Paul Gallen of the Sharks is tackled during the round 18 NRL match between Cronulla and Canberra on July 9, 2011 in Sydney.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, act, canberra-2600, nsw, cronulla-2230
Saturday, July 16, 2011
The Wrap: Round 18
Published:Wednesday, July 13, 2011 11:39 AESTExpires:Tuesday, October 11, 2011 11:39 AEST
Luke Pentony presents the round 18 edition of The Wrap, Grandstand's look back at the highlights of the NRL matches broadcast on ABC Local Radio.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australiaSunday League: Round 18
Published:Sunday, July 10, 2011 2:23 AESTExpires:Saturday, October 8, 2011 2:23 AEST
David Morrow, Warren Ryan and Steve Mascord hosted the round 18 edition of Sunday League.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrlFriday, July 15, 2011
Tigers fallout
King backs Foran's star to rise
Updated July 13, 2011 21:11:26
Manly co-captain Jason King has no fears of young playmaker Kieran Foran crumbling under the growing expectations for him to develop into a NRL star.
Celebrating his 21st birthday on Wednesday, Foran has emerged as the key figure behind Manly's premiership push, with the Sea Eagles unexpectedly flying high in second spot on the ladder.
A Test regular with New Zealand, Foran's composure and toughness belie his tender years, with King adamant the five-eighth can maintain his NRL progression.
"He's a true professional and a very level-headed kid," King said.
"He prepares well for every match and just seems to be getting better each week.
"They (the expectations) won't be (a burden) for him. He takes it all in his stride and continues to work hard at his game.
"The club's put the right people around him and is helping him out in every way."
Foran has shown an uncanny knack of taking little time to develop combinations with his halves partners.
Last year, he and Trent Hodkinson carried the Sea Eagles all the way to the NRL finals before Hodkinson left for Canterbury at the start of 2011.
Foran hardly missed a beat, however, as he and Daly Cherry-Evans - with whom he played plenty of junior football - wasted little time in rekindling their partnership to get the Sea Eagles firing again in 2012.
Even at Test level, Foran has proven his versatility by sliding over to half-back alongside Benji Marshall, the pair seen as the key to the Kiwis continuing their battle with Australia for the world number one ranking.
- AAP
Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, australia, nsw, brookvale-2100, manly-2095 First posted July 13, 2011 21:11:26Interview: Shane Flanagan
Published:Saturday, July 9, 2011 10:45 AESTExpires:Friday, October 7, 2011 10:45 AEST
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan told Grandstand's David Packwood the finals are still a long way off for his team despite it chalking up a fourth straight victory.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrlStorm extend Bulldogs' misery
Updated July 9, 2011 22:58:00 Gifted Melbourne half-back Cooper Cronk bagged two tries as the Storm extended Canterbury's NRL misery with a 28-18 triumph at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
The ladder leaders scored five tries to three, dominating the butter-fingered Bulldogs whose slide from finals contention continued with a seventh loss in nine matches.
The Storm stretched their winning streak to six in a row with a comprehensive victory in the Bulldogs' nominal home game attended by 9,963 spectators in the South Australian capital.
Cronk and team-mates Jesse Bromwich, Sisa Waqa and Matthew Duffie all scored tries while Bulldogs full-back Ben Barba, David Stagg and Steve Turner crossed for tries for their battling outfit.
The Storm established a defining 16-6 half-time lead with three opening-half tries, and then snuffed out a brief Bulldogs revival after the break.
Canterbury lock Stagg scored his try after a rare period of sustained attacking pressure from the Dogs started the second half and reduced their deficit to just four points.
But Cronk then set up winger Duffie in the 60th minute with a deftly placed high kick - which was finished off by an incredible put-down - before the half-back crossed for his second try six minutes later to seal the result.
Turner gave his side a consolation try in the 77th minute but Canterbury's chances of giving beleaguered coach Kevin Moore some breathing space were hurt by a series of basic blunders.
Full-back Barba continued his recent nervousness under high balls by spilling bombs, as did Turner, while Jonathon Wright's knock-on at bootlace level gifted the Storm possession which they turned into the opening try of the match just six minutes in.
The Bulldogs also frequently coughed up possession, missed tackles and were vulnerable in defence against a rampant Storm who mixed their customary defensive dominance with threatening attacking forays.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy said he was pleased with an improved attacking performance.
"We took a couple of steps forward tonight with our attack, I thought it was a little bit better," he said.
"A couple of things we worked on really hard during the week came off for us.
"But we got a little bit too adventurous a couple of times, I thought we gifted the Bulldogs a couple of tries ... by just going away from what we planned to do.
"But at the end of the day they had a really good attitude to start the game and we took a couple of steps forward with our attack."
Canterbury coach Kevin Moore lamented his side's inability to ride their second-half momentum.
"At 16-12 with 20 minutes to go, I thought we were coming over the top of them," Moore said.
"We had them up their end of the field and I thought if we came up with the right play at the right time we would go on and win the game.
"But you're talking about a game against the competition leaders with a great calibre of players."
Melbourne: 28 (C Cronk 2, J Bromwich, M Duffie, S Waqa tries; C Smith 3, G Widdop goals)
Canterbury: 18 (B Barba, D Stagg, S Turner tries; S Turner 3 goals)
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, nsw, canterbury-2193, sa, adelaide-5000, vic, melbourne-3000 First posted July 9, 2011 21:44:00Dugan set for Raiders return
Updated July 12, 2011 15:20:00 Canberra full-back Josh Dugan has been named to make his comeback from injury in Sunday's match against Melbourne.
Dugan, who debuted for New South Wales in State of Origin I, has been out of action for six weeks since injuring his ankle in the Raiders' round 13 defeat to North Queensland.
Canberra coach David Furner expects Dugan will take little time to find the sort of form which snared him a New South Wales State of Origin jumper.
"He's ready to go, he's completed the training sessions he needed to, he's back in the full-time training squad this week and he'll run accordingly in the number one," Furner said.
"Josh is a big-game player and brought plenty of confidence back with him after his Origin game so I'm expecting him to rise to the challenge against the Storm."
A couple of other familiar faces return to the starting line-up for the Green Machine with forgotten winger Daniel Vidot and Bronson Harrison back in the run-on 13.
Second rower Joe Picker drops to the bench, while Danny Galea comes into the starting line-up.
The Raiders also announced on Tuesday tackling machine Shaun Fensom has extended his contract.
The Raiders lock was already signed up to play the 2013 season but has agreed to a 12-month extension, keeping him at the club until at least the end of 2014.
Another blast from the past will also make it back onto NRL playing fields for the first time this year with Test centre Brent Tate to make his North Queensland debut on Saturday night against Wests Tigers.
Tate has not played since undergoing knee surgery after going down while representing the Kangaroos in last year's Four Nations final, his return giving the Cowboys one of the most potent centre pairings in the competition when he lines up alongside Willie Tonga.
Tigers coach Tim Sheens has named departing utility Tim Moltzen at full-back with Wade McKinnon dropped after a series of poor performances.
South Sydney and the Sydney Roosters have named unchanged sides for their local derby at the Olympic stadium, with Blues full-back Anthony Minichiello to miss a second game due to a mystery virus.
Penrith centre Michael Jennings has been named to return after five weeks out with an ankle injury for Saturday night's home game against Parramatta.
Jennings failed in his race to be fit for Origin III, but should add some spark to a Panthers backline which looked off the pace in last week's loss to the Roosters.
Ryan Stig will again fill the gap created by Newcastle skipper Kurt Gidley's hamstring injury against Manly on Sunday, while the return of a host of stars for St George Illawarra's clash against Cronulla has been tempered by news skipper Ben Hornby will be out for three weeks with a broken hand.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, canberra-2600 First posted July 12, 2011 15:10:00Stewart scores against Rabbitohs
Brett Stewart scores a try during the round 18 NRL match between Manly Sea Eagles and South Sydney Rabbitohs at Brookvale Oval on July 10, 2011.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, nsw, manly-2095, redfern-2016Meninga misses apology deadline
Updated July 14, 2011 18:18:30
Queensland State of Origin coach Mal Meninga could be headed for court over his explosive newspaper column savaging New South Wales officials and the NRL judiciary.
