2013 NRL Discussion

Corene Strauss news Men of League CEO

NRL.com
11:32am Tue 08th October, 2013

The Men of League Foundation is proud to announce that Corene Strauss has been appointed as the organisation’s new chief executive officer.

Strauss joins Men of League from Legacy where she oversaw exceptional growth in reputation and revenue during her seven-year tenure as national marketing manager, building partnerships with high profile brands including VB, Telstra, Commonwealth Bank, Woolworths, the Invocare group and Defence Housing Australia.

Strauss said she was looking forward to the opportunity to combing her love of rugby league with her passion for community work.

“Having grown up surrounded by sports fanatics, I love watching rugby league and appreciate the historical significance of the game and its proud place in Australian culture.

“After my time with Legacy, I believe my experience can help build Men of League’s capacity to assist those in need in the rugby league community. I particularly look forward to working with the NRL to forge greater ties and build awareness of this great organisation.”

Men of League president Ron Coote said Strauss was the standout candidate for the role due to her extensive experience in not-for-profit management, marketing and fundraising.

“Her combination of business and marketing acumen coupled with her experience in the not-for-profit sector, especially with such a huge volunteer network, was unrivalled,” Coote said.

“Corene loves the game and is proud of her rugby league family. Her brother Jacey Strauss was the co-founder and foundation Chairman of the South African Rugby
League and still sits on the Board. Her cousin Tiaan played for the Cronulla Sharks in the 1990s and coached the South African national team in 1997.”

NRL CEO Dave Smith said the appointment would ensure the Foundation continues to develop in its charitable goals.

“The Men of League play a vital role in the game. We have worked closely with them over the last year and it is clear that the appointment of a CEO of Corene’s experience is an opportunity to take the organisation to a new level and to help even more people in need.”

Men of League supports players, coaches, referees, officials and administrators from all levels of the game, as well as their families and the broader rugby league community.

Corene Strauss Bio

Corene grew up in a sporting family where her father, brothers and cousins all played elite representative sport including rugby league. Corene’s own sporting prowess was as a representative swimmer (butterfly). Her other sports included hockey and now golf.

Corene hit her straps working for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry as PR officer, followed by creating and running her own marketing communications and events company for several years, until leaving Western Australia in 1997 to move to Sydney. She worked with Ansett Australia, Chamber of Mines, City of Kalgoorlie Boulder and numerous top tier mining companies.

Corene completed her Master’s in Business at UNSW. She was Marketing Manager at the University of New South Wales, prior to moving to the Australian Graduate School of Management (“AGSM”), where she was Associate Director – Corporate and Alumni Relations.

Here she was responsible for building a community of over 10,000 MBA alumni by pioneering a significant volunteer network and alliances in Australia and overseas, (including Harvard, Stanford and London Business School) to build and enhance the organisation’s reputation and to strengthen the networks.

A passionate cause related marketing and management professional, Corene joined Legacy (NSW) as the Marketing Manager in November 2006. She was appointed as Legacy’s first National Marketing Manager in June 2009.

Corene has a substantial “legacy” at Legacy including developing their first strategic marketing plans and budgets, implementing national corporate partnerships, a national website with microsites for their 50 clubs, a national advertising campaign, a significantly enhanced volunteer network and profile leading to year on year improvements with their iconic Legacy Week appeals.

Donations and partnerships also increased substantially as a result of her efforts.

When she is not working you can find her down at her beloved Cronulla Beach, walking the dogs with her husband Peter Lowe, a primary school teacher, or travelling around Australia.

Corene and Peter are keen Cronulla Sharks supporters and she comes from a strong Rugby League family. Her cousin Tiaan Strauss played for the Cronulla Sharks in 1996 and 1997 and he coached the SARL. He also played for the Springboks and the Wallabies.

Corene’s brother Jacey is a passionate advocate for Rugby League. He co-founded and was the inaugural Chairman of the Rugby League movement in South Africa in the early 1990’s. He remains a current board member on the SARL today.

http://www.nrl.com/corene-strauss-news-men-of-league-ceo/tabid/10874/newsid/75020/default.aspx
 
Meninga wants Walters on Qld staff

By Laine Clark
AAP
12:18pm Tue 08th October, 2013

Picking the next Queensland State of Origin team already seems daunting to all-conquering coach Mal Meninga.

But Meninga appears to have made up his mind about a successor after confirming he had approached the QRL about adding Brisbane Broncos legend Kevin Walters to his squad next year.

However, Meninga said his "succession plan" would be dashed once Walters fulfilled his dream of becoming an NRL head coach.

Walters will reportedly miss out on the Parramatta reins after being overlooked for the North Queensland job but has made no secret of his desire to be an NRL coach.

"The succession plan is about making the system a lot better, making sure we don't stand still and get complacent," Meninga said on Tuesday.

"We are doing it with the players and we have to do it with staff as well.

"We are still waiting on what Kevvie is doing. We are not quite sure where he is at.

"He has quit Melbourne (as an assistant) and his desire is to coach in the NRL and if he does that then that will take him out of the picture.

"But if he doesn't get a gig we would like to seriously consider him coming on staff."

Meninga, who hinted that he may quit as Queensland coach in July, said former Cowboys coach and new Gold Coast assistant Neil Henry would also be considered for a Maroons support staff role.

"Whilst they are available why not use them?" Meninga said.

While Meninga sweats on Walters' decision, a much tougher dilemma faces him ahead of next year's series opener - the make-up of the Queensland team.

Meninga admitted the halfback role alone would be difficult to determine, judging by Manly No.7 Daly Cherry-Evans' man-of-the-match performance in a losing NRL grand final team days after Maroons incumbent Cooper Cronk won the Dally M Medal.

