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COACHING QUOTE - A coach can plan 100 moves, but over a season he may
only have sufficient time to explain each one for five minutes.

So, understandably it is of more benefit to concentrate on the basics
with fewer moves and have a greater amount of detail.- RLCM Coachtalk
1 Book first printed 2000

=====================================================================

RLCM - NEWS UPDATE WEDNESDAY

RLCM News is continually being updated over the period of the day.

Click http://www.rlcm.com.au/dailynews.htm for the latest News

Motu Tony signs one-year deal at the Broncos


By PETER JESSUP

Warriors utility Motu Tony has signed a one-year deal with the
Broncos, where he will target retiring Ben Ikin's five-eighth spot.

Tony's exit - and those of John Carlaw and Logan Swann - allows the
Warriors to balance the books after signing London Broncos goal-
kicking centre Tony Martin, Eels second rower Danny Sullivan and
securing their young talent.

Tony wanted to secure either the fullback or five-eighth spot at the
Warriors but has been used as an impact player, from hooker to five-
eighth or fullback, or as cover for injury in the halves. He asked
for a release after the Kiwi tour last year, but the club refused
because it didn't have cover.

With halfback Marcus Perenara and five-eighth Thomas Leuluai
contracted long-term, he was allowed to look around and yesterday
signed with Brisbane for next season. It is understood English clubs
St Helens and Leeds have also expressed interest in the player.

Tony, about to turn 22, is approaching 50 NRL games and has a big
opportunity at the champion club. He is unlikely to play for the
Warriors again this year having just undergone surgery to repair a
broken bone in his right hand.

NZ Herald

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KANGAROO TOUR 2003 and NRL FINAL SERIES 2003 TOUR for the UK fans

For Aussie fans, the Official Big League "Artie's Army" has four
Kangaroo Tours to choose from. [see below]

For UK fans a tour is being organised encompassing the NRL 2003
Finals Series.

RLCM is assisting 'Experience Sport!', a Sydney based sport travel
company dedicated to the true Rugby League enthusiast. It is
conducting two exciting tours later this year for Aussie and UK
supporters.

Regular tour information will be forwarded through RLCM News Groups.

RLCM will be conducting Rugby League Coaching Forums in the UK
coinciding with the Kangaroo Tour.

The Forums will be held at Bolton - 8th November, Wigan - 12th
November and at Huddersfield - 19th November.

Any coaches who are contemplating experiencing the 2003 Kangaroo Tour
and who would also wish to attend the RLCM UK Forums, should contact
Gary Roberts mailto:tours@...
or
Craig Brown mailto:tours@...

All tours are packed full of unique "league" experiences as well as
other great sporting experiences, sightseeing and social events.

'Experience Sport!' supports Rugby League by offering the best value
travel and unique experiences for supporters, players, teams,schools,
clubs, officials etc.

Examples include travel for the NSWRL Academy (eg.student/rep. teams,
officials), French Rugby League (players to France, students from
France, management) and New Caledonia Rugby League (referees,
players) and UK clubs.

Some of the tours 'Experience Sport!' has successfully conducted
include the "South's We're Back Tour", the "Kangaroo Tour to
Wellington NZ" and the "World Club Challenge Tour" for the Sydney
Roosters.

'Experience Sport!' has also arranged many "end of season" trips for
clubs, "A" grade teams etc. Call them on 02-92640266 if you or your
club need help with any travel arrangements.

Click here for Kangaroo Tour 1 -
http://www.experiencesport.com.au/tour_01.htm

Click here for Kangaroo Tour 2
http://www.experiencesport.com.au/tour_02.htm

Click here for Kangaroo Tour 3
http://www.experiencesport.com.au/tour_03.htm

Click here for Kangaroo Tour 4
http://www.experiencesport.com.au/tour_04.htm

Read more Experience Sport
http://www.experiencesport.com.au/

For more information

Craig Brown
Experience Sport! Pty Ltd
Ph: 61 (2) 9264 0266
Fax: 61 (2) 9283 5898

mailto:tours@...
____________________________________________


NRL big guns outvoted on schedule

Brisbane, Newcastle and the Sydney Roosters will continue to do it
tough during the State of Origin series after failing to have the
2004 National Rugby League season extended by a week.

