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Welcome to the Monday edition of the RLCM Newsletter.

This issue features a coaching EXTRACT FROM RLCM BOOK 30

Successfull Attack -
With Grant Bell written by Robert Rachow

This RLCM News is 100% free, however we need your help to spread the
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* RLCM - 'EVERY DAY' COACHING QUOTE -

" Players, if they are in a positive learning mode, will accept
criticism and redirection from their coach and act on it."

- By Ric Charlesworth from his Book 'Staying at the Top'

____________________________________________


* TODAYS CONTENTS 19/05/03

* RLCM COMMENT - By Gary Roberts
Containment the key to Successful Defences

* RLCM - COACHING EXTRACT FROM RLCM BOOK
Successful Attack - With Grant Bell written by Robert Rachow

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RLCM COMMENT - By Gary Roberts

Containment the key to Successful Defences

After the 2002 season, it was said that the Roosters would change the
way the game was going to be played in the future.

The reference was to having two, three and occasionally four
defenders coming into tackles and the art of developing an effective
peel off to slow the game down to the defending team's pace.

The referees in 2003 quickly put paid to that tactic.

The defence this year has changed and teams that are using the
Roosters' defence pattern are showing results and it has nothing to
do with the gang tackles of 2002.

The key emphasis is to restrict the opposition to within its own half.

There is nothing new about that tactic. It is a principle of Rugby
League.

Bobby Fulton ex Manly coach employed that style of play years back,
particularly when playing Cronulla who were renowned for scoring
tries from kicks on the 5th play when in the opposition's red zone.

His theory was - If you do not let them get down your end, Cronullas
major try scoring weapon was negated. They were never in a position
to put up a positive kick.

The Roosters showed that lazy defence in the ruck area is outdated.
The emphasis is on having markers that work all game.

The art of keeping a team pinned in their own area begins with
effective markers. Study the Roosters' Adrian Morley and the
Broncos' Shane Webcke.

Teams need big, mobile forward runners who do not have to think too
much about the game. Their only role is to take the team forward.

But, the defending team should be aware of that and realise that
tackles, one, two and three down in the opposition's Red Zonewill
most likely be only one pass.

The Roosters' emphasis in this situation is to stop the runner's go
forwardon or before the Aline and drive him back.

Fittler, a long kicker, will kick on the second or third tackle from
his own half, just to make sure the ball is down the other end.

The team will then contain the ability of the opposition's go
forwardrunners by effective and aggressive defence that will
restrict the kicking of the team with the ball.

If you can achieve the above points successfully and have a keen
defensive unit which, as Ricky Stuart says has attitude,it will
not matter when you give the opposition the ball.

Looking at the Broncos v Storm game, the statistics show a similar
scenario:

Small Pack v Big Pack

Field Position v Poor Field Position

Long Kicker v Short Kicker

Containing opposition v Non Containment or Limited Containment

The Broncos knew early in the game that they were not going to have
any great problems in containing the smaller Storm pack to their own
area for the majority of the game.

Thus they showed composure and patience in taking their time and
winning the game.

They went with the Storm for the early part of the first half but
they were always ahead.

After the Storms' first 11 sets, the Broncos saw that the opposition
were unable to come up the middle, resulting in the Storm having to
put passes together in their Red Zone to get out.

From that point on, it was for the players to put into practice the
game plan set by Coach Bennett and executed by Lockyer, Ikin Berrigan
and Swain after their big Broncos' men took them forward.

The Storm had the ball for 35 plays

FIRST HALF.

2 &&.Kick from 50m

4&&..Kick from 55m

6 &&.TRY

7&&. Kick from 35m

11&&Kick from 35m

14 &&Kick from 30m

17 &&Kick from 45m

20 &&Receive a penalty 45m

21&&.K/O 75m

23&& K/O80m

25&& Kick from 20m

27 &&Turnover 95m

29&& K/O 50m

32&& Kick from 45m

34&&.Error in goal from kick off

36&& Kick from70m

38&& Kick from 55m

40&&.TRY

41&&.Kick from 45m


SECOND HALF


1 &&.Kick from 50m

3 &&.K/O 95m after great run from own try line.

5 &&.TRY

6&&..Error 40m

8 &&.Kick from 35m

10&&K/O 40m

12&&Kick from 15m

17&&Kick from 70m

22&&Kick from 40m

24&&K/O 35m

26&&Kick from 45m

28&&Kick from 35m

30&&K/O 35m

34&&Kick from 55m

36&&Received scrum restart 95m

37&&Threw forward pass 95m


The above figures illustrate the lack of positive field position for
the Melbourne Storm created by an effective Broncos' defence.


Broncos 34 defeated Storm 16.

____________________________________________

* EXTRACT FROM THE LATEST RLCM BOOK 30 MAY 2003 EDITION

Order a RLCM eBook today
http://www.rlcm.com.au/editions.htm
and you will be reading it today.

Successfull Attack

With Grant Bell Written by Robert Rachow

I am fortunate to have gone through a number of
coaching phases in relation to attacking football. If
you recall back to the early 80s, attack really revolved
around the success that Warren Ryan and Jack Gibson
had, and it gave many coaches a strong foundation to
build on.

In terms of finding creative ways to score tries, the
late 70s through to the mid 80s was very much a
time of going against the grain. Once the unlimited
tackle rule was scrapped, coaches woke up and said
Okay we have got to use the football we have got to
be prepared to play a little bit.

Then we came to the mid-to-late 80s where we hit
this period where defence became more organised and
as a result, attack became more structured. Some good
things came out of that, but I still think there are a lot
of negative tactics that have stemmed from that era
which still pervade at all levels of the game today.

I believe there are certain sides that have real trouble
getting over the line because of this notion that you
need structure if you are going to score. People have
a concept of a must-do plan where you have got to
go to A before B before C and that will give you a try.

They think if they dont do it in that order and arent
organised, then they wont get there. That concerns
me a little because I think that the way our players
are developing and the way the game is progressing,
it really lends itself now to a much more open approach
to attack.

Our first principles of attack are to go forward, find a
gap and retain the ball, although sometimes I feel there
is too much emphasis on retaining the ball. I find that
as soon as I tell my players I want them to hold it,
thats when our play becomes really negative and our
chances of winning go out the back window.

Take a situation at Newcastle a few years ago when
Sam Stewart was under instructions not to pass the
ball. Stewart was the captain of the team and his duty
was to carry the football forward, but never to pass.

In this day and age of video analysis, it was diabolical
because opposition sides loved it. I can tell you the
guys that go on to NRL level defensively say This
player plays with his right arm, this player offloads
with his left arm, this player doesnt offload, this player
will push through, this fellow will ball play before
the line.

Now some of you might think it is a lot of information.
But if players cant operate mentally at that level and
be able to make decisions to nullify play, they dont
last very long in first grade. So for the Knights to have
Stewart in their side just made the job that much easier
for the defence.

Im not blaming anyone in particular here, just trying
to exemplify that at that time there was this perception
that offloading was too much of a risk; that teams
needed 75 - 80% completion on the stats sheet to win.

That notion really restricted a lot of what happened in
attack.

At the same time along came Wayne Bennett at the
Broncos. How much do you think Bennett emphasised
ball retention? Not a lot.............read more


Book 30 - Now available @ AUS$22.00
http://www.rlcm.com.au/editions.htm

Book 30 Contents


* Coach Talk - Chris Anderson - Australian & Cronulla Sharks Coach -
Written by Terry Prindable

* Hey Coach! - Do you have a coaching philosophy?

