2013 NRL Discussion

World Club Challenge confirmed for Australia

By James MacSmith
AAP
1:02pm Mon 18th November, 2013

Rugby League's World Club Challenge is finally returning to Australia, with the NRL confirming on Monday that premiers the Sydney Roosters will meet Super League champions Wigan in the international showpiece at Allianz Stadium on February 22.

After much wrangling between interested parties in Australia and England, NRL head of football Todd Greenberg said the WCC will return to Australia next year for the first time since 1994 when Wigan defeated Brisbane 20-14 - a gap of almost 20 years.

"We have been talking with our English friends about it for a while and they were keen to have it over here and so were the Roosters and it has all come together," Greenberg told AAP.

"It has always been hard to make the financial side stack up but they are both strong brands and so the game should have great appeal.

"Given the success of the Roosters last year and the fact that rugby league is very much back on the agenda after a long off-season at that time of the year, we think we can make it a success.

"There should be a great appetite for the game."

Greenberg said he was hopeful the fixture could be a sellout, with Channel Nine looking at broadcasting the game, and that it could be the start of a share agreement between Australia and England, with matches alternating between the two countries each year.

"It's great to have the game back here and that is something we will certainly be open to," Greenberg said.

The match presents significant logistical and player management issues for both sides.

The start of the Super League season has been rescheduled to allow for Wigan's involvement in the WCC, which comes just a week after the Auckland Nines at which all NRL sides are expected to field a number of top-line players.

The star-studded Roosters will likely start favourites for the match, given Wigan's demanding travel schedule and the fact the visitors will be without star Warriors recruit Sam Tomkins, Wests Tigers' signing Pat Richards and Lee Mossop who has joined Parramatta.

However the match could herald former North Queensland star Matt Bowen's first game for Wigan - likewise for former South Sydney and Tigers forward Eddy Pettybourne.

The Roosters won the first WCC at the SCG in June 1976, thrashing St Helens 25-2.


http://www.nrl.com/world-club-challenge-confirmed-for-aust/tabid/10874/newsid/75434/default.aspx
 
jamesgould said:
Fiddle yam! :lol:

Wing was pretty underrated, I reckon he usually had a huge impact when he came into games off the bench. Gidley's strength is more that he covers a multitude of positions, than having a big impact when he does come on.
Click to expand...

ahhh hahahaha remember when spelling was a pet hate on this site? Love the Iphone.
 
Dragons announce new venue initiative

NRL.com
2:48pm Mon 18th November, 2013

The St George Illawarra Dragons have announced a strategic initiative with the NRL that will stamp key Dragons games as some of the biggest events of the season.

The club's "Right Game, Right Venue" initiative will see the Dragons commit to playing four of their twelve home games (including the existing ANZAC Day game) annually at Sydney's major stadia: Allianz Stadium, the Sydney Cricket Ground and ANZ Stadium, over the next four years.

The Dragons will retain eight home games per season at the traditional venues of WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah and WIN Stadium, Wollongong.

National Rugby League chief executive Dave Smith said the Dragons were taking the opportunity to grow and to ensure the club remained strong in the future:

"They have really thought this through and it is a smart move," said Smith.

"Any change will take some adjustment but they have a clear aim to build a big match atmosphere around the key matches and that is what we all need to work towards.

"At the same time there remains a strong commitment to their traditional venues."


http://www.nrl.com/dragons-announce-new-venue-initiative/tabid/10874/newsid/75436/default.aspx


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Fit Taylor capable of being 'best in the game'

By Tony Webeck, Queensland Correspondent
NRL.com
4:15pm Mon 18th November, 2013

He may have fallen out of favour with representative selectors but enigmatic second-rower Dave Taylor is capable of becoming the dominant player in the game according to Titans team-mate Aidan Sezer.

With a burning desire to return to the Origin arena in 2014 and a growing passion for surfing helping to keep his hulking frame in check, Taylor is building a fitness base to match his considerable skill and Sezer believes it has the capabilities of transforming the Titans into genuine premiership contenders.

"Dave's looking in fine nick. He's probably the best athlete I've seen physically and speed-wise," Sezer said following a gruelling fitness session.

"He plays it up a bit but he's definitely in good nick and I'm happy for the big fella. He's running around the track pretty good now and hopefully he can stay injury free and we can get him on the park and he can just dominate sides like he does.

"From a personal opinion I reckon he'd be the best player in the game at his best. If he does that week in and week out… that's probably what Dave knows he has to work on and that's what we've all got to work on as a team.

"He's a freak of an athlete and if we can get the best out of him I'm pretty sure the Titans will be in there throwing some punches at the right time of the season next year."

Since making his debut for the Broncos as a 17-year-old in 2006, much has been expected of a player who spent time in the halves as a junior but possesses the frame of the Incredible Hulk.

But just like the Hulk can transform back into the mild-mannered Bruce Banner, Taylor has been criticised for drifting in and out of games and not being able to deliver on a consistent basis.

He helped to spark the Titans' six-game winning streak at the back end of the season with 176-metres, nine tackle-breaks and three offloads against the Tigers in Round 21 and Sezer said that transferring that late-season form is something the entire squad will be striving to achieve.

"It definitely helps with confidence considering the teams we played," Sezer said of their finals charge that fell just short.

