2013 NRL Discussion

John Cartwright will be up there as well.

Agreed, I don't think Steve Price is safe either...despite his new contract

St George Illawarra are on track for their worst ever season since they became a joint merger in 1999 Their Previous worst finish 13th in 2007...They currently sit 14th

Since 1999 they have only missed the finals 4 times in 14 seasons...Before now They have never missed the finals 2 years in a row...

* They have the 3rd worst attack (only 12 points better than the Eels)

* They have the 5th worst defence

* They have the 3rd worst differential (-115)
 
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What do you put the Cowboys bad form down to? Lack of something, coach doing something wrong, player attitudes etc?

Bit of everything really but the main reason is Henry. Henry continually picking the same core group that are not doing the job (Hall, Winters, A Sims, Johnson and hell even Tate has been dog average for us this year). Henry who is mean't to be this so called ''tactical genius'' has not got any game plans. They were the number 1 attacking side last year but have not added to it this year rolling out the same 1 or 2 plays that every team has worked out now. Henry imo has f*cked our best young player to emerge since Scott mentally and im talking about Taumalolo. He has not progressed at all this year due to being in the side one week and out the next. Starting and playing 60 odd minutes to then being benched and playing 20 or so. Henry just has no clue on what he is doing evident by sticking with his older and experienced buddies despite them not doing the job.
 
Bit of everything really but the main reason is Henry. Henry continually picking the same core group that are not doing the job (Hall, Winters, A Sims, Johnson and hell even Tate has been dog average for us this year). Henry who is mean't to be this so called ''tactical genius'' has not got any game plans. They were the number 1 attacking side last year but have not added to it this year rolling out the same 1 or 2 plays that every team has worked out now. Henry imo has f*cked our best young player to emerge since Scott mentally and im talking about Taumalolo. He has not progressed at all this year due to being in the side one week and out the next. Starting and playing 60 odd minutes to then being benched and playing 20 or so. Henry just has no clue on what he is doing evident by sticking with his older and experienced buddies despite them not doing the job.

That's one thing that puzzles me, Taumalolo. Every time i see him play he looks great, so hard tackle. He's good enough to make any team's starting 17 yet can't crack the Cowboys regularly. It's not like he needs to be brought in slowly either, he's shown he's up to it & has been playing NRL since the end 2010.

If you were coach what side would you pick?
 
Ricky Stuart: I'm hamstrung on Jarryd Hayne



IT is a crucial time now in the career of Jarryd Hayne, and a crucial time for Parramatta.

Not many could believe Jarryd might be out for the rest of the season when it was revealed on Friday night.The initial diagnosis was that he had a slight hamstring tear and would be out for two to three weeks, and we were confident of getting him back without too big an impact on our season.

Jarryd wanted to play Origin, though, and as a former Blues coach and player I understood totally where he was coming from, so I was happy for him to push his recovery as much as he believed was necessary in a bid to be fit for the decider.

They are special games and Jarryd had every right to want to be there after what he has done for the Blues. He is a very special player.

Unfortunately, and this is the problem when you have a Formula One car parked in the garage, their bodies are so highly tuned that the slightest mishap can have a big impact.

Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-on-jarryd-hayne/story-fni3fh9n-1226686808415


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State of Origin pauper Chris McQueen eyes pay rise at South Sydney Rabbitohs


  • PETER BADEL
  • THE SUNDAY MAIL (QLD)
  • JULY 28, 2013 12:00AM

SOUTHS back-rower Chris McQueen is seeking a contract upgrade of up to $100,000 in the wake of his rise from park footballer to Origin star.

The move comes as legendary Souths forward John Sattler urged the club to do "everything possible" to keep McQueen, likening his style to former Dragons great Norm Provan.

McQueen's management has contacted the Rabbitohs seeking a pay review that reflects the Maroons forward's increased status in the code.McQueen was one of the lowest-paid players in this year's Origin series, with the Kingaroy junior entering the 2013 season on a deal worth around $130,000.

His value has increased slightly thanks to a representative-bonus clause, but McQueen's salary is still vastly inferior to that of Souths and Maroons teammate Ben Te'o, who earns a rumoured $270,000 annually.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...sydney-rabbitohs/story-fni3gki8-1226686781162


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Mal Meninga: I've been a victim of racism


  • MAL MENINGA
  • THE SUNDAY MAIL (QLD)
  • JULY 28, 2013 12:00AM

IN 1983, I was playing for Brisbane Souths in an away game against Wynnum-Manly.

