2013 NRL Discussion

Emotional SBW named world's best

By Liam FitzGibbon
AAP
12:59pm Thu 28th November, 2013

Sonny Bill Williams was moved to tears at receiving an impromptu haka performance from his New Zealand teammates after being crowned the world's best rugby league player.

And the dual international hopes to repay them by helping the Kiwis defend their World Cup title in Saturday's final against Australia at Old Trafford.

Williams capped his spectacular return to the code by taking out the Rugby League International Federation player of the year in Manchester on Wednesday night, beating out fellow nominees Kangaroos star Greg Inglis and Scotland playmaker Danny Brough.

Sydney Roosters star Williams felt shocked and emotional when his teammates rose and performed the haka while he was on stage to receive the award.

And he considered it a further sign he's earning back the respect he lost after controversially walking out on the game at Canterbury in 2008.

"That was definitely by far the best part of the night for me," Williams said of his teammates' gesture.

"I can't remember the last time I cried but I was a little bit teary up there just seeing the brothers get up and show that respect.

"... All I want is respect. I felt like after the way I left the game I lost a lot of respect.

"But this year the way I tried to carry myself, just tried to get across the real me, I felt like I earned a lot of respect.

"The biggest thing for me is earning the respect of my fellow players and coaches. I think that's why I was a little bit emotional."

"But I said to them straight way `one more week' and hopefully I can put in another strong performance and hopefully we can do it for the Kiwis."

Williams helped the Roosters to the NRL premiership after returning to the code following five years spent in rugby union and boxing, during which he played 19 Tests for the All Blacks.

He has been in devastating form at the World Cup and is crucial to New Zealand's hopes of upsetting the Kangaroos again.

In taking out the gong, Williams broke an Australian stranglehold on the honour with Billy Slater (2008, 2011), Jarryd Hayne (2009), Todd Carney (2010) and Cameron Smith (2012) previous winners since it was established six years ago.

Williams was one three Kiwis named in the team of the year at a ceremony at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester, along with winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and hooker Issac Luke.

Inglis was named at fullback in the side, while Manly's Clive Churchill medallist Daly Cherry-Evans was named halfback of the year.

Sea Eagles centre Jamie Lyon and Brisbane veteran Corey Parker were the other Australians in the side.

South Sydney and England front rower George Burgess beat out Sydney Roosters backrower Boyd Cordner to be named rookie of the year while older brother Sam was best prop.

Super League player of the year Brough was the five-eighth of the year.

Trent Robinson was awarded coach of the year after guiding the Roosters to the NRL title in his first season in charge.


http://www.nrl.com/emotional-sbw-named-worlds-best/tabid/10874/newsid/75560/default.aspx
 
rhugh89 said:
Penrith Panthers speedster Eto Nabuli set to fly in the NRL come season 2014


  • NATHAN RYAN
  • FOX SPORTS
  • NOVEMBER 28, 2013 12:09PM

411082-782551d4-56fb-11e3-ba26-b7fc4856beca.jpg

Fijian rugby league import Etonia Nabuli. Source: News Limited



FROM humble hotel porter to possibly the NRL's most electrifying back in just over 12 months may sound like a fantasy but Penrith flyer Eto Nabuli has the ability to make it a reality.

Panthers supremo Phil Gould says the Fijian sensation is set to make his meteoric rise to the NRL in 2014.

Nabuli joined the mountain men at the start of 2013 having been recruited on nothing more than a recommendation by Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler who spotted the winger while on holiday.

A rangy, athletically built winger with pace to burn - Nabuli is lightning fast and according to Gould, the winger is set to run riot on the NRL in the new year.

"We would have seen him this year if only for the second tier salary cap," Gould told foxsports.com.au

"We were restricted from giving him an opportunity there but Eto will get his chance for the NRL this year. He's got all the attributes.

"He's had an amazing season considering where he's come from and how little preparation he has had. With a full off season we're hoping he does particularly well next year."

Having established himself as a star of the NSW Cup, Nabuli finished the year as the competition's leasing try scorer with 30 tries.