'* Get Out' Sets - With Glenn Bayliss and Rick Stone

* Successful Attack - With Grant Bell

* An Approach to Short Term Coaching - Written by Ray Unsworth -
Director of Coach Education, RFL

* Making the Transition - With Rick Stone - Burleigh Bears Head
Coach

* Duty of Care, Responsibility and Liability - With Phil Jones

* Andrew Johns' Mental Skills Checklist

* Responsibilities of the Team Manager

* Fine Tuning the Player with Instinctive Drives - With Jill Horder

* What Type of Person Makes a Good Coach

* Wigan, Now Develop the Best - Written by Gary Roberts

* Testing... How, Why, Who, Where and When - Written by Wayne
Goldsmith

* A Suggested Plan for a Rugby League Environment - Written by Steve
Anderson

* League Coach Forum - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/leaguecoach

* Stop those injuries - Doug King RCpN PG Dip SportMed

* Kicking Drills


Or buy the RLCM CD-ROM today containing 34 Books and read everything
we
have published to March 2003.

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* RUGBY LEAGUE POSITIONS VACANT

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Send information whether your club is looking for players, coaches,
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R.L. COACH LOOKING FOR COACHING POSITION QLD 2003 SEASON
Posted Friday, May 16, 2003 by rlcm57

I am 38yo, looking for a Senior Coaching position in the Southern
Queensland area.

My qualifications include:

Level III ARL High Performance Coach,
Level II Sports Trainer (Sports Medicine Aust),
B.A. Degree Sports Science,
Senior First Aid,
NSWRL-CRL-NRL Experience as a player/ Coach &
SportsTrainer /Conditioner with great success.

New to Southern QLD area.

Also have experience in Junior Development & Scouting new talent at
NRL level.

Willing to travel for right position.

For all interested inquiries,
thunder2@...
Phone: (07)5528-2879.


Robert Wilesmith (B.S.Sc.)

Fit4Perfection Personal Training
Pro Fitness Trainer & Professional Rugby League & Sports Coach

Mail: P.O.Box 638, Labrador 4215 Queensland. Australia
Phone/Fax International: 61-7-5528-2879 (QLD)
Phone/Fax Local: 07)5528-2879




Assistant Sports Player Manager

Axis Player Management Group

Full time package - $40,000 (including Superannuation) + Incentives
Information

The Role - contacting and actively recruiting elite athletes,
liaising with professional sports people, producing player reports
and innovative sports research and sourcing and effectively managing
sponsorship arrangements.

The Requirements - presently employed in a professional sports
organisation or with a player contact network, outgoing personality
and the ability to be persuasive.

The Position - part time or fulltime.

Apply to
Please Email resume and covering to keith@...
or call Belinda on (02) 9232 3666

___________________________________________

Senior UK coach seeks club

I am a 31 year old Senior coach based in England and have set myself
a long term goal of Coaching a Professional squad full time in the
next five years.

To assist in this I would like to learn and work with any
professional coaches within Super League or the National League.

I am currently a Head Coach for a Service area Squad, Head Coach for
a SRL Squad and Conditioner for an Amateur Squad.

I have a Degree in Sport & Exercise Science (Biomechanics, Nutrition,
Physiology, Psychology) Therefore have a broad knowledge of factors
that influence elite performance.

I currently work as a Community Development Worker (F/T), and a Rugby
League developement worker (P/T) and would love to work full time in a
rugby related position.

If anyone has any information or guidance please contact me on:

richard@...
____________________________________________

* RLCM - NEWS UPDATE

Click http://www.rlcm.com.au/dailynews.htm for the latest News

NSW Wizard Blues Origin Squad named
Posted Monday, May 19, 2003 by rlcm57

Three players from Friday nights Harvey Norman City V Country Origin
match have forced their way into the NSW Wizard Blues Origin Squad.

Mark Gasnier, Jason Ryles (Dragons) and Robbie Kearns (Storm) come
into the squad as does the RaidersRyan OHara who was initially
listed as an emerging representative player.

The original 30-man squad was reduced to 25 with a view to giving
players a chance to focus on the upcoming series and also to give
those not in the squad the message that they have to do something
extra to gain the selectorsattention.

Trent Barrett (Dragons) was not considered at this stage due to
injury.

Players omitted from the squad: Jason Croker, Luke Davico, (Raiders),
John Hopoate (Sea Eagles), Jason Moodie (Eels), Glenn Morrison
(Cowboys), Mark OMeley and Luke Patten (Bulldogs).

The squad will assemble for lunch at 11am at the Crowne Plaza,
Coogee, on Wednesday 21 May. Players and coach will be available to
the media until 11.20am in the foyer of the hotel.


Braith Anasta (Bulldogs)
Luke Bailey (Dragons)
Danny Buderus (Knights)
Michael De Vere (Broncos)
Hazem El Masri (Bulldogs)
Craig Fitzgibbon(Roosters)
Mark Gasnier (Dragons)
Matthew Gidley (Knights)
Andrew Johns (Knights)
Robbie Kearns (Storm)
Ben Kennedy (Knights)
Jamie Lyon [Eels)
Willie Mason (Bulldogs)
Steve Menzies (Sea Eagles)
Anthony Minichiello(Roosters)
Ryan OHara (Raiders)
David Peachey (Sharks)
Luke Ricketson (Roosters)
Jason Ryles (Dragons)
Brent Sherwin (Bulldogs)
Steve Simpson (Knights)
Jason Stevens (Sharks)
Timana Tahu (Knights)
Shaun Timmins (Dragons)
Craig Wing (Roosters)


____________________________________________




COMPLACENT AND INEPT JETS SAVAGED AT BEAR PARK.
Posted Monday, May 19, 2003 by rlcm57

While this game might have been Newtown's first visit to historic
North Sydney Oval in twenty years, all of Sunday's celebrations
belonged to the Bears.

The Sydney Airport Jets turned in a collective shocker in this
Premier League competition match, with North Sydney winning their
first game of the season by 28-18.

The Bears thoroughly deserved their victory by out-enthusing Newtown,
making fewer errors and by punching holes through some rather brittle
Newtown backline defence.

The Jets fought back to trail 24-18 late in the second half, but
missed opportunities and individual lack of discipline brought them
undone.

Best players for the very out of sorts Jets were Billy Najarrin,
Tabua Cakacaka (who was placed on report, and is likely to miss next
Saturday's game against his former club Canberra), Nathan Marles and
Russell Richardson (whose two tries kept Newtown in the game).

The Jim Beam Cup match away to Woy Woy was cancelled due to the
waterlogged ground, and will probably be played in late August.

The Sydney Airport Jets are drawn away this coming Saturday (May 24)
to the Canberra Raiders at Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan, while Newtown's
Jim Beam Cup team travel to Erina.

____________________________________________

Bradford 52 defeated Huddersfield 6


Huddersfield coach Tony Smith tipped Powergen Challenge Cup winners
Bradford to complete the double after watching them rout the Giants
52-6 in a one-sided Super League clash at the McAlpine Stadium.

The Bulls were in awesome form as they ran in nine tries to make it
12 wins in a row and close the gap on leaders Leeds to just two
points with a game in hand.

Bradford will take over at the top if they beat the Rhinos in next
Friday's Cup final rerun at Odsal and Smith expects them to go on and
win October's Grand Final.

"I thought they were outstanding," he said.

"They have not been so potent in recent weeks but they sure got it
together today.

"We've played all the teams except Widnes and Bradford are my
favourites to take the title. I haven't seen anything to indicate
otherwise. They are a pretty well-oiled machine."

Read more Sporting Life

____________________________________________



Castleford 40 defeated Widnes 2


Castleford coach Graham Steadman felt his side's hard work in
training had paid off following Sunday's 40-2 Super League rout of
Widnes at The Jungle.

"We have been waiting for that performance. I was delighted with our
defensive effort," he said.

