Ashes: Frailty of usual destroyers Swann and Cook represents the crux of England’s woeful form.

Mentality is everything in sport. Without the will to win, there is no win. The English cricket side have arrived in Australia thinking that they are facing the same Australian team who they comprehensively outplayed 3-0 in the last Ashes series in England. However, this is not the case, the Australian team have been re-energised, revamped and have taken to the pitch more confident than ever thanks largely to the impact of Coach Darren Lehmann. Lehmann, affectionately known as ‘Boof,’ took over from the controversially ousted Mickey Arthur and has injected a level of Australian fight and spirit into the dressing room. Australia’s displays in Adelaide and at the Gabba have been characterised by the exact elements which saw them careen down the world rankings under the guidance of Arthur. Grit, passion, determination and team work have all been on show, hidden of course amongst the heroics of individual milestones such as Mitchell Johnson’s wonderful showings of fast bowling and the ability of Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin to steady the ship and grind their way to magnificent centuries.

Whilst things have been all smiles in the Aussie camp, the Englishmen simply don’t know what has hit them, and one could forgive them for asking if this is the same Australian side they came up against in England. The English thought that they would retain the Ashes without breaking a sweat, some were even predicting a 5-0 whitewash in favour of the visitors, but it was in fact this innate level of cockiness and sense of dominance which has cost the English in the opening two tests. When Australia came out and found themselves at 5/100 on the opening day of the series, fans were beginning to think “here we go again,” and England were licking their lips in thought of the same sentiment. However it was certainly not what the English batsmen expected out in the middle as they were humbled by a graceful display of fast bowling from the likes of Ryan Harris and Johnson on their way to a dismal total of 136. This was a rather rude awakening for the Poms, which has continued into the Second test in Adelaide, with England reaching 200 for the first time in the series in their fourth innings.

In fact, it has been England’s most experienced and previously reliable players who have been in the worst veins of form. Captain Alastair Cook has been simply woeful at the crease, other than his solid 65 in the 2^nd innings at the Gabba, and his dismissal in the second innings in Adelaide was symbolic of what an absolute shambles this England side have become. Cook strides out to the middle aware of the fact England must survive two full days of batting to save this test match, and what does he do? He attempts to hook a short pitched ball straight to one of two fieldsmen placed in the fine leg region for that exact shot, shocking captaincy which represents the frailty of England’s mindset, a man who will play his 100^th test next week at the WACA fell for the sucker ball. If England are to get back into this series which, let’s face it, is unlikely then Cook must find some form, and more importantly, gain some self-confidence which will allow him to negotiate the bowling of Mitchell Johnson. In the bowling department, Stuart Broad has been rather handy, as much as it pains me to say it, but the ‘world’s best spinner’ Graeme Swann has been absolutely slaughtered in some shocking displays of bowling which have showcased the fact that he simply cannot adjust to Australian conditions. Swann was the leading wicket taker in the previous Ashes series, this series he is simply England’s leading run getter, with batsman notching up 317 runs off him in two tests, with a return of just 4 wickets.

At the conclusion of the Adelaide test, Michael Clarke iterated Australia’s ambitions in world cricket, stating that

"There's a lot of work for us to do to get back to being the number one team in the world and that's our goal."

Australia are brimming with confidence and England must surely be down in the dumps after two consecutive losses by huge margins, but it is paramount that the English show some fight back in the third test if they are to avoid a genuine crisis. If England are to win the third test and stay in the series then they must achieve the following things:

1. Learn how to face Mitchell Johnson
2. Discover what their ideal batting order looks like
3. Have someone make a century
4. Get David Warner out early

If the Poms can gain victory in Perth then this series will be well and truly alive, but this cannot happen unless they resurrect their mentality and stop taking success as a given.

RLWC showcases where Union has the edge over League

Last night’s massively one sided quarter final encounter between Australia and the USA which ended with a ridiculous 62-0 score line, acted as a manifestation of the foibles of the 13 man game in comparison to the 15. The Rugby League World Cup brings together the world’s best rugby league nations with the aim of determining who is top of the heap, inevitably either Australia, New Zealand or England are the victors. It is the predictable nature of this tournament and the complete lack of ability of every other nation other than these three heavyweights which suggests that the global outreach of rugby league is slim to nil. If the Rugby Union World Cup was to feature a quarter final in which one side was absolutely outclassed, and destroyed by a margin of 60 or more points, there would be an outcry, that there is something wrong with the game on an international level. However, in the RLWC this is simply the norm, as minnows repeatedly make it to the knockout phases only to be humbled by the likes of the favourites whose sides feature the world’s best players such as Greg Inglis, Sonny Bill Williams and Sam Burgess. It is simply not good for the game to see such a gap in talent between sides at such an advanced stage of the competition, and rugby league officials must recognise this and take steps to developing the game in other countries in order to make this competition competitive in the future.

