NRL Rugby League 2008

NRL Training Program

2009-11-24T00:07:00.000+11:00

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Rugby League 4 Nations Tournament

2009-11-14T21:19:00.001+11:00

Well the squad for the upcoming 4 nations rugby league tournament has been announced and it has to be said that England coach Tony Smith has made some pretty bold and brave decisions in selecting his squad for this tournament.

Personally I think he is right in what he has done as otherwise we would have had the same problems that the squad had in the last disastrous and quite frankly embarrassing world cup. Saints and Leeds are still the 2 powerhouses of the game and we know from the RFLs review into what went wrong in the World Cup one of the problems was that the squad was basically split into 2, the Leeds camp and the Saints camp and this couldn't have been healthy for team spirit.

We have seen over the last super league season that the rest of the league is starting to catch up with Leeds and Saints - even the NRL is struggling at times to keep up with the attacking speed of the Super League, with only really Salford and Celtic Crusaders not really coming up to Super League standard. However the fact that they have another season before their franchises are reviewed gives them time to do some remedial work and the fact that the Crusaders are recruiting Brian Noble as the new coach is a positive step forward. The fact that Warrington and Huddersfield managed to both make it to the Challenge Cup Final boads well for the future of the game.

I think that the emergence of new talent like Richie Myler and Sam Tomkins who have shown great promise over the last season and who are surely the future of the England team and are being given their chance at International level early in their careers, is great credit to the coach.

The halfback positions seem to always be the area where we appear to be a couple of gears behind our australian counterparts whenever we play them both in terms of knowhow and speed. Only by blooding in younger players early in their careers will we reap the benefits in the years ahead. We may not see the fulfilment of that promise in this tournament, but I bet we do very soon. Good luck to the lads in the weeks ahead.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Severs

Melbourne Storm Grand Final 2009 NRL

2009-09-30T11:32:00.000+10:00

Storm make historic 4th NRL grand final and will face the Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium on Sunday. Do you have NRL Grand Final Tickets? Well, it might be too late as the game is believed to be a sell-out already!

Melbourne Storm prop Brett White will be available for interview tomorrow afternoon at the conclusion of his side’s skills session at Princes Park.

Attending media are asked to enter the ground, via Gate 2, no earlier than 12.30pm.

Media will be notified when footage of the session is available.

Storm players will mix with their fans at the conclusion of the session before departing for Sydney later in the afternoon.

Storm will arrive in Sydney at approximately 5.30pm.

Vision of the Storm arriving in Sydney will be available. There will be no interview opportunities during this time.

Please note White’s interview will be the only guaranteed media opportunity for tomorrow.

Gold Coast Titans beat Melbourne Storm NRLCOMAU

2009-04-04T23:46:00.000+11:00

Storm suffer shock loss to Titans

The Melbourne Storm has suffered a shock 18-6 loss to the Gold Coast Titans, only the Storm’s fourth loss at the ‘Graveyard’ in their last 45 games.

The Storm had their chances but made too many errors, were penalised at crucial times and were stifled by the Titans defence.

Billy Slater and the wingers, Steve Turner and Anthony Quinn, all got close but were denied tries either by skill errors or Titans’ defence.

The Titans capitalised on penalties against the Storm and spent most of the first half on the attack.

Titans prop Luke Bailey went over for a try in the 26th minute after a knock-on from Greg Inglis gave the Titans a set of six just 20 metres out, and Matt Rogers converted the resultant two penalty kicks.

Even without their playmaker, Scott Prince, and a dismal away record to think about, the Titans were creative in attack and difficult to contain.

On the other hand, the highlights for the Storm were few and far between.

A try-saving tackle by Cooper Cronk, and Dallas Johnson’s tally of 36 tackles for the half were impressive.

Young centre Will Chambers found a few gaps and made some handy metres but was often without support.

At half-time, the Storm were down 10-0, with the penalty count and the run of play against them.

The second half didn’t start any better for the Storm.

Brett Delaney took advantage of an overlap out wide and ran down the wing, committing Slater to the tackle, before offloading to Chris Walker for an easy try.

Young gun Joseph Tomane gave the Storm fans something to celebrate, running over for a try in the 51st minute to get the Storm on the board.

Slater picked a gap in the Titans line before offloading to Tomane 30 metres out.

Tomane’s fancy footwork and blistering speed saw him over the line. Willie Isa may be hard-pressed to regain his place in the side after Tomane’s performances in the last two games.

Cam Smith made the difficult conversion to have the Storm within reach of the Titans, and while Ryan Hoffman returned from an earlier head clash, it was not to be.

The Storm’s 14 errors often halted attacking moves and resulted in a completion rate of only 67% compared to the Titans 86%.

Kevin Proctor, Jeff Lima and Slater all tried hard but couldn’t break the line and the last tackle kicks from Cronk or Smith just didn’t bounce the right way.

Next week’s game against the Panthers takes on even greater importance for the Storm, as two home losses in a row may dent “The Graveyard’s” reputation.

Storm 6 (Try: Tomane; Goal: Smith) def. by Titans 18 (Tries: Bailey, Walker; Goals: Rogers 4) at Olympic Park.

Crowd: 11,698

NRL Week 1 Review

2009-03-17T22:16:00.001+11:00

The NRL was explosive for week 1. Premiers Manly getting smashed by the rebuilt Bulldogs and the South Sydney Rabbitohs team playing very well as a Rugby League unit. Full credit to coach Jason Taylor for getting his side ready to get revenge on the Roosters from the same time last year in NRL Round 1. The NRL results so far have amazed many, the Golden Point between Dragons and Storm and then Cowboys only losing by 1 point to the Broncos.

As it stands, Souths are now atop the NRL Ladder and the Roosters are last place, with Manly close behind. Very hard for NRL Tipsters and NRL fantasy league pickers to get any consistency it will seem.

NRL 2009 to Start

2009-03-11T16:21:00.000+11:00

NRL for 2009 to start this Friday night, season kickoff between the new look Saints side coached by Wayne Bennett up against the fancied Melbourne Storm side at Olympic Park.

The headlines for Rugby League have been consistently about Manly, the leading club having player behaviour problems, with Anthony Watmough and now allegations against Brett Stewart after the clubs season launch last week.

The Manly club and its sponsors are copping plenty even before the kickoff of official footy in 2009.

Regardless, the winter is coming and so is NRL for 2009.

Enjoy the coverage on Channel 9, Foxtel and Foxsports - even TV NZ and Sky in New Zealand, each year it gets better and better.

NRL recovery sessions

2008-09-20T16:17:00.001+10:00

NRL Recovery session and flight details

If Melbourne Storm win tonight’s semi-final against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium, they will have their recovery session tomorrow morning at Centenary Pool from 10.30am.

Centenary Pool is located at 400 Gregory Terrace, Spring Hill.

A selected player will be made available to the media.

Melbourne Storm will be flying Qantas from Brisbane at 12.50pm, arriving in Melbourne at 3.10pm.

No players or coaches will be available for comment at Brisbane airport. NRL Results

Rugby League Training

2008-09-17T22:22:00.001+10:00

[15 SEPTEMBER, 2008]

NRL Training and travel schedule: 15.09.08 – 21.09.08

See below for Melbourne Storm's planned training schedule for the week beginning Monday, September 15^th.

Please take careful note of the media opportunities this week as these are not subject to change.

Any changes to the training schedule will be made to the "Storm Schedule" on the Melbourne Storm website, www.melbournestorm.com.au, as soon as possible.

All sessions will take place at MC Labour Park unless otherwise stated.

Monday, September 15^th:
10.00am: Recovery Session (St Kilda Sea Baths)

Tuesday, September 16^th:
10.30am: Skills Session
Players available to the media from 11.30am - 12.15pm
1.00pm: Prehab and Recovery Session (MSAC)

Wednesday, September 17^th:
9.00am - 11.15am: Weights
No players available to the media today

Thursday, September 18^th:
Time TBC: Flight from Melbourne to Brisbane
Craig Bellamy and Cooper Cronk will be available for comment upon arrival at Brisbane airport

Friday, September 19^th:
CLOSED SESSION

Saturday, September 20^th:
7.45pm: STORM v BRONCOS (Suncorp Stadium)

Sunday, September 21^st:
Time TBC: Recovery Session (Venue TBC)
Time TBC: Flight from Brisbane to Melbourne

NRL Elimination Final

2008-09-17T21:54:00.001+10:00

NRL Storm squad for Broncos clash

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has made one change to his squad for Saturday night’s Semi-Final clash against the Brisbane Broncos.

The game will be played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane from 7.45pm.

Sika Manu has been named on the interchange bench after recovering from a slight hamstring strain, with Scott Anderson omitted from the squad.

NRL squad for Saturday’s game:

Starting team:

1. Billy Slater

2. Steve Turner

3. Matt Geyer

4. Israel Folau

5. Anthony Quinn

6. Greg Inglis

7. Cooper Cronk

8. Jeff Lima

9. Cam Smith ©

10. Brett White

11. Michael Crocker

12. Ryan Hoffman

13. Dallas Johnson

Interchange:

14. Jeremy Smith, 15. Adam Blair, 16. Sika Manu, 17. Antonio Kaufusi.

Coach: Craig Bellamy.

____________________________________________________

Chris Couch

Media Manager

Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club

NRL Finals Predictions

2008-09-11T16:17:00.001+10:00

NRL Qualifying Final v Warriors Game Notes 2008

The hot trotting Melbourne Storm are sure things to hammer the traveling NZ Warriors team, with the New Zealanders facing mission impossible in terms of NRL Rugby League chances down in the couldron.

WHO: Melbourne Storm v New Zealand Warriors
WHAT: 4th Qualifying Final of the 2008 Telstra Premiership season
WHERE: Olympic Park, Melbourne
WHEN: Sunday, September 14th @ 4.00pm
ON TV: Channel 9 LIVE into Melbourne
ON RADIO: 1116SEN LIVE into Melbourne
CHECK IT OUT: Melbourne Storm’s website with all the latest stats, profiles, updates, schedule and training times, alerts, news etc…. www.melbournestorm.com.au

IN BRIEF
Melbourne destroyed the South Sydney Rabbitohs 42-4 to claim their third successive J.J Giltinan Shield as the NRL minor premiers.

New Zealand defeated the Parramatta Eels 28-6 to cement their place in the finals, finishing in eighth spot.

FAST FACTS
• Melbourne has won their past 10 games at Olympic Park
• New Zealand are one of only two teams to have won at Olympic Park in the past three years
• Melbourne has conceded 282 points this year; New Zealand has conceded 567
• Twelve of Melbourne’s 17 wins this year have been by 13+ points

DID YOU KNOW?
Channel 9 will be showing the game LIVE into Melbourne from 3.30pm.

Also, radio station 1116SEN will also be broadcasting the game LIVE.

HEAD-TO-HEAD
Total: Played: 21, Storm: 11, Warriors: 9, Drawn: 1
At Olympic Park: Played: 8, Storm: 5, Warriors: 3

FOR AND AGAINST 2008
Points for: Storm: 584, Warriors: 502
Points against: Storm: 282, Warriors: 567
Tries for: Storm: 106, Warriors: 88
Points differential: Storm: +302, Warriors: -65

LAST ROUND MATCHES
Storm def. Rabbitohs 42-2 @ Olympic Park, Melbourne
Warriors def. Eels 28-6 @ Parramatta Stadium, Sydney

LAST EIGHT CLASHES

YEAR	RESULT	VENUE
2008	Warriors def. Storm 8-6 @	Mt Smart Stadium
2008	Storm def. Warriors 32-18 @	Telstra Dome
2007	Storm def. Warriors 4-2 @	Mt Smart Stadium
2007	Storm def. Warriors 30-12 @	Olympic Park
2006	Warriors def. Storm 24-20 @	Olympic Park
2006	Storm def. Warriors 24-16 @	Mt Smart Stadium
2005	Storm def. Warriors 22-10 @	Olympic Park
2005	Warriors def. Storm 24-16 @	Mt Smart Stadium

THE STORM STORY SO FAR
WORLD CLUB CHALLENGE: STORM 4 (Try: Hoffman) def. by RHINOS 11 (Try: Donald; Goals: Sinfield 3; Field Goal: Sinfield) at Elland Road, Leeds
ROUND 1: STORM 32 (Tries: Slater 3, Johnson, Tagataese; Goals: C. Smith 5, Turner) def. WARRIORS 18 (Tries: Vatuvei 2, Ropati; Goals: Witt 3) at Telstra Dome, Melbourne
ROUND 2: STORM 16 (Tries: Aitken, White, Falou; Goals: C. Smith 2) def. by SHARKS 17 (Tries: Kearney, Gallen, Simmons; Goals: Covell 2; Field Goals: Kimmorley) at Olympic Park, Melbourne
ROUND 3: Storm (Try: Slater; Goal: C. Smith) def. by ROOSTERS (Try: Kenny-Dowell; Goals: FitzGibbon 3) at Sydney Football Stadium
ROUND 4: STORM 28 (Tries: Quinn 3, Folau, Hoffman; Goals: Smith 4) def. BRONCOS 8 (Tries: Robinson, Stagg) at Olympic Park, Melbourne
ROUND 5: STORM 26 (Tries: Slater 2, Inglis, Quinn, Hoffman; Goals: Smith 3) def. SEA EAGLES 4 (Try: Barney) at Olympic Park
ROUND 6: STORM 23 (Tries: Chambers, Turner, Slater, Folau; Goals: C. Smith 3; Field Goal: Cronk) def. RAIDERS 16 (Tries: Best, Plum, Purtell; Goals: Carney 2) at Canberra Stadium
ROUND 7: STORM 12 (Tries: Inglis, Folau; Goals: C. Smith 2) def. COWBOYS 10 (Tries: Williams 2; Goals: Thurston) at Dairy Farmer’s Stadium
ROUND 8: BYE
ROUND 9: STORM 18 (Tries: Folau 2, Quinn; Goals: C. Smith 3) def. KNIGHTS 4 (Try: Mullen) at Olympic Park, Melbourne
ROUND 10: STORM 12 (Tries: Chambers, Manu; Goals: Smith, Turner) def. by DRAGONS 36 (Tries: Nightingale 2, B. Morris, J Morris, Lett, Soward; Goals: Soward 6) at ANZ Stadium
ROUND 11: STORM 15 (Tries: Chambers, J. Smith; Goals: C. Smith 2, Field Goals: Cronk) def. RABBITOHS 12 (Tries: Vagana 2; Goals: Luke) at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
ROUND 12: STORM 46 (Tries: Geyer 2, C. Smith, Folau, Turner, J. Smith, Crocker, Cronk; Goals: C. Smith 7) def. BULLDOGS 0 at Olympic Park
ROUND 13: STORM 0 def. by TITANS 18 (Tries: Delaney, Meyers, Jeffrey; Goals: Rogers 3) at Skilled Park
ROUND 14: BYE
ROUND 15: STORM 48 (Tries: Inglis 3, Turner 2, J Smith, Slater, Geyer, Folau; Goals: C Smith 6) def. COWBOYS 20 (Tries: Henry, Williams, Webb, Cashmere; Goals: Thurston 2) at Olympic Park
ROUND 16: STORM 22 (Tries: Manu 2, Tomane, Cronk; Goals: Turner 2, Cronk) def. by EELS 24 (Tries: Tautai, Williams, Reddy, Inu; Goals: Burt 4) at Parramatta Stadium
ROUND 17: STORM 30 (Tries: Inglis 2, Slater, Manu, Quinn, Turner; Goals: Smith 3) def. RAIDERS 14 (Tries: Monaghan, Carney, Chalk; Goals: Carney) at Olympic Park
ROUND 18: STORM 30 (Tries: Inglis 3, Slater, Manu; Goals: C. Smith 5) def. TIGERS 18 (Tries: Tuiaki, Hodgson, Ryan; Goals: Hodgson 3) at Campbelltown Sports Stadium
ROUND 19: STORM 26 (Tries: J Smith, Lima, Geyer, Turner, Folau; Goals: C Smith 3) def. DRAGONS 0 at Olympic Park
ROUND 20: STORM 6 (Try: Manu; Goal: C Smith) def. by WARRIORS 8 (Try: Fai; Goals: Hohaia 2) at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
ROUND 21: STORM 44 (Tries: Folau 2, Inglis 2, Turner, Quinn, Hoffman, Geyer, J Smith; Goals: Cam Smith 4) def. TITANS 4 (Try: Ropana) at Olympic Park
ROUND 22: STORM 16 (Tries: Geyer, Folau, Cronk; Goals: C Smith 2) def. SEA EAGLES 10 (Tries: Hall, Williams; Goals: Matai) at Brookvale Oval
ROUND 23: STORM 30 (Tries: Quinn 2, C Smith, Cronk, Slater; Goals: Smith 5) def. ROOSTERS 6 (Try: M Aubusson; Goal: Roberts 1) at Olympic Park
ROUND 24: STORM 40 (Tries: Inglis 3, Turner 2, Quinn, C Smith, Lima; Goals: C Smith 4) def. PANTHERS 6 (Try: N Smith; Goal: Gordon) at CUA Stadium, Penrith
ROUND 25: STORM 16 (Tries: Inglis, Folau, Manu; Goals: C Smith 2) def. by KNIGHTS 17 (Tries: Hilder, Royal; Goals: Gidley 4, Field Goal: Hilder) at EnergyAustralia Stadium
ROUND 26: STORM 42 (Tries: Slater 2, Geyer, Quinn, C Smith, Hoffman, Anderson, J Smith; Goals: C Smith 4, Geyer: 1) def. RABBITOHS 4 (Try: Merritt) at Olympic Park