"They were quality teams the last six rounds and it definitely did instil a bit of confidence within the squad. Hopefully coming into the pre-season trials in a couple of months' time we can work on that and just go forward.

"Obviously we have got a very talented squad here and we have got high expectations of our group so we'll just see how we go."

Sezer was heading for scans on a minor knee complaint on Monday afternoon but was confident he would be on deck for training with the squad on Wednesday and able to continue to develop his combination with halves partner Albert Kelly.

Kelly was a late addition to the squad ahead of the 2013 season and Sezer is confident that the combination that delivered a combined 25 try assists in 2013 can go to another level again next year.

"Me and 'Alby' are only young fellas still but having a year under our belt playing alongside each other is definitely going to help our game and benefit the team," the 22-year-old said.

"He's looking good in the pre-season and me and him are only going to grow as a partnership and that's going to benefit the club."

Although he has played just two seasons in the top grade, Sezer has felt the extra responsibility of developing his leadership skills due to the absence of World Cup stars Greg Bird, Nate Myles, Luke Douglas, Mark Minichiello and David Mead.

"It puts a bit more pressure on myself to stand up and be counted as a leader," Sezer conceded.

"With a few boys off with the rehab squad, the likes of Will Zillman and 'Harro' (Ashley Harrison), as young players we've got to stand up and lead the boys around the park and make sure we're all putting in 100 per cent and improving each day as a squad."


http://www.nrl.com/fit-taylor-capab...he-game/tabid/10874/newsid/75440/default.aspx


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Hard work just the start for new Bronco

By Ed Jackson
AAP
4:53pm Mon 18th November, 2013

He's joined the club which finished 12th from the newly-crowned NRL premiers but Martin Kennedy says nowhere has the same level of expectation as Brisbane.

The ex-Sydney Rooster believes the Broncos' history of missing the finals twice since 1991 makes demands on players higher than he's experienced - and he's feeling it as he gets stuck into pre-season with his new teammates.

The 24-year-old, who said his decision to swap Bondi for Red Hill was all about heading back to family and friends in Queensland, says he's immediately loving his new home.

"For the last month I've been getting my head around I'm going to Brisbane, I know the expectations are so high up here," Kennedy said.

"Everyone's craving success this season and I'm thrilled to be a part of it."

A 12th placed finish in 2013 was the Broncos' lowest in the club's history while a premiership drought stretching seven seasons since the 2006 title is also the longest for the Broncos.

Kennedy, who says he has no promises about a starting role within his new club, is one of several new faces at the Broncos for next season including Ben Barba and Todd Lowrie.

After seeing first-hand the Roosters climb from strugglers to premiership-winners, he knows one bad year is not always the end of the world for a club.

"One thing I have learn is if you have a bad year, the next year you're always going to have to work extra hard to get back up top," he said.

"It's really evident all the boys are keen to work hard."


[url]http://www.nrl.com/hard-work-just-the-start-for-new-bronco/tabid/10874/newsid/75441/default.aspx[/URL]
 
Sydney Roosters star Shaun Kenny-Dowall leads charge to knock-out suicide



NOT a day goes past without Shaun Kenny-Dowall being asked to recount playing this year's grand final with a fractured jaw.

But there's another life-changing moment the star Roosters centre rarely talks about, one too private for him to discuss in fine detail.It occurred during the 2012 season, when life wasn't as bright at Bondi Junction.

While helping his team to avoid the wooden spoon and battling a groin injury, Kenny-Dowall received some distressing news about a female family member who tried to take her own life.

"I'm very close to the person and I had the chance to talk things through with her," he said.

"It was a bit of a wake-up call - you can never just assume people around you are all right because they appear to be so."

The deaths of two young league players, Alex Elisala and Mosese Fotuaika, this year brought the impact even closer to home.

That's why Kenny-Dowall decided to fight back in a different way.This Saturday at Maroubra Sports Club the 25-year-old will headline a world-record attempt to assemble history's biggest boxing class in a bid to raise funds for suicide prevention.

Organiser Liam Zollo, a former teammate of Kenny-Dowall from their junior days at Clovelly Crocodiles, is hoping to attract 500 punchers for the event and raise $20,000.

Kenny-Dowall was unable to eat solids and lost weight in the weeks after the grand final.He has spent the off-season lifting weights and even took jiu jitsu classes during a holiday in Hawaii as part of his recovery.

"I still lost about 7kg," Kenny-Dowall said.

"After about three or four weeks I couldn't handle it and started to eat, but my jaw got infected."It's OK now, although I still can't open my mouth fully.


[url]http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/sydney-roosters-star-shaun-kennydowall-leads-charge-to-knockout-suicide/story-fni3fbgz-1226762819039[/URL]
 
Barba set for NZ debut for Broncos

By James MacSmith
AAP
4:00pm Tue 19th November, 2013

Ben Barba is set to make his Brisbane debut in their final trial game against the Warriors in Dunedin after the NRL club released its pre-season dates on Tuesday.

Brisbane will again play a pre-season fixture at Forsyth Barr Stadium on February 23, where more than 15,000 fans saw the Warriors triumph earlier this year in a high intensity game.

The success of the game at the new venue has drawn the Broncos back to New Zealand in 2014 and the presence of Barba is likely to ensure there will be another full house.

