2013 NRL Discussion

Joel said:
I hope the Panthers beat the Bulldogs, honestly. If we trust our ability and can finish off the Eels a home semi looks good, hopefully with other results going our way because of our 1 point buffer.
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100% It would be a bigger advantage for us if the Panthers smoke them.
 
Didn't think of it like that. It would be nice to know that there's no chance of dropping out of the 8 but if we're serious we should beat the Eels and if not then we don't deserve a finals spot anyway. So I agree, let's hope for a home semi. If Panthers can beat the Bulldogs then there's a good chance Broncos can beat them aswell in Brisbane.
 
Former Cowboys recruitment officer claims North Queensland has 'mentally broken' Jason Taumalolo



NORTH Queensland's former recruitment officer Clint Zammit claims the club has "mentally broken" Jason Taumalolo and urged the Cowboys to rebuild his confidence with an extended run in the NRL.

Cowboys football manager Peter Parr on Saturday defended the club's handling of Taumalolo, saying the former schoolboy sensation must become more professional to live up to his obvious potential.

Taumalolo was hailed as Queensland's version of Sonny Bill Williams when, at 17 years and 81 days, he became the youngest player in Cowboys history to make his NRL debut in 2010.

Taumalolo was signed to a $150,000 deal as a teenager and before his first-grade debut he featured in the same Queensland schoolboys side as Canberra's Josh Papalii.

Four years later, Papalii has become a State of Origin star, while Taumalolo is currently languishing with Mackay in the Intrust Super Cup, still yet to cement an NRL berth at the Cowboys.

Just turned 20, Taumalolo has played 33 NRL games but has drifted in and out of the Cowboys side this year, failing to score a try and managing just one line break from 12 appearances.

Zammit, the ex-Cowboys development manager who spotted Taumalolo at 14, accepts the 112kg powerhouse is not the finished article but he believes Taumalolo needs continuity in the top grade to develop into a consistent matchwinning force.

"Jason is broken mentally, he's all over the shop," said Zammit, who quit his post at the Cowboys to become an NRL player agent.

"Taumalolo was a better player than Papalii, now look at them. One is playing Origin and the other can't play NRL regularly.

"If Jason was at Melbourne under Craig Bellamy, I believe he would be a superstar now.



Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-jason-taumalolo/story-fni3g8pa-1226708292402

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Darren Lockyer urges Anthony Griffin to stop tinkering with the spine of the Brisbane Broncos



IT is the alarming statistic that explains the Broncos' latest finals wipeout - and why the club is now officially mired in the longest premiership drought in its glittering 25-year history.

The Broncos have used a whopping 23 players in their 'spine' since their last title win in 2006.The term refers to the alliance of a club's fullback, five-eighth, halfback and hooker, a four-way fusion considered the backbone to an NRL side's hopes of premiership success.

Premiers Melbourne have perfected it. Resurgent Souths have discovered it. But as this list shows, the Broncos have undergone repeated spinal surgery in a chaotic bid to reprise the glory days of Queensland's flagship NRL outfit under former coach Wayne Bennett.

In the past seven seasons, Brisbane have churned through nine hookers, six fullbacks, five five-eighths and three halfbacks trying to deliver a seventh title to a Broncos fan base spoiled for success.

The search for the right spine will continue next season when Broncos coach Anthony Griffin deploys Ben Barba at fullback, with Canberra target Anthony Milford a possible option at five-eighth.

But after watching Brisbane miss the finals for the second time in four seasons on Friday night, legendary former pivot Darren Lockyer has urged the under-fire Griffin to pick and stick.

Lockyer, who retired in 2011, was the one constant in Brisbane's spine after captaining the club to the 2006 premiership.

He was surprised by the mass turnover around him in recent seasons and says the Broncos' best hope of reclaiming NRL supremacy hinges on keeping their spine intact.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...brisbane-broncos/story-fni3gv5x-1226708284068

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Modern day rivalry lives on between traditional enemies South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters



THE setting was the dining room table at Kerry Packer’s Bellevue Hill mansion, the entree was oysters and the main course was a merger between the Eastern Suburbs Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs.

On the invitation list to the private dinner was powerful Roosters chairman Nick Politis, South Sydney patriarch George Piggins, breakfast radio king pin Alan Jones and the late, great media baron Packer.

The year was 1994 and the ugly, game-changing Super League war was in full swing. In between courses, Packer outlined the plan of how a merger between the 1908 foundation rivals and sworn enemies would work.

Then he handed over to Politis.

"I remember looking at George and I could see it in his eyes. And you know what, he could probably see it in my eyes, too," Politis said.

"We never really wanted to join forces, but Kerry wanted us to get together. We talked a little, but we were both too proud of the heritage of our clubs. We didn’t want to lose our identities.

"There’s too much history, too much tradition. So there was no deal."


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-sydney-roosters/story-fni3fbgz-1226708224819

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Sydney Roosters mentor Trent Robinson on the brink of history as rookie NRL coach



THE Sydney Roosters aren’t just gunning for the minor premiership, their coach Trent Robinson has his own record in sight.

Going into Sunday’s clash with the Gold Coast Titans at Allianz Stadium, Robinson requires just two more victories to notch up 19 wins - the most by a rookie coach in the game’s history.

Robinson, 36, would also become just the second rookie coach in almost 50 years - and first since Roy Masters with Wests in 1978 - to secure the minor premiership.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...rookie-nrl-coach/story-fni3gn3s-1226708178316
 
packo said:
Missing your child's birth for footy. What a douche.
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Too bad he didn't miss his child's birth... Birth of the child was at 11:30 last night in Canberra. Then comes out today and outplays both Fafita and Gallen with Scott going off in first 10 minutes. Not a bad effort and basically cements his spot in the World Cup squad now.
 
Ben Barba not the sole answer for Brisbane: Darren Lockyer



BRONCOS legend Darren Lockyer has warned Ben Barba won't single-handedly cure the club’s ills as Brisbane confront a 2014 season that will determine coach Anthony Griffin’s future at Red Hill.

Griffin is banking on a fresh roster headlined by Bulldogs recruit Barba to reignite the Broncos after last Friday night’s loss to Newcastle consigned the club to their second finals wipe-out in four seasons.

Speculation sweeping Queensland league circles suggests Wayne Bennett and Kevin Walters could form a coaching alliance to rebuild the Broncos in 2015 if Griffin fails to deliver next year.

Griffin is contracted until the end of 2015, but the Broncos board will simply not tolerate another failed campaign in a year where Barba is expected to light up the Brisbane backline.

The possible contingency would see club legend Walters installed as head coach, with foundation mentor Bennett to preside over the Broncos as coaching director.

