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Titans 32 defeated West Tigers 4
Skilled Stadium, Robina, Gold Coast - Crowd 14,386
By Gary Roberts RLCM - Click here or image for RLCMtv after game interviews and RLCM's questions answered at the post game conference.
Firstly, accolades must go to the Queensland Government, Gold Coast City Council and the Gold Coast Titans for developing the new Gold Coast Skilled Stadium a truly magnificent world class arena.
Skilled Stadium has similar lines to the stadiums in the UK such as Reebok Stadium in Bolton, Kingston Stadium in Hull, Wigan JJB Stadium and Huddersfield Stadium. The crowd capacity at Gold Coast's Skilled Stadium is approximately 25 000 fans.
In an article that appeared in The Australian newspaper, the question of Sydney's ability to sustain nine NRL clubs was again put under the spotlight.
"From the outside, it looks like there are too many clubs (in Sydney)," Brisbane chief executive officer, Bruno Cullen, said.
North Queensland chief executive, Peter Parr, stressed he was unaware of rival clubs' financial details, but said that he believed it would be better if there were fewer teams in Sydney.
"I would suggest there are too many but I don't know the ins and outs of it," Parr said.
Even Parramatta chief executive, Denis Fitzgerald, conceded Sydney clubs faced a testing future.
"Maybe it's added pressure for amalgamation in Sydney or relocation for a Sydney team," Fitzgerald said of the loss of revenue.
"Sydney clubs are under immense financial pressure. We have to get relief somewhere," The Australian reported.
It was quoted recently that only three NRL clubs showed a profit last year, these being the Brisbane Broncos, NQ Cowboys and the Gold Coast Titans all one town/one region NRL clubs.
Surely with the one town or one region football teams in Queensland leading the way in crowds and generating profit one would think the solution is simple.
Again though, congratulations to the above mentioned organisations for providing the Gold Coast rugby league fans with a truly magnificent sporting venue as the game begins its second century.
Back to the game:
Wests Tigers were shocking, but as it was only a trial match, you cannot read too much into it, but from a coaching point of view, Tim Sheens and his coaching staff would be concerned. Star player Benji Marshall showed glimpses of brilliance but unfortunately, they were countered by some dumb plays that should not be attempted at this level of the game, another problem for the Wests Tigers coaching staff to rectify within the fortnight.
But remember it was an early season trial. Wait until the season begins and a few matches are played and West Tigers can be analysed further before a prediction can be made.
The Gold Coast Titans, on the other hand, did everything right, which can happen when the opposition plays poorly, so again let's not read too much into their win.
Coach Cartwright was more than pleased with the way his team went about their business, but he was not getting too carried away with trial form. He does seem to have an abundance of players who are fit and aware of the culture that he has outlined for them, more so than 2007 when it was their first year in the NRL. However, player size up front may again be a Titan's problem.
Completion rates are a major stat in the game and if done effectively can decide your path during a game. RLCM's stats showed that the Gold Coast Titans completed 88% positive sets on Saturday night - a truly great figure. These figures cannot be taken away from the Titans but they also reflect on the poor performance of Wests Tigers in the second half and maybe did not give a true reading of the game. The Titan completions for that stanza were 18 out of 21, almost 90% - rare figures indeed.
Mat Rogers again showed his class as Titans 5/8 and his partnership with Scott Prince will continue to evolve. If they both stay healthy, their development will be lethal, creating a match winning duo. Shannon Walker, the new kid on the block, obviously has ability. He knows his way around a football field and seems to have an instinct of where to be. Walker made a brilliant break when he came on late in the second half and he could be a star of the future.
The Titans played a different style in the second half. In the first half, they were playing in the left and right corridors before spreading the ball. The second half saw them attack straight down the middle. They discovered a weakness in the Wests Tigers' defence in the middle and exploited it for easy metres. Another possible problem which may create major headaches for the Wests Tigers' coaching staff before the NRL season begins.
[Note] RLCM completion figures may differ from other recording systems. RLCM rates positive plays only and may rate, a turn over, ball kicked dead, dropped ball on 4th or 5th play or a break from own half to opposition's half as a positive completion.
Read more
RLCM News Online
Leeds Gave Melbourne a Lesson in Ruck Defence
Leeds 11 defeated Melbourne 4
Elland Road, Leeds - Crowd 33,204
Click here or image to see a short film clip of both teams ruck defence.
