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Plan now for the World Cup in 2008
Telstra Stadium, Sydney.
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An Extract from RLCM Coachtalk Yearbook 2 with Matthew Elliott [page 20]
The RLCM Ultimate CD-ROM with over 4000 pages of the 36 RLCM Books
is distributed to RLCM Paid subscribers, read below of how to receive your copy.
Page 20 of RLCM Coachtalk Book 2
With Matthew Elliott
....some people will say that the game is ten percent physical and ninety percent mental while someone else will say it's the other way around.
I'm not sure what the percentage really is but there is no doubt that there is a balance and you need to find it in order to become successful.
Physically there are plenty of studies and customs you can use to get the players into peak condition, but when you start dealing with the mental side of a player's make up it becomes a lot more scarier.
There will always be a lot of arguments about how that should be carried out and how it should be addressed. My personal way has been to develop a routine so that the players become aware of what is going to be required from them physically before they step onto the park.
There is no painless way to play our game and the players need to prepare for each match as if they were going into battle.
I'm not saying that the players have to learn to overcome fear but just that they have to be ready to put their bodies on the line".
Despite Elliott's fascination with physiological procedures he steadfastly maintains that Rugby League is a simple game that can fall victim to overcomplication from interfering coaches.
Elliott has a penchant for technique and basics and says he won't stray from that principle.
"I think basic skills are and always have been the core of our game. How you actually carry the ball, how you pass it and your general tackling technique. The way you do those skills may have evolved over the last fifteen years but the principles stay the same.
"I think kids do need to be exposed at some time to some of the more technical aspects of the game but up until about, say fifteen, I think they should engaged in areas which are simplistic in their nature.
"Things like the spiral pass irk me. It wasn't that long ago that only a few players used a spiral pass and now everyone does; but I still believe that the spiral pass isn't an effective pass over a short distance, certainly over ten or fifteen metres it is, but percentage wise it's not good to use over a short distance.
"But because children are taught nothing except the spiral pass from a young age that's all they seem to do".
True to Elliott's preference for players to have a mastery of the basic aspects of Rugby League is his desire for the way he wants.........
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Tim Sheens West Tigers Wayne Bennett Broncos Jason Taylor South Sydney Graham Murray Cowboys
  
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* DVD - Maximising Teenage Talent with Bill Sweetnam
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* DVD - Sprint Training with Paul Watson
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* DVD - Scott Dickinson, Performance Manager, Newcastle Knights.
* DVD - Paul Molinia, Unless the Core is Strong the Shell will Suffer
* DVD - Kurt Wrigley, St George Illawarra Dragons
* DVD - Greg Culnane, Parramatta Eels
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2007 NRL Grand Final
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Latest News
Storm Warning: The future is bright
By Adam Sutcliffe
It's almost 10 years since the Melbourne Storm became part of the NRL competition, and today NRLnews.com has a look at an impressive resume built up by the young southern club.
With a spare parts team and plenty of guys looking for their chance, the Storm were expected to be cannon fodder in their first few NRL years.
A bunch of no-names had the tough task of trying to get bums on seats, having little or no depth due to non-existent junior breeding grounds and to top it off they were nestled deep within the borders of the enemy code. How could an NRL team ever succeed?
Succeed? After only a year of competition the Storm took the NRL title and the club has never looked back since.
Through coaching changes, drug scandals, low crowds and calls for their relocation by those in rival NRL establishments - the Melbourne Storm has weathered it all, literally.
During their time in the NRL the Storm has produced a massive list of rugby league stars. Guys like: Scott Hill, Brett Kimmorley, Richard Swain, Matt Geyer, Matt Orford, Rodney Howe, Robbie Ross and todays supers stars: Billy Slater and of course Greg Inglis.
Imagine where this club would be with assistance and encouragement from the whole NRL community? Storm management surely has to be congratulated on continuing to produce quality football sides and ensuring the young NRL club lives on into the future. Such success is really making inroads into the sport mad Victorian base.
So many times it has seemed like the Storm was doomed. First when their premiership winning coach left, life after Chris Anderson was going to see them drop to the bottom of the ladder - they simply moved on, unaffected.
Then their star halfback Brett Kimmorley was to leave, the Storm simply grabbed Matt Orford from Sydney and turned him into a household name.
Then Orford leaves the fold, what do they do? Well they just moulded a young bloke in Cooper Cronk into a top line halfback, a genuine match winner.
The Melbourne Storm have made the semi finals or gone close nearly every year of their existence. No wooden spoons or written off seasons.
Their recent form is nothing short of astounding, in 2006 the Storm side beat every team that was put in front of them and turned their Olympic Park into an absolute graveyard for visitors - the only blight on their record was a loss in the NRL grand final.
As we look forward and assess the future, the Storm looks like hanging around for a lot longer. They have a side choc full of champions, and these days their depth is envied NRL wide.
Congratulations Melbourne Storm, I'm sure you're all laughing - and it should be at the expense of short sighted NRL personalities like Ray Hadlee and Denis Fitzgerald who said you'd never succeed.
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Trail Games A Must If We Want Quality Over Quantity
By League Freak
The 2007 NRL season has yet to kick off and already the whinging has begun.
This year its whinging about trial games and whether of not we should have them.
