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

Warrington choose Leeds in Club Call

The 2011 league leaders have chosen to play a resurgent Leeds Rhinos at their Halliwell Jones stadium next weekend, with a place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 8th at stake.

Warrington Chairman Steven Broomhead said: "We've been talking about the call all week, tonights game was a factor, and after a lot of careful consideration and advice, we hae chosen to play Leeds. They will present a stern task to us, but no one looks forward to coming to Warrington to play us."

Leeds Head Coach Brian McDermott said: "A fair amount of consideration must have gone into their decision as we're getting into a bit of form right now, it should be a good game next week and we will be up for it."

St Helens will face Wigan Warriors at the Halton stadium in the second semi-final after Wigan ended the Catalan Dragons season with a resounding 44-0 victory at the DW stadium this aternoon. St Helens earned a week off after beating Wigan 26-18 in the play-off qualifier two weeks ago.

Saints Head Coach Royce Simmonds said: "No matter what you have to win two games to win the comp now so there isn't a huge difference for anyone. We're pretty happy in our camp, we had a hit out against our under 18s yesterday and we won so things are looking good!"

Source:Love Rugby League

Wigan Warriors 44-0 Catalan Dragons

Defending champions Wigan booked their place in the last four of the Super League play-offs with a seven-try demolition of Catalan Dragons.

The Dragons beat the Warriors home and away during the regular season.

But there was to be no repeat as tries from Josh Charnley, Ryan Hoffman and Liam Farrell gave Wigan an 18-0 half-time lead.

George Carmont, Brett Finch, Sam Tomkins and Harrison Hansen went over after the break to complete the rout.

Source:BBC

Australia beat PNG in exhibition clash

The Australian Prime Minister's XIII has beaten Papua New Guinea 36-22 in their rugby league clash in Lae.

NRL flyers Josh Morris, Blake Ferguson and Nathan Merritt were among the try-scorers for the green and gold exhibition side captained by Parramatta's Nathan Hindmarsh.

The Kumuls battled hard in the opening half and trailed by just 12-0 at the break.

Australia managed to open up a big lead to begin the second half, before the Kumuls attempted a brave fightback in the final quarter of the match to close the gap.

There was drama before the game with the Australian team bus involved in a minor prang with an alleged drunk driver.

The man was arrested, but no Australian team members were hurt.

There were chaotic scenes as usual in football-mad PNG, the only country on earth where rugby league is the national sport.

As many as 25,000 people flocked to Lae's rugby league oval, which has a capacity of just 15,000.

Source:SMH

Hull KR set to unveil Craig Sandercock as new coach

Hull Kingston Rovers are understood to have chosen little-known Australian Craig Sandercock, the Newcastle Knights assistant coach, as their new boss.

The job was expected to go to former Canterbury Bulldogs coach Kevin Moore, who headed a five-man short list interviewed by Rovers' three-man delegation in Australia this week.

But the Newcastle Herald reports that Sandercock is to sign a two-year deal.

In his first head coaching role, he is to succeed fellow Aussie Justin Morgan.

Morgan is now lined up to take a job down under and has been linked with the post created at Canterbury by unsuccessful Rovers applicant Moore's departure.

The Robins, who finished seventh in Super League this season, bowing out of the play-offs with last weekend's 56-6 hammering by Catalan Dragons, have declined to comment but are expected to confirm the appointment next week.

Sandercock spent two years at the Knights as understudy to Rick Stone but is not being retained by new coach Wayne Bennett.

Source:BBC

Huddersfield Giants 28-34 Leeds Rhinos

Zak Hardaker's hat-trick helped Leeds reach the last four of the Super League play-offs as they fought off a late Huddersfield fightback at the Galpharm.

Brent Webb (2) and Ben Jones-Bishop got the Rhinos' other tries in a game that looked to be wrapped up when Leeds led 34-12 with just 10 minutes left.

Two late tries from David Fa'alogo, and a second for Scott Grix, to add to Dale Ferguson's effort, set up a big finale.

But the Rhinos held on to keep alive their unlikely Grand Final dream.

And 19-year-old fourth-choice centre Hardaker may have done enough to keep his place, even if injured duo Carl Ablett and Kallum Watkins are fit to return from injury for next week's semi-final at St Helens or Warrington.

Although finishing a place below Huddersfield in the Super League table, Leeds were considered favourites to reach the last four, having won 31-24 at the Galpharm on the final day, revenge for an early season 38-6 home defeat by the Giants at Headingley in April.

Hat-trick hero Hardaker thrilled as Rhinos march on
This latest deserved triumph - Huddersfield's eighth defeat in 10 games - means that Brian McDermott's men have now piled up 171 points in four straight victories since losing to Wigan at Wembley in the Challenge Cup final on 27 August.

And, on this form, despite that late Leeds wobble, there is no guarantee that Warrington will want them as their Club Call opponents when they are asked to make their decision following the Wigan-Catalan Dragons game at the DW Stadium on Sunday evening.

Despite prop Ryan Bailey having won his appeal against a midweek one-match ban, Leeds coach McDermott again opted to start with him on the bench. But the Rhinos still made a spectacular start with two tries in the first 10 minutes.

Weller Hauraki fed Jones-Bishop at the right corner, before Webb and Danny McGuire carved a huge hole in the Huddersfield defence, allowing in teenager Hardaker.

Kevin Sinfield, who had missed with his first attempt from the touchline, nailed this one for a 10-0 lead.

And, although Leeds had one try rightly chalked off for a Webb forward pass, they stretched their lead just before the half hour when, from McGuire's bomb, Jermaine McGillvary blundered badly, allowing Hardaker to gallop in for his second try.

With Sinfield adding the extras, Huddersfield looked down and out, trailing 16-0, but the Giants showed great spirit to hit back.

Five minutes before the break, from Danny Brough's break, Grix dummied his way under the posts, Brough converting. Then, four minutes after the restart, the gap was down to just four points at 16-12 when fit-again Ferguson added another.

The home side then had a great chance to take the lead when Leroy Cudjoe broke clear down the left, but he chose to go inside, Brough spilling the crucial pass that, in any case, looked forward.

