Yes, have also heard this from my nephew.I'm hearing that watching the 1st XV vs Joeys is compulsory for all Kings boys this week. Should be a good atmosphere.
And look at the exorbitant price Rugby AU paid to bring Sua'ali'i back80% of these boys were league players who got the opportunity to play Union. I believe Sua'ali'i played for Eastwood as a junior but thats about it. They were always heading to League.
And what are your tips for this week, @Joker ?
Knock Knock,My predicted gps lineup (Form team)
1. Lavercombe (K)
2. Warner (E)
3. Taggart (J)
4. Graham (I)
5. Greer (J)
6. Logan (J)
7. Le Maitre (E)
8. Fonua (K)
9. Grover (I)
10. Fowler (J)
11. Makasini (N)
12. Fenwicke (K)
13. Tombs (J)
14. Jaques (S)
15. Rodwell (N)
Before you start bickering, tombs is a highly underrated player, has been fantastic to joeys in their start to the season. I know Le maitre hasn't been tested but we will see his class as the season unfold. I know Brial played Aus schools but as we know Gps don't care about that, could move him into second row instead of Graham. Rodwell and Fowler are both fantastic but Rodwell could play fullback and be the best in the comp. Fred satchel could also make a case as the Scots second row, been brilliant so far this year.
He played in Scots 2s last weekIs Duddy returning this season?
Jika was a great man. Great integrity, and a lover of Shore sport at the core. Good to see him getting a mention.Shore School v Newington College at the windswept lands of Stirling Bridge.
Once considered a lovely Saturday afternoon journey to one the friendliest oppositions you could find has now become what schools are wary to step foot upon. Still the charm of the ground with the half-finished stand and the quaint scoreboard does lull many visitors into a sense of destiny. “We will come, we will eat pies, we will win and then home,” was the menu for many years. Now oppositions eye off the Shoremen with suspicion. What is the secret to their success? Plenty of rumours are swirling which is a shame as it just seems Shore has finally admitted, “let's give the rowing a break and focus on the rugger”. To their credit they have persisted. For those who watched Shore lose time and time again it took great fortitude to stick it out knowing that “this too shall pass”. In 2023 a revelation was discovered as results began to flow in the positive and junior teams became more competitive. “Shore are back!” was the call across “The Bridge.” For one I'm happy to have them back. They'll soon become a venue that is more than an easy win, hot pie and a lovely Shore mum smile. This season may see the days of playing Shore was dreaded. Damn, I was year 10 when I finally beat them. Shore wasn't seen as a gimme in my days. Jikka Travers made sure of that. Maybe this will happen again this season. Welcome back Shoremen. Joker is happy for you.
View attachment 19077
Newington has recently achieved some success in being added to “The greatest modern mysteries.” list. In fact, is shares an uneasy affinity to the Mary Celeste mystery. Here was a ship which was completely stocked and seaworthy, was discovered abandoned in the Atlantic Ocean in 1872. The crew's whereabouts are still unknown. In terms of the rugby, here was a team which was completely stocked with exceptional talent and rugby ability has yet discover the competence to win in 2024. The team that promised so much has vanished. I have limited access to the comings and goings at the school but plenty of rumour and scuttlebutt abounds. Parents are blaming a meagre approach in junior grades, teams throwing in the towel early and not expecting success and even the silliness that since the girls are coming many league players are being promoted elsewhere as parents want their boy to be focused. Whatever the reason, Newington continue to make many of us scratch our collective heads. What they do have in their favour is a proud history to draw upon, excellent support and the ability to spring a surprise on anyone if they are in the mood. 2 losses may have made them angry enough to “turn up,” this weekend. If they do, heaven help the opposition. My head says Shore and I'll stick with it. But I won't be surprised if the good ship Newington discovers its potential. An intriguing match awaits.
View attachment 19078
Shore by 10 bright Shore mother smiles.
