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NRL News - by Craig Hill

NRL Media Releases - NRL News

Bulldogs Defeat Sea Eagles

March 15th 2009 05:08
Teenage centre Jamal Idris and former Cronulla winger Bryson Goodwin bagged two tries each as the 2008 wooden-spooners completed a horror week for the premiers at ANZ Stadium.

In just his fourth first grade game, Idris announced his arrival as a force in 2009 when he scored the Dogs' first four-pointer with a bulldozing run through three would-be Manly defenders.

The 18-year-old was then on the end of an overlap in the 27th minute to grab his second.

"He's obviously a pretty big kid," Dogs captain Andrew Ryan said of the 106kg Idris.

"He made his first grade debut and sort of lobbed up and was asking people why he wasn't feeling nervous.

"That's just the way he is but he just needs to keep learning.

"It's pretty good to be standing over the other side of the field watching him shrug away tackles."

Bulldogs coach Kevin Moore said it wouldn't be difficult keeping the dreadlocked centre's feet on the ground.

"He's a terrific natured kid," he said.

"We've got some pretty good people around, some senior people ... there's any number of blokes that are going to keep him grounded.

"He's the sort of kid that not too much fazes him at the moment, he's only 18 and he just turns up. It's like a game of park footy for him.

"He's got a lot to improve on too, he probably struggled toward the back-end of the game. He loses his legs towards the end of the game, he's still struggling probably with that pace of the game at first grade and playing 80 minutes." Goodwin, 23, is the third son of St George legend "Lord" Ted Goodwin to play first grade after brothers Luke and Bronx.

He had played nine first grade games with the Sharks before Saturday night, when he was on hand to cross out wide in the 37th and 50th minutes.

Ryan said he'd had "no idea" the rebuilt Dogs, who signed big names Brett Kimmorley, Michael Ennis, Ben Hannant, David Stagg and Josh Morris in the off-season, would click so early.

"It's been a huge build-up for us over the off-season, especially with all the new guys coming on board," Ryan said.

"I've never seen a club that's had so many new guys on a roster.

" ... There's been so many changes and credit to the coaching staff, we've gone away and done a few camps together and we've really bonded quite quickly and I think it shows in our performance." Manly captain Matt Orford, who deflected any suggestion that the sexual assault charge against star fullback Brett Stewart last week had contributed to the loss, gave the Bulldogs the early-season thumbs up.

"I think the Dogs are really going to trouble some teams this year, they're going to surprise a lot of people," he said.

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Sharks Defeat Panthers

March 15th 2009 05:01
Cronulla's recruitment drive paid immediate dividends on Saturday night as Trent Barrett and Anthony Tupou made stunning debuts in the Sharks' 18-10 NRL victory over Penrith at Toyota Stadium.

Barrett and Tupou scored Cronulla's two tries as the Sharks made the most of appalling conditions to claim the competition points in front of 10,617 brave fans.

Belting rain and lightning covered the stadium for much of the game and it was Cronulla's patience with the ball that proved the difference as the Panthers consistently squandered their chances by inexplicably kicking early.

Former Dragon Barrett, playing his 200th NRL game and first in 903 days after two years with Wigan, was superb for the Sharks.

He booted a 40-20 with his first kick, scored the first try of the night in the 10th minute and helped set up Tupou's 55th-minute four-pointer.

Barrett put skipper Paul Gallen through a gap with a cut-out pass before the lock forward flicked it back inside for ex-Sydney Rooster Tupou to score.

But the Sharks victory has come at a significant cost with fullback Brett Kearney (ankle sprain) and prop Ben Ross (neck) both carried from the field.

Ross reeled out of a tackle late in the game after three forwards collapsed on top of him and was rushed to hospital.

Kearney will be sent for scans on Monday after he suffered a high ankle sprain midway through the opening half.

The loss of Kearney forced a reshuffle of Cronulla's backline with Misi Taulapapa and debutant Blake Ferguson both given time at fullback only to consistently make handling errors.

But the Panthers never once made the Sharks pay as halfback Jarrod Sammut and fullback Lachlan Coote kicked early in the tackle count several times for no result.

Centre Michael Jennings scored Penrith's only try in the 20th minute when he side-stepped around four defenders to score beneath the posts.

Sharks coach Ricky Stuart said there were serious concerns over the well-being of Ross, with club doctors believing he had damaged his spine just below his neck.

"It does not look good," said Stuart.

"He is in an awful amount of pain ... he is in a real lot of bother."

Stuart said the only positives to come out of the game was their staunch defence and two competition points.

"I have seen some ugly games of football but I don't think I have seen any uglier," said Stuart.

"It was not just the amount of ball we dropped but where we dropped it. You would expect under eights and under nines to do that and you'd still be dirty on them.

"But I've always said I'll take an ugly win instead of an attractive loss."

Barrett was happy with his first-up performance but knows there is a long way to go if Cronulla are to be contenders this year.

"We did make it hard for ourselves," he said.

"I'm confident the team can defend anyway. I found that out."

Like Stuart, Penrith coach Matthew Elliott was proud of the defensive commitment shown by his side but was bemused at their attacking decisions.

He described their second-half performance as ugly but conceded that playing with patience in attack is always a risk when fielding so many young players.

"It was not something we prepared to do," said Elliott of his side's early kicking tactics.

"But you get that with a young team and we lost our way in the second half.

"We have a very talented team of young guys and we have plenty of improvement in us."

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Warriors Defeat Eels

March 15th 2009 04:54
The New Zealand Warriors opened their 2009 NRL season in style on Saturday night with a convincing 26-18 victory over Parramatta in Auckland.

Dedicating the match to former teammate Sonny Fai, who drowned at an Auckland Beach in January, the Warriors ran in four tries to three to notch a club-record seventh straight home triumph.

The victory was also a fitting result for veteran captain Steve Price, who was playing his 300th premiership match.

The Warriors dominated from the outset in front of a 17,447-strong crowd at Mt Smart Stadium, with debutant five-eighth Joel Moon, a former Brisbane player, scoring the opening try in the ninth minute.

Shortly after, Russell Packer planted a second try under the posts.

Parramatta winger Eric Grothe - making his 100th appearance for the Eels - found a gap in the Warriors defence to finally get his side on the board in the 24th minute.

But the Kiwis quickly responded with Lance Hohaia touching down after a nice pass from World Cup star Nathan Fien.

Both teams won all three of their trial matches but the Warriors were heavily favoured to beat Parramatta and looked good things when Hohaia crossed again just three minutes into the second half.

The Eels staged a comeback, with five-eighth Jarryd Hayne benefiting from a fumble by Wade McKinnon and touching down in the 51st minute before Krisnan Inu narrowed the Warriors' lead to eight points soon after.

But the Warriors held on, despite losing lock Micheal Luck to a high tackle from Fuifui Moimoi four minutes from fulltime.

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Broncos Defeat Cowboys

March 14th 2009 04:34
The last time Peter Wallace kicked a winning field goal at Suncorp Stadium the crowd booed.

But it would be fair to say the majority of the 45,022 fans were smiling after the Broncos halfback's latest effort.

Certainly rookie Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak was.

Almost two years after Wallace's boot clinched a miraculous golden point win for Penrith over a distraught Broncos at the Brisbane venue, the ginger-haired playmaker again stood tall.

This time to seal a heart-stopping 19-18 NRL season opening win for the Broncos over North Queensland.

"It was at the same end too (as the round three 2007 match). But I was on the right side (team) this time," Wallace laughed.

The four-tries-to-three win ensured life after Wayne Bennett began successfully for Henjak - but hardly smoothly.

Even poker-faced Bennett would have looked tense as the Cowboys stormed back from 14-6 down in the 46th minute to roar to an 18-14 buffer by the 57th.

Henjak's blood pressure stabilised somewhat when rookie Jharal Yow Yeh proved more slippery than his name's pronunciation to crash down the right sideline in the 65th minute.

Last minute Broncos inclusion Steve Michaels appeared to have scored the matchwinner in the 72nd, only to be denied after replays showed he dropped the ball over the line.

But just as the NRL season looked set to start with the second straight golden point game, Wallace put tense Broncos fans out of their misery - including Henjak - by kicking truly from about 30m in the 77th minute.

"Yeah, it wasn't too bad, eh," Henjak laughed when asked about his first NRL game at the helm.

"I actually enjoyed the game. A couple of times I was on the edge of my seat, but it was an enjoyable game."

Besides the coach, the new-look home side boasted seven players making their debut for Brisbane including prized signing Israel Folau.

Youngsters Antonio Winterstein (46th) and Yow Yeh repaid Henjak's faith by scoring on debut while Folau took just six minutes to make an impact, crashing over after wonderful lead-up work from Darren Lockyer and Karmichael Hunt.

But for Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston it appeared like business as usual at the Broncos despite the sweeping changes.

"We did a fair bit of homework on them. But weight of possession told in the end. Wallace's field goal under pressure - that was the difference," Thurston said.

However, it looked like it was just like old times for the Cowboys as well.

Thurston - fit and fresh after yet more off-season surgery - picked up where he left off in attack with livewire fullback Matt Bowen, playing his first game since May 2008.

Bowen showed his knee - which underwent radical surgery last year - worked alright when he came from nowhere to snaffle up a Thurston banana kick in the 57th minute to give the Cowboys the lead.

The Broncos led 10-6 at halftime after tries to Corey Parker (27th) and Folau (6th) countered Cowboys recruit Willie Tonga's 13th minute effort.

The NRL needed a feel good story ever since David Gallop first rang Manly to see how their season launch went.

And the Queensland arch rivals duly delivered on Friday night.

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Storm Defeat Dragons

March 14th 2009 04:26
Melbourne superstar Greg Inglis used to sidestep around players on his way to the tryline.

Now he runs straight over the top of them, and he kicks winning field goals.

Inglis slotted the winning goal with 1min 37sec left on the clock in the first period of extra time to give his side a 17-16 victory over St George Illawarra in their opening round NRL clash at Olympic Park.

The Dragons looked dead and buried with less than four minutes remaining in the match, trailing by six.

But one of new coach Wayne Bennett's old favourites, Wendell Sailor, got them back into the game with a 50m break before off-loading to centre Matt Cooper who raced to the tryline.

Five-eighth Jamie Soward then converted to lock up the scoreboard 16-16.

Inglis' field goal, after three earlier attempts by the teams, topped off a superb night for the 22-year-old.

It also gave the NRL something to cheer about after Inglis replaced Manly's Brett Stewart, who has been charged with sexual assault, as the face of the game in its new TV advertisement.

Inglis has stacked on six kilograms in the off-season to now weigh in at an imposing 107kg, without surrendering any of his pace or skills and that was all apparent as he scored the first try of the 2009 season in the 15th minute.

He took a Cooper Cronk pass 10 metres out from the tryline and charged head, tossing aside Dragons five-eighth Jamie Soward like a rag-doll and then running over the remaining defence to score and give his side a 4-2 lead.

Coach Craig Bellamy said it was typical Inglis, but was otherwise disappointed with his team's attack.

After a try by Dragons halfback Ben Hornby helped the visitors take an 8-4 lead to the sheds, Bellamy's side got back ahead through tries by Billy Slater, who otherwise had a miserable night, and Cooper Cronk.

"I thought our attack in the first half was poor but we picked it up in the second half," Bellamy said.

"But I thought our defence did really well, it was quite effective."

Playing for the first time under former Brisbane coach Bennett, St George Illawarra looked the sharper of the two sides in the first half.

They had their chances but too often the final pass or kick went astray.

Never a fan of the golden point, Bennett was disappointed to miss out on a share of the competition points.

But he was impressed by the Dragons' courage.

"I was very happy with the effort ... the way they gutsed the game out," Bennett said.

"They stayed in there. It's really hard to coach those qualities so it's great to see the team do that."

Bennett predicted his team would improve.

"We can take confidence out of tonight we can compete with the top teams," he said.

"We're going to get better than tonight."

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Tigers Defeat Shellharbour In Trial

March 7th 2009 04:31
Taniela Tuiaki scored four tries as the Wests Tigers finished their 2009 pre-season with a comprehensive 70-4 trial victory over Shellharbour on Friday night.

Tigers coach Tim Sheens will be pleased with the performance going into next week's NRL round one clash against Canberra, with the full-strength side coming through the match unscathed.

The Tigers ran in 13 tries to one in front of over 4,500 fans at Ron Costello Oval, with halfback Benji Marshall booting nine goals in the process.

Tuiaki opened the scoring in the fifth minute when he combined with centre Chris Lawrence to begin his spree.

The Kiwi international grabbed a second midway through the first half before notching his best of the night five minutes later when he beat three defenders from 20m out to score.

The 26-year-old capped off his night's work when got on the end of a Marshall grubber halfway through the second term to make the score 62-0.

Tuiaki wasn't the only multiple try-scorer for the Tigers, with fullback Tim Moltzen grabbing a triple while centre Dean Collis and under-20s winger Junior Roqica scored doubles.

The only hiccup on the night for the Tigers was when the opening 10 minutes were played in near-darkness following a power failure.

St George Illawarra forward Neville Costigan grabbed the sole try for the hosts in the 70th minute.

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NRL Warning On Judiciary Criticisms

March 5th 2009 11:45
The NRL insists it is not trying to censor the game despite warning players and officials they risk fines for criticising the judiciary system.

Following last year's defamatory press conference by Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy which earned the Storm a record $50,000 fine, the NRL has moved to re-educate players and officials about what can and cannot be said in the media regarding judicial incidents.

Officials are warned against making prejudicial comments and, much like the guidelines for talking about referees, they are not allowed to suggest impropriety, bias or unfairness when discussing judiciary matters.

NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley has provided clubs with a list of acceptable and unacceptable statements, but says policing public comment is difficult and will be done on a case by case basis.

"We don't believe we should be stifling all comment on these matters," said Annesley.

"But each case will be judged on its merits."

The censoring of public comment is one of several changes to come into effect for 2009 after a controversial end to the Centenary season.

Carry-over points will be reduced by five points each game played instead of the previous lifespan of 12 months.

Under the new system Storm captain Cameron Smith would not have missed last year's grand final as the 27 week period between his first and second offence would have eroded his carryover points.

But the NRL is adamant the rule was not linked to Smith's case - even though it put the unfairness of carryover points into a harsh perspective.

"This is not the Cameron Smith rule," said Annesley.

"It seemed unfair when we reviewed it, there was a particular anomaly that when you get to 12 months all your points disappear but when you're almost at 12 months they are still on your record.

"It creates an incentive for the players not to be charged again."

Grapple tackles are no longer viewed as contrary conduct, with a new charge known as dangerous conduct to encompass all forms of illegal wrestling holds.

It is hoped the new grading system will see more charges being laid by the match review committee after it was viewed that too many grapples went unpunished in 2008 because the system meant even a base charge resulted in a one-week suspension.

The minimum charge has therefore been reduced to 100 points, which can be further lowered with an early guilty plea, while more serious offences offer greater penalty ranging from 250 to 700 points.

AAP


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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: NRL Media Releases
   


World Club Challenge Could Go Overseas

March 3rd 2009 11:03
Rugby League bosses admitted on Monday the World Club Challenge could be held in Asia in the future.

Manly became the first Australian winners of the annual global clash of the champions for six years when they beat Leeds Rhinos 28-20 at Elland Road on Sunday.

The match was held in England for the 10th successive year but there are calls for a neutral venue, including Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong, while Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington has put forward a proposal to expand the competition.

Hetherington's plan is for the top three clubs from both Super League and the NRL to contest the event and the Rugby Football League are willing to consider that possibility.

"Sunday's match was a terrific and outstanding success. International football delivers a profile that domestic football doesn't and we have got to weigh up the balance," RFL chief executive Nigel Wood said.

"All things are possible. The middle east or far east are options but as yet no-one has come to the table with a package that would enable us to take the proposal to the next level.

"It's appropriate to have a discussion about what may or may not be possible. There are issues about the over-playing of players which we need to bear in mind.

"There is every likelihood the event will look the same next year."

Manly's successful coach Des Hasler, who played for the Sea Eagles in the first challenge against Wigan in 1987, has cast doubt over the viability of Australia hosting the event.

"We'd love to defend it in Sydney and I'm sure Leeds would like to come to Australia but, as a concept, I'm just not sure how it would go down there during our off-season," he said.

NRL Media Release

AAP

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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: NRL Media Releases
   


Sea Eagles Defeat Leeds To Win World Cup Challenge

March 1st 2009 21:49
Manly have become the first Australian side in six years to clinch rugby league's World Club Challenge, emphatically snatching the title from Leeds.

There was plenty of spice in the 28-20 victory at Elland Road in front of 32,569 fans with brawls erupting during the match.

During a fiery opening half Sea Eagles backrower Anthony Watmough smashed Leeds No.7 Rob Burrow, putting him out of the game while Manly's Josh Perry and Leeds enforcer Jamie Peacock traded blows and were both sent to the sin bin.

Video referee Steve Ganson lived up to his reputation for controversy by awarding Leeds' Jamie Jones-Buchanan an extremely contentious try before Manly took a 12-4 halftime lead.

Sea Eagles try-scoring machine Brett Stewart crossed the line for his second four-pointer of the match two minutes into the second session and Watmough got his second from the restart.

From there, the NRL premiers weren't headed with the Rhinos finishing strongly with a try in the dying seconds of the clash.

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Cowboys And Panthers Draw In Trial

March 1st 2009 06:02
Matt Bowen hardly touched the ball as he made his return from injury in North Queensland's final hit-out of the NRL pre-season, but did enough to suggest his nightmare injury run was finally over.

The pint-sized sensation was a late addition to the Cowboys starting line-up for Saturday night's clash against Penrith in Cairns after the former Origin utility was given the all-clear by his surgeon on Friday.

Bowen, playing his first game since suffering a knee injury in round eight last year, helped the Cowboys to a 12-6 halftime lead before the Panthers fought back to see the game end in an 18-all draw.

The star fullback had few chances to do anything with the ball before sitting out the second half to rest his knee, coach Neil Henry confirming Bowen had emerged unscathed.

"We got a lot of confidence out of that 40 minutes and he should be right for round one," Henry said.

"He could have stayed out there for another 15 or 20 in the second half but it was just good to get him out there."

Despite some nerves, Bowen said he was thrilled to be back in a Cowboys' jersey.

"I was a bit nervous but I was excited at the same time, I was looking forward to it all week, I couldn't wait," Bowen said.

"I just wanted to have fun again and I thought I'd do that tonight."

The Cowboys started the match strong, crossing the line twice in the opening ten minutes, but were unable to maintain momentum.

Meanwhile, Henry now faces a difficult decision in choosing a five-eighth to partner captain Jonathan Thurston in the halves for the Cowboys' round one clash against the Broncos.

Both Travis Burns, returning after an interrupted 2008 season, and Warriors import Grant Rovelli put in impressive performances to leave the coach with "some headaches".

Burns played the opening 40 minutes before Rovelli came on for the second half after starting in the curtain-raiser.

"I thought Travis was pretty good in the first half and Grant Rovelli was very good in the previous game and then came out and did a few tidy things as well," he said.

"We're not a lot closer there, we'll have to have a look at the tape, there's not much between them."

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Storm Defeat Broncos In Trial

February 28th 2009 20:03
Brisbane captain Darren Lockyer looked rusty in his eagerly-awaited return in Saturday night's 20-6 NRL trial loss to Melbourne at Stockland Park on the Sunshine Coast.

While flashy Storm fullback Billy Slater picked up where he left off last year as the game's number one attacking player, Lockyer's lack of trial time was evident.

Lockyer was keen to play against the Storm to blow out the cobwebs before Brisbane's NRL season opener against North Queensland in a fortnight.

It was a wise decision because his 40 minutes on the field was riddled with rust.

He failed to find touch with a penalty kick, kicked out on the full on the last tackle and threw an intercept pass all in the first 20 minutes.

The good news for Brisbane, though, is he is likely to be a lot sharper against the Cowboys after scrapping plans to miss Brisbane's three pre-season trials and go in cold against North Queensland.

Both sides were busy with the football early.

But they paid the price for forcing passes in the steamy conditions in a scrappy opening 40 minutes.

Slater was at his slippery best in the opening half, testing Brisbane's defence to the limit several times.

Broncos comeback centre Mick DeVere - playing his first game since 2006 - revived memories of his former days at the club when he stopped a try-bound Slater in the first half.

Last year's golden boot winner was clearly Melbourne's best, his speed defusing the impressive kicking games of both hooker Aaron Gorrell and halfback Peter Wallace.

The only points in the first half came from a slick backline rush started by Storm five-eighth Greg Inglis and involving halfback Cooper Cronk and Slater, who delivered the final pass for bright young centre prospect Willie Isa to dive over in the right corner.

Melbourne winger Joe Tomane scored the Storm's second try in the 53rd minute and when Slater was rewarded with a try in the 61st minute the Storm led 16-0.

Brisbane lock Corey Park got the big crowd of 8,178 on their feet with a converted try in the 65th minute.

AAP

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Warriors Defeat Titans In Trial

February 28th 2009 13:35
The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans have lost their final hit-out of the pre-season, going down 34-12 to the New Zealand Warriors in tonight’s trial match at Lismore’s Oakes Oval.

A week after registering a dominant 40-16 win over Cronulla in Darwin, the Jetstar Titans found themselves on the wrong end of the scorelines against the Warriors, who were assisted by five 40-20 kicks on their way to victory.

Despite the loss, Jetstar Titans coach John Cartwright could find positives in the performance - with the likes of Mark Minichiello, Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Matt White and Josh Graham all impressing.

The match also marked the return of Australian Test backrower Anthony Laffranchi, who had not featured in the club’s other trial matches.

“I think when we fielded our strongest combinations we more than competed with them,’’ said Cartwright.

