Vale - Arthur Beetson

The Rugby League world today has been rocked with the news that the Immortal Arthur Beetson has tragically passed at the age of 66 on the Gold Coast, QLD.
This article isn't about the details of his death nor a regurgitation of the many wonderful tributes being delivered about this great man. This article is about my brief but wonderful time around Arthur as he was the head coach at the Cronulla Sharks in 1992 when I was playing there. I spent the season through the grades (U/21's and the Reserve Grade) and it was whilst I was playing reserve grade that I got to work with Arthur.
Looking back on that time with the knowledge I have now, I could see Arthur operated on another level and just like other super star players, his transition into being a great coach was somewhat stymied by the students. His vision and cognitive recognition of opportunities in 'game related' formations was second to none and it was people like Brian Canavan were charged with getting the troops physically ready. I remember it being a tough time for Arthur as several of Cronulla's favourite sons, Docking, McGaw, Russell and Miller were getting into the back end of their career and wanted to ensure their opinion was heard on how the team should be run. Arthur did the best he could with what he had, unfortunately I dont think he was able to get the playing staff to understand what he was trying to develop.
My tenure at the Sharks ended in 1992 and I went onto trial at the Roosters in 1993, which Arthur organised for me. I went right through the 1993 preseason only to miss the final two trials with a shoulder injury which cost me any chance of making the team. The Roosters asked me to hang around and come back through the Newtown Jets feeder team, and after 4 weeks there it was clear I wasn't in the environment to make a success of things.
I returned to my home club of De La Salle, Caringbah in 1994 and began the season quite well. I was talking to a couple of the club veterans who basically said to me that I shouldnt be playing at that level and to keep looking for another opportunity to 'make it'.
One of my team mates and I discussed going to the UK to try and crack a start and whilst building a portfolio to get there I was advised to get a CV together of my playing history and a couple of references. I didn't know who to ask for a reference as I thought anybody with some 'clout' in the game or half decent profile wouldn't remember who I was or how I played. I was lucky enough to run into Brian Canavan one day down at Cronulla and I asked him who I should approach to get a few testimonials from. Brian told me to leave it with him and within a week I had recieved a glowing testimonial from Arthur Beetson. I managed to obtain another from Les Davidson and after sending them abroad I secured a start with Batley Bulldogs in Yorkshire.
I had a few more twists and turns in my career, but I can categorically say that if it wasn't for the testimonials I wouldn't have gone onto play in the UK, then return to play in the NRL for 3 years and then return to the UK to play for 2 more seasons and finally for Scotland in the 2000 World Cup.
I am sure lots of people have stories about Arthur Beetson and how he always had plenty of time for people. This is my version, and knowing my situation wouldn't be what it is today without going through all the phases that I have, I am happy to acknowledge the contribution from Arthur Beetson towards my life and how proud I am to have known the man.
Rest in Peace Arthur, a true icon, a true pioneer and a true inspiration to all Australians.

Adrian Morley talks Records, Wembley and a Jumper.

As England prepare to face the ARL Australians for the first time since the 1994 Kangaroo Tour, Map Sports took time to chat to Adrian Morley about the game, his current and future status.

Adrian, you have performed at the very top of your sport for a long time, how is everything holding up?
Things are travelling really well. I am in a really good place at the moment with my personal and professional life. With my Rugby, I have been fortunate enough to be part of a couple of really good club teams that has delivered important domestic trophies. Unfortunately, at the international level, I haven't been able to replicate that with minimal success in finals and collection of silverware.

You are entering your record breaking 17th season as an international, what does that mean to you?
Playing for my country means more to me than anything else in the game, it has to. To be able to do it for such a long period of time means I have been both fortunate and rewarded. I have played in some special teams with some champion players, I just think we really need to try and go with the Australians tonight to give ourselves any chance.

What will the occassion be like at Wembley agains the Old Enemy tonight?
Special. This is the thing I used to dream of doing. I have had some success in the Chhallenge Cup over the past couple of seasons,. but I would dearly love to steal one from the Aussies tonight.

Your heading towards the magical number of 50 caps for your country, how does that feel?
Without getting to ahead of myself, there has been some conjecture in the press recently about the break up of GB and England tests and thankfully sanity prevailed. I play in number 48 tonight and if we get to the final it will be 50.

