2013 NRL Discussion

Rabbitohs owner Peter Holmes a Court slams hardcore Souths fans over Roosters scum slur



SOUTH Sydney co-owner Peter Holmes a Court has lashed out at hardcore South Sydney fans for referring to arch rivals the Roosters as "scum".

Holmes a Court took exception to a banner hoisted by Rabbitohs fans during Friday's minor premiership battle against the Tri-colours, which read:

"SCUM: FOREVER IN OUR SHADOW."

Although the Rabbitohs v Roosters rivalry has simmered for more than a century and the Bondi boys claimed the JJ Giltinan Shield at South Sydney's expense on Friday, Holmes a Court felt the banner was in poor taste.

"Love that the Rabbitohs broke a 105 year old attendance record, loved the blanketing of the stadium in red and green, love the passion of our incredible Members and Supporters," the wealthy businessman, who owns Souths with Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe, wrote in a Facebook post.

"Didn't love the final score, nor this banner. Rivarly, yes, hatred, sorry, never.

"Rooster fans may be misguided and delusional, yes, Scum, sorry, never."The world could do with less hate, and sport is best when it is used to build communities."


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Peter Holmes a Court wasn't happy with this banner displayed by Rabbitohs fans.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...osters-scum-slur/story-fni3gki8-1226714995117



 
Souths chief condemns offensive banner

AAP
3:49pm Mon 09th September, 2013

South Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson has condemned a section of the club's supporters following the unfurling of an offensive banner during last Friday's defeat by the Sydney Roosters in the minor premiership decider at ANZ Stadium.

A record crowd of 59,708 attended the game - the most for an NRL non-finals encounter - but as the teams ran onto the field a sign depicting the Roosters' logo with the words "Scum: forever in our shadow" written across it was held aloft.

"Friday night's blockbuster against the Roosters was outstandingly supported by our members and supporters and we would like to thank you for all for your encouragement and involvement on the night," Richardson said.

"However, there was a small group of so-called Rabbitohs supporters who took it upon themselves to create an offensive banner.

"The club would like to state that in no way do we condone the banner that was displayed, or any other derogatory messaging."

Richardson said the club is studying CCTV to find the perpetrators and if they are found to be members they will have their memberships revoked.

"The club encourages our members and supporters to create signs and banners that support our team and our players, rather than criticising the opposition," he said.


http://www.nrl.com/souths-chief-condemns-offensive-banner/tabid/10874/newsid/74559/default.aspx
 
North Queensland Cowboys can repeat Parramatta Eels' golden run of 2009



PARRAMATTA great Nathan Hindmarsh believes a red-hot North Queensland Cowboys side can spoil the finals party, just like the incredible heist his Eels almost pulled off in 2009.

The Eels' run to the 2009 grand final came on the back of a seven-game late-season winning streak where fullback Jarryd Hayne surged home to win the Dally M Medal.

Parramatta are the lowest ranked team to ever reach the NRL grand final, coming from eighth to eventually get beaten 23-16 by the Storm who were later stripped of the premiership for salary cap breaches.

But Hindmarsh believes the Cowboys, who won six straight games to sneak into eighth spot, can create a similar finals series surge now that they are finally clicking into gear.

While he believes Manly and Melbourne are the teams to beat because of their finals experience, he would love to see the Cowboys deliver veteran fullback Matt Bowen a Shane Webcke-like fairytale farewell.

“I can’t see why they can’t, they’re just as good as any other team on their day,” Hindmarsh said.“Everyone wrote us off (in 2009) and I am one of those blokes that wrote the Cowboys off earlier in the year before this run.

“I wish the Cowboys all the best, especially someone like Matty Bowen who finishes up at the end of the year. I’d love for him to get a fairytale finish.

“I think the last person to get one was Shane Webcke to have that back in 2006. Players like Matty Bowen I’d love to see that happen because he is a top bloke and deserves that send-off.”

North Queensland travel to Sydney to play Cronulla at Allianz Stadium on Saturday afternoon and despite the Sharks recent upset of minor premiers Sydney Roosters it is the Cowboys who will start favourites.

Hindmarsh believes the Cowboys have found their form by playing the same carefree football that carried the Eels on their golden run in 2009.

“I thought Johnathan Thurston was probably trying a bit too hard and I thought the front rowers were still trying to find their groove,” Hindmarsh said.

“The injuries to Matty Bowen throughout the year didn’t help their cause either.“I thought before this run they should have been doing better with the cattle they had.

“They’ve turned around and proved a lot of people wrong, they’ve made the semi-finals and they’re looking like a side that is very confident at the moment.”

Hindmarsh recalled the sense of confidence his team carried in 2009.“There was no expectation, there was no one giving us a hope in hell,” Hindmarsh said.

“We just played the style of footy we enjoyed playing, we played a bit of free-flowing footy.“I thought once we made the semi-finals and got over the hurdle of the first final with St George I knew we were untouchable . . . until we met Melbourne in the grand final.

“I knew we would beat every team in the semis, until I saw we were playing Melbourne in the grand final and I thought, ‘Oh this is going to be hard.’

“It was just a confidence thing. We were just playing footy, we weren’t really a structured team in the semi-finals. We were just enjoying going out there playing for each other and we knew each others’ game.”


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...lden-run-of-2009/story-fni3g8pa-1226715492312

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Richard Hinds: NRL finals launch leaves us all at sea



IT was difficult to tell what message the NRL was trying to send by launching this keenly anticipated finals series aboard the HMAS Leeuwin.

Even more difficult with the whir of helicopter blades and the drone of the ship’s engine drowning out the speakers.

After a season in which bad news has constantly floated to the surface, was the motif Six Months In A Leaky Boat?
Or, with some nervous administrators at NRL headquarters, Man Overboard?

Whatever it was, by the time the official ceremonies were concluded with an eight ball salute - eight balls kicked from the main deck into the harbour by the finals captains - the NRL had again demonstrated its indomitable spirit.

Drugs? Spousal abuse? Maladministration? No, mercifully, people were talking rugby league.If only, in the case of Cronulla captain Paul Gallen, before a hasty exodus.

The Sharks’ captain’s eagerness to abandon ship was understandable at the end of a season tainted by a controversy. One that still threatens to sour whatever the Sharks achieve in the coming weeks.

Asked if it was good to be talking about the game, rather than the ongoing drugs investigation, Gallen was dogmatic.‘’That’s all we’ve been worried about all year,’’ he said. ‘’Playing footy.’’

If so, Gallen’s mind is stronger than his famously robust body. Even allowing for the Sharks’ fifth placed finish, it seems inconceivable the ASADA investigation has not had a profound impact on their season.

Sometimes, it seems to have galvanised the team and created an air of defiance, even strength. On other occasions, they have seemed deflated and vulnerable. Who knows what we get against the Cowboys on Saturday?

But, Gallen insisted, the possible fallout from the peptides scandal has not left him considering taking actual blows, rather than metaphorical blows, by turning to boxing.

‘’I’ve never spoken a word to Khoder Nasser in my life,’’ said Gallen of reports of some matchmaking with Sonny Bill Williams’ promoter.

‘’I’ve been doing boxing training for four or five years so there’s nothing in that.’’For now, Gallen is entitled to contemplate more immediate matters. Like how his teammates will counter the brilliance of the Cowboys’ Matt Bowen and Brent Tate.

The type of questions the other seven captains were answering, very loudly, over the buzz of the copter blades.The things that mean you don’t have to blush when you wonder if this could be the best finals series - ever.

