New Deal for Fitzgibbon Likely

Sydney City Roosters captain Craig Fitzgibbon and Roosters officials have been in talks to extend the veteran back rowers current deal past 2007.

The Roosters re-signed Fitzgibbon late last year; but strong form saw him impress officials in the backend of 2006. Last year was forgettable for Fitzgibbon and the Sydney side; finishing second last and losing many big name stars.

The Roosters need a strong senior player such as Fitzgibbon to provide a mentor role to the mainly inexperienced playing roster; at 29 years of age he is enjoying the captaincy and keen to play at least one more year after 2007.

Known as a fitness finatic; Fitzgibbon is much like the timeless Steve Menzis and able to match it with younger opponents. His goal kicking duties must not be overlooked either, shooting at well over 80%, not to mention playing 80 mins every week and his injury free body - all make for attractive reading to any NRL club.

While the sums apparently haven't been done on the contract figures; Fitzgibbon has indicated to management he is extremely happy at Bondi and can't imagine playing for any other club.

Manager David Riolo predicts talks with Canavan and Politis of the Roosters will be finalised before 2007 season kick-off and Roosters fans can expect to see Fitzy at least into 2008.

Souths can the 'Can-Can'

South Sydney owner Russell Crowe last night made the announcement that the Rabbitohs will be discarding their cheerleaders for 2007.

In a move that comes as a surprise; the attractive girls in tight pants will be replaced by male and female drummers for home games.

Crowe said the decision would allow current members to feel more comfortable at home games; and hopefully entice more females to join the clubs large supporter base.

Souths apparently interviewed many people before making the decision and their responses were mostly favourable to the idea.

The booted cheerleaders might not have to look far for new jobs; because as the Rabbits wind down their cheerleading division - the Cronulla Sharks are growing theirs substantially. The Sharks have a development program in place for young cheerleaders; the youngsters get to spend time with the NRL cheerleaders and this has seen the 'Sharkette's' become one of the leading and most popular pom pom squads in the game.

So with this announcement it seems the meat pie's day's in the NRL are numbered.

Union throws weight and cash behind Raiders, while Bunnies push pills


Large trade union group CFMEU who signed on as the Canberra Raiders major shirt sponsor for season 2007 through until 2009 - is hoping to get a positive reaction when the Raiders hit the field in new jerseys for 2007.

In a partnership deal that took place quietly mid way through 2006; the marriage of the Canberra team to one of Australia's largest unions didn't rate highly in media reports.

It would be interesting to hear what CFMEU members have to say about the cash outlay, is such a deal really advantageous to the man in the street? It is hard to imagine members getting access to the corporate box on match day or sipping on fine champagne at behind the glass at Bruce Stadium.

Unlike the South Sydney Sponsorship deal with FirePower Systems - the manufacturers of the controversial 'PowerPill' for motor vehicles, the Raiders deal will not be talked about until the masses see the new jersey and logo for 2007.

The South Sydney sponsor was announced on live television courtesy of Russell Crowe's late nite talkshow visit. The media however have been intrigued by the Firepower Company, most noteably the Sydney Morning Herald - who conducted investigations into the Firepower company and it's claims that a magic pill assists cars with reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions. See SMH articles: Firepower Linked to Dead Dictator and Former Spy and Firepower Pill Probe

Out of no where, the Firepower company took up massive sponsorship across Australia including the major sponsorship of The Sydney Kings, Interests in SuperCars, AFL, Rugby Union and Rugby League.

Bunnies engine room goes high-tech

Cashed up South Sydney has spent up big on training equipment and facilities for 2007. The injection of funds from the Crowe / Homes a Court consortium has allowed the Bunnies to compete of even terms with the larger clubs of the NRL and has seen their Erskineville Base turned into a high tech engine room.


The most distinctive and unique training device they have installed is called the 'Power Cage'. The device is a first for the NRL, and the technology is predominately used in the AFL - coming out of leading clubs such as the West Coast Eagles.

The power cage requires the player to take a single vertical leap, and their strength and recovery vitals are recorded and tracked daily by computer software. This technique allows for individual monitoring of players, by plotting their strength and more importantly their muscle fatigue after each session - recovery periods can then be determined and players training plans can be tailored to their individual requirements.

The new tools available to South Sydney are complimented by a team of training and conditioning experts. Most notably Erroll Allcott; who takes the role of Director - Health and Recovery.

Coach Jason Taylor is pleased with the make up of the squad and feels the new playing roster has blended well. Taylor; who married during the off-season will certainly have his hands full in 2007 - it would be easy to feel sorry for Taylor; as he tries to steer the Bunnies to victory by day and trying to tame his new bride by night.

New Zealand gets a visit from Rugby League heavyweights

NRL officials and several high profile ex-players will visit New Zealand and join the Warriors for a promotional expedition next week.

