2013 NRL Discussion

Moments that made NRL round 23 one of the weirdest weekends of football in a long time



FROM outrageous press conferences to ball tampering and an amateur hour mistake from one of the game's best players, NRL round 23 has served up some of the most bizarre incidents of the season.

We look back on a kooky weekend of football with the pick of the full moon madness.

Cronk's lucky break

Long has there been a perception that Melbourne Storm's big three are a protected species and on Sunday afternoon the theory was again given oxygen.

With Newcastle putting the blowtorch on the reigning premiers midway through the second half, Darius Boyd was the intended recipient of a first play kick from Jarrod Mullen off the back of an attacking scrum.

Boyd was even money with Billy Slater to get to the ball first when he was blatantly taken out by Cronk - the kind of play the professional foul sin bin was invented for.A penalty try was considered.

The sin bin was considered. But, after what seemed like an eternity and 75 looks at the replay from 28 different angles, just a penalty was given.

Even Cam Smith couldn't hide his bewilderment - betrayed by a cheeky grin when the decision was finally made to leave Cronk on the field.

The Knights had to be content with two points from a penalty kick.

It was a massive turning point in the game and Cronk went on to have a massive say in the Storm's late surge to victory when he probably should have been cooling his heels on the sideline.

Cam can do wrong

This was the kind of moment that every park footballer can take solace from.When next haunted by an amateur hour mistake, there's at least the consolation that even the captain of Australia isn't immune.

With the Storm strangely out of sync in the first half, Cam Smith confirmed the suggestion his team hadn't yet got off the bus.

He lined up a conversion from directly in front of the sticks. And sent it thumping into the post!If you missed it, take the time to look at the video. Without seeing it, you won't believe it.

Toovey goes bonkers

Were we watching the same game?This cracking contest between two top-four sides - two genuine premiership contenders - was an arm wrestle the Rabbitohs won because they made some big plays at critical moments.

Inglis's try saver on the Wolfman. The touch-finding drop-out from Adam Reynolds. The match-sealer provided by the two flying Dylans.

At least, that's what we thought. Then came the press conference.Geoff Toovey is well-known for his referee-targeted tyrades but this was a career-best.

From Jeff Lima's leg twist on Anthony Watmough (this was a legitimate gripe), to Greg Inglis's "dive", to the Steve Matai no-try that apparently warranted a full investigation.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...l-in-a-long-time/story-fni3fbgz-1226699816990
 
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Sacked Cowboys coach Neil Henry could become an assistant at the Gold Coast Titans in 2014



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Sacked Cowboys coach Neil Henry has been targeted to fill an assistant coaching role at the Titans.Source: Townsville Bulletin


GOLD Coast are targeting sacked Cowboys mentor Neil Henry to help foundation coach John Cartwright rebuild the Titans as a premiership force next season.

News Limited can reveal Henry has been sounded out by the Titans to operate as Cartwright's assistant as the Gold Coast look to beef-up their coaching resources in 2014.

It is understood the parties have held preliminary discussions, although any deal will not be finalised until the Titans complete an on-going review of their internal structures.

Interim Titans CEO Darryl Kelly declined to comment today, but Gold Coast players are aware of the interest in Henry after he was contacted by the Titans following his axing three weeks ago.

Critically, Henry has the support of senior Titans Nate Myles and Ashley Harrison. Henry worked with the Origin duo during a four-year stint as Queensland's assistant coach and impressed Myles and Harrison with his work ethic and tactical acumen.

The 52-year-old would be a valuable addition to the Titans but is not rushing his decision, especially with Mick Potter fighting to save his job at the Wests Tigers.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...t-titans-in-2014/story-fni3fbgz-1226700013668
 
Watching the Tigers vs Roosters game, not sure if they were all warranted because I missed the first 15 minutes but there has been 14 Penalties awarded in the first half !!!

Geez that's alot in 1 half of footy :shock:
 
Halftime Score

Roosters - 14
Tigers - 6


Score in the 64th Minute

Roosters - 50
Tigers - 6

Roosters have scored 36 Points in 24 minutes :lol:
 
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South Sydney CEO Shane Richardson says Rabbitohs co-owner Russell Crowe will remain with club



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South Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe won't be selling his stake in the club, says CEO Shane Richardson. Picture: Mark Kolbe Source: Getty Images


SOUTH Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson yesterday revealed Rabbitohs co-owner and Hollywood star Russell Crowe has now decided to remain at Redfern.


