| Sydney Schoolboys footy action from the CHS University & Buckley Shields at The Sharks fields on Tuesday 29th May '07. |
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TEAM LOSES BUT FINDS FINE TOUCH
Story By : 
BRADBURY Public School's State Knockout rugby league team were far from disgraced as they went down 30-12 to Smithfield in round two of the competition. Without key juggernaut Jacob Brennan, the Bradbury boys of Jaden Lainge, Lawson McGarry, Shaquille Ishmail, Paul Eden, Dylan Hawe, Ryan Bell and Jacob Tapprell all put their bodies on the line and made it a great contest. |
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| STUDENTS OF LEAGUE: Marist Brothers rugby league players Roderick McFarlane, left, and Brett Spears, who will head off to the U |
STILL TRUE TO THE BLUE
Story By : ADRIAN MILLER 
FOR two proud New South Welshman such as Roderick McFarlane and Brett Spears, having to play for Queensland was a bit out of the ordinary.
But after they were selected for the Australian Universities rugby league team, they agree that donning the maroon was worth it.
The pair, who play for Marist Brothers in the Retravision Northern League, will head to the UK next month for a seven-match, five-week tour featuring games against Great Britain, Wales and a Combined Armed Forces side.
Because they go to Southern Cross University in Lismore Spears is studying to become a PE teacher while McFarlane does Indigenous studies they had to represent Queensland to make the Aussie side, a quirk Spears said they would not quickly live down.
Rod and I are both from NSW so we copped a pasting from our Queensland team mates before the State game, he said. But we still cheer for NSW.
This is Spears third Australian selection, while its the first for McFarlane after four attempts.
I was a bit surprised to get picked, actually, McFarlane said.
Ive played for Queensland for four years without getting picked and I didnt think I played as well this year as I had in the past, so maybe Im just a sympathy selection!
Even if thats the case, McFarlane, 22, who expects be used as a utility player covering lock, centre and fullback, cant wait to play overseas although he has some reservations.
Im looking forward to smashing the Poms, he said.
The game against the Combined Services looks like it will be the toughest game so hopefully Ill be left out of the side for that one.
Spears, 25, said while their team-mates think the pair will be in for an easy time in the UK, he knows the games will be a challenge.
All the Brothers boys bag us out because they reckon its a bit of a joke, but itll be pretty hard and fast, he said.
If the games overseas are anything like the State game itll be a fairly hard hit-out.
But its taken more than just talent for the pair to make the trip and they said they were thankful to all the people who had helped them raise the $5000 they would each need for the tour.
Matt King, Jordan Atkins from the Titans and Mary Gilhooleys donated signed jerseys for us, while Greg Clark Building, Lismore Nissan, Aussie Digger, Jay Elle Lactation, Laser Plumbing, Scott Elliotts Bexhill Butchers, the SCU Vice-Chancellor and Neil Pollard also helped out, Spears said. |
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| BCU Junior Development - Titans U18's |
TITANS CLAIM INAGURAL BCU JOHN SATTLER SHIELD
Bcu Gold Coast Titans Under 18's Defeat South Sydney SG Ball Side
The BCU Gold Coast Titans u/18 development squad performed exceptionally well to win the inaugural BCU John Sattler Shield against the South Sydney Juniors SG Ball side.
The junior Titans 20 to 14 win was an impressive win considering the team only had one training session together before taking on the South Sydney juniors who had just completed a competitive season in the ten week NSWRL Junior Representative competition.
The match was played in a great spirit with both sides showing plenty of skill combined with determination and intensity in defence.
Credit must be given to the coaching staff which consisted of Jamie O,Connor, Jeff Pratt and Nathan Antonik for the way the boys were prepared.
The obvious highlight for both teams was the knowledge that Rugby League Legend Mr John Sattler took a great interest in the match watching from the stands and making himself available to present the shield and have a chat to the captains from both teams.
The BCU Gold Coast Titans development are looking forward to defending the BCU John Sattler shield when we next take the field against the South Sydney Junior Rabbitohs. |
 SOWARD WALKS INTO NO.6 JERSEY
Story By : Jamie Pandaram and Brad Walter 
YESTERDAY was bittersweet for Jamie Soward, with the young playmaker securing a two-year contract with the Dragons before heading to Wagga Wagga for a friend's father's wake.
Soward was granted a release from the Roosters and could be a shock inclusion at five-eighth for St George Illawarra against Brisbane on Friday as the Dragons battle an injury crisis.
With regular five-eighth Dean Young expected to be sidelined for up to eight weeks with a recurring knee injury, and fullback Ben Hornby - who has been a regular fill-in in the halves - also out for a month with a calf strain, Soward is in line to step straight into the famous Dragons No.6 jumper against the world's premier player, Darren Lockyer.
Unhappy with the limited game time he was receiving in first grade at Bondi, Soward asked for a release one month ago. After three weeks of negotiations with the Dragons, Soward put pen to paper yesterday.
"Jamie is not receiving any financial benefit from this deal," said the player's manager, Sam Ayoub. "It was simply a case where he wasn't happy with the opportunities he was getting and he sought to move to a club where his services would be more appreciated in first grade."
To secure Soward, the Dragons released 25-year-old winger Luke MacDougall, who signed with Newcastle and will play alongside his brother, Adam.
"Jamie is a talented play-maker who will be a boost for our club," Dragons chief executive Peter Doust said.
"Unfortunately, we have suffered injuries within our halves this season and to make way for another, we had to let an outside back go. Newcastle were looking for an outside back, so we agreed to let Luke go."
Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan said the move was for the best. "Decisions of this nature are always made with the best interests of the player and the club in mind," he said.
The signing of one of the rising stars in the game cheered the Dragons after it emerged Young and Hornby would be out for an extended period, joining prop Ashton Sims, who has a knee injury and will miss four to six weeks, and winger Brett Morris, who is out indefinitely with a shoulder problem. Utility back Wes Naiqama has already been ruled out for the year.
A depleted Dragons outfit will face a Broncos side high on confidence after they demolished Newcastle 71-6 on Sunday, although it's likely front-rower Jason Ryles will be available after missing last week's loss to Canberra.. Learn More |
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| On the charge ... Chris Lawrence makes a burst against the Panthers |
TIGERS' WINNING STREAK CONTINUES
Story By : 
The Wests Tigers recorded their sixth win in a row with a 25-24 victory over Penrith in their round 11 NRL clash at CUA Stadium this afternoon.
After enduring a horror start to the season, which included four straight defeats, the Tigers have shown they are one of the form sides in the NRL although they were forced to play through to the final whistle against the Panthers, who launched a late challenge.
They had trailed 25-12 with less than 20 minutes to play before tries to Geoff Daniela and Nick Youngquest, both converted by Peter Wallace, brought them to within a point with less than a minute to play.
However, Robbie Farah's field goal kicked in the shadows of half-time was the difference, the decision to go for the one-pointer when the match was not yet in the balance proving to be crucial.
Aside from Farah's effort, the Tigers' points came through tries to Liam Fulton, Daniel Fitzhenry, Chris Lawrence and Ben Galea while Brett Hodgson added four conversions.
The Panthers also entered the scorebook via tries to Frank Puletua and Mick Gordon, who converted both four-pointers.
The Tigers will look to further consolidate their position in the top eight when they meet Parramatta at Leichardt Oval while the Panthers host competition leaders Manly on Friday night.
Wests Tigers 25 (L Fulton, D Fitzhenry, C Lawrence, B Galea tries; B Hodgson 4 conversions; R Farah 1 field goal)
Penrith 24 (F Puletua, M Gordon, G Daniela, N Youngquest tries; P Wallace 2 conversions, M Gordon 2 conversions)
Related Audio:
Interview: Robbie Farah Grandstand spoke with Robbie Farah after the Wests Tigers downed Penrith 25-24 in their round 11 NRL clash. [RealMedia 28k+] [WinMedia 28k+] [MP3]
Interviews: Tim Sheens and Matthew Elliott
Grandstand spoke with Wests coach Tim Sheens and Panthers coach Matthew Elliott after the Tigers won their round 11 NRL clash 25-24. [RealMedia 28k+] [WinMedia 28k+] [MP3] |
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| Darius Boyd of the Broncos passes the ball. Photo: Getty Images |
SCORCHING BRONCOS EMBARRASS KNIGHTS
Story By :
Brisbane posted a much-needed win in emphatic fashion with a 71-6 thrashing of Newcastle in their round 11 NRL fixture at Suncorp Stadium this afternoon.
The Broncos showed no ill-effects from State of Origin I, crossing for a staggering 12 tries in a scintillating attacking performance that gave the club their first win since round eight.
Tonie Carroll, Brent Tate and Justin Hodges all registered doubles while Karmichael Hunt, Petero Civoniceva, Ben Hannant, Darius Boyd, Joel Moon and Greg Eastwood all scored four-pointers.
The conversions were shared between Michael Ennis (four), Corey Parker (four) and Darren Lockyer (three), who also landed a field goal in the first half.
The Knights, weakened by the loss of a series of players due to injury, could only manage points through a try to Jarrod Mullen and a conversion to Cory Paterson.
Brisbane dictated terms almost from the opening whistle and they did not have to wait long to open their account when Carroll went over after taking a Lockyer pass on the angle in the eighth minute.
Lockyer converted before Hannant, Civoniceva and Tate also scored prior to half-time, while Newcastle's only points of the period coming through Mullen's converted try.
Down 25-6 at the break, the Knights needed to score first in the second half if they were to make any impression but instead the Broncos continued on their way and Hodges' opening try in the 42nd minute simply re-started the visitors' woes.
Brisbane 71 (T Carroll (2), J Hodges (2), B Tate (2), K Hunt, P Civoniceva, B Hannant, D Boyd, J Moon, G Eastwood tries; M Ennis 4 conversions, C Parker 4 conversions, D Lockyer 3 conversions; D Lockyer 1 field goal)
Newcastle 6 (J Mullen try; C Paterson 1 conversion) |
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| Mitchell Pearce played well in the Premier League (Photos : ourfooty Media ) |
MITCHELL PEARCE RIPS THE SHARKS APART
Story By :  & 
Mitchell Pearce was the little general in the Newton Jet side which thrashed the Cronulla Sharks Premier League side at Shark Park last on Saturday Night.
Mitchell was very commanding on the field, directing his troops to plug holes, cover players and his little kicks are out of this world.
Twice in the first half the Jets scored tries from Mitchell Pearce's kicks, the first a spot on grubber kick that the Jet winger was able to pick up and the second was a beautiful 30 meter kick to the right wing where the footy was marked in mid air and the Jets crashed over the Sharks line for a great team try.
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| Mitchell Pearces' kicking game is deadly, this kick resulted in a try to the Jets winger (Photo : ourfooty media ) |
After stringing together a series of encouraging performances in recent weeks the Sharks Premier League came crashing back to earth when they slumped to a 38-8 loss to the Newtown Jets at Toyota Park on Saturday night.
The Sharks never managed to get into the contest, with the Jets building on their 10-0 half time deficit to run out comfortable winners.
Two tries, both from Mitchell Pierce kicks, saw the Jets go to half time with a handy advantage and things hardly improved for the Sharks in the second stanza.
Jets winger Shaun Kenny Dowell scored the first of two tries after getting on the outside of his opposite number, before then capitalising on another blunder down the left hand side from Sharks winger Tu’u Maori and the match was as good as over for the Sharks at 20-0 behind.
 Cronulla Sharks |
8 - 38 |
 Newtown Jets |
| TRIES : Bryson Goodwin, Josh Hannay |
TRIES : Shaun Kenny Dowell 2, Iosia Soliola, Rory Kostjasyn, Troy Savage, Micky Paea, Willie Brown
GOALS : Shaun Foley 5 |
Two more tries to the Jets saw the score blow out to 32-0, before Bryson Goodwin slid over wide out to post the Sharks first score of the night. He failed to convert, however the Sharks were on the board at 32-4.
A further try to the Jets and a four-pointer to Josh Hannay for the Sharks as the full time siren was sounding, saw the final score finish up at 38-8 in favour of the Jets. |
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| Lachlan Coote shows off his medal and trophy after being named the S.G. Ball player of the year. |
PANTHER CUB ON THE PROWL
Story By : Brendan Rhodes 
BRILLIANT young fullback Lachlan Coote won't admit it, but he could be the next Anthony Minichiello or Rhys Wesser if his form this season is anything to go by.
The Windsor junior starred for Penrith in the S.G. Ball Cup under 18 competition, winning the Player of the Year, despite playing a year out of his age group.
S.G. Ball is the under 18 equivalent of the NRL, and includes all the NSW-based NRL clubs in an 11-week season, including finals.
With Coote, 17, dominating at fullback, the Panthers went through the season undefeated, only to lose 22-12 to Parramatta in the grand final earlier this month.
He was the competition's leading tryscorer, running in a stunning 18 four-pointers in just 11 matches, but he still has a level head on his shoulders and isn't getting too ahead of himself.. Learn More |
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| Cody Morrison on the burst |
NORTH QUEENSLAND Cowboys UNDER 15 CHALLENGE
After a disappointing draw with the combined Mirani/Pioneer High team in round one of the Schoolboy’s NORTH QUEENSLAND Cowboys U/ 15 Challenge, Mackay State High School Bounced back on their school oval today to record a morale boosting victory over rivals and competition favourites Kirwan High from Townsville.
Kirwan found themselves behind on the scoreboard early in the contest following a slick move which put Mackay High winger Buchanan Rawhiti over the line.
