tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23260063962741870582024-03-14T04:47:38.237+11:00The word from The Big BoyThe Big Boy: A blog dedicated to supporters of the Cronulla Sharks. This blog is an attempt to be an independent source of information and opinion on currently the worst club in the NRL.The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-58207709921227177412013-09-02T10:56:00.002+10:002013-09-02T10:56:58.678+10:003 years! It's been 3 years since I last posted on. Here. I might resurrect it.The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-52650212201500656102011-05-23T14:02:00.002+10:002011-05-23T14:05:58.502+10:00COME TO THE BIG BOY TONIGHT.<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ac/Frank_Hyde_-_rugby_league_radio_broadcaster.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ac/Frank_Hyde_-_rugby_league_radio_broadcaster.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I will be hosting the away game coverage for the Sharks v Parra in the lounge bar at the club. <br /><br />Expect non expert commentary, bad jokes, trivia, prizes, music, the blatant theft of Roy and HGs material and hopefully some special guests. Schooners are $3 while the game is on, so you cant afford NOT to go.The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-44502699494098739922011-05-11T10:16:00.002+10:002011-05-11T10:45:13.099+10:00Kade Snowden, Luke Douglas, Chris Sandow, Jamal Idris: Why they moved clubs- unfair advantages.<a href="http://fermentation.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/handshake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 324px; height: 214px;" src="http://fermentation.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/handshake.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I can tell you right now why Kade Snowden signed with Newcastle. He was offered 320k by Newcastle a year (plus a few bonuses). Cronulla offered him closer to 400k. Dont try and tell me that he didnt want to stay in Cronulla, as before the walking heart attack got on the phone to him he <em>almost</em> announced to the world he was going to stay loyal. Sure, there are benefits to playing under Bennett and getting involved with the Knights, but the <em>real</em> reason he signed with Newcastle?<br /><br />His manager was offered a $50k "finders fee" if he could get the deal over the line. <br /><br />The same thing happened with Luke Douglas at the Titans, and Idris, and Sandow. Tell a manager that there is a financial benefit to them personally in getting their player to take a lower deal, and they will make it happen come hell or high water. They simply get in the players ear (who they have provided advice, support and guidance to for many years) and say things like-<br /><br />"Kade, Ive heard the Sharks are in trouble mate. They are a good club, but Ive heard they may not be around in the next couple of years. Look after yourself and look elsewhere."<br />"Jamal, Ive heard that the Dogs think youre a bit over-rated mate. They arent going to look after you like the Titans will." <br /><br />The players believe the lie and all they are doing is increasing the player managers bank balance at their own expense. Sow one seed of doubt and reap the harvest come springtime.<br /><br /><br /><br />We all know that there isnt a level playing field in the NRL and no-one but the naive was shocked about the Melbourne Storm scandal. This is just another example of clubs finding a way to improve squad value by paying extra in clandestine ways. Trouble is, smaller clubs like the Sharks cant and wont compete in this black market and it means that we will lose marquee players time and time again. Whats worse is that the extra money isnt even going to the players, its going to greedy player managers who have their own best interests at heart, not their clients. The NRL cant and wont do anything about it because <strong>a)</strong> its too hard to prove and <strong>b)</strong> the managers wield so much control, it would be detrimental to the game to take them on for the sake of $50k here and there. Sigh.The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-66951298991440790592011-05-01T17:07:00.002+10:002011-05-01T17:36:20.170+10:00Tactical Brilliance.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xgf8pc8uG4g/Tb0NXWmL6kI/AAAAAAAAAD0/qSmEEB_YsxE/s1600/791550-shane-flanagan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xgf8pc8uG4g/Tb0NXWmL6kI/AAAAAAAAAD0/qSmEEB_YsxE/s200/791550-shane-flanagan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601648206372661826" /></a><br />I always knew that this year was going to be tough..... And after two good victories, it has been proven to be tougher than I could possibly imagine. What killing me is our ability to be eyeballs deep in a game and to then go on and lose, and lose badly. We were winning by 13 against manly, 12 against souths and 6 against Newcastle only to be heartbroken, robbed and then lapped. Funny thing is, earlier in the year Supercoach Flanno made the astonishing comment that "we need to play for 70 minutes and we will be ok". If that statement, and its subsequent and summary dismissals over the past week isnt enough to concern you, i, I will outline several tactical moves from the Souths game by Supercoach Flanno below that prove to me the guy is kinda crazy.