With Brisbane's attack lacking potency this year, Barba is a key off-season signing and the superstar fullback will be keen to put his controversial exit from Canterbury behind him as soon as he can.

Brisbane will also play trials against North Queensland, on February 8 at Redcliffe's Dolphin Oval, and Gold Coast at Kougari Oval, Wynnum on February 15.

The Titans trial falls on the same weekend as the inaugural Auckland Nines tournament, meaning neither team will field a side close to full strength.

Barba is recovering from an ankle injury suffered in the Bulldogs' season-ending first week finals loss to Newcastle and given the anticipated three-month rehabilitation period it is unlikely Broncos coach Anthony Griffin would risk his star recruit at the Nines.

However Griffin said that he wanted to field the strongest line-up possible in Dunedin meaning Barba could make his debut in Broncos colours then.

"Everyone that is available to play will be chosen for that match," Griffin said.

"That match in Dunedin will be the big final trial."


http://www.nrl.com/barba-set-for-nz-debut-for-broncos/tabid/10874/newsid/75453/default.aspx
 
South Sydney Rabbitohs and Western Sydney Wanderers unite in unlikely friendship



THEY are successful Sydney sporting clubs with virtually nothing in common.

One has won 20 premierships over 103 years and is run by a glamorous Hollywood actor.

The other is not two years old from battling western Sydney.

Now though, the famous South Sydney Rabbitohs and A-League's Western Sydney Wanderers have united at the highest level.Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire and Wanderers coach Tony Popovic have struck up an unlikely friendship.

They share ideas and ideals.Maguire was at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday night watching the Wanderrs beat Melbourne Victory 1-0.

He ended up in the victorious dressing room.

The Bunnies coach spent a portion of last week with Popovic inside the Wanderers organisation.

Popovic now has plans to visit South Sydney's Redfern headquarters when Maguire returns from a trip to Arizona.The cross-code relationship just may help the Wanderers to A-League glory and Souths to an elusive NRL premiership.

"He (Popovic) is a great fella," Maguire said from America.

"I can see why they are having success."He is a very smart coach."

Asked did they share ideas, Maguire said: "He is very similar to me, always learning."

Maguire was so keen to watch the action on Saturday night he was spotted sitting in the rain.

"The match against Victory was a good opportunity to bring Michael in to see how we do things at the Wanderers," Popovic said.

"I look forward to taking some time to visit Redfern oval in the coming months."

Andy Paschalidis, Sky Sports Radio football commentator and Wanderers ground announcer, watched Maguire and Popvic mingle on Saturday evening.

"I was pleasantly surprised to see Michael at the game. I first noticed him talking to some of the Wanderers backroom staff at the dressing room entrance before the game," Paschalidis said.

"Then I bumped into him in the Premier's Lounge where he would have been the guest of (Wanderers executive chairman) Lyall Gorman.

It was an engaging conversation with 'Madge' stating that both he and Tony Popovic are very similar in many ways and that he was very keen to forge a long-term friendship.

"Michael was enthralled by the match day spectacle on the back of spending time with 'Poppa' and the team in midweek.

"Like many who make it to 'Wanderland' for the first time he couldn't believe how such a franchise could have developed so quickly, reached such great heights on the pitch and drawn a strong supporter base.

"Despite the rain he decided to head outside and take in the atmosphere during the second half; no doubt impressed that the majority of the Wanderers fans didn't move from their seats for the entire match."

Maguire's Rabbioths fell one game short of the 2013 grand final, Popovic's Wanderers were beaten in the A-League grand final earlier this year.

Popovic visited Wayne Bennett several years ago when he coached the St George Illawarra Dragons.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ikely-friendship/story-fni3fbgz-1226763593595
 
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Dragons needed some new faces: Rein

By Chris Kennedy
NRL.com
9:35am Wed 20th November, 2013

St George Illawarra will benefit from an influx of new talent, according to hooker Mitch Rein, who says he isn't getting too far ahead of himself despite seeming destined for more responsibility in the absence of fellow hookers Cameron King and Nathan Fien.

The Dragons finished a disappointing 14th in 2013 – winning seven games and losing 17 – but have recruited heavily in the off season.

They have added Raiders Joel Thompson and Sam Williams, Storm and English Test player Gareth Widdop, British Super League prop Mike Cooper, Rabbitoh Dylan Farrell and Tiger Matt Groat.

"The change will be a good thing for us, there are a lot of new faces and some new coaching staff around. That's what we needed and we're all looking forward to it," Rein told NRL.com.

Despite a pretty fair year on field personally – Rein played 23 of 24 games, making 35 tackles per game in an average of just under 60 minutes per game, with a handful of try assists, line breaks and line break assists.

He is far from satisfied with his personal form and says there is plenty he needs to work on to stave off a challenge from 2013 under-20s hooker Craig Garvey.

"Last year was a bit disappointing at the start of the year, I just got off to a slow start, but as the season went on I got a bit more comfortable," Rein says.

"I don't know if it was because we'd lost a lot of senior personnel. Last year was a bit challenging but I'm looking forward to next season."

With King and Fien out the frame is he considering trying to become an 80-minute player?

"I don't know – I'd like to do it if the coaching staff need us to, that'd be great. But we've got Craig Garvey coming up from the twenties, he's a good player, he'll be pushing us at training to try and improve," he says, adding: "but it's good to have a bit of competition around for spots."

