By Casey OÇonnor
The rot continues at the Brisbane Broncos.
On Tuesday, the NRL handed down fines to the club and the 10 players involved, a fine totaling an eye watering $140,000 for the latest breach of Covid-19 protocols.
Makes those steaks and a couple of lazy beers a pretty expensive treat.
As the week develops things could be about to get worse.
It is well documented that a serious family issue caused the coach to remain in Sydney after the team’s clash with the Bunnies.
During his time in self isolation Seibold has been the target of disgraceful and vile rumours emanating from what were thought to be faceless keyboard Warriors.
So damaging were the rumours, Seibold was forced to call in his lawyers, the police and cybercrime experts.
It now appears a prominent name within the NRL may be linked to the rumours and innuendo that were peddled to various leading league journalists and posted on several social media platforms.
This situation could get very ugly very quickly.
Early in the week Seibold spoke of his anger and disappointment at the lack of support he has received from the NRL hierarchy during this difficult time.
He revealed that during two weeks of sheer hell, no-one from the NRL reached out to him to check how he has been travelling.
No matter what you think of Seib’s as a coach, he is by all accounts a decent bloke.
He does not deserve what he has been served up in the past couple of weeks.
In a game that champions inclusiveness and looking after your mate, the reaction from those running the show to Seibold’s current situation is disappointing.
There is a growing school of thought that Seibold may make a decision on his future this week. Many in the know speculating he will stand down.
Like all Broncos supporters, I have been extremely disappointed this season and critical of the coach and plenty of other things in and around the club. Given what Seibold has been through personally and professionally in the past couple of weeks you could hardly blame him if he chooses to walk.
Casey
CASEY’S ROUND 15 NRL TIPS
Storm; Panthers; Dragons; Raiders; Roosters; Rabbitohs; Warriors; Knights
PHILLIP ISLAND GP OFF
The 2020 Australian Moto GP, traditionally held at Phillip Island in October, is another major sporting event to fall foul of the COVID-19 restrictions and has been cancelled.
The decision made earlier this week is a major blow for fans.
The four-day weekend is a not to be missed sabbatical for ardent Moto GP fans.
The weekend at Phillip Island is regional Victoria’s biggest sporting event with more than 85,000 spectators and a huge worldwide television audience. It is another body blow for Victoria as the event generates in excess of $50million for the economy.
It is also one of the most popular events among riders who have only recently returned to racing.
On Sunday night (Australian time) riders competed in the Austrian Moto GP.
It was the scene of one of the worst collisions in memory as Franco Morbidelli and Johann Zarco collided at 300mph.
It was carnage on the track as an out of control bike cartwheeled across the track and over several riders. Others were forced to dodge flying debits and each other.
After the race nine-time world Champion Valetino Rossi described it as one of the most terrifying moments of his career.
“I was so scared. I am shaken, resuming the race was tough. I took the biggest risk of my career,” he said.
“I saw a shadow, I thought it was the helicopter from above, sometimes it happens during the race that the helicopter passes over and casts a shadow. Instead, two ‘bullets’ arrived.”
Somehow there were no dreadful injuries or worse.
“The saint of motorcyclists today did a really great job, it was a very dangerous thing,” Rossi said.
TIGERS MAUL USQ
The Rococo’s Bar and Bistro Noosa Tigers produced a stunning 10 goal final quarter to inflict a 17-goal thumping of UQ last Saturday in Brisbane.
The final score 20.14-134 to UQ’s 5.4-34.
After leading at every change, the Tigers went for the kill in the final quarter and blew their opposition off the paddock.
The win extends the Tigers vice like group at the top spot of the Hart Sport Division One competition.
The Tigers remain unbeaten and are favourites to go back to back and defend their 2019 premiership title.
Jai Fitzpatrick or the Rolls Royce as he is referred to by Tiger faithful put on a master class.
He booted five goals in a dazzling performance showcasing his skill and evasion. For those fans who made the trip to Brisbane it was a performance that made the trip worthwhile.
Fitzpatrick is having another stellar year, as is Tyler Stack who again racked up 30 plus touches through the midfield and fed the forwards with some smart and precise delivery.
Champion onballer Nick Hill returned to the seniors and played a very big part in the win as did pier forward and fellow 2019 premiership team-mate Liam Kenny. After a two-week layoff it was no problem for Kenny to bag four goals.
Sixteen-year-old Shadeau Brain was in the thick of the action and once again one of the Tigers best with another eye-catching display.
The consistent form of Mitch Fraser makes him one of the elite players in this competition. The Tigers will be on the hunt for a big win over Aspley this week at the Tigers’ Weyba Rd headquarters. This will be an intriguing contest.
Last time they met there was only a three-point margin when the fulltime siren sounded.
The Senior game will again be live streamed on the Noosa Tigers Facebook page for those games who cannot make it to the game. In the Tiger’ second last fixture game of this shortened 2020 season the team is hoping for a big turn out from their fans to support them. What more could you ask for as a Tiger’s fan; a beautiful sunny day and a team in winning form.
CA WEBINARS SHOW HOW
Cricket Australia recently announced a great initiative to assist and support community cricket volunteers. CA have put together a series of webinars designed to support community volunteers and covering every aspect of running a successful junior club and growing the game.
