Matai cops two-week suspension

Updated May 29, 2012 15:27:02

Manly centre Steve Matai has accepted a two-week suspension after taking the option of an early guilty plea on a high tackle charge.

Matai was charged with a grade four careless high tackle for his hit on Penrith forward Danny Galea.

Galea left the field with the assistance of two trainers after the force of Matai's swinging arm knocked him out.

An unsuccessful attempt to fight the charge would have seen Matai miss three weeks.

Manly will be without the New Zealand international for upcoming games against St George Illawarra and Melbourne.

The Sea Eagles will also be without New South Wales Origin forward Tony Williams for both those games as he recovers from a back injury.

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, manly-2095, nsw, australia

First posted May 29, 2012 12:37:15

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Widdop unfazed by added Storm duties

Updated May 29, 2012 09:39:05

Melbourne five-eighth Gareth Widdop says State of Origin time adds excitement rather than trepidation for the Storm players left holding the fort.

Englishman Widdop is among the Storm linchpins who do not play a part in the Origin series and the gruelling schedule of backing up for NRL matches as soon as 48 hours after representative games.

The 23-year-old knows he is one Storm player who must carry an added load with stars like Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater missing large slabs of training through Origin duty.

And he says he is ready for the responsibility - shown by how he handled organisational duties ahead of and during the Storm's comfortable win over the Broncos last Friday night.

"They're key players to our team, everybody knows that. But we don't look at it that way that now they're out, we're going to struggle," Widdop said on Monday.

"We've got people in place who can step up and do a job ... they've got a role to do in the team and they're going to do it.

"It's more of an excitement factor - they're not here so everybody else has got to step up and we thrive off that."

Widdop and forward Ryan Hinchcliffe helped marshal Melbourne's training sessions during a training camp in the Victorian surf coast town of Torquay last week.

To help ease the load on regulars Cronk and Smith, Widdop and Hinchcliffe started in key playmaking positions to get their side rolling in the 34-10 win over Brisbane.

Originally from northern England before emigrating to Australia as a teenager, Widdop admits he is in awe of how players like Smith, Cronk and Slater back up from Origin.

"It must be really, really tough. It's one of the pinnacles of rugby league, and for them to go out and back up one or two days later is just a huge effort," Widdop said.

"During this Origin period, they're going to be away a lot.

"So it's time for myself, Hinchy and Hoffy (second-rower Ryan Hoffman) to take control of this team."

NRL leaders Melbourne play the ninth-placed Warriors on Sunday, holding a six-point margin atop the ladder and a massive points differential of 199.

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, state-of-origin, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted May 29, 2012 09:39:05

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Former NRL player Purtell suffers heart attack

Updated May 29, 2012 11:00:20

Former NRL player Adrian Purtell has been admitted to hospital after suffering a heart attack following a Super League match in the UK.

Purtell, who played as a centre for the Raiders and Panthers in his five-year NRL career, experienced chest pains on the team bus after playing for the Bradford Bulls against Leeds.

The 27-year-old was taken to hospital and is now believed to be in a stable condition.

Purtell's mother Fran confirmed her son suffered a heart attack.

"He had a blockage to one of the main arteries to the heart but he's OK," she told the Border Mail, adding that Purtell had been unwell in the weeks leading up to the scare.

"He's in Leeds hospital and is in good care.

"It was very frightening this morning for everyone."

Purtell suffered a heath scare in 2007 when he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis after a blood clot was found in his lungs.

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, albury-2640, canberra-2600, act, australia, penrith-2750, nsw

First posted May 29, 2012 11:00:20

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Tamou in danger of missing Origin

Updated May 28, 2012 08:49:55

New South Wales and North Queensland prop James Tamou is facing the prospect of missing State of Origin game two after he was placed on report for a dangerous tackle on Wests Tigers five-eighth Benji Marshall on Sunday.

Tamou has 32 carry over points from a high tackle charge from round five against Canberra and anything worse than a grade two would see him miss Origin II in Sydney on June 13.

About five minutes into the match, Tamou ran through on Marshall and hit the airborne playmaker in the legs after he kicked the ball in the Tigers 26-18 victory over the Cowboys at Campbelltown.

Marshall was fired up and threw a couple of punches at Tamou who stayed on his back.

"I've seen worse," Tamou said of the tackle.

"I think they are trying to stamp that out in the game. I think they might try and set an example on that ... we'll see what happens."

Tamou said he was not thinking about missing Origin when he made the hit but it struck him soon after.

"It sort of did afterwards when Benji was just sort of over me and I thought I'll just settle down a bit," he said.

"I was just in the heat of the moment and just knew I had to put a bit of pressure on him.

"He didn't say much ... I put him in an awkward position and he had a bit of a right to blow up a bit ... it stays on the field."

Tigers coach Tim Sheen said it was an interesting case, and was not sure if it warranted a suspension.

"[Benji had] both feet off the ground and he was hit pretty full-blooded," he told Grandstand.

"It's a difficult one with kickers. You have to protect kickers but by the same token it is difficult for a defender who is in the motion of making a tackle, and he was making a tackle he didn't shoulder charge him.

"On one leg or off the ground they are always vulnerable, kickers. The game has decided to protect them, so I suppose that is why it is put on report."

Marshall and Tamou clashed again later in the match in a different way when about 10 minutes into the second half the Tigers New Zealand international fielded a kick in his own in-goal before weaving through the Cowboys defence.

He hit the halfway line and looked set to score before Tamou ran him down, forcing Marshall to pass to a team-mate and the play broke down.

"He thought he was away and he looked back and saw this big man galloping after him. I think I was lucky that he slowed down a bit for me," Tamou said.

Later in the second half Tamou broke the Tigers line showing amazing speed for a big man as he set off on a 55 metre run only to be cut down just short of the line by Tigers full-back Tim Moltzen.

"I wanted to think here comes a try but I think I sort of ran out of steam there and Moltzen was just too quick for me," he said.

ABC/AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, state-of-origin, sydney-2000, nsw, australia, qld

First posted May 28, 2012 08:07:47

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Top Ten Corporate Hospitality Events for 2011

Former Eel Inu a happy Bulldog

Updated May 29, 2012 16:37:50

Enigmatic Canterbury outside back Krisnan Inu admits he never dreamed he would become a Bulldogs player, but is relishing the chance to work under coach Des Hasler.

Inu grew up as a Parramatta supporter and made 78 appearances for the Eels, including the 2009 grand final, before switching to the Warriors 12 months later.

However, any resentment from Bulldogs fans about his links to their bitter rivals were dispelled on Monday when he made a stunning debut against the Sydney Roosters.

The 25-year-old scored two tries, set up a third for Frank Pritchard with a stunning mid-air shovel pass and kicked three goals.

It was an amazing introduction for a player who only joined his new team-mates for the first time on Thursday, but has been plagued by inconsistency throughout his career.

"Honestly never thought I would play for the Bulldogs, it's probably the last team I'd join," Inu said after inspiring his side to a 30-12 win over the Roosters on Monday.

With the Bulldogs' mounting injury toll in the outside backs and the Warriors keen to further develop their outstanding crop of young players like Konrad Hurrell, Inu was happy to swap NSW Cup for a place in Hasler's Canterbury revolution.

"What made it easy was the boys," Inu said.

"Joining a new team is a bit like going to a new school and making new friends.

"But I grew up playing with boys like Kris Keating, Trent Hodkinson and Corey Payne.

"We've played a lot of games with one another at school and fitting in was quite easy.

"The chance to work with Des is a big reason I came here and I'm looking forward to working with him."

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, canterbury-2193, nsw, australia

First posted May 29, 2012 16:33:45

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Elias wants bigger payday for Origin stars

Updated May 30, 2012 17:27:30

Former New South Wales Origin captain Ben Elias may have bled for his state for the paltry sum of $200 but he believes the current crop of representative players are grossly underpaid.

Elias, who last played for the Blues in 1994, said short-changed players deserved to be paid more than $20,000 per match.

It is estimated an Origin series generates up to $35 million with the 34 players earning $2 million or around six per cent.

Players are pushing for $50,000 a game.

"It's like Bon Jovi coming out here singing and the promoters are going to get 90 per cent and you guys have got 10 per cent; there's no way that's going to happen," Elias said.

"The players are the entertainers and the superstars of the game and if not for these people there's nothing."

Elias represented New South Wales 19 times, captaining them in six games between 1990-91.

An exhausted Elias, completed with a bloodied face after helping New South Wales to a 14-6 win in game one of the 1992 series, is an enduring memory.

Now successfully involved in mining and property development and on the board of the Wests Tigers, Elias said salaries between his era and the current crop could not be compared.