The try was converted by Mackay SHS’s half Dylan Smith to give the Home team an early lead.. Learn More |
STATE OF ORIGIN A DREAM FOR YOUNGSTERS LIKE BEN
Story By : 
AS Ben Cederblad last night sat back and cheered on the Blues in their State Of Origin encounter, he did so harbouring aspirations of one day being out there experiencing it first-hand.
The annual battle for state bragging rights is one of the highlights of the rugby league season and a dream for many budding young players.
Cederblad fits that mould and is taking some promising steps towards that goal with selection in the NSW Combined Independent Schools U15 squad.
The squad will attend a training camp at Narrabeen from June 1 to 3, from which the squad will be cut to a final 20 to play the Roosters' development squad on Wednesday, June 13.
The CIS team will also contest the Australian U15 Championships at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide just over a week later.
They will play in Pool 1 along Queensland 1, Queensland 2, ACT, NSW Combined Catholic Colleges and NSW CHS.
The first player from Tamworth's William Cowper school to progress to that level of league representation, Cederblad was selected in the CIS side from trials held at Bishop Druitt College, Coffs Harbour.
Similar trials were also held at Newcastle and Sydney, with the 30-player squad assembled from those respective
trials.
"I was shocked," Cederblad said about his CIS call-up.
The 15-year old plays both hooker and half-back but ranks hooker as his preferred position.
That is where he trialled, and where he also plays for his North Tamworth U16s side.
If successful in making the CIS team for the trip to Adelaide, Cederblad will be lining up against Farrer's Brett Jarrett, who was yesterday named in the CHS U15 team.
He was the lone Greater Western player named in the U15 State side when the CHS Rugby League Championships concluded at Myuna Bay yesterday but the region scored better in the open divisions with five players winning State selection.
Farrer trio Angus McHattan, Seb Swain and Scott Blanch, along with Gunnedah's Trent Hilton and Coonabarabran's Wes Suckley, will represent NSW CHS at the Australian Championships in Townsville in July. |
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| Conratulations Dunamis ! |
HARD WORK REWARDED
Wavell High Rugby League Excellence student Dunamis Lui, has had his hard work rewarded, with his selection in The 18 years Queensland Secondary Schools Rugby League (Q.S.S.R.L) team to contest the prestigious National Titles in Townsville from the 9th to the 14th of July.
One of a number of Wavell High students representing the Metropolitan North Region at the 18 years schoolboy State Rugby League Titles at Dalby, Dunamis scooped the magic double by gaining selection in both the State 17's and the Q.S.S.R.L teams for 2007.. Learn More
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 ENDEAVOUR THRU IN ST. MARY'S CUP
Tuggerah High School traveled to Endeavour Oval for Thursday's
St. Mary's Cup tie with local school Endeavour Sports HS.
Engadine High School proved too powerful for St. John's Bosco to win 30 - 18 and progress through to the regional semi's of the Arrive alive Cup.
After both school traded tries for most of the game, the Engadine fullback proved the difference with with many big runs in the 2 half which resluted in 2 long distance tries including one 80 mtr effort from the kick off. |
 OUTSTANDING TIER A GRAND FINALS THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS
Story By : SARL
Tier A competition has been an outstanding success with over 700 pupils participating in under 18 and under 15 games this year.
There was a total of 33 teams from 18 schools involved and the standard has vastly improved from season 2006.
The culmination of the competition was our grand finals this week at Hanson Reserve.
The Grand Finals results look like this;
| 18 YEARS AT HANSON RESERVE WOODVILLE GARDENS on Wednesday 23rd May |
15 YEARS AT HANSON RESERVE WOODVILLE GARDENS on Thursday 24th May |
Salisbury 26 defeated Tabor 24 (Plate)
Adelaide 26 defeated Windsor Gardens 20 (Trophy)
12.10pm Golden Grove 30 drew Reynella East 30 (Cup)
1.10pm Aberfoyle Park 42 defeated Gawler18(Champion) |
Christies 24 drew Windsor Gardens 24 (Plate)
Freemont 34 defeated Urrbrae 14(Trophy)
Reynella East 34 defeated Salisbury12 (Cup)
Golden Grove 22 defeated Glenunga 20 (Champion) |
Many of the games were nail biting affairs with excellent team rugby league on display. Again congratulations to all coaching staffs on their efforts to make and/or win a grand final.
Thankyou to all the teachers and coaches who assisted in organising teams, marking fields, providing jerseys and coaching throughout the Tier A competition.
A survey will be used to develop an agenda for our annual school council meeting on Monday 19th November at Hindmarsh Stadium at 5.00pm.
If you have any further questions please ring me on 0433756472 Rex Wright High Schools Coordinator |
STRONG RUNNING HELPS DRAGONS
Story By : 
Police Boys under 11s are going from strength on the back of another great team effort for a 28-6 victory over Eastridge on the weekend.
Some strong running from Phillip Combridge, Jarrod Taunton, Dean Boney and Jackson Squires helped the PCYC pack to go forward and some smart dummy half play from Trey Doolan helped his side gain metres.
Junior Knight, John Cook and Bailey Boney were always dangerous in attack and we saw strong all round games from Jay Gall, Barry Edwards, Eric Edwards and Kyle Hamilton.
This was a great effort boys and they will only get better with a good turn out at training.
PCYC 13s were again winners on Saturday accounting for Eastridge 48-6.
Adam Gordon picked up a hat-trick of tries for the day with Carl Ralph scoring two and James Russo, Brayden Peachey, Eddie Wilson, Marty Roberts, James Russo and Kane Ralph also crossing.
PCYC were strong in attack and defence from the opening whistle continually going forward to keep the Eastridge side on the back foot.
Unfortunately this game had to be stopped with 24 minutes remaining on the clock due to a serious injury to Eastridge player Jack Kavanagh. We hope you are feeling better Kav.
The under 12s competition saw PCYC win their game 20-14 over South Dubbo.
PCYC were slow to start and went to half-time
trailing by four but they came out in the second half with all guns blazing and made the most of several opportunities to win a
very fast and physical game.
Liam Caton and Daniel McDougall were outstanding in attack, each bagging a try and setting up several other opportunities with some magical offloads.
Jacob Hill and Luke Kennedy made some
excellent runs and James Thiels' fast pace resulted in two more tries and Brody Burgess, Matthew Hall
and Dylan Cummings where inspiring in defence.
In the under 8s, PCYC got up over Warren by six tries to four.
Adam Alderman showed some brilliant tackling ability and led the way with some bone crunching defence.
Bailey Harding was brilliant in attack as was Kieah Hill, Blaine Caton and Kain Simpson. Clayton Ramirez, Mitch Russo and Jackson-Bonham Phair were outstanding in attack and defence.
Keep up the good work team, well done.
In a very lacklustre effort by PCYC under 9s, Warren was too big and strong running in 11 tries to three.
For PCYC Jyles Cubby was outstanding in attack to score three tries while Eric Ebsworth, Jayden McKellar and Zac Amos were very good in defence at times. PCYC, we need to work on our defence.
In the second game PCYC came up against Wellington, with Wellington defeating PCYC by eight tries to two.
PCYC were hustled and bustled by a much bigger Wellington side who scored some very good tries against our much smaller side.
Some good defence by Eric Ebsworth, Jayden McKellar, Jyles Cubby, Sharnie Knight and our new player Alex Norberry.
Jyles Cubby scored two tries with Bryce Smith picking up one.
Our back up players from under 8s were also strong being Kieah Hill, Blaine Caton and Stephen Mason.
A note for all PCYC players that Rebel Sport - one of the club's valued sponsors - will have a merchandise tent at Apex Oval on Saturday, June 2 which is a gala day for the under 7s, 8s and 9s. |
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| Greg Inglis scores his second try to spark Queensland's amazing comeback in the State of Origin opener. |
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MIGHTY MAROONS STEAMROLL BLUES
Story By : Barry Dick 
QUEENSLAND has scored one of the great State of Origin comebacks to grab a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at Suncorp Stadium.
The Maroons scored 19 unanswered points in the second half to turn a 6-18 deficit into a remarkable 25-18 victory. Earlier, a fluke try by NSW teenager Jarryd Hayne broke Queensland's hearts but the youngster later gifted the Maroons the match-clinching try.
The Blues went into the break with a 18-6 lead after Hayne scored in the 40th minute, stopping a Brent Tate kick with his legs, breaking clear down the left touchline and kicking ahead for himself. Queensland got off to the perfect start in the third minute when winger Greg Inglis latched on to a Johnathan Thurston chip kick to score.
Thurston added the conversion and the Maroons led 6-0.
NSW hit back in the 10th minute when workhorse backrower Nathan Hindmarsh scored his first Origin try but there were huge question marks over the try.
Firstly, the pass from five-eighth Braith Anasta was a blatantly forward missed by the touch judges and there was considerable doubt whether Hindmarsh actually grounded the ball in-goal in a two-man tackle.
 Referee Paul Simpkins did not send the decision up to the video referee and even renowned Maroon-hater Phil Gould questioned the try.
"I've seen five replays and I still haven't seen him ground it," Gould said.
The BLues were in again in the 20th minute when centre Matt Cooper scored wide out from a crisp backline move featuring a great long pass from debutant halfback Jarrod Mullen.
At that stage, the visitors led 12-6 and there were real danger signs for Queensland.
Queensland was robbed of the equaliser when Simpkins ruled a pass from Cameron Smith to Steve Price forward when it looked flat at worst.
Lyon extended the lead to 14-6 in the 36th minute when Thurston was penalised for an obstruction play deep in the Maroons' half.
Queensland launched a comeback in the 50th minute when Inglis scored his second try, this one from a Broncos "special" move involving skipper Darren Lockyer and fullback Karmichael Hunt.
The Maroons were in again four minutes later but Tate was recalled for a forward pass from his Brisbane team-mate Justin Hodges.
Tate's brother-in-law Price got his reward in the 58th minute when he charged on to a short pass from Shaun Berrigan to cross beside the posts and in the blink of an eye the scores were level at 18-18 on the back of Thurston's third goal.
Lockyer put the Maroons in front when he swooped on a terrible mistake by Hayne deep in the right corner following a huge and well-placed kick by Smith.
Hayne obviously thought he was going to be taken into touch and attempted to find fullback Anthony Minichiello with an infield pass. As it turned out he would have been better off going into touch. |
 GROUP 4 TO LIFT TRAINING INTENSITY FOR ITS COLTS
Story By : Grant Robertson
GROUP 4 will ramp up preparations ahead of next year's Country Under 13 and 14 Cluster Championships after a mixed day at Tamworth Minor League Park on Sunday.
The Group hosted the championships for the first time and the two local sides came up with three wins between them but are hoping to do better next year.
"I was talking to Blomy (Peter Blom) about having a camp for all the Group sides next year," G4 Under 13s coach Mick Schmiedel said.
"We might talk to Farrer about it, have it out there and let them all have a run together.
"Our players don't know each other and come from different areas so it's hard.
"We had two training sessions six weeks apart and you're having to do what you did in the first session in the second session because they've forgotten it."
The G4 13s lost narrowly to Group 21 in their first game, 16-14, then beat G14 44-nil but ended with a loss to a "huge" Group 3 side.
"When you make mistakes against a side that big they make you pay," Schmiedel said.
Gunnedah's Ethan Stevens captained the G4 boys and said they had a good time.
"We had a good win against Group 14," he said.
"The others were good sides and big as well.
"We were probably the smallest team here.
"We all played well."
Stevens said Nathaniel Slater and the Brady twins, Matt and John, played well for G4 but the whole side did their best.
"The forwards ran it up hard," Stevens said.
"We just didn't get it out to the backs quick enough."
The Under 14s finished with two wins but Group 21 won the cluster title.
The Paul Upfield and Craig Power-coached G4 boys lost to G21 first-up but then beat G14 26-10 and Group 3 34-26 to finish second.
Henry Slater led the way with three tries against G3 while Matt Baker, Jamie Sampson and Jayde Campbell also got on the board. |
KOOKA TRIO TO PLAY KIWIS
Story By : Grant Robertson
THREE Central North players won NSW Country selection following a great performance at the Country Under 18s Championships in Nowra on the weekend and will be packing their bags for New Zealand later this year.
Pirates juniors Damien Reti and Daniel Wallace and Gunnedah's Jackson Lennan helped the young Kookaburras to a third-place finish and impressed selectors.
"Damien was Country junior player of the year last year," CN 18s coach Andrew Verrell said.
"And he made the NSW under 17s.
"The others have played Country age in the past and have put their hand up for the 18s this year."
Central North has rarely done so well at Under 18 level and even this crop of players exceeded their previous best.
"It's one of the best representative results for Central North and getting three in the Country side," Verrell said.
"It's the best result for this group since they started playing at under 12s.
"They've never beaten Hunter in their lives and we got a good win against them."
CN finished third at the Country titles and could have done even better.
The Kookas drew 12-all with eventual winners Central Coast in their first game, then beat Illawarra 26-13 to make the semi-finals.
In the semi, they lost to Mid North Coast but then faced Hunter in the third-place playoff.
"Hunter have been Country Champions for years," Verrell said.
"We got a good win, 15-7.
"Some of the Hunter side was huge."
Verrell, assistant coach Brian Hunter, manager Michael Parker and trainer Scott McFarland worked hard to get the CN side playing the best style of rugby to succeed and, against bigger sides, that meant shifting the ball.
"Our line-out was good with Daniel jumping at two – that's why he made the Country side," Verrell said.
"No one really got over us.
"We were light on in the scrums though with a small front row so we struggled there but we overcame that.
"With the backs – with Jackson, Matt Grinter and Damien there – we were able to spread the ball wide.
"They were big so we ran them around.
"We had a mobile forward pack and we took advantage by playing wide channels.