Can the Storm be the first team to go back-to-back since 1992-93, Cameron Smith?‘’Yeah, we’ve been reminded about that since round one,’’ says the Storm’s consummate leader.

‘’But trust me, it’s the last thing on our minds.’’

Was Manly’s home defeat to Penrith deflating ahead of a big final against the Roosters, Jamie Lyon?

‘’We’ll look at the video and fix a few things,’’ said Lyon.When, in reality, the Sea Eagles are more likely to watch replays of Kevin Rudd’s concession speech than a terminally ill rubber that Manly put to death.

What has Trent Robinson done to turn feather dusters back into proud Roosters, Anthony Minichiello?‘’He was assistant with us in 2010 and he worked hard on our defence,’’ said the fullback, whose try-saving tackle on Sam Burgess last Friday symbolised the Roosters’ newfound defensive steel.

‘’It didn’t surprise us (Robinson) did so well there (in Super League). He’s a great coach, a great bloke.’’

How do the Rabbitohs bounce back against the Storm, John Sutton? We left none the wiser. Not because the helicopters drowned Sutton out. But because Souths play their cards so close, most of the players have the seven of diamonds tattooed on their chests.

How have the Cowboys won six straight with a lame-duck coach, Matt Scott?‘’The pressure was off after the (18-16) loss to the Broncos,’’ he says. ‘’There was just not as much pressure for us to play well.’’

Which, in turn, makes you wonder why the contracts a talented group of players signed in good faith did not create enough pressure to play well earlier in the season.But give the Cowboys credit for getting back on the horse, even after it bolted on coach Neil Henry.

The forgotten Knights? Why should we care, Jarrod Mullen?‘’We’ve got a coach who knows how to win grand finals,’’ he said, without fear of contradiction. But, of course, there is the small matter of getting there first.

And the last word from a man who usually likes to get in first. Bulldogs captain Michael Ennis, who has made the job of referees’ coach redundant, on his instructions to the officials on Sunday:

‘’Hopefully we’ll just get a couple of good ones this weekend, and see how we go.’’You could say something similar about these finals.Let’s hope we get a couple of good ones, and away we go.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...es-us-all-at-sea/story-fni3fbgz-1226715459874
 
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Anthony Watmough to return to Manly Sea Eagles line-up for qualifying final against Sydney Roosters


  • STEVE JANCETIC
  • AAP
  • SEPTEMBER 10, 2013 2:41PM

MANLY forward Anthony Watmough has declared himself a certain starter for Saturday night's qualifying final against the Sydney Roosters as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

Watmough has been sidelined the past few weeks after aggravating an existing knee complaint in the round 23 loss to South Sydney.

But in resuming training on Tuesday, the New South Wales Origin representative said nothing was going to stop him playing in his side's opening finals encounter.

"A couple of weeks off has really freshened me up and I'm really hungry and ready to go," Watmough said.

"No doubt, I'll be playing."

Asked about the prospect of taking a needle to help him get through the match, Watmough said: "I don't know."Today will be the first day I have run since it's happened and we'll get a judge off that.

"If I have to needle it, and so be it, if it's going to get me through the game."

While Watmough took part in training fullback Brett Stewart was a notable absentee, with coach Geoff Toovey saying he would wait until later in the week before making a final call on his availability.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-sydney-roosters/story-fni3gnk1-1226716146680
 
Canberra Raiders chairman John McIntyre to stand down from role



429625-john-mcintyre.jpg

Canberra Raiders chairman John McIntyre. Picture: Ray Strange Source: DailyTelegraph


​
LEGENDARY Canberra patriarch John McIntyre is expected to stand down as Canberra chairman tonight, ending a family association that goes back to the club’s beginnings in 1982.

McIntyre’s retirement has been kept quiet ahead of tonight’s football presentation at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.

He has long been regarded as one of the most powerful administrators in the game and is seen as the driving force behind the Raiders’ bid to poach Parramatta coach Ricky Stuart for next season.
The retirement will have no bearing on the Raiders plans.

McIntyre is believed to be leaving after being worn down by the Raiders’ faltering season, for which he has attracted a heavy share of blame.

After guaranteeing David Furner would see out his contract, McIntyre was forced to sack Furner last month, the first time in the club’s 32 year history a coach has not seen out his contract.

McIntyre is expected to be replaced by board member and highly respected former public servant Allan Hawke.

Hawke is the former Secretary of Defence and Secretary of Veteran Affairs, and a former Ambassador to New Zealand.

While McIntyre will leave behind the Raiders he will retain his other administrative roles, including the rich Queanbeyan club that runs the Raiders.

McIntyre’s father Les founded the Raiders in 1982.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...d-down-from-role/story-fni3gmmu-1226716428649

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Martin Kennedy to be unveiled as Brisbane Broncos player on Wednesday



​
BRISBANE'S starting front-row is on notice with Broncos coach Anthony Griffin to deploy the club's biggest player next season in 120kg forward recruit Martin Kennedy.

Months of speculation over Kennedy’s future will conclude Wednesday when the Broncos formally announce a three-year deal, securing the Maroons hopeful until the end of 2016.

The Roosters bookend adds depth to Brisbane’s forward stocks and also provides the bulk their pack lacked this season in the midfield.

Josh McGuire and Ben Hannant were the starting props in Brisbane’s final game of the season last Thursday night, but the raw-boned Kennedy now looms as a major threat.

The 24-year-old returned from a knee injury against Souths last Friday night and Griffin believes the Broncos will extract the best of Kennedy, who was spotted by the late Queensland legend Arthur Beetson.

“We’re extremely happy to have him, he’s a prop with his best years ahead of him,’’ Griffin said.

“Martin is a 120kg front-rower, so he will be our biggest forward next year and will certainly add to the pack we've already got.

“Potentially, his best football is ahead of him. He’s a Queensland boy, he went to Ipswich Grammar, so it’s a good fit for the club.“I first saw Martin play in the under-20s (at the Roosters) and he played in the 2010 grand final for the Roosters, so he has a lot of experience for a relatively young front-rower.’’

Kennedy went tantalisingly close to winning his maiden Queensland jumper this season, only to lose out in the boardroom to Souths bolter Chris McQueen for the series opener.

The Lismore product was named 18th man for Origin II, but was forced to withdraw when he injured his knee in the lead-up to the return bout at Suncorp Stadium.

Kennedy’s impending arrival gives the Broncos another front-row option, with rising prop Dunamis Lui informing Griffin over the weekend he had signed a two-year deal with Manly.

“We're copping some criticism for where we are,’’ Griffin said.“I’m not trying to justify that we don’t need to be criticised, but we are moving ahead with our recruitment and our building for next year and Martin will be an important part of that.

“He’s progressing well in his career, he was unlucky to miss out on Origin I this year.

“We struggled a bit with injury upfront this year. We lost Mitchell Dodds and Dave Hala to season-ending injuries and Benny Hannant unfortunately didn’t get a great deal of continuity with his calf injury.

“We just lacked consistency through that position for the year.’’

Fellow Origin hopeful McGuire, who had an impressive finish to the season, backed Kennedy's signing.“He's a big man and the club obviously want a bit of size upfront’’ he said.

“It’s only going to be good for the club. We have a few guys moving on so having Kennedy there will be good.“We have some good young forwards coming through, so no one is certain of a spot. That’s what is good about the Broncos, every player has to fight for their jumper.’’


