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RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP 2008 TOURS AND TRAVEL PACKAGES
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Titan Mat Rogers reported for Luke Burt tackle By Matt Marshall - The Gold Coast is confident key duo Mat Rogers and Brett Delaney will be free to play in Friday night's top-of-the-table blockbuster against the Broncos.
The pair's availability for the highly anticipated southeast derby stoush at Skilled Park remains heavily clouded after both were involved in contentious lifting tackles in last Friday night's drought-breaking win in Sydney.
Rogers was reported by referee Jared Maxwell for a potentially dangerous effort on Eels fullback Luke Burt. Delaney was penalised after lifting opposite number Jarryd Hayne past the horizontal.
Both incidents are likely to attract scrutiny from the NRL match review committee this morning, with the club sweating on this afternoon's charge sheet.
Delaney's shot on Hayne did not attract a report, but there are concerns because his hand was caught between Hayne's legs in an awkward attempt.
"From the angle I saw Mat Rogers's tackle, he (Burt) seemed to land on his back. I didn't think it was too bad," Titans assistant coach Trevor Gillmeister said.
"Sure, if they slow it right down, it can look worse, but so can a lot of things.
"Burt didn't get hurt so there should be a bit of leeway there.
"I've seen a few others this year that looked fairly similar and a penalty has been sufficient.
"I didn't see Brett Delaney's tackle but the ref just gave a penalty."
The loss of either player would be a body blow for the red-hot Titans ahead of Friday night's showdown in front of a guaranteed sell-out crowd but Titans coach John Cartwright has several options up his sleeve.
Former Cowboys Gavin Cooper and Brenton Bowen are vying for spots in the Gold Coast's top 17, with Cooper scoring three tries for Ipswich in the Queensland Cup yesterday.
If the Titans are without Rogers, lock Ash Harrison could be shifted to No. 6 with Josh Graham taking his spot in the back row, or Preston Campbell could move alongside Scott Prince in the halves, giving Bowen his chance.
If Delaney or both miss Friday night's clash, Graham would be expected to slot into the centres.
Back-up pivot Josh Lewis, on the trail back from injury, is unlikely to be considered.
Enforcer Aaron Cannings, who injured a shoulder scoring a barn-storming try against his former club last Friday night, is the only major injury concern although he is expected to be fit to play Brisbane.
"We've seen the medical report and it's an injury he has had before," Titans football manager Scott Clark said last night.
"He just popped it out. But it went back in straight away." Read more Courier Mail
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Results
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Engage Super League
Hull KR 20-18 Bradford
Co-Operative National League One
Halifax 30-10 Featherstone
Sheffield 18-24 Leigh
Co-Operative National League Two
Hunslet 16-24 Doncaster
Keighley 26-12 Oldham
Swinton 34-24 London Skolars
York 20-24 Workington
NRL
Warriors 36-16 Bulldogs
Raiders 30-24 Tigers
Knights 22-34 Broncos
Saturday, 12 April 2008
Engage Super League
Huddersfield 16-18 Wakefield
NRL
Dragons 16-20 Cowboys
Panthers 12-28 Roosters
Friday, 11 April 2008
Engage Super League
Castleford 12-32 Hull
Leeds 32-12 Warrington
St Helens 58-12 Harlequins RL
Wigan 24-26 Catalans Dragons
NRL
Titans 28-20 Parramatta
Melbourne 26-4 Manly
Co-Operative National League One
Whitehaven 44-16 Celtic Crusaders
Thursday, 10 April 2008
Co-Operative National League One
Dewsbury 16-29 Batley
Read more BBC Online
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Hull KR defeated Bradford 18 - Bradford missed the chance to go second in the engage Super League as Hull KR held on for a hard-earned 20-18 win at Craven Park on Sunday. Tries from Clint Newton and Ben Cockayne gave Rovers an advantage they held in spite of heavy pressure in the second half. Peter Fox and Semi Tadulala had traded tries in the opening minutes but the game was to prove a tight one with numerous errors and penalties on both sides. Paul Cooke had a strong game for Rovers and landed four goals while Paul Sykes and David Solomona also crossed the Bulls. Read more Sporting Life
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Bulldogs to confirm Moore appointment - The Bulldogs have called a press conference this afternoon, when the club is expected to confirm that assistant coach Kevin Moore will be head coach from 2009. Moore is the brother-in-law of outgoing coach Steve Folkes and the son of long-serving chief executive, the late Peter Moore. The favourite to succeed Folkes, he is believed to have beaten Mick Potter, Daniel Anderson and Stephen Kearney for the job.
The Bulldogs have also recruited their 1995 Clive Churchill medallist, Jim Dymock, who will begin as an assistant this week after being released by Cronulla. "There's no doubt we'll be making an announcement about the coach this week, and Kevin Moore has been considered," Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg said.
The appointment of Moore will allow the Bulldogs to turn their attention to player recruitment. The Dogs have lost a string of stars over recent seasons, including three of the game's best forwards in Willie Mason, Mark O'Meley and Roy Asotasi, while speculation continues that utility Reni Maitua wants out of his deal. St George Illawarra backs Matt Cooper amd Josh Morris, Sydney Roosters prop David Shillington, Brisbane centre Steve Michaels and North Queensland prop Carl Webb are reportedly in their sights. Read more Foxsports
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Prince a worthy heir but Thurston still halfback king - SCOTT PRINCE'S huge game for Gold Coast against Parramatta on Friday night was the worst thing that could have happened to St George Illawarra leading into their game against North Queensland at WIN Stadium. It ensured Cowboys halfback Johnathan Thurston would feel compelled to re-state his credentials for the Australian No.7 jumper.
Ennis is poultry in motion - Michael Ennis could not be chicken-winged into submission - at least, not until after the game.
Bennett backs Hunt ahead of Slater - Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett says Karmichael Hunt should be considered the incumbent Test full-back and retained ahead of in-form Melbourne star Billy Slater.
Wallace blew chance: Locky - PETER WALLACE lost his chance to earn a debut State of Origin call-up during last Friday week's game against Melbourne, says his teammate and the game's best playmaker, Darren Lockyer.
Players welcome Moore's promotion - KEVIN MOORE'S appointment as the next Bulldogs coach has been welcomed by the club's players, who were discussing the issue boarding the team bus to Mt Smart Stadium yesterday.
