2014 NRL Discussion

rhugh89

rhugh89

Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Pre-season guide to every NRL club, including the start of Ricky Stuart's coaching reign at Canberra Raiders



RICKY Stuart is back home - and he means business.

Stuart’s Raiders will return to the training field on Thursday — less than four weeks since the NRL grand final.Canberra will be the second team back, following the New Zealand Warriors’ return to training on Monday.

The remaining 14 clubs will resume training throughout next month. All clubs will give their World Cup stars an extended break.It seems bizarre to be talking about footy training just 23 days after the Sydney Roosters’ grand final triumph.

But the NRL demands results — and every team will be back training over the next four weeks before enjoying a short break over Christmas.Stuart has moved from Sydney to Canberra in preparation for the next challenge in his long coaching and playing career.

Former Canberra teammate Laurie Daley wasn’t surprised the Raiders will be back training on Thursday.

"Because Canberra missed the finals this year, they have had some time off," said Daley, who played 244 first grade matches and won three premierships with the Raiders.

"Ricky is the new coach at Canberra and will want to get his teeth into the job."The players will be excited and I know Ricky will be looking forward to a new challenge."Canberra are among the first clubs back — so I reckon the players will return keen and motivated."

Raiders chief executive Don Furner is expecting success from the whole club this season under Stuart."Ricky will roll up his sleeves and expect the same work ethic from the entire playing squad and staff," Furner said.

"The club missed the semi-finals, so everyone has had a fairly long break."It will be good to get back and have a fresh start."

Premiers the Roosters have struggled to nominate a return date to training because 16 of their players are involved in the World Cup in England.Their stars will make staggered returns depending on how far their nations progress in the tournament.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson is currently enjoying a well-earned holiday.After a traumatic season, Wests Tigers return to training on November 11.

"It will be intense and hard," Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter said."The experience some of our younger guys got last year will drive them to improve themselves.

"That is what happens in the pre-season."It’s exciting for the club. We have lost some good players but also acquired some good players."That’s rugby league — it changes all the time."

Melbourne will hit the training fields on November 7.A Storm spokesman said: "Due to the World Cup and a number of other factors, it is impossible to identify an actual return date for Melbourne Storm.

Instead, players will be rolling into training and be around the club from November 7 on a sliding scale into the New Year."

Brisbane expect recruit Ben Barba to be at the club’s first training run on November 6. The Parramatta Eels should also welcome a new recruit when Will Hopoate steps out for his first training session on November 7.

BRONCOS

2013 result: 12th

Gains: Ben Barba (Bulldogs), Martin Kennedy (Roosters)

Losses: Scott Prince (retired), Peter Wallace (Panthers), Corey Norman (Eels), Lama Tasi (Salford Red Devils), Delroy Berryman (Sea Eagles)

Best buy: Ben Barba

Biggest loss: Peter Wallace

Training return: November 6

Off contract: Joe Bond, Jordan Drew, Liam Georgetown, Denan Kemp, Brendon Gibb, Lachlan Maranta, Nick Slyney, Jarrod Wallace, Aaron Whitchurch, Scott Anderson, Kurt Baptiste, Dale Copley, Mitchell Dodds, Cameron Cullen, Luke Dalziel-Don, Chris McLean, Francis Molo, Caleb Timu

Bulldog says: A club that doesn’t tolerate failure. Need to make the finals this coming season or heads
will roll. The key question is: Will Ben Barba play with a clear head?


BULLDOGS

2013 result: 6th

Gains: Reni Maitua (Eels), Chase Stanley (Dragons), Pat O’Hanlon (Eels), Kayne Brennan (Dragons)

Losses: Ben Barba (Broncos), Dene Halatau (Wests Tigers), Steve Turner (retired), Martin Taupau (Wests Tigers), Danny Galea (Widnes Vikings), Kris Keating (Hull Kingston Rovers), Paul Carter (Titans)

Best buy: Chase Stanley

Biggest loss: Dene Halatau

Training return: November 11

Off contract: Drury Low, Joel Romelo, Tim Browne, Junior Palau

Bulldog says: Actually did well this year given the club’s injuries and dramas. Need to move on from Ben Barba. Des Hasler is a born winner and will only accept a top-four finish.


COWBOYS

2013 result: 8th

Gains: Lachlan Coote (Panthers), Cameron King (Dragons), Hezron Murgha (Northern Pride

)Losses: Matt Bowen (Wigan), Dallas Johnson (retired), Ashley Graham (retired), Jayden Hodges (Sea Eagles), Felise Kaufusi (Storm), Chris Grevsmuhl (Rabbitohs), Kalifa Faifai Loa (Titans)

Best buy: Lachlan Coote

Biggest loss: Matt Bowen

Training return: November 11

Off contract: Blake Leary, Tyson Martin

Bulldog says: Lost a lot of talent in Matt Bowen, Ash Graham and Dallas Johnson. Can new coach Paul Green awaken the sleeping giant? Been thereabouts since 1995 – but never won one.


DRAGONS

2013 result: 14th

Gains: Gareth Widdop (Storm), Sam Williams (Raiders), Joel Thompson (Raiders), Mike Cooper (Warrington), Dylan Farrell (Rabbitohs), Josh Ailaomai (Roosters), Matt Groat (Tigers), Peter Mata’utia (Knights)

Losses: Jamie Soward (Panthers), Michael Weyman (Hull Kingston Rovers), Matt Cooper (retired), Nathan Fien (retired), Chase Stanley (Bulldogs), Cameron King (Cowboys), Matt Prior (Sharks), Kayne Brennan (Bulldogs), Jackson Hastings (Roosters)

Best buy: Gareth Widdop

Biggest loss: Matt Cooper

Training return: November 18

Off contract: Damien Cook, Harry Siejka, Junior Vaivai, Atelea Vea, Bronx Goodwin

Bulldog says: Lost a lot of experience and size. Still, the 2013 roster wasn’t good enough to make the finals so best make changes. Defining year for coach Steve Price, who deserves success.


EELS

2013 result: 16th

Gains: Will Hopoate (return), Lee Mossop (Wigan), Nathan Peats (Rabbitohs), Corey Norman (Broncos), Justin Hunt (Rabbitohs), Brenden Santi (Tigers)

Losses: Reni Maitua (Bulldogs), Cheyse Blair (Sea Eagles), Jake Mullaney (Salford Red Devils), Pat O’Hanlon (Bulldogs)

Best buy: Will Hopoate

Biggest loss: Reni Maitua

Training return: November 7

Off contract: Ben Roberts, Nathan Smith, Vai Toutai, Taniela Lasalo

Bulldog says: Can they go any worse? Brad Arthur seems the right fit but can he extract anything special from a modest roster? Will Hopoate will give them some class out wide.


KNIGHTS

2013 result: 7th

Gains: Russell Packer (Warriors), Clint Newton (Panthers), Michael Dobson (Hull Kingston Rovers)

Losses: Danny Buderus (retired), Neville Costigan (Hull Kingston Rovers), Kevin Naiqama (Panthers), Peter Mata’utia (Dragons), Siuatonga Likiliki (Titans), Will Smith (Panthers)

Best buy: Russell Packer

Biggest loss: Neville Costigan

Training return: November 18

Off contract: Mitchell Frei, Craig Gower, Rodney Mason, Chris Adams, Ryan Stig

Bulldog says: Stormed home this year in perhaps a snapshot of things to come. Big pack, wonderful backs and Jarrod Mullen in charge. Will push hard for this season’s title.


