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RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP 2008 TOURS AND TRAVEL PACKAGES
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RLCM Coaching Extract
Finding the Right Head Coach - the Coaching Merry Go Round
By Wayne Goldsmith, MOREGOLD PERFORMANCE CONSULTING
Exclusive for RLCM
With all the movements and changes in the NRL head coaching ranks at the moment, it is worth having a closer look at how to go about hiring the right coach.
The most important step for any club, is to first clearly understand what they want from a head coach!
. Do they want a leader - an inspirational head coach?
. Do they want someone who is an expert in change management - someone who can make hard decisions and radical changes to the Club's culture and performance environment?
. Do they want a technical expert - someone with great skills in one element of the game, e.g. attack?
. Do they want a coach skilled with dealing with the media?
. Do they want a hard nosed, disciplinarian with a strong work ethic and uncompromising nature?
. Do they want someone who can build effective teams and get people working together towards a common goal?
. Do they want someone with knowledge and skills in sports science and performance enhancement?
. Do they want someone who has played the game at the highest level and has an understanding and empathy for the playing group?
. Do they want someone who can create leaders in the player group and create a player driven culture?
. Do they want an innovator? Someone who can accelerate change and implement new ideas?
The answer most clubs will give is - "all of the above".
Most clubs will seek a single person who can meet all of these expectations and more - and they are very, very, very hard to find.
However, most clubs do not NEED a head coach with all these attributes.
The head coach needs of a club will vary over time depending on a range of factors.
A young club may want an experienced coach who can establish a winning culture, systems and structures to help the club get started.
An older club with a more established culture may want the injection of new ideas and energy to revitalise the club, players and program and recruit someone with a new, fresh approach to winning.
Regardless of the needs of the Club, there are some common principles to put in place to increase the likelihood of recruiting the right person.
Five essentials for recruiting the right head coach:
1. Clearly determine what your club needs right now
Don't go on the coach's reputation alone or what the coach has done for another team.
Think about the UNIQUE needs of your club right now. A coach who has been successful at one club may not be able to replicate that success in the new environment because of differences in the player group, Club culture, resources, management structure, location etc.
The key question you are trying to answer is "Can this coach deliver the outcomes we want at this club now and in the future".
2. Think about the TOTAL COACHING SKILL SET you want.
Instead of looking for one man to deliver the "entire world", look to employ a coaching TEAM who can deliver high quality, consistent coaching to the club. For example:
. A STRONG INSPIRATIONAL LEADER HEAD COACH plus "attention to detail" type, methodical, systematic assistant coaches.
. A YOUNGER HEAD COACH WITH A STRONG BACKGROUND AS A PLAYER plus a quality, experienced, older assistant coach with a long coaching background to play a role of guide or mentor.
. A HEAD COACH WITH OUTSTANDING FORWARDS PLAY KNOWLEDGE plus assistant coaches with outstanding attacking knowledge and skills.
Think about the balance of skills, knowledge, character, personality and experience of the coaching and performance enhancement team rather than trying to find one person to do it all.
If you had a very skilful player, but then asked them to be captain, do the tactical kicking, play dummy half, do all the media commitments, goal kicking and all sponsor commitments, it is highly likely their playing performance will suffer.
Head coaches are the same. Expecting them to be all things to all people at all times will eventually result in a compromised coaching performance.
3. Establish the appropriate INTERVIEW / RECRUITMENT process.
If you are looking for a coach with a strong technical background, have the candidates present detailed technical plans and programs at interview and have someone on the interview panel who can ask challenging technical questions.
If you are looking for someone with a new direction for the Club, ask them to present a detailed "VISION" for the future which covers critical areas such as recruitment, player development, playing styles, etc etc.
Match the interview and recruitment process to the outcome you want!
If you were recruiting a goal kicker - you would ask them to kick a few goals before signing them! Same principle!
4. The six C'S - CLARITY / COMPOSURE / CONFIDENCE / CREDIBILITY / CHARACTER / COMMUNICATION.
The six principles of recruiting a quality head coach are:
CLARITY - Are they clear in their thinking, decision making, vision and direction?
COMPOSURE - Do they deal with pressure? Can they provide leadership in tough times?
CONFIDENCE - Do they believe in themselves and what they say?
CREDIBILITY - Can they get players, coaches, staff, management, sponsors and fans to buy in to what they are trying to do?
CHARACTER - Does who they are as a person enrich the club? Are their values (honesty, integrity, sincerity, humility, work ethic etc) consistent with you want for the head coaching role?
COMMUNICATION - Does the coach communicate well? Can they communicate effectively with players, coaches, staff, management, media, fans, sponsors? Do they communicate well in groups and one on one? As it is with most organisations, poor communication is at the heart of the majority of problems at footy clubs.
5. Establish clear expectations, time frames and deliverables.
It is vital that the head coach, the Board, the Management, the staff and of course the players have a clear understanding of what the vision for the club is, the timeframe that has been established to achieve the vision and the specific goals and objectives for everyone involved in the program.
From the outset establish clear policies, principles and rules so that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, the standards they are expected to maintain and the time frame to achieve them.
The Head Coach role is an important one for any club. They are often the public face of the organisation and the person held responsible for winning, losing and dealing with the implications of both.
It takes a special person to do it well - and an intelligent, thoughtful organisation to find that special person.
