Scotty’s Sporting Column

Contenders or Pretenders: South Sydney Rabbitohs

Wayne Bennett’s departure following South Sydney’s Grand Final defeat in 2021 left many pundits wondering where a Jason Demotriou led Souths’ would wind up in 2022. After a disappointing start to the season with a loss to the resurgent Broncos in Brisbane and a nail-biting one-point defeat to competition heavy-weights, the Melbourne Storm, many fans considered Souths’ a write-off for 2022.

The return of superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell saw Souths clench comprehensive victories against the Roosters, Dragons and Bulldogs. Many punters were made to eat their words from the earlier stages of the competition, however, these concerns were vindicated when Souths fell to the Broncos at home, Tigers and the Dragons- a game where rookie halfback Lachlan Illias was taken from the field in the sides bitter defeat.

There is no doubt that the form of the Rabbitohs coincides with the performance of marquee man, Latrell Mitchell. After returning from hamstring rehabilitation in the United States which saw him sidelined for a period of 11 competition rounds, Mitchell has led the resurgent Souths’ to a four game winning streak against the Eels, Knights, Bulldogs and most recently, the Melbourne Storm.

Still battling for a spot in the finals series, Souths will need to win a large portion of their remaining games to be playing finals footy in 2022. Although Souths will be without Origin bolter Campbell Graham for the remainder of the year, the club boasts the likes of Australian representative stars in Damien Cook and Cameron Murray, Blues half Cody Walker and try scoring great Alex Johnston.

Should all of these stars remain on the paddock, Souths will absolutely make a push to feature in 2022’s Grand Final instalment.

Where do you see South’s finishing the year?⬇️

My Verdict: Contenders

Poised to prosper or just purely proficient?

The Melbourne Stars are arguably the best kept basket case of the KFC Big Bash League. Led by skipper Glenn Maxwell and coached by veteran Dave Hussey, the franchise magnate boasts some of the most palpable signings and recruitment in recent BBL memory. Marquee signing's Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell are among the household names within the Stars roster. The Stars, unlike BBL rivals have an array of talent scattered throughout their starting XI each season.

The adage in professional sport of ‘not being able to keep them all’ holds true for the Stars; losing Faulkner, Maddinson, Handscomb, White and Bravo. All were seen as long-term franchise players and all ultimately ended up leaving the club within the last 4 years.

Taking a look at the stats with Dave Hussey at the helm, the Stars only manage a 56.52 win percentage comparative to 60% between 2011-2015 under now Sixers coach Greg Shipperd. Promising signs for the Stars in BBL08 and BBL09 where they finished runners up in the infamous cross-town derby against the Renegades, whereby they capitulated in the Final, losing 6 wickets in the space of 5 or so overs for an accrued total less than 30. However, 2020/21 hinted the end of Hussey’s tenure as Head Coach, who branded their breed of cricket ‘exciting’ and ‘entertaining’ instead of brazen and reckless. After their usual fast start to the tournament, the Stars slipped down the ladder into 7th, handing them only their second season without featuring in finals since the club’s inception in 2011.

When considering their potential and subsequent output for BBL11, you can only rely on the roster for an indication of performance. Stalwart’s Maxwell and Stoinis will feature heavily (as usual) in BBL11. The question has been and will continue to linger, do they have the cavalry to go with them? Hilton Cartwright is finally hitting form with the bat and can only continue to improve, whilst the acquisitions of Beau Webster and Joe Burns are without doubt intended to be used as glue in their previously shaky middle to lower order. Andre Russell provides the power game provided to close out innings, but will only be available until mid-tournament, leaving a large, six hitting, rocket bowling west Indian sized hole in the middle order.

A fully fit Adam Zampa and an attack spearheaded by Nathan Coulter Nile and the Afghani spinner Qais Ahmad, will continue to keep opposition batsman honest.

Now, is 2021/22 their year? Without a crystal ball, it is incredibly difficult to forecast BBL11 for the Stars. Many believe that we’re yet to see their ceiling and with 4 of their top 6 playing cricket for their country you’d tend to believe that this is the case. I believe that without Russell for the entirety of the tournament and no notable batting all-rounder to follow, the Stars will almost certainly play finals cricket but again lack the depth to threaten top teams.

Share your thoughts below!

Admin 1- Jake

Daniel Hughes has fallen off the horse... a very big horse.

