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| Thursday 02 nd December 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Having spent every winter in scorching conditions back home, a group of Australian rugby stars were mesmerised after seeing snow for the first time during a visit to Cumbria. The Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League team were scheduled to play a match at Whitehaven’s Recreation Ground tonight, which was cancelled. But this didn’t dampen team spirits as most of the teenagers were excited by Cumbria’s snowy weather - as it was the first time they had seen it. Coach Brendan Barlow told the News & Star: “The snow’s been great and the team have been pretty excited about it. “It is lovely in Cumbria and we are all enjoying it.” Yesterday the squad - which consists of 24 players and seven staff - trained at the Cumbria Sports Academy at Hensingham, Whitehaven, before having a swim in the nearby pool. As well as keeping their fitness up to standard, they let loose with a snowball fight. The team is staying at the Seacote Hotel in St Bees before heading down to Barrow on Saturday where they play England Academy at Barrow’s Craven Park at 2.30pm. The Australian team come to England and Wales every four years, with the England Academy visiting in between. “This is the most snow I have ever seen here,” said Mr Barlow. “I have seen some pretty heavy snowfall in York, but nothing like this, it’s constant. This was the first time that most have them have ever seen snow. There were a lot of snowball fights.” After playing at Barrow, the team will head to Castleford to play England on Monday, December 13 before flying to France for two matches. |
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| Wednesday 01 st December 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The 2013 Rugby League World Cup has been officially launched after the RFL hosted a ‘kick-off’ event at Manchester’s new MediaCityUK development on Tuesday November 30. The 2013 competition, which will be contested in venues throughout England and Wales, will be the 14th staging of the Rugby League World Cup and has already been backed by Rugby League legend Ellery Hanley and former Olympic medal winner Iwan Thomas. . Speaking at the tournaments kick-off event held at MediaCityUK, in what was the first event of its kind to be held at the new venue, RFL Chairman Richard Lewis said, “It is a great boost for Rugby League in this country to secure the World Cup in 2013. The last tournament staged in Australia in 2008 was an enormous success. “Our aim is to build on that success and to deliver a profitable tournament that further enhances the international game across the globe and raises the profile of the sport in the UK.” Having been awarded the rights to host the event in June 2009, the RFL utilised the kick-off event to make a series of major announcements about the tournament, including the identity of 12 qualified teams and to outline the scale of its ambition to host the most successful Rugby League World Cup of all time. Australia, Cook Islands, England, Fiji, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Papa New Guinea, Samoa, Scotland, Tonga and Wales have all been confirmed as competing nations and they will be joined by one qualifier from a European Qualifying group consisting of Italy, Lebanon, Russia and Serbia and one qualifier from an Atlantic Qualifying group consisting of Jamaica, South Africa and the USA. The competition’s structure will consist of two groups of four, with England drawn alongside perennial foes Australia, Fiji and Ireland in Group A and World Cup New Zealand facing Pacific Island rivals Papua New Guinea, Samoa and France in Group B. Scotland will face Tonga and the European qualifiers in Group C and joints hosts Wales have been drawn against the Cook Islands and the Atlantic Qualifiers. Speaking in the events promotional video, Prime Minister David Cameron also put the weight of the Coalition government behind the RFL’s announcement, emphasising the sporting potential the next decade offers. “This government is right behind the RFL,” said Cameron. “As one of the sports that this country holds closest to its heart, we know what a privilege and honour it is to host this tournament and I’m fully confident that the RFL will do the United Kingdom proud and I look forward to working closely with them to make sure it is a great success. “The next decade promises to be one of the most exciting in our countries history. There will be the Olympics, the Cricket World Cup, hopefully the Football World Cup and the Rugby League World Cup. Coming so soon after the Olympics, the RFL have the opportunity to ride on the crest of that wave and host and truly memorable tournament.” First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones added: “It is a privilege for Wales to be given this opportunity. We saw tremendous success during the 1995 World Cup when Wales was host to numerous fixtures and the Welsh public came out in force to support their home team and to witness some of the world’s greatest players. “With Rugby League enjoying a new found growth in Wales in recent years and with the sport having been played in schools throughout the country for the past eight years, we are confident that hosting games in venues such as the Millennium Stadium will be a great way of helping boost the sport in Wales. “Hosting such an event will also provide a welcome financial boost to those towns and cities who secure the right to host fixtures, training camps and house the playing squads and with the potential for many visitors set to be attracted to these shores, the economic impact has the potential to be great.” |
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 2011 JANUARY CAMP - PLACES STILL AVAILABLE The NSWRL Academy will be conducting its annual January Players Camp from Monday 17th January to Thursday 20th January 2011 for players aged 12 to 16 years. All players receive: - · Top class coaching and instruction from NSWRL Development Staff, guest coaches and the opportunity to meet current NRL players (subject to availability). · Dormitory room accommodation with dining, recreation, video, seminar rooms and use of all the Academy’s facilities; pool, ropes course and canoeing. · All meals · 3 nights’ accommodation, a football, 2 training shirts, 1 pair of shorts, Cap, Water bottle, Camp Photo, Individual Skill Assessment and a Certificate of Attendance DOWNLOAD THE FORM |
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| Tuesday 30 th November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bradford Bulls prospect George Burgess has expressed his determination to emulate his older brothers and become one of England’s top Rugby League stars, ahead of his England Academy debut at Barrow’s Mark Coward Stadium on Saturday, December 4. Burgess will have his first opportunity to follow the path of brothers Sam and Luke when he takes to the field to represent the England Academy side against the touring Australian Schoolboys in the first of a two Test series. Burgess’s brothers both progressed through the Academy system to go on and forge successful professional careers and with twin brother Tom coming through the Bradford ranks as well, the Burgess family dynasty looks set to continue. “It’s a great honour for me to be part of the Academy and to be able to follow in my brothers footsteps,” said Burgess. “It’s great to be able to play for your country and hopefully that will lead on to even bigger things like my brothers have done, so hopefully I can go on to do the same. “This is the first block in most of our careers and hopefully we’ll all be able to go on from here and play for the senior England side and it would be a great honour for all of us to be able to do that.” Burgess is joined in the Academy squad by Bradford teammates Cain Southernwood and Adam O’Brien and he knows that the game against Australia will be a tough test for everyone involved within the Academy setup. “I’d really like to put in a big performance against the Aussie’s,” said Burgess. “I think everyone always seems to think that they’re better than us but I feel this is our time to show people that we can perform as well and we can beat them. “The Australian side will have had a lot of warm-up games before they come to play us so we’ll be expecting them to be able to play good football, but we’ve got a good side here with plenty of talent and we all feel like we can match them. “There are lots and lots of talented players in this side and it’s one of the best groups of players that I’ve seen in a while.” Tickets for both England Academy versus Australian Schoolboy on Saturday, December 4 (Barrow. K.O 2:00pm) and Friday, December 10 (Castleford. K.O 7:30pm) can be purchased on the day and cost £3 adult and £2 concession (Under 16, Students and Over 65) |
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| Sunday 28 th November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ROOKIES KEEN ON SUCCESSFUL CAREERS  Everyone wants to play for Australia (execpt a few kiwi's) and as the future stars found out at this year NRL Rookie Camp, there is more to a footy career than putting a pair of footy boots This weekend saw the 1st of the NRL'S toyota Cup Induction camp ran at Sydney Uni's Village. The clubs attending the Sydney Rookie Camp were the WestsTigers, Canterbury Bulldogs, St. George Illawarra Dragons, Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs. There are two more camps this year, the next one is in Brisbane next week which will be attended by the 3 Queensland Clubs, the Bronco's, Titans and the Cowboys along with the Newcastle Knights and the Canberra Raiders The final Induction Camp will be in Auckland in New Zealand where the mighty Cronulla Sharks, Manly SeaEagles, Sydney Roosters, Melbourne Storm will join 2010 Toyota Cup Champions the NZ Warriors. ourfootyteam would like to thank Mr. Paul Heptonstall, Nigel Vagana and Mr. John Brady from the NRL for allowing us to cover this years Sydney Induction Camp, and the Boyz for all their support over the years - thanx boyz !
