Wentworth Courier

[Vasco]

Here is this week's column:

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/new...-1227512204636

Roosters rule: Rabbitohs tonight then on to the Grand Final

September 4, 2015 9:17am
Peter Orinuela
Wentworth Courier

Sydney Roosters Blake Ferguson and South Sydney Rabbitohs Alex Johnston ahead of their clash on Friday night at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park. Picture: Gregg Porteous

How good is it waking up on a Saturday morning knowing you have just toasted Manly. It makes the weekend all that sweeter.

The Roosters put the cleaners through the Sea Eagles and ended their season in the process. It was a clinical performance, with a host of key players missing. Many, including myself, doubted whether they were up to it given the circumstances. Thankfully those that matter most had other ideas.

This week’s clash is against our bitter rivals South Sydney. Things will be different this week however, as most will be thinking the defending premiers will be up against it. Like the tricolours, they will be missing some key players and will no doubt be referring to the book of excuses should the result go our way.


Roger Tuivasa-Sheck of the Roosters goes up with Brett Stewart of Manly during the Manly Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters game at Brookvale Oval. Picture: Mark Evans

A win on Friday night will secure a third straight minor premiership in what would be an incredible achievement in today’s salary cap era. It is a credit to not only the coach but the players themselves. There is no doubting the pride in the jumper and we as fans are lucky to be supporting such a great club.

There is no way that this game will be a walk in the park. Far from it. Things are not all well across the border with earlier talk — now denied — of their coach possibly moving on. They will still field a formidable line up and are due for a change in form.

At the end of the day we are playing the defending premiers, who are coming off an embarrassing defeat. You may recall the last game of 2013 when the Roosters had many missing through injury. Souths were expected to win easily however it went our way. There is no reason why Souths couldn’t do the same.

Rooster Dylan Napa takes on the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval. Picture: Mark Evans

It was pleasing to see Souths get lapped on OUR home turf last week. Roosters fans were up in arms when it was announced that they would play their “home” game against Brisbane at Allianz Stadium. This is the Roosters home ground and we need to remind them of this when they run out on Friday night. They have decided to call Homebush home and they should never be allowed to play a home match there again.

Amazingly, the Roosters won yet another penalty count in last week’s win. One wonders if they are finally refereeing two teams now or if they are just simply doing their job. I’ll let you all make that decision.

Easts to win.

[Vasco]

Here is this week's column:

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/new...-1227521310947
Roosters Crowe over Rabbitohs now test their discipline against the unsettling Storm

September 10, 2015 3:19pm
Peter Orinuela
Wentworth Courier


The Roosters pose with the JJ Giltinan Shield after demolishing the Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium. Picture: Mark Evans

Waking up on the past two Saturdays knowing your team has smashed the opposition the previous evening has made weekends so much better. The colours have been worn proudly around the streets with fans having smiles on their faces that could not be wiped.

It was even sweeter knowing that Souths’ saviour Russell Crowe was in the stands to witness it. It’s a pity we didn’t see him come out and give his own team the thumbs down.




Russell Crowe witnessed the Rooster rampage against his Rabbitohs. Picture: Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) Instagram.

The Roosters were irresistible in the first half against the defending premiers. With the minor premiership wrapped up after the Broncos lost the previous night, the tricolours put on a brilliant display of rugby league to race out to a 30-0 half time lead.

The Rabbitohs didn’t know what hit them and had no answer to the speed, skill and power of the Roosters. In fact they looked completely lost and are showing signs that they are looking for the end of season.

Defending your title is not easy and they look like they have hit a brick wall. On Friday night they had no answer to the Bondi Wall as the Roosters kept them scoreless in this fixture for the first time since 1996.

The Roosters took their foot off the pedal in the second half. It was a shame really as a big scoreline looked on the cards. Perhaps the players were eyeing off this week’s game.

Admittedly, the visitors were awarded a string of penalties which kept the Roosters pinned in their own half for most part.



Legend Ron Coote and Roosters skipper Jake Friend with the Ron Coote Cup after the win over south Sydney at Allianz Stadium. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images.

So the scene is set for a finals showdown against the Melbourne Storm. It is unlikely that we will witness such a lopsided scoreline however, as the Storm’s defensive record was second only to the Roosters.

