Jets striker Pavicevic emerges through gloomy season

Pavicevic on the way to his first goal in the Hyundai A-League against the Brisbane Roar.

 

The Newcastle Jets 14/15 season could be described as crazy if the club wasn’t owned by the enigma that is Nathan Tinker. In the space of seven months, the Jets managed to sack five players at once, have more mid-season transfers than any other A-League club, border on a Football Australia takeover and last week they officially ran last with a total of 3 wins from 27 games.

Tinkler’s baffling turnaround from wanting to shelve the club to taking a hands on role as an operating Chairman is another story, but if he is serious about turning the club’s fortunes around next season, he’ll quite possible be relying on some home grown talent, and nineteen-year-old Radovan Pavicevic is just that. Well, almost. Surely three years in the club’s junior system is enough time to be called a Novocastrian?

Pavicevic emerged late in the season from three years in the Youth League team to earn his debut with the A-League squad on Saturday January 24^th, 2015. He would complete six starts from the bench before earning his on-field debut in round 21 against Melbourne City.

He went on to play ten games for the season averaging 25 minutes per game. In his second game he scored against Brisbane Roar after coming on 55 minutes into the game.

While many players could be concerned and wary of how the team will be positioned heading into the off-season, Radovan is confident in where the club is going.

“We all want to win, all want to work hard. As a team we want to get the three points every weekend. I know we’ll get it together,” he said.

The energetic striker grew up in Liverpool (NSW) and has traversed an interesting path as a young sportsman. Attending Westfield High Sports School until moving to Newcastle, he played for the Blacktown Spartans Football Club, before having three years with Marconi. The move from junior football to the National Youth League was one that made him realise he had to step up his game if he was going to succeed.

“It was a massive step up from playing Under 18’s with Marconi. I found it tough; I had to work very hard on my game.

“James Pascoe got me into the school [Hunter Sports High] for year 12. My family helped me settle, coaches and staff as well. On top of that you have to learn to live by yourself, you have to do your own washing, and you’ve got to grow up,” said Pavicevic.

The humble and quietly spoken gent has his mind in the right place, neglecting the usual antics of youths his age and focussing on what lays ahead. “I don’t go out that much; I’ve got mates in Sydney that go out almost every weekend. I’m up here for my football, you’ve got to stay focused and that’s just one of them things you’ve got to sacrifice to get where you want.”

After being handed a two-year contract by the Jets this seasons, he will be looking to earn a habitual position in the first team, and is not looking too far ahead.

“I’m moving in the right direction, I’ve just got to keep doing what I’m doing.

“There’s players there you can learn from, and as a young player that’s what I’m there for, is to look to learn off the older boys.”

“I just want to keep developing at the moment, but for next season I’m definitely looking to cement my spot and become a regular first team player,” he said.

Radovan will play some games in the NPL this winter, before enjoying a break in preparation for the 2015/16 A-League season. The NPL competition was where he had a heavy collision with a field fence last July that saw him have six months out of game. A broken arm that caused swelling around nerves controlling the movement and feeling in his wrist left him unable to return to field until earlier this year.

It was a tough and enduring recovery, made harder by the success the NPL side had by winning the competition. “There’s nothing worse than watching all the boys run around if you’re sitting down injured,” remarked Pavicevic.

“It was a just real slow process. I knew from the start what to expect, taking it one day at a time. It did get frustrating at times, but that’s where my family and all the boys came in to help me get through it.”

Rad showing the aftermath of the broken arm that put him on the sidelines for most of 2014.

The family has played a big role in Radovan’s rise and he is thankful for their ongoing support. Their support that can be summarised by the eight hour car trip to Melbourne they made to watch his on-field debut. “My biggest influence has to be my family. They always put me on the right path, told me to work hard and keep my head down.”

Radovan should have no shortage of inspiration to succeed in his career having spent the early years of his life travelling Europe while his dad competed in Motor Racing.

“Dad was in Formula 3000, which at the time was a step below Formula One.

"It was the best time of my life, being a little kid always around cars, what more do you want. It was good fun. We lived in the U.K, in Nottingham and in Italy, near Venice,” enthused Pavicevic.