"He's playing really good footy. Some say he is the best halfback in the competition at the moment," Meninga said of Cherry-Evans.

"He would be close to it but Cooper has just won the Dally M so we have got some great talent."

Another to have impressed Meninga was premiership-winning Sydney Roosters hooker Jake Friend.

"He's an Origin player in the making. He's gone to another level. That augurs well for Queensland," he said.

"But things can change pretty quickly through injuries or lack of form.

"We will have nine or 10 rounds of the NRL before we pick our first team.

"Then we will have the tough job of selecting a side."

http://www.nrl.com/meninga-wants-walters-on-qld-staff/tabid/10874/newsid/75021/default.aspx
 
Jake Friend to succeed Cameron Smith as Queensland Origin hooker: Mal Meninga



NOT so long ago, Jake Friend was working as a sandwich hand for $400 a week after being sacked by the Sydney Roosters for an altercation with a taxi driver.

Now, less than four years later, Maroons coach Mel Meninga says Friend is the first cab off the rank to succeed Cameron Smith following his year of redemption at the Roosters.

Having already revitalised other positions at Camp Maroon, Meninga is now exploring his hooking options as Smith enters his twilight years.Smith turns 31 during next year's Origin series and while there is no hint of retirement from the Maroons skipper, Friend's rousing club form provides a level of comfort for Meninga.

Friend was flawless in the Roosters' grand final defeat of Manly last Sunday night, a performance that convinced Meninga the nuggety 23-year-old is ready to wear the Queensland jumper."Jake is absolutely part of our future. For me, he is an Origin player in the making," Meninga said.

"He's been part of our emerging squad program for a number of years. Trent Robinson (Roosters coach) and his staff have taken him to another level and that augurs well for Queensland.

"He's skilful, he has an all-round game and defensively he is robust as well, which makes him suited to Origin."He is a great prospect for Queensland and Australia, he was touted for the World Cup and I wouldn't have been surprised if he made the touring side.

"I can see even more improvement in him in the years ahead. He is a very smart player, he has the whole package really."

No-one at the Roosters appreciates the shimmer of a premiership ring more than Friend.

In 2009, the Noosa Pirates junior was sent packing by the Roosters following a series of off-field indiscretions. There was a drink-driving charge, then a bust-up with a taxi driver.

Stripped of an NRL deal, Friend worked in a Sydney cafe making sandwiches in between counselling sessions that ultimately convinced the Roosters he deserved a second chance.

As he savoured the gleaming ring on his right hand, Friend appreciated just how close he came to being another hard-luck story.

"It was one of the worst days of my life," he recalls of his Roosters axing. "I was shattered but the Roosters told me if I could get myself right I would be welcome back to the club.

"I can't thank Nick Politis (Roosters supremo) enough, if they didn't stick by me I wouldn't be here today."I'm glad I'm here because I wasn't the best sandwich maker, but I suppose it had to happen to get me back on track.

"I'm just lucky it went well and I've got my life on track with my mates winning a comp."I'm just stoked to have a premiership ring on my finger. I couldn't have asked for anything more."

Meninga believes Friend is a better player for confronting his off-field setbacks."Jake has matured and young people make mistakes," he said."It's how you handle it and whether you stay positive. Jake has handled it extraordinarily well and he's been faithful and loyal to the Roosters as well.

"He's paid them back in leaps and bounds. His form this year has been outstanding and he is up there among the top echelon of hookers in the game.

"Friend is determined to clinch Queensland and Australia jumpers, but admits he is content to bide his time behind Smith."It's a dream for me to play rep footy," he said."It's not something I have worried too much about, but it's certainly something that's on my list of achievements."


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...oker-mal-meninga/story-fni3fbgz-1226734869265

- - - Updated - - -

Phil Rothfield's top 50 moments of the 2013 NRL season - part one (26-50)



FROM ASADA scandals, to boardroom stoushes, to incredible on-field moments, Daily Telegraph Sports Editor-at-large Phil Rothfield reveals his top 50 moments of 2013.

Today we unveil 26-50, with the top 25 to be revealed on Thursday.

26. STAR IS BORN

Teenager Luke Brooks makes an absolutely stunning first grade debut, appropriately at the SCG, the game’s old headquarters. The 18-year-old engineered a 34-18 victory over struggling St George Illawarra, scoring a try and setting up two.

27. SBW BLINDER

In a round 26 thriller, the Roosters go into battle with arch rivals South Sydney for the minor premiership. Champion second rower Sonny Bill Williams destroys the Rabbitohs with a mighty performance to secure bragging rights for the finals.

28. ROOKIE’S REWARD

First season mentor Trent Robinson wins the Dally M Coach of the Year award after steering the Roosters to the minor premiership, blending in new signings Sonny Bill Williams, Michael Jennings and James Maloney. The trio combined brilliantly from the opening rounds of the competition.

29. OLDCASTLE

Super coach Wayne Bennett signs veteran halfback Craig Gower to complete his retirement village in Newcastle. Gower makes a solid contribution in the oldest side in the premiership as the Knights storm home to finish one win off the Grand Final.

30. WET AND WILD

In shocking conditions at Leichhardt Oval, Blake Ayshford finishes off a length-of-the-field movement against Melbourne Storm to slide over in the corner. It was magnificent ball movement and handling in the atrocious conditions.

31. MORE MAROON

Queensland wins its eighth straight Origin series, recovering from a loss to NSW in game one at ANZ Stadium. The Blues try valiantly under new coach Laurie Daley, but yet again the Maroons have too much class for a NSW side minus skipper Paul Gallen in the deciding match.

