|
THE 18 MAN WELSH SQUAD IS |
Rhys Evans |
Josh Ramsey |
Rhys Fenton |
Joe Merriman |
Alex Webber |
Dafydd Carter |
Lewis Reece |
Ben Evans (Captain) |
Kyle Blackmore |
Adam Davies |
Owen Williams |
Loren Quick |
Ross Wardle |
Chris Davies |
Owain Griffiths |
Lewis Jones |
Nathan Hawkins |
Dale Evans |
|
WALES RL UNDER 18 VERSUS AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT
Story By : Ian Lovell - Official Photographer Celtic Crusaders and Wales R.L
Wales R.L under 18 coach Stuart Williams believes he has put together one of the best quality Wales Under 18 sides in recent years for the game versus the Australian Institute of Sport on Thursday 3 December (at Blackwood RFC, kick off 7:15 pm)
Williams said 'We have assembled an exciting squad 13 of whom have come through the Crusaders Under 18 side'
The 18 (including 18th man Dale Evans) features Bridgend born brothers Ben and Rhys Evans of Warrington, Owain Griffiths (younger son of Wales RL assistant coach Clive) and Ross Wardle who was recently in the train on squad with the full Wales squad during the successful European Cup campaign.
Also hoping to feature are Rhys Fenton and Alex Webber who took part in the GB Community Lions Under 18 tour of Australia ealier this year and Josh Ramsey younger brother of Arsenal FC's Aaron.
'We know the Australian Institute of Sport will present an extremely strong challenge but everyone in the squad is looking forward to the challenge' added Williams |
FROM IRAQ TO GNA VIA ARMIDALE
Story By : 
THE RUGBY league world can boast few Iraqi-born players but in Warialda’s Nenus Yako the Wests Greater Northern Academy squad has one.
He is one of three Warialda boys in this year’s squad with Ryan Stevens returning for another summer and Justin Power also joining the squad for the first time.
Yako came to Australia as an infant and his family moved to Warialda where they already had relatives.
He impressed at the GNA trials in October as a centre despite only playing league for a few years.
“I played under 8s and then had a long break until under 14s,” he said.
“I play backrow or lock but they pushed me into the centres this year.
“It took a little while to learn.”
He is off to Sydney next year where he hopes to continue playing league.
Stevens was a GNA scholarship holder last year which meant he was included despite being a year too young.
Now he’s a second year player but at 16 he still trains with the first-year squad.
“Back for another year,” he said.
“It’s good because you know what to expect.”
And that’s plenty of hard work in the hot Tamworth summer.
The halfback missed part of the season with a collarbone injury but is back and ready for a big 2010.
Power is also keen for another good season after playing for Group 19 this year.
The front-rower said the GNA program had been educational so far.
“It’s good because we learn things we don’t do back home,” he said. “We learn new skills.”
He would like to play for the Sydney Roosters one day but for now all three boys will look forward to playing for the Wombats in Group 19 in 2010.
They should have a strong side after making the semis in under 16s this year.
Warialda didn’t field an under 18s this year but is already looking stronger for next year in both first grade and juniors. |
|
Giving a positive message ... Nigel Vagana instructs a DRINKiQ class at the Toyota Cup Rookies Camp at Sydney Uni Village. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Daily Telegraph |
A SOBERING MESSAGE FOR INDUCTION
Story & Photo BY : By Josh Massoud 
THEY all knew about beer guts. But man boobs? Perish the thought.
If anything will make young leaguies think before they binge, it's the prospect of those rock-hard pecs melting away into a soft set of ridicule magnets.
As an unprecedented conga line of NRL bad boys ably illustrated in 2009, drinking to excess can create all sorts of problems.
This year's lamentable theme was violence against women. But the sordid headlines didn't warn Generation Next that irresponsible consumption can help turn them into a woman.
Studies have discovered that when young men drink excessively, their testosterone levels drop considerably the next day. The male hormone is replaced by its female equivalent oestrogen, and that oestrogen likes to make its presence felt in mammary glands. It has the effect of swelling and softening them.
If this booze-fuelled hormone replacement therapy is applied repeatedly, the male drinker can eventually wake with a hangover of D-cup proportions. This news came as a sobering revelation for about 100 style-conscious rookies who attended yesterday's annual Toyota Cup Induction Camp.
An educational video showed a buff chest spreading into a pair of dreaded man boobs. After its annus horribilus, rugby league must get the message through.
That's why the NRL incorporated a 90-minute DRINKiQ session into the camp, held over two days at Sydney University. The module has been presented to sports teams across the globe - including English football powerhouse Manchester United.
Rather than replicate an AA meeting, the presentation dispenses with prohibition. No surprises there, given it's been devised by Diageo, the global liquor giant that owns NRL sponsor Bundaberg Rum.
For this, the NRL makes no apologies. And nor should it. Only a fool believes it's feasible to convert hundreds of everyday teens into tee-totallers. The alternative is to educate them. During yesterday's course that meant sorting alcoholic fact from fiction.
It was shown that greasy food doesn't cure a hangover. Neither does exercise, which puts muscles under terrible strain after a big night. Powerade won't do the trick either, but consuming a glass of water for every standard drink will.
And what's a standard drink anyway? The most fascinating demonstration came when four players were asked to pour a drink they would serve to friends.
A Panther cub tipped enough scotch into his tumbler to knock the peg-leg off a pickled sailor. It measured almost three standard drinks, and it was a small wonder no one called for a Sports Bra. |
 |
New Casino Cougars rugby league coach John Sione Va’a (right) with some of the club’s juniors Michael MacRae, 10, (front), Mitchell MacRae, 17, (rear left), and Brendan MacRae, 13. PHOTO : David Nielsen |
NEW COACH FOR COUGARS
Story & Photo By : Phil Murray 
NEW Casino Cougars rugby league coach John Sione Va’a is a firm believer in not sending a little man on a big man’s errand.
And knowing the Cougars’ lack of up-front enforcers confronting him next year, he’s been quick to do something about it.
Sione Va’a has brought more than just experience and an extensive junior development program to the former Northern Rivers Rugby League stronghold.
Two of four new towering front-row or second-row forwards from Sydney’s SG Ball competition have already started training in the Cougars’ pre-Christmas fitness squad, and the other two are set to join official training in the new year.
Three of them are 19-years-old, with former North Sydney Bears prop Jay Maseuli, the 18-year-old ‘baby’ of the bunch towering a little over two metres tall.
Samoan-born Wyon Mumuta is also bordering on two metres with a 130kg build, as is Adem Baskonyali, who toured England with the West Tigers development squad earlier this year.
Making up the last of the imports is burly half-hooker-second rower Neil Neemia who also trialled for the State Cup squad with Wests Tigers.
“It’s the first challenge I saw after speaking with Casino so I’ve done something about it,” Sione Va’a said yesterday, less than three weeks after taking up his contract with the Cougars.
“Good, solid forwards are essential to keep a team going forward and that’s where we’re headed next season.
“Casino has struggled a bit in recent years thanks to a lot of injuries and the loss of a few experienced players.
“I don’t intend to let that happen next year and apart from capitalising on junior development, we’ve got some very good players coming into the side.”
Sione Va’a has been quick to carry over his vast Sydney junior development programs into the local competition with nine weekly sessions catering for 12- to 15-year-old players.
The former prop with Tweed Heads Seagulls and the Chargers in the mid-1990s has headed many of Sydney’s premier junior development programs in recent years, including in the West Tigers’ ranks in 2009.
Born in New Zealand to Samoan parents, Sione Va’a took up a scholarship with the St George club and played his first seasons with the Newtown Jets feeder club before winning the Metropolitan competition premiership in 1993.
Sione Va’a returned to Sydney after his 1997 season with the Chargers and quickly became involved with coaching and running junior development programs with Parramatta and West Tigers. |
 |
ROOSTERMANIA FANS GET YOUR HULKAMANIA TICKETS |
ROOSTERMANIA FANS GET YOUR HULKAMANIA TICKETS
Story By : Sydney ROOSTERS Media Release
Photo BY : 
Hulk Hogan's maiden tour of Australia will kick off in four days time and he wants to see all Sydney Roosters fans when the battle begins.
Families can take advantage of special discount prices that are now available and set to save you more than $100 when buying any four Gold or Silver tickets.
The event begins on Saturday 28 November so make sure you secure the remaining tickets today by logging on to the Hulks page on the Ticketek site right here. |
 |
TY AND MATT try out next years Cowboys gear |
COWBOYS DOUBLE JERSEY LAUNCH HERALDS NEW SEASON
Story & Photo BY : North Queensland COWBOYS Media
The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys are adding some serious sizzle to their 2010 season with today’s double launch of the team’s new away playing strip and the special edition Indigenous jersey.
Produced by Hummel for Beyond Sportswear International, the away jersey will be worn from season 2010 and introduces the trademark Cowboys bull’s horns to the away strip in a dynamic blue, white and grey design.
The smart collar, a consistent feature of Cowboys playing jerseys, has been retained, with a crisp white contrasting back.
The Indigenous jersey has been specially commissioned for the team’s Cairns trial against the Warriors on 20 February and against the Titans in Darwin on 27 February.
Both jerseys are crafted from Supapro™, a strong, lightweight fabric developed specifically for the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys with a superior air flow that will cool the players in humid conditions.
Cowboys Executive Director Peter Parr is delighted to be introducing the jerseys into the team’s 2010 playing apparel range.
“Our jersey range has now expanded to include our home jersey, Heritage jersey, away strip and now the special Indigenous jersey,” Parr says.
“The new away jersey is contemporary in both design and fabrication and will complement the home jersey introduced in 2008.
“Just as our great game is working to close the gap with the All Stars game in February 2010, the Cowboys will recognise this important cause when they play in their Indigenous jerseys in two of our trial games.
“We’re looking forward to seeing both jerseys in stores from 15 December.” |
 |
Great Britain Community Lions Skipper Mark Wool on the burst against the Australian Schoolboys in the 1ST TEST earlier this year (Photo : ourfootymedia) |
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE
2009 AIS TOUR |
LIONS READY FOR AUSSIE TEST
Story & Photo's By : RFL & 
The England Community Lions U18s are ready to face a stern test when they take on the Australian Institute of Sport next week at The Stobart Stadium Widnes, kick off 7.30pm.
Despite suffering a disappointing 22-14 defeat in France earlier this month, the Lions will be looking for a much improved effort this time round and head coach Dave Woods will use the AIS game to gauge how his young side have recovered from the France encounter.
Two players have been added to the initial squad that was announced prior to the game against France Juniors, with Chris Ford (Thatto Heath Crusaders) and Jonathan Frodsham (Pilkington Recs) looking to face the tourists.