In an exclusive interview with Bulldog’s Bite, Richardson also claimed Greg Inglis would become the greatest player in rugby league history and how his club has opened discussions to re-sign coach Michael Maguire long-term.

Bulldog:
Russell Crowe said he going to sell his share in Souths. Is he now staying?

Richardson:
Russell has shown no signs of going anywhere. He is probably more passionate about the club than he has ever been. It is a question you would have to ask Russell. But in my discussions with Russell, there has never been any talk about him leaving the club.

Bulldog
: Souths held a press conference late last year saying he was leaving.

Richardson:
He did suggest it but we all go through different phases of our lives and different situations. I am sure he could speak for himself.

Bulldog:
So, as far as you’re concerned, he will now be at Souths long-term?

Richardson:
I have worked closely with Russell now for six years and he is showing no less passion for the club now than he did six years ago. In fact he is getting to enjoy some of the fruits of his labour. I can’t see him going anywhere in the short-term.

Bulldog:
It is difficult keeping a lid on the excitement, given Souths haven’t a pemiership since 1971.

Richardson:
It’s not difficult because ‘Madge’ (Maguire) has set the standard he wants and we are fully supportive of it. Everyone understands that we have to keep calm heads. We’re not there yet.

Bulldog: Exciting times though Shane.

Richardson:
Very exciting times. There is no use backing away from that. The members, fans and the team are excited about the way we are going. We have had to battle for years without a team performing at this level.

Bulldog:
It has been 42 years since you won the title. The pressure is on now.

Richardson:
It’s funny, I don’t actually think there is pressure. You would think there would be but we have been down so for long that people’s expectations have lowered.

We are a different club to what we were in 1971. We are much better structured club. Obviously there is expectation there. It’s been a long time since ‘71. It will be a real bonus when we win our next one.

Bulldog:
Should Maguire be Dally M coach of the year?

Richardson:
That’s not a decision I will get to make. He is coach of the year among Souths fans and that’s all that matters.

Bulldog:
How long is Maguire signed for at Redfern?

Richardson:
Until the end of next year.

Bulldog:
Are you working on retaining him long-term?

Richardson:
Yes, we are mate.



Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...remain-with-club/story-fni3gki8-1226700169301


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Bulldogs superstar Ben Barba subjected to vile attacks on social media



BEN Barba has been subjected to vile attacks on social media, including threats to his daughters, as his own fans turn on him for wanting to be near his family next year.

On Sunday night, Barba posted a photo of a beach on Instagram captioned with, "Miss the QLD weather! #beautifulOneDay#spectacularTheNext".

It was viewed as a taunt by anguished Bulldogs fans who relentlessly abused the superstar fullback.He was labelled a "maggot", "lowlife scum" and was "hiding behind his kids, shameful act".

Some of his "followers” were adamant his recent posts were deliberately antagonising Bulldogs supporters.

“Hurry up and f*** off, the bulldogs stuck by u and don’t say it’s for the kids because u didn’t care about them when u where out on the rack and partying with EBC (Epic Bender Crew),” one post said.

The worst of the abuse came last week when a person on Twitter responded to a photo Barba posted of his daughter with putrid threats.

Barba, to his credit, refused to return abuse."Big man you are writing about my kids u fool. Be a man and come see me," was all Barba said to the post.

This is the latest example of a growing trend where league fans taunt NRL stars online.

Canberra Raiders fans have also turned on Anthony Milford.Barba and Milford are both expected to line up for the Brisbane Broncos next year.

For Barba his likely move is because he wants to be near his two daughters and ex-partner Ainslie Currie, who are relocating to Brisbane.

Milford’s Inala-based father Halo is ill and he is homesick.

"Anthony Milford carrying on like a good sort. You have played 8 first games if that #SuckItUpPrincess #BreakALeg," was one of several abusive messages to his Twitter account.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-on-social-media/story-fni3g67w-1226700066533
 
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Will Hopoate has secret training session with Parramatta Eels in first steps towards NRL return



SACRIFICE is found at an empty footy ground in the back streets of North Brisbane. Inspiration is there, too. And so is faith.

Will Hopoate is many things, to many people. To the Parramatta Eels, he’s everything. On a warm winter’s day, a rugby league oval is the last place you’d expect to find Hopoate, who has spent the past 620 days walking the suburbs of Brisbane, spreading the gospel of the Mormon church.