Hat-trick hero Jarryd Hayne casually shrugs off USA's Matt Peterson in last night's one sided encounter.

As a game, Rugby Union has digressed into an often boring mix of field goals, drop goals and the rare line break in which teams make their way into the oppositions half only to draw a penalty, slot the three points and do it all again. Rugby Union is its own worst enemy; a simple tweaking of the rules of the game could see it return to its rightful place as an exciting loved sport all around the world. The unintelligible rules surrounding scrums, rucks and mauls make understanding the decisions of referees a laborious process, and in addition to this, if teams were discouraged from simply kicking the ball through the uprights at every opportunity then running rugby would return and fans would return in flocks. Union has something that league perhaps never will, a game which has spread to the far reaches of the globe and is played at high levels in leagues worldwide. There are a huge number of nations capable of fielding decent sides for the Rugby World Cup and this turns it into a spectacle in which national pride is on the line and results are important. This is not the case in the RLWC where Australian viewers can simply take no pride from shellacking a poor United States side that could not even put up a fight.

In Australia, the widespread reach of Rugby Union has been quelled by two very important and somewhat fixable factors. Firstly, the shocking performances of the Wallabies as they have been humbled time and time again by the All Blacks, South Africa and the English, matches in which pride is on the line. Moreover, the unwillingness of the organizers of the Super Rugby competition to televise it on free to air television, has meant that viewers without pay TV are simply alienated and unable to tune into the game’s premier competition other than international Rugby. It is practically the equivalent of Rugby League’s much loved State of Origin not finding a home on free to air TV, something which is simply unthinkable as it takes its place as one of Australia’s most loved sporting series. If Rugby Union is to return to the forefront of sporting disciplines in Australia, it must first fix its points system, lessening the value of both field and penalty goals, revisit rules referring scrums, rucks and mauls, they must televise Super Rugby to a wider audience and finally they must restore national pride in the Wallabies, whose terrible form is quickly giving the game a bad name down under.

That’s the Rosey Wrap on the issues surrounding Rugby League and Rugby Union,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

Six and in: the players whose Sheffield Shield form could earn them the number 6 spot for Australia

With this morning heralding the beginning of the Sheffield Shield for another year and the first Ashes test against England clearly in sight; it seems apt to consider the players for whom this Shield competition could be the most important of their career. I am of course referring to those players who are in the frame to earn a baggy green at some point in the Ashes series which begins on 21 November at the Gabba. With England’s recent comprehensive series victory on home soil, changes to the Australian side are inevitable, with the number 6 position in the batting line up the subject of unmatched media attention. Without further ado, I present the candidates whose Shield form could earn them selection…

Matthew Wade

The Victorian captain’s stunning form with the bat in the recent Ryobi Cup competition has many calling for him to be installed as a specialist batsman in the contentious number 6 position in the order, of course foregoing the gloves to Brad Haddin. The shortish 170cm left hand batsman and possessor of a test average of a shave under 35 is certainly well and truly in the mix for the first test, assuming his shield performance is satisfactory.

David Warner

Is there a more destructive force at the top of a batting order than Dave Warner? A man who just about single-handedly led the NSW Blues to the Ryobi Cup final on the back of consecutive hundreds, including an extraordinary 197 against Victoria in the semi-final. Warner lost his test spot a matter of months ago due to behavioural issues and until recently was written off in the hunt for reclaiming his baggy green. However, his stunning recent form has prompted a call for his reinstatement to an Aussie side which could use a game changer, which he certainly represents. If Warner can continue his impressive form in the Sheffield Shield he could find himself atop the order at the Gabba.

Usman Khawaja (QLD) 

Another player who has been a shining light for his side in the limited overs competition, Khawaja has already tasted test cricket, however his batting average stands at a less than encouraging 25. He will feature in the recently announced Australia A side who will face England at Bellerive Oval on November 6. This is somewhat of an audition for the ex-NSW batsman who will be looking to earn a spot in the first test and not relinquish it. The selectors will certainly have their eye on him.

Michael Klinger (SA)

Has there been a more consistent performer in Australian one day domestic cricket in the past decade than Michael Klinger? A mainstay in the Australia A side, it is a wonder that Klinger has never managed to crack into the test side. However, a good run of substantial innings in this year’s Shield competition could finally see him notch the baggy green which he has so dearly craved. Usually an opener, there is no doubt that Klinger would happily take up number 6 in the order if he were tasked with it.

