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John Dixon
Ex Brisbane Broncos
Celtic Crusaders Coach
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Begin Well in Defence and Attack
By Gary Roberts RLCM
Titans 24 defeated Bulldogs 20 - Skilled Park Stadium, Gold Coast Crowd 22,676
'We must begin well' and 'We must start the game well', are adages that coaches instill into their players every game, every week. It is not rocket science, it is commonsense, it is rugby league talk, it's coach talk.
Sometimes it is the last message that players hear from the dressing room before a game and players carry it on to the field, pumping each other up before the kick off.
How do you start well? What do you do?
Control your ball, control the opposition go forward, play in the opposition's half, limit the time the opposition have with the ball, effective tackles cause errors, create repeat sets.
There are many more of the little things a team must do and it is possible to go on and on with scenarios like the above.
Could the above be an extract of some of the principles needed to 'start well'?
Yes?
Well, what if a team does all of the above and does not come up with any points.
'We must begin well'. 'We must start the game well'. However, the coach's adage must be understood on both sides of the game. It must apply to ATTACK and DEFENCE.
A team must also begin well in DEFENCE.
The game between the Titans and the Bulldogs on Friday night had both of these ingredients.
The Bulldogs started well in ATTACK. They received the ball back from two line dropouts, earned a penalty resulting in three repeats sets and did very little tackling - [3 tackles].
They began well. They were controlling the opposition and they looked the goods. They were following the coach's instructions. 'Start the game well'.
But, at the 14th minute of the game, they were down 10 nil.
What went wrong for the Bulldogs? Why could they not score?
It is a simple game. There are only two major components - ATTACK and DEFENCE.
The Titans dropped the ball on Play 3 of the first Set [1]. They then had to defend the next 20 plays before they received the ball to begin Set 8.
So, the Titans began well, but that was in DEFENCE.
Then the change came. An error from the rookie halfback, Aaron Groom, unaccustomed to the speed of NRL, was unable to get a kick away on the 5th Play of the 7th Set, 15m out from the Titans' try-line.
This was a vital error at the 7th minute of the game and a mistake that RLCM believes eventually cost the Bulldogs the game.
The Titans went from that point at the 7th minute of the game to lead 10 nil at the 14th minute, then scoring a try and kicking the goal to lead the Bulldogs 16 nil at the 23rd minute.
Sixteen points is too much start to give a NRL team, particularly if the team behind on the scoreboard is playing away from home.
The irrevocable statistics of this game are:
The Titans were under immediate pressure by a knock on in their first Set.[1]
From the Titans' error, the Bulldogs had three repeats sets. They had five Positive Sets all played in the Titans' red zone. They did not score.
An error was made by rookie halfback, Aaron Groom, after their 5th of the 7 Sets played on the last Play which resulted in a turnover to the Titans.
The Titans scored on the very next Set [8] and again on Set 10. The score at this point was Titans 10 Bulldogs 0.
The score after Set 12 [14 minutes into the game] was Titans 10 Bulldogs 0.
The score from this point forward, Set 12 [14 minutes into the game] until the end of the game [66 minutes later] was Bulldogs 20 Titans 14.
The error by Aaron Groom at the seventh minute of the game allowed the Titans to win the game 24 to 20.
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RLCM eBook Extract from Book 23
Structural Influence on Man Management
With Steve Anderson
Written By David Haynes
Man management reflects the capabilities of your overall management structure where individual management is only a small portion of your approach.
The system that you facilitate will ultimately influence and dictate how you manage your players and staff.
Setting in place that system and it's approaches is what I will be discussing.
Broadly these approaches will be discussed in three main areas:
1. Considerations in your structure
2. Macro and Micro levels and
3. Review processes.
These are what I consider instrumental in any approach to managing not only the athlete but also the environment in total.
What then are the basic principles involved in managing elite environments and what are the considerations in the implementation of those principles? Possibly the easiest way to identify and answer these questions is to draw comparisons and contrasts between two highly successful clubs, Leeds Rhinos and Melbourne Storm and discuss the various common occurrences and differences that are evident in the assessment of these principles.
It must be remembered that these assessments are purely based on my observations and should not be considered the solution or 'blueprint' for handling elite sporting environments.
The key 'tools' I will use in discussing these areas are primarily professional skills I have obtained in both Social Psychology and Human Resource management fields and examples from the various cases which I have studied in the internal workings of clubs and such over my time in professional rugby league.
Considerations in Your Structure
I have always considered my role as a professional coach as one of a manager and mentor and have always approached players as employees within the framework of the organization's design.
Design meaning the determined nature and culture of your workplace and identifying what constitutes your 'culture' is so vitally important when constructing a framework that is suitable for both player and staff member.
Within this design both intent and purpose requires consideration but underlying this intent priority must be given to the system and it's capability to 'self-manage'.
Let me explain
Today rugby league is very much a business-oriented environment and as such we must approach all aspects with a deliberate approach of making the 'workplace' conducive to learning but more importantly getting the desired result.
At Melbourne consideration to 'result' was approached in various manners but overridden by setting in place a winning culture which was promoted by a structure that was dynamic in state but could 'self manage'.
So how did we approach this scenario at Melbourne?
The first step was to look closely at the selection of personnel both players and staff and ask the most obvious questions such as, what are their individual needs both within the workplace and in a social context?
Who are the leaders and who can best fit the bill as a middle management, to name a few.
These questions aren't new but discovering new processes and applications to meet the design expectations of the structure was challenging.
Basically we set in place criteria demands for both the structure and the infrastructure and were strong enough to adhere to set design processes............To read more buy RLCM eBOOK 23 Click RLCM Bookshop buy a RLCM eBook and it will be in your PC today.
IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT YOUR COACHING YOU MUST HAVE RLCM eBOOKS.
Latest News
Graham Murray asked to quit as Cowboys fail By Dean Ritchie and Karl deKroo - Graham Murray may have coached his final game in the NRL, with a decision on his future likely before the end of the week. It is understood North Queensland chairman Laurence Lancini has asked Murray to resign.
The Cowboys are prepared to pay out the remainder of Murray's contract this year - believed to be worth about $150,000 - if he stands down immediately.
