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| Wednesday 16 th April '08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AUSTRALIAN rugby league legend Shane Webcke was the special guest for the North Queensland Games last weekend. The former Broncos forward was surprised how big the Games were and said it was an honour to be part of it. "Being from southeast Queensland I didn't know the Games even existed," Webcke said. "But the scope of it when you get here is quite enormous." The Suncorp Sunsafety ambassdor was impressed at the large number of competiors (4800) who participated in the Games. "The Games are about participation and not being the best," Webcke said. "Obviously people enter it to be the best, but it's a special event and that's why people keep coming back for it – it's the enjoyment factor." During Webcke's visit local rugby league juniors had the opportunity to pick his football brain for knowledge of the game he played since he was five years old. The rugby league clinic saw 100 kids join in and learn from the skills of one of the world's best forwards. "It's always fun to help the kids," Webcke said. "Not that I can pass on a lot knowledge, I'm a forward I get the ball and run with it. "But it's just nice to be around kids that play our game. "They are our future and it's important for those who've made a living out of it like me to give a little back. "I'm not worried if they didn't learn much, as long as they had a good time." |
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| Monday 14 th April '08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Story & Photo By : Ben Pollock  Canberra RaidersCaroline Chisholm has continued there strong run in the high school seven a side competition, by defeating Melba high 22-8 to take the Jason Croker Shield. The annual Jason Croker shield is for year 7/8 students in the ACT region, and is played as a seven a side round robin tournament. With 18 schools from across the Canberra region competing in the day there were strong performances from all schools involved, with Caroline Chisholm, Melba High, Queanbeyan High and Melrose High all finishing top of there pool and progressing through to the semi finals. The first semi saw Caroline Chisholm take on Melrose, with some aggressive defense seeing Caroline Chisholm maintain the pressure to run out winner 22-4. The second semi saw Queanbeyan High take on the might of Melba. In a one sided affair Melba proved far too classy taking the game 20-0. The scene was set for a tough final with rivals Melba and Chisholm taking the field in what would prove to be a fast 14 minutes of football. In the end Caroline Chisholm proved too strong running out winner 22-8. Thanks to all schools for participating in the day and too all parents, teachers, referrers and sports trainers for making the day successful. Raider’s junior development officer Leigh Woodbridge said the day was a great way to showcase the junior rugby league talent in the ACT, and he thanked all those involved. “Today’s matches showed that there is a very strong passion for the game in the ACT and we witnessed some great matches,” Woodbridge said. “I would like to thank all of the schools who participated in this competition, and hopefully we’ll be back bigger and better next year.” |
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| NSWRL ACADEMY OPENING
The NSWRL Academy redevelopment /renovations will be Opened on Tuesday 15 April 2008 at the Sydney Academy of Sport, Narrabeeen. The Chairman NSWRL Colin Love AM will be a guest of honour at the event along with NSW Minister of Sport Graham West MP. |
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Story & Photo : Laura Davies  Junee’s Josh Whitty went to Sydney at the weekend for the University and Tertiary NSW Rugby League trials, and was selected as a centre for the NSW team. His mother, Kim Whitty, said he had played for Junee until he moved away to Lismore for university, where he is studying Exercise Science and Nutrition. “He loves his football,” she said. “He plays for Lismore now in first grade.” Mrs Whitty said Josh started the sport when he was 11 years old and had been a representative player for school and the Diesels while in Junee. His first game for NSW will be the City versus Country clash in Wollongong on May 2. Junior Diesels also showed what they were made of at the weekend, with several players selected for Group Nine representative teams. The Group Nine trials were held in Junee and a strong crowd enjoyed beautiful weather to support the juniors. Under 12 to Under 15 players participated in the trials and six were selected as Group Nine players. William Holt, Bradley McCarthy and Andrew Heffernan will be playing in the Under 13 side, while Andrew McCarthy, Patrick Sweeney and Trent Schubach will play Under 14. Promising Under 16 player Tom Lidden was rewarded for his efforts during the Group Nine Under 16 Knockout Carnival. He starred at Willow Park and Loftus Oval on Sunday during the competition and has been selected in the Group Nine Under 16 team. With the Group Nine season set to start next weekend, Junee is showing some promising young talent for the year ahead. |
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Story & Photo's : Round 2 kicked off & ended with just 2 undefeated teams in the Under 15A's competition with the Engadine Dragons and Gymea Gorilla's outright leaders the points table. The Gorilla's held of a strong and determined Colts outfit to get home by the mearest of margins, 2 points. Engadine are a good side and even without holiday harry were too good for the Menai Roosters, the Dragons piled on 46 points and must have shared the football around all day. Last years Grand Final replay between De La Salle and Cronulla Caringbah was played at Capt. Cook oval with both team putting their bodies on the line for their teams. The defending Premiers were the winners again day with some good well organised defence and plenty of go forward from the big boys, when this happens teams are busy back peddling and De La give the ball to thier backs and it's usually not good news for their opposition as De La can pile points on any side. (Oh yeah, photo's soon - U 15A's News) Meanwhile over at Shark Park the Cronulla Juniors Reps played their first real home game of the season. The SG Ball continued their winning form after the break caused by the bye last week by defeating the Newcastle Knights. The Matty's Cup showed glimpes of determination but were not good enough to beat the young Knights at home going down 14 - 34 |
