Well it’s been a week since the conclusion of Rachuig roll-offs, and nearly a week, since the teams were posted. In that time I have experienced a range of emotions from pride and excitement, to anger, dismay and extreme frustration. In that time I have done a lot of thinking and soul searching.
First let me say that words cannot express how proud I am to be selected to represent the great State of Queensland in what is still the premier teams event in Australia. There have been some unbelievably talented people who have gone before me, and my one hope is that I can use every ounce of talent that God gave me to do the Queensland Shirt and the people of Queensland proud.
Last year I was selected for the Queensland team but was struck down with a serious illness which caused me to withdraw from the team, and apart from being gutted I felt that something had been stolen from me. So I made a pledge to myself before the 2009 roll-off that nothing short of death was going to keep me out of the team.
Thanks to two great days of bowling, some great lanes/conditions and my fair share of luck and good carry I managed to bowl numbers that exceeded my wildest expectations, and that I will possibly never bowl again. To say I was proud (in a non big headed way) is an understatement. But don’t worry I know I’m not a 250 average bowler.
So imagine my disappointment, anger and sheer frustration when the teams were announced to see some of the disparaging and down right thoughtless comments and thinly veiled insinuations made on here regarding myself and other members of the two Queensland teams.
First let me say that Morty, Hammo, Otty and a couple of others who were disappointed at the outcome of the selections showed what truly classy people they are by copping it on the chin and dealing with their disappointment in private. The true test of a persons qualities is not how they deal with success, but rather how they handle adversity. These guys showed what true champions they are, on and off the lanes.
I wonder if any of the people making negative comments in public about team selections, actually stopped and thought about the people in the teams and how some of this stuff would make them feel. The people in the teams weren’t selectors, all they did was nominate, bowl to the best of their abilities to showcase themselves in front of the selectors and were ultimately selected. How is that their fault? So why should they have to be subjected to some of the crap that has been dished up over the last week?
The really funny thing is that some of the people criticizing team members are of fairly limited bowling ability anyway. I mean two cases in point;
• Ronnie Conquest – I mean how you can you take anyone who bowls like an epileptic on amphetamines seriously?
• Frank Nucifora – Has the double of advantage of being a Nucifora and lefty, yet still can’t bowl (Go Figure!!)
Sorry guys unlike your gutless diatribes, I will name names.
I can assure everyone that the 14 men and 14 women who will represent Queensland this year, will all give 110% and do everything humanly possible to win the trophies. I have no doubt that the true Nay Sayers will death ride us for the entire 3 days, so that if 1st isn’t achieved they can say “See we told you”
My advice to them and everyone else in Queensland is;
“GET ON BOARD THE QUEENSLAND TRAIN!!!” or
SIT THE F@CK DOWN AND SHUT THE F@CK UP!!!!!!