32. BYE BYE BLAKE

The NRL sacks Blake Ferguson from the NSW State of Origin team and suspends the centre from club football after he was charged with indecent assault. The Raiders later tear up his contract when he fails to return to training.

33. TIGER TROUBLE

Chief executive Steve Humphreys is shown the door at Wests Tigers after a tumultuous period that involved the sacking of Tim Sheens and the loss of star players including Beau Ryan and Andrew Fifita to the Cronulla Sharks.

34. MEDAL MADNESS

The Clive Churchill Medal goes to a player from the losing side - Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans. He played a great game for the losing side, but the award should have gone to either five-eighth James Maloney or hooker Jake Friend, who produced blinders in the premiership winning team.

35. UNSTOPPABLE GI

Champion fullback Greg Inglis almost single-handedly destroys the Wests Tigers with four tries in a humiliating 54-10 victory. Inglis was unstoppable every time he touched the football.

36. COFFS DEBACLE

In a move to promote country football, the NRL takes City-Country to Coffs Harbour. Hopelessly over-priced tickets resulted in a crowd of only 4,635 to watch a lacklustre game. It was the lowest turnout for the match since 1987 and the first time in three years the NRL had not sold out a representative fixture.

37. FINALS BRUTALITY

The Roosters beat Manly 4-0 in the opening round of the finals in a throwback to old days when defence dominated the big end-of-season games. Somehow both teams recovered from the toughest game of the year to make the Grand Final.

38. SLAMMIN SAM

All eyes were on the battle between Sam Burgess and Sonny Bill Williams in the first round of the premiership. Burgess took the round one honours by steamrolling SBW with one powerful charge. Sonny Bill squared up in round 26.

39. DOG DEPARTS

Canterbury’s highly rated CEO Todd Greenberg switches to the NRL in a senior management role as Head of Football to help out CEO Dave Smith with his obvious lack of rugby league knowledge. He is immediately embroiled in a Ben Barba cover-up controversy.

40. TRY TIME

Storm centre Will Chambers scores a remarkable try after youngster Mahe Fonua threw the ball back into play while in mid-air against the Raiders at Canberra Stadium. It brought back memories of Mark Gasnier’s SCG try in the Centenary Test.

41. EAGLES AT WAR

Manly’s boardroom brawling spills into court, with Peter ‘Zorba’ Peters seeking and being granted an interim AVO against another director, Darrell Williams, following allegations the former fullback had threatened physical violence.

42. PARRALYSED

Ken Edwards quits less than a year into his role as chief executive of the Parramatta Eels over a disagreement with the board over the future direction of the club. The Eels plummet towards the wooden spoon for the second year running.

43. SNAKE BITE

Former NRL bad boy Anthony Watts is handed an eight-match ban for biting an opponent's penis during a local rugby league final on the Gold Coast. Watts earlier played at the Roosters, Sharks and Cowboys.

44. FAN FRENZY

In a disappointing year that saw crowds fall, the NRL celebrates the biggest ever stand-alone regular season attendance of 59,708 in the Roosters-Souths round 26 game at ANZ Stadium. It surpassed the 58,593 set in 1993 between the Broncos and Dragons.

45. POINTS GALORE

Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson scores 26 points from three tries and seven goals in a one-man round 25 demolition of the Canberra Raiders in Auckland. It was the most points by a player in any game this season.

46. GOLDEN MOMENT

In a year of few highlights for St George Illawarra, Test winger Brett Morris scores a try in golden point to beat the South Sydney Rabbitohs in a thriller at ANZ Stadium. It was a try that probably saved coach Steve Price’s job.

47. PROP STARS

A front rower hasn’t topped a club’s season try-scoring list since Peter Tunks at the Bulldogs in the 80’s. Giant prop Andrew Fifita did it for the Sharks this year, including spectacular efforts against the Dragons in Wollongong and Manly in the semi-final at Allainz.

48. MILFORD WANTS OUT

In a blow for the struggling Canberra Raiders and new coach Ricky Stuart’s hopes of resurrecting the team, boom rookie Anthony Milford announces he wants to quit the club and join the Broncos to spend more time in Brisbane with his family and sick father.

49. YOUNG GUN

South Sydney front rower George Burgess is named Dally M Rookie of the Year after a number of barnstorming performances in the Rabbitohs’ pack. He beats a top field for the award, including Canberra Raiders utility star Anthony Milford.

50. WELCOME BACK

After 12 years in country rugby league exile, the mighty Moree Boomerangs celebrate their return to Group 19 football with an emotion-charged Grand Final victory over Gwyder in Moree, showing off all their legendary skill in a spectacular exhibition of attacking football.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...n-part-one-26-50/story-fni3fbgz-1226734710684
 
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THE LURKER - NRL RUMOUR FILE - WEDNESDAY 9TH OCTOBER

Position untenable for Eels chairman

Steve Sharp's position as Parramatta chairman is untenable after he was outvoted over the appointment of a new coach. Sharp went public in his support for Manly assistant Brad Arthur but was rolled 4-2 by his board, with Jason Taylor the preferred choice.

There is some scrambling now going on behind the scenes to resolve the debacle but Sharp has lost any power and influence he may have wielded. His decision to grant club great Ray Price an interview over the coaching position further raised eyebrows.

Things are about to get physical

We hear of one star player on the nose at his club. He is larger than life off the field and seemingly well-liked. But team-mates have had a gutful of his childish and publicity-seeking antics. We hear things are about to get physical.

Does Max Delmege want back at Manly?

Former Manly owner Max Delmege spent plenty of time around the Sea Eagles in grand final week, leading to speculation he wants back in at the club. Delmege, who estimates he spent $15 million of his own money keeping the club afloat, has told those close to him that he'd love to get involved again in some capacity.