West Bank’s Luke Willings has dropped out.
The AIS – who are currently over in France – opened their tour with a hard fought 16-13 win over France U17s. and were defeated 27 - 20 by the French U19's - The Aussie's will be keen to make up for this 1st tour defeat in years
AIS |
Joshua Batalibasi (Brisbane)
Dean Blackman (Rockhampton)
Kurt Warden (Corlette)
Cade Boney (Muswellbrook)
Paul Carter (Wollongbar)
Damian Sironen (Skenners Head)
Zacc Douglas (Cobar)
Kyle Robert Feldt (Townsville)
Lucas Grech (Melbourne)
Jordan Hay (Gilgandra)
Dylan Hill (Dubbo)
Michael Lucas (Brisbane)
Reece Jaeger (Gunnedah)
Brett Lee Jarrett (Bolong)
Royce Geoffrey (Cooranbong)
Thomas Lidden (Wagga)
Joshua Merritt (Dubbo)
Maipele Morseu (Yeppoon)
Matt Nean (Ballina)
Ryan Pooley (Tamworth)
John Puna (Brisbane)
Kurtis Ritchie (Townsville)
Brendon Simpson (Mudgee)
Dale Watson (Singleton)
Cale Hobday (Brisbane) |
Shane Ackerley (West Cumbria)
Dale Bell (Wath Brow Hornets)
Mathew Fogerty (Saddleworth Rangers)
Blake Mohavic (West Cumbria)
Karl Olstrum (West Cumbria)
Callum Philips (West Cumbria)
Alistair Leek (West Cumbria)
Glenn Riley (West Cumbria)
Brad Dwyer (Ince Rose Bridge)
Anthony Morrison (Saddleworth Rangers)
Daniel Bergon (Widnes St Maries)
Drew Johnson (Wigan St Patricks)
David Orwell (Saddleworth Rangers)
Gareth Morgan (Saddleworth Rangers)
James McDonnald (West Cumbria)
Reece Lazenby (West Hull)
Sam Hendricks (Lindley Swifts)
Jack Brennan (Greenwich Admirals)
Joe Bullock (Blackpool Scorpions)
Rowen Trew (Batley Boys)
Ian Kerman (West Hull)
Kirk Collins (West Hull)
Callum Hudson (Keighley Cougars)
Mathew Syron (Queens)
Erjon Delap (West London)
Dan Brotherton (Northampton Casuals)
Gary Sergeant (Greenwich Admirals)
Mathew Huby (Wath Brow Hornets)
Scott Owen (Saddleworth Rangers)
Chris Ford (Thatto Heath Crusaders)
Jonathan Frodsham (Pilkington Recs)
Stephen Welton (Gateshead Thunder) |
|
 |
BECOME A ROOSTERMANIA MEMBER NOW AND YOU COULD MEET HULK HOGAN |
BECOME A ROOSTERMANIA MEMBER NOW AND YOU COULD MEET HULK HOGAN
Story By : Sydney ROOSTERS
Photo By : 
Roostermania has arrived at the Sydney Roosters with Hulk Hogan encouraging all fans to become Members in an exclusive TV commercial.
Click here to see the new Membership TV commercial!
Hogan has joined the likes of local celebrities Scott Cam, Les Hill, Amanda Keller and Kate Waterhouse in urging Roosters supporters to embrace the Club's New Attitude and New Beginning and get on board.
Purchase your Membership by midnight Wednesday 25 November and you will go into the draw to win 2 tickets to Hulkamania at Sydney's Acer Arena on Saturday 28 November and meet Roostermaniac Hulk Hogan after the show. Members who have already signed up will also go into the draw.
A Roosters ticketed Membership is ideal for those who want to catch the team in action with full season and 5 game Memberships available.
For those who can't make it to a game or live outside of Sydney, a standard Membership is the best way to support your team.
For existing Members wanting to keep their 2009 seat, renewals must be completed today, Friday 20 November.
Click here to purchase your Membership now. To view our EBook and find out more click here. Alternatively call (02) 8063 3800. |
FIRST GAME MATCH REPORT
Story BY : Dave Norman - ARL/AIS & 
AIS SCRAP HOME IN OPENING TOUR MATCH
In front of what locals described as one of the biggest crowds seen at the Jean Bernege Stadium in Tonneins in quite a while the Australian Rugby League’s AIS program team opened their 2009 tour of France and Great Britain with a hard fought 16 – 13 win over the very much improved and committed French under 18 team.
AIS Head coach, Brian Johnson, whilst a little disappointed in his teams’, at times, poor execution, praised his players for the way they stayed in the game and come away with the win.
“We weren’t great tonight but we’ve been travelling for three days solid across the world to get here and had a very limited preparation.”
Soon after the kick off it became very clear to all that the French team had turned up to play and from the outset they attacked the Australian team in both offence and defense.
The French team opened the scoring after just 9 minutes with a surprise field goal.
A few minutes later on the back of very strong set the AIS struck back through first time captain Dean Blackman and with the conversion from Kyle Fields the AIS took the lead 6 – 1.
On the back of a very lopsided penalty count that was.. LEARN MORE |
 |
Raiders and Brumbies unite to promote White Ribbon Day |
RAIDERS WIN WHITE RIBBON SPORTS CHALLENGE
Story & Photo By : Canberra RAIDERS Media Release
The CFMEU Canberra Raiders have claimed the ranking of Canberra’s number one football team, after they defeated the CA Brumbies 5-1 in today’s White Ribbon Sports Challenge.
The event was used to promote awareness and understanding for the upcoming White Ribbon Day on November 25 and to show that Canberra’s two major sporting teams are committed to the prevention of violence against women.
On the park, the Green Machine had to make some late changes due to niggling injuries, with Josh Dugan, Josh McCrone and Drury Low coming in for Josh Miller and Joel Monaghan.
The match was a six-a-side format with two seven minute halves and the Raiders dominated proceedings from the outset, with Josh Dugan crossing for his first try after a lovely ball from Terry Campese.
The Raiders were in again soon after to make it 2-0, but the Brumbies hit back with a try of their own to James Stannard.
The game seemed in the balance with both teams attacking freely, before a runaway intercept try to Dugan gave the Raiders a 3-1 lead at the break.
Neither side looked as if they were going to crack in the second half until Terry Campese fooled the Brumbies defence with a neat dummy and Glen Buttriss sealed the win with a try on fulltime.
Despite the lopsided score line Campese said the game was more than just who won the touch football on the day and highlighted the importance of raising awareness for the upcoming White Ribbon Day.
“We all had a bit of fun out there today in pretty warm conditions and although it was nice to get a win there was more to the day than just the game,” Campese said. “The players of both teams are proud to be involved in White Ribbon Day and hopefully the game today has raised some awareness for a worthy cause.”
The ACT White Ribbon Sports Challenge initiative is linked to White Ribbon Day on Wednesday, 25 November, a day used to highlight the need to eradicate violence against women.
Rob Regent, White Ribbon Ambassador says he’s pleased to have the CFMEU Raiders and CA Brumbies promoting a positive sporting atmosphere for women.
"There are over 40,000 men and boys registered with sporting clubs in the ACT and surrounding region,” he said. “The White Ribbon Sports Challenge is about those men and boys taking action to create a fun, friendly and safe environment around sport for women and girls. The key to the success of this Challenge is showing the community that most sportsmen are good blokes.
“The importance of having the Brumbies and Raiders involved is primarily to use their popularity and profile in Canberra to bring attention to the Challenge. The more people know about it, the more positive things will happen and therefore the more ‘good bloke’ stories we can share. It's also a good way to demonstrate to the community that they are taking an active interest in creating respectful cultures around sport.”
CFMEU CANBERRA RAIDERS 5 (Josh Dugan 2, Drury Low, Terry Campese, Glen Buttriss tries) defeated CA BRUMBIES 1 (James Stannard try)
|
ROOSTERMANIA ARRIVES IN BONDI
Story By : Sydney ROOSTERS Media Release
Photo's By : 
Cult wrestler Hulk Hogan today unveiled Roostermania at the Sydney Football Stadium in the lead up to his Hulkamania tour.
Hogan, whose tour starts in Melbourne on Saturday, joined Roosters Braith Anasta, Anthony Minichiello, Nate Myles, Todd Carney, Mitchell Pearce and James Aubusson to promote Memberships and range of Roostermania clothing.
In line with the Sydney Roosters motto of New Attitude. New Beginning. Hulk Hogan has joined the likes of local celebrities Scott Cam, Les Hill, Amanda Keller, Kate Waterhouse and Leila McKinnon in recruiting Members for the Roosters by encouraging all Hulkamaniacs to become Roostermaniacs and sign up to a Membership.
Anthony Minichiello and Mitchell Pearce showed Hogan some of their best wrestling moves before Braith Anasta presented him with the No 1. Roostermania Membership.
Hogan sported the new Roostermania jersey while the players modelled the new T-Shirts.
Information on the Roostermania range of clothing and Sydney Roosters memberships are available at www.sydneyroosters.com.au |
CODES SHOWDOWN IN OPPOSITION TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
Story BY : Canberra RAIDERS Media Release
Canberra’s football bragging rights will go up for grabs on Thursday (19 November) when the CA Brumbies and CFMEU Raiders head to the touch field in support of the ACT White Ribbon Sports Challenge.
The six-a-side match will launch the ACT White Ribbon Sports Challenge, a year-long initiative to encourage local sporting clubs and codes to create a positive and respectful environment for women and girls. The launch will take place at the Australian Institute of Sport synthetic field at 12.30pm.
The ACT White Ribbon Sports Challenge initiative is linked to White Ribbon Day on Wednesday, 25 November, a day used to highlight the need to eradicate violence against women.
The CA Brumbies will be represented by Huia Edmonds, Christian Lealiifano, Sitaleki Timani, Afusipa Taumoepeau, and Brumbies Academy members Nathan Charles, James Stannard and Brackin Karauria-Henry, and will line-up against the CFMEU Raiders sextet of Josh Miller, Mick Picker, Joel Monaghan, Terry Campese, Troy Thompson and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs.
CFMEU Raiders centre Joel Monaghan said it’s always fun to have a dig at the opposing code and he’s looking forward to a bit of old-fashioned sledging when he takes the field Thursday as well as helping support a great cause.
“I just hope these guys remember they’re not allowed to kick the ball when they run it back,” Monaghan said. “I’m sure we’ll go alright with Mick Picker and Campo in the side directing the play, but I’m a bit worried about big Thommo.