PANTHERS

2013 result: 10th

Gains: Peter Wallace (Broncos), Jamie Soward (London Broncos), Elijah Taylor (Warriors), Brent Kite (Sea Eagles), Kevin Naiqama (Knights), Tyrone Peachey (Sharks), Shaun Spence (Tigers), Will Smith (Knights)

Losses: Lachlan Coote (Cowboys), Luke Walsh (St Helens), Mose Masoe (St Helens), Clint Newton (Knights), Danny Galea (Widnes Vikings), Travis Robinson (Storm), Blake Austin (Tigers)

Best buy: Brent Kite

Biggest loss: Luke Walsh

Training return: November 11

Off contract: Neccrom Areaiiti, Maurice Kennedy, Kane Morgan, Cameron Ciraldo, Geoff Daniela, Tom Eisenhuth

Bulldog says: Things are looking good. Bought well, especially Manly’s Brent Kite, who brings a winning culture. Their season will depend on whether halves Soward and Wallace can fire.


RABBITOHS

2013 result: 2nd

Gains: Joel Reddy (Tigers), Chris Grevsmuhl (Cowboys)

Losses: Nathan Peats (Eels), Roy Asotasi (Warrington Wolves), Matt King (retired), Michael Crocker (retired), Andrew Everingham (rugby), Justin Hunt (Eels), Dylan Farrell (Dragons), Josh Starling (Sea Eagles), Christian Hazard (Titans)

Best buy: Joel Reddy

Biggest loss: Dylan Farrell

Training return: November, no set date.

Off contract: Shaune Corrigan

Bulldog says: Souths have been eliminated twice now in grand final qualifiers. Will that start to play mind-games with the Bunnies? Lost a lot of experience and toughness.


RAIDERS

2013 result: 13th

Gains: Lagi Setu (Storm)

Losses: Blake Ferguson (released), Joel Thompson (Dragons), Shaun Berrigan (retired), Sam Williams (Dragons), Sandor Earl (ban pending), Michael Picker (retired), Jonathon Reuben (Roosters)

Best buy: Ricky Stuart

Biggest loss: Blake Ferguson

Training return: Thursday

Off contract: Blake Ferguson, Shannon Boyd, Dimitri Pelo, Sami Sauiluma, Joe Picker, Trevor Thurling

Bulldog says: Strong, exciting roster. Time though has come and gone for fans to say the club has bright future. The future is now and Stuart must immediately extract the best from his team.


ROOSTERS

2013 result: Premiers

Gains: Remi Casty (Catalan Dragons), Jackson Hastings (Dragons), Jonathon Reuben (Raiders)

Losses: Martin Kennedy (Broncos), Josh Ailaomai (Dragons)

Best buy: Jackson Hastings

Biggest loss: Marty Kennedy

Training return: November 4

Off contract: Isaac Liu, Luke O’Donnell, Jack Bosden, Nafe Seluini, Anthony Minichiello, Samisoni Langi

Bulldog says: Can they go back-to-back? History would suggest no. Have retained the same roster so will be bloody hard to overcome yet again next season, particularly with SBW back.


SEA EAGLES

2013 result: 4th

Gains: Cheyse Blair (Eels), Josh Starling (Rabbitohs), Delroy Berryman (Broncos), Jayden Hodges (Cowboys), Tyson Andrew (Mackay Cutters)

Losses: Brent Kite (Panthers), George Rose (Storm), Joe Galuvao (retired)

Best buy: Cheyse Blair

Biggest loss: Brent Kite

Training return: November 18

Off contract: Dane Chisholm, David Gower, James Hasson, Jamil Hopoate, Kayne Lawton, Ben Musolino, Jason Seage, Tom Symonds, Esi Tonga, Ben Farrar, Jesse Sene-Lefao

Bulldog says: A club with an amazing winning culture. However, Manly may battle for depth upfront with Rose, Kite and Galuvao moving on. Geoff Toovey is developing into a first-class coach.


SHARKS

2013 result: 5th

Gains: Blake Ayshford (Wests Tigers), Matt Prior (Dragons)

Losses: Jayson Bukuya (Warriors), Jon Green (retired), Tyrone Peachey (Panthers), Ben Ross (retired), Mark Taufua (retired), Chad Townsend (Warriors)

Best buy: Blake Ayshford

Biggest loss: Jayson Bukuya

Training return: November 5

Off contract: Alipate Ratini, Sosaia Feki, Daniel Moroko, Matthew Wright

Bulldog says: Did well but another year slipped by in the club’s quest for that elusive title. The ASADA drama is expected to drop next month with Cronulla in the firing line.


STORM

2013 result: 3rd

Gains: George Rose (Sea Eagles), Travis Robinson (Panthers), Cody Walker (Easts Tigers), Hymel Hunt (Titans)

Losses: Gareth Widdop (Dragons), Maurice Blair (Titans), Jason Ryles (retired), Brett Finch (retired), Junior Sa’u (Salford Red Devils), Lagi Setu (Raiders)

Best buy: Travis Robinson

Biggest loss: Gareth Widdop

Training return: November 7

Off contract: Siosaia Vave

Bulldog says: A lot will depend on how Smith, Slater and Cronk recover from a gruelling season including Origin and World Cup. It seems when one of them pulls out, the other two are less effective.


TIGERS

2013 result: 15th

Gains: Pat Richards (Wigan), Dene Halatau (Bulldogs), Cory Paterson (Hull Kingston Rovers), Martin Taupau (Bulldogs), Blake Austin (Panthers), Keith Lulia (Bradford)

Losses: Benji Marshall (rugby union), Blake Ayshford (Sharks), Lote Tuqiri (rugby union), Joel Reddy (Rabbitohs), Eddy Pettybourne (Wigan Warriors), Matt Groat (Dragons), Jacob Miller (Hull FC), Brenden Santi (Eels), Shaun Spence (Panthers)

Best buy: Pat Richards

Biggest loss: Benji Marshall

Training return: November 11

Off contract: Mosese Pangai, Matt Bell, Masada Iosefa, Sean Meaney, Matt Utai

Bulldog says: Mick Potter has endured a lot over the past 12 months and deserves success. The future looks bright but fans don’t want potential success. They want immediate success.


TITANS

2013 result: 9th

Gains: Maurice Blair (Storm), Siuatonga Likiliki (Knights), Paul Carter (Bulldogs), Christian Hazard (Rabbitohs), Kalifa Faifai Loa (Cowboys)

Losses: Luke O’Dwyer (retired), Hymel Hunt (Storm)

Best buy: Maurice Blair

Biggest loss: Luke O’Dwyer

Training return: November 4

Off contract: Jordan Atkins, Beau Falloon, Beau Henry, Anthony Don, Jahrome Hughes, Sam Irwin

Bulldog says: Keep promising big success but the club keeps failing to deliver. Huge year ahead for the Titans. Must secure a top-four finish to be rated among the game’s elite sides.


WARRIORS

2013 result: 11th

Gains: Sam Tomkins (Wigan), Jayson Bukuya (Sharks), Chad Townsend (Sharks)

Losses: Elijah Taylor (Panthers), Steve Rapira (Salford Red Devils), Russell Packer (Knights), Todd Lowrie (Brisbane)

Best buy: Sam Tomkins

Biggest loss: Todd Lowrie

Training return: Yesterday

Off contract: Kevin Locke (likely to be released), Alehana Mara, Jerome Ropati, Sebastine Ikahihifo

Bulldog says: Sam Tomkins was Super League’s best player. Will he star in the NRL – or be a $1 million flop? The Warriors showed glimpses of form in 2013 but, as they have since 1995, lacked consistency.



http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/new-coach-ricky-stuart-is-ready-for-the-pre-season-pain-game-at-canberra-raiders/story-fni3gmmu-1226748476149
 
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As if bedsy isnt our biggest loss! also I am suprised we are starting back at training so late
 
Your club's pre-season guide

By Dominic Brock
NRL.com
10:00am Fri 01st November, 2013

When does your team return to training for the 2014 pre-season? Who are you club's big buys? Check out the details for each club below (ranked by their 2013 finish) and get the full 2014 NRL player moves list on NRL.com's Player Transfers page.