Finch set to spread wings - Playmaker Brett Finch will open negotiations with rival NRL clubs by the end of the week, with the Eels yet to make an offer to keep him beyond this season.
Vagana not rushing back despite play-on clause - SOUTH Sydney centre Nigel Vagana has a Kirk Reynoldson-type clause in his contract but his future is unlikely to be decided by the number of NRL games he plays this season.
Knights win . on paper - THE final result was Brisbane 34 Newcastle 22 - but the Knights were a lot closer to winning this game than the score suggests. Read more League HQ
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Bramley Buffaloes 38 defeated Gateshead Storm 18 By Andrew Coldrick - Bramley Buffaloes first away league game of the season was against Gateshead Storm at their new home of Bullocksteads. Bramley made three changes from the team that played so well against Salford in the NRC the previous weeks. Shaun Gilmour, Bradley Asquith and Neil hesketh were unavailable so in came Kevin O'Hare, Steve Gill and Dave Walker. Read more RLCM
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QRL Wizard Cup Reviews
Emotional Cutters Break Drought - THE Mackay Cutters registered their breakthrough win in the Wizard Cup today after surviving a late scare from Redcliffe to clinch a thrilling round five contest 24-22 at Dolphin Oval.
Jets Blitz Outclassed Devils - FOR the second time this week, Gold Coast Titans coach John Cartwright has left a rugby league ground with a big smile on his face. Cartwright, whose Titans side celebrated a gutsy win over Parramatta on Friday, was a keen spectator at Bishop Park for today's Wizard Cup clash between the Ipswich Jets and Norths Devils. Titans players Gavin Cooper, Smith Samau, Kris Kahler and Josh Lewis saddled up for the Jets, who belted the Devils 60-10 in a stylish performance.
Late Surge Lifts Unbeaten Pride - A DEVASTATING second half burst from the Northern Pride has brought about Souths Logan's first defeat of the Wizard Cup season. In a scintillating display, the Pride scored 28 points in the second stanza to blitz the Magpies 34-24 on a warm Saturday afternoon at Meakin Park.
Tigers Extend Tweed's Misery - IN their last two outings, the Easts Tigers have piled on 74 points. But it is the tally in another column which is bringing the most joy to Tigers coach Darren Smith. "The most pleasing thing is our defence," said Smith, whose team thrashed Tweed 34-6 at Langlands Park on Saturday. In the last two games we've kept the opposition down to one try."
Burleigh's Big Men Dominate - A POWERFUL display from Burleigh's aggressive forwards lifted the Bears to a commanding 40-24 victory over the Wynnum Manly Seagulls at BMD Kougari Oval .The Bears brought an abrupt end to Wynnum Manly's unbeaten record at home this year with a comfortable 16-point win. QRL Online
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HUDDERSFIELD UNDERBANK RANGERS 22 LIVERPOOL BUCCANEERS 28 - The Cross - Liverpool gained their first success in the RLC National with a nail biting victory over the luckless Rangers.
Underbank started the game the stronger and after the visitors were caught offside in the opening set, the ball was swiftly moved to the left and Naopleoni Vinaka handled twice in the move that saw him take the final pass from winger Lee St Hilaire to cross.
FEATHERSTONE LIONS 18 CELTIC CRUSADERS COLTS 24 - Millpond - Crusaders Colts made it two wins out of two on their second successive trip to Yorkshire with a meritorious win over the defending champions in a controversial encounter. It was an action packed game full of high drama especially in the closing ten minutes when Celtic's excellent defence just held out, despite the Lions' having two tries disallowed and being held up on numerous occasions.
DEWSBURY CELTIC 14 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 24 - Crow Nest Park - A solid away performance saw the Wizards remain unbeaten with a five tries to two success in difficult conditions. Warrington opened the scoring after pressuring Celtic in their own 20 metre area for consecutive sets of six, impressive Matt Wilson charging through to score in the corner.
EAST LANCASHIRE LIONS V HEMEL STAGS - postponed, pitch at Darwen FC waterlogged.
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The secret is there no secret, it's just good football By Luke Turgeon - There was no lucky rabbit's foot in coach John Cartwright's pocket or horseshoes hanging over the entrance to the Gold Coast Titans dressing room.
But the Titans finally broke their road hoodoo with a hard-fought triumph over the Eels at Parramatta Stadium.
Much has been made of the Titans' woeful record outside the Gold Coast city limits.
They won just two games over the NSW-Queensland border last season, and up until Friday night had not tasted victory on 'foreign' soil since toppling the Wests Tigers in round 14 of their inaugural year.
The thing that amazed fans and critics so much was not the fact they lost away matches.
It was that often they would look like a shadow of the side that commanded such respect while on home turf.
So have the Titans found the secret to winning on the road?
The answer is no. Why?
Because, to put it simply, there is no secret.
Cartwright knows this better than anyone.
That is why if you ask him if they did anything differently this time around, he stares at you with a puzzled look on his face, exhales, and gives you an answer more out of courtesy than necessity.
"Nothing at all," said Cartwright as he stood outside his side's victorious dressing shed on Friday night.
"It hasn't even been spoken about. We are just in good form and playing good football.
"A lot of the away stuff has been spoken about in the media and it is not something that has really bothered us."
The fact of the matter is that every time the Titans travel away it presents more challenges than it does when they play at home.
Instead of hopping in their own cars a couple of hours before kick-off and ducking down to Skilled Park, they must jump on a plane and travel hundreds of kilometres and are often away from home for several days.
They must trade the support of family, friends and fans for the hostile hoards of the opposition team's supporters.
Even swapping their own beds for a strange hotel plays a part in preparation for the game.
``There are probably only five sides (in the NRL) that have to make (genuine) away trips,'' said Cartwright.
``They are the far flung sides that when they travel, they travel, and they do it every second week.
``All the Sydney-based sides don't have to travel too far to play their away games generally.''
So if there is no secret to winning away, then what is it?
That is simple, according to Cartwright. It just comes down to hard work.
``We know if we perform well and complete all of our little goals we set for ourselves we are going to compete.'' Read more GC Bulletin
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Broncos retain top spot - Brisbane held off a brave Knights comeback to record a 34-22 victory at EnergyAustralia Stadium in Newcastle and remain NRL leaders after five rounds.