With a couple of major injuries to Chris Flannery and Mark Gasnier, people are wondering why we need trial games and why we cant just get stuck into the season proper and do away with trials all together.
The fact is that trial games are necessary for teams to bring up their fitness level to their peak, they are needed for teams to refine their coordination and quite simply, they are needed to get players back into the grinding routine that the NRL season will bring.
While people question the injuries to players now, you have to ask how many more injuries we would see if teams who haven't had a run for 6 months were all of a sudden thrown into competition games that do actually count.
With a good start to the season critical to every club, having players who are not fully match fit thrown into such tough competition would simply be dangerous.
Trials allow players to ease themselves into the season proper. While no one likes to lose a trail game, they are nothing more than a testing session for clubs and coaches.
They allow young players to get a taste of first grade football that they normally would not get in a competition game because the stakes are too high and the opposition to focused to simply risk a young player who is un-tried in the line up.
We see teams play with unlimited interchange, teams playing with over 20 players, teams playing one side in the first half and another side in the second. We see games played in 20 minute quarters, we see new rules trialled, we even see teams coming to agreements on trial conditions!
Without these measures available to clubs, we would see the first few rounds of the NRL competition full of injuries, poor coordination and at the end of the day we would see the first few weeks of the competition being a write off because teams will STILL need a few runs under their belt before they are truly ready to be in competition form.
The term "Necessary Evil" has been used a lot over the last few weeks when it comes to describing the need for trial games. I don't see it that way.
When the season kicks off and we see the best Rugby League players in the world match fit and ready for that marathon struggle that is the NRL Premiership chase, I think of those training sessions in November, I think of the runs up the sand hills, I think of the opposed games and training and most of all, I think about the trial games, the games that helped get the players on the field ready for the toughest sporting competition in the world.
Click League Freak to read more articles
London Skolars announce chartered accountants Berg Kaprow Lewis as sponsors
London Skolars are delighted to announce a sponsorship deal with chartered accountants and business advisors Berg Kaprow Lewis - known as BKL.
BKL are backing the Skolars' coaching scheme in Barnet primary schools that will begin in May.
The coaching will be mainly delivered by Skolars community development officer and first team prop Dave Roberson as the club seek to spread rugby league into local primary schools that have previously had no rugby experience.
"This is a tremendous deal for Skolars and the young children of Barnet," said Roberson. "Without BKL's support we would not have been able to deliver rugby into these schools and show them the skills that will help them develop as sports performers and hopefully rugby league players of the future."
BKL explained their decision to back the National League Two club Skolars: "We feel we have much in common with London Skolars in that we are both based in north London but we operate nationally and have a presence across the whole country," said a BKL spokesman.
BKL also sponsor the Chicken Shed Theatre Group in Southgate, based beside Bramley Sports Ground where Skolars' Under-19s train.
West Bowling Game Confirmed
Skolars' 3rd round Carnegie Challenge Cup fixture against West Bowling will be held at Old Brods RUFC in Halifax this Saturday at 3pm. Skolars Online
Steve Price keen to stay on into next season
By Ruben Wiki
Warriors skipper Steve Price isn't contemplating retirement and is keen to extend his deal at the club beyond the end of the forthcoming season.
The veteran prop, who turns 33 on Monday, is keen to leave a more positive legacy at the club than last year's salary cap breach-wrecked campaign, or the 10-win, 14-loss season that preceded it.
One of the most consistent yardage props in the game on the field and an articulate, media-savvy, sponsor-friendly operator off it, Price was seen as the man to cure the ills that led to the fall from grace of 2004.
His job has hardly been easy, and it sure isn't finished.
"I'd love to play another season but I am very aware as well that things can change overnight," he said.
"Whilst I feel great at the moment, that can certainly change. But if the club is willing to give me another year and we can work it out then I'll certainly go for another year."
If Price can keep carrying the ball with the effectiveness that has characterised his career, there's every chance the club will offer him an extension, says chief executive Wayne Scurrah.
"We'd be very keen to see how he goes and, all going well, I would very much love to see him stay at the club. He has been terrific."
Age certainly shouldn't prove a barrier. Price's propping mate Ruben Wiki is a year older and is already contracted by the club through to the end of the 2008 season.
Wiki's situation is clearly a factor in Price's outlook. When he talks of his motivation for staying at a club that has brought him financial reward, but little else, he invariably mentions Wiki in the same breath.
"When I first came here we were equal last and it was a very, very low morale situation." he said.
"We've come a long way from that day and I am very excited. It was one of the reasons Rubes and I came here - potentially we knew this place was a lot better than it was [at the time]. And we are starting to get to the place we know the club should be at."
But Price is fully aware many pairs of eyes will be trained on him in the early part of the season to see whether age has in fact wearied him.
If he can last two more seasons he'll likely join an elite band of players with 300 first grade games to their name. But even with 259 games to his credit, he knows he still has to prove himself.
"Every year is like that. We have got so many young guys in Ruben's and [my] position that there is always pressure on us.
"That's what the NRL is like. If you rest on your laurels, you are going to get a rude awakening." NZ Herald
Contract dispute clouds Hindmarsh return
By Glenn Jackson
Parramatta second-rower Ian Hindmarsh has become embroiled in an eve-of-the-season contract wrangle with former club Les Catalans that may delay his return to the NRL.
