Stuart Needs To Get With The Times

Sorry Ricky, but all players should be able to wear the green and gold!

Last week Australian Rugby League coach Ricky Stuart made some big calls by declaring that he would not pick players to represent Australia if they had chosen to chase the big dollars offered by clubs overseas.

Initially, I thought “Yep, I see his point” and to a certain extent I actually agreed with the stand he was taking.

I have had some time to reflect on the decision now and have changed my mind. Here’s why.

As I have mentioned several times in my columns, there are very few things that have made me more proud than pulling on the green and gold to represent my country.

I cannot think of one good reason why any athlete should be robbed of such a tremendous honour simply because they play in a competition other than the one available to them in Australia.

Not only can I not think of a good reason. I cannot name another sport that puts such a restriction on potential Australian representatives.

In fact, some athletes move away from their country of origin because the competition is better. Basketball and soccer immediately spring to mind. Athletes who excel in these sports strive for the opportunity to go overseas to chase better competition and more money. They want to perform at the highest level possible. The fact is that they have to go elsewhere to do it.

As an athlete, the other factor you have to consider is the duration of your earning capacity. While some people are fortunate enough to make an entire life’s work out of their passion, any athlete has a used by date that is much shorter than your average professional in another job. If you don’t go for the best financial deal you can get your hands on, within reason of course, you are just plain silly.

Let’s be honest. There is no way an A-League side could ever come up with the salary Harry Kewl has been rewarded with overseas. And Andrew Bogut is about to sign an NBA contract rumoured to be worth around $80 million. There are very few sports in the world that could lay out money like that for one player. The finances of the NBL have been exposed over the past few weeks and we all know it is not going to compete with that type of money.

If either soccer or basketball tried to implement a policy like Stuart’s, the national representative teams would be left for dead. It would be a no brainer - players would have to forgo the honour of playing for their country in favour of being able to ensure their financial security, and that of their families, for the future.

Stuart eluded to the fact that a move like this would mean he was assured of picking players who were passionate about playing for their country.

This reasoning leaves me more than a little perplexed. I don’t think I would be the only one to say that it did not matter where in the world I earned my living playing basketball, the level of passion I would have about when playing for my country would never waiver.

For the sake of argument, let’s say Stuart was asked to coach outside of Australia for a couple of years, but remained the National Team coach. Would that mean he would lose the zest to do his best for his country as their coach? You would have a tough time convincing me of it.

Now, thankfully Stuart does not have the only voice in determining the final Australian team. He is only giving his opinion on how he would like to see players selected. There is probably a attempt of his own at keeping our best player on Australian soil.

I think it could be detrimental to the game of rugby league if the most talented country in the rugby league world lost the World Cup simply because we did not select our best players. There would be no winner in that type of situation and Australian Rugby League would pay the biggest price at the end of the day. It would lose fans, players, and dollars and would, in my opinion, find it difficult to recover.

You can find my column in the Townsville Bulletin every Saturday.

Game 1 To The Celtics

Paul Pierce was the "Truth" during the third quarter!

Although I have predicted that the Los Angles Lakers will win the Final, I have to give credit to the Boston Celtics. They were the better team tonight.

There is no doubting Paul Pierce's red hot third quarter swung momentum back in the C's favour but I have to say it was the intangibles by the supporting cast that was the difference in the game.

Rajon Rondo keep the Celtics in the game in the first half by knocking down three jumpers as the shot clock was winding down. The Lakers were going to leave him open and he made them pay.

In the second half both Sam Cassell and PJ Brown made plays that helped. Both these veterans were acquired during the season for just this reason.

Cassell knocked down some jumpers and added a spark when Pierce when down injured, while Brown was rock solid on defense, especially in the pick and roll situation as well as on the boards.

I am a little bias towards James Posey but once again he had his say in the game's final result. His consistent defensive pressure on Kobe Bryant did not allow the leading scorer during the playoffs any easy looks. Plus Posey knocked down a three late in the fourth to extent the lead out of the reach of the Lakers.

