Interestingness.. ness

Personally, which is whats great about this thing, it is just my personal thoughts.

But i would have thought interestingness is subject to opinion, just because i find something interesting doesnt mean the rest of the world will, well if they do then ill be surprised, happy as well, but mainly surprised.

which is why im wondering how im being marked on interestingness? is it your interests where catering for? or our own, again personally i dont think whoever is reading this and myself have all the same interests, yet if your reading this then you must atleast agree with me in some respects.
for example, the following picture;

now i find it interesting, because i took the photo, i did it, i made the mushroom blow up with a golf club.
But on the other hand, whoever may be reading this may be anti-hit-mushrooms-with-golf-clubs and may find it offensive. Therefore peoples opionions vary to make something interesting, although there are some things that can be universally interesting.. on second thoughts i cant actually think of one thing that EVERYONE in the whole world finds interesting.
I'am a massive fan of The Who, therefore i find this picture interesting

whereas you might not.

Which is why im still a little confused as to how im going to be marked for interestingness, my blog mainly consists of NRL news, Movie news and the occasional article on classic rock bands, The Who, The Kinks etc, with what there doing now, IF you find that interesting well then keep reading
if not your reading the wrong persons blog
although no matter who you are i think you will like this picture.



:)

Delicious

Using Delicious at first seemed pointless, it was very similar to using the favourites tab in internet explorer and i could not work out any reason for using it. Although i soon discovered that it can make saving websites easier, and grouping websites and finding other people with the same interests.

The one thing i like about using delicious is the fact i can find other people that have saved similar sites to me and find people with the same interests.

Although if it werent for that i would still not have bothered using this tool as i would have easily just have settled for using the favourites tool in my internet explorer
here is a link to my delicious account.

Delicious

Using Delicious at first seemed pointless, it was very similar to using the favourites tab in internet explorer and i could not work out any reason for using it. Although i soon discovered that it can make saving websites easier, and grouping websites and finding other people with the same interests.

The one thing i like about using delicious is the fact i can find other people that have saved similar sites to me and find people with the same interests.

Although if it werent for that i would still not have bothered using this tool as i would have easily just have settled for using the favourites tool in my internet explorer
here is a link to my delicious account.

Selectors overlook Orford for City team

Matt Orford, originally uploaded by morganf2096.

Manly halfback Matt Orford hasn't given up hope of wearing the NSW No.7 jumper in the State of Origin opener despite being overlooked for a City Origin berth.

City selectors plumped for Penrith halfback Craig Gower to partner Braith Anasta in the halves, Orford paying the price for an ankle injury which disrupted his early season campaign with the Sea Eagles.

Gower and Country halfback Brett Kimmorley will now battle it out on Thursday night as they stake an early claim to wear the NSW No.7 jumper in the Origin series opener on May 23 at Suncorp Stadium.

Both City and Country sides will feature plenty of new blood with 10 players set to grace the representative stage for the first time next week.

Parramatta centre Timana Tahu was a surprise inclusion in the Country side, the former Test back having thought his representative days were numbered after signing a contract to play rugby union next season.

He will partner Melbourne's Anthony Quinn in the centres with St George Illawarra Matt Cooper (concussion) and Ben Smith (virus) not considered given the short preparation for the match.

Similarly, Country selectors decided not to take a risk on Dragons prop Jason Ryles (shoulder), with Sydney Roosters backrower Craig Fitzgibbon named in the front row.

City selectors were also left with a dearth of options up front with Cronulla second rower Lance Thompson named at prop and Wests Tigers tyro Bryce Gibbs the only recognised front rower on the bench.

Bulldogs pointscoring machine Hazem El Masri beat out South Sydney flyer Nathan Merritt for a spot on the wing for City, coach Tim Sheens admitting El Masri's outstanding goalkicking played a significant role in his selection.

read about it here

Sea Eagles Face First Defeat of the Season

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, originally uploaded by morganf2096.

The ladder leaders travelled north with hopes of staying undefeated after building the best defensive record in the competition, but the Cowboys' dynamic fullback Matt Bowen scored two tries and saved numerous others in a masterful performance which lead Manly to a 14 nil dillema at half time.

The game looked like it was going to be an arm wrestle early on, but a piece of Bowen magic in the 25th minute broke the contest wide open.

Another Matt Bowen effort saw his cousin Brenton Bowen score on the right hand side a short time later.

North Queensland was in control of the match at 18-0 after rookie centre Ben Farrar scored on debut with a strong try just after the break.

However, the Sea Eagles managed to get back into the match after a kick from Matt Orford found the hands of Michael Robertson, who was able to bat the ball back to Jamie Lyon.