“Hopefully we can get plenty of people down there to check it out because it is for a good cause and it’s great to see the Raiders and Brumbies together to help support the White Ribbon Foundation.”
Lealiifano says Thursday’s match will settle the footballing rivalry… for the time being.
“There’s always talk about whose code’s tougher and whose is more skilful and this will give us chance to show them what we’ve got,” he joked. “We’ve been working on a few moves and we’re sure the Raiders boys won’t know what hit them when we take to the field on Thursday.
“Football aside, this is a great chance to lend our support to a very serious and worthy cause. No situation condones violence against women. We’re pleased to join with the Raiders against violence against women and lend our support to White Ribbon Day and the White Ribbon Sports Challenge.”
Rob Regent, White Ribbon Ambassador says he’s pleased to have the CFMEU Raiders and CA Brumbies promoting a positive sporting atmosphere for women.
"There are over 40,000 men and boys registered with sporting clubs in the ACT and surrounding region,” he said. “The White Ribbon Sports Challenge is about those men and boys taking action to create a fun, friendly and safe environment around sport for women and girls. The key to the success of this Challenge is showing the community that most sportsmen are good blokes.
“The importance of having the Brumbies and Raiders involved is primarily to use their popularity and profile in Canberra to bring attention to the Challenge. The more people know about it, the more positive things will happen and therefore the more ‘good bloke’ stories we can share. It's also a good way to demonstrate to the community that they are taking an active interest in creating respectful cultures around sport.”
2009 White Ribbon Sports Challenge – Cross Touch Football Match
Outdoor Synthetic Field, Australian Institute of Sport
Thursday, 19 November, 2009
Kick-off: 12.30pm
CFMEU Canberra Raiders: Josh Miller, Mick Picker, Terry Campese, Joel Monaghan, Troy Thompson, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs
CA Brumbies: Huia Edmonds, Christian Lealiifano, Sitaleki Timani, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Nathan Charles, James Stannard, Brackin Karauria-Henry |
1st TOUR MATCH - |
13 - 16 |
AIS |
TRIES :
GOALS : |
TRIES :
GOALS : |
HALF TIME 5 - 6 |
AUSSIES HANG ON FOR NARROW WIN
Story By :
The visiting AIS rugby league team held on fort a close win in the 1st game of their 2009 tour.
The Australian held the narrowest of margins to lead by one point at the half time break and have done just enough for victory against a highly improved French National U18 squad.
Ourfootyteam spoke with Mr. David Norman this morning by telephone who is the excited media man for this tour, here is some of what Dave said.
This first game was a good test against this very much improved French u18 side, the 3 tries to 2 victory will be a wake up call for the young Aussies who were a bit rusty in this game.
The Aussies struggled with their ball control and will need to lift in preperation for Thursday clash with the French u19 side.
Australia's "Players Player" was young champion Paul Carter who put in a strong performance to lift his side to the win.
This was one of those game were the ref had a major impact on the game, the pentality count was amazing (stats coming), the ref must have got paid every time he blew his whistle, so this must have been his retirement game.. LEARN MORE
AIS 1st GAME TOO CLOSE TO CALL
In a tight first half the visiting AIS team hold a 1 point lead |
 |
Gunnedah’s awesome foursome (from left) Heath McIlveen, Matt Baker, Hayden Jaeger and Eden Blewitt at GNA training on Sunday. |
EDEN ODD MAN OUT IN GUNNEDAH'S ACADEMY QUARTET
Story & Photo BY : 
GUNNEDAH has been one of the region’s best breeding grounds for young footballers in recent years and the Wests Greater Northern Academy has benefited from the latest crop of players to come out of the Koala Capital.
Heath McIlveen, Matt Baker, Hayden Jaeger and Eden Blewitt have all joined the GNA squad this summer after great seasons in 2009.
McIlveen, Baker and Jaeger were all members of the Gunnedah Under 16 side that won the Group 4 premiership while Blewitt was in the Farrer team that was on the other end of that grand final result.
That is a source of amusement for the other three boys.
“We beat Eden’s team in the grand final,” Jaeger said.
“That’s okay, we won the grand final last year,” said Blewitt, which only drew more jeers from his mates.
McIlveen is a Country Under 16 representative front-rower, has already signed on for the Newcastle Knights and is part of the Australian Institute of Sport squad.
He found the first few days of Academy training pretty rugged.
“It’s good,” he said.
“It’s pretty hard, but good.
“It’s just so hot.”
Blewitt is a centre who was part of Farrer’s run in the Arrive Alive and Uni Shield competitions this year and GNA coaching will only help him develop further.
“I played on the wing at Farrer,” he said.
“Hopefully I’ll play centre next year.
“It’s good to see what different coaches have to say.
“I want to go to the next level and get signed up one day.”
Jaeger and Baker missed the first week of GNA training last week but they were not having a bludge.
They were playing for the Sydney Roosters juniors on the Gold Coast.
“It was the Roosters’ training camp,” Jaeger said.
“We had a day of training and then played against the Cowboys’ academy side.
“It was the Roosters Under 16s and we were playing the Cowboys 18s and we only lost by a conversion, so it was good.”
Baker, a backrower, is already signed up with the Roosters while fullback/centre Jaeger is on
scholarship.
His brother Reece, who was a GNA player last year, is in the Roosters’ Under 20 squad for next year’s Toyota Cup.
The four boys will step up to Under 18s next year and after a summer of GN training should be ready for the challenge. |
DIVERSITY IN THE CLASSROOM REFLECTED IN DIVERSITY IN THE SPORTING ARENA.
Story By : dhart - KEEBRA PARK RUGBY LEAGUE
Keebra Park State High School has always been a place of diversity and difference with as many as 64 nationalities making up its student cohort.
The name itself is an aboriginal word meaning “Place of Happy People” and it certainly embraces this ideal.
There is the extremely successful ESL program (English As a Second Language) attracting students from as far away as Honduras and Iceland, its rugby league program attracting students from Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands and its International Student program with students from as far afield as Brazil and Germany and of course our local Australian and indigenous populations.
There is no doubt this diversity, assists with teaching and understanding in the classroom with students able to access cultural knowledge from their peers that is not so readily available in the homogenous environments in some schools.
There also seems to be some advantages in the sporting realm with students from these very different backgrounds able to come together and contribute to produce fantastic results.
“We all mix in really well and I think its all of us coming together that makes us a formidable opposition.” Said year 11 student Henare Wells.
“Ive met students from everywhere this year and they teach me as much as I teach them” He added.
This was evident this year at Keebra Park where Samoans and Tongans mixed in with Australians, Germans and Brazillians to take out three much sought after trophies.
First of all there was the Arrive Cup win, followed by the Queensland All Schools Touch Competition and most recently the Gold Coast 9 aside AFL championship.
Schools often fend off a fair bit of negative press in the mass media and stories such as this are a way for the students to let what they do in the classroom and the sporting field talk for them and their peers.
“We study the media industry as part of our sports specialisation program and realise that schools are an easy target for journalists and its disappointing but part of society today.”
Said Wells. “We’ll just keep on doing what we do best and make our parents and teachers and those who know us as proud as we can.” He Concluded. Well said Henare and well done boys.. LEARN MORE ABOUT KEEBRA PARK SHS |
VIDOT RE-SIGNS WITH RAIDERS UNTIL 2012
Story By : Canberra RAIDERS Media Release
The CFMEU Canberra Raiders have continued to secure their future playing roster, with the announcement today that exciting young outside back Daniel Vidot will remain with the club until the end of 2012.
Vidot, 19, made a remarkable rise to the clubs NRL team in 2009 after getting his chance late in the season, after some exciting form in the Raiders Toyota Cup side prompted a promotion to the NRL where he played eight of the last nine matches after making his debut in round 18.
Originally from Brisbane, Vidot joined the club in 2008 as a member of the Raiders SG Ball team, before being promoted to the Toyota Cup squad where he was a vital part of the Raiders premiership winning team that year.
Now after a taste of NRL Vidot said he’s excited and keen to get himself a permanent position in the Raiders backline and said he believed the Raiders were the best club to be at both on and off the field.
“The Raiders are a great club and really supportive and the players are well looked after especially us young blokes. I love Canberra, it’s a great place to be and I’m glad I can remain in the green jersey,” Vidot said.
“I need to keep working hard and its great to be able to train with the team for the pre-season, I had a good start to my career in the NRL but I need to back it up this upcoming season.”
Vidot said he realised his late season form counted for nothing unless he started the 2010 season just as strong and said already the feeling in the Raiders camp was one of optimism and enthusiasm especially amongst the senior players.
“There’s a lot of competition for positions in 2010 and no one has really cemented a spot yet so we’re all working really hard not only individually but as a team too,” he said.
“Its all still a bit new to me being in the top squad but its exciting to be training with guys like Tongue, Campese and Monaghan and they’re all very supportive.”
Raiders Coach David Furner said the club was thrilled to have Vidot for a couple more seasons and said his decision to stay in Canberra reinforced the strong bond there is amongst the Raiders playing group.
“Daniel’s been in our system since under 18’s and got his chance to play NRL late in the 2009 season, he’s shown he’s got plenty of potential and its great to have him re-signed for a further two years,” Furner said.
“I think the big factor for us here in Canberra is the environment we create for our players and unless you’ve been here you don’t know what its like. I think for Daniel he came down here at a young age and made friends quite easily and his progress through the grades has been great.”
Furner praised the Toyota Cup competition in continuing to produce exciting young talent that was ready for NRL football and said Vidot’s progress as a person was just as important as his rapid rise on the field.
“I think the Toyota Cup is a great learning curve for these young guys as they have to go through a lot to make it to the next level with training in early in the mornings, then going to work and then training at night,” he said.
“If they can get through this part of their career they are really hungry for that crack at the NRL and I think Daniel has shown good signs of this.” |
GREG INGLIS AWARDED THE 2009 GOLDEN BOOT
Story By : Dave Donaghy - Melbourne STORM Media Release
Superstar centre Greg Inglis has created history by being named the 2009 Golden Boot recipient – the third successive year a Melbourne Storm star has received the coveted international award.
Inglis received the award given to the world’s best player shortly after being named Player of the Tournament in the Four Nations series won by Australia early Sunday morning.
The 22-year-old was lauded ahead of five of the best players in the world – including fellow Storm stars, skipper Cameron Smith and fullback Billy Slater.
Inglis joins previous winners Smith (2007) and Slater (2008) in capping off a phenomenal trifecta for Victoria’s National Rugby League team.
No team has ever before had three Golden Boot recipients on its playing list.
“It’s an incredible honour,” said Inglis, who joins the likes of Wally Lewis, Andrew Johns, Darren Lockyer and Mal Meninga in claiming the award.