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| NSW U/16 INDIGENOUS SQUAD ANNOUNCED The following 20 players have been selected for the NSW U/16 Indigenous team that is set to defend its title next February against the QLD U/16 Indigenous team at Skilled Park prior to the NRL All Stars match. Name Club Danny Allende Little Bay |
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| DOMIC TO COACH INDIGENOUS TEAM Story By : QRL Media FORMER Broncos and Panthers utility Sid Domic has been appointed coach of the Queensland Under 16 Indigenous team. And in a further coup for the Queenslanders, former Newcastle and St George coach David Waite will assist Domic in a mentoring role. The high-profile duo will prepare the side for the February 12 clash against the New South Wales Indigenous U16’s in a curtain-raiser to the NRL All-Stars pre-season game at Skilled Park. The Queensland team will be selected in the following weeks with the assistance of the Education and Development staff of the QRL. Queensland will be involved in a Brisbane-based training camp from February 4-7 before shifting base to Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast. QUEENSLAND INDIGENOUS TEAM STAFF: Sid Domic - CoachDavid Waite - Assistant Coach Chris Waters - Manager Ron Tasker - First Aid Graham White/Selwyn Apanui - Trainers |
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| Saturday 27 th November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Story By : Melbourne STORM Photo By : After two fantastic years in the SG Ball competition the Melbourne Storm squad for 2011 faces new challenges as they prepare for another tough year in the best under-18’s rugby league competition in the world. The standard has been set very high by the inaugural team in 2009 who made the Grand Final, and the 2010 squad who were semi-finalists, with many of these players now involved in the Storm’s NYC program for 2011. The current group of 40 local players have been undergoing an intense training program since November 1 and there are already some very positive signs emerging from this squad. There are six players from the highly successful 2010 squad who will back up again in 2011, including Herschel Gideon and Cameron Hansen who are in the squad for the third successive season. These two players, plus Adam Millgate, Richard Kennar, Tala Titi and Ray Ertl will add some invaluable experience to the group which includes a host of exciting young players from the VRL competition. The Victorian Rugby League had an extremely successful year at schoolboys’ level in 2010 winning Pool B in both the under-15’s and under-18’s National Championships. Many of these players are now involved in the SG Ball squad and it is hoped that the strong winning culture that this group has developed will continue into 2011. Although it is very early in the program, some players are standing out at training and look as though they are primed for a big season. These players include Aleki Falepaini, Tremaine Jensen, Henry Sang-Yum, Dane Chang, Aaron Presnell and Naseri Seve. In 2011 the Storm’s SG Ball team will again have a goal of finishing in the top eight and playing finals footy for the third consecutive year. The addition of some quality players from interstate such as James De Sax, Steve Liki and Jesse Parete will boost the squad and we should see another very competitive outfit when the team hits the field for their first competition game on February 19. The future of the Storm lies in these boys’ hands and the early indications are for another very positive season. Good luck boys!! |
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| Friday 26 th November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
England Rugby League captain Jamie Peacock has given his support to the England Academy side as they prepare for a two Test series against the touring Australian Schoolboys which begins on Saturday December 4 at The Mark Coward Stadium, Barrow (K.O 2:00pm). Peacock was in attendance at an Academy training session to pass on his personal experience and advice to the young English players and for the Leeds Rhinos star, who never had the opportunity to rise through the youth system during his own career, the prospect of seeing the 2010 Academy side in action against their Australian counterparts is one to relish. “I think it’s great for these young players to get a chance to play Australia at this age level,” said Peacock. “My first experience of playing against the Australians was at senior Test level, so to do it at an early age is fantastic. “I think that the key for us coming out successful in this series is to get the boys believing that they’re good enough to beat the Australian side and they are good enough in my eyes.” Peacock was forced to miss this year’s Four Nations tournament through an injury sustained during the closing stages of the 2010 Engage Super League season, but he feels these games could have a great impact on the Academy players and enable them to go on and join a long list of Academy graduates such as Kyle Eastmond, Sam Burgess and James Graham. “There are some great players here in the Academy squad,” said Peacock. “It’s looking good for the future of Super League and England to have such talented players coming through the system. “A lot of the squad have already got Super League experience and that will only give them added confidence. Once you’ve played Super League level and step down to play at your age level it gives you a big boost.” Traditionally fixtures between England and Australia have a fearsome rivalry and Peacock knows that even at this young age the contest between the two sides will be very competitive, but he believes the Academy side have all the skills needed to come away victorious. “I don’t know much about the Australian Schoolboys side but I know they will be a quality and very competitive side,” said Peacock. “But the England lads have the skills needed to beat them as there are some very talented players here. They’ve also got a good set of coaches looking after them which is always important and I can’t wait to see them play now. “It’s going to be to our advantage because it will be cold, windy and horrible up here and we’ve been together for a while so I’m confident that these lads can gel together on the pitch and put in an excellent performance against the Schoolboys and come away with the victory.” Tickets for both England Academy versus Australian Schoolboy games on Saturday, December 4 (Barrow. K.O 2:00pm) and Friday, December 10 (Castleford. K.O 7:30pm) can be purchased on the day and cost £3 adult and £2 concession (Under 16, Students and Over 65) |
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The elite junior rugby league players will be gathering at Sydney Uni Village for the NRL rookie camps on Saturday to introduce 2011's Toyota Cup Stars to live as a professional NRL player. ourfootyteam will be there to cover some of the highlights on Sunday, so stay tune. |
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| Thursday 25 th November 20010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The AIS will be hunting Wolves tonite for their 1st game on English soil when they take on the Warrington Wolves Academy Good luck to the AIS team, the game kicks off at 7:30 PM in England and thats about 6:30 AM Sydney Time Ourfootyteam is of course covering the big match and we will have have time and full time wraps VIKINGS YOUTH VERSUS AIS The AIS Rugby League programme was established in 2001 in association with the Australian Rugby League. Together they work to provide a pathway for the ongoing training and development of young players aged 16-18 in rural and regional areas of Australia, as an alternative to leaving home to pursue a rugby league career. Up to 30 players take part in each year's programme and selection is based on the quality of each player's performances in schoolboy and club representative football. The program runs a national training camp in Canberra each year to improve players' skills in preparation for high performance competition, and organises an international tour of France and the United Kingdom. Speaking in advance of the game, Widnes Vikings Head of Youth Performance, Phil Finney said, "We know the Australian Institute of Sport will present an extremely strong challenge but everyone in our youth set-up is looking forward to the task ahead. "Our team will be a fusion of the clubs U18 and U21 players and for our young lads to be given the opportunity of playing a team of AIS's quality is a great privilege, and we are taking this challenge extremely seriously. "The AIS are coached by former Warrington player and coach, Brian Johnson and given his local connection it doesn't take a fool to realise just how much he'll want to see his charges get one over on Widnes. "Having said that, our team will be coached by Martin Cunningham and Paul Hulme, a man whose name is etched in Widnes folklore and who has had many a battle over the years against Warrington and still come away with a smile on his face, which gives the game even more of an edge!" The game will take place at the Stobart Stadium Halton on Monday 29 November. Kick-off is at 7.30pm. Admission is just £5 for adults and £2 for concessions / juniors. |
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| Sunday 22 nd November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 THE achievements of Muswellbrook’s very own state champions were recognised at a civic ceremony last Thursday afternoon. The Muswellbrook Public School team won the school’s first ever state title in September when they defeated South Wagga Wagga Public School 18-0 at Shark Park in Sydney and the feat did not go unnoticed. The team was one of 600 teams entered in the competition at the beginning of the year but in the end they were the only ones who remained undefeated. Proud parents, members of the public and school mates were present at the council chambers last Thursday afternoon to acknowledge their efforts. Chair of the organising committee and Muswellbrook Sports Council deputy mayor Jeff Drayton said the 17 boys who made up the team deserved such an honour after such a rare achievement. “They’re the first primary school in the Muswellbrook Shire to win a state competition since 1953 and it’s something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. “The civic ceremony lets the kids know how proud we are of them as parents, citizens and councillors. “There wasn’t a child there that didn’t leave with a smile on their face.” Mr Drayton said the win couldn’t have come at a better time with the current council placing a great deal of “Council has made junior sport a big focus with the waiving of all council fees for junior sport and it was just lucky that this happened to occur during our current term,” he said. “There hasn’t been one councillor that hasn’t boasted about having the best team in the state. “There have also been allocations to improve sporting facilities and by providing these facilities hopefully sport will continue to develop.” |
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| Saturday 20 th November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
After facing the Australian Schoolboys “down under” last year, Callum Phillips is looking forward to facing them on home soil this time round. The Seaton youngster was part of the Great Britain Community Lions tour party which took part in a six-game trip last year and he’s now preparing to take on the schoolboys in their 2010 tour of the UK. “Going out to Australia was an amazing experience and despite us not getting the results we wanted in the two test matches we still had a great tour winning three of our games,” said Callum. An electrician by trade, Callum has returned to club rugby with a renewed confidence and his West Cumbria side have been the ones to benefit as he led them to the 2010 Gillette National Youth League title and also scooped the GNYL’s Player of the Year in the same season. “I’ve been happy with my form for West Cumbria and we had a really good season this year,” said the 18 year. “The form we’ve shown as a unit has been rewarded with myself and a few of my team mates getting selected for the national side so it’s really a big credit to all the coaches and players back at Wests.” Despite been a Community Lions veteran with 12 caps to his name already, Phillips has targeted at least one more appearance for the GB Community Lions, a test match clash against the Schoolboys at Whitehaven on 1 December. “I’ve been lucky to have played for both the England and Great Britain Community Lions, but to get selected for a test match that’s been played in my local area would be a great way to finish,” said the 18 year old. “Hopefully if I can perform well in an England shirt then I’ll be asked to play for Great Britain as well and I know that would be really good for my family and friends as they’d all want to come along and cheer us on.” As for the future Callum is also keen to get as far as he can in the game. “I’m 18 now so have not got long left at the age group, but if possible I’d really like to make it as a professional if possible.” “I’ve had a few games for the Whitehaven reserve side and they went pretty well, so I’ll just keep training hard and working on my game and hopefully I’ll get a chance to progress my career.”
