LATEST JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE NEWS |
DAY 2 QLD PRIMARY SCHOOL RESULTS
9:00 am |
Northern |
10 - 14 |
Met East |
TRIES : Nathan Lafferty 2
GOALS : Jacob Burke |
TRIES :Tyson Smith, Ernst Latomau, Arin Doyle
GOALS : Arin Doyle |
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10:00AM |
Sun Coast |
16 - 4 |
South West |
TRIES : Tim Venning, Josh Parkes, Lachlan Short
GOALS : Andrew Newell, Nate Dennis |
TRIES : Austin Wells
GOALS : |
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11:00 AM |
Met West |
18 - 10 |
Capricornia |
TRIES : David Prichard, Jacob Teevan, Henry Tuiolenuu
GOALS : Matthew Smit, Carter, Auld David Prichard |
TRIES : Damon Moore, John O’Brien
GOALS : Jye Del Simone |
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12:00 PM |
South Coast |
26 - 0 |
D/Downs |
TRIES : James Farmer, Nathan Prostamo, Josh Ralph Hone Huni, Liam Bain, Billy Psaltis
GOALS : Liam Bain |
TRIES :
GOALS : |
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1:00 PM |
Met North |
12 - 0 |
Wide Bay |
TRIES : Sam Edwards, Utah Wood-Maui
GOALS : Jordan Fewings, Joshua Fauid |
TRIES :
GOALS : |
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2:00 PM |
Peninsula |
12 - 8 |
North West |
TRIES : Mitchell Michael, Aaron Bertuola
GOALS : Nathan Trail, James Oliver |
TRIES : Brett Diamond, Nat Lucas
GOALS : |
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Peter Griffen (left) and Scott Ritchie will represent NSW Independent Schools in rugby league later this year. |
LEAGUE DUO JUST GLAD AT CHANCE TO SHOW WARES
Story & Photo BY : 
TWO Macleay Vocational College students will be aiming to gain selection in the Australian Schoolboys Rugby League team.
Scott Ritchie (U18s) and Peter Griffen (U15s) have been selected to represent the New South Wales Combined Independent Schools (NSWCIS).
Ritchie said being selected to play in the championships was a dream come true.
“Coming from the country it’s sometimes hard to get noticed but this is the perfect opportunity,” Ritchie said.
“There is going to be NRL talent scouts from every club at the games so I’m just hoping to play well and you never know what could happen.”
The Australian Schoolboys Championships is a week-long competition involving seven States showcasing the best young rugby league footballers in Australia.
The 15s championships will be held in Adelaide on Sunday until July 3 while Newcastle is the venue for the 18s from July 12 to 17.
In lead up to the championships both boys attended a three day training camp at the NSW Rugby League Academy in Narrabeen.
“We got to meet all our team mates and work on our combinations,” Griffen said.
NSWCIS 18s played in a close trial game against Hunter Academy and Newcastle Knights development team prevailing 32 - 28.
However, the side lost to elite Sydney school Patrician Brothers Blacktown 38 - 22.
Macleay Vocational College principal Jann Eason said both students were the first applicants to come through the Elite Sports Program.
“The whole school is very proud of both Peter and Scott,” Mrs Eason said.
“The school couldn’t attract a PE teacher when we first opened and it wasn’t until Bronwyn (Jolly) came on board that we used the Elite Sports Program.”
Funding falls under the Department of Health and Ageing’s Healthy Active Australia program.
“Education is a big part of the program and we teach students about living a healthy lifestyle and being fit,” Mrs Eason said. |
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GAME ON: Hamish Austin will represent the Combined Independent Schools at the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League under-15 championships |
ONLY FOUR GAMES, BUT ALREADY ON TOP
Story & Photo By : JOSH CALLINAN 
Hamish Austin played his fourth game of rugby league yesterday afternoon.
But it was his first three that had got him there.
Austin, 15, lined up for the NSW Combined Independent Schools (CIS) under-15s team against Manly in a trial match for the upcoming 2009 Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League under-15 championships in Adelaide.
Austin, who normally plays rugby union, said he was looking forward to it and felt honoured to be given the opportunity to experience a new sport and get the chance to play in Adelaide.
“It is something new,” Austin said.
“I have never done it before and it will be a rush going to Adelaide.
“I feel lucky to be representing my school, the Hunter and my family.”
The Year 10 student at Hunter Valley Grammar School made the switch from rugby union to rugby league last month and after impressing selectors over a series of three matches he was chosen to represent NSW CIS.
Austin, who plays prop in both codes, said the main difference between the sports was the defensive patterns.
“Getting back the 10m is the main difference and the speed of the game,” Austin said.
The boy from Bolwarra Heights will line up against the Australian Capital Territory at Hindmarsh Stadium on Sunday and Queensland White on Monday before finals on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Austin normally plays rugby union for the Singleton Bulls and he is a NSW Country under-15s representative. |
KEEBRA PARK ENJOYING SEASON
Story BY : Darren Hart KPRL
All the Keebra Park have finished the round robin stages of their respective competitions and now head into the finals.
The Under thirteens come off the back of a powerful 82 - 0 (yes thats not a misprint) win over Coombabah SHS and into the quarter finals.
They will once again face Coombabah.
The fourteens finished second in their age group and with most of the boys back on board after injuries and representative commitments are very confident of disposing of Wavell SHS.
The fifteens will also be full strength as they face Victoria Point. The Open 4ths and the Under 16's are both into the finals of the Titans Cup.
The Open B's won the Struddys competition and will face PBCD in the final.
The Open A'S face Coombabah (Qualifier) in the knockout stage of the Arrive Alive.
The Opens finished first in the seedings on top of PBC and Wavell and look strong as the head into the finals.
So overall a great season and a sign of great things to come from the sports specialisation program at Keebra Park SHS. |
ROOSTERS FIRST CLUB TO SIGN SOUTH AFRICAN JUNIOR
Story BY : Sydney ROOSTERS
The Sydney Roosters have become the first club in the NRL to tap into the South African talent pool of young rugby players, signing JP du Plessis to a three year deal.
Du Plessis, from the renowned rugby development school of Paul Roos Gymnasium, Stellenbosch, will join the Roosters for the 2010 season.
The signing of the 18 year old, 183cm centre caused a storm when announced in South Africa recently, with talk back radio running hot with news that Australian rugby league had poached one of their up and coming rugby union stars.
JP’s signature comes after Roosters recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan’s recent trip to South Africa.
“JP is a quick and beautifully balanced player and will be a real asset to the club,” said O’Sullivan.
“He is considered a rising star of South African Rugby so while he will take 12 months to learn rugby league, he has the potential to be a key player for the Roosters.”
The club hopes to announce the signing of another South African young rugby convert shortly. |
DAY ONE QLD PRIMARY SCHOOL RESULTS
After a great opening day of the Queensland Primary Schools Rugby League championships team finaly got down to playing footy.
There were 6 games today with some fantastic performances and sportsmanship shown by all teams in both pools.
Here are the full results from the first days action, including scorers'.
9:45 am |
Capricornia |
22 - 4 |
Peninsula |
TRIES :
GOALS : |
TRIES :
GOALS :
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10:45 am |
Northern |
14 - 6 |
Met North |
TRIES :
GOALS : |
TRIES :
GOALS : |
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11:45 am |
Met West |
20 - 8 |
South Coast |
TRIES :
GOALS : |
TRIES :
GOALS :
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12:45 pm |
Sun Coast |
12 - 14 |
Met East |
TRIES :
GOALS : |
TRIES :
GOALS : |
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1:45 pm |
D/Downs |
18 - 6 |
North West |
TRIES :
GOALS : |
TRIES :
GOALS : |
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2:45 pm |
Wide Bay |
18 - 6 |
South West |
TRIES :
GOALS : |
TRIES :
GOALS : |
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OVER HE GOES: Woodlawn’s Doug Pepper scores a try for his team despite the best efforts of the Farrer defence. |
WOODLAWN HAVE ARRIVED
Story & Photo BY : Dave Kirkpatrick 
ST JOHN'S College Woodlawn put itself back on the schoolboys rugby league map with a tight 18-14 win over arch rivals Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School in their Arrive Alive Cup quarter-final on their home turf yesterday.
A hat-trick of tries by fullback Michael Thomas ensured Woodlawn advanced to the final four in Tier B of the competition, but the team had to survive a late scoring surge by Farrer.
Farrer narrowed the gap to four points with two-and-a-half minutes left on the clock, but Woodlawn managed to play out the remaining time deep inside their opposition's territory.
Woodlawn led 10-4 at the break, but it was Michael who broke the game wide open with two quick tries after the resumption.
The highlight of his treble of tries was a slicing run from about 25m wide out which saw him 'swan dive' over the tryline to score.
It delighted the Woodlawn school population, who were given the morning off to cheer for the team.
But it shouldn't have come as any surprise as Michael, who also plays first grade for the Ballina Seagulls, is among a smattering of elite players in Woodlawn's team with Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League, Gold Coast or NSW Country (rugby union) experience.
They include Nathaniel Regueira, Paul O'Neill, Damian Sironen, Jack Durheim and Caleb Binge.
After losing by two points to Farrer in an away game last year, Woodlawn assistant coach Simon Andrews said the side had exacted a measure of revenge against their old foes from Tamworth.
“With two minutes to go it was anyone's game, but luckily for us we held on and really showed our ticker, I guess,” he said.
Woodlawn advances to the semi-finals of the nationwide competition against an opponent that is yet to be determined.
“We'll probably come across some big rugby league schools in Sydney now as this is the No 1 schoolboys competition in Australia,” Andrews said.
Aside from Michael's 12-point contribution to Woodlawn's total, Doug Pepper scored the other try and Nathaniel kicked one conversion from four attempts. |
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Targeted... Nick Ehsman shakes off the defence. |
GLEN RECORD ONLY POINTS IN FINAL MINUTE
Story & Photo By : NAOMI DAVIDSON 
Playing the bare 13, Glen Innes High School took on Farrer Agricultural Memorial High School in the regional final of the University Shield in Tamworth last Thursday.
The score did not reflect the effort on the park with Farrer having the fresh legs to carry them to a 58 point to one victory. Glen Innes’ only point came courtesy of a field goal.
Glen Innes had Farrer on the back foot early in the match holding them scoreless for 12 minutes and testing the Farrer defence.
Glen had the majority of the field position but could not sustain the effort against an experienced and determined Farrer team. As fatigue set in the green and gold began to play havoc with the Glen defence running in 28 points going into the break.
The second half was a mirror image of the first with Glen holding Farrer scoreless for the first 10 minutes and proving a challenge to contain in attack.
Glen got over the line only once but were held up in goals.
Fullback Steven Reynolds executed a field goal in the dying seconds of the game, which set off a roar from the crowd and took the final score to 58 points to one.
Co-coach Ben Creighton said although it was an understrength Glen Innes team as four players had made themselves unavailable the day of the match, he and co-coach Richard Taylor were very proud of the heart shown by the team.
He said compared to Farrer, Glen had a team consisting of three 15 year olds and numerous 16 year olds while Farrer had 17,18 and 19 year olds.
“The Farrer coach commented on the commitment of the team who played a full 70 minute match against a 20-strong side,” Mr Creighton said.
Nick Ehsman was outstanding and troubled Farrer throughout the game, and he led from the front with the support of Jarred Willis, Sam Schiffmann and Tim Croft.
But the whole team played well there was not one player that let the side down, Mr Creighton said. |
Under 18's |
24 - 6 |
TRIES : Josh Portlock 2, Nathan Massey, Joseph Roqoko
GOALS : Chad Townsend 4 |
TRIES : Michael Morgan
GOALS : Jordan Rankin |
YOUNG BLUES DEFEAT QLD U18S
Story By : QRL
NEW South Wales centre Josh Portlock crossed for two tries tonight as the Blues beat Queensland 24 - 6 in the Under 18 representative clash.
