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The message to McClennan is clear: succeed or else - Steve Deane If Brian McClennan can't work in a system where he doesn't call all the shots then he has no chance of succeeding at Leeds.
Hopefully McClennan's inference that his departure from the Kiwis had more to do with the NZRL's hiring of Graham Lowe and Tony Kemp than with the big money on offer from Leeds is just a smokescreen. If not, then Bluey might as well not even unpack his bags when he arrives in Yorkshire.
McClennan's apparent grievance - that he wasn't consulted over the appointments of Lowe and Kemp - won't cut any mustard with Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington.
At Leeds, Hetherington calls the shots. End of story.
In 1997, with Leeds on the brink of financial ruin following a 10th-placed finish in the first season of Super League, Hetherington teamed up with businessman Paul Caddick to take over the Rhinos. He was installed as chief executive and has been top dog ever since.
McClennan's new boss has a pretty decent record as a talent scout. Great Britain international Keith Senior, for example, was spotted playing rugby for the Huddersfield YMCA.
Every player on Leeds' books has been signed by Hetherington as, of course, was McClennan himself.
The idea that Hetherington would feel the need to consult with his new coach about anything other than what they should have for lunch is laughable.
Hetherington is not necessarily widely liked. His opponents view him as a politically savvy, ruthless manipulator. Even those close to him have experienced his ruthless side.
In 2001, Hetherington sacked then coach Dean Lance midway through a multi-year contract, appointing youth team coach Daryl Powell in his place. As a player, Powell was another Hetherington protege. At the time of his appointment, Hetherington touted him as the next Great Britain coach.
Just 18 months later, after a season in which they were defeated in the Challenge Cup final and dipped out of the playoffs one match short of the grand final, Hetherington announced Powell's sacking by saying he was to take a 12-month break. Australian Tony Smith was to take over on a temporary basis. Smith won the Grand Final in his first year. Powell never returned.
The message to McClennan is clear: succeed or else.
The great underachievers of British league with just one title and two Challenge Cups in the last 36 years, Leeds are nonetheless a powerhouse club. The pressure exerted by its massive but success-starved fans is second-to-none.
The British media, who collectively resent the excessive influence of foreigners in the game, will also pile the pressure on McClennan at the first opportunity.
Taking over the hot seat at a club like Leeds is a far cry from bringing a band of fellow countrymen together twice a year.
Whether McClennan, on his first professional assignment, has the tools for the job is unclear.
Leeds' playing roster boasts veteran internationals who have played under heavyweight coaches. McClennan's systems will be under intense scrutiny. If the senior players don't like what they see, it won't take long for an anti-brigade to develop.
It's also doubtful whether McClennan's "one big family" philosophy will cut it at a club like Leeds. That approach worked wonders at international level but the concept of sacrificing personal ambition for the greater good might not be so attractive to players whose wage packets depend on their individual performance.
McClennan's assertion that he could coach Leeds and the Kiwis at the same time was certainly a bold claim from a man with no professional experience. If anything, it speaks to the lack of time and effort demanded by the Kiwis job. At Leeds, he'll be working six 10-12 hour days, minimum.
McClennan's legacy as a great Kiwis coach was cemented with the 2005 Tri-Nations victory over Australia in Leeds. But whether that city will be as kind to him on his return is questionable.
It's hard not to like McClennan. He's an affable sort of guy whose passion for the game, his players and his country almost oozes out of his pores. But the way he has handled his departure from the Kiwis job smacks of someone angling for a contractual payout.
McClennan said he dearly wanted to stay on as Kiwis coach. But he also insinuated he couldn't work with Lowe and Kemp - and chose to sign a big money deal in England knowing there was a clause in his contract preventing him from residing overseas.
Those actions don't suggest someone who really wanted to stay.
Regardless of his messy divorce with the NZRL, McClennan deserves to go with league fans' best wishes. But if he thinks he's going somewhere where he'll get to call all the shots then he's in for a huge shock. NZ Herald
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Warrington 42 defeated Salford 6 Kevin Penny scored a quickfire hat-trick of second-half tries as Warrington ensured Salford stayed in deep relegation trouble.
The speedy winger went over three times in the space of eight minutes to bring his season's tally to 11.
The Wolves took control of the game just before half-time with Lee Briers and Henry Fa'afili both going over.
They dominated the second half with Martin Gleeson and Jon Clarke, with his second, adding to the total.
Warrington coach Paul Cullen, "Kevin's final try took some scoring. To outpace two chasers was very special and Kevin has the potential to play top level football.
"He has the pace for all to see and has taken his chance exceptionally well.
"Henry Fa'afili delivered him some great balls, Adrian Morley was almost unstoppable and Jon Clarke was very smart from dummy half."
Salford coach Shaun McRae, "I thought we would respond after last week's defeat by Wakefield but this was very similar, and we were unable to cope with the conditions and the scoreline reflected the difference between the sides.
"The issue of relegation does not concern me at the moment because if we play well we will win games.
"Too much is being made of it with eight games to go and I don't want to put the blokes under any more pressure but clearly we need to turn things around."
Warrington: (22) 42
Tries: Clarke 2, Westwood, Fa'afili, Briers, M Gleeson, Penny 3
Goals: Briers 3
Salford: (6) 6
Tries: Dorn
Goals: Wilshere
Huddersfield 24 defeated Wakefield 23 Huddersfield recovered from a poor first half to edge past Wakefield in a closely-fought encounter.