We can expect to see plenty of wrestling and slowing down tactics, something for which the Storm have become renowned. They will do everything in their power to unsettle our style, which could be a concern as referees are known for putting the whistle away during finals football.

The Roosters will need to be disciplined as they have the players to capitalise. If they succeed in disrupting our style it could frustrate us and would play right into their hands. It now leaves us just two wins away from a grand final berth. Come on Easts, this is our year.

Finally, for those penalty count students, you will be interested to know that Souths won the count 10-9, despite losing 30-0.

Easts to win.

[Vasco]

Here is this week's article:

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/new...-1227542174898 Roosters can overcome the Sydney haters and beat the Broncos at The Cauldron

September 24, 2015 2:41pm
Peter Orinuela
Wentworth Courier


Flashback to 2013 and the Roosters celebrate their grand final win –—hoping to repeat it in 2015. Picture: Brett Costello

Well they don’t get much bigger than this. Easts vs. Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium in a grand final qualifier. It is virtually State of Origin IV.

Very few will be cheering for the tricolours and we can expect no favours from the whistle blowers. The Roosters will want to be on their best behaviour as the Brisbane Broncos can do very little wrong at home.

Not only will we be taking on a team fresh from a week off and in front of a sellout home crowd, we will face a team that concedes very few penalties at home.

In 13 matches at home this year, the Broncos have only lost two penalty counts. We all know how many penalty counts the Roosters have won. It will not only be a massive test of the players skill and nerve, it’s their discipline that will get a thorough examination.


Grand final glory in 2013 and a repeat performance awaits if the Roosters overcome the Broncos. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Despite the game having a State of Origin feel about it, we know there will be very little support from those in Blues territory. Many high profile commentators and experts have publicly spoken of their dislike of the Roosters.

Whether it is jealousy or simply a lack of understanding and appreciation of our great club, these people seem to have no issue in taking pot shots at us.
A win over the Broncos on Friday night will also keep the haters ranting for another week.

They have been very vocal of their dislike for our team and will no doubt be hoping we lose again this week. The lack of neutrality of some of these commentators is extraordinary.

While it’s frustrating having these high profile people constantly bagging us, I actually quite enjoy it. I’m thankful we don’t have any of these people on our side.

Little has been spoken about the impressive second half performance against the Bulldogs. All of the focus has been on moments of controversy. Admittedly the first half had more scrums packed than enterprising football, but once the Roosters began controlling the ball they were almost unstoppable.


Roosters will be hoping Shaun Kenny-Dowall’s sizzling form continues. Picture: Brett Costello

The hero of the night was winger Shaun Kenny-Dowall. ‘SKD’ has been awesome since returning and has not missed a beat. We will need another big performance by him if we have any chance of knocking off the Broncos.

The Roosters have saved their best football for the big games. There is no bigger game for them to prove this theory.

Easts to win.

[2 weeks]

I remember when Clive Galea used to do this column

[Vasco]

Yeah. It's good to see a bias view is still out there.

[Vasco]

Here is this week's column:

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/city-east/sport/with-a-good-kick-the-roosters-could-avoid-sitting-on-the-bottom-of-the-ladder/news-story/6546a9fc74dfeaaae695b2b2913ca353

With a good kick, the Roosters could avoid sitting on the bottom of the ladder

April 1, 2016 9:32am Peter Orinuela
Wentworth Courier


Rookie Jackson Hastings was given the goalkicking duties against the Sea Eagles but is there a long-term plan to replace James Maloney. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
Well it was another loss for the Roosters. A heart wrenching one at that.
The Roosters were denied what looked to be a fair four pointer right at the death. Everyone at the ground and watching on television could see it was a try, but the men in the bunker saw things differently. The correct decision would have lifted the tricolours off the bottom of the ladder.
The NRL has invested in the bunker for the 2016 season and for the first few weeks there was nothing but praise for it. After the latest round of matches the knives are well and truly out.
These types of decisions are symbolic for teams that are struggling. In recent seasons the quality of the Roosters side was enough to overcome lopsided penalty counts and dubious decisions. This season, with a host of top players on the sideline and with wins as rare as politicians telling the truth, these incidents can prove too much to overcome.
It was a spirited display by the Chooks. In fact, if it wasn’t for some horrible goal kicking the result would have been completely different.
As a supporter, one wonders how a professional footy club can be so lacking in a facet of the game that has been important since the game’s inception in 1908.
With James Maloney moving to the Sharks, the club appears to have put little thought in who would succeed him with the goal kicking duties. Rookie Jackson Hastings looks to be the long term option however he only took over after some horrible attempts during the game against Manly.