<br /><br />1. Playing Nathan Gardner. Blind Freddy could see that Don Burke looked lame and sore from the warm up, and it just got worse from kick off. What if he had aggravated his injury badly and been out for the season? Not only did he risk our best attacking players season, he weakened our team by playing a shot duck.<br />2.YEAH BOYS, TAKE THE 2!! We dont have a kicker on the field, Souths are under the pump and its 12-0. We score a try from that penalty, we win. Thats the equation. What is this guys obsession with the penalty goal? Our defence has proven to leak up to 30 points a game, so why are we trying to sit on small leads in the first half?<br />3. Ben Bomberoy for Hot Dog Williams. Williams goes off injured so we need a backline re-shuffle. The role of Winger these days requires them to catch more bombs than an afghani miltary cadet. Its raining. We have a competent winger in Colin Best with experience and form in the position at several clubs. But Supercoach shuffles the man with the worst hands in the history of the club to the wing. He spills two bombs, one in attack and one in defence and both hurt us BADLY.<br />4. Kicking. At no point during the game did Souths have a fullback anywhere behind the line before the 4th tackle. We did not attempt one early tackle count 40/20, a chip and chase or a grubber. Did he not see this MASSIVE chink in Souths armour, or did he see it and choose to ignore it? Either way, its incompetence.<br /><br />What worries me is that with Morris and Kelly out and the churn from the Rep season, I cant see things getting any better. I know hes a rookie coach and deserves some slack, but farken hell Flanno, use your brains.The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-47407461688425051782011-03-25T14:09:00.005+11:002011-03-25T15:43:30.577+11:005 Magnificent Victories (Like Monday night) by the mighties.In view of the absolutly magnificent smashing of THE STAIN MERGE disgrace on monday night; Let us review Five of the clubs best victories that filled supporters with that far too rare feeling of superiority, hope and glory. I have only considered REGULAR season games, so no finals etc.<br /><br /><strong>Rd 1 1967. Sharks 11 Easts 5. Sydney Sports Ground.</strong><br /><br />When the sharks started off they were a bunch of wide eyed local youngsters (amateurs), a few reasonable journeymen and one experienced hard head. The shire was far flung from the city, and our facilities were sub standard, even for those days. No-one gave them a chance against more fancied and established clubs. What a welcome surprise to belt the tri-colours in an away match to open our first grade account.<br /><br /><strong>Rd 22 2002. Sharks 64 Newcastle 14.</strong><br />Unlike other floggings we have dished out, going into this match things were evenly poised. Newcastle had belted us earlier in the year, they were the reigning premiers and were pretty much full strength. This was an example of <em>everything</em> going our way on the field. The cherry on top was a full field effort where a rampaging Paul Mellor swatted away a Newcastle defender 5 or six times on the way to the try line. Apparently the boys sang the victory song at half time.<br /><a href="http://www.4eva.com/media/1/913.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 527px; height: 550px;" src="http://www.4eva.com/media/1/913.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Rd 22 1988. Sharks 16 St George 14.</strong><br /><br />This match ensured that we won our first minor premiership. We were down by 6 or 8 points and a couple of bustling tries scored in front of beer hill late in the game meant we got the bikkies. To this point the crowd of 18,500 was a ground record. The boys did a lap of honour around the big boy with the J.J Giltinan shield, which Gav Miller later recounted as a "mistake".<br /><br /><a href="http://www.4eva.com/media/1/34.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 327px; height: 228px;" src="http://www.4eva.com/media/1/34.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />http://www.4eva.com/videos/1988_round_22.wmv<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Rd 24 2005. Sharks 68 Manly 6</strong><br /><br />The best day at Shark Park Ive ever had. Manly were depleted to begin with and then injuries to Brett Stewart and someone else meant they only had 2 players on the bench. In glorious winter sunshine we ran rampant to record the clubs biggest ever winning margin. Against the old enemy. In heritage round while wearing a "retro" strip. The only time Ive ever seen the bar sell KB too.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98rntSx9Ll8<br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTmLej0grURYdYe9ECzztH92eWDcCIa3hiM6-8CJBTyzg40TN16&t=1"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTmLej0grURYdYe9ECzztH92eWDcCIa3hiM6-8CJBTyzg40TN16&t=1" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Rd 2 2011 Sharks 16 St George Illawarra 10</strong><br /><br />The Dragons are world champs, reigning premiers and havent lost a game in months. The sharks have endured arguably their worst 2 years of on field performances and are $6.00 outsiders. In heavy rain the sharks smash, grind, belt and crunch their fancied rivals into the mud restoring pride back into the club.<br /><br /><a href="http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2011/03/22/1226025/807571-sharks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 650px; height: 366px;" src="http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2011/03/22/1226025/807571-sharks.