"It is all down to the hard work we put in on the training pitch."

Widnes coach Neil Kelly could not hide his disappointment after his
side's third successive defeat.

He said: "I had a frank conversation with the players about where we
go after a poor performance like that. We only competed for the first
15 minutes."

Sporting Life

____________________________________________



Roosters remember the basics of kick, chase, tackle


By Phil Gould: Rugby league is a simple game. When I played for
Canterbury in the 1980s, we went into every game with the same simple
plan. Three words: kick, chase, tackle.

Styles of play come and go and new manoeuvres become the flavour of
the month. However, unless the mentality of kick, chase, tackle is a
key part of your repertoire, chances are you will be back with the
also-rans rather than competing for a premiership.

The Roosters, under coach Ricky Stuart (coincidentally a former
Bulldog), have made the cornerstone of their success the hard-nosed
philosophy of playing the game at your opponent's end of the field
and tackling them into submission.

Read more SMH

____________________________________________



Hagan gives Blues serve


By Peter Frilingos: NEWCASTLE coach Michael Hagan launched a surprise
attack on NSW's State of Origin selection system as Blues coach Phil
Gould and the state panel sat down to prune their squad from 33 to 24.

Hagan - pick a team and get on with it.

Hagan's unsolicited broadside came at the end of his press conference
after the Knights went down 36-14 to the Roosters at Aussie Stadium.

The coach, who is also Wayne Bennett's Queensland Origin assistant,
was speaking only metres away from where Gould and the NSW selectors
were deliberating.

The downsized squad will be announced later today and there are not
expected to be any big names shown the selection door.

Hagan made no attempt to hide his disapproval of Gould's scheme to
announce a series of squads before the 17-man squad was named on June
2 for the first game at Suncorp Stadium on June 11.

"I know everyone has a job to do and there has been a lot said about
positions in the side but generally I think we need to pick the team
and get on with it," Hagan said.

"Just let blokes play until round 12, pick a footy team and say, 'Gus
here's your team, off we go and coach them'.

"I just think all the stuff in the lead-up doesn't help not just our
players but certainly many players don't cope with the speculation
too well.

"I think the squads have been overdone to the hilt and we're going to
have another 24-man squad tomorrow.

"I don't get it and I don't understand it at all, I think it's not
fair to the players or their clubs which are the bread and butter
that they get picked from.

"The game will promote itself and I'm sure Lang Park [Suncorp] will
be sold out without any trouble whatsoever."

Hagan was asked about Queensland picking a squad of 22 three weeks
ago. "They pick 22 and you might have four or five injuries by the
time they play," was his reply.

Read more Foxsports
____________________________________________


Matt finish takes gloss off Sharks


By JAMES HOOPER: Souths captain Bryan Fletcher couldn't understand
it. Rabbitohs coach Paul Langmack didn't want to cost his club
$10,000.

Even Sharks coach Chris Anderson agreed it was a scrappy game
highlighted by the performance of one man.

They were talking about referee Matt Cecchin, who sent Fletcher to
the sin bin for the second time this season in a display labelled
dubious by both camps last night.

Read more Daily Telegraph
____________________________________________




Cast-off Chris Walker could be wearing tricolour


By Peter Frilingos: SOUTH Sydney's runaway star Chris Walker could be
wearing a Roosters' jersey by the end of this week.

The Roosters yesterday confirmed a change of heart over Walker after
lodging a $45,000 notice of intent to sign Walker with the NRL.

Roosters chief executive Bernie Gurr said $45,000 was all the club
could afford to spend on Walker and remain under the $3.25million
salary cap.

Walker and his management are currently considering the Roosters'
offer which will further enrage South Sydney fans who are already
unhappy with the club's decision to release him with 2 1/2 years left
on his contract to run.

Because he was on about $300,000 a season Walker has already been
paid more than $150,000 for training with the club since last
November and playing only five games.

If he does accept the Roosters' offer or one worth even more money
from Manly, he will have earned close to $200,000 by the end of the
year -- not bad money for a player perceived to have done the wrong
thing by the Rabbitohs.

Read more Daily Telegraph

____________________________________________



Brown faces $10,000 fine


By Dean Ritchie: NRL chief executive David Gallop last night
described Dragons coach Nathan Brown's expletive-laden post match
press conference on Saturday evening as an "unacceptable outburst".

The NRL will today review Brown's comments amid speculation he could
face a $10,000 fine.

Brown labelled a touch judge's decision during his side's 18-16 loss
to the Bulldogs as "f...... disgraceful".

He swore twice during the official post-match press conference.

The incident which drew his anger came in the 38th minute when
Dragons captain, Lance Thompson, was penalised for a late tackle on
Bulldogs player, Johnathan Thurston.

Thompson was considered unlucky by most observers and claimed after
the match Thurston took a dive.

But touch judge Steve Nash did not see it that way at the time,
running on to the field to report the incident.

"Okay, it was a f...... disgraceful decision and it wasn't the only
one in th game that was f...... disgraceful," Brown said.

In response last night, Gallop said: "We have allowed coaches some
latitude in recent times where they are allowed measured criticism of
match officials.

"But that doesn't mean coaches can use repeated expletives at a press
conference. It was an unacceptable outburst."

Read more Daily Telegraph

____________________________________________



Golden Goal


By Margie McDonald and Stuart Honeysett: THE weekend started with a
whimper. Friday night's City-Country match featured some of the
game's best players, but it lacked intensity and was as flat as a
tack.

Then at Brookvale Oval yesterday, the weekend of rugby league ended
with a bang when, at 4.40pm, referee Steve Lyons blew his whistle to
signal the start of the NRL's first 'golden point' game between Manly
and Parramatta.

It was a pity the historic moment was witnessed by a crowd of only
10,387, but at least they got more value for their dollar than the
17,674 fans who filled Gosford's Express Advocate Stadium to watch
City win a lacklustre affair 17-16.

Read more The Australian


____________________________________________




Broncos farewell ANZ in glorious fashion


Steve Ricketts: MICK De Vere is as excited as the next bloke about
the Brisbane Broncos move back to Suncorp Stadium despite nightmare
memories of the ground and mainly happy memories of ANZ Stadium.

De Vere, who broke his jaw in his first match at Suncorp in 1996,
capped off a remarkable record of success at ANZ Stadium when he
landed all six conversions in Brisbane's 36-16 win over Melbourne
Storm yesterday, his first goal bringing up his 800 points for the
club.

Not only did he do everything to perfection he reinforced his ironman
reputation, playing the full 80 minutes in hot conditions after also
playing the entire game for City against Country in heavy conditions
at Gosford on Friday night.

Brisbane leaves ANZ with an 80 per cent success rate over 10 and a
bit seasons, and with one away match before their long awaited return
to Suncorp on June 1 they are on top of the NRL ladder with 16
points, ahead of Canberra on averages. The Roosters, Warriors and
Panthers follow on 14 points.

Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett agreed the club's success at ANZ was one
of the best strike rates in any code of football and wondered how
much better it might have been if not for the Broncos losing players
to State of Origin duty every year.

Read more Courier Mail

____________________________________________



Morley typifies Roosters' attitude


Sydney Roosters coach Ricky Stuart calls it attitude and Adrian
Morley has it in spades - as the Newcastle Knights found out.

Morley was at his intimidating best in the Roosters' 36-14 win at
Aussie Stadium, with his 54th minute tackle on Knights winger Craig
Hall typifying the aggressive, ruthless streak that has made his side
the benchmark in the NRL.

With the Roosters holding onto a 16-8 lead, Morley led the chase of a
Brad Fittler kick and jolted the ball from Hall's grasp with a
vicious hit. Justin Hodges picked it up and shuffled it to winger
Todd Byrne, who scored possibly the easiest try of his career.

