If it was the Knights then I'd rather our player did it on the field than reduce us to 12 men, or waste an interchange.
2013 NRL Discussion
- Thread starter Ms.Nobody
- Start date
Well if that's what happens over in NZ then fair enough, but as far as I'm concerned that's gross.
And no, I wouldn't be annoyed at a player if he left the field and reduced us for 2 mins to relieve himself.
It's just a personal viewpoint, nothing to do with being an NZer.
Well I agree it was gross, and he could definitely have been more discrete, and if he had his time again he'd take another course of action. But in the crunch of the game, I wouldn't want Knights players leaving the field for any reason.
And just thinking about $15,000 ... which would be more like $20,000 in NZ currency ... that is a huge amount of money. I know I get paid a lot less than Packer, but that's like a year's savings for me.
And just thinking about $15,000 ... which would be more like $20,000 in NZ currency ... that is a huge amount of money. I know I get paid a lot less than Packer, but that's like a year's savings for me.
That's for accusing the refs of cheating.
When I was in about under 10's we played Belmont at Cahill Oval. Back in those days kids used to play in the rain not like today where it's called off because the clouds are grey. We were in ankle deep mud, our own parents didn't recognize us and I admit I done a wee in my pants just after scoring a try. We played Belmont for 7 years and only scored 3 tries against them so bagging one was something to get excited about.
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Johnathan Thurston set to miss North Queensland Cowboys' clash with Canterbury Bulldogs
QUEENSLAND's gamble on Johnathan Thurston has left the champion pivot in extreme doubt for the Cowboys in tomorrow night's clash with the Bulldogs.
The 12th-placed Cowboys were banking on Thurston to revive their season against his former club, but an aggravated groin injury is set to sideline him for the round 13 encounter in Townsville.The loss of Thurston would only intensify pressure on Cowboys coach Neil Henry, who is battling rumours he will be sacked if North Queensland fail to beat the Bulldogs tomorrow.Thurston hopes to be on deck for Origin II at Suncorp Stadium, but there is no guarantee he will be 100 per cent fit after Queensland rolled the dice and lost on Wednesday night.
Former Maroons skipper Darren Lockyer said he felt for his one-time scrumbase partner as Thurston played through the pain barrier at ANZ Stadium."There was a bit of a cloud over his fitness so maybe he wasn't 100 per cent in that regard,'' Lockyer said."I know when you play with an injury it does put doubt in your mind. You don't have the confidence to take things on and that was evident with JT."But he is a champion, he broke the record (for most consecutive Origin games)."I remember in game one last year he was a bit hesitant and came back and had a blinder at Suncorp (in game three)."He just needs a bit of time to get his fitness issues sorted out.''
The Maroons have attracted criticism for playing below-par Thurston, especially with Manly playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans spending the week in camp as 18th man.Queensland fullback Billy Slater yesterday backed the Maroons' decision to take a punt on Thurston."He's the best (playmaker) in the world and you want him in your side,'' Slater said."I don't think JT was on his own out there."We didn't do anything well. We didn't get forward, we didn't play straight, off the ball we didn't support the ball-carrier enough and it all snowballs into poor attack.''Maroons coach Mal Meninga believed Thurston had shown signs of promise despite missing a training run last Sunday with a suspected virus."It is a risk you take at times,'' he said.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...terbury-bulldogs/story-fni3g8pa-1226658913805
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Brisbane Broncos hopeful Justin Hodges will play against Canberra Raiders
AS much as the Broncos want State of Origin standout Justin Hodges back for Monday night's clash against Canberra, the message was clear at Red Hill yesterday: individualism will no longer be tolerated.
Still shattered after their humiliating 56-18 home loss to the lowly New Zealand Warriors, the bruised Broncos - still minus Queensland quartet Hodges, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker and Matt Gillett - gathered in a huddle at training to be addressed by coach Anthony Griffin, with teamwork emphasised in the lecture."We all feel that our team was more individual the last couple of weeks - we need to get that team feeling and vibe back amongst us,'' said Broncos forward Alex Glenn, who captained the side against the Warriors in the absence of Thaiday.
"Everything we do out here, we want to be doing it knowing that we've got each other's back covered."A lot of teams wouldn't take (the embarrassing loss) lightly and they'd want to earn that respect back for their team and also their club. That's why I was anxious to get back here and train my butt off."The last two days I've been at home reading the papers. It's not too well, but you've got to face the facts and be honest and cop it on the chin.''Hodges, Queensland's best player in the Maroons' 14-6 loss to NSW on Wednesday night in Sydney, has not been named in Brisbane's side to play against the Raiders at Canberra Stadium, with Griffin concerned about overloading the veteran centre.But Glenn hinted that Hodges remained an outside chance to play on Monday."He did play a great game (against NSW) and whether or not he wants to back up, it's totally on his hands and the coach's hands, but we won't find out until later in the week,'' Glenn said.
"Any one of those four (Origin) players they bring a lot to our team, so to have any one back in the team would be great."It's always tough for the club around Origin season, but in saying that it gives a lot of the younger boys opportunities ... we need to believe in each other."It won't be easy and it's definitely cold down there (in Canberra) so that doesn't help but if we cover all the grey areas here and we go down and prepare well, we should be in for a good game.''Centre Jack Reed failed to finish training after copping a "stinger'' to his left shoulder, but remains on target to play on Monday night.Reed made an earlier-than-expected return from a fractured eye socket in Monday night's Suncorp Stadium debacle.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...canberra-raiders/story-fni3gv5x-1226658921280
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How NSW stars Michael Jennings, James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce will back up for the Roosters tonight
Thumbs up from Roosters and NSW five-eighth James Maloney after the win over Queensland.Source: Getty Images
JAMES Maloney looks every inch a fella surviving on three hours sleep. Ambling into Roosters HQ, his footy bag slung over one shoulder, the NSW rookie passes the front desk and flashes exactly the type of exhausted smile that comes from hauling oneself through the Valley of Death otherwise known as Origin.
It's a look every Roosters staffer knew was coming."Yeah, we started preparing for it three weeks ago," club physiotherapist Travis Touma says. "We were planning on ways to treat Jimmy before he was even picked."Which is why on this particular Thursday morning, carrying just three hours sleep and all the aches of Origin, Maloney is greeted by a personal masseur whose entire month has been spent preparing for every possible scenario that is involved in playing two league games within 48 hours.All up today, the Roosters have outlaid for three masseurs on top of their full-time soft tissue specialist. There are also another two physiotherapists plus head of performance Craig Walker, who is only minutes from commencing a military-style operation through one heated pool, three ice baths and a spa.Call it Operation Friday Night Footy. An intense process which, planned to the minute by coach Trent Robinson, aims to ensure superstar trio Maloney, Mitchell Pearce and Michael Jennings - all part of that Wednesday night Origin triumph - are able to take the field against Parramatta just two nights later.
Here The Daily Telegraph gives you an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how it all unfolded:
WEDNESDAY 10PM - FULLTIME ORIGIN I
Having won the opening game of the Origin series, several NSW players grab a beer from the giant esky in the middle of the Blues dressing room. The three Roosters players, however, refrain. Given the team sponsor is VB, it's not exactly the toughest decision.
WEDNESDAY 10.30PM - MEDICAL
NSW physio Liz Steet conducts a medical examination on the trio and sends the results, via text message, to Touma, who has just finished watching the game at home. He then relays the news to Robinson. "And a text is always good news," he says. "If it's something more serious, Liz will call me direct."
Roosters centre Michael Jennings displays fingertip control. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph
WEDNESDAY 11PM - HOME
While most of the NSW Origin squad will spend the night at the Pullman Hotel, Homebush, the three Roosters all break from camp and head home immediately. Unable to sleep after a sensational Origin debut, Maloney stays awake until 3am ... and is woken again at 6am by his son Kade.
THURSDAY 10.45AM - MEDICAL
The Roosters players assemble for their second medical in the space of 12 hours. All three have come through Origin I unscathed, save the usual bumps and bruises. After 10 appearances for the Blues, Pearce insists he is happier to play on Friday than Sunday. "No one wants to wait around," he says. "The quicker you play again the better."
THURSDAY 11AM - POOL SESSION
Roosters head of performance Craig Walker puts the trio through 20 minutes of pool work, which includes stretches, deep water running and various gentle movement patterns including squats and lunges.
THURSDAY 11.30AM - ICE BATHS
Heading to the "Home" sheds at Allianz Stadium, the players are asked to give three, two-minute "efforts" in an ice bath cooled to just 12 degrees. After each turn in the tub, the players then spend a minute in the spa. "And to have them coming off a win certainly helps," Touma says. "You know yourself, after you have a big disappointment, it seems to hang over you for some time. But those little niggles never feel so bad after an Origin win."
THURSDAY 11.50AM - FIELD SESSION
While all three players have been granted an exemption from the Captain's Run, they make a brief appearance just before the end of ballwork, which brings a sudden halt to proceedings as the Roosters players gather around them to cheer and throw high fives.
Mitchell Pearce at Roosters training. Picture: Tim Hunter Source: The Daily Telegraph
THURSDAY NOON - MASSAGE
Three weeks ago, coach Robinson asked his performance staff to hire three masseurs for the day after Origin. A second physiotherapist is also on deck. The players will spend 45 minutes on the massage table before a team meeting at 1pm.
THURSDAY 1PM - TEAM MEETING
All players are called into Roosters HQ, where coach Robinson goes over the Friday night game plan.After an hour, as has become tradition, the players break and head off to an eastern suburbs eatery for a team lunch.Players then break for the afternoon, with Roosters staffers tipping the Blues trio will be asleep by 9pm.FRIDAY
NOON - TRAVEL TO PARRAMATTA
Rather than battle Friday afternoon traffic, coach Robinson has booked a hotel near Parramatta Stadium for his team to prepare.
FRIDAY 1PM - MASSAGE
Players will book into rooms, with Roosters staffers again providing massages and physiotherapy for their Origin trio. "Normally it takes a player about 45 minutes to prepare for warm-up," Touma says."That's 15 minutes for massage, 10 minutes with the physio if necessary, then strapping. But for the Origin boys, each of those visits will take quite a bit longer ... all up about three hours."
FRIDAY 3PM - POWER NAP
The Origin players will be encouraged to head back to their rooms and take a 30-minute power nap. Research suggests it is extremely beneficial for athletes as long as they don't go beyond the half-hour mark and drift into a deep sleep. As a result, two alarms are often set.
