2013 NRL Discussion

Young Wests Tigers stars excite returning veteran Pat Richards



WHEN Pat Richards left Australia for England in 2005 Benji Marshall was the young superstar at the Wests Tigers and Luke Brooks was still in primary school.

Eight years on and Richards says he can't wait to rejoin his old club in 2014 because the talent they had coming through back then reminds him of what he sees emerging today.

Richards was famously on the receiving end of that freakish Marshall flick pass in the 2005 decider that led to one of the most celebrated tries in grand final history.

But after conquering all there is to do in the English Super League, he says the future has him excited about returning home and helping the Tigers get back to where they were when he left.

"I remember when I was at the Tigers before there was a really good crop of kids coming through then and we ended up getting some success out of out," he said.

"A lot of people are very excited about what these kids can do and I'm really looking forward to getting back and playing with them."I watched them go last year and they have some great talent."

Richards will run out for Ireland on the weekend in their World Cup clash against Australia in Limerick with a personal cheer squad of about 40 family members in the crowd.

"It is going to be a special occasion," he said.

"My parents are both Irish. They moved to Australia when they were 20 so it's a good opportunity to play against the country from where I was born in Ireland and I have a lot of family coming over from Dublin to watch the game."

While Ireland probably won't represent much of a challenge to the tournament favourites, plenty of focus will be on Richards to see where his game is at after an unbelievably successful stint at Wigan.

During his time over here Richards has won two Super League crowns and two Challenge Cups as well as taking out the competition's most prestigious individual honour, the Man of Steel in 2010.

But he says probably the most rewarding experience was the lifestyle his young family enjoyed.

"It's been a terrific experience for us as a family," he said."I have enjoyed living over here and the culture and the opportunity to travel is great.

"One day we had the day off on the Wednesday so we flew to Paris on the Tuesday night and just spent the day there. Things like that you can do all the time.

"It is only like an hour away and you can be anywhere in Europe."I was married (to wife Kim) before I left but we had both our kids over here.

"We had our first son (Aidan) the second year we were here and (Brianna) next."My kids have never lived in Australia so they have the little English accents but they are looking forward to being around family, too.

"It will be great for all of us."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/yo...ran-pat-richards/story-e6freuy9-1226754494565
 
Tomahawks coach extends stay with Cowboys

By Cowboys
NRL.com
9:44am Thu 07th November, 2013

North Queensland Cowboys assistant coach Terry Matterson has extended his contract with the club, while former NRL squad member Mark Henry has rejoined the club, this time as a member of the high performance unit.

Matterson, who is in England where he has led the USA Tomahawks to a surprise Rugby League World Cup quarter-final appearance, said he had “unfinished business” with the Cowboys following controversial finals exits in his first two seasons with North Queensland.

He will be part of a new-look coaching staff in 2014, linking with head coach Paul Green for the first time as an assistant alongside David Furner, whom he had a previous association with at the Canberra Raiders.

“It’s been a really exciting and rewarding few weeks and extending my contract with the Cowboys tops it off,” Matterson said.

http://www.nrl.com/tomahawks-coach-extends-stay-with-cowboys/tabid/10874/newsid/75301/default.aspx
 
NRL pre-season casualty ward - injuries and surgeries at your club ahead of 2014


  • NATHAN RYAN FOX SPORTS
  • FOX SPORTS
  • NOVEMBER 07, 2013 2:55PM

Broncos

Brisbane strike weapon Justin Hodges is certain to miss the opening rounds of 2014 as he recovers from an Achilles tendon tear suffered in round 22. A Broncos spokesperson says it looks like Hodges won't return to the field before round four.

Centre Jack Reed had a shoulder operation which prevented him from joining England in the World Cup and while he will not take part in full contact sessions, he will start the pre-season.

Corey Oats had a wrist operation; Mitchell Dodds a knee, David Hala a shoulder and Dale Copley a knee but all men will be available for the pre-season.

Finally prized recruit Ben Barba has started walking after an ankle operation for an injury which occurred at the end of last season. He is aiming to begin running after Christmas with a goal of featuring in the Auckland nines tournament.