George Bailey (TAS)

The standout performer and captain of Australia’s recent One Day International series in India, Bailey represents an option who has exceled in the shorter formats of the game but has largely been ineffective in the 4 and 5 day forms. The 31 year old averages 38 in first class cricket has firmed as favourite for the number six spot after convincing selectors of his aptitude with the bat despite a largely unimpressive Shield past. As things stand, Bailey will line up for Australia in the first test at the Gabba, and could even find himself captain should Michael Clarke’s back injury force him out of the match. Only time will tell if Bailey can cut it at the highest level, he is certainly not getting any younger and this could represent his final chance to break into the test team.

That’s the Rosey Wrap on the contenders for Australia’s number six position in the batting order,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten 

Picking a Sydney Swans lineup for 2014 which includes Buddy Franklin.... an unenviable task

With the emergence today of the news that Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin will most likely don the red and white next season in a hugely expensive and headline grabbing deal, I have decided to attempt to pick my Swans lineup for the 2014 season. This turned out to be a very difficult task which underlined the vast depth possessed by the bloods, who should be the team to beat next season bar another horrific injury-laden year like the one just past, in which the Swans injuries list went on for just about as long as Franklin’s rumoured nine year contract…

Before frothing over the prospect of picking a forward line which including the likes of key forwards Franklin and Kurt Tippett and not to mention Adam Goodes, Sam Reid, Ben Mcglynn and others, I decided to pick the backline. The back thee were perhaps the easiest positions to fill, and I opted for the pacey Rhyce Shaw alongside veteran Heath Grundy and the returning Alex Johnson whose last season was finished before it had even started with an ACL injury. Of course, as with almost every other position, I had to overlook some overwhelmingly good players such as Nick Smith and 2013’s breakout star Dane Rampe, an absolute abundance of talent is at the disposal of John Longmire next season and there will of course be players who miss out.

I decided to stick with the halfback line which gelled so well this season, with the flank positions belonging to Nick Malceski and Jarred Mcveigh, who came into his own playing in that position this season. Centre half back will of course be occupied by Ted Richards, an absolute fan favourite who is undoubtedly one of the best backmen in the league. There has of course been a great deal of media coverage suggesting that  Heath Shaw of the Collingwood Magpies would join his brother at the Swans but only time will tell if that deal materializes, and even if it did, he would have to fight hard for a place in the starting lineup to dislodge some of the Swans’ stars.

The swans are blessed with what is simply one of the most, if not the most, star-studded midfields in the AFL, featuring the likes of Kieren Jack, Josh Kennedy, Daniel Hannebery and the upcoming Tom Mitchell just to name a few. Across the centre I have opted for blinding pace on the wings, with speedsters Gary Rohan and Lewis Jetta getting the nod, whilst the centre position goes to Daniel Hannebery whose quality 2013 season saw him finish in the top 5 of the Brownlow Medal just last week. Ruckman was perhaps the easiest position to fill on this list, with the increasingly impressive rugby player turned AFL superstar Canadian Mike Pyke obviously getting the nod with Shane Mumford said to be on his way to Collingwood or Greater Western Sydney if the media is to be believed. On the ball will be co-captain Kieren Jack as well as ball magnet Josh Kennedy who were both key in the Swans premiership victory of two seasons ago as well as their attempted title defence.

The Sydney forward line will be eye watering next season, with a number of superstars including big money signing Kurt Tippett and impending million dollar man Buddy Franklin set to feature in the Swans list, many people are questioning how on Earth Sydney are possibly within the salary cap as the cost of living allowance given to both Sydney clubs by the AFL comes under increased volumes of scrutiny. On the half forward line I have gone with youngster Luke Parker and dual brownlow medallist Adam Goodes on the flanks, and they are joined by the man of the moment 196cm, 100Kg centre half forward Lance Franklin. In the forward pockets I have gone for Ben McGlynn, and the ever-present Ryan O’Keefe, with last season’s controversial acquisition Kurt Tippett at full forward.

