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New salary cap for Super League
Super League bosses are to implement major changes to the salary cap in a bid to prevent clubs over-spending.
They have also agreed to use more homegrown talent and stage another round of games in Cardiff to build on the first Millennium Magic weekend.
The 12 clubs will use the pro-active salary cap currently used in Australia.
It will calculate clubs' salary cap positions at the start of and during the season, with signings only allowed if they have room under the cap.
RFL chief operating officer Nigel Wood said: "The current salary cap has served the game well but it has a number of drawbacks which we aim to put right under these changes.
"At the moment, it is retrospective and a club breaching the salary cap cannot be dealt with until the following season.
"The new system, which is similar to the proven system in the NRL in Australia is 'live' and means a club can no longer breach the salary cap by miscalculation or mismanagement."
Last year, Wigan and Bradford were both docked two points after being found guilty of breaching the salary cap in 2005.
Hull and St Helens were both fined for minor breaches and Wakefield and Castleford received cautions.
The League have yet to reveal whether any clubs broke the salary-cap rules in 2006.
Clubs recognised a need to provide a bigger pool of talent for Great Britain in their decision to ratify proposals for a "homegrown player" rule.
From next year, clubs must include at least five players who have either come through their academy or are aged under 21 in their 25-strong squads.
The clubs agreed to repeat the Millennium Magic event on the first Bank Holiday in May, with fixtures again based on derbies wherever possible.
An aggregate crowd of 58,831 watched the six matches at the Millennium Stadium last month and fans gave the event a big thumbs-up in a recent poll.
Wood added: "The clubs and fans thoroughly enjoyed the day and our aim is to make next year's event even bigger and better." BBC
EXPERIENCE THE CHALLENGE CUP FINAL Saturday 25th August 2007, Wembley Stadium. Click here for more details.
At least it wasn't a lamp-post
By Graham Lowe
One thing you can count on with the Aussies - they'll never pass up a chance to get on top of an opponent for their own advantage.
And when that opponent is a world-class defence wrecker like Sonny Bill Williams, the temptation is absolutely irresistible.
So tonight's NRL clash between competition heavyweights Manly and arch-rivals Canterbury will be worth watching as much for some promised off-field antics as for the game itself.
It all relates to a bit of trouble Williams found himself in (again) this week. Seems the world's best forward was apprehended mid-stream by the long arm of the law while emptying out in a public place.
That was followed by Williams fronting the media (again) to rage against the demon drink (again) and promise it wouldn't happen again (again).
So, enter one of the real rascals of league, Manly's media man and former hardman forward Peter Peters.
Seizing on an opportunity to potentially distract Williams from his game tonight, Peters has arranged for the positioning of a toilet near the sideline at Brookvale Oval, emblazoned with the signage "Dunny Bill Stand".
Let's hope the Bulldogs' brilliant lock forward sees the humour in it all.
With any luck, the additional public humiliation may be a reminder to Williams that you never give the opposition something to torment you with.
Don't get me wrong, I just love the bloke as a player; he does it for me.
But, fair dinkum, he's a gold medallist at silly behaviour and must now be sailing close to the wind as far as the competition's chief executive, David Gallop, is concerned.
You can't blame Gallop because he spends every waking minute trying to convince the world that he oversees the best sporting competition in the world.
I bumped into him at last week's State of Origin game and I couldn't help but notice how much older he is looking since we last spoke, not too long ago.
In many ways footy players are like kids in the playground who need constant supervision. I don't go along with the theory that they are role models but I do expect them to consider others in their actions.
I must admit I've also been caught short quite a few times in my life and had to have a quick leak out of sight, but that is the point. Hopefully I was out of sight. In fact I doubt if there is a footballer of any code - or any bloke who enjoys a cold beer on a hot day - who hasn't at some stage had to relieve himself outside.
The big difference between Williams and the rest of us blokes who've had a wee outside is that we are not 2m tall, look like a Greek statue, and considered by many to be the best forward in league.
Williams attracts fans only too willing to to snap a quick shot of anything he does, with their mobile phones. Even the "ordinary stuff".
The game has got far bigger issues to face than Sonny Bill relieving himself outside but because of who he is, his actions attract the headlines.
