Australian Rugby League

There are three codes of football in Australia: Australian Rules more commonly known as Aussie Rules, Australian Rugby League, and Australian Rugby Union.
I went to several Australian Rugby League games. My favorite team and the team I saw live were the Cronulla Sharks. They are the team for the Sutherland Shire. They play at the Toyota Stadium in Cronulla.

I went to an afternoon game to watch Cronulla play the Sydney Roosters. I wore a blue flannelette shirt from Lowes (a mens retail store) because it's a typical thing to see people wearing. And blue is the color for the Sharks.  We bought general admission tickets for $20AUD and stood up on "the hill" or "the drunk hill" which is where the locals watch the game. Most everyone drinks at these games. The fans of the Sharks are very loyal and love their team.

RULES: Rugby league football,^[3] usually called rugby league,^[4] is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. 

The objective in rugby league is to score more points through tries, goals and field goals (also known as drop goals) than the opposition within the 80 minutes of play. If after two halves of play, each consisting of forty minutes, the two teams are drawing, a draw may be declared, or the game may enter extra time under the golden point rule, depending on the relevant competition's format.

The try is the most common form of scoring,^[21] and a team will usually attempt to score one by running and kicking the ball further upfield, or passing from player-to-player in order to manoeuvre around the opposition's defence. A try involves touching the ball to the ground on or beyond the defending team's goal-line and is worth four points. A goal is worth two points and may be gained from a conversion or a penalty. A field goal, or drop goal, is only worth one point and is gained by dropping and then kicking the ball on the half volley between the uprights in open play.

Field position is crucial in rugby league,^[22] achieved by running with or kicking the ball. Passing in rugby league may only be in a backward or sideways direction. Teammates therefore have to remain on-side by not moving ahead of the player with the ball. However the ball may be kicked ahead for teammates, but again, if they are in front of the kicker they are deemed off-side. Tackling is a key component of rugby league play. Only the player holding the football may be tackled. A tackle is completed when that player's progress is halted, or he is put to ground. An attacking team gets a maximum of six tackles to progress up the field before possession is changed over. Ball control is also important in rugby league, as a fumble of the ball on the ground forces a handover, unless the ball is fumbled backwards.The ball can also be turned over by going over the sideline.

LINK TO WIKIPEDIA

The Oceanics at The Brass Monkey

The Brass Monkey is a really cool restaurant / music venue. It is located in the CBD/mall of Cronulla, NSW. You walk through the door and down the stairs. There is a bar to the right and a little stage in the far right corner. There are rows of 2 person dinner tables then big tables in the middle surrounded by tables of 4 for dining. In the back are booths and couches for people to sit and order food or drink and enjoy the music.
There was a group of ten of is that sat in the middle. We got there around 7 and sat down. We ordered bottles of wine and beer then we ordered food. The owner is Lebanese and the menu is inspired by traditional Lebanese cuisine.
Appetizers were dolmah, hummus, baba ganoush, lamb skewers etc. The main meals were lamb skewers with rice and salad, tasting plates of lamb, falafel, dips, and sea food, and several pizzas. I ordered the lamb pizza that had tzaiki sauce and fresh herbs. It was delicious. The food is fresh and very yummy. They also have really good wine at reasonable prices and a lot of bottled beer, a few on tap, and lots of cocktails.
About 8, the opening act came on. His name was Lyle. He was dressed in an Indian poncho, tight raggedy jeans, and woolen golf cap. He had a guitar, microphone, and foot peddle. He  began by making beats with his voice that recorded and looped to play back with his guitar and vocals. It was different, interesting, and entertaining. It was kinda weird in a confusing not too sure if I liked it or not kinda way. I did not - not like it kinda of way.
Our food came after he finished and then the main act, The Oceanics came. I had been listening to their demo cd all week and was excited to hear them live and for them to play my favorite song. The music is really fun and upbeat. I wanted to get up and dance but there is not room for dancing and I was kinda embarrassed. We just sat and listened. It was really good. I really like them and would go see them again. I would also love to go back because I love the food and atmosphere at The Brass Monkey.
Luke Young works for Spanish Caravan ( a really cool t-shirt company from Sydney). They supply t-shirts to Hamish of Hamish and Andy   . They areAustralian media personalities -which is really cool. They do have tv shows and radio shows and are really funny.
Spanish Caravan also supports up and coming bands like The Oceanics. That is how we heard they were playing at The Brass Monkey. The bass player and drummer were wearing Spanish Caravan T-shirts.