By Gary Roberts RLCM
Poor conditions underfoot caused by driving rain and a fierce wind prevailed, but both teams showed excellent wet weather football ability.
Short passing was needed when in possession and both teams excelled at this with limited dropped ball by both sides.
The UK Super League team, Leeds, showed a style of football that may have taken the NRL champions be surprise. Leeds completely dominated the NRL champions in the ruck area.
Leeds consistently had the three men tackling team working to timed perfection and controlled the ball carrier which in turn limited Melbourne's ruck speed after the initial collision had taken effect.
It appears that a lot of work has been done on the choreographing on the tackle. It was similar to the tackle that Parramatta were using a few years back when Brian Smith and Tony Smith were the Eel's coaches. Whether that was instilled during Tony Smith's reign at Leeds or whether current coach, Brian McClennan, has perfected it even further is debatable.
But, Melbourne was unable to match it with Leeds around the ruck and they looked very pedestrian in their efforts. However, they will improve on that when their full team is on the field.
Melbourne tried to lift the tempo of their defence several times during the game, only to be met with a similar increase in intensity by Leeds to maintain control.
Melbourne coach, Bellamy, would be disappointed with the result, but with several of his team still at home, they were always going to be behind the opposition in doing the little things correctly to gain the advantage that wins the big games.
Nothing can be taken away from Leeds. They are worthy 2008 World Club Champions. The game was a great spectacle of tough, hard rugby league played in dismal weather conditions.
Read more RLCM News Online
NRL Tickets on Sale Monday Tickets for the opening round Sydney derbies between the Rabbitohs and Roosters, Eels and Bulldogs and Sea Eagles and Sharks will go on sale Monday, March 3, from 9am
The countdown is on to the biggest season in Rugby League history - and tomorrow fans have their first chance to be part of three of the opening round's blockbuster matches.
Tickets are available through Ticketek on 132 849, at Ticketek outlets or online at www.ticketek.com.au
Tickets for the first home games of the season for the Bulldogs, Cowboys, Raiders and Dragons will also go on sale tomorrow from 9am.
Tickets for Cowboys home matches must be purchased through Tickets Online on 1300 737 909, at Tickets Online outlets or online at www.ticketsonline.net.au
"There has never been a more exciting start to a season than the round of matches that will kick-off our Centenary year," NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said.
"I encourage all fans to get in early and grab a seat for the start of a historic season for the game."
Tickets are already on sale for the Storm's Round 1 match against the Warriors at Telstra Dome, for the Wests Tigers' matches at the SCG in rounds one and six, for the Panthers' first two home matches, for all Roosters home matches and for the Broncos, Knights, Titans and Warriors' opening home games.
Tickets for the Storm-Warriors match at Telstra Dome must be purchased through Ticketmaster on 136 100, at Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.ticketmaster.com.au. Tickets for Knights home matches are available on (02) 4941 8282, from PROticket agencies or online at www.proticket.com.au
Tickets for the Sharks' opening home match - against the Panthers in Round 6 - go on sale on March 11. The Telstra Premiership kicks off on March 14. NRL Online
Do you have a Drills Book? Click RLCM Drills on CD-ROM to order. Compiled from RLCM Drills Books 1, 2 & 3 and offering 233 Training Drills a neccessity for coaches at all levels of the game
GIANTS GAIN HULL REVENGE - A review of the weekend's action so far in engage Super League XIII.
SHARP: TEAM GAVE GIANT PERFORMANCE - Post-match reaction to Huddersfield's 28-8 victory over Hull.
SAINTS COUNT COST OF COMEBACK - Post-match reaction to St Helens' 34-30 victory over Wakefield.
WARRINGTON HIT BY WOOD BLOW - Post-match reaction to Warrington's 38-18 victory over Catalans Dragons.
PEACOCK ON TOP OF THE WORLD - Great Britain captain Jamie Peacock insists Leeds are worthy world champions.
AMATEUR LEAGUE HAS RECORD NUMBER - A record 90 teams who will compete in the pioneering Rugby League Conference this year.
VAGANA BLOW FOR BULLS - Bradford Bulls have confirmed Joe Vagana sustained a broken arm at Wigan on Saturday. Read more Sporting Life
"I believe all clubs and coaches at all levels should have copies of RLCM as a coaching resource" Wayne Bennett
Contact: Gary Roberts
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Forward pack a concern as Broncos tune up for Panthers By Matt Marshall - Less than two weeks from the NRL season opener against Penrith, concerns are mounting over the ability of Brisbane's new-look pack to muscle up.