FRIDAY 7.30PM - GAME ON
While there is no physiological evidence to support it, the Roosters trio will run onto Parramatta Stadium tonight convinced the shorter the turnaround after an Origin game the better.From skipper Anthony Minichiello through to assistant coach Craig Fitzgibbon, all the talk at Bondi Junction yesterday was that an Origin "high" - particularly after a win - lasts a good 48 hours.Certainly Pearce was feeling it. "And it's even better," he grinned, "if you can come away with two wins."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...roosters-tonight/story-fni3gn3s-1226658946947
- PETER BADEL
- THE COURIER-MAIL
- JUNE 07, 2013 12:00AM
QUEENSLAND's gamble on Johnathan Thurston has left the champion pivot in extreme doubt for the Cowboys in tomorrow night's clash with the Bulldogs.
The 12th-placed Cowboys were banking on Thurston to revive their season against his former club, but an aggravated groin injury is set to sideline him for the round 13 encounter in Townsville.The loss of Thurston would only intensify pressure on Cowboys coach Neil Henry, who is battling rumours he will be sacked if North Queensland fail to beat the Bulldogs tomorrow.Thurston hopes to be on deck for Origin II at Suncorp Stadium, but there is no guarantee he will be 100 per cent fit after Queensland rolled the dice and lost on Wednesday night.
Former Maroons skipper Darren Lockyer said he felt for his one-time scrumbase partner as Thurston played through the pain barrier at ANZ Stadium."There was a bit of a cloud over his fitness so maybe he wasn't 100 per cent in that regard,'' Lockyer said."I know when you play with an injury it does put doubt in your mind. You don't have the confidence to take things on and that was evident with JT."But he is a champion, he broke the record (for most consecutive Origin games)."I remember in game one last year he was a bit hesitant and came back and had a blinder at Suncorp (in game three)."He just needs a bit of time to get his fitness issues sorted out.''
The Maroons have attracted criticism for playing below-par Thurston, especially with Manly playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans spending the week in camp as 18th man.Queensland fullback Billy Slater yesterday backed the Maroons' decision to take a punt on Thurston."He's the best (playmaker) in the world and you want him in your side,'' Slater said."I don't think JT was on his own out there."We didn't do anything well. We didn't get forward, we didn't play straight, off the ball we didn't support the ball-carrier enough and it all snowballs into poor attack.''Maroons coach Mal Meninga believed Thurston had shown signs of promise despite missing a training run last Sunday with a suspected virus."It is a risk you take at times,'' he said.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...terbury-bulldogs/story-fni3g8pa-1226658913805
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Brisbane Broncos hopeful Justin Hodges will play against Canberra Raiders
- MARCO MONTEVERDE
- THE COURIER-MAIL
- JUNE 07, 2013 12:00AM
AS much as the Broncos want State of Origin standout Justin Hodges back for Monday night's clash against Canberra, the message was clear at Red Hill yesterday: individualism will no longer be tolerated.
Still shattered after their humiliating 56-18 home loss to the lowly New Zealand Warriors, the bruised Broncos - still minus Queensland quartet Hodges, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker and Matt Gillett - gathered in a huddle at training to be addressed by coach Anthony Griffin, with teamwork emphasised in the lecture."We all feel that our team was more individual the last couple of weeks - we need to get that team feeling and vibe back amongst us,'' said Broncos forward Alex Glenn, who captained the side against the Warriors in the absence of Thaiday.
"Everything we do out here, we want to be doing it knowing that we've got each other's back covered."A lot of teams wouldn't take (the embarrassing loss) lightly and they'd want to earn that respect back for their team and also their club. That's why I was anxious to get back here and train my butt off."The last two days I've been at home reading the papers. It's not too well, but you've got to face the facts and be honest and cop it on the chin.''Hodges, Queensland's best player in the Maroons' 14-6 loss to NSW on Wednesday night in Sydney, has not been named in Brisbane's side to play against the Raiders at Canberra Stadium, with Griffin concerned about overloading the veteran centre.But Glenn hinted that Hodges remained an outside chance to play on Monday."He did play a great game (against NSW) and whether or not he wants to back up, it's totally on his hands and the coach's hands, but we won't find out until later in the week,'' Glenn said.
"Any one of those four (Origin) players they bring a lot to our team, so to have any one back in the team would be great."It's always tough for the club around Origin season, but in saying that it gives a lot of the younger boys opportunities ... we need to believe in each other."It won't be easy and it's definitely cold down there (in Canberra) so that doesn't help but if we cover all the grey areas here and we go down and prepare well, we should be in for a good game.''Centre Jack Reed failed to finish training after copping a "stinger'' to his left shoulder, but remains on target to play on Monday night.Reed made an earlier-than-expected return from a fractured eye socket in Monday night's Suncorp Stadium debacle.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...canberra-raiders/story-fni3gv5x-1226658921280
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How NSW stars Michael Jennings, James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce will back up for the Roosters tonight
- NICK WALSHAW
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JUNE 07, 2013 12:00AM
Thumbs up from Roosters and NSW five-eighth James Maloney after the win over Queensland.Source: Getty Images
JAMES Maloney looks every inch a fella surviving on three hours sleep. Ambling into Roosters HQ, his footy bag slung over one shoulder, the NSW rookie passes the front desk and flashes exactly the type of exhausted smile that comes from hauling oneself through the Valley of Death otherwise known as Origin.
It's a look every Roosters staffer knew was coming."Yeah, we started preparing for it three weeks ago," club physiotherapist Travis Touma says. "We were planning on ways to treat Jimmy before he was even picked."Which is why on this particular Thursday morning, carrying just three hours sleep and all the aches of Origin, Maloney is greeted by a personal masseur whose entire month has been spent preparing for every possible scenario that is involved in playing two league games within 48 hours.All up today, the Roosters have outlaid for three masseurs on top of their full-time soft tissue specialist. There are also another two physiotherapists plus head of performance Craig Walker, who is only minutes from commencing a military-style operation through one heated pool, three ice baths and a spa.Call it Operation Friday Night Footy. An intense process which, planned to the minute by coach Trent Robinson, aims to ensure superstar trio Maloney, Mitchell Pearce and Michael Jennings - all part of that Wednesday night Origin triumph - are able to take the field against Parramatta just two nights later.
Here The Daily Telegraph gives you an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how it all unfolded:
WEDNESDAY 10PM - FULLTIME ORIGIN I
Having won the opening game of the Origin series, several NSW players grab a beer from the giant esky in the middle of the Blues dressing room. The three Roosters players, however, refrain. Given the team sponsor is VB, it's not exactly the toughest decision.
WEDNESDAY 10.30PM - MEDICAL
NSW physio Liz Steet conducts a medical examination on the trio and sends the results, via text message, to Touma, who has just finished watching the game at home. He then relays the news to Robinson. "And a text is always good news," he says. "If it's something more serious, Liz will call me direct."
Roosters centre Michael Jennings displays fingertip control. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph
WEDNESDAY 11PM - HOME
While most of the NSW Origin squad will spend the night at the Pullman Hotel, Homebush, the three Roosters all break from camp and head home immediately. Unable to sleep after a sensational Origin debut, Maloney stays awake until 3am ... and is woken again at 6am by his son Kade.
THURSDAY 10.45AM - MEDICAL
The Roosters players assemble for their second medical in the space of 12 hours. All three have come through Origin I unscathed, save the usual bumps and bruises. After 10 appearances for the Blues, Pearce insists he is happier to play on Friday than Sunday. "No one wants to wait around," he says. "The quicker you play again the better."
THURSDAY 11AM - POOL SESSION
Roosters head of performance Craig Walker puts the trio through 20 minutes of pool work, which includes stretches, deep water running and various gentle movement patterns including squats and lunges.
THURSDAY 11.30AM - ICE BATHS
Heading to the "Home" sheds at Allianz Stadium, the players are asked to give three, two-minute "efforts" in an ice bath cooled to just 12 degrees. After each turn in the tub, the players then spend a minute in the spa. "And to have them coming off a win certainly helps," Touma says. "You know yourself, after you have a big disappointment, it seems to hang over you for some time. But those little niggles never feel so bad after an Origin win."
THURSDAY 11.50AM - FIELD SESSION
While all three players have been granted an exemption from the Captain's Run, they make a brief appearance just before the end of ballwork, which brings a sudden halt to proceedings as the Roosters players gather around them to cheer and throw high fives.
Mitchell Pearce at Roosters training. Picture: Tim Hunter Source: The Daily Telegraph
THURSDAY NOON - MASSAGE
Three weeks ago, coach Robinson asked his performance staff to hire three masseurs for the day after Origin. A second physiotherapist is also on deck. The players will spend 45 minutes on the massage table before a team meeting at 1pm.
THURSDAY 1PM - TEAM MEETING
All players are called into Roosters HQ, where coach Robinson goes over the Friday night game plan.After an hour, as has become tradition, the players break and head off to an eastern suburbs eatery for a team lunch.Players then break for the afternoon, with Roosters staffers tipping the Blues trio will be asleep by 9pm.FRIDAY
NOON - TRAVEL TO PARRAMATTA
Rather than battle Friday afternoon traffic, coach Robinson has booked a hotel near Parramatta Stadium for his team to prepare.
FRIDAY 1PM - MASSAGE
Players will book into rooms, with Roosters staffers again providing massages and physiotherapy for their Origin trio. "Normally it takes a player about 45 minutes to prepare for warm-up," Touma says."That's 15 minutes for massage, 10 minutes with the physio if necessary, then strapping. But for the Origin boys, each of those visits will take quite a bit longer ... all up about three hours."
FRIDAY 3PM - POWER NAP
The Origin players will be encouraged to head back to their rooms and take a 30-minute power nap. Research suggests it is extremely beneficial for athletes as long as they don't go beyond the half-hour mark and drift into a deep sleep. As a result, two alarms are often set.
FRIDAY 7.30PM - GAME ON
While there is no physiological evidence to support it, the Roosters trio will run onto Parramatta Stadium tonight convinced the shorter the turnaround after an Origin game the better.From skipper Anthony Minichiello through to assistant coach Craig Fitzgibbon, all the talk at Bondi Junction yesterday was that an Origin "high" - particularly after a win - lasts a good 48 hours.Certainly Pearce was feeling it. "And it's even better," he grinned, "if you can come away with two wins."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...roosters-tonight/story-fni3gn3s-1226658946947
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packo
:) (:
Reni is sooking and has pulled out
Tonight. http://m.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl...e-lowest-of-lows/story-fni3ga7t-1226658852741
Fairly poor from him, shows his character I guess.
Tonight. http://m.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl...e-lowest-of-lows/story-fni3ga7t-1226658852741
Fairly poor from him, shows his character I guess.
Levil Kinevil
Slappin the bass mon
I thought Reni has been pretty good this year for them. But honestly they're gunna have to start paying people overs to get them there soon.
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Matt Ballin has season tackle record in his grasp
Matt Ballin (L) comes to grips with Cooper Cronk. Source: Getty Images
MATTY Ballin isn't fussed with tackle-count sheets.