By Wayne Goldsmith, MOREGOLD PERFORMANCE CONSULTING
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RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP TRAVEL UPDATE-UK PACKAGES ON SALE NOW
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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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BUFFALOES SET FOR STAG DO AT HEMEL - After an excellent 38-18 win in the north-east at Gateshead Storm last week, Bramley take to the road once again this weekend with a trip to Hemel Hempstead, to take on old rivals Hemel Stags, in the Cooperative Rugby league Conference National. The match takes place on Sunday, 20th April, at Pennine Way, Hemel Hempstead, kick-off 2.30 pm. One of the oldest established RL clubs in the south of England, Hemel celebrated their 25th anniversary two years ago. The Stags, after beating Huddersfield Underbank Rangers in their first game, will be champing at the bit to get on the field, following the frustration of their match last weekend, at East Lancashire, being postponed due to the weather.
Assistant Coach Mark Butterill, one of the club's links with the old Bramley club, will be in charge of the side for the game. Still a vital member of the first-team squad he is eagerly looking forward to the game.
"Hemel Stags have been of our closest rivals since the Buffaloes returned to league action" said Butterill.
He explained: "In 2006 we were neck and neck all season, meeting in the National League Three Grand Final, at Widnes. Bramley were winners then but the Stags have recruited well for this season, including three players from Australia. We know it will be a tough challenge, but the lads played well to defeat a rapidly improving Gateshead side last week."
Bramley have no major injuries following last week's match so should be picking from a strong squad. Bramley Buffaloes Online
Clint Newton avoids ban - Hull KR forward Clint Newton is free to continue his ever-present record for the club after avoiding suspension when he appeared before the Rugby Football League's disciplinary panel. The 26-year-old former Melbourne second rower was found guilty of "behaviour contrary to the true spirit of the game" by making a dangerous tackle during his side's 20-18 win over Bradford on Sunday. He was fined £300 but not suspended, clearing him for Sunday's Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth-round tie at Workington. Read more Sporting Life
Click Matthew Elliott speaking at the ARL High Performance Conference
Paul Thorman Ready For St Helens Challenge - London Skolars captain Paul Thorman is relishing the chance to pit himself against some of the best players in the world on Sunday when Wood Green's finest take on St Helens in the Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth round.
Thorman got his hands on the famous old trophy on Monday when it was brought to Finsbury Park as a part of the RFL's promotional tour and the former Gateshead and York half-back admitted it was thrill to be involved in the grand old competition.
"I've played in the Challenge Cup every season I've been a pro and I know what it means to players and fans," he said. "I'm excited at the thought of playing against Saints, the cup holders. It's the best draw we could have had. We've played against Warrington and Wakefield before but they're not as glamorous.
Thorman admits it will be a daunting task regardless how strong a side Saints field. After their poor recent form ended with a comprehensive thrashing of London club Harlequins in Super League last Friday night, the men from Knowsley Road are expected to field a strong side as they look to continue winning ways.
"There's no good time to play St Helens. People outside the club were talking of a crisis because they lost a few games but there's absolutely no crisis there. It was only a matter of time until they thumped someone: it just happened to be Quins. Our coach Tony Benson knows their coach Daniel Anderson pretty well and has been fishing about, trying to find out what sort of team he'll play! But I hope it's full strength. We'd rather test ourselves against the very best: Sean Long, Keiron Cunningham, Paul Wellens etc.
"There's not a lot we can do about them so the emphasis in training is on what we do: kick well, chase haerd, defend well and try things with the ball, throw it around and see what we can so."
Thorman has experience of the challenge ahead. While at York he played Saints at the same stage on a night when all attention was on the vacant coach's seat following the sacking of Ian Millward. Saints scored a hatful. He also skippered Skolars at Wakefield last season when Skolars put in a heroic performance before bowing out.
"The performance at Wakefield gave us great confidence to take into the league and we'll be looking for the same on Sunday. With York we lost 60-odd nil but it was really positive because we played as well as we could.
"But nothing can prepare you really for playing Saints. I know what the away dressing room's like and what the field is like but it's difficult to prepare the mind and body for the speed they play at, the collision rate, the reaction times."
Skolars earned their first NL2 point of the season on Sunday when a second half comeback at Swinton Lions won them a bonus point after a 34-24 defeat. Thorman hopes that 40 minutes rather than the poor league campaign so far will help them on Sunday.
"We need to take the second half from Swinton into the Saints game. We know how well we can play and we have to do it now for 80 minutes."
Quins forward Joe Mbu, from Wood Green, joined Thorman and Skolars second-rower Keir Bell at the photo shoot. Mbu was on hand to give the Skolars some advice after being on the receiving end of a hammering at St Helens on Friday.
"The Skolars boys just need to enjoy the moment and the experience and to give it all they've got," said Mbu, who came through the ranks at Skolars before playing for London Broncos, Huddersfield and Leeds. "They can only strive to do their best. On the day if that's not good enough then so be it. The score doesn't matter on Sunday - it's the effort that counts.
"Saints players eat, drink and breathe rugby league. Skolars players come to training after a hard day at work: for me, they are the real heroes."
Mbu can be seen in Carnegie Challenge Cup action for Quins against Castleford Tigers live on BBC2 on Saturday at 5.15pm.
Skolars will also be taking their reserve team to St Helens on Sunday to play Thatto Heath Crusaders in their final friendly before Dave Roberson's side play their RLC Premier opener on 26 April against Portsmouth at White Hart Lane CSC. Skolars reserves went down to a narrow 20-14 defeat in Wales against Cardiff Demons on Saturday.
Tickets are still available on the Skolars supporters coach to St Helens on Sunday: just £20 including match ticket, £15 concessions.
For more information visit www.skolars.com or call 020 8888 48
Send your news, information and vacancies online to rlcmnews@... it will be added
Maitua wants to quit Dogs - Bulldogs star Reni Maitua has asked for permission to talk to other clubs and may seek a release from the final year of his contract.
