2013 NRL Discussion
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- Start date
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Ten of the most dominant seasons in rugby league history from historian David Middleton
WITH the Dally M Awards looming tomorrow night, rugby league historian DAVID MIDDLETON names 10 of the most dominant seasons ever seen.
DALLY MESSENGER 1911
This was acclaimed as Dally M’s greatest season. Messenger led Easts to their first premiership title and scored 148 points in the competition and 273 in all matches.
In July that year, sporting newspaper the Referee stated that:
"There is only one Messenger. The famous three-quarter back’s form in representative football this year has probably been better than ever. It has been characterised by all his customary brilliant and delightful unexpectedness, and allied to this is a matured football judgement, which has been particularly noticeable in defensive situations. Besides, his goal kicking has been truly phenomenal compared with that of the average first-class player."
FRANK BURGE 1918
Admittedly, the quality of the competition suffered through the loss of players to the fighting forces in France, but the performances of Glebe forward Frank Burge stood out like a beacon in 1918.
After his attempt to enlist in the AIF was rejected because of a speech impediment, Burge devoted his energies to football and proceeded to cut a swathe through the opposition. He crossed for 24 tries (from 14 games) in 1918, a record for a forward that has never been beaten.
SOUTH SYDNEY 1925
The year has been described as the greatest in South Sydney’s history. During the season, the Rabbitohs won the first grade premiership, the City Cup (knockout), reserve grade premiership and third grade premiership.
They went through the first grade competition undefeated, winning all 12 games and leaving a 10-point gap between first and second. As a result, the NSWRL introduced a finals series the next season, in order to maintain interest in the competition.
DAVE BROWN 1935
Brown was tagged the "Bradman of League" in the 1930s and in 1935 he was at the height of his powers. Some of his extraordinary achievements for Eastern Suburbs remain in place today.
He scored 38 tries for the season (a figure that has never been approached) and finished the year with 244 points.
He twice scored six tries in a game and in one period of unparalleled brilliance he crossed for 22 tries in a mere five games. In one match that season, Brown scored 45 points (five tries and 15 goals), another record that has stood the test of time.
ST GEORGE 1959
The St George legend was still in the making in 1959 but it was that season that is hailed as the greatest in the Dragons’ unprecedented era of success. Saints swept all before them that year, taking out their fourth successive title with an undefeated record.
The careers of Reg Gasnier and Johnny Raper were in their infancy but their combination with Norm Provan, Ken Kearney, Brian Clay, Billy Wilson and Eddie Lumsden carried the club to greatness.
EASTERN SUBURBS 1975
Guided by coach Jack Gibson and led superbly by Arthur Beetson, the Roosters produced a premiership record 19-game winning sequence in 1975, on their way to a second successive premiership title. Easts’ all-star line-up included John Brass, Russell Fairfax, Mark Harris, Ron Coote, Johnny Mayes, Bill Mullins and Elwyn Walters.
ALLAN LANGER 1998
The prodigious halfback achieved a season of remarkable accomplishment in 1998, leading Brisbane to the premiership, Queensland to State of Origin success and Australia to victory in the series against New Zealand.
PARRAMATTA 2001
Despite falling at the final hurdle, Parramatta produced a season of rare dominance in 2001, smashing all-time records for tries and points scored in a season and beating the rest of the field home by five competition points.
Their for and against differential was among the best ever recorded (433 points) and they cruised into the grand final with comfortable wins in the prelims.
JARRYD HAYNE 2009
Few players have excelled as Jarryd Hayne did late in the 2009 season, his run of form catapulting the Eels from a near hopeless position halfway through the year all the way to the grand final. During a period of unprecedented individual dominance, Hayne won six consecutive man of the match awards.
He took out the Dally M Medal, the Brad Fittler Medal (as NSW’s best in the Origin series) and the RLIF International Player of the Year.
BEN BARBA 2012
Barba was a marvel for the Bulldogs in 2012, igniting his team's charge to the grand final with his speed and evasive skills.
His ability to turn defence into attack proved a remarkable asset for the Dogs and ensured that he was at the top of the leaderboard when the final Dally M votes were read out at the end of the season.
[url]http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/ten-of-the-greatest-seasons-in-rugby-league-history-according-to-historian-david-middleton/story-fni3fbgz-1226729899765[/URL]
- DAVID MIDDLETON
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 12:00PM
WITH the Dally M Awards looming tomorrow night, rugby league historian DAVID MIDDLETON names 10 of the most dominant seasons ever seen.
DALLY MESSENGER 1911
This was acclaimed as Dally M’s greatest season. Messenger led Easts to their first premiership title and scored 148 points in the competition and 273 in all matches.
In July that year, sporting newspaper the Referee stated that:
"There is only one Messenger. The famous three-quarter back’s form in representative football this year has probably been better than ever. It has been characterised by all his customary brilliant and delightful unexpectedness, and allied to this is a matured football judgement, which has been particularly noticeable in defensive situations. Besides, his goal kicking has been truly phenomenal compared with that of the average first-class player."
FRANK BURGE 1918
Admittedly, the quality of the competition suffered through the loss of players to the fighting forces in France, but the performances of Glebe forward Frank Burge stood out like a beacon in 1918.
After his attempt to enlist in the AIF was rejected because of a speech impediment, Burge devoted his energies to football and proceeded to cut a swathe through the opposition. He crossed for 24 tries (from 14 games) in 1918, a record for a forward that has never been beaten.
SOUTH SYDNEY 1925
The year has been described as the greatest in South Sydney’s history. During the season, the Rabbitohs won the first grade premiership, the City Cup (knockout), reserve grade premiership and third grade premiership.
They went through the first grade competition undefeated, winning all 12 games and leaving a 10-point gap between first and second. As a result, the NSWRL introduced a finals series the next season, in order to maintain interest in the competition.
DAVE BROWN 1935
Brown was tagged the "Bradman of League" in the 1930s and in 1935 he was at the height of his powers. Some of his extraordinary achievements for Eastern Suburbs remain in place today.
He scored 38 tries for the season (a figure that has never been approached) and finished the year with 244 points.
He twice scored six tries in a game and in one period of unparalleled brilliance he crossed for 22 tries in a mere five games. In one match that season, Brown scored 45 points (five tries and 15 goals), another record that has stood the test of time.
ST GEORGE 1959
The St George legend was still in the making in 1959 but it was that season that is hailed as the greatest in the Dragons’ unprecedented era of success. Saints swept all before them that year, taking out their fourth successive title with an undefeated record.
The careers of Reg Gasnier and Johnny Raper were in their infancy but their combination with Norm Provan, Ken Kearney, Brian Clay, Billy Wilson and Eddie Lumsden carried the club to greatness.
EASTERN SUBURBS 1975
Guided by coach Jack Gibson and led superbly by Arthur Beetson, the Roosters produced a premiership record 19-game winning sequence in 1975, on their way to a second successive premiership title. Easts’ all-star line-up included John Brass, Russell Fairfax, Mark Harris, Ron Coote, Johnny Mayes, Bill Mullins and Elwyn Walters.
ALLAN LANGER 1998
The prodigious halfback achieved a season of remarkable accomplishment in 1998, leading Brisbane to the premiership, Queensland to State of Origin success and Australia to victory in the series against New Zealand.
PARRAMATTA 2001
Despite falling at the final hurdle, Parramatta produced a season of rare dominance in 2001, smashing all-time records for tries and points scored in a season and beating the rest of the field home by five competition points.
Their for and against differential was among the best ever recorded (433 points) and they cruised into the grand final with comfortable wins in the prelims.
JARRYD HAYNE 2009
Few players have excelled as Jarryd Hayne did late in the 2009 season, his run of form catapulting the Eels from a near hopeless position halfway through the year all the way to the grand final. During a period of unprecedented individual dominance, Hayne won six consecutive man of the match awards.
He took out the Dally M Medal, the Brad Fittler Medal (as NSW’s best in the Origin series) and the RLIF International Player of the Year.
