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Do YOU want to come Suncorp with us, for the Aust v NZ Anzac Test?
ANZAC TEST MATCH
AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND
SUNCORP STADIUM, BRISBANE 20 APRIL 2007
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The 2006 Tri-Nations final between Australia and New Zealand was one of the greatest games of Rugby League ever played. For those who were there it will go down as something they will never forget.
Be there at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium for the first of 2 Test Matches being played between these great sides.
You have the choice of 2 packages. One for those who just want to be part of it and the other for those who want to experience more with a magnificent Test Match day lined up with golf, Pre Test Dinner with Legends and a whole lot more.
For travel to Brisbane you can make your own arrangements or The Rugby League Experience can arrange flights for you.
For more information or to book your package call now 1300 885 718 or click here for the booking form and more details
Contact Craig Brown
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Latest News ..ANZAC TEST MATCH - AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND - SUNCORP STADIUM, BRISBANE 20 APRIL 2007 For more information click ANZAC Test or to book your package call now 1300 885 718 or click here for the booking form and more details.
Incoming ...
By Graham Lowe
Big hits are the signature plays of the 13 man sport, and are undoubtedly what draw the punters.
I've coached some brutes but I'd concur with Australian columnist Ray Masters, who in his recent book Bad Boys credited former South Sydney forward Charlie Frith with the biggest hit of all time in the NRL (then Winfield Cup).
Frith went to Sydney in the 1980s from a farm in the north of Australia, where he was adept at breaking in wild horses. Queensland coach Bob Bax had recommended him to South Sydney for the simple reason he didn't want Frith causing carnage against his own Norths outfit.
Frith was a big bloke, although not exceptionally so. What distinguished him most was his tackling style, which combined the propulsion of a guided missile with the accuracy of one of those modern-day-bombs.
Frith's biggest bomb was aimed at a guy with an unpronouncable name who was silly enough to venture off the wing and into the forwards while his North Sydney side was playing the Rabbitohs. Frith left the ground for a target somewhere between the guy's nipple-line and his nostrils.
By the time the guy hit the ground he was unconscious and, as he rolled over, a number of teeth were dislodged.
Fortunately for the health of Winfield Cup players at the time, Frith's career was mercifully brief and he went back to his farm in the north for a quiet and less uneventful retirement.
Certainly big guys can create havoc but, strangely enough, the importance of a good halfback and five-eighth has been regarded as the most important combination a team needs.
The start of the 2007 season has shown all clubs are reasonably well-equipped in these two positions, yet some teams are performing better than others.
It has little to do with the combination in the halves. That's only part of the equation.
Winning teams are finding success because they are playing as balanced units. They are reaping the benefits of teamwork - it's as simple as that.
And none is doing better in this important aspect than Ivan Cleary's Warriors. With four points safely tucked away, the next six on offer will determine what chances the Warriors have of winning the Premiership.
If that upsets the plonkers who can't put the Warriors and the Premiership in the same sentence, too bad. The New Zealand side is looking good at this early stage. Even better than good. With away games against the Storm this weekend and Manly the week after, they are about to be given another stern test.
Following those two games they have a home match against the exciting North Queensland Cowboys.
These three teams look the goods to finish in the top four - and so do the Warriors.
Melbourne are off their best at present but still good enough to win most of their games this year. Any team that has a player like Gregg Inglis in their line-up has a genuine match-winner on his own.
Manly are different. They are a well-balanced team that should have kicked on better than they did at the end of last season. Like many others, I thought Manly could win the thing last year but they fell apart when it counted.
Now, however, they don't have the inspirational Ben Kennedy at the back of their scrum. But they have already shown in their first two games, against the Raiders and Tigers, that they are a tough side.
The Warriors' third home game - against the Cowboys - should draw a full house. The Cowboys have rediscovered their form of two seasons ago and are red hot favourites already in the eyes of many.
No side will test the Warriors with a better counter attack like the blokes from North Queensland.
So the bottom line is, if the Warriors are able to win against these three very different but equally talented outfits, they will have passed the season's first searching exam and will be destined to go to the top of the class.
Arguing over the wooden spoon at the other end of the NRL table are Parramatta, the Roosters and the Raiders. Although it's only round three, these teams look clueless and one of them will run last.
The Newtown Jets, who gave the Auckland Lions a touch up in the curtain raiser at Mt Smart last Sunday, actually looked a better team than the Eels first grade side the Warriors flogged the week before.
The Wests Tigers are relying on too much structured football and it is taking away their ability to reach the levels they did two years ago. And last week's look at the Broncos convinced me they are trying to be a bit too clever. They are way off the pace at this stage and need to concentrate on their draw and pass game.
Not much more can be said of the Bulldogs than they need a rocket.
Sure, their best player Sonny Bill Williams is out suspended for one more game but that is no excuse for their performances so far.
There is an arrogance about this mob that is bringing them unstuck. I see motor mouth second rower Willie Mason is now leading the charge for a players strike at Origin time.
His club needs him to pull his head in and produce on the paddock before he even gets near an NSW Origin jersey, let alone talking about a strike.
With the NRL ladder already starting to show a gap between the teams who look to have the goods and those that don't, many fans are looking to statistics for the answers.
Stats do not always reveal the answers and coaches who rely too heavily on them come unstuck.
There are six rules a team must abide by if they are to have any chance of winning.
* Field position - you must play in the opposition half.
* Possession - ensuring you have your fair share of the pill.
* A good kicking game.
* Shape in attack.
* Strong and aware marker defence.
* Good one-on-one defence.
Then the most important stat of all regarding any individual player is can he play?
Have a look at how any of the teams in the NRL are performing and you will see just how important the above points are.
Commentators love going over all the stats at halftime but anyone with half a brain can usually work out what's going on.