Burgess brothers create more history

The Burgess brothers created their own little piece of history last week. No, they didn't help Souths into the club's first grand final in 42 years. But they did manage to make front-page news in mass-circulation English newspaper, The Daily Mirror. A big achievement for rugby league in the UK.

Who hit the sauce in a big way?

Who's the well known actor who 'starred' during a spate of rugby league appearances in grand final week? He hit the sauce in a big way and is fast gaining a reputation as a pest to be avoided at all costs.

Tensions high at Gold Coast Titans

Don't think for a minute John Cartwright is happy about having Neil Henry appointed assistant coach at the Titans. Nothing unnerves a coach more than having an accomplished deputy under him who aspires to greater things. I will watch developments with interest.

http://www.sportal.com.au/league/news/the-lurkernrl-rumour-filewednesday-253902
 
Phil Rothfield's top 50 moments of the 2013 NRL season - part two (25-1)



FROM drug dramas, to Barba battles, to Origin biff, Sports Editor-at-large Phil "Buzz" Rothfield reveals the top 50 moments of the NRL season.
Today we unveil 25-1.

1. DRUG DRAMA

ASADA headlines dominate the season. More than 30 players are called to interviews. The Sharks sack four staff members and suspend coach Shane Flanagan. Chairman Damian Irvine is forced to quit and Canberra winger Sandor Earl becomes the first player to get an infraction notice.

2. BARBA BANISHED

Dally M champion Ben Barba is stood down by the Bulldogs for apparent alcohol and gambling issues. A shocking photo later emerges of his partner Ainslie Currie, indicating domestic violence. He quits the Bulldogs for the Broncos.

3. THE CHAMPS

The Roosters win an epic grand final over Manly 26-18 at ANZ Stadium, recovering from a 10-point second-half deficit, inspired by the magnificent skill of Sonny Bill Williams. They were the best team all year, and despite questionable refereeing, the Roosters deserved the premiership.

4. SBW COMEBACK

No player dominated the headlines as much as Sonny Bill Williams in his return to the NRL. On and off the field, the Roosters benefitted, winning the minor premiership and substantially increasing crowds, merchandise and membership.

5. BENCHY MARSHALL

Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter makes the bravest selection move in years, dumping superstar Benji Marshall to the bench mid-season. Their relationship never recovers and Benji decides to walk out on the NRL to join the Auckland Blues in rugby union.

6. ORIGIN BIFFO

Blues skipper Paul Gallen belts Nate Myles with a series of blows in Origin I. With no on-field action taken at the time, the NRL introduces a no-punching edict in the toughest crackdown on violence in the history of the game. In the very next Origin match, four players are sin-binned for fighting.

7. COWBOYS CRUELTY

For the second season in a row, Johnathan Thurston’s Cowboys are bounced out of the finals by a refereeing error. Replays showed Sharks winger Beau Ryan scored on the 7th tackle. The refs were sacked.

8. BETTING BAN

Outrage over Tom Waterhouse’s appearances on Channel Nine’s rugby league coverage forces the government to step in and ban his live promotion of betting during games, much to the relief of viewers who had been regularly jamming the network’s switchboard with complaints.
Tom Waterhouse. Source: News Limited


9. RICKY QUITS

Former Test and Origin coach Ricky Stuart walks out on the Parramatta Eels after the club’s back-to-back wooden spoons. Just 12 months into a big-money three-year deal, Stuart accepts an offer to take over from Dave Furner.

10. PEE FOR PACKER

Warriors forward Russell Packer becomes an infamous world-wide Your Tube figure after urinating on the field during a game against the Broncos. The 23-year-old is sent packing, to sign a four-year contract with the Newcastle Knights.

11. PHOTO FOOLERY

Raiders stars Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson pose for a rooftop selfie drinking pineapple Breezers while on the Canberra injured list. The Raiders sack Dugan. He turns to labouring before signing with St George Illawarra, from where he make the NSW State of Origin team.

12. HIGH FLYER

At the time it was described as the try of the decade. Wests Tigers rookie winger David Nofouluma’s spectacular touchdown against Manly was so remarkable it was even shown on television networks in the United States. He was awarded the Dally M Try of the Year.

13. AWSOME FOURSOME

Sam, 24, Luke, 26, and 21-year-old twins George and Tom - weighing a combined 460 kilograms - are named in the Rabbitohs side to play the Tigers. It was the first time in 103 years that four brothers played together at the top level of rugby league.

14. CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

Dave Furner is sacked by the Canberra Raiders, the first coach in the club’s history to lose his job mid-contract. Furner’s unwavering support for troubled Origin player Blake Ferguson is blamed for him losing the support of senior players.

15. HENRY SACKED

Just a few months after extending coach Neil Henry’s contract, the Cowboys’ board sack him following a loss to the Broncos at home. The players react by going on an unbeaten run to the finals.

16. JAW BREAKER

Former Kangaroos front rower Kade Snowden cops a seven-week suspension for breaking the jaw of Cowboys hooker Ray Thompson with a shoulder charge that went wrong in Townsville. Snowden is forced out of the Knights’ finals campaign.

17. SORRY SANDOW

Chris Sandow’s future and $550,000-a-year contract at the Parramatta Eels is thrown into doubt when the halfback is dropped to NSW Cup and then admitted to a rehabilitation clinic that specialises in gambling and alcohol problems.

18. TAN OF THE MATCH

Serial rugby league streaker Wati Holmwood, wearing nothing but joggers and covered in spray tan, interrupts Origin at ANZ Stadium with an 80 metre dash. He is arrested and sentenced to three months jail, later reduced to two months on appeal.