Two Peter Fox tries and two goals and a drop goal from Jamie Rooney had Wakefield 13-0 up by the break.
But the second half belonged to the Giants with Chris Thorman, Stephen Wild, Steve Snitch and Shane Elford going over in the space of 13 minutes.
Sam Obst scored two late tries to ensure a nervous climax but the visitors held on for a precious win.
Wakefield coach John Kear, "I think this is the most disappointed I've been because they've shown great character in some instances, but to end up losing after being 13-0 up at half-time is very, very disappointing.
"We were totally dominant in the first half and the scoreline reflected that, but we seemed to have left the cue on the rack for 20 minutes after the break and when we realised we had a game on it was too late.
"We came back at the end and may have had chances to snatch it, but in those 20 minutes we took our foot off the accelerator. If you did that at this level you get caned and that's exactly what happened."
Huddersfield Giants coach Jon Sharp, "I had seen enough encouraging signs in the first half to know what we were capable of.
"We just needed to score first in the second half and after we did that we got some momentum and finished off some chances, which we've not been doing recently.
"This was victory for togetherness, belief and thinking at half-time that we could do it - and we did."
Wakefield: (13) 23
Tries: Fox 2, Obst 2
Drops: Rooney
Goals: Rooney 3
Huddersfield: (0) 24
Tries: Thorman, Wild, Snitch, Elford
Goals: Thorman 4
Widnes seal Northern Rail Cup win Widnes clinched the Northern Rail Cup with an emphatic 54-6 victory over Whitehaven in the final in Blackpool.
The Vikings laid the foundation for the win with a blistering opening half which saw them run in five tries to build up a commanding 30-0 lead.
They did not ease up in the second half with captain Mark Smith and Damien Blanch, with his second try of the game, extending their lead early on.
Whitehaven's only response came late on through Carl Rudd's try and goal.
Whitehaven chairman Des Byrne, "We were totally outclassed. We've got to have ambition, but we can't get to finals and play like that.
"I feel desperately sorry for the Haven fans who spent their money and came down to watch it.
"We were just not good enough, and we have to do something about that.
Are we happy and content to be part-timers? I'm certainly not. I want to be in the Super League."
Whitehaven: Broadbent, Calvert, Eilbeck, R. Jackson, Maden, Joe, Duffy, Trindall, A. Smith, Fatialofa, Miller, Fletcher, Rudd.
Replacements: Sice, Mattinson, M. Jackson, Teare.
Widnes: Grix, Blanch, Kohe-Love, Nanyn, Gaskell, Moran, Penny, Cassidy, Smith, Wilkes, Doran, Noone, Beswick.
Replacements: Summers, James, Webster, Price.
Whitehaven: (0) 6
Tries: Rudd
Goals: Rudd
Widnes: (30) 54
Tries: Kohe-Love, Grix, Blanch 2, Nanyn, Doran, Moran, Smith, Gaskell
Goals: Nanyn 9 BBC
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Hunt, Berrigan in line to fill Lockyer's boots Darren Lockyer's season-ending surgery to his right knee will be delayed, with concerns over possible infection from a cut to the joint.
Bellamy's toughest assignment? Telling Johnson when to stop Darkness descends whenever Storm coach Craig Bellamy hooks Dallas Johnson from the field.
Roosters' revival shows Anderson's exit was due The nature of the turnaround by the Sydney Roosters in their first game since the departure of Chris Anderson proved he had to go as coach.
Dumb Dragons were better off staying home, says Brown After watching the Dragons capitulate 44-16 yesterday in their worst defensive performance of the season, Nathan Brown was asked if there were any positives from the trip to Auckland.
Mason sweats on rest of the season Willie Mason's season is on the edge of ruin because of the dislocated wrist he suffered playing for the Bulldogs on Saturday night.
Roosters feel all warm and fuzzy with Freddie As captain Craig Fitzgibbon furiously signed autographs, the Herald asked him if Brad Fittler was the long-term solution as Roosters coach.
Warm-up sparks verbal war Michael Hagan and Jason Taylor involved in a heated confrontation.
Rabbitohs and Eels show each other what they're lacking If South Sydney could borrow some of the attacking flair and individual skills of the Parramatta team, I really think they would be genuine top-four contenders.
Knights coach envies Storm's stability Newcastle coach Brian Smith says he will not be focusing on how Melbourne will line up. Read more SMH
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Prince likely to miss Dogs The Gold Coast Titans have hit crisis point with money-man Scott Prince to miss Friday night's crunch match against the Bulldogs at Carrara.
Rampant Raiders thrash Titans A dominant forward pack and an 18-point haul to halfback Michael Dobson have helped the Raiders destroy the Gold Coast 56-10 at Canberra Stadium.
`Don't write us off yet' As his club prepares for life without Darren Lockyer, a defiant Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen warned critics to write off the defending premier at their peril.
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'Coward' call sparks radio row - Dean Ritchie Former rugby league stars and radio commentary "team-mates" Bob Fulton and Darryl Brohman have been involved in a fiery on-air spat.
The "Continuous Call" team, which is heard on 4BC in Brisbane, was split yesterday after Fulton labelled Brohman a "coward".
Brohman stormed out of the commentary box yesterday at Parramatta Stadium in anger and demanded 2GB management give him unconditional support.
