Sonny Bill Williams to return to the NRL with the Sydney Roosters

SUPERSTAR Sonny Bill Williams is on the verge of signing a $4 million deal to return to the NRL with the Sydney Roosters.

The Sunday Telegraph can reveal Williams' five-year agreement was all but finalised over a breakfast meeting in Circular Quay yesterday with Roosters chairman Nick Politis and Channel Nine supremo David Gyngell.

He will join the Roosters in 2013 on $800,000 a season, exactly double what he was on when he walked out, without notice, on the Bulldogs in 2008 to join Toulon in French rugby union.

The Roosters will use the cash freed up from the expected retirements of fullback Anthony Minichiello and skipper Braith Anasta to fit Williams under the salary cap, which will be increased by 2013 anyway with the next television deal to provide a $1 billion-plus boost for clubs.

Yesterday's breakfast meeting at a Circular Quay cafe was leaked to the media by the Williams camp.

He is known to be bored in rugby union and has made no secret of his desire to return to rugby league once he is freed from having to pay the Bulldogs any compensation.

Williams signed a one-season deal with Kiwi Super 15 franchise Waikato Chiefs after the recent World Cup, knowing he would be heading back to the sport he loves most. He has been making inquiries about buying property in Sydney for some time.

The Parramatta Eels and the Roosters were always the front-runners to secure his services.

It was Williams who actually initiated yesterday's meeting with two of Sydney's most influential businessmen.

Politis is the long-time chairman of the Roosters. He has powerful contacts and is someone who can structure third-party arrangements on top of the sign-on fee to make the deal happen.

Gyngell is a life-long Sydney Roosters fan and former board member. He spoke to Williams about opportunities at Channel Nine.

French and Japanese rugby union clubs are still chasing the All Blacks star with offers of up to $1 million a season.

Source:Herald Sun

Chase called into England squad

The RFL has pulled off a major coup with the call up of Castleford Tigers stand-off Rangi Chase into the England train-on squad ahead of the 2011 Gillette Four Nations.

Although born in New Zealand, the 25-year-old, who has been nominated for the 2011 Man of Steel, has never played for the country of his birth and qualifies to play for England on residency grounds.

The RFL are now in the process of finalising documentation to the RLIF board in confirming and demonstrating his eligibility. Chase will join up with the train-on squad this week as preparations continue for next month’s international programme.

“It’s excellent news that Rangi wants to play for England and commit his long-term future to our international programme,” said McNamara.

“I have met with Rangi and he has shown to me that he is totally committed in playing for England and he can’t wait to be part of our plans. It is exciting news that we have a player of Rangi’s quality available to us.

His presence will enhance the Elite Training Squad and will add great competition for places, especially in the crucial half-back role. I am really looking forward to working with him during our preparations in the build up to the Gillette Four Nations.”

Chase, who came to England in 2008, has been one of the outstanding players in the 2011 Engage Super League.

On the back of his best season to date he, last week, committed his long-term future to the sport in England by signing a contract extension with club side Castleford until 2015 and he feels now is the time to be part of England’s plans for many years to come.

I have thought long and hard about the opportunity of playing for England after I became eligible to play,” said Chase.

“I approached Steve McNamara and explained that I wanted to play for England and more importantly show my commitment.

England, and in particular Castleford, is my home now and I want to lay my long-term roots here. I have an English girlfriend and signing a new contract with Castleford, last week, was a big deal for me. I don’t want to play anywhere else.

“I have resurrected my life in England and feel more at ease here than anywhere else in the world. I spend all my time at home and don’t go back to New Zealand in the off season.

“Getting selected for England will be my greatest honour. You can feel there is something special being built and I want to do everything I can to help England achieve international success.”
RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood has reiterated that Chase’s presence in the England squad can be seen as a real boost to the nation’s plans in the build up to the Four Nations.

“The RFL want to give Steve McNamara the greatest opportunity to select the best players available to him – that’s vitally important if we are going to progress on the international stage,” said Wood.