“I’m very humbled by it to be honest. To see the names of the players who have won this award before me makes this very special.”
The award, the brainchild of Rugby League World Magazine, was voted on by some of the best players to have ever laced a boot, including Lewis, England’s Garry Schofield and New Zealand’s Hugh McGahan.
Inglis’ stunning season has now seen him claim the Golden Boot award, the Mal Meninga Medal for Player of the Series in this year’s State of Origin, as well as the Player of the Tournament award in the Four Nations.
Additionally, he was awarded the Harry Sunderland Medal as the best Australian player in the Four Nations, an award that was revived in 2004.
Inglis also played a pivotal role in the Storm’s premiership triumph this year – scoring a brilliant try and kicking the game-winning field goal in Melbourne’s 23-16 win over Parramatta.
After starting 2009 at five-eighth, Inglis scored 13 tries in 21 games, thriving after reverting back to his favoured centre position.
2009 NRL Premiers Storm resume pre-season training in Melbourne today with the first returning group to tackle a time trial at the famous Tan Track from 9.00am this morning.
Please note Inglis, Smith and Slater, as well as the Storm’s other Australian Four-Nations representatives – Brett White, Ryan Hoffman and Cooper Cronk, will return from England this Wednesday.
Details of their returns will be issued tomorrow. |
WALES UNDER 18 TO PLAY FRIENDLY IN NEATH
Story BY : CRUSADERS RLC
The Wales under 18 side, who are preparing to face the Australian Institute of Sport on December 4th, will face Colchester Garrison in a warm-up match at The Gnoll in Neath on Wednesday 18th November (kick-off 7.15pm).
The Colchester Garrison side will be mainly made up of 16th Air Assault Brigade players from the British Army.
Please show up and give your support to this important warm-up match. A small entry charge (expected to be £2) will be made to cover costs. |
 |
Catch me if you can: Natalie Slowikowski (Yorkeys) uses her speed to advantage against Balaclava. Picture: CHRIS HYDE |
Schoolgirls blaze trail
Story & Photo BY : Emma Greenwood 
THREE Cairns schools are paving the way for a regular girls rugby league competition to be started in the region.
Cairns West, Yorkeys Knob and Balaclava State School students took part in the first girls’ "tackle" carnival to be held in the Far North when they faced off in shortened eight-a-side games on Wednesday.
The matches, held across the field at Jones Park, were a precursor to next week’s full-field 13-a-side clashes between the pioneering schools.
Australian Rugby League development officer Tony Quinn helped facilitate the carnival after the schools – and particularly the girls – demanded an arena in which to play.
"It was just because the demand was there, (particularly) with Cairns West," Quinn said.
All three schools had girls compete in the mixed ARL Development Cup earlier this season but found a need for a separate girls competition, with the push for a fixture or carnival coming from the students themselves.
Yorkeys Knob principal Rod Kettle said the girls’ desire to play had been incredible.
"It wasn’t initiated top-down, it came bottom-up," Kettle said.
"If you go back 20 years when I was teaching at Cairns West, I tried to put some girls into the inter-school competition and it was just rejected (flatout)." Cairns West physical education teacher Dan Dalziel hoped the carnival would expand next season.
"Obviously this is the stepping stone and we’d like to do this next year and have a lot of schools – not only in the Cairns district but maybe from the Cape and other regions around – involved and really make it a fully fledged carnival," Dalziel said.
"With the interest we’ve had today and the support, I’m sure schools will jump on board next year.
Balaclava State School had several girls in its Development Cup side and teacher Sam Keane said the separate competition was a great opportunity for his students.
"We have a lot of Cook Islanders and a lot of indigenous kids that are keen to play football," Keane said.
"We have got a couple of very, very talented girls who stood out in the Development Cup team as well."
The support from parents at all schools was outstanding. |
WIDE BAY'S POSITIVE LEAGUE VISION
Story By : Carlie Walker 
The under-16s Wide Bay development squad was put through its paces on Thursday at Urangan State High School.
THE FUTURE of junior rugby league on the Fraser Coast is looking good.
The under-16s Wide Bay development squad trained at Urangan State High School on Thursday along with the under-18s development squad. The two squads were chosen from several league clubs in both Hervey Bay and Maryborough.
Kevin Franks put the under-16s squad through their paces and said he was pleased with the amount of talent that was on show.
“It’s quite surprising really,” he said of the level of ability the players have.
The squad, which will be a part of a team selected from Bundaberg and the Burnett region, will play against other Queensland teams and a team from the Northern Territory next year.
“They will play teams from Townsville and Rockhampton.”
With the recent decision to set up an under-18s competition within the current Friday Night competition in Maryborough, the future of junior rugby league on the Coast is looking bright.
Franks said those playing for the under-16s side would be looking towards playing in that competition in years to come: “It’s all part of developing young league players on the Fraser Coast.” |
ENGLAND COMMUNITY LIONS U18S
1 Shane Ackerley (West Cumbria)
2 Joe Bullock (Blackpool Scorpians)
3 Mathew Fogerty (Saddleworth Rangers)
4 Blake Mohavic (West Cumbria)
5 Karl Olstrum (West Cumbria)
6 Callum Philips (West Cumbria)
7 Ian Kerman (West Hull)
8 Glenn Riley (West Cumbria)
9 Brad Dwyer (Ince Rose Bridge)
10 Stephen Welton (Gateshead)
11 Daniel Bergan (Widnes St Maries)
12 Anthony Morrison (Saddleworth Rangers)
13 David Orwell (Saddleworth Rangers)
Subs
14 Alistair Leek (West Cumbria)
15 Mathew Syron (Queens)
16 Matthew Huby (Wath Brow Hornets)
17 Kirk Collins (West Hull) |
HALF TIME: 16-4 |
MEN OF THE MATCH
England :
David Orwell (Saddleworth Rangers)
France :
Julian Bousquet (Lézignan) |
FRANCE JUNIORS 22 V 14 ENGLAND COMMUNITY LIONS U18S
Story By : Daniel McKenzie RFL
England Community Lions U18s were narrowly beaten by France Juniors in a tightly contested affair.
The Lions were edged out 22-14 in pouring rain in the south of France but showed good fighting spirit after a poor start.
The early signs looked ominous for England as France were quickest out of the blocks, crossing the line twice inside the opening ten minutes.
The first try came inside two minutes; with England’s early eagerness in defence their downfall, they conceded an unnecessary penalty, deep in their own half, which led to the quick thinking French scum half sending his full back over the whitewash with a well executed pass.
It didn’t take long for France to double their lead.
Sloppy defence again by England, who had been rocked by the early try, invited impressive French prop Bousquet to make it 12-0, before England had a chance to settle into the game.
France’s third try was perhaps the most disappointing for the England coaching staff.
Ten minutes later, it was third time lucky for the French, who tried dummy half runs on three consecutive plays, for the last on which, England’s marker defence went to sleep, allowing the French half back to dart over and add four more to the scoreboard.
With the score 16-0 and the rain starting to make ball control difficult, England coach, Dave Woods turned to his bench for some inspiration.
The introduction of young utility back, Alistair Leek seemed to give the team the direction they had been lacking so far.
However, it was his half back partner, Ian Kerman that found they key to unlock the French resistance.
His well placed kick from right to left picked out speedy winger Joe Bullock, who touched down in the corner to give England their first points of the night.
The Lions thought they had added to their tally a few minutes later, with Kerman again in the thick of it, as he sent through powerful second rower Danny Burgon, only for the referee to bring play back for a suspect forward pass at the play the ball.
By now, the England team was growing in confidence and had started to play some more expansive rugby but the slippery conditions weren’t helping, as the Lion’s made far too many unforced errors for the coaches liking.
It was a stop-start half, in which the French referee did little to help the match flow, awarding countless penalties for marginal and often questionable infringements.
Five minutes before the break, he chose to stamp authority on proceedings, sending French replacement prop Facip to the sin bin for persistent high tackling.
At the half time interval England were still well in the game but trailing 16-4, Coach Woods would have had plenty to talk about in the dressing room but will have been encouraged by his sides determination to stay in contention.
The start of the second half belonged to England.
After a good build up of pressure down the left in the opening five minutes, the Lions were given feed of a scrum just short of the French line.
Half back and Captain, Callum Phillips took control of the situation; collecting the ball from the back of the scrum and throwing an ingenious dummy, which sent two French defenders the wrong way, before darting through the gap and scoring under the sticks.
With the extras added, the Lions were within one converted score of the French and the momentum was truly theirs.
Moments later, they were nearly in again.
Powerful centre Matthew Fogarty came off the defensive line and intercepted a looping French pass on his own ten metre line.
His pace left the scrambling French forwards for dead and he scampered 80m up field and looked certain to score a try, only for his efforts to be thwarted by a superb covering tackle just short of the line.
With time running out for the Lions, they stepped up the pressure once again and this time their efforts were rewarded.
With thirteen minutes still on the clock, a move straight off the training ground put the lions in for a try.
Senior squad member Anthony Morrison showed good hands to provide the final pass to sent Karl Olstrum over to put the Lions within touching distance of the lead.
Trailing 16-14 going into the final stages, England had more good field position but failed to convert.
Poor decisions in the French final third is ultimately what cost England the win.
As the Lions tried to force the win, the French were able to counter attack and seal the win with the final try of the match.
The full-time score ended 22-14 in favour of the French but England produced a spirited performance in difficult conditions.
Loose forward, David Orwell’s all round solid performance earned him man of the match for the Lions.
Head Coach Dave Woods agreed there are lots of reasons to be optimistic ahead of the upcoming fixtures but acknowledged there is lots of room for improvement.
“We made some real good plays and defensively we looked strong most of the time. Of course we are disappointed that we didn’t carry into the game some of the things we trained for. Perhaps we lacked composure and showed a bit of naivety in that we tried to score from every play rather than build pressure on our opponents.”
The team arrived in the South of France on Tuesday afternoon and the trip was definitely a worthwhile experience.
They now have to build on what they have learnt ahead of their match with the Australia Institute of Sport on the 26th November in Widnes.
