International triple header *live thread*

[diedpretty]

It might be unpatriotic but it was so good to see Australia get steamrolled. They had no answer to the constant stream of hard running big men. Then Tonga targetted their cats ( Mitchell DCE ) when defending. They hit them hard and often. Most of Australias errors were forced errors from hard hitting defence.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

@diedpretty Klemmer has to provide more than a hit up. At that level you must have more in your skills than he possesses.

 

[Russell]

A few observances from the three games yesterday.

* Same suspects Addo-Carr, Mitchell, Wighten, Haas and Papali who did not acknowledge the AUSTRALIAN National Anthem - I thought it was the Australian Kangaroos who played Tonga - obviously we have 5 players in the team that are NOT Australian. - Question: If so, why are they then in the team?
If they have "no passion" for the country and the jumper, maybe that is why the other teams have an advantage.

* I mentioned a couple of days ago about Mitchell and his attitude and that he was not worth one million dollars - I was pulled up for that by a few Forumers. To those people I just say I hope you watched the game and hope you have changed your opinion on what he is worth.

*I think a lot more thought needs to go into the Australian team selections and not just "let's just give some of these young blokes a go". A few changes need to be made methinks.

* Tui Lolohea is starting to come into his own - makes a difference with a good pack - Good on ya Tui I still think you are a good player and will still stand up and say so.

* How much ground did Kenny Bromwich cover to prevent that try in the corner - well done Ken - seems to be playing better than he ever has.

 

[Geo]

They aren't the sharpest tools in the shed Russ...maybe they don't know the words..

 

[rustycage]

A few observances from the three games yesterday.

* Same suspects Addo-Carr, Mitchell, Wighten, Haas and Papali who did not acknowledge the AUSTRALIAN National Anthem - I thought it was the Australian Kangaroos who played Tonga - obviously we have 5 players in the team that are NOT Australian. - Question: If so, why are they then in the team?
If they have "no passion" for the country and the jumper, maybe that is why the other teams have an advantage.

* I mentioned a couple of days ago about Mitchell and his attitude and that he was not worth one million dollars - I was pulled up for that by a few Forumers. To those people I just say I hope you watched the game and hope you have changed your opinion on what he is worth.

*I think a lot more thought needs to go into the Australian team selections and not just "let's just give some of these young blokes a go". A few changes need to be made methinks.

* Tui Lolohea is starting to come into his own - makes a difference with a good pack - Good on ya Tui I still think you are a good player and will still stand up and say so.

* How much ground did Kenny Bromwich cover to prevent that try in the corner - well done Ken - seems to be playing better than he ever has.

With respect Russ, it's ridiculous to suggest that someone is not Australian because they don't or won't sing the anthem. You might not like it, but they are still Austalians with a right to sing or not.
It has absolutely nothing to do with passion for ones country. It's the anthem they protest - nothing more.

 

[Russell]

A few observances from the three games yesterday.

* Same suspects Addo-Carr, Mitchell, Wighten, Haas and Papali who did not acknowledge the AUSTRALIAN National Anthem - I thought it was the Australian Kangaroos who played Tonga - obviously we have 5 players in the team that are NOT Australian. - Question: If so, why are they then in the team?
If they have "no passion" for the country and the jumper, maybe that is why the other teams have an advantage.

* I mentioned a couple of days ago about Mitchell and his attitude and that he was not worth one million dollars - I was pulled up for that by a few Forumers. To those people I just say I hope you watched the game and hope you have changed your opinion on what he is worth.

*I think a lot more thought needs to go into the Australian team selections and not just "let's just give some of these young blokes a go". A few changes need to be made methinks.

* Tui Lolohea is starting to come into his own - makes a difference with a good pack - Good on ya Tui I still think you are a good player and will still stand up and say so.

* How much ground did Kenny Bromwich cover to prevent that try in the corner - well done Ken - seems to be playing better than he ever has.


