rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Not sure if this deserved it's own thread but I felt like celebrating with all of these great headlines 
NSW Blues' Origin opener out of Maroons' playbook
Jarryd Hayne scores for the Blues. Picture: Philip Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph
IT was a Queensland play that got NSW off the mark when Jarryd Hayne crashed over in the opening minutes of the first half.
After a smart inside ball from second-rower Luke Lewis, Hayne found his way past several Maroons defenders and then stretched out to score."We did it at training, mimicking Queensland for our defence and we just thought we'd throw it into our attack," Hayne said.History is with NSW ending the seven-year hoodoo, with 23 of 31 series ultimately being won by whoever takes out the opener.
Blues lock Greg Bird said a strong start was vital."It has been quite a relaxed week but we always wanted to build up to that first half because we know how dominant they can be if they get some momentum," Bird said."We looked at last year's games and tried to repeat what worked last year."Bird said NSW were looking forward to the challenge at Suncorp Stadium.
"We are not getting ahead of ourselves. It's 1-0 and we have a big job to do," he said.Blues rookie Andrew Fifita celebrated the win on the sideline with his young son, niece and nephew."It's the first time I've seen the three of them together. I just wanted to prove to my whole family that I could play Origin," he said.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...maroons-playbook/story-fni3fqyo-1226658163520
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Canberra flyer Blake Ferguson impressive in Origin debut
Blake Ferguson takes a bomb in front of Darius Boyd. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph
BLAKE Ferguson, they say, can be summed up by his first ever Origin touch.
"Not that he knocked on," says Blues assistant Trent Barrett. "But that he never made another mistake for the rest of the night."After fumbling with his first touch in a sky blue jersey - "trying to play the ball too quick," as he remembers it - Ferguson enjoyed an outstanding Origin debut 14 years after his cousin Anthony Mundine."Absolutely awesome, best experience of my life," he said afterwards, bare-chested and bopping in a jubilant Blues dressing room."I made that one mistake with my first touch but I didn't do anything wrong after that. Now I just have to go back to Canberra, work my arse off and stay in this team. And that's all I really wanna say right now ... "
While NSW Coach Laurie Daley said afterwards that Ferguson "has no idea how good he can be", fellow Blues great Barrett disagreed ever so slightly."Oh, I think he knows exactly how good he can be," Barrett grinned. "You just ask him."I've known Fergo since he started out at Cronulla. He has a great future ahead of him. But it's our job now to keep his feet on the ground and make sure he keeps improving."For Blake, it's his job to go home to Canberra and play well for the Raiders. He owes (coach) David Furner that much. But he certainly had a great night."While Ferguson's nan Joan made the trip down from Wellington for the game, the Raiders flyer admitted he couldn't coax pop Rex down to the big smoke for his Origin debut."But that's fine - he never likes to go far anyway," the new Blue laughed. "He's always been one of my biggest supporters and I wouldn't have been there tonight without him."Nan was here and I spoke to her before the game. Nothing too much, I'm big enough and ugly enough to look after myself out there now."Apart from helping the Blues to a win in the series opener, Ferguson also did the unthinkable - returning cousin Mundine to the Blues fold.
After years of cheering the Queenslanders following his controversial departure from league, the former world champion boxer was among the crowd of 80,000 to cheer the footballer he has watched since a child.And in cause for further celebrations for the Ferguson clan, another cousin Reimis Smith - the son of former NRL forward Tyran Smith - was part of the triumphant NSW under-16s side.Despite having his own game to prepare for, Ferguson stayed on the sidelines to watch the young Blues centre and was there on the ground to embrace him immediately after the win."But that's how we are in this family," he said. "We support one another."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-in-origin-debut/story-fni3fqyo-1226658185016
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NSW coach Laurie Daley's faith is rewarded
A day out from Origin I and Laurie Daley was having a chat about his private fears.
The rookie coach conceded the 10-day build-up could not have been more perfect - but his optimism came with a disclaimer.As Daley jokingly said as he filed his pre-match column for The Daily Telegraph: "I've gone into camps where everything that could go wrong has gone wrong and we played brilliantly."I've gone into camps where everything was great and we played like busteds. I just know we could not have had a better camp and I know the boys are as ready as I can get them."There is no truer line spoken in rugby league than "you couldn't meet a nicer bloke than Laurie Daley". Last night Daley proved nice guys don't have to finish last.NSW could not have performed more brilliantly and so much of the credit has to go back to the coach for the no-fuss way he prepared this team. No mind games, just plenty of trust and hard work.Those two opening kicks from Pearce and Maloney gave you an insight into where their minds were - and the way Hayne exploded into the game also showed he was out to prove a point.Last night was just the third time Hayne has played fullback for NSW in 17 appearances.
Laurie Daley has started his coaching career at the Blues with a win.