Broncos CEO Paul White is backing Griffin to revive the club in 2014, but former skipper Lockyer said Brisbane would be foolish to think Barba is their one-man saviour.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...e-darren-lockyer/story-fni3fh9n-1226708607355

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South Sydney great Mario Fenech believes Rabbitohs are set to end their premiership drought



ON the eve of Australia’s federal election, South Sydney legend Mario Fenech has regurgitated an old political slogan when talking about his beloved Rabbitohs. It’s Time.

After a 42-year wait, Fenech believes South Sydney are finally ready to end their heartbreaking premiership drought — and it starts with a win in Friday night’s blockbuster against the Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium.

The victor will claim the NRL minor premiership and a $100,000 cash bonus. Ticket sales indicate the game could attract a crowd of between 40,000 to 45,000.

The ALP used ‘It’s Time’ in their successful campaign under Gough Whitlam in 1972. Fenech now reckons his side’s time has come too.

"Our last minor premiership was in 1989 and our last premiership win was in 1971," Fenech told The Daily Telegraph.

"The Sydney Roosters have played in recent grand finals and won some.

"Manly has won premierships, Melbourne has won premierships.

"The time has come for us brother.

"We have a fair way to go still and you never stop learning but (Souths coach) Michael Maguire has done a wonderful job at Souths.

"As I said, I think it is time for our long suffering fans."


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...miership-drought/story-fni3gki8-1226708602547

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Phil Rothfield names his Sally M team of the year of the greatest flops this NRL season



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Benji Marshall has walked into Phil Rothfield's Sally Ms side. Source: DailyTelegraph


LESS than 12 months ago Ben Barba and Benji Marshall were rated as the two most dynamic game-breakers in the NRL.

At the same time giant forwards Tony ‘T Rex’ Williams and Dave ‘Coal Train’ Taylor were arguably the game’s most destructive ball runners.

Boom Cowboys second-rower Tariq Simms was tipped to explode his way into the NSW State of Origin team.And Chris Sandow was the $550,000-a-year half-back who under Ricky Stuart was supposed to engineer a Parramatta Eels revival.

Instead all of the above have been amongst the biggest flops of season 2013, earning selection in the dreaded Sally M team-of-the-year.

Fullbacks

As the Dally M champion, Ben Barba was to launch the season and be the face-of-the-game.

Instead his personal life went off the rails during the off-season as he confronted gambling, alcohol and domestic issues.

He showed patches of good form when he eventually returned but nothing anywhere near the dazzling displays of 2012.

Other fullbacks who disappointed this year included the injured Tim Moltzen at the Corey Norman at the Broncos.

Wingers

The one position in the team that was hard to fill.

We’ve had to move Blake Ayshford from the Tigers centres to the wing. He’s struggled because few opportunities have been created by the Wests Tigers halves.

At the Rabbitohs, Andrew Everingham was a revelation last season scoring 17 tries but has hardly been sighted this year, with just four tries in his 15 matches.

Centres

Not hard to find a couple of out-of-form centres.

It’s hard to believe Willie Tonga is on around $350,000 a year at the Parramatta Eels. He’d seriously be flat out making a NSW Cup team at other clubs.

Timana Tahu has also had a forgettable year at the Newcastle Knights. He played only five games before being dumped to NSW Cup.

Ben Pomeroy has also struggled at different stages for the Cronulla Sharks.

Five-eighth

Benji was the first chosen. Every area of his game was down on last year’s form and statistics as he struggled under his first new coach since starting in NRL.

At the Dragons, Jamie Soward didn’t make a linebreak in his 12 games this season and even his once deadly accurate goal kicking faded away to just 60%.

He finished in the English Super League, via a stint in NSW Cup. Strangely, Panthers general manager Phil Gould still rates him a ‘marquee signing.’

Ben Roberts has had a shocking season at Parramatta and Terry Campese has also struggled at the Canberra Raiders after coming back from injury.

Kris Keating started the season as a grand final half-back but soon lost his position to Trent Hodkinson.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-this-nrl-season/story-fni3fh9n-1226708652235
 
He thinks that being 'dumped' makes you an out-of-form player, he has virtually destroyed every opposing centre this year.
 
South Sydney Rabbitohs bounce back to favourites for premiership and minor premiership



GET excited Souths fans.

The Rabbitohs are the new outright premiership favourites and will head into Friday night's blockbuster against the Roosters at ANZ Stadium as $1.60 favourites to secure the club its first minor premiership since 1989.

A month ago punters deserted the Rabbitohs after they dropped three games in four weeks when Greg Inglis was missing with a knee injury.

But the superstar fullback's return has saved their season now one more victory will send them into the finals on a four game streak.

And after putting together three straight wins since Inglis returned the TAB will announce on Tuesday that the Bunnies are back at the top of their lost, outright competition favourites at $3.25 ahead of Melbourne $3.50 and Manly and the Roosters at $4.50.

When betting for Friday night’s game opened a month back the Roosters were the side everyone wanted a piece of and were $1.70 favourites for this game but they have since blown out to $2.40 after back to back defeats to Cronulla and Gold Coast.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...inor-premiership/story-fni3gki8-1226709364429

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Manly Sea Eagles cop raw deal for finals scheduling



MANLY could be the big losers in what shapes as a ****-eyed opening week to the NRL finals scheduling.

It appears the Sea Eagles may have just four full days to prepare for their first semi-final, a ridiculously short period given Canterbury will enjoy a nine-day break between games.

The Daily Telegraph has been told South Sydney will play their home final on Friday week - with Manly the likely opponent.Manly play Penrith this Sunday at Brookvale and would then have to back-up only a few days later.

Souths play this Friday night - their preparation would span six days.And what makes Manly fans even angrier is the advantage Canterbury would have in week one.

The Bulldogs play this Thursday evening and may not be back on the field until the following Sunday, a break more than double that of Manly.

And Canterbury’s advantage will arrive despite finishing below Manly on the NRL competition table.The Bulldogs also get to play on their home ground, ANZ Stadium, where Manly have been pushed off Brookvale Oval.

Told of the potential scheduling drama, Manly coach Geoff Toovey said: “It would be pretty tough on the players but it's not something we can control.

"We don’t know where a lot of the teams will finish but it would obviously be a disadvantage.

"There are still seems to be some variables there over the final round."

Asked would it simply be unfair, Toovey said: "I can’t do much about it."


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...inals-scheduling/story-fni3fbgz-1226709262515
 
Here is an interesting fact I picked up on: No winning team has scored less than 20 points since Round 22 of the competition, which was us against Cronulla. I think the Roosters and Rabbitohs match will be close and low scoring so that stat might change.
 
Future unclear for Parramatta coach Ricky Stuart and Dragons' Steve Price after Eels win



ONE club is desperately trying to stop its coach walking away; the other may want its coach to walk away.

The Eels' Ricky Stuart and Dragons' Steve Price left Parramatta Stadium last night with differing dilemmas after the home side had won 26-22.The mail is getting stronger by the day that Stuart will leave Parramatta after this season and sign a deal with the Canberra Raiders.

