2014 NRL Discussion
- Thread starter rhugh89
- Start date
Levil Kinevil
Slappin the bass mon
Should be able to play like Sam Burgess but he has no heart
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Andrew Johns is changing his commentary style to keep women on side
SOME of the most influential women in Sydney have taken aim at Channel 9’s Andrew Johns and warned that his commentary is turning them off the game.
So much so that rugby league Immortal Johns admits he will have to alter his soft stance on player misbehaviour.
NRL chief operating officer Jim Doyle fronted a Women On Boards forum during the week, where leading businesswomen said they strongly supported the tougher stand being taken against the stars who keep playing up.
They even said they switched off their sets when Johns stuck up for the likes of former Sharks five-eighth Todd Carney, who has been forced out of the game after his bubbler incident.
The NRL and Footy Show are both desperate to secure more female support for the game, because that is the way to increase crowds and ratings.
It puts Channel Nine in a dilemma with Joey sometimes more of a turn off than turn on.
When told of the women’s views, Johns said it was something he would have to address.
“I always tend to support the player,” Johns said.
“That’s just who I am because I had some of my own issues growing up in football.
“Obviously I’m going to have to think more carefully about it in the future because the image of the game is so important these days, especially with women.”
Channel Nine has vowed to stand by Johns because of his expertise as one of the best analysts in the media.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ep-women-on-side/story-fni3fh9n-1227002623753
- - - Updated - - -
Cowboys win on the road again
By Dan Walsh
NRL.com
9:43pm Sat 26th July, 2014
A few weeks back it was the only tune the Cowboys knew, but with their second away victory on the trot – a 20-12 triumph over the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium – North Queensland have put their roadhouse blues well and truly behind them.
Having secured a first away win of the year last week against the lowly Sharks on their home turf, the Cowboys dusted a much sterner proposition in the high-flying Bulldogs, ended an eight-year barren run at the Olympic venue to push themselves back up into the top eight for the first time since mid-May.
They did so without the services of NSW Origin prop James Tamou for the best part of an hour, with the Cowboys enforcer the victim of friendly fire from teammate Ashton Sims and sent off to hospital for scans on a neck injury as result.
Filling the 113kg void left by Tamou was who else but Johnathan Thurston, typically outstanding in laying on two tries and booting the match-clinching penalty from 30 metres out in the 78th minute.
Up until that point the Bulldogs continually threatened a reprise of their clutch-play exploits from earlier in the year, with a 61st-minute try to Josh Jackson setting the home side up for another of their famed grand stand finishes, only for the visitors to hold on for just their second win in eight games against the boys from Belmore.
Des Hasler's shuffling of the Bulldogs lineup to accommodate the return of fullback Sam Perrett backfired, with youngster Moses Mbye caught out a number of times in defence in the centres, while Tony Williams also failed to recapture the glory of previous performances in the halves.
With the home side making all the running it was Mitch Brown, shifted to the wing to make room at the back for Perrett, who first had the scorers up out of their chairs in the 13th minute.
He was the benefactor of a slick catch-and-pass movement from youngster Mbye, after opposite number Matthew Wright had been denied by a matter of inches when he caught an inch of the touch-in-goal line while touching down four minutes earlier.
If Wright was slighted by being denied the opening four-pointer, he went about rectifying it in the most emphatic fashion possible with a try-scoring double in the space of four minutes that pushed the Cowboys out as 10-6 frontrunners by the 28th minute.
On both occasions the wingman was the benefactor of superb lead-up play from his inside men.
First it was a pass from Michael Morgan, who shrugged off a fairy-floss soft attempted tackle from Mbye to feed Wright with an unhindered passage to the line, and then a chip kick from Thurston that came with the type of bounce most wingers have to wait until they've died and gone to heaven for.
A penalty shot from 25 metres out from Thurston ensured the visitors took a six-point lead into the sheds, a position they had never lost from on the four previous occasions they had led at half-time at ANZ Stadium.
Upon the resumption Thurston was again in the thick of it, this time swinging to the right edge with a sublime cut-out ball landing on the chest of winger Antonio Winterstein, and then converting from near the sideline to push their advantage to double figures in the 47th minute.
A series of mistakes in their own half from the visitors – with Morgan in particular struggling at the back and offering a golden opportunity with a knock on in his own in-goal midway through proceedings – went unpunished by the Bulldogs, who themselves squandered a number of attacking chances.
Jackson's touchdown just past the hour mark – courtesy of a short ball from Trent Hodkinson that saw him pour through a gaping hole on the Cowboys line – drew the Dogs within a converted try.
However a penalty against Sam Kasiano with the clock winding down gave Thurston the chance to seal a deserved win for the Cowboys, one that puts them on equal footing with the Broncos, Warriors, Eels and Tigers on 22 competition points.
North Queensland Cowboys - 20 (M Wright 2, A Winterstein tries; J Thurston 4 goals)
Defeated
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs - 12 (M Brown tries, J Jackson; T Hodkinson 2 goals)
Crowd: 9,873
http://www.nrl.com/cowboys-win-on-the-road-again/tabid/10874/newsid/80548/default.aspx
- PHIL ROTHFIELD
- THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 27, 2014 12:00AM
SOME of the most influential women in Sydney have taken aim at Channel 9’s Andrew Johns and warned that his commentary is turning them off the game.
So much so that rugby league Immortal Johns admits he will have to alter his soft stance on player misbehaviour.
NRL chief operating officer Jim Doyle fronted a Women On Boards forum during the week, where leading businesswomen said they strongly supported the tougher stand being taken against the stars who keep playing up.
They even said they switched off their sets when Johns stuck up for the likes of former Sharks five-eighth Todd Carney, who has been forced out of the game after his bubbler incident.
The NRL and Footy Show are both desperate to secure more female support for the game, because that is the way to increase crowds and ratings.
It puts Channel Nine in a dilemma with Joey sometimes more of a turn off than turn on.
When told of the women’s views, Johns said it was something he would have to address.
“I always tend to support the player,” Johns said.
“That’s just who I am because I had some of my own issues growing up in football.
“Obviously I’m going to have to think more carefully about it in the future because the image of the game is so important these days, especially with women.”
Channel Nine has vowed to stand by Johns because of his expertise as one of the best analysts in the media.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ep-women-on-side/story-fni3fh9n-1227002623753
- - - Updated - - -
Cowboys win on the road again
By Dan Walsh
NRL.com
9:43pm Sat 26th July, 2014
A few weeks back it was the only tune the Cowboys knew, but with their second away victory on the trot – a 20-12 triumph over the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium – North Queensland have put their roadhouse blues well and truly behind them.
Having secured a first away win of the year last week against the lowly Sharks on their home turf, the Cowboys dusted a much sterner proposition in the high-flying Bulldogs, ended an eight-year barren run at the Olympic venue to push themselves back up into the top eight for the first time since mid-May.
They did so without the services of NSW Origin prop James Tamou for the best part of an hour, with the Cowboys enforcer the victim of friendly fire from teammate Ashton Sims and sent off to hospital for scans on a neck injury as result.
Filling the 113kg void left by Tamou was who else but Johnathan Thurston, typically outstanding in laying on two tries and booting the match-clinching penalty from 30 metres out in the 78th minute.
Up until that point the Bulldogs continually threatened a reprise of their clutch-play exploits from earlier in the year, with a 61st-minute try to Josh Jackson setting the home side up for another of their famed grand stand finishes, only for the visitors to hold on for just their second win in eight games against the boys from Belmore.
Des Hasler's shuffling of the Bulldogs lineup to accommodate the return of fullback Sam Perrett backfired, with youngster Moses Mbye caught out a number of times in defence in the centres, while Tony Williams also failed to recapture the glory of previous performances in the halves.
With the home side making all the running it was Mitch Brown, shifted to the wing to make room at the back for Perrett, who first had the scorers up out of their chairs in the 13th minute.
He was the benefactor of a slick catch-and-pass movement from youngster Mbye, after opposite number Matthew Wright had been denied by a matter of inches when he caught an inch of the touch-in-goal line while touching down four minutes earlier.
If Wright was slighted by being denied the opening four-pointer, he went about rectifying it in the most emphatic fashion possible with a try-scoring double in the space of four minutes that pushed the Cowboys out as 10-6 frontrunners by the 28th minute.
On both occasions the wingman was the benefactor of superb lead-up play from his inside men.
First it was a pass from Michael Morgan, who shrugged off a fairy-floss soft attempted tackle from Mbye to feed Wright with an unhindered passage to the line, and then a chip kick from Thurston that came with the type of bounce most wingers have to wait until they've died and gone to heaven for.
A penalty shot from 25 metres out from Thurston ensured the visitors took a six-point lead into the sheds, a position they had never lost from on the four previous occasions they had led at half-time at ANZ Stadium.
Upon the resumption Thurston was again in the thick of it, this time swinging to the right edge with a sublime cut-out ball landing on the chest of winger Antonio Winterstein, and then converting from near the sideline to push their advantage to double figures in the 47th minute.
A series of mistakes in their own half from the visitors – with Morgan in particular struggling at the back and offering a golden opportunity with a knock on in his own in-goal midway through proceedings – went unpunished by the Bulldogs, who themselves squandered a number of attacking chances.
Jackson's touchdown just past the hour mark – courtesy of a short ball from Trent Hodkinson that saw him pour through a gaping hole on the Cowboys line – drew the Dogs within a converted try.
However a penalty against Sam Kasiano with the clock winding down gave Thurston the chance to seal a deserved win for the Cowboys, one that puts them on equal footing with the Broncos, Warriors, Eels and Tigers on 22 competition points.
North Queensland Cowboys - 20 (M Wright 2, A Winterstein tries; J Thurston 4 goals)
Defeated
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs - 12 (M Brown tries, J Jackson; T Hodkinson 2 goals)
Crowd: 9,873
http://www.nrl.com/cowboys-win-on-the-road-again/tabid/10874/newsid/80548/default.aspx
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Manly hold out Johnson-less Warriors
By Corey Rosser, NZ Correspondent
NRL.com
4:00pm Sun 27th July, 2014
With star halfback Shaun Johnson and impact utility Feleti Mateo ruled out due to injury just prior to kick off, the Warriors looked completely lost on last-tackle plays as they fell to back-to-back losses for the first time since round 7.
Asked to assume the primary playmaking role in Johnson’s absence, five-eighth Chad Townsend produced a number of poor kicking options late in tackle counts, repeatedly booting dead and handing Manly easy starts to their attacking sets.
Since Johnson made his debut back in 2011 the Warriors haven’t won a game without him in their side, and his class was sorely missed.
The Sea Eagles themselves were far from perfect, missing 28 tackles and conceding eight penalties throughout the 80 minutes.
But Geoff Toovey’s men were able to defend their line when it counted, and in the end squeezed the life out of their opponents at a chilly Mount Smart Stadium.
The enthusiasm of Konrad Hurrell had set the tone for the Warriors in the opening exchanges, scoring inside two minutes.
An Anthony Watmough error coming out of his own half handed the Warriors field possession, and an early ball to Hurrell gave him enough space in front of a retreating defence to score in the corner.
Despite dominating possession and riding a penalty count which was 5-2 in their favour, errors inside the attacking 20 and a heavy-footed kicking game Townsend stopped the Warriors from furthering their advantage and handed momentum over to the visitors.
First Cheyse Blair, a late call-up in the place of Jorge Taufua, finished athletically on the left wing, before former Junior Warrior Peta Hiku did the same on the opposite side to put Manly up 10-6.
Only a desperate ankle-tap from Daly Cherry-Evans prevented Manu Vatuvei from scoring an intercept try in the final minute of the half.
The home side got over the tryline twice within the opening 10 minutes of the second period, but a relentless Manly defence meant the scoreboard attendant didn’t move.
First the on-field officials ruled a forward pass on a Ben Henry effort, before the men upstairs ruled Vatuvei had been held up in
goal.
But as they have done on so many occasions throughout the year, Manly held strong, repelling sustained periods of pressure to eventually get the break they wanted.
Targeting the Warriors’ left-edge, the Sea Eagles were working over veteran centre Dane Nielsen at every available opportunity, and made it count with 15 minutes remaining.
Brett Stewart created space and found Hiku for his second of the day, which captain Jamie Lyon converted to extend the lead to 16-6 and take the air out of the 19,199 in attendance.
Tries to Cherry-Evans and Simon Mannering in the final 10 minutes did nothing to alter the result in the end, with Manly running out 22-12 winners in a display which showed just why they lead the competition.
Manly Sea Eagles - 22 (Hiku 2, Blair Cherry-Evans tries; Lyon 3 goals)
Defeated
New Zealand Warriors - 12 (Hurrell, Mannering tries; Townsend 2 goals)
Crowd: 19,199
http://www.nrl.com/manly-hold-out-johnson-less-warriors/tabid/10874/newsid/80563/default.aspx
- - - Updated - - -
Dragons withstand wounded Tigers
By Chris Kennedy, National Correspondent
NRL.com
5:01pm Sun 27th July, 2014
St George-Illawarra has proven too strong for a wounded Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium on Sunday, running out 28-12 winners despite having to overcome a dangerous second half comeback.
With the Tigers already suffering a crisis in the outside backs before kickoff, they then lost two forwards to injury during the game and had fullback Mitch Moses and halfback Luke Brooks each hampered by shoulder injuries.
The 22,618 fans also saw several refereeing controversies amid a masterclass from Dragons five-eighth Gareth Widdop and winger Brett Morris in the win that kept Paul McGregor's side's finals hopes very much alive.
The Tigers remain in equal seventh spot with 22 points, but drop to the 11th rung with a poor for-and-against.
The game kicked off with an entertaining but scoreless opening 20 minutes before the Dragons blew the home side off the park in a four-tries to nil burst before half time – a period in which each side also had a try controversially disallowed.
The drama started right from the kick off when last week's four-try hero Keith Lulia fluffed the mark at the right touch line with the sun in his eyes to hand the Dragons an early chance.
He would have been relieved when Widdop's short ball to put Mike Cooper over was called forward.
Despite several line breaks – including some searing runs by Brett Morris and Moses attacking a Widdop grubber in an 80-metre play – the end-to-end footy had yielded no points until Widdop broke the deadlock in the 20th minute.
Morris's second long line break down the left touch line led to a grubber ahead which Widdop won the race to, handing the Dragons a 6-0 lead, before the first of several refereeing controversies.
A monster kick-off from Pat Richards was fielded at the dead-ball line by Marshall, who put his back foot dead shortly after catching the ball, but what should clearly have been a goal line drop out and a chance for the Tigers was instead ruled a penalty on halfway to the Dragons.
