Australia, it is not his usual position.
The other player missing is Darren Lockyer, sure Cooper Cronk into the halves with Thurston is not a bad replacement but the Queenslanders will not have the extra motivation of it being Lockyer's farewell and wanting to send him out a winner like they had last year.
Another negative is N.S.W giving away a home game to play one in Melbourne which I think is ridiculous especially since 3 of their best players play for Melboune coupled with Melbournians notoriously hating New South Welshman it is going to be a big disadvantage playing there for the Blues.

That being said the real positives for the Blues is the improvement they have in their own team. First of all Danny Buderus should be picked and play hooker, he is a real Origin player for mine, super tough and competitive. Buderus is now under an injury cloud so that would mean Robbie Farah would come into the team, Farah in my opinion hasn't played well since almost 2 seasons ago, however in the last few weeks his running game out of dummy half has been good, this is his strength and if the blues forwards can at least match the maroons he can cause some damage up the middle of the ruck.
Out should be Jason King, Tim Mannah to be replaced by James Tamou who is bigger and stronger than both of them, he is a player in form and will go well in Origin just on his physique, he is a big strong man!!!!! There also should be Tony Williams who is an absolute wrecking ball!!! He has played for Australia but not yet Origin, he will have big impact off the bench, running wide trying to isolate halves one on one and is a good X factor to have which was lacking last year.
Another X factor would be Todd Carney if selected, last year Coach Stuart said winning one game would be a success, playing effectively 2 halfbacks resembled this comment, it was safe to play Soward with Pearce to try and kick their way out of their half. Soward is now on the outer which I feel is a good move because he doesn't run the ball whereas Carney's strength is his running and playing close to the line. Also Carney and Pearce have played together at the Roosters.
Williams and Carney are the sort of players you need to score tries and win games not just compete and limit damage which I believe Stuart was trying to do with a view to winning this years series.
Last year the Blues blooded Trent Merrin who did OK but not great, he won't be there this year. This year if Stuart bloods Tariq Sims he certainly will be there next year and years to come and could have an impact on a game.
It is certainly a mystery to me how Queenslanders can be so inferior to New South Welshman in terms of intelligence yet far superior at playing the greatest game of all Rugby League in recent years, I just don't know how or why it happens, like why my Conditioner always runs out before my Shampoo even though I'm sure I use the same amount for each wash, or say how John Sutton has made a career out of playing Rugby League!!!!!
Another mystery is who is going to get picked for New South Wales.
For the record here is my Origin Team-
1. Dugan
2.  Uate
3. Jennings
4. Lawrence
5. Hayne
6. Carney
7. Pearce
8. Gallen
9. Buderus
10. Tamou
11. Glen Stuart
12. Lewis
13. Bird
Reserves- Tony Williams, Watmough, Sims, Galloway

My Prediction of a Blues series win was not typed whilst having a seat in the Light Hearted Lounge, this however was. It was a wonderful moment during the Tigers vs Eels match on channel 9 when the great Ray 'Rabs' Warren in commentary said of Ben Murdoch Masila's second try for the day and second of  his career- 'He has come here with nothing and gone home with twice as much!!!!!!' At which point Sterlo quickly reminded him that two times nothing equals nothing!!!!! Some people don't like the commentary on a Sunday and especially from Gus Gould but I agree with his favourite saying 'I love my Sunday afternoon footy' and the jibber that goes with it.


I'd now  like to talk about the most exciting players in the game. The players that dazzle with foot work and speed. If I had to pick a back-line that would represent me in a game of Rugby League sevens which I had to bet a million dollars on, it would be this-
1. Ben Barba (Bulldogs)
2. Nathan Merritt (Rabbits)
3. Greg Inglis (Rabbits)
4. Michael Jennings (Panthers)
5. Akuila Uate (Knights)
6. Benji Marshall (Tigers)
7. Shaun Johnson (Warriors)
That would be an exciting team to watch and cheer on a million into the back account!!!!
Remember the World sevens, a great competition!!!! 7 a side, different teams in there like Fiji, the Aboriginals, U.S.A and Tonga. It was round robin then split the teams into group where the lower teams would play off for a 'Plate' and the top teams for the main Trophy and more prize money. Just on the world sevens the current holders and champions are the Wests Tigers with the last competition being held in 2004!!! True story................