It defies belief that in a professional game, there are not a number of goal kicking options in the event of injury or suspension. It is such a crucial part of the game in today’s game with so little between all of the teams.
The Roosters could well be on four points and in contention for eighth spot if they had a regular goal kicker. Wouldn’t that be great given the horror start to the season.
It is clear that this is a rebuilding season. However, this year’s competition is not overly strong and if the Roosters can jag a few wins before the big names come back, anything is still possible. If the performances can remain as spirited as they were against Manly then fans may have some bright moments yet.
Easts to win.

[tabloid tightarse]

I was wondering if any suffering supporters are as puzzled as me by recent team selections. Brendan Elliott did a good job in the past on the wing. SKD is a world class centre. Aubusson has played in the centres which would make him a better candidate (more speed) for five-eight. The kid from Brisbane appears completely lost and I guess Burgess just came here to get a sun tan?

[Vasco]

Here is this week's column:

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/new...a04daf3b73813e


Everybody wants to pluck the Roosters but it’s time for a win

April 7, 2016 2:07pm Peter OrinuelaWentworth Courier


Former Rooster Roger Tuivasa Sheck sealed his old team’s fate with a try during golden point extra time at Central Coast Stadium. Picture: Tony Feder/Getty Images.

As the weeks go by, the same results keep coming. It was another cruel blow for the Roosters, in what seems to be a year stacked with them.

To make matters worse, the New Zealand Warriors’ win was sealed by former Roosters’ gun Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. You knew he would fend off the cover defence to score the winning try. We saw it countless times during his time as a Rooster. It was very difficult to stomach his try celebration.


New Zealand Warrior’s Roger Tuivasa Sheck is all smiles as he scores a golden point try to defeat his old club, the Roosters. Picture: Tony Feder/Getty Images.

These are certainly trying times for Roosters fans. We are copping it from all angles. It has been interesting to see opposition fans come out of the closet, giving it to us at every opportunity at work, the pub or on social media. Where were these people when we were dominating, winning minor premierships and lifting the premiership trophy?

On a positive note, it was pleasing to see the Roosters eliminate goal kicking as a losing option. Jackson Hastings backed up his pre-match talk of taking ownership of the kicking duties. Let’s hope this issue has been put to bed.

We knew there would be some growing pains this year. These young guns may make some errors that have proven critical however, we are also seeing some moments of brilliance which gives us plenty of hope for the future.

A fellow diehard fan rightly pointed out that it was refreshing to see the club looking to the future, as opposed to making quick fixes with high risk signings. This current crop of youngsters have a long career ahead of them in the tricolours. They are the next generation that will give us plenty to cheer about for years to come.

There is no doubt that the team is improving. In fact, with some luck the Roosters could be looking at three consecutive victories leading up to this Friday’s big clash against arch rivals Souths.


Roosters skipper Jake Friend will lead his team against the old rivals Souths, led by Greg Inglis, on Friday. Picture: Grant Trouville © NRLphotos

Even the most one-eyed fan would admit that we will be up against it this week. The Bunnies are coming off a tough win against Manly and will be smelling blood. They will take plenty of confidence out of their first round demolition and their home fans, albeit it at Homebush, will be expecting a dominant win.

This mentality could well prove to be an advantage for the Chooks. Very few will be brave enough to tip a Roosters victory, however if the team keeps improving a win may not be too far away.

Easts to win.

[Vasco]

Here is this week's column:

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/new...4a5ec9e155360d


The Roosters look hapless after a drubbing at the hands of the Melbourne Storm during the Round 14 NRL match at Allianz Stadium. Picture: Paul Miller, AAP.