They couldn't make the Tigers pay on that occasion but Widdop and Morris were in the action five minutes later to extend the Dragons' lead.
Widdop's precision chip to Morris was beautifully batted back into the hands of Gerard Beale who had very little work to do from there to score in the corner.
Widdop sliced the sideline effort between the sticks for a 12-0 advantage.
Despite the home side creating a few attacking chances the Dragons were again next to score at the half hour mark and again Widdop was in the thick of it.
Supporting a Mitch Rein line break when the hooker stepped Sauaso Sue from dummy half, the former Storm pivot was again on hand to race through and score under the post.
It looked like being four tries to nil in the 36th minute when Quinlan went on a run to the line.
However it was sent up to the video referee as a no try because after Brooks was ruled to have been taken out by decoy runner Leeson Ah Mau.
The Tigers then went the length of the field only to have their own try disallowed when Tim Simona raced through on a Brooks grubber to earn a fingertip grounding millimetres inside the dead ball line.
However again the video ref was reluctant to overturn the on-field call, saying there was enough doubt in the grounding to stay with the no-try ruling.
The action-packed finish to the half continued, and again it was Widdop the destroyer when his jinking run and cutout pass sent Jason Nightingale away down the right. The underrated winger bumped off Brooks and beat Moses to the corner to take a comfortable 22-0 lead at the break.
Desperately needing some spark the Tigers exploded out of the blocks in the second half.
The initial inspiration came from five-eighth Blake Austin, who threw what may have been the biggest dummy in rugby league history to fool Mitch Rein.
He was lucky not to have thrown a shoulder out, such was the enormity of his fake, and he then wrong-footed Quinlan to get his side on the board after 45 minutes.
Skipper Robbie Farah then well and truly earned the momentum for his side with his searching dummy-half run to slice through and close the gap to 10.
The Dragons went back into their shells and were happy to take the two points to stretch their lead back out to 12 points on a penalty close to the sticks.
However with prop Keith Galloway playing just the first 20 minutes of the game before going off with a shoulder injury and bench forward Sauaso Sue playing only a handful of minutes due to injury, fatigue came into play for the home side.
It all caught up with them late with Morris's match-sealing try in the 68th-minute, to take the lead out to 28-12 and that's the way it ended.
St George Illawarra Dragons - 28 (Widdop 2, Beale, Nightingale, Morris tries, Widdop 4 goals)
Defeated
Wests Tigers - 12 (Austin, Farah tries, Richards 2 goals)
Crowd 22,618
http://www.nrl.com/dragons-withstand-wounded-tigers/tabid/10874/newsid/80564/default.aspx
By Corey Rosser, NZ Correspondent
NRL.com
4:00pm Sun 27th July, 2014
With star halfback Shaun Johnson and impact utility Feleti Mateo ruled out due to injury just prior to kick off, the Warriors looked completely lost on last-tackle plays as they fell to back-to-back losses for the first time since round 7.
Asked to assume the primary playmaking role in Johnson’s absence, five-eighth Chad Townsend produced a number of poor kicking options late in tackle counts, repeatedly booting dead and handing Manly easy starts to their attacking sets.
Since Johnson made his debut back in 2011 the Warriors haven’t won a game without him in their side, and his class was sorely missed.
The Sea Eagles themselves were far from perfect, missing 28 tackles and conceding eight penalties throughout the 80 minutes.
But Geoff Toovey’s men were able to defend their line when it counted, and in the end squeezed the life out of their opponents at a chilly Mount Smart Stadium.
The enthusiasm of Konrad Hurrell had set the tone for the Warriors in the opening exchanges, scoring inside two minutes.
An Anthony Watmough error coming out of his own half handed the Warriors field possession, and an early ball to Hurrell gave him enough space in front of a retreating defence to score in the corner.
Despite dominating possession and riding a penalty count which was 5-2 in their favour, errors inside the attacking 20 and a heavy-footed kicking game Townsend stopped the Warriors from furthering their advantage and handed momentum over to the visitors.
First Cheyse Blair, a late call-up in the place of Jorge Taufua, finished athletically on the left wing, before former Junior Warrior Peta Hiku did the same on the opposite side to put Manly up 10-6.
Only a desperate ankle-tap from Daly Cherry-Evans prevented Manu Vatuvei from scoring an intercept try in the final minute of the half.
The home side got over the tryline twice within the opening 10 minutes of the second period, but a relentless Manly defence meant the scoreboard attendant didn’t move.
First the on-field officials ruled a forward pass on a Ben Henry effort, before the men upstairs ruled Vatuvei had been held up in
goal.
But as they have done on so many occasions throughout the year, Manly held strong, repelling sustained periods of pressure to eventually get the break they wanted.
Targeting the Warriors’ left-edge, the Sea Eagles were working over veteran centre Dane Nielsen at every available opportunity, and made it count with 15 minutes remaining.
Brett Stewart created space and found Hiku for his second of the day, which captain Jamie Lyon converted to extend the lead to 16-6 and take the air out of the 19,199 in attendance.
Tries to Cherry-Evans and Simon Mannering in the final 10 minutes did nothing to alter the result in the end, with Manly running out 22-12 winners in a display which showed just why they lead the competition.
Manly Sea Eagles - 22 (Hiku 2, Blair Cherry-Evans tries; Lyon 3 goals)
Defeated
New Zealand Warriors - 12 (Hurrell, Mannering tries; Townsend 2 goals)
Crowd: 19,199
http://www.nrl.com/manly-hold-out-johnson-less-warriors/tabid/10874/newsid/80563/default.aspx
- - - Updated - - -
Dragons withstand wounded Tigers
By Chris Kennedy, National Correspondent
NRL.com
5:01pm Sun 27th July, 2014
St George-Illawarra has proven too strong for a wounded Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium on Sunday, running out 28-12 winners despite having to overcome a dangerous second half comeback.
With the Tigers already suffering a crisis in the outside backs before kickoff, they then lost two forwards to injury during the game and had fullback Mitch Moses and halfback Luke Brooks each hampered by shoulder injuries.
The 22,618 fans also saw several refereeing controversies amid a masterclass from Dragons five-eighth Gareth Widdop and winger Brett Morris in the win that kept Paul McGregor's side's finals hopes very much alive.
The Tigers remain in equal seventh spot with 22 points, but drop to the 11th rung with a poor for-and-against.
The game kicked off with an entertaining but scoreless opening 20 minutes before the Dragons blew the home side off the park in a four-tries to nil burst before half time – a period in which each side also had a try controversially disallowed.
The drama started right from the kick off when last week's four-try hero Keith Lulia fluffed the mark at the right touch line with the sun in his eyes to hand the Dragons an early chance.
He would have been relieved when Widdop's short ball to put Mike Cooper over was called forward.
Despite several line breaks – including some searing runs by Brett Morris and Moses attacking a Widdop grubber in an 80-metre play – the end-to-end footy had yielded no points until Widdop broke the deadlock in the 20th minute.
Morris's second long line break down the left touch line led to a grubber ahead which Widdop won the race to, handing the Dragons a 6-0 lead, before the first of several refereeing controversies.
A monster kick-off from Pat Richards was fielded at the dead-ball line by Marshall, who put his back foot dead shortly after catching the ball, but what should clearly have been a goal line drop out and a chance for the Tigers was instead ruled a penalty on halfway to the Dragons.
They couldn't make the Tigers pay on that occasion but Widdop and Morris were in the action five minutes later to extend the Dragons' lead.
Widdop's precision chip to Morris was beautifully batted back into the hands of Gerard Beale who had very little work to do from there to score in the corner.
Widdop sliced the sideline effort between the sticks for a 12-0 advantage.
Despite the home side creating a few attacking chances the Dragons were again next to score at the half hour mark and again Widdop was in the thick of it.
Supporting a Mitch Rein line break when the hooker stepped Sauaso Sue from dummy half, the former Storm pivot was again on hand to race through and score under the post.
It looked like being four tries to nil in the 36th minute when Quinlan went on a run to the line.
However it was sent up to the video referee as a no try because after Brooks was ruled to have been taken out by decoy runner Leeson Ah Mau.
The Tigers then went the length of the field only to have their own try disallowed when Tim Simona raced through on a Brooks grubber to earn a fingertip grounding millimetres inside the dead ball line.
However again the video ref was reluctant to overturn the on-field call, saying there was enough doubt in the grounding to stay with the no-try ruling.
The action-packed finish to the half continued, and again it was Widdop the destroyer when his jinking run and cutout pass sent Jason Nightingale away down the right. The underrated winger bumped off Brooks and beat Moses to the corner to take a comfortable 22-0 lead at the break.
Desperately needing some spark the Tigers exploded out of the blocks in the second half.
The initial inspiration came from five-eighth Blake Austin, who threw what may have been the biggest dummy in rugby league history to fool Mitch Rein.
He was lucky not to have thrown a shoulder out, such was the enormity of his fake, and he then wrong-footed Quinlan to get his side on the board after 45 minutes.
Skipper Robbie Farah then well and truly earned the momentum for his side with his searching dummy-half run to slice through and close the gap to 10.
The Dragons went back into their shells and were happy to take the two points to stretch their lead back out to 12 points on a penalty close to the sticks.
However with prop Keith Galloway playing just the first 20 minutes of the game before going off with a shoulder injury and bench forward Sauaso Sue playing only a handful of minutes due to injury, fatigue came into play for the home side.
It all caught up with them late with Morris's match-sealing try in the 68th-minute, to take the lead out to 28-12 and that's the way it ended.
St George Illawarra Dragons - 28 (Widdop 2, Beale, Nightingale, Morris tries, Widdop 4 goals)
Defeated
Wests Tigers - 12 (Austin, Farah tries, Richards 2 goals)
Crowd 22,618
http://www.nrl.com/dragons-withstand-wounded-tigers/tabid/10874/newsid/80564/default.aspx
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Dylan Farrell ruled out for the rest of the season
http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2014/07/28/farrell_ruled_out_for_season.html
http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2014/07/28/farrell_ruled_out_for_season.html
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Peter Wallace ruled out for the rest of the season due to a ruptured ACL
http://www.penrithpanthers.com.au/news/2014/07/28/injury_update_peter_wallace.html
http://www.penrithpanthers.com.au/news/2014/07/28/injury_update_peter_wallace.html
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
'Crisis meeting' a mere meet-and-greet
By Tony Webeck, Chief Queensland Correspondent
NRL.com
5:30pm Mon 28th July, 2014
Senior officials at the Titans have defended the decision to conduct an internal review as their team strives to remain in finals contention, insisting off-field distractions are not the cause for the team's recent poor run of form.
Last Saturday's loss to the Eels – their seventh loss at home in succession – has handed the Titans the equation of needing five wins from their last six games to be a chance of qualifying for the finals.
Their run home includes games against the Cowboys (away), Roosters (away), Sea Eagles (home) and Dragons (away) facing them over the next month.
Following a training session this morning where Greg Bird, Brad Takairangi, Kalifa Faifai Loa and Paul Carter were all notable absentees, players attended a pre-arranged meeting called by club CEO Graham Annesley.
The meeting lasted all of 10 minutes and was used to introduce players to Dr Dave Arthur from Sport Business Resources who has begun his investigation into the entire operations at the club as part of the board's internal review.
The NRL are also investigating salary cap irregularities believed to be in the vicinity of $400,000 and there is mounting pressure on coach John Cartwright but Annesley believes the communication with players is not inhibiting their performances.
"The best thing we can do is to communicate with the players and tell them why we're doing it and that it is in the best interests of the club long term," Annesley said.
"If it's in the best interests of the club long term it's also in the best interests of the players long term.
"They knew very well before they walked in [to the meeting] that this was just a follow-up meeting from last week where we talked about the review.
"I told them last week that as soon as we appointed someone to undertake the review that we would come back and introduce that person."
That person is Dr Arthur, a rugby union-playing Englishman who has worked in a consultancy fashion with the NRL and South Sydney Rabbitohs previously and is the CEO of Sport Business Resources.
His review of on and off-field operations at the Titans commenced with interviews of two Titans board members on Monday morning and he has commended the club for taking proactive steps, expecting to deliver his recommendations within a month.
"This is actually a sign of a healthy club. Doing a review such as this is an enormous positive rather than waiting until things go really bad," Dr Arthur said.
"Things aren't really bad from what I can see so let's do the review and make some recommendations and then improve."
Coach Cartwright, who reiterated that he is as energetic and enthusiastic about coaching the Titans as he was on his first day on the job, backed up Annesley's statements by suggesting that players are not affected by off-field speculation.
"I think players are immune to that stuff now. When it happens it's a major event and there are a number of clubs going through it at the moment," Cartwright said.
"We've had our fair share of issues as well but players play and administrators look after that side of things and I think that's pretty well ingrained in the players.
"As far as I'm aware we'll continue to do what we've been doing. We've still got some decisions to make on players [for 2015] but as far as I'm aware it's just business as usual and this [salary cap] issue goes back a couple of years.
"I'll let the guys who know what they're doing look after that and we'll just try and look after the football team."
The Titans shot to an unlikely position at the top of the table on the back of a 5-1 start to the season, a winning run they now need to replicate to feature in the finals for the first time since 2010.
William Zillman and David Mead (both hamstring injuries) are both a chance to return to the side to face the Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday evening but prop Luke Bailey and five-eighth Aidan Sezer are facing a further 1-2 weeks on the sidelines.
"If you have a look at the table, the top eight's that close I'm sure anyone can get into the top eight at the moment," said prop Matthew White.
"There are a lot of teams on about 20 points so hopefully we can get five out of the six and sneak into the semis.
"The players' spirits are always pretty high so the off-field drama, we don't let it bother us."
http://www.nrl.com/crisis-meeting-a-mere-meet-and-greet/tabid/10874/newsid/80590/default.aspx
By Tony Webeck, Chief Queensland Correspondent
NRL.com
5:30pm Mon 28th July, 2014
Senior officials at the Titans have defended the decision to conduct an internal review as their team strives to remain in finals contention, insisting off-field distractions are not the cause for the team's recent poor run of form.
Last Saturday's loss to the Eels – their seventh loss at home in succession – has handed the Titans the equation of needing five wins from their last six games to be a chance of qualifying for the finals.
Their run home includes games against the Cowboys (away), Roosters (away), Sea Eagles (home) and Dragons (away) facing them over the next month.
Following a training session this morning where Greg Bird, Brad Takairangi, Kalifa Faifai Loa and Paul Carter were all notable absentees, players attended a pre-arranged meeting called by club CEO Graham Annesley.