The Australian centre's missed conversion still left the visitors 14 points behind with less than 30 minutes to play but a contentious try to Chris Hicks a short time later saw the margin reduced to just eight points.

It looked to everyone but referee Stephen Clark like there'd been a forward pass in the movement but with video ref Paul Simpkins unable to rule, the four-pointer was awarded.

The Eagles had no luck with another scoring movement in the next set of six, a Stephen Bell touch down denied due to an obstruction.

This was just one of number of no-try rulings, with the Cowboys also losing out on a contentious try in the first half.

Johnathan Thurston looked to have knocked on at the half-way line before passing to Matt Bowen, who produced one of his trademark electrifying runs to the try line.

Simpkins once again ruled against the try despite referee Stephen Clark having ordered play to continue.

Matt Bowen was in everything for the Cowboys, with his second try almost sealing the result for his side before a four pointer to veteran five-eighth Jason Smith in the 63rd minute put the icing on the cake.

The Eagles hit back with three consolation tries in the final ten minutes, with two scored while Thurston was on the sidelines after being sin-binned for dissent.

The result was Manly's first loss for the year, causing a slide down to second place on the ladder

read about it here

Manly, Storm continue undefeated in NRL

NRL Premiership Logo, originally uploaded by morganf2096.

Manly and Melbourne opened up a four-point gap at the top of the NRL table after the competition's two undefeated sides continued their flawless start to 2007 this weekend.

And to make matters worse, coaches Des Hasler and Craig Bellamy both warned there's still plenty of improvement left in their unbeaten sides.

The Sea Eagles kept up their incredible defensive record, conceding just one try to the Gold Coast Titans in Sunday's 20-8 victory at Brookvale Oval to continue to top the ladder with six wins.

Last year's minor premiers Melbourne trail Manly only on points difference after they held out fast-finishing Penrith on Saturday afternoon at Olympic Park to win 30-20.

Manly and Melbourne head the table with 12 points, North Queensland running third with eight points but a chance to move closer when they host South Sydney tonight.

However, after the top three there are seven sides locked on six points - New Zealand Warriors, South Sydney, Parramatta, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Cronulla and Bulldogs.

New Zealand Warriors will receive two for the bye to move into fourth at the completion of the round, while the Knights and Rabbitohs can also move up with wins later this round.

Manly fullback Brett Stewart scored twice in the first five minutes to take his remarkable home ground tally to 33 tries from as many games.

The Eagles led 18-0 at half time and although they failed to kick on Hasler praised his side's committed defence which has now conceded just eight tries in six games.

"Our defence has been the cornerstone and it had to be today," Hasler said.

"But we certainly don't need to keep testing it and putting it under pressure like we did today.

"We got to Townsville next week (to play North Queensland) and we certainly need to step up."

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy admitted his side had also failed to hit their straps so far this season, but is happy the Storm continue to grind out victories.

"We're not playing perhaps as well as we can skill-wise and technique-wise ... but I'd rather have a team play not as well as they could but show the intestinal fortitude these blokes do," he said.

The Bulldogs ended Parramatta's three-game winning streak today with a come from behind 21-18 win at Parramatta Stadium.

A Daniel Holdsworth field goal and late Hazem El Masri penalty booted the Dogs home after trailing 16-12 at half time.

"It wasn't pretty again, we certainly haven't hit our straps which is disappointing but I think on the positive we hung in there and defence got us home in the second half," said Dogs coach Steve Folkes.

Cronulla established themselves as the second best defensive side in the competition with a 26-0 win over Canberra on Saturday night at Toyota Park.

Centre Ben Pomeroy landed a hat trick, but more impressive for the Sharks it was the second time they kept a team scoreless at home following their 18-0 drubbing of Penrith in round one.

"We're really starting to set some standards with our defence and to keep them to nil, even though they didn't throw a great deal at us, you can only defend what they throw at you and we did that again," assistant Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said.

read about it here

Manly triumph over Titans 20-6

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, originally uploaded by morganf2096.

Manly continued their unbeaten start to the NRL season with a 20-6 victory over Gold Coast at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.

The Sea Eagles won their sixth successive game to start 2007 with a three-tries-to-one victory over the Titans, but it was hardly Manly's best performance of the year.

Aside from two Brett Stewart tries in the opening five minutes, and a masterstroke by returning Manly captain Matt Orford ahead of half time, the Titans dominated the contest.

It was only through the Sea Eagles' competition-leading defence that they managed to escape with the two competition points.