“I think Mark Minichiello was really good and to get Anthony Laffranchi back out on the field was good because he needed the run.’’

The Jetstar Titans will now have a weekend off to recoup before the club’s season-opening clash against Newcastle at Skilled Park on Sunday, March 15.

Titans Media Release

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Eels Defeat Roosters In Trial

February 28th 2009 13:28
Parramatta's Jarrad Hayne won the battle of the converted five-eighths with a two-try display in the Eels 30-24 NRL trial victory against the Sydney Roosters at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Saturday night.

Hayne put in his best display yet in the No.6 shirt , crossing the line twice and setting up another as the Eels outmuscled the Roosters to make it three wins from three this pre-season.

The Roosters had their own makeshift five-eighth with Setaimata Sa making his first trial appearance in the No.6 jersey in a largely ineffectual display.

Sa spent most of his time occupying a wide position on the Roosters' right-hand side as former five-eighth and now lock Braith Anasta did most of the second receiver's work in attack.

The Eels didn't look like winners when Roosters pair Sam Perrett and Mitch Aubusson both crossed the line in the opening ten minutes but from that point it was almost all Parramatta.

A try late in the half to Tim Mannah made the scores 10-6 at the break.

The second-half was the Hayne show, with the former NSW winger breaking clear and scoring under the posts two minutes into the second term to give the Eels the lead.

Fijian rising star Sisa Waqa gave the Roosters hope of a fightback when he broke clear to send Aubusson in for his second midway through the term.

But within minutes Hayne had capitalised on a Roosters handling error to double his tally and put the Eels back in front.

Krisnan Inu extended Parramatta's lead to ten shortly afterwards before Hayne sent Luke Burt into the clear to seal the points.

Orange product Ben Jones chimed in with a late intercept try but the Eels were never going to be headed despite Perrett adding his second with the last play of the match.

Eels coach Daniel Anderson said he had been impressed by Hayne's display.

"I thought he was very good tonight," Anderson said.

"I thought he defended very stoutly, he was opportunistic with his try, half-breaks and breaks.

"I thought he kicked okay, you know, there were a lot of positives about his game.

"He'll grow in confidence as he settles. He has got better each game.

"I think he's learning to talk, learning when to inject himself. It's a unique position, a stand-off like him.

"He's exciting and I enjoy watching him.

"There's going to be some errors around him and there's going to be some diamonds around him too, we need him to get the balance so it's steadily weighed in the diamonds."

Anderson added he was pleased to win all of his pre-season matches but urged fans to keep the results in perspective.

"It's solid. Nothing fantastic, but certainly nothing poor," he said.

"That's probably the best thing ... I really can't give you a list of negatives.

"All I've got is positives and actions and behaviours from players that are all positive."

AAP

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Rabbitohs Defeat Dragons In Trial

February 28th 2009 13:21
South Sydney has claimed an 18-6 Charity Shield NRL trial victory over St George Illawarra at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

With two impressive trial wins under their belt since master coach Wayne Bennett took charge, the Dragons finally fell with a limp three tries to one loss in a worrying sign ahead of the NRL season start in two weeks.

The Rabbitohs dominated the game with five-eighth John Sutton having a hand in all tries, including the Dragons' four-pointer, as the red and whites failed to create much in attack.

Sutton combined with fullback Rhys Wesser to put winger Nathan Merritt across in the eighth minute for the first points of the game.

But Sutton and Wesser turned villains 11 minutes later as the Dragons levelled at 6-6.

Sutton's kick from his own 20m line was charged down by Dragons lock Beau Scott before Wesser, attempting to clean up the mess, fumbled the ball in goal allowing Scott the simplest of four-pointers.

Sutton appeared to hurt his leg early in the second half, but brushed aside the injury concern to grubber for Colin Best to score in the 45th minute.

Best added a second try 12 minutes later, storming onto a short pass from Sutton to effectively seal the result in a low-scoring affair.

The Dragons were twice denied a try in the second half, with recruits Jeremy Smith and Mickey Paea held up over the line by desperate Souths defence.

South Sydney coach Jason Taylor was pleased with his side's defensive effort, but knows their attack will have to improve for the season proper.

"We would want to be better in a couple of weeks time," he said.

"It was good for us to have that tough hit out and realise we cannot score every time we are down there.

"I was happy with what we did defensively. We have worked hard on it. We had some testing periods and they also let us off the hook a few times."

Despite the result and unflattering performance in attack Bennett was "not unhappy" with his side.

The new Dragons coach knows trial form or results mean little in the NRL season, noting that his former side Brisbane lost to a Queensland Cup outfit in last year's trials but still started the season strongly without skipper Darren Lockyer.

"(Trials) are something you should not beat yourself up about too much," said Bennett.

"I'm not sure if we needed it (a loss), but we got it.

"There's always room for improvement and tonight was no exception.

"We know where we are going and what we are trying to achieve.

"I was pleased with the effort and pleased that we stayed in it."

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NRL Says League Not Part-time Occupation

February 24th 2009 04:37
The National Rugby League Board has unanimously reinforced the view that clubs could not release players for ‘guest contracts’ to rival codes either directly or by creating off-season ‘windows’ between contracts.

While the Board accepted any player’s individual right to change codes, there remained a clear view that a player had to fully commit to one code or another at any given time.

“In essence the Board’s view is that Rugby League is not a part-time occupation,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said Monday.

“The game and its commercial partners invest millions of dollars each year in creating an environment that is unmatched in intensity and excitement.

“You can’t maintain that while allowing rival codes, rival sponsors and rival networks to market NRL players at the same time.

“The Board feels that there can be no question, therefore, that the NRL has a clear stake in this issue.

“We also have to be careful not to allow managers and clubs to open artificial arrangements that circumvent the salary cap.”

The NRL Board today also endorsed the progress of the ‘two-referee’ model being introduced in the 2009 Telstra Premiership.

It said that the progress of the model through the trials had been extremely positive to date.

NRL Media Release

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Sea Eagles Defeat London Super League Harlequins In Trial

February 22nd 2009 22:53
Manly overcame a 20-0 half-time deficit to beat London Super League club Harlequins 34-26 in a trial match on Sunday.

Testing combinations ahead of the Sea Eagles' World Club Challenge clash with Leeds on March 1, coach Des Hasler started with a largely inexperienced side in the first half, but a near full-strength team fought back after the break.

Harlequins were off to a 4-0 lead within the opening minutes after Jon Wells collected Danny Orr's grubber kick and ran over for a try.

The home team doubled their advantage when former Manly player Chad Randall passed off to Quins captain Rob Purdham.

Randall was instrumental again when he made a solo run halfway down the field for a try of his own.

Manly found Quins defence impenetrable despite a number of attempts with five minutes remaining in the first term.

Orr's long kick to Luke Dorn then resulted in yet another try for Harlequins, who went to the break with a 20-point buffer.

But with a far more experienced side on the pitch, Manly took control of the second half, thanks to two early tries to Michael Robertson with captain Matt Orford playing a role.

Quins still looked dangerous and pushed their advantage back out to 24-10 through David Howell, but a David Williams try, followed by a 30-metre effort from Brett Stewart, which Jamie Lyon converted had the visitors within four points.

They drew level when Chris Bailey smacked the ball back to a Glenn Stewart, who off-loaded to Lyon.

The former St Helens player ran over and then converted to put the Sea Eagles in front for the first time, 28-26.

A late try and conversion by Steve Matai sealed the result for the NRL premiers.

AAP

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Warriors Defeat Cowboys In Trial

February 22nd 2009 22:15
Rampaging winger Manu Vatuvei maintained his rich vein of try-scoring form with a 75th-minute match winner in the New Zealand Warriors' 32-28 trial win over North Queensland on Sunday.

Vatuvei's try broke a 28-all deadlock to give the Warriors their second straight trial win in front of more than 16,500 fans North Harbour Stadium.

Vatuvei scored 22 tries in 23 matches for club and country last season, including 16 for the Warriors in 17 matches.

He also scored the decisive try in the Warriors' 24-12 trial win against Melbourne in Hamilton earlier this month.

Sunday's match featured World Cup-winning Kiwis Simon Mannering, Nathan Fien and Jerome Ropati in their first run this season along with captain Steve Price and Brent Tate.

There was instant joy for the Warriors when North Queensland knocked on from the kick-off and a minute later Fien's cross-field bomb gifted Patrick Ah Van a try.

Only four minutes later ex-Bronco Joel Moon, teamed in the halves with Fien, ran superbly on to an Ian Henderson offload, stepping past the defence to give the home side a 10-0 lead.

The Cowboys responded with tries to Ben Farrah and Willie Tonga before Lance Hohaia re-ignited his side by cutting through the defence near his own line and racing 90 metres to score a spectacular try.

Shane Tronc, Carl Webb and Johnathan Thurston then grabbed soft tries to see the Cowboys to surge to a 28-16 lead with 20 minutes to go.

But the Warriors, led by veteran Kiwi Stacey Jones who played at halfback in the second half, fought back with three tries in the space of 11 minutes.

Jones floated out a lovely long ball for Malo Solomona to score wide out before newcomer Lewis Brown, signed from Wests Tigers, ran a great line to score another four-pointer.

Moon's conversion levelled the game up at 28-28 before Vatuvei slipped three defenders and surged to the line to seal the win.

The Cowboys finished the match with just 11 men after Ashley Graham and Ty Williams were sin-binned inside the last 10 minutes for holding down offences.

AAP

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Eels Defeat Panthers In Trial

February 21st 2009 22:30
Jarryd Hayne scored two tries to lead Parramatta to an 18-10 win over Penrith in their NRL trial match at CUA Stadium on Saturday night.

The Eels held a 12-4 lead at halftime before a runaway try to Panthers halfback Jarrod Sammut put the home side back within reach, just two points behind.

But an length-of-the-field try to Hayne in the 81st minute sealed the win for the Eels in a three-tries-to-two victory.

The Hayne experiment at five-eighth had mixed results in a mostly dour affair as both sides struggled to shake off the off-season rust.

Hayne was placed on report in the 11th minute for a high hit on Panthers winger Shane Elford, but soon made amends by scoring the night's opening try.

His mixed night continued in the second half, however, when Hayne bungled a certain four-pointer, spilling the ball 20 metres out with an open run to the try line ahead of him.

In the following set of six, the former Blues Origin winger opted to send a grubber in behind the Panthers defence, only for the ball to be scooped up by Sammut.

Sammut, wearing neon green boots, sprinted the length of the field with Hayne in pursuit but the Panthers No.7 was too quick, celebrating his runaway try after planting the ball under the posts.

But Hayne repaid the favour in the 81st minute, bolting 80m to score his second try for the night, leaving a chasing Sammut in his wake and sealing the win for the Eels.

The outnumbered Eels fans at CUA Stadium cheered each time recalled winger Eric Grothe touched the ball.

Grothe, who hasn't played in the NRL since round nine, 2008, made some storming runs, hit the ball up hard and was solid in his support play despite a couple of knock ons in the messy affair.

Eels coach Daniel Anderson said his side's win, while scrappy at times, was still encouraging.

"I thought we just battled and we had to and I think we showed some little signs in the game that we've made some forward progress, even since last week when most of the big boys didn't play," Anderson said.

"We've still got some areas that we can work on, which is important."

Panthers coach Matthew Elliott was pleased with his side's effort in defence.

"We did some really good stuff and showed some intent defensively, obviously in attack, we've got some work to do."

AAP

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Roosters Defeat Tigers In Trial

February 21st 2009 22:18
Sydney Roosters fullback Anthony Minichiello showed signs his three years of injury torment are in the past with a starring role in his side's 16-12 Foundation Cup NRL trial victory over the Wests Tigers on Saturday.

Minichiello was a clear stand-out in the wet and greasy conditions at the Sydney Football Stadium, setting up one try and scoring another himself before sitting out the final half hour of play.

The former Test custodian, who has played just 25 games in three years due to spinal injuries, showed glimpses of his best by barging over Tigers halfback Benji Marshall to score in the 51st minute for a 16-6 lead.

Minichiello was also in the thick of the action when he set up a 70m try to Mitchell Pearce in the final minute of the first half.

However, replays showed Pearce grounded the ball well short of the tryline.

But as it is only a trial match, the referee could not send the decision for video review and awarded the try himself.

The Tigers appeared the better team late in the game, but could not convert try scoring opportunities into enough points.

Marshall put second-rower Willie Mataka across the line in the 67th minute to reduce the deficit to four points and set up a thrilling finale.

Taniela Tuiaki almost stole victory in the final seconds after a brilliant long pass from Marshall but the giant Tigers winger was denied a try after a head-high tackle by Ben Jones.

The win came at a cost for one of the Roosters' rising stars as rookie Rohan Ahern was stretchered off in the 32nd minute with a potentially season-ending anterior cruciate ligament knee injury.

Club officials are hopeful it is only a cartilage injury and he'll make a return in four-to-six weeks.

Roosters centre Mitchell Aubusson scored the opening try in the 26th minute after Pearce's cross-field bomb, while fullback Shannon Gallant crossed in the 35th minute for the Tigers off Marshall's grubber.

Roosters coach Brad Fittler was impressed with Minichiello's return from a full pre-season, and for his side bouncing back from last week's deflating 54-6 trial loss to St George Illawarra.

"He never stops surprising me, Mini, he was really good," said Fittler.

"I was sort of worried how he would handle the confrontation of it, it was great.

"I thought he looked confident. There's been a lot of talk about Anthony, I thought he just went out there as a player and did his job."

Tigers coach Tim Sheens was equally buoyed by the development of Marshall in the No.7 jersey.

But Sheens rued three poor refereeing decisions, the first when his player was impeded in the contest for the Roosters' first try, the second when Pearce scored short of the line and finally when Tuiaki was coat-hangered when trying to score.

"Overall if it was a competition game I'd be unhappy because you'd expect the extra officials to get it right," he said.

"We had the chance to win it ... at the end of the day I was reasonably happy considering the conditions which were a bit awkward and we got through without any major injuries."

AAP

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Broncos Defeat Raiders In Trial

February 21st 2009 22:15
Brisbane will sweat on a medical update on star fullback Karmichael Hunt after he suffered suspected torn stomach muscles during Saturday night's 30-16 NRL trial win over Canberra at a packed Dolphin Oval.

More than 10,000 fans packed the grass terraces for the trial which trumpeted the eagerly-awaited debut of boom teenager Israel Folau.

Folau didn't disappoint the huge crowd, almost scoring in the 42nd minute before showing his strength to carry a couple of Canberra defenders across the line for his maiden try for the club.

Hunt, renowned for his toughness, suffered the injury trying to ground the ball five minutes into the clash.

He did not return and could be in doubt for Brisbane's NRL season opener against North Queensland on March 13.

Halfback Peter Wallace had an outstanding game, his kicks setting up tries for Taylor and flying young winger Jharal Yow Yeh in the 72nd minute which pushed the score out to 30-16.

Brisbane came out of the blocks like Usain Bolt, crossing Canberra's line twice in the opening few minutes only to have tries disallowed to winger Yow Yeh and Hunt disallowed.

Canberra regrouped after Brisbane's early onslaught replying with two tries to lead 12-0 after just 13 minutes.

The first came from a bust inside Canberra's own half by powerhouse Kiwi international Bronson Harrison before he offloaded an inside ball to fullback David Milne to cross.

The Raiders struck again six minutes later this time through prop David Tilse who wrestled his way through a wall of Brisbane players.

Five-eighth Terry Campese converted both tries for a handy 12-0 lead with Brisbane surprisingly struggling with the pace in the humid conditions.

Brisbane finally got over the line through impressive young winger Antonio Winterstein after a routine backline raid in the left corner.

Another of Brisbane's young guns Gerard Beale showed tremendous pace by beating a pack of chasers to a perfectly-weighted Wallace grubber kick in the 25th minute.

Corey Parker converted both tries and the teams took the halftime break locked at 12-all.

AAP

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Dragons Defeat Bulldogs In Trial

February 21st 2009 21:32
Mathew Head assumed a stranglehold on the St George Illawarra No.7 jumper for the NRL season proper after leading the Dragons to a 24-12 trial win over the Bulldogs in Wollongong on Saturday night.

Vying for the halfback jumper with injured incumbent Ben Hornby, Head put together a solid display as he set up three of the Dragons' four tries, both sides showing enough to leave rival coaches Wayne Bennett and Kevin Moore happy that there is plenty to work with.

The new-look Bulldogs looked slick early with new buys Michael Ennis and Brett Kimmorley particularly sharp, which is more than can be said for Head as he watched the kick-off bounce over his head and the dead-ball line.

It was a happier 'homecoming' for Josh Morris when the centre - playing against the club he had called home since he was a teenager - held off three defenders before popping a ball for Matt Utai to score.

Head struggled with his short kicking game but his passes soon began finding their range as he got the Dragons on the board.

He first laid on a flat ball for Matt Cooper to score before snatching an intercept from Ben Hannant and finding Jason Nightingale, who raced 75 metres for a 12-6 lead.

Piloting the Bulldogs for the first time in his long career, Kimmorley looked comfortable as he outsmarted the home side's defence to put understudy Ben Barba over to lock it up at the break.

The game got a little scrappy in the second stanza as both coaches emptied extended benches, Head on the park for long enough to put Ricky Thorby under the posts before he too was given a well-deserved early mark.

Despite Head's performance and the unlikelihood of Hornby playing in the Dragons' final pre-season match against Souths next weekend, Bennett said his halves were far from settled for round one.

"Not at the moment, we've got Ben Hornby to come back so we've got to make a decision about him, where he plays," Bennett said.

"But I'm really happy with Mathew and certainly Jamie Soward."

Asked if he would risk throwing Hornby in without a trial under his belt, Bennett said:

"Oh, yeah, why not, he's played 170 of them."

Moore said he was happy with side's performance, especially the play of Ennis and Kimmorley around the ruck, but said he was expecting the intensity to lift in the club's second and final trial against Canberra next week.

Bulldogs backrower Brad Morrin was the only major casualty out of the match with a suspected broken hand while Daniel Harrison and Barba both suffered mild concussions.

AAP

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Storm Defeat Knights In Trial

February 21st 2009 21:28
Willie Isa took a small step towards filling Israel Folau's very big shoes with a two-try haul as Melbourne beat Newcastle 32-24 in their NRL trial match at Princes Park on Saturday night.

Playing their only trial match in Melbourne, the Storm were almost at full-strength with World Cup stars Greg Inglis, Billy Slater and skipper Cameron Smith in their ranks, while the Knights left big guns such as Kurt Gidley and Steve Simpson at home.

With Folau departed for the Broncos and the retirement of veteran Matt Geyer, the Storm have two vacancies in the centres.

Joe Tomane and Will Chambers are the frontrunners however with Chambers (knee) only playing in next Saturday's final trial, against Brisbane in Caloundra, 20-year-old Isa took his chances against the Knights.

The former Penrith junior, who joined the club at the end of last season, grabbed two tries in a nine-minute period early in the first half as the Storm raced to a 22-0 lead against the shell-shocked Knights.

The visitors weren't helped by a poor kicking display by halfback Luke Walsh who blew three consecutive re-starts.

The remainder of Melbourne's six first-half tries were shared out, with Inglis also getting among the pointscorers.

The 22-year-old, who spent the early part of the second half in the centres with Smith playing five-eighth and Ryan Hinchcliffe at hooker, looks a man mountain.

Now weighing around 106kg, Inglis also appears to have lost none of his pace, or his strength as Knights hooker George Ndaira found out through a trademark Inglis fend as he raced to the tryline.

Both coaches made a raft of changes, both positional and in personnel, in the second half as Newcastle got the upper hand and managed to keep the Storm scoreless.

Centre Keith Lulia scored just before the 20-minute drinks break while Zeb Taia touched down with the converted try closing the gap to eight points, which proved the final score.

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy rested his No.1 halfback Cooper Cronk from the match with his replacement James Maloney, new to the club from Wentworthville, impressive.

Late in the first half Newcastle hooker Issac de Gois suffered a suspected fractured collar-bone, which could rule him out for up to six weeks.

Coach Brian Smith said it was cruel blow.

"He's a tough little fella and for him to not get up and then not continue to play I think, it's a bad sign," he said.

"It would be very disappointing to us all if it's fractured, he's just been so impressive."

Ben Rogers and Scott Dureau also suffered ankle ligament injuries, although Smith said they didn't look serious.

Despite the win Bellamy said he was disappointed with his side's second-half showing.

"We started off well but we didn't finish that well, we didn't look like scoring a try in the second half which is a bit of a worry for us, we need to do a bit more work on attack," he said.

"I didn't expect our attack to be super-smooth but I did expect it to be a bit better than it was."

Bellamy rated Inglis as his man of the match, while he said Isa, Kevin Proctor and Dane Nielsen also impressed.

AAP

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Entire Manly Squad To Play Trial Against Harlequins In London

February 21st 2009 00:06
Manly's entire World Club Challenge squad is expected to play in Sunday's warm-up game against London Super League club Harlequins.

At least four members of the 23-man outfit were struck down by a stomach bug after arriving in the UK this week to prepare for the March 1 meeting between the NRL premiers and Super League champions Leeds at Elland Road.

Prop George Rose, utility Shane Rodney and backrower Glenn Stewart all missed training during the week with gastric problems.

Team medical staff diagnosed a virus, which seemed to have spread among a group of players who sat together on the flight from Australia.

But a team spokesman said on Friday all were expected to play against Quins at Twickenham's Stoop Stadium, where coach Des Hasler would trial a younger side in the first half and a near full-strength team after the break.

"Everyone will get a run," the spokesman said.

"We've had a bit of trouble with a virus, but everybody's ok ... the doctor has arrived and he traced it back to the plane trip.