In a quite literal star-studded line-up, it is very easy to hide cracks in a team. And when you've got the likes of Phillipe consistently firing at the top of the order each week, backed by the likes of Henriques, Christian, Curran & etc., Hughes' lacklustre performances often go astray - and they have for some time now.

An aggressive top-order batsman, Daniel Hughes forced his way into the NSW Blues side on sheer weight of runs in Sydney's Premier Grade cicuit (scores of 78, 66, 146 and 200 in the first four rounds of the 2015-16 competition). He continued this form in the Toyota Futures League where he scored 300 against Tasmania at Coffs Harbour that same season.

After a mountain of runs, Hughes was called into the NSW Sheffield Shield team for the round five match against Queensland in Mackay. He went on to score 425 runs at 38.63 in six matches (including two centuries).

Hughes claimed his second Steve Waugh Medal in 2019-20 after receiving his first in 2017-18. The Blues and Sydney Sixers opener also claimed the NSW Blues Marsh One-Day Cup Player of the Season award.

Yet, few SuperCoaches can rarely place their finger on the pulse when it comes to Hughes' batting at the Sixers. This is even more surprising seeming that he was given the captaincy for much of BBL10 in Henriques' absence.

In what was described as 'the innings of his life', Hughes hit 96 off just 51 balls in a remarkably timed innings, and holing out in the final over four short of a century and with his side in touching distance of victory over the Melbourne Stars.

But there is the inherent issue - this shouldn't have just been 'the innings of his life'. With the Sixers having won three BBL titles, and two back to back in the past years, Hughes was expected to play a bigger role on numerous occassions for the franchise.

There can only be 11 players a game. Clear and simple. Whether Hughes has consistently been in that 11 the past few seasons is another question. Some would say he is holding onto old scores; a 'Tom Cooper-esque' if you will, who rarely gets a run for the Heat (after moving from the Rengades).

His price has yet again dropped, now to a dismal 49.3K. It's not uncommon for SuperCoaches to now mix-up the man in magenta with a newer rookie who's played a more significant role in the competition. How long can this go on for?

Hughes either needs to get moving, or he's going to get a tap on the shoulder to move out.

Admin 2 - Oliver Taylor ✌🏽

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: MATTHEW SHORT 🏏

Was Phil Salt’s departure from the Big Bash a blessing in disguise for the Adelaide Strikers?

With Round 1&2 under the belt, SuperCoaches have started to get an idea of team & squad lineups in the lead up to games. Whilst this season has seen most teams heavily affected by the Ashes campaign and the Aust A vs England Lions match in Brisbane (perhaps besides the Sydney Sixers & Hobart Hurricanes), there has certainly been a few revelations made in the absence of ‘A-list’ players.

With English import Phil Salt failing to renew his contract and Alex Carey keeping wickets for Australia, the Strikers suffered tremendous losses in depth & dynamic in their opening stand - with severe doubt clouding the quality of the youthful lineup.

…enter Matt Short.

After a strong performance in trial games with the bat & ball, short looked set to face the new kooka at least until Carey’s return or a new international signing. Starting at a price of ~62.5k, Short was picked up by a few SuperCoaches prior to round 1 who speculated an ideal role in the just past DGR. Bowling 2-3 overs and opening the bat, Short undoubtedly had potential to score big for owners; however, potential and performance are two very different avenues.

Getting a breakthrough C&B game one and a solid knock of the bat, Short slotted a whopping score of 107 - if you’d picked him, you were ecstatic - if you’d played him, you were over the moon. As of the closing of round one he was the 6th ranked batter of the competition and 9th overall player. Not bad for a player who struggled to get a role in the team the previous season.

Moving into round two, Short comfortably had the largest trade in percentage (14%). With a low break even and on the back of solid form, cash generation was only a matter of time.

Providing one of the few opportunities tonight with the ball, Short was unlucky to not take a wicket to dismiss Munro on 11 because of a dismal dropped catch by Khan. Making up frustration for owners, Short was the rock at the top pummelling 63 off 47 before falling to Kelly from the Perth Scorchers.

Shorts outage did reveal the inherent inexperience of the Strikers side, with the middle order deviating each game. Yet, the prospective cameo of 25 off 13 by 20y.o. Tom Kelly gave us a hint of promise in the side.

Short’s price will continue to rise in SuperCoach; that is certain. A few more performances could see his price rise so he does in fact reach that elusive ‘A-list’ echelon, allowing for SuperCoaches to make some dire trades in the middle rounds of the competition - DGRs are low and luck is high.