Price is under contract for next season but losing to last-placed Parramatta will sting.Stuart said of his future: "There has been a lot of speculation. I will talk about it after the season is done."I don’t want to take away from the win tonight. I want the players to read in the papers tomorrow about a good win.

"There is something in the papers every day (about Parramatta) and it’s unfair on the players. I don’t want any more speculation about me - I would rather be here talking about the win."

Will Price survive the off-season? He claimed to be "confident" he would be coaching Saints next year, despite the fact his side is likely to finish second last.

"They (Saints) will have to totally change the way they go about things on the field," league Immortal Andrew Johns said.

Last night was the Dragons’ sixth consecutive loss - a record for the joint-venture club.Price admitted: "We are in a tough spot and it’s hard to take. (Tonight) clearly wasn’t good enough. It is always tough when you lose but this is a tough one."

Asked did he want the season to end, Price said: "We are a proud club and I am expecting better and the playing group is expecting better. It’s hard."

It has been a lousy year at Parramatta. Rubbish results, a team that has a second successive wooden spoon, boardroom dramas, poor management decisions, players sacked and a coach who may walk.

They are truly dark days in Sydney’s golden west but last night a ray of light peeped through and a tiny smile re-emerged on the faces of the once-mighty Eels.Parramatta, without Jarryd Hayne, won just their second game since May.

It was a miraculous turnaround from last weekend’s embarrassing 64-4 loss to Melbourne.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...e-after-eels-win/story-fni3ga7r-1226709483047

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Anthony Griffin future in doubt as Wayne Bennett, Kevin Walters linked to Broncos coaching job



BRISBANE mentor Anthony Griffin’s future is again under a cloud amid growing speculation Wayne Bennett and Kevin Walters could form a coaching alliance to rebuild the Broncos in 2015.

It comes as Broncos legend Darren Lockyer warned Ben Barba won’t single-handedly cure the club’s ills next year in a campaign that could make or break Griffin’s tenure at Red Hill.

While missing the finals for the second time in four seasons is unpalatable for Broncos hierarchy, they are backing Griffin for next season, believing he needs greater resources to revive the club as a premiership force.

Griffin is contracted until the end of 2015, but the Broncos board will simply not tolerate another failed campaign given Barba is expected to light up the Brisbane backline.

The possible contingency would see club legend Walters installed as head coach, with foundation mentor Bennett to preside over the Broncos as coaching director.

A rare critic of Brisbane, Bennett has made a series of surprise appraisals of the club following his Newcastle side’s 26-18 defeat of the Broncos last Friday night.In the wake of the Knights victory, Bennett said missing the finals was not in Brisbane’s DNA.

He continued the attack yesterday, saying halfback Peter Wallace didn’t “deserve” the way the Broncos handled his impending departure to Penrith.Former Broncos skipper Gorden Tallis recently led a push for Walters to take charge, saying the champion pivot was a winner who understood the club’s culture.

Walters said yesterday he had not been approached about a position at the Broncos for 2015. The former captain has applied for the Cowboys post, but says he is willing to help the Broncos if his services remain available beyond next year.“I love the Broncos as a club, but I would like to be a head coach somewhere,” Walters said.

“I’m leaving Melbourne at the end of the year and where I am going to be after that, I still don’t know at this stage.“I’m ready to coach a team by myself. If it’s not the Broncos, it might have to be somewhere else. But I’ve worked my butt off and I am very confident about what I can bring to an organisation.”

In March, Broncos CEO Paul White denied Bennett would replace Griffin as head coach in 2014.But the possibility of the super-coach one day returning to the club he coached to six titles, in an overseer’s role, is real.

Bennett has another two years to run on his Knights deal, but has been operating amid a dark cloud relating to owner Nathan Tinkler’s financial health and the potential repercussions for Newcastle.

Bennett’s age is another factor. He turns 64 in January and a coaching director’s role at the Broncos may appeal to Bennett after nearly 30 years in the furnace that is NRL head-coaching.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...cos-coaching-job/story-fni3gv5x-1226709167191
 
Gorden Tallis rips into the Brisbane Broncos, saying players no longer dream about playing for the club



THIS is a hard column to write because I know it's a touchy subject, but the Brisbane Broncos need a massive shake up.

The club has been hearing rumours of angst among the old boys and asking ex-players to give their opinions, but the truth is they don’t really want to hear them.To me it’s all been lip service.

But I can’t sit silently and wait until the Broncos get like Parramatta where there are countless factions all working against each other.

We can’t let the club get to that stage.This is the Brisbane Broncos. We are the strongest club in the NRL.

I know the club is not looked at in the same way it was a few years ago. People tell me the Broncos are not what they used to be.

Players used to dream to play for the Broncos. They don’t anymore.The past three years the Broncos have gone backwards.They won 20 games in 2011, they won 12 games in 2012 and they’ve won nine games this year.

Where they were as an organisation they are nowhere near right now.I don’t know all the answers, but what I’m saying is the club needs an overhaul to address many issues.This is the worst year in the club’s history.

It all happened in our 25th year when the players were given jerseys with a special anniversary crest.

You got a sense watching them that they think putting the Broncos jersey on means they’re a Bronco.Winning competitions means you’re a Bronco. Adding to the jersey means you’re part of that legacy.

If you’re picking the team of 25 years could you name one person from this current team that would have got close?

Why not?

This is a club that should be making champions every year.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ing-for-the-club/story-fni3fh9n-1226710053640

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Sydney Roosters five-eighth James Maloney's cheeky ploy gets the boot



THE NRL has banned a mischievous ploy by Origin star James Maloney to take his opponents out of play on the eve of the finals.

In recent weeks the Roosters five-eighth has been sprung throwing the footy boots of opposition players into the crowd.It's a sneaky tactic Maloney has been getting away with, without even a caution from the referees.

Maloney did it to Blake Ferguson a month ago against the Raiders and last Sunday to Kevin Gordon in the Titans game.

Maloney is a fierce competitor who will try anything to win the grand final this year at the Roosters.

But the NRL says it's a tactic it will not tolerate for crowd and player safety reasons.

"Clearly an incident which involves any risk of injury to a fan or a player, such as a boot being thrown into the crowd, is of concern," said general manager of operations Nathan McGuirk.

"We have addressed the issue with the Roosters football department who assure us that it will not be recurring."

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has confirmed he will speak to his five-eighth about it."It's not a major issue but I've noticed him do it a couple of times," Robinson said.

"He's just a cheeky player and a great competitor who will look for any edge he can get."But he respects the laws of rugby league too and would never do anything to harm the game.

"We'll have a chat to him about it."

The ploy is an injury risk because his opponent often plays on in socks, rather than leave his team a man down in defence.

Gordon played on for more than five minutes in one boot on Sunday, before his trainer recovered the boot and could get to him.


