Gallen, Stewart miss Blues training

Updated June 07, 2012 14:12:03

Captain Paul Gallen and full-back Brett Stewart sat out New South Wales team training on Thursday morning, as coach Ricky Stuart worked his players ahead of State of Origin II on Wednesday.

Gallen stood on the sidelines at Kogarah Oval with his left leg heavily strapped after tweaking his knee in Cronulla's 29-20 loss to Parramatta on Monday.

But the 30-year-old has said his knee is better than when he suffered the same problem in the build-up to Origin I in Melbourne last month.

"It's definitely better than it felt in game one," Gallen told Sydney radio 2UE on Wednesday night.

"At one stage, I thought I was in danger of missing that game, but I played 80 minutes with no dramas.

Gallen sat out the last 25 minutes of Cronulla's match on Monday.

"I was ready to go back on against Parramatta, but (coach) Shane (Flanagan) kept me back so I probably owe him one," he said.

Gallen will join in with the rest of the squad in training on Friday as the Blues step up their preparations to prevent a seventh successive series defeat in the home match at the Olympic stadium in Sydney.

Stewart has a modified training schedule with Manly due to a long-standing knee problem that has blighted his career, but Blues officials have no doubt he will also take his place in the starting line-up.

Stewart's Manly team-mate Anthony Watmough joined in with the side for the first time since reporting into camp on Monday.

The 27-year-old, who had two cortisone injections for a neck issue earlier this week, was withdrawn from a contact session but, like Stewart and Gallen, is expected to take part in a full session before the weekend.

Meanwhile, Greg Bird has brushed aside Queensland coach Mal Meninga's claim on Wednesday that the Blues are whingers and do not have the mentality for Origin.

Bird says the comments had not even been mentioned by the Blues players or staff.

"They're entitled to their own opinion and I don't really have a comment on it," Bird said.

"I'll go out and do my whingeing on the field. We've got a football game to win and we'll be focusing on us and not what they are saying up there."

AAP

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

First posted June 07, 2012 14:12:03

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Dugan loses driver's licence

Updated June 21, 2012 12:29:35

Canberra Raiders full-back Josh Dugan has lost his driver's licence for six months and been fined $600 after pleading guilty to speeding.

A second charge of driving without a licence was dropped by the prosecution in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Dugan, 22, was accused of speeding in a 60-kilometre zone on a suspended licence in August last year.

Initially he pleaded not guilty to both charges, but today in court the second charge was abandoned by the prosecution.

Dugan then pleaded guilty to driving 100km/h in a 60km zone.

The court heard he was on a probationary licence and had two demerit points already.

The charges followed previous indiscretions in 2010 when he was initially disqualified for 15 months for reckless driving and driving with a suspended licence.

Dugan successfully appealed that disqualification conviction in the ACT Supreme Court and his licence was reinstated in October 2010.

Outside the court Dugan said he is a lot smarter for the experience.

"You know, I made a mistake and just looking to put it behind me and move forward now,'' Dugan said.

"Just looking forward to the game on the weekend."

He will play for the Raiders against North Queensland in Townsville on Saturday night.

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, law-crime-and-justice, courts-and-trials, canberra-2600

First posted June 21, 2012 11:07:58

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Roosters snap Tigers' hot streak

Updated June 17, 2012 17:52:37

Sydney Roosters scored seven tries and held on for dear life to record a thrilling 42-28 win over an emotional Wests Tigers, who had their seven-match winning streak ended on Sunday.

It was confirmed just over an hour before kick-off that Sonia Farah, the mother of Tigers captain and New South Wales State of Origin star Robbie Farah, had died, losing her battle with pancreatic cancer.

The players stood on the field for a minute's silence and Benji Marshall, standing in as Tigers skipper in Farah's absence, appeared to be in tears as a heavy mood set over a packed-out Leichhardt Oval.

But after the opening whistle blew it only took Marshall four minutes to break the match open, with a threaded grubber forcing an error in judgement from Roosters full-back Anthony Minichiello for winger Matt Utai to score.

But from there the Roosters dominated, scoring four first-half tries to put them ahead 36-10 with just under 20 minutes remaining before they were forced to hold on in the face of an exciting last-ditch flurry from the Tigers.

"It's not the way we wanted to finish, a couple of crucial errors there at the end which is disappointing," Roosters half-back Mitchell Pearce told Grandstand.

"But we're not far off. It was good to get the win, we've just got to get the consistency for the 80 minutes and ... try and kick-start our season a bit.

"We brought it on ourselves, we made a couple of crucial errors there and put ourselves under the pump a bit.

"We've just got to keep our nerve and improve in that area."

The home side posted four tries of its own in the final quarter of the game.

Frank-Paul Nuuausala was central in the Roosters' rampaging first half, coming up with six offloads and two try assists to help the visitors to a 24-4 lead at the break.

The New Zealand international threw a crisp pass to Aidan Guerra to give the Roosters a 6-4 lead, and after another Kiwi, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, bagged a try of his own, Nuuausala popped an offload in the 37th minute for Jake Friend to set up a gilt-edged try.

Much like Jarryd Hayne in Wednesday's State of Origin, Friend dropped the ball but managed to get a boot to it, allowing Boyd Cordner to dive over.

Future Tiger Braith Anasta then streaked 30 metres in the shadows of half-time and Lama Tasi barged over for the first try of the second half in what looked like the sealer.

But Tigers prop Keith Galloway scored in the 56th minute before Beau Ryan, Tim Moltzen and Chris Lawrence all crossed in a frantic six minutes in which the Tigers exhibited all their attacking might.

The Tigers trailed by eight with six minutes left and should have got a penalty in front for a high tackle on Marshall - but instead the Roosters survived and prop Martin Kennedy ended any hope of a miracle comeback.

The win meant the young Roosters kept within two wins of the top eight, and their finals hopes remain alive.

"We've got a good side and there's a great team there ... everyone's great mates and we work real hard together," Pearce said.

"The last month we've had a couple of unlucky losses that put us down the ladder a bit.

"Today was really important, it's just good to get the win but we've got to tidy up those crucial errors at bad times and be consistent for the whole 80."

Roosters: 42 (A Guera, J Waerea-Hargreaves, B Cordner, B Anasta, L Tasi, M Pearce, M Kennedy tries; B Anasta 7/7 conversions)

Tigers: 28 (M Utai, K Galloway, B Ryan, T Moltzen, C Lawrence tries; B Marshall 4/5 conversions)

AAP/ABC

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, leichhardt-2040, campbelltown-2560, bondi-junction-2022, nsw, australia

First posted June 17, 2012 17:00:58

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Segeyaro signs Panthers deal

Updated June 15, 2012 18:59:57

Penrith continued its recruitment drive on Friday by announcing North Queensland hooker James Segeyaro will join the club on a three-year deal from 2013.

The new contract provided a timely boost for the 21-year-old after he was earlier this month ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle syndesmosis injury suffered in the Cowboys' loss to Gold Coast.

Segeyaro's signing clouds the future of Kevin Kingston, the club's incumbent 80-minute hooker who recently took over the captaincy reins from Panthers veteran Luke Lewis.

Penrith is in the midst of a major overhaul of their playing roster due to salary cap pressures, with star back Michael Gordon already committing to Cronulla next season and New South Wales centre Michael Jennings reportedly being shopped around to rival clubs.

Papua New Guinea-born Segeyaro is the third signing the Panthers have made in the past month after Melbourne forward Sika Manu and Manly utility Dean Whare revealed they will be joining the Ivan Cleary-coached side in 2013.

"James is an energetic young player with a great deal of potential," Penrith general manager rugby league Phil Moss said.

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, penrith-2750, nsw, australia

First posted June 15, 2012 18:59:57

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Smith dismisses Stuart's 'smug' comments

Updated June 11, 2012 10:12:04

Queensland captain Cameron Smith has dismissed NSW coach Ricky Stuart's claim that his record-breaking State of Origin team are smug and feign graciousness in victory.

Stuart made the comments in a newspaper column before his NSW team attempts to level the Origin series in game two at Sydney's Olympic stadium on Wednesday.

"It's water off a duck's back for me because I know it's not true," said Smith on Monday.

"There's no point getting all flustered about it.

"We know what we're about and we know what we believe in and we can't let this distract us.

"We've got a job to do Wednesday night and we're going to do it."

Asked by a reporter if Stuart's barb had hit an "all time low" in verbal sparring between the camps, Smith said: "I don't know if it's a new low. Obviously Ricky is entitled to his opinion.

"He's probably trying to fire his team up a little bit.

"For us we know what we believe in. We've had to work hard over the years for our last six wins.

"We've been extremely proud of what we've done.

"I guarantee you, every time we come into camp (coach) Mal (Meninga) talks about being humble with our success and making sure we remember our past players and showing humility when we have wins.

"We're not hiding the fact we really enjoy Origin games because we know how hard it is to do that.