"We got paid $500 a win and $200 a loss but there's been an explosion of money in that area because they've acknowledged what the game generates," he said.

"Percentage-wise it's a pittance, it's embarrassing.

"People might say no individual is bigger than the game but the players are the game."

He likened the intensity of State of Origin rugby league clashes to a boxing world championship.

"The physical blows are frightening," he said.

"The physical contact week in week out these players go through let alone Origin, and the remuneration ... you work that out over a lifetime, it's not really that much."

He criticised the Rugby League Players' Association, describing it as "very weak", and said it need to be emancipated from the NRL/ARL Commission.

"The Players' Association is paid for by the NRL and if you're being paid by your employer you're going to be very soft," Elias said.

"There's a real conflict of interest and that's where the players are missing out and that disturbs me as an ex-player.

"They need to be represented by an independent organisation."

AAP

Tags: state-of-origin, rugby-league, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted May 30, 2012 17:27:30

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Cowboys 'astounded' Marshall not penalised

Updated May 30, 2012 14:36:03

North Queensland coach Neil Henry has not only backed James Tamou over a controversial late hit on Benji Marshall, but he says he is "astounded" the New Zealand captain had not been penalised over the incident.

Henry believed Tamou had every right to "unleash" on Marshall after the Kiwis playmaker reacted angrily in the controversial incident during the Cowboys' 26-18 loss to Wests Tigers at Campbelltown on Sunday.

Queensland officials were surprised but refused to kick up a stink when New South Wales forward Tamou was found to have no case to answer over the incident that could have put his Origin II chances in jeopardy.

But ex-Maroons assistant Henry certainly did not hold back, however he had Marshall, not Tamou in his sights.

"I thought the penalty was sufficient," he said.

"I thought Benji was lucky Jimmy didn't retaliate given the way Benji reacted by slapping him and then kneed him.

"I have looked at it a couple of times and thought he's lucky Jimmy didn't unleash on him.

"He would have been within his rights having looked at that."

Henry was still shaking his head over the fact Marshall was not penalised for his reaction.

"I was astounded that the officials at the time saw nothing in that and said nothing to him (Marshall)," he said.

Henry, who helped set up Queensland's current Origin dynasty as Mal Meninga's deputy, is looking forward to Tamou helping North Queensland snap the Titans' two-match winning run on Friday night at Skilled Park.

Henry heaped praise on Tamou's Origin debut in the Blues' 18-10 loss to the Maroons after controversially switching allegiances.

"Jimmy has come through Origin well. His performance was fantastic," he said.

"Even though they got beaten I thought he could hold his head up high.

"It's a difficult period for us but we are up for a challenge against the Titans."

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, townsville-4810, leichhardt-2040, campbelltown-2560

First posted May 30, 2012 14:36:03

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Trampoline set to end Wighton's season

Updated May 30, 2012 18:17:47

Canberra is set to be without winger Jack Wighton for the rest of the season after he sustained a toe injury on a backyard trampoline.

Wighton will undergo toe surgery, having missed last Friday night's match against South Sydney at the Olympic stadium.

Raiders chief executive Don Furner says the club is furious that Wighton injured himself away from his playing duties or training.

"It is a huge step for these young guys to understand what it means to be fully professional," he said.

"If it happens in a game it's bad enough, like Terry Campese."

Furner says Wighton's injury is a headache for the Raiders.

"It's tough for Jack and it's tough for the club," he said.

Furner says the Raiders are still negotiating a contract extension with Wighton and his management.

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, canberra-2600, act, australia

First posted May 30, 2012 18:17:47

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Leilua stood down after arrest

Updated May 28, 2012 14:19:27

The Sydney Roosters will start without centre BJ Leilua against the Bulldogs tonight after he was arrested in Sydney on Saturday.

Leilua, who was a shadow player in the NSW Origin squad, has been charged with assault, breaching a restraining order and telecommunications offences.

Police say the Roosters centre spat in the woman's face at the Allawah Hotel in Sydney's south early on Saturday morning and sent personal photos of her on his phone.

Leilua later handed himself into Kogarah police station and was arrested and charged. He is due to appear in Kogarah Local Court next month.

The Sydney Roosters issued a statement confirming Leilua has been stood down from tonight's game against the Bulldogs.

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, allawah-2218, nsw, australia

First posted May 28, 2012 14:04:36

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Tigers too good for Cowboys

Updated May 27, 2012 18:33:35

Wests Tigers made it five straight victories with a 26-18 triumph over North Queensland in a thrilling contest at Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday.

A Tim Moltzen try, his second of the match, two minutes before full-time sealed the win in front of a home crowd of 13,059.

Tigers coach Tim Sheens told Grandstand he was delighted to win with a depleted squad.

"I was really pleased given the issues we had during the week with flu," he said.

"Liam Fulton pulling out yesterday, Chris Lawrence wasn't going to play today ... he woke up this morning really crook.

"We battled it out and didn't do much by way of training this week except to prepare mentally.

"I was really happy with the way the guys hung together."

Moltzen admitted the Tigers had to work hard to claim the victory.

"It was definitely a tough grind that second half," he told Grandstand.

"To score with only a few minutes to go to ice the game was obviously really good.

"I was a bit disappointed with a few of things I did out there.

"(I was) obviously trying to make it up for it so it was good to cross the line."

While the Tigers took the points in the seven-try classic, it was Cowboys and New South Wales prop James Tamou who was the star of the show, the giant front-rower producing two extraordinary plays to keep his side in the game.

Tamou was in everything, including a fight with Benji Marshall in the first half.

He put a late hit on the Tigers playmaker when he made a clearing kick, resulting in the prop being placed on report for dangerous contact.

About 10 minutes into the second half, Marshall fielded a kick in his own in-goal before weaving through the Cowboys defence.

Marshall looked set to score as he hit the halfway line only to be run down by a flying Tamou before the Tigers playmaker passed to Chris Heighington and the play was soon shut down.

Soon after Tamou broke the Tigers line and ran 55 metres, stepping Moltzen before he was cut down.

The Cowboys scored from the next tackle, Ashley Graham diving over on the right edge in the 65th minute with Johnathan Thurston slotting the goal to make it 20-18.

Graham's try came eight minutes after Marshall scored after selling a dummy to Glenn Hall.

The home side went into the half-time break leading 14-12 after Lote Tuqiri scored a 40 metre intercept try two minutes before the bell.

The Tigers made a great start with Moltzen scoring in the second minute from a Marshall bomb which Bowen fumbled under pressure from Heighington with the video referee giving the home side a benefit of the doubt decision.

North Queensland hit back with tries to Glenn Hall and Antonio Winterstein.

Neil Henry claimed his side had enough possession to win the game but failed to make it count.

"We certainly had our opportunities to win the game ... I can't complain about that," Henry said.

"There's basically a try in the result at the end."

Wests Tigers: 26 (T Moltzen 2, L Tuqiri, B Marshall tries; B Marshall 4/4 cons; B Marshall 1/1 pen, R Farah 0/1 pen)

Cowboys: 18 (G Hall, A Winterstein, A Graham tries; J Thurston 3/3 cons)

ABC/AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, campbelltown-2560, nsw, townsville-4810, australia

First posted May 27, 2012 17:03:14

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Tamou dodges Origin suspension

Updated May 28, 2012 12:23:41

New South Wales Origin selectors have breathed a sigh of relief after prop James Tamou avoided being charged for a late tackle in the Cowboys' clash with the Tigers on Sunday.

Tamou himself tipped he could be made an example of by the NRL match review committee when he was put on report for tackling the legs of Benji Marshall after the Wests playmaker had kicked the ball.

But the match committee did not charge Tamou, paving the way for the 23-year-old to retain his spot for game two in Sydney when the squad is named on Sunday.

The barnstorming front rower, who impressed in his Origin debut last Wednesday and showed more examples of his speed and strength in the 26-18 defeat at Campbelltown, had 32 carry over points hanging over his head.

Anything worse than a grade two charge would have ruled Tamou out of New South Wales' must-win clash against Queensland on June 13.

Steve Matai was not as fortunate, the Manly veteran hit with a grade four careless high tackle that forced Penrith's Danny Galea off the field.

Matai was placed on report and will miss two weeks if he accepts an early plea, or three weeks if he is found guilty after contesting the charge.

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, state-of-origin, nsw, australia

First posted May 28, 2012 12:21:16

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Dragons fire late to sink Eels

Updated May 26, 2012 22:50:42

A late try from centre Kyle Stanley gave St George Illawarra a hard fought 14-12 win over a gallant Parramatta side at Kogarah, breaking the Dragons' three-match losing streak.

