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Dragons dinner a sell-out but wait...there's more!
Officials have responded to huge interest in next month's visit to the Whitsundays by the St George Illawarra Dragons by organising an extra function - all because the first event sold out in just a couple of days.
Dragons coach Nathan Brown and six of his players, including internationals Matt Cooper and Ben Creagh, will now also attend a luncheon at the Cannonvale Reef Gateway Hotel on Friday, February 9.
"We were turning people away from the sportsmen's dinner on the Wednesday night simply because it was a sell-out," said Brahmans media and marketing manager Jason Costigan.
"Tickets went like hot cakes, so all parties involved have decided to put on a second function."
Tickets are $35 per person and are available now via the Cannonvale Reef Gateway Hotel on (07) 4946 2635.
"We'd urge anyone who missed out to get in now to avoid disappointment," Costigan said.
The two events are part of an action-packed three-day programme for the Dragons, who are heading to the Whitsundays as part of the NRL's Community Carnival.
During their trip north, they will conduct a series of coaching clinics and school visits.
The Dragons will also be visiting Proserpine, Bowen and Collinsville.
Whitsunday Brahmans Online
St Helens wait for new on Wellens scan
By Ian Laybourn
Super League champions St Helens will send reigning Man of Steel Paul Wellens for a scan on Monday to determine the extent of the leg injury he sustained in Saturday's pre-season friendly with Leigh.
The Great Britain full-back was carried off on a stretcher after being injured scoring a try in Saints' 40-10 win over the Centurions in Sean Long's testimonial match.
He has been cleared of a break but will undergo scans to determine if there is any ligament damage.
"We don't think it is as bad as first feared," said St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus.
"It looked bad, especially with the way he reacted, but I was with him in the dressing room and he had full movement."
Saints are more optimistic about the chances of loose forward Jason Hooper lining up in their opening match of the new engage Super League campaign at Huddersfield next Sunday.
The Australian returned home early from the club's training camp in Dubai in order to have scans on a damaged shoulder but the injury is not a serious one.
The champions will also be anxiously waiting to discover if centre Willie Talau will be available for the opening match after he was sent off for punching in the game against Leigh, which was St Helens' only pre-season friendly.
Talau will face a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday. Sporting Life
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Shane Perry, Brisbane Broncos halfback has a hunger
By Karl Dekroo
Shane Perry knows a thing or two about rugby league oblivion and he has no intention of heading back there in a hurry.
The Brisbane Broncos halfback still struggles to comprehend how he was plucked from the relative obscurity of the Redcliffe Dolphins last season and put into the key playmaking role for the NRL powerhouse.
At the time most questioned the move, wondering whether the former Western Suburbs and Canterbury schemer really was up to the grade.
But as his shiny premiership ring shows - Perry had the last laugh.
This year, despite attempts to lie about his age, he'll be 30. But this isn't a player ready to rest on the laurels of last season's fairytale.
"The finish of last year was quite incredible for me and I still have to pinch myself about it," Perry said.
"But in the end that was last year and I can't dwell on it."
While most premiership-winning halfbacks spend the subsequent off-season buying sports cars or adding to their extensive property portfolios, Perry knows he isn't most halfbacks.
He was one of the first players back at Broncos pre-season training, busting his boiler, trying to prove he belongs.
"This pre-season has been great for me," he said.
"It is the first real one I've had with the weights and everything since coming up here and I'm really enjoying it.
"This year I feel like I am part of the side. Last year there were no guarantees, and I played every game like it might have been my last. This year I have a contract and a bit more stability, but I know I have to keep working hard. Wayne (Bennett) has told me I'll get first shot, but it is up to me from there."
Perry doesn't need to look far for threats to his spot.
The Broncos have some promising playmakers coming through the ranks, with the talented Joel Moon heading that list.
Perry knows he can't just maintain his performance, he must continue to improve, add new elements to his game.
