 |
| Primed: Kieran Vale cannot wait to don the Newcastle jersey |
OUR OWN SHINING KNIGHT
Story By : 
KEMPSEY-BORN Kieran Vale is the latest young footballer from this area to sign with an NRL club.
Kieran, aged 15, has agreed to a three-year contract with the Newcastle Knights.
And the smile on his face as he talked about his "dream" opportunity, said it all.
"I have always wanted to play with the Knights, they are my team," he told the Argus.
Knights' coaching and development manager, Warren Smiles, is equally as excited about the talented youngster, who can play in most of the backline positions, but prefers five-eighth.
"He catches the eye because of his height and speed and evasive skills," Smiles said.
"He needs to put on a bit of weight but he has many of the attributes of a modern player."
Smiles believes Kieran has the potential to follow in the footsteps of locally produced players Greg Inglis (Melbourne Storm) and Amos Roberts (Sydney Roosters).
Kieran's rise up the rugby league ladder to signing professional terms is even more remarkable because he only went to Newcastle, to attend the well-regarded Hunter Sports High, in April.
The former Kempsey High School student is expected to represent the Knights in the new national under-20 competition in 2008.
Kieran, who has played for the Dunghutti Broncos and the Kempsey Dragons, is the younger brother of Paul Davies, who use to play for Balmain and currently plays for Macksville.
His father, Ed, said he felt Kieran was destined to play the game at the highest level.
"He only went to the Hunter Sports High but within a couple of weeks he got into the Newcastle Under 16 squad," he said. |
 |
| Matt Rogers watches his son Jack play for De La Salle Caringbah U9a's against The other De La Salle side at Capt Cook Oval (Photo's : ourfooty media) |
SON BEGGED ROGERS TO PLAY
Story By : Daniel Pace AAP
GOLD Coast star Mat Rogers has revealed why he made himself available for State of Origin selection - his 10-year-old son Jack begged him to.
The Titans recently cleared Rogers, 31, to return to the Origin arena after a seven-year absence in case the Maroons needed him for game three in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Broncos centre Brent Tate had been in doubt with a knee injury but on Wednesday he was cleared to take his place in the Maroons squad seeking their first 3-0 whitewash over New South Wales since 1995.
"I would've played had they asked me,'' Rogers said on Friday.
"I did love playing rep footy. It was never the fact that I didn't want to - it was just the body (holding up).
"My son wanted me to play and he begged me to make myself available so I did for the last game.
"The only way it was ever going to happen was if there were a few injuries and there wasn't.''
Dual international Rogers played played five Origins in 1999 and 2000.
He said he could understand why Titans co-captain Luke Bailey was contemplating retiring from representative football despite the 27-year-old prop being at the peak of his powers.
"He's played a lot of rep footy (13 matches for NSW and three Tests for Australia) and I know how it takes a toll on your body,'' Rogers noted.
Gold Coast coach John Cartwright said today it would have been a difficult decision for Bailey to reach.
"It's a very hard thing to do,'' Cartwright said.
"I couldn't imagine ever having to make that decision because as a kid you always want to represent your state and country.
"It just shows how passionate he is about the team here and his burning desire is to win a grand final. I'd never stand in anyone's way of playing rep footy.
"If he feels he's had enough of rep footy and his body can't handle it, then that's a decision Luke has to make.''
Bailey will be in the Blues Origin camp in Sydney on Saturday night when the Titans take on a resurgent New Zealand Warriors at Carrara. |
 JONES TO FIRE FOR CIS NSW
Story By : Ben McClellan
Seventeen-year-old Dragons winger Tyler Jones will represent the CIS (Combined Independent Schools) NSW team at the Australian Schoolboys rugby Championships in Townsville on July 9.
Ten teams from all seven states will be competing.
Jones said he is looking forward to the championships and hopes his side can bring home the title.
Jones attends Chevalier College, a school that does not have a rugby league team, so he had to attend trials earlier in the year to help gain him selection. |
 |
| Michael Petrie fending off the opposition. |
JUNIOR WOMBATS TURN IT AROUND
Story By : 
The Peter Druitt and Co. Junior Wombats bounced back from a tough week at Dubbo last week to record a clean sweep at Forbes and Wellington.
This means the sides will go into the holidays full of confidence.