A failure to perform in any of these six key areas usually means the team is in trouble. You only have look at the Raiders, Eels and Roosters.
And you could add to these the Frith factor - be aware at all times, of low flying missiles.
NZ Herald
ANZAC TEST MATCH - AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND - SUNCORP STADIUM, BRISBANE 20 APRIL 2007 For more information click ANZAC Test or to book your package call now 1300 885 718 or click here for the booking form and more details.
Close contact but nothing improper, says Broncos boss
By Roy Masters
Close connections between a part-owner of the Broncos, a recently established player manager and a Brisbane recruitment officer have drawn accusations the premiers are harbouring elite Queensland talent for future control.
Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen concedes the relationships between property developer John Geaney, who is the Broncos' second-biggest shareholder, Col Davis, a player manager whom Geaney recently set up in premises; and Paul Bunn, a Broncos staffer involved in recruitment, is "not a good look".
However, Cullen, who investigated the so called "troika of influence" following an inquiry by the Herald, insists the relationships between the three men, all with Rockhampton connections, are "normal and commercial". Cullen dismissed any suggestion the Broncos would stockpile talent with one player manager, describing it as "silly" and a "severe risk management issue". Geaney owns a Brisbane house which accommodates four Broncos and is managed by Bunn and his wife.
Geaney also set Davis up as a player manager, and Broncos forward Sam Thaiday recently joined him as a client.
Davis, who once worked as a Broncos talent scout, is a lifelong friend of Bunn from their Rockhampton days.
Australian Securities and Investments Commission documents show that the registered office of Davis's player-management company, Life Arena P/L, is the same Westbrook, Brisbane address as Geaney's Sports Corp P/L. It is also listed as Davis's principal place of business.
Geaney, whose family company owns 10 per cent of the Broncos - second only to News Ltd, with 67 per cent - is also a member of the elite group of Broncos-supporting businessmen called "The Thoroughbreds".
Because Davis has been busy recruiting young colts who will not receive NRL pay cheques for some time, Geaney's generosity in establishing Davis in business is perceived as a long-term investment of influence in the club. Furthermore, the close relationship between Bunn and Davis has given rise to allegations that the club is directing clients to Davis to give Geaney leverage.
While conceding Broncos management had advised all football staff, including Bunn, they must not recommend managers to players or their parents, Cullen rejects most of the accusations.
"Col Davis's company has a lease agreement with Geaney's company on relatively normal terms - six months rent free, six months discounted and then commercial terms," Cullen said, pointing out rent-free periods are common with similar transactions.
Both Davis and Geaney verify this. "The suggestion Davis recruits for the Broncos is totally out of order," Cullen said. "He has about 30 players on his books - less than half of them are Broncos."
Asked whether Thaiday had recently joined Davis, Cullen said: "Yes, Sam's relationship with a previous manager lapsed and he recently signed with Davis."
However, the young colts Davis recruits is the issue in the stampede for signings by a herd of player-managers jockeying for influence.
Davis concedes he has management agreements with four players from an under-15 Brisbane team, coached by Bunn. Asked if they were the elite members of the team, Davis said, "They wouldn't be the worst ones, would they? I have a relationship with Bunny that goes back to primary school. I would like to have this relationship with all recruitment people."
Geaney, who also says Bunn is long-term friend, argues perceptions of conflict of interest are inevitable when people have known each other for years and their passion for sport draws them even closer.
"I set Col Davis up in some spare office space I have and I own a house which Bunny and his wife and young Broncos live in, but it's all to do with helping people get on with their careers," he said.
Cullen said of Geaney's role as a Bronco landlord and part-owner of the club: "Geaney has one house which is the same as many other houses we have for other kids. Four do live there, but the rent they pay is normal."
It is understood NRL salary cap commissioner Ian Schubert has accepted the rents as commercially proper.
"Of the dozen or so kids who have been through Geaney's house, more than half are with other clubs," Cullen said.
Asked whether the relationship between Davis, Bunn and Geaney is a "bad look", Cullen said, "Based on the rumours, yes, it is. "It has been a concern in the past and we have confronted that and given very strict direction in that regard to all Broncos football department staff. All have been advised by the club that they should not recommend any particular manager to players or their parents.
"Davis has been a scout for the Broncos in the past and was a Brisbane selector for 16-17-year-olds for the past three years. Based on that experience, he recognised the opportunity as a player manager in Queensland."
Geaney, perceived by some as a brumby amongst thoroughbreds, admits having had clashes with Broncos management, including an argument with Cullen over admission of guests to the Broncos' grand final party.
But he is also lauded for his work with under-privileged youth, paying the private school fees of Aboriginal talent he has relocated from disadvantaged areas. SMH
ANZAC TEST MATCH - AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND - SUNCORP STADIUM, BRISBANE 20 APRIL 2007 For more information click ANZAC Test or to book your package call now 1300 885 718 or click here for the booking form and more details.
Get it right, says Bennett
By Matt Marshall
Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has told his players they must "re-learn" their skills in the play-the-ball or continue to suffer the damning consequences.
The premiers have conceded six penalties in possession during back-to-back losses against the Cowboys and Warriors, but the veteran mentor refuses to point the blame for the controversial rulings at officials.
"We've done that six times now, we've given away six penalties in two games when we're in possession of the ball so that hurts as much as anything else does.
"We've addressed it but the problem for a lot of the guys is that it's a muscle memory issue, they've been doing it for a long time, not playing it probably, so they get out there, get under a bit of pressure and they get tired, jump up and forget to put their foot on the ball.
"We need to re-learn the skill," Bennett said.
Giant backrower Brad Thorn was caught twice infringing the rule in Auckland last Sunday, with the lapses just two examples of a rusty Brisbane outfit that is "shooting itself in the foot" according to the supercoach.