​
Raiders

Jack Wighton will start the pre-season on a modified program and will look to rejoin the squad post-Christmas after suffering a leg injury.

Glen Buttriss had end of season surgery on his shoulder and will start training in the pre-Christmas period and look to build into contact training at the back end of the pre-season.

Edrick Lee will begin the pre-season with modified contact sessions due to an arm injury. Finally Mark Nicholls, who also has an arm issue, starts the pre-season with modified contact sessions. All men are likely to be available at the start of the trials.

Returned to training: October 31

Bulldogs

Key playmaker Josh Reynolds underwent a shoulder operation during the off-season and is hopeful of featuring in the trials, while back rower Tony Williams had an ankle operation and will return to full training prior to Christmas.

Return to training: November 11

Sharks

Sharks winger Beau Ryan suffered a neck issue, while fullback Michael Gordon has an ankle problem but both will be available for the first round. Back rower Anthony Tupou is expected to be available between round five and six after he had surgery on his knee.

Test star Luke Lewis will require surgery on his shoulder after dislocating it in the World Cup. The club is yet to determine a return date for the back rower.

Return to training: November 5

Titans

Luke Douglas underwent an AC joint debridement and Brad Takairangi an Ankle arthroscope but both men have recovered. Matt Srama had an Ankle arthroscope and shoulder reconstruction with his return predicted for April.

Beau Falloon had a reconstruction on his first toe and will return to the training paddock in mid-November. Hooker Sam Irwin had an adductor release, Jamie Dowling a hip cartilage repair and Luke Bailey an Ankle reconstruction.

All three men will return on the 6th of January. Forward Matt White had a knee reconstruction for an ACL injury in March. He is expected to return on the 1st December.

Playmaker Beau Henry suffered an ACL injury in mid-June with a return date of mid-January.

Return to training: November 4

Sea Eagles

Manly veteran Jason King is on track to making his return after a shoulder reconstruction, while hard man Richie Fa'aoso is expected to hit the training paddock fully recover after he spent a couple of weeks in a neck brace but suffered no long term damage.

Promising young forward Michael Chee-Kam struggled with injury throughout the season before being requiring surgery for an ankle injury. He is expected to be available for the pre-season.

Return to training: November 18

Storm

With the exception of Jordan McLean, all players are having minor surgery and all including Jordan will be available for pre-season trials in February.

Jordan McLean (facial), Dayne Weston (shoulder), Junior Moors (ankle), Travis Robinson (knee), Bryan Norrie (shoulder) and Tohu Harris (ankle). The Storm's representative stars will be monitored post-World Cup.

Return to training: November 7

Warriors

Sione Lousi and Sam Lousi suffered ACL injuries during the year but began the pre-season on Monday. Ben Henry also did an ACL but will return to training in coming weeks.

Returned to training: October 28

Cowboys

Halfback Michael Morgan is expected to be right for round one despite a shoulder issue, while Hezron Murgha will return mid-season after surgery on his knee.

Return to training: November 11

Eels

Eels forward Darcy Lussick has been recovering over the off-season after having groin surgery in early September. He will begin pre-season training in early January.

Return to training: November 7

Panthers

Penrith are expecting all hands on deck when they start training despite Adam Docker (left shoulder labral repair), Matt Robinson (right ankle reconstruction) and Tom Eisenhuth (left ankle arthroscope) all having surgery in the off-season.

Return to training: November 11

Rabbitohs

Beau Champion has an ankle and shoulder issue with a return date of late November-early December. Speedster Nathan Merritt is in the same position as he recovers from a knee issue.

Centre Aaron Gray is expected to begin the pre-season after suffering a hip injury. Utility forward Jason Clark is the biggest concern for Souths thanks to an ankle problem and has not been earmarked to return until late February-early March.

Return to training: Mid-November

Dragons

Superstar fullback Josh Dugan had minor ankle surgery in the off-season as did Tyson Frizell who is on World Cup duties with Wales. Bronson Harrison had an arthroscope on his knee while Dan Hunt had a shoulder arthroscope and patella tendon surgery.