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| Friday 19 th November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 THE Carter name is set to live on in rugby league with former Alstonville student Paul Carter preparing for the 2010 Australian Schoolboys tour of Europe. THE Carter name is set to live on in rugby league with former Alstonville student Paul Carter preparing for the 2010 Australian Schoolboys tour of Europe. The 18-year-old lock is the son of Steve Carter, who won a grand final with Penrith in 1991. Paul Carter said it had been quite the journey since moving to Sydney from Alstonville to complete Year 12 last year. The former Marist Brothers junior has excelled in Sydney playing for the Canterbury Bulldogs’ SG Ball team, as well as a handful of games in the Toyota Cup Under-20s. The young Carter attended Homebush Boys High School but said his years at Alstonville High School was the time he had cherished the most. “I enjoyed my time there so much, it made playing football easy,” he said. “The teachers and the students were such good people and I have really missed it.” Steve Carter couldn’t be more proud of his son but realises he still has a long way to go. “It’s a tough challenge to crack the NRL these days; he has a lot of hard work ahead of him,” he said. “He is a determined player and an excellent tackler but there are some improvements he needs to make in the next season.” Paul Carter will have a good chance to fine-tune his skills when the Australian Schoolboys team plays Wales next Tuesday in the first game of the seven-match tour. The team, in camp in Canberra, will fly out this weekend. Paul said his father had always been there to offer advice before the big games. “He tells me to remember the basics like ball control and tackling around the legs,” he said. “Dad’s always been a big help. I grew up around football as a kid; it’s all I knew and all I want to do.” Steve played 14 seasons at Penrith and holds the record for most capped player at the club with 242 games. He would love nothing more than to see Paul run around in Panthers colours but said he should remain loyal to the Bulldogs while things are going well for him at the club. “They have been really good to him there and if Penrith show an interest he should make sure he does the right thing by the Bulldogs,” Steve Carter said. “Unfortunately these days loyalty is a thing of the past and players’ verbal commitments seem to mean nothing.” While Paul said playing for the Panthers was definitely something he would consider, he is happy at the Bulldogs. “Playing for the Panthers could happen one day; you never really know how things will work out,” he said. “Right now I’m just loving my time at the Bulldogs. “It’s great knowing you’re in a good team playing the best opposition week-in, week-out.” |
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 Under-17’s rugby league player Swade Dunn has just returned to Dubbo after spending a year in Sydney on a Canterbury Bulldogs scholarship. The 16-year-old, who now attends St Gregory’s College in Campbelltown, was poached by scouts after playing for the NSW Indigenous squad. “I started getting phone calls when I was playing for NSW,” he said. “The Bulldogs saw something good in me and it just went from there.” Dunn said starring in the NRL Indigenous All-Stars Curtain Raiser line-up was one of his “best experiences” to date. “It was a really good atmosphere, we had about 20,000 people watching,” he said. Initially the Dubbo boy was named on the bench, but, to his delight, ended up playing almost the whole game. “The half-back got knocked out on the first tackle, so I was subbed in straight up,” he said. “We won 24-14.” Although Dunn admitted it’s been a turbulent year, with the “full-on” nature of Sydney football, he said he’s also experienced some career and personal highlights. “I played in the Australian Indigenous side against the Maoris and Fijians, that was pretty fun,” he said. “We also got to meet Brett Kimmorley at a camp, which was a really good experience.” For now, the young Dubbo player said he’s looking forward to relaxing in his home town over the summer. “Sydney football is a bit more serious and physical, it’s a different pace here,” he said. Thankfully, Dunn had no injuries during the 2010 season and will be entering the next round in top form, he said. In fact, the 16-year-old has no plans to retreat from rugby league - he’d like to take his game to a professional level. “My dream is to be a rugby league player. I’ve been playing my whole life, since I was three,” Dunn said. The ultimate goal is to play for the Penrith Panthers, he said, and join some of the greats, like his uncle, Jai Dunn. “It will be hard, but I think I can do it.” |
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| Thursday 18 th November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Story By : & RLF Photo By : Ian Lovell Last nights international under 17's match between the England Commumity Lions and the Wales U17 ended in an exciting 26 all draw. The Wales and England Community Lions under 18 sides fought out... The Wales and England Community Lions under 18 sides fought out a thrilling 26-all draw at Caerphilly on Wednesday night but both sides know that they must lift their game when they both come up against the might of Australia in their next games. Wales take on the Australians in Caerphilly again next Tuesday while the English will face them at Featherstone Rovers' ground three days later on Friday 26th November. Both games kick-off at 7.30pm. England came into the Welsh game on the back of a 34-8 defeat to France Juniors in Bordeaux and it looked like they were going the same way in Caerphilly in the first 20 minutes when Wales dominated. But England pulled the game back, taking the lead in the second half before a late Chris Davies try, his second of the game, ensured that the spoils were shared. An early England chance was wasted when Ryan Smith attempted to set up Blake Mahovic but the centre fumbled and possession was lost. But Wales took the lead from their first attack when Dale Evans set up South Wales Scorpions new signing Chris Davies who twisted his way over. Courtney Davies added the easy conversion. England struck back on eight minutes when Birmingham Bulldogs' Ryan Millar pounced on a loose ball following a grubber kick. Luke Willings' kick was centimetres wide to leave the visitors two points behind. Wales extended their lead on the quarter hour. Jean Baptiste Bruzhulier, from Cardiff would you believe, set up the score by running 60 metres breaking free of the England backline. He laid off to Dafydd Carter who in turn set up James Griffiths to score in the corner. Straight away Wales scored again when Dale Evans completed a fine attacking move involving most of the backs. Courtney Davies had missed the previous conversion but made no mistake this time to make the score 16-4 to Wales. England came back again when Millar scored his and England's second in exactly the same position as the first on 24 minutes. David Pyke converted. And four minutes later they were level when Jacob Blades set up Nathan Slater to go in just left of the sticks and Pyke goaled again. But Wales went into half-time with a 20-16 lead when Dafydd Carter set up Matthew Crane to go over. Davies' kick was only just wide of the posts. They almost extended their advantages six minutes into the second half but Michael Channing was pulled into touch by Jacob Blades when diving for the line. England recovered, worked their way up the field and Jack Francis broke through to sprint the last 20 metres to the line to level the scores again. Pyke missed the kick. From then on it was end to end as both sides tried to get a winner. England's Joe Bullock fumbled behind his own line but Wales didn't take advantage on the resulting set of six. The visitors took advantage from their next attack as Blake Mahovic scored a fine individual try with Pyke converting for England to take the lead for the first time on 55 minutes. Wales pushed for another equaliser. Courtney Davies kicked a cheeky grubber but Morgan was beaten to the ball by his opposite number Jacob Blades. Morgan was then denied for a second time from the restart, being pushed into touch ten metres from the try-line by a pack of England defenders. But Wales finally crossed the line three minutes from time with Chris Davies getting his second under the sticks and Courtney Davies converting. "Credit to the lads that they fought hard to earn a draw but we were disappointed not to have won," said Wales coach Stuart Williams. "We know we're playing catch-up with England all the time with the amount of experience they have, but we've not lost to them in the last four outings now which is some achievement. And to be disappointed to earn a draw shows how far we've come in the last few years." WALES ENGLAND Half-time: 20-16 Scoring Sequence: 6-0, 6-4, 10-4, 16-4, 16-10, 16-16, 20-16, 20-20, 20-26, 26-26 |
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| Wednesday 17 th November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The occasion was the inaugural Holy Family Bears Junior Rugby League presentation day. The Bears, in their first season, fielded four teams: under 6s, U7s, U9s and U11s. The Bears play in the Parramatta Catholic Colleges competitions on Sunday during the footy season. Craik Park is the club's home ground. The main trophies presented were for players of the year. Players of the year winner: U6s, Benjamin Georgievski;U7s, Antonio Giusti; U9s, Thomas Todd, and U11s, Guy Cronk. The Bears' overall club player of the year trophy was won by U7s talent Anthony Moataane. This time last year Bears president Anthony Bucca, of Bringelly, together with the club's committee worked overtime recruiting players and coaches for teams and also chasing sponsors to get the club off the ground. Their efforts have been rewarded. More than 50 Bear cub players are now registered. The under 11s made history, winning the Bears' first premiership. "A lot of people worked tirelessly to make it all happen and I thank the players, parents, the coaches, managers and volunteers who gave of their time," Bucca said. He said the Bears are now accepting player registrations for 2011. Details: Anthony Bucca, 0418 972 882. |
