The Spectator- SBW signs 2 year deal With Rugby Union

Yes the Sonny Bill Williams story keeps rolling on. SBW will return to Rugby union in the seasons of 2015 and 2016. He will be returning to the Super rugby franchise The Chiefs where he won a Super championship in 2012 before switching back to the NRL where he won a 2013 premiership with the Sydney Roosters.
 I'm not to sure what the deal was in terms of money that he agreed to with the New Zealand Rugby Union but the reports I'm reading, there are a lot of happy people in the New Zealand rugby union circles. Namely coach of The Chiefs Dave Rennie.‘‘He made a massive impression on the franchise when he was with us a couple of years back, and we’ve made no secret of the fact we wanted to get him back,’’ Rennie said.
 This opens up some very interesting opportunities for SBW "God willing "as I have seen him say in recent times.
 This gives him a chance to firstly play for the All Blacks again no easy feat in its self but more notably The 2015 Rugby Union World Cup which will no doubt be one of SBW's desires.
 If he manages to accomplish that, not to sure what the odds are maybe some bookie has a price up for it? But it has been done before aka Brad Thorn.
 This is where the story gets even crazier SBW has a chance to be available for the New Zealand rugby sevens team in the 2016 Olympics. If you know the Rugby Sevens game you'll know why I said crazy. And the Gordon Tietjens factor as well.(NZ Rugby Sevens Coach)
 Before he even gets there he has to survive one more season in the toughest team sport competition in the world NRL 2014. Throw in a fight here and there for good measure.
 I for one will be taking a keen interest in the endeavours of SBW. Can he do it? Like him or not the fact is SBW is taking the road less travelled. The Optimistic in me wishes him all the best.

What do you think about SBW? Share your view below.

 

 

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The Spectator- The gist of rugby league?

 I've written an article on where you can play rugby league in Australia, and the different levels of play. please refer to this link for more info http://juniorrugbyleague.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/the-spectator-opportunities-to-play-and.html

 In this article I'm going to talk a little bit about the games history and  about the common objectives in the game of  rugby league across all levels.

 Rugby League is often touted as the toughest and most physically demanding of team sports. At a professional level they are no longer calling it a mere "contact sport" but in fact a Collision Sport.

 Rugby League is a ball sport played between two teams. The ball itself is oval of shape which makes the game a little more interesting because of the unpredictability of the bouncing ball.

 One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated as a split from the Rugby Football Union in England in 1895 over the issue of payments to players. Its rules were then gradually changed in order to produce a more entertaining game that would appeal to spectators.

 The objective in the game of rugby league is to carry or kick the ball towards the oppositions try line. Your team is awarded points if a player successfully places the ball over the oppositions try line. This is commonly called a "Try". A try is worth 4 points.

 After a try is scored your team is offered an opportunity to place kick for goal. A place kick is allowed to be taken in line of  where the try was scored. Kickers now place the ball on a kicking tee to allow them a better shot at kicking the ball. If the kicker is successful he will kick the ball in between the posts and over the cross bar. A successful kick is commonly called a "Goal Kick". A goal kick is worth 2 points. There are two other common scoring opportunities. They are a "Penalty Goal Kick" and a "Field Goal".  A penalty goal kick is similar to that of a goal kick the difference being the place of the kick is to be taken from a position where the referee has  awarded a team a penalty. Note: penalties are awarded against teams who infringe against the rules of rugby league. A penalty kick is worth 2 points. A field goal is an attacking kicking play which requires a player to drop punt the ball between the posts and over the cross bar in general play. A field goal is worth 1 point. Now on  rare occasions teams can be awarded a "Penalty Try". A penalty try is awarded against a team who blatantly break the rules to stop an opposition team from scoring a try. If it was obvious a try would have been scored without the indiscretion the referee will award the Try to the attacking team underneath the posts. A penalty try is worth 4 points. On the rarest of occasions the referee can award an 8 point try.

 

 The team who finishes the game with the most points is deemed the winner.

 

Field position is crucial in rugby league, achieved by running with or kicking the ball. Passing in rugby league may only be in a backward or sideways direction. Teammates therefore have to remain on-side by not moving ahead of the player with the ball. However the ball may be kicked ahead for teammates, but again, if they are in front of the kicker they are deemed off-side. Tackling is a key component of rugby league play. Only the player holding the football may be tackled. A tackle is completed when that player's progress is halted, or he is put to ground. An attacking team gets a maximum of six tackles (international rules) to progress up the field before possession is changed over. Ball control is also important in rugby league, as a fumble of the ball on the ground forces a handover, unless the ball is fumbled backwards.The ball can also be turned over by going over the sideline.