With former go-to men Petero Civoniceva and Brad Thorn now distant memories, the lean Broncos pack has been unable to assert any physical supremacy in the pre-season - even against Queensland Cup opposition.
The most impressive performance from Brisbane's big men came in Rockhampton three weeks ago when Ben Hannant and David Taylor locked horns with Cowboys big guns Carl Webb and Matt Scott.
But out-of-favour Taylor is unlikely to be given a jumper in round 1, while Hannant (sternum) will be suiting up for his first match in a month on March 16.
Brisbane's enforcers have precious little time remaining to get their formula right with a fired-up Panthers pack - led by Civoniceva and also boasting Kiwi hard men Frank Pritchard and the Puletua brothers, Frank and Tony - due at Suncorp Stadium in 13 days.
Brisbane's pack failed to gain any real ascendancy over state leaguers Redcliffe on Saturday - but they insist the talent is there.
"If we turn up with that, we'll struggle a lot, but after every game you find something to fix and something to work on," Brisbane back-rower Sam Thaiday said.
"It's all good. Joel (clinton) and Simsy (Ashton Sims) are doing quite fine at the moment. Both run hard and really fierce, they're slotting into that role quite well. I'm quite happy to run after those blokes.
"Compared to against the Raiders, our defence was a lot better. Upping our defence, our line speed and our aggression was what we trained for and I think we did that. But there's still room for improvement."
Coach Wayne Bennett, filthy with his pack's output against Canberra in Orange, also believes it took a step forward at Dolphin Oval.
"I thought they went pretty good and the defence was pretty good in the middle of the ruck," Bennett said.
"Our forwards (last Saturday) are pretty close to being the one we'll be playing, with Hannant the only one missing, and I was pretty pleased with their effort.
"We go home, we practise, we at least felt what we've been practising we're getting closer to. We'll just go and work on that for two weeks and get ready for Penrith."
Statistics from last season reveal the hole Bennett's coaching staff are attempting to fill, with Civoniceva and Thorn the only two Broncos players in the NRL's top-20 hit-up list in 2007.
Civoniceva alone chalked 424 hit-ups to finish third in the NRL, while Thorn finished ninth with 372. Their absence will be felt.
Brisbane is hoping to employ a move expansive brand this season, seeking to better utilise its star-studded half and three-quarter lines, but has looked alarmingly one-dimensional in its final two pre-season hitouts.
Titans' perfect homecoming - "PERFECT" seemed the buzz word as the Gold Coast Titans brought their new home at Skilled Park, Robina on line.
Cashed-up Manly chase Tupou - AFTER making a $1.6 million offer to Canberra's Todd Carney, Manly will now consider outlaying another $1.2 million for Rooster Anthony Tupou.
Wing told: Stop your whingeing - CHARITY Shield hero and Rabbitohs star signing Craig Wing has been told to stop whingeing about his bitter exit from the Sydney Roosters.
Bulldogs show on-field bite - THE Bulldogs put an end to a dramatic off-season with new recruit Michael Sullivan inspiring the under-siege club to an entertaining win over the Panthers. 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@...
Post: RLCM PO Box 259, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Robinson stakes claim for Broncos - ANOTHER eye-catching trial gallop may have clinched rookie Reece Robinson an NRL debut for Brisbane in the first round against Penrith.
Wing to lead against Roosters - CRAIG Wing has earned his chance at redemption, winning the South Sydney half-back jersey for a high octane round one clash with his former club the Sydney Roosters.
Brown happy to go no-frills - ST George Illawarra coach Nathan Brown is leaning towards putting full-back Ben Hornby back into the halves for the start of the season with experience to win over youthful brilliance.
Fittler worried about hookers - SYDNEY Roosters coach Brad Fittler could have a major problem in the hooking department before Friday week's NRL season-opener against Souths with rake Riley Brown racing against time to be fit.
Stuart worried about Sharks' depth - SHARKS coach Ricky Stuart says fans should not be alarmed about their inconsistent preseason form, but admits he's concerned with their lack of depth heading into the season. Read more Foxsports
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It's time for Hasler to come on down By Brent Read - BRETT STEWART has committed his future to Manly. The club's next target is coach Des Hasler.
Manly chief executive Grant Mayer will this week turn his attention to finalising an extension for Hasler, who will be off contract at the end of the season.