Hindmarsh is yet to secure a release from the Dragons after cutting short his three-year stint with the English Super League club last season, and may be forced to sit out the opening rounds of the season until the Rugby Football League, the game's administrator in the UK, conducts a tribunal hearing in early April.
Hindmarsh initially approached Dragons coach Mick Potter last year and requested a release, citing compassionate grounds. The former Country Origin second-rower has a dairy farm in Cowra that is being heavily hit by the drought, and he wanted to return to Australia to be able to tend to the business.
But on his return, Hindmarsh signed to play with the Eels in 2007. Now the Dragons, who had signed Hindmarsh until the end of 2008, are refusing to give him a release, and are demanding a $40,000 transfer fee to enable him to play in the NRL.
Hindmarsh, the older brother of Eels star Nathan, has requested the tribunal hearing be brought forward so he can be freed to play in the Eels' premiership-opener, against the Warriors, on March 17, although he may ask for permission to play in the early rounds pending the result of that hearing.
"It's touch and go," Hindmarsh said when asked if he expected to play in round one. "It would have been nice to have the hearing held in the next fortnight, but that's what the RFL gave us. We've requested that they bring it forward but we haven't heard yet."
The 29-year-old cannot play until he has secured a release, with an NRL spokesman confirming there were "clearance issues that still needed to be sorted out".
After Hindmarsh initially requested the release, the Dragons stated they would not stand in his way, general manager Christophe Levy saying: "When a player comes to a club requesting a release, particularly for matters other than those related to playing rugby league, we would not stand in his way."
Hindmarsh, who played with the Eels between 1999 and 2002 and joins them this year as one of their key off-season recruits, told the Herald yesterday he believed the Dragons were holding firm because he signed with an NRL club. But he was adamant his primary reason for returning was his farm.
"I needed to get back to be close to the farm," Hindmarsh said. "That was my sole reason for coming back. When I signed to play with the Eels, that was a bonus. But I had to get back to Australia. I had to help run the farm, help the manager, make a few decisions that owners have got to make. If the club wasn't the way it was, and I was making good money over there, it'd be a different story. But when the shit hit the fan with the drought, and feed prices trebled, I had to be back home."
Hindmarsh, who is set to retire at the end of the season, was reluctant to pay the transfer fee as it would mean he was effectively "playing for free" this year.
Les Catalans have replaced Hindmarsh with his former Canberra teammate Jason Croker. The Eels remain confident Hindmarsh will be available in round one.
"It has made me a bit bitter towards them," Hindmarsh said. "I really enjoyed my time over there and I would have liked to have stayed. I mean, I've been brought up to honour whatever I did. But my future was back here on the farm, and nothing else really mattered." SMH
Young Roach quits union
By James Phelps
Daniel Roach, the son of league legend Steve "Blocker" Roach, has sensationally turned his back on rugby union, walking out on the Waratahs to link up with Ricky Stuart's Sharks.
In a move which will rock the ARU, the talented young prop will now follow in his famous father's steps, carving out a career in rugby league.
The Courier-Mail exclusively captured the moment yesterday when 18-year-old Roach, his father and manager met Stuart at the Woolloomoolloo PCYC in Sydney.
The former Australian rugby union schoolboy star knocked back an offer from his father's beloved Tigers for a chance to play under Kangaroo coach Stuart at the Sharks.
Roach is expected to start training with Cronulla on Friday on a one-year deal after officially requesting a release from the NSWRU last week.
The teenager's switch is sure to leave the Waratahs red-faced, with the emerging young forward considered by many astute judges as a future Wallaby prop.
It is understood Roach had grown disillusioned with rugby after rarely playing in his year with the Tahs. "I am excited about the opportunity," Roach said.
"I haven't been given any guarantees but I have the opportunity to prove myself with the Sharks and rugby league.
"I will give it my best.
"It is obviously great to get the chance to play under the Australian coach and be included in the full-time squad. I am looking forward to it."
Proud father Steve, one of the true characters of the game, said he was excited about his son leaving union to pursue a career in rugby league.
"I have always wanted him to play rugby league but I have left that decision to him," said Roach.
"Of course I am glad that he will now be playing rugby league, that's the way I always wanted him to go.
"I didn't want to say anything when he was playing union because I just wanted to support him but I am rapt now he is in league.
"He is a young bloke and he was the one that wanted to play league. He wants to run with the ball and tackle people. I couldn't be any happier."
After playing 181 games for the Tigers, Roach said there were no hard feelings with Daniel opting to join the Sharks over his old club.
"Ricky is an old mate and it is a great opportunity for him," said Roach who represented Australia on 18 occasions.
"The Sharks are a good club and I can't wait to see how he goes. He is a committed kid and he wants to do it on his own."
The Roach camp were reticent to talk about why Daniel quit the Waratahs but it is believed the 114kg wrecking ball was not playing regularly with the NSW Academy A side, who play only 10 games a year.
Stuart said Daniel reminded him of a young "Blocker".
"He is a big young kid and he has the build of his father," Stuart said. Courier Mail
Hooker Newton given two-match ban
Bradford hooker Terry Newton has been banned for two matches after being found guilty of striking by a Rugby Football League disciplinary panel.