BEN BARBA 2012
Barba was a marvel for the Bulldogs in 2012, igniting his team's charge to the grand final with his speed and evasive skills.
His ability to turn defence into attack proved a remarkable asset for the Dogs and ensured that he was at the top of the leaderboard when the final Dally M votes were read out at the end of the season.
[url]http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/ten-of-the-greatest-seasons-in-rugby-league-history-according-to-historian-david-middleton/story-fni3fbgz-1226729899765[/URL]
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I must say it's a joke that Andrew Johns in 2001 isn't included in that list.
As for Hunters and Collectors, gimme Ricky Martin anyday!
As for Hunters and Collectors, gimme Ricky Martin anyday!
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
I must say it's a joke that Andrew Johns in 2001 isn't included in that list.
As for Hunters and Collectors, gimme Ricky Martin anyday!
Agree and I was surprised Darren Lockyer's 2006 wasn't included as well...
- Captained the Broncos to 2006 premiership
- Captained QLD to 2006 Origin Series win
- Captained Australia to the Tri-Nations win
- Dally M 5/8 of the Year
- Golden Boot Winner (2nd Time)
- Wally Lewis Medal Winner - Player of the Origin Series
- Dally M Rep player of the year
David Middleton always goes on about that Parra 2001 side being so great, but ignores that the Knights smashed them during the regular season, and had just as good, if not better, stats when Joey wasn't injured or suspended during that season.
They didn't cruise into the grand final either, they were very scrappy in narrowly beating Brisbane.
They didn't cruise into the grand final either, they were very scrappy in narrowly beating Brisbane.
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
THE LURKER - NRL RUMOUR FILE - MONDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER
Aussies want Italian Stallion
Watch for some interesting selection moves over Roosters back-rower Aidan Guerra after the grand final. After playing a starring role in the grand-final qualifier, Guerra came up for discussion amongst Australia's selectors for the World Cup as a bolter.
Trouble is, he has already committed to the Italian side, who desperately want to hang onto him. The Italians are already reeling from new Raiders coach Ricky Stuart convincing five-eighth Terry Campese to withdraw from the tour to have immediate knee surgery.
Loan leak worries Sharks
Sharks officials were not happy about the story leaking that property developers had offered them another $10 million cash advance up front to pay off their final loan and deal with ASADA expenses. The money will secure the club's future in the Shire and pay for more immediate improvements to their Leagues club facilities.
Board members were hoping the NRL would remain under the impression the club was struggling financially and couldn’t afford a big fine from ASADA and get a more lenient penalty.
http://www.sportal.com.au/league/news/the-lurkernrl-rumour-filemonday-253358
Aussies want Italian Stallion
Watch for some interesting selection moves over Roosters back-rower Aidan Guerra after the grand final. After playing a starring role in the grand-final qualifier, Guerra came up for discussion amongst Australia's selectors for the World Cup as a bolter.
Trouble is, he has already committed to the Italian side, who desperately want to hang onto him. The Italians are already reeling from new Raiders coach Ricky Stuart convincing five-eighth Terry Campese to withdraw from the tour to have immediate knee surgery.
Loan leak worries Sharks
Sharks officials were not happy about the story leaking that property developers had offered them another $10 million cash advance up front to pay off their final loan and deal with ASADA expenses. The money will secure the club's future in the Shire and pay for more immediate improvements to their Leagues club facilities.
Board members were hoping the NRL would remain under the impression the club was struggling financially and couldn’t afford a big fine from ASADA and get a more lenient penalty.
http://www.sportal.com.au/league/news/the-lurkernrl-rumour-filemonday-253358
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Inglis tipped to claim Dally M Medal
By Ian McCullough and Steve Jancetic
AAP
3:18pm Mon 30th September, 2013
South Sydney superstar Greg Inglis will head to Tuesday's Dally M Medal ceremony at Sydney's Star City a firm favourite to claim the NRL's highest individual honour.
Inglis trailed his Queensland teammate Cooper Cronk by a single point before the voting went behind closed door after round 16, but his outstanding form for the Rabbitohs in the latter stages of the season could see him take out the game's highest individual honour.
The fullback struggled at times with a knee injury sustained in the State of Origin decider but his value to Souths was made even more apparent when he wasn't there - the Rabbitohs losing three of four games at the back end of the regular season when he was out.
Despite missing those matches the 26-year-old is expected to go close to succeeding last year's recipient Ben Barba.
Cronk's early season form was superb for the Storm and he had 16 votes after round 16 - one ahead of Inglis.
Should the halfback take out the prize he would emulate the achievement of Melbourne teammates Billy Slater and Cameron Smith who came out on top in 2011 and 2006 respectively.
Inglis' teammate John Sutton and Newcastle's Jarrod Mullen were on the same number of points as Inglis before voting went blind.
The Newcastle halfback's strong form at the back end of the year to help his side climb into the finals make him a serious contender to become the first Knights player since Danny Buderus in 2004 to scoop the prize.
There was only one representative from Sunday's grand finalists Manly on the leaderboard after round 16, with Sea Eagles' Daly Cherry-Evans sitting in fourth spot on 13 points.
Cherry-Evans has enjoyed a memorable 2013 that saw him make his Queensland debut and help his side to a second grand final in three years.
One of the key factors for their place in the decider was the form of their halfback, but the 23-year-old doesn't expect to be following in the footsteps of close mate Barba.
"I'm a dark horse, I'm not expecting to win that award," Cherry-Evans said.
"If I do walk out with it I'll be very honoured. When all is said and done I'm not really too fussed about the whole occasion.
"It'll just be a good night to have a nice feed and take my partner out."
"It's definitely an honour to be mentioned in the candidates, but I'm not expected to win it, I won't be placing any expectations on myself for tomorrow night."
http://www.nrl.com/inglis-tipped-to-claim-dally-m-medal/tabid/10874/newsid/74899/default.aspx
By Ian McCullough and Steve Jancetic
AAP
3:18pm Mon 30th September, 2013
South Sydney superstar Greg Inglis will head to Tuesday's Dally M Medal ceremony at Sydney's Star City a firm favourite to claim the NRL's highest individual honour.
Inglis trailed his Queensland teammate Cooper Cronk by a single point before the voting went behind closed door after round 16, but his outstanding form for the Rabbitohs in the latter stages of the season could see him take out the game's highest individual honour.
The fullback struggled at times with a knee injury sustained in the State of Origin decider but his value to Souths was made even more apparent when he wasn't there - the Rabbitohs losing three of four games at the back end of the regular season when he was out.
Despite missing those matches the 26-year-old is expected to go close to succeeding last year's recipient Ben Barba.
Cronk's early season form was superb for the Storm and he had 16 votes after round 16 - one ahead of Inglis.
Should the halfback take out the prize he would emulate the achievement of Melbourne teammates Billy Slater and Cameron Smith who came out on top in 2011 and 2006 respectively.
Inglis' teammate John Sutton and Newcastle's Jarrod Mullen were on the same number of points as Inglis before voting went blind.
The Newcastle halfback's strong form at the back end of the year to help his side climb into the finals make him a serious contender to become the first Knights player since Danny Buderus in 2004 to scoop the prize.
There was only one representative from Sunday's grand finalists Manly on the leaderboard after round 16, with Sea Eagles' Daly Cherry-Evans sitting in fourth spot on 13 points.
Cherry-Evans has enjoyed a memorable 2013 that saw him make his Queensland debut and help his side to a second grand final in three years.
One of the key factors for their place in the decider was the form of their halfback, but the 23-year-old doesn't expect to be following in the footsteps of close mate Barba.
"I'm a dark horse, I'm not expecting to win that award," Cherry-Evans said.
"If I do walk out with it I'll be very honoured. When all is said and done I'm not really too fussed about the whole occasion.
"It'll just be a good night to have a nice feed and take my partner out."
