We’ve put Homeloans’ in-house NRL expert
Shane Webcke under the spotlight with some questions about the current season, the State of Origin series and NRL administration.
Homeloans: In what areas does NSW have to improve to beat QLD in the State of Origin series? Shane Webcke (Warhorse): In reality NSW did enough to win the first game. Queensland had the Lion’s share of the ball but could not convert that to points. Belief in themselves is the key for NSW.
Homeloans: Who do you think is the most dangerous player in the game today and what separates him from the rest of the players in the competition?
Warhorse: Billy Slater is the most devastating player in the NRL today. He has an instinct and competitive nature that seems him doing things that other players just cannot.
Homeloans: Which team is most likely to challenge the Dragons for the premiership this season and why?
Warhorse: Melbourne looms and is their greatest threat to going back to back. The Storm have come through the most turbulent period in their short history with their winning culture intact. They have a sensational roster and next to Wayne Bennett, Craig Bellamy is the premier coach in the NRL.
Homeloans: Do you have any affiliation with the Broncos or any other NRL team and if so to what extent?
Warhorse: I have a corporate role with the Broncos but look forward to hopefully one day playing a role within the coaching ranks. They are well served at the moment in that regard but hopefully one day in the future I could play a role.
Homeloans: In what ways do you think the game has changed since you finished playing at the end of 2006?
Warhorse: The game is constantly becoming quicker, in that has been an increased emphasis on statistics which I think is a detriment to creative instincts of players as often they are now judged on the number of things they do and not the quality of those efforts.
Homeloans: If in the near future the NRL expands the number of teams in the competition who is the team most likely to join and why?
Warhorse: Perth should be the number one priority. We desperately need to diversify away from the East Coast and Western Australia is the natural fit. The Western Reds demise was not particularly linked to poor performance on and off the field, but rather they were the sacrificial lambs at the altar of reconciliation as the game struggled to overcome the Super League debacle.
Homeloans: How do you think an Independent Commission would improve the administration of Rugby League in Australia and would you like to be part of an Independent Commission?
Warhorse: As I have an association with a club currently I am not eligible to be considered. I would love to perhaps one day be part of it though. The Independent Commission would see the dismissal of one of the most inefficient and archaic administrative structures, to be replaced by a single governing body which would finally see the game of Rugby League untied in taking the game to the levels that it is capable of.
Homeloans: How much of a hole will Darren Lockyer retirement leave for the Broncos, Queensland and Australia?
Warhorse: We are all replaceable or have been replaced. There will never be another Darren Lockyer and his contribution to the game has been formidable, but the next young star will come along and the wheels keep turning.
Homeloans: Shane, final question, after your first successful foray into the boxing ring, up against former team-mate Andrew Gee, can we expect to see you lining up for a shot at SBW in the near future?
Warhorse: Categorically no!
Do you have a question for Shane? Leave your questions in the comments section below and you may be lucky enough to find his answer in a future edition of the Homeloans eNewsletter!
Do you have a question for Shane?