Hot Topics

2008 nrl season

dogz08 — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 15:26:46 GMT

jus wondering what you people think your table will be for next years nrl premiership so at the end of the season we can see who was closest lol

mine (i'm are doggies surporter btw)

1.parramatta

2.nz warriors

3.melborne

4.bulldogs

5.roosters

6.manly

7.souths

8.sharks

9.brisbane

10.cowboys

11.panthers

12.dragons

13.gold coast

14.tigers

15newcastle

16.raiders

it's goin to be are close year but theres sum teams there i wanted to put in like brisbane an the panthers who i think will go good this year but i couldent take any of the top 8 teams out.

For the RLIF

England 3 Lions — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:49:10 GMT

Your organisation ought to think about making the following objectives of mine a reality, as they will help the game expand around the world:

1. Set up better relationships between the RLIF/national bodies and schools across the nations who play the sport. Growth begins at the junior level, and there's no better way to promote the game than by introducing it to children while they're at school. Creating inter-school competitions will draw children to the sport.

2. After completing the aforementioned objective, I'd look to create more junior club competitions in all of these countries. This will give the schoolchildren interested in rugby league a pathway to first-grade, thus allowing their countries to develop a large resource of talent.

3. Set up a weekly RLIF TV program and an interactive website, then sell the former to as many large networks as possible and use the website to draw in revenue from advertising. The TV program can teach children from non-RL playing nations about the sport and redirect them to to the website.

4. Promote the sport in the USA's American football fans as their "Summer Fix" during the NFL's off-season. Setting up an alliance with Rupert Murdoch is the key, as his involvement would give the sport a television platform and vital funding.

5. Look to America's colleges and universities for potential players -- develop a strong collegiate rugby league competition in the USA and Canada.

6. Promote the game to immigrants in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and the British Isles. Let them know that the game and its supporters want them and they'll be grateful.

Salary Cap

Swampy — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:20:42 GMT

Hi All,

The salary cap in the NRL has been blamed for the mass exodus of players to both European Rugby & SL. Could it be this is what ultimately saves the NRL particularly in the current financial crisis? As mentioned by Druzik, some players may find the payments they have been promised just aren't forthcoming & many may realise the grass isn't always greener elsewhere.

Any thoughts?

Swamp

WILL QLD DO 4 IN A ROW IN 09???

rugbyadmin — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 06:27:22 GMT

What do you think???? Will QLD win 4 SOO series in a row???

Rooster v Dragons in WA

Swampy — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:06:14 GMT

Well, I just bought tickets for myself & my six year old daughter for the Rooster v Dragons game at Members Equity Stadium. They are expecting about 10,000 there. The WA Reds play the Sydney Bulls as the curtain raiser. Should be good, can't wait & either can my daughter!!

Swamp

Non-stop league bonanza tickets go on sale

England 3 Lions — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:49:13 GMT

Non-stop league bonanza tickets go on sale

9:57a.m. 12th January 2009

The wait is almost over for the biggest rugby league event to ever hit the Sunshine Coast with tickets for the mammoth Footy Fest 09 going on sale today.

Headlined by the Brisbane Broncos versus 2008 grand finalists, the Melbourne Storm, the 12 hour rugby league marathon at Stockland Park, Kawana, promises to be a non stop rugby league bonanza.

Also on the card is the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles Queensland Cup side, in one of its first appearances, taking on the Balmain Tigers – the West Tigers' NRL feeder side.

Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles CEO Brett Winkler said the Broncos' unprecedented following in south east Queensland would ensure a bumper crowd for the Saturday, February 28, carnival.

"This is Brisbane Broncos country, and that's why we brought them up here," he said.

"They're going to be taking on the Melbourne Storm, who have played in three grand finals in a row and won two premierships since their inception."

It will mark the first time the Broncos have played on the Sunshine Coast since the early 1990s, when they played a trial match at Coolum.

Curtain raisers will include the Storm Toyota Cup side taking on the Sea Eagles FOGS Cup side, the Noosa Pirates taking on the Western Districts FOGS Cup side, the Sea Eagles Colts versus the Western Districts Colts. In junior action, the Mountain Creek High School side will take on Brisbane's Wavell High and the Sunshine Coast under 15s black will take on the Sunshine Coast under 15s gold.

Footy Fest Tickets:

• Tickets available from the Caloundra Events Centre and online at www.etixdirect.com.au

• General Seating tickets: $40 per person or $120 for a family of two adults and two children

• General Outer/Standing tickets: $25 for an adult, $20 for a concession and $15 for children or $70 for a family of two adults and two children

• Gates open 9am with the Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm clash kicking off at 7.45pm

Source: http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2009/jan/12/non-stop-league-bonanza-tickets-go-sale/

Oceania Under-18 championship

England 3 Lions — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:45:42 GMT

U18 league boost

Monday, January 12, 2009

THE Fiji National Rugby League is looking to expand the Oceania Under-18 championship which will be held in Suva in September.