ROOSTERS

Return to training: November 4

Key ins: Remi Casty

Key outs: Martin Kennedy

Key focus for 2014: They've kept Sonny Bill Williams at the club, now the focus will be on doing the (almost) impossible and winning back-to-back titles in the NRL's salary cap era.

France prop Remi Casty replaces the Brisbane-bound Martin Kennedy in their only significant bit of recruiting so far, but the all-round talent at the club will surely make the Roosters one of the favourites again in 2014.

SEA EAGLES

Return to training: November 18

Key ins: Cheyse Blair, Josh Starling, Delroy Berryman, Jayden Hodges, Tyson Andrew

Key outs: Brent Kite, George Rose, Joe Galuvao

Key focus for 2014: Going all the way to the grand final again.

Manly's winning mentality is second to none and they boast star players across the park, although their forward pack has lost some depth and experience after the exits of Brent Kite, George Rose and Joe Galuvao. Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans and the Stewart brothers hold the keys for their side once again.

RABBITOHS

Return to training: Mid-November

Key ins: Joel Reddy

Key outs: Dylan Farrell, Roy Asotasi, Nathan Peats, Matt King, Michael Crocker, Andrew Everingham, Justin Hunt, Josh Starling

Key focus for 2014: So near yet so far again in 2013, the Bunnies will be out to prove their doubters wrong next year by finally getting through to an elusive grand final.

With a monster pack and a great spine, there is no reason why Souths can't be a force again next time around.

KNIGHTS

Return to training: November 18

Key ins: Russell Packer, Clint Newton, Michael Dobson

Key outs: Danny Buderus, Neville Costigan, Kevin Naiqama, Peter Mata'utia

Key focus for 2014: They surprised some critics by reaching the final four this season and will look to build on that next year, with Russell Packer adding some size to a very solid pack and Jarrod Mullen leading one of the NRL's best backlines.

The experience of Danny Buderus is hard to replace but if Kurt Gidley can stay fit Newcastle have all the ingredients to challenge for the premiership.

STORM

Return to training: November 7

Key ins: Travis Robinson, George Rose, Cody Walker, Hymel Hunt

Key outs: Gareth Widdop, Maurice Blair, Jason Ryles, Brett Finch, Junior Sa'u, Lagi Setu

Key focus for 2014: Keeping the 'big three' of Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater fit and firing after another gruelling off-season – last year it was playing the World Club Challenge, this time it's the World Cup.

Queensland Cup player of the year Cody Walker arrives with the five-eighth spot up for grabs after the departures of Gareth Widdop and Brett Finch.

SHARKS

Return to training: November 5

Key ins: Blake Ayshford, Matt Prior

Key outs:Jayson Bukuya, Tyrone Peachey, Ben Pomeroy, Ben Ross, Mark Taufua, Chad Townsend, Jon Green

Key focus for 2014: With the ASADA investigation still hanging over their heads, the Sharks will be keen to get through any off-field dramas in the next couple of months before turning their full attention towards next season.

They have a solid all-round squad after some smart recruiting in recent years, led by the forward duo of Paul Gallen and Andrew Fifita and playmaker Todd Carney.

BULLDOGS

Return to training: November 11

Key ins:Reni Maitua, Chase Stanley

Key outs: Ben Barba, Dene Halatau, Martin Taupau, Steve Turner, Danny Galea, Kris Keating

Key focus for 2014: The 2012 grand finalists will be out to improve on last year's sixth-place finish, but can they cover for the loss of Ben Barba? Des Hasler will expect more from Tony Williams next season but the Dogs do still possess one of the strongest packs in the competition.

Reni Maitua returns to his original NRL club while Chase Stanley boosts the club's depth in the outside backs.

COWBOYS

Return to training: November 11

Key ins: Lachlan Coote, Cameron King

Key outs: Matt Bowen, Dallas Johnson, Ashley Graham, Kalifa Faifai Loa

Key focus for 2014: New coach Paul Green has his job cut out for him getting his star-studded team living up to expectations, and the Cowboys have lost a ton of experience with the retirements of Dallas Johnson and Ashley Graham and the departure of Matt Bowen to the Super League.

At least Lachlan Coote is a quality replacement for Bowen at fullback, and Cameron King could be the solution for North Queensland's at-times troublesome hooker position.

TITANS

Return to training: November 4

Key ins: Maurice Blair, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Siuatonga Likiliki

Key outs: Luke O'Dwyer, Hymel Hunt

Key focus for 2014: With a great forward back and one of the best young halves combinations in the game – not to mention the talents of human wrecking ball Jamal Idris – the Titans have the potential to be contenders but have struggled to fulfil that potential in recent years.

Maurice Blair adds another strike weapon in the outside backs, and if Idris can stay fit all season the Gold Coast should be finals-bound.

PANTHERS

Return to training: November 11

Key ins: Brent Kite, Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace, Elijah Taylor, Kevin Naiqama, Tyrone Peachey

Key outs: Lachlan Coote, Luke Walsh, Mose Masoe, Danny Galea, Clint Newton, Travis Robinson, Blake Austin

Key focus for 2014: Penrith have been one of the best recruiters of the off-season so far, picking up new halves Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace plus veteran prop Brent Kite, boom back-rowers Elijah Taylor and Tyrone Peachey and Fiji fullback Kevin Naiqama.

If Soward and Wallace click the Panthers should take another step towards becoming finals challengers.

WARRIORS

Returned to training: October 28

Key ins: Sam Tomkins, Jayson Bukuya, Chad Townsend

Key outs: Elijah Taylor, Russell Packer, Todd Lowrie, Steve Rapira

Key focus for 2014: England star Sam Tomkins will arrive in the NRL with a lot of hype in 2014, and his combination with halfback Shaun Johnson could make the Warriors one of the NRL's most dangerous sides next season.

On the other hand, if the team doesn't improve its consistency then they won't get any further than they did in 2013. The Kiwis can beat anyone on their day, which is what makes their bad days so frustrating.

BRONCOS

Return to training:November 6

Key ins: Ben Barba, Martin Kennedy, Marmin Barba

Key outs: Scott Prince, Corey Norman, Peter Wallace, Lama Tasi, Delroy Berryman

Key focus for 2014: Ben Barba is the big-name signing but mystery still surrounds the Broncos' 2014 halves combination after the departures of Scott Prince, Peter Wallace and Corey Norman.

Martin Kennedy will strengthen an already star-studded pack but will Brisbane find the cutting edge that they lacked in 2013?

RAIDERS

Returned to training:October 31

Key ins: Lagi Setu

Key outs: Blake Ferguson, Joel Thompson, Shaun Berrigan, Sam Williams, Joe Picker, Sandor Earl

Key focus for 2014:New mentor Ricky Stuart will be focused on getting the most out of his former team after another controversy-riddled season, with yet more talented backline players coming through to replace the departed Blake Ferguson and Josh Dugan.

A few more recruits wouldn't go astray but if they manage to keep their current crop together they have the ability to become finals challengers again.

DRAGONS

Return to training: November 18

Key ins:Gareth Widdop, Sam Williams, Joel Thompson, Dylan Farrell, Mike Cooper, Peter Mata'utia, Matt Groat

Key outs: Matt Cooper, Michael Weyman, Jamie Soward, Nathan Fien, Chase Stanley, Matt Prior, Cameron King

Key focus for 2014:Gareth Widdop and Sam Williams will form a new halves pairing for the Dragons next season, with the club undergoing something of an overhaul after another disappointing campaign.