The 28-year-old Great Britain international was also fined £500 at the hearing in Leeds on Tuesday.
Newton was put on report for a tackle on St Helens' Jon Wilkin when the Bulls lost 34-22 to Saints last Friday.
The former Wigan player also missed the first 11 matches of last season after being banned for dangerous tackles.
Newton will miss Bradford's home game against Salford on Sunday and their trip to Harlequins the following Saturday.
Meanwhile, Huddersfield centre Jamahl Lolesi was cleared on a charge of striking by the disciplinary committee.
Lolesi had been sin-binned for a late tackle on Leeds scrum-half Rob Burrow during the Giants' 16-12 defeat on Sunday.
Wakefield prop Danny Sculthorpe, who was put on report for an alleged late tackle during his debut for the Wildcats in their 19-6 win at Hull, has been told he faces no further action. BBC Online
NRL CEO, David Gallop returns serve on critics
By Brent Read
NRL chief executive David Gallop took aim at critics of his administration yesterday only hours after announcing a raft of sponsorship deals that will inject more than $100 million into the game.
On a landmark day for Gallop and the code, the NRL finally ended its protracted negotiations with Telstra over naming rights when the partnership committee - comprising three members from the Australian Rugby League and News Limited, publisher of FOXSPORTS.com.au - signed a deal worth $90 million for six years.
The NRL also unveiled three new sponsors - Foster's as naming rights partner for Friday night football for two years, Bundaberg Rum for Monday night matches (four years), and Coca-Cola as the game's ball sponsor (three years).
Those three deals take the value of the sponsorships to more than $100m.
Gallop and his administration have come under criticism for their handling of the Telstra deal, which was revealed in January but became bogged down in argument over rights to new technology.
Critics had also questioned the NRL's competence after it emerged that the game's governing body could be forced to pay compensation in order to resolve an impasse between Telstra, the Nine Network and FOX SPORTS.
Gallop fired a salvo of his own yesterday as he reflected on one of the most difficult periods in his time in charge.
"I have been horrified and incredibly frustrated at the amount of misinformation that has been disseminated about this deal," Gallop said.
"It's very easy to snipe from behind the trees, but this is a terrific deal for the game. It's great financially and it's a perfect partner.
"To have a continuation of the naming-rights sponsorship is a great show of faith in the game.
"It's a great reminder of how difficult some issues can become in our game, and sometimes that is counter-productive to what we're trying to achieve."
The NRL sponsorship announcements were greeted warmly by club officials, and their mood could be further enhanced should some of that money flow their way.
Gallop has stated publicly that his goal to have club grants equate to the salary cap, and that dream moved closer with yesterday's announcements.
"I think it's an excellent deal for both parties," Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald said.
"I am very, very happy, and I think David Gallop and his team have done a marvellous job."
Brisbane chief executive Bruno Cullen was equally pleased, saying he hoped the deal would help to close the gap between the salary cap and the club grant.
"It's great news for the code," Cullen said.
The life of the Telstra deal will make the telecommunications giant the longest-serving naming-rights sponsor in premiership history.
In a further fillip to the NRL, Gallop revealed that early fears of being forced to pay compensation to appease Channel Nine and FOX SPORTS could be overcome.
It had been suggested the NRL might be forced to pay $3 million compensation.
"I would say we probably won't lose anything, but if we do it will be a very small amount," Gallop said.
"With the structure of the Telstra deal so the other partners can have a place in the game, it will take us well north of the $100 million in value." Foxsports Online
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Cowboys chief banking on Jason Smith and Ian Millward
Not many teams make a song and dance about recruiting a 34-year-old player and a coach who was sacked by two clubs in 12 months.
But North Queensland chief executive Peter Parr believes old hands Jason Smith and Ian Millward will breathe new life into the Cowboys this season.
The early 2006 NRL premiership favourites spectacularly fell out of finals contention last season by losing 13 of their last 16 games - a slump largely attributed to a demanding Origin campaign.
In 2007's Origin series, the Cowboys are again expected to contribute about seven players as well as coach Graham Murray who will hold the NSW reins.
Enter Smith and Millward.
Former Test utility Smith has already placed exciting half Jackson Nicolau under his wing in preparation for Queensland and Australian No.7 Johnathan Thurston's Origin departure.
And Murray's new assistant Millward - a former English Super League championship-winning coach - is an ideal choice to take over the reins at the Cowboys during the hectic Origin period.
"Around Origin he (Smith) will be crucial for us. He will also play a big part in the education of our young players," Parr said.
"He reminds me a lot of Kevin Campion who was very good for this club - hopefully he has a similar impact."
Cynics believed alarm bells were ringing after Smith - 35 on March 14 - underwent knee surgery in the off-season.
However, Smith impressed when he began Cowboys pre-season training a week early.
"In my opinion they are a finals contender (in 2007). That's one of the reasons I wanted to come here," Smith said.
"If it's my final year it would be great to go out in the finals.
"But it's no use saying I will definitely retire because I might get halfway through next season and still feel fine.
"My body will be the gauge."
Smith is also expected to relieve pressure on Thurston as the youngster looks to regain his Dally M Medal-winning form.