Meninga had until 5:00pm (AEST) to notify NRL match review chairman Greg McCallum whether he intended delivering an unreserved apology and front page retraction for his stinging comments in last weekend's Sunday Mail newspaper or face possible legal action.
While Meninga did not return calls it is understood he let the deadline slip by without contacting McCallum.
McCallum also failed to return calls on Thursday.
Insiders say Meninga had obtained advice from his own legal team and also had the 100 per cent backing of News Limited.
While reports on Thursday said Meninga had spoken to New South Wales coach Ricky Stuart since his column rocked rugby league, the threat of court action remained after his failure to contact McCallum.
League insiders however were hoping a resolution could be brokered without going to court which they said would be a bad look for the game.
Meninga's camp is disappointed the first contact made with him after his column was a threatening legal letter rather than an offer to get together and work through the issues he had raised.
Meninga, who has not commented since the storm erupted, sent Stuart a text message on Wednesday afternoon which said: "Give me a call - we need to chat".
Stuart called and they agreed to have a talk over a beer in Sydney next week.
However that has not removed the pending threat of legal action although insiders say both match review members Peter Louis and Meninga's former Canberra team-mate Bradley Clyde are not totally in favour of such action.
Queensland captain Darren Lockyer said it was good to know Meninga and Stuart were talking after his coach's comments had whipped up such a maelstrom.
"I don't know what Sticky (Stuart) and Mal's relationship is like," Lockyer, who has played under both, said.
"I think it's perceived because they were team-mates (Canberra and Australia) they were best of friends, but sometimes that's not always the case.
"But it's good after the stir the article caused that the two head coaches of the states are getting together.
"Because Origin is state against state and mate against mate, which it is, there's a lot of passion involved and as much as you respect your opponent, you want to beat them as much as you can too.
"Sometimes that's where emotions can boil over a bit."
Lockyer said Meninga had wanted to get some things off his chest.
"He said what he wanted to say but he's not the sort of person to have a slanging match," he said.
"I think he's happy to leave it where it is.
"Everything is magnified at this level.
"Mal's a good bloke and Ricky's a good bloke, I've worked with him for a number of years and I'm sure their won't be any love lost there."
AAP
Tags: state-of-origin, rugby-league, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, sydney-2000, nsw First posted July 14, 2011 18:18:30Sharks extend streak with Raiders' scalp
Updated July 9, 2011 23:21:00 Cronulla's revival has continued with a fourth straight NRL victory, the Sharks virtually ending Canberra's hopes of making the finals with a 26-12 win at home on Saturday evening.
The Sharks disposed of an error-riddled Raiders with a five-tries-to-two victory that will leave them on the edge of the top eight and well in the battle for a play-off spot as the regular season enters its final eight weeks.
In-form half Wade Graham, Colin Best, Jason Bukuya, Taulima Tautai and Ben Pomeroy scored tries for the home side with Chad Townsend booting three from five.
For the disappointing Raiders, ex-Shark Blake Ferguson and Jarrod Croker scored four-pointers with Croker adding two goals.
Sharks and NSW captain courageous Paul Gallen sent a scare through the Cronulla camp when he looked to have suffered a nasty injury late in the first half.
He immediately signalled to the trainer and went straight up the tunnel in the 29th minute before reports he had suffered a "stinger" to the right shoulder/neck area.
He returned to the field in the 47th minute to play out the match.
As expected, Ferguson was booed roundly at every opportunity in his first trip back to Shark Park since his controversial decision to activate a clause in his contract allowing him to leave Cronulla last year.
Canberra was lucky to only trail 14-12 at half-time after completing less than half their sets in the first 40 minutes.
Cronulla eventually improved its lead in the 59th minute when video referee Russell Smith ruled interchange forward Tautai had grounded the ball as he carried three defenders over the line, the conversion making it 20-12.
The Sharks got close again when Graham split the defence but his grubber just could not find the support looming on the inside, and again when Sam Tagataese dummied instead of throwing to his unmarked team-mates.
The final nail in the Raiders' coffin came in the 69th minute when Pomeroy picked up the scraps of a Townsend kick.
The victory sets up a huge derby with St George Illawarra at WIN Jubilee Oval on Monday week, with the Sharks having already beaten the Dragons this year.
The Raiders now realistically need to win all eight remaining games to make the finals.
Sharks: 26 (C Best, J Bukuya, W Graham, B Pomeroy, T Tautai tries; C Townsend 3 goals)
Raiders: 12 (J Croker, B Ferguson tries; J Croker 2 goals)
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, act, canberra-2600, nsw, cronulla-2230 First posted July 9, 2011 19:26:00Dragons lose Hornby with broken hand
Updated July 12, 2011 16:51:00 St George Illawarra skipper Ben Hornby will miss three matches, with the premiers revealing the veteran half-back has suffered a broken hand.
The Dragons had kept details of the injury - from the round 16 loss to Newcastle - a secret until Tuesday's team announcement for next Monday night's clash with Cronulla.
The loss of Hornby tempers the boost given by the return of the Dragons' State of Origin contingent and centre Matt Cooper.
Cooper has not played since fracturing his hand, cheekbone and eye socket in late May against Wests Tigers.
New Zealand international Nathan Fien will step into Hornby's place at half-back with hooker Dean Young assuming the captaincy.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, kogarah-2217, wollongong-2500 First posted July 12, 2011 16:47:00Titans make Locky nervous
Updated July 14, 2011 19:15:49
Brisbane captain Darren Lockyer says games against struggling NRL teams like Gold Coast make him most nervous.
The Broncos are expected to continue the last-placed Titan's miserable season heading into the clash with their six State of Origin stars back on the paddock.
But Lockyer, who edges a little closer to Terry Lamb and Steve Menzies' all-time record of 349 games at Lang Park on Friday night, says it is these types of "danger games" that make him more than a little jumpy.
"I get more nervous about these games than I do about the big ones," he said.
"When you come up against a team who are playing well and they're in the top end of the competition you know everyone is going to be switched on because they have to be.
"You put yourself in the Titans' shoes and they know they have to come to Suncorp on Friday night and play their best footy, they don't need any motivation.
"It's important we go out there and work very, very hard and be on our game to secure a win against them."
Meanwhile Lockyer said he and his five Origin team-mates were full of admiration for the young players who pulled one of the club's best wins out of the bag against Parramatta while they were away in camp with Queensland earlier this month.
"The young guys have done a great job keeping us in the battle and I think we can get a top four finish and a home semi which would be a nice start," he said."
He said he had a good break since leading Queensland to a sixth successive Origin series victory at Lang Park eight days ago.
Lockyer took some time out with his wife, Loren and their toddler Sunny on their property at Pottsville where he admitted his alter ego, Darrell, made an appearance.
"I was pretty quiet after the game but I let my hair down, or what little I've got, on Friday night which was good," he said.
"Letting my guard down with family and friends in the backyard around the fire pit with a few drinks was a good way to enjoy it all."
The Titans will use the local derby clash to salvage something from the wreckage with New South Wales Origin forward Greg Bird and veteran utility Preston Campbell back in the side along with Luke Capewell who starred with two tries for Queensland Residents in last week's Origin curtain raiser.
Titans coach John Cartwright said the occasion and atmosphere would lift his players.
"It's a local derby and there's a keen history between the clubs," he said.
"There are players at our club who've spent time at the Broncos and that is always and added incentive."
Captain Scott Prince said Capewell, who played four games earlier in the season, deserved a recall after dominating in the State League and the recent Residents clash.