"Concentration lapse, it's guys just not concentrating enough on the ball," Bennett said. "We've got 13 of the 17 playing last night played in a grand final just six months ago, they haven't lost their skill level, but there's a distraction there somewhere.
"Whether they're thinking ahead to what they're going to do when they get the ball or not thinking at all in some cases, they just need to get themselves refocused a bit."
Brisbane face an acid test to inject life into their title defence, up against a Panthers outfit buoyed by a 40-10 last-start thrashing of the Bulldogs.
"They've got a lot of good players in their side, a lot of good players, particulary their forward pack and a couple of their backs Rhys Wesser, Craig Gower, (Luke) Lewis and (Luke) Rooney," Bennett said. Courier Mail
ANZAC TEST MATCH - AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND - SUNCORP STADIUM, BRISBANE 20 APRIL 2007 For more information click ANZAC Test or to book your package call now 1300 885 718 or click here for the booking form and more details.
Adrian Morley unhappy with GB Lions coach choice
Great Britain forward Adrian Morley is "disappointed" that an Australian has been given the role of Lions coach.
Leeds coach Tony Smith will take the job at the end of the season but Morley told the Manchester Evening News: "My choice would have been Ellery Hanley.
"I've got to be honest and say I'm a little disappointed that an Australian has been appointed full-time GB coach.
"But if Smith was the best man for the job then so be it, he is certainly a top choice with a good reputation."
Smith has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Rugby Football League that will take him to 2009.
He replaces Brian Noble, who did the job on a part-time basis, after his contract was not renewed after last year's Tri-Nations.
But Warrington forward Morley says former GB captain Hanley, who has held coaching roles in rugby union with Bristol, Bath and England and with Castleford in Super League, should have been considered.
"My choice would have been Ellery Hanley. He's always been a hero of mine," added Morley.
"Hanley has a special aura about him but for some unknown reason he seems to be out of it and that's a great pity because rugby league needs personalities like him.
"But we have to look at the big picture. It appeared that Smith was the best man for the job and the Leeds lads who have played under him at Headingley rate him.
"It's always been a great honour to play for GB and to represent my country and I look forward to the new era under Tony Smith." BBC Online
ANZAC TEST MATCH - AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND - SUNCORP STADIUM, BRISBANE 20 APRIL 2007 For more information click ANZAC Test or to book your package call now 1300 885 718 or click here for the booking form and more details.
No more excuses for Parramatta, Michael Hagan says
By Dean Ritchie
Parramatta coach Michael Hagan has revealed the early-season pressure his team is under tonight, declaring "the clock is ticking already".
Hagan's team, winless after two rounds, plays at Parramatta Stadium against a Wests Tigers side that has also suffered successive defeats to start the season.
For Parramatta, there are no more excuses, with Australia player Nathan Hindmarsh returning from injury.
The Eels have conceded 65 points in two matches - equal worst in the NRL with the Bulldogs.
Hagan acknowledged his side was desperate for victory tonight.
"You can be patient to a point," he said.
"I've said we have to be patient in giving the team an opportunity to settle down. We will be.
"But the clock is ticking already.
"There is pressure there already by virtue of us not winning a game and playing at home for the first time. There is obvious pressure there for everyone.
"We wanted to start well and we haven't done that. The fans expect better and we want to do that to give us some confidence."
Parramatta received a setback last night, with Eric Grothe tipped to pull out with an ankle injury.
Parramatta's ball control was horrible against South Sydney last weekend, and its first-half defence against New Zealand Warriors the previous week was shabby.
But Hagan said his team must continue to work together.
"We are still confident in what we are doing and we'll keep chipping away," Hagan said.
"There have been decent parts to our game in both matches and we have missed a couple of half-chances. It's also a matter of hoping a few things go your way.
"We just need a good team performance for the entire 80 minutes."
Halves Brett Finch and Tim Smith have come in for some unfair criticism, according to Hagan.
"The criticism has been pretty quick," Hagan said.
"Their performances are reflective of the team.
"They're not on their own.
"I've been happy with parts of what we are doing.
"But it's fair to say that we do need to improve."
Asked about his worrying defence, Hagan said: "The points-conceded column doesn't look that good.
"But last week we had to make 80 odd more tackles than Souths." Foxsport Online
ANZAC TEST MATCH - AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND - SUNCORP STADIUM, BRISBANE 20 APRIL 2007 For more information click ANZAC Test or to book your package call now 1300 885 718 or click here for the booking form and more details.
Broncos lack discipline says Shane Webcke
By Margie McDonald and Dan Koch
Brisbane's wobbly start is merely a hiccup and could be easily turned around, according to the front-rower who won four premierships with the Broncos, Shane Webcke.
Having no points after two rounds following losses to the Cowboys and Warriors, some fans might be asking questions.
But Brisbane is not alone. The past two premiers - Wests Tigers in 2005 and Bulldogs in 2004 - are also winless and in the bottom half of the table with Brisbane.
Webcke, who retired after last year's grand final victory, said it would take a few rounds to find out the lay of the land this season.
"What the Broncs are doing at the moment is playing with a ton of effort but not a lot of discipline," Webcke said. "If it was the other way around ... that would be more difficult to arrest.
"It's too early to be panicking about anything. They are playing some good footy in patches."
Coach Wayne Bennett said the team had spoken about and addressed at training this week the self-destruct issues which had hampered them in the World Club Challenge against St Helens and again in the opening rounds.
Having conceded six penalties while still in possession against the Cowboys and Warriors, four through incorrect play-the-balls, Bennett said it was clear some players did not have their minds on the job.
"We have just been reinforcing the things that work for us because for us, they are obviously concentration lapses," Bennett said. "I mean this week we have 13 of the 17 players that played in the grand final only six months ago, so they haven't lost their skill level. But there is a distraction there somewhere and they need to get themselves refocused a little."
