A note about Anberlin

So I sit here now , just 1 sleep till the Anberlin show! Yep, that's right! 1 more sleep. It's near 2 years since they last graced our shores. That's a hell of a long time for a band who has such affection for our country.

See, Anberlin's first shows out of the USA were here in Australia. Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure these shows occurred in 2005. I remember clearly meeting Stephen after their Sydney show. I think he was stunned by the reaction Sydney and Australia had given the band. Not only were these shows their first outside of the USA but they also happened to be sell out shows or close to it. All this a 14 hour flight away - on the other side of the world!!

Inside that show at the Gaelic Club (Now Gaelic Hotel) there was something in the air that night. The show was intense. The crowd was just so up for it! Anberlin responded too. They were most definitely up for it. It made for a great show! That night they were playing with Antiskeptic, probably my most favourite aussie band ever.

To understand just why Anberlin are so popular here I just don't know. Many bands write great music or interact with fans. Anberlin though seem to have a connection that feels real. For me anyways. It just feels a little more real for some reason. How their album "Cities" has impacted me is amazing. To this day it still feels like i'm enjoying that album more and more. Another reason the connection with Anberlin feels so real is that they're humble, honest and always thankful for their fans. Respect works both ways and I feel that they get what it means to be in their position. It's not taken for granted. 

I've always respected them because of this. I also respect them because my views on life are somewhat similar. I think they do a wonderful job as role models. Honesty is a big reason for this. Humbleness is another thing I've noted with the band. These dudes aren't perfect and they don't claim to be. But life is all about being your best self. That's all that matters. That's what being real is all about. Anberlin have reminded me on several occasions that there IS more to living than being alive. There are things that we can do, choices that we can make, that can impact in a positive way on the world today.  This is why I respect them first as individuals and then as a collective in a band.

Back to Anberlin and their tour though. This week marks I believe their ninth tour of Oz. That's pretty incredible for a band who only formed just over a decade a go. I guess that really does make Australia their second home. This weekend will be special, I'm looking forward to it!

Blake Ferguson -The Rant!

Blake Ferguson. Those are two words that make me want to vomit inside my own mouth, if I can be honest here. Why? Because I am dead set over this petulant, childish, arrogant, stupid, dumb football player. Oh, I'll be fair. He's a talented football player. But I know i'm not only one who is so far over his childish behaviour. Where do we start with him??

Ferguson quit the Cronulla Sharks back in 2010 basically because he didn't want to play in a losing team. Real big of you pal! He then joined the Canberra Raiders. His time there had been solid but a little wayward due to some childish antics of his alongside Josh Dugan. To sum up their antics, it was basically a big "Up yours!" to the Canberra Raiders football club. Their players, coaches and fans. They disrespected every aspect of that club on numerous occasions. Why? So that they could get out of their contract it seems.

 I've got no doubt that Blake Ferguson's recent behaviour is such because he saw how Josh Dugan got out of his contract. No, i'm not saying he allegedly sexually assaulted a young women for these reasons. That's another matter far beyond the realms of this one. Ferguson's continued trips up to the shire whilst he disrespects the club that pays his wages is just SO arrogant! He's received countless opportunities to redeem himself. He's been given ample opportunity to seek support and get himself on the straight and narrow once more. But now he just doesn't give a toss!

Worst of all. I'm not even sure he get's it. He tried to reason on twitter that he'd done no wrong because there was nothing wrong with his latest actions:

"Didn't know going out to dinner with mates was such a big problem! Guess this is what it has come to! :( "

Hold on Blake. Is that the best you've got?? I don't care if you had permission to be up there or not. Given your track record in Canberra previously. I don't think you have the right to have a go at people who have a go at you. We all think you're about as clueless as a baby that pisses its nappies.

Why am I so aggressive towards Blake though? To be honest, his antics are only part of the reason. This is a troubled footballer who earlier this season got his life together, played some good football and got rewarded with NSW Origin representation. This was his chance at redemption. His chance of fulfilling his dreams. His chance to be respected by the rugby league community. Sadly though, this is where his story ends. He blew his chance. Tossed it down the toilet all because he let the fame and glory get to his head.

His attitude recently though stinks. If he had even half a brain he'd show far more respect for those around him than he does. If, as expected, he is sacked by the Raiders, it's suggested he'll walk right back to the Sharks on a multi year deal. I'll be filthy if this happens. Given his attitude in 2013, the last thing he deserves is another chance right now. He doesn't deserve one. Not even close! The NRL would be wise to suspend him for an extended period (again!!!). How does he learn the value in showing respect?? He currently shows none and could be rewarded with another chance to start all over again??