Englishman Mike Cooper is one of several new faces at a club that is desperate to get back to return to the glory days of 2010.

WESTS TIGERS

Return to training:November 11

Key ins:Pat Richards, Dene Halatau, Cory Paterson, Keith Lulia, Martin Taupau, Blake Austin

Key outs: Benji Marshall, Blake Ayshford, Lote Tuqiri, Joel Reddy, Eddy Pettybourne, Matt Groat, Jacob Miller, Brenden Santi, Shaun Spence

Key focus for 2014: Expect the Tigers to look to the future with young halves duo Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses battling to replace Benji Marshall.

Returning recruit Pat Richards boasts a phenomenal try-scoring record from his time in the Super League but the Tigers forwards and halves will need to fire if Richards is to be given many try-scoring chances.

EELS

Return to training: November 7

Key ins: Will Hopoate, Lee Mossop, Nathan Peats, Corey Norman, Justin Hunt

Key outs: Reni Maitua, Cheyse Blair, Jake Mullaney, Pat O'Hanlon

Key focus for 2014: The only way is up for Parramatta and their new coach Brad Arthur, with Will Hopoate one of several talented signings.

Englishman Lee Mossop and former Rabbitoh Nathan Peats will boost the forward pack but getting the best out of backline stars Hopoate, Jarryd Hayne, Corey Norman and the enigmatic Chris Sandow will be Arthur's top priority.


http://www.nrl.com/your-clubs-pre-season-guide/tabid/10874/newsid/75222/default.aspx
 
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14 for 14: Cam Smith to the Brisbane Broncos among our NRL predictions for 2014



FOURTEEN predictions for the 2014 NRL season.

Which one do you think is on the money, and which is way off?

Wooden spoon:

Sorry Eels fans, we just can't see you breaking free from the basement. A third spoon in a row for Parramatta.

Drought breaks:

St George Illawarra Dragons finally recruit enough Canberra Raiders players to break their losing streak in the nation's capital, which stretches back to 2000.

Bye bye, Cam:

Melbourne will bid farewell to Cameron Smith as he chooses to end his career in Brisbane.

Milford mania:

Anthony Milford will scorch the field to win the Dally M Medal. We don't know whether it will be for the Raiders or Broncos.

Darwin and Stuart:

Eels fans descend en masse to Darwin and turn the city into a mini-Parramatta for the round 22 clash against the Raiders.

Tim returns:

Tim Sheens will be the coach of an NRL club by the end of 2014.

Say cheese:

The Bulldogs fail to sign Josh Hoffman but the disgruntled fullback will continue to feature in the club's unofficial team photos during the year.

Bring back Benny:

After another disappointing year Wayne Bennett returns home to take charge of the Broncos.

Angry man:

Dulux brings out a new colour paint after the latest blow-up from the Manly coach - Toovey Red.

Great Scott:

Andrew Fifita to continue his stunning form from 2013 and take Matt Scott's mantle as the best prop in the game.

Centre stage:

Jarryd Hayne to star in Origin with he and Michael Jennings to form a lethal centre combination.

Return bout:

Nate Myles and Paul Gallen to duke it out in the old fashioned way in Origin 1.

Still crowing:

Roosters to make it two in a row, beating the Cowboys in the Grand Final.

Welcome back, Hoppa:

Two years out of the game means nothing to Will Hopoate, who takes up where he left off to once again earn Blues selection.



http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ictions-for-2014/story-fni3fbgz-1226785736523
 
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I wouldn't put my name on that prediction article either lol it was only last week I read one saying that Bennett could be extending his stay. So stupid!!!

But saying that, I think he'll stick out his contract but after that is anyone's guess, I could actually see him staying another year just as much as I could see him leaving.
 
Warriors to play Wigan in Hamilton

AAP
6:03am Thu 19th December, 2013

The Warriors have squeezed a game against English club Wigan in Hamilton into their pre-season schedule.

The match, which could see new Warriors fullback recruit Sam Tomkins make his club debut against his old team-mates, will be played on Wednesday, February 12 at Waikato Stadium.

It comes three days after the NRL club's first pre-season fixture against the Gold Coast Titans in Auckland and three days before the inaugural Auckland Nines tournament.

Super League champions Wigan sought the match as a warm-up to their World Club Challenge (WCC) game against the NRL premiership-winning Sydney Roosters in Sydney on February 22.

The annual WCC has been played in England on all but two occasions - the original encounter between Eastern Suburbs and St Helens at Sydney in 1976 and Wigan's win over Brisbane in 1994.

Wigan Warriors chairman Ian Lenagan thanked the Warriors for fitting the match into their program, further strengthening the off-field ties forged between the clubs.

"Quite apart from the importance of the warm up game, being able to bring the two Warriors clubs together like this for the first time is great not just for us but for the fans and the game itself," Lenagan said.

Warriors coach Matthew Elliott says he can't confirm whether England international Tomkins would play in the Wigan game as he needed to juggle players across various pre-season fixtures, including a final game against the Brisbane Broncos in Dunedin on February 23.


http://www.nrl.com/warriors-to-play-wigan-in-hamilton/tabid/10874/newsid/75787/default.aspx


- - - Updated - - -

Cowboys' King of wishful thinking

By Tony Webeck, Chief Queensland Correspondent
NRL.com
7:00am Thu 19th December, 2013

It's a 2,144-kilomtre journey from Wollongong to Townsville but somewhere along the way new Cowboys hooker Cameron King hopes to have outrun the bad luck that has dogged him throughout his young career.

Despite having a year to run on his contract at the Dragons, King has been able to join North Queensland on a two-year deal and looks set for a showdown with Ray Thompson to be rookie NRL coach Paul Green's first choice No.9.

When he made his debut for the Dragons back in 2010 many were predicting a bright future for King in the top grade but a succession of injuries have restricted the 22-year-old to just 17 games since, his run of bad luck including pectoral, thumb, knee and shoulder injuries.

"It's just bad luck I guess, young and coming into first grade," King said of his cursed injury run that started at the World Club Challenge in February 2011.

"I see coming up here as something of a fresh start and hopefully I've left all of that in the past and I can get on with my footy."

The hooking position proved problematic for coach Neil Henry throughout 2013 following the departures of both James Segeyaro (Panthers) and Aaron Payne (retirement) prior to the start of the season and was an area in which the Cowboys needed to find stability.

Thompson was something of a revelation in the second half of the season in the No.9 jersey but King is still confident he can push his claims to run out in the starting side against the Raiders in Round 1.

"I'm not sure. It's sort of an up-for-grabs position," King said of his battle with Thompson.

"Ray finished the year off well last year but 'Greeny' has come in and we've got some different structures with the coach so it's all what the coach wants. We'll see how the trials go in February."

King has wasted little time in acclimatising and adjusting to the Townsville way of life, heading out on fishing trips to Magnetic Island and soaking up the tropical vistas to be enjoyed along The Strand.

He's yet to go pig hunting with Scott Bolton and Matt Scott but the former Australian Schoolboys captain is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to spend some quality time with one of the best players in the world in Johnathan Thurston.

"Obviously he's one of the best players in the world and just to play with a guy like that and learn off someone like that is going to be good. Just to train alongside him every day and watch how he conducts himself will be good," King told NRL.com.

"I met him before he went away with the World Cup so it will be good to start training with those boys when they come back in January.

"We'll have a good month of training and then obviously play the trials which aren't win or lose. They're good to get your combinations in a real game situation so we can get that right before Round 1."

