Bleacher Report - Articles by Israel Butson

NRL "Team Of Our Era"

Israel Butson — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 22:25:44 -0400

The NRL is one of the toughest competitions in all of sport, and, due to the salary cap, is also one of the closest fought—there is talent spread across all 16 teams.

We thought we'd pick the NRL team of our era, which has included some of the greatest players to ever grace the rugby league field.

1. Darren Lockyer: Before becoming one of the games best five-eights, Lockyer was a fantastic fullback, and represented Queensland and Australia in the number one jersey. He's one of the games greatest thinkers, and is a constant threat to his opponents.

2. Matt Sing: Sing was a prolific try scorer, scoring 159 trys—the fifth highest in the NRL. He represented Queensland and Australia regularly between 1995 and 2005, before he left the NRL to play for Hull in the Super League.

3. Mal Meninga: How could we not pick Meninga? He's an absolute legend—a member of the rugby league Hall of Fame, and the NRL Team of the Century. He was an excellent attacker, and a very handy goal kicker. It would be a crime not to pick him.

4. Andrew Ettinghausen: ET was exceptionally fast, and used his speed to great effect. He could break through the defensive line with what seemed like ease, and once he was through it was almost impossible to catch him. He was a regular selection in both the NSW State of Origin team and the Kangaroos.

5. Wendell Sailor: Before switching codes, Sailor was one of the best wingers in the NRL. He transformed the way a winger was supposed to play (due to his massive size) and got rid of the idea that wingers had to be thin speed machines. He has looked good since returning to league this year, too.

6. Laurie Daley: We know everyone is expecting Wally Lewis, but Daley was the five-eighth we remember best from when we were growing up. He was the key weapon of the Raiders during their glory days, and the way he led the team was something special.

7. Andrew Johns: Probably the easiest pick of the lot. Joey is without a doubt the greatest player of the last decade. His ability to find a whole in the defence was incredible, as was his kicking game. The Knights were never the same team when Joey wasn't there.

8. Ruben Wiki: Wiki has brought the same physicality to the field for over 300 games. He is one of the toughest players to ever play the game, and one of the most passionate. He holds the record for Tests, playing 55 games for the Kiwis between 1994 and 2006.

9. Steve Walters: Walters was another key player of the Raiders during their glory days of the early 1990's. He went on to represent Queensland and Australia, along side his brothers, Kevin and Kerrod. He was named among the 100 greatest players of all time.

10. Paul Harrigon: The Chief was one of the hardest hitters of all time. He brought an intense physical presence to the Knights, as well as NSW and Australia. It's because of guys like Harrigon that we're passionate NSW supporters.

11. Sonny Bill Williams: Although his NRL career was pretty short, in that small amount of time he became one of the best players league has ever seen. He could attack like no one else, and his defence was rock solid. Just ask Joel Clinton how hard Sonny Bill could tackle...

12. Steve Menzies: Another 300 game veteran, who is still playing just as well today as he was over fifteen years ago. He is also a try scoring machine, scoring 178 trys - and there could be more to come, providing Manly stay in the finals.

13. Brad Fittler: Ok, so we know he's out of position - but we couldn't leave him out of our team. Fittler is one of the games true legends. He was a handful on attack, and he had a knack of creating something from nothing. He also has the makings of a great coach, leading the Roosters to the playoffs this year.

Reserves: Danny Buderus, Gordon Tallis, Glenn Lazerus, Bradley Clyde.

Coach: Wayne Bennett—no one else comes close.

Article from the Sports Fan Attic.

Top-Five Greatest Sporting Comebacks

Israel Butson — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 21:50:09 -0400

Top-five time again, and this week we're looking at the Top-Five Greatest Sporting Comebacks.

We're talking about sportsmen coming back from career ending injuries, or coming out of retirement to shock the world - not teams coming back from twenty points behind to win in overtime.

Here are the inspirational stories that make up our top five.

5. Randy Couture

On Feb. 4, 2006, Couture was beaten by light-heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell, in what was his second loss to Liddell by way of knockout. He announced his retirement immediately following the fight, and at the age of 43, many people felt it was time.