The B and K Smith Mechanical Under 13's Wombats put on a great display of patient Rugby at Forbes on Saturday to record a 20-12 victory over the home side.
Called to respond to early tries the Wombats went to the break down 12-5. Hitting back early in the second half the boys showed determination and skill to put on 3 tries to nil in building the win.
Tries were scored by Jack Stanford (2), Liam Moylan and Ryan Sheridan. All the forwards contributed to the win with good tackling and support of the ball carrier provided by Scott Hedrick and Anthony Neale particularly noticeable.
The backs are really playing great rugby, moving the ball well and thinking of their roles in both attack and defence. Cameron Rosamond is settling in well at scrum half, and is combining well with Micheal Petrie at 10.
The Mitre 10 Under 15 Bluebats fired up against Wellington and showed what they are really capable of.
The Mudgee scrum continues to improve and the bigger Wellington pack was not able to match it against the tight, low driving of Mudgee. Prop Adam Arnold made a great 40m break off the side of a maul and then popped it up to Max da Roza who was then able to offload to Hugh McNamara who scored in the far corner
There was plenty of good ball provided to the backline and they were able to execute some great set-pieces which resulted in a barrage of tries. The final score read Mudgee 71 def Wellington 0.
The Flynn Conn Under 17s took on their opponents with huge enthusiasm.
They took to the field with the right attitude and with some good playing strategies came up with a try to Cal Hobson in the opening minutes.
In fine style Scott Binks took the whole opposing team in with a dummy and scored neatly under the posts only minutes after the first try.
In a game that saw both wingers receiving the ball more than any other game this season, the excitement was evident.
Half time score was 22 to nil.
In the second half Forbes regrouped to provide improved opposition.
Hobson scored another try, as did Hamish Bryant, all from good work by the whole team. As the game progressed, both sides were feeling the pressure of the speed of the game. Matt Miles played yet another fine game with great support from Luke Stack and Joe McLean.
Yesterday the Junior Wombats also took part in a training day with Daniel Armitage who is a Development Officer with Central West Rugby.
The fields were all shut, despite this the boys showed the determination to play by training in the Clubhouse. |
 |
| ORIGIN REP: James Woolford on the field during last week’s Under 17’s State of Origin match at Telstra Stadium. |
TRIP OF A LIFETIME
Story By : Ashlea Maher 
REPRESENTING NSW in the Under 17s State of Origin side was a "trip of a lifetime" for local rugby league player James Woolford.
The Under 17s side played against Queensland before the second round of the NRL origin match, held at Telstra Stadium on Wednesday June 13, with NSW winning 52-18.
Woolford played hooker for the side, and said the whole experience was amazing despite his previous experience in representative football.
The side commenced training at Parramatta football stadium from the Saturday through to the Tuesday prior to the match, getting a chance to know his team mates' game play and work on match tactics.
Woolford said the many bonding activities also helped the boys get along well, which enhanced their ability to work together as a team during the main match.
"When you're playing with such quality players it's pretty easy to know how the play will unfold, and playing with these guys really gave me a boost and made me perform even better," Woolford said.
Woolford said the whole experience was really amazing and the excitement of the event helped him to really live the moment.
"Standing out on that field is just amazing," Woolford said.
"When you look up from the ground you can't even see the ends of the stands and when they're full with screaming fans, it was really exciting and after the match the lap of honour in front of 20,000 screaming fans cheering was just so good."
"The cheers and the boos from the crowd really psyched me up and right from the kick off I was so excited and loved every minute of it."
Woolford's delight was short lived however, as he sprained his ankle 10 minutes into the match.
"I saw an opening and decided to go for a run but I got hurt in the tackle," Woolford said.
He then tried to run out the injury, but was content to sit on the bench before going back on later into the second half.
Woolford will now field the first division Cherrypickers side against Cootamundra at Alfred Oval this Sunday. |
 MCC SCHOOLBOYS COMPETITION.
Story By :  Photo's : MCS
Marist College North Shore has won the A Grade & B Grade Grand Finals in this years MCS Rugby League Competition. Marist College North Shore finished off a great season as they were both Minor Premiers as well.
