2013 NRL Discussion

The Lurker has reported the Following...

Potter out for Henry?

The Wests Tigers' heavy defeat to the Gold Coast Titans has put struggling coach Mick Potter under increased pressure. A faction at the club to get rid of him – and dumped Cowboys coach Neil Henry has been mentioned as a possible replacement.

Scribes unimpressed by late Castle

New Bulldogs CEO Raelene Castle has been in the chair for three weeks and appears to be settling in well as Todd Greenberg's replacement. Not that the former New Zealand netball boss made a good impression when she turned up 20 minutes late for a meet and greet with a number of sports writers last week.


Read More: http://www.sportal.com.au/league/news/the-lurkernrl-rumour-filemonday-246794
 
Former rugby league stars says Matt Bowen still has plenty to offer North Queensland Cowboys



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Matt Bowen's future at the Cowboys is far from certain but Garry Jack says he can play on for three more years. Picture: Scott Radford-Chisholm Source: Townsville Bulletin

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THE career of North Queensland Cowboys legend Matt Bowen seems perilous with his club signing their second full-back in a month but former league greats are adamant "Mango" has more juice.

Bowen's manager Wayne Beavis is travelling to Townsville this week to meet North Queensland football manager Peter Parr regarding his client's future.T

he meeting will decide whether the 31-year-old wears the club's jersey next year, with the Cowboys considering offering him an off-field role because of concerns his worn-out knees would break down again.

Yet Bowen, who yesterday said he was unsure where he would be based for 2014, produced his best game of the season in the Cowboys' upset of South Sydney.

Fullback legend Garry Jack, who played 21 Test for Australia, said Bowen was priceless and should be re-signed for a further three years.

"Age is a myth. They write players off too early these days," Jack said."They would be silly to let him go. He's playing well and is a smart player who knows how to avoid the big hits."I think he has at least two years and probably three left him in him."He would be 34 then and that's the age I retired."

Foundation Cowboys captain Laurie Spina was also adamant the Hopevale superstar should be retained, stating he was the heart and soul of the club.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...eensland-cowboys/story-fni3g8pa-1226691720928

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Gold Coast Titans giant Jamal Idris set to return from broken leg for NRL finals


  • EMMA GREENWOOD
  • GOLD COAST BULLETIN
  • AUGUST 06, 2013 12:00AM

TITANS giant Jamal Idris is set to be fit for finals footy after revealing his specialist "freaked out" at how quickly his broken leg had healed.

Idris's remarkable ability to recover has him on track for a shock return if the Titans are able to reach the playoffs.The barnstorming centre will have screws removed from his ankle next week, little more than a month after surgery to repair horrific injuries suffered in a game against the Knights.

The diagnosis shocked Brisbane surgeon Ben Foster when Idris visited last Friday, and now his speedy healing ability has him on track for a return.

"I saw the surgeon (last Friday) and they always tend to freak out because I heal quick, I don't know what it is," Idris said.

"But I'll be getting the screws out next week and I'll be walking straight away."

Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...g-for-nrl-finals/story-fni3grk4-1226691644315

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$10m grant to help upgrade Brookvale Oval set to be announced today



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Brookvale Oval is set to receive a funding boost. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph


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MANLY'S future at Brookvale Oval is set to be boosted today, with the Rudd government expected to make a $10 million pledge toward the antiquated venue.

The Daily Telegraph has learned of plans for deputy prime minister Anthony Albanese to announce a $10 million grant at Brookvale Oval this afternoon.The funding will be guaranteed, regardless of the result in next month's federal election.

Brookvale's local member is Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, who has campaigned to upgrade the stadium at the past two elections.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-announced-today/story-fni3gnk1-1226691728118

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South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds gets chance to prove he is up to rep standard when Rabbitohs take on Storm



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South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds facing a stern test when the Rabbitohs take on an in-form Storm outfit on Friday night. Picture: Brett Costello Source: DailyTelegraph

ALL year people called for Adam Reynolds to be the NSW halfback ahead of Mitchell Pearce - now the playmaker gets the chance to prove his game is ready for the next level.

With South Sydney skipper John Sutton ruled out for between two and four weeks with an ankle sprain, Reynolds has to take control when the Rabbitohs take on the Storm in Friday night's blockbuster in Melbourne.

The reigning premiers will go into the game on the back of a 68-4 thumping of Canberra, while Souths lost 30-12 to the Cowboys - and will be without their onfield leader in Sutton and more than likely Greg Inglis, who is sidelined with a knee injury.

There has been some talk Inglis could return for his first game since the Origin decider but it is more likely he will be back the following week against the Sea Eagles.

Former champion halfback Greg Alexander thinks the Rabbitohs can still make the grand final when Sutton and Inglis return but the next month will be a good chance for Reynolds to show where his game is at."It certainly adds a lot of pressure to his game without Sutton and they have a lot of big games coming up," Alexander said.

"I know Mitchell Pearce didn't play well in Origin but I couldn't have gone for Adam Reynolds before the Origin series.

"It will be interesting to see how he handles this. His job will be to make sure he builds pressure, as he has for the best part of the season through his kicking game."But with John Sutton not there, it means they are down a bloke who runs the footy.