"I have to disagree with Ricky because this is a very humble group and we don't show any smugness at all."

The Maroons are having their last day at their camp in Coolum before heading to Sydney on Tuesday.

AAP

Tags: state-of-origin, rugby-league, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted June 11, 2012 10:12:04

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Titans run riot over Panthers

Updated June 17, 2012 19:48:20

An undermanned Gold Coast outfit posted a courageous 36-18 victory over an inept Penrith at Skilled Park on Sunday.

The Titans lost centre Beau Champion (ankle) and pint-sized hooker Matt Srama (shoulder) to injuries in the first half while New South Wales Origin back rower Greg Bird left the field in the 45th minute with an arm injury.

Srama later returned and was involved in a 68th-minute try to utility Luke O'Dwyer as the Titans recorded their fourth win from their past five matches.

"We played well for the majority of that match but just a little bit disappointed in the way we finished," Titans skipper Scott Prince told Grandstand.

"It would have been nice to have a zero next to the Panthers' name but unfortunately we just couldn't shut them out and have a clean sheet on their behalf.

"But we'll take the two points and move on to next week."

Panthers full-back Lachlan Coote, who was named to play for Windsor Wolves in the NSW Cup this week, had a day he would rather forget in a match played in ideal conditions in front of 11,591 fans.

Coote threw an intercept pass that led to a David Mead try and fumbled a pass that resulted in the four-pointer to centre Steve Michaels that gave the hosts an 18-0 lead at half-time.

Coote was also brushed aside attempting to tackle try-bound forward Brenton Lawrence in the 49th minute as the depleted Titans all but wrapped up the two points after racing to a 30-0 lead.

This season, the Panthers have struggled to convert prime field position into points and it was a familiar story against the Titans.

Ivan Cleary's men continually butchered their opportunities through sloppy passes or poor execution.

Recalled centre Michael Jennings, playing his first NRL match in four weeks after being banished to the NSW Cup, should have scored in the 15th minute when he scooped on a loose ball with no one in front of him 70 metres out from the tryline.

But surprisingly the Blues Origin centre was easily run down by winger Kevin Gordon and the Penrith raid was snuffed out by some desperate defence.

It was not until the 59th minute that the Panthers finally got some points on the board with a try to Arana Taumata, who played off the bench a year after being stood down for stealing a prescription pad from the club's doctor.

"It was quick, [I was] definitely itching on the bench, very excited. "It's just good to be back," Taumata said.

"I guess this is anyone's dream and this is where I want to be so ... that was a good performance for me to stay up there and I can work hard and hopefully stay up in first grade for the rest of the year.

"I don't think anyone could probably understand, to be honest," he said of his road back to the NRL.

"From where I started at the end of last year, it was the slums and I don't wish anyone that.

"But obviously I'm back. That's a good thing, I've got my family around me. I've got a little baby so I'm on top of the edge at the moment."

Late tries to Cameron Ciraldo and Ryan Simpkins restored some pride for the Panthers, who were coming off a Monday loss in the wet to the Warriors.

"It's certainly been one of our traits," Prince said of letting Penrith back into the contest.

"We seem to be getting off to a good start in most of our matches and we can't seem to drive the nail in the coffin.

"But that's something to work on and you can't be too critical. Everyone's looking for the perfect game and that's just one aspect we'd like to tidy up, especially leading into next week."

Cleary made four changes to the 17-man squad he named on Tuesday, drafting in Coote, Taumata, Harry Siejka and Chris Armit.

New South Wales back rower Luke Lewis was omitted from the squad.

Titans coach John Cartwright started Maroons forward Nate Myles from the bench and drafted Michaels into the starting side to replace giant centre Jamal Idris, who rolled his ankle at training on Thursday.

Gold Coast: 36 (A Sezer 2, D Mead, S Michaels, B Lawrence, L O'Dwyer tries; S Prince 6/6 conversions)

Penrith: 18 (A Taumata, C Ciraldo, R Simpkins tries; L Walsh 3/3 conversions)

ABC/AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, robina-4226, qld, penrith-2750, nsw, australia

First posted June 17, 2012 15:52:19

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Stuart dodges Origin eve presser

Updated June 12, 2012 21:01:54

New South Wales coach Ricky Stuart's resentment over his side's treatment in State of Origin I continues to fester after he snubbed a scheduled media conference on the eve of Wednesday night's game two.

Stuart made the decision 30 minutes before Tuesday's conference at the team's hotel to send assistant Trent Barrett to face the media ahead of the must-win clash at Sydney's Olympic stadium.

The Blues mentor was upset at several incidents before and during game one in Melbourne, particularly Queensland's decision not to send captain Cameron Smith to an arranged media conference which the Maroons claim was due to Smith having the flu.

Stuart slapped a media ban on his players after the series-opening loss in what was perceived as an attempt to make a point.

Barrett denied there was any message motive in Stuart's no-show on Tuesday.

"It's no siege mentality," Barrett said.

"He's certainly done enough publicity in the last few weeks to give him a break this afternoon.

"We've got (a crowd of) 84,000 people at Homebush so job done.

"We've just got to worry about the footy now."

Barrett confirmed prop Tim Grant (back and hamstring) and skipper Paul Gallen (knee) would be right to take part in Tuesday night's captain's run at the Olympic stadium.

AAP

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

First posted June 12, 2012 21:01:54

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Dogs go second over Dragons

Updated June 15, 2012 22:14:31

Canterbury survived a late St George Illawarra fight-back to run out 28-20 winners in Wollongong on Friday night to move into second spot on the ladder.

The Bulldogs were coasting when leading 28-6 shortly after half-time thanks to try doubles from Josh Reynolds and Josh Morris, but having shown little life over the opening 50 minutes the Dragons surged back to give the visitors a fright.

Three tries in the space of 15 minutes brought the Dragons to within eight points with a quarter-hour remaining.

But Jamie Soward's missed conversion of Matt Cooper's 65th-minute try kept the Bulldogs out of reach as the home side lost its fifth game in six matches.

"Our first half was great, we came out and did what we wanted to do, and then I don't know what happened," star Bulldogs full-back Ben Barba told Grandstand.

"The second half we talked about it the whole time - we didn't want it to happen, let them back into it, but unfortunately we did and it made it tough on ourselves and a bit nervy in the end there.

"But it gives us something to work on now for next week against a really good Storm side."

Canterbury burst out of the gates with three tries in the opening quarter of the game and at 18-0 the visitors were beating the clock.

As good as the Bulldogs were - with Sam Kasiano and Frank Pritchard's size and skill causing all sort of problems - the Dragons did themselves no favours with all three tries coming on the back of penalties.

Krisnan Inu's 17th-minute try, when Jason Nightingale had spilled a cross-field kick, came after Ben Hornby had sent his kick-off out on the full following Morris's try three minutes earlier.

The Dragons converted three straight penalties into a Kyle Stanley four-pointer, but their comeback copped a dagger on half-time when Dean Young - in his 200th match for the club - was stripped of the ball and Reynolds raced away for his second.

The home fans in the first game in Wollongong for 2012 had every reason to start making an early exit for the gates when Josh Morris crossed for his second four minutes after the re-start, but they would have missed a spirited comeback.

It was as if the Dragons had decided with the match as good as gone to finally play some football - and with an emphasis on short passing around the ruck they started finding holes in the defensive line.

The comeback was sparked by Soward, whose clever kick on the chest of a flying Daniel Vidot started the surge in the 50th minute, and a turnaround in the penalty flow which went from 7-3 to the Bulldogs in the first half to end up 9-8 in the Dragons' favour.

"It all came down to offloads," Barba admitted.

"[Their] offloads pulled some of the boys out of the line and you can't do that to a side like the Dragons.

"They'll tear you apart with Soward, Hornby, Brett Morris and blokes like that.

"Even though we got the win it's still disappointing how we finished, we made it really tough for ourselves."

Canterbury: 28 (J Reynolds 2, J Morris 2, K Inu tries; K Inu 4/5 conversions)

St George Illawarra: 20 (K Stanley, D Vidot, B Morris, M Cooper tries; J Soward 2/4 conversions)

ABC/AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, wollongong-2500, canterbury-2193, bankstown-2200, nsw, australia

First posted June 15, 2012 21:32:04

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Blues see no reason to change Origin I plan

Updated June 08, 2012 19:14:56

New South Wales is adamant the game plan it took into State of Origin I needs only minor tweaking for it to deliver the success it craves in Wednesday night's Olympic stadium rematch.

Despite going down in the series opener to be on the brink of a seventh straight series loss, the Blues steadfastly believe what was close but not close enough in Melbourne will come up trumps in Sydney.

"We've looked a little bit at the video of game one and where we can improve," New South Wales centre Josh Morris said on Friday.

"We were pretty close in game one and I don't think we have to change too much, we just have to improve in a few little areas."

One of those "little areas" is down the Blues' right edge, with the untried combination of Morris and winger Akuila Uate badly exposed at Docklands.