We now look to the lookalike wall, today we have Andrew Cameron, I know he has 2 first names but you can trust him. Does he look like former Panther and Bronco Joel Clinton, former Panther half back Craig Gower or Manly's 'Gorgeous' George Rose??

And finally a new inductee into the 40/20 club, men who are in their 20s but look like they are in their 40s. Today we have the Gold Coast's Matthew White, aged 27.

That's all for now, Your comments are welcome and encouraged so have no fear or trepidation, just get yourself a gmail account and comment away at the bottom. So with Origin just around the corner you should all be, as I am, Loving League with Lavers

Round 6 Manly Salary Cap??

Greetings and welcome to Loving League with Lavers,
First a bit of proverbial house keeping. Unfortunately we didn't win our multi bet of a couple of weeks ago, stumbling on the final hurdle after the Raiders were disappointing in going down at home to the Cowboys, encouraging signs though after correctly tipping the Sharks to just beat Penrith in Penrith (Sharks won by 1 point) and the Storm over the Knights. As promised to our Asian drinks boy Jay Way Ling though in the next edition he will be able to give his bet of the week, although I'm not sure how good it be as Jay makes his tips based on the mascot of each team, for example Parra will beat Melbourne as Eels live in water and are not affected by a Storm, or North Queensland will only just beat Newcastle as Cowboys and Knights are both on horses but the Cowboy's gun beats the Knights lance!!! In saying this he is a fair bit higher up on the tipping comp ladder than me so maybe he is onto something...........
The next thing you need to do is 'like' our Facebook page, just search Loving League with Lavers and you will find our page. After you 'like' us our status updates of when there is a new edition posted should appear on your feed so you are guaranteed not to miss an edition!!!! This is important because I reckon this website is probably the 2786th best website on the internet in the world, keeping in mind though 2776 of them are porn related sites..........
The big Issue today is the Manly Sea Eagles resigning of players, we know they have resigned Daly Cherry Evans and keep hearing speculation they are close to resigning others, in my opinion they cannot also sign Kieren Foran, Brett Stewart, Glen Stewart, Tony Williams, and already have Anthony Watmough.....HELLO we have a thing called a salary cap!!!!!!!!!!
Manly have no less than 11 internationals with another 2 that have played state of origin!!!!!! Granted quite a few of them are former rep players who probably won't play rep footy again, the likes of David Williams, Jamie Lyon, Brent Kite, Joe Galuvau, Jason King and Matt Ballin but still these players don't come cheap. Plus all of Manly's players get bonus's after winning the competition and can command more money from rival clubs which is why the last team to go back to back was Brisbane in 1992-93!!
The more expensive players are the current internationals or marquee players such as-
Cherry Evans- Probably only behind Cooper Cronk for QLD and Austrlaia for half back.
Foran- NZ representative who would start at every other club.
Glen Stewart- One of the best back rowers in the game, N.S.W and Australian representative.
Tony Williams- Played for Australia on the tour at the end of last year, would have played for N.S.W in game 1 this year if not for suspension but will probably play in game 2 and 3.
Watmough- Been playing for N.S.W and Australia regularly the last few years.
Brett Stewart-Hasn't played much reps of late but still a marquee player and in the top 5 fullbacks in the game at the moment.
That's 6 Marquee players compared to other top clubs
Storm- Slater, Smith, Cronk
Brisbane- Hodges, Hannant, Thaiday
Souths- Burgess, Inglis, Taylor,
Tigers- Marshall, Farah, Blair, Ellis
Those 6 for Manly are around the peak of their careers and should be getting their biggest and best contracts so if Manly resign all of them I will be loading up on them to win the wooden spoon next year from a salary cap deduction of points Storm style!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On a positive for Manly though I was down at Brookie Oval on Monday night to watch them beat the Panthers and it was an impressive debut from Liam Foran, brother of Kieran who filled in at five eighth for his injured brother, he didn't look out of place or over awed in the top grade and has a really good kicking game. Perhaps it could be a repeat of a few years back when Manly lost Trent Hodkinson to the Bulldogs only to have a far better replacement in Cherry Evans!!!! (who was outstanding in that game too!)
  