More pressure, no release and the whole thing blows - I don't know Tim Smith; in fact, I've never spoken to him. I feel very sorry for him, though. I cringe every time professional sport chews up a young man and spits him out like this. It can be a cruel industry.
Cap break for Eels as NRL leave door open for Smith - Parramatta will be granted immediate salary cap relief in the wake of Tim Smith's decision to quit the game indefinitely - and the NRL will take a "sympathetic view" should he decide to make a return in the future.
Johnson to remain with Storm - Dallas Johnson has put aside the lure of the British Super League to stay with the Melbourne Storm.
Lyon expects Eels to bite back hard - Jamie Lyon was sitting in front of a television in Wee Waa a week after he walked out on Parramatta when he watched his former teammates respond by beating Brisbane. With the Eels now facing Lyon after losing another key player - this time halfback Tim Smith - he believes they will put up a similar fight on Friday night. Read more League HQ
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
Tackling's not much chop, says `The Axe' By Luke Turgeon - Queensland great Trevor `The Axe' Gillmeister believes the `copybook tackle' is in danger of becoming a dying art. Named The Axe for his ability to cut players in two with his driving low-tackle technique, Gillmeister said the emphasis placed on wrapping up the ball and wrestling in the modern game had seen a decline in players who knew how to tackle properly.
"There is not a real lot of blokes that can perfect it any more because they haven't done it for a long time," said Gillmeister.
"Probably Dallas Johnson, Tonie Carroll and Luke O'Dwyer (are the only current players that are known for their copybook tackling style).
"But you are struggling to think of any more than that.
"Years ago you could rattle off 10 names, so it must be a bit of a dying art if you are struggling to remember names."
The rugby league defensive legend and Titans assistant coach voiced his opinion yesterday in the wake of Gold Coast five-eighth Mat Rogers being charged with a grade two dangerous throw for a tackle on Eels fullback Luke Burt during Friday night's 28-20 victory.
Gillmeister admitted Rogers probably 'stood up too early and probably should have driven through the tackle more' during his low and hard-lifting hit on Burt.
But these days the risk versus reward factor for low tackles has seen them become less popular.
Gillmeister called on the NRL to review the rules in an attempt to revive the dying art.
"The league is talking about outlawing the wrestles and the grapple, which they have done well," he said.
"But hopefully they can maybe review something at the end of the year for blokes who are still prepared to tackle around the thighs or stomach area, so that they can be rewarded."
"To me it is a bit strange that you can go into a tackle with two or three blokes and throw him on the ground and they call a dominant tackle.
"A one-on-one is more of a dominant tackle than two or three players grabbing a bloke."
Read more GC Bulletin
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Then receive four new 2008 resources each month.
Contact for more information
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Phone: 07/ 5538 9377
Fax: 07/5538 9388
Talented youngsters show the way in Super League - Rugby league is a young man's game these days and here is the evidence. The 12 Super League clubs have called on no fewer than 26 teenagers so far this year, with more waiting in the wings to make their senior debuts in this weekend's Challenge Cup-ties. Three players in the list had not even reached the legal drinking age before last weekend.
Only two clubs - Harlequins and Catalans Dragons - have not played a teenager so far this season, while Castleford, Hull and Wakefield have led the way with four each.
Perhaps the promising team below, comprising entirely home-grown players and with an average age of just 19, could form the basis of the England squad for the 2013 World Cup.
England may not have the depth of talent enjoyed by Australia but the future of the English national team looks to be in good hands.
Bradford forward Sam Burgess is a shoe-in for Tony Smith's 2008 World Cup squad and, on current form, Castleford loose forward Joe Westerman is certainly worth a call for the mid-season international against France.
The majority of the rest, it is fair to say, have been given their chances because of the injury crisis which appears to be affecting all but a handful of engage Super League clubs.
Wakefield had no fewer than 10 players sidelined through injury for their game at Huddersfield on Saturday, which makes their 18-16 victory all the more remarkable.
The Wildcats also had experienced forward Adam Watene on compassionate leave but they still managed to pick up their first away win of the season, which once more says much for the coaching ability of John Kear.
The average age of Super League players has never been as low and, of course, it is no coincidence that this comes in the wake of the decision to scrap automatic relegation.
Before this year, Castleford - who have several times been down to their last 18 players - and Wakefield would have been sorely tempted to get on the phone to their contacts in Australia to enlist the help of clapped-out overseas players in a bid to get them out of their mess.
Taking away the fear of relegation has enabled clubs to avoid the usual stop-gap measures and adopt a longer-term approach.
No coach would want to overload their promising youngsters but their experiences so far this year will stand them in good stead for the future.
It might even accelerate their progress and ensure that more home-grown players are allowed to flourish, increasing the pool of talent available to the national coach.
The likes of Joe Pitts and Tom Briscoe may be unknowns at the moment but in a couple of years' time they could be household names.
The future's bright - possible England team for 2013 World Cup: Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield); Richard Owen (Castleford), Darrell Goulding (Wigan), Craig Hall (Hull), Michael Wainwright (Castleford); Thomas Coyle (Wigan), Kyle Eastmond (St Helens); Gareth Frodsham (St Helens), Michael McIlorum (Wigan), Sam Burgess (Bradford), Ben Harrison (Warrington), Dale Ferguson (Wakefield), Joe Westerman (Castleford).