There is no doubting the Celtics "Big Three" (Garnett, Pierce and Allen) had their own individual moments but it was the "supporting cast" that was the difference in this game.

The Lakers need to get the same type of productivity out of their guys. Luke Walton, Ronny Turiaf, Vladimir Radmanovic and Sasha Vujacic have to give the Lakers productive minutes if they are to turn this series around.

I expect more of the same from the Celtics come Game 2 but I'm looking for Kobe to be aggressive early so they do not head back to LA 0-2.

Boxscore

Game 2 will be on Monday Australian time.

Other articles from the NBA

Pierce inspires Celtics to win.
Daily Dime
Kobe was not himself..can the C's keep him in check for the rest of the series?
Sonics court battle, especially posted for DJ Leon Smith

NBL News: Wrublewski wants the Pigs gooone.
Jawai moves onto Seattle for tryout.
Nathan Herbert is living the dream.
More on Jawai and his Seattle hopes.

Nathan Jawai - Interview before his Warriors workout...check it out!

King's Have A Saviour & Lakers Begin Their Run

Old is new again, Wrublewski is back in fashion.

Former owner Mike Wrublewski has put his hand up again in an attempt to breath life into a club that he loves with a passion, the Sydney Kings.

Wrublewski was the owner of the Kings franchise back in the late 80's and 90's when they were considered one of the best sporting franchises in Australia. Since Wrublewski had sold the Kings they have tasted great success on the court (3 championships) but have suffered greatly in holding onto corporate support within the Sydney community.

For the past twelve months their owner Tim Johnston (Firepower) has been running the club into the ground and has gained much media attention over the past two weeks due to his lack of paying his players their monthly salaries.

Enter Wrublewski. To cut a long story short, Wrublewski called Johnston and told him your doing the club no good. Give it to me before we have absolutely nothing to restore.

It is not as simple as that though. The NBL Board has to meet and agree that Wrublewski has a plan that is fit for the Kings and the NBL. Lucky for everyone the Board just happens to be meeting late this week.

He feels he has what it takes. "I need to come in with a clean slate, come in with some credibility, to come in with some statements that people will believe in and will support," he told Fox Sports

"In the past the one thing that I did leave the club with was when I said I would do something I did it and the corporate world backed me", he continued to say.

Obviously the man has the runs on the board so I cannot see the NBL knocking this on the head.

This is great to hear for the league and the Kings players. Finally some good news and finally maybe, some bums on those ugly purple chairs at the entertainment centre.

Although I did make comment that the league would continue with or without the Kings and Brisbane Bullets, I'm sure glad they are staying.

Kings are truly a sporting franchise that you love to hate and I think that will only be enhanced with Wrublewski at the helm.

Sydney, Sydney, Sydney.....I can hear Rodney O already!

Today myself and teammate Brad Sheridan made a visit out to the Children's Ward of the Hospital. It was part of a community project the Townsville Crocs and the hospital do together.

It is always a good time out there when you spend a little time with kids that are having a tough run with sickness or injury.

We just sat around a table with the kids helping them colour in and shoot the breeze. Yes, I had trouble staying between the lines but I'm sure I will get better.

Other NBL News:

Pero Cameron cleared of rough play.

Former Razorback Miles Pierce dumped.

Jawai works out for Warriors.

Young Victorian player shooting for the stars and college.

A reduced Boomers squad has been announced. (More on this in the coming days.)

Wildcats to get a "big" as second import.

Fox Sports will cover the Boomers/Iran series.

Maric works out for Pacers.

NBA News:

You can catch Game 1 of the Lakers/Celtics series on ESPN (508). It all starts at 10.30am.

What will win out? Celtics "D" or the Lakers "O".

Bill Simmons with his preview of the Finals.

Flip Saunders gone from Detroit.

Former Piston player to be new head coach.