But, after a few months of retirement, fans were shocked to hear that Couture was making a return to the UFC, and he was to face the heavyweight champion, Tim "The Maine-iac" Sylvia for the title at UFC 68.

At the age of 44, many felt he could not compete with the much younger Sylvia. But within the opening minute of the first round he had knocked Sylvia down, and from there on, he controlled the fight. He would go on to win the heavyweight title for a third time, truly cementing his place in the Hall of Fame.

After defending his title against Gabriel Gonzaga, Couture fell out with the UFC over contract problems, and he walked away from his contract. It appeared, again, as though Couture's career in the UFC was over.

However, a second comeback is on the horizon, as it has been announced that the 45 year old Couture will return on a three-fight deal. It will start with a heavyweight fight against Brock Lesnar, with the winner going on to fight the winner of the Nogueria vs. Mir fight to become the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion.

This guy is the comeback king, and for a guy to be dominating such a physical sport in his 40s is truly amazing.

4. Magic Johnson

Magic was one of the NBA's greatest stars of the 1980s, but in 1991, his career came to an end when he announced he had HIV and that he would be retiring. He made a brief return in 1992 at the All-Star Game, but was forced to fully retire after fellow NBA players protested at Magic playing with the disease.

This time, he would be retired for four years before making one final return for the L.A. Lakers in 1996, where he played 32 games.

While his final return to the NBA wasn't the longest comeback, the fact that he never gave up, despite the fact that he was suffering from HIV, makes his comeback something special.

Most people in his shoes would give up and walk away, especially considering that in 1991, when he first announced he had the disease, HIV was relatively unknown.

It takes something special to comeback from a situation like that.

3. Muhammad Ali

In 1967, Ali was stripped of his boxing license and his heavyweight title after he refused to serve in the United States Army—which was engaged in the Vietnam War.

In 1970, the New York State Supreme Court ruled that Ali had been unjustly refused a boxing license, and granted him a license to begin fighting again. After beating Oscar Bonavena, Ali was to fight the undefeated Joe Frazier for the title. Frazier would go on to win the first of their three fights.

In 1974, Ali fought George Forman for the title—a fight no one expected Ali to be able to win. But he did just that, and in doing so, he reclaimed his title after seven long years. It was one of the greatest upsets in sports history and definitely one of the greatest comebacks.

2. Jonah Lomu

Jonah Lomu is one of the greatest All Blacks of all time, and in his prime, he was the greatest attacking weapon in all of rugby. In 1996, Lomu announced he had nephritic syndrome, a rare kidney disorder, and as time went on, it became clear that it was taking a huge toll on his body.

In 2003 Lomu was undergoing dialysis three times a week to help combat the disease, but the dialysis was doing damage to the nerves in his legs and feet. He needed a kidney transplant or he could die.

On July 28, 2004, Lomu had the transplant performed, and from that moment on, his eyes were set on returning to rugby—nothing was going to stop him.

In 2005, he was selected for a Martin Johnson Invitational XV, and his dreams were becoming a reality. He had returned from a life-threatening disease to play the game he loved.

He was signed by North Harbour that year, and was also given the chance to play for the Cardiff Blues during the offseason.

While he never returned to his best form, and his dreams of making the All Blacks again would never eventuate, his comeback from a kidney transplant is a phenomenal story. He never gave up, even when everyone around him was saying it could never happen.

What a legend.

1. Lance Armstrong

This is one of the greatest comebacks of all time. To be diagnosed with testicular cancer, and go on to make a full recovery, is a massive achievement in its own right. But to go on and win a record seven Tour de France titles is incredible.

Lance Armstrong is a true inspiration—not only to sportsmen who have suffered setbacks in their career, but to everyone.

And it isn't over for Armstrong yet, either—he has announced that he's going to be racing in the Tour de France next year for the first time since 2005, making it his second comeback.

Astonishing.

All of these sportsmen are inspirational. They came back from either serious illness or retirement to reclaim their place at the top of their sport.

It's stories like these that make sport so exciting, and so inspirational to all of us, both on and off the field.

Article from the Sports Fan Attic.

NRL Bottom Eight: What Went Wrong?