The Cowboys' coaching drama intensified after an understrength North Queensland was thrashed 38-6 by Manly in Gosford on Saturday night.
Murray helped the Cowboys emerge as a powerhouse franchise but there are suggestions that unless he resigns, he could be sacked as early as Wednesday.
If either scenario eventuates, Murray may well have coached his final game of rugby league.
The experienced coach, who led the Cowboys to their first grand final in 2005, has yet to decide whether he will quit but it seems likely he will.
If Murray goes, assistant coach Ian Millward would be caretaker for the remainder of 2008 before he too leaves in 2009 to be David Furner's offsider in Canberra.
There seems little chance Canberra coach Neil Henry will leave the Raiders mid-season to start his tenure early with North Queensland.
Cowboys chief executive Peter Parr would not comment on the situation last night, saying only: "Anyone associated with the club isn't happy with where we're sitting (second last).
"We will continue to review and monitor the situation."
Asked how he felt about the situation, Murray said: "I don't feel comfortable talking about it. I can't say too much. We'll see what happens."
Murray, who was told before the season began that his contract in Townsville would not be renewed, said last night this would be his final season of coaching.
"I won't be coaching after this year," he said. "I have had a really good innings - 16 years of coaching in first grade.
"It has been a wonderful and enjoyable journey. I have never taken coaching for granted - it has always been a job I have cherished.
"The day was always coming when it was going to end. I've had my time.
"Obviously we are feeling the pressure at the moment."
Murray said he would continue to live in Townsville.
"But I will be taking a break from coaching," he said.
Murray has experienced a wonderful coaching career. He took Illawarra to its first finals appearance, won a Challenge Cup with English giants Leeds, guided the Roosters to a grand final and then took North Queensland to the finals for the first time in 2004. The following year, North Queensland reached the grand final, only to be beaten by Wests Tigers. Read more Courier Mail
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Paul Gallen a 'cheap-shot merchant' By Steve Mascord - QUEENSLAND have riled the NSW camp just three days before State of Origin I by labelling tough second-rower Paul Gallen a "cheap-shot merchant". Gallen upset the touchy Maroons last week when he spoke for NSW by publicly declaring he "hated" Queensland. But while Queensland players have refused this week to engage in any trash talk, former Queensland forward Trevor Gillmeister has insulted Gallen in his weekly Brisbane newspaper column.
"Rival players don't think Paul Gallen is an intimidating player. They think he is a cheap-shot merchant. And really, that is a shame, because I think the bloke can play the game," wrote Gillmeister, who played 22 Origin games for Queensland.
"One of the lessons you learn early in life is that there is no need to be afraid of the blokes who tell everybody they are tough and hard.
"It is the ones who don't need to tell people that you have to look out for.
"That is why there was not a single batted eyelid in the Queensland camp this week as Paul Gallen waged a one-man media war in the Sydney papers."
But Gillmeister's comments caused a stern rebuke from former Blues greats.
"Paul's comments have obviously hit a nerve - Gillmeister said that no one cares about Gallen but why then has he dedicated his column to Gallen?" Sharks and former NSW coach Ricky Stuart said.
"He isn't a cheap-shot merchant. Paul Gallen is tough and relentless. Much like Gillmeister was."
Gallen did not respond last night but former NSW firebrand Steve Roach said it was easy for players such as Gillmeister to talk tough when in retirement.
"I've become 20 times tougher since I retired," Roach said.
NSW great and current selector Laurie Daley added: "Gilly is entitled to his opinion but we regard Paul Gallen as one of the toughest players running around".
Former NSW hardman David Gillespie said "cheap-shot merchants" had been rubbed out of the game.
"Gallen plays it fair and is an intimidating player," Gillespie said.
"To label him that way is just wrong."
Gillmeister believes Gallen should stop talking and show his toughness on the field.
"Gallen told anyone who would listen about how the Blues were going to bash Queensland, why he hates Queensland, why the Blues are better and probably half a dozen other things that I can no longer remember because I couldn't give a rat's," he wrote.
"The stuff he does on the field and the talking he does off it means that his reputation isn't going to change any time soon.
"You'll notice there hasn't been a word said by Michael Crocker, Dallas Johnson or Petero Civoniceva all week. Take note, Paul Gallen.
"Those blokes do their talk- ing on their field. They are the kind of blokes I would rather play alongside."
Gillmeister has done what the current players are refusing to do - make a controversial public statement.
"They can keep saying what they like - we'll just get out there and do the job," hard-hitting lock Dallas Johnson said.
Forward Michael Crocker added: "I don't talk much, that's their (NSW's) attitude - Queensland, we just lay low. Talk means nothing unless you turn up on the night." Read more Daily Telegraph
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BULLS CHARGE AT THE JUNGLE - A review of the weekend's action in the engage Super League
HALIFAX MOVE TO THE TOP - A review of Sunday's action in the Co-operative National League.
McNAMARA IMPRESSED BY EFFORT - Post-match reaction to Bradford's 46-24 over Castleford.
McDERMOTT PRAISES HILL - Post-match reaction to Harlequins' 34-26 victory over Hull.
SHARP HAILS LAWRENCE DISPLAY - Post-match reaction to Huddersfield's 50-16 over Hull KR.
AUSSIE STAR LINKED WITH DRAGONS - Catalans Dragons have made an audacious bid to sign Australia Test centre Mark Gasnier. Read more Sporting Life
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Raiders rule out early exit for Henry By Brent Read - With Graham Murray edging closer to the exit door at North Queensland, Canberra officials were yesterday forced to rule out a coaching switch involving Neil Henry and Ian Millward before the end of the season. Murray was under intense pressure heading into the weekend and the chances of him retaining the head coach's job at the Cowboys only lengthened after his side's 38-6 loss to Manly at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday night. The Australian
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Weakened results show it's time to end Origin farce - SOMEONE else will get around to it if we don't, so let us start the ball rolling here and say how ridiculous it is that clubs have to play critical NRL games without their star players because of State Of Origin commitments. Sure, it's an old chestnut, but it never loses its relevance as an argument. If anything, the argument just gets stronger, because at a time the game is supposedly more professional than ever, it is stupid that it still occurs.