The young Blues took a 10 - 6 lead into the half-time break and they were never troubled in the second half.
After two near misses after the resumption of play, the home team finally turned their mountain of possession into points when Portlock forced his way through some flimsy defence on the right edge.
Chad Townsend added the extras for a 16 - 6 scoreline.
The Blues’ lead grew to 12 points when Townsend booted an easy penalty kick from in front of the posts.
Queensland tried desperately to get back into the match, but the young Maroons couldn’t make the most of their half chances.
NSW five-eighth Albert Kelly played a starring role for the Blues.
The talented Eels playmaker was devastating with the ball in hand and his kicking game was also a feature of his top class performance.
For the Maroons, hooker Kurt Baptiste impressed with his high work rate in attack and defence.
(Josh Portlock 2, Nathan Massey, Joseph Roqoko tries; Chad Townsend 4 goals) def (Michael Morgan try, Jordan Rankin goal) at ANZ Stadium |
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Hooker Cameron Rodgers was one of the best in Farrer’s beaten Arrive Alive Cup side yesterday. Photo: Grant Robertson |
FARRER FIGHTBACK TOO LITTLE AND TOO LATE AT LISMORE
Story & Photo By : SAM NEWSAM 
FARRER fumbled their way out of the Arrive Alive Cup race at Lismore yesterday, suffering a four-point loss to a strong St John’s Woodlawn side.
The Steve Cavanagh and Gus Comi-coached side was dogged by poor handling in the first half, and despite a dominant second half were unable to run down Woodlawn, going down 18-14.
It was one of those days for the defending University Shield champions.
They showed great fight to pull back an 18-2 deficit, scoring three unanswered tries through Ryan Pooley, Daniel Sharman and Cameron Pyne, but aside from Pyne’s penalty they couldn’t nail a conversion.
“We missed two attempts at goal which hit the cross-bar and bounced back,” Cavanagh said.
He wasn’t looking to that as an excuse though.
“We gave them far too much ball, lost too much ball in the tackle,” he said.
“The ground was water-logged so you had to be careful and conservative with what you did. We did that in the second half but we didn’t in the first and we paid the price.”
Cavanagh wasn’t taking anything away from Woodlawn, who last year gave them one of their toughest outings and “were a very good team”.
“They played the better football. We played poorly in the first half and that opened the door for them,” he said. “They took advantage of our mistakes.”
Those mistakes were a lot fewer in the second half, with Farrer playing a “much more efficent second half”.
“We finished by far the stronger, so we can take a lot out of it,” Cavanagh said.
They scored their last try with around four minutes to go, and still had time to win it, but couldn’t come up with the points.
Cavanagh said Andy Mack, Brett Jarrett, Jack Broughton and Tom Hine all had strong games, and also singled out Matt Allwood in the backs for his defence.
Farrer’s focus will now shift to the University Shield and Country Cup. |
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NSW Under 18's Celebrate win win over the QLD u18s at ANZ Stadium |
NSW UNDER-18S BEAT QLD
Story & Photo BY : NSWRL
New South Wales produced a near perfect second half to outmuscle Queensland 24-6 in the Under 18s encounter at ANZ Stadium.
Ahead 10-6 at the half-time break, the Blues dominated the final 35 minutes and could have easily scored a further four tries.
Our aggression and attitude in the first 20 minutes broke their spirit. We bruised them in the opening stages and it showed in the second half, said winning New South Wales coach Joe Grima.
It was Queensland that scored the first try of the night when Michael Morgan beat three defenders to barge over next to the posts in the 12th minute.
A Maroons knock-on close to their own try line gave the Blues good field position. From the ensuing scrum, full-back William Hopoate did well to get the ball to Nathan Massey, who stepped inside and burrowed over to score.
New South Wales hit the front for the first time in the game when Josh Portlock, son of former Eastern Suburbs and North Sydney full-back Wayne Portlock, raced onto a pass from Albert Kelly to crash over in the 21st minute.
We didn't have enough smart players to put them away by half-time.
"I told the players that we had to put pressure on Jordan Rankin and make sure that we put some collision in our tackles," said Grima.
New South Wales had three chances to score in the opening minutes of the second half but failed to capitalise on the opportunities.
They finally broke through in the 44th minute when Portlock spun around from close range to score.
Soon after, Portlock almost registered his hat-trick when he lost the ball in the process of putting the ball over the try line.
Queensland were unable to gain any ground with New South Wales producing some massive hits that put a stop to many Maroons raids.
Blues half-back Chad Townsend kicked a 54th minute penalty goal and then landed a sideline conversion when winger Joseph Roqoko scored in the corner.
"By the third day in camp, I just knew we had what it takes to win."
"This is a special group and many of them will go on to greater things," said Grima.
Co-captain Cameron King was outstanding for the Blues while lock-forward Dale Finucane played the full game and recorded 42 tackles.
Others to shine for the winners included Lachlan Burr, Kelly and Portlock.
NEW SOUTH WALES 24 (Josh Portlock 2, Nathan Massey, Joseph Roqoko tries; Chad Townsend 4 goals) d. QUEENSLAND 6 (Michael Morgan try; Jordan Rankin goal) at Telstra Stadium. Referee: Robert Bowen. |
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BUSY BOY: Orange’s Jack Wighton has added NSW Country representative to his list of honours this season. |
JACK IS STILL A COUNTRY BOY
Story & Photo BY : SAM FITZGERALD 
BURGEONING Orange rugby league talent Jack Wighton has added to his already impressive sporting resume, after he was named in the NSW Country Under 16’s squad to play Queensland next month.
The young five-eighth’s selection in the NSW Country squad has capped a stellar month for the 16-year-old, after he was apart of the Group 10 team which won the top tier of the NSW Country Championships, and starred for the Baby Blues against Queensland in a curtain raiser to opening State of Origin last month.
Wighton was understandably excited about his selection in the 17-man NSW Country squad, labelling his inclusion as “right up there” on his growing list of achievements.
The Canobolas Rural Technology High student said his selection in the NSW Country squad will enable him to gain more experience and exposure to a higher level of competition ahead of moving to Canberra in November, in preparation for playing with the Raiders SG Ball team next season.
“Getting picked and playing representative footy will help me heaps before I go to Canberra, so the experience is great,” Wighton said.
The Orange CYMS junior was humbled by praise from NSWRL junior development coordinator Wayne Portlock, after NSW Under 16’s 30-10 loss to Queensland in a curtain-raiser for Origin I at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium last month.
Portlock, who has had a hand in developing dozens of talented junior players, described the young five-eighth as a potential future rugby league star.
“Yeah, it was nice of him, but I just have to keep playing well and working hard,” Wighton said.
Wighton will partner Bathurst Panthers play-maker Doug Hewitt in the halves, with fellow Panthers stars Andrew Mendes, Jack Siejka and Brent Seagar also warranting selection in the Country 13 following dominant performances at the Country Championships.
A 16-point scoring spree from centre Andrew Mendes, including three tries and three conversions, enabled Group 10 to overcame a late scare from Group One in the Country Championships final held at Nelson Bay, to post a comprehensive 30-20 win over the Far North Coast side.
NSW Country will take on Queensland at Forster on Saturday, July 11. |
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Kiama High School celebrate thier Arrive alive Cup win at Oki Jubilee (Photo : ourfooty media) |
KIAMA HIGH STILL aLIVE Story & Photo BY : 
Kiama High School will be back at Win Stadium next week after a big win in the Arrive alive Cup yesterday.
Kiama High School had an extra time sudden death victory over Marist Kogarah two weeks ago.
Kiama HS controlled the ball much better in this game, the backs were alive scoring early tries to give the home team a good half time advantage.
Manly Marist put up the good fight for the 2 halves for footy, they just didn't have the weaponry to inflict Kiama any damage.
In the end the Kiama boys ran out 40 - 10 winners and are getting better with each game, they have some real good players in Illawarra Steelers SG Ball player Simon Maslanka who runs the ball real hard from full back.
With plenty of talent in the side, they should go good against the Sydney teams if they can get past this next Arrive alive Cup challenge.
The Kiama High squad will be traveling up to Sydney to play in their next Arrive alive Cup match at Win Stadium Friday next week. |
COUNTRY UNDER 16'S ANNCOUNCED
Story By : NSWCRL
Congratulations to the following players who have been selected to play the Queensland Maroons in Forster on Saturday 11th July.
COUNTRY UNDER 16'S |
1 |
Charly Runcimen |
Group 1 |
2 |
Luke Baker |
Group 11 |
3 |
Andrew Mendea |
Group 10 |
4 |
Brad Fletcher |
Group 1 |
5 |
Ryan Hall |
Group 2 |
6 |
Jack Wighton |
Group 10 |
7 |
Doug Hewitt |
Group 10 |
8 |
Jamie Carney |
Group 7 |
9 |
Kieran Shipp |
Group 11 |
10 |
Heath McIllveen |
Group 4 |
11 |
Oliver Percy |
Group 1 |
12 |
Jack Siejka |
Group 10 |
13 |
Blake Seager |
Group 10 |
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14 |
Sam Lennon |
Group 1 |
15 |
Tom Alchin |
Group 11 |
16 |
Jack Broughton |
Group 4 |
17 |
Daley Boney |
Group 21 |
Coach |
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Maurie Hulbert |
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NSWCIS rugby league u18's after their trial v Patrician Brothers, Blacktown |
NSWCIS WARM UP FOR NATIONALS
NSWCIS U/18 Team had its final hit out before ASSRL U/18 Nationals when it played Patrician Brothers Blacktown last week.
Patrician Brothers prevailed on the score board 38-22 with both teams scoring some very classy tries.
While CIS had the better of the first half scoring 4 tries to 3, the team work of the classy Patrician Brothers team brought them home strongly, denying the CIS boys the ball and field position, outscoring NSWCIS in the second period 4 tries to 1.
Coach Paul Chambers was happy with the performance, trailing combinations and team game play.
Defensive structure will be the key coaching point when the team goes into a four day camp in the lead up to nationals. |
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THEY share the same relatives and grew up in the same NSW town. So how can cousins Greg Inglis and Albert Kelly be taking the field on Wednesday for different states? Details / The Daily Telegraph |
INGLIS FARCE SHOWS BLUES BLOODLINE BLUNDER
Story & Photo BY : Josh Massoud 
THEY share the same relatives, emulated the same Origin heroes and grew up in the same NSW town.
Yet somehow Bowraville cousins Greg Inglis and Albert Kelly have been divided along state lines.
In an indictment of Origin's farcical eligibility rules, the pair will don different-coloured jerseys at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night.
Given he was raised 400km south of the Tweed, Maroon-clad Inglis has infuriated NSW fans since he mysteriously made his debut for Queensland three years ago.
Those frustrations are sure to be amplified when Kelly turns out for NSW in the under-18s curtain-raiser to Origin II.
"Our mothers are cousins and we grew up around the corner from one another," the 18-year-old Parramatta prodigy said.
"We'd all get around in the park and pretend to be different Origin players like Trent Barrett and Shaun Timmins."
Kelly admitted he was confused upon learning Inglis would represent Queensland in 2006.
"It was weird," he said. "Seeing Greg in the maroon was weird at first.
"The whole family are NSW fans, but with Greg playing for Queensland a few have had to change.
"His parents now support Queensland and I've got to admit I did, too, when Greg started playing for them.
"My parents stuck with NSW, but they'd cheer when Greg got the ball which was pretty funny.
"I'll have to change back now, though, that I'm playing for NSW."
Inglis's bewildering allegiance switch was the result of cunning from QRL officials, who immediately claimed the then 16-year-old after he played an Arrive Alive Cup game for Wavell State High in 2003.
But it later emerged Inglis appeared for Newcastle-based Hunter Sports High in the same schoolboys competition earlier that season, which should have confirmed his status as a Blue because he played his first football as a 16-year-old in NSW.
When the real story emerged, ARL boss Geoff Carr said there was no provision in the eligibility rules for Inglis to switch back to his state of birth.