"We tailored it to suit the cattle we had."
Reti led the way from fullback, Lennan played inside centre and Wallace played lock.
They will now attend training camps with the Country squad before games against Victoria and a tour of New Zealand in October. |
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| I'm back ... O'Meley has been named on the Bulldogs' bench to play this weekend. / The Daily Telegraph |
O'MELEY MAY TACKLE STORM
Story By : James Phelps 
MARK O'Meley yesterday rated himself a "fair chance" of playing this weekend after being named on an extended Bulldogs bench.
The Bulldogs enforcer has not played since injuring his leg in round seven and was not expected back for at least another week. "It feels OK,'' O'Meley said. "If it pulls up fine on Thursday I will play.''
Bulldogs playmaker Daniel Holdsworth has been dropped to Premier League with Andrew Ryan and Willie Mason returning from Origin duty.
The NRL's leading tryscorer Israel Folau has been dropped to the bench by Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy. The 18-year-old flyer has been overlooked for Steve Turner.
The Roosters are expected to include Origin players Braith Anasta, Anthony Tupou and Nate Myles in the side to take on Cronulla despite not listing them in the team yesterday.
Raiders bad boys Todd Carney and Steve Irwin have been suspended indefinitely by the club and will miss this weekend's match. |
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| TOUGH as they come . . . Willie Mason and Steve Simpson are ready for a blue. Picture: Brett Costello. |
HAVE A SHOT AT US
Story By : Dean Richie
NSW hardmen Willie Mason and Steve Simpson last night sent out a blunt warning to Queensland players wanting to bash rookie halfback Jarrod Mullen tonight: "You've got to get through us first."
The Maroons this week revealed a controversial plan to throw their hitmen at debutant Mullen but Blues coach Graham Murray hit back, saying: "I don't want Jarrod man-handled."
Told of Queensland's plan to rough up the rookie halfback, Mason and Simpson offered to work as Mullen's personal bodyguards.
"We'll look after him – don't worry about that," Mason said.
Simpson added: "We know what Queensland will try in the match. But we will be ready for it. To get to Jarrod, they have to get though our forwards first."
Mullen knows Queensland forwards Tonie Carroll, Neville Costigan and Dallas Johnson will be sent out to intimidate him.
Murray has spoken to Mullen about playing his natural game and remaining composed in front of a hostile Queensland crowd.
"If they run at Jarrod I am confident he will handle it defensively," Murray said last night.
"But I don't want him man-handled. Queensland have mentioned that they may target his kicking game but our forwards will be there to protect the bloke.
"That's what forwards do – protect their treasured possessions – halfbacks.
"All our players will stand up for each other but none more so than sticking up for your halfback. He will get special protection."
While Mason was talking tough, a former Queensland enforcer suggested the key to a Maroons victory was muscling up against the NSW forward leader.
"Willie was a tower of strength in Game One last year," former Queensland prop Greg Dowling said.
"But in Game Two they hit him and hit and hit him and after 20 minutes, he was gone.
"If Queensland want to win the series, they have to go out and muscle-up and give it to the Blues for 80 minutes and not let up. It's how often the hitters can smash the big guys that knocks the confidence out of them. If you get hit all day, you get sick of it."
Mullen trained well again during a sharp NSW training session at Suncorp Stadium yesterday morning.
Coach Murray has been delighted with his team's intensity through the preparation.
"We only dropped one ball all session today. It was very good," he said.
"To be fair, our intensity has been good throughout the entire camp. Having said that, we haven't over-worked them and we'll be ready. We have covered all bases."
Despite the absence of key forward Carl Webb, the Blues maintain they remain underdogs for tonight's series.
"They are still the favourites. They've still got supposedly the best team they've picked for a long time," Murray said.
"I think we've got a good football team that can test Queensland, but they are the favourites – they've got the Test nine (Cameron Smith), seven (Johnathan Thurston), six (Darren Lockyer) and one (Karmichael Hunt)." |
UNDER 15's Results Day 1 |
Sydney Red |
4 - 26 |
Sydney Gold |
Western |
16 - 20 |
Southern |
Northern |
4 - 18 |
Presidents X111 |
UNDER 15's Results Day 1 |
Sydney Rred |
28 - 4 |
Sydney Gold |
Western |
Vs |
Southern |
Northern |
10 - 22 |
Presidents X111 |
| |
|
|
 LANG PARK STILL HAUNTS ME: ANASTA
New South Wales five-eighth Braith Anasta has dismissed suggestions ahead of tomorrow night's State of Origin opener in Brisbane that Lang Park has lost its fear factor for visiting teams.
Blues coach Graham Murray said he thought Lang Park was not as intimidating as it once was and believes his players will look forward to the challenge tomorrow night, but Anasta disagrees.
"Last time we came up here we got smashed and it's always hard coming up here," Anasta said.
"The atmosphere, everyone's behind Queensland. It's always difficult.
"It's definitely intimidating at state level. You can't hear the bloke next to you so it's always a daunting task." |
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| ENEMY has landed ... Jarrod Mullen, Anthony Tupou, Anthony Minichiello and Willie Mason. Picture: Darren England |
ITCHING FOR A BLUE
Story By :
GREETED by the darkest sky in months and a hungry media pack with just a sprinkling of fans, the NSW State of Origin team yesterday touched down in enemy territory with a sheepish look in their eyes.
"It's good to be back in a place where they love me, like Brisbane," public enemy No. 1, Blues prop Willie Mason, said with a smirk.
Teammate Braith Anasta described his side's arrival in the cockroach-hunting Queensland capital as "intimidating".
And so it has been for every Blues side to venture to the Maroons heartland of Suncorp Stadium since the birth of State of Origin in 1980.
"Everyone's got different feelings, I don't get nervous until game day, but just to get into Brisbane and see all you guys is pretty intimidating," Anasta said. "It makes you start thinking about the game."
There were no banners, streamers, flags or Blues jumpers to greet Graham Murray's troops as they arrived for tomorrow night's State of Origin opener at "The Cauldron".
The southerners were a long way from home, and a loud shout of "Queenslander" from a fellow Qantas passenger ensured they knew it.
He may live on the Gold Coast now, but Titans-come-Blues enforcer Luke Bailey said there was no feeling of "home" about returning with his NSW teammates.
"Training has been intense but after training, we haven't been thinking about the game too much," Bailey said.
"But arriving here, with the game just a couple of days away, you start thinking about what you're going to do and the nerves kick in. The weather isn't as good as I thought it would be."
NSW coach Graham Murray said the hostile reception would only galvanise his troops.
"We love playing here, it's a real highlight," Murray said. "(Our side), they're looking forward to the challenge of Suncorp."
Gold Coast schoolboy Daniel Henson, 16, his card collection and a marker pen in hand, was one of the few to make the Blues feel welcome as they awaited their luggage.
"Go the Blues!" he said. "I cop it from everyone, going for NSW, but I give it back when we win." |
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With quick thinking and on the mark tackling, Will’s game looks to be maturing hard and fast.
Will who trains full time with the Titans was spotted and signed as a 17 year old playing for the Kyogle Turkeys in the Morgan River Comp in northern NSW.. Learn More |
 MICHAEL ROBERTS TO DEBUT WITH THE BRONCOS
Redcliffe School teacher and Rugby League champion Mr. Roberts is to get his chance with the Brisbane Broncos tonight against NRL competition leaders the Manly SeaEagles..
MICHAEL Roberts is set to shatter the record for the Queensland Wizard Cup’s most experienced NRL debutant when he takes the field for Brisbane against the Manly Sea Eagles tonight.
Roberts, a Mackay Brothers junior, has tallied 186 games and 10 seasons in his Wizard Cup career for the Redcliffe Dolphins.
Previous to Roberts the most experienced Queensland Wizard Cup player to debut in the NRL was David Seage, who debuted for Newcastle in 2004 after playing 113 games and six seasons for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.
Learn More about Redcliffe SHS Rugby League Program of Excellence |
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| PICTURED: Stuart Webb and Scott Geddes pack into the scrum against the Jets. Photo: Steve Little. |
FRANK HYDE SHIELD REMAINS AT HENSON PARK FOR 2007
Story By : North Sydney Bears Media release
The Frank Hyde Shield will remain grounded in the Newtown Jets holding lounge after they defeated the North Sydney Bears in a close match on Friday night.
Despite a classy try by Bears centre Fetuli Talanoa, Newtown’s Jamie Soward was the difference in a match where the ref’s whistle was heard loud and often.
“Again the effort was there but the execution was not” said Coach Wayne Lambkin naming Stuart Webb as his standout.
The Jets scored first through a penalty. Then came the North Sydney play of the match when Fetuli Talanoa scored a sterling individual try as he busted through the defence and ran 60m to score. His final 20 metres involved some great footwork dodging and weaving to leave the Newtown fullback standing at the gate! However Newtown were able to score 2 tries near the end of the half to lead 12-6 at halftime.
After the break Newtown were the first to score before the Bears started a comeback when Beau Champion barged over for a try which Issac Luke converted. Then a 30m break down the sideline by North’s prop Scott Geddes (showing great ticker after his hard work in defence) put the Bears in good field position for Issac Luke to take on the Jets line.
Showing great strength he was able to stretch out and plant the ball on the line to make it 18-all. Unfortunately the Jets were able to take the match (and the Shield) thanks to a try off the back of a break by Jamie Soward, final score 24-18.
“It was disappointing because we didn’t play to our full potential in a game that was so close” Bears Coach Wayne Lambkin reflected. “We made some errors and had trouble getting a run up in attack”.
Stuart Webb was hard working and busy throughout. Shannon McPherson (returning to footy) ran some effective lines in attack and together with Scott Geddes showed grizzle in defence.
Fetuli Talanoa was strong in attack deserving his magic try in the first half. Joe Galuvao, Ryan Verlinden and Dave Wynyard helped keep the Jets to within one try difference and Col on the hill put in another impressive vocal performance in support. |
 FRANK BARRETT MOVES TO BULLDOGS
FAREWELL
Story By : NSWRL ACADEMY
Frank Barrett, the founding Manager of NSWRL Development Western Sydney, will no longer be working within the Western Sydney unit.
Thanks to Frank for his support and ongoing commitment to this Development team throughout the formative period of the unit.
His transparency and work ethic were but a few of his many strengths.
Frank has now moved on to a new challenge where he will be The Junior Development and Coach Education Manager for the Bulldogs.. See the BULLDOGS Harold Matthews Team at their Grand Final Dinner |
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| Israel Folau celebrates his 11th try of the season against the Roosters. (Getty Images) |
STORM TOO CLASSY FOR ROOSTERS
Story By :
Melbourne shrugged off the absence of five Origin stars to clean up a rudderless Sydney Roosters 26-2 in their round 10 NRL encounter at Olympic Park on Saturday evening.
The Storm took a while to get going, perhaps shrugging off the effects of having just played on Monday, before powering away from the competition's cellar dwellers.
A Craig Fitzgibbon penalty goal on the half-hour mark was all the points the Roosters could muster as the Storm proceeded to run in five unanswered tries for their ninth win this season.
Prolific second rower Ryan Hoffman got his team on their way, running on to a Cooper Cronk short ball on a second-man play and finding his way to the line unattended.
Winger Israel Folau then continued his outstanding debut season in the top grade when he forced his way over for his 11th try right on half-time.
James Aubusson, deputising at hooker for Queensland rake Cameron Smith, piloted a 40-20 early in the second half which brought a try for Jeff Lima from the resulting set.
Debutant centre Will Chambers danced his way through some lethargic Roosters defence to score in the 71st minute and livewire full-back Billy Slater completed the scoring five minutes later.
There was no lack of effort from the Roosters but they simply could not find a way through the Storm defensive wall, especially without five-eighth Braith Anasta.
The visitors were forced to perform almost 80 extra tackles, with Fitzgibbon and Danny Nutley leading the way with 43 apiece.
Melbourne 26 (R Hoffman, I Folau, J Lima, W Chambers, B Slater tries; S Turner 3 conversions)
Sydney Roosters 2 (C Fitzgibbon 1 penalty goal).
Related Stories:
Eels crush Cowboys Related Audio: Interviews: Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and Craig Fitzgibbon
Grandstand spoke with Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and Craig Fitzgibbon after the Storm rolled the Roosters. [RealMedia 28k+] [WinMedia 28k+] [MP3] |
 COMBINED CATHOLIC COLLEGES PUT ON AN EXCELLENT COMPETITION
Story & Photos : 
NSW CCC TRIALS kicked off this morning with the weather a shocker and made handling the footy difficult for all teams.
But the show must go on and the battle continued in both the Under 15 & Under 18's trials. News, full results & more great action shots, Day 1 results . |
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| On any Sunday ... Israel Folau is only permitted to play on Sundays as league is his career. / The Daily Telegraph |
ISRAEL ON A WING AND A PRAYER
Story By : Dave Donaghy
THERE has been plenty said about Israel Folau since Melbourne Storm unleashed the latest sensation off their production line in round one.
The only problem was that, until today, none of it had come from the man himself.
But in an exclusive interview with The Daily Telegraph, Folau, who turned 18 last month, has broken a media ban to open up about life as a first-grade rugby league player – and as a devout Mormon.
"I honestly didn't think I was going to play first grade this year," confides Folau, who catches a tram from Southbank to and from the club's training base at Carlton every day.
"To go from playing colts (Brisbane under-19s) last year to first grade this year is a massive step up. "I'm still trying to get used to the pace of the game, and how physical it is. But I love playing up in first grade. I thought maybe when rep duty came around, I thought I might get a run or two, but I never expected to play round one." |
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| Redcliffe SHS rising star Mitchell Law has been given an excellent opportunity |
OUR OWN CRUSHER
Story By : K. Fields
Mitchell Law, an emerging rugby league player from Year 8 has been selected to represent the Greater Brisbane Junior Rugby League (GBJRL) as part of the Red Team at the Crushers Challenge on the 30th June & 1st July.
