Friday Night Football Tonight - NRL News Guide to Rugby League Rnd 2

St George Illawarra Dragons v Newcastle Knights
The Dragons demonstrated last Sunday that there is life after Mark Gasnier, and rallied to post a commendable victory under pressure to the competition newcomers. Boom youngster Richard Williams certainly looked impressive at five-eighth for the Dragons, scoring two tries and demonstrating plenty of composure in the absence of Gasnier, and co-captain Jason Ryles has signalled plenty of faith in his young side.

Meanwhile, the Knights showed tremendous character to bounce back from 24-8 down and proved they are a team that can win without Andrew Johns. However facing a nearly full-strength Dragons outfit without Johns away from home will definitely give the Knights a big challenge. Newcastle are also still without Test hooker Danny Buderus, but Terrence Seu Seu's display against the Bulldogs was more than promising.

Line Ups

St George-Illawarra -Josh Morris, Luke MacDougall, Keith Lulia, Matt Cooper, Wes Naiqama, Richard Williams, Ben Hornby, Dan Hunt, Simon Woolford, Jason Ryles, Ashton Sims, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh
Bench - Adam Peek, Danny Wicks, Corey Payne, Tony Caine

Newcastle - Kurt Gidley, James McManus, George Carmont, Brad Tighe, Adam MacDougall, Daniel Abraham, Jarrod Mullen, Josh Perry, Terence Seu Seu, Adam Woolnough, Steve Simpson ©, Clint Newton, Kirk Reynoldson
Bench - Todd Polglase, Cory Paterson, Matthew White, Daniel Tolar

Missing Players (Injured/Suspended)

St George-Illawarra Dragons -
Matt Head - knee - Round 6
Sam Isemonger - knee - Round 4
Mark Gasnier- pectoral - Season
Brett Morris - broken finger - Round 5
Justin Poore – suspended – Round 3
Dean Young - knee - Round 6

Newcastle Knights -
Andrew Johns - recovery / concussion - Round 3
Paul Franze - jaw - Indefinite
David Seage – knee - Season

Penrith Panthers v The Bulldogs
The Panthers will hope that the return of Frank Pritchard to the starting line-up will give them the added spark they missed last weekend in Cronulla. Matthew Elliott's experience from coaching the Raiders will have taught him to put the result out of the players' minds as they prepare for a visiting Bulldogs side minus Sonny Bill Williams.

Williams will miss two weeks after entering an early guilty plea to a reckless high tackle charge over the Johns incident but the Bulldogs still boast plenty of firepower. Brent Sherwin's half-back replacement Ben Roberts played a mature hand under pressure last weekend and his combination with Daniel Holdsworth will be key on Friday night, and the Bulldogs should cause the Panthers plenty of problems.

Line Ups

Penrith – Rhys Wesser, Luke Rooney, Luke Lewis, Michael Gordon, Nick Youngquest, Peter Wallace, Craig Gower ©, Frank Puletua, Luke Priddis, Joel Clinton, Frank Pritchard, Tony Puletua, trent Waterhouse
Bench – Junior Moors, Nathan Smith, Paul Aiton, Matthew Cross, Brendan Worth

Bulldogs – Luke Patten, Hazem El Masri, Daryl Millard, Willie Tonga, Trent Cutler, Daniel Holdsworth, Ben Roberts, Mark O'Meley, Adam Perry, Willie Mason, Nick Kouparitsas, Andrew Ryan ©, Reni Maitua
Bench - Dallas McIlwain, Chris Armit, Kane Cleal, Jarrad Hickey

Missing Players (Suspension / Injury)

Penrith Panthers -
Shane Rodney - Shoulder - Indefinite

Bulldogs-
Sonny Bill-Williams - high tackle / suspended – Round 4
Brent Sherwin - Ankle - Round 3
Matt Utai- Ankle - Round 3
Corey Hughes - Ankle - Round 5
Brad Morrin - Knee - Round 3

Money or the Box....or NRL

Peter Roy - NRLnews.com

As the NRL season swings into full gear for 2007, much of the talk in the media has been about the Australian Rugby Union offering big money to entice NRL stars into their game.

Discussions recently regarding the futures of Lote Tiquiri, then Timana Tahu and now Eric Grothe - are very similar to several years ago when a Rugby raid netted NRL stars Wendell Sailor, Matt Rogers and of course Lote Tiquiri.