Morris did a superb job shutting down opposite Greg Inglis, but the man on Inglis' outside - Darius Boyd - scored a double in the 18-10 win.

The first try could be excused with the Blues short-staffed with Michael Jennings in the sin bin, but it was simply a poor defensive read by Uate which allowed Boyd to stroll in for his second.

"Communication's the biggest thing - there was probably a lack of communication there and that's where they got us," Morris said.

"We've been talking all week about it and we certainly don't want it to happen again."

Morris and Uate are also keen to give Inglis and Boyd a taste of their own medicine, admitting the Blues have worked on ways to get more ball to the right edge after it had naturally gravitated to the side of Jennings and Jarryd Hayne in game one.

"If we can work over their edge defenders that'll help us and probably limit their potency in attack," Morris said.

"We've spoken about a few things to improve and one of them is getting more ball down our right hand side of the field."

Meanwhile the Blues trained as a full unit for the first time on Friday after injured trio Paul Gallen, full-back Brett Stewart and interchange forward Anthony Watmough took part having previously been restricted to the role of onlooker.

Watmough was spared any contact work but neither Gallen nor Stewart appeared to be hampered as they took part in a series of opposed sessions.

Utility forward Ben Creagh said the series-opening loss had not diluted confidence in the camp.

"You've got to stay positive otherwise it's a hard job," Creagh said.

"We've got to look at the positives we can take out of game one - there were patches in that game where we played well."

AAP

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

First posted June 08, 2012 19:14:56

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Slater set to miss Origin decider

Updated June 14, 2012 19:39:50

Billy Slater's knee injury is likely to sideline the Queensland full-back from the State of Origin decider in Brisbane next month.

Scans on Thursday revealed Slater sustained a grade three tear of the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Wednesday night's Origin II, which New South Wales won 16-12 to level the series at 1-1.

Slater will not require surgery but he tweeted on Thursday he may be sidelined for up to six weeks, which would rule him out of Origin III on July 4 at Lang Park.

"Scans showed I've done my PCL in my knee. Looking at missing 4-6 weeks. Disappointed but I'm positive about getting it right," the tweet read.

Meanwhile, Maroons back rower Corey Parker is hoping to be available for Origin III despite undergoing surgery for an horrific leg gash.

Parker tagged himself with his own studs, a mishap the Brisbane Broncos stalwart says is not "uncommon" amongst NRL players.

But it seems nothing could quite prepare him - or the Maroons staff - for what was revealed after he peeled back his sock following what appeared to be an innocuous hit-up in Sydney on Wednesday night.

Parker became ashen-faced and some staff were almost physically ill when they first saw the gaping wound that went through to the bone early in the second half.

Unbelievably, Parker is understood to have asked Maroons team doctor Roy Saunders if he could go back onto the field.

Parker underwent surgery in Sydney on Wednesday night but backed himself to be available for the series decider when he flew back into Brisbane on Thursday.

He limped into Brisbane wearing a moon boot, still seeming to be shaking his head over the freak accident.

"I was just taking a hit-up and tagged myself with my own boot which is not uncommon," Parker said.

"But I felt it go in and rip right down my shin so it wasn't too pleasant.

"I don't usually wear stakes too often. That ground warranted stakes but I won't be wearing them again I don't think."

Asked what he thought when he first saw the gash, an understated Parker said: "I knew it wasn't supposed to be the case and got treatment straight away.

"I haven't seen anything like it, not while I have been playing.

"It is just one of those unfortunate injuries.

"When I pulled my sock down I wasn't expecting to see what I saw.

"The fact it was so deep probably helped with the pain - the pain wasn't too bad."

Parker admits he "had no idea" when he will return but says infection is the main enemy in his battle to return to the field.

"In my business you try to get back as soon as you can and I am no different," he said.

"It's just about how it mends but I am a pretty quick healer.

"It was a pretty tough and torrid affair out there and I would like nothing more than to be able to lend a hand in game three."

ABC/AAP

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

First posted June 14, 2012 16:39:35

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Roosters' Arona charged with kneeing

Updated June 11, 2012 14:21:53

Sydney Roosters interchange forward Tinirau Arona has been charged by the judiciary with kneeing Broncos opponent Nick Slyney.

The incident took place at the start of the second half during the Roosters' 40-22 loss to the Broncos on Sunday.

Arona is likely to accept an early guilty plea and miss no games. He will carry over 75 penalty points.

He risks a one-match suspension should the Roosters elect to contest the charge.

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, sydney-2000, australia

First posted June 11, 2012 14:21:53

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Tate oblivious to Jennings' Origin punch

Updated June 06, 2012 20:30:48

It was the wild punch that not only changed a game but set the stage for an explosive Origin II in Sydney.

However, the victim of Michael Jennings' game one haymaker - Brent Tate - reckoned he had no idea he had been struck by the New South Wales flyer until team-mates told him after Queensland's 18-10 win.

All New South Wales' early good work in the series opener in Melbourne was undone when Jennings was sin-binned for running in and landing a reckless hook on Tate as a brawl erupted.

It not only turned the match in Queensland's favour but ensured simmering tensions for the re-match in Sydney.

As a result, Queensland forward David Shillington admitted "tempers are sure to boil over" in game two.

However, Shillington revealed Tate was oblivious to Jennings' now infamous shot at the time.

"Someone asked about Jennings' hit after the game and he (Tate) said `did he?'," Shillington said.

"Brent said he didn't even realise he got hit.

"Someone even said (New South Wales half-back) Mitchell Pearce took a swing at me but I didn't even realise - I haven't even seen the replay yet.

"That's just what happens in the arena sometimes. It is so intense."

Shillington did not harbour any ill-feeling toward Jennings, who made it clear he would not be backing down in game two despite the punch earning a one-match ban.

But the towering Queensland forward could not make the same promise for the rest of his team.

"Origin is about protecting your mate and doing it for each other - us against them," he said.

"He (Jennings) just got caught up in all that emotion, saw a stink and ran in to do his part.

"Obviously it wasn't that desirable what he did but he paid the penalty by going to the sin bin and putting his team under pressure.

"But something like that will happen every game because of the intensity of the match - tempers are sure to boil over (in game two)."

Game one man of the match, Queensland's Nate Myles, was also bracing himself for some New South Wales fire and brimstone.

"It's always a fiery one in Origin. I don't expect any different especially at their home ground," he said.

The game one brawl was sparked by an altercation between Maroons prop Matt Scott and Myles' Gold Coast Titans club team-mate - and New South Wales rival - Greg Bird.

Myles secretly hoped history did not repeat in Origin II - for his own sake.

"We get along well. I actually went to dinner with him the other night," Myles said of Bird.

"But truth be told he would probably bash me in a fight. I'm a lover, he's a fighter."

AAP

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

First posted June 06, 2012 16:39:17

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Coote the latest Panther axed

Updated June 12, 2012 19:32:50

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary axed another of his big names with Lachlan Coote paying the price for an indifferent display against the Warriors on Monday.

Cleary has named a 20-man squad for the clash against Gold Coast at Skilled Park, with in-form young winger Josh Mansour named in the number one shirt at the expense of Coote.

The City representative full-back has been one of the Panthers' better performers this year, but will play for Windsor Wolves in the NSW Cup this weekend.

Cleary also dumped Blues Origin centre Michael Jennings to reserve grade last month after he failed to fire and also stripped Luke Lewis of the captaincy.

There has been speculation that Coote, 22, would be released by the salary-cap stricken Panthers, who have a number of their stars such as Lewis, Tim Grant, Jennings and Sam McKendry on huge contracts.

With the injured Michael Gordon on his way to Cronulla, it was expected Coote would be the club's long-term custodian.

But Mansour now gets the opportunity to bolster his burgeoning reputation which has seen him score three tries in five games on the wing.

The Titans will have their three State of Origin representatives back for the clash with Greg Bird, Ashley Harrison and Nate Myles named in the side alongside Scott Prince, who missed last week's loss to Cronulla.

Cartwright is confident three days' recovery will be enough for Nate Miles, Ashley Harrison and Greg Bird to back up after Wednesday night's Origin II in Sydney.

"They're pretty good at backing up," Cartwright told reporters on Tuesday.

"We want to get them back on the field and they want to get back onto the field more importantly."

Cartwright did not let the fact Prince will not return to training until Thursday stop him selecting the former Queensland representative to take on the Panthers.

"He was close to being able to play on the weekend, and with a week of treatment I expect he'll be OK," Cartwright said, adding his hope the Panthers' own Origin trio of Tim Grant, Luke Lewis and Michael Jennings can also take to the field to ensure a tough contest at Skilled Park.

"They're three very good players, Grant gives them plenty of go-forward, Lewis is sort of their rock - he provides everything for them - and Jennings is that X-Factor.

"If they get through the Origin game unscathed it's definitely going to give those guys a lift.

"I don't think they've had them all back together for a while through Origin and injury so it'll be interesting to see."