 

 I hope this gives you a better understanding of the game of rugby league or at least the Gist of it.

As my blog progresses so will your understanding of the game,and also your skills in rugby league.

 

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Coach/Trainer - The Art of Footy "Mind Bucking"

original piece by Tatana Koopu

There has been books and books written about the mind and how it works by great qualified educated people. Loads of people make livings from understanding the mind. Agreed? Well I am not one of those people. I'm just a footy guy.

 I came up with the term "Mind Bucking"  as a quick reference tool to help me teach you psychological deceptive skills in footy.

 In my blog and training videos I intend to share with you mind strategies I employed to beat defences and attacks, on a individual skill level and as a team. And to answer some of the "How did he do that ?" questions. I know I could be drilled by the "Experts" for even attempting to talk about the complexities of the mind. I am not afraid because I know my strategies work. The real question is are you deep enough and open enough to understand?

I'm going to assume you know the gist of rugby league, basic rules and objectives in the game? There are many factors involved in the winning of a Rugby League game. The psychological deceptive skill factor is an important part of the winning, but very seldom talked about or explained.

The goal of a psychological deceptive strategy is to deceive the opposition  in individual situations in the game either Man on Man or group on group. These strategies are normally employed in attacking situations but skilled players can use them in defensive situations as well rumble in the jungle anyone?. My plan as a player is to put the opposition individuals or groups in as many minds as I can to confuse him/them and to put my self in the best or desired position to successfully win individual battles along the way to that collective team victory.

When I refer to the term "Mind Bucking" in my learning resources, please read and understand the above.

Now this is going to sound a little strange but I am going to show you techniques on how to talk to the opposition individual or groups on a sub conscious level by using a series of body movements to help you deceive the opposition and to put you and them in the desired positions you want. This is a skill that comes easier to the natural instinctive players. I don't know why this is? But this does not mean you can't have this skill. Most players have to work hard at this skill, and it comes with good practice, learning from peers and most importantly getting out there and doing it. The options you can take are endless and are only limited  by your creativity and imagination. I compare this thinking to that of a master chess player where they calculate moves well ahead of when they apply them and adjust accordingly as the minor and major contests progress.

 There are many situations and opportunities  you can apply a "Mind Buck" on an opposition player. A good example is when an attacking player successfully side steps a defensive player. Another is the good old fashion dummy. For argument sake let us analyse the side step from a psychological point of view.Basically its the Attackers job to get past the defender and its the defenders job to stop the attacker, strait forward enough eh? Both players have to weigh up the situation and pick their best course of action, they also have to adjust to each others reactions and out side factors like each others respective team mates. From the attackers point of view this is where the "Mind Bucking" begins. Remember we are trying to deceive and put the opposition in many minds to confuse him/them. At the attackers disposal he has many tools/skills he can apply, a lot of the time he is relying on the defender to be aware of these threats and for him to act in a certain way to them. For example Holding the rugby league ball in two hands sends a message to the defender that the attacker can pass to his left or his right. Strait away the defender is in two minds. Now if the attacker throws a dummy, looks to right, looks to left, looks to right  and the defender adjusts  accordingly to these moves in the space of a second you have put the defender in six minds and hopefully in a state of confusion. At this point the two players should be close enough to be tackled or to be side stepped. Now a standard side step requires the attacker to quickly step to one side of the defender and then quickly step to the opposite side of the defender. If these skills are executed  correctly the attacker will run right by the defender.

I named it "Mind Bucking" because it reminded me of getting thrown from a horse, which is basically what you're trying to achieve, to throw the opposition off. Now if you're thinking dirty thoughts shame on you.

Well there you go, the introduction of "Mind Bucking" by Tatana Koopu

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The Spectator- 2014 Nrl Trial game details posted

Well its not quite like the real stuff that happens when the  rugby league season rolls around in March, but between you and me I will be eager to see any footy by the time the trials start.
Follow  this link to a list of  NRL Trial game details. http://www.nrl.com/2014-nrl-trial-game-details/tabid/10874/newsid/75701/default.aspx

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The Spectator- Opportunities to play and coach the game of rugby league in Australia

In Australia there are three levels of the game where you can participate as a player, coach/trainer or other official. Mini Footy, Mod Footy and International Rules. Below I am going to give you a brief outline of each level of play. For more in depth meanings of each level please read the appropriate rules for each level. Had quite a bit of trouble adding the PDF files to this site, but you can follow this link to find information and PDF links of the rules of rugby league at all levels  http://www.penshurstfooty.org/ they also have some good information about code of conduct standards.

