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Applying the Vulnerability Principle to the "prowler tackle" and other controversial Rugby League tactics.
By Damian Flint
Damian Flint, an Australian is currently studying for a Physical Education degree at the Brockport College, New York USA. Damian has recently completed an ethics of sport class where he presented the below essay. Damian played Rugby League with the Ipswich Jets and Logan Scorpions in the Queensland Cup and more recently was named as a collegiate All American by the American Rugby News website for Rugby Union in the USA
In the first match of the 2008 National Rugby League season, South Sydney player Craig Wing was injured through the use of a controversial tactic that has now been labeled a 'prowler tackle.' The tackle left Wing sidelined for three months and created a great deal of controversy.
The purpose of this essay is to determine whether or not the use of the "prowler tackle" in Rugby League is ethically defensible. To do so, a look at relevant theories such as Formalism, Broad Internalism and the Vulnerability Principle (VP) are required.
The conclusion will then be made that the "prowler tackle" should be prohibited from Rugby League and the VP should serve as a guideline to determine whether future tactics involving the use of force are ethically defensible.
Rugby League in Australia
Rugby League is a collision sport that evolved from the English sport of Rugby Union. The breakaway code is played professionally in a number of counties including England, New Zealand and Australia.
In 1907 the New South Wales Rugby Football League was formed and today the Australian Rugby League is the governing body for the sport in Australia. The National Rugby League is the premier competition in Australia and is considered to be the toughest Rugby League contest in the world.
The object of the game according to the International Rugby League is to "ground the ball in the opponents in goal to score tries and to kick the ball over the opponents cross bar to score goals."
This is done by advancing the ball forward using lateral passes in an attempt to reach the oppositions in goal. The defending team protects their in goal through the use of "tackles" which prevent the opposition from scoring.
What constitutes a prowler tackle?
Presently there is no literature or rule that explains exactly what a "prowler tackle" is. For the purpose of this discussion a "prowler tackle" will be defined as a tackle that is made by a defending player or players on a ball carrier who does not see that a tackle is forthcoming, or is not in a position to strategically defend oneself and therefore limit the possibility of injury from occurring.
In Craig Wing's case he was held in an upright position by Braith Anasta and Anthony Tupou while Riley Brown came in and hit him from behind with his shoulder, injuring him in the process.
Another example that constitutes a prowler tackle is when a player has tripped or fallen to the ground, the momentum stopped and an opposition player uses excessive force to complete the tackle.
In order to determine whether or not this type of tactic can be justified it is essential to take a look at the rules of Rugby League to see if the "prowler tackle" complies with the rules of the game.
The rules serve as a guideline for how the game is played. They discriminate between what is and is not permissible in order to achieve the goal. A look at the rules of Rugby League and the interpretation of these rules may help to determine whether or not the "prowler tackle" is ethically defensible.
Formalism and Broad Internalism
When playing sport the rules can often be used to determine whether or not a tactic is acceptable in the game. This theory is what Robert L Simon calls the theory of Formalism which is the view that games can be defined primarily by reference to the constitutive rules.
The obvious argument to support the use of the "prowler tackle" is to take a formalistic approach. One can argue that the tactic does not violate any rules of the game and therefore should not be prohibited.
It is legal for a defender to tackle an opposing player if he is in possession of the ball and has not yet been brought to the ground, or is held in an upright position and the momentum has not been stopped.
Although this may seem a valid point and probably the strongest argument to support the use of the tactic, one can argue that just because an action is within the rules doesn't mean it complies with the "spirit" of the game and therefore should be acceptable.
Formalism is helpful when determining the structure and makeup of games but what happens when unethical tactics are used while competing within these rules? Can formalism help to solve such issues?
A look into the way in which the rules are interpreted may be helpful to resolve problems where the rules fail to give a clear and concise answer.
J.S Russell's theory of Broad Internalism or Interpretivism states that the constitutive rules "should be interpreted in such a manner that the excellences embodied in achieving the illusory goal of the game are not undermined but are maintained and fostered."
This theory illustrates how the interpretation of a rule can change the way in which the game is played. Many people believe that Rugby League is a contact sport and therefore the use of force is a part of the game.