The drama came after Brohman's provocative column in The Sunday Telegraph, in which he called former NSW State of Origin player Les Boyd "despicable" and an "embarrassment to rugby league".
The comments come 24 years after Boyd illegally smashed Brohman's jaw in a State of Origin match in Brisbane, an incident recently revisted when the frosty pair were on stage at a function.
Brohman was visibly shattered at Fulton's comments, the former Australian and Manly coach later apologising.
The two engaged in one of the most bitter exchanges on talkback radio in years after Boyd's wife Judy rang on air to defend her husband.
What happened next stunned listeners with Fulton calling Brohman a "coward", prompting the station's talkback lines to light up. The exchange was unmistakeably serious.
The Continuous Call's chief caller, Ray Hadley, was sick yesterday and not on air. Andrew Moore and Steve Roach kept the show going amid the turmoil.
"I'm disgusted with him (Fulton)," Brohman said last night. "'Judy Boyd called to defend her husband and that's fair enough. He (Fulton) jumped in and he didn't have to.
"I expect an apology. I'm disgusted. I'm working on the sideline (at Parramatta Stadium). I won't sit next to him in the box.
"I don't get paid enough to cop that sort of comment. He called me a coward. I didn't deserve that."
Brohman would not comment on whether he would remain with 2GB.
Fulton last night explained his comments before flying interstate on holidays. He will not be part of the Continous Call next weekend.
Fulton is still upset Brohman later took legal action against Boyd in 1983.
"He (Brohman) asked Judy Boyd on air how could she be proud of her husband," Fulton said. "Judy explained that Les has got children and grandchildren.
"I was involved with Les in 1983 when coaching Manly. I probably got more involved than I should have. He extracted the word coward from me.
"I have geed-up with Darryl for two and half a years and in that time have often called him a coward."
Fulton said Boyd had well and truly served his suspension.
"I don't condone what Les did but he's done his time - that was a 12 month suspension," Fulton said. "I must say in hindsight - and given the seriousness of the issue and how he felt about it - I shouldn't have used the word coward. I apologised on air.
"I was talking more about Darryl talking legal action against Les. I'm from the old school and in that era, what happened on the field stayed there. People from that era would appreciate that.
"If he's (Brohman) taken offence to being called a coward, then I apologise to him if that makes him happy."
Read more Courier Mail
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Injury blow as Raiders belt Titans - Luke Turgeon Titans skipper Scott Prince will be sidelined for the next three weeks while star winger Matt Petersen's season could be over, adding injury to insult after the Gold Coast was yesterday thrashed by Canberra 56-10.
It was the Titans' biggest defeat in their short history in the NRL.
Playmaker Prince was forced from the field in the 47th minute, re-injuring his collarbone after landing awkwardly in a tackle.
Prince, who first damaged the sternoclavicular joint against the Broncos last round, was confident he would miss only the match against the Bulldogs at Carrara on Friday.
But Titans team doctor Paul Ohmsen said Prince would now have to rest for three weeks in order to give the injury sufficient time to heal.
"He has just got to be resigned to the fact that he has got an injury and he has to treat it," said Ohmsen. "He has been treating it and he was fine before the game, he was 100 per cent.
"But when he fell over on the sideline (in the tackle) he re-injured it."
Petersen, the Titans leading try scorer, will go for scans on his right knee on the Gold Coast today.
Early indications are that Petersen will miss six weeks with a posterior cruciate tear but there are also fears for his anterior cruciate ligament, which if damaged would mean the end of his season.
Adding to the Titans' already huge injury toll, centre Luke O'Dwyer will miss at least one week with a shoulder injury.
The fresh injury concerns capped a nightmare trip to the nation's capital which ended in humiliation for the Titans.
Their previous worst loss was 28-10 against the Dragons in round 10.
The loss of Prince for nearly a month throws the Titans' season into uncharted territory, with the halfback having played in every game so far this year for the NRL new boys.
If Newcastle beat the Storm tonight the Titans, who just a few weeks ago were sitting fourth on the NRL ladder, will slide to 11th. The Titans need to win at least four of their remaining seven games to take control of their own destiny and be considered a genuine threat to make the playoffs.
"We are going to have to win most of them (remaining games) to get a crack at the semi-finals," said Prince.
"We are just going to have to lick our wounds and prepare for the Bulldogs on Friday night.
"It is disappointing. But take nothing away from the Raiders, they play good footy at home."
Petersen was trying to remain positive and not think about the worst-case scenario with his knee.
The latest bout of injuries will also be a big test for the Titans depth, which was already considered stretched to its limit following injuries to Michael Henderson (broken leg), Brad Meyers (knee), Richie Mathers (knee), Michael Hodgson (knee), Mat Rogers (knee), Anthony Laffranchi (knee), James Stosic (knee), Chris Walker (knee) and Clint Amos (concussion).
Cartwright could be forced to blood one of the exciting youngsters in his ranks, like Australian schoolboys Shannon Walker or Will Matthews.
Preston Campbell will probably move into the halves and Smith Samau to fullback. Jake Webster or Josh Graham will take O'Dwyer's centre spot.
Titans co-captain Luke Bailey said his troops need to get back on track mentally or face annihilation by the Bulldogs. GC Bulletin
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Hunt set to wear Lockyer's jersey Australian fullback Karmichael Hunt looms as the man most likely to assume the Brisbane No.6 jumper as the Broncos look to pick up the pieces after the loss of inspirational skipper Darren Lockyer for the remainder of their premiership defence.