Return to training: November 18

Roosters

Shaun Kenny-Dowall underwent surgery after sustaining a fracture on the left side of his jaw in the grand final. The centre had a plate inserted into his jaw to stabilise the fracture and will not return to full contact training until the New Year.

Return to training: November 4

Tigers

Star forward Keith Galloway had surgery on his toe which has left him sidelined indefinitely.

Tim Simona had an arthroscopic shoulder reconstruction and will be sidelined for approximately five months while Curtis Sironen had minor groin surgery but is likely to return for training at the beginning of the pre-season.

Promising forward Nathan Brown ruptured his pectoral muscle and will be sideline for up to six months.

Return to training: November 11

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ub-ahead-of-2014/story-fni3fbgz-1226755029248
 
Last edited:
Defender1 said:
Am I missing something or are the knights left off this list? Must have been provided by the NRL, they don't seem to know who we are lol.
Click to expand...

No they didn't miss it, I moved it to it's own thread in the Newcastle Knights Section as I thought it deserved it's own thread :)
 
Brisbane Broncos refuse to give up on Jharal Yow Yeh despite numerous surgeries


  • PETER BADEL THE COURIER-MAIL
  • NEWS LIMITED
  • NOVEMBER 08, 2013 12:00AM

BRONCOS coach Anthony Griffin says the club is refusing to give up on Jharal Yow Yeh despite the Maroons ace having undergone his 10th operation in 19 months.

Yow Yeh had minor knee surgery a fortnight ago, the latest in a slew of operations, most of which focused on rebuilding the right ankle he shattered in March last year.

But Griffin downplayed concerns over Yow Yeh, labelling the operation a "grease-and-oil" change on a left-knee ailment unrelated to his career-threatening ankle injury.

Fears over Yow Yeh's long-term future intensified last month when the Broncos moved to bolster their backline options by signing threequarters Stewart Mills and Daniel Vidot.

Griffin cannot guarantee the former Test winger will play NRL next season, but says Yow Yeh has recovered mentally from an injury rated the worst on a football field in 33 years.

​
"Jharal has had a little clean out in the knee, it was a grease-and-oil change," Griffin said.

"He has started the pre-season doing some running."He's got his sights set on trying to play (NRL) and that's where we are with him trying to get him to that point.

"I don't know when he will be back. As I've always said it's a unique injury and he is progressing well. He had seven or eight games of state league (Queensland Cup) last year so we need to keep working with him, take it slowly and see where he goes.

"Physically it is the hardest thing for him. Mentally he has more than recovered, just the way he looks on life and trying to help people around him."He was our clubman of the year this year, I just have an enormous amount of respect for him, the way he has fought back.

"We are trying to do everything to get his NRL career going again."

Yow Yeh has not appeared in the NRL since March 2012, when he suffered a shocking compound fracture of his ankle during a game against South Sydney in Perth.

Broncos centre Justin Hodges was positioned beside Yow Yeh when his ankle collapsed. He is now playing a mentoring role for Yow Yeh, urging him not to get lazy in his rehab as Hodges himself recovers from a ruptured Achilles.

Yow Yeh, who turns 24 in December, is targeting a round-one return in 2014 but is pragmatic enough to accept his comeback could be delayed.

"The rehab does continue, it's going to be a long one," he told the Broncos website."It won't be easy but I'm up for the challenge.

"I'm pretty stubborn so hopefully come round one in 2014 I have that Broncos jersey on and I'm running onto Suncorp.

"It has taken a lot longer than we thought but the Broncos have stuck by me and I'm confident I should be alright for next year.

"I think back to the good times I had playing footy and the hard work I put in to get where I am now.

"I won't give up that easy. Next year will be my seventh year at the club, I'm passionate about the jersey.

"Hopefully I will be back."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...merous-surgeries/story-fni3gv5x-1226755287588

- - - Updated - - -

I'd play again for $1 contract: reveals Manly Sea Eagles legend Steve Menzies



LOOK who is back in Manly - and ready to wear the famous maroon and white again.

After five years playing in England and France, the great Steve 'Beaver' Menzies - who left Manly in such glorious style after the 2008 grand final - has resettled back on Sydney's northern beaches.

But has he actually retired?

Menzies, who turns 40 next month, revealed he would play again for Manly next season on a $1 contract if asked.