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...yer-on-wednesday/story-fni3gv5x-1226716402455

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Sydney Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles primed for bash-fest in NRL finals week one


  • DEAN RITCHIE AND TIM ELBRA
  • NEWS LIMITED NETWORK
  • SEPTEMBER 11, 2013 12:00AM

THE message out of Brookvale and Bondi was clear on Tuesday: Let's get ready to rumble.

Aware of the Roosters’ physical forward pack, Manly star Anthony Watmough spoke of his side’s need for "big hits and big runs. You run at our left (side) and you’re going to get belted."

Roosters forward Frank-Paul Nuuausala declared: "We’ve got to meet fire with fire."

It will be a brutal, old fashioned semi-final at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night between two menacing forward packs, although the Roosters will be without Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who has been suspended for an elbow on South Sydney's Chris McQueen.

"We want to put the challenge out to them as well," Manly prop Brenton Lawrence said."We’re not looking to meet whatever they throw at us. We are looking to bring it to them.

"I think we can handle anybody in this comp. They are a physical side and the footy last Friday night (against Souths) was a slog-a-thon."

Watmough, returning from a knee injury, was anticipating some enormous collisions."We really like to come into these (games) and take it up another level," he said.

"It’s going to be a big game. There’s going to be some big hits and some big runs."Our right side has been pretty dominant over the last few weeks. But our left, you run at our left and you’re going to get belted.

"There are some big hitters out there and some tough players. There are a lot of physical teams and we are up there. They are definitely up there as well."They have been playing that way in the last weeks. We have too.

"We’ll have to do the tough stuff in the middle and hopefully the boys out wide can do their thing."

Punters like the Roosters forwards.The Roosters will start $1.80 favourites, with Manly $2.05 outsiders.

Manly forward Tom Symonds, a former Rooster, said: "(The Roosters) play a very physical style of game. That will be no different this Saturday."The extra intensity for the finals, that is something we have to be ready for. Their big forwards have been playing well. The middle will be a big challenge for us."

The Roosters have beaten Manly twice this year and Nuuausala is expecting another torrid game."You have to get physical with Manly, they have an awesome forward pack — they’re very aggressive and tough," he said."We’ve got to meet fire with fire. We’re prepared to go with them.

"If they want to play through the middle and play that type of football we’ve got the type of players that can do the job. It will be a good test this week."


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-finals-week-one/story-fni3fbgz-1226716379996
 
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THE LURKER - NRL RUMOUR FILE - MONDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER


Sticky Ricky to splash cash?

Ricky Stuart will have an immediate $1 million to spend on new talent if he signs with the Canberra Raiders. The sackings of Blake Ferguson and Josh Dugan have left the Raiders way under the salary cap for 2014.

Chooks Roasted

Roosters officials protested to the NRL about a slanderous sign held up by Souths fans in The Burrow during last Friday night's fiery local derby.

The banner referred to the Roosters as 'scum' and an angry Roosters official complained to NRL staff at the ground that the banner was in poor taste.

Not wanting to inflame the crowd on a tense night, NRL officials decided not to remove the banner but are unlikely to allow it to be brought into the stadium again if the two teams meet in the finals.

Friday night blight

The NRL will stick with its fixed scheduling for the first 20 rounds of the competition next year despite encountering serious problems.

The poor standard of Friday night games this season under the fixed schedule has been blamed for the fall in TV ratings.

The NRL insists the schedule is here to stay and believes ratings will improve when big drawing clubs like the Eels and the Dragons become more competitive.


http://www.sportal.com.au/league/news/the-lurkernrl-rumour-filemonday-251920
 
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THE LURKER - NRL RUMOUR FILE - WEDNESDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER


Raiders: There will be blood

There might be some more blood-shed at the Raiders before the year is out. Already the club has sacked head coach David Furner and star player Blake Ferguson. We now hear Furner's brother, Don, the club's CEO, might be fighting an internal backlash from club factions.

The bishop of Parramatta Parish

Matt Parish is among the favourites for the Parramatta job expected to be vacated by departing Ricky Stuart. But does Parish want the job? We hear Parish is telling friends he may not want to take over a club engulfed in on-going boardroom dramas.

That man Todd

Besieged NRL official Todd Greenberg is fast finding out who his true friends are. While many of his former club CEO colleagues have given him the cold shoulder over the Ben Barba affair, several others have taken time to ring or text with offers of support. Their backing won't be forgotten by the NRL's Head of Football.

Another sheriff for Cowboys

Terry Matterson is the forgotten man in the race for the Cowboys' coaching job. The former NSW Origin forward has made it clear he is not following Neil Henry out of the club as some part of a package deal and wants a head role after years as an assistant. But he may have to look elsewhere.

The mail has changed on this one almost daily but it appears Kevin Walters is back in favour. Expect an announcement as soon as NQ is out of business for the year.

Zorba's day in court

There was an absorbing court case this week pitting long-serving Manly official Peter Peters against Fairfax Media. Peters is suing the organisation over an article that appeared in the Sun-Herald's sports gossip column earlier this year. There is plenty of interest in the outcome.

http://www.sportal.com.au/league/news/the-lurkernrl-rumour-filewednesday-252045
 
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Cronulla Sharks star Todd Carney confident his injured hamstring will hold up in NRL finals


  • IAN MCCULLOUGH
  • AAP
  • SEPTEMBER 11, 2013 12:42PM

WITH bitter memories from last year fresh in his mind, Todd Carney is optimistic that his troublesome hamstring will get through Cronulla's NRL elimination final clash with North Queensland on Saturday.

The playmaker sat out the Sharks' last two games after tearing his hamstring and he won't complete a full training session until Friday.But he says he's just taking every precaution to ensure he can play untroubled.

"As long as I can do Friday's session ... it has been a long season and I know what I can do out there so, as long as my body is right, I will be fine,'' said Carney.

"I have kept on top of my fitness and I look at it as a blessing in disguise as it has given me a bit of a rest.''

Last year, Cronulla exited the finals in an opening weekend elimination final and it was a particularly painful experience for Carney who tore his Achilles tendon as the Sharks were well beaten by his former team Canberra.

Former Sharks physio David Givney said after that game the tendon had been a "ticking time bomb'' and could have torn at any time and Carney said that experience taught him not to take risks with injury.

"It burns me not finishing that game. It was sort of a 'what if?' situation,'' he said.

"You are thinking 'how could we have gone had I not torn my Achilles?'

"I was talking about it to my mum the other day and she said that I always seemed to be busted at this time of year."I've said to myself if I'm not 100 per cent I won't go into the game like I did last year.

"I wouldn't say I let the team down but we didn't have a back up for me on the bench and that hurt us.''

Carney admitted, having never torn a hamstring before, he was unsure at first how long his recovery would take.However, the 26-year-old said he would not play in a cautious manner.

"I wouldn't be playing if it worried me,'' he said."I have done everything the physio has asked me to do to make sure it's right.

"I could train today if I wanted to but I won't get anything out of it."I don't want to push it because I don't want to pull up sore tomorrow.

"I haven't run for two weeks and don't want to have sore legs going into Saturday."


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...up-in-nrl-finals/story-fni3gol8-1226716851402

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Matt Bowen and Johnathan Thurston the hottest attacking duo in the NRL


  • TODD BALYM
  • NEWS LIMITED NETWORK
  • SEPTEMBER 11, 2013 12:00AM

NORTH Queensland superstars Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen are the hottest attacking duo in the NRL, entering the finals with the best form of any playmakers in the competition.

Over the past five weeks, Thurston and Bowen lead the competition for try assists.