Manly led 18-0 at halftime but that lead quickly eroded when Mat Rogers put Matt Hilder over in the 45th minute.

The Titans appeared to be mounting a comeback late in the game until prop Brad Meyers was softly penalised by referee Tony Archer for a late hit on Travis Burns after a kick.

Jamie Lyon slotted his penalty from 15m out directly in front of the posts for an unassailable 20-6 lead with seven minutes left on the clock.

It was an unfortunate end for the Titans who had been gathering momentum against Manly but struggled to break through the best defensive line in the NRL.

Manly have now conceded just eight tries in their opening six games.

The Sea Eagles were boosted by the return of skipper Orford playing his first game since round one when he injured his ankle.

With his first touch he grubbered behind the line for Brett Stewart to score in the second minute.

Stewart then scored after a 60m play set up by his older brother Glenn and included centre Steve Bell and winger Chris Hicks.

Stewart's two tries in the opening five minutes - taking his record at Brookvale to 33 tries from his last 33 games - gave the Sea Eagles a 12-0 lead and a carve up looked to be on the menu.

However, the Titans rallied, dominating possession and field position to constantly threaten the Manly line.

But, as has been the case all season, the thin maroon line stood tall repelling wave after wave of Gold Coast attack.

When Manly finally got some possession in the Titans half, Orford spotted fullback Preston Campbell in the defensive line and kicked on the second tackle from the halfway line, allowing winger Chris Hicks to sprint free and score for a 18-0 halftime lead.

read about it here

Orford to play against Titans

Matt Orford, originally uploaded by morganf2096.

Manly captain Matt Orford will make his comeback from an ankle injury in Sunday's NRL clash with Gold Coast at Brookvale Oval.

Halfback Orford has been called immediately into the undefeated Sea Eagles' starting line up, with stand-in No.7 Michael Monaghan to move into hooker as Matt Ballin drops to the bench.

Young replacement Clint Halden has been left out of the 17-man squad.

Internationals Brent Kite and Jamie Lyon will both play for Manly while the Gold Coast's Luke Bailey and Jake Webster will also back up from Friday night's Anzac Test.

read about it here

Eagles not feeling the pressure: Hasler

NRL Premiership Logo, originally uploaded by morganf2096.

They've made the perfect start to the season, but Manly coach Des Hasler insists the Sea Eagles are under no pressure to keep it going.

The undefeated Sea Eagles have surprised many with their flawless start to the NRL season and are aiming to make it six from six with a win at home against the Gold Coast Titans on Sunday.

Their stunning start is even more impressive considering they've been without injured representative players Matt Orford, Steve Menzies and Steve Matai.

While they are quickly earning respect from their rivals, they appear to be going about their business quietly.

"There's no pressure, it's just about keeping it in perspective," Hasler said.

"Most sides try to get off on a good start.

"In early games you try to get points under your belt because there are times during the year that momentum changes that you can't control like representative season.

"These early points are good for a club and we'll take them."

Manly face a tricky task at Brookvale on Sunday against Titans, who have also surprised many winning three from five in their inaugural premiership campaign, including last week's 28-16 win over reigning premiers Brisbane.

Sea Eagles forward Anthony Watmough, who along with Jason King will play his 100th NRL game this weekend, said the Sea Eagles knew better than to underestimate the NRL's newest side.

"Any team that can knock the reigning premiers off is going to be a big task," Watmough said.

"They've knocked off a couple of good teams as well this year.

"We're going to have to be on our game and it's a challenge were looking forward to."

Both sides will have their two Test representatives - Manly's Brent Kite and Jamie Lyon and Gold Coast's Luke Bailey and Jake Webster - back on the park after coming through Australia's 30-6 win over New Zealand on Friday night without incident.

The Titans have promoted Brad Meyers to prop with Josh Graham moving into lock for the suspended Luke Swain and Michael Hodgson dropped to the bench.

Manly have named an unchanged line-up but halfback Orford could be a late inclusion with a final call to be made on Sunday morning.

Should Orford be given the green light to step in, he faces a tough first assignment against one of the NRL's form halfbacks, Scott Prince.

"He's been on fire," Orford said of the former Wests Tiger.

"He is the Titans' main weapon in attack.

"The forwards giving him plenty of room and that dummy, they speak about it every week and they prepare for it and he still gets every player with it.

"He is going to be one player we have to focus on, that's for sure."

Brookvale Oval, 2pm Tomorrow, Be There!

read about it here

Stewart brothers eye RL Country call ups

Glen Stewart, originally uploaded by morganf2096.

Brothers Glenn and Brett Stewart hope Manly's undefeated start to the NRL season leads to a rare representative debut for the siblings.

