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Good morning from Queensland's Gold Coast - Friday 25th
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Ivanhoe Knights 85th Year Reunion Week-end The Historic Ivanhoe Knights Rugby League Club will be celebrating its 85th Birthday over the Queens Birthday Week-end in 2008. The club which was originally established as the Kia-Ora Club in 1923 changed its name to Ivanhoes the following season plans to hold a Gala Dinner on Saturday 7th June (venue to be decided) and will follow this with a huge family fun day on Sunday the 8th out at the clubs headquarters in Smithfield.
On the Sunday, the Knights will take on their old nemesis Cairns Brothers in all three senior grades and everyone can expect a great day of top class rugby league .
Anyone wishing to find out more information about any of the events or who may have memorabilia to display can please contact Bryan Kennedy at bryan.kennedy@... or Robyn Chisholm 0408784322
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New Zealand Rugby League to name new coach - The New Zealand Rugby League is aiming to have something to say about its new Kiwis coach next week.
The League is in the throes of replacing Gary Kemble who resigned last weekend and chairman, Ray Haffenden, says they hope to have something definite to say next week.
The NZRL's football department has been charged with identifying candidates and have been given a broader base to work from with the dumping of the New Zealand residency rule. NZ Radio
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Rabbitohs preach rugby league gospel one word at a time By Josh Massoud - some Americans think the Rabbitohs are an airline. Some think they are professional wrestlers. And others, well, they don't think at all. "They just never shut up," observed Souths half Eddie Paea. "You say 'Hi', and they go on and on and on. You can't get a word in."
Rabbitohs owners Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court will be satisfied if they can just do that before their team leaves Jacksonville, Florida. Get a word in.
Souths are up against much more than ignorance to export rugby league from Redfern to America. They are up against pure noise; a nationwide din of franchises, advertising, malls and chest-thumping patriotism.
Like the sand in front of the team's hotel, America's knowledge of league - and many other things across the Pacific - is white. Nothing. Zilch.
Souths media man Jeremy Monahan had to convince locals they are not burly representatives of an Australian airline. Not once, but twice.
Paea, the 19-year-old from Mascot on his first trip to the States, confessed players had found only one way to escape the perplexed frowns and quizzical looks.
"We just say we're Russell Crowe's team," Paea laughed. "Most of them know who he is, but beyond that they don't understand what we are doing."
Yesterday, Souths and Leeds, their opponents for the Australia Day exhibition match, held a media conference in the plaza. Three local TV crews and four newspaper reporters showed up.
Jacksonville radio station 1010XL also broadcast on-site. It helped, they said, that there was no NFL scheduled for this weekend, which marks the annual calm before the Super Bowl XLII storm in nine days.
The previous night, Crowe planted former Souths star Mark Carroll in the audience of NBC's widely watched Jay Leno show.
When Leno "randomly" selected Carroll from the crowd, the ex-international stood up in a bunnies jersey and spruiked the game to about six million viewers. Read more Daily Telegraph
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Bluey says he'll never coach Kiwis again - Brian McClennan is now coaching Leeds in the British Super League. Former Kiwis coach Brian McClennan has doused any thoughts of a comeback, insisting he will never work for the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) again. Despite guiding the Kiwis to the 2005 Tri-Nations title and an extra time defeat in the epic 2006 final against Australia, McClennan was dumped last year when he signed with English club Leeds.
He lost the job when the NZRL invoked the rule that the coach must live in New Zealand.
Ironically, NZRL chairman Ray Haffenden confirmed last weekend that the residency rule had been scrapped, clearing the way for talks with Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett to succeed Gary Kemble.
McClennan, in Jacksonville, Florida preparing Leeds for their exhibition match against South Sydney on Sunday, said he wasn't interested in any role with the Kiwis.
"As far as I'm concerned, I will never work for the NZRL again," he told the Daily Telegraph newspaper.
"I'm a Leeds man now. This is what I want to concentrate on, this is where I want to be."
Kiwis winger Tame Tupou, who has played under McClennan with the Kiwis and Bennett with the Broncos, yesterday added his voice to the debate.
"With this new rule, I see no reason why they can't bring back Bluey," Tupou told NZPA.
"It'll be good having a New Zealander and I know how hard he's worked over the last few years to improve things on and off the field for New Zealand rugby league.
"He's really passionate about the game and especially New Zealand rugby league, and it's only fair to put someone in that position that's already done a lot of hard work to put New Zealand where they are these days.
"Knowing the success he's been through with some of the players, I think there would be a lot of happy people to see him back."
Former Kiwis captain Stephen Kearney has remained silent on reports he is poised to become Bennett's assistant, but said last week he was staggered the NZRL cut McClennan loose.
"The guy that took them to a tri-series win, I can't see what was wrong with him," Kearney said.
NZRL director of football Graham Lowe this week said McClennan didn't feature on the radar for a recall.
He said Bennett, the former Queensland and Kangaroos coach, was in a different league.
"With due respect to Brian...now that we're talking about Wayne Bennett, we're talking about something totally different. It's as simple as that," Lowe told Radio Sport.
"Once we've done a bit of work in the background and got something to put to Wayne, that's what Ray Haffenden will do.
"If Wayne's available and wants to do it, he'll be offered the job."
There was still no news on the coaching front today, with Haffenden reportedly set to fly to Brisbane this week to meet with Bennett and table a formal offer.
Kemble resigned last Saturday after senior players Roy Asotasi and David Kidwell publicly stated he was out of his depth at test level. Read more NZ Herald
Tame Tupou backs Brian McClennan return for Kiwis - Controversial former Brisbane winger Tame Tupou has urged the New Zealand Rugby League to consider re-appointing Brian McClennan as Kiwis coach rather than handing the reins to Wayne Bennett. Tupou was brought into first-grade by Bennett at the Broncos in 2004 and was handed his Kiwis debut in the 2006 Anzac Test by McClennan.
But Bennett also dropped the 25-year-old for the 2006 NRL grand final and later released him from the Broncos.
Now with Bradford, Tupou acknowledges six-time NRL premiership-winning coach Bennett is probably the best in the game, but believes McClennan should be welcomed back after leading the Kiwis to Tri-Nations glory in 2005.
McClennan took over the Leeds Rhinos last year and was forced to relinquish the Kiwis job due to the "Gary Freeman rule", which stipulated the national coach must live in New Zealand, but that rule has now been abolished.
"With this new rule, I see no reason why they can't bring back Bluey (McClennan)," Tupou told NZPA.
"It'll be good having a New Zealander and I know how hard he's worked over the last few years to improve things on and off the field for New Zealand rugby league.
"He's really passionate about the game and especially New Zealand rugby league and it's only fair to put someone in that position that's already done a lot of hard work to put New Zealand where they are these days.
"Knowing the success he's been through with some of the players, I think there would be a lot of happy people to see him back.
"But, whoever it is, we've got to respect them as a coach and go along with whatever they believe in."
Bennett is almost certain to succeed Gary Kemble, who resigned last week after losing the support of key senior players.
Bennett, 58, impressed NZRL officials after being invited to coach the All Golds at the start of last year's ill-fated European tour.
The legendary Australian is in negotiations with the NZRL over a permanent position.