"The guys were all in the same group on the plane, in the same row."

AAP

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Papua New Guinea Bid For NRL Team

February 19th 2009 04:35
Papua New Guinea has kicked off their bid to enter a team into the Australian NRL competition.

Rugby league is officially PNG's national sport and the NRL is considered a sporting Nirvana.

But entering the NRL has wider implication than simply sporting success - it provides a unifying direction for millions of die-hard fans who often play all year round, barefoot, in searing heat and on rock-hard surfaces.

PNG political elite know the potential and on Tuesday Prime Minister Michael Somare gave 500,000 kina (A$250,000) of government money towards an official team to develop a NRL proposal.

Gold Coast Titans chairman Paul Broughton and Queensland coach Mal Meninga are also part of PNG's 'bid team'.

PNG's deputy Prime Minister Puka Temu said the government is now approaching private enterprise to help achieve the necessary criteria for entry into the competition.

"Imagine a PNG team in the NRL competition, imagine the opportunities, and imagine the strengthening of the PNG and Australia relationship," he said.

"To have our very own NRL team would unite the whole country," he said.

PNG rugby league president Danny Holmes told AAP an estimated third of PNG's six million population plays league.

"We can have more influence than the government, that's how important and big this is," he said.

"The implications are greater than just having a footy side in the NRL, it gives a big time goal to every kid who puts a boot on.

"We've been using league as a way for kids to learn to be part of a team and a community with a common goal, to learn life skills and confidence," he said.

Holmes admits its not going to be an easy journey to the NRL.

"The government has researched and there is corporate interest.

"The time frame is eight years but there is also talk about 2012, when Somare may retire, so we see," he said.

AAP

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Dragons Defeat Roosters In Trial

February 15th 2009 13:44
Wayne Bennett's tenure as St George Illawarra coach opened in stunning fashion as the Dragons crushed Sydney Roosters in their first match under the veteran coach.

After 21 years in Brisbane, Bennett's impact looked immediate in a 54-6 belting of the tri-colours at Members Equity Stadium in Perth.

Much-maligned for beating themselves with errors and wasted opportunities, the new-look Dragons instead made Brad Fittler's side pay for a number of gaffes, including knock-ons to start the first two quarters.

The joint venture side led 30-6 at half-time in steamy conditions before an enthusiastic 9,832 crowd, with centre Chase Stanley, back-rower Beau Scott, fullback Brett Morris and winger Michael Lett each scoring a brace of tries.

The writing was on the wall for the Bondi Junction side when prop Frank-Baul-Nuuausala knocked-on from the kick-off and after a quick scrum win, Dragons centre Matt Cooper put winger Michael Webb over in the left corner.

St George Illawarra Dragons


Then Sydney's restart went out on the full and New Zealand international Stanley scored.

The second period saw further tries to Stanley (22) captain Dean Young (34) and Scott (37).

And while new recruit Darius Boyd was denied a try off Wendell Sailor's grubber in the 57th-minute, the Broncos import managed to cross the stripe with 12 minutes to go anyway, after a long break from Ben Creagh.

Lett crossed again in the final minutes to add some extra gloss to the Dragons' scoreline.

AAP
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Broncos Defeat Titans In Trial

February 15th 2009 13:30
New signings Ben Te'o and Lagi Setu made impressive debuts as Brisbane beat Gold Coast Titans 24-18 at Kougari Oval, Wynnum, on Saturday.

Former Tiger Te'o scored Brisbane's final try, bursting through several defenders wide out to seal the win.

Te'o and the imposing Setu are tipped to start in the Broncos' back-row for the NRL season opener against the Cowboys on March 13.

The lead changed hands several times in an entertaining clash in front of a crowd of close to 4,000.

A smart try to livewire centre Esi Tonga, the younger brother of representative centre Willie Tonga, off a nice cut-out ball from halfback Brad Davis, put the Titans back in from 12-10 five minutes before half-time.

The Gold Coast could have led by more except for a great cover tackle by Brisbane prop Dave Taylor which denied Titan Tom Kingston a try in the left-hand corner.

Brisbane Broncos


The Titans scored the first try after former Bronco Test forward Brad Meyers executed a routine hit and spin play in the 21st minute.

Brisbane replied five minutes later when impressive young winger Antonio flew high to pull down an Aaron Gorrell crossfield bomb.

The Broncos took the lead 8-6 in the 31st minute after prop Aaron Sweeney crashed over out wide.

Gorrell's difficult conversion gave the Broncos a 10-6 before Tonga scored and five-eighth Jordan Rankin hoisted a sideline conversion between the posts.

Titans hooker and former Bronco Ian Lacey lasted five minutes against his former club before leaving the field with blood flowing from a cut cheek.

Another former Bronco Chris Walker made a successful comeback from two Achilles tendon injuries.

Walker had a try disallowed in the dying minutes but came through his first game in 18 months.

Both sides showcased some impressive young talent with Brisbane wingers Antonio Winterstein and Jharal Yow Yeh both scoring tries.

For the Titans, halfback Brad Davis impressed along with Esi Tonga and Brad Meyers.

Forward Sam Tagataese showed some glimpses of why the Titans expect him to be a valuable pick up this season.

AAP
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Rabbitohs Defeat Panthers In Trial

February 15th 2009 13:11
Former Penrith fullback Rhys Wesser returned to haunt his old team with a starring role in South Sydney's emphatic 38-4 NRL trial win over the Panthers in Coffs Harbour on Saturday night.

The 2003 premiership winner tormented his ex-teammates with a brilliant debut performance with the Rabbitohs, scoring a try in the 12th minute as South Sydney ran out nine-tries-to-one winners.

In wet and atrocious conditions, South Sydney dominated the contest and scored consistently in each quarter of the game with Fetuli Talanoa finishing with a double.

South Sydney's other star recruit of the offseason, outside back Colin Best, also marked his debut with a try while New Zealand World Cup hero Issac Luke, Jamie Simpson, John Sutton, Shannon McPherson and Shaun Corrigan all crossed for four-pointers.

It was a strong performance by Souths, with five-eighth Sutton and halfback Chris Sandow controlling the tempo of the game throughout.

South Sydney Rabbitohs


They were always expected to overpower the Panthers as South Sydney fielded close to their strongest side with Roy Asotasi and Craig Wing the only big names left out of the squad.

Penrith, on the other hand, had split their squad into two with the other half of their team going down to Parramatta 34-12 in a clash at Griffith.

Winger Junior Pia Kilifi scored for the Panthers in the second quarter but it was otherwise tough going at Coffs Harbour.

Despite the scoreline Panthers coach Matt Elliott was satisfied with the performance, knowing he will put a much stronger outfit together for next week's NRL trial against Parramatta at CUA Stadium.

"They had close to their best outfit and we had 12 guys who had never player first grade level before and it looked that way," said Elliott.

"It was not a disappointing performance by any stretch but it was good to learn lessons for an individual level.

"Their guys were rolling forward and we did not ... their halves were very and our guys never had an opportunity."

In Griffith the Eels dominated the game from the outset, pouncing to a 20-0 lead at the end of the first two quarters.

With Kiwi Test stars Krisnan Inu and Nathan Cayless both playing, the Eels were expected to outgun the Panthers who were fielding a team filled with under 20s players and a handful of experienced stars off the bench.

Former Manly halfback Jeff Robson put in a solid first-up performance for the Eels, combining well with five-eighth Kris Keating as both players scored tries in the opening half.

Forward Todd Lowrie also crossed in the first half, as too did prop Tim Mannah.

But after controlling the first two quarters, the final half was a much closer contest with the Eels just outscoring Penrith 14-12.

Emerging youngsters Greg Nichols, Nathan Gardner and Jeremy Latimore scored for the Eels while Luke Clydesdale finally put the Panthers on the board with a try in the third term and Tim Glasby added a second for Penrith in the final stanza.

"I'm happy with the team, and I'm happy that we seem to have got out of it unscathed as well," said new Eels coach Daniel Anderson.

"We looked threatening every time we had the ball, especially when we built a bit of pressure. And we had to defend a number of sets on our line, which we did very well."

AAP
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Dr George Peponis Quitting As Bulldogs Chairman

February 15th 2009 07:25
After seven years as Chairman of the Bulldogs RLFC, Dr George Peponis confirmed at today’s AGM that he will step down at the end of the 2009 campaign.

Dr Peponis came into the position when the Club was facing some challenging times back in 2002.

“It was only ever my intention to stay long enough to ensure that we got back on our feet and we are at that point now. I have extreme confidence in the direction the Bulldogs are headed and in the personnel we have in charge.” Dr Peponis said

“I will stay on as Chairman for the next 12 months; providing us with the stability needed to capitalise on the progress being made in fostering some important changes for the Club.”

Dr Peponis and the current board of directors were re elected unopposed at today’s’ AGM, the first time the Bulldogs Football Club has not contested an election for board positions in six years.

Bulldogs Media Release

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Wayne Bennett Supports Western Australian Team

February 14th 2009 12:35
Six-time premiership-winning coach Wayne Bennett has thrown his support behind a WA-based team to be granted entry into the NRL by 2012.

Bennett, who will take the helm of St George Illawarra for the first time on Saturday night when his side take on the Sydney Roosters in a trial match in Perth, said a WA-based team would strengthen the competition.

The NRL have taken a cautious approach to the idea after the Perth Reds were disbanded in 1997 after a short and unsuccessful stay in the national competition.

The Western Australian Rugby League has been working hard since 2000 to formulate a re-entry plan and in 2006 the Perth Reds were revived and re-branded as the WA Reds.

The Reds currently compete in the Jim Beam Cup and will move up to the NSW Cup in 2010, with a view of breaking into the NRL in 2012.

"I came over here in the Super League years (as coach of Brisbane) and we played here in '96 and '97 and I thought it was a wonderful concept at the time and I still do today," Bennett said in Perth on Friday.

NRL


"I hope that the League, when they re-address the issue of expansion, which I think they will when the new TV contracts are re-done in 2012, will certainly look favourably upon us having a team in this part of the world.

"They (the Reds) have got an opportunity to prove to the NRL that they're going to be viable, and that's what they are doing and that's why we are here today.

"They've got a strong, viable competition here, they've got a wonderful facility here (in Members Equity Stadium) and that's only going to get better."

Roosters captain Braith Anasta said players throughout the league would support an expansion into WA.

"There's no doubt the players think that if the game's going to grow as a whole you've got to get the whole country involved and WA's a big part of that," Anasta said.

WARL chairman Geoff Baldwin said he had held "positive" talks with NRL chief executive David Gallop three months ago about the inclusion of the WA Reds into the NRL.

"The NRL and the ARL have now recognised our mission and they can see there's a viable opportunity to expand the game in Western Australia knowing they've got good infrastructure here," Baldwin said.

"The talks at this stage are preliminary but certainly, where the door was closed a few years ago, it's certainly ajar now."

Along with the pre-season trial match between the Roosters and Dragons, Perth will host the round 14 clash between South Sydney and Melbourne Storm.

AAP
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: NRL Media Releases
   


Wayne Bennett Says Saints Positions Up For Grabs

February 14th 2009 12:16
St George Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett admits he's yet to grasp a full understanding of his newly-acquired squad and says positions are up for grabs during the club's three NRL pre-season games.

Bennett, who crossed to the Dragons at the end of last season after 21 years at the helm of Brisbane, will coach his new club for the first time in Saturday night's pre-season clash with the Sydney Roosters in Perth.

The Dragons are also scheduled to play trial games against the Bulldogs and South Sydney and Bennett says the next three weeks are crucial as he contemplates his best line-up for their season-opener against the Melbourne Storm.

"I suppose the next three weeks, for me personally, I need to see them play to get a better handle on some issues with them," Bennett said in Perth on Friday.

"The only way I'll be able to do that is by them playing, so from my point of view the trials are a little bit more important than they have been in the past.

St George Illawarra Dragons


"I'm not trying to put too much pressure on our players and I want them to treat them as trials, but I need to see them play.

"I've got ideas about who's going to do what.

"Some positions are up for grabs but I haven't gone around and made general statements about that ... there are some opportunities there and they have a chance to grab them over the next couple of weeks."

The Dragons have named a strong team to face the Roosters, with former internationals Matt Cooper and Wendell Sailor in the starting line-up.

But Bennett warned not to expect a flawless performance from the side in his first game in charge.

"It's not all about one trial game and we are not playing a grand final tomorrow night, are we clear on that?" Bennett said.

"So we have got three games, we'll use the three games to get ourselves what we think is the best team and get those little areas of the game that you need to have working together."

Bennett, who led Brisbane to six premierships, said he was confident of bringing success to the Dragons.

"I'm confident we can improve on what they've done there," Bennett said.

"They've had some wonderful teams there and for whatever reason it hasn't fallen their way.

"But that was in the past."

Roosters coach Brad Fittler, eager to test the depth of his squad, has named an inexperienced line-up against the Dragons.

"It's going to be really interesting for us tomorrow night," Fittler said.

"From our point of view ... we've got our starter pack just about out."

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Manly Name Team For World Club Challenge

February 14th 2009 12:08
Manly captain Matt Orford says the Sea Eagles are determined to break the Super League stranglehold on the World Club Challenge and return to Australia as world champions.

The Sea Eagles depart on Sunday for the March 1 clash with Leeds Rhinos at Elland Road and they're hoping to become the first Australian team since the Sydney Roosters in 2003 to bring the trophy back home with them.

Orford headlines the squad of 23 heading to the UK, with Test prop Brent Kite the highest profile absentee after he was granted compassionate leave.

Kite isn't the only NRL premiership hero to miss the clash with departed trio Steve Menzies, Steven Bell and Mark Bryant unavailable after changing to Super League clubs in the off-season.

New recruits Chris Bailey and Shane Rodney were included in the touring party, but star Parramatta signing Tony Williams was ruled out with injury.

"It's going to be a physical match and we can't shy away from what to expect over there," said Orford on Friday.

Manly Sea Eagles


"To start our 2009 season I think we have to go over there and put in a good performance and really try to get something back.

"The Roosters are probably the last team to bring that shield back so we're definitely taking it seriously and we want to do well for Manly and get our season off to the best possible start."

Even coach Des Hasler insists the WCC is more than just a trial for his NRL premiership side.

"It is a massive game, there is a trophy on offer," he said.

Premiership heroes Steve Matai and Brett Stewart are expected to play in the WCC clash after both completed quick recoveries from off-season surgery that ruled them out of last year's World Cup.

Matai missed New Zealand's World Cup final triumph over Australia when his neck and shoulder injury flared during the group matches, while fullback Stewart was ruled out of Australia's squad prior to the tournament beginning with a shoulder injury.

Also making a return from injury in England will be prop George Rose who is finally back into first grade calculations after his horrific broken leg sustained in round 11, 2007.

It was initially feared the broken leg would end Rose's career, but the 25-year-old has fought his way back after a long rehabilitation and time spent in the lower grades last year.

"George has really worked hard during the offseason and I've got to say the rehab staff have done an exceptional job with George," said Hasler.

"He has really earned his place on the plane and the players are really pleased to have him back."

Manly will play a warm up clash against the Harlequins in London on February 22.

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Panthers Doubling Up On Trials

February 14th 2009 11:13
Penrith coach Matthew Elliott says there is no masterplan behind playing two NRL trials on the same night in different towns.

Quirky scheduling sees the Panthers take on Souths in Coffs Harbour on Saturday night with second trial match scheduled on the same evening against Parramatta in the NSW regional town of Griffith.

It means the Panthers will be using 51 players for the two games with players being drawn from the first grade, under-20 and NSW Cup squads.

But Elliott said the situation was one he would actually preferred to have avoided if it was possible.

"There wasn't a theory behind it," he said.

"We'd probably prefer if we were only playing one but the club had made some commitments and over a period of time it was just something that we had to do.

Penrith Panthers


"The real positive from it is that there are a lot of young guys who are getting the opportunity to play against some NRL opposition."

Elliott said he would be heading to Coffs Harbour for the match against the Rabbitohs as the Panthers' strongest team will be heading to that venue.

"I think that if you have a look at the team that Souths picked as opposed to the team that the Eels picked, Souths probably have their stronger outfit there as well," Elliott said.

"Obviously first of all it's our first hit-out so it'll blow those cobwebs out but at a strategic level as far as a tactical base we'll learn a little bit but not a whole heap.

"There are some young guys who are playing, they get an opportunity to play, so it's going to be interesting to see how they go."

Elliott said the move to play Jarrod Sammut at halfback for the trial against Souths could be a permanent switch depending on its success.

"That's entirely up to how Jarrod performs during the trial process," Elliott said.

"We've got some competition for most spots and our halves are certainly one of them as well."

The Panthers' trial against Souths at Coffs Harbour kicks off at 8pm while Saturday's other trial between Penrith and Parramatta kicks of at 7.30pm in Griffith.

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Manly CEO Grant Mayer Hopes To Stay

February 13th 2009 10:54
Manly chief executive Grant Mayer insists he does not want to walk away from the club and is hopeful a resolution to the club's boardroom battles can rescue his long-term future with the Sea Eagles.

Mayer told the Sea Eagles board on Thursday night he would not seek a contract extension when his deal expires in October as he no longer had their full support.

The respected chief executive has become the fall guy of a bitter battle between co-owners Max Delmege and Scott Penn.

Delmege has reportedly failed to meet "hundreds of thousands of dollars" in funding payments to the club in recent months but has used his long-standing power at the board level to effectively oust Mayer after the pair fell out last year.

"I've loved every minute I have had at Manly and I want to be at Manly long term," said Mayer on Friday.

Manly Sea Eagles


"But at the moment there are some issues that need to be resolved and I hope that my actions help resolve those issues.

"My preference is to be here longer than just this year, but I've had to make a stance and my stance is I won't be seeking an extension beyond October 31, 2009.

"If things change and things always change, you never know ... Never say never they say.

"Once we start playing football games again people will realise this is about the Manly football team and any bickering behind the scenes will be put aside and we should move on."

Mayer has been the man responsible for leading the club to its best financial position in many years - increasing the Sea Eagles business from $9 million to $12.5 million in his three years and securing a three-year $2.7 million major sponsorship deal with Quantum Energy.

But at the board meeting only Penn was willing to support an extension of Mayer's contract.

Penn, who is the club's major shareholder with 42 per cent, was overpowered by Delmege, who owns 38 per cent, as the property tycoon has the backing of the Leagues Club representatives on the board.

Penn labelled the current board room as "dysfunctional" and claimed Mayer was the "victim of external politics".

He said he would not desert the club but was adamant the Sea Eagles needed to find more money if Delmege was unable to pay the amounts owing in his shareholders' agreement.

"Commitments are not being met at the moment and that does put a strain on the organisation and it means we either need to find some money elsewhere or the Penn family needs to put more cash in or whatever we need to do to survive," said Penn.

"Financially we are in the best shape we've been in a long time ... and Grant is a big part of that happening.

"Either compromises need to be made or changes need to be made. We're confident that we will hopefully make that happen in the next three or four weeks.

"It is a board issue ... it will not affect anything on the day to day basis of running the club."

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Mathew Head Dragon's Halfback

February 13th 2009 10:34
Prodigal son Mathew Head will get first crack at the St George Illawarra No.7 jumper after being named at halfback for Saturday's NRL trial against the Sydney Roosters in Perth.

Head will partner Jamie Soward in the halves with Ben Hornby still sidelined following off-season shoulder surgery.

Head hasn't worn the red V since 2007 when a debilitating knee injury looked like it would prematurely end a promising career.

The diminutive playmaker found a new home with Hull in the English Super League before Wests Tigers threw him a lifeline last season.

Injuries again curtailed his opportunities at the Tigers, the Dragons taking another punt in the hope his darkest days were now behind him.

"It has been a long pre-season so everyone is just itching to get out there and play," Head said.

"I'm really excited to start the season with the number seven on my back and I am looking forward to playing again with the Dragons."

St George Illawarra Dragons


New coach Wayne Bennett named a strong line-up for the club's first hit-out of the season with former internationals Matt Cooper and Wendell Sailor named in the starting line-up.

New buys Jeremy Smith, Luke Priddis and Darius Boyd will start the game from the bench along with backrow star Ben Creagh.

"The players are certainly keen to get out there and play and everyone will be getting an opportunity," Bennett said.

"I won't be looking for anything in particular out of the game, it is really about the players getting some match fitness and working on timing and cohesion."

Team-: Brett Morris, Michael Lett, Chase Stanley, Matt Cooper, Wendell Sailor, Jamie Soward, Mathew Head, Justin Poore, Dean Young, Michael Weyman, Beau Scott, Jarrod Saffy, Matt Prior. Interchange: Jon Green, Dan Hunt, Luke Priddis, Ricky Thorby, Ben Creagh, Jason Nightingale, Darius Boyd, Jeremy Smith.

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New Zealand Warriors Beat Melbourne Storm Pre-season

February 13th 2009 10:25
Kiwi league legend Stacey Jones made a solid return to action on Thursday night when the New Zealand Warriors defeated the Melbourne Storm 24-12 in their first pre-season NRL match in Hamilton.

Fans got an early 20-minute show from the pint-sized Warrior, out of retirement on a one-year deal, and he looked comfortable on the field having a hand in the first try of the match to fullback Wade McKinnon in the opening minutes.

Almost 11,000 people braved heavy rains and humidity at Waikato Stadium to mark the little general's return after more than three years away from the club.

Melbourne winger Willie Isa scored the second try of the night, levelling the score before Warriors centre Aidan Kirk got his hands on a pass from Lance Hohaia and slammed it over the line.

The second half was slow to start, with the Storm repeatedly fumbling the ball until Warriors utility Daniel O'Regan took charge and crossed over the line.