It's fair to say he has finally found his rightful home.All over the park the Blues were on their game.The forwards rolled as one - the backs sharp and dangerous.In his first Origin, Maloney barked orders like he owned the joint, and his influence over Pearce was evident from the get-go.It said so much about the trust Daley put in both players in the weeks and months leading up to the series opener.We all know how Daley said Pearce had the halfback's job from day one. But what Daley never stated so publicly was the wrap he had on Maloney - and why.Not just because of the way he plays, confidently and with a touch of mongrel. But more so the way he brings out the best in Pearce.
Last night Daley's so-called gamble paid off big time - and you just couldn't fault the way he drove his bench.Gallen and Fifita combined like clockwork in the first half. Gallen didn't play the big minutes in the opening 40 but Fifita m¬lL•Ç¼%PÑŠ„-137039435or his absence.Then Daley%-1370394566_i-12889_i-13704132960the fray to stand toe-to-toe with Nate Myles. Bang, bang, and old Nate's forehead was bigger than it ever was courtesy of a wicked left-right combination.The inspirational skipper chalked up 177m by full-time, Luke Lewis the same - and there wasn't a better player on the park.But all over they worked hard and they worked for each other.Watmough, Bird, Hoffman - Daley always said this was about the team, not individuals.
Josh Morris had his best game of the year - and what about Michael Jennings?Again, you go back to the faith NSW put in this bloke last year when Ricky Stuart plucked Jennings out of NSW Cup.Last night Jennings' strength and speed resulted in a wonderful try - again, it repaid the faith.They led 14-0 at the break and looked like winners - then ground out a memorable win.Hopefully that is the start that will end seven years of NSW heartache. Winning the first game is like striking gold - and last night rugby league's best bloke got lucky.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...aith-is-rewarded/story-fni3fqyo-1226658175890
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NSW playmaker James Maloney too cool for Origin curse
BAREFOOT, James Maloney walked through the hotel lobby.
His shorts were slung low. Plain white shirt, untucked. All up, exuding exactly the type of calm required when up against an Origin hoodoo stretching back to ... well, forever.Yep, at 2pm yesterday, the NSW Origin side had never won with a debutant five-eighth. From Alan Thompson way back in 1980, it was a curse carried by no less than Brett Kenny, Laurie Daley, even Brad "Freddie" Fittler.So as he ambled towards the front desk of the Pullman Hotel - for exactly what it was impossible to know - you reckoned that, just maybe, there was a chance this knockabout bushie from the Ourimbah Magpies was ready.Ready for the curse, for Queensland and for 80,380 fans who, within a few hours, would comprise the largest Origin I crowd ever.Certainly, cruising about the foyer like he was into week three of a Balinese holiday, it was impossible to imagine this was the same bloke who, when asked how he felt in a team meeting the night before, had told all and sundry: "I'm ready to f...en kill 'em."Nor did Maloney look the bloke who, over the opening 40 minutes, would so energetically take this game by the scruff of the neck. Providing the steadying hand in a half of tries, stinks, headbutts, even an attempted pitch invasion.Indeed, for the past couple of hours, the entire Blues side had milled around the foyer looking mellower than a Sunday school picnic. More laid-back than a Jason recliner.Finding a Steeden from seemingly behind his ear, Maloney lobbed passes in the lobby to, first, Blake Ferguson. Next up, Mitchell Pearce.
James Maloney celebrates the Blues' game one victory with the fans.
He even threw a couple to Freddy, who just happened to be wearing the coolest boardies sighted on anyone since Big Wednesday.Call it the calm before the storm. Take Michael Jennings, who ambled as if sleepwalking.In the lead-up to this game Jennings was asked if he was, despite suggestions to the contrary out Penrith way, a $600,000 player."More," was the response.After what he produced after 37 minutes - those jinking, stepping, fending 15m subsequently capped by pushing through some 200kg of Queenslanders to score - well, it would take better than an Oxford debate team to argue it.Moments after Jennings scored, Twitter lit up like Willie Nelson at band practice. Paralympian Kurt Fearnley: "Freak." IBF world champion Daniel Geale: "Brilliant."And what about Paul Gallen? Tired of Queensland forward Nate Myles leading "series after series" with his head, the Blues skipper decided to use his fist.By the time this one was done, Myles had taken more hits than Coopercronk.com following his "fire in the village" sermon.Had you been at the Pullman Hotel around noon, you would've heard from a certain Blues staffer how the stink was the surest bet since Fine Cotton. You just wouldn't have picked it.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...for-origin-curse/story-fni3fqyo-1226658159343
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NSW skipper Paul Gallen on report after letting the fists fly at Queesland's Nate Myles
PAUL Gallen finally had enough last night. Fed-up with losing - and with Queenslander Nate Myles.
In a highly controversial moment, the NSW skipper snapped before halftime in last night's brutal State of Origin opener, belting Myles twice in the head.
Most loved it, some hated it. Gallen though was making a stand. He - and his side - were sick of taking rubbish off Myles and the Maroons.Myles infuriated the Blues by leading with his head in a first-half tackle that floored Blues fullback Jarryd Hayne. Gallen claimed Myles had been "headbutting".The get-square was always coming.Gallen was later hit with a grade two striking charge. He was not punished for a swinging arm in the same tackle. If he pleads guilty, Gallen will miss one NRL game."Nate Myles has been dominating Origin for the past three years - someone had to stand up to him," Gallen said.