I know they are different sizes and different styles but I think we saw Reynolds through the Origin series start to run the ball a bit more.

"We know he can kick well, we know he is a good thinker."Sutton's job description has been running the footy and that is where they will miss him."I guess Reynolds has to step up and do a bit more of that."


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...hs-take-on-storm/story-fni3gki8-1226691675814
 
Jarryd Hayne finally back for the Parramatta Eels



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Jarryd Hayne in action for the Eels. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: DailyTelegraph


JARRYD Hayne is back.

Hayne is set to be named to make his comeback for the Parramatta Eels' clash with the Wests Tigers on Friday night.

He has not played since tearing his hamstring eight weeks ago.

The match shapes as a battle for the wooden spoon with the Tigers' season on life support after their 36-6 loss to the Gold Coast on Sunday.

The Test star’s return is major boost to the Eels as they attempt to break a 10-game losing streak - their worst run since 1995 - at Parramatta Stadium.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-parramatta-eels/story-fni3ga7r-1226692095337

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At $700,000 a year, St George Illawarra Dragons fullback Josh Dugan is the NRL's bargain buy



DRAGONS fullback Josh Dugan, at $2.8 million, is rugby league's new equivalent of a Coles Red Spot Special.

While it was Canterbury's night on Monday, the biggest highlights were undeniably provided by the tattooed wild child whose new $700,000-a-year contract, inked over four winters, looks to be a bargain buy judging by a rise and rise which continued against the Doggies.

Dragging his side kicking and screaming back into this game, Dugan scored two tries, orchestrated a third, helped save two in defence and booted a few goals for good measure.

Had this been an away game, he would've driven the team bus too.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...nrls-bargain-buy/story-fni3fbgz-1226691625693
 
Federal Government to announce $20m grant to South Sydney Rabbitohs for new headquarters



KEVIN Rudd is pitching his election campaign on buying the votes of NRL fans.

A day after pledging $10 million to revamp Brookvale Oval, the government will today announce an even bigger grant for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

The money will go towards building a $20 million centre of excellence in Maroubra that will become the club's training headquarters.

It will accommodate the club's entire operation - including football, administration, charitable arms and merchandise.

Not a bad gift from a Prime Minister who famously didn't know the difference between Origin and NRL when he congratulated the Brisbane Broncos for winning a recent Origin series.

Still, Souths are overjoyed to be getting the handout.

"Being in Maroubra, in the heart of Souths territory, it's perfect for us," said Souths CEO Shane Richardson recently, when asked about the possible move from Redfern to Maroubra.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...new-headquarters/story-fni3gki8-1226692387651

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Manly need $30m to fix up Brookvale Oval, Labor has pledged $10m



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Deputy Prime Minister Anthony Albanese makes the $10 million funding announcement in front of Sea Eagles officials at Brookvale Oval yesterday. Picture: Bradley


LABOR yesterday gave Manly $10 million - to fix a $30 million, decade-old problem.

Cautious the grant was a pre-election publicity stunt, Manly must now attempt to find another $20 million to build a new grandstand on the eastern side of Brookvale Oval, And it would seem the state government won't be handing over any money to the Sea Eagles.

Manly officials were quietly shocked Labor had pledged the money given that Brookvale is surrounded by blue-ribbon Liberal electorates.

One source said: "We haven't heard from Labor in years. You can tell there is an election looming."

The Sea Eagles have fought long and hard to upgrade a dilapidated Brookvale Oval, Manly's traditional home ground since 1947, But where will Manly find the extra $20 million needed for a new stand?

The state government may loan the club money and Manly still hope Coalition leader Tony Abbott, a local member on Sydney's northern beaches, may stump up much-needed cash to keep Manly at Brookvale.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-has-pledged-10m/story-fni3gnk1-1226692381100

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Dragons fullback Josh Dugan set to seek revenge on Broncos on Sunday



JOSH Dugan had to pay a severe price for his vulgar social media rant, but the Broncos could be left with a costly receipt this Sunday.

Since being dumped by Canberra and having his $1 million Broncos contract pulled at the last minute and being forced to paint houses for a living, Dugan has emerged as the competition's form fullback.

After linking with the Dragons in mid-May, his statistics during a nine-game stint show he's performing better than the NRL's best player, Greg Inglis.

Dugan is sure to seek revenge against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium after their decision to withdraw a significant offer forced him to become a labourer for a month in order to pay his bills.

Dugan is the major and often lone attacking focus for the Dragons.

He scored two solo tries on Monday night in his club's 39-20 loss to Canterbury that few NRL fullbacks could have conjured.

He averages 178 run metres for the Dragons, while in 14 games Inglis averages 159.

Dugan makes more than 7.5 tackles busts per game compared to Inglis's 6.5 and already has offloaded 15 times to the South Sydney star's four for the year.

They average a similar number of tries and line breaks per game while Dugan misses marginally fewer tackles.

