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Warrington Wolves' Academy route paying dividends - Warrington Wolves' 2008 squad contains 11 players who started their primrose and blue careers in the club's Academy system.
Promoting from within is a growing trend across the board and, with the World Cup in Australia just nine months away, it is good news for England coach Tony Smith that the number of home-grown players set to take part in engage Super League XIII is on the increase.
Figures released by the RFL, at the official launch of engage Super League XIII, have revealed that this year's competition will see a 12 per cent year-on-year increase in the number of players who have been trained by and developed by their own clubs.
This increase, combined with the introduction of a new club-trained' player rule for the 2008 season, has resulted in a six per cent drop in the number of overseas players in the last two years to 29 per cent.
Nigel Wood, chief executive of the Rugby Football League, said: "The club-trained player rule fulfils a long-term objective that we've had to develop more young and talented players.
"By giving them greater opportunity at the top level it is likely to improve standards not only at a national level but also internationally.
"It is fantastic that in World Cup year so many of our top sides are built around young English talent.
"Not only are they getting the opportunity to play at the highest level but they're also benefiting from playing alongside and opposite some of the best overseas players in the world such as Trent Barrett and Matt King. This will not only aid their personal development but will further boost the national team."
According to the 2008 squad listings, defending champions Leeds Rhinos boast 19 players in their 24-man squad who are eligible to play for England in this year's World Cup.
Fifteen of these players are also classed as 'club-trained' having graduated from the Rhinos' Academy system.
It's a similar story at Knowsley Road where 21 members of the St Helens 27-man first-team squad are eligible for England, with 13 products of the Academy.
Warrington's 11 players in the Super League squad with a Warrington Academy background are Kevin Penny, Mark Gleeson, Paul Wood, Steve Pickersgill, Andy Bracek, Ben Harrison, Simon Grix, Chris Riley, Mike Cooper, Lee Mitchell and Matty Blythe.
* The record books show that last year was the most competitive season in the Super League era with many predicting that 2008 will be the tightest yet.
This, according to Wood, is down to a greater distribution of playing talent driven by the game's salary cap rules.
RFL figures show that in 2002 just three Super League clubs were spending the maximum allowed by the salary cap.
In 2008 this is likely to be eight, including Warrington, and by 2009 it is predicted that all clubs will be spending the maximum allowed under the salary cap.
Wood added: "The one word you can't use to describe engage Super League is predictable.
"Compared to other sports you can't predict the results that will happen each week and it's virtually impossible to guess the six teams who will make the end of season play-offs.
"New clubs are breaking into the top six and the gap between all 12 clubs is closing which is delivering great contests.
"As we move into a new era of Super League the excitement will move away from relegation and instead be focused on which sides can make the play-offs.
"Last year the top six wasn't decided until the final day and this season all 12 coaches have stated their play-off intentions."
And the increasingly competitive nature of engage Super League is leading to the competition growing in popularity.
The average weekly attendance has increased every year since 2001, and last year grew to over 10,000 for the first time.
In 2007 the aggregate attendance for a full round was broken twice and, not only were Leeds Rhinos crowned engage Super League champions but they also claimed the title as the best supported side in either code of rugby.
For the second consecutive season, the Grand Final at Old Trafford attracted a 70,000-plus crowd and the innovative Millenium Magic event in Cardiff, which will be repeated this May, also attracted nearly 60,000 supporters.
Viewing figures for live matches on Sky Sports also remain strong with more than one third of the broadcaster's regular TV audience coming from outside the traditional heartland of the sport. One in five viewers now live in London.
Wood said: "Across the board this is an extremely positive time to be involved in Rugby League and engage Super League.
"We strongly believe these positive trends will only be encouraged and boosted by the new licensing system.
"Just like the move to summer rugby in 1996 has made this sport more popular than ever, we believe licensing will take Rugby League to the next level and will improve playing talent, stadia, financial performance and levels of competition among others." cheshire.co.uk
Cowboys worry for injured Ben Farrar by Natalie Peut - The immediate playing future of Cowboys back Ben Farrar is uncertain after a recurrence of the foot injury which plagued him during the 2007 NRL season. While the rest of the team celebrated the centenary of rugby league at a fan day in Sydney, Farrar spent the weekend on crutches, getting scans on his injured foot.
Cowboys football manager Dean Lance said yesterday Farrar re-injured his right foot at training on Friday morning.
"He was having MRI scans on Friday and Saturday," Lance said.
"We'll get all the results on that tomorrow."
Farrar spent a number of weeks on the sidelines in 2007, having to twice overcome the niggling foot injury.
"It is the same part of the foot that caused concern for Farrar last season," Lance said.
"He was just running and doing a bit of ball work, stepped off the (injured) foot and it just hurt.
"We are hoping for the best for Farrar, we will find out the results tomorrow."
