News

The Prenter Report #5

2008-05-12T04:53:00Z

If Australian coach Ricky Stuart had his way, Greg Inglis would be playing fullback in the World Cup this year.

Stuart, an unabashed fan of Inglis, believes the Melbourne Storm champion, would be even more explosive from fullback than he is on the wing.

“Because of the way things are shaping for the World Cup, Inglis won’t be at fullback but that doesn’t alter my opinion of him,” said Stuart, Australia’s World Cup coach.

Inglis, playing in his international spot on the wing, stole the show at the Centenary Test last Friday night before a near capacity Sydney Cricket Ground crowd of over 34,000.

The “Inglis try” will rate with the most spectacular ever scored on a Rugby League field.

His back flip with pike would have won Olympic gold at the diving pool! Centre Mark Gasnier surely awarded Inglis a “10” for the acrobatic act of the century, an “act” that gave Gasnier a four pointer.

Those of us who salivated over the deeds of Reg Gasnier, Graeme Lang lands, Bobby Fulton and the late Steve Rogers too readily dimiss the skills of the modern day player.

We are guilty, sometimes, of living in the past.

Let me assure you, as much as I thrilled at the talents of Gasnier, Langlands, Fulton and Rogers, what Inglis did last Friday night was not in their repertoire.

Greg Inglis is special.

Talent to burn and a World Cup coach’s dream. He can mix it with the best of them on the wing, in the centre and at fullback.

If there is to be an award for the “Player of the Series” in the World Cup then Inglis is at unbackable odds.

This World Cup will be spectacular with Inglis spearheading the unexpected.

Stuart rates him as highly as he can any player.

A word from Stuart on the late Jack Gibson, the coach’s coach who died last Friday evening.

“Jack was my coach in my first State of Origin game,” said Stuart.

‘He had an aura about him like no other person I have met.”

On a personal note.

When, as a League writer for the Sun newspaper I approached Jack Gibson and asked why he was taking up coaching, he looked at me as he laced on a boot in a park opposite the old Sydney Sports Ground and said: “Geoffrey, I think I can do something for Easts and I think they can do something for me…”

That “something” turned out to be revolutionary in so many ways.

Jack Gibson was a tough taskmaster with players and journalists alike.
He would acknowledge achievement and he would admonish those that took life a step too far.

He once told a group of friends that I could be locked in a loo for 30 seconds and come out with a back page story.

Maybe, Jack, but it was you who created that story.

By Geoff Prenter

RLIF Board Appointments

2008-05-08T08:57:00Z

Thursday, 8 May, 2008

MEDIA RELEASE

Australian Rugby League Chairman and 2008 Rugby League World Cup Tournament Director, Mr Colin Love AM, has been re-elected as Chairman of the Rugby League International Federation by the Annual General Meeting at the Sydney Football Stadium today.

Mr Love was elected unopposed for a fourth two-year term by RLIF delegates who were also in Sydney for a briefing on the 2008 Rugby League World Cup (to be played in Australia from October 25 to November 22).

England’s RFL Chairman, Mr Richard Lewis, has retained his post as RLIF Deputy Chairman.

National Rugby League Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, has retained his position as RLIF Secretary.

NZRL Chairman, Mr Ray Haffenden, has been elected to join the three on the RLIF Executive. He replaces the position vacated by his NZRL predecessor, Mr Andrew Chalmers.

All were elected unopposed.

Further information: John Brady 02 9339 8524, 0408 881 222

Festival of World Cups Schedule

2008-05-08T08:55:00Z

Thursday, May 8, 2008

MEDIA RELEASE

As well as being a stage for the world’s elite players, the 2008 Rugby League World Cup will provide the platform for all Rugby League enthusiasts across the game with University, Police, Defence, Wheelchair and Women’s affiliates participating in a Festival of World Cups.

Rugby League World Cup 2008 Tournament Director and RLIF Chairman, Mr Colin Love AM, today announced the Festival of World Cups will take place around the 10 countries competing in the 13th World Cup, with support from the Federal Government.

The 29-day Rugby League World Cup starts on October 25 with the Official Opening Ceremony on October 26 at the Sydney Football Stadium and will feature 18 matches at 12 venues in three states, culminating with the final on November 22 at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

The University World Games will kick-off the Festival of World Cups in Brisbane from July 4-19, involving eight nations – Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, France, Wales, Ireland and Greece.