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On Friday night the Sea Eagles met the undefeated Parramatta Eels at Parramatta Stadium and went down 54-4. Although the score line suggests otherwise the Sea Eagles played with a lot of enthusiasm and at times of the game showed glimmers of the team that won the week before. Early stages of the game saw Manly take advantage of Parramatta’s right side with Baden Donegal making two early line breaks. Unfortunately these early attacking raids led to no points, and Parramatta scored two quick tries. The Eels continued making metres and looked to cross again but William Hopoate made a try-saving tackle, Parramatta still found a way around the defence and scored in that same set. Parramatta scored twice more before the half-time siren to take a 30-0 lead going into the sheds. Parramatta started the second half just as the first had played out. The Eels added 14 more points in the first 10 minutes of the half. Manly then scored their only points of the game after the Sea Eagles created the overlap out wide, which saw James Coote cross in the corner. Solid defence saw Manly only allow 10 more points through in the final 15 minutes against a team, which will most certainly be there at the very end |
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| Sunday 12 th April '08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BEARS TEAR THRU ACADEMY FOR 1st WIN Story By :  SWSAS scored 2 more tries against the rampaging North Sydney Bears who claimed their first points of the season with a rengence. A fired up North Sydney ran in 48 points in a game where the Bears had opportunities and made the most of them to grab 2 very valuable premiership points. The SWSAS are playing in their first season playing at NSWRL Harold Matthews Cup level. Although the Academy boys got smashed by the Bears, the still scored which is a really good sign for the future of the SWSAS and the young footballers out that way. The Academy's Under 15 Development squad are undefeated this year in a few games they have played against other Development squads around Sydney. SWSAS Executive Officer Mr. gerry Knights said "we are proud of the way this group of young men have stuck together this year, there are good signs and we look forward to the future" More MATTY'S & SG Ball here |
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| Wednesday 9 th April '08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gymea High School Vs St. Patricks College Sutherland @ Gymea HS 9 th April '08 Story & Photo's : The Sutherland Shire leg of the National Schoolboys Rugby League knockouts, the Arrive alive Cup kicked off at Gymea High School with Gymea taking on the powerful St. Patrick's College Sutherland. With great excitement from the Gymea High kids screaming their heads off at lucnh time the game got underway with Gymea kicking off. Then St. Pat's had the ball and took control of the game from there on. St. Pats play a good style of footy using their powerful forwards to smash the opposition then they feed the ball out to the talented back line who like to run. Dragons Toyota Cup player & former Shark Tommy Hancock opened the scoring for the Pats boyz with a good run from about 30 meters out with defenders falling off their tackles. Matthew Sommers converted from in front and the game was on. The first half continued this way with Hancock crashing over for his second try halfway through the first half. During the second half it was funny hearing the schools loudspeakers trying to get all the kids back in class and away from the game. Gymea were courageous in defeat, they did not give up at all and reduced the St. Pat's side to just 14 points in the second half, the five - eight was a dangerous little player for Gymea who had a few good runs and tackled like a demon. The power and experience of the St. Patricks boyz was just too much for the Gymea boyz, St. Pats kept coming in waves of running players. Man of the Match according to ourfootyteam was Tom Hancock, he is a class or 2 above everyone else on the paddock. |
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Story By : Grant Robertson  NARRABRI High School flexed its muscle in yesterday’s Arrive Alive Cup win over McCarthy Catholic College in Tamworth and is now hunting Farrer as the competition heads towards the regional playoffs. The 42-nil win at Jack Woolaston Oval was Narrabri’s last round-robin game and the side is yet to taste defeat after earlier wins over Coonabarabran High and Peel High. There is plenty of attacking ability in the side but defence has been the key to success, with only Coona breaching Narrabri’s line. “The two nil results have been good,” Narrabri coach Brad Graham said. “We’ve really concentrated on being strong in defence. “We’ve also focused on communication as our key word and there were a few moments where it didn’t happen so it was disappointing at different stages. “We want to improve.” Winger Michael Skillicorn opened the scoring and went on to claim a double in the second half while centre Michael Cain also crossed twice either side of halftime. Narrabri led 24-nil at the break. The only thing that can now prevent Narrabri from winning its pool and taking on Farrer 2 in the regional semi-final is if Duval High racks up a mammoth score against McCarthy on Friday in the last of the round-robin games. If Duval wins, for and against will determine which side progresses and, at present, Narrabri has a formidable tally. A shot at Farrer 2 is something Narrabri is looking forward to, especially as a win in the semi means a crack at the Farrer First XIII in the regional final. “We definitely have to improve,” Graham said. “A lot of these boys have tasted success against Farrer at the Peel Schools Carnival so we’re hoping to continue that and then on to the big game to follow. “But we’re taking it a game at a time at the moment.” Narrabri has three Group 4 under 18s – Shaun Russ, Daniel Jobson and Kenny Allison – in its side as well as fellow Greater Northern Academy players Brodie Rumsby and Dylan Baker. They were all strong, with Russ and Baker also claiming four-pointers, while the coach was also pleased with several others. “Josh Warren had a big game at lock and Adam Johnson off the bench did a good job,” Graham said. “I had him filling in at wing, centre, front row and second row today. “We had one of our front rowers and our regular number seven Trevor Allison out today too so they’ll add some starch when they come back.” McCarthy threatened a few times but couldn’t crack the Narrabri defence. Fullback Blair Richards, Group 4 prop Thomas Brown and five-eighth James Cooper tried hard to get the Tamworth side into the game but the opposition was too good. |