A more disciplined showing and a win could come as early as tonight when the Broncos host Penrith at Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane has been down this path before.
After winning the 1998 premiership the Broncos lost their first five games in 1999. After 10 rounds Brisbane had only one win and a draw. They won the next 11 games and made the eight.
Webcke well remembers the feeling in the Red Hill camp in 1999. He said it would be the same in 2007 after the club secured its sixth premiership.
"Every team comes at you at a hundred miles an hour in the early rounds because it's (grand final) fresh in everyone's mind.
"But halfway through, no-one will care what happened in rounds one or two.
"They'll be starting to focus on who might be the next premiers.
"I think we're travelling a bit better than we were at this time last year. And we won the premiership. People have got short memories."
While skipper Darren Lockyer is a certain starter against the Panthers, having overcome the ankle problem that kept him out last weekend, Test centre Justin Hodges is in doubt due to an ongoing knee problem.
Dual-registered Redcliffe product Nick Emmett is on stand-by for Hodges, who will undergo a fitness test this morning as he did not run yesterday. Scans on Wednesday cleared him of any serious problem.
Bennett defended his decision to shift Karmichael Hunt back to fullback after just two weeks in the halves, saying veteran playmaker Shane Perry had earned another chance at No.7 with a standout performance against the Warriors.
"Getting the best 13 players on the field was the important thing for us this week," Bennett said.
"I think he showed us what we knew he was capable of but had been struggling to get from him. The way he played put the onus back on us to get him back in the side." The Australian
ANZAC TEST MATCH - AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND - SUNCORP STADIUM, BRISBANE 20 APRIL 2007 For more information click ANZAC Test or to book your package call now 1300 885 718 or click here for the booking form and more details.
BARLA Raid Police To Take The Spoils In Skanska Cup Victory
BARLA 34 v 16 BRITISH POLICE
Holders BARLA remain unbeaten in the Skanska Cup after a 34-16 victory over the British Police who showed on their opening game in the competition that they could be a force to be reckoned with challenging for a place in the final later this year.
BARLA went 10-0 ahead in the opening eight minutes with the Police pulling it back to six points at the break. BARLA then went 28-4 up on the hour before a spirited fightback by the police brought it back to 28-16 before a Chris Lee interception try three minutes from time settled the issue.
BARLA opened the scoring in the second minute after the Police had lost possession early in the tackle count and they quickly moved the ball down the line and centre Tim Sutcliffe scored in the corner.
Craig Holmes who was playing centre and had an eventful game missed the conversion but kicked his four other attempts later in the game.
Six minutes later it was 10-0 as again superb handling by BARLA's forwards and backs saw Holmes cross the whitewash and the side were scoring at over a point a minute.
It looked as if it was going to be a hard day at the office but the Police recovered their composure and took the game to BARLA being well marshalled by halfbacks Danny Atherton and Adam Newton. BARLA's cause wasn't helped by losing the ball early in the tackle count and play being brought back for forward passes when in good positions.
On 24 minutes the Police struck back superbly when winger Darren Birch went down the wing, he appeared to be tackled and halted but managed to get away from his marker 40 metres out. He continued his run along the wing before drawing the fullback and passing inside to second row forward Steve Williams to score on his debut.
The Police gradually began to turn the screw and only solid defence thwarted them.
BARLA then scored three converted tries in eleven minutes to take control of the game following a sin binning for the Police.
On 49 minutes prop Trevor Penrose crashed over under the posts quickly followed by stand off John McMullen who stole the ball to go under the posts as the Police stopped and waited for the referee's whistle.
Gary Lumb broke through and went 30 metres under the posts when at that stage Holmes had been sin binned. McMullen added the extras to the try and it looked plain sailing for BARLA.
But the Police hit back and took the game to BARLA and on 64 minutes as a result of sustained pressure hooker Adam Fogerty drove over in the corner and Atherton landed a magnificent touchline conversion.
Ten minutes later superb ball handling saw prop Phil Chappell bust over in the corner for a converted try.
But BARLA had the last word on 77 minutes as the Police were looking for their fourth try. Newton tried putting a long pass out but was intercepted by Lee who went half the length of the field to score.
BARLA: Dave Critchley (Eccles & Salford Juniors); Danny Smith (Shaw Cross Sharks), Craig Holmes (Thornhill Trojans), Tim Sutcliffe (West Bowling), Chris Lee (West Hull); John McMullen (Wigan St Judes), Kev Brown (Eastmoor Dragons); James Fairbank (Elland), Joe Elliott (Barrow Island), Trevor Penrose (Skirlaugh), Gary Lumb (Cutsyke), Jimmy Rogers (Saddleworth Rangers), Anthony Broadhead (Thornhill Trojans). Subs: Mike Backhouse (Roose Pioneers), Paul Brown (Castleford Panthers), Matt Myers (Shaw Cross Sharks), Matt Jefferson (Barrow Island), Kev Dickens (Sharlston Rovers), Mike Caville (West Hull).
Tries: Sutcliffe, Holmes, Penrose, McMullen, Lumb, Lee
Goals: Holmes 4/5, McMullen 1/1
BRITISH POLICE: Alan Clark (Lancashire); Darren Birch (Leicestershire), Mark Elvidge (Greater Manchester), Matt Dunn (West Yorkshire), Dave Edmondson (Greater Manchester); Danny Atherton (Greater Manchester), Adam Newton (West Yorkshire); Phil Chappell (West Yorkshire), Adam Fogerty (Lancashire), Nick Smart (West Yorkshire), Steve Williams (Cheshire), Danny Ambler (Greater Manchester), Gary Lowe (Lancashire). Subs: Paul Riley (West Yorkshire), Paul Devine (West Yorkshire), Richard Oxley (West Yorkshire), Rashid Alawya (Metropolitan Police), Tom Howden (Metropolitan Police), Gary Johnston (Metropolitan Police), Paul Smith (West Yorkshire).