Within five minutes, Leeds looked to have wrapped it up by stunning the Giants with three quickfire tries, young Hardaker completing his first Rhinos hat-trick in between two from Webb, Sinfield taking his night's haul to five kicks out of six.

But Huddersfield responded with their late burst, Fa'alogo scoring twice either side of Grix, Brough kicking two of the goals, before Leeds' late nerves were finally settled.

Source:BBC

Melbourne Storm 12 NZ Warriors 20

FOR weeks they have been saying Shaun Johnson is the next Benji Marshall. Last night the young halfback showed why, coming up with a play straight from Marshall's play-book to secure the Warriors a grand-final spot - with more than a hint of 2005 to it. Unexpected but seemingly unstoppable.

The play that booked the Warriors' second grand final was superb - a dummy before a jink and an offload to centre Lewis Brown, who broke Melbourne's heart with three minutes left just as the organ seemed to have recovered from having two premierships snatched back due to salary cap breaches.

In some ways this is a dream grand final, because only in our wildest dreams could we have imagined the Warriors would be here. Belted by the Broncos on the opening weekend of the finals, they beat the Tigers in the final two minutes a week later - then shocked the Storm last night.

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary was delighted with his side's composure.

''I thought we controlled possession and field position in the second half and that's what you need to do against Melbourne,'' he said.

''We were very patient and never wavered from what we wanted to do.''

He hailed the performance of his young halfback.
'

'I don't expect it but I know he's capable of it,'' he said of Johnson setting up the match-winning try.

''In that arena, in that type of game, he did very well.''

For a club with one official premiership to its name in 12 years, Melbourne's reputation is a daunting one. But of all the teams in the competition, they have had more trouble with the Warriors on home soil than any other.

The Storm have a 50 per cent record when it comes to wins against the Warriors in Melbourne, so it was probably no surprise that the two teams were both still well in the contest at half-time.

The Storm needed a good start to erase any doubts that their opponents would be giving them.

They got it, five-eighth Gareth Widdop drifting across-field before sending Sika Manu, a player who seems as wide as he is high, over from close range.

It appeared then that the Storm might coast through to their third grand-final in five years - against the same opponents - but strangely, that's about when they stopped.

The Warriors upped the tempo, showing they held no fear for their opponents, and - like a confrontation with a barking dog - it appeared to work.

After 12 minutes, they levelled the scores; halfback Shaun Johnson's kick being batted backwards by centre Krisnan Inu, allowing winger Bill Tupou to scoop up the scraps.

The Warriors would have been taking some confidence, too, from the fact that the Storm's key players were not having it all their own way.

Fullback Billy Slater leapt high but could not take a bomb, and there was certainly no luck involved when lock Micheal Luck showed wonderful ball-playing skills to put five-eighth James Maloney over.

The Storm settled back down, however, and the match did as a result. The freneticism of the opening was overtaken by the grind of two teams slugging it out for a spot in a premiership decider. It was only broken by Slater's ball to Beau Champion, against the run of play, which set the centre on a 60-metro dash to the line.

Honours even again. The Warriors nudged ahead with a Maloney penalty goal on the half-time siren.

The Storm were fortunate not to be finished off with 11 minutes remaining, when a try to centre Lewis Brown was denied because of a knock-on by Locke. Soon after, he would not be denied. The Warriors have come good at the right time.

WARRIORS 20 (L Brown J Maloney B Tupou tries J Maloney 4 goals) bt MELBOURNE 12 (B Champion S Manu tries C Smith 2 goals) at AAMI Park. Referee: Tony Archer, Matt Cecchin. Crowd: 28,580.

Source:SMH

Manly Sea Eagles 26 Brisbane Broncos 14

SYDNEY has a team in the grand final. That it is Manly will still irk some, but credit to them. Like them or loathe them, the Sea Eagles are a very good football team. Their third grand final in five years awaits.

The cherry on top came from halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, who was the catalyst for most things good on a night when there was plenty. He had a hand in four of the Sea Eagles' five tries.

He and five-eighth Kieran Foran are aiming to become the youngest halves pairing to lead a team to a premiership in 30 years, but there is nothing in the game of either that suggests they are incapable.

They provided the spark in attack while centre Jamie Lyon provided the inspiration in defence; his tackle on Matt Gillett with 10 minutes remaining, with a Broncos win still a possibility, was wonderful. It was a poignant moment for the night; Lyon's heroics came with Darren Lockyer in row three.

It did not come without a price. Both second-rower Tony Williams and centre Steve Matai were placed on report, which will bring a touch of drama to the Sea Eagles' preparations. Just for a change. And just as they get Glenn Stewart back.

What was clear on this night was that the Sea Eagles' relatively easy preparation - at complete odds with that of their opponents - was a key factor. The Broncos not only missed Lockyer, but they were also hampered by having only a few days without their retiring five-eighth.

The Broncos will have been planning for life without Lockyer for some time, yet the first half hour showed planning can only help so much - especially in a preliminary final. The Broncos took that much time to adjust to being without their inspirational captain, and by then Manly had just about finished off the match.

What many had thought was that the Broncos would be steeled somewhat in defence without Lockyer. The 104kg frame of Gillett, Lockyer's replacement, is an imposing one, yet the Broncos gave away a soft try in the opening five minutes. It would have been a dagger to the heart; the Broncos would have known that scoring points was going to be difficult, but so long as they held firm without the ball they were in with a chance.

Sea Eagles hooker Matt Ballin burrowing over from dummy half after four minutes was an awful start.

What the Broncos also needed was to take every opportunity. After 10 minutes, they had a golden one, only for the golden-haired left-side combination of Jack Reed and Dale Copley to get in each other's way. Halfback Peter Wallace kicked and Reed took a clean grab - until Copley got in his way.

A minute later, the Sea Eagles made them pay, and they did so after another muddled effort from the Broncos' centre-wing combination, who were not enjoying the opening. Reed's ball coming out of their own quarter was spilled, and Cherry-Evans sent winger Will Hopoate over.

Ten-nil quickly became 16-0 when Cherry-Evans put fullback Brett Stewart over from close range. The Broncos hardly had time to blink and they were facing annihilation and exit.