In previous tournaments, teams from New South Wales in Australia participated alongside the Fiji Junior Bati.

Fiji National Rugby League chairman Peni Musunamasi said the aim is to increase the number of teams in the competition to make it a truly international event.

He said they are targeting the inclusion of neighbouring islands.

"We would like to see the likes of Samoa and Tonga be included in the tournament," Musunamasi said.

"We also hope to extend invitations to New Zealand." Meanwhile the Vodafone sponsored FNRL 7s will be played on January 24.

A total of 26 teams have confirmed participation in the one day event at the Suva Grammar School grounds.

The tournament will serve as the initial trials for the Mini Pacific Games in the Cook Islands.

The Fiji Bati 7s side will be coached by former national rep Semesa Cadrakilagi

Source: http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=111381

NZ Warrior feared drowned at Bethell's

SEGNZ — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:09:42 GMT

Updated 11:34AM Monday Jan 05, 2009
Marvin France and Newstalk ZB

The young man believed drowned at west Auckland's Bethell's Beach last night is young New Zealand Warriors star Sonny Fai.

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah confirmed the 20-year-old is missing after he had been at Bethell's on a training run yesterday.

Sources told Newstalk ZB Fai went into the water to help a family member who had got into difficulty swimming.

He was one of four men believed to have been caught by strong currents after entering the water.

The alarm was raised about 8pm last night, and two inflatable boats and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter were scrambled. Three men were rescued.

Family members and surf life savers kept searching for the sportsman until 1am.

Relatives gathered on the beach as the Eagle helicopter resumed its search this morning and Fai's team mates were also heading to Bethell's.

Fai has long been touted as the Warriors' next superstar after joining the club as a 14-year-old in 2003.

He made his debut against Parramatta last year and played a total of 15 games, scoring five tries in the process.

The former Junior Kiwi featured mainly in the centres but was regarded as a long-term back-row option after the Warriors fought off interest from rival NRL clubs to sign him until the end of 2010.

rugbyleaguehq.com

Punkie — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 04:22:36 GMT

A site that caters to all sorts of league comps from around the world, member input is more than welcome, and new sections are added if members want them.

http://rugbyleaguehq.com/

The Kiwi's in Final Four for the Halberg Trust Team of The Year 2008 ... !!! ...

SEGNZ — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:48:05 GMT

With The Kiwi's making the Final Four in the category of Westpac Sports Team of the Year 2008 will Rugby League finally receive the credit due in New Zealand ... ??? ...

Competing With All Blacks (rugby), Women’s Double Scull (rowing) and Men’s Team Pursuit (cycling) anyone would have to say that they are looking good ... Will their mammoth achievement be once again snubbed in favour of the retiring Ever-Swindell twins ... I hope not but can not help but feel a sense of dread that the " Old Boys Club " won't let Rugby League take this victory ...

Your thoughts fellow Kiwis ... ??? ...

Rugby league receives big increase in Sport England funding

England 3 Lions — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 12:59:37 GMT

Rugby league receives big increase in Sport England funding

Rugby league has received a significant increase in funding from Sport England, with funding up from £18.5million to £29.4million.

By Michael Fisher
Last Updated: 4:10PM GMT 17 Dec 2008

Yes: Rugby league has received a big increase in Sport England funding Photo: PA

The award will cover a four-year period from April 2009 to March 2013.

The Rugby Football League will use the cash to increase participation by developing alternative forms of the game such as tag rugby and creating more opportunities for over-35s and women.

The governing body have also detailed plans to further develop the game beyond its traditional heartland.

RFL chief executive Nigel Wood said: “With this level of this funding award, the RFL’s Whole Sport Plan has been recognised by Sport England for its robust and detailed nature and its high quality.

“The level of funding also reflects the confidence Sport England has in the RFL to deliver its objectives. This reputation has been earned by our collective efforts and achievements in recent years”.

Also commenting the RFL’s national community development manager, Julia Lee, added: “The RFL is looking forward with great enthusiasm to working with all sections of the game to sustain and increase the growth in participation that we’ve already seen and to continue to move rugby league forward on all fronts.

“We will also continue to work hard to ensure that the sport is accessible to everybody and that the environment the sport is played in continues to be safe, enjoyable and effective for all.”