Israel Butson — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:40:55 -0400

It's a case of "better luck next year" for the eight sides who didn't cut the mustard in the NRL this year.

While the best eight sides live to fight another day, that's it for the bottom eight in 2008. For these teams, there's nothing left to do but enjoy summer and start planning for next year.

We thought we'd take a look at the sides that were on the wrong side of the eight, and have a look at what went wrong:

Newcastle Knights (9th)

The Knights were "oh so close" to playing September footy, but were pipped at the post by the Warriors. After last year, though, you'd have to say 2008 has been a great improvement, and Brian Smith looks to be developing some strong talent.

The biggest improvement for the Knights is that they've learned to win without the great Andrew Johns, which is something they've struggled to do in years past. Unfortunately, next year they'll have to learn to win without Danny Buderus.

2009 Gains: Issac De Gois (Sharks), Ben Rogers (Dragons)

2009 Losses: Danny Buderus (Leeds), Chris Bailey (Sea Eagles), Mitchell Sargent (midseason, Castleford), Matt White (Titans)

Wests Tigers (10th)

Consistency has once again plagued the Tiger's season. They are capable of beating most sides in the competition, but have let themselves down with some terrible defensive efforts. If they can sort out their defence, 2009 will be a lot better for West's fans.

2009 Gains: Gareth Ellis (Leeds), Josh Lewis (Titans)

2009 Losses: Brett Hodgson (Huddersfield), Nick Youngquest (midseason, Bulldogs), Luke Harlen (midseason, Cowboys), Ben Te'o (Broncos), Matt Head (Dragons), Ryan O'Hara (Celtic Crusaders)

Parramatta Eels (11th)

After coming so close last year, the Eels have been disappointing in 2008. They've been their own worst enemies for most of the season, and just when it looked as though they were getting back to winning ways, they slumped again. And, once again, they have recruited poorly.

2009 Gains: No one!

2009 Losses: Tim Smith (midseason, Wigan), Mark Riddell (Wigan), Tony Williams (Sea Eagles), Chad Robinson (London Harlequins), Daniel Wagon (French Rugby League)

Penrith Panthers (12th)

Last year's wooden spooners made a good surge for the Top Eight during the middle of the year, but began to slip down the ladder towards the end of the regular season. For a team that boasts such a strong side, 12th place is not a good finish. 2009 isn't shaping up any better, either.

2009 Gains: Gavin Cooper (Titans)

2009 Losses: Tony Puletua (St. Helens), Richie Williams (sacked midseason), Joe Williams (midseason, Bulldogs), Luke Rooney (French Rugby), Luke Priddis (Dragons), Rhys Wesser (Rabbitohs), Shane Rodney (Sea Eagles)

Gold Coast Titans (13th)

The Titans were on top early on in the season, but as the weeks went by they began to slip further and further down the table. This was mainly due to injuries, although the fact that they struggle to win away from home isn't helping their cause.

They've definitely shown they deserve to be in the NRL, and will be a real threat if they can avoid injuries.

2009 Gains: William Zillman (Raiders), Sam Tagataese (Storm)

2009 Losses: Matt Peterson (midseason, Wakefield), Michael Hodgson (Bulldogs), Luke Lewis (Tigers), Clint Amos (Cowboys), Gavin Cooper (Panthers), Luke Swain (Salford), Kris Khaler (Pia Donkeys), Matt Cross (Storm)

South Sydney Rabbitohs (14th)

A woeful start to 2008 for a side that's promised to back up on 2007. They made it a good fight, but it was too little too late. They have a lot to work on for 2009.

2009 Gains: Colin Best (Raiders), Rhys Wesser (Panthers)

2009 Losses: Ben Rodgers (midseason, Dragons), Manase Manuokafoa (Cowboys), Dean Widders (Castleford), Jeremy Smith (Salford)

North Queensland Cowboys (15th)

It was a horror of a year for the Cowboys. Graham Murray was sacked as coach. He walked away midseason, and still they couldn't win a game. This is one season they'll want to forget in a hurry.

But, it wasn't all about the coach—the players were the real culprits. They played poorly all year, and never looked like the Cowboys of recent times.