"I have really worked on my attack this off-season," he said. Courier Mail
Wakefield thrash Bradford in friendly
Wakefield scored six unanswered second-half tries to condemn Bradford to a heavy pre-season friendly defeat.
Bulls coach Steve McNamara opted to rest his experienced players after the break and paid the price as Wakefield cut loose to win 42-24.
Jason Demetriou (2), Adam Watene, Matt Blaymire, Peter Fox and Ben Jeffries all crossed in the second half.
Bradford's Ben Harris scored a first-half hat-trick before Wakefield turned the match on its head.
Youngster Paul Mennell scored a consolation try for Bradford three minutes from time, while new signing Glenn Morrison powered over for a score.
Wakefield kept in touch with tries from Tevita Latu and Jason Golden.
Warrington scored five tries as they beat Salford in a comfortable 24-12 friendly win at The Willows.
Danny Halliwell put Salford ahead early on but Warrington hit back through Henry Fa'afili after skipper Lee Briers' cross-kick.
Martin Gleeson, David Gower, Rob Parker and Fa'afili all crossed after the break to complete the win.
And Harlequins battled to a 24-18 win over newly-promoted Hull KR.
Byron Ford grabbed a hat-trick for Rovers, but Henry Paul, Jon Wells, Danny Orr and Rob Purdham all scored for Quins. BBC Online
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Brett Delaney's goal is to be Titan's goal kicker
By Luke Turgeon
Gun 21-year-old Titan Brett Delaney can't wait for when the Gold Coast kick off their inaugural National Rugby League campaign.
Because chances are he will literally be the one doing it.
Delaney has staked his claim to become the Gold Coast's first-string kicker following an impressive season with the boot at Parramatta last year.
"What ever happens, happens, but I am hoping to get that No.1 kicking spot," said Delaney.
"I know what it takes to be a kicker now. I don't mind the pressure that comes with it."
The talented young centre made 15 first-grade appearances for the Eels last season, running in three tries and kicking 27 conversions at an average of 67.5 per cent.
Titans captain Scott Prince booted 20 conversions for Wests Tigers last season with 71.43 per cent accuracy while former Panther Preston Campbell landed 73 from 103 attempts to run at 70.87 per cent.
Rugby union recruit Mat Rogers is also in the mix for kicking duties.
"I have got to prove myself up here now," said 188cm, 98kg Delaney, who is on a three-year deal with the Titans.
"My goals this year are to get one of those centre spots and cement it for the rest of the year, stay injury free and have a really good year with the Titans.
"I have been training really well and it is exciting being with a new team and I am excited about the future."
Coach John Cartwright said he is yet to make up his mind on who will shoulder the top job for the Titans this season and will use upcoming trials and training sessions to make a decision.
"We will sort that out through our goal kicking practice but certainly, he (Delaney) would be one of the favourites at this stage," said Cartwright.
"He is young and I think all of his best football is in front of him.
"He can kick goals from anywhere, is only 21 and is a really exciting player to watch."
The Titans will play their first trial match against arch rivals Melbourne in Coffs Harbour in three weeks, on February 17.
They will take on Parramatta in Lismore on February 24 before clashing with Penrith in their final trial outing at Gold Coast Stadium on March 2.
Cartwright is likely to field largely experimental sides for the Melbourne and Parramatta matches before giving a more accurate glimpse of his top 13 when the Titans make their Gold Coast debut.
The Titans will open their NRL season against St George Illawarra at Suncorp Stadium on March 18.
Gold Coast Bulletin
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NRL Scouts eye Fiji Bati at Orara Valley Axemen 7s
By Inda Singh
Five Vodafone Fiji Bati players are being eyed by Australian rugby league scouts to ply their trade Down Under.
This follows their impressive performance against the Cook Islands in a one-off Test last week.
The Bati produced a sterming display despite losing to South Logan Magpies in the Orara Valley Axemen 7s final yesterday.