The 85kg utility back worked hard in pre-season training in preparation for the first major trial match against the Gold Coast Titans on February 23.
The 21-year-old yesterday was feeling shattered with the injury.
"I don't really want to talk about it to tell you the truth," Farrar said.
"I hurt my foot at training last week.
"It's the same foot I hurt last season."
Meanwhile, the rest of the team enjoyed a weekend in Sydney.
"It was a very successful day," Lance said of the fan day at ANZ Stadium which was attended by about 15,000 supporters and 400 NRL players from all 16 clubs.
"The players were very patient as they got shuffled from here to there and everywhere over the eight hours.
"It was a pretty amazing day and well-organised."
Lance said it was a productive day for the team.
"They were all pretty tired after it, it was a quiet plane trip on the way home but I was really impressed with the patience they showed," Lance said.
"It was good to see all the teams getting into the spirit of things, it was a good day.
"It was a real gamble taken by the NRL but at the end of the day it was a real productive one because it could have well backfired but I thought it went off really well."
The highlight of the day was the taking of a photograph featuring all 400 players in their team uniforms.
"It was just an incredible thing and they should feel pretty proud of that and to be part of this centenary year," Lance said.
Sydney may have been far away from their home base but Lance said it did not stop Cowboys fans from turning out to the event.
"There were certainly a lot people there with Cowboys flags and posters," he said.
The players will resume training today in preparation for their official trials against the Titans in Cairns and against Canberra in Mackay on March 1.
A Cowboys team combining senior and under-20s players will play a trial against Brisbane in Rockhampton on February 16. Townsville Bulletin
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Lessons in field of reverse logic By Roy Masters - The board is led by the car tsar Nick Politis and includes the boss of David Jones, Mark McInnes, and the head of Wizard home loans, Mark Bouris. So you would expect the announcement of an "executive leadership program" at the Sydney Roosters rugby league club to focus on players' post-career education.
Perhaps the fullback Anthony Minichiello could take a Lexus customer out for a spin, the forward Willie Mason could man the perfume counter at DJs, or the prop Mark O'Meley could flog home loans.
The Roosters board is so well connected it could arrange a few other things. For example, the former director David Gyngell, the boss of Channel Nine, could get Iosia Soliola to read the news. Or it could ask other board members, such as Peter "Talky" Newton - who trades in mining shares - and Mark Fennessy, the CEO of Fremantle Media, which produces shows such as Big Brother - to prepare Braith Anasta for a life feeding a family instead of the club's back line.
However, the Roosters' executive leadership program is the reverse - it uses footballers to teach businessmen how to better themselves. For $16,000 you can spend the 2008 season watching the coach, Brad Fittler, and the captain, Craig Fitzgibbon, in crisis situations, observing the group dynamics of the Roosters, while learning from academics how sport translates to business.
The Roosters have entered into a partnership with Sport Knowledge Australia, jointly owned by the University of Sydney, University of Technology and the Sydney Olympic Park Authority.
Bouris is a board member of Sport Knowledge Australia, and its chief executive is Leighton Wood, who led Melbourne's bid for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
The 24 enrolling in the course will hear an introductory lecture from Politis, attend a training session kitted out in Roosters' gear, sit on the bench, hear "Freddy" Fittler's half-time talks, warm down with the players and travel to Townsville for a Cowboys match, staying at the team hotel.
"It's a program attractive to leaders of big groups who manage in a pressure-cooker environment," said the Roosters' chief executive, Brian Canavan.
"We've already had an enrolment from a manager of a credit union. [Sport Knowledge Australia is] using us as a lever to show how high-pressure decision-making works. They were initially looking at an AFL team and talked to Collingwood but decided to go with us because of Mark Bouris's involvement with both boards and the business orientation of our directors."
Canavan conceded that a board with business expertise, rather than using footballers to draw income from starry-eyed Rooster boosters, was ideally placed to do the reverse and educate players for a life in commerce. "Directors do meet with players regularly and mentor them on professionalism and life skills and we do have a full-time player development officer advising on future vocational training. Danny Nutley is looking at becoming a fireman."
The course ends on October 24 with a dinner and presentation of certificates. Sport Knowledge Australia expects it will improve business leadership skills, the Roosters expects to attract future sponsors and participants hope their $16,000, their brains and their time have not been wasted. Read more League HQ
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Crusaders off to flying start - Celtic Crusaders held on for a 22-12 win against Sheffield Eagles in the first game of their Northern Rail Cup campaign. Tries from Paul Ballard and Luke Dyer gave the Crusaders an 8-0 lead before Sheffield hit back. But the Crusaders regained their eight-point advantage with a Tony Duggan try to lead 12-4 at the break.