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 SEA EAGLES HAROLD MATTHEWS TRIALS By Manly Sea Eagles The Manly Sea Eagles Harold Matthews / High performance Representative Trials for the 2008/2009 Season Stage 1 will be held on Wednesday 23rd April. In order to trial you must apply first. You must also be a registered Manly District Junior Rugby League player for the 2008 season and turning 16 years of age in 2009. Sydney Academy of Sport – Wakehurst Parkway Narrabeen Trials will commence at 5:30pm Sharp. PLEASE NOTE: |
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| Tuesday 8 th April '08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| KNOTTING / BUNDLING OF JERSEYS BANNED The Board of Directors, at its meeting on the 14 March 2008, clarified the League’s position on knotting/bundling of jerseys. The current practice of ‘knotting’ (pulling together and tying a knot in the jersey) or ‘bundling’ (pulling together in a bundle or tail and taping) as a method for tightening the fit of a rugby league jersey is no longer permitted. The elimination of this practice is due to concerns of possible injuries to both the player wearing it and those involved in making a tackle. Players with loose fitting jerseys should ‘tuck’ the jersey inside their shorts and fix by tightening the drawstring on the shorts. ‘Folding’ (folding it over itself like a sheet and fixing with tape) is also permitted. Please circulate this advice to all Rugby League Bodies and Personnel within the Division so that they are fully aware of and adhere to the Board’s decision. |
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Story By URLQ Photo By : Queensland selectors have named a powerful line-up ahead of the 2008 Interstate Universities Rugby League clash at Wollongong on May 2nd. The annual grudge match against a New South Wales Tertiary team is to be played as a curtain-raiser to the NSWRL City-Country clash. The interstate match will also double as a selection trial for an Australian Students side to compete in the 2008 Universities Rugby League World Cup in Brisbane from July 4 - 16. The significance of the Universities Rugby League Queensland (URLQ) competition was also highlighted, with the developing intra-university competition providing twelve squad selections. Queensland Universities coach Paul Srama is ecstatic with the quality throughout the squad, declaring that the 2008 line-up is easily the strongest throughout his three year coaching tenure. "The team is a good blend of youth and experience, with a large number of players having already experienced representative football at various levels,” said Srama. “The coaching staff are keen to work with such a strong squad knowing the majority of players have had FOGS Cup experience, a handful having played QLD Cup and the remainder involved in some form of representative football at either junior or senior level." Having won 2007's Interstate fixture in Brisbane 31-20, competition for positions in the 2008 Queensland's Universities Team was always going to be fierce. URLQ chairman Martin Unicomb was equally impressed with the 19-man squad. “Interest in University Rugby League is starting to increase with over 60 quality applications received for this Queensland team,” said Unicomb. “I am extremely impressed with the quality of the squad, and we encourage the number of talented players that missed selection this time, to re-apply next year.” Jonathan Crawley, Scott Morton and Chris Maccoll will represent the Maroons for the second consecutive year, while Crawley and Maccoll will be hoping that a strong showing will see them again represent Australia in the Universities World Cup in July. The Souths Logan Magpies have been rewarded for a solid start to the Queensland Wizard Cup season, with Brendan Stonier, Daniel Sleeman, Brogan Gibson and Martin Cordwell all selected. Burleigh Bears reserve hooker Matt Francis has also been rewarded with a dazzling start to the 2008 season, with the 19-year old former Gold Coast Titans Elite Academy representative also winning selection for the Maroons. The University Rugby League South East Queensland competition commences in late April and provides another opportunity for University students to participate in a Rugby League Competition and balance their studies. For any queries relating to the team, please contact URLQ Chairman Martin Unicomb on 0417 728925. |
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Westfields under 15s selected in the SSW team with Westfields Sports head coach Mr Wayne Lambkin. The Opens were just as successful, they too had eight players selected for the SSW Opens Team with the ultimate prize of selection to the Australian School Boys team later in 2008. There will be more new posted as it is received from the coaching staff. There were some very gifted league players on show at East Hills on Monday 31st March 2008 when SSW selection trials were played at Smith Park. The 15s had eight players selected (one missing from the photo) to represent at zone level with possible selection to the Sydney team and later in the year the chance of selection to the Australian merit side. Westfields Sports has proved to be a wonderful nursery for the National Rugby League (NRL) with many former students currently in action on a weekly basis. Players such as Eric Grothe Jnr, Jarryd Hayne, Krisnan Inu, Kris Keating, Matt Keating, Feleti Mateo at the Eels. Michael Greenfield, Issac Luke with the Rabbitohs. Liam Fulton, Bryce Gibbs, Dean Halatau, at the Tigers. Israel Folau at the Storm. With international Luke O'Donnell with the Cowboys. There is also a host of former NRL players such as past school captain and international Michael Beutner for one. The SSW trial day was successful in identifying talented Rugby League players for their squads. Coach, Greg Boulous, suggested that it also identified that “our Opens squad need to do a lot of work this year. Our attitude and preparation were below par, which lead to a satisfactory performance for the team on the day.” Congratulations to the following players who have gained selection for the SSW Squads for 2008. |
