2013 NRL Discussion
- Thread starter Ms.Nobody
- Start date
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
It wasn't over-rated at all, It was hampered by Injury....
A fully fit Inglis would've had one of the greatest individual seasons we have ever seen...
Once he is back to Full fitness he will be the best Fullback in the world by a fair margin of that I have little doubt...
Yeah I agree it was injury hampered, but it was clearly overrated if he's in the running for international player of the year. Why don't we just chuck Gidley a nomination too
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Yeah I agree it was injury hampered, but it was clearly overrated if he's in the running for international player of the year. Why don't we just chuck Gidley a nomination too
I think Inglis played extremely well before he got injured and when he came back he certainly wasn't the same but still better than most players...
He had a great season really considering he played more than half of it injured...
But I guess winning the Dally M Fullback of the year, Provan Summons Medal and being nominated for Rep player of the year is over-rated and not good enough..
The Gidley part of your statement is just plain ridiculous as well..
Inglis deserves his nomination...
I guess we'll have to agree to disagree but I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks he doesn't deserve to be nominated, and the Gidley part was obviously a joke mate
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
I guess we'll have to agree to disagree but I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks he doesn't deserve to be nominated, and the Gidley part was obviously a joke mate
Your right, people will be critical of his nomination but I believe he has done enough to be there...
It's irrelevant anyway because I think SBW will win but you never know I guess...
Yeah SBW should win easy. I would've liked to see Fifita get nominated.
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
While I don't mind Greg being there I am surprised that Thurston and Smith didn't get a look in...
Agree about Fifita as well mate, Imo Fifita is in the top 4 props in the world ...
Him, Sam Burgess (When he plays there), JWH and Matt Scott..
Smith plays pretty much the same level year in year out, so its a bit perplexing why he's in running for awards some years and other years not. I understand if there are standouts (hayne 2009, barba 2012, etc) it can be hard to get nominations, but there wasn't really as big a standout this year. NSW are very lucky to have Fifita.
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
How the Dragons plan to end Canberra's hoodoo
If you can't beat 'em, buy 'em.
Victims of rugby league's most talked-about hoodoo, St George Illawarra will next year field a host of former Canberra players who've been instrumental in keeping them winless against the Raiders since 2007.
Back rower Joel Thompson and halfback Sam Williams have been reunited with ex-team mates Josh Dugan and Bronson Harrison, both of whom joined the Dragons last season.
During their time in the ACT the quartet never tasted defeat against St George Illawarra, who have now spent the past 13 season searching for a win in the Nation's capital.
As the fascination with Canberra's dominance has grown, Raiders players have spoken of their pride in keeping the curse alive.
An inspirational video is shown before all St George Illawarra games, and, after Canberra triumphed in Wollongong last season, skipper Terry Campese spoke of his delight upon reading Dragons players discussing the hoodoo on Twitter prior to kick off.
"At Canberra, there was an element of not wanting to be the team that gave up the streak we had over St George Illawarra," Williams revealed.
"In the week leading up to the game there's always lots of talk about the hoodoo."Thinking back, they've always been really close games and Canberra just happened to keep winning.
"That's how a good rivalry is formed. The clubs are close together and now there's a few former players at the Dragons who know one another. It's those types of games you look forward to and remember."
While Dugan was outstanding in his debut season with St George Illawarra, the NSW Origin fullback feels his game can reach another level with the understanding of Williams, Thompson and Harrison.
The 23-year-old also eschewed a holiday during the off-season, preferring to tackle sand hills and boxing bags during October.
"It's great to have some familiar faces around; I grew up playing with a lot of these guys in the Under 20s," Dugan said.
"Hopefully this will be the year we break the hoodoo."
Williams had the chance to join St George Illawarra a year ago, but elected not to request an early release in the hope of establishing himself in the Raiders halves.
But after being selected to represent Country Origin, the Cooma product was shuffled back to NSW Cup when Campese returned midway through the year.
He's now locked in a three-way battle with Kyle Stanley and Josh Drinkwater to wear the Dragons No. 7 jersey.
"I guess I could have been here a little bit earlier, but I've got no regrets at all, even though I would've loved to play more first grade last year," Williams said.
"If I played better at times I could've stayed there, but you probably learn a lot more about yourself in NSW Cup.
"It's important that you're character is strong. You need to have the right attitude and put in 100 per cent."
"This year it's very lucky the way things have worked out with a few former team mates - it will certainly help me fit in and feel comfortable."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...canberras-hoodoo/story-fni3g9a3-1226766369440
- - - Updated - - -
Top sports medico's warning over extended season for 150 rugby league stars
AUSTRALIA's most respected sports medico is concerned about the physical and medical ramifications on nearly 150 NRL stars who are missing a full off-season because of the rugby league World Cup.
Dr Nathan Gibbs should know - he captained South Sydney, played for the Kangaroos and is currently the Sydney Swans and NSW Origin doctor with more than three decades of sports medicine experience.
The schedule for the eight-week World Cup tour has come under fire because of the stress and strain on the players, many of who need surgery on injuries from last season but have delayed it until after the series.
The affect will be felt by all NRL clubs, none more so than the Roosters and Warriors who combined have 32 of their stars in the UK.
Every club has at least five players overseas.
Off-seasons are professionally and individually designed to build a fitness and strength base that carries players through an entire season.
"There are a couple of issues," Dr Gibbs told The Daily Telegraph.
"First is it (RLWC) doesn't allow proper recovery from injuries carried through this season.
"Second, there is an obvious risk by playing in November of getting new injuries which will carry over into next season in terms of adequate rehab time.
"And third is the three-month off season is a critical time for younger players to develop strength and speed and skill without getting injured from week to week football when it is hard to develop these things in season."
Storm coach Craig Bellamy, speaking from the United States where he is on a study tour with NFL clubs, is concerned about the impact on the NRL.
He has been an outspoken advocate for years about easing the workload on players and clubs.
"We just expect too much of our elite players," he said, "We had blokes put off surgery to go.