They each have eight assists in five games, ahead of Melbourne’s superstar Cooper Cronk and Sydney Roosters five-eighth James Maloney, who each have seven.

In last week’s 50-22 rout of the Wests Tigers, Bowen starred with two tries, one try assist and four tackle busts.

The previous week against Cronulla, who the Cowboys face in an elimination final on Saturday, Bowen delivered a man-of-the-match effort with one try, three try assists and four tackle busts.

North Queensland legend Paul Bowman said the combination of Thurston and Bowen would go down as one of the deadliest in the NRL.

“It’s one of the best combinations in the NRL,” Bowman said.

“They have played together for close to 10 years now up here so they know each others' thinking without the need to tell each other what is happening.

“It’s pretty important that combination with the halves and the fullback in terms of the way Matty chimes into the backline and the way he can play as an extra half.

“When they are firing it is definitely massive for us.”

The return to fitness and form of fullback Bowen has been a major catalyst for the Cowboys, with the retiring 31-year-old looking much sharper since mid-season knee surgery.

But getting Bowen back to his best has been the daily struggle for the Cowboys in 2013.

Off-season shoulder surgery restricted his training ability through the summer, while his degenerating knee played havoc with his first half of 2013.

Bowman, who is North Queensland’s high-performance boss, said surgery was “the only option” for Bowen when he broke down after the round 11 loss to the Wests Tigers.

“There was a bit of a tipping point and he hurt it in a game and it was pretty much the only option,” Bowman said.

“The pain and swelling caused by it, he couldn’t keep going and it was pretty much a necessity that we had to have surgery.

“We knew if we got it done he’d be back in four or five weeks and be good for the rest of the year hopefully.”

Since returning in round 18, Bowen’s output has more than doubled in key areas such as line breaks and tackle busts, according to Fox Sports Stats.

He had just 10 tackle busts in his first 10 games of the year, but has made 23 in eight games since his return.

His line breaks have also risen from three to seven and he has added five tries since his return to take his season tally to six.

As important as Bowen has been to the Cowboys' surge, Bowman believes the club’s winning streak is a result of improved efforts across the board and not just the star duo.

“In terms of people lifting it has been across the park, everyone has lifted their standard of performance,” Bowman said.

“One or two players playing well can’t carry the rest of the side and everyone has lifted and particularly those who have had to come in.”


MATT BOWEN'S 2013 STATS BREAKDOWN


[TABLE="class: MsoNormalTable, width: 309"]
[TR]
[TD="width: 163, bgcolor: #DCDCDC"]2013[/TD]
[TD="width: 68, bgcolor: #DCDCDC"]
Rd 1-11​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 78, bgcolor: #DCDCDC"]
Rd 18-26​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 163"]Games[/TD]
[TD="width: 68"]
10​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 78"]
8​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 163"]Avg Minutes[/TD]
[TD="width: 68"]
80​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 78"]
80​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 163"]Tries[/TD]
[TD="width: 68"]
1​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 78"]
5​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 163"]Avg Possessions[/TD]
[TD="width: 68"]
39.3​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 78"]
40.8​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 163"]Avg Runs[/TD]
[TD="width: 68"]
9.3​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 78"]
9.3​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 163"]Avg Metres[/TD]
[TD="width: 68"]
76​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 78"]
79​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 163"]Tackle Busts[/TD]
[TD="width: 68"]
10​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 78"]
23​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 163"]Linebreaks[/TD]
[TD="width: 68"]
3​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 78"]
7​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 163"]LB Assists[/TD]
[TD="width: 68"]
8​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 78"]
8​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 163"]Try Assists[/TD]
[TD="width: 68"]
7​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 78"]
9​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 163"]Offloads[/TD]
[TD="width: 68"]
8​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 78"]
4​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 163"]Errors[/TD]
[TD="width: 68"]
12​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 78"]
7​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 163"]Avg Kicks[/TD]
[TD="width: 68"]
4.5​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 78"]
3.3​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 163"]Avg Kick Metres[/TD]
[TD="width: 68"]
118​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 78"]
70​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 163"]Forced Drop Outs[/TD]
[TD="width: 68"]
4​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 78"]
3​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 163"]Avg Tackles[/TD]
[TD="width: 68"]
2.7​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 78"]
1.6​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 163"]Avg Missed Tackles[/TD]
[TD="width: 68"]
1.2​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 78"]
0.8​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...g-duo-in-the-nrl/story-fni3g8pa-1226716367104

- - - Updated - - -

Joel Riethmuller says North Queensland Cowboys don't like Cronulla's Paul Gallen


  • JIM MORTON
  • AAP
  • SEPTEMBER 11, 2013 1:04PM

CRONULLA captain Paul Gallen's unpopularity hasn't abated in Townsville with North Queensland determined to fight fire with fire in Saturday's NRL knockout final.

Still seething over a Gallen crusher tackle on Scott Bolton when they faced the Sharks two weeks ago, the Cowboys are on red alert for the NSW and Sharks captain's niggle.

Opposite number Joel Riethmuller says the Test and Blues lock can expect a fiery elimination finals outing at Allianz Stadium.

"Not too many people like him I don't think,'' Riethmuller said. "A few boys here probably don't like him either.''

Gallen left Queensland fans fuming with his high tackle and punch on Nate Myles in this year's State of Origin opener, and his illegal tackle on Bolton did nothing to improve his reputation up north.

He served a week's suspension and now returns against a team fully aware they must take up the fight to Gallen, who doesn't want an open game, which would play to the Cowboys' attacking strengths.

"You have to be careful but you have to go out there and get into him and hopefully frustrate him and put him off his game,'' Riethmuller said in Townsville.

"It's going to be a big task for us to stay out of their niggle and hopefully get a bit back on them."We have to stay calm-headed and not let them get at us in that way."They do have players who do play hard footy and it can get frustrating at times but it's all part of it.''

The Cowboys take the confidence of their 31-18 victory at Shark Park two weeks ago into the sudden-death encounter, but Cronulla are set to be boosted by the return of playmaker Todd Carney.

"They're a great team and they got into us two weeks ago,'' second-rower Gavin Cooper said."They were without Todd Carney then so we expect them to be a completely different side with him playing.''

Seasoned trio Riethmuller, Gavin Cooper and Glenn Hall complete one of the most under-rated back-rows in the competition but they have stood tall since Riethmuller replaced lock Dallas Johnson (knee) after round 17.

They've played a major role as North Queensland have turned around a sorry 6-12 record with a six-match streak to make the top eight.

"Five or six weeks ago we were written off and we've come from (13th) to make eighth spot,'' Riethmuller said.

"We've been playing sudden-death footy for the last five weeks, we just have to treat (Saturday) the same.''

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...star-paul-gallen/story-fni3gol8-1226716871887
 
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Sacking of North Queensland coach Neil Henry was the moment that let the Cowboys free



LEADING Cowboys players say Neil Henry's sacking has removed a psychological burden after the squad held a series of team meetings in a desperate bid to revive their season.

The confession came as centre Kane Linnett, who played alongside Todd Carney in the Roosters' 2010 grand final team, outlined the Cowboys' plan to defensively target the Sharks playmaker.

Steeled by six consecutive wins, the Cowboys believe they have the personnel to be finals giant killers, starting against Cronulla in Saturday's elimination final at Allianz Stadium.

The Cowboys were in crisis in late July when Henry had his 2014 contracts rescinded, but it has now emerged as a key moment in North Queensland's charge to the playoffs.