I had just come back from my first Kangaroo Tour, I was enjoying my footy and my career with the police force and feeling pretty good about what life could give you when you were prepared to work for your goals.

At the end of the game against Wynnum, I was racially abused by a spectator.I didn’t know the man at all, but his words were such a personal attack on me as a person, I was left devastated.

I reacted angrily, and lashed out violently towards the man.The next day, it was front-page news.

It was a learning experience for me, and a completely unpleasant one. I had been exposed to racism before, of course.My parents had been subjected to it.

My dad being black and my mum white, they had even experienced it from members of their own family, which must have hurt enormously.Over the years, growing up playing footy, I was called all sorts of things in the heat of battle.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...victim-of-racism/story-fni3fh9n-1226686830141


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Injured Bulldog Barba out for five weeks

AAP
Sat 27th July, 4:49pm

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Canterbury have been dealt a serious late season blow with reigning Dally M medal winner Ben Barba ruled out until the eve of the NRL finals.

The brilliant fullback had scans on his injured ankle on Saturday morning which confirmed he'd suffered a grade one high ankle sprain which could sideline the 23-year-old for up to five weeks.

Barba suffered the injury in the process of scoring a try in the eighth minute during Friday night's 40-12 mauling of Parramatta at ANZ Stadium.

Read More: http://www.nrl.com/injured-bulldog-barba-out-for-five-weeks/tabid/10874/newsid/73710/default.aspx



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NRL season all but over, Cowboys concede

By Liam Butterworth
AAP
Sat 27th July, 5:19pm

North Queensland co-captain Matt Scott concedes the Cowboys chances of making the NRL finals are almost dead, saying only something special in the final six weeks of the season will steal them a top eight spot.

After a disappointing 18-16 loss to fellow Queensland strugglers Brisbane on Friday night, a result which appears to have ended Neil Henry's chances of coaching at the club next season, Scott said the Cowboys would need to win out to give themselves a hope.

But rather than calling it a miracle, the Queensland and Test prop said he believed anything was possible if they could win their last six games.

The Cowboys host competition front-runners South Sydney next week before a tough run home which includes finals aspirations Penrith, Cronulla, Gold Coast and Newcastle.

"It's not impossible," Scott said."I think we've certainly made it tough on ourselves and I think we're at times playing footy that will get us into the eight if we maintain it."At the moment it's just stupid individual errors that's really hurting us.

Read More: http://www.nrl.com/nrl-season-all-but-over,-cowboys-concede/tabid/10874/newsid/73707/default.aspx

 
That's one thing that puzzles me, Taumalolo. Every time i see him play he looks great, so hard tackle. He's good enough to make any team's starting 17 yet can't crack the Cowboys regularly. It's not like he needs to be brought in slowly either, he's shown he's up to it & has been playing NRL since the end 2010.

If you were coach what side would you pick?

Bloody hell. Wrote a whole reply but accidentally did report post instead of reply... Guess that's what you get for being deso driver and staying up so late lol.

I'll try and write close to what I did first time around so here goes:

Henry has screwed Taumalolo mentally this year with him clearly down on confidence and not playing as good as he did last year in first grade anyway as he kills it back at Mackay under coach Kim Williams (guy who imo should take over next year). Anyone that saw him play for Tonga earlier in the year would of seen how good this kid could potentially become. He would of been close to the best on field and if memory serves me right he ran for nearly 200m, not bad for a then 19 yr old.

He has some defensive flaws especially in his decision making when there are several runners coming his way but his agility and strength is no problem. He just manhandles guys once he gets a hold of them. He needs to be persisted with in first grade so he can learn and get better in reading the play and making the right decisions in defence. Besides what he provides offensively far outweighs his defensive problems. Right now anyway as the season is all but over.

As for my team right now well first off I wouldn't be picking any guys who definitely won't be at the club next year. Season is over its time to look forward to 2014.

My team right now would be:
1. Bowen, hope he stays on for another year but be the no.14 next year. Santo would then be no.1 and should of got a run this year if it wern't for a freak injury with his appendix only a couple weeks ago.
2. Rona, been killing it all year for Mackay in his first year of seniors footy.
3. Tate, only just though, been absolute sh*t all year for us. If only he thought he played for QLD every weekend.
4. Linnett, big fan of his but he has been down on form this year too.
5. Javid Bowen, along with Santo these 2 have been consistently the 2 best players week in week out.
6. JT
7. Lui, unfortunately there's no one else that's better then him.
8. Scott
9. Thompson, imo he could become a very solid hooker and play the 80 minutes as well.
10. Tamou
11. Lowe, has looked really good in his couple games this year. A standout in Q-Cup all year and was rookie of the year last year.
12. Cooper
13. Riethmuller, gives it his all for every second he is on the field.
14. Would be Bowen next year if he signs on again but for now it would be Leary.
15. Bolton, why he isn't re-signed yet is beyond me. He needs to be signed up ASAP.
16. T Sims
17. Taumalolo

That would be my 17 this week but we all know that if fit Hall, Johnson, Graham, Winterstien will be auto picks and then add on the likelyhood of Mitchell, A Sims etc in the 17 and you can see why they are going so crap.
 