Prop Luke Bailey (ribs) is the Titans' only major omission.

Warriors workhorse Micheal Luck returns to action for the first time since last year's grand final following off-season shoulder and wrist surgery.

Luck, who will retire at the end of the season, is included on the bench by coach Brian McClellan for the trip to Shark Park where he will face Cronulla, which will have Origin pair Todd Carney and Paul Gallen back.

"It's such a relief to be able to get out on the field after all this time," Luck said.

"The last few months have been hugely frustrating so just being back in full training with the boys has been exciting and to now have the chance at last to play again couldn't be better. I can't wait for Saturday night."

South Sydney coach Michael Maguire has named Luke Burgess in the starting line-up against Parramatta, as a replacement for his brother Sam, who is out for a month with a knee injury.

Chris McQueen will deputise for back-rower Eddie Pettybourne, who is out with a back problem.

George Burgess, who made his debut in the loss to Canterbury last month, is named on an extended bench that includes Nathan Peats and Shaune Corrigan.

AAP

Tags: nrl, sport, rugby-league, penrith-2750, robina-4226, qld, nsw, australia

First posted June 12, 2012 17:34:46

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Maroons honour Origin great Beetson

By Fidelis Rego

Updated June 06, 2012 09:01:28

The Queensland State of Origin team is heading to the state's southern inland this morning to honour one of its greatest players, and the victims of this year's floods.

Thousands of fans are expected to cheer on the Maroons during a street parade through Roma this morning.

Manager Steve Walters says the players are keen to show their support for the district after February's record floods.

"It's always been a good hunting ground or breeding ground for us, so it's good for the guys to get up there and say hello to the people," he said.

The town has produced Origin stars including Arthur Beetson, Darren Lockyer and Willie Carne.

Walters says the team wanted to travel to Roma to honour the Former Origin Great (FOG) Beetson, who died last year.

"We all have our FOG numbers of course and he's FOG number one," he said.

"That pretty well says it all about where he sits in the scheme of things."

The players will train at the Arthur Beetson oval before flying to the Sunshine Coast this evening.

Tags: state-of-origin, person, roma-4455, toowoomba-4350, qld

First posted June 06, 2012 07:38:57

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Defeat to Raiders ramps up pressure on Bennett

Updated June 09, 2012 23:03:53

Wayne Bennett's season of misery continued on Saturday night when Newcastle fell meekly to a 32-16 defeat to Canberra at Hunter Stadium.

The upset loss, which leaves Newcastle just two points off last place and on a five-game losing streak, resulted in them being booed off the field by a disappointed crowd after losing to a Raiders outfit which had to deny rumours their coach David Furner was facing the sack earlier this week.

Both sides entered the match in horrible form and with coaches under immense pressure.

Canberra had lost five of its past six, including an incredible 40-0 loss to Wests Tigers at home last round, while Newcastle had conceded 50 points in its last start at Brisbane.

But it was the Raiders who shot out of the blocks, makeshift five-eighth Josh Dugan setting up tries to Edrick Lee and Joel Thompson in the opening ten minutes to open up a 12-0 lead.

A penalty goal to Jarrod Croker, who kicked six from six, extended the lead to 14 before the Knights were sparked into action.

Mid-season buys Dane Gagai, sacked by Brisbane earlier this year, and Willie Mason, without a club until thrown a lifeline by the Knights, both crossed to pull the home team within eight at half-time.

Mason has been a rare bright spot in Newcastle's awful form, and his try before the break drew a small cheer from the crowd but the Knights never looked like reeling in the Raiders, even when given a glut of possession early in the second half thanks to some sloppy Canberra handling.

In the end it was a fortuitous penalty which gifted the Knights their best opportunity, and they made the most of it - James McManus scoring out wide to reduce the deficit to just four.

But a comical play-the-ball error from Kade Snowden soon after the kickoff led to a Trevor Thurling try with just over 15 minutes to play, while Lee sprinted 70 metres to ice the game with his second try five minutes from time.

Raiders coach Furner said his overwhelming feeling after the match was not one of relief - but of pride at how his squad had bounced back from their humiliating loss to the Tigers.

"I believe in what the players can achieve," Furner said.

"... As a coach, it's more just being proud of how they responded."

The win comes at the perfect time for the Raiders who have the bye next week, moving them to 14 competition points - or just two behind the current top eight.

It is a different story for the Knights, with Bennett admitting he was not sure how to take the loss which appeared to erode any improvements seen by the Knights this season.

"I don't know whether we're going backwards or forwards right now," he said.

"We're not going anywhere to be honest with you.

"There's not much to take out of (these losses) except what we all know.

"If you keep making unforced errors you're going to keep yourself under a lot of pressure and we're not defending it real well at the moment either, so it's all compounding."

Raiders winger Dimitri Pelo was placed on report for making contact with his forearm into a Newcastle player in the final tackle of the match.

Canberra: 32 (E Lee 2, J Thompson, B Harrison, T Thurling tries; J Croker 5/5 cons, 1/1 pen)

Newcastle: 16 (D Gagai, W Mason, J McManus tries; J McManus 2/3 cons)

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, newcastle-2300, nsw, canberra-2600, act, australia

First posted June 09, 2012 21:26:32

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NRL ref Cecchin under fresh fire

Updated June 11, 2012 10:14:26

Matt Cecchin could find himself going from State of Origin to NSW Cup in the space of a month after Sunday's NRL clash between the Brisbane Broncos and Sydney Roosters was marred by three controversial calls.

Cecchin, who was last week axed from officiating Origin two, pocket referee Adam Devcich and video referee Bernard Sutton will come under scrutiny when referees' chief Bill Harrigan assesses their performances in his weekly review on Monday.

Harrigan, who survived an NRL review into the performances of match officials on Thursday, will be under pressure to sack the trio for next weekend after tries to Brisbane's Peter Wallace and the Roosters' Tinirau Arona should not have been given.

Arona dropped the ball over the line as he scored, but Cecchin did not go to the video referee and awarded the four points.

Sutton then gave Wallace the benefit of the doubt when he appeared to promote the ball in a double movement as he lunged over the line.

However, the biggest controversy came just after half-time when Roosters centre Joseph Leilua was wrestled to the ground by Broncos winger Lachlan Maranta.

The hosts claimed Cecchin called "Roosters ball" - which he denied - but before the confused home side had time to react, Maranta ripped the ball from Leilua's grasp, and without playing the ball sprinted towards the line, then passed to Alex Glenn who scored.

The try came when the score was 16-12 to the visitors and although Roosters coach Brian Smith and skipper Braith Anasta denied the decision cost them the game, like Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin they were baffled by the call.

"There were some funny things happening out there from both sides," Griffin said.

"They let Maranta get up and run with the ball so that is one we shouldn't have got."

Glenn said that he was convinced the referee would call the play back, but his decision to play the whistle paid off.

"It was funny. I didn't know what to expect. I was waiting for the referees to call it back, but they didn't," Glenn said.

Anasta banged his forehead on the table in despair at the press conference as Smith voiced his frustrations at the Glenn try.

"It's probably right at the top of the list of the amazing things that happened ... bewildering," Smith said.

"If he'd ruled we'd knocked it on or they'd knocked it back and ruled they were in possession of the ball, then at that point he had to call tackled or six again or play on and Broncos then have to play the ball.

"That's a tackle. The guy is stationary.

"It was reported to me that referee Cecchin said that the ball wasn't on the ground so therefore that wasn't a tackle.

"There are a thousand tackles made every weekend where the ball never touches the ground.

"It's whether he was stationary and whether he was held that mattered."

Anasta said Cecchin denied that he had called Roosters ball, but was at a loss to explain why the try was awarded.

"My players were saying they (referees) said Roosters ball so I said that to the referee ... and he denied it.

"I said 'If it was Broncos ball then it was held because play had stopped and they were both holding the ball' but he said 'no'.

"I'm sick of talking about it. It's happened a lot this year."

In Sunday's other game, Cronulla ended a run of two successive losses with a comfortable 22-12 win over Gold Coast.

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted June 11, 2012 08:23:47

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Stewart all but out for Origin III

Updated June 19, 2012 19:03:23

Manly second-rower Glenn Stewart will be sidelined for up to four weeks with a medial ligament tear in his left knee.

The injury means Stewart's hopes of helping New South Wales to its first State of Origin series win in seven years on July 4 in Brisbane are all but over.

Stewart came off in the first half of the Sea Eagles' loss to Melbourne at Brookvale Oval on Monday night after his knee was twisted under the weight of Storm utility Rory Kostjasyn in a tackle.

Manly confirmed the injury in a brief statement on its website on Tuesday afternoon, saying the 28-year-old will miss between three and four weeks.

It is a blow for Blues selectors ahead of the crucial Origin decider as they look to break Queensland's streak of six consecutive series wins.

But New South Wales assistant coach Trent Barrett said the side has the depth to cope with the loss of Stewart.