NSW skipper Paul Gallen lets the fists fly at Queensland's Nate Myles. Picture courtesy of Channel 9
"We have had enough of being bullied. That is a compliment to him."Blues coach Laurie Daley added: "It was one of the great Origin moments as far as I'm concerned."NSW took the first step toward ending Queensland's Origin dominance with a famous 14-6 win over the Maroons before 80,380 fans at a noisy ANZ Stadium.It was a triumph for Daley, in charge of his first game as NSW coach. Defeat will knock some arrogance out of this all-conquering Maroons side.What would State of Origin be without a brawl?
Last night's match boiled over on halftime when Gallen and Myles came to blows.The pair shaped up before Gallen landed two blows - a left and right - which both connected on Myles' chin.Players rushed in, the match reached flashpoint.As the two teams were separated, the drama appeared ready to boil-over again with a verbal altercation between Gallen and Maroons centre Greg Inglis.Angered at Myles, Gallen told referee Ashley Klein: "He is getting my knee and twisting it every time. He's been doing it series after series, headbutting and twisting."
QLD's Nate Myles and NSW captain Paul Gallen in a punch up. Picture: Costello Brett
Replays showed Myles led with his head in the Hayne tackle in the 25th minute.Blues halfback Mitchell Pearce told Klein: "Leading with his head."Asked after the game did Gallen make a stand, Daley said: "One-hundred per cent. I wouldn't expect too much (action against Gallen)."It was a tough, brutal game. I would be disappointed if anything came of it."Queensland coach Mal Meninga seemed unconcerned by the incident. Asked what action should be taken, Meninga said: "That is a decision for the adjudicators. It's Origin football. We are comfortable with any decision. In a normal game he may have got 10 minutes in the sin-bin."There is no doubt Myles annoys NSW with his controversial tackling technique.North Queensland forward Tariq Sims tweeted: "Gal, that's passion right there!"Mark Geyer, the NSW legend, tweeted: 'It's not a club game boys ... it's Origin!"Raiders winger Sandor Earl tweeted: "Yesss Gal."The sell-out crowd cheered when a replay on the big screen showed Gallen landing blows on Myles.Daley had no intention of resting Gallen after the incident. The Sharks legend led NSW straight back on to the field after halftime.Gallen remained fresh during the opening half by playing in two stints. Daley rested Gallen - usually an 80-minute player - after only 16 minutes.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...lands-nate-myles/story-fni3fqyo-1226658109585
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Barba's family together again
Ben Barba with partner Ainslie Currie at State of Origin I at ANZ Stadium. Picture: Dan HimbrechtsSource: The Daily Telegraph
THE best feel-good stories on State of Origin night often get lost in the madness of 80 spectacular minutes of brutal football.
Sure, the Blues won the game, a number of the boys had blinders and we're just 80 minutes away from ending the most painful origin dominance in rugby league history.Sometimes we get too carried away with tackle counts and try-assists, errors and offloads, metres and man-of-the-match awards.There is a human side to this game too.High in the grandstands above all the action, Dally M champion Ben Barba was there as an ambassador for ANZ Stadium.He could so easily have been out in the middle in a Queensland jersey if his life hadn't gone so seriously off the rails in the off-season.Barba split from childhood sweetheart Ainslie Currie, the mother of his two daughters, last November.Last night the pair attended the game together.
Ben, Ainslie, in her Maroons jersey, and their gorgeous daughters Bronte and Bodhi.It was revealed the couple have taken their first steps on the road to reconciliation.Recently the family have been travelling to Bulldogs games together. They are doing counselling.His relationship with Lauren Tweddle is definitely over.The signs are promising, according those closest to the couple."It's nice to be here with the family," Barba said last night. "Our relationship is a private matter."We're working our way through things and hopefully we'll get back together."Next time, in game two at Suncorp, Barba might not be sitting in the stands judging by Queensland's lacklustre performance last night.Sure, they came back and threatened in the second half, but if ever a side needs an injection of the natural brilliance the Bulldogs fullback can provide, it's the Maroons.Last night's side looking nothing like the dominant champions of the past seven years. Nowhere near it.Now the Blues are on the verge of reclaiming interstate supremacy.
Since the introduction of a three-game series in 1982, the team that has won game one has gone on to win the series 23 times (from 31 series), including in the past four years.There is still a long way to go for the Blues but last night they couldn't have been more impressive, except for too many handling errors.Finally we've found a halves pairing that can take it to Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston.The first two kicks last night from Roosters pair Mitch Pearce and James Maloney put the Maroons under pressure and set the tone for the night.What a difference it made for the halves to be playing behind a big, strong and mobile pack that finished on top of the Maroons in the battle for the hard yards.
* * *GALLEN V SONNY BILL?