Tries: Williams, Fogerty, Chappell
Goals: Atherton 2/3
Referee: Liam Todd (Leeds) BARLA Online
ANZAC TEST MATCH - AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND - SUNCORP STADIUM, BRISBANE 20 APRIL 2007 For more information click ANZAC Test or to book your package call now 1300 885 718 or click here for the booking form and more details.
Bradford Bulls Eye
Q & A with Coach Steve McNamara
Q. DOES THE CHALLENGE CUP STILL MEAN A LOT IN THE MODERN ERA?
It does. It is one of the two domestic competitions to win and I think if you speak to every player and every coach they will tell the same.
I think we all try to play it down a little, because of the way it's structured now, with big gaps between the rounds making it difficult to focus on but with 90,000 people at Wembley this year it's certainly an opportunity to play on a big stage.
There is probably an extra pull this year with it being back at Wembley but by all accounts - I was not lucky enough to play or coach there- the Millennium Stadium was an awesome experience and I think it is the Challenge Cup that is the attraction.
Q. YOU HAVE MADE SOME EARLY EXITS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS
We haven't been too lucky in the draw in recent seasons. We have had a trip to Hull and a couple of games against St Helens and they are tough teams to beat and it will be no different this year because Castleford are really looking good in their competition.
But we are just looking at Castleford now and if we are lucky enough to get past them, then we will look further ahead.
I think on everything but paper they are a Super League side. I have a lot of respect for Terry Matterson their Coach.
They have recruited well in the off season and have had their squad together a long time and they are very strong and look far too good for the division they are in and it's only a matter of time before they are a Super League club again.
Q. IS THIS THE SORT OF GAME YOU WOULD HAVE IDEALLY WANTED BEFORE LEEDS NEXT THURSDAY
After the way we played against Catalans the last thing the players would have wanted was an easy game and this one will be very difficult.
I am amazed that it wasn't the televised tie because both of us are the leading teams in their divisions at the moment and that gives you an idea of how tough it will be.
The players want to get back to the way we have been playing and Castleford will make it very difficult for us. Anything off of full pace and we could be in for a shock.
SQUAD
Steve McNamara has omitted Shontayne Hape, Jamie Langley and Michael Platt, who are all injured, from last week's side and Craig Kopczak comes into the squad.
The Squad is: I Harris, Newton, Kopczak, McAvoy, Evans, Cook, Feather, Vagana, Henderson, Solomona, McKenna, Deacon, Burgess, B Harris, Vainikolo, Morrison, Lynch, St Hilaire.
MILESTONES
LESLEY VAINIKOLO has scored 135 tries in 139 games.
IESTYN HARRIS needs 6 points for a total of 200 for the Bulls. He has scored 30 tries, 36 goals and 2 Drop Goals
MARCUS St HILAIRE needs 3 tries for a century of touchdowns in his career.
PAUL DEACON, has kicked 35 goals from 41 attempts this season for an average success rate of 85.37%
Next up at the Grattan Stadium
Bradford Bulls v Castleford Tigers
Friday 30th March, Kick Off 8.00pm
08701 202040
Full details www.bradfordbulls.co.uk
Bradford Bulls Online
ANZAC TEST MATCH - AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND - SUNCORP STADIUM, BRISBANE 20 APRIL 2007 For more information click ANZAC Test or to book your package call now 1300 885 718 or click here for the booking form and more details.
"AMBITIOUS LAKERS LAUNCH SUPER LEAGUE BID"
The Doncaster Lakers have received ringing endorsements in their bid for Super League status from a number of high- profile MP's and the Elected Mayor of Doncaster, Martin Winter.
The South Yorkshire-based rugby league club have launched their bid for a place in the games elite competition, Super League, as the franchise/license system takes effect in 2009.
The franchise opportunity will see member clubs of the Rugby Football League applying for a place in the division based on meeting a minimum criteria, based on stadium facilities, playing squad, revenue, supporter base, community work and marketing activities.
The Lakers have recently moved into the brand new £32m world-class Keepmoat Stadium with a 25 year lease, a move which has been welcomed across the district and by fans in a town whose native celebrities include Kevin Keegan, Jeremy Clarkson, Dianna Rigg, Tony Christie and Brian Blessed.
Commenting on the Lakers Super League bid launch, Rosie Winterton MP, Doncaster Central and Minister of State for the Department of Health, said:""I support wholeheartedly the Lakers bid to join Rugby Leagues, "Super League". We have the facilities and commitment to bring high-level rugby to Doncaster.
"A successful application will lead to increased local pride, will encourage more youth to participate in sport, will help showcase Doncaster to the rest of the country, not to mention the economic benefits that Premier status will bring to Doncaster."
The Lakers Super League bid is also being ably assisted by Doncasters Secondary Schools. The schools across the region are being asked to formulate a "dummy Super League bid" outlining their reasons why Doncaster should have a Super League team and how businesses and the community in the region will benefit.
Their initial presentation will form part of a business leader's dinner at the Keepmoat Stadium in May 2007 where the Lakers will outline their franchise application.
Caroline Flint, Minister of State for Public Health and MP for Don Valley added:"I think it is a fantastic concept to involve young people in our community in the Super League bid.
"Sport is becoming ever more important in crossing social and learning boundaries. Projects like this are incredibly valuable as it allows them to interact and present their thoughts and ideas to the business community."
Lakers Chairman, John Wright said:"We are extremely serious and committed in Doncaster to securing a place in Super League and providing the people and communities of South Yorkshire with a fan-friendly leisure facility and a club to be proud of."
"The people of the town have had some hard, hard times in recent years but we now fully intend to put the club on the world sporting map.