Lockyer must have been the loneliest man in the ground. At least the Broncos had each other to muster their strength.Yet that they did, for a time. Gillett had been attempting a corn flakes approach to five-eighth - the simple things in life are often the best. His 30th minute kick was actually not that simple but it was certainly effective - especially having a player of the skill of Jharal Yow Yeh on the other end of it. The winger did superbly to latch onto the kick, placing the ball over his shoulder as he lay on his back. In doing so he got his side off its back and into the fight again.

For a time anyway. The Broncos' stand-in skipper Sam Thaiday, who had been in just about everything, was a little over-eager as he attempted to put Cherry-Evans on his back after a kick. The penalty was awarded, the halfback dusted himself off and played another key role as Hopoate scored his second.

The Broncos came back but they missed their leader. Now a long off-season awaits for them to truly appreciate that.

MANLY 26 (W Hopoate 2 M Ballin K Foran B Stewart tries J Lyon 3 goals) bt BRISBANE 14 (D Copley P Wallace J Yow Yeh tries C Parker goal) at Sydney Football Stadium. Referee: Shayne Hayne, Jared Maxwell. Crowd: 31,894.

Source:Sydney Morning Herald

Gareth Ellis fit for Four Nations, says England coach

The Wests Tigers forward, 30, was thought to be a doubt after club coach Tim Sheens said in August he would need groin surgery at the end of the season.

But McNamara said: "He changed his rehabilitation programme midway through the season and is fine now.

"We're delighted he's available. It's a massive boost for the whole country and will add real strength to our pack."

McNamara drafted Ellis into his train-on squad to prepare for the matches which start next month against Australia, New Zealand and Wales.

He added: "Gareth has been in tremendous form in the NRL and has produced some stand-out performances during this campaign.

"He will join up with us next month when the full squad reports to Loughborough ahead of the tournament starting."

The final 24-man squad will be announced on Monday 10 October.
One day earlier, on Tuesday, England named uncapped Hull KR centre Kris Welham in their initial training squad for the Four Nations.

Source:BBC

Hull KR set to appoint Kevin Moore as their new coach

Hull KR have pulled off a major coup by recruiting Kevin Moore as their new coach, meaning they will be the only Super League club in 2012 to employ a man with recent experience of being a head coach in Australia's National Rugby League .

Moore was in charge of the Canterbury Bulldogs until he was sacked midway through the 2011 season and also has experience of the British game after enjoying a successful spell with Halifax during the mid-1980s.

He is related, through marriage, to Chris Anderson, the former Australia coach who also played for Hull KR and Halifax, and spent several years on the backroom staff at Canterbury until he, Moore, was promoted to succeed his brother-in-law Steve Folkes in 2009.

He will become Rovers' second Super League coach after the club decided to release Justin Morgan with one year remaining on his contract.

Hull KR's chairman Neil Hudgell flew to Australia last week with two other directors to interview a handful of candidates and Moore's appointment is expected to be confirmed before the end of this week.

Rovers will become the fifth Super League club to appoint a new coach in recent months and the fourth to recruit an Australian. But none of the other three – Peter Gentle (Hull FC), Matt Parish (Salford) and Ian Millward (Castleford) – have held a head coach's position in the NRL.

Meanwhile, the Australian influence on the England squad for this autumn's Four Nations series is growing by the week. Chris Heighington, an experienced West Tigers forward who qualifies through his parents, seems certain to be selected after confirming his availability, following the Yorkshire-born, Queensland-raised Brisbane Broncos centre Jack Reed and Melbourne's Halifax-born utility back Gareth Widdop, who made his England debut last year.

Source: Guardian

Defiant Lockyer draws criticism over plan to play through injury

BRONCOS captain Darren Lockyer is set to defy the advice of his own doctors by playing in Friday night's grand final qualifier against Manly.

Lockyer, who had surgery on Sunday to have three plates inserted in the left side of his face, yesterday revealed he had been warned against attempting to play just six days after suffering a depressed fracture of his cheekbone in Saturday night's win over the Dragons.

''The doctors have advised me not to play but the decision is entirely up to me and I am leaning towards playing, so I will make that decision in the next few days,'' Lockyer said.

The specialist who operated on Lockyer, Dr John Arvier, yesterday declined to comment but another leading maxillofacial surgeon, Dr Caroline Acton, criticised Lockyer for going against the advice of his doctor.

''I am the president of Kidsafe Queensland, which is an organisation with the aim of keeping children out of hospital, so I am very concerned about a role model not going along with doctor's advice not to play,'' Dr Acton said. '

'The Broncos actually support us at Kidsafe, they have actually been at our house a couple of weeks ago to promote injury prevention. But he is willing to take the risk of refracturing his face and risking blindness.''

While the three titanium plates have strengthened the area where Lockyer suffered the fractures, Dr Acton said his cheek could cave in if he was hit there again on Friday night.

''The strength of the bone at the moment is only as strong as the plate and the screws so it is not as strong as it was in its unbroken state,'' she said. ''It is not very strong and if it was hit again with any reasonable force it would go back in again.''

Asked about the risk to his eyesight, Dr Acton said: ''The risk with breaking a cheekbone and repairing a cheekbone is blindness. It doesn't happen very often but when it does happen it is pretty devastating.''

However, Lockyer said he was aware of the risks and wanted to finish his career on his own terms.

''The way I approach that is every time we take the field I could lose my eyesight,'' he told Brisbane radio. ''I have played over 350 games and I have been hit in the cheekbone, where I have had a problem twice.

''I appreciate everyone's concern and I know that the doctors and the medical people are going to put it in a language that sounds dangerous but every time we take the field you run the risk of being injured.''

Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin said that after a record 355 premiership matches, 36 Origins and 55 Tests, Lockyer had the right to make his own call. Griffin hit back at criticism from NRL chief medical officer Ron Muratore over the club's decision to leave it to their captain to decide.

''No one was worried about a duty of care when they were asking [the players] to back up 24 hours after a Test match,'' Griffin said.

''The decisions we make about our players - for everyone at the club - the player's interest always comes first. That's why we're a tight club.