"Luke has scored a number of tries in the state league and hopefully we can put him in a position to do some damage for us," he said.
AAP
Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, robina-4226, brisbane-4000, qld, australia First posted July 14, 2011 19:15:49Graham breaks away for Roosters
Phil Graham makes a break for the Roosters during the round 18 match again Penrith Panthers at Sydney Football Stadium on July 10, 2011.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, nsw, bondi-junction-2022, penrith-2750, sydney-2000Interview: Brian Smith
Published:Sunday, July 10, 2011 5:04 AESTExpires:Saturday, October 8, 2011 5:04 AEST
Roosters coach Brian Smith told Grandstand's Richard Svenson that he felt relief and a bit of excitement after his team snapped a three-match losing streak by downing the Panthers.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrlRoosters stop the rot against Penrith
Updated July 10, 2011 17:06:00 Phil Graham made a timely return as Sydney Roosters defeated Penrith 34-26 on Sunday afternoon to secure a win they desperately needed.
The Roosters had not won since round 13, when they beat the Warriors, and a double from Todd Carney led the way against a resurgent Panthers side.
Carney scored twice in the first half, in the 20th and 36th minutes, but it was Graham who made the greatest impact on his comeback from injury.
Graham scored an important try to drag the Roosters level on the half-hour mark and ran with purpose all afternoon to rack up four line breaks among his 141 metres.
Joseph Leilua, Braith Anasta and Shaun Kenny-Dowall were the other try scorers for the Roosters, who sealed the match with a quarter of an hour remaining when Kenny-Dowall scored off the back of a penalty.
Lachlan Coote hit back in the 73rd minute to score his second try of the day and give the Panthers a faint glimmer of hope, but the Roosters hung on to claim just their fifth win of 2011.
Dally M Medallist Carney, who has endured a torrid season, scored two tries and kicked three goals as the Roosters chalked up only their third win in 12 games and inflict a first defeat of Steve Georgallis' reign as the Panthers' caretaker-coach.
It was also the first time since round four that last year's grand finalists chalked up more than 13 points in a game.
"I thought Toddy came up with a couple of those special plays and in attack that is his specialty ... that is when my eyes start to twinkle, I love it when he backs himself," said Roosters coach Brian Smith.
"From my point of view I'm happy for us and for Todd, but I thought Mitchell Pearce's display was absolutely unbelievable.
"There was criticism of his performance on Wednesday night, but people must be joking... he had a problem with his shoulder before the game, he could hardly lift his arm up to the horizontal and was not really much chance of playing for us today."
Smith said Pearce felt obliged to help his struggling side after Anthony Minichiello was ruled out on the morning of the game, and hailed him for his bravery.
"He managed to get over his (Origin) disappointment mentally and with Mini pulling out the morning, Pearcey, being the type of guy he is, isn't going to leave us with another one not playing," Smith said.
"And to go and play how he did was absolutely fantastic ... he is such a competitor and a great young man."
Pearce played down his coach's praise and said he was never in doubt of missing the game.
"It was nothing serious just the AC joint, I took a bang on it late in the game ... it was good to get the win," Pearce said.
"I was on an emotional down the other day, but it was great feeling to come back and win today."
Georgallis was magnanimous in defeat but accused his players of taking the Roosters lightly following Kevin Kingston's second-minute try.
"We scored two soft tries and didn't work hard for them and they were up for it, coming on the back of a few losses," Georgallis said.
"It was very hard to come back into it when you haven't rolled your sleeves up, but they played good football today, but we tried until the end even though the bird had flown, but I have no complaints."
Roosters: 34 (T Carney, J Leilua, P Graham, B Anasta, S Kenny-Dowall tries; T Carney 3/5, B Anasta 1/1 conversions, Carney penalty goal)
Panthers: 26 (L Coote 2, K Kingston, L Lewis tries; T Burns 4/4 conversions, penalty goal)
- ABC/AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, nsw, bondi-junction-2022, penrith-2750, sydney-2000 First posted July 10, 2011 15:50:00Angry Sheens denies Tigers unrest
Updated July 9, 2011 12:18:00 A furious Tim Sheens has denied the exits of certain players at the Wests Tigers is undermining their season after they crashed to a 22-6 defeat to struggling Parramatta on Friday night.
St George Illawarra angered the Tigers just hours before the kick-off by announcing they had signed utility back Tim Moltzen on a three-year deal.
Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys was livid, saying he had not agreed to release the 22-year-old from the final year of his contract.
Humphreys accused the reigning premiers of being "arrogant and disrespectful" but Dragons chief Peter Doust said later he was confused by Humphreys' comments.
"Our intention to make this announcement was communicated to Wests Tigers in advance of the announcement even though it has always been our understanding and the standard practice within the game that the club signing a player makes any such announcement," Doust said in a statement released during the game.
"We do not understand the statement that our announcement is arrogant or disrespectful to the Wests Tigers club."
After the match, Sheens bristled when asked if the decision to let Moltzen, Wade McKinnon, Andrew Fifita and Bryce Gibbs exit the club, with Chris Heighington and Beau Ryan also rumoured to be on the way out, was the reason for his side's poor form and third successive defeat.
"You can say that if you like ... I knew people would say that first thing ... but our preparation was great, the boys were happy with what we were doing," he said.
"There's no issues from the point of view of within the group between themselves, we're not talking about players unhappy with each other here.
"Players are leaving every club, I'll admit it's not the best thing in respect to a mid-season issue, but I can tell you now there's no way anyone in this group should or can use that as an excuse."
The Tigers looked disjointed in attack and, with speculation mounting that there were issues among the players, Sheens fired back to questions about whether there was a dressing room split.
"Bullshit, when you throw a poor pass on the last option without even looking, I mean you can't start talking about 'oh that's an issue with the club'," he said.
"That's an issue with you personally. Each player has got to take some responsibility, particularly the key players in the side.
"Last play options come down to what you do with the football in your hand. Are some of the ball players or key players leaving the club? And there was more mistakes from them than from anyone else."
Sheens claimed that the players were fully aware of Moltzen's planned departure and rejected suggestions that the timing of the announcement by the Dragons was the reason for the defeat.
"It's not as if they are being executed and being cut without contracts being paid. It's a professional game," he said.
"I refuse to blame that on losing footy games, we have to look internally at ourselves about our performance and our preparation.
"If we were playing that poorly we would have had 80 put past us in three weeks ... we have defended our backsides off."
-AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, nsw, balmain-2041, leichhardt-2040, parramatta-2150 First posted July 9, 2011 11:53:00Interview: Wade Graham
Published:Saturday, July 9, 2011 7:34 AESTExpires:Friday, October 7, 2011 7:34 AEST
Impressive five-eighth Wade Graham told Grandstand's David Packwood that the Sharks' forward pack is laying the platform after they extended their winning streak to four with a 26-12 win over Canberra at Shark Park.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrlInterview: Billy Slater
Published:Saturday, July 9, 2011 10:49 AESTExpires:Friday, October 7, 2011 10:49 AEST
Storm full-back Billy Slater told Grandstand's Roger Wills his team was always able to keep a desperate Bulldogs outfit at bay in a dominant 28-18 win at the Adelaide Oval.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrlMorgan fends off Hilder
Mark Morgan puts a fend on Matt Hilder during the round 18 NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the North Queensland Cowboys at Ausgrid Stadium on July 11, 2011.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, newcastle-2300, townsville-4810Interview: Steve Georgallis
Published:Sunday, July 10, 2011 5:01 AESTExpires:Saturday, October 8, 2011 5:01 AEST
Panthers coach Steve Georgallis told Grandstand's Richard Svenson that his team did not do the hard yards against a desperate Roosters outfit at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrlHayne to return to number one
Posted July 12, 2011 18:00:00 Parramatta coach Stephen Kearney has resisted the urge to leave Jarryd Hayne at five-eighth, with the New South Wales Origin star named at full-back for Saturday night's NRL game against Penrith.