He managed to secure Windsor's only two tries in their 36-8 grand final loss to Cronulla, his second of which came from a great turn of speed where he embarrassed a host of players.

He did however spill a regulation bomb which later led to a try but the good far outweighs the bad and with a full pre-season under his belt, the sky's the limit.

"He's tall, he's about 6 foot 5, he's very quick, very strong," says Gould.

"Typical Fijian, he knows no fear, he just goes straight ahead. He's also got marvellous ability under the highball, both in attack and defence which is a real asset.

"If he's anywhere near the high ball when it comes down, more often than not he comes down with it. He only got here in February this year. So he had no preparation, he hadn't played rugby league before.

"Playing up is going to be a challenge for him but we think he will meet that both physically and ability wise.

"You have guys like Wallace and Soward directing them around with their passing and kicking game it is going to be great for these young backs coming through the system.

With the Panthers recruiting a host of experienced players for next season in Brent Kite, Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace, Gould says he expects the veterans will help develop the talent of the likes of Nabuli.

"All of them have played in representative football at the highest level - it's going to be great for our club and with our NYC team winning the premiership last year," Gould said.

"I think we've got several of the best outside backs at the moment emerging through our ranks and as time goes on I'll be looking for these older players to teach them the game and show them the ropes in the NRL.

"To have the experience in the forwards and around the halves will all go well for the development for some outstanding backline players we've got."


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...come-season-2014/story-fni3gfvk-1226770411173
Click to expand...


The guys an absolute freak of an athlete! Although his as a bit in experienced, but understandably as it's his first year of RL at at a high level for a guy working at a hotel. With a nice off season under his belt, i dare say he can become the best winger in the comp.

On another note, Kevin's looking abit silly for signing at Penrith with all the backs they've got there...
 
Yep most stupid decision Kevin made signing with penrith as they already have Roberts, Simmons, Tighe, Whare, W Naiqama, Nabuli, G Jennings and many more. I think Kevin may be a bit frustrated at his decision to go there.
 
2014 NRL Draw announced Wednesday

NRL.com
4:00pm Thu 28th November, 2013

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The draw for the 2014 NRL Telstra Premiership season will be revealed at midday AEDT on Wednesday, December 4.


The full draw for the 2014 NRL Telstra Premiership season will be released exclusively on NRL.com at 12 noon (AEDT) on Wednesday December 4.

Join the team at NRL.com LIVE as we analyse every club’s draw for the new season, look at each team’s biggest games as well as the individual match-ups and must-see clashes that will determine the 2014 Premiership.

Plus, hear from players from every club as they discuss the games that will shape their 2014 campaigns.

Remember: you’ll get all the news first on NRL.com and the NRL Club Network!


http://www.nrl.com/2014-nrl-draw-announced-wednesday/tabid/10874/newsid/75572/default.aspx
 
But of course the major factor as to why Kev would of chose Penrith would be to reunite with his bro. Kevin and Wes are basically inseparable and Kev would love to play alongside his brother even if it be in NSW cup.

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Absolutley can't wait for that draw to be released! My 5 hopes are

1. Knights play 2 games at Suncorp and Skilled park
2. More Sunday arvo games at 2 not 3
3. If Saturday arvo games become a thing, would love some of them
4. No Monday night games hopefully but thats being optimistic :lol:
5. I'm in the minority here but I really don't like Friday night games for Newy so hopefully we have only like 2 like we had this year.
 
Kev will be the FB next year, IMO. He's better than Moylan.

DWZ is their future #1, but will probably play some wing in FG first to help his development.

1. Kev
2. DWZ/Nabuli
3. Roberts
4. Whare
5. Simmons
 
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Aidos said:
Kev will be the FB for a while, IMO. He's better than Moylan.

DWZ is their future #1, but will probably play some wing in FG first to help his development.

1. Kev
2. DWZ/Nabuli
3. Roberts
4. Whare
5. Simmons
Click to expand...

Is there room for George Jennings in 2014 do you think or is too early ??

I was pretty impressed by him this year and he was selected for the Junior Kangaroos (18th man) and played for NSW in the Under 20's Origin (Scored 2 Tries)
 
rhugh89 said:
Is there room for George Jennings in 2014 do you think or is too early ??