The Stewarts have both been in sparkling form for the Sea Eagles this season - Brett scoring three tries and averaging 139m gained per game while Glenn has averaged 31 tackles and three off-loads per outing.

With the NSW Country Origin team to be selected in two weeks, both Stewarts have strong claims to a maroon and gold jumper for the Coffs Harbour clash on May 3.

They would become just the second set of siblings to play for Country since the annual clash went to full Origin format in 1987.

Newcastle's Andrew and Matthew Johns are the only brothers to have worn a Country jersey at the same time in the 18-16 win over City in 1996.

Older sibling Glenn said it would be a dream come true for the Wollongong-born brothers, who still live together, to achieve representative honours at the same time.

"It would be unreal. Playing for Manly together is enough of a bonus but to be representatives together would be the next step," said Glenn Stewart.

"I'm not looking too far ahead, I'd just be happy to keep playing consistent football for Manly.

"If that happens no-one will knock it back."

Fullback Brett is used to gaining plaudits and has already garnered strong NSW State of Origin support for his outstanding start to the season, but such glowing affirmations are unusual for workhorse Glenn.

Told Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes had rated him Manly's "unsung hero" of the forward pack prior to last week's clash, the 23-year-old said he was happy just to go about his business in the background.

"I didn't even know about that (Folkes comment), it's good to be getting recognition like that so I can't complain," he said.

"(But) this is the first year I've had playing consistent first grade footy and I'm just glad to be a part of it for the next few years," he added, referring to the three-year contract deal he signed on Monday.

"I'm really happy with (my own form) but I've still got a lot of areas in my game I've got to improve on, just cutting out errors and stuff like that, so there's always something to work on."

Younger brother Brett, 22, said it would be amazing and certainly warranted if he and Glenn were both selected for NSW Country.

"It would be enormous I suppose. We always wanted to play together at club level and to do it at a representative level would be even better," he said.

"(Glenn's) workload has been massive and he's probably been the most consistent player we've had throughout the first five rounds and his new contract shows just how good he's been going."

read about it here

Matt Orford could return for Sea Eagles

Matt Orford, originally uploaded by morganf2096.

Manly are considering rushing captain Matt Orford back from injury and straight into their starting line-up for Sunday's NRL clash with the Gold Coast.

The halfback trained with his teammates for the first time in over a month at Narrabeen, ending his non-contact session with some goalkicking practice.

The 28-year-old has not played since injuring his left ankle against Canberra in round one, but coach Des Hasler hasn't ruled out throwing Orford immediately into the fray despite the club's undefeated start to 2007.

Orford wasn't named for the clash at Brookvale Oval but did admit he was a "slight chance" to play on Sunday if he comes through a contact training session on Friday.

"Yeah I think I'm a slight chance but there isn't any pressure," he said.

"Even if I pull up well after doing some heavier sessions there is no rush. I don't want to come back for one match and be out for another four.

"That was the first (session with the team) and by no means was it a big session but it's good to get back with the boys and get my hands on the ball again.

"That's my first time having shots at goal and I'm a little bit sore now.

"Contact is probably the biggest thing, being twisted.

"I'm nowhere near that stage as yet.

"I'll see how I pull up."

Hasler may be reluctant to rush Orford given the club's five-game winning streak, but with Brent Kite and Jamie Lyon forced to back up from the Anzac Test he won't finalise his side until Sunday morning.

"We are fortunate enough with our start to be in a position where we don't have to take half gambles and rush an injured player back," said Hasler.

"We'll give him as long as it takes and see how it comes up after some contact, tackling, footwork and change of direction."

Hasler said veteran Steve Menzies (abdomen) and Kiwi international centre Steve Matai (ankle) remain at least a fortnight away.

Kick off is at 2pm Sunday, Brookvale Oval

read about it here

Eagles bag 16-14 win over Bulldogs

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, originally uploaded by morganf2096.

Manly have continued their remarkable undefeated start to the NRL season by coming from behind to defeat a brutal Bulldogs outfit 16-14 at Telstra Stadium.

In a punishing encounter highlighted by some heavy hits in defence, the Sea Eagles emerged triumphant with a three tries to two victory in front of 20,269 fans to remain at the top of the ladder after five rounds.

With the Dogs' kennel of world-class forwards dishing out some bone-crunching tackles, it took a clever piece of individual brilliance from halfback Michael Monaghan to deliver Manly victory.

Trailing 14-10 with 10 minutes remaining, Monaghan ran to the line and chipped over the top, regathering the ball on the full then offloading to centre Steve Bell who scored less than 10m in from touch.