Substitutes: Michael Lawrence (Huddersfield), Ben Kaye (Leeds), Lee Mitchell (Warrington), Mike Burnett (Hull). Read more Sporting Life
Click for RLCM's Junior Coaching Book 2
Melbourne Storm ups bid to keep coach Craig Bellamy Steve Ricketts and Dave Donaghy By Melbourne Storm yesterday made a final bid to retain its premiership coach Craig Bellamy in the face of a concerted push from the Broncos to lure him to Brisbane.
The Storm offered Bellamy a $2.2 million deal over four years to stay in Melbourne after Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen and chairman Darryl Somerville met Bellamy's manager John Fordham in Sydney on Monday.
Melbourne chief executive Brian Waldron is set to meet with Fordham on Friday.
Yesterday, Fordham said talks with both clubs were "at an advanced stage".
"Brisbane has made their position fairly clear," he said.
"They want to resolve their coaching situation as soon as possible and that was re-emphasised at the meeting yesterday."
There were reports Bellamy already had agreed to terms to coach the Broncos in 2010, something Cullen effectively denied yesterday.
Waldron said Bellamy was "very angry" over the rumours suggesting he had been "signed, sealed and delivered" by the Broncos.
"We know where we stand," Waldron said. "We won't hurry Craig. The press won't hurry him."
Bellamy remains the Broncos' priority but the club is believed to have at least one more meeting scheduled with another candidate, an indication they do not believe Bellamy's signing is a done deal.
The Broncos board met in Brisbane yesterday and Cullen informed directors of progress in negotiations. Read more Courier Mail
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Keiron Cunningham fit for St Helens return - St Helens hooker Keiron Cunningham will be fit to return for Sunday's Challenge Cup tie against London Skolars.
But full-back Paul Wellens has been ruled out for up to three weeks with a similar quadriceps muscle injury.
Wellens will also miss the Warrington derby on Friday week, but hopes to return in time to meet Wigan at the Millennium Stadium on 4 May.
Matt Gidley, who switched from centre when Wellens was last injured eight months ago, will again deputise.
The return of Cunningham, who has missed the last six matches with a torn quad, enables coach Daniel Anderson to rest James Roby, while Sean Long will also sit out Sunday's tie.
"Keiron has been chomping at the bit for a few weeks now," said Anderson.
"It gives us a good opportunity to rest James Roby, especially with a five-day turnaround."
Anderson is likely to give a debut to 18-year-old stand-off Gary Wheeler from the bench.
Read more BBC Online
Click Brian Canavan NSWRL Coaching Conference for short video clip.
Jarrod Mullen: Give me another chance By Nick Walshaw - Boom Knight Jarrod Mullen has pleaded with NSW selectors to forget his unhappy Origin debut - insisting he will never make the same mistakes twice. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph last night, Mullen opened up on his desire to emerge at the top of the most contentious Blues halfback debate in Origin history.
The 21-year-old also revealed plans to shorten his $41 odds with a shock return against the Roosters at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford, this Sunday.
While not named for the Heritage Round clash, Mullen has asked coach Brian Smith to be given until the 11th hour to prove his fitness.
"Because right now any New South Welshman who plays in the halves is in the running for Origin," Mullen explained.
"It's an open contest between six or seven guys and whoever puts their hand up over the next couple of weeks is going to get it. Sitting on the sidelines watching the boys go around . . . it's torturous."
Desperate to avoid the "one-game wonder" tag, Mullen is also hoping selectors will ignore his ordinary showing in the opening game of the 2007 series - won by Queensland 25-18.
"I know I didn't perform up to the standards I set for myself last year and, hopefully, selectors won't judge me on that," he said.
"Because looking back there were certainly a lot of things I would change, like getting more involved for a start.
"I wasn't overawed or too nervous, nothing like that. But it wasn't a true indication of what I can do."
If Mullen returns against the Roosters this weekend, he'll square off against his former halves partner from the NSW and Australian Schoolboys - Mitchell Pearce.
Bookmakers have Eels playmaker Brett Finch and Brisbane recruit Peter Wallace as $3 favourites in the Origin race.
Pearce and Canberra local Todd Carney are at $7, while Knights fullback Kurt Gidley, named at halfback for the Roosters clash, has also firmed dramatically to $8.
Brian Smith has named Wes Naiqama as the new custodian with Chris Bailey partnering Gidley at the scrumbase - unless Mullen makes a late play for selection.
Mullen's regular halves partner, Scott Dureau (ankle), is also unavailable due to injury.
Matt Hilder has been added to last week's bench with one to be omitted.
Centre Adam MacDougall is finally ready to press the start button and will make his first appearance for the Knights this season.
MacDougall is the only new face from the team that went down 34-22 at home to the Broncos on Sunday.
MacDougall's return is timely against his former club but he'll be playing alongside Keith Lulia for the first time.
Cameron Ciraldo, who played a full game in the NSW Cup and came on in the second half against the Broncos, was named as the 18th man.
Read more Daily Telegraph
Click here for a RLCMtv short video of Ian Thomson ex player, coach, CEO of Manly Sea Eagles speaking at the NSWRL Level Two Coaching Conference.
Souths call for coaching areas on the sidelines By Brent Read - South Sydney's co-owner Peter Holmes a Court has called on the NRL to consider copying soccer by introducing a technical area for coaches on the sideline.
A day after his coach Jason Taylor was rebuked for calling his team off the field mid-match to advise them on tactics, Holmes a Court suggested the NRL should look at addressing the issue by making players more accessible to officials during games.
"Maybe coaches up in a glass box is not what all supporters want," Holmes a Court said.
"Maybe every now and then a coach coming down is good for the game."
Holmes a Court said he had raised the matter with NRL chief executive David Gallop.