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-68939018175577155932011-03-17T13:29:00.003+11:002011-03-17T13:32:46.384+11:00The wash up against Raiders.<a href="http://www.thevine.com.au/resources/imgdetail/100309113614_goldenplains_gallery_main.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 455px; height: 290px;" src="http://www.thevine.com.au/resources/imgdetail/100309113614_goldenplains_gallery_main.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />40-12 defeat. Blake Fergurson has a field day. Our ball security is shocking as usual. Our defence worse. <br /><br />Doesnt matter. I didnt even watch it. I was so negative about our chances I went to the Golden Plains festival in Melbourne. Picture this, a music festival with no queues for food/drink/toilet set in a beautiful natural location, you can bring your own beer and the Hold Steady were playing.<br /><br /><br /><br />Sadly there is no such peaceful option for Monday night and I will be at the big boy for the derby.I have never dreaded watching a sharks game so much in my life.The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-13319187783136386182011-03-17T13:11:00.001+11:002011-03-17T13:17:59.601+11:00Preston Campbell. 250 games<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c8D83YO3GVg/TYFvQjhF6II/AAAAAAAAADs/7zYsj3xT9j8/s1600/nutter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c8D83YO3GVg/TYFvQjhF6II/AAAAAAAAADs/7zYsj3xT9j8/s200/nutter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584867343118755970" /></a><br />So,<br /><br />The little champion, Preston Campbell, brings up 250 NRL games this weekend. Imagine if he played 250 games for the sharks? Thanks alot Chris!The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-3203217872936786402011-02-23T15:53:00.003+11:002011-02-23T16:03:22.909+11:00The photographic proof of the big boy dominating US and A<a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182200_10150150991799954_687594953_8304290_4019392_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 720px; height: 594px;" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182200_10150150991799954_687594953_8304290_4019392_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Repping the NW Hill at the Utah Jazz v Charlotte Bobcats. Those tshirt bazookas are pretty impressive.<br /><br /><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181719_10150150990244954_687594953_8304240_955720_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 720px; height: 540px;" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181719_10150150990244954_687594953_8304240_955720_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />You need to click on the above one.The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-80683179924933649982011-02-23T15:20:00.003+11:002011-02-23T15:40:12.759+11:00The wonderful positivity of a yes vote!<a href="http://c0013654.cdn1.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/x2_4b46c64"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" src="http://c0013654.cdn1.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/x2_4b46c64" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />So I along with many, many others attended the EGM on monday night. And Ive gotta say, what a night! Despite many being concerned that the vote wouldnt get the required 50% + 1 to get through, when I saw E.T, Gav Miller, Jonno Docking, Luke Douglas, Dave Faulkner and a sea of others wearing sharks polos in the foyer, I knew we were a shoe in. Paul Aiton and the 20s boys were enthusiastically handing out chairs. And when the one dissenter (Jack Stewart, life member and maker of long winded speeches) was met with audible groans there was no way this was ever going to fail. When the hands flew up in approval, it felt like a win. Some positive news for battling supporters. The wonderful positivity of a yes vote washed over everyone in the room.<br /><br />The fact is, this arrangement with the consortium is the best deal for the club that is humanly and spiritually possible. Some feel we should be able to realise more money out of the asset, and a more risky strategy could realise bigger dollar values. But more risk, is just that, risk. We cant afford that right now. What we need is a well researched, solid, commercially viable plan that give us short and long term funds and ensures not only that we exist in longevity, but that we prosper. This plan categorically provides that. If you dont agree with it, I challenge you to seriously come up with a better and safer plan, budget it, and present it to me. You cant, can you? Didnt think so.<br /><br />The board and the consortium partners should be applauded for their thorough efforts and they deserve the buzz they would have received when this was so summarily accepted. It is again a good time to be a Sharks fan.<br /><br />The fact that the application has been accepted to be heard as a part 3a by state government ALREADY, and the fact that Woolies, Coles, Aldi and Dan Murphys are ready to sign on, is proof eternal that these guys that we jumped into bed with are the real deal. I hope they make alot of money out of this development. And of course, I hope we do too.