Despite his history with Bennett, Tupou said the legendary Australian would be a successful appointment.
"My time with the Broncos was memorable and you can't get anyone in the same category as Wayne Bennett," he said.
"Wayne Bennett's Wayne Bennett and what he's achieved speaks for itself.
"I was really happy to go into camp with the All Golds and really excited knowing that Wayne would be coach for training and the game.
"That sort of coach would do well with any team, including New Zealand."
Tupou found himself in the headlines again last week when it emerged he had been sent home from last year's European tour in the build-up to New Zealand's Test against France after a late night alcohol-fuelled incident. Read more League HQ
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David Stagg to put shoulder to the wheel soon - Brisbane utility David Stagg is not about to change the one thing that earned him a place in the Broncos first grade side, his tackling.
Stagg's record-setting tackling exploits have resulted in successive reconstructions of the same shoulder, but as he prepares to make a comeback in the Bronco's pre-season trials, he has no thoughts of changing his technique or cutting back on his prolific work rate.
He's been back doing "controlled contact" work for a fortnight and will put his shoulder to the wheel next week in the hope of being selected for one or more of Brisbane's three trial games before the club's NRL season opener against Penrith at Suncorp Stadium in March.
"I won't be changing my technique, that's the way I've always done it," said Stagg, who has set a number of club and premiership tackling records in recent seasons.
"It's a contact sport so it comes with the job.
"I just have to accept I may be a bit susceptible to shoulder problems with the tackling I do and make sure I keep and eye on it and do my extra shoulder exercises to keep on top of it.
"Tackling is a big part of my game and I'm not worried about the work load, that's what I do.
Stagg's latest surgery was in a different part of his shoulder to the first operation which stood up to the pounding last season.
"It was good in a sense that it wasn't the same part of the shoulder and that was fine in the scan," he said.
"This was a little more complex and more involved but I had the surgery earlier than the previous one so I'm aiming to be there for the first game of the season.
"Everything seems to be going well. I haven't had any hiccups during rehab.
"I plan on playing the trial matches and they're only a few weeks away so I'd hope to up the ante next week." Read more League HQ
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League's big birthday bash on NSW South Coast - For 100 years Australians have played and supported the great game of Rugby League. This year marks its 100th anniversary and Shoalhaven will be a part of the centenary celebrations in a big way. The Australian Rugby League has chosen the city as one of five areas in NSW to showcase its greatest players.
The regional celebration will be held at Nowra Showground on March 19 in honour of the many famous players who began their careers on the South Coast.
Every player from the South Coast who played for either NSW or Australia will be invited.
Some of the greatest players in the game include Bob Fulton AM, Graeme Langlands, Ron Coote AM, Craig Young, Mick Cronin and Steve Roach.
Australian Rugby League (ARL) chief executive officer Geoff Carr said the South Coast had played a vital role in developing the code over its 100-year history.
"The South Coast has a proud reputation of developing elite players as well as maintaining a vigorous competition," Mr Carr said.
"I encourage everyone who has had played a part in the game, whether it was dropping the kids off to training or coaching a local team, to get involved in the day and join in the centenary celebrations."
Mayor Greg Watson said it would be a delight to see many famous League players return to Nowra for an event that will honour the game and the local development of some of the best players in Australia.
"The South Coast has seen many past and present champions in this sport and will continue to see many more champion players in the future," he said.
"The number of young players who are playing locally with their eyes on national and international targets is enjoyable and provides many of the regional games with added impact."
More than 8000 children are expected to take part in the largest skills clinic in the history of the game to be held as part of the event.
Rugby League legends will also be in the South Nowra Harvey Norman store on the day to sign autographs.
The store will host the regional exhibition that will include some of the game's treasures, running from March 5-19.
It will include rare photographs, jerseys, the Telstra Premiership trophy and a recollection of the history of Rugby League on the South Coast.
The free celebrations will kick off at Nowra Showground from 4pm and feature Lee Kernaghan performing live, jumping castles, rides, face painting plus a chance to meet the greatest rugby league players the region has produced.
The day will end with a game between Shoalhaven and Gerringong at 7pm. Southcoast Register
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Central Qld, Wide Bay teams to meet in carnival prelude - Central Queensland's junior rugby league stars are being offered another opportunity press their claims for a representative jersey under a new competition. An initiative of Wide Bay rugby league and Central Queensland rugby league, the best under-16 and under-18 players from each region will come up against each other in an eight-team round-robin competition. Central division manager Shaun Kelly said it was a great opportunity to further prepare the junior stars for the state carnival, to be held at Proserpine in May. Mackay Mercury
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Hooker Ian Henderson with new tricks for NZ Warriors By Peter Jessup - Ian Henderson is a cocky bloke - likeable, with a ready smile and a solid belief in his own abilities as a professional league player. Asked what he thought he would bring to the team, the new hooker looks around at his teammates at Warriors training and says: "All these blokes are going to give me heaps when I say this, but yeah, I do think I have something extra to offer them. I have my own style and it's a little bit unorthodox. I can bring another dimension. I believe I have got the game-breaking plays."
The 24-year-old Henderson will take up the dummy-half interchange role previously filled by the 30-year-old George Gatis. He is slightly bigger than Gatis and a bit quicker off the mark according to the coaching staff. He's on a two-year contract but if that works out well for both parties he clearly has the opportunity to stay on as Nathan Fien, at 28, moves on towards the tail of his career.
Henderson says he relies on strength and power a lot and they'll be valuable assets in and around the NRL ruck.
His family moved from England to Sydney when he was 8 and he started his league career in Campbelltown. He was picked up by the Roosters in 2003 and played seven games for them over two seasons. "That's where the association with the Warriors came from, through [former Roosters assistant coach] Ivan Cleary," he says.
In 2005 Henderson was at the Eels, behind P.J. Marsh, when the club signed Mark Riddell. With his immediate playing prospects stymied, he signed for the Bradford Bulls in Super League.
He was an instant hit back in the land of his birth and played 70 games over a season and a half.
But a desire to return to the NRL brought Henderson south again to a contract with the Warriors. "Growing up in Australia, the NRL was always the goal. I have always seen it as the peak in the game and I want to challenge myself. I also wanted the opportunity to get more game time."
Then there's the better lifestyle. Henderson's parents are now living at Terrigal on the Central Coast north of Sydney. He's a keen surfer and snowboarder, though the latter is now on hold.
He's finding the Warriors a fun team, the players hard-working and intense at training, relaxed and inclusive away from it. Pre-season has been much as it would be with Super League sides. "Maybe there are a few more fitness sessions." The run at Bethells Beach he remembers well: "There is no easy part of a two-hour session on the dunes at Bethells."
Henderson's father is Scottish and last year he was called up to the national side, along with brothers Kevin (28) and Andy (27) who are at Castleford and Wakefield Trinity respectively. The trio hope to play together in this year's World Cup.
All Warriors squad members are in full training now, all injury rehab successful. They have picked up a giant in former St Paul's College player Toleafoa Leaupepe, who is unfortunately just weeks over the age limit for the new under-20s side. He is training with the top team along with other prospects who will appear for the Auckland Lions.