New Zealand Warriors


Jones was back for a good run around in the last quarter when Storm centre Joseph Tomane touched down but it wasn't enough to overwhelm the Warriors, who scored a fourth try in the last minute through Manu Vatuvei.

Bar Jones, both teams were missing their brightest stars, with captain Cameron Smith and backline linchpins Greg Inglis and Billy Slater missing from the Storm's line up and Warriors' headliners Steve Price, Brent Tate, Nathan Fien out due to injury.

The Warriors wore black wristbands and spent a minute in silence to pay respects to their missing teammate Sonny Fai, 20, who disappeared in rough seas off an Auckland beach on January 4.

The Kiwi team will meet North Queensland at North Harbour Stadium in their second trial game on February 22.

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Feleti Mateo Parramatta's Five-eighth

February 13th 2009 10:04
One thing incoming coach Daniel Anderson knew before he'd even arrived at Parramatta was that Feleti Mateo was a damn good five-eighth.

One thing he's learned in the three months since is that he's an even better lock.

And so it is that Mateo, the spark behind the few bright spots in Parramatta's dismal 2008 campaign, will move back to the pack in 2009.

"We'd spoken in November and he was keen to continue in the No.6 and he was training before Christmas accordingly," Anderson said.

"But as we've done more skills sessions it's become more apparent that whilst he's a very, very good player at the six, we both had a chat about it and we both feel that we got more impact from him at loose forward.

"He's an intelligent young man and it didn't take a lot from me to go `I like you at six, but I like you a little bit more at 13'.

Parramatta Eels


"He said he was happy with doing that as well.

"It was more of a positional agreement so that's where he's hopefully going to be starting the year."

After several brilliant displays at lock during Parramatta's run to the preliminary final in 2007, the Tongan international was moved to five-eighth out of necessity by former coach Michael Hagan after regular playmaker Tim Smith was shown the door early in the season.

While Mateo and Brett Finch showed patches of good form, the playmaking responsibilities didn't seem to sit well with Mateo, making Anderson's decision to shift him back to lock an easier one.

Kris Keating was believed to be the front-runner for the now vacant No.6 jersey, but Anderson surprised last week when he admitted former Test winger Jarryd Hayne was also a five-eighth contender.

Keating will team up with Jeff Robson in the halves for Saturday's trial against Penrith in Griffith in an Eels side featuring just a handful of established first-graders.

Anderson conceded the fight was on for berths in the side for the regular season opener against the Warriors.

"We are battling for positions," Anderson said.

"Yes, Brett Finch is going to start at halfback, Nathan Hindmarsh is going to start the season in the forwards and so is Nathan Cayless and pretty much the rest are fairly open positions."

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Newcastle's Wes Naiqama Cleared By Newcastle Police

February 13th 2009 09:59
Newcastle police have cleared Knights centre Wes Naiqama of any wrongdoing following an incident which left a female patron at a Newcastle hotel with a facial cut.

Naiqama was stood down by the NRL club on Wednesday after he was confirmed as a person of interest by police after a plastic cup was allegedly thrown at a woman at a Newcastle hotel on February 1.

While news that he was cleared by police would have come as welcome relief to the Fijian World Cup star, he may not be in the clear just yet with the NRL club to proceed with its own internal investigation.

The Knights disciplinary committee will meet on Friday to determine whether any further action will be taken.

"We were pleased to receive the phone call from the police today, but we will be satisfying ourselves directly when we hold tomorrow's meeting," Knights chief executive Steve Burraston said.

Newcastle Knights


"The disciplinary committee will determine if there has been a breach of the club's code of conduct and if so will recommend any necessary sanctions for the board's consideration."

The 26-year-old is currently recovering from a knee injury which is likely to keep him sidelined for the opening few rounds of the NRL season.

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Three Knights Battle To Join Jarrod Mullen In Halves

February 13th 2009 09:54
A three-way battle for the right to partner Jarrod Mullen in the Newcastle halves gets underway in the unlikely surrounds of St John Oval on Saturday night.

Veteran coach Brian Smith will cast an eye over a number of scrumbase combinations when the Knights play three 25-minute trials against local club sides at the suburban Newcastle venue.

With former NSW Origin half Mullen all but assured of wearing the No.6 or No.7 come round one against Gold Coast, Ben Rogers, Luke Walsh and Scott Dureau will go head-to-head over the next three weeks in a bid to run out by his side.

"We've got three trials and all of them will play some footy," Smith said.

"Hopefully a couple of them will poke their heads up and make it obvious to me.

"The 25 minutes (this weekend) isn't on its own; the following week we play Melbourne and the following week we play the Sharks plus three months of pre-season training. We'll have plenty of chances to look at it and they'll have plenty opportunities to show us what they've got."

Newcastle Knights


Dureau is the front-runner heading into the new campaign having finished the 2008 season at halfback.

But it is Walsh who will get first crack at partnering Mullen with the two to run out for the first 25-minute game on Saturday night with Rogers and Dureau to play in game two.

Walsh and Dureau will then share time at halfback in the last match.

"The boys fighting it out there ... they haven't got a lot of long-term experience there," Smith said of his halves options.

"But they're all keen, they're all enthusiastic, they're all talented, and they've all got an opportunity."

Rogers will play his first game for the club following previous stints with South Sydney and St George Illawarra where he shifted between five-eighth and the backrow.

But Smith said he was keen to see what Rogers could do at pivot despite his preference to keep Mullen in the No.6 jumper rather than at halfback.

"We're looking at (Rogers) as a six, that's his main thing at the moment, it's been his first focus," Smith said.

"We'll look at him in other positions as time goes along.

"We made a decision to help him bed down one spot and have a proper crack at that first."

In all, 24 of the 32-man NRL squad will play some part in the three trials, against Central Charlestown, Maitland and South Newcastle, with only injured players not in action.

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Sonny Fai To Be Honoured By Warriors

February 12th 2009 09:41
Missing New Zealand Warriors forward Sonny Fai will be remembered at each of the club's first two NRL trials, the first in Hamilton on Thursday night and the second at North Harbour Stadium on February 22.

The 20-year-old disappeared and is presumed drowned after saving his brother and four of his cousins at Auckland's Bethells Beach on January 4.

Players from the Warriors will pay their respects to Fai and his family by wearing black armbands at Waikato Stadium in Thursday's clash with Melbourne Storm.

In the curtain-raiser, players in the Warriors youth team will do the same against a Waikato selection.

Fai represented both the senior and youth Warriors teams last year.

The players will again wear armbands at Albany 10 days later when the NRL squad takes on North Queensland and the youth side meets the Auckland Vulcans.

New Zealand Warriors


There will also be a minute's silence at both stadiums before the NRL matches.

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said the club was working with Fai's family to honour him during the NRL season.

"We'll announce more about what we're planning to do closer to the season starting," he said.

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Newcastle's Wes Naiqama Under Police Investigation

February 11th 2009 09:24
Newcastle international Wes Naiqama has become the fifth NRL player reprimanded by his club this year in a horror start to the bid to rebuild rugby league's shattered off-field image.

Naiqama was on Tuesday stood down from the Knights as police investigate an incident at an inner-city hotel in Newcastle where it is alleged Naiqama injured a female patron by throwing a plastic cup.

Newcastle management met with Naiqama on Wednesday and will wait until police conclude their investigation before deciding further sanctions against the Fijian World Cup captain.

"We spoke to Wes this morning and he provided us with a statement of his version of events," said Knights chief executive Steve Burraston in a statement.

"The club will continue to talk to police and the venue involved in the coming days, however, as this is a legal matter, the Newcastle Knights can't and won't be making any public comment until police complete their investigation."

Naiqama is the second NRL player to be involved in alleged attack on a female this year with Canberra young gun Joel Thompson stood down by the Raiders after he was charged with assaulting his girlfriend on January 22.

Newxastle Knights


That incident came just days after Cronulla released Test forward Greg Bird from his contract following his alleged assault of girlfriend Katie Milligan last year, with Bird to face court in April.

Melbourne sacked five-eighth Arana Taumata last month for a bar fight, while teammates Dane Nielsen and Wairangi Koopu were "heavily sanctioned" by the club for their role in the incident.

It was Taumata's fourth sacking from an NRL club in three years.

Meanwhile former Test forward Reni Maitua was punted by the Bulldogs for repeated contract breaches last December, only to re-sign with Cronulla, and last month Gold Coast winger Ben Jeffery faced court for drink driving offences.

Naiqama could become the third sacking of the year if the allegations against him are proven correct.

The 26-year-old moved to Newcastle at the end of 2007 after a turbulent time with St George Illawarra ended with four months in periodic detention for repeated driving while disqualified offences.

Meanwhile coach Brian Smith on Wednesday named 24 of his top 32 players for a series of Saturday trial matches against Central Charlestown, Maitland and South Newcastle at St John Oval.

Injured first-graders including captain Kurt Gidley, Matt Hilder, Luke MacDougall, Adam MacDougall, Danny Wicks and James McManus, who strained his groin at training on Monday, will miss the games.

New recruits George Ndaira, Ben Rogers and Isaac De Gois will make their first club appearances with De Gois and Ndaira sharing the hooking duties and vying to be the fulltime replacement for departed captain Danny Buderus.

Former NSW halfback Jarrod Mullen will partner Luke Walsh in the halves for the first game, with Ben Rogers and Scott Dureau the other scrumbase option for coach Brian Smith in game two.

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Broncos Coach Ivan Henjak Gives Youngsters A Run

February 11th 2009 09:15
Brisbane will keep their million-dollar backline on ice with coach Ivan Henjak giving several exciting youngsters a run in Saturday night's pre-season trial against the Titans at Wynnum.

The Titans have adopted a similar approach, naming recruits Sam Tagataese and Matt White in a 26-man squad.

Brisbane's backline includes four members of their Under-20 side which lost last year's grand final.

Promising young hooker Andrew McCullough has won the early battle for the No.9 jumper with former St George rake Aaron Gorrell selected on the bench.

Ex-Dragon Lagi Setu and former Tiger Ben Teo will start in a strong forward pack with exciting prospect Dave Taylor and Joel Clinton named as props.

Ashton Sims, who did a great job leading Fiji in the World Cup, has been named captain.

Henjak has settled on 18-year-old utility Gerard Beale at fullback with Under-20s captain Alex Glenn in the centres.

Brisbane Broncos


Flying machine Jharal Yow Yeh has won a wing spot with the club's Under-20 player-of-the-year Ben Hunt at halfback.

Completing Brisbane's backline are Logan junior Antonio Winterstein and Guy Williams from the central Queensland Comets along with Wynnum Manly product David Gergiou who'll play five-eighth.

Henjak said on Tuesday he was keen to run his eye over his group of young forwards.

"The hooking positions is still up for grabs and we've got three players vying for that (spot) so that's one we want to have a very close look at," he said.

"We also want to have a close look at a couple of the forward positions, those hit-up forwards.

"We'll give them all an opportunity in the trials and whoever is playing the best will get first crack."

With the exception of skipper Darren Lockyer and injured centre Justin Hodges, Brisbane's stars will play in the trials against Canberra and Melbourne.

Prized signing Israel Folau will make his debut in a trial against Canberra at Redcliffe later this month.

Lockyer, who is recovering from a minor knee operation, is unlikely to be risked until the first game of the season.

"Darren won't step out in the trials unless he feels he needs a hit-out before we play the Cowboys in round one," said Henjak.

"At this stage we're just looking at Locky for the start of the season."

Henjak said the players had had enough of pre-season training and wanted to get into the physical stuff.

"We've got our first trial at the weekend, we'll have an opposed session with the two referees the following week and then we're into the serious stuff with Canberra and the Storm," said Henjak.

"It's only around the corner.

"The players can sense it and you can feel the tension starting to build."

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Rugby League Joins Fire Fight

February 11th 2009 08:17
Rugby League will direct an initial cash donation of well over $100,000 to the Victorian Bushfire victims in the first stage of a support program that hopes to raise tens of thousands more dollars in the weeks and months ahead.

As well as providing $40,000 to the Red Cross Appeal, Rugby League will provide $30,000 for Lifeline Australia to provide support services for grief stricken families and $30,000 for the Children’s Hospital Foundations Australia to support the burns unit at Royal Melbourne Children’s Hospital.

The announcement follows close consultation with two of the game’s One Community Charities (Lifeline and Children’s Hospital Foundations Australia) who are themselves part of the assistance effort.

“This has touched the lives of every Australian,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.

“Only in Australia it seems could we be devastated by fires in one part of the continent and floods in another, yet it is a part of our national identity that we pull together and lend a hand.”

NRL


Australian Rugby League Chairman, Mr Colin Love AM, said that Rugby League offered its deepest sympathies to all who had been victims of the tragedy.

“There is only so much that money can repair,” Mr Love said.

“Our hearts go out to those who have suffered such devastating loss.”

Lifeline Australia has been stretched to the limit in providing counselling for victims.

“Lifeline has called for extra volunteers and has activated intensive response activities within our network,” said Chief Executive Officer, Dawn O’Neil AM.

“We urgently need funds to assist us with co-ordinating our response of extra counselling services and community recovery – at a time when we are already stretched dealing with the Queensland floods.”

The Children’s Hospital Foundations Australia says funds from Rugby League will go directly to the burns unit of the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, where bushfire victims are being treated.

“Burns are usually horrific and only the families really see the full extent of the suffering,” Director of the CHFA, Nikki Johnston, said today.

“Equipment such as respirators that moisten the air to ease a victim’s breathing and ‘turning beds’ can make a big difference as we face on-going challenges in this area.”

NRL clubs will also manage public collections at key trial matches in the weeks ahead with the Melbourne Storm planning additional donations and a major fund-raiser around their first match at Etihad Stadium.

The Storm players have announced a season-long commitment to establish The Shire of Murrindindi (which takes in Kinglake) as its major charity focus.

The players say they will raise funds for infrastructure and sporting facilities.

The Brisbane Broncos will donate $10,000 to the appeal, in addition to the $10,000 already donated by the Broncos Leagues Club. Players and staff will make personal donations and the club will help organise collections at trials against the Titans and the Raiders over the next two weeks.

The Knights players are this week conducting a food and blanket drive, Wests Tigers are raising funds at the Foundation Cup match with players and staff to donate money (the club will match player and staff donations) while the Titans players are each making a personal contribution to the Bushfire Appeal.

The Raiders Leagues club group, has donated $14,000 and further support is on the way from other Leagues Clubs through both Clubs NSW and NSW Leagues Clubs Association.

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Braith Anasta Looks To Stronger Roosters

February 10th 2009 08:15
Braith Anasta says the Sydney Roosters will be a stronger, more experienced team in 2009 after fading out of NRL title contention in the second half of last year.

Brad Fittler's men looked genuine premiership contenders in 2008 but then lost five of their last seven home-and-away games before being bounced out of the finals in straight sets.

Anasta said the players were determined not to make such a timid exit this season.

"At times we looked unreal ... but we fizzled out," he said.

"Mentally we were not strong enough.

"Last year was the first thing we talked about in training, we took it very seriously.

"We have had a motto in each session and that is to finish strong and regardless of what the session is whether it be video, running, weights or whatever.

"We maybe peaked too early but even at the end we showed glimpses in the finals of that early form, but it was our second half of the season that let us down."

Sydney Roosters


Anasta's fine form was one of the key factors in the Roosters return to finals football after a four-year absence and he said the imminent return of former Kangaroos fullback Anthony Minichiello was a massive boost.

Minichiello has been dogged by a serious back problem for the past four years and the complaint cruelled his 2008 campaign.

"Mini is going great, there's been no mishaps, and he's done 90 per cent of everything the rest of us have done," said Anasta.

"If you ask him he would say he is the best shape he has been in for four years."

Minichiello will not face St George Illawarra Dragons in the Roosters' opening trial game of the season in Perth with English recruit Jordan Tansey to make his debut after his surprise switch from Super League champions Leeds Rhinos.

Tansey, who can play centre or fullback, swapped Leeds for Sydney despite failing to nail a place down with the Rhinos.

Anasta was confident the 22-year-old could be a success in the NRL.

"Tansey has got better every week, he has enjoyed it and the guys have been enjoying his company," he said.

"We have only done scrimmage and oppose with him so it is hard to tell exactly where he is at, but I am confident he will do a good job from what I have seen so far."

Saturday's game in Perth will see both sides play with two referees for the first time and Anasta supported the NRL's plan to have two officials on the field.

"I think it's a good move and it will quicken the game up," he said.

"It will be good for the fans, there will hopefully be less mistakes from the referees and more confidence from the players that there are two guys there and less to miss and harder for players to get away with things."

AAP
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Chris Walker Getting Stronger At Titans

February 10th 2009 08:10
The long wait is over for recovering Gold Coast Titans winger Chris Walker - sort of.

The former Queensland Origin flyer is set to play rugby league for the first time since August 2007 after receiving the nod for the Titans' opening NRL trial against Brisbane at Wynnum on Saturday night.

But Walker may still need to show plenty of patience before he tastes official NRL action again, judging by Titans coach John Cartwright.

The Gold Coast mentor has adopted a "softly, softly" approach with the injury-plagued Walker, all but ruling him out of NRL contention for the first six rounds.

But an earlier comeback would not surprise Cartwright after watching the 28-year-old fight his way back from not one but two serious Achilles injuries.

Walker has dropped down to 91kg in the pre-season - his playing weight when he last played for Queensland in 2002.

Gold Coast Titans


"He's in the best shape I have seen him. He has a real presence about him at the moment," Cartwright told AAP.

"The hardest bit at the moment is trying to slow him down, keeping a lid on him - if you know Chris you know that is a very difficult thing to do."

Cartwright said he would keep an open mind when he alternates all eight of his wingers throughout the trial against the Broncos - Walker, namesake Shannon Walker, Brenton Bowen, Jordan Atkins, Esi Tonga, David Mead, Kevin Gordon and Ben Jeffery.

But the Titans coach said he was "not looking for any miracles" from Chris Walker.

"He hasn't played for close to two years. He's come off two major operations," he said.

"I have more or less told him he has to get out of his head probably the first six games of the year.

"He's got to get the feel of the game again .

"The game does change every year and it has been two years since he has played.

"When the time is right we will all know."

Keen to make up for lost time, Walker has hit the training paddock with a vengeance - complete with new mohawk and goatee beard.

But clearly he will need to do more to turn heads with the likes of young challengers Gordon at the club.

Gordon, 21, has been dubbed "Flash" after officially becoming the club's fastest player.

He also knows how to score - he crossed 21 times in as many under 20s games in 2008, more than half the team's total tries scored.

"It is competitive for spots in the outside backs," Cartwright said.

"These guys have got to go out and make a name for themselves."

The 26-strong Titans squad also boasts new recruits, forwards Sam Tagataese (Melbourne) and Matt White (Newcastle).

Sacked Broncos hooker Ian Lacey - who was recently offered a one year incentive-based deal - will start at No.9.

With the likes of star halves Mat Rogers and Scott Prince rested, Jordan Rankin, 17, will wear No.7 fresh from becoming the third youngest player ever to make his first grade debut when he ran out against Newcastle in August 2008.

AAP
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Sam Tagataese And Matt White Make Titans Debut

February 9th 2009 07:54
New recruits Sam Tagataese and Matt White will make their unofficial debuts for the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans in Saturday night’s pre-season trial match against Brisbane at Wynnum’s Kougari Oval.

Former Melbourne Storm forward Tagataese has been named in the second row for the match while Newcastle Knights recruit White will line-up in the starting front row alongside Ian Donnelly.

The pair, who were unveiled in their Jetstar Titans jerseys today, form part of an extended 26-man squad named for the trial match by coach John Cartwright.

The squad also includes former Broncos hooker Ian Lacey and teenage sensation Jordan Rankin.

White, who hails from Inverell, said he was eager to impress at his new club after being thankful for the opportunity to sign with the Jetstar Titans.

“My career was probably on the line (last year) so I know I’ve got to have a big year,’’ said White.

Sam Tagataese And Matt White Titans
Sam Tagataese And Matt White Titans


“It should be good, I’m looking forward to the weekend.

“Everything has been good. The boys have all been great, I’ve been getting on well with everyone and I’m loving it up here.

Wellington born Tagataese, who lived with Brisbane’s high-profile new recruit Israel Folau when the pair played together at the Melbourne Storm, said he was looking forward to taking on the Broncos.

“I’m pretty happy and I’m just keen to play. I haven’t played since September so I’m pretty keen to get on the field,’’ said Tagataese.

“I feel a lot stronger than last year.’’

The full 26-man squad named for Saturday night’s trial match is listed below.

Titans v Broncos, Kougari Oval, Wynnum

Saturday, February 14

1 Shannon Walker

2 Brenton Bowen

3 Jordan Atkins

4 Esi Tonga

5 David Mead

6 Jordan Rankin

7 Brad Davis

8 Ian Donnelly

9 Ian Lacey

10 Matthew White

11 Sam Tagataese

12 Brad Meyers

13 Luke O'Dwyer

14 Kevin Gordon

15 Cameron White

16 Kingi Aka'oula

17 Josh Graham

18 Chris Walker

19 Ben Jeffery

20 Will Matthews

21 Selasi Berdie

22 Bodene Thompson

23 Brock Hunter

24 Ryan Barton

25 Ryan Simpkins

26 Tom Kingston

NRL Media Release
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Ryan Hoffman Signs With Storm

February 9th 2009 07:42
Australian and NSW back-rower Ryan Hoffman has signed a four-year contract extension with Melbourne and predicts he'll see another NRL premiership title in that time.

The 25-year-old will play at the Storm until 2012, which will make him a 10-year veteran of the club after debuting in 2003.

Hoffman joins a string of crucial re-signings by the Storm that will keep the bulk of their 2007 premiership side together for several more seasons.