2009 Gains: Willie Tonga (Bulldogs), Manase Manuokafoa (Rabbitohs), Luke Harlen (midseason, Tigers), Clint Amos (Titans), Antonio Kaufusi (Storm)

2009 Losses: David Faiumu (midseason, Huddersfield), Jacob Lillyman (Warriors), Ray Cashmere (Salford Reds), Sione Faumuina (Castleford), Mark Henry (Salford Reds), Justin Smith (Retired)

Canterbury Bulldogs (16th)

Here's another side that will want to forget all about 2008. Their poor performances have been overshadowed by the Sonny Bill Williams saga, but it's no excuse for the way they've been playing. They thoroughly deserve the wooden spoon for 2008.

2009 looks a lot brighter, as they've recruited a lot of talent. And, of course, it can only get better from here.

2009 Gains: Michael Ennis (Broncos), Ben Hanannt (Broncos), Brett Kimorley (Sharks), Josh Morris (Dragons), Michael Hodgson (Titans), Joe Williams (midseason, Panthers)

2009 Losses: Willie Tonga (Cowboys), Sonny Bill Williams (Toulon), Corey Hughs (Sharks), Cameron Phelps (midseason, Wigan), Nick Youngquest (midseason, French Rugby), Justin Tsoulos (midseason, retired), Arana Taumata (Storm)

Stay tuned—we'll review the other sides as they drop out of the Top Eight.

Article from the Sports Fan Attic.

Top 5 Greatest Sporting Rivalries

Israel Butson — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:48:37 -0400

In this week's Top 5, we're looking at the five greatest sporting rivalries.

It doesn't matter what sport you watch, there are always a couple of teams or countries that clash, and want nothing more than to beat their arch rival. It's these clashes that produce the greatest games to watch.

In this Top 5, we've gone with team/country rivalries rather than individual rivalries, which will be a whole different Top 5.

So, here we go:

5. Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers

This fierce rivalry dates back to the 1960s, when the Boston Celtics dominated the NBA, defeating the Lakers six times in eight years to claim the NBA Championship. The rivalry came to represent the working class Celtics, up against the Hollywood-lifestyle Lakers.

The rivalry really began to heat up in the 1980s when both sides were on top of the NBA pile, and the two sides renewed there battle for supremacy. What made the rivalry during the '80s even greater was the individual player rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. It helped to re-popularise the NBA, which, due to poor crowd numbers, was struggling financially at the time.

The rivalry between the two disappeared during the 1990s, when basketball was dominated by the Chicago Bulls, and one Michael Jordan. But in 2008, the world was reintroduced to the greatest rivalry in basketball history. The Celtics and Lakers met in the final for the first time in 21 years, with the Celtics clinching the series in Game six.

Could it be the rebirth of the famous rivalry? Only time will tell.

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4. Australia vs England, The Ashes

The Ashes is one of the greatest rivalries in all of cricket. Since 1882, Australia and England have battled it out for the famous "Urn". The two sides have met in 64 Ashes series, usually consisting of five Test matches, with Australia winning 31 and England 28 (five series have been drawn).

Australia has dominated the Ashes over the past twenty years, with England's best result coming in 2005 when they defeated the heavily favoured Aussies, only to lose the following series 5-0. As far as rivalries go, the Ashes series is amongst the best, and some of the greatest moments in cricket history have come from this great competition.

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3. Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees

This rivalry is one of the oldest in sports history, and is considered one of the greatest in American sports. The origins of this rivalry go back to 1920, when a young Babe Ruth was sold by Harry Frazee to the New York Yankees. This sparked the beginning of the Yankees' rise in baseball, the downfall of the Red Sox, and the famous "Curse of the Bambino".

It would be 86 years before the Red Sox would win another World Series, while the Yankees would go on to win 26. In 2004, the Red Sox beat the Yankees in the American League Championship Series, before going on to win the World Series. The rivalry between these two famous teams has since flared up again, with the Red Sox returning to the winning ways, and once again becoming a dominant force in baseball today.

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2. New South Wales vs Queensland, State of Origin

State vs State, mate vs mate. It doesn't get any better than that, as the country boys from Queensland take on the city slickers from New South Wales.