Millward has also earned plaudits since being deputised in North Queensland despite his controversial past.
The Australian guided St Helens to two championships, two Challenge Cups and a World Club Challenge but was sacked in 2005 for "gross misconduct".
Less than a year later he was axed at Wigan following the club's woeful season start of one win from eight games.
But there's no doubt Millward is ideally suited to take over in Murray's absence thanks to his big game experience.
Earning just as many kudos during the Cowboys pre-season is another receiving an NRL second chance - former Kiwi international Sione Faumuina.
The mobile backrower's NRL career appeared over when he was cut by the New Zealand Warriors last season after a string of off-field indiscretions and moved to Harlequins in London.
However, Faumuina left the Super League club without playing a game citing personal reasons only to resurface at Townsville, signing a two-year deal.
Impressive pre-season form has all but guaranteed Faumuina will line-up for the Cowboys in the season opener.
"He understands that he is probably at the crossroads of his career," Parr said.
"He acknowledged that he had made some mistakes in the past.
"It's only early days but all indications are that it is a win-win situation.
"But we want to make sure he is good for us on and off the field for a long period of time - but so does he."
Faumuina adds to considerable backrow depth that also includes Carl Webb, Steve Southern, Jacob Lillyman and, of course, Test forward Luke O'Donnell.
Not that everything has gone to plan for North Queensland during the off-season.
North Queensland has endured constant speculation over the future of O'Donnell, off contract at the end of the season.
He has been courted by NRL clubs - notably Manly - and rugby union outfit the Queensland Reds.
O'Donnell has hardly hosed down speculation after admitting he was open to all offers.
Parr said no deadline had been given to O'Donnell to decide his future. thewest.com.au
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Brett Hodgson backs Wests Tigers to come good
Wests Tigers skipper Brett Hodgson says he's unconcerned by his side's indifferent pre-season form - because he's seen it all before.
Hodgson backed his club to turn around its disappointing trial form, which culminated in a 26-4 loss to Canberra in Brisbane on Saturday night.
Since joining the club in 2004, Hodgson said he had never tasted success in a trial game, which was why he still had the belief that the side could be a force this year.
"It's not panic stations yet," he said.
"We struggled in trial form last year and beat St George Illawarra the first game."
The NSW custodian said the new-look side needed time to find some rhythm, with new halfback John Morris still finding his feet at the club and Benji Marshall still working his way back into the fold following an extensive rehabilitation from shoulder surgery.
"I think it will take a while for some of the players to gel, there's no doubt about that," Hodgson said.
"There's a new half in Johnny Morris, he's trying to do his best to try and fit in with everyone else's style of play as well.
"With Benji, it's going to be a challenge for him, he's going to have to come back and build his way into a bit of form again.
"It's going to take him a little while to get back to his best form. He's got to remain patient and it will come if he does that."
The pressure is also on Hodgson, who hopes to be back to 100 per cent for the season-opener against Melbourne following knee surgery, to help out with the playmaking duties.
"If I can see an opportunity to jump in and take the ball like I have the last three years ... I'm pretty sure that I have that licence again this year," he said.
"If I do see something that maybe the halves can't see I'll jump in there."
The Tigers open up against the Storm on Friday March 16 at Olympic Park in Melbourne. SMH
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Telstra does $90m NRL naming rights deal
NRL chief executive David Gallop says club grants will not match the salary cap for some time yet despite the announcement of a $90 million naming rights deal with Telstra.
The NRL finally came to agreement with the telecommunications giant just weeks after it was reported the deal was about to fall through due to a dispute over online and mobile rights.
The six-year arrangement will see Telstra become the longest running sponsor in premiership history.
But it won't result in an instant windfall for the 16 NRL clubs, Gallop admitting there will still be a shortfall between the $3.25 million in annual grants given to clubs and the $4 million salary cap.
"It's a goal (to get parity), we're not there yet and we won't get there in the short term, but we're certainly aiming toward it.
"We're certainly conscious that the funding gap is a burden to our clubs, but at the same time we want to see the cap continue to go up in the future."
Gallop said he was "horrified" at some of the reports he had read regarding a possible breakdown in the deal.
"Every deal is not done till it's done," Gallop said.
"I have been horrified at the amount of misinformation that has been disseminated about this deal and that has been very frustrating.
"The need to get a detailed contract done, which dovetailed into our other arrangements and didn't lead to trouble down the track, was very important.
"In the digital age we're in there was going to be issues of overlap if we didn't get them right and I'm confident we did."
There had been speculation the deal with Telstra was going to be significantly less than anticipated because the telecommunications giant had expected internet and mobile phone rights as part of the arrangement.
The NRL had previously admitted those rights were bundled with the television broadcast rights sold to the Nine Network and Foxtel. Yahoo Sport
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Roosters fly into schools
By Chloe Adamson
The Sydney Roosters recently set about visiting the area's schools to promote healthy living and encourage young boys and girls to play rugby league.
The club's first-grade squad visited 15 primary schools throughout their weeklong tour, talking to students about the benefits of healthy eating, exercise and having fun while playing sport.
During their visits the Roosters spoke about their experiences in the NRL and as junior footballers. They spoke of the benefits of mini/mod league and the safe play code.