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| Monday 7 th April '08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Canberra Raiders SG Ball side has recovered from a sluggish start to record a thumping 70-22 victory over the St George Dragons at Seiffert Oval on Saturday. The victory continues the Raiders strong season, but despite the score line, coach David Hamilton believes his team still has plenty of room for improvement. “The end result was good obviously, 70 points, you can’t complain about that, but the first half our attitude wasn’t there,” Hamilton said. “We just turned up, scored a try in the very first set and they sort of thought it was going to be a bit of a walk in the park from there. But Saints, to their credit, put some back to back sets together and put some points on us.” Daniel Vidot got the Raiders off to the best possible start with the first of his four tries coming in just the first set of the match. After just two minutes however, the Raiders looked lethargic and lacked urgency, allowing the Dragons to hit back through Steve Riley. The Dragons took the lead when Joseph Leilua rose above the Raiders defence to take a cross field bomb, and after eleven minutes St George was ahead 10 - 4. The Raiders realised they had a real battle on their hands and they scored back to back tries through Sam Williams and Vidot to give Canberra a 14 - 10 lead. The Dragons were rattled, and when they finally got the ball back they coughed it up and Drury Low was on hand to score his first of the afternoon. Brendan Harper converted from the sideline to give the Raiders a handy 20-10 lead approaching half time. The Raiders lost the ball on the first tackle after the restart allowing the Dragons just enough time to score another try through their hooker Kyle Mallyon and Cameron King converted to make it 20-16 at the break. The Raiders came out much more focussed in the second half and ran riot, posting 50 points for the half. Mark Nicholls crashed over shortly after the restart, Cameron Breust converting for a 26-16 lead and when Drury Low went over for his second Canberra had opened up a 14 point lead in the blink of an eye. Raiders’ hooker Matt McIlwrick scooted from dummy half, beating five defenders on his way to the line and when Sam Sauiluma scored untouched the Raiders lead 42-16. Low completed his hat trick and Breust converted from the sideline to make it 48-18 with eighteen minutes remaining. Again the Raiders went off the boil slightly with some simple errors creeping in to their game. St George took advantage to score and make it 48-22 with eleven minutes to go. However, the Raiders refocussed to score four tries in the final ten minutes. Sauiluma and McIlwrick both scored their second, and Daniel Vidot scored again to make it 64-22 when the siren sounded. The scoring wasn’t over though, with Vidot saving the best til last. The Dragons received a penalty after full time, and put a kick through in a last ditch effort post points. Vidot had other ideas though and took the ball on his own ten metre line before launching a huge kick down field. Vidot won the race to the ball, picked it up at full speed and dived over under the posts to complete the 70-22 victory. Raiders captain Mark Nicholls was happy with his side’s performance, especially in the second half and was pleased they put the Dragons to the sword. “Yeah it was good to get a big win, we need it judging by the ladder, our for and against isn’t that flash, so it was good to get away in the second half,” Nicholls said. “I think we finished off well, their body language wasn’t real good after a couple of tries and it was nice to finally put a big score on someone.” The only concern coming out of the game for the Raiders is McIlwrick and front rower Karl Salivano both being placed on report for a 34th minute dangerous throw. The Raiders will be hoping to continue their stellar form when they take on the Illawarra Steelers at WIN Stadium next Friday night. Canberra Raiders 70 (Daniel Vidot 4, Drury Low 3, Matt McIlwrick 2, Sam Sauiluma 2, Sam Williams, Mark Nicholls tries; Brendan Harper 5, Cameron Breust 4 goals) defeated St George Dragons 22 (Kyle Mallyon, Steve Riley, Joseph Leilua, Cameron King tries; Cameron King 3 goals) at Seiffert Oval. |
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 BRISBANE SECOND DIVISION RUGBY LEAGUE WRAP-UP for 5 April 2008
Banyo is undefeated on 8 points in Northside 1, after they beat Mitchelton 22-14. Valleys Juniors and Deception Bay Bombers are on 7 points after Valleys had the bye and Deception Bay beat Dayboro 36-24. Pine Rivers are in fourth place on 6 points after beating Aspley 34-6. In the other matches, Sandgate Brighton beat Nundah Devils 22-16 to be on 5 points, while Normanby beat Samford 27-16. Easts Juniors are the undefeated leaders on 8 points in Southside 1 after beating Carina 42-8. Logan Brothers beat Wynnum Manly Juniors 20-8 to be in second place on 6 points. Redlands beat Sunnybank 28-12 for Redlands, Carina and Sunnybank all to be on 2 points. In Northside 2, Deception Bay Juniors and Valleys Juniors share the lead, on 8 points, after Deception Bay beat Pine Central 56-26 and Valleys beat Mitchelton 40-14. Arana Hills beat Burpengary 26-16 to be on 6 points. Pine Central, Mitchelton, Banyo and Northside Natives are all on 4 points after Banyo beat Aspley 38-30 and Natives beat Kallangur 32-24. St Brendans lead the Southside 2 competition on 8 points after beating Wests Inala 24-12. Centenary St Josephs beat Logan Brothers 34-24 to be on 7 points, with Inala on 6 points. Slacks Creek, Logan Brothers and Mt Gravatt are all on 4 points, after Slacks Creek beat Carina 34-6 and Mt Gravatt beat Beenleigh Juniors 34-22. Redlands had the bye. In Southside 3, Cannon Hill and Logan Wanderers are undefeated on 8 points after Cannon Hill beat Beenleigh 30-0 and Logan Wanderers beat Edens Landing 26-16. | LEARN MORE | |
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| Sunday 6 th April '08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Story & Photo's :  The Cronulla Junior League kicked off yesterday with the mighty under 15A's doing battle at Gwawley Oval when the Gymea Gorilla's took on new comers to the A comp, the Menai Roosters. A month ago, it looked like the Gymea Gorilla's would not even have a team, but kids have come out of the woodwork to form 2 under 15 teams this year. The Gorilla's won this game quite comfortably winning 20 - 4, welcome to the A's Menai. The match of the round was next when defending Premiers De La Salle took on an inspired Engadine Dragons. The dragons have been fired up for this game for months. Engadine have recruited some good little players in the off season and a new assistant coach in Steve Holtz, Engadine have stepped up this year and there is a bit of Holtzie razz-a-matazz in some of their plays. The Dragons were into the De La defence with a some very solid hits, the Dragons punched through to allow Ryan Giles to cross for the 1st of his tries to give the Dragons a 8 - 0 lead at half time.. LEARN MORE |