His regular attire of a crisp white shirt, bible slipped inside his top pocket and pressed pants have been replaced by a Parramatta training shirt.

The only reminder of his dedication to the church is the name tag - Elder Will Hopoate - pinned to his training shirt. It’s the first time he’s worn the blue-and-gold colours and the first time he has met Ricky Stuart since he played under the former NSW State of Origin coach in 2011.

We were invited to Brisbane last Friday morning to attend Hopoate’s training session with the Eels coaching staff.

The metres he powers through during the hour-long session are as significant as the miles he’s covered during his Mission.This is where Hopoate’s second coming begins.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...wards-nrl-return/story-fni3ga7r-1226700439246
 
Paul Kent: South Sydney star Greg Inglis's dive the NRL's real problem, not Geoff Toovey comments



FORTY years from now old men are going to look back wistfully and, wiping a tear from their watery eyes, talk about the toughness of Greg Inglis.

He played an entire game with a fat lip, they’ll say.

They will then go on to tell the grandkiddies that’s how tough the game used to be in 2013, when Inglis went down from a swinging arm - “What’s a swinging arm, grandad?” - and after appropriate treatment by trained medical staff, which took just long enough for a video review, he got up and bravely played on that night against Manly.

By then the grandads will have long forgot how, later in the night, Geoff Toovey got up and told the rugby league world nine-tenths of what was wrong in the game, and how we could fix it, and yet Toovey was treated with such contempt that all that came from it was a $10,000 fine.

There is no better man to judge football toughness than Geoff Toovey.

He was a player who, even swinging right-handed, you couldn’t stop with a baseball bat.

I’m old enough to remember being there the day Adam MacDougall stomped all over his face and left star-shaped puncture wounds in his cheeks and forehead. Toovey got up and wobbled and rolled, finally got put upright in backplay, and then got on with the game.

There’s a reason he talks with that raspy voice. It’s what happens when you bust your arse in every play on every day.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-toovey-comments/story-fni3fh9n-1226700942599
 
It's not Inglis' fault, you have to take that advantage for your team. It's the video ref ... he's only meant to pick up on something like that if it's worthy of being put on report. As if 90% of the decisions they overturn are ever going to lead to a suspension?!

Just another instance of the refs not administering the rules of the game as they should be.
 
Rugby league legends Norm Provan, Arthur Summons honoured by naming of trophy



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Norm Provan and Arthur Summons at a special NRL presentation. Picture: Lloyd Justin Source:DailyTelegraph


THE Telstra Trophy, awarded each year to the NRL premiers, has been renamed the Provan-Summons Trophy.

NRL officials made the decision on Wednesday night to name the silverware after legends Norm Provan (St George) and Arthur Summons (Wests), who were famously photographed in ‘The Gladiators’ picture after the 1963 grand final in the mud at the SCG.

The pair returned to the SCG on Wednesday night to relive their historic embrace, which has been immortalised on every premiership trophy since 1982.

“If I drop dead tomorrow I will always be happy with the life rugby league has given me,” Provan said.

“I’ve played a lot of football and I’m sure there are a lot of other worthy recipients.“I am immensely pleased with it and it will sink in later how much it means.”

Summons added: “I don’t think you can put it into words the emotions that you feel. It is probably the greatest honour old footballers can get to have the premiership trophy named after you."

NRL chief executive Dave Smith on Wednesday night paid tribute to Provan and Summons.

“Not only were they legendary players, but they have been the most amazing ambassadors for the game,” Smith said.

The Dragons and Wests Tigers play on Saturday afternoon at the SCG to commemorate the 50th anniversary of that 1963 grand final. And two old warriors will no doubt have some great tales to tell.


From: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...naming-of-trophy/story-fni3fbgz-1226701657677


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NRL 360 chat: Manly Sea Eagles star Daly Cherry-Evans admits captaincy could sway him to stay



MANLY star Daly Cherry-Evans has admitted the lure of leadership could keep him at the Sea Eagles beyond his current contract, which finishes at the end of next season.

Speaking on a League Central live blog on Wednesday afternoon, Cherry-Evans admitted cap pressure on his star-studded team could prevent him from finishing his career a one club player but said captaincy could play a big part in keeping him on Sydney's northern beaches.