Mini Footy

Mini footy is for players in the age groups of 6,7 and 8year olds.Games are played in 3 x 10 minute periods. Field size is 68 meters long by 20 meters wide. You are allowed up to 8 players  from one team on the field at the same time.

Mod Footy

Mod footy is for players in the age groups of 9,10,11 and 12 year olds. Games are played in 2 x 20 minute halves. Field size is 80 meters long by 40 meters wide. You are allowed up to 11 players from one team on the field at the same time.

International Rules

International rules are for players 13 years of age and up. At club level games are played in two 35 minute halves. Standard field size is 100 meters long by 68 meters wide. You are allowed 13 players from one team on the field at the same time.


All players play in their own age group for example all 6 year olds play in a team with 6 year olds and against other 6 year olds etc.... in some occasions players can play up an age group but never down an age group. Age group footy goes up to the age of colts which is Under 20's for example The Holden cup. Read this link to learn more about the national youth  competition http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Youth_Competition_(rugby_league)

After that you go into open age competitions.
In Australia their are teams for all ages and levels of play.

If you are keen to get involved in the game of rugby league as a player, coach/trainer or official in Australia visit this site for a club near you http://www.playrugbyleague.com/

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The Spectator - Cronulla Sharks Verdict was it fair or unfair?

Follow link to the storyhttp://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/former-cronulla-chairman-damian-irvine-fears-lawsuits-will-sink-sharks/story-fni3fbgz-1226785278685

Hello everybody finally the NRL has laid the punishment out for the Cronulla Sharks.
Cronulla fined 1 million dollars and Shane Flanagan suspended for 12 months.
My question is was it fair punishment or not?
If I was a Canterbury Bulldogs supporter or Melbourne Storm Supporter I would have to say no it isn't fair. I'm referring back to when The Bulldogs lost all their competition points in 2002 and Melbourne were made to play the 2010 season with no competition points and to finish last, which was shattering for the players and most importantly the Fan. I mean cheating is cheating isn't it?

Now whose to say the NRL takes 1 million dollars from Cronulla with his left hand and gives 1 million dollars back to Cronulla with his right hand.* Conspiracy Theory anybody? As for coaches there are a lot of options out there. I'm not saying they're all quality options but never the less options are there.  Look what Trent Robinson done with the Roosters in his first year as an NRL head coach in the 2013 season.

Now if I look at the above argument I think the Cronulla fan has come out of this quite fine excuse the pun. Yeah for sure in 2013 the Cronulla fan copped a fair bit of ribbing in the Smoko room, the office, face book, local watering holes and around the grounds, all in good fun I hope. That's what being a true fan is all about rolling with the punches as they say.  But the fact is Cronulla got to see finals footy in 2013. Which was great for the Cronulla fan.

I asked my Cronulla supporting friend Bill if it was a  fair punishment and he texts me back "2014 they say is the year of the Shark" reading between the lines I know he is happy with the result.

I'm not going to say they should've been punished this way or that way, but what do think should've happened? Was it fair or not? Comment your thoughts below.

In my opinion I'm happy a verdict has finally been delivered so we can all get on with the footy in the 2014 season and hopefully plaster the headlines with positive rugby league stories.

"Capture The Magic, Share The Dream"

 

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Disclaimer: *There is no truth to this statement marked with the *.

Coach/Trainer - Training videos Basic

Just made these training videos for you, very basic rugby league skills.

How to hold the rugby league ball- most important basic rugby league skill

 

How to pass the rugby league ball

 

How to receive a rugby league pass

 

 

Hope you enjoyed these basic rugby league skills videos.

All highly skilled footy players start somewhere, and that is with the basics. Normally the guys who can produce the flashy plays have really exceptional base skills if you can imagine a pyramid, a pyramid has a strong base and the pinnacle sits on top of that strong base. So work hard at the basic skills.

And remember good practice makes for good play.

 

"Capture The Magic, Share The Dream"

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Welcome Video

Hi guys This is a Welcoming video which gives you an idea of the direction I am going to take this Blog in.