"The people of South Yorkshire are crying out for a sporting success story and we will be working extremely hard with the people and businesses of the region to ensure we cement our place in the top division of the nation's second most watched sport."
Ed Milliband, Doncaster North MP continued:"I am really pleased to be supporting the Lakers bid, it would be a huge boost to our town as Doncaster deserves a Super League team."
"Doncaster has a brilliant new stadium, that would certainly grace the Super League. We need to encourage the players of the future, and i am glad to see the bid has involved our young people."
The £32m Keepmoat Stadium will host it's first Co-Operative National League One game on Thursday 12th April live on Sky Ports TV as the Lakers entertain rugby league giants Castleford Tigers.
A decision on the successful applicants for Super League 2009 is expected in June 2008.
Doncaster Online
ANZAC TEST MATCH - AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND - SUNCORP STADIUM, BRISBANE 20 APRIL 2007 For more information click ANZAC Test or to book your package call now 1300 885 718 or click here for the booking form and more details.
State of Origin tickets re offered
A check of orders placed by the public on the Ticketek
website for tickets to the two Harvey Norman State of Origin
matches at Suncorp Stadium has revealed a considerable
number of breaches of the agreed Conditions of Sale.
Persons who breached these conditions are being notified by
Ticketek of the cancellation of their orders.
These breaches include exceeding the limit of six tickets to
each event, using a debit or credit card more than once and
using a card in a different name to the Ticketek account
holder.
The relevant tickets will be reinstated on the Ticketek
system and offered again to the public.
Adequate notice of this release date will be given on the
QRL website - www.qrl.com.au
Managing Director of the Queensland Rugby League Ross
Livermore warned that persons who have placed an order which
has been processed, either successfully or unsuccessfully,
are precluded from ordering any further tickets. QRL Online
ANZAC TEST MATCH - AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND - SUNCORP STADIUM, BRISBANE 20 APRIL 2007 For more information click ANZAC Test or to book your package call now 1300 885 718 or click here for the booking form and more details.
RLC REACHES DECADE IN STYLE
A record number of 88 clubs, covering three nations, will take the field this summer under the banner of the Rugby League Conference, as the competition celebrates the start of its tenth season.
Ten new names join those from Scotland, who have become full members after last year's affiliate status. In addition, Gosport & Fareham Vikings have returned to the fold and there is much less reliance on 'A' teams from Conference National sides.
The new clubs are: Billingham Lions, Macclesfield; Scunthorpe Barbarians and South Humber Rabbitohs who are both graduates of the Midland Merit League, Farnborough Falcons and Finchley-based North London Storm who came through the London League; Somerset Vikings A, Devon Sharks, East Devon Eagles and Exeter Centurions.
Three sides have undergone name changes; Haringey Hornets reverting to their parent club London Skolars A; Aberavon Fighting Irish becoming Neath Port Talbot Steelers and South Norfolk Saints now Thetford Titans. Also, Plymouth have added the Titans moniker and other alterations see the advent of Moorends-Thorne Moor and Worksop-Rossington.
Reigning Harry Jepson Trophy holders South London Storm will kick off the 2007 RLC Premier League season in some style when they travel to West London Sharks. The capital clash, which kicks off at 3.45pm, will be played as a curtain raiser to the Harlequins V Wakefield Super League game at the Stoop on Saturday 14th April.
The high profile start to the middle tier of Conference competition is an indication of how far the competition has come. Storm claimed the silverware last year with a hugely impressive 30-0 win over East Lancashire Lions at Broadstreet in Coventry while in the other half of a double-header, Liverpool Buccaneers just held on to beat Thorne Moor Marauders in the RLC Regional decider on a memorable afternoon.
A further massive boost is the announcement that United Co-operatives have undertaken to sponsor the RLC over the next two seasons as part of its recent six-figure deal with the RFL, which will see it re-named the Co-operative Rugby League Conference. The package takes in Rugby League Conference National - previously National League Three - whose champions Bramley Buffaloes begin the defence of their crown away at promoted Cottingham Tigers on April 7th.
In terms of format, with three sides from last year's Northern Premier plying their trade in RLC National - East Lancashire, Leeds Akkies and Cottingham - that division now has a distinctly North East flavour to it.
The Midlands Premier is strengthened by the inclusion of Gloucestershire Warriors and Somerset Vikings. The Warriors were promoted after successive divisional titles in 2005 and 2006 and an appearance in the Regional Grand Final in 2005 and the semi finals the following year.
"It's going to be a challenge," commented Chairman Chris Wilson, "but one we are really looking forward to. We are anticipating a higher level of rugby every week and I think we will be competitive."
In the Southern Premier, St Albans Centurions bring their experience from National League 3 while Kent Ravens look to make the step up from Regional competition. In Wales, Bridgend Blue Bulls will be looking to retain their title of the Principality's top dog with domestic competition there expecting a huge boost following Super League's Millennium Magic weekend over the May Bank Holiday prior to the big kick off.
CO-OPERATIVE RUGBY LEAGUE CONFERENCE PREMIER STRUCTURE
NORTHERN PREMIER
Newcastle Knights, Durham Tigers, Carlisle Centurions, Copeland Athletic, Peterlee Pumas, Jarrow Vikings, Sunderland Nissan, Whitley Bay Barbarians, Gateshead Storm A, Billingham Lions.
SOUTHERN PREMIER
South London Storm, Ipswich Rhinos, West London Sharks, London Skolars A, Kingston Warriors, St Albans Centurions, Kent Ravens.
MIDLANDS PREMIER
Telford Raiders, Nottingham Outlaws, Leicester Phoenix, Derby City, Coventry Bears, Birmingham Bulldogs, Gloucestershire Warriors, Somerset Vikings.