We're doing what we're doing on the football field because everyone's on the same page.

I don't understand how someone, especially someone a thousand miles away, can try and be critical of us.''

Roosters doctor John Orchard said Lockyer was receiving the best advice from Arvier, who performed a similar operation on Shannon Hegarty before the 2002 finals series.

''He is very professional, an excellent surgeon and very experienced,'' Orchard said. ''He will know how close the fractures are to the eye-socket, which is the big question in terms of safety, and I am sure he will give very, very good advice for Darren in terms of whether it is safe for him to go out there.''

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald

McNamara calls up Heighington

England coach Steve McNamara has called up Wests Tigers player Chris Heighington into his train-on squad ahead of the 2011 Gillette Four Nations.

Heighington, a 28-year-old loose forward who has made almost 200 appearances in the NRL, will arrive in the UK in early October to join the train-on squad which begins assembling this week.

Although born in Sydney, Heighington has dual nationality through his English father and confirmed his desire to play for England earlier this year.

"I'm delighted that Chris wants to play for England, he's an outstanding player who I'm really looking forward to working with during the fall-out programme and perhaps beyond," said McNamara.

"His work-rate and work ethic are first class and I'm sure those qualities will enhance the Elite Training Squad as we strive to achieve international success.

"I spoke to Chris at length when I visited Australia in the spring and it was clear that his motives in wanting to play for England were right: he's very proud of his English roots and he wants to make a difference to the England team."

Heighington's father Tom emigrated to Australia in his early-20s from County Durham, an area the family have retained strong links with, including their association with the village of Heighington near Darlington.

"Playing for England is something that's been on my mind for a good few years now and if I get the chance I'll be very proud," said Heighington, a Wests Tigers team-mate of established England second row Gareth Ellis.

"I've spoken to Gareth about it and to players like Sam Burgess and Gareth Widdop and the idea has become more exciting for me.

"When Steve came over before the start of the season we had a long chat and it became clear to me that this is what I want to do.

"I'd like to be given the opportunity to help England achieve international success and I'm sure the other England players will see that. I'm going to train hard and work hard and show everyone, not just Steve, that I'm worthy of an England jersey in the Four Nations."

Heighington's call-up comes just a few days after Airedale-born Brisbane Broncos centre Jack Reed pledged his allegiance to his country of birth ahead of the Four Nations in the UK later this year, when England face Australia, New Zealand and Wales.

RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood said that whilst he understood the presence of Heighington in the England camp would fuel a debate about international selection, any arguments were purely philosophical.

"The international eligibility rules are clear and we should play by them in selecting the strongest team available to us," said Wood.

"Other nations have used the rules to their advantage for many years now and it is right that we do the same.

"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."

Source: Love Rugby League

The Weekends Results

Sunday, 18 September 2011
Engage Super League
Leeds 42-10 Hull
Wigan 18-26 St Helens
The Co-Operative Championship
Sheffield 50-12 Halifax
The Co-Operative Championship 1
Keighley 10-19 Workington
Rochdale 26-18 Doncaster

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, 17 September 2011
Engage Super League
Catalan Dragons 56-6 Hull K R
Telstra Premiership
Brisbane 13-12 St George/Illawarra

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, 16 September 2011
Engage Super League
Warrington 47-0 Huddersfield
Telstra Premiership
Wests 20-22 New Zealand Warriors

Darren Lockyer Kicks Winner In Suncorp Stadium Swan Song

Playing through a facial injury, Darren Lockyer has snapped a golden-point field goal to keep Brisbane Broncos alive with a 13-12 win over St George Illawarra.

With less than two minutes on the clock Jamie Soward put Darius Boyd over following a one-on-one strip from Adam Cuthbertson that gave the Dragons one final shot in regulation.

Jamie Soward's conversion locked scores at 12-12.

Just moments earlier Ben Hornby had been correctly denied a potentially match-levelling try by the video referee after he knocked the ball on over the line.

Lockyer finished the game under an injury cloud after he took a knee to the head from teammate Gerard Beale in the closing stages.

While Lockyer played on he was in obvious discomfort and that injury is set to be a major storyline as the Broncos prepare to face Manly in week three.

The captain has now played his final match at Suncorp Stadium and his low trajectory shot in the Broncos' opening set of extra-time will be the lasting image.

Much as they did in the opening week of the finals, the Broncos smothered their opposition, dominating possession and territory to go to the break up 6-0.

Despite not scoring, the Dragons did well to be only a converted try behind at half-time.

A Corey Parker penalty put the Broncos further in front before the Dragons finally got on the board, Cuthbertson turning pressure into points as the visitors lifted in intensity.

But Brisbane held on and when the numbers allowed, spread the ball to Dale Copley's wing with the youngster finishing off a fluid movement to cross out wide with 13 minutes remaining.

Parker missed the chance to put the game out of reach, with Soward and Boyd combining to take the match past 80 minutes.

Source: Fox Sports

Ellis dreaming of Tigers glory

Wests Tigers enforcer Gareth Ellis is hoping to write his name in history by adding to an NRL premiership to his list of honours.

If Ellis can help his Tigers team mates win the Grand Final in October, he will become just the eleventh Englishman to have won titles at home and in Australia.After joining the Tigers in 2008, the 30-year-old second-rower became a revelation with the joint-venture club.

Ellis' neat footwork, high work-rate and hammering hits in defence made him a favourite with fans and earned him back-to-back club player of the year awards.

But this year he has been plagued by ankle and groin injuries and even travelled back to the UK mid-season in a bid to freshen up.

It seems to have worked, with the former Leeds Rhinos player putting in several solid performances at the back end of the season.But now Ellis' sights are firmly on helping the Tigers capture their first premiership since 2005.“It would be unbelievable.

I came thinking I was going to win one. I really believed - that’s why I came,’’ Ellis said.“It is a very elite band of players to have won competitions back in England and in Australia.

To join that group would make me a very happy person.”The Tigers must first overcome the Warriors on Friday, who will undoubtedly be eager to bounce back from their 40-10 flogging at the hands of Brisbane.

“We will have to be on our mettle to just compete and get one over them,’’ added Ellis.