“There is no change of policy: we remain committed to increasing the quantity and quality of club trained talent and our commitment to programmes like the Elite Training Squad is undiminished. Like many of our competitors, we want to develop squad depth and competition for places and the inclusion of Rangi in the train-on squad alongside the other quality players we have brought in recently can only benefit England against the best teams in the world.”

Meanwhile, Huddersfield Giants forward Eorl Crabtree has had to withdraw from England’s train-on squad. The 28-year-old will have an operation on a shoulder problem, which rules him out of the Four Nations. Furthermore, Huddersfield’s England Knights quartet of Dale Ferguson (shoulder), Michael Lawrence (wrist), Jermaine McGilvary (ankle) and Larne Patrick (shoulder) have all had to pull out of the train-on squad in the build up to next month’s international programme against France and Samoa respectively.

England start their Gillette Four Nations campaign on Saturday October 29 when they take on Wales at Leigh Sports Village (2.30pm) with tickets priced at just £10 adults and £5 concessions.
The tournament moves to Wembley Stadium on Saturday November 5 when Wales face New Zealand at 1.00pm before England clash with Australia at 3.30pm.

England’s remaining game against New Zealand will be played at the KC Stadium in Hull on Saturday November 12 (6.00pm) and tickets are priced from £20 adult and £10 concession.
The 2011 Gillette Four Nations final will be played at Elland Road, Leeds on Saturday November 19 (6.00pm) and tickets are priced from £20 Adult and £10 concession.

Tickets for the 2011 Gillette Four Nations can be purchased by calling 0844 856 113

Source:Code13

Daly Cherry-Evans Rejects Late Overtures To Represent England

Manly's premiership-winning scrum-half Daly Cherry-Evans is set to make his debut for Australia after rejecting late overtures to represent England.

The NRL rookie of the year, who was today named in the Kangaroos' 24-strong squad for the Four Nation Series in the United Kingdom, has English heritage through his mother and was among a number of players sounded out by England coach Steve McNamara.

McNamara managed to persuade Brisbane Broncos' English-born centre Jack Reed and Wests Tigers back row forward Chris Heighington, who father comes from Durham, to throw in their lot with England and today revealed Castleford's former Junior Kiwi Rangi Chase wants to play for England but he drew a blank with the 21-year-old Cherry-Evans.

The player's manager, Gavin Orr, revealed McNamara's interest and a Rugby Football League spokesman confirmed: "He was among a number of players eligible to play for England who were sounded out by Steve McNamara."

Cherry-Evans, who was outstanding in the Sea Eagles' 24-10 win over New Zealand Warriors in yesterday's NRL Grand Final, is one of six uncapped players in coach Tim Sheens' squad.

"His form is undeniable," said Sheens. "I think Manly have plenty of claim and I don't think anyone would disagree that the kid certainly earned an opportunity."

The other rookies are Cherry-Evans' team-mate Tony Williams, South Sydney forward Dave Taylor, Wests Tigers' Keith Galloway, Newcastle Knights winger Akuila Uate and Brisbane forward Corey Parker.

Taylor, Uate, Galloway and Parker have played representative football for New South Wales while Williams has played for Tonga and Uate was in Fiji's team for the 2008 World Cup.

Taylor, who recently underwent shoulder surgery, and his Rabbitohs team-mate Greg Inglis will both have to prove their fitness to confirm their places while Newcastle utility player Kurt Gidley and Brisbane centre Justin Hodges were both unavailable for selection.

Manly have the biggest representation with five players but captain Jamie Lyon, the former St Helens centre and 2005 Super League Man of Steel, is not among them after asking not to be considered.

"At this point we don't want to force anyone to do anything so from our point of view it was better going with people who wanted to go," Sheens added.

Sheens admitted also that he has some concerns about the centres.

"Unfortunately Justin Hodges wasn't available so we're going to have to possibly manufacture something in the centres," he said.