The meeting lasted all of 10 minutes and was used to introduce players to Dr Dave Arthur from Sport Business Resources who has begun his investigation into the entire operations at the club as part of the board's internal review.
The NRL are also investigating salary cap irregularities believed to be in the vicinity of $400,000 and there is mounting pressure on coach John Cartwright but Annesley believes the communication with players is not inhibiting their performances.
"The best thing we can do is to communicate with the players and tell them why we're doing it and that it is in the best interests of the club long term," Annesley said.
"If it's in the best interests of the club long term it's also in the best interests of the players long term.
"They knew very well before they walked in [to the meeting] that this was just a follow-up meeting from last week where we talked about the review.
"I told them last week that as soon as we appointed someone to undertake the review that we would come back and introduce that person."
That person is Dr Arthur, a rugby union-playing Englishman who has worked in a consultancy fashion with the NRL and South Sydney Rabbitohs previously and is the CEO of Sport Business Resources.
His review of on and off-field operations at the Titans commenced with interviews of two Titans board members on Monday morning and he has commended the club for taking proactive steps, expecting to deliver his recommendations within a month.
"This is actually a sign of a healthy club. Doing a review such as this is an enormous positive rather than waiting until things go really bad," Dr Arthur said.
"Things aren't really bad from what I can see so let's do the review and make some recommendations and then improve."
Coach Cartwright, who reiterated that he is as energetic and enthusiastic about coaching the Titans as he was on his first day on the job, backed up Annesley's statements by suggesting that players are not affected by off-field speculation.
"I think players are immune to that stuff now. When it happens it's a major event and there are a number of clubs going through it at the moment," Cartwright said.
"We've had our fair share of issues as well but players play and administrators look after that side of things and I think that's pretty well ingrained in the players.
"As far as I'm aware we'll continue to do what we've been doing. We've still got some decisions to make on players [for 2015] but as far as I'm aware it's just business as usual and this [salary cap] issue goes back a couple of years.
"I'll let the guys who know what they're doing look after that and we'll just try and look after the football team."
The Titans shot to an unlikely position at the top of the table on the back of a 5-1 start to the season, a winning run they now need to replicate to feature in the finals for the first time since 2010.
William Zillman and David Mead (both hamstring injuries) are both a chance to return to the side to face the Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday evening but prop Luke Bailey and five-eighth Aidan Sezer are facing a further 1-2 weeks on the sidelines.
"If you have a look at the table, the top eight's that close I'm sure anyone can get into the top eight at the moment," said prop Matthew White.
"There are a lot of teams on about 20 points so hopefully we can get five out of the six and sneak into the semis.
"The players' spirits are always pretty high so the off-field drama, we don't let it bother us."
http://www.nrl.com/crisis-meeting-a-mere-meet-and-greet/tabid/10874/newsid/80590/default.aspx
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Sutton injury sours Rabbitohs win
By David Barbeler
AAP
9:04pm Mon 28th July, 2014
A knee injury to South Sydney captain John Sutton has taken the gloss off a thumping 34-18 NRL win over Canberra at GIO Stadium.
The Rabbitohs five-eighth went down in just the fifth minute on Monday night with a medial ligament concern and will undergo scans on Tuesday.
"The doctor said (the medial ligament) was very very loose and if I kept going I could do my ACL," Sutton said.
"Hopefully I'll be back in a few weeks."
Kyle Turner (concussion) also went off in the first half, reducing the Bunnies' interchange to just two early on, while impressive backrower Sam Burgess was seen icing his shoulder on the sidelines in the second half.
Souths forward Ben Te'o was put on report for a lifting tackle on Jarrod Croker in the 57th minute.
The Rabbitohs' attack had no trouble finding holes in their absence, however, with halfback Adam Reynolds scoring two of his side's seven tries and adding one assist, while young playmaker Luke Keary held his own in front of the 9,526-strong crowd.
Wingers Alex Johnston and Bryson Goodwin also got in on the action with two tries apiece.
The win lifts the Rabbitohs to second on the ladder, two wins behind front-runners Manly.
Josh Papalii (142 run metres) was the standout for the Raiders, while prop David Shillington (127m) continued his strong form.
Barring two late tries, the majority of the Raiders' performance was abysmal, their completion rate hovering around 64 per cent and
gifting Souths the lion's share of possession and territory.
They did start strongly, capitalising on some ill-discipline from the Rabbitohs and taking an early lead courtesy of a penalty goal.
It took the Rabbitohs just a set-and-a-half to hit back, however, with Dylan Walker exposing the Raiders' flimsy left-hand fringe defence in the sixth minute.
Another four minutes later, Souths crossed again through the Raiders' left edge, a superb cross-field kick from Reynolds finding a flying Johnston to go up 8-2.
A Goodwin try in the 27th minute put the Rabbitohs up 12-2, the three missed conversions from Reynolds making the half-time score a lot closer than it should have been.
Johnston picked up his second shortly after the break when Raiders fullback Anthony Milford left a grubber to go dead, only for the ball to bounce on its point and be grounded millimetres before the dead-ball line.
Raiders winger Sami Sauiluma then pulled off some spectacular acrobatics of his own to score next to the corner post to keep his side in the hunt at 16-6.
However Reynolds' 62nd minute converted try, and then Goodwin's second try from a bomb three minutes later, put any hopes of a comeback to bed.
Reynolds then picked up his second in the 70th, before Croker and Milford crossed for two late consolation tries for the Raiders.
South Sydney Rabbitohs - 34 (Dylan Walker, Alex Johnston 2, Bryson Goodwin 2, Adam Reynolds 2, tries; Adam Reynolds 3 goals)
Defeated
Canberra Raiders - 18 (Sami Sauiluma, Jarrod Croker, Anthony Milford, tries; Jarrod Croker 3 goals)
Crowd - 9,526
http://www.nrl.com/sutton-injury-sours-rabbitohs-win/tabid/10874/newsid/80596/default.aspx
By David Barbeler
AAP
9:04pm Mon 28th July, 2014
A knee injury to South Sydney captain John Sutton has taken the gloss off a thumping 34-18 NRL win over Canberra at GIO Stadium.
The Rabbitohs five-eighth went down in just the fifth minute on Monday night with a medial ligament concern and will undergo scans on Tuesday.
"The doctor said (the medial ligament) was very very loose and if I kept going I could do my ACL," Sutton said.
"Hopefully I'll be back in a few weeks."
Kyle Turner (concussion) also went off in the first half, reducing the Bunnies' interchange to just two early on, while impressive backrower Sam Burgess was seen icing his shoulder on the sidelines in the second half.
Souths forward Ben Te'o was put on report for a lifting tackle on Jarrod Croker in the 57th minute.
The Rabbitohs' attack had no trouble finding holes in their absence, however, with halfback Adam Reynolds scoring two of his side's seven tries and adding one assist, while young playmaker Luke Keary held his own in front of the 9,526-strong crowd.
Wingers Alex Johnston and Bryson Goodwin also got in on the action with two tries apiece.
The win lifts the Rabbitohs to second on the ladder, two wins behind front-runners Manly.
Josh Papalii (142 run metres) was the standout for the Raiders, while prop David Shillington (127m) continued his strong form.
Barring two late tries, the majority of the Raiders' performance was abysmal, their completion rate hovering around 64 per cent and
gifting Souths the lion's share of possession and territory.
They did start strongly, capitalising on some ill-discipline from the Rabbitohs and taking an early lead courtesy of a penalty goal.
It took the Rabbitohs just a set-and-a-half to hit back, however, with Dylan Walker exposing the Raiders' flimsy left-hand fringe defence in the sixth minute.
Another four minutes later, Souths crossed again through the Raiders' left edge, a superb cross-field kick from Reynolds finding a flying Johnston to go up 8-2.
A Goodwin try in the 27th minute put the Rabbitohs up 12-2, the three missed conversions from Reynolds making the half-time score a lot closer than it should have been.
Johnston picked up his second shortly after the break when Raiders fullback Anthony Milford left a grubber to go dead, only for the ball to bounce on its point and be grounded millimetres before the dead-ball line.
Raiders winger Sami Sauiluma then pulled off some spectacular acrobatics of his own to score next to the corner post to keep his side in the hunt at 16-6.
However Reynolds' 62nd minute converted try, and then Goodwin's second try from a bomb three minutes later, put any hopes of a comeback to bed.
Reynolds then picked up his second in the 70th, before Croker and Milford crossed for two late consolation tries for the Raiders.
South Sydney Rabbitohs - 34 (Dylan Walker, Alex Johnston 2, Bryson Goodwin 2, Adam Reynolds 2, tries; Adam Reynolds 3 goals)
Defeated
Canberra Raiders - 18 (Sami Sauiluma, Jarrod Croker, Anthony Milford, tries; Jarrod Croker 3 goals)
Crowd - 9,526
http://www.nrl.com/sutton-injury-sours-rabbitohs-win/tabid/10874/newsid/80596/default.aspx
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Official Team Lists: Round 21
NRL.com
5:31pm Tue 29th July, 2014
SEA EAGLES V BRONCOS - FRI 1 AUG, 7:45PM (LOCAL), BROOKVALE OVAL
Sea Eagles
1. Brett Stewart
2. Jorge Taufua
3. Jamie Lyon
4. Steve Matai
5. Peta Hiku
6. Kieran Foran
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Josh Starling
9. Matt Ballin
10. Brenton Lawrence
11. Anthony Watmough
12. Tom Symonds
13. Jamie Buhrer
14. Jesse Sene-Lefao
15. Tyson Andrews
16. James Hasson
17. Jason King
Coach: Geoff Toovey
Broncos
1. Josh Hoffman
2. Daniel Vidot
3. Dale Copley
4. Justin Hodges (c)
5. Jack Reed
6. Ben Barba
7. Ben Hunt
8. Josh McGuire
9. Andrew McCullough
10. Corey Parker (c)
11. Alex Glenn
12. Matt Gillett
13. Sam Thaiday
14. Jake Granville
15. Todd Lowrie
16. Ben Hannant
17. Corey Oates
18. Martin Kennedy
Coach: Anthony Griffin
BULLDOGS V PANTHERS - FRI 1 AUG, 7:45PM (LOCAL), ANZ STADIUM
Bulldogs
1. Sam Perrett
2. Corey Thompson
3. Moses Mbye
4. Tim Lafai
5. Mitch Brown
6. Josh Reynolds
7. Trent Hodkinson
8. Sam Kasiano
9. Michael Ennis (c)
10. James Graham
11. Josh Jackson
12. Tony Williams
13. Greg Eastwood
14. Reni Maitua
15. Dale Finucane
16. David Klemmer
17. Lloyd Perrett
Coach: Des Hasler
Panthers
1. Matt Moylan
2. Josh Mansour
3. Dean Whare
4. Jamal Idris
5. David Simmons
6. Will Smith
7. Jamie Soward
8. Nigel Plum
9. James Segeyaro
10. Brent Kite
11. Sika Manu
12. Elijah Taylor
13. Adam Docker
14. Lewis Brown
15. Jeremy Latimore
16. Bryce Cartwright
17. Sam McKendry
Coach: Ivan Cleary
SHARKS V EELS - SAT 2 AUG, 3:00PM (LOCAL), REMONDIS STADIUM
Sharks
1. Michael Gordon
2. Sosaia Feki
3. Jonathan Wright
4. Ricky Leutele
5. Jacob Gagan
6. Fa'amanu Brown
7. Jeff Robson
8. Andrew Fifita
9. Michael Lichaa
10. Sam Tagataese
11. Luke Lewis
12. Wade Graham (c)
13. Chris Heighington
14. Pat Politoni
15. Anthony Tupou
16. Tinirau Arona
17. Tim Robinson
18. Tupou Sopoaga
Coach: James Shepherd
Eels
1. Jarryd Hayne (c)
2. Semi Radradra
3. Ryan Morgan
4. Will Hopoate
5. Ken Sio
6. Corey Norman
7. Chris Sandow
8. Tim Mannah (c)
9. Issac De Gois
10. Fuifui Moimoi
11. Peni Terepo
12. Tepai Moeroa
13. David Gower
14. Joseph Paulo
15. Junior Paulo
16. Pauli Pauli
17. Ben Smith
Coach: Brad Arthur
COWBOYS V TITANS - SAT 2 AUG, 5:30PM (LOCAL), 1300SMILES STADIUM
Cowboys
1. Michael Morgan
2. Tautau Mogo
3. Matthew Wright
4. Kane Linnett
5. Antonio Winterstein
6. Robert Lui
7. Johnathan Thurston
8. Matthew Scott (c)
9. Rory Kostjasyn
10. James Tamou
11. Tariq Sims
12. Jason Taumalolo
13. Glenn Hall
14. Ray Thompson
15. Scott Bolton
16. Ashton Sims
17. John Asiata
18. Sam Hoare
Coach: Paul Green
Titans
1. Kevin Gordon
2. Anthony Don
3. James Roberts
4. Dave Taylor
5. David Mead
6. Brad Takairangi
7. Daniel Mortimer
8. Luke Douglas
9. Beau Falloon
10. Nate Myles (c)
11. Mark Minichiello
12. Paul Carter
13. Greg Bird
14. Matthew White
15. Mark Ioane
16. Cody Nelson
17. Maurice Blair
Coach: John Cartwright
ROOSTERS V DRAGONS - SAT 2 AUG, 7:30PM (LOCAL), ALLIANZ STADIUM
Roosters
1. Anthony Minichiello (c)
2. Nene Macdonald
3. Michael Jennings
4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. James Maloney
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Jake Friend
10. Sam Moa
11. Boyd Cordner
12. Aidan Guerra
13. Frank-Paul Nuuausala
14. Heath L'Estrange