<br /><br /><br />It felt like a post game celebration in the Sludge bar afterwards, but it was bigger than that. It was the first day of a new era. Be happy.The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-70181562095048286572011-01-14T14:33:00.001+11:002011-01-14T14:36:11.464+11:00Other Hipster Stuff: The Rapture.Hey, I did a review for my mates at scenedeath.com.au<br /><br />http://www.scenedeath.com.au/reviews/the-rapture-at-the-metro.htmlThe Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-17649530043769294642010-10-20T12:22:00.005+11:002010-10-20T14:33:55.246+11:00New player signing rumours.The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-14733719043699780152010-10-13T11:55:00.002+11:002010-10-13T11:59:57.674+11:00THE CRONULLA SUTHERLAND GODZILLAS<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hXuw7w-Dfy8/TLUEcoUCWZI/AAAAAAAAADc/c-zeX_93pYw/s1600/GDZ.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 242px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hXuw7w-Dfy8/TLUEcoUCWZI/AAAAAAAAADc/c-zeX_93pYw/s320/GDZ.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527329007571458450" /></a><br /><br /><br />Godzilla is my hero. He lurks about in the depths, encased in ice for centuries and is then awoken by some kind of nuclear event. Angry, he marches ashore and destroys cities by stomping all over them, eating trains, breathing fire and swatting away 747s like pesky mosquitoes. As long as he stays away from power stations he is invincible. <br /><br />The sharks should rebrand as the Godzillas, the sleeping, angry giants hell bent on destruction. We have seen what being called the Sharks has got us. Nothing. What is there to lose?<br /><br />I have already done the logo.The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-45660898708613406922010-10-07T14:20:00.003+11:002010-10-07T15:12:35.883+11:00Dragons Mania, shire pride, the never ending downward spiral and depression.<a href="http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2010/09/19/1225926/440207-dragons.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 650px; height: 366px;" src="http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2010/09/19/1225926/440207-dragons.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />The week just gone has been a bad week for Sharks supporters. Hopefully it will be the end of a bad couple of years, but to see our mortal enemies, the merged Dragons suceed while we flounder badly hurts. When the sharks would go bad, it would be some kind of comfort to sit back and watch the dragons implode and choke in the finals. No such luck this year. And it has left me, and many other long time supporters to wonder; when will it end?<br /><br />What hurts even more is to see our homeland, the Cronulla district FILLED to the brim with support for the Dragons. Certain shops (namely Eloura take away, the shearers cook bakery, and Pauls famous hamburgers) which service the district should hang their head in shame at their outward support of the dragons and have lost this discerning customers ongoing business. Homes were decorated. And the worst was the cars. Scores of cars with dragons flags and streamers proudly waving in the wind. You would think that the sharks didnt exist, and to many of the local residents, they dont. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Now, let me clarify. It is any persons right to support who they want. But if you live in an area that is serviced by a certain team, and if you are a business, you have a moral obligation to support your local product, just as the local community supports you. Dont like it? Move.<br /><br />So despairing is the situation that long time supporter and mate of mine, Garbz posted the following on the CSSC forum.<br /><br /><strong>This week has convinced me that the Sharks have no future in the Shire. There are more Dragons fans here than Sharks fans; the place has been a sea of red and white all throughout the finals series. Even when we were showing some signs of success back in the Johnny Lang days I don't remember ever seeing so much black, white and blue in the area.<br /><br />All the NRL would lose by either forcing us to relocate or forcibly taking our license and awarding it to some other region is the support of about 8000 people. The vacuum would very quickly be filled up by the Dragons, who would probably play a couple of games at Woolooware and pull bigger crowds than we ever have anyway.<br /><br />With that in mind, we have four options:<br /><br />1. Cling for dear life to our current position in the Shire, pandering to the needs of 8000 or so selfish fans (including myself) and never really amounting to anything until the time eventually arrives when we fall over (not necessarily due to poor management, either.)<br /><br />2. Fold. Kind of pointless really.<br /><br />3. Relocate. Probably our best option; it would be a matter of finding a suitable place to move to where the Sharks brand can take off. I'm thinking that a relocation merger with the Perth Reds would be the best option - Western Australia is due for another crack at the top league.<br /><br />4. Merge. Unfortunately, I don't see any club that would be willing to accept us an equal partner in a merge. I expect this would be more of a take-over and we'd get a token strip of blue on a jersey (if that.) I'm sure the Dragons would be happy to take us over... but I'm not sure how popular that'd be.<br /><br />Discuss. </strong><br /><br />Scary stuff. However, I have to disagree with Garbz here. While it is a disconcerting time, I think the following applies with regards to dragons-mania.