WALES PREMIER
Bridgend Blue Bulls, West Wales Sharks, Valley Cougars, Torfaen Tigers, Neath Port Talbot Steelers, Newport Titans, Blackwood Bulldogs, Cardiff Demons.
National Semi Finals September 2nd, Grand Final September 9th
In the Regional competition, Scotland comes in as a division, the West Midlands and South West are split, the latter also becoming a new league. Yorkshire and the North Midlands combine and Cheshire and the North West now have their own separate identities.
WEST MIDLANDS
Bristol Sonics, Burntwood Barbarians, Redditch Ravens, Coventry Bears A, Oxford cavaliers, Wolverhampton Wizards
NORTH WEST
Blackpool Sea Eagles, Ormskirk Heelers, Liverpool Buccaneers, Widnes Saints, Warrington Wizards A
CHESHIRE
Crewe Wolves, Winnington Park, North Wales Coasters, Runcorn Vikings, Macclesfield
YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE
Leeds Akkies A, Scarborough Pirates, Bridlington Bulls, Moorends-Thorne Moor Marauders, Lincoln City Knights, Worksop-Rossington Sharks, Scunthorpe Barbarians, South Humber Rabbitohs
SOUTH
Broadstairs Bulldogs, Farnborough Falcons, North London Storm, Gosport & Fareham Vikings
SOUTH WEST
Plymouth Titans, Somerset Vikings A, Devon Sharks, East Devon Eagles, Exeter Centurions
EAST
St Ives Roosters, Cambridge Eagles, Colchester Romans, Bedford Tigers, Greenwich Admirals, Thetford Titans
SCOTLAND
Moray Eels, Glasgow Bulls, Fife Lions, Edinburgh Eagles, Paisley Hurricanes, Easterhouse Panthers
Format
Regular season made up of 12 rounds including cross conference fixtures where necessary except in South where there are eight rounds.
Play offs: all play offs apart from Scotland will be top three with 2 v 3 in week 1 followed by the Regional Final. In Scotland it will be a top 4 play off with 1 v 2 and 3 v 4 in week 1, Loser of game 1 v winner of game 2 in Week 2 and the Scottish Grand Final in Week 3
Divisional play offs: Home venue goes to the team with the best regular season playing record. If this is equal then percentage success rate will determine, followed by number of points scored and then number of points conceded. If they are still equal home venue will be decided by a coin toss.
Divisional Quarter Finals, August 18th, Semi Finals September 2nd, Grand Final September 9th.
South v South West
Winner v Winner
East v West Midlands
Grand Final
Cheshire v Yorks/Lincs
Winner v Winner
North West v Scotland
OPENING FIXTURES
Co-operative Rugby League Conference National: Saturday.7th April 2007
Dewsbury Celtic v Hemel Stags
Featherstone Lions v Leeds Akademiks
Huddersfield UR v Warrington Wizards
East Lancashire v Gateshead Storm
Cottingham Phoenix v Bramley Buffaloes
Co-operative National Leagues Grand Final day will be staged at Headingley Carnegie Stadium.
The event - which will take place on Sunday, 7th October - will feature a triple-header including the Co-operative National League One Grand Final, the Co-operative National League Promotion Play-Off and the Grand Final of the Co-operative Rugby League Conference National. RFL Online
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Garry Schofield 'small-mindeded' says Martin Offiah
Martin Offiah has accused his former Great Britain team-mate Garry Schofield of "small-mindedness" following his bitter attack on new Lions coach Tony Smith.
On Monday Leeds Rhinos head coach Smith became the second Australian in six years to take charge of Great Britain after David Waite filled the role from 2001-03.
Smith's appointment was greeted with fierce criticism from former Lions captains Alex Murphy and Schofield, who claimed the move "is a disaster from the British point of view."
But former Wigan and Lions legend Offiah, who scored 26 tries in 33 games for Great Britain, said: "It's all very well waving the flag but that's a parochial and small-minded view.
"It's no wonder rugby league is the game it is when you've got such narrow-minded views as that.
"Garry Schofield can say that we should only appoint a British coach - but it's a luxury that we cannot afford.
"We need to get the best man for the job. How many British coaches have actually won anything, apart from Brian Noble?
"Tony Smith came into this country and gave Leeds their first title in 32 years and could quite possibly do a good job for Great Britain.
"I know we had a great win against Australia in the Tri-Nations under Brian Noble but ultimately things fell apart.
"His handling of Sean Long came into question and obviously things didn't work out."
Smith will leave Leeds at the end of his fourth season in October to convert a consultancy role at the Rugby Football League into a full-time job as Great Britain coach.
Significantly, he has pledged to groom a homegrown successor for 2010, a move welcomed by Offiah, who believes Warrington's Paul Cullen could be the ideal candidate.
"I've got a lot of respect for Cullen and Karl Harrison at Salford," added Offiah.
"They're young British coaches trying to make a name for themselves in coaching and doing good jobs at their respective clubs.
"I like Cullen and I think he could be the man to groom as Smith's successor.
"The Rugby Football League need to have a strategy so that when the Great Britain job next comes up then they can have a homegrown coach ready and in place.
"At the end of the day if you're going into a third Test against Australia then it's like going to war.
"For Great Britain to have an Australian coach when they're playing Australia is like going to war and having a German general.
"So, in an ideal world you'd want a British coach but we don't live in an ideal world." Sporting Life
Click RLCMTV
Click on an image below to view a RLCMTV short.
   
Tim Sheens West Tigers Wayne Bennett Broncos Jason Taylor South Sydney Graham Murray Cowboys
RLCM Coachtalk Extract
Hey Coach! - Did you keep a diary?
By Gary Roberts - RLCM
The season is over, the premiership has been won and the presentation night was a resounding success.
Junior coaches could look back and think one of two things: "did a good job with the kids and I will improve them next year" or "Maybe I could have done better."