The desperate Dragons kept the ball alive to allow the powerful centre to crash over on the right edge with three minutes left, taking a couple of Eels across the line with him.

But home fans were made to sweat right to the end with winger Daniel Vidot defusing a towering Jarryd Hayne bomb near his own goal-line seconds before the full-time siren.

The Dragons trailed 12-4 at half-time with the Eels on track to win just their second game of the season.

Against the run of the play six minutes into the second half the Dragons hit back.

Full-back Brett Morris scored a 70-metre try after accepting a pass from winger Jason Nightingale, who broke some feeble right edge defence, and Jamie Soward's conversion made it 12-10.

The Dragons dominated attacking field position after that but struggled to find a way through until Stanley eventually barged his way over for the match-winner.

Parramatta started brilliantly with five-eighth Casey McGuire scoring after just two minutes from a Chris Sandow cross-field kick with Luke Burt converting to make it 6-0.

The Dragons were able to hit back on 20 minutes with Stanley crashing over in the right corner for his first try following a tap back from a leaping Vidot after a Soward cross-field kick.

But Vidot went from hero to villain a few minutes later when he dropped the ball inside the 30 metres and the Eels made them pay.

Back-rower Matthew Ryan charged onto a perfect Sandow short ball and beat three Dragons to score next to the posts as the visitors took a 12-4 lead with Luke Burt's easy conversion.

McGuire's season looks over after he suffered a suspected torn pectoral muscle in the 20th minute.

Dragons: 14 (K Stanley 2, B Morris tries; J Soward 1/3 cons)

Eels: 12 (C McGuire, M Ryan tries; L Burt 2/2 cons)

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, kogarah-2217, nsw, australia, parramatta-2150

First posted May 26, 2012 21:31:51

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Sporting Superstitions

Titans slice open 'embarrassing' Knights

Updated May 26, 2012 21:46:03

Wayne Bennett described his Newcastle side's performance as embarrassing as the Titans ran over the Knights 22-8 at Hunter Stadium on Saturday evening.

After a surprise win over the Bulldogs a fortnight ago, the Titans notched up another upset to pick up their fourth win of the season and draw level with the disappointing Knights.

It was Gold Coast's first back-to-back victory since the 2010 finals series.

Ashley Harrison, Nate Myles and Greg Bird all backed up from State of Origin with tremendous results, the latter two both crossing the stripe along with the outstanding Matt Srma and winger David Mead.

The trademark defence Bennett had hoped to rebuild the Knights with was exposed, especially against their own try line.

The veteran coach was at a loss to explain a performance he labelled as beyond poor but "embarrassing".

"We played with no energy and looked like we didn't want to be there," Bennett told Grandstand.

"And if they wanted to be there they wanted somebody else to do the job for them.

"Our line speed was terrible from the kick off. We didn't defend with any enthusiasm at all and that carried right through the game unfortunately.

"I can't believe what we dished up. Can't believe why we dished it up either."

Despite scoring the first try of the evening through New South Wales winger Akuila Uate, the Knights were lethargic in attack and porous in defence.

The hosts were also undone by just 11 completed sets in the second half, after returning an exemplarily 94 per cent completion rate in the opening 40 minutes.

Srma and Mead both scored in the space of three minutes before Myles split open the terrible Knights resistance from close range to give the visitors a 16-4 half-time lead.

Bird did likewise, running past a half-hearted tackle attempt by Newcastle five-eighth Jarrod Mullen, to extend the lead and all but put the contest to bed.

The Knights found consolation tries through Tyrone Roberts and Alex McKinnon late on as they suffered their third straight loss.

Titans coach John Cartwright praised his Origin stars for backing up.

"Nate, Harro and Birdy were tremendous," he said.

"It is important for your team that the Origin players get out there.

"There is a thought they need resting - we will definitely give them plenty of rest off the training field.

"But I think the fact they make the commitment to get out on the field, it's a huge lift for the guys around them."

Titans: 24 (M Srma, D Mead, N Myles, G Bird tries; S Prince 3/4 cons; 1/1 pen)

Knights: 14 (A Uate, T Roberts, A McKinnon tries; T Roberts 1/3 cons)

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, newcastle-2300, nsw, australia, robina-4226, qld

First posted May 26, 2012 19:23:44

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Brisbane's Hala set for surgery

Updated May 26, 2012 17:12:57

Young Brisbane forward Dave Hala will have surgery next week after rupturing his patella tendon in Friday night's 34-10 loss to Melbourne at AAMI Park.

The 22 year-old travelled back to Brisbane with the team on Saturday morning after being released from hospital late on Friday night.

Hala will see leading orthopaedic specialist Dr Peter Myers early next week but his season appears over.

While shattered at the prospect of having played his last game of 2012 after fighting his way back from a broken foot suffered in the pre-season trials, Hala is determined not to let this latest injury end his promising career.

He was playing his 17th NRL match for Brisbane when he was bent over awkwardly in a tackle in the 73rd minute following a strong burst down field.

He immediately clutched at his knee as worried teammates waved to the sideline for help.

Play was halted for several minutes as a stretcher was assembled underneath Hala before he was carried from the field.

Team-mate Petero Civoniceva, one of three Brisbane stars rested following Wednesday night's State of Origin game, accompanied him in an ambulance to hospital immediately after the game.

Hala's injury brought back memories of young Broncos winger Jharal Yow Yeh in agony after he suffered a serious ankle injury playing against South Sydney in Perth in March.

Yow Yeh spent 35 days in hospital but Hala's injury is not as complicated.

"He's a terrific young kid, he'll get back from this injury for sure," said Broncos media manager Marty Rowen.

This news took the focus away from the Broncos' poor performance which coach Anthony Griffin described as their worst of the season.

"Tonight was a real problem with attitude, it's the first time we've had a problem with that this year - it's very disappointing," Griffin told Grandstand.

"It was a very disappointing effort from all of us as a club. I'm not pointing fingers at any one or players. we obviously missed the mark this week all across the board to dish up that kind of performance against the Storm and we got what we deserved."

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, brisbane-4000

First posted May 26, 2012 11:39:00

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What Would We Do Without Them?

Broncos will bring heat: Smith

Updated May 25, 2012 12:52:37

Melbourne captain Cameron Smith expects a bruising contest with Brisbane this evening despite the Broncos resting most of their State of Origin stars at AAMI Park.

Two days after hosting a drama-packed Origin encounter, the Storm will put on the eagerly awaited clash between the NRL's top two sides.

Smith, half-back Cooper Cronk and full-back Billy Slater will back up from Wednesday night's Origin in contrast to the Broncos, who have rested Sam Thaiday, Justin Hodges and Petero Civoniceva.

Queensland interchange Matt Gillett is the only Origin player certain to take the field for the Broncos.

Smith says the Broncos, who will test Ben Hannant's fitness shortly before kick-off, has the depth to cover those who cannot back up.

"It all goes back to that rivalry the Storm have with the Broncos that's been simmering for a while," Smith said.

"Those young guys they've got get excited about coming down here to play.

"A lot of teams regard us as the benchmark and want to test themselves and they'll be no different."

Smith is tipping Slater to fire after a mixed Origin night.

"Bill's the type of guy if he plays below his standards he gets over it pretty quickly," he said.

"He doesn't let those kind of errors in his game faze him too much which is probably why he is the player he is.

"He doesn't mind doing some risky things on the football field and if they don't work out, they don't work out and he'll just keep trying them.

"He'll be up for a big one against the Broncos, we all like playing against them."

For Smith the battle to back up is more in the body than the mind.

"It's just the general soreness that you have that's the worst thing," he said.

"Obviously I've done it (backed up) a lot of times now so mentally I can get myself prepared."

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, state-of-origin, melbourne-3000, brisbane-4000

First posted May 25, 2012 12:49:42

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Preparing For Cricket

Storm blitz Origin-weakened Broncos

Updated May 25, 2012 22:16:16

Melbourne took advantage of the absence of Brisbane's State of Origin stars with a comprehensive 34-10 win at AAMI Park on Friday night.

The Broncos rested Sam Thaiday, Petero Civoniceva and Justin Hodges for the top-of-the-table clash while Storm and Queensland stars Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk all backed up.

The difference was obvious from the get-go as Melbourne charged to a 16-6 half-time advantage before opening the throttle after the break and burying the Broncos.

Todd Lowrie and Will Chambers celebrated their 50th games for the Storm by both scoring tries, the former bagging a double inside the first 35 minutes while prodigal son Chambers crossed right before half-time.

In what was also his 149th game in the NRL following stints with Newcastle and Parramatta, Lowrie set Melbourne on the path to victory with two first-half tries.