"They'll get it done when they get home, have a holiday, and then have a rushed pre-season."It's ridiculous that some clubs have half of their squads over there.
"We already have trials, 30 weeks of NRL, State of Origin, a Test and now they're doing the Auckland Nines.
"It's important that young players get a good pre-season for their development.
"We won't get our top players back until January 20. Our preparation will certainly be restricted."
If Bellamy is concerned, spare a thought for premier coach Trent Robinson at the Roosters, who have 17 players at the cup.
It's forced his high performance staff to break the pre-season into four separate groups - the new signings who started three weeks ago, the grand final players who have just returned, the Kiwi and Kangaroos, and then the rest of the RLWC countries who finished earlier.
They are all on different schedules and programs, varying from weights, running, skills and ball work.Robinson at least has his sports science degree and would be better equipped to handle it than most.
He is not so concerned about the physical demands but more the psychological effect."Physically the body probably needs six weeks rest but mentally it can be up to 10 weeks," he said.
"What needs to be rejuvenated is the passion to train every day.
"No-one says when they come back from a holiday 'geez, I feel tired'
"That's not the point. It's seven or eight months down the track that we've got to worry about
"That's what we're working our programs around. We need them to be fresh at the back end as well as being able to get the job done at the start of the season."
The Roosters have the added burden this year of the Auckland Nines and the World Club Challenge against Wigan on February 22 at Allianz Stadium.And you can throw in a Sonny Bill Williams fight as well.
Robinson has ruled out the possibility of resting players or introducing a lighter training schedule.
"That won't be our policy - I'm not a fan of that," Robinson said."Once you decide to play, you play and you get the job done.
"Having a soft approach doesn't work. If you get too cute with it, the players can feel that. "They'll get soft."
Not everyone agrees with Dr Gibbs. Hayden Knowles was the high performance boss at the Parramatta Eels and with the Kiwis when they won the 2008 World Cup.
"You look at an elite boxer like Danny Green," he says, "He can get super fit in eight weeks for a fight. When he jumps into the ring, there's no-one fitter in Australia.
"There's no reason why the players can't be jumping out of their skins in mid March. They'll be fine."
Knowles says the benefits from going on tour outweigh the negatives.
"Players come back better players for the experience," he said.
"In 2009 at Parramatta, Nathan Cayless had a wonderful season on the back of the World Cup.
"Jarryd Hayne was always the same. He's always come back a bit more mature footy wise from hanging around people like Cameron Smith and Billy Slater.
"You surround yourself with the elite players and learn from them. If I was a fan of a club, I'd be looking for the positives.
"And remember, off-season training can wear players down too."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...gby-league-stars/story-fni3fbgz-1226766480856
- JOSH MASSOUD
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- NOVEMBER 22, 2013 11:00PM
If you can't beat 'em, buy 'em.
Victims of rugby league's most talked-about hoodoo, St George Illawarra will next year field a host of former Canberra players who've been instrumental in keeping them winless against the Raiders since 2007.
Back rower Joel Thompson and halfback Sam Williams have been reunited with ex-team mates Josh Dugan and Bronson Harrison, both of whom joined the Dragons last season.
During their time in the ACT the quartet never tasted defeat against St George Illawarra, who have now spent the past 13 season searching for a win in the Nation's capital.
As the fascination with Canberra's dominance has grown, Raiders players have spoken of their pride in keeping the curse alive.
An inspirational video is shown before all St George Illawarra games, and, after Canberra triumphed in Wollongong last season, skipper Terry Campese spoke of his delight upon reading Dragons players discussing the hoodoo on Twitter prior to kick off.
"At Canberra, there was an element of not wanting to be the team that gave up the streak we had over St George Illawarra," Williams revealed.
"In the week leading up to the game there's always lots of talk about the hoodoo."Thinking back, they've always been really close games and Canberra just happened to keep winning.
"That's how a good rivalry is formed. The clubs are close together and now there's a few former players at the Dragons who know one another. It's those types of games you look forward to and remember."
While Dugan was outstanding in his debut season with St George Illawarra, the NSW Origin fullback feels his game can reach another level with the understanding of Williams, Thompson and Harrison.
The 23-year-old also eschewed a holiday during the off-season, preferring to tackle sand hills and boxing bags during October.
"It's great to have some familiar faces around; I grew up playing with a lot of these guys in the Under 20s," Dugan said.
"Hopefully this will be the year we break the hoodoo."
Williams had the chance to join St George Illawarra a year ago, but elected not to request an early release in the hope of establishing himself in the Raiders halves.
But after being selected to represent Country Origin, the Cooma product was shuffled back to NSW Cup when Campese returned midway through the year.
He's now locked in a three-way battle with Kyle Stanley and Josh Drinkwater to wear the Dragons No. 7 jersey.
"I guess I could have been here a little bit earlier, but I've got no regrets at all, even though I would've loved to play more first grade last year," Williams said.
"If I played better at times I could've stayed there, but you probably learn a lot more about yourself in NSW Cup.
"It's important that you're character is strong. You need to have the right attitude and put in 100 per cent."
"This year it's very lucky the way things have worked out with a few former team mates - it will certainly help me fit in and feel comfortable."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...canberras-hoodoo/story-fni3g9a3-1226766369440
- - - Updated - - -
Top sports medico's warning over extended season for 150 rugby league stars
- PHIL ROTHFIELD SPORTS EDITOR-AT-LARGE
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- NOVEMBER 22, 2013 11:00PM
AUSTRALIA's most respected sports medico is concerned about the physical and medical ramifications on nearly 150 NRL stars who are missing a full off-season because of the rugby league World Cup.
Dr Nathan Gibbs should know - he captained South Sydney, played for the Kangaroos and is currently the Sydney Swans and NSW Origin doctor with more than three decades of sports medicine experience.
The schedule for the eight-week World Cup tour has come under fire because of the stress and strain on the players, many of who need surgery on injuries from last season but have delayed it until after the series.
The affect will be felt by all NRL clubs, none more so than the Roosters and Warriors who combined have 32 of their stars in the UK.