"We'll be okay but he'd be a huge loss. He's a very important part of our side," Barrett said before the Sea Eagles confirmed Stewart's injury lay-off.

Melbourne's Ryan Hoffman and St George Illawarra's Beau Scott would be candidates to replace Stewart, as is his Manly team-mate Tony Williams who is recovering from a back injury sustained in Origin I.

"Ryan's there and there's also Beau Scott who has been there and done a terrific job for us before and T-Rex may be fit," Barrett said.

"We've got some options."

New South Wales back-rower Luke Lewis admits the injury to Stewart is a body blow for the Blues.

"We've got a great bunch of blokes and everyone gets on well and it wouldn't be the same without him," he said.

"He's played a lot of footy and played in a lot of big games and has been a vital part of the New South Wales team."

ABC/AAP

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

First posted June 19, 2012 18:05:03

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Recreational and Sports Amenities in Kingston Upon Hull

Blues level Origin series as Maroons limp home

Updated June 14, 2012 13:15:20

Queensland may be without Billy Slater and Corey Parker for next month's State of Origin decider in Brisbane following a bruising 16-12 loss to New South Wales at Sydney's Olympic stadium last night.

Parker has had surgery on a badly lacerated leg and Slater will have scans on a damaged left knee this afternoon.

New South Wales scores two tries within three minutes at the beginning of the second half to lead 16-6 while Queensland half-back Cooper Cronk was in the sin-bin.

Maroons centre Greg Inglis scored with 17 minutes to go to keep alive Queensland's chances of taking the game and seventh successive series.

In the end it was the much-maligned Michael Jennings - who could not even get a game for Penrith when chosen for Origin I last month - who saved the day for the Blues, with a try-saving goal-line play to knock the ball out of Brent Tate's hands with 10 minutes left.

Queensland battered the Blues' line but could not find a way through as time ran out to leave the vast majority of the 83,110 fans in attendance celebrating a New South Wales win.

Extending the Maroons' stranglehold on the series to a seventh straight year may now depend on finding adequate replacements for both Parker and Slater.

In a horror start to the second stanza for Queensland, back rower Parker was carried off after cutting open his leg in the first 30 seconds of the half.

The damage appears likely to keep Parker out for an extended time, while fullback Slater played to take a string of high balls from New South Wales after appearing to take a serious knock to his knee.

If both players are out for Origin III, it will put pressure on Queensland selectors to find a side to match a Blues' outfit brimming with confidence for the decider.

Blues full-back Brett Stewart scored two tries and centre Josh Morris one. Todd Carney had a strong game setting up Stewart's second try and almost scoring his own when Cronk held him off the ball to earn a stint in the bin.

The Blues intentions were clear from the outset upsetting Queensland's rhythm with huge hits and tenacious defence.

New South Wales hooker Robbie Farah made an incredible 64 tackles and coach Ricky Stuart said it was an example of the toughness of his Blues team.

"It gives a bit of an understanding of what's within this team," Stuart said after the match.

Stuart praised his side's defence and its ability to withstand Queensland's typical strong finish.

"I'm proud of the way they hung in there and the grit and determination they showed at the end," Stuart said.

Two-try hero Stewart almost had a horror start to the game when he appeared to spill a Cronk bomb in the Blues in-goal after 12 minutes.

Three Queensland players stormed in after the ball but referee Tony Archer ruled the Manly custodian had done enough to ground the ball.

No points were scored until 25 minutes into the match when Stewart crashed through a Johnathan Thurston tackle on the line to score his first try.

The Blues looked like taking a 4-0 lead into the half-time break before Maroons forward Ben Hannant took advantage of a spilled Cronk bomb to dive under the posts right at the end of the first 40 minutes.

Thurston's simple conversion gave Queensland a 6-4 lead before they were stunned by the Blues within minutes of the second stanza.

Queensland lost Parker and then Cronk to the bin within two minutes of the re-start.

Following the Cronk professional foul Carney kicked a penalty goal to level the scores before tries to Stewart and Morris followed.

Morris scored when Jarryd Hayne had the ball stripped out before kicking it through to be collected by a flying Morris.

Inglis's 14th Origin try came from a Thurston bomb into the corned that was batted down by Darius Boyd.

In the final minutes of the game the Blues defence stood tall just as it had at the beginning of the match to keep New South Wales in the series.

Blues second rower Greg Bird who had bruised Queensland with punishing defence was named man of the match.

Maroons skipper Cameron Smith said mistakes had cost his side a game it should have won.

"I thought we had more control of this game than we did in the first game in Melbourne," Smith said.

"There are a lot of positives to take out of the game but our execution wasn't up to scratch for State of Origin."

With no major controversies in the match referees Tony Archer and Ben Cummins are likely to keep their jobs for Origin III at Lang Park on July 4.

New South Wales 16 (B Stewart, J Morris tries; T Carney 2 goals) d Queensland 12 (B Hannant, G Inglis tries; J Thurston 2 goals).

Tags: sport, rugby-league, state-of-origin, australia, nsw, homebush-bay-2127

First posted June 13, 2012 22:27:32

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Hasler delighted by Barba's Origin link

Updated June 20, 2012 14:29:04

Canterbury coach Des Hasler says the fact Ben Barba is even being considered as a replacement for injured Queensland full-back Billy Slater in the State of Origin decider is a reward for his strong performances this season.

Barba has been in top form for the second-placed Bulldogs under the guidance of Hasler, particularly in his defensive game.

The 21-year-old will get the opportunity to show his credentials against ladder leaders Melbourne in Mackay on Sunday and a strong performance could potentially elevate him into Mal Meninga's side for the July 4 showdown in Brisbane.

Hasler refused to be drawn on whether he thinks Barba should be selected, but heaped praised on the diminutive custodian, who was 19th man for the Maroons in Origin II.

"Benny's been playing really good, consistent footy this year - he's worked really hard on his game," Hasler said.

"It was great to see him involved in the Origin experience at game two.

"It's great for him to see his name being put alongside the likes of (Greg) Inglis and Darius Boyd, players that Benny obviously looks up to.

"It's a good reward for Benny, to think that he's being considered in that mix."

The former Manly coach stopped short of saying whether he thinks Barba can handle such an intense Origin match but suggests he is up to it.

"I think to play full-back in the NRL, there's a certain temperament that you've got to have," he said.

Barba says it will be a dream to be called up.

"If I ever get the chance to wear that Maroons jumper, I'll take it head on," Barba said.

"It's definitely a dream of mine to do that."

Barba also revealed the Bulldogs' New Zealand-born prop Sam Kasiano does want to play for the Maroons.

Kasiano signed a letter committing himself to the Kiwis earlier this year, but has publicly remained tight-lipped on whether he would declare for Australia so he can play State of Origin.

Barba says Kasiano is ready for Origin and hopes he gets to play alongside side him on July 4.

"I had a chat with him and he wants to play for us (Queensland). I'm hoping he does," he said.

Sunday's match is the first time Mackay has hosted an NRL fixture.

The last of the 12,000 tickets available sold out on Wednesday.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, canterbury-2193, qld

First posted June 20, 2012 14:29:04

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Sporting Fans Could Consider a Redecoration For Your Home With Sports Merchandise of Your Favourite

Eels lure Lussick from Manly

Updated June 14, 2012 14:30:18

Parramatta continued their NRL recruitment drive on Thursday, with talented young prop Darcy Lussick signing a three-year deal with the Eels from the start of 2013.

Lussick, the son of former Manly first-grader Jason, becomes the second Sea Eagles forward to sign elsewhere in the past fortnight following second-rower Tony Williams' decision to link with Canterbury.

The 22-year-old was in high demand in the off-season following a promising debut year at Manly in 2011 and his signing comes on the back of the club recruiting halfback Luke Kelly from Melbourne.

Lussick has played 12 games for the Sea Eagles this season, producing a career-best 166 metres against St George Illawarra in round 13.

He said he is excited to be joining his brother Joey, who plays halfback in Parramatta's SG Ball side, at the Eels.

"For me, it was tough to leave Manly because I've loved every minute of my footy there and I am grateful for everything they've done for me," he said.

"But from what I've seen at Parramatta, I think I'll enjoy my footy there and, although they aren't getting the best of results at the moment, I think there's some really good times ahead for the Eels.

"We're a close family and for me and Joey to be playing at the same club is also a great bonus ... hopefully, one day we can both be playing first grade for the Eels."

Parramatta coach Stephen Kearney said it was encouraging that Lussick was eager to join the last-placed club despite their poor season to date.

"Results on the field have been tough to come by this year but what's positive for us is a young man like Darcy Lussick, who had the opportunity to play at a number of other NRL clubs, has chosen to come here and is genuinely excited about what we're doing here," Kearney said.

AAP

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

First posted June 14, 2012 14:30:18

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Calls grow for Greenberg to replace Gallop

Updated June 07, 2012 07:53:49

Former NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley has backed Canterbury chief executive Todd Greenberg to be an ideal replacement for David Gallop.