With respect Russ, it's ridiculous to suggest that someone is not Australian because they don't or won't sing the anthem. You might not like it, but they are still Austalians with a right to sing or not.
It has absolutely nothing to do with passion for ones country. It's the anthem they protest - nothing more.

Respect your opinion Rusty - however I disagree.

Their protests (if that is what they are doing) are no different than the "black power salute" at the Olympics. I thought that was wrong as well.

Sport is not a place for politics imho.

 

[rustycage]

A few observances from the three games yesterday.

* Same suspects Addo-Carr, Mitchell, Wighten, Haas and Papali who did not acknowledge the AUSTRALIAN National Anthem - I thought it was the Australian Kangaroos who played Tonga - obviously we have 5 players in the team that are NOT Australian. - Question: If so, why are they then in the team?
If they have "no passion" for the country and the jumper, maybe that is why the other teams have an advantage.

* I mentioned a couple of days ago about Mitchell and his attitude and that he was not worth one million dollars - I was pulled up for that by a few Forumers. To those people I just say I hope you watched the game and hope you have changed your opinion on what he is worth.

*I think a lot more thought needs to go into the Australian team selections and not just "let's just give some of these young blokes a go". A few changes need to be made methinks.

* Tui Lolohea is starting to come into his own - makes a difference with a good pack - Good on ya Tui I still think you are a good player and will still stand up and say so.

* How much ground did Kenny Bromwich cover to prevent that try in the corner - well done Ken - seems to be playing better than he ever has.


With respect Russ, it's ridiculous to suggest that someone is not Australian because they don't or won't sing the anthem. You might not like it, but they are still Austalians with a right to sing or not.
It has absolutely nothing to do with passion for ones country. It's the anthem they protest - nothing more.

Respect your opinion Rusty - however I disagree.

Their protests (if that is what they are doing) are no different than the "black power salute" at the Olympics. I thought that was wrong as well.

Sport is not a place for politics imho.

I get that Russ, but it doesn't make them not Australian and therefore not eligible for selection based on them not being Australian. In effect, you're politicising the act yourself. We agree to differ on this one I suppose - peace. :v:

 

[Masterton]

If they have “no passion” for the country and the jumper, maybe that is why the other teams have an advantage.

The blokes singing the anthem were just as bad. DCE was leading the choir and played like Shayne Dunley with the flu.

 

[WT2K]

Two more test matches next weekend.

Fiji v PNG

NZ v GB

9Gem, Fox/Kayo showing both.

 

[rustycage]

Two more test matches next weekend.

Fiji v PNG

NZ v GB

9Gem, Fox/Kayo showing both.

Wow...does it ever end?

 

[Tim Sheens]

Two more test matches next weekend.

Fiji v PNG

NZ v GB

9Gem, Fox/Kayo showing both.


Wow...does it ever end?

Yeah, used to be August pretty well every year for us. Though since moving the GF to the first Sunday in October, depending on the schedule, WT now normally get to play one game in September before our long break.

 

[dazza65]

@happy_tiger great player, below average coach IMHO

 

[diedpretty]

A few observances from the three games yesterday.

* Same suspects Addo-Carr, Mitchell, Wighten, Haas and Papali who did not acknowledge the AUSTRALIAN National Anthem - I thought it was the Australian Kangaroos who played Tonga - obviously we have 5 players in the team that are NOT Australian. - Question: If so, why are they then in the team?
If they have "no passion" for the country and the jumper, maybe that is why the other teams have an advantage.

* I mentioned a couple of days ago about Mitchell and his attitude and that he was not worth one million dollars - I was pulled up for that by a few Forumers. To those people I just say I hope you watched the game and hope you have changed your opinion on what he is worth.

*I think a lot more thought needs to go into the Australian team selections and not just "let's just give some of these young blokes a go". A few changes need to be made methinks.

* Tui Lolohea is starting to come into his own - makes a difference with a good pack - Good on ya Tui I still think you are a good player and will still stand up and say so.

* How much ground did Kenny Bromwich cover to prevent that try in the corner - well done Ken - seems to be playing better than he ever has.