Mayer has been in talks with Hasler since April last year but the 2007 grand final coach has delayed signing a new deal while some of his players remain unsigned.
The last hurdle in that respect was Stewart.
The incumbent Test fullback signed a four-year contract extension on Saturday, ensuring he will remain with the Sea Eagles until the end of 2012.
His signature means Manly has the core of its grand final side secured to long-term deals - Jamie Lyon, Brent Kite, Steve Matai, Matt Orford and Anthony Watmough are contracted beyond the end of this season.
"We're on record as saying that once the players are done, Des Hasler would be the next cab off the rank," Mayer said. "I would expect that it (a new contract) would be done pretty quickly."
While Stewart has played a key role in Manly's revival, no-one has been more important than Hasler.
Under his stewardship, the club has turned its fortunes around, culminating in last year's grand final appearance.
In Hasler's first season in charge, Manly finished 13th. Over the next three years it gradually improved, qualifying for the finals on each occasion.
Last year was Hasler's most successful as a coach. Manly finished behind only Melbourne, winning 20 games in the process, then knocked off South Sydney and North Queensland to qualify for its first grand final in a decade.
"I think Des has been great for the club," veteran Steve Menzies said.
"I think we had a five-year plan to get us to where we are and we're ahead of that. Brett Stewart and all of the other young blokes going to another level is one reason for that.
"Obviously Des and all the stuff he has put in place is the other reason. If we can lock him up for another couple of years it would be great for the future."
As a player, Hasler was renowned for his work ethic and determination. Nothing has changed in his transition to coaching. Hasler is invariably the first to arrive at the club's training base on the northern beaches, and the last to leave.
He is fiercely private with his personal life and almost as guarded when it comes to his team.
"Des is very strong in regard to having a long-term vision," Mayer said.
"Now that the core of his team has been signed I would expect that his re-signing would be very quick indeed."
Manly's renaissance under Hasler has prompted speculation that the former NSW and Australia halfback is a representative coach in the making.
His name was bandied about last year when the NSW Rugby League was considering the coaching position. It eventually went to Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy.
Few doubt Hasler will one day make the transition into that arena.
"I think he has matured as a coach," Menzies said.
"He's always been an intense bloke. He's got a good blend now of keeping that intensity and keeping it relaxed at training, so the boys can have a bit of fun."
Meanwhile, Menzies will see the club doctor today after injuring his neck during Manly's win over the Warriors on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. He played only for a short time on Friday night before being injured. The Australian
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Prince lines up goal kicking role - TITANS skipper Scott Prince has put his hand up to be the first string goal kicker for the Gold Coast this season in an attempt to take charge of the club's finals ambitions.
Carty has headache after Titans tame Tigers - JOHN Cartwright is staring at a selection nightmare ahead of the Titans' round one blockbuster against North Queensland after a spirited Larry Corowa Shield victory over the Tigers on Saturday night.
Teenage Titans taught a lesson, says coach - GOLD Coast Toyota Cup coach Steve Murphy says there is still `a lot of work to do' before the Titans' under-20 side will be a force in the new National Youth Competition.
Rogers won't need to wing it at pivot - IT has been described as the Titans' biggest positional gamble this season. But for Mat Rogers, being at five-eighth feels like he is back where he belongs.
Read more GC Bulletin
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The 2008 Rugby League World Cup to be held in Australia will be the biggest Rugby League event in the 100 year history of the game.
The Rugby League Experience is providing a range of packages for local, interstate and international visitors.
To be kept up to date with all the latest tournament and tour information you can register your interest here.
Three aces on top of the pack - Phil Gould gazes into his crystal ball and sees the Storm, Sea Eagles and Eels very clearly.
In all honesty now, can your team win the 2008 NRL competition?
Before you answer, consider this.
In trying to predict the premiers, a number of factors must be taken into account.
The No.1 consideration is undoubtedly the quality of the playing roster, particularly the experience and talent of the key positions. You can't win a comp without quality halves, hookers, front-rowers and experienced centres.
The teams that win competitions almost always contain representative players at the peak of their careers.
There is a sense of chemistry and timing about winning a competition. Success comes in cycles and you can generally feel when certain teams are on the rise - or on the decline.
Changes to the playing roster are a significant factor. You cannot underestimate the loss or gain of quality individuals.
Depth is important but then again any team experiencing a lot of injuries will soon fall behind the healthier sides.