The intense rivalry between these two states produces the greatest, most anticipated rugby league games of the year. Once the players pull on their respective jerseys, it's war. It doesn't matter if your club team mate plays for the other team. During the State of Origin series, he's your enemy.

You only have to look at some of the fights to know that the players will do anything to beat the other State. Queensland has the edge over New South Wales, winning 17 of the 29 series, and has dominated the past three years.

But, such is the intense rivalry between the two states, that there is never an easy win for either side. These games are truly some of the most brutal in all sports. How could you not love it?

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1. New Zealand vs Australia

Rugby, cricket, league, netball, anything between these two countries. When it comes to sports, it's simple: We don't like them, and they don't like us. When it comes to rugby, it doesn't matter how badly Australia have been playing, they always save their best when it's time to face the All Blacks. The same, too, can be said for the Black Caps. Ok, so in league we struggle to beat the Aussies, but watch out when we do, because nothing annoys the Kangaroos more than losing to the Kiwis. There's no greater victory for a New Zealander than one over the the Aussies, and vice versa.

And no greater rivalry in sport.

Top 5 Reasons Why Cricket is a More Demanding Sport to Play Than Baseball

Israel Butson — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:00:12 -0400

It's that time of the week, and this week we're looking at the Top 5 reasons why cricket is a more difficult sport to play than baseball:

5. Running With Protective Gear

In both baseball and cricket, the batsman has to physically run to score (home runs and boundaries aside). The fundamental difference, though, is that the cricketer has to do his running with the weight from all of his pads. We're talking leg pads, thigh guard, helmet, arm guard, gloves, box (that's a cup, to all you Americans), and, of course, the bat itself—all of which make running a difficult task.

In baseball, the batsman just hits the ball and makes a mad dash for first base - usually only wearing his helmet and box. And uniform, of course.

The maximum number of times a batter would have to run off one hit in baseball is four times—from home plate to home plate. In cricket, the batsman keeps batting (and running) until he's out—one run, or 300, all the while carrying the weight of his protective gear.

Trust us, it ain't easy going.

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4. Number Of Ways To Be Given Out

There are twice as many ways to get out in cricket as there are in baseball, which means that a batsman has to be constantly on his guard.

In baseball, there are five ways to get a batter out—a strikeout, groundout (running a batter out), forceout (when a batter is attempting to steal base), flyout (getting caught), and tagout (tagging a batter between bases). So there are five things a batter has to be aware of when he's stepping up to the plate.

In cricket, there are ten ways a batsman can be dismissed. Getting bowled, caught, LBW (getting struck on the pads in front of the wickets), stumped by the wicket-keeper, hit wicket (accidentally striking the wickets with your bat), hitting the ball twice, obstructing the path of a fielder, handling the ball, or being timed out (taking too long to get out to bat). The batsmen need to keep all of this in mind while trying to score as many runs as possible.

Try doing that when you've got someone bowling at you at 96mph (154kph).

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3. General Playing Conditions

Not only do cricketers have to contend with the rules of the game, they also have to contend with different playing conditions that can have a dramatic affect on the game.

An overcast day, for example, can change the way a game will be played by giving the ball more 'swing' through the air, making life tough for the batsman. Playing all day in the hot sun can drain a player, especially if he's out batting all day. A lot of cricket is played on the sub-continent, where temperatures during games regularly soar into the 40s (around 110 deg. F).

Remember all that gear from point five? Yeah, it makes us sweat just thinking about it too.

But it's not only the weather that can have an effect—the pitch conditions also have a major impact on the game. The groundsmen can prepare a pitch to be fast, slow, offer something to the swing bowlers, or give the pitch some turn, which helps out the spin bowlers.

And then there's the outfield. If it's dry and fast, the batsmen won't have to run as much—but the fielders will. If it's damp and slow, the batsmen have a long day of running ahead of them.

The conditions don't play nearly as big a part in baseball as they do in cricket—just ask a cricket side that's had to field for 3 straight days in India.

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2. Catching

Why do baseballers wear catching mitts? Is it that hard to catch a baseball in you're bare hands?