TEAMS
ENGLAND COMMUNITY LIONS U18S
1 Shane Ackerley (West Cumbria)
2 Joe Bullock (Blackpool Scorpians)
3 Mathew Fogerty (Saddleworth Rangers)
4 Blake Mohavic (West Cumbria)
5 Karl Olstrum (West Cumbria)
6 Callum Philips (West Cumbria)
7 Ian Kerman (West Hull)
8 Glenn Riley (West Cumbria)
9 Brad Dwyer (Ince Rose Bridge)
10 Stephen Welton (Gateshead)
11 Daniel Bergan (Widnes St Maries)
12 Anthony Morrison (Saddleworth Rangers)
13 David Orwell (Saddleworth Rangers)
Subs
14 Alistair Leek (West Cumbria)
15 Mathew Syron (Queens)
16 Matthew Huby (Wath Brow Hornets)
17 Kirk Collins (West Hull)
FRANCE JUNIORS
1. Morgan Escare (UTC)
2. Joseph Negre (UTC)
3. Damien Cardace (Lézignan)
4. Clément Soubeyras (Carpentras)
5. Seydou Coulibali (Corbeil)
6. Lilian Albert (Villeneuve)
7. Mourad Kriouache (T.O)
8. Julian Bousquet (Lézignan)
9. Pierre-Louis Borrel (Limoux)
10. Thibaud Margalet (UTC)
11. Noël Andreucetti (Carpentras)
12. Anthony Deleigne (Lézignan)
13.Marc Meye (Pia)
Subs
14. Theo Bonneriez (UTC)
15. Andrew Bigat (Lézignan)
16. Nicolas Houbloup (Corbeil)
17. Alexis Falip (UTC)
HALF TIME: 16-4
MEN OF THE MATCH
England: David Orwell (Saddleworth Rangers)
France: Julian Bousquet (Lézignan) |
 |
AIS rugby league team at Sydney Airport
(Photo : ourfootymedia) |
AIS SQUAD READY FOR TOUR
Story & Photo By : 
THE AIS rugby league team assembled at Sydney's Kingsford Smith International Airport on Friday afternoon departing on their 6 week tour of France, England & Wales.
The boys were all very excited waiting to jump on the plane for the experience of their young lives.
This is a very young AIS squad who will be well lead by experienced coaches Brian Johnson from the AIS and Mr. Brendan Barlow, the current Australian Schoolboys head coach.
|
KEEBRA FLY HIGH TO TAKE OUT GOLD COAST AFL TITLE
Story By : DARREN HART HPE - Keebra Park RL
While many readers may be familiar with Keebra Park State High School’s achievements in Rugby League, they may not know that many of this years Opens league team also featured heavily in the schools AFL side that won last months Gold Coast Secondary Schools AFL Championship.
Despite only one member of the squad ever having played AFL before, coach Ben Woolf thought it would be the perfect vehicle to engage the footy boys once the League season had finished.
“We invited the AFL out to the school to run some clinics with the grade 9 boys and from that came a suggestion that we enter some teams in this years 9 aside competition.
We decided it would be a great way to encourage the boys to keep motivated, while developing kicking and catching skills along with hand, eye co-ordination that is a vital component of all ball sports.” He said.
“In all 50 boys showed interest and trialled for the teams so we ended up submitting two Open age group teams.” He added.
The tournament was held at Carrara and involved schools from across the Gold Coast and Hinterland.
The two Keebra sides managed to make the semi-finals where they ended up playing each other with the A side progressing through to the grand final where they beat Helensvale SHS 64-10.
“We were confident that we were good athletes and knew that while we would be a bit rusty with regards to rules and AFL specific skills, we could compete if we kept our errors to a minimum.
The boys picked up the game really well and I’m sure their ability to perform at this level, surprised a few people.” He said.
“Some of the boys such as Henare Wells, Jordan Kahu, Anthony Utanga and Connor Toia were also part of the Arrive Alive Cup and Touch Qld, winning sides and to be able to cross code at this level in three different sports is quite amazing.”
Outstanding players throughout the competition were, Agnatius Paasi, Josh Robertson, Paddy Hohepa, Connor Toia, Ayden Harawira and Nofoa Leapai.
The Under 15 boys side also did well losing in a tight final against Benowa SHS.
“The AFL is something we will definitely continue to do with our league sides next year as it keeps them motivated and develops those extra skills that will set them apart as league players.” Concluded Coach Woolf. |
 |
SITTING PRETTY: Parramatta star and Orange product Daniel Mortimer signs autographs for Bletchington Public School students yesterday. |
MORTIMER A HIT BACK AT HIS OLD SCHOOL
Story & Photo By : BY MICHELLE COOK 
ORANGE’S Daniel Mortimer has definitely left a mark on Bletchington Public School.
The Parramatta Eels star visited his old primary school yesterday as part of the Rugby League’s One Community Eat Well, Play Well, Stay Well program.
Mortimer spoke to a group of students about having a healthy lifestyle before signing plenty of autographs and then visiting some of his primary school teachers.
“It’s great to be back,” Mortimer said of his return to Bletchington.
“It’s changed so much. It’s great to catch up with some of my teachers.”
The 20-year-old’s name is on various shields around the school and he added something new to their collection.
Mortimer gave the school a Country Rugby League ball which he had signed.
This will be displayed next to another football which is also linked to Mortimer.
He was part of the school’s 2001 boys’ touch football side which took out the NSW Primary School Sports Association knock-out title and they have a special football on display.
“We won the David Peachey Shield as well in 2001,” Mortimer explained.
“We had a good side running around that year.”
Everyone knows Mortimer can play rugby league, but was he a good student?
“I was the school captain, so I had to be good.” he grinned.
Mortimer and the Eels will start pre-season training next week and the five-eighth is keen to get back into some work.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
“It will be interesting training after playing (NRL) last season. I just really want to train hard and try and improve my skills.”
He is also looking forward to working with dual international Timana Tahu in the backline.
“That’s unreal. He’s one of those players I’ve wanted to play with,” Mortimer said.
“It spun me out when I met him the other week.”
Mortimer also visited Glenroi Heights Public and St Joseph’s Primary School yesterday. |
 |
Success story ... Cale Hobday Michael Lucas Josh Batalibasi are tipped to have a big future in rugby league. |
THE AIS SQUAD FLY OUT OF SYDNEY AIRPORT TODAY - GOOD LUCK BOYZ !! |
|
TRIO EYES NRL GOAL
Story & Photo By : Andre Grimaux (CABOOLTURE SHIRE HERALD)
THREE Moreton Bay footy mates stand on the verge of representing Australia and establishing themselves among the next batch of NRL hopefuls.
Michael Lucas (Warner), Cale Hobday (Cashmere) and Josh Batalibasi (Deception Bay) fly to Europe today as part of the 25-man Australian Institute of Sport under-18 squad.
They have two Test matches against under-17 and under-19 French national teams, and stand-alone matches against the Great Britain Community Lions and a Welsh select side.
The fact the trio remain on the same development path is quite remarkable.
All three played in the under-16 Albany Creek Crushers Premier team, Lucas and Hobday attend Wavell State High School together, and Hobday and Batalibasi were teammates in the Redcliffe under-18 side this year.
And their bond will continue, particularly when the AIS team arrives in France. Part of the players’ scholarship criteria is that they research a family member or person from their hometown who lost their life in the Word War I battle of the Somme, in northern France.
AIS assistant coach and Wavell SHS rugby league teacher Brendan Barlow said the experience would help the boys grow as individuals, and as footballers.
``Educating these guys is a big part of the trip, they will see some sights, learn new things, and something like the Somme can be really touching, and you see the boys rally around each other from that,’’ he said. |
 |
BLUE AND GOLD FOR ZACC: Talented Cobar league player Zacc Douglass will join NRL grand finalists Parramatta’s 2010 SG Ball team. |
PARRAMATTA SIGN UP LEAGUE STAR DOUGLAS
Story & Photo By : 
The quality and success of junior rugby league in Cobar has led to the signing of promising backrower Zacc Douglas by 2009 grand finalists Parramatta who are rebuilding for a future premiership challenge.
Seventeen-year-old Zacc was due to join the Eels’ 2010 SG Ball squad in November but Parramatta decided to move him earlier because he needed an operation on his knee to remove some floating bone which has been aggravating him for some time.
He was operated on last Tuesday by the Parramatta doctor and is now recovering under the direct supervision of the club and their physiotherapist’s team.
Zacc is racing the clock to be fit by the end of October as he has been selected to represent the Australian Institute of Sport on their three game tour of France and England in mid-November.
If he is fit he will leave Australia on November 13 for the four-week tour with the AIS squad.
On his return Zacc will remain in Sydney and train with the Parramatta SG Ball squad (under 18s) over the summer ready for the 2010 season.
Parramatta is currently organising a transfer for Zacc’s boilermaker apprenticeship he started with the local KML Industries.
Zacc, who loves his rugby league, is keen to learn more about the game and is excited by the opportunity presented by Parramatta Leagues Club and the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra. |
 |
GNA scholarship players (from left) Ethan Haggarty, Jock Waters and Logan Harris. Photo: Barry Smith |
TRIO'S POTENTIAL EARNS STINT WITH ACADEMY
Story By : 
THREE young players from across the region have been given the opportunity to join the Wests Greater Northern Academy and they are planning to make the most of it.
At just 15, the trio are too young to trial for the Academy but have been hand-picked by GNA coaches to be part of the summer program due to their great potential.
Logan Harris (Group 4), Jock Waters (Group 19) and Ethan Haggarty (Group 21) each represent one of the three Groups covered by the Greater Northern region.
Harris comes all the way from Blackville to be part of the squad but goes to school locally.
“I go to Farrer and it’s good because of the footy,” he said.
“Marty Moore has really helped me out there.
“He’s a good coach and I’ve learned a lot from him.
“I want to work on my fitness and skills and get ready for a big year next year.”
Harris captained Farrer to the Buckley Shield title last year and the Under 15s Country Cup this year.
The hooker also played for the Farrer Under 16s in Group 4.
His form attracted the attention of an NRL club and getting to Sydney is one of his aims.
“I’ve signed for Manly for the next two years,” Harris said.
“I was scouted and then signed for two years.
“One of my goals is to play for NSW Country.”
He will also try out for the Farrer First XIII in 2010.
Waters is a second-rower from Guyra.
He hopes to get to the NRL one day too, although he’d rather play for his favourite team, the Sydney Roosters.
He played Under 16s this year and represented Group 19.
He found Saturday’s testing regime at the Academy pretty tough and the worst news for a Guyra boy is that the Tamworth summer will be much hotter than it was on Saturday when rain made for a comfortable session.
“It was pretty tough but it was good,” Waters said.
“It’s still warmer than it would be at home.
“I just want to get some fitness and you get some experience at these things.”
Haggarty is from Scone and plays five-eighth or centre.
He is also keen to pick up a few new skills and work on his fitness.
The St Joseph’s Aberdeen student would also love a crack at the big time.
“I’d like to play NRL,” he said. “I don’t care who I play for – I’d play for anyone.”