19. TOOVEY’S RAGE

Geoff Toovey cops a $10,000 fine for slamming the referees after Manly’s controversial Friday night loss to Souths at Bluetongue Stadium. It’s probably the best spray since Bob Fulton declared he wanted to run Bill Harrigan over with a cement truck.

20. NICE GUY GOES

The rugby league world mourns the loss of former Blues State of Origin coach Graham Murray in late July. He passed away far too early from a heart attack at age of 58. A who’s who of rugby league attends his funeral in Brisbane.

21. TOP DOG

Former New Zealand netball boss Raelene Castle replaces Todd Greenberg as chief executive of the Canterbury Bulldogs, the first woman since Super League to land the top job at an NRL club.

22. DRIVING SHAME

Origin front rower James Tamou’s career goes off the rails when he is caught for unlicensed high-range drink driving in Townsville. A suspension rules him out of the second State of Origin game. He is disqualified from driving for 15 months.

23. LOW BLOW

In one of the lowest acts of the year, Sam Burgess puts a squirrel grip on Storm centre Will Chambers, forcing the NRL to step in and suspend the Great Britain forward for two matches.

24. MANNAH TRAGEDY

Parramatta and former Sharks forward Johnny Mannah dies after a relapse of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He had shown remarkable bravery in fighting the disease over a number of years. His brother, Eels prop Tim Mannah, was at his bedside in St Vincent’s hospital when he passed away.

25. SUPER COOPER

Storm’s superstar halfback Cooper Cronk wins the Dally M award in one of the closest finishes in years. Three players tie for second - Todd Carney, Johnathan Thurston and Daly Cherry-Evans.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...on-part-two-25-1/story-fni3fh9n-1226735559793
 
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In this week's issue of RLW the Mole has reported the following...

- The NRL Integrity Unit is investigating a massive betting Plunge on last weekend Holden Cup Grand Final after information was received from some Bookies

- Trent Robinson is in for a massive pay increase he is Currently on $250,000 a year

- Wayne Pearce was apparently angry that DCE got the Clive Churchill medal, He was overheard telling NRL powerbrokers that DCE didn't deserve it

- Mick Crocker and Ben Ross have received invitations to play for the Sunshine Coast next year in the QLD Cup
 
Rooster Mitchell Pearce still NSW's best Origin halfback option after GF: James Maloney



JAMES Maloney, the playmaker who signed with the Roosters because of Mitchell Pearce, says the new premiership halfback has returned himself to the top of the NSW Origin pecking order.

Speaking with The Daily Telegraph amid grand final celebrations, Maloney said his halves partner had "proved himself a big game player" in the Roosters premiership win - even though Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans scored the Clive Churchill Medal.

A veteran of six Origin campaigns, Pearce said before this year's decider that, should NSW lose, he would most likely have played his last game for the Blues - with young Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds the most likely replacement.

Yet while the Bunnies once again fell one win short of the grand final, Pearce played strongly right throughout the finals series and has now bettered the achievements of even his old man Wayne, who lost consecutive deciders in the 1980s with Balmain.

"Everyone is quick to knock Pearcey but I think he's now proved what everyone here already knew - that he's more than capable of standing up in the big games," Maloney said.

"He copped a hammering after Origin this year but hopefully his efforts in the Grand Final, it quietens a few of those critics down.

"On grand final day he showed he's a big game player, a competitor who competes in every single play of the game."I think sometimes people miss just how much effort he brings to a contest but, against Manly, he really stood up and showed everyone he is a big game player."

For Maloney, who has humped his swag through stints with Parramatta, Melbourne and the Warriors, he insists he would never have won a premiership, or made his own NSW Origin debut this year, without the support of Pearce.

"The respect I have for Pearcey, both as a footballer and a person, is enormous,'' the five-eighth continues. "It's why we're here."I've been through a few clubs but this result, this feeling, it's what you play for. There are so many blokes who never get to feel how we are now.

"But this team is so tight knot. We place so much emphasis on working for each other and this year has been a real slog . . . and now we've been rewarded for it."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...gf-james-maloney/story-fni3gn3s-1226736753791
 
Doesn't matter if we pick Pearce, With 2 games in QLD next year we will get beaten anyway :(

Over it really....NSW are a joke
 
North Queensland Cowboys to adopt Sydney Roosters' defensive mentality under Paul Green


  • ANTONY STEWART
  • TOWNSVILLE BULLETIN
  • OCTOBER 11, 2013 12:00AM

IMPLEMENTING the hard-nosed ruthlessness of the Sydney Roosters is in Paul Green's plans as he attempts to follow in Trent Robinson's footsteps and deliver North Queensland a first-year NRL premiership.

The Cowboys’ new coach hit the ground running Thursday.Just four days after helping Sydney to the title as an assistant, he happily swapped red and blue for North Queensland colours.

But Green won’t entirely be leaving the Roosters behind.

While he plans to instil his own style on the super-talented roster at his disposal, he promised lessons learned at the Bondi-based club would carry through to the Cowboys.“We’ll take some of that stuff with us ... defence is important, it wins comps," Green said.

It is what the Roosters’ stunning 2013 campaign was built on. They were the No.1 defence in the competition, keeping six teams scoreless and another four to just a single try, as they gave up just 13.2 points a game.

Green had no doubt the Cowboys had the ability to be that miserly under his watch.“On their day, the Cowboys can be one of the best teams in the comp, both in attack and defence, so we just need to be able to produce that effort consistently,’’ said Green, who also played for the club in 1999 and 2000.