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/3813815/Rugby-league-receives-big-increase-in-Sport-England-funding.html

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

rugbyadmin — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:49:02 GMT

Wishing everyone a happy NY and hope that 2009 football will bridge the gap between RL and RL wont be taking its status for granted starting mid next year. 2009 will be a great year for the socceroos and a bad one for RL. Have a good Nyrs every1 and stay safe

WARL Reds Partner With NRL Big Guns in 2009

England 3 Lions — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 04:55:58 GMT

Date: 11/10/2008
WARL Reds Partner With NRL Big Guns in 2009
WARL REDS PARTNER WITH NRL’S BIG GUNS IN 2009 The WA Reds Rugby League has secured an agreement with NRL club, St George Dragons, to play the Sydney Roosters in a pre season trial in February 2009 with options for repeat games in 2010 and 2011, WARL/Reds Chairman Geoff Baldwin announced today. “The South Sydney Rabbitohs versus Melbourne Storm competition game in June is now set in concrete so to be able to also include this NRL trial game in our WA Reds membership package really adds icing to the cake”, Mr Baldwin said. “With Wayne Bennett, arguably one of the Worlds best coaches taking up the reins at St George and with retired Australian Captain, Brad Fittler coaching a star studded side at the Roosters, we are expecting a huge turnout for this trial. “The WA Reds will play a trial against Jim Beam Cup grand finalists, Sydney Bulls, in the St George/Sydney Roosters curtain raiser and the Reds will also play the opener to the Souths/Storm game in June. “The WARL Reds have arranged for both Wayne Bennett and Brad Fittler to head up a coaching and leadership forum in the lead up to the February trial which will provide a unique opportunity to coaches from all WA sporting codes to interact with and learn from these iconic leaders. “We are currently working with the Department of Sport and recreation to finalise details of what promises to be a sell out forum however prospective attendees are invited to pre-register their interest with the WARL. “2008 has been a debut season of learning for the Reds however by partnering with the higher level next season we expect to improve markedly in 2009 taking the next steps to field our own NRL team by 2012 – 2013”, Mr Baldwin said. ENDS Media contact – Geoff Baldwin – 0413 754 414

Source: http://www.waredsrugbyleague.com.au/content/news/?page=3&nid=3411&oid=

Whats doing with the greg bird incident

Falcons — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 22:12:38 GMT

Would be very interested in your guys views on this sucker greg bird.I have noticed that they are still dragging this out and have not made a decision to boot his sorry ass out of the NRL.Mate the bloke glassed his mrs in a dosmestic incident and gave her a bit of a touch up in the process and then proceeded to mislead the fuzz in the investigation of this.I count three charges, GBH, Male assaults Female, Misleading/false information to police.I know the sharks are holding off till the court case is heard and still paying his contract money but PLEASE.Tevita latu snots a women in the nose and gets automatically banned from the sharks and deregistered from the NRL and there are plenty of other cases in the NRL where decisions are made more swiftly.Memo to the Cronulla Sharks and the NRL from us league fans get rid of the thug we dont need him in our game.

Ups and downs of rugby league's centenary year

England 3 Lions — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 04:59:28 GMT

Ups and downs of rugby league's centenary year
December 24, 2008 - 5:02PM

Rugby league's centenary season was supposed to be a celebration of all that is great in the game.

And for the most part it was.

However rugby league's ability to toss up controversy continued to overshadow the game's most important year with poor sportsmanship by officials, player misbehaviour and fading loyalty again dominating headlines.

Below is a snapshot of highs and lows of 2008.

HIGHLIGHTS

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Melbourne fullback Billy Slater stamped himself as a superstar and was without doubt the most exciting player to watch in 2008. Named the world's best player. He would have won the Dally M medal too if not for a punching suspension.

Honourable mentions: Matt Orford and Brent Kite. Snubbed by NSW Origin selectors the Manly stars turned on brilliant seasons to inspire their side to premiership glory. Orford won the Dally M medal and Kite the Clive Churchill medal.

BEST WIN OF THE YEAR: Manly's 40-0 premiership win over Melbourne was the largest victory in grand final history. Despite the lopsided scoreline it was fast, entertaining and exciting - everything rugby league fans pay money to see.

Honourable mention: Brisbane's 30-26 win over Parramatta at Suncorp Stadium in round 12. Darren Lockyer chip-kicked on the fulltime siren for Denan Kemp to score his fourth try of the game and break the deadlock.

UPSET OF THE YEAR: New Zealand's World Cup final triumph over Australia had to be seen to be believed. The Kangaroos were overwhelming favourites and had swept all before them until the Suncorp Stadium decider. The Kiwis' 34-20 win had controversial under-tones - with a crucial penalty try - but the better team won on the day.

Honourable mention: Warriors 18 bt Melbourne 15. The first time the eighth-placed team has beaten the first since the NRL brought in the final eight system. Given no chance at kick off, a try to Michael Witt in the final minutes saw the Warriors upset Melbourne on home soil.

TRY OF THE YEAR: Greg Inglis and his superman effort to set up one of the tries of the century in the Centenary Test at the SCG. He leapt over the deadball line and threw a pass back over his head in mid-air for Mark Gasnier to score. Amazing.

