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Good morning from Currumbin on Queensland's Gold Coast - Friday 22th
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Hard job finding place for greats By Roy Masters - Some great names are missing from rugby league's top players of the past 100 years - particularly second-rowers such as Manly's enduring champion Steve Menzies, Queensland's combustible Gorden Tallis and my favourite, that menacing package of talent and temper Les Boyd.
But if anyone let them down, it was the members of the Australian Rugby League voting college who neglected to vote. Of the 120 eligible to vote, only 68 did so.
So close were some of the selections that, had a few more voted, some players would have been out of the top 100 and others in.
Voters were only required to name 64 players because the college had already inducted 36 players into a hall of fame.
Profiles of 175 players, almost all Test representatives, were sent to the college last September and members were asked to select 23 from the period 1908-45 and the same number from 1946-2007.
If the college can be criticised for not taking its responsibility seriously with the selection of the top 100, there is no doubt they attended to their duties diligently in choosing the best team of all time. On December 10 in Sydney, 23 from the college met and were provided with profiles of the 100 - to be announced tomorrow.
The discussion began with fullback and proceeded to each position in turn.
No open vote was taken at the meeting, with the 23 members asked to place their secret ballot papers into boxes. The names of the top 13 players, together with four reserves and a coach, will be announced at a Men Of League ball in May.
The ARL built in safeguards to ensure voting blocs couldn't be formed, choosing 23 judges with diverse backgrounds, such as old an Kangaroo Ferris Ashton and a recently retired one Greg Alexander, and juxtaposing from different eras Australian coaches, Frank Stanton and Chris Anderson, administrators including Ken Arthurson and Geoff Carr and journalists Alan Clarkson and David Morrow.
Well, there was one bloc which has been in existence for 100 years - the Queenslanders.
There were seven of them and such is their chromosomal loyalty to the territory north of the Tweed, whenever the name of a NSW hero came up, they had a Maroon to better him.
When the name of halfback Andrew Johns - declared the best player of the last 30 years by a magazine - was raised, we half expected the bananabenders to counter with Laurie Spina.
They did nominate Allan Langer, and the issue of Johns's admitted drug-taking, but there was a strong opposing view on Johns's off-field behaviour from NSW admirers of the champion Newcastle half. If there was any weakness in the procedure, it was with a problem which has perplexed selectors for a century: a player's versatility.
When it comes to fullback, only two names can seriously be considered: Clive Churchill and Graeme Langlands, although the Queenslanders mentioned Frank Drake, the first fullback to score a try in an Anglo-Australia Test.
Langlands also played centre and wing, and some judges present argued his best position was centre. If the judges therefore split their votes on Langlands three ways, he won't make the top 13, a serious omission according to many, considering Bob Fulton - one of the code's first four Immortals - described "Changa" as the best player he had ever seen.
However, the ARL cleverly organised a parachute for the versatile champions, ensuring that while they may not make the starting team, they will land close to the square.
The judges, after naming 13 players on a blank team sheet, were also asked to list the top 10 of all time in preferential order.
Players who did not achieve 51 per cent of the votes for positions in the starting team but polled highly in the top 10, made the bench of four.
In other words, if Churchill received 51 per cent of the votes for fullback but the Reg Gasnier-Dally Messenger centre combination, or Reg Gasnier-Dave Brown pairing outnumbered Gasnier-Langlands, or wingers such as Brian Bevan and Ken Irvine kept Changa out of a position on the flanks, there was a big chance the St George champion would appear in the list of four reserves.
Ditto for Wally Lewis, should Fulton take the pivot spot and John Raper be most judges's choice as lock.
Or Arthur Beetson, if props such as Roy Bull and Glenn Lazarus beat him to the prop's positions, or Ron Coote and one of the fabled second-rowers from the pre-war period beat him as a back-rower.
The position of hooker is the one which has changed most over the past century, now that scrums are no longer contests and forwards can kick the ball without coaches threatening to "cut their legs off".
The best of them all, in my opinion, who wasn't chosen, was Melbourne captain Cameron Smith. It's always difficult comparing players of different eras. This can even happen when they are on the field at the same time.
One of the judges, Cyril Connell, who toured with the 1956-57 Kangaroos and was Wayne Bennett's long-term recruitment officer at the Broncos, told a story of seeing Warrington's great winger, Bevan, as they warmed up for a match against Other Nationalities.
Bevan, who played briefly for the Roosters, moved to England after World War II and set try-scoring records for the ages.
Shocked at the sight of the mummified, toothless, bald Bevan, seemingly taped from shoulder to ankle, Connell remarked to teammate, Bobby Banks, "Who's that Aussie? Surely, he's not playing."