I think we should now look to the Lookalike Wall and today it is Ryan Noble, we have former Melbourne and Manly center Steve Bell, Titans center Steve Michaels or former Bear, Northern Eagle, Bulldog, Rooster and Hull front Rower Marke O'Meley, what do you reckon?

I think it is time to have a seat in the Light Hearted Lounge!!!!!!

Last Saturday night on the long weekend at a Manly pub I was fortunate enough to meet one of our favourites here LLwL in big Keiffy Galloway!!! Unfortunately for big Keith I was on about my 3rd............................night of drinking that is and was pretty excited to see him at the bar, a big hand shake and a conversation as follows

Me- 'G'Day Keiffy!!!! I'm a big Tigers fan!!!!!'

Keith- 'Really? in this part of town??'

Me- Yep, best of luck in the next few games, and indeed the season'

Keith- 'Thanks mate'

Luckily for Keiffy he walked away at this point so he wasn't subjected to me reminiscing with him about an under 16's game at Brooky Oval between myself for Manly and big Keiffy for the Cronulla Sharks at the time Big Keiffy was almost as big as he is now and broke through the line about 10 meters out from our tryline, Lavers at fullback needs to come up with something special to stop him this close to his line with Galloway having a full head of steam!!!! Lavers goes in low and Galloway steam-rolls him and uses him like a speed bump on the way to a try!!!! Not just any old speed bump though but one of those small flat ones that you don't really have to slow down for!!!!

I can report however that Keiffy was well behaved and also that he declined my request film him on my phone saying 'I'm loving league with Lavers', this was possibly because he couldn't understand what I was saying!!!

We have another inductee into the 40/20 club, a player in his twenties but by just looking at his head you would swear blind in front of a nun that he was in his 40s!!!!

I give you Terry Campese, aged 27.

That is all for now, as always your input is not only welcome but encouraged so tell us what you think on anything from this edition or even something you would like to see in the next edition.

I'll tell ya what, I'm not sure about big Keiffy Galloway but I'm Loving League with Lavers!!!!!!!!

Round 5 Farah vs Johns

Firstly lets start with the 'Big Issue' 'No I don't want your stupid magazine!! here is a dollar!! just use it for food and not cheap smokes and drugs for gods sake!!'
Anyway the big issue is Robbie Farah being grilled by Matty Johns on NRL on Fox this week. For those of you who haven't seen it here it is-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaUGIv1sK_s
After the show Farah took to his Twitter account to say he had been ambushed and was pissed off. Johns has  said he told Farah an hour before the show what topics he was going to ask about.
My take on it is fair enough if Johns wants to ask the tough questions and put the pressure on Farah as it was intriguing and interesting to watch, but don't be surprised by the answers Farah gave.
First of all Robbie Farah is a renowned grumpy sort of a guy and never seems overly happy or joyous. Couple that with calling his team mates and fellow forward pack as 'soft' which no player ever in the history of Rugby League has or will ever agree to, and he was fired up. Having to dispel the same old rumours of a rift between him and Benji Marshall and Coach Tim Sheens also added fuel to the fire.
I personally think Robbie's responses were fantastic!!!!! In the respect of he was speaking his mind. It was refreshing to hear someone actually say what they want and mean, he could of just agreed with everything Johns said and just said no to the rumours but to say 'Its Bullshit!! It pisses me off and it pisses Benji off' was gold!! I think he was right to question where Johns heard these rumours and who started them because 95% of all rumours in Rugby League are Bullshit so why should players have to continually have to deny them. I think it was great to see some passion and feeling in what would have been just your average boring interview without it.
One of the best off field speakers in Rugby League is Manly's Daly Cherry Evans, he is obviously intelligent and a well spoken lad, the only problem I have is that he is a bit too predictable in his answers. He always says the exact answer that should be said coming straight from a media course. You pretty much know what the answer will be as soon as the question has been asked like most players these days, it's usually ending with a cliché such as 'we're taking it one week at a time'. I would like to hear more players just say how they feel and not what they are supposed to say!!!!!!!!!!!!  