I agree, but the centres are especially difficult. Tombs and Fenwicke have been brilliant, but Conick is the best point scorer in the comp, so he at least deserves an HM. Baxter should be there over Graham, he missed a few games. The rest is good, but obviously there are big position battles all over the shop (Callaghan v Rodwell, Fonua v Brial, Bassingthwaighte v Fowler so on so forth)My predicted gps lineup (Form team)
1. Lavercombe (K)
2. Warner (E)
3. Taggart (J)
4. Graham (I)
5. Greer (J)
6. Logan (J)
7. Le Maitre (E)
8. Fonua (K)
9. Grover (I)
10. Fowler (J)
11. Makasini (N)
12. Fenwicke (K)
13. Tombs (J)
14. Jaques (S)
15. Rodwell (N)
Before you start bickering, tombs is a highly underrated player, has been fantastic to joeys in their start to the season. I know Le maitre hasn't been tested but we will see his class as the season unfold. I know Brial played Aus schools but as we know Gps don't care about that, could move him into second row instead of Graham. Rodwell and Fowler are both fantastic but Rodwell could play fullback and be the best in the comp. Fred satchel could also make a case as the Scots second row, been brilliant so far this year.
Thanks Joker, a lovely Tribute, my old man went to Shore in Jikka’s era. Rowing, Rugby and Rithmatic was the mantra.Shore School v Newington College at the windswept lands of Sterling Bridge.
Once considered a lovely Saturday afternoon journey to one the friendliest oppositions you could find has now become what schools are wary to step foot upon. Still the charm of the ground with the half-finished stand and the quaint scoreboard does lull many visitors into a sense of destiny. “We will come, we will eat pies, we will win and then home,” was the menu for many years. Now oppositions eye off the Shoremen with suspicion. What is the secret to their success? Plenty of rumours are swirling which is a shame as it just seems Shore has finally admitted, “let give the rowing a break and focus on the rugger” To their credit they have persisted. For those who watched Shore lose time and time again it took great fortitude to stick it out knowing that “this too shall pass”. In 2023 a revelation was discovered as results began to flaw in the positive and junior teams became more competitive. “Shore are back!” was the call across “The Bridge.” For one I am happy to have them back. They will soon become a venue that is more than an easy win, hot pie and a lovely Shore mum smile. This season may see the days of playing Shore was dreaded. Damn, I was year 10 when I finally beat them. Shore was not seen as a gimme in my days. Jikka Travers made sure of that. Maybe this will happen again this season. Welcome back Shoremen. Joker is happy for you.
View attachment 19077
Newington has recently achieved some success in being added to “The greatest modern mysteries.” list. In fact, is shares an uneasy affinity to the Mary Celeste mystery. Here was a ship which was completely stocked and seaworthy, was discovered abandoned in the Atlantic Ocean in 1872. The crew's whereabouts are still unknown. In terms of the rugby, here was a team which was completely stocked with exceptional talent and rugby ability has yet discover the competence to win in 2024. The team that promised so much has vanished. I have limited access to the comings and goings at the school but plenty of rumour and scuttlebutt abounds. Parents are blaming a meagre approach in junior grades, teams throwing in the towel early and not expecting success and even the silliness that since the girls are coming many league players are being promoted elsewhere as parents want their boy to be focused. Whatever the reason, Newington continue to make many of us scratch our collective heads. What they do have in their favour is a proud history to draw upon excellent support and the ability to spring a surprise on anyone if they are in the mood. 2 loses may have made them angry enough to “turn up,” this weekend. If they do, heaven help the opposition. My head says Shore and I will stick with it. But I will not be surprised if the good ship Newington discovers its potential. An intriguing match awaits.
View attachment 19078
Shore by 10 bright Shore mother smiles.
SJC 15 and 13A! Back to the old ways.
I wouldn’t be too quick on this one Joker…Shore has finally admitted, “let's give the rowing a break and focus on the rugger”
Phoenix Graham has missed one game this GPS season, and that was against Shore, when View won. There has only been two games so I dont think you can say that is necessarily the reason he should be swapped with Baxter.I agree, but the centres are especially difficult. Tombs and Fenwicke have been brilliant, but Conick is the best point scorer in the comp, so he at least deserves an HM. Baxter should be there over Graham, he missed a few games. The rest is good, but obviously there are big position battles all over the shop (Callaghan v Rodwell, Fonua v Brial, Bassingthwaighte v Fowler so on so forth)
Yeah its really personal preference at this stage. Both are class. I’d give Baxter the edge but I can understand where you are coming fromPhoenix Graham has missed one game this GPS season, and that was against Shore, when View won. There has only been two games so I dont think you can say that is necessarily the reason he should be swapped with Baxter.
Cheers
AG