He then showed lightning reflexes to present Slater with a try six minutes into the second half which kicked the Storm away to a 22-6 lead.

"It's good to get a double, I don't get too many so it's good to get two in the one night," Lowrie told Grandstand.

"We know it's always going to be a tough one against these blokes and they did just that.

"To our credit though I think we withstood most of the stuff they threw at us and then we came out good in the second half.

"The boys who backed up from Origin were fantastic and certainly provided a lot of energy."

When Slater streaked 80 metres down field in the 57th minute for his second try - his 17th in 21 games against Brisbane - and winger Justin O'Neill sailed 85 metres down the touchline for an intercept try soon after, it was good night and thanks for coming.

The NRL's top-of-the-table clash seemed to be going to script - at least for the opening 35 minutes.

Melbourne, however, put Brisbane under intense pressure in the final 10 minutes of the first half when the visitors could quite easily have scored another three or four tries.

After video referee Steve Clark denied half-back Cronk a try in the 24th minute, the Storm seemed to go up a gear, much to the approval of the 13,000-strong crowd.

Their surge coincided with Smith joining the action.

First Slater should have scored untouched in the 31st minute but he could not reel in a pass from man-of-the moment Lowrie who threw it a touch high.

Slater looked like scoring two minutes later before Brisbane centre Matt Gillett flew across field to to make a classic cover tackle.

A minute later Smith was held up over the line in a desperate tackle by Broncos half Peter Wallace.

The Storm though were relentless, finally cracking Brisbane when Lowrie crossed for his second try diving on a Cronk grubber kick in the 35th minute.

The Storm's Origin connection then combined beautifully - Slater and Cronk put centre Dane Nielsen across for Melbourne's third try for 16-6 half-time lead.

The visitors dominated possession and field position in the first 10 minutes of the second half but could not crack the Storm ranks until Ben Te'o shook off an ankle injury to dive over in the right corner.

Anthony Griffin's men, who now have a 7-4 record, could finish the round in third on for-and-against if the Cowboys beat Wests Tigers on Saturday night and move into second spot.

In worse news for Brisbane, reserve forward David Hala suffered a serious left knee injury and was stretchered off the field with around 10 minutes remaining.

Griffin told reporters after the game that Hala was diagnosed with a torn patella tendon and dislocated knee cap in his first NRL game for the season after a stint in the Queensland Cup as he recovered from a foot injury.

"He's in a bit of trouble," Griffin said.

"He's with the doctor and we're calling an ambulance."

Melbourne: 34 (T Lowrie 2, B Slater 2, W Chambers, J O'Neill tries; G Widdop 5/6 conversions)

Brisbane: 10 (J Reed, B Te'o tries; C Parker 1/2 conversions)

ABC/AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted May 25, 2012 21:37:57

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Bunnies make another signing

Updated May 25, 2012 14:22:21

South Sydney has signed seasoned journeyman Jeff Lima on a two-year contract.

Lima, who perviously played for Wests Tigers and Melbourne in the NRL, will move to Redfern after plying his trade with Wigan in the Super League.

The 29-year-old has played six Tests for New Zealand.

Lima will begin his contract with the Rabbitohs next season and fills the vacancy left by forward Eddy Pettybourne who will join the Wests Tigers from 2013.

Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs will be hot favourites against an understrength Raiders outfit at Sydney's Olympic stadium this evening.

While the Raiders welcome back Queensland State of Origin prop David Shillington they will be without full-back Josh Dugan and winger Blake Ferguson who were stood down for breaching the club's alcohol policy.

Canberra under 20s player Edrick Lee will make his debut on the wing while Reece Robinson will start at full-back to take on his cousin Nathan Merritt.

Queensland Origin representatives Greg Inglis and Dave Taylor are expected to back up for the Rabbitohs who can move into the top three with a win over the Raiders.

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, redfern-2016

First posted May 25, 2012 13:42:44

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Matai signs on with Manly

Updated May 25, 2012 17:50:29

Manly has retained another one of its premiership stars with Steve Matai committing to the Sea Eagles until the end of the 2015 season.

Matai was not out of contract until the end of the 2013 season, but the new deal means he will extend his career with the club to 10 years.

"Steve is a vital part of our team and over the years he's matured into a great leader," coach Geoff Toovey said on the club's website.

"The other boys love playing alongside him and that's one of the best endorsements a footballer can get."

The 27-year-old Kiwi international joins young stars Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran in re-signing with the premiers this season after speculation players would follow former coach Des Hasler out the door.

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, manly-2095, nsw, australia

First posted May 25, 2012 17:50:29

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Bunnies kick away from Raiders

Updated May 25, 2012 22:49:12

South Sydney's Queensland Origin stars Greg Inglis and Dave Taylor turned on the power to help the Rabbitohs to their fourth straight victory 36-18 over Canberra on Friday night.

Two nights after playing their part in the Maroons' win over New South Wales, Taylor and Inglis ripped the Raiders defence to shreds at the Olympic stadium to help Souths to third place on the ladder.

Both Rabbitohs stars scored doubles with Taylor running riot on the right edge while Inglis was outstanding chiming in from full-back and looked threatening every time he touched the ball.

Souths ran in seven tries to four in an entertaining match with the Rabbitohs dominating the second half after going into the break leading 14-12.

Canberra had its chances early in the second half but made several errors including Josh McCrone failing to find touch from a penalty with Souths making the visitors pay when Ben Lowe scored a soft try under the posts.

The Raiders were missing star full-back Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson due to alcohol-related bans and their team-mates were hopelessly outclassed in the second half.

A try by Raiders centre Joel Thompson just before the break brought Canberra back within two points to give the visitors some hope after they had trailed by 14.

The match came to life after a scrappy opening, Souths scoring through winger Justin Hunt who dived over in the corner following a nice pass from Inglis.

Raiders full-back Reece Robinson kicked the re-start dead and Souths made them pay with Taylor bumping off a couple of tackles to make it 10-0.

Inglis rocketed onto an inside pass a couple of minutes later and scored under the posts with Adam Reynolds slotting his first goal of the night to make it 14-0 after 18 minutes.

Canberra hit back with a couple of tries to centre Jarrod Croker, who failed to convert his tries.

South Sydney: 36 (G Inglis 2, D Taylor 2, J Hunt, B Lowe, D Farrell tries; A Reynolds 1/3 conversions, I Luke 3/4 conversions)

Canberra: 18 (J Croker 2, J Thompson, R Robinson tries; J Croker 1/4 conversions)

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, canberra-2600, act, australia

First posted May 25, 2012 21:39:50

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Run the Mile With the Singapore Sports Hub Story

Williams expected to miss rest of Origin series

Updated May 25, 2012 10:55:08

Manly's Tony Williams is unlikely to feature in the rest of the State of Origin series after scans confirmed lower back damage.

Williams, who played for New South Wales despite missing seven weeks of club competition through suspension, could be out for up to six weeks according to newspaper reports.

The injury was suffered soon after Williams entered the field of play as a second-half interchange but initially believed to be just severe bruising.

However further examination on Thursday afternoon has reportedly succumbed Williams to another extended spell on the sidelines.

Manly has not specified the extent of the injury yet, only confirming he will not play a part against Penrith at the weekend.

"Tony will not play in this Sunday's match against the Panthers," a club statement read.

"He will be reassessed by medical staff early next week, once the inflammation has subsided."

The 23-year-old back rower was handed his seven-game ban for a dangerous throw on Cronulla hooker Isaac De Gois in the Sea Eagles' 17-14 defeat in week three.

The bad news for the fourth-placed Sea Eagles could be compounded shortly with speculation rife that Williams will soon announce his intention to follow former coach Des Hasler to Canterbury.

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, state-of-origin, nsw, manly-2095

First posted May 25, 2012 08:58:05

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Kearney delighted by Hayne's Origin display

Updated May 25, 2012 15:47:31

Parramatta coach Stephen Kearney is hoping Jarryd Hayne can carry his tremendous performance in State of Origin I into Saturday's match with St George Illawarra at Kogarah.

Hayne produced his best display of the year for New South Wales in its controversial 18-10 defeat by Queensland in the Origin opener in Melbourne.

And the under-fire Eels mentor was pleased to see his talismanic full-back show once again why he is one of the game's genuine superstars.

"I thought he was a real contributor for the Blues, some of his carries of the footy were outstanding," Kearney said.

"He was busy on both sides of the park and at one stage there I thought he got himself lost as he was on the other side. But he had a tremendous game and we hope he brings that back to the club."

Eels skipper Nathan Hindmarsh was also impressed by Hayne's performance.