2008 TRY SCORERS (STORM)
Inglis 16, Folau 13, Slater 13, Quinn 11, Turner 9, Manu 7, Geyer 7, J. Smith 6, Cronk 4, Hoffman 4, C Smith 4, Chambers 3, Lima 2, Johnson, Tagataese, Aitken, White, Crocker, Tomane, B Anderson

2008 GOAL SCORERS (STORM)
C. Smith 72, Turner 4, J. Smith, Cronk, Geyer

2008 FIELD GOAL SCORERS (STORM)
Cronk 2

2008 POINTSCORERS (STORM)
C Smith 160, Inglis 64, Folau 52, Slater 52, Turner 44, Quinn 44, Manu 28, Geyer 28, J. Smith 26, Cronk 20, Hoffman 16, Chambers 12, Lima 8, Johnson 4, Tagataese 4, Aitken 4, White 4, Crocker 4, Tomane 4, B Anderson 4

MELBOURNE STORM MEDIBANK PRIVATE INJURY UPDATE
Dallas Johnson (knee): Test
Danny Vaughan (knee): season
Ben MacDougall (knee): season
Dane Nielsen (shoulder): season
Will Chambers (knee): season

TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP LADDER

POSITION	CLUB	POINTS
1	Storm	38
2	Sea Eagles	38
3	Sharks	38
4	Roosters	34
5	Broncos	33
6	Raiders	30
7	Dragons	30
8	Warriors	30
9	Knights	28
10	Wests Tigers	26
11	Eels	25
12	Panthers	25
13	Titans	24
14	Rabbitohs	20
15	Cowboys	14
16	Bulldogs	14

SQUAD FOR SUNDAY'S GAME

Starting team:
1. Billy Slater
2. Steve Turner
3. Matt Geyer
4. Israel Folau
5. Anthony Quinn
6. Greg Inglis
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Jeff Lima
9. Cam Smith
10. Brett White
11. Michael Crocker
12. Ryan Hoffman
13. Dallas Johnson

Interchange:
14. Jeremy Smith, 15. Adam Blair, 16. Sika Manu, 17. Antonio Kaufusi.

Coach: Craig Bellamy.

____________________________________________________

Chris Couch

Media Manager

Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club

Craig Bellamy Storm Interview

2008-09-11T11:25:00.001+10:00

NRL Coaching Guru Craig Bellamy available for comment today

Melbourne Storm’s training session today will take place at Olympic Park from 2.30pm, with Storm coach Craig Bellamy available for comment prior to the session beginning.

Media will be asked to leave after the initial warm-up period – approximately 15 minutes.

Please note this will be the last chance to get training vision and interview Bellamy before Sunday’s Qualifying Final against the Warriors at Olympic Park.

Media are advised to be ready for Bellamy at 2.15pm, however the exact time of training commencing is an approximation only.

____________________________________________________

Chris Couch

Media Manager

Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club

Billy Slater Storm Dally M

2008-09-10T14:50:00.001+10:00

[10 SEPTEMBER, 2008]

NRL leading fullback Billy Slater available for comment today on Dally M events last night

Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater will be available for comment today at the conclusion for the club’s training session at MC Labour Park.

The session is due to begin at 12.15pm, and conclude at approximately 1.45pm.

Vision of today’s training session will be permitted, however there will be times when cameras will be required to stop recording.

This will be the only time Slater will be available for comment regarding last night’s Dally M Medal count and this weekend’s Qualifying Final against the Warriors.

____________________________________________________

Chris Couch

Media Manager

Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club

Rugby Training Techniques

2008-09-03T17:27:00.001+10:00

NRL Rugby League Training

Training schedule: 01.09.08 – 07.09.08

See below for Melbourne Storm's planned training schedule for the week beginning Monday, September 1^st.

Please note these details are subject to change. Any changes to the training schedule will be made to the "Storm Schedule" on the Melbourne Storm website, www.melbournestorm.com.au, as soon as possible.

All session will take place at MC Labour Park unless otherwise stated.

Monday, September 1^st:
Day Off

Tuesday, September 2^nd:
9.00am - 11.15am: Weights
1.30pm: Skills and Conditioning Session

Wednesday, September 3^rd:
Day Off

Thursday, September 4^th:
9.00am - 11.15am: Weights
1.00pm: Speed and Ballwork Session

Friday, September 5^th:
Day Off

Saturday, September 6^th:
Time TBC: Ballwork Session (Olympic Park)

Sunday, September 7^th:
7.00pm: STORM v RABBITOHS (Olympic Park)

____________________________________________________

Chris Couch

Media Manager

Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club

Storm NRL Betting Favourites

2008-08-11T15:40:00.001+10:00

The Melbourne Storm have firmed into betting favourites after beating Manly;

This is their latest training schedule:

[11 AUGUST, 2008]

Training schedule: 11.08.08 – 16.08.08

See below for Melbourne Storm's planned training schedule for the week beginning Monday, August 11^th.

All sessions will take place at MC Labour Park unless otherwise stated.

Monday, August 11^th:
9.30am: Skills and Conditioning Session

Tuesday, August 12^th:
9.00am - 11.15am: Weights
1.00pm: Speed and Ballwork Session

Wednesday, August 13^th:
DAY OFF

Thursday, August 14^th:
Time TBC: Ballwork Session (Olympic Park)

Friday, August 15^th:
7.35pm: STORM v ROOSTERS (Olympic Park)

Saturday, August 16^th:
9.30am: Recovery Session (Venue TBC)

____________________________________________________

Chris Couch

Media Manager

Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club

E-mail: ccouch@melbournestorm.com.au

Website: www.melbournestorm.com.au

storm nrl lineups

2008-08-06T10:44:00.001+10:00

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has made one change to his squad for Friday night’s Round 22 grand final replay against the Sea Eagles.

The game will be played at Brookvale Oval in Sydney from 7.45pm.

Dallas Johnson returns to the starting line-up after being rested from last week’s win against the Titans. He takes Jeremy Smith’s place in the starting line-up who returns to the interchange bench.

Scott Anderson has been omitted from the squad.

NRL squad for Friday’s game:

Starting team:

1. Billy Slater

2. Steve Turner

3. Matt Geyer

4. Israel Folau

5. Anthony Quinn

6. Greg Inglis

7. Cooper Cronk

8. Jeff Lima

9. Cam Smith ©

10. Brett White

11. Michael Crocker

12. Ryan Hoffman

13. Dallas Johnson

Interchange:

14. Jeremy Smith, 15. Adam Blair, 16. Sika Manu, 17. Antonio Kaufusi.

Coach: Craig Bellamy.

Under-20’s squad for Friday’s game:

Starting team:

1. Gareth Widdop

2. Malo Feterika

3. Sam Joe

4. Zeb Tawha ©

5. Josh Jerome

6. Luke Kelly

7. Liam Foran

8. Aiden Tolman

9. James Woolford

10. Louis Fanene

11. Aiden Guerra

12. Vili Faingaa

13. Will Naitoro

Interchange:

14. Jay Aston, 15. Pulou Vaituutuu, 16. Kruize Wilson, 17. Matt Croker.

Coach: Brad Arthur

____________________________________________________

Chris Couch

Media Manager

Storm NRL Statistics

2008-08-04T21:26:00.001+10:00

[31 July, 2008]

Round 21 v Titans Game Notes

WHO: Melbourne Storm v Gold Coast Titans

WHAT: Round 21 of the 2008 Telstra Premiership season
WHERE: Olympic Park, Melbourne
WHEN: Friday, August 1^st @ 7.35pm (NZST)
ON TV: Channel Nine (Melbourne) @ midnight, Fox Sports 2 @ 1.30am (Saturday)
CHECK IT OUT: Melbourne Storm’s website with all the latest stats, profiles, updates, schedule and training times, alerts, news etc…. www.melbournestorm.com.au

IN BRIEF
Melbourne was dealt a blow to their minor premiership aspirations as they were beaten 8-6 by a committed warriors outfit last Sunday in Auckland. The loss left the Storm in second spot on the NRL ladder.

The Gold Coast Titans also lost last weekend, heavily beaten by the Canberra Raiders 46-4 at Canberra Stadium. The loss leaves them just outside the top eight in ninth position.

FAST FACTS
• Gold Coast has scored the first try in six of their past seven games
• Melbourne has the best defensive record in the NRL conceding just 13 points per game on average
• Gold Coast has lost five of their past six games
• Melbourne has won 38 of their past 40 games at Olympic Park

DID YOU KNOW?
The players’ annual comedy day will take place on Sunday, August 17^th at the Comics Lounge in Errol Street, North Melbourne. Starting at 3.00pm and going on well into the night, the event will feature 10 of Melbourne’s best comedians, and will be hosted by Storm Ambassador and comedian Marty Fields.

Tickets are $30 each and are available before the day at the Melbourne Storm (03 8412 4900) or at the Comics Lounge (03 9348 9488), or on the door on the day (although these tickets will be limited).

KEY MATCH UP
Given the Titans will try to take on the Storm in the forwards, the backrow battle between Anthony Laffranchi and Ryan Hoffman will be one of the key contests in the game.

Other than halfback Scott Prince, Laffranchi has been arguably the Titans’ best player this year. He has taken his game to new levels in 2008, and was rewarded with State-of-Origin honours for New South Wales, and was named 18^th man for the Kangaroos team in the Centenary Test against the Kiwis. He is also a try-scoring threat having crossed the line 10 times in 14 games this year, a wonderful outlay for a backrower, especially with six games still to go.

Hoffman is the consummate professional. He gets the job done with a minimum of fuss and is always in the thick of the action. A teammate of Laffranchi’s in the New South Wales State-of-Origin team, Hoffman also played in the Centenary Test turning in another consistently high performance. What stands Hoffman out from the pack is his work ethic and will to win, and he will never let his teammates down through a lack of effort.

HEAD-TO-HEAD
Total: Played: 2, Storm: 1, Titans: 1
At Olympic Park: Played: 1, Storm: 1, Titans: 0

FOR AND AGAINST 2008
Points for: Storm: 396, Titans: 391
Points against: Storm: 235, Titans: 409
Tries for: Storm: 70, Titans: 69
Points differential: Storm: +161, Titans: -18

LAST ROUND MATCHES
Storm def. by Warriors 8-6 @ Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Titans def. by Raiders 46-4 @ Canberra Stadium, Canberra

LAST TWO CLASHES

YEAR	RESULT	VENUE
2008	Titans def. Storm 18-0 @	Skilled Park
2007	Storm def. Titans 50-6 @	Olympic Park

2008 TRY SCORERS (STORM)
Slater 10, Inglis 10, Folau 9, Quinn 6, Turner 6, Manu 6, J. Smith 4, Geyer 4, Chambers 3, Hoffman 2, Cronk 2, Johnson, Tagataese, Aitken, White, C. Smith, Crocker, Tomane, Lima

2008 GOAL SCORERS (STORM)
C. Smith 51, Turner 4, J. Smith, Cronk

2008 FIELD GOAL SCORERS (STORM)
Cronk 2

2008 POINTSCORERS (STORM)
C Smith 106, Slater 40, Inglis 40, Folau 36, Quinn 24, Turner 24, Manu 24, J. Smith 18, Geyer 16, Chambers 12, Cronk 12, Hoffman 8, Johnson 4, Tagataese 4, Aitken 4, White 4, Crocker 4, Tomane 4, Lima 4

MELBOURNE STORM MEDIBANK PRIVATE INJURY UPDATE
Danny Vaughan (knee): season
Ben MacDougall (knee): season
Dane Nielsen (shoulder): season
Will Chambers (knee): season

THE STORM AHEAD
Round 22: Friday, August 8^th v Sea Eagles @ Brookvale Oval, 7.45pm
Round 23: Friday, August 15^th v Roosters @ Olympic Park, 7.35pm
Round 24: Monday, August 25^th v Panthers @ CUA Stadium, 7.00pm

TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP LADDER

POSITION	CLUB	POINTS
1	Sea Eagles	30
2	Storm	28
3	Roosters	28
4	Sharks	28
5	Broncos	25
6	Dragons	24
7	Panthers	23
8	Raiders	22
9	Titans	22
10	Warriors	22
11	Knights	20
12	Wests Tigers	20
13	Eels	20
14	Rabbitohs	16
15	Bulldogs	14
16	Cowboys	10

SQUAD FOR FRIDAY'S GAME

Interchange:
14. Jeremy Smith, 15. Adam Blair, 16. Sika Manu, 17. Antonio Kaufusi.

Coach: Craig Bellamy.