PAUL Gallen has never had much time for the way Nate Myles plays the game.It's why he let go with a swinging arm and two massive punches on the Queenslander shortly before half-time.Gallen has been waiting for the opportunity for a couple of years. He's no angel himself but thinks Myles is a dirty player. He's spoken of his anger among his NSW teammates for years.During the off-season, Gallen stepped into the boxing ring and showed remarkable skill.It would be a promoter's dream to put him into the ring opposite Sonny Bill Williams.
* * *DALEY'S TRIBUTE TO FAMILY
THE preparation complete, a relaxed Laurie Daley left the Blues' camp at lunchtime yesterday to drive to his home in Northbridge."I just wanted to thank my family for their support and their love," Daley said. "I haven't seen a lot of the kids lately and tonight will be so busy. At the end of the day, they are the most important people in my life."The man he replaced, Ricky Stuart, kept his distance from the Blues during the build-up to last night's game.It was out of respect to former Canberra Raiders teammate Daley.Before the game, Stuart sent the players an email through team manager Gavin Wood.It was read out to the players at their jersey presentation on Tuesday night.
* * *HIGHLIGHT-
THE 15,000-strong Blatchy’s Blues are even bigger and better than the RBB or the Barmy Army. The atmosphere they create is worth 10 points to the Blues.
LOWLIGHT -
SWIMMER Jessicah Schipper launched an extraordinary Twitter attack as Blues legend interviewed Paul Gallen after the game. "Now we have a grub talking to a a drugo love the @NSWRL" she wrote. "Andrew Johns self-confessed ecstasy user gallen is a grub. facts are facts". Talk about a sore loser.
DELAYED RECORD -
JOHNATHAN Thurston’s decision to hand the goalkicking duties to Cameron Smith last night has delayed his quest to become the highest pointscorer in Origin history. Thurston remains 21 points shy of Mal Meninga’s record of 161 points.
LOYAL NUMBERS -
NO wonder they talk about Queensland’s loyalty all the time. Since Origin began in 1980, the Blues have used 246 players and Queensland only 173
CAFE COYNE -
QUEENSLAND’S drink waiter last night was none other than former centre Mark Coyne, who provided the pregame Caramel mocha lattes for Mal Meninga and his coaching staff.
WRONG MOORING -
HERE’S more proof of the farce that allows Greg Inglis to play for Queensland. The boat he was
‘given’ by the Melbourne Storm during the salary cap scandal is garaged at his parents’ home on the NSW mid-north coast, where GI was born and raised.
SALLY M POINTS - WRONG MOORING (WORST ON GROUND)
3 NATE MYLES For headbutting Gallen’s knuckles – twice
2 FATTY VAUTIN Loves it when QLD fights but overreacted to Gallen’s punch-up
1 JOHNATHAN THURSTON - A rare off-night for the Cowboys and Maroons superstar
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/barbas-family-together-again/story-fni3fh9n-1226658166702
Nate Myles Headbutting Gal's knuckles twice
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State of Origin belief returns to NSW
By James MacSmith
AAP
Wed 05th June, 10:25pm
For much of the contest Queensland were served the bitter taste of Origin dominance they have spent so long dispensing
NSW dominated on every count you want to mention in State of Origin I but the marks of years of Queensland dominance were just as evident.
Think a pink-ribbon scar rather than a seven-year itch.
At 14-0 the Blues had every chance to put the game away but left the door open for yet another dramatic Maroons comeback.
That it didn't happen was a credit to NSW's resolve and composure. Look at debutant Blake Ferguson patiently waiting to put up a ball bouncing like a grenade as Darius Boyd bore down on him.
For much of the contest Queensland were served the bitter taste of Origin dominance they have spent so long dispensing. The Blues were mighty up front and ate up the metres around the ruck and the Maroons had few answers.
Queensland were faced with an image of themselves in the mirror and didn't know how to react.
If you can't beat `em, join `em, they say. For NSW it was at least a case of playing like them and we might finally be witnessing the end of an era.
The Blues' kicking game was better. Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney outpointed their illustrious and proven halves rivals in Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston.
A man-of-the-match effort from Luke Lewis, not Nate Myles, and a piece of individual brilliance from Michael Jennings, not Greg Inglis, Billy Slater or Cameron Smith, told the tale of another classic Origin battle.
New NSW coach Laurie Daley didn't say much in public in the lead-up to the Origin opener but he has been furiously working behind the scenes since last year and his meticulous preparation has paid dividends.
The delightful set play that produced Jarryd Hayne's opening try is proof of that.
That Queensland were outplayed so comprehensively yet only lost 14-6 will be of some comfort and it will not surprise if we return to ANZ Stadium in six weeks with the series locked at one-all.
But that belief that has eluded NSW for so long was there in spades. Simply look at how debutants Maloney, Ferguson and Andrew Fifita played. They were not overawed by the occasion. Rather the opposite.
Queensland were not at their best but much of that was due to the spirit and enterprise of NSW.
State of Origin is well and truly alive.
http://www.nrl.com/state-of-origin-belief-returns-to-nsw/tabid/10874/newsid/72730/default.aspx
NSW Blues' Origin opener out of Maroons' playbook
- DEAN RITCHIE
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JUNE 06, 2013 12:00AM
Jarryd Hayne scores for the Blues. Picture: Philip Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph
IT was a Queensland play that got NSW off the mark when Jarryd Hayne crashed over in the opening minutes of the first half.
