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PNG league board calls for media sanctions Papua New Guinea Rugby League wants to sanction all news reports on the game before they are broadcast or published.
The board has been upset by what it calls misleading reporting.
Rugby league administrators are tired of having the game's dirty laundry aired in public.
In a written request to the media, the Rugby Football League wants to verify all news reports before they are broadcast or published.
However PNG Media Council member Justin Kili says league administrators have no right to edit the news.
"We are shocked at the request that has come from the rugby league fraternity and its executive and we thought the request has no basis," he said.
The rugby league board insists misleading reporting is falsely tarnishing the image of the game. Steve Marshall - ABC News
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Wigan and St Helens to face face salary cap hearing Arch-rivals Wigan and St Helens will form an unlikely alliance on Thursday when they face hearings into alleged breaches of the Super League salary cap.
It is judgement day, too, for Bradford, who are also charged with over-spending on players' wages during the 2006 season.
An independent three-man panel will judge the cases of Bradford and St Helens at the Rugby Football League's Leeds headquarters, 24 hours before they meet in Super League action at Odsal.
The Bulls and Saints are thought to be facing lesser charges compared to Wigan, who could be docked points for the second successive year after allegedly incurring a serious breach when their case is heard next Monday.
Before the panel hand out their judgement, however, a preliminary hearing will be held to determine whether any points deductions should be based on the penalties for 2006 or 2007.
At the end of last season, the clubs agreed to double the points deductions up to a maximum of 12 but there is some confusion over the timescale for the introduction of the rule change.
It is thought Wigan and St Helens will argue any punishment should be in line with those from last season, a view likely to be contradicted by the League.
It is understood Bradford will not fight the actual charge but see their overspend as an unavoidable technicality and hope to offer further mitigating evidence in a bid to escape any punishment.
Chairman Peter Hood said: "We don't view it with any particular trepidation. We have a detailed response to enter it with, we're looking forward to getting it out of the way and that means soon everyone will know where they stand.
"Since March 2006 Bradford Bulls has kept the RFL in the picture as regards its salary cap position and has at all times co-operated fully with the compliance commissioner's investigation."
Last week, Wigan issued a statement insisting the club has acted "honestly and reasonably".
A year ago Wigan and Bradford were both docked two points for overspending in 2005 and fined £50,000 and £25,000 (£15,000 of which was suspended for two years) respectively.
The salary cap was introduced in 1998 initially to prevent clubs going into financial difficulties through overspending on players' wages, although it is now seen as a way of creating a more competitive League via a more even distribution of talent.
Clubs are allowed to spend no more than 50% of their income on players' salaries up to a maximum of £1.6million.
The ceiling was £1.7million in 2006 but National Insurance payments made by clubs have since been removed from the calculations and clubs are also allowed to spend up to £75,000 on players aged under 21.
The panel, which will be chaired by a judge, have powers to fine clubs while the new sliding scale of penalties is: four points for a breach of 52-55%, eight points for 55-60% and 12 points for over 60%.
From next year, the League will police the cap throughout the season to avoid the possibility of over-spending. Sporting Life
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IMG converts rugby league contract UK sports producer and distributor IMG Media has extended its contract with the Rugby Football League (RFL), pledging to "increase international distribution and exposure of British rugby league events."
IMG acts as exclusive worldwide media consultant for the RFL, governing body of rugby league, and under the new deal will help it to negotiate new domestic broadcast contracts and media opportunities.
The deal covers all media rights including TV, radio, DVD, in-flight, ship-at-sea and new media, and will see IMG media distributing all Super League, Challenge Cup and International matches.
The announcement follows the appointment of IMG by The Rugby League International Federation as exclusive sales agents for international TV rights to the Rugby League World Cup 2008.
Ian Todd, president of IMG International, said: "We are confident that with IMG Media's unparalleled worldwide sales network and expertise, and our strength and depth across a multitude of territories, that we will be able to further boost the profile of the sport internationally, making it accessible to a growing number of fans worldwide." C21Media
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Melbourne Storm ceo Brian Waldron slams system Melbourne Storm chief executive Brian Waldron has slammed Australia's policy of refusing to pick players from the English Super League as "disrespectful to the jumper".
Waldron insisted Storm centre Matt King should be selected for the October 14 Test against New Zealand despite his impending move to Warrington.