Sorry, I don't get it and I don't approve.....

Thanks you innovators and decisions makers. You've officially dumbed down society!

Over the weekend I came across a statement which struck a chord with me. I was sitting in church on Sunday morning like any other when my pastor stated:

"It's not too hard. We live in a culture that says it's not easy enough."

Now before you go and close down this blog because you thought I was about to give you a religious commentary on this statement, I want it known that that's not the direction I want to take this comment today. As relevant as the statement is from a Christian point of view, it's also extremely relevant from any point of view.

We live in a society these days that is used to getting things done quickly and conveniently. Food is a big example. We can order Thai food and have it delivered to our door in under 45 mins. Heck, sometimes it's here in close to 30 mins!! We even have slow cooked favourites such as lamb shanks available in supermarkets, fully prepared with vegies. All that's needed is we stick it in the oven. It doesn't even take an hour. That's pretty damn easy!

There are other examples too. Some of them make our lives easier and, well quicker too. Stuff such as buying pre-paid bus tickets. Instead of watching someone fiddle around for a minute looking for loose change, they can hop right on the bus and dip their ticket in. In the time you get one unorganized customer fiddling for change, you can get 6-7 people on, all using their ticket. It's brilliant and makes for a quicker trip. Convenience is important in today's society. You see it everywhere. It's so common that often we don't realize the services we use or purchase are in fact provided to ensure convenience.

Back to the original statement though:

"It's not too hard. We live in a culture that says it's not easy enough"

What I've noticed, and i'm sure all of you have too, is that the cost of convenience and living in a society where things are done to make things easier is that society now says that it IS too hard. People now can't be arsed lining up in a queue. They will push in or ask you to quickly provide them with something. They usually justify it by saying "It will only take a few seconds". When their request isn't met, most actually give up and walk away. Yep, it's too hard apparently. We just expect something to be given to us and to have it done quickly.

This shouldn't be a surprise. This is the price we pay for spoon feeding society. We're now all so used to the probability of receiving something quickly or getting something done with ease. It's almost as if we've been dumbed down by the innovators and decision makers because they made it easier for us. I'm sure there's people out there who have never used a mixing bowl in their lives. I'm sure of it. As sad as it may seem.

Convenience is a great thing because it makes things easier for us but at what price?? I think I know the answer to this already. The trouble is, I think the issue will only get worse as things become easier in our "time is precious" lives.

Leeds United season preview 2013-14

Leeds United begin the new English Championship season this Saturday with a home game against Brighton & Hove Albion at Elland Road. The summer has been somewhat familiar to last season. An off season spent seemingly penniless and an all too familiar feeling that we're short a few players. In actual fact we're not short of any players, it's just that we don't have an adequate level of talent across the park.

The 3 new signings will add something. Luke Murphy at 23 and a captain back at Crewe Alexandra, looks to have the right mix as a midfielder. His leadership skills are obvious, his talent on the ball critical but as of yet not really tested at a high enough level. He'll get a good test this weekend. He looks a player who will develop strongly at Leeds United, at least it's hoped. The second key signing is that of Noel Hunt from Reading. Hunt will add some experience up front, his guile and movement around the box make him one to be wary of for opposing defenders. He also brings good character to the squad, something that shouldn't be overlooked in football. Hunt may not bang in 20 goals this season but his hard work is sure to lay on its share of assists.

Matt Smith is third signing to date. Smith, arriving from Oldham on a free transfer is something different. Some have dubbed him the Peter Crouch of League One. His lanky frame does not diminish his work on the ball or his ability to move. He will no doubt be a tricky customer although is unproven at this level. The 3 above signings may well be upgrades but the trouble is there is only 3 of them.  That means the rest of the squad is essentially last season's underwhelming squad led by Neil Warnock. It's true though that under Brian McDermott's late reign the side did perform better. The trouble is that McDermott still has a squad that is almost entirely to Neil Warnock's liking. Judging by that and the two managers styles of football. This is far from good.

McDermott this week has hinted there may be another departure from his current squad. If so, the plan is to bring in another new player. The trouble is, for this squad to be anything serious this season, 2 or 3 more need to go. I feel we're way over stocked in the midfield. Michael Brown, David Norris,  Danny Pugh and even Michael Tonge could be considered surplus if the right players are bought in to replace them. There's the same in defence. Lee Peltier doesn't seem a guy who's likely to be a long term option, neither does Adam Drury or Jason Pearce. Of the above mentioned Norris, Pugh, Peltier and Drury should be moved on. If we could bring in two players, that would be ideal.