Kearney had been expected to stick with Hayne at second receiver after he excelled when thrust into the frontline in Friday's breakthrough win over Wests Tigers.
But the return of half-back Jeff Robson from a hamstring complaint has caused a reshuffle with Casey McGuire going back to five-eighth, Hayne in the number one jumper and Luke Burt to the wing.
Eels skipper Nathan Hindmarsh will play his 300th NRL game at Penrith Stadium, becoming the 16th player overall to reach the landmark and just the seventh to do so with the one club.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, nsw, parramatta-2150Mal no comment on apology calls
Updated July 13, 2011 14:41:31
Queensland coach Mal Meninga has declined to comment on reports the NRL match review committee has given him 48 hours to apologise for accusing them of being part of a conspiracy to stop the Maroons winning a record sixth consecutive series.
It is understood the three panel members - Greg McCallum, Peter Louis and Bradley Clyde - want an apology and retraction in the same Sunday newspaper in which he launched his scathing attack last weekend on those involved with the New South Wales State of Origin campaign as "rats and filth".
Fairfax and News Limited reported on Wednesday letters had been sent to both Meninga and News Limited demanding a full apology and retraction, warning legal action would follow if the requests were not met.
Meninga has not commented publicly since the firestorm erupted over his explosive column.
He and Maroons captain Darren Lockyer, who bowed out a winner when Queensland won the series decider against the Blues a week ago, were special guests at a charity lunch at a Brisbane pub on Wednesday to raise money to help fight autism in young children.
However, a smiling Meninga offered no comment to journalists as he entered the pub and staff were also advised he did not want to speak to media.
TV crews were not allowed inside the establishment.
Lockyer, however, spoke briefly saying the furore over Meninga's stinging attack - sparked by a media campaign to discredit him as a coach - only highlights the passion that Origin stirs.
"It's Origin, it's built on passion," Lockyer said.
It is believed Meninga has fallen out with Blues coach Ricky Stuart, a former Canberra and Kangaroos team-mate, over media attempts to discredit his coaching credentials.
The Queensland Rugby League has backed Meninga, who has re-signed for a further four years, while a number of former Queensland Origin players, headed by Arthur Beetson and Greg Dowling, have spoken out in his defence.
Beetson has been the loudest supporter, claiming the NRL has no accountability and "runs the show".
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-league, state-of-origin, brisbane-4000 First posted July 13, 2011 14:25:59Interview: Michael Robertson
Published:Sunday, July 10, 2011 5:11 AESTExpires:Saturday, October 8, 2011 5:11 AEST
Sea Eagles winger Michael Robertson told Grandstand's Steve Mascord it was a solid performance from his side to come back against a Rabbitohs side who came to Brookvale with nothing to lose.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrlQueensland takes out Origin
Brisbane NRL bid reveals logo
The proposed logo for the Brisbane-based consortium aiming to take the 17th club license in the NRL by 2013. The club will be known as Brisbane Bombers.
Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, australiaInterview: Cameron Smith
Published:Saturday, July 9, 2011 10:54 AESTExpires:Friday, October 7, 2011 10:54 AEST
Storm captain Cameron Smith told Grandstand's Roger Wills his team has benefited from access to AFL coaches in scoring tries from pinpoint kicks against the Bulldogs at the Adelaide Oval.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrlTigers sign Blair, Reddy
Updated July 13, 2011 16:39:33
Wests Tigers have finally confirmed the signature of New Zealand Test forward Adam Blair on a four-year deal starting next season.
The signing of the Melbourne back rower/prop has been one of the more anticipated recruits of recent times, with the Tigers having cleared the decks in a bid to secure his signature.
Blair's contract is believed to be worth $500,000 a year, as the Tigers also announced the recruitment of Parramatta centre Joel Reddy and Penrith forward Matthew Bell on Wednesday.
The Tigers have already released props Bryce Gibbs and Andrew Fifita to join Cronulla in 2012, while utility back Tim Moltzen is headed to St George Illawarra next year.
There is also speculation Chris Heighington and Beau Ryan have been given permission to negotiate with other clubs for next season.
One of the world's most dynamic forwards is poised to form a potent backrower combination alongside Englishman Gareth Ellis next season.
"Adam is a world-class forward who has been a key member of the very successful Storm side in recent years," Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys said.
"His experience, leadership and professionalism will be great assets to our club."
Reddy - who suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in April - has committed to a two-year deal while Bell has signed on for 2012.
Reddy's acquisition will add to the Tigers' depth in the outside backs, sorely tested this year due to a rash of injuries.
- AAP
Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, balmain-2041, campbelltown-2560, nsw, australia First posted July 13, 2011 15:58:31Interview: John Lang
Published:Sunday, July 10, 2011 5:50 AESTExpires:Saturday, October 8, 2011 5:50 AEST
Rabbitohs coach John Lang told Grandstand's Steve Mascord that he is unsure of the extent of a knee injury to full-back Rhys Wesser sustained in the 36-22 loss to Manly at Brookvale Oval.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrlInterview: David Furner
Published:Saturday, July 9, 2011 10:43 AESTExpires:Friday, October 7, 2011 10:43 AEST
Raiders coach David Furner told Grandstand's David Packwood his team made too many errors in a 26-12 defeat to Cronulla at Shark Park.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrlStuart douses talk of NRL return
Updated July 13, 2011 19:04:00
New South Wales State of Origin coach Ricky Stuart held his first planning meeting ahead of the 2012 series on Wednesday, pouring water on speculation he was poised to dump the Blues in favour of a return to the NRL.
A fresh round of rumours regarding Stuart's future emerged on Wednesday when his right-hand man during this year's Origin series, Matt Parish, inadvertently insinuated his Blues boss was ready to jump ship.
In his first media conference since taking up the head coaching role at UK Super League club Salford, Parish revealed Stuart had tried to convince him to join him at his next coaching role.
"Yeah he (Stuart) is a bit dirty 'cause I think he wanted me to go with him to where he's going," Parish told reporters at the Willows.
"But, no, he was (supportive) and he's been fantastic as a mentor and someone I've been able to speak to."
Asked if it was a tough decision to take up the Salford job instead of sticking with Stuart, Parish said: "No, not really because wherever he goes, he's going to be the head coach. I want his job (a head coaching job).
"We had a giggle about it actually because before we said goodbye, we were sort of talking about it ... and he said 'you know, when we coach against each other, I'll know how to get under your skin now'."
Stuart, a former coach at Sydney Roosters and Cronulla, has been linked with a return to the NRL for some time, with the most recent reports suggesting he could be in line to replace Kevin Moore at the struggling Canterbury.
However Stuart denied he had spoken to any club about a return to the NRL ranks, which would force him to forgo his role with New South Wales.
"It's pretty easy, I'm not going to a club," he said.
"I keep getting this question every day.
"I had an Origin meeting today to be quite honest.
"I haven't spoken to a club."
Asked about Parish heading to the UK, Stuart said:
"When he had the opportunity to go to Salford, I endorsed that - he's got to take that role on and get that experience."
New South Wales players to a man urged their coach not to quit after inspiring their side to a gallant performance this season.
While they lost a sixth straight series to Queensland, it was generally viewed that the Blues had made progress in 2011, thanks in no small part to Stuart's influence at the helm.
- AAP
Tags: state-of-origin, rugby-league, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia First posted July 13, 2011 18:48:51Dugan set for Raiders return
Updated July 12, 2011 15:20:00 Canberra full-back Josh Dugan has been named to make his comeback from injury in Sunday's match against Melbourne.
Dugan, who debuted for New South Wales in State of Origin I, has been out of action for six weeks since injuring his ankle in the Raiders' round 13 defeat to North Queensland.
Canberra coach David Furner expects Dugan will take little time to find the sort of form which snared him a New South Wales State of Origin jumper.