Braith Anasta said the school visits provide the first-grade squad an opportunity to interact with the game's grassroots and the team's young fans.
Registrations are now open for children wanting to play rugby league for the Roosters. Contact Brian Sinclair on 02/9386 3221 for more information. Village Voice
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Deal lets NRL kick-off with major sponsor
By Brent Read
The NRL's protracted sponsorship talks with Telstra are finally over with the NRL partnership commitee ratifying a six-year $90 million deal with the telecommunications giant.
The commitee, made up of three representatives apiece from the Australian Rugby League and News Limited, endorsed the lucrative deal - first revealed by The Australian in January - at a meeting in Sydney this morning.
It is the biggest sponsorship deal in the premiership's 100-year history and ends lengthy negotiations between the NRL and Telstra.
The talks had been stalled by a battle over rights to new technology.
The deal is understood to involve a range of elements, including a cash component of at least $60 million and a range of other offsets and inputs by Telstra
Today's decision also ends a difficult period for NRL chief executive David Gallop, who was targeted over the stall in talks.
It also means the NRL can start its premiership in just over a week with a major sponsor.
The Australian
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Time called at the Willows
By Neal Keeling
The show is finally over for a legendary Willows cabaret spot which gave singing stars including Gary Barlow and Lisa Stansfield their break in showbusiness.
The Willows Variety Centre in Salford is one of the last surviving venues from the era when chicken-in-the-basket and Las Vegas chintz wowed weekend revellers.
With performances from circuit favourites like The Drifters to X-factor finalists it survived while other famous venues like the Talk of the North in Eccles, and Wythenshawe's Golden Garter closed.
But its days are numbered too now as it becomes a casualty of scheme to build a new hotel in Salford and proposals for Salford City Reds Rugby League Club to move to a new stadium in Barton.
At present, the Willows Variety Centre - which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary - is part of the rugby league club's ground in Salford but there are no plans to move it to the new £130m sporting and leisure development.
It was hoped that a new venue could be found but now club chairman John Wilkinson has revealed that he plans to use all 60 staff at the Willows to work at the new hotel he is planning for Buile Hill Park.
The Worsley millionaire has bought a £675,000 Georgian mansion in the park from Salford Council and plans to turn it into an 80-room hotel without a cabaret attraction.
Mr Wilkinson told the M.E.N.: "I want the hotel to be a classy venue for weddings, conferences, and other family gatherings. It would not lend itself to cabaret.
"The Variety Club has only really continued due to it being linked with the rugby club. Most of the income it generates is from conferences, and receptions. It would not survive on the cabaret alone.
"I will be sad to see it go, but our 60 staff would be employed at the hotel. Many have been with us for decades and I want to take their expertise and experience to the hotel scheme. The hotel would also create another 40 new jobs.
"My daughter Tina and wife Elaine have run the Variety Club and they would be involved in running the hotel.
"The site of the current rugby stadium and the variety club is wanted by the council for affordable housing - including homes for staff working at Hope Hospital which is to be massively redeveloped."
Mr Wilkinson, who became chairman of the club in 1982, bought the variety centre from the previous owners, Greenalls, in 1993, and carried out a major refurbishment.
Its heyday was in the sixties and seventies when The Drifters, The Stylistics, and The Ivy League would play live. Big name comedians who performed there included Harpurhey's Bernard Manning and the late Bob Monkhouse.
The venue was originally known as Salford Football and Social Club, with a cabaret room and gentlemen's only lounge, over looking the pitch.
Salford-born DJ, Mike Sweeney, was among those who attended its "legendary" Monday night disco.
For 27 years the club has run its Search For A Star talent contest in which Lisa Stansfield and Take That's Gary Barlow crossed the stage. Manchester Online
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QRL Judiciary News
Omce the youngest player to debut in the English Super
League, forward Jamie Bovill is among three Aspley Broncos
charged with offences from last weekend's Queensland Wizard
Cup trials.
A newcomer to Australian shores, Bovill has received a grade
two careless high tackle charge arising from the 13th minute
of Saturday's trial against the Norths Devils.
Should Bovill enter an early plea, he will escape with 93
demerit points and receive no suspension. However if he is
found guilty at the judiciary he will attract an automatic
one-game ban plus 25 demerit points.
The former Hull Kingston Rivers captain originally
registered with the Wattles club in the Toowoomba Rugby
League for 2007, but was called up for Aspley following an
impressive pre-season.
Fellow Aspley players Chris Muckert and Jason Moon are
others charged from the weekend.
Even with an early plea Muckert will receive a one-match ban
for a grade one dangerous throw, although he retains the
right to contest the charge.
Moon, older brother of Brisbane first-grader Joel, has been
charged for his involvement in the same lifting tackle, but
may escape suspension due to a clean record.
An early guilty plea will see Moon handed 93 demerit points.
In FOGS Cup four members of the Western Districts Panthers
will face charges for dangerous throws.
The players concerned are Aron Denny, Glen McMillan, Jon Lee
and Luke Brookes.
Meanwhile in FOGS Colts Challenge, Damian Buckley of Tweed
Heads faces a grade two dangerous throw charge, while Bodene
Thompson of Burleigh has a grade two contrary conduct (use
of knees) charge to face.