Honourable mention: Manly's Brett Stewart. Not once, not twice, but three times in the grand final he magically threw passes either around his back, between his legs or off the ground for Sea Eagles tries. Thoroughly entertaining.

QUOTE OF THE YEAR: "You've sent a dumb forward off and you've sent off our smart hooker. It's unfair." - Gold Coast captain Scott Prince to ref Shayne Hayne during match v Wests Tigers.

SURPRISE OF THE YEAR: The Warriors' fairytale finish to get to within one win of the grand final after qualifying in eighth place. They won 10 of their last 13 games and without a recognised halfback almost made the decider. Their bearded tribute to retiring Ruben Wiki was another highlight.

Honourable mention: It wasn't pretty but somehow Cronulla finished level with Melbourne and Manly on top of the ladder at the end of the regular season. World Cup minnows Fiji, otherwise known as the "god squad", also rate a mention for their run to the semi-finals.

FAREWELL OF THE YEAR: Manly champion Steve Menzies leaves the NRL with a second premiership and tied on a record 349 games with Terry Lamb.

Honourable mentions: Ruben Wiki. The Warriors grew beards in honour of their spiritual leader and then almost made the grand final. Wayne Bennett departed the Broncos for the Dragons after more than two decades and six premierships as coach in Brisbane. Legendary Jack Gibson, coach of the Team of the Century, who passed away on the day of the Centenary Test.

LOWLIGHTS

DUMMY SPIT OF THE YEAR: Australian coach Ricky Stuart's abusive tirade at World Cup referee Ashley Klein the day after his team lost the final to New Zealand. Fined $20,000, it ultimately caused him to walk away from the job. Sore loser.

Dishonourable mention: Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy and chief executive Brian Waldron's stunning press conference attack on the media and NRL judiciary for Cameron Smith's finals suspension. A $50,000 whinge.

WALK OUT OF THE YEAR: $onny Bill Williams. His exit to rugby union in France, only weeks after assuring club bosses he was happy to see out the remaining four years on his contract, left many disillusioned fans.

CONTROVERSIAL OFF-FIELD INCIDENT OF THE YEAR: Cronulla star Greg Bird's alleged wounding of his girlfriend. Stood down from the Sharks' finals campaign, it left his career in limbo.

BLUNDER OF THE YEAR: Billy Slater and his World Cup final brain explosion. His blindside run and wild pass on his goal line to gift Benji Marshall a Kiwi try went a long way to ensuring the Kangaroos lost.

DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE YEAR: Hard to separate North Queensland and Parramatta. Both should have played in the finals, threatened for the title even, but hardly fired a shot. Both start 2009 with new coaches.

Dishonourable mention: NSW's performance in State of Origin II. The 30-0 loss was the largest in Origin history and set up Queensland's third series win in a row. And England.

AAP

Source: LeagueHQ

NRL ~ Expansion ... ... ...

SEGNZ — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:35:40 GMT

The Future

When the Gold Coast Titans were admitted into the 2007 season of the NRL they beat out proposals from Gosford, New South Wales (as the Central Coast Bears) and Wellington, New Zealand (as the Southern Orcas). Both teams are still looking forward to joining the NRL in the next expansion period, speculated to be a year before the current TV deal comes up for renewal in 2013.

In 2006 the Western Australia Rugby League announced that the Perth-based WA Reds will be joining the Jim Beam Cup in 2008. The club plans to progress through the competitions below the NRL with a planned promotion to the Queensland Cup in 2010 and final promotion to the NRL currently planned for 2011 - 2012.

NRL CEO David Gallop has spoken specifically about adding teams in West Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, the Central Coast, the Sunshine Coast and Wellington, New Zealand. Interest in gaining an NRL franchise has also come from Papau New Guinea and Fiji.

The NRL also has a fund of $8 million for any club that decides to relocate to a 'strategically identified area'.

Games on the Road

Since 1998 NRL clubs have played both trial matches and premiership season games in areas that do not have representation in the NRL.

Wests Tigers have played premiership season games in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and Penrith Panthers have played premiership season games in Adelaide.
The Bulldogs have taken games interstate to Brisbane and the Gold Coast as well Wellington, New Zealand.
South Sydney are contemplating moving two games per season to Perth, Western Australia.
The Parramatta Eels played two premiership season games in Waikato, New Zealand in 2005-2006.
The Newcastle Knights and Manly Sea Eagles generally play one of their two premiership fixtures at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford.
Many teams play in rural areas during their pre-season campaign.
City-Country Origin fixtures are often played in rural outposts around New South Wales, such as Dubbo.