"He's ready to go, he's completed the training sessions he needed to, he's back in the full-time training squad this week and he'll run accordingly in the number one," Furner said.
"Josh is a big-game player and brought plenty of confidence back with him after his Origin game so I'm expecting him to rise to the challenge against the Storm."
A couple of other familiar faces return to the starting line-up for the Green Machine with forgotten winger Daniel Vidot and Bronson Harrison back in the run-on 13.
Second rower Joe Picker drops to the bench, while Danny Galea comes into the starting line-up.
The Raiders also announced on Tuesday tackling machine Shaun Fensom has extended his contract.
The Raiders lock was already signed up to play the 2013 season but has agreed to a 12-month extension, keeping him at the club until at least the end of 2014.
Another blast from the past will also make it back onto NRL playing fields for the first time this year with Test centre Brent Tate to make his North Queensland debut on Saturday night against Wests Tigers.
Tate has not played since undergoing knee surgery after going down while representing the Kangaroos in last year's Four Nations final, his return giving the Cowboys one of the most potent centre pairings in the competition when he lines up alongside Willie Tonga.
Tigers coach Tim Sheens has named departing utility Tim Moltzen at full-back with Wade McKinnon dropped after a series of poor performances.
South Sydney and the Sydney Roosters have named unchanged sides for their local derby at the Olympic stadium, with Blues full-back Anthony Minichiello to miss a second game due to a mystery virus.
Penrith centre Michael Jennings has been named to return after five weeks out with an ankle injury for Saturday night's home game against Parramatta.
Jennings failed in his race to be fit for Origin III, but should add some spark to a Panthers backline which looked off the pace in last week's loss to the Roosters.
Ryan Stig will again fill the gap created by Newcastle skipper Kurt Gidley's hamstring injury against Manly on Sunday, while the return of a host of stars for St George Illawarra's clash against Cronulla has been tempered by news skipper Ben Hornby will be out for three weeks with a broken hand.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, canberra-2600 First posted July 12, 2011 15:10:00Encyclopaedia of Rugby League Football
A Penrith boy from a broken home, who retired after 16 years and almost 450 games at the very highest level, Fittler never forgot where he came from. He retained the same larrikin good nature that endeared him to his mates in his first days at the Penrith club. This is his story - a story which offers rare insights.
Price:
Hindmarsh out to celebrate milestone
Updated July 13, 2011 19:30:50
Parramatta captain Nathan Hindmarsh claims Saturday night's match-up against local rival and fellow finals contender Penrith will ensure his 300th NRL match is one to remember.
Hindmarsh will become the 16th player to bring up the milestone - and just the seventh to do so with the one club - when the Eels travel to the foot of the mountains to take on the eighth-placed Panthers.
While admitting he would rather have achieved the feat on home soil, Hindmarsh says the importance of the match and geographical rivalry will make for a special night at Panthers Stadium.
"Since I've been playing, we've had a lot of great battles against Penrith," Hindmarsh said.
"It is a local derby, the battle of the west.
"Having it either here or at Parramatta does make it that little bit special because we know we'll get a good game and a good crowd."
Asked about achieving the feat, Hindmarsh says he has never put a figure on how many matches he thought he would play when he first started out.
"I'll enjoy it after the game if we have a win," he said.
"You don't really put a number in your head or think how many games you're going to play.
"I'm proud of my effort.
"A lot of it comes down to luck with injuries - probably the worst one I've got is a bit of arthritis in the big toe.
"I've reached the goal now and it's something I am excited about but ... I am more focused on the team getting the two points rather than any milestone."
But Hindmarsh admits the achievement highlights the fact he is running out of time to secure that elusive NRL premiership.
His longevity in the blue and gold confirms his loyalty but also his frustrations as he realises opportunities to end Parramatta's 25-year premiership drought are diminishing.
"Yeah ... and what makes it worse is I've been in two (grand finals) and lost two," Hindmarsh said.
"I don't know if the feeling would be there, if I hadn't been in one.
"That's what you work every year for - to win a grand final.
"But if I hadn't been in one, the desire probably wouldn't be there as much, knowing what the loss is like.
"I understand I'm running out of time but ... if it doesn't happen this year, we'll have a nice, strong side going into 2012."
The match also has huge ramifications for the top eight, with the Eels just three points below the Panthers following their breakthrough win last week over Wests Tigers.
- AAP
Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, parramatta-2150, penrith-2750 First posted July 13, 2011 15:21:55Wright cops Storm's full force
Jono Wright is hit by Kevin Proctor (L) and Cooper Cronk during the round 18 NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and Melbourne Storm at Adelaide Oval July 9, 2011.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, nsw, canterbury-2193, sa, adelaide-5000, vic, melbourne-3000Media Call: Mark Gasnier
Published:Thursday, July 14, 2011 2:29 AESTExpires:Wednesday, October 12, 2011 2:29 AEST
St George Illawarra centre Mark Gasnier announces he will retire from the NRL at the end of the 2011 season.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, nsw, wollongong-2500Interview: Jamie Lyon
Published:Sunday, July 10, 2011 5:20 AESTExpires:Saturday, October 8, 2011 5:20 AEST
Manly skipper Jamie Lyon told Grandstand's Steve Mascord he was miffed by a video referee decision made by Tim Mander in his team's 36-22 win over Souths at Brookvale Oval.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrlGallen admits he needs a rest
Posted July 10, 2011 13:29:00 He does not like admitting it, but NRL ironman Paul Gallen says he desperately needs a rest.
The Cronulla and NSW captain, whose 80-minute feat in his first game as a front-rower for the Blues in State of Origin II has become the stuff of legend, finally conceded after the Sharks' 26-12 win over Canberra on Saturday he had had too much football in 2011.
It came after Gallen sent a scare into the Sharks camp by leaving the field late in the first half and heading straight up the tunnel with a shoulder injury.
He returned to play most of the second 40 minutes, but says the "burner" he suffered had worried him.
"I just lost feeling in my shoulder and my whole arm," he said.
"I was a bit worried until I got off the field ... it just took about 10 minutes to get it going again.
"My neck's sore, my whole body's sore to be honest.
"I need a rest, eh? It's the first time I've ever admitted I need to have a rest.
"I've just played too much footy ... it's catching up with me."
With Cronulla in the middle of a revival that has resulted in four straight wins, coach Shane Flanagan is even talking about giving his courageous skipper a breather if the good form continues.
It will not be next week, though, when the Sharks play what is shaping as a huge derby with St George Illawarra, who it beat 16-10 in round two.
"I'm sure he'll have four or five days off this week and then come back to me on Thursday or Friday and say I'm right to play again," Flanagan said.
"Obviously we've got a huge game against the Dragons, any coach wants Paul Gallen in their team against the Dragons.
"If I get a couple more wins up maybe we can give him a spell."
The Sharks disposed of an error-riddled Canberra with a five tries to two victory that will leave them on the edge of the top eight and well in the battle for a play-off spot as the regular season enters its final eight weeks.
The Raiders had been in the middle of their own resurgence after two straight wins but now realistically need to win all eight games to make the eight.
Making matters worse, their next two are against ladder-leaders Melbourne and premiers the Dragons.
"We've got two home games and they're against the two top sides, so I think any player or any team would like to see that challenge," coach David Furner said.
"We can't afford to drop those two games."
The Raiders were lucky to only trail 14-12 at half-time but a controversial try to Sharks benchman Taulima Tautai, who video referee Russell Smith ruled had grounded a ball that looked inconclusive on replays, made it 20-12 in the 59th minute.
The final nail in the Raiders' coffin came in the 69th minute when Ben Pomeroy picked up the scraps of a Chad Townsend kick.
-AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, act, canberra-2600, nsw, cronulla-2230Hoffman to return to Storm in 2012
Updated July 14, 2011 19:38:53
Melbourne has reacted swiftly to Adam Blair's imminent departure, with former Test back rower Ryan Hoffman to return to his old NRL club next season on a new three-year deal.