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| Tuesday 16 th November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Story & Photo By : & Nathan Clarke RFLAustralian Schoolboy stars Matt Groat and Cameron Cullen are craving the opportunity to take to the field against the England Academy... Australian Schoolboy stars Matt Groat and Cameron Cullen are craving the opportunity to take to the field against the England Academy and put their skills on show when the sides meet in a two test series in early December. The Schoolboys are due to embark upon a five game tour of Great Britain beginning against Wales U18s on November 23, before facing the England community Lions, Great Britain community Lions and a two Tests series against the England Academy which climaxes at Castleford’s Jungle stadium on December 10. West Tigers U20 star Groat and Brisbane Broncos U20 star Cullen are seen as two of the most promising talents in the Schoolboy side and are eagerly awaiting their chance to put their skills on display in England and seeing just how good the England side are. “I can’t wait to experience the UK and all it has to offer,” said Cullen, an intelligent young halfback who the Australian’s think may have the key to unlocking the English defence. “It’s an honour to wear the green and gold jersey and represent my country overseas. Running out with the boys will be something I’ll never forget. “I’m not too familiar with the England Academy or their players this year, however I have heard some big names have come out of that system in recently that now represent England in the Four Nations, so I’ll definitely expect them to be a competitive team and when it comes to playing Australia I’m sure they will lift to the occasion.” Groat has previous experience representing the Schoolboys, having played in the side that defeated the touring Great Britain community Lions in 2009 and he’s looking forward to seeing what the elite of England’s youth system has to offer. “It is always an honour for me to put on the Australian Jersey and I am very excited about the trip,” said Groat, a tough front row forward. “I was with the 2009 Australian Schoolboys camp and the experience has taught me to use my strengths on and off the pitch and as a result I have become a more confident player. “I played against the Great Britain community Lions before and I’m sure they will have learnt a lot from last year’s games and will want to beat us and with us playing them on their turf, they’ll have the advantage.” With the likes of Greg Inglis and Brad Fittler just a few of the names to have graced the Australian Schoolboy side in the past, the current crop of players will be sure to contain stars of the future and both Groat and Cullen believe that this side has plenty of talent in the ranks. “I don’t know that much about the England Academy team myself,” said Groat. “I’m sure it will be a very physical battle when we face them and our players and Coaches will need to do their homework but I am more than up for the challenge of playing against them and I think our team is very dangerous. “I really rate our forward pack, they’re big and strong and I think our backs have great speed and footwork to get over the gain line and our couching staff and management staff are second to none.” Cullen echoes his teammates thoughts, “We have a very strong forward pack that will take a bit of stopping,” he said. “We also have some freakish players in the backline who can change games on their own and playing against the English team should be a great experience for us all.” Tickets for both England Academy versus Australian Schoolboy on Saturday, December 4 (Barrow. K.O 2:30pm) and Friday, December 10 (Castleford. K.O 7:30pm) can be purchased on the day and cost £3 adult and £2 concession (Under 16, Students and Over 65) |
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| Monday 15 th November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 BATHURST second rower Jack Siejka departs the country today on a tour that is set to prepare him for life as a full-time footballer after linking with the Sydney Roosters for 2011. Siejka will join the Australian Institute of Sport team that spends 23 days touring France and England, playing two Test matches against the French under 18s and under 20s teams and then doing battle with Widnes and Warrington’s under 19s teams in England. While football itself is naturally a huge part of the trip, the emphasis is placed on helping the players make the final transition from talented weekend footballers to full-time trainers who can cope with the demands of playing the sport for a living. “These kids in the AIS team have been in a scholarship program for two years, and they are all contracted to NRL clubs,” Mudgee-based assistant AIS coach Col Matthews said. “The boys train every day while they are over there, they have to get themselves up and look after themselves, there is no-one there to wipe their bums. The program finishes with this sort of trip as the final step to help them make the jump into a full-time career in the sport. “They are thinking footy for four full weeks, it gets their minds prepared.” While football is the prime focus of the trip, education also plays a big role. The players have all been given an assignment that sees them research a figure from their home town who died in action on the French battlefields in World War I. They then have to produce an essay about that person and locate their grave during a visit to the battlefields themselves this weekend, fulfiling a directive of the program that aims to help the players learn about life outside sport. From there they head to rugby league stronghold Toulouse in the south of France to take on the national under 18s side on Tuesday and the under 20s on Thursday. “We go to Manchester after that, and then play the Widnes Vikings Super League under 19s team and follow that with a match against the Warrington under 19s. We would have played against the Cardiff team who won the English title but they are playing the Australian Schoolboys instead,” Matthews said. “After those two games we get the opportunity to travel around England and show the boys a few of the sights before coming back on December 5.” Siejka will start in the second row for the AIS side and Matthews described the Bathurst Panthers under 18s premiership player as one of the team’s best. “He has had two terrific years, he should have made CHS and a number of other representative teams and he missed out, but as far as I’m concerned he’s been one of our best,” the assistant coach said. “He has a big future in front of him, to me he is one of the best young back rowers in the NSW country area.” The side also includes Dubbo pair Charlie Runciman and Jackson Merritt, and is coached by former St George fullback Brian Johnson. Currently there are 55 NRL players who have come through the same scholarship, including Orange’s Daniel Mortimer as well as the likes of Origin stars Dave Taylor and Israel Folau, and Roosters pair Mitchell and James Aubusson. |
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 HUNDREDS of Riverina school children belatedly farewelled the football season last week as St Joseph's Primary School Leeton triumphed in the Trent Barrett Shield final in Wagga. Hit by several rain-enforced delays, the Trent Barrett Shield was eventually put to bed for 2010 nearly two months later than planned. At a time when some football clubs are dusting off off-season training, St Joseph's Primary and 23 other school teams competed for the coveted Trent Barrett Shield title. In mild spring weather, St Joseph's Primary toppled South Wagga Public School 16-8 in the boy's division of the shield, while Murrumburrah Public School clinched the girl's crown at Parramore Park. With teams travelling from as far away as Hay for the day, the Trent Barrett Shield finals were a magnificent success, according to ARL development manager Adam Perry. "Even though we had to put off the games a few times, none of the teams pulled out," Perry said. I think the response is a reflection on the prestige of the Trent Barrett Shield. "It's been going for over a decade and continues to grow in stature. "It really is a great showcase of rugby league in the region." Named in honour of recently retired NRL star Trent Barrett, the shield is a launching pad for primary school age children to become involved in rugby league. |
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| Sunday 14 th November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ONE of these boys will more than likely grace newspaper pages and TV screens for many years to come. Townsville rugby league players Jack Svendsen, Luke Abdul-Rahman, Rhyse Martin, Sam Foster and Glen Day flew out to Europe yesterday for a once-in-a-lifetime tour with the AIS rugby league schoolboys team. It will be the last time they all take to the field in the schoolboy capacity before working their way towards the bright lights of the NRL. But for now the boys are just happy to be packing their bags for a taste of international footy, and some of the world's most popular tourist destinations such as Paris and London. For Svendsen, Abdul-Rahman and Martin, it will be the first time they step on foreign soil. "All of us are pretty excited, we've never been on a tour like this before and we're just looking forward to seeing some amazing places," Svendsen said. "The main thing is to play good footy, but we'll be doing a lot of sight-seeing as well. We'll be seeing a lot of war memorials too, so we get to learn more about that and get a cultural experience." The players have made plenty of sacrifices to become Australian representatives, and although many school-leavers would be devastated at the thought of missing their high school formal, it hasn't troubled these players at all. "It's not everyday you get to go overseas and play for Australia, there was no hesitation whatsoever to go on this tour," Martin said. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I said yes straight away, we all did." A 24-man squad has been picked for the tour, which starts in Paris. Then, after visiting Australian war cemeteries in northern France, the squad travels to southern France for two games against French junior sides before heading across the channel to play games in London and Manchester against junior teams from two English Super League clubs. Cowboys' NYC player Chris Grevsmuhl, 17, and Cowboys' recruit Francis Veukiso, 16, will also be making the trip to the northern hemisphere with the Australian Schoolboys' team. It's the first time that both the AIS and Australian Schoolboys teams will be in the UK at the same time. "I'm just looking forward to it, it's my first time on an overseas tour as well and I've got a lot of support," Veukiso said. Veukiso and Grevsmuhl were part of the Queensland open schoolboys squad that eventually lost to New South Wales' combined high schools 29-12 in the grand final of the Australian Secondary Championships, but the pair did enough to impress national selectors. They will join their fellow junior Kangaroos in Canberra at the AIS on Monday and fly to London on November 19 where they will undertake a seven-game tour of Wales, England and France. |
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| Friday 12 th November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Wales under 18 side are preparing for their big matches... The Wales under 18 side are preparing for their big matches against England Community Lions and Australia in the next fortnight with both games being played at Caerphilly RFC. The game against England takes place on Wednesday 17th November with the Australian clash six days later on the 23rd. Both games kick off at 7.30pm. The England clash has become an annual event but the Australian tie hasn't been played for four years. Since the last time that Wales took on the Australian Schoolboys back in 2006, 13 of those 17 Australians have since played professionally in the NRL with Israel Folau, who has played for Queensland and Australia, Mitchell Pearce who has played State of Origin for New South Wales and Joseph Paulo, who played for Samoa in the 2008 World Cup, standing out. The tie against Wales this year on Tuesday 23rd November could see more stars of the future. The Wales squad was selected following a trial at Caerphilly with over 70 young hopefuls attending. Apart from two players from Harlequins in London, which continues the Wales Rugby League's strong bond with them, the team has been selected from professional and community clubs in South Wales and includes four players who won a senior cap against Italy recently. There are four players from this years Crusaders and Wales under 16 team including captain Courtney Davies and the talented Dominic Franchi while former U18 international Dan Crimmins returns after a 12 month absence from the sport. Player Development Manager at Wales Rugby League, Dan Clements said: "After a successful trial, we have assembled possibly our strongest under 18 squad to date. We have four full internationals in there supplemented by a lot of experience from the Crusaders academy, Harlequins academy and Wales under 16 sides. I must give credit to everybody that trialled, it really proves there is a desire out there for players to play our sport, and everybody acquitted themselves really well. "I know that the squad and coaching staff are now getting preparations underway for an exciting two match series against England Community Lions and the best junior side in the world, the Australian Schoolboys." - LEARN MORE |