We have a choice between RL.or RU.

magaoidh — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:24:00 GMT

Rah rahs OZ v NZ was on in HK(the Bleedslow cup) this week and I watched it, analysing the entertainment value.The stadium was packed with honkies,when the teams ran out on the field was one of the few times thay ran the ball.There were 220 penalties(seemed like it) including offside,onside, upside and downside,ass sniffing,blowing your nose and anything else you could imagine..The ref talked down to the players(probably a barrister) while playing Beethovens Ninth on his whistle! I saw fullbacks getting the ball kicking it up in the air and following through,amazing how nothing ever comes from this clever,play???

I looked at the crowd and asked myself are they serious,after about 30 mins of this drivel I went out into the back yard and turned the light on,the grass was very green and I could see it springing up everywhere!!!

That night I went to bed and had a nightmare,I woke up in a cold sweat after dreaming that I was going to heaven,and......yep you guessed it they only allowed R.U.there !!!

Seriously though people we must make a choice..... back RL all the way or die of boredom watching the scintillating Ruggers World cup????

Rugby League review 2008 (UK)

England 3 Lions — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 05:00:47 GMT

Rugby League review 2008

By Ben Sullivan Last updated: 23rd December 2008

It was the Year of the Rhinos - which was hardly unexpected - and the Year of the Kiwis - which certainly was.

Domestically, Leeds retained their Super League title as St Helens once again did everything right apart from win the Big One.

It was a sweet victory for Rhinos coach Brian McClennan in his first year in charge at Headingley Carnegie, while it denied opposite number Daniel Anderson the perfect send-off after a hugely successful spell with Saints.

New stars emerged, some much-loved faces made their farewells and two new clubs were added to Super League for 2009, as well as a re-vamped play-off system.

The end of the season was soured somewhat for England fans by our woeful performance in Australia, but at least New Zealand's shock win in the World Cup final will have lifted a few spirits - if only for the schadenfreude to be enjoyed at the Kangaroos' expense.

Check out skysports.com's highs and lows of 2008 and share your thoughts on the rugby league year using the feedback box below...

Team of the Season - Leeds Rhinos

Parochially, it has to be Leeds Rhinos who retained their Super League crown and once again inflicted last-night misery on St Helens. The Rhinos have taken over from near neighbours Bradford as the play-off kings, timing their run to the Grand Final perfectly and learning to peak on the night night. Ultimately though, it has to be New Zealand. The Kiwis shocked the world by winning the World Cup against all the odds on Australian soil. They are not the best team in the world - just as the Rhinos are probably not the best team in England - but they peaked on the night when it mattered. And the whingeing of the Aussies had to be heard to be enjoyed...

Player of the Season - Rob Burrow

England's performance at the World Cup has somewhat overshadowed some superb displays in the Super League, with James Roby, Jamie Peacock, James Graham, Ade Gardner and Leon Pryce all outstanding, but skysports.com's Player of the Year is Beep Beep himself, Rob Burrow. The Leeds scrum-half was outstanding in helping the Rhinos to a second successive Grand Final success and was one of the few Englishmen to leave Australia in November with his reputation not just intact but enhanced. We all know that at 5ft5in Burrow is going to be targeted by attackers and he relies on teammates to help him in defence, but there is no one more dynamic from dummy half and he keeps defences on the back foot just with the threat of his darting runs. Also turning into an impressive organiser of the attacking line.

Most Improved Player - James Graham

Deservedly won the Man of Steel award and came from seemingly nowhere to do it. Most props mature in their late 20s and play their best rugby at around 30, so it is incredible to think what the 23-year-old Graham could achieve in the game.

Moment of the Season - New Zealand's World Cup victory

The stunning final win is closely followed by Ricky Stuart's torrent of abuse aimed at World Cup final referee Ashley Klein in the hotel lobby the day after the final. A poor example for a game which prides itself on its sportsmanship, but at least Ricky had the good grace to resign.

Lowlight - England's World Cup campaign

They arrived with genuine hopes of finally ending Australia's dominance but flopped, losing on successive weekends to the Kiwis, the Kangaroos and then the Kiwis again. And it wasn't just the defeats, it was the way they played. Stars in the Super League, plenty of them seemed to completely forget the basics when they went out in an England shirt - rabbits in headlights springs to mind. To make it even more galling for England fans, New Zealand - whitewashed by Great Britain just 12 months before - actually did manage to end more than 30 years of Australian hegemony. That could have been us...

Best Performance - Ireland's 34 Samoa 16

This was the game which finally set the World Cup alight. A true shock and a deserved victory by a side which wrung the maximum out of their combined talents. If only England could have managed something similar...

Year to remember - Brian McClennan

There is no tougher job than taking over at the helm of a team that has just been crowned champions but McClennan managed to retain the title - and with just a touch more dash and style than Leeds managed 12 months earlier. Some exciting-looking signings suggest 2009 could be another big year for the Rhinos.

Year to forget - Tony Smith

Obviously for all the reasons above, but also St Helens. They won the Challenge Cup and the Minor Premiership for the second successive year and cruised to the Grand Final - only to once again flop on the big night.