"I always thought Greg would play for NSW and someone had to explain the technicalities to me," said Kelly, who has been selected at five-eighth for the Blues tyros.
"I'm OK with it as long as Greg is happy and I don't think he'll ever want to change back.
"Either way, he'd carve it up."
Kelly's bloodlines have directed plenty of attention his way this season - despite the fact he is still yet to play an NRL game. He scored five tries for Parramatta's NSW Cup side Wentworthville recently, his first coming just 11 seconds into the game.
"I feel as though I'm ready for first grade, my manager thinks I'm ready and my pop thinks I'm ready," Kelly said. "I've just got to wait until the coach thinks I'm ready.
"It hasn't come up yet."
Kelly also said he was "stressing" about contract negotiations, with Melbourne offering him the chance to join Inglis at the Storm next year and Wests Tigers also in the frame.
"But I want to give Parramatta every chance because they gave me this opportunity," he said. |
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Sarah Redfern High School after last years Unicersity Shield Grand Final against Farrer M Ag HS (Photo : ourfooty media) |
SARAH REDFERN DO IT RIGHT
Story & Photo BY : 
Sarah Redfern High take place in history.
Sarah Redfern High School progressed all the way to last years University Shield Grand Final only to stumble at the last hurdle, going down to a very polished Farrer M Ag High School at Campbelltown Stadium.
Sarah Redfern High School, Minto, have won the SYDNEY SOUTH WEST regional final for a record sixth consectutive year.
In arguably the toughest rugby league and rugby union region in N.S.W school footy, Sarah Redfern breezed throught the final with a solid 28-12 win over Airds High.
The Uni-Shield heavy weights are now due to face Chifley College. |
NSW CCC TACKLE SLIPPERY EELS
Story & Photo BY : 
The NSW CCC Under 18 and under 15 representative teams face the might of the Parramatta SG Ball & Harold Matthew's Cup teams in 2 trial games on Sunday at Cabramatta Sports.
We hear Parramatta are taking the trials seriously this year.
Both NSW CCC sides have had a few training sessions in the past couple weeks and should pre form better against the Eels after the warm up at Campbelltown Stadium.
The Eels SG Ball side got flogged in the National Under 18 Championships by Brisbane's North's Devils and haven't played a game since.
This will make the Parramatta boys very keen to throw out the challenge on Sunday to the NSW CCC boys and make the Eels very dangerous.
If you would like to see some top class rugby league, get out to Cabramatta Stadium tomorrow to see some of the best junior rugby league players in Australia in 2 games of footy. |
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Farrer half Michael Adams looks for support yesterday as Glen Innes prop Sam Schiffman clings on. |
FARRER TOO GOOD BUT GLEN INNES MAKES A POINT
Story & Photo BY : GRANT ROBERTSON 
FARRER almost kept Glen Innes scoreless in the regional final of the University Shield at Simpson Oval yesterday as the green and golds continued their title defence.
Glen Innes gave Farrer a solid work-out, especially early in the match, but Farrer counter-punched its way to early tries and the undermanned visitors found it hard to contain the champions once they got on top.
“Our control was good today,” Farrer co-coach Gus Comi said.
“And our structure was good, better than last week.
“Our ball security was better and after we missed a few opportunities last week we were more patient today.”
Farrer was patchy in its Arrive Alive Cup win over All Saints Maitland in its last game but was impressive on the fringes against Glen, especially in the back-row.
“Tom Hine was players’ player,” Comi said.
“In fact, the whole back-row was very good. Tom Hine, Jack Broughton and Brett Jarret – those three went really well.
“Mitch Traynor at front row was good too.
“In fact the whol pack was good.
“We used our full squad and gave them all a good run.
“It’s a good opportunity in these games because they don’t get the opportunity very often.
“Some of them are playing under 18s on the weekend but otherwise they don’t get much football.”
Skipper Nick Ehsman scored two tries, as did Cameron Pyne.
Glen only got over the stripe once and was held up but did make a minor impression on the scoreboard.
Fullback Steve Reynolds slotted a shaky field goal in the last minute of play to bring a big cheer and make the final score 58-1, after Farrer led 28-nil at the break.
“But Glen Innes is a good side,” Comi said.
“They were in the contest, which was good.
“Nick Ehsman troubled us early.
“We ball-watched with him early but once we muscled up with him he tired, but he’d done a ton of work.”
Ehsman, a CHS rep, led the way from five-eighth but had some assistance. |
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Coach Sean Barker with his Group 11 under-16s who made the semi-finals of the Southern Country Championships at Cootamundra. |
GROUP 11 UNDER-16S REACH SEMI-FINALS AT CHAMPIONSHIPS
Story & Photo BY : BILL NORTH
Four Dubbo boys have been picked to represent the Under-16 Possible v Probables Southern Country team to vie for selection in the NSW Country team at Wyong on the Central Coast this weekend.
Fullback Charlie Runciman and forwards Kieran Shipp, Jackson Merritt and Thomas Alchin have all been named with Nyngan’s Jacob Neil the other Group 11 player in the 20-man squad.
The team was named at the conclusion of the Southern Country Rugby League Championships played at Cootamundra on the weekend in which Group 11 reached the semi-finals in the under-16s.
It was the first time in five years Group 11 had missed out on the Southern Country final courtesy of a loss to arch rivals Group 10.
The Sean Barker-coached 16s headed to Cootamundra with high hopes on the back of a successful history in the tournament and kicked off their campaign in winning fashion on Saturday with a 28-12 win over Group 9.
But on Saturday afternoon they came up against a strong Group 10 side who, after taking the match 28-12, went on to beat Group 7 in the final 20-14 on Sunday.
Group 10 will now play the NSW Country final at Wyong this Saturday against Northern Country champions Group 1 from the Far North Coast who flogged Newcastle 40-6 in their final played at Port Macquarie.
As a result of their performance, Group 10 had eight players named to back up the following day for the Southern Country side against Northern Country.
Group 11 suffered a similar fate in the under-15s with the side coached by Lenny Powyer going down 44-0 to eventual winners Group Nine in the semi-final.
Group 11 had started their campaign in spectacular style with a 38-0 win over Group 14 in the first round.
Group 9, the host team, defeated Group 10 34-6 in round one and Illawarra 42-6 in the final to total 120 points for and just 12 against from their three matches.
Southern Country under-16s:
Charly Runciman (G11, St John’s Dubbo), Cade Price (G9), Andrew Mendes (G10, Panthers), Jonothan Sila (G20), James Knight (G7), Jack Wighton (G10, Orange CYMS), Doug Hewitt (G10, Panthers), Jamie Cainey (G7), Kieran Shipp (G11, PCYC), Jackson Merritt (G11, South Dubbo), Thomas Alchin (G11, St John’s Dubbo), Jack Siejka (G10, Panthers), Blake Seager (G10, Panthers), Jake Walsh (G9), Luke Sutton (G10, Cowra), Blake Duncombe (G10, Cowra), Moahoni Leleil (G20), Jacob Neil (G11, Nyngan), Ryan Rullis (G6), Jake Davis (G10, Panthers). Coach: Steve McLellan (Dubbo). |
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Holy Cross Ryde Under 15's celebrate winning MCS U15's Grand Final |
20 - 0 |
St.GREGORY'S COLLEGE |
TRIES : Moses, Dimarco, Khoury, Brooks
GOALS : Brooks, Moses |
TRIES :
GOALS : |
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HOLY CROSS COLLEGE RYDE U 15 2009 MCS CHAMPIONS
Story & Photo BY : 
Holy Cross College are the 2009 U/15 MCS champions after defeating the highly fancied St Gregory's College Campbelltown 20 – 0 at Cabramatta Sports Ground today.
After a narrow win over the much bigger Patrician Brothers Blacktown 16 – 10 in last weeks Semi-Final the Holy Cross boys turned up to Cabramatta today hoping that they would at least be competitive in the Big One, they surprised everyone except their Assistant Coach Laurie Cameron who knew that the boys had what it takes to win a Grand Final, steely defence.
He instructed the boys to get 2 & 3 in each tackle on the much bigger and stronger Greg’s forwards and to run into gaps, they certainly did that and managed to pile on 14 points in the first half with 3 classy tries.
Greg’s threw everything at them in the second half but could not crack the impressive Holy Cross defence.
The great thing about this Holy Cross team is that each and every player puts in, this age group has been short of forwards each year but the boys have learnt to compensate by working as a team.
Keeping the undefeated St Gregs team scoreless was a monumental effort and the coaching staff can be proud of themselves for the way they have turned this team around this year.
Special thanks to Coach Mr Phillip Gibney, players that stood out were 2nd rower Dane Horne, Captain & 5/8 Luke Brooks, Centres Max Dimarco & James-Ray Khoury, Fullback Mason Farrell, Lock Nathan Milone, Halfback Mitchell Moses, Prop Siata Esua and impact player Michael Min who tackled anything that moved when injected into the game.
Best for St Gregs were Captain & 5/8 Ben Hughes and centre Ryan Benecke.
The boys will now focus on getting the same result with Balmain Harold Matthews squad next year, “Go the Tigers" |
KRISTY PRINCE TO BRAVE THE SHAVE
Story & Photo By : Gold Coast TITANS Media Release
Kristy Prince, the wife of Jetstar Gold Coast Titans co-captain Scott Prince, is counting down the days of life with a full head of hair before she takes the plunge and bravely shaves her head to raise money for the leukaemia cause.
Kristy will be losing her locks at the Shed Warehouse in Oxenford on Sunday, June 28 as part of the Leukaemia Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser, World’s Greatest Shave.
All funds raised will support patients and their families living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders.
Kristy set out to raise $5,000 in the lead-up to her shave event – a figure she has already surpassed.
Kristy has so far raised $3,500 on her own and in a generous show of support, the Shed Warehouse has kindly offered to contribute one dollar for every dollar raised by Kristy, taking her total to $7,000.
Also, an online auction of his and hers watches donated by Wallace Bishop will be run on the Titans website at www.titans.com.au until 10am on Sunday, June 28.
All money raised from this auction will go back into Kristy’s overall donation tally.
Fittingly, Titans utility Luke ‘Chalky’ O’Dwyer, who lost his younger brother Ryan to leukaemia, will wield the clippers on the day.
“My mum and aunty both had breast cancer, Chalky’s brother died of leukemia and the jeweller who made our wedding rings, his baby has been diagnosed with leukaemia,’’ said Kristy.
“Being a woman, shaving your head is a pretty drastic thing to do but the best way to raise lots of money is to do something drastic so I’m hoping people get behind it.”
“When a female does it, it’s that bit more meaningful I suppose. Also, having no hair would kind of make me feel the way people feel when they have to go through chemo as well.’’
Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland Regional Community Fundraiser, Gillian Rumpf, acknowledged Kristy’s commitment to helping leukaemia patients in need.
“By going bald, Kristy will demonstrate her empathy and support for many blood cancer patients who lose their hair as part of their life-saving treatment,” Gillian said.
“She will also help to raise awareness about the work the Leukaemia Foundation does in the community including the provision of free patient support services, as well as funding research into less invasive treatments and cures.”
To support Kristy by donating towards her shave simply to : www.worldsgreatestshave.com and click on the ‘Sponsor A Shaver’ link. Type ‘Kristy Prince’ into the search area.
All donations are fully tax deductible and a receipt can be printed via the website. |
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Oliver Percy, Carlton Elliott, Jake Lenon, Sam lennon and Jake Frame - Ghosts representatives in u/16 Group 1 side. |
VALLEY JUNIORS STAR IN PORT MACQUARIE
Story & Photo BY : Daniel Mckenzie 
EIGHT Clarence Valley junior rugby league players had key roles in helping the Group One under-16 side win the Northern Country Championship in Port Macquarie at the weekend.
Group One, made up of players from Grafton to Ballina, went undefeated on their way to winning the title, beating teams from nine rival Groups.