* IAN HENDERSON
* Born 23/4/1983 in Torquay, England
* Raised in Australia from age 8, played for Campbelltown juniors
* 175cm 92kg hooker
* Roosters 2003-04, 7 games, 1 try
* Eels to 2004-2005 0 games
* Bradford Bulls mid-2006-07 70 games Read more NZ Herald
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"Matthew & Andrew Johns "Brothers in Arms" - 2008 is the Centenary of Rugby League in Australia and RockSolid Sports is proud to kick off the year with a luncheon featuring two of the most famous Brothers in the games history.
Plaza Terrace Room
Brisbane Convention Centre
12 noon Friday 29th February 2008
Matthew & Andrew Johns will tell it as it is. This is an event not to be missed.
David Fordham will MC the luncheon which will include an in depth interview with the Johns Brothers giving us an incite into to their lives growing up, their football careers and life after football.
There will also be a special guest appearance by Reg Reagan and the afternoon will include a Major Auction featuring personalised sports memorabilia.
Tables and Tickets are available now so be quick, as this event will sell out.
Tables range from $1300 for a table of ten(10) or $130.00 for a single ticket.
Tickets are available by contacting Mark Rockley on 0412 885 805.
It's an ideal way to kick of the Rugby League season so treat your staff or your clients to a great event with plenty of fun and entertainment on offer.
Please feel free to forward on to your contact or contact me for further information about Tickets and Tables
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BULLS ARE "BULLISH" IN THE COMMUNITY - The Bradford Bulls Linktelecom & Sportsmatch sponsored Community Development Team are all set for the start of the new Super League XIII Season with a full year of planned activities.
Already in the pipeline from game day activities right the way through to specialised activity sessions such as last years successful collaborative programme with Bradford Council Sports and Leisure Department and the PCT called "Prop Idol".
Which saw the Bulls Foundation and Development Team come together to provide education and positive interventions and activities which are fun and enjoyable for children in the borough that are or potentially are at risk of becoming overweight.
This season will see the Bulls Community Development Team step up their Linktelecom half time Mini League games with the addition of another two teams adding into the game day mix.
This mean's that fans will be treated to watching 4 teams playing during the half time break which always proves very entertaining.
The Bulls fully appreciate the work that our amateur clubs put in year in year out and want to try and reward every one of our local teams with the potential to be able to take centre stage during our match day extravaganzas and advertise their club contacts in our match day magazine.
This change in structure will also be complemented with each Bradford side that participates hopefully competing against an amateur club from the main games visiting Super League side's area.
The Bradford and Keighley Service Area amateur teams will also be treated to a special Junior Connection Season ticket day here at The Grattan Stadium on the 26th January where they will get the opportunity to meet the Bulls 2008 first team squad and also cash back being offered to each individual amateur club for each Junior Ticket sold.
The 24th January also sees the Bulls undertake their "Bulls Blitz" programmes in the areas local schools. Last year saw the Bulls first team players come into contact with in excess of 30,000 school children during their visits in 2007.
Dave Gibbons, Community Development Manager for the Bradford Bulls said, "Last years "Blitz" events were such a huge success that Steve McNamara and I were extremely keen to repeat them.
"The events saw first team players such as Glen Morrison, Andy Lynch, Joe Vagana and the rest of the 2007 squad coming into contact with Primary school children within the area in fun and informative assemblies.
"The children were given the opportunity to ask players questions about topics such as education, healthy living and goals for the future and also compete against children in some novel and very funny activities competing against the children.
"The events were just fantastic and we have extended our provision this year into other key areas where our supporters also reside such as Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike, Liversage, Brighouse as well as continuing our work within all of the inner city schools.
"I know both the Community Development Department and the players are really looking forward to undertaking these events again. These start this week and run right through to the start of the season and our first home game against the Huddersfield Giants on the 16th February as well as other planned "Blitz's throughout the season."
Another huge success for the Development team last year was the Junior Bulls Membership club and this has already picked up pace in 2008.
"Since October 2007 we have doubled our membership" said Margaret Gibbons, Junior Bulls Coordinator. "we also have a new sponsor coming on board this season to support the Junior Bulls activity club meeting's and our Gold Package membership scheme which is available for just £20 is also going extremely well with new members taking up and also renewing this package on a daily basis".
Margaret continued, "This year we are also going to make every primary school child we come into contact with, a Junior Bulls Member completely FREE of charge through our Community Teams activities with them".
During 2007 the Bulls had been extremely pro active within the local community with their B-linked project in the local Primary schools and in 2008 the Bulls are planning to be even better.
Dave Gibbons said: "We have many new ideas and initiatives being discussed on a daily basis with new partners coming on board to work with us all the time. 2008 really promises to be an exciting year for us in the Department with some of these ideas and projects coming to fruition.
"There is currently an awful lot of work going on behind the scenes from our Heritage Project right through to the PFS Centre to try and make sure that in 2008 we are not just the best on the field but we are best off it as well." Bradford bulls Online
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Biggest gathering of NRL stars and fans - The countdown is on to the biggest gathering of NRL stars and fans in Rugby League history at ANZ Stadium on Saturday, February 2. The Harvey Norman Centenary of Rugby League Fan Day is a once-in-a-century chance for fans to meet NRL stars from every club at the same time.
The sharpshooting contest, once a feature of the Dally Messenger era, will come to life again with the best kickers in the game headlining a list of activities that takes in coaching clinics, autograph sessions, the largest NRL players photo in history and the chance to kick the footy with friends on ANZ Stadium.
As off-season training takes on a whole new dimension with the Centenary season just weeks away, Bulldogs players have soaked up the prospect of Rugby League's big day out.
"It's never been done before having 400 players at the one place so fan day is going to be massive," Bulldogs captain Andrew Ryan said.
"I think it is going to be a great experience for all the fans that go along and I think there will be a really good turn out.
"There are some massive events on right throughout the year, for me personally there are some events in Dubbo and in the country areas, and I think that is a great thing for fans."
Bulldogs team-mate Jarrad Hickey said fan day will be an exciting event for players and fans alike.
"Fan day is going to be one of the biggest and most exciting events on the NRL calendar and it's great to be a part of it," Hickey said.
"It's going to be unbelievable. The NRL is such a big part of a lot of Australian families and to be a part of the 100 years of Rugby League is going to be awesome."
Fans must register to be part of the fun.
To register, log on to www.nrl.com/fanday or ring the registration line on 02 9339 8550. An overview of activities on the day is also on the website.
Club membership, NRL merchandise marquees and registration booths for individual activities will be open from 12pm on the day between Gates G and H.
A gold coin donation to benefit Rugby League's One Community charities will be collected on entry.
Information on One Community's charity projects is available on www.rugbyleague.com.au/onecommunity
ANZ Stadium gates open at 1.30pm with activities running from 2.30pm-5pm. NRL Online
Iestyn Harris linked with Bridgend-based Celtic Crusaders - Iestyn Harris says he is happy to be linked with a possible return to Wales with Bridgend-based rugby league side Celtic Crusaders. The dual-code international has been mentioned in connection with a move if the Welsh club get the nod to enter Super League in 2009. The Crusaders play a pre-season friendly against Harlequins RL, who include former England union star Henry Paul in their ranks, at the Brewery Field this Saturday (5.30).