Under the game's existing rules, coaches are allowed to sit on the sideline but must not leave the bench area.
While Taylor did not violate those rules, his players did by leaving the field to form a huddle around their coach.
A technical area would have allowed Taylor to address them without the players walking off the playing arena.
Despite the Rabbitohs languishing in last spot Taylor continues to enjoy the full support of his club.
"He's a young coach whose maturity amazes me," Holmes a Court said. There's no pressure on JT from me or other people." The Australian
Click Matthew Elliott speaking at the ARL High Performance Conference
Give France a chance By Phil Clarke
Do Toulouse have a part to play in Super League?
There was concern and criticism when the Catalans Dragons were given a place in Super League at the expense of say Widnes, Castleford or Salford. It is still a little early to say whether it's been successful yet, but their on-field progress has been impressive.
As every week passes, we become closer to the date when the RFL will announce the successful applicants for a Super League licence in 2009.
If you've been watching Boots 'n' All you will have seen Angela Powers' reports on the clubs that she's visited and the strengths and weaknesses of their applications.
The century-long debate about the expansion of the game out of its so-called heartlands continues to rage.
What do we gain by allowing new teams into the competition?
What are the risks involved?
What do they need to do to be competitive within the first three years?
Most of the answers to those questions and the many others that I've neglected could be found in the South of France.
There was concern and criticism when the Catalans Dragons were given a place in Super League at the expense of say Widnes, Castleford or Salford. It is still a little early to say whether it's been successful yet, but their on-field progress has been impressive.
They made it to the Carnegie Challenge Cup final last season and currently sit third in the table approaching the halfway stage. With successive away wins at Huddersfield and Wigan it looks as though they've arrived as a competitive force.
It would take a far greater investigation into their finances, facilities and development programmes to give an accurate picture of the club, but there are some positive indicators.
Critics may say that they are too reliant on their overseas players. Their tries at Wigan were scored by Clint Greenshields, Justin Murphy, Dane Carlaw and Jerome Guisset. Sky Sports
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Step up in class
CHALLENGE CUP FOURTH ROUND: Leeds v Celtic Crusaders
Venue: Headingley Date: Friday, 18 April Kick-off: 2000 BST
BBC Coverage: BBC Radio Leeds on FM, DAB and Online at bbc.co.uk/radioleeds
By Nabil Hassan - The Leeds Rhinos players could be forgiven for not knowing too much about the Celtic Crusaders when they run out for Friday's Challenge Cup fourth-round tie.
But it's safe to assume the team from south Wales won't have the same problem with the world champions' star-studded line-up.
For the Crusaders, who were only formed in 2005, Friday's trip to Headingley is the biggest game in their short history.
But the match also provides a real opportunity for the National League One side to prove they are worthy of a Super League place.
The Bridgend-based club joined 18 other clubs in bidding for one of the coveted Super League licences, which will be handed out in July after the Rugby Football League studies the strength of each application.
"It is very exciting, to start something brand new and aim as high as we are and we have a real chance to do something special here," the club's Australian coach John Dixon told BBC Sport.
"Friday will show us exactly how far we have to go."
The Crusaders' squad has a few former Super League players and the odd seasoned pro from abroad, but is largely made up of young talent who hope be playing fixtures like Friday's on a regular basis in the not too distant future.
"We won't be in awe of them but we will respect them," said Dixon.
"I think the key is not to spend too much time looking at the team sheet and just remember that it is 13 versus 13."
Last year, the Crusaders provided the opposition for NRL (Australia's equivalent to Super League) giants the Brisbane Broncos last year in a pre-World Club Challenge warm-up game. But for a club who have only being playing competitive rugby for two seasons, the match against Leeds is a huge occasion.
"We are excited by the contest and the prospect of taking on the world champions and getting the measure of ourselves against the very best," added Dixon.
"Expectation is not on us, it is on them. We are upbeat and focused on what we have to do.
"The wonderful thing is they won't need any motivation this week. This is a platform for them to showcase their talent and that is focus enough."
The Crusaders have had to battle to establish themselves in the rugby union stronghold of south Wales, but their struggle is put into perspective by Dixon's personal fight against prostate cancer.
Dixon was diagnosed with the disease in 2005 and had to undergo immediate surgery to remove the growth.
But a few months later he was in Wales to take charge of the team, his first role as a head coach after spending several years as assistant to the legendary Wayne Bennett at Brisbane.
From the off, the Crusaders have made no effort to hide their ambition of making it into Super League.
The task is made all the more difficult by the fact that they are surrounded by four professional rugby union regions and 14 further semi-professional clubs from the rival code.
But after two successive promotions, the Crusaders find themselves in with a realistic shout as the RFL decides which clubs meet the criteria to win a licence.
"We like to think our application is a strong one," added Dixon.
"Establishing rugby league in Wales is the best opportunity the sport has of improving and expanding in Britain.
"We think we have some players who have big futures in the game and we hope they will be playing it with us.
"It is all going the right way. When we started, the aspiration of the Super League was fanciful. As things stand, we have a real chance.
"We are optimistic, we are talented and these are exciting times in south Wales.
"We have an academy side that is going well, and there is a real feel for us in the community. The network of rugby league is expanding throughout Wales."
But in the short term it is Leeds that occupy the club's thoughts, and Crusaders centre Josh Hannay is one of several senior players whose experience will be vital on Friday.
Hannay certainly has big-match experience having played for the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL for eight years as well as representing Queensland in the State of Origin.
The 28-year-old is honest in his assessment of Friday's game.
"I've been fortunate enough to play big games for the Cowboys and in the State of Origin," he told BBC Sport.