The Crushers Challenge is a unique competition specially designed to give young rugby league players who have been recognised as having promising rugby league skill but may not necessarily play for a Premier or Division 1 club team.
Travelling by bus to Murgon Shire north-west of Brisbane, the Red Team will be accompanied by the second Brisbane representative side the White Team.. Learn More |
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| Born to run ... Chase Stanley |
CHASE THE SMOKIN' DRAGON
WHO is Chase Stanley?
Story By : 
We know he is a 17-year-old schoolboy, and one of the most exciting rugby league prospects in the land. He is the nephew of former All Blacks centre "Smokin" Joe Stanley.
We knew little else of the prodigious Dragons and NSW under-19 talent. Through a peep-hole of four first-grade games, he has shown us exhilarating future possibilities, but as his father Paul Stanley explains, the young man himself is still discovering who Chase Stanley is.
"He has been on this earth all of 17 years, he knows everything," Paul says with parental sarcasm. "Chase has had to grow up quite quickly because he is playing in the NRL, but you have to remind him that he is 17 years old. He has to still be in touch with being a teenager and enjoy himself at this phase of his life."
Chase is the second eldest of six children, the eldest of five brothers, born in Bankstown Hospital to working-class parents. His mother, Michele, is from proud league stock, with her grand-uncles Rangi and Tommy Chase representing New Zealand in the 1930s. Chase was christened with his mother's maiden name, and is a distant relative of Dragons teammate Rangi Chase.
"He has a pretty wise head on his shoulders, he is pretty mature," Rangi Chase says. "I'm just really happy for him. Being a young guy he has a lot of big wraps on him, but he handles it all."
The bright lights of professional sport are shining on him now, but the family's world was plunged into darkness 10 years ago when Paul, a former construction manager, nearly lost his life after falling from a worksite building.
"I fell two storeys, and then I got up and my mate drove me home, I didn't go to the hospital," says New Zealand-born Paul. "I had a bath, but it started getting worse, and then I started spewing up this gooey blood - basically I was haemorrhaging. When I got to the hospital the doctor told Michele I'd be lucky to make it through to the next day."
Chase was eight, not ready to assume man-of-the house status, not wanting to try. "It was a pretty scary time at the time, we were very young," Chase says. "Dad talked to us, told us to be strong."
Fate had a different course in store for the Stanleys. Paul survived, albeit with the stipulation he would never work again, while his daily ritual includes the intake of five tablets - gradually reduced from 30 - to manage the pain of compressed fractures along his spinal column.
"That made him realise that it is the little things in life that matter," Paul says. "I always tell my children, you can dream about the big stuff but it will never happen unless you do the little things right - being a good person, doing the right things at training and at home - the little things are basic everyday occurrences.
The advice, which the Stanley children refer to as "nagging", seems to have rubbed off despite a few adolescent indiscretions. Chase's manager and mentor, Sharks forward Lance Thompson, says: "I have never seen a bloke more passionate about his friends and family. Even though he is in first grade he will always go to watch his little brothers play. He has a positive attitude, he is just a ball of energy, and it's starting to rub off on me."
Thompson spotted Chase when he was 10 years old playing for the Clemton Park-based Dragons club in the Canterbury district, and persuaded the youngster to join the side he was coaching, Hurstville United under-10s. Chase's brothers Kyle, Jamie, Mutu and Reremoana all joined the club. Three years later, Chase (under-13s), Kyle (under-11s) and Jamie (under-9s) each won man-of-the-match awards as they led their sides to grand final victories on the same day.
"From the first day he came to training I thought to myself, 'This is a ready-made footballer'," Thompson says. "But talent is a dime-a-dozen, there are a lot of kids with talent, it's how they use it. He has had a few hurdles here and there, making mistakes that teenagers do - everyone has done it, I have done it. Not only this year, but last year in SG Ball when he was getting into a little bit of trouble, we sat down and worked out how we were going to deal with it and get over it, and he did. He is a very respectful, polite young kid."
Thompson, a former Dragons player, credits Chase for inspiring him to become a player manager and role model to some of the most talented youths in the Shire who are now part of his client list. "The first pay cut I took at St George was $10,000 and that was to donate money to kids in the area, and he was the main reason for that. He was definitely an inspiration, he was the first player that got me thinking about [player management]."
Chase has been dealt some favourable cards, and knows he must play them wisely because the game has only begun. "I am glad to be playing, I'm thankful for the opportunity," he says.
And each time he touches the ball, he wants to tell the world: This is Chase Stanley. |
 SAMAU WINGS HIS WAY INTO TITANS TEAM
Story By : Glenn Jackson
SMITH Samau, who joined Gold Coast as part of the compensation deal which saw Steve Turner remain at Melbourne, will debut for the Titans in place of Jake Webster against St George-Illawarra at WIN Stadium tonight.
Samau lives with Webster, making conversation around the house somewhat stilted this week. "We had a little chat about it, but he was sweet," Samau said yesterday. "We had a bit of a laugh."
Samau will start on the wing, but is likely to be switched to fullback at stages.
Halfback Josh Lewis, signed by the Titans from the Roosters just last weekend, travelled to Wollongong with the side but will be 18th man. The Dragons are expected to be as named, with Ashton Sims to make his return from a knee injury.
North Queensland, already without Johnathan Thurston, Carl Webb, Jacob Lillyman through Origin and Luke O'Donnell, Matt Scott and David Faiumu through injury, were dealt another blow yesterday when five-eighth Justin Smith withdrew with a leg injury.
Ashley Graham is likely to play at five-eighth despite a hamstring injury, with winger Ty Williams joining the squad for his first NRL game this season following injury and suspension. Centre Mark Henry (calf) will have a fitness test tomorrow, with Jimmy Andersen to replace him if he's ruled out.
Eels coach Michael Hagan will decide today who to shave off his five-man bench, with Junior Paulo favourite to miss the cut.
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy will finalise his side tomorrow, although there is a strong chance the Origin-hit side will field three debutants in Will Chambers, Sika Manu and Scott Anderson. Second-rower Michael Crocker (shoulder) is rated an 85 per-cent chance of playing the Roosters.
Roosters skipper Craig Fitzgibbon is in doubt for the Olympic Park clash with an ankle injury. He trained only lightly yesterday, but a decision won't be made until after today's final session. "He should be fine," Roosters coach Chris Anderson said. "I think I can trust him."
Jarrod Saffy is expected to secure Wests Tigers' fourth interchange spot over Tevita Metuisela against the Warriors, with coach Tim Sheens set to play Chris Lawrence off the bench again despite his long-range try against the Bulldogs last Sunday.
Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes said Daniel Holdsworth would play lock and Reni Maitua second row against Cronulla on Sunday despite the two players being named in reverse. "The 13 jumper fits Reni and it doesn't fit Daniel," Folkes said. Sharks coach Ricky Stuart said the side had no injury worries.
Manly are expected to be as per program, while Mick Roberts is expected to play off the Broncos' interchange bench, with Clifford Manua expected to make way for him. |
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| Red Bend’s NSW CCC Southern Country Open team members, Brad Graham, Alex McMillan, Michael James Hodge and Zac Merritt ( Photo : Red Bend College - Steve Hooper) |
RED BEND COLLEGE NEWS
Story By : Red Bend College
The following boys were successful in gaining selection in the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSW CCC) Southern Country team to participate in the State trials.
Zac Merritt, Alex McMillan, Michael James Hodge and Brad Graham, will represent in the eighteens while Todd
Graham and Blake Baxter will represent in the fifteens.
This will be the second year for all the eighteens with all representing in 2006.
All boys have run on positions in what will be a very strong team, with players such as Daniel Mortimer
(James Sheahan, Orange) and James Woolford (Hennessy College, Young) representing Parramatta and Canberra SG Ball (under 18’s).
Blake (hooker) and Todd (five eight) will be attending the trials for the first time, which should
be a great learning experience for Todd who is still 14 and can back up again next year.
The trials will be held at the Crest Sporting Complex, Bass Hill on Friday 17 th and Saturday 18 th May.. Learn More |
 TWO MACKAY BOYS PICKED FOR QUEENSLAND
Story By : 
A MACKAY State High School student with a tigerish love of rugby league will lead Queensland at the national under 15 championships in Adelaide next month.
Leon Curry was named player of the carnival after leading Capricornia to just its fifth state championship win on the weekend at the Gold Coast, beating Metropolitan North 32-8 in the final.
He was named captain of the Queensland team for the national titles, in which he will be joined by Holy Spirit College student Tom Jacklin, who played prop for Capricornia.
Sarina player Chris Buchholz, who played in the President's side in the state championships, was named in the Queensland No.2 side.
Capricornia coach Danny Keenan, of Moranbah, said Curry played fantastic football during the week-long carnival.
Curry, a five-eighth, has been part of the Mackay State High School rugby league academy for the last two years and has a scholarship with NRL club Wests Tigers.
"He's an amazing kid," Keenan said.. Learn More |
RYAN SET FOR 10TH ORIGIN
Story By :
Dubbo's Andrew Ryan - a product of St John's Junior League - will play his 10th State of Origin clash against Queensland next Wednesday after being selected at lock yesterday.
The Bulldogs captain has been a regular for the Blues in the past four years after making his Origin debut in 2001.
One player in the NSW side who is not certain he will be there is centre Jamie Lyon who will plead not guilty to a dangerous throw charge at the NRL judiciary tonight in a bid to play in the first Origin match.
Lyon was named in a NSW team that includes Newcastle youngster Jarrod Mullen at halfback and four other debutants in winger Jarryd Hayne, prop Brett White and interchange players Anthony Tupou and Kurt Gidley.
Lyon hopes to escape a suspension for a dangerous throw on Parramatta's Eric Grothe. |
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| Michael Lancini, front right, will captain the North Queensland under-19 schoolboys team |
SECONDARY'S PRIMARY GOAL
Story By : ADAM WATKIN TOWNSVILLE BULLETIN
NORTHERN will strive for a semi-final Appearance at the Queensland Secondary Schoolboys Football Championships at Murray Complex from tomorrow.
The championships will attract Queensland's best young football talent from 10 regions _ with the Gold Coast or the Metropolitan East favourites to take the championship.
In previous State open titles, Northern has finished mid-table, however this year's team has set themselves a goal of a semi-final appearance.
The bulk of this year's Northern squad is from Townsville with three players from the Burdekin also selected.
"We've got a very young team but we have some very promising players," Northern coach Shane Dove said.
"But it's always a bit of a lottery with these teams because you don't know who is going to be good for you during the championships."
Preparation for the Northern side has been sound and included a 3-3 draw with Townsville Football Premier League side Brothers and a 1-0 loss to Wulguru.
"I was pretty happy with the results but we've done that before and had good form (leading into the championships) and finished midfield," Dove said. "The standard is pretty high at these championships and it's probably a bit quicker than the local league."
Northern's first match tomorrow is against Capricornia at 9.15am while their second match of the day is against Darling Downs at 3pm.
At the conclusion of the championships on Sunday a Queensland team will be selected to contest the national titles in Darwin on August 11-18.
Northern midfielder Michael Lancini will be one of the many players at the championships that has a strong chance to make the Queensland team.
Lancini's form this season has been solid and he is expected to captain the Northern side with honour. |
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| Ready: Tuning up for competition yesterday are Aaron Bani (left) and James Segeyaro. Picture: VERONICA SAGREDO |
PENINSULA HAS SPUR FOR GLORY
Story By : 
PENINSULA'S top schoolboy footballers leave for the Queensland championships today hoping to follow in the footsteps of the region's last state title-winning team.
State of Origin stars Justin Hodges and Dallas Johnson were members of the 1998 team, the last Peninsula side to win the state championship.
And former St Augustine’s College forward Nate Myles would have been there too had he not headed to Sydney to join forces with the Bulldogs at just 16.
Peninsula coach Rod Whittle believes some of his players are talented enough to follow in their footsteps, if they can harness the focus and drive the Far Northern Maroons trio has demonstrated.
Whittle, a teacher at Weipa’s Western Cape College and former ARL development officer, said there was no better time for young players to be coming through the system, with a national under-20 competition about to start. "They’re coming through at the right time but a lot of them are still undiscovered talents," he said.
The 19-man squad took part in a training camp at Barlow Park yesterday ahead of an early-morning flight to Brisbane and bus trip to championship venue Dalby today.
Whittle, who was involved with the same age group when they represented Peninsula as under-12s, said it was interesting that just one player - Yarrabah’s Theeran Pearson-Yeatman – had made the journey through to the open ranks.
"To me, it’s congratulations to these boys that have persevered to be a player of some standing in their world," he said.
It should also stand as a message to the many youngsters that would have been disappointed to miss Peninsula primary school selection - a team chosen yesterday - that they should not give up their representative quest. |
NO-SHOW FROM ‘FATTY’
Story By BILL NORTH :
Football legend and Footy Show host Paul "Fatty" Vautin has been sent to the sin bin by the passionate rugby league supporters of the bush.
Vautin left organisers of the Fatty Vautin Outback Challenge in Bourke last week outraged by his failure to attend the event for the third year in a row.
It has been decided by organisers to approach NRL chief executive officer David Gallop to change the naming rights of the tournament to somebody's name who will actually be there for the kids.
Paul Loxley, the principal of Dubbo South Primary School, brought his school team back as winners but was adamant that had they not won, they would not have been grinners.