Taylor says Kiwis' loss can be Rabbitohs' gain - WHILE most of the South Sydney squad have drawn confidence from the Rabbitohs' breakthrough win, a handful have also been given a kick along on by what effectively amounted to a belting.
Benji, Tigers mauled by own - TIM SHEENS has not fluked four premierships as a coach. He knows that if he wants to tell his players exactly where they stand - and have the message sink in - it is best to do it after a win that isn't very pretty. Do it after a loss and the players expect it, so the effect is reduced. Post-game yesterday, Sheens told his players some home truths - and his words had the desired effect.
Panthers rediscover that laughing feeling - FOR two rounds, they were the jokes of the NRL. Now they are the jokers. When Penrith coach Matthew Elliott was pleading with his team to stand up after their early failings this season, we may have all misunderstood him.
Blues have some hide: layers of protection mask real story - QUEENSLAND have trained at such places as Sanctuary Cove and Runaway Bay this week, although it has been difficult to work out who has been hiding.
C'mon! Where has the passion gone fellas? - YESTERDAY'S match between Newcastle and Wests Tigers resembled something more like a friendly Sunday afternoon tennis match than an important game of professional football.
Lewis talks his way into halfback - AFTER having a hand in four of his side's eight tries yesterday, makeshift Panthers halfback Luke Lewis insisted he would quite happily go back to playing on the wing.
Bellamy quashes treason talk - NSW coach Craig Bellamy has declared his love for the sky-blue jumper and rubbished claims he wanted to coach Queensland two years ago.
I've still got it, says two-try Sailor - Wendell Sailor concedes it is going to take another week or two before he is ready to play rugby league for the Dragons.
I didn't want to coach Maroons: Bellamy - NSW coach Craig Bellamy declares his love for the sky blue jumper and rubbishes claims he wanted to coach Queensland two years ago.
Depleted Storm set to regroup - The Melbourne Storm has not written off the next two games that it would play without its state-of-origin stars.
Big Jack Rayner the man was even bigger than his legend - JACK RAYNER epitomised the spirit that made South Sydney. With Big Jack, the Rabbitohs didn't need Russell Crowe.
Smith refuses to trot out ready-made excuses - KNIGHTS coach Brian Smith made no excuses for his team's loss to the Tigers yesterday. He has clearly warmed to the Newcastle tradition of putting in until it hurts a lot and was disappointed the Knights didn't do enough to ensure they were the last men standing.
Honour your deal, SBW told - TENSIONS between the Bulldogs and their biggest star, Sonny Bill Williams, are set to escalate after club officials responded to suggestions he wanted out by declaring he was contracted for another four years and would be expected to see that out.
Read more League HQ
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Brisbane Second Division U22 40 defeated Combined Universities 22 - The Brisbane Second Division Under 22 representative team has defeated a combined Universities team at Davies Park on Sunday 18 May. Universities started well and went to a 10-0 lead midway through the first half, but Second Divison came back and trailed 16-12 at half time, with each team scoring three tries.
Second Division continued strongly in the second half scoring another six tries to one in the second half, to win the match 40-22. Second Division would like to thank the Universities for playing this representative match at relatively short notice. BSDRL Online
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East Lancs Go West At Bramley By Andrew Coldrick - Last seasons meeting between these two sides ended with a crushing 100-0 victory to Bramley; East Lancashire must have been hoping for a better result when the two teams met this week in round 6 of The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National.
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CO-OPERATIVE RUGBY LEAGUE CONFERENCE 2008 - Sunday 18th May - Reports - REGIONAL
EAST - HAINAULT BULLDOGS turned in a sensational performance as they beat THETFORD TITANS 60-4 in the curtain raiser to Batley's National One clash with Whitehaven. Three of their side ran in hat tricks; Ray Lugerri, Paul Hyder and Scott Shaw who also added six goals for a personal haul of 24 points. Nick Williams with a brace and Jimmy Tabram claimed their other four-pointers.
PREMIER - WALES - VALLEY COUGARS made a convincing start to the season with a comprehensive 60-12 home win over WEST WALES SHARKS. Man of the match, centre Hugh Thomas scored one his side's 12 tries and there were doubles for; Stephen Parry, Mark Cooper, Scott Belmont, and James Allen. Carl Thomas claimed a try to go with six goals and Liam Jenkins and Tom Rees also crossed. For Wests, Dan Griffiths scored a try and kicked two goals, Joe Beddow posting their other touchdown.
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CO-OPERATIVE RUGBY LEAGUE CONFERENCE NATIONAL - WEEK 6 - Sunday - HEMEL STAGS 18 FEATHERSTONE LIONS 22 - Pennine Way. Defending champions Featherstone Lions picked up their first win of the season at the fifth attempt, thanks in the main to the outstanding efforts of second rower John Smith, who claimed all their four tries. Hemel, with former St George full back Meli Allen on debut, had an equal share of the play in an end to end encounter but their finishing let them down at crucial times as they struggled to complete their sets... more @ RFL Online
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NEW FACES LIFT SEAGULLS - A WEEK after receiving a 50 point hiding, the Wynnum Manly Seagulls have exploded to life by beating one of the Wizard Cup's best teams on their own patch of dirt. Wynnum Manly's 26-16 victory over the Northern Pride in Cairns justified coach Shane McNally's decision to make sweeping changes following the previous week's battering at the hands of the Tweed.
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COMETS SHUT DOWN MACKAY - CENTRAL Comets five-eighth Guy Williams says a "bit of rivalry" and better attitude lifted his side to a solid Wizard Cup victory over the Mackay Cutters. Smacked by 38 points the previous week, the Comets rebounded in style with a solid 18-12 victory over the Cutters at the Mackay Junior Fields on Saturday night. QRL Online
DOLPHINS WIN THE UGLY WAY - THE match probably won't make any highlight reels at the end of the season but you get the feeling the Redcliffe Dolphins aren't about to complain. After crashing to a 20-point loss to Souths Logan the previous week, the Dolphins were just happy to have another two competition points added to their tally. In a dour affair, Redcliffe edged out the Easts Tigers 6-4 at Dolphin Oval on a windy Saturday afternoon to secure outright fifth on an intriguing Wizard Cup ladder. QRL Online
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MAGPIES SOAR AT BISHOP PARK - EXCITED Souths Logan Magpies coach Paul Bramley was in awe of his team's destructive second half blitz at Bishop Park. The Magpies rattled up 40 points to crush the young Norths Devils 46-8 in their round 10 Wizard Cup clash. QRL Online
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TWEED WINS GAME OF INCHES - TWEED Heads survived a late rally from second half specialists the Ipswich Jets to triumph 25-24 in today's thrilling Wizard Cup encounter at Ned Byrne Field. The entertaining contest was not decided until the final play of the match in the dying seconds.