There is something for everyone whether you are a club President, committee member, community volunteer or the Blast Co-ordinator
Some of the topics covered include Covid19; Running Your Club; Setting up registrations; Keeping kids safe; Promoting you Club; E-Scoring; Delivering an engaging Blast Session; Making cricket the ‘Must Do” Sport for girls and many other.
This is an opportunity that should not be missed if you are involved in Junior Cricket.
The link to the webinars is www.community.cricket.com.au/clubs/club-webinars and can also be accessed from the Cricket Australia website
RESERVES, COLTS AND LADIES HUNT WINS
There was plenty to like in the effort of the Noosa Tigers Reserves as they caned UQ students racking up 144 points and getting away with a 138-point victory. The final score 22.12-144 – 1.0-6.
The good form of skipper Keenan James continues.
Jack Harper remains a focal-point up forward, booting four majors. Nathan Winter continues to put pressure on the senior selectors after another excellent game.
The Reserves are in second place on the ladder only by percentage. This weekend they have the opportunity to avenge their only loss of the season to date in their rematch against Aspley. With a home-ground advantage, and the Tiger’s faithful behind them, they are sure they can get the job done.
The Colts had another good win in their game against fellow flag contenders Victoria Point. The game played at South Brisbane this past Saturday.
The win extends their unbeaten run in 2020. Co-captain Cian Mallon was outstanding . Ben Woodburn (four- goals), Lachie Wilson and Max Pekaj were the best on ground for the Coolum Noosa boys.
Kye Wood also a caught the eye in what was an impressive victory.
Under the guidance of Coach Shane Dawes the Colts are putting together some impressive results. The final score against Vic Point 9.6-60 – 4.6-30
The Mischief Hair sponsored women’s team continued their rich vein of form. They created plenty of mischief in there with a thumping 82-point win at home last Saturday afternoon.
Forward Cass Hoekstra booted five goals in a best on ground performance to enhance her stature as one of the premier players in the competition. Eliza Trompf and Jessica Corvino continue to shine in teh fourth placed Tigers line up. Reagan Mills once again gathered plenty of the ball.
The girls are also at home this Saturday.
Their game follows the Seniors. Could be a big afternoon for Tiger’s fans at home also this Saturday
THREE NEWBIES IN AUSSIE SQUAD
Three uncapped Australian cricketers have been included in the 21-man squad selected to tour England in the upcoming limited overs series.
Three ODI games and three T20 games will be played in 13-days of intense cricket.
The T20 games will be played at The Rose Bowl, Southampton, beginning, Friday 4 September. All three ODI matches will be played at Old Trafford, Manchester beginning on 11 September.
Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe and Daniel Sams have been added to the team which will captained by Aaron Finch. Pat Cummins has been named as vice captain.
Australia’s squad: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
The Aussie’s will remain locked in a biosecurity bubble at hotels built into the grounds’ grandstands, as has been the case during Pakistan and West Indies’ tours to England.
Once again. the grounds will be closed to spectators.
While most players will return home immediately and go into mandatory isolation for two weeks, several including Pat Cummins, Dave Warner and Steve Smith head to the UAE for the 2020 IPL season. A lucrative trip for Pat Cummins. His contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders worth an eye watering $3.2million.
More late nights and early mornings coming up for we cricket enthusiasts.
DOPHINS ENJOY A WIN IN SOUTHERN WATERS
The Ray White Noosa Dolphins travelled South to the Snake Pit to take on Caboolture. In a solid performance they scored a 31-3 victory over the home side Caboolture. Niko Waqanisau was named player of the match.
Best on ground points went to Niko Waqanisau (3), Nick Aylward (2) and Mitchell Duncan (1).
The English foursome of Jack Redfern-Brown, Alfie Hill, Ross Kirtland, and Adam Waring are making their mark. They are responsible for the changes you see in the Dolphins engine room. They reckon they are on a mission to show their Aussie team-mates but more importantly the opposition what “real rugby” is all about and they are doing a good job of that. The sight of the four Pommie bog boppers is not a sight that opposition clubs look forward to. Dolphin fans are certainly liking what they are seeing.
This week the Dolphins take on the USC Barbarians at the USC home ground.
M S DOHNI CALLS STUMPS
Early this week Indian cricketer M S Dhoni announced he was calling stumps on his international cricket career.
Dohni who retired from Test cricket in 2014 led India to a wins in the World Cup, the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy.
The 39-year-old wicket keeper batsman made the announcement as he joined Chennai Super Kings teammates ahead of next month’s Indian Premier League tournament, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates.
Dohni finishes his international career with an impressive record in all forms of the game. He played in a total of 90 tests, 350 one-day internationals and 98 Twenty20s for his country. The record books show he scored over 4000 runs in his Test career (AVG 38.09).
In the one-day game he scored an impressive 10773 for India (avg 37.60) including 10 centuries and 73 half centuries.
His record behind the stumps is equally as impressive.
In the Test arena he has 256 catches and 38 stumpings. In ODI’s 321 catches and 123 stumpings and in 57 catches and 34 stumpings in T20.
No surprise that the accolades have flowed for his contribution to Indian cricket.
