MELBOURNE recorded a 32-6 victory over Gold Coast in an historic NRL trial at Coffs Harbour, but the youthful Titans were gallant in defeat against a star-studded opposition.

The Titans' 28-man squad, drawn mainly from the Queensland Cup for the club's first ever game, put up a brave fight against the 2006 grand finalist at a packed BCU International Stadium.

Melbourne only hit the after-burners in the final 20 minutes as the score blew out after tries to winger William Chambers, who jagged a double, back rower Sam Tagataese and fullback Billy Slater.
Former Storm winger Chris Walker, who bagged his side's only try, hobbled off the field in the 78th minute with a suspected knee injury.

The anticipated payback against Melbourne's Steve Turner – who reneged on a three-year agreement with the Titans – failed to materialise as the 22-year-old was kept away from the thick of the action on the wing before shifting to fullback late in the game.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy kept 20-year-old superstar Greg Inglis on the sideline for a large chunk of the match making it difficult to gauge his performance in the unfamiliar five-eighth role, although the Queensland and Australia winger was dangerous out wide.

Storm was expected to smash the Titans, who fielded a team chock-full of state league players sprinkled with a handful of NRL first graders.
Gold Coast stars Mat Rogers, Scott Prince, Luke Bailey and Preston Campbell were rested for the match but are expected to get a run against Parramatta in Lismore next weekend.

The "baby Titans" acquitted themselves well and trailed only 12-6 after an hour's play.
Melbourne jumped to a 12-0 lead after 11 minutes through converted tries to skipper Dallas Johnson and former Newcastle centre Anthony Quinn.

The Titans were solid in defence and able to repel Storm's array of attacking weapons, including speedsters Inglis and Slater.
Walker, playing for a contract over the next three weeks, scored an opportunist 34th minute when he won a scramble for a Kaufmann grubber.

Pint-sized halfback Isaac Kaufmann was one of the best for the Titans while Johnson put in a typical tradesman-like effort for Storm.

TITANS 6 v STORM 32

Scorers Titans: C Walker try. C Walker goal.Scorers Storm: W Chambers 2, D Johnson, A Quinn, S Tagataese, B Slater tries. C Smith 4 goals.

BCU International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, NSW

7.30pm

David Myles (c) Titans, Dallas Johnson (c) Storm

Referee: Tony Archer

HALF TIME: Storm 12-6

FULL TIME: Storm 32-6

SYDNEY Roosters' delight at winning the inaugural Foundation Cup was tempered by a devastating injury to Chris Flannery with the Queensland Origin utility set to spend an extended stint on the sidelines with a suspected broken ankle.

Flannery, a late inclusion for the Roosters' first NRL trial of the season after Adam Schubert succumbed to a knee injury, was taken from the field on a medicab just eight minutes from full-time in the match won 10-4 by the Roosters at Aussie Stadium.

"I felt something go, it may be a fracture or a break in the ankle," a dejected Flannery said just before setting off for an x-ray. "When I came up here (the dressing room) it was sort of moving all over the place. It doesn't feel too good."
Club doctor John Orchard said the best case scenario would see Flannery return in eight weeks while a four-month stint on the sidelines was the worst prognosis.

The news may also be bad for new prop Chris Beattie after he was put on report for a high tackle on Tigers hooker Robbie Farah. The double blow took the gloss off what was an ideal way for the Roosters to kick off the club's 100-year anniversary celebrations, with a healthy crowd of 16,198 turning up.

Both sides rested several stars with Craig Fitzgibbon, Braith Anasta and Anthony Minichiello missing for the Roosters and Brett Hodgson and five-eighth Benji Marshall amongst the Tigers absentees.
The game never reached any great heights as both teams blew out the cobwebs following a long off-season.

New Roosters coach Chris Anderson was upset at a couple of bombed chances which cost his side an easier win.
He also admitted he was still none the wiser as to who he will play in the halves after both Mitchell Pearce and Jamie Soward impressed for the home side.

Pearce played the first 40 minutes while Soward came on after the break to score the match-winning try after wingers Taniela Tuiaki and John Williams traded first half four-pointers.
"The way we executed the things we've been doing at training I thought was good... we lost our shape a bit in attack but that's what happens when it's a new attack," Anderson said.