Having said that, the ability to cover injuries or rotate the starting side during a long campaign to rest key personnel is certainly a luxury.
Melbourne showed this last season when they rested a number of players coming into the finals while other teams were flat out trying to qualify. They timed their preparation to perfection and the 34-8 thumping of second-placed Manly was as emphatic a victory as you will ever see in a grand final.
The coach is a factor. Someone has to plan and manage all of the above - it doesn't happen by fluke.
I also rate last year's form: how they started the season, consistency, intensity, ability to score tries, defensive commitment and technique, and how they finished regardless of where they finished.
Teams performing poorly or running out of steam at the back-end of the year generally repeat the dose.
Some sides that finished strongly in the previous season carry that enthusiasm and confidence into their off-season training and begin well the following year - but can they maintain the rage?
For the sake of this exercise we will assume factors like the draw, bounce of the ball, bad luck, refereeing blunders, home-ground advantage, injuries and suspensions are in the lap of the football gods. We can't worry about trying to quantify their effects before we have a bet.
Now, how do you think your team rates?
Does your team have a quality roster with plenty of depth to get through the tough times?
Are you happy with the changes to your roster? Did your team lose or gain a valuable player? Does it feel like your team is on the rise or on the decline?
Is your coach a hard worker, a planner, a schemer, a winner?
Are you looking at last year's results through rose-coloured glasses or hoping against hope that 2007's poor form was too bad to be true?
Or was there something your team did last year that lit a fire in your gut and suggested big things ahead?
Are you betting with your heart or your head?
I will ask the question again - can your team win the competition?
If I applied a blowtorch to your stomach to get the honest-to-god truth, what would your answer be?
Ha, ha, ha - I thought so!
I can see all the Melbourne, Manly and Parramatta fans with their hands in the air - they think they can win it.
The Cowboys, Roosters and Broncos fans are not quite sure but are not without some justification for hope.
South Sydney fans are yelling, "What about us?"
Tigers fans are still a little deluded about past glory and whether they can repeat the fairytale. They still think they have the team to win it. I don't.
Bulldogs fans are confused and still shaking their heads.
Dragons fans suffer from a wicked combination of false optimism battered by their now-programmed pessimism. They certainly have something, but generally come up with nothing.
The porch light is still shining brightly down at Cronulla in the hope Harold Holt will walk ashore.
The Warriors are still trying to work out why they got flogged in the semi-finals last season. They showed so much promise.
The rest just hope they don't run last - anything above that will be a real bonus and by halfway through this season they will again set their sights on the next year.
GENUINE CONTENDERS
For mine, only three teams can win the 2008 competition - Melbourne, Manly and Parramatta.
I have a slight leaning towards Melbourne but as the days go by I am getting keener and keener on Parramatta.
The Storm have lost some players and the salary-cap pressure that accompanies winning a premiership means they have not been able to buy established players to fill their spots. They will again have to promote and improve their youngsters to complement the likes of Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Greg Inglis and Billy Slater.
Now that Andrew Johns has joined the Eels' coaching staff I think they could be the ones. He will give them the smarts, direction and control they have lacked. Their best players are approaching a good age and they have some tremendous kids coming through.
The Sea Eagles will win a lot of games again this year courtesy of their discipline, intensity, fitness, strength and desire. Not all NRL teams are endowed with all these important qualities.
The loss of Michael Monaghan could be critical. I don't know if Manly rated Monaghan as highly as they should have. They're about to find out just how valuable he really was.
PROBABLE TOP EIGHT BUT NO PREMIERSHIP
The Cowboys, Sharks, Broncos and Roosters will all be competitive for a top-eight finish but fall short of premiership material for this season. Maybe one of them will jump out of the pack at the back-end of the season but the top three I mentioned will all have to falter badly to be overtaken.
The Cowboys have Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen. Without them I reckon they run closer to last - but if these two great playmakers remain healthy, the Cowboys are capable of some big upsets.
The Sharks lost a lot of games by narrow margins last year, leaving their fans the luxury of saying they were very unlucky. If you lose a couple of close ones you are unlucky. If you lose seven close ones, you have to take a good look at yourself. They are a tough, no-nonsense team and will win enough games to make the finals, but I see no premiership.
Can the Broncos do it one more time for Wayne? They will be competitive as usual but I believe they're a few forwards short.
The Roosters have bought very well and at the back-end of last season showed a lot of promise. Hooker James Aubusson and halfback Mitchell Pearce are real players of the future. But to have such young and inexperienced players in these two key positions does suggest they could need a season or two together to learn the ropes.
MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
The Warriors, Tigers, Rabbitohs and Dragons will all be knocking on the door of the top eight. All are capable of qualifying but all will need to improve on last year.
The Warriors looked shattered after their drubbing at the hands of the Cowboys in last year's finals.
They might take a real confidence hit from that. Coach Ivan Cleary has a real repair job on his hands there. I don't envy his task.
The Tigers are exciting to watch at their best but they have lost their defensive resolve.
The Rabbitohs' glory was all so fleeting last year - but they have signed Craig Wing.
The Dragons? Your guess is as good as mine. I just need to see them do something before I go backing them again.
Not yet - but maybe next year!
MAKING UP THE NUMBERS
I AM writing off the Bulldogs. Mind you, they always love a challenge and nothing would overly surprise.
Hopefully they can get the front office in order so the workers can go back to what they do best.
Newcastle and the Gold Coast are already working towards next season and I reckon both are doing a good job of it. They will both play well this year and give their fans something to look forward to in 2009.
The Panthers have been bitterly disappointing and I see little to suggest they have the answers to turn it all around in 2008.
The Raiders? Well, they can't make the top eight but they will probably beat a lot of teams who think they can. Until they learn to win away from home I can't back them to figure prominently in this competition. 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.
HALIFAX NATIONAL YOUTH LEAGUE - 2nd March 2008 RESULTS
Featherstone Lions 8 Leigh Miners Rangers 50
Ince Rose Bridge 18 Gateshead Thunder 0
Leigh East 28 East Leeds 14
Saddleworth Rangers P Elland P - pitch waterlogged
West Hull 38 Waterhead 10
Wibsey Juniors 22 Kells 4
Two quick tries at the start of the second half, from Adam Owens and Shaun Marsh, broke FEATHERSTONE LIONS' resistance as league leaders LEIGH MINERS RANGERS continued their march. Winger Owens had a sensational match, racing in for four tries, three of them late on as his pace ripped the Lions apart. There was little between the sides in the opening quarter, prop Matthew Haggerty giving Rangers the lead but Andy Wilson instantly replying.
Hookers Anthony Nicholson and Louis Stead swapped touchdowns but the visitors established a foothold with scores from Martin Gray and Chris Wakefield, both converted by Tom Bradbury, to lead 20-8 at the break.
The second period belonged to Owens with his quartet of quality four-pointers, Gray adding his second as Rangers ran in ten tries in all.
Two individual tries from centre Dominic Hadfield, converted by Daniel Buckley gave WIBSEY JUNIORS a 12-4 half time lead against KELLS.
The Cumbrians replied with a blockbusting score from second rower Matthew Labourne.
Prop Daniel Buckley's self-converted try, from a cross field kick by stand off Todd Carter, just after the break eased Wibsey clear but Kells continued to press. Wibsey winger Andrew Durkin sealed the win, though, when he crossed in the corner from close range.
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RUGBY LEAGUE EUROPEAN FEDERATION DRAW UP PLANS - Delegates from the full and associate nations allied to the Rugby League European Federation met at Elland Road prior to Friday's World Club Challenge encounter between Leeds Rhinos and Melbourne Storm.
Eight countries were in attendance; Lebanon, Serbia, Czech Republic, Ireland, Russia, England, Scotland and Wales and a programme of forthcoming events and fixtures at various levels were discussed, with preliminary planning looking as far forward as 2013.
The meeting was run by RLEF Chairman Richard Lewis who commented, "It was a very positive session especially with so much going in within and between the various countries."
"The amount of activity discussed showed how much the sport has grown since we last met, which is highly encouraging" he added.
Among the items debated, it was agreed that the 2008 'Under 18's European Nations Cup' will be played in the Czech Republic for the first time in September and that dates were near agreement for an autumn 'Euro-Med Challenge' featuring Lebanon, Serbia and Russia.
Other topics included the forthcoming re-launch of the official RLEF website which will be tri-lingual and include video footage highlights, on-going coach and match official education programmes and an amendment to the RLEF constitution to acknowledge the greater incidence of domestic competition. RFL
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NSWRL NSW Cup Official Trial Match Played at The Crest Sports Complex, Bass Hill on Sunday, 2nd March 2008.