15. Isaac Liu
16. Dylan Napa
17. Rémi Casty
18. Vincent Leuluai
Coach: Trent Robinson
Dragons
1. Adam Quinlan
2. Brett Morris
3. Josh Dugan
4. Gerard Beale
5. Jason Nightingale
6. Gareth Widdop
7. Benji Marshall
8. Ben Creagh (c)
9. Mitch Rein
10. Mike Cooper
11. Leeson Ah Mau
12. Joel Thompson
13. Jack de Belin
14. Bronson Harrison
15. Trent Merrin
16. Will Matthews
17. Jack Stockwell
18. Shane Pumipi
Coach: Paul McGregor
RAIDERS V WARRIORS - SUN 3 AUG, 2:00PM (LOCAL), GIO STADIUM
Raiders
1. Anthony Milford
2. Reece Robinson
3. Jarrod Croker
4. Jarrad Kennedy
5. Sami Sauiluma
6. Terry Campese (c)
7. Josh McCrone
8. David Shillington
9. Glen Buttriss
10. Brett White
11. Josh Papalii
12. Joel Edwards
13. Shaun Fensom
14. Kurt Baptiste
15. Paul Vaughan
16. Dane Tilse
17. Shannon Boyd
Coach: Ricky Stuart
Warriors
1. Sam Tomkins
2. Ngani Laumape
3. Konrad Hurrell
4. Dane Nielsen
5. Manu Vatuvei
6. Chad Townsend
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Jacob Lillyman
9. Nathan Friend
10. Suaia Matagi
11. Ben Henry
12. Simon Mannering (c)
13. Sebastine Ikahihifo
14. Feleti Mateo
15. Ben Matulino
16. Sam Rapira
17. Thomas Leuluai
18. Tuimoala Lolohea
20. Sione Lousi
Coach: Andrew McFadden
WESTS TIGERS V STORM - MON 4 AUG, 7:00PM (LOCAL), CAMPBELLTOWN SPORTS STADIUM
Wests Tigers
1. Mitchell Moses
2. Keith Lulia
3. Tim Simona
4. Bodene Thompson
5. Pat Richards
6. Blake Austin
7. Luke Brooks
8. Aaron Woods
9. Robbie Farah (c)
10. Keith Galloway
11. Curtis Sironen
12. Dene Halatau
13. Adam Blair
14. Ava Seumanufagai
15. Martin Taupau
16. Sauaso Sue
17. James Gavet
Coach: Mick Potter
Storm
1. Billy Slater
2. Sisa Waqa
3. William Chambers
4. Mahe Fonua
5. Marika Koroibete
6. Ben Roberts
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Cameron Smith (c)
10. Bryan Norrie
11. Kevin Proctor
12. Ryan Hoffman
13. Ryan Hinchcliffe
14. Tim Glasby
15. Tohu Harris
16. Kenny Bromwich
17. Jordan McLean
18. Dayne Weston
19. Kurt Mann
Coach: Craig Bellamy
http://www.nrl.com/official-team-lists-round-21/tabid/10874/newsid/80604/default.aspx
NRL.com
5:31pm Tue 29th July, 2014
SEA EAGLES V BRONCOS - FRI 1 AUG, 7:45PM (LOCAL), BROOKVALE OVAL
Sea Eagles
1. Brett Stewart
2. Jorge Taufua
3. Jamie Lyon
4. Steve Matai
5. Peta Hiku
6. Kieran Foran
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Josh Starling
9. Matt Ballin
10. Brenton Lawrence
11. Anthony Watmough
12. Tom Symonds
13. Jamie Buhrer
14. Jesse Sene-Lefao
15. Tyson Andrews
16. James Hasson
17. Jason King
Coach: Geoff Toovey
Broncos
1. Josh Hoffman
2. Daniel Vidot
3. Dale Copley
4. Justin Hodges (c)
5. Jack Reed
6. Ben Barba
7. Ben Hunt
8. Josh McGuire
9. Andrew McCullough
10. Corey Parker (c)
11. Alex Glenn
12. Matt Gillett
13. Sam Thaiday
14. Jake Granville
15. Todd Lowrie
16. Ben Hannant
17. Corey Oates
18. Martin Kennedy
Coach: Anthony Griffin
BULLDOGS V PANTHERS - FRI 1 AUG, 7:45PM (LOCAL), ANZ STADIUM
Bulldogs
1. Sam Perrett
2. Corey Thompson
3. Moses Mbye
4. Tim Lafai
5. Mitch Brown
6. Josh Reynolds
7. Trent Hodkinson
8. Sam Kasiano
9. Michael Ennis (c)
10. James Graham
11. Josh Jackson
12. Tony Williams
13. Greg Eastwood
14. Reni Maitua
15. Dale Finucane
16. David Klemmer
17. Lloyd Perrett
Coach: Des Hasler
Panthers
1. Matt Moylan
2. Josh Mansour
3. Dean Whare
4. Jamal Idris
5. David Simmons
6. Will Smith
7. Jamie Soward
8. Nigel Plum
9. James Segeyaro
10. Brent Kite
11. Sika Manu
12. Elijah Taylor
13. Adam Docker
14. Lewis Brown
15. Jeremy Latimore
16. Bryce Cartwright
17. Sam McKendry
Coach: Ivan Cleary
SHARKS V EELS - SAT 2 AUG, 3:00PM (LOCAL), REMONDIS STADIUM
Sharks
1. Michael Gordon
2. Sosaia Feki
3. Jonathan Wright
4. Ricky Leutele
5. Jacob Gagan
6. Fa'amanu Brown
7. Jeff Robson
8. Andrew Fifita
9. Michael Lichaa
10. Sam Tagataese
11. Luke Lewis
12. Wade Graham (c)
13. Chris Heighington
14. Pat Politoni
15. Anthony Tupou
16. Tinirau Arona
17. Tim Robinson
18. Tupou Sopoaga
Coach: James Shepherd
Eels
1. Jarryd Hayne (c)
2. Semi Radradra
3. Ryan Morgan
4. Will Hopoate
5. Ken Sio
6. Corey Norman
7. Chris Sandow
8. Tim Mannah (c)
9. Issac De Gois
10. Fuifui Moimoi
11. Peni Terepo
12. Tepai Moeroa
13. David Gower
14. Joseph Paulo
15. Junior Paulo
16. Pauli Pauli
17. Ben Smith
Coach: Brad Arthur
COWBOYS V TITANS - SAT 2 AUG, 5:30PM (LOCAL), 1300SMILES STADIUM
Cowboys
1. Michael Morgan
2. Tautau Mogo
3. Matthew Wright
4. Kane Linnett
5. Antonio Winterstein
6. Robert Lui
7. Johnathan Thurston
8. Matthew Scott (c)
9. Rory Kostjasyn
10. James Tamou
11. Tariq Sims
12. Jason Taumalolo
13. Glenn Hall
14. Ray Thompson
15. Scott Bolton
16. Ashton Sims
17. John Asiata
18. Sam Hoare
Coach: Paul Green
Titans
1. Kevin Gordon
2. Anthony Don
3. James Roberts
4. Dave Taylor
5. David Mead
6. Brad Takairangi
7. Daniel Mortimer
8. Luke Douglas
9. Beau Falloon
10. Nate Myles (c)
11. Mark Minichiello
12. Paul Carter
13. Greg Bird
14. Matthew White
15. Mark Ioane
16. Cody Nelson
17. Maurice Blair
Coach: John Cartwright
ROOSTERS V DRAGONS - SAT 2 AUG, 7:30PM (LOCAL), ALLIANZ STADIUM
Roosters
1. Anthony Minichiello (c)
2. Nene Macdonald
3. Michael Jennings
4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. James Maloney
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Jake Friend
10. Sam Moa
11. Boyd Cordner
12. Aidan Guerra
13. Frank-Paul Nuuausala
14. Heath L'Estrange
15. Isaac Liu
16. Dylan Napa
17. Rémi Casty
18. Vincent Leuluai
Coach: Trent Robinson
Dragons
1. Adam Quinlan
2. Brett Morris
3. Josh Dugan
4. Gerard Beale
5. Jason Nightingale
6. Gareth Widdop
7. Benji Marshall
8. Ben Creagh (c)
9. Mitch Rein
10. Mike Cooper
11. Leeson Ah Mau
12. Joel Thompson
13. Jack de Belin
14. Bronson Harrison
15. Trent Merrin
16. Will Matthews
17. Jack Stockwell
18. Shane Pumipi
Coach: Paul McGregor
RAIDERS V WARRIORS - SUN 3 AUG, 2:00PM (LOCAL), GIO STADIUM
Raiders
1. Anthony Milford
2. Reece Robinson
3. Jarrod Croker
4. Jarrad Kennedy
5. Sami Sauiluma
6. Terry Campese (c)
7. Josh McCrone
8. David Shillington
9. Glen Buttriss
10. Brett White
11. Josh Papalii
12. Joel Edwards
13. Shaun Fensom
14. Kurt Baptiste
15. Paul Vaughan
16. Dane Tilse
17. Shannon Boyd
Coach: Ricky Stuart
Warriors
1. Sam Tomkins
2. Ngani Laumape
3. Konrad Hurrell
4. Dane Nielsen
5. Manu Vatuvei
6. Chad Townsend
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Jacob Lillyman
9. Nathan Friend
10. Suaia Matagi
11. Ben Henry
12. Simon Mannering (c)
13. Sebastine Ikahihifo
14. Feleti Mateo
15. Ben Matulino
16. Sam Rapira
17. Thomas Leuluai
18. Tuimoala Lolohea
20. Sione Lousi
Coach: Andrew McFadden
WESTS TIGERS V STORM - MON 4 AUG, 7:00PM (LOCAL), CAMPBELLTOWN SPORTS STADIUM
Wests Tigers
1. Mitchell Moses
2. Keith Lulia
3. Tim Simona
4. Bodene Thompson
5. Pat Richards
6. Blake Austin
7. Luke Brooks
8. Aaron Woods
9. Robbie Farah (c)
10. Keith Galloway
11. Curtis Sironen
12. Dene Halatau
13. Adam Blair
14. Ava Seumanufagai
15. Martin Taupau
16. Sauaso Sue
17. James Gavet
Coach: Mick Potter
Storm
1. Billy Slater
2. Sisa Waqa
3. William Chambers
4. Mahe Fonua
5. Marika Koroibete
6. Ben Roberts
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Cameron Smith (c)
10. Bryan Norrie
11. Kevin Proctor
12. Ryan Hoffman
13. Ryan Hinchcliffe
14. Tim Glasby
15. Tohu Harris
16. Kenny Bromwich
17. Jordan McLean
18. Dayne Weston
19. Kurt Mann
Coach: Craig Bellamy
http://www.nrl.com/official-team-lists-round-21/tabid/10874/newsid/80604/default.aspx
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Titans forward Ben Ridge has been ruled out for the season
http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/ben-ridge-year/
http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/ben-ridge-year/
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Broncos forward Todd Lowrie labels Brookvale Oval a ‘s**thole’ before Manly clash
WHEN it comes to away games, it’s pretty clear Manly’s Brookvale Oval isn’t high on Bronco Todd Lowrie’s must-visit list.
The Brisbane utility says there’s little doubt Friday’s trip to the NRL leaders is going to be a huge test for the Broncos.
The Sea Eagles have won nine straight at their home ground since being pipped by a point by Melbourne in the opening round, a run which has played a large part in their climb to the top of the competition.
Lowrie says there’s no one reason why Brookvale is such an intimidating place for opposition teams to visit.
“Everything about it. It’s a s***hole really,” he said.
“The field’s heavy and muddy and boggy.
“I’m surprised they let us play on it sometimes.
“The sheds are crap and the fans are right on you.
“I really do love the fact they’ve still got the hill and the crowd’s right involved ... but it’s probably everything else about it.
“It’s a pain in the arse to get to on the bus ... she’s certainly one of the more daunting road trips in the NRL.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...fore-manly-clash/story-fni3gv5x-1227007305708
- AAP
- JULY 30, 2014 2:40PM
WHEN it comes to away games, it’s pretty clear Manly’s Brookvale Oval isn’t high on Bronco Todd Lowrie’s must-visit list.
The Brisbane utility says there’s little doubt Friday’s trip to the NRL leaders is going to be a huge test for the Broncos.
The Sea Eagles have won nine straight at their home ground since being pipped by a point by Melbourne in the opening round, a run which has played a large part in their climb to the top of the competition.
Lowrie says there’s no one reason why Brookvale is such an intimidating place for opposition teams to visit.
“Everything about it. It’s a s***hole really,” he said.
“The field’s heavy and muddy and boggy.
“I’m surprised they let us play on it sometimes.
“The sheds are crap and the fans are right on you.
“I really do love the fact they’ve still got the hill and the crowd’s right involved ... but it’s probably everything else about it.
“It’s a pain in the arse to get to on the bus ... she’s certainly one of the more daunting road trips in the NRL.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...fore-manly-clash/story-fni3gv5x-1227007305708
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Manly look set to stay at Brookvale Oval with $10m state government upgrade grant
MANLY looks ready to stay at famous Brookvale Oval forever.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal the Sea Eagles are poised to receive substantial Government funding to upgrade the decaying ground on Pittwater Road.
It would mean a new grandstand — with undercover seating for 3000 fans — be built on the eastern side of the ground and the playing surface upgraded.
The news will be welcomed by NRL players, with Brisbane forward Todd Lowrie on Wednesday describing the ground as “a ****hole”.
The revamp will kill off talk Manly may forced out of their spiritual home to either Allianz Stadium or ANZ Stadium.
Clubs officials met with NSW Premier and local member Mike Baird last week.
As revealed recently in The Daily Telegraph, the State Government has a strict stadia strategy preventing ongoing hand-outs to suburban grounds.
Manly plan to incorporate community facilities in the new grandstand, however, meaning State Government money may be shared around different departments, not just sucked from the sport budget.
The Sea Eagles need between $20 million and $25 million for the new stand, the Federal Government has already pledged $10 million.That would another $10 million from Mr Baird or attracting some private investors.
No final decision has been made but Manly remain more than confident they can strike a deal with the State Government.Manly officials have presented plans for the upgrade and new stand to the State Government and NRL.
Aside from community facilities, a new high-performance centre could also be built on the site for all sports.
The Central Coast Mariners A-League club are looking at playing games at Brookvale, as are the new Northern Rays, which will play in a third-tier national rugby competition.
Brookvale Oval would be declared a category two ground behind Sydney’s premier arenas.
There would still be some hill area remaining either side of the new grandstand and at the northern end of the ground.
“There have been positive ongoing discussions with the State Government for the community and Sea Eagles fans,” said Manly general manager David Perry.
“It would be a multi-purpose facility.
“The meetings have been confidential so I won’t go into specifics but hopefully there will be some positive news soon.
“It would put us in a position where we could be more sustainable and increase our membership going forward.
“We are discussing a range of options but there has been no formal commitment just yet.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...nt-upgrade-grant/story-fni3gnk1-1227007749075
- DEAN RITCHIE
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JULY 31, 2014 12:00AM
MANLY looks ready to stay at famous Brookvale Oval forever.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal the Sea Eagles are poised to receive substantial Government funding to upgrade the decaying ground on Pittwater Road.
It would mean a new grandstand — with undercover seating for 3000 fans — be built on the eastern side of the ground and the playing surface upgraded.
The news will be welcomed by NRL players, with Brisbane forward Todd Lowrie on Wednesday describing the ground as “a ****hole”.