Dugan makes more errors than Inglis, but that is also due to his higher work rate.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...roncos-on-sunday/story-fni3gv5x-1226692419619

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Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater urgers Maroons teammate Greg Inglis not to rush Souths comeback



BILLY Slater has urged Greg Inglis to express caution as Melbourne Storm prepares for the South Sydney superstar to make a miraculous return in Friday night's blockbuster at AAMI Park.

Storm's intelligence is Inglis will make an earlier than expected comeback from injury this week and the club's coaching staff is planning accordingly.

If Inglis does take the field, which is considered to be an outside chance, it will be a full three weeks earlier than it took Slater to return from the same knee injury last year.

Slater knows what his Origin teammate is going through and warned his opposite number it is an injury that requires a lengthy recovery time.

"I think I missed about six weeks (last year) and it's an injury that when you get back, you're not 100 per cent," Slater said.

"Whether Greg has done the same thing as me - I did mine on impact and I think he hyper-extended it."But we want to see Greg on the field as quick as possible because he is a great player and a great mate."


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-souths-comeback/story-fni3fbgz-1226692419859

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Paul Kent says halfbacks Mitchell Pearce and Adam Reynolds may be linked for the rest of their careers



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Adam Reynolds (left) and Mitchell Pearce are the halfbacks of the moment. Source: DailyTelegraph


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TWO halfbacks walked on the field last weekend, two very different halfbacks walked off it. Two halfbacks with it all at stake.

One plays for a future already written, the other to rewrite his past.Only one will prevail.

Adam Reynolds ran on the field Saturday night with South Sydney the competition leader, a position the Rabbitohs have held most of the year.

The Dally M Rookie of the Year, his second season was holding up whatever scrutiny the award brought him, and it always brings some.

Yet 80 minutes later Reynolds limped off, slightly injured, with the work ahead of him. John Sutton was in the dressing room with ice on an ankle that looked like it had a water balloon attached to the side.

Two to four weeks, they said about Sutton.

Reynolds got the all clear, but Greg Inglis was still injured and not due back until just before the playoffs.

The Rabbitohs' spine, as they call it, was cut in half.

The night before, after the Sydney Roosters killed off Penrith, Pearce stood next to Brad Fittler to get his man of the match award.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/a-tale-of-two-halfbacks/story-fni3fh9n-1226692306531

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Injury ensures Cowboy's retirement

By Laine Clark
AAP
Tue 06th August, 6:37pm

For the second time in barely a week injury has sent one of the North Queensland Cowboys' favourite sons into premature retirement.

Winger Ash Graham, 29, had hoped to draw the curtain on his 11-year NRL career at the end of the season but won't play again after opting for wrist reconstructive surgery.

It is another blow for the Cowboys after hard-nosed lock Dallas Johnson's swansong season was cut short just last week by a serious knee injury.

Considered one of the best players never to play State of Origin, Graham proved this season that he was also one of the toughest.

He first suffered the wrist injury in a February pre-season trial against the Gold Coast Titans but nursed it through the year along with chronic ankle arthritis.

However, Graham was finally sidelined a month ago after ligament damage in his wrist worsened and this week he opted to go under the knife.


Read More: http://www.nrl.com/injury-ensures-cowboys-retirement/tabid/10874/newsid/73892/default.aspx
 
Hunt can revive Broncos: Darren Lockyer



BRISBANE legend Darren Lockyer has backed coach Anthony Griffin's personnel shake-up, rating Ben Hunt's move to halfback as the X-factor that can revive the Broncos' playoffs charge.

Hunt is enjoying the most sustained run of his career at halfback, with Brisbane's Mr Fixit to wear the No.7 for the third consecutive week against the Dragons this Sunday at Suncorp Stadium.

Since Griffin's brave decision to demote Peter Wallace to the bench, Hunt has helped orchestrate a mini-Broncos revival. He impressed in Brisbane's 18-16 defeat of the Cowboys and was their most dangerous player against the Knights last Friday night, setting up a try and running for 125m in their 18-all draw in Newcastle.

Named the under-20 competition's inaugural player of the year in 2008, Hunt has shown glimpses of utility potential without providing compelling evidence he is the playmaker to steer the Broncos in the post-Lockyer era.

But after watching Hunt keep Brisbane's finals hopes alive in the past fortnight, Lockyer believes his former teammate can be a long-term solution in the No.7 jumper.

Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...s-darren-lockyer/story-fni3gv5x-1226693040558



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Injured South Sydney Rabbitohs fullback Greg Inglis a chance to face Melbourne Storm



UPDATE: IT has been the month from hell for Rabbitohs fans but help could be arriving today in the shape of the game's most dangerous player.

An upbeat Michael Maguire last night gave desperate Rabbitohs fans a gigantic boost of hope by declaring Greg Inglis has fully recovered from the knee injury that has sidelined him for almost a month and was on target to make his long-awaited return in tomorrow night's blockbuster in Melbourne.

Inglis hasn't played since suffering the injury in the Origin decider on July 17.

But Maguire last night told The Daily Telegraph if the star fullback pulls up OK after a training run this morning he could be recalled for the clash against the reigning premiers.