Hooker isn't the only position that will see some competition – there are as many as four quality players vying for two centre roles in Gerard Beale, Dylan Farrell, Charly Runciman and Kyle Stanley, while the addition of Cooper, Groat and Thompson will ensure plenty of rivalry for spots in the pack.

"We've recruited pretty heavily and there's going to be a lot of competition," Rein says.

"The new faces over the next couple weeks [will be] trying to prove to the coaches they'll be ready to go in round 1."

Rein says he has a number of goals for the year but the primary one at this point is to have a big pre-season to prepare for a strong start to 2014.

"If I'm required to play longer minutes, hopefully I'll put myself in a position to be up to scratch if the coaching staff want me to do that.

"If not, really the first goal is to really rip into training and concentrate on things that I haven't been doing the last couple of years," he says.

"There's a few small things I really want to concentrate on, little personal goals, only small goals moving forward so I can work towards bigger goals in the end. Just small things, even around training, if I can tick off something every session."


http://www.nrl.com/dragons-needed-some-new-faces-rein/tabid/10874/newsid/75459/default.aspx
 
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Penrith whiz-kid Dallin Watene-Zelezniak on idol Will Hopoate's path



810824-d516c83c-51d8-11e3-b7b4-89041ea3763d.jpg

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak at Panthers training at Centrebet Stadium, Penrith. pic mark evans Source:News Corp Australia


HE'S got speed, power and athleticism to burn and, even without playing a single NRL game, has already invited lofty comparisons to the very best.

He's also a devout member of the Church of Latter Day Saints with an extremely difficult decision on the horizon. Sound familiar?

Given the striking parallels between them, it should come as no surprise that Panthers sensation Dallin Watene-Zelezniak ranks fellow Mormon Will Hopoate as his idol.

The 18-year-old school leaver headlines this generation's most exciting crop of youngsters to be harvested at the foot of the mountains, graduating to full-time NRL duties from the premiership-winning Holden Cup team alongside George Jennings and Bryce Cartwright.


809912-d94f410e-51d8-11e3-b7b4-89041ea3763d.jpg

Bryce Cartwright, George Jennings and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak at Panthers training at Centrebet Stadium, Penrith. pic mark evans Source: News Corp Australia


But while Jennings and Cartwright possess more famous surnames, Watene-Zelezniak has already commanded a Trans-Tasman skirmish after freak performances had the schoolboy recalling a teenage Brad Fittler.

Raised in New Zealand until his fifth birthday, the St Clair Comets junior was selected for both the Australian Schoolboys and Junior Kiwis for last month's clash at WIN Jubilee Stadium.

Despite representing NSW in this year's Under-20s Origin clash, Watene-Zelezniak chose his birth nation, turning his back on the potential riches of being chosen to play for the Blues at senior level.

"It basically came down to whether I could sing the Australian anthem opposite the Kiwis and then stand there and watch them do the haka," he said.

"I just couldn't live with that. The money didn't mean anything to me, even though a lot of people were telling me how much money players can make out of Origin.

"There's a brotherhood with the Kiwis and even though I love watching Origin, I've made my pledge."

Not so straightforward is Watene-Zelezniak's dilemma over what to do once his current Panthers deal expires at the end of 2015.

The prospect of following Hopoate into a two-year Mormon mission is very real for the fullback/winger, whose brother Jayden (Poland) and sister Keiana (New Zealand) have already answered the call.

"It's such a big decision because I always wanted to serve my mission," he said.

"Two years is a long time away from family and I'm playing football to support them.

"It will be difficult when the time comes."


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/pe...ll-hopoates-path/story-e6freuy9-1226764810878

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No honeymoon for new Penrith Panthers playmaker Jamie Soward



JAMIE Soward might be relishing his fresh start at Penrith, but there will be no honeymoon period for the ex-Dragons playmaker.

Soward is marrying his long-term fiancee Emma Murphy at a North Sydney church this weekend, but will only receive a lone day off to celebrate the biggest day of his life.

"There's no Honeymoon - we had 12 days around Europe after I left London and that will have to do," he said.

"Hopefully we can do something next year. I did manage to negotiate one day off with (Panthers coach) Ivan Cleary to be with family and thank them, but it will straight back to training on the Tuesday."

Soward predicted the new environment would rejuvenate his career, which nosedived dramatically at St George Illawarra last year.

He admitted to a sleepless night prior to starting pre-season training at Centrebet Stadium on Monday, worried about what his new team mates would think.

"I just wanted everyone to see I'm a knock-about type of guy and that what they've read and heard about me isn't necessarily the case," he said.

"When we walked the Kokoda Track last month, Tim Grant told me I was different to what he thought I'd be like, which was nice."

Although he's been at the foot of the mountains for less than a week, Soward nominated the professionalism of Penrith's young players as the most noticeable difference.

"It was a surprise to come in and see so many of them preparing early," he said.

"Everyone is willing to help you. It's not just a matter of being the new guy and working it out for yourself."


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/no...ker-jamie-soward/story-e6freuy9-1226764640989

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St George Illawarra coach Steve Price takes on one of Australia's most gruelling events



THE weekly footy season pressure and demands are nothing compared to what St George Illawarra Dragons coach Steve Price is facing this weekend.