The pressure will be on Green to produce from day one for the Cowboys following a disappointing 2013 where the club were touted among the premiership favourites before only a late surge saw them scrape into the finals.They will again be expected to challenge for a long-awaited crown in 2014.

But Green reckons he could have hardly asked for a better lesson in what it takes to deliver as a rookie NRL coach after Robinson’s success.“It’s worked out perfectly for me because I was able to see how Robbo handled things this year and he had a couple of challenges he had to lead the club through and he did a wonderful job doing it,’’ he said.

“That was a wonderful experience for me to see how he did it.’’Green, who has not ruled out further adding to North Queensland’s roster, is no stranger to success as a coach.

The former Maroons State of Origin halfback took Wynnum Manly to back-to-back Queensland Cup titles in 2011 and 2012 before guiding the Roosters’ under-20s team to the semi-finals of this year’s National Youth Competition.

“It’s a high pressure job, it’s very results driven, all (Cowboys) fans and supporters expect to win but I’m not worried by it,’’ he said.“I’ve been involved in top level rugby league pretty much my whole life so I’m familiar with the highs and the lows.

“It’s important you don’t let your highs be too high or lows be too low and try and keep an even keel on things and enjoy it for what it is.’’

Asked to describe himself as a coach, Green responded with smile: “Hopefully successful.’’

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...under-paul-green/story-fni3g8pa-1226737026710

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North Queensland prop James Tamou says Cowboys weren't robbed in final against Cronulla



Conspiracy? What conspiracy?

North Queensland star James Tamou on Thursday broke ranks on the season's biggest refereeing controversy, claiming the Cowboys deserved to lose their hotly disputed final against Cronulla despite conceding a seventh tackle try.

In a far more reasoned and calm appraisal than the howls of conspiracy that greeted the result a month ago, Tamou said the team now accepted the games was theirs to be lost after leading 18-12 midway through the second half.

The change in attitude occurred during a post-season video session with sacked coach Neil Henry, who analysed a tape of the Sharks game that featured repeated shortcomings in North Queensland's kicking."He (Henry) just pointed out the facts of what we could've done and what we should have done," Tamou said.

"Looking back as few weeks later we definitely could've done our part to win that game."The refs made a human error but we had plenty of chances to score and do this or that.

"We were angry at the referees for letting in six points but after looking at the video we were like, 'Oh yeah this could have been done and that could've been done."

Tamou also said Cronulla deserved to advance based on their gutsy loss to eventual grand finalists Manly the following week.

"Our kicking game was not up to scratch compared to theirs," Tamou said."They played better than us."I watched the game against Manly the week afterwards and they almost won that too."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...against-cronulla/story-fni3g8pa-1226736891828

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Rugby league's World Club Challenge set for Sydney return after 40-year absence



THE prestigious World Club Challenge is poised to return to Sydney after nearly 40 years.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal discussions between the NRL and Super League are well advanced with the annual February game likely to be played at Allianz Stadium.Super League champions Wigan and will meet NRL premiers Sydney Roosters in what shapes as a lively preseason game.

The World Club Challenge has been contested 21 times, and only two have been played in Australia.

Wigan beat the Broncos in Brisbane in 1994 while Easts beat St Helens 25-2 in the inaugural WCC at the SCG way back in 1976.No game has been played in Sydney since.

It is understood Wigan is keen to come to Australia to play while NRL clubs have often complained about how the WCC can be draining and damaging.

No final decision on the venue has been reached but Allianz Stadium would be the logical stadium, given it is the Roosters' home ground."We are having ongoing discussions with the Roosters," said Andrew Hill, NRL general manager, league integration and game development.

"Nothing is finalised yet but our early discussions with Super League have been around the feasibility of playing the World Club Challenge in Australia."It’s been a long time since the World Club Challenge was played out here.

"Over the past two to three years we have had informal discussions with Super League and the RFL about it happening."We also have to take into consideration the wishes of the Super League premiers, Wigan.‘’

"There is a strong consideration for the game to be played in Australia.’’

The Sydney Roosters last won the World Club Challenge back in 2003 with a whopping 38-0 win over St Helens at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium.Wigan came from fourth spot this season to beat Warrington 30-16 in the Super League Grand Final.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-40-year-absence/story-fni3gn3s-1226737039249
 
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Darren Lockyer: Ball now in Paul Green's court to produce as North Queensland coach



PAUL Green started work in Townsville this week with the Cowboys' premiership window ajar and a first priority to make sure he brings the club's senior players along with him.

Greeny has been a part of three premierships in three years, two as coach of Wynnum in the Intrust Super Cup and one as assistant coach at the Roosters.That’s great for the resume, but it also means he goes to his big coaching moment in Townsville with extra expectations.

I’m sure Greeny will want to establish a good relationship with the experienced players at the Cowboys and make sure they buy into what he wants to achieve at the club.

He said when he got the job that the Cowboys didn’t do themselves any favours this year by feeding the expectation they would be top-four contenders, pressure they didn’t need.He has a talented squad capable of winning the club’s first premiership.

Fullback Lachlan Coote is a good signing from Penrith and Greeny will want to build on the improvements made in the hooker position late in the season.

If he can strengthen his squad with one or two quality players he really wants, it becomes more his team, like it took two seasons for Wayne Bennett to sort through who he wanted and didn’t want at the Knights.

But good coaches find a way to win, no matter who is in the team.I was coached by Paul when he was an assistant at the Broncos and he is very intelligent in the tactics of the game.

He knows what success looks like and was well coached as a player by men like Wayne, John Lang and Tim Sheens.I know when he retired as a player he had a real desire to be a coach. It starts now.