Annesley, who stepped down as Gallop's right-hand man to run for election to the New South Wales government, says he was surprised at his former boss' sudden departure as Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) chief executive on Tuesday.

"I've kept in close contact with David, and having agreed a four-year contract with the commission I wasn't expecting him to go just four months later," said Annesley, who is now the New South Wales Sport Minister.

"The game is in much better shape than it was 10 years ago when David was appointed CEO."

Gallop was unceremoniously dumped by ARLC Commission chairman John Grant, ending a 10-year reign as the most senior administrator in the game.

His departure leaves a vacancy for one of the most challenging positions in Australian sport, reporting to an eight-man commission headed by the ruthless former Kangaroos winger and self-made millionaire Grant.

Annesley says Greenberg has the credentials to take on the role after turning around the image and off-field fortunes of the Bulldogs.

The 40-year-old was appointed to replace Malcolm Noad in March 2008, becoming the youngest chief executive in the NRL, and signed a new three-year contract late last year.

Annesley says it is vital Gallop's replacement loves rugby league, although a background is not essential and Greenberg ticked many boxes.

"I think the new person does have to have an interest in the game, which Todd obviously does," he said.

"But they also need to have a whole lot of other skills like corporate and commercial experience as rugby league is a big business now.

"Todd has done an amazing job with the Bulldogs. I've worked with him for many years even before he was CEO and he's a very capable person."

Canterbury directors are believed to be desperate to keep Greenberg at the club.

Warren Wilson of the Penrith Panthers Group has also been touted as a replacement, as has former federal sports minister Mark Arbib, who quit politics in February after the ALP leadership battle.

Despite sitting on different sides of the political fence, Annesley says he has full respect for Arbib - a Sydney Roosters member - and was someone the ARLC should also look at carefully.

"It's the right mix of skills that makes the candidate the right person for the job," he said.

"I've worked closely with Mark when he was Federal Sports Minister.

"We both had the same role at state and federal level. He is a very capable person, but he is just one of many who would have the skills they are looking for."

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, belmore-2192

First posted June 07, 2012 07:53:49

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Maroons lose Thaiday for Origin II

Updated June 08, 2012 15:55:45

Queensland back rower Sam Thaiday has been ruled out of State of Origin II because of a shoulder injury.

Thaiday sustained the injury in Brisbane's 50-24 win over Newcastle last Sunday and carried the complaint into the Maroons camp.

He was hopeful it would respond to treatment this week but after consultation with Queensland medical staff Thaiday was ruled out of Wednesday's match against the Blues.

"We felt that it was in the best interests of Sam and the team to rule him out today," Maroons team doctor Roy Saunders said.

Thaiday has left the Queensland camp and will gain further treatment of his injury from Broncos staff.

Broncos team-mate and Queensland 18th man Corey Parker will replace Thaiday in the Maroons squad after missing out on selection for game one.

"Sam was the one that came and told me this morning," Parker said.

"Sam was very honest and made a call in regards to his injury - he thought that if he was to play he might not be 100 per cent and didn't want to let the boys down.

"I'm no doctor but as far as I know there's a small tear in the front of his shoulder and I guess scans will confirm the severity of it all."

Parker, who was named the Broncos' forward of the year in 2011, was realistic about his expectations for Wednesday night.

"At this stage I would assume my role is ... to do a job off the bench and hopefully I can do that pretty well," he said.

"When I first came into camp I had to prepare like I was playing.

"That was going to be beneficial to myself and the team. I found out this morning, it's been an up and down sort of day I guess."

Having played six Origin matches since his debut in 2004, Parker said Maroons camp was like a second home.

"Coming back into this team it's like family away from family," he said.

"You've got that six weeks in the middle of the year that you're with the same guys.

"So it doesn't seem so long ago that I was standing here ... it was easy to come back this morning."

The only other injury cloud in the Queensland camp was over lock Ashley Harrison who was late entering camp due to a groin injury.

Harrison and Matt Scott, who was absent visiting his ill mother, both arrived in camp yesterday and are expected to play.

Barnstorming forward Dave Taylor is also clear to play despite his accident-prone week.

On Thursday Taylor was sporting a head bandage after apparently falling out of bed, and at Friday's training session he collided with coach Mal Meninga, but both laughed off the incident.

Meanwhile in the New South Wales camp the injured trio of Anthony Watmough, Brett Stewart and Paul Gallen all trained with the main group today for the first time this week.

Tags: state-of-origin, rugby-league, sport, nrl, coolum-beach-4573

First posted June 08, 2012 13:02:50

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Bird will be ready for Blues

Updated June 18, 2012 17:35:14

Greg Bird will not turn out for Gold Coast against St George Illawarra on Friday but he will be available for State of Origin III.

The New South Wales back rower misses the Dragons clash due to a pectoral injury but Gold Coast has allayed fears of him missing next month's State of Origin decider.

There were worries Bird may face a long term on the sidelines after being forced off early in the second half of the Titans' win over the Panthers on Sunday after aggravating a previous injury.

The Blues selectors were sweating on scan results on Monday ahead of July 4's Origin series decider in Brisbane.

However, Titans medical staff on Monday said Bird would be fit to again don the Blues jersey after scans revealed a strained pectoral muscle.

A Titans spokesman said Bird would "miss this week for the Titans but be fine for Origin".

Bird is seen as a key to a rare Blues series win after being named New South Wales' players' player in game one and Origin II's man of the match.

Titans team-mate Beau Champion (ankle) also received good news from scan results and remains a chance to run out against the Dragons.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, robina-4226, nsw

First posted June 18, 2012 17:35:14

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Lockyer casts doubts on NSW Origin rookies

Updated June 12, 2012 15:44:31

Darren Lockyer has cast doubt on whether New South Wales has enough State of Origin experience in its ranks to upset Queensland in Origin II on Wednesday.

The Blues need to win at Sydney's Olympic stadium to prevent a seventh successive series loss.

But with rookie props James Tamou and Tim Grant starting the game, along with five-eighth Todd Carney, who endured a difficult debut in game one, former Queensland skipper Lockyer believes that could be a weakness.

"It's a question mark," Lockyer said on Tuesday.

"Origin is all about experience. The more experience you have the better chance you have of winning.

"They're good players, but inexperienced at this level, although I believe they are there for the long term.

"Ricky has the team he wants to develop down the track."

New South Wales great Andrew Johns said the Blues would take confidence from winning the second game of last year's series in Sydney, and the young players in the side would have benefited from the experience in game one.

"I give us a hope, we're a real big chance," Johns said.

"Last year the game they played at ANZ Stadium was a huge step forward for the nucleus of the team and they will take great confidence from that."

"The big word in footy now is the spine. (Hooker) Robbie Farah has come good in the last month and proved he is an Origin player.

"(Half-back) Mitchell Pearce and Robbie are going to be around for a very long time."

AAP

Tags: state-of-origin, rugby-league, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted June 12, 2012 12:17:17

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Blues have wrong mentality: Meninga

Updated June 07, 2012 09:42:03

Still shaking his head over New South Wales' game one reaction, Queensland coach Mal Meninga has taken a shot at the Blues by claiming they do not have the right "mentality" to play Origin.

In the fallout from a host of New South Wales complaints over Origin I's officials, whistleblower Matt Cecchin and video referee Sean Hampstead were sacked for next week's second game in Sydney.

So incensed was coach Ricky Stuart after Queensland's 18-10 win, he threw a media ban on his team - which he was later forced to withdraw - and hired an independent analyst who reportedly revealed Queensland went unpunished in game one for 10 incidents that warranted penalties.

Stuart has not backed down ahead of game two, threatening to speak with league officials about the new-look referees before next week's Sydney showdown.

But Meninga said Queensland would never let the referees become an Origin issue no matter what happened on the field.

"If we get beaten we just put our hand up and say 'we should play better' - they (New South Wales) don't seem to have that sort of mentality," Meninga said during a team visit to Roma, in the state's south-west on Wednesday.

"We understand the referees have got a tough job to do - all we can do is play by their rulings.

"We just get on and do the job. That's who we are."

Meninga rated Origin I as one of the great series openers - and he should know as a 1980 original.

But the Maroons mentor was frustrated that game one had been overshadowed by controversy, namely Hampstead's awarding of a contentious second-half Greg Inglis try.

"I was fortunate to be involved (in Origin) from the start (and) that was one of the best first games I have seen in a long, long time - it doesn't get the recognition that it deserves," he said.

Asked about New South Wales's post-game complaints, Meninga joked "that's Ricky".

However he was deadly serious when he said he was already sick of the negative press from New South Wales ahead of game two.

"The first 24 hours (after game one) I read the papers (then stopped) - you get sick of it after a while," he said.

"We are not like that. That's not the way that we prepare.