After a smart inside ball from second-rower Luke Lewis, Hayne found his way past several Maroons defenders and then stretched out to score."We did it at training, mimicking Queensland for our defence and we just thought we'd throw it into our attack," Hayne said.History is with NSW ending the seven-year hoodoo, with 23 of 31 series ultimately being won by whoever takes out the opener.
Blues lock Greg Bird said a strong start was vital."It has been quite a relaxed week but we always wanted to build up to that first half because we know how dominant they can be if they get some momentum," Bird said."We looked at last year's games and tried to repeat what worked last year."Bird said NSW were looking forward to the challenge at Suncorp Stadium.
"We are not getting ahead of ourselves. It's 1-0 and we have a big job to do," he said.Blues rookie Andrew Fifita celebrated the win on the sideline with his young son, niece and nephew."It's the first time I've seen the three of them together. I just wanted to prove to my whole family that I could play Origin," he said.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...maroons-playbook/story-fni3fqyo-1226658163520
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Canberra flyer Blake Ferguson impressive in Origin debut
- NICK WALSHAW
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JUNE 06, 2013 12:00AM
Blake Ferguson takes a bomb in front of Darius Boyd. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph
BLAKE Ferguson, they say, can be summed up by his first ever Origin touch.
"Not that he knocked on," says Blues assistant Trent Barrett. "But that he never made another mistake for the rest of the night."After fumbling with his first touch in a sky blue jersey - "trying to play the ball too quick," as he remembers it - Ferguson enjoyed an outstanding Origin debut 14 years after his cousin Anthony Mundine."Absolutely awesome, best experience of my life," he said afterwards, bare-chested and bopping in a jubilant Blues dressing room."I made that one mistake with my first touch but I didn't do anything wrong after that. Now I just have to go back to Canberra, work my arse off and stay in this team. And that's all I really wanna say right now ... "
While NSW Coach Laurie Daley said afterwards that Ferguson "has no idea how good he can be", fellow Blues great Barrett disagreed ever so slightly."Oh, I think he knows exactly how good he can be," Barrett grinned. "You just ask him."I've known Fergo since he started out at Cronulla. He has a great future ahead of him. But it's our job now to keep his feet on the ground and make sure he keeps improving."For Blake, it's his job to go home to Canberra and play well for the Raiders. He owes (coach) David Furner that much. But he certainly had a great night."While Ferguson's nan Joan made the trip down from Wellington for the game, the Raiders flyer admitted he couldn't coax pop Rex down to the big smoke for his Origin debut."But that's fine - he never likes to go far anyway," the new Blue laughed. "He's always been one of my biggest supporters and I wouldn't have been there tonight without him."Nan was here and I spoke to her before the game. Nothing too much, I'm big enough and ugly enough to look after myself out there now."Apart from helping the Blues to a win in the series opener, Ferguson also did the unthinkable - returning cousin Mundine to the Blues fold.
After years of cheering the Queenslanders following his controversial departure from league, the former world champion boxer was among the crowd of 80,000 to cheer the footballer he has watched since a child.And in cause for further celebrations for the Ferguson clan, another cousin Reimis Smith - the son of former NRL forward Tyran Smith - was part of the triumphant NSW under-16s side.Despite having his own game to prepare for, Ferguson stayed on the sidelines to watch the young Blues centre and was there on the ground to embrace him immediately after the win."But that's how we are in this family," he said. "We support one another."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-in-origin-debut/story-fni3fqyo-1226658185016
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NSW coach Laurie Daley's faith is rewarded
- PAUL CRAWLEY
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JUNE 06, 2013 12:00AM
A day out from Origin I and Laurie Daley was having a chat about his private fears.
The rookie coach conceded the 10-day build-up could not have been more perfect - but his optimism came with a disclaimer.As Daley jokingly said as he filed his pre-match column for The Daily Telegraph: "I've gone into camps where everything that could go wrong has gone wrong and we played brilliantly."I've gone into camps where everything was great and we played like busteds. I just know we could not have had a better camp and I know the boys are as ready as I can get them."There is no truer line spoken in rugby league than "you couldn't meet a nicer bloke than Laurie Daley". Last night Daley proved nice guys don't have to finish last.NSW could not have performed more brilliantly and so much of the credit has to go back to the coach for the no-fuss way he prepared this team. No mind games, just plenty of trust and hard work.Those two opening kicks from Pearce and Maloney gave you an insight into where their minds were - and the way Hayne exploded into the game also showed he was out to prove a point.Last night was just the third time Hayne has played fullback for NSW in 17 appearances.
Laurie Daley has started his coaching career at the Blues with a win.
It's fair to say he has finally found his rightful home.All over the park the Blues were on their game.The forwards rolled as one - the backs sharp and dangerous.In his first Origin, Maloney barked orders like he owned the joint, and his influence over Pearce was evident from the get-go.It said so much about the trust Daley put in both players in the weeks and months leading up to the series opener.We all know how Daley said Pearce had the halfback's job from day one. But what Daley never stated so publicly was the wrap he had on Maloney - and why.Not just because of the way he plays, confidently and with a touch of mongrel. But more so the way he brings out the best in Pearce.