Enjoy!!

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Capture The Magic, Share The Dream

Hello everybody this is a short sharp post to introduce to the world my blog's slogan. 

"Capture the magic, share the dream"

This slogan  epitomises everything I am trying to achieve in my blog. It was most definitely a victory moment when the words came to me. Mmmm not to sure if someone else has thought of it?

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The Coach - Standing up

When my family was first introduced to weekend sport, for some reason I thought my son was going to get professional coaching  by someone who knows everything about the game. I know now that the clubs survive on the kindness and efforts of volunteers. It is definitely a lottery what kind of coach your child gets. A coach could be one of the players dads (most common) A brother, mother ,sister, uncle, family friend plus many others who think they can offer something or just to be there. Either by design or by default, I applaud the courage of all who give it crack.

 In 2002 my son Taine and I were fated to meet Norm Tedder who was a wear your heart on your sleeve junior coach( you all know one or will meet one). He was Taine's  first rugby union coach(Rockdale Rugby U6) who would later introduce us to junior rugby league(Coogee Wombats 2003 U7)  and open up a whole new world for us.

It took me a while to really get involved and to help out. I was a shy noob (newbie) I eventually put my hand up to help after watching Norm in the middle of chaos(ten six year old boys) its easy to imagine that picture. I couldn't stand back and judge and complain anymore I decided to just have the coaches back and to do what I could do to help, just being there can make the difference. Being involved with junior sports development has given me great joy and is my biggest contribution to the community thus far.

I was an average player but I did have a great understanding of the basic fundamentals of the game(both codes) skills like ball handling, catch pass and tackling. All my teachings are based around these skills and new skills and drills picked up along the way from the different coaches I have worked with and of course the internet these days. I will share with you much of what I have learnt through these pages.

I have spent most of my time in the trainers position mainly due to being a shift worker you know we all have to work. The beauty of this position especially in league you get to be on the field with the players, you can closely monitor what's going on with them, pass on information and you get that front line sort of feeling close up to the action.

My credentials

2002 Rockdale Rugby U6(helper)
2003 Rockdale Rugby U7- trainer, Coogee Wombats RL U7 trainer
2004 Rockdale Rugby U8-trainer /forwards coach, Coogee Wombats RL U8 trainer,
2005 Rockdale Rugby U9-trainer/forwards coach, Coogee Wombats RL U9 trainer, Penshurst RSL RL U6 trainer
2006 Rockdale Rugby U10- trainer forwards coach, Coogee Wombats RL U10, Penshurst RSL RL U7 trainer.
2010 The Maungatapu Wailers RL U10 trainer/coach
2012 Penshurst RSL RL U13 trainer, Penshurst RSL U6 Gold trainer/coach
2013 Penshurst RSL RL U7 trainer/coach

I'd like to thank all of the coaches I have played under and coached with for sharing and passing on your knowledge of the game on to me. I'd also like to thank the parents for being involved in the game. And most importantly the players I have been involved with thanks for the memories.

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The Family - Introductions

In the 2013 season I was lucky enough to have four of my sons playing the game of Rugby League.

My boys play for the Penshurst RSL rugby league club whose home field is situated in Lugarno, a small leafy suburb of Sydney. http://www.penshurstfooty.org/  this link is for those of you who want to learn more about our club. Penshurst RSL rugby league come under the umbrella of the St George Dragons NRL rugby league club. It has to be noted that our club has a traditional local rivalry with Renown the club that the Gasinier's play for, all in good fun of course.

Being of New Zealand heritage my family and friends across the ditch might freak out at the colours me and my sons are wearing LOL. Talk about  traditional rivals on the sporting field. There probably isn't any bigger  rivalry than when New Zealand and Australian sides meet in competition, all in good fun of course.

I want to make the statement that:  I am not the best parent or coach that has  ever graced the side lines, or are my sons the best players to ever play the game of rugby league. FACT.  I know there are a thousand better coaches and a thousand better rugby league players out there. But one can always dream? My motive is to tell the best footy family story I can through my eyes and to the best of my ability. And that is my hopes for my boys as well. I only want them to be the best they can be at the game of rugby league.

  Meet the Boys

Taine  Koopu

  Taine is my eldest son, in the 2013 season he played for the Penshurst RSL U16's. Taine played the season  out in the centres, his job is to break defences on the edges either by hard running or skilful ball play.