The Magpies got an extra time golden point to beat Fiji 48-44, after the score was tied 44-44 at fulltime.
The Bati had thrashed the Cook Islanders 50-12 at the BCU International Stadium at Coffs Harbour in Australia on Thursday. Mango Bay Cowboys halfback Alipate Tani is one of the players who impressed scouts.
Tani scored two tries and kicked seven conversions for a personal contribution of 22 points in the encounter.
Other players who are on the wanted list include winger Tevita Volavola, Panthers front rower Iowane Divavesi, centre Waisale Suka and Saru Dragons skipper Semesa Cadrakilagi.
Bati team manager Rusiate Ratakele said scouts from the Gisbourne Country Rugby League Club and a NRL player agent had shown interest in the Fijian players.
Ratakele said he held a meeting with the interested parties on Saturday.
"I have told them to get something in writing," Ratakele said.
"We want to see their offer and the terms of contracts. Gisbourne is a country club.
"We are more interested in having our players featuring in the higher grade competition.
"There have been few enquires from the NRL agents. At the moment nothing has been confirmed." After the final of the 7s tournament, Ratakele blasted the match officials in what he said was biased control.
"This was day light robbery and we're not happy at all with the match officials," Ratakele said.
"We will talk to the oragnisers and if the standard of officials is not improved than we will not take part next year."
He said the young side played its heart out but was unfortunate to go down.
"It hurts when you have biased decisions go against you," Ratakele said.
FNRL chairman Peni Musunamasi said this happened in 2005 as well.
"We have suffered the same fate in 2005 and last year and while it has been a nice exposure to the players we ill decide later what step to take," Musunamasi said.
"We will watch the video reply and make decisions then."
Fiji managed to get its tries through Waisale Suka (2), Sereuvi Ralulu, Alipate Tani, Semesa Cadarkilagi, Marika Koroivui and Inosi Ratete.
The side trounced Woolgoolga 34-16 in the eliminations.
In the quarter-final the side beat Windsor Wolves 26-16 before overcoming Orara Valley 24-14.
Fiji Times
Rookies warned of NRL's highs and lows
National Rugby League boss David Gallop has warned some of the code's rising young stars to watch out for both enormous rewards and potential pitfalls.
Around 60 youngsters convened at Sydney University Village on Sunday afternoon for the 2-1/2 day NRL rookie camp.
Each one of the 16 clubs was represented by at least three players, who were scheduled to be addressed by the past and present stars of the code.
Among the listed speakers were league legends Laurie Daley, Brad Fittler and Brad Clyde and current stars Brett Hodgson, Craig Fitzgibbon and Andrew Ryan.
Gallop told the rookies they had been identified by their clubs as players who were on the verge of big things.
"There's going to be times when you're going to be down and out and there's also going to be times when you are going to be completely elated with what rugby league provides to you," Gallop said.
He said a broad range of issues would be raised at the camp including educating the players about the corporate side of the game and their responsibilities to the code.
"It's an ideal opportunity to talk to them about their responsibilities to their club and their wider responsibility to the game," Gallop said.
"A kid from Coogee gets kicked out of a pub, it's not a news story, an NRL player gets kicked out of a pub then it's a huge story.
"We need to be talking to them about the opportunities and the challenges and the rewards, but also the potential pitfalls."
The players were also due to be addressed on the subject of mental health and the pressures they face.
Gallop pointed out the example of NSW's and Australian representative centre Jamie Lyon, who walked out on Parramatta.
"We've had Jamie Lyon as an example of someone who felt that he needed a break and perhaps a camp like this can better prepare guys for the pressure that they are under."
Gallop said while there would always be problems emanating from alcohol and drug use and gambling, educating the players meant there was a better chance of minimising problems.
"The clubs and the league have now got a track record with dealing with these issues from education policies right through to, if necessary, imposing penalties if someone does step out of line," Gallop said.