Hoffman, 27, will complete his obligations with the Wigan Warriors in the English Super League before returning to the side he joined as an 18-year-old in 2003.
The opportunity for Hoffman to return became a possibility when Blair's move to Wests Tigers was confirmed.
The backrower made his NRL debut against Manly in round six of 2003, the same year coach Craig Bellamy took charge of the Storm.
Melbourne offloaded him soon after the NRL discovered the club was breaching the salary cap.
Hoffman continues to enjoy an impressive career having played 23 matches this season for Wigan, following his 170 Storm matches, five State of Origin clashes for New South Wales and four Test appearances.
The decision was a difficult one for Hoffman, who has become an integral part of Wigan, both on and off the field.
"I'm really excited the opportunity has presented itself for me to re-join Storm, having started my career there and sharing so many wonderful memories and friendships," he said.
"This year with Wigan has been outstanding. The club and fans have been great, and they have made me and my wife Mel very welcome.
"When I left Storm, the hardest part of the decision was leaving the only professional rugby league club I have ever played for, but Blairy moving on has created an opportunity for me to return to where it started.
"I have a burning desire to be a 10-year Storm player, joining Matt Geyer, Cameron Smith and by next year Billy Slater in the 200 games club."
Bellamy is equally delighted Hoffman will be back in Melbourne for the 2012 season.
"We all know the positive attributes he brings to our club, his professionalism and dedication is unquestionable," he said.
"I actually played footy with Ryan's father Jay, so I have known him since he was a kid. We have grown together over the years, me as a coach and Ryan as a footballer, enjoying plenty of highlights through club and representative football.
"Hoffy is a traditionalist and I'm sure that had a lot to do with why he joined Wigan in the first place, I know he will be hell bent on finishing off on the right note before he returns to Australia."
The Storm have also signed experienced front-rower Jack Afamasaga for the remainder of the 2011 season.
The 27-year-old former Parramatta, Manly and Cronulla player, joins the Storm after a recent stint with French rugby league side Racing Club Lescure Arthes XIII.
Storm general manager of football operations Frank Ponissi admitted the signing of Afamasaga was unexpected.
"Jack literally knocked on our door looking for an opportunity after moving to Geelong to live with his partner's family," he said.
Ironically the prop was a member of the Manly 2007 grand final team that was beaten by the Storm, who were later stripped of the NRL title because of salary cap rorting.
AAP
Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia First posted July 14, 2011 15:09:43Gasnier drops retirement bombshell
Updated July 14, 2011 13:29:55
St George Illawarra centre Mark Gasnier admits he made up his mind to retire at the start of the year, saying he did not have the drive to play rugby league in 2012.
Gasnier, who will turn 30 next week, announced on Thursday his shock decision to hang up his boots.
He had three years remaining on his contract with the reigning NRL premiers - but no regrets.
"I'm happy and content with the decision and I can't thank the club enough," Gasnier said.
"I decided earlier on in the year, it was just finding the right time to announce it, that is always difficult but it is post-Origin and pre-finals so it's a good time.
"It was something I'd considered for a long time, it suits everyone involved with the decision, I can move on with the next stage of my life and the club can move on."
Gasnier played 15 Tests for Australia between 2001 and 2008 as well as 12 Origins for the Blues, including the most recent series, but revealed he had not told New South Wales coach Ricky Stuart of his decision ahead of last week's clash with Queensland.
He also said injuries were not a factor, but admitted he would not have had the hunger to play on next year.
"Physically I could play on for a couple of years but especially to be on good money you need 100 per cent commitment there for that time," he said.
"The main thing is I hope we (the Dragons) do well this year, it's been a good year for me, I've enjoyed it but I don't think I would have been as committed next year."
Gasnier said helping the Dragons to their first grand final victory as a joint venture last year, having returned mid-season from a two-year stint in French rugby with Stade Francais, helped make his mind up.
"It did put a few flames out, it was one of the main things I came home to achieve and I got to achieve that, but it's hard to reflect on my career just yet, time does funny things ... I will probably look back around Christmas time and then the memories will hit me," he said.
Gasnier denied suggestions his retirement was prompted by the move of Wayne Bennett to Newcastle and said he would have happily played for Bennett's replacement Steve Price.
"I don't think I could have given him that for a full term and as one of the senior players, it's something you need to do," he said.
Gasnier is the nephew of Reg Gasnier, and while never quite reaching the heights of the rugby league Immortal, has had an outstanding career in his own right.
A line-breaking centre who has also played on the wing and briefly at five-eighth, Gasnier was generally regarded as the best player in his position in the middle part of last decade.
He was named Dally M centre of the year in 2005 and 2006.
In rugby league he was a one-club man, debuting for the Dragons in 2000 and playing 141 games through till 2008 before he jumped ship to play rugby in France.
While not being the dominant player he was in his mid 20s, Gasnier still did enough to warrant Origin selection this year.
ABC/AAP
Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, wollongong-2500, nsw, australia First posted July 14, 2011 10:30:54Fitness For Tennis
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Smith backs Meninga's league influence
Updated July 12, 2011 20:14:00 Queensland captain-in-waiting Cameron Smith claims Maroons State of Origin coach Mal Meninga had every right to retaliate following attempts to downplay his influence in the side's six straight series wins.
Smith has leapt to defence of the Origin legend by claiming he had played an integral part in the team's winning run, after suggestions during the Origin campaign that he was coach in name only.
A newspaper article intimated assistant coach Michael Hagan and Neil Henry were the real architects of the unparalleled run of success.
Meninga hit back in spectacular fashion in a weekend column when he took aim at those "branding me a dispensable commodity".
Smith supports Meninga's emotional outburst, refuting claims he was just a figurehead.
"I think he would have been pretty upset with that, as any coach of a rugby league side would be," he told Sky Sports Radio.
"Saying he doesn't contribute much to our team and guys like Neil Henry and Michael Hagan are coaching ... to set the record straight, that's as far away from the truth as you can get.
"What you see at half-time is 'Hages' - what used to be Neil Henry - come in and have a chat at half-time about some of the stats we look at.
"Mal goes around and talks to individuals just about the way he thinks they're going.
"He usually finishes off with his talk before we run back out.
"He's the one who gets us ready before the match."
Smith said Meninga's influence goes well beyond drawing up game plans.
"It's a lot to do with how he's been able to prepare us mentally for these games and get us believing in each other," he said.
"You're not going to get a more experienced guy at this level."
There could yet be more fall-out from Meninga's explosive column with some officials, including NRL match review committee chairman Greg McCallum, exploring the possibility of suing the former Test captain.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, state-of-origin, australia, nsw, qld First posted July 12, 2011 20:04:00Interview: Des Hasler
Published:Sunday, July 10, 2011 6:04 AESTExpires:Saturday, October 8, 2011 6:04 AEST
Manly coach Des Hasler told Grandstand's Steve Mascord his team let Souths back into the game before some big plays earned the Sea Eagles a 36-22 win.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrlQueensland Cup Round 15 Highlights
Posted July 10, 2011 12:12:00 Click on the video link to join Grandstand's Warren Boland as he takes you though all the highlights from ABC TV's coverage of Round 15 of the Queensland Cup, the big clash between Sunshine Coast and Redcliffe
ABC TV Game of the Week - Sunshine Coast v Redcliffe
Sunshine Coast 6 def. by Redcliffe 10
Sunshine Coast - Tries: Wiremu Ratana
Conversions: Hughie Stanley
Redcliffe - Tries: Liam Georgetown, Joe Bond
Conversions: Liam Georgetown
Other Games
Easts Tigers 14 def. by Souths Logan Magpies 24
Central Comets 20 def. by Tweed Heads Seagulls 34
Northern Pride 25 drew with Burleigh Bears 25
Tags: sport, rugby-league, queensland-cup, australia, qld, brisbane-4000Thursday, July 14, 2011
Under-siege Moore remains defiant
Updated July 10, 2011 15:23:00 Beleaguered Canterbury coach Kevin Moore says he will not dignify rumours of his imminent demise with a response after crashing to another loss.