With all of the starting positions now decided I have the agonizing decision of picking a bench, substitute and a few emergencies from a group of players which includes players like Dane Rampe, Nick Smith, Lewis Roberts-Thompson, Tom Mitchell, Brandon Jack, Harry Cunningham, Craig Bird, Andrejs Everitt, Jed Lamb and Sam Reid. This is a horrendously difficult task, but I have attempted to approach it by picking a variety of players who can cover all across the ground in case of injuries, basically, who determining has the most to offer?  I decided to hand the substitute best to Tom Mitchell, a player of overwhelming potential who, if given the game time, can become one of the best midfielders in the competition. An absolute ball magnet, must be given time. I decided to opt for Sam Reid and Lewis Roberts-Thompson based on their ability to play both back and forward, leaving the final interchange spot to be decided between the likes of Dane Rampe, Nick Smith and Craig Bird. I opted for Craig Bird based on the fact that Reid and Roberts-Thompsons already have forward and back covered and a midfielder is needed to balance out the bench. Honestly, it pains me greatly to leave out the likes of Rampe and Smith who have done very well filling in injury gaps lately but there just isn’t enough room in the side. So that leaves Rampe, Smith, Cunningham, Everitt, B. Jack and Jed Lamb as emergencies and injury backups in a Swans side which is chockablock with talent, speed, size and which will be very difficult to beat in 2014.

All I can say is that I do not envy  John Longmire who will have to face these selection dilemmas weekly, although it is without doubt the best problem any coach can face!

That’s the Rosey Wrap on the Swans lineup for 2014,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

Picking a Socceroos Starting XI that will not be embarrassed in Brazil.

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck has shown great loyalty to the same eleven players in the past three world c

up qualifiers against the likes of Japan, Jordan and Iraq. Whilst Australia did secure qualification, albeit not in a particularly convincing manner, if they are to put up any sort of a fight in Brazil then Osieck must find a system and a group of players who will be able to match it with the world’s best.

Osieck's current favoured starting 11 from the qualifiers.

Osieck’s favoured starting eleven has an average age of 30.6 years, a remarkable statistic, especially when contrasted against tonight’s opponents Iraq, whose average age was a spritely 21. Australia certainly showed their age in attack at Stadium Australia, as they struggled to string together anything that resembled a fluid move in attack. Their reliance upon cross after cross after cross was a testament to their patience but it simply wasn’t productive. In the end it took a decision by Marco Bresciano to actually try passing the ball in the final third to finally find Josh Kennedy's head and in turn the decisive goal that secured qualification for the under par Aussies.

If Australia are to score goals in Brazil then they must find a balance between experience and youth, speed and technical ability. Where they have previously employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, they would perhaps be more suited to a 4-3-3 which would allow them to use Tom Rogic through the middle, push Brett Holman out to the left wing and allow for Tommy Oar’s pace to be an asset off the bench.

Rogic brings a great deal of technical ability to the table and offers a different dimension to the Socceroos attack. Brett Holman showed in the 2010 world cup in South Africa just what a destructive force he can be playing on the left, and this is where he can provide the Aussies with a real threat coming from wide and cutting into the middle with a view of goal. As for Tommy Oar, he is simply not ready for international football yet, whilst he provides pace, youth and energy, his form is sporadic and he tends to go missing just when he is most needed.

A new look 4-3-3 formation could provide a new dimension to the Socceroos going forward.

In terms of defence, the Aussies are already playing their best back four aside from one small issue. Matt Mckay is simply not a left back and if Australia are to solidify their defensive structure then it will suit them to have a natural left back in the side whose positioning is spot on and who will not lose his man as Mckay has recently been prone to doing. Therein lies a depth issue in Australian football, there is no man in the squad who is an international quality left back and so Mckay will have to do for the Aussies into Brazil.

On the whole, the Socceroos and their German coach Holger Osieck should be over the moon about their qualification to Brazil but if they are to stay in such a happy mood changes must be made to their side or else they will be delivered a wakeup call by whichever of the world’s best sides they are drawn up against in the opening rounds. Against sides of the calibre of Iraq and Jordan they are expected to win easily and judging by their inability to cement their qualification earlier it would seem they are simply not up to the lofty standards of the 32 best footballing nations in the world.

That’s Rosey’s wrap on how the Socceroos should line up in Brazil,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

Still work to be done: Kruse stars as Socceroos hit Jordan for 4 at Etihad

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck fielded the same 11 who started in Australia’s intense 1-1 stalemate with Japan at Saitama just one week ago. The side, featuring players such as fan favourite Tim Cahill, last week’s scorer Tommy Oar and Leverkusen bound trickster Robbie Kruse, had to secure at least a point at Melbourne’s Etihad stadium against the travelling Jordan if they were to keep their chances of automatic qualification to Brazil alive. With Japan already securing their qualification last week, it remains between Australia, Jordan and well placed Oman to battle it out for the second automatic qualifying spot.