There aren't that many Rugby League players who can claim 50 plus test matches. How does that make you feel?
Again very proud I was able to represent my country against Nations I have faced off against. As for the others who have played 50 tests or more, I was told that Ruben Wiki and Darren Lockyer are the only players who have done so.

Then this could be a fantastic opportunity for two greats of the game to shake hands on hallowed turf?
I am sure it will be, and a great opportunity to swap jumpers with an absolute icon of the sport.

Four Nations Double Header - Wembley Stadium Sat 5/11/11 Wales V New Zealand, England V Australia

Map Sports interviews..... David Shillington

Now we are in to the rep and off season Map Sports will be catching up with some of it's athletes over the next couple of months to find out what they are up to and what their thoughts are on some of the activities they are undertaking.

First opportunity was to chat with David Shillington to get his thoughts on the weekend's Test Match against the NZ kiwis at Newcastle;

David, what were your thoughts on the Test match?

We were really focussed on getting off to a good start, which we did. Everything seemed to stick for us, including a lot of 2nd phase play which led to line breaks and good field position. From their our halves and edge runners really took advantage and put on some early points.

What about your performance?

I was relatively happy with my contribution within a good team performance. I played good minutes which surprised me considering I didn't play an enormous amount of footy this year and haven't played for over 6 weeks , plus it was really hot out there.

What was the atmosphere like?

Completely awesome! With over 30,000 supporters in that new Stadium, it was deafening at times. It is a testament to the supporters of the region that they got out in the numbers they did.

How important was that result going into the European 4 Nations?

From a team cohesion and confidence perspective it is good to know that we have performed like that in our first hit out together.

The 4 Nations will be completely different , playing against other teams in a much different climate and conditions.

Being well prepared is all we have to worry about and focussing on the job at hand until the end is ultimately what this tournament is all about.

I am looking forward to it.

The Kangaroos reassemble in Sydney this Thursday before flying out to Europe on Friday.

For all your news and fixture information, please visit; http://www.gillette4nations.co.uk/

Finals Football

Well it's been an interesting year for Map Sports and a full review will be outlined in a couple of weeks. Firstly I would like to touch on the final four teams and in particular the topical situation surrounding Darren Lockyer.

My pick for the year, the Dragons, have now been bundled out so instead of giving a winner I will discuss the remaining teams chances;

Melbourne - Have proven to be the most consistent team all year, and having 3 of the worlds best 5 players helps. They have good strike on their edges in Manu and Proctor that provides enough of a distraction for the big 3 to work their magic.

Danger - Can be susceptible against a fast powerful offence playing through the middle.

New Zealand - A real success story. Have always been their own worst enemy and seem to have the right personnel to get the side into the penultimate game of the season. Rely on second phase play and when on their game are the best in this area.

Danger - Manu The Beast. Rocks or Diamonds with the big fellah. Needs to get off to a positive start.

Manly - You can sense this team is steeled for some success this season. One of the toughest teams in the competition, they epitomise what playing for your mate is all about. Watch them to tackle the opposition out of the game and with a partisan home crowd behind them this weekend, don't expect too many penalties against them for off side.

Danger - Been up for a long time this year with rookie halves.

Brisbane - This young side has proven to be a revelation North of the border and considering the early season coaching furore have managed to find their feet quickly and get into a youthful enthusiastic rhythm.

Danger - With Lockyer missing it puts a lot of pressure on the team to find that settling influence at key moments of the match. Enter Peter Wallace.

In relation to Darren Lockyer's broken cheek bone, I find it interesting that he is not fit enough to compete this week after surgery to repair the injury. Darren Lockyer is a super tough competitor and he is fully aware of his influence on this team and it would be easy to guess that his decision to not play was based on advise of the actual potential damage that would happen after another knock on the same cheek.

I know for a fact that these injuries take more than six days to repair as I have suffered a similar injury.

What I want to know is if Lockyer's face isn't considered strong enough to play 6 days after titanium plates have been screwed in, due to potential serious injury, then who was responsible for him staying on the field against St George for the final part of the game when a hit on that same cheek could have caused permanent eye damage after his entire orbital structure collapsed?