"Don't look at them, no," the Manly hooker shrugs. "Maybe back in my days with the Kingaroy Red Ants I might've. As a kid, your tackle count was always a bigger deal, so after a game you'd always have a little look. But now, no."Thankfully, though, the boys at Fox Sports Statistics do. Which is why they can tell you how, heading into the halfway point of the 2013 season, Ballin is on target to break the record for most tackles in a season - set by legendary Parramatta Eel Nathan Hindmarsh.Back in 2011, Hindy made a staggering 1161 tackles, the most since Fox Sports Statistics started counting.Last year, Ballin came within 59 tackles of equalling that and now sits second on the all-time list - ahead of Canberra favourites Shaun Fensom (1093) and Alan Tongue (1087).
Heading into tomorrow's match against the Warriors, Ballin leads the competition with 497 tackles - ahead of Canterbury's Michael Ennis (467), Wests Tiger Robbie Farah (457) and Storm's Cam Smith (445).So is there anything he can take out of the numbers?"I guess, it suggests you're having a go," the Sea Eagles rake said. "You can take that much out of it - that you're having a dig not only for yourself, but for the team."But when you're in the middle, tackling is a big part of your job. Plus, it's something I've always enjoyed. No idea why, instinct, I guess."Last month, Ballin made a staggering 69 tackles against Melbourne - the highest ever recorded by a Sea Eagle - prompting club legend Max Krilich to rate him "up there in toughness alongside Fred Jones and Geoff Toovey".Asked what Toovey, his coach, made of that, Ballin grins: "Tooves just laughed and said, 'No chance', reckons we're all soft these days."But seriously, Geoff Toovey was among the toughest blokes to ever play the game so I don't think I'm anywhere near as tough as him.
I'm really grateful that Max would say something like that, especially given he was such a great, hard player himself."And as for how Ballin's body continually backs up from the rigours of so many defensive half-centuries?"It's funny, in the days after that Melbourne game, all the boys were actually saying how good they felt," he says. "That's a good sign that your team is fit, that the conditioning you've been doing since the pre-season is paying off."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ord-in-his-grasp/story-fni3gnk1-1226659576472
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Broncos playmaker Peter Wallace labels reports of Broncos exit "unfair"
Peter Wallace in action for the Broncos. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail
PETER Wallace has labelled "unfair" the stream of reports linking him to an early exit from the Broncos.
Speaking for the first time since his manager asked the Broncos if they were interested in releasing Wallace to take up a potentially lucrative deal at the Panthers, the 27-year-old halfback told The Courier-Mail he had been disappointed by the timing of the reports."It annoys me a fair bit actually when stuff gets put in the paper like that when it was out of my control," Wallace said."It was all talk. Before anything has even happened you don't get a chance to tell anyone about it."It is all out there in the public domain."It is believed Brisbane recruitment chief Andrew Gee was last month contacted by Wallace's manager Allan Gainey, who intimated Wallace's ex-club Penrith were interested in snaring the former NSW half for 2014.
Wallace's contract does not expire for another 18 months and when asked about the reports by coach Anthony Griffin, he told the club he wanted to stay at Red Hill.Wallace said he wished the news had not come out before he could even inform those close to him what the truth was.Wallace, a regular halfback, played hooker in Brisbane's "embarrassing" 56-18 home thrashing at the hands of a dazzling New Zealand Warriors team last Monday night.He said he backed the call of coach Anthony Griffin to switch the team positionally."I have played there before and it was not that foreign to me," he said. "I used to come off the bench and play hooker and I have started there before (for Penrith Panthers)."I don't mind it. If 'Hook' wants me there, I'll play there."Wallace will return to five-eighth on Monday night, when the 11th-placed Broncos face a tough away match against the Canberra Raiders in round 13.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ncos-exit-unfair/story-fni3fbgz-1226659644920
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The toll of State of Origin football makes Kiwis and Poms valuable recruits
Manly's Kieran Foran provides great vaule over Origin. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
CANTERBURY chief executive Todd Greenberg says the increasing toll of State of Origin footy is making marquee signings from New Zealand and Great Britain far more valuable.
As calls for Origin to become a stand-alone event increase, The Daily Telegraph has compiled a list of the 10 most valuable players during the interstate period.While the group is led by Manly five-eighth Kieran Foran, it also includes three Canterbury forwards: Englishman James Graham and Kiwi enforcers Sam Kasiano and Frank Pritchard.In fact, Greenberg said his club actually waited to see if Kasiano would commit to Origin football with Queensland, rather than his native New Zealand, before inking any extension at Belmore."We thought long and hard about that because, from a club perspective, it's far more advantageous for us if he's a Kiwi," Greenberg said."The thing about Origin, not only do you lose your key players for three games, but when you do get them back they're exhausted physically and mentally."That's why more and more, international players are providing a very different way of looking at both recruitment and retention."Take the high number of English players clubs are looking at now. Ultimately you want the best players playing but I certainly think the fact they won't play Origin is among the reasons they're being sought after."
Pommy Rabbitohs George and Sam Burgess. Picture: Mitch Cameron
When it comes to the most valuable players during the Origin period, The Daily Telegraph has Foran shading Graham.According to Fox Sports Statistics, the Bulldogs win 74 per cent of games when the big Englishman is on the field. Without him, that figure drops to 37 per cent.Then comes Rabbitohs enforcer Sam Burgess, marquee Rooster Sonny Bill Williams and Manly skipper Jamie Lyon.Lyon's decision to make himself unavailable for the Blues means plenty to Manly, who win 65 per cent of games when he is on the field. Without him, however, they win only one in every three.After Lyon comes Wests Tigers five-eighth Benji Marshall, Canterbury forward Kasiano and Melbourne five-eighth Gareth Widdop.Rounding out the list are boom Rabbitoh George Burgess and Bulldogs enforcer Frank Pritchard.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...aluable-recruits/story-fni3fqyo-1226659594131
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The Penrith Panthers have a new winning attitude
TAKE a bow, Matt Scott and James Tamou ... you're both responsible for the start of an NRL fairytale.
When the Cowboys props obliterated Penrith's forwards in round five, the vanquished pack made a vow to use their embarrassment as motivation.At the time the Panthers were anchored to the bottom of the ladder as outright wooden spoon favourites, crippled by an injury toll so severe that second-tier salary cap exemptions were needed to draft reinforcements.Two months since that humiliating 30-0 loss and the competition's most unfashionable outfit has ridden a three-match winning streak into the top eight.With a 17-man squad worth around $2.5 million - just over half this year's salary cap - Penrith have ambushed premiers Melbourne, New Zealand and St George Illawarra to concede a stingy 16 points since the start of May.And the reversal can be traced back to that steamy April night in Townsville, which triggered a truth meeting at Centrebet Stadium the following Monday.It was called without notice, after the forwards winced their way through Monday's video session and were horrified to acknowledge just how easily they were rolled.Skipper Kevin Kingston ordered the pack to stay behind and candidly discuss their performance.
Penrith skipper Kevin Kingston. Picture: Phil Hillyard
"We were all pretty honest with each other," Kingston recalled. "A few of the senior guys like Clint Newton spoke very bluntly about what happened. The Cowboys game was a real low point for us."James Tamou and Matt Scott just rolled through the middle so easily. "We took it as a challenge not to let that happen again."Not only have they risen to the challenge, but Penrith's renewed defensive steel has left their beaten opponents feeling just as red-faced as they did eight weeks ago.Two players at opposite ends of their career - journeyman prop Nigel Plum and rookie back-rower Adam Docker - have been the unlikely catalysts.They are bang for your buck personified, with Plum's battered frame not guaranteed a deal beyond this year and Docker plucked from St George Illawarra's unwanted brigade last season.But they have both emerged as the most effective hit-men in the competition, softening their rivals up the middle and creating space for Penrith's fast men to capitalise.
Adam Docker has been a revelation since joining the Panthers.
As Docker recently told a club official: "We don't care if we have the ball or not."We just attack it anyway. We attack with our defence."The thuggish strategy doesn't require marquee players with all the trick shots, a commodity that dried up at Penrith following the release of Michael Jennings in January."Our mentality is that we can attack without the ball," Kingston said. "We want to put pressure on opposition ball carriers and take them to a place they don't want to go."Then we'll see how it goes from there."But for the transformation to be complete, Penrith tacklers needed to be more effective on the ground.When he arrived last November from the best wrestling outfit in the business, ex-Storm forward Sika Manu immediately discovered his new teammates were considerably off the pace."It was really different to Melbourne," Manu said."Penrith were definitely behind what the Storm were doing."Some of the drills Penrith were doing, Melbourne were doing those years ago."And yet somehow they executed the season's biggest boilover on Mother's Day, holding out the premiers 12-10 before a delirious home crowd."It was an awesome feeling to beat Melbourne, because we knew we had to play their style of game better than them," Manu said."And we did. We wrestled better than them and we dominated them on the ground for 80 minutes."Kingston knows each new rival will be keener to burst their bubble.
The fact they are $1.22 favourites - the shortest price any Panthers side has started since 2010 - to defeat Wests Tigers tomorrow is testament to that."We are still finding our way and it's by no means perfect," Kingston said."I think it's probably been a bit of a shock to the system for the teams we've beaten, but now I think teams will start to take notice and we've got to be ready for that. It's all about defence, defence, defence ... and attitude."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...winning-attitude/story-fni3gfvk-1226659653480
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NSW Origin hopes go pop as Eels star Jarryd Hayne injures hamstring in loss to Roosters
PARRAMATTA superstar Jarryd Hayne is in severe doubt for State of Origin II after suffering a hamstring injury in last night's 38-24 loss to the Roosters.
On a night when the Eels put up a brave fight after a week of turmoil, the injury to Hayne was a huge blow for Parramatta - and potentially NSW. Hayne told a Parramatta trainer: "I heard a pop."The full extent of Hayne's injury will be known today after he has an MRI scan.If Hayne is ruled out it could open the door for Josh Dugan to make a shock return for the Blues - while Brett Stewart would be an option, although he hasn't played for several weeks because of a back injury.
Parramatta coach Ricky Stuart was last night hoping Hayne could make it back in time for the second Origin game in Brisbane on June 26."We will do everything we can for him to give him the best chance for Origin," Stuart said.Stuart said the early indication was that it might be only a grade one tear but there were also reports last night that the star fullback could be sidelined for between four and six weeks.