QUEENSLAND WIZARD CUP - ROUND 10 RESULTS - Saturday 17 May
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS 6 (Tim Yee try; Marty Turner goal) def EASTS TIGERS 4 (Tangi Ropati try) at Dolphin Oval
WYNNUM MANLY 26 (Jason Moon, Dallas McIlwain, Luke Dalziel Don, Chris Muckert tries; Matt Seamark 5 goals) def NORTHERN PRIDE 16 (Drew Campbell, Hezron Murgha, Stephen Sheppard tries; Chey Bird 2 goals) at Barlow Park.
CENTRAL COMETS 18 (Shanan Wood, Luke Fatnowna, Marty Hatfield tries; Nat Bowman 3 goals) def MACKAY CUTTERS 12 (Todd Seymour, Quinton Fielder tries; Todd Seymour 2 goals) at Mackay Jnr Fields.
Sunday 18 May
TWEED HEADS 25 (Dennis Gordon, James Wood, Shayne Joyce, Billy Ngawini tries; Brad Davis 4 goals; Brad Davis field goal) def IPSWICH JETS 24 (Scott Ireland 2, Brendan Marshall, Trevor Exton, Leigh Coghill tries; Josh Lewis 2 goals) at Cudgen Oval.
SOUTHS LOGAN 46 (Brett Kelly 3, Josh White 2, Tim Cannard, Shea Moylan, Marc Herbert, Quentin Laulu-Togagae tries; Josh White 3, Tim Cannard 2 goals) def NORTHS DEVILS 8 (Willis Grant, Billy Rogers tries) at Bishop Park.
BYE: BURLEIGH BEARS QRL Online
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Cumbria - We must have a fresh start - now - It is now more than a decade since top-class rugby league was played on a regular basis in Cumbria. And, as things stand, there is precious little prospect of it returning any time soon.
Workington Town played one season in the then newly-launched Super League in 1996. They were outclassed. Out of their depth. Out of their league.
Bearing in mind the club's proud history, that was a crying shame. But since then things have only got worse.
No matter what reasons or excuses the clubs and their directors come up with for the lack of any real progress in the Cumbrian game, the simple truth is that the fans - and Cumbria is certainly not short of enthusiastic rugby league supporters - deserve better.
And the responsibility to deliver better lies squarely on the shoulders of those running the clubs. Their failure to deliver over the past decade or so brings only shame on them.
Cumbria's rugby league heritage is at least as robust as those of either Lancashire or Yorkshire. And it must hurt Cumbrian fans to see the now-franchised Super League bending over backwards to attract clubs from Wales and France to the highly-professional top table, while Cumbria's part-timers struggle to survive on crumbs.
The Perpignan club, Catalan Dragons, was given three years to prove its Super League credentials, without threat of relegation. The Dragons currently lie in second place in the league and it would be difficult to argue that the plan failed.
South Wales's Celtic Crusaders, based in Bridgend, are working hard, with barely-concealed official encouragement, to put together a business plan which will probably earn them a place, sooner or later, in Super League.
The three Cumbrian clubs, Workington, Whitehaven and Barrow, will all argue that they don't have the necessary fan base, and commercial backing, to bring in enough money to finance the needs of membership of rugby league's elite.
That, of course, is true. And it will remain true as long as their only solution is dreaming that one day a miracle will happen and one of the clubs will again make it, solo, to the top flight.
There are no miracle workers in professional sport. There are hard-headed, pragmatic businessmen who make sound judgments and rational decisions, who stand or fall on the performances of their organisations.
Based on performances over the past decade, the Cumbrian clubs don't appear yet to have identified, or recruited, any of that breed.
But they must. For while they dither, and tell themselves it will all come right in the end, the gap between the National Leagues, where they stumble around having good days and bad days, followed by more bad days, has already widened into a chasm and is growing still.
The realistic view, even without reference to Monday night's complete humiliation of Whitehaven, is that bridging that gap for any one of the clubs is already impossible.
Yet when the Times & Star opened a debate in 2004 in an attempt to bring together the clubs to at least discuss a county club, and thereby rescue top-level rugby league in Cumbria, petty tribalism kicked in and killed it stone dead.
And that despite the enthusiasm, encouraged by the Times & Star, and which flowed into the debate from the authorities, from the game's administrators, from rugby league stars past and present, from broadcasters and journalists who share the passion of the game week in, week out.
They all instinctively wanted Cumbrian rugby league to get its act together and at least try to get back in the game, before it was too late.
But those with experience of success were ridiculed, while small minds ruled.
What better time than now to launch a new county rugby league club, keeping the current club structures to feed new talent to the county club, which could easily be based at the new super stadium at Derwent Park?
If nothing is done now, the chance will slip away, a betrayal of the county's rugby talent and of those future generations of potential stars who will languish in third-rate rugby, doomed to fail by the lack of vision of their elders.
It will be too easy for those 'elders' to convince themselves they are "being positive" and chat about how Barrow Raiders are, this year, playing much better than they have for some time, which they are, but still way short of Super League class, ignoring the fact that Whitehaven are playing much worse than last year and that Workington Town have signally failed to show much spark for too many years.
Last year, Town chairman Dave Bowden said the club aimed to be in Super League by 2012. That was greeted by some pundits as a realistic target.
One year on and the club is further away than ever. Super League got better and Town got worse.
Former Great Britain coach Maurice Bamford has suggested this year that a county RL side would have a chance of Super League status.
He was ridiculed, largely by people who know a great deal less about the game than he does.
And Whitehaven chairman Des Byrne greeted the suggestion with the tired plea of the defeated, that people won't pay twice in a week to watch their favourite sport.
Arrant nonsense.
Ask one of the hundreds of thousands of supporters of Premiership football clubs what it's worth to watch top-flight sport twice a week.