Price is taking on one of Australia's most gruelling sporting events - the Bridge to Bridge water ski classic.It's a punishing 112 kilometres from Broken Bay on the Hawkesbury to Windsor in what has now become an internationally renowned event.

He'll be behind a boat that travels at more than 120kph and turns the water into concrete if a skier happens to come off.

Price is doing it for the personal challenge and to raise money for charity.

He is raffling a game-day experience at the Dragons-Rabbitiohs Charity Shield game where the winner gets to watch the game from his coaching box.Money raised will go to the family of slain police officer Bryce Anderson and Pink Fin, an organisation that supports breast cancer.

The Dragons coach is leaving nothing to chance.

He has called in two of Australia's most accomplish water skiers Danny Cropper and Lauryn Eagle to get professional advice.

He has spent weeks in the gym, preparing his body for the bumps, bruises, stress and strain that will be felt in every muscle.

"I started doing 80km then got up to 110 just to get the k's in the legs," he said.

"It will be tough but at the seme time something we've never experienced before."

Price has always been a recreational skier from growing up in a family that loved the water.But he has never taken on anything like this.

His partner in the race is former Dragons player Reece Simmonds behind a boat donated by Windsor businessman Dave Coaldrake.

"This is just something I've always wanted to have a go at," he said.

"People say it's the toughest event of its type in the world.

"I can vouch for that just from the training it takes to get prepared.

Next week it's back to the fulltime job of getting the Dragons into shape for the 2014 NRL season.Surely a ski race couldn't be any tougher than that.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...gruelling-events/story-fni3fbgz-1226764654258
 
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Sharks know what it takes to win: Heighington

By Chris Kennedy
NRL.com
12:00pm Thu 21st November, 2013

As he prepares for his second season at Cronulla, Sharks back rower Chris Heighington says he has seen the side learn self-belief in the short time he's been there.

The Sharks finished fifth in 2013 despite having to deal with significant off-field distractions around the ASADA investigation, after finishing seventh in 2012 and 13th in 2011.

They were only knocked out by eventual grand finalists Manly in a narrow 24-18 semi-final game at Brookvale Oval.

"[We were] one off a grand final qualifier so it was a pretty good year and we were probably pretty unlucky to lose that game," Heighington told NRL.com at the end of Cronulla's first week back in training last week.

"It came down to a few close calls and it was real close to the end. I think we know what it takes to get into a grand final now and everyone realises we can go alright," he said.

"When I first came here everyone was down on confidence and didn't know what their own ability was. We've worked on that here and hopefully we can build on that in the next year."

The 30-year-old veteran of 227 first-grade games for Wests and Cronulla looked as sharp as anyone in the side's first week back at training, where coach Shane Flanagan was encouraged by what he saw.

On the coach's message to the side, Heighington said Flanagan is looking for "a real good base going into Christmas."

"It's six weeks... if you're one of the senior players [he wants us to] set a good standard, if you're one of the younger players show some enthusiasm. So this week's been real good," he said.

Heighington said he was pleased to welcome former Tigers teammate Blake Ayshford to the Shire in 2014, where he will join a raft of ex-Tigers including Andrew Fifita, Bryce Gibbs and Beau Ryan.

"With Blake coming over, he's a real talented player and they maybe weren't getting the best out of him in the year just gone. Hopefully Flanno can do that and he's fit, he's training well and ready to rumble."

With plenty of mates still at the Wests Tigers club, Heighington said it is always a game always relished.

"I played Tigers for 10 years... I still get on with heaps of them, lots of real good mates," he said. "I look forward to playing my mates so I always look forward to playing that game."


http://www.nrl.com/sharks-know-what...hington/tabid/10874/newsid/75472/default.aspx


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New St George Illawarra Dragons recruit Sam Williams breathes fire into NRL career


  • NATHAN RYAN
  • FOX SPORTS
  • NOVEMBER 21, 2013 12:00PM

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Ex Canberra players Joel Thompson, Josh Dugan Sam Williams and Bronson Harrison at the St George Illawarra Dragons golf day at Kogarah Golf Club.Source: News Corp Australia



NEW St George Illawarra recruit Sam Williams says joining the Dragons is the sea change he needed to make as he looks to cement a regular spot in the NRL.

Having left Canberra where he was stuck behind Terry Campese, Josh McCrone, Anthony Milford and promising talent Mitch Cornish, the halfback joins the joint-venture on a one-year deal.

With a smart kicking game and not shy of taking on the line, the 22-year-old was offered little more than an opportunity to join Steve Price's side but he is prepared to put in the hard yards as he looks to become a permanent member of the first grade side.

"I loved my time at Canberra - I was there since I was 15 and they were really good to me but I think it is important to push yourself out of your comfort zone," Williams told Foxsports.com.au

"The biggest reason for coming down was trying to get as much opportunity as I can. In saying that, we have a pretty handy group of young halves that are trying to find their feet and cement a spot.

"I am under no illusions it's going to be difficult getting that starting spot. If I earn the right and perform well at training and the trials there is an opportunity to cement a spot in the team.

"Personally I'd love to play as many games in first grade as I can and as a club we want to make sure we get back into that competitive circle and vying to play semi-final football at the end of the year."

While the retirement of Nathan Fien opens up the number seven jersey, the battle for the halves is fierce with Kyle Stanley, Josh Drinkwater, Adam Quinlan and new recruit Gareth Widdop all competing for positions.