Harris, the former Leeds Rhinos and Cardiff Blues player who won 25 caps in union and played in the 2003 World Cup, is happy to be linked with the Crusaders and believes a Super League presence in South Wales is long overdue.
"It's been spoken about but I've not had any conversations with anybody from there," he said. "It's certainly something that would be appealing.
"It's a massive coup for rugby league that a Welsh team could be in Super League. I thought they missed a massive opportunity after the World Cup in 1995 to get a team there.
"It's just been treading water since then so this is a massive opportunity for Wales and Welsh rugby league and to be involved in that would be interesting.
"I know a lot of people from living there for four years and there is a passion for rugby league in Wales.
"Initially it would create great interest but there would have to be Welsh players playing in it. I don't think it would be any good putting 25 Australians in there and calling it a Welsh team. That's not going to work.
"If they do it right, I think it could take off massively."
Harris intends to make this season the most enjoyable yet - in case it turns out to be his last.
The Bradford stand-off is out of contract at the end of the year and, coming up to his 32nd birthday, concedes that it could be time to hang up his boots.
"I want a big year," he said. "I want to enjoy the year more than anything else in case it is my last year.
"I'll see where I'm at in June or July but, whether I play 10 games, 20 games or every game, I'm going to enjoy the games that I do play."
Harris, who returned to rugby league in the summer of 2004, is facing a battle for the Bradford stand-off role this year from new signing Ben Jeffries and that is something he welcomes.
"If you're not fully fit, you get to have a rest; if you're not performing, you don't play. I think it's important for a team that is going to look to go all the way to have that competition.
"If I'm playing well enough, I'll be there, if not I've got to strive to get there." Swansea.co.uk
Appreciation society for rugby league on the cards - Martin Birmingham is a man who is absolutely passionate about rugby league - in fact, so much so that he wants to start a rugby league appreciation group in the Helderberg. Martin, who is himself a former rugby league player, hails from England and has been coming to South Africa and Somerset West, where he stays for about six months of the year, for the last 18 years.
He says he played rugby league in the UK, France, Australia and New Zealand for about 19 seasons and still has connections with several overseas rugby league clubs such as the Leeds Rhinos and Brisbane Broncos.
"I thought it may be a good idea to see if anyone else in the Helderberg area was interested in rugby league and in watching overseas league matches on DVD somewhere together. "If it takes off and the interest here grows, we may even be able to stage exhibition matches and hold clinics. Who knows?"
According to Martin, South Africa is the only rugby union country in the world that does not play rugby league as well.
He added that he also found it strange that there was no TV coverage of the sport in this country either.
"I think that the type of rugby that Western Province and the Stormers play would serve them well in rugby league and it would be interesting to see how they would adapt to this code.
"It has never really been tried in South Africa and I believe that many South African clubs could benefit from the game, especially defence wise. I think that if South Africans took to the game in a big way, they would do very well."
He said that some of the differences between the two codes are: there are 13 players in rugby league, the numbering of the players is different, the scrums worked in a 3-2-1 configuration, there is no rucking and mauling, four points were awarded for a try, two for a penalty, two for a conversion and one for a point.
Also there is the six tackle rule which means that if the opposition is tackled six times they must give possession of the ball to their opponents.
Martin explained that the game originated as a working class game in Yorkshire in 1895 and still today has very traditional and rich club traditions in this area.
He says the game is still huge in Northern England and has a massive following with TV networks giving it a lot of coverage. The game moved to Australia in 1907 and to New Zealand shortly afterwards.
"The biggest TV games are the state of origin series and the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final at Wembley," he says.
To find out more about rugby league check out the following websites: world of rlcm.com.au , NRL.com and SARL.com.
If anyone is interested in watching rugby league DVD's with Martin or starting a Rugby League Appreciation Society, phone him on 076 471 7563.
Global event, local goals - The Axemen hope the Rabbitohs-Rhinos game brings them attention. By FRANCINE KING, The Times-Union - The co-owner of the Jacksonville Axemen Rugby League team has been instrumental in organizing Saturday afternoon's Australia Day Challenge, an exhibition game between Australia's South Sydney Rabbitohs and England's Leeds Rhinos at the University of North Florida.
Last August, Howland decided that to make the event a success, he would have to go all in. He quit his job as an Outback Steakhouse marketing manager and began working full time to promote and organize the game.
"I hope that the gamble has paid off," the native Australian said. "I honestly think it will. So far, so good."
Howland and business partner Drew Slover have yet to reap any profits from the Axemen, but they hope this is the breakthrough year for their young team, which will start its third season next summer. That's one reason Howland staked so much on the Rabbitohs-Rhinos exhibition game - and the lasting benefits it could produce.
The exposure of a match between two top-caliber international teams - one of which (South Sydney) is co-owned by Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe - certainly couldn't hurt.
"Whether it's because of Russell Crowe, or whether it's because of the event - we're now going to have 10,000 people be here and see Rugby League," Howland said. "And I would imagine a percentage of those people are going to go, 'Wow, that's cool. Where do I go to watch that locally?' And the only option is the Axemen."
Howland, who also coaches the Axemen, said his team currently averages crowds of approximately 2,000 at UNF's Hodges Stadium.
Rabbitohs co-owner Peter Holmes a Court expects that number will rise after Saturday's game, which he said was sold at 75 percent capacity as of Wednesday morning.
"We're hoping that they leave here and say, 'We are excited about Rugby League. We're going to come out and see the Axemen play,' and hopefully, the game grows and grows as a result," he said. "The toughest professional sport in the world is a great thing to bring to America."
Naturally, adding to their crowds would make the Axemen a more attractive option for sponsors. Howland said in early February - after everyone has had a chance to catch their breath from planning the exhibition game - the Axemen will start to assess the sponsorship opportunities the event might have created for them.
But for now, it's all about attracting support for this weekend's game - and hoping the idea of Rugby League catches on with spectators.
"I'm sure they'll be Axemen fans by the end of the game, because it really is a fan-friendly sport," Axemen player Bob Knoepfel said. "It's fun to watch. It's something different, and it's pretty easy to understand. It's perfect for American sporting culture."
Knoepfel is one of three Axemen who has been allowed to practice with the Rabbitohs during their 10-day training camp leading up to the game. He said he took a vacation from work to participate with the team because it's a "once-in-a-lifetime experience."
"To see these guys out here running on the same pitch we train on is poetry in motion," Knoepfel said. "This is the way it's done right."
The Axemen who joined the practices said South Sydney's training sessions were run similar to their own - only in fast forward.
"It's a lot more fast-paced and rigorous," Apple Pope said. "They just don't stop - one thing after another."
Howland equated the difference between the Axemen and Rabbitohs to the disparity between high school football and the NFL, so having some of his players learn from the sports' top-tier athletes has been a real treat.
"Contracts are on the line here [for the Rabbitohs]," Howland said. "It's very serious. And for [Souths coach Jason Taylor] to say, 'Look, you can put three of your boys in here and let them sort of run on the coattails,' it's a pretty big thing for him to approve. I can't be grateful enough for that."
Howland said Taylor sees the cross training as a way to help develop Rugby League in the U.S. And Howland would like nothing more than to build support for the sport he loves.