"He had a very good game and I think he proved his critics wrong," Hindmarsh said.

"He deserved his place in the side and I knew he was going to have a good game. I think the main thing now is that he can come back and hopefully do it for us."

Kearney is confident his struggling side will benefit from a week out of the spotlight as they take on an out-of-form Dragons, who will go into the game on the back of three successive defeats for the first time since 2009.

The Eels have lost nine of their 10 matches this season, but the New Zealand Test coach cut a relaxed figure on Friday, following last week's bye and a two-day camp with his players in Kiama.

"It's been well documented what a tough start to the year it's been and the bye came at a great time for us," he said.

"It was good chance for us to get out of the fire for a week. Assess where we're at and we what we need to improve on."

Kearney also confirmed talks with talented Manly forward Darcy Lussick have taken place, but denies a deal had been completed for the 22-year-old.

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, state-of-origin, parramatta-2150

First posted May 25, 2012 15:45:04

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Jennings ushered away from media

Updated May 24, 2012 12:57:44

Sin-binned Blues centre Michael Jennings put his hand up post-match and admitted to making a costly mistake by throwing a punch in the Blues' 18-10 game one State of Origin loss, before his media appearance was shut down by team management.

The incident has cost Jennings a one-week suspension after he pleaded guilty to a grade one contrary conduct charge.

While only a few points separated the teams on the scoreboard, there could not have been a greater contrast in the change-rooms post game.

Winners are grinners and Queensland players were all smiles after their victory at Docklands.

The media flocked to the New South Wales change-room to hear from centre Jennings, whose first-half sin-binning proved a game-breaker.

Jennings was late into a brawl and threw a punch resulting in 10 minutes on the sidelines, with Darius Boyd scoring in his absence.

More than an hour and a half after the game, Jennings emerged to face the media.

"I know what I did wrong. All I can do now is just move on from here," he told a throng of journalists only to be interrupted by team management and told he had to go.

It was much the same story for the other players, who were guided through the media mass to their waiting bus.

"I've got nothing to say," snapped lock Greg Bird as he stormed past.

"Just don't say anything," whispered Trent Merrin to fellow rookie Jamie Buhrer.

Todd Carney brushed past while James Tamou spent a few seconds before he too was ushered on his way.

Blues' winger Jarryd Hayne, their best back, eventually took pity and answered a couple of questions from the few journalists who remained.

Queensland half-back Johnathan Thurston said Jennings suffered a brain explosion.

The 24-year-old centre, who is out of favour with his club side Penrith, left New South Wales vulnerable after his sin-binning.

It turned out to be the biggest or worst play on a night of controversy and drama.

"Jenko came in from a long way away with a swinging arm," Thurston said.

"I don't know what you'd call it, a brain explosion.

"Maybe it was the passion in the jersey and trying to stick up for his mate, I don't know."

Gallen had a crack at rookie Origin referee Matt Cecchin, quipping "this is your first Origin, it's different you know".

Queensland winger Darius Boyd dived across the line for the first of his two tries while Jennings was off the field, and his second on the stroke of half-time gave the Maroons a 12-4 lead.

Thurston said Gallen was in the referees' ears all night.

"Any decision that went against (them), Gal was in there complaining," Thurston said.

"He's a competitor and he plays with pride and passion in his jersey."

Asked if he was becoming the ultimate whinger, Thurston grinned and said: "you're trying to get me to say something, aren't you?"

Thurston said New South Wales were all over Queensland in the first 20 minutes and they were fortunate to get a few big decisions go their way.

"They'll get a lot out of their performance tonight," he said.

"They peppered us in the second half and they gave us a hiding in that first 20 minutes.

"I think they'll certainly give it to us in game two in Sydney."

ABC/AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, melbourne-3000, sydney-2000, vic, brisbane-4000, australia

First posted May 24, 2012 06:07:34

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A Front Row Ticket to the Game

Tigers swoop for Pettybourne and Thompson

Updated May 23, 2012 12:35:33

Wests Tigers have completed the signings of South Sydney back rower Eddy Pettybourne and Gold Coast forward Bodene Thompson for the start of the 2013 season.

Pettybourne, 24, has agreed terms on a three-year deal with 23-year-old Thompson signing for two years.

Penrith utility Masada Iosefa has also signed for the Tigers for the remainder of this season and next year.

Chief executive Stephen Humphreys said the joint-venture had to move quickly to fill the gap that will be left by Gareth Ellis' return to the United Kingdom at the end of the season.

"With the experience of over 120 NRL matches between them, Eddy and Bodene will perfectly complement the good group of young forwards we have coming through our ranks," Humphreys said.

"Whilst best known as a hooker, Masada can cover a range of positions and will provide valuable depth to our roster."

The club have also re-signed promising young winger David Nofoaluma until the end of the 2014 campaign.

South Sydney coach Michael Maguire wished Pettybourne well.

"Eddy has been a big part of this club for a number of years and is an important part of our 2012 season as well," Maguire said.

"He's improved his game each week but this is a big opportunity for Eddy and we wish him the best of luck with his move to the Tigers at seasons end."

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, campbelltown-2560, nsw, australia

First posted May 23, 2012 12:34:33

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Harrigan green lights Inglis try

Updated May 24, 2012 19:36:51

Rugby league referees boss Bill Harrigan has praised the performance of his rookie State of Origin referees and confirmed the correct decision was made in awarding Greg Inglis's late try in Origin I.

Harrigan called a media conference in Sydney to announce his findings after reviewing the contentious decisions in Queensland's 18-10 victory in Melbourne on Wednesday night.

Seven minutes before full-time, Inglis claimed a try that sealed victory for the Maroons, at that stage leading 12-10, despite appearing to knock the ball on.

Harrigan confirmed the opinion of video referee Sean Hampstead, who ruled Robbie Farah kicked the ball out of Inglis' hands before the Queenslander centre was able to ground it at the second attempt.

Blues coach Ricky Stuart was quoted saying Harrigan admitted to one of his staff the try should not have been awarded.

Harrigan said he had a conversation with New South Wales assistant coach Trent Barrett after the match.

"I never said at any stage it wasn't a try," Harrigan explained.

"I always said I had to review it. I've done that now and it is a try.

"Greg Inglis had possession of the ball and was trying to score a try. Robbie Farah, in an attempt to stop him, has changed his gait and dislodged the ball with his leg.

"When the ball was dislodged it comes off the forearm of Inglis but that was a rebound and not a knock-on because he did not play at the ball.

"The ball was laying on the ground and he puts his hands on the ball which scores the try. "

Broncos coach Anthony Griffin, who openly admitted to be a passionate Queenslander, said he was worried about future interpretations of the rule.

"I'm just not sure whether we should be that technical with our rules," he said.

"When a guy loses the ball over the line, I don't think he is entitled to score a try."

Rookie Origin referees Ben Cummins and Matt Cecchin went into the match with one and zero Origin games experience respectively.

"I think they refereed quite well,'' Harrigan said.

"They made some tough calls. I agreed with the sin-binning of Michael Jennings and the awarding of the try at the end."

Harrigan did say that the referees made the wrong call on Greg Bird's tackle on Cronk late in the first half.

"I can understand the decision as his feet went past the parallel but he then came down flat on his back and it was just a good hard tackle."

On arriving back in Sydney on Wednesday, Blues players and coaching staff were ordered by Stuart not to talk to the media.

But earlier on Thursday, Blues skipper Paul Gallen, who has played in every series of Queensland's six-year reign, said his side must not dwell on contentious decisions.

"It's an easy option to blame the referee. At the end of the day, I look back at little mistakes we made that Queensland don't make," Gallen told radio station Triple M.

"It's an easy out to blame the referee.

"I thought we were well and truly on par if not the better team last night and we've still got improvement in us.

"We can't change the result now, no matter what bad referee decisions there were.

"In a week's time, it will all be forgotten ... we've got to take confidence heading into Sydney with our heads held high. We've got no choice but to win now."

ABC/AAP

Tags: state-of-origin, rugby-league, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia, melbourne-3000, vic, qld

First posted May 24, 2012 16:01:26

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State of Origin by the numbers

Updated May 24, 2012 08:53:17

Take a look at the key numbers surrounding the rugby league State of Origin.

Head to head: See how Queensland and NSW match up in games and series won.Player statistics: Take a look at some of the key player statistics and records related to State of Origin.Year by year: See who has won every State of Origin match since the series began in 1980.Team list: See the Queensland and NSW line-ups for game one, 2012.Game one preview: Former NRL coach Daniel Anderson identifies the key players.