____________________________________________________

Chris Couch

Media Manager

Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club

Princes Park, Gate 3, Royal Parade, Carlton North VIC 3054

PO Box 141 Parkville VIC 3052

E-mail: ccouch@melbournestorm.com.au

Website: www.melbournestorm.com.au

Melbourne Storm NRL Training

2008-07-29T12:41:00.001+10:00

They might be hassled about wrestling techniques and NRL Storm coach Craig Bellamy constantly argues with the media over controversial training tactics - but their is no arguing that the Melbourne Storm are the NRL benchmark.

2007 NRL Premiers and looking like good things for the 2008 NRL Premiership; heres a training program for the hardworking NRL storm players and club:

See below for Melbourne Storm's planned training schedule for the week beginning Tuesday, July 29^th.

All sessions will take place at MC Labour Park unless otherwise stated.

Tuesday, July 29^th:
1.00pm: Speed and Ballwork Session

Wednesday, July 30^th:
9.00am - 11.15am: Weights

Thursday, July 31^st:
Time TBC: Ballwork Session (Olympic Park)

Friday, August 1^st:
7.30pm: STORM v TITANS (Olympic Park)

Saturday, August 2^nd:
9.30am: Recovery Session (Venue TBC)

Sonny Bill Williams Quits Bulldogs

2008-07-26T22:41:00.002+10:00

The unthinkable has happened in the NRL Rugby League world. NRL star player Sonny Bill Williams quits Bulldogs for French Rugby Union.

Unhappy with the Bulldogs for most of 2008, SBW has been trying to negotiate more money for his NRL playing contract and the Bulldogs, including CEO Todd Greenburg felt SBW was happy with things.

The fans will be shocked.

The Bulldogs slump from one disaster to another, but this time - their best player has now gone. It's a long way back from here. Reports suggest Sonny Bill Williams has already left Australia and is about to play 2nd Grade French Rugby in Toulon.

Melbourne Storm go Rock Climbing

2008-07-21T17:07:00.002+10:00

NRL and Rugby League sporting heros from the Melbourne Storm will be doing something very unique tomorrow morning for their recovery session after tonight’s clash against the Dragons at Olympic Park. Let's hope the Storm squad members aren't hampered by any injures in what could be a risky setup @ Indoor Rock Climbing!

(Hmmm, brings back memories of Robbie Kearns falling off a horse during NSW State of Origin duties some years ago with Wayne Pearce as NSW coach)

The squad’s climbing skills will be put to the test when they arrive at the Hard Rock Indoor Rock Climbing Centre in Swanston Street at 11.00am.

The spectacular setting, both inside and out, will provide some great vision and pictorial opportunities.

For more information on the centre, go to www.hardrock.com.au.

*Selected players will be made available for interview upon completion of the recovery session.

WHAT: Melbourne Storm recovery session – indoor rock climbing

WHERE: Hard Rock Indoor Rock Climbing Centre, 501 Swanston Street, Melbourne

WHEN: Tuesday, July 22^nd from 11.00am

NRL News

2008-05-24T16:21:00.003+10:00

NRL News launched 2 years ago has quickly grown to become the no. 1 public Rugby League authority site, bringing the latest NRL news to the internet world with the freedom not available to the likes of Fox Sports, League HQ (Fairfax) or even the NRL.com - reporters can speak their mind without fear or concern for political position.

In addition to regular NRL News and NRL editorials, the NRL News.com site features popular Rugby League forums, Video Vault and visitor feedback.

At present the NRL News.com website receives over 2000 individual hits each and everyday and has an email subscriber base of several thousand that receive updates on every article posted by the large team of reporters.

The internet and the advent of 'blogs' has quickly seen the online world become the 'hub' or major resource for breaking news as opposed to old world media and standard newspapers who have previously had a hold over Rugby League and NRL in general such as the Daily Telegraph and Sydney Morning Herald. Visitors want to quickly see the latest NRL Results and the NRL Table position of their supported team from anywhere in the world and instantly.

Brian Smith craves NRL Results for Knights

2008-03-22T15:59:00.002+11:00

Sent to Newcastle to get them performing again, former Eels coach Brian Smith started with a bang in 2007 - orchestrating a major clean-out of players at Knights in the hope he could start getting some more favourable NRL Results. With the retirement of Andrew Johns, the Rugby League world was in shock - but more so was Newcastle, they needed a star player or star team to replace the loss and the current crop of players simply wouldn't cut it. Enter Brian Smith, long term players were sent packing from the footy club and Smith knew, a new younger and more talented brand of player was needed to get things going.

NRL draw gets harder

2008-03-22T10:25:00.003+11:00

As the NRL season moves to Round 2, NRL Results and ladder position will get harder as teams try to remain confident and deal with the new interchange rule that only allows 10 substitutions rather than the previous 12 allowed in 2007.

Souths found the going tought, as coach Jason Taylor admitted his side cannot score enough points. The Bulldogs were brave and did enough to get themselves home after trailing for much of the Round 2, 2008 game in Sydney. ANZ Stadium was abuzz as the Dogs got themselves to their first win of the year, muscling the bigger Souths pack and getting some nice momentum for Round 3.

NRL pacesetting by Storm

2008-03-19T14:25:00.002+11:00

www.nrlnews.com

The 2007 eventual NRL Premiership winners the Melbourne Storm have trotted out nicely this year, accounting for the NZ Warriors in their home Monday Night Football game in front of a healthy 20,000 crowd - Victorians coming out to support the Rugby League nicely.

As always early NRL Results are all important as teams look to put some points in the bag early to not only get them to a good ladder position and gain confidence, but it does make things easier at the back end of the season when the Footy is tough and playing talent might be scarce through injury concerns.

Winning well and winning early is the key to overall NRL success.

NRL 2008 Underway

2008-03-16T21:49:00.002+11:00

The kick-off has been and gone. The NRL 2008 Rugby League season is now underway with only a single game left for Round 1 already.

With most of the NRL Results already recorded for this round, some surprises already - with the Cronulla Sharks gritty in their defence based win over the high flying Manly footy side at Brookvale Oval. The Parramatta Eels turned on some stylish late play to beat Rugby League warhorses the Bulldogs in a spiteful clash.

Confidence is key and League teams need to get their first wins up early to get a snowball effect going and keep things on track for a Top 8 Semi Final finish.

The final game of NRL Round 1 sees the Vodafone NZ Warriors away to the Melboune Storm at the Telstra Dome.

Play it smart with Resumes

2008-02-21T16:10:00.002+11:00

Getting a job in most cases is a tricky affair. Everyone wants to be the high roller with the big pay cheque. However, don't forget the fact that the resume or CV plays a huge part in even getting you to the interview stage.

Forget the skills or experience part too. While naturally they place some part, if your resume isn't well presented and setup correctly - you'll fail at first base most times. HR managers and employer review panels will toss your application straight into the trash!

How to make a resume work? Well firstly it's all about getting maximum say for little space, you want to give the reader plenty of your good points in a small amount of space. If things get too long, generally the reader gets bored and tosses it. Having a photo is always a good idea, a small portrait of your face on the first page is a smart move. (If you're shockingly ugly, maybe shy away from this part and get a good make over come interview day) Interviews are a different story and can be hard to do on their own. (More on successful job interviews in our next article) However, setting yourself apart in the resume is critical to making your resume work.

Be smart, be unique and if possible get help - pay to have your resume cleaned up or presented professionally

Pizza Recipes

2008-02-21T16:09:00.001+11:00

Now its easy to get your hands on the simplest and tastiest Pizza Recipes on the internet. All free and available in tutorial style videos, the best pizza recipes site is the one to bookmark. See how pro's and beginners bake their pizzas, make their crusts and set it all up in either woodfired or oven cooked setups.

Smart Blackjack Strategy

2008-02-21T15:57:00.002+11:00

Smart Blackjack Strategy:

Many stats guru's have worked out that by utilizing a solid blackjack strategy will start taking away most of the casino's house advantage. When computers came along, blackjack folks were able to start simulating many-millions of blackjack hands in virtual games, using the computer and the data results to develop what is now known as blackjack basic strategy.

Smart or Basic blackjack strategy is based on this statistical analysis and the fact that the player may choose to double down or split when favorable, and gets paid 3:2 for blackjack. In basic strategy the dealer must adhere to the rules and stand on 17 and above, cannot double down or split and only gets paid 1:1 for blackjack.

It is a fact that the dealer has more than a 35% chance of busting if their face-up card is a 3, 4, 5 or 6. So in this case, if you have a total of 13 to 16 you should stand, as the dealer has a good chance of busting (as do you, but you can choose not to hit whereas the dealer must hit with the same total). However, if the dealer has a 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace, you should take another card, as there is a high probability that the dealer's face down card is a 10, and their hand will beat you.

Other strategy sites include: Roulette Strategy, Poker Blog and Online Casinos

NRL Trials

2008-02-17T09:07:00.002+11:00

The first weekend of NRL preseason games has been completed, for all NRL Trials details, scores and information visit the main page of NRL News by clicking here. Some impressive Rugby League has been played considering its the first hit out for teams, with the Storm, Broncos, Raiders, Panthers and Knights all getting first up wins for their footy clubs.

Back to back for Melbourne Storm?

2008-02-16T13:21:00.002+11:00

They not only won the NRL Premiership in 2007, they simply blew away all teams that came before them. The well drilled machine that is the Melbourne Storm. Coach Craig Bellamy must be delighted yet again, as in their first 2008 pre-season trial game against the Manly Sea Eagles, the Storm have walked away massive winners, the final score 56-10.

So in this years Rugby League premiership, it looks like NRL Results are again going to be heavily favouring the strong Storm side. Full of quality talent and now boasting good depth, they will easily be the side to watch come main season kick off time.

NRL Draw 2008

2008-01-11T22:31:00.000+11:00

Here's the NRL Draw for 2008; home teams on the left of the NRL 2008 Draw.

Round 1
March 14 - 17
Broncos vs. Panthers
Eels vs. Bulldogs
Knights vs. Raiders
Rabbitohs vs. Roosters
Sea Eagles vs. Sharks
Storm vs. Warriors
Titans vs. Cowboys
Wests Tigers vs. Dragons

Round 2
March 21 - 24
Cowboys vs. Wests Tigers
Dragons vs. Titans
Knights vs. Sea Eagles
Panthers vs. Raiders
Rabbitohs vs. Bulldogs
Roosters vs. Broncos
Storm vs. Sharks
Warriors vs. Eels

Round 3
March 28 - 31
Broncos vs. Cowboys
Bulldogs vs. Wests Tigers
Eels vs. Knights
Panthers vs. Rabbitohs
Raiders vs. Dragons
Roosters vs. Storm
Sea Eagles vs. Warriors
Titans vs. Sharks

Round 4
April 4 - 7
Bulldogs vs. Roosters
Cowboys vs. Eels
Dragons vs. Sharks
Sea Eagles vs. Rabbitohs
Storm vs. Broncos
Titans vs. Raiders
Warriors vs. Knights
Wests Tigers vs. Panthers

Round 5
April 11 – 14
Dragons vs. Cowboys
Eels vs. Titans
Knights vs. Broncos
Panthers vs. Roosters
Rabbitohs vs. Sharks
Raiders vs. Wests Tigers
Storm vs. Sea Eagles
Warriors vs. Bulldogs

Round 6
April 18 - 21
Broncos vs. Titans
Bulldogs vs. Dragons
Cowboys vs. Warriors
Eels vs. Sea Eagles
Raiders vs. Storm
Roosters vs. Knights
Sharks vs. Panthers
Wests Tigers vs. Rabbitohs

Round 7
April 25 - 27
Broncos vs. Rabbitohs
Cowboys vs. Storm
Dragons vs. Roosters
Sea Eagles vs. Bulldogs
Sharks vs. Wests Tigers
Titans vs. Warriors
Bye - Eels, Knights, Panthers, Raiders

Round 8
May 2 - 4
Country vs. City
Knights vs. Titans
Panthers vs. Eels
Rabbitohs vs. Cowboys
Warriors vs. Raiders
Wests Tigers vs. Broncos
Bye - Bulldogs, Dragons, Sea Eagles, Roosters, Sharks, Storm

Test Match - Friday, May 9
Australia vs. New Zealand

Round 9
May 10 - 12
Broncos vs. Sea Eagles
Bulldogs vs. Panthers
Cowboys vs. Sharks
Eels vs. Dragons
Roosters vs. Raiders
Storm vs. Knights
Bye - Rabbitohs, Titans, Tigers, Warriors

Round 10
May 16 - 19
Dragons vs. Storm
Eels vs. Roosters
Knights vs. Wests Tigers
Panthers vs. Warriors
Raiders vs. Rabbitohs
Sea Eagles vs. Cowboys
Sharks vs. Broncos
Titans vs. Bulldogs

State of Origin One
Wednesday, May 21

Round 11
May 23 - 26
Bulldogs vs. Sharks
Rabbitohs vs. Storm
Sea Eagles vs. Dragons
Warriors vs. Roosters
Wests Tigers vs. Titans
Bye - Broncos, Cowboys, Eels, Knights, Panthers, Raiders

Round 12
May 30 – June 2
Broncos vs. Eels
Cowboys vs. Panthers
Knights vs. Warriors
Rabbitohs vs. Dragons
Raiders vs. Sea Eagles
Roosters vs. Wests Tigers
Sharks vs. Titans
Storm vs. Bulldogs

Round 13
June 6 - 9
Bulldogs vs. Knights
Dragons vs. Broncos
Eels vs. Raiders
Panthers vs. Sharks
Sea Eagles vs. Roosters
Titans vs. Storm
Warriors vs. Rabbitohs
Wests Tigers vs. Cowboys

State of Origin Two
Wednesday, June 11

Round 14
June 13 - 16
Cowboys vs. Knights
Raiders vs. Broncos
Roosters vs. Panthers
Sharks vs. Warriors
Wests Tigers vs. Eels
Bye - Bulldogs, Dragons, Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs, Storm, Titans

Round 15
June 20 - 23
Broncos vs. Wests Tigers
Bulldogs vs. Raiders
Dragons vs. Panthers
Knights vs. Roosters
Rabbitohs vs. Titans
Sharks vs. Eels
Storm vs. Cowboys
Warriors vs. Sea Eagles

Round 16
June 27 - 30
Cowboys vs. Rabbitohs
Eels vs. Storm
Panthers vs. Broncos
Raiders vs. Sharks
Roosters vs. Bulldogs
Sea Eagles vs. Knights
Titans vs. Dragons
Wests Tigers vs. Warriors

State of Origin Three
Wednesday, July 2

Round 17
July 4 – 7
Bulldogs vs. Rabbitohs
Eels vs. Panthers
Knights vs. Dragons
Storm vs. Raiders
Titans vs. Sea Eagles
Bye - Broncos, Cowboys, Roosters, Sharks, Tigers, Warriors

Round 18
July 11 - 14
Broncos vs. Bulldogs
Dragons vs. Raiders
Panthers vs. Knights
Rabbitohs vs. Eels
Roosters vs. Titans
Sharks vs. Sea Eagles
Warriors vs. Cowboys
Wests Tigers vs. Storm