The A Grade side has Keiren Foran in the team that made the NSW U17's side (brother of Liam Foran). Learn More |
 |
| Jayden Brown, Curtis Hughes, Simon Whatman and Makk McNaught |
STATE LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVES
Story By : 
Jayden Brown, Curtis Hughes, Simon Whatman and Makk McNaught travelled to St Marys, Sydney last week as western region representatives in the State Open Schoolboy Rugby League competition.
The team played six games over a three day period. Simon Whatman was named Player of the Team at the conclusion of the competition.
The boys were chosen through a selection process at Cowra then travelled to Bathurst. Once selected in the eastern team they then proceeded on to Dubbo before being named in the Western Region team.
The members of the Western School Sports Association Open PSSA Rugby League team are back at school today after a tough and challenging campaign at this year's State Championships in St Marys.
The Western team, which included Canowindra Public School students Simon Whatman, Jayden Brown and Curtis Hughes, played a total of six matches over three days as the championships were played out in cold and wet conditions.
 After a promising start to the carnival with a narrow loss to North Coast and a resounding victory over Polding on the first day, our Western squad found the heavy grounds and strong opposition much tougher on day two.
Playing three games on the second day, Western suffered losses to South Coast, Sydney South-West and Hunter ruling them out of semi-final contention.
With a strong desire to complete the championships on a positive note the Western boys finished strongly to defeat traditional rivals North-West 10 points to 6.
"All team members rose to the high standards required at this level of football. Simon was tireless in defence throughout the carnival, as was Curtis, while Jayden made the most of the limited opportunities the outside backs had in the conditions," stated Western coach John Freebody.. Steve McAlister - Team Manager. |
 FARRER DOES CLEAN SWEEP OF ARMIDALE
Story By : 
FARRER High defeated Armidale in all four grades yesterday in trying conditions.
The Under 16s won 16-6, the 15s fought a hard game to finish 10-4, Under 14s scored 30-16 and the 13s half-time score was 8-0.
The 14s were keen for a win after being defeated last year.
The blustery conditions forced the 14s to change their game plan.
Set backline moves were out but the hard-charging forwards stepped up to the challenge.
Under 14s coach Josh Steel said his boys adjusted well.
"We were losing at one stage. That's when the boys were forced to depart from their normal game plan," he said.
"All our moves and set passes wouldn't work in the wind.
"Our kicking game struggled a little and we couldn't utilise our big boot as much."
Just two tries came from backline moves.
"We relied heavily on our forwards," Steel said.
He listed props Alex Batho and Jack Broughton as stand- outs, along with hooker Jack Pawsey and lock Peter
McMillan.
"They gave us a touch-up last year but we have grown," Steel said. "I had a feeling we would win." |
 |
| Mitch Picker on his way to score a try |
THE FIGHT IN THE ST PAUL'S COLLEGE "UNDERDOGS" FOOTBALL TEAM HAS CERTAINLY BEEN UNLEASHED.
Story By : Shellie Brennan
The team, made up of 14 to 18-year-olds has defied the odds time and time again and yesterday they proved they can match it with the best.
St Paul's footy team faced their biggest task to date, going head-to-head against Terra Sancta College in the Arrive Alive Cup, Tier B, semi-final.
Constant rain fell throughout the game, but despite the wet weather both teams ball control was phenomenal.
With the whole school cheering them on St Paul's took command of the first half, leaving the Terra Sancta boys in shock.
Mitch Picker and Matt Scott each scored a try. Scott's personal tally was eight points as he converted both tries.. Learn More |
 |
| YOUNG BLUE: Ben Picker is following in his brothers footsteps after being selected to play for the Under 15 New South Wales side in the Australian Championships. |
ANOTHER PICKER MAKES THE GRADE
Story By : Krisi Williams 
BEN Picker of Bigga has been picked to represent New South Wales in the State Under 15 Rugby League side.
Ben played hooker for the Southern NSW team in Toronto three weeks ago against six other sides before he was chosen to represent NSW at state level.
Not only was he picked to represent the Blue's he was also awarded 'Player Of The Series'.
Since then he has been training with the state squad and went into camp for the Blue's on Sunday.
On Wednesday night he will play a test match against the Queensland side before he flies out to Adelaide on Friday morning for the Australian Championships.
The championships will be played over a period of one week with his first match being on the Sunday.
Ben will be playing for the NSW Combined High School side.