"This is as stiff a test as I can remember and it doesn't get any tougher than playing Leeds Rhinos on their home turf.
"There is no doubt that it will be a step up but we have enough guys who have Super League experience and who have played a decent standard in Australia so that will be vital.
"We will learn a lot about ourselves and about how serious we are about playing Super League rugby." Read more BBC Online
Click Kurt Wrigley Coaching Methods - RLCMtv short clip
Binalong/Harden Brahmans crush Crookwell - The Waldron Construction Southwest Brahmans have got their season off to the perfect start, crushing Crookwell away from home on Sunday. Binalong/Harden silenced the parochial Crookwell crowd with a fine display of running Rugby League. In the end the Brahmans scored eight tries to two, running out winners 44-10. Yass men Allan Neill and Craig Pollack made their debuts for the Brahmans.
Yass Tribune
Click NRL Round 6 Teams Sportal Online
Click Matthew Elliott speaking at the ARL High Performance Conference
SUPER LEAGUE - THE GREATEST GAMES DVD ... COMING SOON
RELEASE DATE: Monday, 28 April 2008
RRP: £12.99
For the first time ever the very best Super League matches have been re-captured on DVD.
From the "magnifique" opening match in Paris, right through to Wigan's sensational last-gasp comeback at Odsal, it's all here as we look back at the games that have made Rugby League folklore.
THE GREATEST GAMES:
1996: Paris St Germain 30 Sheffield Eagles 24 The curtain came up on the Super League era with an historic evening in the French Capital, and a memorable opening night in front of 18,000 spectators.
1997: Halifax 26 Bradford 30 The unbeaten Bulls trailed 26-6 at half time before a miraculous second half fight-back preserved their 100% record.
1998: Wigan 8 Leeds 15 The power, pain and sheer intensity of Super League was encapsulated in one match, as the bruised and bloodied Rhinos recorded a rare win at Central Park.
2000: St Helens 16 Bradford 11 Super League has never seen such a dramatic finish to a game. Chris Joynt broke Bradford hearts with a sensational try on the very last play of the game ... "It's wide to West "
2001: Hull 20 St Helens 24 An epic play-off battle swung one way, then the other, and then right back again in one of the last great games played at Hull's famous Boulevard.
2003: Leeds 22 Wigan 23 Mike Gregory led Wigan to the Grand Final with a dramatic play-off victory at Headingley that included two sensational tries from Brian Carney.
2005: Warrington 33 Leeds 16 A sell-out Halliwell-Jones was rocking the night Andrew Johns arrived and on his debut the World's best player lived up to his billing to defeat the World Club Champions.
2006: St Helens 26 Hull 27 Saints were being dubbed "the invincibles" in 2006, but Paul Cooke's last gasp drop goal condemned Daniel Anderson's men to a rare home defeat.
2006: Wakefield 29 Castleford 17 Wakefield saved the last of their nine lives for this unique night at Belle Vue when John Kear's men secured Super League survival in a winner takes all relegation showdown.
2007: Bradford 30 Wigan 31 Officially the greatest comeback in Super League History. Bradford were cruising with a 24 point lead and only 25 minutes left. The rest is history!
Click www.pdimedia.co.uk for more
Click Chris Weier Simple Exercises - RLCMtv short clip
Ropati back for Warriors against Cowboys - Kiwi international Jerome Ropati will return to the New Zealand Warriors NRL side to face North Queensland in Townsville on Saturday night.
Stuart backs Gidley for NSW halfback job - He's the third-choice No.7 at Newcastle but Test utility Kurt Gidley continues to receive backing from all the right people for the NSW Origin halfback No fine for Rabbitohs over Taylor's talk - South Sydney have escaped penalty for coach Jason Taylor's illegal sideline address during Monday night's 12-10 loss to Cronulla.
Manly's Watmough might miss a month - Manly have suffered a significant blow ahead of Friday night's NRL match against Parramatta with star backrower Anthony Watmough ruled out.
Soward dumped by Dragons, Hornby to No.7 - St George Illawarra halfback Jamie Soward has been dumped to park football as coach Nathan Brown again shuffled the deck in a bid to find a winning combination.
Rugby league will support Smith: Gallop - NRL CEO David Gallop is hoping the support of the rugby league community will pave the way for troubled halfback Tim Smith to return to the game.
Cowboys still hopeful Bowen will return - A final decision on Matt Bowen's availability will be made on Thursday despite not being named for North Queensland's home clash with the Warriors.
Mat Rogers to contest NRL tackle grading - Gold Coast five-eighth Mat Rogers will contest the grading of his dangerous throw charge at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night.
Titans pick Harrison at five-eighth - Former Queensland Origin backrower Ashley Harrison has been named to replace suspended Titans Mat Rogers for the NRL derby against Brisbane.
Lockyer not included for derby - Captain Darren Lockyer has been left out of the Brisbane team to play the Titans on the Gold Coast this Friday.
Broncos' Hodges cleared to play Titans - Brisbane centre Justin Hodges has been cleared to play in Friday's top-of-the-table NRL clash against the Gold Coast at Skilled Park.
Titans to contest Rogers charge - The Gold Coast Titans will head to the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night to contest Mat Rogers's three-game ban for a dangerous throw.
Hull begins Aussie recruitment drive - Reinforcements have been sent by English Super League club Hull for their Down Under recruitment drive.
Johnson commits future to Storm - Test and Queensland Origin back rower Dallas Johnson has re-signed with the Melbourne Storm for a further three seasons.
Dallas Johnson signs new deal with Storm - Melbourne lock Dallas Johnson has signed a new three-year contract with the Storm that will see him remain with the NRL premiers until 2011.