Round 19
July 18 - 21
Bulldogs vs. Warriors
Cowboys vs. Broncos
Rabbitohs vs. Wests Tigers
Raiders vs. Roosters
Sea Eagles vs. Eels
Sharks vs. Knights
Storm vs. Dragons
Titans vs. Panthers

Round 20
July 25 - 28
Broncos vs. Sharks
Dragons vs. Bulldogs
Eels vs. Cowboys
Knights vs. Rabbitohs
Panthers vs. Wests Tigers
Raiders vs. Titans
Roosters vs. Sea Eagles
Warriors vs. Storm

Round 21
August 1 – 4
Broncos vs. Raiders
Cowboys vs. Roosters
Knights vs. Eels
Rabbitohs vs. Warriors
Sea Eagles vs. Panthers
Sharks vs. Dragons
Storm vs. Titans
Wests Tigers vs. Bulldogs

Round 22
August 8 - 11
Bulldogs vs. Cowboys
Dragons vs. Wests Tigers
Raiders vs. Panthers
Roosters vs. Eels
Sea Eagles vs. Storm
Sharks vs. Rabbitohs
Titans vs. Knights
Warriors vs. Broncos

Round 23
August 15 – 18
Broncos vs. Dragons
Cowboys vs. Titans
Eels vs. Wests Tigers
Panthers vs. Bulldogs
Rabbitohs vs. Sea Eagles
Raiders vs. Knights
Storm vs. Roosters
Warriors vs. Sharks

Round 24
August 22 - 25
Bulldogs vs. Eels
Dragons vs. Warriors
Knights vs. Cowboys
Panthers vs. Storm
Rabbitohs vs. Raiders
Sharks vs. Roosters
Titans vs. Broncos
Wests Tigers vs. Sea Eagles

Round 25
August 29 – September 1
Bulldogs vs. Broncos
Cowboys vs. Raiders
Dragons vs. Eels
Knights vs. Storm
Roosters vs. Rabbitohs
Sea Eagles vs. Titans
Warriors vs. Panthers
Wests Tigers vs. Sharks

Round 26
September 5 – 8
Broncos vs. Knights
Eels vs. Warriors
Panthers vs. Sea Eagles
Raiders vs. Bulldogs
Roosters vs. Dragons
Sharks vs. Cowboys
Storm vs. Rabbitohs
Titans vs. Wests Tigers

Finals
September 12 - 14
Home Venue Quarter Finals Week One
September 20 - 21
Home City Semi Finals Week Two
September 27 - 28
Home Region Preliminary Finals Week Three
Sunday, October 5
Grand Final

NRL

2008-01-11T22:18:00.000+11:00

NRL News has now opened it's new home and it features a total redesign and a new focus on Rugby League and the latest NRL information and articles.

Simply visit www.NRLnews.com and be sure to bookmark the address for future reference.

Stay tuned for a massive Rugby League year in 2008.

NRL

2007-12-24T21:11:00.000+11:00

The NRL has announced a 5pm Grand Final kick-off time for the 2008 Rugby League season. Get all your NRL information and updates at NRL News. Daily updated articles and fan feedback on all things Rugby League.

NRL Rugby League

2007-12-24T08:14:00.000+11:00

NRL and Rugby League News continues daily at NRL News. Discussions regarding pre-season build up, predictions for 2008 and all things Rugby League as we move towards the centenary year of football.

In the weeks ahead, we will put our nuts on the line and talk about which NRL Rugby League teams will finish where and why.

Stay tuned for more NRL videos as we again keep you in the loop and discuss Rugby League in a raw, down to earth fashion.

NRL News... The largest private NRL site online.

NRL Continues into 2008

2007-12-23T11:36:00.000+11:00

Thanks to everyone for joining us for Rugby League discussion and feedback in 2007. We will be back in 2008 to talk all things NRL in every detail. We hope your NRL team is primed for an assault on the premiership. Of course, you can always keep up with latest news and updates at NRLnews.com each day leading up to the kick off in 2008.

Our network supporters this year and next include the following sites; DOTA Allstars for online DOTA games and finally blogging big timer and make money online super guy John Chow also joins us.

NRL Rugby League

2007-11-24T07:22:00.001+11:00

The NRL is currently experiencing it's best off-season ever. In terms of news headlines, Rugby League has been well and truly in the mix - pushing summer sports off the main headlines and NRL talk about Willie Mason, Mark Riddell and various other signings has been constant.

The timing couldn't be better for the NRL and Rugby League in general. With the NRL expanding to 16 teams in 2007, and the Rugby League World Cup approaching in 2008 - all the stars are aligning as Rugby League repairs itself in Australia, and the effects are reaching out to the rest of the world.

The British Lions are playing their best Rugby League in decades and after smashing the Kiwi side several times; they are preparing for their best assault on the Australian Kangaroos in many years.

To keep in touch with the latest NRL Rugby League information be sure and visit NRL News the daily website devoted to NRL and Rugby League information.

NRL Table

2007-09-03T23:35:00.000+10:00

The NRL Table for 2007 is finalised after the finish of Round 25 - the complete NRL table is listed below.

NRL Table for 2007

1	Storm	21	3	1	350	44
2	Sea Eagles	18	6	1	220	38
3	Cowboys	15	9	1	-71	32
4	Warriors	13	10	1	159	29
5	Eels	13	11	1	92	28
6	Bulldogs	12	12	1	47	26
7	Rabbitohs	12	12	1	9	26
8	Broncos	11	13	1	35	24
9	Tigers	11	13	1	-20	24
10	Roosters	10	13	1	-165	23
11	Sharks	10	14	1	60	22
12	Titans	10	14	1	-150	22
13	Dragons	9	15	1	-78	20
14	Raiders	9	15	1	-130	20
15	Knights	9	15	1	-290	20
16	Panthers	8	16	1	-68	18

15yr old: Why did you do it Joey?

2007-08-31T15:18:00.001+10:00

After the news of Andrew Johns and his drug problems broke in the past 24 hours, NRL News has received a substantial amount of email from our readers. We thank everyone for their comments and opinion and always welcome feedback at NRLfeedback@gmail.com

One particular reader, Rhiannon Fuller a 15 year old from the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria - wrote a long email about her thoughts on the Andrew Johns situation. An avid Rugby League fan, formerly from Cootamundra where she was introduced to the NRL as a youngster.

Rhiannon spent plenty of time watching her brothers play first grade and was a regular at Canberra Raiders games. Rhiannon is concerned for her cousin, a massive Andrew Johns fan as were many around the country - who now have to come to terms with the failings of their hero.

Rhiannon Fuller a 15 year old, powerfully writes;

A lot of young kids this week will be extremely devastated after they saw their rugby league hero on the television confessing to drug and alcohol abuse.

Sunday the 26^th of August was a big wake up call to not only to Joey John’s, but also to the whole NRL organisation.

It disgusts me that such a heralded footballer would not only put himself to shame for something as low as this; but also hurt his Newcastle, Australian and NSW teammates - including many other teams he has contributed to over the 12 years of his football career.

For someone who holds so many club and overall NRL records - we expected a lot better of him. The sad thing is he is idolised by so many young boys and girls who follow the sport. The respect for our skipper has plummeted to an all time low.

My question is, how can someone like Andrew John’s who has everything honestly be depressed? He has been supported by his parents his whole life, his older brother Matty John’s has played by his side and helped guide him through his career, his wife and little boy give him his inspiration and his loyal fans praise him and hope to be as good as him one day.

Joey claims he was under pressure “and stuff”, but all he had to do was play the sport he’s best at. He didn’t just pull off winning the Dally M - 3 times or the Clive Churchill Medal or Rugby League Week’s player of the year award 3 times with good looks. He was a brilliant player and all we wanted to see was John’s do our state or country proud. It wasn’t much to ask considering he loved the sport himself.

Something else I don’t understand is when he’s sitting next to former coach Phil Gould with no look of guilt in his eye he states, "Well you play on a Friday night and don't train on a Saturday or Sunday, then generally it's out (of your system) by Monday."

Why don’t you just sit there and tell everyone how you did it Joey, because you’re basically an expert. Ten years is a long time and that’s ten years people have believed and supported you unknown to your drug abuse. We made you who you are, we rewarded you and respected you.

Your name is all over the history of rugby league and all you have to say is "Generally during the off season but there's times when during the season I've run the gauntlet and played Russian roulette and taken it.”

You should take up professional gambling. You seem to think your pretty good at it yourself.

I’m not even a Knights supporter and I’m furious with your actions, I can’t imagine how a committed fan towards your former club feels.

NRL News

Danny Weidler + Sonny Bill Williams

2007-08-04T02:40:00.000+10:00

NRL News reporter Danny Weidler continues to haunt Sonny Bill Williams - with the latest Sonny Bill Williams incident occurring last night.

Sonny Bill Williams caught speeding by NSW Police, allegedly clocked at 60 km/h in a 40 km/h zone. The Police had late last year caught Sonny Bill Williams for DUI - the Bulldogs star registering a alcohol reading over the limit.

As Sonny Bill Williams gets in trouble with the Police again - this time speeding - Danny Weidler broke th story on Channel 9 and it seems the offence really is minor and not too news worth. Most of us are caught speeding at one time or another and SBW is human after all.

Danny Weidler reported earlier this month that Sonny Bill Williams is sick of media attention and may leave the game to escape the spotlight. Understandable - maybe Weidler should not report silly misdemeanors and report real NRL newsworthy articles.

Danny Weidler continues to have access to the Bulldogs and Sonny Bill Williams for interviews - its unclear how long this will continue - as surely Danny Weidlers style is burning both Sonny Bill Williams and the Bulldogs club!

Surely the 2007 NRL season end can't come soon enough for Sonny Bill Williams - however will Danny Weidler follow the Kiwi lad around in the offseason looking for a story or two?

Steve Menzies Manly Sea Eagles Record Breaker

2007-08-04T02:34:00.000+10:00

Steve Menzies - the Manly Sea Eagles stalwart has now racked up 316 games for the Sea Eagles - fast closing in on some of Rugby Leagues big names.

The record for the most Rugby League games played is 349 by Terry Lamb. Terry Lamb is followed by Brad Fittler 336 games played, Cliff Lyons 332 games played, Andrew Ettingshausen 328, Geoff Gerard 320, Jason Croker 318.

Steve Menzies sits after Jason Croker and will pass him shortly in NRL season 2007.

Following from Steve Menzies in terms of most rugby league games played -Paul Langmack 315 games, Luke Ricketson 301, Darren Smith 290.

Its an impressive record to have for Steve Menzies. The most rugby league games played houses some of the big, respected names of Rugby League - and as Steve Menzies has signed on to play with Manly Sea Eagles in 2008 as well - he will climb further up the list most certainly.

Well done Steve Menzies - a place with the greats - in the list of the most rugby league games played is a respected one.

Krisnan Inu Parramatta Eels and Kiwi

2007-08-04T02:27:00.000+10:00

Krisnan Inu, the boom Parramatta outside back has taken the NRL 2007 season by Storm - the young Kiwi has a tonne of tricks to his game and Krisnan Inu is only 20 years old.

Krisnan Inu was actually born in Samoa - but now considers himself a Kiwi for international duties. A strongly religious man, Krisnan Inu has all the skills an outside back could want.

A solid defender and quick on his feet, Krisnan Inu can score a tonne of tries in attack - yet defend with brutal force more common in forwards.

Krisnan Inu can also kick for goal, a successful kicker - around the 90% mark for 2007.

Expect to see plenty more of this kind in coming years, a candidate for the 2007 rookie of the year - Krisnan Inu will be hoping to make the grand final and go all the way with his Eels team before looking to further his studies as a mormon.

Krisnan Inu - we wish you all the best. NRL News

Cameron Smith Melbourne Storm

2007-08-04T02:23:00.000+10:00

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has now officially handed the Storm captaincy to Cameron Smith alone.

Previously the Melbourne Storm had rotated the captaincy through their ranks, however as the NRL finals approach for 2007 - the Melbourne Storm want to build on their no.1 ranked form during the year and letting Cameron Smith do the job alone is certainly in their best interests.

Coach Craig Bellamy rates Cameron Smith as easily the best Rugby League player in the world and his form has been top notch right through 2007.

After a brilliant Origin series, Cameron Smith was rested briefly by the Melbourne Storm - but now with the NRL finals approaching Cameron Smith will continue to the be the rock of the Storm.

A Queensland junior, Cameron Smith has the chance to become the Australian captain as Danny Buderus and Darren Lockyer retire in the coming years.

Brookvale Oval Manly Home Semi Drama

2007-08-04T02:20:00.000+10:00

Manly Sea Eagles supremo Ken Arthurson has weighed into the Brookvale Oval / Warringah Council debate - saying its a greedy grab for cash from the Warringah Council over fees for Brookvale Oval during the home semi period (Top 8 NRL finals)

Brooky is critical to the Eagles getting a first up win in the semi finals, and Brookvale Oval continues to be a fortress for the Manly Sea Eagles in 2007.

Ken Arthurson said people power will prevail in Manly and Brookvale Oval would most certainly be hosting the Manly home final.

NRL News

Jarrod Sammut Penrith Panthers

2007-08-04T02:18:00.000+10:00

Penrith Panthers have promoted rookie Jarrod Sammut recently into first grade, with young Sammut about to get his first taste of big time NRL.

Jarrod Sammut is only 20 years old and will be one of th smallest players in the NRL when he makes his debut for the Panthers shortly.

Currently working as a council labourer - Jarrod Sammut has shown good form in Penrith Panthers reserve grade ranks and his speed and light stepping ability will see him become a strong force for the Penrith Panthers in the coming years.

Good luck to Jarrod Sammut in the NRL debut from NRL News

Newcastle Knights Coal and Allied 2011 Deal

2007-08-04T02:15:00.000+10:00

Newcastle Knights maybe struggling on the NRL field - but the club has just signed some recent deal extensions; seeing their sponsorship locked in with Coal and Allied until 2011.

The deal has strong community ties, involving Coal and Allied Employees, wider Newcastle community and the NRL fans of the Knights.

The partnership between Coal and Allied and the Newcastle Knights will see a host of programs aimed at benefiting the region as a whole.

NRL Financial Struggle for Clubs

2007-07-28T15:06:00.000+10:00

A report by the Sydney Morning Herald today (www.smh.com.au) suggests that NRL clubs overall are struggling to turn a profit without the injection of funds from their powerful Leagues clubs.

Clubs such as: Manly, Wests Tigers and South Sydney are suggested to be struggling big time with turning a profit - these particular clubs all fighting over the crowded Sydney NRL market.

Several key NRL Figures including David Gallop seem to think that at least one team in Sydney will fold or have to relocate to ensure they are successful and that the competition continues to thrive.

The Brisbane Broncos remain a clear winning in terms of profit and on-going revenue - bringing in around 20 million a year and have some left over at the end. A model that other NRL clubs would only dream about. Brisbane currently enjoying good results and a 1 team town - all ingredients for NRL success.