He said all players who went to England or France should continue to be considered on their merits.
"They say that they can't run a line through form in England but then they pick Jamie Lyon out of Super League because he's coming back," Waldron said.
"It seems ridiculous. You don't see the Australian soccer team only picking players from the Australian competition."
Australian Rugby League officials insist that allowing players to go to Europe and continue their international careers would act as a disincentive to stay in the NRL.
National coach Ricky Stuart even called on King to be kicked out of the New South Wales team on the eve of last week's Origin III.
But Waldron said: "Matt King is making a lifestyle choice, which people do in many walks of life.
"He is not saying he doesn't want to play for Australia. Restricting who can play and who can't, they're kidding themselves. It's hurting the team, not the player.
"It's disrespecting the jumper." Steve Mascord - Melbourne Age
The aim of GoodFootball.com is to give a deeper analysis of clips that have been uploaded. Rather than just look solely at the scoring move itself we will try to give a broader picture, perhaps go back a little further and highlight key factors that we feel have helped to shape the try. Click GoodFootball.com
Origin's health hazard Players in a State of Origin match are nearly three times more likely to suffer an injury serious enough to miss a game than during a regulation NRL match, a study has found.
While focus centred on the concussion suffered by Dallas Johnson in Origin III last week, the knee damage that sidelined Brent Tate for the season, Brett Kimmorley for eight weeks and Greg Inglis for a couple of weeks from the same match was more typical of Origin wounds.
John Orchard, the Origin doctor from 2000 to 2006 who is in his 10th year of tending to injured Sydney Roosters players, worked with medical student Wayne Hoskins to study league injuries at Origin level.
They found players had 32 per cent greater chance of suffering any injury in an Origin game compared to an NRL game. But players were three times more likely to suffer an injury in Origin which was serious enough to miss the following NRL game.
The study looked at injuries of players in the NSW Origin team and the Sydney Roosters over seven years. "I don't think anyone will find the results earth shattering, but I think it may be an appetiser for others to look more closely at injury-related studies," Orchard said. "We definitely don't have enough data on rugby league injuries."
Orchard said people suspected Origin players suffered more injuries "but that is because it is the most fiercely contested and fastest-pace games in the season".
Orchard said the high rate of injury serious enough to miss a match could be skewed because there were fewer days between an Origin match and the next NRL match than a premiership game and the next one.
Orchard and Hoskins found the rate of injury for the NSW Origin team from 2000 to 2006 was 327 injuries per 1000 player hours when based on medical presentation, but 98.9 injuries per 1000 player hours based on missing the following game.
During the same time at the Sydney Roosters, the injury rates were 247 for medical presentation and 34.1 for missing a following game. Orchard said the raw risk of being injured during an Origin match and missing the next game was 10 per cent. It is less than a four per cent risk for an NRL match. The risk of missing more than one game was four per cent for Origin players, compared to two per cent for Roosters players. The results will be published in this month's Sport Health journal.
Previous studies have shown that the most prevalent injuries to league players are muscular, then joint, ligament and bone fractures, particularly affecting the knee, ankle or shoulder.
Orchard said there was much debate about concussion, particularly in light of Johnson's return to the field, but he said the incidence of depression and mood problems among retired athletes was not greater than the general population.
Yet a recent study conducted by the University of North Carolina's Center for the Study of Retired Athletes suggested a link between concussion and depression. The study found former NFL footballers with three or more concussions had a 20 per cent chance of depression, compared to a 6.6 per cent chance had they not been concussed.
Orchard said he didn't think concussion was as big an issue in rugby league as other sports. He said a priority for league injury research was in degenerative joint problems.
"A lot of players will have hip and knee problems years down the track and this is when they are not under the [medical protection] net of their clubs," Orchard said.
The NRL and ARL have pledged to support future research. Jacquelin Magnay - SMH
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Titans are not a one-man team, says Cartwright Titans coach John Cartwright yesterday poured cold water on the panic surrounding the fitness of skipper Scott Prince, declaring the star halfback was not irreplaceable.
While not denying Prince was a major key to his team's success, Cartwright said he was confident in his troops' ability to win without the inspirational playmaker.
Hearts sunk across the Gold Coast during last Friday night's one-point loss to the Broncos when Prince injured his collarbone in the dying minutes and left the field in obvious distress.