Newtown 32, Donny Thompson 2, Aaron Wheatley, Rhys Pritchard, Jai Ayoub, Matt Wakefield tries; Ben Green 2, Luke Branighan 2 goals defeated Wentworthville (Parramatta) 6: 1 try, 1 goal.
Newtown Online
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SKOLARS PULL OFF ANOTHER SHOCK AWAY WIN - London Skolars completed arguably their greatest ever successive results with an 18-14 victory over Celtic Crusaders in south Wales on Saturday night, following last Friday's amazing 50-point stunner at Sheffield Eagles.
The two straight away wins over National League One opposition has stunned British rugby league and drawn unparalleled attention to Wood Green.
Coach Tony Benson has now led Skolars to two wins out of five in their Northern Rail Cup group and victory over Sheffield Eagles in the final game at White Hart Lane on 15 March could see Skolars make it through to the last 16.
Skolars trailed to two early tries but fought back to score twice themselves through Austen Aggrey and Namila Davui only to conceded again and trail 14-8 at half-time.
But Irish prop Wayne Kerr went over three minutes into the second half and after an intense and scoreless half hour, Skolars snatched victory with just two minutes left when Jermaine Coleman touched down and skipper Paul Thorman converted.
"Although we were losing at half-time we knew we were going to win," claims Benson. "We knew that if we did a few things we hadn't done in the first half we could come away with victory - and the boys did that and more!
"It was a very physical game and we are bruised and beaten so it was all about a physical and mental battle but we showed so much character to win the second half 10-0 against one of the best teams in the National League."
Celtic were NL2 champions last year, are expected to be handed a Super League franchise next season and had a record of played nine, won nine against the Skolars before Saturday night. And the victory was achieved with a team featuring many of last season's players.
"The squad is pretty similar to last year but they've taken the character to another level. It's been a gradual process but the players have done it themselves in their own heads.
"They've worked really hard and seen the improvements. We've developed a culture of improvement and competition. We celebrated victory and relished the moment but now they're all focussed on how they can improve for next week."
Next Saturday sees Skolars hit the Wembley trail with their first game of the Carnegie Rugby League Challenge Cup campaign against Yorkshire Cup holders Queens at White Hart Lane. Kick off against the Leeds amateurs is 3pm. London Skolars Online
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Members of Kent Ravens meet Great Britain superstar - Last Saturday, members of Kent Ravens Rugby League Club attended the second game of Super League XIII for Harlequins Rugby League.
The group met in London a few hours before the game kicked off, and jumped on the train for the short journey from London to Twickenham. Before the game the group went for a drink to catch up on the latest news within the rugby league world.
Then having watched the match, which finished Quins RL 34-18 Wakefield Wildcats, the group headed to the Kings Bar in the East Stand of Twickenham Stoop, the home ground of Quins RL.
Whilst we were in the bar, Mike 'Stevo' Stephenson came in. For those of you who do not know, Stevo was a Great Britain international, and won the World Cup in 1972.
He even scored a try to level the scores in the final. He played for his hometown club, Dewsbury, where he won the 1973 Championship Final against Leeds. He then moved to Australia where he signed for Penrith Panthers, however having moved overseas he did not play for Great Britain again after the World Cup Final.
After his playing days had finished Stevo made a career for himself in the media in Australia, before he returned to Britain to become one of Sky Sports' experts for their rugby league coverage.
Whilst Stevo was at the bar having a drink many people wanted a photo taken with this rugby league legend, and we did not want to let the chance pass us by. Therefore we all got together and gathered round Stevo, and had a photo taken of us with the big man.
The chance to see a professional rugby league team in action gives the players and staff an opportunity to spend some time together away from the training pitch, and get to know each other better off the pitch.
The Ravens started their training for the new season at the beginning of February, and the Quins games give the club days out which help with team bonding. The Ravens train every Monday and Wednesday at Leigh Technology Academy on Green Street Green Road in Dartford at 7.30pm.
If you would like to get involved and join the Kent Ravens then please contact the club on:
Club Tel: 07707 852 952
Club Email: alan@...
Or visit our website at www.kentravens.co.uk
RLCM Coaching Extract
From the 2008 RLCM Coaching eYearbook and CD-ROM - distributed to RLCM Paid Subscribers this week.
Ten things every young Rugby League Coach should know.
By Wayne Goldsmith, Moregold Performance Consulting was a keynote speaker at the recent ARL/NRL High Performance Conferences.
3. Keep it simple.
Don't get too hung up on VO2 Max, heart rate monitors, lactate testing, blood testing and DNA testing ...keep it simple.