"A dollar's a dollar, so you've got to take the cash,'' he said. ''I think I would, just to do it."I'm getting a bit old and slow but if something happens and Manly asked me, how could I refuse?

"I'd have to sign it and see what happens. That would be good but also scary at the same time."If something happened and they said: 'look, you're the last resort - we need you' then for Manly I would do that for sure.

​
"If the scenario was right and it was needed by the club then I'd help them out.''The Daily Telegraph caught up with Menzies this week to discuss the past, the future and who are the greatest players he confronted and played alongside.

THE LEGACY

Menzies played a staggering 529 games for Manly, Australia in tour matches, Kangaroo Tests, City Origin, NSW, Northern Eagles, Bradford, Catalans and the Exiles.

''I can't complain - I've had a good run,'' he said.''To grow up a Manly supporter and play for them for years and years, to make rugby league your career, to go overseas and experience the things I have with my family … I have been so lucky.

''To be able to play a game that is such a passionate sport around here … some of the great players I have got to play with. The combination with Cliffy Lyons kickstarted my career.

''There have been sacrifices but I just ran out there and played footy.''But when the footy starts again and everyone is training and playing and I am sitting there with my shovel, digging trenches and things like that, then it will sink in that I have retired.''

THE FUTURE

He will start his life once again in the Manly area and be employed as a Sea Eagles ambassador.

''It will be great to be back down with the boys and be involved in different aspects of the business. I will be doing things game day and drumming up support for the Silvertails,'' he said.

''I also have a few other business interests that will be happening soon.''I have got plenty of things to do - I was hoping to just come back and play golf but work is getting in the way!''

Asked would he one-day coach, Menzies said: "Just because you played for a long time doesn't mean you would be a good coach.

''I think I have a few things to offer but maybe not as a head coach. A lot more goes into coaching than just turning up and giving the boys a game plan.''

THE MEMORY

He achieved everything after debuting for Manly as a 19-year-old on June 26, 1993.But one memory stands above the rest - his final game for Manly, a famous 40-0 grand final win over Melbourne.

''Definitely my last memory at Manly is my greatest,'' he said.''Winning the 2008 grand final by 40-0. The way I came on and scored a late try, farewelling the club I have loved since I was five-years old when I used to go down to Brookvale Oval.

''I couldn't ask for much more. To leave the club that way, it was as good as it gets.''We also won a grand final in 1996 with a great bunch of guys. It was a quality team. We played three grand finals in a row.''

GREATEST TEAM-MATE

''Cliff Lyons. He was just so naturally talented. He never once sold me a dump,'' he said.

''We never organised things. I have run off some great players but Cliffy would always find me. But if an opponent read it and it wasn't on, Cliffy wouldn't pass it to me. He was as good as it gets.''

GREATEST OPPONENT

''Andrew Johns. Just such a competitor. He was so good,'' he said.

''He could do everything in rugby league - he could run, kick, step, pass, tackle, pop a pass, control the game. I have seen some things in Origin camps - you know why he is so good. He was unbelievable.''

TOUGHEST OPPONENT
''Geoff Toovey, pound for pound, was the toughest player I have ever seen,'' he said. ''Every week the big blokes would pick him out and he would pick them up and dump them.''He would get bashed and knocked around. He was so tough.''

THE CULTURE

Since he left Manly has made two grand finals, won one, saw coach Des Hasler quit, have several CEOs come and go and a board that is constantly split.''It's been a rocky road,'' Menzies said.

''It's been tough but it really has been a golden era for Manly. The grand finals they have played, the grand finals they have won.

''The past five, six, seven years has been such a good period. It's been unbelievable for the club.'

''Tooves' as a player was the toughest guy I played with or against so his coaching success doesn't surprise me. He is so passionate. He know how to convey his messages through that passion.''

THE FRENCH

Menzies played 71 games in France between 2011 and 2013.

''You want my answer in French or English?'' Menzies said. ''I don't have that much French actually. It was just a great experience. England was also great, two years at Bradford.

''Then I got a call from (now Roosters coach) Trent Robinson and he asked whether I would like to go Catalans.''