“They are all going to be up for a big game and there are probably one or two players that are probably disappointed with their performances (against Brisbane) and I am sure they would want to put that right.”

Source: Love Rugby League

Boom Bronco Jack Reed turns back on Queensland to play for England

JACK Reed has a broad Aussie accent but the Broncos centre is certain to play for England in the end-of-year Four Nations tournament.

Reed, one of the finds of the NRL season, is at short odds to be named in Queensland's Emerging State of Origin squad next year, if he declares himself available for Australia.

But the greater certainty of a spot in England's squad is believed to have swayed Reed to play for the land of his birth and to perhaps line up against Broncos and Australian captain Darren Lockyer at London's Wembley Stadium. Reed, born in Yorkshire, moved here when he was two.

If the Broncos lose their sudden-death final against St George Illawarra at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night, Reed could be named in the Australian and England train-on squads, forcing him to make a choice between the countries.

Australian Rugby League chief executive Geoff Carr said yesterday he believed Reed would play for England, although he had yet to be officially informed of his plans.

"I have had a substantial number of emails from Jack Reed's manager and it appears the English coach (Steve McNamara) is very keen on him," Carr said.

"We should know by the weekend what Reed intends doing."

Parramatta utility Tulsen Tollett was the last Australian-raised Englishman to play for his country of birth.

Reed is in camp with the Broncos on the Gold Coast and coach Anthony Griffin has placed his players off limits before Saturday's big game.

If Reed plays for England, he will join the likes of Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Alex Glenn (New Zealand) and Josh McGuire (Samoa) in being ineligible for Queensland, therefore lessening the load on the club at Origin time.

In July, Reed told The Courier-Mail he had an English passport, but would love to play for Queensland, and therefore, Australia.

But at that stage he had not been approached by the England team management and now it is believed their interest has him excited about the prospect of international football.

England used four centres in last year's Four Nations - Michael Shenton, Ryan Atkins, Leroy Cudjoe and Tony Clubb - and Reed looks a class above all of them.

Melbourne Storm five-eighth Gareth Widdop will be one of the first players chosen for England.

Widdop represented Yorkshire under-16s before his family emigrated to Australia in 2006.

Source: Courier Mail

The Weekends Results

Thursday, 8 September 2011

The Co-Operative Championship
Batley 22-32 Halifax

Friday, 9 September 2011

Engage Super League
Hull 12-34 Warrington
Wakefield 26-14 Bradford
Wigan 42-10 Crusaders

The Co-Operative Championship
Sheffield 36-20 Widnes

Telstra Premiership
Wests 21-12 St George/Illawarra

Saturday, 10 September 2011

Engage Super League
Harlequins 16-34 St Helens
Hull K R 26-24 Castleford

Telstra Premiership
Brisbane 40-10 New Zealand Warriors
Manly 42-8 North Queensland

Sunday, 11 September 2011

Engage Super League
Huddersfield 24-31 Leeds
Salford 18-44 Catalan Dragons

The Co-Operative Championship 1
Doncaster 34-16 Whitehaven
Rochdale 39-18 Oldham

Telstra Premiership
Melbourne 18-8 Newcastle

Hayne ruled out of Kangaroos squad

Jarryd Hayne has been ruled out of Australia's upcoming Four Nations campaign with the Parramatta star to undergo intensive treatment on a groin injury.

Hayne was one of four players - along with departing Penrith skipper Petero Civoniceva, Gold Coast's Ashley Harrison and Titans-bound centre Jamal Idris - to be withdrawn from the Kangaroos train-on squad on Monday.

Eels five-eighth/fullback Hayne was expected to be included in the final squad, where his utility value would no doubt have come in handy for Test coach Tim Sheens.

He is not expected to undergo surgery, with Eels officials hopeful of having him fully fit ahead of pre-season training.

Civoniceva tore a pectoral muscle in his Panthers finale while Idris - who played in Australia's mid-year Test win over New Zealand - was unavailable due to wrist surgery ahead of his move from Canterbury to the Gold Coast.

Titans backrower Harrison's season ended prematurely when he hyper-extended his elbow against Brisbane in round 19, but ensuing shoulder surgery prior to the final round of the NRL regular season put paid to his green and gold bid.

Eight players were on Monday added to the train-on squad from which the Four Nations touring party to the United Kingdom and a Prime Minister's XIII to take on Papua New Guinea in Lae will be chosen.

As expected there were call-ups for likely Four Nations participants Kurt Gidley and Newcastle's Akuila Uate as well as North Queensland duo Matthew Scott and Johnathan Thurston, with those two sides having bowed out of the NRL finals over the weekend.

Also added to the squad were Knights forwards Chris Houston and Neville Costigan plus Cowboys duo Matt Bowen and Willie Tonga.

The squad will gather in Sydney on Thursday for a training session.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Menzies In Dream Team

Evergreen forward Steve Menzies is one of six new faces in the 2011 Engage Super League Dream Team.

The former Australia international, who turns 38 in December, is showing no sign of letting up and he recently signed a new contract with Catalan Dragons for 2012 that will make him the oldest player ever to appear in Super League.

His form was today recognised by his selection in the mythical dream team chosen by a panel of journalists based on form throughout the regular season, which came to a close on Sunday when Menzies scored twice in the Dragons' 44-18 win at Salford.

"It's obviously great being recognised," he said at the team's unveiling at Old Trafford.
"I've been really happy with the way I've played this year. Personally I think it's been my best season since coming to the UK."

Menzies is joined in the line-up by team-mate Scott Dureau and four other debutants, Castleford stand-off Rangi Chase, Warrington prop Garreth Carvell and wingers Tom Briscoe (Hull) and Joel Monaghan (Warrington).

Super League's big three, Warrington, Wigan and St Helens, provide nine of the 13 players, while Leeds have no representation for the first time since 1998.

Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins makes his third successive appearance, having been selected at stand-off in 2009 and 2010, while Hull centre Kirk Yeaman's return to form is recognised with his recall after a five-year absence.