Maguire said Inglis had a contact training session with the team on Tuesday and pulled up yesterday as good as new."We are going to make a decision on him (today)," Maguire said.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-melbourne-storm/story-fni3gki8-1226692814988

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South Sydney winger Nathan Merritt to play 200th NRL for Rabbitohs on Friday night



YOU could safely argue that the best thing about Nathan Merritt is not his freakish ability to score tries but his humility.

As a young boy, he grew up just around the corner from the famous Redfern Oval. Now, after 12 years in the top grade, you still get the feeling he can't quite believe he is playing for the game's most famous club.

Does he love playing the game today just as much as he did as a kid?"Definitely," Merritt smiled. "I wouldn't be playing if I didn't."

Which brings us to the honour awaiting him this Friday night when the 30-year-old father of three runs out against the reigning premiers in the blockbuster in Melbourne.This will be Merritt's 200th first grade game for the Rabbitohs.

To put into context just how big an achievement that is, consider this:Only four players have played 200 first grade games for South Sydney.Stop and think about the enormity of that. Since 1908, four players have achieved this milestone.

Bob McCarthy - 211
Craig Coleman -208
Eric Simms -206
John Sutton - 201 to date.

So humble, Nathan Merritt is unsure if he deserves to be mentioned among this group."It is a great honour for me, such an achievement," Merritt said. "I really appreciate it, just to have my name alongside those special names."

Merritt has played 218 games all up.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-on-friday-night/story-fni3gki8-1226693126539
 
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Andrew Dunemann to be interviewed for North Queensland Cowboys coaching job



FORMER Cowboys player Andrew Dunemann will be interviewed for the North Queensland coaching job as Trent Barrett drifts out of contention.

The Cowboys board will ramp-up the search for Neil Henry's successor from Monday, when Raiders assistant Dunemann is scheduled to meet officials after North Queensland's clash with Penrith in Sydney.

The development comes as Newcastle assistant Rick Stone last night confirmed his interest in resurrecting his career as an NRL head coach at the Cowboys next season.

Barrett was among the first names mentioned as a possible replacement for Henry in May. But it is unlikely he will coach the Cowboys in 2014 with the NSW Origin assistant keeping a close eye on coaching machinations at the Tigers.

Barrett's management met a Balmain director last week. Barrett has expressed interest in the Cowboys job, but sources say the 35-year-old will be installed as Tigers coach if the joint venture sacks embattled rookie Mick Potter.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...oys-coaching-job/story-fni3fbgz-1226693308301
 
South Sydney Rabbitohs coy on potential Greg Inglis return against Melbourne Storm



ARE South Sydney deliberately shielding the return of a superstar - or is it one big con job?

The debate over whether Rabbitohs champion Greg Inglis will play in tonight's big match against Melbourne at AAMI Park ramped up Thursday afternoon.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy said: "We're expecting him to play".

Souths chief executive Shane Richardson, though, was coy about Inglis's chances when contacted by The Daily Telegraph."I can't tell you that mate," he said. "The coach doesn't want it out there.

"It is something we can't divulge at this stage."Asked whether Inglis flew to Melbourne with the team, Richardson said: "I don't know. I am already here (in Melbourne) so I don't know who got on the plane."


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-melbourne-storm/story-fni3gki8-1226693789922

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Melbourne Storm expected to rule out in-form centre Maurice Blair for clash with South Sydney



MELBOURNE Storm is expected not to risk in-form centre Maurice Blair for Friday night's blockbuster again South Sydney at AAMI Park.

The 28-year-old has been named in the starting side just days after escaping serious neck and spinal damage following a head plant against Canberra on Sunday.

But the Herald Sun understands he is likely to miss out as a result of the quick turnaround between games.

It is a blow for Storm, which will also be without winger Justin O'Neill (hamstring) for at least one more week.

The club is fast running out of available backs, which means big man Tohu Harris may again be called on to play in the centres.

Coach Craig Bellamy said a final call on Blair would be made on Friday morning.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ith-south-sydney/story-fni3gpfg-1226693854730


 
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The Mole from RLW has reported the following...

* Steve Folkes and Rick Stone have applied for the Cowboys coaching job

* Matt Elliot has quit as the coach of the USA Rugby League team

 
Blake Ferguson having an amazing game in his return ... fingers crossed he plays all three games for NSW next season.
 
Cronulla Sharks five-eighth Todd Carney now favourite for Dally M medal



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Cronulla Sharks five-eighth Todd Carney has firmed as favourite to take out this year's Dally M medal. Source: DailyTelegraph


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A MONTH ago, Todd Carney was ruing his omission from the NSW State of Origin team.

Now the Cronulla Sharks playmaker has surged into shock favouritism to snare his second Dally M player of the year award.

The combination of injuries to early favourites, Souths pair Greg Inglis and John Sutton, and a renewed enthusiasm following his Origin disappointment, has catapulted Carney to the top of the betting board for the prestigious medal.

Carney has been installed as the $2.75 favourite to win the award by Tabcorp's corporate betting arm, Luxbet, while surprisingly the odds on Inglis, the player many expected would break the Rabbitohs' 33-year Dally M drought this year, have blown out to $34.Sutton is rated a $29 chance while North Queensland skipper Johnathan Thurston is second favourite at $4.