The truth is the Bulldogs' bad behaviour reputation has been well earned by the players. They have to cop it sweet if any bagging comes their way.
Despite all this, Williams is still one player who could halt Manly's momentum in their quest to win the comp. Their surge is tsunami-like, with its constant pressure week in, week out.
Coach Des Hasler is undoubtedly the key to their success, and he has gathered a great team of players.
They have balance and that is their secret. They can match it with anyone as far as speed, skill and toughness is concerned.
The balance they have in their line-up allows their much under-rated forwards to control field position with the support of a great kicking game. But like the Storm, they feed the speed men out wide.
Most other NRL clubs get the most use from their outside backs running from dummy-half or one off the ruck.
I can see a time and place for that but there are some wingers who rarely get the ball through a backline movement.
T HE Warriors' tough win against the Sharks last Saturday night rewarded them for a night of simple structure and mental toughness.
I can't put into words my praise of the extraordinary efforts of skipper Steve Price.
In fact, he seemed to transcend the role of a front rower and looked to be the biggest threat for the Sharks with the probing metres he gained with amazing ease.
I couldn't help but think that he still has the speed and certainly the skill to be a dangerous wide running forward.
I can remember his early days with the Dogs and when he ventured out wide he was a handful. Time has not taken anything away from him, and he should end up being one of Australia's "Immortals of the Game".
With the gathering of the also-rans at the bottom of the table there is an element of surprise about who will start the leap-frog first.
The Warriors are confident but need a win tonight to push their case.
The Panthers are in a tougher space. They are equal last and two points behind the Warriors, Broncos, Dogs, Rabbitohs and Roosters.
Any other year you could confidently say they have gone. But I don't think anyone is gone, even this far into the season.
It's hard to predict an outcome, but the Warriors would have to be favourites at home. At the end of the year both the Warriors and Panthers will be able to look back and say "that Friday night clash in Auckland was our season". New Zealand Herald
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Chris Walker's future with Titans up in the air
Luke Turgeon
Suspended winger Chris Walker will return to Gold Coast Titans training on Monday but doubts have begun to surface whether the former Queensland flyer will play in the NRL again this season.
As Walker's eight-week in-house ban for an alcohol-related nightclub incident nears an end, it remains uncertain if the enigmatic talent will see any first grade before his contract expires at the end of the season.
It is understood Walker will return to the top squad well down the pecking order and will have to wait for his chance behind fellow wingers Matt Petersen, Jake Webster, Smith Samau and Lelea Paea.
With only 10 regular season games remaining after this weekend, the odds are stacked against Walker cracking the top grade.
Add to the mix the Gold Coast signing North Queensland flyer Brenton Bowen and 20-year-old Tigers winger/centre Ben Jeffery for 2008 and Walker's future starts to look cloudy.
Titans co-captain Luke Bailey has thrown his support behind Walker to resurrect his NRL career, saying the born competitor is determined to win back the respect of his peers.
"Everyone is good mates with Walks on the field and off the field and he knows he made a mistake and he has paid the penalty," said Bailey.
"He has copped it on the chin and now it is a matter of how he approaches getting back into the squad.
"But we are in the top five at the moment and the wingers we have got are going pretty good. I am sure he will enjoy the challenge."
While many believe Walker has done his time and should return to the Titans starting side, the reality is he still has to earn back the trust of teammates and coaching staff.
Titans coach John Cartwright is believed to still be disappointed with Walker, especially after he went out on a limb and threw him a lifeline at the end of last year just when it looked like the speedster would end up on the NRL scrap heap.
"I know that the coaching staff are still a bit filthy on it so he has not just got to play good games he has got to play and train out of his skin to get a start," said Bailey.
Walker has worked hard since being banished to the Queensland Cup, starring for Ipswich, who have surged into contention for the premiership.
His good form was rewarded with selection in the centres for Queensland Country when they clash with Queensland City at Wynnum on Saturday.
Walker is a good chance of then being selected in the Queensland residents team to take on NSW residents in the curtain-raiser to State of Origin 3 at Suncorp Stadium on July 4.