In Picker's group he will come up against two Qld teams, the ACT side, and the NSW Catholic Colleges representative side.. Learn More |
DENHAM’S COACHING ROLE
Story By : Dennis Driver 
Bellingen High School Physical Education teachers Peter Denham and Declan Horan are set to play a crucial role in the New South Wales campaign to take out the coveted Australian Opens Schoolboys Rugby League Championships to be played in Townsville next month.
For the first time Peter Denham will coach the Opens in what is one of the toughest junior rugby league competitions. Declan Horan will fill the role as team manager.
"I'm thrilled to have been selected as coach although I'm also a little nervous about the encounter", said Coach Peter Denham.
"I have coached the Under-14's and Under-15's for the past two years but the Opens is a different matter.
"Many of the players are already playing in the Jersey Flegg competition and are just a step away from first grade in the NRL competition."
Peter Denham is well known to local rugby league supporters. He played as a centre in the last Bellingen side to win the Group 2 Premiership in 1999.. Learn More |
KIDS SHINE IN FRONT OF STARS - SOUTH DUBBO, ST RAPHAEL’S VICTORIOUS
Story By : BARRY HILDEBRANDT 
SCHOOLS LEAGUE: Dubbo South Public and St Raphael's Cowra are the undisputed kings of schoolboys football after winning exciting finals at Apex Oval in Dubbo yesterday.
South Sydney fullback David Peachey was on hand to present his trophy to Dubbo South for taking out the Year-5/6 final 24-16 over a gallant Condobolin Public outfit.
Also on hand for presentations was another former Dubbo primary school rugby league star Russell Richardson, who handed over his trophy for Year-3/4 teams to the boys from St Raphaels.
St Raphael's and Cathedral School Bathurst went head to head in their final with the lead fluctuating until the Cowra boys scored a try in the second period of extra time.
The gala finals yesterday saw the top 32 teams in both divisions qualified from carnivals held throughout the western area where more than 4000 kids were involved and some 200 schools.
While St Raphael's won their first finals trophy yesterday, Dubbo South had success last year in the Russell Richardson Cup.
At the presentations Peachey paid tribute to the people behind the successful carnival.
"These days don't just come around, they happen because people care about the kids and the game of rugby league," he said.
"That success has also been through the efforts of the organisers, the parents, the teachers and let's not forget the referees.
"We've also been fortunate to have some of the NRL stars up here today and that's made it extra special for the kids. Thanks to John Sutton, Joey Williams and David Kidwell from Souths and MiIton Thaiday from the Knights.
"Russell and I will be back again and we hope to see you all again."
Having Richardson and Peachey here again for the seventh successive year is a real bonus with both having personal issues to deal with in recent times.
While Peachey is holding down his fullback place with the Rabbitohs his future with the club is uncertain past this year.
Richardson is now long retired from the game after successful stints with Cronulla and Newcastle Knights, his hotel at Newcastle was swamped with water during the flooding - the water coming up to the bar.
"It's been a lot of hard work but it's coming together - coming out home here today has been a good release," Richardson said.
"We started this football with a few teams in 2001 now look at it. It's a lot of fun, the kids enjoy it and they really put everything into it."
A bonus for Dubbo South being that they will represent the Western Area at the Legends of League series finals for primary school teams in Sydney on August 22.
David Peachey yesterday presented coach Paul Loxley with one of his 250th NRL game commemorate guernseys to raffle and raise funds for the Sydney trip. |
 |
| Seb Martinez and Patrick Kaufusi have been selected to play for the Wide Bay Bulls. |
BULLS ARE READY FOR ROUGH RIDE
Story By : By Joe Flynn 
AS if Patrick Kaufusi was not already having a tough time living in the shadow of older brother Antonio, he is now being compared to Queensland Origin legend Trevor Gillmeister.
Gillmeister played 22 games for Queensland and three tests for Australia, and Bundaberg coach Bob Corrigan said 13-year-old Kaufusi could be on the verge of building a representitive career of his own.
"I class him as a better player than Antonio - he has more skill," Corrigan said.
"And he can tackle like Trevor Gillmeister.
"Except while Gillmeister only did 11 or 12 tackles a match, Patrick just hunts guys down."
The Brothers centre will represent Wide Bay Bulls at the Queensland Rugby league Championships this week for the third time and said he was excited about the prospect of playing for a Queensland Merit Jersey.