"It's definitely an honour to be mentioned in the candidates, but I'm not expected to win it, I won't be placing any expectations on myself for tomorrow night."
http://www.nrl.com/inglis-tipped-to-claim-dally-m-medal/tabid/10874/newsid/74899/default.aspx
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Terry Campese wins Ken Stephen Medal
NRL.com
9:20pm Mon 30th September, 2013
Canberra Captain Terry Campese’s courage on the field is unquestioned, but it is his courage and commitment off the field to raise more than $100,000 for his “community” that saw him win the top honour at tonight’s 2013 NRL One Community Awards.
Campese, 29, pipped Dragons captain Ben Creagh and Knights skipper Kurt Gidley from a field of 15 NRL stars for the coveted Ken Stephen Medal presented by Telstra, which was one of eight awards announced at Sydney’s Town Hall, at a special evening that launched a spectacular week of Telstra Premiership Grand Final celebrations for the 2013 season.
Campese launched the Terry Campese Foundation last year after spending almost the entire 2011 and 2012 seasons out with serious injuries and used his time on the sidelines to focus on helping people who have fallen on hard times in Southern New South Wales, Canberra and Queanbeyan.
He is also an Ambassador for Ronald McDonald House, CanTeen and Raising Hope.
“I’m very honoured to have won the Ken Stephen Medal and represent the huge number of players who spend time in the community helping those less fortunate than us,” said Campese.
“I didn’t set up my Foundation for the accolades. The recognition I love is seeing people’s faces when you know you’ve made a difference.”
Campese was among eight other award winners last night including Holden Volunteer of the Year, Grahame Wagener, who established a Junior Disability Rugby League team in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, and the Learn Earn Legend! winner Amelia Telford, who recently returned from climbing the Himalayas in support of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition.
More than 350 guests, including NRL club officials and players, award nominees, sponsors and politicians, attended the inspiring ceremony to acknowledge and celebrate Rugby League’s unsung heroes.
"The One Community Awards is a very special event for Rugby League and this year’s winners are truly a testament to the amazing work that the players, volunteers and wider grassroots fraternity put into maintaining and developing the quality of our great game," said NRL Interim Community, Culture and Diversity General Manager, Mr Mark deWeerd.
"Congratulations to Terry Campese and all of tonight's award winners as well as the almost 90,000 volunteers who have contributed to the game in the past year.
“We are privileged to have them all in our Rugby League community."
Alongside Campese, the night’s honour roll includes the following award winners:
Holden Volunteer of the Year - Grahame Wagener, Cronulla, NSW.
Telstra Grassroots Club of the Year – Denman Sandy Hollows Junior Rugby League Club, Hunter Valley, NSW.
AAMI Service to the Community – Ron Gibbs, Western NSW.
AAMI Service to Refereeing Award – Kim-Maree Teale, Macarthur, NSW.
Pullman National Teacher of the Year - Primary – Margie Grant, Farnborough State Primary School, QLD; Secondary – Daniel Higgins, Singleton High School, NSW.
NRL Young Indigenous League Learn Earn Legend! – Amelia Telford, VIC (Titans Beyond Tomorrow Program).
Harvey Norman Women in League – Yolande Morris, Darwin, NT.
http://www.nrl.com/terry-campese-wins-ken-stephen-medal/tabid/10874/newsid/74908/default.aspx
NRL.com
9:20pm Mon 30th September, 2013
Canberra Captain Terry Campese’s courage on the field is unquestioned, but it is his courage and commitment off the field to raise more than $100,000 for his “community” that saw him win the top honour at tonight’s 2013 NRL One Community Awards.
Campese, 29, pipped Dragons captain Ben Creagh and Knights skipper Kurt Gidley from a field of 15 NRL stars for the coveted Ken Stephen Medal presented by Telstra, which was one of eight awards announced at Sydney’s Town Hall, at a special evening that launched a spectacular week of Telstra Premiership Grand Final celebrations for the 2013 season.
Campese launched the Terry Campese Foundation last year after spending almost the entire 2011 and 2012 seasons out with serious injuries and used his time on the sidelines to focus on helping people who have fallen on hard times in Southern New South Wales, Canberra and Queanbeyan.
He is also an Ambassador for Ronald McDonald House, CanTeen and Raising Hope.
“I’m very honoured to have won the Ken Stephen Medal and represent the huge number of players who spend time in the community helping those less fortunate than us,” said Campese.
“I didn’t set up my Foundation for the accolades. The recognition I love is seeing people’s faces when you know you’ve made a difference.”
Campese was among eight other award winners last night including Holden Volunteer of the Year, Grahame Wagener, who established a Junior Disability Rugby League team in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, and the Learn Earn Legend! winner Amelia Telford, who recently returned from climbing the Himalayas in support of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition.
More than 350 guests, including NRL club officials and players, award nominees, sponsors and politicians, attended the inspiring ceremony to acknowledge and celebrate Rugby League’s unsung heroes.
"The One Community Awards is a very special event for Rugby League and this year’s winners are truly a testament to the amazing work that the players, volunteers and wider grassroots fraternity put into maintaining and developing the quality of our great game," said NRL Interim Community, Culture and Diversity General Manager, Mr Mark deWeerd.
"Congratulations to Terry Campese and all of tonight's award winners as well as the almost 90,000 volunteers who have contributed to the game in the past year.
“We are privileged to have them all in our Rugby League community."
Alongside Campese, the night’s honour roll includes the following award winners:
Holden Volunteer of the Year - Grahame Wagener, Cronulla, NSW.
Telstra Grassroots Club of the Year – Denman Sandy Hollows Junior Rugby League Club, Hunter Valley, NSW.
AAMI Service to the Community – Ron Gibbs, Western NSW.
AAMI Service to Refereeing Award – Kim-Maree Teale, Macarthur, NSW.
Pullman National Teacher of the Year - Primary – Margie Grant, Farnborough State Primary School, QLD; Secondary – Daniel Higgins, Singleton High School, NSW.
NRL Young Indigenous League Learn Earn Legend! – Amelia Telford, VIC (Titans Beyond Tomorrow Program).
Harvey Norman Women in League – Yolande Morris, Darwin, NT.
http://www.nrl.com/terry-campese-wins-ken-stephen-medal/tabid/10874/newsid/74908/default.aspx
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rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Johnathan Thurston averaging 23.3 Dally M points since 2007, making him No.1 player in rugby league
COWBOYS superstar Johnathan Thurston is officially the No.1 player in rugby league.
Better than even Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Greg Inglis or any other NRL champion.
An analysis of points awarded in the Dally M Medal since 2007 is the proof that no other player has excelled so consistently.In the past six seasons the champion Cowboys, Queensland and Kangaroos five-eighth has chalked up 140 Dally M points at an average of 23.3 per season.
It’s a mighty performance to play so brilliantly and so consistently over six straight seasons at the elite level. No wonder he is a firming favourite to become only the second player – alongside Immortal Andrew Johns – as a three-time Medal winner at Tuesday night’s gala dinner.
On the score of consistency, Storm fullback Billy Slater is second behind Thurston with 128 points over the same period of time.
Next up the hookers, Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah (127) and Test captain Cameron Smith (123).
Melbourne halfback Cooper Cronk (112) is the only other player in the game to have tallied more than 100 points since 2007.
Thurston is a huge chance of storming home to win Tuesday night’s award at The Star casino ballroom. He was on 13 points – just three behind the leader Cronk – before almost single handedly engineering the Cowboys’ miraculous fightback to make the finals this year.
No-one would be happier than Johns, the Immortal who has always been in awe of Thurston’s freakish talents.Matthew Johns even declared in The Daily Telegraph earlier this year that Thurston could finish up a better player than his brother. A big statement but one Joey actually agrees with.
The other player sure to be in strong contention is Newcastle Knights five-eighth and captain Jarrod Mullen. He was just one point behind Cooper Cronk when the voting closed and, like Thurston, was on fire in the final rounds of the competition.
Cronulla’s Todd Carney was considered a huge chance towards the end of the season but missed the last two premiership games with his hamstring injury.