The Rugby League World Cup will then provide the backdrop for the other events with the Police and Women’s World Cups at the Sunshine Coast from November 2-15 (final at Suncorp Stadium); the Defence tournament in Sydney and Townsville from November 5-16; and the Wheelchair World Cup in Sydney from November 7-17.

“The festival highlights how the World Cup is embracing the Rugby League community and acknowledging its wide-ranging affiliates,” Mr Love said. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase the broard appeal of the game internationally.”

The Festival of World Cups includes:

University       July 4-19              Griffith University and other Brisbane venues
Police            November 2-15   Quad Pk, Sunshine Coast: Suncorp Stadium (Final)
Women          November 2-15   Quad Pk, Sunshine Coast: Suncorp Stadium (Final)
Defence         November 5-16   Sydney, Townsville
Wheelchair   November 7-17   Sydney metropolitan area

For further information:
World Cup Communications Manager: John Brady 02 9339 8524, 040 888 1222
World Cup Media Director: Tracie Edmondson 02 9237 0747 041 625 8342

Broadcast Partners Announced

2008-05-08T08:47:00Z

Thursday, May 8, 2008

MEDIA RELEASE

The 2008 Rugby League World Cup has received another major boost today with Fox Sports joining an array of international broadcasters to ensure that the tournament is one of the most widely watched Rugby League events of all time.

Host Broadcaster the Nine Network will televise all nine Super Pool matches and all finals live in prime time, with Fox Sports securing all other matches with replay rights for all games.

At the same time Telstra Bigpond will break new ground with simultaneous live coverage of all games on both broadband and mobile platforms, as they join forces with www.rlwc08.com

America’s ESPN360.com will also use the same platforms to take World Cup matches into one of the biggest sporting markets on the globe.

The first World Cup tournament in Australia in 31 years has already secured a list of national broadcasters that includes: The Nine Network, Fox Sports, Sky Sports (UK), Sky Sport (NZ), Maori TV, Telstra Bigpond, ESPN 360.com, Mai TV (Fiji and Pacific Islands), Showtime Arabia, Canal Satellite (Spain), Ego Total (Israel), Measat (Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia), Orange Sports (France), Gateway Broadcast Services (Africa) and Starhub (Singapore).

Their broadcast signals will reach a range of countries as diverse as Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Papua New Guinea, USA, France, Spain, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Nuiei, Middle East, North Africa, Spain and Andorra, Israel, France, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. World Cup organisers are still fielding further expressions of interest from a range of countries.

In addition to the extensive live television coverage, live radio broadcasts have been secured through ABC Australia, Radio New Zealand and National Broadcasting Corporation of Papua New Guinea, with further support from a promotions partnership with DMG Radio (Nova).

Rugby League World Cup 2008 Tournament Director and Rugby League International Federation Chairman, Mr Colin Love AM, said the rights had not only generated significant revenue for the tournament but had also shown that there are real opportunities to grow interest in the game internationally.

“The television interest in the World Cup underlines the success of the rebuilding that has been taking place in the international game in recent years,” Mr Love said.

“Importantly, there is still a lot of potential to unlock in future years so the results for Rugby League World Cup ’08 to date have to be looked at as an encouraging start to an even more successful future.”

Further information:
World Cup Communications Manager: John Brady 02 9339 8524, 040 888 1222
World Cup Media Director: Tracie Edmondson 02 9237 0747, 041 625 8342

2008 Rugby League World Cup Assured Commercial Success

2008-05-08T08:41:00Z

Thursday, May 8, 2008

MEDIA RELEASE

The Rugby League International Federation has today been told the 2008 Rugby League World Cup in Australia, the most ambitious attempted in the tournament’s 54-year history, is already assured of commercial success.

At a meeting of RLIF delegates in Sydney today, Rugby League World Cup 2008 Tournament Director and RLIF Chairman, Mr Colin Love AM, detailed an outstanding list of major corporate sponsors and broadcast partners for the event.

The 13th Rugby League World Cup starts on October 25 with the Official Opening Ceremony on October 26 at the Sydney Football Stadium. The tournament will feature 18 matches at 12 venues in three states over 29 days, culminating with the final on November 22 at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

As well as funding support from the Queensland, New South Wales, Victorian and Australian Governments, Mr Love today confirmed that Jetstar had come on board as the official Australian airline, joining a list of corporate partners from major global corporations, which includes: VB, Bundaberg Rum, Telstra, Coca-Cola, Powerade, Harvey Norman, InterContinental, AAMI and Gillette.