Read More:http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...oy-gets-the-boot/story-fni3gn3s-1226710007224
 
The Lurker has reported the following...

- I keep hearing Ricky Stuart will definitely be at Canberra next year. The deal hasn't been done yet but look for an announcement soon.

- And if Stuart goes, expect Will Hopoate to start looking at his options. I can confirm Will has a get-out clause in his contract if Stuart isn't coach and is more than likely to activate it - if a rival club can match his $850,000-a-year deal over two seasons.

- Penrith fans may be a little miffed at the club's new logo. It shows a roaring Panther with the word 'Panthers' written below. But there is no sign of the word Penrith - it has been erased.

- Watch for Todd Carney to be a surprise selection in the Kangaroos World Cup squad. Carney has been in splendid form in recent weeks and is ready to squeeze into Tim Sheens touring party.

- The Tigers play North Queensland in Townsville on Saturday and have booked a bus the following day for a two-night Mad Monday stint in Cairns. The club has not officially sanctioned the trip and officials are nervously hoping their phones aren't ringing hot with reports of drama in the tropics.

- It isn't just Ben Barba's off-field movements Broncos officials will have to keep an anxious eye on next year. They will be working doubly hard to ensure his ex-partner Ainslie Currie and the couple's young children are happy in Brisbane. If she becomes unsettled and decides to move again, where does it leave Barba, given he's rightly declared them his main priority?

- Things are starting to get extremely heated between warring boardroom factions at one club. Police may be brought into the picture to prevent things getting completely out of hand. Angry words and threats were exchanged in front of stunned onlookers at a recent game, leading to talk of AVOs being issued.

- Sonny Bill Williams a weak link? Don't be stupid but it is clear SBW is feeling the pinch late in the season. And opposition teams are targeting him. Cronulla gave it to him in spades in round 24, forcing a number of errors, while Gold Coast trio Ryan James, Greg Bird and Nate Myles ganged up on him last Sunday.



Read More: http://www.sportal.com.au/league/news/the-lurkernrl-rumour-filewednesday-251272
 
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Anthony Watmough's knee will be right for the NRL finals, starting next weekend



ANTHONY Watmough, walking without a limp for the first time in over a week, is recovering so well from ongoing knee dramas he will most likely start the NRL playoffs without painkilling injections.

In a huge boost for the Manly Sea Eagles, Watmough has revealed his troublesome knee - put through a "Crocodile Roll" by Souths enforcer Jeff Lima and then injected three times against Canberra - is already "back to 80 per cent".

While the NSW Origin star is again being rested for a second time this weekend, he has vowed to be back on deck for the finals series.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ing-next-weekend/story-fni3gnk1-1226710805585

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Manly Sea Eagles hooker Matt Ballin hits out at 'unacceptable' schedule



MANLY hooker Matt Ballin has described a possible four-day turnaround before a big semi-final as ''unacceptable''.

The Sea Eagles may have to meet Souths in a semi-final next Friday night, just four full days after playing Penrith at Brookvale Oval this Sunday.It was a dilemma revealed in The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday.

''Four days is not a great turnaround leading into a finals match,'' Ballin conceded.

''The Bulldogs will get nine (days) and we get less than half that time. I think it should be looked at.

''Coming off a team like Penrith, who have a big pack of forwards, it is a big ask.

''We are also coming off 26 rounds of tough footy, I don’t think it is acceptable. We need a fair and even five to seven-day turnaround for each team.

"I don’t know what the answer is, but it is common sense.’’


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...eptable-schedule/story-fni3gnk1-1226710963642

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Peter Sterling: Friday night's Souths-Roosters clash not about the minor premiership



MANY sporting competitions around the world crown their champions as those teams that finish first past the post.

They operate with the understanding that whoever has proven themselves to be the best throughout the competition rounds deserve to be regarded as premiers.

There is a strong argument that this is the fairest way to determine winners, however in rugby league we have always loved the thrill of a do or die finals series.

It is a shame however that finishing on top of the ladder doesn’t carry more prestige other than a trophy and a healthy cheque. But be honest, how many minor premiers over recent seasons can you recall?

Besides, anything but a finals series would be inherently unfair, because unfortunately, our teams do not all play each other once or twice.With our top eight playoff system there is virtually no difference between finishing first or second, with the most important achievement being that of securing a home final.

Which leads us to the real interest in Friday night’s top of the table clash between the Rabbitohs and the Roosters.In looking at this salivating clash I believe it is significant to point out that over the past 20 years in a full competition, on only six occasions have the minor premiers gone on to win the title.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...inor-premiership/story-fni3fh9n-1226710828253

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Brisbane Broncos rally around Josh Hoffman for fullback spot ahead of Ben Barba's arrival



BEN Barba on Thursday night runs out for a team with players he doesn't speak to, against a team with players he desperately needs to win over.

The dynamic fullback has been brought into the Canterbury Bulldogs side at the 11th hour for a finals tune-up against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.

Barba will provide Broncos fans a glimpse of their team’s potential in 2014 but Brisbane players are far from sold on him claiming their No.1 jersey from team favourite Josh Hoffman.

Hoffman is among the most popular men at the club and the players have rallied around the disenfranchised custodian since news of Barba’s recruitment broke.

Barba is the subject of an NRL Integrity Unit investigation following allegations of assault against his ex-partner and mother of his children Ainslie Currie.

Currie has repeatedly stated through her lawyer that she was not the victim of domestic abuse.

Despite the drama engulfing Barba and concerns over his welfare, the NRL will not stand in the way of the Bulldogs playing him, leaving it to the club’s judgement.

Playing Barba is a bold move by Bulldogs coach Des Hasler who knows his team need their ace match-fit to be a playoffs force.

Barba’s arrival at Red Hill in 2014 and the ramifications for Hoffman will purposefully challenge and disrupt the Broncos playing group.Brisbane vice-captain Alex Glenn confirmed his good friend Hoffman had been hurt by the signing of Barba but denied he wanted out of the club.

Glenn said Barba would not be removing the No.1 jersey from Hoffman’s back anyway.

“The way Hoffy has been playing we are all standing behind him and I don’t see Barba coming here and taking his spot,” Glenn said.

“I feel for him because it is always tough when the club signs someone in your position.“It is hard. You start thinking the club doesn’t believe in you and your ability.

“He’s playing some tremendous football since being at fullback and he’s proven a point.“I just tell him not to worry about it and he can’t let the news affect him.

“He just needs to be mentally tough. Pressure on his spot will develop him into a better footballer.”


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...n-barbas-arrival/story-fni3gv5x-1226710861945
 
In This Weeks's issue of RLW the mole has reported the following...