"I thought both the halfbacks did some good things, I was really pleased with Mitchell Pearce – first game stepping up – he copped a couple of good whacks.
"It was a bit harder for Jamie in the second half because we got a bit tired and we lost a bit of shape.
"It hasn't sorted (the halfback dilemma) out really."

Tigers new half John Morris was amongst his side's best with Tim Sheens more than happy to see no new injury worries come out of the match.

TIGERS 4 v ROOSTERS 10(Foundation Cup)
Scorers Tigers: T Tuiaki try. D Collis 0/1 goals.Scorers
Roosters: J Williams try. J Soward 1/1, S Foley 0/1 goals.
Aussie Stadium, Sydney, NSW
7.30pm
HALF TIME: 4-all
FULL TIME: Roosters 10-4
Crowd: 16,128

Parramatta Ice the Sharks
(DJ Alamo Predicts Exact Result)

MICHAEL Hagan's reign as Parramatta coach got off to the best possible start with an understrength Eels outfit beating the Sharks 36-14 in a NRL trial in Parkes.

The Eels scored seven tries to the Sharks three in what was the first hitout for both sides ahead of the season proper, which kicks off in just under four weeks.

Hagan chose to rest most of his first-choice squad for the match but the Eels still had too much class for the Sharks, with young Parramatta halves Blake Green and Feleti Mateo particularly impressive.

Despite their performance they are still likely to find themselves in Premier League for round one of the NRL with Hagan insisting he was set to go with Tim Smith and new buy Brett Finch in the halves for the trip to New Zealand when the Eels meet New Zealand Warriors in the season opener.

Stand-in skipper Mark Riddell also showed he was ready for a big season with a try and two goals in a typically robust performance, while former Sydney Rooster Richard Fa'aoso did his claims for a place in the Eels pack no end of good with a powerful debut.

"It probably doesn't mean too much but it's good to get the season off to a winning start," said Hagan, who would have been just as relieved to see his side get through the game without any injury concerns.
While the scoreline wouldn't have left on smile on new Sharks coach Ricky Stuart's face, he would have been happy to have seen Ben Ross get through the game unscathed.

The former Queensland Origin front rower was playing his first game in almost 10 months following a knee reconstruction.

Halfback Brett Kearney, former Manly three-quarter Paul Stephenson and young centre Dane Neilsen scored tries for the Sharks, while former Brisbane centre Fraser Anderson showed he was ready for a lengthy stint in the top grade with a solid display.

EELS 36 v SHARKS 14
Pioneer Oval, Parkes, NSW 6.00pm
HALF TIME: Eels 22 - Sharks 10
3/4 TIME: Eels 30 - Sharks 14
FULL TIME: Eels 36 - Sharks 14
Crowd: 8,071

Smith: Akward times at Parramatta

New Newcastle Knights coach Brian Smith says he felt let down by certain members of his former club Parramatta last year.

Smith left the Eels mid-season in controversial circumstances, when he decided his presence was hindering the side's on-field performance.
He said he was still disappointed at the way he was treated at Parramatta during his last season.

"Personally I think it was more about some of the other people in the place who just didn't react the same way they had around me in the previous seasons," Smith said.
"It's always an awkward thing, I'm not pretending it's easy but it was dissapointing for me."

This article was reported by NRL News. NRL News writes daily articles on NRL Rugby League, including predictions, assessment and unique content. We also encourage NRL fans to provide their feedback on all topics, and we also carry all NRL game reviews, and points table / ladder.

NRL News is for the fans!

www.NRLnews.com

Injuries Hit Foundation Cup Clubs

West Tigers have lost Ben Galea to a hamstring injury, he will be replaced by Bronson Harrison. The Tigers already missing Hodgson and Marshall, will find it tough against a Roosters side now packing some punch.

The Roosters while losing Halfback Josh Lewis (shoulder) and lock Adam Schubert (knee) for the Aussie Stadium trial, are able to throw in Chris Flannery to start at No.13 and Craig Wing on to the bench.

Hooker Wing said he was glad to be getting some match time.

"It was always going to be hard to watch this one from the stands," Wing said.

"The boys have been training the house down since last October and I'm just excited to be kicking-off our 100th year in front of our home fans."