Eels star Jarryd Hayne is helped off the field after injuring his hamstring against the Roosters at Parramatta Stadium. Picture: Mark Evans
Hayne collapsed to the turf in the 74th minute clutching his right hamstring, and immediately told the Parramatta trainer: "I heard a pop."Asked if he gave Hayne a chance to play in Brisbane, Stuart said: "Absolutely, I think so.""Our physio Vicki will definitely know exactly what it will take once they know the grading of the hammy."But Parramatta's physio, Vicki Locke, would not speculate last night on the potential damage or how long Hayne could be sidelined.Hayne was chasing a Chris Sandow chip kick late in the game when the injury occurred after he fell awkwardly. He came off the field almost immediately afterwards.Hayne was inspirational for NSW on Wednesday night and his loss would be a crushing blow after such a great win for the Blues.
Parramatta coach Ricky Stuart prepares to send Jarryd Hayne on against the Roosters. Picture: Mark Evans
He scored the opening try with a piece of individual brilliance and his defence was outstanding. If he is ruled out it would open the door for Dugan to possibly come into the team.When Dugan was sacked by Canberra earlier this year for drinking on a rooftop with Blues rookie Blake Ferguson, Laurie Daley refused to rule him out of playing any part in the series.Dugan was man-of-the-match in his first game back for St George Illawarra and has been steady since.The Dragons take on the Knights in Newcastle today and by the time Dugan runs out the extent of Hayne's injury should be known.
Eels fullback Jarryd Hayne runs the ball against the Roosters at Parramatta Stadium. Picture: Mark Nolan
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...loss-to-roosters/story-fni3fqyo-1226659658620
- NICK WALSHAW
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JUNE 08, 2013 12:00AM
Matt Ballin (L) comes to grips with Cooper Cronk. Source: Getty Images
MATTY Ballin isn't fussed with tackle-count sheets.
"Don't look at them, no," the Manly hooker shrugs. "Maybe back in my days with the Kingaroy Red Ants I might've. As a kid, your tackle count was always a bigger deal, so after a game you'd always have a little look. But now, no."Thankfully, though, the boys at Fox Sports Statistics do. Which is why they can tell you how, heading into the halfway point of the 2013 season, Ballin is on target to break the record for most tackles in a season - set by legendary Parramatta Eel Nathan Hindmarsh.Back in 2011, Hindy made a staggering 1161 tackles, the most since Fox Sports Statistics started counting.Last year, Ballin came within 59 tackles of equalling that and now sits second on the all-time list - ahead of Canberra favourites Shaun Fensom (1093) and Alan Tongue (1087).
Heading into tomorrow's match against the Warriors, Ballin leads the competition with 497 tackles - ahead of Canterbury's Michael Ennis (467), Wests Tiger Robbie Farah (457) and Storm's Cam Smith (445).So is there anything he can take out of the numbers?"I guess, it suggests you're having a go," the Sea Eagles rake said. "You can take that much out of it - that you're having a dig not only for yourself, but for the team."But when you're in the middle, tackling is a big part of your job. Plus, it's something I've always enjoyed. No idea why, instinct, I guess."Last month, Ballin made a staggering 69 tackles against Melbourne - the highest ever recorded by a Sea Eagle - prompting club legend Max Krilich to rate him "up there in toughness alongside Fred Jones and Geoff Toovey".Asked what Toovey, his coach, made of that, Ballin grins: "Tooves just laughed and said, 'No chance', reckons we're all soft these days."But seriously, Geoff Toovey was among the toughest blokes to ever play the game so I don't think I'm anywhere near as tough as him.
I'm really grateful that Max would say something like that, especially given he was such a great, hard player himself."And as for how Ballin's body continually backs up from the rigours of so many defensive half-centuries?"It's funny, in the days after that Melbourne game, all the boys were actually saying how good they felt," he says. "That's a good sign that your team is fit, that the conditioning you've been doing since the pre-season is paying off."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ord-in-his-grasp/story-fni3gnk1-1226659576472
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Broncos playmaker Peter Wallace labels reports of Broncos exit "unfair"
- CHRIS GARRY
- THE COURIER-MAIL
- JUNE 08, 2013 12:00AM
Peter Wallace in action for the Broncos. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail
Speaking for the first time since his manager asked the Broncos if they were interested in releasing Wallace to take up a potentially lucrative deal at the Panthers, the 27-year-old halfback told The Courier-Mail he had been disappointed by the timing of the reports."It annoys me a fair bit actually when stuff gets put in the paper like that when it was out of my control," Wallace said."It was all talk. Before anything has even happened you don't get a chance to tell anyone about it."It is all out there in the public domain."It is believed Brisbane recruitment chief Andrew Gee was last month contacted by Wallace's manager Allan Gainey, who intimated Wallace's ex-club Penrith were interested in snaring the former NSW half for 2014.
Wallace's contract does not expire for another 18 months and when asked about the reports by coach Anthony Griffin, he told the club he wanted to stay at Red Hill.Wallace said he wished the news had not come out before he could even inform those close to him what the truth was.Wallace, a regular halfback, played hooker in Brisbane's "embarrassing" 56-18 home thrashing at the hands of a dazzling New Zealand Warriors team last Monday night.He said he backed the call of coach Anthony Griffin to switch the team positionally."I have played there before and it was not that foreign to me," he said. "I used to come off the bench and play hooker and I have started there before (for Penrith Panthers)."I don't mind it. If 'Hook' wants me there, I'll play there."Wallace will return to five-eighth on Monday night, when the 11th-placed Broncos face a tough away match against the Canberra Raiders in round 13.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ncos-exit-unfair/story-fni3fbgz-1226659644920
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The toll of State of Origin football makes Kiwis and Poms valuable recruits
- NICK WALSHAW
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JUNE 08, 2013 12:00AM
Manly's Kieran Foran provides great vaule over Origin. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
CANTERBURY chief executive Todd Greenberg says the increasing toll of State of Origin footy is making marquee signings from New Zealand and Great Britain far more valuable.
As calls for Origin to become a stand-alone event increase, The Daily Telegraph has compiled a list of the 10 most valuable players during the interstate period.While the group is led by Manly five-eighth Kieran Foran, it also includes three Canterbury forwards: Englishman James Graham and Kiwi enforcers Sam Kasiano and Frank Pritchard.In fact, Greenberg said his club actually waited to see if Kasiano would commit to Origin football with Queensland, rather than his native New Zealand, before inking any extension at Belmore."We thought long and hard about that because, from a club perspective, it's far more advantageous for us if he's a Kiwi," Greenberg said."The thing about Origin, not only do you lose your key players for three games, but when you do get them back they're exhausted physically and mentally."That's why more and more, international players are providing a very different way of looking at both recruitment and retention."Take the high number of English players clubs are looking at now. Ultimately you want the best players playing but I certainly think the fact they won't play Origin is among the reasons they're being sought after."
Pommy Rabbitohs George and Sam Burgess. Picture: Mitch Cameron
When it comes to the most valuable players during the Origin period, The Daily Telegraph has Foran shading Graham.According to Fox Sports Statistics, the Bulldogs win 74 per cent of games when the big Englishman is on the field. Without him, that figure drops to 37 per cent.Then comes Rabbitohs enforcer Sam Burgess, marquee Rooster Sonny Bill Williams and Manly skipper Jamie Lyon.Lyon's decision to make himself unavailable for the Blues means plenty to Manly, who win 65 per cent of games when he is on the field. Without him, however, they win only one in every three.After Lyon comes Wests Tigers five-eighth Benji Marshall, Canterbury forward Kasiano and Melbourne five-eighth Gareth Widdop.Rounding out the list are boom Rabbitoh George Burgess and Bulldogs enforcer Frank Pritchard.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...aluable-recruits/story-fni3fqyo-1226659594131
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The Penrith Panthers have a new winning attitude
- JOSH MASSOUD
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JUNE 08, 2013 12:00AM
TAKE a bow, Matt Scott and James Tamou ... you're both responsible for the start of an NRL fairytale.
When the Cowboys props obliterated Penrith's forwards in round five, the vanquished pack made a vow to use their embarrassment as motivation.At the time the Panthers were anchored to the bottom of the ladder as outright wooden spoon favourites, crippled by an injury toll so severe that second-tier salary cap exemptions were needed to draft reinforcements.Two months since that humiliating 30-0 loss and the competition's most unfashionable outfit has ridden a three-match winning streak into the top eight.With a 17-man squad worth around $2.5 million - just over half this year's salary cap - Penrith have ambushed premiers Melbourne, New Zealand and St George Illawarra to concede a stingy 16 points since the start of May.And the reversal can be traced back to that steamy April night in Townsville, which triggered a truth meeting at Centrebet Stadium the following Monday.It was called without notice, after the forwards winced their way through Monday's video session and were horrified to acknowledge just how easily they were rolled.Skipper Kevin Kingston ordered the pack to stay behind and candidly discuss their performance.
Penrith skipper Kevin Kingston. Picture: Phil Hillyard
"We were all pretty honest with each other," Kingston recalled. "A few of the senior guys like Clint Newton spoke very bluntly about what happened. The Cowboys game was a real low point for us."James Tamou and Matt Scott just rolled through the middle so easily. "We took it as a challenge not to let that happen again."Not only have they risen to the challenge, but Penrith's renewed defensive steel has left their beaten opponents feeling just as red-faced as they did eight weeks ago.Two players at opposite ends of their career - journeyman prop Nigel Plum and rookie back-rower Adam Docker - have been the unlikely catalysts.They are bang for your buck personified, with Plum's battered frame not guaranteed a deal beyond this year and Docker plucked from St George Illawarra's unwanted brigade last season.But they have both emerged as the most effective hit-men in the competition, softening their rivals up the middle and creating space for Penrith's fast men to capitalise.
Adam Docker has been a revelation since joining the Panthers.
As Docker recently told a club official: "We don't care if we have the ball or not."We just attack it anyway. We attack with our defence."The thuggish strategy doesn't require marquee players with all the trick shots, a commodity that dried up at Penrith following the release of Michael Jennings in January."Our mentality is that we can attack without the ball," Kingston said. "We want to put pressure on opposition ball carriers and take them to a place they don't want to go."Then we'll see how it goes from there."But for the transformation to be complete, Penrith tacklers needed to be more effective on the ground.When he arrived last November from the best wrestling outfit in the business, ex-Storm forward Sika Manu immediately discovered his new teammates were considerably off the pace."It was really different to Melbourne," Manu said."Penrith were definitely behind what the Storm were doing."Some of the drills Penrith were doing, Melbourne were doing those years ago."And yet somehow they executed the season's biggest boilover on Mother's Day, holding out the premiers 12-10 before a delirious home crowd."It was an awesome feeling to beat Melbourne, because we knew we had to play their style of game better than them," Manu said."And we did. We wrestled better than them and we dominated them on the ground for 80 minutes."Kingston knows each new rival will be keener to burst their bubble.