- Peter Sterling has been trying to help the Parramatta Eels out lately, He is one of several board members including Chairman Steve Sharp who want Brian Smith at the club as coaching Director

- The Mole is saying exactly what the Lurker and many others are saying...Ricky Stuart will leave the Eels at the end of this season

- The Mounties club have launched a lawsuit against Wests Tigers over Masada Iosefa, When the Tigers signed him from Mounties they agreed on a $5000 transfer fee which the Tigers have still not paid

- Brett Kimmorely had a near miss last week, He was driving home from Canberra when his car ran off the road...It's a total write-off but Noddy escaped with a few scratches and bruises

- David Furner will look at coaching opportunities after the World cup, At the moment he is concentrating on his role as Australian Assistant Coach

- Bans Totaling 29 weeks were handed out after an ugly brawl between Hull FC and Hull KR, The match exploded after the full time siren

- Robbie Farah wants Benji Marshall to return to the Tigers after his Union stint


 
Roosters star Sonny Bill Williams could miss NRL blockbuster against South Sydney injured



EXCLUSIVE: THE biggest match of the year could lose its biggest drawcard.

Sydney Roosters superstar Sonny Bill Williams is in doubt for Friday’s match against South Sydney at ANZ Stadium.

Williams has a calf injury and will decide on the morning of the match whether to take his place in the Roosters second-row.

It is understood Roosters coach Trent Robinson has absolutely no desire to risk Williams before the upcoming NRL semi-finals.

Williams trained with the Roosters this afternoon and tentatively completed the session. But if he wakes tomorrow feeling tight in the calf, he will immediately withdraw.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...h-sydney-injured/story-fni3gn3s-1226711859219

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Brisbane Broncos need overhaul after worst season in their history, says legend Kevin Walters



BRISBANE legend Kevin Walters has expressed his concern at the state of the Broncos, saying sweeping reform is needed following the worst season in the club's decorated 25-year history.

A five-time premiership winner at Brisbane, Walters believes urgent changes must be made and blasted claims coach Anthony Griffin requires more resources to rebuild the club as an NRL force.

Broncos boss Paul White is under pressure to launch an inquiry into the club after former skipper Gorden Tallis declared Brisbane had lost their aura in his Courier-Mail column on Wednesday.

Walters, currently an assistant to Craig Bellamy at Melbourne, has been reluctant to offer a public appraisal of the Broncos given his 11-year reign as the club's champion five-eighth.

But with Brisbane’s season now officially over, Walters has aired his grievances not as a prospective Broncos coach, but a life member saddened by the club's premiership free-fall.

"If the Broncos don’t change what they are doing, they will get the same results," said Walters, who played 241 games for the Broncos between 1990-2001.

"They talk about a lack of resources ... we won six premierships out of a crappy little tin shed with a gym and playing field (at Red Hill).

"I am speaking as an ex-player and former captain of the club, and I am disappointed with the direction the club is taking.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...nd-kevin-walters/story-fni3gv5x-1226712260237

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Matty Johns: Sydney Roosters have to sort themselves out in time for the finals



THERE'S much more at stake Friday night than just the minor premiership.

The Roosters are out to prove to themselves that they are still capable of winning the premiership, while Souths are out to convince the Roosters that they are not.

I interviewed Roosters coach Trent Robinson after the Gold Coast loss last Sunday. For the first time in his NRL coaching career there was genuine disappointment and concern in his voice.

Before the match, Robinson spoke about the importance of a quality performance after their Monday night loss to the Sharks. He said the preparation had been spot on and lessons had been learned.

But the Titans loss travelled along parallel lines to the disappointment the week before - a slow start from the Roosters and from there a frenetic lack of composure.

Rather than grind their opponents down slowly, the Roosters chased points, forced passes and showed little faith in the things that had got them to the top of the table.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...e-for-the-finals/story-fni3fh9n-1226712024870

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South Sydney saviour George Piggins won't attend grand final due to feud with Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court



HE is red and green to the core but George Piggins still won't attend a Souths game - even if they make the NRL grand final.

Piggins hasn't been to a Rabbitohs match since Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court assumed control of the club in 2006.

Try as Souths have, Piggins won’t relent.

"I don’t know why you keep asking that," Piggins said.

He added: "I hope Souths win the comp, I hope we bolt in."But I don’t respect them (Crowe and Holmes a Court) and I don’t like them.

"I came to the club aged 19 and left aged 65. I can’t do anymore than that."


From: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...r-holmes-a-court/story-fni3gki8-1226712277444

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The huge match-ups to watch in South Sydney Rabbitohs-Sydney Roosters showdown



550490-rabbitohs-roosters.jpg

The key match-ups in Friday night's Souths-Roosters blockbuster. Source: DailyTelegraph

RARELY has a rugby league game thrown up as many blockbuster one-on-one showdowns.

When the Rabbitohs go into battle against their old adversaries at ANZ Stadium Friday night, much more is at stake than the minor premiership.

Representative jerseys, personal pride and confidence for the finals are all at stake.

It will be intense and personal.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...oosters-showdown/story-fni3fbgz-1226712129505
 
Cronulla Sharks to rest nearly half their side for Sunday's clash against Canberra Raiders



THE Cronulla Sharks will be missing almost half their top side for Sunday's clash with the Raiders in Canberra.

Todd Carney (hamstring), Michael Gordon (calf, knee), Wade Graham (shoulder), Jayson Bukuya and Anthony Tupou are all set to miss the game, while skipper Paul Gallen is out through suspension. More players, including hooker John Morris, are likely to be rested.

The Sharks have already secured a home semi-final and coach Shane Flanagan is not prepared to risk injuries.

All will return for the semi-final on Saturday week.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...canberra-raiders/story-fni3gol8-1226713156266

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Manly coach Geoff Toovey to rest Sea Eagles big guns in round 26 match-up with Penrith Panthers



GEOFF Toovey will utilise Sunday’s dead rubber against Penrith to rest star players and give two of the club’s best young talents their first taste of NRL.

A club insider has confirmed 19-year-olds Clinton Gutherson and Jake Trbojevic will make their NRL debuts this weekend, despite not being named in Manly’s 17.

Gutherson will replace the suspended Jorge Taufua on the wing, with Peter Hiku filling in for Brett Stewart at fullback - Manly's star custodian to rest a strained hamstring.

It is unclear whether Trbojevic will start in the front row in place of Benton Lawrence, or come from the bench.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...penrith-panthers/story-fni3gnk1-1226713156816
 
Gold Coast's Luke Douglas on cusp of all-time record for most consecutive NRL games


  • TRAVIS MEYN
  • GOLD COAST BULLETIN
  • SEPTEMBER 07, 2013 12:00AM

HE is on the cusp of breaking the NRL record for the most consecutive games and it seems only a bolt of lightning can stand between Luke Douglas and rugby league history.

The Titans ironman will tonight equal Jason Taylor’s record of 194 straight first grade games since debuting when the Gold Coast clashes with Melbourne.

But it’s a streak that goes back much further than that for this man of steel.