Every club has at least five players overseas.
Off-seasons are professionally and individually designed to build a fitness and strength base that carries players through an entire season.
"There are a couple of issues," Dr Gibbs told The Daily Telegraph.
"First is it (RLWC) doesn't allow proper recovery from injuries carried through this season.
"Second, there is an obvious risk by playing in November of getting new injuries which will carry over into next season in terms of adequate rehab time.
"And third is the three-month off season is a critical time for younger players to develop strength and speed and skill without getting injured from week to week football when it is hard to develop these things in season."
Storm coach Craig Bellamy, speaking from the United States where he is on a study tour with NFL clubs, is concerned about the impact on the NRL.
He has been an outspoken advocate for years about easing the workload on players and clubs.
"We just expect too much of our elite players," he said, "We had blokes put off surgery to go.
"They'll get it done when they get home, have a holiday, and then have a rushed pre-season."It's ridiculous that some clubs have half of their squads over there.
"We already have trials, 30 weeks of NRL, State of Origin, a Test and now they're doing the Auckland Nines.
"It's important that young players get a good pre-season for their development.
"We won't get our top players back until January 20. Our preparation will certainly be restricted."
If Bellamy is concerned, spare a thought for premier coach Trent Robinson at the Roosters, who have 17 players at the cup.
It's forced his high performance staff to break the pre-season into four separate groups - the new signings who started three weeks ago, the grand final players who have just returned, the Kiwi and Kangaroos, and then the rest of the RLWC countries who finished earlier.
They are all on different schedules and programs, varying from weights, running, skills and ball work.Robinson at least has his sports science degree and would be better equipped to handle it than most.
He is not so concerned about the physical demands but more the psychological effect."Physically the body probably needs six weeks rest but mentally it can be up to 10 weeks," he said.
"What needs to be rejuvenated is the passion to train every day.
"No-one says when they come back from a holiday 'geez, I feel tired'
"That's not the point. It's seven or eight months down the track that we've got to worry about
"That's what we're working our programs around. We need them to be fresh at the back end as well as being able to get the job done at the start of the season."
The Roosters have the added burden this year of the Auckland Nines and the World Club Challenge against Wigan on February 22 at Allianz Stadium.And you can throw in a Sonny Bill Williams fight as well.
Robinson has ruled out the possibility of resting players or introducing a lighter training schedule.
"That won't be our policy - I'm not a fan of that," Robinson said."Once you decide to play, you play and you get the job done.
"Having a soft approach doesn't work. If you get too cute with it, the players can feel that. "They'll get soft."
Not everyone agrees with Dr Gibbs. Hayden Knowles was the high performance boss at the Parramatta Eels and with the Kiwis when they won the 2008 World Cup.
"You look at an elite boxer like Danny Green," he says, "He can get super fit in eight weeks for a fight. When he jumps into the ring, there's no-one fitter in Australia.
"There's no reason why the players can't be jumping out of their skins in mid March. They'll be fine."
Knowles says the benefits from going on tour outweigh the negatives.
"Players come back better players for the experience," he said.
"In 2009 at Parramatta, Nathan Cayless had a wonderful season on the back of the World Cup.
"Jarryd Hayne was always the same. He's always come back a bit more mature footy wise from hanging around people like Cameron Smith and Billy Slater.
"You surround yourself with the elite players and learn from them. If I was a fan of a club, I'd be looking for the positives.
"And remember, off-season training can wear players down too."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...gby-league-stars/story-fni3fbgz-1226766480856
Last edited:
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Roosters star Boyd Cordner may require shoulder surgery
SYDNEY Roosters rising star Boyd Cordner will be assessed by club doctors when he returns from the World Cup to determine if he requires shoulder surgery.
The Kangaroos backrower is battling an AC joint shoulder problem that if operated on could see him miss the start of the 2014 season and also the World Club Challenge.
It's an injury that plagued the 21-year-old for almost the entire 2013 season.
He required regular painkilling injections after the injury flared up painfully ahead of his selection for the Country Origin squad.
Typical of the non-nonsense forward, Cordner has managed to play through the pain throughout the current World Cup, including when he made his Test debut against Fiji two weeks ago.
Cordner wasn't named in coach Tim Sheens' Australian side which played their semi final overnight against Fiji.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson confirmed Cordner would undergo an assessment on his shoulder once his returns after the world cup final next weekend
"When he gets back from the World Cup I think we'll have to have AC joint shoulder surgery,'' Robinson said.
"He may be OK (to start the 2014 season) it just depends of what's required.'
Ironically, fellow Roosters forward Issac Liu failed to represent Samoa in the World Cup after undergoing AC joint surgery on his shoulder.
Cordner's comeback from ankle injury in time for the Roosters memorable grand final victory was one the stories of the year.
After officials feared his season was over, Cordner worked around the clock to prove his fitness just in time for the biggest match of his career.
With his career in front of him, the Roosters will give Cordner as much time as he needs to overcome his current shoulder issue.
However, any surgery would rob Cordner of the opportunity to cap a stellar season with an appearance in the world club challenge against Wigan on February 22 at Allianz Stadium.
Tickets for members go on sale tomorrow with Roosters assistant coach Craig Fitzgibbon declaring the NRL premiers will be taking the match seriously.
Fitzgibbons was a member of the last Tricolours side to contest a World Club Challenge, when the Roosters beat St Helens 38-0 in 2003.
"The players are really looking forward to the game and are keen to build on the standards they set last season,'' Fitzgibbons said.
"Wigan are a strong outfit and it's definitely going to be a challenge for us at that time of year, but we'll be playing to win.''
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...shoulder-surgery/story-fni3g0bn-1226766996146
- DAVID RICCIO
- THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
- NOVEMBER 23, 2013 11:00PM
SYDNEY Roosters rising star Boyd Cordner will be assessed by club doctors when he returns from the World Cup to determine if he requires shoulder surgery.
The Kangaroos backrower is battling an AC joint shoulder problem that if operated on could see him miss the start of the 2014 season and also the World Club Challenge.