From the outset, it was abundantly clear Matt Short was hungry for runs & wickets. He’s been in good form this season in the Sheffield Shield for Victoria, too. Continuing a strong summer of cricket could even perchance see his name not out of place in talks for a Young Cricketer of the Year Award.

But what do you think? Can Short continue his string of form?

Admin 2 - Oliver Taylor✌🏽

Legendssss,

Not on the topic of BBL team selection &/or strategy directly, rather on broadcasting as a point of discussion.

I was very recently having a chat to Jake Scott regarding the BBL season thus far and the topic of Aaron Finch as a commentator arose. Obviously Finch is acting as an interim at the moment with his rest/injury period & the demand for Fox Sports commentators to also have adequate Test Match coverage on site.

But how do you think Finch is travelling after a few games of commentary under his belt?

Personally, I am a massive fan. As Jake said, “he’s confident, knowledgeable and relevant”. Finch brings a nice nuance and modern contrast to the likes of Symmonds, KoK & Sthalekar who were hallmarks of the game in their own regard. From what we’ve listened too over the course of the first two rounds, it also seems that Finch delivers the most knowledge and insights in strategy out of the Fox Team.

I think it will be interesting to see whether or not down the road in 2-3 years time Finch finds himself ‘in the box’ in a permanent role - he certainly would not look out of place.

Admin 2 - Oliver Taylor✌🏽

Australia v West Indies: Match Summary

Having already surrendered a series victory in the third T20, redemption beckoned for the Aussie side, depleted of its International superstars. Lacking household names of Warner, Smith and Cummins the Aussie side were valiantly led with the bat by Mitch Marsh. The Bisons’ swashbuckling innings of 75 (44) against the West Indies was the response sought from skipper Aaron Finch and under pressure Coach, Justin Langer.

Winning the toss and batting first, Finch found form and managed an uncomfortable looking 53 (37), occupying the crease with powerful Mitch Marsh. Australia’s middle to lower order offered little resistance. Keeper-Batsman Alex Carey was found out working young Hayden Walsh Jr, who also claimed the scalp of hard-hitting Western Australian, Ashton Turner. After powering their way to 130 off 11 overs, the Aussies clawed their way to 189 (20) with some late order hitting from veteran Dan Christian.

First with the bat, followed by the ball, Mitch Marsh was chief destroyer for the Aussies. After an explosive knock from T20 specialist, Lendel Simmons (72), Marsh dismissed the c**t Chris Gayle and globe trotter Nick Pooran for sub 20 scores respectively. However, needing 50 off the last three overs or otherwise known as a miracle, up stepped Andre Russell. Russell blasted pace ace Riley Meredith for four sixes in the penultimate over of the innings, steamrolling his way to a quick fire 24 runs. Finch, turning to a low confidence Mitchell Starc kept the Windies to 6 off the last over, handing the Aussies a breathtaking 4 run victory in away conditions.

It was a case of too little too late for the Aussies, however with the T20 World Cup around the corner, spots in the Australian line up are still up for grabs.

What were your thoughts on the Aussies tour so far?

TEAM SPOTLIGHT: CANBERRA RAIDERS

After losing four out of their last five appearances, the Canberra Raiders are well and truly under the pump to perform.

Barely hanging on to their spot in the top 8, many rugby league pundits had predicted the Raiders to not only feature in the top 4, but to take out premiership honours in 2021.

——

So, after this unusual start to the year for this relatively young playing group, when will we see the Canberra Raiders that rugby fans have come to know and love over the past three seasons?

For starters, there is no question of potential and talent within the group. Boasting the likes of Jack Wighton, Josh Hodgson, Josh Papalii and Jarrod Croker, there is no doubt that this group has the ability on paper to go toe to toe with premiership heavyweights.

However, currently sitting third in the NRL for most errors, it’s a clear matter of ex*****on and intent for Ricky’s Raiders. I’d say it’s time for Ricky to back in his guns and put out his teams best winning formula. Provided the squad is fully fit, this is the side I believe the Raiders need to field to find their feet in the NRL again:

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Bailey Simmonson
3. Jarrod Croker
4. Curtis Scott
5. Jordan Rapana
6. Jack Wighton
7. George Williams
8. Josh Papalii
9. Josh Hodgson
10. Ryan James
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliot Whitehead
13. Joe Tapine

14. Silivia Havili
15. Corey Horsborough
16. Corey Harawira-Naera
17. Emre Gueler

Share your thoughts below ⬇️

🚨BREAKING🚨

If this news is true rugby league fans, what are your thoughts?