The tour will bring down the curtain on the career of Australia's record-breaking captain Darren Lockyer, who has already played his last match for the Broncos.

Lockyer is retiring at the end of the year and is expected to make his last appearance on home soil in the Kangaroos' Test match against New Zealand in Newcastle on Sunday, October 16, five days before they set off for England.

The Australians kick off the Four Nations Series against the Kiwis at Warrington on Friday, October 28, with England meeting Wales at Leigh the following day.

Australia squad: Darren Lockyer (capt), Corey Parker, Sam Thaiday, Jharal Yow Yeh (all Brisbane), David Shillington (Canberra), Paul Gallen (Cronulla), Daly Cherry-Evans, Glenn Stewart, Brett Stewart, Anthony Watmough, Tony Williams (all Manly), Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith (all Melbourne), Akuila Uate (Newcastle), Matthew Scott, Johnathan Thurston (both North Queensland), Luke Lewis (Penrith), Darius Boyd (St George Illawarra), Greg Inglis, David Taylor (both South Sydney), Keith Galloway, Robbie Farah, Chris Lawrence (all Wests Tigers).

Source:Sporting Life

Manly Sea Eagles crowned 2011 NRL Premiers

Manly Sea Eagles defeated the NZ Warriors 24-10 to claim the 2011 NRL Premiership. It was the club’s eighth title since entering the competition in 1947.

Manly’s approach was measured and methodical throughout. Better decisions, fewer errors and more desperation at key moments proved the difference on the night.

They played like a team making their third appearance on this stage in the last five years. The four tries to two margin was a fair reflection of the difference between the two teams.

In the early exchanges, the Warriors adopted the grinding style that had seen them overcome the Melbourne Storm a week earlier.

The game settled into an arm-wrestle as Manly matched the Warriors’ strong forward charges and stinging defence.

James Maloney, the Warriors Australian five-eighth, broke the deadlock with a penalty goal just short of the half hour mark. Manly’s bulging front-rower, George Rose, was placed on report for dropping an errant elbow on the Warriors rake, Aaron Heremaia.

Minutes later Manly were also awarded a penalty within kicking distance but opted instead to go for six points. Brett Stewart scored a try off a Daly Cherry-Evans inside pass from the ensuing set. Manly were on their game.

On the run of play, the Warriors would have been satisfied going to the rooms trailing 6-2. Few chances had been created, but they had maintained a level of control and were still very much in the game.

The half was petering out with Manly working the ball away from their line when Glenn Stewart struck. His crafty short grubber for his unmarked winger, Michael Robertson, was regathered and play advanced 70 metres.

After a quick play the ball, the ball came to Cherry-Evans who ran diagonally, dummied and went over beside the posts. Manly were up 12-2 at the break.

The arm-wrestle resumed in the second half. Manly had the best chance when a try to Kieran Foran was disallowed off a spilled kick. In what appeared to be a tight decision, the video referee adjudged Foran to have let go of the ball before grounding it.

Soon after, Will Hopoate pulled off a miraculous behind the back flick pass before heading over the sideline. Glenn Stewart’s soft hands accepted the pass from the 19-year old star and dived over. Jamie Lyon’s successful conversion made it 18-2.

The Warriors began to chase the game and reverted to their more adventurous style.

This was the best period in the game for the Warriors. Unsurprisingly, halfback Shaun Johnson was at the centre of everything. He threw the final pass for two tries in six minutes to Manu Vatuvei and Elijah Taylor.

Unfortunately for the Warriors, the margin was only cut to eight as Maloney missed both tough conversions. Still, the Warriors were back in the hunt and large sections of the 81,988 crowd had reason to hope.

Chasing the game is never easy however and turnovers are usually not far behind. Twice during key moments in the second half with the Sydney team under siege, their players dived on the loose ball. The title was heading to Manly.

Captain Lyon iced the game with a minute left on the clock, running a simple line off a neat Glenn Stewart pass. Stewart’s all round performance was inspirational on his return from suspension.