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| Saturday 5 th April '08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| STORM TEAMS IN HOME FIRST Story By :  FOR the first time this season the Central Coast Storm's three rugby league teams will all host home games this Saturday. In the Harold Matthews Shield fixture, Central Coast Storm will take on Illawarra at noon. Then Central Coast Storm and Illawarra will clash at 1.30pm in the SG Ball match. And in the main game, Central Coast Storm will meet North Sydney in the Premier League match at 3pm. All three matches will be played at Morry Breen Field, Kanwal. Last Saturday the Storm's Premier League suffered a 28-16 loss to Newtown at Kanwal. Down 24-6 at the break, the Storm improved to win the second stanza 10-4. In the Harold Matthews Shield match at Kogarah, St George won 22-10. And in a remarkable end to the SG Ball fixture, the Central Coast Storm looked to have earned an 18-16 victory until they conceded a penalty at the death. The penalty allowed St George to kick for touch then score a match-winning try after the siren. St George won 20-18. |
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Story & Photo By : BILL NORTH  Dubbo and District Junior Rugby League (DDJRL) is looking forward to a huge 2008 as part of the Centenary of Rugby League celebrations. The first round of matches will take place tomorrow with fixtures of all clubs in the competition to be played at Apex Oval. Mini League games kick off from 9.40am and competition matches from 10am with the last games to get underway at 5pm. President Neil Milgate hopes everyone enjoys the first day of junior league for the season. “We have a lot of things planned for the centenary and it should be a good year,” Milgate said. “Everyone has been busy during the off-season trying to keep the game alive and going ahead in leaps and bounds. “On top of the Richardson Cup, Peachey Shield and Andrew Ryan Cup, we will also be running gala days and one of the highlights will be unveiling the centenary plaque at Victoria Park No.1 Oval with senior rugby league on April 25.” | LEARN MORE | |
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| Friday 4 th April '08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TEAM OF THE CENTURY CELEBRATIONS
To celebrate a Centenary of Rugby League, the Glen Innes Rugby League club are hosting a "BLACK AND WHITE BALL" to announce the "Magpies team of the Century". Glen Innes and District Services Club, Friday April 18 6:30pm for 7pm start. Tickets are available at the Services Club until Tuesday April 15. They are $30 per person including a three course meal, entertainment and the centenary proceedings. ALL WELCOME LEARN MORE |
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| Thursday 3 rd April '08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Story By : Grant Robertson FARRER Memorial Agricultural High School’s Second side remains undefeated in Arrive Alive Cup competition after yesterday clinical 38-nil dissection of O’Connor Catholic College in Armidale. The win means Farrer 2 is almost certain to meet Narrabri in the next round of the competition. After an early arm-wrestle Farrer got on the board through hooker James Mellor and never looked back. “The boys are starting to click as a group,” Farrer 2 coach Dave Olrich said. “They were better in defence and commitment and that’s the happiest thing about today. “We were expecting a tough game against O’Connor. “They were willing but we forced a few errors and got some good field position.” Olrich said secondrower Ben Williams, Mellor and the versatile Andy Thomas were among Farrer’s best. The Armidale side had performed well in its first two games but discovered how tough a well-drilled Farrer side can be. “They were too good for us,” O’Connor coach Greg Jones said. “They’re really well organised and they don’t make many mistakes.” Jones said Grant Burns was his side’s best while skipper Liam Gallaher tried hard again. O’Connor is now out of the Cup but will face some of its local Armidale rivals later in the year. Farrer 2 must await the outcome of a possible rematch between Glen Innes High and Inverell High before its place in the next round is confirmed but a showdown with pool A leaders Narrabri is likely. “Narrabri will be hard,” Olrich said.
“Their win over Coona was very impressive.” Narrabri still has to meet McCarthy Catholic College in its last pool game on Monday. |
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 SECOND ROUND TROUNCINGThe biggest open schoolboy competition in the country the Arrive Alive cup saw Glen Innes triumph in the second round. Following the disappointing two-point loss to Inverell in round one, Glen Innes high school stepped up a gear to thrash Oxley High school in Tamworth on Thursday. Glen Innes’ massive 32 to four point score line was achieved with the aid of star centre Joel Jackson who crossed the line four times during the match. In the opening minutes Jackson pounced breaching the defence to commence the scoring feast. Oxley highs attempt to narrow the score line were repressed as Glen Innes asserted victory in the second half. Coach Richard Taylor said that he was impressed by the teams performance. “They played alot better than they have been playing,” he said. “They made some mistakes in the first half, putting pressure upon themselves but rectified their mistakes in the second half.They seemed to be more relaxed and enjoyed the game.”.. LEARN MORE |
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| SOUTH EAST QLD NAMES REP TEAMS
THE South East Division has released its Under 16 and Under 18 representative teams to contest the QRL Divisional carnival in Proserpine in May. The announcement of the teams follows the completion of the successful Broncos Thoroughbreds Challenge last weekend. Click here for the team lists : |
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| Wednesday 2 nd April '08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thiess Services Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League staged their Annual Schools’ Rugby League Carnival on Sunday March 30 in very warm conditions. The decision to move the Carnival to the Sunday proved to be a big success. There were approximately 2,000 spectators on the grounds watching some great games of rugby league. 