Harrison to miss up to eight weeks - Wests Tigers have suffered yet another injury blow with forward Bronson Harrison ruled out for up to eight weeks with a knee injury.
Read more Yahoo Sport
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St Mary's students dominate State rugby league trials by Cecilia Peoples - The ability to not only perform under pressure but also rise to the occasion will see a Maitland high school register its strongest representation at the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges rugby league under-18s trials next month. All Saints College St Mary's campus, Maitland students Michael Gavan, Hayden Crouch, Robbie Rochow, Ethan McKenzie, Taylor Matthews, Tom Atkinson, Luke Stewart, Jay Stevens, Pat Jenkinson and Liam Higgins will represent Northern Country at the two-day NSW CCC trials from May 23 in Sydney, after successfully making it through the Northern region's trials at Kempsey last week.
Unfortunately fullback Michael Gavan's campaign is in doubt after he broke his collarbone playing for Kurri Kurri on Sunday. Of the squad of 20 players named to represent Northern Country, 14 have come from the Newcastle-Maitland diocese, with the remainder coming from the Armidale and Lismore dioceses.
All Saints College, St Joseph's Lochinvar campus' halfback/five-eighth Shay Padberg and second rower Corey Barber will also represent Northern Country in the under-15s, while Jai Padberg trialled for the open's team at Kempsey but was injured during the trials and missed out on selection.
Both Shay and Corey represented Northern Country at the 2007 under-15s trials and will be hoping to go one better in 2008.
Long-time St Mary's rugby league coach Col Love said it was the biggest representation from his school in its history, a history which has seen many young men go on to represent in not only the National Rugby League but also play for their country and State.
"There have been some terrific young kids come through," Love said.
"Obviously Johnsy (Andrew Johns) and guys like Amos Roberts, Anthony Tupou, Luke Dorn.
"That's the first thing I tell the boys."
While St Mary's has always been well-represented at the Northern trials, Love said this year had seen his players really "hit their straps" and they were justifiably rewarded.
"I think it's just because we've got the combinations there," he said.
"We used to get flogged by Lismore and this year we flogged them about 10 tries to three.
"The boys are really starting to hit their straps."
"(Halfback) Taylor Matthews played the best game I've seen him play and (five-eighth) Ethan played really well also."
Love said the fact his two playmakers played so well provided the opportunity for the rest of the team to feed off them and respond to the occasion.
"I just thought they were excellent, they all really stepped up and showed what they can do," he said.
Making their debut at the Northern Country trials for St Mary's will be front rowers Luke and Tom, both former rugby union players.
Luke switched to league in 2007 where he played in Maitland's winning under-17s team.
Tom has linked up with Raymond Terrace in 2008 and has only played a handful of matches.
Northern Country should be one of the strong-est teams at next month's trials at The Crest Sporting Complex at Bass Hill, as will hosts Metropolitan Catholic Schools. Maitland Mercury
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Re-developed NSWRL Academy launched The Rugby League institution which revolutionised the way grass roots sport is developed, administered and serviced launched a re-development of its own yesterday. The NSWRL Coaching and Development Academy opened the doors to its new base at Narrabeen - a $600,000 upgrade built to cope with unprecedented growth at the game's grass roots level.
NSWRL and Australian Rugby League Chairman Mr Colin Love AM said the Academy's achievements had gone unnoticed for too long.
"The NSWRL Academy was the grass roots sporting institution that pioneered the use of modified rules, leading to better safety for children wanting to play the game of Rugby League," Love said today.
"It was the first sporting body to promote its code at a grass roots level and it was the first to introduce the now widespread practice of employing development officers.
"This year the Academy has created 77 extra teams to service an influx of more than 1000 junior registrations for the Sydney metropolitan area.
"The increased numbers are a reflection of the excellent work being carried out at the grass roots level, particularly in the Western Sydney region.
"Over the course of 18 years it has proven to be the leading force in providing elite junior programs, extensive educational programs for referees and coaches, and a safety-first approach.
"Throughout that period the NSWRL Academy has done so without blowing its own trumpet but it is time it received the recognition it deserves."
The NSWRL Coaching and Development Academy upgrades include a state-of-the-art lecture theatre, increased administration quarters, storage facilities and upgraded amenities.
NSWRL Coaching and Development Manager Martin Meredith said the improvements could not have come at a more ideal time.
"We're experiencing unprecedented growth in our Centenary year and to have quality facilities available increases our ability to service those extra junior players, referees and coaches," Meredith said.
"The NSWRL Academy's education programs cover coaching, referee and first-aid training while a large part of our role is to open up Rugby League opportunities to school children across Sydney.
"So with the increased capabilities these facilities have given us it is an exciting time ahead for grass roots Rugby League."
The NSWRL Academy's upgrades were jointly-funded by the NSWRL and the National Rugby League with the backing of the NSW Government.
NRL Chief Executive Mr David Gallop said the improvements reflected Rugby League's determination to use the Centenary Year as a stepping stone towards further growth.
"The number of kids taking up Rugby League is increasing at record levels and that is due to both the excitement we are seeing at NRL level and the professional approach the game takes to getting kids involved," Mr Gallop said.
"The opportunities for kids to take part in Rugby League and to be guided by qualified coaches, trainers and referees in genuine competitions over a full season are second to none.
"The NSWRL Academy competitions ensure a safe and rewarding environment for all kids whether they simply want to have fun or whether they are looking to chase a sporting dream."