While initial speculation had Prince sidelined for the season, scans later cleared him of major damage. But Prince, who has not trained all week, still faces a battle against time to be fit to take on the Raiders in Canberra on Sunday.
Cartwright said if Prince was ruled out, he had options at his disposal to fill the void left by the co-captain.
In-form youngster Josh Lewis would most likely shift to the No.7 jumper with either Preston Campbell or Matt Hilder filling in at five-eighth.
"It is too hard to say (Prince) is irreplaceable because we haven't played without him," said Cartwright. "He is a very important part of the side but we have also got Preston Campbell there and Josh Lewis and they can put their hand up and say they can do the job.
"We are thinking Scott will play and if he doesn't we will work on something then.
"The good thing for us is it is not major and if he misses a game it will only be one, maybe two."
Titans co-captain Luke Bailey yesterday compared Prince's pivotal role with the Titans to the winning influence NRL legend Andrew Johns had on Newcastle.
Prince is leading the competition with try assists (21) and kicks in general play, booting 202 for 6088m.
But Cartwright said it was a 'slap in the face' to say one player, no matter who he was, could make or break a 17-man team.
"I obviously don't agree with them (people who say the Titans can't win without Prince) and the players that are coming into the spots don't agree with them," said Cartwright.
"It is a bit of a slap in the face to the whole 13 in the side to say that we can't do something because one player is injured.
"We have turned up to play just about every week and we have been in most games we have played.
"If we can go down there (Canberra) and be in the game, I am confident we can come away with the win."
Probably more important than Cartwright believing his side can win without Prince is the fact the man likely to be thrust into the hot seat, 21-year-old Lewis, is confident he can get the job done in the skipper's absence.
"Injuries happen to every side and if you lose one of your playmakers I guess everyone needs to take more responsibility on board," he said.
"We are still really confident we can go on and beat the Raiders without Scotty."
He said the players had recovered from their golden point heartbreak against the Broncos, in which a 35m Darren Lockyer field goal sealed the deal for Brisbane 19-18 in the first minute of extra time.
"It was very disappointing and you definitely don't want that disappointment again so that is one thing you can learn from it," said Cartwright. "I think the biggest thing for us in that golden point was we let them up into that field goal zone way too easy and I think that is also something we can learn from."
The Gold Coast need to win at least half of their remaining eight matches to cement a spot in the finals series. Luke Turgeon - GC Bulletin
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Infection sets Kidwell back A potentially deadly golden staph infection has crushed David Kidwell's brave bid to return for South Sydney this year.
Kings of the kids It's a side of rugby league we don't see every day - the likes of Andrew Johns and Sonny Bill Williams teaching young fans how to pass and kick.
Panthers gag unhappy players Penrith players were "bound and gagged" at a remarkable team meeting yesterday as club officials tried to put a lid on a looming crisis.
Read more Daily Telegraph
Flyer Geia on standby Lightning-fast Palm Island teenager Obe Geia stands on the cusp of a dream NRL debut for the Cowboys tomorrow night after being drafted into North Queensland's top squad yesterday.
Now it's civil war It's a civil war gangly Cowboys centre Scott Minto has experienced from both sides of the trenches.
NRL to target grapple Targeting of grapple tackles and late hits on kickers has been foreshadowed in an edict sent to all 16 clubs yesterday by the NRL. Read more Courier Mail
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Relations sour as Bluey quits post Kiwis coach Brian McClennan says he feels he hasn't resigned - more like been pushed into a corner.
The New Zealand Rugby League has to find a new Kiwis coach 14 weeks out from the next international against Australia and 15 weeks ahead of a tour to England after McClennan yesterday signed to take over at Leeds.
In an indication of how relations are between the outgoing coach and his bosses, the news was relayed via lawyers and they are in mediation about his payout.
McClennan told the Deaker on Sport programme last night that former Kiwis coach Graham Lowe being appointed to chair all appointments and then Lowe's appointment of Tony Kemp as convener of selectors just two days into the job without McClennan's knowledge was of great concern to him.
"I have a huge amount of respect for Graham - he's a league legend - but the dynamic has changed. You can't have two coaches in the system."
A trio of former Kiwis coaches - Lowe, Frank Endacott and Howie Tamati - have already been scouting prospective replacements for McClennan.