Don't go looking for short cuts, easy answers, quick fixes, miracle supplements, amazing new training equipment, the latest strength training toys..keep it simple.
One of the biggest mistakes made by young coaches is to over complicate their coaching.
What do you really need to be successful?
1. A coaching philosophy that makes sense to you and you can live by.
2. Passion, enthusiasm, commitment, dedication, compassion and great communication skills.
3. Somewhere to train - a park or oval.
4. Some players with the same passion and enthusiasm to be successful as you have and the desire to get the most out of themselves.
5. The leadership skills to inspire those around you to work together towards achieving common goals.
6. A basic knowledge of Rugby League technique and skills.
7. A supportive partner / family / friends to provide balance and stability in your life.
8. A basic understanding of planning and programming.
9. A strong imagination - with this, you can achieve anything.
10. The ability to think laterally and creatively.
11. The ability to deal with tough times and to overcome hardships with a smile.
12. A love of coaching.
From the 2008 RLCM Coaching eYearbook and CD-ROM - distributed to RLCM Paid Subscribers this week.
Written by Hanna McCarthy
Topics
- Running Better Team Meetings, Simple as 3 x 3 x 3
By Wayne Goldsmith, Moregold Performance Consulting
- Ten things every young Rugby League Coach should know.
By Wayne Goldsmith, Moregold Performance Consulting
- Goodbye To The Old Mission Statement / Values / Vision Day
By Wayne Goldsmith, Moregold Performance Consulting
- Sports Psychology With Wendy Swift
- Strength & Conditioning With Vince Kelly - South Sydney Rabbitohs
- Strength & Conditioning With Steve Nance - Fulham Football Club, London UK
- Coaching Methods With Shane McNally - Wynnum Manly RLFC
- Performance, Needs Structure & Resources
With Scott Dickinson - Knights Performance Manager
- Performance Psychology With Paul Penna - Australian Institute of Sport
- Player Learning Styles With Luke Ellis - ARL Development
- Optimal Health and Mental Wellbeing
With Leanne Hammond - Dietician and Exercise Psychologist
- Coaching Methods With Kurt Wrigley - Assistant Coach St George Illawarra Dragons
- Coaching Methods With Ivan Cleary - NZ Warriors
- Coaching Methods With Ian Millward - NQ Cowboys
- Coaching Methods By Steve Folkes - Canterbury Bulldogs
- Coaching Methods With Craig Culnane - Parramatta Eels
- Recovery With Angela Calder - Recovery Coordinator and Performance Consultant
- Recipes For Success Written by Anne Thompson
Senior Coach, Hull FC Scholarship, sportscoachUK Coaching Consultant (Yorkshire)
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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 - Coachtalk with Tim Sheens, Royce Simmons & Peter Sharp
* DVD - Coachtalk with Canterbury Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes
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* DVD - Coachtalk with Shane McNally, Wynnum Manly, ex Wakefield Coach
* DVD - Scott Dickinson, Newcastle Knights Performance Manager
* DVD - Paul Molinia, Unless the Core is String the Shell will Suffer
* DVD - Coachtalk with Kurt Wrigley, St George Illawarra Dragons
* DVD - Coachtalk with Greg Culnane Parramatta Eels
* DVD - Shane McNally, Wynnum Manly, ex Wakefield Coach
* DVD - Scott Dickinson, Newcastle Knights Performance Manager
* DVD - Paul Molinia, Unless the Core is Strong the Shell will Suffer
* DVD - Coachtalk with Nathan Brown, St George Illawarra Head Coach
* DVD - Ian Thomson, ex player, coach and CEO of Manly
* DVD - Paul Penna, Sports Psychologist at ARL Coaching Conference
* DVD - Coachtalk with Ian Millward, NQ Cowboys Assistant coach.
* DVD - Vince Kelly, South Sydney Strength and Conditioning
* DVD - Luke Ellis, Melbourne Storm & ARL Development
* DVD - Coachtalk with Ivan Cleary, NZ Warriors Head Coach
* DVD - Coachtalk with Kurt Wrigley, St George Illawarra Dragons [Part 2]
* DVD - Leanne Hammond, Sports Dietitian [Part 2]
* DVD - Angie Calder, Recovery and Performance Consultant.
* DVD - Tim Sheens Part 3 Man Management
* DVD - Chris Weier, Exercise Physcologist
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