But for now, King is heading back to Sydney for Christmas with his sister and her husband, Fox Sports commentator and Penrith legend, Greg Alexander.

"He's been good since I came into first grade, anything I've needed he's been there," King said of having a legend of the game as his brother-in-law.

"I was too young to really remember him; I didn't really realise how good he was until a few years ago when I watched some highlights and saw all the trophies he had in his house.

"I didn't realise how big a deal he was back then but it's weird because we don't really talk too much footy. When we're catching up we're just catching up for family time."


http://www.nrl.com/cowboys-king-of-wishful-thinking/tabid/10874/newsid/75784/default.aspx
 
South Sydney lose dream high performance centre after Federal Government pulls pin



SOUTH Sydney's dream to relocate to new high performance centre in Maroubra has been shattered after the Federal Government withdrew support for a $16 million package that was promised to fund the project.

In awful Christmas news for the Rabbitohs, Treasurer Joe Hockey this week announced the money would be no longer forthcoming to pay for a state-of-the-art complex containing a gymnasium, pool, high altitude chamber, theatrette and indoors sports arena.

Souths officials were further infuriated to learn that a $10 million funding promise for Brookvale Oval - located in the heart of Prime Minister Tony Abbott's Warringah electorate - has been retained.

The Rabbitohs high performance centre was planned to be built in Heffron Park, with the funding to paid directly to Randwick City Council.

Top league nursery Marcellin College was also slated to share the facility with Souths, who had banked upon moving their entire operation out of Redfern after the previous Labor Government pledged $16 million a month prior to the September election.

Those ambitions were destroyed - at least for the time being - when Hockey released his Midyear Fiscal and Economic Outlook paper this week.

A paragraph midway through the 276-page document unequivocally states the Heffron Park package has been withdrawn from the upcoming budget.

Under the heading, 'Heffron Park upgrade - contribution reversal', it reads: "The Government will achieve savings of $16.0 million over two years by not proceeding with funding for the Heffron Park upgrade - contribution measure announced in the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2013.

"The savings from this measure will be redirected by the Government to repair theBudget and fund policy priorities."

Heffron Park is just one of a swathe of Labor Government funding promises that Hockey has reversed, in a bid to remedy a forecast budget deficit of $47 million.

Souths chairman Nick Pappas last night referred comment to CEO Shane Richardson, who did not return calls.

The Rabbitohs only became aware of the bad news in the past 48 hours, but are expected to continue their appeal as Redfern Oval is no longer regarded as ideal in its current state.

Souths had previously gained State Government encouragement and support for a high performance centre across the road from their current base, but that decision was also reversed earlier this year.

They subsequently pursued the Heffron Park plan in tandem with Randwick Council, and were delighted when the $16 million grant was approved on 7 August.

But the emphatic change of Government a month later always carried a risk of reversal, particularly given Heffron Park is located in the blue-ribbon Labor seat of Kingsford Smith.

Hockey's report carries no mention of funding reversals for Brookvale Oval, as well as community centres at Belmore Oval and Centrebet Stadium.

NRL strategy boss Shane Mattiske encouraged the Rabbitohs to continue to fight.

"When the Howard Government changed (in 2007), funding promises for the League Central building were reversed, but the NRL managed to have it built," Mattiske said.

"There's always that risk with a change of government."


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...rnment-pulls-pin/story-fni3fbgz-1226786912110
 
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South Sydney Rabbitohs push forward with $16 million high performance centre



RABBITOHS CEO Shane Richardson is vowing to push ahead with plans for a new $16 million High Performance Centre at Maroubra, insisting: "This club isn't giving up on its dream".

As revealed by The Daily Telegraph yesterday, proposed funding for the Bunnies modern, complex at Heffron Park - set to include a gymnasium, altitude chamber, pool and theatrette - has been dumped from the new Federal Government budget.

Treasurer Joe Hockey this week announced the money, gifted as part of a pre-election promise by the Labor Party, would no longer be forthcoming under an Abbott regime.

Yet Richardson stressed the proud foundation club would continue to work with its project partners, including Randwick City Council and Marcellin College, to ensure the high-quality facility was established as originally planned.

"We're not giving up on our dream,'' Richardson said.

"It was disappointing to get the news but we have worked extremely hard, alongside our partners and the local community, to put these plans in place and source funding for the centre.

"So while these revelations are a setback for us, it doesn't deter us from our end goal of providing a wonderful community facility that will be enjoyed by thousands of people in the South Sydney district."

While the Rabbitohs funding has been dropped under the new Liberal Government, a $10 million promise for Brookvale Oval - located in the Warringah electorate of Prime Minister Tony Abbott - has been retained.

The Bunnies, who currently train out of a revamped Redfern Oval, initially gained State Government support for a new High Performance Centre across the road from their current base.

That decision, however, has since been reversed.

The club then pursued the Heffron Park blueprint, with plans to share the facility with Marcellin College, Randwick.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...rformance-centre/story-fni3fbgz-1226787632139
 
Emerging star Ben Hunt out to make No. 7 slot his own at Brisbane Broncos



IN THE high stakes poker game that is the battle to be Brisbane's halfback, Ben Hunt is the one man left sitting at the table with all the chips.

And that is no surprise, given he is not only a grinder but one of the few teenagers to stare down a threat from Wayne Bennett and come out on top.

Hunt was entering his final year at St Brendan's College in Yeppoon when then Broncos coach Bennett requested the teenager, who the club had on scholarship since he was 13, move to Brisbane immediately

"We both said no, that won't happen," Hunt's father Geoff said.

"He is not missing his senior year with the mates he grew up with all his life.

"(Bennett) didn't threaten us but more or less said they could cut his contract.

"I said 'Wayne, you do what you want to do but I'm not taking that away from the kid, because I've been through it and I know what it means to him'."

"So they flew him down once a week, every week, to train that year. That is when Wayne chose to say he is going to play seven, because he had never played seven until then.

"That is how he got to become a seven because Bennett wanted him to become a seven at school."

Hunt is finally in a position to permanently wear the No.7 jersey that Bennett earmarked him for seven years ago.

After a 2013 season that was one of the most difficult of his career, falling behind Peter Wallace, Corey Norman and new recruit Scott Prince in the battle for a halves spot, Hunt can now see the light.

All three positional rivals have left the club and former under-20s player of the year Hunt is left as the man to carry the Broncos forward.

Hunt is so committed to the challenge that, for the first time, he tipped the training scales under-weight after giving up alcohol leading into Christmas.

"It was a bit frustrating at times last year," he said.

"I wanted to be in the halves since I've been at the club and I was just getting frustrated last year more than any other years," he said.

"But the club did sign some other players and I know it made me want to work harder to be in those positions.

"This year, getting a full pre-season in the halves, hopefully I can just keep developing my game and become a consistent first-grade starter in the halfback position.

"I got in trouble (this month), I was a couple of kilograms under-weight. I don't think I've ever been told I was under-weight before - a couple of years ago I came back and was told I had to lose about six kilograms.

"I feel it's a good thing. I guess it's a sign I've lost fat and I just need to put back on muscle and get to a good weight."

"I've decided from the preseason to Christmas I was going to get off the drink for a while, just put the head down and get stuck into it."

Raised in a town called Dingo, 90 minutes west of Rockhampton, Hunt enjoyed an active childhood.A thrill seeker who enjoyed riding motorbikes, horses and bulls, Hunt was about six when he had his first accident and slammed headfirst into a gum tree near a railway line.

By 10 he was keen to ride bulls, until his dad put him on a "big one".

"He thought he was a gun bull rider until then," Geoff laughed.

"That sorted him out, he didn't want to ride a second one."