NRL CEO David Gallop, ex-referee Bill Harriagn and former players Tallis, Daley and Fenech will be special guests at a seminar to boost the NRL profile in New Zealand.

Recent seasons have been hard for the NZ Warriors and the visit is intended to jump start NRL interest over the ditch.

Inconsistent results, player turnover and shocking weather has seen the Warriors crowd figures drop by the highest percentage of any NRL team. The Warriors now have the worst crowd average in the league, dipping below Melbourne at the 2006 season.

Figures like this sent shockwaves through the NRL administration and suddenly the focus went from Melbourne to NZ. The Melbourne Storm have always been the subject of speculation regarding crowd figures and their long term future, however their consistent good results and ability to make the finals regularly has seen them increase crowd figures in recent seasons.

2006 salary cap scandals only added to the Warrior woes, losing competition points before kick-off and a franchise that is tearing up money faster than a punter on Melbourne Cup day.

Privately the NRL is worried for the Warriors future; which is why the high profile cast including Gallop will make the trip over next week to sure up local support.

The Warriors kick off their season against Parramatta on Saturday March 17; with their first round match being played at home in Auckland.

Evolution of Coaching Role will Cause Casualties

The modern day Rugby League coach is ever increasingly in the spotlight. From post match media interviews trying to explain on field results to weekly interviews for radio or news crews.

While this might seem daunting, and I am sure it would be for most - some coaches are able to use this as a positive for their club and their personal careers.

Certain coaches have used this time to build pressure on referees by mentioning something the whistle blower 'is' or 'is not' doing - this generally happenes before important games, where coaches will mention every illegal tactic next weeks opponent has been using - in the hope they can influence the referee to their teams advantage.

Not only has media attention increased on coaches, their role has now become more of an overall unit manager. The appearance of conditioning coaches, backs coaches, forwards coaches and assistant coaches has elevated the coach into a role of a conductor. Where as in years gone by, a coach would spent hours on the training paddock with his team, with many new assistants these days - a head coach will spend more time studying opposition weaknesses in video sessions and planning the assault plan for the weekend ahead.

This evolution has allowed NRL clubs to improve dramatically, while some coaches have adapted and flourished under this new style - some coaches find it hard to deal with the constant media commitments and the daily man management regime. These coaches find it hard to don the suit and tie for game day and are much more at home in a tracksuit chomping on a pie during the big game.

Ricky Stuart is an interesting example; the former Bondi coach was groomed by the Roosters and tried hard to present a professional look whilest overseeing his coaching staff of John Cartwright and David Gillespie. While his passionate outbursts and bottle throwing antics were often caught on camera, Stuart generally managed staff well and handled the media well most of the time.

In contrast; coaches such as Brian Smith and Phil Gould are absolute masters of the new age. These guys have managed to perfect game faces that Las Vegas Poker Pro's would be proud of. Totally prepared and co-ordinated on match day, Smith and Gould conduct their orchestra of staff during the leadup week perfectly. Their players run out ready for war, and they rarely lose face in a post match interview. The only occasion Gould leaked emotion was during an emphatic last minute Origin win and the media was quick to swoop.

While most have adapted, concerns arise for young coach Nathan Brown. The former hooker has been groomed by the Red and Whites for several years now. From face slapping incidents, to swearing post match to being photographed drinking with players - Brown is a throw back to days gone by and flies in the face of modern coaching. Will Brown's learning curve continue, can he straighten that tie and close the potty mouth this year?

With the Dragons squad losing many stars at the end of 2006 and Brown having spent many years in the job - Brown had better catch the fast train to finishing school or risk catching the all stations to centrelink.

The Voice of the NRL; who's next in line?

The booming voice of Ray Warren is synonomous with Rugby League. His passionate and excitable style is much loved by the wider NRL community. As we arrive home to watch Friday Night Football after a long work week, we take comfort as the voice of Rabs bursts into our living rooms. His style is unique; as he dances from smooth flowing commentary to cracker jack explosions - when a 'step', 'weave' or 'bone crunching tackle' occurs.

Warren is undoubtedly the king of NRL commentary and has been for over 2 decades . As we look to the future; who does Channel 9 have in mind as the next golden voice? While Andrew Voss has been the substitute for some time, is he really the man to take on the role full time?

Voss certainly holds his own at the helm, albeit without being explosive or unique. It seems however, the only other real alternatives would have to be from the Fox stables. The likes of Warren Smith or possibly Andy Raymond breaking ranks and joining the stables at Channel 9.

The rise in profile of Foxtel's Warren Smith has certainly provided an attractive option for Channel 9. Smith currently enjoys lengthy airtime with Fox; hosting several mid week NRL programs. His slick presentation style and smooth tones make him an attractive choice and a popular figure with the public.

As we approach kickoff for 2007; it will be interesting to see if any future planning is undertaken by Channel 9. Will they blood new talent, give Voss more airtime or make a big name signing? Let us know your thoughts, by commenting below.