"These kids travel hundreds of kilometres because they think Fatty is going to be there," Loxley said.
"We were told in good faith that he would be there and then for some unknown reason he couldn't come.
"It puts into question the NRL's commitment to kids in isolated areas.
"How serious are they about supporting bush footy? A lot of these kids don't play regularly."
Dubbo's David Peachey, Andrew Ryan and Russell Richardson all currently have local junior knockouts named after them.
Since their inception each has made a positive impression and has shown they appreciate their status as role models with appearances on a regular basis.
Bourke has always held an attachment to past players Ron Gibbs and Scott Mieni and in more recent times Timana Tahu, and perhaps someone more local to the area would be a more suitable face for such a competition.
People can readily identify with Fatty Vautin but can he identify with people who live in isolated areas?
It seems not. |
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| Dressed for success: Storm's Brett White tries on his NSW State-of-Origin jumper after his surprise selection yesterday. Picture: Norm Oorloff |
WHITE TO SETTLE FEUD ON FIELD
Story By : Dave Donaghy 
MELBOURNE Storm's NSW prop, Brett White, intends to resolve his public feud with Petero Civoniceva within the confines of Suncorp Stadium.
Queensland veteran Civoniceva warned of a hostile Maroon reception for the Origin debutant.
A month of verbal barbs will come to a head when White, one of five new faces named in the Blues squad yesterday, squares off directly opposite Civoniceva in Brisbane next Wednesday night.
Civoniceva is still fuming about comments by White that Brisbane had lost its fearsome defence after Melbourne Storm accounted for the premiers last month.
Asked about his feud with White at yesterday's medicals, Civoniceva said: "He's obviously gone out there and said a few things.
"If you're prepared to say those kind of things, you've got to be willing to back it up with your actions.
"But I'm sure it will be a very physical battle up front, and if we do cross paths, it should be good. If I have him in my sights, I won't miss."
White said little yesterday after being hauled over the coals by Storm coach Craig Bellamy for previous comments.
"There's been a lot said already. I can't really say too much else. I'll leave it until next Wednesday night," White said.
"I spoke to a few of the Queensland boys and they all say he (Civoniceva) is a really nice guy. For whatever reason, he's got it out for me.
"All has been said in the papers and now it's time for it to be left out on the field."
White, 25, said he thought his manager Steve Gillis was joking when he called yesterday morning to let him know he had been picked as a starting prop.
"I thought he got me mixed up with Brent Kite," he said.
The Cooma product will join fellow Origin rookies Jarrod Mullen, 20, Anthony Tupou, 24, Jarryd Hayne, 19, and Kurt Gidley, 24, when the Blues gather for their medicals in Sydney today.
NSW centre Jamie Lyon and Queensland lock Dallas Johnson will argue their cases at the NRL judiciary tonight after being charged over separate incidents at the weekend. Both players will miss the series opener if they are suspended.
Manly star Lyon will plead not guilty to a dangerous throw charge from the weekend, while Johnson will fight to have his charge of a grade-two careless high tackle downgraded.
Storm claims at least three incidents from 2006 were more severe than Johnson's, but received the same grading.
As mistakenly revealed by a red-faced Bellamy on Monday night, Johnson, Cameron Smith and Greg Inglis were included in Queensland's squad, with Billy Slater and Antonio Kaufusi missing out.
Matt King was named on the wing for NSW, but Ryan Hoffman missed out despite an eye-catching start to the season. |
| 1. |
KARMICHAEL HUNT |
BRISBANE BRONCOS |
| 2. |
BRENT TATE |
BRISBANE BRONCOS |
| 3. |
STEVEN BELL |
MANLY SEA EAGLES |
| 4. |
JUSTIN HODGES |
BRISBANE BRONCOS |
| 5. |
GREG INGLIS |
MELBOURNE STORM |
| 6. |
DARREN LOCKYER (C) |
BRISBANE BRONCOS |
| 7. |
JOHNATHAN THURSTON |
NORTH QLD COWBOYS |
| 8. |
STEVEN PRICE |
NZ WARRIORS |
| 9. |
CAMERON SMITH |
MELBOURNE STORM |
| 10. |
PETERO CIVONICEVA |
BRISBANE BRONCOS |
| 11. |
TONIE CARROLL |
BRISBANE BRONCOS |
| 12. |
CARL WEBB |
NORTH QLD COWBOYS |
| 13. |
DALLAS JOHNSON |
MELBOURNE STORM |
| |
INTERCHANGE |
| 14. |
SHAUN BERRIGAN |
BRISBANE BRONCOS |
| 15. |
JACOB LILLYMAN |
NORTH QLD COWBOYS |
| 16. |
NATE MYLES |
SYDNEY ROOSTERS |
| 17. |
NEVILLE COSTIGAN |
CANBERRA RAIDERS |
| |
MEL MENINGA |
COACH |
|
| 1. |
ANTHONY MINICHIELLO |
SYDNEY ROOSTERS |
| 2. |
MATT KING |
MELBOURNE STORM |
| 3. |
JAMIE LYON |
MANLY SEA EAGLES |
| 4. |
MATT COOPER |
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS |
| 5. |
JARRYD HAYNE |
PARRAMATTA EELS |
| 6. |
BRAITH ANASTA |
SYDNEY ROOSTERS |
| 7. |
JARROD MULLEN |
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS |
| 8. |
BRENT KITE |
MANLY SEA EAGLES |
| 9. |
DANNY BUDERUS (C) |
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS |
| 10. |
BRETT WHITE |
MELBOURNE STORM |
| 11. |
NATHAN HINDMARSH |
PARRAMATTA EELS |
| 12. |
WILLIE MASON |
BULLDOGS |
| 13. |
ANDREW RYAN |
BULLDOGS |
| |
INTERCHANGE |
| 14. |
LUKE BAILEY |
GOLD COAST TITANS |
| 15. |
STEVE SIMPSON |
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS |
| 16. |
ANTHONY TUPOU |
SYDNEY ROOSTERS |
| 17. |
KURT GIDLEY |
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS |
|
 |
| Big win... Storm winger Israel Folau crosses for his tenth try of the season (Getty Images) |
STORM SILENCE BULLDOGS IN MELBOURNE
Story By : Chris Paine
A measured all-round display from Melbourne half-back Cooper Cronk propelled the Storm to a 38-14 victory over the Bulldogs during their round nine Monday night fixture at Olympic Park.
Cronk starred for Melbourne scoring a first-half brace of tries and setting up several more, as the Storm picked up their eighth win of the season to triumph over the Bulldogs in a match billed as a State of Origin preview.
Storm centre Matt King cemented his spot in the Blues backline with an impressive double of tries with Ryan Hoffman, and Brett White also pressing their claims for Origin selection with solid performances for the home side.
Bulldogs winger Hazem El Masri will face an anxious wait by the phone before the Origin sides are announced tomorrow morning with a nervous display in which he picked up a try, was held up for another, let in a try on his wing, and uncharacteristically missed two conversions from three attempts.
Storm and Queensland hooker Cameron Smith meanwhile put his hand up to take over the goal-kicking duties for the Maroons with a perfect display to sink seven goals from as many attempts.
First half
Tries from Darryl Millard and El Masri put the Bulldogs ahead 8-6 in the 13th minute, but sharp play from Cronk and accurate goal-kicking from Smith shot the home side to a 16-point lead at the break.
Cronk took on the line from close range to score underneath the posts in the seventh minute and was awarded the try by video referee Bill Harrigan after it appeared that Bulldogs full-back Luke Patten had been impeded by on-field referee Steve Clark.
The Storm took the lead in the 22nd minute when King powered through the Bulldogs' right-edge defence to burst his way over the tryline.
Cronk was in the thick of the action again 10 minutes later when he sold a dummy at the defensive line to make a half-break before picking up Blues State of Origin hopeful Ryan Hoffman on his outside to score their third try of the half.
Cronk, third in line to the Queensland number seven jersey after incumbent Johnathan Thurston and Gold Coast half-back Scott Prince, then picked up his second try with two minutes remaining in the half when he scurried out of dummy half to barge over the line.
Queensland selectors will face a nervous wait after Storm lock forward Dallas Johnson was placed on report during the 29th minute for a striking offence on Bulldogs lock Reni Maitua that could result in suspension.
Second half
The Bulldogs reduced the gap to 10 points just seven minutes into the second period when an enterprising cross-field play culminated in centre Willie Tonga finding Maitua on his inside to barge over from close range.
Any chance of a comeback was put on hold when King crossed for his second in the 56th minute, before Smith levelled a penalty shot to hand the home side an unassailable 18-point advantage in the 68th minute.
The Storm were awarded the penalty when Patten collared Billy Slater after the former Queensland full-back found space after good build-up work on Melbourne's left-side attack.
Cronk well and truly left his stamp on the match when he set up boom youngster Israel Folau for his 10th try of the campaign with a cross-field bomb that highlighted El Masri's fallibility under the high ball.
Speaking after the match, Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy hinted that Slater, despite another outstanding performance adding to his stellar start to the 2007 season, would be overlooked by Queensland selectors for game one but expected Smith, Johnson, and Greg Inglis to be named in the side.
Melbourne 38 (C Cronk 2, M King 2, R Hoffman, I Folau tries; C Smith 6 conversions, 1 penalty goal)
Bulldogs 14 (D Millard, H El Masri, R Maitua tries; El Masri 1 conversion) |
PENINSULA U18 RUGBUY LEAGUE TEAM
Peninsula U18 Rugby League team are assembling from all over the region on Tuesday May 15 to prepare for the Qld U18 Schoolboys Championships which are held from May 17-20 in Dalby.
Hoping to better last year’s results of 5th place, the players will gather at Barlow Park to soak up the expert coaching of Australian Kangaroo Rep and schoolboys coaching legend Lionel Williamson and Level 3 Coach and QRL Development officer Peter Narducci.
Under the direction of Peninsula coach Rod Whittle of Weipa and experienced Manager Scott Whybird from Cooktown the players from as far as Weipa on the Cape to Tully in the south have players are readying themselves for the highest standard of Rugby League on offer to schoolboys.
The Peninsula boys will pit their skills against the like of Melbourne Storm’s Israel Folau and Brisbane Broncos’ David Taylor both of whom played at last year’s State Titles.. Learn More |
 THE HILLS SPORTS HIGH SCHOOL RUGBY LEAGUE
The Buckley and University Shield competitions began this term with the Buckley Shield team beating Illawarra Sports High 26-16 with notable performances from Gene Brown, Felise Taafauo and Michael Steele.
The opens team were beaten 32-16 but showed that they can be a force this year with a much better 2nd half and the knowledge that there are some key players to return.
On Thursday 8th May the U/13’s will play in a round robin called the Michael Beuttner Shield against Hills Sports High School and Westfield’s Sports High School.
This will be played in Newcastle with the venue to be confirmed.
The Newcastle Knights have started the season well with a couple of wins.
If you are going to the games our ex students to watch out for include Todd Hurrell, Carl Foster, Brodie Hardman, Warren Shillings, Tyren Mundine, Luke Walsh, Sam Wooden, Stephen Gordon, Kade Snowden and Brad Tighe. We wish them all the best.
Permission notes for all excursions must be returned to Students Services before the due date as the school will not allow students to go on excursions if the notes are not handed in.
Any student that has an ‘N’ award will not be allowed to represent the school.
Mr Paul Davies |
|
COMBINED CATHOLIC COLLEGES RUGBY LEAGUE PRESS RELEASE
The New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges Rugby League State Selection Trials will be held on Friday 18th - Saturday 19th May at The Crest Stadium Bass Hill and Steve Folkes Reserve.
This includes two age groups - 15's and 18's and six associations: CBSA, MCC, MCS, Northern Country, Southern Country and SICC.
This event is being supported and sponsored by Bankstown Sports Club and Credit Union Australia
Players will be vying for selection in NSWCCC teams which will compete in the Australian Championships - 15's in Adelaide in June and 18's in Townsville in July.
NSWCCC are the reigning 15's National Champions, having won the 15's Australian title last year in Perth, while the 18's won in 2005 and were narrowly defeated last year in the final.
The carnival involves the best schoolboy rugby league talent in Catholic Schools across the state with many students currently involved in junior representative programs.
Mitchell Pearce and Chris Lawrence both played in last years trials and are now playing NRL while 9 NSWCC players were part of the undefeated Australian Schoolboys team that toured the UK last December, most of
who are now playing in the Queensland Cup, Premier League or Jersey Flegg.
From the 2005 NSW CCC Eighteens team the following have played NRL, Jarrod Mullen, Shannon McDonnell, Michael Jennings, Mitchell Aubusson, Mitchell Pearce and Corey Patterson.
Further information can be found at our website (below) or by contacting Steve Hooper on 0419 416 461 |
YOUNG GUNS FIRE
Story By :
NORTHERN Division coach Jamie McCormack is hoping his young side can reproduce its opening Country Championship form in today's clash with North Coast in Port Macquarie.
If it reprises that enthusiastic effort he is certain the side can win its way through to an AAMI Country Championship semi-final.
"Everyone said Northern Division gets beat in the first round every year," McCormack said.
"I'm proud of the way the boys played last week. They were outstanding."
McCormack's use of the interchange rule was also calculated to try and give the side its second half chance.
Down 16-12 at half-time the team surged home.
McCormack had used just four of his 12 interchanges in the first half.
That gave him eight to utilise in a second half where his side climbed off the floor to soar home.
"I was conscious of the 12 by 4 rule and not making many replacements in the first half," he said.
"It did hurt us after we led 12-nil and they powered over us in the last 20 to lead 16-12 but we had a talk at half time and we knew we had eight interchanges up our sleeve. The boys came home real strong. But full credit to all of them. They all concentrated and gave me their best effort."