Among the youngsters attending the camp was Parramatta winger Jarred Hayne, the outstanding rookie from last year's NRL competition.
Also present was Roosters half and five-eighth and Australian schoolboys representative Mitchell Pearce, the son of former Balmain, NSW and Test lock Wayne Pearce. Yahoo Sport
NSW Blues sow seeds for Origin fightback
New South Wales on Sunday sowed the seeds for its State of Origin rugby league campaign, Blues skipper Danny Buderus declaring they were up to the challenge of wresting the trophy back despite playing twice in Brisbane.
A preliminary NSW squad completed a weekend camp at Bondi Beach where the players had a video session, team dinner and a swim.
Hooker Buderus made it clear last year's painful series loss to Queensland had not yet been consigned to history's rubbish bin.
"It's about preparation and talking about what went on last year and you don't have to talk long to remember," Buderus said.
"Speaking to some of the boys it was a hard loss, it was a kick to the body so we've got to push on and try to win the series back."
Buderus acknowledged NSW faced a tough challenge to regain Origin supremacy with just one of the three 2007 matches in Sydney.
"We've got a massive job ahead of us, we've got to win it back and any professional sportsman are proud of what they do and especially anyone who plays for the Blues, they want to get it back," Buderus said.
"Up there its a huge task ahead of us and were up to the challenge."
Asked what the players got out of the camp Buderus replied: "Initiation, you get to meet people that you haven't met before.
"You've got a core group of New South Welshmen and then you've got at least another half a dozen blokes you haven't met before and it's about preparing for that series in June.
A start of year camp is a novelty for NSW though Queensland and Australia have done it previously.
"Muz (NSW coach Graham Murray) last year didn't have much time to get into this sort of stuff so he didn't have an opportunity," Buderus said.
"It's worked out really well, he gets to see everyone again and he gets to talk about what went on last year."
Buderus said Murray had not given the players a specific message.
"It's a long time away and you don't want to get too pumped up, you just sow the seeds and the boys are looking forward to that time when it comes around," Buderus said.
The Knights hooker will make a belated start to the NRL season after serving the remainder of a six-game suspension.
"I'm not going to go too hard, I'm not back till Easter so it's about being prepared for that day, so I'm just cruising along at the moment," Buderus said.
"I'm just enjoying getting my body recuperated and ready for a tough year." Yahoo Sport
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Braith Anasta eager to prove himself after a disappointing 2006
Revitalised and injury-free Roosters and NSW Rugby League star Braith Anasta is determined to produce his best form for his club after a disappointing 2006 campaign.
Five-eighth-turned-lock Anasta was part of the 26-man preliminary NSW squad for this year's State of Origin which convened for a two-day training camp at Bondi beach this weekend.
Anasta played at five-eighth in the first two Origin games last year, but was dropped for the series decider.
He was dogged throughout the year by a groin injury he suffered in a pre-season trial and the Roosters recruit rarely displayed his best form for his new club.
He missed the last six rounds of the NRL competition after undergoing groin surgery, something he admitted he probably should have done sooner.
"I should have got it done a lot earlier, but I tried to play the season out and things just didn't work out for me," Anasta said.
"But I'm feeling a hell of a lot better now and I'm looking forward to the season ahead.
"I couldn't be happier at the moment, I've done everything and trained hard and I feel sensational at the moment."
He said he had trained at lock throughout the off-season under new Roosters coach Chris Anderson and was looking forward to playing permanently in a position he had only dabbled with previously.
"I played origin at lock, but that was only one or two games, that's about it," Anasta said.
"I'm looking forward to it, I feel comfortable there and I've always thought I'd go there anyway, so it should be a good opportunity for me.
"You can run the ball a lot more and just run around and do your own thing, which I think is probably a good thing for my game at the moment."
Anasta was presently more concerned with delivering the goods for the Roosters than adding to his list of representative honours.