Skipper Cameron Smith recently signed a new deal that will take him through to 2012, while internationals Greg Inglis (2012), Cooper Cronk (2013), Dallas Johnson (2011), Jeff Lima (2011), Adam Blair (2011) and Sika Manu (2011) have all penned long-term deals along with NSW Origin winger Anthony Quinn (2011) and prop Brett White (2010).

Melbourne may have lost international stars Jeremy Smith (Dragons), Israel Folau (Brisbane) and Michael Crocker (Hull) but they've secured NSW Origin coach Craig Bellamy until the end of 2013 after he turned down a bold approach from Brisbane last year.

Fullback Billy Slater is the next target for Melbourne's retention drive. He is contracted until 2010 but has a get-out clause similar to departed Dragons star Mark Gasnier who is now playing French rugby union.

"Melbourne's the place I wanted to stay, it's a great club with great players and it's comforting knowing we've got so many quality players signed up for an extended period of time," Hoffman said on Monday.

"It's a club I'm really proud of and to be able to say I've played 10 years at the one club is something I'll be able to hang my hat on.

"There was interest from elsewhere but the Storm was where I wanted to be so it was a painless negotiation period."

Hoffman says the club isn't carrying any battle scars from their 40-0 grand final thrashing by Manly and confidence is running high as they head into their first trial match of the season, against the New Zealand Warriors in Hamilton on Thursday night.

He missed last year's title decider after undergoing surgery on his ankle, which he has only been able to run on for the past month.

"It definitely hasn't affected our confidence, we're still as confident in our ability and what we can do as a team as ever," Hoffman said.

"We've got so many young blokes and new guys at the club at the moment.

"There's a great fresh feel and they're looking to capitalise on what we've achieved in the last three years and obviously doing even better.

"We're really looking forward to this year. There's no reason why we can be as successful as we have been in the past three years."

Hoffman is one of five Melbourne internationals named to play on Thursday.

Fellow Kangaroos Dallas Johnson and Cooper Cronk and New Zealand internationals Sika Manu and Wairangi Koopu have also been named in the 22-man squad.

Hoffman, who has played 129 NRL games for the club, said he was almost back to 100 per cent after the surgery and just needed some match fitness.

The Storm will play a further two trial matches before their season opener on March 13 against the Dragons at Telstra Dome in Melbourne.

Melbourne squad to play NZ Warriors: Brett Anderson, Dane Nielsen, Willie Isa, Joseph Tomane, Andre Itula, James Maloney, Cooper Cronk, Scott Anderson, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Louis Fanene, Sika Manu, Ryan Hoffman, Dallas Johnson, Hep Cahill, Sam Joe, Jade Williams, Wairangi Koopu, Kevin Proctor, Clifford Manua, Matt Cross, Zeb Tahwa, Dane Chisholm.

AAP
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Tigers Beat Rabbitohs In League Trial

February 9th 2009 07:39
Wests Tigers superstar Benji Marshall admitted he had a lot to learn about playing halfback after helping his side to a 30-26 win over South Sydney in the Return to Redfern rugby league trial on Sunday.

New Zealander Marshall, who was moved from his traditional five-eighth spot, scored the first try with some neat footwork and set up two more four-pointers.

He came off at halftime, when the Tigers were leading 16-6.

On a glorious summers day the Tigers scored six tries to five in the members only trial played before 5000 fans at the refurbished Redfern Oval, the visitors crossing for two late tries to overturn a 26-22 deficit in the final quarter.

Starting with a much stronger and more experienced lineup, the Tigers dominated the first half.

It became a more even contest in the second half when Tigers coach Tim Sheens replaced Marshall and several other stars with both teams fielding younger talent.

Sheens said Marshall did "some good and not so good" things at halfback but he wasn't disappointed with his key playmaker's performance.

"I'm excited about playing halfback and I've got a lot of things to learn," Marshall said.

"I was a bit erratic today, I think I need to build a bit more consistency in my game. You touch the ball a lot more at halfback than you do at five-eighth."

Marshall said he had received "a few offers" from both rugby league and union clubs, but stressed he was in no hurry to decide his future beyond this season.

Souths received a double boost in the re-signing department with New Zealand Test hooker Issac Luke and young local utility back Beau Champion each extending their contracts until the end of the 2011 season.

Rabbitohs coach Jason Taylor was happy with the way his young side performed, despite some pre-match fears in some quarters that the celebratory nature of the day could be spoilt if a stronger looking Tigers unit scored an easy victory.

"I didn't want that to happen but I was confident that the guys would go out and do a good job," Taylor said.

"There were heaps of kids that I thought were really impressive."

Tigers assistant coach and former Test hooker Royce Simmons felt the club's British Test forward Gareth Ellis would be a big bonus after being impressed with his pace and good running lines in his debut.

AAP
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Wests Tigers Out To Break Finals Drought

February 7th 2009 13:42
Wests Tigers will sacrifice razzle dazzle for results in 2009 with utility Dene Halatau vowing a "back to basics" style to end their three-year finals drought.

As the Tigers prepare to face South Sydney in Sunday's NRL trial at Redfern Oval, Halatau revealed the Tigers were going old school with their game plan and looking to add polish and cut back on the flair to improve consistency.

The flamboyancy that won the Tigers the 2005 premiership will be shelved in 2009 after three consecutive years of failing to make the finals.

"We've definitely been rocks or diamonds at different stages of the last three years," said Halatau.

"Your goal as a first grader and as a team is to find consistency. Look at teams like Melbourne and Manly for the past two or three years have been very consistent.

"We want to develop that within our team. We want to have that culture where every game we play teams are very wary of us.

Wests Tigers Logo


"I know teams are worried about our attack sometimes but they know within the first 20 minutes which team is going to turn up and that is something we want to rectify which is why we've gone back to basics.

"We've pretty much simplified (our game plan) for the first few weeks.

"It's the time of year when mistakes are made ... we're trying to keep it as simple as possible and nail down the basics."

Halatau will fill in at hooker against the Rabbitohs on Sunday with captain Robbie Farah rested, while Benji Marshall will start in his new permanent position at halfback and Great Britain Test star Gareth Ellis will make his club debut.

The Tigers are near full-strength for the `members only' clash and should dominate the early stages as the Rabbitohs have rested most of their first grade stars for young up and comers.

Even though many are tipping a lopsided contest Halatau said the Tigers wouldn't be too concerned if they didn't run riot over the young Bunnies in the opening half.

"It's not so much about the result in these early trial matches," he said.

"I don't think there's going to be confidence won or lost, it's more of the nervousness of getting that first game out of the way.

"We'll approach the game trying to keep it as simple as possible and if we execute that is what we'll look at when we come off the field."

Sunday's game will be played in four 20 minute quarters to help combat the near 40 degrees celsius temperatures expected in Sydney.

While the players are relatively acclimatised to such conditions after a torrid summer pre-season, Tigers coach Tim Sheens joked their British recruit Ellis was fearing Australia's oppressive heat.

"The first part of the NRL season is hot so we may as well get used to it," said Sheens of the conditions.

"The only one panicking is Gareth, who thinks he might just suffer from sunstroke or something.

"It is only two 20 minute quarters (of game time) for most of them, so I don't think it is going to stress them out any great deal."

AAP
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William Zillman Will Bide Time With Titans

February 7th 2009 13:10
Gold Coast recruit William Zillman knows there is plenty of hype about his NRL comeback but the former Canberra fullback is willing to bide his time and fight for a spot in the Titans backline.

Zillman made an immediate impact at the Raiders in 2007, scoring nine tries in 19 games and regularly breaking the line, but his standout season was ruined by a knee injury late in the year.

Just three games into the 2008 season he suffered a recurrence of the anterior cruciate ligament tear and a second knee reconstruction ruled him out for the year.

But the cruel blow allowed Zillman to relocate to the Gold Coast in July last year and now he can enter the 2009 season both settled into his new surrounds and confident his rehabilitation has been a success.

"I'm really excited about the year ahead, especially after missing out on most of last year," said Zillman.

Gold Coast Titans


"I'm just concentrating on getting the knee right and I'm really excited about starting to play.

"I'm pretty much good to go now and back to full fitness."

Slated as a future Queensland State of Origin player, Zillman has impressed his new teammates on the Gold Coast who have rated him the total package due to his size and speed.

But as the 22-year-old prepares for his comeback in an NRL trial next weekend against Brisbane at Wynnum, Zillman knows he is going to have a battle on his hands to earn a place in the Gold Coast backline.

The Titans boast some of the best young, and old, talent in the outside backs.

Preston Campbell's brilliant end to 2008 has given the former Dally M medal winner a mortgage on the fullback jersey, while ex-Queensland Origin winger Chris Walker is flying in his comeback from a second Achilles tendon tear.

Brett Delaney and Luke O'Dwyer were solid in the centres last year, while young guns Jordan Atkins, Ben Jeffery, Esi Tonga and Shannon Walker are also vying for backline roles.

Zillman knows he may have to wait for his chance for a spot in first grade at the Titans.

"It all depends on injuries and how I go in the trials," he said.

"I just have to concentrate on playing some consistent football and not be too concerned about what position I'm playing.

"We're very strong in the outside backs with some really good young talent coming up so it is exciting for the club and gives me a bit of competition but that is always healthy in the team."

Zillman will return to the Gold Coast on Saturday after completing a three-day trek around the NSW country towns of Cobar, Nyngan and Bourke as part of the NRL's community carnival.

The community carnival featured 107 NRL players visiting regional towns around Australia promoting healthy living.

Zillman said his trip had been an eye-opener.

"I couldn't believe how dry it was out here," he said.

"They do it pretty tough but it's great that they still love their footy and get behind the local clubs."

AAP
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Ian Lacey A Winner With Gold Coast Titans

February 7th 2009 12:48
An NRL lifeline has been thrown to sacked Brisbane hooker Ian Lacey who has emerged as the big winner from a bold Gold Coast Titans recruitment drive.

Barely 12 months after wondering if he would play in the NRL again, Lacey has been offered an incentive-based one-year deal.

It all fell into place for Lacey after the Gold Coast's bids to lure Cameron Smith and Robbie Farah fell through and contract talks with Titans No.1 hooker Nathan Friend stalled.

Not that it was an easy ride to the Titans for Lacey.

Lacey and John Te Reo had their Broncos contracts torn up in late 2007 after the early morning bashing of a man outside a Brisbane pub.

Lacey was given a suspended six-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm.

Gold Coast Titans


On the NRL outer, he snapped up a second chance offered by Queensland Cup outfit Ipswich last season - as Titans boss Michael Searle watched with interest.

He was eventually called into the Titans training squad, and when the dust settled from the Gold Coast's unsuccessful bid for a marquee No.9, Searle knew who to turn to next.

"It's an opportunity to resurrect his career. I think he has learned a lot from what he went through before," Searle told AAP.

"Sometimes when you are faced with not playing the game it makes you realise how much you love the game.

"I think he has a lot to offer."

While Searle said it was early days, he would not rule out a long-term future for Lacey.

"It's an opportunity for him, an incentive-based contract," he said.

"If he grabs it with both hands we will see what happens from there.

"It is a little too early to forecast what happens beyond this season, but he will be given an opportunity."

Lacey will be back-up to Friend, who looks set to leave at the end of the season.

Teenager Kayne Lawton is a long-term prospect at hooker after re-signing with the club until the end of 2011.

Searle said Lacey's signing should also inspire those toiling away in the Titans feeder clubs, Queensland Cup sides Ipswich and Tweed Heads.

"We kept a close eye on Ian at the Ipswich Jets. This is good for those guys who play at our feeder clubs to see that we do use them," Searle said.

"It's a good message to them that we are genuine, that we do want to have a close relationship with them."

AAP
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Brett White Ready To Fire For Storm

February 7th 2009 11:25
Melbourne representative forward Brett White has bad news for the opposition heading into the 2009 NRL season; he's finally going to be firing on all cylinders.

White had off-season surgery on both his feet to help with "turf toe", which results in pain at the base of the big toe, located at the ball of the foot, which restricts explosive power.

The injury ruled the 26-year-old NSW prop out of the World Cup after he was named in the Ireland squad.

Back running after spending part of his summer on the couch and crutches, White said the condition meant he had struggled to launch an attack off the mark.

"I had surgery to try to get more flexibility so I could get more push off," he said.

"It had to be manipulated again last week and I've felt a bit of a difference so far but hopefully coming into next week I'll be more firing and I'll have a bit more push off and explosive power."

Brett White Storm


White is hoping to get some game time in the Storm's first season trial, against the Warriors at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Thursday, with the line-up to be named early next week.

A team meeting last month put the disappointment of the NRL grand final thrashing by Manly to bed and White said they were all focused on the new season.

"We're not looking back, every pre-season is always exciting.

"We've had guys leave and there's new guys who are all fighting to move into that spot.

"There's young guys, like Israel Folau a couple of years ago, who will hopefully come out of nowhere and make a name for themselves and become a big part of our team."

While White has been hobbling around like an old man, two older players in the Melbourne pack have been training the house down.

Prop Clifford Manua, signed from Brisbane, and ex-Warriors backrower Wairangi Koopu, both 28, have impressed.

"He's (Manua's) training like one of the young blokes, the way he trains in the gym he's unbelievable," White said.

"Hopefully he can make a big impact for us this year, he's certainly a man mountain and a scary looking dude."

Koopu and Hep Cahill, a 22-year-old backrower from the Roosters, won a intra-club fitness challenge.

"They're unbelievable freaks as far as fitness goes and they're going to be great for us."

AAP
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Bulldogs Coach Kevin Moore

February 5th 2009 11:15
New Bulldogs coach Kevin Moore can only look on with envy at Brisbane's decision to wrap Darren Lockyer in cotton wool for the club's NRL trial matches.

It's a luxury Moore simply can't afford.

With a new coach, new support staff and eight new players in their first grade squad, Moore knows he needs to use the trials to get all his players on the same page.

"The past few years we've probably gone in trying to get everyone in the fulltime squad - which is about 30-35 players - we've tried to get all those blokes a run in first grade in the trials," Moore said.

"This year, certainly in the first 60 minutes, we're going to focus a bit more on the top 20-21 players and give the fringe players maybe a run at the back end of matches."

While Moore will no doubt be keen to give the likes of Ben Hannant, Josh Morris and David Stagg their first run in a Bulldogs jumper, it's the performance of two of his other new boys - Brett Kimmorley and Michael Ennis - which will be of particular interest.

Bulldogs Kevin Moore


Those two more than anyone else will determine the success of a side looking to rid itself of the wooden spoon.

As the first-choice halfback and hooker respectively, Kimmorley and Ennis will be the two players teammates look towards to make things happen, a sharp change in direction for a club which for so long relied on its powerful pack to steamroll the opposition.

All of which means the pressure will be on the duo to make the new-look team work from the get-go.

"It's not like it's about the results in trials, it's about building your combinations and certainly our combinations need more work than most other teams because we've got some key new players - particularly when you bring in a new No.7, a new No.9," Moore said.

"But in saying that the two blokes that we've brought in in those positions are quality blokes and I think they'll pick it up fairly quickly.

"Certainly our combinations we've been working pretty hard on and the trials give us a chance to build on that further."

The Bulldogs will open their pre-season campaign against St George Illawarra in Wollongong on February 21 with their other warm-up coming against Canberra in Brisbane the following Saturday.

AAP
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Wayne Bennett Wollongong Move Beats Media

February 4th 2009 11:02
Elusive coach Wayne Bennett now knows you can't run but you can hide.

Infamous for dodging the media with his backdoor exit at Brisbane Airport following Australia's 2005 Tri Nations loss, Bennett has since found a better way to avoid the media altogether - move to Wollongong.

The new St George Illawarra coach was on Tuesday boasting at the fact his training sessions are no longer daily events for journalists.

While it used to take journalists just 10 minutes to travel from the city to Brisbane's Red Hill training base it is now over an hour for Sydney media to reach the Dragons home at WIN Stadium in Wollongong.

"Every training session I did for 21 years at the Broncos I had at least one journalist or half a dozen there. I've hardly seen one in Wollongong. I enjoy that," Bennett quipped.

It is ideal for Bennett to have isolation as he attempts to rebuild the red and whites into an NRL premiership force.

Wayne Bennett Dragons


Bennett, who coached Brisbane for 21 years and to six premierships, knows his performance at the Dragons is going to be heavily scrutinised in 2009 but he bristled at the idea it could be the story of the year.

"Well you can write it but I won't contribute to it," he said.

Bennett offered a flat "no" when asked if he'd made any adjustments to his own style to adapt to his new club but left no doubt he's confident his old ways will be successful for the Dragons.

"I know what I'm capable of," he said.

"The boys are working pretty hard but there is still much to be done.

"We have had good days and not so good days.

"I'm enjoying it, I enjoy getting down there and the guys I'm working with."

The players are certainly enjoying Bennett's influence, veteran Dean Young excited by the changes at the club over the summer.

"Our whole approach has changed. Wayne changed the whole staff. Players like myself, Ben Hornby and Matt Cooper, guys who have been here seven or eight years, it is a great change for us," said Young.

"We are happy with how things are going. It's been a hard preseason but very enjoyable."

Young is one of several candidates to take over the captaincy vacated by Mark Gasnier, although Bennett will not rush into the decision.

He won't do that until closer to the season start with the Dragons to play three trial matches - against Roosters, Bulldogs and South Sydney - before round one.

The other question facing Bennett in the coming weeks is whether to remain on the New Zealand Test team coaching staff after assisting Stephen Kearney and the Kiwis to last year's shock World Cup win.

"That is a decision I have to make pretty soon," he said.

"I said to myself I would get down here first and see how I felt about it."
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Tim Sheens Hot Tip For Australian Coach

February 3rd 2009 10:36
A betting plunge on Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens has established the NRL veteran mentor as the new dark horse for the Australia job.

And Tigers chief executive Scott Longmuir has thrown his support behind the former NSW Origin coach, saying Sheens would be "fantastic for Australia".

The four-time premiership coach has leapfrogged ex-Cowboys mentor Graham Murray as the bolter after being backed in from $21 to $4 to be given the Kangaroos gig.

After Mal Meninga claimed he would not relinquish his beloved Queensland job for a national nod, the likes of Manly coach Des Hasler and Gold Coast's John Cartwright have emerged as leading Kangaroos contenders.

But Sheens may yet loom large when the ARL discusses candidates at their board meeting on February 23.

Longmuir believed Sheens was just what Australia needed as they regrouped following their World Cup final defeat and the sensational departure of Ricky Stuart.

Tim Sheens


"We would be very supportive of Tim if he was asked to be the Australian coach," he told AAP.

"I think it would be fantastic for Australia as well.

"Tim is one of the most successful coaches in the history of the game.

"He is excellent with elite players and is a great statesman.

"I think it would also be a very deserving appointment.

"I know Tim would do an exceptional job."

According to Sportingbet Australia, money began coming in for Sheens last week.

"Tim Sheens has clearly been the best backed in recent days which would suggest he is right in the mix to take over from Ricky Stuart," Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said.

But Hasler ($2.25) and Cartwright ($3.25) remain the favourites.

"John Cartwright was very well backed last week with his price tumbling from $11 to $3.25 and having been an assistant for the Kangaroos, he is right in the mix," said Sullivan.

Cartwright has warmed to the task, saying taking over the national job will not disrupt his Titans commitments.

"There is only one Test match through the year and there is a tour at the end of the year," Cartwright told reporters.

"It is not something that bites into your year like State of Origin can.

"I don't think the Australian job is as strenuous on your club.

"There is a lot of pressure involved in the job but it is something that, if offered to you, you would be mad not to do.

"It is what you always aspire to as a player and it is no different being a coach."

AAP
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: NRL Media Releases
   


Cowboys Replace Tallis On Board

February 3rd 2009 10:19
The North Queensland Cowboys have named former NRL hardman Gorden Tallis' replacement on their board.

Cowboys chairman Laurence Lancini has welcomed lawyer Trevor Cowling to the fold.

Tallis left the NRL club after taking up a role as South Sydney's new forwards coach.

Cowling, a partner with Townsville law firm Roberts Nehmer McKee, boasts a legal career spanning more than 30 years.

"We are very happy to have someone of Trevor's calibre and expertise join the board," Lancini said.

AAP

Gorden Tallis Cowboys
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Storm's Jeremy Smith Kiwi Player Of Year

February 2nd 2009 09:35
Melbourne Storm loose forward Jeremy Smith has been named the 2008 New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) Player of the Year at the annual awards function in Auckland on Sunday.

Smith, 28, headed off five teammates from the world champion Kiwis side who were also nominated as finalists - Warriors second rower Simon Mannering, Warriors halfback Nathan Fien, Warriors fullback Lance Hohaia, Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei, and Parramatta prop Nathan Cayless, the victorious Kiwis captain.

South Sydney hooker Isaac Luke won the Rookie of the Year title, Vatuvei the Personality of the Year, and Kiwis mentor Steve Kearney the Coach of the Year.

AAP

Jeremy Smith Storm

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Titans Youngsters Stay Loyal

January 31st 2009 13:09
A lucrative six-figure deal from the Sydney Roosters has been knocked back by a 20-year-old on the Gold Coast yet to make his NRL debut.

Instead David Mead, formerly Moore, has opted for a contract extension at the Titans along with fellow exciting youngsters Esikeli Tonga and Kevin Gordon.

Mead found himself in the strange position of playing international football before earning an NRL nod when he was called up by PNG for the 2008 World Cup.

The youngster shone on the wing for the Kumuls, prompting PNG mentor, and Roosters under-20s coach, Adrian Lam to try and lure Mead to Bondi Junction.

But in a shot in the arm for the Titans, Mead decided to stay along with fellow in-demand 20-year-olds Tonga and Gordon after talking with family.