Last year also saw the defection of Ryan Cross and Clinton Schifcofske from NRL to the ARU. Why is the NRL losing so many stars? Is it just the money? Has the salary cap restricted the earnings of players so much they have to look elsewhere? Are players not being tested enough in the NRL? Is the training and preparation too demanding?

To put it bluntly the decisions of the majority of these players to defect to the ARU revolves around money. With players having a career playing period of around 10 years barring major injury, most wish to earn as much as possible in this short space of time. Whether this ideology makes sense depends on who you talk to.

Some believe the players have every right to chase the big dollars, even to the point where they defect to Rugby Union to play a game that may not be as enjoyable, have as much exposure or provide an overall satisfaction equal or better to the NRL.

Players would never admit this publicly for fear of repercussions, however it has been reported that Timana Tahu even stated he thinks the game of Rugby Union is boring. So Timana is happy to take a huge pay paypacket but sit in cruise control and put up with a boring job.

The same is true of the regular workforce, there are many employees in jobs simply for the money - willing to take up a role of no enjoyment what so ever just to collect the big money.

The flip side of this argument is the group that are prepared to find the role that not only remunerates well but is an enjoyable challenge with an ultimate end game.

A few players in this mould are: Steve Menzis, Nathan Hindmarsh, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler and Craig Gower. All respectable club men who have been chased hard by Rugby Union moles and other international outfits. Sure, these players are on large paypackets - but could have earned considerably more by jumping ship.

While it is a sense of disappointment and frustration when certain players choose the Money over the Box, I believe the ones that leave are only hurting themselves.

The NRL, unlike the ARU has a breeding ground that continues to produce quality juniors. The NRL also has a competition at club level that competes with the ARU at an International Level - and has a quality package of exciting attacking league with close contests between all teams.

So it's 'Tally Ho' to Union Defectors - because the future of NRL is brighter than ever and if you don't want to be a part of it - many others are lining up for the chance, and money isn't their motivator.

Tahu sneaks over and signs with ARU

PARRAMATTA and Australia rugby league centre Timana Tahu has signed a four-deal deal to play rugby union from next season

Tahu, 26, will join New South Wales for the 2008 Super 14 competition after his contract with the Eels expires at the end of the 2007 NRL season.

But he denied that his decision to become the first league player to switch codes since Canberra fullback Clinton Schifcofske signed for Queensland midway through the 2006 NRL season marks a major U-turn little over a month after dismissing the 15-man game.

Tahu, who won the 2001 premiership with Newcastle, and who has played 11 State of Origin matches for New South Wales and five Tests for Australia, said last month that he would not consider playing rugby "as a last resort", claiming he had no interest in handling the ball only "two times in a game".

"I like being competitive and I like to have the ball in my hands," Tahu said at the time.

"That would probably be the most stressful thing; the game's close and you want to do something and you can't even get the ball because they're very structured.

"Being a centre or winger, you touch the ball two times in a game - and I don't really want to be doing that."

Tahu spun a different angle today, saying "a few weeks ago, I was quoted as saying that I wouldn’t switch to union as I would want to touch the ball more than once a game".

"This was a direct quote to stamp out any rumours regarding my interest in rugby," he said.

"I wanted to make this decision on my own, along with my family, and not be influenced by outside forces.

"This is why I have negotiated to join the Australian Rugby Union without the fanfare.

"As you can see, it has been achieved."

Tahu said he "was excited with the direction rugby is taking for the future".

“It was great to see (former Kangaroos teammate Lote Tuqiri) re-sign with the ARU and Waratahs, and I am salivating at the possibility of running alongside him again," he said.

Wallabies coach John Connolly said Tahu’s international experience would be a great addition to Australia's ranks.

"He is a proven try scorer who has played at the highest level in rugby league and will bring a lot to the program," Connolly said.

ARU general manager rugby operations Pat Wilson said Timana’s signing was a major coup for rugby union .

“He plays a position which Australian rugby has identified as requiring further depth, and we also believe the experience and maturity he has displayed at an elite level will benefit younger players coming through," Wilson said.

Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie said he was excited about the prospect of Tahu joining the side.

"Timana has proven himself an outstanding footballer with an ability to score points," he said.

"He is a proven representative player who could make a big impact in midfield."

Round 2 Teams Named:

FRIDAY ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA v NEWCASTLE, at OKI Jubilee Stadium
(7.30pm AEDT).

DRAGONS: Josh Morris, Luke MacDougall, Keith Lulia, Matt Cooper, Wes Naiqama, Richard Williams, Ben Hornby (captain); Dan Hunt, Simon Woolford, Jason Ryles (captain), Ashton Sims, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh. Interchange: Adam Peek, Danny Wicks, Corey Payne, Tony Caine, Lagi Setu (one to be omitted).