Last night Daley's so-called gamble paid off big time - and you just couldn't fault the way he drove his bench.Gallen and Fifita combined like clockwork in the first half. Gallen didn't play the big minutes in the opening 40 but Fifita m¬lL•Ç¼%PÑŠ„-137039435or his absence.Then Daley%-1370394566_i-12889_i-13704132960the fray to stand toe-to-toe with Nate Myles. Bang, bang, and old Nate's forehead was bigger than it ever was courtesy of a wicked left-right combination.The inspirational skipper chalked up 177m by full-time, Luke Lewis the same - and there wasn't a better player on the park.But all over they worked hard and they worked for each other.Watmough, Bird, Hoffman - Daley always said this was about the team, not individuals.
Josh Morris had his best game of the year - and what about Michael Jennings?Again, you go back to the faith NSW put in this bloke last year when Ricky Stuart plucked Jennings out of NSW Cup.Last night Jennings' strength and speed resulted in a wonderful try - again, it repaid the faith.They led 14-0 at the break and looked like winners - then ground out a memorable win.Hopefully that is the start that will end seven years of NSW heartache. Winning the first game is like striking gold - and last night rugby league's best bloke got lucky.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...aith-is-rewarded/story-fni3fqyo-1226658175890
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NSW playmaker James Maloney too cool for Origin curse
- NICK WALSHAW
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JUNE 06, 2013 12:00AM
BAREFOOT, James Maloney walked through the hotel lobby.
His shorts were slung low. Plain white shirt, untucked. All up, exuding exactly the type of calm required when up against an Origin hoodoo stretching back to ... well, forever.Yep, at 2pm yesterday, the NSW Origin side had never won with a debutant five-eighth. From Alan Thompson way back in 1980, it was a curse carried by no less than Brett Kenny, Laurie Daley, even Brad "Freddie" Fittler.So as he ambled towards the front desk of the Pullman Hotel - for exactly what it was impossible to know - you reckoned that, just maybe, there was a chance this knockabout bushie from the Ourimbah Magpies was ready.Ready for the curse, for Queensland and for 80,380 fans who, within a few hours, would comprise the largest Origin I crowd ever.Certainly, cruising about the foyer like he was into week three of a Balinese holiday, it was impossible to imagine this was the same bloke who, when asked how he felt in a team meeting the night before, had told all and sundry: "I'm ready to f...en kill 'em."Nor did Maloney look the bloke who, over the opening 40 minutes, would so energetically take this game by the scruff of the neck. Providing the steadying hand in a half of tries, stinks, headbutts, even an attempted pitch invasion.Indeed, for the past couple of hours, the entire Blues side had milled around the foyer looking mellower than a Sunday school picnic. More laid-back than a Jason recliner.Finding a Steeden from seemingly behind his ear, Maloney lobbed passes in the lobby to, first, Blake Ferguson. Next up, Mitchell Pearce.
James Maloney celebrates the Blues' game one victory with the fans.
He even threw a couple to Freddy, who just happened to be wearing the coolest boardies sighted on anyone since Big Wednesday.Call it the calm before the storm. Take Michael Jennings, who ambled as if sleepwalking.In the lead-up to this game Jennings was asked if he was, despite suggestions to the contrary out Penrith way, a $600,000 player."More," was the response.After what he produced after 37 minutes - those jinking, stepping, fending 15m subsequently capped by pushing through some 200kg of Queenslanders to score - well, it would take better than an Oxford debate team to argue it.Moments after Jennings scored, Twitter lit up like Willie Nelson at band practice. Paralympian Kurt Fearnley: "Freak." IBF world champion Daniel Geale: "Brilliant."And what about Paul Gallen? Tired of Queensland forward Nate Myles leading "series after series" with his head, the Blues skipper decided to use his fist.By the time this one was done, Myles had taken more hits than Coopercronk.com following his "fire in the village" sermon.Had you been at the Pullman Hotel around noon, you would've heard from a certain Blues staffer how the stink was the surest bet since Fine Cotton. You just wouldn't have picked it.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...for-origin-curse/story-fni3fqyo-1226658159343
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NSW skipper Paul Gallen on report after letting the fists fly at Queesland's Nate Myles
- DEAN RITCHIE
- NEWS LIMITED NETWORK
- JUNE 07, 2013 12:00AM
PAUL Gallen finally had enough last night. Fed-up with losing - and with Queenslander Nate Myles.
In a highly controversial moment, the NSW skipper snapped before halftime in last night's brutal State of Origin opener, belting Myles twice in the head.