"My family are here and having them close is very important to me," Mead said.

"I've also set myself some goals that I want to achieve with the Titans.

Gold Coast Titans


"I'm really happy here and didn't really want to move so the money was never really ever a deciding factor."

The Titans said all three had decided to stay for "significantly less" money until the end of 2011.

The trio impressed in the Titans' Toyota Cup in 2008.

Gordon was the standout, crossing for 21 tries in as many games; more than half the under-20 team's total tries scored.

"Last year under Murph (U20s coach Steven Murphy) I improved so much and I just didn't see any reason in moving away from a club that I love and away from my family at this stage in my career," said Gordon.

Titans managing director Michael Searle said the trio's decision gave a big thumb's up to coach John Cartwright.

"The reason we have been able to retain these three outstanding young players is because they know that with the right effort and commitment to their individual games, the opportunities will present themselves under John's guidance at the Titans," he said.

Cartwright added: "When you consider we have already retained the likes of Will Matthews, Shannon Walker and more recently Kayne Lawton, you can really start to see that we are building something pretty special."

AAP
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Israel Folau Will Fit Into Broncos Says Darren Lockyer

January 30th 2009 12:55
Like most Broncos fans, skipper Darren Lockyer has been swept up in the excitement generated by Brisbane's superstar recruit Israel Folau.

Lockyer has played around 70 Origin and Test matches and more than 300 games for the Broncos.

Yet such is Folau's potential Lockyer is keen to help forge the career of a player who may well go on and re-write some of his playing records.

Lockyer was 22 when he played the first of 36 Tests for Australia in 1998.

By comparison, Folau was 18 years and 194 days old when he became the youngest player to don the green and gold in 2007.

The opportunity to be part of a Broncos backline featuring the talents of Karmichael Hunt (22), Justin Hodges (26) and 20-year-old Folau could well help influence an off-contract Lockyer to reject several head-turning English offers and re-sign with Brisbane.

And while he can't wait to get on the field with Folau, a cautious Lockyer says the arrival of the young try scoring machine doesn't guarantee things will be easy in 2009.

Israel Folau
Israel Folau


"It all sounds pretty exciting," Lockyer told AAP on Thursday.

"We can easily fall into the trap of thinking it's going to be easy but I know that won't be the case at all.

"We'll have to put in a lot of hard work on our combinations and then I'm sure we'll be rewarded."

Coach Ivan Henjak hasn't revealed whether the 105kg Folau will make his debut for Brisbane in his preferred centre position or shift onto the wing on the end of what could be an all-representative back line.

Lockyer and Hunt have developed an attacking combination that has created many tries over the past three or four seasons.

Folau would add a new dimension to that tactic making it even harder to defend against.

"Izzy is a great talent and we're really pleased to have him here in Brisbane," said Lockyer, who is expected to iron out his own future within the next fortnight.

"The thing about having players like him is it brings confidence to the team because he is a match-winner.

"Guys like K (Hunt) who runs that `out the back' play very well and likes to use his wingers will work well with Izzy.

"We're not sure when Hodgo (Hodges) will be back .... but he's also very good at drawing in players and he can also slip it onto Izzy."

Lockyer said while he would not make an appearance in the trials, his troublesome knee was coming along "very well" and he was on target to be on deck for the round one clash with the Cowboys.

"Since I had the original reconstruction (in 2007) it's probably the first time I've been able get back without doing a lot of work on the leg," Lockyer said on Thursday.

"The knee feels like it's enjoyed the break and it feels really strong.

"My last couple of pre-seasons have been hampered by injury so I'm looking forward to getting into really good physical shape before round one."

AAP
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Stacey Jones Return To Warriors Welcomed

January 29th 2009 12:46
New Zealand Warriors coach Ivan Cleary is relishing the "good dilemma" posed by the return of Kiwis great Stacey Jones.

Nathan Fien's late season form surge at halfback last year coincided with the news that Jones was to come out of retirement to rejoin the NRL club in 2009.

Fien's hot streak helped the Warriors snatch a finals berth then go from eighth to a play-off for a grand final berth before he helped steer New Zealand to its stunning World Cup triumph in Australia.

But Jones, returning on a one-year deal, is a halfback legend, not to mention the Warriors' record NRL appearance holder (238 from 1995-2005) and tryscorer (75).

Cleary says it's too soon to say who will be handed the No.7 jersey for the start of the NRL season but both men will get a go in the first trial game against Melbourne in Hamilton on February 12.

Stacey Jones


"There's a dilemma but it's a good dilemma though," said Cleary on Thursday.

"We've got two great players who can play it (halfback) and we've got some young guys who can play the position too so we're probably healthier there in that crucial role than we have been, ever."

Others in the frame, including Michael Witt and Aaron Heremaia, will also get a "reasonable crack at it" in the lead-up to the home round one game against Parramatta on March 14.

"The aim is to give everyone a go to try to secure that first round," Cleary said.

He said 32-year-old Jones was showing good form in training, and while there were still unanswered questions about how he would go after more than a year out of the game since his Super League stint with the Catalan Dragons, it was "so far, so good".

Fien said while he hadn't been promised a position he was keen to nail a spot somewhere in the halves.

"I like playing five-eighth as well," the former North Queensland half said.

"I enjoy it, and over the back end of last year I was playing my best football in the halves. That's definitely where I want to be."

He said Jones' return was already having a positive impact on the younger players, a benefit captain Steve Price also noted.

"There's huge benefit playing alongside a guy like Stacey Jones," Price said.

"These kids were probably four or five years old when he made his debut so it's a massive thing for them.

"They'll learn a lot and Stacey will get a lot from it too."

AAP
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Mal Meninga Can't Coach Queensland And Kangaroos

January 28th 2009 12:24
Mal Meninga's chances of taking over the vacant Australian rugby league team coaching job have dimmed as a decision approaches.

Australian Rugby League chief executive Geoff Carr confirmed on Tuesday that Meninga's name would be on a shortlist to be submitted to the board next month.

But he said Meninga could not coach both Australia and Queensland.

Queensland Rugby League chairman John McDonald believes Meninga is the best man for the Kangaroos job, made vacant when Ricky Stuart stood down following an investigation into his verbal attack on World Cup final referee Ashley Klein.

He has urged the ARL board to change the rules to allow Meninga to coach Australia and the Queensland Origin team.

But Carr said Meninga would have to surrender his Queensland job because the ARL's policy of not appointing an Origin coach to the national job was not likely to change.

Mal Meninga


Meninga, who is set to bid for record fourth straight Origin series win with the Maroons, has said publicly he will not step down as Queensland coach, despite the prestige attached to coaching his national team.

Meninga said on Tuesday that the ARL needed to get moving on appointing a new coach.

"They've got to sort of pull their finger out so to speak and make some decisions about who's going to be the next coach, particularly if it's going to be an NRL coach because a bit of planning goes around that," Meninga told Channel 10.

Carr said the ARL board would determine the best coach to replace Stuart.

"Mal is on the list, if he doesn't coach Queensland," Carr said.

"Since the (1985) Terry Fearnley situation it's been ARL policy not to have a national coach who is also a state coach.

"I'm sure the NSW members of the board would be sticking to that policy.

"Mal is a great coach who would be well suited to the job.

"But you don't want to put people in a job where they may be compromised, not through their own integrity, but through the circumstances they get into."

Carr believed the problems faced by former Kangaroos coach Fearnley in 1985, when he was accused of selection bias toward his NSW Origin players, should prevent a change of rules.

"I'm firmly of the view the reason why they made that call back in the eighties after the trouble.

"To go down that path again, we haven't learned from history."

The same policy rules out NSW Origin coach Craig Bellamy, despite his great success with the Melbourne club.

Wayne Bennett, who stepped down after losing the Tri Nations in 2005, would be unlikely to be interested in returning to the Kangaroos role now given his new job with St George Illawarra.

Manly's Des Hasler, Sydney Roosters coach Brad Fittler and Titans coach John Cartwright however could be possibilities.

AAP
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Canberra Raider’s Trial Helps Local Charity

January 27th 2009 11:36
The Canberra Raiders opening trial of 2009 proved to be a success both on and off the field on Saturday afternoon, with over $3,500 being raised for the ACT Eden-Monaro Cancer Support Group.

Patrons who attended Saturday’s match at Seiffert Oval in Queanbeyan gained free entry to the ground, with the only cost being an optional gold coin donation to the Cancer Support Group.

In the end the generosity of both Raiders and Sharks fans shone through on the day, with a total of $3,827.70 being donated to one of the regions hardest working charitable organisations.

Mark Green from the ACT Eden-Monaro Cancer Support group said he was overwhelmed by the response of the fans that attended, and thanked them for their kindness and support.

“There was no obligation to donate any money on Saturday yet people were donating five and ten dollar notes into our buckets at the gate,” Mr Green Said. “It just goes to show what great supporters of charity rugby league fans are, and we thank everyone who donated on the day.”

Mr Green said the money raised goes straight into the hands of families in the region who have been affected by Cancer, to help them with cost of living, and helping out during a difficult time.

The donation also reflected the healthy crowd which attended on Saturday, with Raiders CEO Don Furner praising the people who attended.

“To have such a big crowd for a trial match in January shows what a loyal bunch of supporters the Raiders have and their generous donation to the Cancer Support Group is much appreciated by the club,” Furner said. “Hopefully the fans that came out to watch us on Saturday enjoyed the game and they sign up for a club membership ahead of the season.”

NRL Media Release
Canberra Raiders

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Panthers Learn New Tricks In 2009

January 27th 2009 11:25
Panthers captain Petero Civoniceva may be the mentor for a young Penrith side, but he intends to be the club’s star student in 2009.

The inspirational prop is the first to take advantage of the Panthers’ new major partnership with Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE), announced today. The partnership will allow for co-major sponsorship of the Panthers’ Toyota Cup team for the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

Civoniceva is set to undertake a Bachelor of Sports Business at ACPE, a course that will supply him with the skills and knowledge to continue a career in sport once he retires from football.

“The courses on offer from ACPE really suit me coming from a sporting background,” Civoniceva said.

“Motivation for me doing the course is wanting to set myself up with a successful career once I hang the boots up.

Penrith Panthers


“While that isn’t on my mind for some time yet, the partnership between Panthers and ACPE presents itself as a great opportunity and at an ideal time in my career.”

ACPE is a specialist, independent tertiary institution founded in 1917 that caters for graduates who are pursuing a variety of careers in sport and education.

Marketing & Business Development Manager Stuart Ayres said, “ACPE is excited about the opportunity to partner with the Penrith Panthers in 2009, in particular the National Youth Cup team and the Panthers on the Prowl program.”

“Both the NYC and Panthers on the Prowl provide great vehicles for communicating one of our core beliefs that you can combine sport and education to build a successful career.

“ACPE has seen significant growth in students from Western Sydney choosing to study a degree at the college. This partnership with Panthers provides ACPE with a fantastic platform to continue our work in promoting quality education options to the people of Western Sydney.”

NRL Media Release
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Broncos Urged To Utilise Dave Taylor's Talent

January 27th 2009 11:15
Brisbane have been urged to cash in on the Beetson-like qualities of exciting prop prospect Dave Taylor.

Old school forward John Barber, who played for NSW in 1971 against the legendary Arthur Beetson, believes the inexperienced but talent-stacked Taylor holds the key to the Broncos' 2009 premiership fortunes.

He also believes, if used correctly in the opening rounds, the hulking 20-year-old forward could burst onto the State of Origin scene as a player Queensland could build future packs around with veteran props Petero Civoniceva and Steve Price in the twilight of their careers.

"I think they're sitting on something special and I think they (Broncos) know it," said Barber who played first grade in Newcastle aged 18.

"With his size and skill he can put the fear of god into the edge defence."

Barber said Beetson was tough enough to pound out the hard yards but played on the edge of the ruck and he sees the same qualities in Taylor.

Dave Taylor


"He (Beetson) was a big man with a bit of footwork who could unload under pressure," said Barber, qualified to comment on Taylor after coaching the likes of Origin and Test players Wally Fullerton-Smith, Trevor Gillmeister, Bryan Niebling, Steve Walters and Paul Khan.

"Taylor could be the new hero for Brisbane and Queensland fans to hang their hat on.

"There's no doubt in my mind that Locky (Darren Lockyer) will be an immortal in 10 years time but he's not going to be around forever.

"Brisbane have this wonderful backline and will get along when he goes.

"Their problem will be creativity in the forwards because they haven't got it.

"But they've got it with this bloke.

"There's a lot of players out there but ninety-nine per cent can't do what this kid can do."

Barber said with his "Beetson like" abilities with the ball, Taylor should be heavily involved in plays when Brisbane attack the line.

"If he can poke his head through the line a few times and lay on a couple of passes that lead to tries he'll win them some games," he said.

"If he can offload a ball off the ground to Karmichael Hunt for a try, then that's how they should use him."

Barber said Brisbane had to be prepared to accept a few errors in Taylor's game.

Taylor, from Blackwater, has been Brisbane's "boom" player for the past two seasons.

He was something of a "problem child" for former coach Wayne Bennett who wanted to see changes in his attitude despite constant calls to play him more.

Former NSW and Australia Test prop Steve Roach was so taken by his talents last season he called on the Broncos to sign the youngster for life.

But Brisbane took a gamble and signed him to a one year deal until the end of 2009.

With Origin prop Ben Hannant joining the Bulldogs Taylor will get an opportunity under incoming coach Ivan Henjak to realise his potential.

Henjak is certain to unleash the 115kg prop early with Brisbane facing a daunting start to 2009 with opening clashes with the Cowboys, Melbourne, Warriors and St George Illawarra, now coached by Bennett.

Meanwhile Justin Hodges is set to return to training tomorrow following six weeks of soul searching.

AAP
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South's Return To Redfern Oval Sold Out

January 27th 2009 10:47
Summer may be only half over, but rugby league has its first sell-out of 2009 with South Sydney's return to Redfern against Wests Tigers to be played before a full house.

Just over 5,000 will cram into the redeveloped Redfern Oval for the 'members only' match on February 8, the return to South Sydney's spiritual home marking the re-opening of the boutique ground following a $20 million facelift.

Souths chief executive Shane Richardson said the club could have sold out the ground twice over, with the final 300 tickets unwanted by Tigers members snapped up last week.

"We could have got 8,000 or 10,000 if we'd wanted to but we only had 5,000 to do it without putting in temporary grandstands," Richardson said.

"It's a very positive start to the season and there's lots of people looking forward to returning to Redfern.

"Every fan there is going to be a ticketed member; it's a first in rugby league.

South Sydney


"We sold out our half of the tickets a month and a half ago, the last ones were just the extra 300 we got back from the Tigers."

Capacity at the ground used to be over 20,000 when the Rabbitohs called it home from 1948-1987, but with the ground to be used primarily as South Sydney's training headquarters, seating at the new-look venue has been slashed.

"It can hold up to 8000 if you put in temporary grandstands around the outside," Richardson said.

"We decided not to do that this year, we just thought 5,000 would be a good number. We didn't know if we'd sell that out."

The clash with the Tigers is the first of two trials for the Bunnies with the other being the traditional Charity Shield clash with St George Illawarra at ANZ Stadium on February 28.

AAP
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Broncos Happy With Justin Hodges

January 24th 2009 10:36
As the Broncos count down to Justin Hodges' return from a leave of absence, Brisbane boss Bruno Cullen says the NRL club is "very relaxed and happy" with the Test centre's progress.

Hodges will return to the Broncos on Monday after being granted a six-week sabbatical to deal with "private personal issues".

The personal leave came after Hodges began rehabilitation following a right shoulder reconstruction.

"His issues are personal and he has dealt with those," Cullen said at Brisbane on Friday.

"We have kept in constant, daily touch over the last six weeks.

"We are very relaxed and happy with where he is at the moment."

Asked if there were any doubt Hodges would return as scheduled, Cullen said: "When these things come up you don't just take things for granted.

Justin Hodges


"We had a troubled man on our hands and all of us went about the right way to deal with what he had in front of him.

"You never say never but he is back on Monday and we are looking forward to him being here."

Cullen said Hodges realised more challenges lay ahead for him upon his return.

"He's got football issues going forward, he has had a shoulder reconstruction and he hasn't been with the team for six weeks," he said.

"So he's got to get used to all that again.

"He's been looking after himself physically so hopefully he will be back ... as though he hasn't been away."

The time off has also cost Hodges precious time to work on a new centre partnership with prized off-season signing Israel Folau from Melbourne.

Meanwhile, a beaming Cullen announced on Friday that the NRL had finally rubber-stamped Mick De Vere's return for the Broncos.

A detailed case put together by Cullen ensured De Vere could play one more year for the Broncos - his 10th overall - while keeping his job as a coaching and development officer with Easts Carina rugby league club.

Cullen described it as a "unique" case - but it seems De Vere doesn't do orthodox.

A passionate letter to Bennett led to his first Broncos contract almost 13 years ago.

Nine seasons later De Vere left the Broncos as their highest pointscorer and with three premierships to his name.

After hanging up the boots in 2006 following two years in England, De Vere initially accepted a role on new Broncos coach Ivan Henjak's support staff for 2009.

But the hunger soon returned for De Vere - and the 32-year-old has made a habit of getting what he wants.

"There have been a few things that have been a bit unique," De Vere said of his career.

"I don't plan it that way, it's just how it works out.

"If I get a goal and want to achieve something, I will do whatever I can to get there - sometimes it is not by the book."

Cullen said of the talks: "It dragged on a little bit.

"We got frustrated and so did he (NRL salary cap auditor Ian Schubert) ... but we worked through things, no one shouted or screamed - in the end it was a good process."

De Vere - a veteran of four Tests and five State of Origin games for NSW - has been training with the Broncos since mid-November and admitted finally receiving the NRL green light gave him "peace of mind".

"I am happy to have one more year. To be a 10-year player for the Broncos would be something special," he said.

"They say you don't know what you've got until it's gone, and you hear that cliche `you are a long time retired', but you don't understand that until you do it.

"I understand now why people make comebacks."

He has not played in the NRL for more than four years - and last tasted the elite level in 2006.

But De Vere said a "realistic goal" would be playing at least 20 first grade matches this season - and even State of Origin.

News Limited reported on Friday that NSW coach Craig Bellamy would monitor De Vere's comeback.

"If I am playing well enough I think I can (play Origin). I wouldn't rule that out but it is not my main focus," De Vere said.

"The reason I am coming back is for the love of the game."

After the Broncos endured well documented alcohol-related controversies in 2008, De Vere's experience will no doubt also benefit his young teammates off the field.

"It's great for me seeing all their (young players') enthusiasm," De Vere said.

"That rubs off on me and hopefully I can help them with a bit more experience and professionalism."

AAP
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Shannon Hegarty Signs With Cowboys

January 24th 2009 10:25
A day after being released by South Sydney, former Queensland Origin utility Shannon Hegarty has been snapped up by the North Queensland Cowboys on a one-year deal.

Mackay-bred Hegarty, 29, is a veteran of 168 NRL games but he only played 59 times for the Rabbitohs after moving from the Sydney Roosters in 2004.

He had been contracted to South Sydney until the end of the upcoming season however both parties reached an agreement for a release on Thursday.

The Cowboys said Hegarty - a veteran of three Origins and another three Tests - was keen to go "back to his roots" after playing his junior football in north Queensland.

"A player of Shannon's experience and ability will be a valuable asset to the club," Cowboys CEO Peter Parr said.

AAP

Shannon Hegarty
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Mick De Vere Comeback For Broncos

January 23rd 2009 10:14
The NRL have officially rubber stamped Mick De Vere's comeback for the Brisbane Broncos.

More than two years after retiring, former Test centre De Vere, 32, has been given the green light to run out for the Broncos for one more year - his 10th overall at the club.

After the Broncos submitted a detailed case to NRL salary cap auditor Ian Schubert, De Vere was allowed to come back for Brisbane and keep working as a coaching and development officer with Easts Carina rugby league club.

De Vere made his debut at the Broncos in 1996 and is a veteran of 170 first-grade games.

But he has not played in the NRL for four years - and last tasted the elite level in 2006.

De Vere left the Broncos in 2004 as the club's leading all-time leading scorer with 1,082 points from 64 tries and 413 goals, a mark since overtaken by Darren Lockyer who recently celebrated 300 games.

A member of three premiership-winning sides - 1997 (Super League), 1998 and 2000 - he was widely regarded as one of the best defensive centres in the world.

Mick De Vere


He played five State of Origins for NSW and four Tests for Australia.

Injury forced him back home from the English Super League after Huddersfield lost the Challenge Cup Final 42-12 to St Helens in 2006 and in early 2008 he took up an offer to join new Broncos coach Ivan Henjak's support staff.

De Vere said coaching at Easts Carina had stoked his passion for playing again.

Broncos CEO Bruno Cullen said De Vere provided timely depth with a question mark over centre Justin Hodges' rehabilitation from major shoulder surgery.

After taking personal leave, Hodges returns to the Broncos on Monday.

AAP
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Rabbitohs Agree To Release Hegarty

January 23rd 2009 09:52
South Sydney have released former Queensland and Test utility Shannon Hegarty from his NRL contract.

Hegarty, who joined the club in 2004 after playing over 100 games for Sydney Roosters, has played just 59 times for the Rabbitohs.

The 29-year-old was contracted until the end of the 2009 season, however both parties reached an agreement for a release, the club said.

AAP

Shannon Hegarty
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Gareth Ellis At Wests Tigers

January 23rd 2009 09:46
The expectations are high but international second-rower Gareth Ellis doesn’t see himself as the ‘white knight’ of the Wests Tigers.

Ellis is enjoying his first pre-season training stint in the NRL after arriving at the Wests Tigers for three years with 17 Tests for Great Britain and five matches for England behind him.