"It's something that I've never spoken about publicly but now that you're asking - yes I would like to captain the side, and if that was offered it would help in terms of bargain power to keep me at the club," Cherry-Evans said.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...sway-him-to-stay/story-fni3gnk1-1226701303435


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David Gallop tells Panthers boss Phil Gould that he can't buy the Wanderers at any price



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Wanderers not for sale ... Phil Gould / Pic: Digitally altered image Source: News Limited


PHIL Gould and his Penrith Panthers have failed in a secret bid to buy A-League super club, the Western Sydney Wanderers.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the Panthers recently lodged an expression of interest with UBS, the global financial services firm in charge of selling the club for up to $15 million.

A-League boss David Gallop immediately rejected the Panthers' interest, shutting down the potential for more conflict with his old rugby league arch-rival.

"Why would we contemplate selling the Wanderers to a club from another code?" Gallop said Wednesday night."And while we are posing these questions, why would a club from another code want to invest their money and build up a rival?"

Being the face of rugby league in Sydney's West, Gould and his venture into enemy ranks will stun NRL bosses and diehard footy fans in the code's heartland.League, soccer and AFL are involved in a fierce rivalry in the western Suburbs in junior development.

"Personally I can't believe soccer was silly enough to say no to us," said Panthers supremo Warren Wilson, who confirmed the club's interest.

"They should have at least let us in the door and put a price on the table. We might have been the biggest bidder yet they've shut it down."

But Gallop is firm in his view that the Panthers have no right to be involved with Australia's hottest sporting franchise, currently owned by FFA.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ers-at-any-price/story-fni3gfvk-1226701593107


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Canberra Raiders interim head coach Andrew Dunemann still in line to take job at Cowboys



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Andrew Dunemann has a chance to show what he can do as a coach. Picture: Kym Smith Source:News Limited


ANDREW Dunemann will stay in the race to replace Neil Henry at the Cowboys despite David Furner's sacking having handed him a golden opportunity to take charge at Canberra.

The Courier-Mail can reveal Dunemann will not withdraw his interest in the North Queensland post, with the Raiders caretaker on Wednesday night admitting he has three weeks to prove his worth to either club.

Dunemann's stance comes as Furner opened up about his axing, admitting he never expected to be jettisoned so ruthlessly by Raiders management.

Dunemann was formally interviewed by Cowboys hierarchy 10 days ago, but is almost certain to be installed as Furner's full-time replacement if he can steer Canberra to the finals.

While the 37-year-old now has the inside running at the Raiders, he is keeping his options open, mindful of the star-studded roster Henry's successor would inherit in Townsville.

“Both jobs are appealing and I guess I have three weeks to show what I can do,” Dunemann said.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...e-job-at-cowboys/story-fni3g8pa-1226701632282
 
The Mole has reported the following in this week's issue of RLW...

- The Cowboys are set to move from 1300SMILES stadium unveiling plans for a new stadium in the heart of Townsville, Their current home ground is 20 minutes outside the CBD and the club are eager to be closer than that

- Freddy Fittler is being considered as a mentor to Mick Potter at the Tigers

- Tim Sheens is on the Dragons radar, They are looking to appoint him as coaching director in 2014

- Dave Smith has been applauded for his actions when at a local bar, He started to get bagged out by some punters and instead of ignoring it he shouted them a round of beers and sat down with them to hear their opinions and concerns...Nice work Dave !!!
 
Path clear for Luke Brooks to debut for Wests Tigers and potentially oust Benji Marshall


  • TOM SANGSTER
  • NEWS LIMITED NETWORK
  • AUGUST 22, 2013 2:38PM

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Benji Marshall listens to Mick Potter at training. Pic: Gregg Porteous Source: DailyTelegraph

THE Wests Tigers have been granted permission for exciting youngster Luke Brooks to debut, which could spell the end of Benji Marshall's NRL career.

The Tigers were granted a salary cap dispensation on Thursday afternoon for Brooks and fellow youngster Nathan Brown to take the field this Saturday afternoon against the Dragons.

The youngsters were previously banned from NRL action due to a second tier salary cap dispute.

Permission to play will need to be granted on a weekly basis until the end of the NRL season.Brooks is considered the heir apparent to ailing star Marshall.


Read More:http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...t-benji-marshall/story-fni3gpz1-1226702160063




 
Coaches must kid the kids to survive



SURVIVAL, the coaches will tell you in a whisper, now depends on an ability to kid the kids.