With their season in turmoil, Cowboys players held a number of forums without Henry to dissect why their campaign was going off the rails after pre-season predictions of a top-four finish.

Linnett said the frustration and tension had accumulated to a point where the termination of Henry helped break the shackles emotionally and motivate their late-season surge.

"There was constant talk about Neil in the papers and personally I was sick of reading about it," said Linnett, who played centre outside Carney in the Roosters' 32-8 loss to the Dragons in the 2010 decider.

"Obviously we didn't want Neil to get the sack, but that happening gave us clarity and the way Neil handled it, keeping his head up, earned a lot of respect from the boys. "There were mixed emotions. We didn't want it (Henry's sacking) to come to that, but we are playing for each other now and building momentum.

"We had a couple of meetings when we were losing a fair bit. We were trying to work out what was going wrong. Some of the boys were disappointed, we discussed ways to turn it around ... everyone was pretty frustrated.

"But after what happened to Neil, he said everything that needed to be said. "He believed that we could make the finals and win six in a row. We stuck tight and here we are."


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ed-player-burden/story-fni3g8pa-1226717164234

- - - Updated - - -

Former Manly player Peter 'Zorba' Peters granted interim AVO against Darrell Williams



IT HAS to be a first even in rugby league, the game that has thrown up every drama and hostility imaginable.

The day two of the Manly Sea Eagles' former premiership-winning players and current board members faced off in court amid accusations of physical intimidation.

Former grand final second-rower Peter "Zorba" Peters sought and was granted an interim AVO against former fullback Darrell Williams in North Sydney court Wednesday.

In his application for the AVO, Peters said Williams had been threatening and intimidating him since September last year.

While Manly was in Melbourne for a semi-final against Storm, he alleged Williams said: "I'm going to bash you, you fat c..."

The following week, according to the court documents, Williams made the same threat at ANZ Stadium.Since then, the pair have regularly clashed at Sea Eagles board meetings, more verbally than physically.

We all knew Manly had a dysfunctional board but never with this much detail. On March 28 this year, the pair were at Bluetongue Stadium in adjoining boxes when, according to the AVO application, Williams again mouthed the words: "I'm going to bash you."

In the dressing room after the game it was claimed Williams said to Peters: "Come and meet me out the back."

More recently at Brookvale Oval, Williams is alleged to have come within six inches of Peters' face and repeated the words "fat c..." in an intimidating manner.

No doubt coach Geoff Toovey will be hoping his players can show the same aggression in the finals this weekend against the Roosters.After the court appearance, Williams declined to comment.In typical Peters fashion, he was only too happy to talk.

"I'm 68 and he's 49 but I'm not going to be intimidated or bullied," Peters said."I've been part of this club since 1969 and he'd picked the wrong bloke."

Williams was supported in court by fellow director Bob Reilly, who is still banned from Manly Leagues Club.Peters was accompanied by former teammate Jack Elsegood and a former girlfriend of Williams.

Manly chairman Scott Penn says he is concerned about the club's next board meeting in two weeks.He says he will talk to NRL chief executive Dave Smith about the possibility of involving the game's integrity unit.

"It's very difficult to run a board under these circumstances," he said. "At Manly we uphold certain standards and this makes the situation untenable.

"This is a private matter between Peter and Darrell, however I will not tolerate bullying or intimidation in the boardroom."

Under the interim AVO, Williams is still allowed in the same room as Peters but cannot harass, abuse or threaten him.Williams consented to the interim AVO and the matter returns to court next month.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...darrell-williams/story-fni3gnk1-1226717169833

- - - Updated - - -

Bird claims Brad Fittler Medal

By Ian McCullough
AAP
10:53pm Wed 11th September, 2013

Greg Bird has won the Brad Fittler Medal awarded to the NSW State of Origin player of the series.

The Gold Coast back-rower picked up the award at a presentation evening in Sydney on Wednesday night.

Bird was the outstanding player for the Blues albeit in an eighth successive series loss to Queensland.

The 28-year-old received the award from NSW coach Laurie Daley in front of an audience that included most of the squad and ARLC chairman John Grant and NRL chief executive Dave Smith.

http://www.nrl.com/bird-claims-brad-fittler-medal/tabid/10874/newsid/74620/default.aspx
 
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Peter Sterling: Team who dares wins big games



So is the finals series really a new competition?

Obviously the pressure of making the play-offs has now been dispelled and each club can tick off their first objective as having been achieved, as they now prepare for a different challenge.

However there will be no profound changes as to how the eight go about chasing their ultimate aim.There’ll be no revolutionary new moves or tactics that have been secreted away, only to be unveiled during this last month of competition.

In fact our finalists will, by and large, persevere with the type of football that has got them this far, but just looking to do it better with the stakes now higher.

That said, everyone is looking for an edge, something that just might make the difference. It doesn’t have to be much because the little things invariably all add up to be significant.

With that in mind I thought I’d throw up a few suggestions based on what I’ve seen in recent times.

Don’t fixate on completion rates

When asked about the secret to success, every player’s stock standard answer is that it will be based on “completing their sets”. There is no doubt that by controlling the football and getting to the end of each set of six, a team goes a long way towards maximising their chance of winning.

However against the better teams it should also be as much about what you are doing with the ball when in possession.

Hitting it up without error, but not asking any real questions of the opposition defence, is going to be well handled by quality outfits who’ve made it this far.If a team is confident they will understand when a pass should not be thrown but also not be afraid to try something when they sense an opportunity is on.

At this time of year fortune will favour the brave.I was always coached that if you are going to make an error, at least do so when you are trying to do something positive.

Don’t waste time

This especially applies when you are behind in the contest.

I have been both bemused and confused in watching teams that are trailing race to set a scrum in the final two minutes of a contest to force time out.Yet behind by the same margin with 10 minutes to go, there is a complete lack of urgency as players saunter their way to the set piece before the referee eventually blows his whistle

.Surely time is as precious in both of these situations in giving the side behind on the scoreboard as much time as possible in their quest for victory.

Teams shouldn’t complain that they ran out of time when really they just didn’t best utilise what they had available.

Unless deliberate, don’t kick the ball dead

There are times in a game when a kicker will drive the ball dead in-goal for a specific reason. It may be to nullify the attacking prowess of a Greg Inglis or a Billy Slater, or to give his team a much needed rest and an opportunity to present a set defensive line.

However in most cases a 20 metre restart is an easy “out” for the opposition, one that almost ensures that by the end of their next set they will be in position for an attacking kick.

Obviously forcing a line drop-out is a huge tactic in today’s game but when a kicker gets it wrong and puts one too long, the difference is huge.To not only release pressure and possibly change momentum, giving up an easy 20 metres takes any wind out of the sails.

It is a much more favourable outcome to err on the side of conservatism and have the opposition pick up the ball a metre short of their try-line rather than a metre over the dead-ball line.It might not be the best result but at least you have maintained field position and your opponents have 99 metres to travel.

Stand deeper from kick re-starts

This has been an area of real missed opportunity in recent weeks.So many times I have seen place kicks from halfway caught by players moving back towards their own deadball line and almost carrying the ball into touch themselves.

Catchers should be moving forward and by doing so they are in the best position to judge where the ball is going to land.If it is sailing close to going out on the full then by coming from a deeper position they know exactly what the best course of action is to be.

So many times in recent rounds that action could easily have been the catcher straddling the line when receiving, thus making the ball out on the full and a penalty awarded their way.There are not many times that you are taken up the field 50 metres without having to expend any energy.