The big question mark is over South Sydney’s champion fullback Greg Inglis, who was just one point off the lead when the voting went secret.Surprisingly, Inglis has never polled strongly in the Dally M award, picking up only 57 votes in the past six years.
At the Storm, playing in the same side as Cronk, Smith and Slater wouldn’t have helped with the points shared among that talented group.
A knee injury he picked up during this year’s State of Origin series forced him to miss games towards the end of the season that may cost him.
Fullbacks have won three of the past four awards – Ben Barba, Slater and Jarryd Hayne in 2009 when the Eels made the grand final under Daniel Anderson.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-in-rugby-league/story-fni3g8pa-1226730183152
- PHIL ROTHFIELD
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- OCTOBER 01, 2013 12:00AM
COWBOYS superstar Johnathan Thurston is officially the No.1 player in rugby league.
Better than even Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Greg Inglis or any other NRL champion.
An analysis of points awarded in the Dally M Medal since 2007 is the proof that no other player has excelled so consistently.In the past six seasons the champion Cowboys, Queensland and Kangaroos five-eighth has chalked up 140 Dally M points at an average of 23.3 per season.
It’s a mighty performance to play so brilliantly and so consistently over six straight seasons at the elite level. No wonder he is a firming favourite to become only the second player – alongside Immortal Andrew Johns – as a three-time Medal winner at Tuesday night’s gala dinner.
On the score of consistency, Storm fullback Billy Slater is second behind Thurston with 128 points over the same period of time.
Next up the hookers, Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah (127) and Test captain Cameron Smith (123).
Melbourne halfback Cooper Cronk (112) is the only other player in the game to have tallied more than 100 points since 2007.
Thurston is a huge chance of storming home to win Tuesday night’s award at The Star casino ballroom. He was on 13 points – just three behind the leader Cronk – before almost single handedly engineering the Cowboys’ miraculous fightback to make the finals this year.
No-one would be happier than Johns, the Immortal who has always been in awe of Thurston’s freakish talents.Matthew Johns even declared in The Daily Telegraph earlier this year that Thurston could finish up a better player than his brother. A big statement but one Joey actually agrees with.
The other player sure to be in strong contention is Newcastle Knights five-eighth and captain Jarrod Mullen. He was just one point behind Cooper Cronk when the voting closed and, like Thurston, was on fire in the final rounds of the competition.
Cronulla’s Todd Carney was considered a huge chance towards the end of the season but missed the last two premiership games with his hamstring injury.
The big question mark is over South Sydney’s champion fullback Greg Inglis, who was just one point off the lead when the voting went secret.Surprisingly, Inglis has never polled strongly in the Dally M award, picking up only 57 votes in the past six years.
At the Storm, playing in the same side as Cronk, Smith and Slater wouldn’t have helped with the points shared among that talented group.
A knee injury he picked up during this year’s State of Origin series forced him to miss games towards the end of the season that may cost him.
Fullbacks have won three of the past four awards – Ben Barba, Slater and Jarryd Hayne in 2009 when the Eels made the grand final under Daniel Anderson.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-in-rugby-league/story-fni3g8pa-1226730183152
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Gladiators legend grows 50 years on from the day St George clashed with Wests in the 1963 grand final
THE photo hangs the only way it should hang in an office at Arthur Summons' home. It hangs proudly.
It was given to Summons shortly after he and Norm Provan came together like a thousand footballers have before but, in one of those miracles of time and circumstance, photographer John O’Gready pressed his finger on the shutter button and a legend was born, a friendship created.
“It’s hit home now,” Summons said.
“That we have been made the trophy, it’s beyond comprehension and it’s sad, if you think about it, that John O’Gready isn’t here to enjoy the moment with us.“Without him taking it ... it humbles me on the basis that he was the man who worked his arse off, basically in a suit and tie in the bog ... it’s incredible the whole scenario.”
Norm Provan and Arthur Summons at a special NRL presentation. Picture: Lloyd Justin Source
ailyTelegraph
It is 50 years since O’Gready took the photo that has turned into the trophy that will be awarded to the NRL premiers this Sunday which, as Summons said, will now forever be called the Provan-Summons Trophy.
Summons, 77, has no idea how much fortune did smile that day.
O’Gready was working for The Sun-Herald, the grand final being a Saturday, and when he filed his photos nobody thought it was good enough to publish.
It wasn’t until the following day when a sub-editor came across it, looking for fresh pictures for Monday’s paper, that he picked it out of the tray and gave it a run.
Players embrace following the 1963 "Gladiators" grand final. Source: Supplied
Called “The Gladiators”, its impact was immediate, and changed Summons and Provan's life.
While controversy forever taints that grand final, with rumours that refuse to die on how referee Darcy Lawler had heavily backed St George, what remains is the most iconic image in Australian sport.
Summons played only one more season at Western Suburbs, just his fifth in all, and had his contract bought out by Wagga, back when country clubs could do those things.
He relocated with wife Pam and ran Wagga Wagga Leagues Club, raising children David, Gillian, Janine and Kellie.
He came back to the fold in 1982, when the NSW Rugby League took the radical idea of turning the game’s most famous photo into the Winfield Cup.
“The only condition was we don’t want to be involved in sponsoring cigarettes and they honoured that,” he said.
The funny part is, he never knew Provan before that photo.
“We just acknowledged each other as captains, I don’t think he even knew my name,” Summons said.
Since then it has developed into quite a friendship — a friendship that, like the photo itself, endures.
[url]http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/gladiators-legend-grows-50-years-on-from-the-day-st-george-clashed-with-wests-in-the-1963-grand-final/story-fni3fbgz-1226730246592[/URL]
- PAUL KENT
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- OCTOBER 01, 2013 12:00AM
THE photo hangs the only way it should hang in an office at Arthur Summons' home. It hangs proudly.
It was given to Summons shortly after he and Norm Provan came together like a thousand footballers have before but, in one of those miracles of time and circumstance, photographer John O’Gready pressed his finger on the shutter button and a legend was born, a friendship created.
“It’s hit home now,” Summons said.
“That we have been made the trophy, it’s beyond comprehension and it’s sad, if you think about it, that John O’Gready isn’t here to enjoy the moment with us.“Without him taking it ... it humbles me on the basis that he was the man who worked his arse off, basically in a suit and tie in the bog ... it’s incredible the whole scenario.”
Norm Provan and Arthur Summons at a special NRL presentation. Picture: Lloyd Justin Source
ailyTelegraphIt is 50 years since O’Gready took the photo that has turned into the trophy that will be awarded to the NRL premiers this Sunday which, as Summons said, will now forever be called the Provan-Summons Trophy.
Summons, 77, has no idea how much fortune did smile that day.
O’Gready was working for The Sun-Herald, the grand final being a Saturday, and when he filed his photos nobody thought it was good enough to publish.
It wasn’t until the following day when a sub-editor came across it, looking for fresh pictures for Monday’s paper, that he picked it out of the tray and gave it a run.
Players embrace following the 1963 "Gladiators" grand final. Source: Supplied
Called “The Gladiators”, its impact was immediate, and changed Summons and Provan's life.
While controversy forever taints that grand final, with rumours that refuse to die on how referee Darcy Lawler had heavily backed St George, what remains is the most iconic image in Australian sport.
Summons played only one more season at Western Suburbs, just his fifth in all, and had his contract bought out by Wagga, back when country clubs could do those things.
He relocated with wife Pam and ran Wagga Wagga Leagues Club, raising children David, Gillian, Janine and Kellie.
He came back to the fold in 1982, when the NSW Rugby League took the radical idea of turning the game’s most famous photo into the Winfield Cup.
“The only condition was we don’t want to be involved in sponsoring cigarettes and they honoured that,” he said.
The funny part is, he never knew Provan before that photo.
“We just acknowledged each other as captains, I don’t think he even knew my name,” Summons said.
Since then it has developed into quite a friendship — a friendship that, like the photo itself, endures.