Could D-Wade be leaving Miami?

Draft notes.

Could Kobe go for 81 Against the C's?

Web Addresses

Shaq has no official website, but Danny Ferry says its official, "Shaq's BIG!"

Well it's a bit of a slow day as far as action goes so I thought I would surf the net and dig up some players websites. I have no bias so players from all over the world can be found here. Enjoy! (please note, there are women's sites here too and let me know if there are others you wish to have added to the list.)

David Andersen Dusty Rychart Vince Carter Matt Harpring

Grant Hill AC Green Tracey McGrady Carlos Arroyo

Janeth Arcain Fabricio Oberto Magic Paula Goncalves

Jamaal Magloire Tariq Abdul-Wahad Boris Diaw

Linda Frohlich Adonal Foyle Joseph Blair Charlie Mandt

Arriel McDonald Kobe Bryant Dirk Nowitzki Tony Parker

Hedo Turkoglu Ricky Davis Chris Paul Steve Nash

LaMarcus Aldridge Carmelo Anthony Ron Artest Shane Battier

Raja Bell Kevin Garnett Chris Bosh Bruce Bowen

Tyson Chandler Jose Calderon Luol Deng Dan Dickau

Jordan Farmar TJ Ford Manu Ginobili Ben Gordon

Rip Hamilton Dwight Howard Josh Howard Allen Iverson

LeBron James Antawn Jamison Andrei Kirilenko Mark Madsen

Mike Miller Lamar Odom Emeka Okafor Paul Pierce

Tayshaun Prince Vladimir Radmanovic JJ Redick Jason Richardson

Brandon Roy Jerry Stackhouse Amare Stoudemire

Dwayne Wade Antoine Walker Yao Ming Lauren Jackson

NBL News:

New Wildcats coach to continue to preach defense.

Are the Kings back?

NZ Breakers sign development players.

What is Jawai up to in the States?

NZNBL news.

Razorbacks new CEO.

The Lakers and Celtics - past to present

Europe Update and Other News

Newley is ready to wear the green and gold but he has a Game 5 decider first.

While the oncourt action has been quiet here in Australia there have been a few Aussies still in action in Europe.

Firstly, David Andersen and his CSKA Moscow team have won its sixth straight Russian championship. CSKA swept Khimky 3-0.

These where the best two teams during the season by a long shot, but Andersen's team demonstrated throughout the series why they are the best team in Europe. Khimky only dropped two games during the regular season but could not come close to taking a game off CSKA.

With all the playing completed for Andersen now his focus will turn to the Boomers and his free agent status.

Andersen can sign for any team in Europe or my opt for an NBA experience. He will be able to make more money in Europe but he may be thinking it is time to give the NBA a crack.

Although he will not get Andrew Bogut money ($80 million) he will get a nice little pay rise that would have him comfortably in the top ten sports money earners from Australia.

I only hope for the best for this guy as he took the punt to go to Europe when he was a youngster (19) and has made the most of it.

Click here to read about the results of all three games.

Now to Brad Newley. He is playing in a fifth game decider today (Wednesday) for third spot.

You may ask why for third? In Greece the third placed team gets promoted to Euroleague which brings great exposure to the club. Think about being promoted in Premier League soccer in England. That's what it means to a club.

As for Newley's play, he has been on fire. Game 4 Newley played a major role in getting his Panionios team to a decider.

His 24pts, 5rebs and 4ass should get Boomers coach Brian Goorjian excited. Being able to play an all round game against some of Europe's best teams has to be encouraging to Boomers fans as well.

Come the Olympics we will need to beat some of the strong Euro teams to advance to the medal round. By Newley having played in this type of environment he will be ready to perform on the Olympic stage and hopefully help lead the Aussies to the medal round.

After Newley completes Game 5 he is back on the plane Sunday to Oz as he is keen to don the green and gold against the Iran National Team.