Two weeks later the deal was done and off we went. It is such a great part of the world. My daughter is five and she is pretty much fluent in French.

''It was great to be immersed in that culture and the people we met. Everything closes from 12 til 2pm - they have their siesta.

"None of the shops are open. They work just to live. They don't work to conquer the world. Some of the things you see - you scratch your head, only in France.''


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/id-play-again-for-1-contract-reveals-manly-sea-eagles-legend-steve-menzies/story-fni3gnk1-1226755218720
 
Last edited:
I don't Menzies should return to the NRL. The beaver was a great player in the NRL when he was playing but hasn't played in this comp for over 5 years. He will get battered and bruised and may be embarrassed if he does play. I'm not saying that Steve Menzies has become a worse player in 5 years, but come on the bloke is 40, he really needs to focus on retirement.
 
Inglis's cousin set for trip of a lifetime

By Matt Encarnation
NRL.com
3:15pm Fri 08th November, 2013

Keeden Kelly has received a few presents from cousin Greg Inglis over the years, but nothing comes close to a free trip to Euro Disney.

Kelly is one of 32 indigenous players who departed Sydney for Barcelona on Friday for rugby league's first ever Indigenous Youth Tour to Europe.

The team will play games against French under-17s and 18s side in France before facing a London Broncos academy team in England. The trip also includes a visit to an indigenous soldier's gravesite at the Somme.

And to top it off, Kangaroos star Greg Inglis is generously shouting the entire squad a trip to Euro Disney.

"Yeah, it's definitely the best thing he's ever gotten me," Kelly told NRL.com. "I've gotta make sure that I thank him when I see him. I don't think he knows that I'm going on tour so it'd be good to surprise him over there and see what his face looks like when he sees me."

Like Inglis, Kelly grew up in the northern NSW town of Kempsey, one of a handful of country towns represented in the touring party.

"It's a big opportunity because you're not sure when something like this is going to come up again," Kelly said. "Getting to go with cousins and good mates, guys I've played in a few indigenous games with, and mates from back home, it's once in a lifetime."

The team's trip coincides with the finals stage of the Rugby League World Cup, where they will enjoy an opposed session against Samoa and join the Kangaroos training at Wembley, before sitting in the stands for the semi-final double-header.

Kelly said watching his cousin represent his country would be an inspiration to him.

"And not just for me, but a lot of the other boys," the South Sydney junior said. "Everyone looks up to him because he's been such a good role model for the indigenous boys.

"It's not just about him shouting us a trip to Disneyland."

NSW coach Laurie Daley, who didn't tour Europe until he was 21, handed the boys their jerseys and said it would be an experience the boys would never forget.

"It'll be massive. Some of these kids may never go overseas again, let alone go as a player. So for them to be a part of it is very special," he said.

"It'll be an eye-opener because they get to see the other side of the world. They get to go away with mates, enjoy themselves and play some footy. As a 16-year-old, you're living the dream."

For the record, Kelly said he'd definitely opt for a NSW jersey over Maroon if he ever earned State of Origin selection, unlike his older cousin.

http://www.nrl.com/ingliss-cousin-set-for-trip-of-a-lifetime/tabid/10874/newsid/75320/default.aspx


- - - Updated - - -

Daley ready to stick with Roosters halves

By Ian McCullough
AAP
2:57pm Fri 08th November, 2013

NSW coach Laurie Daley has earmarked Sydney Roosters pair Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney to once again be his first-choice halves combination in 2014.

The duo played in all three of this year's State of Origin encounters but were unable to stop Queensland sealing an eighth successive series win.

Pearce in particular, came under fire following a disappointing display in the decider at ANZ Stadium, leading to calls for South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds to be given an opportunity.

However, he produced some of the best performances of his career when he returned to the Roosters and was a key figure in his side's grand final success.

Daley said when he was appointed last year that Pearce would be his halfback and the 46-year-old confirmed on Friday he will almost certainly line up for the series opener in Brisbane next June.

"It was terrific for those two guys to be able to silence a few people and play well in big games," Daley said.

"They played well in parts in the Origin series, particularly in game one, but as a team we just didn't execute very well.