The club's No.1 winger Petersen said he expected competition for spots between the outside men to really heat up with the return of Walker.
"I don't think he will walk back into a starting spot," said Petersen.
"Jake (Webster) is playing all right at the moment, I am happy with how I am going and Smith Samau before he got hurt (hamstring) was going well and there is also Lelea (Paea) there.
"He is a great player and he is going to put pressure on all of us, which from a club point of view is only going to be a positive because he will push all us blokes to play better." GC Bulletin
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Brisbane Broncos don't like Mondays
Karl DeKroo and Steve Ricketts
The biggest-drawing club in the NRL is concerned its first taste of Monday Night Footy could bomb badly as Broncos fans have been slow to embrace the concept.
Monday night matches have been a surprise success for the NRL this season, but ticket sales for the Broncos' match against Wests Tigers on Monday have been worryingly slow.
The Broncos' average home attendance this season has been 32,714 - far and away the best for any club in the league. The Titans (24,914) and Cowboys (19,589) are the only other sides averaging close to or over 20,000.
Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen last night admitted the lack of sales for his club's first Monday night foray was a concern.
"At the moment we are on track for a crowd of around 21,000," Cullen said last night.
"That might not sound too bad for most clubs but for us that is extremely poor.
"We make no secret of the importance of crowd numbers to our bottom line. We don't have the backing of a big leagues club, and for us to meet our targets we budget for a crowd of around 31,000.
"If you get 21,000 one week, it means you need 41,000 the week after, and we know we have at least one more Monday night game this year."
The Broncos believe if Monday night's game against the fourth-placed Tigers had been scheduled for a Friday night or Sunday afternoon, it could easily have attracted a crowd of more than 30,000.
Cullen was outspoken earlier in the year about his dislike of the Monday night concept but said its success elsewhere had ensured it would become a permanent fixture and one Brisbane must embrace.
"Monday night games are here to stay so it's a challenge we have to meet and we are working on a number of strategies in that regard," Cullen said..
"We want it to be a success, and I guess with this game falling in chool holidays it is a bit of a blessing, because it is a bit easier for families not having to get the kids off to school the next day." Courier Mail
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NRL to act on June deals
Matt Marshall
NRL chief David Gallop has revealed an overhaul of the current player "merry-go-round" is on the agenda to stem the flow of players jumping ship to rival clubs mid-year.
The mid-season exodus has overshadowed the 2007 season, the first since the NRL ditched its previous moratorium on negotiations with rival clubs before June 30 each year.
But Gallop, argues a one-week off-season trade period, similar to that used by the AFL, is unworkable for the NRL.
"With regards to players moving mid-season, it's perhaps time to review the June 30 registration cut-off and look at whether we should bring that date forward," Gallop said.
"That's certainly something we are keen to look at. You have to look at these movements on a case-by-case basis.
"Sometimes they will be universally a good idea and sometimes they leave clubs and fans disillusioned."
Gallop's comments follow criticism from league legend Allan Langer, who yesterday slammed the current model, imploring the NRL to replicate the AFL's end-of-season system.
"I still think they should stop signing players mid-year and wait until the end of the year, because they've still got a lot of time then," Langer said.
"It's a distraction for a lot of clubs, players wanting to leave midway through the year.
"Eighty per cent of people would think the same way. Hopefully they can smooth it over, especially next year because every club has had distractions this year and it's only getting worse. Towards the end
of the season, the best part of the season around finals time, you don't want players up or down at your club - wondering if they're going to be here or not."
Gallop said the AFL's draft system lent itself to an end-of-season trade period and the NRL did not have a draft.
"The advantage of our current system is simply the occasions when it allows a player being parked in reserve grade an opportunity to play first grade," he said.
Rugby League Players Association chief executive Matt Rodwell said the current system was working.
"From a players' point of view, it's working well, because players are being advised and being allowed to negotiate contracts in advance so they do know where they're going to be," Rodwell said.
"You've got to be supportive that the players are being able to secure their futures rather than having to wait."
But the RLPA conceded it would not oppose the NRL's proposal to shorten the window for mid-season exits. Courier Mail
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Mason blasts Wing's publicity stunt Bulldogs forward Willie Mason says he'd be filthy if any of his NRL teammates "paraded" around with their future club in a publicity stunt.