With respect Russ, it's ridiculous to suggest that someone is not Australian because they don't or won't sing the anthem. You might not like it, but they are still Austalians with a right to sing or not.
It has absolutely nothing to do with passion for ones country. It's the anthem they protest - nothing more.

There were a couple of " white " guys - no disrespect intended - who didn't sing as well. However I was a bit shocked at JAC flashing his mouthguard with the Aboriginal flag on it during the anthem. That was obviously planned.

 

[Harvey]

A few observances from the three games yesterday.

* Same suspects Addo-Carr, Mitchell, Wighten, Haas and Papali who did not acknowledge the AUSTRALIAN National Anthem - I thought it was the Australian Kangaroos who played Tonga - obviously we have 5 players in the team that are NOT Australian. - Question: If so, why are they then in the team?
If they have "no passion" for the country and the jumper, maybe that is why the other teams have an advantage.

* I mentioned a couple of days ago about Mitchell and his attitude and that he was not worth one million dollars - I was pulled up for that by a few Forumers. To those people I just say I hope you watched the game and hope you have changed your opinion on what he is worth.

*I think a lot more thought needs to go into the Australian team selections and not just "let's just give some of these young blokes a go". A few changes need to be made methinks.

* Tui Lolohea is starting to come into his own - makes a difference with a good pack - Good on ya Tui I still think you are a good player and will still stand up and say so.

* How much ground did Kenny Bromwich cover to prevent that try in the corner - well done Ken - seems to be playing better than he ever has.


With respect Russ, it's ridiculous to suggest that someone is not Australian because they don't or won't sing the anthem. You might not like it, but they are still Austalians with a right to sing or not.
It has absolutely nothing to do with passion for ones country. It's the anthem they protest - nothing more.

There were a couple of " white " guys - no disrespect intended - who didn't sing as well. However I was a bit shocked at JAC flashing his mouthguard with the Aboriginal flag on it during the anthem. That was obviously planned.

Maybe their preparation should have focused more on their opponents and the game, rather than how they were going to make political statements.

 

[gallagher]

A few observances from the three games yesterday.

* Same suspects Addo-Carr, Mitchell, Wighten, Haas and Papali who did not acknowledge the AUSTRALIAN National Anthem - I thought it was the Australian Kangaroos who played Tonga - obviously we have 5 players in the team that are NOT Australian. - Question: If so, why are they then in the team?
If they have "no passion" for the country and the jumper, maybe that is why the other teams have an advantage.

* I mentioned a couple of days ago about Mitchell and his attitude and that he was not worth one million dollars - I was pulled up for that by a few Forumers. To those people I just say I hope you watched the game and hope you have changed your opinion on what he is worth.

*I think a lot more thought needs to go into the Australian team selections and not just "let's just give some of these young blokes a go". A few changes need to be made methinks.

* Tui Lolohea is starting to come into his own - makes a difference with a good pack - Good on ya Tui I still think you are a good player and will still stand up and say so.

* How much ground did Kenny Bromwich cover to prevent that try in the corner - well done Ken - seems to be playing better than he ever has.


With respect Russ, it's ridiculous to suggest that someone is not Australian because they don't or won't sing the anthem. You might not like it, but they are still Austalians with a right to sing or not.
It has absolutely nothing to do with passion for ones country. It's the anthem they protest - nothing more.

There were a couple of " white " guys - no disrespect intended - who didn't sing as well. However I was a bit shocked at JAC flashing his mouthguard with the Aboriginal flag on it during the anthem. That was obviously planned.

Maybe their preparation should have focused more on their opponents and the game, rather than how they were going to make political statements.

Yep, they have put themselves in the position that the question will be asked now.

 

[Lauren]

Do people seriously believe the lack of "anthem singing" affected the result of that game? I somewhat agree with rustycage, and think some of you are outraged for the totally wrong reasons.

Blame Mal for the team selections. He's a myth of a coach anyway.