Bloody hell. Wrote a whole reply but accidentally did report post instead of reply... Guess that's what you get for being deso driver and staying up so late lol.

I'll try and write close to what I did first time around so here goes:

Henry has screwed Taumalolo mentally this year with him clearly down on confidence and not playing as good as he did last year in first grade anyway as he kills it back at Mackay under coach Kim Williams (guy who imo should take over next year). Anyone that saw him play for Tonga earlier in the year would of seen how good this kid could potentially become. He would of been close to the best on field and if memory serves me right he ran for nearly 200m, not bad for a then 19 yr old.

He has some defensive flaws especially in his decision making when there are several runners coming his way but his agility and strength is no problem. He just manhandles guys once he gets a hold of them. He needs to be persisted with in first grade so he can learn and get better in reading the play and making the right decisions in defence. Besides what he provides offensively far outweighs his defensive problems. Right now anyway as the season is all but over.

As for my team right now well first off I wouldn't be picking any guys who definitely won't be at the club next year. Season is over its time to look forward to 2014.

My team right now would be:
1. Bowen, hope he stays on for another year but be the no.14 next year. Santo would then be no.1 and should of got a run this year if it wern't for a freak injury with his appendix only a couple weeks ago.
2. Rona, been killing it all year for Mackay in his first year of seniors footy.
3. Tate, only just though, been absolute sh*t all year for us. If only he thought he played for QLD every weekend.
4. Linnett, big fan of his but he has been down on form this year too.
5. Javid Bowen, along with Santo these 2 have been consistently the 2 best players week in week out.
6. JT
7. Lui, unfortunately there's no one else that's better then him.
8. Scott
9. Thompson, imo he could become a very solid hooker and play the 80 minutes as well.
10. Tamou
11. Lowe, has looked really good in his couple games this year. A standout in Q-Cup all year and was rookie of the year last year.
12. Cooper
13. Riethmuller, gives it his all for every second he is on the field.
14. Would be Bowen next year if he signs on again but for now it would be Leary.
15. Bolton, why he isn't re-signed yet is beyond me. He needs to be signed up ASAP.
16. T Sims
17. Taumalolo

That would be my 17 this week but we all know that if fit Hall, Johnson, Graham, Winterstien will be auto picks and then add on the likelyhood of Mitchell, A Sims etc in the 17 and you can see why they are going so crap.

So why do you think these guys aren't playing well, i mean they used to work well together. A structure thing, problems within the playing group, players just don't have it anymore or what?
 
So why do you think these guys aren't playing well, i mean they used to work well together. A structure thing, problems within the playing group, players just don't have it anymore or what?

In hindsight a couple have gone on a year too long and Henry has persisted with them throughout the year which has costed him his job. There's most definitely a structure problem as they have not added to what worked so well last year and teams have worked them out. I do think a good majority of them are trying and do want to be there as there has been no rumblings of players being unhappy and all the ones we have wanted to keep have signed on. There needs to be a whole cleanout of coaching staff and players who just aren't any good ie. Hall, Winterstein, A Sims etc.
 
Cowboys coach Neil Henry says switching Johnathan Thurston to No.7 is not the answer



BESIEGED Cowboys coach Neil Henry says moving Johnathan Thurston to halfback will not cure the club's ills and has challenged his rising playmakers to make a statement in the No.7 jumper.

Thurston's shift from halfback to five-eighth last year coincided with Darren Lockyer's retirement in 2011, which delivered the Cowboys co-skipper the Queensland and Australia No.6 jumpers.

But while Thurston has found a potent ally in Cooper Cronk at Origin and Test level, the likes of Robert Lui, Michael Morgan and Ray Thompson have failed to consistently fire on his inside.

With the Cowboys needing to win their final six games to make the finals, Henry is not convinced returning Thurston to first receiver is the solution to reviving the club's dismal season.

"It doesn't matter too much, 'JT' likes to wear the six and he has proven himself there at the state and national level,'' said Henry, who is expected to learn this week he will not coach the Cowboys next season.