The Broncos, Knights and Roosters were among six clubs to endorse a
proposal to have next year's three Origin games treated as stand-
alone matches on Sundays.

The radical change, requiring a shift from the popular mid-week time
slot, would have freed Queensland's and NSW's elite players for all
club games.

However, the proposal - under which all the NRL clubs would have
received three byes instead of two - lost out 9-6 to clubs in favour
of retaining the status quo.

Sydney Roosters chief executive Bernie Gurr also put forward a
proposal to have the season reduced to 22 rounds with each club
playing 11 home games, down from 12.

However, that proposal was also defeated.

"It's bad business not to have your best players for your clubs,"
Gurr said.

"We're in no way wanting to deride Origin. By playing it alone it
elevates it's status."

Newcastle chief executive Ken Conway was frustrated the bid to free
his representative players for club matches had failed.

The Knights suffered more than anyone during the Origin series,
drifting from fifth to ninth place on the ladder.

"I'm rather disappointed," Conway said.

"Those chief executives from the clubs that are copping a pounding
every year by State of Origin voted for that option and those that
don't, voted against it.

"I'm a very strong supporter and our club is a very strong supporter
of State of Origin.

"The State of Origin, the way it is organised at the moment, is well
and truly stacked against clubs that have marquee players."

Canberra chief executive Simon Hawkins was one of nine club bosses to
vote against the extended season and said the likes of Brisbane, the
Knights and the Roosters had to live with the demands of the
representative season.

SMH
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Broncos losing bye fight

By Steve Ricketts

THE Brisbane Broncos' push for an extra bye in next year's NRL draw
seems doomed to failure with chief executives yesterday voting to
recommend the retention of the existing competition structure for
2004.

On a day when Brisbane announced the signing of New Zealand Test
player Motu Tony, NRL CEOs considered three options for next season
after debate about the impact of representative football on the club
scene.

The three options were:

" Maintain the status quo.

" Increase the number of byes from two to three, therefore
lengthening the season but allowing representative players a break
while ensuring there is football every weekend.
" Shortening the season by having each club play 22 matches
instead
of 24, allowing State of Origin football to move to a stand-alone
Sunday timeslot.

The Sydney Roosters made the third proposal while the idea of a third
bye came from NRL staffer Shaun Wendt.

Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen said yesterday the club's Test
prop Shane Webcke was the sort of player who would benefit from an
extra bye.

Townsville Bulletin

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Souths decision today

THE Super League war is long over but the legal ramifications rumble
on.

The High Court in Adelaide today rules on a trade practices issue
already considered by four Federal Court judges - two who found in
favour of News Limited (publisher of The Daily Telegraph and parent
company of the publisher of NEWS.com.au) and two for South Sydney.

Today's decision will determine whether News breached the Trade
Practices Act by excluding Souths from the 14-team competition in
2000.

The Rabbitohs, who rejoined the league last year, launched the trade
practices action against News Limited before Justice Finn in the
Federal Court three years ago.

That action failed in November 2000, but Souths' appeal succeeded by
a 2-1 majority seven months later before a full court of the Federal
Court.

News Limited subsequently appealed against that verdict, taking the
case to the High Court.

Read more
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The Gallop poll

By Dean Ritchie

RUGBY league's leading players will today be afforded a rare one hour
forum with NRL chief executive David Gallop.

Over a lunch of sandwiches, fruit and orange juice, Gallop and star
players including Andrew Johns, Gorden Tallis, Trent Barrett, Brad
Fittler, Brett Hodgson, Luke Priddis, Craig Gower and Simon Woolford

will discuss a range of issues including the game's long-term future.