"Look, Drew and I own a Rugby League team," he said. "Some guys love boats. Some blokes own speedboats, and on the weekend, they get to say, 'Hey, mate, look at my speedboat, how fast it goes.' I get to take my Rugby League team out and say, 'Guys, hey, look at my Rugby League team.' Everyone has a passion."
Howland is betting that his passion is contagious. jacksonville.com
Stanley Gene keen to carry on - Stanley Gene insists he has no plans to retire from rugby league, declaring he's not at Hull KR this year just to "make the numbers up". The Papua New Guinea international has been granted a testimonial by the Rugby Football League as a reward for his 10 years of service to the game.
The Robins will take on Castleford this Sunday at Craven Park for Gene, who has also enjoyed spells at Huddersfield, Bradford and Rovers' city rivals Hull FC.
However, 2008 is not likely to be the 33-year-old's final year as he wants to prove to coach Justin Morgan that he's worth a new deal when his current one expires at the end of the season.
"The word testimonial comes with the word retirement but why would I want to retire?," he said.
"It's a hobby to me. I'll play until I feel I am not putting 120 percent on the field.
"I'm not here to make the numbers up. I want to get on the field and challenge the young kids, play better than them so they can try and play better than me. I'm definitely looking for another contract.
"When I joined the club back in '96 they were in the second division and I've seen good and bad times.
"Coming back here and playing in the first year in Super League was great. There's more to come and I want to be a part of it."
Special place
Gene admits it will be an emotional experience this weekend when he runs out for the Robins in their only warm-up match before the start of the new Super League season.
"I can't wait for Sunday," he added. "When I run onto the field and see the crowd it will hit me. It will be a very emotional day for me and my family.
"Throughout my career the supporters have always been superb at whatever club I have played for but the Rovers fans will always hold a special place in my heart and I will always consider Craven Park home."
Rovers start the new season with a trip to Headingley to take on defending champions Leeds Rhinos on February 2, live on Sky Sports. Sky Sports Online
York Knights fan set to face flak on Rhinos patrol By Peter Martini - local boy Danny Allan has extra incentive to play well against home-town club York City Knights on Sunday - mainly to avoid stick from his mates. The 18-year-old Headingley starlet will be in the Leeds Rhinos line-up for the pre-season friendly at Huntington Stadium.
And, with family, friends and old team-mates from his junior clubs likely to be in the crowd, he is eager to do well. Furthermore, he has a few mates on the opposing team. And he is a Knights fan.
"I know a few of the York players, like Ross Divorty and Tom Hodgson, and we're mates outside of rugby. Hopefully I'll do well against them and it will be a good game," he said.
"It will be good to play in front of the York fans. A lot of people watching will know me.
"The lads from my old club Heworth will be going. And I might get a bit of stick knowing my luck."
advertisementAs for supporting the Knights, he added: "I don't see them often because of my Leeds commitments, but I watch them now and again and I look out for the results and read about them in the paper."
Allan, who played junior rugby for both Heworth and New Earswick All Blacks amateur clubs, joined the Castleford Tigers scholarship aged 13, and signed for Leeds a couple of years later, after being picked up by Daryl Powell, the ex-Rhinos boss and Knights assistant-coach.
He has represented England at every age group from under-15s to under-18s, being part of the U18s squad the beat France Juniors last summer.
The former Archbishop Holgate School pupil, who lives off Stockton Lane in York, is now on a full-time deal with Leeds, and is progressing through the ranks at Headingley.
He began last season in the Rhinos U18s team that went on to win the junior academy title, but finished it in the U21s, who reached the senior academy grand final.
Allan is hoping to push for first-team recognition this year, and fine performances in Leeds' pre-season friendlies this winter have helped. He was man of the match as a young Leeds side thrashed Hunslet in the annual Lazenby Cup clash, and he also played for 20 minutes for the first team in their game against Wakefield.
He impressed at loose-forward in that match and, while he is predominantly a back-rower or centre, he will start Sunday's game at stand-off, "I've never played stand-off for Leeds. It will be a challenge, but I'm looking forward to it," said Allan, who will be part of a young Leeds line-up at Huntington Stadium, given the fact their first team are on a training camp in Florida where they will play an exhibition match against South Sydney on Saturday.
"It will be tough but, if we do the things we're told by the coach, it should be close. If we go away from the game-plan it might be a different story.
"We know what York will bring to us. Our coach, Willie Poching, watched their friendly against Wakefield and knows what they're like."
Super League regular Jamie Thackray will be the biggest name in the Leeds line-up. He was left out of the Florida party having been told he can leave the club.
Leeds Rhinos: Sheldrake, Jones-Bishop, Broughton, Watkins, Archibald, Allan, Brown, Jones, McShane, Thackray, Brown, Howey, Worrall, Hardbottle, Lawton, Fox, Elkington, Clarkson, Ely. The Press Online
Roosters can be top four: Mason - Star recruit Willie Mason has confidently declared the Sydney Roosters have the players to make the last four and press for the premiership in the 2008 NRL season. "Just a bit of luck, everybody playing well, we have everybody on the field at the same time, we'll finish in the top four," said Mason at a club centenary function at Sydney Football Stadium. Test prop Mason switched clubs in the off-season after falling out with Bulldogs management. Yahoo Online
Bradford Bull announce junior signings - Bradford Bulls have today announced the signing of four more junior players ahead of the 2008 season. Tom Lillycrop, a Prop Forward who is in the England Schools Squad, has joined the club from Drighlington and Josef Wardle, a Loose Forward / Stand Off, who has represented Yorkshire this year, has joined the club from Illingworth ARLFC. Both players are products of the Bulls Scholarship system.
The Bulls have also signed two more players from the successful Hunslet Warriors club. Adrian Raw is a Centre who has played for England Schools and Liam Kay is a Scrum Half who has represented Yorkshire this year. Both have previously been on the Leeds Rhinos Scholarship scheme.
Bulls Coach Steve McNamara is delighted with the quality of the four players and the compliment the five signings already announced
"I am absolutely delighted that we have managed to secure the signature of these very talented players. Josef Wardle is a really exciting signing for us.
"He is well developed physically and we have high aspirations for him. He can play at either Stand Off or Loose Forward and we think he will compliment the great pack that we have assembled. He has great potential and we feel he can develop and fill one of our half back roles in future years.
Tom Lillycrop is an England International and a Prop Forward who we have signed from Drighlington. He is as strong as an Ox and is one of those block busting type of Props. I am delighted they have come through our system and I am sure they will prove to be outstanding signings for us."
Steve is also delighted with the capture of two players who have been on Leeds Rhinos Scholarship.
"Liam Kay is a fantastic prospect. He is a Scrum Half and it is obviously an area where there is an opportunity at this club for someone to come through and put pressure on the players currently occupying that spot at a higher grade.
"I am really excited that we have persuaded him that his future lies here at the Grattan Stadium. The positions of Half Back and Outside Backs are areas where there are not too many outstanding junior players and we are delighted to have signed Liam and also his teammate Adrian Raw.
"Adrian is a tremendous finisher and a consistent finisher. He is very athletic with good hands and his signing is another major coup for us.