The Grafton Ghosts were well represented, boasting seven of the 20-man man squad. Clarence Coast Magpies player Alex Robinson was the other Valley representative.
Group One saved its best performance for the final - a 40-6 demolition of rugby league powerhouse Newcastle. Ghosts centre Carlton Elliott starred in the final, bagging a hat-trick of tries.
The Grafton reps used their knowledge of each other's games to great effect in the final, wreaking havoc on the Newcastle defence. The Ghosts players combined to produce the try of the final - a flowing 60-metre move which included six touches by Grafton players.
These standout performances did not go unnoticed, with Ghosts trio Sam Lennon (hooker), Jake Frame (halfback) and Oliver Percy (second-row) all rewarded with places in the Northern Country under-16s squad. Northern Country will take on Southern Country on Sunday, with a place in the NSW Country team up for grabs.
Clarence Valley rugby league development officer Shaun Davison, who was in Port Macquarie working for Country Rugby League, said the number of Grafton players in the Northern Country squad could easily have been five.
“Two of the boys, Jake Lennon and Carlton Elliott, only just missed out on selection,” he said.
“This is a first for Grafton rugby league, to have so many boys in such a highly regarded representative side. Their inclusion indicates that they are considered the best in their position in NSW country north of Sydney.”
The Group One side will also be in action again this weekend for the State final in Wyong against Southern Coast champions, Group 10.
The winning team will be crowned the best under-16 team in country NSW.
The Group One under-15 side, with six Clarence Valley reps, played well but did not proceed to the final.
THE REPS
Clarence Valley's Group One junior representative players:
UNDER-16: Alex Robinson (Clarence Coast); Carlton Elliott, Christian Bowden-Betts, Jake Lennon, Sam Lennon, Jake Dudley, Jake Frame and Oliver Percy (Grafton Ghosts).
UNDER-15: Bill Falon, Brandon Mostyn (Grafton Ghosts); Garnet Williams, Zac Williams, Mason Towell and Josh Ryan (Clarence Coast). |
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Ebann Malay and Stewart Russell heading up the defensive line of the Under 14's Junior Tigers against West Wyalong last Saturday. |
UNDER 8S SHOW PLENTY OF ENTHUSIASM DESPITE DEFEAT
Story BY : 
Cloudy windy weather greeted the brave souls who travelled down the highway to West Wyalong for junior league on Saturday.
UNDER 8S
The Chris Williams under 8s played with their usual enthusiasm but again were defeated.
Their team work and skills continue to improve each week as they tackle with a bit more force and string a few more passes together.
Austin Pengilly and Andrew Cutmore made metres with snappy runs while Codie Reid and Max Coady combined well in the defensive line.
Lachlan and Harrison Warn, Nicholas Jeffrey and Jacob Fisher backed up the others in attack and are gaining more confidence in their defence.
The s lone points came from a try to Codie Reid and the 8s look forward to next weeks game against Cabonne for further improvement.
UNDER 10S
The Canowindra Services Club under 10s met a well drilled Wyalong side with lots of players and were over run in the early part of the game.
However the spirit of the players in the 10s came through as they kept applying their own pressure through strong runs from Harley Smith and Shae Reid took play well into Wyalong’s half.
Jordan Kemper was first over the try line with a strong dodging run, a try which he converted for the Tigers first points of the game.
Tough defence from Angus Fisher and Harry Jeffrey kept the 10s inside Wyalong’s half and Joe Coady was next to force his way over the line for a welcome four pointer.
Jordan made it ten points for the game with another try just on the siren which made up the sides fourteen points for the game.
Thanks go to Max Coady and Codie Reid who went on the bench and field for the tens after playing a full game for the under 8s.
UNDER 12S
The Earsmans Mixed Concrete under 12s ran out winners in a tight game 18 – 8, which was only decided with a try late in the second half.
Firstly a huge vote of thanks to Jordan Kemper, Harley Smith and Joe Coady who backed up after their tens game to plug holes left from non appearances from some 12s players.. LEARN MORE |
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Young Titans flyer Kevin Gordon was the star of the team's sprint session at the Runaway Bay Super Centre yesterday recording the fastest time over the 40 metres of 4.87secs |
KEVIN IS A RACING CERTAINTY
Story & Photo BY : PAT McLEOD
Young Titans flyer Kevin Gordon was the star of the team's sprint session at the Runaway Bay Super Centre yesterday recording the fastest time over the 40 metres of 4.87secs
Young Titans fliers Kevin Gordon and David Mead yesterday reminded their older teammates where the speed is.
In a sprints session before the squad took five days off, Gordon recorded the fastest time over the 40 metres of 4.87secs. Mead kept him honest with a 4.89s.
One of the Titans' biggest players, Aaron Cannings is always a revelation at the speed sessions.
Yesterday he was again one of the quickest at 5.09secs.
Just once we would love to see the big fella selected on the wing. Would be an interesting match up between him and the Tigers' 105kg flanker Taniela Tuiaki. |
BACK TO DRAWING BOARD FOR KIDS
STORY by : Greg White 
IT'S back to the drawing board for Group 2's under 15 and 16 teams after both were eliminated from the 2009 Country Rugby League Championships on the weekend.
Playing at the Northern Zone round in Port Macquarie, the under 15s became the only local side to attract points with their 16-all draw against Group 3 before going down 26-18 to Group 18 in their second game, while the Under 16s lost all encounters ... 34-18 to Newcastle and 30-14 to Group 4.
This weekend, it's the turn of the younger brigade, with 357 players in 35 teams from under 7s to under 9s congregating at BCU International Stadium for the second of four annual mini gala days.
The mini teams have been split into North and South with the dividing line at Nambucca Heads and all youngsters will get plenty of game time with each side playing three 20 minute games.
Junior league president Stephen Spear said gates will open at 11am with free public admission.
“I hope the public will turn up in droves to support the kids and give strong support to the raffles to help defray costs,” he said.
“At any one time we'll have 12 teams in action so it will be a great spectacle.”
Final gala days will be held at Sawtell on July 11 and Bellingen on August 22.
Meanwhile, entries close this Friday for the Group 2 All Schools Carnival, set down for two venues on Tuesday, June 30.
ARL national development officer Jay Sakaio said the round robin event is designed to promote the sport in primary schools with Open teams playing matches at Coffs Harbour's Advocate Park, and the under 10 and 11 year matches centred on Rex Hardaker Oval, Toormina.
“The teams are sorted into five different playing divisions with each winner eligible to contest the All Schools Carnival in Sydney on August 3,” he said.
Entries can be made at coffsharbour @ arldevelopment.com.au |
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Puts on the pace... Tom Rumming in action for the under 14s Buckley Shield side at Glen Innes High School yesterday. |
GALLANT EFFORT AS GLEN DEFEATED IN REGIONAL FINAL
Story & Photo BY : NAOMI DAVIDSON 
Glen Innes High School’s under 14s rugby league team were defeated by Narrabri High School in the regional final of the Buckley Shield competition yesterday.
After Narrabri scored first the teams traded possession and with ten minutes to go in the first half Scott Hodder nabbed Glen Innes’ first points lunging across the line from dummy half.
A mistake off the restart resulted in a turnover to Narrabri who were able to capitalise when an overlap opened on the wing. Going into the break Narrabri were ahead 10 points to 4.
Captain Jay Gallagher was to grab the other two tries for Glen Innes and successfully convert in the second half.
With the scores even at 16 all and with just ten minutes remaining it could have gone either way but Narrabri ran in two quick converted tries to seal the win. The final score was 28 to 16.
Although they had the home field advantage, the team faced a much bigger and experienced Narrabri side consisting of two representative players in their lock and fullback, Coach Ben Creighton said.
“The boys stuck it to Narrabri and made them fight hard for the win,” he said.
Outstanding players were Jay Gallagher, Martin Newsome, Wade Campbell, Tom Rumming and Matt Newsome.
Meanwhile the open team will get their chance to face off against Farrer Agricultural Memorial High School in the University Shield regional final in Tamworth on Thursday, after the side was forced to forfeit the regional final against Farrer in the Arrive Alive Cup last month due to University Shield commitments.
The under 15s side will continue their Country Cup campaign when they play in Tamworth on July 1. |
ST JAMES, MUSWELLBROOK BOYS IN STEP FROM START
Story By : 
ST James, Muswellbrook had a great start to its 2009 Peel Schools Rugby League Carnival when it won the march past at Tamworth Minor League Park on Saturday morning.
It was part of a big day for the school, which made the 8B, 9B and 10A finals, winning the 9B final 26-6 against St Xaviers Gunnedah but losing the 8B final to Gunnedah South 34-20 and the 10A final to Manilla 24-12.
The small school, with around 290 students, had five teams competing at the 61st Peel Schools Carnival – Under 7, 8, 9, 10 and Opens, sportsmistress Jane Dengate said midway through Saturday morning.
“We don’t have any male teachers at school but a lot of the parents help out,” Dengate said.
“We’ve got three sides in finals. That’s a pretty good effort.
“We’re only a small school and didn’t have quite enough to bring an 11s so they are playing in the Opens.
“It’s been a good day though. The boys love coming to Peel Schools and we have had a fair bit of success. Winning the march past was great too.”
She said the school had been busy with a Knights KO day on Thursday, the school sports carnival on Friday and then Saturday’s Peel Schools.
The 61st Peel Schools Carnival continues tomorrow when 55 teams line up in the secondary section of the schoolboy rugby league knockout.
PEEL SCHOOLS CARNIVAL
WINNERS
7A FINAL: St Edwards Tamworth 22 d Scone 20. 7B FINAL: Narrabri West 18 d Manilla 14.
8A FINAL: St Edwards Tamworth 28 d Manilla A 10. 8B FINAL: Gunnedah South 34 d St James Muswellbrook 20.
9A FINAL: Westdale 24 d Denman 0. 9B FINAL: St James Muswellbrook 26 d St Xaviers Gunnedah 6.
10A FINAL: Manilla 24 d St James Muswellbrook 12. 10B FINAL: Muswellbrook 28 d Tamworth 18.
11A FINAL: Muswellbrook 24 d Dungowan 0. 11B FINAL: Scone 16 d St Ed’s 6.
OPEN A FINAL: St Xavier’s Narrabri 6 d Gunnedah South 4. OPEN B FINAL: St Ed’s 10 d Hillvue 6.
MOST SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL: St Edward’s, Tamworth. Best and Fairest Awards 9A - Jayden Brindley (Westdale). Open As - Jed Smith (St Xavier’s Narrabri). March Past: St James, Muswellbrook. Encouragement Awards - 8Bs - Gunnedah South, 10Bs - Muswellbrook.
Incentive Awards - Denman Under 8s, Tamworth West Open. |
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Kevin Proctor (r) at the 2008 NRL Rookie Camp (Photo : ourfooty media) |
KEVIN PROCTOR RE-SIGNS WITH MELBOURNE
Story By : Melbourne Storm Media Release
Promising Melbourne Storm back-rower Kevin Proctor has extended his contract at the club for a further two years.
Proctor, who made his NRL debut for the Storm in 2008, has agreed to terms to a new deal that will see him remain in Melbourne at least until the end of 2011.
“For me, looking elsewhere was never an option,” said Proctor, who grew up on the Gold Coast.
“I’ve made Melbourne my home over the past three years and I couldn’t think of anywhere else I’d rather play football than here.
“We’ve lost a lot of experience recently and young guys like myself have been presented with real opportunities by Craig.
“He’s been a great supporter of mine and I’m just glad I get a chance to repay some of the faith he has shown in me.”
Proctor’s decision to re-commit to Melbourne is another tremendous result for the club’s recruitment and retention drive that has seen it extend the deals of Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Greg Inglis, Dallas Johnson, Jeff Lima, Sika Manu, Brett White and Dallas Johnson in recent times.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy was delighted by Proctor’s decision to re-sign.
“Kevin has impressed everyone at the club this year with his attitude,” Bellamy said.