“The family of sponsors to come on board represents the cream of Australia’s corporate world, with significant investment from existing Rugby League partners who recognise the value of the sport in reaching consumers,” Mr Love said.

“It’s an outstanding major group of companies that want to be part of history. One thing is certain … they will get enormous exposure.”

With just 170 days to go before the first match, Mr Love also confirmed that the first World Cup in Australia in 31 years has also secured a worldwide audience with a list of national broadcasters that includes: The Nine Network, Fox Sports, Sky Sports (UK), Sky Sport (NZ), Maori TV, Telstra Bigpond, ESPN 360.com, Mai TV (Fiji and Pacific Islands), Showtime Arabia, Canal Satellite (Spain), Ego Total (Israel), Measat (Malaysia Brunei, Indonesia), Orange Sports (France), Gateway Broadcast Services (Africa) and Starhub (Singapore).

Host Broadcaster the Nine Network will televise all nine Super Pool matches and all finals. Fox Sports, who announced details of their involvement today, have secured all other matches along with replay rights for all games.

The Queensland Government has won the right to host the tournament final and a semi-final at Suncorp Stadium, along with five pool matches.

NSW has also supported the event and will host the Opening Ceremony game, a semi-final and pool matches across the state.

Victoria will host one of the tournament’s most anticipated matches, Australia v England, which is being played on November 2 between Derby Day and the Melbourne Cup.

The Federal Government has thrown its support behind a range of tournament initiatives including Festival of World Cups involving Police, Defence Forces, Women, University and Wheelchair tournaments, as well as volunteer programs.

Australian and overseas Rugby League fans have shown they intend to be part of history and attend World Cup matches. Already more than 25,000 tickets have been sold to the Final at Suncorp Stadium on November 22, which appears certain to sell out.

Early sales have also been encouraging for the opening match in Townsville and also for matches in Melbourne, Sydney and Newcastle.

Nine official domestic and international travel agents (Australia, UK and New Zealand) have been brought into the World Cup program as licensed travel agents and they are experiencing a great deal of interest from domestic and international tourists.

Interest received suggests thousands of British tourists will make their way to Australia for the World Cup.

Corporate Australia too has embraced the event with over 2000 corporate hospitality packages sold across the 12 venues.

A total of 22 licensees are participating in the World Cup program across 20 different licensed product categories from both Australia and overseas, making it the largest ever licensing program for a Rugby League World Cup.

Australia’s leading sports retailers, Rebel and A-Mart, have already committed to stocking their shelves with World Cup product in anticipation of national pride reaching fever pitch in October and November.

“This is the strongest revenue position for a Rugby League World Cup at this stage,” said Mr Love.
“It’s important to remember the enormous costs associated with an event like this. The most critical fact is that we are in a position to lay a solid platform for the future of the international game.”

Mr Love also recognised the strong team that has been established around the World Cup for their endeavours so far, including hospitality manager Brian Thorburn, leading sports licensee, Velocity Brand Management’s James Ashworth, MJW Advertising, IMG Media and NRL Director of Marketing and Commercial Paul Kind.

For further information:
World Cup Communications Manager: John Brady 02 9339 8524, 040 888 1222
World Cup Media Director: Tracie Edmondson 02 9237 04488, 041 625 8342

Heroes 08 Campaign Launched

2008-05-06T06:18:00Z

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

MEDIA RELEASE

The Sydney Opera House has opened its doors to the 2008 Rugby League World Cup and one of the biggest names of the Australian music scene for the launch of a spectacular Heroes 08 advertising campaign.

The campaign, which has been six months in the making, brings together players from the 10 World Cup nations in a way that underlines the national pride and determination that will be a feature of the first Rugby League World Cup tournament in Australia in 31 years.

Natalie Bassingthwaighte, whose Rogue Traders burst into the big time as they performed at the 2005 NRL Grand Final, has produced a stunning Australian version of the Mariah Carey classic Hero, which will be a feature of World Cup advertising and promotion.