The boys joined their new squad mates for the first time at Scully Park on Saturday and next week they will be back for the annual GNA camp. |
 |
GREAT BRITIAN COMMUNITY LIONS in their AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS Gernseys AFTER THE 2 nd TEST(Photo : ourfootymedia) CHECK OUT THE ACTION |
ENGLAND COMMUNITY LIONS U18'S :
SQUAD TO PLAY FRANCE JUNIORS
Shane Ackerley (West Cumbria)
Mathew Fogerty (Saddleworth Rangers)
Blake Mohavic (West Cumbria)
Karl Olstrum (West Cumbria)
Callum Philips (West Cumbria)
Alistair Leek (West Cumbria)
Glen Riley (West Cumbria)
Brad Dwyer (Ince Rose Bridge)
Anthony Morrison (Saddleworth Rangers)
Daniel Bergan (Widnes St Maries)
David Orwell (Saddleworth Rangers)
Reece Lazenby (West Hull)
Joe Bullock (Blackpool Scorpians)
Ian Kerman (West Hull)
Kirk Collins (West Hull)
Mathew Syron (Queens)
Erjon Dolapi (West London Sharks)
Matthew Huby (Wath Brow Hornets) |
|
LIONS TO RELY ON CUMBRIAN STRENGTH
Story By : RFL
Photo's By : 
West Cumbria will provide six players for the England Community Lions U18s when they take on France Juniors on Wednesday night.
The current Gillette National Youth League leaders supply Shane Ackeley, Blake Mohavic, Karl Olstrum, Callum Philips, Alistair Leek and Glen Riley to the 18-man squad which will fly out next Tuesday morning ahead of the test match the following evening.
The squad - which will have a final training session on Saturday at Hopwood Hall, Rochdale - also sees Saddleworth Rangers and West Hull supply three players each, whilst other notable call ups are gained by Joe Bullock (Blackpool Scorpions) and Erjon Dolapi (West London Sharks).
After returning from France the initial England 32-man squad will reconvene ahead of the clash with the Australian Institute of Sport at Widnes on Thursday 26th November.
ENGLAND COMMUNITY LIONS FIXTURES 2009
GBCL v France Juniors
Wednesday 11th November
Palau Stadium, St Cyprien
Kick Off TBC
GBCL v Australian Institute of Sport
Thursday 26th November
The Stobart Stadium, Widnes
Kick Off 7.30pm |
 |
Titans co-captain Mat Rogers and Scott Prince (right) model the new home and away strips. PHOTO: Alana Sykes. |
ADIDAS AND TITANS REACH ‘CUTTING’ EDGE
Story & Photo By : Gold Coast TITANS Media Release
The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans have today unveiled an aggressive new playing strip to kick-start a four-year partnership with leading global sports brand adidas.
The Jetstar Titans and adidas have combined to create a cutting edge playing strip which will be worn by the club from season 2010 onwards.
The new jerseys are 30 per cent lighter than previous rugby league strips made by the company and also feature Climacool™ technology which provides a more breathable garment that has a greater ability to repel sweat – making the athlete cooler.
The highlight of the new look is the introduction of swords into the design of the playing jerseys. The home jersey features a navy to surf (light blue) gradient while the away strip is predominantly white.
Further features include a new open collar and specially designed sleeve which contours to the players’ muscles.
Jetstar Titans Managing Director Michael Searle said he was proud of the club’s new look as it embarks on its fourth season in the National Rugby League.
“The design of our new playing strip was an important one as it is the Titans’ first major change of jersey since our inaugural season in 2007 and highlights the continued growth of the club,’’ said Mr Searle.
“We were mindful of designing a playing strip that not only had the best interests of the players at heart but also that of our fans – both male and female.
“We are thrilled with the final outcome and excited about the opportunity to link with such a strong brand in the world market.’’
adidas Sports Marketing Manager Cameron Baranski said the company was excited about the new partnership.
"From our very first meeting adidas has been impressed by the Titans modern outlook on sport and the game of rugby league,’’ said Mr Baranski.
“We're extremely excited to work with this young organisation intent on forging their own history.
"Our aim is to have the Titans looking and feeling their best, both on field and at training. We've focused on a clean modern look which will stand out from the pack.
“adidas has also invested in technology. The jersey is 30 per cent lighter than our 2009 adidas rugby league jersey, the fit is more figure hugging, making the players harder to tackle and we've incorporated Climacool™ technology to reduce heat stress."
The new Titans’ playing strip will be on sale to the general public from December 1. |
 |
LAST YEARS AIS SIDE CELEBRATE |
AIS ANNOUNCE TOURING SQUAD
Story & Photo By : 
Once again the AIS rugby League squad leave our golden shores to fly the flag oversea's.
The touring AIS squad have two games agaonst the much improved French juniors, the first game is against the French Under 17's, then its the French U19's.
After a bit of time shopping in gay old Paris, its across the English channel to play the Great Britian Community Lions who have also just completed a successful Aussie tour.
The final AIS game will be against the Welsh National juniors
... and here is the AIS Touring Squad : |
RUGBY UNION STAR TYSON FRIZZELL TURNS DOWN SHARKS OFFER
Story BY : 'pk' & 
There was speculation this week that Australian Schoolboys rugby union star Tyson Frizzell had signed on with the Cronulla Sharks after his name appeared on their website as part of the NYC squad for 2010.
The sighting of his name on the website had sent rugby union forums into meltdown.
The Sharks have told ourfootyteam Frizzell turned down the Sharks very good offer six weeks ago to concentrate on his rugby union career. “Tyson wanted to concentrate on rugby union and the schoolboys tour", a spokesman for the club said.
Frizzell has been chosen to tour Ireland and the United Kingdom later this month with the Australian Schools rugby union team. Players selected to tour have to sign a loyalty agreement with the Australian Schools Rugby Union.
Loyalty agreements are a standard practice for the Australian Schools team, allowing selectors and coaching staff to select and develop players whose futures are committed to playing Rugby Union.
My interpretation: If you sign with a rugby league club you can’t tour.
Frizzell who attends Illawarra Sports High School enjoyed tremendous success in the rugby code this year where he made the CHS team, NSW Schools and then the ultimate - Australian Schoolboys.
He is a tall, well built centre weighing around 95 kilograms who could also play on the wing. He is strong and fast and can punch through the strongest of defences, something that the Sharks recruiters would have been impressed with.
Oh well we can always dream that Tyson will one day consider playing rugby league again. In the meantime enjoy what should be a great tour Tyson! We wish you and the team all the best. |
SHARKS ANNOUNCE NYC SQUAD
Story BY : PK
Photo's By : 
The Sharks Toyota Cup squad was announced recently with the inclusion of a number of imported players to bolster their nucleus of very talented juniors.
There are three Parramatta juniors included and that doesn’t include Albert Kelly and Nathan Gardiner who are in the top squad. They are props Robert Beardmore, Rodney Moefaauo and Ramos Amanoel. Parramatta must have plenty of props to let this trio go.
Another interesting signing is Bulldogs grand final hero prop Teni Waipouri. He terrorised opposition teams with his play this season and his combination with Moefaauo has me drooling at the mouth to see them in action together next season.
Also included are half back Sean Finnerty a handy half back from Wests Magpies and Westfields Sports High School and Jason Lombardo a five eight from North Sydney Bears.
The imports will boost the many talented juniors the Sharks have on their books including half back Chad Townsend, winger Joe Roqoko and fullback Haydn Peacock, all with NYC experience.
I think the addition of former Parramatta coach Joey Grima has boosted the recruitment ability of the Sharks. Grima is a good judge of a footballer and he has many contacts in the various junior leagues. He just maybe the best buy the Sharks have made. I note that Greig Harland their strength and conditioning coach also honed his skills at the Parramatta club.
The full Cronulla Sharks NYC squad is:
Coach - Joey Grima
Manager - Scott Williams
Strength and Conditioner - Greig Harland
Medical - Peter Curmi
Trainers - Graham Cachia and Adam Richardson (Assistant Trainer)
Fraser Allcock
Ramos Amanoel
Jake Anlezark
Robbie Beardmore
Warwick Carter
Greg Davis
Jake Denford
Cameron Dustan
Ahmed Ellaz
Sean Finnerty
Michael Finnucane
Scott Galagher
Peter Gallen
Adam Goode
Tyler Jarden
Joel Johnson
Jason Lambardo
Ricky Leutele
Dane Malone
Jason McGrady
Rodney Moefaauo
Mictchell Morgan
Brody Ollard
Tyrone Peachey
Haydn Peacock
Daniel Perkins
Duncan Reilly
Joe Roqoko
Jarrod Shelford
Dane Snelson
Callum Tatauha
Mikos Tepania
Chad Townsend
Teni Waipouri
Liam Wesley
Blake Williamson |
TACKLING THE NORTH-SOUTH DIVIDE:
HOW A NORTHERN SPORT IS MIGRATING TO SCHOOLS IN THE SOUTH
Story By : THE INDEPENDENT (UK)
It was once a sport strictly confined to the toughest mining towns, but rugby league is now firing the imaginations of school pupils south of Watford, reports Steve McCormack.
Imagine a village cricket tournament in France – or perhaps a string of ice hockey clubs in the Egyptian desert.
Well, a sporting trend almost as incongruous is taking root in schools across the South-east of England, and there's striking evidence of it on the playing field of Brentwood County High School in Essex, where, for an hour after school every Wednesday, close to 100 teenagers play rugby league, a sport traditionally confined to former mining and mill towns across Yorkshire and Lancashire.
And this school is just one of hundreds outside the industrial North to have taken up the sport in the past few years, all participating in an immensely successful and growing national schools competition which culminates every year in a showcase event on the Wembley Stadium pitch, before the final of the professional clubs' knock-out event, the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final.
On the day of my visit to Brentwood, the pupils are divided into four age groups, each with at least one teacher as coach. The session is divided into general fitness routines, practising the skills of the game, such as tackling and passing, and playing a short match.
There's also some practice at kicking through the H-shaped posts. The enthusiasm is palpable, and no one appears put off by the rain and mud. It's a contact sport, and everywhere I look bodies are colliding, and outstretched arms are reaching to score tries.
The atmosphere is eager exertion mixed with simple enjoyment of vigorous physical activity. Occasionally a teacher stops the action to draw attention to a tactical or coaching point. "Well tackled. Now get in a defensive line," says one. "Move the ball quickly through the hands," comes another.
It's not just boys who've come out in the wet. One pitch belongs to the girls' squad, playing the game with no less gusto, and apparently unbothered by wet hair, grimy fingernails and muddy knees.