It's an injury that plagued the 21-year-old for almost the entire 2013 season.
He required regular painkilling injections after the injury flared up painfully ahead of his selection for the Country Origin squad.
Typical of the non-nonsense forward, Cordner has managed to play through the pain throughout the current World Cup, including when he made his Test debut against Fiji two weeks ago.
Cordner wasn't named in coach Tim Sheens' Australian side which played their semi final overnight against Fiji.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson confirmed Cordner would undergo an assessment on his shoulder once his returns after the world cup final next weekend
"When he gets back from the World Cup I think we'll have to have AC joint shoulder surgery,'' Robinson said.
"He may be OK (to start the 2014 season) it just depends of what's required.'
Ironically, fellow Roosters forward Issac Liu failed to represent Samoa in the World Cup after undergoing AC joint surgery on his shoulder.
Cordner's comeback from ankle injury in time for the Roosters memorable grand final victory was one the stories of the year.
After officials feared his season was over, Cordner worked around the clock to prove his fitness just in time for the biggest match of his career.
With his career in front of him, the Roosters will give Cordner as much time as he needs to overcome his current shoulder issue.
However, any surgery would rob Cordner of the opportunity to cap a stellar season with an appearance in the world club challenge against Wigan on February 22 at Allianz Stadium.
Tickets for members go on sale tomorrow with Roosters assistant coach Craig Fitzgibbon declaring the NRL premiers will be taking the match seriously.
Fitzgibbons was a member of the last Tricolours side to contest a World Club Challenge, when the Roosters beat St Helens 38-0 in 2003.
"The players are really looking forward to the game and are keen to build on the standards they set last season,'' Fitzgibbons said.
"Wigan are a strong outfit and it's definitely going to be a challenge for us at that time of year, but we'll be playing to win.''
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...shoulder-surgery/story-fni3g0bn-1226766996146
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Titans keen to unleash Bird clone Carter
By Tony Webeck
Chief Qld Correspondent
NRL.com
2:30pm Mon 25th November, 2013
Titans coach John Cartwright believes he has found a Greg Bird-clone in young recruit Paul Carter and he wants the aggressive back-rower to push his star Kangaroo for a starting spot as soon as he returns from the World Cup.
The son of former Panthers great Steve Carter – a teammate of Cartwright's for the best part of a decade – Carter has played Australian Schoolboys and for the Junior Kangaroos, and was a star in the Bulldogs under-20s teams in 2011-12.
He spent all of the 2013 season in the Bulldogs' NSW Cup team but with the likes of Bird, Nate Myles, Ashley Harrison and Mark Minichiello all over the age of 28, Cartwright sees the addition of Carter on a two-year deal as not only succession planning but a way to keep getting the best out of his representative stars.
"We've got depth [in the back row] but we've also got a lot of guys there who are at the back-end of their careers," Cartwright explained.
"There are a lot of guys in the back row who are in the 30-plus stage so they need some pressure applied to them and we've also got to look long-term.
"Paul's only 21 years of age, going on 22, so he's got a lot of years in front of him and I certainly see him playing first grade at some stage next year."
Carter himself hopes to use Bird as a mentor when he returns from his duties with the Kangaroos and the coach sees plenty of the same tenacious qualities that Carter's father displayed in 242 games for the Panthers.
"He's very, very aggressive. He's a lovely kid off the field but something of a smiling assassin I suppose once he gets out on the field," Cartwright said.
"He takes no prisoners and he backs himself. Steve was like that, there was no fear of anyone he played against. He didn't care who they were and Paul is very much the same. I've watched him play a lot through the juniors and NSW Cup at the Bulldogs and he certainly holds no fear of the opposition."
While Carter says he was still in nappies when his father and Cartwright were running around as 'chocolate soldiers' back in the 1980s, he is excited about the prospect of playing under him and trying to earn his maiden NRL call-up.
"I feel that I am [ready for the NRL]," Carter said. "Unfortunately there was a strong playing roster [at the Bulldogs] in my position. I came close a few times last year to getting a crack so hopefully I get an opportunity at some stage throughout the year.
"Wherever you're at there's competition, it's fierce competition, so all I can do is train my hardest and play my best footy and if the opportunity comes up I'll be ready.
"I love competition, it's one of my best traits, I love getting in amongst it and mixing it up with the boys."
And there's arguably no greater competitor in the NRL than the man he hopes to one day succeed.
"I like watching players like 'Birdy'. He's obviously a great role model for me, and Paul Gallen and those types of players who get in there and like mixing it up," he said.
"They're aggressive, skilful players and that's what I aspire to be."
http://www.nrl.com/titans-keen-to-unleash-bird-clone-carter/tabid/10874/newsid/75510/default.aspx
By Tony Webeck
Chief Qld Correspondent
NRL.com
2:30pm Mon 25th November, 2013
Titans coach John Cartwright believes he has found a Greg Bird-clone in young recruit Paul Carter and he wants the aggressive back-rower to push his star Kangaroo for a starting spot as soon as he returns from the World Cup.
The son of former Panthers great Steve Carter – a teammate of Cartwright's for the best part of a decade – Carter has played Australian Schoolboys and for the Junior Kangaroos, and was a star in the Bulldogs under-20s teams in 2011-12.
He spent all of the 2013 season in the Bulldogs' NSW Cup team but with the likes of Bird, Nate Myles, Ashley Harrison and Mark Minichiello all over the age of 28, Cartwright sees the addition of Carter on a two-year deal as not only succession planning but a way to keep getting the best out of his representative stars.
"We've got depth [in the back row] but we've also got a lot of guys there who are at the back-end of their careers," Cartwright explained.
"There are a lot of guys in the back row who are in the 30-plus stage so they need some pressure applied to them and we've also got to look long-term.
"Paul's only 21 years of age, going on 22, so he's got a lot of years in front of him and I certainly see him playing first grade at some stage next year."