[url]http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/gladiators-legend-grows-50-years-on-from-the-day-st-george-clashed-with-wests-in-the-1963-grand-final/story-fni3fbgz-1226730246592[/URL]
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Fans back Sonny Bill Williams for Dally M, despite the star Rooster sitting 10th in betting
RUGBY league fans have backed Sonny Bill Williams to become the first backrower in over two decades to win the Dally M Medal, despite the star Rooster being a massive outsider for the crown.
Williams (693 votes) beat Greg Inglis (680), Johnathan Thurston (533) and Daly Cherry Evans (444) as the fans’ preferred winner in our exclusive Dally M Selector poll.
But despite his popularity with the fans, Williams sits 10th in the betting at $26 and was languishing in equal 13th position when official voting went behind closed doors after round 16.
To take out the title, Williams (on 10 points when voting became secret), would need to make up six points on leader Cooper Cronk (16 points).
If Williams were to pull off an unlikely victory, he would become the first back rower to win the Dally M Medal since Cronulla forward Gavin Miller scored consecutive victories in 1989-90.
Parramatta legend Ray Price (1982) is the only other backrower to win the award.
In terms of forwards, no props and only two hookers (Cameron Smith in 2006 and Danny Buderus in 2004) have taken the prize.
In other Dally M Selector results, Inglis (2281 votes) surged to a huge victory over Billy Slater (226) in the fullback poll.
Andrew Fifita capped a breakout season by being the fans’ choice as prop of the year, while George Burgess (1962 votes) scored a comfortable win over Anthony Milford (703) for rookie of the year.
DALLY M SELECTOR RESULTS
Player of the Year:
Sonny Bill Williams (693 votes).
Runners Up: Greg Inglis (680), Johnathan Thurston (533), Daly Cherry Evans (444)
Team Of The Year:
Fullback: Greg Inglis (2281 votes).
Runners up: Billy Slater (226), Anthony Minichiello (190)
Winger: Jorge Taufua (873).
Runners up: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (839), James McManus (582)
Centre: Jamie Lyon (1816).
Runners up: Michael Jennings (612), Justin Hodges (234)
Five-Eighth: Johnathan Thurston (1001).
Runners Up: James Maloney (820), Kieran Foran (396)
Halfback: Daly Cherry-Evans (1219).
Runners up: Cooper Cronk (793), Adam Reynolds (709)
Lock: Paul Gallen (1167).
Runners Up: Corey Parker (919), Greg Bird (572)
Secondrower: Sonny Bill Williams (2191).
Runners Up: Anthony Watmough (265), Boyd Cordner (223)
Prop: Andrew Fifita (1692).
Runners Up: Sam Burgess (1126), Matt Scott (164)
Hooker: Cameron Smith (1427)
Runners Up: Issac Luke (661), Jake Friend (463)
Captain: Anthony Minichiello (583).
Runners Up: Jamie Lyon (581), Cameron Smith (553), Paul Gallen (510)
Coach: Trent Robinson (1520).
Runners Up: Michael Maguire (616), Wayne Bennett (424)
Rookie: George Burgess (1962).
Runners Up: Anthony Milford (703), David Nofoaluma (229)
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-10th-in-betting/story-fni3gn3s-1226730729481
- NEWS LIMITED NETWORK
- OCTOBER 01, 2013 11:38AM
RUGBY league fans have backed Sonny Bill Williams to become the first backrower in over two decades to win the Dally M Medal, despite the star Rooster being a massive outsider for the crown.
Williams (693 votes) beat Greg Inglis (680), Johnathan Thurston (533) and Daly Cherry Evans (444) as the fans’ preferred winner in our exclusive Dally M Selector poll.
But despite his popularity with the fans, Williams sits 10th in the betting at $26 and was languishing in equal 13th position when official voting went behind closed doors after round 16.
To take out the title, Williams (on 10 points when voting became secret), would need to make up six points on leader Cooper Cronk (16 points).
If Williams were to pull off an unlikely victory, he would become the first back rower to win the Dally M Medal since Cronulla forward Gavin Miller scored consecutive victories in 1989-90.
Parramatta legend Ray Price (1982) is the only other backrower to win the award.
In terms of forwards, no props and only two hookers (Cameron Smith in 2006 and Danny Buderus in 2004) have taken the prize.
In other Dally M Selector results, Inglis (2281 votes) surged to a huge victory over Billy Slater (226) in the fullback poll.
Andrew Fifita capped a breakout season by being the fans’ choice as prop of the year, while George Burgess (1962 votes) scored a comfortable win over Anthony Milford (703) for rookie of the year.
DALLY M SELECTOR RESULTS
Player of the Year:
Sonny Bill Williams (693 votes).
Runners Up: Greg Inglis (680), Johnathan Thurston (533), Daly Cherry Evans (444)
Team Of The Year:
Fullback: Greg Inglis (2281 votes).
Runners up: Billy Slater (226), Anthony Minichiello (190)
Winger: Jorge Taufua (873).
Runners up: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (839), James McManus (582)
Centre: Jamie Lyon (1816).
Runners up: Michael Jennings (612), Justin Hodges (234)
Five-Eighth: Johnathan Thurston (1001).
Runners Up: James Maloney (820), Kieran Foran (396)
Halfback: Daly Cherry-Evans (1219).
Runners up: Cooper Cronk (793), Adam Reynolds (709)
Lock: Paul Gallen (1167).
Runners Up: Corey Parker (919), Greg Bird (572)
Secondrower: Sonny Bill Williams (2191).
Runners Up: Anthony Watmough (265), Boyd Cordner (223)
Prop: Andrew Fifita (1692).
Runners Up: Sam Burgess (1126), Matt Scott (164)
Hooker: Cameron Smith (1427)
Runners Up: Issac Luke (661), Jake Friend (463)
Captain: Anthony Minichiello (583).
Runners Up: Jamie Lyon (581), Cameron Smith (553), Paul Gallen (510)
Coach: Trent Robinson (1520).
Runners Up: Michael Maguire (616), Wayne Bennett (424)
Rookie: George Burgess (1962).
Runners Up: Anthony Milford (703), David Nofoaluma (229)
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-10th-in-betting/story-fni3gn3s-1226730729481
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rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
THE LURKER - NRL RUMOUR FILE - WEDNESDAY 2ND OCTOBER
Not the smartest move by prominent player
I was stunned to hear of a prominent player in the company of a shady character at a local watering hole this week. There's no suggestion of anything untoward but it's probably not the smartest move.
Ugly World Cup drama brewing for star player
Stand-by for major drama at one NRL club over a star player's non-availability for the World Cup. It promises to get very ugly.
Rabbitohs jump the grand final gun
I am reliably informed South Sydney put a range of promotional plans in place for grand final week well before the Manly game. Talk about going off before acceptances.
Major changes imminent at prominent Sydney club
I hear of major staff changes at one prominent Sydney club. Club officials are ready to give the media officer the punt and others could soon face. A media officer at another club was punted recently also.
Jake Friend looming as World Cup bolter
Want to know who could be a bolter in Australia's World Cup squad? Try, Jake Friend, the Sydney Roosters grand final hooker. Friend has been in splendid form all season and will be a key in the Roosters' bid to beat Manly in Sunday's decider.
Not a great look for high-profile journo
One high-profile rugby league journalist gave the grog a real nudge at the Dally M Awards on Tuesday night, stumbling around the venue and slurring a few words in the general direction of unfortunate guests. The Lurker doesn't mind the odd ale but this wasn't a great look, especially with the media all too keen to jump on players for over indulging.
Meninga's lucrative PNG gig causing angst
Big Mal Meninga has been paid huge money to become PNG's coaching director. But the decision has been met with some anger. It seems the Kumuls players have heard of the amount and are filthy, given they are being paid next to nothing. Should make for an interesting World Cup.
http://www.sportal.com.au/league/news/the-lurkernrl-rumour-filewednesday-253486
Not the smartest move by prominent player
I was stunned to hear of a prominent player in the company of a shady character at a local watering hole this week. There's no suggestion of anything untoward but it's probably not the smartest move.