Gallop said he agreed to host the meeting to "break down any
barriers" between players and official.

"I'm ready to answer questions on anything," said Gallop.

"We will give an update of the season, talk about our commitment to a
Collective Bargaining Agreement, discuss talent equalisation and
offer a broad picture of the game's finances.

"I'll also be interested in what the players think of the golden
point, the length of the season and the salary cap.

"It will be a good opportunity to hear any concerns.

"I want to break down any barriers."

Players will however initially meet with the Players Associaton board
in the Labour Council Building.

Johns was last night hopeful of attending the meetings but may be a
late withdrawal to have physio on an injury.

Like Johns, many players want to discuss the fatigue factor in such a
long, arduous season.

Among other issues discussed at this meeting will include increasing
the $3.25 million salary cap, the player's privacy regarding their
tax returns, insurance and intellectual properties.

Players from North Queensland and the Warriors will be involved via a
tele-conference hook-up.

"It's importance the players understand the game's commercial
realities," RLPA president Tony Butterfield said.

Townsville Bulletin
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Goulding set to return

BOBBIE Goulding is planning a shock return to professional rugby
league next season as a coach.

The former Great Britain scrum-half, who has played for eight clubs
including skippering Salford in Super League, wants to take charge of
a National League team.

Goulding, 31, said: "I desperately want to be a coach next year, I'm
certainly not finished. Coaching a club has always appealed to me. I
could also still play and do a job for a club.

"I watch some players who are still involved in Super League and know
that there is still room for me when I see how they're performing."

Goulding has been out of the game for a year. His last competitive
game was for Leigh in last season's Grand Final defeat by
Huddersfield.

He has been coaching in the amateur game and sees a specialist next
week about a long-standing ankle injury.

Manchester Online
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Roe hails best of English

SWINTON full-back Wayne English has been one of the success stories
of the Lions' inconsistent and frustrating season.

And coach Peter Roe isn't surprised that English has attracted
attention from Super League and elsewhere.

But English is in no hurry to leave the Moor Lane side. Said
Roe: "Wayne has told me: `Whether you want to sell me or not, I want
to stay'. And you can see by the way he's playing that he's got blue
and white running through his veins."

"But we need a few more players to match up to his endeavour and
spirit." Roe has been offered a new deal for next season, and
believes that the Lions can still secure a play-off spot.

Meanwhile, the coach has taken on trial 16-year-old Johnny Staunton,
a second rower with amateurs Dudley Hill. He is the nephew of former
Liverpool and Tranmere defender, Trevor Staunton.

Also training with the Lions is ex- Salford Reds starlet Neil Baxter.
However, Baxter won't be joining Swinton. He is keeping fit before
starting his new career with Leicester Tigers rugby union club.

Manchester Online
____________________________________________

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DANIEL STILL IN FRAME FOR WIDNES

Former Dewsbury and Melbourne Storm loose forward Daniel Frame has
turned down a move to Huddersfield and signed a new contract that
will keep him at Widnes for a further two years.

Frame, 27, who has been in outstanding form for the Vikings during
their two seasons in Super League, recently came off the overseas
quota following a change in the immigration laws and was hotly
pursued by a number of clubs.

"I never wanted to leave for one moment," he said. "It is fair to say
that I very nearly signed for Huddersfield but Widnes came in with a
very good offer and I'm really pleased to re-sign for the club.

"Widnes is a club that is going places and I want to be a part of
that."

Sporting Life
____________________________________________

KANGAROO TOUR 2003 and NRL FINAL SERIES 2003 TOUR for the UK fans

For Aussie fans, the Official Big League "Artie's Army" has four
Kangaroo Tours to choose from.

Read more Experience Sport
http://www.experiencesport.com.au/
____________________________________________

Broncos extend Brentford stay

London Broncos have agreed a ground-share deal with Brentford which
will see the Tetley's Super League side play home games at Griffin
Park for the next five seasons.