Kangaroos coach, Churchill, overhearing the conversation, said, "That's Brian Bevan. Get a good look at him now because when the game starts, you won't see him."
Bevan scored in the opening minutes, racing over the try line untouched. Roy Masters was a member of the panel that selected the greatest 100 players. Read more League HQ
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Pressure point in grapple evolution By Brent Read and Dan Koch - First came the grapple tackle, then the equally dangerous crusher. Now there are rumours one club is aiming to circumvent the game's laws by turning its attentions to pressure points.
NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley yesterday confirmed the league had heard the rumours but said it was yet to receive evidence of clubs flouting the rules.
If they do, watch out. Annesley warned the NRL had the power to punish players and clubs acting against the spirit of the game.
"If it happens we would be concerned about it," Annesley said. "But at this stage we have no evidence that any club is either training or preparing to do it.
"If it does become an issue the judiciary has ample power under the laws of the game in relation to contrary conduct to be able to deal with it."
The NRL has spent the best part of four years trying to eradicate the grapple tackle and its off-shoots.
The issue came to a head late last year following Brisbane's loss to Melbourne at Olympic Park, with Broncos coach Wayne Bennett and his players complaining about the Storm's tackling technique.
Within days NRL chief executive David Gallop announced a crackdown on the crusher tackle, which involved pressure being placed on an opponent's neck.
The NRL appeared to have won the war when coaches endorsed changes to the rules which outlawed any prolonged contact with the head or neck.
However, all that has done is force clubs to look for new methods to dominate their opponents in the ruck area.
The Australian understands at least one club has spent large parts of its pre-season re-working its technique to move away from the upper body.
Instead, the focus has been on using the legs to dominate the opposition and slow down the play-the-ball.
Wrestling coaches, the bane of league officialdom, have suddenly increased in importance as techniques are reconstructed and refined.
Suggestions that pressure points (areas of the body which can be used to force somebody into submission) could be exploited signals another evolution in the grapple tackle war.
Brisbane athletics performance coach Chris Haseman, a former Australian heavyweight wrestling and mixed martial arts champion, warned that someone could be seriously injured if the rumours became reality.
"The idea of joint locks and manipulation coming into the game is pretty worrying and I would hope that any time that sort of thing is spotted the league comes down heavily on it," Haseman said.
"You are talking about something which is very dangerous, particularly in such an uncontrolled environment.
"Having a couple of blokes in a tackle acting as an anchor point while another player is twisting or locking joints is going to lead to injuries."
One coach contacted yesterday suggested the NRL should get on the front foot and conduct an immediate investigation.
Haseman agreed the game's governing body needed to be pro-active.
"I guess from the administrators' perspective you just have to say that they can't afford to let their guard down and assume it has been dealt with," he said.
"If they don't watch this stuff, as I said, players will end up hurt."
Referees coach Robert Finch spoke to the 16 clubs about the grapple issue two weeks ago.
"The bottom line is most of the time we are always reacting to those things, and we have been since 1908," Finch said.
"But I think we're far better equipped now to deal with it.
"They're probably not doing their job if they're not looking at ways to give their team an edge." The Australian
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Castleford Tigers name 19-man squad - Castleford Tigers have named a 19-man squad for Sundays Super League tie at Huddersfield.
Having opted against an appeal against the second game of his two match suspension, Scott Moore again misses out. Stuart Donlan (knee) and Ryan Clayton (shoulder) remain on the sidelines through injury.
However last seasons leading try scorer, threequarter Kirk Dixon, is in the squad for the first time this season after suffering a broken toe in the clubs pre-season build up. Young prop Ryan Boyle is the other addition to the 17 who played at the JJB last Friday evening.
The full squad is - LUKE DORN, MICHAEL SHENTON, KIRK DIXON, MICHAEL WAINWRIGHT, ANTHONY THACKERAY, BRENT SHERWIN, MARK LEAFA, ANDREW HENDERSON, MICHAEL KORKIDAS, AWEN GUTTENBEIL, JOE WESTERMAN, LIAM HIGGINS, CRAIG HUBY, PETER LUPTON, RYAN BOYLE, TOM HABERECHT, RICHARD OWEN, RYAN McGOLDRICK, ADAM FLETCHER Castleford Online
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Ricky in favour of two refs By Josh Massoud - Australian Test coach Ricky Stuart has backed the NRL's contentious experiment to introduce a second referee.
Voicing the concerns of fellow club coaches, Stuart last night said alternative models needed to be investigated to help match officials cope with the increasing pace of modern-day rugby league.
The concept evoked a mixed response after it was revived during last weekend's first round of trial matches, but Stuart believes the code cannot ignore the heightening physical demands on a single referee's capacity to adjudicate.