The match began as a back and forth through the midfield with neither side able to find any penetration into the final third. This changed in the 15^th minute as the referee ruled advantage for the lively Robbie Kruse to stroll into the box and find Marco Bresciano in the 6 yard box who was able to tap into the back of the net. The rest of the first half unfolded with little to get excited about, with Bresciano and his central midfield partner Mark Milligan controlling the midfield duel and looking to unleash Brett Holman between the Jordan midfield and defence. Holman then seeked to link up with Cahill, Oar and Kruse but was unsuccessful through the rest of the half as the first half ended at 1-0 to the socceroos.

The second half began as the first had ended; Jordan attempted to get forward through the likes of Odai Al Saify and Ahmed Hayel with little to no success as Australia’s back four comprising of captain Lucas Neill, Sasa Ognenovski, Matt Mckay and Luke Wilkshere continuing their brilliant form from their outing against the dangerous Japan. The Aussies continued to link up as Kruse and Holman found each other time and time again, threatening Amer Shafia in the Jordan goal on many occasions. However, Jordan managed to get themselves back into the contest in the first 15 minutes of the second half as they strung together some passes. This was until Osieck made his first change of the night in the 60^th minute, replacing the uncharacteristically quiet Tommy Oar with Archie Thompson, a man who always provides a great deal of flair down the left wing.

This change proved a masterstroke, as the Aussies sprung to life almost immediately. Australia found the back of the net again in the 61^st minute. It was Kruse again who played the final pass, drifting a nicely weighted cross onto the forehead of Tim Cahill who guided the ball into the right hand side of the net, sending the keeper the other way, putting Australia in the driving seat to secure 3 points.  From there, the pressure did not cease, the socceroos controlled the ball and pushed forward again and again, putting the Jordanian defence under great pressure.

It was not long before the Aussies found the net again, this time it was Kruse who put the ball into the net himself, after a brilliant turn and nutmeg of a defender on the edge of the box, before stroking the ball into the net albeit with a deflection from Shafia. This 76^th minute goal had just about assured a victory here for Australia as they put the final touches on what was to be an emphatic victory over a lacklustre opponent.

Seeing as the result was sealed, Osieck decided to introduce a youngster whose potential instils hope into football fans all over Australia, young Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic. This change came in the 79^th minute for Brett Holman who made a significant contribution to an Australian attack which functioned very well throughout the match. Rogic wasted no time, becoming involved in what was Australia’s fourth and final goal which came in the 84^th minute. Luke Wilkshere whipped in the corner from the right hand side, onto the head of Cahill who tapped on to Rogic whose header founded Lucas Neill at the far post who tipped the header into the net. It was Neill’s first international goal, coming in his 91^st appearance for the socceroos which capped off a fantastic night for the Aussies who will look to back up this performance and secure qualification to Brazil with a win against Iraq in 7 days time in Sydney.

That’s Rosey’s Wrap on Australia vs. Jordan,

Thanks for reading,

Jake Rosengarten

Worth their weight in green and gold: Socceroos secure valuable point at Saitama in a performance which could have yielded more.

With Saitama Stadium buzzing with the sounds of tens of thousands of elated Japanese fans, looking to see their national side secure at least a point in order to cement their qualification to Brazil 2014, the Socceroos were considered great underdogs. The Japanese had never lost a competitive game at Saitama but were coming off the back of two losses, to Jordan and Bulgaria. Both teams fielded strong sides, with many players coming from Europe’s top leagues, including CSKA Moscow’s Keisuke Honda and Manchester United’s Shinji Kagawa the key men for Japan, Australia’s attacking hopes lay with the front four of their 4-2-3-1 fielded by coach Holger Osieck, comprising of Robbie Kruse, Aston Villa’s Brett Holman, 21 year old Utrecht man Tommy Oar and the seemingly ever present Tim Cahill.

The game opened in a frenzy as both teams attempted to find their feet early, from the very start Japan controlled possession through the likes of Honda, captain Makoto Hasebe and 33 year old Yasuhito Endo. The first chance came in the 5^th minute as Endo struck a free kick from just outside the 18 yard box which went inches wide of Schwarzer’s right post, the keeper looked to have it covered but it was certainly a warning shot fired by the always creative Endo.

The game continued in a very familiar pattern, with Japan holding possession before breaking forward and giving the ball to the likes of Kagawa and Honda who would look play in others or rifle off a shot themselves. Their moves would either be blocked or intercepted by the Australian back four and dished off to Kruse or Oar who kick started a counter attack as the Aussies flurried forward looking for a ball to open up the Japanese centre backs and leave Cahill, Holman or Kruse in a one on one against Japanese keeper Kawashima.