Growing up in the country Hunt learnt the value of a hard day's work.After school usually was a trip to the family's 320 hectare 800 acre property to build and repair fences, a chore Ben still has when he travels home for holidays in his "off-season".

"I think last time he came home we cemented 70 posts in and he mixed all of it by hand in the mixer," Geoff said. "I got my worth out of him."

This off-season, there was a difference. Ben awoke every day with a spring in his step for a morning training session and kept to a strict diet.

"I've never seen him so committed," Geoff said.

"I know he has been doing a lot of extras … myself and my wife could notice the difference, how much more committed and intense he was."

As much as Ben gained a strong work ethic on the farm, nothing could have prepared him for life as a Bronco.

A regional sprint champion in his younger years, Hunt was told he was too slow on his first camp with the Broncos.

At 14, he got the chance to join first-grade training and finished doubled over in exhaustion with Shaun Berrigan in his ear.

"It was a pretty big shock really, the first time I got asked to go to a camp. I didn't really know what it was or what to expect," he said.

"I was just in awe ... We trained one session with the first-grade squad and it was the best thing I've ever done in my life.

"I was so grateful just to get that opportunity to do that.

"We ended up doing the conditioning session with first grade and we had to jump into the back end of it. We were about halfway through the bit we had to do and were missing lines and Shaun Berrigan absolutely sprayed us, he just unloaded.

"I thought 'geez I don't want to be part of this any more'."

Nearly a decade since that camp, Hunt is one of the leaders at Broncos training, setting the pace whilst Brisbane's World Cup heroes were away.

He has had a rollercoaster run but only needs to look at good mates Jharal Yow Yeh or Jordan Kahu, and their struggles with injury, to realise how fortunate he has been.

Barring injury, Hunt will play his 100th NRL game next year and will ideally lead the Broncos back to the finals after their worst season.

"I've been extremely lucky - a lot of times there I shouldn't have been in the team, I wasn't playing good football," he said.

"Hopefully this year I can take it to another level."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/em...brisbane-broncos/story-e6freuy9-1226788046721



- - - Updated - - -

Recruit George Rose and fellow Melbourne Storm players endure brutal boot camp



WELCOME to Melbourne.

Big George Rose and the rest of the Storm players - minus the big three of Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater and a handful of others - were given a rugged introduction to Boot Camp Craig Bellamy style last week.

The players thought they were headed for a relaxing leadership retreat in Nagambie. Maybe a bit of canoeing, some quiet drinks around the fire and a few guest speakers.

In big George's case, maybe a few snags on the barbie would have been nice.But the reality was a much more brutal surprise as George and the boys climbed steps, were pushed to the limits and were even forced to wash cars.

"They got us a beauty," Storm premiership player Ryan Hinchcliffe said.

"They went to great lengths to keep us from knowing the real truth."

Before they knew it, the Storm players, who had already trained at Gosch's Paddock on Wednesday morning, were surrendering their wallets, phones and watches to team officials.

"I'm not going to lie, it was hard to find out," Hinchliffe said.

"I've done one of those camps before, so I knew how hard it would be physically and mentally."And to think you're going somewhere else and then it is sprung on you, it did take a couple of hours to sort it out."

It was 3pm on Wednesday when the players were marched out of AAMI Park without being told where they would be walking to or how far.They soon realised this was no leisurely stroll.

In the middle of the night and a staggering 44km later, they arrived at their destination - the base of the dreaded 1000 steps in the Dandenong Ranges."It was real hard - I didn't think walking was so hard, but after 30km everything seizes up," Hinchcliffe said.

"Your hamstrings, your back goes on you, you can't straighten your legs or walk properly. All the boys were chafing and had blisters."It then dawned on them that the destination was only the starting point.

"To get to the 1000 steps and realise we had to go up and down it a few times was very hard," Hinchclfife said.

"When we came down the sun was coming up at 5:30 in the morning and we had been walking for 15 hours."It was the hardest thing I have ever done."

After walking to the point of exhaustion and through the day and night, the sleep deprived players were given no respite.

The next two days included army-style obstacle courses in 40-degree heat, milling sessions and even an exercise that involved washing cars at a caryard at 6:45am.

There were also peer evaluation sessions and assigned written tasks.It was all done to tighten the Storm group with mental toughness the overriding theme of the trip.

Winger Matt Duffie won the prized award of player of the camp.

Winger Justin O'Neill and Kenny Bromwich were not far behind. Rose, judging by the pictures, was luckiest to survive.

"The best thing for me was spending time with the young guys and hearing their stories," Hinchcliffe said.

"On the first night we had to do a speech on ourselves and how we had come to where we are. It was very interesting because while you know your teammates, sometimes you don't really know them.

"From that I feel a lot closer to those young guys and we now share that bond."Hinchcliffe said it was an amazing experience.

"Now you look back on it and you can't believe you did all that," he said."There are certainly some good lessons to take out of it.

"Things such as team work and attention to detail. If we can do that, we can do anything."


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...brutal-boot-camp/story-fni3gpfg-1226788036079
 
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Career-threatening surgery could halt Albert Kelly's stunning rise for Gold Coast Titans



ALBERT Kelly could be forced to undergo career-threatening surgery with a foot infection halting the Titans halfback's stunning rise.

Kelly, who had a breakout season in 2013, was administered with a series of injections into his left foot in a bid to alleviate the condition, which was originally thought to be a stress fracture but has since been diagnosed as a problem with one of his veins.

The 22-year-old excitement machine has carried the problem throughout the pre-season and underwent the procedure just days before the Titans left for their Christmas break.

The club is hoping Kelly returns from his two-week holiday without pain and he has been placed on light duties until then.

But a negative result means the Gold Coast's prolific try-scorer may have to go under the knife in a high-risk procedure.

The problematic vein is close to a crucial nerve in the foot and there is a possibility it could be affected during the operation.

Kelly has sought numerous medical opinions on the condition and is desperate to avoid surgery.

Titans coach John Cartwright said he was confident Kelly would be fit after the break.

"He should be right to start when we come back after Christmas," he said.

"He's in great shape.

"It's not really a football injury. It's something to do with a vein and a nerve."

Kelly's injury is a headache for the Titans who are again struggling for experienced depth in their halves.

Local junior Jordan Rankin, who made his NRL debut for the club aged 16, will depart for the Super League once he obtains a visa while Beau Henry is on the comeback from a knee reconstruction.

The club is banking on Kelly and five-eighth Aidan Sezer playing the bulk of 2014 together with a long-term injury to either a disastrous outcome unless one of their young playmakers can step up to the NRL.

Cartwright poached Rabbitohs young-gun Christian Hazard, who was recently named in Queensland's Emerging Origin squad, and the 19-year-old has looked sharp training with the top squad.

He is eligible to play in the under-20s competition next year but is relishing the opportunity to train with the NRL squad.

"He's adapting to full-time training. It is a big shock to the system when you're adapting to full-time training every day," Cartwright said of Hazard.

"He's going to benefit from it. He's very sharp and very skilful. He's fit in really well."

The Titans return to pre-season training on January 6 with their first trial to follow a month later in Auckland against the Warriors.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...old-coast-titans/story-fni3fbgz-1226788510704
 
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A to Z of 2014: Part 1

By NRL.com writers
NRL.com
11:00am Tue 24th December, 2013

A is for... Asian Expansion

There has been plenty of talk in recent years about the NRL's next expansion target in terms of a new club – Perth, Adelaide, then Central Coast, Central Queensland, a second New Zealand team or a second Brisbane team have all been mooted by several parties.

While having a team based on the Chinese mainland may yet be a way off it is clearly an area that is on the mind of the NRL, clubs and sponsors.