Rated as one of the world’s best second-rowers, if not the best, Ellis played 212 games in the English Super League where he finished with a premiership victory with Leeds Rhinos last season.

“To prove yourself in the NRL is the biggest thing you can do,’’ Ellis said.

“Thankfully for me, the opportunity came. It is something I have always wanted to do. Wests Tigers were really forward in approaching me last year and giving me the opportunity.

“I felt I became a little bit stale last year. This sort of opportunity could spark me up. I know I am going to have to improve and be better than I have ever been in order to achieve what I want to over here.”

Ellis said he was excited to be playing alongside a strong forward contingent and packing down in the back-row with 2008 Wests Tigers player of the year, Chris Heighington.

He is aware of the pressures from the rugby league public to perform. To Ellis, he is just another player in a quality Wests Tigers team.

“You only have to look around the dressing room and see the talent that is in the room and the potential that is here,’’ Ellis said.

“Most of the players here have done it before so they should have the belief and the will and the want to do it again.

“Personally, the pressure that is on me is only what I put on myself. That is to play well, to train well, and to improve as a player.

“Since signing with Wests Tigers, I have had plenty of discussions with Tim Sheens about what is expected of me. Tim has been brilliant from the outset. He inspired me to come here and I have learnt plenty already.

“The way Wests Tigers dealt with me was second to none. I’m really excited about the prospect of playing here, particularly being the 10th anniversary of the Wests Tigers.

“I didn’t go home after playing for England in the World Cup and it has been a real easy transition for me.

“The club has looked after me and the players have made me feel really welcome. It has been good. I feel pretty much at home already.”

Ellis said he had taken on board the advice given by fellow Englishman and former Sydney Roosters prop Adrian Morley about the intensity and toughness of the NRL compared to the English Super League.

“The competition is getting stronger in England each year but there is the odd game where you know the top team is going to win,’’ Ellis said.

“There is the odd slip up but it is not the same as it is in the NRL.

“Adrian made clear to me that it is not easy. He gave me plenty of advice and said if you ever get the opportunity to do it, then go. I am surprised a lot more players back home haven’t done it.

“For any player to play in the NRL, it is about consistency and performing at a high level week in, week out. I didn’t come here with the attitude of seeing how it goes and if I don’t enjoy it, I will go home.

“It is just an exciting time for me, to be playing in the NRL and hopefully it won’t be just a case of happy to be here but making it a real success.

“I have come here fully committed to a contract and I want to make a success of it. Three years is a great sort of time frame to be here.”

Gareth Ellis File

Date of Birth: 3/5/1981

Birthplace: Castleford, England

Junior Club: Castleford Lock Lane

Position: Second row

Height: 189cm

Weight: 105kg

Rep Honours: 17 Tests for Great Britain, 5 matches for England

Super League Games: 212

Previous Clubs: Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Leeds Rhinos

NRL Media Release
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Mat Rogers Making Waves At Titans

January 22nd 2009 09:40
Never has dual international Mat Rogers felt more comfortable in the Gold Coast Titans No 6 jersey, and never has he felt more under threat.

The dual international revealed on Wednesday that he had told halves partner Scott Prince he finally felt at home at five-eighth after being forced to "learn the ropes again" in 2008.

However, Rogers admits there are no shortage of rivals, namely new arrival, former Canberra matchwinner William Zillman.

But Rogers hasn't done himself any favours, talking up the 22-year-old at every opportunity.

Zillman has just started a four year deal at the Titans but has already been touted as a future Origin star; a prediction Rogers heavily endorsed.

"Absolutely, he's already got the nickname 'TP' - total package," Rogers told AAP.

"He's as strong as an ox, super fit, great skills, and he can run all day.

Mat Rogers Titans


"On the field he is doing these amazing things but it looks like he is not even trying.

"We've already nicknamed him the fastest white man at the Titans."

Zillman - one of four new Titans recruits - is seen as a long term replacement for Rogers in the halves with coach John Cartwright set to move the ex-Raiders speedster into the centres in 2009.

But Rogers is taking nothing for granted despite finding a second wind at five-eighth.

"I just feel ready to play there (five-eighth) to be honest," Rogers said.

"I was talking to Princey the other day, I said I just feel I can play a lot better there now after learning the ropes again in that position.

"But we've got players putting their hands up for it. We will have to just wait and see."

Zillman is not the only one keeping Rogers on his toes.

Rogers said Titans boss Michael Searle's announcement that he was still searching for a marquee signing despite missing out on Cameron Smith and Robbie Farah would keep everyone honest.

Despite classy rakes Smith and Farah knocking back the Titans, No.1 Gold Coast hooker Nathan Friend is set to leave in 2010 after contract negotiations broke down.

The Titans officially kicked off their 2009 program on Wednesday - with a promotional touch footy game against cricket greats including South Africans Shaun Pollock, Allan Donald and Jonty Rhodes.

Even with Rogers and halfback Brad Davis injected into their side, the cricketers went down 6-2.

Gold Coast's first pre-season trial is against the Broncos at Wynnum on February 14.

AAP
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Allan Langer In Maroons Origin Staff

January 21st 2009 09:14
Mal Meninga endorsed Allan Langer as a future Queensland Origin head coach, moments after the legendary halfback had been officially added to the Maroons support staff.

Langer and former Maroons rake Jason Hetherington were the new faces on the 2009 coaching staff unveiled by Queensland Rugby League on Tuesday.

In another boost to Queensland's quest for an unprecedented fourth straight series win, tactical mastermind Neil Henry was given the green light by his NRL club North Queensland to remain as Meninga's assistant.

Bonding nights are about to get a lot more interesting for the Queensland team with the addition of legendary wag Langer.

But Meninga said Langer was serious about using the Maroons gig as a coaching stepping stone, and could make it all the way to the Queensland hot seat.

Langer, who will also be a Broncos assistant in 2009, will work on video analysis for Queensland and act as a trainer.

Allan Langer Maroons Staff


"He wants to make a go of coaching. Who knows one day he might be in my position; let's hope so anyway," Meninga told AAP.

"He has made the statement that he wants to get into coaching.

"He wants to make a career out of rugby league. Hopefully he can do that at the Broncos and with the Origin side.

"Obviously he is a character but we will also be relying on his expertise; he adds a new dimension to our training staff."

Langer, who played a record 34 Origins for Queensland, and Hetherington replace Kevin Walters and Steve Hooper on the Origin staff after they moved overseas.

While happy to welcome them to the fold, Meninga was also buzzing over the Cowboys green-lighting Henry for Origin duty.

Henry's Origin future was clouded after he left Canberra to take up North Queensland's head coaching reins in 2009.

The Cowboys are desperate to turn around their poor 2008 fortunes and it was feared they would be reluctant to release Henry to Queensland.

However, a kind NRL draw, and even kinder Cowboys officials, allowed not only Henry to join Meninga's staff but also North Queensland's notoriously tough trainer Billy Johnstone.

"What helped (Henry and Johnstone's release) was two byes (during the Origin period); the draw has been very kind to us," Meninga said.

"Neil and Billy wanted to continue the (Origin) arrangement but they were very mindful of their roles at the Cowboys.

"In the end it was down to the Cowboys' generosity. We are very lucky."

Ex-Canterbury rake Hetherington, who played eight Origins for Queensland, will assist Johnstone.

Steve Walters (manager), Bob Lindner (assistant manager/media), Scott Thornton (physiotherapist), Roy Saunders (doctor) and trainers Tony Spencer and Troy Thomson are all back for another Origin campaign.

Meninga baulked when asked if he now had the staff to win four straight series.

"We are not going to be talking about that," he said.

"We will be talking about making sure our preparation is good.

"We know how difficult it is to win an Origin game, let alone four series in a row."

The 2009 series features games in Melbourne on June 3, Sydney (June 24) and Brisbane (July 15).

AAP
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Nathan Fien To Stay With Warriors

January 21st 2009 08:57
Rugby league World Cup champion halfback Nathan Fien will remain with the New Zealand Warriors for this year's NRL competition.

Fien had asked the club for a release from the final season of his contract so he could take up a three-year deal with Huddersfield in the English Super League.

The Giants' offer had arisen after the British High Commission turned down former Canberra halfback Todd Carney's application for a visa, leaving Huddersfield without a playmaker.

But Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said Fien, who helped the Kiwis to their historic rugby league World Cup win last November, would not be going anywhere, emphasising he had an important role to play in the 2009 season.

"We've had a meeting with Nathan and it was made clear to him by (coach) Ivan Cleary that he will be an integral player in the Warriors' plans this year," Scurrah said.

"Nathan said he appreciated that and that he'll do everything he can to help the side."

Nathan Fien Warriors


Scurrah said Fien's situation had changed for several reasons over the past few months.

"Earlier last season, he had been told he wouldn't be offered a new contract after his current one ran out at the end of the 2009 season," he said.

"As Nathan has a young family, we thought it only fair to give him plenty of notice so he would have the best chance to secure his long-term future.

"We granted his request to consider other options but he later told us he wouldn't be seeking a release.

"He made it clear to us that he would be fully committed to the Warriors in 2009.

"This coincided with a huge lift in Nathan's form both for the club and then for the Kiwis at the World Cup."

Scurrah said there was a possibility Fien could stay with the Warriors beyond 2009.

"We have told him we have an open mind about the possibility of a new contract to stay with the club," he said.

"That position will be monitored and re-assessed during the season."

AAP
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Johnathan Thurston, Matt Bowen Comebacks On Track

January 20th 2009 07:06
Friday the 13th may turn out to be a lucky day after all for recovering North Queensland Cowboys fullback Matt Bowen.

Already buoyed by Johnathan Thurston's official return to training on Monday, the Cowboys have not ruled out Bowen from chiming into their NRL season opener at Brisbane on March 13 after an "encouraging" comeback from a serious knee injury.

Bowen is lightly jogging for the first time since undergoing surgery last July.

Cowboys football manager Dean Lance was cautiously optimistic when asked if Bowen was on track for Suncorp Stadium blockbuster against the Broncos - on a Friday the 13th no less.

"We are aiming for that. If he's ready for Friday 13th at Suncorp against the Broncos then great - if not he will be ready to play when he is ready to go," he told AAP.

"But we are hoping to get Matty back for the first couple of rounds of the competition.

Johnathan Thurston
Johnathan Thurston


"If he's ready to play in the last (pre-season) trial then we will give him a go, but I don't know.

"All we are doing is watching him train at the moment. But he's coming along well and training hard - it's all been really encouraging."

Lance said Bowen had done a "little bit" of running since easing into cycling, swimming and weights work earlier this month.

"When I say he is running it is very slow at this stage. He's not sprinting or doing anything out of the ordinary," he said.

"He is just trotting along, it is as per program for Matty.

"We said all along we would take it steady with Matty.

"We are not going to do anything that will jeopardise him coming back as soon as he possibly can."

But it seems comeback king Thurston is at it again.

Despite attending only his first training session on Monday, the Cowboys captain wants to make his competitive return from December's groin surgery a fortnight early in their opening NRL pre-season trial against Cronulla at Mackay on February 14.

He was initially scheduled to return in their final trial against Penrith at Cairns on February 28.

"It was his first official training session today and we were happy to see him," Lance said of Thurston.

"He's pretty keen to make amends after what was a disappointing season for the club - he wants to be out there leading the charge."

Thurston is making a habit of surprising the Cowboys' medical staff.

He returned four weeks early from shoulder reconstructive surgery in the 2008 NRL opening round at the Gold Coast.

AAP
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Broncos Israel Folau

January 7th 2009 13:52
Three years ago, Israel Folau was an unknown teenager playing touch footy in the Marsden State High playground. Now Folau is officially an NRL superstar.

The Queensland sensation launched his career at the Broncos this week, hailed as one of the most important signings in the club's history.

But Folau is no longer just the footballing teen renowned for steamrolling rivals 10 years his senior. He is now a corporate golden child; a once-in-a-generation whiz-kid who stands to make millions on the back of multi-national companies realising the power of his talent and the value of his clean-living Mormon lifestyle.

Broncos Israel Folau


But in his first interview since officially linking with the Broncos, Folau says he is determined his on-field performances will not be hindered by off-field hype.

Folau admits he is blown away by his corporate appeal but says money and fame won't change the boy reared in the blue-collar southwestern Sydney suburb of Campbelltown.

"I never thought as a kid I'd be famous and filming TV ads," said Folau, who has been in Coffs Harbour this week for a pre-season Broncos camp.

"I'm really lucky to be attracting sponsors and the money from football has helped my life, it's helped my family, but it won't change who I am.

"I want to stay level-headed. I don't want to become cocky or arrogant. My parents have taught me to be humble with the things I've achieved. I'm a shy person. To be honest, I don't like going out too much in public.

"Things have happened so quick for me – I was at school a couple of years ago – and sometimes I have to pinch myself at what's happened. But my family and friends keep my feet on the ground."

Folau, the youngest player to represent Australia, is expected to deliver from day one at Red Hill. But the 105kg giant is relishing the prospect of forming a centre partnership with Justin Hodges.

"I'm not worried about the expectation," he says. "I know I'm the big signing for Brisbane. I'm not thinking about it too much otherwise there'd be a lot of weight on my shoulders to live up to the expectation. I know it's a big year for me. It's important I don't slacken off and that I keep doing the little things to reach the big goals."

Having signed a four-year deal, Folau plans to become a Bronco for life and warns NRL rivals that he can get better.

"I don't feel I've played my best footy. There's areas in attack and defence I need to work on," he said.

"I've been in the NRL for two years but I'm still hungry for more.

"Even though I've won a comp and played Origin and for Australia, it doesn't mean I'm not hungry. I've got a lot to prove at the Broncos so I don't want to let them down. I want to try and finish my career in Brisbane."

Courier Mail
Jan 07
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Warrior Sonny Fai Presumed Drowned

January 5th 2009 13:40
Up and coming New Zealand Warriors player Sonny Fai is missing, presumed drowned, at a west Auckland beach.

His agent Frank Endacott said on Monday he believed 20-year-old Fai had just completed a training run on Bethell's Beach and had gone to cool off in the surf with three others on Sunday evening when they hit trouble in a rip, Stuff reported.

The alarm was raised about 8pm (1800 AEDT) and two inflatable boats and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter were scrambled to the scene.

Three of the men were rescued, but Fai remained missing when the search was called off about 10pm.

Warrior Sonny Fai Presumed Drowned


Family members and surf life savers continued the search until 1am and the helicopter resumed the search on Monday morning.

Fai has played 15 games for the New Zealand Warriors and made his National Rugby League debut in March last year.

He was named Warriors 2007 under-20 player of the year, and was a Junior Kiwis player from 2004-07.

Team management addressed the team on Monday, when pre-season training officially got under way in Auckland.

Warriors management Don Mann and John Hart went to visit the Fai family earlier on Monday morning.
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Reni Matua Signs With Cronulla

January 3rd 2009 13:31
Cronulla Sharks have signed Reni Maitua a month after the 26-year-old utility was sacked by the Bulldogs for missing a morning training session. The 26-year-old had been in talks with South Sydney but he opted to sign a one-year deal with the Sharks.

"In the end it was a tough decision," Maitua told the Daily Telegraph.

"I appreciate the interest from all the other clubs (but) I made a football decision and I think I can have a very good year with the Sharks.

Reni Matua


"I ended up doing a one-year deal because I am planning on having a really big year," he said.

Maitua's manager Sam Ayoub said the influence of Sharks coach Ricky Stuart was a major factor in his client's decision.

"He feels his football will compliment Ricky Stuart's coaching, and he also feels they going to have a very competitive side with the addition of Trent Barrett and Anthony Tupou," Ayoub told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"Reni felt the team and Ricky Stuart would be a good fit for him."
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Cronulla's Greg Bird England Transfer Denied

January 1st 2009 07:54
The Greg Bird saga rolls on, after his club and manager firmly denied a release agreement had been reached that would allow the troubled NRL star to play in England next season.

Reports surfaced on Thursday suggesting Bird was negotiating a release of less than $100,000 a year for the term of his four-year contract to head to the UK and join a Super League club, believed to be either Wigan or Warrington.

On a contract of $360,000 a season, Bird was believed to have initially sought a payout of $250,000 per year.

It appears likely Bird will ultimately move to England but both his manager Gavin Orr and Cronulla said on Thursday they were no closer to a resolution in the drawn-out saga.

Greg Bird Cronulla
Greg Bird Cronulla


"There's no release been accepted and I don't know where they've got that information from," Orr said of the reports.

"There's no offer been accepted by Greg Bird or his management."

Sharks chief executive Tony Zappia denied the club had even put a release offer forward and said the situation was still being dealt with by lawyers.

"It's just to-ing and fro-ing at the moment with our legal representatives and individually at different times they've been caught up in court cases themselves," Zappia said.

"They're just trying to touch base with each other, so that's where it's at."

Cronulla had reportedly planned to sack Bird earlier this month but a 10-page document from his legal representatives thwarted that plan.

He dodged another bullet on Tuesday when the Sharks board again decided to postpone a decision on the matter.

The exercise is proving costly for Cronulla, with Bird still being payed despite not training with the team.

It is believed he has received around $100,000 since being stood down by the club in August following his alleged assault of girlfriend Katie Milligan.

He is due to face court in April on charges of reckless wounding, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two charges of lying to police.

Zappia admitted it was in both parties' best interests to resolve the matter of Bird's future quickly but could not put a timeframe on a resolution.

"I think both parties would like some sort of resolution," Zappia said.

" ... The next scheduled board meeting is not until late January, unless something gets resolved prior to that."

Bird's expected departure from the Sharks would free up significant room under their salary cap and there is speculation the club is eyeing off ex-Bulldogs star Reni Maitua as a replacement.

Maitua is reportedly being courted by South Sydney and North Queensland but neither are believed to be in a position to make a reasonable offer.

Zappia did not rule out a move to the Sharks for the former Test lock, but said the club had not yet considered replacements should Bird leave.

"It hasn't been discussed," Zappia said.

"At this stage we're just looking at the immediate, we haven't looked beyond getting the matter resolved at this point of time."

Maitua's manager Sam Ayoub said his client would consider a move to Cronulla if a firm offer was made.

"There would be as much consideration as any other club that's shown interest because until we see the colour of any club's money, we don't know," Ayoub said.

Sharks Media Release
18 Dec 2008
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Star In The 2009 NRL TV Commercial

December 21st 2008 21:46
The National Rugby League is launching a new television campaign for the Telstra Premiership and Harvey Norman State of Origin series in 2009.

For this television campaign, the NRL requires a large number of fans who are available to give the game a day and appear within the commercial.

The shoot for the commercials will take place on January 14 and 15 in a studio in Artarmon, whilst the shoot on January 16 will take place at a park in South West Sydney.

The NRL requires each registered individual for at least 1 day, however fans are more than welcome to appear at all three shoots. The hours will be from 8am till 5pm.

To register your interest click here
NRL TV Commercial
.
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Storm Retains Smith Until 2012

December 10th 2008 13:32
Cameron Smith, Melbourne Storm captain, has agreed to stay with the NRL club for the next four seasons. Twenty-five year old Smith had been considering a move home to Queensland and the Gold Coast Titans for family reasons.

But on Wednesday he signed a contract extension which will see him remain in Melbourne until the end of 2012.

Storm chief executive Brian Waldron admitted Smith could have signed elsewhere for more money but opted to stay with the club which has played in the grand final for the past three seasons.

"I think there's no better place to be playing footy right now than at the Storm," Smith said.

Melbourne Storm Captain Cameron Smith
Melbourne Storm Captain Cameron Smith


Smith admitted the birth of his daughter Jada earlier this year had made him and wife Barbara seriously consider moving back to south-east Queensland where most of their family are to be closer to their support network.

"My first preference was to be in Melbourne ... it was always going to be best for my career to stay here," Smith said.

"With the birth of our first baby Jada early on in the year it was a big factor and we were probably a bit homesick.

"But we had a lot of support from everyone at the club and our ideas on that changed a little bit as the year went on."

Smith's signing adds to a star-studded list of players on long-term deals at the Storm.

The captain joins fellow Test and Origin stars Greg Inglis, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk as having pledged their long-term futures to the Storm.
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Policy Change Needed For Meninga To Coach Kangaroos

December 10th 2008 11:14
For Mal Meninga to become coach of the national Kangaroos side, the Australian Rugby League (ARL) needs to change its policy. The "Fearnley Rule" doesn't allow a state coach to take on the Australian coaching job as well.

An Origin coach without an NRL club hasn't had the national job since NSW mentor Terry Fearnley drove a wedge between players on the 1985 Kangaroos Tour of New Zealand after he dumped four Queenslanders before a Test and replaced them with Blues players.

Since then the Australian Rugby League (ARL) has had a policy of not employing current state coaches to take on the Australian role.

Debate surrounding Ricky Stuart's 2009 replacement deepened on Tuesday as an apparent stand-off between the Australian Rugby League (ARL) and the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) developed.

Mal Meniga
Mal Meninga May Become New Kangaroos Coach


The ARL makes the appointment but the QRL recently signed Meninga to an attractive three-year deal after he guided the Maroons to a third successive series win over NSW.

For Meninga to accept the ARL's offer as things stand, he'd have to relinquish his cherished Queensland job.

ARL chief executive Geoff Carr said there had been some discussion at Tuesday's board meeting in Brisbane about preparing a short list of coaches to be considered early in the new year.

But he said there'd been no discussion on amending any policy to spare Meninga from having to choose between Queensland and Australia.

Queensland Rugby League general manager Ross Livermore however boldly declared if it came to Meninga having to choose, he was confident he would turn down the Australian job.