"Representative footy is really not a concern for me at the moment, it's not even something I've thought about because I want to play some good football for the Roosters
"Last year was a pretty bad year and I want to turn it around and do the best I can for the club."
The NSW squad is scheduled to have a couple of video sessions and a swim before breaking camp.
The Blues lost last year's series 2-1 and faced the prospect of playing two out of three matches in 2007 in Brisbane.
NSW Coach Graham Murray was accustomed to handling the pressure which accompanied the job of trying the regain Origin supremacy from Queensland.
"You are always under the pump, whether it be at first grade level or at NSW," Murray said.
Sun Herald
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Kent Ravens team up with Harlequins
With the start of Men's Rugby League this Wednesday in Dartford, The Kent Ravens were boosted by the news that from march the club will receive guidance from Harlequins Rugby League own Player Performance manager Phil Jones, who has directly helped turn local talent such as Michael Worrincy, Tony Clubb and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook into Super League stars.
The plan is for Jones to work closely with all the Ravens own coaches and volunteers, helping them plan, set out and organise their sessions, while he will also take the opportunity to see at first hand the skills of all the Junior Ravens as they train.
Phil Jones commented: "I am looking forward to working with Kent Ravens as they are a good progressive club under the guidance of Alan and Vicki Bacon.
"The aim of the Community Club support unit is to help coaches in planning their sessions, exposing them to new ideas and giving them feedback and action plans for further development."
The Ravens hope this will be the start of things to come throughout what already looks to be an exciting summer season ahead, it is also hoped this situation will help the club recruit by providing the best possible coaching and with this in place the Ravens will look to go from strength to strength in 2007.
If you are interested in getting involved with the Kent Ravens Rugby League Club please do not hesitate to call 07707 852 952, email alan@... or see our new website at www.kentravens.co.uk. With Men's training also starting on Wednesday there is the opportunity to meet coaches and join in from 7:30pm on the field at Acacia Hall situated on Dartford High Street opposite the church. Kent Ravens Online
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Britain must field top league team against All Golds
By Steve Kilgallon
New Zealand Rugby League chairman Andrew Chalmers says Britain will have to field a full-strength team for the test series against the Kiwis whether they like it or not.
The Lions have discussed resting senior players to avoid burn-out before the 2008 world cup. But Chalmers said New Zealand could demand Great Britain field their best side in the three-test series, the centrepiece of the Kiwis' 100-year anniversary All Golds tour.
"Our agreements require nations to field their strongest possible teams," Chalmers said.
Kiwis coach Brian McClennan confirmed he would be picking his best team for the trip. "We are duty-bound, with the centenary, to play a full-strength team and that's what we will do with the All Golds," he said. "We won't be resting anyone."
The Kiwis will take development players to play midweek games in the 10-match tour, but will be fielding their key men in the three tests. NZ Stuff
Dean Bell in line for U20's - Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah
Foundation Warriors captain and former Kiwis skipper Dean Bell is lined up for a return to the club in 2008 after quitting English club Wigan.
Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah says the introduction of an NRL under-20s competition next year will require a restructure of the club's off-field staff, which could create a development role for Bell.
Bell, who played seven seasons at Wigan, spent the past eight as their rugby executive, responsible for development. He has built a reputation for his work with young players.
"The restructure could create an opportunity for Dean and someone of his calibre and experience, and as our first club captain, we would be interested," said Scurrah. "We have had some contact with him."
Scurrah said there was no job for Bell this year, and no offer could be made until the NRL confirms the under-20s competition will happen. NZ Stuff
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St Helens 40 defeated Leigh 10
Saints coasted to an emphatic eight-try win over National League One side Leigh in Sean Long's testimonial match, but it was achieved at some cost.
Last years treble winners had Kiwi centre Willie Talau sent off after twice punching former Saint Tony Stewart in the face in the 26th minute of a match watched by more than 5,000 people.