The popularity of the sport at this school is all the more striking as we are in Essex, a county where football has long dominated the scene. Not far from here, David Beckham, Bobby Moore and Frank Lampard first laced up their boots.
"It's overtaken football at this school," says head of boys PE Adrian Ackred, taking a breather from coaching the 11 to 13-year-olds' squad. "We wouldn't have this number of kids come out to Monday-night football practice."
The real catalyst here, Ackred freely admits, is his fellow PE teacher Daniel Iacono, who is putting an older boys group through their paces on an adjoining pitch.
Iacono, an Australian with a strong rugby league pedigree, first came to the school in 2005 in his then job as a development officer for Rugby Football League (RFL), the sport's Leeds-based governing body.
He was part of a campaign by RFL to expand interest in the sport in schools across the country by offering free coaching to pupils, and, more importantly, by teaching PE staff how to coach what for most was a foreign game.
At Brentwood, Iacono's influence was immediate. A Year 7 (11 and 12-year-olds) boys' team was formed within weeks, and every year since then participation has grown, with the school now fielding boys and girls teams in the national competition.
In last year's event, both the Year 7 and Year 8 boys' teams reached the national quarter finals. Iacono, now one of the school's full-time PE teachers, was last year named Carnegie Rugby League Teacher of the Year for London and the South.
He has a theory why pupils here have shown such an appetite to learn from him about rugby league.
"Most kids don't want to listen to a teacher about how football should be played, because they have other influences like the weekend coach, their dad or brother and it's always on TV as well," he says. "But rugby league is something they haven't seen before, so they have to listen."
The prominent position of the sport, giving frequent opportunities for pupils to represent the school in outside competitions, has contributed to a sharp improvement in all round behaviour, he says. This is a point endorsed by his boss, Ackred.
"I would say it's had a massive impact on behaviour around the school," he says. "The unity they have with each other and the pride and self esteem created by representing the school produces a nicer breed of student."
As the practice session is finishing, some of the pupils tell me why they like the sport so much. "If you've had a bad day you can get rid of the aggression on the pitch," says Dennie Jones, 14, who admits to having had a patchy behaviour record before rugby league came along.
"It's interesting and different and you do it with different people," chips in Arthur Austin, 14.
Gabby Larkin, 12, says she enjoys getting dirty and "just going for it". And Hannah Walkner, 14, offers: "In school it's like proper boring, but this is different; you can hurt people without feeling guilty about it."
At RFL headquarters in Leeds, there is justifiable pride at what has been achieved since the Carnegie Champion Schools competition was launched in 2002.
Open to all secondary schools in the country, it is growing every year, and can now call itself the world's largest rugby league knock-out tournament.
Last year almost 500 schools took part, including nearly 1,500 boys' teams and more than 200 girls teams. All winning schools came from Yorkshire or Lancashire, but schools from other regions are progressing further in the competition year on year.
"The aim now is to spread the game further into the Midlands, South and South-west," says RFL national development manager Andy Harland, "and get schools to enter more girls teams."
"The hope is that some of these schools will soon overtake schools from the heartlands," says Andy Gilvary, RFL regional development officer for London and the South-east.
"And we hope the professional clubs will start coming down South to look for players at the schools."
RUGBY CODES: UNION VERSUS LEAGUE
HOW MANY SORTS OF RUGBY ARE THERE?
Two: rugby union, with 15 players a team, is played all over the country and has its roots in public schools. Rugby league is a 13-a-side game, historically based in the northern conurbations between the Mersey and the Humber.
HOW DID THEY EVOLVE?
Rugby union arrived first, in the mid-19th century, and was an amateur game.
But when clubs in the industrial north wanted to pay players to compensate them for missing work, a row broke out, leading the northern teams to break away and form their own league.
The split has continued to this day, even though both sports are now fully professional.
ARE THE RULES THE SAME?
Almost but not quite. The main difference is that, in rugby league, when someone is tackled, the rest of the players aren't allowed to pile on top.
The downed player just stands up, heels the ball backwards to a team-mate and the game re-starts. This element makes rugby league a faster game. |
 |
Ambassador … the Eels hope to extend Daniel Mortimer's contract. Photo: Getty Images |
MORTIMER IS A MUST-HAVE FOR THE FUTURE: EELS CHIEF
Story & photo by : Daniel Lane 
Extending rookie sensation Daniel Mortimer's contract long-term has been identified by Eels chief executive Paul Osborne as his priority during the off-season.
Mortimer, who is the son of former Canterbury star Peter and the nephew of internationals Steve and Chris, has established himself as one of the game's great hopes with his class and natural ability.
His flawless off-field demeanour suggests he may also be one of the NRL's young ambassadors.
The five-eighth was an integral part of Parramatta's valiant charge to an unexpected grand final berth this season.
Osborne, who returned during the week from a humanitarian trip to Rwanda where he and a number of Parramatta players worked in a village for widows of the genocide of 1994, said Mortimer was at the top of his ''to do'' list.
Osborne said: ''We've started chatting. I've spoken to his family and I've touched base with his manager. Even though he still has a year to run on his deal, Daniel is a very important signing. I want him to be part of the future of this club.
''We are in a situation where the likes of Nathan Hindmarsh, Nathan Cayless and Luke Burt are all coming to the end of their careers and it's important we get that same sense of belonging among our younger players.
''Jarryd [Hayne] has signed on long-term and it's important, I think, to add Daniel Mortimer to the list. He comes from a great family and is a wonderful example on and off the field. He's just a great kid and a club needs to keep that type of player.''
The Eels, who return to training tomorrow, feature a host of bright young talent who showed in the latter stages of this season that they could form the nucleus of a team of premiership ''dominators'', like Melbourne and Brisbane.
Osborne is adamant the likes of Mortimer, aged 20, Hayne, 21, bench prop Tim Mannah, 21, Krisnan Inu, 22, and Matt Keating, 23 will be galvanised by the grand final experience.
Mortimer's reaction after the grand final loss, when he declared the Eels were ''on the verge of something special'', would suggest that his heart is with the blue and gold.
''We've got a lot to celebrate this year,'' Mortimer said in the vanquished team's dressing room. ''It's disappointing to lose the grand final, but it was a good year overall.
''We've got a good future. We've learned a lot about what it takes to win a grand final, and I think we're on the verge of something special at Parramatta.''
The Eels have recruited strongly for next season, with forwards Justin Poore and Shane Shackleton and centre Timana Tahu reinforcing the squad. |
 |
Murrumburrah PS charge up Shark Park in the recent CLASSIC SHIELD Grand Final (Photo : ourfootymedia) |
 |
Murrumburrah PS charge up Shark Park in the recent CLASSIC SHIELD Grand Final (Photo : ourfootymedia) |
|
MURRUMBURRAH PUBLIC SCHOOL DEFEATED IN FINAL OF THE CLASSIC SHIELD
Story By : Peter Dinnerville Murrumburrah PS Rugby League Coach 2009
On a warm sunny day at Toyota Park, Cronulla, yesterday, the Murrumburrah Open Rugby League team competed against Rutherford Public School (Newcastle), in front of a crowd of well over 1000 people.
Giving 110% effort and determination both in strong defence and attacking teamwork rugby league, this talented team were defeated 20 points to 6.
The Rutherford coach congratulated the MPS team for their outstanding ‘gutsy’ defence against a big forward pack.
The coach commented that this was the toughest game his team had played and was their narrowest winning margin! Rutherford had previously defeated Tamworth Public School 30-6 in the semi final for the right to play MPS in the Classic Shield final.
The persistent attacking runs from the big Rutherford forwards forced intense pressure on our defensive line and errors.
From such errors in the first half Rutherford scored two tries. The above pressure also limited the ball possession available to MPS.
The entire MPS team are to be congratulated on their teamwork game, their consistent skills, tough defence and their hard straight backline running. To our boys credit they never lost their composure.
At half time the score was 10-6 against MPS.
Jared Prosser was our try scorer, with Tyler Allen successfully converting the try. MPS, through the backline, were endeavouring to score from the few opportunities that Rutherford afforded us.
In spite of enjoying less than 40% of ball possession, Murrumburrah continued to put pressure right across the field on the Rutherford defensive line.
The above lack of consistent possession had a huge impact on our team’s ability to put well deserved points on the scoreboard.
The team certainly lifted their attack in possession in the second half and were unlucky not to score. With 8 minutes to go we were definitely still in the game!
Rutherford sealed their deserved Classic Shield Final win with two late tries in the final four minutes of the game.
The MPS team can certainly hold their heads high in reaching the State Final.
Achieving runners up in this high standard statewide competition, is indeed a credit to the team’s commitment to training, school spirit, determination, enthusiasm and desire to extend further their playing skills, so they might achieve to the very best of their ability.
To nominate a best and fairest player for this match would mean naming 17 boys! But I would like to commend Jared Prosser and Justin Stewart for their great game skills and tactics, examples they gave to the team as co-captains.
Thanks boys for a great finals effort. Your commitment and desire to succeed, playing high standard rugby league whilst thoroughly enjoying each game is indeed commendable. I too have really enjoyed coaching you and sharing with you this magnificent result.
Very special thanks to our team manager Mr Daryn Prosser for his valued assistance with the teams preparation.
Thanks also to all the parents who transported the boys to and in Sydney and helped with training runs in Cronulla, assisted with breakfast and helped with supervision at Toyota Stadium.
Thanks to Mrs McFadyen for arranging our accommodation and organising the bus to bring the Year 4, 5 and 6 students and supporters to Shark Park. We certainly appreciated the MPS stadium support—your cheering and encouragement could be clearly heard on the playing field!
We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to represent MPS and Harden in such a prestigious event and be part of the NSW Public Schools elite sporting program.
A FANTASTIC EFFORT BOYS! |
WAVELL SHS 50 YR RUGBY LEAGUE REUNION
Story By : BB - Wavell SHS
On Sat 24 October, Wavell SHS held a 50 year rugby league reunion at Shawsports. Over 200 people attended the night along with special guest Wayne Swan and our MC from ABC local radio Mr Warren Boland.
There were many past and present Wavell Rugby League players who attended the night including current State or Origan Player Ashley Harrison, Cowboys player Shane Tronc, former New Zealand representative Jake Webster and former Australian International Mr David Wright.
A great night was held by all. The major part of the evening was the naming of the team of the half century. The team was:
1.Derek Fletcher
2.Dustin Cooper
3.Michael Bond
4.Greg Inglis
5.Jake Webster
6.Dean Whalley
7.Lee Hutchinson
8.David Wright [c]
9.Aaron Lewis
10. Shane Tronc
11. Darryl Brohman
12. Adam Blair
13. Ashley Harrison
14. Richie Fa’aoso
15. Seka Manu
16. Ricky Paul
17. David Wotherspoon
A special thank you to all the students, parents and teachers who assisted in the running of the night. In addition I would like to thank our community partners Norths Rugby Union Club for assisting in running the night.
