Rugby league’s best commentators: Mike Colman hands out the Leaguies
WITH the Logies still fresh in our minds, maybe it’s time we held our own rugby league TV awards. Forget the Logies. This is the Leaguies.
Opinion
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WITH the unbridled excitement of the Logies still fresh in our minds and another head-on encounter with the Channel 9 Origin commentary team around the corner, maybe it’s time we held our own rugby league TV awards.
Forget the Logies. This is the Leaguies.
It seems like only yesterday that watching The Greatest Game of All on telly was a case of take what you’re given.
ORIGIN: Queensland back Arrow to fire
BRONCOS: Gillett’s comeback hits serious snag
You had the ABC and whoever had the commercial rights at the time. You couldn’t choose which coverage you watched on Sunday any more than you could pick what you had for dinner. It was cheese on toast and Rex Mossop, like it or lump it.
Then came Foxtel, Super Saturday and more callers than you’ll get at a bingo marathon. So who do you like? Who would you give your awards to, and who wins the Gold Leaguie?
BEST NEW TALENT
I’m taking a broad approach here, considering “new” as anyone who has arrived on the scene over the past couple of years, as opposed to some of the Channel 9 personalities who were around before colour. That means the likes of Corey Parker, Alex McKinnon, Cooper Cronk, Mick Ennis and Yvonne Sampson.
And the award goes to … Mick Ennis. Yeah, yeah, I know. He could annoy for the universe when he was playing, but as a TV commentator I have to say I find him energetic, informative and funny.
SIDELINE EYE
Arguably the worst job in rugby league. Out in the elements, rarely get asked to say anything and when they do try to talk invariably something exciting happens on the field and they have to shut up. I’ll give it to Brent Tate as reward for suffering through the Cowboys’ lousy season.
COLOUR/ANALYST
Hot field here. Peter Sterling, Phil “Gus” Gould, “Fatty” Vautin, Greg “Brandy” Alexander. Like ’em or love ’em, they’ve all got something. Say what you will about Gus, but he provokes reaction and that’s what television is all about.
Sterlo is Mr Accurate and I love Fatty’s insight, but as an all-rounder I’d have to give it to Brandy: Sharp, knowledgeable and easy on the ear.
MAIN CALLER
Once a one-horse race, with Ray “Rabbits” Warren in a class of his own, but I’m detecting the great man is winding down in the enthusiasm stakes. Just doesn’t have that old spark. Warren Smith is very professional, as are Brenton Speed and Matt Russell, but for mine, the main man right now is Andrew Voss. Has that X-factor: Quick-witted, funny and a grasp on history.
GOLD LEAGUIE
Awarded for Rugby League TV Personality of the Year. Well, there’s plenty who don’t make the short list — Joey Johns and The Professor, whoever he is, being at the back of the queue. Matty Johns and Bryan Fletcher have got a bit too much butt-slapping going on for my liking and The Footy Show is a pale imitation of what it was in its glory days, which leaves us with … Braith Anasta. Just like he was as a player: works hard, reliable and kicks the occasional goal.
Let the arguments begin.