Comeback Raiders reel in the Tigers - The Raiders produced a stunning turnaround to run away with a 30-24 victory over Wests Tigers in a pulsating round five clash at Canberra Stadium.
Crucial defence turns tide for Warriors - Both coaches pointed to the first 15 minutes of the second half as the turning point in a New Zealand Warriors victory over the Bulldogs.
Read more Yahoo Sport
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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.
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Luck shines on Brian McClennan By Michael Brown - There's a small-town Kiwiness about Brian McClennan. He's genuine, humble, loyal and down to earth; qualities which have made him as popular in the UK over the past four months as when he was Kiwis coach.
He recently described himself as "the luckiest coach in the world" after his Leeds Rhinos side reclaimed the World Club Championship crown following an 11-4 win over Melbourne.
He used to say he was the luckiest coach in the world to be at the helm of the Kiwis.
McClennan is not disingenuous. It's just that he has a great appreciation of where he is and from where he has come.
"I'm just a normal bloke trying to do the best for the club and the players," he says from his home in Leeds.
At the moment, his best is more than good enough. Not only did Leeds win the annual battle between the champion sides from the NRL and UK Super League, they are atop the Super League table with eight wins from 10 games. Three weeks ago they thrashed Bradford 44-2, a side many expected to be championship contenders, and followed that up with a 14-10 victory over St Helens. Heading into this weekend's games, they had conceded only 104 points all season, almost half as many as the next best side.
Their only defeats were against bottom side Castleford - in the week immediately after their win over Melbourne - and against second-placed Wigan 14-10 when they were without five frontline players and then lost two players to injury inside seven minutes.
As is often McClennan's way, he credited everyone else for his side's great start. He doesn't like taking the plaudits, publicly at least.
One of the great talking points in the UK before the season was how difficult it would be for McClennan to take over a championship-winning side put together by new Great Britain coach Tony Smith. If Leeds succeeded, it was Smith's making. If they failed, McClennan wasn't up to it in his first assignment with a professional club.
"People said he didn't have enough experience as a coach to step into Tony Smith's shoes," Mike 'Stevo' Stevenson from the Sky Sports commentary team wrote.
"OK, tactically and technically there's not much more you can do to a championship winning side, but there is plenty you can do to ruin it. What Brian has done, which has so impressed me, is foster a team spirit and togetherness that is behind their superb start."
Kiwis fans will not be surprised. McClennan's strength is working with people and knowing how to get the best out of them.
He introduced themes at the Kiwis - like conquering Everest and Slaying The Dragon when taking on Australia - and while he doesn't really use them with Leeds, admits his approach is not that dissimilar.
"When you are a coach, it's always about dealing with people," he says. "I still have the same philosophies that I used with the Kiwis or Hibiscus Coast. It's different in that it's a lot more advanced than [New Zealand] club football.
"It's not hard taking a successful side like Leeds. It's easier to take a side that can play good football than one at the other end of the scale. I have been through that when I was with Hibiscus Coast.
"I always had the confidence I could do the job. Getting a side ready to play Australia in a [Tri Nations] final, gee, I can't see anything harder than that. I always think back to that.
"Leeds have always been the biggest club in England as far as resources go, and they have had little periods of success. One of the most successful periods was under Tony Smith but what they haven't had is sustained success and that's the challenge for me and the players."
Although only one-third into the Super League season, McClennan admits to thinking "every day" about what his side will look like next season.
He's already signed Newcastle and former Australian hooker Danny Buderus for 2009 and there's a widespread belief Ruben Wiki will call Leeds home after finishing up with the Warriors this season.
Although there would be few in New Zealand who watched as much UK rugby league when he was here, McClennan was genuinely, and pleasantly, surprised by the quality of players he had to work with.
Leeds is blessed in that respect. Among the host of Great Britain internationals like Rob Burrow, Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock, Danny McGuire, Gareth Ellis and Keith Senior, he also has Kiwis Brent Webb, Ali Lauitiiti, Kylie Leuluai and Clinton Toopi to call on (although Toopi is out for five months with a shoulder injury).
Many will be involved in this year's World Cup in Australia. McClennan could have been there as well had the NZRL changed their residency rule for the coach six months earlier.
He's not bitter about it. After all, he's the 'luckiest coach in the world' and his reported £130,000 (NZ$352,500) salary was too good to turn down.
"It wasn't that long ago that I woke up every morning thinking about how to win the World Cup," he says. "Now I think about how to win a World Club Challenge, or Challenge Cup or Super League trophy.
"Sport is one of the most demanding businesses there is because there's a scoreboard there every weekend to show you how you are going. Every day I'm looking at players, strategies, philosophies and tactics. Trying to work out how you can get better is the part of the game I have always loved the most.
"I'm having a great time."
Who could begrudge him that? Read more NZ Herald
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CATS GO WILD - John Kear's Wakefield defied a raft of injuries to gain a crucial Super League win over bogey side Huddersfield on Saturday. They won 18-16 at the Galpharm Stadium.
KEAR DEDICATES VICTORY TO WATENE - Wakefield's 18-16 victory over Huddersfield.
HULL PONDER DOBSON MOVE - Hull are interested in signing scrum-half Michael Dobson.
MORRISON BOOST FOR BULLS - Bradford have Glenn Morrison back for Sunday's trip to Hull KR.
NOBLE FRUSTRATED BY DRAGONS - Catalans Dragons' 26-24 victory over Wigan.
SHARP: STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION - Hull's 32-12 victory over Castleford.
Read more Sporting Life
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At sixes and sevens but Mal says Joey game's best half - Mal Meninga has ended his feud with Andrew Johns, nominating the former Newcastle captain as his pick for the halfback spot in rugby league's team of the century.
NSW's No.7 - it's the best of a bad bunch - Pity the Blues selectors when picking their halfback - a lack of depth means there's a shortlist of two, writes Phil Gould.
Sizzling Slater stays cool on hot talk - Everyone in rugby league is talking about Billy Slater's hot form taking him to his first Australian jersey next month.
Don't panic, Parra's skipper tells selectors - Parramatta skipper Nathan Cayless has called for calm at the club's selection table, claiming that sacking players is not the solution to the Eels' stuttering start to the NRL season. Read more League HQ
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NSWRL VB NSW Cup
Newtown Jets v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles - Henson Park
Manly-Warringah 10: Phil Morwood, Mark Offerdahl tries; David Williams 1 goal drew with Newtown Jets 10: Tevita Folau 2 tries; Ben Green 1 goal.