That made it 20-8.

Three tries and 26 minutes later the Roosters had picked up their
seventh win of the season with a 36-14 victory over the under-manned
Knights, who were missing their three first-choice props - Josh Perry
(hip), Matt Parsons (back) and Adam Woolnough (neck) - through
injury.

"Every week I know Adrian is turning up to play. That's the most
important thing for me," Stuart said.

"That's attitude, that's that commitment we all strive for in an
elite sport because it's such a committed effort to produce that
special type of intensity, that special type of play.

"That just comes down to a bloke wanting to do it for his mate. When
you look at our game that's what it's all about."

Read more NRL


____________________________________________


Kimmorley leads Cronulla to win

Cronulla captain Brett Kimmorley has led the Sharks to an uninspiring
30-14 National Rugby League win over South Sydney at Toyota Park.

The scheming little halfback scored one try, set up two others and
landed five goals from five attempts to be the difference between the
two teams in a scrappy affair.

The victory, however unimpressive, was an important one for the
Sharks, edging them closer to the top eight after a horrible start to
the season.

Souths' cause wasn't helped by Bryan Fletcher's running battle with
referee Matt Cecchin, who eventually sin-binned the Rabbitohs captain
for the second time this season for dissent.

Fletcher received his marching orders in the 65th minute after he
disputed Cronulla's fourth try.

"I can't have you doing that," Cecchin was heard to say to Fletcher
on Sports Ears.

"You were pointing at them (the touch judges) and saying something
and you kicked the ball away.

"That's the third time (I have spoken to you today)."

Kimmorley opened the scoring with a converted try in the 15th minute,
but Souths replied through their captain Bryan Fletcher, who brushed
off Jason Stevens and sped 40 metres to cross under the posts four
minutes later.

Read more NRL

____________________________________________



Manly coach hails golden point

Manly coach Peter Sharp became an instant convert when Sea Eagles
five eighth Ben Walker scored the first "golden points" in the NRL
regular season.

Walker nailed a penalty goal in the eighth minute of sudden-death
extra time to give his team a 36-34 win over hapless Parramatta in
what proved a landmark match before 10,387 fans at Brookvale Oval.

It was the first time a match had gone to extra time outside of
finals in premiership history, following the controversial
introduction of the golden point rule this season.

And Walker made himself a Brookvale hero, having also scored the late
try which saw the scores locked at 34-all after regulation time with
six tries apiece.

Sharp was sceptical of the new rule when asked about it after his
team's narrow 20-14 win over Melbourne in round six.

Then he reflected Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett's concerns about the
possible effect on exhausted players of going the maximum 10 extra
minutes.

But a beaming Sharp changed his tune on Sunday.

"I'm a massive fan now," Sharp said. "I thought the atmosphere was
terrific in that last 10 minutes when the spectators were on their
feet and it was very very exciting.

Read more NRL

____________________________________________



Tim Sheens philosophical

FORMER Cowboys coach Tim Sheens had little reason to smile following
his return to Dairy Farmers Stadium on Saturday night and although
controlled, his growing frustration was obvious.

A disappointed Sheens was somewhat philosophical about his
unsuccessful return to Cowboys territory.

"For me, yeah sure, I'd be silly to say I wasn't keen to win the game
but at the end of the day we were keen to win the game no matter who
we were playing," he said.

"We needed to win the game -- we are struggling.

"Tonight was really a battle of two sides that haven't had good form
and both coaches and both clubs needed the win.

"They've come up with the win and good luck to them at home here."

Sheens criticised his side for simply not playing to Saturday night's
slippery conditions.

"If you get hit hard with a shoulder in the ball in these conditions
there will be ball on the ground," he said.

"You're really playing wet weather footy up here for most of the
year.

"Your possessions and your kicking is very important here.

"(Our) kicking game didn't go to plan.

"We wanted to put the high ball up and when we did we got a result.

"Some people must have thought we would go away from that and it was
a good idea to try something else but unfortunately the coach won't
agree with that come Tuesday."

However, while critical of his side's mistake-riddled performance,
Sheens also felt his Tigers had been the better side for the majority
of the game.

"At the end of the day we defended fairly well and I thought for most
of the first half and a good proportion of the second half we were
the better side," he said.

"But then we fell apart due to our own errors . . . every time they
made a mistake, we let them off the hook with a mistake of our own.

"At the end of the day they handled the conditions better than we
did.

"I think anyone watching the game would agree that we were the better
side and should've been well in front.

"Mind you, in saying that, how can you be the better side when you
blow so many chances?"

Read more Townsville Bulletin


____________________________________________


Hannay just misses out

By ADAM GARDINI: IT DIDN'T miss by much but Josh Hannay's attempted
conversion of the Cowboys' first try on Saturday night ended the in-
form goal-kicker's hopes of breaking Daryl Halligan's National Rugby
League record of 30 consecutive goals.

Hannay was visibly disappointed after his kick was waved away but
conceded afterwards it was somewhat of a relief with the pressure of
increased media attention now off.

"At the time I was a bit disappointed but I guess the pressure is off
now and I guess I'll stop hearing about it from you guys," he said
following the Cowboys unimpressive victory.

However, Hannay was again on target for the remainder of the night,
landing his next five shots at goal to maintain the best goal kicking
percentage in the NRL.

It was only his fifth missed conversion all season, sustaining a
brilliant record of 36 goals from 41 attempts for an impressive
strike rate of 88 per cent.

Hannay indicated it was a frustrating first half for the Cowboys.

"It was definitely difficult in that first half to get any rhythm,
both sides were playing pretty scrappy football," he said. "We just
had to hold the ball and the points were always going to come."

Townville Bulletin



____________________________________________

Fremantle Roosters Mauled by Lions


The Roosters went into the match against South Perth with strong
motives to win as they haven't tasted victory at George Burnett Oval
since 1998.

It was the Roosters who were the first on the scoreboard with a try
to winger Tyronne Coppedge to lead 4 - 0 after six minutes.

But South Perth rallied to hit back straight away to lead 6-4 after
ten minutes, then scored a further two try's to lead 16 - 4 and
looking like going away with the match, but once again the impact of
forward John Allanson off the bench sparked a Roosters comeback which
saw them score on the halftime siren to trail 16-10.

The Roosters came out firing after halftime with try's to Paratene
Waikari and Tyrone Coppedge the Roosters had hit the front to lead 18-
16 with twenty five minutes remaining.

Then injuries to Roosters forwards Allanson and Rogers seemed to
unsettle their side and the Roosters lost momentum, plus luck
deserted them on several refereeing decisions that allowed South
Perth to go on a twenty minute scoring spree that saw the score blow
out to 44 - 18.

Fullback Brad Baker scored a late try for the Roosters which made the
final score 44 - 24. Captain Jason Edmunds said after the game
that "the Roosters have got a side to win the premiership and we
proved that today for sixty minutes but we need to concentrate for
eighty minutes".

The Roosters Reserve grade played in another tough encounter and
scored late in the match through forward Cameron Lomax to seal a hard
fought draw against last years grand finalist 16 - 16. Best player
for the reserves was Billy Pes who scored two try's.

The Junior Roosters U/18's lost their encounter 34 - 16. Next weekend
sees the Roosters playing host to the Rockingham Raiders on Saturday
at Ken Allen Field with the Junior Roosters playing at Webber Reserve
Willagee on Sunday.