"We should be helping the one referee, who is under an awful amount of stress with all the pressure on teams to win matches," the Sharks coach said. "If we can assist the one referee, which we have not looked at aside from technology for 100 years, I can't see any damage in that."
Stuart and the other 15 NRL coaches were taken aback when they learnt recently of the physical demands being made on referees over the course of a first-grade fixture.
Figures presented at the end-of-season coaches conference revealed that, on average, each referee's heartbeat reaches a rate of between 170 and 240bpm for almost a third of the game. Medical experts have attested that, when placed under that level of fatigue, an individual's judgment is impaired - raising the prospect of poor decisions that could turn a game.
After viewing the data, which was collected via heart-rate monitors worn by various referees over the past two seasons and GPS tracking equipment, Stuart and Penrith coach Matt Elliott joined a working committee to investigate ways to alleviate the referee's fatigue.
"If there's a way we can take any fatigue or stress away from the referee, we should look at it," Stuart said.
"We talked about some different options, but the referees are supportive of (having a second match official)," Stuart said.
"They've now created a model with a bit of credibility.
"I'm not saying it's the complete answer, but we should be trialling it."
Although not the first time a second referee has been mooted, this year's trials are being conducted after intense testing during the off-season.
NRL referees boss Robert Finch yesterday said his 14 full-time whistleblowers had spent "a lot of time" over the summer simulating the concept, which involves one official policing the defensive line and the other ruling from behind the play-the-ball.
"It features in another two trial matches this weekend, and Finch is hopeful the experiment will continue during the National Youth Competition and perhaps even a late-season NRL game of no consequence to the finals race.
"We've now got players who can go helter-skelter for 80 minutes and (the referees) have got to match that," Finch said. "We can train as hard as them, but we don't get to inter-change. That means the mental drain on decision making is fairly sizeable.
"In my opinion, two referees will be a positive step." Read more Daily Telegraph
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Grappling with the crippler - The NRL is bracing for the grapple tackle's younger brother - the crippler. Play it again, Sam - Young Titans halfback Sam Stewart is torn between his studies and a possible NRL career. McKinnon vows to play in 2008 - Warriors fullback Wade McKinnon determined to play this season despite knee injury. Third-party deals at risk - NRL plans to increase the salary cap but abolish third-party agreements for players. Carney out, Henjak in? - Todd Carney's expected move to Penrith may prompt Canberra to sign Matt Henjak. Read more League HQ
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Dowes signs Hull deal extension - Dowes previously played for England Schools in rugby union Hull FC prop Ewan Dowes has signed a two-year contract extension to keep him at the KC Stadium until 2010. The 26-year-old joined the Black and Whites in 2003 from Leeds Rhinos and has made 142 appearances for them, scoring eight tries. The England international said: "I couldn't be happier. I couldn't see my future anywhere else. I am loyal and I feel I owe Hull some loyalty as they gave me the opportunity to play regularly in Super League." Read more BBC Online
RLCM we will reproduce some of the questions and answers which featured on the LeagueCoach website. Feel free to use the forum link to barter thoughts on coaching and training drills and philosophies. Thanks to all those who contributed during the month.
GIANTS TO GET OFF MARK - Ian Millwards' game-by-game guide to to the weekend's action in engage Super League XIII. STORM ARRIVES IN HALIFAX - Dallas Johnson will lead Melbourne Storm into the unknown at Halifax on Friday. ANDERSON OUT TO SILENCE BULLS - St Helens coach Daniel Anderson is hoping to cut Bradford down to size at Odsal on Friday. SUPER LEAGUE BRIEFING - Team news and statistics ahead of Friday's action in the engage Super League. DOWES PENS HULL DEAL - Hull prop Ewan Dowes has signed a two-year extension to his contract. Read more Sporting Life
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Draining Wayne Bennett's brain By Matt Marshall - The shock that followed Wayne Bennett's decision to resign a year ahead of time has abated for Brisbane's new brigade. The focus now, according to prop Joel Clinton, is to "drain Wayne's brain".
Clinton and fellow new faces Peter Wallace, Ashton Sims and P. J. Marsh were all drawn to Brisbane, at least in part, by the lure of being schooled by the NRL's master coach.
While initially disappointed by the revelation Bennett will go elsewhere at the end of 2008, Clinton said he had no regrets about his decision to move north.
"Wayne has already taught me so much, so many different things, and I've only been here four months," Clinton said on the eve of his first appearance in Brisbane colours.
"I hope I can learn a lot more from him.
"You are just surrounded by quality players up here, as well as a quality coach.
"With the Wayne situation, that's life and things happen. I haven't got any qualms about it - I'm just going to get the most out of him and drain his brain for every little bit of knowledge he can give me.