620 players competed in ages from 7 years to Open Secondary in front of the very large crowd. This was a great effort from these schools with some of these players never having played rugby league before. The number of players competing was up on the previous year. During the day 45 teams competed in some closely contested games. The Finals were also very close and some entertaining football was played. With the “Safe Play Code” in place it makes the game more attractive to young players as well as parents being able to see the safety side of football. The Carnival was a huge success with each player getting his or her pie and drink. This is still one of the very few Carnivals that offer no entry fee, a free lunch and an opportunity to play a sport in school teams. This would not be possible if it wasn’t for the way in which this Carnival is organised. Debbie Watts and her team of workers in the canteen go a long way to make this possible. They put in a huge effort and all should feel proud of the work they did. Chris Brennan (CRL Development Officer) and Geoff Todd (CRL Regional Manager) were delighted with the number of students who had played on the day. They were also pleased with how smooth a Carnival of this size can run when all parties come together for the same cause. The standard of games played was very good, with some players demonstrating some very good rugby league skills. This is a Thiess Services Group 21 Senior League event and is organised by Rod Bowd of Scone but without the assistance of Scone Junior Rugby League Club, who receive no financial benefit from the day, this day would not be possible. However, if it wasn’t for the assistance of other organisations, such as Scone Senior Rugby League, Scone Rugby League “Old Boys Club”, Scone Rugby Union Club the event would not be possible. Thanks to the First Aid officers on the day who did a fantastic job and the countless people who helped set up the grounds and take the gear down. The time keepers/ground managers were also a big part of this day in keeping the games on time. Henry Page, Tony Goldman, Lindsay Hodge, Kasey Drummond and Sue Rowland who gave their time freely to make sure each field ran smoothly. The referees on the day, Robert Thew, Matt Edwards, David Windle, Corey Stafford, Mick Bowd, Shane Davis, Glen Davis, Brendan Robb, Alex Carter, Tyler Carter, also gave their time freely and had a huge work load to get through and should be proud of themselves for their efforts. Thanks to Rod and Julie Lawrence of Lawrence Hardware Mitre 10 for their donation of raffle prizes which is run to help offset the cost of staging the Carnival. The raffle was won by Bailey Carter. Thanks to CRL and NRL, for the donation of prizes for the “Player of the Match” awards. |
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Story By : Josh FLECKNOE Photo's : Josh Flecknow & My name is Josh Flecknoe and I ref in the St George District Rugby League Referees Association. I also represent Balmain Tigers in the Harold Matthews Cup Competition and play club footy for the Kingsgrove Colts in the Under 16yrs this year. I started playing league when I was 4 years old and have always wanted to become a referee. When I was 14, I was asked if I wanted to referee in the St George District and I jumped at the opportunity. After 2 weeks of attending the course at the St George Leagues Club, and passing an exam, I was an accredited junior rugby league referee. The thought of it was a bit daunting at first but after the first few games and lots of encouragement from my mentors at St George Referees Association and the support of my parents, I really enjoyed it and looked forward to being challenged by reffing higher grades. I worked my way up from under 6 and 7’s and have now refereed an U/15’s game (I was 15 at the time). I also was the appointed referee for an Under 11’s Grand Final and I was the Touch Judge for the Under 16’s Grand Final last year. I also touch judged an under 19’s semi final. My first year as a Junior Referee saw me awarded the “Junior Referee of the Year” for my district which was a real buzz. Being a player referee has its ups and downs though. When I’m refereeing a game I call things as I see it. Understandably the team that I’m penalizing saw it differently to what I saw. That’s a given! Before I was a ref I always thought that the Ref was there to penalize as much as he/she could. But now, being a player referee, I understand that the referee is an absolute necessity to the game. Without the referee there is no game and penalties are only a small part of the art and skill and fitness involved in being a referee. A down side to being a player referee is it takes up a lot of your time. My Sundays are my relax day. I play my game and then I hang out with friends. Because I don’t referee on Sundays I don’t get the higher graded games which I know is having an influence on how my grading is coming along but I do referee all day Saturday so that eliminates the day for any socializing or doing some study. (a necessary evil in Year 11) Becoming a referee has helped me as a player though. Getting a deeper knowledge of the game and understanding the rules helps my game as a player. I find I can communicate better with the referees of my own games. Knowing and being up to date with the rules that are given to us at the regular referee meetings sees me helping my coaches with how to set up plays or execute them. Now for the darker side of becoming a referee. The amount of abuse that a referee cops in the game of rugby league is alarming. You have to have broad shoulders and tune out when you are being attacked verbally by the “ugly parents” or “ugly coaches”. If I can give any potential future referee advice, it is to realize it is not personal and to tune out! Lets face it, we turn up to a game to referee as we see it, not to send number 10 off (that is my number – not suggesting anything though) because we don’t like him. If the crowd could understand that the ref is trying his or her hardest to keep the game as fair as possible, whilst endeavoring to maintain control of the game, we would have more referees in the game today. There is no point abusing the referee if they make a mistake. People, players, coaches etc need to accept the decision and let the game flow. My whole perspective has changed in relation to the job a referee has to do and this has helped me as a player and when I am a spectator I don’t have a go at the ref because I know he/she is doing his/her best. All in all, I love playing rugby league and I would give anything to play in the NRL. However, if I don’t make it, I plan to continue refereeing and hope that I progress up the ranks and eventually make it in the NRL on “THE DARK SIDE” of Rugby League as a well respected ref. I hope I have inspired other players reading this to consider becoming a referee. It will change you as a footballer and make you an even better player. - Josh Flecknoe. |