I was pretty impressed by him this year and he was selected for the Junior Kangaroos (18th man) and played for NSW in the Under 20's Origin (Scored 2 Tries)
Click to expand...
He does look pretty good from what I've seen of him. I think he'll mostly play NSW Cup next year though and may get the odd game in FG. Penrith have a lot of good young outside backs.

Waqa Blake is another that looks like a gun centre.
 
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Aidos said:
He does look pretty good from what I've seen of him. I think he'll mostly play NSW Cup next year though and may get the odd game in FG. Penrith have a lot of good young outside backs.

Waqa Blake is another that looks like a gun centre.
Click to expand...

Spoilt for choice aren't they...

Great Junior base in Western Sydney, Always has been...

Ivan Cleary will have a top 4 side in the next 2-3 years I think...

Maybe a premiership in the next 5 years !!
 
Lockyer backs Hoffman, Barba switch

By Laine Clark
AAP
6:04pm Thu 28th November, 2013

Darren Lockyer has backed Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin's call to convert either Ben Barba or Josh Hoffman into a five-eighth, but has urged fans to be patient.

And Lockyer defended Brisbane's poaching of Canberra young gun Anthony Milford despite Raiders coach Ricky Stuart's protests, saying it is "the nature of the beast".

The switch from fullback to pivot may have been made to look easy by Lockyer during his stellar NRL playing career.

However, the former Australian captain said "time will tell" if Barba or Hoffman would be the best fit to partner Broncos halfback Ben Hunt next NRL season.

"Both players are more dangerous the more times they have their hands on the football but people need to be patient," Lockyer told AAP.

"While five-eighth is not totally foreign to those guys, it will take them time to learn the role. Time will tell."

If superstar No.1 Barba's conversion is successful, it may avoid an awkward stand-off with New Zealand fullback Hoffman.

Hoffman has niggled the Broncos by featuring in social media pictures with Bulldogs contracted players at the World Cup in England.

It has fuelled rumours that Hoffman - contracted until the end of 2015 - will leave Brisbane for Belmore next year in what would be a straight swap for Barba.

However, Hoffman will retain his beloved Broncos No.1 jersey if Barba claims the pivot role at Brisbane.

Lockyer warned of the pitfalls of the switch.

"Both are great runners of the football," he said.

"But I found the increase in the defensive workload was the biggest challenge."

Lockyer said Barba's injection into a backline featuring Hoffman and by 2015 Canberra young gun Milford had made him excited about Brisbane's future.

The Broncos posted their worst season in 2013 - a 10-1-13 record that banished them to 12th on the ladder.

"Anthony Milford is obviously a pretty special talent. He's a kid with huge potential," Lockyer said.

"And also with guys like Ben Barba in the squad, I can see more points being scored for the Broncos in the future, which is exciting."

Lockyer wouldn't bite over Stuart's claim that Brisbane was one of the NRL's worst clubs for player development.

"I know teams are disappointed when they lose their star players - Brisbane lost Corey Norman to Parramatta," he said.

"But it is the nature of the beast.

"The salary cap has been a good leveller for teams.

"Everyone is looking at strengthening their squads and poaching players from one club to another - it is now part of the game."


http://www.nrl.com/lockyer-backs-hoffman,-barba-switch/tabid/10874/newsid/75574/default.aspx
 
Barba was as much a gun at five-eighth as he was at fullback so I wouldn't have troubles playing him there, although maybe playing there a whole season may impact on him, who knows?
 
Josh Hill said:
Barba was as much a gun at five-eighth as he was at fullback so I wouldn't have troubles playing him there, although maybe playing there a whole season may impact on him, who knows?
Click to expand...

But once Milford comes, and Hoffman will almost certainly leave. Barba will go to fullback, so playing that whole season at 5/8 probably wouldn't be good for him.

As for Hoffman at 5/8, can he even pass? Never seems to...
 
Hoffman would be a sh*tty five-eighth so I'd definitely keep him at fullback where he goes allright & play Barba at 6. Then the year after that, get rid of Hoffman & put Barba at the back with Milford at 6. I'm sure Barba is enough of an athlete to handle playing 2 positions in 2 years.
 