Carney was on 12 points, four points behind leader, Melbourne's Cooper Cronk, when voting went behind closed doors after Round 16.Inglis was equal-second on 15, with Newcastle's Jarrod Mullen and Sutton.

But three, possibly four, man of the match performances from Carney in his past six matches has many believing the Sharks five-eighth has recaptured the form that saw him claim the gong in 2010 when he inspired the Roosters to the grand final.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...or-dally-m-medal/story-fni3gol8-1226694748537
 
South Sydney legend John Sattler says Dave Taylor may never reach potential at NRL level


  • PETER BADEL
  • THE SUNDAY MAIL (QLD)
  • AUGUST 11, 2013 12:00AM

LEGENDARY Souths forward John Sattler says Dave Taylor has an attitude problem and believes the Titans hulk needs a personal mentor to achieve greatness in the code.

Signed by the Titans for $400,000-a-season, Taylor has had a forgettable debut year at the club, losing his Origin and Test jumpers while playing two-thirds of games off the Gold Coast bench.

The 122kg enigma hit back with a dominant display last week against the Tigers, but now faces a daunting bench battle with 138kg Bulldogs giant Sam Kasiano on Sunday night at ANZ Stadium.

Sattler, who captained Souths to their last premiership in 1971, has taken an interest in Taylor since last year, when the pair met at Rabbitohs training before the Coal Train's move to the Titans.

Leading NRL coaches Wayne Bennett and Michael Maguire both struggled to extract the best of Taylor, who was dropped by Titans coach John Cartwright in April for a disciplinary breach.

At 25, Taylor is in his eighth season of first grade and Sattler suggested the Titans hire a full-time minder to develop the former Maroons forward into a consistent match-winning force.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ial-at-nrl-level/story-fni3grk4-1226694866553

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Ricky Stuart: Jarryd Hayne might be Parramatta's six symbol



THE great ones always want the ball in their hand when the game is on the line. It was something Michael Jordan became famous for, and it's an attitude that has gone around the world.

Jarryd Hayne called me last Wednesday night to tell me he wanted to play five-eighth.I was reluctant given how important the fullback is in the modern game, and how much we have missed his kick returns setting up our six.

Jarryd was concerned we were without Willie Tonga and Semi Radrada on our left edge and we were lacking depth. He explained to me why he thought it would work.

"Our halves aren't square and they're not in position," he said.

I said: "And you playing five-eighth will fix that?"

"I will," he said.

"We haven't had a fullback for 10 weeks, we need someone to set up our six."

"I'll fix that," he said. "I'll have the wingers get back."

"And you'll help Jake Mullaney?"

"I will."

"What about our execution when he gets the ball on a sweep?"

"I'll make sure he gets the ball in better position."

"You've got the job."

Jarryd is so good that I trust his knowledge implicitly. And anybody who saw the game knows he delivered. It shows how much one good player can do for a team.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...attas-six-symbol/story-fni3fh9n-1226694779274

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From Belmore Oval to Jurassic Park



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Source: The Sunday Telegraph


THE Canterbury Bulldogs are fielding the biggest pack of forwards in rugby league history as they steamroll towards next month's finals.

The average weight of the pack is almost 110kg, an amazing 20kg per man heavier than the St George packs of the 1950s and '60s that won 11 straight premierships.

In typical Des Hasler style, the Bulldogs coach is desperately trying to underplay the monster weight advantage, banning The Sunday Telegraphfrom taking a group photo of his mean machine.

The Dogs' tactics have become obvious in recent weeks, using Sam Kasiano, Tony Williams, Frank Pritchard and Greg Eastwood to crush smaller opponents.

The evolution of rugby league forwards has seen front-rowers grow from the likes of Dragons front-rower Kevin Ryan, who was the toughest man of his era, playing at just 90kg.That's an unbelievable 48kg lighter than Slammin' Sam Kasiano.

League's greatest forward Johnny Raper, who played at 87kg, says in his day it was never about body weight."It was the size of your heart that counted," Raper said.

"We used to say the bigger they are the harder they fall. It's a great frustration of mine they don't tackle low anymore. It's still the best way to stop a big man in his tracks."


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...to-jurassic-park/story-fni3g67w-1226694831666
 
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Manly vs Warriors just about to kick off...

Never thought I would find myself going for Manly, Be great for Newcastle if they win though :)
 
Good news for the Knights with Manly defeating the Warriors 27-12 at Bluetongue Stadium this afternoon :)
 
Gold Coast Titans coach John Cartwright turns to soapy football trick to break Canterbury hoodoo



IN the age of sport science Gold Coast coach John Cartwright has turned the clock back 20 years with the old-school soapy football trick to help the Titans break their Canterbury hoodoo.

No Gold Coast team in rugby league history has ever beaten the Bulldogs in Sydney and the Titans head to ANZ Stadium on Monday night without a win at the ground in over three years and no night victories on the road this season.

Coming off a sunny Sunday win last week, the Titans prepared for the expected greasy conditions at Homebush by soaping up the balls at their final training run on Sunday.Cartwright said the idea came from assistant coach Trevor Gillmeister, bringing back memories of their own playing days in the early 90s.