***
Theoutgoing Cowboys coach Neil Henry said the Cowboys are out of sight, out of mind with most in Sydney’s league communities.But in one way, I hope the NRL are closely watching developments over the off-season at three Sydney clubs — Parramatta and Wests Tigers as well as, obviously, Cronulla.

There have been a lot of good things in rugby league in 2013, culminating in one of the great grand finals.The game got the obstruction problem solved by adding ex-players to the video review boxes.

Good call.Penrith, under Phil Gould, have made progress and their champion under-20s team indicates the Panthers are on track.That’s great for league’s presence in western Sydney against the other codes. But developments at Parramatta make me shake my head and the Tigers board has been at odds along joint-venture lines.

The NRL needs to address the competition’s weaknesses and make them strengths. We as a game need to take some action at Parramatta. If it’s new administrators they need, put the right people in. If it’s new structures, then let’s implement them.

The bigger picture for the game should be the focus.We can’t sit back and just watch Parramatta much longer.South Sydney’s rise was a great thing for the game in the past two years.

A successful Parramatta, a top-eight side, would bring an army of many thousands back to the game.The NRL put an acting chief executive in at Cronulla during the season and he quit when he was left out of the loop on important club matters.

But the Eels chairman, Steve Sharp, wants one coach, Brad Arthur, and other board members blocked the appointment this week because they wanted Jason Taylor.

There was outrage from Cronulla when it was reported some at the NRL wanted to ship them off to Queensland at the conclusion of the anti-doping investigation

.I’m not a fan of Sydney clubs being relocated. They should stay at their traditional home where their history lives.

If another club from Queensland and one from Perth can be shown to grow the game without impacting on the financial strength of existing clubs, I’m all for expansion in a few years’ time.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...queensland-coach/story-fni3fh9n-1226738511496

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Why injury-riddled centre Brent Tate is rugby league's most inspirational player



WAYNE Bennett remembers traveling with Brent Tate to see a specialist about a serious neck injury in 2005 thinking worst case scenario.

Tate had been suffering from ongoing problems during the previous two years at the Broncos and at that early stage of his career the gut feeling was he would struggle to make it back.

"Absolutely," Bennett recalled."If we couldn’t find a way to right it then it was career finished."He was suffering from whiplash."I remember going with him to a specialist because there was a decision to be made and he wanted me to be there with him.

"So we went to the specialist together and the decision was made after that meeting that he would try the neck brace and it worked, thank God."

Fast forward eight years and Tate is still going strong.Neck injuries, knee injuries, a busted jaw, a broken shoulder, Tate has experienced enough problems over his time to end 10 careers, yet every time he picks himself up and comes back better than ever.

To the point where he must surely be regarded now as the NRL’s most inspirational player for all the adversity he has overcome to be standing where he is today — on the doorstep of a World Cup dream come true.

The Kangaroos fly out to England on Monday and Tate doesn’t hide the fact that Justin Hodges’ vacant right centre position is what he will be chasing on tour.

"I want to be there absolutely," the 31-year-old said."I don’t just want to go over there and play a couple of games.

"I want to be a part of the team."I will be doing everything I can to get in there."You know, I honestly can’t believe I’m here."I was just sitting down before and thinking to myself, ****."I just love being here."And blokes like Bennett can’t help but marvel at his tenacity and courage.

"That’s the thing," Bennett explained. "You have the injuries but some guys never reach that kind of level again."But he gets better every time, he is never going backwards."I only spoke to him recently after the Cowboys played Cronulla (when North Queensland were controversially knocked out of the finals).

"I asked him if they picked him for the tour would he go?"And he said he would."I said I thought it was a wonderful idea."I can still see the Australian game (in 2010) when he did the cruciate. I can still see those scenes in the change rooms (when Tate broke down in tears in full view of the TV cameras).

"That was heartbreaking stuff."Then you have to go through all that rehab."That’s the difficult part."It’s not that the rehab is hard, it’s the loneliness of it all."The amount you have to do by yourself."You are not in a group, you are always by yourself."And he has done it every time.

"He’s talked about retirement more than once but he keeps coming back and he keeps playing wonderfully."He has fought back through it all and played brave."You can certainly say that about him."He is a brave player."One of the bravest our game has ever seen.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...irational-player/story-fni3g8pa-1226738455862
 
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Justin Hodges goes to LA Lakers for help with Achilles to get him right in time for State of Origin


  • PETER BADEL
  • THE SUNDAY MAIL (QLD)
  • OCTOBER 13, 2013 12:00AM

JUSTIN Hodges has confirmed he will make himself available for Queensland next year after consulting American basketball outfit LA Lakers to speed up his recovery from a snapped Achilles.

Hodges hinted at retiring from representative football before this year's Origin decider, a scenario that seemed more likely when he ruptured his Achilles for a second time in August.

It was initially feared Hodges would miss next year's Origin opener, but the Maroons ace is ahead of schedule and on course to play in the early rounds for the Broncos.

Brisbane medicos have left no stone unturned to expedite Hodges' recovery, even sourcing help from the LA Lakers after their star guard Kobe Bryant injured his Achilles in April.

"I've decided I want to play for Queensland and Australia again," Hodges said."In my mind I have set the goal of playing in the Anzac Test and then being there for Queensland.

"Hopefully I'm back playing by the rep season. I might not have enough game-time but I have set myself that goal to get back, having goals to achieve is something you need in sport and that will motivate me.

"If I say now I won't play Origin again, when you have those bad days you don't have that goal to inspire you to get back on track."I'm hopeful I can get back into that Queensland side, I don't want to give up that jersey just yet."

The news is a major boost for Maroons coach Mal Meninga, especially with fellow backline veteran Brent Tate also keen to be part of Queensland's tilt at a ninth consecutive crown.