FYI Addo-Carr wears a mouthguard with the Aboriginal logo during most games he's played over the past couple of years (and has flashed it quite frequently, including in Origin and in last week's game).
His reasoning is to display pride in his Aboriginal heritage, as well as for inspiration or motivation for all Indigenous kids. So you want to hold that against him.

It's disgusting to see any ignorant comments re: the Indigenous issues the players are trying to highlight - which actually include Aboriginal recognition in the Constitution, Youth suicide and Youth detention.

So yeah if that big robust Tongan forward pack had players such as Cook and Tedesco rattled, how hard is it fathom that others were too.

This is a free country and everyone is entitled to voice their opinions.
I happen to agree the anthem is non-inclusive of our Indigenous population and honestly wish the politics would be left out of this forum ALTOGETHER because some of the comments just look borderline racist and it's disappointing to see.

 

[trentrunciman]

Do people seriously believe the lack of "anthem singing" affected the result of that game? I somewhat agree with rustycage, and think some of you are outraged for the totally wrong reasons.

Blame Mal for the team selections. He's a myth of a coach anyway.

nah, i reckon its the scheduling. Some of those boys played non stop since March...

 

[Russell]

Do people seriously believe the lack of "anthem singing" affected the result of that game? I somewhat agree with rustycage, and think some of you are outraged for the totally wrong reasons.

Blame Mal for the team selections. He's a myth of a coach anyway.

FYI Addo-Carr wears a mouthguard with the Aboriginal logo during most games he's played over the past couple of years (and has flashed it quite frequently, including in Origin and in last week's game).
His reasoning is to display pride in his Aboriginal heritage, as well as for inspiration or motivation for all Indigenous kids. So you want to hold that against him.

It's disgusting to see any ignorant comments re: the Indigenous issues the players are trying to highlight - which actually include Aboriginal recognition in the Constitution, Youth suicide and Youth detention.

So yeah if that big robust Tongan forward pack had players such as Cook and Tedesco rattled, how hard is it fathom that others were too.

This is a free country and everyone is entitled to voice their opinions.
I happen to agree the anthem is non-inclusive of our Indigenous population and honestly wish the politics would be left out of this forum ALTOGETHER because some of the comments just look borderline racist and it's disappointing to see.

Hang On Lauren, Hang on there.

They make a statement about indigenous issues i.e. Aboriginal recognition in the constitution, youth suicide and youth detention etc. etc. and that is fair.

I make a comment that 5 of them did not sing the AUSTRALIAN National Anthem and I am being racist.

I am tired of the fact that indigenous people cannot be criticised - how about equal rights for us "Australians that do sing the National Anthem."

 

[Lauren]

Look I genuinely didn't mean to offend anyone at all, so sincerely apologise if I did. But some opinions or beliefs are a little uncomfortable to read because of how outdated they are.

It doesn't hurt me one bit what a person chooses to do (or not do) and I'm just a little perplexed as to how this even comes into the equation.

This country has always had racism issues, you need only to remember that the Apartheid was modelled off the Queensland Policy.

I honestly think this country still has a long way to go and it begins with creating the right dialogue and I'm not offended to hear the issues of our First Peoples and neither should anyone else.

IDC one iota bout what Latrell or Wighton are passionate about but my own passion is working with kids, so naturally I listen when this is one of their messages.

They actually wanted to do it silently yet the fans are making the bigger issue out of it.

 

[jirskyr]

I personally reckon singing or not singing the anthem is not worth any angst or upset.

Some blokes don't sing because they don't like singing, and don't forget they are on camera. Some don't rate the anthem specifically as a song. And yes some are being political.

The thing is, if not singing an anthem actually affects you, then you have responded in exactly the way the political types want you to respond, so you are being played. Best thing you can do, if you don't like political statements, is ignore them and defuse their power. A statement by itself means nothing if there is no associated action / scandal / debate.

And if you aren't bothered either way, you can also ignore them.

Thus the best action for everyone is to just not think about it too hard.