Fremantle RL

____________________________________________



Brisbane Second Division Rugby League Wrap-up


Easts retained their place as undefeated leaders in Open 1 grade, on
18 points, with a narrow 18-16 win over Rochedale. Dayboro retained
second place, on 14 points, beating Aspley 40-28. Souths Logan moved
into outright third, on 10 points, with a 24?18 win over St Brendans.
In the other match, Banyo beat Brothers Juniors 46-16. St Brendans,
Rochedale and Banyo share fourth place on 8 points.

Pine Rivers retain their lead, on 15 points, in Northside 2 with a 42-
22 win over Valleys Juniors. Ferny Grove retain second place, on 14,
with a 36-10 win over Normanby-UQ. The improving Brisbane Natives
beat Brook Sharks 28-18 to share third place, on 10 points with
Normanby-UQ and Brighton, who had the bye. Samford recorded their
first win of the season, beating Arana Hills 24-14.

In Southside 2, Sunnybank and Bulimba Valleys secured their places in
the Ted Beaumont Trophy with Sunnybank beating Waterford 32-22 and
Bulimba Valleys beating St Josephs 22-16. The Trophy match will be
postponed from next week till 31 May at Davies Park. Wynnum Juniors
are in third place after beating Capalaba Rhinos 28-24 and Carina had
the bye to stay in fourth place.

Burpengary continued their great form in Northside 3 with a 66-4 win
over Dayboro. They lead Mitchelton by two points after Mitchelton had
the bye. Holy Spirit beat Bracken Ridge 24-20 to stay in third place,
while Deception Bay retained fourth place with a 44-22 win over
Normanby. Burpengary will play Mitchelton at Mitchelton next Saturday
at 4.00 PM, in a preview of the Ted Beaumont Trophy to be played on 7
June.

Slacks Creek will meet Mt Gravatt in the Ted Beaumont Trophy on 31
May after Slacks Creek beat Logan Brothers 52-20 and Mt Gravatt beat
Beenleigh Brothers 34-12. Sharing third place are Souths, who beat
Wynnum Juniors 36-0, and Beenleigh Juniors who had a one point win
over Sunnybank 33-32. Inala Bears had their first win of season,
beating Logan City Juniors 32-30.

The Southside 4 Ted Beaumont Trophy, also on 31 May, will be between
North Stradbroke Island, who remain undefeated after beating
Waterford 44-1 and Browns Plains who beat Mustangs 40-6. Sharing
third place are Waterford and Yeronga, who beat Southern Cross 22-18.

s Text* Push the button from the Norths Juniors remain undefeated
leaders in the Albert Bishop Shield after a 62-4 win over Capalaba.
Two points behind, on 15, are Logan Brothers who beat Pine Rivers 42?
14. Rochedale are a further point back after beating Carina 42-4 and
Brighton are a point behind Rochedale after beating Valleys Juniors
24-22.

Sunnybank are now clear leaders in the Arthur Sparks Shield after
they beat Valleys Juniors 24-22 and Springwood went down 20-32 to
Logan Brothers. Albany Creek are in third place, on 10, after beating
Wynnum Juniors 44-42, while a point back, on 9, are Valleys Juniors.


____________________________________________



Scottish rugby league kicked off on Saturday

The Scottish rugby league season kicked off on Saturday 10/05 with a
9s tournament at Paisley Rugby Club.

In the Cup Final Glasgow Bulls defeated the Borders. The Plate was
won by tournament hosts Clyde Buccaneers over new boys Napier
University.

Portobello Playboys played host to the curtain raiser for the
Scotland Summer Conference season on Saturday (17/05).

The Playboys went down fighting in the final of a 6 team 13 a-side
tournament against Glasgow Bulls, 12-6.

Click below for more stories.

Scotland Rugby League

____________________________________________



OUTBACK BOURKE WELCOMES NRL

Fatty Vautin Outback Challenge

Western outback town, Bourke, this Wednesday will welcome a day of
players, referees and rugby league stars to town - something that is
very unusual in Bourke.

Because of Bourke's isolation the footy playing kids of the area do
not participate in a regular rugby league competition.

This week, with the help of the ARL Foundation, the NRL and their
stars, several schools from western NSW have accepted an invitation
to visit Bourke for the Fatty Vautin Outback Challenge. Bourke Public
School are co-ordinating the event.

"This competition is important for the town. The benefits that are
brought to the region are substantial. The out of town communities
will have the chance to socialise and interact with people from
throughtout the region. We have received some good support from the
people of Bourke" said Challenge Organiser Margaret Gordon.

Kids in Bourke have limited exposure to rugby league. Because there
is no organised junior rugby league competition, the closest they get
to the game is thru Imparja TV's broadcast of Friday night and Sunday
free-to-air footy games.

"The NRL Footy Show airs at around midnight on Thursday nights. Even
pay TV is limited - locals are forced to outlay several thousands of
dollars for a satellite dish. Despite these obstacles rugby league is
still the most popular game in town. But when it comes to
participation sport on the weekend the town's kids pick up a stick
and play hockey.

The Fatty Vautin Outback Challenge is a positive step towards a
junior rugby league competition for the town. This weekend, the rugby
union goal posts and line markings at Davidson and Coolican Ovals in
Bourke will make way for this rugby league knockout carnival.

Referee Bill Harrigan will officiate several matches on the day. He
will be assisted by other out-of-town referees who will be travelling
from as far away as Umina Beach on the NSW Central Coast.

Buses will be bringing competitors from throughtout western NSW.
Teams will come from Bourke Public School, St Ignatius School Bourke,
Brewarrina Central School, St Patricks School Brewarrina, Dubbo South
Public School, Moree East Public School, St Johns School Cobar,
Wilcannia Central School, Coonamble Public School, Warren Central
School and Walgett Public School.

NRL

____________________________________________



Leeds 10 drew Hull 10

Former Great Britain scrum-half Tony Smith has been ruled out for the
rest of the season after becoming the third Hull player to suffer a
broken leg.

The acting skipper, who will be 33 in July, was rushed to hospital at
half-time during his side's 10-10 draw with Super League leaders
Leeds at Headingley and X-rays confirmed a broken tibia.

He joins a huge injury list at Hull, new signings Warren Jowitt and
Dwayne West have yet to play a League game and where prop forward
Scott Logan and winger Matt Crowther are currently sidelined with
broken legs.

"Before this game we had 25 players unavailable for the first team
and the Under-21s and that has now gone up to 26," said director of
rugby Shaun McRae.

"I have never experienced anything like it. I would imagine it is
some sort of record. We are trying our best to get through it but I
have got to start to look around for players.

"I would be very surprised if Tony Smith was to play again this year.
You are normally talking four to six months with that sort of break."

The injury to Smith took some of the shine off a magnificent
performance from patched-up Hull, who snatched a last-minute draw to
earn a share of the spoils for the second successive away match.

Referee Steve Ganson awarded a controversial penalty in stoppage
time, ruling that Leeds winger Francis Cummins gathered a loose ball
from an offside position and, Hull winger Steve Prescott kept his
composure on his 100th appearance for the club to kick his third goal
to tie the scores.

While McRae felt the penalty was justified, Leeds coach Daryl Powell
felt hard done for the second successive home game.

"He made the wrong decision and he made a similar one in our last
game against Wigan," said Powell. "I think he makes some strange ones.

"I know it's a difficult job but sometimes he seems to pluck them
from the stars. To me, it was a clear error."

Read more Sporting Life

____________________________________________



Telstra Football Expo
Visit RLCM at Stand 1200

The Telstra Football Expo is coming to Sydney in June this year.
Never before has Sydney seen an Expo like this.



Come and meet the players of all the Football Codes.

Get coaching tips, autographs and photos of your favourite stars, buy
Rugby World Cup gear, specialized training products, club merchandise
and much more.