KNIGHTS: Kurt Gidley, James McManus, George Carmont, Brad Tighe, Adam MacDougall, Daniel Abraham, Jarrod Mullen; Josh Perry, Terence Seu Seu, Adam Woolnough, Steve Simpson (captain), Clint Newton, Kirk Reynoldson. Interchange: Todd Polglase, Matthew White, Cory Paterson, Daniel Tolar.
Referee: Steve Clark.

PENRITH v BULLDOGS, at CUA Stadium
(7.30pm AEDT).
PANTHERS: Rhys Wesser, Luke Rooney, Luke Lewis, Michael Gordon, Nick Youngquest, Peter Wallace, Craig Gower (captain); Frank Puletua, Luke Priddis (captain), Joel Clinton, Frank Pritchard, Tony Puletua (captain), Trent Waterhouse. Interchange: Junior Moors, Nathan Smith, Paul Aiton, Matthew Cross, Brendan Worth (one to be omitted).

BULLDOGS: Luke Patten, Hazem El Masri, Daryl Millard, Willie Tonga, Trent Cutler, Daniel Holdsworth, Ben Roberts; Mark O'Meley, Adam Perry, Willie Mason, Nick Kouparitsas, Andrew Ryan (captain), Reni Maitua. Interchange: Dallas McIlwain, Chris Armit, Kane Cleal, Jarrad Hickey.
Referee: Ben Cummins.

SATURDAY WESTS TIGERS v MANLY, at Leichhardt Oval
(5.30pm AEDT).
TIGERS: Brett Hodgson (captain), Taniela Tuiaki, Dean Collis, Paul Whatuira, Jason Moodie, Benji Marshall, John Morris; Keith Galloway, Robbie Farah, Bryce Gibbs, Ben Galea, Todd Payten, Dene Halatau. Interchange: Liam Fulton, Daniel Fitzhenry, Chris Heighington, Bronson Harrison, Danny Galea (one to be omitted).

SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Steve Bell, Jamie Lyon, Chris Hicks, Travis Burns, Matt Orford (captain); Jason King, Michael Monaghan, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Glenn Stewart, Luke Williamson. Interchange: Clint Halden, Mark Ballin, George Rose, Mark Bryant, Glenn Hall (one to be omitted).
Referee: Tony Archer.

CANBERRA v MELBOURNE, at Canberra Stadium
(7.30pm AEDT).
RAIDERS: Marshall Chalk, Colin Best, Phil Graham, David Howell, Adrian Purtell, Todd Carney, Michael Dobson; Scott Logan, Lincoln Withers, Dane Tilse, Glen Turner, Ben Jones, Alan Tongue (captain). Interchange: Andrew Dunemann, Joe Picker, Josh Miller, Alan Rothery, William Zillman (one to be omitted).

STORM: Billy Slater, Matt Geyer, Matt King, Anthony Quinn, Israel Folau, Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk; Antonio Kaufusi, Cameron Smith, Brett White, Jeremy Smith, Ryan Hoffman, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Michael Crocker, Garret Crossman, Jeff Lima, James Aubusson, Ben Cross, Ryan Shortland, Sam Tagataese (three to be omitted).
Referee: Jared Mawell.

NORTH QUEENSLAND v SYDNEY ROOSTERS, at Dairy Farmers Stadium
(8.30pm AEDT).
COWBOYS: Matt Bowen, Brenton Bowen, Ashley Graham, Paul Bowman, Neil Sweeney, Jason Smith, Johnathan Thurston (captain); Matthew Scott, Aaron Payne, Carl Webb, Steve Southern, Luke O'Donnell, Justin Smith. Interchange: Rod Jensen, Jacob Lillyman, Sione Faumuina, Shane Tronc.

ROOSTERS: Anthony Minichiello, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Joel Monaghan, Sia Soliola, Sam Perrett, Mitch Aubusson, Josh Lewis; Chris Beattie, Craig Wing, Danny Nutley, Anthony Tupou, Craig Fitzgibbon (captain), Braith Anasta. Interchange: Charles Tonga, Nate Myles, Mickey Paea, Lopini Paea.
Referee: Gavin Badger.