Both players would receive a two-match ban with an early
guilty plea.
Suspensions in all grades apply wholly to regular season
fixtures, beginning March 16. QRL Online
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Telstra in no hurry for mobile TV
Telstra says it is no hurry to jump on the mobile television bandwagon just yet, as it adopts a wait-and-see stance to the new broadcasting technology.
The standard known as digital video broadcasting handheld (DVB-H) has been tested in a number of markets around the world - including Australia - with commercial services recently launched in Albania, Italy and Vietnam.
But Justin Milne, the managing director of Telstra broadband service BigPond, said the technology was still in a prototypal stage, making it impractical to consider rolling out in the near future.
"The whole broadcast to mobile world - so called DVB-H - has a long way to go," Mr Milne said.
"And it may well be that when we finally deliver higher quality signals to mobile phones, it might be just through a different technology to DVB-H or it might be through DVB-H."
Services like BigPond and FoxTel are increasingly streaming their content - which includes on-demand video and some live broadcasts - to Telstra's Next G and third generation (3G) mobile service.
The telco has announced a six-year contract with the National Rugby League to broadcast results and replays on its Next G, 3G and BigPond platforms.
It will also screen live action footage and replays from the FINA World Swimming Championships to BigPond and mobile users this month.
Mr Milne would not comment on a time frame in which he expected DVB-H to become a mainstream technology within Australia.
"You want to go and ask the government that," he said.
"We need the spectrum, the licences and the legislation and we don't have any of that at the moment.
"All we have is the spectrum broadly identified."
Telstra and other Australian services currently broadcast a range of content to mobile phones - such as Next G - on a one-to-one basis through the existing mobile network.
However, this is different to the DVB-H standard, which transmits digital televised content parallel to terrestrial transmission on a more efficient one-to-many basis.
Digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB), a rival mobile broadcast format to DVB-H, kicked off in South Korea last year and is in various phases of testing in other Asian and European markets.
A number of handset producers such as Nokia and Sagem have already made mobile phones with DVB-H receivers and an 18-month trial of DVB-H in Sydney, which concluded in January, demonstrated the potential of the technology to broadcasters and users.
However, Mr Milne said Telstra was in no hurry to launch into the spectrum.
"We need to work our way carefully forwards from here so that we don't all put lots of money and lots of effort into launching something that doesn't work," he said. NineMSN
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Rugby union's loss is rugby league's gain in Fiji
Provincial champions Nadroga and Navosa yesterday lost their major sponsor to Lautoka rugby league club, the Crushers.
The frustration of not being recognised has seen Islands Electric managing director, Raymong Singh ditch his sponsorship of rugby union for league.
"If my company's sponsorship for the PWD Bure rugby union sevens team can help produce Fiji's future king of the code in William Ryder, I am sure it can help raise another Noa Nadruku in league," Singh quipped.
Singh, who has been involved in rugby union sponsorship since 1994, said he was disappointed that FRU had never ever appreciated his contribution towards the sport.
He said the focus was only on major corporate sponsorships in comparison to what he terms being " a little star in the sky".
"It really hurts to see after all my contribution, being a small individual company that the parent body is only concerned with big corporate organisations. Never even a gesture to say you are invited to our colonial cup matches.
"Culden Kamea was the only gentleman who always invited me when Lautoka defended the then Colonial Farebrother Trophy." Singh recalls his first sponsorship for Lautoka in 1994 when the team was struggling with only a handful of officials joining hands to prepare the team for the upcoming matches.
In between as the interest grew, Singh started sponsoring a host of clubs teams to strengthen the Maroons squad. After eight years of solid sponsorship through club and provincial level, Lautoka finally grabbed the prestigious Farebrother Trophy from Nadi in 201. The previous win going back to 1979.
Singh recalls paying the national sevens players after the 2000 IRB series ensuring a pleasant Christmas for them.
"In 2003, through my generous sponsorship Lautoka grabbed both the Farebrother and the Telecom Cup.
"This achievement led to more clubs joining in and interest became very high in sponsoring many sevens clubs from which came atop Vio and PWD Bure.
"A host of stars emerged with the likes of William Ryder, Iliesa Nadau, David Batiratu and Watekini Vunisa.
"Also in 2003, my company sponsored the FRU's Island Zone Rugby. From 2004-2006 IEW sponsored the champion Nadroga team, while for the first time Navosa gained sponsorship."
Players like Viliame Satala, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Seru Rabeni, Marika Vunibaka, Filimoni Delasau have benefited from Singh's generosity.
FNRL chairman Peni Musunamasi welcomed Singh's financial input saying it was a way forward for rugby league.
Musunamasi had invited Singh as chief guest at the FNRL grand final last year although Singh had never contributed towards rugby league. Fiji Times
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Celtic Crusaders set up Leigh showdown
Celtic Crusaders took a further step towards the knock-out stages of the Northern Rail Cup easing to a 28-4 win over London Skolars at the New River Stadium.
The result means that if the Wales' only professional rugby league side beat holders Leigh Centurions at the Brewery Field on Sunday, March 18, they will probably qualify at their expense.
But Crusaders' operations manager Gerald McCarthy isn't even thinking about the Leigh tie yet.