This expo features all codes of Football:
· Rugby League
· Rugby Union
· Soccer
· AFL

The Expo will be divided into two sections:

1. Trade Only - Free Entry (You must pre-register)
2. Public

TRADE

The Expo's Trade days are Thursday June 12 and Friday June 13, 2003.

You can only attend these days if you are:
· Club Management from any football code. For example: Club
Secretaries, grounds staff, club managers, executives et
· Retailers
· School sports masters or buyers
· University sports masters or buyers
· Council staff responsible for the purchase of product

ENTRY IS FREE FOR ALL TRADE

PUBLIC ENTRY

The public are invited to attend the Expo on Saturday June 14 and
Sunday June 15, 2003 from 10am - 5pm each day.

Come and buy unique Football products at the Expo or specials on
everyday products not to be repeated.

Exhibitor Stands will include Rugby World Cup products, football
equipment, sports medicine, sports psychology, supporter clubs and
products.

Sign up for Workshops and coaching clinics by Australia's leading
football stars. Get autographs and much more.

Keep checking this site for Expo updates.

Telstra Football Expo
____________________________________________





Cowboys 26 defeated Tigers 8

REPRESENTATIVE lock Glenn Morrison has had his NSW State of Origin
dream shattered for the second consecutive season during the North
Queensland's win over the Wests Tigers.

Morrison has a suspected fractured jaw which is expected to sideline
him for over two months.

It's the second straight season injury has cruelled the back-rower's
origin hopes after breaking his thumb before the representative
season last year.

The Tigers remain winless as a merged entity at Dairy Farmers Stadium
and have won just one encounter against the Cowboys.

In a scrappy encounter in front of just 10,783 fans, the Cowboys set
up the win with two late tries, to move into equal eighth position.

The loss was a blow for coach Tim Sheens, who was desperate to taste
success against the club which sacked him midway through the 2001
season.

It took 60 minutes for the Cowboys to take control of the match, when
Shane Muspratt scooped up a Robert Miles error inside his own 20
metres to beat the cover defence for a try that took the home side to
an 18-8 lead.

The result was put when Matt Sing toed through a Paul Bowman grubber
and got a perfect bounce to take his personal tally for the season
into double figures.

Read more Daily Telegraph

____________________________________________


Bulldogs 18 defeated Dragons 16

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA coach Nathan Brown wasn't willing to risk a
$10,000 fine tonight, but his captain Lance Thompson didn't hold back.

Thompson was fuming after his side's dramatic loss to the Bulldogs at
WIN Stadium, which swung on a crucial call from touch judge Steve
Nash two minutes before halftime.

Nash raced on the field to report Thompson for taking out Johnathon
Thurston after the Bulldogs five-eighth had kicked ahead and
attempted to regather.

Thompson appeared to stand his ground but on Nash's advice referee
Paul Simpkins awarded the Bulldogs a penalty.

At the time they were leading 6-4.

Two minutes later they were ahead 18-4 after a pair of Ben Harris
tries and the game was effectively over.

Even the threat of a $10,000 fine from the NRL for bringing the game
into disrepute couldn't hold back an angry Thompson.

"It was a disgraceful decision," Thompson said.

"You have a bloke who's two metres away and you have a bloke who's 20
metres away who wants to make the decision.

"It makes me laugh. Who's running the game out there?

"He said that I deliberately went out of my way to drop my shoulder
into Thurston.

"I didn't move at all. I didn't do anything.

"Next time I decide to put a chip over the top I might run straight
into someone and fall over and get a penalty."

The Dragons faithful made their feelings known as well.

One supporter threw a can of Coke at Nash while the 11,555 fans who
braved the cold and wet conditions booed the officials off the field
at halftime.

Brown was more circumspect after watching his side claw its way back
into the match in the second half, scoring two tries to narrow the
gap to two points with five minutes remaining when Shaun Timmins
crossed.

"You blokes can write it but I can't say it because I haven't got
$10,000," Brown said.

Read more Foxsports

____________________________________________


BRISBANE SECOND DIVISION RUGBY LEAGUE RESULTS

Open 1 Banyo 46 beat Brothers Juniors16. Dayboro 40 beat Aspley 28.
Eastern Suburbs 18 beat Rochedale 16. Souths Logan 24 beat St
Brendans 18.

Northside 2 Brisbane Natives 28 beat Brook Sharks 18. Samford 24 beat
Arana Hills 14. Pine Rivers 42 beat Fortitude Valley Juniors 22.
Ferny Grove 36 beat Normanby-UQ 10. Brighton bye.

Southside 2 Bulimba Valleys 22 beat St Josephs 16. Redlands 42 beat
St Brendans 36. Sunnybank 32 beat Waterford 22. Wynnum Manly Juniors
28 beat Capalaba Rhinos 24. Carina bye.

Northside 3 Burpengary 66 beat Dayboro 4. Deception Bay Bombers 44
beat Normanby 22. Holy Spirit 24 beat Bracken Ridge 20. Mitchelton
bye.

Southside 3 Beenleigh Juniors 33 beat Sunnybank 32. Mt Gravatt 34
beat Beenleigh Brothers 12. Southern Suburbs 36 beat Wynnum Manly
Juniors 0. Inala Bears 32 beat Logan City Juniors 30. Slacks Creek 52
beat Logan Brothers 20.

Southside 4 Browns Plains 40 beat Mustangs 6. North Stradbroke Island
40 beat Waterford 1. Yeronga 22 beat Southern Cross 18. Capalaba 26
beat Logan Brothers 14. Edens Landing bye.

Albert Bishop Shield Redlands 74 beat St Brendans 0. Rochedale 42
beat Carina 4. Norths Juniors 62 beat Capalaba 4. Brighton 24 beat
Fortitude Valley Juniors 22. Logan Brothers 42 beat Pine Rivers 14.
Arana Hills bye.

Arthur Sparks Shield Stafford 32 beat Centenary 16. Sunnybank 24 beat
Fortitude Valley Juniors 22. Albany Creek 44 beat Wynnum Manly
Juniors 42. Logan Brothers 32 beat Springwood 20.


____________________________________________


IT'S GREAT TO BE BACK - CUNNINGHAM

By Andy Hampson: Keiron Cunningham claimed he had rediscovered his
passion for the game after his hat-trick helped crush London Broncos
tonight.

The Great Britain hooker and his apprentice Mick Higham both helped
themselves to three tries apiece as the Super League champions
bounced back to winning ways with a 62-16 success at Knowsley Road.

Saints ran in 11 tries in all in a dominant display to chalk up only
their fourth win in eight matches.

The night proved especially sweet for Cunningham, who was making his
first start of the season after a six-month lay-off with a dislocated
elbow.

Cunningham said: "It was six months of frustration.

"It is great to be back. I have got a new passion for the game and my
performances are going to get better each week.

"I'm playing and really enjoying my rugby again. Normally I'm one for
coming back as soon as I can but it was right to wait.

"It was the toughest time of my career but I kept my head down and
kept battling away and I think it was the right time to come back.

"I can't say it has been good for me because I didn't want it to
happen but it has given me a kick up the backside and I am excited
about my rugby again."

Read more Sporting Life


____________________________________________

TONY ANDERSON HOPEFUL DESPITE DEFEAT

By Ian Laybourn: halifax coach Tony Anderson insisted his side
had "turned the corner" despite a 22-18 defeat at Wakefield which
leaves them four points adrift at the foot of Super League.

Anderson's men scored two late tries to set up a tense finale and
only the goalkicking of Wakefield stand-off Jamie Rooney separated
the sides at the end.

"I'm disappointed with the result but I've just told the guys that I
think we've turned the corner tonight," said Anderson, whose team
have lost their last nine matches.

"They are learning and getting better, regardless of what other
people think. We will keep plugging away.