Wing and Flannery will add experience to a young Roosters side attempting to make a winning start in 2007 against the 2005 premiers.

Sharks keen to start with a win

The Sharks left Sydney yesterday for the NSW country town of Parkes for their first hit out for 2007.

A squad made up primarily of young up and comers and the Sharks new recruits, the team to face the Eels will take on a new look as the Sharks take to the field for their initial outing under the Ricky Stuart 'regime'.

In the absence of David Simmons, Dustin Cooper will stake a claim for the number one jersey, with Simmons likely to miss at least one round of the competition proper as he continues to recover from off-season shoulder surgery.

In the halves, Brett Seymour and Brett Kearney have the chance to show their wares, with the incumbent half-five eighth combination of Brett Kimmorley and Adam Dykes not making the trip to Parkes for the opening trial match. Both are expected to play limited game time in the final two trials.

And in the forwards, Ben Ross, after missing the majority of 2006 with a knee injury, will play his first game since round eight last year when he tackles the Eels in Parkes. Coach Stuart has said he will give Ross extensive game time in a bid to rebuild his timing and confidence.

The Sharks play the Eels at Pioneer Oval in Parkes, with the match kicking off on Saturday night at 6.00pm.

The Sharks team, with a likely run-on side, for Saturday night;

Dustin Cooper, Matt Raftery, Dane Nielsen, Travis Robinson, Fraser Anderson, Brett Seymour, Brett Kearney, Ben Ross, Isaac De Gois, Jacob Selmes, Phil Leuluai, Paul Stephenson, Cameron Ciraldo. Interchange - Henry Perenara, Misi Taulapapa, Scott Porter, Michael Greenfield, Sitaleki Timani, Brett Finn, Dayne Weston, Wendall Wilson and Bryson Goodwin.

Mini drives to Hell and Back

Ten months - ten long and painful months of heartache, pain, agony, torment and pure hard work. This has been the story for the past year for the former Australian, NSW and current Sydney Roosters fullback Anthony Minichello.

Anthony Minichello has not played a first grade game since April last year when his L5 disc lodged against his sciatic nerve which was described by doctors as they worst they have seen.

It took not only surgery to fix the problem but it took from him his 2006 season including Origin and Australian representative jumpers as well as enforcing on him months and months of rehab.

It at one stage was so bad that not only could he hardly get up, let alone do daily every life activities there was a possibility that he may never play football again.

But the 2005 Golden Boot winner did not let that get to him as his desire to make it back into that football jumper again grew and grew each day.

"At no stage has he given in. He's always had the bigger picture in mind. He has always had it in his head that he would play again,'' said Roosters strength and conditioning Coach Ben Gardner.

"He's showed a whole lot of desire and commitment."

Minichello does whatever he can to get back to the way he used to be.

"Even now, when I'm not doing anything at home, I'll jump on the Swiss ball while I'm watching telly - it's worth it,'' Minichiello said.

Although the progress that has been shown is outstanding this unfortunate injury has also come at a permanent price as he now must not only change his running style but must restrict his training schedule to release as much pressure as possible on his back.

He is in good hands though as specialists from the Australian Institute of Sport are working on a method to alter his running style that ultimately led to the movement of his L5 disc.

"His schedule will be monitored daily. I think he'd rather modify his training than not play football at all,'' Gardner said.

Minichello is expected to take the field in the first round clash against rivals South Sydney with a possible chance of him being included in one of two upcoming trials.

Will Minichello be able to get back to his hard hitting, tackle breaking form that got him countless representative honours and the 2005 Golden Boot, or will the niggling injury cause Minichello to never be the same again?

ARU in secret talks with Grothe and Tahu

RAMPAGING Parramatta wing Eric Grothe could be rugby's next big buy from league, irrespective of whether or not Lote Tuqiri stays with the code. Australian Rugby Union chief negotiator Pat Wilson yesterday confirmed rumours circulating in league circles that Grothe, 27 next month, had made it known he was interested in switching to rugby when he comes off contract at the end of this year.

"It is very preliminary at this stage," Wilson said. "It's a balloon going up, nothing more. We haven't met with him, we haven't discussed anything with him at this point." While Tuqiri's decision on whether to remain with the Waratahs and Wallabies obviously would influence how seriously the ARU pursues Grothe, there is little doubt that he would be seen as a prize recruit to the 15-a-side game.