Aidos said:
Kev will be the FB next year, IMO. He's better than Moylan.

DWZ is their future #1, but will probably play some wing in FG first to help his development.

1. Kev
2. DWZ/Nabuli
3. Roberts
4. Whare
5. Simmons
Click to expand...

Mansour has to be in there. He would be my first choice, then the others can fight for the other spot. He's up there with the best wingers in the comp in my eyes.

- - - Updated - - -

And as for Milford and Barba, I think both can be a success at either FB or 5/8
 
Rabbitohs have now secured more than $7M worth of sponsorship and corporate support



811704-255c9c82-57d7-11e3-ba26-b7fc4856beca.jpg

John Sutton, South Sydney Captain shows off the new sleeve sponsor. Source: News Limited


The South Sydney Rabbitohs will wear the first $3 million playing strip in NRL history next year after securing another lucrative new major sponsor.

Air-conditioning giants Fujitsu will join James Packer's Crown Resorts and De'Longhi on the famous jersey as a $500,000-a-year sleeve sponsor.

Riding on the back of the NRL team's success in recent years, the Rabbitohs now have more than $7 million worth of sponsorship and corporate support.

The profile of Greg Inglis, the Burgess brothers, John Sutton and Adam Reynolds has turned the once battling club into an NRL super power that will soon reveal a million dollar plus profit for 2013.

Throw in the contacts and connection of celebrity owner Russell Crowe and remarkably they are now challenging the one team one-city Brisbane Broncos for most commercial support in the game.

This is despite competing with eight other Sydney clubs in the toughest and most competitive market in the game.

Souths' commercial success comes on the back of stunning new research that reveals their incredible popularity across the country and the code.

In 2006 the Rabbitohs had under 9000 members (only 2800 with season tickets) with three major sponsors.

The team came last, was in the bottom four for TV ratings, and were struggling to pay the player and staff wages.

Fast forward seven years and the Rabbitohs were the most watched team on free to air TV in 2013 with 21.2 million cumulative viewers.

They were the second-most watched team across any code in combined FTA and PayTV, only just beaten by AFL premiers Hawthorn.

With a combined home and away game day attendance of 539,733, the Rabbitohs ranked first in the NRL, up a staggering 27% at a time when overall crowds in the game fell.

They have the biggest membership in the game at 27,392 with a target of 32,000 for 2014.

With each member contributing an average of $132, it provides members revenue alone of $4.25 million.

Little wonder the club will make a million-dollar plus profit this year, an amazing result considering they have no Leagues club or poker machine support.

Rivals like the Bulldogs get Leagues Club support of up to $6 million a year.

It's ironic that the new two-year sponsorship deal coincides with a spate of bad publicity over player behaviour this week.

"We may have a hiccup from time to time with player behaviour but overall the boys understand the importance of the image with sponsors and our members," said CEO Shane Richardson.

"We don't have leagues club money and I can assure you our owners won't be putting in any more money.

"We now have a relationship with 220 companies from local businesses to major corporations and they, along with our members, are our lifeblood."

Richardson revealed part of the decision to play interstate games each year in Perth and Cairns was to give sponsors a more national feel.

Fujitsu's national marketing manager Marc Cheah said his company saw enormous appeal in the club.

"The South Sydney Rabbitohs are an iconic club and has had an exceptional few years rebuilding its position in the NRL," he said.

"Like us here at Fujitsu, South Sydney are a performance driven club, which is evident in the results not only on the field, but off the field as well.

"With enviable membership numbers, media ratings, and followers on social media. The club is truly a powerhouse of Australian sport."


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...orporate-support/story-fni3gki8-1226770811760
 
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cameron said:
Mansour has to be in there. He would be my first choice, then the others can fight for the other spot. He's up there with the best wingers in the comp in my eyes.

- - - Updated - - -

And as for Milford and Barba, I think both can be a success at either FB or 5/8
Click to expand...

Whare would have to get a start, they can't just put a NZ rep centre on reserves. But they really do have way too many backs for their own good imo
 
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