Broncos have endured a nomadic existence since their foundation in
1980, playing at several venues including The Stoop, The Valley and
Barnet Copthall.

The announcement will make Griffin Park the Broncos' longest-serving
home ground and chief executive Nic Cartwright believes the deal will
give his club stability.

He said: "London Broncos are determined to find a permanent ground
for the club and whilst this deal remains a tenancy agreement, we are
very happy with our relationship with Brentford FC.

"We will continue to work with Brentford towards providing the
permanent stability that this club needs. This is the first step in
that process. We know we need a permanent base, and we will continue
to strive towards that goal."

Broncos chairman David Hughes added: "We are very happy to have
agreed a deal with Brentford. They have big plans for the future, and
we hope to be a part of these plans."

Ananova
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Injuries force Saints withdrawal

ST HELENS have withdrawn from the Middlesex 7s rugby union tournament
this Saturday due to their growing injury crisis.

Coach Ian Millward is without ten first team players for the Super
League game with Castleford on Friday night, and travelling south the
following day has now been ruled out.

A statemernt from chief executive Sean McGuire says: "St Helens Rugby
League Football Club have today informed Premier Rugby of our
decision to withdrawn from this Saturdays London Pride Middlesex
Sevens tournament.

"Our club has been hit by an exceptional and debilitating spate of
injuries that has ruled out 10 first team squad members, including
seven players who would have formed the basis of the Middlesex
Sevens squad had they been fit.

Read more Total RL
____________________________________________

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Castleford release two more

Scrum-half Mitch Healey and utility man Andy Johnson are the latest
players to join the clear-out at Castleford Tigers.

They join Wayne Bartrim and Michael Eagar, whose release at the end
of the season has already been confirmed and Danny Orr, who is
joining Wigan.

Mark Lennon and Francis Maloney, however, are being given chances to
earn new contracts.

Eagar has signed up with Hull while Australian hooker Bartrim is a
victim of the club's need to reduce their overseas quota.

Castleford chief executive Richard Wright said: "There comes a time
for change and, with a significant number of players coming out of
contract this year, it has given us an opportunity to take stock of
our squad and implement changes.

"Some fans have expressed concerns that several of the players
leaving are senior members of the squad but in all honesty it is the
seniors who have not performed this year.

"These departures will enable us to bring in a number of new players
to the club and the squad will have a very different look to it in
2004."

The Tigers have already signed Australian stand-off Sean Rudder and
Leeds hooker or half-back Jon Hepworth for next year and have been
linked with St Helens centre Paul Newlove and Hull forwards Craig
Greenhill and Sean Ryan.

Ananova
____________________________________________

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____________________________________________

BRONCOS NOT BUCKED

By Scott Brooks

A message to fans, punters and pundits alike dont write
off the
Brisbane Broncos.

Sure, they look mighty pedestrian in attack at the moment and have
dropped their last three matches to drop out of the top-four, but
they do have some valuable artillery ready to be reloaded in the lead-
up to the finals.

One pleasing aspect to come out of recent losses to the Sharks and
Panthers for the Red Hill based club has been the fact their
commitment and technique in defence has not wavered, despite the
obvious problems in attack.

Keeping the flashy Penrith side tryless for the final 60 minutes of
Friday nights Suncorp Stadium clash was testament to their
defensive
capabilities, both around the rucks and in scrambling situations.

While the Sharks game wasnt exactly one to remember, the club
displayed impressive enough qualities in that match to suggest they
know how to guard their tryline. Cronulla did of course score two of
their four tries from kicks which are a 50/50 proposition at the best
of times.

All they now need to get their season back on track and on a pathway
to the finals, is the return of their backbone in attack, Darren
Lockyer.

He is possibly Brisbane's only player who can consistently create
doubt in the minds of the opposition, conjuring tries from nothing
and when they are most needed.