Natalie has already signed on to perform the song live at the World Cup Opening Ceremony at the Sydney Football Stadium on October 26.
Filming for the commercial began in Leeds during the world-wide ticketing launch for the event in November 2007.

Advertising agency MJW, utilising the services of celebrity photographer Garry Heery and production company Engine, combined the latest digital animation with a dark and determined set that highlighted the passion players feel in representing their country on the international stage.

Even during the filming of the commercial, the sense of opportunity that all players see in testing themselves on the world stage later this year came through.
Some were inspired by the opportunity to change Rugby League’s world order, others by the pressure of maintaining international reputations … but for everyone there was a belief in the importance of the Rugby League World Cup to their country.

Rugby League World Cup Tournament Director and Rugby League International Federation Chairman, Mr Colin Love AM, said the commercial reflects an exciting new chapter in the international game.

“The creative direction of the commercial underlines the fact that the international game and this tournament in particular brings out the best in every player,” Mr Love said.

“But more than that, the players are revered off the field as heroes to family friends and countrymen even before the first whistle blows.
“The World Cup will bring many names to the spotlight and we will see some players in a totally new light as they rise to the challenge of the international game.

“The 10 players in the Heroes campaign symbolise the many heroes we will witness in Australia between October 25 and November 22 this year.”

Tickets for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup are on sale now at all Ticketek agencies.

The Heroes campaign features Mark Gasnier (Australia), Roy Asotasi (New Zealand), Rob Burrow (England), Keith Peters (PNG), Waisale Suka (Fiji), Nigel Vagana (Samoa), Jerome Guisset (France), Lee Paterson (Scotland), Stuart Littler (Ireland) and Lopini Paea (Tonga).

Further information:
World Cup Communications Manager: John Brady 9339 8524, 0408 881 222
World Cup Media Director: Tracie Edmondson 9237 0747, 0416 258 342

The Prenter Report #4

2008-05-05T06:00:00Z

“When Roy Asotasi is prominent, the players rally.”

This was the observation of the Sydney Daily Telegraph’s Ray Chesterton, Rugby League’s finest wordsmith, in his appraisal of Asotasi’s contribution to South Sydney’s maiden win in the 2008 NRL premiership on the weekend.

Asotasi, the New Zealand and World Cup captain, was at his inspiring best for the South Sydney Rabbitohs against North Queensland.

It’s the same inspiration Asotasi is expected to provide New Zealand when they tackle Australia in the Centenary Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground this Friday.

And it’s the inspiration Kiwi fans will be hoping Asotasi provides throughout the World Cup later this year.

Asotasi is a born leader. He is capable of bringing out the best of those around him by setting himself high standards.

New Zealand could comb the length and breadth of the land of the great White Cloud and not find a better choice to lead them on Friday and then again in October and November.

The Kiwis will always be competitive when Asotasi is at the helm.

As predicted on this page last week, South’s were close to a win with Asotasi’s captaincy the springboard.

Needless to say, their co-owner Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe, was there in the stands cheering on his fellow Kiwi.

The Kiwis well may “borrow” Russell for Friday’s encounter and anoint him as No.1 supporter for the World Cup!

New Zealand has had a “good news” week.

Asotasi strikes form and their two English based players, fullback Brent Webb and halfback Thomas Leuluai have been released to play in the Centenary Test.

Leeds has reluctantly agreed to free Webb and Wigan likewise with Leuluai.

Both players are in form and will add spice to the Kiwi attack.

With Australia’s champion captain Darren Lockyer a withdrawal, the Kiwis hopes have risen.

But Australia will lose nothing when it comes to leadership now that Cameron Smith, the Australian hooker, is in charge.

Some nice irony here.

Australia’s first ever captain was a hooker, South Sydney’s Arthur Hennessy and now Cameron Smith, in the game’s Centenary Year, is able to emulate Hennessy.

By Geoff Prenter

RLIF Supports NZ Selections for Test

2008-05-02T05:19:00Z

Friday, May 02, 2008

MEDIA RELEASE

The Executive of the Rugby League International Federation has today supported the rights of the New Zealand Rugby League in selecting Brent Webb and Thomas Leuluai from the Super League Competition to play in next Friday’s Centenary Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

A telephone hook-up between RLIF Chairman, Mr Colin Love AM, RFL Chairman, Mr Richard Lewis, and RLIF secretary Mr David Gallop this morning examined an application from the two clubs concerned that they should not release their players.