"We have worked very hard to secure the nine juniors singings that we have made and they will have every opportunity to come through the system here and I am confident they will serve this club well a long time." Bradford Bulls Online
Te Reo joins the Seagulls!! - The Seagulls have bolstered an already formidable playing roster with the inclusion of former Broncos player John Te Reo. Management representing Te Reo contacted the club last week to see if there was any interest and the deal was done very quickly. John is a high quality player having played several NRL games for the Broncos in 2007 and his utility value will be a great asset for us in 2008.
Both Te Reo and Ian Lacey were sacked by the Broncos late last year due an off field incident and both are keen to resurrect their NRL playing careers. Lacey recently signed with the Ipswich Jets and John was keen to find a club that would help him get back to the NRL.
The Seagulls have a good club structure and will support him through a difficult period. He is still young and has the ability to regain an opportunity at NRL level. Once an agreement was reached John was straight into training and has settled well into his new surroundings.
John was also a close friend of former Bronco and Seagulls player, Joe Clarke who passed away tragically last year. Joe spoke highly of our organisation and this was a big factor in John decision to join the club. Wynnumm Manly
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YOUR CHANCE TO PLAY BEARS LEGENDS AS NORTH SYDNEY CELEBRATES ITS 100TH BIRTHDAY - The North Sydney Bears would like to invite all rugby league supporters to join in the party of all party's on Sunday, February 10 as the club celebrates it 100th birthday with an Open Day at North Sydney Oval. And as an added incentive, some lucky fans will get the chance to take on some of the biggest legends to ever don the Bears' colours in a game of tag football. Check the Bears website for more details.
The Bears Centenary Challenge will pit former North Sydney stars such as Jason Taylor, Les Kiss, David Fairleigh, Michael Buettner, Matt Seers, Josh Stuart, Mark Cannon, Gavin Jones, David Peachey and Greg Florimo against a team of Red and Blacks fans.
"This is every Bears fan's dream", said North Sydney General Manager Greg Florimo.
"It's not often you get the chance to play a game of tag footy against your heroes, but for a handful of lucky supporters, that dream will become a reality on Sunday, February 10".
Mr. Florimo said the Bears Centenary Challenge was just one of a number of activities planned for the club's Open Day Birthday Bash.
"One of the highlights of the day will be the unveiling of a Commemorative Centenary plaque at the club's spiritual home of North Sydney Oval.
"The club has played there since 1910 and the plaque will act as a permanent reminder of the special link between the club and the ground.
"There'll also be an exhibition of Bears' memorabilia set up in the Oval's dressing sheds, which will be open to the public.
"There will also be a band, a pass-the-ball competition, and a jumping castle and face painting for the kids.
"Best of all, you'll get to mingle with some of the Bears best ever players, as well as other Bears fans; the best fans in rugby league".
Entry will be free with the festivities to start at 11am, and finish at around 3pm.
Mr. Florimo said the event was a fitting celebration of a remarkable milestone.
"Any organization which reaches its centenary must be doing something right and we intend to celebrate this milestone in style", Bears General Manager, Greg Florimo.
Media Contacts:
* Greg Florimo: General Manager - 0421 695 594
* Darren Flynn: Media Officer - 0418 595 954
* Steve Little: Media Officer - 0402 536 853
Foundation Facts..
The club was formed at a public meeting at the North Sydney School of Arts in Mount Street on February 7, 1908, making it one of 9 clubs to contest the game's first ever premiership later that year.
The club went on to win back-to back first grade titles in 1921-22 with what many consider the greatest backline in Rugby League history.
100 years on the Bears are still going strong having competed in the 2007 Premier League Grand Final and along with the other remaining foundation clubs, will mark the game's centenary with a series of events throughout the year.
The North Sydney District Rugby League Football Club can be contacted on 9466 8860, by e-mail at info@..., or check out our Bears website
SKOLARS AND QUINS LAUNCH LEAGUE IN THE CITY - London Skolars and Harlequins ensured that rugby league made a hugely successful first ever appearance in the City of London today with an outstanding event at the HAC Club's Artillery Gardens.
In front of a capacity sell-out crowd of 600, including 300 corporate guests including many major City powerhouses on a day when the stock market was in turmoil, Quins and Skolars put on an entertaining fixture won, predictably by the Super League side, 56-0.
Quins played some outstanding rugby league football in the opening period of both halves, racking up an 18-0 lead after just 13 minutes with tries by Scott Hill, Jon Grayshon and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, all three converted by Henry Paul.
Skolars held out for the next 10 minutes before Julien Rinaldi went over, Paul scoring the goal, but fantastic defence by Skolars kept the top flight stars at bay for another 15 minutes before youngster Will Sharp stepped through several tacklers to score just before half-time, fellow debutant Dylan Skee adding the goal.
Quins blasted Skolars away at the start of the second-half, Tony Clubb scoring an interception try on the left, then Ricki Sheriffe bagging two on the right, Skee kicking two more goals to make it 46-0 after just 49 minutes.
However, Skolars were not going to lie down. Ten more minutes elapsed before GB international Danny Orr went over - Chad Randall missing the kick - and in the final quarter, Skolars kept a clean sheet for all but the last minute when debutant Dwayne Barker scored from close range, Skee making it 56-0.
Although Quins were without several first team stars, they still fielded five full internationals and a host of experienced Super League players, while Skolars suffered in the absence of a handful of major players including four potential hookers, through work commitments.
There was a fine debut from emergency hooker Leigh-Tyler Nissen while Austen Aggrey looked dangerous in attack and Tane Taitoko and Corey Simms showed some fine scrambling defence.
New Skolars coach Tony Benson was pleased with his team's first outing, despite the scoreline: "I learned a lot about the players, how courageous they are in difficult situations. They showed a lot of heart against a top class team who exposed us, as expected. To last out 19 minutes at the end without conceding a point says a lot about our team."
Speaking about the club's role in an historic day for rugby league in the City, Benson commented, "It was awesome to be a part of history and an honour to be here. As soon as you walk in the place it was amazing. It was fantastic to play a Super League strength team, too. That will be a highlight of some our player's careers and a good experience. They realise where they are now and how much hard work there is to be done."
Skolars' next game is the Northern Rail Cup opener at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium on Friday 1 February.
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NRL venue change for Round Six - Telstra Premiership - The National Rugby League has detailed a change in venue for Round Six of the Telstra Premiership. The venue for the Broncos v Titans match will now be Skilled Stadium (previously scheduled at Suncorp Stadium) with the venue for the corresponding match in Round 24 between the two clubs now being Suncorp Stadium (previously scheduled as Skilled Stadium).
This change is due to scheduling restrictions at Suncorp Stadium during the Heritage Round weekend.
The full draw for Round Six will be released shortly.
Please also note that due to daylight-saving the kick-off time for the Broncos versus Panthers match at Suncorp Stadium in Round One is 1.00pm Brisbane time and 2.00pm AEST. The match will be telecast live nationally on Fox Sports. NRL Online
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Queensland's JRL officials put a stop to the shoulder charge Queensland's junior rugby league officials have done what few people in the game are capable of - halting Sonny Bill Williams in his tracks.
Or to be more correct, they have put a stop to the shoulder charge which Williams and others have made highlight-fodder at NRL level.
While the charge has been outlawed up to Under 15 level for several years under the ARL Safe Play Code, the defensive ploy has now been made illegal in all junior grades (Under 18s and below).