Gone but not forgotten

Trent Barrett The Australian stand-off may not have won any trophies during his two seasons with the Warriors, but his contribution has been truly outstanding. The sometimes (okay, often) fickle Wigan fans took to him almost immediately and his presence on the pitch guaranteed a touch of class whenever the ball came his way. The only disappointment is that the English game still has to import stars of his brightness, but he heads back to Cronulla having lit up our game.

Daniel Anderson Anderson took the game to new levels during his three years at St Helens and created a team that combined teak-tough aggression with swashbuckling style. They won plenty of trophies and were always the team that neutrals most wanted to see on Sky Sports. The only disappointment is that he leaves having lost back-to-back Grand Finals, but two games really shouldn't take the gloss off Anderson's achievements.

Controversy - Licensing system

It was never going to be easy for the clubs that missed out and the omission of Widnes - and the inclusion of Celtic Crusaders - was highly controversial. Here is a club steeped in rugby league history from the game's heartland, well-supported and with a new stadium to boot, being told that they will have to wait at least three years to have a shot at getting back into the big time. Meanwhile, Crusaders get the nod - and who knows what sort of crowds they are going to attract in south Wales, particularly with union booming and if they struggle in their first season, as they surely will? The game wants to expand but is this the right way to go about it? And shouldn't rugby league be looking out for its own rather than spreading the word in a region that in the past has proved pretty well immune to the wonders of the 13-man code?

Source: SkySportsUK

The cheats miss out tonight!!!!

hanibaldowling — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:27:06 GMT

Looks like the biggest cheaters in RL have their heads down. GO KIWIS!! (from an Aussie)

NRL 09 Your team hows it looking

Falcons — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:53:02 GMT

Kia ora folks just wondering who your team is and how are they looking for season 09.My team the NZ Warriors are shaping up really well with Joel moon,Denan kemp,Jacob lillyman,Liam foran and me old buddy the general Stacey jones dusting the cobwebs off the boots to give it one last nudge.

They will all bring something to the squad next season which should make the depth in the team healthy, two of the Toyota cup players that should give the top side a big nudge will be Daniel o,reagan and Russ packer, mark my words these two young men will put plenty of pressure on the players in front of them.

Big question mark on the General is can he recapture his speed and spark and if he can will definitley have to play second fiddle to Fien (Outstanding world cup) and Henderson who has carved teams up with his forays from dummy half and never back down style of play.

Denan kemp will score a *** load of trys for us reuniting his combination with another former bronco in Brent tate.

This is a scary thought for opposition defenders-Vatuvei,Ropati left side Tate and kemp right side with mr knarly wade mckinnon roaming either side as well up the middle.

Joel moon will either be the utility back or push witty out of standoff depending on pre season training and form.

Jacob lillyman will form a solid back row partnership with mannering luck and matulino and should add starch either starting or off the bench.

Liam foran has been a great understudy for cooper cronk at the storm and hopefully will get a few oppotunities at some stage thru the season.

But for me the X factor for the side could be stacey jones if he can aim up and slog it out in the off season we just might see some ole magic return and go one better in 09 and get to the big dance and this time win it.

TO ALL KIWI SUPPORTERS

SELUMAN-2 — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 04:39:57 GMT

Segnz, Sal.rich, Kiwi’s, Lilo… & fellow Kiwi supporters…

Let’s just cut to the chase… RL glory for NZ is long overdue!

At the end of the day, we won fair & square... simple as that.

Supporting the Kiwi’s & Warriors has certainly had more ‘bad’ days at the office then good… but funny enough, this WC championship with the Kiwi’s (along with the Warriors’ stunning, history making upset win over the Storm in the 1^st week of the finals this year) has made 2008 a year to cherish as far as RL in NZ is concerned!

It is irrelevant if aussie have all these superstars available or not… hell, if it was an individual sport, GI, Folau, Slater etc might as well go & play golf, tidily winks or marbles… or some other individual sport… this is RL, and it’s the team that matters. In any team sport, you are forced to rely on others doing their job or face the consequences… ala the now 2^nd ranked kangaroos J

I see some supporters are apprehensive and a little worried about how we’ll go against OZ next year… hell, to be honest, I’d be worried if I was Oz... even if the kangaroos get the upper hand again next year, I'm looking 3-5 years time... things will be very different.

This is the changing of the guard…

With the number of young kiwi lads making their mark in the Toyota cup… it will only be a matter of time, when this new, NRL, day-in-day-out, battle hardened crop will come through the ranks. The major edge that Aussie have always had over NZ is their state of origin (no doubt I love my origin, go Qld!) but I’m pretty confident that a number of these youngsters are going to be the next SBW’s etc! There will come a time when the NRL/ARL will have to rethink their SOO policies, as they’ll want the best, superstars involved. And if there are at least 5 or so ‘SBW’s’ playing NRL but unavailable for SOO, I suspect changes to the current policy! If this ever happened, the Kiwi’s would only be strengthened even more!