The RLIF Executive determined that there were not sufficient grounds to vary RLIF Rule 4.1 which states:

“Except as otherwise determined by the Board in respect of a particular match ….. a player who has been selected to play a Senior International match approved as such by the Board for a country for which he is eligible … :-

a) must be made available by his club for all such matches for which he is selected and for training sessions where possible ….;”

Should the players not arrive in Australia for next Friday’s Centenary Test they would be ineligible to play in the corresponding round of Super League matches.

Further enquiries: John Brady 93398524, 0408 881222

The Kiwis Are Ready

2008-05-01T01:27:00Z

There is never any denying the spirit of the Kiwis in war or love or sport, especially Rugby League.

That’s why Howie Tamati, the Chairman of the New Zealand selection panel, is more than happy with the team chosen for the Centenary Test on Friday, 9 May at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

‘It is a well thought out team,” said Tamati, a former champion Kiwi. “We will be ready for the Australians.”

Tamati predicts that whatever the Kiwis produce in the Test will be exceeded throughout the World Cup later this year.

“We are improving all the time and despite injuries to two or three key players, we will be strong competitors,” he said.

Tamati said the loss of Benji Marshal was a blow but not unexpected.

“I doubt whether we would have chosen him because of his injury rate,” said Tamati.

“He is a brilliant player and it is so disappointing to see him continually struck down by injury.

The Kiwis are applying pressure on two of the English Super League clubs, Leeds and Wigan, to release Test players.

Fullback Brent Webb (Leeds) and brilliant halfback Thomas Leuluai (Wigan) have yet to gain releases from their respective clubs and there are rumbles mounting as to whether they will make it back to Australia.

The English Rugby League is duty bound to demand the players are released. Under the International RL constitution, neither player can represent his club on the corresponding weekend a Test is played if chosen to represent his country.

Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney has named three rookies in the team for the Centenary Test. They are teenage South Sydney hooker Issac Luke, St.George Illawarra winger Jason Nightingale and Roosters centre Setaimata Sa.

Sydney-born Nightingale, whose parents are Kiwis, won selection on “weight of tries.” He has scored five tries in seven matches this season.

South Sydney, dragging the NRL chain but close to a win, have four players in the New Zealand team.

The big news is that defence crusher Sonny Bill Williams is back.

Williams joins tough campaigners, Roy Asotasi and Nathan Cayless in a well balanced pack. There is a blending of skill and brimstone.

The Kiwis will be keen to lock down the star studded Australian backline, one of the sharpest ever chosen.

Retaining possession will never be as vital to the Kiwis as it will be on 9 May.

The New Zealand 19-man squad is:

Brent Webb; Jason Nightingale, Iosia Soliola, Setaimata Sa, Sam Perrett; Ben Roberts, Thomas Leuluai; David Fa’alogo, Simon Mannering, Sonny Bill Williams, Nathan Cayless, Issac Luke, Roy Asotasi ©. Interchange: Dene Halatau, Jeremy Smith, Frank Pritchard, Adam Blair, Lance Hohaia, David Kidwell.

By Geoff Prenter

Why Irish Eyes Are Smiling

2008-04-30T02:10:00Z

Rugby League Ireland will make two major announcements this week that will support the national team’s participation in this year’s World Cup and, more importantly, underpin the long-term future of the sport in Ireland.

The name of Ireland’s (the Wolfhounds) major sponsor for this year’s World Cup will be announced at a press conference at Headingley Carnegie Stadium this week with RLI officials confident that the partnership will provide Irish Rugby League with a legacy that will last well beyond the World Cup.

Tony Kenny, the Commercial Director for RLI commented, “We are pleased to announce we have two major agreements with international organisations that will provide RLI with huge resources to develop rugby league in Ireland massively”.

Harvey Norman, a company who has a long association with Rugby League in Australia are supporting Ireland. Harvey Norman has a number of retail stores in Ireland and aims to develop its partnership with RLI like it has done so in Australia. Also newly on board are Kamp-Easi Motorhomes Ireland’s leading premier motor home hire and sales company.

The final new partner is PJ Gallaghers, a traditional Irish Pub Chain located in New South Wales. The Parramatta Bar will become the official home of RLI fans during the early stages of the World Cup with a number of pre and post match events planned.