In fact most National Rugby League coaches would chastise their players if they don't complete the tackle in the same manner as Riley Brown did on Craig Wing. This notion reflects an underlying theme that is widespread throughout the game of Rugby League. Players and coaches mistakenly believe the implicit goal of a defender is to injure an attacker, if and when the opportunity presents itself, within the rules of the game.
This idea seems to reflect a philosophy that players and coaches have adopted and is therefore now expected. The interpretation of the rules or the implicit "spirit" of the game doesn't seem to be able to produce a clear answer as to whether or not the tactic should be acceptable. A further look into what type of force is acceptable in sports may be helpful to reach a clear and justifiable outcome.
How can the league determine what amount of force is necessary to perform a tackle? Is there a guideline that may help determine whether the use of force in an athletic contest is acceptable? To answer this question Simon uses what he calls the Vulnerability Principle to determine whether the use of force in an athletic contest is ethically defensible.
Simon and the Vulnerability Principle
"According to the VP, for the use of force against an opponent in an athletic contest to be ethically defensible, the opponent must be in a position and condition such that a strategic response is possible and it is unlikely that injury will ensue" (Simon, 2004).
Therefore the use of a "prowler tackle" in Rugby League is not ethically defensible because:
1. The attacking player does not see that a tackle is forthcoming and therefore is not in a position to strategically defend.
2. The likelihood of injury is increased because the attacking player is in a vulnerable position.
These two arguments support the thesis that the tactic should be prohibited. To provide further evidence a comparison between fighting in sport and the "prowler tackle" may be helpful to see how the "prowler tackle" stands up against a well documented controversial issue such as fighting.
Fighting in Rugby League is prohibited. It is considered dangerous and unsportsmanlike. If players become involved in a fight, they are often sent from the field and a penalty is awarded to the opposing team. However this is not the case in all sports.
In fact in Ice Hockey fighting is an institutionalized part of the game, and some people including Dr. Danny Rosenberg from Brock University in Canada believe that certain elements of the VP can be applied to fighting in Hockey, because when two players square off little real harm usually results and players can reasonably protect themselves.
This is also the case in Rugby League. On most occasions when a fight has occurred, there usually isn't any serious harm done and both players are able to continue to participate in the game. This is because both players are in a position where they can see what the opposition is doing and therefore provide a defensive ploy.
In Craig Wing's case, he was not in a position where he could provide a strategic response, nor could he see that the tackler was approaching.
Therefore, if fighting is not acceptable in Rugby League, the use of a "prowler tackle" should not be accepted either. The Vulnerability Principle has helped here to determine whether or not the use of force in an athletic contest is ethically defensible.
Is this the first time that the VP has been applied to a controversial issue in Rugby League?
Has the National Rugby League been exposed to the VP before?
Has the VP been applied when deciding on controversial issues that have happened in the past? Although it may not be explicit, the National Rugby League is no stranger to the VP and a look at previous rule changes shows that the VP has been implemented before.
Previous rule changes
The use of the VP can be seen in a number of previous rule changes that the league has implemented. The first example can be seen when the league changed the rule regarding the tackling of a player in mid air.
The rule states "it is illegal to tackle an opposing player attempting to field a kick whilst the player is in mid air. The player must return to the ground before being tackled."
Before this rule change was implemented it was perfectly acceptable for a defender to tackle a player while they were in mid air, as long as the ball was in possession.
This rule change was implemented because a rational decision was made that when a player is catching a ball in mid air, the possibility of making a strategic response is limited.
This season the league also implemented a rule to prevent the use of a "grapple tackle" which is when a player makes unnecessary contact with the head or neck involving a wrapping motion.
Once again the decision was made that this type of tackle involved an extensive use of force and therefore should be outlawed from the game. It can also be said that the use of a "grapple tackle" was dangerous and perhaps not in the "spirit" for which the game should be played.
In both of these examples it is evident that the VP is implicitly used to determine whether or not an action is ethically defensible.
Conclusion
The "prowler tackle" should be prohibited in Rugby League because it places the attacking player in a vulnerable position which therefore reduces the possibility of a strategic response and increases the likelihood of injury.