With another big performance by Newley in game 5 this should see him secure a multi year deal in Europe. He has had a very solid year and will only get better from his first year experience.

I'm sorry to let 6er fans know it will be a long time before you see him in your colours.

Click here to read about Game 4.

NBA News:
Chad Ford has dropped Nathan Jawai out of the first round for now. Don't be alarmed, he will have his individual workouts with teams now and his stock will be determined on his performances here.

Zo wants one more year if body allows it.

Bloggers have their say on the NBA Finals.

You want stats on the NBA Finals look no further. Click here.

For all things KOBE. The ultimate Kobe experience.

Kareem and his sky hook have a blog. It will be overrated like his play!

NBL News:
Kings paupers, who would have ever thought?

Harris happy to be back on the Apple Isle. The mind boggles when someone is happy to be back in Tassie in the middle of winter.

Phill Jones calls it a day for Tall Blacks. I cannot see the Kiwis qualifying for Beijing with everyone retiring.

Clint Reed re-signs with Pigs.

Boomers camp underway. Find out who is hot!

ABA Weekly Wrap

Have your say on who wins. Turn left, point and vote!

It's that time of the week again where I post all the ABA boxscores for you to peruse. Enjoy!

Queensland: Cannot believe Cameron Tragardh had 6 assists on his way to fifty points. Cam, you may have had sixty had you not passed or fumbled six times.

Waratah: My Sydney sources are telling me the Comets are the "Real Deal" down there!

Big V: Former Tiger Luke McMillan still gets the job down. Has a lazy 27pts and 17rebs on the weekend.

Western Australia: Geraldton's Michael Lay has a triple double (17pts, 12rebs, 10ass) against Wanneroo. While Cockburn is still On Fire.

South Australia: Joel Goodenough did not live up to his name as his Southern Tigers got spanked by the Norwood Flames.

SEABL: Greg Vanderjagt is looking for a NBL contract and his play for the Southern Districts Spartans reflected this. Check out his stats!

Other News Around Here:
Boomers coach Brian Goorjian will have a sports psychologist on hand at camp for players that need help due to the events that have transpired over the past week.

Maybe he should call in Dog the Bounty Hunter as well.

Rice in Singapore. Who would have thought the Singapore Slingers could sign a guy of this calibre, but once again coach Gordie McLeod and Bob Turner have found a good one in Darius Rice.

I remember seeing this guy fill it up at the University of Miami and he has continued to do so in the D-League.

If he comes to this league with the right attitude I see him as a potential leading scorer in the league.

BA and NBL release statement regarding James Henderson and his involvement with Firepower.

Boomers will match up against the USA team before the Olympics. I just hope Iran and the Kiwis get them ready for Kobe and company.

Aleks Maric is in good shape to give the NBA a shake.

The Cairns Tiapans have made comment about their strength as a club in the NBL.

Q & A with Corey "Homicide" Williams.

"One day I would love to play for the Crocs. I have had the chance to train with and against John Rillie these past two seasons. The way he works hard at training and the extra work he puts in is something that I have tried to instill in my own game." www.crocodiles.com.au

These are the words from budding basketballer Damon Heuir who is trying to get a place on the u/19 national team.

Thanks for the kind words Damon but there will be no relief for you on Wednesday night.

NBA News:
Top 10 Lakers/Celtics post season moments.

Paul Pierce gets it done against the Lakers.

Bill Simmons with another classic.

How did the "Big Dogs" look at the pre draft camp?

Sunday Conversation with Kobe Bryant

Lakers vs Celtics and Hot Rods

Can Kobe/KG match Bird/Magic?

Not since the 80's have the Los Angles Lakers and the Boston Celtics matched up against each other for a shot at a championship. (So out of respect to the game, throw away your DVD players and tape the series on VHS, please.)


David Stern and his NBA people could not have asked for a better Finals match up at the start of the season. Fans and media will be digging into the archives until this series tips off.