The fact they are $1.22 favourites - the shortest price any Panthers side has started since 2010 - to defeat Wests Tigers tomorrow is testament to that."We are still finding our way and it's by no means perfect," Kingston said."I think it's probably been a bit of a shock to the system for the teams we've beaten, but now I think teams will start to take notice and we've got to be ready for that. It's all about defence, defence, defence ... and attitude."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...winning-attitude/story-fni3gfvk-1226659653480
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NSW Origin hopes go pop as Eels star Jarryd Hayne injures hamstring in loss to Roosters
- PAUL CRAWLEY
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JUNE 08, 2013 12:00AM
PARRAMATTA superstar Jarryd Hayne is in severe doubt for State of Origin II after suffering a hamstring injury in last night's 38-24 loss to the Roosters.
On a night when the Eels put up a brave fight after a week of turmoil, the injury to Hayne was a huge blow for Parramatta - and potentially NSW. Hayne told a Parramatta trainer: "I heard a pop."The full extent of Hayne's injury will be known today after he has an MRI scan.If Hayne is ruled out it could open the door for Josh Dugan to make a shock return for the Blues - while Brett Stewart would be an option, although he hasn't played for several weeks because of a back injury.
Parramatta coach Ricky Stuart was last night hoping Hayne could make it back in time for the second Origin game in Brisbane on June 26."We will do everything we can for him to give him the best chance for Origin," Stuart said.Stuart said the early indication was that it might be only a grade one tear but there were also reports last night that the star fullback could be sidelined for between four and six weeks.
Eels star Jarryd Hayne is helped off the field after injuring his hamstring against the Roosters at Parramatta Stadium. Picture: Mark Evans
Hayne collapsed to the turf in the 74th minute clutching his right hamstring, and immediately told the Parramatta trainer: "I heard a pop."Asked if he gave Hayne a chance to play in Brisbane, Stuart said: "Absolutely, I think so.""Our physio Vicki will definitely know exactly what it will take once they know the grading of the hammy."But Parramatta's physio, Vicki Locke, would not speculate last night on the potential damage or how long Hayne could be sidelined.Hayne was chasing a Chris Sandow chip kick late in the game when the injury occurred after he fell awkwardly. He came off the field almost immediately afterwards.Hayne was inspirational for NSW on Wednesday night and his loss would be a crushing blow after such a great win for the Blues.
Parramatta coach Ricky Stuart prepares to send Jarryd Hayne on against the Roosters. Picture: Mark Evans
He scored the opening try with a piece of individual brilliance and his defence was outstanding. If he is ruled out it would open the door for Dugan to possibly come into the team.When Dugan was sacked by Canberra earlier this year for drinking on a rooftop with Blues rookie Blake Ferguson, Laurie Daley refused to rule him out of playing any part in the series.Dugan was man-of-the-match in his first game back for St George Illawarra and has been steady since.The Dragons take on the Knights in Newcastle today and by the time Dugan runs out the extent of Hayne's injury should be known.
Eels fullback Jarryd Hayne runs the ball against the Roosters at Parramatta Stadium. Picture: Mark Nolan
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...loss-to-roosters/story-fni3fqyo-1226659658620
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rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
How Todd Carney kept Jeff Robson at Cronulla Sharks
Jeff Robson swamped by teammates after he kicked a winning field goal. Source: News Limited
JEFF ROBSON has revealed how a phone call from Todd Carney helped convince him to turn his back on a lucrative offer from the English Super League and remain loyal to the Sharks.
Robson, 30, ended speculation about his future on Friday when he signed a new two-year deal with Cronulla, where he will now play the remainder of his career.The former Parramatta grand final halfback had several offers to leave the Sharks, including a rich deal from one of the leading Super League clubs, but he opted to stay after taking several calls from his halfback partner and good mate Carney.Since linking with the Sharks last year, Robson and Carney have formed a halves partnership capable of taking Cronulla deep into a finals campaign.Former NSW five-eighth Carney was instrumental in keeping Robson at Cronulla, urging both the player and the club to retain the crafty and solid halfback."Todd called me a couple of times and he was a big reason why I wanted to stay here at Cronulla," Robson said."We play well together and we have gelled well together on the field."Going to the UK was definitely an option because I am not getting any younger. It probably is my last contract and I had to think about those things. In the end, I felt as though I had unfinished business in the NRL. I haven't played a great deal of footy here - only 100 games - and I think I have at least two good seasons in me."
Robson, who steered the Eels to the grand final four years ago, has continued to develop as a competent playmaker since forcing his way into the Cronulla side last year.He began his stint at the Sharks behind Wade Graham as a second-choice playmaker."All the blokes at the club are good to play with and they're good blokes in general," Robson said."I have really enjoyed my football here and there was no reason to go anywhere else. In the end it wasn't a real hard decision and it was really just a matter of getting it done."When I signed I knew I wasn't walking into the side and I think I made the most of my opportunity when I got it. I played some consistent football and I was rewarded with a spot. I am now hoping to continue and repay the club. I am really happy to be here for another two years."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-cronulla-sharks/story-fni3gol8-1226660842331
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North Queensland Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston determined to play against St George Illawarra Dragons on Friday night
Injured Cowboys skipper Johnathan Thurston watches from the sidelines on Saturday night. Picture: Fiona Harding Source: Townsville Bulletin
NEW father Johnathan Thurston is determined to return against the Dragons on Friday night to revive the Cowboys' season and his own Origin campaign.
Thurston aggravated a groin complaint in the opening minutes of Origin I, an injury which forced him to watch from the sidelines as the Cowboys crashed 36-26 against Canterbury on Saturday night.The champion pivot failed a fitness test on Saturday morning and it was initially feared the adductor ailment was serious enough to jeopardise his availability for Origin II on June 26.But with the Cowboys in disarray with a 4-9 win-loss record, Thurston is planning to face the Dragons at WIN Stadium on Friday night in a return that would also buoy the spirits of Maroons coach Mal Meninga.North Queensland coach Neil Henry is expected to name Thurston in his starting side tomorrow and believes fatherhood could take the Test star to another level."It's special for JT - he is on cloud nine," Henry said."He and (partner) Samantha have brought a little girl into their life and anyone who has had kids knows it's a life-changing experience."He should be OK (to play against the Dragons)."Ben Hannant's bid to be recalled for Origin II will rest on just one NRL game next Monday after the injured Broncos prop was overlooked for a return against the Canberra Raiders tonight.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...s-on-friday-nght/story-fni3fbgz-1226660970552
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Maroons prop David Shillington expects big things from young Canberra teammate and Logan product Anthony Milford
Youngster Anthony Milford is starting to make an impression with the Raiders. Source: Getty Images
HE IS the 18-year-old Logan product rated as talented as Johnathan Thurston was at the same age and his Canberra teammate David Shillington predicts he will soon be attached to adjectives such as "great".
Anthony Milford will play the club whose backyard he grew up in tonight when the Broncos travel to Canberra to face a Raiders team surprisingly ahead of them on the NRL ladder in 10th place.Maroons prop Shillington said the flashy five-eighth, who has played in the halves for every Queensland age group team, would develop into a "great player" with tonight just his fifth NRL appearance.Milford is signed to Canberra until the end of 2014, but was tempted to return to Brisbane due to homesickness.That was until he moved in with Josh Papalii, another Logan talent plying his trade in Canberra, and while the duo declared allegiance to Queensland, they hope to represent Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup later this year.
Milford has already scored three tries and made 15 tackles busts in his four games, despite appearing for between 30 and 50 minutes in each."He was carving us up in the pre-season during opposed sessions. We couldn't get a hand on him," Shillington said."We were wondering if he could do it in the NRL because it is obviously very different to training ... and in the first couple of games he was a bit shy but in the last couple he has got more involved."I said to him, 'Just play like you do in the backyard and don't worry about the other stuff because with your skill it will work out'."When he gets more game time ... he will be a great player."
Shillington and the Raiders face a Broncos team hurting following their 56-18 capitulation to the Warriors last Monday night.Their five wins from 12 games start is their worst opening half to a season since 2007.If the Broncos are defeated they will lose touch with top eight and remain entrenched in 11th place and two wins away from the finals contenders."They will be so pumped up. You never want to play a team on the rebound like that," Shillington said."We have seen it with the Warriors already. Teams fight back so hard."We need some wins at this stage of the year because a couple of wins could shoot us up the ladder."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-anthony-milford/story-fni3fbgz-1226661018427
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Brisbane Broncos concede most tries in centre field in the NRL
Coach Anthony Griffin wants the Broncos to show some pride against Canberra tonight after last week's record 56-18 loss to the Warriors. Picture: Jono Searle Source: The Courier-Mail
COACH Anthony Griffin has demanded the Broncos reclaim lost pride as it emerged Brisbane has developed a defensive weakness that strikes right through the heart.
The Broncos are ranked last in the NRL for tries conceded through the centre of the field and, according to Fox Sports Stats, are also rated 16th for scoring tries through the middle.
On the back of last week's record 56-18 loss to the Warriors, Brisbane's loose midsection has now leaked 19 of the club's 40 tries for the season.
Brisbane's middle defence is only marginally worse than tonight's opponents Canberra (17 tries), but is clearly well off th/FONT]
[*][FONT=verd) set by Melbourne and Cronulla.
Brisbane are also ranked the worst in the NRL for missed tackles (29.9 per game) and conceded offloads (11.8 per game) to further illustrate the defensive concerns for Griffin and his men.
It is clear the opposition are targeting Brisbane straight up the middle, steamrolling right through a Broncos forward pack hit by injuries in 2013.
Griffin admitted the defence in the middle had become a concern and hoped the return of his Origin players, notably key forwards Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker and Matt Gillett, would plug the holes.
"They rolled us through the middle, the Warriors. It doesn't matter who we have in our team, that is just not acceptable," Griffin said.
"Having those three Origin blokes back will obviously strengthen us.
"Obviously it (defensive concerns) appeared the past few weeks. Earlier in the year we were very solid. But the last few weeks it's started to appear and it is obviously something we need to rectify."
Brisbane conceded 13 linebreaks in the horror loss to the Warriors, the second most in club history, but prop Josh McGuire said the players would respond to the bad loss with venom tonight.
"I'm sure we can turn it around," McGuire said.
"We're a good football team, with the calibre of players we have in this team we are capable of anything.
"But in saying that, we just have to take it week by week at the moment and really sit down and work hard at the little things. If we can do that we will be a good football team."
Maroons centre Justin Hodges will definitely play for the Broncos, just five days after starring in Queensland's losing Origin I team.
It is a must-win encounter for Griffin and his men but it will be no easy task at a freezing Canberra Stadium, where the Raiders have developed a fortress, winning eight games in a row at home.
Brisbane have lost five of their last six contests in the nation's capital, including a 56-0 drubbing in 2009, and the forecast in Canberra is for a 1C minimum temperature tonight.