Moore's Bulldogs slumped to their seventh loss in nine matches when defeated by Melbourne Storm 28-18 in Adelaide on Saturday night.
The Bulldogs coach is certain to face another week of inevitable scrutiny after speculation that his tenure was nearing an end.
"I can't control that," Moore said.
"One thing I will say, in my two-and-a-half years as a head coach I have shown the media a lot of respect and I front up day in, day out.
"And a lot of the questions I will be asked in regard to that (speculation) are not going to be dignified with an answer because it's based on a lot of rumour and innuendo.
"When you're talking about information from inside sources and that sort of thing ... I will show you (media) respect and talk about football all day.
"And I will turn up tomorrow and turn up Monday and Tuesday and continue my job and support the media's role in the game.
"But I won't dignify that sort of information with responses."
Moore's plight drew sympathy from Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, who said he felt for the Bulldogs mentor.
"The Bulldogs are obviously going through a tough time at the moment and we feel for them ... I feel for Kevin," Bellamy said.
But Moore remained optimistic, saying there were positives for his battling Bulldogs in their loss to the Storm before 9,963 spectators.
"There were a lot of positives there for us, but we need to just keep working hard," he said.
"There is no rocket science in this game, it comes from building a bit of confidence and I think we can get some confidence from some of the stuff we did.
"We need to go over to New Zealand next week and get the two points because we are putting ourselves in a position where it's getting to stage where you have got to win a bank of games in a row."
Moore hoped to get a definitive prognosis on Monday about hooker Michael Ennis, injured in the State of Origin decider.
"He will be having further scans on Monday and we're hoping that it's not a long-term injury," Moore said.
"He is improving and we're hopeful that he may be right, but it's not the sort of thing that you are going to risk a player for."
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, nsw, canterbury-2193, sa, adelaide-5000 First posted July 10, 2011 14:23:00Sunday, July 10, 2011
Media Call: Johnathan Thurston
Published:Thursday, July 7, 2011 7:50 AESTExpires:Wednesday, October 5, 2011 7:50 AEST
Queensland half-back Johnathan Thurston said he was relieved to find out the knee injury he suffered in the Maroons' series-clinching win was not season-ending and he will be working towards a return in four weeks for North Queensland.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australiaSaturday, July 9, 2011
The Rugby League Miscellany
The Rugby League Miscellany is packed with stats, anecdotes, quotes, lists and general quirk from the rich history of the mighty game of rugby league. From the acrimonious split with the rugby union over professionalism to the launch of the Super League to the story of the player who had a last minute kick to win the Challenge Trophy final... and completely missed the ball!Price: $14.95
Media Call: Ricky Stuart and Paul Gallen
Published:Thursday, July 7, 2011 11:38 AESTExpires:Wednesday, October 5, 2011 11:38 AEST
Blues coach Ricky Stuart and captain Paul Gallen were disappointed with the team's performance when they fronted the media after surrending 34-24 to the Maroons in Origin III.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, state-of-originInterview: Jarryd Hayne
Published:Friday, July 8, 2011 9:30 AESTExpires:Thursday, October 6, 2011 9:30 AEST
Eels full-back Jarryd Hayne told Grandstand's Richard Svenson that Parramatta capitalised on loose ball from the Tigers to come away with a win at home on Friday night.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australiaMinichiello scores during Origin III
Anthony Minichiello scores a try during State of Origin III at Lang Park in Brisbane on July 6, 2011.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, state-of-origin, brisbane-4000Blues aim to spoil Lockyer's party
Published:Wednesday, July 6, 2011 7:21 AESTExpires:Tuesday, October 4, 2011 7:21 AEST
Queensland is preparing for Darren Lockyer's last State of Origin as NSW seeks to win its first series since 2005.
Tags: state-of-origin, nswMaroons land early blows on Blues
Posted July 6, 2011 21:08:00 Queensland has opened up a 24-10 half-time lead over New South Wales in the third and deciding State of Origin game at Lang Park in Brisbane tonight.
The Maroons starved their rivals of any worthwhile possession and then made them pay by piling on four tries in the space of 20 minutes to blow the Blues out of the water.
But New South Wales took the momentum into the break with full-back Anthony Minichiello and winger Akuila Uate scoring two tries in the final two minutes of the half to keep the visitors in the game.
It was all Queensland for the majority of the half and the Maroons finally made the most of their superior field position when Inglis scooped up a Johnathan Thurston grubber and planted the ball in the corner after 16 minutes.
Ten minutes later Sam Thaiday charged over thanks to a beautiful short ball by Billy Slater before Cameron Smith dived over from dummy half after retiring skipper Darren Lockyer opened up the Blues defence.
Minichiello then made a howler of a mistake on his own 10 metre line and Jharal Yow Yeh cleaned up to score and extend Queensland's lead to 24-0 after 34 minutes.
But the Maroons committed a string of sloppy errors at the opposite end and Minichiello was able to somewhat make amends with his second try in two games this series.
With nothing left to lose the Blues kept the football alive and it delivered results when Uate crossed out wide with Jamie Soward missing what could prove to be a decisive conversion on the siren.
Thurston kicked four from four for the Maroons.
New South Wales dropped Michael Jennings and Beau Scott from their squad before kick-off, with Glenn Stewart starting and Keith Galloway making his Origin debut from the bench.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, state-of-origin, australia, nsw, sydney-2000, qld, brisbane-4000Petero set to go around again
Updated July 8, 2011 07:04:00 After riding an emotional rollercoaster to give Darren Lockyer a memorable farewell State of Origin series win, Queensland could do it all again for Petero Civoniceva next year.
The veteran prop Civoniceva was back to his best on Wednesday night, racking up impressive statistics with trademark charges as he played a big role in ensuring his captain's fairytale ending.
Should he saddle up again next year at age 36 - which, given his remarkable ability to produce compelling form, is quite possible - then Queensland will seek to make it seven series wins in a row to send another Origin legend out in style.
Civoniceva remained typically understated about his 2012 Origin prospects.
"I'll just wait and see. I know we've got some great young forwards coming through and that the finish line is fast approaching for me," he said.
"I know I'm getting close to handing over the baton to Matty and Sam (Thaiday) and the next group of forwards coming through.
Thaiday is betting Civoniceva will be back in the Origin arena.
"He's like an old bottle of red wine. He gets better with age," Thaiday said.
"I'm sure he'll put his hand up next year to play.
"I think you'll pretty much have to kill him to stop him from playing footy.
"He'll just go forever."
Civoniceva and front-row cohort Matt Scott laid the platform on which Queensland shocked the Blues in the first half of its 34-24 series-clinching win in front of a record-equalling 52,489 fans at Lang Park.
The pair spent a week in camp with coach Mal Meninga analysing their performance from the Origin II loss in Sydney when makeshift Blues front rower and skipper Paul Gallen produced one of the great 80 minutes of Origin.
"Scotty and I were both honest with each other and we both knew we were down on our performance in Sydney," Civoniceva said.
"We spoke about what we needed to get done. It was a big challenge for us because we probably let ourselves down in game two.
"We're explosive runners of the ball and that's the way we had to play."
Civoniceva's mind-blowing 125 metres gained in 25 minutes of the first half went a long way towards Queensland bolting out to a 24-0 lead.
"We weren't aggressive enough in Sydney," he said.
"We thought we'd have to grind it out and, for both Matty and I as front rowers, our (natural) game is running as hard as possible and trying to cause as much damage as we can.
"We got back to that. We did it in the first game and we had to get back to it and I thought we worked in tandem on either side of the ruck."
Civoniceva says the victory on such a special night sits "high" among his 30 Origin appearances.