"Obviously they (New South Wales) are trying to instil a bit of hatred into New South Wales supporters, trying to boost their team's morale by saying they were unlucky, but that's not the road we take.

"Now we've got to go to Sydney and prove them wrong."

Queensland was honoured with a street parade on Wednesday in Roma - hometown of Origin godfather Artie Beetson.

It was an emotional time for the team, especially after Beetson's death from a heart attack on the Gold Coast in December 2011.

Roma - which was also where retired legend Darren Lockyer grew up - saluted its other favourite sons, current Maroons flyer Brent Tate and ex-internationals Willie Carne and Wally Fullerton-Smith on the main street.

The only Maroons absent were Ash Harrison (groin) and Matt Scott (personal reasons).

Officials were still confident Harrison would play and hoped Scott would enter Origin camp on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, brisbane-4000, qld, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted June 06, 2012 20:23:58

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Warriors rally to see off Panthers

Updated June 11, 2012 21:03:21

Shaun Johnson's progression from flashy rookie to bona fide star took another step at a rain-soaked Panthers Stadium on Monday night as he guided the Warriors to a 30-16 win over an under-manned Penrith.

Better known for the individual sparks of brilliance which punctuated last season's entry to the NRL, it was Johnson's maturity and composure which came to the fore against a Panthers side which struggled to break free of his grip.

His kicking game handed Manu Vatuvei an early double and gave Penrith winger Etu Uaisele fits all night, leaving the man who groomed him into a first-grade number seven - Panthers coach Ivan Cleary - with little option but to acknowledge his development.

"He's a huge talent obviously, I thought tonight was a pretty mature performance really," the former Warriors mentor said.

While the atrocious conditions dictated his style of play, Johnson conceded he needed to add some stability to his game which took the competition by storm in 2011.

"I can't keep playing those flashy things if i want to progress in the game," Johnson said.

"As a player you always want to keep improving.

"Hopefully tonight's performance would've earned me a little respect from the boys.

"There wasn't that much chance to do that flashy stuff, but I thought I played direct and really bossed the boys around.

"I certainly feel more responsibility now, it's just natural to grow into the role."

While the final margin would indicate a easy win for the visitors, they were made to work for it after a Panthers side missing its three best players in New South Wales Origin stars Luke Lewis, Michael Jennings and prop Tim Grant came from 12-0 down to take a 16-12 lead with three tries in eight minutes.

The avalanche was sparked by an 80 metre intercept from winger Josh Mansour, but having got themselves back in the contest, the Panthers shot themselves in the foot shortly after thanks to Luke Walsh's ill-advised decision to run the ball on the last tackle.

It resulted in Lachlan Coote dropping the ball on his own 30 metre line - rookie Konrad Hurrell picking up the scraps and racing away to score and hand the Warriors a lead they would not give up.

"It kind of summed up the second half - we had an opportunity to get to our kick and we didn't and they scored directly off that one," Cleary said.

"It was disappointing in that sense, I thought the boys were hanging in really well."

James Maloney and Kevin Locke added their name to the scoresheet to confirm the win - which moved the Warriors to within two points of the top eight - the only thing souring their night being a high ankle sprain for hooker Alehana Mara.

Warriors: 30 (M Vatuvei 2, K Hurrell, J Maloney, K Locke tries; J Maloney 5/5 conversions)

Panthers: 16 (J Mansour, K Kingston, G Daniela tries; L Walsh 2/3 conversions)

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, penrith-2750, nsw, australia, new-zealand

First posted June 11, 2012 19:16:41

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Hock helps England to revenge over Exiles

Updated June 17, 2012 09:44:54

Gareth Hock scored on his return to international rugby league following a two-year doping ban as England exacted revenge on the Exiles at St Helens' Langtree Park.

The 28-year-old, who has not played for England for more than three years after testing positive for cocaine in 2009, grabbed the first try as it ran out 18-10 winners in the first of two such fixtures this year.

Danny Tickle and Sam Tomkins also crossed for England either side of half-time to banish memories of the 16-12 defeat to the Exiles in the inaugural International Origin Match last year.

The Exiles were always trailing and scores at the end of either half from former New Zealand international Francis Meli and ex-Canterbury Bulldogs centre Daryl Millard left them short of victory.

England started the stronger as the rain poured at Langtree Park with only a sizeable hit from Meli on Tomkins in the ninth minute preventing the first try of the game.

However England did score that first try five minutes later as Wigan forward Hock pounced.

First a kick from New Zealand-born Rangi Chase, who played for the Exiles last year but has since switched allegiances to England, was blocked by the outstretched left arm of Scott Dureau.

Yet no one reacted to it dropping to the ground apart from Hock who gathered before selling Shannon McDonnell a dummy and crossing.

Kevin Sinfield converted and, despite the Exiles reacting positively, it was England which looked more likely to score again with Lance Hohaia scrambling away a James Roby kick into the in-goal area.

But, once again after threatening, England scored, Tickle finishing off good work from Carl Ablett and Sinfield after Chase's high kick in the 27th minute.

Sinfield once again converted but the Exiles had the final say of the first half when Meli latched on to a wonderful pass from ex-Newcastle Knights half-back Dureau to score six minutes later.

Dureau could not convert and six minutes after the break England extended its lead to 18-4, Tomkins capitalising on an error from former Canberra centre Joel Monaghan.

Monaghan, who enjoyed two spells at the Raiders before joining Warrington in 2011, failed to collect a high Sinfield kick and Tomkins swept up to score.

England almost scored its fourth try on the hour mark when Ryan Hall raced onto a clever Tomkins kick and appeared to have held off Thomas Leuluai to the ball.

However the video referee adjudged Hall to have knocked on while Leuluai's efforts came at a cost with the Wigan half-back, who will return to New Zealand Warriors for the 2013 season, stretchered off with a serious looking lower leg injury.

The Exiles appeared to be inspired after Leuluai's departure and by time running out with Hohaia coming close and Hall being called upon to bat away a kick into the in-goal area.

And they soon scored their second try as a superb Dureau kick set up Millard in the 69th minute. This time the Catalan Dragons half-back converted to make it 18-10 but that was how it stayed.

AFP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, england, united-kingdom

First posted June 17, 2012 09:41:05

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Parker looking to make surprise return

Updated June 18, 2012 20:15:13

Missing out on packing down with Petero Civoniceva in his 300th NRL game was driving Brisbane forward Corey Parker's bold comeback bid more than pushing his State of Origin claims.

Civoniceva, 36, will become only the 17th player in history to play 300 club games when the Broncos take on South Sydney at Lang Park on Friday night.

Brisbane skipper Sam Thaiday's predicted return from the shoulder injury which forced him to withdraw from last week's Origin II in Sydney was not unexpected but Parker declaring himself a chance to be part of Civoniceva's special night raised eyebrows on Monday.

Parker sliced his lower left leg open to the bone in the second half of last Wednesday night's 16-12 Origin loss to New South Wales.

"I hate not playing football. It's a big game on Friday night, it's Petero's 300th and I'd love to be part of that," said Parker, also desperate to be part of the big Fijian prop's Origin farewell next month.

"I'm every chance of playing this weekend," said Parker.

Parker will not make a decision until having a full training session on Thursday morning.

The gash, caused by his own boot tags, was so deep he was taken to hospital immediately after the match and underwent extensive internal stitching during surgery to close his gaping wound.

"The thing that's helped me is that no muscle has been cut, it was just a deep cut through the tissue," he said.

"It will be a week on Wednesday but there's no infection. If they (doctors) are convinced and I'm convinced that it won't split open with taping and padding, I can't see why I can't play.

"I won't have a trot until Thursday and provided there's no damage or risk of reopening and there's no pain, I will play.

"I'll have to do contact. If I'm going to play on Friday I need a session that will emulate game conditions.

Parker, meanwhile, delivered the first of many tributes to come Civoniceva's way in his farewell season.

"Bula (Civoniceva) stands for everything a professional rugby league player stands for and he's done everything there is to do in the game," he said.

"He's played at the highest level for a long time in the front-row which is not easy to do.

"To chalk up 300 games is huge and is why I want to run out alongside him.

"I've had a lot of good memories with Pet and it would be very special to be there for this one."

Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin cancelled Monday's scheduled training session to help freshen his players after a tough few months.

AAP

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

First posted June 18, 2012 17:35:14

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Tigers shattered at Farah's loss

Updated June 18, 2012 17:21:24

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens said the players will continue to rally around captain Robbie Farah as the club comes to grips with the loss of his mother to cancer yesterday.

Sheens said after the 42-28 loss to the Sydney Roosters the game seemed insignificant and several players were clearly upset on the field.

Little more than an hour before kick-off a handful of players received a text message from Farah advising that his mother Sonia had lost her battle with pancreatic cancer.

As the players stood for a minute's silence before the kick-off at Leichhardt Oval five-eighth Benji Marshall could not hold back the tears.

"Robbie texted Benji and a few of us about an hour and a half before kick-off," Sheens said.