Don’t die wondering: This is a time for no “what ifs” or “if onlys”.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...s-wins-big-games/story-fni3fh9n-1226717192380

- - - Updated - - -

Sydney Roosters great Kevin Hastings reveals heavy cost of head knock trauma


  • AAP
  • SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 6:32AM

323154-kevin-hastings.jpg

Kevin Hastings is helped from the field after a heavy head-knock. Source: DailyTelegraph


SYDNEY Roosters great Kevin Hastings has revealed he came close to taking his own life after spiralling into depression due to the number of head knocks he received during his distinguished career.

Hastings, who played more than 200 games for the Roosters between 1976 and 1987 and was voted the Dally M halfback of the year on three occasions, made the startling revelation in Rugby League Week magazine.

The publication has undertaken an investigation into the effects of concussion on players and discovered there are a number of former first-graders suffering from problems linked to head knocks.Hastings, whose talented son Jackson signed for the Roosters last month, has been suffering from depression since retiring.

"I was going to check out. I could see no other way out to my problems and my mind was made up,'' Hastings said. "Luckily someone close to me intervened.

321694-kevin-hastings.jpg

Kevin Hastings holds his 1981 Dally M Medal.


"They got to me and stopped me...if not for that, I would be gone now. I am lucky."It's something I have kept very quiet not even my kids know but I think the time has come to speak up now."I am convinced (the head knocks) did the damage to me, brought on my depression.

''The report also reveals former Test winger Willie Carne's memory is shot due to blows to the head and Paul Langmack is in constant agony with head and neck aches.

.
063576-kevin-hastings.jpg

Eastern Suburbs great Kevin Hastings about to fire the ball from the back of a scrum in a match against Canterbury.


Health issues they have reported include depression (in some cases leading to suicidal tendencies), memory loss, constant head and neck pain, and dementia.

RLW has also revealed South Sydney have been the subject of a video dossier circulated among medics from rival NRL clubs, which the doctors believe show the Rabbitohs have not followed the NRL concussion guidelines on some occasions this season.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ead-knock-trauma/story-fni3gn3s-1226717322729
 
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ALL the team gossip including big news on Todd Carney, Andrew Fifita, Matt Scott and Brett Stewart.

RABBITOHS V STORM

Craig Bellamy is keeping his cards close to his chest as to who will partner Cooper Cronk in the halves for Melbourne. Both Brett Finch (chest) and Gareth Widdop (18th man) have been named in the squad.

Widdop made his comeback in the Queensland Cup last weekend and may be short of a run. Souths are reporting an unchanged line-up with Jason Clark set to play despite a nasty head cut suffered against the Roosters.

SHARKS V COWBOYS

A final run today is expected to give Todd Carney the green light to return from a hamstring injury. Andrew Fifita (calf) is also a certain starter. Cowboys prop Matt Scott (broken finger) has failed to train with the squad and will be given up until kick-off to prove his fitness.

Centre Brent Tate (shoulder) and winger Antonio Winterstein (groin) failed to train on Wednesday, but are not expected to be in any doubt.

ROOSTERS V SEA EAGLES

Luke O’Donnell returns from suspension just in time to replace Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who has been suspended for this match. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck also returns from injury, while Martin Kennedy will warm-up as the 18th man. Manly are sweating on the fitness of fullback Brett Stewart, who is struggling with a hamstring injury.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-finals-week-one/story-fni3fs14-1226717937412
 
Swans set to attract best crowd in Sydney this weekend, trumping NRL finals attendances



THE AFL is poised to attract the biggest sporting crowd in Sydney this weekend - despite four NRL semi-finals being played in the Harbour City.

Rugby league attendances are steady but it appears Saturday night’s elimination semi-final between the Sydney Swans and Carlton at ANZ Stadium will draw a crowd of between 40,000 to 42,000.

On Friday evening, the semi-final between South Sydney and Melbourne Storm - also at Sydney Olympic Park - is tracking for a crowd of about 30,000.

The NRL will host a double-header on Saturday evening at Allianz Stadium where Cronulla will play North Queensland at 4pm and the Sydney Roosters playing Manly at 7pm.Early indications suggest the two games will pull a combined crowd of around 33,000 to 35,000.

Fans of the first game may exit before the second match, meaning there may never actually be 35,000 in the stadium at the one time.It should be pointed out that the NRL is playing four semi-finals in Sydney - compared to one AFL playoff game.

On Sunday at ANZ Stadium, about 25,000 are poised to watch Canterbury’s sudden-death semi-final against Newcastle.

NRL officials are hoping for a combined figure of 90,000 by the end of the weekend.

Crowds in week one of semi-finals are traditionally low.Many fans have already purchased grand final tickets and may struggle to afford attending other semi-final games.

NRL officials are still pumped about the record crowd that watched last Friday night’s game between Souths and the Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium.

That night, 599,708 watched the Roosters beat their fierce rivals.Public transport to ANZ Stadium games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are included in the price of the ticket.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...nals-attendances/story-fni5fan6-1226717987150
 
In this week's issue of RLW the Mole has reported the following...


- Roosters forward Kane Evans was ejected from the Stadium by police last friday night during the Roosters vs Souths game after a heated exchange between himself and some very abusive Souths fans

- Even though fans are pushing hard for Neil Henry to stay at the Cowboys after their golden run of form the board is sticking to it's decision and there is no chance of Neil staying

- Danny Buderus went out in style after his final home game, Bedsy spent almost 2 hours doing a farewell victory lap

- Greg Inglis in doubt for the World Cup due to his troublesome knee

- The Roosters want the NRL to re-think the salary cap so they can Keep SBW

- Cronulla officials are angry after they were close to signing a sponsorship deal with Fantastic Funiture and were undercut in the last days by the Eels


 
UPDATED: NRL late Mail for week one of finals



ALL the team gossip including big news on Todd Carney, Andrew Fifita, Matt Scott, Craig Gower and Brett Stewart.

RABBITOHS V STORM

Craig Bellamy is keeping his cards close to his chest as to who will partner Cooper Cronk in the halves for Melbourne. Both Brett Finch (chest) and Gareth Widdop (18th man) have been named in the squad. Widdop made his comeback in the Queensland Cup last weekend and may be short of a run.

Souths are reporting an unchanged line-up with Jason Clark set to play despite a nasty head cut suffered against the Roosters.

2pm UPDATE: Gareth Widdop will replace Brett Finch at five-eighth in the only change.

SHARKS V COWBOYS

A final run today is expected to give Todd Carney the green light to return from a hamstring injury. Andrew Fifita (calf) is also a certain starter. Cowboys prop Matt Scott (broken finger) will be given up until kick-off to prove his fitness.

Centre Brent Tate (shoulder) and winger Antonio Winterstein (groin) failed to train on Wednesday, but are not expected to be in any doubt.

2pm UPDATE: Coach Shane Flanagan expects both Todd Carney (hamstring) and Andrew Fifita (calf) to play. Matt Scott (finger) came through Thursday's training run and appears a certain starter.

ROOSTERS V SEA EAGLES

Luke O’Donnell returns from suspension just in time to replace Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who has been suspended for this match. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck also returns from injury, while Martin Kennedy will warm-up as the 18th man. Manly are sweating on the fitness of fullback Brett Stewart, who is struggling with a hamstring injury.

2pm UPDATE: Brett Stewart (hamstring) is all but out, with Peta Hiku to play fullback. Anthony Watmough (knee) is certain to play.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-finals-week-one/story-fni3fs14-1226717937412
 
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Sharks five-eighth Todd Carney fit to play North Queensland Cowboys



​
​
TODD Carney has been cleared to play in tomorrow’s qualifying final against the North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium.