“He’s one of a number of quality young players that are emerging through our ranks and we’re confident he can play a major role for us over the coming years.”
Proctor, currently sidelined with a broken ankle, is expected to make his return to the NRL this season in round 20.
The likeable 20-year-old, who stands out because of his abundant locks of hair, played the first seven games of this season before sustaining the injury.
He has played 10 NRL games in total since making his debut in round 10 last year. |
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Junior Roqica - AIS VS GBCL 2nd Test 08 |
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Junior Roqica - Welcome home AIS at Sydney Airport (Photo's : ourfooty media) |
JUNIOR ROQICA IS 18 GOING ON 35
Story By : Nick Walshaw 
Photo's By : 
MEET the schoolboy league fans have dubbed "Stanley Gene".
He is a teenager regularly mistaken for one of the coaching staff and forever producing his birth certificate at games. His Toyota Cup coach admits "mate, he looks 35".
So forget swine flu, Four Corners reports and even sex toys at Cronulla, the biggest controversy of 2009 is Wests Tigers utility Junior Roqica being allowed to play Cup footy.
Because remember those question marks hanging over PNG skipper Gene at the 2009 World Cup? Well, they're nothing compared with the continuing controversy surrounding this guy in the under-20s scene.
"And he could still play SG ball," Tigers coach Grant Jones revealed last night. "Because Junior is only 18.
"Honestly. He's still going to school at Holy Cross Ryde.
"But, yeah, he does look at least 35. I introduced my mum to him the other week . . . she assumed he was a member of my coaching staff."
Born to Fijian parents on February 13, 1991 (no, really, that's what he says) Roqica admits the age jokes have been coming ever since his junior days with a Concord-Burwood side that was rarely beaten.
"Then when the World Cup came around, my mate Jamal Idris rang and said 'what are you doing out there with PNG'?" he confirmed. "He was talking about Stanley Gene. So I do get a few jokes from the boys. Sometimes it does look a bit like I'm the old bloke out there among boys." |
IN LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
Story BY : GEOFF NEWLING 
FIFTY five teams from 17 primary schools across the region filled up 10 Tamworth and District Minor League fields in six age groups when the 61st Peel Schools Rugby League Carnival kicked off on Saturday.
With former Dally M-winning Newcastle, South Sydney and St George prop Matt Parsons as special guest, the annual carnival was another major success.
And that success is scheduled to continue on Wednesday when the secondary section of the Peel Schools Carnival explodes at Scully Park and Minor League with 55 teams (an increase of 11) entered for the five age divisions.
Long-standing Peel Schools Carnival official Bill Trounce was delighted with Saturday’s 61st edition.
He had been the carnival secretary but has slipped back to assistant secretary to Peter Winsor.
“It’s real good having a lot larger committee this year,” Trounce said.
“The committee is twice the size this year and makes it easier for us to run.
“We’ve also got plenty of refs here from all over and the Lions Club is back helping out as ground managers.
“And the schools have supported us again.
“Today’s march past was one of our best too and it is great having someone like Matty here as special guest.”
Parsons was delighted to be the special guest at a carnival where he once played as a young Werris Creek lad.
“It is an honour,” the former NRL star, who captain-coached North Tamworth to two successive Group 4 premierships, said on Saturday.
“I’m always willing to help and put my hand up.
“But I’m also here every Saturday too with my two boys.”
Parsons was wearing two rugby league hats on Saturday, not only as special guest but also footballing parent.
His two sons, Billy and Charlie, were playing in the younger divisions for their Werris Creek Public School.
“They both play for the Quirindi-Werris Creek sides of a Saturday in the Minor League,” Parsons said.
“Billy’s in the 8-9 years and Charlie in the Under 6s.
“They love it. They mightn’t be the best players but they love having a go.”
St James, Muswellbrook started the day well by winning the march past.
Tamworth’s St Edward’s was most successful school while Westdale’s Jayden Brindley (9As) and St Francis Xavier, Narrabri’s Jedd Smith (Opens) won the two best and fairest awards.
Gunnedah South (8Bs) and Muswellbrook (10Bs) won encouragement awards and Denman Under 8s and Tamworth West Opens won incentive awards.
St Francis Xavier, Narrabri won the open A Final with a hard-fought 6-4 win over Gunnedah South while St Ed’s, Tamworth beat Hillvue 10-6 in the Open B Final. |
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Big dog ... teenager Jamal Idris has a bright, and lucrative, future ahead of him. / The Daily Telegraph |
IDRIS A DOG, AND LOVING IT
Story & Photo By : James Hooper 
WHEN you watch him trample Greg Inglis with a fend and a swerve, it's easy to forget just how young boom Bulldog Jamal Idris is.
When he stands opposite you, all 188cm and 106kg of dreadlocked wrecking ball, there's no way he's still in year 12 at high school.
When you consider he's preparing to sign an upgraded $200,000-a-year deal to remain at the Bulldogs until the end of 2011, it makes your head spin.
But when you are marched to the vice-principal's office at LaSalle College in Bankstown for not having permission to be on school grounds for an interview, suddenly Jamal Idris really is only 18.
Last Wednesday, The Sunday Telegraph travelled to LaSalle College to interview Idris about his status as the NRL's next superstar.
After 25 minutes sitting at a half-finished poker table, the construction project of another Year 12 student, in strolled the vice-principal, Brother Michael Kelleher. "What are you doing? You've got to have permission to come on to school property,'' Kelleher said.
"I'll check with the boss if it's OK. You'll have to come up to the office and sign in, though. Did you sign in, Jamal? Come up and sign in, the both of you.''
Here, Idris' two worlds collide. He is preparing to sign an upgraded deal with the Bulldogs to earn four times what the average Australian makes in a year. On the other hand, he's a Year 12 student who forgot to sign in at school.
"The best bit about school is I can wear what I want because I only come in one day a week,'' Idris said.
"There was a time up in Forster when I stopped going to school. I didn't know what I was going to do, but the Bulldogs helped me make some good decisions. It got to the stage where I thought I won't be able to do it at all.
But I got through the first year of Year 12 and now the second year is just looking easier and easier.
Back up home in Forster, in the Aboriginal community, not that many people get through Year 12. It's a big thing.''
Growing up in the Cabarita mission in Forster, Idris loved life. He was surrounded by uncles, aunties, grandparents and cousins - his mum, Alana Simon, was one of 12 kids - and that is the secret behind his laid-back approach.
Idris loathes the fishbowl life in Sydney. He'd much rather be back on the NSW north coast fishing for bream, mullet and flathead.
"Sydney is a bit too fast-paced. A bit too aggressive. Forster is the best place in the world, I love it,'' Idris said.
"You're surrounded by water, so if you've got nothing to do, there's the beach, you can go to the lake fishing, whatever. I love fishing. Me and my cousin used to swim across to Gilligan's Island.
We'd go across to the oyster leases and just fish and cook up all day. There's a little barbecue place up there with a hot plate."
"We'd gut the fish and chuck them on and get mussels and chuck them on. One of us would have to hold our phones and dog-paddle when we swam across.''
Within the next five days, Idris will sign a new two-year extension with the Bulldogs, the club who took a punt on a raw 17-year-old when no other NRL club would.
The scary part is that he is only going to get better. |
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NSW CIS Rugby league trials action (photo : nswcis) |
NSW CIS ANNOUNCE REP TEAMS
Story & Photo's BY : Phil Atkinson Manager NSWCIS U/18 RL.
NSWCIS U/18 Team for ASSRL Championships at Newcastle.
We played a close trial game against Hunter Academy/Knights Dev last week prevailing 32 - 28 and we play Patrician Brothers Blacktown on their school footy field, on Thursday 18 th of June, kick off is at 1 PM, this should be a very good trial game of junior rugby league football.
Our squad is looking excellent, with plenty of SG Ball experience in the forwards and some exciting backs from the CRL.
We have 4 players backing up again from our 2008 squad including big Zac Pitt who has really benefited from a year of SG Ball with Illawara. CHECK OUT THE TEAMS HERE |
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Prodigious talent ... Parramatta's young five-eighth Albert Kelly. Photograph: Gregg Porteous / The Daily Telegraph |
CLUBS LINE UP TO SIGN ALBERT KELLY
Story & Photo BY : Josh Massoud 
FOR a kid yet to debut, plenty has been written about young Eel Albert Kelly - first cousin of Storm superstar Greg Inglis.
One reason Parramatta are chasing Craig Wing is because they can't compete with offers for the 18-year-old.
The Storm were in the frame, but Wests Tigers blew the field apart with an offer close to $150,000-a-season.
Parramatta officials are also reluctant to re-sign Kelly because of discipline concerns.
The teenager recently spat the dummy at Eels Toyota Cup coach David Fairleigh after being dropped to the bench.
In other news at Parramatta, Nathan Cayless could be headed for a Brett Finch-style showdown.
We keep hearing the Kiwi front-rower is on the outer and chatter will intensify with Justin Poore and Shane Shackleton signed up.
Cayless, however, has a deal. So expect him to stand firm - unless an offer matching his Eels contract comes along. |
WEIGHT OF EXPECTATION ON LOCAL GROUP SIDE
Story By : BILL NORTH 
Many junior rugby league players will take massive steps towards forging future careers in the NRL when the Country Rugby League Southern Championships take place in Cootamundra this weekend.
Group 11 will take a squad of 20 talented players for the Under-16s who will not just be striving for results as they go through the motions in front of NRL and Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) scouts.
While the pressure will be on the Group 11 boys to match the achievements of previous sides in this age group coach Sean Barker said this would be the first major exposure for a lot of the boys.
“Apart from the actual championship results the boys are playing for a position in the Southern Country side to play Northern Country next weekend and Western Division selections are also coming up,” Barker said.
“There will also be NRL scouts and Brian Johnson from the AIS attending.
“I have coached the under-16s for a few years now and we have won three of the last four and finished runner up the other year, so they have a bit to live up to.
“But this team is its own team and they are keen on developing their own identity and will be judged on their own results - not those of past years.”
There are just eight survivors from the under-15 squad which failed to win a match in 2008 and Barker said this team was highly skilled and ready to put in a good performance.
“We have a fast backline including fullback Charley Runciman who played for NSW under-15s last year and will have NRL people watching him,” Barker said.
“The forward pack is big and mobile and Jackson Merritt and Thomas Alchin will also be players to watch.
“But our biggest strength this year is our reserves as I think we have a lot depth in our side and any of them can do the job when they get on the field.”
Group 11 play their first game at Fisher Park at 2pm against the winner of Group 9 from the Riverina and Group 16 from the Far South Coast.
The final will be played at 1pm with the Southern Country team picked at its conclusion. |
“WEAR PINK FOR PINK DAY!”
Story By : NSWRL Media Release
After two postponements due to bad weather the NSWRL Western Sydney Academy and Penrith Panthers’ PINK DAY is finally set to go ahead this Saturday 13 June at Whalan Reserve, St Mary’s.
Mums and daughters, sisters and aunties are encouraged to dress bright for the event which is being held to celebrate and acknowledge the role of women in western Sydney’s junior league community.
Spectators are urged to wear as much PINK as possible to Whalan Reserve where on Saturday up to 24 of Penrith’s local teams will battle it out on the field.
But the real action will be on the sidelines, where staff will distribute six double-passes to this year’s Harvey Norman State of Origin match in Sydney to PINK clad spectators.
NSWRL Western Sydney Academy Manager Greg Mitchell said the Academy and the Panthers had also selected a group of 80 women from the Penrith Junior League community to attend the Round 14 Women in League NRL clash between Penrith and Manly in their own dedicated stand at CUA Stadium.
“The NRL’s Women in League Round is all about recognising the great efforts and achievements of women throughout our game and we’re kicking things off during the day at Whalan Reserve,” Mitchell said.
“PINK DAY is a great opportunity for us to reward all women throughout the junior ranks who contribute to our game.