Grothe, son of Test league wing sensation of the 1980s Eric, is regarded as one of the hardest and fastest runners in the 13-a-side game. At 188cm and 102kg, he has the build to fully exploit crosskicks to the wing. Confirmation that the ARU is chasing Grothe comes a day after it was also targeting his Parramatta team-mate Timana Tahu.

The Eels' bid to negotiate a new deal for Tahu, who has a get-out clause for the final year of his contract next year, is being hampered by the fact the wing is between management companies. Sources yesterday said the sports agency trying to acquire Tahu could be doing so to offer the Eels duo as a package to the ARU.

It is understood The Eels opened talks with Grothe last month and are in the process of tabling a two-year offer to keep the wing. "We are very keen for him to stay at the Eels and we are hopeful or confident of reaching a decision soon," Eels coach Michael Hagan said yesterday. Parramatta is treating the threat seriously, although there is some scepticism as to whether the ARU's interest in Grothe is genuine.

Unlike Tahu, Grothe has never played rugby and is hardly regarded in the NRL as an outside back with any kicking prowess. However, these obstacles did not stop the ARU from signing Brisbane duo Wendell Sailor and Tuqiri.

Grothe enjoyed one of his best seasons last year, being selected to represent NSW in all three games in the Origin series. That eased the pain of his previous selection in 2000 when he was forced to withdraw with a knee injury. "He just played Origin for the first time last year and I thought overall during the season he played some good footy," Hagan said. "He's a damaging outside back in our game and I think he's happy enough at Parra at this stage."

Playing for your life; several off-contract at Manly
LEADING Manly NRL players face a season of increased scrutiny with a number of stars off contract at the end of the year. Anthony Watmough, Chris Hicks, Luke Williamson, Shayne Dunley, Glenn Stewart and Travis Burns will all be playing for new deals this season.

Manly CEO Grant Mayer admitted the six face added pressure to perform in 2007, starting with the club's opening trial encounter with the Melbourne Storm on February 24.

``The coaching group have got some tough decisions to make,'' Mayer said last night. ``But they won't be making any rash moves until they see the entire team perform starting with the trials. ``We are fortunate to have great depth with a couple of young kids already stepping up. It's a tough position to be in, but a healthy one. ``It's going to be a big year for a number of players with the coaching staff looking at all the players and making decisions regarding our 2008 squad.''

Hicks said he feels the heat already ahead of the Sea Eagles trial match against the Storm at Quad Park in Kawana Waters. ``It's there in the back of your mind,'' the speedy winger said yesterday. ``There always is that added bit of pressure. You don't want to get injured and miss games. But we are all professional athletes and you've got to put that aside and get on with the job.''

Williamson said the pressure can get to some players but the end scenario is pretty simple. ``If you don't perform, they don't really want you,'' the hard-working 29-year-old said. ``I try not to think about it too much as I've been in this situation a number of times before. I'd love to stay. It's a great club.''

Meanwhile, Sea Eagles stars Matt Orford and Steve Menzies were among five Manly players visiting central NSW towns yesterday as part of the NRL's Community Carnivals expedition.

Wrestling is the key to winning the NRL in 2007

Winning the battle of the ruck has always been an important factor in the NRL. Rugby League coaches for some years now have spent more time focusing on this area.

Brian Smith during his Parramatta years was said to have regularly involved wrestling coaches at training, teaching his players the art of breaking free quickly to achieve a fast rise and play the ball.

The Melbourne Storm and more recently the Wests Tigers took this a step further and actually submitted in tackles. They would drop to the ground quick once being engaged by a defender or instead of trying to constantly tackle bust they would submit and get a quick touch footy style play the ball - allowing the back line nice advancement with the opposition well and truely on the back foot.

These tactics were combated by the NRL, who instructed referees to identify and scream SURRENDER - allowing defenders to lie on the tackled player for a longer period - thus nullifying the advantage of the submission.

Until it's outlaw last year, this tactic ultimately saw the West Tigers win the 2005 premiership - the young Tiger cubs turned this into an artform. The Tigers could even be seen in practise sessions - dropping to the ground like shot ducks when touched by would be defenders.