Williams says the competition will "certainly bring the best out of us" and admits looking forward to playing alongside international star Widdop.

"I think it's really good having Gareth on board - he will have a lot of ideas he learned from Cooper Cronk and some of the players down in Melbourne and Craig Bellamy," he said.

"It's a good opportunity for us to learn off someone who played in grand finals and with some of the best players in the game at the moment.

"We'll be watching what he does and try to learn as much as we can off him."

Williams says his main objective during the pre-season is to add "a few extra few kilos" to his slender 83 kilo frame.Since making his debut in 2011, Williams has played over 40 games in the NRL and says he joins the Red v with confidence in his ability to be the Dragons main playmaker.

"I think the games I played in Canberra over three years has certainly made me a lot more comfortable playing in the NRL and believing in my own ability," he said.

"It'd be nice to try and string a season together and be a part of the team week-in-week-out. It's certainly a goal of mine and hopefully I can do that over the next 12 months."

Enjoying the warmth of the coastal life, Williams has moved into a house with teammate Quinlan, who he met prior to the off-season when he joined the Dragons for two weeks of training.

And Williams says he already feels at home, partly thanks to the Canberra connection with Bronson Harrison, Joel Thompson and Josh Dugan also at the club.

"It makes things a little bit easier especially with Joel being in a similar position to me," he said.

"We're both settling in and Bronson he's a bit of an old head who's been here for a couple of years now. I can certainly ask him a couple of questions and it's not too difficult settling in."


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-into-nrl-career/story-fni3g9a3-1226764715356
 
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ASJ82 said:
Does anyone know when the season draw is announced?
Click to expand...
Should be announced pretty soon. Sources say the NRL is planning to announce the draw about 4 weeks after the AFL draw which was on October 31. So we should be seeing it announced hopefully in the next 1-2 weeks.
 
Poll: Tell us what is the greatest ever Grand Final moment


  • FATIMA KDOUH
  • FOX SPORTS
  • NOVEMBER 21, 2013 4:54PM

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Darren Albert celebrates his Grand Final winning try with teammates. Source: News Corp Australia


DARREN ALBERT TRY - 1997 GF MANLY SEA EAGLES V NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Winner: Newcastle Knights

It's the moment of brilliance from Andrew Johns that clinches Newcastle's first ever premiership.

With the score locked at 16-all and only seven seconds left on the clock Andrew Johns receives the ball from dummy half, scoots down the narrow blindside and draws in three Manly defenders with a dummy before throwing an inside pass to Darren Albert who races over to score.


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Royce Simmons celebrates after scoring a spectacular individual try. Source: FoxSports


ROYCE SIMMONS TRY - 1991 GF PENRITH PANTHERS V CANBERRA RAIDERS

Winner: Penrith Panthers

Royce Simmons opens the scoring in this match after seven minutes of play with a specular individual effort.

Simmons receives the ball on the burst only ten metres from the try line, he spins and steps the opposition defenders and runs in to score a memorable try - his first for the season.


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Scott Sattler’s famous try saving tackle. Source: DailyTelegraph


SCOTT SATTLER TACKLE - 2003 GF PENRITH PANTHERS V SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Winners: Penrith Panthers

This heroic tackle by Scott Sattler is now etched in rugby league history as one of the most famous grand final plays ever.

Roosters winger Todd Byrne receives the ball on his 40 metre line and makes a break down the sideline.

Sattler runs across the field in hot pursuit of Bryne and brings down the flying winger, bundling him out of the field of play.

The tackle not only saved a certain try but shifted the game's momentum in favour of the Panthers.


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Steve Gearin after scoring a try in the 1980 Grand Final. Source: FoxSports


STEVE GEARIN TRY - 1980 GF CANTERBURY BULLDOGS V EASTS

Winners: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

With only five minutes remaining on the clock, Canterbury fullback Greg Bretnall races downfield and puts up a bomb.

Steve Gearin, chasing at speed then leaps over his opposing winger Rooster David Michael and takes the ball on the full to score a memorable try that helps secure a Bulldogs victory.


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Craig Smith is taken out with a head high tackle by Dragon Jamie Ainscough. Source DailyTelegraph


ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS V MELBOURNE STORM - 1999 PENALTY TRY

Winners: Melbourne Storm
Trailing 18-14 and with five minutes left on the clock, Storm half-back Brett Kimmorley kicks a bomb to Craig Smith's wing.

Smith takes the ball only to be caught in a head high tackle by Dragon Jamie Ainscough in the in-goal. Smith knocks the ball on as a result.

Referee Bill Harrigan refers the incident to the video referee who awards a penalty try in one of the most controversial moments in grand final history.

Matt Geyer converts from right in front to put the Storm in the lead 20-18 and help seal the club's first premiership trophy.



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Steve Jackson in action for the Raiders in the 1989 Grand Final. Source: DailyTelegraph


STEVE JACKSON TRY - 1989 GF CANBERRA RAIDERS V BALMAIN TIGERS

Winner: Canberra Raiders

With scores level and only minutes left in extra time, Raiders replacement Steve Jackson picks up a loose ball 15 metres from the try line.

He steps two Tigers defenders and then carries three other defenders over the try line to score an iconic grand final try.


