Tedesco: New Tigers Contract a Must

Wests Tigers star James Tedesco needs to sign a new contract and fast. The young fullback’s contract runs out at the end of 2014 and fans are eager to see the star remain in the black and gold.

The Wests Tigers are not known for their swift movement on renewing contracts and securing players, with players such as Beau Ryan and Chris Heighington leaving in recent years due to no action and lengthy negotiations and even captain Robbie Farah making slow progress upon his renewed contract last year.

 

The Tigers, having another new board of directors and representatives, should also be modifying their manner of business and attending to important decisions and deals such as player contracts promptly. With a few excellent players off contract by the end of the year- James Tedesco, try of the year (2013) award winner David Nofoaluma and Marika Koroibete- the club should be taking the risk of splashing out some big money and making these contract renewals a priority.

Suffering a season ending ACL injury in the opening round of the 2012 season, Tedesco, affectionately known as Teddy, fought hard to regain strength and the opportunity to perform once again for the first grade club. Starting 2013 afresh, the 21 year old dazzled his way into the starting line up, scoring 11 tries and arguably becoming the clubs best player of year. Last year Tedesco also represented City in the City v. Country match and Italy in the Rugby League World Cup.

Why should James Tedesco re-sign with the Wests Tigers? Well, ask any Tigers supporter and they’ll give you an avalanche of answers. Teddy will be benefitted greatly long term. At the club, he has a secured starting spot at the fullback position, he has many close friends and a dynamic partnership with young cub Luke Brooks that is so brilliant, it has the potential to launch the Tigers into the finals.

James Tedesco (Left) and Luke Brookes (right)
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/wests-tigers-young-gun-luke-brooks-encourages-his-club-to-act-fast-to-sign-james-tedesco/story-fni3gpz1-1226863229433

Andrew Johns, a legendary ‘immortal’ of the game, also recommends the young fullback continue his career alongside Luke Brooke at the Tigers. He described the superstar combination as 'like watching Langer and Walters' (Allan Langer and Kevin Walters, two Broncos and Queensland representatives), while Matthew Johns linked the pair to Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater. (http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/luke-brooks-and-james-tedesco-combination-set-for-greatness-says-andrew-johns/story-fni3gpz1-1226862573708)

Although there is no ‘I’ in team, Tedesco inspires enthusiasm and energy. He is fast, he is strong and he is one of the best try saving players in the game. The Wests Tigers have made it clear they want to build their club around these prosperous young players and a year to build and end this partnership just isn’t enough. A solid foundation needs to be created and James Tedesco needs to sign a new contract.

 

http://i.minus.com/iM12lcaYvrFlu.gif

Wests Tigers Turmoil

http://www.weststigers.com.au/

  

Uncertain futures are never something to look forward too, whether it is for a player, a coach, or unfortunately, a team. It is well known that the Wests Tigers have faced many financial issues and issues regarding friction within the club board for years, but as of the last few weeks, those issues have become increasingly dire.

In the conclusion of the 1999 season it was decided that two National Rugby League football clubs would come together to make one team by the commencement of the 2000 season. Both of the collaborated teams- the Balmain Tigers and the Western Suburbs Magpies- had been individually founded in 1908 and departed in 1999 for the establishment of the Wests Tigers. The board has always been split 50-50 with equal representatives and equity entitlements held by each club.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Suburbs_Magpies

Currently in the news it has been claimed that the Balmain Tigers are in threat of being fully removed from the NRL Club due to finance issues and as a result, all equity entitlement would be given to the Western Suburbs Magpies. This has been speculated to cause all sorts of problems for the Wests Tigers, including abandoning home grounds and even relocating the entire club to Perth.

Both the NRL and the Wests Tigers’ CEO, Grant Mayer, have released statements clarifying and refuting these claims. Although it seems that Balmain’s days within the NRL could be numbered, the Wests Tigers have maintained they not rely on the funding and would survive even if Balmain folded due to the recent assistance from the NRL and a subsequence governance reform. The two groups also insisted no plans had been made or discussed to relocate the club.
 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balmain_Tigers

 

In the statement, Mayer acknowledged the confusion and concern between fans, members and corporate supporter base. He went on to say, "Put simply, there is no need for anyone from Wests Tigers point of view to be concerned. Wests Tigers have undergone a rigorous process with the NRL to secure the future of the club and would like to ease the concern of our extended family."