Asked whether having seen parts of Europe makes him want to pursue a football career overseas, the reserved Pavicevic expresses his desire but remains focussed on the here and now.

“In the future Europe’s definitely a goal of mine; that’s where the best football is played, that’s where everyone wants to be.

“For now I want to make myself a name at the Jets. Become a regular first team player and develop myself as much as I can,” he detailed.

Despite never having made a junior NSW team, Radovan was able to clinch the Player of the Year award for the Youth League team in 2013/14, a season that saw him score 10 goals in 25 games and would be the form that earned the faith of the club to sign him to a professional contract.

Citing his running and positional play as the biggest elements of his game, Radovan uses those at the very top of the sport to improve his own development.

“I watch a lot of overseas players; you’ve got your Ronaldo’s and Messi’s. You have to study them; you take bits and pieces out of everyone’s game and develop yourself. You watch where they make their runs, watch what they do off the ball, how they make space for themselves. You learn off them, they’re the best in the world for a reason," he said.

Scoring the majority of his goals from inside the box, the striker or winger will be looking to emulate some of the best and step it up again for the A-League’s 11^th season come September. Whilst this season for the Jets wasn’t a successful one, the future looks bright with hard-working and focussed young talents like Radovan Pavicevic in the side. 

All the best, Rad.

SBW & Sam - The last time

Tonight, two of Rugby League’s modern day greats go into their final battle, for the very last time. After 80 minutes, or potentially even more, one will exit the game forever; the other will have an opportunity at premiership glory.

Round 1, 2013

The image that optimises the two behemoths that are Sam Burgess and Sonny Bill Williams, is the ‘welcome back’ gift Sam delivered SBW in round 1, 2013. With SBW returning from a 5 year stint in Rugby Union with so much hype he had his own voice narrate his call up off the bench, Sam Burgess demanded the ball as soon as he spotted SBW in the line, and in one run showed the world that no longer was SBW in the game he left as the world’s best. Straight over the top of the Roosters back-rower like a bull over a backpacker in Pamplona. The way both men play the game is with absolute ferocity, leaving nothing in the tank. SBW no longer relies on the shoulder charge, but with a refined game still delivers the ultimate punch to opposition forward packs. Sam plays the game so hard; he missed numerous games in his first two seasons in Australia. His approach has not changed and he will be the one out their tonight for South Sydney looking for the first hit up or tackle.

The two men have taken drastically different paths to their current point in the NRL. They have had clouds hang over their heads, chips on their shoulder, and obstacles to overcome. The way they have taken on these journeys has seen them become the men they are today, and provide a valuable insight into why they are the players they are.

SBW’s exit from the Bulldogs sent him overseas to French Rugby Union and put simply, earned him the title of Rugby League’s biggest dog. The walk out left him with few friends in the game or country, and was probably a driving force for his success in Rugby Union. A world cup winner and Super Rugby Champion with the Chiefs, SBW also became a devoted Muslim during this time adhering to the strict lifestyle of the faith. It appears though, SBW always knew he would have to one day return to the game that made him and help restore his reputation. That came in the form of a handshake with Roosters boss Nick Politis. Uncle Nick knew what Williams could bring to a club that for so long had been rife with a loose culture in a city of distractions. The story of Sonny Bill turning up to the first training session with a notebook ready to take notes was a strange one to old Rugby League heads, but an indication of how professional he had become. Being such a strong personality and carrying the aura he does, he almost single handily reformed the culture of the Roosters through his actions alone. Combined with new direction of well schooled Head Coach Trent Robinson, and the holistic approach to health and fitness from Strength Coach Keegan Smith the Roosters finally got off the booze and took the game to a new level. Ultimately resulting in a premiership for the tri-colours, an astounding achievement considering they had a rookie coach, almost half a team of new players and where they ran the year before. SBW’s year in 2014 has seen some solid performances, but he hasn’t had that class and domination of last year in recent weeks. Many will be waiting for him to explode tonight.