"We used to always do that, like I say it's an oldie but a goodie," Cartwright said.

Co-captain Greg Bird said the slippery footballs helped the players change their mindset after the free-flowing game they produced in last week's win over the Wests Tigers.

"It's just the greasy conditions at ANZ Stadium. It's always the same when you play down there," Bird said."They're (Bulldogs) probably used to it, we're coming off an arvo game where it was a pretty dry and a pretty fast track so it was just getting it in the guys' heads that it's going to be a greasy ball and slippery night."


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...anterbury-hoodoo/story-fni3grk4-1226695106300

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Phil Rothfield runs through his NRL Team of the Year



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Source: DailyTelegraph


IT'S that time of the year again. Winter is on the way out, eight finals positions are up for grabs and the game's individual awards are soon to be determined. I'm getting in early to reveal the team of the year.

FULLBACK

How could you pick a team without the great Billy Slater at fullback? Easy. South Sydney's Greg Inglis has been clearly the dominant No.1 in the game.

There have been some other standout performers, none more so than St George Illawarra's Josh Dugan.

Anthony Minichiello has had another great year at the Roosters. Brett Stewart is approaching his best form at Manly and Michael Gordon has been outstanding at the Sharks.

WINGERS

Probably the most difficult choice because so many have emerged this year and played better than the established representative wingers.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...team-of-the-year/story-fni3fh9n-1226695123304


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Sydney Roosters lose Boyd Cordner while Sonny Bill Williams' future is in doubt



BOYD Cordner is likely gone for the season, while Sonny Bill Williams is in fresh talks to quit the club as the Sydney Roosters' premiership campaign faces its first real test.

Only weeks after debuting for NSW, Cordner last night underwent ankle surgery that is expected to sideline the gun 21-year-old forward for between six to 10 weeks.

The grand final is eight weeks away, leaving Cordner with little time to recover.

The back-rower's absence is set to have a huge impact on the Bondi Junction club and comes as Williams again heads into talks with rugby union with hopes across the ditch that he will be playing with the Waikato Chiefs as early as next season.

The New Zealand Rugby Union, with a three-year deal on the table for Williams, wants the code-hopper back after rugby league's World Cup to join the Chiefs' for the next Super Rugby campaign.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ture-is-in-doubt/story-fni3fbgz-1226695150089
 
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Bulldogs vs Titans just about to kickoff, A doggies win will be great for the Knights as we will have a 3 Point break between us and those teams sitting just outside the top 8...

5. Bulldogs - 26 Points *

6. Sharks - 26 Points

7. Knights - 25 Points

8. Raiders - 24 Points

9. Titans - 22 Points *

10. Warriors - 22 Points

11. Broncos - 21 Points

12. Cowboys - 20 Points

13. Panthers - 20 Points

* Yet to play

** Tigers, Eels, and Dragons all out of contention...A loss this week (Round 23) by Cowboys, Broncos or Panthers will see them out of contention as well
 
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Is alexander blind? Jackson clearly touched the ball for that knock on. Tony Williams obviously put the ball on the try line. For that double movement. Must have money on the dogs
 
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Dragons lose Dugan, Merrin for season

AAP
Mon 12th August, 7:22pm

St George Illawarra duo Josh Dugan and Trent Merrin will not play again in 2013, a blow which could leave the Dragons in danger of finishing with the wooden spoon.

Two of the joint-venture's best players in a disappointing season, Dugan will undergo surgery on a broken thumb on Wednesday, while Merrin suffered a medial ligament injury in the 26-24 loss to Brisbane.

Merrin will not require surgery, but his four-week stint on the sidelines means he won't be sighted again in the NRL this season.

The loss of the key duo could see the Dragons slide down the ladder.


Read More: http://www.nrl.com/dragons-lose-dugan,-merrin-for-season/tabid/10874/newsid/73996/default.aspx
 
Bronco Jharal Yow Yeh resigned to never playing NRL again



THE season-ending injury suffered by Justin Hodges had a sombre postscript with Broncos winger Jharal Yow Yeh resigned to never playing in the NRL again.

Yow Yeh has been sidelined again, with the former Maroons winger recently breaking his hand in a freak off-field mishap attempting to carry a fridge.

The injury will sideline Yow Yeh for six weeks, but of greater concern is his long-term future in the NRL as he fights his way back from a shocking compound fracture of his ankle.

The Broncos are doing everything possible to aid Yow Yeh's recovery but the winger has told teammates he doesn't expect his rebuilt ankle to help him reach the standards required to play NRL.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...laying-nrl-again/story-fni3fbgz-1226695285546

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Tuivasa-Sheck shows the other side to his game



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Pictured is Sydney Roosters fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in Waverley. Source: News Limited


ROGER Tuivasa-Sheck still catches the bus to footy training most days and reckons "only sometimes" do people around Sydney’s eastern suburbs recognise who he is.

"Not many people really know who I am," the young Rooster smiled. "Sometimes people’s eyes pop up and they have a second look but not much."

Tuivasa-Sheck won’t want to get too used to the anonymity because before long this kid is going to be THE man about Bondi.