Ugly World Cup drama brewing for star player
Stand-by for major drama at one NRL club over a star player's non-availability for the World Cup. It promises to get very ugly.
Rabbitohs jump the grand final gun
I am reliably informed South Sydney put a range of promotional plans in place for grand final week well before the Manly game. Talk about going off before acceptances.
Major changes imminent at prominent Sydney club
I hear of major staff changes at one prominent Sydney club. Club officials are ready to give the media officer the punt and others could soon face. A media officer at another club was punted recently also.
Jake Friend looming as World Cup bolter
Want to know who could be a bolter in Australia's World Cup squad? Try, Jake Friend, the Sydney Roosters grand final hooker. Friend has been in splendid form all season and will be a key in the Roosters' bid to beat Manly in Sunday's decider.
Not a great look for high-profile journo
One high-profile rugby league journalist gave the grog a real nudge at the Dally M Awards on Tuesday night, stumbling around the venue and slurring a few words in the general direction of unfortunate guests. The Lurker doesn't mind the odd ale but this wasn't a great look, especially with the media all too keen to jump on players for over indulging.
Meninga's lucrative PNG gig causing angst
Big Mal Meninga has been paid huge money to become PNG's coaching director. But the decision has been met with some anger. It seems the Kumuls players have heard of the amount and are filthy, given they are being paid next to nothing. Should make for an interesting World Cup.
http://www.sportal.com.au/league/news/the-lurkernrl-rumour-filewednesday-253486
That is unbelievable news, damn you, shady character!!!
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
The Panthers ditch Penrith allegiance in new logo for next season despite fan anger
THE Panthers today confirmed they have ditched allegiance to Penrith in their new logo, which has angered fans of the NRL club.
The logo, a fresh variation of the one above that was leaked last month, is already splashed across the Panthers' website and social media accounts and it appears the team will be running on to NRL grounds next season with no reference to Penrith on their jerseys.
Some fans have started a Facebook page in dissent at the switch, titled "Save the Penrith Panthers LOGO".
Despite fans having vented their anger at the club when the logo leaked out last month, the club confirmed it had adopted what it called "a dynamic new design including a full-bodied panther as a tribute to the club’s logos of yesteryear".
The leaked Penrith logo.
In a statement that ignored the cause of fans' angst - the omission of Penrith from the logo - Panther chief executive Warren Wilson called the logo "the right balance of past and present" with the club's 50th anniversary looming.
"It’s about understanding and respecting where we’ve come from as a club, without sacrificing our vision for the future," Wilson said."The Panthers are evolving and growing as a club, and we hope our fans are as excited about the 2014 NRL season as we are."
Fans took to social media to voice their disapproval after the logo initially leaked."The Panthers seem set to scrub their suburban identity in an attempt to broaden their base and become a team for all of western Sydney," branding expert Anthony Costa wrote on the Sports Business Insider website. "The club’s 50th anniversary next season won’t be about marking time. It will be about moving on – delicately easing existing fans into a new commercial era.
"It seems smart enough. Throw your brand net across a bigger population pool and you’ll supposedly trawl more support. But I doubt it will make any difference to the Panthers' current plight. Because making your brand more generic doesn’t make you more inclusive.
"I don’t know how shaking off a team’s local heritage can possibly make it matter more. Denying who you are helps no one. What is a brand without individual character?
The biggest, most popular sporting brands in the world don’t scupper their past to please everyone. They hold onto their precious heartland and trade on the exclusivity of the fan experience."
The club had remained tight-lipped about the switch until today's confirmation.
See some of the reactions below.
@FOXNRL @PenrithPanthers @SportBizInsider They are losing touch with their supporters.— AK (@FijianWanderer) September 20, 2013
@FOXNRL @PenrithPanthers @SportBizInsider that new logo looks crap and im a panthers fan!— Leon Bradley (@LeonBradley1980) September 20, 2013
@FOXNRL @PenrithPanthers @SportBizInsider it's horrible! Keep some tradition for gods sake— Nathan Hutcheson (@thehutch81) September 20, 2013
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/the-panthers-shed-penrith-allegiance-in-new-logo-for-next-season/story-fni3gfvk-1226723638227
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- OCTOBER 02, 2013 3:24PM
THE Panthers today confirmed they have ditched allegiance to Penrith in their new logo, which has angered fans of the NRL club.
The logo, a fresh variation of the one above that was leaked last month, is already splashed across the Panthers' website and social media accounts and it appears the team will be running on to NRL grounds next season with no reference to Penrith on their jerseys.
Some fans have started a Facebook page in dissent at the switch, titled "Save the Penrith Panthers LOGO".
Despite fans having vented their anger at the club when the logo leaked out last month, the club confirmed it had adopted what it called "a dynamic new design including a full-bodied panther as a tribute to the club’s logos of yesteryear".
The leaked Penrith logo.
In a statement that ignored the cause of fans' angst - the omission of Penrith from the logo - Panther chief executive Warren Wilson called the logo "the right balance of past and present" with the club's 50th anniversary looming.
"It’s about understanding and respecting where we’ve come from as a club, without sacrificing our vision for the future," Wilson said."The Panthers are evolving and growing as a club, and we hope our fans are as excited about the 2014 NRL season as we are."
Fans took to social media to voice their disapproval after the logo initially leaked."The Panthers seem set to scrub their suburban identity in an attempt to broaden their base and become a team for all of western Sydney," branding expert Anthony Costa wrote on the Sports Business Insider website. "The club’s 50th anniversary next season won’t be about marking time. It will be about moving on – delicately easing existing fans into a new commercial era.
"I don’t know how shaking off a team’s local heritage can possibly make it matter more. Denying who you are helps no one. What is a brand without individual character?
The biggest, most popular sporting brands in the world don’t scupper their past to please everyone. They hold onto their precious heartland and trade on the exclusivity of the fan experience."
See some of the reactions below.
@FOXNRL @PenrithPanthers @SportBizInsider They are losing touch with their supporters.— AK (@FijianWanderer) September 20, 2013
@FOXNRL @PenrithPanthers @SportBizInsider that new logo looks crap and im a panthers fan!— Leon Bradley (@LeonBradley1980) September 20, 2013
@FOXNRL @PenrithPanthers @SportBizInsider it's horrible! Keep some tradition for gods sake— Nathan Hutcheson (@thehutch81) September 20, 2013
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/the-panthers-shed-penrith-allegiance-in-new-logo-for-next-season/story-fni3gfvk-1226723638227
Last edited:
So I guess they are just the Panthers now, like the Warriors are just the Warriors.
Pretty sad for their supporters.
Pretty sad for their supporters.
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
'No more relying on Johnathan Thurston,' says new North Queensland Cowboys coach Paul Green
NEW Cowboys coach Paul Green is keen to extract the best from young gun Jason Taumalolo as he looks to alleviate pressure on North Queensland's other "JT", Maroons sensation Johnathan Thurston.
Currently involved in the Roosters' Grand Final build-up, Green on Wednesday outlined his blueprint to help the Cowboys clinch a maiden title after nearly two decades of fruitless toil.
Among his objectives are cultivating the next wave of talent, headed by Taumalolo, ensuring the playing group supports Thurston and bridging the gap in the club's performance levels.Ever pragmatic, Green accepts he will be under pressure from day one to break the club's premiership hoodoo.
Since their 1995 inception, the Cowboys have made the grand final just once, losing the 2005 decider to the Wests Tigers, but the rookie NRL coach says the club can do without grandiose talk of premierships and top-four finishes.
“I'm not shying away from the fact that I've gone there to be successful, but last year I don't think the talk about top-four and grand finals helped them at all,” Green said.
“A realistic goal for me is that we play to our potential consistently. If we can do that as a group, that stuff with finishes on the ladder will look after itself ... if we are prepared to work hard and stick together, good things will come eventually.”