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| Tuesday 1 st April '08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| COAST WINS UNDER 18 TITLE GOLD Coast has produced a scintillating display to clinch the Under 18 Broncos Thoroughbreds Challenge. The red-hot Coast side ran in nine tries to crush Ipswich 48-0 in a lopsided final-round contest at the Pizzey Park Junior Grounds last Saturday. The big win allowed the Gold Coast to finish on top of the table with 20 points. Greater Brisbane Red finished second on 18.5. Zac Bishop (Greater Brisbane Black) was named Player of the Under 18 Challenge. In the Under 16s, Greater Brisbane Red lifted the Challenge trophy after beating Greater Brisbane Black 26-12. Both sides had entered the final-round clash on 20 competition points. Korbin Sims (Black) was named Under 16 Player of the Challenge. Under 16 – Round 5 GREATER BRISBANE WHITE 30 (Kane Arotini 2, Damon Jackson 2, Mitchell Cronin, Josh Papalii tries, Jacob Strudwick 3 goals) def SOUTH WEST 0 GOLD COAST 34 (Japeth Voa 3, Jared Cole 2, Jake Barnett, Nick Boney tries, Reece Worboy 2, Japeth Voa goals) def IPSWICH 12 (Brian Logan, Jack Brown tries, Elijah Umu 2 goals) GREATER BRISBANE RED 26 (Kelvin Jones, Brett Coutts, James Lee, Jesse Anderson, Liam Sue-Tin tries, Mitchell Frei 3 goals) def GREATER BRISBANE BLACK 12 (Korbin Sims, Luanga Andria tries, Bryce Hegarty 2 goals) Final Points: Greater Brisbane Red 25, Greater Brisbane Black 20, Gold Coast 11, Greater Brisbane White 9, South West 8.5, Ipswich 1. UNDER 16 CHAMPIONS: Greater Brisbane Red Player of the Challenge: Korbin Sims (Greater Brisbane Black) UNDER 18 – ROUND 5 GREATER BRISBANE RED 18 (Lindsay Ashton, Garry Ricardi, Jamie Togyer tries, Steve Tunnicliffe 3 goals) def GREATER BRISBANE BLACK 10 (Kerin Bell, Ray Stanley tries, Jay Spletter goal) GREATER BRISBANE WHITE 32 (Sam Mataora 2, Corey Thompson, Dale Hayne, Jack Kavanagh, Matthew Ruthenburg tries, Tim Jarmin 4 goals) def SOUTH WEST 26 (Steven Lee, Jesse McIvor, Domonic Haak, Ben Sullivan, Ethan Lowe, Jack Collings tries, Sean Loxley goal) GOLD COAST 48 (Mathew Ovington 2, Bodie Clark 2, Casey Fraser 2, Kevin Nilan, Kieran Quinn, Ayden Lee tries, Casey Fraser 2, James Hill 2, Ashley Boney, Mathew Ovington goals) def IPSWICH 0 Final Points: Under 18 Champions: Gold Coast Player of the Challenge: Zac Bishop (Greater Brisbane Black) |
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 The Bogan Shire community was treated to a great display of junior rugby league over Easter, with the second hosting of the Nyngan Rugby League Challenge. The Newcastle Knights are the Straits Open Boys Division 2008 champions for the second year running. The Newcastle team beat the Parramatta Eels in the final 28-10. The Newcastle forwards dominated the Parramatta pack and this gave the classy Newcastle backs room to move. In the Flygt 15s division the Group XI 16s were the winners while the Parramatta side finished runners-up. Ten teams from Riverina, Parramatta, Newcastle, Western and Far West New South Wales travelled to Nyngan on Good Friday to participate in the Challenge which was held at Larkin Oval. On Friday evening the participating teams were welcomed by local Aboriginal elder from the Wiridjuri tribe and were entertained by Ronny Gibbs who got the teams to participate in some traditional indigenous games. While officially opening the challenge on Saturday, Bogan Shire Mayor Ray Donald said the challenge was a great iniative to ensure the future of far west football. Tournament special guest from the NRL Referees Panel Sean Hampstead worked with the local officials on games and then laced up the boots to referee the Open Final on Sunday. Sean said he really enjoyed the experience. “Being from Dubbo and visiting my parents over Easter, and it was a great experience to again work with junior players and help the country referee’s,” Hampstead said. CRL Far West Academy Head Coach Col Wright was once again honoured that teams have travelled to Nyngan to participate in the 2008 event. He congratulated the players for their top performances, and said the challenge provided a great experience for far west teams to play against top metropolitan sides. “Our athletes never gave up all weekend and that is a very rewarding and significant achievement for all Far West players,” Wright said. “I am very pleased that Newcastle and Parramatta travelled out again and it shows that bush hospitality and league playing opportunities are also cherished by Metropolitan programs.” Wright believes an event like this would not be possible without the support of the Nyngan community who gave up their Easter Weekend to assist in the running of the challenge. He extended thanks to Straits for sponsoring the Open Boys and Flygt sponsoring the 15s division along with the Nyngan Senior and Junior Rugby League Committees, the Bogan Shire Council, the support from the Far West Academy of Sport and the local Nyngan businesses. The Nyngan community looks forward to again holding the 2009 Rugby League Challenge over the Easter long weekend next year. |
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| Monday 31 st March '08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 THE team bus carrying a beaten Melbourne Storm pulled to a halt on the side street outside their Coogee hotel. It was around 9.30pm on Saturday. Storm coach Craig Bellamy ordered his players to the function room where dinner waited. Once seated, Bellamy addressed them briefly, saying only: "Boys, Israel has something to say." All eyes immediately turned to Folau. They knew what was coming. Folau, slightly pensive, rose to his feet. "You guys are like a family," Folau told them, "but I have to go back home." With that, rugby league's hottest property declared he was leaving the club. Silence greeted the announcement. Not a word was said. First the loss to the Roosters, their second successive defeat - the first time that had happened in two years - and now this. The decision by Folau to leave Melbourne and sign with Brisbane for a four-year deal worth close to $2 million shocked the game yesterday. It also left Melbourne a shattered club, despite Storm CEO Brian Waldron putting on a brave face. "The future is not Israel - that's fine," Waldron said. "He's a great young talent but it's really not about him now. It's about maintaining the processes we have so we can bring in the next Israel Folau. "I'm not worried one iota and I don't think anyone is going to be driving off the West Gate Bridge. "We're disappointed but the club is bigger that Israel Folau. It's bigger than Cameron Smith. It's bigger than Craig Bellamy and Brian Waldron." But the man who discovered Folau, former Storm recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan, said the decision was "an injustice and a tragedy for the game". "The club has looked after him since he was 15 years old," said O'Sullivan, now with the Roosters. "The people of Melbourne deserved to watch Israel for many years to come - not just two seasons. "It's an injustice and a tragedy for the game and highlights the inadequacies of our transfer system. "The bottom line is I should have signed him for four years, not two. I should have offered him a bigger carrot." In a statement released yesterday