"It's good to see them play well at the back end of the year and then the grand final as it showed a lot of character.

"They had copped an awful lot or criticism, of which some was very unfair I thought.

"Mitch certainly did nothing wrong and at the back end of the year he was the best halfback for NSW. If he starts well next season then I see no reason why he won't be there again."

The ARL Commission have yet to rubber stamp the dates for next year's Origin series, which will see Brisbane host two games.

Chief executive Dave Smith said earlier this week the series could be condensed into a six-week period to reduce the effect it has on the NRL season.

Representative players are believed to be against the move, and have told the NRL that the demands of Origin make it too hard to back up for games that could be spaced apart by just two weeks.

Daley is a fan of the current format but said he's yet too be told what the NRL are planning to do in 2014.

"At the moment we're not sure what the time frame will be in terms of how many weeks apart the games will be," he said.

"We are in a bit of a holding pattern and whatever happens happens. It depends on how they are going to run it.

"But personally I like it the way it is."

http://www.nrl.com/daley-ready-to-stick-with-roosters-halves/tabid/10874/newsid/75319/default.aspx
 
I just read the article again. I can see why Daley may give Maloney another chance but why Pearce!??! He has had chances in 08, 10, 11, 12, 13 and has been **** in all of them. Daley! Don't pick Pearce you goose.
 
Hamish171 said:
I just read the article again. I can see why Daley may give Maloney another chance but why Pearce!??! He has had chances in 08, 10, 11, 12, 13 and has been **** in all of them. Daley! Don't pick Pearce you goose.
Click to expand...
I agree. I reckon there should be a protest outside Rugby League Central to not have M.Pearce play in the NSW Origin Squad for next year's SOO.
 
relicorange94 said:
I agree. I reckon there should be a protest outside Rugby League Central to not have M.Pearce play in the NSW Origin Squad for next year's SOO.
Click to expand...
We can protest all we like but the nsw clownheads will never listen. I know that Pearce had very good stats for the roosters this year, but he hasn't implemented that form into SOO. If Daley reckons Pearce is the best choice well then he he has never seen games of Mullen, Carney, J Reynolds and so on. Pearce is good at club level but he just isn't fit for origin.
 
Parramatta recruit Corey Norman ready for tough Eels initiation at five-eighth


  • PETER BADEL
  • NEWS LIMITED
  • NOVEMBER 09, 2013 12:00AM

COREY Norman says he harbours no bad-blood over his Broncos axing as the Parramatta recruit prepares for one of the toughest five-eighth initiations in the NRL.

In his first interview since linking with the Eels, Norman admits he is mentally stronger for the setback that saw him finish his Broncos career floundering in the Queensland Cup.

The 22-year-old is entitled to cast a rueful smile at the machinations that led to his arrival at Parramatta.

He had his heart set on succeeding Darren Lockyer in the No.6 jumper, but accepted a three-year deal with the Eels after being moved to fullback by Broncos coach Anthony Griffin.

Now the Broncos are searching for a five-eighth at a time when Norman is being groomed to fill the blue-and-gold No.6 jumper once worn by Eels great Brett Kenny.

Norman spent his final six weeks at Red Hill playing second-tier football for Wynnum Manly.

He holds no grudges towards Griffin or the Broncos, but admits his demotion has only bolstered his desire to succeed at the Parramatta scrumbase.

​
"I played fullback but I'm not a big fan of fullback so I'd rather be in the halves," Norman said.

"I'm at Parra to play in the halves, I didn't play there last year so the opportunity to play in the halves here was a big factor in my move.

"If the Broncos are still looking for a five-eighth, well I'm sure they will end up finding someone."What's done is done, I don't really worry about what could have been for me at the Broncos. I've got no issues.

"I think it's the best move. Last season it came out pretty early I was leaving the Broncos, I've stuck to my decision, and I'm glad I'm down here."

New Eels coach Brad Arthur says the club is inheriting Norman in his prime years.The Beenleigh junior played 63 NRL games in four seasons at Brisbane and Arthur believes Parramatta can develop Norman into a Queensland Origin star.