It would be no surprise to hear the clubs bleat that if they just carry on doing what they are doing for a few more years, success is just around the corner.
It isn't.
More failure for the clubs, and more disappointment for the fans are the only things waiting around the corner, unless they all put petty differences to one side, find a bit of vision and join forces to launch a county club with Super League intentions.
History, represented by three decades of failure, must be their teacher.
United, they might stand. Divided, they will most certainly fall. And soon.
The fans want Super League rugby. It will be interesting to see how low the attendance figures have to fall before the clubs realise that a subscription to Sky Sports is a better option for fans than paying to stand in the rain watching third-rate rugby.
Times Star - Cumbria
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Hayne looking forward to tackling Folau - NSW winger Jarryd Hayne is excited and nervous at the "massive challenge" of containing Queensland powerhouse Israel Folau in Wednesday's Origin series opener.
Crocker wants his luck to extend to Qld - Melbourne forward Michael Crocker may be rugby league's "Mr Lucky" but his great passion, State of Origin, has not been kind to him.
Bulldogs execs to confront Sonny Bill - Bulldogs officials are fuming over reports Sonny Bill Williams wants to quit the NRL to pursue a rugby union career in Europe.
State of Origin war of words continue - Queensland have resisted the temptation to publicly respond to NSW forward Paul Gallen's verbal assaults, but a former Maroon has decided otherwise.
Read more Yahoo Sport
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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.
The Rugby League Experience is providing a range of packages for local, interstate and international visitors.
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Tigers win away to Knights - The Wests Tigers triumphed 38-26 over the Knights in a high-scoring round 10 match in Newcastle. The clash was evenly balanced at 16-16 at half-time before the Tigers finished the stronger with four tries in the second term allowing them to post their fifth win of the season. Tigers captain Brett Hodgson had a day to remember with two tries and five conversions, giving him an 18-point haul. Hodgson spoke with Grandstand's Aaron Kearney after the match and offered his view that his side's display was "scrappy". Read and listen more ABC Radio
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Panthers topple Warriors - Penrith moved into the top eight courtesy of a convincing 46-22 victory over the Warriors in their round 10 clash at Panthers Stadium. It was the Panthers' second straight thrashing following last weekend's 30-4 humbling of the Bulldogs and it sees them move to a 5-4 record, which is just reward for an improved series of performances after opening the season with two defeats. Michael Gordon played a leading role in the Panthers' win with two tries contributing to a individual 22-point tally, while Frank Pritchard and Michael Jennings also crossed for doubles that helped consign the Warriors to yet another loss away from home. Grandstand's Richard Svenson spoke with Panthers hooker Luke Priddis, who felt he and his team-mates let themselves down by allowing the Warriors to sneak through two late tries. Read, listen ABC Radio
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St Helens 28 defeated Catalans Dragons 10 - St Helens coach Daniel Anderson branded Catalans Dragons "terrible" and admitted his team were not much better after they secured a 28-10 win to leapfrog the French club into second place in the engage Super League.
Read more Sporting Life
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Push to halt agents from talent cradle snatching - PARRAMATTA boss Denis Fitzgerald has called for an age-limit proposal which prevents player managers from preying upon schoolboys to be put on the agenda for this week's NRL CEOs' conference.
Noddy spurs on Sharks - Cronulla halfback produces the big plays as the Sharks ground down a depleted Brisbane.
Soward's way too good for Storm - Re-signed five-eighth Jamie Soward led St George Illawarra to a drought-breaking and historic 36-12 victory over premiers Melbourne.
Sailor scores twice in comeback - Wendell Sailor scored two tries in a successful return to rugby league. Read more League HQ
Wentworth Park Honoured - The home ground of Australian Rugby League's first club - Glebe's Wentworth Park - will today host a community games day featuring tributes to the game's 100-year history at the venue. Celebrations on the day include a re-enactment match to honour the Glebe 'Dirty Reds', which on April 20, 1908 - the opening day of club Rugby League in Australia - beat Newcastle 8-5 following Easts' 32-16 win over Newtown. Prior to the re-enactment match the Australian Rugby League will make a special presentation to the Wentworth Park Sporting Trust and Vince Gray, relative of NSW, Kangaroos and Glebe forward Albert 'Bert' Gray, who went on to become an Australian selector after a stellar career. ARL Chief Executive Geoff Carr will present Gray with a Centenary Plaque commemorating the venue's proud Rugby League history, which will be mounted at the ground's entrance. The presentation forms part of the ARL's Centenary Plaques program. ARL
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Time for the Cowboys and Murray to part company - Bookmakers have been swamped with bets suggesting the Cowboys' Graham Murray is about to become the first NRL coach sacked in 2008. It's a time-honoured formula that the best form guide you can ever find on a racetrack is to follow the money. The smart money could be right on the mark with this tip as well.
Gasnier can stay in rep sides - for now - AUSTRALIAN Rugby League chairman Colin Love has denied Mark Gasnier would be immediately excluded from representative teams if he signed with French rugby club Catalans. Read more League HQ
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Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook on his way back - Harlequins Rugby League Prop, Louie McCarthy Scarsbrook, has undergone surgery to remove the pins that were inserted into his wrist mid March.
The Londoner, that suffered a complicated break during Harlequins RL's round 6 clash with the Leeds Rhinos, was initially predicted to be sidelined for a period of 4 months.
While the club is still waiting on further information from his surgeon, the removal of the pins and cast from his arm mean that McCarthy-Scarsbrook can begin taking part in training sessions involving ball work.
Harlequins Rugby League Head Physiotherapist, Todd Williams, has said: "It is still difficult to put a time frame on how long it will be until Louie can start playing again, but if he continues healing the way he has so far it may be as soon four weeks."
"Now he's had the operation he'll be able to get more involved with the rest of the team at training. He'll start with joining in some skills sessions and gradually work into contact."
Read more click Harlequins Rugby League
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Hindmarsh inspired by Fitzgibbon - Nathan Hindmarsh is using the man who stole his Blues jersey as inspiration to get it back again.
Disgruntled Sonny Bill wants out of Bulldogs - BULLDOGS superstar Sonny Bill Williams is fed up and wants out of the club. Williams is at loggerheads with Bulldogs officials over a number of issues and has instructed his management to explore the possibility of a release.