It's now time to take a seat in the Light Hearted Lounge,
The Bulldogs new recruit this season is Englishman James Graham and since he has been in Australia his new nickname is 'Bupa' as in the health insurance company, in particular from the TV add about meeting the healthier you. Have a look at the you tube link below-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=berJxcbPrj0
Well fellow Bulldogs prop Aiden Tolman is the healthier version of James Graham so nickname has stuck with poor old James. Good stuff.

 Aiden Tolman

 James Graham

Right now its time  for a new segment called-

Making Withdrawals from the TAB

I certainly love a punt, who doesn't??? and I defy you to find someone who doesn't love the TAB's resident market updater Jamee Rodgers who I'm reliably informed also loves a punt and not just a Teleprompter reader.

So here goes with the bet of the week-

Storm- Tough to beat in Melbourne and a decent price at $1.40. Into

Sharks-Playing Penrith I think it will be close but may have the brilliance to just get over the line. Into

Canberra- Good form last week so let it ride I say, the Cowboys won't like it down there on a Monday night.

The return is a fairly safe $5.08, so 10 on gets you $50.80

If you are feeling a bit more adventurous I'd go for Sharks to win 1-12 in the same multi which bumps the winnings up to $86.50 from a $10 bet.

Yet another new segment to finish up with, this one is simply called 40/20 

It is a player who is in his 20's but looks like he is in his 40's and the inaugural inductee is Michael 'Horse,get out of my' Weyman. Now Michael is 28 years of age but I can assure you looked exactly the same when he first burst onto the scene in his early 20's. A picture says a thousand words though. I have also added the Michael Weyman statue which was erected in his home town of Moruya on the N.S.W South coast a few weeks back.

As usual your thoughts and feelings are welcome as this is the peoples blog, obviously on the Farah/ players speaking their mind, the light hearted lounge, the state of Weyman's head or any suggestions on other topics, we are also taking nominations on the lookalike wall for the next edition so put yourself or someone else's name forward.

I think I love Jamee Rogers but I know I'm Loving League with Lavers

Round 4, Manly Poem

G'day there guys and welcome to Loving League with Lavers,

This segment is called 'Big Issues' not the magazine that homeless people sell to support their drink, drug and smoking habits but the big issues in Rugby League right now-
Daly Cherry Evans asking for a release from his contract- All part of the negotiations, its not his fault that when he signed his contract he was an unknown so therefore was on modest pay, and now has won a premiership and played for Australia. In saying that its not Manly's fault either so I think sanity will prevail and his contract will be upgraded for next season and offered a new larger one after that. It will be interesting though as I believe Manly will have to lose at least 2 out of Cherry Evans, Foran, Glen and Brett Stewart, Tony Williams and Darcy Lussick due to salary cap constraints.
Introduction of a Draft- Players are signing contacts for other clubs 12 and 18 months in advance, it is a pretty poor system at the moment but I don't think a draft is the answer as you wouldn't then have any 1 club players, I would prefer a transfer window when players can officially sign for the next season.
Now it's been only 3 rounds but here is how a few of the clubs have been travelling-
The Best
Bulldogs-Probably looked the best, 3 good wins to start the year.
Melbourne- Have won 3 close games which is always good when you win the tight ones.
Manly- Picked up where they left off last season albeit with a slip up against the Sharks.
The Worst
Parramatta- Have been pretty woeful so far especially the mauling by the cowboys at the weekend.
 Tigers-Were exposed against Manly and smashed by the Dragons especially through the forwards. The potential signing of Willie Mason would help.
Pretenders-
Roosters- Have won 2 from 3 but have looked ordinary in attack in both wins with plenty of mistakes.
Raiders- Are in the top 8 but their attack is poor as well, these two played each other last weekend and it was tough to watch, combined completion rate of 45 from 75!!!
Hit Form-
Souths- Played pretty well when lost their first 2 but then put it all together smashing Penrith on the weekend.
Dragons- A dominant win over the Tigers where everyone played well to a man.
Will win soon-
Warriors- looked good in their loss to the Bulldogs and almost scored with 10 to go to win it, have only marginally lost to the 2 form teams in Manly and the Bulldogs.
Titans- Were brave in their defeat to the Storm last week, only some Billie Slater magic pulled the Storm clear.