The first half was by no means lifeless despite the score line; chances fell to both teams, with a combined total of 13 shots taken in the first 45. The Socceroos were at their best when Bresciano and Milligan passed the ball and constructed play from the middle, looking to release their forwards at every opportunity or simply keeping their composure and the ball.

The Japanese were certainly the better team, especially in the first twenty minutes or so of the second half, as Kagawa and Honda got forward and saw their moves stifled by the likes of 40 year old Aussie keeper Mark Schwarzer  and centre backs Lucas Neill, who captained Australia for the 45^th time as well as Sasa Ognenovski. Notably in the 59^th minute, Kagawa managed to beat Schwarzer for the first time with a delightful chip into the far corner of the goal but was denied by the woodwork as the ball deflected away off the crossbar.

The 2^nd half so a continuation of the high intensity of the 1^st, chances fell to both sides with neither team able to capitalize on some brilliant opportunities with marvelous saves from both keepers, notably Schwarzer who was his reliable self, playing in his 106^th match for his country. The deadlock was finally broken in the 82^nd minute by young speedster Tommy Oar who scored his first ever international goal with a mind blowing run beating two players and attempting to cross to Dario Vidosic at the far post, with the ball swirling in the air and beating keeper Kawashima and somehow landing in the far corner of the net. The Socceroos celebrated with ecstatic Oar as Japanese coach Alberto Zaccheroni looked on in disbelief.

Deep into the half, the Japanese kept throwing all they had at the socceroos, bringing on attacking substitutes in an attempt to find the goal which would book their tickets to the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil next year.  The tense final minutes looked as if they would not yield an equalizer, and it seemed as though the Socceroos had taken a valuable and famous three points in Japan until a corner was awarded to the Samurai Blues in the 90^th minute.

The ball was played in short as a cross was put into the middle, which struck Socceroo’s makeshift left back Matt Mckay on the arm and the referee rightly pointed to the spot. With the heart of every Australian football fan in their mouth, Keisuke Honda stepped up and emphatically blasted the ball down the centre of the net and Japan had secured their qualification to the world cup.

This match is one which the Socceroos will take confidence from, but Osieck needs to instill a winning mentality in them, and work on sharpening their skills if they are to make the world cup and make an impact in Brazil against the world’s top sides. Possession is the key, and Bresciano is the man who Osieck should be working with as well as the young Oar who can be a trump card for the Aussies in their upcoming fixtures against Jordan and Iraq.

That’s the Rosey Wrap on the Japan vs. Australia,

Thanks for reading,

Jake Rosengarten 

Code flopping? Are Israel Folau and the code hoppers good for Australian sport?

Israel Folau is the only man in the history of Australian sport who has featured at the top level in each of rugby league, rugby union and AFL, whilst this is quite a feat and something which some would feel is commendable, it calls into question the value of loyalty in sport and also showcases the fact that sports clubs and codes are now businesses.

Folau, now 24, has already featured for the Melbourne Storm, the Brisbane Broncos as well as the Kangaroos in league, for Greater Western Sydney in the AFL as well as for the waratahs and is on the verge of making his wallabies debut in the coming weeks.  This impressive résumé reflects to his brilliant skills on a football field whilst also alluding to a certain lack of loyalty and commitment. Folau debuted in the NRL in 2007 and was an instant hit, securing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous backs in the following years until his decision to quit league at the end of the 2010 season. He was lured to GWS with a huge pay packet and lasted only one season in the NEAFL and one in the AFL before he decided to change codes once more. His AFL stint can only be considered a failure, whilst he drew increased publicity for the giants; he can only be considered a substandard AFL footballer, a testament to the fact that rugby league and AFL players need very different skills to excel in their respective sports.

Folau joined the NSW Waratahs at the beginning of the 2013 season and has been an unmitigated success in rugby union, forcing his way into the wallabies squad for the upcoming game against the British and Irish Lions on 22 June in Brisbane.  Folau was the tied top try scorer in this year’s super rugby competition with 8 tries, which is a testament to just how well he found his feet in his first season in the competition. However, this rise to union stardom has not led to him committing to another season with the tahs; reports coming out of Canterbury suggest that Folau has been in discussions over a contract starting next season at the bulldogs, which would make him the only player ever to play three different codes in three seasons.