Aberdeen and Northern Division prop Ben Hagan said McCormack and assistant coach Chris Brennan "got the best out of the young side".
"They tried not to use too many replacements in the first half and it worked out for them," he said.
"They are good coaches. I can't wait for the game. Don't know much about North Coast but we'll be right if we play like we did last week."
If Northern Division beat North Coast Hagan thinks they might then come up against Newcastle in a semi-final.
If that happens then it could become rather personal as his older brother, Daniel, is also a prop for Newcastle.
"He plays at Lakes," Hagan said.
"It'll be interesting if it gets that far."
McCormack reserved special praise for his props: Hagan, Michael Millgate and Jeff Richardson. While not big he said they worked hard throughout last Saturday's Central Coast clash.
"They're nothing flash but they worked well," he said.
"Matty Jarrett and Jeremy White weren't far behind Luke Hutton as our best either." |
|
Liam Ayoub had another tireless game and pulled off a couple sensational try saving tackles right on the Panthers line.
Panthers star playmaker James Tool injured in first 5 minutes
|
 SHARKS, SEA EAGLES POST WINS
Story By :
Cronulla came out firing in the second half of their round nine fixture against the Broncos at Shark Park on Friday night, putting on eight unanswered points to win the match 16-8.
In Friday night's other NRL fixture, competition leaders Manly continued their run of form, downing Parramatta 22-12 at Brookvale Oval.
After a lacklustre start to the match where they just managed to draw level with Brisbane at half-time, the Sharks put the Broncos' defence to the test as they turned up the heat.
The Cronulla attack came up trumps, crossing the line once and slotting a penalty to keep Brisbane in the bottom half of the table. |
 DO THE PANTHERS REALLY HAVE THE HOME GROUND ADVANTAGE?
Story By :  & 
The Bulldogs Under 16 Harold Matthews Cup will be out for revenge when they take on last year's premiers the Penrith Panthers.
The Dogs have lost just one game in two years - that loss being the corresponding grand final last season against Penrith.
Undefeated this season, the Bulldogs will look to continue that streak and go one better when they line-up against the 2nd placed Panthers in the season decider at Western Weekender Stadium on Saturday from 12.00pm.
In the SG Ball Cup Grand Final the reigning Premiers Penrith take on the Parramatta Eels who have been very impressive through out the 2007 season.
Both Grand Finals promise fantastic football with all four teams packed with potential NRL stars of the future so get out to Western Weekender Stadium tomorrow to cheer your favourite teams on.
The Harold Matthews Cup kicks off at 12: 00 noon.
In related news, Bulldogs Harold Mathews Coach Nal Wijefekera said the whole club is behind the boys tomorow in the grand Final, although we are undefeated this year, we are taking nothing for granted, we a playing a very good footy team on their home ground, "so we will be doing our best."
Do you think the Panthers have a home ground advantage? "We all know where we are playing from the start of the season, so playing at St. Mary's is fine, we will play anyone anywhere and we are just happy for another opportunity to play in the Harold Matthew Cup Grand Final"
Is there any kids we should be watching out for Nel?, "The whole team has played well all season, our fullback has come along nicely this year and our forwards have been doing a great job"
Thanks for your time Nal, " thanks and no worries" |
TEENS PICKED TO REPRESENT U17 MAROONS
Story By :
MACKAY rugby league sensations Ryan Williamson and Steven Elliott were yesterday named in a Queensland under 17 side set to tackle their New South Wales rivals in a curtain-raiser to State of Origin II at Telstra Stadium on June 13.
Towering ball-runner Williamson was working out at Souths' gym when the Daily Mercury called.
"I only found out I was in the side two minutes ago," the excited Shark said after receiving the news from his father.
"I've been pretty nervous all day...waiting for a phone call."
The St Patrick's College senior joined Elliott in the centres as part of the Northern Marlins under 17 side at last weekend's State Aged Carnival in Rockhampton.
And Williamson, who is used as a second-rower by his school side, said he approached the carnival with a resolute attitude.
"I just tried to stay positive and didn't even think about making the rep side," he said.
"I had a job to do for North Queensland and anything else on top of that was a bonus."
The bustling back evidently impressed selectors in the three-quarter line, bagging a brace of tries and impressing with powerful runs and hard-hitting defence as the Marlins whipped Wide bay 40-20 and pressed South East Queensland 22-16.
"When we beat Wide Bay I picked up a 70m intercept pass and scored another try as well," he said.
"And in the second game I think I did enough (to make the Queensland side)."
Williamson has already represented New South Wales at under 12 level and was named in last year's Queensland Confraternity side.
He’s leaving for Sydney in November to play in the SG Ball competition with the Sydney Roosters, a club he is contracted to.
Mackay State High's Elliott was equally impressive at last weekend's state titles, showing a turn of foot and slick hands.
He produced some fine finishing touches to score four tries from two games to cement a winger's spot in the state side. Elliot could not be contacted for comment late yesterday.
But look out for Daily Mercury profiles on two of Mackay's hottest new rugby league talents in the lead-up to Origin II. |
 |
| BIG wraps from his former high school coaches and snapped up by the Titans . . . Joel Rapana. Picture: Adam Head. |
SON OF A PREACHER MAN
Story & Photo By : Greg Stolz
FOR the past two years, Joel Rapana has been on a mission for God. Now, he's on a mission for the booming Gold Coast-based religion known as the Titans.
In 2004, Rapana was one of Australia's hottest junior rugby league prospects. He played alongside a host of current stars including Greg Inglis, Jarod Mullen and Steve Michaels in the Australian Schoolboys side and was signed to play for the Bulldogs.
But the devout Mormon, 21, turned down the to-die-for opportunity, swapped his football for a Bible and headed to Western Australia on a mission for his church, ministering in remote communities.
Only a few weeks after returning home to the Gold Coast, he has been snapped up by the Titans despite not playing a game of rugby league since he left Queensland for the west more than two years ago.
Big wraps from his former high school coaches convinced the Gold Coast to sign Rapana "sight unseen", coach John Cartwright said.
"He's been away from the game for two years but he played for the Australian Schoolboys so he's obviously got potential," Cartwright said.
"He's a local kid who wants to stay on the Coast and we want to give him that chance."
While many of his Australian Schoolboy teammates have made it big in the NRL, Rapana said he had no regrets about turning his back on the game to do his duty for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
"I knew if I did what was right, God would take care of it all," he said. "I never had any doubts that I would play again. God works in mysterious ways."
One of 10 siblings who worship at the Tweed Heads church where their father, Eli, is the bishop, Rapana says he is a non-drinking, non-smoking virgin and proud of it.
"I try to uphold the principles and standards my mum would hope for," he said.
A proud Eli Rapana said his son promised to be a breath of fresh air in a game that had been tarnished by booze, drug and sex scandals, and believes his character was as much an attraction for the Titans as his football talents.
"Some of the players in the NRL and AFL have been absolute clowns in the havoc they've been creating," Mr Rapana said. "Here is a young man with the maturity to do the Titans proud on and off the field."
Rapana started training with the Titans this week but Cartwright said it was "silly" to be talking about him playing first grade in the immediate future.
"He's never played against men so we'll see how he goes in the Queensland Cup," he said.
"The first thing we have to do is get him fit and get him back on the paddock." |
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| Christian Davies, Anthony Raymond, James Munns and Brendan Gibb will represent Queensland in front of a State of Origin crowd. |
WARRIORS FOR THE CAULDRON
Story By : 
FOUR Central Queensland junior rugby league players have been given the chance to live their State of Origin dreams and run out in front of a huge crowd in a few weeks’ time.
Rockhampton’s James Munns, Christian Davies and Gladstone’s Brendan Gibb have been selected for the Queensland Maroons under-19 team to play against Papua New Guinea in a curtain-raiser to this year’s first State of Origin game at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on May 23.
The team was announced yesterday following the QRL Under Age Selection Carnival, which was hosted by Rockhampton at the weekend. |
ACADEMY TAKING ON NQ GIANT OF GAME
Story By :
MACKAY State High's open rugby league side will have a prime opportunity to rattle the cage of one of Queensland's rugby league giants this afternoon.
MSHS coach Don Saunders rates a dangerous Kirwan State High as the team to beat in this year’s much-hyped Super 8 series.
He knows his side will need to lift another notch in today's match at Mackay State High after winning their round one derby against St Patrick’s College a week ago.. Learn More |
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| Gotcha ... Boom centre Karl McNichol who has been signed up by the Sharks. Photograph: Mark Evans. / The Daily Telegraph |
THE NEXT SONNY BILL WILLIAMS
Story By : James Phelps
HE'S only 18 and hasn't played a minute of NRL footy, but boom centre Karl McNichol has been signed by the Sharks on a staggering deal that could see him earn $600,000 over three years.
Touted as the next Sonny Bill Williams, McNichol was prised from the Bulldogs by Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart in a major coup for Cronulla. The 105kg teenager was being chased by up to six clubs despite earning about $50,000 a year and playing Premier League for the Bulldogs.
McNichol's amazing deal came even though the teenager is expected to miss the rest of 2007 with a chest injury. And it comes on a day when NRL boss David Gallop will front a players forum to discuss concerns that the game's stars are not earning enough money.
The Daily Telegraph has learned McNichol could earn up to $200,000 a season with incentives in a three-year deal. Sharks coach Stuart last night labelled the unknown as the best up-and-coming centre in the game.
"I am excited about the signing because I think he has a healthy future,'' Stuart said. "The research on Karl is all very positive and it is a real good signing for the future of the Sharks.''
The Bulldogs are angry that the Sharks got under their guard to snare McNichol. "We're disappointed that his manager Gavin Orr didn't come back to us before he signed. We've been talking to him since late last year,'' said Bulldogs chief executive Malcolm Noad.
Sharks boss Greg Pierce admitted he was shocked to learn they would have to pay so much to secure McNichol.
"It is a lot of money but he is an elite player and if we didn't pay that money we wouldn't have got him. Outstanding players like this don't come along very often,'' Pierce said.
Raised in Wellington, McNichol was recruited to the Bulldogs from New Zealand as a 15-year-old following a recommendation from Orr. The powerful young centre rocketed through the grades, playing Premier League at just 16.
In a recent survey on the Bulldogs website, Test stars Williams, Mark O'Meley and Reni Maitua rated him the best prospect in the game.
In his first interview, McNichol, who is expecting his first child in a month, said he was looking forward to forcing his way into into first grade at the Sharks. "It is massive to get the chance to play for Ricky,'' McNichol said.
"He has shown faith in me and that is great. I will have to come up with the goods when I get there. You can't be on good money and be a bad player.''
With his family still in New Zealand, McNicholl said his gamble to move to Australia had paid off.
"It was a sacrifice that I had to take to get the break,'' McNichol said. "I had to leave my family back home but opportunities like that don't come along often.'' |
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| Israel Falou smashing the Poms on last years Schoolboys tour Vs BARLA (Photo : ourfooty media) |
FLYING FOLAU FORCES OPPOSITION FOCUS
Story By : THE AGE
THERE is a very simple thing that has changed for Melbourne Storm winger Israel Folau since he burst on to the National Rugby League scene this year. The 18-year-old has gone from an unknown to, before the weekend's round-eight clash against Wests Tigers, the competition's leading try-scorer with nine tries.
And, as his reputation has grown, so, too, has the pre-game planning by opposition sides in a bid to curb his influence.
Wayne Treleaven watched both Folau and the other Storm sensation, Greg Inglis, come through the ranks in Brisbane, where he worked until last year as the coach of feeder club Norths Devils.
Treleaven said Folau had adjusted remarkably well from junior footballer to the senior ranks and had caught everyone's attention.
"What happens there is that they watch him. They didn't know about him early (in the season)," Treleaven said.
'All of a sudden, this kid's scoring too many tries and once they know about him, they tend to watch him a little bit more carefully." |
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| Wide Bay’s Keith Hartmann is confronted by Central’s (from left) Brent Williams, Yoren Major, Christian Davies and James Munns (Photo : ) |
CARNIVAL BEARS MIXED FRUIT FOR CAPRAS
Story By :
A BIG hit from James Munns within the opening minute of the Central Capras under-19 match with South West Mustangs on Saturday gave warning of the level of intensity from players for the Queensland Rugby League Aged Carnival at Rugby Park at the weekend.
With young players from throughout the State on show, it was little wonder the crowd was entertained with some of the best football available.
The under-17s had a great weekend, winning both games by convincing margins, but it was not the same story for the under-19s, who came away with one win and one loss. |
MOBILITY THE KEY FOR U18S
Story By :
NORTHERN Division Under 18s start a small but mobile side in their AAMI Country Championship clash with Central Coast at Aberdeen's McKinnon Field today.
And coach Garry Gardner believes the side is ready to shine after training through miserable conditions in Tamworth last Saturday.
"The conditions were terrible," Gardner said.
"But the boys only dropped two or three footballs. I was pretty happy with that."
Gardner says while the side isn't big it is mobile.
"They can all get around the park," he said.
He said the backrow of Trent Hilton (Gunnedah), Wes Suckley (Coonabarabran) and Josh Dutton (North Tamworth) was exceptional.
"They are very impressive, especially Josh.
"And Trent was very good for us last year – he's back as vice-captain this year.
"I expect him to lead from the front."
West Lions five-eighth Jake Hawkins has been named captain and will form a strong halves combination with Greta/Branxton halfback Jacob Brown.
Both had strong Northern Division Championships while centres Levii Griffiths (Gunnedah) and Mitchell Porter (Warialda) are big and fast.
