I started this column looking to find a diversion from the gloom that seems all pervasive right now.

The incessant rainfall and dark skies have been with us for weeks on end to the extent that the gloom is both a physical and an emotional reality.

Images of the devastation of the floods in Queensland and NSW have created a news environment that isn’t ideal for celebration or excitement. Maybe that’s part of the thinking behind the NRL’s philanthropic decision to redirect season launch event money to a fund assisting impacted rugby league clubs.

Now life has doubled down on Australia with the loss of two legends of Australian sport on the same day. The passing of Rod Marsh and Shane Warne grabbed headlines that extended beyond our Australian borders.

Therefore, rather than looking for a diversion in such tough times, I’m hoping that all of us that love our footy, or sport of any kind, remember that we are supporters. It’s a powerful word, because it means that we stand by others when they need us.

Whether it’s individuals or entire communities going through the worst of times, we do what we can to help. Because supporting others runs through our veins.

Bumpers up!

The Loss Of Sports Icons

Rugby League recently farewelled three of its own with the passing of Mark Schulman, Olsen Filipaina and John Raper.

It was fitting that a State funeral was bestowed upon Raper given his contribution to Australian sport and his status as one of the original Rugby League Immortals.

On a personal level, the passing of Olsen Filipaina was particularly saddening as I’d come to know him as a member of my local community. As one of his friends said to me just this week, he was such a humble man who never spoke of his own achievements.

Now, the entire nation has been stunned by the loss of both Rod Marsh and Shane Warne on the same day.

Those that knew them are best left to share memories of the men that they were. After all, it’s their qualities as people that account for both their achievements and their mistakes.

Rod Marsh was one half of an iconic recording on cricket scoresheets – “caught Marsh, bowled Lillee”. I believe he’ll also be remembered as someone who valued doing the right thing, as evidenced by his reaction to the infamous underarm bowling decision.

As for Shane Warne, I shared something on The Cumberland Throw’s Instagram account that warrants repeating here.

I was coaching primary school cricket when Warnie was at the height of his powers. It seemed like every kid in the team wanted to be a leg spin bowler.

His powers and personality were so influential, and so inspirational, for these kids who were from diverse multicultural backgrounds. I couldn’t teach them the craft. I simply encouraged them. They watched the wizard spin king in action and practised and practised and practised some more.

One year, I had about five in the one team who could bowl legitimate leg spin and land them without conceding wides or no balls. It was quite extraordinary for kids of that age, most of whom didn’t play cricket on the weekend. Actually, there were a number who signed up for the local club after their experience in school cricket.

Those kids would be in their 20s or 30s now, and none have graced any big cricket stage. But Warnie’s brilliance provided them with memories of not only him, but of their own time having fun on a cricket pitch.

 

Of Droughts And Flooding Rains

Many Australians are familiar with the poem “My Country” by Dorothea Mackellar. First published in 1908, it expressed her love for Australia and an environment which could brutally take away, yet then return life “threefold”.

There may be those reading this who are currently impacted by the floods across vast stretches of two states. Cruelly, it’s not a one off crisis for people in those areas.

Those of us not adversely affected can look to how we can assist. Be it through the donation of money or goods to established relief funds, our help will be needed by communities across NSW and Queensland.

Last week, the NRL made the decision to cancel the official season launch event and instead channel that money into a flood relief fund designed to assist grassroots rugby league clubs.

Any criticism of money going towards helping sports clubs is narrow minded.

The importance of such clubs to local communities cannot be overstated. Run by volunteers, their mission is all about being a local resource and giving back to the people in their districts and even beyond.

Readers of our series of Parramatta Stories are learning about the role that junior rugby league clubs play in western Sydney. One can imagine how critical they are in regional communities.

Equipment and facilities come via the donations and hard work of members, businesses, councils, and local people. The people living in those areas impacted by this flood event have suffered both individually and collectively.

So if the NRL and it’s supporters can help rebuild or re-equip community resources, count me as being on board.

 

Hills Bulls

On the subject of the value of grassroots clubs, our latest issue of Parramatta Stories features the famous Hills Bulls.

The largest club in the Eels junior league is not only a footy powerhouse, fielding teams from under 6 through to Ron Massey Cup, it’s the beating heart of the community providing year round sport and support programs.

The Longhorns Program and the Nathan Gremmo Shield are fine examples of giving back to the district and beyond.

An upcoming episode of The Tip Sheet will feature our full discussion with club president Mick Gremmo and secretary, Rick Palin.

In the meantime, please check out the feature story here.

 

NRLW History

An edge of the seat finish, with the win iced by the first ever NRLW field goal, ensured that Parra’s premiership debut became a talking point of the last seven days. It was, after all, history in the making.

Unfortunately, this week the Water Dragons succeeded in handling the wet ball far better than the Eels.

I won’t deny that my interest in the NRLW has increased exponentially this year. The inclusion on an Eels team is largely responsible for that. To be honest, I didn’t cheer for any team in previous seasons.

Another factor has been the increase to six teams. When only four teams were involved across just three rounds, a side’s fate could be decided after one match. Though five rounds and a finals series is not ideal, the expansion to six teams makes it more of a competition than past incarnations.

I also believe that the start date has been advantageous. Despite this schedule resulting from the postponement of the 2021 season, the February kick off has given the NRLW it’s own stage.

Whilst I’m looking forward to the NRL/NRLW double header at CommBank next weekend, having all of the attention has allowed the NRLW to get off to a flier, and a ratings success.

I wonder whether there will be a reflection for future calendars.

 

Junior Rep Round Cancelled

The big wet has played havoc with a range of outdoor events, and the NSWRL Junior Representative competitions have felt the brunt of closed venues.

A number of Round 4 matches were postponed last weekend, and now all of Round 5 has been cancelled. Cancellations mean that the round will not be played. It’s unlikely to impact the Gale side, but it’s not ideal for the Eels Matts and Balls teams who were looking to get back into the winner’s list after indifferent early season form.

Parra had the bye in round 4, which means all of their teams will go into round 6 with a three week “freshen up”.

It’s been a time to regroup. Disruptions have left the tables tight, and with only four rounds remaining, the teams will be looking to win every match.

 

Just Four Sleeps To Go

The much awaited NRL season kicks off this Thursday, with the Eels waiting till Sunday afternoon to take the field for their season opener.

Parra finished off the preseason in emphatic fashion, walloping the Panthers by 36 points. Trial results mean nothing, but trial form and attitude are a nice indicator of a team’s mindset. Ask Phil Gould how seriously he treats what he sees in such matches.

Team list Tuesday should instil the next round of footy debates.

We know that Marata Niukore will be unavailable through suspension, and Nathan Brown will be in doubt given he hasn’t featured in either trial.

So, will BA spring any selection surprises?

I reckon he’s a chance of naming the same 17 that started so well against Penrith. But maybe he has a different bench structure in mind for the Titans.

All will be revealed soon enough.

 

The Cumberland Throw Goes Live

Last year, TCT was proud to be involved in the match day schedule at Parramatta Leagues Club. Forty and I presented a live version of “The Tip Sheet” in Pablos before the game, featuring Eels talk and very special guests.

In 2022, we’ll be back, but this time the live podcast will be part of the post match schedule at the club. Pablos has been remodelled as Jack’s Bar and Grill, and we’ll be there after each game during the season.

After the Titans clash, we’ll be joined by Steve Ella, Tim Mannah and Mary K.

I look forward to seeing the room filled with fellow Parra tragics as we celebrate a win at the Home of the Eels.

Eels forever!

Sixties