Before McClennan's decision yesterday, the NZRL had interviewed Wellington and Junior Kiwis coach Paul Bergman and James Leuluai, who was Kiwis assistant coach under Daniel Anderson, and those two appear the front-runners.
Tony Iro and John Ackland, who are assistants at the Warriors, and Lions coach Graeme Norton are ruled out by the NZRL's proviso that the job is fulltime. The league reiterated the coach must live here and so the Storm's Stephen Kearney can't apply.
NZRL chairman Andrew Chalmers said a decision would be made as soon as possible.
They were disappointed to lose McClennan despite what the coach admitted was a "financially attractive offer" from the NZRL on Tuesday.
"The reality of professional league is that our top players and coaches will always be targeted," Chalmers said.
"Brian is a career coach, Leeds has massive resources."
The offer in England is reputed to be around $400,000 a year. Chalmers refused to say what was put before McClennan but the Herald was told it was "more than four times what the last bloke got", which puts it around $150,000.
McClennan has always said it was not about money and that he wanted to coach the Kiwis so the NZRL's move on Tuesday was of no consequence - it has always been about doing two jobs and the residency requirement.
The Herald understands that the NZRL's decision was based on advice McClennan would not be able to give his best to both jobs, that Leeds would want him as an international coach and were happy to entertain the Kiwis commitment because it would attract both Kiwis and Great Britain players to the club.
There is confidence at the NZRL that players will continue to want to play for their country regardless of who the coach is. But will the likes of Stacey Jones be tempted to a recall under an unknown?
NZRL restructuring continued yesterday with the announcement former chairman and president Selwyn Pearson, who has been serving as chief executive officer, will go after assisting with changes to competitions.
The Herald understands scrapping of the Bartercard Cup is among announcements to be made to district representatives this weekend. Peter Jessup - NZ Herald
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Celtic Crusaders sign French international Aurelien Cologni Welsh National League club Celtic Crusaders have signed French international forward Aurelien Cologni from Lezignan.
The 29-year-old former Catalans Dragons player is set to make his debut in Sunday's League Two match at Swinton.
"I'm pleased to be here and I'm looking forward to playing my first match," he said.
"The first contact with players and staff has been good and it looks like a good club to be part of as the whole set-up is top class." Sporting Life
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BARLA Great Britain Lions U/21'S for Russia named The Great Britain Lions u/21 Squad to tour Russia and Kazan has been named and Head Coach Danny Bolton has named his Captain and Vice Captain for the side.
Mark McKinley of Walney Central has been named as Captain and Thomas Hill of York Acorn has been selected as Vice Captain.
The side fly out to Moscow on the 26th July and return home in the early hours of the 2nd August.
The full squad is as follows:
1. KYLE AMOR HENSHINGHAM
2. PAUL HOPPER SEATON RANGERS
3. GARETH NORRIS EAST HULL
4. ANDREW MELLEN MILLOM
5. AIDEN BOWDEN OULTON RAIDERS
6. STEVEN SCOTT CASTLEFORD PANTHERS
7. SCOTT BURGESS GREAT CLIFTON
8. IWAN BROWN HALTON SIMMS CROSS
9. DEANE HUNT WIGAN ST JUDES
10. MARK McKINLEY WALNEY CENTRAL [C]
11. RHYS DAVIES EGREMONT RANGERS
12. BRETT ROBINSON WEST HULL
13. LEON BRENNAN LEIGH EAST
14. JON WALKER BANK QUAY BULLS
15. THOMAS HILL YORK ACORN [VC]
16. MATHEW EMBLETON YORK ACORN
17. CHRIS LARKIN ROOSE PIONEERS
18. ANTHONY SMITH CASTLEFORD PANTHERS
19. ARRON FEWLESS MYTON WARRIORS
20. LEIGH RIENTOULS HEWORTH
HEAD COACH: DANNY BOLTON CASTLEFORD PANTHERS
ASS COACH: GARY CHARLTON CUMBRIA.
ASS MANAGER: MICK FISHWICK LEIGH EAST
PHYSIO : JAMES MILNER WEST HULL BARLA ONLINE
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Warriors hit out at NRL video referees New Zealand Warriors coach Ivan Cleary has blasted the standard of video referees after an error by the man in the box cost his side a chance at victory over North Queensland.