My theory on GFH is that they whilst they are not spending money, well, much of it. The lack of spending is down to the fact that the squad is big enough already. It's just unbalanced with too many players in one position and not enough in others. Rather than risk building up a large wage bill, it's easier to come out and say that players need to go before you bring in. I get that. And I agree. GFH certainly appear to have a long term plan and ambition that is based on sustainability. I'm excited about that but also patient because I realize my ambition of Premier League promotion may have to wait at least another season. But knowing that my club is healthy at the same time is an extremely satisfying feeling at a time when many clubs are feeling the pinch financially.

So what are my expectations this season? For me it's all about promotion. I would love to get there but sadly I realize that may not materialize if we can't do things properly in quick enough time. Players need to move on before others come in. With that being the case, the new season may be one of stability and further prep work towards a tilt at promotion next season.

Prediction: 10th-14th

Assuming other players will leave and come in, I do see Leeds continuing to improve. Our football under McDermott has improved and so too has the genuine atmosphere around the club. I believe that will translate into more positive results. The club seems to pulling in the right direction now and the fans will respond. This will be a better season.

Player of the Year : Rodolph Austin

Based of what I've read from teammates this pre season, Rudy is going to be an ever present in the line up and back to the form he's been capable of delivering. I believe he'll benefit from a strong pre season under McDermott. People forget that last season he also came from the Norweigan league and with an earlier kick off date meant an extraordinarily long season.

Young Player of the Year:

It's hard to go past Sam Byram again. Sam aside I'm hoping Dom Poleon can make the grade and that Chris Dawson can emerge from the metaphoric high chair and become a useful first team squad member.

Opening Day prediction:

Leeds United 2-1 Brighton

Got my money on a 2-1 here with goals from Ross McCormack and Noel Hunt. It promises to be a close match up, a real contest that could go either way. No Poyet in charge will hurt Brighton with Leeds the home side doing just enough to see off the visitors.

Did you just call Australia a racist?

The racist rant aimed at South Sydney league star Greg Inglis yesterday again raises the question, "When will we ever learn??". I am dumbfounded by the never ending tirade our indigenous Australians seem to face. It's not only the indigenous who face this day to day though. I've witnessed countless racist attacks on unsuspecting members of the public whilst at work. Some of these are spite driven, with a horrible undertone delivered to it. Other attacks are softer, almost to the point of a bit of harmless fun. Which again is far from acceptable.

The overwhelming feeling from me is that we still don't get it as a nation. We have our campaigns and groups which encourage anti racism and these things are great. However there are still countless racist rants floating around by people who do think it's okay. Sure we're talking about minority who offend here but if we all sat back and took a look at what we saw around us, we'd be shocked to realize this "minority" is a little bigger than we'd like. I couldn't tell you the amount of times, myself being an Australian, that i've had to listen to someone be racist and confide in me thinking that their rant is okay because i'm an aussie and that i'll agree. WRONG!

I've worked with people from different cultures and i've learnt to understand them and appreciate them. There are things we can learn from them. A lot of these things never happen because they get lost in translation, which is often why a lot of people seem to racially rant because they feel these people are dumb.  That too is wrong. This is a generic and dumb conclusion to draw.

My concern for this country is not so much that we don't do enough to eradicate racism, I think we're trying to do so. My concern is that too many of us just don't get it. I know plenty of people who i don't think are racist but will make racist jokes. We all know these people.  They think so long as the victim doesn't hear it, that it's okay. We'll not really! At it's most simplest form, life is about people interacting with other people. We can teach people things and we can learn things from others. None of us are perfect, or have things figured out. There is a lot to learn from everyone we come into contact with. I've found people from other cultures always have something we can learn from. We should be embracing cultures. Not arrogantly shooting them down and portraying ourselves as superior.

One of these days, the world will finally GET it. At least i hope........

Benji - via @NothingButWT

Via @NothingButWT

Let me start by congratulating Benji Marshall on a great career. He will (hopefully) finish with 200 NRL games for the club, our leading tryscorer, pointscorer and will always be remembered for "that" pass. What happened behind closed doors is for Benji, Tauber, the club and the NRL to know. Rugby League is a business, and at this time Mayer and Wests Tigers management is working overtime to ensure a dominant future past 2013. Both Benji and the club need to do whats best for them moving forward. Not all Rugby League players get the fairytale goodbye.

As Robbie Farah said yesterday, "No one player is bigger than a footy club." Benji's legacy will always live on at Wests Tigers.

Moving Forward

In 2014, we will have depth through the club that we have not seen before. We will have a good mix of youth and experience. For fans asking why the club needs to make players who are 'untested' in the NRL a priority it is as simple as this. Guys like Brooks, Moses and Nofoaluma have fielded offers from rival clubs over the past two years and some of the offers are downright ridiculous. Players like Brooks, Moses, Lovett and Santi, although still to play first grade, are players which the club have to keep. Our under 20's have been the brunt of a lot of criticism this year about 'underperforming' but it is overlooked that Tedesco, Sironen and Nofoaluma are still eligible. Injuries have enabled the club to test players like Luke Brooks in the NSW Cup which will only help his development.

Whether it is Benji Marshall, Luke Brooks or Mitchell Moses, it is important to remember what occurred to Taniela Tuiaki and Simon Dwyer. Nothing in life (or rugby league) is a given. 

Fans are understandably nervous about 2014 and beyond, but remember this, players from the graduation class of Farah, Fulton, Halatau and co have said the talent we will see in 2014 at Wests Tigers is unparalleled. Robbie Farah made no secret that a major reason he re-signed was due to the talent at the club. I am not going to sit here and tell you that all of the 20+ players we have in NRL and NSW Cup who are 22 years of age or younger are going to play 200 NRL games, win premierships and represent their country, but we have the base to work with, as we have the most talented group in Rugby League.

It is time to have faith in our junior system. Since the start of the National Youth Competition we have seen 30 players who have graduated from the Wests Tigers U20's and play NRL. Before a ball was kicked in 2013 the thought of having 7 debutants and playing games with 8 players who had less than 10 games NRL experience was 'far-fetched'. The injury crisis the club battled this year, in my opinion, has helped the club for next season. 

To the believers that 'only Benji can guide the new talent around the NRL', i say this. Within our current squad, Robbie Farah, Braith Anasta, Aaron Woods, Liam Fulton, Adam Blair, Chris Lawrence and co all made their debuts as teenagers or as 20 year olds. They know the expectation, they know the feeling. 

Because of these points, i believe we will enter season 2014 in the strongest position the club has been in. Support the jersey, Support the badge. Yes we have lost a superstar, but another is about to take the NRL by storm.

Management

For too long, retention, recruitment and fan interaction has been a huge blight on the club. Point the finger at whoever you like over this, but 6 weeks ago Grant Mayer became COO of the Wests Tigers. In that time we have seen Marty Taupau join the club, Keith Galloway re-sign for 3 years and extensions for 2014 provided to James Gavet and Ava Seumanufagai. I have no doubt that Mick Potter and Grant Mayer are the best people for the job to help the club move forward.

Fans

So we have two months of guaranteed footy left in 2013, I was disgusted to see fans threaten to boycott games 'in honour of Benji'. If you are considering boycotting games just remember this, Benji has his last game at Leichhardt, his last game at Campbelltown and his 200th game coming up. Who are you trying to punish?

Finally, to the fans who say they will burn their Wests Tigers jerseys, all i can say is, please do it. All it means is that you will have nothing to wear when you feel like jumping back on the bandwagon.

The Benji conundrum!

I sit here this morning still finding it pretty hard to believe what has transpired in the past 12-13 hours. Yes, a check of the papers this morning confirms the black cloud that hovers over all Wests Tigers fans this morning is indeed still there:
            BENJI MARSHALL IS LEAVING WESTS TIGERS!

Currently there is divided opinion on Benji's decision from fans of the Wests Tigers and and those of the game in general. Some feel that a player of Benji's value and service to the club should've been looked after - end of story! Others believe the guy is now past his best and should probably have accepted the offer as the best he can now command. Whilst others, myself included, believe the truth is probably somewhere in between.  For those of us out of the know, well we'll just have to accept the facts that we do know. That Benji was presented an upgraded contract for the next 2 seasons and he rejected the terms, then seeking a release.

One thing i do know though is that this situation is far from ideal. It's not ideal for Benji, it's not ideal for Wests Tigers and it's not ideal for Rugby League. We're talking about one of the games most marketable players. He may have polarized some opinions but i think there's little doubt he is one of the game's modern day greats. From an attacking perspective i believe Benji pioneered a new breed of footballer. His skills are so silky, his ability to chance his arm, whilst always debatable, thrilled most people. Everyone remembers his flick pass for Pat Richards in the 2005 grand final win. What was he thinking? Is this guy nuts??? To this day he remains one of the games best attacking players. Statistically always up there for try assists, line break assists, line breaks and tackle busts.