"It's a tough place to play footy, but it's a good place for us to try and get some pride back in what we're doing," Griffin said.
"They're very hard nuts to crack down there.
"We don't need anything cheap at the moment though, after the way we played the other night we need a tough assignment to attack so that is what we will get tomorrow night no doubt."
[URL]http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/brisbane-broncos-concede-most-tries-in-centre-field-in-the-nrl/story-fni3fbgz-1226661012066[/URL]
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Wests Tigers teenager David Nofoaluma scores two tries then hobbles on one leg in second half to help secure win
Wests Tigers players celebrate a David Nofoaluma try. Source: Getty Images
THERE is courage that you don't see on the TV highlights package.
Yesterday, a young man in just his third NRL game produced one of the bravest performances we will see this year.At 19, David Nofoaluma is an athlete with enormous potential.He was a member of the Wests Tigers' premiership-winning under 20s last year - and started this year in the junior grade.But with injuries, comes opportunity, and yesterday Nofoaluma showed everyone why he is a player of the future.In the first half, the young winger scored two tries and the second of them was an amazing show of athleticism.He latched on to a Benji Marshall bullet and with Penrith defenders coming from everywhere he touched down in the corner with one hand on the ball and his body suspended in mid-air.Yet it wasn't nearly as memorable as the effort he produced after the break - when he hobbled for 37 minutes on one leg.
Nofoaluma was on the charge when veteran Panthers forward Clint Newton chopped him down in the 43rd minute and as he fell awkwardly his ankle twisted.Right then it appeared game over.But the Tigers had already lost their other winger, the flying Fijian Marika Koroibete, with a dislocated elbow and, as Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter explained after the game, he couldn't afford Nofoaluma to go off as well.So every few minutes for the rest of the match Potter sent a trainer out to tell the kid:"Just hang in, mate.""I figured David at 90 per cent was better than shuffling everyone around," Potter said.But you tell the coach he wasn't 90 per cent, more like 10 per cent?"Yeah," Potter smiled, "it's a tough game."And in the winners' rooms after the game you got a sense of how tough - as Nofoaluma emerged from the showers on crutches to take his chair in the corner beside Benji.By then Koroibete had left for home with his arm in a sling, expected to be sidelined for six weeks.People talk about the Tigers' injury crisis but to put it in perspective, Koroibete is the 27th long-term injury in all three grades this season.
Yet from that adversity, you get wins like yesterday - when a team known for its flashy plays draws a line in the sand.You ask Nofoaluma how he stayed on when he could hardly walk?"I didn't want to give up and let the boys down," he said."If something happened I would have felt guilty. I just didn't want to let the boys down."Benji called it one of the gutsiest wins he's played in at the Tigers - and young David Nofoaluma was the face of it."I'm a bit sore but I gave it everything I've got," Nofoaluma said.Then he looked down at Benji and smiled.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-help-secure-win/story-fni3gpz1-1226661057105
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Canberra Raiders chase perfection
DAVID Furner knows exactly what he wants out of tonight's match against Brisbane at Canberra Stadium.
"I want the complete performance," was his blunt assessment.Canberra have been inconsistent this year, winning five of their 11 games - including stunning upsets of the Roosters and Storm.But the Raiders sit outside the top eight and are just two competition points ahead of tonight's rivals.Furner said yesterday that his team must start well against the Broncos.
"We didn't close off Manly at Brookvale (in their last game)," Furner said. "We played two separate halves of football. I guess we are looking for the complete performance."We have worked hard on our starts and that will be important against the fast-running Brisbane."We need to control the game. We have had a break (through the bye) and the chance to reassess and set our goals."
Canberra's Glen Buttriss will return from injury at hooker for Shaun Berrigan but the Raiders have no other injury concerns."We want that 80-minute performance," Furner said. "As I said, our start will be crucial."When we have been beaten this year, we haven't started the games well. If we don't get a good start, we certainly have the ability to come back and win. But it makes things all the harder."There are certain areas where we need to lift."I think the next five weeks will be important for us, starting with Brisbane.
"That is what we will be focused on. Both teams (tonight) will be desperate." The Broncos have been disappointing this season.The one-time powerhouses will field a respectable side, although the days are long gone when they fielded a dozen legitimate stars.Brisbane halfback Peter Wallace continues to attract speculation over his playing future.It appears likely he may ask for a release to rejoin Penrith next season.The temperature this evening in the national capital will drop below zero, which won't help the Broncos.Neither will not having their star centre Justin Hodges, who remains in doubt with an injury.
Raiders captain Terry Campese believes the chilly Canberra weather will work in his side's favour."Against the Queensland sides, the cold weather definitely does (help)," Campese said."It's going to be freezing at Canberra Stadium and the ball is going to be slippery as well, so the main thing will be ball control."Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin said the Raiders are hard nuts to crack in the nation's capital."They've got a great record at home," Griffin said. "We don't need anything cheap at the moment, though, after the way we played the other night. We need a tough assignment to attack.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...chase-perfection/story-fni3gmmu-1226660931032
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Phil Rothfield on how Ben Barba, Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson have grabbed their second chance
Dragons fullback Josh Dugan celebrates scoring against the Knights on Saturday night. Source:Getty Images
GAME two of the Origin series could feature a player who recently worked as a builder's labourer and another who spent a fortnight in a rehab clinic.Throw in another who spent time in reserve grade and almost had his contract shredded at the Raiders.
The best thing about rugby league is that it's a game of second chances that rarely turns its back on anyone.You can fall off the wagon but there is always someone there to pick you up. Just ask Josh Dugan, Ben Barba and Blake Ferguson.Check out the photo on the right. You could be forgiven for thinking Dugan and Ferguson are deadbeats and hopeless cases.Who would have thought a couple of months later they'd be where they are now.Ferguson is already in the NSW State of Origin team and there's every chance Dugan will join him as a replacement for injured Jarryd Hayne.Blues coach Laurie Daley yesterday confirmed he had no issues with reuniting the booze brothers as part of the NSW Origin campaign.
This is despite many believing they only got their careers back on track because they were separated and no longer led each other astray.Daley doesn't care about the past. The roof drinking, being thrown out of nightclubs or rock concerts.He's coached both before and knows their ability far outweighs past indiscretions.The Blues coach says Hayne will be given every possible hope to recover from his hamstring injury."But if Jarryd doesn't make it, it wouldn't worry me in the slightest to have Blake and Duges in the same team," Daley said."They've both worked extremely hard to get themselves back in order and we've all got to accept people will make mistakes."Rugby league players are no different to other young people, except their issues get highlighted and everyone hears about them."It's how you come back from these mistakes that counts."Dugan is an absolutely remarkable comeback story.To think that 10 weeks ago the Raiders didn't want him. And then the Broncos turned him away for another Twitter tirade.
He settled for work in Canberra as a builder's labourer and a painter just to pay the mortgage and other bills.Now he's on the verge of playing in NSW's biggest Origin game in almost a decade."He's got plenty of ability - we all know that," Daley said. "The year I had Duges in the Country team he got man of the match."I think both he and Blake have realised you've got to work hard for opportunities in this game."They could eventually finish up as great examples for younger players on what you can achieve if you get your head right.
The Maroons have a similar story.A couple of months ago the Dally M champion Barba was checked into a rehabilitation clinic.He'd gone off the rails in the off-season, so much so that the Bulldogs suspended him.On Saturday night in Townsville he was back to his brilliant best, carving up the Cowboys to grab the first of his two tries.Queensland desperately need an injection of attacking spark from the bench and Barba could be the man to provide it.Like the NSW boys, he's got that special talent and skill for the highest level.It has just been a tough ride over lots of hurdles to get there.Why is NRL not utilising a grand old ground like the SCG
SYDNEY is lucky to have such magnificent major sporting facilities, even allowing for the fact many of our suburban grounds are run down.
The atmosphere on Origin night at ANZ Stadium is a good as it gets, especially now that Blatchy's Blues has grown to a 15,000-strong army.
Now comes the news that the Sydney Cricket Ground's 100th cricket Test has been named winner of the prestigious Sports Event of the Year Award at the global 2013 Stadium Awards in England.
This is no mean feat. The award covers the best sporting event held at a stadium, arena or major sports venue last year.
The 100th Test, played between Australia and India, beat the Super Bowl XLVI, NBA All-Star game, and London Olympics Super Saturday.
Previous winners were the FIFA World Cup Final in South Africa and the UEFA Champions League Final at Wembley Stadium.
Sydney's Test was highlighted by the record-breaking innings of 329 not out played by Australian captain Michael Clarke.
So why, outside of the Swans and a cricket Test, does the SCG sit empty for much of the year. It's time the NRL brought some nostalgia back to the premiership.
Why not use the venue for three double-headers between traditional Sydney rivals over the season.
Why not let kids and their mums and dads onto the field at fulltime to soak up some of the old memories.
Even have a weekend footy festival at the venue with Friday night, Saturday and Sunday double-headers. HIGHLIGHT
Josh Dugan and Ben Barba’s slashing performances on Saturday night for the Dragons and the Bulldogs.
LOWLIGHT
No footy in Sydney this afternoon on a beautiful public holiday Monday. Surely the NRL and the broadcasters could have scheduled one game.
NORTHERN EXPOSURE
It’s not that hard to tell why the Cowboys are struggling this year.
Their Test front-rowers Matt Scott and James Tamou have done little all season.
Combined they couldn’t even make 180m against the Bulldogs on Saturday night.
Compare that to Blues props Paul Gallen and Andrew Fifita who individually make nearly 200m every week.
BLUE ROOS
If a Kangaroos team was being chosen this week, NSW would get at least six of the 13 starting positions.
Jarryd Hayne and Brett Morris on the wings, Greg Bird, Luke Lewis and Paul Gallen in the back-row and James Tamou at prop. It
wasn’t that long ago Gallen was the only Blues player in the side.
CAP CATNAP
The Panthers have known for a long time that rookie fullback Matt Moylan was a boom prospect.
So why wasn’t he included in the NRL team salary cap like every other club does with their best young players? Blaming injuries is a smokescreen.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...n-bin-to-stardom/story-fni3fh9n-1226660974594
- JAMES PHELPS
- THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
- JUNE 09, 2013 12:37PM
Jeff Robson swamped by teammates after he kicked a winning field goal. Source: News Limited
JEFF ROBSON has revealed how a phone call from Todd Carney helped convince him to turn his back on a lucrative offer from the English Super League and remain loyal to the Sharks.