"We have to play Wakefield twice more and, if we win those, we are
level with them.

"There are four points we can pick up and there are also other teams
that can be beaten."

Wakefield coach Shane McNally also warned the sceptics not to write
off Halifax's chance of avoiding relegation.

"They are a good side and they're well coached," he said. "They will
beat some teams and they won't be shock results. We've got to play
them twice more and we'll treat them with respect."

Read more Sporting Life


____________________________________________

Telstra Football Expo

RLCM are Exhibitors at the Telstra Football Expo

Stand 1200

Sydney June 12 - 15


____________________________________________

Wigan 21 defeated Warrington 20

Wigan skipper Andy Farrell scored the winning drop goal seconds from
time to celebrate his comeback after a three-month injury nightmare
in dramatic style.

Warrington looked set to take the points when Lee Briers knocked over
two late drop goals but Farrell levelled it with a penalty - his
fourth goal of the match - before stealing the points with a superb
field goal.

Warrington cashed in on brilliant kicking from skipper Briers to
deservedly lead 12-6 at half-time.

Stand-in full-back Shaun Briscoe, replacing the injured Kris
Radlinski, failed to hang onto the first on the greasy surface and
second rower Sid Domic hacked the ball over the line to get the
touchdown.

Wigan scrum-half Adrian Lam produced a terrific individual effort,
jinking over from 20 metres to level the scores before the Warrington
skipper struck again.

Winger Rob Smyth outjumped Jamie Ainscough to knock the kick into the
corner and Brent Grose snapped it up to score the second with Briers
again adding the conversion.

The 20-year-old Briscoe made up for his earlier mistake coming up
with two tries in the space of three minutes, both from kicks.

Warrington full-back Lee Penny missed Farrell's short grubber kick
and Briscoe pounced on it before picking up superbly from Lam's chip
to get his second.

But Warrington hit back with Briers darting over for their third try
and the conversion made it 18-18.

Two Briers drop goals edged Warrington in front before Farrell
levelled it with a penalty and then hit the crucial one-pointer to
grab the win.

Sporting Life
http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/news/

____________________________________________


Blues should show some loyalty

By Ricky Stuart: I feel like holding up a banner with the
word "LOYALTY" written across it in large print for the NSW State of
Origin selectors.

Wayne Bennett picks his 22-man Queensland squad, which includes three-
quarters of a team that plays together weekly. He then has another
bunch of players who are in great form and who have Origin
experience, and tops it off with a couple of kids with flair and
talent.

It shows that he has great loyalty to his players and great foresight
in giving players such as Johnathan Thurston a chance to taste Origin
football - if not this year then next.

Loyalty is everything in Origin: loyalty towards your players, player
loyalty and commitment to do anything that is required to win the
game for the coach, player loyalty to his mate beside him.

The sort of loyalty that prompts a player to say, when his side is
down by four points and defending the tryline and a team-mate gives
the opposition six more tackles: "We still only have to make five
tackles ... and they're not going to get through you and me."

There's loyalty to all those fans who pay a lot of money to get a
seat so they can scream about which is the greater state and why.

But the selectors' claim that the only loyalty we can offer our NSW
players and fans is that we have 15 positions up for grabs is a load
of rubbish.

That statement means we still haven't a clue who is in our team
outside "Joey" Johns and Ben Kennedy. I only hope they don't get
injured over the coming weeks. I can hear the giggling from Wayne
Bennett already.

The issue of loyalty only happens when selectors do not have the
courage to make the big calls.

Read more Foxports

____________________________________________


Cap doesn't fit for top clubs

By Jason Avedissian: The four clubs that supported a rise in the
salary cap stand to lose leading players for the 2004 season.

The Sydney Roosters, the Bulldogs, Brisbane Broncos and St George
Illawarra Dragons all voted in favour of a $250,000 rise in the
$3.25million salary cap.

However, they were outnumbered at the vote and will now struggle to
retain key players they are desperate to keep.

Read more Foxsports

____________________________________________


Nathan Blacklock free to rejoin Saints

By JAMES HOOPER: The king of backflips Nathan Blacklock will return
to the club he walked out on 12 months ago after being officially
released by the NSW Rugby Union yesterday.

Blacklock, 27, will finalise the terms of his new deal at St George
Illawarra early next week with coach Nathan Brown expecting him at
training as early as Tuesday.

But while Brown confirmed the two-time NRL leading tryscorer would be
wearing the famous red and white against Souths in round 11, he also
warned there would be no playing favourites with his former teammate.

"He's going to be playing Premier League because the two blokes we've
got there Amos Roberts and Hassan Saleh are both in form at the
moment," Brown said.

Read more Daily Telegraph

____________________________________________


Barrett in doubt for Origin

By Stuart Honeysett: NSW incumbent five-eighth Trent Barrett has
admitted a mystery ankle injury that forced him off the field for
Country last night could sideline him for the coming State of Origin
series.

Barrett's injury was the major talking point from last night's first
representative match of the season in which Country shaded City by
three tries to two but lost the match. A Braith Anasta field goal was
the difference.

The St George Illawarra captain said after the game he was no chance
of playing against the Bulldogs at WIN Stadium today and was close to
pulling out of the game before kick-off last night.

"It's been getting worse all week and last week (against Penrith) I
was lucky to get through the game," Barrett said. "I started doing
more running this week and it gradually just got worse and worse and
worse.

"In the warm-up I thought I'm struggling but I couldn't do that (pull
out) because sometimes you get out there on the field and think you
can get through it. And usually I can. I've only come off three times
in my whole career."

When asked if there was a danger he could miss the opening game of
the Origin series at Suncorp Stadium on June 11, Barrett replied: "I
suppose there is. I can get away with not training through the week
at home but you come to a rep team and you've got to train. And I
just couldn't cope with that. I just want to know what it is."

The Australian

____________________________________________


Roosters close on Chris Walker

Steve Ricketts: Sydney Roosters have firmed in the market to sign
Queensland State of Origin star Chris Walker after he walked out on
South Sydney this week.

The Roosters yesterday denied Walker already had been added to their
squad, but coach Ricky Stuart is a huge fan of the former Bronco and
has urged the club to do everything in its power to sign him.

Walker wants to play behind a powerful pack and the Roosters have
arguably an even stronger forward line-up than the one which led the
way in last year's grand final win over New Zealand Warriors.

Souths chief executive John Tapp said yesterday the club had not put
any conditions on Walker when he negotiated a release, so there was
nothing to stop him linking with former Broncos teammate Justin
Hodges in the Roosters three-quarter line.

Walker's older brother Ben has told his club Manly he will arrange a
meeting with Chris and the Sea Eagles are keen to talk even though
they can offer little more than match payments this year.

Rugby union is also an option but the NSW Waratahs say Walker is not
high on their list of priorities.

Read more Courier Mail


____________________________________________

My heart is with the Bulldogs - Vagana

....another NRL player linked with a move to England is New Zealand
Test centre Nigel Vagana, who was Super League's top try-scorer
during his spell with Warrington in 1997.

He has been made available to British clubs by Canterbury Bulldogs
but, looks likely to remain Down Under.

"My heart is with the Bulldogs," he said. "Deep down, I really want
to stay here.

"I couldn't really see myself playing with any other NRL club but, if
we can't reach a deal, then I will look at going to England."

With the salary cap set to bite deeper in the NRL, a host of
Australian players are now available for Super League clubs with both
cash and quota space to spare.

"We got a fax through only the other day," said Hetherington. "There
are lots of players from Australia who are available."

A major obstacle to another major influx of Antipodean talent is an
agreement by Super League clubs to reduce the overseas quota from
five to four next year and to three in 2005.