Lest We Forget 🇦🇺

BRIAN TO’O- PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

In only 6 appearances in 2021, To’o is already pressing serious claims for New South Wales selection. Averaging a staggering 232 meters gained per match and 51 tackle breaks, To’o is cementing his claims as a regular elite winger in the National Rugby League.

To put To’o’s form in context, the barnstorming winger has more than 300 post contact meters than Golden Boot Winner, James Tedesco, and boasts 20 more tackle busts. To’o not only supersedes James Tedesco in these areas, but puts the Dally M favourite in Ryan Papenhuyzen on notice, doubling the amount of tackle busts.

_________

Where has this form come from?

Playing on Penrith’s lethal left edge, To’o almost acts as another forward for Penrith. Carrying the ball out of their own end, palming off kick-chasers and squeezing through holes in the defensive line, To’o’s energy and explosiveness in kick returns in particular is key to the wingers success.

As previously stated, much of the winger’s success can be attributed to Penrith’s form. But given the yardage To’o is able to make coming out of his own end and the threat he presents to a broken defensive line, a strong argument can be made for To’o not only being an integral member in the Penrith line-up, but a State of Origin Representative in the waiting.

CONTRACT CHAOS: ADAM REYNOLDS

2014 Premiership Winner Adam Reynolds will turn 31 by the time he is off contract at the end of this season. Reynold’s has made it well known that he is seeking a contract which would see him remain at Redfern for the next two seasons. However, much to the confusion of many analysts, South’s refuse to offer Reynold’s a deal longer than 1 year.

A statement released by South’s identifies that whilst the two parties are still in the early phases of negotiating, Reynold’s is free to look elsewhere following the 2021 season.

The narrative: Reynold’s wants a 2 year contract to ensure his future as an elite half in the NRL. South Sydney will only offer a 1 year deal- given Reynold’s lack of success in finals campaigns. After making the preliminary finals three years in a row with Reynolds in the 7 jersey, South’s pose an interesting argument.

Rugby league pundits have suggested both Reynold’s and Souths see out the year and draft a contract based on the results of this years’ finals campaign. However, given recent changes to player signing windows, Reynold’s will need to put pen to paper within the next two to three months as clubs begin to shape their 2022 rosters.

————

How will it play out?
Unfortunately for South Sydney fans, I find it very hard to see Reynold’s remaining at the club. Having allowed the contract saga to play out publicly for an extended period, I see South’s having to let Reynold’s go in order to retain young talent. Furthermore, you could argue that the reason behind South’s playing this ordeal out publicly, was to decrease Adam’s market value. This is substantiated by previous incidents involving Latrell Mitchell and Sam Burgess respectively- both matters were given little to no media attention and were played out behind closed doors.

Personally, I see Cronulla; Brisbane and North Queensland as front-runners to sign the playmaker. Cronulla will have to release the likes of Chad Townsend, Matt Moylan and Josh Dugan to squeeze Reynold’s in the cap, but have enough young talent and depth in their outside backs to afford this. Similarly, North Queensland have an absolute warchest to sign the playmaker, with Morgan being medically retired and McGuire released to St George. It is likely Reynold’s would slot in to the halfback role alongside Drinkwater following the release of Jake Clifford. The Bronco’s however seem the most unlikely to sign Reynold’s out of the listed trio. With faith shown in Tom Dearden and Brodie Croft, and a staggering pay cheque looming for Katoni Staggs, it is unlikely the Red Hill side will be able to make a significant play for Reynold’s. In my opinion, we will see Adam Reynold’s at the Cronulla Sharks in 2022.

🏉 Friday Night Footy 🏉

Friday night footy in round 6 of the NRL sees 4 quality sides competing for the 2 points to consolidate their place in the top 8.

In the earlier game, the Cronulla Sharks look to press on with their premiership credentials in 2021. Following the loss of popular Head Coach John Morris, Cronulla will be eyeing off a dominant performance against the Knights. Albeit at home, Newcastle still face an uphill battle. Losing their chief playmaker in Mitch Pearce and sweating on the fitness of Kurt Mann; Newcastle will have to play a solid game of football to get the chocolates this evening.

Following the early encounter between the Sharks and Knights, the match of the round beckons. Grand Final and top four mainstays the Storm and the Roosters will battle it out in Melbourne in a contest that will be no doubt won in the middle of the park.

My tips:

Newcastle and Melbourne to get the chocolates 🍫