Ice-cool centre Jamie Lyon calmly slotted the conversion to give the Eagles the lead and surely cement his selection in the Kangaroos Test team to be named on Sunday after a superb performance.

The Bulldogs had appeared on track to end the Eagles' perfect start to 2007 when they led 6-4 at halftime and Sonny Bill Williams emerged from the break to rattle Manly.

First he lined up Brent Kite with a massive shoulder charge, then next tackle knocked the ball out of Anthony Watmough's hands.

Seconds later he ran onto a Mark O'Meley short ball to sprint 20m and score.

But Manly hit in the 49th minute when Dogs winger Hazem El Masri fumbled an awkwardly bouncing grubber from Monaghan straight into winger Chris Hicks' hands and he scored the simplest of tries, Lyon's conversion reducing the deficit to 12-10.

Despite a woeful first-half performance littered with handling errors from both sides, the Dogs assumed the lead just five minutes from the break after an inspired piece of play by replacement Dallas McIlwain.

McIlwain tackled Manly backrower Anthony Watmough 10m out from the Sea Eagles line forcing a handling error.

He then grabbed the ball from dummy half and charged straight for the tryline, dragging Watmough all the way with him to score.

Earlier, the Sea Eagles had grabbed the lead when winger Michael Robertson crossed in the corner after just 12 minutes.

Monaghan drifted across the park and then looped a long cut out pass to Robertson who was free on his left wing and able to sprint about 10m and dive into the corner.

read about it here

Brett Stewart

Brett Stewart, originally uploaded by morganf2096.

Manly fullback Brett Stewart declared himself ready for State of Origin after starring in the Sea Eagles gallant come from behind 13-10 NRL victory over New Zealand Warriors on Sunday.

Stewart took his remarkable tally of tries at Brookvale Oval to 31 from 31 games to put the Eagles ahead in the 59th minute after having two first half crossings disallowed.

It was the first time Manly had taken the lead despite dominating possession with Michael Monaghan's 72nd minute field goal sealing the Sea Eagles first win at home over the Warriors since 1996.

It was also the club's fourth successive win to start the year, their best start since 1997, and keeps Manly equal with Melbourne and North Queensland at the top of the ladder.

Stewart, 22, said he was ready to step up for NSW in 2007 with incumbent Brett Hodgson (Wests Tigers) and former custodian Anthony Minichiello (Sydney Roosters) both battling away in club's yet to win this season.

"I think I could handle it. It's obviously been a goal of mine and probably every player when a young bloke begins. I think I would be up to it," said Stewart.

"The way we are going at the moment I suppose it is going to help anyone's chances on the brink.

"I just want to be playing firstly good for the club.

"I don't really want to be thinking about it. My first goal is to make (NSW) Country."

Stewart was unlucky not to pick up a fistful of tries on Sunday.

His first effort in the 11th minute was disallowed for double movement. He crossed again in the 28th only to have the play called back for obstruction, with a blindside solo run ending inches short just prior to halftime.

The Warriors led 6-0 at the break after former Eagle Michael Witt's cross-field bomb bounced into Tony Martin's hands in the 14th minute.

Manly skipper Brent Kite was held up and then stripped of the ball over the line also in the first half, while winger Michael Robertson had a 42nd minute effort dismissed because he pushed opposite Michael Crockett out of the contest.

Manly eventually opened their account when quick hands by Stewart put winger Chris Hicks over in the corner on 55 minutes.

The speedy fullback then put the home side ahead four minutes later when he dummied through the line to score untouched.

The result proved Manly have matured since last year's limp finals showing, winning without experienced trio Matt Orford, Steve Menzies and Steve Matai for the third straight week.

"We came in (halftime) at 6-nil and thought we maybe should have been behind a little bit more than we were," said Stewart.

"To go out in the second half and grind a win out is something we haven't been able to do in the last couple of years so that says something about the confidence in the team at the moment."

Backrower Simon Mannering scored a 78th minute try to give the Warriors a sniff of stealing the win but it was ultimately too little too late.

The Warriors have now lost to Melbourne and Manly in successive weeks and next Sunday face the other undefeated team of the competition, North Queensland, in Auckland.

"I think Manly deserve a fair bit of credit today," said Warriors coach Ivan Cleary.

"They really did not give us a look in after 20 minutes.

"We defended well for long periods ... we made something like 350 tackles and a lot of those were in our own end."

Warriors winger Crockett was sent to hospital after dislocating his left elbow in the 67th minute while George Gatis suffered concussion after a shuddering accidental hit from teammate Evarn Tuimavave.

read about it here