Take the reaction on Monday, when the NRL’s hottest young talent turned up for a charity barbecue and instantly became the star of the show.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...side-to-his-game/story-fni3gn3s-1226695867092

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Broncos boss Paul White says Jharal Yow Yeh's big money deal will be honoured



BRONCOS boss Paul White says the club will honour a $700,000 contractual commitment to Jharal Yow Yeh even if the luckless winger fails to resurrect his NRL career.

A courageous Yow Yeh on Monday pledged not to give up hope of returning to the NRL, although the former Maroons ace faces an uphill battle to play first grade again.

Brisbane teammates are aware of Yow Yeh's private sentiments and the club is doing everything possible to help the 23-year-old overcome a nasty ankle injury to reprise his Broncos heroics.

But The Courier-Mail can reveal that should Yow Yeh fail to make a successful NRL comeback, the Broncos will honour every cent of the three-year deal he signed eight weeks before the injury in January 2012. It is understood Yow Yeh's current deal is worth $350,000 annually.

Under the terms of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, an NRL player is entitled to a full payout of his contract should he be forced into retirement on medical grounds.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...will-be-honoured/story-fni3gv5x-1226695826529

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North Queensland Cowboys bookend James Tamou admits spinal fears had him playing at 50 per cent



JAMES Tamou is among the most feared men in rugby league but the intimidating bookend has admitted spinal injury fears sapped 50 per cent of his power this season.

The North Queensland enforcer’s form has surged in the past fortnight after the shuddering pain from a spinal cord injury suffered in round four finally dissipated.

Tamou made a season-high 21 runs in the Cowboys' 36-4 thrashing of Penrith on Sunday night, gaining an exceptional 183m in the process.

The platform he and fellow front-rower Matt Scott laid allowed the Cowboys halves of Robert Lui and Johnathan Thurston to run riot, inflicting a six-try romp.

For Tamou, his late-season rally is giving him the confidence he needed after a season plagued with nagging injuries and off-field dramas.

The bulging disc, suffered via an accidental elbow to the neck from teammate Ashton Sims in March, had made even innocuous tackles painful.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...g-at-50-per-cent/story-fni3g8pa-1226695788866




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North Queensland Cowboys senior players want say on who replaces Neil Henry as coach



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Johnathan Thurston is keen to have a say on the Cowboys' new coach. Pic. Phil Hillyard Source:DailyTelegraph


STILL bewildered their coach was sacked, senior Cowboys players are adamant they must have a vote in who claims the "King's" throne.

North Queensland’s co-captain Johnathan Thurston said he hoped the Cowboys' board would consult senior players, while Australian prop James Tamou said the entire playing group should be asked for their opinion on who steers them in 2014.

Cowboys players have also revealed their shock at Neil “King" Henry's dumping with hooker Ray Thompson admitting, "I never saw it coming".

Now the Cowboys are hanging in finals contention with two big wins in their most recent games, their coach for 2014 and beyond will only be announced when their season is finished.

Henry's likely destination appears either the Wests Tigers or St George Illawarra, with both clubs interested in using him as an assistant.

Like several players in the Cowboys, Tamou has had only Henry as a first grade coach.Tamou said only the men on the frontline truly knew what was required to make their team a premiership contender.

Asked if players should have a say on the coaching appointment, the giant front-rower said: "Definitely. Only we know as players how each other are feeling and what's needed."I think senior players should (have a say).


Read More:http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...l-henry-as-coach/story-fni3g8pa-1226695761400
 
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Canterbury Bulldogs forwards Sam Kasiano, Greg Eastwood out for a month



CANTERBURY’s premiership aspirations have been savaged after two big-name forwards were ruled out for a month Tuesday.

Prop Sam Kasiano (knee) and back-rower Greg Eastwood (broken hand) won’t be back until week one of the NRL semi-finals.

The New Zealand Test pair sustained the injuries during Monday night’s 26-16 loss to Gold Coast at ANZ Stadium.

Canterbury are already trying to overcome the loss of star full-back Ben Barba. He has an ankle injury and won’t return until round 26.

News of the injuries will hurt the Bulldogs, who face Canberra this Saturday afternoon at Canberra Stadium.Dogs coach Des Hasler has, though, assembled a mentally tough side who thrive on overcoming adversity.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-out-for-a-month/story-fni3g67w-1226696450197

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Scott Prince hits top form for Brisbane Broncos



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Broncos player Scott Prince in the Indigenous Strip. Source: News Limited


SCOTT Prince hails from one the longest surviving Aboriginal tribes, so it is unsurprising his best form came in the face of calls for his relegation.

Prince is the ultimate survivor and one of the proudest moments in his 15-year career comes this Friday night when he wears the Broncos inaugural Indigenous jersey.

Speaking exclusively to The Courier-Mail ahead of the Broncos' Close The Gap encounter against the Parramatta Eels, Prince revealed why his performances had surged in recent weeks.

Prince's form has been at its best in the Broncos' past three games where they have managed two wins and a draw.

