History
Back in 2002, ASRL CEO Chris Walker-Bush struck upon a lucrative concept with the owners of Sydney’s Crown Casino, a sudden death tournament played over one weekend that would see eight sides risk their competition points for a big cash prize. In the competition’s first year, the services of highly sought after African star, Mtombe Msabo, were up for grabs- with Tamworth City downing Eastwood in an all Division Two final. Ironically, Msabo now plays in the centres for Eastwood.

In the tournament’s second year, the stakes were lifted, with competition points and a cash prize replacing the ‘auction block’ style of the original tournament. In this year’s tournament, eventual Division Two winners, Central Coast, stunned the league world by upsetting eventual Premier League Premiers, Wellington. The points gained through the tournament win proved crucial in the race for promotion.

In 2003, the Cougars were again hot favourites, but were again pipped at the post when they were stunned 24-8 by the Brisbane Bulls. Like Central Coast in the previous tournament, the Bulls used the three bonus points as a springboard into Premier League.

Last year saw an all Premier League final as Sydney and Manly, foundation clubs in the ASRL, fought valiantly for the Risk crown. The Oilers, like every winner before them, made excellent use of their bonus points- with the three helping them squeeze into eighth place for a playoff with Capetown in the finals.

The Tradition
The Crown Casino Risk has a tradition of capturing the hearts and imaginations of audiences around Australia. While many are tuning in their televisions to view the Premier League game of the week on Channel Nine, others are sweating on the results of what has become a popular fixture on the ASRL calendar. People are enthralled by the one off games between Premier League giants and struggling Division Two minnows, even moreso when a little pistol manages to bring down a big fish- such as last year’s 28-22 victory by Suva over the now defunct North Sydney Newbloods.

More than that, fans love the sudden death atmosphere that hangs over the whole tournament. There are no second chances if you drop a game, and with a season changing reward at the end, every side stands up to be counted for.

The 2004/2005 Tournament
This year’s tournament promises to be just as exciting as those that went before. With the makeup of the competitors not revealed as of yet, it’s all conjecture amongst fans and league experts. Will a middle of the range Premier League club enter to scrape into the top eight? Will the likes of Sydney or Perth City use the tournament to avoid a dreaded wooden spoon? Will Wellington, the only side to compete in every tournament since the points reward was invented, try once again to claim the tournament? Would Gold Coast risk two points to give themselves a three point break against Central in the minor premiership race? Will Central do the same in hopes of jumping the Crusade? In the end, only time will tell. The Risk, scheduled for next weekend, is always a wildcard.

Winner Runner Up Third Place
2002- Tamworth City Eastwood N/A
2002/2003- Central Coast Wellington N/A
2003- Brisbane Wellington Central
2004- Sydney Manly Surfers Paradise

Thanks for bring that history back up :(

At a low key press conference today, ASRL CEO Chris Walker-Bush announced the draw for the 2004/2005 Crown Casino Risk. Sydney, Surfers Paradise, and Wellington all reprise their roles from last year's tournament, with the remaining five spots being filled by Division Two clubs.

Fairfield Stallions vs. Wellington Cougars
Hawkesbury Mavericks vs. Surfers Paradise Punks
Waikato Breakers vs. Geelong Bengals
Sydney Oilers vs. Shanghai Traders

The clash between Fairfield and Wellington, and also that between Hawkesbury and Surfers Paradise, are expected to provide the two eventual finalists, with the remaining four competitors not really rated as chances of taking out the tournament. After the initial knock out stage, the finals progress as follows:

SEMIS
Winner A vs. Winner D
Winner B vs. Winner C

FINAL
Winner A vs. Winner B
Loser A vs. Loser B

Wellington Def Fairfield
Surfers Def Hawesbury
Geelong Def Waikato
Sydney Oilers Def Shanghai Traders

SEMIS
Wellington Def Sydney
Surfers Def Geelong

FINAL
Wellington Def Surfers
Geelong Def Sydney (haha)

Woohoo, god bless foolhardy Sydney for passing up a match with shitty coffs. We get a bye!!Back into the 8 for us. surfers to win is my prediction.