It would be safe to say that had he been on the field in the ten or
so minutes leading up to halftime last Friday night when the Broncos
looked at their most menacing in attack, at least some points
would've been posted. Instead the home side failed to execute the
right play to bury an opposition who were on the ropes at the time.

Gone are the days when the Broncos could rely on the likes of Allan
Langer, Kevin Walters and a bit of Lockyer magic from the back, the
ships steering is now in the hands of one man only, but that is
only
a problem when hes not there.

Figures in the weekends press taken from NRL stats paint a bleak
picture for the club without the boy from Roma, with only 29 percent
of games won in his absence since 1998. The winning percentage rises
to a huge 63 when he is on the paddock. No other club misses its star
player as much as the Broncos miss Lockyer according to official
statistics and that includes Newcastle with Andrew Johns and the
Roosters with Brad Fittler

Fortunately for the Queensland club, the Australian fullback is
expected to return early from an ankle injury and is in line to
contest the clubs upcoming game against the Wests Tigers.

There can be a positive spin put on his recent absence too and that
comes in the form of the burn-out factor. If ever a player was in
need of a couple of weeks rest, it was the Brisbane custodian, whose
80-minute efforts this season for his club and state have been
exemplary, but have left him on the verge of exhaustion at times.
Having to regularly clean up opposition kicks and breaks is a tough
job, made even more difficult when the pressure to create tries is
also part of the bargain.

If the injury can be put behind him, then expect to see a fully
recharged Lockyer in these all-important weeks leading up to the
finals.

We must also remember that captain Gorden Tallis is another one in
the resting with injury category and he too should be
primed for a
big finals campaign, giving the Broncos a handy selection of
hardheads with big match experience - the perfect platform for
Lockyer to perform his magic if all goes to plan.

Fridays loss has seen the Broncos blow out to over six
dollars to
win the premiership on many betting markets which does seem good odds
for a side filled with quality players. A win or two in the coming
weeks and a fit Lockyer, should see those odds shorten dramatically.

If the Broncos and the tackle-shy Knights happen to finish in the
bottom half of the top-eight at the end of the premiership season,
expect to see teams in the top half nervously looking over their
shoulders. Both clubs are more than capable of taking out the big
one, even from unflattering positions in the eight.

The Knights have a habit of turning on the spark after the
representative season and Saturday nights carving of the Cowboys
at
Dairy Farmers may have signaled the start of their 2003 challenge.
With trump cards Andrew Johns and Ben Kennedy on the field, the
Knights clicked into first gear to savage the home side and take a
massive 48-0 lead into half-time. As expected, the side lost
direction and grunt when coach Michael Hagan gave the star pair an
early rest in the second 40 minutes, but Newcastle had already made
its statement and like the Broncos, they are not to be discounted.

They have pushed their way back into the top-eight thanks to that
victory and the Dragons shock 20-30 loss to the Warriors at Oki
Jubilee Stadium. With a reasonable run home and their top players on
hand, early fears the Knights may miss the finals have been eased
somewhat.

The ninth-placed Dragons must now rely on other results going their
way to force their way into the finals. But if they can win at least
three of four remaining games, a spot in the eight is not beyond
them. After going down by 46 points at the hands of a rampaging
Bulldogs, the seventh-placed Storm look the team most likely to make
way for the Dragons if all goes to plan for the red and whites.

The Dragons are only two points behind the Storm, but now have a
slightly better percentage after the weekends results. The two
clubs
meet in round 24 at WIN Stadium which is now shaping as the most
significant game of the season for both.

Read more Sportal

____________________________________________

Ribot may sell Storm stake

By Michael McGuire, Michael Sainsbury and Stuart Honeysett

MOBILE phone group Crazy John's could end up with stakes in two NRL
clubs after it was yesterday approached by Melbourne Storm chief
executive John Ribot about investing in Victoria's team.