In addition to revealing the identity of RLI’s principle partners, RLI are delighted to have the continued support of Hattons Solicitors, a long term partner of RLI ; Emerald Rugby Magazine, a high quality informative rugby magazine dedicated to the Irish rugby scene and of course Kukri Sports Ltd, The official Kit Supplier and long term partner of RLI who will also be merchandising the official World Cup Replica Shirt.

Tony Kenny added, “What we have announced today is a clear indication that RLI is now beginning to attract major partners on long term agreements. This support will provide RLI with the foundations to develop our game domestically. We have been given more financial support than has ever been achieved previously and we aim to make the appearance of the Ireland Team in the World Cup Finals the cornerstone of what we achieve over the coming years”.

As well as the partnership agreements, RLI will also be unveiling the shirt that they will be wearing in this year’s World Cup.

By Geoff Prenter

The Prenter Report #3

2008-04-28T02:38:00Z

Australia’s selectors have turned the clock back in naming the team for the Centenary Test against New Zealand to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday, 9 May.

It’s as though they wanted to remind the game’s multitude of modern day fans of how the game was once played.

Granite tough forwards, not one who will take a backwards step, spiced with a backline boasting an abundance of skills.

And, without hesitation, I predict this will be the same lot that represent Australia in the World Cup later this year.

Barring injury, that is. Injury could come into play judging by the composition of the Australian pack. Here is a pack that will take no prisoners but may be left nursing more than a few bruises.

The Australian backline for the Centenary Test has 40 points written all over it. Each member is a try merchant.

I predict wingers Greg Inglis and Israel Folau will get more try scoring opportunities at the SCG than they have enjoyed in a lifetime.

This backline is gilt-edged. Nine carat. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant.

The forwards are mean.

They will trash their opposition as long as they remember their role. No use any of them loitering three out from the ruck. If they play it tight and robust, they will set a platform for an avalanche of tries.

I am sure skipper Cameron Smith will pave the way by hitting the middle with gusto.

The reserve bench is also laden with power and skill. Webb and Mason-ouch! And Gidley and Tupou-another harvest of tries.

There is always controversy once an Australian side is named.

This side is an exception. No club politics. No coach’s pets. A team picked on form and a team that could send shock waves through the Kiwis.

If ever a black and white jumper was to inspire the Kiwis, now is the time.

The Australian team is: Billy Slater; Greg Inglis, Mark Gasnier, Justin Hodges, Israel Folau; Darren Lockyer ©, Jonathon Thurston; Greg Bird, Paul Gallen, Ryan Hofffman, Petero Civoniceva, Cameron Smith, Brent Kite. Interchange: Carl Webb, Willie Mason, Anthony Tupou, Kurt Gidley.

By Geoff Prenter

The Prenter Report #2

2008-04-23T22:01:00Z

Norm “Sticks” Provan is the only member of Australia’s first ever winning World Cup team to be named in “The Team of the Century.”

The 1957 Australian team, captained by centre *** Poole, was unbeaten and in this star-studded line-up was a player dubbed “the greatest all-rounder the game has ever seen.”

Brian Carlson was a controversial omission from “The Team of the Century.”

Selected members have revealed they were surprised Carlson was not named on the bench, at least.

Brian was an outstanding player who was at home either at fullback, on the wing or in the centre,” said Graeme Langlands, a member of the 17-man “Team of the Century.”

“I was a little surprised Brian Bevan made the team ahead of him.”

Carlson had natural talent. He didn’t require coaching.

On the 1959-60 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain, renowned commentator Eddie Waring hailed a Carlson try in the third test as-“the greatest Test match try you’ll ever see.”

Reg Gasnier, a unanamious choice in the centres in “The Team of the Century,” had triggered the move and provided the early lustre for the Carlson try.

The late Frank Hyde, in a class of his own as a broadcaster, referred to Carlson as a “genius.”

But, so too, was the winger who got the nod ahead of Carlson-Brian Bevan.

Johnny Raper, lock forward in “The Team of the Century,” described Bevan as “freakish.”

“Brian Bevan was the most unlikely looking footballer I have ever seen,” said Raper.

“But I don’t think there has been one better, certainly not one more elusive. He left me grasping at thin air a couple of times.”

Clive Churchill, full back in “The Team of the Century,” rated Bevan as the best footballer in the world.