Douglas only remembers missing one game of football in his life - and it was because doctors thought he had been struck by lightning.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...cutive-nrl-games/story-fni3grk4-1226713476001

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I won't change my aggressive style, says North Queensland Cowboys forward Ashton Sims


  • ANTONY STEWART
  • TOWNSVILLE BULLETIN
  • SEPTEMBER 07, 2013 12:00AM

COWBOYS prop Ashton Sims may pull in the reins, but he will not ditch his aggressive style in his NRL return on Saturday night.

Sims, who is coming back from suspension, has a huge job in North Queensland’s must-win clash against Wests Tigers in Townsville as he fills the shoes of injured international Matt Scott.

Coach Neil Henry told Sims to re-think his approach after a high shot on Gold Coast’s Ryan James led to his second stint on the sideline this year, but Sims said he was unlikely to change too much.

His high-energy efforts have been a feature of his career since he debuted with St George Illawarra a decade ago.

"That’s just part of the territory I think, I’m a forward," Sims said.

"I’ve got to pull the reins in a little bit, but I enjoy going on there and just getting stuck into it and that’s what I’ll continue to do."

The Cowboys must beat the Tigers to guarantee a place in the NRL finals, an almost unthinkable prospect six weeks ago when they were six points outside the top eight.

The Cowboys could know their finals fate before they run out.


Read More:http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ward-ashton-sims/story-fni3g8pa-1226713458634

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Career questions raised as Cronulla Sharks skipper Paul Gallen increases boxing workload



PAUL Gallen is considering switch to boxing and has sounded out the possibility of the Australian Rugby League taking a boxing coach on the end-of-season World Cup tour to the UK.

The Daily Telegraph has learned of enquiries made on Gallen’s behalf to boxing identities, who have been asked about the sport’s status under the WADA code.At present the sport’s attitude toward ASADA is a grey area.

While it’s certain that unregulated charity fights are not subject to the Code, doubt remains over the professional arena.

The NSW Combat Sports Authority on Friday night confirmed all boxers who apply to be registered in NSW are subject to a case-by-case examination before being given the green light to fight.

“To compete professionally in boxing in NSW, all combatants must register with the NSW Combat Sports Authority,” a NSW Combat Sports Authority spokesperson said.

“The Combat Sports Authority considers a number of factors before registering an individual and has the ability to ban them from competing.”

Boxing training is nothing new for Gallen, who has been doing extra sessions under the tutelage of Mark Gambin at Kostya Tszyu’s Rockdale gym for the past five years.

But current frequency of his sessions - including sparring rounds against pro fighters such as Solomon Haumono and David Aloua - has not gone unnoticed among several sources within boxing.

Gallen has also been spotted at Jeff Fenech’s gym in Sydney’s inner west since the State of Origin series wrapped up in mid-July.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-boxing-workload/story-fni3gol8-1226713698669
 
Image of South Sydney Rabbitohs superstar Sam Burgess getting battered by grubby incidents



SAM Burgess’s clean off-field image is in danger of being tarnished after two separate incidents emerged from South Sydney's loss to the Sydney Roosters last Friday night, which will now come under the scrutiny of the NRL match review committee.

Just two weeks after being suspended for grabbing the testicles of Melbourne Storm centre Will Chambers, Burgess’s on-field antics could prove devastating for the Rabbitohs on eve of the finals.

And the Roosters also face an anxious wait with damaging prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves on report for an elbow to the throat of Souths’ back rower Chris McQueen, which could see him rubbed out of the grand final.

Read More:http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...grubby-incidents/story-fni3gki8-1226714333556
 
Door open for Gareth Widdop's Melbourne Storm return



MELBOURNE Storm is set to roll the medical dice and play star pivot Gareth Widdop in Friday night's qualifying final against South Sydney at ANZ Stadium.

The England international played 65 minutes for feeder side Easts Tigers in the Queensland Cup Sunday in his long-awaited return from a dislocated hip.

In his first game in almost three months, Widdop put in a solid performance in a Q-Cup qualifying semi-final in Mackay.

The 24-year-old did not miss a beat - he handled the kicking duties and was not afraid to use his pace to weave in between opponents when he needed to.

“Good to be playing again and good win by the boys,” Widdop tweeted after the match.

Storm football manager Frank Ponissi said the club was pleased with the five-eighth’s return.

“Our main concern was how he was going to go physically with his hip and just with his general conditioning,” Ponissi said.

“We weren’t expecting him to play out of his skin in his first performance.“From all reports he was solid without being brilliant and a bit rusty in some parts.

“That’s exactly what we thought it was going to be.”


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...rne-storm-return/story-fni3gpfg-1226714745882


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North Queensland Cowboys expecting Matt Scott back early from broken finger



NORTH Queensland co-captain Matt Scott is almost certain to come back from a broken finger a fortnight early as the Cowboys continue their mantra to live and die by the sword.

Scott was told by surgeons he would need to miss three weeks of NRL action after suffering his injury in the round 25 win over Cronulla, but coach Neil Henry has little doubt the Test prop will be making the request to run out in the first week of the finals.

“I don’t think I will be able to keep him off the park, really,” Henry said.

Henry is confident centre Brent Tate (shoulder) and lock Joel Riethmuller (ribs) will also be fit to play next week after failing to complete the 50-22 win over the Wests Tigers on Saturday night.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...om-broken-finger/story-fni3g8pa-1226714743078

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Andrew Fifita insists he will be fit to play for the Cronulla Sharks in the first week of the finals



CRONULLA enforcer Andrew Fifita says nothing will keep him from the NRL playoffs, despite leaving Canberra Stadium Sunday night in a moon boot.

In a game where Sharkies coach Shane Flanagan did everything to prevent injury bar sending his players out in bubble wrap, NSW Origin star Fifita still sent a scare through the camp when he hobbled off midway through the first half of a 38-18 win.

While early reports suggested the 114kg forward had torn his calf, and could miss at least a fortnight, Fifita told The Daily Telegraph afterwards he would be a certain starter for week one of the finals against North Queensland.

“Oh, hell yeah,’’ he said when quizzed about his availability for the Cowboys match.

“It’s an elimination final. I don’t wanna let my teammates down.

”So what about the boot?

“Just a precaution,’’ he continued. “I knew as soon as I came off I was gone. I came up into the sheds and they said I had two little strains in the calf, nothing major.

“I got treatment on the sideline to go back on but couldn’t. I wanted to but I could’ve done more damage. I’m just happy it’s only a strain.”

With their place in the NRL top eight already secure, Flanagan conceded his main goal was to get through 80 minutes at Canberra Stadium without suffering an injury or potential suspension.

Apart from having skipper Paul Gallen suspended, the coach also rested Todd Carney, Wade Graham, Jason Bukuya and Anthony Tupou - all of whom will be back for week one of the playoffs.