"I've just been so lucky and blessed to be part of this great team and to have the success we've had .... it's stuff you dream of as a kid," he said.
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, state-of-origin, brisbane-4000 First posted July 7, 2011 15:47:00Interview: Ashley Harrison
Published:Friday, July 8, 2011 8:39 AESTExpires:Thursday, October 6, 2011 8:39 AEST
Titans lock Ashley Harrison told NZ Radio Sport's Brendan van Nisselroy that the side must stay positive and work hard through its difficult season after losing to the Warriors 22-6 in New Zealand on Friday evening.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australiaEels shock unsettled Tigers
Updated July 8, 2011 23:14:00 Controversy surrounding Tim Moltzen's move to the Dragons and news of more player departures did Wests Tigers no favours as Parramatta eased to a 22-6 win at home on Friday night.
The Tigers are in a state of flux with their playing roster set for a major overhaul for 2012, and perhaps that was the key unsettling influence in a shambolic loss to the Eels.
To Parramatta's credit, a strong performance across the board - including shattered New South Wales State of Origin players Jarryd Hayne and Tim Mannah - led to a three-try victory.
Jordan Atkins, Reni Maitua and Ryan Morgan all posted four-pointers while Luke Burt levelled three conversions and two penalties in a perfect night of kicking.
Hayne, in a sign of things to come, had a heavy hand in most of Parramatta's attack and said he looks forward to improving himself at a new position.
"I moved to five-eighth tonight, I enjoyed it, I'm obviously still not completely comfortable there but I'm sure over time I'll fit the position," he told Grandstand.
Hayne said the Eels - who now move ahead of Canberra into 13th spot - have been craving a performance like this one during a lean patch that had kept them without a win since round 11.
"We've been trying for the last month really hard and the Tigers coughed up a bit of ball tonight and we just capitalised," he said.
"I think it was a great game to get a bit of confidence from and to build on."
The Tigers were unable to put together any meaningful attacks in the opening 20 minutes and while they eventually clicked into gear they proved their own worst enemies with errors and poor support-play squandering a number of chances.
Eels coach Stephen Kearney made the surprise decision to start Hayne in the halves and move Burt from the wing to full-back after Jeff Robson failed a late fitness test on a hamstring injury and the decision paid dividends.
Hayne started the first four games of the 2009 season in the number six shirt, with mixed results, but the New South Wales star looked confident in the playmaker position with veteran Burt enjoying a tremendous game in the custodian role.
The 2009 Dally M Medallist Hayne created the opening try of the game with a superb popped pass to Atkins in the 10th minute, holding off three Tigers players just metres from the line, and the winger strolled over.
The visitors, who recalled Benji Marshall following a knee injury and welcomed back centre Chris Lawrence following a dislocated hip sustained in round three against Canberra, responded positively but were let down by some poor handling.
Parramatta was fortunate to go into half-time in the lead when Marshall's pinpoint grubber-kick bounced into the post with the onrushing Wade McKinnon certain to score.
The Tigers came racing out of the blocks in the second half with Marshall and Robert Lui starting strongly but the Eels showed great character in defence to keep the visitors at arms' length.
Marshall almost levelled the scores from a 70-metre run, with the Tigers turning defence into attack after Burt was held up just short on the line at the other end of the field.
Tigers workhorse Chris Heighington made the bust, and freed the Kiwi superstar, but veteran centre Ben Smith made up the ground brilliantly to force Marshall into touch, centimetres from the line.
The tackle appeared to galvanise the Eels, with Burt adding a penalty to stretch his side's lead.
Shortly after Maitua ran from dummy-half for his first try for the Eels in the 54th minute on the back of a Hayne downfield kick bouncing off the left upright and Burt pulling off a clever one-on-one strip.
Morgan made the game safe for the Eels 19 minutes from time when he touched down a magical Burt grubber, which had bisected the Tigers' defence.
Lui grabbed a consolation four-pointer for Tim Sheens' side with Marshall adding the extras, but it was Burt who had the last word with a penalty in the dying seconds to give Parramatta its first win on a Friday night in 2011.
Parramatta: 22 (J Atkins, R Maitua, R Morgan tries; L Burt 3/3 conversions, 2/2 penalties)
Wests Tigers: 6 (R Lui try; B Marshall conversion)
- ABC/AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, nsw, balmain-2041, leichhardt-2040, parramatta-2150 First posted July 8, 2011 21:32:00Warriors back in finals contention
Updated July 8, 2011 23:08:00 New Zealand Warriors snapped a four-game skid and lifted themselves into the NRL top eight with a convincing 22-6 win at home to Gold Coast on Friday night.
The Warriors left behind a disappointing run of losses - to Melbourne, North Queensland, Wests Tigers and Sydney Roosters - by thoroughly accounting for the Titans, who are wooden spoon candidates for 2011.
Not even the return of Mat Rogers off the bench and out of retirement could help the Titans, whose only points came after a 26th-minute try to William Zillman.
By contrast, the home side eased to victory with two tries either side of the break as Shaun Berrigan, Bill Tupou, Simon Mannering and Manu Vatuvei stamped their names on the scorecard.
James Maloney converted three times from four attempts as the Warriors repeated their round nine defeat of the Titans at Robina.
"This happens from time to time. We've just got to stay positive and work our way through it," Ashley Harrison told Grandstand of a loss just two nights after celebrating Queensland's epic State of Origin series victory.
"It's a work in progress and we'll continue to work hard."
New Zealand is now up to seventh place on 20 points, with a differential of +7, but may slip back to eighth pending the result of Penrith's (18 points and +3) clash against the Roosters on Sunday.
Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said he was satisfied with the performance and said he did not expect his appointment as Penrith's head coach from 2012 to distract him for the remainder of the season.
"I guess at any time in life you've got a few balls in the air and you've just got to be able to juggle them," he said.
"But certainly I'm very focussed on the Warriors ball at the moment and that's where basically most of my energy's going to go.
"It was good to get things sorted and to get a win on the back of what's happened."
The Titans never looked like adding to their embarrassing tally of just four wins this season, with the 10,780 fans who braved the cold and wet left satisfied with a win that boosted the Warriors' play-off hopes after they had slipped to ninth through a horror run in June.
"After five weeks without winning it was good to get that feeling back again," added Cleary, including the bye in the Warriors' lean trot.
"We can build on that and get some confidence back."
It was not all good news for the Warriors, with centre Lewis Brown hobbling off after just two minutes with a lower ankle sprain.
"He's got a bad ankle of some sort. We're hoping it's not too bad but he's obviously going to be in doubt for next week," Cleary said.
Gold Coast was left to contemplate the increasing possibility of finishing on the bottom of the ladder after yet another demoralising defeat.
"It's frustrating because we know we're a better team," lamented a downcast Prince.
"We're just not playing the way we know we can.
"(There were) glimpses of some real positive stuff but we'd have to say we're playing real inconsistent at the moment.
"We haven't strung a good 80-minute performance together. (We're) very patchy.
"When you're winning games you gain confidence and self-belief in what you're doing right.
"Physically we can match it with teams but in patches we just slip off mentally and that's where opposition teams are getting us."
Coach John Cartwright shrugged off a disruptive build-up which saw him lose centre Esi Tonga to a groin strain and Greg Bird after he pulled up lame from State of Origin duties for New South Wales.
The withdrawals allowed 35-year-old dual international Rogers to feature in his 200th first-grade match after coming out of retirement.
"The effort was there but we're struggling to get across the line," he said.
"We're having trouble busting the line. When you (can't) do that sometimes the head can drop."
Warriors: 22 (S Berrigan, B Tupou, S Mannering, M Vatuvei tries; J Maloney 3/4 conversions)
Titans: 6 (W Zillman try; S Prince conversion)
- ABC/AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, qld, robina-4226, new-zealand First posted July 8, 2011 20:16:00
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