1. Derek Fletcher
Wavell 2002 Undefeated/AUS Champions
PNG International
Qld Cup a leading try-scorer for Norths |
2. Dustin Cooper
Wavell 1999 Metropolitan Premiers
Queensland Schoolboys
NRL for Melbourne, Cronulla and Newcastle
Currently playing Rugby Union in Japan |
3. Michael Bond
Wavell 2002 Undefeated/AUS Champions
Wavell 2003 Qld Champions
Wavell 2004 Brisbane Champions
South Qld Champions
Australian Schoolboy
Qld Cup Clydesdales
Currently Norths Premier Rugby Union |
4. Greg Inglis
Wavell 2004 Brisbane Champions
South Qld Champions
Australian Schoolboy
Qld Cup Norths
NRL Melbourne
State of Origin
Australia … Everything possible |
5. Jake Webster
Wavell 1999 Metropolitan Premiers
Wavell 2000
Qld Cup Norths
NRL Storm & Titans
England Hull Kingston Rovers
7 games for New Zealand |
6. Dean Whalley
Wavell 1993 National Finalists
Qld Cup Norths |
7. Lee Hutchinson
Wavell 1966 Undefeated Metropolitan Premiers
Qld Cup Easts (Premiers), Norths
Queensland (10 games) |
8. David Wright (Captain)
Wavell 1966 Undefeated Metropolitan Premiers
Qld Cup Brothers
England Warrington (Challenge Cup Winners))
Queensland 15 Matches
Australia 2 |
9. Aaron Lewis
Wavell 2002 Undefeated/AUS Champions
Peter Sterling Medal winner
Qld Schoolboys
Qld Cup Souths Logan |
10. Shane Tronc
Wavell 1999 Metropolitan Premiers
Australian Schoolboy
Qld Cup Redcliffe
NRL Cowboys (112 games)
To England (Wakefield) 2010 |
11. Adam Blair
Wavell 2003 Qld Champions (Captain)
Qld Cup Norths
Storm (Premiership)
New Zealand (11 games) |
12. Darryl Brohman
Wavell 1973
Qld Cup Norths
Rothman’s Medal 1976
NRL Penrith & Canterbury (Premiership)
State of Origin |
13. Ashley Harrison
Wavell 1997 (Metropolitan Premiers)
Wavell 1998 (Metropolitan Premiers)
Wavell’s 1st Australian Schoolboy
NRL Broncos, Souths, Roosters, Titans
State of Origin (6 games) |
14 Richie Fa’aoso
Wavell 2001 (Metropolitan Premiers)
NRL Roosters, Knights
England Castleford
Tonga International |
15. Sika Manu
Wavell 2005 (Brisbane Champions)
Qld Cup Norths
NRL Melbourne
New Zealand International |
16. Ricky Paul
Wavell 1993 National Finalists (Captain)
Qld Cup Norths (Premiership) |
17. David Wotherspoon
Wavell 1993 National Finalists
Runner-up Peter Sterling Medal
Qld Cup Norths |
 |
|
AIS 2009 TOUR |
KEEBRA PARK PRESSO NITE
Story & Photo's : KP Rugby League & 
Australia's newest Arrive alive Cup Championship Keebra Park State High School celebrated a successful 2009 season with their school presentation night last Friday at the school.
Keebra Park are not just a one team school having '09 success in all competition including the Steve Renouf, Titans Cup to name just a couple.
It is teams, training and mateship that enable good sides to play good footy, awards are individual awards in a team sport and generally go to those who put in that bit more each game.
Amoung the outstanding achivements by all the players were the 2009 Keebra Park major award winners.
Check them out, these boys will be playing in Sydney next year having been involved with the WestsTigers Academy.
DANNY WHITE won the MVP
BEN MURDOCH won the Lawry Award (YouTube Lawry will best explain that)
JORDAN KAHU won the sportsman of the year. |
 |
Carl Forster with Eric Chisnall, Carl was 'Play of the Tour' |
Foundation Academy Update – Final Day
Story BY : St. Helens RLFC
Player of the Tournament Carl Forster with Eric Chisnall.
THE final update from the Foundation Academy’s Tour Of Australia, sponsored by Hattons Solicitors.
Last day of the trip and the lads are over the moon with their victory against Penrith and every single squad member will remember the game for their own reasons. The game itself was scrappy at times but no one could say that the two teams didn't entertain from start to finish.
This morning the players and staff headed off for a bonus trip on the jet boat before undertaking the famous bridge climb; all the players took part in the activity and all seemed to enjoy the experience.
The whole party have enjoyed a trip of a lifetime undertaking the best that rugby has to offer while also enjoying all that Sydney and the surrounding area can provide.
On no other trip will the players get the chance to work and play has hard as they have on this tour.
Three wins from four games is a wonderful record that will remain with them for many years to come.
And not to disappoint you we have had the normal comments from the usual suspects:
Paul Leyland: "I fancy something cold for dinner like a Hot Dog."
Followed by "Is that the Parramatta river which runs through Parramatta?"
And the player of the tour Carl Forster: "I can't believe that bats are real I thought they only existed in horror movies.”
Overall the club and the coaching staff should be very proud of the lads and hopefully some of these lads can know kick on to make a career out of this beautiful game.
Once again a massive thanks to all the sponsors and help it making this trip happen.
A special thanks to Hattons Solicitors for their continued support of the club and junior development. See you on our return.
TOUR AWARDS :Player of the Tour - CARL FORSTER
Most Improved - STE YATES
Best Back - NATHAN ASHE
Best Forward - ANT WALKER
Play of the Tour - TOMMY MAKINSON
Game Itinerary:
October 16: Balmain - won 38-6 (Match Report)
October 21: West Tigers (5.30pm @ Balmain) - won 18-6 (Match Report)
October 25: Cronulla Sharks (5pm @ Shark Park, Toyota Stadium) - lost 20-34 (Match Report)
October 31: Penrith (7pm @ St Mary’s) - won 16-10 (Match Report) |
ST. HELENS TOUR SETS WITH THE SUN
Story & Photo's By : 
As the sun went down over St. Mary's Stadium in Western Sydney on Saturday afternoon it also brought the conclusion to the tour for the St. Helens Academy rugby League squad. ( & familes)
THe final game of their 2009 Australian Tour was against the Penrith Panthers u 17 development squad and it was a beauty with the St. Helens boys scoring first when winger Adam tatlock got around dense traffic to nudge over in the corner.
Sione Alone was on the end of some typical running footy from the Panthers to level the scores at 4 all as the teams went in for a well deserved half time break.
Both teams came out with renewed vigour and it was on in the forwards when the St. Helens forwards tried to contain their opponents, after a long tussle in the middle of the pitch, St. Helens winger Adam Tatlock scored again, Tom Johnson converted with a kick that dropped over the crossbar by millimeters.
St. Helens were in again thanks to Skipper Carl Forster scored the try of the tour from 15 or so meters, he twisted and turned through 3 or 4 different tackles and found him self with in diving distance to the line and got the ball down at the base of the goal post to the delight of his team mates, Forster had no trouble converting the try from in front.
Reece Reagan, the Panthers hooker ran on a good pass and scored with only a few minutes to go.
Last nights game against the Penrith Panthers was the 4 th game of the St. Helens Academy Tour this year, with good wins against the WestTigers, Balmain Tigers and Penrith Panthers under 17's developments squads and only loss was a 32 - 20 hammering by a young and enthusiastic Cronulla Sharks outfit at Shark Park. |
TOP OF PAGE |
OCTOBER 2009 NEWS ARCHIVES |
SEPTEMBER '09 NEWS ARCHIVES |
AUGUST NEWS ARCHIVES HERE |
JULY NEWS ARCHIVES HERE |
JUNE NEWS ARCHIVES HERE |
|
|
JUNIOR RUGBY
LEAGUE NEWS |
|
2009
AIS TOUR |
DOWNLOAD THE
OFFICIAL
NSWCCC CUP
MANUAL |
2009 AIS TOUR MATCHES |
GAME 1 - Tues 17 th NOV |
FRENCH U 17's |
13 - 16 |
AIS |
|
GAME 2 - Thurs 19 th NOV |
FRENCH U 19's |
27 - 20 |
AIS |
|
GAME 3 - Thurs 26 th NOV |
|
GAME 4 - SAT 6 th DEC |
|
|
|
|

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 |
ORDER NOW |
|
2009 NSW CCC FooTY aCTioN |
|
DAY ONE aCTioN |
U18's
| |
U 15's |
DAY TWO aCTioN |
| |
|
| | |
30 Yrs CCC RL
Book Launch |
PReSeNTaTioNS &
ReP TeaMS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PHOTO GALLERIES |
|
|
|
ATTENTION
RUGBY LEAGUE FANS!
The first ever fiction rugby league books just for young kids, are NOW available....
Switch young kids into reading and order these action packed, high interest reading books
Download the .pdf (1.22 mg) |
AUSTRALIA'S TOP 10
SECONDARY SCHOOL'S |
1. |
2. |
3. |
4. |
4. |
5. |
6. |
7 |
8. |
9. |
10. |
NOT EVERYONE WILL AGREE
WITH THIS TOP 10...
Have your say, what's your
top 10 School footy teams in
Australia? CONTACT US |
|
|
|
|
NATIONAL SCOREBOARD |
-
|
MATTYS CUP & SG BALL SQUAD
TEAM LISTS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
BEN JONES
Sydney Roosters
AIS/NSWCHS 18
Matraville SHS / Redcliffe SHS |
|
|
|
OBE GEIA
ASSRL/
QLD YOUNG GUNS / COWBOYS |
|
|
|
|
|
MULTI-MEDIA |
|
JOEL ROMELO SAYS
GDAY
REDCLIFFE SHS |
|
 Bulldogs win Harold 2007 Matthews Cup Grand Final |
Watch them celebrate |
|
CHEERLEADER of the WEEK |
|
CHS VS FRENCH JUNIORS
NSW CHS 12 - 24 FRANCE |
|
|
ARRIVE aLIVE CUP 
|
SPORT IS ABOUT THOSE WHO PARTICIPATE,
NOT THOSE WHO WISH TO ORGANISE GAMES |
ROUND 9
NSWRL DISTRICT JUNIORS |
-
|
CRONULLA JUNIORS |
COMMUNITY SCOREBOARD |
|