Firstly, thank the dear football god above that it has been reassured the Wests Tigers are not relocating and that their future as an existing, competing team has been labeled safe. Reassurance that nothing will occur may not stem the flow of anxiety that something may eventually happen, but at the moment, it is all the loyal members, fans and supporters can trust.

Secondly, Western Magpies supporters have possibly missed the fact that this once great team, is now considered to be the Wests Tigers. Hazing the official club pages (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) with comments that the Magpies should return and that the Tigers have had their time are becoming annoying and increasingly senseless. The Wests Tigers may have ties back to two clubs, however they are now what they have been for the last 14 years- the Wests Tigers. The Wests Tigers have a large fan base from people with differing generations and genders. They are no longer the Magpies and should no longer be associated as ‘just’ an adaptation of the Western Suburbs Magpies team but with a different jersey and club name.

I for one sincerely hope this new governance reform abolishes these continuous financial and ownership/ representative issues. Seek the positives, embrace the change and support your team.

#throughthickandthin

Convergence in Media

Over the past century, convergence within media has changed stupendously, with technological advancements altering the world of media forever. The term “media convergence” is probably not familiar and would at first seem rather confusing.

The fact is, converged media is everywhere- television, radio, newspapers, blogs, podcasts- these are all types of media. Lines between paid media, owned media and earned media have all been blurred, for example going to an online newspaper may require subscription and even payment to access the news. A collaboration of broadcast media and consumer online services have created media such as YouTube and Megashare, where movies and television programs can be watched over the internet. Reusing the same material for different types of media is not the big picture of convergence in media.

The big picture is more sophisticated.

Think about what convergence means.
Meeting, uniting, joining, merging. The coming together of two separate concepts.
Ultimately, all forms of media will be combined together- this will create a new medium altogether and it is probable that this evolution will occur through computers.

http://sherrillmaxine.wordpress.com/

It is obvious that the world and especially technology will continue to change and evolve over the course of time. I do not therefore think that this convergence of media- to meet, unite, join and merge media- is necessarily a bad thing. Although the world has become an extremely man-made, technologically-focused planet, the combination of these mediums will give a smoother experience online. With each page working together, the understanding of this technology should greatly improve.

The article below, written recently by J.J. Colao from Forbes.com, discusses the impending change of the internet and 15 predictions for the World Wide Web’s digital future:

http://au.pfinance.yahoo.com/fame-and-fortune/article/-/21953340/whats-next-for-the-internet/

Essential Support

Support. Faith. Belief.
Backing your team.

Let’s face it, losing sucks. A lot.

It’s hard watching your team lose a game and harder so to watch a continuation of losses. Ultimately, what can you do? Not much. One thing you can do is support your team- through thick and thin.

How easy is it to support your team after a loss though? Especially after one with errors, poor defence or weak attack- a game where the opposition entirely deserved to win? It can be harder than tying your shoelaces in the dark one handed. Stomping grumpily around the house and glaring at every unfortunate soul who walks by become inevitable.

As it goes: you are only as strong as your weakest link. Teams that lose feel pressure. Individuals within the team feel pressure. Supporting your team; becoming a member, attending away games as well as home games, cheering them on and screaming your faith til your throat is sore… This is encouragement. Encouragement gives players reassurance, inspiration and that much needed boost to push them over the try line.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFe-KD7UpNI

 

A remarkable example of the positives of supporting your team comes from the mighty Wests Tigers, who, tipped as contenders for the 2014 wooden spoon, clawed their way to a breathtaking 42-12 win on Sunday. Playing in a sweltering +30°C at Cbus Super Stadium, the Gold Coast Titans began as the favorites to win at $1.20, while the Tigers were against at $3.50 (www.sportsbet.com.au). Rebelling against the expectations of another loss, the Tigers pounced early into action, scoring the first try of the game within an impressive 3 and a half minutes. By increasing pressure and therefore forcing errors, sending multiple bombs and grubbers and charging through the thin defence of the opposition- as if they were nothing more than bowling pins- the team continued to dominate the game. The visiting team left the sunny Gold Coast as winners, with the 2 well earned points sending them into the top 8 and a dominating statement that Tigers will not give up this season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCai5aQAM3s

Supporters are the ones who reap the rewards.

They are the ones who are congratulated and thanked whole-heartedly.

No matter how your team plays, support them.

Suit up, paint up, have faith and scream your heart out.
You're the difference.

The Greatest Game of All

It’s back! Thank God.

7 months of glorious NRL... We welcome you with reenergized voices, clean jerseys, fighting spirit and fresh hope for a prosperous, injury free season.