Newtown's team was: Donny Thompson, Byron Ford, Tevita Folau, Albert Hopoate, Toshio Laiseni, Luke Branighan, Ben Green, Jimmy Andersen, Mickey Paea, Danny Howard, David Shillington, Ray Moujalli, Luke Gordon. Interchange: Khalid Deeb, Aaron Wheatley, Daniel Green, Rory Kostjasyn. Newtown Online
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Family will be divided By Andy Wilson - Wakefield injury crisis offers Griffin brothers chance to face off for Yorkshire bragging rights. An Oxfordshire family will be divided by the long-standing Yorkshire rivalry between Huddersfield and Wakefield at the Galpharm Stadium tonight.
Darrell Griffin, a prop who became the first product of the summer conference competition to play in the Super League when he joined Wakefield from the Oxford Cavaliers amateur club five years ago, is now established as a key figure in the Huddersfield pack.
But he left his younger brother Josh behind at Belle Vue, and Wakefield's worsening injury crisis has handed the 18-year-old centre a call-up to Trinity's first-team squad.
"The family moved up north when Darrell first signed for Wakefield and Josh has been with us since he was 16," explained Trinity's director of rugby, John Kear.
"Even if he doesn't end up playing against his brother this weekend, he's got a great chance of earning a full-time contract with us next year. And the more of these lads we have coming into the Super League from different areas of the country, the better."
"All the family will be at the game, so if Josh does play it will be special for all of us," said the elder Griffin, who is now 26.
He stumbled on league by accident with the Cavaliers, who were one of the founder members of the Rugby League Conference in 1998 - it will kick off its 11th season next weekend with 90 teams - and showed enough promise to earn trials with the London Broncos.
However, it was Shane McNally, a Queenslander who was then coaching Wakefield, who first spotted his potential, and he went on to make 92 appearances for Trinity from 2003-06.
He had already signed for Huddersfield when Kear arrived to save Wakefield from relegation late in the 2006 season, and had no reason to regret that move last year as the Giants beat Trinity four times en route to their first appearance in the top-six play-offs.
They have struggled to build on that achievement so far this year. Last Friday's home defeat by Catalans Dragons left them 10th in the table with only three wins from their first 10 games.
However, Griffin goes into this latest clash against his former club with the rare record for a prop of having scored a try in each of the last three matches.
"I'm not renowned for my try-scoring but I'm carrying a few extra pounds this year and am a lot fitter so maybe that is getting me across the line," he said. "It's always a great atmosphere against Wakefield and there is added spice for me. The Wakey fans always single me out for some stick and I still know a fair few of their players so there will be some extra banter on the field."
There will be some unfamiliar Wakefield faces even to Griffin tonight, however, as Kear has 10 players injured, including the former Huddersfield hooker Brad Drew, while Adam Watene has returned to New Zealand for compassionate leave.
They still managed to beat Warrington 16-2 last Sunday, but all four of their victories this season have come at home.
"Wakefield respond to adversity well," said Huddersfield's coach, Jon Sharp. "I think the coach breeds that into them. They are a team that scraps for one another and I certainly think they did that against Warrington, when Danny Brough's kicking game was superb."
Huddersfield are still missing Stephen Wild, David Hodgson and Martin Aspinwall, but they are hopeful of having Shane Elford and Rod Jensen back to boost their backline.
Bradford will be without their scrum-half and captain Paul Deacon for the first time this season in tomorrow's only Super League fixture at Hull KR.
He will be missing for two weeks to have a minor knee operation but his absence is offset by the return from injury of Glenn Morrison and David Solomona, while Terry Newton is back after suspension.
Rovers are missing their former Great Britain centre Chev Walker, who could be out for a month after suffering wrist ligament damage in the defeat at Harlequins last Saturday. The Guardian
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Ray Haffenden chairman of NZRL Ray Haffenden was re-elected chairman by the New Zealand Rugby League's new board at its first meeting since the annual meeting late last month. Haffenden, who took over the role in November last year, was confirmed in the position while Vince Weir was elected vice chairman, filling the vacancy created by Phil Campbell's resignation from the board earlier this year.
Trevor Maxwell was re-elected as president.
Haffenden said he was confident the board would be in a position by next month to name the three new independent directors to join the other six board members (Haffenden, Weir, Peter Kerridge, Neville Kesha, John Bray and Malcolm Cherrie).
"We have made good progress and we expect to be able to announce those three new board members at our next meeting in May," he said.
"We also have our process in place to appoint a chief executive. That was a decision we announced at the annual meeting and we're working through this thoroughly to secure the best candidate we can for the position."
Haffenden confirmed Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney had joined Darrell Williams and Tony Kemp as a national selector. Howie Tamati remains as convener of the panel while Wayne Bennett, appointed as the Kiwis' coaching and management adviser for the May 9 Centenary Test, would also have an advisory role in selection.
Meanwhile, Haffenden said he was thrilled to be involved in a special function in Christchurch earlier this week when legendary Canterbury rugby league identity Lory Blanchard was presented with his NZRL life membership.
Blanchard played 16 tests for the Kiwis from 1951-56 and went on to coach the national side in the late 1960s and early 1970s, most notably guiding the Kiwis to their watershed successes in 1971 when they beat Australia 24-3, won a series in Great Britain for the first time (2-1) and followed it up with a 2-0 success against France.
Blanchard was elected a life member at the NZRL's annual meeting last month as was Wellington's Bernie Wood.
Wood, a long-time administrator, spent 10 years on the NZRL board from 1992-2002 (he was deputy chairman in 1992) and filled an array of positions for the Wellington Rugby League, including chairman, from 1968-1992.
As one of the game's historians he collaborated with veteran journalist John Coffey to produce 'The Kiwis - 100 Year of International Rugby League', which was published last year.
tvnz.co.nz
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Support for closure of the Gladstone Leagues Club - In a gesture worthy of its name, Gladstone's Grand Hotel has offered a helping hand to homeless Gladstone Leagues Club members.