Dream team: Sam Tomkins (Wigan); Tom Briscoe (Hull), Kirk Yeaman (Hull), George Carmont (Wigan), Joel Monaghan (Warrington); Rangi Chase (Castleford), Scott Dureau (Catalan); James Graham (St Helens), James Roby (St Helens), Gareth Carvell (Warrington), Ben Westwood (Warrington), Steve Menzies (Catalan), Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan).

Source: Sporting Life

Ex-GB coach Brian Noble praises Saints youth policy

St Helens' flourishing youth policy has come in for further praise from former Great Britain coach Brian Noble.

Saints fielded 17 English players, 15 of them Academy products, in Saturday's 34-16 win over Harlequins.

"I think it is brilliant to see so many English players on show," Noble told the BBC's Super League Show.

"It's what the British game needs and bodes well for both St Helens and England. Mike Rush and the academy system there have done a great job."

Saints coach Royce Simmons also lavished praise on his young guns.

Having rested four of their big guns, Jamie Foster, Leon Pryce, James Roby and Sia Soliola, ahead of Sunday's play-off derby trip to Wigan, the Saints youngsters produced a 30-point second half to wipe out a half-time deficit, with winger Tom Armstrong the star of the show thanks to a hat-trick of tries.

But with the likes of Carl Forster making his debut, and players like Andrew Dixon and Matty Ashurst getting some useful playing time, Simmons was eager to focus on his second stringers.

"I think the best part of the performance is that we came down here with 18 guys to play, and 15 of them have come through our academy," said the Saints coach.

"That is absolutely tremendous. It is the first time it has ever happened for us.

"To come here and give players some much-needed game time ahead of the play-offs is a big thing for us and will really stand us in good stead."

Source: BBC

Harlequins sign Michael Robertson, Liam Colbon & Matt Cook

Harlequins RL have signed wingers Michael Robertson and Liam Colbon and back rower Matt Cook.

Colbon, 26, and Cook, 24, have both joined from Super League rivals Hull KR and have signed two-year deals.

Robertson, 28, began his career in the National Rugby League with Canberra before moving to Manly in 2006, making 147 appearances for the Sea Eagles.

On Robertson, head coach Rob Powell said: "He is a proven try-scorer and is coming in the prime of his career."

Robertson added: "I look forward to enjoying plenty of success at Quins.

"Harlequins RL is a club on the rise and I've heard nothing but great things about their set-up.

It's a great opportunity for me to show what I can do and I'm really looking forward to joining up with the squad Liam Colbon

"While leaving Manly is a very tough decision, I'm really excited about the next phase of my career.

"I've always wanted to play in England and felt it was important I went over while I was in good form and playing well."

The Australian played in 139 consecutive games for the Sea Eagles between 2006 and 2011.
Colbon started his career at Wigan before moving to Rovers in 2009.

He said: "It's a great opportunity for me to show what I can do and I'm really looking forward to joining up with the squad and to start working with them all in the off-season."

Cook began his professional career with Bradford Bulls and spent time on loan at Castleford prior to joining the Robins.

"I'm really excited to be coming home to Harlequins Rugby League. It's where I started my career when I was a kid and I was coached by Phil Jones," he said.

Source: BBC

NRL ready to cash-in on TV ratings

NRL chief executive David Gallop claims the game has never been better placed to cash in on its increasing dominance of the Australian television landscape.

With negotiations for a new broadcast deal imminent, the NRL on Wednesday trumpeted stunning ratings results as part of its annual state of the game report.

There were increases across both free to air and pay television platforms, with rugby league responsible for 74 of the top 100 most watched programs on subscription television, while the State of Origin series was the most watched sporting event on free to air.

The figures are sure to put the NRL in a powerful position at the negotiating table - with some even predicting they could outdo the AFL's recent $1.25 billion deal.

"Pay television is a key revenue item for us going forward," Gallop said at NRL headquarters in Sydney.

"Live sport is something that everyone knows drives subscriptions in pay television and to have 74 of the top 100 shows, we'll be looking for value for that.

"We expect it to be priced very highly in terms of what it delivers in terms of people wanting to subscribe to pay television because of rugby league.

"The game is the best it's ever been and it needs to be because we're in a competitive environment.

"It's a critical year commercially for the game - we've got some big deals that we're ready to do ... it's a year of opportunity."

The biggest increase in ratings was for Saturday night matches, which received a 26 per cent boost on 2010 figures.

But with the possibility games could be sold off individually or as packaged deals, one timeslot which is sure to attract plenty of interest is Monday night football.

There was a 17 per cent increase in Fox Sports' ratings for Monday night matches in 2011, and there are already murmuring that OneHD could make a play for those games from 2013.

"We expect a contest for our rights across a number of timeslots," Gallop said.

"Monday night - if you look at 17 per cent growth in it - you'd have to be looking at that as a free to air broadcaster and wondering if you could get a slice of that."

Ratings increases were just one of a number of solid results for the NRL, which also produced solid performances in attendances and club memberships, which were up 28 per cent.

Crowds actually dropped by 0.6 per cent to 3.13 million, but they fared far better than some of their competitors with the AFL's crowds down 5.5 per cent, Super Rugby eight per cent and A-League 15 per cent.

Source: nrl.com

Hull FC's Craig Fitzgibbon retires early with injury

Hull FC captain Craig Fitzgibbon is to retire from the game after his season was ended by a serious ankle injury.

Fitzgibbon, 34, suffered a fracture and ligament damage in Saturday's 50-18 win over Castleford.

"Craig is a giant in the game and will leave a legacy of professionalism that we will continue to benefit from in the coming years," chief executive James Rule said.

"He has made an enormous impact on our club both on and off the field."

Rule added: "On behalf of the directors, staff, coaches, players and fans, I would like to thank Craig for his contribution to Hull and wish him and his family all the best in his future endeavours."

The former Australian test and State of Origin forward has made 44 appearances for the Black and Whites since joining them in 2010 and took over the captaincy from Sean Long at the start of this season.

Fitzgibbon became the highest scoring forward in the history of the NRL in August 2006.
He collected more than 1,500 points while playing for Illawarra Steelers, St George Dragons and the Sydney Roosters.

Source: BBC

Five Game Ban For Hock

Wigan forward Gareth Hock will miss the rest of the season after being handed a five-match ban for gouging and punching. He was also fined £300.