The Eagles clawed their way back to parity with two second-half scores but Duggan's second try put the Crusaders back in front and they sealed the win in the final minute when Ballard went over for his second try and Jace Van Dijk landed the conversion. Western Mail
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Ryan signs for two years By James Phelps - Bulldogs captain Andrew Ryan will today sign a new deal under which he will remain at Belmore for the next two years. In a coup for the club that has had several big-name defections, the Bulldogs will announce Ryan's signing at a press conference set for midday at Belmore. The deal is believed to be worth about $700,000.
The Test back-rower has ignored heavy interest from rival clubs to remain loyal to the Bulldogs, with club insiders revealing Ryan was strongly considering rejoining his former club the Eels.
Bulldogs CEO Malcolm Noad refused to confirm the signing last night but said today's announcement was good news for the club.
The key signing could not come at a better time for Bulldogs' powerbrokers. Several club directors are under pressure to retain their positions, with a boardroom showdown looming later this month.
It is believed that Bulldogs CEO Malcolm Noad and chairman George Peponis rushed through Ryan's signature ahead of the election vote on February 17.
A rival faction headed by Bulldog great Graeme Hughes is attempting to overthrow the current board.
Leading player manager Steve Gillis last night said the retention of Ryan would also help attract recruits to the Bulldogs.
"It is very positive sign for the club," Gillis said.
The Bulldogs will now step up their bid to sign Melbourne young-gun Israel Folau.
Sydney Roosters recruit James Aubusson will have surgery this week to remove a piece of bone the size of a 50c coin from his groin. It is the second time this off-season that Aubusson has needed groin surgery.Read more Daily Telegraph
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Unlucky Young gets the No.13 - Dean Youngs must have been reticent to step into the No.13 jumper this season.
Souths look closer to home - South Sydney will turn their attention to securing their homegrown back-line stars.
Benji ready to commit - Benji Marshall says he wants to re-sign with Wests Tigers before the start of the season.
Thurston's sobering lesson - Johnathan Thurston vowed to learn from his mistakes after public drunkenness.
Manly wants revenge - Storm skipper Cameron Smith expects Manly to be fired up in their upcoming trial. Read more Daily Telegraph
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I'd have burnt out at prop: Willie Mason By Stuart Honeysett - Willie Mason has welcomed the Sydney Roosters' plan to use him as a backrower this season, claiming he would have burnt out playing prop at the Bulldogs. The controversial Test forward, who left the Dogs last year after a falling out with coach Steve Folkes and chief executive Malcolm Noad, continued to unload on his former club at a fan day on Saturday to kick off the game's centenary celebrations.
Mason said his old club could struggle in 2008 because there were no players coming through the ranks to fill the front row void following his departure along with Mark O'Meley, Roy Asotasi and Steve Price over the past few years.
"When 'Ogre' (Mark O'Meley) left there was no other front-rower to take his spot so the brunt would have been left on me," Mason said.
"That would have brought my football down even more because there was no-one coming up there that was going to take O'Meley's spot.
"They'll really feel that pressure this year.
"Over the last eight years they've had Pricey, Roy Asotasi, Mark O'Meley and myself. Now we're all gone."
Mason's comments will only inflame what was already going to be a heated clash between the two clubs when they meet at Sydney's ANZ Stadium in round four.
Bulldogs fans booed the towering forward during Saturday's fan day, when he took part in a historic photo shoot with all players from all 16 clubs.
Unperturbed, Mason said his game had gone stale at Belmore and he was struggling when Australia coach Ricky Stuart gave him a rev-up before the Kangaroos Test against New Zealand in October.
The 27-year-old said he had thrived under Roosters coach Brad Fittler since making the switch and looked forward to causing some damage from the backrow.
"He obviously wants me to be a leader and keep that role I play, but he also wants to use me a little more out wide in attack," Mason said.
"The last couple of years I've been in the front row pretty much because we had no other front-rowers there.
"We've (the Roosters) got blokes like O'Meley, Danny Nutley, Nate Myles, (David) Shillington, (Shane) Shackleton, Lopini Paea - there's six guys that are vying for front-row positions so that pushes me to the backrow.
"It gives me an opportunity to skirt out a little bit wider and get that quality ball I haven't been getting for a couple of years."
Mason had only praise for Fittler and his support staff at the Roosters.
Fittler proved to be a revelation after taking over from coach Chris Anderson last July, taking the competition's basket case to within a whisker of the finals.
"I just think the smart bloke that Brad Fittler is and the people he's got around him, he can improve my game a hell of a lot," Mason said.
"He's got blokes like Gus (Phil Gould), Adrian Lam and (Bryan) Fletcher. He's surrounded himself with some really good people.
"They're very smart and I'm learning all the time at training which is something I haven't ... I suppose I was in a bit of a rut.
"Especially playing front row, it makes you a bit more one-dimensional. And now that I'm playing back out in the backrow I can learn more skills and stuff like that."