Read more Sporting Life

____________________________________________


City 17 defeated Country 16

NSW still has plenty of work to do before the start of this year's
State of Origin series if Friday night's City-Country Origin game was
any indication.

City won 17-16, but the game was more notable for its high mistake
rate, lack of intensity, an ankle injury to incumbent NSW five-eighth
Trent Barrett and the failure of anyone bar City pair Braith Anasta
and Craig Wing and Country duo David Peachey and Ryan O'Hara to put
their hands up for Origin selection.

More than 17,000 fans braved atrocious conditions at Gosford's
Express Advocate Stadium to watch a full-blown Origin hit-out
including all the Blues' stars, with the game delayed by 15 minutes
to allow the spectators to catch the start of the match.

But the game failed to match the hype.

City led 8-6 at halftime after the sides swapped tries in the first
half, Hazem El Masri's goalkicking proving the difference.

They extended that lead to 10-6 with another El Masri penalty goal
and then 16-6 with one of the few pieces of individual brilliance in
the match, Wing darting out of dummy half in the 52nd minute and
beating John Morris, Matt Cooper and Peachey on a 25m run to the
line.

That seemed to spark City into action and Timana Tahu replied three
minutes later after some good work from Ben Kennedy, who exploited
the blind side, passed to Jamie Lyon before he shuffled it on to
Tahu, who dived over in the corner as he was hit by Michael De Vere.

Video referee Tim Mander gave Country the benefit of the doubt and
City's lead was reduced to 16-10.

But Anasta all but ensured City would win the traditional clash for
the second year in a row when he kicked a field goal with seven
minutes remaining.

Country captain Andrew Johns made sure the match would feature some
late drama, crossing for a try with just over two minutes remaining
and converting to make the score 17-16.

But Country's final chance was wasted after a Peachey break with only
seconds remaining.

Country turned their early dominance into points in the 15th minute
when O'Hara picked up a paddled pass from Craig Fitzgibbon and drew
City fullback Anthony Minichiello to give Peachey a clear run to the
line, Johns converting to make the score 6-0.

But the game swung when Barrett limped off the field in the 24th
minute, taking no further part in the match.

Country officials were confident the St George Illawarra, NSW and
Australian five-eighth had not re-broken his ankle, but merely
aggravated tendonitis.

Brent Sherwin created City's first half reply in the 36th minute when
he kicked through for his Bulldogs teammate El Masri, who converted
the try before kicking a penalty goal on the halftime siren to give
City an 8-6 first half lead.

NRL

____________________________________________


QRL Southern Division open Gold Coast office

With the sustained growth of the game in the Gold Coast region in
recent times the QRL Southern Division has now established a second
Division Office at Gold Coast Stadium Cararra.

The Division will will continue to maintain an office at Bendigo Bank
Ipswich also.

The ARL Foundation (Gavin Judd) will be located at these premises and
the Gold Coast Junior and Senior leagues will be utilsing the office
space also in the near future.

Division Executive Officer Troy Morton will be on the Gold Coast on
Thursday's and also on either Wednesday or Friday's each week.

Access to the facility is via the Baskettball Stadium Turnstiles at
all times.

Address:
Gold Coast Stadium
Nerang Broadbeach Road Cararra.

Division
Phone: 55941255
Fax: 55941250

ARL Foundation
Phone: 55941138
Fax: 55941183

Gold Coast
Phone: 55941205
Fax: 55941250

H. Troy Morton
Executive Officer
Queensland Rugby Football League Ltd
Southern Division

Postal Address:
P.O. Box 310
Ipswich 4305

troym@...

Ipswich Ph: (07)38123314
Ipswich Fax: (07) 38121209

Gold Coast Ph: (07) 55941255
Gold Coast Fax: (07) 55941250
Mob: 0412008669

____________________________________________


Click http://www.rlcm.com.au/dailynews.htm for the latest News




Masters Rugby League

The game for Rugby League lovers and retired players over 35 years of
age with modified rules to protect old and tired bones.

Masters Rugby League has been played in New Zealand for the past 10
years and has been very successful in holding monthly and annual
tournaments, 3 of which have been held in Australia.

Two Queensland clubs (Runaway Bay and Redcliffe Old Boys) have
participated in tournaments in both countries.

The concept of the game is to put the emphasis on participation and
enjoyment of playing Rugby League.

To eliminate the urge to relive OLD GLORIES, there are no scores kept
or trophies to win. All games are strictly refereed by experienced
men and players wear coloured shorts to designate their age.

The New Zealand Masters have approximately 35 teams playing and are
looking for more Aussie Teams to participate.

To promote this great game, the Runaway Bay Rugby League Old Boys
Association are holding a Tournament in late September/early October
on the Gold Coast with New Zealand teams participating.

A great week of Rugby League, Golf, Fishing and Fellowship is
guaranteed.

For more information and copy of the rules please contact:
Wayne Overton
P.O. Box 6
Chirn Park
Queensland 4215

Phone: (07) 55 323 294
Mobile: 0418 713 956
Fax: (07) 55 323 298
wayneoverton@...

____________________________________________


* RLCM CD-ROM! The Ultimate coaching resource.

NRL Clubs, Super League Clubs, Super 12 Rugby Union Clubs,
Schools, Junior Clubs and coaches now are using the RLCM CD-ROM

Has your club thought about it yet?

Has your club thought of the advantages to your coaches.

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Start the new season with the RLCM CD-ROM

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For 10 years the RLCM has been an essential part of any serious
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at all levels to have quick, hands on coaching material compiled by
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As with the ultimate aim of the CD-ROM, RLCM's objective for 10 years
has been to provide up to date coaching information and techniques
for coaches and players to assist with the development, knowledge and
education of all associated with the game.

Through the CD-ROM we have created the most comprehensive manual to
assist coaches with the growth and development of the team's skill
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coordination progress throughout their formative years to senior
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The CD-ROM will ensure this valuable coaching information is kept as
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http://www.rlcm.com.au/cdrom.htm
to order.

To Phone Order Today:

Phone Reagan
+61 7 5538 9377 [FROM OVERSEAS]
07 5538 9377 [AUSTRALIA]


____________________________________________

"Give your players the edge - The Coaches Edge - Specially designed
to give coaches like you the very latest information on all round
sporting performance."

Click http://www.coachesedge.com.au/for more information.

_________________________________________

* LEAGUE COACH DISCUSSION eGROUP

Click below for Rugby League coaching information and discussion with
the http://groups.yahoo.com/group/leaguecoach eGroup.

The Monday question is from Kev O'Brien


This season will be the first with us using 2 markers.

I have just finished a session using a system where the markers split
either side 1st (right ) 2nd (left) and depending on which way the
ball goes the corresponding marker chases to stop inside ball.

I was just looking for any thoughts on this way of the markers
operating and if anyone thinks it could be better or there is a
better way.

Cheers Kev O'Brien
mailto:keobrien1@...

Click below for Rugby League coaching information and discussion with
the http://groups.yahoo.com/group/leaguecoach eGroup.

Or add a Question to the RLCM Message Board
http://www.rlcm.com.au/bbs/index.sht

____________________________________________

"Give your players the edge - The Coaches Edge - Specially designed
to give coaches like you the very latest information on all round
sporting performance."

Click http://www.coachesedge.com.au/ for more information

____________________________________________

FEEDBACK

Your comments and questions are very welcome, send them to:
mailto:feedback@...

____________________________________________

There is also good Rugby League coaching information and
discussion with the League Coach eGroup
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/leaguecoach, ask any questions that
you may have, they are only to willing to help, or you can join in on
the discussions, it may be helpful.
____________________________________________

Rugby League Message Board http://www.rlcm.com.au/messages.htm

Ask questions and give your point of view.
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