But did he keep a diary of the year? Did he evaluate and test the players and keep a report card on every player they had in their charge for the past season?
Did he record the skill, fitness, strengths and weakness at the start of the season and where the players finished, in regards to those attributes under his coaching?
Just as importantly did he evaluate his own performance as a coach?
Peter Corcoran, Education Director of the ARL Foundation, said in RLCM Book 14 it is necessary to realise that there are three aspects of coaching to consider with self-evaluation - managing, teaching and
communicating.
1. Corcoran outlined that managing is the spine of coaching:
"Just as the backbone keeps you erect, management is the support structure that you need to do the job well."
In this area, coaches need to ask themselves, 'Was management involved and if so, how did I manage the situation?'
2. Teaching can be seen as the heart of coaching:
"If you teach players the skills they need, assuming that they are basic essentials of good performance, the learning of all these things will make them better."
In this case, ask, "How did I perform when teaching the players? Did they understand me?"
3. Communication can be seen as the soul of coaching:
Corcoran views communication as 'the indefinable, invisible thing that allows you to bring it all together'.
Such questions touch on all the pivotal points of a particular action and therefore lay the foundations for strong performance assessment and rectification.
Coaches should thus note the underlying importance of regularly reflecting on their performances. They should also document in a diary or a report card format where their players are at now and how far they progressed during the past season.
Malcolm McMillan of the QRL Southern Division coaching panel explains: "Although it is not really necessary to test the 'Mod' player, it is essential for the 'International' junior player. It will assist in the learning and teaching process.
As there is so much for the players to learn. There are all types of tests and evaluations that can be carried out.
Keep the tests simple, create a competitive game to watch a skill that the players possess, maybe even stand back and have another coach run the skills session while you are evaluating and correcting the players.
Record their ability with the basics; tackling, passing, catching, kicking, play-the-ball........Receive the RLCM CD-ROM with over 4000 pages of similar coaching information when you become a RLCM PAID SUBSCRIBER
Two options of how to receive RLCM Coaching information
Receive 24 new rugby league coaching resources in DVD, CD-ROM or hard copy format that will be distributed during 2007 plus all 2006 resources FREE [see list below].
2007
January 2007
* CD-ROM - RLCM 2007 Yearbook
* DVD - Shane McNally Manly Wynnum Head Coach.
February 2007
* DVD - Scott Dickinson, Performance Manager, Newcastle Knights.
* DVD - Paul Molinia, Unless the Core is Strong the Shell will Suffer
March 2007
* DVD - Kurt Wrigley, St George Illawarra Dragons
* DVD - Greg Culnane, Parramatta Eels - Advanced Skills - Part One
More to be added each month during 2007
SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS
The best value in Rugby League.
2007 Subscription [24 DVD's or CD's]+ all 2006 resources FREE..AUS$220.00
or
RLCM Monthly Club and receive 4 DVD's/CD's monthly,two current and two back resources..AUS$24.95 per month [Credit Card only]
Receive all of the 2006 below.
* CD-ROM - RLCM Drill Books 1, 2 & 3 - 250 pages
* CD-ROM - Strength and Conditioning without Weights
* CD-ROM - RLCM Ultimate - Over 4000 pages of 36 RLCM Books
* CD-ROM - RLCM Junior Coaching Books
* CD-ROM - RLCM NRL Coachtalk Yearbooks 1 and 2
* CD-ROM - An Approach to Coaching - Ray Unsworth RFL
* CD-ROM - 2007 Yearbook [Published January 2007]
* DVD - With Tim Sheens, Royce Simmons & Peter Sharp
* DVD - Canterbury Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes
* DVD - Coachtalk with NQ Cowboys Coach Graham Murray
* DVD - Adrian Hurley Basketball Coach at three Olympic's.
* DVD - Chris Fullarton ex Junior Kangaroos coach.
* DVD - Canberra Raiders 2007 Coach Neil Henry
* DVD - Wayne Bennett Brisbane Broncos Coach
* DVD - Junior Coaching with Michael Rawiri NT Institute of Sport
* DVD - Shaun McRae 2006 South Sydney Coach
* DVD - Coachtalk with South Sydney 2007 Coach Jason Taylor
* DVD - Coachtalk with Brian McLennan NZ Kiwis Coach
* DVD - Recovery with Steve Nance Fulham Soccer UK
* DVD - Nutrition Leanne Hammond works Wallabies and QAS
* DVD - Defence and Attack Principles with Adrian Suttie
* DVD - Coachtalk with Gavin Judd, Gold Coast Titans
* DVD - Sports Psychologist Wendy Swift Australian Swimming
* DVD - Coaching with Stuart Raper Cronulla Sharks 2006 Coach
* DVD - Tim Sheens Wests Tigers Coach [Filmed July 2006]
* DVD - Sports Psychology with Dr Phil Jauncey
* DVD - Maximising Teenage Talent with Bill Sweetnam
* DVD - Rucks and Restarts with Steve Gough
* DVD - Sprint Training with Paul Watson
2007
* CD-ROM - 2007 RLCM Yearbook
* DVD - Shane McNally, Wynnum Manly, ex Wakefield Coach
* DVD - Scott Dickinson, Newcastle Knights Performance Manager
* DVD - Paul Molinia, Unless the Core is String the Shell will Suffer
* DVD - Kurt Wrigley, St George Illawarra Dragons
* DVD - Greg Culnane Parramatta Eels
Plus more to be added monthly as they are produced.
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POST OR FAX TO:
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Click here for the RLCM Photo Gallery of the Broncos v Cowboys game, Suncorp Stadium 16th March. Photography NRL and QRL accredited photographer Matthew Roberts
Click RLCMTV
Click on the images below to view the NRL Media Conferences.
NRL Press Conference Titans v Sharks
 
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