"Every day you are striving along with the players around you, to move forward and become more professional."
The four months since Clinton's arrival at Red Hill have done little to dull his enthusiasm.
The former Panther said he was itching to pull on the boots in tomorrow night's trial match against Canberra in Orange.
Like a kid in a lolly shop, or Charlie Bucket in Willie Wonka's factory, Clinton is wide-eyed and intoxicated by his new club and his fresh start in life.
"It's as if I'm 19 or 20 years of age again, trying to get a crack at the big time," Clinton, 26, said.
"I'm on the edge of my seat at the moment.
"I'm really pumped because it's a fresh start for me. I've had to prove myself on the training field and this weekend I get a chance to try to prove myself out on the field as well and earn the respect of the boys.
"It's a whole new ball game for me. It was a decision I made down in Sydney - I wanted this fresh start, I wanted this hunger back of trying to cement a spot in the side and play NRL for the Broncos."
Marsh has already experienced all those emotions in his Broncos debut in Rockhampton last weekend.
His impact was immediate, alleviating concerns over the loss of 2006 Clive Churchill Medallist Shaun Berrigan to England.
"I was impressed with a couple of individuals in Rocky," assistant coach Ivan Henjak said.
"I liked what P. J. did for us out there - he was really good.
"He was an inspiration at times. When we just needed a lift, he did some good things." Read more Courier Mail
"I believe all clubs and coaches at all levels should have copies of RLCM as a coaching resource" Wayne Bennett
Contact Gary Roberts Mobile 0414 234 718 Phone: 07/ 5538 9377 Fax: 07/5538 9388 Email: rlcm@...
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Franks calls for new faces on league board Sam Wortington - Wellington Rugby League chairman Stephen Franks has called on the New Zealand Rugby League to shake up its board at next month's annual meeting.
Franks, a former ACT MP who is seeking the National Party candidacy for Wellington Central, will nominate Wellington's Peter Mellars for the NZRL board and urged further change.
"That will be an interesting election," he said. "My own view is it is time for the board to show some really fresh faces with really solid reputations and I'll be pretty disappointed if the process just turns up the same old crocodiles."
Franks, who had previously chaired Wellington's transitional board, was given the rubber stamp as WRL chairman at the region's own annual meeting on Wednesday night.
He joined a growing chorus of those who believe the NZRL board cannot function merely through a passion for the game.
"The process allows them to reach outside the normal channels and get some people who might be outside the sport's politics or the sport's hierarchy but have got really good management and business and team leading experience," Franks said.
His interest in rugby league was sparked by a nephew and he carried out free legal work for the NZRL before accepting an approach to chair the WRL last year.
"I'll be quite frank, I don't think they approached me for my deep knowledge of rugby league - they probably wanted free legal work," he said.
"It just seemed like a chance to learn something about a world that I hadn't had much contact with, but also it's a bit flattering when people who come from a different set of experiences say you can help us."
Franks rejected fears that Wellington would not be able to field a provincial representative team this season, though the NZRL is yet to finalise its schedule.
Wednesday's was Wellington's first annual meeting since 2002, becausethe NZRL assumed control till late last year.
Des O'Sullivan was appointed as a new life member, while Winnie Laban agreed to be WRL's patron. <THE B Post< Dominion>
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Harlequins Rugby League Academy Open Trial this Sunday - A reminder that Harlequins Rugby League are currently recruiting for their Foundation Academy team (U16, YR 11 pupils only) with the first trial to be held this Sunday 24 February.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to play alongside England U16's stars Darren Reed and Olsi Krasniqi.
The Foundation Academy is the youngest playing squad at Harlequins Rugby League and is part of the successful base which has resulted in five Londoners progressing through to the first team squad. Last season eight players from the Foundation team excelled and received part-time professional contracts.
The Foundation will play 4/6 fixtures against top opposition including Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls and St Helens.
Colin Baker, Harlequins Rugby League Foundation Head Coach & Scholarship Manager commented: "The open trial will allow us to see not only local Rugby League juniors and some players from the north who have missed out with clubs up there, but also talented Rugby Union players and athletes who are looking for a new challenge.
"I am sure that we will unearth some exciting prospects to compliment the boys who have already been working hard on our scholarship scheme. Last season Billy Driver from Robert Clack School in Dagenham who had never played Rugby League came to the trials and excelled so well that by the end of the Foundation season he was offered a part-time professional contract".
From the trials an initial squad of 25-30 players will be selected, this will be narrowed down to 22 (RFL Rules for the Foundation Competition).
Players will be selected using a series of criteria including physical attributes for playing position, core skills, game knowledge and attitude.