<br /><br />- The dragons have one of the biggest fan bases in the NRL. This comes mainly from a few factors : 1)They are essentially 2 teams and cover a huge geographic area.2) Theyre ongoing success in the 60s and 70s engendered an entire generation of support and this was passed on to succeeding generations.<br />- The dragons have many fair-weather fans who loudly and proudly come out of their holes when times are good. This is the same for any NRL team, but strangely, even more for these guys.<br />- The shire is essentially a utopian island within festering dragons territory. Some seepage has to be expected.<br />- The soccer world cup seemed to be the beginning of the car-flag craze. I reckon from now on, whenever there is a big sporting event, we will see much more car decoration than there has been in the past.<br /><br /><br />Heres the sting. If the sharks were to win minor premierships back to back and then go on to win a gf, I reckon our levels of support would be up there (not quite as good as) the dragons. However, and this is where Garbz negativity comes from, where are these wins going to come from? If we continue to flounder at the bottom of the table, will we be eaten up? I dont know.<br /><br />The only consolation I can take is that there is a certain purity in supporting a perrenial underdog. Dragons fans felt hard done by that they had to wait 31 years to see success and when it came, they rightfully celebrated. How sweet then, will our victory hour be, when and if it comes.<br /><br />Keep your chins up and go the Sharkies.The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-80530366235046554162010-08-23T15:27:00.005+10:002010-08-23T15:43:49.533+10:00Places Blake Ferguson is banned from;<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hXuw7w-Dfy8/THIIcU9_XMI/AAAAAAAAACs/YhZobQyz8ho/s1600/180px-BLAKE_FERGUSON_.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 235px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hXuw7w-Dfy8/THIIcU9_XMI/AAAAAAAAACs/YhZobQyz8ho/s320/180px-BLAKE_FERGUSON_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508474576985611458" /></a><br /><br />Either by the club or by the establishment<br /><br /><strong>- Northies<br />- Fusion<br />- McDonalds Cronulla<br />- My House</strong>The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-75850615446206520662010-08-23T14:10:00.004+10:002010-08-23T15:20:11.577+10:00Losers, Losers, Losers.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hXuw7w-Dfy8/THH2qghfYYI/AAAAAAAAACU/4I4JJemBbbw/s1600/breakingbad(3).jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hXuw7w-Dfy8/THH2qghfYYI/AAAAAAAAACU/4I4JJemBbbw/s320/breakingbad(3).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508455029396169090" /></a><br />God Im annoyed.<br /><br />The big boy hasnt been around much lately, frankly because Im so damn sick of losing. Yeah, yeah, great win against the Roosters (and I spiralled out of control in celebration in the Cross until 330am). But fuck, the season was already gone and it was our tenth win in two million games and Im starting to lose it (2 million and 2 if you count this years trials).<br /><br />A part of me thinks that we should just wind the club up and cut our losses. Its not like we have to look hard for a loss to cut. The club has slipped so far behind the pack that the road to success seems astonishgly out of reach. Losing is a cancer that is within the fabric of this club, and like the lead character in Breaking Bad, the cancer is in the lymph nodes and there doesnt seem to be a cure for that yet. Trouble is, the Breaking Bad dude strarting to be really epic on his way out and start dealing meth, killing gangsters and just being a general bad ass. What have we done? Nothing. What does anybody care? None.<br /><br />This sucks. The NRL sucks. The Sharks suck. Modern Music is crap. FUCK THIS.The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-84997252615905283122010-08-13T18:28:00.001+10:002010-08-13T18:29:57.497+10:00I'm backIm sitting in the pb stand watching the 20s actually win and I would like to say: hi Blaise! Thanks for caring.The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-83877590253962139672010-07-29T11:29:00.006+10:002010-10-07T15:14:56.249+11:00Addressing the SMH Agenda:<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hXuw7w-Dfy8/TFDfgzu9cMI/AAAAAAAAACM/Gy3G_YnM3YM/s1600/SMH.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hXuw7w-Dfy8/TFDfgzu9cMI/AAAAAAAAACM/Gy3G_YnM3YM/s320/SMH.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499140899755356354" /></a><br />Its been pretty plain over the past couple of days that the Sydney Morning Herald has ramped up its agenda to unsettle our club and has firmly put the blowtorch onto our Chairman, Damian Irvine. As is usual in these things, the truth is meekly lying somewhere under a frozen tundra of half truths, bullshit and petty revengeful lies. Let me address the 'issues' that the Herald believes will bring our club to its knees below.<br /><br /><strong>D. Irvine approached Ricky to appoint Paul Gallen as captain: </strong> This can hardly be disputed as an email was leaked to the journo by a member of the board. My point is; <em>so what</em>? Paul Gallen is a sharks lifer, week in, week out he is head and shoulders above the rest of the players and leads the team with monumental, herculean efforts. I know for a fact that he was gutted to lose the captaincy last year. His penance for an idiotic comment has been paid. Uncle Trent, whilst being a fine player and leader has been wishy washy at best about his future and seemed certain to retire at years end. Irvine's email was merely a suggestion and was written with due respect and courtesy. Whats the big deal? He wasn't insisting Gal was instated at Trent's expense and from day 1 the decision was always Ricky's.