The Greater Brisbane Junior Rugby League has led the assault in this area, with the statewide application of the law in 2008 enforcing the long-held stance of local administrators and referees.
GBJRL Chairman Rex Klein is encouraged the banning of shoulder charges at all junior levels will also extend to schoolboy competitions and interstate representative fixtures.
"The game will be better for it. It's a lazy form of defence with potential to go wrong for both the defender and attacking player," Klein said.
"For us, the biggest challenge is getting the message out to all players, parents and supporters before the season commences. They need to know that what they see on the TV is now punishable at our level."
From the first whistle of the 2008 junior season shoulder charges will be met with a penalty against the offending team. Repeat offenders and high tacklers may also be sent from the field.
The blanket ban across Queensland comes as the State's 180 junior league clubs prepare for their annual Sign-On Days in early and mid February.
With an emphasis on protecting the player, the ARL Safe Play Code also guards participants against other illegalities such as jersey-slinging and tackling above armpit height.
A full list of Sign-On Days and club contacts is available at www.stingers.net.au
Last year Queensland fielded 2358 registered junior teams, with player numbers increasing 40 per cent in the Greater Brisbane region alone over the past five years (2007: 12,204 children / 2003: 8,820 children).
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RLCM Coachtalk Extract TODAYS coaching extract is on 'Captaincy' with Mark Coyne ex St George Captain it was written by Ashley Bradnam, Sports Writer, the article appeared in RLCM Book 11.. .................. Jack Gibson once said of captaincy, 'the job gives the man authority - but his behaviour earns him respect.'
The role of the captain is often overlooked by the coach, when searching for answers to a team's problems.
Sure, most people know the job is important, but how many coaches consider whether they have the right person in the job to begin with?
If the captain isn't performing his role to the best of his ability, there's a good chance the team's on field performance may also suffer.
So, what type of person makes a good captain?
Mark Coyne captained St George from 1994, and is regarded as a shining example of a leader who is capable of getting the best out of his players. According to Coyne there's three major criteria needed for the job."Respect, communication, and a willingness to lead by example,"
Lets start with respect. Coyne uses the word liberally when discussing the topic of captaincy. "Firstly, the captain needs the respect of his players.
"If your players don't respect you, they won't respect your decisions, and that may mean they won't follow them... This leads to on-field confusion, which obviously is never desirable".
But the captain must also have respect for his coach. The captain is the spokesman on behalf of the players, and a good relationship with the coach is critical, it lays the platform for open communication within the team unit. The same can be said where the referees are concerned."
This leads into the second point - communication.
Communication, is a two way process, it's not just talking, but listening as well. "You have to listen to the people who matter, your coach, your players, and make decisions based on what you learn from them.
"Effective communication starts at training, preparing for the game, so that everybody understands the team's objectives when on the field. If we receive a penalty, and our hooker spies an opening for quick tap, I should have already spoken to him about whether he should go for it or not.
"If he waits to talk to me about it in the game, the opportunity will be lost".
"The third point is leading by example, a critical component in the captain's armoury.
"Every step a captain takes is sure to be watched, by someone.
"Leading by example is visible management, showing the team how to behave on and off the field. It's no good if I am cutting corners at training and then asking my players to dig deep in the match.
"I set the standard for the rest of the team as far as our attitude in the way we approach training and performance is concerned.
"Captaincy is a skill, and like any skill, it can be practised to achieve better performance. Whether you are a top swimmer, or gymnast, or singer, by practising the skills of your trade, you will become more advanced in executing them".
As a coach, consider the person who has the (c) next to his name in the program. Is he the right man for the job............
ONE SMALL EXTRACT from the Ashley Bradnam article with ex St George skipper Mark Coyne it appeared in RLCM Book 11.
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* DVD - Adam Di Marsi Manly Sea Eagles - Periodisation
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* DVD - Craig Wilson Cronulla Sharks - Coaching Methods
* DVD - Wayne Portlock NSWRL - Kicking Strategies
* DVD - Paul Heptonstall NRL - Communication & Player Welfare
* DVD - Brian Canavan Sydney Roosters - The Coach as a Manager
* DVD - Ray McLean Leading Teams - Leadership and Behaviour
* DVD - David Waite - Coach ex Newcastle, St George, Great Britain
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Domestic World Cup Travel
The Rugby League Experience is providing a range of packages for local, interstate and visitors.
To be kept up to date with all the latest tour information you can register your interest here.
Special Notices
Cronulla Caringbah Inaugural Opens & 20's Sevens Tournament
You are invited to participate in Cronulla Caringbah JRLFC inaugural Open's and Under 20's Sevens Tournament on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of February 2008.
The competition will be held at Endeavour 2 & 3 fields on Captain Cook Drive, the grand finals will be played at Toyota Stadium.
The rules of the competition are the same as the World Sevens, which will be forwarded to you along with the code of conduct and all other documentation once your club nominates to participate.
The cost to enter a team in the Tournament's will be $550.00 including GST.
Prize money for the tournament will be as follows
1st Prize $3500
2nd Prize $1500
3rd Prize $550
4th Prize $550
There is only 30 teams in each tournament and spots are filling fast. If your club wishes to enter a team, please forward your application to us ASAP.
Please note each team will only be able to register 12 players for the tournament using 11 players per game.
Once we receive your application, you will then be forwarded all rules and information and an invoice for your team that will be required to be returned within 7 days to ensure your teams spot in the tournament.
We look forward to hosting this tournament and look forward to your clubs participation.
Cronulla Caringbah Rugby League Sevens Tournament 2008
Team Participation Agreement.
Please complete all sections of this form: OPEN OR 20'S
Club Name: ________________________________________________
Team Name: ________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________
Contact: __________________________
Phone: ____________________
E-mail: _____________________________
Fax: ____________________
I wish to book a team place in the 2008 Cronulla Caringbah Rugby League Sevens Tournament and agree to the REGISTRATION FEE OF $550.00
I agree to accept any terms and conditions outlined in the Tournament Rules and Regulations and the Code of Conduct information sheets accompanying this registration form along with any further conditions that may be set down by the tournament organisers (ie. Cronulla Caringbah Rugby League Club)
Attached is a cheque for $550.00 made payable to Cronulla Caringbah Junior Rugby League Football Club.
Name: ________________________
Signature: ____________________
Date: ______________________
Position: _________________________
A COMPLETED COPY OF THIS FORM AND FULL PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY 31ST JANUARY 2008 IN ORDER FOR YOUR CLUB'S APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED.
Contact Peter on 0413 511 090 or
Email: Peter at peter.malone@... or
Fax: to 9896 6866
Please note: A receipt will be issued upon payment and all Team Participation Agreement forms and registration fee should be posted to:
Attention: Peter Malone
P.O. Box 305,
PENDLE HILL NSW 2145
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QRL Administrators Conference - Gold Coast February 8-10
We all know how vital a pre-season is to a rugby league team's premiership prospects. But what you might not know is just how important the administrators' version of a productive "pre-season" can be.
With a range of new topics and presenters, the QRL Administrators Conference to be held on the Gold Coast from February 8-10, will bring you up to speed quicker than your flashy winger's sprint to the try-line.