Mason was challenged by Fittler to acquaint himself with his new team-mates and he admitted that process had been tough, given his previous standing at the Bulldogs.
"Probably at the Bulldogs the shoe was on the other foot - guys had to get to know me," Mason said.
"In that way I didn't have to go out of my way because they went out of their way to earn your respect.
"The shoe was on the other foot. I had to go out of my way to earn their respect.
"I really enjoyed that and it's made me fit in a lot easier."
Mason said the transition had been made easier by the fact he knew plenty of his new team-mates by the time he arrived at Bondi Junction.
Five-eighth Braith Anasta and props O'Meley and Nate Myles are former Bulldogs while Mason has played with Craig Fitzgibbon, Anthony Tupou and Anthony Minichiello in representative teams. Read more Daily Telegraph
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HULL WOES WORSEN - Hull's Adam Dykes will be out for at least three weeks.
BURROW HAILS RHINOS SPIRIT - Self-belief was the key to Leeds Rhinos' opening-day victory, according to Rob Burrow.
IRELAND BEGIN RECRUITMENT DRIVE - Ireland have started a recruitment drive to bolster their squad for their assault on the World Cup.
McCLENNAN CONCERNED OVER SLOW START - Post-match reaction to Leeds' 20-12 victory over Hull KR.
NEW CONTRACT FOR KEAR - John Kear has signed a new contract with Wakefield Wildcats.
WIDNES SWOOP FOR KAVANAGH - Widnes Vikings have signed 19-year-old second row forward Ben Kavanagh from Wigan.
NO CHARGE FOR O'CARROLL - Wigan forward Eamon O'Carroll is free to start the Super League season.
SYDNEY TO GO GREEN FOR IRELAND - Ireland plan to turn part of Sydney green for this year's World Cup. Read more Sporting Life
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Super League Preview: - Odd season in store with a lack of ups and downs By Dave Hadfield - It has become commonplace to greet every Super League season with the promise that it is going to be the best yet. More certain is that this one is going to be the strangest. Super League XIII is going to be a time of transition. Midway through the action, the issue of who is at the top - and especially the bottom - of the table will become secondary to the handing-out of licenses for the next three seasons.
Goodbye promotion and relegation, a fundamental of British rugby league since the introduction of two divisions more than 30 years ago. And it will be possible, if not likely, that the competition leaders this year will not be awarded a franchise and that the wooden spoon club will.
The arguments for abolishing relegation have been well-rehearsed, and those who promise that it will now be possible for clubs to think long-term have won the debate. But something is undeniably being lost. The most emotional game of the Super League era was the one two seasons ago which decidedthat Castleford would go down and Wakefield stay up.
When coaches and chairmen complain of the stress and pressure of such occasions, they might use another word. It is drama - and what else is sport in the business of selling?
The danger this year and in years to follow is that there will not be enough drama in the bottom half of the table. "It is going to bring its challenges, especiallyin the transitional season," says Nigel Wood, the Rugby League's chief executive, who has been the driving force behind thefar-reaching changes.
The game must hope that there are enough clubs bidding for a place in the top six and the play-offs to keep the number of meaningless games to a minimum. There are hopeful signs that this can happen.
For one thing, last season's two most successful clubs, Leeds and St Helens, have marked time. Remarkably, neither of them have signed a single new player. That is partly a result of the salary cap.
Players who have won trophies are worth more money, so successful clubs have to work hard to retain what they have, let alone expand their squads. It is a mechanism that tends to prevent the strong getting stronger and puts a premium on bringing through new, young talent.
Leeds, under their new coach, Brian McClennan, start as the bookies' favourites to retain their title. Their largely British squad is constantly replenished by the best academy in the game, and key men such as Kevin Sinfield, Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow are coming into their prime.
Saints, in Daniel Anderson's last year in charge, might just be short of a player or two, while a few stalwarts are not getting any younger or better. If that leaves an opportunity for anyone, it might just be Bradford.
They have added a dash of pace in key areas. They also have in Sam Burgess a 19-year-old forward who can become one of the game's giants. His mental and physical maturity is astonishing, and he can be an inspiration to the Bulls for years to come.
The other great prospect in the game is Warrington's Kevin Penny. Blessed with natural pace and a hunger for tries, he should, with decent service, be one of those players who averages about one try a game through what could be a wonderful career.
Could he be the catalyst that ends the Wolves' years of under-achievement? Possibly, but they also need better luck with injuries to senior players.
A renaissance for Stuart Fielden could lift Wigan, although they still look more dependent on Trent Barrett than is healthy.
One of the subplots of the season could be the rivalry between Hull and Hull Kingston Rovers. Given Rovers' ambitious recruitment and Hull's pre-season injury toll, it would not be so amazing if the red-and- white half of the city edged ahead.