Video official Steve Nash controversially ruled an obstruction when Warriors fullback Wade McKinnon crossed in the 29th minute, but it has since emerged it was a legitimate try and Nash has been dropped as a result of his error.
Had McKinnon's try been awarded the Warriors would have levelled at 6-all, but instead had to come from 18 points down to narrowly lose 18-12 last Saturday night.
The Warriors claim it is not the first time video officials have dudded them tries this season and Cleary said it is not good to have video referees who "can't do their job".
"As far as their apology goes, it wasn't really an apology, it was good that they are being transparent," said Cleary.
"It is bad that we have got guys who can't do their job really, especially looking at slow motion.
"You never know how costly it was and I am not going to say we would have won the game if he scored.
"I know I felt at the time when he got over it was like a relief that we finally put that dominance I guess we had into some points. But it wasn't the case.
"It was a bit of a kick in the guts at that stage. At the end of the day you make your own luck and I guess we just have to work a little bit harder and get some."
McKinnon was certain his effort in beating four defenders was a try and said all match officials needed to lift their performances.
The Warriors now sit 11th on the NRL table, but a win last weekend would have pushed them into seventh position on a congested ladder.
McKinnon said it was too late for the video referees to make amends for the error against the Cowboys.
"I have been hearing whispers that someone apologised," said McKinnon.
"It seems this year that is all they are doing is making mistakes and they just apologise and think it is OK.
"It was a try. It is definitely four points we wouldn't have had, and maybe six, which would have put us into golden point.
"Just to say `sorry' ... It just seems like we are always getting these `oh yeah, sorry. Maybe next time, maybe next time'."
Broncos focus on winning send off Darren Lockyer says Brisbane wants to send their departing stars out on a winning note after finally overcoming months of contract wrangling.
Burt hopeful of return for NRL finals Fullback Luke Burt has vowed to overcome a serious knee injury in time to spark Parramatta's NRL finals campaign.
Panthers move to assure players and fans Penrith Panthers officials have moved to stall player and fan unrest before the struggling NRL club spiralled out of control.
Prince the king at Titans, says Bailey Inspirational Gold Coast prop Luke Bailey claims injured halfback Scott Prince is more important to the NRL club than Andrew Johns had been to Newcastle. McClennan quits NZRL to coach in UK Brian McClennan has quit his role as coach of the New Zealand rugby league team and accepted the coaching position at Leeds Rhinos in the UK Super League.
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) said McClennan told them of his decision on Wednesday afternoon.
"We're disappointed Bluey has reached this decision," said NZRL chairman Andrew Chalmers.
"We offered him a substantial increase in his package to stay on as Kiwi coach until after next year's World Cup but we have no option but to reluctantly accept his decision."
McClennan had until the end of the month to decide on his future and was offered the improved package when he met with NZRL officials on Tuesday.
He said he needed to talk with his family and decide what was best for them.
NZRL were competing against what was understood to be a $300,000 a year-plus offer to become head coach of the Leeds Rhinos in the English Super League.
Chalmers said it was a reality for New Zealand rugby league that big-spending professional clubs in England and Australia would always have the means to target New Zealand's players and coaches.
"We can't compete with the money they can offer but we have to live with that," he said.
Chalmers said despite the disappointment at McClennan's decision the NZRL board, players and Kiwi league fans wished him luck.
He said the NZRL would immediately begin their search for a replacement fulltime coach who must reside in New Zealand, and be fully involved in the domestic high performance coaching and development structures.
The NZRL appointments committee, chaired by director of football Graham Lowe and supported by Howie Tamati and Frank Endacott, (all ex-Kiwi coaches) have been asked to short list candidates and conduct interviews.
A recommendation on the replacement Kiwi coach will be made as soon as possible.
Leeds Rhinos trumpeted McClennan's signing on the club's website, labelling him the perfect candidate to replace Tony Smith next season when he takes over national duties for Great Britain.
Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington said the club was pleased to finally find their right man after a worldwide search.
"We are delighted to have secured one of the world's most respected coaches and I am sure Brian's style and experience will be well suited to Leeds Rhinos," said Hetherington.
"It has been an exhaustive search and it was so important to find the right man.
"I believe coaching standards at the top level are better than ever before and there were some outstanding candidates available.