The England international was found guilty of gouging during his side's 39-12 Super League defeat by Warrington at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday.

The grade E offence carries a suspension of between four and eight matches and the Rugby Football League's disciplinary commission imposed the minimum punishment.

Hock, who returned just over two months ago from a two-year doping ban for cocaine use, was also given a one-match ban for punching Warrington forward Ben Harrison in the closing moments of Sunday's game.

He was placed on report by referee Richard Silverwood for the punching incident but was subsequently cited by the RFL's match-review panel for the more serious charge of gouging.

Wigan have one regular season game to play - at home to Crusaders on Friday - and up to four play-off ties, including the October 8 Grand Final.

The suspension also effectively ends any hope Hock had of regaining his England place for the Four Nations Series.

Source: Sporting Life

Marshall misses Dally M shot as Slater stays on top

CRAIG BELLAMY'S decision to rest Billy Slater in Melbourne's final game of the year opened the door for Benji Marshall to steal the Dally M Medal last Saturday - but he didn't take it.

Despite failing to poll a single point in the last two games of the season, Slater did enough in an incredible post-Origin run, tallying 14 points in six games, to pip Marshall for the 2011 player of the year award.

The Storm fullback said he was nervous before the announcement, but no one was more relieved to hear his name read out than Bellamy.

''I was nervous at the end, I didn't come here nervous,'' Slater said. ''I honestly didn't think I would be right up there, I knew Benji had a great finish to the year so I thought he'd be a shoo-in … I'm pretty happy Robbie Farah had a blinder in his last game.''

Marshall went on a similar rampage, polling 14 points in seven matches for the Tigers, and needed two points in the final match against Cronulla to be crowned joint winner. But he didn't score a point.

Slater (29 points) held a two-point lead over Manly's Glenn Stewart heading into the infamous round-25 clash against the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval a fortnight ago.

But he was docked nine points and handed a three-game ban following his brawl with Adam Blair, ending his chances of winning the award.

Before injuring his knee in Origin III, Johnathan Thurston was on 24 points, six clear of Paul Gallen.

''I feel a little bit sorry that he got injured,'' Slater said. ''He'd probably be wearing this medal around his neck right now if he didn't.''

Dally M Medal: Billy Slater
Provan-Summons Medal: Nathan Hindmarsh
Captain: Cameron Smith
Team of the year: Billy Slater (fullback), Akuila Uate (winger), Jamie Lyon (centre), Benji Marshall (five-eighth), Cooper Cronk (halfback), Matthew Scott (prop), Paul Gallen (lock), Cameron Smith (hooker), Sam Thaiday (second-rower), Craig Bellamy (coach)
Rep player: Cameron Smith
Rookie: Daly Cherry-Evans
National Youth Competition: Jack De Belin
Peter Frilingos headline moment: Paul Gallen (Origin II)

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Hull announce Agar out, McRae in

Hull FC have today announced that Shaun McRae has been appointed as Director of Rugby and that Richard Agar will leave as head coach at the end of the season.

McRae, who coached the Black & Whites between 2000 and 2002, will take up his new role as Director of Rugby from the 1st October 2011.Shaun will be responsible for all aspects of the playing side at the club and will operate as a Director of Hull FC.

His duties will encompass the recruitment of a new First Team Coach for Hull FC who will be installed in the position at the latest by 1st November 2011.

Although not taking up official employment until 1st October 2011, Shaun will be immediately responsible for the completion of the recruitment process for a new Head Coach of Hull FC.

This new appointment will be announced as soon as the recruitment process can be completed.

Commenting on his appointment with the club Shaun McRae said, "I am delighted to be returning to Hull FC and I am honoured to be part of the exciting times that lay ahead. I look forward to working with Adam Pearson and all the staff and players and also reacquainting myself with the "old faithful.

"The appointment of a new Head Coach will be required due to the departure of present First Team Coach Richard Agar who has, following discussions with the Board, decided to take on new rugby challenges from the end of this Super League season.

Richard will remain in charge of all first team duties until the end of the current Super League play off campaign. Agar stated "It has been a fantastic experience to work for Hull FC over the last seven years.

I consider it an honour to have worked with the players and staff of this great club. "I leave with pride that we have built a quality squad and culture.

I have numerous happy memories and the two Challenge Cup Finals and the Grand Final are obvious highlights. I would like to wish the Directors, players, staff and fans all the very best for the future".The club have stated that they will announce Richard's successor at the earliest possible convenience following the conclusion of the recruitment process.

Source: Love Rugby League

Eamon O'Carroll signs for Hull

Wigan Warriors prop forward Eamon O'Carroll has signed for Hull FC on a three-year-deal.

The 24-yea-old Ireland International is strong in both attack and defence and becomes Hull's fifth signing ahead of the 2012 campaign.

Speaking on the deal, O'Carroll said: "To be joining a club like Hull FC is massive.

They are a huge club with a great history and a great fan base and I am very privileged to be joining them," he said."I am looking forward to getting over there and getting into pre-season and it is a move that really excites me, so I can’t wait to get started."They are a club with big ambitions and hopefully I can play my part in helping them achieve some of those.

"The prop played all three games for Ireland in the 2008 World Cup in Australia

Source: Love Rugby League

Clint Newton will return to the NRL with Penrith next season after being granted a release from Hull KR

Former Melbourne Storm grand final winner Clint Newton will return to the NRL with Penrith next season after being granted a release from the final year of his contract with Hull KR.

Newton made 97 appearances for the Super League club since making his debut in 2008, but the 30-year-old will get the chance to test himself in the NRL once again after signing a two-year deal with the Panthers.

The Newcastle junior was forced out of the Knights in 2007 by then coach Brian Smith, and linked up with the Storm.

Although Melbourne have since been stripped of their '07 premiership, Clinton was a key member of their thumping grand final win over Manly.

Panthers general manager Phil Gould thanked Hull KR for their cooperation in releasing the member of the 2009 Super League Dream Team.

"On behalf of the Panthers, I would like to thank Hull KR chairman Neil Hudgell and his management team for the professionalism and compassion they have displayed in allowing Clint to return to the NRL," Gould said.