We don't think so, especially given that a cricket ball is heavier than a baseball. A standard cricket ball weighs between 5.5 and 5.75 ounces (155.9 and 163 grams), while a standard baseball weighs in at 5.25 ounces (142 and 149 grams).

A cricket ball is also smaller (22.4 -22.9 cm circumference) than a baseball (22.9 - 23.5 cm circumference), which means cricketers are catching a smaller and heavier ball, without the use of gloves—and they still make incredible diving catches.

If they can do it without the use of gloves, why can't baseballers?

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1. Batting And Bowling Conditions

We've already mentioned the fact that batsmen have to run covered in protective gear. But, they also have to deal with batting for (if all goes well) extremely long periods of time, varying pitch conditions (which, during a five day Test, can change every day), and facing up to world class bowlers.

A cricket batsman can't just walk out and smash the ball—if you try, you'll be out in a second. And then it's the long (trust us—it's looong) walk back to the pavilion.

Also, batters in baseball bat once per innings, just as they do in cricket - but they don't face nearly as many deliveries as a cricketer does. Oh, and they can be walked to first base, too.How nice.

And the bowlers—they don't have the luxury of standing in one spot to deliver the ball. Fast bowlers run in, on average, 25 yards (22m) every delivery. In a day where a bowler sends down 15 overs (with 6 balls in each over), they've run 2250 yards (1980m). And it's not just a jog, either—every ounce of energy the bowler has goes into each delivery (see the slow motion clip below for the perfect example...). Need we mention the 3 days in the Indian sun, again?

Both batting and bowling require a lot of patience, perseverance, guts, and a huge amount of skill—and for that reason, we believe that cricket is a much, much harder game to play than baseball.

These two videos show cricket from two perspectives. The first clip shows the effort, passion and intensity that goes into every single action in a cricket match. The second clip shows the speed and skill required to catch a cricket ball— without a glove.

(Apologies for the extended intro on the first clip - feel free to skip past it!)

Article featured on the Sports Fan Attic.

Make A Stand, IRB—Country Or Club?

Israel Butson — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:34:26 -0400

Next week the All Blacks take on Samoa in a one-off Test in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

While the All Blacks should have no problem against the Samoans, the one-off Test will be a great opportunity for guys like Stephen Donald, Adam Thomson and Anthony Boric to have a decent run.

It's fantastic to see the NZRU taking Test rugby back to the provinces—it makes the All Blacks accessible to people who normally wouldn't get to see them play live.

What isn't so fantastic is the fact that the Samoan team will most likely be understrength, due to the European clubs refusing to grant the players leave.

This is a serious problem for international rugby, and has been for a long time now. The clubs pay the players salaries, and therefore feel they have the right to stop them from playing international rugby when it interferes with club duties.

We can understand that the clubs have invested in these players, but playing for your country is the ultimate honour in any sport—and should always take precedence over club rugby.

The IRB needs to stamp its authority on the matter rather than sitting back and allowing clubs to control who can and cannot play for their countries.

If clubs refuse to release their international players, they should do so at their own expense by having to pay a heavy fine to the affected country(s). A system like this would certainly make club officials think twice before stopping a player from representing their country.

There are too many Tests being played nowadays with understrength sides, including top-tier sides like England and France, who think sending a B or C side on a tour is acceptable.

Well, it's not acceptable—and it's ruining Test rugby.

Fans don't want to watch a full-strength All Blacks side play England's B team. Tests are supposed to be the toughest form of the game, but at the moment what we're getting is anything but tough.

We feel for Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji, who constantly have to struggle to put together sides. If the IRB doesn't crack down on the clubs, then there's no way these countries can improve.

We hope you're listening, IRB, because something needs to be done.

Now.

*A quick update—Joe Rokocoko may be back in time to face the Wallabies in Brisbane, which is good news for the All Blacks. Rokocoko has been injured since the Super 14, and it would be great to see him back in the black jersey. His return will certainly put a lot of pressure on the under performing Sivivatu, who needs a good shake up.*

Article from the Sports Fan Attic.

The Warriors Stumble Away From Home...Again

Israel Butson — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:37:31 -0400

The Warriors have always been their own worst enemy, and on Sunday they showed us why.