"Obviously at that level, he and Cooper Cronk form a good combination and they complement each other in how they play.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...s-not-the-answer/story-fni3g8pa-1226687091534


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Jamie Soward copping abuse from fans in the UK



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Wigan Warriors' Darrell Goulding gets past the challenge of Jamie Soward, now of the London Broncos. Source: Getty Images


HUMILIATING defeats and spiteful fans seem to be following Jamie Soward like a bad smell this year.

The key plank in Phil Gould's five-year plan at Penrith was on Sunday part of the London Broncos' devastating 70-0 Challenge Cup semi-final loss to the Wigan Warriors.And the Warriors fans let the former Dragons star have it, chanting "Taxi for Soward" as commentators bemoaned his lack of involvement.

Wigan fans even claimed Soward spat in their direction as the chant rang out at Leigh Sports Village.

Soward was granted an early release from St George Illawarra last month after being dumped to NSW Cup. The Broncos had signed Soward on a short-term deal so they could mount a Challenge Cup charge, but were left feeling some of the same frustration Dragons fans know only too well.

Soward, 28, has signed a four-year deal with Penrith, but Gould's faith in the former Blues Origin player is set to be tested if Sunday's performance is anything to go by.

Soward, playing at halfback, was little more than a speed bump as the Warriors ran in 12 tries. To make matters worse, Soward had made clear the priority in his English stint was to impress in the knockout Challenge Cup competition, rather than the Super League.

"You don't have to be doing really well in the league but you can have a good year if you do something in the Challenge Cup," he told the BBC this month.

Australian winger Pat Richards, who is returning to Wests Tigers next season after eight years in Europe, scored two tries and kicked 11 goals for a record total of 30 points.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...m-fans-in-the-uk/story-fni3fbgz-1226687107495

 
The Lurker has reported the following...

Discretion required

Discreet enquiries have been made into the behaviour of a high profile club official on the domestic front. Our man has not exactly been a model partner over the years and has made more than a few female enemies.

Early bird specials

Johnathan Thurston is not the only NRL player getting woken by ASADA at the crack of dawn.

On a recent road trip, drug testers turned up to the New Zealand Warriors' Sydney hotel on the morning before the game. Skipper Simon Mannering was one of four players tested at 6.30am. Mannering had no complaints.

Titanic mistake

The Titans were seriously embarrassed by South Sydney's rookie half-back Luke Keary on Saturday night. The 21-year-old made the Toyota Cup team-of-the-year from the Rabbitohs last season – but only because he had been rejected by the Titans.

Keary was spent two weeks training with the Titans' NYC squad two years ago before he was told he wouldn't make it. Now half a dozen NRL clubs are showing interest.


Read More: http://www.sportal.com.au/league/news/nrl-premiership/the-lurkernrl-rumour-filemonday-245762
 
Neil Henry has been sacked as coach of the North Queensland Cowboys



NEIL Henry's services for next season have officially been terminated by the Cowboys.

News Limited understands North Queensland hierarchy are formally on the lookout for a new coach after the besieged Henry was last night informed by chairman Laurence Lancini he is not required for 2014.

It is understood Henry will inform Cowboys staff of the decision today.

The former Queensland Origin assistant has been under pressure for some time, with speculation about Henry's tenure first surfacing in May.At the time, Cowboys hierarchy insisted a definitive call had not been made on Henry.

But the club's continued struggles, headlined by last Friday night's heartbreaking 18-16 loss to the Broncos, has forced the board's hand.

Henry will see out the season, with the Cowboys needing to win all remaining six games to make the finals _ starting with this Saturday night's daunting home clash against ladder leaders South Sydney.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...eensland-cowboys/story-fni3g8pa-1226687517900
 
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Race is on to guide North Queensland Cowboys



FORMER Maroons halfback Paul Green has expressed his interest in the Cowboys post after the club on Monday formally parted ways with Neil Henry.

As revealed by News Limited on Monday, North Queensland are seeking a new coach after the besieged Henry was informed by chairman Laurence Lancini he is not required for next year.Henry informed Cowboys staff of the decision Monday. He will see out the season, with the Cowboys needing to win all six games to make the finals - starting with this Saturday night's home clash against ladder leaders South Sydney.

With the Cowboys position now officially vacant, a number of frontline contenders have emerged, led by Broncos great Kevin Walters, NSW Origin assistant Trent Barrett and former Eels caretaker Brad Arthur.