He had a hand in three of the Eagles’ four tries was duly awarded the Clive Churchill Medal.

Manly had survived what turned out to be more of a late push than a late surge from their worthy opponents. They were as professional as ever on the day and deserved to be crowned NRL Premiers for 2011.

Source:Code13

St Helens 26-18 Wigan

St Helens twice came from behind to book their place in the Super League Grand Final for a sixth straight year.

Wigan led 12-8 at the break with tries from Josh Charnley and recalled Eamon O'Carroll, either side of the bursting Lee Gaskell's stunner for Saints.

But second-half tries from Paul Wellens, Jamie Foster, who kicked five goals, and James Roby proved crucial, despite Sam Tomkins' late consolation.

And that booked Saints' date with Leeds at Old Trafford next Saturday night.

Victory over the reigning champions now means a chance for Saints to end their run of four straight Grand Final defeats, especially to avenge their three successive losses to Leeds, in 2007, 2008 and 2009, as they bid for a first Super League triumph since their double-winning year of 2006.

While it means a Grand Final for Saints coach Royce Simmons to end his first season in charge, it was a disappointing finale for his fellow Aussie, South Sydney-bound Michael Maguire, in what proved his final game in charge.

And, although Saints enjoyed the breaks on the night as they ended Wigan's dream of the double, they defended superbly to ultimately deserve a second play-off derby victory inside a fortnight - and payback in particular for their 22-10 Grand Final defeat by Maguire's men at Old Trafford a year ago.

It is also the first time since the Grand Final began in 1998 that it will not be contested by either of the teams finishing the regular season in the top two.

After dominating the early exchanges, Wigan drew first blood through Pat Richards' early penalty before the visitors went one better when Foster's error triggered the game's first try.

Thomas Leuluai stabbed a neat enough kick to the corner, Foster's attempt to kick clear ended with an air shot and he then missed his tackle as Charnley galloped in for his 23rd try of the season.

Richards pulled the conversion and worse was to come when they passed up the chance of a second try, Joel Tomkins failing to hold onto a scoring pass from brother Sam with the Saints line gaping.

It always looked likely to be a crucial moment, especially when Saints then took a real foothold in the contest.

Wellens was held up over the line by Sam Tomkins and Leuluai and Gaskell wasted a great opportunity following a clean break down the middle. But Gaskell then made no mistake two minutes later when he burst through to register his fourth try in five games.

Foster then added the extras before slotting a penalty to make it 8-6 but back came Wigan.
After Sam Tomkins just failed to get on end of Finch's kick, Wigan then did score again when O'Carroll, who has had such an unhappy time with injuries, came off the bench to score.

Fed by Leuluai, the Hull-bound prop rolled in next to the upright, Richards slotting the conversion for a 12-8 half-time lead.

Wellens then tied it up at 12-12 when Wigan allowed him in wide out on the left, Foster adding the extras and then slotting a penalty for a four-point cushion.

Four became eight when Foster himself went in at the left corner, his first missed kick of the night leaving Saints 20-12 up going into the final quarter.

Wigan battered away but Sia Soliola snaked out an arm to stop a charging Harrison Hansen before Michael Shenton did the same to deny Sam Tomkins. And it was all over bar the shouting when Roby nipped in for his side's fourth try.

Sam Tomkins made the scoreline a little kinder with the final score of the night, converted by Richards, who landed three of his four kicks at goal. But, in their final game at the temporary Stobart Stadium home, it was Saints' night.

Source:BBC

Warrington Wolves 24-26 Leeds Rhinos

Kevin Sinfield kicked a last-gasp penalty to take Leeds to Old Trafford and shatter Warrington's hopes of a first Grand Final appearance.

Referee Steve Ganson's late decision to award a penalty for offside proved crucial, Sinfield landing his fifth goal of the night to steal victory.