In a devastating weekend for two of the competition's powerhouses, news that Lockyer would undergo a full knee reconstruction came through just hours before Bulldogs prop Willie Mason was rushed to hospital to realign a dislocated wrist.
Mason is rated some chance of returning in time for the finals - pending scans later this week - but Lockyer faces nine months of rehabilitation after rupturing the ACL in his right knee against North Queensland on Friday night.
Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has a few options as he looks to fill the gaping hole left by Lockyer's unavailability, though Hunt is favoured to get the role.
Rookie Joel Moon is another option as is Shane Perry, the man who played halfback in last year's premiership winning outfit.
But Bennett is a fan of Hunt's playmaking potential after trialling the Queensland custodian at halfback in the early rounds of the competition.
Rookie Denan Kemp is an obvious replacement at fullback should Hunt be shifted, but former Broncos great Gene Miles believes the defending premiers will struggle no matter who assumes the five-eighth role.
"I think it could be mission impossible," Queensland selector Miles said.
"They depend so much on him and he's been so durable over the years that they really haven't had to face a long period without him.
"He didn't dominate Origin this year as he's done in previous years but personally I would not have wanted to go into the series without him."
The news on Mason is slightly better, with the best case scenario seeing the Australia prop return just before the finals.
Mason's season could be over though if scans later this week reveal a fracture or ligament damage in the joint.
"He had a reduction of his dislocation under anaesthetic last night," Bulldogs club doctor Hugh Hazard said.
"He'll have some MRI scans later in the week just to check the status of the ligaments around the wrist.
"It's a most unusual injury so we'll just have to wait and see.
"He sounded alright this morning, once it got back in I think he was feeling okay."
Mason was one of several injury concerns for the Bulldogs, with Cameron Phelps to visit a specialist on Monday to determine the extent of a facial fracture.
Prop Mark O'Meley is set to miss another three weeks with a hamstring strain while Willie Tonga (groin) and Sonny Bill Williams (ribs) are some chance of taking on Gold Coast on Friday night. Foxsports
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Newtown Jets finals prospects in jeopardy
Raiders 56 defeated Titans 10
NZ Warriors 44 defeated Dragons 16
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Eels survive late scare South Sydney coach Jason Taylor endured an unhappy return to Parramatta Stadium on Sunday afternoon as the Eels recorded a thrilling 18-12 victory to reclaim third position on the NRL ladder.
Parramatta raced to a 14-0 lead at half-time, but tries from Shane Rigon and Nathan Merritt in the second stanza lifted the Rabbitohs to within a converted try with just four minutes remaining in the match.
South Sydney's hopes were kept alive when Eels pivot Brett Finch pushed a late field goal attempt wide of the posts and only desperate goal-line defence prevented the Rabbitohs from forcing the game into extra-time in the dying stages.
Manase Manuokafoa and David Peachey pushed for the match-levelling try in the final minute but were held up on both occasions as the Eels resisted their advances to hold on for their 10th win of the season.
Earlier, New Zealand international Krisnan Inu put the Eels ahead with a penalty in the 14th minute, with Nathan Cayless and Timana Tahu crossing for tries to extend home side's advantage to 14 points heading into the break.
Joel Reddy scored Parramatta's only try of the second half, with Inu adding two conversions.
The result lifts Michael Hagan's side back into third place behind Melbourne and Manly, leapfrogging the Broncos and the Cowboys while a poor for and against ratio means the 12th-placed Souths face an uphill battle to make the top eight.
Parramatta: 18 (N Cayless, T Tahu, J Reddy tries; K Inu 2 conversions, penalty goal)
South Sydney: 12 (S Rigon, N Merritt tries; Merritt 2 conversions)ABC Sport
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QUEENSLAND WIZARD CUP - ROUND 17 RESULTS
Friday 13 July
NORTH QUEENSLAND 22 (Mark Henry 2, Toshio Laiseni, Jackson Nicolau tries; Jackson Nicolau 3 goals) def TWEED HEADS 18 (James Wood, Matthew Pow, Daniel Evans tries; Brad Davis 3 goals) at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
Saturday 14 July
EASTS 24 (Luke Capewell, Wade Liddell, John Tamanika, Trent Young tries; Justin McKay 4 goals) def ASPLEY 20 (Jamie Simpson 2, Jason Moon, Joel Moon tries; Ben Green 2 goals) Langlands Park.
WYNNUM MANLY 38 (Paoa Faamita 2, Chris McQueen, Shaun Daylight, Matt Smith, Darren Bain, Aoterangi Herangi tries; Denny Lambert 5 goals) def CENTRAL 16 (Nat Bowman, Kam Wilkinson, Marc Fickling tries; Nat Bowman 2 goals) at Browne Park.
Sunday 15 July
BURLEIGH 38 (Nick Parfitt, Marty Paulson, Aseri Laing, Ben Black, John Flint, James Griffiths, Wayne Phillis tries; Nick Parfitt 5 goals) def SOUTHS LOGAN 14 (Quentin Laulu-Togagae, Mick Anschau, Scott Marks tries; Brandon Costin goal) at Pizzey Park.
REDCLIFFE 28 (Danny Burke 2, Palmer Wapau 2, Kaine Manihera tries; Marty Turner 4 goals) def NORTHS 14 (Kieran Turner, Joel Thompson, Matt Rua tries; Kieran Turner goal) at Bishop Park.