 

Witeriana Koopu 

 Witeriana played for the Penshurst RSL U13's in the 2013 season. The team affectionately call him Whita. Witeriana is a very versatile Rugby League player he can play anywhere from prop, second row, lock and in the centres. He was used a lot in the centres this year which was good for his development and understanding of the centres role in rugby league. 

 

 

Kynan Koopu

 Kynan played the 2013 season for the Penshurst RSL U9's. Kynan plays as a prop for his team. Kynan is developing and learning the game gradually. When this guy clicks I feel very sorry for the opposition when it happens.

 

Makaiya Koopu

 Makaiya played the 2013 season for the Penshurst RSL U7's. Makaiya has adapted quickly to the challenges this game presents. He is a busy defender which is always helpful to any rugby league team.

 

 Well now you have met my rugby league playing sons.I hope you enjoy our journey from now and into the 2014 rugby league season. I look forward to showing you our story.

 

The Koopu Boys

Oh by the way I have two more to come Zaeden 3 years old and Kingston  who is 2 years old.


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2014 NRL Draw is here

NRL draw for 2014 is here!! Off season withdrawals anyone?

http://www.nrl.com/DrawResults/TelstraPremiership/Draw/tabid/11180/Default.aspx


May the best team win


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The Three Prong Attack

I have decided I am going to deliver this blog from three different angles. This will make it easier for all involved to follow the story and to identify the progression of each angle. The Family is the first angle. I am going to share our family's footy story through these pages.The Coach/Trainer is the second angle. I am going to share my footy strategies through these pages.The Spectator is the Third angle. I am going to use these pages to discuss current issues of the game from a spectators point of view. What ever angle I intend to talk about on any given day will always start with one of these titles. For example The Family-Season kick off or The Coach/Trainer- Conduct-Players and Coach etc.. Pretty straight forward stuff eh? From time to time I can see my self doing general posts but at the moment I'm going to stick close to this structure. FYI I have just noticed that the Sporting Pulse is now called the Fox Sports Pulse. I have attached a link to my blog for those of you who love to study the season progresses through out the footy season( me included )of our respective teams. For those who don't know what, it is just website where all the sports teams keep their Draw information amongst other things. When in doubt

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Playing whats in front of you

This is my first ever blog and post. I don't have blogging experience so I ask you for your patience until I can get up to speed. There are many reasons I am doing this. I believe I have a great story to share. I am going to show and share with you what my family goes through each footy season on and off the field. I am going to share with you my point of view on rugby league as a Coach/Trainer, as a parent and as a fan of the game of rugby league. I am going to offer articles of my philosophies and tutorials on coaching junior rugby league. The last sentence is mainly aimed at the new fresh coaches and parents. My advice is only intended to help, take it or leave it. It is my intention and desire to engage with the Rugby league community new and old. And the main reason is I love it!! This is the first time I am going to state this and definitely not the last: I am not the best coach ever, nor will I ever be. I am not the best parent ever, nor will I ever be. This is how I do it, This is my story. The information I write here is based on my real life experiences from my old playing days which were very short I might add, time I have spent training junior rugby league teams and of course the countless junior rugby league games I have attended with my 4 sons. People talk about quality time between parent and child in my case Father and sons. From my point of view this is it for us. You get a special feeling inside, its hard to explain in words you just know when you have it. Money can't buy that feeling but there is a cost to earn it. All the trainings, the anticipation before games, the fights over who's turn it is to do the dishes, the wins and losses, strategizing and technique improvements. People don't like to talk about it but like anything in life there is a risk element. There is a chance your son could get seriously hurt. Please don't be alarmed they are tougher than you think. It is always a bit hairy when you see your son or players go down, that feeling relates to love. When you see them go down and show true courage to pick themselves up and carry on playing, you know you are doing something right in life. That is a personal quality and life lesson that your son can take from the game of rugby league. Sorry for babbling a bit there I just wanted to express some of my passion for the game and if I can persuade others to walk the same path so be it. Done right its the best quality time you'll ever spend with your son. And if you want the true experience have a crack at coaching. Don't be the stand on the sideline bitching parent, totally uncool look. LOL. I chose the title "Playing what's in front of you" for my first ever post because It seemed to work for me when I was playing, It seems to work when I am coaching, and I'm banking on it working for my blog. Shooting from hip. And finally when all seems lost and you don't know what to do "UP THE GUTS"