Carter himself hopes to use Bird as a mentor when he returns from his duties with the Kangaroos and the coach sees plenty of the same tenacious qualities that Carter's father displayed in 242 games for the Panthers.
"He's very, very aggressive. He's a lovely kid off the field but something of a smiling assassin I suppose once he gets out on the field," Cartwright said.
"He takes no prisoners and he backs himself. Steve was like that, there was no fear of anyone he played against. He didn't care who they were and Paul is very much the same. I've watched him play a lot through the juniors and NSW Cup at the Bulldogs and he certainly holds no fear of the opposition."
While Carter says he was still in nappies when his father and Cartwright were running around as 'chocolate soldiers' back in the 1980s, he is excited about the prospect of playing under him and trying to earn his maiden NRL call-up.
"I feel that I am [ready for the NRL]," Carter said. "Unfortunately there was a strong playing roster [at the Bulldogs] in my position. I came close a few times last year to getting a crack so hopefully I get an opportunity at some stage throughout the year.
"Wherever you're at there's competition, it's fierce competition, so all I can do is train my hardest and play my best footy and if the opportunity comes up I'll be ready.
"I love competition, it's one of my best traits, I love getting in amongst it and mixing it up with the boys."
And there's arguably no greater competitor in the NRL than the man he hopes to one day succeed.
"I like watching players like 'Birdy'. He's obviously a great role model for me, and Paul Gallen and those types of players who get in there and like mixing it up," he said.
"They're aggressive, skilful players and that's what I aspire to be."
http://www.nrl.com/titans-keen-to-unleash-bird-clone-carter/tabid/10874/newsid/75510/default.aspx
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rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Keep Morris as Canterbury centre: El Masri
By James MacSmith
AAP
5:04am Tue 26th November, 2013
Canterbury legend Hazem El Masri has urged coach Des Hasler to resist the temptation to move Josh Morris to fullback permanently as the Bulldogs prepare for life without Ben Barba.
Morris filled in capably at fullback last season when Barba was out injured but El Masri said the State of Origin star was such a force at centre that he should stay there next NRL season.
"They have tried Morris at fullback and he is such a star he can play anywhere but I still prefer him at centre," El Masri told AAP.
"He is a real champion centre that has dominated that position for quite a while.
"The great thing about the Bulldogs is they always manage to uncover someone somewhere over time.
"They have got great juniors and a great coaching staff and I'm sure they will be able to find another fullback.
"They have a whole off-season to try and find someone."
Brisbane No.1 Josh Hoffman has been strongly linked to Belmore in what would effectively be a straight swap for Barba who now calls the northern capital home.
Warriors and New Zealand No.1 Kevin Locke, who is set to be ousted from the fullback spot in Auckland by big money English recruit Sam Tomkins, is another possible acquisition for Hasler.
Sam Perrett, Krisnan Inu and Mitch Brown are all possibilities to fill the role from within.
El Masri said the Bulldogs' season would not hinge on who replaced Barba in the custodian role and he was confident the club could bounce back from a
disappointing 2013 when they were bundled out of the finals in the first round after their charge to the grand final the season before.
"They will want to put last season behind them and start afresh," the former Kangaroos' winger said.
"I was at the presentation night and the players were saying what a disappointing year it was as a whole.
"Sometimes as a club, as a team, you have these little hiccups and it is about bouncing back and the Bulldogs are a club that always pride themselves on success and hopefully it will be no different next year."
http://www.nrl.com/keep-morris-as-canterbury-centre-el-masri/tabid/10874/newsid/75517/default.aspx
- - - Updated - - -
My spot's not guaranteed: Robson
By Chris Kennedy
National correspondent
NRL.com
6:00am Tue 26th November, 2013
Jeff Robson says he is not guaranteed the halfback position at Cronulla despite an impressive performance from the club last season.
Cronulla's recruitment of former Bulldogs playmaker Daniel Holdsworth means former Eels grand final halfback Jeff Robson is taking nothing for granted.
The Sharks finished a creditable fifth last season despite much-publicised off-field distractions and were two games away from a grand final – only knocked out 24-18 by eventual grand finalists Manly in a game where they were without star playmaker Todd Carney.
Despite those encouraging signs, Robson insists last year is "gone".
"That's last year, but hopefully we can bring that form into our next season," Robson told NRL.com.
"That's gone... we have to play some good footy and consistent footy."
Asked if there was much he needed to work on personally, the 31-year-old was under no illusions that an extra playmaker at the club meant he would be looking over his shoulder to start the season.
"There's always plenty I can work on, I definitely need to fix up my kicking and also my fitness," he said.
"We've got Daniel Holdsworth coming to the club too so I really have to work hard to hold my position in the team."
Holdsworth, who played for St George Illawarra from 2004-5 then the Bulldogs from 2006-2009, has spent four years in the UK playing predominantly for the Salford City Reds and has now joined Cronulla on a one-year deal.
Robson said fans should keep an eye out for a couple of Cronulla under-20s stars in 2014.
Some of the new players in the senior squad are "definitely" making an impact, he said.
"We've got a couple of good young kids coming through, they really impressed early, hopefully they can get a good pre season under their belt and play a few games during the year," he said.
"[Coach Shane Flanagan] is quite happy with the first week and obviously there's a fair bit to work on over the pre season but I think he's generally happy with the skill level and also the young fellas coming through."
http://www.nrl.com/my-spots-not-guaranteed-robson/tabid/10874/newsid/75513/default.aspx
By James MacSmith
AAP
5:04am Tue 26th November, 2013
Canterbury legend Hazem El Masri has urged coach Des Hasler to resist the temptation to move Josh Morris to fullback permanently as the Bulldogs prepare for life without Ben Barba.
Morris filled in capably at fullback last season when Barba was out injured but El Masri said the State of Origin star was such a force at centre that he should stay there next NRL season.
"They have tried Morris at fullback and he is such a star he can play anywhere but I still prefer him at centre," El Masri told AAP.
"He is a real champion centre that has dominated that position for quite a while.
"The great thing about the Bulldogs is they always manage to uncover someone somewhere over time.