BYE: IPSWICH
FOGS CUP - ROUND 17 RESULTS
Saturday 14 July
EASTS 62 (Isaac Kaufmann 2, Pueki Ofahengaue, David Tyrrell, Joe Richards, Max Seumanutafa, Dane Phillips, John Reece, Damian Petrie, Robert Palfery, Lagi Solomona, Lance Morris tries; Liam Leo 6, Abraham Sila goals) def ASPLEY 14 (Ashley Humble 2, Clint Dolan tries; Todd Parnell goal) at Langlands Park.
TWEED HEADS 20 (Kiel Jaeger, Joel Rapana, Cameron White, Jeston Craig tries; Kiel Jaeger 2 goals) def WESTERN DISTRICTS 16 (Jack Reed 2, Dean Shepherd tries; Matt Church, Jon Lee goals) at Kev McKell Oval.
Sunday 15 July
BURLEIGH 44 (Ryan Wilson 4, Matt Rebgetz, Adam Robertson, Nathan Eyres-Brown, Murray Emmerson, Lynden Murphy tries; Matt Rebgetz 4 goals ) def SOUTHS LOGAN 26 (Daniel Sorbello 2, Mehau Phillip 2, Jerry Ahern tries; Aaron McMahon 3 goals) at Pizzey Park.
NORTHS 34 (Luke Wright 3, Logan Johnson, David Kramer, Ryan Shortland, Mitchell Griffiths tries; David Neuendorf 3 goals) def REDCLIFFE 28 (Sam Fillery 3, Trent Leis, Robinson Godfrey tries; Mitchell Simpson 3, Matt Seamark goals) at Bishop Park.
WYNNUM MANLY 48 (Jim O'Brien 2, Steve Irwin 2, Chris Parker, Bill Wyatt, Aaron Brown, Ron Troutman, Gareth Turton tries; Jim O'Brien 6 goals) def SUNSHINE COAST 18 (Chris Chaisty, Dane Blewett, Chris Elliott tries; Kris Boyce 3 goals) at Quad Park. BYE: IPSWICH QRL Online
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Jason Taylor furious as Eels hold off Souths
Jason Taylor's frustrations boiled over on his return to Parramatta Stadium when he and Eels coach Michael Hagan traded insults following South Sydney's 18-12 NRL loss.
Souths mentor Taylor and Hagan traded verbal barbs as they crossed paths within earshot of the post-match press conference, an argument that became personal after Taylor had complained about the warm-up facilities at the club where he was caretaker coach last year.
The Rabbitohs were denied use of the Old Kings Oval after it was closed by the Parramatta Park Trust, but Eels officials said the visitors "jumped the fence" anyway after being asked to warm up on the playing field.
Taylor was heard abusing Hagan in the gym next to the Eels' media room, saying: "How f***ed are you? (Newcastle coach) Brian Smith's rebuilding what you f***ed up (in Newcastle).
"What's here (at Parramatta) was already in place for you."
Hagan replied: "At least we won without Joey (Andrew Johns) today."
The Eels coach's comment was in response to Taylor previously questioning Hagan's ability to coach wins at the Knights without star player Johns.
"There was a bit of dialogue (with Taylor) about why they were declined permission to warm up where we would always warm up on a home game," Hagan said.
"We informed them that they can warm up somewhere else and I don't think Jason took too kindly to that advice.
"He asked me how our warm-up was and I said 'very good thank you, how was yours?'
"And it sort of escalated from there.
"Obviously (Jason's) not happy and I think that's understandable but that's footy too.
"It was just a conversation, I'm not bothered about what was said.
"I think how he's chosen to deal with it's probably different to what you'd expect, that's up to him."
Asked if he thought Taylor's outburst was a result of sour grapes at missing out on the Eels job after he took over as caretaker last year, Hagan said: "I'm not sure."
Taylor refused to comment on the incident at the press conference and when approached by journalists afterwards.
But Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald fired a broadside at Taylor, saying the incident showed why he'd been overlooked as Brian Smith's permanent successor.
"I think it just was a display of immaturity and petulance by JT," Fitzgerald said.
"I think there was a big build-up for him coming back here to Parramatta and the immaturity that he showed was one reason why he didn't get the job here." Yahoo Online
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Yet another public blue hits NZ league - Michael Brown The NZRL is facing allegations an old boys' network was a principal reason that forced Brian McClennan out of his job - and into the arms of Leeds.
News that Malcolm Boyle, a close friend of NZRL director of football Graham Lowe, will be appointed All Golds manager will do nothing to silence the talk.
But Lowe strongly denied it was a case of jobs for the boys.
"Malcolm is going to be All Golds manager, just for that game, which is a decision of the appointments committee," Lowe said. "We looked at a number of people. The job required a lot of PR work so Malcolm [who runs a PR firm] was the obvious person. He also did a lot of work to get the Auckland Lions off the ground.
"If people read any more into it than that, I don't give a damn. Jobs for the boys is crap. We're about results so you don't give jobs for the boys."
Part of the criticism being levelled is that NZRL chairman Andrew Chalmers has surrounded himself with supporters to maintain his control. Read more NZ Herald
NZRL Launches New Competition The New Zealand Rugby League has launched a new competition called 'Kiwi Roots' to be staged for the first time next year.