Carlson would have been in my Team of the Century.”

You see, I saw Carlson play, at club, State, Australian and World Cup level.

I regret not having seen Bevan play. I envy the judges of “The Team of the Century” that did.

By Geoff Prenter

The Prenter Report #1

2008-04-20T22:55:00Z

The omission of Graeme Langlands from “The Team of the Century” run-on side will stir emotions.

The fact Langlands, a fullback of extraordinary talent, has been named as a reserve is, to me, more of an insult than a compliment.

Langlands excelled on every stage the game is played, from club to Test, from state to World Cups.

He was class with a capital “c.”

Langlands remains one of the greatest drawcards in the game’s history. His side-step is folklore.

His courage had no peer.

Name me something Langlands could not achieve on a football field?

Struggling?

He had it all plus some and should have been a shoe-in.

His combination with the greatest of them all”-Reg Gasnier, was copy for a blockbuster film.

Who could have blamed Gasnier for what was interpreted by some as an inappropriate comment when, at the naming of The Team of the Century, he remarked: “I wish Graeme was here with me.”

Langlands thrived on international competition.

His sniffing out of a gap that ultimately led to a try was legendary, especially at World Cup level.

I spoke to him about the hottest contest for World Cup spots this year.

The fullback spot.

Billy Slater or Brett Stewart?

“I prefer Slater,” he answered.

“He has incredible pace and can find the holes better than anyone else. He is always looking to stretch a defence.

“Stewart is also outstanding and nobody knows the way to a try-line better but I believe Slater is still improving and by the time of the World Cup will be in a class of his own.”

If I may digress for a moment.

The selection of Andrew Johns as halfback in “The Team of the Century” will provide fodder for pub and club exchanges.

There are those who will condemn the selectors for the glorification of drug use.

But, a sobering thought in relation to this wonderfully gifted player.

Andrew Johns disappointed thousands, countless thousands of fans, for his self confessed drug abuse.

He harmed only one.

By Geoff Prenter

Time To Meet The challenge

2008-04-18T05:47:00Z

The “Team of the Century” announced this week should prove to be the perfect spur for Australia’s World Cup aspirants.

Not one modern day player was selected in the 17-man squad.

The most recent was Andrew Johns who retired last year so the challenge lays ahead for players of this era to further push their claims to be “the best ever.”

What better stage there is than that of a World Cup when players are pitted against the best in the world. A golden opportunity to stake a claim as having no peer and display talent that has seldom been emulated by those great players of another era.

Players of the calibre of Jonathon Thurston, Darren Lockyer and Billy Slater will be but three out to prove they can be discussed in such glowing terms as a Johns or a Churchill.

The “Team of the Century” was chosen from an elite 100 players nominated by a plethora of respected judges.

The team is: Clive Churchill; Brian Bevan, Mal Meninga, Reg Gasnier, Ken Irvine; Wally Lewis, Andrew Johns; Johnny Raper, Ron Coote, Norm Provan, Arthur Beetson, Noel Kelly, Duncan Hall. Reserves: Graeme Langlands, Bobby Fulton, Frank Burge, Dally Messenger.

Jack Gibson was named coach.

By Geoff Prenter

Fiji Puts Muscle On Muscle

2008-04-11T01:07:00Z

The Fijian players bound for the World Cup have sent a daunting message to rivals thanks to a training program devised by NRL coach Max Ninness.

“They have certainly bulked up in physique,” observed Ninness, the assistant coach of St George Illawarra.

Ninness arrived in Fiji this week to monitor the progress of the elite local Fijians.

He was delighted with the progress of all the players after attending a full scale training session.

Fiji Bati coach Joe Dakuitoga said his players had to be commended for adhering to Ninness’ training program.

“There has been a lot of discipline applied to the training program that Max arranged,” said Dakuitoga.

There is still some uncertainty as to the availability of some Fijian players involved with NRL clubs and this makes the development of the local players even more significant.

Ninness, in conjunction with Dakuitoga will now concentrate on tactics such as hit-ups, defence and alignment.

Ninness has even gone to the point of providing a revolutionary warm-up technique that is being used in the NRL.

Fiji is always unpredictable. They can be an excitement machine due to the ease of the way they play an improvised style of football.

The fact they are adding muscle to muscle augurs well for their tilt at the World Cup.

By Geoff Prenter