Wide Bay Division Manager Gary Dunbar has seen the benefits of the conference first hand both as a QRL employee and as a delegate. He claims the event provides club personnel with a great perspective on both traditional club operations and the methods employed by other clubs in the rugby league community.
The conference offers a mixture of topical issues presented by specialist presenters including administrative content relevant to club and local league delegates. The program finishes at lunch time on Sunday.
Along with providing a great networking opportunity, Dunbar says the conference arms participants with new ideas, knowledge and skills which can in turn "ease the burden" on hard-working Executives and Committee members.
Conference sessions begin on Saturday morning, February 9, with four streams:
* Stream 1 - Club Administration
* Stream 2 - Providing Safe Environments
* Stream 3 - Topical issues facing RL Development
* Stream 4 - LeagueNet & New Technology
The event represents a fantastic social and club networking opportunity with an optional 'Social Package' of accommodation, golf and dinner also on offer for Friday, February 8.
For more information contact your Division office (South West (07) 46324381, South East Qld (07) 33932888, Wide Bay (07) 41232165, Central (07) 49223639, Northern (07) 47716166) or QRL Projects Manager Troy Morton on (07) 33932222.
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* CD-ROM - An Approach to Coaching - Ray Unsworth RFL
* CD-ROM - 2007 Yearbook [Published January 2007]
* CD-ROM - Care of the Injured Player by Doug King
* DVD - With Tim Sheens, Royce Simmons & Peter Sharp
* DVD - Canterbury Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes
* DVD - Coachtalk with NQ Cowboys Coach Graham Murray
* DVD - Adrian Hurley Basketball Coach at three Olympic's.
* DVD - Chris Fullarton ex Junior Kangaroos coach.
* DVD - Junior Coaching with Michael Rawiri NT Institute of Sport
* DVD - Shaun McRae 2006 South Sydney Coach
* DVD - Coachtalk with South Sydney 2007 Coach Jason Taylor
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* DVD - Greg Culnane, Parramatta Eels
* DVD - Nathan Brown, St George Illawarra Head Coach
* DVD - Ian Thomson, ex player, coach and CEO of Manly
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Click for Positions Vacant
Players wanted in the South of France
If any players are interested from Australia and England and want to relocate to the South of France to play Rugby League in a high level competition feel free to email me.
Top packages are offered to the right people including House, Car and Salary.
It is a great opporunity to play Rugby League in France and also to travel Europe.
Ian Dunemann
email: duney-23@...
phone: 0033677585217
Seeking 1st grade and 2nd grade coaches and managers for 2008. The Cumberland RL club compete in the NSW tertiary rugby league against universities and Tafe collages throughout NSW.
Based in Parramatta we are a young, fun and competive club placing 4th and 3rd in 1st and 2nd grade respectively in 2007.
We are seeking applications for the positions of 1st and 2nd grade coaches for the 2008 season. Remuneration package is negotiable.
The successful applicant will have a strong focus on developing a young, talented squad (10 NSW and 3 Australian reps as well as players with Jim Beam cup and NRL experience) as well as skill development and progression for lower grade players.
Opportunities also exist through our competition to coach NSW and Australian university sides as well as a NSW Tertiary side on a tour of Europe in September.
Our competition is played on Saturday afternoons so you can stil enjoy the right sport/family/social balance and not lose your weekends.
Cumberland RL is hungry for premiership success so if you are the person to bring the right attitude and performance to our club please contact:
Kieran Lorraine kieran7@...
Brisbane JRL seeks communications graduate to work as a Media Officer
THE GREATER Brisbane Junior Rugby League seeks an enthusiastic communications graduate to work as a Media Officer in the State's most popular winter sport.
Covering an expanse that stretches from Burpengary to Beenleigh and from Stradbroke Island to Dayboro, Greater Brisbane is the largest junior league competition in the world - both in terms of participants and geographic size.
Known by the region's nickname, the Stingers, the league body is excited to be making a number of advances in its media department, including a relaunch of the Stingers.net.au website.
A paid part-time position will become available in early February 2008, with an opportunity for the role to expand in time.
Applicants should possess the skills to formulate and edit stories for direct public consumption, be comfortable liaising with media representatives, have experience in web-based media and possess a passion for rugby league.
A knowledge of e-commerce and some graphic design skills are viewed as a distinct advantage.
Please forward a brief covering letter, resume and three examples of work to:
The Executive Officer, Greater Brisbane Junior Rugby League, PO Box 737, Stones Corner, 4120 or to execofficer@...Closing date for applications is 5pm Friday, January 25, 2008. For further information call (07) 3891 9422.
Undergraduates interested in work experience in the sports journalism and sports marketing field should also note that the Stingers will be making available a number of unpaid internships throughout 2008.
These internships would be ideal for students entering into their final year, helping to fulfil quotas for practical work placement. Character references will be provided by the Greater Brisbane Junior Rugby League. To advise of interest in these positions, please also make a submission using the above address details.
Cumberland RLFC seeking players for the 2008 season - We compete two open age teams in the NSW Tertiary league and are a strong club based in Parramatta with many NSW, Australian reps, players with Jim Beam Cup and NRL experience.
The average age of our squad is 22!
We play Saturday afternoons so you can play footy and keep your weekends!
Opportunities exist to represent NSW and Australia in a Tertiary World Cup this year as well as a NSW tour of Europe.
We are seeking players of all ability levels to join our already strong squad.
We take our footy seriously but have a great time off the field!!
Students and non student welcome. Come and join a competive club with a fun social atmosphere
Any interested players please contact Kieran at: kieran7@...
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Berala Bears The Bears had a wonderful 2007 season, finishing 2nd in the Club Championship and having 3 Premiership winning sides including Under 7s Under 18s and Under 21s (C Grade) in the Bulldogs' Junior comp.
2008 season looms and the Bears will be fielding some 20 sides from Under 6s to "A" Grade (Open Age).
The Bears' "A" Grade will be their first since winning the comp in 2003 and will see the return of some good club men coming together under coach Geoff Sharpe.
Training is about to commence and invitations are extended to all players to join a very progressive club.
Trials commence in March and the season proper kicks off in late March. If you are interested please call Geoff on 0415 230 535.
Players in all other age groups are also welcome to see what The Bears are all about and Sign-On days are set down for Sundays 3rd and 10th February 2008 from 10am til 2pm both days, at Guilfoyle Park (next to Regents Park station).
An information sheet will be available and officials on hand to assist.
Tel: Bob 0432437313 or email beralabears07@... should you have further queries
The Club prides itself on the quality of its players and the people that support and administer them and if you are interested in becoming involved in Junior Rugby League there is no better club to join than The Mighty Berala Bears
Click for Berala Bears
Our Club wishes everybody in the Rugby League family a safe and enjoyable Centenary Year
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The RLCM website enjoys over 500,000 hits per month and one of the favoured webpages is the RLCM Positions Vacant page.
The RLCM Newsletter is completely different media the newsletter contains rugby league news, coaching information, RLCMtv and RL Vacancies and is sent to over 25,000 RLCM subscribers, coaches, players and media on a bi/tri weekly basis.
If you wish your advertisement to appear in the RLCM Newsletter we would appreciate if you or your club is a Paid RLCM Subscriber or a purchaser a RLCM product.
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