Robson, 30, ended speculation about his future on Friday when he signed a new two-year deal with Cronulla, where he will now play the remainder of his career.The former Parramatta grand final halfback had several offers to leave the Sharks, including a rich deal from one of the leading Super League clubs, but he opted to stay after taking several calls from his halfback partner and good mate Carney.Since linking with the Sharks last year, Robson and Carney have formed a halves partnership capable of taking Cronulla deep into a finals campaign.Former NSW five-eighth Carney was instrumental in keeping Robson at Cronulla, urging both the player and the club to retain the crafty and solid halfback."Todd called me a couple of times and he was a big reason why I wanted to stay here at Cronulla," Robson said."We play well together and we have gelled well together on the field."Going to the UK was definitely an option because I am not getting any younger. It probably is my last contract and I had to think about those things. In the end, I felt as though I had unfinished business in the NRL. I haven't played a great deal of footy here - only 100 games - and I think I have at least two good seasons in me."
Robson, who steered the Eels to the grand final four years ago, has continued to develop as a competent playmaker since forcing his way into the Cronulla side last year.He began his stint at the Sharks behind Wade Graham as a second-choice playmaker."All the blokes at the club are good to play with and they're good blokes in general," Robson said."I have really enjoyed my football here and there was no reason to go anywhere else. In the end it wasn't a real hard decision and it was really just a matter of getting it done."When I signed I knew I wasn't walking into the side and I think I made the most of my opportunity when I got it. I played some consistent football and I was rewarded with a spot. I am now hoping to continue and repay the club. I am really happy to be here for another two years."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-cronulla-sharks/story-fni3gol8-1226660842331
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North Queensland Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston determined to play against St George Illawarra Dragons on Friday night
- PETER BADEL AND TODD BALYM
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JUNE 10, 2013 12:00AM
Injured Cowboys skipper Johnathan Thurston watches from the sidelines on Saturday night. Picture: Fiona Harding Source: Townsville Bulletin
Thurston aggravated a groin complaint in the opening minutes of Origin I, an injury which forced him to watch from the sidelines as the Cowboys crashed 36-26 against Canterbury on Saturday night.The champion pivot failed a fitness test on Saturday morning and it was initially feared the adductor ailment was serious enough to jeopardise his availability for Origin II on June 26.But with the Cowboys in disarray with a 4-9 win-loss record, Thurston is planning to face the Dragons at WIN Stadium on Friday night in a return that would also buoy the spirits of Maroons coach Mal Meninga.North Queensland coach Neil Henry is expected to name Thurston in his starting side tomorrow and believes fatherhood could take the Test star to another level."It's special for JT - he is on cloud nine," Henry said."He and (partner) Samantha have brought a little girl into their life and anyone who has had kids knows it's a life-changing experience."He should be OK (to play against the Dragons)."Ben Hannant's bid to be recalled for Origin II will rest on just one NRL game next Monday after the injured Broncos prop was overlooked for a return against the Canberra Raiders tonight.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...s-on-friday-nght/story-fni3fbgz-1226660970552
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Maroons prop David Shillington expects big things from young Canberra teammate and Logan product Anthony Milford
- CHRIS GARRY
- THE COURIER-MAIL
- JUNE 10, 2013 12:00AM
Youngster Anthony Milford is starting to make an impression with the Raiders. Source: Getty Images
HE IS the 18-year-old Logan product rated as talented as Johnathan Thurston was at the same age and his Canberra teammate David Shillington predicts he will soon be attached to adjectives such as "great".
Anthony Milford will play the club whose backyard he grew up in tonight when the Broncos travel to Canberra to face a Raiders team surprisingly ahead of them on the NRL ladder in 10th place.Maroons prop Shillington said the flashy five-eighth, who has played in the halves for every Queensland age group team, would develop into a "great player" with tonight just his fifth NRL appearance.Milford is signed to Canberra until the end of 2014, but was tempted to return to Brisbane due to homesickness.That was until he moved in with Josh Papalii, another Logan talent plying his trade in Canberra, and while the duo declared allegiance to Queensland, they hope to represent Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup later this year.
Milford has already scored three tries and made 15 tackles busts in his four games, despite appearing for between 30 and 50 minutes in each."He was carving us up in the pre-season during opposed sessions. We couldn't get a hand on him," Shillington said."We were wondering if he could do it in the NRL because it is obviously very different to training ... and in the first couple of games he was a bit shy but in the last couple he has got more involved."I said to him, 'Just play like you do in the backyard and don't worry about the other stuff because with your skill it will work out'."When he gets more game time ... he will be a great player."
Shillington and the Raiders face a Broncos team hurting following their 56-18 capitulation to the Warriors last Monday night.Their five wins from 12 games start is their worst opening half to a season since 2007.If the Broncos are defeated they will lose touch with top eight and remain entrenched in 11th place and two wins away from the finals contenders."They will be so pumped up. You never want to play a team on the rebound like that," Shillington said."We have seen it with the Warriors already. Teams fight back so hard."We need some wins at this stage of the year because a couple of wins could shoot us up the ladder."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-anthony-milford/story-fni3fbgz-1226661018427
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Brisbane Broncos concede most tries in centre field in the NRL
- TODD BALYM
- THE COURIER-MAIL
- JUNE 10, 2013 12:00AM
Coach Anthony Griffin wants the Broncos to show some pride against Canberra tonight after last week's record 56-18 loss to the Warriors. Picture: Jono Searle Source: The Courier-Mail
COACH Anthony Griffin has demanded the Broncos reclaim lost pride as it emerged Brisbane has developed a defensive weakness that strikes right through the heart.
The Broncos are ranked last in the NRL for tries conceded through the centre of the field and, according to Fox Sports Stats, are also rated 16th for scoring tries through the middle.
On the back of last week's record 56-18 loss to the Warriors, Brisbane's loose midsection has now leaked 19 of the club's 40 tries for the season.
Brisbane's middle defence is only marginally worse than tonight's opponents Canberra (17 tries), but is clearly well off th/FONT]
[*][FONT=verd) set by Melbourne and Cronulla.
Brisbane are also ranked the worst in the NRL for missed tackles (29.9 per game) and conceded offloads (11.8 per game) to further illustrate the defensive concerns for Griffin and his men.
It is clear the opposition are targeting Brisbane straight up the middle, steamrolling right through a Broncos forward pack hit by injuries in 2013.
Griffin admitted the defence in the middle had become a concern and hoped the return of his Origin players, notably key forwards Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker and Matt Gillett, would plug the holes.
"They rolled us through the middle, the Warriors. It doesn't matter who we have in our team, that is just not acceptable," Griffin said.
"Having those three Origin blokes back will obviously strengthen us.
"Obviously it (defensive concerns) appeared the past few weeks. Earlier in the year we were very solid. But the last few weeks it's started to appear and it is obviously something we need to rectify."
Brisbane conceded 13 linebreaks in the horror loss to the Warriors, the second most in club history, but prop Josh McGuire said the players would respond to the bad loss with venom tonight.
"I'm sure we can turn it around," McGuire said.
"We're a good football team, with the calibre of players we have in this team we are capable of anything.
"But in saying that, we just have to take it week by week at the moment and really sit down and work hard at the little things. If we can do that we will be a good football team."
Maroons centre Justin Hodges will definitely play for the Broncos, just five days after starring in Queensland's losing Origin I team.
It is a must-win encounter for Griffin and his men but it will be no easy task at a freezing Canberra Stadium, where the Raiders have developed a fortress, winning eight games in a row at home.
Brisbane have lost five of their last six contests in the nation's capital, including a 56-0 drubbing in 2009, and the forecast in Canberra is for a 1C minimum temperature tonight.
"It's a tough place to play footy, but it's a good place for us to try and get some pride back in what we're doing," Griffin said.
"They're very hard nuts to crack down there.
"We don't need anything cheap at the moment though, after the way we played the other night we need a tough assignment to attack so that is what we will get tomorrow night no doubt."
[URL]http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/brisbane-broncos-concede-most-tries-in-centre-field-in-the-nrl/story-fni3fbgz-1226661012066[/URL]
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Wests Tigers teenager David Nofoaluma scores two tries then hobbles on one leg in second half to help secure win
- PAUL CRAWLEY
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JUNE 10, 2013 12:00AM
Wests Tigers players celebrate a David Nofoaluma try. Source: Getty Images
THERE is courage that you don't see on the TV highlights package.
Yesterday, a young man in just his third NRL game produced one of the bravest performances we will see this year.At 19, David Nofoaluma is an athlete with enormous potential.He was a member of the Wests Tigers' premiership-winning under 20s last year - and started this year in the junior grade.But with injuries, comes opportunity, and yesterday Nofoaluma showed everyone why he is a player of the future.In the first half, the young winger scored two tries and the second of them was an amazing show of athleticism.He latched on to a Benji Marshall bullet and with Penrith defenders coming from everywhere he touched down in the corner with one hand on the ball and his body suspended in mid-air.Yet it wasn't nearly as memorable as the effort he produced after the break - when he hobbled for 37 minutes on one leg.
Nofoaluma was on the charge when veteran Panthers forward Clint Newton chopped him down in the 43rd minute and as he fell awkwardly his ankle twisted.Right then it appeared game over.But the Tigers had already lost their other winger, the flying Fijian Marika Koroibete, with a dislocated elbow and, as Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter explained after the game, he couldn't afford Nofoaluma to go off as well.So every few minutes for the rest of the match Potter sent a trainer out to tell the kid:"Just hang in, mate.""I figured David at 90 per cent was better than shuffling everyone around," Potter said.But you tell the coach he wasn't 90 per cent, more like 10 per cent?"Yeah," Potter smiled, "it's a tough game."And in the winners' rooms after the game you got a sense of how tough - as Nofoaluma emerged from the showers on crutches to take his chair in the corner beside Benji.By then Koroibete had left for home with his arm in a sling, expected to be sidelined for six weeks.People talk about the Tigers' injury crisis but to put it in perspective, Koroibete is the 27th long-term injury in all three grades this season.
Yet from that adversity, you get wins like yesterday - when a team known for its flashy plays draws a line in the sand.You ask Nofoaluma how he stayed on when he could hardly walk?"I didn't want to give up and let the boys down," he said."If something happened I would have felt guilty. I just didn't want to let the boys down."Benji called it one of the gutsiest wins he's played in at the Tigers - and young David Nofoaluma was the face of it."I'm a bit sore but I gave it everything I've got," Nofoaluma said.Then he looked down at Benji and smiled.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-help-secure-win/story-fni3gpz1-1226661057105
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Canberra Raiders chase perfection
- DEAN RITCHIE
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JUNE 10, 2013 12:00AM
DAVID Furner knows exactly what he wants out of tonight's match against Brisbane at Canberra Stadium.
"I want the complete performance," was his blunt assessment.Canberra have been inconsistent this year, winning five of their 11 games - including stunning upsets of the Roosters and Storm.But the Raiders sit outside the top eight and are just two competition points ahead of tonight's rivals.Furner said yesterday that his team must start well against the Broncos.