Please contact Phil Jones, Harlequins Rugby League Player Performance Manager, either on philj@... or 0781 3360796 if you wish to attend or require further detail
Full Trial Details:
Date: Sunday 24th February & Sunday 2nd March Venue: Harlequins Training Ground Richardson Evans Playing Fields Roehampton Vale SW15 3PQ Time: 10.00am - 1.00pm Equipment: Please bring appropriate training kit Sessions: Will consist of RL Drills, fitness, small sided games and on the 2nd a full contact match at the end of the session. Harlequins Online
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Young Rangers take centre stage - Brighouse Rangers Under-8s team enter the world stage of professional rugby league tomorrow evening (7.0) at The Shay when they take on Halifax Irish's youngsters in a curtain raiser to the Halifax v Melbourne Storm challenge match (7.30).
The 2007 National Rugby League champions of Australia, who later this month take on the engage 2007 Super League Grand Final winners Leeds Rhinos before 45,000 at Elland Road, wanted a warm up game and picked out Co-op National League One Halifax.
With just 24 hours to go it is looking like a 6,000 sell-out as the Shay is still restricted on attendances with the unfinished east stand.
For the youngsters from Brighouse Rangers and the clutch of junior schools across the borough they attend this is a tremendous occasion and their coaching duo of Mark Walker and Paul Sweeney are delighted for them.
"We are hoping to put on a good show for the spectators and put one over Halifax Irish who beat us earlier in the season," said Sweeney, who is also chairman of the junior section.
"The squad is extremely excited as are their parents who have been snapping up the family tickets." Brighouse Echo
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Salford are feeling robbed by James Jiminez's departure By Dave Lawrenson - Salford are calling for a change in the rugby league contract system after feeling robbed by James Jiminez's departure. The 22-year-old Australian with a Spanish passport joined the Reds in the close season on a one-year contract from NRL outfit St George Illawarra.
But, after paying Jiminez a monthly wage and forking out for the players' accommodation, car and for him to be part of a two-week training camp in Florida, the Reds have ended up getting just two Northern Rail Cup appearances out of him.
Jiminez this week walked out on his contract after struggling to adapt to life in England.
And his permanent return to Australia has left Salford short of cover and out of pocket as, under the current rugby league contract system, they have no way of claiming compensation.
Steve Simms, the Reds' director of football, said: "We are all very disappointed in the player.
"We had numerous meetings with him and offered him all sorts of things in a bid to keep him here. We offered him his own place and we offered to bring some of his family over here.
"But he was adamant that this country isn't for him. He missed the water as he loves surfing and he also missed his friends back home.
"We are not going to release him from his contract so he won't be playing for anyone else this year, unless a club is willing to pay us £10,000 for his registration by way of compensation.
"But there is not much else we can do.
"We invested time, money and effort in the player. If it was us who cancelled a contract then we would have to pay that contract up in full. But when it's the player who won't fulfil a contract it's a different story.
"Someone, somewhere needs to stand up and say 'what are clubs going to get when a player walks out on them?'
"This is the second time this has happened to us this year as we've also lost Damien Reed after investing in him.
"We can't claim anything back in either case and it stinks. Clubs have no protection and the system needs looking at."
Simms recently labelled Jiminez 'a real find' after the player's silky skills lit up Salford's early season performances.
And, assuming that Salford are successful with their franchise application, head coach Shaun McRae admits that Jiminez would have been a shoe-in for a Super League contract with the Reds.
McRae said: "It's a real shame as I know that Jimmy would have been a really good player for us this year.
"And, without doubt, we would have offered him a Super League deal for 2009 (providing that the Reds were to get a top flight franchise)." Salford Advertiser
Celtic Crusaders Stadium plan could spell Brewery Field end By Andrew Harrison - Plans for an exciting new stadium could spell the end for rugby at the Brewery Field. Celtic Crusaders' supremo Leighton Samuel has plans for a multi-sport community stadium in Bridgend as the club pushes for a Super League franchise for 2009.
Crusaders' chief executive David Thompson stressed the stadium would be for a variety of sports, not just rugby.
"We hope to go into partnership with Bridgend Ravens, Bridgend County Borough Council, maybe Bridgend Football Club and anyone else who wants to be involved in this project," he said.
"We won't move forward until the plan ticks all the right boxes for everybody."
Mr Thompson said the Crusaders had approached the Welsh Assembly Government over the proposed stadium, which would also be available to schools and the wider community, with hockey pitches and basketball courts on site.
He said the club has looked at a handful of sites within the borough and is hopeful of making progress.
"We want to see every kid throwing a rugby ball around at an early age and have the opportunity to play league and union," said Mr Thompson. "It's not a case of the council building a stadium that doesn't include things we want, or the Crusaders building a stadium that isn't acceptable to the Ravens.