The game loses another tough, no-nonsense legend - THE grand old gentleman of Australian rugby league, South Sydney great Jack Rayner, passed away at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick on Friday night aged 87. Read more League HQ
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Brisbane Second Division Rugby League Wrap-up - With representative matches scheduled in Opens, Under 22s and Under 20s, there were only four grades of fixtures played this weekend - Northside 2, Southside 2, Southside 3 and Southside 4.
In the Toyota Centenary Cup match at Runaway Bay, it was an even first half with Gold Coast just leading Brisbane Second Division 16-10 at half time. It was all Gold Coast in the second half, with the Coast going on to win 48-10, scoring nine tries to two overall.
Deception Bay Juniors remain undefeated on 20 points in Northside 2, after beating Mitchelton 35-24. Valleys Juniors were beaten 36-34 by Pine Central Holy Spirit, but remain in second place on 16 points. Arana Hills beat Kallangur Bulls 36-12 to share 14 points with Pine Central Holy Spirit. Northside Natives beat Aspley 30-28 to move onto 10 points. In the other match, Burpengary Juniors beat Banyo 26-4, leaving Banyo on 8 points, Mitchelton on 6 points and Kallangur, Aspley and Burpengary all on 4 points.
Wests Inala and St Brendans remain as co-leaders in Southside 2 on 16 points after Inala beat Mt Gravatt 24-12 and St Brendans beat Logan Brothers 30-22. Beenleigh Juniors beat Centenary St Josephs 32-30 to be in equal third place, on 13 points, with Mt Gravatt. Logan Brothers and Centenary St Josephs are both on 11 points, while Slacks Creek is on 10 points after being beaten 20-14 by Redlands.
Cannon Hill Stars beat North Stradbroke Island 22-16 in Southside 3 to remain in the competition lead on 19 points. Logan Wanderers beat Sunnybank 36-16 to be in second place, on 17 points. St Brendans beat Beenleigh 22-20 to share 12 points with Sunnybank, while North Stradbroke Island is on 10 points. In the other match, Wynnum Manly Juniors beat Edens Landing 22-20.
In Southside 4, Browns Plains beat Bulimba Valleys 32-0 to remain undefeated on 20 points. Mustangs Brothers beat St Brendans 40-4 to be on 18 points, while Sunnybank beat Beenleigh Juniors 32-12 to be in third place on 14 points. St Brendans share 9 points with Waterford, who beat Slacks Creek 44-24, with Bulimba on 6 points and Beenleigh on 4 points. BSDRL
Click Brian Canavan NSWRL Coaching Conference for short video clip.
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.
NSWRL Junior Rep Grand Finals - A crowd of almost 2500 people descended on Western Weekender Stadium yesterday to see two upset wins in the NSW Rugby League Junior Representative Grand Finals.
The Parramatta Eels are the new Harold Matthews Cup Premiers after handing the Penrith Panthers their first loss of the season.
The Eels' 30-17 win against the defending premiers secured them their 17th Harold Matthews Cup title - a NSWRL record.
The second upset of the day saw the Sydney Roosters down Parramatta 38-20, denying the Eels back-to-back titles.
Spurred on by the presence of their first-grade coach Brad Fittler and his entire squad, it is only the second time in history the tri-colours have won the SG Ball Cup.
There was some consolation for the losing teams today with Vaipuna Tia Kilifi (Penrith, Harold Matthews) and Tim Auremi (Parramatta, SG Ball) winning the Junior Representative Player of the Year awards.
NSWRL Junior Representative Grand Finals - May 17, 2008
Western Weekender Stadium, St Mary's
Harold Matthews Cup
Parramatta 30 (J.Azar 2, M.Solino, D.Ahotono, J.Wehby tries. J.Wheby 5 goals) bt Penrith 17 (H.Seijka, V.Tia Kilisi, P.Lolesio tries. H. Seijka 2 goals, field goal)
SG Ball Cup
Roosters 38 (D.Brunton 2, R.Hura, J.Murray, G.Vuna, A.Clayton, J.Treichel tries. B.Murray 5 goals) bt Parramatta 20 (M.Gardner, K.Freeman 2, T.Auremi tries. N.Gardner 2 goals)
NSWRL
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
Exclusive peek inside Blues camp - Craig Fitzgibbon provides the inside story on NSW's preparations for Wednesday night's Origin opener.
Price fighting for contract - WARRIORS captain Steve Price will have to prove his fitness before winning another contract with the club.
Bellamy determined not to finish a tired, washed-up mental wreck at the Storm - Enjoy the intensity, invective and influence of Craig Bellamy while it lasts - because the NSW and Storm coach has revealed he is likely to retire in five years.
Ogre monsters limelight with stars out - IN AN NRL team full of representative stars, Mark O'Meley admits he's had a tough time standing out at the Sydney Roosters.
Read more League HQ
Click for Leaguecoach Discussion eGroup
BARLA Annual Awards Dinner 2008 - The BARLA Annual Awards Dinner 2008 took place at the Holiday Inn, Brighouse, Yorkshire on Saturday 17th May 2008.
Also in attendance at the prestigious blue riband event was RFL President Kevin Nicholls of Batley Bulldogs RLFC
MC for the evening was Lennie Lowe and the awards, which were sponsored by Stuart Brown of Pennine Trophies, were presented to the recipients by BARLA Chair Spen Allison, and BARLA International Manager Mick Turner.
The following Awards wiwere presented on the night:
- BARLA Open Age Player of the Year - Trevor Penrose Skirlaugh
- BARLA Youth Player 2008 - Dane Manning Dewsbury Celtic U18's
- Open Age Coach 2008 - Alfie Hill York Acorn
- Youth Coach of the Year - Peter Thomas Wigan St Judes U16's
- Club of the Year - Leigh Miners Rangers
- Silver Boot Award - William Barraclough Wyke
- Tom Keaveney Award - Joe Fitzsimmons Wigan St Judes
- Best Media (Website/Programme) - James Stott Shaw Cross Sharks
- The Unsung Hero - Anita Halliwell Hollinwood
- Life Member Awards
* Jean Girvin - North West Counties
* Lol Lowe - Wigan St Judes & Wigan League
* Alfrieda Kindon - Eccles & Salford Juniors & Manchester ARL
Read more BARLA
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Create your own Animated Drills for Rugby League with Rugby Pro 2006 from TruStorm Software. Rugby Pro is an easy to use coaching tool to design rugby league drills and plays, click here to read more.