Yep, forget the fact you’re a rugby league genius on $800,000. A winner of premierships, Clive Churchill gongs, maybe even a two-time Dally M medallist. "If you haven’t made the players feel like they’re making the decisions," says one who knows, "then they’ll have you at Centrelink within a week". Call it the new brand of 'Coach Killer'.

Those Gen Y footballers all attitude and ink who, in the past two years alone, have killed off Tim Sheens, Brian Smith, John Lang, Neil Henry and David Furner. Are now gunning for Mick Potter too.

Yep, while it may have seemed ridiculous only a few years ago, some of the game’s greatest thinkers are now being weeded out of the game by twenty-something’s whose first tattoo sleeve has barely dried.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-kids-to-survive/story-fni3fbgz-1226702400645


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Greg Inglis the greatest buy for South Sydney since Clive Churchill



SOUTH Sydney legend Bob McCarthy has described superstar Greg Inglis as the club’s greatest buy since Clive Churchill in 1947.

McCarthy, who played a record 211 games at Redfern, has no doubt that the giant fullback deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Churchill, one of the code’s original Immortals and the man who coached the Rabbitohs to four premierships between 1967 and 1971.

Inglis, in his second week back after a knee injury, will be expected to provide the attacking thrust tonight when Souths confront Canterbury in front of 35,000 fans at ANZ Stadium.

South Sydney won five premierships between 1950 and 1955 when Churchill was the finest player in the game.

The contrast between the two fullbacks is amazing, with Inglis 30kg heavier and 20cm taller than Churchill, who was revered as The Little Master.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-clive-churchill/story-fni3gki8-1226702338780
 
Anyone else enjoying the debut of Luke Brooks? Looking good so far, Benji much more involved playing centre actually running the ball, Sironen making some good runs out wide in the backrow.
 
What a debut, outstanding kicking game, set up a few tries, assisted a few linebreaks, good dummy to score a try, got a repeat set or 2 (can't remember if he got more than 1).
 
Finals results shouldn't dictate Anthony Griffin's future as Brisbane coach


  • PETER BADEL
  • THE SUNDAY MAIL (QLD)
  • AUGUST 25, 2013 12:00AM

LEADING Broncos players say a potential finals wipeout should not cost Anthony Griffin his job as master coach Wayne Bennett prepares to deliver the bullet to Brisbane's season.

The Broncos' hopes of qualifying for the top eight officially hinges on other results after crashing to a 28-12 defeat against the Panthers at Centrebet Stadium on Friday night.

Brisbane remain a mathematical hope of playing sudden-death football, but Bennett's Newcastle side can nail the coffin shut with victory at Suncorp Stadium this Friday night.

The Broncos have not won a premiership since Bennett's departure at the end of 2008 and Brisbane's foundation coach can now inflict further misery on the club he led to six titles.

In the process, he would amplify pressure on Griffin, the very man Bennett employed as his under-20s coach prior to his controversial exit at Red Hill.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...s-brisbane-coach/story-fni3gv5x-1226703418716


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Brisbane veteran Corey Parker eyeing Broncos 300 club


  • PETER BADEL
  • THE SUNDAY MAIL (QLD)
  • AUGUST 25, 2013 12:00AM

COREY Parker is seeking a new deal from the Broncos in a move that would see Brisbane's ironman become the first forward in the club's decorated history to play 300 NRL games.

In keeping with his no-fuss mantra, Parker's latest milestone went largely undetected. But it was significant, with the 31-year-old surpassing wing legend Michael Hancock (274) with his 275th top-grade game in the Broncos' 28-12 loss to Penrith on Friday night.

The Queensland Origin forward is now second on the club's all-time list for NRL appearances. Remarkably, Parker could usurp former Broncos teammate Darren Lockyer (355) as the most-capped player in the code's history if he achieves his ambition of playing until age 35.

Parker is contracted until the end of next season, but has set his sights on playing until at least 2016 after career-best form this year headlined by his outstanding Origin series.

Underlining the merit of his feat on Friday night, Parker is well clear of Brisbane forward luminaries Andrew Gee (255 games), Shane Webcke (254), Petero Civonicevas (215) and Brad Thorn (200).