The former Dally M player of the year had been under an injury cloud with a hamstring complaint which forced him out of the Sharks win over Canberra last weekend.

But Carney showed no ill-effects during Cronulla’s final training session held at Allianz Stadium this morning.

Damaging prop Andrew Fifita is also set to play despite being hampered by a calf complaint.

The return of Carney and Fifita, coupled with Paul Gallen and Jayson Bukuya, who also didn’t play last week, will ensure the Sharks start favourites for their clash against a Cowboys side that have won their past six matches.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sh...eensland-cowboys/story-e6freuy9-1226718592803
 
South Sydney Rabbitohs give the boot to member over "scum" banner



605564-scum.jpg

The man behind the banner. Source: News Limited


​
THIS is the man who called the Sydney Roosters scum.

Meet Chris Dounis, an online tutor with the Australian Fitness Network and a fierce South Sydney supporter.The Daily Telegraph can reveal Dounis is about to have his South Sydney membership officially torn up.

Dounis created a storm last Friday night when he raised an offensive banner at Allianz Stadium which read: "Scum: forever in our shadow."Rabbitohs co-owner Peter Holmes a Court and the club immediately condemned the banner.

Typically, the NRL directed responses back to the club.The Daily Telegraph contacted a surprised Dounis in Petersham on Wednesday.

"In the best interests of the club I don’t think I should be saying anything," Dounis said."It's best if I don’t. No comment. I have to run."

Dounis attended a meeting at Souths headquarters on Wednesday, where a punishment was discussed.A couple of Dounis’s friends will also have their memberships cancelled.

"We found out yesterday who he was and he came into to see us at 8.30 this morning," a Souths official said."He has had his membership suspended and we are going through the process of eradicating it.

"We are going to ban him, no question about it."We have informed the NRL but there is a process to go through."We have also dealt with a few of his friends. We’re not happy about it."

The Australian Fitness Network website states Dounis is a University of NSW graduate with a bachelor degree in exercise physiology.It also reads: “Chris is an accredited exercise physiologist with exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) and is currently undertaking a master's degree in exercise science and rehabilitation through Charles Sturt University."

"Chris has spent the last 12 months working in chronic disease prevention programs, personal training, strength and conditioning, and both acute (through Westmead Rehabilitation Hospital) and sub-acute rehabilitation programs."

NRL fans on social media were divided about the banner.One wrote: "Souths fans are the most hard-core in the comp, closely followed by Dogs fans."Another said: “Disgraceful act by Souths fans."

Yet another stated: "Sorry to disagree with PHaC (Holmes a Court) about the banner but I believe everyone is entitled to express their opinion."

The banner drew a fierce rebuke from Holmes a Court, who took to Twitter.He wrote:

"Love that the Rabbitohs broke a 105 year old attendance record, loved the blanketing of the stadium in red and green, love the passion of our incredible Members and Supporters.

"Didn’t love the final score, nor this banner. Rivalry, yes, hatred, sorry, never.

"Rooster fans may be misguided and delusional, yes. Scum, sorry, never."The world could do with less hate, and sport is best when it is used to build communities."


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...over-scum-banner/story-fni3gki8-1226718570947
 
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Scary stats for Cronulla Sharks hookers John Morris and Isaac De Gois



NOT since the Razor Gang wars have things looked so ugly for a pair of Sydney hookers.

In a worrying statistic to rival that 1920s bloodshed between warring crime bosses Kate Leigh and Tilly Devine, The Daily Telegraph can out Cronulla nines John Morris and Isaac De Gois as having the worst finals record of any NRL player.

According to Fox Sports Statistics, who looked at players with four or more appearances in September, the pair have won just two of 11 matches. Morris boasts one win in six attempts with Cronulla, Parramatta and Newcastle while De Gois, who also played with the Knights, is one from five.

"Oh, really,'' Morris laughed when told of the hoodoo. "Mate, I wouldn't have had a clue that was the case."But finals footy, it's tough. And I'm sure there would be a lot of guys out there without great records. But when it comes to this weekend I'm looking forward, not back ... plus, I can tell you I've never played in a side like what we've got here."

Indeed, having re-signed with the Sharkies earlier this week, Morris has emerged among the key components of squad boasting a host NSW Origin experience, including Paul Gallen, Andrew Fifita, Luke Lewis and Todd Carney.

And with Sharks coach Shane Flanagan insisting every one of them will be fit to play this weekend, well, it's a team more than capable of rolling North Queensland and ending that finals curse.

"You look right across the park we've got plenty of blokes with big game experience,'' Morris continued. "And while we know we can match in with every side in this competition, we know it's one loss and we're gone."

Before taking his players through their final Captains Run at Allianz Stadium late on Friday, coach Flanagan insisted Cronulla would not be backing away from the physical game plan that has been making headlines in Townsville this week.

"That's our style, to play physical, and we're not going to shy away from that,'' Flanagan said. "It's no use us trying to outscore the Cowboys, we need to out-defend them."

Asked if shutting down Johnathan Thurston was enough to ensure victory, Flanagan continued: "They've got a fullback who is pretty handy as well. "They've got quality right across the park. Two Australian front rowers and Thurston and Matty Bowen playing off the back of the that. It'll be a tough test but we're ready."


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...nd-isaac-de-gois/story-fni3gol8-1226718763742

- - - Updated - - -

Finally, let's just focus on the footy



FORGET Ricky Stuart, Blake Ferguson, even lingerie waitresses on Sydney Harbour - for one glorious afternoon let it all be about the footy.

Yep, after one of the most controversial seasons in rugby league history, Allianz Stadium today explodes in the racing, thumping, heaving double-header that is Cronulla versus North Queensland and the Sydney Roosters against Manly.

And isn’t it about time?

First up, we’ve got the Sharkies who, having punched all year with ASADA holding one arm, play off against a livewire Cowboys outfit which, finally, looks every inch a side boasting Johnathan Thurston, Matt Bowen and a pair of Kangaroo props.

For Cronulla, Paul Gallen is back from suspension. Todd Carney returns from injury too. And as for Andrew Fifita . . . well, that big unit looks ready to demolish defenders like he did those Origin camp buffets.

And that’s just the opener. A teaser for the heavyweight battle that is Sonny Bill Williams Inc — sorry, the Sydney Roosters — against a Manly Sea Eagles side now playing so tough, even Tommy Raudonikis has shrugged off some 40 years of hate to reveal he’s cheering them to October.

So who cares if the Parramatta Eels have no coach? Who cares if Fergo is boxing, or, come Monday morning, NRL boss Dave Smith is again woken with, “ah, darl . . . you better come see this backpage”?No, today is about the footy. It’s about Mitchell Pearce stepping, Thurston dummying and George Rose, well, exactly what sort of Speedos he produces is a mystery to rival that of stopping SBW.

Ding, ding, ding.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...cus-on-the-footy/story-fni3fbgz-1226718792524

- - - Updated - - -

What is wrong with South Sydney Rabbitohs fullback Greg Inglis?



IS there something holding Greg Inglis back?

Before the champion fullback suffered his knee injury Souths were building their season around his amazing kick returns.He was the best player in the game by a country mile and a standout for the Dally M Medal.

On Friday night you had to go searching to make sure he was even on the field before he bobbed up late to send Issac Luke over for the match-clinching try.