NSWRL Academy Online
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South Sydney - What's gone wrong? By Adam Lucius - Don't for a minute think there is a heap of sympathy out there for struggling South Sydney. Rival clubs are privately delighted the 'Hollywood Rabbitohs' are doing it harder than an extra in a low-budget San Fernando production.
Five rounds in and the Armani-wearing Bunnies are more Kelly Country - stone motherless last with five losses from as many starts.
Co-owners Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court - omnipresent in the stands last year as Souths headed towards their first finals appearance in 18 years - have seemingly lost interest in their expensive 'toy' and are nowhere to be seen.
Where has the love gone?
Coach Jason Taylor, who could do no wrong in his rookie year, has suddenly started doubting his own ability and seems unable to find the answers or a remedy to Souths' poor start.
The NFL-style huddle he called during a tense moment of Monday night's narrow lost to the Sharks indicates a desperate coach at the point of breakdown - or one who has watched on Any Given Sunday once too many times.
The truth is many in the rugby league community predicted Souths' rapid demise.
And just as many are enjoying it.
With the publicity-savvy Crowe and Holmes a Court leading the way, the Rabbitohs embraced the media spotlight and dared to think outside rugby league's closetted square.
One of the game's oldest clubs was suddenly all hip and happenin' - so cool even Snoop Dogg was wandering the streets of LA in a Souths jersey.
There were the suits, the Book of Feuds, the documentary, the celebrity supporters, the pre-season trip to Jacksonville.
Somewhere along the way repeat sets of six and kicking games lost their importance.
Rugby league is a conservative game played and administered by people whose thinking, by and large, starts and ends in the game's limited postcodes.
The Bunnies set themselves up for a big fall by trying to shake up century-old thinking and doing things differently.
It was a bold move and for a while it worked.
But it only had legs as long as the team was winning.
As one Souths insider told me: "We're over all the corporate crap. We've forgotten it's all about winning footy matches."
Until they start doing that, it may be more 'Gory, gory to South Sydney' as the season wears on. Sportal
RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP TRAVEL UPDATE-UK PACKAGES ON SALE NOW
Official Travel Packages are On Sale Now for UK Supporters
MATCH TICKETS
All of our tour packages provide Category 1 Reserved Seating offering great views of the ground.
FIVE ORGANISED TOURS AVAILABLE - ON SALE NOW - BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
Click here for details
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.
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
Mick Potter close to signing new contract with Catalans Dragons - Catalans Dragons boss Mick Potter, touted as the next St Helens coach, is close to signing a new contract with the Perpignan club. Potter, who has guided the Catalans to third place in engage Super League on the back of a club record six-match unbeaten run, is thought to be on the shortlist of candidates to succeed Daniel Anderson at Knowsley Road.
But the Dragons are keen to retain the services of their Australian coach and chairman Bernard Guasch held talks at the weekend following the club's 26-24 win at Wigan.
"I have spoken to Bernard and he would like me to stay here," said Potter.
"I will be looking at things closely in the next week or so."
Potter, who took over the Catalans two years ago, is keen to return to Sydney, where two of his grown-up children are living, but missed out on two recent coaching vacancies in the National Rugby League.
Anderson is leaving St Helens at the end of the season to return with his family to Australia.
Read more Sporting Life
POSITIONS VACANT - A FREE RLCM SERVICE FOR ALL RUGBY LEAGUE CLUBS.
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Send information whether your club is looking for players, coaches, managers, trainers, administrators any where in the world. Or if you are a player, administrator, coach, player/coach looking for a change or a family with junior player/s relocating and looking for a new club in Australia, New Zealand, England or USA?, then e-mail RLCM and your information will be added daily.
Send your news, information and vacancies online to rlcmnews@... it will be added
Terrigal Sharks RLFC
The Sharks have recruited strongly for the 2008 Central Coast HSU Cup with the recruitment of 4 Fijian International players and players returning from the Central Coast Storm and Newcastle Knights. However due to injuries the Sharks require Urgently the services of a quality centre and or full back. Employment and accommodation can be arranged for the right candidate.
Please send your playing CV to shanej.fields@... or phone on 0420309791.
Click Matthew Elliott speaking at the ARL High Performance Conference
Parkes Spacemen
The Parkes Spacemen play in the strong NSWCRL Group 11 competition are on the lookout for some quality players. We maybe able to assist with a career in the mining industry. Two weeks until comp starts so be quick to join one of the most progressive clubs in the NSWCRL contact paul.clyburn@... or 0268626146.
Send your news and information online to rlcmnews@... it will be added today
Muswellbrook RLFC is looking for players for the 2008 season
Muswellbrook is situated in the Upper Hunter Valley and has plenty of employment opportunities.
Although the club has struggled for the past three seasons with local coaches and the right players we will be competitive this season. Please contact Barry Edwards on 0427 002489
Click Dave Hamilton for a RLCMtv short coaching clip.
Birkenshaw ARLFC - Birkenshaw are an amateur club close to Bradford, West Yorkshire. The Open Age team play in the Pennine League.There is a strong link between the club and the Bradford Bulls through Head Coach Mark Robinson. Birkenshaw are looking to identify ambitious and/or experienced coaches to take the club forward as the junior section is relaunched in the Summer. The Bradford Bulls will be offering assistance through running a summer camp in August at the Birkenshaw Middle School. The Club hope to attract youngsters from around the area between the ages of 10 and 15. Birkenshaw are also keen to speak with any open age players planning to travel in the U.K. in the near future, there is a history of Australian players from the Yeppoon Club visiting the UK and playing a season of Rugby League there. If you feel that you are up to the challenge of a brand new junior team please contact Mark Robinson at mark2001bull@... for further details.
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