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><strong>Irvine has lost the support of the board and will be asked to stand down.</strong> I'm not privy to boardroom conversations, but I do know that if this was true (and I highly doubt it) it cant even be done constitutionally. I'm pretty sure that for a chairman to be ousted this needs to go to a vote of the membership(Gows set up was different because he brought the club into disrepute, apparently). Irvine always struck me as the kind of bloke who would stand down if he felt he had lost the support of the majority of the board anyway. I'm willing to bet he has the entire board behind him, bar one or two Pierce supporters who are responsible for the leaks.<br /><br /><strong>Debbie Feeney is dodgy.</strong> From what I understand, Debbie did a magnificent job in turning around the fortunes of the Marconi club. In doing this she had to step on a few toes by changing the clubs old world culture. Now that she has left, the knives are out. To me, this indicates that she is the woman for the job at the Sharks. Fearless, driven and with results on the board. There is no police investigation into the alleged fraud, because the Marconi club wont release all of the details. What does that tell you?<br /><br />Ricky Stuart is a hard, proud man with contact across the media from decades in the game. He is able to pull favours in and he can be vicious and petty. Seems a strange coincidence to me that as soon as the pressure starts getting put on <em>his</em> job (and rightly so, 10 wins from 40 starts) that a slew of bad press comes out about the guy who is immediately responsible for his ongoing employment.<br /><br />In other news, this TAUPO deal looks pretty awesome. Taupo city council have money in the bank and want to open peoples eyes to the possibilities of the area. If the Sharks are to profit from this, then well and good!<br /><br />I'm off to Leichhardt on Saturday night. I'm frightened. Last time I felt this frightened we played the Roosters away, so lets go!The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-42216630283794655602010-07-13T15:55:00.000+10:002010-07-13T15:56:09.352+10:00Holidays.After that pathetic showing, Ill see you all next week. Im going on holidays and I wont be watching the Manly game.<br /><br />Thanks for another awesome season filled with joy and happiness guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-49913885438052415522010-07-07T10:25:00.003+10:002010-07-07T10:40:44.446+10:00The Big Boys first (shithouse) interview. Shane Flanagan.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hXuw7w-Dfy8/TDPMraCY46I/AAAAAAAAABs/YeEU1gZPve0/s1600/Ricky-Stuart-with-assistant-Shane-Flanagan-6335818.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 244px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hXuw7w-Dfy8/TDPMraCY46I/AAAAAAAAABs/YeEU1gZPve0/s320/Ricky-Stuart-with-assistant-Shane-Flanagan-6335818.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490957416790549410" /></a><br />First thing: This was a guerilla interview, Flano had no idea he was going on record. Second thing: I was hell drunk (it was in the summertime bar after the dragons game). Third thing: I kept asking people (supporters, admin staff, players) how they felt when they saw the red v (attempting to illicit a response) and most of them said "physically ill", "sick", or "like throwing up". Fourth thing: I dont know Flano from a bar of soap, and Ive never interviewed anyone before.<br /><br />So here we go.<br /><br /><strong>The Big Boy</strong>: Congrats on the appointment to the head coach role mate, we are all behind you.<br /><strong>Flano</strong>: Thanks mate.<br /><strong>TBB</strong>: So you must be pretty excited.<br /><strong>Flano</strong>: To tell you the truth, I am.<br /><strong>TBB</strong>: Ill bet you are in a few of those origin players ears in camp about coming to the Sharks, or you better be.<br /><strong>Flano</strong>: Yeah. *Nervous laughter*<br /><strong>TBB</strong>: So, how do you feel when you see the red v?<br /><strong>Flano</strong>: What do you mean?<br /><strong>TBB</strong>: When you see the red v on the front of the dragons jersey, how does that make you feel?<br /><strong>Flano</strong>. Absolutely nothing.<br /><strong>TBB</strong>: (flaking out) Thanks for your time, have a good one.<br /><br /><br />Told you it was shithouse.<br /><br /><br />The next exciting interview from the big boy will be 2010 SG Ball coach and all round bonehead legend, Dave Howlett, talking about how to get your spawn from bludging "fun" park football into the big time.The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-34050194209177114182010-07-03T14:54:00.011+10:002010-07-06T10:50:00.841+10:00A message to Blake FergusonIm typing this from my iphone so it's going to be short. A message to Blake Ferguson: Good riddance you ungrateful, split pea heart, over hyped *******. Thanks for nothing, you grub. You should play out the rest of the year in reggies and hand back any money above your base salary to help the sharks with their problems that so cruelly drove you away.The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-68316215853529914312010-07-02T15:36:00.003+10:002010-07-02T15:55:06.450+10:00Biggest comeback ever? I dont care.