The revamp will kill off talk Manly may forced out of their spiritual home to either Allianz Stadium or ANZ Stadium.
Clubs officials met with NSW Premier and local member Mike Baird last week.
As revealed recently in The Daily Telegraph, the State Government has a strict stadia strategy preventing ongoing hand-outs to suburban grounds.
Manly plan to incorporate community facilities in the new grandstand, however, meaning State Government money may be shared around different departments, not just sucked from the sport budget.
The Sea Eagles need between $20 million and $25 million for the new stand, the Federal Government has already pledged $10 million.That would another $10 million from Mr Baird or attracting some private investors.
No final decision has been made but Manly remain more than confident they can strike a deal with the State Government.Manly officials have presented plans for the upgrade and new stand to the State Government and NRL.
Aside from community facilities, a new high-performance centre could also be built on the site for all sports.
The Central Coast Mariners A-League club are looking at playing games at Brookvale, as are the new Northern Rays, which will play in a third-tier national rugby competition.
Brookvale Oval would be declared a category two ground behind Sydney’s premier arenas.
There would still be some hill area remaining either side of the new grandstand and at the northern end of the ground.
“There have been positive ongoing discussions with the State Government for the community and Sea Eagles fans,” said Manly general manager David Perry.
“It would be a multi-purpose facility.
“The meetings have been confidential so I won’t go into specifics but hopefully there will be some positive news soon.
“It would put us in a position where we could be more sustainable and increase our membership going forward.
“We are discussing a range of options but there has been no formal commitment just yet.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...nt-upgrade-grant/story-fni3gnk1-1227007749075
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Moimoi to crack the double-century
By Matt Encarnacion, Western Sydney Correspondent
NRL.com
11:20am Thu 31st July, 2014
Eels veteran Ben Smith has described Fuifui Moimoi's impact on the team this year just as critical as co-captain Jarryd Hayne, despite playing just 10 games.
When Moimoi runs out for his 11th game in 2014, it'll also bring up his 200-game milestone – a record that didn't look like happening when he got dropped to the NSW Cup in Round 9.
But after being recalled by coach Brad Arthur in Round 18, the second-oldest player in the NRL will now gets the chance to notch his double century against the Sharks on Saturday night.
"To get where he as gotten to, in a position that he's played his whole career, it's a massive achievement," Smith told NRL.com.
"Not too many people get to play a season of first grade or a game, so for him to get to 11 years at Parramatta in first grade... is a massive accolade and a massive achievement.
"I take my hat off to him because the game's evolved so much in this period and for him to evolve with it, as a front-rower, massive big-ups to him for it."
While Moimoi's on-field role has diminished this season – his run of seven straight seasons of 20-plus games is almost certain to end this year – Smith said the veteran's influence off the field on the club's promising band of Polynesian players has been just as significant as that of spearhead Jarryd Hayne.
Smith, who debuted alongside Moimoi in 2004, praised his long-time teammate for his professionalism to be ready for a recall when it had looked like his first grade career was over.
"And that's why he's stood the test of time. That's why he's been here for so long, because he knows what he needs to do each week for his body to get there," Smith said.
"And that's why, not only as an elder player within the club, but we have a lot of Polynesian boys in this club and he is a leader, probably as much as Jarryd Hayne is.
"They look up to him so much, and he realises he has a responsibility to lead by example. And that's probably why he's been given the opportunity again, and he's making the most of it."
Smith recalled when an intimidating Moimoi joined the club a decade ago and instantly became a favourite. Off-contract at the end of the year, Moimoi's future remains up in the air and should the 34-year-old hang up the boots at the end of the season, Smith said he would go down as a club icon.
"I hadn't met him yet but one of the young boys, I think he was 19, he was working at the office and he had to go on a run and pick him up at the airport," he remembered.
"And he just said, 'He did not speak the whole way from the airport back over here. He was that intimidating, you just didn't know what to do.'
"He has a bit of, almost a myth to him, Fui, where he doesn't speak English and he doesn't talk much, but get him behind closed doors where he's a bit comfortable and relaxed, you wouldn't want to have anyone else around.
"He's a character, he jokes, but he leads by example in the way he trains and the way he plays.
"As a club, he's up there as a cult hero along with [Nathan] Hindmarsh. He's synonymous with Parramatta in that regard. Everyone loves him, fans and players alike."
http://www.nrl.com/moimoi-to-crack-the-double-century/tabid/10874/newsid/80656/default.aspx
By Matt Encarnacion, Western Sydney Correspondent
NRL.com
11:20am Thu 31st July, 2014
Eels veteran Ben Smith has described Fuifui Moimoi's impact on the team this year just as critical as co-captain Jarryd Hayne, despite playing just 10 games.
When Moimoi runs out for his 11th game in 2014, it'll also bring up his 200-game milestone – a record that didn't look like happening when he got dropped to the NSW Cup in Round 9.
But after being recalled by coach Brad Arthur in Round 18, the second-oldest player in the NRL will now gets the chance to notch his double century against the Sharks on Saturday night.
"To get where he as gotten to, in a position that he's played his whole career, it's a massive achievement," Smith told NRL.com.
"Not too many people get to play a season of first grade or a game, so for him to get to 11 years at Parramatta in first grade... is a massive accolade and a massive achievement.
"I take my hat off to him because the game's evolved so much in this period and for him to evolve with it, as a front-rower, massive big-ups to him for it."
While Moimoi's on-field role has diminished this season – his run of seven straight seasons of 20-plus games is almost certain to end this year – Smith said the veteran's influence off the field on the club's promising band of Polynesian players has been just as significant as that of spearhead Jarryd Hayne.
Smith, who debuted alongside Moimoi in 2004, praised his long-time teammate for his professionalism to be ready for a recall when it had looked like his first grade career was over.
"And that's why he's stood the test of time. That's why he's been here for so long, because he knows what he needs to do each week for his body to get there," Smith said.
"And that's why, not only as an elder player within the club, but we have a lot of Polynesian boys in this club and he is a leader, probably as much as Jarryd Hayne is.
"They look up to him so much, and he realises he has a responsibility to lead by example. And that's probably why he's been given the opportunity again, and he's making the most of it."
Smith recalled when an intimidating Moimoi joined the club a decade ago and instantly became a favourite. Off-contract at the end of the year, Moimoi's future remains up in the air and should the 34-year-old hang up the boots at the end of the season, Smith said he would go down as a club icon.
"I hadn't met him yet but one of the young boys, I think he was 19, he was working at the office and he had to go on a run and pick him up at the airport," he remembered.
"And he just said, 'He did not speak the whole way from the airport back over here. He was that intimidating, you just didn't know what to do.'
"He has a bit of, almost a myth to him, Fui, where he doesn't speak English and he doesn't talk much, but get him behind closed doors where he's a bit comfortable and relaxed, you wouldn't want to have anyone else around.
"He's a character, he jokes, but he leads by example in the way he trains and the way he plays.
"As a club, he's up there as a cult hero along with [Nathan] Hindmarsh. He's synonymous with Parramatta in that regard. Everyone loves him, fans and players alike."
http://www.nrl.com/moimoi-to-crack-the-double-century/tabid/10874/newsid/80656/default.aspx
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Shaun Johnson out of Raiders clash
By Matt Manukia
AAP
12:21pm Thu 31st July, 2014
Warriors coach Andrew McFadden cut a dejected figure after star playmaker Shaun Johnson all but ended any chance he had of taking part in Sunday's match against the Raiders.
Johnson was ruled out of last week's loss against Manly after injuring his groin during the Warriors' final team run but was named to start in Canberra this week.
The injury was considered to be minor but after re-aggravating it at training on Thursday, McFadden said Johnson was unlikely to take his place in the side for Sunday's match at GIO Stadium.
It could also mean Johnson will spend an extended period on the sidelines at a crucial stage of the season.
Many were surprised to see the 23-year-old halfback at training and McFadden revealed after the session that he wasn't expected to be there.
"We were happy for him to do some build-up work on the side," McFadden said.
"He felt pretty good in that so he wanted to have a crack, but obviously that didn't last very long.
"It's unlikely he'll take his place this week."
Johnson was given specific rehabilitation exercises to perform, but was later seen kicking and running and testing out his groin while side stepping.
He then called for assistance from medical staff before leaving the session after just 20 minutes and did not return.
"Sometimes you sort of feel all right, so it's sort of like a trial and error type thing," said Warriors utility Thomas Leuluai, who recently returned from a similar injury.
"But he'll definitely learn from this because sometimes it just creeps up on you."
Leuluai took Johnson's place in the halves against Manly but was restricted from kicking due to groin problems.
Five-eighth Chad Townsend struggled to cope with the increased workload, failing to create productive finishes on the fifth tackle.
Leuluai said he feels confident he can offer more this week as the Warriors seek to bounce back from consecutive losses that dropped them to ninth place on the NRL ladder.
NYC star halfback Tuimoala Lolohea, who debuted last Sunday, is on an extended the bench and will be expected to play more minutes as Leuluai switches to hooker to relieve Nathan Friend late in the game.
Leuluai also backed fullback Sam Tomkins to step into the halves if needed - he played there when the pair were Wigan team-mates in the UK Super League.
The Warriors haven't won in Canberra since 2001 and will need to win this week if they are to stay in the playoff hunt.
Conversely, the Raiders have won just one of their last seven matches and are languishing at the foot of the table after a disappointing loss to South Sydney on Monday.
http://www.nrl.com/shaun-johnson-out-of-raiders-clash/tabid/10874/newsid/80661/default.aspx
By Matt Manukia
AAP
12:21pm Thu 31st July, 2014
Warriors coach Andrew McFadden cut a dejected figure after star playmaker Shaun Johnson all but ended any chance he had of taking part in Sunday's match against the Raiders.
Johnson was ruled out of last week's loss against Manly after injuring his groin during the Warriors' final team run but was named to start in Canberra this week.
The injury was considered to be minor but after re-aggravating it at training on Thursday, McFadden said Johnson was unlikely to take his place in the side for Sunday's match at GIO Stadium.
It could also mean Johnson will spend an extended period on the sidelines at a crucial stage of the season.
Many were surprised to see the 23-year-old halfback at training and McFadden revealed after the session that he wasn't expected to be there.
"We were happy for him to do some build-up work on the side," McFadden said.
"He felt pretty good in that so he wanted to have a crack, but obviously that didn't last very long.
"It's unlikely he'll take his place this week."
Johnson was given specific rehabilitation exercises to perform, but was later seen kicking and running and testing out his groin while side stepping.
He then called for assistance from medical staff before leaving the session after just 20 minutes and did not return.
"Sometimes you sort of feel all right, so it's sort of like a trial and error type thing," said Warriors utility Thomas Leuluai, who recently returned from a similar injury.
"But he'll definitely learn from this because sometimes it just creeps up on you."
Leuluai took Johnson's place in the halves against Manly but was restricted from kicking due to groin problems.
Five-eighth Chad Townsend struggled to cope with the increased workload, failing to create productive finishes on the fifth tackle.
Leuluai said he feels confident he can offer more this week as the Warriors seek to bounce back from consecutive losses that dropped them to ninth place on the NRL ladder.
NYC star halfback Tuimoala Lolohea, who debuted last Sunday, is on an extended the bench and will be expected to play more minutes as Leuluai switches to hooker to relieve Nathan Friend late in the game.
Leuluai also backed fullback Sam Tomkins to step into the halves if needed - he played there when the pair were Wigan team-mates in the UK Super League.
The Warriors haven't won in Canberra since 2001 and will need to win this week if they are to stay in the playoff hunt.
Conversely, the Raiders have won just one of their last seven matches and are languishing at the foot of the table after a disappointing loss to South Sydney on Monday.
http://www.nrl.com/shaun-johnson-out-of-raiders-clash/tabid/10874/newsid/80661/default.aspx
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
NRL Late Mail for Round 21
WARNING: Prepare for another disastrous edition of Late Mail.
Sam Burgess (shoulder) is 50-50, while Shaun Johnson (groin) is all but out.
A number of comebacks have also been aborted, including John Sutton and Josh Morris (both knee).
Thankfully there is a glimmer of good news, with Josh Mansour (ankle) and Michael Jennings (lat) cleared.
Get the full lowdown in Late Mail.
Friday, Aug 1, Sea Eagles v Broncos, Brookvale Oval, 7.45pm
The Sea Eagles had their captain’s run on Thursday and report no changes, with Jorge Taufua (ankle) training and expected to play.
Dunamis Lui (knee) has injured his medial ligament and is due to return just before the finals.
Glenn Stewart (ankle) is yet to resume training and remains a way off.
The Broncos will be 1-17, with Daniel Vidot and Jack Reed coming onto the wings for Lachlan Maranta and Jordan Kahu.
Friday, Aug 1, Bulldogs v Panthers, ANZ Stadium, 7.45pm
The Bulldogs are set to be unchanged, with Josh Reynolds (suspension) a welcome return.
David Klemmer (ankle) has completed full training this week and will play.
Sam Perrett (knee) pulled up well from his comeback last week and will also take his place.
Josh Morris (knee) and Aiden Tolman (hamstring) are “no chance” of being late inclusions.
They are aiming for next week.
The Panthers have trained without issue this week and expect no changes, with Josh Mansour (ankle) cleared to return and David Simmons (knee) pulling up well after his NSW Cup comeback last week.
Debutant five-eighth William Smith has trained strongly with the squad.
Saturday, Aug 2, Sharks v Eels, Remondis Stadium, FOX, 3pm
Paul Gallen (bicep) remains sidelined for the Sharks.
But the Cronulla side have no injury concerns within the 18 named, with Anthony Tupou (hamstring) training on Wednesday and expected to return.
Bryce Gibbs has picked up a foot injury to add to his hip flexor issue and is no chance of an early comeback.
The Eels will be 1-17, with Ben Smith (nose) fit and firing.
Ken Edwards was not named on Tuesday due to a minor shoulder complaint.
He is due back next week.
Saturday, Aug 2, Cowboys v Titans, 1300SMILES Stadium, FOX, 5.30pm
Matt Scott (fractured cheekbone) has been cleared to return, with the Cowboys set to be unchanged.
Gavin Cooper (dislocated hip) is edging closer to a return, but is more likely for next week.
A flu outbreak has hit Gold Coast camp, but they plan to travel on Friday with the 17 named - plus Luke Bailey (hamstring), who is pushing for a late inclusion.
James Roberts (quad) failed to finish training on Wednesday, but has been given the all clear.