However with the 2007 season about to kick-off - strong indications from coaches Chris Anderson and rumblings from the Wests Tigers camp suggest that the wrestling art form will again take centre stage. Anderson when interviewed today on Radio 2KY's Big Sport's Breakfast - suggested that the best 'wrestlers' will turn out to be 2007 premiers.

The Tigers have again employed the services of a wrestling coach to improve their knowledge and skill in this area, and judging by Anderson's comments - the Roosters will be following suit.

We wait in anticipation to see if this tactic is successfully employed; will referees be able to police it? Is this why Bill Harrigan is making his comeback to first grade refereeing?

NRLnews.com will keep an eye on this area moving forward and will report the progress throughout the season.

Harrigan out of retirement to control Warriors match

Bill Harrigan, now working as assistant to NRL referees’ coach Robert Finch, will dust off the uniform and don the whistle again to control the Warriors trial vs The Auckland Lions in NZ.

Harrigan; who retired in 2003 citing media pressures on his family has slowly found his way back into NRL circles. Assisting referees boss Finch heavily in recent times and lending a hand in video duties Harrigan was able to enjoy his NRL work while staying out of the headlines.

Is this return to the field a sign of things to come? Is Billy bored? Or is the NRL pushing him hard to return due to the lack of depth in referee ranks?

NRLnews.com watches with interest.

Hollywood Harrigan will only be part of the show as the Warriors show case some blistering young talent and new signings.

New signings Michael Witt, Michael Crockett and Corey Lawrie will wear the Vodafone Warriors’ jersey for the first time in Sunday’s NRL Community Day trial against the Auckland Lions at Mount Smart Stadium. While ex-Parramatta and Manly standoff Witt and former Wests Tigers winger Crockett have NRL experience, Lawrie and the seven players named on the bench are yet to make their first-grade debuts.

Witt (23) has been partnered in the halves with Grant Rovelli, who played in each of the Vodafone Warriors’ 24 NRL matches last season. Crockett (23), boasting seven tries in his eight first-grade matches, is on the left wing while Lawrie will start at loose forward. Signed from Bartercard Cup side the Canterbury Bulls, he turns 27 tomorrow.

The bench includes only one player who isn’t a teenager, forward Wayne McDade (25). Sonny Fai (18 ), who has previously travelled as 18th man for the Vodafone Warriors, is joined by 17-year-olds Russell Packer and Constantine Mika and a trio of 19-year-olds in Malo Solomona, Miguel Start and Scott Jones. The last five are all on super elite contracts which have enabled them to train fulltime with the NRL squad.

There’s plenty of NRL experience among the rest of the side for what head coach Ivan Cleary is using as a chance to look at options ahead of the club’s two vital NRL trials against North Queensland in Mackay on February 24 and the Bulldogs at North Harbour Stadium on March 3. To that end Lance Hohaia will start at fullback and winger Cooper Vuna, who has played his five NRL matches on the wing, is in the centres with Tony Martin.

“For this trial, it’s a good chance to have a look at what some players can do in other positions,” said Cleary. “It also allows us to give our younger players the experience of playing alongside first graders in a genuine trial.” Not being used on Sunday are new signings Wade McKinnon and Logan Swann plus Steve Price, Ruben Wiki, Wairangi Koopu, Nathan Fien, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Micheal Luck and Simon Mannering.

Not considered were Patrick Ah Van and new fullback Aidan Kirk, who are both coming back from off-season surgery. They’ll all be involved in Community Day activities, including coaching clinics for kids from 10.00am on Sunday.

The trial is also vital for the Auckland Lions as they build towards making their debut in the New South Wales Premier League this year. Some players from the Vodafone Warriors’ Allied Work Force development squad are likely to turn out for the Lions, co-coached by Graeme Norton and Brian McClennan.