Code hopping is not a new thing between rugby league and rugby union, and vice versa, with quite a few players becoming dual internationals in recent years, the likes of Matt Rogers, Lote Tuqiri and Wendell Sailor spring to mind. However, Folau’s swiftness in code change and the enormity of the pay packets he is picking up and the marketing he is generating suggest that sport has simply become another money making venture rather than something filled with passion and loyalty. This can be seen as a very bad thing for Australian sport as Folau could well pave the way for more and more players making the switch between codes, cheapening the image of the game, and suggesting that players do not care about fans or clubs rather just about driving around in sports cars and banking their multi-million dollar cheques.

Big money transfers to rival clubs are not rare in many other sports, including NFL, MLB and world football, and when these things do happen, it breeds an image of selfishness and a lack of loyalty for the player in question. A recent example of such a thing is Robin Van Persie’s £24 million move to Manchester United from Arsenal in August 2012, a move which saddened Arsenal fans and even led to the burning of Van Persie jerseys outside the Emirates Stadium. Sporting fans are not a hard bunch to please, they simply ask for tactfulness, honesty and loyalty, all traits that code hopping does not breed. As an overarching statement, code hopping is a terrible thing for Australian sport as well as fans of Australian sport who wish to see players who love and respect the clubs which they feel the same way for.

Thats the rosey wrap on code hopping in Australian sport,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

Merseyside Derby Preview: In form Liverpool side attempt to close the gap on their neighbours from across the park.

For Liverpool supporters, there are two fixtures which they immediately search the premier league fixtures list for upon its release every season. The first is against recently crowned premier league champions of 2012/13, Manchester United, and the other is against cross town rivals Everton. This game reserves particular importance and always proves to be one of the most entertaining fixtures of the season.

This season has been a tough one for Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool side who have been very erratic with their form throughout the campaign, however they will see Sunday's fixture as one in which they attempt to gain bragging rights over their neighbours whilst simultaneously moving within two points of leap-frogging their opponents into sixth spot on the table. For Everton, a victory in this match at Anfield will surely see them secure sixth spot on the table, and well and truly post themselves as the most successful Merseyside club of this campaign, much to the discontent of Liverpool supporters everywhere.

Of course, Liverpool will be lacking their top scorer Luis Suarez who was banned for 10 matches last week by the FA after his infamous bite on Branislav Ivanovic. However, Liverpool showed with a 6-0 away thrashing at Newcastle in their last match that they are by no means a one man team and can find the net without talisman Suarez. Young Brazilian Philippe Coutinho will be looked to as play-maker in the final third as he looks to continue his exciting recent form. Daniel Sturridge will be the key man up front for the reds, most probably deployed as a lone striker, as he looks to add to his impressive tally of 8 goals in 13 games for Liverpool since joining in the January transfer window.

For Everton, there are many danger men when it comes to finding the back of the net, the likes of Nikica Jelavic, Marouane Fellaini, Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas have all been in good form this season, contributing to the scoreboard frequently. Both teams will be hoping for a solid showing in this match as they attempt to maintain form for the final two games of the Barclays premier league season which for Liverpool are away at Fulham (13/5) and welcoming QPR to Anfield (20/5); and for Everton, at home to West Ham (13/5) and away at champions league hopefuls Chelsea (20/5).

Strength at the back will be key for both sides as they attempt to gain a hold on this match. For Liverpool, the back line seemingly picks itself, with Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique unchallenged for their spots at fullback. Whilst Daniel Agger should partner the man with two games left in his illustrious Liverpool career, Jamie Carragher. For Everton, the likes of Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Dystin will be expected to retain their spots at centre back. Whilst Seamus Coleman and the impressive Leighton Baines should start in the fullback positions for the Toffees.

This fixture tends to bring about the best in legends for both clubs, and they don’t come much more legendary than Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard who will attempt to further add to his remarkable goal tally against this opposition. Gerrard has been incredibly important for the Reds this season, playing every minute of the season up until he was finally substituted for the first time last week at Newcastle.

Form generally goes out the window for this fixture, and making a prediction generally shapes up as a random stab in the dark, but here goes nothing:

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Everton.

That’s Rosey’s preview of Liverpool vs Everton.

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

Match Report - Liverpool vs Chelsea (21/4/13)

Anfield was abuzz for the returns of ex-talisman Fernando Torres and former manager Rafael Benitez whose Chelsea side was eager to take three points and post themselves as firm favourites to secure a champions league spot for next season. For Liverpool, eyes were fixed firmly on Luis Suarez as fans looked on in hope that he would find the back of the net, something Liverpool had failed to do in their previous two fixtures, at Reading and West Ham. Suarez did not disappoint though, he featured heavily in the match and will surely make headlines for his soon to be infamous bite on Branislav Ivanovic in the second half.