Designed as New Zealand's equivalent of State of Origin football, it will be a one-off north verses south-styled annual battle using the Bombay Hills as the geographic divide.
The NZRL has also announced zone representative fixtures are to be reintroduced as well as a domestic Kiwi trial.The New Zealand Rugby League has launched a new competition called 'Kiwi Roots' to be staged for the first time next year.
Designed as New Zealand's equivalent of State of Origin football, it will be a one-off north verses south-styled annual battle using the Bombay Hills as the geographic divide.
The NZRL has also announced zone representative fixtures are to be reintroduced as well as a domestic Kiwi trial. newswire.co.nz
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Hard work pays off for Nadera Panthers - Otilly Rabuku Nadera Panthers, with fans and officials after winning the Vodafone Cup on Friday night
Rugby League champs Nadera Panthers made it five years in a row after defeating Nabua Broncos 28-11 in the grand final at Post Fiji Stadium on Friday night.
The star-studded Panthers outfit was confident from the start to see the new Fiji National Rugby League Vodafone Cup settle in Nadera.
Under floodlights, Panthers rallied on the services of its Fiji Bati caps Iowane Divavesi, Asaeli Saravaki, Waisale Suka, Sevanaia Koroi, Viliame Tukana and former Bati captain Savirio Matairakula.
Dee Cees Nadera Panthers head coach Vula Dakuitoga said it was a well deserved win for his boys.
"Our aim was to equal our winning record set from 1993 to 1998 and today our boys stood out in the game," he said,
The former Bati skipper said hard work paid out for the team and the credit goes to the endless support of their families.
"Commitment towards our goal with the support of all our families and the Nadera community paved the way to victory," Dakuitoga said.
"I really overloaded them towards our final week of training and there's no secret about our string of successes because I only believe in hard work," he said.
Top level fitness and experience played a huge role in the Panthers win. Dakuitoga said the Broncos gave his boys a good run.
"Broncos was an equally good team that came this far and they gave us a good run," he said.
Broncos coach Amenatave Yavala saluted his side and said there was always a next time.
"We gave them a good run but too many mistakes cost us," he said.
"Core of the team is our development players and they still have a long way to go," Yavala said.
Panthers blended with its upcoming seasonal players, proved too good for their Nabua counterparts as Bati first-five-eighth Suka ran in for the first try in 10th minute.
Bati cap Marika Koroivue dashed in for a converted try giving the Blue Printery Nabua Broncos a 6-4 lead in the opening minutes of play.
Nippy Panthers halfback Asaeli Saravaki and Lusio Tanoa added another two converted tries taking them to a 14-6 lead at halftime.
Panthers sealed their win with two tries from Suka and Apete Saumudu booting in the conversions.
A last minute try by Broncos Jo Tadulala and a drop goal by Save Ravonu were not enough to match the fast-paced Panthers side.
The FNRL now gears up for the start of its Vodafone Super Six competition with the opening match between Suva and Nasinu at the Post Fiji Stadium on Friday night. Fiji Times
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Charles "Chicka" Cahill RIP. Charles "Chicka" Cahill passed away yesterday (July 14th 2007) at his home on the Gold Coast at the age of 91.
"Chicka" was a product of the Northern Suburbs (Newcastle) club and played with the Newtown Rugby League Football Club from 1941 to 1947.
He was Newtown's lock forward in the club's First Grade premiership-winning team of 1943. His Newtown team-mates included great names like Frank "Bumper" Farrell, Herb Narvo, Len Smith, Siddy Goodwin, Bruce Ryan and Tommy Kirk.
Newtown's opponents in the 1943 Grand Final, North Sydney, were captained by none other than Frank Hyde.
"Chicka" was the last remaining Newtown player from that far-off premiership winning team. He represented NSW in the 1940's and was probably one of many contemporaries who were denied international representative honours by the war years.
He later coached Newtown's first grade side from 1959 to 1961, served on the Newtown RLFC committee and was President the of Newtown club in the 1970's.
He was a Life Member of the Newtown RLFC and the NSW Rugby League and is remembered as a man of great integrity and dignity.
Farewell to a wonderful old Bluebag. Newtown Online
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Who'd want to be a coach? - Andrew Webster Wayne Bennett's mother-in-law looked over her shoulder to the back seat of the car and asked him: "Wayne, why do you do it? Is it really worth it?"
The question came hours after Wynnum Manly had thumped Bennett's side, Souths Brisbane, 42-8 in the 1984 Brisbane grand final.
"I'll never forget it," the Broncos mastercoach says. "We were leaving the ground and it was an extremely low day in my life. I'm in the back seat and my wife's beside me and my mother-in-law looked over and asked what I was doing this for."
Chris Anderson asked himself the same question last Saturday night after watching the Sea Eagles thump his Roosters 56-0. He figured it was no longer worth it. Who knows how long before his rookie replacement, Brad Fittler, has a meeting with himself and raises the same question should the wins not come?
"Is it the eternal question? Absolutely," says Bennett, 57. "If it's destroying your family, if it's destroying your health, it's not worth it. It was destroying the mother-in-law that day. Luckily, I wasn't listening. I said to her, 'I've got to prove something to myself. I'm not quitting'."
You wouldn't be dead for quids - or an NRL coach. Ricky Stuart gets so dark after a loss his closest mates avoid him for days; Brian Smith was rumoured to keep a bed in his office during his days at Parramatta; State of Origin turned Graham Murray - often described as laconic and easygoing - a pale grey.