SUNDAY NEW ZEALAND v BRISBANE at Mt Smart Stadium
(2.00pm AEDT).
WARRIORS: Wade McKinnon, Michael Crockett, Tony Martin, Lance Hohaia, Manu Vatuvei, Michael Witt, Grant Rovelli; Ruben Wiki, George Gatis, Steve Price (captain), Simon Mannering, Logan Swann, Micheal Luck. Interchange: Nathan Fien, Evarn Tuimavave, Epalahame Lauaki, Sam Rapira.
BRONCOS: Justin Hodges, Steve Michaels, Brent Tate, Joel Moon, Darius Boyd, Shane Perry, Karmichael Hunt; Dane Carlaw, Shaun Berrigan, Petero Civoniceva (captain), Sam Thaiday, Brad Thorn, Tonie Carroll. Interchange: Nick Kenny, Ben Hannant, Greg Eastwood, John Te Reo.
Referee: Paul Simpkins.

SOUTH SYDNEY v PARRAMATTA, at Telstra Stadium
(3.00pm AEDT).
RABBITOHS: David Peachey, Nathan Merritt, Nigel Vagana, Shannon Hegarty, Paul Mellor, Jeremy Smith, Joe Williams; Peter Cusack (captain), Daniel Irvine, Roy Asotasi, David Kidwell (captain), David Fa'alogo, John Sutton. Interchange: Shane Rigon, Dean Widders, Luke Stuart, Scott Geddes, Manase Manuokafoa (one to be omitted).

EELS: Luke Burt, Jarryd Hayne, Ben Smith, Timana Tahu, Joel Reddy, Brett Finch, Tim Smith; Nathan Cayless (captain), Mark Riddell, Aaron Cannings, Ian Hindmarsh, Chad Robinson, Daniel Wagon. Interchange: P.J. Marsh, Josh Cordoba, Todd Lowrie, Justin Tsoulos.
Referee: Sean Hampstead.

MONDAY
GOLD COAST v SHARKS, at Carrara Stadium
(7.00pm AEDT).
TITANS: Preston Campbell, Lelea Paea, Mat Rogers, Jake Webster, Matthew Petersen, Matt Hilder, Scott Prince (captain); Luke Bailey (captain), Clint Amos, Kris Kahler, Anthony Laffranchi, Gavin Cooper, Luke Swain. Interchange: Josh Graham, Michael Henderson, Mark Minichiello, Nathan Friend.

SHARKS: Brett Kearney, Fraser Anderson, Ben Pomeroy, Josh Hannay, Luke Covell, Adam Dykes, Brett Kimmorley (captain); Ben Ross, Kevin Kingston, Luke Douglas, Reece Williams, Lance Thompson, Greg Bird. Interchange: Craig Stapleton, Jacob Selmes, Cameron Ciraldo, Isaac De Gois, Dustin Cooper (one to be omitted).

Referee: Shayne Hayne.

Andrew Johns cleared of injury
10.00pm Sunday

Newcastle captain Andrew Johns has been cleared of any facial fractures but is still likely to miss next Friday's NRL clash with St George Illawarra after being knocked out in the Knights' amazing 25-24 win over the Bulldogs today.

Johns was unconscious for two minutes after being felled by a Sonny Bill Williams high shot in just the fourth minute of the round one clash at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

Williams was sent off by referee Tony Archer after Johns lay motionless face down on the turf for more than five minutes before being stretchered off wearing a neck brace.

While cleared of a neck injury, the champion halfback was rushed to John Hunter Hospital for X-rays.

Knights team doctor Peter McGeoch said Johns was cleared of facial fractures, but would probably miss next week because of his concussion.

"He's had an X-ray of his cheekbone and there's no sign of a fracture, so it's just a matter of him getting over his concussive injuries," said McGeoch.

"You tend to find with worst concussions it takes people longer to recover from them, and you've got to completely recover from your concussion before you can play again.

"When he went off to hospital he was still pretty out of it."

McGeoch said he expected Johns would be sent home from hospital tonight.

In giving Williams his marching orders, referee Archer said: "Straight in the face, knocked him out, you're off."

The 18,791-strong crowd watched on in silence as Johns received on-field medical attention, but as he was being taken off Knights supporters began to scream "off, off" as Archer called out Williams.

There had been fears the Newcastle superstar may have suffered yet another serious injury.

In 2005, Johns was sidelined for six weeks after breaking his jaw, having missed all but three games of the 2004 season following a knee reconstruction.

A neck injury in round 19 ended his 2003 season after a broken back cut short his 2002 finals campaign.

Johns was also out for several weeks in 2001 with torn medial ligaments