How many times over the last four months have you imagined Ray Warren’s familiar and comforting words of wisdom swimming through your head? How many times have you walked past a sports store or seen another rugby league enthusiast wearing your teams merchandise and felt as though you have an obligation to high five them or comment on their excellent choice of outfit? How many times have you fantasized just sitting back with a cold beverage and watching the footy all weekend? How many times have you craved watching your favorite players intercept a pass and run the length of the field, set up a blinder or soar through the air to score those breath-taking, heart-stopping, game-winning tries?

http://www.nrl.com

I know I have! It’s been 150 long days since the Sydney Roosters dashed their way to the top and were awarded both the minor premiership and the National Rugby League Telstra Premiership trophy (beating Manly Sea Eagles in the finals 26 points to a worthy 18).

Months of threatening withdrawal symptoms have been soothed by the timely Rugby League World Cup, held overseas in Britain, France and Ireland. The impressive, bulky, tattooed, somewhat gorgeous New Zealand mob looked sure to excel their way to the top through hard hitting forwards and classy plays, until they were annihilated in the finals to an exceptionally strong Australian team, who won 34-2.

Then came the pre-season training, trial games and the inaugural Auckland Nines Tournament- with the North Queensland Cowboys’ commendable effort giving them a confidence boosting victory. Each game showed a sneak peak of what the season ahead might well shape up to be, yet the excitement, restlessness and anticipation for the full season was rather overwhelming. Two things are for sure: Injuries before the season has begun- not great. Being teased about the closeness of the oncoming season- not great.

But now... We’re here. Round 1. The start of the season. Finally.

Thursday:

(Sydney, ANZ Stadium) Rabbitohs 28 v 8 Roosters

Friday:

(Sydney, ANZ Stadium) Bulldogs 12 v 18 Broncos

Saturday:
(Sydney, Sportingbet Stadium) Panthers 30 v 8 Knights

(Sydney, Brookevale Oval) Manly 22 v 23 Storm
(Queensland, 1300 Smiles Stadium) Cowboys 28 v 22 Raiders

Sunday:

(Sydney, ANZ Stadium) Dragons 44 v 24 Tigers

(Sydney, Pirtek Stadium) Eels 36 v 16 Warriors

Monday:

(Sydney, Remondis Stadium) Sharks 12 v 18 Titans

For those who won, well done. For those who lost, like my beloved Wests Tigers, chin up and stay loud and proud. It’s only Round 1 and there’s hope to come yet- anything can change in an instant. That is the beauty of the game.

Public and Commercial Media

In the second lecture of the semester, the class took their first steps into learning about journalism by discussing public and commercial media- what are they? What do they make? How do they continue to make it? What are their formats? What is their role in society?

Regardless of being similar in many aspects, the two variations of media are actually rather different. Whilst commercial media is considered to be ‘dumbed down’ with content tailored to attract audiences (consumers), pubic media is made more for the interest of the public, with political and minority groups frequently targeted. Although these two media are often constructed for two crowds, they must both conform to certain regulations.

Commercial media survives on the successfulness of their business as they are not funded by the government but by the profits gained from their consumers. Their obligation is to be truthful and provide a comprehensive account on the recent, relevant accounts of the day, a discussion forum and clarification of societies rules and expectations, however not everyone agrees. Commercial media may be considered as corrupt, with values focused on profit and entertainment rather than intelligent articles that count as news.

The ultimate purpose of public media to serve the public and democratic processes by delivering quality, relevant information, not to gain a profit. Television broadcasters such as ABC and SBS are considered to be a public media, as they focus on all interests, including politics and national heritage.

I agree that commercial media does not always provide comprehensive, intelligent information and instead focuses on profits through entertainment and unimportant news stories, I believe that they still provide bulletins and resources that are interesting to different groups of people. This also applies to public media creating a wide range of informative topics for different ethnic, political and religious (amongst other) groups. I don’t think that commercial media should produce media that is untrue, however deviating from the set format and directing material that is for entertainment purposes is not an issue, that the media types can coexist together and cover the spectrum of news.

An example of a commercial media on the television that is both truthful and comprehensive is the ‘NRL’, a sport product aired on the pay television company ‘Foxtel’ and the free to air channel ‘Nine’. The NRL does not just air rugby league matches but also provide discussion programs directly related to the game or players. These programs do rely on audience numbers and therefore the entertainment to keep those consumers watching, but the materials used are always relevant and often comprehensive, investigative and true.