"We want a partnership with everyone working together."
One option could be reopening discussions with Tesco, which began in 2003.
The supermarket giant owns land in Brackla which could be exchanged for the Brewery Field site, which abuts an existing Tesco store.
Mr Samuel previously held talks with Tesco over his plans to move the now-defunct Celtic Warriors rugby union side from the Brewery Field to a proposed £15m stadium in either Treforest or Llantrisant, with lack of adequate parking a major issue.
But then council leader Jeff Jones ruled out selling a BCBC-owned site to help fund a stadium outside the county borough.
BCBC says it will not allow the Ravens' future to be compromised as Brewery Field tenants if the ground is sold, with Mr Samuel's company Dekor holding the lease.
Cabinet member for resources, Coun Bob Burns, said: "The council is fully committed to ensuring the rich history of rugby union in Bridgend has a strong future but we are aware that other sports also need our support and the right balance must be found.
"The council's legal department is in the process of verifying our position in terms of the Brewery Field as there are a lot of complicated issues regarding its status in terms of covenants, leases and how it came into the council's ownership.
"We would be wary of agreeing anything unless all parties involved were in total agreement."
The Crusaders currently play one rung below the top league in National League One after gaining promotion in their second season of existence last year and their current home does meet Super League requirements.
Meanwhile the Ravens are struggling in the Welsh Premiership both on and off the field with ongoing financial difficulties, and club chairman Derrick King is lukewarm to the idea of leaving the Brewery Field.
"Bridgend Ravens have had meetings with BCBC and Leighton Samuel on the future of where we play but we want to be independent," he said.
The plans end rumours the Crusaders could move to Cardiff. Operations manager Gerald McCarthy has also guaranteed their future is in Bridgend. ic Wales
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Castleford Tigers Stadium Update - There was more good news this week for Castleford Tigers on the stadium front when Government Office ratified the planning decision of Wakefield Metropolitan District Council.
The scheme includes a new road linking the stadium to the new Coalfields Link Road that will enable access to the stadium from Junction 31 of the M62. Part of this new road passes through green belt land and this had to be approved by Government Office. This approval has now been received and removes a further hurdle and potential delay.
Councillor Mark Burns-Williamson said: "This decision is great news and removes another obstacle that could have resulted in further delay. It is another green light and the momentum of the project is building. Hopefully now we can move quickly to the detailed planning application with a view to starting construction later this year."
Stuart McLoughlin of Waystone said: "We are delighted that Government Office has referred the planning application for the Stadium Business Park to Wakefield Metropolitan District Council. This enables a number of key actions to go ahead, including Waystone entering into a Section 106 Agreement, the formation of a separate company to deliver the stadium and for Waystone Limited to commence work on the stadium platform and infrastructure."
Meanwhile fans will have noted that site preparation work has already commenced on the site in order that earthworks can commence in spring.
Tigers Chief Executive Officer, Richard Wright, said: "It is vital that we make significant progress with the stadium before submitting our Licence Application on 31 March.
"We had a meeting last week with Waystone and have meetings with both Waystone and Wakefield MDC within the next two weeks. This latest news is very timely and we want to move to a detailed design as soon as possible to enable us to present the proposals to the fans and start the consultation process." Castleford Tigers Online
Unveiling of Rugby League's 100 Greatest Players - Once Sydney's famous fleets of 18-footers brought together the powerbrokers of Rugby League - tomorrow they will provide a backdrop for one of the biggest announcements of the Centenary year.
The Men of League Foundation's Techi-Clean Australia JJ Giltinan Sailing Regatta on Sydney Harbour will include the official unveiling of Rugby League's 100 Greatest Players.
The venue recognises the shared heritage between the two sports. Both play for a JJ Giltinan Shield and the ongoing contribution of players aboard the historic crafts that were once crewed by Rugby League stars of the day will provide a spectacular backdrop to the historic announcement.
Centenary Committee and Australian Rugby League Chairman, Mr Colin Love AM, will officially announce the game's top 100 players at 4.30pm.
Among those competing in the regatta are Mark O'Meley and Iosia Soliola (Sydney Roosters), Michael Buettner and Greg Florimo (North Sydney Bears), Mick Luibinskas (Wests) and Ron Coote and Joe Thomas (Men Of League).
WHERE: Sydney Squadron 18-Footers Sailing Club, 76 McDougall St, Milsons Point. Phone (02) 9955 8350.
WHEN: Friday, February 22: 1.30pm-4.30pm: Men of League Foundation's Techi-Clean Australia JJ Giltinan Sailing Regatta. 4.30pm: Announcement of Rugby League's 100 Greatest Players. ARL Online
Fielden set for extended absence - Wigan prop Stuart Fielden is likely to be sidelined for another month after his bicep injury was found to be more serious than originally thought. The Great Britain international missed the start of the Super League season after undergoing shoulder surgery.