Manly defence as good as Qld: Bell Manly centre Steve Bell believes his NRL side is as spirited and determined in defence as the victorious Queensland State of Origin team....
Panthers quiet over NRL 'loudmouth' Penrith coach Matt Elliott says he hasn't seen the need to ask controversial mid-season recruit Richie Williams to tone down the talk....
Roosters give Souths a signing lesson Six paragraphs was all it took for the Sydney Roosters to show South Sydney how a key player signing should be done....
Hodgson, Whatuira wanted by Wests Tigers Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens says he'd like to have the NRL futures of Brett Hodgson and Paul Whatuira sorted out as soon as possible.
No NRL club has $400,000 for Civoniceva
Petero Civoniceva's manager admits no NRL club has come forward with the player's original asking price of $400,000 a season.
David Phillips says while the big-spending Sydney Roosters expressed their interest earlier this month in the Brisbane prop, they haven't approached him about signing the Test forward.
With O'Meley and another expensive recruit Nate Myles on the Roosters' books it would be a financial juggling act and a half by the Sydney club to fit Civoniceva under the salary cap for the money he is asking.
"It would be a pack and a half, wouldn't it?," said Phillips as Civoniceva's contract clock continued ticking.
"They're one of a number of clubs going back a week or so ago who said they'd be interested.
"There's been nothing of significance today.
"We're working through things you have to work through to bring things to finality."
Phillips said he had no plans to talk to the Broncos, who withdrew a $900,000 three-year offer last week after they had waited more than a month for an answer.
Civoniceva returns to training on Friday after five days away from football and is likely to discuss his future with Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett and chief executive Bruno Cullen.
"I'll have a chat with him today and I suppose Wayne (Bennett) will as well," said Cullen.
Brisbane have made formal offers to a few players which complicate any 11th hour negotiations with Civoniceva.
"If they're accepted, then we can't just say `Sorry it's no longer there'," said Cullen.
"If the offers we've made are accepted then that takes two thirds of the money we had for Petero away."
Phillips said he'd be surprised if Civoniceva could not find an Australian club for 2008.
"Right now I couldn't give you a dead set answer but I think I've got strong enough interest from a number of clubs to say confidently that wouldn't be the case."
Would those "interested" clubs have the $400,000 the Broncos didn't have?
"I wouldn't go that far, but there's genuine interest."
The money Civoniceva is chasing is available in the United Kingdom but his tight-knit family would make that option a last resort.
There were no developments on Thursday despite more pleas and calls from Brisbane fans not to let Civoniceva leave.
"I'd say mid next week would be a realistic chance to know where he is going," said Phillips.
"Anything sooner would probably be optimistic."
Civoniceva is keen to finalise his future before he enters the third Origin camp next week.
Read more Yahoo Sport
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Capras, Sharks leave Cody Norton on sidelines
Rockhampton rugby league player Cody Norton is out of the Central Capras A-grade side.
He was sacked by a vote of the Central Division board at Browne Park on Saturday.
Central Division manager Shaun Kelly said the vote was taken after a board member raised concerns about Norton's commitment to his club, the Fitzroy Gracemere Sharks.
"The particular board member felt that Cody hadn't been fulfilling his playing duties, and it was put to a motion at the meeting," he said yesterday.
Kelly said the decision was final and Norton had no avenues for appeal.
The Capras are finalising preparations for the annual QRL Divisional
Carnival in Brisbane this weekend.
Fitzroy Gracemere club president Jordan Hilse yesterday confirmed Norton had not attended a club training session for four weeks before last Thursday, and had not played a game for the club since CQ Extended League fixtures begun on May, 26.
Rockhampton Rugby League president Bill Duguid said Norton had been warned by many in the rugby league community that he was risking his place in the team by not meeting his duty to the club.
"We couldn't of helped him anymore," he said.
"This decision has certainly not come without putting in a lot of effort to try and prevent it."
Duguid said he believed allowing Norton to play in the side would have created a dangerous precedent.