Most loved it, some hated it. Gallen though was making a stand. He - and his side - were sick of taking rubbish off Myles and the Maroons.Myles infuriated the Blues by leading with his head in a first-half tackle that floored Blues fullback Jarryd Hayne. Gallen claimed Myles had been "headbutting".The get-square was always coming.Gallen was later hit with a grade two striking charge. He was not punished for a swinging arm in the same tackle. If he pleads guilty, Gallen will miss one NRL game."Nate Myles has been dominating Origin for the past three years - someone had to stand up to him," Gallen said.
NSW skipper Paul Gallen lets the fists fly at Queensland's Nate Myles. Picture courtesy of Channel 9
"We have had enough of being bullied. That is a compliment to him."Blues coach Laurie Daley added: "It was one of the great Origin moments as far as I'm concerned."NSW took the first step toward ending Queensland's Origin dominance with a famous 14-6 win over the Maroons before 80,380 fans at a noisy ANZ Stadium.It was a triumph for Daley, in charge of his first game as NSW coach. Defeat will knock some arrogance out of this all-conquering Maroons side.What would State of Origin be without a brawl?
Last night's match boiled over on halftime when Gallen and Myles came to blows.The pair shaped up before Gallen landed two blows - a left and right - which both connected on Myles' chin.Players rushed in, the match reached flashpoint.As the two teams were separated, the drama appeared ready to boil-over again with a verbal altercation between Gallen and Maroons centre Greg Inglis.Angered at Myles, Gallen told referee Ashley Klein: "He is getting my knee and twisting it every time. He's been doing it series after series, headbutting and twisting."
QLD's Nate Myles and NSW captain Paul Gallen in a punch up. Picture: Costello Brett
Replays showed Myles led with his head in the Hayne tackle in the 25th minute.Blues halfback Mitchell Pearce told Klein: "Leading with his head."Asked after the game did Gallen make a stand, Daley said: "One-hundred per cent. I wouldn't expect too much (action against Gallen)."It was a tough, brutal game. I would be disappointed if anything came of it."Queensland coach Mal Meninga seemed unconcerned by the incident. Asked what action should be taken, Meninga said: "That is a decision for the adjudicators. It's Origin football. We are comfortable with any decision. In a normal game he may have got 10 minutes in the sin-bin."There is no doubt Myles annoys NSW with his controversial tackling technique.North Queensland forward Tariq Sims tweeted: "Gal, that's passion right there!"Mark Geyer, the NSW legend, tweeted: 'It's not a club game boys ... it's Origin!"Raiders winger Sandor Earl tweeted: "Yesss Gal."The sell-out crowd cheered when a replay on the big screen showed Gallen landing blows on Myles.Daley had no intention of resting Gallen after the incident. The Sharks legend led NSW straight back on to the field after halftime.Gallen remained fresh during the opening half by playing in two stints. Daley rested Gallen - usually an 80-minute player - after only 16 minutes.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...lands-nate-myles/story-fni3fqyo-1226658109585
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Barba's family together again
- PHIL ROTHFIELD
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JUNE 06, 2013 12:00AM
Ben Barba with partner Ainslie Currie at State of Origin I at ANZ Stadium. Picture: Dan HimbrechtsSource: The Daily Telegraph
Sure, the Blues won the game, a number of the boys had blinders and we're just 80 minutes away from ending the most painful origin dominance in rugby league history.Sometimes we get too carried away with tackle counts and try-assists, errors and offloads, metres and man-of-the-match awards.There is a human side to this game too.High in the grandstands above all the action, Dally M champion Ben Barba was there as an ambassador for ANZ Stadium.He could so easily have been out in the middle in a Queensland jersey if his life hadn't gone so seriously off the rails in the off-season.Barba split from childhood sweetheart Ainslie Currie, the mother of his two daughters, last November.Last night the pair attended the game together.
Ben, Ainslie, in her Maroons jersey, and their gorgeous daughters Bronte and Bodhi.It was revealed the couple have taken their first steps on the road to reconciliation.Recently the family have been travelling to Bulldogs games together. They are doing counselling.His relationship with Lauren Tweddle is definitely over.The signs are promising, according those closest to the couple."It's nice to be here with the family," Barba said last night. "Our relationship is a private matter."We're working our way through things and hopefully we'll get back together."Next time, in game two at Suncorp, Barba might not be sitting in the stands judging by Queensland's lacklustre performance last night.Sure, they came back and threatened in the second half, but if ever a side needs an injection of the natural brilliance the Bulldogs fullback can provide, it's the Maroons.Last night's side looking nothing like the dominant champions of the past seven years. Nowhere near it.Now the Blues are on the verge of reclaiming interstate supremacy.
Since the introduction of a three-game series in 1982, the team that has won game one has gone on to win the series 23 times (from 31 series), including in the past four years.There is still a long way to go for the Blues but last night they couldn't have been more impressive, except for too many handling errors.Finally we've found a halves pairing that can take it to Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston.The first two kicks last night from Roosters pair Mitch Pearce and James Maloney put the Maroons under pressure and set the tone for the night.What a difference it made for the halves to be playing behind a big, strong and mobile pack that finished on top of the Maroons in the battle for the hard yards.
* * *GALLEN V SONNY BILL?