afternoon, Folau said: "It was a very tough decision, the hardest of my life to leave Melbourne and sign for the Broncos. "The club has been like a family to me in Melbourne and without their support I wouldn't have been able to achieve what I have. "But the opportunity to return home and be closer to my family was too hard to resist. "My family is the most important thing in my life and they are the reason I have made the choice." Folau, who became Australia's youngest Test player for the international last year against New Zealand in Wellington, was homesick in Melbourne and his family desperately wanted him to return home. Brisbane yesterday confirmed the signing but said no officials would make any further comment until today. The decision could spark drama and tension between the two clubs, both News Limited-owned. Brisbane have pinched Folau, a Mormon, and also want Storm coach Craig Bellamy to replace departing Wayne Bennett. Should he obtain a release from Melbourne, Bellamy could end up coaching Folau again. There is also a chance in coming years the two clubs could be fighting over hooker and captain Cameron Smith, who has expressed a private desire to return home to Queensland. Melbourne now have just 21 games - and hopefully a finals series - left with the young centre the club nurtured to become an international. "The impact Israel has made in Melbourne in a short time with the club has been phenomenal and for that he will always be remembered with great affection," Waldron said. |
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| UNDER 16S SELECTION TRIAL FOR FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND
Saturday 05 April 2008, 11.00am Eacham v Cairns 11.40am Cairns v Innisfail 12.20pm Innisfail v Eacham ALL GAMES ARE 30 MINUTE DURATION WITH A 10 MINUTE BREAK FNQ Zone Under 16 team to be announced approximately 1.30pm FNQ verses South North Queensland (Townsville DJRL, Mackay JRL and Mid West & Mount Isa JRL) at Townsville DJRL grounds at 4.00pm, 25th April 2008, where the Northern under 16 side will be picked to play in the state QRL Division 16 / 18 Carnival in Proserpine on the 3rd, 4th & 5th May 2008. | LEARN MORE | |
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| BRISBANE SECOND DIVISION RUGBY LEAGUE WRAP-UP FOR 29 MARCH 2008
Banyo is the outright leader in Northside 1, on 6 points, after beating Samford 70 - 0. Valleys Juniors and Deception Bay Bombers are level in second place, on 5 points, after the two teams drew 26 - all. Pine Rivers, Dayboro and Nundah devils all share 4 points after Pine Rivers drew 12 - all with Mitchelton, Dayboro beat Aspley 34 - 10 and Nundah had the bye. In the other match, Sandgate Brighton beat Normanby Hounds 28 - 10. Easts Juniors lead the Southside 1 competition on 6 points, after beating Logan Brothers 3 0- 6. Logan Brothers and Wynnum Juniors share 4 points after Wynnum beat Redlands 30 - 6. In the other match, Sunnybank beat Carina 28 - 10. In the Northside 2 competition, Deception Bay Juniors and Valleys Juniors share the lead on 6 points, after Deception Bay beat Northside Natives 64 - 10 and Valleys Juniors beat Arana Hills 50 - 20. Pine Central, Arana Hills and Mitchelton all share 4 points, after Pine Central beat Burpengary 66 - 12 and Mitchelton beat Banyo 24 - 12. In the other match, Aspley beat Kallangur 26 - 24. | MORE INFO RESULTS & TABLES | |
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As the name implies, the Central Coast club is the official feeder team to the defending NRL premiers the Melbourne Storm and there were several Bleak City squad members in their ranks on Saturday. The Jets led 24-6 at halftime but turned in a mediocre second half display that will have Newtown coach Greg Matterson cracking the whip at training sessions this week. The Jets ran up an 18-0 lead after twenty minutes with lively hooker Luke Gordon claiming two tries and second-rower Mickey Paea tearing the storm’s right-side defence asunder after running off a sweetly-timed pass from five-eighth Luke Branighan. Winger Tevita Folau scored wide out five minutes before halftime from a slick “out the back” pass from centre Iosia Soliola, with Branighan converting this try from the sideline. Branighan helped himself to a try ten minutes into the second half after the Jets had dominated possession and field position. That try completed Newtown’s scoring for the afternoon as the Jets slid into a quagmire of poor discipline, lack of patience and a stream of conceded penalties. Matterson noted after the game that there had been too much speculative “ad lib” play and a failure to take on the hard yards and play right through the sets. That unproductive last thirty minutes hopefully would prove to be a good reality check as to the team’s progress. Front-rowers Ray Moujalli, Steve Meredith and Frank-Paul Nuuausala were once again among Newtown’s best workers while backrowers Mickey Paea and Jimmy Andersen were always looking for weaknesses in the Storm’s defence. Hooker Luke Gordon’s two tries came from his alertness and enterprise. Newtown’s backline functioned well in the first half but rarely threatened in the second session. Centre Toshio Laiseni impressed in his first competition match for the season. The Newtown Jets are back home at Henson Park next weekend but in the unaccustomed time-slot of a Sunday afternoon. The Jets take on the in-form Auckland Vulcans (formerly the Auckland Lions) on Sunday, April 6th at 3.00pm. There will be Sydney Roosters v Penrith Panthers Harold Matthews and SG Ball fixtures as curtain-raisers at 12 noon and 1.30pm respectively. |
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| MARCH 2008 FOOTY NEWS ARCHIVES HERE |
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Parramatta 
Manly 
JETS RECEIVE A COASTAL REALITY CHECK |
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| NATIONAL SCOREBOARD | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MATTYS CUP & SG BALL SQUAD LISTS Balmain Cronulla |
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QUEENSLAND SCOREBOARD |
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QUEENSLAND WIZARD CUP *QUEENSLAND STATEWIDE WRAP Round 18. |
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ARL DEVELOPMENT SHIELD *CENTRAL DIVISION *NORTHERN DIVISION |
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NSW SCOREBOARD |
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 CHEERLEADER of the WEEK |
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2007 COWBOYS CHALLENGE 
BRISBANE METRO 
ELITE SYDNEY CHS COMPS
SYDNEY 
OBE GEIA 
Jeff HARDY
Bulldogs win Harold 2007 Matthews Cup Grand Final | PROFESSIONAL WEBSITE HOSTING & EMAIL SYSTEMS BY : |
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