"They have got great juniors and a great coaching staff and I'm sure they will be able to find another fullback.
"They have a whole off-season to try and find someone."
Brisbane No.1 Josh Hoffman has been strongly linked to Belmore in what would effectively be a straight swap for Barba who now calls the northern capital home.
Warriors and New Zealand No.1 Kevin Locke, who is set to be ousted from the fullback spot in Auckland by big money English recruit Sam Tomkins, is another possible acquisition for Hasler.
Sam Perrett, Krisnan Inu and Mitch Brown are all possibilities to fill the role from within.
El Masri said the Bulldogs' season would not hinge on who replaced Barba in the custodian role and he was confident the club could bounce back from a
disappointing 2013 when they were bundled out of the finals in the first round after their charge to the grand final the season before.
"They will want to put last season behind them and start afresh," the former Kangaroos' winger said.
"I was at the presentation night and the players were saying what a disappointing year it was as a whole.
"Sometimes as a club, as a team, you have these little hiccups and it is about bouncing back and the Bulldogs are a club that always pride themselves on success and hopefully it will be no different next year."
http://www.nrl.com/keep-morris-as-canterbury-centre-el-masri/tabid/10874/newsid/75517/default.aspx
- - - Updated - - -
My spot's not guaranteed: Robson
By Chris Kennedy
National correspondent
NRL.com
6:00am Tue 26th November, 2013
Jeff Robson says he is not guaranteed the halfback position at Cronulla despite an impressive performance from the club last season.
Cronulla's recruitment of former Bulldogs playmaker Daniel Holdsworth means former Eels grand final halfback Jeff Robson is taking nothing for granted.
The Sharks finished a creditable fifth last season despite much-publicised off-field distractions and were two games away from a grand final – only knocked out 24-18 by eventual grand finalists Manly in a game where they were without star playmaker Todd Carney.
Despite those encouraging signs, Robson insists last year is "gone".
"That's last year, but hopefully we can bring that form into our next season," Robson told NRL.com.
"That's gone... we have to play some good footy and consistent footy."
Asked if there was much he needed to work on personally, the 31-year-old was under no illusions that an extra playmaker at the club meant he would be looking over his shoulder to start the season.
"There's always plenty I can work on, I definitely need to fix up my kicking and also my fitness," he said.
"We've got Daniel Holdsworth coming to the club too so I really have to work hard to hold my position in the team."
Holdsworth, who played for St George Illawarra from 2004-5 then the Bulldogs from 2006-2009, has spent four years in the UK playing predominantly for the Salford City Reds and has now joined Cronulla on a one-year deal.
Robson said fans should keep an eye out for a couple of Cronulla under-20s stars in 2014.
Some of the new players in the senior squad are "definitely" making an impact, he said.
"We've got a couple of good young kids coming through, they really impressed early, hopefully they can get a good pre season under their belt and play a few games during the year," he said.
"[Coach Shane Flanagan] is quite happy with the first week and obviously there's a fair bit to work on over the pre season but I think he's generally happy with the skill level and also the young fellas coming through."
http://www.nrl.com/my-spots-not-guaranteed-robson/tabid/10874/newsid/75513/default.aspx
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Yow Yeh on track for NRL trials
By Laine Clark
AAP
1:51pm Wed 27th November, 2013
A ray of hope has appeared through the injury cloud over Jharal Yow Yeh, with Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin hopeful the ex-Test winger will be fit to play in NRL pre-season trials.
Yow Yeh has vowed to end almost two years on the NRL sidelines by making a 2014 round one return after starting pre-season training a week earlier than expected.
And Griffin says Yow Yeh has already impressed after beginning his first full pre-season since his devastating compound ankle fracture.
"I am hoping so," said Griffin, when asked if Yow Yeh was on track to feature in pre-season trials.
"He's obviously doing his first off-season.
"He couldn't do one last year. He wasn't at a point where he could contribute.
"He's got through a whole lot of work and is moving a lot better.
"We have our fingers crossed come February he can trial."
It's welcome news for the 23-year-old former Queensland State of Origin flyer.
Yow Yeh felt compelled to speak out publicly earlier this month to end speculation he had hit "breaking point" in his recovery.
Reports claimed Yow Yeh had to be urged by senior Broncos teammates not to give up on his comeback from the injury suffered against South Sydney in March 2012.
He underwent skin grafts and eight operations in 10 months before finally returning to the second tier Queensland Cup in April this year.
But his season was ended in August when he broke his hand moving a fridge for his mum, prompting fresh rumours that Yow Yeh was set to pull the plug on his NRL career.
"We are all just hoping we get to see him next year in a Broncos jersey," Griffin said.
"He is doing everything he can. He is way ahead of where he was this time last year.
"We are just hoping he keeps progressing.
"I know he has a great positive attitude.
"He is seeing himself playing next year so we just have to support him."
http://www.nrl.com/yow-yeh-on-track-for-nrl-trials/tabid/10874/newsid/75542/default.aspx
By Laine Clark
AAP
1:51pm Wed 27th November, 2013
A ray of hope has appeared through the injury cloud over Jharal Yow Yeh, with Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin hopeful the ex-Test winger will be fit to play in NRL pre-season trials.
Yow Yeh has vowed to end almost two years on the NRL sidelines by making a 2014 round one return after starting pre-season training a week earlier than expected.
And Griffin says Yow Yeh has already impressed after beginning his first full pre-season since his devastating compound ankle fracture.
"I am hoping so," said Griffin, when asked if Yow Yeh was on track to feature in pre-season trials.
"He's obviously doing his first off-season.
"He couldn't do one last year. He wasn't at a point where he could contribute.
"He's got through a whole lot of work and is moving a lot better.
"We have our fingers crossed come February he can trial."
It's welcome news for the 23-year-old former Queensland State of Origin flyer.
Yow Yeh felt compelled to speak out publicly earlier this month to end speculation he had hit "breaking point" in his recovery.
Reports claimed Yow Yeh had to be urged by senior Broncos teammates not to give up on his comeback from the injury suffered against South Sydney in March 2012.