This was highlighted by recent talks between the NRL, Manly, Manly sponsors Kaspersky, Canberra, and Canberra's major sponsor Huawei, about taking the clubs' Round 8 meeting to Shenzen in China.

Although it appears that financial and timing issues may have defeated this particular effort for now, it is clearly something that is on the radar – meaning the first game played in China for premiership points may be a case of 'when' rather than 'if'.

B is for... Bronco Barba

He's been one of the most talked about signings in recent memory but March 7, 2014 will be D-Day for Bronco Barba, when Brisbane's new X-factor lines up against his former club and teammates (and home crowd) at ANZ Stadium.

Will he spark a Brisbane outfit that underperformed in 2013? Will he return to Homebush and wreak attacking havoc on his former club?

No doubt Barba will be one of the most closely watched players of 2014 as fans wait to learn the answers to all those questions.

C is for... Concussion

It's been one of the hot topics of recent years as the NRL has continued to step up its efforts when it comes to player safety.

In the rough-and-ready, frontier days of rugby league a head knock was something players simply shook off but increasingly research (particularly coming out of the US in relation to NFL players) is showing that multiple head knocks in a short space of time can have serious long-term consequences.

We've already seen in the NRL increasing caution over concussions, with players being taken from the field to be assessed by club doctors.

Losing a key player early in a match can prove detrimental a team's chances and overzealous caution is unlikely to be popular with coaches and fans but two competition points is a small price to pay compared to a player's long-term health.

D is for... Decision Time

Each season brings plenty of big decisions for players, coaches and administrators but one that everyone is currently waiting for is the decision of Kangaroos skipper Cameron Smith over his playing future.

Will the Storm captain stay and finish out his career at the club he led to a premiership in 2012?

Or will he return to his home state of Queensland and take the big bucks from a Broncos side desperate to return to its winning ways?

E is for... English Invasion

In recent times the trickle of top-shelf Brit imports has become a flood – and the big-name signing of 2014 is England's answer to Billy Slater.

Wigan premiership winner and 2012 Man of Steel Sam Tomkins has chosen the Warriors to be his home club in the NRL.

Will his electric style of play gel with fellow superstars Shaun Johnson and Konrad Hurrell?

Will he displace Kiwi Test custodian Kevin Locke at the back for the Warriors, and if so will Locke be forced onto the wing, or even out of the club?

Or will Tomkins find a home at five-eighth and combine with Johnson to form the fastest halves pairing in the NRL?

He gets to test himself against one of the game's form fullbacks in Eels superstar Jarryd Hayne in Round 1, and against star Kangaroos fullback Billy Slater in Round 8 when the Warriors travel to Melbourne.

F is for... Ferguson's Fate

What is to become of troubled former Raiders and Blues star Blake Ferguson? Plenty of ink has been devoted to chronicling Ferguson's fall from grace so we won't go to lengths on the topic here.

The key question now though from a pure rugby league perspective is – what does the future hold for Ferguson?

It appears highly unlikely he'll strap on a boot in first grade in 2014 with the NRL having taken a firm stance over his registration (or lack thereof).

But even in 2015 and beyond, any club that attempts to throw him a lifeline may need to be prepared to face some fallout. Rugby league is a family game.

Its values need to be upheld.

Ferguson's recent conviction for assault is at odds with everything the game stands for.

It is a shame such a prodigiously talented player who seemingly had a long representative future in front of him finds himself in this predicament. Only time will tell whether he will be able to make it back.

G is for... Golden Age

Golden points and golden tries. It seems that, despite the cries of protest from the traditionalists, the days of the 80-minute draw are behind us for the foreseeable future.

There is certainly no doubt that 10 minutes of golden point can bring huge excitement but one pretty fair criticism is that the extra-time period can essentially descend into a field-goal shootout.

It also places incredible pressure on referees when there's an infringement within penalty goal range because all of a sudden a single penalty can decide the match.

The Auckland Nines tournament will experiment with an option that has been gathering increasing support in recent times – the golden try.

It remains to be seen how often (if at all) the golden try will come into play in Auckland but if it's a winner there could be pressure on administrators to consider golden try as an option in the NRL proper.

H is for... Hoppa's Hiatus

One of the biggest signings of 2014 involves the return to the NRL of former Manly and Origin star Will Hopoate.

The son of former Sea Eagles bad boy John, Hoppa Jr appears to be anything but the troublemaker his father was.

The question is, will he be causing trouble for opposition defensive lines the way he did in his breakout season in 2011, or will he be causing trouble for Eels clipboard holder Brad Arthur as he works his way back to match fitness?

From all reports Hopoate is training the house down and has impressed all and sundry with his professionalism.

But we won't really know whether that means he's ready to again dominate in the big time until he's tested in the heat of battle.

Parramatta (and NSW) fans will be hoping he hits his straps quick smart.

I is for... Integrity Unit

2014 represents a brave new world as far as the NRL's Integrity and Compliance Unit (ICU) is concerned.

The ICU has been working with ASADA during its ongoing investigation, and was involved in monitoring a number of off-field issues involving players in 2013.

But with the resignation of long-serving salary cap auditor Ian Schubert recently, the ICU will be adding yet another string to its bow with responsibility for salary cap monitoring coming under its umbrella in 2014.

Jamie L'Oste Brown, who worked with Schubert for the past seven years, will take over as salary cap auditor.

J is for... Judgment Night

A new referees boss is being sought, as well as a replacement for Greg McCallum as the chairman of the match review committee.

Regardless of who ends up pulling the strings it is highly unlikely we'll get through the 2014 season without some mid-week judiciary controversy.

When Newcastle prop Kade Snowden was faced with a nine-week suspension for a shoulder charge on Ray Thompson in Round 24, McCallum admitted that the extent of the injury played a factor in the grading.

You can bet if a Knights player is injured as a result of any foul play, coach Wayne Bennett will let his opinion be known.

Also, given there was some success for players who challenged charges before the judiciary in 2013, perhaps Wednesday night hearings will become more frequent.

K is for... Kiwi Pride

Whichever way you like at it, the Kangaroos' dismantling of the Kiwis in the World Cup Final was something of an anti-climax to a wonderful tournament.

Perhaps the semi-final against England took too much out of the New Zealanders but they'll get their chance for a muted revenge when the sides renew hostilities on May 2.

The failure of the Warriors to make the NRL finals after an horrendous start to the season was another blow to the game in New Zealand and with a Rugby World Cup on the horizon, rugby league needs Kiwi hearts and minds engaged for as long as possible.

A Four Nations tournament to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand at the end of the NRL season will also deliver exposure to high-class rugby league late into the year.

L is for... Let There Be Light

We will find out in 2014 whether the cry to return to the "good ol' days" of Saturday afternoon footy is what fans truly want.

The draw allows for 11 Saturday afternoon games (the majority of which will kick off at the traditional time of 3pm) with the Panthers to become something of Saturday afternoon regulars with five games allocated to that time-slot.

Sharks v Warriors at a sunny Remondis Stadium in Round 5 should draw a big crowd while Canberra fans should appreciate the chance to watch their team play the Knights at 3pm a week later.

Fans have been begging for more daytime footy; let's see if they respond with their feet.