Saints also lost Great Britain full-back Paul Wellens, who was carried off on a stretcher after injuring himself in the act of scoring.
Saints only arrived back from their warm-weather training camp in Dubai at 7pm last night - and they made a slow start.
But once the hosts crossed the line for the first time in the 12th minute it became one-way traffic.
Lee Gilmour took Keiron Cunningham's short ball to open the scoring, then Australian Test centre Matt Gidley - who was making his home debut -
flicked out a trademark pass to send Ade Gardner over in the corner five minutes later.
Gilmour added his second try midway through the first half after a fine pass from Leon Pryce, who soon after burst through the middle to set up Talau for Saints' fourth try.
Despite playing with 12 men, forward Jon Wilkin and Mike Bennett had further scores to make it 13-0 at the break.
The second half was quite a subdued affair with Wellens crossing on 44 minutes, only to be carried off on a stretcher within seconds.
Substitute James Roby then sped 40 metres for a touchdown which concluded Saints' scoring.
Leigh grabbed two consolation scores with winger David Alstead racing 80 metres from an interception towards the end, before Sam Butterworth crossed. Sporting Life
Tougher drugs code call
By Peter Badel
Brisbane chief executive Bruno Cullen has urged the NRL to take a more hardline stance on illicit drugs, calling for serial offenders to be booted out of the code.
The NRL's push for uniformity in drug-testing has suffered a setback with five clubs - Canberra, Cronulla, Melbourne, Gold Coast and the Cowboys - rejecting a proposed "three-strikes" policy.
Under the preliminary plan, a player guilty of a first offence for using recreational drugs such as cocaine, marijuana or ecstasy would get a suspended fine.
A second offence would cost the player 15 per cent of his salary. A third offence would mean an automatic 12-week suspension.
But Cullen, part of a six-man task force which drafted the policy, believes the NRL should ramp up a crackdown on drugs by terminating the careers of repeat offenders.
"Personally I think it (a 12-week ban) is too lenient," Cullen said.
"If a player is guilty of drug use a third time he probably can't be rehabilitated and he shouldn't be in the game.
"At the Broncos, for a third offence, we sack them, and from a game point of view I'd be a strong advocate of not having them in the game.
"That's my stance. As part of the committee, it was my job to get a policy on the table and sometimes you have to put your professional thoughts aside for the game as a whole.
"We have a duty to rehabilitate (first-time offenders) but if that doesn't work there's no room for them in our club or perhaps the game. But that's for other people to decide."
In the past five years, five NRL stars guilty of first-time drug offences have received far greater punishment than that featured in the three-strikes policy.
Last year, Cowboys prop Mitchell Sargent had his contract torn up after testing positive to cocaine.
In 2004, Andrew Walker received a two-year ban for cocaine use, while Tigers duo Craig Field and Kevin McGuinness were banned for six months and fined $50,000 apiece for drug offences.
Bulldogs forward Willie Mason was allegedly fined $25,000 in 2003 after returning a positive result to cocaine in an in-house test.
Sargent suggested the proposed policy was too lenient for drug offences that could lead to jail terms.
"You shouldn't be hung out to dry after one mistake. Maybe one warning is enough I'd say," he said.
"I've been there and done that and I felt bad about it. Once you make a bad mistake you don't want to do it again."
Rugby League Professionals Association boss Matthew Rodwell conceded a third strike may yet have greater consequences.
"I agree we might need a more severe punishment for a third offence," he said.
"The clubs (who objected) may not have read it correctly. After three strikes, the NRL can ban a player for 12 weeks but the club does have the right to terminate a contract.
"A regular drug taker will surely be found out by the third strike. That's the player you want out of the game." Courier Mail
Logan Swann no longer feeling on edge
By Michael Brown
Logan Swann never wanted to leave the Warriors in the first place. Officially, it was for salary cap reasons - Swann just wouldn't fit into a burgeoning squad that then coach Daniel Anderson wanted to freshen up.