David Mead (hamstring) has trained all week and will return, but William Zillman (hamstring), Albert Kelly (quad) and Aidan Sezer (pectoral) are aiming for next week.
Saturday, Aug 2, Roosters v Dragons, Allianz Stadium, FOX, 7.30pm
The Roosters have their final session on Friday and expect to be 1-17, with Michael Jennings (lat) and James Maloney (back) to play.
Sonny Bill Williams (broken thumb, round 25) and Mitchell Aubusson (ankle, round 23) picked up injuries last week and missed selection.
All 18 players named are fit ahead of Friday’s final session, with Shane Pumipi likely to drop off the bench.
Dan Hunt (foot) hasn’t been named, but is a week-to-week proposition.
Tyson Frizell (ankle) completed light training on his own this week and could be an outside chance, although he’s more likely for next week.
Sunday, Aug 3, Raiders v Warriors, GIO Stadium, FOX, 2pm
The Raiders expect to be 1-17.
There are reports Edrick Lee (foot) will make a shock return after originally being ruled out for the season.
However, the club toldNews Corp that Lee is no chance, having only just commenced running and not yet training with the team.
That said, the Raiders conceded Lee could return in coming weeks, depending on how his injury reacts to an increased training workload.
Shaun Johnson is all but out for the Warriors after failing to complete training on Thursday.
Thomas Leuluai is set to start in the halves, with young gun Tuimoala Lolohea to play from the bench.
“He (Johnson) pulled up a bit tight,” said Leuluai.
“I’m not sure what the prognosis is, but it doesn’t look good and he iced it up at the end.”
Coach Andrew McFadden said:
“We were happy for him to do some build-up work on the side.
“He felt pretty good in that so he wanted to have a crack, but obviously that didn’t last very long.
“It’s unlikely he’ll take his place this week.”
Feleti Mateo (calf) is expected to recover after being a late withdrawal last week.
Monday, Aug 4, Tigers v Storm, Campbelltown Stadium, FOX, 7pm
Robbie Farah missed two sessions this week as he struggles to deal with the coaching controversy at the club.
He is expected to return to training on Friday and take his place in the team on Monday.
Luke Brooks and Keith Galloway (both shoulder) remain 50-50 and will have fitness tests at the captain’s run on Sunday.
The Storm expect no changes at this early stage, with Dayne Weston and Kurt Mann set to drop off the bench.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ll-but-ruled-out/story-fni3fs14-1227009084350
- NEWS CORP AUSTRALIA NETWORK
- JULY 31, 2014 5:18PM
WARNING: Prepare for another disastrous edition of Late Mail.
Sam Burgess (shoulder) is 50-50, while Shaun Johnson (groin) is all but out.
A number of comebacks have also been aborted, including John Sutton and Josh Morris (both knee).
Thankfully there is a glimmer of good news, with Josh Mansour (ankle) and Michael Jennings (lat) cleared.
Get the full lowdown in Late Mail.
Friday, Aug 1, Sea Eagles v Broncos, Brookvale Oval, 7.45pm
The Sea Eagles had their captain’s run on Thursday and report no changes, with Jorge Taufua (ankle) training and expected to play.
Dunamis Lui (knee) has injured his medial ligament and is due to return just before the finals.
Glenn Stewart (ankle) is yet to resume training and remains a way off.
The Broncos will be 1-17, with Daniel Vidot and Jack Reed coming onto the wings for Lachlan Maranta and Jordan Kahu.
Friday, Aug 1, Bulldogs v Panthers, ANZ Stadium, 7.45pm
The Bulldogs are set to be unchanged, with Josh Reynolds (suspension) a welcome return.
David Klemmer (ankle) has completed full training this week and will play.
Sam Perrett (knee) pulled up well from his comeback last week and will also take his place.
Josh Morris (knee) and Aiden Tolman (hamstring) are “no chance” of being late inclusions.
They are aiming for next week.
The Panthers have trained without issue this week and expect no changes, with Josh Mansour (ankle) cleared to return and David Simmons (knee) pulling up well after his NSW Cup comeback last week.
Debutant five-eighth William Smith has trained strongly with the squad.
Saturday, Aug 2, Sharks v Eels, Remondis Stadium, FOX, 3pm
Paul Gallen (bicep) remains sidelined for the Sharks.
But the Cronulla side have no injury concerns within the 18 named, with Anthony Tupou (hamstring) training on Wednesday and expected to return.
Bryce Gibbs has picked up a foot injury to add to his hip flexor issue and is no chance of an early comeback.
The Eels will be 1-17, with Ben Smith (nose) fit and firing.
Ken Edwards was not named on Tuesday due to a minor shoulder complaint.
He is due back next week.
Saturday, Aug 2, Cowboys v Titans, 1300SMILES Stadium, FOX, 5.30pm
Matt Scott (fractured cheekbone) has been cleared to return, with the Cowboys set to be unchanged.
Gavin Cooper (dislocated hip) is edging closer to a return, but is more likely for next week.
A flu outbreak has hit Gold Coast camp, but they plan to travel on Friday with the 17 named - plus Luke Bailey (hamstring), who is pushing for a late inclusion.
James Roberts (quad) failed to finish training on Wednesday, but has been given the all clear.
David Mead (hamstring) has trained all week and will return, but William Zillman (hamstring), Albert Kelly (quad) and Aidan Sezer (pectoral) are aiming for next week.
Saturday, Aug 2, Roosters v Dragons, Allianz Stadium, FOX, 7.30pm
The Roosters have their final session on Friday and expect to be 1-17, with Michael Jennings (lat) and James Maloney (back) to play.
Sonny Bill Williams (broken thumb, round 25) and Mitchell Aubusson (ankle, round 23) picked up injuries last week and missed selection.
All 18 players named are fit ahead of Friday’s final session, with Shane Pumipi likely to drop off the bench.
Dan Hunt (foot) hasn’t been named, but is a week-to-week proposition.
Tyson Frizell (ankle) completed light training on his own this week and could be an outside chance, although he’s more likely for next week.
Sunday, Aug 3, Raiders v Warriors, GIO Stadium, FOX, 2pm
The Raiders expect to be 1-17.
There are reports Edrick Lee (foot) will make a shock return after originally being ruled out for the season.
However, the club toldNews Corp that Lee is no chance, having only just commenced running and not yet training with the team.
That said, the Raiders conceded Lee could return in coming weeks, depending on how his injury reacts to an increased training workload.
Shaun Johnson is all but out for the Warriors after failing to complete training on Thursday.
Thomas Leuluai is set to start in the halves, with young gun Tuimoala Lolohea to play from the bench.
“He (Johnson) pulled up a bit tight,” said Leuluai.
“I’m not sure what the prognosis is, but it doesn’t look good and he iced it up at the end.”
Coach Andrew McFadden said:
“We were happy for him to do some build-up work on the side.
“He felt pretty good in that so he wanted to have a crack, but obviously that didn’t last very long.
“It’s unlikely he’ll take his place this week.”
Feleti Mateo (calf) is expected to recover after being a late withdrawal last week.
Monday, Aug 4, Tigers v Storm, Campbelltown Stadium, FOX, 7pm
Robbie Farah missed two sessions this week as he struggles to deal with the coaching controversy at the club.
He is expected to return to training on Friday and take his place in the team on Monday.
Luke Brooks and Keith Galloway (both shoulder) remain 50-50 and will have fitness tests at the captain’s run on Sunday.
The Storm expect no changes at this early stage, with Dayne Weston and Kurt Mann set to drop off the bench.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ll-but-ruled-out/story-fni3fs14-1227009084350
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Updated: NRL Late Mail for Round 21
WARNING: Prepare for another disastrous edition of Late Mail.
Sam Burgess (shoulder) is 50-50, while Shaun Johnson (groin) is all but out.
A number of comebacks have also been aborted, including John Sutton and Josh Morris (both knee).
Thankfully there is a glimmer of good news, with Josh Mansour (ankle) and Michael Jennings (lat) cleared.
Get the full lowdown in Late Mail.
Friday, Aug 1, Sea Eagles v Broncos, Brookvale Oval, 7.45pm
The Sea Eagles had their captain’s run on Thursday and report no changes, with Jorge Taufua (ankle) training and expected to play.
Dunamis Lui (knee) has injured his medial ligament and is due to return just before the finals.
Glenn Stewart (ankle) is yet to resume training and remains a way off.
The Broncos will be 1-17, with Daniel Vidot and Jack Reed coming onto the wings for Lachlan Maranta and Jordan Kahu.
Friday, Aug 1, Bulldogs v Panthers, ANZ Stadium, 7.45pm
The Bulldogs are set to be unchanged, with Josh Reynolds (suspension) a welcome return.
David Klemmer (ankle) has completed full training this week and will play.
Sam Perrett (knee) pulled up well from his comeback last week and will also take his place.
Josh Morris (knee) and Aiden Tolman (hamstring) are “no chance” of being late inclusions.
They are aiming for next week.
The Panthers have trained without issue this week and expect no changes, with Josh Mansour (ankle) cleared to return and David Simmons (knee) pulling up well after his NSW Cup comeback last week.
Debutant five-eighth William Smith has trained strongly with the squad.
Saturday, Aug 2, Sharks v Eels, Remondis Stadium, FOX, 3pm
Paul Gallen (bicep) remains sidelined for the Sharks.
But the Cronulla side have no injury concerns within the 18 named, with Anthony Tupou (hamstring) training on Wednesday and expected to return.
Bryce Gibbs has picked up a foot injury to add to his hip flexor issue and is no chance of an early comeback.
The Eels will be 1-17, with Ben Smith (nose) fit and firing.
Ken Edwards was not named on Tuesday due to a minor shoulder complaint.
He is due back next week.
UPDATE 1.55pm:
There are reports young outside back Valentine Holmes will make a long-awaited debut for the Sharks in place of Sosaia Feki.
Saturday, Aug 2, Cowboys v Titans, 1300SMILES Stadium, FOX, 5.30pm
Matt Scott (fractured cheekbone) has been cleared to return, with the Cowboys set to be unchanged.
Gavin Cooper (dislocated hip) is edging closer to a return, but is more likely for next week.
A flu outbreak has hit Gold Coast camp, but they plan to travel on Friday with the 17 named - plus Luke Bailey (hamstring), who is pushing for a late inclusion.
James Roberts (quad) failed to finish training on Wednesday, but has been given the all clear.
David Mead (hamstring) has trained all week and will return, but William Zillman (hamstring), Albert Kelly (quad) and Aidan Sezer (pectoral) are aiming for next week.
UPDATE 1.55pm:
James Tamou (neck) could be a late withdrawal for the Cowboys.
Saturday, Aug 2, Roosters v Dragons, Allianz Stadium, FOX, 7.30pm
The Roosters have their final session on Friday and expect to be 1-17, with Michael Jennings (lat) and James Maloney (back) to play.
Sonny Bill Williams (broken thumb, round 25) and Mitchell Aubusson (ankle, round 23) picked up injuries last week and missed selection.
All 18 players named are fit ahead of Friday’s final session, with Shane Pumipi likely to drop off the bench.
Dan Hunt (foot) hasn’t been named, but is a week-to-week proposition.
Tyson Frizell (ankle) completed light training on his own this week and could be an outside chance, although he’s more likely for next week.
Sunday, Aug 3, Raiders v Warriors, GIO Stadium, FOX, 2pm
The Raiders expect to be 1-17.
There are reports Edrick Lee (foot) will make a shock return after originally being ruled out for the season.
However, the club toldNews Corp that Lee is no chance, having only just commenced running and not yet training with the team.
That said, the Raiders conceded Lee could return in coming weeks, depending on how his injury reacts to an increased training workload.
Shaun Johnson is all but out for the Warriors after failing to complete training on Thursday.
Thomas Leuluai is set to start in the halves, with young gun Tuimoala Lolohea to play from the bench.
“He (Johnson) pulled up a bit tight,” said Leuluai.
“I’m not sure what the prognosis is, but it doesn’t look good and he iced it up at the end.”
Coach Andrew McFadden said:
“We were happy for him to do some build-up work on the side.
“He felt pretty good in that so he wanted to have a crack, but obviously that didn’t last very long.
“It’s unlikely he’ll take his place this week.”
Feleti Mateo (calf) is expected to recover after being a late withdrawal last week.
UPDATE 1.55pm:
Shaun Johnson (groin) has been officially ruled out, He did not travel.
Thomas Leuluai will replace Johnson in the halves, with Tuimoala Lolohea to offer playmaking relief from the bench.
Monday, Aug 4, Tigers v Storm, Campbelltown Stadium, FOX, 7pm
Robbie Farah missed two sessions this week as he struggles to deal with the coaching controversy at the club.
He is expected to return to training on Friday and take his place in the team on Monday.
Luke Brooks and Keith Galloway (both shoulder) remain 50-50 and will have fitness tests at the captain’s run on Sunday.
The Storm expect no changes at this early stage, with Dayne Weston and Kurt Mann set to drop off the bench.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ll-but-ruled-out/story-fni3fs14-1227009084350
- NEWS CORP AUSTRALIA NETWORK
- JULY 31, 2014 5:18PM
WARNING: Prepare for another disastrous edition of Late Mail.
Sam Burgess (shoulder) is 50-50, while Shaun Johnson (groin) is all but out.
A number of comebacks have also been aborted, including John Sutton and Josh Morris (both knee).
Thankfully there is a glimmer of good news, with Josh Mansour (ankle) and Michael Jennings (lat) cleared.
Get the full lowdown in Late Mail.
Friday, Aug 1, Sea Eagles v Broncos, Brookvale Oval, 7.45pm
The Sea Eagles had their captain’s run on Thursday and report no changes, with Jorge Taufua (ankle) training and expected to play.
Dunamis Lui (knee) has injured his medial ligament and is due to return just before the finals.
Glenn Stewart (ankle) is yet to resume training and remains a way off.
The Broncos will be 1-17, with Daniel Vidot and Jack Reed coming onto the wings for Lachlan Maranta and Jordan Kahu.
Friday, Aug 1, Bulldogs v Panthers, ANZ Stadium, 7.45pm
The Bulldogs are set to be unchanged, with Josh Reynolds (suspension) a welcome return.
David Klemmer (ankle) has completed full training this week and will play.
Sam Perrett (knee) pulled up well from his comeback last week and will also take his place.
Josh Morris (knee) and Aiden Tolman (hamstring) are “no chance” of being late inclusions.
They are aiming for next week.
The Panthers have trained without issue this week and expect no changes, with Josh Mansour (ankle) cleared to return and David Simmons (knee) pulling up well after his NSW Cup comeback last week.
Debutant five-eighth William Smith has trained strongly with the squad.