Look to the Future
I have identified a player from each club for you too look to have have a big season, a break out season in some cases, so here goes.
Canberra-  Jack Wighton- Looks to have a good future, usually a 5/8 or center but debuted on the wing in round 2 and had some very good touches including flying high with a knock back for a try assist from a bomb.
Penrith- Lachlon Coote- Has played a fair bit of first grade and been hampered by injuries throughout, I think he is primed and needs a big season and maybe even push for representative honours.
Storm- Matt Duffie- A New Zealand representative already and will want to push on and cement his place in the Kiwi team by scoring tries for the Storm using his pace on the wing.
Cowboys- James Segeyaro- Originally from Papua New Guinea he is an exciting player at hooker, he's quick, a good defender and loves to put a big hit on!!!! James Taumalolo is a rampaging front rower and only 18 too!!!
Broncos- Corey Norman- Some shoes to fill in taking over the no 6 jersey from Darren Lockyer, so far so good though, he's a big 5/8 and has a big left boot on him.
Warriors- Konrad Hurrell-He is built like a tank, 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide playing center but very effective having an amazing amount of tackle breaks last season in the Toyota Cup. Glen Fisiiahi is another to look out for if given an opportunity at fullback.
Titans- Jordan Rankin- Was the 3rd youngest debutant (16years 238 days) back in 2008 but has only played 10 games since, playing 5/8 needs to take pressure off Scott Prince for the Titans to excell.
Bulldogs- Josh Reynolds- Is preferred at 5/8 by Des Hasler over Kris Keating which is a big opportunity to play well behind the Dogs Forwards.
Tigers- Ben Murdoch Masila- A big solid front row/second rower who has some balls skills too, has been at the Tigers for a few seasons now and is time for him to step up. The same goes for Junior Moors.
Roosters-Tautau Moga- Has been compared to Israel Folau- big, strong, fast and aggressive. Will be interesting to see if he can live up to his hype.
Manly- Darcy Lussick- A real good prospect in the front row, he has good size and aggression, should be in for a big year and Manly will hope they can hold onto him if he does!!!
Souths- Josh Reynolds- Plenty of pressure being the dominant halfback in his debut season but doing an ok job so far, should go better when Souths start winning.
Sharks-Chad Townsend- Fourth string half at the moment but the Sharks have already used 3 so he should get an opportunity during the season and if he produces he will stay in the top grade.
Dragons- Jack De Bellin-Was Toyota Cup player of the year last year and is backing that up in first grade starting at lock and making some crunching tackles. Has some impressive blonde locks too.

Now it time to look to the lookalike wall, its a very special one today, we have our no 1 ticket holder and distant cousin to our Asian drinks boy Jay Way Ling I speak of none other than Jeremy Weyling. We really need some help on this one as there are a few options-
Former Canberra, Newcastle and Manly great Ben Kennedy
Leeds Rhino Keith Senior.
Recently retired great Darren Lockyer
Adam 'Mad Dog' McDougall
Gordon 'The Raging Bull' Tallis

Now as promised the Manly Poem created after the Eagles dominated the Tigers to victory on the Central Coast a couple of weeks ago-

Manly Sea Eagles

Especially of late, they always put up a good fight,

That's Manly, in their iconic strip of maroon and white.

The wonderful Brookvale Oval still has a grass hill where you don't need chairs,

The fans are happy to be back after the ill fated merger with the North Sydney Bears.

Brett Stewart's amazing try scoring record at Brooky whips the crowds into frenzies,

Another try scoring freak and all time Manly great is Steve 'the Beaver' Menzies.

We try to forget Marcia Hines' horrible rendition of the club song the Eagle Rock,

Who could ever forget after the GF whilst on camera Robbo doing the windmill with his c*%k.

Some of Manly's best ever backs were Ridge, Innes and brothers Tony and Kevin Iro,

These players also double as some of Manly's best ever kiwi imports hey bro.

A winning culture where at least one premiership in each decade is the norm,

One of the best though was a 40-0 grand final drubbing of the Melbourne Storm.

Tradition, premierships and passion are some of the clubs features,

The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, the pride of the northern beaches.

That's all for now,

I love Rugby League and I'm Nathan Lavers, therefore...........

I'm Loving League with Lavers