VODAFONE WARRIORS V AUCKLAND LIONS
Mount Smart Stadium No 2,
Auckland 2.00pm, Sunday, February 18, 2006
Referee: Bill Harrigan

VODAFONE WARRIORS TEAM 1 LANCE HOHAIA 2 TODD BYRNE 3 TONY MARTIN 4 COOPER VUNA 5 MICHAEL CROCKETT 6 MICHAEL WITT 7 GRANT ROVELLI 8 SAM RAPIRA 9 GEORGE GATIS 10 EVARN TUIMAVAVE 11 EPALAHAME LAUAKI 12 LOUIS ANDERSON 13 COREY LAWRIE 14 SONNY FAI 15 WAYNE McDADE 16 RUSSELL PACKER 17 CONSTANTINE MIKA 18 MALO SOLOMONA 20 MIGUEL START 21 SCOTT JONES

Foundation Cup - 100 Years Strong

Foundation clubs the Roosters, and now merged Wests and Balmain will square off this Saturday in a trial to celebrate 100 years of Rugby League.

Tigers coach Tim Sheens announced at the press conference his side would certainly be taking the match seriously and will be looking to fire on all cylinders. "This will be a serious hit-out for our players and the players are eagerly awaiting this match" Sheens said.

The trial kicks off at 7.30pm this Saturday night at Aussie Stadium.

"The guys are looking forward to this and so am I, this will be a good test right across all grades" Sheens added.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, the return of Benji Marshall and Brett Hodgson has been delayed until possibly their next hit out against Canberra.

Chris Andersen has named a young side to represent the Roosters; with noted ommissions: Anasta, Minnichello, Wing or Harrison.

A lot of focus from the Roosters point of view will be on young half back Mitchell Pearce; son of Balmain great Wayne. He has got the nod over Jamie Soward who will play from the bench. Of interest is also the return of Joel Monahagn; who missed all of 2006 with a knee injury and coming from the bench will be new forward signings: Nate Myles and Chris Beattie.

The sides are:

Wests Tigers: S McDonnell, D Fitzhenry, D Collis, P Whatuira, T Tuiaki, L Fulton, J Morris, D Halatau, C Heighington, B Galea, R O'Hara, R Farah, T Payten. Inter: C Lawrence, T Metuisela, K Galloway, S Flanagan, B Gibbs, D Galea, R Trimarchi.

Sydney Roosters: S Foley, V Mellars, J Monaghan, S Perrett, J Williams, M Aubusson, M Pearce, A Schubert, N Plum, L Paea, M Paea, G Ndaira, C Tonga. Inter: F Nuuausala, N Myles, J Soward, C Beattie, J Lewis, H L'Estrange, S Kenny-Dowall.

Has Sonny Bill signed with the Rabbits?

The Rugby League rumour mill has been in overdrive these past few weeks regarding Sonny Bill Williams and where his future lies.

While the Bulldogs have a significant offer on the table, in the realms of 400-450k per season - Sonny Bill and his manager Gavin Orr have not agreed to extended terms with the Belmore club.

It has been estimated that rival NRL club South Sydney have offered up to 500k per season over three years for SBW's services.

Earlier yesterday the rumour gathered considerable momentum with a source at Souths apparently mentioning that Souths had finally won the race for Sonny Bill.

No official statment has been made by Williams' manager Gavin Orr, and surely the Bulldogs would get last right of reply?

Either way it seems the Bulldogs still have problems fitting their talent pool under the cap - expect to see either Mark O'Melley or Sonny Bill at another club for 2008.

Wests Tigers re-sign three players
Source: Wests Tigers Media

Wests Tigers have re-signed Chris Heighington, Rocky Trimarchi and William Mataka to new deals.

Second-rowers Heighington and Mataka will be at the club now until the end of the 2008 season. Trimarchi has signed on to the end of the 2009 season.

Heighington has played 62 games for the Wests Tigers since making his first grade debut against St George Illawarra at Telstra Stadium in round one of the 2003 season.

Since then,Heighington has gone on to become one of the real workhorses in the Wests Tigers forward pack. He played 21 games for the Wests Tigers in 2006.

Heighington has also been a tremendous ambassador for the club off the field, winning the inaugural Wests Tigers community award in 2006.

Trimarchi is one of the club’s most promising back-rowers and was a member of the Wests Tigers Apprentice Program in 2006.

He has recovered well from shoulder surgery and will be looking to cement a permanent place in the Wests Tigers forward pack in coming seasons.

Trimarchi made a memorable first grade debut against the Sharks in round six at Campbelltown Sports Stadium last season, scoring a try. The following week, Trimarchi suffered the season ending shoulder injury.

A strong attacking player, Mataka is rated by Wests Tigers officials as one of the emerging second-rowers coming through the ranks at Western Suburbs.