Next year, the Kiwi’s are only going to get better! Next time, big Roy Asotasi & Pritchard will boost the forward pack even more! Stevie Matai will be back in the centres, and others may even put their hand up for selection…

So as they say, it’s “All Good”!

LEAGUE - Luke [Tuimavave] looks forward to bright NRL future

England 3 Lions — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 05:23:08 GMT

Luke Tuimavave is ready to make his mark on the NRL. Picture/Chris Rudsdale

LEAGUE - Luke looks forward to bright NRL future

22.12.2008

By Peter Thorley

Young Whangarei rugby league player Luke Tuimavave could become known as "Lucky Luke" after a dream season that has drawn interest from two Sydney NRL clubs.

He represented Northland with distinction at the under-15 national tournament in July and was chosen in the tournament squad as well as the best forward of the tournament. The 15-year-old prop's performance there wasn't missed by NRL scouts and he was offered a three-year contract with the Canterbury Bulldogs.

"Everything that's happened this year has been all I've ever really wanted, so at the moment I couldn't ask for more," he said.

Tuimavave has got all the right attributes to succeed in the game. He stands 195cm and weighs about 110kg, taller and heavier than his cousin, current New Zealand Warrior and Kiwi forward, Evarn Tuimavave.

Tuimavave and his parents hired Australian player-manager Steve Martin to conduct the negotiations on his behalf and the family hopes a Bulldogs deal will be signed early in the New Year.

"It's pretty much been the Bulldogs all the way for me but everyone thought going to the Roosters camp was a good idea too," he said.

A call from the Sydney Roosters player recruitment manager at the beginning of December invited Luke to attend the club's annual academy training camp in Australia.

The chance to train with rugby league greats like Brad Fittler and Matthew Johns was an experience Tuimavave will never forget.

The highlights of the trip for Luke was sitting next to Willie Mason at a dinner function and then running through the tunnel on to the playing ground at the Sydney Football Stadium for a training session with head coach Fittler.

It is something the young Hikurangi Stags player could get used to and he will hear in the next few weeks if the Roosters will also offer him a contract.

Meanwhile, he is poised to sign with the Bulldogs, and will attend another training camp in Sydney in January with the Canterbury club.

Next year looms as a big one for the young prop but whether he plays for the Bulldogs or another club doesn't really bother him - as long as he's playing.

"I'm keeping my options open. It's all new to me so I'm just enjoying having a tutu [nosy] around at the moment and hopefully we'll find out what's good and what's not," he said.

"I wouldn't mind playing for the Warriors but that's in the future ... right now I'm focusing on trying to crack in the Toyota Cup competition," he said

Source: The Northern Advocate

Ospreys RU club vs Celtic Crusaders

England 3 Lions — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 15:30:47 GMT

'League's crusade doesn't worry us'

Wednesday, December 17, 2008, 08:00

Source: http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/sport/League-s-crusade-doesn-t-worry/article-552427-detail/article.html

ANDREW Hore acknowledges the Ospreys are facing a potential battle for hearts and minds with the Celtic Crusaders — but is adamant they can win it.

Rugby league's latest incursion into Wales's union heartlands stepped up last week when a planning application was launched for a state-of-the-art stadium at Island Farm, Bridgend. It will house the Crusaders and include bars, suites for corporate hospitality and conferences; educational, recreational and community facilities; media suites; offices; a large indoor training facility and extensive car parking.

The 13-man code has tried to achieve lift-off before in Wales, only to eventually fall back to earth amid broken dreams.

But the situation is different this time because the Crusaders have been admitted to Super League, the pinnacle of the sport in Europe.

It means clubs of the calibre of Leeds Rhinos, St Helens, Catalans Dragons and Wigan Warriors — rugby league's equivalent of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal — will be visiting Bridgend every other weekend, an area that hasn't staged any top-class professional sport since the demise of the Celtic Warriors.

Ah, the Warriors, still a sore point for many off junctions 35 and 36 of the M4.

They were the only team to defeat Wasps in the 2003-04 Heineken Cup. The London club bettered Perpignan, Gloucester, Munster and Toulouse, but fell at home to the Warriors.

The setback was avenged a week later, in front of a crowd of 10,000 at the Brewery Field, but the Warriors appeared to have put down a marker.

They finished fourth in that season's Celtic League, above the Ospreys and the Blues, but it proved to be their one and only campaign, a cull doing away with them and leaving more money and playing talent concentrated in the other four regions.

To their credit, the Ospreys have tried to fill the gap with a number of district and community initiatives.

And their efforts haven't been in vain.