The match opened tentatively, with both sides looking to cement their defensive positions and not leak goals early. Chances were few and far between in the first half, with the scoring opened in the 26^th minute as Oscar nodded in at the near post from a Juan Mata corner. Liverpool’s usual creative dynamo, petite Brazilian Philippe Coutinho failed to make his presence known, as he struggled to even get a touch of the ball. Chelsea midfielders Ramires and John Obi Mikel controlled the middle of the park as Liverpool attempted to hold onto some possession in the hope of gaining some penetration in the final third. However, it was not forthcoming, as the first half came to a close Chelsea were firmly favourites to secure three points from this fixture while Liverpool were seemingly struggling to put together anything resembling a foray at goal.

The half time break proved pivotal as Brendan Rodgers made his first substitute of the match, replacing the out-of-sorts Coutinho with ex-Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge. This proved a master stroke for the Reds as Sturridge proceeded to make the lives of the Chelsea defenders a nightmare, hitting the post, playing in Steven Gerrard and finally finding the back of the net, within 7 minutes of his arrival. The goal was expertly manufactured as Stewart Downing controlled a Daniel Agger long ball, finding Luis Suarez who dinked the ball over the head of the defender to Sturridge who found the back of the net in true style. Liverpool well and truly found themselves back in the game, and even with momentum, looking like they could even grab all three points.

Luis Suarez came to the fore once more as a corner in from Juan Mata found Suarez’s hand and referee Kevin Friend had no choice but to point to the spot. Eden Hazard stepped up for the visitors and slotted home past Pepe Reina in the 54^th minute. With Chelsea’s lead restored, Liverpool attempted to step up the tempo and find an equaliser, a challenge which they continued until the final kick of the ball.

The moment which the match will surely be remembered for took place with 20 minutes to play, as Luis Suarez seemed to lunge at and bite Chelsea’s Serbian centre back Branislav Ivanovic. Controversy ensued, as the incident was missed by the officials but certainly not by fans nor by the television cameras. Suarez will surely be in a great deal of trouble with the FA, and could well be handed another multi-match ban. The premier league’s current top scorer may well miss the rest of the season and could even miss some matches next season if he remains with the Merseyside club.

As the match wore on, both Benitez and Rodgers made changes to their sides. For Chelsea, former-Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun replaced Eden Hazard in the 78^th minute, and Nigerian Victor Moses replaced Oscar in the 83^rd. For Liverpool, Jonjo Shelvey replaced Stewart Downing in the 80^th minute, and received a yellow card for catching Oscar just one and a half minutes after his introduction.

Liverpool had many chances to find an equaliser in the final minutes as they again lacked the final product until the 7^th minute of stoppage time when a brilliantly weighted Daniel Sturridge ball from the right found none other than the infamous Luis Suarez whose header beat Petr Cech at the near post to secure a point for Liverpool. Capping off a truly eventful performance from Suarez whose goal is his first in over 400 minutes of premier league football.

Liverpool’s attacking play was the real improvement in this game, as they managed to find the net, thanks largely to Daniel Sturridge who could prove instrumental in the run home if indeed Luis Suarez finds himself on the end of a length ban. Chelsea will be ruing a missed chance to steal a march in the champions league race over against Tottenham and Arsenal, and now find themselves in 4th place, just one point above tottenham and one under Arsenal. Benitez and the blues supporters will be hoping that they can come home strong.

That’s Rosey’s roundup on Liverpool vs. Chelsea!

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

The Purpose of this Blog

Hello and welcome to the first post of the Rosey Wrap!

If you are reading this you have stumbled onto a gold mine of sports journalistic articles, which I implore you to read and comment on. My name is Jake Rosengarten, I am a 17 year old from Sydney, Australia in my last year of high school and my aspirations after completing my final year of school (finally) are to become a sports journalist. 

On this blog, I will be posting articles which cover a wide range of sporting topics, including, but not limited to: English premier league football, cricket, and AFL. I will attempt to write an article every two to three days but this will not always be possible, because as most people are aware the life of a year 12 student is an overwhelmingly hectic one.

I am very passionate about sport, and often have trouble juggling the many teams I support in numerous sports. I am a massive supporter of Liverpool Football Club (EPL) as well as maintaining a following of the Sydney Swans (AFL) , the Sydney Roosters (NRL) and the Australian cricket team.

This is my first attempt at writing serious articles and any feedback is greatly appreciated. I vow to take on any advice given to me (within reason) and am keen to improve my writing as much as possible so that I can one day, hopefully in the not so distant future, secure a job as a professional sports journalist.

Thank you for your support,

Jake Rosengarten