“We’ve got 80 women from the Penrith Junior League community in their own section at CUA Stadium later that night wearing special pink t-shirts and prior to the game there will be a pre-match function held in their honour at Panthers on the Prowl [next door to the newly-opened NSWRL Western Sydney Academy office].”
The PINK DAY festivities are likely to include a visit from One Community ambassador Mario Fenech while on the field it will be a big day for the region’s junior referees, who are set to complete their individual assessments.
The celebrations will continue at the Panthers’ Round 14 clash at CUA Stadium, with the Women in League events to include a relay of 60 junior players – all wearing pink socks – to take place at halftime.
WHAT: PENRITH JUNIOR LEAGUE PINK DAY
WHERE: Whalan Reserve, Penrith
WHEN: Saturday 13 June, 2009
TIME: 9am to 2pm |
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Mathew Toole and Matthew Faulkner were recently selected in the Western Region PSSA |
BEDGEREBONG BOYS IN WESTERN LEAGUE
Story & Photo BY : 
Mathew Toole and Matthew Faulkner from Bedgerabong School, have both been selected in the Under 11’s Western Region PSSA Rugby League side.
The boys were part of the Lachlan District team, which took part in selection trials in Dubbo late last term.
The Lachlan team dominated the day – convincingly beating all other Western District teams from Lithgow to Bourke and fittingly had eight players in the possible / probable match in the afternoon.
Mathew Toole was then selected in the Western team to play in the centres.
Following in his father’s footsteps, his tackling prowess on the day easily caught the eye of the selectors.
Matthew Faulkner showed his versatility throughout the trials, playing in the front row, pivot and fullback positions. He will play off the bench.
The Under 11’s State Carnival this year will take place in Parkes on June 16, 17 and 18.
Representative teams from Public, Catholic and Independent schools will take part in the PSSA State Carnival.
Mitchell Andrews from Forbes Public School was also selected in the team along with two students from Condobolin. |
RAN SHOOTDOWN RAF
The Royal Australian Navy shot the Royal Airforce from the skies in yesterday's International Services Rugby League match at Randwick Army Base.
In the first match of the UK's Royal Air Force matches in Australia, the fly-boys were shot down in flames by the boys from the Royal Australian Navy rugby league team.
The Aussie's won the game 18 - 10.
In conditions that would have made the Pom's feel at home, it was a fairly slow affair, it was cold and very windy in Sydney made thing difficult for both sides in yesterday's much anticipated match.
The RAF fly off to play the boys from the Royal Australian Air Force on Sunday before the St. George Illawarra v Nth Qld Cowboys game at Win Stadium, and the tip is that the Pommie Air Force are a solid side and will challenge the Aussie's to the max. (we'll see)
Then the RAF play in Canberra. more soon |
GROUP 2'S FINEST TO TACKLE CRL CHAMPS
Story BY : 
THE finest players in Group 2 Junior Rugby League are preparing themselves to do the area proud starting this weekend when the under 15 and under 16 teams travel to Port Macquarie to play in the CRL Championships.
The under 13 and under 14 teams will be competing in the CRL Champs on July 18 when they travel to South Grafton.
Once again the South Sydney Rabbitohs have come on board as sponsors of the junior representative teams.
Aside from providing the jerseys that the boys will take to the field in, the sponsorship arrangement also includes one player from each of the Under 13, 14, 15 and 16 sides being invited down to attend a development camp in January.
Group 2 junior rep teams:
Under 13s - 1 Jordan Hoskin (Orara Valley), 2 Reece McPhillips (Kempsey), 3 David Sheridan (Coffs Harbour), 4 Dylan Young (Bellingen-Dorrigo), 5 Damien Carriage (Woolgoolga), 6 Dylan Edwards (Bellingen-Dorrigo), 7 Billy Hennessey (Bowraville), 8 Jase Long (Sawtell), 9 Justin Hull (Nambucca Heads), 10 Mark Magnay (Sawtell), 11 Ben Suckling (Bowraville), 12 Daneal Donovan (Bowraville), 13 Kaji Buchanan (Bowraville), 14 Adrian Crumpton (Nambucca Heads), 15 Jayden McPhillips (Woolgoolga), 16 Joel Collison (Woolgoolga), 17 Lachlan Quinlan (Bowraville), 18 Corey Cross (Bellingen-Dorrigo), 19 Kade Spear (Bowraville), 20 Corey Wedlock (Bellingen-Dorrigo). Coach: Mark Davidson (Bellingen-Dorrigo).
Under 14s - 1 Chris Buckley (Bowraville), 2 Robert Fernando (Kempsey), 3 Alex McNamara (Coffs Harbour), 4 Zac Johnson (Nambucca Heads), 5 Lewis Smith (Nambucca Heads), 6 Brad Doolan (Bowraville), 7 Sam Grant (Orara Valley), 8 Eli Cooper (Bellingen-Dorrigo), 9 Luke Beaumont (Bellingen-Dorrigo), 10 Will Law (Smithtown), 11 Joseph Gardiner (Smithtown), 12 Nick Millar (Kempsey), 13 Brodie Delevante (Sawtell), 14 Jake Hoban (Nambucca Heads), 15 Ronald Sines (Kempsey), 16 Dan Sangster (Bellingen-Dorrigo), 17 Nathan Scofield (Orara Valley), 18 Darren Holten (Kempsey), 19 Reece Sines (Kempsey), 20 Alfy Cohen (Kempsey). Coach: Barney Law (Smithtown).
Under 15s - 1 Peter Griffen (Kempsey), 2 Brayden Cox (Nambucca Heads), 3 Silas Robbins (Nambucca Heads), 4 James Ballangarry (Bowraville), 5 Nathan Dyson (Coffs Harbour), 6 Michael McPhillips (Kempsey), 7 Paul Davis/Welsh (Kempsey), 8 Peter Clarke/Caleb Gazzard (one to be omitted), 9 Zac O'Brien (Sawtell), 10 Dan Kilian (Coffs Harbour), 11 Brayden Johnson (Bowraville), 12 Tim Worthing (Bowraville), 13 Brandon Lee (Coffs Harbour), 14 Ziggy Fatnowna (Nambucca Heads), 15 Lachlan Miller (Coffs Harbour), 16 Jake Russo (Nambucca Heads), 17 Brad Southan (Bowraville), 18 Jacob Smith (Kempsey), 19 Jake Bakker (Smithtown), 20 Adam Said (Kempsey). Coach: Greg Meyers (Sawtell).
Under 16s - 1 Kemp London (Kempsey), 2 Beau Gilmour (Kempsey), 3 Ryan Hall (Orara Valley), 4 Braden Fitzgerald (Bowraville), 5 Thomas Penney (Woolgoolga), 6 Jake Fuller (Bowraville), 7 Liam Redman (Smithtown), 8 Mark Bryan (Bowraville), 9 Ryan Notley (Smithtown), 10 Clancy Brown (Orara Valley), 11 Ben Mulvihill (Bowraville), 12 Luke Shield (Bowraville), 13 Bradley Croad (Smithtown), 14 Jimmy Cutmore (Bowraville), 15 Steve Lewis (Bowraville), 16 Aaron Hardy (Smithtown), 17 Wyatt Summerhill (Smithtown), 18 Dillion Rielly (Kempsey), 19 Alex Anderson (Smithtown), 20 Stuart McVicor (Orara Valley). Coach: Graeme Notley (Smithtown). |
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Pat O'Hanlon is poised to make an impact at Parramatta. (photo : ourfooty media) |
ORIGIN STARS IN THE MAKING
Story By : Sally Boxall 
FORMER Mackay player Dane Gagai's decision to commit to rugby league and sign with the Brisbane Broncos looks to be paying off.
The 18-year-old has been enjoying a successful season with the club's under 20 Toyota Cup side, which is currently ninth on the ladder.
And Gagai yesterday added another achievement to his resume when he was named on the wing for the Queensland under 18 side to play New South Wales in the curtain-raiser to the second State of Origin game in Sydney on June 24.
Also named in the team was Pat O'Hanlon, another future star from Mackay who is now based in Sydney with the Parramatta Eels.
Gagai is also a talented rugby union player and was captain of the First XV at Brisbane Boys College last year.
When he finished school, both the Broncos and Queensland Reds rugby union team was chasing his signature, before he eventually chose the rugby league option.
It's a decision he's extremely happy with after settling in well with the Broncos.
“I'm loving it; I'm glad I went with rugby league,” he said.
He has been happy with his form in the Toyota Cup so far this season, where he has played nine games and helped the team move up the ladder after a shaky start.
However, he did miss a couple of games with a finger injury.
Gagai said he was looking forward to playing in the Queensland under 18 team and being part of the Origin spectacle at ANZ Stadium.
“It should be good,” he said.
O'Hanlon, meanwhile, has played seven Toyota Cup games for the Parramatta side, which is currently 13th on the ladder.
This is the third time O'Hanlon has made the Queensland under 18 side and he also played for junior Australian teams previously. |
Billy Slater and the Suzuki you can WIN |
OWN A ONE-OFF BILLY SLATER SIGNED SUZUKI GV3
Story & Photo's By Melbourne Storm Media Release
This one-off vehicle from the Storm’s Premium Partner Suzuki, is available to bid on through the club’s website, www.melbournestorm.com.au, or directly at http://integrated.imgecommerce.com/storm.htm, with the highest bidder securing the Grand Vitara when the auction closes at 5.00pm on Monday, August 24th.
The Suzuki features a Billy Slater decal (which is removable), a mounted plaque on the dash featuring Slater’s signature, and $4,000 worth of extras courtesy of Suzuki including 18” alloy wheels, spoiler, fog lamps and a nudge bar.
The GV3 was named Australia’s Best Compact SUV by 4x4 Australia and Overlander magazines.
“Suzuki Australia is proud to be able to offer this unique vehicle,” said General Manager of Automotive Tony Devers.
“It is a one-off chance to get behind the wheel of the best compact SUV in the country that honours Billy Slater – currently the best rugby league player in the world.
“With more than $4000 worth of accessories added, the Billy Slater Grand Vitara represents the best value SUV for Storm fans around the country.”
The spirited 3-door Grand Vitara has a limitless appetite for fun. Sharply styled, it stands out and cuts through the sharpest city streets with ease. Desirable and agile, this is combined with real off road ability.
THE BILLY SLATER SUZUKI GV3 FEATURES INCLUDE:
- 2.4-litre engine
- 122 kW
- 225 Nm
- 5-speed manual transmission
- ESP stability control
- Six airbags
- Climate control air-conditioning
- Steering wheel audio controls
- Remote control locking
- Power windows and mirrors
- MP# compatible CD stereo system
- Constant 4WD |
1 |
Lachlan MARANTA |
North's Devils |
2 |
Dane GAGAI |
Brisbane Broncos |
3 |
Dale COPLEY |
Brisbane Broncos |
4 |
Justin O’NEILL |
Melbourne Storm |
5 |
Joshua JEROME |
Melbourne Storm |
6 |
Michael MORGAN |
NQ Cowboys |
7 |
Jordan RANKIN |
Gold Coast Titans |
8 |
Luke PAGE |
Gold Coast Titans |
9 |
Kurt BAPTISTE |
Brisbane Broncos |
10 |
Jake SEATON |
Penrith Panthers |
11 |
Chris Mc LEAN |
NQ Cowboys |
12 |
Korbin SIMS |
North's Devils |
13 |
Pat O’HANLON |
Parramatta Eels |
14 |
Gary RICCARDI |
Manly Sea Eagles |
15 |
Joshua ROSE |
Townsville Stingers |
16 |
Leon TAYLOR |
Gold Coast Titans |
17 |
Michael Parker-Walsh |
NQ Cowboys |
Dennis MOORE |
Coach |
QUEENSLAND NAME U18'S TEAM
The Queensland Rugby League have announced their Under 18 team for this years Australian Schoolboys Championships in Newcastle next month
QLD UNDER 18's
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Ben Musolino with his parents and Wayne Bennett and receiving the award (Photo's : Rocky Musolino) |
REF MAKES GOOD
Story By : 
Photo's By : Rocky Musolino
Friday last week the St. George Dragons held their junior rep's presentations
Congratulations to young Ben Musolino on winning the Dragons SG Ball "Player of the Year" award as the most outstanding player of the year.