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Pat Richards takes flick pass from Benji Marshall. Source: News Corp Australia


BENJI FLICK PASS - 2005 GF WESTS TIGERS V NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

Winners: Wests Tigers

Benji Marshall receives the ball 90 metres out from the Tigers try line and makes a break down the edge of the field - his sheer pace helping him burst through the Cowboys defence.

Then in a moment of Marshall magic he flick passes to Pat Richards at the halfway mark, who beats the Cowboys defence in the race to the tryline.



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Steve Renouf sprints 95 metres to score a memorable Grand Final try. Source: FoxSports


STEVE RENOUF TRY - 1992 GF BRISBANE BRONCOS V ST GEORGE DRAGONS

Winners: Brisbane Broncos

Steve Renouf's length of the field try in this clash ranks as one of the great grand final moments.

After an impressive effort by Willie Carne to get the ball back in to the field of play, the Broncos swing the ball left to Renouf who makes a break and sprints 95 metres down the field to score in a defining moment of the match.


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Steve Menzies scores a try during Manly Sea Eagles v Melbourne Storm 2008 Grand Final. Source:News Corp Australia


STEVE MENZIES TRY - 2008 GF MANLY SEA EAGLES V MELBOURNE STORM

Winners: Manly Sea Eagles

Steve Menzies farewelled the NRL in impressive style by scoring a memorable try in his last game in Australia.

With 8 minutes left on the clock and the premiership in the bag, the Sea Eagles move the ball left to Menzies who puts Michael Robertson into space.

As the Storm defence corner Robertson he passes the ball back into to Menzies and he crashed over to score the try.


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Rooster's Michael Jennings scores a miracle try in the 2013 Grand Final. Source: News Corp Australia


MICHAEL JENNINGS TRY - 2013 GF SYDNEY ROOSTERS V MANLY SEA EAGLES

Winners: Sydney Roosters

James Maloney's grubber looks to be going dead but Michael Jennings sprints past the Sea Eagles defence and miraculously grounds the ball only centimetres from the dead ball line to help the Roosters clinch a 26-18 grand final victory.



FOLLOW THIS LINK TO VOTE FOR DARREN ALBERT'S MATCH WINNING TRY IN 1997 !!


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...and-final-moment/story-fni3fbgz-1226765495534
 
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London Broncos poised for administration

By Ian Laybourn
AAP
6:30pm Thu 21st November, 2013

The future of London Broncos remains up in the air after the beleaguered Super League club announced its intention to go into administration.

The Londoners have been the subject of much speculation since leaving the Twickenham Stoop at the end of the 2013 season and failed to quash growing doubts over their participation in Super League for 2014 with their continued silence.

It was feared that David Hughes, who has personally bankrolled the club since Richard Branson ended his interest a decade ago, would withdraw his support after failing to receive guarantees over the club's Super League status, following the decision to reinstate promotion and relegation from the end of next season.

The Broncos' inclusion in this week's fixture list for 2014 was seen as a positive sign but then came a new twist in the saga.

"London Broncos rugby league club have today instructed lawyers to file a notice of intention to appoint administrators over the club," said a statement issued on behalf of the Broncos on Wednesday evening.

"This will allow 10 working days for the club to work with the Rugby Football League and other parties to resolve the club's future and will prevent any creditor from taking action against the club in this period."

The club said there would be no further comment but Barnet FC's chairman, Tony Kleanthous, recently confirmed he was in talks with the Broncos over a move to The Hive, and is thought to be interested in acquiring a stake in the Super League club but only if it became debt-free.

Head coach Tony Rea and chief executive Gus Mackay are thought to be overseeing a skeleton staff after a raft of redundancies were made at the end of last season.

Earlier in the day halfback Mike Bishay became the 15th player to confirm his departure from the London club, who are thought to have as few as five players left on the books.

Even if London were given exemption from the overseas quota to enable them to put together a side in time for their opening match at Widnes on February 16, they would be near-certainties for relegation.

The maximum sanction for a breach of insolvency regulations is currently six competition points and that would be doubled if the RFL's policy review is approved by clubs.


http://www.nrl.com/london-broncos-poised-for-administration/tabid/10874/newsid/75477/default.aspx
 
Hamish171 said:
Should be announced pretty soon. Sources say the NRL is planning to announce the draw about 4 weeks after the AFL draw which was on October 31. So we should be seeing it announced hopefully in the next 1-2 weeks.
Click to expand...

Thanks mate, would like to start planning my trips while flights are cheap lol
 
In-depth interview with Manly Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey



FEISTY Manly coach Geoff Toovey knows his grand final team will again be dismissed as premiership pretenders next season - but he doesn't give a damn.

''We like it,'' he said.

The Daily Telegraph yesterday spoke in-depth to Toovey about losing this year's grand final, the subsequent disappearance of winger David Williams, his coaching future and a round 23 outburst over refereeing.

THE HEARTBREAK

Manly were so close to premiership glory but were denied by the Roosters and several dubious refereeing decisions.

''I have been in that position as a player and now as a coach - it's fish and chip paper now,'' Toovey said.''It was a great game and with a bit of luck it could have gone our way...but it wasn't to be.

''We are now preparing for 2014 and it is a new opportunity for us to right the wrongs of this year.''

Pressed on the appalling refereeing decisions, Toovey said: ''It's a tough job and we just hope things improve this coming season.''