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...broncos-300-club/story-fni3gv5x-1226703448305


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Mal Meninga: Once an NRL coach loses his playing group, he's done


  • MAL MENINGA
  • THE SUNDAY MAIL (QLD)
  • AUGUST 25, 2013 12:00AM

WHEN next season starts, the NRL will boast only three clubs whose coaches were in the same job in 2010.

It’s an extraordinary statistic, but Gold Coast’s John Cartwright (2007), Melbourne’s Craig Bellamy (2003) and Cronulla’s Shane Flanagan (2010) are now rarities in the game as coaches enjoying relative job security at their clubs.

This week, once again, we saw another club part ways with it coach when the Raiders sacked David Furner.I am not privy to the reasons behind it, but I know it would have been difficult one for the club to take.

But like the other clubs who have moved coaches on in recent times, they probably felt they were left with no choice given player dissatisfaction at the methods of the coach, and the club’s position on the ladder.

The Raiders situation served to highlight the rise of player power in the way that a modern NRL club operates.

Long gone are the days where a coach could say “it’s my way or the highway”.

A dictatorial approach will never work, because the players will not respond to it. Once you lose the playing group, as coaches are brutally finding out, there is no coming back.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...g-group-hes-done/story-fni3fh9n-1226703412391


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Canterbury Bulldogs fullback Ben Barba's season appears to be over



EXCLUSIVE: BEN Barba may have played his last game for the Bulldogs with the release-seeking fullback re-injuring his ankle last week in a new blow that could end his season.

As Bulldogs fans continue to rage over the reigning Dally M Medal winner’s request to leave the club to move to Brisbane, The Sunday Telegraph can reveal Barba’s immediate playing future is in doubt with the No.1 struck down by a fresh injury on Thursday.

Barba was in line to make a finals return for the Bulldogs after he began running last week with his rehabilitation for the ankle injury he sustained in late July during Canterbury’s demolition of the Eels ahead of schedule.

But the controversial Bulldog was dealt another in a long list of season blows when he re-injured the ankle.The Bulldogs are now facing the prospect of being without Barba for the rest of the year, and maybe for good, with the troubled genius intent on leaving the club.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...pears-to-be-over/story-fni3g67w-1226703388844
 
Interested in how people rate that Konrad Hurrell try on the weekend? For an individual try, I don't think I've seen a better one this season. Speed, power, skill, it had it all.
 
Brisbane Broncos facing possibility of record breaking season for fewest wins



THE Brisbane Broncos 25th anniversary year is set to be record breaking ... for fewest wins in a season.

The Broncos 2013 campaign is tracking to finish as their worst season in history, featuring fewer wins and more losses than the 2010 disaster that saw wholesale changes at the club.

That year the Broncos finished 10th, winning just 11 games while losing 13 and prompting the sacking of coach Ivan Henjak.

They missed the finals in 1988 and 1991 but had a winning percentage both years.Currently placed 13th, the Broncos have nine wins, a draw and 12 losses on their record this season with two tough games against top eight teams in Newcastle and Canterbury remaining.

They need to win both those clashes just to equal the 2010 win record, the club’s all-time low mark.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...n-for-least-wins/story-fni3gv5x-1226703709773


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Brad Fittler tells Luke Brooks to stay grounded after sensational NRL debut for Wests Tigers



LUKE Brooks, if you are reading this, stop now.

That is the advice from rugby league great Brad Fittler, who also starred as a teenager in his first-grade debut.Brooks, 18, was brilliant on Saturday for Wests Tigers, scoring a try and setting up two in an eye-catching and mature debut against St George Illawarra.

As Andrew Johns suggested, his life has changed forever after 80 minutes of football.

Fittler, who roared into first grade for Penrith against Wests at Campbelltown in 1988, on Sunday offered some sage advice for young Brooks, who appears ready to take over from Benji Marshall as the Tigers’ dominant playmaker.“I made my debut at Orana Park and had a blinder," Fittler recalled.

“But the next game we played Balmain at Leichhardt and I got smashed.“That’s just a little heads up (for Brooks). My advice would be not to read the papers and not to read this article."


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...for-wests-tigers/story-fni3gpz1-1226703691272
 
James Tamou gets green light to put North Queensland Cowboys ahead of first child's birth


  • ANTONY STEWART
  • TOWNSVILLE BULLETIN
  • AUGUST 27, 2013 12:00AM

JAMES Tamou’s partner, Brittney McGlone, has given him her blessing to miss the birth of their first child to help the Cowboys continue their top-eight charge.