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hXuw7w-Dfy8/TC1-8DDRPwI/AAAAAAAAABU/ARHNf38vjdk/s1600/New-pig.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hXuw7w-Dfy8/TC1-8DDRPwI/AAAAAAAAABU/ARHNf38vjdk/s320/New-pig.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489183090910772994" /></a><br />There have been a few remarks flying around cyber-space about how quiet the big boy has been since we sputtered over the line against a pathetic cowboys outfit, thus eclipsing our record for the clubs biggest comeback. Whilst I heartily appreciate this blogs supporters thirst for more content, my comments about the loss to the Dragons should be remembered. <br /><br />Whilst the comeback was noteworthy in that it was an awfully strange game, and I enjoy seeing J Thurston, captain sooky lala, have a shocking game (HOW did he miss that goal?); the victory rang hollow for me after such a poor showing in the derby. Again I will reiterate; a loss at home to the Dragons is unacceptable. Any ensuing vicotry in the redneck north against a team running worse than us, in a stilting, stumbling fashion just isnt going to get my pulse racing. Worse than that was our cringe inducing ability to almost lose this golden point encounter when the Cowboys gave us a gilt edged opportunity to put a clinic on.<br /><br />In other news.I hear that we are chasing Brett White and Pig Riddell. Brett White sucks, but I dont mind the pig. Sure, hes fat and comical, but hes actually a pretty tough, crafty player and hes a good carachter. The kind of idiot who gets people through the gates. Get the pig on board!<br /><br />In other, other news: I am listening to the Stooges right now.The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-65896702121502586212010-06-21T12:49:00.003+10:002010-10-07T15:15:21.266+11:00The Big Boy blows up about the result of the derby.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hXuw7w-Dfy8/TB7ZVzEdWbI/AAAAAAAAABM/m9Lzj1VQokA/s1600/jd.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 304px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hXuw7w-Dfy8/TB7ZVzEdWbI/AAAAAAAAABM/m9Lzj1VQokA/s320/jd.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485060364693232050" /></a><br />After one of the night games earlier this year I was having a chat to Jonathon Docking and Gav Miller in the bar. This was about 3 weeks after we had been trounced by the Dragons by forty odd at that cesspit, WIN Stadium. I was there and it was one of the worst performances Ive ever seen from our boys and it hurt worse than some kind of testicular injury to see that little rat Jamie Soward running riot and prancing goals from all over the park.<br /><br />I was stoked to hear that Docko was equally as disappointed and dismissive in that performance. I believe he said that something along the lines of "When I was playing, it was absolutely unforgivable to lose the derby. You just lifted for it, we hated them and would do <em>anything</em> to smash them". Gav Miller just nodded quietly in agreement.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Fast forward to yesterday. Bright sunny day, biggest crowd in for ages, we've had a week off and they are missing a calvalcade of troops after their insipid origin display. The dragons were ripe for the picking. Sure, they are a quality side on top of the table, but I doubt there would be a better time this year to play them.<br /><br />We were willing. We tried hard. It was great to see Jamie Soward get smashed. However, we were still beaten convincingly. <br /><br />Despite the effort, thats not good enough. The dragons have more money, more supporters, better players, 658 home grounds and they seem to be protected species at the moment. As an island of good in a red and white sea of filth, it is our players duty to go out there and win the derby at home. For years we fielded sub-standard teams against their juggernaut and beat them with spirit. That needs to be revived, and until it is, I will be disappointed and dismayed with any loss to St George.<br /><br />I can at least take heart in the fact that we never merged, play in our area at one home ground and Jamie Soward doesnt play for us.The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-27091924498529936682010-06-14T15:31:00.004+10:002010-10-07T15:15:36.859+11:00Andrew Johns: The "trash" part was right.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hXuw7w-Dfy8/TBXJcZgl2DI/AAAAAAAAABE/qi1ml2Aw-10/s1600/grub.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hXuw7w-Dfy8/TBXJcZgl2DI/AAAAAAAAABE/qi1ml2Aw-10/s320/grub.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482509611114551346" /></a><br />Ever since Andrew Johns forearmed a prone Adam Dykes in one of the cheapest, most cowardly shots ever seen in Rugby League, in a magnificent Sharks victory against the knights in 01, Ive hated him. The act itself wasnt that bad, typical heat of the battle stuff and little sooky la-la Johns, ever the tenacious competitor was frustrated. It was the way he carried on afterwards that was disgraceful. Johns and perrenial good guy Preston Campbell (at the sharks at the time) were in a battle for the Dally M. Johns was subsequently and justifiably suspended by the judiciary for the shot that had badly concussed Dykes and left him in the hospital, putting Johns out of the running for the best and FAIREST medal.