B rad Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 http://www.fijitimes.com/tonga-coach-backing-andrew-fifita-for-test-match-captaincy/ Fifita, Taumalolo and Hopoate contenders for captaincy. Fifita has the inside running apparently. Id have thought Taumalolo would be the obvious choice. https://myaccount.news.com.au/sites/dailytelegraph/subscribe.html?sourceCode=DTWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&mode=premium&dest=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/kangaroos-v-tonga-test-match-at-mount-smart-stadium-on-track-to-sell-out/news-story/efaa96d1f8c411d8dcf4ccb43c0ff204?memtype=anonymous If it sells out, which it looks likely that it will, this will be the 4th sold out game in a row from Tonga. Cant say much more as there is a paywall on the report. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scubby Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 1 hour ago, B rad said: http://www.fijitimes.com/tonga-coach-backing-andrew-fifita-for-test-match-captaincy/ Fifita, Taumalolo and Hopoate contenders for captaincy. Fifita has the inside running apparently. Id have thought Taumalolo would be the obvious choice. https://myaccount.news.com.au/sites/dailytelegraph/subscribe.html?sourceCode=DTWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&mode=premium&dest=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/kangaroos-v-tonga-test-match-at-mount-smart-stadium-on-track-to-sell-out/news-story/efaa96d1f8c411d8dcf4ccb43c0ff204?memtype=anonymous If it sells out, which it looks likely that it will, this will be the 4th sold out game in a row from Tonga. Cant say much more as there is a paywall on the report. If it is sold out with a month to go why not reinstate the temporary seating at the other end they had for the World Cup? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B rad Posted September 23, 2018 Author Share Posted September 23, 2018 Officially sold out 4 weeks from game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damien Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 And somehow the NRL try and make out that games like this can't be played because they aren't profitable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidM Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 Mmmm , no one wants these unviable games . The NRL is big n powerful but it should be stopped from to often trying to strangle or put obstacles up before the international game Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoubleD Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 How’s the NZ vs OZ game selling? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pyjamarama Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 A sold out, successful international RL match involving Australia that is helping to promote the game beyond the Tier 1 nations. Get ready to claim those ticket refunds folks. NRL plans must surely be in place to cancel this any day now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghost crayfish Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 Well informed NRL bashing on here as usual. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scubby Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 6 minutes ago, ghost crayfish said: Well informed NRL bashing on here as usual. Yes, but if it is sold out (with a month to go) and there is room to put a 4k temporary stand in the venue (as per the World Cup) then you can pay Tonga's players wages there and then. It is fair comment isn't it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allora Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 The Kangaroos have taken a 75% player pay cut to make this game happen. The game is being played in New Zealand what do you want the Aussie's to do? What else does everyone want? Talent is secondary to whether players are confident. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allora Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 1 hour ago, Damien said: And somehow the NRL try and make out that games like this can't be played because they aren't profitable. How is Super Leagues development of France, Wales, Ireland and Scotland going in the North? Have the owners of Wigan, St Helens, Warrington and Leeds sorted out the northern hemisphere International calendar yet? Talent is secondary to whether players are confident. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoubleD Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 9 minutes ago, Allora said: What else does everyone want? A comprehensive Tongan win Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allora Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 Just now, DoubleD said: A comprehensive Tongan win I do not gamble but in this case I would give you good odds on that not happening. They may have beat a ###### Kiwi side last year and run an over confident England side close. They will be torn a new one by the Kangaroos. Talent is secondary to whether players are confident. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_57 Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 I've also seen it hinted that the PNG PMXIII is being given test status this year and is after the Grand Final. If that is true and it is Kangaroos V Kumuls it is huge for PNG and Australia deserve some credit since is their "rest" year. Not confirmed though so we'll see. NZ would be mad not to have at least 1 game a year against Tonga from now on, even play it at Eden Park. It has potential of a massive rivalry if NZ can swallow their pride at the thought of being "out-supported" in their home country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
17 stone giant Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 1 minute ago, jim_57 said: It has potential of a massive rivalry if NZ can swallow their pride at the thought of being "out-supported" in their home country. It would be like how it was with football and the home internationals back in the 1970's, when Scotland would have more fans at Wembley than England. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allora Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 6 minutes ago, jim_57 said: I've also seen it hinted that the PNG PMXIII is being given test status this year and is after the Grand Final. If that is true and it is Kangaroos V Kumuls it is huge for PNG and Australia deserve some credit since is their "rest" year. Not confirmed though so we'll see. NZ would be mad not to have at least 1 game a year against Tonga from now on, even play it at Eden Park. It has potential of a massive rivalry if NZ can swallow their pride at the thought of being "out-supported" in their home country. The Kangaroos have played PNG EVERY year since 2005 regardless of rest years. Talent is secondary to whether players are confident. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B rad Posted September 23, 2018 Author Share Posted September 23, 2018 2 minutes ago, jim_57 said: I've also seen it hinted that the PNG PMXIII is being given test status this year That's ridiculous. PMXIII isn't a test team. PNG has huge potential and with the PNG Hunters are developing a lot of much needed professional talent. They are a few steps behind Australia, England, New Zealand and even Samoa and Fiji if they field teams at full strength. France, Scotland, Wales and Ireland are in PNGs bracket. Plenty of teams to for them to play actual "tests" against then National B teams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoubleD Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 7 minutes ago, Allora said: I do not gamble but in this case I would give you good odds on that not happening. They may have beat a ###### Kiwi side last year and run an over confident England side close. They will be torn a new one by the Kangaroos. That may very well be true but I was merely answering your question on what everyone wants Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B rad Posted September 23, 2018 Author Share Posted September 23, 2018 1 minute ago, DoubleD said: That may very well be true but I was merely answering your question on what everyone wants It would be great for the game. Imagine the scenes after the match if they did pull off an upset not to mention the positive media hype for international rugby league. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damien Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 18 minutes ago, Allora said: How is Super Leagues development of France, Wales, Ireland and Scotland going in the North? Have the owners of Wigan, St Helens, Warrington and Leeds sorted out the northern hemisphere International calendar yet? That has nothing to do with this thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allora Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 1 minute ago, DoubleD said: That may very well be true but I was merely answering your question on what everyone wants Pretty sure that is not the case with most fans in the Country where Rugby League actually has a high profile. :-) Talent is secondary to whether players are confident. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allora Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 25 minutes ago, Damien said: That has nothing to do with this thread. You posted..... And somehow the NRL try and make out that games like this can't be played because they aren't profitable. (Test matches) Why do the NRL care about Test matches profitability? unless they are bankrolling the games. Why are you confused Damien? Talent is secondary to whether players are confident. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoubleD Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 2 minutes ago, Allora said: Pretty sure that is not the case with most fans in the Country where Rugby League actually has a high profile. Those ‘fans’ probably won’t even realise it’s on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allora Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 Just now, DoubleD said: Those ‘fans’ probably won’t even realise it’s on You would be wrong then. Talent is secondary to whether players are confident. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
17 stone giant Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 I intend to watch this game, depending on me being able to access it (will it be on Sky?). The fact that it's a sell-out so the atmosphere should be good, makes it an even more appealing watch. Hopefully it will be a close game, or at least close for a large part of the match. Well done to all concerned for making it happen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.