He said he expected a tough tournament with the main competition coming from Brisbane representitive teams Metropolitan West and Metropolitan East.
But he will not be the only Bundaberg junior at the carnival, with 14-year-old Seb Martinez also making the cut. Martinez will be using his second Wide Bay appearance to enhance his reputation as an NRL prospect at his second state carnival.
"I have had a few clubs looking at me, like Manly," Martinez said.
"But the state carnival will give me a chance to play in front of a lot of different scouts."
The 14-year-old backrower took an immediate liking to rugby after arriving from Columbia four years ago.
"I liked to play rugby (union) because you can smash guys in tackles," Martinez said.
"But I think enjoy league the most."
His under-14 Bundaberg coach Trevor Dann said Martinez was best suited to a defensive game.
"He can turn a game with a big hit," Dann said.
Dann said the only thing Martinez had to worry about was referees pulling him up for his hard -tackling style.
But Dann said he had no doubts Martinez was up for the challenge.
He will play 110% up there, mate, Dann said.
The harder the game gets, the harder Seb gives. |
 ST. PAULS COLLEGE SHOCK FOOTBALL WORLD
Story & Photo's By L Robinson, St. Pauls College, Kempsey &
St. Paul’s College Kempsey have achieved one of the biggest upsets in the history of the Arrive Alive Cup defeating Terra Sancta College from Schofields in Western Sydney 12 points to 10 at Verge Street Stadium in Kempsey on Monday 25th June.
The game was played in wet conditions and the St. Paul’s team took full advantage highjacking their more fancied opponents with physical defence and good ball control.
Big front row forward Brendan Organ was the star of the game continually rattling Terra Sancta with punishing defence and vigorous charges into the opposition forwards.
 Micthl Picker and Matt Scott scored St. Paul’s tries and Matt Scott was successful with both conversions.
The halves combination of Mitchl Picker and Jarrod Lipscombe was outstanding for the home team and fullback Liam Mecham was safe under the high ball and made several line breaks when chiming into the backline.
The team now progress to the final 32 in the Arrive Alive Cup and will play St. Francis Xavier, Hamilton in what will hopefully be a televised game.
This victory completes a very successful week for St. Paul’s College Rugby League.
On Tuesday 19th the 13 Years and 15 Years Teams from St. Paul’s won the Hastings Region CRL Gala day, the 15’s winning all four games without having a point scored against them.
On Thursday 21st the 14 Years Cochrane Cup Team travelled to John Paul II College Coffs Harbour and fought out a tense 26 points to 20 win after trailing 6-20 after 5 minutes of the second half and will now advance to the next round of this competition. ( ourfooty Photo's will be available this afternoon) |
WARWICK HOSTS QRL JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Story By : 
WHAT do Test stars Greg Eastwood and Sam Thaiday have in common with 50 of the Queensland Wizard Cup’s top talents?
All of them participated in the 2001 QRL State Junior Championships at Warwick.
The phenomenal success of that year’s titles – on and off the field - has again led the QRL to take the Struddy’s Sports Junior Championships to the Southern Downs in 2007.
From July 2-6 over 350 players and officials will descend on neighbouring Warwick clubs Collegians and Eastern Suburbs, not to mention the countless families along for the ride.
Fittingly the two junior clubs are nestled side-by-side on Jackie Howe Drive. Bush legend Howe epitomised the gritty attributes of rugby league, famously hand-shearing 321 sheep in under eight hours.
While junior players won’t expect to come face-to-face with any livestock in Warwick, they will be digging deep to match the best kids on offer from around the State.
The three age categories contested at the Struddy’s Sports Junior Championships will be Under 13s, Under 14s and Under 16s.
Competition will be fierce as contestants vie for highly sought after positions in the Queensland merit teams, named at the completion of the Carnival.
A full draw for the 2007 QRL Struddy’s Sports Junior Championships is available HERE.
Play begins 10.30am each day, with the last game commencing at 2.30pm in the afternoon. Simultaneous games are to be played across the two grounds.
Here’s hoping the fields of Warwick prove as fertile as last time around!