Anderson turned various shades of the colour during his first year back after a three-year sabbatical.
Defeat, for the coach, slides down like a schooner of nails.
"Sometimes I don't sleep well at all," Storm coach Craig Bellamy says. "Certainly, after games, I don't sleep much at all - whether we've won or lost. And if you've lost, you never really recover until you get back into training again. That could be two or three days."
Most coaches despise the intrusiveness of the television camera into their box on game day because it shows them reacting to everything that happens.
Early this year, Stuart had crisis talks with Fox Sports about the network training a camera on him for entire matches.
Bellamy sat atop the grandstand at Coffs Harbour this year while coaching Country because he swears so much during fixtures.
The look on the ashen-faced Anderson as Manly ran in try after try, hammered in nail after nail, explained it all.
Bennett says: "I'll tell you the toughest part of our job - everyone has an opinion. There's not too many businesses where everybody has an opinion. Everything we do is under scrutiny. Most businesses couldn't function that way. You're second-guessed all the time and there's always someone who thinks they can do a better job or reckons you don't know what you're doing.
"Football coaches handle that pretty darn well. You either learn to manage it or it destroys you. You move on or move out."
Tim Sheens was forced out of Townsville in 2001 after he was put on stress leave during a tumultuous period at the club. He doesn't talk about that chapter of his career, but it's been said that politics as much as his health were behind his dismissal.
"What I learnt [from the Cowboys] is that most people don't have a clue - including the media," says Sheens, who went on to coach Wests Tigers to his fourth premiership in 2005.
"You see the team run on, you see the name of the player, you say he's a good player and he should perform.
"You don't know that he's carrying an injury or what he's experiencing elsewhere in his life. Last week, I had Bryce Gibbs in hospital all night with his wife and baby because their child was sick. I had guys with issues leading right up to game time.
"These are things that nobody else sees but the coach. Some coaches get dragged into it, get bitter and start spitting at people who say things about them. Nothing's fair."
When Anderson resigned from the Roosters at 7.30pm on Monday, one of his first remarks was that coaching is a young man's game.
"I hope he doesn't spread that around too much or I'll be out of a job," Bennett says with a grin.
Sheens, who has coached more first-grade rugby league matches than anyone else, disagrees.
"My philosophy is you need to keep a young man's attitude and not get caught up in the cynicism of life," he says. "Where you were dudded, why this official said this, why this director said that - if you get caught up in that, you age very quickly.
"A young man gets on with it, doesn't let the politics of the business get you down, which happens as you get older."
There are other ways of dealing with it, of course. Shrinks. Drink. God. And perspective.
When Anderson started feeling sharp pains in his chest in the first half of the third Test of the 2001 Kangaroos tour in Great Britain, his chief concern was making it to half-time. As ambulance officers carried him out of the rooms on a stretcher at the break, he looked at one of the trainers and said: "If I see Jason Stevens kicking the ball like that when I coach Cronulla next year, I'll cut his legs off."
Bennett laughs. "Ten out of 10 to Anderson for admitting it wasn't worth it any more and walking away. Sometimes you have to realise that it's only a game."
And a fickle one. A year after his mother-in-law told him to give it away, Bennett coached Souths to a 10-8 grand final win - against Wynnum Manly. The Sun-Herald
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Catalans Dragons 20-22 Hull KR
EXPERIENCE THE NRL GRAND FINAL - September 30th, Telstra Stadium. Click here for details
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Freddy achieves instant results "Freddy, Freddy, Freddy, Freddy" the crowd chanted long and hard as the Sydney Roosters celebrated their finest performance of the NRL season.
Dog of a night as Mason injured Penrith has ended a horror five-match NRL losing streak by upsetting an injury-ravaged Bulldogs 30-20 at Telstra Stadium.
Lockyer out for the season Darren Lockyer's NRL season is over and so may be Brisbane Broncos' premiership defence.
Johns wraps up Wallabies role Retired rugby league great Andrew Johns put his final stamp on the Australia rugby union team yesterday as the ARU went cold on plans to involve him as a World Cup consultant.
Sea Eagles bear their talons Manly has made a mockery of claims it is the most overrated team in the NRL, crushing fellow competition high-flyer Wests Tigers 34-4 at Brookvale Oval.
Panthers hold onto young gun Penrith has ended another troubling week on a positive note after re-signing promising back Geoff Daniela.
Sea Eagle King out after surgery Manly prop Jason King has been ruled out for up to six weeks after opting to undergo surgery on his knee.
Cronk return to focus Storm Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy will look to returning halfback Cooper Cronk to address the Storm's perceived weaknesses ahead of its Monday night clash with Newcastle.
Read more Foxsport News
EXPERIENCE THE NRL GRAND FINAL - September 30th, Telstra Stadium. Click here for details
If only Joe Clarke knew - Greg Davis
A shattered Wayne Bennett has spoken publicly for the first time about the death of former Bronco Joe Clarke, saying the troubled youngster's suicide should serve as a tragic warning for all Australian men.
Clarke took his own life last month, less than three weeks short of his 22nd birthday.
A former Junior Kiwi representative, Clarke was a popular and happy young man living the dream of being a professional footballer. For those closest to him, there was no indication he was in danger of joining an alarming set of statistics.