Speaking at the press conference, Flanagan confirmed Fifita would be right for the playoffs saying: “100 per cent, mate ... he could’ve gone back on today, there’s no problems there at all.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-cronulla-sharks/story-fni3gol8-1226714811259

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Thank you Benji Marshall for leaving rugby league in a better place



DEAR Benji,

Mate, we know farewells this ugly are usually reserved for the electric chair.

Understanding how as you saddle up to a bar somewhere for that last Mad Monday as an NRL player, your game, your brand, even your footy card stocks - once worth three Cooper Cronks in any playground swap - have taken the kind of hit that sees medicabs called.

But still, we can't let you go without saying thanks.For while it may have finished uglier than a mud fence, while you disappeared from the game in Townsville in a side conceding 50 points, we league fans still have plenty to be thankful for.

Like how many little 'uns are stepping right now because of you?

How many schoolboys growing smaller than they'd like, or without that father they've never known, will suck it up and persist because ... well, you did.

Five times that bung shoulder of yours was operated on. And five times you fought back. An effort that had Tim Sheens once tell us, in no small rap, how you were the toughest footballer he ever coached.

So thank you.

Thanks for that flick pass in '05.

For every jinking, stepping, smiling run.

And thanks for taking New Zealand, back in 2010, to the top of the rugby league world when everyone but you thought international footy was dead.

So, sure, yours is an end that proves fairytales are for little girls in pink dresses. But Mad Mondays around the country are filled with footballers who deserved a happier goodbye.

Take Scotty Prince, who after 15 years, two broken legs and a funeral for the old man has debunked all notions of Mt Isa toughness only being found on the back of a bull.

Or Shaun Berrigan, the gritty utility who disappeared in Canberra Sunday night with more than 300 games and 14 Test caps - while everyone talked Blake Ferguson and Ricky Stuart.

Up north, Dallas Johnson, despite surviving more knockouts than can be found on the Cronulla Mermaids roster, will farewell footy from the sidelines.

Same deal Matt Cooper who, apart from being a bloody good footballer, also gave our wives all the eye candy of a body which, in retirement, will surely see him fronting Good Morning Australia with "You got a door, you got a gym".

But that's the great thing about footy Benji, it's never been how you go out that counts. No, it's what you leave behind.

So thanks for leaving rugby league better than you found it.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...n-a-better-place/story-fni3gpz1-1226714772652

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Sydney Roosters backrower Boyd Cordner set for shock return



INSPIRATIONAL Roosters backrower Boyd Cordner has revealed he is on target to make a shock return the week before the grand final.

After suffering the dreaded high-ankle sprain syndesmosis in the round 22 clash against Canberra, Cordner was initially expected to be next to no chance of playing again this season.

But an upbeat Cordner told The Daily Telegraph on Sunday that he started walking unassisted on Saturday - and could be running by the end of next week.

“I’m off the crutches and I’m out of the boot and I am walking normally,” Cordner said.

“I got off the crutches last Wednesday and out of the boot (on Saturday).“I am going to try to get two weeks of running going into that semi-final.”

It’s an amazing fightback from the tough 21-year-old given the injury usually requires a 10-week recovery.

“I went to see the surgeon last Wednesday and he said it was looking unreal,” Cordner said.

“He said it was one of the best recoveries that he has seen.

“It’s been three and a half weeks post-op. I am still doing physio but everything is on track for me to get back the semi-final before the GF.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...for-shock-return/story-fni3gn3s-1226714691508



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NRL finals breakdown: South Sydney Rabbitohs' worst nightmare the Melbourne Storm await in week one



SOUTH Sydney will have to overcome a shocking record against Melbourne if they are to resurrect their title aspirations this Friday night, with the Rabbitohs last win over the Storm in Sydney way back in 2004.

The Rabbitohs' halves pairing of Adam Reynolds and John Sutton were convincingly outplayed by the Roosters' combination of Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney in last Friday night’s battle for the minor premiership - and it doesn’t get any easier this week when they take on the reigning premiers and Reynolds goes head-to-head with the game’s best halfback Cooper Cronk.

Melbourne are now the new outright $3.50 premiership favourites and are set to the clash at ANZ Stadium as $1.80 favourites with the TAB and the Rabbitohs at $2.

The markets will be finalised this morning.Manly’s shock loss to Penrith means the fourth-placed Sea Eagles take on the Sydney Roosters on Saturday night in the double header at Allianz Stadium, while Souths back up against their nemesis.

The first match Saturday will see the Cronulla Sharks take on the Cowboys in an elimination final after Shane Flanagan's men secured fifth spot with victory against the Raiders Sunday night.

A second elimination final between the Bulldogs and the Knights will close out the first week of the finals on Sunday afternoon, with the game kicking off at 4pm at ANZ Stadium.

Teams will never tell you publicly who they would rather play but there is no doubt Souths’ biggest disappointment over the weekend wouldn’t have been losing to the Roosters but seeing the Sea Eagles go down to the Panthers on Sunday.

Souths have a rotten record against Melbourne, who beat them in both games this year. In 22 games overall Melbourne have won 19 and Souths just three.

In fact, Souths have only won one of their last 15 matches against Melbourne and at ANZ Stadium Souths have haven’t beaten the Storm in the only three games played at that venue.

In what is shaping up as one of the best finals series in NRL history the big talking points going into week one of the finals are:

• Sam Burgess is in strife again and could be cited Monday by the match review committee for a couple of unsavoury incidents in Friday night’s loss;

• Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is likely to cop a suspension for his elbow on Chris McQueen;• Injured Storm five-eighth Gareth Widdop is in line for an NRL call up after making his comeback in Queensland Cup;

• Last year’s grand finalists Canterbury are in trouble on and off the field as the Ben Barba controversy bubbles along and a final round loss to Brisbane;

• The Sharks rested a host of big-names Sunday night against Canberra but have an injury concern for Andrew Fifita. Paul Gallen and Todd Carney will be fresh for their sudden-death game on Saturday against the Cowboys;

• Wayne Bennett is back in finals football after Newcastle locked up seventh spot with a thumping 54-6 win over Parramatta;

• And Cowboys fans have started a petition to get Neil Henry reinstated after the Cowboys charged into eighth spot with their sixth straight victory.

But the majority of talk over the weekend related to the Roosters' dominant win over the Rabbitohs and the question most experts were asking is if that game exposed Souths' lack of experience heading into the play-offs.

While Friday night’s game was probably the best atmosphere of the season in front of a regular season record crowd the Rabbitohs were nowhere near their best and much of the finger pointing since has gone back to the performance of their halves who were clearly out-pointed by the incumbent NSW halves pairing.

Despite having the better of possession and an 11-5 penalty count in their favour, Souths’ completion rates were terrible and the finishing to their sets was way below the standards they have set all season.

Coach Michael Maguire conceded their inability to build pressure and force repeat sets let them down against the Roosters and if they are going to beat Melbourne they need a much improved performance.