The Vulnerability Principle is a helpful tool that can be used to decide whether the use of force in an athletic contest is ethically defensible. It should continue to be used as a guideline for league administrators when deciding whether controversial tactics are acceptable in Rugby League.
References
Simon, R. (2004) Fair Play The Ethics of Sport.Colorado: Westview Press.
Rosenberg, D. (2006) Discovering self through play.
Australian Rugby League. International Laws of the game.
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Positions Vacant
Central Hunter "Power" Under 18's Applications for the following positions with the Central Hunter "Power" Under 18's program for 2009 are now being called for. The "Power" is a joint operation between the Central Coast Rugby League and the Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League and contest the NSW Country Championships on an annual basis.
The positions of Coach, Selectors, First Aid Officers and Trainers are now open for 2009.
The football program runs from March to April however the Coach and Selectors would be expected to be active in both areas through the latter part of the 2008 season as well as the 2009 pre-season.
Applications in writing stating relevant qualifications and experience to;
The Regional Committee,
PO Box 1717,
Gosford, NSW, 2250.
Applications close 4th July '08.
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Fijian Players We have a pool of Fijian players wanting to play for overseas clubs. Will send profiles to clubs interested. Early this year we sent players and are making headlines in their district. Players can play for this season and also for 2009 season.
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Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles seeking players - * Work, Relax and Play in the best location in Australia. The Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles who are directly affiliated with the Manly Sea Eagles and are poised for a 2009 Queensland Cup berth. We are seeking players for the remainder of the 2008 FOGS Cup competition in the Queensland Rugby League.
* The Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles are based at Stockland Park, Kawana Waters in the heart of the Sunshine Coast an hour north of Brisbane and with major air links. The precinct is undergoing a $22 million dollar upgrade of which Stockland Stadium will be the centrepiece and the home ground for the Sea Eagles in 2009.
* The Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles are lead by Head Coach Brandon Costin and potential players for 2008 will be keenly sought for recruitment for the 2009 Queensland Cup team.
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CUMBERLAND RLFC - Due to injuries the Cumberland RLFC is desperately seeking a half back and hooker to join First Grade in 2008. All other players are always more than welcome.
Cumberland play in the NSW Tertiary League on Saturday afternoons and currently sit first in both 1st and 2nd grade and lead the club championship.
Opportunities also to represent NSW on a tour of Europe in September, and in City V Country tertiary. Come and join a young, talented squad with more than ten NSW reps.
We are also a great social club with a fun and relaxed atmosphere any interested players please contact Kieran kieran7@... kieran7@...
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Chips down in game of survival for NRL clubs By Luke Turgeon - Titans boss Michael Searle has warned Queensland rugby league fans not to turn a blind eye to the unfolding Sydney club crisis, declaring it is an issue that engulfs the entire NRL.
Several Sydney teams, who rely heavily on funding from their licensed clubs, are in real danger of folding next season because they are struggling to meet the demands of the NSW Government's poker machine tax.
Searle said the air of uncertainty was a worrying sign for the game.
"It creates negative sentiment around the market so that is not a good thing (for Queensland clubs)," said Searle. "If things don't change I have got no doubt (some clubs will die).
"There is the very real possibility that if the NSW Government doesn't change the taxation regime, we won't have 16 clubs next year.
"The NSW Government has become a parasite on the NRL clubs through their taxation regime.
"I just thank God every day that we have such a supportive government and that our Premier Anna Bligh and Treasurer Andrew Fraser are so committed to sport in this state."
The clubs reportedly in the most danger of going under next season are South Sydney, Cronulla and the Wests Tigers.
But Parramatta, St George Illawarra, Penrith and the Bulldogs -- who also heavily rely on grants -- have all admitted their futures are far from certain if the situation doesn't improve.
The Canberra Raiders are one club rumoured to be considering relocating to Logan, but Searle said shifting to Queensland was not the answer for struggling clubs.
"Don't think Queensland is necessarily the promised land," he said.
"It would definitely have a detrimental effect in the short term. I think that in the medium term there is a place for a third team (in southeast Queensland).
"I am talking somewhere between 2015-2020 but not in the immediate future."
Searle said while the current taxation situation needed to be addressed immediately, he backed calls for clubs to start coming up with innovative proposals to raise revenue.
Searle said the future for league clubs lay in increasing memberships.
He said the Titans were looking to grow their current membership of more than 7000 to 12,000 within the next two years.
"I think that is one area that I am most disappointed in," said Searle.
"While we have incredible support, we still only have a third of our crowd attendance as members.
"What a membership means is not just a ticket to the game, it is about showing your loyalty to the club. It is as important to us." Read more GC Bulletin
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Gasnier's injury a blow for Blues, Lockyer's recovery a boost for Maroons - THE State of Origin scales have levelled, with NSW centre Mark Gasnier in grave doubt and Queensland five-eighth Darren Lockyer increasingly likely to return from his chronic knee injury for game two at Suncorp Stadium on June 11.
Bulldogs dropping like flies - Key forward Sonny Bill Williams is the latest casualty to join the Bulldogs' long injury list.
Don't let his confidence trick you - Jarryd Hayne is grappling with the price of fame and, after that shooting incident, the notoriety, too, writes Glenn Jackson.
This Rabbit won't run, claims Wing - IS CRAIG Wing ready to walk from South Sydney? The mail was everywhere this week about Wing and his girlfriend, Zoe Foster, telling close friends he was having second thoughts about returning to Redfern.
Eels and Maroons keep an eye out for Lockyer - Late Mail DARREN LOCKYER is set to make an early comeback from a knee injury tonight against Parramatta at Suncorp Stadium.
Crocker's shock exit adds to case for Smith - Melbourne Storm is likely to increase its efforts to keep back-rower Jeremy Smith after being caught on the hop by Michael Crocker's announcement that he would be leaving. Read more League HQ
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Paul Cullen parts company with Warrington Wolves - Aside from a two-year spell with Whitehaven from 2000-02, the 45-year-old had served the club since 1980 as a player or member of the coaching staff. There have been calls for another role to be found for Cullen at the Halliwell Jones Stadium but he insists it is time to make a clean break. Cullen told Sky Sports' 'Boots 'n' All' programme: "I have done my bit for Warrington. I have given it everything I've got.
"For me to make any further comments isn't the right thing, whether that's about players, supporters or reactions - I'm done. It is time for me to move on."
After a winter of expensive recruitment, Cullen faced increasing pressure from supporters this season after failing to iron out the inconsistencies of recent years.
The Super League campaign began well enough with six wins from eight but only one more in the following seven intensified calls for his head.
Monday's defeat proved the final straw as fans staged a sit-on protest after watching their side throw away a 28-14 lead to lose 36-28 in the final 10 minutes.
Cullen admits it was a bitter pill to swallow but perhaps sees the injury-hit Wolves' dramatic 40-34 Challenge Cup loss to St Helens on May 10 as the beginning of the end.
He added: "The club really haven't recovered from losing at St Helens in the Challenge Cup.
"We threw everything we had into that game, under very difficult circumstances. To lose those players early in that game was a bitter blow. We have taken arguably one of the best sides in the world of rugby league right to the wire. I honestly don't think this team has recovered from that yet - it will at some point." Read more Sporting Life
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George Piggins is finished By Ray Chesterton - It might be because his sporting world has a new rank odour. Or it might be because he has finally accepted his place and standing in South Sydney's mosaic. He did what he could as well as he could and as passionately and as courageously as he could when Souths were outlawed from the NRL and facing extinction.
Now he says he's finished.
No more returns. No Melbas. No more pulling on the red and green armour to fight off the barbarians again challenging at the gate.
"No. I'm finished," he says with a faint smile. I won't be coming back."
It is the right decision.
George's time, as gloriously courageous and passionate as it was, has passed.
It left his reputation lavishly decorated and adorned with accounts of mighty deeds but he wants to move on physically while accepting that his spirit will always be with the Bunnies.
So we're at George's garden centre extravaganza at Kingsford having cups of tea in the kiosk.
We're looking back, looking forward and looking out on a colourful forest of plants, shrubs, ferns and running water features that may be provided a delayed tranquility to a restless soul.
"No I won't go back," he says in an instant replay to the same question dressed differently.
"But I would lend the club $3 million to move to Gosford if I got it back from the $8 million the NRL pays clubs to relocate. Then I'd say (to Souths) you're here, do your best."
Piggins does not see Souths 10-year contract to play games at ANZ Stadium as being quite as draconian as it looks - especially if Souths circumstances become even more acute.
"I don't think ANZ would pursue that contract on a sporting body like Souths," he said. "Especially if they're getting 11,000 to matches.
"The goodwill wouldn't be worth it to them."
It is an ultimatum that has been mentioned as well in high-profile corridors at ANZ Stadium but the only public statement of course is "no comment".
George was the face of Souths survival. No one argues that. He led the marches and put up $3.2 million of his own money in a mortgage on the club's block of units adjacent to the leagues club to help the struggle.
When the cheers turned to jeers and a mixture of the never-weres, social climbers and high-profile opportunists and starry-eyed believers sold the football club and then the Leagues Club to Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court for around $10 million, Piggins was content to get his $3.2 million mortgage money back.
Had he exercised his right to buy the units he could have made a million dollars.
A lost million. Pass the chamomile tea, I'm feeling faint.
So George, one more time, would you think of coming back.
"No mate. I'm finished," he laughs.
George's random thoughts include:
"I don't know why Crowe says he bought the club because he didn't know where the money he donated was going. I never got any money from him. He must have given it to someone else."
"Parramatta, Penrith and Canterbury survive because they get $3 million a year from their leagues clubs. Souths will survive too - as long as Crowe and Holmes a Court keep putting in $3-$4 million a year."
"There's no point talking about Souths coming back to Redfern. There's nothing to come back to."
"If Holmes a Court sold the leagues club he'd walk away with around $7 million.
"They (Holmes a Court and Crowe) never said they would close the Leagues club. Members were supposed to get a whole floor of a revamped club. It hasn't happened and apparently it's not going to." Read more Daily Telegraph
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Rochdale parts company with coach Bobbie Goulding - National League Two Rochdale have parted company with coach Bobbie Goulding. The former St Helens and Great Britain player joined the club for a second time at the end of last year but his side have lost their last six matches. Hornets chairman David Vining said: "Following recent results, we felt that it was in the interests of both parties if the contract was terminated. Sometimes in rugby league some jobs just don't work out, and this is an example of that. As a club we wish Bobbie all the best for the future."
Read more Sporting Life
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An inevitable cull By Dave Hadfield - If ever there was a ten minute spell that showed you that your time was up, it was at Warrington on Monday night. For the Wolves to clock off early and throw away victory was grossly unprofessional, but not untypical.
Warrington are a team with a split personality. During the same match, they can look capable of winning Super League and then degenerate into a rabble.
Paul Cullen has done a lot to unveil the potential of the side; unfortunately, he has been unable to knock the slackness out of them.
The new man has to get it through to some senior players that it is not enough to be good at what you're good at; you have to work on your weak points as well.
The easy example to pick on is Lee Briers' defence, which has made him as much of a liability as an asset in some games. It doesn't help that Matt King has not got started yet, or that Michael Monaghan hasn't looked fully fit for weeks. And has Jon Clarke, who earned a Great Britain call-up last year, been as bad as the message boards claim this time?
The team's reputation in the town is still that of good-time charlies who are too fond of a pint or three. That is clearly not true of all of them, but there is more than a germ of truth there.
Who will have the task of sorting it out? Jimmy Lowes is a head coach in the making and it would be good to see him having a fair run at it.
Early candidates Steve Folkes and Ellery Hanley would both take a dim view of any off-field indiscipline and could be capable of changing the culture of the club. And how about Ian Millward? Now that would be interesting.
Agar appointment
Well done to Hull for giving Richard Agar his chance. That's another club with a persistent reputation for off-field mayhem and Peter Sharp did a certain amount of weeding out.
The trouble is that your most troublesome players are almost always among your best players and a team of model citizens is still not guaranteed to win anything. The Independent
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Webb agrees new deal with Rhinos - Leeds Rhinos have agreed a new three-year deal with New Zealand international Brent Webb. Webb was due to be out of contract at the end of the current season but will now stay at Headingley at least until the end of the 2011 campaign. The 27-year-old said: "Anyone who plays for Leeds Rhinos doesn't want to leave if it is their choice.
"This is a great club, I have great mates in the team and staying for the next three years is great for me."
Webb added: "We have worked hard to come to an agreement and this deal will take me through until I am 30 and hopefully cover the prime of my career."
"Having Brian McClennan as head coach was also a massive motivation factor for me to agree a new deal.
"Bluey has shown his commitment in wanting me to stay and that gave me the confidence to pledge my future to Leeds."
"I can honestly say that this year is the best I have ever seen him play" Brian McClennan
McClennan said: "I am really delighted that Webby has agreed a new contract. He is the outstanding full back in world Rugby League and stands alone in the Super League.
"He makes the Rhinos a better side when he is in the team, he is in the prime of his career.
"Having had a bit to do with him over the years with the New Zealand side I can honestly say that this year is the best I have ever seen him play.
"Everyone in the team is happy to know that we have got a person in our group who can create fantastic opportunities so quickly and also at the back save us time and time again.
"Webby signing a new deal has certainly put a smile on everyone's face." Read more BBC Online
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Taylor best for Bunnies - Richardson By Stuart Honeysett and Margie McDonald - He has managed only one win this season and just had John Lang put in over the top of him, but South Sydney still believes Jason Taylor is the best young coach in the competition.
Rabbitohs chief executive Shane Richardson offered Taylor his full support as the team prepared for Sunday's match against the inconsistent St George Illawarra at ANZ Stadium.
The Souths coach has had a week he would rather forget after veteran coach Lang was appointed as a football consultant as part of a major shake-up of the club.
However, Richardson maintained Lang would not interfere with the coaching department and Taylor was still the best man to lead the club off the bottom of the ladder.
"I think he's the best young coach in the competition," Richardson said. "After three or four games he was struggling a bit because he'd never been in that mire.
"After 10 games he's on top of it and he's been on top of it for weeks now."
Taylor has been forced to make some tough decisions in his second year as a head coach, including standing down several players and stripping David Kidwell of the captaincy for breaching the club's alcohol policy.
While the club is outright last and favoured to win the wooden spoon, Richardson said that other, more well-credentialled coaches had been through similar situations and still gone on to have successful first-grade coaching careers.
"You can't teach people to go what he's been through and they've all been through it," Richardson said.
"Tim Sheens at North Queensland, John Lang at Penrith and Cronulla, Ricky Stuart at the Roosters. They've all been through it, it's whether they come out the other side and how much support they get from the club to get out the other side.
"He's got all my support."
Richardson has already rejected reports of a coffee-shop altercation that allegedly occurred between co-owner Russell Crowe and Taylor before the bloodletting at Monday's marathon board meeting.
The Souths boss said Taylor had been consulted about Lang and was not threatened by the appointment.
"We had 48 hours with JT and John Lang and working through how it works and it's about football, it's not about coaching," Richardson said.
"JT couldn't be cooler with it. He's comfortable with it completely and everything else and I've got no doubts whatsoever that it will work." Read more The Australian
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Michael Robertson available for Scotland at the 2008 RLWC - Manly winger Michael Robertson is set to earn his first representative honours later this year after making himself available for selection for Scotland at the 2008 Rugby League World Cup in Australia. The consistent Sea Eagles back, who was equal top try scorer and averaged 80 minutes per game in 27 matches last season, will be available for the October 25 to November 22 tournament, after his ancestry papers were approved by the RFL.
Robertson's late grandfather Robert Robertson was born in Scotland and later moved to Australia.
"My grandfather was proud of his heritage and I am really excited about getting the chance to represent him and my family," Robertson said.
"It is also a great opportunity to play in such a prestigious event and to gain representative honours."
Robertson is one of several NRL players available for selection for Scotland who will play France in Canberra on day two of the Cup (Oct 26) and Fiji at the Central Coast (Nov 5).
Others include Keith Galloway (Wests Tigers), Chris Armit (Canterbury Bulldogs) and Ian Henderson (NZ Warriors). Armit's brother Nathan, playing for the Newtown Jets; and Henderson's UK-based brothers, Andrew (Castleford Tigers) and Kevin (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats) are also eligible.
Scotland team Manager Richard Thewlis said: "The World Cup has generated massive interest here in the UK and overseas if the enquiries regarding eligibility to play that I have received are anything to go by.
"The process that we are undertaking in the Scotland camp is to widen and add depth to the pool of talent that we have available to select from and the additions of Michael and Keith to our roster are very welcome. Neither has any guarantee on selection at this early stage of course but it's great to have their commitment to the cause."
Commitment has also paid off Brisbane East's Wade Lidell, who has paid his own way to the UK twice to play in World Cup qualifying competitions and was instrumental in Scotland's win over Wales.
"Wade, is fit, is a definite starter in the squad after showing such commitment to the cause," Thewlis said.
Countries have until August 1 to submit a 40-man squad and October 7 to submit the final 23 or 24-man playing list. RLWC08 officials will check the eligibility status of all players.
Rugby League World Cup 2008 kicks off on October 25 with a clash between England and Papua New Guinea in Townsville and the official Opening Ceremony in Sydney on October 26.
Ten nations will compete across 12 venues in three states and the ACT, playing 18 matches in their quest to become World Champions, a title Australia has held since 1975. Tickets for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup are on sale now at all Ticketek agencies. Read more RLWC08
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Sailor stays moored in Shellharbour - St George Illawarra coach Nathan Brown has resisted the temptation to hand Wendell Sailor his NRL return this weekend.
Gasnier set to miss Origin II - Dragons captain Mark Gasnier looks likely to miss the second State of Origin for New South Wales because of a hamstring injury.
Warriors sign Broncos youngster Kemp - Exciting young Brisbane back Denan Kemp has signed with the New Zealand Warriors for the next two NRL seasons.
Lockyer shock return 'not Origin driven' - Brisbane assistant coach Ivan Henjak says Darren Lockyer's shock NRL comeback against Parramatta on Friday night is not Origin driven. ...Read More
Gasnier ruled out for 2-3 weeks - St George Illawarra and NSW centre Mark Gasnier is in extreme doubt for Origin II after being ruled out for 2-3 weeks with a hamstring injury. ...Read More
Broncos lose Kemp to Warriors - Brisbane back Denan Kemp has become the second Broncos player this week to announce he will leave the NRL side at the end of the season.
Southern, Harris re-sign with Cowboys - North Queensland have re-signed back-rower Steve Southern and centre Ben Harris to the NRL club. Read more Yahoo Sport
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Harlequins announce 58% increase in attendances -Harlequins Rugby League are delighted to announce that home game attendances for engage Super League fixtures are up 58% to date on like fixtures played in 2007. Harlequins Rugby League attributes this increase in attendances to a number of factors, the primary one being the extensive community programmes the club runs. In 2008 Harlequins RL launched a ground breaking initiative that sees amateur rugby league players in London and The South given the opportunity to become Harlequins RL season ticket holders as part of their registration package, over 1,200 players have taken up the offer.
This season there have also been record numbers of students and schools that the Harlequins RL Community Coaches work with requesting tickets for games at The Stoop. Over 2,300 requested tickets for Harlequins RL season home opener against the Wigan Warriors and a further 1,600 for the Quins last home fixture against Hull FC.
Harlequins Rugby League's Community Marketing Manager, Ebony Blake has said: "I am really pleased to see that the countless hours of dedicated work our Development Manager Dan Steel and his Community Coaches put in are making such a positive impact on Rugby League in The South."
"The relationship these coaches have established with schools in the area means that thousands of kids not only have the opportunity to play Rugby League but also get along to watch their hero's playing at The Stoop".
"Harlequins have had excellent community programmes running for the past three years now and the team we have in place are doing a great job of continuing this."
On top of this, Blake has established a number of partnerships with London based social sports networks that have lead to an increased awareness of both the club and the sport of Rugby League in and around London.
As well as these community programmes boosting numbers, there has also been the added attraction of Reserves games being played as curtain raisers at the majority of home games this season.
Harlequins Rugby League have also made note of the excellent away support their opposition club supporters have shown by travelling South to take part in the London Rugby League experience.
Harlequins Rugby League Commercial Manager Greg Whitaker has said:
"Away support has been fantastic this season and it seems that opposition fans are really enjoying making the trip to the Capital."
"The exciting brand of Rugby Harlequins RL are playing this year has also been a great contributor to our increased crowds. This style of play has really added to the atmosphere within the stadium and has meant that many first-time spectators are coming back time and again."
"We still have a number of 'big team' home games like Leeds, St Helens and Bradford yet to come which is exciting for the commercial growth of the club."
Harlequins Rugby League will play their next home game at The Twickenham Stoop on Sunday 8 June against the Warrington Wolves, kick-off 3pm.Read more click Harlequins Rugby League
2008 STATE of ORIGIN Packages
THE RUGBY LEAGUE EXPERIENCE
We are proud to be the only travel company that specialises in the "Greatest Game of All". We bring vast experience of sending fans, just like you, as well as teams to the biggest games in Australia and abroad. As always, all of our tours come with our guarantee of providing you, the Rugby League fan, with the best value official packages in the market.
We now offer our STATE of ORIGIN 2008 tour packages comprising of :- Tickets, Travel and Accomodation for Game One Sydney - Game Two Brisbane - Game Three Sydney. This year we have a great range of travel packages for all three games of the series. All travel packages are Officially Licenced and include your choice of hotels, match ticket and a Rugby League Experience gift.
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HOTEL OPTIONS, PRICES AND BOOKING FORM
STATE OF ORIGIN 2 QUEENSLAND V NSW - WEDNESDAY 11 JUNE 2008 - SUNCORP STADIUM BRISBANE The only match in Queensland this year will mean that Suncorp Stadium will be bursting at the seams. This package consist of one night accommodation with your choice of properties to suit your budget and taste. PACKAGES FROM $457.00
STATE OF ORIGIN 3 NSW V QUEENSLAND - WEDNESDAY 2 JULY 2008 ANZ STADIUM, HOMEBUSH BAY With all players looking to put their hands up for the Australian World Cup squad there will be no love lost in what could be the series decider. Get your mates together for this one night package with your choice of accommodation and optional tours and excursions. PACKAGES FROM $329.00
The 2008 STATE of ORIGIN Packages will not last long so please book early!
For more Rugby League Tour and Travel information click on the links below.
1 - UK CHALLENGE CUP FINAL - For those fans who want a once in a lifetime trip Challenge Cup Final at the world famous Wembley Stadium. Contact THE RUGBY LEAGUE EXPERIENCE PHONE: 1300 885 718 FAX: 02 9283 5898 EMAIL: tours@...
Click for 2 NRL GRAND FINAL - THE ULTIMATE GRAND FINAL EXPERIENCE CELEBRATE A CENTURY OF THE GREATEST GAME OF ALL AT THE 2008 NATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE GRAND FINAL SUNDAY OCTOBER 5 ANZ STADIUM, HOMEBUSH BAY -
Our very popular Ultimate Grand Final Experience is for all fans of our game who are looking for that total Grand Final experience. The atmosphere and excitement of the weekend starts off with the Thursday night attendance at the Channel 9 Footy Show Grand Final Special, then builds as we have our exclusive " behind the scenes" tour of ANZ Stadium.
Our "Legends of League" Grand Final Harbour Cruise is a truly special day where you will lunch with some of the greats of our game. The weekend finishes off with the great spectacle of the NRL Grand Final complete with luxury coach match transfers.
Click for 3 RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP 2008 The Rugby League Experience (RL Experience) is an Official Travel Agent for the Rugby League World Cup 2008.
We also have years of experience organising School and Club overseas playing tours and Club "End Of Season" trips so contact us for a quote for any Rugby League travel and we'll be happy to help.
THE RUGBY LEAGUE EXPERIENCE
POSTAL ADDRESS: P.O BOX 7345 ALEXANDRIA 2015
LOCATION: Unit 25, 110 Bourke Rd Alexandria 2015
PHONE: 1300 885 718 FAX: 02 9283 5898
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