<br /><br />The unknown part of this tale is Johns' private reaction. Generally in these instances, if a player lands another player in the infirmary, regardless of the circumstances (and in particular through foul play) they privately give them a bell to apologise. Hell, even though players are competitors on the field, they are still technically colleagues (and most of them mates) in the one organisation and NOBODY likes anyone else to get injured. Its the right thing to do, and a simple gesture. Johns did not call Dykes to apologise. What he did do was go public, stating that it was unfair that he couldnt win "his" Dally M now and the system should be changed. <br /><br />Classy stuff.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />We all know the rest of the story of his illustrious career:<br /><br />-The drugs<br />-The meltdowns<br />- The marriage break ups (allegedly through cheating)<br />- The claims to taxi drivers that he shouldnt pay because he put Newcastle on the map<br />and now:<br /><br />The black c### episode. <br /><br />Wether or not you think TT was "precious" for walking out on the blues over this is irrelevant. None of us were there, and few of us have walked a mile in this subtly racist Australian society as a black man, so we are not in a position to comment on it.<br /><br />What this blogger can comment on is that I am in no way surprised that Johns said it, that he didnt understand the gravity of these comments and this is the final chapter in a career of a bloke who was a great player, but a complete low-life, a racist, an idiot and a cancer on the game of rugby league (being a good player and a good bloke are not always mutually common traits, just ask Billy Slater).<br /><br />That we have to put up with these Johns brothers on tv is an absolute national disgrace. Its no secret that football players are no brain surgeons, and thats ok , but the people who employ them to speak publicly or present in the media, and pay them well to do it, know about this building site mentality and actually give training to their presenters about what is and isnt acceptable. Johns has been trained and been a part of aboriginal and women in league education programs. Channel 9, the NRL and the Knights have payed for media training which is hilarious in its childishly simple explanations of "the rules".<br /><br />Johns justification that these comments were somewhat lightened by the fact that he referred to himself as "White trash from Cessnock" is telling. It means that despite all the previous dramas, all the training, the gang banging shit with his brother, the conferences, the awareness workshops, he still got it hopelessly, pathetically wrong, and in doing so alienated his mate, the rest if the rugby league community and every ethnic minority in the country. The only thing right is that he <span style="font-style:italic;">is</span> trash.<br /><br />Im glad the blues shut the door on him and Channel 9, 7, fox and news ltd should do the same.The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-63774608348460509092010-06-11T15:04:00.002+10:002010-06-11T15:05:53.811+10:00Bye Week.Time to take a breath, enjoy the week off and look forward to some extended posts about the best rugby league experience on the calendar (sharks v grubs at the big boy, sunday afternoon) next week.<br /><br />Catch ya then.The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2326006396274187058.post-12990762589993049072010-06-06T16:28:00.003+10:002010-10-07T15:17:40.569+11:00Nathan Gardner, I want your babies.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hXuw7w-Dfy8/TAtAjP3-bSI/AAAAAAAAAA8/RcE_Ux3cCRI/s1600/ng.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hXuw7w-Dfy8/TAtAjP3-bSI/AAAAAAAAAA8/RcE_Ux3cCRI/s320/ng.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479544345927249186" /></a><br /><br />What an ABSOLUTE pleasure it is to log on to deliver my first post match blog today. After a fantastic performance from the mighties (and about time too) the only real talking point was Nathan Gardners magnificent, scintillating, astonishing, amazing 140m try.<br /><br />The man who has been stung in the face by a thousand bees (Phil Gould) called it "The best individual try you will see" and Ricky Stuart said he couldnt remember "off the top of his head, a better individual effort". This 'expert'reckons it is by far one of the best tries he has ever seen, let alone from someone in the black white and blue.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />In a team that is renowned for dour, grinding football and is derided (often justifiably) for being diabolical in attack, it was such a wonderful breath of fresh air to see Nath take the bomb, and set off at blistering pace for 140058 metres to the other corner of the SFS. I was as shocked as I was pleased. And I was VERY pleased. I got a text from a mate (who was watching, like a sook, in the members while every other shark supporter in the ground, including the chairman, was watching in suitable comfort with a nice vista in bay 37) that read "OH MY GOD". That sums up NGs effort.<br /><br />Bravo mate, if you need a surrogate mother, drop me an email. And without pressure, let me add: DO IT AGAIN!!The Big Boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17304853511746863509noreply@blogger.com3