The hotel which has always had an association with rugby league in the city has made an offer to Gladstone Leagues Club members that will also benefit the Gladstone and District Rugby League (GDRL). For every Gladstone Leagues Club member who joins the Grand Hotel Club the hotel will donate five dollars to the GDRL.
Secretary Peter White, a former representative player himself, said it was a fantastic gesture.
"We're thankful to (Grand Hotel manager Matt Jones) and the Grand Hotel for their obvious support of rugby league," he said.
Matt Jones an avid rugby league fan, said it was a way of offering them a new home if they need one.
The Gladstone region has been the breeding ground for national and international rugby league players for decades including one of the region's favourite sons in Gary Larson.
GDRL has been caught up in the turmoil surrounding the closure of the Gladstone Leagues Club.
Earlier this week Mr White said the support received from local sporting clubs and associations had been great.
"We're asking all the rugby league fraternity, past, present members, players and local businesses to come together for the good of the game in the Gladstone region," he said.
He said people would understand, and hoped they could see it was vital for the sport.
This weekend in the Challenge Cup, Tannum Sands host competition leaders Rockhampton Brothers at Dennis Park tonight and tomorrow, Valleys take on CQU Norths at Gladstone's junior fields.
Earlier this week Mr White said the support received from local sporting clubs and associations had been great.
"We're asking all the rugby league fraternity, past, present members, players and local businesses to come together for the good of the game in the Gladstone region," he said.
He said people would understand, and hoped they could see it was vital for the sport.
This weekend in the Challenge Cup, Tannum Sands host competition leaders Rockhampton Brothers at Dennis Park tonight and tomorrow, Valleys take on CQU Norths at Gladstone's junior fields.
Gladstone Observer
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Improved defence sparks Cowboys win North Queensland chalked up its second consecutive win after a shocking start to the season, holding off St George Illawarra 20-16 in Wollongong on Saturday evening. Playmakers Johnathan Thurston and Aaron Payne clicked and the struggling Dragons paid the price for another slow start to a match.
After three ordinary losses to start the season, skipper Thurston now feels the Cowboys are on the right track.
"We had to slug it out, we knew it wasn't going to be easy and we're glad to come away with the two points," he told ABC Grandstand.
"Our forwards certainly stood up last week (in the win over Parramatta) and they backed it up again tonight."
Thurston admitted the Cowboys had concentrated on fixing their defence, a key factor in their poor start to the campaign.
"There's no secret it's something we needed to work on and we've done that," he said.
Payne said coach Graham Murray had praised his team's defence at half-time.
"He wrapped us about our defence and said that's the best 40 minutes of defence that we've shown this whole year and that was pleasing," he said.
"If you can play simple and hold on to the ball you'll win more games than you lose."
The Cowboys raced to an 8-0 lead after Dragons half-back Jamie Soward was disallowed a try in the third minute for obstruction.
Soward however got the benefit of the doubt in grounding the ball on the half-hour mark and the home side went into the break trailing 8-6.
Two quick tries to start the second half put the Cowboys out to a convincing lead, although the Dragons made them sweat with Jason Nightingale and Stuart Webb both dotting down in the final 15 minutes.
"They're never down and out and we knew they'd come back at us," Payne said.
"Often victories like that are more beneficial to the team than a flogging."
In the end though it was again a case of close but not close enough for the Dragons, who are now second-from-bottom with just one win this season.
Read more Yahoo Sport
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NQ Cowboys, Northern Territory RL and the Titans - The North Queensland Cowboys, Northern Territory Rugby League and Gold Coast Titans will honour their home grounds this week following Ken Arthurson's unveiling of the Pioneer Oval centenary plaque in Parkes tonight.
Tonight's presentation comes as the ARL centenary plaques program accelerates its plan to pay tribute to almost 180 Rugby League sites around Australia in the game's Centenary year.
Monday will see the Cowboys commemorate Dairy Farmers Stadium, a ground visiting NRL teams have long suffered, while on Thursday the Titans will signal the start of a new era of first-grade football on the Gold Coast when they honour their impressive new stadium in Skilled Park.
Wednesday sees the NTRL pay tribute to Richardson Park in Darwin - its home base since 1964 and the site of premiership and international fixtures - at the League's annual season launch, while on the same day the NSW Central Coast sees its final plaque unveiling take place at Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford.
On Saturday, the site of the first meeting that led to the establishment of Rugby League in Newcastle - the restaurant and refreshment rooms of James H. Pike - will be commemorated with a plaque, as will the city's Showground and No.1 Sportsground, which hosted Newcastle's first victory over Great Britain in 1936, and its famous victories over St George and Parramatta in the 1964 State Cup.
Arthurson tonight made an emotional return to the ground where he suffered a career-ending, life-threatening injury while playing for Parkes in 1953 and spoke of his burning desire to once again run out onto the paddock with his teammates.
"I look back on it with mixed feelings because to be unable to play the game that was such a large part of my life was devastating.I didn't think I'd ever recover from it," Arthurson said.
"But it's the old story of that invariably when one door closes another one opens, and who knows, had I not been injured that day I may not have embarked on a administrative career.
"But it's certainly mixed feelings because I missed playing the game for many years and still miss it in fact. that desire to play has never ever left me."
The former ARL Chairman recalled the day Pioneer Oval hosted a 1990 World Cup match between Australia and France, one which drew a record crowd of 12,634.
"In terms of the weather it was the worst possible day you could imagine. the rain was pelting down and it was just freezing cold," Arthurson said.
"But it didn't matter a bit to everyone who was there. it was an enormous success.
"I think you'll find that match will go down in the annals of Australian Rugby League as one of the finest exhibitions of international rugby league a country centre has ever put on."
Arthurson said the centenary plaques program was an ideal way to showcase country towns' proud histories in the game.
"When you look over all the different towns these plaques will be going it hits home how far across the country Rugby League is enjoyed and to celebrate it in this way is fantastic," Arthurson said.
"It's important that everyone who is involved in or loves Rugby League has a chance to celebrate the game's 100th year and I think the centenary plaques go a long way to achieving that."
ARL OnlineRead more Yahoo Sport
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Brisbane Second Division Rugby League Wrap-up - Banyo remain undefeated in Northside 1, on 10 points, after beating Aspley 40-12. Valleys Juniors beat Dayboro 50-16 to be in second place on 9 points, while Pine Rivers beat Deception Bay 24-20 to be on 8 points, leaving Deception Bay on 7 points, with Sandgate Brighton, who had the bye. Mitchelton beat Normanby 34-20 to be on 5 points, while in the other match Samford recorded their first win of the season, beating Nundah Devils 32-14.