See how Queensland and New South Wales measure up in key areas since the first State of Origin was played in 1980. (Figures do not include exhibition matches.)

Total matches won away from home

Take a look at some of the key player statistics and records related to State of Origin.

Points scored by Ryan Girdler in match 3, 2000, the most in an Origin game

Number of games played by Darren Lockyer, Origin’s most capped player

Consecutive Origin matches played by Gary Larson (1991 to 1998)

Tries scored by Greg Inglis, Queensland's leading tryscorer

Number of tries scored by Michael O'Connor, NSW's leading tryscorer

Number of games officiated by Bill Harrigan, Origin's most prolific referee

Age of Ben Ikin (18 yrs, 83 days) when he debuted as the youngest Origin player

Players sent off in Origin games: Craig Greenhill (1996); Gordon Tallis (2000)

Age of Petero Civoniceva (36 years, 32 days), Origin's oldest player

Points scored by Michael O'Connor, NSW's leading point scorer

Points scored by Mal Meninga, Queensland's leading point scorer

Number of successful kicks on goal by NSW's Michael O'Connor

Success rate of kicks on goal by Queensland's Jonathan Thurston

Success rate of kicks on goal by Craig Fitzgibbon

Series won as coach by Mal Meninga

Number of drawn State of Origin matches

Man of the match awards won by Wally Lewis

See who has won every State of Origin match since the series began in 1980.

Qld 18-10 NSW

Docklands Stadium

NSW 18-8 Qld

Stadium Australia

Qld 28-24 NSW

Stadium Australia

Qld 23-18 NSW

Stadium Australia

Qld 28-18 NSW

Docklands Stadium

Qld 24-14 NSW

Stadium Australia

NSW 18-10 Qld

Stadium Australia

Qld 16-10 NSW

Stadium Australia

Qld 10-6 NSW

Stadium Australia

NSW 17-16 Qld

Stadium Australia

Qld 16-14 NSW

Docklands Stadium

NSW 32-22 Qld

Stadium Australia

NSW 9-8 Qld

Stadium Australia

NSW 36-14 Qld

Stadium Australia

NSW 27-4 Qld

Stadium Australia

NSW 32-4 Qld

Stadium Australia

Qld 18-18 NSW

Stadium Australia

NSW 26-8 Qld

Stadium Australia

NSW 20-16 Qld

Stadium Australia

NSW 56-16 Qld

Stadium Australia

NSW 12-8 Qld

Stadium Australia

Qld 24-23 NSW

Sydney Football Stadium

Qld 19-4 NSW

Sydney Football Stadium

Qld 18-12 NSW

Sydney Football Stadium

NSW 18-6 Qld

Sydney Football Stadium

NSW 15-14 Qld

Sydney Football Stadium

Qld 2-0 NSW

Sydney Football Stadium

Qld 16-12 NSW

Sydney Football Stadium

NSW 16-12 Qld

Sydney Football Stadium

NSW 14-6 Qld

Sydney Football Stadium

NSW 16-4 Qld

Sydney Football Stadium

NSW 14-12 Qld

Sydney Football Stadium

NSW 8-0 Qld

Sydney Football Stadium

Qld 16-12 NSW

Sydney Football Stadium

Qld 26-18 NSW

Sydney Football Stadium

Qld 38-22 NSW

Sydney Football Stadium

Qld 12-6 NSW

Sydney Cricket Ground

NSW 24-20 Qld

Sydney Cricket Ground

NSW 21-14 Qld

Sydney Cricket Ground

Qld 14-2 NSW

Sydney Cricket Ground

NSW 10-6 Qld

Sydney Cricket Ground

Qld 10-5 NSW

Sydney Cricket Ground

Following are the Queensland and NSW line-ups for game one of State of Origin 2012.

BILLY SLATER

Age: 28 Origin: 18

BRETT STEWART

Age: 27 Origin: 6

DARIUS BOYD

Age: 24 Origin: 12

JARRYD HAYNE

Age: 24 Origin: 14

GREG INGLIS

Age: 25 Origin: 16

MICHAEL JENNINGS

Age: 24 Origin: 5

JUSTIN HODGES

Age: 30 Origin: 13

JOSH MORRIS

Age: 25 Origin: 3

BRENT TATE

Age: 30 Origin: 15

AKUILA UATE

Age: 24 Origin: 3

JOHNATHAN THURSTON

Age: 29 Origin: 22

TODD CARNEY

Age: 25 Origin: 1

COOPER CRONK

Age: 28 Origin: 7

MITCHELL PEARCE

Age: 28 Origin: 7

PAUL GALLEN (C)

Age: 30 Origin: 12

CAMERON SMITH (C)

Age: 28 Origin: 25

ROBBIE FARAH

Age: 28 Origin: 3

PETERO CIVONICEVA

Age: 37 Origin: 31

JAMES TAMOU

Age: 23 Origin: 1

NATE MYLES

Age: 27 Origin: 18

GLENN STEWART

Age: 28 Origin: 4

SAM THAIDAY

Age: 26 Origin: 16

ASHLEY HARRISON

Age: 31 Origin: 13

MATT GILLETT

Age: 23 Origin: 1

TRENT MERRIN

Age: 22 Origin: 3

DAVID TAYLOR

Age: 23 Origin: 5

JAMIE BUHRER

Age: 22 Origin: 1

BEN HANNANT

Age: 27 Origin: 10

DAVID SHILLINGTON

Age: 28 Origin: 5

TONY WILLIAMS

Age: 23 Origin: 1

Tags: state-of-origin

First posted May 23, 2012 10:09:28

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Rebranded UEFA Cup to Trial Goal-Line Officials

Gallen tells Blues to take their chance

Updated May 23, 2012 11:12:19

New South Wales skipper Paul Gallen has implored his new-look Blues side to make the most of their opportunity in tonight's opening State of Origin clash in Melbourne.

The Blues have embarked on a new era of selections in a bid to secure their first series win since 2005, with nine new faces from the side that lost the 2011 series decider to Queensland.

"Just because you're putting on an Origin jumper doesn't mean you're an Origin player," Gallen said.

"You've got to prove yourself at that level and that's the mentality that all the new guys have got this year.

"Sometimes when you make your debut you're just happy to be there, but that's not the case any more."

One of the new faces - hooker Robbie Farah - is one player to have taken the message on board.

"We can be a part of history or we can make history," said Farah, who will return to Origin for the first time since being dumped after just two games in 2009.

"This team wants to make history by breaking this drought.

"That's the challenge that's been put up in front of us and we're all looking forward to it.

"(New South Wales) built a lot of momentum last year even though the boys lost the series.

"I think we closed that gap last year and now we've got to take that next step this year and win the series."

Despite fitness concerns over Gallen - who has battled knee and thigh injuries during camp - and a virus that ran through the Queensland squad, both sides are expected to line up as named last week.

The Maroons go into game one as $1.50 favourites with the Blues at $2.65.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, melbourne-3000, vic, brisbane-4000, australia, sydney-2000

First posted May 23, 2012 06:30:07

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Inu leaves Warriors for Bulldogs

Updated May 24, 2012 13:31:59

Canterbury has signed out-of-favour Warriors back Krisnan Inu after he was granted an immediate release by the New Zealand side.

The 25-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal after making just 21 first grade appearances for the Warriors since joining 2010.

The former Kiwi international is expected to plug the gap left by a spate of injuries to Canterbury's back line.

"The Bulldogs are excited to have a player of Krisnan Inu's pedigree join the club," coach Des Hasler said.

"Krisnan is an international player and his arrival comes off the back of an horrific run of injuries in our outside backs, numbering five in total.

"We certainly think that Krisnan's arrival will help fill that void."

Inu thanked the Warriors for granting him a mid-season release, having spent much of the season playing for NSW Cup side the Vulcans.

"It's come about sooner than expected due to circumstances and everything has happened quickly over the last couple of days but I'm thankful for the opportunity," Inu said.

"I appreciate what the Warriors have done in letting me go now, giving me the chance to play NRL football.

"I want to thank everyone at the club for what they've done for me. I've enjoyed my time here."

The former Parramatta and Warriors back will play his 100th NRL game when he makes his debut for the Bulldogs.

Tags: sport, rugby-league, canterbury-2193, nsw, australia

First posted May 24, 2012 12:54:40

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State of Origin I: As it happened

Raman Goraya

Updated May 24, 2012 01:09:38

Look back at ABC Grandstand's live coverage of State of Origin game one between Queensland and New South Wales at Docklands.

80': Farah sneaks a grubber in but Boyd bats it dead and Queensland will hang on, yet again. They're celebrating before the drop-out. A tremendous effort by the Maroons. The Blues fall just short. A familiar story.

