Marcus Forbes

Take a second look at Beijing

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:43:53 -0800

It seems which ever way you turn at the moment all eyes are on the Olympics – and more importantly the potential for scandals.

And we all know there will be plenty of them before the Games draw to a close.

Straight away there is the much talked about smog issue. ...

In the dog-house but don't blame SBW

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:29:26 -0800

Let me get this straight right from the start, I hold nothing against Sonny Bill Williams taking the best deal on offer to him.

As an extraordinary athlete SBW could command huge money wherever he chose to ply his trade.

And I have nothing but admiration for his playing ability.

But I am absolutely fuming about the fact that he has walked out on league mid-season without any explanation. ...

How drug free will these Olympics be?

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:19:14 -0800

Here's a question for you.

How many of you look at sporting champions and wonder if they're using drugs to help them achieve their results?

With the Olympics just around the corner I guarantee the thought will cross your mind even more.

Drugs in sport is an issue that has been at the forefront of every fan's mind ever since Ben Johnson was unceremoniously booted out of the Olympics in 1988. ...

Take the money and run - stop making excuses

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:08:15 -0800

I don't know about you but as a league fan I'm absolutely sick of seeing "star" players holding the game to ransom.

The news today that St George Illawarra, NSW and Australian test player Mark Gasnier is off to play rugby in France is just another example of the rot that has set in. ...

Braith of fresh air needed

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:52:53 -0800

I hate to say this but I think Braith Anasta is being hard done by.

Known as the most over-rated player in the NRL over the past few years Anasta has been somewhat magical for the Roosters this year.

Oh, it pains me deeply to say that but unfortunately it's true. ...

Olympic memories: Give 'em a taste of Kiwi

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 05:50:48 -0800

With less than two months left until the start of the Beijing Olympics it feels like a pretty good time to start reminiscing, doesn't it?

It makes me feel fairly old to think about the first Olympics I really sat down and paid attention to.

It was the year Cyclone Bola destroyed the East Coast of the North Island. I remember it well - I got a few days off school and when you're 12 and at intermediate that means a heck of a lot. ...

Down right rude if you ask me

Fri, 30 May 2008 05:33:22 -0800

I find it strange some days to work in the media.

And this week I'm purely perplexed not to mention quite grumpy.

The week began on Sunday with the floating of an idea that Ruben Wiki is past his used and going soft by date by a certain publication.

What a joke.

Sure Wiki is getting towards the end of his career - he is of course 35.

But to question his ability and his status in the game is pure rubbish. ...

Cry me a river, Cameron Smith

Wed, 07 May 2008 02:31:30 -0800
Someone get Cameron Smith a soap box.

Or alternatively a meeting with Sonny Bill Williams' shoulder on Friday night.

Where does Smith get off having a crack at the Kiwis for turning up late to a promotional event for the Rugby League World Cup?

The Melbourne Storm star has stepped squarely into line for a job on the International Rugby League board after he hangs his boots up. ...

Always bet on black and white

Mon, 05 May 2008 00:35:15 -0800
It's test week and I can't help but think there's a boil-over coming on Friday night.

My mind might be a bit clouded by the fact the South Sydney Rabbitohs finally grabbed their opening win of the season and therefore my faith in the underdog is renewed. ...

When two tribes go to war. . .

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 03:56:58 -0800
Firstly please accept my apologies for the break between blogs.

I do have a reasonable excuse though. I managed to do myself a decent injury over Easter.

I would like to say I had a spectacular accident doing something death-defying but unfortunately it wasn’t that impressive.

I did however crash my mountain bike and managed to chip my C4 vertebrae – yes that's right, technically I broke my neck. ...