Storm fall to Dragons in boilover - St George Illawarra caused a significant upset with a stunning 36-12 thrashing of Melbourne in their round 10 fixture at the Olympic stadium . The Storm had entered the round as competition leaders but were missing several players due to State of Origin duty and the Dragons took full advantage to post six tries in just their third win of the season.
Read and listen more ABC Radio
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
Sea Eagles outclass Cowboys - North Queensland's season continues to spiral out of control following a 38-6 defeat to Manly in their round 10 match-up in Gosford. The Cowboys were missing several key players through State of Origin duty and injury - most notably captain Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen - and they were outclassed by a solid Sea Eagles outfit, as they fall to their fourth consecutive defeat and a 3-7 record so far this season.
Read and listen more ABC Radio
Sharks climb ladder after downing Broncos - Cronulla leapfrogged Brisbane into the top four following a 13-6 victory in their wet and windy round 10 encounter at Shark Park. The Sharks had entered the match in sixth place but their grinding two tries to one victory over the Origin-weakened Broncos sees them move into the elite half of the top eight ahead of the completion of the weekend round of fixtures. Read and listen more ABC Radio
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Ravens record first win at Princes Park - On a day when the weather could not have been much more different to last weekend, Kent Ravens secured a 36-24 victory over Norwich Saxons in their first league game of the season. With it being a very damp and slightly chilly day, the conditions were not ideally suited to a free flowing game of rugby league. Kent Ravens Online
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BARLA HEAD TO FYLDE FOR IT'S DOUBLE HEADER FINAL DATE - All roads lead to the Woodlands Memorial Ground the home of Fylde RUFC on Saturday 24th May for the blue riband BARLA double header cup finals and a feast of amateur rugby league of the highest standards. They begin at 1.30pm when the Bartlett Champion of Champions Final takes place between HALBRO Lancashire County Cup Winners 2007 Bank Quay Bulls and Ellenborough Rangers. The winners of this game will see a new name on the trophy. They conclude with the Ace Insurance (Europe) BARLA National Cup Final kick off 3.15pm when Wath Brow Hornets play East Hull. Should East Hull win there will be a new name on the trophy and previous winners Wath Brow Hornets are appearing in their third final in five years having won their last two.
Amongst the guests who will be attending a pre match dinner before enjoying the fayre on offer are Spen Allison BARLA Chair, Ex RFU President Malcolm Phillips, Ian Edwards a Director of the RFL and Ikram Butt Managing Director of the British Asian Rugby Association (BARA). BARLA Chair Spen Allison, "We are pleased to be holding the Bartlett Champion of Champions Final and Ace Insurance (Europe) BARLA National Cup Finals at Fylde RUFC for the second year and we are expecting a great crowd for the two games. With a wide pitch and four attack minded sides on display it should produce a great climax to the domestic amateur game which continues to thrive. Admission for the double header finals is a bargain £5 Adults and £2.00 Concessions BARLA
CO-OPERATIVE RLC PREMIER & REGIONAL - 17th May - MATCH REPORTS
MIDLANDS PREMIER - In a highly entertaining game at Haslams, three tries in the ten minutes before the interval set DERBY CITY up for their first win over GLOUCESTERSHIRE WARRIORS. The visitors had started strongly building a 14-6 lead with tries from Ben Constantine, Andy Claydon and Jack Petelo to one from City's Chris Buckley. Crucially Ben Hough could only convert one and when Paul Worthington kicked his second conversion after Dave Fitchett's try, there were only two points between the sides.
BEDFORD TIGERS' impressive start to the season continued with a thumping of BIRMINGHAM BULLDOGS at Moor Lane. An opening salvo of four tries put them firmly in control and, despite the Bulldogs' best efforts, they were never going to close the gap. Zander Peden's early try set the Tigers on their way and before the break, Graham Magill, Sam Richbell, Jamie Goss and Peden again had all added tries, Peden converting one.
Struggling LEICESTER PHOENIX were blown away by COVENTRY BEARS who scored 14 tries in another big win. The Phoenix's bright start soon died out and the Bears opened the scoring through Ben Powis who dribbled the ball almost the length of the field for a superb try.
SOUTHERN PREMIER WEST LONDON pulled off a terrific win at home to ST ALBANS CENTURIONS, running away with the game in the second half. Tony Williams opened the scoring in the third minute for Wests, Liam Bartels converting and adding a penalty. Player/coach Shane Rampling charged down a kick to reply for the Saints but then Williams completed an excellent hat trick and Rob Montgomery also crossed for the hosts. Angus Simpson replied but, just before the break, Dan Oliver increased Wests' lead.
SOUTH LONDON STORM picked up their first win of the season at a wet New River Stadium to down LONDON SKOLARS. With new signing Kurt Pitman pulling the strings and Micky Walker and hooker Luke Bonner on top form, Storm were dominant from the start and after a concerted period of pressure opened the scoring on 13 minutes when Bonner finished off some good work from winger Neal Ayers.
PORTSMOUTH NAVY SEAHAWKS were again impressive in a convincing win at ELMBRIDGE.
NORTHERN PREMIER - PETERLEE PUMAS currently sit top of the division but struggled to overcome the determined challenge of SUNDERLAND NISSAN. The home side capitalised on some soft defending and a couple of penalties to score in the first two minutes but then it was all Peterlee. Second rower Paul McBernie scored and a brace from debutant full back James Screen in the space of two minutes put the Pumas in charge.
JARROW VIKINGS held on for a meritorious win at NEWCSTLE KNIGHTS but there was no respite for WHITLEY BAY BARBARIANS or DURHAM TIGERS who were thrashed by CARLISLE CENTURIONS and LEEDS AKKIES respectively.