"There are plenty of other kids in CQ trying like hell to get a spot in the team, and Cody didn't try one little bit," he said yesterday.
"It's just not fair to the other kids."
Norton, a former Mackay junior, joined the Central Comets earlier this year after spending three years at Redcliffe and another short stint in Mackay, and through their annual drafting process was allocated to Fitzroy Gracemere at the beginning of the season.
Norton was released from the Comets a fortnight ago through mutual consent.
Duguid said he understood Norton had attempted to get a release from the Sharks to join the CQU Norths Chargers instead.
A shattered Norton yesterday revealed his disappointment at the weekend's decision.
"I'd heard they were thinking about it (Dropping him from the side) but I found out for sure on Saturday," he said.
"My old man had the flights booked to watch me play and everything."
Norton said his footballing future was uncertain after being told he would not be granted a release from Fitzroy Gracemere, but was also no longer wanted in the team.
"I was told by the club there was no room for me at the club anymore," he said.
Sharks A-grade coach Rex Gamble yesterday confirmed he would not play Norton in his team again this season.
"I don't want to play anyone in our club that doesn't want to be there," he said.
"The only reason he wanted to play was to make the Capras side.
The main reason we are not releasing him to another club is that we've tried to get players from other clubs in the past, and they've never released them to us."
Gamble said he was disappointed when he was first approached by Norton for a release.
"I was just dumbfounded," he said.
Capras coach Darryl Horstman yesterday said he was unable to comment on the matter.
Rockhampton Morning Bulletin
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LeagueCoach Discussion eGroup
RLCM has found the good results can be gained by coaches having a round table conference and discussing fully a topic or a drill. Then coming up with a plan that can be implemented to best suit your club coaches and players.
The LeagueCoach Discussion eGroup gives coaches an opportunity to ask questions, seek knowledge and discuss with other rugby league coaches topics or seek information. All members are to willing to help you. Ask a question or join in on the discussions. It may be helpful.
LeagueCoach - Friday
Question - Run Timing
From Chris Perceval
A real basic one here, but does anyone have any tips, tricks, drills, words of advice to help young players (minis etc and up) time 1st receiver runs from the PTB?
Some players come onto the ball nicely, others struggle with overrunning or, more often not really setting off at all. I am sure you have all seen it.
Answer from Daryn -
RU is a different game with different timing on approaching the ball and doesn't have the advantage in timing of a set play after every tackle.
Instead of disrespecting another sport why not think about reasons a little bit, some lateral thinking doesn't go amiss.
In reply to the original question though, start off at walking pace. Let the players, any age, walk through to see where you want them to be and make sure you explain why. It'll stick in the grey matter a lot better.
Then move to a jogging pace, repeating all aspects.
Then moderate run and finally at game pace.
They'll learn but it's much easier if you explain to them why they need to be in the right place, right time and at the right speed.
Remember guys, all sports have things that we can learn and if you can't see that, question yourself first !
cheers, Daryn
From Christopher Perceval
No huge surprise re the RU guys! The number of times one sees international RU forwards take a pop pass from a ruck stood still is amazing.
That drill sounds like a good one, many thanks for that. What did you advise the support players use as a cue to begin their run? I am thinking of a situation where the support has had to stop and await the PTB. Do they take the timing off the foot?
Answer re Run timing - From Joe - Exeter Centurions UK
Been having the same issue with an adult group, all of whom are Union players!
I ran a drill recently to improve speed at the PTB and developed it to include run timing.
Basically, started in pairs, working the length of the pitch, with a PTB on the deadball line.
Partner scoots to the try line, drops to ground elbows, then gets up and plays to ball to partner, who scoots.
Running to each line, emphasis on quickly ending the tackle (ie going to ground) and therefore getting a quick PTB.
Went one pitch length and back again. Then split the group into 3's.
Same drill, but instead of a scoot, a pop-pass from the DH, with each player rotating roles.
Then split the group into 5's, with a DH on each side, giving 4 runners in each group, all running straight off the ruck.
This could be further developed to add a pivot, and to vary runs and calls off the DH or 1st receiver.
With kids in particular, make it a race, with stop-go penalties for illegal PTB's or other errors.
Joe - Exeter Centurions
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