The Dragons are never easy to beat, and the Warrior's history at Wollongong is terrible at best—but with wins over the Storm, Broncos, and Sharks in recent weeks, they should have been able to slay the Dragons.

Instead, the Warriors got handed a 34-6 thrashing, which has seen them drop out of the Top Eight—although they sit on 26 points, which is the same amount as the Knights, who are in the eighth spot.

They will need to beat both the Panthers (home) and the Eels (away) if they want to play finals footy—they can't afford to drop either game, especially with the Eels, Knights, Tigers, and Panthers all still in the hunt for the eighth spot.

The Warriors have what it takes to make the Eight, but still struggle to win away from home, which could count against them this year.

It's a serious problem for the club, and unless they can find a way to win in Australia, they'll always struggle to compete for the Premiership.

There's no reason why they can't win on the road. About half of our players are from Australia, and have played a lot of footy for Australian clubs. There really shouldn't be any excuses.

This week we face the wounded Panthers, who we should beat, although the Panthers have been our bogey side for the past few seasons. They're also coming off some heavy defeats, and will be looking to stop the rot and get their season back on track.

The fact that we're at home this week though, gives us a lot more confidence.

But with only two games to go, the stakes are incredibly high for the Warriors. Win, and move on to the finals. Lose, and it's all over.

No pressure, boys.

Article from the Sports Fan Attic.

Top Five Weirdest Olympic "Sports"

Israel Butson — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:05:40 -0400

It's Top Five time again, and with the Olympics heading into the home stretch we thought we'd give you our Top Five Weirdest Olympic Sports.

There are a lot of different sporting events at the Beijing Games, and some of them are slightly odd.

Well, "slightly" is the wrong word. Really, it's debatable as to whether or not they should even be at the games.

So, here are our Top Five Weirdest Olympic Sports:

5. Synchronized Swimming

As an artistic display, it's amazing what these girls can do. But let's be honest, it's slightly bizarre, and almost humorous. It's dancing under water, right? And while we're not doubting their skill, we can't get over the fact that, well...it's dancing under water.

Next thing you know, there'll be ballroom dancing and possibly even break-dancing at the Olympic Games. As far as Olympic sports go, this one is just plain weird.

4. Equestrian-Dressage

This is the one where the rider makes the horse walk funny, right? It's kind of like synchronized swimming, but with a horse. And no water.

The horse struts around the field for a few minutes, lifting its legs in various, slightly awkward looking ways. Kind of like its walking on hot coals, really.

Like synchronized swimming, it probably takes an awful lot of talent from the rider. But for the spectator, it's like watching a horse walk around a paddock with pins in its feet.

Is it really a sport? We're not sure, but we're sure it's weird.

3. Handball

When we originally watched a highlights package of handball, it actually looked like a lot of fun. Then we watched an entire game.

Weird? Oh yes. There doesn't seem to be any structure to it. The players run down one end, try to throw the ball into the goal, and then run back down to defend without even bothering to try to get the ball off the opposition. It's just so (too..?) chaotic.

If anyone can explain the rules of handball to us, please do. Until then, handball's staying in the weird column.

2. Walking

At what point did walking become a sporting event? And then, even more mind-boggling, an Olympic event? And walking the way they do—you know what we mean, right?

We've never seen anyone walk that way down the street, so why do they call it walking at the Olympics? It's not walking—it's trotting, or something.

Further more, at what point does someone decide they want to be an Olympic walker? "Mum, look! I discovered I have the most amazing talent today!"

It's quite possibly the most unflattering sport out there, and indeed one of the weirdest.

1. The Trampoline

We have to put this at No. 1, purely for the fact that even having a trampoline at the Olympics is weird, let a lone people jumping on it as an event.

Trampolining is something that kids do when their parents tell them to go and play outside. Granted, the "athletes" do some pretty amazing flips (and other things, too, but we're not that familiar with the trampolining lingo). All the same, it would be better suited to a circus show than the Olympics.

Still, kids the world over can rejoice in the fact that if they fail at rugby or soccer, they can always take up bouncing on a trampoline. You never know—they might even reach the top of the athletics world.

And our Top Five Weirdest Olympic Sports list, too.

See more at www.sportsfanattic.co.nz