Unofficially, he and Anderson didn't get on and the coach, as was his prerogative, showed him the exit door along with the likes of Ali Lauitiiti, Thomas Leuluai and Motu Tony.
Now, however, after stints with Bradford and Warrington in the UK Super League, Swann is back at the place he feels most comfortable, playing for the club where he made his name.
He's a little older, perhaps a little wiser, than the Swann who departed Mt Smart Stadium at the end of 2003 but there's one major difference.
"When I turned up back at the Warriors, I found myself looking over my shoulder," the 31-year-old explains after another brutal pre-season training session in the Auckland heat. "In 2002 and 2003, you were put on edge by the coaching staff and management, so you were never comfortable.
"It was good because it kept you edgy but at the same time, it's not good. It messes with your head a bit. But now there's just a great ethic here. In every aspect of the club, everything is solid. It's a new era and there's a great team culture and spirit."
Swann was signed by the Warriors in October to offset the departure of Awen Guttenbeil and then the sacking of Sione Faumuina. Despite carefully managed recruitment and retention, the Warriors were lacking experience and ability in the second row. It came as a surprise to most when Swann was signed on a one-year deal, not least the ball-playing forward himself.
"I thought I was going to be out in the UK for another couple of years and we were just finalising a couple of options we had up there, [my manager] Frank Endacott and myself," he explains.
"The opportunity came up out of the blue. Frank threw my name into the mix with the Warriors.
"It raised a few eyebrows and turned a few heads in the boardroom. The next thing we knew, they were keen. That stumped me. I had no idea I would get the chance to come home and play for the Warriors again. When I left [in 2003], I thought that was it."
Swann is used to second chances. A judge gave him one when he was discharged without conviction for an assault in May 2003, although Swann still maintains he was unfairly treated.
He pleaded guilty to common assault but explained to the judge that it was a "situation out of my control". After banter with another patron at an Auckland club, he was challenged to tackle the man. The victim condemned the first couple of attempts as feeble before he found himself flat on his back nursing injuries.
"I still maintain, hand on heart, that I didn't punch or assault the guy in any way," he says. "It got out of hand, people jumped in and I found myself trying to break things up. And that's what I get done for."
It was a salutary lesson for Swann about taking care when out in public, one not all Warriors have heeded. It is perhaps ironic that Faumuina's antics opened the door for Swann's return.
Despite the nature of his departure, Swann has only fond memories of his time at the club. He was famously selected by Endacott to make his test debut for the Kiwis in 1996 before he'd even made his first-grade debut.
He was also instrumental in helping the club to the grand final in 2002.
"They were the best times, definitely," he says of the 2002 and 2003 seasons. "As a player to be involved in a team like that was special."
Only Louis Anderson, Wairangi Koopu, Lance Hohaia, Evarn Tuimavave and Epalahame Lauaki remain from the 2003 squad, as well as, of course, coach Ivan Cleary.
In many respects, Swann is a new boy this season. Just a very familiar one. NZ Herald
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* Brent Webb a class act
* London Skolars season launch in Islington
* York Nines Festival, Saturday July 14 2007
* Harlequins appointed Rob Powell as assistant coach
* Brisbane boom prop David Taylor, 'needs time'
* Kent Ravens' new sponsorship deal
* Maurice Lindsay calls for reduction on games
* Melbourne's $190 million stadium held up by soccer club
* NQ Cowboys' rookies' attend NRL Rookie Camp
* South London Storm must travel in the Carnegie Cup
* Fiji Bati's 50-12 whitewash of Cook Islands
* Bronco Ennis to push for spot
* Jason Hooper returns home after picking up a shoulder injury
* Jerome Guisset believes Catalans Dragons have depth
* On right track with backers
* Harlequins RL skipper Purdham makes a capital statement
* Preview of the Celtic Crusaders
* Colin Love and Bob Millward receive awards
* French expansion possible - Lewis
* Dean Bell hopes for a NZ Warriors'under-20 coaching role
* Adrian Morley a Salford Red at heart
* Harlequins Rugby League hit the road
* Sheffield Eagles looking to produce their own talent
* Karl Harrison says no to GB as Shaun McRae chances heighten
* Mick Potter welcomes proposals for second French club
* Adrian Morley looks back in anger at NRL years
* RFL sponsorship on right track
* Titans'new recruit Smith Samau Super sidestepper
* Stacey Jones could miss up to two months
* Gold Coast Titans believe Lote Tuqiri can be lured
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POSITIONS VACANT
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Leeds Akkies RLFC
Leeds Akkies RLFC are looking for ambitious players to join their ranks for the 2007 summer season.