In Southside 1, Easts Juniors beat Redlands 24-20 to remain undefeated on 10 points. Logan Brothers beat Carina 20-14 to stay in second place, on 8 points, while Wynnum beat Sunnybank 24-10 to stay in third place on 6 points. The other three teams are all on 2 points.
Valleys Juniors and Deception Bay Juniors continue undefeated on 10 points in Northside 2 after Valleys beat Aspley 64-0 and Deception Bay received a forfeit from Kallangur Bulls. Arana Hills, Pine Central, Mitchelton and Banyo are all on 6 points after Pine Central beat Arana Hills 35-30, Mitchelton beat Burpengary 32-16 and Banyo beat Northside Natives 42-20.
St Brendans had the bye in Southside 2, to remain in the competition lead on 10 points. Inala beat Slacks Creek 16-10 to be in second place on 8 points. Centenary St Josephs remain on 7 points, after being beaten 38-24 by Mt Gravatt. Logan Brothers, who beat Redlands 44-14, are level on 6 points with Mt Gravatt. In the other match, Beenleigh Juniors beat Carina 46-0.
In Southside 3, Cannon Hill and Logan Wanderers remain undefeated on 10 points after Cannon Hill beat Sunnybank 26-14 and Logan Wanderers beat St Brendans 30 20. Sunnybank is on 6 points and St Brendans, North Stradbroke Island and Edens Landing are all on 4 points after Edens Landing beat North Stradbroke 26-22. In the other match, Wynnum Manly Juniors beat Beenleigh Juniors 32-24.
Browns Plains beat Mustangs Brothers 32-28 in Southside 4 to remain the only undefeated team, on 10 points. Sunnybank beat St Brendans 34-28 to share second place, on 8 points, with Mustangs. St Brendans are on 5 points while Bulimba Valleys beat Waterford 27-22 to be on 4 points. In the other match, Beenleigh beat Slacks Creek 50-16.
In the Albert Bishop Shield, Arana Hills and Wynnum Juniors share the lead on 8 points, after Arana beat Logan Brothers 22-14 and Wynnum beat Aspley 36-20. Capalaba, Easts Juniors and Aspley are all on 7 points after Capalaba beat Browns Plains 48-22 and Easts beat St Josephs 62-6.
Logan Brothers, Albany Creek and Souths Juniors share the lead in the Arthur Sparks Shield, on 10 points, after Logan beat Arana 38-12, Albany Creek beat Samford 44-12 and Souths beat Sunnybank 34-12. In other matches, St Josephs beat Waterford 30-28, Graceville beat Greenbank 24-20 and Carina beat Valleys Juniors 18-16, leaving Sunnybank, St Josephs, Waterford and Samford all on 6 points. BSDRL
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Hagan, Cartwright applaud travelling Titans - Gold Coast Titans coach John Cartwright has praised his team's attitude in their 28-20 defeat of the Eels at Parramatta Stadium last night.
Rep season no distraction: Orford - Former Melbourne star Matt Orford was in no mood to blame Manly's 26-4 trouncing on Friday night by the Storm on selection speculation.
Standout Slater claims Test favouritism - Melbourne full-back Billy Slater has put his hand up for Australian Test selection with a stunning individual performance in the Storm's 26-4 victory over Manly at Olympic Park. Read more Yahoo Sport
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Bramley Today leading Bramley Buffaloes charge - The club has unveiled Bramley Today as the collar sponsor of the team's new home and away strip for the 2008 season. Bramley Buffaloes has teamed up with the website that everyone's talking about as the club makes a charge towards glory this season. The club has unveiled Bramley Today as the collar sponsor of the team's new home and away strip for the 2008 season.
Andrew Hutchinson, YEP Digital Community Editor, said: "We are delighted that two winning teams have come together to promote the local community and the greatest sport in world.
"Can I take this opportunity to wish the club the best of luck for the forthcoming campaign.
"And rest assured Bramley Today will be the place to keep up to date with all the latest Bramley Buffaloes news and match reports."
Bramley Buffaloes Head Coach, Paul Cook, said: "The team has a great relationship with Bramley fans and the Bramley community.
"The link up with Bramley Today brings that even closer. Together we will be doing everything to keep the proud name of Bramley to the fore." Bramley Buffaloes Online
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CO-OPERATIVE CONFERENCE PREMIER SEASON GETS BOOST - This season's co-operative Rugby League Conference Premier season will open a week early for two sides, after the competition received another major boost to its profile.
Ipswich Rhinos and South London Storm - who were the Harry Jepson Trophy holders in 2006 - will now play their Southern Premier league fixture at the Twickenham Stoop on the 19th April, as a curtain raiser to Harlequins' BBC-televised Carnegie Challenge Cup tie with Castleford.
Ebony Blake, the Community Marketing Manager at Quins commented, "In order to ensure that rugby league in London is in its best position to maximise the benefits from this exposure, it was decided that using an RLC Premier game to promote the burgeoning sport in the region would be the best option."
"With this in mind, we approached both sides to see if they would be prepared to play their first round fixture at the Stoop a week earlier then it was scheduled."
"Ipswich unhesitatingly gave up home advantage for which they deserve tremendous credit and both teams are extremely excited about the opportunity to play at such a large scale event."
Harlequins Chief Executive Paul Brown added, "Having worked in the competition before taking up this post, I know how important it has been as a bridge to the professional game down here."
"You need only look at the progress of someone like Louis McCarthy-Scarsbrook, who came originally from Greenwich Admirals in the RLC and is now being talked about as a potential England World Cup candidate, to see the quality being uncovered."
"We are determined to give local talent its chance as we showed with our exceptional win at Warrington in a side containing four players with Conference experience."
"I'd like to put on record my thanks to Ipswich and Souths for helping us out, we are really excited about the day as a whole and appreciate the help of a competition that has done much to change the face of the sport."
The current Harry Jepson Trophy holders, awarded to the side that wins the Premier Grand Final, are St Albans Centurions while Widnes Saints are the reigning Regional champions.
A record number of 90 sides, 14 of them new clubs, will contest the silverware in the eleventh summer season of Rugby League Conference action.