"He's a good kid with a heap of ability," Arthur said."I'm looking forward to working with him. Corey has some utility value but I like him as a five-eighth. He's skilful, so it will be good to get his hands on the ball and work with the backline."

Norman was signed by Ricky Stuart but the coach's shock departure to Canberra has not dimmed his desire to haul the embattled Eels out of the premiership cellar.

"I was a little bit surprised he left, I was looking forward to working with him but Brad is here now," Norman said.

"The club is in a rebuilding phase and I want to help bring success here.

"It was hard being dropped (at the Broncos) but at the same time I had to stay positive. There is no point beating yourself up, I just kept a positive attitude and went out for Wynnum.

"It's a new start here. Jarryd Hayne and Will Hopoate are class players so hopefully I can be part of a pretty good backline."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...on-at-fiveeighth/story-fni3fbgz-1226756074552
 
Last edited:
Brisbane legend Wally Lewis backs Ben Barba at five-eighth for the Broncos



HE is the man who made the Broncos' No.6 jumper famous. Now Broncos legend Wally Lewis believes big-name recruit Ben Barba could handle a shift to five-eighth as coach Anthony Griffin confronts his latest scrumbase dilemma.

The Broncos' halves has been an area of contention for some time and it shapes as a conundrum once again following the off-season departure of Scott Prince and Peter Wallace.

While Ben Hunt will get first crack at halfback, his partner remains uncertain as the Broncos await a decision on whether the Raiders will formally release boom rookie Anthony Milford.

Should Milford be forced to sit out the season, Barba is a possible solution.

Griffin is weighing up several candidates, including Jordan Kahu and Josh Hoffman, but Lewis is adamant Barba, at 92kg, has the size and toughness to flourish in the very position 'The King' dominated.

"Fears of Ben handling five-eighth are no concern for me," said Lewis, the former Queensland and Test pivot.

​
"Ben, in his years at fullback, has shown great quality in his defence and some people may suggest that his last-line defence can be different to frontline requirements.

"But when you have a look at Ben in person, people are surprised when they see him in the flesh."He is a lot bigger than he appears. He's 90-odd kilos.

"You look at him on TV and think he's small but he's quite solid in his frame and he'll be out to prove a point this season that he is capable of handling himself physically.

"If Anthony Milford comes to Brisbane, then he must be a consideration at five-eighth."But if Anthony Griffin is looking at Ben Barba at five-eighth, I have no doubt he can do the job there. I don't recall too many people questioning his ability to defend."

While Barba clinched the 2012 Dally M Medal with his feats at fullback, a move to second receiver would allow Kiwi Test custodian Hoffman to remain in the backfield.

Veteran centre Justin Hodges has offered to try his hand at five-eighth, but Griffin says he is seriously considering moving Barba into the frontline.

"He will play what best suits the team," Griffin said."I have given no guarantees about fullback to Ben and he is on-board with that.

"I think Ben can handle five-eighth, he played most of his junior career there. Jordy Kahu can play five-eighth and Josh (Hoffman) has played there in his junior days so we have some options.

"Ben is a pretty big guy, I was surprised with his size in the flesh. He's 92kg, he is bigger than Ben Hunt, so he could handle the defensive workload."

Lewis is surprised the Broncos lack clarity at five-eighth given the club has produced champions pivot such as Darren Lockyer and Kevin Walters.

"That's unusual ... it has never been a problem area for the Broncos," he said.

"The Broncos will need to have a long-term plan in motion."The coach is the man who has to make the final call so it will be interesting to see what Anthony Griffin does."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-for-the-broncos/story-fni3gv5x-1226756499109

- - - Updated - - -

Sam Tomkins ready to knock-off Billy Slater and Greg Inglis as code's best fullback



ENGLISH superstar Sam Tomkins is coming to the NRL - and he wants to topple Billy Slater and Greg Inglis as the code's best fullback.

The 24-year-old will join the New Zealand Warriors next year on a world-record transfer deal worth more than $1 million a season, making him one of the game's highest paid players.

Tomkins understands that price tag comes with massive expectations, but he has lived with pressure since scoring five tries on debut for Wigan as an 18-year-old.