Newton will make his final home appearance for Hull KR in Saturday's game against Castleford, which the Rovers need to win to secure their place in the playoffs.

"Clint's reasons for wanting to return home now are perfectly understandable and, given his exemplary service to the club over the last four years, we were prepared to grant him a release," said Hudgell.

Newton said he'd applied for the release based chiefly on family reasons.

"It has been an honour and privilege to play for Rovers and live in the city of Hull these last four years," he said.

"My decision to take up the opportunity to move back home comes with a heavy heart and it's not a decision that was made overnight.

"This decision is what's best for my future, my partner and my family and those reasons are the only reason for my departure, nothing else."

Source: Fox Sports

Broncos weighing up risks of fighting Thaiday charge

BRONCOS officials will decide today whether to proceed with an all-or-nothing judiciary gamble that could result in Sam Thaiday joining injured fullback Josh Hoffman on the sidelines for the rest of the season.

Thaiday was charged yesterday with a grade-two dangerous throw for his tackle on Manly prop Brent Kite in Brisbane's 18-10 win at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, and will miss two matches with an early guilty plea.

However, he is considering seeking a downgrade at tomorrow night's judiciary hearing that would enable him to play in Saturday night's qualifying final against the Warriors.

The risk is that if he fails to convince the judiciary panel that his tackle warranted only a grade-one charge, Thaiday will be suspended for three matches and will be in danger of missing the grand final if Brisbane win this weekend and either Melbourne or Manly lose.

Broncos officials insisted last night that they had yet to decide whether to challenge the grading of Thaiday's charge or enter an early plea, and hope the side survives long enough in the finals campaign for him to return.

It is understood the match-review committee felt there were similarities between the tackle by Thaiday and the one that cost South Sydney forward Dave Taylor a five-match ban earlier this year. Taylor was charged with a grade-two dangerous throw for his tackle on Brisbane prop Scott Anderson, and unsuccessfully sought a downgrade at the judiciary.

Because of two other offences - including another dangerous throw - in the previous two years, Taylor received a five-match ban but Thaiday has no loading or carryover points.

If they proceed to the judiciary, it is expected the Broncos will argue that Thaiday's tackle on Kite was more like the grade-one offence of which Sydney Roosters forward Frank-Paul Nuuausala was found guilty, rather than Taylor's tackle on Anderson.

Should Thaiday plead guilty, former Test forward Dane Carlaw is under consideration to replace him against the Warriors on Saturday night, although the return of Test centre Justin Hodges enables Ben Teo to shift to the back row.

Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin is also deciding between Daniel Gagai and Dale Copley as Hoffman's replacement in the back line, with Gerard Beale expected to move to fullback and one of the under-20s stars to play on the wing.

Hoffman will miss New Zealand's end-of-season Four Nations campaign after scans yesterday confirmed the 23-year-old had torn his posterior cruciate ligament, but he does not need surgery. He is expected to be back for the start of next season.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Hock on report for eye-gouging incident

Wigan forward Gareth Hock was placed on report by referee Richard Silverwood for an alleged eye-gouging on Ben Harrison in today's defeat to Warrington.

With the Warriors well beaten in the latter stages, Hock appeared to gouge the eyes of Warrington forward Ben Harrison in the tackle.

When Harrison got to his feet, a punch was thrown by the Wigan man, sparking a minor skirmish between players from both sides.

The incident, clearly caught on the SKY TV cameras, has led to fans on social networks calling for a ban for the 27-year-old. If found guilty, the RFL recommend a minimum four game ban as per their disciplinary guidelines, meaning Hock would miss the rest of the season.

Hock returned to action this season after serving a two-year ban for using an illegal substance.

Source: Love Rugby League

The cream of the crop, but Kearney says Hayne is yet to stay at the top

JARRYD HAYNE needs to be at his best more consistently to be considered one of the NRL's elite, according to his Parramatta coach Stephen Kearney.

A Hayne-inspired Eels blew away Gold Coast 32-12 at Skilled Park on Saturday to avoid the club's first wooden spoon since 1972.

Hayne set up five tries and helped himself to the team's sixth with a sensational 103-metre effort as the Eels jumped to a 32-0 lead after 48 minutes.

Yet Kearney was not completely satisfied.

''He's up there with the cream of the game when he is on song,'' he said.

'The improvement for Jarryd … [to be] like the Lockyers, Cronks, Slaters and Smiths, is to back that up week after week."

Despite Hayne's display at five-eighth, Kearney confirmed the imminent arrival of Ben Roberts and Chris Sandow would mean his star reverting to fullback next year.

With Hayne's help, the Eels didn't just hand the Titans the wooden spoon - they whacked them over the head with it.

Skipper Nathan Hindmarsh said the relief of eluding the unwanted piece of cutlery would give his side a spring in their step next season.

''I am very happy. There is a massive difference between last and second-last,'' Hindmarsh said.

''Before this game I was the most nervous in a long time - the loser was going to take the spoon home. I have been dreading that for a few weeks now - to be captain of a club with such tradition, I am glad we didn't end up with it.''

The Eels finally produced an 80-minute effort to snap a seven-game losing run that incredibly included three one-point losses in golden-point extra-time.

In the end, just six wins and a draw - albeit in golden point extra-time against the Dragons - was all the Eels had to show for this season, but Hindmarsh saw so much more.

'I am proud of the way the boys handled themselves this year. We have lost some close games, but we have been very competitive,'' he said. ''I think we can take a lot out of this year.''

Especially Hayne, after giving Australian selectors a not-so-subtle reminder ahead of the Four Nations at the end of year.

Deft passes and clever kicks set up five tries but the highlight was his heroics in the 11th minute.

Luck was on his side when a Preston Campbell pass ricocheted into his hands in the in-goal area.

But there was no luck involved as Hayne - from a standing start - showed blinding speed to cut through the Titans and set sail down the left sideline to score despite a looming David Mead.

Like Hindmarsh, Kearney was breathing easy after missing the spoon - especially after being at Melbourne last year during the salary cap rort scandal.

''To get a couple [of spoons] in as many years wouldn't have been nice,'' he said dryly

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald