Wish I Weren’t Here
Last weekend my team was convincingly bundled out of the finals series and my NRLCEO season has come to a close. And with my fantasy team’s virtual Mad Monday out of the way, I’m now on my virtual end of season trip.
At the moment, I couldn’t care less about NRLCEO and the NRL outside of my club, and I’m sure there’s plenty of you who can sympathise.
Hopefully that should explain why this week’s column is brief, and why (for this week) my column reflects my ongoing concern for your continued success, i.e. Minimally.
But with my season over, what does that mean for me (and for those of you who are also no longer in contention?)
1) Tuesday afternoons are no longer spent hitting the F5 refresh button every three minutes to see who has been named in the NRL’s first grade team.
2) Friday evenings (Thursdays now) are no longer spent fretting over last minute line-up changes to your 17.
3) You only have to watch your NRL team’s match with any sort of vested interest.
4) You don’t have to tune into the Tantasy Podcast hoping for some sort of exclusive insight (with a funny accent.)
5) You don’t have to watch the Sharks v Raiders this weekend and worry about how many tackles some nuffy back rower has.
6) When the missus wants to go out for dinner on the weekend, you no longer need to only suggest places that might have the footy on the telly so you can keep an eye on your players.
7) You no longer need to check twitter, the hour before kickoff of each match, to confirm the finalised team sheets.
8) That smartarse mate in your league no longer has a reason to send you messages bagging out your team.
9) You don’t have to cheer for NRL clubs that have become your ‘second team’ because you own their goal kicker and two or three other players in their side.
10) You no longer sweat over blokes, who have been put on report, being suspended the following week.
11) There’s no more getting frustrated at blokes who end up in The Workhorse Watch’s ‘Close But No Cigar Club.’
12) Ricky Stuart’s wacky decisions no longer factor into your life (unless you support Canberra.)
13) You don’t care as much when random players receive serious injuries.
14) You no longer have to read this sub-par column hoping to glean some exclusive inside running – or whatever it is I claim to do.
15) You can focus on your English Premier League fantasy team.
Apologies for the lack of effort and interest. Hopefully a week off will renew my interest, and next weeks column will be the best of the year – but don’t hold me to that!
ROUND 24
Bulldogs v Tigers
It was last night. I didn’t tweet or anything in regards to this match – but come on. Who couldn’t have seen a convincing Doggies victory? The Crystal Steeden wasn’t needed on that one!
Eels v Sea Eagles
I say Eels. They have more to play for, and the team on the field is in less turmoil. I no longer rate the Sea Eagles as a premiership threat. They’re playing average at best, and any serious top 8 contender will certainly push Manly to their limit.
Broncos v Knights
You’d expect Brisbane to win this one, but with the renewed vigour at Newcastle, they could very well lengthen their streak and get the money. This stands to be one of the most error-riddled matches of the year. Whichever team makes the least mistakes should win. I say Knights.
Rabbitohs v Cowboys
I’ve said it all year, and I’ll say it again. Cowboys on the road? Cowboys loss.
Warriors v Roosters
All year I’ve said ‘Warriors at home, Warriors win.’ But this could mess me up a little. The Roosters are firing at the right time of year. I’m tipping the Roosters to win in a close one, though don’t be surprised if New Zealand get up.
Sharks v Raiders
Did I say error-riddled match of the year? I think I spoke too soon. This game could be fantastic to watch – if you make a drinking game out of it! I would suggest that Cronulla should run out winners in this one, but the ASADA nonsense could very well be enough to disrupt the club even further. I’m tipping the Sharks, but with 0% confidence.
Dragons v Titans
Dragons have more to play for at this time of year, and are actually going ok right now. They should get the win, but they are a terribly unreliable team. If the game was in Queensland, I’d give the Titans a shot, but its not – so I don’t.
Panthers v Storm
If Soward is in the same form as last Monday, the Storm are in trouble. It’s hard to not think Melbourne should win this, because their form throughout the last decade would suggest they’re the better team, but the times, they are a-changin’. Melbourne are no longer the dominant force they once were, and Penrith, despite injuries, are having one of their best years in recent memory. I’m going to go with Penrith, just – because they’re at home.
There it is. I’ve reluctantly fulfilled my contractual obligation to the NRLCEO. I hope your team fares better than mine last week, and you are able to stave off Mad Monday and your end of season trip for another week.
The Crystal Ballboy
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