Clubs such as Cronulla are relying on not only League club grants but Goverment grants - and fortunately for the Cronulla Sharks - they have property around their home ground that is ripe for development and will continue to keep their future safe.

NRL Scores

GPS Devices to Report NRL Info?

2007-07-27T12:24:00.000+10:00

THE hits in tomorrow night's Collingwood-Brisbane AFL match will literally flow all the way to fans in their lounge rooms, with GPS technology transmitting the impacts of players live to the TV screen.

In a world first, Channel Ten will download data taken from GPS devices attached to 10 players and provide viewers with detail on G forces, impacts, speed, acceleration, heart rate and distances run.

AFL players have been wearing the small transponder type instruments in games for four years, providing coaches with valuable information, but the material has not been transmitted to the public until now.

Footballers sustain or deliver impacts of 10g force, where impacts of 9g and over can cause pilots and astronauts to black out.

AFL players regularly run up to 20 kilometres in a game and some reach speeds of 34kmh, meaning fans will see evidence athletes sprint like Olympic 100-metres champions, run like marathoners, absorb hits like heavyweight boxers, all the while executing the skills of ballerinas.

David Barham, Network Ten's executive producer of AFL, says: "It's an important night for sport generally, the AFL and the clubs who have desperately wanted to use it live in games.

"Hopefully, we can demonstrate it can be used safely and make it as simple and practical for the fans as possible."

Essendon fitness coach John Quinn, coach of Olympic sprinter Lauren Hewitt, will be in the Ten studio to explain the information downloaded from the GPS devices worn by five players each from Collingwood and Brisbane.

"He will be the expert on the night," Barham said. "We're not going to blind fans with science but I'm thinking of putting up on the screen the heart rate of one player for a minute following the centre bounce."

The device will be worn in a vest, or strapped to the player's back.

The NRL, where the collisions are more violent, and the appeal to viewers potentially greater, has not given permission for GPS to be used in games, fearing injury when a player is back-slammed, or falls heavily.

Manly and Melbourne, leaders on the premiership ladder and in technology, have been using GPS technology as a training aid to track loads and determine whether injured players are fit to resume.

Manly monitor every training session and get instant data on total workload, exertion, impacts, sprint efforts, heart rates, acceleration, speed and distance.

Coach Des Hasler says, "I've been using it for years. It's a great thing for injury prevention and telling us how far we need to run at training."

Geelong credit their top of the AFL ladder position on changes in training brought by a former Manly assistant, Dean Robinson.

Robinson has used GPS technology and strength training to make the Cats stronger in the upper body.

The improved strength of Geelong players in the shoulders and arms has manifested itself in better tackling and ball control.

Other AFL teams reporting dramatic improvement since using GPS data include Sydney, Adelaide and West Coast.

The Canterbury Crusaders, who have dominated Super 14 rugby, the All Blacks and A-League football champions Melbourne Victory all use GPS technology.

The GPS devices worn in the Collingwood-Brisbane match update data 100 times a second.

Channel Ten will be able to analyse player match-ups on rolling time periods and provide explanations for interchange.

The laws of physics suggest that with players getting bigger and faster, impacts are even more devastating. Old footballers contend this is no more valid than the notion greater amps automatically lead to better songs.

Former players argue they don't make hits like they used to but GPS technology means we now have a Richter scale for comparison.

One of AFL's most absorbing match-ups occurred in a Collingwood-Brisbane game when Magpies captain Nathan Buckley and Lions skipper Michael Voss went at each other furiously in the final quarter of the 2002 grand final.

While some fans might argue viewing the statistics of that battle would suck all the romance from it, Barham recognises we live in an information age and viewers demand detail, even if they choose to discard it.

In football, as in music, hits succeed because of the impression they leave.

Fans now have a means to measure them and coaches have tangible evidence of what they suspect when they say, "That game took a lot out of the lads."

Roy Masters (SMH)

Links: NRL News

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2007-07-24T23:10:00.001+10:00

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2007-07-24T23:05:00.000+10:00

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NRL Scores and Tables

2007-07-24T18:41:00.000+10:00

All the NRL Scores and NRL Table and Ladder information has been updated after Round 19, 2007 at NRL News. (www.NRLnews.com)

NRL News discusses Rugby League daily including fan feedback.

Click below to visit the website:

NRL Scores

NRL Teams

Clint Newton Talks Danny Buderus & Newcastle

2007-07-17T18:48:00.000+10:00

Clint Newton fears Danny Buderus is nearing burn-out as the Storm thrash the Knights in Round 18, 2007 this week.

Is it a case of nose out of joint for Newton? Still riding high after beating his old club? Or does he have a point about Danny Buderus and the possibility of him going down the same path as Andrew Johns at the Newcastle Knights.

Clint Newton video below:

Phil Gould rates Eels and Souths

2007-07-16T12:30:00.000+10:00

Phil 'Gus' Gould wrote an impressive article after the Parramatta Eels / South Sydney game yesterday. Gus gives a good insight into the shortcomings of both teams and this is a good read for all NRL enthusiasts: (Phil Gould writes regularly for the Sydney Morning Herald Newspaper)

Rabbits and Eels show each other what they're lacking:

IF SOUTH Sydney could borrow some of the attacking flair and individual skills of the Parramatta team, I really think they would be genuine top-four contenders.

If Parramatta possessed some of the earthy, working-man's grit and determination found in the South Sydney troops, they would be genuine contenders for this year's title.

I get the feeling both teams will come up well short of these goals, but maybe Parramatta could at least find some of what they are missing in yesterday's opponents.

Souths, on the other hand, will need to buy players to fill their missing links in the quest for higher honours.

Yesterday's game showed us yet again the stark reality of this competition on the score of the "haves" and the "have-nots".

I'll start with the Rabbitohs. They were never going to win yesterday and always looked to be a couple of steps behind the pace. Yet, with the exception of one blow-out loss against a red-hot Bulldogs team, they have always managed to fight to the death and keep themselves in the contest.

This game gave us more evidence of their improved defensive technique and their courage to compete for the full 80 minutes. Defence is the hardest part of the game and the way Souths have defended all season reflects their commitment and desire.

Parramatta dominated possession and field position in the first half and recorded only one error during this period - when the video referee ruled a knock-on against winger Eric Grothe over the try line.

They used their possession well and threw everything in their repertoire at the Rabbits in the search for tries.

The visitors, though, showed great composure under fire and refused to buckle. I dare say a few other teams in this competition would have capitulated under the weight of defensive pressure and, after the Eels led 14-0 at the break, looked down the barrel of a 30-point deficit.

The problem for the Rabbitohs is that they lack genuine creativity or spark in attack. Their forwards are tough and tradesman-like, but few of them pass or offload with any confidence.

Their halves are conscientious workers but look a bit like a bloke learning to dance who is concentrating too much on where to put his feet rather than just moving to the music.

Their outside backs are more than capable but get limited opportunities.

Souths would kill to have the skill and confidence of Eels halves Tim Smith and Brett Finch. If the stupid salary cap rules would let them splash out, they would match rugby union's money to acquire the awesome ball-running talents of the likes of Timana Tahu.

Souths have no back-row forward with the impact and attacking arsenal of a Feleti Mateo, and their dummy-halves, Stuart Webb and Shane Rigon, though willing and aggressive, lack the confidence and brashness of the Parramatta pair of Mark Riddell and PJ Marsh.

In attack, Souths moved the ball laterally too often in trying to breach the Parramatta defence, when a more direct approach was required.

Their best results came when they put bodies in motion and the ball-carrier dummied and ran. Five-eighth Ben Rogers produced such a play in the 72nd minute to break into the back field and put Nathan Merritt in to score - but it was too little, too late.

Parramatta, on the other hand, have no such trouble creating scoring opportunities. They have the skill, flair and speed in the backs; and they have the bulk, power and athleticism in the forwards to trouble any team.

When they are really on their game, they can blow sides off the park.

On other occasions, they appear to lack the hunger. They often resemble a well-fed cat playing with a half-dead mouse, not really caring if the critter gets up and runs away.

In short, Souths have the defence, the grit and the hunger, but lack the necessary skill in attack to reach their goals this season.

Parramatta have everything you need to win a competition - except the steely eyes and the fire in the belly.

NRL Tables and Points Ladder Round 17

2007-07-10T21:25:00.000+10:00


1	Storm	14	2	1	199	30
2	Sea Eagles	12	4	1	152	26
3	Cowboys	10	6	1	-55	22
4	Eels	9	7	1	45	20
5	Tigers	9	7	1	24	20
6	Broncos	8	8	1	74	18
7	Bulldogs	8	8	1	30	18
8	Titans	8	8	1	-10	18
9	Knights	8	8	1	-103	18
10	Sharks	7	9	1	67	16
11	Warriors	7	9	1	29	16
12	Rabbitohs	7	9	1	-8	16
13	Dragons	6	10	1	-64	14
14	Raiders	6	10	1	-79	14
15	Roosters	5	11	1	-197	12
16	Panthers	4	12	1	-104	10

AdesClrPicker Review

2007-07-09T13:17:00.000+10:00

Lately I have been searching the web to find a tool to help me match colour schemes from my backgrounds and logos - it's tricky refining the theme for my site, getting a good “logo” designed and putting together a really decent overall feel for my actual blog. So stumbling across this handy colour scheme software was a godsend - try it use the color picker (AdesClrPicker) today which will save you plenty of time as it helps you to grab the colour from any point on your screen and then gives you the output code (HTML, C++, etc) for the colour. Meet the maker at his BlogSite, Adesblog.com

NRL Table July 5, 2007

2007-07-05T15:38:00.000+10:00

With NRL Rugby League teams results again very close in 2007. It makes for another cluttered NRL Table. With the lower ranked teams, Penrith and the Dragons still a mathematical chance on the NRL Table of making the playoffs.

It is a long shot for the likes of the Panthers and Dragons to make the Final Top 8 - however teams that were earlier struggling in 2007 such as the Brisbane Broncos and Bulldogs and now making their move and are moving up the NRL Table is a fast fashion.

The NRL Table as of July 5, 2007 reads as follows: (NRL Table updated by www.NRLnews.com)

1	Storm	13	2	1	195	28
2	Sea Eagles	11	4	1	96	24
3	Eels	9	6	1	69	20
4	Cowboys	9	6	1	-61	20
5	Tigers	8	7	1	7	18
6	Titans	8	7	1	-9	18
7	Broncos	7	8	1	73	16
8	Sharks	7	8	1	69	16
9	Warriors	7	8	1	35	16
10	Bulldogs	7	8	1	28	16
11	Rabbitohs	7	8	1	-4	16
12	Knights	7	8	1	-127	16
13	Raiders	6	9	1	-37	14
14	Dragons	5	10	1	-106	12
15	Roosters	5	10	1	-141	12
16	Panthers	4	11	1	-87	10

NRL Points Table Ladder Round 16 2007

2007-07-02T23:49:00.000+10:00

1	Storm	13	2	1	195	28
2	Sea Eagles	11	4	1	96	24
3	Eels	9	6	1	69	20
4	Cowboys	9	6	1	-61	20
5	Tigers	8	7	1	7	18
6	Titans	8	7	1	-9	18
7	Broncos	7	8	1	73	16
8	Sharks	7	8	1	69	16
9	Warriors	7	8	1	35	16
10	Bulldogs	7	8	1	28	16
11	Rabbitohs	7	8	1	-4	16
12	Knights	7	8	1	-127	16
13	Raiders	6	9	1	-37	14
14	Dragons	5	10	1	-106	12
15	Roosters	5	10	1	-141	12
16	Panthers	4	11	1	-87	10

NRL Bulldogs / Roosters Press Conferences

2007-07-02T23:27:00.000+10:00

After the Bulldogs got into overdrive against the Roosters in Monday Night NRL, here are the Press Conference interviews from both coach Steve Folkes and Chris Anderson.

Feel free to comment on the footage from Folkes and Anderson.

Bulldogs - Steve Folks - Press Conference

Roosters - Chris Anderson - Press Conference

Click here to Return to NRL News Main Page

NRL Ladder and Points Table after Round 16, 2007

2007-07-02T11:12:00.000+10:00

Latest Table and Points Ladder

W	L	B	+/-	Pts
1	Storm	13	2	1	195	28
2	Sea Eagles	11	4	1	96	24
3	Eels	9	6	1	69	20
4	Cowboys	9	6	1	-61	20
5	Tigers	8	7	1	7	18
6	Titans	8	7	1	-9	18
7	Broncos	7	8	1	73	16
8	Sharks	7	8	1	69	16
9	Warriors	7	8	1	35	16
10	Rabbitohs	7	8	1	-4	16
11	Knights	7	8	1	-127	16
12	Bulldogs	6	8	1	-4	14
13	Raiders	6	9	1	-37	14
14	Dragons	5	10	1	-106	12
15	Roosters	5	9	1	-109	12
16	Panthers	4	11	1	-87	10

NRL Referees 2007 Review

2007-06-29T22:29:00.000+10:00

In the NRL News article database this week we will look at the NRL referees in 2007 and see who is performing the best and whos on struggle street.

Each day this coming week, we will profile an NRL Referee and review their performance this season.

We look forward to your comments and who knows Referee boss Robert Finch may just be reading or one of his allies such as Bill Harrigan.

Regards,
NRL News
www.NRLnews.com

NRL Good Guys - Nice News Stories

2007-06-29T11:51:00.000+10:00

June 29, 2007: In good NRL news around the place, we have dug up several instances of 'good guys' stories including the following:

Wests Tigers:
Club fan Craig Davis and his family lost their home to a fire. And one of the treasured possessions, was their NRL signed Wests Tigers jerseys. So the Wests Tigers got Davis and his family a new framed jersey signed and donated to him by Benji Marshall at the last Campbelltown NRL game.

Cronulla Sharks:
The Sharks side, including players Luke Covell, Breat Kearney, David Simmons and Reece Williams visited 60 students from the Sutherland Community College with provides services to the intellectually disabled.

North Queensland Cowboys:
The Cowboys continue their 'Caring for Kids' program with regular visits to Townsville Hospital. NRL Players Ashley Graham and Ray Cashmere made their third visit to the hospital to cheer up patients there.

Brisbane Broncos:
The Brisbane Broncos have entered into a partnership with Epilepsy Queensland to increase awareness regarding the disease.
Broncos NRL players Steve Michaels and David Taylor have been announced as ambassadors for the program. Epilepsy Queensland CEO Helen Whitehead was pleased with the announcement and looks forward to working with the Broncos and NRL to raise awareness.

DOTA Forums

Rugby League Footy Collector Cards

2007-06-25T00:48:00.000+10:00

NRL / ARL - Footy Trading and Collector Cards Fan?

Today NRL News stumbled across an interesting website, with the owner having several thousand collector cards, from the earliest Rugby League days, to ARL and through to NRL Rugby League.

There are also stacks of other collector cards for NFL, AFL and other Australian Sports.

If you have cards to swap, trade or you wish to buy - please get in touch with us at NRLfeedback@gmail.com

Be sure and visit the site below for plenty of interesting viewing.

Hirdy13's NRL Trading Cards Website

Brought to you by:
NRL News Rugby League

NRL is it too bland?