Huddersfield and Wakefield will fancy their chances of making the top six; that leaves just three clubs it is hard to imagine being in the mix. The Catalans Dragons will remain well-supported and hard to beat at home, but without Stacey Jones they might not win many away.
It will take time for Harlequins' laudable long-term aim of growing their own talent, such as Louis McCarthy-Scarsbrook, to bear fruit. As for Castleford, the last beneficiaries of promotion, anything better than last place will be an achievement. But in an era when their fate will be decided in other ways, it does not quite matter as it used to.
Dave Hadfield's: club by club guide
BRADFORD BULLS
Key player: Sam Burgess made a huge impression last year and can develop into a truly dominant forward this time.
New blood: Ben Jeffriescan add some variety and much-needed pace to the Bulls' half-backs, as can Semi Tadulala in the outside backs.
Prediction: Winners.
CASTLEFORD TIGERS
Key player: A year in NL1 has given Joe Westerman time to grow into a marvellous prospect who can make his mark in Super League this season.
New blood: Cas need Brent Sherwin to rediscover his Australian form of a couple of years ago if they are to have the direction they need.
Prediction: 12th.
CATALANS DRAGONS
Key player: In the absence of a new scrum-half to replace the irreplaceable Stacey Jones, Casey McGuire will have to take over as the general.
New blood: Dane Carlaw is a high-class forward recruit who shows that the Catalans have the ambition to progress.
Prediction: 10th.
HARLEQUINS RL
Key player: Scott Hill did not produce his best last year, partly because of injuries. Harlequins need him to be showing his Aussie Test form this time.
New blood: The recruitment looks uninspiring, but Danny Ward can give them some badly needed solidity in the front row.
Prediction: 11th.
HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS
Key player: Kevin Brown showed signs last year of becoming theTest-class stand-off he once promised to be at Wigan.
New blood: Luke Robinson came through the ranks with Brown at Wigan and their reunion is full of potential.
Prediction: 8th.
HULL FC
Key player: Kirk Yeaman went backwards last season but, if he is fit and in themood, he has all the makings to be the best British centre in Super League.
New blood: Adam Dykes is the man Peter Sharp is looking to for midfield organisation, and his form and fitness will be crucial.
Prediction: 7th.
HULL KR
Key player: Paul Cooke was more sensational off the field than on it so he has ground to make up when he makes a delayed start this season.
New blood: After concentrating on forward power Rovers have invested in quality for the back line, notably union returnee Chev Walker.
Prediction: 6th.
LEEDS RHINOS
Key player: If Rob Burrow resumes this season in last season's form, Leeds will have no worries at scrum-half.
New blood: Unusually, the Rhinos have signed no new players. Coach Brian McClennan is the new boyand he has the hardest ofacts to follow.
Prediction: Grand finalists.
ST HELENS
Key player: Leon Pryce was a major influence last time and, with some of his team-mates cresting the brow of the hill, he will have to be again.
New blood: Again, no new players, but a fully fit and functioning Paul Sculthorpe would be equivalent to a new recruit of the highest class.
Prediction: 3rd.
WAKEFIELD TRINITY WILDCATS
Key player: Danny Sculthorpe spent most of last season injured, but he can make a big difference to their creativity if he can stay fit.
New blood: The Wildcats are thrilled to have got a half-back with Danny Brough's kicking game on board.
Prediction: 9th.
WARRINGTON WOLVES
Key player: Kevin Penny was a half-season sensation last year. If he continues to learn quickly, he could top 30 tries for the whole of this season.
New blood: The Australian Test centre Matt King is the man who can make the bullets for Penny to fire - a mouthwatering combination.
Prediction: 4th.
WIGAN WARRIORS
Key player: Trent Barrett was totally dominant last year. Can he be as consistently excellent for a second season?
New blood: Wigan have needed an incisive centre for years, and George Carmont could be the man they have been waiting for.
Prediction: 5th. The Guardian
The old' dogs new tricks By Dave Donaghy - The end of an era is almost upon us. Matt Geyer, the last remaining foundation player at Melbourne Storm, is in the midst of his final pre-season. And he has been steeling himself for what is shaping to be the toughest of his 12 years in the NRL.
A new role awaits Geyer in 2008. No longer will the 32-year-old whippet be seen screaming down the sidelines chasing a kick, or backing up a teammate in broken play.
He will, occasionally at least, return to the wing, or centres, or even five-eighth.
But for most of the season, the 100th year of rugby league, Geyer will start from the bench. He will play back-up to skipper Cameron Smith in a utility role that had been reserved for James Aubusson.
An old dog is indeed going to have to learn new tricks.
It is another chapter in the constantly evolving Geyer-Melbourne journey.