Sam’s ride to his third successive NRL preliminary final began in Northern England, where he played for the Bradford Bulls as a teenager. In this time while establishing himself as bucking young forward, he also cared for his father before he sadly passed away, often carrying his dad up the stairs to his bed in their Yorkshire home. If that doesn’t make you grow up quick, nothing will. Ironically dubbed in 2006 as “England’s Sonny Bill”, Burgess went on to establish himself as one of the best forwards in the Super League and made eye catching appearances for Great Britain and England. Soon the prodigy would be courted by South’s’ owner Russell Crowe and convinced to come to the NRL. In 2009, Rusty gained Burgess' signature and promised South Sydney fans the greatest signing since his takeover of the club. On the day Burgess made his debut at the historic Redfern Oval for a pre-season trial, the gladiator presented Sam with a membership card and number with his father’s name on it. The relationship Russell built with Sam was key to signing him, and has been key to his performances for the foundation club ever since. Burgess has now been at the forefront of the game for 4 years, coming onto the scene with a ripping game for the All Stars in 2010, holding nothing back when slamming the Preston Campbell into the ground and looking for heads straight after. His highlight real ever since is endless, and the shoulders, runs and hits have been felt long after by those he’s come up against. After falling just one game short of the Grand Final for the last two years, Burgess realised the need to knuckle down and has finally kept out of the social pages, focusing purely on football in what will be his last year. It’s no coincidence that by keeping quiet this year, he is genuinely in the running for the Dally M.

With their teams having not played against each other in a finals game for 76 years, and cross city rivalries that go back to 1908, no player will want to leave the field tonight after losing. Whatever the case, both players have become greats in their own rights, and will be remembered forever at their famous clubs. This final, epic showdown between these two powerhouses will be one for the ages, and provides one of the most tantalising build ups to a game in recent memory. Will Sam finally complete his journey down under and take South Sydney to within 80 minutes of their first premiership in 43 years? Or will SBW carry the Roosters to another title, becoming one of only a select group to have won 3 NRL titles in their career. Honestly, if you call yourself a Rugby League fan and you’re not at ANZ stadium tonight to see this clash the game has been waiting for, take a good hard look in the mirror. What a showdown and fight this is going to be. Some say the grand final has come early, but Rugby League has a funny way of throwing up the unexpected. What will tonight bring?

The two greats rivalry... 

Wayne (Bennett) Enterprises

Is Wayne trying to save the world? His loyalty is holding him back

According to reports, Wayne Bennett’s decision to leave the Newcastle Knights at the end of this season came as a surprise to his players. Whilst they may shocked, much like myself, many fans of Rugby League wouldn’t be. To his credit, he came to the conclusion that his ‘results’ were not up to par, and if he was a coach at any other club he would most likely have been sacked by now. The disappointing thing about this notion is that Wayne leaves Newcastle high and dry, now stuck with the roster he brought in and little or no success from the Tinkler-funded Bennett era.

When he road into town, Bennett was the most prolific coach in the game and had achieved a dominate, and successful period holding the reins at St. George Illawarra. Tinkler wanted nothing but the best, and in reality, he got it. Many talked up the Knights' chances to win multiple premierships; success, it seemed, was on the doorstep. Wayne made some key signings in bringing Darius Boyd, Jeremy Smith and Beau Scott with him from the Dragons. Combined with the sound and solid performers already at the Knights of Mullen, Gidley & Uate, things were looking pretty. Eventually Dane Gagai, Willie Mason and Danny Buderus would join the fold. These, all major, and worthwhile signings.

But something went wrong along the lines with Wayne’s plans and ambitions for the team. Was it the overarching influence of Tinkler’s craved success? Or Wayne’s willingness to give players a second chance? Tinkler had shown he wouldn’t put up with mediocrity in his thoroughbred pursuits, and although Wayne would never reveal if the pressure was there, surely this impacted some of his decisions on team signings. Craig Gower, Michael Dobson, Travis Waddell and Joseph Leilua were all given opportunities at the Knights. Was this to have depth in the squad? We all know what happened with Russell Packer. He was a renowned bad boy and Wayne signed him with the idea of turning him around. Sometimes you can't help and save them all.