2007-06-22T14:15:00.000+10:00

This article is by Roy Masters - and he raises some very good points here. I couldn't resist posting it and I look forward to your comments.

Close matches and some upsets have added interest to the NRL in 2007. Many fans feel the game has lost one time flair. Most matches are dominated by one-out running and mainly defence. There are only a few champion players left. Bad decisions on field break fans' hearts and loyalty is a memory.

The NRL is just a rambling 16-room house painted beige. Now judging by the NRL's bizarre logo, the code's colours are black, white, green and yellow but they may as well be changed to dull shades of brown, to reflect the lack of colour and uniqueness among the clubs.

The Parramatta fans hold blue and gold banners and the Manly supporters wear their maroon and white, but really, on the field these two great enemies of the early 1980s are as different as Trinidad and Tobago. Everyone is playing 'not to lose' rather than playing 'to win'.

Parity has surely produced uniformity.

The salary cap restrictions and the mid-season transfers have really created a landscape like Garrison Keillor's 1997 novel, Wobegon Boy, where the kids in the fictional US town are all above average.

Maybe not all the NRL's 16 teams are above average right now, but the salary cap and players swapping clubs before June 30 these days has created a competition where all clubs are just clustering to a mean.

Take this bizzare scenario, second-rower Clint Newton's recent switch to Melbourne from Newcastle offers the best example of this leveling process.

Clint Newton's transfer allowed the opportunity to Mitchell Sargent to move from the bench to a starting position with the Newcastle Knights.

Mitchell Sargent had previously played for the Cowboys, whom he joined after being a benchman at the Storm.

So Melbourne acquired a player whose original position is now filled - two clubs later - by a player that Melbourne had originally released.

This merry-go-round has occurred with coaches too, with half of them having been at another club the year before.

The fans are loyal and so are players and coaches but really only in the way a cow is loyal to lucerne.

The NRL might as well give everyone with black blazers with its bomb-shaped logo on the front pocket and allow an executive search team to randomly place players according to a computer that only produces eight golden-point results every single weekend. The NRL's commercial partners - Betfair and Tabcorp - would be very happy with the total unpredictability of every round.

All the colour bleached from the game, it's now no wonder Paul Oliver's documentary, The Fibros and the Silvertails, has become the big hit of the Sydney Film Festival. It was the very first to sell out and required a second session setup.

The new 55-minute film features an overview from over 20 years ago featuring Western Suburbs and Manly players from 1978, the very first year of the bitter Fibro-Silvertail war.

Both players from the Eagles and Magpies speak very passionately about their clubs, 30 years after they had literally bled for their teams in warring games.

Expect the show to be shown on ABC TV either during this year's NRL semifinals or in the code's centenary season in next year.

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens was at the premiere and witnessed first hand the passion on the screen and in the audience that night.

Tim Sheens is one of the very few NRL coaches that is conscious of the games history and has even taken his team to the now dilapidated Lidcombe Oval, showing them the dressing room with battered lockers where all the pre-match motivation took place.

Tim could not have missed that some of the big audience on Tuesday night were wearing old hand-knitted jumpers adorned with three-decades-old club logos. No wonder the retro footy jerseys are very big sellers.

Revitalising the now obscure brands, brands like Dux Heaters and Paramount shirts, this mightn't please modern day marketers but they do reflect a time when footy fans identified with the little kid down the road who played with the local juniors and then progressed through the grades to complete his footy career with just one club.

There was great disparity in this era - with the rich clubs plundering the poorer - but everyone still spoke about it being just a short distance from the penthouse to the basement.

These days, the NRL is just a sprawling one-level house with 16 rooms of equal size and it's the same distance from the toilet to the bedroom as it is from the dining room to the laundry.

We see seasons where a club goes from worst to first within only seven months, such as Wests Tigers and the Panthers recently. But thenwhat happens the following season?

These teams are forced to jump on the descending escalator, which does seem to be travelling faster than the original one going up. It's almost as if all the huge passion in winning a premiership has totally drained out by the following January.

Nothing demonstrates the removal of expression and individual differences more than the case of St George Illawarra five-eighth Richie 'Rich' Williams.

Before the Dragons-Roosters round-7 clash, Richie Williams made a media comment about his opposite number, Braith Anasta, that many believed was true: Anasta was not as good as when he first represented the Bulldogs.

For this crime, Richie Williams was hammered on the field, then bagged by his coach and banished to premier league for five weeks until injuries to teammates saw him recalled.

The NRL and media 'Thought Police' weren't finished - as he has now been released to Penrith.

The best chance the NRL has to change its very sterile current form lies not with an outspoken player.

There are some signs that Roosters chairman Nick Politis and also Rabbitohs co-owner Russell Crowe are hammering away in a private war, luring some players off each other and spoiling planned media announcements by posting defections and bulletins on their club websites.

It's very unlikely this battle between millionaires for dominance of the inner-city footy scene will have all the emotion of the Fibro-Silvertail war but hey, it might just produce some good colour if they actually say something on the record.

Meanwhile, the rest of us must live with black and white results in a world dappled with greys.

Roy Masters

Return to NRL News Rugby League

NRL Round 15 Team Lineups

2007-06-19T19:51:00.000+10:00

Here are all the team lineups for Round 15 of the NRL:
(Courtesy of NRL News Rugby League / www.NRLnews.com)

Tuesday 19th June 2007, 7pm

FRIDAY
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS v PENRITH at Mt Smart Stadium, 6pm
WARRIORS: Wade McKinnon, Patrick Ah Van, Tony Martin, Simon Mannering, Manu Vatuvei, Michael Witt, Grant Rovelli, Evarn Tuimavave, Nathan Fien, Steve Price (captain), Louis Anderson, Logan Swann, Micheal Luck. Interchange: George Gatis, Sam Rapira, Epalahame Lauaki, Wairangi Koopu.
PANTHERS: Rhys Wesser, Michael Gordon, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis, Nick Youngquest, Maurice Blair, Craig Gower (captain), Joel Clinton, Paul Aiton, Frank Puletua, Junior Moors, Tony Puletua, Nathan Smith. Interchange: Tim Grant, Frank Pritchard, Keith Peters, Geoff Daniela, Richie Williams (one to be omitted).
Referee: Steve Clark

MANLY v BULLDOGS at Brookvale Oval, 7:30pm
SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Steve Bell, Steve Matai, Chris Hicks, Jamie Lyon, Matt Orford (captain), Jason King, Michael Monaghan, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Glenn Stewart, Luke Williamson. Interchange: Shayne Dunley, Glenn Hall, Mark Bryant, Steve Menzies, Adam Cuthbertson (one to be omitted)
BULLDOGS: Luke Patten, Hazem El Masri, Daryl Millard, Willie Tonga, Cameron Phelps, Ben Roberts, Brent Sherwin, Mark O'Meley, Corey Hughes, Willie Mason, Sonny Bill Williams, Andrew Ryan (captain), Reni Maitua. Interchange: Adam Perry, Nick Kouparitsas, Kane Cleal, Jarrad Hickey.
Referee: Tony Archer

SATURDAY
CANBERRA v NORTH QUEENSLAND at Canberra Stadium, 5:30pm
RAIDERS: William Zillman, David Milne, Marshall Chalk, Colin Best, Brett Kelly, Terry Campese, Michael Dobson, Troy Thompson, Lincoln Withers, Scott Logan, Neville Costigan, Glen Turner, Alan Tongue (captain). Interchange: Josh Miller, Dane Tilse, Ben Jones, Nigel Plum, Brad Cross, Trevor Thurling, Ryan Hinchcliffe (three to be omitted).
COWBOYS: Matt Bowen, Brenton Bowen, Scott Minto, Ashley Graham, Ty Williams, Justin Smith, Johnathan Thurston (captain), Shane Tronc, Aaron Payne, Carl Webb, Steve Southern, Jacob Lillyman, Sione Faumuina. Interchange: David Faiumu, Jason Smith, Matthew Bartlett, Ray Cashmere, Mark Henry (one to be omitted).
Referee: Tony De Las Heras

GOLD COAST v NEWCASTLE at Carrara Stadium, 7:30pm
TITANS: Preston Campbell, Matt Petersen, Mat Rogers, Brett Delaney, Jake Webster, Josh Lewis, Scott Prince (captain), Luke Bailey, Nathan Friend, Ian Donnelly, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Luke Swain. Interchange: Matthew Hilder, James Stosic, Gavin Cooper, Clint Amos, Kris Kahler, Luke O'Dwyer (two to be omitted).
KNIGHTS: Kurt Gidley, James McManus, George Carmont, Brad Tighe, Adam MacDougall, Jarrod Mullen, Luke Walsh, Kade Snowden, Danny Buderus (captain), Adam Woolnough, Steve Simpson, Cory Paterson, Reegan Tanner. Interchange: Michael Young, Chris Bailey, Daniel Tolar, Mitchell Sargent, Jesse Royal, Luke MacDougall (two to be omitted).
Referee: Ben Cummins

SYDNEY ROOSTERS v PARRAMATTA at Aussie Stadium, 7:30pm
ROOSTERS: Amos Roberts, John Williams, Joel Monaghan, Sia Soliola, Sam Perrett, Setaimata Sa, Mitchell Pearce, David Shillington, Craig Wing, Danny Nutley, Anthony Tupou, Craig Fitzgibbon (captain), Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Shane Shackleton, Lopini Paea, Mitchell Aubusson, Danny Williams.
EELS: Luke Burt, Jarryd Hayne, Ben Smith, Krisnan Inu, Eric Grothe, Brett Finch, Tim Smith, Josh Cordoba, PJ Marsh, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh (capt), Feleti Mateo, Daniel Wagon. Interchange: Mark Riddell, Ian Hindmarsh, Chad Robinson, Aaron Cannings.
Referee: Gavin Badger

SUNDAY
SOUTH SYDNEY v CRONULLA at Telstra Stadium, 2pm
RABBITOHS: David Peachey, Nathan Merritt, Nigel Vagana, Feluti Talanoa, Paul Mellor, Ben Rogers, Jeremy Smith, Peter Cusack (captain), Stuart Webb, Roy Asotasi (captain), Luke Stuart, David Faalogo, Dean Widders. Interchange: Isaac Luke, Shane Rigon, Manase Manuokafoa, Scott Geddes.
SHARKS: David Simmons, Mitch Brown, Ben Pomeroy, Fraser Anderson, Luke Covell, Adam Dykes, Brett Kimmorley (captain), Luke Douglas, Kevin Kingston, Craig Stapleton, Reece Williams, Lance Thompson, Greg Bird. Interchange: Jacob Selmes, Ben Ross, Cameron Ciraldo, Isaac De Gois.
Referee: Sean Hampstead

MELBOURNE v ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA at Olympic Park, 3pm
STORM: Steve Turner, Matt Geyer, Matt King, Anthony Quinn, Israel Folau, Greg Inglis, James Aubusson, Ben Cross, Cameron Smith, Brett White, Clint Newton, Ryan Hoffman, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Jeff Lima, Garrett Crossman, Jeremy Smith, Sam Tagataese, Adam Blair, Will Chambers, Sika Manu (three to be omitted).
DRAGONS: Josh Morris, Jason Nightingale, Beau Scott, Matt Cooper, Tom Hewitt, Rangi Chase, Jamie Soward, Justin Poore, Simon Woolford, Jason Ryles (capt), Corey Payne, Chris Houston, Ben Creagh. Interchange: Dan Hunt, Ricky Thorby, Lagi Setu, Ben Ellis, Chase Stanley, Tony Caine (two to be omitted).
Referee: Paul Simpkins

MONDAY
BRISBANE v WESTS TIGERS at Suncorp Stadium, 7pm
BRONCOS: Karmichael Hunt, Steve Michaels, Darius Boyd, Justin Hodges, Brent Tate, Darren Lockyer (captain), Michael Ennis, Ben Hannant, Shaun Berrigan, Petero Civoniceva, Corey Parker, Dane Carlaw, Tonie Carroll. Interchange: Ian Lacey, Greg Eastwood, Brad Thorn, Dave Taylor, Joel Moon (one to be omitted).
TIGERS: Shannon McDonnell, Daniel Fitzhenry, Dean Collis, Paul Whatuira, Taniela Tuiaki, Chris Lawrence, John Morris, Todd Payten (captain), Robbie Farah, Bryce Gibbs, Ben Galea, Chris Heighington, Dene Halatau. Interchange: Liam Fulton, Ben Te'o, Bronson Harrison, Keith Galloway, Beau Ryan (one to be omitted).
Referee: Shayne Hayne

NRL Team Lineups Round 14

2007-06-13T01:34:00.000+10:00

The NRL teams - for round 14

Teamsheets for round 14 of the NRL premiership (all times AEST):

FRIDAY
MANLY SEA EAGLES v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS at Brookvale Oval, 7.30pm
SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Steve Bell, Steve Matai, Chris Hicks, Jamie Lyon, Matt Orford (captain), Jason King, Michael Monaghan, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Glenn Stewart, Luke Williamson. Interchange: Clint Halden, Glenn Hall, Mark Bryant, Steve Menzies, Shane Neumann, Shayne Dunley, Adam Cuthbertson (three to be omitted).
RABBITOHS: David Peachey, Nathan Merritt, Nigel Vagana, Feluti Talanoa, Paul Mellor, Ben Rogers, Jeremy Smith, Peter Cusack (captain), Stuart Webb, Roy Asotasi (captain), Luke Stuart, David Faalogo, Dean Widders. Interchange: Isaac Luke, Shane Rigon, Manase Manuokafoa, Scott Geddes, Shannan McPherson (one to be omitted).
Referee: Steve Clark

BULLDOGS v BRISBANE BRONCOS at Telstra Stadium, 7.30pm
BULLDOGS: Luke Patten, Hazem El Masri, Daryl Millard, Tim Winitana, Cameron Phelps, Daniel Holdsworth, Brent Sherwin, Mark O'Meley, Corey Hughes, Willie Mason, Sonny Bill Williams, Andrew Ryan (captain), Reni Maitua. Interchange: Adam Perry, Nick Kouparitsas, Kane Cleal, Jarrad Hickey.
BRONCOS: Karmichael Hunt, Steve Michaels, Darius Boyd, Justin Hodges, Brent Tate, Darren Lockyer (captain), Michael Ennis, Ben Hannant, Shaun Berrigan, Petero Civoniceva, Corey Parker, Dane Carlaw, Tonie Carroll. Interchange: Joel Moon, Greg Eastwood, Brad Thorn, Dave Taylor, Nick Kenny, John Te Reo (two to be omitted).
Referee: Paul Simpkins

SATURDAY
SHARKS v NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS at Toyota Park, 5.30pm
SHARKS: David Simmons, Mitch Brown, Ben Pomeroy, Reece Williams, Luke Covell, Adam Dykes, Brett Kimmorley (captain), Luke Douglas, Kevin Kingston, Craig Stapleton, Paul Gallen, Dayne Weston, Greg Bird. Interchange: Jacob Selmes, Phil Leuluai, Henry Perenara, Isaac De Gois, Misi Taulapapa (one to be omitted).
WARRIORS: Wade McKinnon, Patrick Ah Van, 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, Wairangi Koopu, Epalahame Lauaki, Sam Rapira, Evarn Tuimavave (one to be omitted).
Referee: Gavin Badger