WOLFMAN

Williams had a forgettable grand final - and then wasn't spotted for a fortnight after the grand final. .

''It was great for the papers and fans,'' he said.''They enjoyed the to-ing and fro-ing. It was a minor thing and a few coincidences. His phone broke, a bit of this and that.

''It was blown out of proportion a bit. It is all part of rugby league - a bit of fun.''

Williams had a horrible grand final.

''I think we were all devastated after the game,'' Toovey said.

''It's always tough being on the losing side in a grand final.''That's part of rugby league - you have to enjoy the highs and cope with the lows.''

THE CRITICS

Manly never seem to be discussed pre-season when the premiers are being predicted. Toovey is used to being written-off.

''They do every year,'' Toovey said. ''We like that.''It's good for us and for the group of players.''I think our fans are starting to enjoy it as well.''

THE COACH

Toovey is entering his third season at Brookvale. Does he want to be a career coach?

''I don't know yet - at the moment things are going really well and I am enjoying it,'' he said.

''The players are enjoying it and while that happens I will still be around. Coaching is rewarding but it can be quite stressful as well. The players we have here make it easier for the coaching staff.

''That tends to make it a happy place.'

BEAVER

Steve Menzies told The Daily Telegraph a fortnight ago he would be prepared to return to Manly on a $1 contract.

''He has his 40th birthday party next month,'' Toovey said. ''It was a good (story) for the media.

"Who knows, It (a contract) might be my present to him.''

THE CONTROVERSY

Toovey exploded at refereeing decisions after a round 23 against Souths in Gosford.

''At the end of the day, passion is part of the game - the people either love it or hate it,'' Toovey said.

''It's good to show passion otherwise you will end up with a bland product and people not as interested as they are now.''

THE ROSTER

Manly has a great roster but the core is ageing.

''That's partly true,'' he said.

''Sure it is. I think if you look at some of the successful clubs over the last four or five years, they all have similar players in those positions.

''We may be ageing but we were very close to taking away the trophy this year.''And we are quietly confident those players will do well again next season.''

THE LOSSES

Manly have lost three key forwards - Brent Kite, George Rose and Joe Galuvao along with grand final player David Gower.

''We have lost some experienced players - a couple of middle forwards,'' Toovey said.

''I am hoping the players we have signed - while they are lacking that experience - will bring some enthusiasm and hopefully there will be a surprise packet among them as well.

''Joe has won a couple of grand finals with different clubs and will be sorely missed. Brent Kite has signed with Penrith - they see the quality there.

"They will be missed but we have also signed some quality players.''



http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ach-geoff-toovey/story-fni3gnk1-1226765579659
 
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Prop Groat eyes Dragons rebirth

By Chris Kennedy, national correspondent
NRL.com
12:08pm Fri 22nd November, 2013

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A number of local connections and a family love of the Dragons made Matt Groat's decision to move across from Wests Tigers an easy one.

"I've always been a massive Dragons fan, my family's always been following the Dragons, and they gave me a good opportunity," Groat told NRL.com.

"I know a few of the boys – I went to school with Jack De Belin, Jack Stockwell and Sam Williams, so it made the decision quite easy. And I love the area of Wollongong."

The bulky prop, still just 21 years of age, played just 17 games for the Tigers over three years from 2011 to 2013 as a number of injuries scuppered his development – but he says the body is feeling good now.

"I've had three major surgeries over the last couple of years, it's been a factor [in not playing a lot of first grade] but all good now, all healthy and ready to rumble," he said.

"I had ligament damage in my toe so I had to get surgery on that, I had a dislocation in my thumb and a meniscus tear in my knee."

But that's all behind Groat, who said he is just looking to rip into pre-season at his new club.

At the end of the squad's first major week back at training, Groat said it had been "tough but fair", with several new faces – including former Super League prop Mike Cooper – meaning plenty of competition for spots in the forward pack.

And Groat is taking nothing for granted.

"At the moment I'm just trying to get as strong and as fit as I can with this off-season, do whatever I can for the club. If it's play first grade I'll be over the moon, if it's working my way into it – so be it."


http://www.nrl.com/prop-groat-eyes-dragons-rebirth/tabid/10874/newsid/75484/default.aspx
 
SBW, Inglis chance for international award

AAP
9:08pm Fri 22nd November, 2013

Dual New Zealand international Sonny Bill Williams is in the running for rugby league's International Player of the Year award.

The Kiwis second-rower is on the short-list for the accolade, along with Australian fullback Greg Inglis and Scotland halfback Danny Brough.

The winner will be announced at the Rugby League International Federation dinner in Manchester next week in the lead-up to the World Cup final.

After five years in rugby, during which he played 19 Tests for the All Blacks, Williams made a spectacular return to league in 2013, becoming a key member of the Sydney Roosters' NRL premiership-winning side.

Inglis starred in South Sydney's run through to the NRL last-four and also for Queensland in another State of Origin series win.

Brough, who plays for Huddersfield, is Super League's Man of Steel, or player of the season.


http://www.nrl.com/sbw,-inglis-chance-for-international-award/tabid/10874/newsid/75486/default.aspx
 
geez Inglis' year was overrated. Top player no doubt, but I barely think he was the best fullback of the year. He can do so much better than this year
 
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