But it is a scenario North Queensland’s proud father-to-be is desperately hoping does not unfold.Tamou and McGlone’s baby is due on Friday - two days before the Cowboys take on Cronulla at Remondis Stadium in Sydney.

With McGlone already in Canberra to be close to family, North Queensland’s Origin and international representative prop said he was praying for an on-time or post-Sunday late arrival so he could hop a quick flight to the Australian capital to be by her side.

"You never know with these things,’’ 24-year-old Tamou said with a broad smile.

"Just hopefully it comes soon, I just want to see him."Everyone’s talking about it so I just can’t wait to experience it."If I get a call or a message that morning (of the game), I’d probably play and see Brittney after.

"I wouldn’t miss it because it’s a pretty important match.’’


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...rst-childs-birth/story-fni3g8pa-1226704573855


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Bulldogs Bite: Canterbury CEO Raelene Castle wants NRL to introduce player's exit fee



CANTERBURY chief executive Raelene Castle is lobbying the NRL to implement a player’s exit fee for those who recklessly break binding contracts.

Castle believes players who walk out on agreements should pay the club they are leaving a fee that equals to about ten percent of their salary.The move, she hopes, will make players think twice about signing contracts and then asking for a release.

"When you leave rugby league and go out into the real world and sign contracts people aren’t going to say ‘sure, break that contract and walk away with no implications’, " she told Bulldog’s Bite.

"You can’t break contracts and walk away."Players need to understand that there is a financial implication for them breaking a contract."Castle is currently negotiating an early exit for star Bulldogs fullback Ben Barba.

Bulldog: Raelene, where does the Ben Barba issue stand at the moment?


Castle: We continue to work on the jigaw puzzle that is Ben Barba. There is no doubt in my early time that it has been an interesting process as to how you deal with a difficult issue which is a player that wants to extract himself from a contract.

It has been complicated but I believe we are moving toward an outcome that will see a good resolution for all parties involved.

Bulldog: Are you a believer in contracts - you sign one, you honour one?

Castle: As part of the NRL salary cap review, I have spoken to the NRL about considering some other elements which might include a player break fee. So, sure players can get out of their contracts but there would be a break fee involved in that process.

And perhaps even a player-manager break fee as well. In the same way that if I signed an insurance policy and if I broke that, I would have to perhaps pay back some of the commission that was going to that player manager or that insurance agent. Somewhere there is a middle ground that doesn’t leave the whole financial responsibility just sitting on the shoulders of the clubs.

Bulldog: So the player walking away would have to pay the club he is leaving?

Castle: The player should make a payment towards the club. I’m not talking about half their contract or a year’s contract, or anything like that. In life, all contracts that we sign as grown-ups, when you break them there are implications.

You can’t break contracts and walk away. And I think players need to understand that there is a financial implication for them breaking a contract.

Bulldog: I am sure people would support that concept Raelene. What kind of a fee would you be looking at imposing? A percentage?

Castle: Like I said, it wouldn’t be half a year’s salary or anything ridiculous like that. I think it needs to be, maybe, ten percent of their salary. Something like that.

Bulldog: You have discussed this with the NRL due to Barba situation?

Castle: Well, yes, when you come into these jobs there are observations that you make. It’’s not just Barba, it’s (Blake) Ferguson, it’s (Anthony) Milford and some of the other guys around at the moment.

I think there is only one side to the discussion at the moment and that is ‘will the clubs release them?’. I think that needs to be a conversation that says will the club release them and is the player prepared to pay the break fee?

Bulldog: I agree. If a player breaks a contract, he souldn’t be able to walk away scot-free.

Castle: I don’t want it to be an aggressive type of punishment. It’s not about that. It’s about the real world. When you leave rugby league and go out into the real world and sign contracts people aren’t going to say ‘sure, break that contract and walk away with no implications’.

We need to be setting guidelines and expectations with players and try and make the NRL negotiations and discussions more like what they face in the real world when they go out and live a life post-rugby league.

Bulldog: Did the NRL show support for your proposal?

Castle: Absolutely. When I say absolutely, there is a large number of aspects that they are going to be put into the salary cap discussions and that was certainly one they had already thought about. It is one they are going to have some serious debate and discussions about.


Read More:​http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...players-exit-fee/story-fni3g67w-1226704615494
 
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