Another to stand out at the ND titles in Tamworth was Werris Creek's Scott Blanch.
"Someone said he played fullback or wing for Farrer," Gardner said.
"He was outstanding at hooker, especially in the second game."
Gardner said Central Coast had played a trial against Southern Division but lost by 12 or 14 points.
"I expect them to be strong," he said. |
NSW UNDER 19 SQUAD
| Fullback |
Matt Ryan |
Balmain Tigers |
| Wing |
Chase Stanley |
St George – Illawarra Dragons |
| Centre |
Taulima Tuatai |
Parramatta Eels |
| Centre |
Chris Lawrence |
Western Suburbs Magpies |
| Wing |
Michael Brophy |
Canberra Raiders |
| Five-eighth |
Kris Keating |
Parramatta Eels |
| Halfback |
Eddie Paea |
South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Front Row |
Tim Grant |
Penrith Panthers |
| Hooker |
Tyne Owen |
Newcastle Knights |
| Front Row |
Tim Mannah |
Parramatta Eels |
| Second Row |
Edward Pettybourne |
South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Second Row |
Lucas Miller |
Newcastle Knights |
| Lock Forward |
Martin Lewis |
Parramatta Eels |
| Interchange |
Masada Iosefa |
Parramatta Eels |
| |
Aiden Tolman |
Norths Brisbane - NSW Country – Hat Head |
| |
Scott Dobbins |
Newcastle Knights |
| |
Tony Williams |
Parramatta Eels |
| 18th man |
Blake Ayshford |
Balmain Tigers |
| Coach |
Matthew Cameron |
Parramatta Eels |
| Manager |
Neil King |
South Sydney |
|
 JOHN ALLAN CUP BEGINS
Story By :  RAIDERS MEDIA
The Road to the Arrive Alive cup began in Canberra on Thursday, with the first round of the John Allan Cup for college age students.
Two matches were played at Northbourne Oval in Braddon, between the four most talented Rugby League schools in the Canberra District.
In the first match of the afternoon Dickson College were to strong for Hawker College, with the Dickson side winning by 38-12 in a very entertaining affair.
In the second match the competition favourites Erindale College were too good for Lake Ginnindera College, as they cruised past them by 26-4.
 The winner of this round robin tournament will be declared the winner of the John Allan cup for 2007, and will have the chance to move on to the next stage of the national Arrive Alive cup competition to represent Canberra.
Raider’s junior development officer Leigh Woodbridge said it was a good standard of Rugby League on Thursday, and he expected some good matches in the upcoming weeks.
"On their day there is a good chance that any of these sides can beat another," Woodbridge said. "Erindale are the favourites to win the Cup again, but Dickson in particular will give them a run for their money this year."
Next Thursday will be the second round of the four week competition, with Erindale College taking on Dickson College, while Hawker College battle Lake Ginnindera College. |
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| OBE GEIA help the kids during the QLD State Championships (Photo : Nth QLD Cowboys) |
OBE WARMS UP WITH SHALOM COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Story By : 
Obe Geia took time out from his U19 North Queensland Representative preparations to visit the children at his QNI Adopt-A-School, Shalom Christian College.
He was joined by Reg Hutana from QNI for the visit.
Obe was very busy on his visit and helped the children prepare for their annual Fun Run.
He helped teach the kids in Grades 1, 3 and 4 how to stretch properly and warm up for the big event.
After doing some physical activity with the children,
Obe spent time with with the Grade 1 and Prep children talking them about where he grew up and his life story.
Obe has become a very welcome addition to the Shalom Community College community and the children are looking forward to future visits. |
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| DOGS can fly ... Canterbury winger Hazem El Masri dives in for a great try against the Knights. / News Limited picture |
DOGS SAVAGE DEPLETED KNIGHTS
Story By :
THE Bulldogs have put their NRL campaign back on track with a comfortable 30-16 win over an injury-depleted Newcastle side at Telstra Stadium.
Labelled "brain dead" after last week's upset loss to the Wests Tigers, the Dogs rediscovered their bark today with a five tries to two victory in front of 12,654 fans, claiming their fourth win of the season to keep pace with the top eight.
Bulldogs fullback Luke Patten scored two tries while winger Hazem El Masri crossed for his own four pointer and had five conversions to take his career points tally to 1910 - becoming just the sixth player in rugby league history to pass 1900 points.
Newcastle suffered a pre-game blow when halfback Jarrod Mullen - a possible NSW Origin bolter - withdrew with a calf strain while forward Clint Newton was rested after playing in the City-Country clash on Thursday.
While the Knights were hit by injury prior to kick off, it was Bulldogs prop Willie Mason who battled with pain throughout the match after twice being left on the ground in the first half.
Mason sent an early scare through the blue and whites with an apparent shoulder injury (eighth minute) and then a corked leg (33rd minute), but played on despite the obvious pain to lead the Dogs to a 12-0 lead at the break after tries to Reni Maitua and Patten.
Patten's try came just a few tackles after Knights forward Kade Snowden was harshly sin-binned for holding Matt Utai down for too long after the winger had made a break.
Second-rower Sonny Bill Williams provided the Dogs the perfect start to the second half when he threw a miracle pass infield as three defenders tried to drag him out of play, leading to El Masri's try in the 42nd minute and an 18-0 lead.
A superb backline move allowed Utai to score in the corner in the 48th minute and with a 24-0 lead the Dogs switched off, allowing Newcastle their first sniff of success.
Hooker Danny Buderus sparked a Knights revival with a try from dummy-half in the 53rd minute, before an Adam MacDougall strip on El Masri gave Newcastle some attacking field position which led to a James McManus try in the corner which cut the deficit to 24-10.
But the return of Mason immediately woke the Dogs from their mid-game slumber, the forward throwing a classy inside flick pass for Patten to bolt across and score the sealer in the 67th minute.
Knights back rower Cory Paterson scored a late consolation try with three minutes left on the clock.
The only negative for the Dogs was an apparent knee injury to Kiwi winger Utai who was playing just his first NRL game this season. |
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| De La Skipper tries to find out what goin' on - boys gettin' it on in defence |
REF AWARDS A PENALTY TRY
Story & Photo's By
A what?
Yep, there was a penalty try awarded in an Under 14's game of Junior Rugby League on Saturday.
Not since the '99 NRL Grand Final had the crowd at Capt. Cook Oval seen a penalty try given by a ref.
Cronulla Cariningbah were ferociously attacking the De La Salles' line after holding out for 23 tackles in a row, when from 9 meters out the Sharks attacked again. De La Salle went bang, bang, bang, 3 defensive bodies smashed into the tackle, the whistle goes off and before the boys can pick themselves of the ground the Ref is pointing to the spot and awards a Penalty Try.. Learn More |
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| Chris Lawrence scores one of his two tries and tackles ASSRL team mate Israel Falou |
BRILLIANT TIGERS END STORM RUN
By Chris Paine :
The Tigers snapped Melbourne's seven-match unbeaten streak with a sensational 30-12 upset victory in their round eight NRL encounter in Gosford on Saturday night.
The 2005 premiers overcame the early loss of Benji Marshall to injury to pile on 22 unanswered points before the break, and held off a late challenge to claim their third consecutive victory and their second major scalp on the trot after upending the Bulldogs last weekend.
In tonight's other fixture, the Eels wrapped up their fourth victory of the campaign as they piled on five tries to two against the Sydney Roosters to finish 28-10 at Parramatta Stadium.
New Zealand international full-back Krisnan Inu scored a double inside the first nine minutes to make the most of his promotion to centre in place of the injured Timana Tahu as Eric Grothe, Nathan Hindmarsh, and Luke Burt also crossed for four-pointers.
Burt added four conversions from five attempts to finish with a personal haul of 12 points, as the Roosters claimed second-half tries from Ashley Harrison and Sam Perrett with Craig Fitzgibbon managing one conversion.
Meanwhile in Gosford, youngster Chris Lawrence collected a first-half double with a scintillating effort to beat a swag of defenders and cross near the posts, with Robbie Farah also picking up a four-pointer in the first period.
The Storm came out firing in the second half with two tries in quick succession to Matt King (46th minute) and Dallas Johnson (50th), before back rower Ryan Hoffman and Billy Slater both botched golden opportunities to reduce the gap and put pressure on the home side.
 Hoffman pushed a pass close to the line and fumbled the ball in a great attacking position to hand over possession in the 69th minute, while fleet-footed custodian Billy Slater denied himself the opportunity to score a miraculous try when he was unable to collect a grubber kick on the fly in sight of the try-line.
Tim Sheens endured some nervous moments from the Tigers bench but Wests number 11 Ben Galea put the result beyond doubt when he burst onto a neat short-ball from half-back John Morris 25 metres out and charged to the line to cross underneath the posts.
Tigers centre Dean Collis, who took over the kicking duties when Benji Marshall left the field in the sixth minute after aggravating his troubled right shoulder, collected four conversions and three penalty goals in a 100 per cent display with the boot.
Farah backed up his dominant performance from Thursday night as the City Origin hooker to further press his claims for inclusion in the New South Wales squad, while Morris looked to have finally settled into the number seven jersey. The Tigers were dealt a late blow before the match with full-back and dynamic ball-player Brett Hodgson withdrawing with a virus. |
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| MOTORING . . . Chase Stanley sets sail to score for the Dragons in the first half against Penrith last night. Picture: Mark Evans. |
DRAGONS FIRE PUTS HEAT ON ELLIOTT
Story By : Steve Mascord
TWO-TRY St George Illawarra centre Matt Cooper revealed he struggled to concentrate and felt physically ill as he braved a serious bout of concussion to help the Dragons to their second win of the season last night.
Penrith coach Matthew Elliott told a post-match media conference he felt like he was "in the desert, surrounded by vultures" – he complimented reporters on their wings – after the return of Dean Young and strong showings from rookies Chase Stanley and Jason Nightingale helped the Dragons win and left the Panthers stranded on four competition points.
Cooper, ruled unfit for Country Origin selection due to a bad head knock on Anzac Day, said he still didn't know if he would play even when he arrived at OKI Jubilee Stadium last night.
"I was still a bit dusty out there, I just couldn't concentrate on things that well," said Cooper, who blasted back into NSW selection favouritism.
"Coming in at halftime, I felt a bit crook. I felt like throwing up but I went back out and tried to help the team win. That was the main thing. "In the end, I'm glad I played.".. Learn More |
REFUSING TO GET EXCITED
Story : By Josh Rakic 
DESPITE putting on almost 50 points against Brothers last weekend, Easts coach Bruce Thorpe this week suggested his team could have gone on to score more than 60 - a scary thought for this weekend’s opponents Hervey Bay.
The triumphant return of mercurial halfback Josh Tanner to the side last week sent an ominous warning to opposition teams that things can only get better for Easts.
And while Thorpe agreed his side was growing in confidence and skill as a unit, he refused to make predictions for the season ahead.
“The boys were rapt (after the Brothers game),” Thorpe said.
“But we’re not talking about what’s to come.
“We spoke earlier in the year that we’d just focus on matches as they came.
“We knew we played poorly against Across The Waves (in round one) and the boys have really been focused each week since.
“Having Josh Tanner back in the side adds another dimension to the game and I think the boys really responded to that.
“He just guides them around the park really well... and he’s got speed.”
While confident his side can secure yet another victory at Salter Oval on Sunday afternoon, Thorpe is wary of Hervey Bay’s lethal backline, which boasts renowned speedster Clinton Horne.
“They’ll definitely try to use their speed out wide and go around us,” Thorpe said.
“I’ve only seen one of their games and I think they lost to Isis last week, but you can’t discount anyone in this competition.
“It’s a tight competition and we’ll be treating this match as seriously as every other match.
“Clinton Horne can score 18 points alone.”
Despite several niggling injuries within the team, Thorpe expects to field a full-strength side on Sunday. In other matches, reigning premiers Wests will play Isis at Salter Oval from 1.20pm on Sunday, while Wallaroos will host Brothers tomorrow night. |
 YOUNG FANS MEET THE RL HEROES
Story By & Photo : 
WITH his little hand tightly gripping the coasters that will take pride of place in his bedroom, four-year-old Jimmy Parsons came face to face with his heroes.
A proud Bulldogs supporter, the young footy fan and his mum, Donna, were among the Coffs Coast residents who yesterday mixed with the Country Origin team at an autograph-signing session in the City Centre. The first player to sign one of Jimmy's coasters was Preston Campbell, who was happy to hear the Parsons family would be at tonight's match cheering loudly for Country. |
A HUGE DAY OF FOOTBALL FOR PARKES JUNIORS
Story By : 
The Parkes Marist Club played host to the Junior Forbes Magpies last weekend in a full and exciting day of junior rugby league
Under 7s
First up were the Remember Me When U7s who enjoyed an exciting and fast paced game with both teams putting in a great effort.
Michael Murphy and Jackson Davison made some bustling runs while Lachlan Fisher and Blake Swindle were great in defence.
Elliot Scott, Cooper Neilsen Mitch Wright made heaps of ground every time they got the ball.
Matthew Aston-Brien (2 tries 1 goal) and Charlie Brennand (1 try) tackled like professionals saving lots of tries.
Liam Pope was outstanding in defence and attack always ready to back up his team mates. Kimeaka Evans (1 try 1 goal) had a stand out game running strong and pulling off a number of text book. Sensational effort U7s
Under 8s
The Derrick Hoe excavations faced a very strong Forbes side and with both sides evenly matched it was try for try right up to the final whistle.
Rachael Brown, Cody Morley and Sam Abbey (1 try) all tackled well with some strong runs.