WALES - NEATH PORT TALBOT STEELERS and CARDIFF DEMONS fought out a close match to open the Welsh domestic campaign. It was 12-0 to Cardiff in as many minutes thanks to a second minute Andrew Bradshaw try and two from Gareth Holtham in quick succession. Steelers pulled the score back to 10-12 by half-time through two Chris Cornelius tries on 21 and 39 minutes, the second converted by Daniel Blethyn.
REGIONAL - NORTH WEST - RHYL COASTERS, in their first game of the campaign, gave a very spirited account against WIDNES SAINTS, trailing only 12-8 at the break. The visitors only pulled away in the last quarter of the game and the score did not reflect the effort put in by the Rhyl players. Rob Masam and Dave Grey scored the home team tries with Ian Marshall kicking two conversions, the score being 12-12 with just 15 minutes to go.
CHESHIRE - LYMM won their first ever game on Friday night in front of a large crowd at Crouchley Lane against RUNCORN. Lymm took the lead when good work from captain and former Swinton star Peter Cannon and Tim Stuart saw Matthew Mahoney crash over, Matt Rockey converting. Runcorn hit back when full back Dave Patterson made a break to put Shaun McWhirter in for a converted try.
EAST - NORTHAMPTON CASUALS made a highly impressive home debut, just losing out to ST IVES ROOSTERS. The visitors led 16-0 after 23 minutes after tries by Charles Paxton, James Shearman and David Sykes. Two Northampton players were sin binned with 10 minutes of the first half remaining for holding down and dissent respectively and from that set Michael Drake crossed from dummy half. Casuals showed great spirit to respond, Nick Wedge crossing just before the break.
COLCHESTER ROMANS picked up a highly impressive win over GREENWICH ADMIRALS. Paul Jackson's early try gave the visitors the lead, Romans hitting back with a try by Andrew Windridge, Jon Scotchmer converting.
LINCOLNSHIRE & SOUTH YORKSHIRE - MOORENDS-THORNE MARAUDERS held on to defeat LINCOLN CITY KNIGHTS in a terrific clash. Ryan Rafferty's penalty gave the Marauders a sixth minute lead, Dean Armstrong crossing for the opening try on the half hour to make it 6-0. Jim Bardgett got the Knights on the board soon after but Armstrong's second gave the hosts' a narrow lead at the break. Craig Hookway made it 18-6 straight after the interval, Mark Roach extending their advantage further.
ROSSINGTON SHARKS were also made to hold on by ROTHERHAM GIANTS. Andy Chapman gave the Giants the lead, Andrew Smeaton replying and Neil Storey converting. Scott Christian put the Sharks 10-4 up at the break but Rotherham levelled through Bryn Evans and a Chapman goal.
Six tries in a first half blitz from SCUNTHORPE BARBARIANS put paid to a determined effort from SHEFFIELD FORGERS at Ashby Decoy. Tries in the first half from Lewis Jones, Gavin Kempthorne, Gavin Drewery and a two try burst from Rewiti Viasmo put the hosts in control. Wingers Gavin Draper and John Hitchman replied, but a Dave McKee score for the Barbarians just made the half time score 34-10. The second half was a tense affair, tempered by mistakes from both sides, but a Kirk Murray try on 64 minutes following an excellent cross field passing move won the contest, that coming after John Horne had crossed for the Forgers five minutes earlier.
WEST MIDLANDS - REDDITCH RAVENS set a fine standard in their opening game of the season with an excellent win against OXFORD CAVALIERS. Led by John Hanna, Dan Smith and Phil Goddard, the Ravens pack dominating to lead by 22 points by the interval. Tom Saddington - who had an excellent game directing play - claimed a hat trick of tries; his brother Louis having a solid game at full back.
Andy Clarke followed up his three tries last week with four this as BRISTOL SONICS overwhelmed WOLVERHAMPTON WIZARDS. In all, the visitors ran in 14 tries, full back Dan Evans claiming a hat trick and Dom Swann 16 points from a touchdown and six goals. It was only 26-4 at the break but the Sonics were unstoppable after it.
TELFORD RAIDERS atoned for last week's disappointing performance with a convincing win over SWINDON ST GEORGE who showed great promise. Scrum half Parminder Tutt opened the scoring in the first minute for the Raiders, Patrick Crehan doubling the lead. Second rower Greg O'Brien, who was immense throughout, hit back for St George but two tries in three minutes just before the break by Paul Szehofner and Peter Jones, to go with Richard Bringau's third goal made it 22-6 at the break.
SOUTH WEST - EAST DEVON EAGLES put in a tremendous team display to win at PLYMOUTH TITANS in a match of hard hitting action from start to finish. The game was delayed for twenty minutes as some of the Eagles squad were held up in the Lord Mayor's Day celebrations in the City Centre and it took them some time to settle.
YORKSHIRE - A crowd of over 200 on Friday night witnessed YORK LOKOMOTIVE's home debut in the competition as they came from behind to just beat SCARBOROUGH PIRATES. It took a try by Tyler Dawson nine minutes from time and a conversion from man of the match Gary Watkinson to secure the spoils after a terrific contest.
NORTHALLERTON STALLIONS were left counting the cost of a very physical game at last season's divisional champions BRIDLINGTON BULLS Reduced to 12 fit players shortly after the break, Northallerton had no answer to the power of the Bulls who used the increasing numerical advantage to rack up the points against a tiring but spirited outfit.
EAST RIDING posted eleven tries to easily overrun LEEDS AKKIES. David Blout again led the way, the scrum half claiming four touchdowns for the second successive week. Stu Lambert finished with two tries and four goals, Matty McNee also hitting the target four times with conversions to go with a four-pointer. Mark Wake, Craig Morfit, Gary Graves and David Fletcher were Riding's other try scorers. Tommy Caughan claimed both of the Akkies' scores, Adi Talon kicking the goals.
SCOTLAND - Three tries and seven goals from hooker Gordon Powrie proved crucial for PAISLEY HURRICANES as they overcame EASTERHOUSE PANTHERS. Paisley crossed nine times and led 26-6 at the break, centre Kevin Lang bagging a double. Gary Emans, half backs Stephen Bell and Alistar McMillan and Andrew Hardie were their other try scorers. Loose forward Shane Armatidge grabbed a brace in response, Chris Fisher and Gregor Tilly also finding the line for the Panthers, David Crangle kicking four goals. RFL
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.
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