Having landed at Tullamarine in 1998, after Perth Reds folded in the post-Super League scramble for licences, Geyer has tasted all the delicacies Melbourne has to offer.
The man known as the "Godfather" of Storm has truly bought into the rugby league revolution that has brought Melbourne two premierships in a decade.
His time here, in his words, has been "blessed" - on and off the field.
But, after taking daughter Halle, 5, to school for the first time last week, more changes await Geyer. In a candid interview, he opens up about his final pre-season and impending retirement; his post-career move to the Gold Coast; stepping out of brother Mark's shadow; the one regret of his career; and the family environment of Storm.
LAST PRE-SEASON Geyer says he started his final pre-season in the wrong frame of mind. He admits Storm's first hill-running session at Studley Park "was really tough for me".
"I went in with the attitude that it was my last one, just enjoy it. I kept saying, 'It's my last one, it's my last one', but it was the wrong attitude. I told myself that because it was my last one, it might be a bit easier, but training is still hard. You can't be thinking it's your last one. You've got to be thinking about that session.
"On the first few hills I was really struggling, but I was saying, 'I don't give a s---, this is my last one, I'll never be back here'."
Geyer already knows how he will spend the next rugby league pre-season. "I told them I'd be back there next year sitting at the top of the hill with a six-pack and a deck chair."
NEW ROLE With a record 234 NRL games under his belt at Storm, mostly at five-eighth or wing, Geyer will switch to a utility role at the request of coach Craig Bellamy.
"We spoke about it last year when I decided to play on. It's not like I decided to play on and then Craig said, 'Oh yeah, well, you're going to be off the wing'. This was the plan."
Geyer could be thrown into the deep end for the World Club Challenge against Leeds should Cameron Smith, whose partner Barb Johnson is pregnant, decides not to travel.
RETIREMENT Geyer says he never seriously considered retiring last year.
It would have been the perfect way to go, winning a premiership with the club he has helped mould.
Not for Geyer.
"I understand where you're coming from with that question. I'm not much about fairy tales. If that was the case I could have retired at age 24 (after Storm's first premiership). I don't see why I should have finished it just because I was near the end of my career."
Geyer is yearning for the simpler things in life, spending more time with wife Belinda and his children.
The family will move to the Gold Coast next year and Geyer plans to study full-time and complete his surveying degree at the University of Southern Queensland.
FAMILY ENVIRONMENT Former captain Tawera Nikau started it when he used to bring his kids to training.
These days, Geyer's three children - Cole, 8, Nash, 6, and Halle, 5 - can be seen running around Princes Park at different times of the year.
Geyer, though, admits he does not necessarily know where they are all of the time.
"I know they're safe, but I don't really know where they are," he says.
"All the boys are spread out through the vicinity, so I know they'll be right. I know that there is someone there looking after them and looking after their best wishes."
Bellamy embraced and promoted the family culture on his arrival in 2002.
MARK GEYER Geyer started his career under the enormous shadow cast by his older brother Mark.
Mark got Matt, who is eight years younger, a start in Perth.
However, the older sibling must arguably now play second fiddle to Matt's on-field success, with three State-of-Origin appearances, two premierships and another grand final to his name.
Geyer admits that being the brother of Mark used to bug him. "I used to play on the wing and you might be near the sideline.
"I was getting heckled - 'You're not as good as your brother' or 'You'll never be as good as your brother' - and I used to turn around and say, 'Well, neither are you, you dickhead'.
"I never used to think it really (un)nerved me."
Geyer never saw Mark, known as the "Rugby League Rebel", as controversial.
"There is an eight-year gap between us, so when he was 23, 24, going through the tough times in his career, I was 15, 16, so the sun shone out of my brother's arse, you know.
"I always thought he was unlucky and misunderstood."
CAREER REGRETS Geyer admits it is hard to complain about a 12-year rugby league career that has taken him to the top of the game.
Get him over a beer or two in retirement, though, and he might open up about his disappointment at not taking advantage of his representative break in 1999.
Had he recovered properly from a shoulder injury, suffered in the Storm's premiership win, Geyer could have added to the three New South Wales jerseys he has in the wardrobe.
"They were talking about me, even though I was playing poorly, about picking me.
"If I'd played OK, or played well, they probably would have picked me. But I wasn't playing well. I still remember the first day we did contact, I was woeful. Not being confident to make contact, in rugby league, don't bother.
"They went for a new winger for me and won that series 3-0. Off the back of '99, if I played in that 2000 series, I could have had a rep career. It's the one thing that I reflect on, but I quickly dismiss it.