It appears from the outside looking in, Wayne tried to ‘buy’ his way to a premiership, rather than dig in and develop the squad from within. He took a short cut, whether subconsciously forced by the need for success, or it was his genuine mistake. In his first year, he rid the club of 15 players, but brought home Timana Tahu and Kade Snowden, along with many others. The club was cruelled by a Kurt Gidley shoulder injury and eventually ran 12^th with 10 wins from 24 starts. In 2013 the team began to reveal itself with some impressive displays throughout the season, but they flirted with those watching if they could become serious contenders. They had a mixed run into the finals and with wins over the Bulldogs in week one, and the Storm in Melbourne the week after, many started to wonder if Bennet had finally put it together. But the game in Melbourne was their grand final, it was a great achievement but they were never going to beat the Roosters, even if Buderus hadn’t gone done. Finishing in the final 4 almost felt like and overachievement, and hid the cracks in the squad and plan. Experienced heads can get you so far, but it’s raw, long developed and often youthful talents that will win you a premiership.

With much optimism after the high finish in 2013, the Knights turned up at the Auckland nines, with a fresh energy but were once again dealt a bad hand when Jarrod Mullen walked off with a hamstring injury. You can look at this as the first part of the Knight’s 2014 season derailing. The loss of Danny Buderus left a huge hole, both positional and in guiding the team. Further injuries to Gidley, the Alex McKinnon situation and the Tinkler demise would all prevent the team from starting any season momentum.

Whilst I believe Wayne’s time at St. George Illawarra was different, he still stuck to a plan of developing many players the club already had on board. He knew it was 2-3 year plan to achieve a premiership, and built towards that. He made players big names, rather than bringing in a list of stars. His time at the Knights has shown he was in a hurry to achieve success, and as this year has proven, things just didn’t fall into place. In many ways it’s easy to look at Wayne’s decision to leave the club as a ‘walk out’, but in retrospect, it’s probably the best thing for the club. After a tumultuous year, it’s time for the Knights to return to their former coach of Rick Stone, and build a team based on the club’s roots, being working class underdogs. Darius should be bought the first bus ticket out of town, and some players put on notice. One positive is the significant investment the Tinkler regime made in junior development, with both Johns’ brothers citing the talent that will eventually trickle into to first grade. Maybe Wayne knew this talent was coming, but wouldn’t be ready for a few years which led to the route of trying to buy success.

Wherever he goes next should be aware of his allegiance to Darius Boyd and giving players another crack, because it’s hindering him as a coach. He may be a father figure for Darius but everyone has to grow, and neither will do that if they don’t experience something different. There are now a number of coaches in the NRL who have worked hard, searching far and wide on their coaching journey to become more knowledge and better than those before them. Maybe Hasler, Robinson and Maguire have the new tricks that Bennet is now missing.

Have the rest really caught up to the supercoach? Where would South Sydney be if Bennett had accepted Rusty’s offer instead of Tinkler’s? Will Wayne head home to the Broncos or will the smoky of the Gold Coast Titans snare his services? Does Karmichael Hunt fit into the decision somehow?

God love Rugby League.

2014 NRL Season. Let's go!

Can Boom Rookies help North-Queensland to a maiden NRL title?

 
What a useless summer of sport we just witnessed. The cricket was more boring than a christening, the tennis wasn’t what it used to be and well soccer, is soccer. Nah to be fair, there were some highlights over summer, but you can feel the days getting shorter and the temperature slightly dropping, and this means only one thing... *Rock voice* - “Finally...  the footy, is coming back...... to your lives!!” A new season brings hopeful predictions, increased banter in the workplace and a whole heap of unknowns.  In what is sure to be another crazy season of Rugby League in Australia, I’ll begin with the ‘Jewell in the crown’ of origin.

At the conclusion of last year’s decider, we went to leave the slowly-emptying ANZ Stadium, I turned to my mate and said in my voice which now resembled a chain smoker of 40 years, make sure you remember this, take a look around, don’t forget this feeling. Smug Queenslanders chanting there catch-cry from the other end of the field, the distance between us and them somewhat resembling how far away the last blues win was. For the love of god, please win blues, end the rort. And if you don’t, sack Laurie and bring back the only bloke who could save our state from a decade of torment, the messiah of NSW origin, Gus.   