Remember it was the Bird/Magic era that really kicked off the globalization of basketball while Michael Jordan carried it to another level. So what better way to re-ignite the same level of enthusiasm for the sport than with a Kobe Bryant led Lakers taking on "The Big Three".


David Stern must go to sleep with a smile on his face right now.


So after playing 82 games we actually have the two best teams remaining so who is going to win this thing?


The Lakers will once again rely on Bryant to led from the front with his killer mentality but it seems to me that Kobe is growing in confidence with his teammates abilities. He no longer seems to have trust issues.


There is no doubting that Kobe will take over the game when necessary, but Spanish international Pau Gasol and versatile forward Lamar Odom quite often have heavy involvement early.


You focus on these three too much and leave Derek Fisher or Vladimir Radmanovic open, a few open threes later you are chasing your tail early. This starting five unit is playing very well together right now.


Enter the Laker bench. These guys have been holding their own every night. On one night it is Luke Walton and Ronny Turiaf then the next it is Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic.


Right now I feel the Lakers squad is playing like they believe they are going to win any game, anywhere. They came back and won two games against the defending champ San Antonio Spurs from double figure deficits. Quite impressive and quite a good confidence builder leading into the Finals.


As I've mentioned before in blogs, Phil Jackson has them feeling good while Kobe's play gives them the confidence and attitude on the court.


It will not be all one way traffic in the series so lets look at the C's and their strengths.


The "Big Three" all seem to back on the same page together. There was a minute there where Ray Allen was struggling but he is back on track.


All three need to be playing well together if the Celtics want to give themselves the best chance of winning.


The most important guy for the Celtics this series is going to be James Posey. (He came up with a key steal on Tayshaun Prince and the Pistons in Game 6) Quite often forgotten about, Posey will be asked to defend Bryant often and well. This is something Posey is used to as his role with the Miami Heat championship team was the same. This guy is fast becoming a clutch three point shooter as well so look for him to play key minutes down the stretch of games.


Rajan Rondo will need to keep the crafty veteran Fisher honest at the offensive end otherwise it will allow Fisher to roam and double on defense. (Look for Sam "I Am" Cassell to play more if Rondo becomes ineffective.) Rondo really began to pick his play up in the last few games in the Pistons series so the Celtics will be looking for this to carry over.


Kendrick Perkins needs to stay out of foul trouble in this series. Sure the C's have depth (PJ Brown and Leon Powe) but Perkins is going to have to be the guy to match up on Gasol for the majority of the minutes.


If Perkins can keep Gasol honest at both ends this will leave Garnett with a lot more freedom to operate down low. Garnett and Perkins seem to have a good understanding if KG gets doubled.


Allen must remain "on fire" to keep Kobe busy on the defensive end. Ray Ray was lights out in the last game so the Lakers know they need to contain his perimeter firepower otherwise he can split a game wide open in a hurry.


I feel this series will have many twists and turns but the Lakers have been the one team that has consistently won on the road in the playoffs. I see this continuing throughout this series and should see them hoist the trophy after SIX games.


As part of our NBL contract all players have to do promotional work for the club and sponsors. There is no doubting some are better than others and today I was lucky enough to be involved in the 7th Annual Bluwater Ute, Car and Bike Show.


By no means am I a petrol head but I did get a buzz out of being asked to drive a Hot Rod in the show.


Thanks to David (owner of the vehicle) for having the confidence in me behind the wheel. A day my kids and I will remember for quite a while.

Other News:

Fellow blogger Glockers chips in his two cents worth about the NBL dilemmas. I cannot agree more with him about how the league changed the rules to allow Tim Johnston to become the owner of the Kings.

Is there a conflict of interest within basketball's review committee? (interesting read, draw your own conclusions)

Mee getting the Boomers some love in the US.

Harris to measure up for Guinness Book of Records.

NBL needs to find a star.

Jamaica basketball receives millions in sponsorship!

Kings and their rough ride.