North Queensland will enter a new era on dual fronts next season. Aside from Green's arrival, the squad will be without favourite son Matt Bowen, the fullback genius who won countless games on the back of his lethal partnership with Thurston.
For too long the Cowboys have been accused of relying too heavily on the pair and without Bowen, who has joined Wigan, the playmaking heat will only amplify for Thurston.
Green, himself a former Origin playmaker, understands the pressures confronting Thurston and will challenge the squad to adopt a collective performance attitude.
“We can't just sit back and rely on the big names like JT,” he said.“We have some wonderful players.“It's important everyone understands that to get yourself in a position to play in a grand final or win a comp, everyone has to work hard.
“The Cowboys showed this year that on their day they can match it with anyone and they finished off the year showing what they are capable of."But the first thing is getting some consistency in how we play.”
Green, who rates Wayne Bennett among his most valued mentors, is also relishing the prospect of working with the club's emerging talent.At the forefront is Taumalolo, the 110kg forward who is rated as talented as Sonny Bill Williams but has struggled to cement a regular NRL berth.
“There is a lot of upside in young guys like Taumalolo so it's about realising their potential,” he said.
“I am looking forward to working with Test guys like Thurston, Matt Scott, James Tamou and Brent Tate, but I'm equally excited about working with some of the younger guys coming through like Taumalolo, Tariq Sims, Wayne Ulugia and Kyle Feldt.
“I am not too worried if people say I'm a rookie. There are plenty of people who want to tell you why you can't achieve something, but it's about working out how you achieve some success and that's what I'm looking to do at the Cowboys.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...coach-paul-green/story-fni3g8pa-1226731818365
- - - Updated - - -
There's no matching Brett Kenny's Grand Final tries record
BRETT Kenny has one of those never before, never again kind of grand final records.
He admits it was not on his mind when he ran out for his third successive grand final in 1983, looking for his third successive two-try game to round out the record.
Three straight grand finals, two tries in each.
“Never even thought about it to be honest,” he said.“Just ran out there to play. It just happened that way.”
While nobody will ever forget the two tries against Newtown in 1981, Kenny remembers all four tries against Manly in 1982-83 but even he can’t quite remember which game what try was scored in.
He can describe all four, then says, “I’m not sure what year they were, but they were the four tries.”
Kenny played 10 more years for the Eels, and in a sign of changing times he played his last game on a Sunday and got up the next morning to take a call, his first day in retirement, from a radio station.There was no Mad Monday.
“They were quite surprised I wasn’t home,” Kenny said.“I was working with Berri fruit juices at the time and I was driving a truck, driving the daily juice.“Back then that’s what you did.”
Kenny retired with a club record 265 games and a club record 110 tries, both of which lasted the best part of 20 years before being broken within 12 months of each other.
By then Kenny was back involved in the game, having coached Windsor Wolves to a premiership and believing he was on his way to a future NRL head coaching job until, well, things didn’t turn out.
“When I was at Penrith I thought this is where I might go on, Parramatta’s NSW Cup, I thought maybe this is the opportunity, but it didn’t happen there and I thought maybe it’s not to be.“I’d still like to be involved.”
He has drifted from coaching job to coaching job, dabbling in media before that, the reality being that when he pulled over Wednesday to talk about three glorious grand final efforts he was selling poker machines, and poker machine parts, for Independent Gaming.
“I’m enjoying it,” he said.“But if something [in coaching] came up I’d certainly have a look at it.“I just love the game.”
His gift was a record that might not stand forever, but long enough that we won’t ever see it broken.
“A lot of people say it will probably never be broken,” he said.“The way the game is now it’s difficult for sides to play in two grand finals in a row let alone three.“I guess it’s a record that I might have for a long time.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...nal-tries-record/story-fni3ga7r-1226731880244
- PETER BADEL
- THE COURIER-MAIL
- OCTOBER 03, 2013 12:00AM
NEW Cowboys coach Paul Green is keen to extract the best from young gun Jason Taumalolo as he looks to alleviate pressure on North Queensland's other "JT", Maroons sensation Johnathan Thurston.
Currently involved in the Roosters' Grand Final build-up, Green on Wednesday outlined his blueprint to help the Cowboys clinch a maiden title after nearly two decades of fruitless toil.
Among his objectives are cultivating the next wave of talent, headed by Taumalolo, ensuring the playing group supports Thurston and bridging the gap in the club's performance levels.Ever pragmatic, Green accepts he will be under pressure from day one to break the club's premiership hoodoo.
Since their 1995 inception, the Cowboys have made the grand final just once, losing the 2005 decider to the Wests Tigers, but the rookie NRL coach says the club can do without grandiose talk of premierships and top-four finishes.
“I'm not shying away from the fact that I've gone there to be successful, but last year I don't think the talk about top-four and grand finals helped them at all,” Green said.
“A realistic goal for me is that we play to our potential consistently. If we can do that as a group, that stuff with finishes on the ladder will look after itself ... if we are prepared to work hard and stick together, good things will come eventually.”
North Queensland will enter a new era on dual fronts next season. Aside from Green's arrival, the squad will be without favourite son Matt Bowen, the fullback genius who won countless games on the back of his lethal partnership with Thurston.
For too long the Cowboys have been accused of relying too heavily on the pair and without Bowen, who has joined Wigan, the playmaking heat will only amplify for Thurston.
Green, himself a former Origin playmaker, understands the pressures confronting Thurston and will challenge the squad to adopt a collective performance attitude.
“We can't just sit back and rely on the big names like JT,” he said.“We have some wonderful players.“It's important everyone understands that to get yourself in a position to play in a grand final or win a comp, everyone has to work hard.
“The Cowboys showed this year that on their day they can match it with anyone and they finished off the year showing what they are capable of."But the first thing is getting some consistency in how we play.”
Green, who rates Wayne Bennett among his most valued mentors, is also relishing the prospect of working with the club's emerging talent.At the forefront is Taumalolo, the 110kg forward who is rated as talented as Sonny Bill Williams but has struggled to cement a regular NRL berth.
“There is a lot of upside in young guys like Taumalolo so it's about realising their potential,” he said.
“I am looking forward to working with Test guys like Thurston, Matt Scott, James Tamou and Brent Tate, but I'm equally excited about working with some of the younger guys coming through like Taumalolo, Tariq Sims, Wayne Ulugia and Kyle Feldt.
“I am not too worried if people say I'm a rookie. There are plenty of people who want to tell you why you can't achieve something, but it's about working out how you achieve some success and that's what I'm looking to do at the Cowboys.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...coach-paul-green/story-fni3g8pa-1226731818365
- - - Updated - - -
There's no matching Brett Kenny's Grand Final tries record
- PAUL KENT
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- OCTOBER 03, 2013 12:00AM
BRETT Kenny has one of those never before, never again kind of grand final records.
He admits it was not on his mind when he ran out for his third successive grand final in 1983, looking for his third successive two-try game to round out the record.
Three straight grand finals, two tries in each.
“Never even thought about it to be honest,” he said.“Just ran out there to play. It just happened that way.”
While nobody will ever forget the two tries against Newtown in 1981, Kenny remembers all four tries against Manly in 1982-83 but even he can’t quite remember which game what try was scored in.
He can describe all four, then says, “I’m not sure what year they were, but they were the four tries.”
Kenny played 10 more years for the Eels, and in a sign of changing times he played his last game on a Sunday and got up the next morning to take a call, his first day in retirement, from a radio station.There was no Mad Monday.
“They were quite surprised I wasn’t home,” Kenny said.“I was working with Berri fruit juices at the time and I was driving a truck, driving the daily juice.“Back then that’s what you did.”
Kenny retired with a club record 265 games and a club record 110 tries, both of which lasted the best part of 20 years before being broken within 12 months of each other.
By then Kenny was back involved in the game, having coached Windsor Wolves to a premiership and believing he was on his way to a future NRL head coaching job until, well, things didn’t turn out.