Suicide claims more people than road accidents in Australia with males outnumbering females by four to one. Men aged 25-44 make up about 40 per cent of all suicides.
Bennett is a "players' coach", the type of mentor who draws the best out of his charges by developing them as human beings first, rugby league players second.
More than one Bronco has talked about the master coach being like a "father figure", even giants of the game such as retired greats Shane Webcke and Gorden Tallis.
Most of Bennett's players come under his wing during their formative late-teenage years. His influence impacts on them, but it also means a massive emotional investment on the coach's behalf as he watches them develop into men.
Learning of Clarke's death cut Bennett deeply, because it was a passing from within that Broncos "family".
"The thing is, they are still normal blokes," Bennett said. "They just happen to play football for a living.
"Just because they have the ability to play football it doesn't change the fact they are normal young men. They fight all the same battles that everybody else fights.
"A lot of people are doing it, they are not even football players. The issue is that he was a young man who was no different to other young men.
"This is a huge problem in our society, especially amongst young people, and it's hard to know what to do to help them sometimes.
"I know as a club how socially responsible we are. I can't talk about the game but I know us and the big thing in our club is the friendships amongst the players.
"You want them to all feel that they have someone to turn to but obviously in Joe's case he didn't feel he could do that.
"He has some wonderful friends here and was very close to a number of blokes. He lived with some of the guys for long periods and had wonderful relationships with them.
"He gave no signs at all that he was in trouble. Sometimes you just can't do any more as a code, as a club or as mates because there just aren't any signs.
"I don't know what else we could have done for Joe.
"It completely shocked us. Nobody could believe what happened but we have talked about it and tried to get on with things as best we can."
Bennett, the majority of the Queensland State of Origin team and a host of former Broncos players, staff and supporters attended an emotional memorial service for Clarke in Brisbane two weeks ago.
He was buried in his native New Zealand last Saturday with Broncos players Sam Thaiday, John Te Reo and Ian Lacey in attendance.
Bennett said the outpouring of emotion at the moving memorial service on the eve of Origin III showed how much of a support network Clarke had at his disposal.
"As somebody said to me at the end of the service, if he (Clarke) realised he had so many friends he might not have done what he did.
"But people don't always realise that because they are not thinking rationally at that point in time, which is the issue.
"Nobody was asked to go, they were told it was on and just all turned up in great numbers . It was important for us all to be there and say our last farewells because he was a wonderful kid."
Clarke left the Broncos at the end of last year after three years there to join the Cowboys on a two-year deal.
He was included in the club's 25-man NRL squad and started the season with the Young Guns in the Queensland Cup. He found it difficult to settle in Townsville and ended up playing for the Charters Towers Miners in the local competition.
North Queensland and Clarke mutually agreed to a release in May and he returned to Brisbane, where he signed with Broncos feeder club Wynnum Manly.
Cowboys chief executive Peter Parr said the club was rocked by the news of Clarke's death.
"It was a real tragedy. I didn't know him as well as others up here but I always found him to be a really good bloke, very polite, very respectful and very good company," Parr said.
"By his own acknowledgement, he wasn't able to settle in up here and that's fair enough, that happens to a lot of young blokes who move to a new town and a new football club.
"He's not the first guy to go through that and won't be the last. We worked very hard with his manager to relocate him back to Brisbane. We fully expected him to kick on with his football career and he had our very best wishes too because he was a very decent young man who caused no trouble whatsoever.
"Sometimes there's no real signs to what's about to happen. Joe seemed like a young man who didn't settle in to his new environment - nothing more, nothing less. That's why people up here were so shocked to hear the news."
Parr agreed with Bennett that rugby league clubs were doing the best they could to provide a safety net for players - but it could never be foolproof.
"They (the players) are young people, they are young men, who are no different to other young people in our society who go through highs and lows, peaks and troughs," Parr said.
"I think the game is better equipped now than it has been to help." Sunday Mail
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Preparing for a finals fling With eight weekends (including this one) of football left before the all-important finals series, it's interesting to compare this year with last.
Keeping Crowe behind the scenes proves a real test for Taylor How do you tell Russell Crowe to go away? How do you tell a Hollywood heavyweight to mind his own business?
I'll lead from the front with Lockyer gone: Civoniceva Petero Civoniceva has volunteered to take over the Broncos captaincy after a shattered Darren Lockyer discovered last night that a knee injury will end his season.
What I love about the game On a recent Kangaroos tour, Wayne Bennett said something that stuck in my head. He reckoned that the wives and girlfriends of football players will never truly understand why we're so close to our teammates.
Meet the Class of '07 headed for top South Sydney's Issac Luke is one of several rookies emerging as the game's next big names, writes Adrian Proszenko.
Leeds hail McClennan signing Leeds Rhinos have trumpeted Brian McClennan's signing, labelling the New Zealander the perfect candidate to replace Tony Smith next season.
Arko calls for action over mass exodus FORMER NRL powerbroker Ken Arthurson has urged the Australian Rugby League to do something about the player exodus to England.
Elias lauds man he elected not to mentor When Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy bumped into former Australian hooker Benny Elias he immediately saw an opportunity. Read more SMH
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GRAND FINAL 2007 - GRAND FINAL EXPERIENCE TOUR
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!
GRAND FINAL 2007 - GRAND FINAL EXPERIENCE TOUR
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.
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
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
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
3.5twin share 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
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
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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
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