PAUL Gallen has never had much time for the way Nate Myles plays the game.It's why he let go with a swinging arm and two massive punches on the Queenslander shortly before half-time.Gallen has been waiting for the opportunity for a couple of years. He's no angel himself but thinks Myles is a dirty player. He's spoken of his anger among his NSW teammates for years.During the off-season, Gallen stepped into the boxing ring and showed remarkable skill.It would be a promoter's dream to put him into the ring opposite Sonny Bill Williams.
* * *DALEY'S TRIBUTE TO FAMILY
THE preparation complete, a relaxed Laurie Daley left the Blues' camp at lunchtime yesterday to drive to his home in Northbridge."I just wanted to thank my family for their support and their love," Daley said. "I haven't seen a lot of the kids lately and tonight will be so busy. At the end of the day, they are the most important people in my life."The man he replaced, Ricky Stuart, kept his distance from the Blues during the build-up to last night's game.It was out of respect to former Canberra Raiders teammate Daley.Before the game, Stuart sent the players an email through team manager Gavin Wood.It was read out to the players at their jersey presentation on Tuesday night.
* * *HIGHLIGHT-
THE 15,000-strong Blatchy’s Blues are even bigger and better than the RBB or the Barmy Army. The atmosphere they create is worth 10 points to the Blues.
LOWLIGHT -
SWIMMER Jessicah Schipper launched an extraordinary Twitter attack as Blues legend interviewed Paul Gallen after the game. "Now we have a grub talking to a a drugo love the @NSWRL" she wrote. "Andrew Johns self-confessed ecstasy user gallen is a grub. facts are facts". Talk about a sore loser.
DELAYED RECORD -
JOHNATHAN Thurston’s decision to hand the goalkicking duties to Cameron Smith last night has delayed his quest to become the highest pointscorer in Origin history. Thurston remains 21 points shy of Mal Meninga’s record of 161 points.
LOYAL NUMBERS -
NO wonder they talk about Queensland’s loyalty all the time. Since Origin began in 1980, the Blues have used 246 players and Queensland only 173
CAFE COYNE -
QUEENSLAND’S drink waiter last night was none other than former centre Mark Coyne, who provided the pregame Caramel mocha lattes for Mal Meninga and his coaching staff.
WRONG MOORING -
HERE’S more proof of the farce that allows Greg Inglis to play for Queensland. The boat he was
‘given’ by the Melbourne Storm during the salary cap scandal is garaged at his parents’ home on the NSW mid-north coast, where GI was born and raised.
SALLY M POINTS - WRONG MOORING (WORST ON GROUND)
3 NATE MYLES For headbutting Gallen’s knuckles – twice
2 FATTY VAUTIN Loves it when QLD fights but overreacted to Gallen’s punch-up
1 JOHNATHAN THURSTON - A rare off-night for the Cowboys and Maroons superstar
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/barbas-family-together-again/story-fni3fh9n-1226658166702
Nate Myles Headbutting Gal's knuckles twice
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State of Origin belief returns to NSW
By James MacSmith
AAP
Wed 05th June, 10:25pm
For much of the contest Queensland were served the bitter taste of Origin dominance they have spent so long dispensing
NSW dominated on every count you want to mention in State of Origin I but the marks of years of Queensland dominance were just as evident.
Think a pink-ribbon scar rather than a seven-year itch.
At 14-0 the Blues had every chance to put the game away but left the door open for yet another dramatic Maroons comeback.
That it didn't happen was a credit to NSW's resolve and composure. Look at debutant Blake Ferguson patiently waiting to put up a ball bouncing like a grenade as Darius Boyd bore down on him.
For much of the contest Queensland were served the bitter taste of Origin dominance they have spent so long dispensing. The Blues were mighty up front and ate up the metres around the ruck and the Maroons had few answers.
Queensland were faced with an image of themselves in the mirror and didn't know how to react.
If you can't beat `em, join `em, they say. For NSW it was at least a case of playing like them and we might finally be witnessing the end of an era.
The Blues' kicking game was better. Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney outpointed their illustrious and proven halves rivals in Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston.
A man-of-the-match effort from Luke Lewis, not Nate Myles, and a piece of individual brilliance from Michael Jennings, not Greg Inglis, Billy Slater or Cameron Smith, told the tale of another classic Origin battle.
New NSW coach Laurie Daley didn't say much in public in the lead-up to the Origin opener but he has been furiously working behind the scenes since last year and his meticulous preparation has paid dividends.
The delightful set play that produced Jarryd Hayne's opening try is proof of that.
That Queensland were outplayed so comprehensively yet only lost 14-6 will be of some comfort and it will not surprise if we return to ANZ Stadium in six weeks with the series locked at one-all.
But that belief that has eluded NSW for so long was there in spades. Simply look at how debutants Maloney, Ferguson and Andrew Fifita played. They were not overawed by the occasion. Rather the opposite.
Queensland were not at their best but much of that was due to the spirit and enterprise of NSW.
State of Origin is well and truly alive.
http://www.nrl.com/state-of-origin-belief-returns-to-nsw/tabid/10874/newsid/72730/default.aspx
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