In the two games they have played this year Melbourne beat them 17-10 in round six at ANZ and in round 22 it was 26-8 at AAMI Park.


FRIDAY

Qualifying final - Rabbitohs v Storm - 7.45pm at ANZ Stadium

SATURDAY

Elimination final - Sharks v Cowboys - 4pm at Allianz Stadium

Qualifying final - Roosters v Sea Eagles - Saturday, 7pm at Allianz Stadium

SUNDAY

Elimination final - Bulldogs v Knights - Sunday, 4pm at ANZ Stadium



[url]http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-finals-breakdown-south-sydney-rabbitohs-worst-nightmare-the-melbourne-storm-await-in-week-one/story-fni3fbgz-1226714768295[/URL]

- - - Updated - - -

Monday Buzz: A fairytale 12 years in the making



RUGBY league's most famous indigenous club is on Monday celebrating its greatest football triumph.

The Moree Boomerangs, banned from all competition for 12 years, won the Group 19 grand final at their alcohol-free home ground to complete one of Australian sport’s most remarkable comeback stories.

A fairytale of a club that simply refused to die, that fought court cases and appeals, driven by old officials and the fanatical locals who regard rugby league as not just their life but a religion.

Tears flowed from all parts of Burt Jovanovich Oval and players were mobbed as the Boomerangs began celebrating their first premiership since 1994.

THE footy here is nothing like the NRL and the regimented and structured way the game is now played.None of this business of four hit-ups, a spread then a kick to get a line-dropout or a bomb, set after set.

The Boomerangs use the football like the good old days.

Breathtaking backline movement. Beautiful, soft hands.Game plans go out the window as instinct replaces discipline.Think a backline with the skills of old crowd favourites Mundine, Chicka Ferguson, Ella, Corowa and Blacklock.

The flair, flamboyance and natural talent is the same except these men are just part-time footballers.They either work on cotton farms or are unemployed.

No one gets paid to play football, although the players’ player award carries a weekly prize of $100 for first grade, $50 for reserves

.There’s a sprinkling of McGradys and Cleals, the famous surnames of their uncles who became superstars in the NRL.The Boomerangs beat Gwydir 56-22, scoring 10 stunning tries.

THE BAN

THE Boomerangs were kicked out of the Group 19 competition in the late 90s, officials finally acting on the brawls, punch-ups and violence that had become almost a weekly occurrence.

They spent 12 years in exile, even unsuccessfully taking the fight for reinstatement to the NSW Supreme Court.Eventually they were allowed back in 2009, but only under a strict conduct criteria and special guidelines.

They had to lodge a $5000 five-year good behaviour bond with the Country Rugby League, which they still have.It’s a lot of money for a bush club, the equivalent of a major sponsorship.

They’ve learnt their lesson.

No more scenes of referees having to be escorted from the field in the back of a police paddy wagon.

Or when they won the grand final back in 1992 and had to be locked out of their own town.

“We’ve had to learn to hold our emotions,” says long-time official Lloyd Munroe,

“The players, the fans, the coaches … everyone.”

Munroe has been involved with the club since he played as a 16-year-old and these days he works as the ground announcer.

“Being out of the game for 12 years was too painful,” he said, “We had to learn.”

THE BOSS

OUT this way, there’s no limousine transport or flash corporate facilities for senior officials.Mitchell Johnson, the club president, worked at the ground all Saturday then slept overnight in the canteen.He starts work at 5.30am on game day, getting the venue ready to ensure everything runs smoothly.

He’s a 35-year-old public serviced accountant who does the Boomerangs job in his spare time. His wife Kylie is the club secretary.He’s even on ground control security for the lower grade games, while supervising everything else.Not surprisingly, he’s taking a few days off work this week to recover.

THE GROUND

ABOUT 1500 fans have converged on Burt Jovanovich Oval for the grand final.You can tell not a penny of the NRL’s $1 billion television deal has made it out this way.

The club doesn’t even have the money for a scoreboard. There’s no grandstand.Still, they’re a passionate bunch of local fans and there’s no sign of the poor behaviour from the old days.

Half a dozen police officers roam but have basically nothing to do.

It’s 32 degrees, conditions more suited to cricket or the local swimming pool.Tina Turner’s "Simply The Best" booms out over the loudspeakers at the end of each game. It’s a favourite of the Boomerangs players.This is a wonderful atmosphere.

The kids run onto the field at the end of each game then form a guard of honour for the next team. They’re loving it.

The canteen does a roaring trade, selling everything but beer. The club makes $10,000 from the canteen, doubles and raffles.I settle for the sausage sandwich.

It’s got 12 lengths on Saturday night’s Chinese meal in Tamworth - possibly the worst chicken chow mein that’s ever come out of a wok.

THE STAR

BOXER Anthony Mundine is at the game. Fortunately he’s left his mute mate and sideshow Blake Ferguson at home.

He donates signed gloves for the raffles and hands out the medals after each grand final.Still, his mood is as steaming as the temperature, furious about a column in Saturday’s The Daily Telegraph bagging his next opponent Shane Mosley.

Mundine shows me the text message he’s sent the author, colleague Paul Kent.

“Mate yu gonna write somethin write the truth! Mosley might not be what he was but still a dangerous fighter! He recent losses to pacman cotto Alverez & of course Mayweather the pound for pound KING! whom he nearly ko’d !

"Then goes to Mexico & beats a 23year old top 10 fighter! NEVER EVER BEEN STOPPED! Why would yu try rubbish a legend like that? Oh that’s right! Cause if I fought KING KONG yu would still write the same ****!

Now your just showing the people how blatantly bias yu are towards me! Like I said all I want is truth not some BS!!”

On the care factor scale, it meant nothing.Not on the day the Boomerangs came back.

HIGHLIGHT

A weekend in the bush and the amazing hospitality from real down-to-earth people.

HIGHLIGHT II

Matty Bowen’s two tries in his Townsville farewell game on Saturday night. What a player and what a wonderful advertisement for rugby league.

LOWLIGHT

The Warriors’ terrible effort against St George Illawarra to end a hopelessly disappointing season. This team had more than enough ability to make the finals but under-performed throughout.

IT’S NO TO JT

Surely the Parramatta Eels are not serious about hiring Jason Taylor as a replacement for Ricky Stuart next year. There is only once choice: sacked Cowboys coach Neil Henry.He’s done a magnificent job to lift the Cowboys into the finals from a hopeless position six weeks ago.
BAD BOY BURGESS

Three weeks ago I asked Souths boss Shane Richardson would Sam Burgess be fined after his third suspension of the year. The answer was no.

The Rabbitohs have got a serious problem with his lack of discipline. A squirrel grip, a crusher tackle, facials and high hits. It’s time the club did something about it.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/monday-buzz/story-fni3fbgz-1226714734876
 
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