Hodges is doing three boxing sessions a week to maintain fitness, while the Broncos are exploring methods the LA Lakers employed to get Bryant back on the court.

"Andrew Croll, one of our head trainers, is looking at things," Hodges said."We have gone online and looked at some stuff Kobe has done, so hopefully we can speak to them soon as I get further along in my recovery.

"Kobe Bryant is a multi-millionaire so the Lakers did little extra things to get him recovering quicker and that's what I want to do to be fit for round one."

Hodges says the Broncos' finals wipe-out in 2013 was a wake-up call for the club. The 12th-placed finish represented the worst season in the club's 25-year history and the veteran centre challenged the squad to find a harder edge."We just need to work harder, everyone needs to buy into the system," he said.

"We need to build a stronger character and that's what you see in the premiership teams. The great teams have character, they have a will not to surrender and hopefully we can work on that in pre-season.

"We need to work towards that common goal for next year. I believe in the group we have, there's no reason we can't be a force, but we need to work a bit harder."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ju...-state-of-origin/story-e6freuy9-1226738907887
 
What's the Buzz: Star Brisbane Broncos recruit Ben Barba knocks back Fight For Life opportunity



BEN Barba's off-field issues have cost him at least $20,000 with the former Dally M winner knocking back an approach to pull on the gloves in the Fight For Life boxing event later this year.

Organisers of the popular fight night, which sees rugby league’s best pugilists take on rugby union stars from New Zealand, were confident of signing Barba onto an all-star card that will include Manly hit man Steve Matai, Test forward Sam Thaiday, Cronulla duo Todd Carney and Paul Gallen and New Zealand Warriors forward Russell Packer.

But in light of his controversial departure from the Bulldogs and allegations of domestic violence, Barba's management declined the offer last Thursday.It's undoubtedly a smart move given the damaging headlines the Brisbane Broncos recruit has attracted this year.

This year's Fight for Life event will be held on December 14 in Auckland with the inclusion of Matai to the card for the first time causing organisers a few early headaches.

Such is the fearsome playing style that the Sea Eagles centre has displayed throughout his career, organisers have struggled to find a rugby star willing to take him on.

They could do worse than ask Parramatta’s Mitchell Allgood, who traded blows with Matai this season, to step into the ring for an official re-match.

The Fight For Life event is promoted and run by Dean Lonergan and David Higgins, the same duo responsible for organising next year's inaugural NRL Auckland Nines tournament.

***

THE search for a red-blooded Aussie male that brushes his own Buck’s Day is over.Pointing to his loyalty to the green and gold, Australia’s World Cup debutant Andrew Fifita was forced to pull out of his own version of the Hangover last week.

But that didn’t stop Fifita's mates who stuck to the tour itinerary and flew to the Gold Coast without the Buck, who was busy meeting his new Aussie team-mates and being fitted into his green and gold blazer in Sydney.

Fifita admitted it was a call that no groom wants to make, but added his stellar 2013 season had been built on sacrifice.

"After a lot of hard work, this year has been a dream come true. Chosen for NSW, finals footy with Cronulla, Dally M Prop of the Year, World Cup selection and now getting married," Fifita said.

"I'm thinking of getting 2013 as a tattoo."

Fifita will marry his partner Nikkita today before flying out tomorrow to the UK with the Kangaroos.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...life-opportunity/story-fni3gv5x-1226738887782
 
Peter Peters quits board in protest over alleged conflict of interest involving Bob Reilly



SEA Eagles stalwart Peter Peters has abruptly resigned from Manly's district club board over what he described as a possible conflict of interest involving a $25,000 payment to another director.

In his resignation letter, obtained by The Daily Telegraph, Peters claimed the board’s chairman, Bob Reilly, received the payment from Quantum, a minor stakeholder that holds two positions on the major Sea Eagles board.

Peters was adamant the alleged payment should have been made known to the club’s board and members.Club secretary Phil Dean agreed and asked Reilly to stand down as chairman at a September 3 meeting.

The board voted 4-2 against Reilly being removed.Dean promptly resigned, as has Peters.In his resignation letter lodged on Monday night, Peters wrote: "At our board meeting on 3 September our chairman, Bob Reilly, admitted he had received payment of $25,000 from Quantum, on 9 November 2011.

"Since Bob Reilly is one of our representatives on the Sea Eagles board, on which two representatives from Quantum also sit, the acceptance of Quantum’s payment by Bob Reilly, at the very least, gave rise to a conflict of interest.

"Further, there was no disclosure to our board, until the matter was raised by Phillip Dean, our then secretary."Phillip Dean moved a motion that Bob Reilly stand down as chairman, but the motion was lost by four votes to two. I voted in favour of the motion.

Phillip Dean then provided his resignation, expressing dissatisfaction with the vote."I was concerned that our members should be fully informed of the events and there was agreement that our members would be informed as soon as possible.

"When I protested that our members should be informed immediately, I was told nothing should be done to disturb our team’s chances in the finals or grand final.

"I held back from any further action until after the grand final. But it is now apparent to me that our board does not intend to inform our members of what has transpired or to provide a sanitised version."

Pressed on whether the payment led to his resignation, Dean said yesterday: "I’m not commenting. I don’t want these things played out in the media".

Reilly said: "I’ve got no comment. It’s being dealt with by the football club."Asked if he had paid back the money, Reilly said: "I’ve got no comment".

Peters said: "Bob Reilly had a duty as a director to declare the $25,000. It is unacceptable on any level of good governance. The district club members need to be told the truth".

Peters will remain on the major Sea Eagles board and Manly Leagues Club board.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...lving-bob-reilly/story-fni3gnk1-1226739811864
 
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