In the first half Inglis had six runs for 51 metres.Billy Slater had 12 runs for 106 metres.

In fairness some of his defensive work was exemplary and he shut down several scoring opportunities but it definitely wasn’t the Inglis we remember from earlier this season when he charged back from kick returns like his life depended on it.

At least now Souths have the week off it gives Inglis extra time to get ready for the next stage of this mission.If the Rabbitohs are going to end their 42-year premiership drought they need GI at his explosive best.

WHERE ARE THE PEOPLE, DAVE?

Let’s hope last night didn’t equal E-squared.Remember Dave Smith’s grand vision?Well, if last night was it we have a problem.Last Sunday a crowd of 94,000 turned up to watch Carlton and Richmond.Last night they had 21,609 and if you were at ANZ Stadium you would be debating that figure.

One fact people in Club Land keep bringing up is that Smith has three times as many staff as David Gallop but has the extra numbers made three times the difference?There was a wonderful initiative last night that allowed any junior rugby league player under 12 to attend the game for free but how many parents were made aware of this?

Earlier this year a crowd of 35,000 turned up in round six to see the same two teams play when the Rabbitohs were in charge of the promotion.Last night that was the NRL’s responsibility and they let themselves down badly.

For all the criticisms of Gallop at least he always got his message across.Smith is the Invisible Man, and always too busy to tell the fans what is going on.

BRING BACK BENEFIT OF THE-DOUBT

Surely Daniel Anderson will admit he stuffed up with the new ref’s call rule at the end of the season because it’s robbing the game of the one thing he promised to bring back - common sense.

A few weeks back it was exposed when Steve Matai had a try disallowed against Souths.Last night it was Sisa Waqa’s turn in a crucial first half call.

You can accept Shayne Hayne’s “no try” ruling because refs make mistakes - but the real issue is why the video ref is then forced to back up an obviously wrong call because there is not “sufficient information”.The video ref got it right last night but that doesn’t make the rule right.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...back-greg-inglis/story-fni3gki8-1226718918559

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The real reason Sydney Roosters superstar is Money Bill Williams



SONNY Bill Williams is worth more than $5 million to the Sydney Roosters - making him arguably the greatest buy in rugby league history.

A special investigation by The Daily Telegraph can reveal, with Williams on board in 2013, the Tricolours have enjoyed an enormous spike in everything from merchandising and memberships to crowd numbers, TV ratings, even Twitter followers.

Early estimates suggest Roosters merchandise sales and gate takings are both up over $1 million on last year, with membership spend also increasing by $600,000.

Elsewhere, according to global market researcher Repucom, major sponsor Steggles earned a whopping $1.3 million in media exposure over the opening 12 rounds alone - a 95% increase on the same period last year.

"So there's no doubting Sonny Bill Williams has been a wonderful addition to our club," Roosters Chief Operating Officer Ted Helliar said of the forward signed for less than $800,000.

"On and off the field, he's brought both a professionalism and superstar status that reflects and complements the Roosters brand.

"But Sonny's just one part of what is a great bunch of players. Look at skipper Anthony Minichiello, still the most popular bloke at this club. Then you've got the NSW Origin halves in Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney, Jared Waerea-Hargeaves, Michael Jennings ... it's a popular bunch."

But none more so than Sonny.Already a duel international with New Zealand, the Auckland megastar has gifted thousands of new fans to Bondi Junction thanks to his athleticism, humility and those short, white footy shorts which ... well, it's fair to say Vodafone provides greater coverage in Broken Hill.

With the Sexiest Man In League on board, Roosters merchandise sales are the highest they've been in over a decade since the 2002 premiership.

Membership, too, is up to almost 14,000 - an increase of 40% - while average crowds are up 54% to 19,369. On TV, the Roosters increased ratings by 55% while even Facebook and Twitter numbers doubled in the first six months.

According to Repucom, who have a formula for determining the dollar value sponsors receive from media exposure, Steggles received a staggering $600,000 more in the opening 12 rounds of this season with SBW on board.

Fellow sponsor ACFS were also up by the same amount while Isuzu Utes, whose name appears on jersey sleeves, spiked by almost $350,000.

Across the board, even conservative estimates would put the grand total in excess of $5 million. Not bad going for a fella once dubbed the most disloyal man in rugby league. "And in the beginning, yeah, there was some negativity," Helliar concedes of Williams, who is most likely to head back across the ditch to rugby.

"But as this season has gone on, people have been able to see the real Sonny, and they like him. "We know he's also brought a whole new range of fans to the club. When he was at the Chiefs last year, for example, I watched them because I knew he was playing. There are people out there who are simply fans of Sonny Bill Williams."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ey-bill-williams/story-fni3gn3s-1226718744477

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Waqa hospitalised after nasty NRL fall

AAP
11:52pm Fri 13th September, 2013

Melbourne winger Sisa Waqa was rushed to hospital but appears to have avoided serious injury after an ugly fall in Friday night's qualifying final loss to South Sydney.

Waqa landed on his head after being tipped from a considerable height by Dylan Farrell as he attempted to collect a bomb.

Storm medical officials used the medicab to transport him off the ground.

Farrell was placed on report for putting Waqa in a dangerous position but the incident appeared more bad luck than malicious as Waqa's legs were taken from under him.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy said the club was still awaiting news on Waqa's condition.

"He's gone off to hospital," Bellamy said.

"The doctor doesn't think it's anything too serious, they just think he might have some damage to a disc."

Waqa would be considered in some doubt for next week's elimination game against the winner of Sunday's Canterbury-Newcastle clash.

Farrell, gagged by NRL rules from commenting on the tackle given the incident was placed on report, admitted to some concern for his opposite winger's plight.

" Definitely. It's a contact sport," Farrell said.

"That stuff always happens, so I was definitely worried about him."

http://www.nrl.com/waqa-hospitalised-after-nasty-nrl-fall/tabid/10874/newsid/74659/default.aspx
 
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THE LURKER - NRL RUMOUR FILE - FRIDAY13TH SEPTEMBER

Trent Barrett out of the running in Townsville?

High-profile player manager Wayne Beavis is pushing Trent Barrett hard for the vacant Cowboys gig. Beavis even jumped on a plane to Townsville last week and wined and dined Cowboys officials in a bid to get the former Dragons skipper the gig. But I'm hearing despite the push, the Cowboys are unlikely to gamble on Barrett, a coach who is untried at the top level.

At this stage, it appears to be between Knights assistant coach Rick Stone, former Storm deputy Kevin Walters and Manly No.2 Brad Arthur.

Referees boss Anderson set for Parramatta return?

Former Eels chief executive Denis Fitzgerald is working behind the scenes to get referees boss Daniel Anderson to return to Parramatta to replace Ricky Stuart. Stuart's sudden departure has left the Eels in a bind, with no obvious successor.

Anderson steered the Eels to the 2009 grand final before being sacked and how the club would like a return to those days now.

Anderson is not believed to be enjoying his time as referees boss, with the whistle blowers struggling big time under pressure.

Bad boy Blake to face showdown with NRL

Former Raiders bad boy Blake Ferguson will learn whether he can play football again next week when he faces a showdown with the NRL. Officials have called Ferguson in to explain his bizarre behaviour this season, and there is pressure on to ban the troubled but talented centre from the game for a year.

But Ferguson is in hot demand, with half a dozen clubs on his trail, and his minders will argue the best thing for him will be to get back onto the football field in 2014.

http://www.sportal.com.au/league/news/the-lurkernrl-rumour-filefriday-252175
 
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