2013 has not been a good year for Benji. In fact it's fair to say it's been his most challenging yet. After already having to deal with the departure of close friend and long time Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens, he then suffered the pain of losing the job as New Zealand Captain. That must have been shattering. Rumours were he would not even be selected in the squad. A turf toe injury put to rest that question though. His on field form for Wests Tigers had been insipid at best. The effort was always there but the execution and his confidence seemed to both fall away. He was dropped to the bench by coach Mick Potter in a game v Souths in a move i feel seemed to work because it bought with it a reaction.  His form has slowly improved since that game. Though it's fair to say he's still not at his best weeks later.

These recent contract negotiations have clearly been tough. Tough for Wests Tigers, it's fans and most of all Benji. Benji has come out and said that after discussions with the then CEO Stephen Humphreys, that  they had discussed a further 2 year extension to his current contract which would've tied him till 2017. This talk was only ever on a hand shake agreement and one that still had to be ratified with the board. However Humphreys since that time has resigned. Stepping in to the negotiations has been COO Grant Mayer. He and his board met and approved only an upgrade to his current deal. This was a clause in the current deal that allowed the deal to be restructured under a new salary cap. Wests Tigers honored this.

As we now know though, Benji has declined the offer. Reportedly on the grounds that he was first offered a further 2 years to his current deal.  This is now where the situation becomes murky. There's not many people out there who will know the truth to how this played out. Plenty will say they will, but few will seriously know. This is how i look at it. Weather or not Benji was offered a further 2 years under a "hand shake" agreement with Humphreys is of little significance. This was never approved by the board and ultimately all deals need board approval.

Okay, morally Benji probably does have a point if this is indeed how it played out. Wests Tigers though cannot simply move heaven and earth to satisfy Benji. The board and Grant Mayer agreed to honor the clause in his contract and rightly so. They offered a deal which was fair for Benji and his status in the game. Also, remember this. It is an upgrade. Meaning he would now be paid more than previously. Which given current form is probably a little fortunate from Benji's perspective.

Ultimately, Wests Tigers needed to be mindful and responsible in their dealings. There is a wealth of young talent coming through the club these days. The youth plan has been developing nicely over the past 3-4 years and only now are we beginning to see the fruits of this. The Tigers decided to make this priority number one. To nurture and retain their talented young players. Therefore it sits comfortably with me that the club would only raise the bar so high with Benji. They had to act responsibly for the sake of the club and it's future. Guys like James Tedesco, David Nofoaluma, Tim Simona, Marika Koroibete, Curtis Sironen, Sauaso Sue, Luke Brooks, Mitchell Moses, Brendan Santi, Kyle Lovett and Nathan Brown amongst others are our future, and significant time has been invested in them. Would it be right to sacrfice a long term investment for one player who's form has not been top shelf for quite some time now?? I don't believe so. This is why the club i feel was right to only raise the bar on Benji to a certain point. It needed to think long term and NOT short term.

All this aside though it's still a sad time for Wests Tigers. Benji will forever be one of this club's greatest ever players. And having him leave prematurely does hurt. In an ideal world he would've agreed to his upgrade. He has bought so many fans to the game. I feel terrible for all the young Tigers fans who have to face up to the reality that their hero is leaving. I'm sure there are tears, i know there are tears. I will miss his ability to conjure a play that simply wasn't there. His instinct. It was his greatest strength. I often thought that a lot of his errors occurred because he often thought a level ahead of his team mates. He could see what his team mates couldn't process at the same time.

Benji though is an institution at Wests Tigers. Some will call him Wests Tigers. That when people think Wests Tigers they think Benji Marshall. His 11 years of service have been incredible. From the lows of recurring shoulder injuries to the highs of a grand final win in 2005. I was overseas when he was exceptional in the 2008 World Cup. He was tremendous in periods of 2010-11. These are the things i will remember him for. He made going to the football just that little bit more fun. He always had you anticipating something brilliant. He was more than capable of it.

If i saw Benji now, i would thank him for his service. For he has provided us Wests Tigers fans with so many moments of joy. He gave this club it's hope. Help turned us from a basket case into a contender. I got no doubt that Rugby League thrives these days because of the impact stars like Benji have had over the his past 11 years. It doesn't seem right for Rugby League to lose him. Benji's loyalty to this club though means we will lose him though.

 The reality though for our club is that star players will always move on at some point. The club though will always be here. It will remain here to provide opportunities to other players. The good news is there will be other star players to throw on a Wests Tigers jersey. We will recover. We will survive. Benji though will ALWAYS be remembered.