M is for... Milestones

- They're going to come thick and fast in 2014 but here are a few of our favourites (injuries and selection permitting):

- Luke Douglas to surpass the record for most consecutive appearances (194) in Round 1;

- Nathan Merritt to score the one try he needs to become greatest try-scorer in Rabbitohs history;

- Cameron Smith to become the most capped player in Storm history in Round 2;

- John Sutton to become the most capped Rabbitoh of all-time in Round 5;

- Johnathan Thurston to play game No.200 for the Cowboys in Round 10;

- Brent Kite to play game No.300 in Round 12;

- Corey Parker to become the third player to score 1,000 points for the Broncos (currently 969);

- Wayne Bennett to equal Tim Sheens's record for most seasons as a coach - 28;

- Akuila Uate to score seven tries and become greatest try-scorer in Knights history

- Anthony Minichiello to reach game No.300 for the Sydney Roosters in the finals series. And there's many more where that came from.


http://www.nrl.com/a-to-z-of-2014-part-1/tabid/10874/newsid/75825/default.aspx
 
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A to Z of 2014: Part 2

By NRL.com writers
NRL.com
9:00am Thu 26th December, 2013

N is for... Nines Alive

What at first appeared to be something of a gimmick that coaches worried would disrupt their pre-season has now developed significant momentum with both players and fans expressing their excitement at what the **** Smith NRL Auckland Nines will bring.

To be played over the weekend of February 15-16, organisers have already sold 36,000 tickets and are on course to have a 44,000 sell-out at Eden Park for both days of the tournament.

Players big and small have expressed their enthusiasm for the concept and the make-up of each of the 16 squads will be of great interest as we count down to kick-off.

No-one is really sure what to expect from games of nine-minute halves, which is why the anticipation will only continue to build.


O is for... Origin Overload?

It's become the most difficult juggling act in the game: How do you continue to build on the phenomenon that is State of Origin without sacrificing the quality of weekly NRL fixtures?

If you shorten the period between Origin matches will the spectacle suffer due to player fatigue?

Do you shift Origin to Monday night – as Queensland skipper Cameron Smith suggested earlier this year – to help increase recovery times?

How do you maintain fans' interest in the NRL when all anyone wants to talk about is how much they hate New South Wales/Queensland?

NRL head of football Todd Greenberg hinted that the Origin schedule may be tightened up but concerns over player welfare meant that the Series will again be played over a eight-week period in 2014 (with six weeks between Game One and Game Three).

P is for... Papua New Guinea

The only country on the planet whose national sport is rugby league now has a team in an elite Australian competition, and the ramifications are likely to be widespread.

The Queensland Rugby League's admission of a team from PNG into the Intrust Super Cup in 2014 has the potential to revitalise the Kumuls as an international force and bring an exciting new flavour to the premier competition in Queensland.

Eleven members of the recent World Cup team were in line to join the PNG squad and they're home base in Kokopo will likely be a daunting proposition for visiting teams to the rugby league-mad nation.

QRL officials are confident they will be competitive from the outset and if they can do the unthinkable and win the Intrust Super Cup at their first attempt, they will take on the NSW Cup champions on NRL Grand Final day.

This is a critical first step in PNG once again becoming relevant on the international stage.

Q is for... Queensland's Quest

A decade of dominance: It's the grim reality facing New South Wales Origin players and fans if Queensland's undeniable run of success continues in 2014.

In the history of State of Origin no team had ever won more than three Series in a row before this current menace of Maroons won the 2006 Series and have refused to lose one since and if they extend the streak then the number '10' will loom large on a blue horizon.

Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston were at the peak of their powers at the World Cup and with the continued development of Josh Papalii, Daly Cherry-Evans and Will Chambers, Mal Meninga's succession plan appears to be on a steady course.

R is for... Ricky and the Raiders

Players who have been part of the furniture in the nation's capital have spoken of the new vibe emanating out of the newly renamed GIO Stadium but unless the wins start adding up early pressure will mount on the new coach.

The resolution of the Anthony Milford saga is a major boost to not only their finals chances but also morale and a Terry Campese with a full pre-season under his belt will be a welcome sight.

In addition to Stuart, there's a new high performance director, new video facilities and refurbished gym but a playing roster that remains largely unchanged from the side that finished the 2013 season in 13th position.

Many are suggesting that following his controversial exit from Parramatta that this is Stuart's final shot at proving he is a coach of the highest order and reuniting the playing group after a disastrous year of off-field dramas will be the key that puts the 'Green Machine' into top gear.

S is for... SBW Farewell Tour

It probably won't quite match the hype of the lead-up to Darren Lockyer's final game but, barring a major back-flip from the walking sporting headline, there will be an influx of farewells for the code-hopping king.

Especially if the defending premiers get anywhere near achieving elusive back-to-back premierships; if that's the case then SBW will be the ultimate drawcard for any venue hosting the exit circus.

T is for... Trial Form

Considering the multitude of World Cup representatives who might not have returned until December, the threadbare squads that began in November, and then the $2 million carrot on offer in Auckland in February, it will have been quite the chaotic summer for all 16 NRL head coaches.

Perhaps now more than ever how each one balances the workload of their roster against the need to get some playing time and cohesion on the field during the trials will be key to success in 2014.

U is for... Under-Age Competition

Could 2014 be the last year that the under-20s serve as the main curtain-raiser?

Will reserve grade reclaim its place as the number two competition in rugby league?

Which should have more weighting to it?

The questions continue, with debate sure to figure in 2014 with a number of NSW Cup matches to be played prior to the main game next season.

V is for... Venues

At least 27 cities will host top level rugby league next season, including games in Perth, Hobart, Darwin, Cairns, Wellington (NZ) and Waikato (NZ).

Add the in-demand Sunday afternoon games at Leichhardt, the romance of the Sydney Cricket Ground and the annual Country versus City game in Dubbo and the language of rugby league has never spread so far.

At the very least, it makes for one hell of a road trip for the diehards.

W is for... World Game

We've just had arguably the best, most successful and most competitive World Cup ever but when it came down to it there were only three teams that were a chance of winning - and two of those were well behind the victor.

With PNG joining the Intrust Super Cup, USA emerging, potentially more games for the likes of Samoa, Tonga and Fiji – will we see rugby league truly become an international game in 2014 and beyond?

X is for... X-Factor

The usual suspects like Jarryd Hayne, Todd Carney, Johnathan Thurston and Greg Inglis are sure to set alight their teams in 2014.

But a new wave of magic men including Ben Barba, Anthony Milford, Sam Tomkins and Albert Kelly have emerged as other players who can win games off their own bat.

The NRL has always been spoilt for jaw-dropping talent; season 2014 won't be any different.

Y is for... Yow Yeh

Will he, or won't he?

It's heartbreaking that given all of supremely talented Jharal Yow Yeh's achievements early on in his career, our most recent memory is sickening vision of him lying on the Suncorp turf.

His return to park footy last April didn't get far and with his NRL absence almost hitting a two-year mark, the jury is still out on whether the former Kangaroo can return for the Broncos.

The latest reports have him moving well during the pre-season, but coach Anthony Griffin is still using the words 'hope' instead of 'expect'.

Z is for... Zero Tolerance

No-nonsense CEO Dave Smith set the bar high during last year's Origin fighting fiasco.

Then he took out his marker and drew the line after Blake Ferguson and Russell Packer's off-field indiscretions. Not to mention the strong hand in dealing with Cronulla's governance issues.

The game will never be without its challenges but by the same token, under Smith its course has rarely been clearer.



http://www.nrl.com/a-to-z-of-2014-part-2/tabid/10874/newsid/75827/default.aspx
 
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Feel bad for Yow Yeh, the bloke was set to be a star for years to come but fate has decided otherwise, his will and heart to try and get back into the top grade shows just how good he could of been, but he will never play 1st grade again... It's a shame coz u have blokes like ferguson, packer etc taking the game for granted, "treating it as a right and not as a privilege"
 
Yeah I think people forget what a star Yow Yeh was and the one he was turning into. Even if he doesn't return to the rep scene, I just hope he makes it back into first grade and can have a successful career, he deserves it.
 
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