Melbourne Storm is 25 per cent owned by Ribot and 75 per cent by News
Limited (which publishes The Australian) but it is unknown how much
Crazy John's, which has already expressed an interest in Manly-
Warringah, could buy.

Ribot said yesterday that News had "an open mind on these things" and
that a meeting would be held later with Crazy John's on Friday.

However, News Limited's chief operating officer, Peter Macourt,
seemed surprised yesterday by the announcement from his Melbourne
partner.

It is believed Ribot had not informed News of his intentions to
approach the mobile phone chain and the media group has been
disconcerted by the move.

Macourt said: "No-one has had any discussions with us at all. Full
stop."

It is also believed News is not considering selling its 70 per cent
stake in the Australian Stock Exchange-listed Brisbane Broncos or its
controlling interest in the North Queensland Cowboys.

Ribot said yesterday the Storm could be worth as much as the Broncos
to any new investor. The Broncos, trading at 9c a share, are valued
at about $8.8 million by the stock exchange.

"We would be similar in that we are two teams in one-team cities,
except our city is three times the size," Ribot said.

Ribot would not be drawn on the Storm's financial performance, but
did concede the team had made a loss last year.

The Storm has struggled to attract crowds in Melbourne since peaking
at an average 14,622 in 2000 the year after winning the
premiership.

In 2001, the average crowd dropped to 11,980 before falling to 9058
in 2002.

It has recovered slightly to 9679 this year.

Talks also continued yesterday between Crazy John's and the Manly-
Warringah Sea Eagles for a stake of at least 40 per cent in the
struggling club based at Brookvale on Sydney's northern beaches.

Yesterday afternoon Crazy John's executive director Brendan Fleiter
and founder John Ilhan were involved in a telephone hook-up with
Manly chief executive Ian Thomson and chairman Joe Cross, who is in
London.

Fleiter told The Australian: "We had long and fruitful discussions."

He said talks revolved around "what we both want out of the
relationship" rather than money, or the percentage which Crazy John's
may take of Manly.

"Manly have agreed to come back to John and I in the next few days,"
Fleiter said.

Fleiter said the company might well take a stake in both the Sea
Eagles and Melbourne Storm.

"We currently sponsor seven different clubs. We are looking to do
things smarter."

Crazy John's move into the NRL would effectively strengthen Telstra's
sponsorship coverage in the code, as the group only sells Telstra
products.

It is also branching out from selling mobile phones only to other
telecommunication products such as landline phone calls and internet
access.

It is also in the middle of an aggressive national expansion program
which will see its current 40 retail outlets grow to at least 200
over the next 24 months.

Thomson described the talks as "productive."

He is expected to give full details of the proposal to Manly Leagues
Club chairman Ken Arthurson today.

NRL chief executive David Gallop yesterday greeted news of Crazy
John's interest in another club with some caution.

The NRL doesn't directly involve itself in ownership structures but
it does have the power to approve or reject proposed business plans
of clubs and can exercise power over intellectual property issues
such as the name, colours and jumper.

Read more Fox Sports
____________________________________________

Knight offers compromise

By Barry Toohey

NEWCASTLE may re-think its decision not to offer a new contract to
Adam MacDougall after the former Test winger's manager revealed he is
prepared to accept match payments next season to remain with the
Knights.

MacDougall's long-term future in Newcastle appeared over two months
ago when the Knights terminated the final year of his contract and
negotiated a payout.

The move was prompted by his poor injury record, with the club
claiming they could not continue to justify paying him the money he
was earning.

He had been one of the club's highest earning stars on around
$280,000 a season, putting him behind only Andrew Johns, Ben Kennedy
and Robbie O'Davis. Since making a comeback two months ago,
MacDougall has been sounded out by at least three rival NRL clubs.
Read more Fox Sports

____________________________________________

Lillyman learns much in defeat

By ADAM GARDINI

TEENAGE rookie Jacob Lillyman endured a welcome to first grade like
no other as the Cowboys were "embarrassed" by Newcastle on Saturday
night.