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| BLUE HAVEN RAIDERS SCORE 17S & 19S SENIOR TEAMS FOR THE CENTRAL COAST 2011 RUGBY LEAGUE SEASON On Sunday, November 7th, 2010 Central Coast Division of Rugby League provided the Blue Haven Raiders J.R.L.C approval to enter two U/17s & one U/19s team within their competition next season. Our junior rugby league clubâ?Ts growth and development has shown that a senior club was required to support players and their families within ours and the surrounding communities. This historic occasion will allow Blue Haven to operate as a senior club and field teams using our brand, image and identity. Blue Haven are seeking expression of interest from suitably qualified and motivated coaching staff that includes first aid officers (strappers) and support staff during our inaugural 2011 season. I hope your media outlet will help our club with the process of identifying and involving those with an interest and importantly creating awareness for others. |
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| Thursday 11 th November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 GUNNEDAH’S Heath McIlveen and Bendemeer’s Jack Broughton join a growing tradition when they fly out to Europe with the Australian Institute of Sport squad on Friday. Since its inception the AIS program has given local players the chance to go on tour each November and for these two locals it’s a great way to end a successful year. “It’s a big thing,” Broughton said. “We get two games against France and two games against English sides. “It’ll be a good trip.” Broughton helped Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School win the University Shield in September while McIlveen was a member of the Gunnedah Bulldogs under 18s squad which won the Group 4 premiership, although he had to miss some of the year with injury. The tour caps the season perfectly. McIlveen will play front row for the AIS while Broughton will slot into the backrow. They are also members of the Wests Greater Northern Academy squad and join another GNA player, Muswellbrook’s Daley Boney, in the AIS team. He is also a backrower. The AIS squad is chosen from players from outside the Sydney and Brisbane metropolitan areas but has a formidable record overseas with very few losses recorded. “They picked 24,” Broughton said. “There were 75 who trialled back in January. “We’ve had four camps in the holidays. “We just got back from a 10-day camp which was pretty tough actually.” The tour takes in Paris and Australian war cemeteries in northern France and then moves to the south of France where the two games against French junior sides are played. The Aussies then head to London and then to Manchester before facing two junior sides belonging to English Super League teams. Both Broughton and McIlveen will still be playing locally next year as they sit the HSC but are likely to head to NRL clubs after that. Broughton is signed to Cronulla and McIlveen to the Newcastle Knights. |
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| Wednesday 10 th November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HELENSVALE HORNETS BUZZING FOR SEASON 2011 Those interested in playing in next years competition we are meeting down at the club this Thursday at 6:30pm so we can get an idea of numbers & maybe a game of touch depending if fields are open. Also anybody wishing to help out with the team in anyway feel free to come down. Those who cant make it register your interest by replying to this message. Thanks & hope to see you at the club this Thursday |
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Young Rhinos star Jared Stewart has been named in the 20 man England Academy squad for the upcoming series against the touring Australian Schoolboy's which will see the sides clash in two Test matches at Craven Park, Barrow (Saturday December 4) and The Jungle, Castleford (Friday December 10) Stewart, who is originally from Whitehaven joined the Rhinos in 2009 and played for both the U18's and U20's last season. He is a former Whitehaven scholarship product and already has representative honours with Cumbria and England U18's. The squad features seven academy players from 2010 Engage Super League champions Wigan Warriors, five from 2010 Challenge Cup winners Warrington Wolves, two from Castleford Tigers, including England Academy captain Adam Milner, two from Bradford Bulls along with a sole representative from Hull FC, Harlequins RL, St Helens and Leeds Rhinos. The Australian Squad is sure to consist of several future NRL and International stars, with the likes of Greg Inglis, Brad Fittler and Danny Buderus just a few of the names previously seen on the Schoolboy's team sheet, but England Academy Head coach Dave Elliott is looking forward to what promises to be a tough series and remains confident that there is equally as much quality in the England Academy ranks, with the likes of current England Captain James Graham, Sam Burgess and Sean O'Loughlin having represented the Academy side in recent years. "We'll expect what we always expect from Australia", said Elliott. "They're going to bring over some big, strong, athletic lads who'll have plenty of experience from playing Toyota Cup rugby Down Under and it will be a tough battle for us as usual. "But I'm confident that we've got a bunch of really talented players to chose from. Several of our squad have already got first grade Super League experience which is invaluable for them and there are also some very exciting and promising young players in the squad and that combination should provide us with a team capable of putting in some really good performances." 2010's two silverware winning sides Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves have provided the bulk of the squad, providing 12 of the 20 squad members combined and Elliott believes it is a sign of the great work being done by all sides within the academy system this year. "Wigan and Warrington have been the outstanding teams in the academy level competitions this season," said Elliott. "What's been really good to see is that many of the teams in the league have been playing under 18 players in the under 20's competitions, which is giving the younger lads that extra test and extra experience. "All the clubs are doing a great job of developing young players and they have been able to bring players on at their natural progression rate. There will always be players who can adapt and progress quicker than others and clubs have done a good job at identifying each players needs this year." While the Australian side will no doubt be full of skilled players, the prospect of playing a Test game during the British winter is likely to be an experience many of the Schoolboy's have never previously experienced and Elliott believes that could be an advantage for the English side. "It's always nice playing at places such as The Galpharm or DW stadium," said Elliott. "But we thought it would be good for our guys to get Test match experience in different venues. Castleford's ground creates a great atmosphere and Barrow especially will be a test of elements as well as a test of skills and it will be great to see a Test game played in Cumbria, but with the games being played in December, the conditions could prove tough for the Australian's and we'll have to exploit that." |
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| Sunday 7 th November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
HARLEQUINS RUGBY LEAGUE Harlequins RL's Krasniqi has been named in the 20 man England Academy squad for the upcoming series against the touring Australian Schoolboy's which will see the sides clash in two Test matches at Craven Park, Barrow (Saturday December 4) and The Jungle, Castleford (Friday December 10). The squad features seven academy players from 2010 Engage Super League champions Wigan Warriors, five from 2010 Challenge Cup winners Warrington Wolves, two from Castleford Tigers, including England Academy captain Adam Milner, two from Bradford Bulls along with a sole representative from Hull FC, Harlequins RL, St Helens and Leeds Rhinos. The Australian Squad is sure to consist of several future NRL and International stars, with the likes of Greg Inglis, Brad Fittler and Danny Buderus just a few of the names previously seen on the Schoolboy's team sheet, but England Academy Head coach Dave Elliott is looking forward to what promises to be a tough series and remains confident that there is equally as much quality in the England Academy ranks, with the likes of current England Captain James Graham, Sam Burgess and Sean O'Loughlin having represented the Academy side in recent years. "We'll expect what we always expect from Australia", said Elliott. "They're going to bring over some big, strong, athletic lads who'll have plenty of experience from playing Toyota Cup rugby Down Under and it will be a tough battle for us as usual. "But I'm confident that we've got a bunch of really talented players to chose from. Several of our squad have already got first grade Super League experience which is invaluable for them and there are also some very exciting and promising young players in the squad and that combination should provide us with a team capable of putting in some really good performances." 2010's two silverware winning sides Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves have provided the bulk of the squad, providing 12 of the 20 squad members combined and Elliott believes it is a sign of the great work being done by all sides within the academy system this year. "Wigan and Warrington have been the outstanding teams in the academy level competitions this season," said Elliott. "What's been really good to see is that many of the teams in the league have been playing under 18 players in the under 20's competitions, which is giving the younger lads that extra test and extra experience. "All the clubs are doing a great job of developing young players and they have been able to bring players on at their natural progression rate. There will always be players who can adapt and progress quicker than others and clubs have done a good job at identifying each players needs this year." While the Australian side will no doubt be full of skilled players, the prospect of playing a Test game during the British winter is likely to be an experience many of the Schoolboy's have never previously experienced and Elliott believes that could be an advantage for the English side. "It's always nice playing at places such as The Galpharm or DW stadium," said Elliott. "But we thought it would be good for our guys to get Test match experience in different venues. Castleford's ground creates a great atmosphere and Barrow especially will be a test of elements as well as a test of skills and it will be great to see a Test game played in Cumbria, but with the games being played in December, the conditions could prove tough for the Australian's and we'll have to exploit that." |