Ben who is only 16 years of age is a year 11 student at Aquinas College, Menai, Ben is also one of the up and coming junior referee's in the St. George District Junior Comp and loves being a ref.
Ben Musolino is a young man with a big future, he is an excellent student who does well at school, Ben recently competed in the NSW CCC open age trials in Tamworth and missed selection in the NSWCCC u18's team by a whisker.
President of the St. George Junior League Mr. Chris Books and St. George Illawarra Dragons head coach Wayne Bennett were on hand to talk to the players and give the highly coveted awards to the deserving players.
Jason Nightingale was on hand to present some award too.
Ben is a member of the St. George Dragons High Performance Squad.
Congratulations to all involved in the Dragons this year, both the Harold Matthew's & SG Ball Cup teams made the finals with the SG Ball side undefeated all year, then inexplicitly lost in the first week of the finals, well that's footy. |
NSW CCC GETTING READY FOR AUSSIE CHAMP'S
STORY & PHOTO'S BY :
NSWCCC played 2 trials against the mighty WestsTigers teams at Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday morning.
It turned out to be a great day for footy at Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday morning when Wests Magpies & the Wests Tigers threw their junior rep's at the NSW CCC under 15's and under 18's.
It was a good hit out for both teams with plenty of good things coming from both games.
Some extra time together and the trial against the mighty Parramatta Eels Harold Matthew's & SG Ball champion sides these two CCC teams will improve out of sight in time for the ASSRL Championships coming pretty soon now.
The Eels trial is in a couple weeks and both teams will be tested by Parramatta, both their Matty's Cup & SG Ball sides had fantastic seasons with the Under 16's losing the Grand Final to a rampaging Bulldogs team at the height of their powers. aCTioN PHoTo'S SooN oR MoNDaY
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NSW CCC Under 15's Rugby League Team after the trial v WestsTigers (Photo : ourfooty media) |
NSW CCC Under 18's Rugby League Team after the trial v WestsTigers (Photo : ourfooty media) |
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Wests Tigers Under 16's Rugby League Team after the trial v NSW CCC (Photo : ourfooty media) |
Wests Tigers Under 18's Rugby League Team after the trial v NSW CCC (Photo : ourfooty media) |
UNDER 15'S in ACTION |
UNDER 18'S in ACTION |
LEARN MORE ABOUT NSWCCC RUGBY LEAGUE  |
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Kiama High School celebrate thier Arrive alive Cup win at Oki Jubilee (Photo : ourfooty media) |
aCTioN FoTo'S SooN |
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Marist College Kogarah Arrive alive Cup team after last weeks victory (Photo : ourfooty media) |
KIAMA HS STILL aLIVE
STORY & PHOTO'S BY : 
Kiama High School traveled to Sydney for their Arrive alive Cup game at the famous Oki Jubilee Stadium on Friday afternoon.
Both teams went at each other full on with neither team able to get the ascendancy.
Kiama High were first to score with a fine team effort saw the powerful fullback and Illawarra Steelers SG Ball's Simon Maslanka storm over for the 4 points.
Kogarah Marist hit back a few moments later when Jake Keffard scored in the corner, Aaron Pollack converted to give the Sydney side the lead.
Jay Delaney (Kiama) & Jarryd McCarthy (Kogarah) scored 1st half tries with the scores locked at 10 - all at the break.
Kogarah Marist lost talented Dragons SG Ball player Nathan Green early in the 1st half, Greenie wasn't sure where he was for a while there and a quick trip to the hospital for a precautionary check up should see Greenie ok. (we hope so)
The second half was even faster than the first, Simon Maslanka scored again as did Nick Economos for Kogarah, the difference being Pollard's second conversion.
With only minutes to go and the score at 16 - 14 to the local boys, Kogarah Marist had a brain snap and gave away a penalty leaving the ref with little choice than to award the penalty, sure enough big Simon Maslanka kicked the penalty goal from right in front of the uprights.
The siren sounded and the scores were 16 - 16.
Comp convenor Rocky Musolino quickly let everyone know the sudden death rules, 5 each way, then if the scores are still locked, the team that scored first, wins.
Kiama High were first to score in the sudden death extra time, when a flying Tim Moore crossed the line to give his team victory, and remain alive in this years Arrive alive Cup.
This was a good game of schoolboys footy, it games was played in the true spirit of rugby league, both schools should be proud of the ways which their played conduct themselves. |
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Titans star Matt Rogers meets his match in Mathletics |
ROGERS MEETS HIS MATCH AT MATHLETICS
Story & Photo By : Gold Coast TITANS Media Release
Jetstar Gold Coast Titans ace Mat Rogers today met his match after going head-to-head with a guru of another competitive sport.
Ryan Balfoort from Miami State School combined his love of the Titans and maths to finish as the champion primary school student in the week-long Gold Coast Titans Mathletics Challenge, an online maths competition which was held from May 25-29.
In an overwhelming start to the new competition, more than 72,000 students from 548 schools around Australia participated in the Gold Coast Titans Mathletics Challenge.
The Challenge will culminate at Skilled Park on Monday night before the Titans-Dragons NRL clash when the top-4 placed schools overall in primary and secondary categories fight to win the title of Champion School.
The Titans are accommodating and flying in students from all over the Australia to participate in the final, including students from Kalgoorlie, Western Australia and South Australia.
While Miami State School won’t be participating in the Champion School final, there was no hiding their pride in Ryan’s efforts after he beat thousands of his peers from around the country to finish as the competition’s best individual primary school student.
Despite having experience on his side, even Rogers proved little match for the Year 7 student when he challenged him at mathletics in the classroom today.
The dual-international said he wished a concept such as Mathletics had been around when he was at school, adding that his 13-year-old son was also a fan of the concept.
“The Mathletics Challenge is a great initiative for the Titans to have become involved in,’’ said Rogers.
“You can see the students really enjoy it and I think anything that gets kids excited about education and learning can only be a good thing.’’
The Challenge is designed to encourage students around Australia to feel excited and confident about maths. It is hoped that students identifying with a popular sporting team may help to encourage this initiative further.
The schools competing in the final of the Gold Coast Titans Mathletics Challenge at Skilled Park on Monday night are listed below:
PRIMARY |
SECONDARY |
Al Faisal College - NSW
Highgate Primary School - SA
North Kalgoorlie Primary School - WA
Marist College Ashgrove - Qld |
Charles Campbell Secondary School - SA
Caroline Chisholm School - ACT
Hillcrest Christian College - Vic
Sunshine College – Vic |
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AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIPS KICK OFF
Story By : NSWRL Media Release
On the eve of Rugby League’s Women in League round Australia’s best female talent takes centre stage today in the Australian Women’s National Championships.
Runaway Bay on Queensland’s Gold Coast plays host to the three-day event with Women’s World Cup players amongst the array of competing teams.
Australian Captain Tahnee Norris leads the powerful South East Queensland team that has taken out the event the past two years.
Lining up to topple the South East Queenslanders is Jessica Palmer’s NSW City side, NSW Residents, North Queensland North and North Queensland South.
Secretary of the Australian Women’s Rugby League and NSWRL Coaching and Development Manager Martin Meredith said the event was an ideal way to showcase the women’s side of the game leading into the Women in League round.
“The tournament showcases the best talent that Australian Women’s Rugby League has got to offer,” Meredith said.
“It’s also a terrific example of the growth of the women’s side of the game, with players travelling from as far north as Mackay and Townsville, all the way down to southern Sydney to take part.”
With both NSW and Queensland selectors in attendance the Championships also shape as an ideal opportunity for players to play their way into the upcoming interstate series.
The ultimate in Women’s Rugby League – selection for the Jillaroos national side – also awaits the very best performers, with Australian selectors also in attendance this weekend.
WHAT: WOMEN’S RUGBY LEAGUE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
WHERE: Runaway Bay JRLFC, Gold Coast
WHEN: Friday 5 June to Sunday 7 June
TIME: Matches kickoff 5pm today |
WASTEFUL FARRER GETS THE JOB DONE
Story & Photo By : BY GEOFF NEWLING 
FARRER Memorial Agricultural High School overcame a spirited challenged from Maitland All Saints College to win its way into the next round of the Arrive alive Cup when 26-12 victors at John Simpson Oval, Farrer yesterday.
The home side scored five tries to three in a match where both sides stilted their chances with some basic and costly mistakes.
Maitland All Saints coach Brad Melville thought his side had given Farrer a real fright.
“They were two evenly matched sides,” Melville said.
“Farrer were just a little more enthusiastic and controlled the ball a little better.
“Whoever does the simple things best wins these games.”
Farrer led 10-4 at halftime after tries to fullback Ryan Pooley and Kyle Eather bookended a brilliant try from Maitland five-eighth Ethan McKenzie.
However it was a half where the home side butchered a couple of tries with some poor handling and passing.
“Terrible finishing,” was Farrer coach Steve Cavanagh’s description.
“But they (all Saints) are a good side and they put pressure on us.
“We controlled the ball far, far better in the second half and defended well off our line.
“The good thing is the improvement we have to make is in the simple areas.”
Farrer improved in the second half for pivot Kyle Eather to cross for his second after a great team try where young second-rower Jack Broughton was involved twice.
However All Saints replied, with prop Kurt Warden putting Alex Tupou over for the first of his two tries.
A great Brett Jarrett offload allowed Matt Allwood to score in the corner and take Farrer to 22-8 but half Jack Bowman and McKenzie combined with some wide passes to send Tupou over for his second.
Farrer hooker Cameron Rogers completed the scoring when his deft chip was pulled in by lanky replacement winger Mitchell Swain for a try in the corner.
Rogers was one of his side’s best along with centre Cameron Pyne and second-rowers Jack Broughton and Tom Hine. |
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Junee North Public School Mortimer Shield team |
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Junee North Public School girls Mortimer Shield League TAG team |
STRONG TEAM EFFORT IN MORTIMER SHIELD
Story & Photo's By : 
JUNEE North Public School combined with St Mary’s West Wyalong for the Mortimer Shield held last week.
While the lack of time to get the team acquainted led to the first-game win going to St Anne’s of Temora, but by the second game the boys were right on score.
The boys improved significantly, scoring the first try against EA Southee Cootamundra.
At 6 - 6 at halftime the boys ended up going down 20 - 12.
Brad Heard was fantastic in attack and defence while Kauri Deacon’s leadership at first receiver was tremendous.
Forwards Zac Harris, Marc Clarke and Brad Targett got more involved in the second game and pulled off some excellent tackles.
Jade Becroft made a massive difference when he was on the field with his excellent passing out of dummy half.
Out wide Zac O’Regan impressed despite his lack of experience while Brad Johnson and Cameron Ferrario enjoyed the opportunity to have a run and a tackle.
The Junee North and St Mary’s boys did a sensational job of quickly coming together to play as a team, which is a credit to the attitude of the all the boys from both schools.
THE nine girls who took part in the Mortimer Shield League Tag at Temora displayed outstanding sportsmanship, friendship and athleticism.
Year 6 girls Xenia Brookes, Jen Ryan, Billie Rose Deacon, Hannah Stapleton and Jade Clarke were fabulous role models for the younger girls showing excellent League Tag Skills.
The younger girls Serena Brookes, Taylah and Olivia Howell and Abbie Stapleton were sensational in defence and Olivia and Taylah contributed four tries between them for the day.
Junee North outclassed all three teams in their pool, winning 5 - 0 against Temora (tries to Deacon 2, Stapleton and Olivia Howell), 8 - 1 against St. Mary’s (Stapleton 4, Brookes 2, Olivia Howell and Taylah Howell), 12 - 8 against St. Anne’s (Brookes 3, Deacon 2, Stapleton 2 and Olivia Howell).