He underwent skin grafts and eight operations in 10 months before finally returning to the second tier Queensland Cup in April this year.
But his season was ended in August when he broke his hand moving a fridge for his mum, prompting fresh rumours that Yow Yeh was set to pull the plug on his NRL career.
"We are all just hoping we get to see him next year in a Broncos jersey," Griffin said.
"He is doing everything he can. He is way ahead of where he was this time last year.
"We are just hoping he keeps progressing.
"I know he has a great positive attitude.
"He is seeing himself playing next year so we just have to support him."
http://www.nrl.com/yow-yeh-on-track-for-nrl-trials/tabid/10874/newsid/75542/default.aspx
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
That one has already been posted mate
Oh whoops sorry! How can I take it off?
Afro Zac
Todd Bates
Nice and slow, make me want it
Hahaha, you crack me up!
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Never mind mate, No big deal
If you want it gone just go Edit post, Delete Post...Up to you
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rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Ricky Stuart says Brisbane Broncos are poor developers of young talent
CRANKY Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has accused Brisbane of being one of the NRL's worst clubs for player development after losing the fight for homesick fullback Anthony Milford.
The new Raiders coach, who used family reasons as an excuse for walking out on Parramatta two months ago, unloaded on the Broncos for signing Milford from 2015 and reuniting the teenager with his family and ill father in Brisbane.
The Broncos have produced 40 internationals since the club's inception in 1988, while Canberra have had 20 since 1982.
In the past five years Brisbane juniors such as Matt Gillett, Alex Glenn, Josh Hoffman, Jack Reed, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darius Boyd and Gerard Beale all graduated to rep honours with the club.
Canberra, meanwhile, have had Josh Dugan, Blake Ferguson, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Josh Papalii and David Shillington pull on rep jumpers while at the Raiders.
Three of them were recruited from rival clubs, including Learoyd-Lahrs from the Broncos.
In an interview with the Canberra Times, Stuart fumed about the Raiders developing players and then having them poached by bigger clubs.
"Why should we develop kids for other clubs like the Broncos, who have been probably one of the worst clubs over the last five years for development, yet they'll go and pinch Anthony Milford and Cameron Smith," Stuart said.
While at Parramatta, Stuart poached Bronco Corey Norman for the Eels, only to flee to Canberra after a wooden spoon season.
Broncos' officials did not want to enter a slanging match with Stuart yesterday but coach Anthony Griffin made no apologies for bringing Queensland talent back home to bolster his existing roster.
"It's a real focus of our club to produce our own players but when we've seen a need to go out in the market we have," Griffin said.
"We haven't been just going out to grab whoever we get, we've got a plan the last year and at the moment things are going OK.
"A lot of young Brisbane players sometimes leave the state to go to other clubs and then want to return.
"That was obviously part of Anthony's decision to come back here.
"That was a no-brainer as far as the Broncos should always be attractive to Brisbane and Queensland players otherwise we're not doing our business properly.
"If it was a money issue he would have stayed in Canberra."
The signing for 2015 at least puts an end to the Milford saga, even if the player wanted to be in Brisbane immediately.
Canberra were prepared to take the matter to court and Milford simply wanted the drama to end.
"He's happy the frenzy is over because it was all getting out of hand," Milford's manager Sam Ayoub said.
"He will be in Brisbane in 2015-16 and that's a good move for him."
Milford's decision to join Ben Barba at the Broncos, by 2015 at the latest, further clouds fullback Josh Hoffman's future at Red Hill.
Griffin refused to discuss Hoffman at yesterday's press conference, his demeanour suggesting the social media jibes by Canterbury players about a release have not been well received.
Griffin has far more pressing headaches, such as who will play in his halves next season now the club must wait another 12 months for the player who would have walked into the role.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-of-young-talent/story-fni3gv5x-1226770373900
- - - Updated - - -
Penrith Panthers speedster Eto Nabuli set to fly in the NRL come season 2014
Fijian rugby league import Etonia Nabuli. Source: News Limited
FROM humble hotel porter to possibly the NRL's most electrifying back in just over 12 months may sound like a fantasy but Penrith flyer Eto Nabuli has the ability to make it a reality.
Panthers supremo Phil Gould says the Fijian sensation is set to make his meteoric rise to the NRL in 2014.
Nabuli joined the mountain men at the start of 2013 having been recruited on nothing more than a recommendation by Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler who spotted the winger while on holiday.
A rangy, athletically built winger with pace to burn - Nabuli is lightning fast and according to Gould, the winger is set to run riot on the NRL in the new year.
"We would have seen him this year if only for the second tier salary cap," Gould told foxsports.com.au
"We were restricted from giving him an opportunity there but Eto will get his chance for the NRL this year. He's got all the attributes.
"He's had an amazing season considering where he's come from and how little preparation he has had. With a full off season we're hoping he does particularly well next year."
Having established himself as a star of the NSW Cup, Nabuli finished the year as the competition's leasing try scorer with 30 tries.
He managed to secure Windsor's only two tries in their 36-8 grand final loss to Cronulla, his second of which came from a great turn of speed where he embarrassed a host of players.
He did however spill a regulation bomb which later led to a try but the good far outweighs the bad and with a full pre-season under his belt, the sky's the limit.
"He's tall, he's about 6 foot 5, he's very quick, very strong," says Gould.
"Typical Fijian, he knows no fear, he just goes straight ahead. He's also got marvellous ability under the highball, both in attack and defence which is a real asset.
"If he's anywhere near the high ball when it comes down, more often than not he comes down with it. He only got here in February this year. So he had no preparation, he hadn't played rugby league before.
"Playing up is going to be a challenge for him but we think he will meet that both physically and ability wise.
"You have guys like Wallace and Soward directing them around with their passing and kicking game it is going to be great for these young backs coming through the system.
With the Panthers recruiting a host of experienced players for next season in Brent Kite, Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace, Gould says he expects the veterans will help develop the talent of the likes of Nabuli.