Green is another firmly in the mix. Currently the Roosters' under-20s mentor, Green is contracted at Bondi until the end of next year, but the club is unlikely to stand in his way if the Cowboys look to launch his career as an NRL head coach.

"I'm not sure on the process, but I'm certainly interested," Green said."I've had no formal discussions with the Cowboys, but ... I'm interested in being a head coach in the NRL."My wife is from up there, so it would be a good fit. The Cowboys have a good roster. Now the club has made a decision I will see what the next step is."

Green has ties to North Queensland, playing 35 NRL games in 1999-2000 before his shift to the Sydney Roosters.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...eensland-cowboys/story-fni3g8pa-1226687776067


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Gold Coast Titans haul coach John Cartwright in for talks



JOHN Cartwright will be summoned to face Titans hierarchy as the club seeks urgent solutions to avert the Gold Coast missing the finals for the third consecutive season.


The Courier-Mail
can reveal Titans head coach Cartwright and his assistants will meet with interim CEO Darryl Kelly on Wednesday to discuss a sweeping restructure of the club's football operations for 2014.

Kelly personally wants Cartwright on deck next season but concedes the foundation coach's fate may ultimately rest with a newly created Titans board, set to be instituted by season's end.

Contracted until the end of 2016, Cartwright's future has become increasingly tenuous.Some Gold Coast players are losing faith in his methods, expressing frustration at a perceived lack of feedback from Cartwright.

The Titans had been entrenched in the top six but four heavy losses in a row have seen the Coast slump to 11th ahead of Sunday's must-win clash against Wests Tigers at Skilled Park.

Kelly wants answers from Cartwright, who heads up Gold Coast's football committee.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ght-in-for-talks/story-fni3grk4-1226687799536


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The book the Melbourne Storm don't want you to read



PAUL Kennedy's Storm Cloud chronicles the rise, fall and rise of the Melbourne Storm. In this exclusive extract, he takes us back to 2010 when the rugby league world learned of the Storm's unprecedented salary cap rorting.

Before the sun shone on April 22, word had passed around that Storm had been busted big time.

In the earliest hours of the morning three gamblers placed $40 bets on Melbourne to finish last in the NRL season 2010.TAB Sportsbet took a bet for $200.

Sportingbet Australia spokesman Bill Richmond said later: "You don't take a series of bets like that unless someone knows something."

Within hours the odds of Melbourne winning the wooden spoon had dived from $250 to $1.01 - the sharpest and biggest betting move in Australian sporting history.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...want-you-to-read/story-fni3gpfg-1226687751022


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Rugby league's superstar curse



IT’S as if rugby league was asked which superstars it could least afford to lose - and then had them all taken away.

With Sonny Bill Williams expected to miss a fortnight for his wayward tackle on Willie Mason, the NRL suddenly finds itself with seven stars worth a combined $3 million either injured, suspended or already eyeing off Mad Monday.

Worryingly for league boss Dave Smith, the curse striking down his most marketable players - think Williams, Greg Inglis, Ben Barba, Jarryd Hayne - coincides with a worrying dip in both crowd numbers and TV audiences for regular season clashes.

Worse, the sudden disappearance of league’s biggest names also comes at a time when, with State of Origin done and the top eight basically set like a 1980s Canterbury defence, the competition experiences a lull with several games carrying little meaning.

Among the major casualties of the marquee curse are reigning Dally M medallist Barba, who suffered an ankle injury in Friday Night Football, and Inglis, the unstoppable Rabbitohs fullback who seemed most likely to take his title.

Elsewhere, mystery also surrounds Parramatta superstar Jarryd Hayne and that hamstring while Benji Marshall, with one foot out the door, adds further fear to the notion there are now Wee Waa motels boasting more stars.

Up north, the news is just as dire. While Gold Coast have already lost their most marketable player, Jamal Idris, for the season, Kangaroos playmaker Johnathan Thurston is now making up the numbers in Townsville where his season will again finish early thanks to a Cowboys outfit more Blazing Saddles than True Grit.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-superstar-curse/story-fni3fbgz-1226687761821
 
Broncos lose Glenn for a month

By By Jim Morton
AAP
Mon 29th July, 6:08pm


Brisbane's desperate fight to stay in the NRL finals hunt has copped a hit with New Zealand international Alex Glenn requiring surgery for a broken thumb.

Glenn suffered the fracture in the Broncos' gritty 18-16 win over North Queensland on Friday night and faces four weeks on the sidelines.

The Kiwis back-rower was booked in for an operation after meeting with a Brisbane surgeon on Monday morning and will struggle to be return in time to have an influence on Brisbane's playoff hopes.