The club will be running teams in RLC National (First Grade) and RLC Yorkshire/Lincolnshire Division (Reserve Grade) and would like to attract new players to their talent pool.
The Akkies are one of the most progressive clubs outside the professional ranks and compete at the highest level of the Rugby League Conference summer pyramid structure (RLC National).
We offer players top class specialist coaching, outstanding training facilities (we will be using Leeds University's state-of-the-art 'crumble' pitch during pre-season), an outstanding social calendar and the opportunity to play rugby league overseas (last season's end of season tour was to Montpellier in Southern France, this year's venue to be confirmed shortly).
If you want to join a welcoming and progressive club and play a high standard of rugby league visit www.leedsakkies.co.uk or contact chris.denham4@... (+447771864526).
Scotland 'A' seek coach and manager for 2007 Four Nations
The Scotland 'A' side - composed of the best Scottish-qualified players from the Scottish Conference and the RLC - are looking for applicants to act as coach and manager for this year's Four Nations competition.
The positions are unpaid and applications should be sent to:
Mark Senter,
National Development Manager,
Scotland Rugby League,
The Cranhill Beacon,
200 Bellrock Street,
Glasgow. G33 3LZ.
Mark.Senter@... [250106]
PLAYERS & COACHES
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RUGBY LEAGUE CONSULTANTS AUSTRALIA
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An Approach to Skills Development - Performing to the best of your ability
Written by Ray Unsworth
Director of Coach Education - The Rugby Football League
Great performances don't just happen. Indeed performance in any sport at the highest level is the result of paying attention to three specific areas:
The extent to which your athletes are physically prepared
Their psychological readiness to compete
The level of skill that your players or team are capable of performing at.
Continued from Thursday
A good definition of skill would be:
The capacity to produce the desired result, with a consistency and an efficiency of time and effort.
In other words, having the ability to do the right thing at the right time - over and over again.
Skill is the result of endless hours of practice. No one emerges from the womb throwing out 15m pinpoint spin passes or kicking 50m field goals. It is only when you've mastered the basic skills such as balance, walking, hand/eye and hand/foot/eye coordination that we can even start out to develop other skills.
Sporting ability emerges early in life, once you've developed the general abilities just mentioned.
Add to them a good eye and a retentive memory, then you have in place the corner stones with which to develop more advanced skills.
Skill development involves understanding what you want to achieve and allying it to the physical responses required to make it happen.
By way of an example; the swerve, attack and position the defender on the inside (skill).
Use your speed to win the foot race on the outside (physical response).
Examine the skills involved in passing and you'll find that, by varying your body position, the angle at which you release the ball and the force that you apply to the pass, will obviously have a direct influence on the:
Speed
Distance
Direction in which the ball travels.
So the way in which we learn and further develop the skill is by comparing what you wanted to happen as opposed to what actually happened and then adjusting accordingly.
Then, in theory, the more passes you make then the more the skill is developed.
Having said all that, it's important when working with players that you identify very early their skill deficiencies. It's a pointless exercise spending hours practising the skills they are very good at and paying little or no attention to programmes of rehabilitation
or development.
To be continued
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