"It's nothing to keep me up at night. I'm not entitled to have any regrets. I didn't even choose Melbourne. I was in Perth and was told I was going to Melbourne and it turns out like this. I'm blessed." Herald Sun
The aim of GoodFootball.com is to give a deeper analysis of clips that have been uploaded. Rather than just look solely at the scoring move itself we will try to give a broader picture, perhaps go back a little further and highlight key factors that we feel have helped to shape the try. Click GoodFootball.com
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FIXTURES - Sunday 3rd February 2008
Featherstone Lions 18-0 Siddal
Ince Rose Bridge 22-18 Saddleworth Rangers
Keighley Cougar Cubs 52-6 Wibsey Juniors
Leigh Miners Rangers 26-6 Leigh East
Rylands Sharks 36-6 Waterhead
Late drop goals from centre Dean Dollin and stand off Steve Lynch gave INCE ROSE BRIDGE victory at home to SADDLEWORTH RAGERS.
The visitors got off to a blistering start, going ten points up in the opening 17 minutes. Quick thinking from outstanding hooker Thomas Dransfield saw him force his way over from acting half back, Ethan Langhorn converting and Anthony Morrison also crossed for Rangers.
Prop David Baggley's storming charges got Bridge back in the contest, setting up the position for tries by Lynch, goaled by Dollin, and Adam Dwyer following an excellent break by skipper Mark Ellison, to level at the break.
A Langhorn penalty edged Saddleworth back in front but tries by Richie Shaw and Dollin plus a goal put rejuvenated Ince 20-12 ahead. Dransfield's second touchdown set up a nervy finish until the two, late one-pointer's secured victory.
RYLANDS SHARKS posted seven tries in their comprehensive defeat of WATERHEAD. Liam Walsh claimed one to go with four goals and prolific centre Steve Fisher was again on the mark with a brace of touchdowns.
Winger Dan Parry's try and goal for the visitors had the side's level and there was nothing between them in a tense opening quarter hour until the Sharks cut loose. Billy Sheen and Dane Evans made it 16-6 at the interval and further scores after half time came from Troy Allison and Danny Forster to go with Fisher's double.
KEIGHLEY COUGAR CUBS were big winners at Cougar Park in the local derby with WIBSEY JUNIORS to keep the pressure on West Hull and Leigh Miners, who won their own derby clash, at the top.
An early penalty gave the visitors the lead but Ben Sagar, Joe Copperwaite and James Haythornthwaite all scored a brace of tries for the Cubs.
Further touchdowns went to Andy Maguire, Kris Gott, Chris Burton and Jack Moorby while Haythornthwaite added six conversions. Man of the match was prop Danny Snowden who created many of the tries with some superb offloading. RFL Online
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EUROPEAN SHIELD DATES ANNOUNCED - The first of a planned series of European Rugby League international fixtures during 2008 has been confirmed with the announcement of a European Shield tournament. The Tri-Nations match up will feature Italy, Czech Republic and Germany, who will meet each other between June and August.
Rugby League European Federation Executive & Development Officer Kevin Rudd commented, "I am pleased this level of competition is now established and the demand to take part amongst various nations has been high.
"Each of those involved also has the difficult task of trying to start a structured, domestic competition; the European Shield is aimed at supporting that development".
Further announcements are expected shortly regarding a Euro-Med Challenge which will feature Lebanon, Russia and Serbia. All three countries played in the recent World Cup qualifiers and have established domestic leagues.
Also, an ambitious move has been made to establish a further tier of international competition, with a proposed European Bowl between Ukraine, Latvia and Estonia. Discussions are ongoing with all parties to finalise details.
Bids have also been received for hosting the European Nations Under 18's Cup in the summer of 2008, with assessment on going as to the applicants suitability.
Kevin Rudd added, "It has been a busy time and more and more areas want to take up representative Rugby League. The aim for all of them to move up the rankings is developing domestic competition, which will allow players and coaches the chance to gain greater experience in preparation for such games".
"Making things happen across nations and language and cultural barriers has its difficulties but we are learning all the time. I am happy with where the RLEF has come in such a short space of time."
EUROPEAN SHIELD - Schedule
June (Friday 13th) - Italy V Germany - Padova (Stadio del Plebiscito, K.O: 20:00)
July (Saturday 12th) - Czech V Italy - Prague (RC Slavia, K.O:18.00)
August (Saturday 2nd) - Germany V Czech - Frankfurt (Venue & kick off time to be confirmed)
Junior Ravens prepare for kick off - The excitement is building as the Junior Ravens prepare for their big kick off! As with the senior team, the Junior Ravens are commencing their training for the new season very shortly. The Junior Ravens training sessions will start on Wednesday 5th March at Leigh Academy in Dartford.
These training sessions are split into two sections. The minis, who age from 7-11 will be starting at 7pm, and the Juniors, who age from 12-16 will be starting at 7.30pm. Training sessions will then take place every Wednesday from the 5th March.
The Junior Ravens league matches do not start until after Easter but there will be festivals for the young players to participate in, one of which is likely to be hosted by the Kent Ravens, before the league season kicks off.