'We've got the road to Wembley in the Carnegie Challenge Cup to think about before we face Leigh again,' said McCarthy.
'We have to put the Northern Rail Cup firmly out of our minds for a week and concentrate our efforts on beating Eastmoor Dragons at home next Saturday.
'Eastmoor are in the division below us and teams from that league are constantly knocking out teams from ours in the Challenge Cup.
'We can't be complacent.'
It took 13 minutes for the Crusaders to open the scoring against the Skolars when Geraint Davies forced his way over and Damien Quinn converted.
They extended their lead when Quinn stretched over and converted his handiwork.
A fine Paul Ballard gave the Crusaders their third first-half score and former Wales RU sevens international, Craig Richards showed his excellent pace and ran in his debut rugby league try to complete a good opening period for the South Wales outfit.
Leading 22-0 at the break an excellent solo score from Ballard sealed victory after the Skolars briefly threatened to stage a comeback.
The Crusaders gave a second-half debut to Valley Cougars' youngster, the Wales and Great Britain Under-18 international, Owen Lewis, from Pontypridd.
'I thoroughly enjoyed it,' said Lewis. icWales Online
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Cudgen Hornets saga takes a dramatic twist
By Adam Gardini
The long-running saga over whether the Cudgen Hornets should play in the Gold Coast league or the Northern Rivers comp has taken a dramatic new twist.
In the latest move an internal battle has broken out over the naming rights and colours of a breakaway club which will play across the border on the Coast.
The forming of a separate entity called the Gold Coast Cudgen Hornets was revealed over the weekend after football club president Mark McAskill claimed he had been sacked by the Cudgen Leagues Club.
McAskill said he had received an email from a CLC representative on Sunday informing him he and his four-man committee had been sacked in the wake of the Hornets earlier failed bid to play in the Gold Coast Rugby League competition.
Cudgen's plans to transfer from the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League to the GCRL were quashed by an Australian Rugby League directive last week and the CLC subsequently told its players the club would be playing in the NRRL.
McAskill said the CLC's decision had forced his hand into forming the Gold Coast Cudgen Hornets who, he said, had approval to play in the Gold Coast Rugby League and would be led by existing Cudgen coach Jamie Mathiou.
"We had a meeting with the players at the club on Friday night," said McAskill.
"They have endorsed our move to go north and the GCRL have done the same."
But told of the plans, CLC secretary manager Tim McAllister said: "We don't have a problem with them going and crossing the border and playing in Queensland, but they won't be playing as the Cudgen Hornets.
"The Cudgen Hornets will be playing in the NRRL. The Hornets name, logo and colours will be staying in the NRRL.
"If they affiliate with another club that's fine, but they can't be the Cudgen Hornets."
But McAskill said investigations had already been made into the naming of the breakaway club.
"We have looked into it, whether we can or can't, and as far as we are aware we can use it," he said.
"There are other Hornets teams, there is another team on the Gold Coast that use green and gold and they are the Helensvale Hornets."
McAskill said the side's jerseys had already been ordered from manufacturers under the banner of the Gold Coast Cudgen Hornets.
"We haven't received the jumpers yet, but they will be Gold Coast Cudgen Hornets," he said.
McAskill said the breakaway club still had the support of sponsors.
He said the new venture had also formed a relationship with an unnamed Gold Coast club, rumoured to be Tugun, to play their home matches out of their home ground.
McAllister said Cudgen intended to field a side in the NRRL competition under new coach Jason Bell.
Gold Coast Bulletin
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RFL launch new 'Volunteer Strategy'
The RFL has launched a brand new strategy to encourage volunteers within the sport of Rugby League.
Volunteers from across Rugby League and representatives from Sport England were invited to last week's Carnegie World Club Challenge to get a first glimpse of the new document.
It follows wide consultation with people from every area of the sport and represents the latest stage in the RFL's efforts to assist grassroots clubs in acquiring, training and rewarding the vast volunteer network.
The eight-page strategy documents states that: "The aim of the RFL is to create a larger, better trained, well motivated volunteer workforce operating in an environment where they are valued and respected."
Kelly Barrett, the RFL's National Volunteer Manager, said: "The Volunteer Strategy 2007-09 document focuses on the retention of current volunteers, to whom our great game is indebted.
"It also looks to identify ways of attracting new volunteers to help with the ever increasing workload brought on by the network of growing clubs and leagues." RFL Online
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UK Sports Club Of The Year Awards 2007
The RFL are delighted to announce their nominations for the 2007 CCPR Sports Club of the Year.
All national governing bodies who are members of the CCPR are encouraged to endorse up to three clubs and the RFL have selected the following:
. Castleford Panthers
. Halton Farnworth Hornets
. Blackbrook
First prize for this prestigious award is £6,000 and two second prizes of £3,000 and three third prizes £1,000 are also up for grabs.
Over the years Rugby League has had success in this prestigious award, with the most recent coming in 2004 when Wath Brow Hornets ARLFC finished as runners up and scooped a £3,000 cash prize.
The Sports Club of the Year Awards 2007 dinner will be held on Tuesday 8 May and short listed applicants will be invited to attend one month beforehand.
Applicants from nominated clubs should be available to attend. BARLA Online
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