He was to face Castleford last Friday until damaging a bicep in training and will not play until at least mid-March.
"Stuart will need a further three to four weeks to recover," said Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan.
Fielden, Wigan's record signing from Bradford in 2006, was left out of Great Britain's side for the three-match series against New Zealand in the autumn but hopes to push for a place in England's World Cup squad.
He needed pain-killing injections in his feet towards the end of last season in a bid to help Warriors in the play-offs, and missed all three of Wigan's pre-season games.
This latest blow will add up to a five-month lay-off for Fielden, who has played in 13 major finals. Read more BBC Online
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Modern heroes' Centenary snub - MODERN-DAY champions Gorden Tallis, Ben Elias and Ricky Stuart have been snubbed in a contentious NRL list of rugby league's 100 greatest players. Mateo enjoying switch to halves - PARRAMATTA backrower Feleti Mateo is hoping his switch to the halves in the absence of Tim Smith will help him become a more versatile player. Dragons at full strength in trial - ST GEORGE Illawarra coach Nathan Brown has named a near full-strength side for the club's opening NRL trial against the Bulldogs at WIN Stadium. Moore bangs on about Sunny Coast - THE player famous for the "Queenslander" chant has made another rallying call. Storm breeze in early - THEY have already adjusted their sleeping patterns to British time and sent out an advance party to checkout their accommodation, local restaurants and training facilities. Raiders want Carney by season's start - CANBERRA has moved to resolve the Todd Carney saga by requesting its star halfback make a decision on his future before the premiership begins next month. Johns backs Rogers for pivotal season - MAT Rogers has been tipped to electrify the Titans backline when he makes the contentious move to five-eighth this season. Michaels wants centre of attention - STEVE Michaels has set his sights on locking down a prized Broncos centres spot in 2008 after establishing himself in the NRL last season. Everyone else got it wrong - I'M falling back on the ageless defence of rugby league selectors confronted by angry hordes disputing their choices. Utility Watts to be JT for a month - ANTHONY Watts hasn't quite got his head around filling the biggest boots in rugby league, but he knows it can't be done wearing a dinner suit. Titans' Akaoula escapes suspension - GOLD Coast centre Kingi Akaoula will escape suspension after pleading guilty to a careless high tackle on Canberra winger Michael Brophy in their NRL trial match loss to the Raiders. Sammut stays at Panthers - PENRITH are refusing to release Jarrod Sammut to New Zealand Warriors, who have lost fullback Wade McKinnon for the season. Warriors forced to remodel game - NEW Zealand Warriors captain Steve Price admits the Auckland-based outfit will need to remodel its game after star full-back Wade McKinnon was ruled out for the 2008 NRL season. Mini hangs on to No.1 jumper - FORMER Test full-back Anthony Minichiello revealed he knocked back an offer from Sydney Roosters coach Brad Fittler to give up his coveted No.1 jumper. Petersen desperate to regain spot - WITH competition fierce for spots in the outside backs, Gold Coast winger Matt Petersen is hoping history doesn't repeat itself and he'll be available for the start of the NRL season. Bulldogs move to reassure Folkes - BULLDOGS coach Steve Folkes received personal assurances from chairman George Peponis and several members of the club's newly formed board that he would be told before any approach was made to a rival coach. Read more Foxsports
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League: Bookies react to star's lost season - The Warriors are putting a brave face on the loss of star fullback Wade McKinnon to a season-ending knee injury but bookmakers have moved swiftly to ease their odds of capturing a first NRL title. What had seemed a routine strain suffered in Friday night's pre-season encounter with Newcastle was. Juniors get Warriors trial call-up - Seven Junior Warriors have been included in a 21-man squad for the pre-season trial against the Auckland Vulcans at Henham Park, Otahuhu, on Saturday. Loose forward Scott Jones, prop Russell Packer. Warriors star may be out for season - The New Zealand Warriors suffered a big setback today with news that Wade McKinnon could be out for season. How much of a blow to the Warriors is the loss of McKinnon? - Wade McKinnon could be out for whole of the upcoming National Rugby League campaign. Scans have revealed that the Warriors fullback has anterior cruciate ligament damage in his right knee. Read more NZ Herald
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DOWES PENS HULL DEAL - Hull prop Ewan Dowes has signed a two-year extension to his contract, which will keep him at the KC Stadium until the end of the 2010 season. BELLAMY LAYS DOWN CHALLENGE - Places in Melbourne's World Club Challenge will be up for grabs when the Storm face Halifax. BELLAMY READY FOR RHINOS - Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy claims his side will be ready to face Leeds Rhinos. NEW ROLE FOR FERRES - Former Wakefield chief executive Steve Ferres has joined the RFL in a club support role. NO PANIC FROM SHARP - Huddersfield coach Jon Sharp will draw on his side's experience of 2007. RAYNOR ON ASSAULT CHARGE - Great Britain international Gareth Raynor has been accused of gouging a doorman's eye. RADFORD SET TO RETURN - Injury-hit Hull will be boosted by the return of captain Lee Radford for Friday's home game against Wigan. SCULTHORPE BACK IN SAINTS SQUAD - Paul Sculthorpe is in St Helens' squad to face Bradford after his injury problems. CHAMBER MADE FOR WOLVES PAIR - Warrington's Matt King and Michael Monaghan face a race against time to be fit to face Hull KR. FIELDEN BLOW FOR WARRIORS - Wigan have been hit by the news Stuart Fielden's comeback has been delayed for another month. McDERMOTT IN PAUL PLEA - Brian McDermott is desperate for Henry Paul to extend his career beyond the end of the season. STORM LOOK TO GRAND FINAL 11 - Eleven of Melbourne's Grand Final winners are in their squad for the World Club Challenge. Read more Sporting Life
RLCM we will reproduce some of the questions and answers which featured on the LeagueCoach website. Feel free to use the forum link to barter thoughts on coaching and training drills and philosophies. Thanks to all those who contributed during the month.