Livermore said Meninga had telephoned him from country NSW on Tuesday morning to re-assure him he was committed to Queensland, aiming up for a record-breaking fourth successive Origin series win under his guidance.

Meninga painstakingly compiled an Origin blueprint around his exciting young Maroons which he put to the QRL after the triumphant 2008 series.

The QRL board endorsed it with a three-year contract.

Asked if Queensland had a quality back-up should Meninga request a release, Livermore said: "he won't, he'll be with Queensland".

"Contracts are as good as the people who enforce them and if Mal chose to go another way, you wouldn't hold the bloke to it.

"But coaching Queensland is what he wants to do, he's still very keen to do the job."

Livermore however said he could envisage a policy shift to allow Meninga to do both coaching jobs.

"The current policy as it stands is he can't do both jobs, but that could change," he said.
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Titans Hopeful of Robbie Farah

December 5th 2008 11:18
Gold Coast Titans are confident they will sign Robbie Farah by Christmas. Farah, the Wests Tigers' hooker met with the Titans on Wednesday, but is yet to make a final decision.

The Gold Coast set their sights on Farah after withdrawing a lucrative offer to Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith.

While talks with Smith's manager Isaac Moses were apparently strained, the Gold Coast have no such problems with Farah's representative Sam Ayoub.

Robbie Farah
Robbie Farah


While Farah's manager described their meeting on the Gold Coast on Wednesday as a "meet and greet", Ayoub was very keen for his client to make up his mind before the 2009 NRL season began.

It would mean Farah could sign with the Titans for 2010, then run out for his final season with the Wests Tigers.

"It (a decision before the new season) gives the players the opportunity to make their decision earlier," Ayoub said.

"(When) the season starts they can concentrate and get on with it.

"They are professionals, even if they are moving to other clubs they can still continue their commitment to their incumbent clubs."

Farah and Ayoub met with Titans managing director Michael Searle and coach John Cartwright for dinner on Tuesday night before official talks on Wednesday.

Farah toured the Titans' facilities at Runaway Bay and Robina, and was also tipped to check out real estate in the area.
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Lockyer to miss Raiders

June 10th 2008 04:47
MEDIA RELEASE - Brisbane Broncos

Brisbane Broncos


Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has again overlooked regular skipper Darren Lockyer due to his troublesome knee injury.

Lockyer was ruled unfit to take his place in the Maroons side to play Wednesday nights Origin match, with utility David Stagg again named at Five-eighth.

Backrower Corey Parker will again lead the Broncos in Lockyer's absence, with the Broncos hopeful that their Origin contingent of five will pull through unscathed.

The Broncos team to face the Raiders is -

1 Karmichael Hunt
2 Denan Kemp
3 Darius Boyd
4 Joel Moon
5 Reece Robinson
6 David Stagg
7 Peter Wallace
8 Ben Hannant
9 Michael Ennis
10 Joel Clinton
11 Sam Thaiday
12 Corey Parker (c)
13 Tonie Carroll

Interchange-
14 PJ Marsh
15 Ashton Sims
16 Nick Kenny
17 Dave Taylor
18 Derek Watkins
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Cleary makes changes

June 10th 2008 04:38
MEDIA RELEASE - New Zealand Warriors

New Zealand Warriors


The Vodafone Warriors will take a reshuffled line-up into Saturday night’s 14th-round NRL clash against Cronulla at Toyota Stadium.

Captain Steve Price and centre Brent Tate have both been named to return, backing up after playing for Queensland in tomorrow night’s second State of Origin match in Brisbane.

Their inclusion sees fill-in centre Wairangi Koopu and prop Sam Rapira moved to a five-man bench after they started against South Sydney last Friday night.

Also returning to the starting line-up at fullback is Lance Hohaia, replacing Patrick Ah Van who has been included as one of the interchange options after starting at fullback against Newcastle and South Sydney.

Recalled for his 181st first-grade appearance is veteran second rower Logan Swann (33), teaming up in the back row with fellow second rower Simon Mannering and loose forward Micheal Luck. He comes in at the expense of Epalahame Lauaki, who is set to line up for the Auckland Vulcans in the New South Wales Cup competition.

Also moved out of the playing squad are second rower Sonny Fai (20) and prop Russell Packer (18). They’ll turn out for the Vodafone Junior Warriors in Saturday night’s NYC curtain-raiser against the Sharks. Fai has played in nine of the first 12 NRL matches of the season while Packer has featured in each of the last five games.

The other notable selection is that of 19-year-old Wellingtonian Ben Matulino on the interchange bench. He becomes the third player after Fai and Packer to be promoted from the NYC side to make his NRL debut this season. Matulino, who has been highly impressive in the under-20 competition, will become the 142nd player to appear at first-grade level for the Vodafone Warriors.

“Ben has been on the cusp of this promotion for a while,” said coach Ivan Cleary.

“With Sonny and Russell, it was always part of the plan for them to go back to the NYC team after having a taste of NRL football. It’s part of their development and now Ben has his chance to experience NRL football.”

The New Zealand Warriors side to face the Sharks is -

1- Lance Hohaia
2- Michael Crockett
3- Brent Tate
4- Jerome Ropati
5- Manu Vatuvei
6- Nathan Fien
7- Grant Rovelli
8- Ruben Wiki (vc)
9- Ian Henderson
10- Steve Price (c)
11- Simon Mannering
12- Logan Swann
13- Michael Luck (c)

Interchange -
14- Patrick Ah Van
15- Evarn Tuimavave
16- Sam Rapira
17– Ben Matulino
18 - Wairangi Koopu
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Hinchcliffe and Weyman return

June 10th 2008 04:29
MEDIA RELEASE - Canberra Raiders

Canberra Raiders


The CFMEU Canberra Raiders will welcome back Ryan Hinchcliffe and Michael Weyman into their side this weekend, for their must win match against the Brisbane Broncos at Canberra Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Hinchcliffe returns after an extended layoff through a thumb injury, while Weyman plays his first match since being suspended in round four.

Raiders prop Scott Logan will miss the next three matches for the Green Machine, after he today pleaded guilty on his dangerous throw charge.

Logan’s absence sees Troy Thompson return to the starting side with Weyman on the bench, while Hinchcliffe’s inclusion on the bench sees a reshuffle of the Raiders playmakers, with Glen Buttriss set to start the match on Sunday at hooker.

With Buttriss starting at hooker Raiders skipper Alan Tongue moves to five-eighth, with Terry Campese shifting to the centres to cover for the injured Adrian Purtell, who is set to miss a minimum of three matches after straining the medial ligament in his knee.

David Milne shifts from the wing to fullback for the match, with incumbent fullback Bronx Goodwin trading places with Milne on the wing.

The Raiders have named an extended bench for the match with Ben Jones and Brett Kelly named in jumpers 18 and 19, while Toyota Cup centre Justin Carney has been named in jumper number 20. If Carney plays on Sunday afternoon it will be his first grade debut.

Raiders assistant Coach David Furner said Campese’s move to the centre would allow Alan Tongue to move into the halves, and maintain the size out wide in the backs.

“With Adrian Purtell out for between 3-6 weeks we’ve moved Terry Campese into the centres, and he’s played there before,” Furner said. “Alan has played in the halves before and he’s also a very good organiser and he’s been in a situation at nine over the past few weeks where he’s been more of an organiser, so we don’t see too much of a change their.”

Furner said David Milne’s move to fullback had been solid against the Eels, and he would stay there for the Broncos match.

“David has been taking his opportunities and it was a late change last week, Neil (Henry) spoke to him about his carries, and he has plenty of speed to the ball and bringing it back to the defensive line,” he said. “Again there’s some things there we need to adjust but he’s been impressive.”

The Canberra Raiders team to meet the Broncos is -

1. David Milne
2. Colin Best
3. Terry Campese
4. Joel Monaghan
5. Bronx Goodwin
6. Alan Tongue (C)
7. Todd Carney
8.Troy Thompson
9. Glenn Buttriss
10. Dane Tilse
11. Glen Turner
12. Nigel Plum
13. Joe Picker

Interchange -
14. Josh Miller
15. Ryan Hinchcliffe
16. Trevor Thurling
17. MIchael Weyman
18. Ben Jones
19. Brett Kelly
20. Justin Carney
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Barrett joins Sharks

June 5th 2008 05:56
MEDIA RELEASE - Cronulla Sharks

Cronulla Sharks


The Sharks confirm that they have secured the services of Trent Barrett on a two-year deal.

Currently playing for Wigan in the English Super League, Barrett will join the Sharks for the 2009 season.

Sharks coach Ricky Stuart, who spoke of Barrett and what his experience could potentially bring to the club at a recent members forum, was pleased that the former St George-Illawarra product would be in Sharks colours for the next two seasons.

“I’m extremely excited about having Trent join the club,” Stuart said. “I’ve got no doubt he will be very good for the Sharks both on and off the field.”

Likewise, CEO Tony Zappia was of the belief that Barrett, who has played 11 Test matches for Australia and seven times for NSW in the State of Origin series, would be a definite asset to the Sharks over the next two years.

“I’ve got no doubt Trent can add a new attacking dimension to the team and he is a great addition to the club,” Zappia said.

After 11 seasons at St George Illawarra Barrett was granted a release by the Dragons to join Wigan in 2007, where he has since played more than 50 games for the Warriors over the last two seasons.

In an outstanding debut season in the UK Barrett earned a number of accolades, including the Rugby League Writers Association Player of the Year award in 2007. Previous to joining Wigan, Barrett played 186 NRL games for the Dragons.

Barrett became available for a return to the NRL after negotiating an early release from his three-year contract at Wigan.
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Taylor names Toyota Cup stars

June 3rd 2008 06:19
MEDIA RELEASE - South Sydney Rabbitohs



The South Sydney Rabbitohs are pleased to announce their NRL and Toyota Cup sides to take on the New Zealand Warriors in round 13 of the 2008 season this Friday 6 June at Mt Smart Stadium.

Head Coach Jason Taylor has named two debutants in his line up for this week, with centre Jamie Simpson and halfback Chris Sandow set to play their first NRL games against the Warriors.

The two Queenslanders have earned a call up to the top grade after strong performances for the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup and the Rabbitohs Toyota Cup side respectively.

Scott Geddes, Ben Lowe and John Tamanika have also been promoted from the undefeated North Sydney Bears team for this game.

Rabbitohs winger Nathan Merritt will play his 100th NRL game this Friday night, becoming the ninth player in the Rabbitohs squad to reach the century milestone.

The Souths side to meet the Warriors is -

1. Luke Capewell
2. Nathan Merritt
3. Jamie Simpson
4. Fetuli Talanoa
5. John Tamanika
6. John Sutton
7. Chris Sandow
8. Scott Geddes
9. Issac Luke
10. Roy Asotasi (c)
11. Luke Stuart
12. David Fa’alogo
13. Ben Lowe

Interchange -
14. George Ndaira
15. Shannan McPherson
16. David Kidwell
17. Manase Manuokafoa
18. Michael Greenfield
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Parker named captain of weakened Broncos

June 3rd 2008 05:48
MEDIA RELEASE - Brisbane Broncos




Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennet has named his most inexperienced side this season, thaks to injuries and Brisbane's Origin contingent of Origin representatives.

The Broncos travel to WIN Stadium minus Ben Hannant, Karmichael Hunt, Peter Wallace, Sam Thaiday, Darren Lockyer, and Darius Boyd who are all on State of Origin duty, while centre Justin Hodges will spend the next six weeks on the sidelines after pleading guilty to his grade 3 dangerous tackle charge.

Backrower Corey Parker will lead the impressive batch of youngsters, with David Stagg and PJ Marsh the new halves combination.

The Broncos side to face the Dragons is -


1 Josh Hoffman
2 Denan Kemp
3 Joel Moon
4 Nick Emmett
5 Reece Robinson
6 David Stagg
7 PJ Marsh
8 David Taylor
9 Michael Ennis
10 Joel Clinton
11 Corey Parker (c)
12 Ashton Sims
13 Tonie Carroll

Interchange-
14 Greg Eastwood
15 Nick Kenny
16 Isaak Ah Mau
17 Shane Perry
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Monaghan on standby for NSW

June 3rd 2008 05:40
MEDIA RELEASE - Canberra Raiders



The CFMEU Canberra Raiders have named an extended bench for this weekends clash with the Eels at Parramatta Stadium, after centre Joel Monaghan was called into the NSW squad today for the second state of Origin match in Brisbane.

Monaghan is on standby for the injured Mark Gasnier, and will come into the side if the St George-Illawarra centre is ruled out through injury.

With NSW winger Jarryd Hayne also in doubt through the threat of suspension, Monaghan may also find himself on the wing if Hayne is suspended later this week.

Despite the chance of selection for the Blues, Raiders Coach Neil Henry named Monaghan in the Raiders line-up to face the Eels on Saturday, with Brett Kelly named on the extended bench.

If Monaghan is drafted in the NSW team Kelly will come onto the wing for the Green Machine, with Colin Best moving infield to the centres.

Henry said the Raiders would prepare this week as if Monaghan was already in the Blues team, with Colin Best moving infield.

"There's a chance Joel could still play, but we trained this morning with Colin Best in the centres," Henry said.

"We're preparing as if Joel will not be here, but there is a chance he could play."

Henry said Monaghan's selection was well deserved, for both him as an individual and for the Raiders.

"He's been good for us this year and created some attacking opportunities for us so if he does play it's a great opportunity for him," he said.

"It's a great thing for both him and the club, and reward for a good start to the season."

A small injury to Scott Logan was the only other concern for the Green Machine, but Henry said an extended bench gave the Raiders options for Saturday night.

"Scott Logan has a small hip flexor problem so we'll see if he's Ok, but Troy Thompson's knee has come good and after some swelling he ran quite well this morning," he said.

"Michael Weyman comes into contention this week as well, so it depends on the fitness of Logan."

After serving a six week suspension Michael Weyman was also named on the extended Raiders bench, and said he's looking forward to getting back on the paddock this weekend.

"I'll just have to wait and see what happens by the end of the week," Weyman said.

"I feel alright I suppose but it's been a fair while since I had a run.

The Raiders side to take on the Eels is -

1.Bronx Goodwin
2.Colin Best
3.Adrian Purtell
4.Joel Monaghan
5.David Milne
6.Terry Campese
7.Todd Carney
8.Scott Logan
9.Alan Tongue (c)
10.Dane Tilse
11.Glen Turner
12.Nigel Plum
13.Joe Picker

Interchange -
14. Josh Miller
15. Glen Buttriss
16. Trevor Thurling
17. Troy Thompson
18. Ben Jones
19. Brett Kelly
20.Michael Weyman
19. Joel Thompson
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Wiki to take on Souths

June 3rd 2008 05:32
MEDIA RELEASE - New Zealand Warriors



Vice-captain Ruben Wiki will move within three games of his landmark 300th NRL appearance when he returns to the Vodafone Warriors’ line-up for Friday night’s clash against South Sydney at Mt Smart Stadium.

With captain Steve Price on State of Origin duty with Queensland, Wiki (35) will start at prop after playing 70 minutes straight for the Auckland Vulcans in their New South Wales Cup match against Western Suburbs last Saturday.

Wiki’s last NRL outing was against Penrith on May 18, taking his career tally to 296. He needs four more matches to become only the 10th player in the competition’s 100-year history to make 300 first-grade appearances.

Wiki’s return is one of several changes to the side that beat the Newcastle Knights 18-16 on Saturday night, the Vodafone Warriors’ first away victory of the season.

Apart from Price returning to the Queensland side after missing the opening Origin game through injury, centre Brent Tate has been retained in the Maroons.

His absence has resulted in Aidan Kirk moving from the left wing into the centres, a position he has filled regularly for the Auckland Lions and the Auckland Vulcans over the last two seasons.

Another feature of the side is the inclusion of giant winger Manu Vatuvei’s after a six-week stint on the sideline. He scored seven tries in the first seven matches of the year but hasn’t played since the clash against Gold Coast on April 27, when he was forced off with what turned out to be a spiral fracture of his left fibula.

Also back in the side is utility Lance Hohaia, who missed the Newcastle trip with a thigh injury. While he has been the regular fullback since replacing Kirk in the opening match of the season, Hohaia will be used off the bench this time with Patrick Ah Van retained after his match-winning deeds against the Knights.

Ah Van was outstanding in his first outing at fullback this season, scoring a try and kicking three goals from four attempts including the winning penalty. He gained 157 metres from 15 runs (including 118 metres from nine kick returns), he made six tackles and missed none, was credited with four tackle breaks and he made no errors.

There’s also a change in the Vodafone Warriors’ starting second row combination on Friday night where Epalahame Lauaki moves back into the run-on combination and 20-year-old Sonny Fai goes onto the bench.

The Warriors side to meet the Rabbitohs is -

1- Patric Ah Van
2- Michael Crockett
3- Aiden Kirk
4- Jerome Ropati
5- Manu Vatuvei
6- Nathan Fien
7- Grant Rovelli
8- Ruben Wiki (vc)
9- Ian Henderson
10- Sam Rapira
11- Simon Mannering
12- Epahalame Lauaki
13- Michael Luck (c)

Interchange -
14- Lance Hohaia
15- Evarn Tuimavave
16- Russell Packer
17– Sonny Fai
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Grothe dropped, Williams debuts

June 3rd 2008 05:24
MEDIA RELEASE - Parramatta Eels

Parramatta Eels


19 year old Tony Williams will make his National Rugby League debut when the Pirtek Parramatta Eels take on the Canberra Raiders this Saturday night at Parramatta Stadium.

Williams, who at 193cm and 106kg has been a stand out in the Toyota Cup, has been selected on the wing in place of Eric Grothe.

"There are parts of Eric's game that we have asked him to work on and we feel we haven't seen the necessary improvement from him," Eels head coach Michael Hagan said.

"It is a shame for him that Wentworthville have the bye this week in the NSW Cup, but we hope that taking some time to think about things will bring the desired result.

"Tony Williams will make his debut and will no doubt benefit from having Taulima Tautai and Krisnan Inu in the backline with him, given he's played plenty of football with them in the past.

"We're looking forward to seeing how he handles the step up."

Daniel Wagon returns to the starting line up after missing the Broncos match for family reasons, while Weller Hauraki returns to the bench in place of Brendan Oake, who will miss one match after taking an early guilty plea on a striking charge.

Inu shifts to the centres in place of Jarryd Hayne, who will attempt to get a dangerous throw charge downgraded at the NRL Judiciary after being named in the NSW side for State of Origin two.

Tautai takes Inu's place on the wing.

The Eels side to face the Raiders is
-

1. Luke Burt
2. Taulima Tautai
3. Krisnan Inu
4. Joel Reddy
5. Tony Williams
6. Feleti Mateo
7. Brett Finch
8. Nathan Cayless [C]
9. Mark Riddell
10. Fuifui Moimoi
11. Nathan Hindmarsh
12. Daniel Wagon
13. Chad Robinson

Interchange -
14. Matthew Keating
15. Josh Cordoba
16. Weller Hauraki
17. Junior Paulo
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Price and McKinnon extend contracts

May 31st 2008 08:41
MEDIA RELEASE - New Zealand Warriors

New Zealand Warriors


Captain Steve Price and fullback Wade McKinnon have extended their stays with the Vodafone Warriors.

Just back from a long lay-off with a hamstring injury, 34-year-old Price will lead the Vodafone Warriors’ NRL campaign next year, adding a fifth season to his time at Mount Smart Stadium.

And McKinnon (27) has signed a new two-year deal which will keep him at the club until the end of the 2011 season.

McKinnon’s contract extension comes at a time when he and the club’s medical staff are now highly optimistic that he’ll be able to return from his season-threatening knee injury before the end of the 2008 campaign.

The contract announcements follow confirmation that Brisbane winger-fullback Denan Kemp (21) will join the club on a two-year deal for the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

Price, who made his 285th NRL appearance against Newcastle last night, was thrilled to sign a new deal for a 16th season in the competition.

“I’m so pleased to have another year with the Vodafone Warriors,” he said.

“It was a great move for our family to come to Auckland (in 2005) and I’m excited about being able to add another season onto my time with the club. It’s a real boost after coming back from injury last week.

“Our medical staff did a brilliant job getting me back on the field and I’m really looking forward to doing all I can to help the team from now on.”

McKinnon is also set to have five seasons with the Vodafone Warriors after signing his new deal.
With Price, he was one of the club’s best players in 2007, making a huge impression in his debut year in Auckland. He needed a knee reconstruction after damaging anterior cruciate ligaments in his right knee in a trial match against Newcastle in February.

It was originally thought he’d be out for the season but Vodafone Warriors team doctor John Mayhew has indicated McKinnon is now in line to return to the field before the end of the season.

“Wade has worked really hard and has made much better progress than expected,” he said.

“While we can’t put a date on it, we are now optimistic he’ll be back on the field later in the season.”

Whenever McKinnon does return, his first match back will be especially poignant. Not only will it mark his comeback from a major operation but it will also be his 100th NRL appearance.

Price is also in sight of a milestone, one of the biggest in the game. After last night’s outing – his 63rd for the Vodafone Warriors – he needs 15 more to join a list of just nine players who have reached the 300-game barrier in the competition’s 100-year history.
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Souths re-sign promising youngsters

May 30th 2008 04:00
MEDIA RELEASE - South Sydney Rabbitohs

Souths


The South Sydney Rabbitohs have re-signed two of their brightest up-and-coming stars with Luke Capewell and Chris Sandow confirming their allegiance to the Rabbitohs for 2009 and 2010 today.

Capewell and Sandow have been the stand out players in the Rabbitohs Toyota Cup side so far this season, with both players earmarked for NRL honours in the not too distant future.

The two 19-year-olds, who are both from Queensland, toured on the 2006 Australian Schoolboys tour and have formed a strong combination in the Rabb