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS v MELBOURNE STORM at Dairy Farmers Stadium, 7.30pm
COWBOYS: Matt Bowen, Brenton Bowen, Scott Minto, Ashley Graham, Ty Williams, Jason Smith, Johnathan Thurston (captain), Shane Tronc, Aaron Payne, Carl Webb, Steve Southern, Jacob Lillyman, Matthew Bartlett. Interchange: David Faiumu, Justin Smith, Matthew Scott, Ray Cashmere.
STORM: Steve Turner, Matt Geyer, Matt King, Anthony Quinn, Israel Folau, Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk, Ben Cross, Cameron Smith, Brett White, Clint Newton, Ryan Hoffman, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Jeff Lima, Garrett Crossman, Jeremy Smith, James Aubusson.
Referee: Jared Maxwell

PENRITH PANTHERS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS at CUA Stadium, 7.30pm
PANTHERS: Rhys Wesser, Michael Gordon, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis, Nick Youngquest, Peter Wallace, Craig Gower (captain), Joel Clinton, Luke Priddis, Tim Grant, Frank Pritchard, Tony Puletua, Nathan Smith. Interchange: Brendan Worth, Frank Puletua, Junior Moors, Paul Aiton, Shane Rodney (one to be omitted).
ROOSTERS: Anthony Minichiello, Amos Roberts, Joel Monaghan, Sia Soliola, Sam Perrett, Setaimata Sa, Mitchell Pearce, Nate Myles, Craig Wing, Danny Nutley, Anthony Tupou, Craig Fitzgibbon (captain), Braith Anasta. Interchange: Shane Shackleton, Lopini Paea, Mitchell Aubusson, Ashley Harrison, Danny Williams, Shaun Kenny-Dowall (two to be omitted).
Referee: Ben Cummins

SUNDAY
PARRAMATTA EELS v ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS at Parramatta Stadium, 2pm
EELS: Luke Burt, Jarryd Hayne, Ben Smith, Krisnan Inu, Eric Grothe, Brett Finch, Tim Smith, Nathan Cayless (captain), PJ Marsh, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh, Feleti Mateo, Daniel Wagon. Interchange: Chad Robinson, Josh Cordoba, Aaron Cannings, Mark Riddell, Ian Hindmarsh (one to be omitted).
DRAGONS: Josh Morris, Jason Nightingale, Chase Stanley, Matt Cooper, Tom Hewitt, Richie Williams, Jamie Soward, Justin Poore, Simon Woolford, Jason Ryles (captain), Beau Scott, Chris Houston, Ben Creagh. Interchange: Dan Hunt, Ricky Thorby, Lagi Setu, Ben Ellis, Corey Payne (one to be omitted).
Referee: Sean Hampstead

WESTS TIGERS v GOLD COAST TITANS at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, 3pm
TIGERS: Shannon McDonnell, Daniel Fitzhenry, Dean Collis, Paul Whatuira, Taniela Tuiaki, Chris Lawrence, John Morris, Todd Payten (captain), Robbie Farah, Bryce Gibbs, Ben Galea, Chris Heighington, Dene Halatau. Interchange: Liam Fulton, Ben Te'o, Bronson Harrison, Keith Galloway.
TITANS: Richie Mathers, Mat Petersen, Mat Rogers, Brett Delaney, Jake Webster, Josh Lewis, Scott Prince (capt), Luke Bailey (captain), Nathan Friend, James Stosic, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Luke Swain. Interchange: Matthew Hilder, Ian Donnelly, Gavin Cooper, Clint Amos.
Referee: Tony Archer

MONDAY
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v CANBERRA RAIDERS at EnergyAustralia Stadium, 7pm
KNIGHTS: Kurt Gidley, James McManus, Luke MacDougall, Brad Tighe, Adam MacDougall, Jarrod Mullen, Luke Walsh, Josh Perry, Danny Buderus (captain), Adam Woolnough, Steve Simpson, Corey Paterson, Reegan Tanner. Interchange: Michael Young, Chris Bailey, Daniel Tolar, Mitchell Sargent.
RAIDERS: William Zillman, David Milne, Marshall Chalk, Colin Best, Bronx Goodwin, Terry Campese, Michael Dobson, Dane Tilse, Lincoln Withers, Scott Logan, Neville Costigan, Glen Turner, Alan Tongue (captain). Interchange: Josh Miller, Troy Thompson, Ben Jones, Nigel Plum, Brad Cross, Trevor Thurling (two to be omitted).
Referee: Shayne Hayne

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NRL Ladder Points Table Round 13

2007-06-11T21:34:00.000+10:00

1	Storm	11	2	0	127	22
2	Sea Eagles	10	2	1	107	22
3	Tigers	7	5	1	33	16
4	Cowboys	8	5	0	-19	16
5	Sharks	7	6	0	83	14
6	Eels	7	6	0	41	14
7	Titans	6	6	1	-1	14
8	Knights	6	6	1	-122	14
9	Raiders	6	6	1	-23	14
10	Rabbitohs	5	7	1	1	12
11	Bulldogs	5	7	1	-16	12
12	Broncos	4	8	1	28	10
13	Warriors	4	8	1	-31	10
14	Panthers	4	8	1	-35	10
15	Dragons	4	8	1	-80	10
16	Roosters	4	8	1	-93	10

Bronco Karmichael Hunt Cover-up?

2007-06-07T11:55:00.000+10:00

WOULD you like to know the real reasons a woman complained to police about the Broncos' fullback, Karmichael Hunt, following an incident outside a nightclub last year? Brisbane City Council knows why, but it is not going to tell you.

The council knows what happened because it has the footage from a closed-circuit TV camera. It had one aimed at the taxi rank where Hunt and a number of others were gathered about 1.30am, because it has had problems there in the past.

Everyone agrees there was an ``incident'' the police who arrested half a dozen people, the Broncos' management and Hunt himself.

But the specifics of what the Australian rugby league fullback might or might not have done early on the morning of Sunday, July 30, remain decidedly murky.

The Broncos' chief executive, Bruno Cullen, said Hunt was just waiting for a taxi when a woman was squirted with water. She just happened to recognise the star footballer, and so gave his name to police, he said. Any suggestions that Hunt was personally involved in an assault were ``disgraceful and irresponsible'', Mr Cullen thundered, and had the potential to damage the reputation of someone who was merely an innocent bystander.

Hunt himself was slightly less indignant: ``I was in the vicinity of a fight but I didn't start it.'' As you'd expect from a first-grade rugby league player, he took a taxi and left the scene at the first sign of trouble.

To find out whether there might be any discrepancy between the footage of the incident and the Bronco accounts, Channel Seven sought access to it from Brisbane City Council under freedom of information legislation in what is emerging as a test case on CCTV footage.

The council refused on two main grounds. The first was its own policy, which says CCTV footage is released only ``for court evidence''. The second is that the footage is exempt from the act under a section which protects the release of information concerning the personal affairs of a person ``unless its disclosure would, on balance, be in the public interest''.

Channel Seven's FoI editor, Michael McKinnon, has appealed against the decision. He has argued that although Brisbane City Council can have whatever policy it likes on CCTVs, such policies must be subordinate to the Queensland FoI act. He seems on reasonable ground here. The second reason is more complicated. It boils down to this: what entitlement does a person, or Hunt, have to privacy on a public street at 1.30am?

In 1993 Queensland's former information commissioner defined ``personal'' as meaning the ``private affairs of a person's life''.

He said this: ``As an appropriate guiding principle, the phrase extends to the kinds of information concerning the affairs of a person which a notional reasonable bystander .hs.hs. would regard as information the dissemination of which the person (whose affairs the information concerns) ought to be entitled to control.''

Put another way, the test seems to be whether an ordinary person outside the nightclub would think Hunt should be able to decide whether or not the information on the camera tape is made public.

If someone was seen heading into a psychiatrist's office, you could readily understand an entitlement to privacy. But in Hunt's case it is harder.

If Hunt was just an innocent bystander, as the Broncos' boss says, then surely Hunt or the club wouldn't give a toss about whether the footage was made public. And if events were not quite as described, if there was bad behaviour by people who are public figures, then is there a public interest in knowing that?

NRL News Rugby League

State of Origin Game 2 - NSW

2007-06-06T14:38:00.000+10:00

NSW selectors have handed Brett Kimmorley the task of saving this year's State of Origin NRL series for the NSW Blues in game 2.

Kimmorley - who hasn't played in a State of Origin series since 2005 - will make his 7th appearance in a Blues jumper after Jarrod Mullen was ruled out due to injury.

The Sharks halfback has been MIA in State of Origin since throwing an intercept pass to Matt Bowen in golden-point extra time back in game 1 of the 05 series, which handed QLD a 24-20 victory.

Kimmorley will also be joined in the Blues camp by club teammate and Origin debutant Greg Bird. With the cagey Bird injected into the side for his mongrel.

These are the 17-players that will take on Queensland at Telstra Stadium on June 13:

1.Anthony Minichello (Sydney Roosters)
2.Matt King (Storm)
3.Jamie Lyon (Sea Eagles)
4.Matt Cooper (Dragons)
5.Jarryd Hayne (Eels)
6.Braith Anasta (Sydney Roosters)
7.Brett Kimmorley (Sharks)
8.Brett White (Storm)
9.Danny Buderus (Knights)
10.Brent Kite (Sea Eagles)
11.Willie Mason (Bulldogs)
12.Nathan Hindmarsh (Eels)
13.Andrew Ryan (Bulldogs).

Interchange:

14.Luke Bailey (Titans)
15.Steve Simpson (Knights)
16.Ryan Hoffman (Storm)
17.Greg Bird (Sharks)

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Parramatta Eels South Pacific Excitement

2007-06-05T18:13:00.000+10:00

An exceptionally flashy PARRAMATTA EELS outfit showed the power of the off-load last night to shatter the normally secure Wests Tigers defence. But what about the power of the off-loaders? It was a flavour of the South Pacific, with Togan Moi Moi leading the way

With a bench sagging under the weight of 400 kilos of footballing muscle, the Eels' intentions are as hard to hide as Piggy Riddell.

All four of the benchmen - Riddell, Josh Cordoba, Chad Robinson and Fuifui Moimoi - have done time at prop, although Riddell is hanging on grimly to his junior position of hooker.

But it is Moimoi, the 108kg Tongan wrecking ball, who is proving the most potent of rugby league weapons. Every time Moimoi hit the Tigers' defensive line, it bent and sagged, sucking in multiple defenders to slow his momentum.

Whereas other power forwards can spend the whole season never once releasing the ball from their grasp, Moimoi is being schooled in Parramatta's aggressive attacking style. And when it works, it works a treat.

To wit: the 24th-minute try which put the Eels 10-2 in front and after which they never looked like being headed. The first incision by Cordoba was turned into a gaping wound by Moimoi, who led the Tigers a merry dance before turning it back to second-rower Feleti Mateo, with the finishing provided by Jarryd Hayne's withering turn of toe.

That 60 metres of mayhem encapsulated perfectly the increasingly South Pacific flavour of the NRL; the potent blend of power and speed.

Although the tries were spread around, Moimoi's fingerprints were on most everything the Eels did in the 40-odd minutes he spent on the field.

Five-eighth Brett Finch takes on the line and scores, five minutes out from half-time. What came first? Another Moimoi burst. Parramatta 16-2.

Centre Ben Smith scores wide on the right eight minutes into the second half. First? Moimoi, whose charge to the line was good enough to warrant a try but, just repelled by a clutch of Tigers, delivered one a tackle later. Parramatta 26-2.

With Moimoi back on the bench, Aaron Cannings, of similarly imposing build, returned to the fray and took over the role of bust-it man. His offload to hooker PJ Marsh, despite the prop being upended by the attentions of three defenders, opened the channel for fullback Burt, who was never going to be caught. That made it 32-2 and the Tigers were dreaming about tackling pasty-looking blokes with skinny legs.

No such luck. Mateo grabbed his second try with just a few minutes left on the clock to move the score to 38-2.

No prizes for guessing who was inches short of the left-hand post the tackle before. Moimoi mayhem was everywhere last night.

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NRL Points Ladder Table Round 12

2007-06-04T21:34:00.000+10:00

Club	P	PTS
1	Storm	12	20
2	Sea Eagles	12	20
3	Cowboys	12	16
4	Eels	12	14
5	Wests Tigers	11	14
6	Knights	11	14
7	Sharks	12	12
8	Titans	12	12
9	Raiders	11	12
10	Rabbitohs	11	10
11	Bulldogs	12	10
12	Panthers	11	10
13	Warriors	11	10
14	Dragons	11	10
15	Broncos	12	8
16	Roosters	11	8

Bryan Fletcher Rape Case, Wife Defends

2007-06-03T23:11:00.001+10:00

Former NRL player Bryan Fletcher, who has been tarnished by an alleged rape case by companions of his several years ago. The Police integrity hearing over the dead matter continues, as Fletcher and his family are dragged through the mud as the hearing details come to the fore front.

Fletchers wife is standing by him, despite sex allegations aired in the Police Integrity Commission.

It was alleged last week that Fletcher, 33, a former Roosters star and Rabbitohs captain, had received oral sex from a Finnish woman in the front garden of a home where the woman was later allegedly gang raped.

The commission is inquiring into whether there was police misconduct or criminal activity in connection with the investigation of the alleged rape in November 2004. No charges were laid and the woman has returned to Finland.

As Fletcher prepared to take the field for the Wigan Warriors against the Harlequins in Middlesex, England, yesterday, his wife, Britt, was on holiday in Brazil. A source said Fletcher was hopeful the marriage would survive the explosive allegations.

Fletcher's manager, Steve Gillis, said yesterday: "I spoke to Bryan this morning and he is obviously concerned with the developments of the week.

"He is concerned that he is being implicated with some wrongdoing. Any suggestion that he has done something wrong is totally untrue. He does not want to make any further comment at this stage, as he is preparing for a game."

The Fletchers and their two children moved to England 18 months ago when Fletcher signed a two-year contract with Wigan.

Fletcher was drawn into the PIC inquiry after it was disclosed that he had socialised with a Finnish backpacker before she was allegedly raped by up to eight men.

Superintendent Adam Purcell told the inquiry that he had chosen to deal with Fletcher personally to prevent the story leaking to the media, and that Fletcher was not involved in the alleged rapes.

The commission was told that the alleged victim had performed oral sex on Fletcher before having sex with the man believed to have orchestrated the alleged rape (codenamed Mal 12) and his brother (Mal 13) inside the house. When she withdrew her consent, Fletcher left, Superintendent Purcell said.

He said Mal 12 had told him Fletcher was watching Mal 12 and Mal 13 having sex with the woman "[be]cause he had already got the head job" and then "he ran away, ran away, ran home ... Bryan's ran off like a f---in' startled rabbit".