2011 Update

Well after a much longer hiatus than planned, this blog is again live for 2011, looking forward to covering some important topics during the season and hopefully covering some of the lighter aspects of the game at times.

The season is now 6 weeks old and it would be fair to say to the competition to this point is evenly matched with some teams performing as expected and some others who have not performed to their own pre season expectations. Lets discuss their current status here;

Storm - With the best 1,7 and 9 in the world firing on all cylinders, in their shiny new home, the Storm are off to a flyer in 2011. The back end of the season will test their mettle as will an injury to one of their superstars.

Broncos - Shaken off Bennetitis and are playing some great footy, with their usual batch of youngsters stoking the fires of the elder statesmen in the team. Hodges back injury free and Lockyer set to smash a lot of records on his climb to being an immortal.

Dragons - Still the bench mark. Only one loss to a fired up little brother, and 5 wins without playing a game at either home ground. Will be very hard to stop.

Cowboys - Surprise packets of the season. Apparently took their preseason out of the gym and reintroduced themselves to the ball, and it has paid off handsomely. Thurston has been the form player of the early rounds and looks to be making a tilt at the Dally M again.

Sea Eagles - Winning more than they are losing and are playing with a real Hasler mentality. Not sure if they have the depth or petrol to last the season, Buhrer has been a revelation and looks like a long term find for the club.

Bulldogs - Purchased heavily in the off season and after getting away to a bolter, have come back to he pack in recent weeks. Will be looking to regain momentum in lead up to Origin and Test matches where they may lose a couple of players.

Knights - Rick Stone is on a hiding to nothing here and looks to be doing the best he can in the face of some fairly difficult news from a career advisory perspective. Results are going their way, but they may still be a couple of players short of really giving the premiership a shake.

Wests Tigers - Everybody's early season favourites have been a little inconsistent over the past couple of weeks and some of that can be put down to the horrific injury toll they have endured. Just when they think they have a really good excuse to lay down, they come out and beat up South Sydney. Cant afford many more injuries.

Sharks - Another surprise packet. After shocking the world by defeating the Dragons, the Sharks have played a good consistent brand of football based around their uncompromising forward pack. Unfortunately some lapses in concentration have cost them a higher position on the table.

Roosters - Just when you thought the Roosters had rid themselves of the off filed antics that had plagued them through the past couple of seasons a couple of players take it upon themselves to put all the focus back on their off field indiscretions. Desperate for some traction in the lead up to the rep season, Brian Smith will be hoping his best team can focus on more consistent performances on the field.

Warriors - TAB love this mob because they promise so much and deliver so little. Another team with a roster to die for and a home ground environment that should give them 10 points every time they play there, the Warriors have been disappointing in 2011. With the class of Mannering, Mateo, Inu and Hohia this team should still figure in a fight for the top 8 come Sept.

Rabbitohs - Another season, another false dawn. It just seems Souths are forever going to be the team that just couldn't get it right on the field. Which is unfortunate because they are the pride of the league off the field in 2011 with the leadership of Crowe and the administration positioning the club near the top of the NRL again in 2011.

Titans - Another side that has underachieved. With an ageing roster and pressure from other codes building, the Titans can ill afford consecutive lean years on the Gold Coast. Look for some consolidation though Origin and hopefully another strong run into the finals will allow them push for that elusive maiden premiership.

Panthers - Another big disappointment in 2011. After promising so much in 2010 with their second place finish, they were bundled out of the finals without a whimper and have started 2011 in the same manner. Inconsistency is their biggest issue at the moment.

Eels - New coach, new staff, new regime, same results. That doesn't sound right?! Unfortunately the new coach didn't arrive soon enough to be able to impact on the recruitment of players and it will be another year before his impact is felt properly. Look for a late run from these guys

Raiders - Definitely the biggest shock for 2011. The team that had a fairy tail finish in 2010, has spluttered and spurted to a 1 and 5 start for 2011. One or two big name recruits to bolster an already formidable outfit the Raiders have failed to deal with the lift in opposition intensity after the amount of physical bashings they dished out in 2010. Need a sharp injection of confidence if they are going to make any sort of challenge.