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SEVEN members of the Bathurst Panthers’ premiership-winning under 18s side have been added to the Country Rugby League Western Academy squad for 2010-11. The squads were named last week after selection trials were held the weekend prior, and in total 10 local talents had their names pencilled in. Led by captain Doug Hewitt who guided his team to the grand final victory over Cowra two months ago at half-back, virtually every aspect of that Panthers team is represented in the squad. The entire front row from the premiership team made the cut, led by hooker Luke Carpenter – who was among the most influential players on the field in the decider and throughout the season. He is joined by props Jason Roche and Bradie Cheshire who were outstanding throughout the season and were also arguably the best on the field during Bathurst High School’s crucial Astley Cup rugby league win over Dubbo. Winger Ricci Arriola, an Oberon native, is one of three outside backs from Panthers to make the squad along with fellow speedster Tom Loader and centre Mitch Davis. St Pat’s scored two spots in the squad with under 16s pair Jake Bright and Pat Boatswain both making the cut, and that pair is joined by Panthers under 16s player Michael Ingwerson. “The boys had their trial last week and from now the players selected to the squad will do a total of eight sessions over the off-season from November to February,” said Western Region development manager Matthew Walkom. “It culminates in a trial match against the Greater Northern Academy squad in Tamworth as a curtain-raiser to an NRL trial match they are having up there. “It is mainly about the training sessions but there is also one camp in there as well.” Along with Walkom, the coaching group consists of Western Division under 18s coach Steve Sutton, former Western Division captain Dave Elvy, Dubbo’s Neil Milgate and Bathurst St Pat’s first grade captain-coach Wade Judd. Players will complete drills and ideas derived from other programs used by the Australian Institute of Sport, as well as a number of NRL clubs. The first session will be held this weekend in Dubbo where the players will be fitness tested and given personal programs designed for use over the holiday period where official training won’t be a priority. “Because of Christmas and the new year, December and January are virtually out for most of them so we give them these fitness programs to take away and then we measure them again when we resume to see who’s been doing what,” Walkom said. “All this is just something to help take these kids to the next level. A lot of them that have been through it in the past have gone onto NRL under 20s squads, and something like 80 per cent of them have played for Western Division.” |
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Pontefract & Castleford EXPRESS CASTLEFORD Tigers hooker Adam Milner has been handed the honour of captaining England against the old enemy after being selected for the national academy side. The 18-year-old former Stanley Rangers junior will skipper a team that could also include Tigers team-mate Jordan Thompson, who has also been picked in a 20-man squad to take on the Australian schoolboy side in a two-game series. The first game is on Saturday, December 4 at Barrow’s Craven Park ground with the second game to take place at The Jungle, Castleford, on Friday, December 10. Delighted Milner is following in the footsteps of current England skipper James Graham, who captained England Academy to a series victory over the Australian Schoolboys in 2002. He said: “I’m really pleased by the honour and I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the Aussies. “I’m over the moon. I didn’t know what to think when I was told. “The news shows how the coaching Jordy and myself have received at the Tigers has really helped us out.” Dave Elliott, England academy head coach, explained his decision to give the captain’s armband to the Castleford youngster: “There are several reasons why we have opted for Adam as captain. He is a very well respected player in the group and has a calm head. This makes him a good decision maker on and off the field. “Adam is a very talented player and a man of few words, though when he does speak people sit up and listen. He has no ego about him and is a very laid back character. “The fact he’s also made four first team appearances in the season just gone speaks volumes for the quality of the player, though we’ve selected him based on his under 20s performances more so than when playing first team. “We are very impressed with the way he has adapted from under 18s to under 20s with the Tigers this year. He’s looked a senior player in that group and made it look quite easy.” On the selection of Tigers’ utility back Thompson, Elliott added: “We’ve not seen a lot of Jordan this season due to his first team commitments. He was selected to play first team when we played France in the summer. “Jordan is big, strong and aggressive and an additional benefit of having him in the squad is that he can play equally as well in a range of positions.” Ticket details for the academy game at The Jungle will be made available shortly online at www.castigers.com and through the club shop in the Carlton Lanes Shopping Centre. |
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| ROCKY JUNIORS IMPRESS AT TRIALS The Central Comets are confident their Cyril Connell Cup (Under 16) and Mal Meninga Cup (Under 18) teams will perform well in both the competitions next season, following the impressive turnout of players at their recent squad trials. Under-18s coach Jason Green told the Morning Bulleting he was impressed with the talent on show, while Under-16 Comets coach Stephen Parle was equally impressed with the young players. Both teams begin their 2011 campaign on November 8. |
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Story & Photo By : TOWNSVILLE BULLETIN STARRING in an advertisement next to NRL hero Johnathan Thurston is tiring work, just ask Mitchell Gray. But it wasn't just the 2 1/2 hours in front of the camera that tuckered out the 13-year-old Centrals Tigers halfback. No, it was more the sleepless night the evening before thanks to the exciting prospect of working with the Cowboys legend. Mitchell joined seven other lucky young Townsville junior rugby league players in a QRL advertisement shot in the city last week for an up-coming junior sign-on campaign, rubbing shoulders with and playing games with Thurston. "It was really exciting," Mitchell said. "I'm pretty tired. "I'm looking forward to seeing my face on television." Jayden Wilson, 11, wasn't quite as starstruck, saying he managed a restful night's sleep before the big shoot, which also included posing for the annual My Season scrapbook magazine. But the Willows State School student lapped up every minute at the Kern Brothers Drive junior grounds, joining in backline passing drills with Thurston and kick chases as he honed his acting skills. "It's pretty exciting. I love footy so much," said Jayden, who has played for Brothers for five seasons. Cowboys skipper Thurston reckons he enjoyed it as much as the kids. "It's always fun to do these things - it's part of the perks to come along and put a few smiles on the kids' faces and they get to be in the ad and I think they enjoyed it," Thurston said. He encouraged as many children as possible take up the sport that has made him a superstar. "It keeps them fit and active and they get to make good friends out of it as well," he said. "No matter what sport it is, really, it does that role of teaching kids discipline and keeping them fit and active and teaching them healthy lifestyle choices as well." |
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| Saturday 6 th November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NORTH Queensland Cowboys star Johnathan Thurston was on hand to help encourage young players to play rugby league, shooting a television commercial last week to promote the 2011 sign-on. The halfback – who is recovering from ankle surgery which kept him out of the Australia Four Nations team – was the latest player to come on board to give his support to the game at the junior level. Thurston joined with eight of Townsville’s junior players at the Kern Brothers Drive junior rugby league grounds to film a commercial for the Queensland Rugby League to promote the junior sign-on campaign for 2011. The session also included a photoshoot for the annual My Season magazine, which features playing tips from coaches and players as well a whole host of fun activities. The junior sign-on campaign will once again include Gold Coast Titan Ashley Harrison, Brisbane Bronco Corey Parker and record-breaking Queensland State of Origin coach Mal Meninga. While more than 40,000 children registered to play the game in the state this year, QRL Business Development manager Troy Morton highlighted the importance of maintaining that strong support. “Even though the sport is really popular around the state, we still need to make sure we have a presence,” Mr Morton said. The advertisement will begin screening on free-to-air television next year. Most club sign-on dates for the 2011 season will be February 12-13 next year, but make sure to contact your local junior rugby league administrator for a full list of dates and venues for your nearest club. |
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| Friday 5 th November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Despite a brave effort the England Community Lions U18s slipped to defeat in Bordeaux last night. France Juniors 34 v 8 England Community Lions Despite a brave effort the England Community Lions U18s slipped to defeat in Bordeaux last night. The Lions can perhaps count themselves unlucky on an evening that saw them play large periods of the game with 12 men after two sin-binnings and also the lose of prop Sam Hull who suffered a broken leg. Despite not picking up a win coach Kelvin Lockett was not too down-hearted. “I thought the boys dug in, especially after we lost Blake Mahovic – who was probably our best player – to the sin-bin.” “I’m very proud of the boys and we will now start again as we look ahead to facing Wales in a couple of weeks time.” The visitors took an early lead when Thatto Heath Crusaders winger Corey Lee touched down after just three minutes and despite the French replying through Anthony Deleigne, an effort from fellow Crusader Nathan Skupski nudged the Lions ahead with just 15 minutes played. In a close first period two tries in just four minutes from Yanich Remoic and Valantin Ferret meant the French were 14-8 ahead at the break, however the Lions were still very much in the game. The new look Lions knew that the next score would probably prove to be crucial and unfortunately it was France who came up with it when winger Remoic went over for his second of the night. Another quick-fire burst which saw impressive centre Petuch Reynier cross twice in three minutes which effectively ended the contest and Benjamin Garcia finished the scoring with a try in the final quarter. Captain David Pike lamented the loss of two players to the sin-bin, but could also see some positives from the game. “We started really well and had France on the back foot, but a run of penalties cost us both field position and points.” “We were down to 12-men for a period in both halfs and that’s what really cost us.” “All the boys are really gutted with the injury to Sam. He’s now going to have to stay out here for another couple of days to recover but I’m sure he’ll be fine and will be back on the field as soon as he can.” |