76': The boot of Farah in play again. But it's more bad news for the Blues. The Tigers hooker attempts a desperate 40/20 but kicks it out on the full.

71': TRY - QUEENSLAND - GREG INGLIS (QLD leads 18-10, Thurston converts the try) - Listen here.

Drama. The video referee has given a controversial four-pointer which has likely sealed victory for the Maroons. Inglis picks up the scraps from a bomb and attempts to score. But the boot of Robbie Farah appears to kick it out of his hands causing him to lose control. Inglis then grounds the ball to break Dale Shearer's Origin record of 12 tries. The Blues are spewing.

68': Worrying signs for the Maroons. Their forwards look very tired. Cam Smith attempts a raking kick out of dummy half and its charged down. Queensland almost pounces on the loose ball but Nate Myles knocks on.

64': A real arm wrestle developing now. Maroons struggling to get go forward but you sense their stars are brewing something. And they are still ahead. Williams looks fine. Buhrer is off after a short stay. Farah back on for the Blues.

61': Possible blow for the Blues. Tony Williams, who has been outstanding since coming off the bench, is on his haunches after being crunched just a few metres out from the try line. Trainer Ronnie Palmer doing his best to assess the damage. Maroons battling away against their own line and survive again.

58': Pearce and Hayne unleash Jennings on the left wing who kicks ahead. Sam Thaiday strolls back and is almost beaten to the ball by a diving Brett Stewart! We go upstairs but the Broncos captain has done enough to ground the ball. Line drop-out Queensland. That would have been comical.

54': Tate plucks another cross-field bomb out of the sky. He's been outstanding. Similar pattern to the first half. Blues with early points and all the field position. Queensland just battling to stay in the contest, but that is something they do very well.

52': Penalty to the Blues. Sharks team-mates Paul Gallen and Todd Carney mull it over and decide to go for the two points. Ricky Stuart's head drops in the coaches box. And Carney misses away to the right. Big let-off for the Maroons who were sucking in the big ones.

49': Hayne causing more mischief coming in from his wing. The Queenslanders are struggling to put him on his bum tonight. Brent Tate takes his second consecutive high ball with aplomb.

48': Maroons trying to fight fire with fire. A great bust by Cronk and off-load to Slater, who was held back by Jennings, ends with a knock on by Thaiday.

43': TRY - NEW SOUTH WALES - Michael Jennings (QLD leads 12-10, try converted by Carney) - Listen here.

Well footy is a funny game. Jennings goes from villain to hero in a matter of minutes. Another bomb spilt by Slater and Jennings is jogging on the spot to pick up the scraps. The Blues are back in it.

Welcome back for the second half. Hopefully it is just as exciting as that opening 40 minutes. Jamie Buhrer for New South Wales and Matt Gillett for Queensland are the only players to not taste any game time yet. Their time will come.

40': TRY - QUEENSLAND - Darius Boyd (QLD leads 12-4, try converted by Thurston) - Listen here.

Maroons score on the half-time siren. Lovely work by Thurston. Drifting left, he has the Blues defenders hanging on his every move. Uate takes the bait and rushes in from his right wing and Boyd is given an easy passage through to the corner. JT adds the extras from the sideline.

39': Penalty to the Maroons as Bird drops Cronk with a dangerous tackle. Definitely past the horizontal. Another chance for Queensland.

35': Carney comes up with another error. He loses it as he tries to get up and play the ball. Maroons on the charge late in the first half but Brett Stewart cleans up a grubber on his own line.

32': Some poor tactics by NSW with a man down. On top of that, the Blues get a penalty but Todd Carney fails to find touch. On a positive note, NSW is back to its full compliment as Jennings returns to the fray.

26': TRY - QUEENSLAND - Darius Boyd (QLD leads 6-4, try converted by Thurston) - Listen here.

The Maroons take the lead. A neat little second man play, with Inglis the unlikely decoy, and some lovely quick hands by Slater puts Boyd over in the corner. Meanwhile, Jennings paces up and down in the dressing rooms.

25': David Taylor is apparently unwell according to sideline eye Craig Hamilton. The back rower on the bench has gone up the tunnel on two occasions.

24': Maroons, with a man advantage, spread it right and Brent Tate comes within inches of scoring in the corner but is pushed into the corner post.

23': Jennings is sin-binned! Ridiculous play by the Panthers centre. He wasn't the only player to run in, but he was throwing hooks like he was trapped in a washing machine.

21': FIGHT! Queensland awarded a penalty and it all breaks out! Greg Bird takes umbrage after the ball is thrown at his head. Luke Lewis comes running in for a piece of Brent Tate and Michael Jennings does likewise throwing wild punches! Pearce and Thaiday also squaring up.

18': Maroons on the attack and in striking distance. Cronk's cross-field kick is knocked on by Hodges and its a turnover. Trent Merrin on for Blues prop James Tamou. Queensland make a change too - David Shillington on for Petero Civoniceva.

17': That man Farah is in the action again. A quick dart out of dummy half and he is HELD UP over the line by Matt Scott and Nate Myles. Desperate defence by the Maroons under pressure.

16': First penalty of the game goes against Queensland. Not exactly sure what for, but Matt Cecchin has his arm out.

15': Maroons try a bit of ad-lib footy to get into the game and the beast Inglis is unleashed on the left side, but is eventually bundled into touch by opposite number Josh Morris.

12': Pearce's cross-field kick is well taken by Inglis. Farah is controlling the game out of dummy half for the Blues with his quick runs and ball playing.

11': It's all happening. Thurston was down in backfield after what looked to be a short jab from Hayne in the play the ball! Slater fails to defuse another bomb and the Blues force a line drop-out. Blues looking for more points.

9': Fantastic take by Billy Slater under a high ball. Took it with the hands outstretched like a Victorian might. Maroons battling to find their rhythm early on.

TRY - NEW SOUTH WALES: Akuila Uate (NSW leads 4-0, conversion missed by Carney) - Listen here.

6': Cross-field kick by Robbie Farah ends up in the hands of winger Akuila Uate after Darius Boyd spills it. Video referee Sean Hampstead finds no initial knock on by the Blues winger and puts up the green light. Touch and go but benefit of doubt correctly goes with the attacking team. A fantastic early start by the underdogs. They look sharp.

5': Maroons under early pressure but Michael Jennings comes up with a mistake 40 metres out. Alas, the Maroons hand it straight back after the scrum.

3': Jarryd Hayne with a good early touch down the left wing. But the set ends in disappointment as Mitchell Pearce's grubber is cleaned up easily by Greg Inglis.

1': Maroons won the toss and kick off to get Origin 2012 underway. Solid opening set by the Blues with Todd Carney's first kick in Origin going straight down the throat of winger Darius Boyd.

8.10pm: Queensland have the names of Arthur Beetson, Ross Henrick and Peter Jackson on their sleeves. All former Maroons who have now passed away.

8.05pm: Very close to kick-off. Deltra Goodrem has come and (thankfully) gone with the pre-match entertainment. The crowd is stirring. The anthem is imminent. Final reminder to tune into ABC Grandstand's coverage on Digital and Local Radio and streaming here.

8.00pm: The referees for tonight are Ben Cummins and Matt Cecchin, who have one and zero games of State of Origin experience respectively. These big games usually call for cool heads under pressure. Let's hope players and referees can deliver alike.

7.50pm: Stick with us throughout the game. We'll have all the big moments including audio and video highlights and plenty of photos as we get through the 80.

7.45pm: Of course we have to hear from a Queensland legend, and Craig Hamilton grabbed 1994 hero Mark Coyne. He says the Queenslanders are showing no signs of complacency as they target seven series wins on the trot.

7.40pm: When talking to Grandstand, Freddy Fittler said the Blues were virtually powerless if Greg Inglis decided "he doesn't want to get tackled tonight". GI is equal with Dale Shearer on 12 for the most Origin tries. Will he take the lead tonight?

If you're after a few more stats, check out Origin by the numbers.

7.30pm: Former Blues coach Phil Gould told Craig Hamilton the Blues can exploit some weaknesses in the Queensland game plan. He said the Maroons' forwards are not in top form and the halves combo of Cronk and Thurston can be susceptible under pressure.

Craig also caught up with former New South Wales captain Brad Fittler who said the Blues are capable of producing the 'perfect game' to defeat Queensland. Freddy says even a few niggles to the Maroons will help.

7.20pm: Queensland is red-hot favourite for this opening encounter and the series. For those unfamiliar with the Maroons' recent Origin dominance, they have won the last six series including nine of the last 11 matches. In their six-year stretch, Mal Meninga's men have lost five of the 18 games played.