NRL News Rugby League

Bulldogs Turmoil, Noad and Folks rumours

2007-06-03T23:05:00.000+10:00

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs are under intense pressure, as they finally jag a win over the NZ Warriors today.

The heat remains on coach Steve Folkes and CEO Malcom Noad over player retention and dissent within playing ranks. The players are said to be angry over the Corey Hughes and Mark O'Meley resigning mishaps.

Take into account the treatment of Hazem El Masri and the loss of plenty of talent recently and you get an idea of why the Bulldogs are near the foot of the NRL table.

Willie Mason aired his thoughts about Hughes and back-up hooker Adam Perry being in limbo in his Sun-Herald column last week.

His comments - with the views of Mark O'Meley and Reni Maitua - were repeated in Rugby League Week.

Although O'Meley said the Bulldogs had changed over the past few years to the point where the club was now more like a "business", Noad indicated he had no problem with the players' views about Hughes.

"The players suggested to us their comments were meant to support Corey Hughes," he said. "It was not an attack on the club."

However, Noad said he was not yet able to make Hughes an offer because of the salary cap.

He added that Folkes, who is handling the club's negotiations with Hughes, had denied the suggestion management had "forced" him to tell Hughes he no longer had a future with the Bulldogs.

"With the salary cap you try to juggle a whole lot of things but you have limits," Noad said.

"We have a finite amount of money we can spend."

The report in The Sun-Herald documented the issues that sources blame for the disillusionment in the player ranks.

Apart from Hughes and Perry, other sources of frustration include:

The club's highest pointscorer, Hazem El Masri, is pleading for a new deal as negotiations drag on.

Veteran forward O'Meley has been denied a three-year deal.

Kiwi international Matt Utai's future is still up in the air.

There is also uncertainty about Brent Sherwin's future despite the club's guarantee he will see out his contract.

Noad said the club had offered Utai a deal three months ago only to be told by his manager it was "miles off the mark".

He denied the Bulldogs dragged their heels during negotiations with El Masri and

said the rumour that Willie Tonga had asked for a release was untrue.

Noad said deputy chairman Peter Casilles was wrongly named in The Sun-Herald's report as one of the directors who had taken holidays mid-season.

NRL News - Main Page

NRL Ladder Round 11 2007

2007-05-28T22:06:00.000+10:00

	Club	P	PTS
1	Sea Eagles	11	20
2	Storm	11	18
3	Wests Tigers	10	14
4	Cowboys	11	14
5	Sharks	11	12
6	Eels	11	12
7	Raiders	10	12
8	Knights	10	12
9	Rabbitohs	10	10
10	Warriors	10	10
11	Titans	11	10
12	Broncos	11	8
13	Panthers	10	8
14	Bulldogs	11	8
15	Dragons	10	8
16	Roosters	10	8

The Wests Tigers move firmly into the top 4 after NRL Round 11 2007, and the Eels and Raiders now find themselves inside the Top 8. The Rabbitohs and Warriors are sliding down the ladder after good starts to 2007 and the Broncos begin their climb from the cellar after a landslide win over the Newcastle Knights.

2007-05-22T00:03:00.000+10:00

NRL Ladder and Points Table Round 10

Here is the updated ladder, with the Melbourne Storm and Manly still above the rest of the pack. Parramatta and the Warriors round out the top 8.

	Club	P	PTS
1	Sea Eagles	10	18
2	Storm	10	18
3	Sharks	10	12
4	Wests Tigers	9	12
5	Cowboys	10	12
6	Knights	9	12
7	Warriors	9	10
8	Eels	10	10
9	Rabbitohs	9	10
10	Raiders	9	10
11	Bulldogs	10	8
12	Titans	10	8
13	Panthers	9	8
14	Dragons	9	8
15	Broncos	10	6
16	Roosters	9	6

2007-05-15T21:58:00.000+10:00

NRL Points Table Ladder after Round 9 2007

	Club	P	PTS
1	Sea Eagles	9	16
2	Storm	9	16
3	Cowboys	9	12
4	Sharks	9	10
5	Wests Tigers	8	10
6	Warriors	8	10
7	Knights	9	10
8	Rabbitohs	9	8
9	Titans	9	8
10	Eels	9	8
11	Bulldogs	9	8
12	Raiders	9	8
13	Broncos	9	6
14	Panthers	9	6
15	Dragons	8	6
16	Roosters	8	6

The Storm and the Eagles are still clear of the pack, with the Wests Tigers and Knights the big movers this week - firming their spots in the top 8. Thank you to Oz Portal for support.

2007-05-09T14:25:00.000+10:00

State of Origin NSW Halfback

The forgotten man - Monaghan

As debate rages over who should be the NSW half back for this years Origin - one man who hasn't been mentioned, the form half of the first 5 rounds Michael Monagahan.

Talk has revolved around Brett Kimmorley, Matt Orford, Craig Gower and even young gun Jarrod Mullen. NSW needs to get the decision 100% right as they face the might of Queensland's Lockyer and Thurston.

Monaghan's form this year in the absence of Ox Orford has simply been stunning. Deft kicks, superb organisational play and an uncanny knack of deciding the best time to run to the line or pass - has been his trademark. Who could forget his classy chip and chase to setup the Manly win over the Bulldog's earlier this season.

Monaghan is a tough, durable player who would cope with the pressure of the big game. He has been in spotlight since leaving Canberra several years ago and has handled himself very well since.

Give the journey man a chance I say, he wouldn't let anyone down.

Who should be the NSW no. 7 ? We'd love to hear your feedback.

2007-05-08T12:51:00.000+10:00

Round 8 (updated May 08)
		W	L	B	+/-	Pts
1	Sea Eagles	7	1	0	90	14
2	Storm	7	1	0	62	14
3	Cowboys	6	2	0	43	12
4	Warriors	4	3	1	25	10
5	Sharks	4	4	0	64	8
6	Rabbitohs	4	4	0	20	8
7	Tigers	3	4	1	20	8
8	Bulldogs	4	4	0	8	8
9	Titans	4	4	0	-4	8
10	Eels	4	4	0	-5	8
11	Knights	4	4	0	-48	8
12	Broncos	3	5	0	-10	6
13	Dragons	2	5	1	-58	6
14	Raiders	3	5	0	-61	6
15	Panthers	2	6	0	-40	4
16	Roosters	1	6	1	-106	4

2007-05-01T08:50:00.000+10:00

NRL Ladder and Points Table after Round 7

Club
1	Storm	14
2	Sea Eagles	12
3	Cowboys	10
4	Warriors	10
5	Rabbitohs	8
6	Titans	8
7	Knights	8
8	Sharks	6
9	Wests Tigers	6
10	Bulldogs	6
11	Eels	6
12	Raiders	6
13	Broncos	4
14	Panthers	4
15	Dragons	4
16	Roosters	4

2007-04-23T21:15:00.000+10:00

	Club	PTS
1	Sea Eagles	12
2	Storm	12
3	Cowboys	8
4	Warriors	8
5	Rabbitohs	8
6	Sharks	6
7	Bulldogs	6
8	Eels	6
9	Titans	6
10	Knights	6
11	Broncos	4
12	Panthers	4
13	Wests Tigers	4
14	Dragons	4
15	Raiders	4
16	Roosters	2

2007-04-17T20:59:00.000+10:00

NRL News
No substitute for Brute Strength

By Peter Roy

Rugby League has evolved a lot in the last ten years with fitness and athleticism more valuable than anything else. Sometimes a good footballer can take a backrow seat to a highly tuned athlete who can play more minutes, make more tackles and be fit for the following week.

Looking at some of the skill and flair of players like Karmicheal Hunt, with his huge step or Benji's hop skip and jump - these are certainly crowd favourites.

As much as this is exciting to watch, nothing gets fans more pumped up or vocal than a massive defensive hit. Even todays fans, who see a more policed game and less physical intent - still love to see the big hits and rough stuff come into play. (Who can forget Ray Warren's famous words "Awwwwww CRUNCH") - it's not just heavy hitting in defence - but also brutal front on aggressive attack is also loved by the NRL fans. A Grothe style run where the tackler gets flattened or Carl Webb running like a wild mad man and knocking defenders over like ten pins.

In the Monday night game in Canberra, as Todd Carney stepped the defence and scored his team's first try - he actually had a teammate push him and tail him over the line. While Carney did well to score a nice try, NRL these days see's a lot of softer stuff such as team mates pushing and driving in offence to help their own player make ground. Sure, they want to help the team in every play - but really, I would be embarrassed if a team mate had to help push me to gain metres? Imagine big Mark Geyer having Steve Carter PUSH him up the field? No way.

Take for example Anthony Watmough. A very talented player and an asset to Manly who pushes through the line well. Compare this to - Anthony Tupou who will smash, fend and bash his way through the defence and lay on an offload for a team mate. Always intense and exciting and much preferred by the NRL faithful.

Well in Round 5 it seems we may have unearthed a player with the bash and barge of yesteryear. Surely it has to be the Tigers new boy Taniela Tuiaki. His run in the second half taking it up the outside and beating 4 or 5 defenders was inspirational. He was like the incredible hulk as he fended half the Cronulla team off like rag dolls. The roar from the 17,500 Campbelltown fans was proof of its popularity, the way this guy is going - they'll need an ambulance to cleanup the aftermath of one of his runs. I didn't expect half the Cronulla team to get up after they were flattened by the runaway train.

Another example is the exciting backs, such as Bowen or Wade McKinnon - these guys have pure speed and quick stepping talent and regularly beat their defenders. When you compare to a Nathan Hindmarsh bash and barge line break, Piggy or Sonny Bill Williams - the heavy, intensive stuff gets the juices of NRL followers flowing.

Guys built like Mack Trucks, Shane Webcke - simply irreplaceable - his loss is being heavily felt by the Broncos as they battle away at the NRL cellar in 2007. And love him or hate him - on his day big Willie Mason has the ability to run over the top of opposite players like a steam roller.

So while the backs are pretty to watch and get the accolades, we all know "the forwards have to lay the platform " so the bacline can look slick.

Imagine being a player, you have the ball in your hand ready to attack, you look up and two metres in front of you is Rueben Wiki charging at you to take yo down, he has steam coming out of his ears and looks like a wild animal. This is the difference between beautiful backs and heavy hitting forwards. The fear factor!

Now I'd be thinking about staying alive , rather take my chances with a beast such as Wiki.

As we make rule changes and try our best to keep the game clean, exciting and fair - we must never forgot - the game cannot be without 'Brute Strength'

2007-04-16T21:53:00.000+10:00

	Team	P	W	D	L	B	For	Agn	Pts	Diff
1	Sea Eagles	5	5	0	0	0	110	46	10	+64
2	Storm	5	5	0	0	0	126	66	10	+60
3	Cowboys	5	4	0	1	0	127	98	8	+29
4	Warriors	5	3	0	2	0	114	89	6	+25
5	Rabbitohs	5	3	0	2	0	107	85	6	+22
6	Eels	5	3	0	2	0	111	105	6	+6
7	Gold Coast	5	3	0	2	0	94	96	6	-2
8	Knights	5	3	0	2	0	94	128	6	-34

9	Sharks	5	2	0	3	0	102	62	4	+40
10	Bulldogs	5	2	0	3	0	104	97	4	+7
11	Panthers	5	2	0	3	0	105	107	4	-2
12	Raiders	5	2	0	3	0	113	148	4	-35
13	Broncos	5	1	0	4	0	106	114	2	-8
14	Tigers	5	1	0	4	0	82	96	2	-14
15	Dragons	5	1	0	4	0	64	120	2	-56
16	Roosters	5	0	0	5	0	58	160	0	-102

2007-04-08T19:57:00.000+10:00

Titans upset fancied Panthers at CUA

The Gold Coast Titans have grabbed their second win in the NRL with a hard fought 24-22 win over Penrith at CUA Stadium, Penrith this afternoon.

The Titans had to dig extremely deep to fend off a once again fast finishing Panthers outfit.

The Titans, who scored their maiden triumph in round two against Cronulla, recorded four tries against the Panthers, who scored as many while falling to their second defeat of the season.

The visitors crossed for tries through Anthony Laffranchi, Preston Campbell, Scott Prince and Luke Bailey, while Campbell added three conversions and a penalty goal in his first appearance against his former team-mates.

The home side found the tryline via Rhys Wesser, Michael Gordon and Frank Pritchard (2) with Gordon kicking three conversions.

The Titans were cruising midway through the second half when Bailey's converted try saw them stretch out to a 24-6 lead.

However, the Panthers refused to give up and the converted tries to Gordon and Pritchard closed the gap on the scoreboard to just two points with less than a minute to play.

The Panthers tried desperately to find a match-winning try from the subsequent kick-off but the ticking clock and a knock-on saw them fall short.

Both sides will back up on Friday night with the Panthers facing off against Parramatta at home and the Titans meeting Brisbane in their first local derby at Lang Park.

Gold Coast 24 (A Laffranchi, P Campbell, S Prince, L Bailey tries; P Campbell 2 conversions, 1 penalty)

Penrith 22 (F Pritchard (2), R Wesser, M Gordon tries; M Gordon 3 conversions)

2007-04-07T23:08:00.000+10:00

The North Queensland Cowboys have continued their unbeaten start to the competition with a last minute 25-24 victory over a gallant Wests Tigers side in Townsville tonight. The Tigers took an early lead through a Daniel Fitzhenry try and looked strong throughout the first half as the Cowboys displayed some uncharacteristic errors and struggled against the determined Tigers defence.

A penalty and a soft try to Robbie Farah opened up a 14-0 lead to the visitors just before halftime, but the Cowboys hit back through Ashley Graham to trail by only 8 points at the break. The momentum in the second half swung wildly as both teams produced some flashes of brilliance, but when Paul Whatuira crossed for the Tigers to open up a 12 point lead with 20 minutes to go it looked like the Tigers would finish off the match strongly.

But someone forgot to tell the Cowboys – an intercept try to Ashley Graham brought the Cowboys back to within 6 points and then it became the Bowen & Thurston show, with plenty of half-breaks and chances to put the Tigers well and truly on the back foot. Matt Bowen then produced two amazing plays to snatch the victory from right under the noses of the Tigers; his 74th minute try to level the scores came from a magical run right through the heart of the Tigers defence, and his 80th minute field goal capped off an incredible night for the Cowboys custodian.

The Tigers had one final chance to score but couldn’t reclaim the lead that they’d held for 70 minutes of the match. The Tigers effort was outstanding and would have brought a victory at almost any other venue tonight. Benji Marshall produced some vintage form and was well supported by Brett Hodgson, Robbie Farah and Chris Heighington.

On the downside, Todd Payten could be in for a judiciary appearance following a high shot on Paul Bowman late in the game. The Cowboys were best served by their usual suspects – Jason Smith, Matt Bowen and Johnathan Thurston.

The loss of Luke O’Donnell midway through the first half with a serious injury could have been a cruel blow to an already-weakened forward pack, but Jeremy Smith and Ray Cashmere put in some strong efforts to fill the void.

2007-03-23T14:36:00.000+11:00

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

2007-03-22T21:29:00.000+11:00

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.