Stapleton was awarded the coach’s award for staying on her wing, always smiling, and scoring so many tries.
The team plays the semi-final in Cootamundra soon. |
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Comeback: Carlton Public School avenged last year's loss against Brighton-Le-Sands to qualify for the Lance Thompson Cup final. |
LEAGUE TOURNAMENT SUCCESS
Story & Photo : BY MICHAEL CARAYANNIS 
A TOTAL of 68 teams took part in the Brad Mackay and Lance Thompson tournaments the largest number since the competitions began in 2001.
Over two days across four divisions the pupils battled it out to be Botany Bay or Georges River regional champions, in two competitive competitions; the year 5 and 6 Brad Mackay Shield and the year 3 and 4 Lance Thompson Cup.
In the Lance Thompson Cup, Carlton Primary School and Brighton-Le-Sands Primary School faced-off in a rematch of the Botany Bay region grand final last year.
This time Carlton defeated Brighton 20-4, having gone down by the same score last year.
In the Georges River zone Narwee Public School had a close-fought victory against St Joseph's Riverwood 16-14.
In the older Brad Mackay section of the tournament, Carlton won back-to-back Botany Bay region titles, after defeating Christian Brothers' Lewisham 24-0.
In the Georges River section Oatley West Public School beat Earlwood Public School 18-4. Narwee will play Carlton to decide the overall winner of the Lance Thompson Cup while Oatley West will face Christian Brothers Lewisham for the Brad Mackay Shield at a date yet to be finalised.
The Brad Mackay Shield winner will play at the Australian Rugby League Development State Legends Final on August 19. |
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Playmaker... Tim Croft off loads during Sunday’s under 18s clash against Tingha in Tingha. Photos: Naomi Davidson |
JUNIORS SLIP TO FOURTH SPOT
Story & Photo BY : NAOMI DAVIDSON 
The under 18s have slipped back into fourth spot after their fourth successive loss for the season against third placed Tingha in Tingha on Sunday.
The Magpies got off to an early lead through winger Allan Turner and Tim Grob with Jake Turner converting both tries to take the Magpies into the break with a 12 point to ten lead over Tingha.
Again the Magpies were plagued by injuries and were forced to play the second half with the bare 13.
Tingha scored two tries in the second half to take the score to 20 -12.
With 15 minutes left on the clock Nick Ehsman showed why he is a class above the rest with a chip chase from the half way to score under the post.
Turners flawless conversion rate saw the Magpies trail by just two points 20 - 18.
After continued pressure and a number of attacking surges the Magpies couldn’t break through and looked as though they would have to settle for a two point loss, until Tingha made a break down the left wing catching Turner in an overlap to score on the bell.
Tingha took the game 24 points to 18.
The juniors have two weeks break before facing competition leaders Inverell in Inverell on Saturday June 20. |
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PICTURE : Titans forward Brad Meyers with students from Eagleby State School. |
TITANS PLAYERS GO BACK TO SCHOOL
Story & Photo BY : Gold Coast TITANS
The pupils became the teachers today as Jetstar Gold Coast Titans players made the most of a scheduled day off to spend time visiting schools across the Gold Coast region.
Titans forward Brad Meyers swapped his footy boots for a teachers cap as he became “Principal for a Day’’ at Eagleby State School, which is located between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
At Labrador State School, William Zillman and Will Matthews helped put students through their paces in an exercise circuit as part of the school’s Body, Brains and Confidence (BBC) program.
Principal Meyers addressed more than 300 students at the Eagleby State School assembly and then spent time visiting and talking with the students in their classrooms.
“It’s a bit nerve racking being the Principal but it’s great to be here talking to the kids,’’ said Meyers, who went to school at nearby Rochedale.
Principal for a Day is an exciting community partnership program that brings business and community leaders into Queensland state schools to experience a day as a Principal.
This marks the sixth year of the concept. Past participants have included Quentin Bryce, Governor-General of Australia, Peter Cosgrove, former Chief of the Australian Defence Force, and Titans co-captain Scott Prince.
At Labrador State School, Zillman and Matthews worked up a sweat with the students participating in the BBC program – which incorporates a free circuit training program, focusing solely on improving the students’ fitness levels.
Fittingly the BBC program, along with the Titans Learning Centre (TLC) program at Mudgeeraba Creek State School, have been shortlisted by Queensland Education at tonight’s Showcase Awards for Excellence in schools in the Gold Coast district. |
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BIG DEAL: Joe Bradley crosses for one of his four tries in Monday’s University Shield match against Mount Austin High at Fisher Park. The Coota Bulldogs Weissel Cup star has just signed a deal with the Canberra Raiders that will see him part of the Raiders program until 2011. |
BRADLEY A RAIDER UNTIL 2011
Story & Photo By : 
OUTSTANDING rugby league talent Joe Bradley has taken the next step on the path to a possible National Rugby League career by inking deal with the Canberra Raiders.
Having been on a scholarship program with the Raiders for the past two seasons, Bradley has secured a contract that will see him play SG Ball again in 2010 before progressing to the National Youth Competition Toyota Cup the
following year.
It is from the Toyota Cup that a high number of players across all clubs have made their NRL debuts this year, with the Raiders alone bringing no less than five players from their under 20s into first grade.
Anyone who needed an indication of just how dangerous Bradley can be on the football field only had to be at Fisher Park on Monday when he steered the Cootamundra High School’s open team to a comprehensive 30-10 victory over Mount Austin in the University Shield.
Bradley scored four of the five tries, laid on the other with a perfectly-timed pass and generally caused the Mount Austin defence headaches every time he touched the ball.
Throughout his career t, Bradley has played in several positions, and made his debut for the Coota Bulldogs first grade side off the bench against Gundagai three weeks ago.
On that occasion he filled in at hooker, but has been told by the Raiders’ coaching staff that they consider his future in the back row.
“I played centre in my first year at the Raiders in the Harold Mathews and played different positions last year in the SG Ball,” Bradley said.
“They have identified second row as the position for me and I’ll be looking to bulk up between now and next season.”
The SG Ball and Harold Mathews Shield competitions
finish early in the regular NRL season, allowing players to return to their home clubs for the
remainder of the year, just as Bradley and fellow Bulldogs teammate Luke Berkrey did in 2008 when they played leading roles in Coota’s Sullivan Cup
premiership triumph.
“I will finish Year 12 in Coota next year and continue to travel for training and games, but am |
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Marist Brothers College, Kogarah winners of the 2009 Arrive alive Cup regional final (Photo : ourfooty media) |
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Christian Brother's College, Lewisham '09 AaC runner's up (Photo : ourfooty media) |
CHECK OUT THE aCTioN |
MARIST BROTHER STILL aLIVE
Story & Photo BY : 
Oki Jubilee Stadium was a fitting venue for the St. George regional final of the Premier schoolboys rugby league comptition in Australia.
Christian Brother College Lewisham got it on with powerhouse Marist Brothers College Kogarah in this years Arrive alive Cup final.
The Christian Brothers side got off to a good start attacking the the line only to be held out by pretty good Marist Bro's defence, after repeated sets the Christian Bro's were first to score when Matt Coffey crossed.
That was about all the joy for the boys from Lewisham, from then on the Marist boys took control of the game winning this Arrive alive Cup regional final 6 tries to 2.
Aaron Pollard was amoung the best for the Marist boys with his 2 tries and conversion while Daniel Abou-Sleiman was very handy for the Christian Brother's.

MARIST BROTHER'S KOGARAH 28
( TRIES : Aaron Pollock 2, Daniel LaManna, Jordan D, Peter Garcia, Nathan Green GOALS : Aaron Pollock
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS LEWISHAM 10
( TRIES : Matt Coffey, Daniel Abou-Sleiman GOALS : Daniel Haywood |
FARRER HITS THE GROUND RUNNING
Story By : 
FARRER kicked off its University Shield defence in convincing style at Gunnedah yesterday with a polished display.
In their first hit-out, after receiving early round Uni Shield and Arrive Alive Cup forfeits, Farrer showed few signs of rustiness running up a 70-10 scoreline.
The points-rush started almost from the whistle and was a barometer for a performance that earned high praise from coaches Gus Comi and Steve Cavanagh.
“It was good. They certainly got out of the blocks really well,” Comi said.
“After eight minutes we’d put 12 points on them and we kept it going throughout.”
“(And) Particularly the back end of both halves, we were piling on the points.”
He was particularly impressed with the composure the boys played with and their support play, which was at times “just too good” for a Gunnedah side that was better than the scoreline indicates.
Comi admitted some trepidation about their second round clash, with six of their run-on line-up unavailable through rugby union and family commitments and injury, but spoke very highly of the performances of those stepping up, most notably Tony Key, Nathan McGuire, Ethan Caccianiga and Mark Turnbull.
Declan Caldwell, filling in at hooker and Eden Blewitt moving in from the wing to the pack also acquitted themselves well.
“Brett Jarrett (lock) led well from the front as captain,” Comi said.
He was a constant headache for the Gunnedah defence.
“He popped a number of balls by getting his arms free.
“He was very hard to contain for them,” Comi said.
“The halves also combined well – Kyle Eather and Daniel Sharman – and played well, as did Ryan Pooley at fullback.”
“He gave them plenty of thrust.”
They (Farrer) will now turn their immediate attention to the Arrive Alive Cup with a meeting against All Saints Maitland in Tamworth next Wednesday. |
MAY NEWS ARCHIVES HERE |
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JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE
NEWS |

30 YEARS of NSW CCC SCHOOLBOYS RUGBY LEAGUE
BOOK LAUNCH
The NSW CCC have launched a brand new book.
30 years of NSW CCC Rugby League.
Its a fantastic book filled with great stories & photos of the history of the NSW CCC rugby league system.
This book is available for sale at the bargain price of only $20.00, if you would like a copy, contact us and we can point you in the right direction. | LeaRN MoRe |
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2009 NSW CCC FooTY aCTioN |
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DAY ONE aCTioN |
U18's
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U 15's |
DAY TWO aCTioN |
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30 Yrs CCC RL
Book Launch |
PReSeNTaTioNS &
ReP TeaMS |
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PHOTO GALLERIES |
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ATTENTION
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The first ever fiction rugby league books just for young kids, are NOW available....
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AUSTRALIA'S TOP 10
SECONDARY SCHOOL'S |
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NOT EVERYONE WILL AGREE
WITH THIS TOP 10...
Have your say, what's your
top 10 School footy teams in
Australia? CONTACT US |
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NATIONAL SCOREBOARD |
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MATTYS CUP & SG BALL SQUAD
TEAM LISTS |
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JORDAN RANKIN
Gold Coast Titans,
Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, ASSRL, AIS, QRL U18's |
Pattamatta Eels (2009)
Mackay SHS, QLD U18's, AIS, |
KYLE BURKHARDT
Cronulla Sharks (2010)
St. Brendans College/QLD u16's |
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BEN JONES
Sydney Roosters
AIS/NSWCHS 18
Matraville SHS / Redcliffe SHS |
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OBE GEIA
ASSRL/
QLD YOUNG GUNS / COWBOYS |
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MULTI-MEDIA |
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JOEL ROMELO SAYS
GDAY
REDCLIFFE SHS |
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 Bulldogs win Harold 2007 Matthews Cup Grand Final |
Watch them celebrate |
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CHEERLEADER of the WEEK |
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CHS VS FRENCH JUNIORS
NSW CHS 12 - 24 FRANCE |
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ARRIVE aLIVE CUP 
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SPORT IS ABOUT THOSE WHO PARTICIPATE,
NOT THOSE WHO WISH TO ORGANISE GAMES |
ROUND 9
NSWRL DISTRICT JUNIORS |
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CRONULLA JUNIORS |
COMMUNITY SCOREBOARD |
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