“When I was at Penrith I thought this is where I might go on, Parramatta’s NSW Cup, I thought maybe this is the opportunity, but it didn’t happen there and I thought maybe it’s not to be.“I’d still like to be involved.”
He has drifted from coaching job to coaching job, dabbling in media before that, the reality being that when he pulled over Wednesday to talk about three glorious grand final efforts he was selling poker machines, and poker machine parts, for Independent Gaming.
“I’m enjoying it,” he said.“But if something [in coaching] came up I’d certainly have a look at it.“I just love the game.”
His gift was a record that might not stand forever, but long enough that we won’t ever see it broken.
“A lot of people say it will probably never be broken,” he said.“The way the game is now it’s difficult for sides to play in two grand finals in a row let alone three.“I guess it’s a record that I might have for a long time.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...nal-tries-record/story-fni3ga7r-1226731880244
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Etonia Nabuli goes from carrying bags at a Fiji hotel to grand final with Penrith after being discovered by Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler
HE ARRIVED in Australia as a humble Fijian porter who had never owned a pair of footy boots.
Yet eight months on, and with a brand new pair of Asics on his feet, Etonia Nabuli is set to complete the greatest story of the rugby league season when he runs onto ANZ Stadium this Sunday for the NRL grand final day.
Plucked from obscurity by Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler, whose bags the 23-year-old carried after they arrived at his Intercontinental Hotel during a goodwill mission last December, Nabuli will start on the wing for Penrith feeder club Windsor in the NSW Cup decider.
An incredible story made even more remarkable when you consider, before this year, he had never even played rugby league.
"No, always rugby union,'' he grins. "But this isn't just my first league grand final, it's also my first grand final ever."When I rang home this week to tell mum, she couldn't believe it. Started crying on the phone.
"Where I'm from in Fiji, near Sigatoka, everyone plays rugby. So they couldn't believe I would try to play league.They told me 'you're a union player, you won't do any good'."So from that moment I decided I wanted to play in a Grand Final. I knew it would be on TV and that people back home would see it. Then they would know I was progressing in the game."
While his own family, who reside in Nadro, have no television set, 'Eto' says they still see the game thanks to a neighbouring cousin who receives Origins and Grand Finals via Sky."So I'm just so excited,'' he told The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday, watching the Fijian schoolboy rugby side play Australia at Knox Grammar.
"Growing up in Fiji, I never used to own a pair of boots. Always trained barefoot. A lot of us even lifted weights that way because we didn't have shoes -- (laughs) which can be a bit dangerous when they're being dropped everywhere."
Incredibly, Nabuli would still be lugging bags around the Intercontinental foyer had it not been for Fittler and Johns, who were taken by the athletic build of their porter who, said Johns, "you'd offer $1 million for if he were a racehorse".
Inviting him to a training clinic later that day, the pair were so shocked by his results in testing they immediately made calls to a variety of NRL clubs, with Panthers supremo Phil Gould eventually agreeing to sign him sight unseen.
And so unbelievable has the rise of Nabuli been since, Johns and Fittler re now developing a 'Footy For Fiji' program. They will fly to the island less than 24 hours after working the grand final for Channel Nine in the hope of finding a second athlete to follow in his footsteps.
Not only will the legendary league pairing hold an open trial day in Sigatoka, they will also select, and coach, two teams for a match to be broadcast nationally in Fiji.
From there, one player will be chosen and signed to an NRL contract, given the same chance Gould gifted 'Eto' on nothing but the advice from Fittler.
"Yeah, Phil is a good bloke,'' Nabuli laughs. "He just messages me to say Bula and see how I'm doing. I tell him everything is good and he says 'okay, okay, great, keep playing'."And that's what I do. This time next year, I want to be in the NRL."
[url]http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/etonia-nabuli-goes-from-carrying-bags-at-a-fiji-hotel-to-grand-final-with-penrith-after-being-discovered-by-andrew-johns-and-brad-fittler/story-fni3gfvk-1226731894528[/URL]
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- OCTOBER 03, 2013 12:00AM
HE ARRIVED in Australia as a humble Fijian porter who had never owned a pair of footy boots.
Yet eight months on, and with a brand new pair of Asics on his feet, Etonia Nabuli is set to complete the greatest story of the rugby league season when he runs onto ANZ Stadium this Sunday for the NRL grand final day.
Plucked from obscurity by Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler, whose bags the 23-year-old carried after they arrived at his Intercontinental Hotel during a goodwill mission last December, Nabuli will start on the wing for Penrith feeder club Windsor in the NSW Cup decider.
An incredible story made even more remarkable when you consider, before this year, he had never even played rugby league.
"No, always rugby union,'' he grins. "But this isn't just my first league grand final, it's also my first grand final ever."When I rang home this week to tell mum, she couldn't believe it. Started crying on the phone.
"Where I'm from in Fiji, near Sigatoka, everyone plays rugby. So they couldn't believe I would try to play league.They told me 'you're a union player, you won't do any good'."So from that moment I decided I wanted to play in a Grand Final. I knew it would be on TV and that people back home would see it. Then they would know I was progressing in the game."
While his own family, who reside in Nadro, have no television set, 'Eto' says they still see the game thanks to a neighbouring cousin who receives Origins and Grand Finals via Sky."So I'm just so excited,'' he told The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday, watching the Fijian schoolboy rugby side play Australia at Knox Grammar.
"Growing up in Fiji, I never used to own a pair of boots. Always trained barefoot. A lot of us even lifted weights that way because we didn't have shoes -- (laughs) which can be a bit dangerous when they're being dropped everywhere."
Incredibly, Nabuli would still be lugging bags around the Intercontinental foyer had it not been for Fittler and Johns, who were taken by the athletic build of their porter who, said Johns, "you'd offer $1 million for if he were a racehorse".
Inviting him to a training clinic later that day, the pair were so shocked by his results in testing they immediately made calls to a variety of NRL clubs, with Panthers supremo Phil Gould eventually agreeing to sign him sight unseen.
And so unbelievable has the rise of Nabuli been since, Johns and Fittler re now developing a 'Footy For Fiji' program. They will fly to the island less than 24 hours after working the grand final for Channel Nine in the hope of finding a second athlete to follow in his footsteps.
Not only will the legendary league pairing hold an open trial day in Sigatoka, they will also select, and coach, two teams for a match to be broadcast nationally in Fiji.
From there, one player will be chosen and signed to an NRL contract, given the same chance Gould gifted 'Eto' on nothing but the advice from Fittler.
"Yeah, Phil is a good bloke,'' Nabuli laughs. "He just messages me to say Bula and see how I'm doing. I tell him everything is good and he says 'okay, okay, great, keep playing'."And that's what I do. This time next year, I want to be in the NRL."
[url]http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/etonia-nabuli-goes-from-carrying-bags-at-a-fiji-hotel-to-grand-final-with-penrith-after-being-discovered-by-andrew-johns-and-brad-fittler/story-fni3gfvk-1226731894528[/URL]
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
In this week's issue of RLW the Mole has reported the following...
-Rohan Smith son of Brian has been appointed head coach of the Auckland Vulcans in NSW Cup, Brian's other son Keegan has been appointed strength and conditioning coach for the Roosters NRL team as well
- Western Suburbs Magpies will name their best team of the Era (1987-1999) on October 5th
- Adam O'Brien has been named to replace Kevin Walters as Melbourne Storm Assistant Coach
- Former Hull Forward David Tangata-Toa has been appointed Windsor Wolves Assistant coach for 2014
-Rohan Smith son of Brian has been appointed head coach of the Auckland Vulcans in NSW Cup, Brian's other son Keegan has been appointed strength and conditioning coach for the Roosters NRL team as well
- Western Suburbs Magpies will name their best team of the Era (1987-1999) on October 5th
- Adam O'Brien has been named to replace Kevin Walters as Melbourne Storm Assistant Coach
- Former Hull Forward David Tangata-Toa has been appointed Windsor Wolves Assistant coach for 2014