"The Leeds Rhinos coaching job is accepted as a very demanding one and in Brian McClennan we have someone who fits the bill perfectly."
McClennan, 45, is the son of former St Helens coach Mike McClennan and successfully led the Kiwis to a 2005 Tri Nations upset of Australia.
"It is a tremendous honour for me to be appointed coach of the Leeds Rhinos," said McClennan.
"Leeds is a founder club of Rugby League with a wonderful heritage.
"I am really looking forward to working with such a talented group of players and also forming strong relationships with the coaching staff." Read more Yahoo Sport
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Joe Lydon is back in rugby league Former Wigan and Great Britain centre Joe Lydon is back in rugby league after a seven-year absence.
Lydon, who resigned as the Rugby Football League's technical director in 2000 to work for the Rugby Football Union and coached England's backs from 2004-06, is to work part-time in Harlequins' sales and marketing department. Sporting Life
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I'd be mad not to speak to Phil Gould - Brad Fittler Former Sydney Roosters mastermind Phil Gould will be welcomed back to the Bondi brains trust, with rookie coach Brad Fittler last night declaring he would be "crazy" not to call upon his old mentor.
Hours after replacing Chris Anderson, Fittler said he intended to seek out Gould's assistance in his quest to secure the top job beyond the remaining eight weeks of this season.
It was not only on the training paddock that Fittler realised his mind-boggling potential under Gould at Penrith 15 years ago.
As a tearaway youngster from Sydney's west, he also moved into the former NSW coach's house during turbulent times. The intervening years have only served to tighten the bond, with Fittler following Gould east in 1995.
Having yesterday stepped into Gould's coaching shoes at the Roosters, Fittler now wants to take their master-apprentice relationship to the next level.
"It would be crazy not to speak to Gus in some manner," Fittler said. "He's coached for a long time. He watches rugby league - every game, every week and has a really good perception of what's going on.
"He's always been a friend of mine and it would be insane not to speak to him at some stage."
After moving on as Roosters coach in 1999, Gould's prescient shadow continued to loom large over Bondi.
He remained as a consultant during Ricky Stuart's successful reign and, although the official relationship has since ceased, Gould is still very much a friend to many at the Roosters.
Fittler, however, baulked when asked if Gould might be re-hired in an official role this season.
"I'm not sure about that," Fittler said. "This has only just happened, so it would be really hard to comment on what might be ahead over the next eight weeks.
"We've been friends and I'll definitely be speaking to him over the phone."
As Fittler will do this Saturday night against Stuart's Sharks, St George Illawarra coach Nathan Brown began his coaching career with a side containing former teammates.
Brown did not hesitate to name Gould as one of many "smart people" who will assist Fittler through rugby league's toughest initiation.
"Number one is Gus Gould - he is very close to Freddie and a wonderfully smart man," Brown said. "I'm sure Gus and other people around him will get Freddy off in the right direction."
When asked to nominate what he found "scariest" about his new job, Fittler immediately plumped for the challenge of coaching his former teammates. Although most of the side from his farewell game in the 2004 grand final have now departed, the senior quartet of skipper Craig Fitzgibbon, Anthony Tupou, Craig Wing and Anthony Minichiello remain.
"Initially it's going to be dealing with a lot of players, especially the ones I've played with," Fittler said. "There are going to be things I could say to them as a player, that I haven't been able to say since."
Coach Brown's somewhat tumultuous learning curve in charge of his former Dragons teammates has Fittler expecting "a tough week or two".
"You can see it's tough," Fittler continued. "He (Brown) came up with some really good things and out of character things, like the thing on the sideline (slapping Trent Barrett in 2003).
"Someone told me a good rule once - if you can take a deep breath for five minutes without saying anything that will help."
Had they believed him at the end of 2004, few would have thought Fittler would be coaching the Roosters less than three seasons later. After retiring, he expressed a distinct desire not to follow peers like Stuart and Brown into the tortuous trade.
"The challenge", however, eventually lured Fittler along for the ride.
"When you stop playing you realise what a big challenge playing rugby league was," he said. "It's that drive, that challenge to see if I could do it. (When I was) playing ... if things are going wrong you can change them yourself.
"In coaching, you've got to get a message across, which is going to be an awful lot tougher."