Glenn has been among the struggling Broncos most consistent performers and captained the side in the absence of Sam Thaiday during the State of Origin period.

While he'll miss Friday night's away clash with Newcastle, there are hopes former Queensland Origin front-rower Ben Hannant can return to take on a Knights' pack that will be missing Willie Mason (calf).

Read More: http://www.nrl.com/broncos-lose-glenn-for-a-month/tabid/10874/newsid/73737/default.aspx

 
South Sydney rookie Luke Keary gives NSW Origin fans something else to blue about



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ORIGIN BLUE: Luke Keary playing for North Sydney against Manly in NSW Cup. Picture: Steve Little Source: News Limited


SOUTH Sydney sensation Luke Keary has been delivered into Queensland's State of Origin stable by Greg Inglis, the Maroons superstar the Cockroaches say should be wearing blue.

Born and raised in Ipswich, Keary moved to Parramatta aged 10, and has technically played the majority of his rugby league in NSW.In 2010, he played for NSW Combined Independent Schools and state officials on both sides of the border remain unsure if that sets his eligibility in stone.

It is understood NSW Rugby League officials have tried to lure Keary to choose the Blues and in the complicated Origin eligibility checklist, he ticks more blue boxes than maroon.

But the athletic halfback is a Queenslander and grew up idolising the Maroons.The Rabbitohs' Queensland stars Inglis and Michael Crocker alerted Queensland officials of Keary's potential, urging them to move quickly to ensure that the youngster was declared eligible for his preferred state.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...se-to-blue-about/story-fni3fbgz-1226687898969




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Captain Paul Gallen back for the Cronulla Sharks


  • NEWS LIMITED NETWORK
  • JULY 30, 2013 5:28PM

SKIPPER Paul Gallen is set to make his return for the Sharks against the Warriors this weekend, having not played for the club since round 14.

Gallen has not taken the field since injuring his foot in State of Origin II and has played for the Sharks just once since round 8.

He is Cronulla's only change to the team that scored a dominant 38-10 win over the Panthers last weekend.

Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-cronulla-sharks/story-fni3gol8-1226688297425


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Injury ends Johnson's NRL career

By Laine Clark
AAP
Tue 30th July, 5:03pm

At least North Queensland coach Neil Henry could see the funny side of ex-Queensland lock Dallas Johnson's NRL career being ended by a knee injury.

Henry has not had much to laugh about since being told he will not be required next year after the Cowboys' NRL finals hopes were all but extinguished by last round's 18-16 loss to Brisbane.

However, he still couldn't help break into an ironic chuckle when confirming Johnson had suffered a serious knee injury against the Broncos and would not play again.

Johnson had announced just last week that he would retire at the end of the NRL season.

But his farewell was brought forward six weeks after tearing an anterior cruciate ligament falling awkwardly in a tackle on Friday night - hardly a fitting swansong for one of league's hardest players.

"It's ironic that a guy who plays such a physical game has done his knee in a real innocuous situation," Henry said.

"He has been hit from behind and fallen over someone - not a big collision by charging into a defender or carrying the ball.

Read More: http://www.nrl.com/injury-ends-johnsons-nrl-career/tabid/10874/newsid/73759/default.aspx



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Cowboys leaked info: Henry

By Laine Clark
AAP
Tue 30th July, 4:55pm

Dumped North Queensland coach Neil Henry has accused the Cowboys of leaking information about his future, saying it led to the NRL club fast-tracking confirmation he will not be required next year.

However, Henry said the recent passing of friend and ex-Cowboys coach Graham Murray had helped him put his tough situation in perspective.

Henry said he officially received the tap on the shoulder from the Cowboys on Sunday after the club's finals hopes were all but extinguished by an 18-16 loss to Brisbane.

But it was his understanding that the only comment North Queensland would make on Monday was regarding Murray, who passed away on Sunday night after suffering a second heart attack earlier this month.

Then the Cowboys issued a statement on Monday confirming Henry would move on at the end of the NRL season - much to the incumbent coach's surprise.

"I have been disappointed by the leakage of information by the club about my future which ramped up about three weeks ago and it has proved to be spot on," Henry said.

"It was information I wasn't privy to which is disappointing.

"I fully respect the right of the board and their charter to make decisions about the club.

"(But) the fact that the media were made aware that a decision had been made forced the hand of the club and an announcement had to be made yesterday."


Read More: http://www.nrl.com/cowboys-leaked-info-henry/tabid/10874/newsid/73758/default.aspx

 
Record crowd tipped for last-round battle between South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters



WITH six rounds of the regular season to go, preparations are already in full swing in anticipation of an NRL record crowd to cheer on the Rabbitohs and Roosters at the final round blockbuster to decide this year's minor premiership.