He went on the Australian U18 Schoolboys tour at the end of last season alongside Wests Tigers player Chris Lawrence and Ratu Peni Tagive from Wests Magpies.

Trimarchi and Mataka continue the tradition of Wests Tigers bringing young local players through the club.

Broncos Strip Goes Ultra High Tech

First it was skin tight jersey's which were introduced by Brian Smith. Making his players harder to grasp in tackles. This recent advancement was soon adopted by the majority of NRL clubs.

Next it was jersey material compound; older thicker fabrics were replaced by thinner yet tougher materials allowing players skin comfort levels to improve.

Now the Broncos have gone to the next level; introducing a whole new makeover from armpit fabrics to provide additional grip, to chamois on their shorts to dry sweaty palms.

After a long period of consultation with club apparel sponsor Nike, the 2006 premiers will this year wear a jersey that includes innovations never seen before in the NRL.

Topping the list is a chamois panel on the back of the shorts that players will use to dry their hands during a match.

Also aiding handling is a 'gripper print' covering the pectoral and upper arm area where a player generally carries the ball.

In addition, this jersey is 20 per cent lighter than the 2006 Broncos jersey.

Nike Dri-fit panels down the jersey and shorts allow the clothing to mould to the form of the body, while a tight neckline reduces the risk of players being tackled around the collar.

Lockyer said the jersey was one of the most streamlined he had ever worn.

"It is very form fitting, which will make it harder for tacklers to grab us by the jersey,'' he said.
"The chamois panel will also be very useful during a match, especially for players like myself, who handle the ball constantly and need to keep their hands as dry as possible.

"Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen said he was excited about the new look the club had, with the 2007 jersey taking on a new appearance with the addition of sponsors Toyota and WOW Sight and Sound.Toyota's logo will appear on the back of the jersey, while WOW Sight and Sound have come on board with the premiers as sleeve sponsor for 2007."I think the new strip looks smart, is innovative and should help the players perform at their best," said Cullen.

The Broncos will use the new jersey for the first time when they play the trial match in Wales on Thursday, with Australian viewers to get their first look when the World Club Challenge match against St Helens is broadcast by Channel Nine on the morning of February 24.

"The chamois panel will also be very useful during a match, especially for players like myself, who handle the ball constantly and need to keep their hands as dry as possible."

Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen said he was excited about the new look the club had, with the 2007 jersey taking on a new appearance with the addition of sponsors Toyota and WOW Sight and Sound.

Toyota 's logo will appear on the back of the jersey, while WOW Sight and Sound have come on board with the premiers as sleeve sponsor for 2007.

"I think the new strip looks smart, is innovative and should help the players perform at their best," said Cullen.

The Broncos will use the new jersey for the first time when they play the trial match in Wales on Thursday, with Australian viewers to get their first look when the World Club Challenge match against St Helens is broadcast by Channel Nine on the morning of February 24.

At Witt's End - Forgotton half now with Warriors

Michael Witt has enjoyed the good times but he also knows what life is like at the other end of the NRL conveyor belt. The new Warriors five-eighths was seen as one of the brightest talents on the scene and was runner-up to Melbourne's Billy Slater for the 2003 Dally M Rookie of the Year Award. But the Warriors are the Toowoomba youngster's third club in four years. "I'm only 23 and I would like to think I have a lot of football left in me.

If I have a big year this year it can set a platform for years to come," he says. "But if I have another poor year, it's going to be harder and harder to get back on track. Clubs might not want to take a chance with me. "When you're on the top and you're just cruising, everything seems to fall into place, but sometimes you feel like you can't do anything right. That's not just with footy, though. When things are going well it feeds into other things in life. When things are going bad, you need to draw a line in the sand and fight." Auckland is that line.

The Warriors hired Witt to provide cover in the halves. There appears little chance he will force his way into the starting side initially, as Jerome Ropati is first choice in Witt's favoured position and Grant Rovelli will start at halfback.

His best chance appears to be on the bench covering the halves and hooker - but George Gatis and Lance Hohaia will have their sights on that role. Witt has superior general kicking and goalkicking abilities.