Roosters CEO Brian Canavan said Fittler was not expected to take over until Anderson's contract expired at the end of next season.
With no guarantees for 2008, he now has only eight weeks and zero preparation to prove his wares.
"It's a tough industry," Fittler said. "You need results. The club won't stand for anything less. Sponsorship dollars are so hard to come by and everyone understands that. It's a business these days.
"If you go in with your eyes wide open, then it means you've got to start working hard straight away. If working hard 'aint good enough then it means you are not good enough."
Josh Massoud - Daily Telegraph
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York Nines Festival Featherstone Rovers will compete for the front line Fairfax Cup in Saturday's York Nines Festival after the National League Two side were promoted in the wake of Espagne Origine's withdrawal from the competition.
Origine, winners of the 2006 Lézignan-Corbières Nines, had been highly fancied to make an impact on their debut at the York Festival. However, with several of their leading players drawn from the French Elite competition sidelined with injury, Origine have declined to send an under strength team to the Festival and instead opened up space for Featherstone to move into the top competition.
Rovers, who were knocked out in the group stage of last year's Festival, had originally been placed in the Archbishop Dolben Cup competition. They will now take Espagne Origine's place in Group 1 of the Fairfax Cup alongside holders York City Knights, French Elite club Lyon-Villeurbanne-Rhone and York Ironsides.
They will now compete for the £2000 prize awarded to the Fairfax Cup winners, who will have their trophy presented to them by Wakefield Trinity's international duo Jamie Rooney and Olivier Elima.
The resulting vacancy in the Archbishop Dolben Cup has been filled by 1st Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, known more commonly as "1 SCOTS".
1 SCOTS are the current Army Inter-Unit Nines champions, beating 3rd Batallion the Yorkshire Regiment - "3 YORKS" in last week's final.
1 SCOTS have a fine track record in Army rugby, as Army rugby union Sevens champions between 2001 and 2006 and champions of the rugby league Scottish Summer Conference in 2004, which qualified them to play in the preliminary round of the 2005 Challenge Cup only for the Battalion to be forced to pull out after being deployed to Iraq.
EXPERIENCE THE NRL GRAND FINAL - September 30th, Telstra Stadium. Click here for details
Chargers Step Up In Extended League Point Scoring Norths Chargers duo Michael Buckton and Anthony Toby took advantage of their sides big round 6 win over Gladstone Valleys to come out as major contenders in this years Extended League point scoring, goal scoring and try scoring sections.
Chargers captain Toby ran in four tries to become equal leader with Greensteel Fitzroy Gracemere Sharks flyer Malcom Darkin on ten tries on the top try scorers list.
Yeppoons Gavin Hiscox, Sharks captain Cheyenne Motu, Charger Bradley Cameron and Rockhampton Brothers veteran Gerry Doyle all stayed in the race with doubles on the weekend while a three try haul to former Comet Brendan Gibb brought him into calculations.
An 18 point game by the Chargers Michael Buckton put the young fullback on 50 points for the season from two tries and 21 goals however Tannum's point scoring wizard Damien Major still holds top spot on the point scoring list with 68 from nine tries and 16 goals after bagging 10 points against Rockhampton Brothers.
Buckton however holds the advantage on Major in goals kick with a 5 goal lead.
Point scoring maching of the week goes to Chargers utility James Waterton who scored a double and 6 goals in his sides win for 20 points. The big win the Chargers scored over Valleys assured them top spot going into the top of the table round 7 clash with second placed Tannum Sands in Tannum on Saturday, July 14.
Tannum are yet to lose a game this year while Norths lost there only game in a huge upset back in round two against Biloela. This game will be a huge test for the Chargers with it being their first out of town trip for the year and they will face a confident Tannum side who knocked over Rockhampton Brothers in Rockhampton in all three grades in round 6.
In other round seven matches of the Extended League on Saturday, July 14 Rockhampton Brothers will take on the Biloela Panthers in Biloela which is the toughest road trip of the competition. On Sunday July 15, Gladstone Valleys will tackle Gladstone Wallabies in a battle for the wooden spoon while the Fitzroy Gracemere Sharks will be looking to keep their finals chances alive against Gladstone Brothers at Saleyards Park. Yeppoon will have the round 6 bye.