Ryan Hall (2), Carl Ablett and Rob Burrow ran in Leeds' four tries.

Chris Riley (2), Joel Monaghan and Matt King crossed for the Wolves in a heart-breaking Halliwell Jones classic.

Warrington winger King thought he had won the game for his side nine minutes from the end but his try was disallowed by video referee Ian Smith, who four minutes later also ruled out what would have been a hat-trick by Leeds winger Hall.

But, instead, as so many times before, Sinfield proved was the hero as the Rhinos reached a fourth Grand Final in five years in the most dramatic fashion - against the team who had chosen to play them.

With the scores locked at 24-24 and the tie heading for extra time, Ganson blew up and the Leeds captain kept his cool from 35 metres.

It was the decisive act of a pulsating finale which reduced Warrington's players to tears as the Rhinos - who finished fifth in Super League XVI - become the first team from outside the top three to reach the Grand Final.

The outcome was tough on the Wolves, who have been the outstanding team in Super League in 2011, but full reward for the in-form Yorkshiremen, who maintained Sinfield's pledge to take on the free-scoring Wolves at their own game.

Former Leeds boss Tony Smith's side had been in rampant form against the Rhinos in their last three meetings, running in 20 tries in the process.

Leeds fans have painful memories of last season's 30-6 Challenge Cup Final hammering at Wembley.

And the Rhinos have shipped seven tries to the Wire in both this season's two Super League encounters, losing 40-24 at the Halliwell Jones in March, before being routed 42-6 on home soil in May.

But, since putting up such a much better performance at Wembley a month ago, in losing the Challenge Cup Final for the second year running, to Wigan, Leeds have bounced back by winning four matches on the spin, running in 29 tries in the process.

And they struck the first blow at the Halliwell Jones when, from Danny McGuire's kick, fit-again Carl Ablett raced in for a fourth minute try, Sinfield adding the extras.

But Wire were level by the 15th minute when Monaghan got over, before winger Chris Riley came in off his line to go under the posts on 34 minutes, Bridge's two conversions earning a 12-6 lead.

It looked like Warrington might now be on their way, yet, within a minute of the restart, Leeds stunned the home side by levelling through their top scorer Hall, Sinfield's boot tieing things up again at 12-12.

Warrington were back with a six-point cushion when King scored the Wire's third try eight minutes after the break.

But Leeds turned it round on the hour, with two tries in three minutes, the first engineered by Burrow for Hall, the second scored by the little scrum-half himself.

Riley hit back with a second try, Bridge again improving, to leave it tied up at 24-24, with just 10 minutes left. But then came those three crucial late refereeing calls - and it was unfancied Leeds who ended up with the smiles on their faces.

Source:BBC

Rangi Chase signs new Castleford Tigers deal

Rangi Chase has signed a contract extension keeping him at Castleford for the next four seasons.

The much-admired 25-year-old stand-off was halfway through an existing four-year deal, due to expire in 2013.

But Cas hope that persuading the New Zealand-born former St George Illawarra youngster to extend his stay will stop speculation about a move elsewhere.

"I'm happy I've signed and got it out of the way. Cas is home for me now," said Chase, who first arrived in 2008.

"With Ian Millward and the new staff coming in, I'm confident the club is heading in the right direction.

"I've been here for three years and I wanted to repay the club for giving me an opportunity."
Chase ran in a personal best of 12 tries in 25 Super League appearances last season and has a tally of 29 in 77 appearances at Cas.

Cas chief executive Richard Wright said: "We are absolutely delighted that Rangi sees his long-term future here.

"We have beaten off global interest for his services from both codes of rugby and believe this to be a huge statement of our intentions.

"We have signed the best all-round player in Super League - a player who has proven his ability both domestically and on the world stage.

"He is a player that the board of directors are determined to build a successful team around and believe, at 25 years of age, he is still to reach his peak.

"In new coach Ian Millward, we're extremely confident we have the coach to bring the very best out of him in black and amber."

Source:BBC