Saturday, Aug 2, Sharks v Eels, Remondis Stadium, FOX, 3pm
Paul Gallen (bicep) remains sidelined for the Sharks.
But the Cronulla side have no injury concerns within the 18 named, with Anthony Tupou (hamstring) training on Wednesday and expected to return.
Bryce Gibbs has picked up a foot injury to add to his hip flexor issue and is no chance of an early comeback.
The Eels will be 1-17, with Ben Smith (nose) fit and firing.
Ken Edwards was not named on Tuesday due to a minor shoulder complaint.
He is due back next week.
UPDATE 1.55pm:
There are reports young outside back Valentine Holmes will make a long-awaited debut for the Sharks in place of Sosaia Feki.
Saturday, Aug 2, Cowboys v Titans, 1300SMILES Stadium, FOX, 5.30pm
Matt Scott (fractured cheekbone) has been cleared to return, with the Cowboys set to be unchanged.
Gavin Cooper (dislocated hip) is edging closer to a return, but is more likely for next week.
A flu outbreak has hit Gold Coast camp, but they plan to travel on Friday with the 17 named - plus Luke Bailey (hamstring), who is pushing for a late inclusion.
James Roberts (quad) failed to finish training on Wednesday, but has been given the all clear.
David Mead (hamstring) has trained all week and will return, but William Zillman (hamstring), Albert Kelly (quad) and Aidan Sezer (pectoral) are aiming for next week.
UPDATE 1.55pm:
James Tamou (neck) could be a late withdrawal for the Cowboys.
Saturday, Aug 2, Roosters v Dragons, Allianz Stadium, FOX, 7.30pm
The Roosters have their final session on Friday and expect to be 1-17, with Michael Jennings (lat) and James Maloney (back) to play.
Sonny Bill Williams (broken thumb, round 25) and Mitchell Aubusson (ankle, round 23) picked up injuries last week and missed selection.
All 18 players named are fit ahead of Friday’s final session, with Shane Pumipi likely to drop off the bench.
Dan Hunt (foot) hasn’t been named, but is a week-to-week proposition.
Tyson Frizell (ankle) completed light training on his own this week and could be an outside chance, although he’s more likely for next week.
Sunday, Aug 3, Raiders v Warriors, GIO Stadium, FOX, 2pm
The Raiders expect to be 1-17.
There are reports Edrick Lee (foot) will make a shock return after originally being ruled out for the season.
However, the club toldNews Corp that Lee is no chance, having only just commenced running and not yet training with the team.
That said, the Raiders conceded Lee could return in coming weeks, depending on how his injury reacts to an increased training workload.
Shaun Johnson is all but out for the Warriors after failing to complete training on Thursday.
Thomas Leuluai is set to start in the halves, with young gun Tuimoala Lolohea to play from the bench.
“He (Johnson) pulled up a bit tight,” said Leuluai.
“I’m not sure what the prognosis is, but it doesn’t look good and he iced it up at the end.”
Coach Andrew McFadden said:
“We were happy for him to do some build-up work on the side.
“He felt pretty good in that so he wanted to have a crack, but obviously that didn’t last very long.
“It’s unlikely he’ll take his place this week.”
Feleti Mateo (calf) is expected to recover after being a late withdrawal last week.
UPDATE 1.55pm:
Shaun Johnson (groin) has been officially ruled out, He did not travel.
Thomas Leuluai will replace Johnson in the halves, with Tuimoala Lolohea to offer playmaking relief from the bench.
Monday, Aug 4, Tigers v Storm, Campbelltown Stadium, FOX, 7pm
Robbie Farah missed two sessions this week as he struggles to deal with the coaching controversy at the club.
He is expected to return to training on Friday and take his place in the team on Monday.
Luke Brooks and Keith Galloway (both shoulder) remain 50-50 and will have fitness tests at the captain’s run on Sunday.
The Storm expect no changes at this early stage, with Dayne Weston and Kurt Mann set to drop off the bench.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ll-but-ruled-out/story-fni3fs14-1227009084350
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Injuries sour Panthers win
By Matt Encarnacion, Western Sydney Correspondent
NRL.com
10:00pm Fri 01st August, 2014
Penrith have rode a James Segeyaro double – as well as some luck from the video referees – to consolidate their spot in the top four with a 22-16 victory over the Bulldogs on Friday night.
The win halted a worrying two-game slide but came at a major cost, with hard-working lock Elijah Taylor believed to have suffered a season-ending ACL injury. Brent Kite (pec) and Bryce Cartwright (ankle) also picked up injuries in the victory.
It was the second time in a week Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has lost a player for the season to an ACL, after skipper Peter Wallace busted his knee against Cronulla last week.
But the pain certainly didn't hurt as much as that suffered by a disjointed Bulldogs side, who had three first half tries disallowed and were down 22-0 before scoring the final three tries of the match.
From the moment Sam Kasiano sent Brent Kite careering back onto the ANZ Stadium turf from the first hit up of the match, this clash was always going to be an intense contest between two top four teams.
The tone was set when Bulldogs skipper Michael Ennis was marched ten for entangling himself on a Jamie Soward quick tap.
Two minutes later it was his opposite number in James Segeyaro who scurried his way through for a trademark dummy half try under the black dot.
Segeyaro's solo effort ended as the only points of the half, but it was just the prelude to a frenetic ten minute period that infuriated the 11,832 pro-Bulldogs crowd.
First there was a 17th-minute Josh Reynolds pearler off his hip that put Josh Jackson into space – only for the second-rower to be pulled back for a forward pass.
Then there was Chase Stanley's one-on-one in the backfield with Matt Moylan in the 22nd, beating the Panthers fullback to the corner – and popping his shoulder in the process – but ruled by the video referees to have had a layer of skin touching the sideline.
Then when Elijah Taylor suffered his knee injury and turned the ball over in the next set, the home side thought they were in again.
A right-side shift ended in wingman Corey Thompson over in the opposite corner, only to have it again taken off them for an obstruction by Reni Maitua in the lead-up.
But it was the final controversial no-try call on Tim Lafai's effort in the 27th minute – one that Ennis had enthusiastically applauded leading referee Matt Cecchin when he initially called try – that had the Bulldogs truly incensed.
Lafai appeared to have planted the ball over the line but after numerous replays, the call was overruled and judged to have lost grip of the ball before grounding it.
If the Bulldogs faithful had used the half-time breather to calm themselves down, then a 46th minute decision by the referees in the box to award Segeyaro his second would've instantly reddened their faces as the visitors sauntered out to an early 12-0 lead.
Hopes of a comeback lengthened when Penrith's 52nd minute left-side swing ended in Cecchin giving his first try of the match without any help from upstairs to winger Josh Mansour.
Soward's sideline attempt swung wide, but the early gut punches drew the life out of the hosts and Moylan's slicing run through in the 63rd drew an exodus of Bulldogs fans headed to the exits.
The home side eventually broke through for their first points courtesy of a 68th minute Lafai try that got a rapturous applause from the crowd, before Kasiano and Trent Hodkinson added consolation tries in the final ten minutes.
Penrith Panthers - 22 (Segeyaro 2, Mansour, Moylan tries; Soward 3 goals)
Defeated
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs - 16 (Lafai, Kasiano, Hodkinson tries; Hodkinson 2 goals)
Crowd: 11,832
http://www.nrl.com/injuries-sour-panthers-win/tabid/10874/newsid/80700/default.aspx
- - - Updated - - -
Defensive masterclass secures Manly win
By Chris Kennedy, National Correspondent
NRL.com
9:40pm Fri 01st August, 2014
A Manly Sea Eagles outfit that wasted three clear-cut scoring chances still proved too good for Brisbane in a 16-4 win at Brookvale on Friday night on the back of a defensive masterclass in front of 12,873 fans.
Centre Steve Matai, who spent the last 15 minutes of the first half off getting a concussion test, produced a series of great defensive reads and stinging hits while five-eighth Kieran Foran shook off a bad case of flu to star in attack and defence.
There was also yet another Brookvale try for Brett "the Prince of Brookvale" Stewart, taking his career tally to 143 and his Brookvale total to 75 in 81 games.
Daly Cherry-Evans was also very good, despite being involved in three fluffed tries in the first half, only one of which was his fault.
The win also keeps Manly four points clear at the top of the ladder ahead of Penrith, who upset the Bulldogs to stay within four of the Sea Eagles.
A resolute first half from both sides resulted in a 4-all scorecard at half time as Manly failed to capitalise on a stiff breeze at their backs and several clear-cut scoring chances.
With both sides having lost a gun centre (Steve Matai to concussion from a high shot that found Matt Gillett on report, and Justin Hodges to a hamstring strain) during the half, Brisbane would have been happier with the level score after having weathered plenty of Manly’s attack.
However, only Matai would return after half time.
The first missed opportunity for the home side, clad in blue and gold Wolverine gear, came after Brisbane put the kick-off – into the breeze – out on the full and Cherry-Evans dummied and crossed out to the right, but he lost the ball over the line.
Later in the half Anthony Watmough dropped it as he crossed off a Cherry-Evans short ball almost on the same spot.
Lyon also bombed a try on the right when he was supporting a Cherry-Evans line break.
The half grubbered ahead for Lyon, who didn't get the bounce he wanted and toed it forward but his kick was too big.
However he had previously scored his side's only points of the half after around 10 minutes of play when Manly went first left then right where Lyon caught the Broncos short, dummied and crossed out wide but couldn't add the extras.
Jack Reed scored Brisbane's only try, and he scored it on the left having only just been moved there in a reshuffle after Hodges' departure, with Corey Oates taking Reed's spot on the right wing.
A Ben Hunt cross field bomb found a leaping Dan Vidot, who marked the ball and laid it back for Reed to cross in the corner and level the scores after 32 minutes.
After the second half resumption the deadlock was broken after 56 minutes through one of the most amazing tries of the season.
In an almost indescribable last tackle play, Manly threw the ball through virtually every player in the side, producing offload after offload, almost being tackled several times, and going further and further backwards until it got to Lyon who spotted a gap at the right and grubbered through for Hiku to score in the corner and an 8-4 advantage.
After again having to absorb several repeat sets at their line – which eventually broke down for the frustrated Broncos through another error – Manly looked to have put the result almost beyond doubt when Foran ran through half a gap and found Stewart in support for a 14-4 lead with 10 to go.
There were some shaky moments shortly after when Foran spilled the kick-off to hand Brisbane a chance to get back in the match but the visitors were proving even more wasteful than their hosts and immediately coughed the ball up.
The only further points were added via a 78th minute penalty goal to Lyon as Manly ran out 16-4 winners.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles - 16 (Lyon, Hiku, Stewart tries; Lyon 2 goals)
Defeated
Brisbane Broncos - 4 (Reed try)
Crowd: 12,873
http://www.nrl.com/defensive-masterclass-secures-manly-win/tabid/10874/newsid/80699/default.aspx
By Matt Encarnacion, Western Sydney Correspondent
NRL.com
10:00pm Fri 01st August, 2014
Penrith have rode a James Segeyaro double – as well as some luck from the video referees – to consolidate their spot in the top four with a 22-16 victory over the Bulldogs on Friday night.
The win halted a worrying two-game slide but came at a major cost, with hard-working lock Elijah Taylor believed to have suffered a season-ending ACL injury. Brent Kite (pec) and Bryce Cartwright (ankle) also picked up injuries in the victory.
It was the second time in a week Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has lost a player for the season to an ACL, after skipper Peter Wallace busted his knee against Cronulla last week.
But the pain certainly didn't hurt as much as that suffered by a disjointed Bulldogs side, who had three first half tries disallowed and were down 22-0 before scoring the final three tries of the match.
From the moment Sam Kasiano sent Brent Kite careering back onto the ANZ Stadium turf from the first hit up of the match, this clash was always going to be an intense contest between two top four teams.
The tone was set when Bulldogs skipper Michael Ennis was marched ten for entangling himself on a Jamie Soward quick tap.
Two minutes later it was his opposite number in James Segeyaro who scurried his way through for a trademark dummy half try under the black dot.
Segeyaro's solo effort ended as the only points of the half, but it was just the prelude to a frenetic ten minute period that infuriated the 11,832 pro-Bulldogs crowd.
First there was a 17th-minute Josh Reynolds pearler off his hip that put Josh Jackson into space – only for the second-rower to be pulled back for a forward pass.
Then there was Chase Stanley's one-on-one in the backfield with Matt Moylan in the 22nd, beating the Panthers fullback to the corner – and popping his shoulder in the process – but ruled by the video referees to have had a layer of skin touching the sideline.
Then when Elijah Taylor suffered his knee injury and turned the ball over in the next set, the home side thought they were in again.
A right-side shift ended in wingman Corey Thompson over in the opposite corner, only to have it again taken off them for an obstruction by Reni Maitua in the lead-up.
But it was the final controversial no-try call on Tim Lafai's effort in the 27th minute – one that Ennis had enthusiastically applauded leading referee Matt Cecchin when he initially called try – that had the Bulldogs truly incensed.
Lafai appeared to have planted the ball over the line but after numerous replays, the call was overruled and judged to have lost grip of the ball before grounding it.
If the Bulldogs faithful had used the half-time breather to calm themselves down, then a 46th minute decision by the referees in the box to award Segeyaro his second would've instantly reddened their faces as the visitors sauntered out to an early 12-0 lead.
Hopes of a comeback lengthened when Penrith's 52nd minute left-side swing ended in Cecchin giving his first try of the match without any help from upstairs to winger Josh Mansour.
Soward's sideline attempt swung wide, but the early gut punches drew the life out of the hosts and Moylan's slicing run through in the 63rd drew an exodus of Bulldogs fans headed to the exits.
The home side eventually broke through for their first points courtesy of a 68th minute Lafai try that got a rapturous applause from the crowd, before Kasiano and Trent Hodkinson added consolation tries in the final ten minutes.
Penrith Panthers - 22 (Segeyaro 2, Mansour, Moylan tries; Soward 3 goals)
Defeated
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs - 16 (Lafai, Kasiano, Hodkinson tries; Hodkinson 2 goals)
Crowd: 11,832
http://www.nrl.com/injuries-sour-panthers-win/tabid/10874/newsid/80700/default.aspx
- - - Updated - - -
Defensive masterclass secures Manly win
By Chris Kennedy, National Correspondent
NRL.com
9:40pm Fri 01st August, 2014
A Manly Sea Eagles outfit that wasted three clear-cut scoring chances still proved too good for Brisbane in a 16-4 win at Brookvale on Friday night on the back of a defensive masterclass in front of 12,873 fans.