Crowe is set to unveil a special Centenary plaque - Renowned Test forward of the 1960s Ron Crowe is set to unveil a special Centenary plaque at the West Wyalong Knockout tomorrow commemorating the town's proud contribution to 100 years of Rugby League.
Crowe will be joined by fellow local legends John Kelly and Ron Pilon to officially open the 2008 event and unveil a cast-bronzed plaque to be mounted at Ron Crowe Oval.
Pilon, a former Newtown Jets player who famously led Riverina to a victory against New Zealand in 1986 and was the last coach to lead Riverina to a Country Championship, will host a ceremony prior to the Knockout's final match of its opening night.
Former NSW player and ex-Australian selector John Kelly will also be present.
WHAT: Ron Crowe to unveil Centenary plaque WHERE: Ron Crowe Oval, West Wyalong WHEN: Friday, 22 February - 8.30pm
The Ron Crowe Oval Centenary plaque is the first of 46 to be unveiled across Country NSW, and the first of 179 plaques nation-wide, in an initiative by the Australian Rugby League to pay tribute to sites of historical significance to Rugby League.
Through the Centenary plaques program, fans around the country will have the chance to participate in the commemoration of their own home ground, where countless weekends were and continue to be spent cheering on their favourite team, whilst clubs will have the chance to honour their rich histories in the game with an attractive bronzed Plaque emblazoned with the Centenary of Rugby League logo. ARL
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Leeds Akkies RLFC: Be part of something!
Leeds Akkies RLFC seeks ambitious/enthusiastic personel for the 2008 campaign.
2008 promises to be landmark year for the Akkies following five extremely successful seasons.
The club is due to move back into its newly redeveloped home ground, The Sycamors, following a £5million upgrade and plans to launch womens/junior sides for the 2008 summer season to compliment an already successful open age section.
As part of the club's ambitious plans, the Akkies are looking for:
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RLCM Coaching Extract

Coachtalk with Craig Culnane, Parramatta Eels 2007
An extract from the soon to be released 2008 RLCM Coaching Yearbook 4 and CD-ROM distributed to RLCM Paid Subscribers
....the emphasis throughout the game may be placed upon grip, holding the ball, passing and catching and ball movement.
Other skills include tackle techniques, the side step and the hit and spin. The games process is very important as it allows a coach to give good demonstrations of what he expects of his players, and ensure that all players are involved.
Allowing for a range of difficulties throughout the session, they keep focus on skills performance and present the opportunity for the coach to give praise and provide feedback to the players.
More often than not, traditional training sessions have focussed on the development of technique, often overlooking 'why' and 'where' that the technique fits into the game.
This is why, as a coach, feedback becomes so valuable. In the learning stages feedback or knowledge of results is predominant. Feedback in regard to knowledge of performance dominates when the player is performing the skill and when the player is more skilled.
"If you're working with a player at a high level your feedback needs to be adjusted to that. Players at a higher level will be looking at knowledge of performance - what did I do right, what did I do wrong."
Consequently, this leads to correction of technique. The dilemma for many coaches is whether or not to try to change a player's natural style to one that is perceived as more efficient.
Most coaches have experienced the frustration of trying to change a player's technique, only to see a player revert back to their old style under pressure....Click RLCM Bookshop buy a RLCM eBook and it will be in your PC today.

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