The Junior Ravens play in the Junior Merit League at all age groups. The Junior Ravens will be looking to make progress this year and ensure that it is a good year for the Ravens as a whole.
As Liam Hickey, Junior Ravens joint manager comments, "This is a big year for Junior Ravens in Dartford. We want kids to join us, it doesn't matter what level you are at or whether you've played for years, we aim to have fun, get fit, learn new skills and improve performance."
So if you would like to get involved and join the Junior Ravens then please contact the Kent Ravens on:
Club Tel: 07707 852 952
Club Email: alan@...
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Or visit our website at www.kentravens.co.uk
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Warren DRLFC Inc
The Warren Bulldogs are seeking a First Grade Captain Coach for the 2008 season.
Warren plays in the Castlereagh Cup competition.
We are willing to pay up to $4000 for the right person.
Please contact
Dean Leach
President
Warren RLFC
MB: 0428 470 474
warrenbulldogs@...
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Hawkes Bay Rugby League(NZ)
Are seeking a 2008 Developement Officer to work MON-FRIDAY.
The position comes with a vehicle & cellphone.
Minimum qualification for coaching in this position is NZRL Level 2 equivalent.
Contact
Shane Smithson-Parore
RLeague@...
London Skolars RLFC
London Skolars RLFC are looking to further their successful community development program in 2008-9.
The programme which includes junior teams, local schools, business education partnerships, colleges and primary care trusts would love your help and assistance.
We are looking for individuals and organisations to support the programme through any way in which they can...this may include volunteer time, resources, donations or skills which you feel would add to what we are looking to acheive. Please call Ben on 02088888488 for a chat.
Click Coach Rugby League. This web site is designed for coaches at all levels, from beginning coaches to elite coaches. ARL Development is committed to providing coaches with the tools to allow them to create a safe and fun learning environment for their players.
New South Wales Women's Rugby League Coaching and management positions. - The New South Wales Women's Rugby League is calling for applications from interested persons wishing to apply for the coaching and management positions for the New South Wales Representative Teams for the 2008 season. (please note that these are not paid positions)
Positions available are:
NSW Representative Coach - Manager - Trainer/s
NSW Country Representative Coach - Manager - Trainer/s
NSW City Representative Coach - Manager - Trainer/s
Position descriptions are available upon request
Resumes are to be forwarded to:-
Secretary
New South Wales Women's Rugby League
18 Sadleir Avenue
Sadleir
NSW 2168
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An Approach to Winning the Ruck By Ray Unsworth
An extract from the RLCM CD-ROM - An Approach to Coaching Rugby League
When watching the game on television, it is almost inevitable to hear every week one pundit or another talking about 'winning the ruck' or 'winning the floor'.
For those involved or educated in Rugby League, it's not rocket science. The ruck is the most crucial area of the game and as such is given critical importance and detail during preparation.
In fact, it's well documented that the team that dominates the ruck area is the team that usually wins the game.
Equally well documented is the statement that claims that the ruck is the 'Centre of the Universe'.
What I would like to explore in this section is the importance of dominating the ruck area and to look at practical ways as to how this can be achieved.
So, let's begin with a simple question:
What do we mean by 'winning the ruck'?
I think the answer to that is obvious. Given that Rugby League is a two dimensional sport, (either you've got possession of the ball or not) and by its very nature is an invasion game, then we are alluding to offensive or defensive dominance.
Assuming we are agreed on that descriptor, then let's explore just why it is important to win the ruck in either situation.
Offensively, winning the floor puts the opposition on the back foot and in retreat mode. They may even have bodies still on the floor and that being the case defensively disorganised and unable to present in an uniformed manner for the next phase of play.
The effect of that will be to give the attack more space and more time to play off the front foot.
A continuance of this kind of dominance builds and creates pressure both mentally as well as physically, creating doubt and uncertainty as well as tiring the opposition.
Next, how do you impose your dominance over the opposition and what are the identifiable components that allow you to dictate?
Assuming we are on our game and have won the floor, then our start point must be a quality dummy half pass.
This may be a pass that is static from the ground or a moving dummy half pass with the emphasis being on recognising when and where to run.
Given our recognition of either situation then we need to be taking the ball flat on the advantage line, with support on either side.
The emphasis here is in the timing of the run to marry with the static or rolling situation.
As we approach the defence, late footwork to avoid the collision and to put defenders at a disadvantage, with good body position that allows us to find the ground in the winning position of elbows and knees and once achieved a quality efficient play the ball is what is required.
Sounds simple but it's not. Don't forget the opposition is trying to prevent you from achieving this.......
An extract from the RLCM CD-ROM - An Approach to Coaching Rugby League the RLCM CD-ROM is supplied to paid subscribers.
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