But it was another Australian great, who landed in the bitter cold of a northern winter 15 years ago, that captured a young boy's imagination and ignited a dream to one day play in the NRL.

​
"All my family is from Warrington originally, so I was a Warrington fan when I was a kid and the first bloke who really struck me as a superstar was Alfie Langer," Tomkins said.

"I remember as soon as Warrington signed him, I didn't know who he was and my dad told me, 'This bloke who is coming, you'll love him'.

"I remember watching him in a game and straight after the game I went to the club shop and queued up for about an hour to get the new shirt with Langer on the back."I've still got it at home.

"They didn't do kids (sizes) back then, so mine was a small men's. I was about nine and it was huge on me, but it's all I'd wear.

"I used to wait for mum to wash and dry it, standing beside the washing machine, so I could put it straight back on. I've got pictures of it. I wore it to school, I wore it everywhere."

As a kid I was always one of the smallest and I used to see Alfie Langer, who is absolutely tiny, compared to other blokes and he would go on and kill it."I think he was the first player who inspired me to want to go on and do something."

And Tomkins is something special.In his first game for Wigan, at just 18, he scored a hat-trick inside the first 12 minutes.Finished with five tries, on debut.

"We were in the Challenge Cup, so we were playing a side in the league below us and we won 108-10," he recalled."The next morning I was front and back page of the paper.

"I don't know if you know much about Wigan, but rugby league is a religion there."

Since making his debut in 2008, Tomkins has helped the Wigan Warriors to two Super League titles and two Challenge Cup crowns as well as being voted last year as the Super League's Man of Steel.

You pick up the paper over here and if there happens to be a story about rugby league, more often than not it is about Tomkins.

He's about the only English rugby league player who has a column in the major papers - and after his brother, Joel made his rugby debut from England against the Wallabies last week, the Tomkins boys are bigger than the Burgess brothers.

Tomkins also has a third brother, Logan, playing at Wigan, too.The England fullback admits other NRL clubs came calling but he won't tell you who.And as for his own expectations, yes, he wants to take Slater's crown as the code's best fullback.

"People do make the comparisons and to be mentioned in the same breath as someone like Billy Slater is a little bit humbling," he said.

"Every player wants to be the best in the world at their own position, it is a goal, but it is a long way off. There are a few blokes in front of me over in the NRL so I'll have to do a bit to change that.

"I'm 24 and I've really loved the last six years at Wigan, but I'm looking at this as an opportunity."I want to go over and play in what is the toughest competition and I want to play my best years of rugby over there.

"If you want to be recognised in anything you have to test yourself against the best - and the best players in the world are in the NRL.

"I will come over and there will be eyes on me and expectation because of the transfer fee. But I don't let the transfer fee bother me.

"I didn't pay it and I don't get any of it.

"It is nice to think the Warriors think that much to pay a substantial amount, but I'm looking to come in and perform on the field.

"That's my aim. Whether I was coming over for 10 pound or whatever it was, the main reason we all play rugby is because we are competitive and I want to be successful.

"I won't need any more motivation than that. I just want to go and win."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...es-best-fullback/story-fni3fbgz-1226756491664
 
Last edited:
Am I the only one who thinks Sam Tomkins is arrogant? He always is bashing Australian rugby league, he thinks England is the best rugby league team in the world and now he thinks he is the best fullback? Sure he is close to it but he just seems annoying to me.
 
Hamish171 said:
Am I the only one who thinks Sam Tomkins is arrogant? He always is bashing Australian rugby league, he thinks England is the best rugby league team in the world and now he thinks he is the best fullback? Sure he is close to it but he just seems annoying to me.
Click to expand...

He seems to be saying the exact opposite in that article.
 
jamesgould said:
He seems to be saying the exact opposite in that article.
Click to expand...
Well geez Sam must have changed his mind about Australia in the past few months cause I remember reading an article saying that Tomkins thinks that if Engalnd versed Australia they would flog em which didn't happen a few weeks back.
 
$1 million is ridiculous, I don't see him as being any different to somebody like Hoffman or Gordon.

It's like if the Panthers bought Dureau for $700k.... He might be alright be I doubt he will be an Inglis or Thurston with that price tag.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top