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England have announced their 20 man Academy squad for the upcoming series against the touring Australian Schoolboy’s which will see the sides clash in two Test matches at Craven Park, Barrow (Saturday December 4) and The Jungle, Castleford (Friday December 10) The squad features seven academy players from 2010 Engage Super League champions Wigan Warriors, five from 2010 Challenge Cup winners Warrington Wolves, two from Castleford Tigers, including England Academy captain Adam Milner, two from Bradford Bulls along with a sole representative from Hull FC, Harlequins RL, St Helens and Leeds Rhinos. The Australian Squad is sure to consist of several future NRL and International stars, with the likes of Greg Inglis, Brad Fittler and Danny Buderus just a few of the names previously seen on the Schoolboy’s team sheet, but England Academy Head coach Dave Elliott is looking forward to what promises to be a tough series and remains confident that there is equally as much quality in the England Academy ranks, with the likes of current England Captain James Graham, Sam Burgess and Sean O’Loughlin having represented the Academy side in recent years. “We’ll expect what we always expect from Australia”, said Elliott. “They’re going to bring over some big, strong, athletic lads who’ll have plenty of experience from playing Toyota Cup rugby Down Under and it will be a tough battle for us as usual. “But I’m confident that we’ve got a bunch of really talented players to chose from. Several of our squad have already got first grade Super League experience which is invaluable for them and there are also some very exciting and promising young players in the squad and that combination should provide us with a team capable of putting in some really good performances.” 2010’s two silverware winning sides Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves have provided the bulk of the squad, providing 12 of the 20 squad members combined and Elliott believes it is a sign of the great work being done by all sides within the academy system this year. “Wigan and Warrington have been the outstanding teams in the academy level competitions this season,” said Elliott. “What’s been really good to see is that many of the teams in the league have been playing under 18 players in the under 20’s competitions, which is giving the younger lads that extra test and extra experience. “All the clubs are doing a great job of developing young players and they have been able to bring players on at their natural progression rate. There will always be players who can adapt and progress quicker than others and clubs have done a good job at identifying each players needs this year.” While the Australian side will no doubt be full of skilled players, the prospect of playing a Test game during the British winter is likely to be an experience many of the Schoolboy’s have never previously experienced and Elliott believes that could be an advantage for the English side. “It’s always nice playing at places such as The Galpharm or DW stadium,” said Elliott. “But we thought it would be good for our guys to get Test match experience in different venues. Castleford’s ground creates a great atmosphere and Barrow especially will be a test of elements as well as a test of skills and it will be great to see a Test game played in Cumbria, but with the games being played in December, the conditions could prove tough for the Australian’s and we’ll have to exploit that.” |
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| Thursday 4 th November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Story & Photo BY : BRENDAN ARROW THE PUSH to see more women enjoying rugby league took another step forward last week with the Blayney Girls’ Rugby League Gala Day. Students from Bathurst and Kelso high schools joined like- minded players from Young, Forbes, Mudgee and Blayney for the day-long event. The non-competitive gala day was designed to let high school-age students have a taste of rugby league without the pressure of winning or losing. Gala day convener Mick Armstrong said he was delighted that so many players took the opportunity to have a run around the experience rugby league. “The entire day was non-competitive, to give all of the girls a real taste rugby league without any pressure to win,” he said. “Currently girls in the region are not allowed to play with the boys past the age of 12 but there are a lot of talented players in the area.” Armstrong said that because it was a non-competitive day the crowd was very supportive of all the players and very positive. That, combined with the fact there were no injuries or fights, had meant it was as close to a perfect day as you could get. “It was a great day, the weather was perfect which allowed for some fantastic football to be played,” he said. “The girls did a great job, in defence – there were several big hits while in attack they showed great attacking flair. “There was no pressure to win and everyone seemed to have a lot of fun.” Armstrong said Kelso and Bathurst players did well, particularly as they did not have any training before the day. He said that if the popularity of the sport with women continued to rise, he could easily see both school’s having teams in a formal competition. “This will become an annual gala day and if we see the number of players in the region increasing – who knows maybe one day in the future their could be a competition,” he said. “Certainly the ARL player development is pushing for more women and girls to be involved in the sport and having a competition is certainly an ideal. “I hope to see that happen, because there are a lot of young girls who are fans of the game but don’t get the opportunity to play. It would be great to see them out there on the field.” |
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| Monday 1st November 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CHANGES OFFER TRUE STATEWIDE TEST Story By : QRL Media SIXTEEN teams are set to take part in an exciting new “Statewide” format in both the Cyril Connell Cup and Mal Meninga Cup next season. Under the proposed changes to the competition structure, the traditional Northern and Southern Conferences would be abolished and replaced by a 16-team Statewide competition divided into four Pools. These Pools are: Pool 1: Norths Devils, Easts Tigers, Redcliffe Dolphins, Wynnum Manly Seagulls Pool 2: Souths Logan Magpies, Gold Coast Gold, Gold Coast Green, Wests Panthers Pool 3: Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba Clydesdales, Central United, Ipswich Pool 4: Central Comets, Mackay Cutters, Townsville Stingers, Northern Pride Each team would play the other teams in their Pool and would then play all four (4) teams in one other Pool (eg. Pool 1 v Pool 4 and Pool 2 v Pool 3). The proposed structure is subject to travel costs and is yet to get final approval from the QRL Board, but it is envisaged that there would be seven games played per team. Part of the concept is that teams from Brisbane (and surrounding areas) would travel to north Queensland for a double-header on a weekend. Likewise, teams from the north would travel south for double-header matches on a different weekend. After the finals, the Queensland winners in each age group would play their New South Wales counterparts for national supremacy. Off the field, the competition will also incorporate a compulsory Education Program, tackling key areas that affect young people today, including issues surrounding mental wellbeing (depression, anxiety, stress, risk taking, violence), illicit drugs, alcohol and gambling. |
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| JUNIOR KIWI'S AMAZING COMEBACK JUNIOR KIWIS 36 JUNIOR KANGAROOS 20 The Junior Kiwis conjured up an astonishing six tries-to-none second half form reversal to rampage to a 36-20 win over the Junior Kangaroos at Rotorua's International Stadium last night. After an uninspiring first half performance, the home side was 0-20 down having lost the first of the two internationals 16-24 in Wellington last week. A series-levelling victory seemed extremely remote as the two teams went to the break. But, after stemming the flow of points in the opening 12 minutes of the second stanza, the match took a dramatic turn inspired by a fantastic chase by captain Martin Taupau to run down try-bound Australian fullback Dane Gagai. It almost defied belief that Taupau could give the fleet-footed Gagai a big start and still haul him down. While he conceded a penalty for carrying on with the tackle, his feat still lifted his troops. The effect of it was evidenced by a stinging assault which netted the Junior Kiwis six converted tries and 36 points in the space of 22 minutes, most of the tries the result of some dazzling football. Powerhouse second rower Lama Tasi ignited the first by making a break through the middle of the field. Soon after Shaun Johnson ran on the last tackle, flung the ball out in a tackle and Tasi was there in support to sweep up the ball and score. Within 11 minutes the Junior Kiwis had three more tries from centre Drury Low, hooker Nafe Seluini and, deservedly, Taupau. With Johnson converting the lot, the home side had incredibly charged into a 24-20 lead. They were far from finished. Warriors team-mates Sebastine Ikahihifo, Sam Lousi and Siuatonga Likiliki combined for the latter to score and then came an outrageous display of skill from another Vodafone Junior Warrior Carlos Tuimavave. Ikahihifo broke through and off loaded only the ball went to ground. Somehow Tuimavave, though, snared it with a one-handed pick-up without breaking stride and crossed to take the Junior Kiwis to a 36-20 lead, holding on to win by that margin to square the series. Match details: At International Stadium, Rotorua Junior Kiwis 36 (Lama Tasi, Drury Low, Nafe Seluini, Martin Taupau, Siuatonga LikilikiCarlos Tuimavave tries; Shaun Johnson 6 conversions). Junior Kiwis: Glen Fisiiahi; Bill Tupou, Siuatonga Likiliki, Drury Low, Kane Morgan; Carlos Tuimavave, Shaun Johnson; Mark Ioane, Matthew McIlwrick, Martin Taupau (c); Sam Mataora, Lama Tasi; Sebastine Ikahihifo. Interchange: Nafe Seluini, Sam Lousi, Isaac Maliota, Paki Afu. Coach: David Kidwell. Junior Kangaroos: Dane Gagai; Michael Oldfield, Justin O'Neill, Ben Jones (c), Nathan Massey; Corey Norman, Sam Williams; James Cunningham, Cameron King, Tariq Sims; Mark Nicholls, Josh Jackson; Gerard Beale. Interchange: Dominic Walsh, Mark Appleton, Mark Appleton, Kyle O'Donnell. Coach: David Hamilton. |