He has combined wonderfully with new halfback Ben Hunt and also kicked 16 goals in a row.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...brisbane-broncos/story-fni3gv5x-1226696559783

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I don't want Wests Tigers job says dumped North Queensland coach Neil Henry


  • LAINE CLARK
  • AAP
  • AUGUST 13, 2013 5:25PM

DUMPED North Queensland coach Neil Henry may be on the lookout for a job but he has no desire to snatch the Wests Tigers reins away from besieged mentor Mick Potter.

Just months before he officially becomes unemployed, Henry on Tuesday made the surprise move of urging the Wests Tigers to keep Potter at the helm next year.

The axe appeared to hover over Potter after Wests Tigers lost to wooden spoon fancies Parramatta last Friday night but his future looks set to be decided by the club's current coaching review which is expected to be completed by month's end.

Henry has already been linked to a revised coaching structure at the Wests Tigers after current assistants Royce Simmons and Steve Georgallis informed the club they would move on next year.

His time at the Cowboys officially ends on November 1 after being shown the door by the North Queensland board but on Tuesday he admitted he had not yet had any official talks with an NRL club.

However, Henry was quick to hose down any suggestion he was ready to pounce if Potter was axed, saying he empathised with the Wests Tigers coach.

"I want to go on the record and say I hope the Tigers stick with Mick Potter," he said. "I have no desire to take Mick Potter's job. "He has had a difficult year in difficult circumstances with a lot of injuries, and now with Benji Marshall going, too (to rugby union at season's end).

"Credit to him to do what he is doing and hanging in there, and hopefully they stick by him."

Henry said he would accept an NRL assistant role if it meant staying involved in rugby league.

"I am lookig around," he said. "But I have a job to do here over the next few weeks and hopefully it continues and we get into the finals."


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...coach-neil-henry/story-fni3g8pa-1226696507730

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Suspended South Sydney star is replaced by his brother and Rabbitohs teammate Luke to play Manly



YOU lose one Burgess and another comes in to fill his place.

That was the case at Souths on Tuesday when the oldest of the Burgess brothers was called up to make his first NRL appearance of the season after Sam copped his two-week ban for the “squirrel grip” on Will Chambers.

While losing Sam is a massive blow for the Rabbitohs heading into Friday night’s crucial clash against Manly in Gosford, Luke’s return to the top grade at least gives the family something to cheer about after a week big Sam would want to forget.

Luke suffered a shoulder injury in January that ruled him out for six months, so just to be back in the top grade is a wonderful achievement.

And with four rounds of the regular season to play, it gives hope that all four Burgess brothers could play in the NRL together this season.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ke-to-play-manly/story-fni3gki8-1226696607730

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Greg Inglis to rescue the South Sydney Rabbitohs



ROY Asotasi reckons Greg Inglis is so good you could play him in any position from full-back to front-row and he would not just get the job but perform like a superstar.

Which is probably why there were so many smiles at Souths training on Tuesday, despite the fact they players had just found out Sam Burgess was copping the two week ban for his "squirrel grip" on Melbourne’s Will Chambers.

You ask Asotasi what a guy like GI means to this team heading into Friday night’s crucial battle against Manly in Gosford, a game that will also feature the return from injury of skipper John Sutton.

Asotasi said of Inglis: “He will be crucial to any team. You know, you’ve just got to look what he does for Australia, in Origin and for the Rabbitohs.

"He definitely changes the whole outfit when he is out there. When you miss him for two weeks obviously people see what we are lacking."


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...sydney-rabbitohs/story-fni3gki8-1226696605074

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South Sydney veteran sees a young Johnathan Thurston in Rabbitohs rookie Luke Keary



LUKE Keary was dropped back to the bench on Tuesday to make way for the return from injury of skipper John Sutton.

But Roy Asotasi says the young Rabbitoh shouldn’t get too worried about his future at the club.

For an old-timer like Roy, in his final season in the NRL, watching Keary come through now makes him feel young again.

Back when he was a youngster coming through at the Bulldogs, there was this cheeky little halfback with a big booming smile and crazy laugh that used to come off the bench barking orders for the Dogs.

“He reminds of what Johnathan Thurston used to do for the Bulldogs,” Asotasi said on Tuesday, when asked what Keary brings to the Rabbitohs in 2013.“

It has probably been hard for (coach Michael) Maguire to leave him out of the top 17 and he probably had to reshuffle the team to get him on that bench.“Johnno did the same thing for the Bulldogs in 2004 when he came off the bench and added that spark.”

The Dogs won the comp that year.


Read More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ookie-luke-keary/story-fni3gki8-1226696615878

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Raiders' Fensom to miss up to six weeks

By By David Barbeler
AAP
Tue 13th August, 4:54pm

34321_20_1.jpg



Canberra lock Shaun Fensom has been ruled out of the NRL for up to six weeks after sustaining ligament damage to his thumb against the Roosters on Saturday.

Fensom underwent surgery on Tuesday afternoon, leaving the ninth-placed Raiders without their key defender for the remainder of the regular NRL season.

Joel Edwards has been named as his replacement.


Read More: http://www.nrl.com/raiders-fensom-to-miss-up-to-six-weeks/tabid/10874/newsid/74006/default.aspx
 
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