Now for the clubs, Firstly, the Roosters, their brand all of a sudden feels like the strongest and coolest in the comp. Look at their logo, go ahead, it's bold and bright. But will their rookie coach be able to win two titles, in just two seasons? If there is one thing they have, its depth. How are they under the cap? My favourite part of the 2013 season was seeing Sam Burgess steam-roll Sonny-Bill Williams in round 1, what a moment. Finally Burgess might truly become a great, notching premierships rather than perfect tens. Roosters, Souths, Thursday night... Ohhhhhh sometimes, I get a good feeling.
 
Although grudge match of the year, that belongs to round 22, Sunday 6:30 pm. Eels vs. Raiders, at TIO Stadium, in... Darwin. Who the hell scheduled that one? Parramatta are in their best position in 12 months, that is, without Ricky Stuart. No matter his reasons for going to Canberra, Stuart, who is a self-proclaimed ‘Players Coach’, let everyone associated at Parramatta down by walking out. Or did he do them the ultimate favour, saving them from 2 more years under Ricky Stuart.
 
The team I most want to see play this year, are the “Let’s gone Warriors”. Honestly, I have no idea what that sign was about, something to do with their horror run before a mid-season fight back last year, or Russel Packer’s fertilization of Suncorp Stadium. You would have seen Sam Tomkins in the nines, but seriously find some vision of the bloke from Super League, CAN get across the line. He reminds me of Dugan when he first came into the NRL with his slightly-lanky agile running and ability to get through a gap. Johnson-Tomkins combo please, with a side of kiss-blowing Konrad and the Manu ‘The Beast’ Vatuvai.
 
The Storm, The Dogs, The Eagles. All roll with passionate leaders and their Authoritative management styles. Will the Storm’s veterans continue to dominate, or will one of them fall to a season-ending injury which never seems to have happened. What will Des Hasler bring to the NRL buffet without Ben Barba? Surely to fly ‘under-the-radar’ but carry the siege mentality. Who blew more gaskets last year? The V8 supercars or Geoff Toovey. Manly fell short at the last hurrah in October but with Tony Abbot as their number 1 ticket holder, SPC beans might not be the only organisation the PM ensures stays at the top. I predict one of these authoritarian-led army’s to miss the eight, by injury, luck or form, one of the giants will fall.

 

Ah, the Queensland trio. Where to start... Will the Cowboys fire under a new coach? The fresh and exciting roll out of youngsters Felt, Bowen & co was an appetiser that left me searching for the main. If they can put it together with the mix of experience and youth, look out. Anthony Griffin’s made more changes at the Broncos than the missus would outfits before a Saturday night out. His decision to axe Thaiday as captain is ballsy. Justin Hodges won’t be back for a while, so Corey Parker is going to have to prove his worth alone. The Titans seemed to have a solid, but on/off year last season, and unless they’ve made significant improvement over the off-season, they may have some déjà-vu.

Dragons = Goneskies, Steve Price should be using his spare time to see if Mt Ousley or Bulli Pass is a quicker exit out of the Gong. Dugan does everything for them, someone else have a crack. The Tigers will be the most-quoted team to be having a ‘re-building year’ this season. Hopefully Potter holds Board-Voldemort at bay and casts up some wins from his book of spells e.g. Brooks, Simona, Sironen, Richards, Farah. The Sharkies were lucky beating the Cowboys in the finals last year and could have beat manly, but without their figurehead of Flanno, they might struggle this year.
 
The Knights and Panthers play each other in Round 1 and both have had interesting summers. Oldcastle, sorry... Newcastle have lost legend Danny Buderus and criminal Russel Packer. Bennet appears to be trying to buy a premiership with experience rather than digging in and developing talent. The Panthers couldn’t be more different, citing a five-year plan to develop their title-winning youth. Will Jamie Soward find that confidence that brought him a premiership ring, or have a holiday with the Windsor Wolves.
 

Thank the lord, religion is back on folks, The religion of Rugby League. Clear your schedules, fill your fridge, sign-up to your tipping comps, run your errands. Thursday night your year begins. 26 beautifully packed weekends, 3 Wednesdays each with more hype than a turn of a century and a finals series sprinkled on top where if your team makes the eight, anything truly is possible.

Enjoy!