Queensland has won the two matches played under the roof at Docklands.

7.00pm: Welcome rugby league lovers and (considering we are in Melbourne for the opener this year) all those not aligned to Queensland or New South Wales, to our live coverage of State of Origin game one. Plenty of pre-match chatter to come. Make sure you tune in to Grandstand's coverage on Digital and Local Radio and streaming here.

Here is a couple of previews from our Grandstand experts to get you in the mood:

Brisbane-based commentators (but neither of them are Queenslanders) Quentin Hull (@QuentinHull) and Alister Nicholson (@AlisterNicho) talk all things Origin I:

Our resident league expert Daniel Anderson (@ABCLeagueCoach) outlines what his Blues need to do to break Queensland's strangle hold.

It is very much the old against the new for State of Origin I with Queensland fielding its well-known and well-oiled machine while New South Wales has named four debutants.

Two of those will start on the field, five-eighth Todd Carney and prop James Tamou, and arguably hold the key to the Blues reversing a six-year Queensland dominance.

The other two new faces are utility Jamie Buhrer and bustling centre-cum-back rower Tony Williams, both from the Sea Eagles.

Queensland will again rely heavily on a big forward pack led by veteran Petero Civoniceva, playing his 31st Origin game, and a match-winning spine of Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater.

Retired Origin legend Darren Lockyer will be watching from the sidelines but the pride of the Broncos will be carried by no fewer than five Brisbane players, including debutant Matt Gillett.

BILLY SLATER

Age: 28 Origin: 17

BRETT STEWART

Age: 27 Origin: 5

DARIUS BOYD

Age: 24 Origin: 11

JARRYD HAYNE

Age: 24 Origin: 13

GREG INGLIS

Age: 25 Origin: 15

MICHAEL JENNINGS

Age: 24 Origin: 4

JUSTIN HODGES

Age: 30 Origin: 12

JOSH MORRIS

Age: 25 Origin: 2

BRENT TATE

Age: 30 Origin: 15

AKUILA UATE

Age: 24 Origin: 3

JOHNATHAN THURSTON

Age: 29 Origin: 21

TODD CARNEY

Age: 25 Origin: 0

COOPER CRONK

Age: 28 Origin: 6

MITCHELL PEARCE

Age: 28 Origin: 6

PAUL GALLEN (C)

Age: 30 Origin: 11

CAMERON SMITH (C)

Age: 28 Origin: 24

ROBBIE FARAH

Age: 28 Origin: 2

PETERO CIVONICEVA

Age: 37 Origin: 30

JAMES TAMOU

Age: 23 Origin: 0

NATE MYLES

Age: 27 Origin: 17

GLENN STEWART

Age: 28 Origin: 3

SAM THAIDAY

Age: 26 Origin: 15

ASHLEY HARRISON

Age: 31 Origin: 12

MATT GILLETT

Age: 23 Origin: 0

TRENT MERRIN

Age: 22 Origin: 2

DAVID TAYLOR

Age: 23 Origin: 4

JAMIE BUHRER

Age: 22 Origin: 0

BEN HANNANT

Age: 27 Origin: 9

DAVID SHILLINGTON

Age: 28 Origin: 4

TONY WILLIAMS

Age: 23 Origin: 0

Tags: state-of-origin, rugby-league, sport, melbourne-3000, nsw, australia, qld, vic

First posted May 23, 2012 19:13:39

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Commission opts against stand-alone Origin

Updated May 24, 2012 17:53:00

The Australian Rugby League Commission has resolved to increase the number of byes allocated before and after State of Origin fixtures to minimise the fatigue on players.

The Commission met on Thursday in Melbourne and confirmed it will continue with Wednesday night fixtures for Origin in 2013 as well as keeping the stand-alone representative weekend for the Anzac Test and City-Country clash earlier in the season.

Eleven players involved in Wednesday night's gruelling State of Origin encounter will be asked to back-up in the two Friday night NRL matches this week.

Eight players from the Storm and Broncos club, to face off in Melbourne on Friday, played in Origin I while three players are also backing up in the Souths-Canberra game in Sydney.

This year's opening State of Origin encounter achieved record television ratings with an average national audience of almost four million.

The Commission confirmed it will not opt for stand-alone Origin fixtures but will adjust the bye format to minimise the impact of Origin on clubs and the players involved.

ARLC chief executive David Gallop said stand-alone Origin weeks were not a practical alternative.

"The success of the State of Origin Series in its current format speaks for itself over a number of years", said ARLC chief executive David Gallop.

"Today's Commission meeting examined a detailed analysis of recovery times and the effect of the Origin series on the overall season structure.

"The flow-on effects of stand-alone Origins across the entire year are such that they are not a practical alternative but the addition of a representative weekend, which worked well in 2012, and of further adjustments to the byes will address a number of issues that have been raised in the past."

Gallop also said the Commission was looking into an increased number of Thursday night NRL matches.

"This would not be on the basis of establishing a regular fixed time-slot but on the basis of establishing specific scheduling opportunities," he said.

Also confirmed today, this year's end-of-season Test between the Kangaroos and Kiwis will be played in Townsville on October 13, the city's first trans-Tasman match.

The meeting also resulted in the ARLC appointing corporate advisors Greenhill Caliburn to assist in television broadcast negotiations.

The Commission said initial offers from existing rights holders Channel Nine and Fox Sports have been received and negotiations have commenced with the Seven and Ten networks.

The ARLC is aiming to seal a broadcast rights deal in the region of $1 billion over five years.

Tags: nrl, state-of-origin, rugby-league, sport, australia

First posted May 24, 2012 17:53:00

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Maroons most attacking side 'in years'

Updated May 23, 2012 17:10:15

Queensland assistant coach Michael Hagan believes the Maroons are fielding their best attacking side in recent years in Wednesday night's opening State of Origin match.

And he says a desperate New South Wales team are weighed down by pressure to win after losing six straight series.

Speaking hours before kick-off at Melbourne's Docklands, Hagan declared the Maroons ready to go, including skipper Cameron Smith who has been battling a cold.

"Everyone's relaxed and our preparation has been exceptionally good," said Hagan, as the Queensland players took their traditional pre-match walk together on the morning of the game.

Hagan said New South Wales would turn heavily to their new "spine" of half-back Mitchell Pearce, hooker Robbie Farah and full-back Brett Stewart to win the clash.

"You're looking at Stewart, Pearce and Farah who haven't been there together before but who are all quality players in their own right," he said.

And that promises a tantalising contest against their Queensland counterparts, Melbourne Storm trio Cooper Cronk, Smith and Billy Slater.

Hagan said coach Ricky Stuart's comments during the week that he "f***ing hated" losing suggested his players would come out fired up in a bid to unsettle the Queenslanders' rhythm early.

"They (NSW) are going to be hard to beat. They are going to be desperate because of the pressure they've been under for a long while," he said.

"They were thereabouts last year and they've obviously built on what they did. We know they've going to have the same attitude in game one and they've got plenty of points in them.

"I don't think they'll be too much between the two teams at the end."

Queensland produced a near-faultless first half in last year's third game series-decider and Hagan said if they could reproduce that effort they would be very hard to beat.

The absence of retired captain and five-eighth Darren Lockyer had allowed the likes of new skipper Smith, promoted half-back Cronk and new five-eighth Johnathan Thurston to step up and have more input, according to Hagan.

"You don't replace a player like Darren but his retirement has allowed Cameron to be more dominant in his role," he said.

"Cooper and JT have been very good in their roles and Billy Slater has provided some really good energy around the team."

Hagan was excited about the prospect of seeing Queensland centres Justin Hodges and Greg Inglis, who is one try short of setting an Origin record, playing fit and in form.

"They're both great players and Queensland fans should be excited," he said.

"We need to get some early quality ball out to both GI and Hodgo. Both Cooper and JT (Thurston) understand that."

Meanwhile the New South WalesPremier Barry O'Farrell has again stressed State of Origin matches should not be played outside of Sydney and Brisbane.

Tonight's series opener will be played in Melbourne, taking a home game away from New South Wales.

Mr O'Farrell says he'll push to stop more matches being played in the Victorian capital in the future.

"It's a nonsense to have State of Origin in Melbourne, it's an insult to Origin fans in Brisbane and in Sydney,'' Mr O'Farrell said.

"We will sell out ANZ stadium for State of Origin II - Queensland has no trouble selling out their Origin matches. It makes sense to have State of Origin matches in the states of origin."

AAP/ABC

Tags: rugby-league, sport, state-of-origin, nsw, qld, melbourne-3000

First posted May 23, 2012 16:28:26

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