"We didn't close off Manly at Brookvale (in their last game)," Furner said. "We played two separate halves of football. I guess we are looking for the complete performance."We have worked hard on our starts and that will be important against the fast-running Brisbane."We need to control the game. We have had a break (through the bye) and the chance to reassess and set our goals."
Canberra's Glen Buttriss will return from injury at hooker for Shaun Berrigan but the Raiders have no other injury concerns."We want that 80-minute performance," Furner said. "As I said, our start will be crucial."When we have been beaten this year, we haven't started the games well. If we don't get a good start, we certainly have the ability to come back and win. But it makes things all the harder."There are certain areas where we need to lift."I think the next five weeks will be important for us, starting with Brisbane.
"That is what we will be focused on. Both teams (tonight) will be desperate." The Broncos have been disappointing this season.The one-time powerhouses will field a respectable side, although the days are long gone when they fielded a dozen legitimate stars.Brisbane halfback Peter Wallace continues to attract speculation over his playing future.It appears likely he may ask for a release to rejoin Penrith next season.The temperature this evening in the national capital will drop below zero, which won't help the Broncos.Neither will not having their star centre Justin Hodges, who remains in doubt with an injury.
Raiders captain Terry Campese believes the chilly Canberra weather will work in his side's favour."Against the Queensland sides, the cold weather definitely does (help)," Campese said."It's going to be freezing at Canberra Stadium and the ball is going to be slippery as well, so the main thing will be ball control."Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin said the Raiders are hard nuts to crack in the nation's capital."They've got a great record at home," Griffin said. "We don't need anything cheap at the moment, though, after the way we played the other night. We need a tough assignment to attack.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...chase-perfection/story-fni3gmmu-1226660931032
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Phil Rothfield on how Ben Barba, Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson have grabbed their second chance
- PHIL ROTHFIELD
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JUNE 10, 2013 12:00AM
Dragons fullback Josh Dugan celebrates scoring against the Knights on Saturday night. Source:Getty Images
GAME two of the Origin series could feature a player who recently worked as a builder's labourer and another who spent a fortnight in a rehab clinic.Throw in another who spent time in reserve grade and almost had his contract shredded at the Raiders.
The best thing about rugby league is that it's a game of second chances that rarely turns its back on anyone.You can fall off the wagon but there is always someone there to pick you up. Just ask Josh Dugan, Ben Barba and Blake Ferguson.Check out the photo on the right. You could be forgiven for thinking Dugan and Ferguson are deadbeats and hopeless cases.Who would have thought a couple of months later they'd be where they are now.Ferguson is already in the NSW State of Origin team and there's every chance Dugan will join him as a replacement for injured Jarryd Hayne.Blues coach Laurie Daley yesterday confirmed he had no issues with reuniting the booze brothers as part of the NSW Origin campaign.
This is despite many believing they only got their careers back on track because they were separated and no longer led each other astray.Daley doesn't care about the past. The roof drinking, being thrown out of nightclubs or rock concerts.He's coached both before and knows their ability far outweighs past indiscretions.The Blues coach says Hayne will be given every possible hope to recover from his hamstring injury."But if Jarryd doesn't make it, it wouldn't worry me in the slightest to have Blake and Duges in the same team," Daley said."They've both worked extremely hard to get themselves back in order and we've all got to accept people will make mistakes."Rugby league players are no different to other young people, except their issues get highlighted and everyone hears about them."It's how you come back from these mistakes that counts."Dugan is an absolutely remarkable comeback story.To think that 10 weeks ago the Raiders didn't want him. And then the Broncos turned him away for another Twitter tirade.
He settled for work in Canberra as a builder's labourer and a painter just to pay the mortgage and other bills.Now he's on the verge of playing in NSW's biggest Origin game in almost a decade."He's got plenty of ability - we all know that," Daley said. "The year I had Duges in the Country team he got man of the match."I think both he and Blake have realised you've got to work hard for opportunities in this game."They could eventually finish up as great examples for younger players on what you can achieve if you get your head right.
The Maroons have a similar story.A couple of months ago the Dally M champion Barba was checked into a rehabilitation clinic.He'd gone off the rails in the off-season, so much so that the Bulldogs suspended him.On Saturday night in Townsville he was back to his brilliant best, carving up the Cowboys to grab the first of his two tries.Queensland desperately need an injection of attacking spark from the bench and Barba could be the man to provide it.Like the NSW boys, he's got that special talent and skill for the highest level.It has just been a tough ride over lots of hurdles to get there.Why is NRL not utilising a grand old ground like the SCG
SYDNEY is lucky to have such magnificent major sporting facilities, even allowing for the fact many of our suburban grounds are run down.
The atmosphere on Origin night at ANZ Stadium is a good as it gets, especially now that Blatchy's Blues has grown to a 15,000-strong army.
Now comes the news that the Sydney Cricket Ground's 100th cricket Test has been named winner of the prestigious Sports Event of the Year Award at the global 2013 Stadium Awards in England.
This is no mean feat. The award covers the best sporting event held at a stadium, arena or major sports venue last year.
The 100th Test, played between Australia and India, beat the Super Bowl XLVI, NBA All-Star game, and London Olympics Super Saturday.
Previous winners were the FIFA World Cup Final in South Africa and the UEFA Champions League Final at Wembley Stadium.
Sydney's Test was highlighted by the record-breaking innings of 329 not out played by Australian captain Michael Clarke.
So why, outside of the Swans and a cricket Test, does the SCG sit empty for much of the year. It's time the NRL brought some nostalgia back to the premiership.
Why not use the venue for three double-headers between traditional Sydney rivals over the season.
Why not let kids and their mums and dads onto the field at fulltime to soak up some of the old memories.
Even have a weekend footy festival at the venue with Friday night, Saturday and Sunday double-headers. HIGHLIGHT
Josh Dugan and Ben Barba’s slashing performances on Saturday night for the Dragons and the Bulldogs.
LOWLIGHT
No footy in Sydney this afternoon on a beautiful public holiday Monday. Surely the NRL and the broadcasters could have scheduled one game.
NORTHERN EXPOSURE
It’s not that hard to tell why the Cowboys are struggling this year.
Their Test front-rowers Matt Scott and James Tamou have done little all season.
Combined they couldn’t even make 180m against the Bulldogs on Saturday night.
Compare that to Blues props Paul Gallen and Andrew Fifita who individually make nearly 200m every week.
BLUE ROOS
If a Kangaroos team was being chosen this week, NSW would get at least six of the 13 starting positions.
Jarryd Hayne and Brett Morris on the wings, Greg Bird, Luke Lewis and Paul Gallen in the back-row and James Tamou at prop. It
wasn’t that long ago Gallen was the only Blues player in the side.
CAP CATNAP
The Panthers have known for a long time that rookie fullback Matt Moylan was a boom prospect.
So why wasn’t he included in the NRL team salary cap like every other club does with their best young players? Blaming injuries is a smokescreen.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...n-bin-to-stardom/story-fni3fh9n-1226660974594
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rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
David May quits as Gold Coast Titans CEO
Gold Coast Titans CEO David May talks to the media last year. Picture: David Clark
GOLD Coast CEO David May has sensationally quit, citing personal reasons less than a year after joining the NRL franchise.
May yesterday tendered his resignation, effective immediately, with club co-owner Darryl Kelly to step in as interim CEO while a permanent replacement is found."It's been a tremendously difficult decision but I have a number of personal issues I need to deal with, here and at home in the UK, over the next few months," May said."This will prevent me from being able to fulfil my obligations as CEO of the Titans. It's been a dramatic 12 months but I am tremendously proud of my work at the Titans."May joined the club last July, replacing former managing director Michael Searle, to help dig the Titans out of multimillion-dollar debts.It is understood his deteriorating relationship with executive director and majority shareholder Searle was a factor in his resignation.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...coast-titans-ceo/story-fni3grk4-1226661495768
- TRAVIS MEYN
- GOLD COAST BULLETIN
- JUNE 11, 2013 12:00AM
Gold Coast Titans CEO David May talks to the media last year. Picture: David Clark
GOLD Coast CEO David May has sensationally quit, citing personal reasons less than a year after joining the NRL franchise.
May yesterday tendered his resignation, effective immediately, with club co-owner Darryl Kelly to step in as interim CEO while a permanent replacement is found."It's been a tremendously difficult decision but I have a number of personal issues I need to deal with, here and at home in the UK, over the next few months," May said."This will prevent me from being able to fulfil my obligations as CEO of the Titans. It's been a dramatic 12 months but I am tremendously proud of my work at the Titans."May joined the club last July, replacing former managing director Michael Searle, to help dig the Titans out of multimillion-dollar debts.It is understood his deteriorating relationship with executive director and majority shareholder Searle was a factor in his resignation.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...coast-titans-ceo/story-fni3grk4-1226661495768
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
NSW State of Origin forward James Tamou charged with drink driving in Queensland
Blues prop James Tamou has been charged with DUI. Source: Getty Images
NSW Blues and North Queensland Cowboys prop James Tamou has been arrested for drink driving after allegedly being caught almost four times over the legal limit.
Tamou was pulled over in the Townsville suburb of North Ward about 3.30am on Monday.Police confirmed a 24-year-old Kirwan man was charged after allegedly recording an alcohol concentration of 0.197.
He's been charged with unlicensed driving and driving under the influence of alcohol and will appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on July 2.Tamou last week played in the NSW State of Origin side that beat Queensland 14-6.He admitted to the club that he had several drinks earlier in the night and he will not contest the charge.
“The Cowboys are extremely disappointed, as is James, in these events,” CEO Peter Jourdain said.
“James is taking responsibility for his actions and is very remorseful that he has put himself in this position.
“This is his first offence. He knows it is a serious one and that he will have to pay a penalty.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ng-in-queensland/story-fni3fqyo-1226661833060
- AAP
- JUNE 11, 2013 1:02PM
Blues prop James Tamou has been charged with DUI. Source: Getty Images
NSW Blues and North Queensland Cowboys prop James Tamou has been arrested for drink driving after allegedly being caught almost four times over the legal limit.
Tamou was pulled over in the Townsville suburb of North Ward about 3.30am on Monday.Police confirmed a 24-year-old Kirwan man was charged after allegedly recording an alcohol concentration of 0.197.
He's been charged with unlicensed driving and driving under the influence of alcohol and will appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on July 2.Tamou last week played in the NSW State of Origin side that beat Queensland 14-6.He admitted to the club that he had several drinks earlier in the night and he will not contest the charge.
“The Cowboys are extremely disappointed, as is James, in these events,” CEO Peter Jourdain said.
“James is taking responsibility for his actions and is very remorseful that he has put himself in this position.
“This is his first offence. He knows it is a serious one and that he will have to pay a penalty.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ng-in-queensland/story-fni3fqyo-1226661833060