City East
Why NRL clubs should keep star players out of State of Origin


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/new...4a5ec9e155360d

Peter Orinuela
Wentworth Courier
June 16, 2016 3:04pm

It’s hard to work out what is really wrong with the Chooks this season. Injuries and suspensions have certainly played their part. In today’s game with salary caps, squad depth is severely tested when key players are missing.

Fans accepted there would be some growing pains with rookies taking over positions formerly played by seasoned campaigners.
Last week’s loss at home against the Melbourne Storm was just deplorable. The Roosters were certainly understrength and it would have taken a huge performance to knock over the competition leaders.

However, when the starting side boasts nine representative players, several of them experienced in high level matches, a score line of 46-0 at home is totally unacceptable.


Rooster Aidan Guerra is tackled by the Storm’s Kevin Proctor at Allianz Stadium. Picture: Paul Miller, AAP.

Old school Easts fans have seen teams with far less ability on paper over the years. We would accept the odd thrashing based on this. The Roosters today are a club proudly boasting strength in all grades. There is no excuse to lose by such margins any more.

The strange thing about Saturday night was that a few key moments may have changed the match. One player, well down on last season’s form, bombed two tries either side of half time. The first would have had the Roosters well in contention. Another player well down on form let in two tries that if not allowed could also have change things. It’s just one of those years.

We are now facing the in-form New Zealand Warriors over there on Sunday without more of our star players. They are finding the form most have come to expect from them. The home fans will be smelling blood and will want the run to continue.

This situation where clubs are forced to play without key players during the State of Origin period is a farce. The Roosters, already under strength with several key players out injured, are now weakened even further by the loss of representatives for next week’s game.

While clubs like the Roosters are punished for having players in these games, clubs like St George-Illawarra are drawn against North Queensland and the Melbourne Storm without all of their star players. This is a gift four points for them. The Roosters could certainly do with a free four points right now.

Surely something has to change. The NRL competition cannot continue to play second fiddle to a glorified exhibition game. Most rugby league fans are concerned about their club first, anything else is a distant second.

We don’t see Real Madrid or Manchester United forced to play under strength teams because of representative matches. It just doesn’t happen. Why should it happen in our game? It’s madness.

Easts to win.

[Vasco]

Here is this week's article:
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/new...a565bf19dc1830
From the coop: Sydney Roosters face test of character in remaining rounds of NRL season


Peter Orinuela,
Wentworth Courier
July 12, 2016 11:57am




It was another disappointing loss for the Roosters. Up by twelve points and seemingly cruising against a team with two players off injured, suffering fans felt like it was finally time to have a beer and celebrate a rare win.

The players must have had a different script. Silly errors, late tackle penalties and poor goal line defence sealed an unlikely win for the Parramatta Eels.
It’s hard to fathom that a team with so much talent, minor premiers less than twelve months ago, would succumb to a team down on troops and with more problems than Australian politics.

In eight games this season, the Roosters have lost by four points or less. Quite an amazing statistic when you think about it. You could safely say that they have been robbed of victory in at least three games also.

So there is potentially enough points to have the Roosters well entrenched in the top eight and marching towards the finals. An unthinkable possibility when all things are considered.

However, could have, would have, and should have, gets you nowhere in life and the same theory applies to the Roosters.
We can whinge all we like about missed opportunities, bunker decisions clearly gone wrong, horrific injury tolls, off field dramas, State of Origin players missing, and sour oranges at half time, and so on.

The reality is that the Chooks sit just off the bottom of the ladder. If it wasn’t for a Newcastle Knights team in a massive rebuilding phase and Parramatta being docked points for cheating the salary cap, things could be even more disastrous.

The Roosters now face a treacherous run of matches against the leading teams. Three games in eleven days will test not only the players on the field but those brave enough to watch it unfold.

This Monday sees the tricolours take on the high flying Cronulla Sharks. This will then be followed by a Saturday game in Melbourne against the Melbourne Storm. The third leg of this horror run ends with a Thursday night fixture against the Brisbane Broncos.

The next few weeks could get ugly, if that is possible given the current state of affairs. It will also give us an insight to where the players are at. Do they want to finish the season off in a positive manner, giving themselves and supporters much hope for a positive 2017 season? Only time will tell.

Easts to win.

[2 weeks]

I miss reading these every week.

I guess Vasco no longer does them?