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 Glen Innes High School once again proved that their Gifted and Talented Rugby League Program (GATRL) is paying dividends with the school putting in a strong performance against the Gold Coast’s Coomababah High School in their annual inter-school clash last week. Although the GATRL Celtic Colts failed to win a game they were certainly not disgraced in any match. They constantly took on the bigger and more experienced Coomababah outfit. Year 10 student Jay Gallagher was a beacon of light for Glen Innes. He was justly named the Colt’s player of the carnival after playing a starring role in the under 15’s and 16’s matches. The young back rower continued on his success this season, proving a real handful for Coomababah in both matches. The carnival kicked off on Thursday evening, when the Glen Innes opens side took on the Coomababah under 17’s. The Colts struck first blood when they crossed in the opening two minutes. But the visitors dominated the remainder of the first half, scoring 20 unanswered points to jump out to a 20-4 lead. It looked as if the bigger Coomababah outfit would run over the top of Glen in the second half, but in a great show of courage the Colts stood up and started a second half comeback. But, it wasn’t to be, the Colts won the second half but still could not quiet claw their way back into the match. When referee Russell Meehan blew the final whistle, Coomababah were on top 28-14. Glen Innes coach Richard Taylor said he was delighted with his sides effort. “There were patches where Glen had the ascendancy, but we just made some crucial mistakes at times,” Taylor said. He said that he thought centre Craig Browne was his best. “We were down 20-4 at half time but we came back and won the second half, which showed a lot of character,” Taylor said. “Craig Browne was named man of the match for Glen Innes.” The carnival continued into Friday morning, which begun with the Glen Innes under 13’s and 14’s taking on the Coomababah under 13’s. The Colts played the first half with a their under 13’s side on the field and played the second half with a mixture of both under 13’s and 14’s. In what was possibly the highlight of the carnival for Glen Innes, the under 13’s Colts won the first half 22-6. “Their under 13’s won the state title, so it was a pretty special effort by Glen,” Taylor said. The second half was a much different story, with Coomababah putting in a much stronger performance. They stole the match from Glen Innes in the dying seconds. The end score was 26-22. The Colts standout under 13’s player was Mitchell Cook and Josh Wood in the under 14’s. The third match of the carnival was between the Glen Innes under 15’s and Coomababah’s under 14’s. Glen jumped out to an 8-nil lead, but failed to capitalise on the early points and were eventually beaten 28-12. “We started well,” Taylor said. Glen’s man of the match and undoubtedly the best player for either side was Gallagher. He carried the ball forward throughout the match and worked tiressly in defence. The final match of the carnival was between the Glen Innes under 16’s and Coomababah’s under 15’s. The games were played in thirds and Coomababah had a fresh side for each period. Coomababah ran out winner 44-4, with Browne scoring a late try to get Glen on the score sheet. Taylor said overall the carnival was a raging success. “We’ve had a lot of positive feedback,” he said. He said that the feel of the community is that the gap in rugby league skill levels between Glen Innes and Coomababah had been greatly reduced. “The community should be very proud.” |
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| Saturday 30 th October 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans have selected an Under-18s train-on squad for the pre-season as part of preparations for the 2011 Mal Meninga Cup. Coach of the Titans Mal Meninga Cup side, Jamie O’Connor said he was excited to see what the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast district provided in trials at the Station Reserve in Robina over the weekend. “We really struggled to cull the squad to 40 players as there was such outstanding talent on show, including a couple of younger blokes who were in the Titans 16’s last year, It just shows how much they are advancing.” “The boys will really need to step it up this year; most of them have been in the system for a couple of years now so they know what is expected.” “Now it’s really time to up the anti in all their training, not only in the gym but on the field as well, it will be a tougher and more physical 12 months for them this year.” Said O’Connor. The talent was spread across the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers with a handful from south of the border, including five teammates from the undefeated Grafton side and the Titans first set of twins. The 40 man Squad will continue to train together until Christmas before the coaching staff will be forced into another nail biter of selecting a smaller squad. The following players have been selected in the pre-season train on squad:For those players selected in the squad, you are required to attend an information evening:Date: Thursday 4thNovember 2010 Time: 5.00pm Address: Titans Centre of Excellence - 2 Promethean Way Robina RSVP: markg@titans.com.au |
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THE future of rugby league in Central Queensland looks promising after the region’s top young players turned out on the weekend. THE future of rugby league in Central Queensland looks promising after the region’s top young players turned out on the weekend. Following the Central Comets under-16 and under-18 trials held at Rockhampton’s Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon, a squad of 25 players has been named to contest the Cyril Connell and Mal Meninga Cups in 2011. Central Comets under-18s coach Jason Green, in his first year at the club, was impressed with the talent on show. “Overall, the standard of the trials were at a reasonable level considering the time of the year,” he said. “I’m pretty happy with the squad.” Under-16 Comets coach Stephen Parle was equally impressed. “We always knew we had some special players here,” Parle said. Through his involvement with rugby league in Rockhampton Parle was familiar with a lot of the local players on show, but it was the trialists from Gladstone and Central Highlands he was particularly excited about. “I thought Adam Kelly trialled really well,” Parle said of five-eighth Kelly, who hails from the Central Highlands. “He looked the footballer. I just thought, ‘He’ll be a big asset to this side’.” St Brendan’s College’s Cooper Bambling, who partnered with Kelly in the halves, also impressed, as expected. A late starter at the trials, Bayden Brown, while playing out of place at first, showed his worth. Brown started on the wing, but was quickly moved into the forwards and immediately caught the eye of Parle. “He made a real impression,” Parle said. “He had some good off-loads and took the ball up strongly.” Despite the occasional dropped ball, on a sweltering hot day, under-18s coach Jason Green said it was understandable considering teams were selected on the day and only had limited time to prepare before taking the field. The Cathedral College’s Jeremy Lynch was one player that caught the eye of Green in the under-18s. “I saw him play this year for Gracemere, but in the trials he really impressed,” Green said. Luke Guinane, Dan Clark, Corey Oates and Connor Broadhurst are among a handful of 2010 under-16 Comets players graduating to the under-18 squad. Next season, Green’s involvement with the Comets will not be limited to the under-18s, with the Queensland under-18s coach joining Comets Queensland Cup coach Wayne Barnett after being appointed assistant coach for 2011. Both squads get together for an orientation day next weekend before starting their 2011 campaign on Monday, November 8. Teams COMETS UNDER-18S Daniel Bartlett, Daniel Bertucci, Connor Broadhurst, Liam Buck, Alex Choyce, Dan Clark, Angus Dorante, Dion Geesu, Justice Grace, George Grant, Luke Guinane, Tama Heka, Fletcher Jarrett, Thorne Johnson, Jeremiah Lynch, Jack Madden, Anthony Mataele, Corey Oates, Benjahmin Overton, Grant Rodgers, Jeff Russell, Todd Russell, Andrew Shipway, Jordan Wheeler, Brady Williams. COMETS UNDER-16S Jack Anderson, Josh Ballard, Cooper Bambling, Dean Bates, Gerald Bindoraho, Yaamba Bowie, Sheldon Bobbert, Bayden Brown, Daniel Collins, Liam Doolan, Jarrod Earle, Mark Johnstone, Adam Kelly, Adrian Lynch, Zac Mulholland, Riley Norris, Duncan Paiaaua, Liam Pickersgill, Harry Pondekas, Cody Poole, Dan Russell, Will Swain, Connor Tilney, Malik Waterton, Jarrod Wayman. |
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2010 ASSRL TOUR 
ENGLAND ACADEMY SQUAD TO FACE AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS
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| NEW RUGBY LEAGUE BOOK A DECISON NOT REGRETTED.  THE EARLY YEARS FO RUGBY LEAGUE IN SYDNEY SCHOOLS
A MUST FOR ALL THOSE INTERESTED IN RUGBY LEAGUE Life in the city of Sydney from the 1880s to the 1930sThe beginning of Rugby Union, Australian Rules, Soccer and Rugby League in Sydney The problems faced by schools wishing to play Rugby League The first school to play Rugby League The first schoolboys Rugby League competition in Sydney and Australia Profiles of the pioneer schools The development of Rugby League in Catholic schools during World War One, the 1920s and the 1930s The beginning of Rugby League in Country NSW and Brisbane schools A great story on an area of Rugby League history about which little was previously known DOWNLOAD ORDER FORM |
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 DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL NSWCCC CUP MANUAL |
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2010 NSWRL JANUARY PLAYERS CAMP |
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| NSWRL SG BALL CUP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NSWRL HAROLD MATTHEW'S CUP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CYRIL CONNER CUP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MEL MENINGA CUP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 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 |
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 2010 STRUDDY'S CHALLENGE DRAW & TEAM LISTS |
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ATTENTION
Download the .pdf (1.22 mg) 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 |
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WANT TO GET OURFOOTY NEWS Well then JOIN HERE |
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| NATIONAL SCOREBOARD | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
QUEENSLAND SCOREBOARD |
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NSW SCOREBOARD |
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 CHEERLEADER of the WEEK |
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GRAND FINAL 
Sat 11 Sept @ CUA Stadium 
Friday 03 Sept @ SunCorp
Fri 20 AUG @ Liechhardt Oval 
Fri 20 AUG @ Liechhardt Oval 
Friday 13 Aug @ Toyota Stadium 
COCA - COLA CUP 
ARL SCHOOLBOYS CUP 
2009 
| NATIONAL SCOREBOARD |
| CONTACT US |
SPORT IS ABOUT THOSE WHO PARTICIPATE, NOT THOSE WHO WISH TO ORGANISE GAMES |
 CRONULLA JUNIORS |
COMMUNITY SCOREBOARD |
| G8 GIFT IDEA'S |
| NATIONAL SCOREBOARD |
 ARRIVE aLIVE CUP |
COMMUNITY SCOREBOARD |
| CHEERLEADER OF THE WEEK |
ASSRL | PROFESSIONAL WEBSITE HOSTING & EMAIL SYSTEMS BY : |
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