The three-tier competition, which encompasses three countries and covers virtually every English county, began in 1998 with 14 clubs and now has over 4,300 registered players. Co-operative Conference National kicked off at the beginning of April and the regional divisions come on stream at the start of May. RFL Online
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Bennett feelers out for Priddis - PENRITH'S former Test hooker Luke Priddis is among a list of players linked to St George Illawarra as incoming coach Wayne Bennett begins work on his roster for next season.
Prince turns in virtuoso performance worthy of Maroons - and Blues - THE greatest shame in rugby league is that Gold Coast halfback Scott Prince could go through the entire season without playing a single game of representative football.
Manly come a Crocker once again - IT IS one of the remarkable statistics in the NRL and it did not at any stage look like coming to an end last night when Melbourne took on Manly at Olympic Park: Michael Crocker played his 25th game for the Storm and the defending premiers won again.
Slater shows why he's the No.1 - BILLY SLATER last night played as if there was a spot up for grabs in the Centenary Test side. Read more League HQ
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Gold Coast Titans end away-game losing streak By Matt Marshall - Gold Coast skipper Scott Prince put an end to the Titans' road demons as he engineered a thrilling 28-20 NRL win over a lacklustre Eels outfit.
Five days after almost being washed out to sea, Titans superstar Scott Prince last night charged ashore with the command of Captain Cook, leading the Titans to a club-defining triumph at Parramatta Stadium.
Prince's red-hot side shrugged off the absence of co-captain Luke Bailey and a humble away record - that had previously yielded victory just twice in 13 starts away from Gold Coast shores - to officially announce themselves as the real deal in the NRL finals race.
Last night's 28-20 triumph shot the brilliant Gold Coasters to the top of the NRL ladder and ended the club's 299-day drought on the road, with the only sour note a spear tackle charge levelled against star pivot Mat Rogers and a similar suspect tackle by ex-Eel Brett Delaney.
After a roller-coaster week that began with Prince overcome by a rip, Bailey by plaster and back-rower Daniel Conn by a cheap-shot - the key to winning ugly, away from the "Sunshine Strip" that is, was finally found by the irresistible Titans.
In a watershed night for the game's youngest club, the visitors proved they can handle the heat, overcoming a fervent crowd of 13,421 en route to a gritty win.
The Gold Coast's impressive 4-1 win-loss return from the opening five weeks has them, despite it being just the early stages of 2008, well on track for a historic first finals appearance.
It also ensured the Titans enter Friday night's southeast Queensland derby against the Broncos riding high from three straight wins.
There was a steely resolve about the Titans last night.
On their first visit to hostile Parramatta Stadium, the club's five-strong contingent of ex-Eels led the way with Mat Petersen and Aaron Cannings both on the try-sheet as the visitors went to the sheds with a deserved 16-8 lead.
The Titans began brightly, leading 10-0 at the 25-minute mark and 16-8 at the main break, courtesy of three slices of Scott Prince magic delivered on the back of a mongrel pack.
Parramatta dominated possession in the second half, but the gutsy Titans held firm, enduring a massive charge from the Eels to escape with the points.
A Preston Campbell break led to Prince's try at the 52-minute mark - but after holding a 14-point advantage the visiting Titans were mobbed.
Tries to Mark Riddell and Brett Finch reduced the margin to only two points 13 minutes from time, with a weight of possession making for a tense finish. But a brave surge from the Titans out of defence, and a late try to Josh Graham, finished the job.
GOLD COAST 28 (A Cannings N Friend J Graham M Petersen S Prince tries S Prince 4 goals) d PARRAMATTA 20 (B Finch N Hindmarsh J Reddy tries L Burt 4 goals) at Parramatta Stadium. Referee: J Maxwell. Crowd: 13,321. Read more Courier Mail
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Slater stars in Storm surge By John Salvado - Billy Slater took another significant step towards an Australia debut after scoring two tries and setting up another in Melbourne's thumping 26-4 NRL victory over Manly.
The game at Olympic Park had been billed as a battle for the Kangaroos full-back position in next month's Test against New Zealand, with Slater clearly taking the honours over incumbent Brett Stewart.
Storm were every bit as dominant as they had been in winning last year's grand final 34-8 over the Sea Eagles.
Slater opened the scoring in the 15th minute, stepping past former Storm centre Steve Bell and beating Michael Bani with a dummy.
The second try came just four minutes later.
Five-eighth Greg Inglis took a short ball from Cooper Cronk, before fending off Glenn Stewart and then ploughing straight over the top of Brett Stewart to score.
Centre Will Chambers was the architect of Melbourne's third try, with a blistering run down the left touch-line followed by a clever in-field kick.
From the following play, Slater exchanged passes with Michael Crocker before crossing for his sixth try of the season as Melbourne led 14-0 at half-time.
Manly rarely threatened the Storm line in the first half, although Jamie Lyon was only denied in the 22nd minute by some desperate defence.
Slater turned provider three minutes into the second half to put the result beyond doubt, throwing a flat pass for winger Anthony Quinn to score in the left corner.
Inglis then denied Bell what seemed a certain try at the other end in the 54th minute.
Video official Bill Harrigan turned the decision back to referee Tony Archer, who ruled that Inglis had prevented Bell from grounding the ball in an impressive display of strength.
Shortly afterwards, Cameron Smith - who had been having a rare off-night with the boot - kicked a penalty to put the home side up 20-0.
Israel Folau was then denied a try after Steve Turner was deemed to have knocked on while stripping Sea Eagles winger Michael Robertson of the ball.
Second rower Ryan Hoffman scored Melbourne's final try in the 65th minute, while Bani notched a consolation try for the Sea Eagles seven minutes from time.
"Thank god he plays with us," Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy said of Slater.
"His first half tonight, he scored those two tries and I don't know what else I can say about him to be quite honest.
"I've said it a thousand times, with no disrespect to any other full-backs in the competition because there's such a good batch out there ... we're just glad he's playing with us."
Bellamy was also delighted with Melbourne's defensive effort.
"I suppose we've had some good ones over the last couple of years, but I can't remember too many better than that," he said.
"I just thought everyone started the game with a really good attitude towards defence.
"That was what we wanted to do and it just carried on for the 80 minutes."
Manly coach Des Hasler was disappointed with his team's performance.