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said it was important Witt had a good year. "It's a long year and he will definitely get opportunities. It's just a matter of whether he takes them. He's certainly got the ability to do that." Witt was a Queensland junior and won a Parramatta scholarship.

He made his NRL debut in 2003, helping to spark a turnaround in the Eels' fortunes. He was their top points scorer, rookie of the year, and had a four-year deal. He was out of favour in 2004 and went to Manly who were so impressed in the first half of the 2005 season that they publicly thanked Parramatta for letting Witt go. But he was soon on the outer.

Last year he gained only one NRL start but as frustrating as things were on the field, Witt enjoyed 'exposure' off it. As he admits to getting a hard time about being in the League of Their Own Calendar in 2006 and Cosmopolitan's Boys With Balls 06.

Gower allegedly plays Dracula in Sydney Bar.

Rugby league star Craig Gower has again become embroiled in controversy after allegedly biting a man in a Sydney bar brawl.

The incident allegedly took place in the early hours of yesterday morning at the Peppermint Lounge in the inner-city suburb of Potts Point.

Gower, who plays in the NRL for the Penrith Panthers, allegedly fled the scene after coming to blows on the dance floor with a male patron after the rugby league star "tried to kiss him, then bit him on the neck," a witness said, according to newspaper reports.

One witness claimed the former Australian halfback was "really drunk and all over the place".

Gower lost the captaincy at Penrith after he was accused of groping the daughter of league legend Wayne Pearce at a charity golf weekend during the 2005 off-season.

A police media spokeswoman said no complaints had been made to police about the alleged incident.

As such, police could not launch an investigation into it, she said.

AAP with Jano Gibson

Gasniers new role in 2007

Mark Gasnier's kicking game is progressing steadily, according to Dragons coach Nathan Brown.

The Australia and NSW star's switch from the centres to pivot necessitates more than a few modifications to his game.

Part of that change involves shouldering the unfamiliar burden of some of the kicks in general play.

Former skipper and five-eighth Trent Barrett, who has switched to the English Super League to play for Wigan, was the NRL joint venture club's main kicker in general play last season.

Utility Ben Hornby will assume that role in 2007, but the red and whites will still need a back-up kicker.

And that is something Gasnier and assistant coach Kurt Wrigley have been working closely on.

"He's (Gasnier) improving," Brown said after training at WIN Stadium this week. "He knows he's got to work hard. Him and Wriggles (Wrigley) are working pretty hard and he's improved a lot.

"He actually strikes the ball okay. He's a pretty handy, natural sort of player, so he can kick the ball not too bad.

"He by no means is going to be the club's main kicker nor are we going to expect him to kick the ball, say as much as Trent did. But it'd just be nice for him to be able to get a few kicks away and take a bit of pressure off Benny (Hornby)."

Former Raiders hooker Simon Woolford is also being eyed as a back-up to Hornby.

The veteran rake has been busy at training working on kicking out of dummy half.

"He's working hard on it," Brown said.

Sea Eagles using science and supplements to good effect

There are many factors that go into successful pre-season training; hard work, determination, courage, commitment etc.

This year Manly may have an edge over other teams. Body supplements and conditioning play a huge part in the modern game and Manly are at the cutting edge in this department.

Manly have gone through $12,500 worth of Bodyscience protein supplements in the past three months in an attempt to bulk up the squad and have seen some impressive results.

Head Strength and Conditioning coach Don Singe said “Each of the players will use Bodyscience supplements both before and after training sessions, 5 times a week. We have seen some great results in the pre-season; many of our players have gained some 2.5kg in muscle and decreased in skin folds by up to 12cm which is a credit to how hard they have worked and to how we are using the Bodyscience supplements”

“Bodyscience supplements have played an instrumental part in our pre-season success. Their knowledge of the products and how they should be used are instrumental.”

It was just before Christmas that the Manly Sea Eagles held their first Strongman Competition at the Sydney Academy of Sport, in which local Tongan man mountain Sione Finefeuiaki took the crown with a bench press of 170kg. This from a player that only does weights once a week…

The ASDA approved Bodyscience supplements have also played a crucial role in other players build up, such as Chris Hicks and Travis Burns, both being able to bench press plenty more than expected.

The impressive pre-season program combined with the addition of Jamie Lyon to the 2007 squad has the Eagles well placed for an assault on the premiership.