With three rounds left to go in the competition all teams except Gladstone Valleys and Gladstone Wallabies are still a major chance of making the finals. The Sharkies and Biloela cannot afford to drop a game while the Chargers and Tannum sit on top. In reserve grade Biloela sit in top spot still yet to lose while in the under 19s Yeppoon is in the same position.
Can 2007 surprise packets Tannum Sands continue their four game winning streak in the top grade against the 2006 Extended League premiers? Cannot wait for round 7 to kick off.
For full competition ladders in all three grades and top try scoring, goal scoring and point scoring ladders check out the Extended League Ladders and Statistics section on the Sharks website Sharks website
Click for all LATEST NEWS
GRAND FINAL 2007 -
| GRAND FINAL EXPERIENCE TOUR |
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Sunday September 30 ,2007 Telstra Stadium
The NRL Grand Final is the highlight of the Rugby League Calendar and the competition has proven that any team can win it!
You can be in Sydney taking in Grand Final week with this exclusive and strictly limited package. Ensuring a true Grand Final Experience you will attend a number of events including the Grand Final Footy Show, The Rugby League Legends Cruise on Sydney Harbour and a "Rugby League Experience Only" tour around Telstra Stadium with the opportunity for you to have a photo and hold aloft the NRL Premiership trophy the day before the new premiers do! |
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| GRAND FINAL PACKAGES |
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Sunday September 30, 2007
Telstra Stadium
For those who would like a little more flexibility we have created four 2 night packages with category 1 match tickets and a gift from The Rugby League Experience to suit all taste and budgets. Add to your package with official functions,transfers,extra nights and much more.
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5 STAR SHANGRI-LA HOTEL
With stunning views of Sydney's spectacular Harbour, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the world-famous Opera House, the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney brings welcoming Shangri-La hospitality to the historic Rocks district in the heart of this dynamic city. There is no better place in Sydney to stay and you will enjoy the convenience of the historic Rocks precinct.
$649 per person twin share
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may not be your actual room
CALL 1300 885 718 |
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4.5 STAR RYDGES WORLD SQUARE
Rydges World Square Sydney is centrally located within the World Square precinct in Sydney CBD. This great location provides guests with easy access to Sydney's major tourist attractions, either by monorail, walking or taxi.
With the World Square Monorail located on the hotel's doorstep, you'll have easy access to the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, Cockle Bay, Sydney Entertainment Centre and Sydney's financial and shopping precincts.
$550 per person twin share
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CALL 1300 885 718 |
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4 STAR CROWN PLAZA COOGEE
Coogee Beach is what life by the ocean is all about. Coogee is known affectionately as 'Sydney's Seaside Village'. Its culture is urban and cosmopolitan, yet relaxed. Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach is on Coogee Beach with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Due ti its coastal location if you choose to stay here the Rugby League Experience will throw in return seat in coach transfers.
$570 per person twin share
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may not be your actual room
CALL 1300 885 718 |
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3.5 STAR RYDGES CAPITAL SQUARE
Capitol Square Hotel is ideally located within Sydney's CBD with a range of attractions on its doorstep. The Hotel is incorporated within the Capitol Theatre complex, and Darling Harbour, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Central Station and China Town are all within a strolling distance. Well-appointed 3.5 star rooms will ensure you enjoy your visit to the Harbour City.
$480 per person twin share |
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CALL 1300 885 718 |
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PACKAGE UPGRADES AVAILABLE
PRICES UPON APPLICATION
- seat in coach match transfers
- return private car match transfers
- airport transfers
- grand final breakfast
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footy show
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breakfast
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extra room nights
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Sydney day tour | | | |
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.
CARE OF THE INJURED PLAYER Written by Doug King
ON CD-ROM
Has your club thought about it yet?
Contents
Before the competition starts
Emergency Management Preparedness
Injury Prevention - Some Training ideas
Injury Prevention Strategies
Stop Those Injuries - Some ideas on pre-habilitation training
Injury Statistics in Rugby League: What now?
Functional Stretching
Nutritional Considerations of the Younger Player
The Injured Player: Emergencies in the game
Concussion
The Positive side of an injury
"The CD-ROM will ensure this valuable coaching information
is kept as a resource for future years within a club, school or
organisation at all levels."
AUS$55.00 plus P&H
CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR COPY
Click RLCMTV or click on a image below to view a RLCMtv video
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