Early indicators are that this clash between the two inner-city arch rivals could break the record for the biggest crowd at a regular season NRL stand-alone game - and the TAB on Tuesday released its betting market that has the Roosters $1.85 favourites ahead of the Rabbitohs at $1.95.

Already there are 23,000 seats that have been allocated at ANZ Stadium, which indicates that the eventual crowd will push 50,000-plus.

Adding to the history of the night is the fact it will be Souths' 2000th game, against the only other club to have played more than 2000 games.

The biggest NRL stand-alone regular season game on record was at this year's Good Friday clash between the Rabbitohs and the Bulldogs that attracted 51,686 for Ben Barba's comeback game at ANZ on the weekend of the Easter Show.

In 2012, Nathan Hindmarsh's farewell pulled 45,863 to ANZ while in 2009 Hazem El Masri's last game attracted 41,835.

But with the Rabbitohs and the Roosters sitting first and second on the NRL ladder, organisers are tipping this game could break all the records with so much at stake and given the history between the two clubs.

Souths and the Roosters haven't faced off in a grand final since 1931 when the Rabbitohs triumphed 12-7.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-sydney-roosters/story-fni3gki8-1226688396691


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Andrew Dunemann the dark horse in race for North Queensland Cowboys coaching job



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Cowboys coaching contender Andrew Dunemann at Raiders headquarters in Canberra. Picture: Kym Smith Source: CourierMail


ANDREW Dunemann has emerged as a shock frontrunner for the Cowboys job as North Queensland hierarchy prepare to ramp up their search for Neil Henry's coaching successor.

The former Cowboys playmaker has been omitted from several betting markets, with Kevin Walters, Paul Green and Trent Barrett considered favourites to lead North Queensland in 2014 But The Courier-Mail can reveal Dunemann, currently David Furner's assistant at Canberra, is the dark horse.

It is understood the Cowboys board has identified Dunemann as a serious contender and the 37-year-old will formalise his interest by submitting his CV.

"I will be applying for the Cowboys job, yes," said Dunemann, who played 51 NRL games for the Cowboys between 1996-98.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...oys-coaching-job/story-fni3g8pa-1226688399411


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Paul Kent: The salary cap does not fit



HIGH in the commentary box Darren Lockyer, on Channel 9, is showing all the smarts you need to be an NRL coach in the modern game.

Namely, he is staying high in the commentary box as a commentator. Who'd want to be a coach these days?

Neil Henry was sacked on Monday - essentially for failing to get a group of highly paid players to perform as their contracts stipulated.

One of the great endorsements for Henry in the months before he was sacked was that, as the club negotiated with representative stars Johnathan Thurston, James Tamou and Matt Scott, not once was Henry's coaching raised as a stumbling block.

Twelve months ago everyone was trying to run Ivan Cleary out of town as the Panthers lost player after player and Cleary tried to wrestle with a salary cap that was in tatters, but few were prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Mick Potter dropped Benji Marshall to the bench in May and they lined up with pitchforks and torches, ready to barbecue him for his sacrilege.The anger has eased only recently, not with Marshall's announcement that he was going to rugby but with Marshall's each subsequent performance showing the wisdom of Potter's decision.

Potter saw it before everybody else, and just might be the luckiest coach in the NRL right now.

Not because he still has a job but because Marshall's decision has saved him and his club from carrying a huge burden on their salary cap for the rest of Marshall's contract, which was for a further two years.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...cap-does-not-fit/story-fni3fh9n-1226688351000
 
The book the Melbourne Storm don't want you to read: Part 2 - Greg Inglis deal



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Greg Inglis for the Storm in 2010, the year the salary cap scandal broke. Picture: Colleen PetchSource: DailyTelegraph


PAUL Kennedy's book Storm Cloud chronicles the rise, fall and rise of the Melbourne Storm. In this exclusive extract, he takes us back to 2008 when the Storm were negotiating the contract of star player Greg Inglis.

IN 2008 the re-signing of Greg Inglis became a major issue for Melbourne Storm.Inglis was the most exciting prospect in Australian sport. Three months earlier he had helped his country beat New Zealand in the Centenary Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

There was a quiet understanding between (then Storm boss) Brian Waldron and Inglis's manager Allan Gainey. Both had been quoted in the press as saying they were not worried about Inglis leaving Storm.