Take a walk through Maesteg or Bridgend at any time and count the number of Ospreys jerseys. The numbers always exceed the shirts of the local semi-pro teams on display.

But the Crusaders will be an elite sporting team playing IN Bridgend. Supporters there will be expected to develop a sense of ownership, to see the rugby league outfit as their side.

That should be a concern not just for the Ospreys but for Welsh rugby generally because a rich vein of union talent has always been mined in Bridgend and Maesteg. Think JPR Williams, John Devereux, Mike Hall, Scott Gibbs, Gavin Henson, Lee Byrne, Gwyn Evans and Allan Bateman.

So how do the Ospreys view the situation? ''It's another sport offering opportunities to young people,'' said elite performance director Hore.

''There are plenty of options available to them today, lots of sports and leisure pursuits for them to consider taking up or supporting.

''At least rugby league is a sport and it is one that is played with an oval ball in hand.

''Clearly they will look to develop a following in Bridgend and they will want to show to people that their product is as strong as possible.

''For us, it is another challenge, another reason why we hope the Magners League will become more attractive in the seasons ahead with things like play-off finals and the top eight qualifying for Europe regardless of country.''

Hore continued: ''The Bridgend area is vital to the Ospreys.

''We have players from the area, like Gavin Henson and Lee Byrne, in our squad and our first ever captain, Scott Gibbs, was from Pencoed.

''We are also in the process of setting in place strategies for developing the game right across the region.

''At the Ospreys we are not sitting back and hoping things will happen. We are actively trying to grow the game in our area — and Bridgend and Maesteg are key parts of that.

''Rugby league versus rugby union isn't new. In New Zealand, certain Australian clubs are flying over not just young players but their families as well, with jobs and everything thrown in.

''You just have to make sure you have a top-quality product yourselves and keep working to develop and nurture your own sport.

''I think the Ospreys brand is quite strong. And we are going to back it up with a lot of hard work. Whatever challenges are ahead, we will be ready for them.''

League celebrated in stone (Cairns)

England 3 Lions — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 05:08:16 GMT

League celebrated in stone

RUGBY league's rich history in Cairns was yesterday acknowledged with the unveiling of two commemorative plaques in the city.

The plaques, commissioned by the NRL to mark the code’s 100th anniversary in Australia, were unveiled at Parramatta Park and Munro Martin Park.

Cairns Show Association president Ian Allen and life member Clive Gordon performed the first unveiling at the Parramatta Park showgrounds which served as the home of rugby league in Cairns from 1927 to 1988.

The showgrounds hosted inter-city, inter-district and international fixtures until 1988 when Barlow Park succeeded it as the city’s venue for major rugby league matches.

Etched onto the plaque is the result of the first match featuring an international team to be played at Parramatta Park, when the English Lions, captained by Jim Sullivan, beat Far North Queensland 53-8 in 1932.

Cairns Regional Council Deputy Mayor Margaret Cochrane performed the official duties at Munro Martin Park where the city’s first rugby league match between Cairns and Innisfail was played on June 29, 1918. Cairns won the clash 21-0.

Formerly known as Norman Park, the venue hosted major matches including encounters between Queensland and North Queensland (1924), as well as Brisbane and Cairns (1925) until 1927.

Cairns and District Rugby League secretary Pat Bailey said the code had retained its strong working class affiliation throughout its history in Cairns and was excited at the game’s prospects for the future.

"Rugby league is just going from strength to strength in Cairns, Innisfail and Eacham," she said.

Source: The Cairns Post

Rugby League cup fills up with new sponsor

England 3 Lions — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 05:03:54 GMT

Rugby League cup fills up with new sponsor

12:00a.m. 23rd December 2008

| By Peter Gardiner

It is a tough game facing a tough opponent – rugby league v the worldwide economic downturn.

But at least the Sunshine Coast/Gympie Rugby League has aimed up and decided to put on a big hit on the looming recession.

In a sponsorship deal worthy of a dominant tackle, the SCGRL has come up with a $100,000 three-year corker with the Caloundra RSL Club coming on board as naming rights sponsor.

But the funding will go far beyond having the local league competition called the Caloundra RSL Cup – the monies will be dispersed across a wide range of rugby league areas including schools, junior and female rugby league development.

League president Ashley Robinson said it was exactly what the sport needed.

“We were after a long-term relationship – and the three years and the $100,000 was giving us some stability,” Robinson said.

SCGRL CEO Billy Moore said the sponsorship deal can only boost the local ‘feet on the ground’ program that has seen local league development officers expand from one to eight.

Caloundra RSL president Ian Ebzery said his organisation saw this latest deal as completing its connection with rugby league on the Coast.

“We recently signed a sponsorship agreement with the (Sunshine Coast) Sea Eagles and we’re now looking after all rugby league – junior, male and female.”

Source: Sunshine Coast Daily

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