"All of them have played in representative football at the highest level - it's going to be great for our club and with our NYC team winning the premiership last year," Gould said.
"I think we've got several of the best outside backs at the moment emerging through our ranks and as time goes on I'll be looking for these older players to teach them the game and show them the ropes in the NRL.
"To have the experience in the forwards and around the halves will all go well for the development for some outstanding backline players we've got."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...come-season-2014/story-fni3gfvk-1226770411173
- TODD BALYM AND CHRIS GARRY
- THE COURIER-MAIL
- NOVEMBER 28, 2013 11:21AM
CRANKY Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has accused Brisbane of being one of the NRL's worst clubs for player development after losing the fight for homesick fullback Anthony Milford.
The new Raiders coach, who used family reasons as an excuse for walking out on Parramatta two months ago, unloaded on the Broncos for signing Milford from 2015 and reuniting the teenager with his family and ill father in Brisbane.
The Broncos have produced 40 internationals since the club's inception in 1988, while Canberra have had 20 since 1982.
In the past five years Brisbane juniors such as Matt Gillett, Alex Glenn, Josh Hoffman, Jack Reed, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darius Boyd and Gerard Beale all graduated to rep honours with the club.
Canberra, meanwhile, have had Josh Dugan, Blake Ferguson, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Josh Papalii and David Shillington pull on rep jumpers while at the Raiders.
Three of them were recruited from rival clubs, including Learoyd-Lahrs from the Broncos.
In an interview with the Canberra Times, Stuart fumed about the Raiders developing players and then having them poached by bigger clubs.
"Why should we develop kids for other clubs like the Broncos, who have been probably one of the worst clubs over the last five years for development, yet they'll go and pinch Anthony Milford and Cameron Smith," Stuart said.
While at Parramatta, Stuart poached Bronco Corey Norman for the Eels, only to flee to Canberra after a wooden spoon season.
Broncos' officials did not want to enter a slanging match with Stuart yesterday but coach Anthony Griffin made no apologies for bringing Queensland talent back home to bolster his existing roster.
"It's a real focus of our club to produce our own players but when we've seen a need to go out in the market we have," Griffin said.
"We haven't been just going out to grab whoever we get, we've got a plan the last year and at the moment things are going OK.
"A lot of young Brisbane players sometimes leave the state to go to other clubs and then want to return.
"That was obviously part of Anthony's decision to come back here.
"That was a no-brainer as far as the Broncos should always be attractive to Brisbane and Queensland players otherwise we're not doing our business properly.
"If it was a money issue he would have stayed in Canberra."
The signing for 2015 at least puts an end to the Milford saga, even if the player wanted to be in Brisbane immediately.
Canberra were prepared to take the matter to court and Milford simply wanted the drama to end.
"He's happy the frenzy is over because it was all getting out of hand," Milford's manager Sam Ayoub said.
"He will be in Brisbane in 2015-16 and that's a good move for him."
Milford's decision to join Ben Barba at the Broncos, by 2015 at the latest, further clouds fullback Josh Hoffman's future at Red Hill.
Griffin refused to discuss Hoffman at yesterday's press conference, his demeanour suggesting the social media jibes by Canterbury players about a release have not been well received.
Griffin has far more pressing headaches, such as who will play in his halves next season now the club must wait another 12 months for the player who would have walked into the role.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-of-young-talent/story-fni3gv5x-1226770373900
- - - Updated - - -
Penrith Panthers speedster Eto Nabuli set to fly in the NRL come season 2014
- NATHAN RYAN
- FOX SPORTS
- NOVEMBER 28, 2013 12:09PM
Fijian rugby league import Etonia Nabuli. Source: News Limited
FROM humble hotel porter to possibly the NRL's most electrifying back in just over 12 months may sound like a fantasy but Penrith flyer Eto Nabuli has the ability to make it a reality.
Panthers supremo Phil Gould says the Fijian sensation is set to make his meteoric rise to the NRL in 2014.
Nabuli joined the mountain men at the start of 2013 having been recruited on nothing more than a recommendation by Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler who spotted the winger while on holiday.
A rangy, athletically built winger with pace to burn - Nabuli is lightning fast and according to Gould, the winger is set to run riot on the NRL in the new year.
"We would have seen him this year if only for the second tier salary cap," Gould told foxsports.com.au
"We were restricted from giving him an opportunity there but Eto will get his chance for the NRL this year. He's got all the attributes.
"He's had an amazing season considering where he's come from and how little preparation he has had. With a full off season we're hoping he does particularly well next year."
Having established himself as a star of the NSW Cup, Nabuli finished the year as the competition's leasing try scorer with 30 tries.
He managed to secure Windsor's only two tries in their 36-8 grand final loss to Cronulla, his second of which came from a great turn of speed where he embarrassed a host of players.
He did however spill a regulation bomb which later led to a try but the good far outweighs the bad and with a full pre-season under his belt, the sky's the limit.
"He's tall, he's about 6 foot 5, he's very quick, very strong," says Gould.
"Typical Fijian, he knows no fear, he just goes straight ahead. He's also got marvellous ability under the highball, both in attack and defence which is a real asset.
"If he's anywhere near the high ball when it comes down, more often than not he comes down with it. He only got here in February this year. So he had no preparation, he hadn't played rugby league before.
"Playing up is going to be a challenge for him but we think he will meet that both physically and ability wise.
"You have guys like Wallace and Soward directing them around with their passing and kicking game it is going to be great for these young backs coming through the system.
With the Panthers recruiting a host of experienced players for next season in Brent Kite, Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace, Gould says he expects the veterans will help develop the talent of the likes of Nabuli.
"All of them have played in representative football at the highest level - it's going to be great for our club and with our NYC team winning the premiership last year," Gould said.
"I think we've got several of the best outside backs at the moment emerging through our ranks and as time goes on I'll be looking for these older players to teach them the game and show them the ropes in the NRL.
"To have the experience in the forwards and around the halves will all go well for the development for some outstanding backline players we've got."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...come-season-2014/story-fni3gfvk-1226770411173
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