But still ... just to be safe. Neither wanted to even contemplate the star heading overseas. Gainey replied, "Quite happy to do so".At that time Inglis had a decent contract: $420,000 (2009) and $450,000 (2010).

Gainey knew any extension would mean a pay rise for player and manager.

Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...greg-inglis-deal/story-fni3gpfg-1226688658282
 
The Lurker has reported the following....

Last Drinks

Don't think that old drinking mates Blake Ferguson and Josh Dugan remain close. Ferguson has told friends he was more than disappointed over how he was described by Dugan in the media. Safe to say there won't be too many more big drinking sessions.

Tipping the cap


We hear one NRL club is struggling to stay under the salary cap. The club in question doesn't have a great roster - raising eyebrows as to how they could have tumbled over the cap limit. Several players will be shown the door as the club attempts to stay legal.

Humphreys in good nick


He resigned as Wests Tigers CEO but we hear Steve Humphreys is still in demand. The good oil suggests Humphreys may be in line to become the new Eels CEO. Parramatta is hunting a new boss after Ken Edwards left the club a fortnight ago.

Trouble on the glitter strip

Gold Coast boss John Cartwright will need to come up with some quick answers when he fronts club bosses on Wednesday to explain the Titans' poor year. The heat continues to be applied to 'Carty' as the Titans head for a third consecutive year without finals football.

After finishing 16th in 2011 and 11th in 2012, Gold Coast are currently 11th and fast fading from top eight view.

Henry in the Dragons den?


Still on coaches, don't rule out St George Illawarra making a discreet phone call to Neil Henry should things continue to go pear-shaped for Steve Price. Despite failing to get the best out of the Cowboys, Henry is still held in high regard and has plenty left to offer.

Eels on the nose


Eels fans give me hell every time I mention this but people in the know continue to tell me of Will Hopoate's growing reluctance over the move to Parramatta. I've never said he won't go - but whether he wants to is another thing. Those close to him fear it could severely stunt what should be a sensational career.


Read More: http://www.sportal.com.au/league/news/the-lurkernrl-rumour-filewednesday-246055
 
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Gold Coast Titans' season hits a $1.5 million injury iceberg


  • TRAVIS MEYN
  • GOLD COAST BULLETIN
  • AUGUST 01, 2013 12:00AM

LUKE Bailey's season is over and Albert Kelly and William Zillman could be facing the same fate as the Titans battle a $1.5 million injury crisis that has crushed their season.

Veteran prop Bailey has been left stranded on 249 NRL games after scans revealed an ankle injury which has ended his 14th NRL season.

Livewire halfback Kelly had internal bleeding and heavy sternum bruising while fullback Zillman's persistent groin problem shows little signs of abating.Kelly and Zillman could play again this season but that may depend on whether the Titans have any chance of making the finals after Sunday's must-win Skilled Park encounter against the Tigers.

They join Jamal Idris (ankle), Matt Srama (ankle), Matt White (knee) and Mark Ioane (knee) as big losses for the Titans.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...n-injury-iceberg/story-fni3grk4-1226689140668



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Former Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens paid $8,650 a week to do nothing



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Mr Sheens is cleaning up. Picture: Mark Evans Source: DailyTelegraph


ON the 15th day of every month, Australia's Test coach Tim Sheens gets paid $37,500 for doing nothing.

Ten months after his sacking from the Wests Tigers, the club is still paying for his services. That's $8,650 a week to play golf, drink coffee, read a book, watch the footy or whatever else takes his fancy.

He hasn't turned up for work since his dismissal last October. Not once. His contract runs until the end of next year and is worth $450,000-a-season.O

n top of this, Sheens gets paid more than $100,000 a year as coach of Australia's Kangaroos.

It's not a bad gig if you can get it.

The Daily Telegraph
understands the board of the Wests Tigers made a decision in early July to stop paying the former coach. At this stage he has not been paid for July.

Lawyers for Sheens and the Wests Tigers have been trying to negotiate a payout all year.Again they appear to be getting close but Sheens is refusing to go - or even budge - without most of his money, which is estimated to be another $600,000.

Sheens said Wednesday he was entitled to be standing his ground."I'm not enjoying it - I'd rather be coaching and I'm still hopeful of getting another job in the NRL," he said.

"I don't want this to finish up in court and the lawyers are trying to reach an agreement."


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ek-to-do-nothing/story-fni3gpz1-1226689085017
 
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The Mole from RLW has reported the following....

- A leading NRL star has been reprimanded for betting on himself to kick 40/20's in matches

- Origin Tickets will go up in price for 2014

​Source - RLW Mole
 
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