Riley Scott (1 goal), Billy Payne and Bailey Jones (3 tries) were sensational in both attack and defence making try saving tackles throughout the game. Zac Gordon (1 goal, Harry Fisher (1 goal) and Glen Wade were great at running the ball up the middle with the opposition finding it hard to stop them. |
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| TJ Faagutu and Chris Faust |
STUDENTS CHASE MAROON JERSEYS
Story By : ADAM WATKIN
KIRWAN High students TJ Faagutu and Chris Faust are out to prove they are far from amateurs in their chosen sport of rugby league.
After many years of early morning training sessions, the pair will throw it all on the line for potential selection in the Queensland Schoolboys rugby league squad.
Both players will represent North Queensland in the second row at the Queensland Schoolboys Rugby League Championships in Dalby from May 17-20.
Most players competing at the championships will be out to impress for potential playing contracts, with all National Rugby League club set to be represented by their respective scouts. Faust, who is already contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys, will want to make the State team just like his older brother (Young Guns forward) Sam did in 2002.. Learn More
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ORIGIN TRIP FOR CHARLIE - RUNCIMAN SELECTED FOR BALL BOY DUTIES
Story By : BARRY HILDEBRANDT
St John's junior Charlie Runciman will have one of the best 'seats' in the house when New South Wales play Queensland in the second State of Origin clash at Telstra Stadium on June 13.
Charlie, the St John's under-14 fullback, has been honoured with ball boy duties for the big game on Sydney's Origin night of nights.
Barring injury Andrew Ryan, a former St John's junior, will be playing for the Blues on June 13 in a game that is likely to draw more than 80,000 people.
According to Charlie's mother, Sue, he can't wait for the day to come around.
"Three boys from Sydney and Charlie have been selected to be ball boys and they'll do all three games (the Origin game and preliminaries)," she said.
"From what we've been told they will go into the dressing rooms with the players, get their photographs taken and receive their gear to keep.
"We're just so thrilled for him and I am sure it will be a night to remember."
Charlie's selection comes as no surprise to those who recognise his potential as a player.
Last year he was awarded the Gerard Yeo Memorial Trophy for being an outstanding player in Dubbo and District Junior Rugby League, playing for St John's in the under-13s and for being a model young man on and off the field.
The award consisted of a scholarship with funds able to be used by the winner to attend coaching clinics and purchase playing gear.
During the recent school holidays Charlie attended a four-day Blues Training Camp at Narrabeen where 74 boys were involved.
At the conclusion of the camp four boys were selected as ball boys for the State of Origin, Charlie impressing officials in the main by his performance ability and attitude - an asset that his coaches and managers in Dubbo have noted over the past few years.
Charlie Runciman, a nephew of former NRL forward Trent Runciman from Wellington, is a young man going places and hopefully some day he will make it in grade.
If his current progress is anything to be judged by, he will achieve. Already he has represented in primary school and junior secondary sports in touch football, athletics and rugby league.
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| POSSIBLE solution . . . talented Broncos youngster Joel Moon could help remedy his team's problems at halfback. The NRL premiers have been struggling to fill the vital position. Picture: Glenn Barnes. |
MOON TO SHINE AT HALF
Story By : Matt Marshall
BRISBANE has been forced to road-test its fifth halfback in eight games on Friday night as teenager Joel Moon assumes the hot seat against the Rabbitohs.
But the Broncos are far from committing to a permanent halves partner for skipper Darren Lockyer, with a post-Origin switch for likely Maroons fullback Karmichael Hunt still believed to be coach Wayne Bennett's preference.
Moon's switch from centre follows stints by Hunt, Shane Perry, Shaun Berrigan and Lockyer this season.
"We're still searching," assistant coach Ivan Henjak said. "We'll give Joel an opportunity to play there.
"He's one kid we think has a bright future at the place so he'll get his opportunity and we'll see how he performs. We're just trying to search for the best combination.
"We're taking it week to week at this stage. If he can get the job done we'll keep him there. We see him as one of our halves but he's quite versatile too."
The door has been left ajar for discarded grand final hero Perry.
"We know Karmichael can handle it, we know Shane can handle it too. We've still got a lot of confidence in him. He did the job for us last year and we're not going to forget that," Henjak said.
"They are positions you want to have a long-term solution to. It would be nice to be able to play two guys in that position for a number of years, which certainly helps your team, but we haven't had that since Allan Langer and Kevin Walters left.
"We're still searching for those two who will take us for the next five or six years and we may not get that."
The round 1 scrumbase performance of Test fullback Hunt has been the premiers' most convincing.
"There's still a long way to go," Henjak said.
"Last year we were searching for different combinations as well.
"We settled on a hooker (Berrigan) with eight games to go and that solved a few problems for us."
In other changes, Tonie Carroll returns via the bench with Kiwi Greg Eastwood cementing his hold on lock.
Redcliffe centre Nick Emmett has earned a recall for injured Test flyer Brent Tate (hip flexor) while David Stagg (ankle) and Sam Thaiday (virus) have both been named despite failing to train yesterday.
Tame Tupou, released to join Bradford, plays his final game for Aspley on Friday. |
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| Redcliffe SHS Year 8 Rugby League team with coach Kirsty Fields (Photo : ourfooty media - Kirsty Fields) |
Round 3 Aspley Broncos Year 8 Ski Fleet Toyota Challenge
Story By : Kirsty FIELDS Redcliffe SHS
Redcliffe Year 8 Aspley Broncos team played another successful game for the comp against Aspley SHS on Tuesday afternoon.
Aspley were over the line first, but with an un-converted goal the score remained 4 – 0 at half time thanks to a couple of close tries being held up by Redcliffe’s defence, and a second disallowed try to Aspley.
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 UNDER 14's
AQUINAS COLTS Vs De La SALLE
We played a side that successfully recruited a couple of 'marquee' players from around the district during the off season, producing a formidable opposition.
They certainly got the jump on us as their slick combinations showed the advantage of recent training with the Sharks development squad.. Learn More |
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| Best effort: Atherton's under-18 winger Darren Ball scored 44 points with four tries and 14 from 14 attempts at goal in his team's match against Mossman. |
YOUNG ROOSTER COCK OF THE WALK WITH TOP SCORE
Story & Photo By :
ATHERTON Rooster Darren Ball had every reason to crow last week.
The under-18 winger finished with a 44-point haul in the Roosters’ 84-10 win against Mossman, running in four tries and finishing with a perfect 14-from-14 attempts at goal.
While official records have not been kept at the club, Ball’s haul is the best effort Roosters stalwarts can remember.
The flanker – in his first year in the under-18s at Atherton after playing in Eacham junior league club Malanda’s under-16 Grand Final-winning team last season – is showing great promise and following in the footsteps of older brother Anthony, a Roosters first grader.
Ball and his teammates will be in action again tomorrow when Atherton takes on Tully at NQ Hardware Stadium from 11am.
The young Roosters are in second place on the Cairns District Rugby League table after four wins from five games while Tully is eighth with a 2-3 win-loss record.
Undefeated Yarrabah leads the competition.
All CDRL Round 6 fixtures will be played tomorrow due to tonight’s Foley Shield games at Innisfail. |
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| Desperate finish... Steve Simpson and Riley Brown haul in Sharks winger David Simmons |
KNIGHTS FEND OFF LATE SHARKS SURGE
Story By :
The Knights held off a superlative late charge from the Cronulla Sharks to record a 20-16 victory in their round seven NRL encounter in Newcastle on Monday night.
Newcastle had looked certain to claim victory heading into the final stages after second-half tries to Kurt Gidley (55th minute) and Kirk Reynoldson (58) shot the home side out to a 20-4 lead.
The Knights held a comfortable 16-point advantage with just nine minutes remaining before converted tries from David Simmons and Ben Pomeroy late in the piece put the Sharks back to within four points to set up a grandstand finish.
Simmons crossed in the 71st to pick up his second try of the match and turned provider five minutes later when he collected a a deft Brett Kimmorley grubber kick before finding Pomeroy in space with a brilliant banana kick on the left-hand hedge.
But the Knights managed to hold on during the final stages to claim their fourth win, with winger Todd Polglase leaping to take possession of the football and end the nailbiting contest after the Sharks had taken to the air on the final play.
Earlier, a try in the final minute of the first-half from Reynoldson, the first of his double, handed the Knights an 8-4 lead at break.
Simmons had given the Sharks a 4-2 lead in the 17th minute when he finished off in the right-hand corner for his first try of the evening.
But in the final minute of the half, Sharks full-back Brett Kearney pulled off a try-saving tackle to stop Knights winger James McManus just short of the line, before Reynoldson barged over on the resulting play with just seconds remaining.
Danny Buderus claimed man-of-the-match honours in an impressive outting for the Knights, and will take part in Thursday night's City-Country Origin clash in a starting role at hooker for Country.
The Knights enjoyed 51 per cent of possession and made the most of their time with the football to complete 29 of their 36 attacking sets. Newcastle 20 (K Reynoldson 2, K Gidley tries; K Gidley 3 conversions, 1 penalty goal)
Cronulla 16 (D Simmons 2, B Pomeroy tries; L Covell 2 conversions) |
YOUNG TALENT TIME COMES TO ROCKY
Story By : Chris Garry 
THE QRL State Under 17 and Under 19 Carnival kicks off on the Labour Day long weekend, with players from across the state hoping to play their way into a Suncorp Stadium experience.
The carnival runs for two days on May 5th and 6th with the best players in each age group selected to form two representative teams to take on NSW and Papua New Guinea in curtain-raisers to State of Origin Game I at Suncorp Stadium.. Learn More |
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| Dominant tackle: Cairns’s Alex Starmer (ball) tries to shake off a pair of Townsville tacklers as his team rallied towards a fightback in the Foley Shield clash at Innisfail. |
MARLINS USE SECOND HALF TO CONJURE WIN
Story By : Emma Greenwood
CAIRNS has its eyes on a third successive Foley Shield rugby league title after a gritty come-from-behind win against Townsville on Saturday night.
The Marlins slipped 14 points behind early in the second half after Townsville scored inside a minute of the restart to extend its eight-point halftime buffer by a converted try.
On the back of a scratchy first-half performance, the Marlins looked long odds to mount a comeback but their collective belief and some magic from canny halfback Steve Singleton helped them to victory. |
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| Redcliffe SHS teacher Michael Roberts a shave above the rest |
LETHARGIC DOLPHINS STRUGGLE HOME
Story By :
MICHAEL Roberts again showed why he is widely considered the best Wizard Cup player never to get an opportunity at NRL level, steering Redcliffe to a 30-20 win against Tweed Heads.
On a day where the spotlight was on teammates Shane Perry and Nick Emmett, returning from duty with the Brisbane Broncos, Roberts was still the star that shone brightest.
Continuing his great early season form, the three-time QANTAS Player of the Year was among everything and played his hand in several attacking raids.
None was more impressive than the try to steaming winger Alwyn Simpson straight after halftime, coming from a deftly weighted Roberts kick that was plucked from the air.
That try took Redcliffe’s advantage to 24-10, enough of a buffer to survive a dogged fightback by Tweed. At the death the Seagulls trailed just 24-20 until backrower Danny Burke surged over for the Dolphins and sealed the result.
Burke was adjudged the Players’ Player and was another to shade the Broncos-contracted duo of Perry and Emmett, who were solid contributors but not standouts at the Piggabeen Complex.
“I think we were a little bit flat all round….probably didn’t show up in the best frame of mind. We did just enough to win the game and that was it,” said nonplussed Dolphins coach Anthony Griffin.
“It’s a bloody tough day. On this roadtrip you have a two hour bus trip before you even get to the ground. Tweed always plays well at home too and not many sides come away from here with the points.”
Thankful just to be hopping on the bus and heading back home, Griffin was more relieved than overjoyed at maintaining a share of the competition lead.
Tied on 12 points with the North Queensland Young Guns, the Dolphins rank second on for-and-against but have pulled clear of the Easts Tigers, who lost to Souths Logan on Saturday.
In comparison Tweed Heads has now dropped to seventh on the ladder, overtaken in one fell swoop by Aspley and Ipswich. However of the four teams tied on six points, the Seagulls do boast the best points differential.
Next week Redcliffe faces off against Wynnum Manly in Saturday’s live ABC telecast from BMD Kougari Oval. The match will form the first leg of the Herald Cup, a long-running duel between the two clubs sponsored by Quest Newspapers.
Tweed Heads has a trip to Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Friday night for a 5.15pm clash against Aspley. The match will feature as the main curtain-raiser to the Brisbane Broncos v South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL clash.
Should Nat Barnes play he will equal the record of Tom Prichard for most Wizard Cup games by a Tweed Heads player. REDCLIFFE 30 (Rory Bromley 2, Matt Harris, Alwyn Simpson, Danny Burke, Grant Flugge tries; Alwyn Simpson 3 goals) d TWEED HEADS 20 (Shannon Walker, Josh Vaughan, Andrew Moroney, Chris Enahoro tries; David Myles 2 goals) at the Piggabeen Complex. |
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| NATIONAL SCOREBOARD |
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 OBE GEIA
ASSRL/
QLD YOUNG GUNS / COWBOYS |
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| MULTI-MEDIA |
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JOEL ROMELO SAYS
G'DAY
REDCLIFFE SHS |
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STEVE RENOUF CUP REPORT
QUEENSLAND UNDER 15 
ACADEMY'S UPSET WIN OVER ST PAT'S IS A-PLUS
BRISBANE METRO 
ELITE SYDNEY CHS COMP'S
SYDNEY 
2007 COWBOYS CHALLENGE 
Jeff HARDY
2003 
2002 
2001 
ENGLAND 
ENGLAND 
WELSH 
BARLA
FRENCH 