Lillyman was handed his first taste of first grade football off the
bench shortly before halftime after the floodgates had already opened
as Newcastle went on to post 48 first-half points.

"It was a bit hard making your debut with a scoreline like that . . .
some pretty bad thoughts go through your mind," Lillyman said.

Although his initial taste of first grade will be something he will
never forget -- for all the wrong reasons -- Lillyman said he was
handed some consoling words by some wise heads in the dressing room
after the game.

"Kevin Campion had a chat to me and said you can hold your head high
and (coach) Graham Murray said a few words to me so that sort of gave
me a bit of confidence," he said.

Murray said Lillyman's performance was "very good".

"While it was tough for him I thought he played good and handled
himself well," he said.

However Lillyman, who played all of the second half and made 16
tackles and three hit-ups, was a little critical of his performance.

"I felt my defence was pretty good . . . but I thought I could've
done a bit more in attack," he said.

The club's injury list could rise following season-ending injuries to
Leigh McWilliams and Matt Sing, with a handful of players carrying
minor injuries after Saturday's game.

Ty Williams and Paul Rauhihi both have knee concerns, Chris Sheppard
has an injured ankle while Glenn Morrison (foot) and Paul Bowman
(groin) have been carrying injuries for weeks.

Meanwhile, prop Paul Rauhihi will escape suspension from the
judiciary if an early guilty plea is entered to a grade one careless
high tackle charge following a high shot on Ben Kennedy on Saturday.

Read more Townsville Bulletin
____________________________________________

Skippers suspended

Canberra captain Simon Woolford and his South Sydney counterpart
Bryan Fletcher have received two-match suspension after entering
early guilty pleas to their high-tackle charges.

Woolford was charged with a grade three careless high-tackle for his
hit on Manly's Luke Williamson that saw the Raiders captain sent from
the field in the early stages of his team's 51-16 win.

He was facing a three-match ban but decided on Tuesday to plead
guilty.

Woolford will miss the Raiders' matches against North Queensland and
Newcastle.

Fletcher also opted to play it safe, accepting the suspension for his
tackle on Wests Tiger Trent Clayton during the Rabbitohs' win on
Saturday.

The ban keeps him sidelined for this weekend's match against the
Sydney Roosters and the round 24 clash with North Queensland.

The other two players charged from round 22 - North Queensland prop
Paul Rauhihi and South Sydney hooker Jason Death - both escaped
suspension after also entering early guilty pleas.

The pair had both been charged with grade one careless high tackles.
Read more Optus Sport

____________________________________________


Tigers pick up Payten

The Wests Tigers have signed Todd Payten to a unique two-year deal.

Payten, who is playing for the Sydney Roosters this year, was forced
to find another club for 2004 due to salary cap pressures at Bondi
Junction.

The prop's complicated new deal will see him paid by three clubs at
once.

Payten joined the Roosters from Canberra last year, with the Raiders
paying the bulk of this and next year's contract.

With the Roosters now also releasing Payten, they have to pay their
portion of his 2004 contract to the player.

Payten's manager Darryl Mather told AAP he is amazed by the situation.

"It's a funny one, I don't think I've ever seen this before," said
Mather.

"I had a bit of a giggle about it the other day.

Roosters coaching director Phil Gould has blasted the NRL over its
salary cap rules and Mather agreed, saying that Payten's situation
proves that the current system needs to be adjusted.

"It's one those unfortunate situations where the Roosters, like most
other clubs, are hurting and it's further proof the salary cap isn't
working contrary to what the NRL is saying," said Mather.

Read more Optus Sport
____________________________________________

Manly needs OK on crazy changes: NRL

The National Rugby League has warned it would need to approve any
changes to the Manly name or logo as the club continues its high-
profile talks with mobile phone company Crazy John's.