"To talk about the game seems to be a waste of time for me at the moment and is something I'm not particular interested in.

"I know the minute's silence really upset a few of them.

"You have your ups and downs but when things like that happens, it makes playing rugby league a little insignificant.

"It's a close club and the team will be there for Rob and his family."

Sheens said Beau Ryan had spoken on behalf of the players after the match talking about sticking together as a group and helping their captain get through this difficult time.

"Beau spoke really well on behalf of the players," Sheen said.

"He was pretty upset. Everyone was upset. At the end of the day though, we have got to face the fact that we have got to get on with life this week for us.

"Our main aim is really to support Robbie in the short term. It is not about next week now, it's about Robbie this week and the family."

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, a week after the high point of Farah's career so far when his 63 tackles helped New South Wales to a series-levelling win over Queensland.

The third match in the State of Origin series will be the furthest thing from Farah's mind now and Tigers chief executive Steve Humphreys said the club will support the hooker in anyway they can and leave up to him when he wants to return to action.

"He'll let us know how he wants to respond, we'll catch up with him over the next couple of days and let him determine when he's ready to come back," said Humphreys.

"It's certainly going to have a significant effect (on the season).

"With respect, we always knew Sonia's illness would have this impact this year but how that manifests itself we'll have to wait and see. I'm confident the boys and Robbie will respond in a positive way but at the end of the day they're human beings so we'll have to take it one day at a time."

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, sydney-2000, blacktown-2148, leichhardt-2040

First posted June 18, 2012 11:39:40

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Eels sign Storm playmaker

Updated June 09, 2012 10:15:42

Parramatta has poached five-eighth Luke Kelly from Melbourne on a two-year deal.

The 22-year-old played for the Storm in their 10-6 loss to Wests Tigers at AAMI Park on Friday night and will link up with the Eels on Monday.

Kelly led the Storm to the under 20 premiership in 2009.

Tags: rugby-league, nrl, sport, parramatta-2150, melbourne-3000

First posted June 09, 2012 10:15:42

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Broncos lose Hannant to injury

Updated June 21, 2012 15:29:54

Brisbane has lost State of Origin prop Ben Hannant to a thigh strain ahead of Friday night's match against South Sydney at Lang Park.

Hannant sustained the injury at Broncos training earlier this week but was ruled out on Thursday.

Josh McGuire will move into the front row, having initially been named at lock, while Corey Parker has been cleared to play despite sustaining a deep cut to his leg during Origin II.

The Broncos will have also have captain Sam Thaiday available after he was passed fit following a short stint on the sideline with a shoulder injury.

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

First posted June 21, 2012 11:44:53

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Slick Broncos too strong for Roosters

Updated June 11, 2012 07:20:09

An under-strength Brisbane side has inflicted a fourth straight defeat on the Sydney Roosters, winning 40-22 in a match marred by a series of gaffes by referees Matt Cecchin and Adam Devcich.

The performances of Cecchin, who this week was dumped from Wednesday's second State of Origin clash, Devcich and the video referee are sure to come under scrutiny with three tries being awarded in controversial circumstances.

Broncos coach Anthony Griffin told Grandstand he was perplexed by some of the refereeing decisions.

"It was a funny day like that, there were some strange calls," he said.

While admitting he was pleased some of the decision went his team's way, Griffin said it was more important to see his team dig in away from home.

"It was just important today that we showed some character," he said.

"When we went to Melbourne a couple of weeks ago with some players out, we rolled over."

Roosters coach Brian Smith also questioned the performance of the whistleblowers despite admitting his side had made a "hard slog even harder."

"Some of the amazing calls that were made today no doubt changed the course of the game at that point," he said.

"Refs make mistakes and they made some today that we felt were critical."

In a game played in driving rain at the Sydney Football Stadium, Griffin's side, which was without six players due to Queensland Origin commitments, ran in seven tries to the Roosters' four in front of a crowd of 9,738.

Ben Te'o opened the scoring with a try after 17 minutes before Jake Friend levelled the scores when he barged over out of dummy-half.

Both sides coped reasonably well despite the difficult conditions, but it was the Broncos who grabbed the third try of the game when Te'o spread the ball out to Gerard Beale who scored in the right corner on the half-hour mark.

However, the first half finished off with two controversial decisions by the officials which resulted in tries.

In the first, Tinirau Arona dived over for the Roosters' second four-pointer, but dropped the ball over the line, but Cecchin opted not to go to the video referee.

Then on the stroke of half-time the impressive Peter Wallace drove his way over the line but appeared to promote the ball in a double-movement as he scored.

But video referee Bernard Sutton pressed the green button giving the Broncos half-back the benefit of the doubt much to the fury of home supporters, before the half-time siren bizarrely sounded with a minute of the first half remaining.

That fury turned to apoplexy four minutes after the restart with a strange passage of play from the officials.

Roosters centre Joseph Leilua was wrestled to the ground by Broncos winger Lachlan Maranta.

One referee called "Roosters ball" - the other "Broncos ball" - but before the confused home side had time to react, Maranta ripped the ball from Leilua's grasp, without playing the ball, and then sprinted towards the line, and passed to Alex Glenn who scored.

Roosters skipper Braith Anasta led the protests, to no avail, but the injustice appeared to inspire his side's best passage of play, with Leilua powering over in the 50th minute.

But the Broncos defended their line well to limit the damage and Wallace showed great composure on the hour-mark when his perfect kick bounced up off the pads on the right post and into the grateful hands of Corey Norman who scored.

The Roosters clawed a try back seven minutes from time to make it a six-point gap when Tautau Moga went over in the right corner after Broncos prop Josh McGuire was put on report for a high shot on Daniel Mortimer.

But Frank-Paul Nuuausala dropped the ball from the restart and Maranta marked his first grade debut with a try and Jack Reed added a seventh try for the visitors in the final seconds with Wallace kicking his sixth goal.

Roosters full-back Anthony Minichiello blamed his team's performance rather than the referees for the loss.

"We let ourselves down," Minichiello said.

"Our defence was atrocious today.

"The conditions were bad but no excuses ... we defended pretty poor

Broncos: 40 (B Te'o, G Beale, P Wallace, A Glenn, C Norman, L Maranta, J Reed tries; P Wallace 6/7 cons)

Roosters: 22 (J Friend, T Arona, J Leilua, T Moga tries; B Anasta 3/4 cons)

ABC/AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, sydney-2000, nsw, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted June 10, 2012 16:57:16

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Farah to return to Tigers duties

Updated June 19, 2012 20:49:30

Only days after his mother's sad passing, a brave Robbie Farah has asked to play for the Wests Tigers in their clash in Newcastle on Monday night.

But Farah will not make a final decision on his availability until later this week following his mum Sonia's funeral service in Sydney on Wednesday.

Farah pulled out of last Sunday's loss to Sydney Roosters at Leichhardt Oval after just hours earlier his 63-year-old mother lost her battle with pancreatic cancer.

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens said after the game that their captain would be given all the time he needed to cope with the shattering loss.

But Farah was surprisingly named to take on the Knights at Hunter Stadium when the team was released on Tuesday night.

"Captain and hooker Robbie Farah asked to be named in the team but a final decision will be made later in the week," a club statement said.

His team-mates hope to form a guard of honour at Wednesday's funeral service and raise money with pink jerseys worn for this weekend's Women in League round auctioned off and proceeds donated to the Concord Cancer Centre where Sonia was treated.

The club also pays special tribute to a woman each season, an honour that will now be known as the Sonia Farah Memorial Award.

In what looms as another emotional game for the Tigers, they will take on a Knights outfit that have welcomed back Queensland's Darius Boyd and New South Wales winger Akuila Uate.

Meanwhile, Titans star signings Jamal Idris and Beau Champion will likely return for Friday night's clash at Wollongong with the Dragons.

North Queensland will also reshuffle its pack for Saturday night's home clash with Canberra, with the suspended Ashton Sims expected to be replaced by either Cory Paterson or Scott Bolton.

Canberra will welcome back Queensland forward David Shillington and keep Josh Dugan at five-eighth, ensuring he lines up against Test pivot Johnathan Thurston.

Reacting to yet another loss, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary named an 18-man squad for Saturday night's home clash with the Eels with Josh Mansour and Geoff Daniela in the backline for Sandor Earl and Brad Tighe respectively with New South Wales' Luke Lewis back at lock.

Suspended Eel Reni Maitua has been replaced by Taniela Lasalo in their only change.

Canterbury's Luke MacDougall (elbow) is set to return in a 19-strong squad for Sunday's historic clash against Melbourne in Mackay in central Queensland.

And both Sam Perrett and Anthony Mitchell have been named in the Roosters' line-up to meet Manly despite reports they had requested immediate releases from the club to join the Bulldogs and North Queensland respectively.

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, leichhardt-2040, campbelltown-2560, balmain-2041, nsw, australia

First posted June 19, 2012 20:38:58

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