"Melbourne just persevered and were just a little bit better at the important parts of the game like controlling the ground," he said.
"We just gave away too much possession, they're the last side in the competition that you want to give ball to and field position.
"We were guilty of making silly errors and giving away penalties."
Manly prop Anthony Watmough suffered an ankle injury which will be assessed over the weekend. Read more Foxsports
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Salary cap squeezes Fitzgibbon - Craig Fitzgibbon has reignited the loyalty debate by revealing he would consider retiring if the Roosters could not...
Knights seek to re-sign Seu Seu - Newcastle are preparing for an about-face on sacked prodigy Terence Seu Seu, with the talented hooker suddenly a chance to rejoin his junior club.
Farah faces four-week injury wait - Tigers hooker Robbie Farah's future has gotten darker with news he could be sidelined with back trouble for four weeks, not two as originally thought.
Call for ban on wrestle coaches - Penrith will push at the next NRL chief executives conference for wrestling coaches to be banished from the game in a bid to stamp out illegal tackles.
Read more Daily Telegraph
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PONSONBY UNITED RUGBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUB (INC)
10th - 12th October 2008
100 year Jubilee 1908 - 2008 A number of events are planned as part of the centennial celebrations as Ponsonby Ponies reaches the 100 years milestone. The Jubilee committee invites registration of interest from current and past administration, officials, and players.
To register your interest contact:
David Bailey - 09 828 8384 or Tom Hill - 09 836 2135
P.O. Box 21-992, Henderson, Waitakere
Email: purl100@...
If you know someone else who may be interested then please pass on and get them to register. Any memorabilia would also be appreciated
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Exciting times for the Ravens There have been a couple of exciting developments at Kent Ravens Rugby League Club in the last week. Firstly, a great opportunity for all has arisen at the Kent Ravens, the actual Rugby Football League Challenge Cup, which is currently held by St. Helens after they beat Catalan Dragons 30-8 at Wembley in 2007, will be on the Princes Park Stadium pitch at 11am on Thursday 17th April for people to hold and get their pictures taken with.
Kent Ravens Online Read more click RLCM
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Dally Messenger, turns 125 - Rugby League's first superstar, Dally Messenger, turns 125 today as the game he helped create prepares to celebrate 100 years since its first matches in Australia.
The Harvey Norman Heritage Round kicks off next Friday, April 18, with players to don traditional jerseys and fans to receive special souvenir team posters as Rugby League marks 100 years to the day since the first matches were played at Sydney's Birchgrove Oval and Wentworth Park.
It's a celebration that will include the naming of Australian Rugby League's Team of the Century on Thursday, April 17, with Herbert Henry Messenger - affectionately known as 'Dally' - among the game's '100 Greatest' players in contention for the side.
Messenger transformed the Australian sporting landscape after switching from rugby union to join Rugby League. His involvement was primarily responsible for ensuring the early popularity and financial success of Australia's first professional code.
Such was Messenger's star status, he not only played Rugby League for NSW and Australia but was a 'guest' player for Queensland and New Zealand and the drawcard for the first ever game in Newcastle.
Following standout performances during the 1908 Kangaroos tour, five English and Scottish soccer clubs tried to sign him, each offering Messenger £1,500 for just one season.
"I often wondered could a footballer truly be as good as the myths, stories and legends made out," said Sean Fagan, one of the code's leading historians and co-author of The Master - The Life and Times of Dally Messenger.
"After I'd poured through the newspaper reports and personal accounts made by those who witnessed Messenger in action, my doubts were forever dispelled.
"As one fan put it succinctly, 'It was a case of Messenger first, middle and last'." ARL Online
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Mark McLinden out following surgery - Harlequins full-back Mark McLinden will be out of action for at least 3 months after undergoing surgery two times this week. The 28 year old Australian, who has not played since round 7 due to an Achilles Tendon injury, underwent surgery earlier this week for an unrelated illness affecting his abdomen. McLinden was discharged from hospital then readmitted days later to undergo further surgery due to infection.
Harlequins Rugby League Head Coach Brian McDermott has said, "This is a big blow for Marty (Mark). He's one of our main strike players and we are really missing out not having him with us. We all feel for him because it's frustrating when you are out and it's concerning when it is for something serious like this. All our thoughts are with him."
It is hoped Mclinden will discharged from hospital within the next week. Harlequins Online
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* EXTRACT FROM RLCM BOOK 30 MAY 2003 EDITION
Order a RLCM eBook today and you will be reading it today.
THE 'GET OUT SETS'
OK, your team needs ball possession and the opposition have just kicked it to you. However, you are back in the danger zone, on your own line and close to the side line.
What are your players going to do?
How are they going to manage the 'Get Out' sets?
They are going to need structured plays to handle the pressure, 'get out' and be in good field position to apply their own pressure by the end of the six.
Coach, Peter Sharp, talks of moving the ball from the corner post to the middle of the 50metre line.
"There is a lot of football to be played there," he says.
RLCM spoke with the QRL's Glenn Bayliss and Rick Stone to get a successful coach's thoughts on 'Get Out' sets.
Glenn Bayliss begins by saying that you need to look at what each team is trying to accomplish.
The side kicking the ball is attempting to gain the advantage by putting the ball as far down field as possible. Ideally, they are aiming to trap the defending team in-goal. If not, they will try to keep the opposition pinned close to their line and force an error
to regain possession.
In some circumstances, such as running with a strong wind they may not be too disappointed if the ball rolls dead. They can then set their defence in a controlled fashion for a restart on the 20 metre line.
This may be a better option than having to contend with a Lockyer type with room to move.
For the same reason they will avoid kicking to the centre of the field as their defence will not only have to cover the running fullback or winger but will be split to cover both sides of the field.
If the ball is kicked to the left or right side, their line can be condensed and a more vigorous defence can be inflicted on the opposition runners attempting to bring the ball out.(i.e. The attack side has limited options).
In short then, a good attacking team is going to be kicking to:
a) the in-goal area
b) the imaginary box bordered by the try line and 10m to 15m in from the side line
c) the left or right side of the field.
The side receiving the ball has the task of 'getting out' of the danger zone.
Having evaded being tackled with the ball in the in-goal or gathered the ball safely near the side line, the 'Get Out' set begins.......................read more
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March 2008
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