The Sea Eagles were giving little away following talks with Crazy
John's officials to discuss the company's plan to buy a share in the
NRL club.

However, the talks have created a wave of hysteria on Sydney's
northern Beaches and the club was forced to release a statement on
its website in an attempt to assuage supporters.

The club fielded inquiries after suggestions that, should Crazy
John's take over the club, it would be re-named the Crazy John's
Eagles and Brookvale Oval would be called Crazy John's Coliseum.

The club insisted it had not discussed any such plans with Crazy
John's officials while the NRL weigh in with a reality check.

NRL chief executive David Gallop said any name change - such as the
moniker Crazy John's Eagles suggested by owner John Ilhan - would
have to go through it.

"We would need to approve any change of the name or logo or the way
they use their existing intellectual property," Gallop said.

However, Gallop said it was unlikely the league would have any say
over the potential re-naming of Brookvale Oval to Crazy John's
Coliseum.

Manly chief executive Ian Thomson said the club had issued its
statement in an effort to keep its supporters informed.

The statement said: "The Board of the Sea Eagles would not undertake
any arrangement which would put in jeopardy any existing sponsorship
arrangements or wishes of the members of the Football Club.

"Members of the football club and supporters can rest assured that no
decisions will be made without proper professional care and
consideration for the future growth of the Manly Sea Eagles."

Thomson said: "I suppose the point of it is to inform our fans about
what is happening.

"That's the start and finish of it."

The parties have agreed to meet in the future to continue talks.

Sportswatch
____________________________________________

Lions Continue To Dominate the Fremantle Roosters

South Perth continued it's four season domination of the Fremantle
Roosters by dispatching them 36-16 last Saturday at George Burnett
Oval. But the good news is that other results went the Roosters way
and they will qualify fourth for the semi-finals.

The Lions now have an imposing 13 wins and one draw record out of the
past 14 clash's over the Roosters since season 2000, something the
coaching staff will need to address come semi-final time.

Fremantle started confidently scoring early to lead 6-nil and were
still in the hunt at 16-6 down at half time but once again the speed
of the South Perth halves and backline cost the Roosters dearly in
another second half fade out.

This week the Roosters need to get their confidence back against
Rockingham who have been devastated by injuries and were on the end
of a thumping 72-nil by the Bulldogs.

Unfortunately the Roosters reserves season is gone after their loss
to South Perth 36- 4 which means the reserves are playing for pride
in their last two games.

The junior Roosters U/18's went down 34- 6 but will qualify 4th for
the semi-finals.

In other games North Beach 48 beat Joondalup 8 and as mentioned
Eastern Bulldogs 72 beat Rockingham 0.

"Heroes of 81" Luncheon. "Last Home Game of the Season"
The Fremantle Rugby League Club Inc would like to extend a warm
invitation to all former Mossman / Cottesloe Tigers players and
supporters to come down to Ken Allen Field on Saturday 16th August to
enjoy the Roosters last home game of the season against Rockingham.

A reunion luncheon will be held, so join in and catch up with all the
1981 Tied grand final players from both the Roosters and the Tigers.

$20 per person for a buffet luncheon with complimentary Draught beer,
wine and soft drinks.

Lunch commencing at 12.00pm through till 1.30pm.

Relive the glory days and catch up with old friends and foes.

The club will be having a representative from both Freo and the
Tigers hosting the toss of the coin for the A grade.

"Relive the memories, Feel the Tradition".

For all inquiries / RSVP contact the club on 9337-4044 or Pete Hewat
0408-362645


Results Rd 13

A Grade
South Perth 36 beat Fremantle 16
Eastern Bulldogs 72 beat Rockingham 0
North Beach 48 beat Joondalup 8

A Grade Ladder
North Beach..... 22
South Perth..... 20
Eastern......... 20
Fremantle....... 10
Joondalup....... 04
Rockingham...... 02

____________________________________________

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13/08/03