Centre Steve Matai, who spent the last 15 minutes of the first half off getting a concussion test, produced a series of great defensive reads and stinging hits while five-eighth Kieran Foran shook off a bad case of flu to star in attack and defence.
There was also yet another Brookvale try for Brett "the Prince of Brookvale" Stewart, taking his career tally to 143 and his Brookvale total to 75 in 81 games.
Daly Cherry-Evans was also very good, despite being involved in three fluffed tries in the first half, only one of which was his fault.
The win also keeps Manly four points clear at the top of the ladder ahead of Penrith, who upset the Bulldogs to stay within four of the Sea Eagles.
A resolute first half from both sides resulted in a 4-all scorecard at half time as Manly failed to capitalise on a stiff breeze at their backs and several clear-cut scoring chances.
With both sides having lost a gun centre (Steve Matai to concussion from a high shot that found Matt Gillett on report, and Justin Hodges to a hamstring strain) during the half, Brisbane would have been happier with the level score after having weathered plenty of Manly’s attack.
However, only Matai would return after half time.
The first missed opportunity for the home side, clad in blue and gold Wolverine gear, came after Brisbane put the kick-off – into the breeze – out on the full and Cherry-Evans dummied and crossed out to the right, but he lost the ball over the line.
Later in the half Anthony Watmough dropped it as he crossed off a Cherry-Evans short ball almost on the same spot.
Lyon also bombed a try on the right when he was supporting a Cherry-Evans line break.
The half grubbered ahead for Lyon, who didn't get the bounce he wanted and toed it forward but his kick was too big.
However he had previously scored his side's only points of the half after around 10 minutes of play when Manly went first left then right where Lyon caught the Broncos short, dummied and crossed out wide but couldn't add the extras.
Jack Reed scored Brisbane's only try, and he scored it on the left having only just been moved there in a reshuffle after Hodges' departure, with Corey Oates taking Reed's spot on the right wing.
A Ben Hunt cross field bomb found a leaping Dan Vidot, who marked the ball and laid it back for Reed to cross in the corner and level the scores after 32 minutes.
After the second half resumption the deadlock was broken after 56 minutes through one of the most amazing tries of the season.
In an almost indescribable last tackle play, Manly threw the ball through virtually every player in the side, producing offload after offload, almost being tackled several times, and going further and further backwards until it got to Lyon who spotted a gap at the right and grubbered through for Hiku to score in the corner and an 8-4 advantage.
After again having to absorb several repeat sets at their line – which eventually broke down for the frustrated Broncos through another error – Manly looked to have put the result almost beyond doubt when Foran ran through half a gap and found Stewart in support for a 14-4 lead with 10 to go.
There were some shaky moments shortly after when Foran spilled the kick-off to hand Brisbane a chance to get back in the match but the visitors were proving even more wasteful than their hosts and immediately coughed the ball up.
The only further points were added via a 78th minute penalty goal to Lyon as Manly ran out 16-4 winners.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles - 16 (Lyon, Hiku, Stewart tries; Lyon 2 goals)
Defeated
Brisbane Broncos - 4 (Reed try)
Crowd: 12,873
http://www.nrl.com/defensive-masterclass-secures-manly-win/tabid/10874/newsid/80699/default.aspx
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Gold Coast Titans without major sponsor for 2015 after iSelect calls time on partnership
THE Gold Coast Titans are without a major sponsor for 2015 after iSelect pulled the pin on the final two years of its million-dollar contract.
The Titans trumpeted the signing of the online comparison company as a naming rights sponsor for four years in 2012 with the deal to expire at the end of the 2016 season.
But iSelect renegotiated the deal late last year following the resignation of CEO David May, who was a former iSelect marketing officer, to end at the conclusion of 2014.
iSelect refused to respond to questions about the decision on Friday.
The company’s share price has fallen from $1.85 to $1.215 in the past year.
The new arrangement was struck while club co-owner Darryl Kelly and former boss Michael Searle were running the club.
The decision has left the Titans battling to find a new major sponsor for next season.
Titans CEO Graham Annesley took up the role after the decision was made and said he had some concerns over the club’s position.
“Before I got here there was a negotiated revision of that deal,” he said.
“We’re actually in negotiation with a number of major international companies, We’re seeing two of them next week.
“We’re very hopeful we’ll get a good deal in the not too distant future but these things are never done until they’re signed on the dotted line.
“It’s always a concern until people sign. Major sponsorship is a critical source of our revenue. I’m confident we’ll get a good deal.”
iSelect signed on as a premier partner and front of jersey sponsor in 2011 while May was with the company.
“This is our first major sponsorship arrangement and we are delighted it’s with one of Australia’s leading professional sports organisations,” May said at the time.
“It’s clear from looking around here today that the Titans have strong ties with the local community and that’s a value we share at iSelect.”
They upgraded their relationship to a naming rights sponsor, replacing inaugural sponsor Jetstar, midway through 2012, in a deal which was supposed to run from 2013 until the end of 2016.
Shortly after the upgrading, May left iSelect to replace Searle as CEO of the club following the financial scandal surrounding the Centre of Excellence building in Robina.
May lasted 11 months in the role before resigning. iSelect approached the Titans to renegotiate the arrangement soon after.
The Titans’ sales and sponsorship departments are now racing to find a major partner before the commencement of the 2015 season.
The club’s board has also commissioned a “full review” into its on and off-field operations following a string of losses, dwindling support and revenue concerns.
Local branding expert Luke MacDonald, of 40/40 Creative, said the club’s image had been damaged.
“The image of the code has been really damaged of late and the image of the club has been damaged pretty severely,” he said.
“That makes it a challenge from a sponsorship perspective (but) they are trying to make changes.
“It’s been a pretty tumultuous time for the Titans.
“Right from when the Centre of Excellence started crumbling they’ve had a problem on and off the field.
“The success the Suns are having on the field, and support the AFL gives them, is a huge challenge for the Titans.
If the Titans miss the finals for a fourth straight season they will likely begin pre-season training on November 3 and will need their training kits to be badged with the 2015 sponsors.
The Titans yesterday announced local builder Pivotal Homes as its jersey sponsor for next year’s Auckland Nines campaign.
Pivotal Homes principal Mick Irwin has been a club member since taking up the second ever membership issued with the Titans in 2006.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...e-on-partnership/story-fni3grk4-1227010506266
- - - Updated - - -
Fundraiser for Simon Dwyer presents fresh hope for medical procedure
SIMON Dwyer already has his first $10,000 spent.
He is buying hope.Some time later this month, or the next, heading for the Gold Coast to see if a radical medical procedure, one which has already brought life to the legs of Australian Paralympian John McLean, might do the same for his limp right arm.
Call it rugby league’s comeback of the year.One beginning overnight when, at a Wests Leagues fundraiser initially capped at 400, a capacity crowd of 577 - including Brad Fittler, Benji Marshall, Beau Ryan and Tim Sheens - squeezed together to raise funds for the ‘Forgotten Man of Rugby League’.
As first revealed by The Daily Telegraph in May, Dwyer hasn’t received a cent in the three years since tearing five nerves from his spinal chord while attempting a tackle.
Despite being dubbed a future NSW Origin forward, he had no contact from the NRL.
Nor the Rugby League Players Association.
Even Wests Tigers, where he is employed as a video analyst, are still unable to guarantee his future beyond October.
And still he was reluctant to be interviewed.
Same deal when Fittler, who every year has the 25-year-old on his City Origin staff, suggested they organise a tribute dinner.
“My fear was showing up and being the only one here.”
“Instead, he arrived to a packed house.
“And if you can put aside for a minute the fact this even needed to happen, or that the $200,000 organisers hope to raise is exactly what his contract payout should have been - and would be today under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement - you still arrive at a story of hope.
Understanding how for 10 large, Dwyer can possibly undergo the same program another injured footballer labels his “miracle”.
Once a promising leaguie with the Penrith Panthers, McLean was 22, and on a training ride along the M4, when an eight tonne truck hit his pushbike from behind - breaking his back, pelvis, right arm, ribs, fracturing his sternum, puncturing his lung and rendering him a paraplegic.
In the years since, this gritty Sydneysider has swum the English Channel, won a Paralympic silver medal in rowing, even become the first wheelchair athlete to complete the Hawaiian Ironman.
Then last year ... well, he walked.
After extensive work with Queensland sports therapist Ken Ware, whose ‘tremor process’ sends affected areas into spasm, the Paralympian took his first unaided steps after 25 years in a wheelchair.
Now Dwyer hopes it might be his saviour too.
Reminded that he has also become something of a poster boy for the NRL insurance debate, he replies softly:
“Poster boy? Nah, not at all.
“Yes, I really do hope things change for the guys playing now. But, for me, I just want to get my arm back.
“And wether this tremor therapy up on the Gold Coast works, who knows?
“But I have to believe. I have to hope.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...edical-procedure/story-fni3fbgz-1227010576680
- TRAVIS MEYN
- THE COURIER-MAIL
- AUGUST 02, 2014 12:00AM
THE Gold Coast Titans are without a major sponsor for 2015 after iSelect pulled the pin on the final two years of its million-dollar contract.
The Titans trumpeted the signing of the online comparison company as a naming rights sponsor for four years in 2012 with the deal to expire at the end of the 2016 season.
But iSelect renegotiated the deal late last year following the resignation of CEO David May, who was a former iSelect marketing officer, to end at the conclusion of 2014.
iSelect refused to respond to questions about the decision on Friday.
The company’s share price has fallen from $1.85 to $1.215 in the past year.
The new arrangement was struck while club co-owner Darryl Kelly and former boss Michael Searle were running the club.
The decision has left the Titans battling to find a new major sponsor for next season.
Titans CEO Graham Annesley took up the role after the decision was made and said he had some concerns over the club’s position.
“Before I got here there was a negotiated revision of that deal,” he said.
“We’re actually in negotiation with a number of major international companies, We’re seeing two of them next week.
“We’re very hopeful we’ll get a good deal in the not too distant future but these things are never done until they’re signed on the dotted line.
“It’s always a concern until people sign. Major sponsorship is a critical source of our revenue. I’m confident we’ll get a good deal.”
iSelect signed on as a premier partner and front of jersey sponsor in 2011 while May was with the company.
“This is our first major sponsorship arrangement and we are delighted it’s with one of Australia’s leading professional sports organisations,” May said at the time.
“It’s clear from looking around here today that the Titans have strong ties with the local community and that’s a value we share at iSelect.”
They upgraded their relationship to a naming rights sponsor, replacing inaugural sponsor Jetstar, midway through 2012, in a deal which was supposed to run from 2013 until the end of 2016.
Shortly after the upgrading, May left iSelect to replace Searle as CEO of the club following the financial scandal surrounding the Centre of Excellence building in Robina.
May lasted 11 months in the role before resigning. iSelect approached the Titans to renegotiate the arrangement soon after.
The Titans’ sales and sponsorship departments are now racing to find a major partner before the commencement of the 2015 season.
The club’s board has also commissioned a “full review” into its on and off-field operations following a string of losses, dwindling support and revenue concerns.
Local branding expert Luke MacDonald, of 40/40 Creative, said the club’s image had been damaged.
“The image of the code has been really damaged of late and the image of the club has been damaged pretty severely,” he said.
“That makes it a challenge from a sponsorship perspective (but) they are trying to make changes.
“It’s been a pretty tumultuous time for the Titans.
“Right from when the Centre of Excellence started crumbling they’ve had a problem on and off the field.
“The success the Suns are having on the field, and support the AFL gives them, is a huge challenge for the Titans.
If the Titans miss the finals for a fourth straight season they will likely begin pre-season training on November 3 and will need their training kits to be badged with the 2015 sponsors.
The Titans yesterday announced local builder Pivotal Homes as its jersey sponsor for next year’s Auckland Nines campaign.
Pivotal Homes principal Mick Irwin has been a club member since taking up the second ever membership issued with the Titans in 2006.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...e-on-partnership/story-fni3grk4-1227010506266
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Fundraiser for Simon Dwyer presents fresh hope for medical procedure
- NICK WALSHAW
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- AUGUST 02, 2014 12:00AM
SIMON Dwyer already has his first $10,000 spent.
He is buying hope.Some time later this month, or the next, heading for the Gold Coast to see if a radical medical procedure, one which has already brought life to the legs of Australian Paralympian John McLean, might do the same for his limp right arm.
Call it rugby league’s comeback of the year.One beginning overnight when, at a Wests Leagues fundraiser initially capped at 400, a capacity crowd of 577 - including Brad Fittler, Benji Marshall, Beau Ryan and Tim Sheens - squeezed together to raise funds for the ‘Forgotten Man of Rugby League’.
As first revealed by The Daily Telegraph in May, Dwyer hasn’t received a cent in the three years since tearing five nerves from his spinal chord while attempting a tackle.
Despite being dubbed a future NSW Origin forward, he had no contact from the NRL.
Nor the Rugby League Players Association.
Even Wests Tigers, where he is employed as a video analyst, are still unable to guarantee his future beyond October.
And still he was reluctant to be interviewed.
Same deal when Fittler, who every year has the 25-year-old on his City Origin staff, suggested they organise a tribute dinner.
“My fear was showing up and being the only one here.”
“Instead, he arrived to a packed house.
“And if you can put aside for a minute the fact this even needed to happen, or that the $200,000 organisers hope to raise is exactly what his contract payout should have been - and would be today under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement - you still arrive at a story of hope.
Understanding how for 10 large, Dwyer can possibly undergo the same program another injured footballer labels his “miracle”.
Once a promising leaguie with the Penrith Panthers, McLean was 22, and on a training ride along the M4, when an eight tonne truck hit his pushbike from behind - breaking his back, pelvis, right arm, ribs, fracturing his sternum, puncturing his lung and rendering him a paraplegic.
In the years since, this gritty Sydneysider has swum the English Channel, won a Paralympic silver medal in rowing, even become the first wheelchair athlete to complete the Hawaiian Ironman.
Then last year ... well, he walked.
After extensive work with Queensland sports therapist Ken Ware, whose ‘tremor process’ sends affected areas into spasm, the Paralympian took his first unaided steps after 25 years in a wheelchair.
Now Dwyer hopes it might be his saviour too.
Reminded that he has also become something of a poster boy for the NRL insurance debate, he replies softly:
“Poster boy? Nah, not at all.
“Yes, I really do hope things change for the guys playing now. But, for me, I just want to get my arm back.
“And wether this tremor therapy up on the Gold Coast works, who knows?
“But I have to believe. I have to hope.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...edical-procedure/story-fni3fbgz-1227010576680