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST OF KIDS WHO HAVE MADE THE BIG TIME |
 NEW QUEST FOR SCHOOL FOOTY TEAM
Story By : Shellie Brennan
THE boys from St Paul's College quest in the Arrive Alive Cup will come to fruition on Monday when they take on Terra Sancta College at Verge St Oval, Kempsey.
The team, made up of 14 to 18-year-olds have defied the odds and made it in the top 64 teams in cup, which includes Queensland and NSW schools.
The encounter on Monday is the semi-final of Tier B in the Arrive Alive Cup.
If the local boys can come away with a win, they will come up against the winner of the other semi-final, Mullumimby High against St Francis Xavier's College. And that game will be broadcasted on television.
Earlier this month the country boys gave city boys from Narrabean Sports High School a lesson in rugby league.
With just 16 players in the squad, the St Paul's team was outmatched and outnumbered against a tougher Narrabeen unit, but the locals proved footy is all about the size of the fight in the dog.
Despite the odds stacked heavily against them the St Paul's team slotted a field goal in golden point extra time to progress to the semi-final.
The local lads will be wanting to reproduce their match winning form on Monday to advance in the competition.
Another local high school footy team have had success on the field. Melville High School will play the North Coast final against Grafton before the St Paul's boys take to the field.
All in all a great day of rugby league will be had with our talented up and coming footballers on showcase.
Show your support and get down to Verge St Oval and cheer our teams to victory. Melville High's game will kick off at approximately 11am with St Paul's encounter starting at 12.30pm. |
 BUCKLEY SHIELD WESTERN FINAL
Story By : BILL NORTH
The cross-town rivalry between Dubbo College Delroy and South campuses has always been a passionate affair and last week's under 14 Buckley Shield Western Area final was no exception.
Both sides threw everything at each other but it was Delroy who prevailed to lead 32-22 at the final whistle and progress to the final 16, booking a meeting with the top school from Western Sydney.
BUCKLEY SHIELD REGIONAL FINAL |
| DELROY CAMPUS |
32 - 22 |
SOUTH CAMPUS |
TRIES : Ethan Coyle 2, Luke Taylor, Corey Cox, Hayden Chapman, Michael Townsend, Charlie Runciman
GOALS : Cox 2 |
TRIES : Kieran Cubby 3, Brendan Hatch
GOALS : Cubby 3 |
Running with the wind at Apex Oval Delroy took a 14-12 lead into the break but banded together to dominate the second period and run over the top of South's smaller pack with Jackson Merritt damaging in attack and defence.
Second rower Hayden Chapman opened the scoring in the second half for Delroy but the scores were soon locked at 18-all when his opposite Brendan Hatch crossed over for a determined try, converted by Keiran Cubby.
Students from both schools packed the stands to create an energy-charged atmosphere and Delroy fullback Charlie Runciman, who was a ballboy for the second State Of Origin match on Wednesday night, looked right at home and dangerous every time he touched the ball.
Delroy worked the left hand side industriously, putting Luke Taylor over and then when Runciman burst through the middle 70m from the tryline there was no chance of stopping him - 28-18.
Another break down the left followed - this time Michael Townsend had too much pace for South and when Keiran Cubby, easily the standout for the losing side, ran in for his third try it was all too little too late. |
 ST PATRICK'S CAN'T WAIT FOR CARNIVAL
Story By : 
FOR St Patrick's College, the Confraternity Shield represents the pinnacle of the rugby league season.
According to coach Matt Paul, not even the coveted Arrive Alive Cup and Super 8 series can compare to the annual week-long independent secondary schools' tournament.
"We've been working toward it all year so it's a big thing for us," he said in the lead-up to this year's carnival at Ipswich next week.
St Patrick's hold an imposing record at the tournament which attracts a bevy of NRL scouts and has showcased the likes of Matthew Bowen, Paul Bowman, Matthew Scott, Dane Carlaw, Jason Smith and more recently David Taylor.
"I reckon it's the biggest carnival of its type in the world and we've won eight of them in the last 20-odd years," Paul said before admitting the school is due for another strong result.
"In the last couple of years we haven't done as well as we'd like but we always make the quarter-finals."
In a tantalising fixture, the Mackay outfit is set to collide with defending champions St Brendan's on the opening day of the carnival. "I think it's good that we're playing them first up because it will tell us where we're at," Paul said.
And after losing to the Yeppoon side in the quarter-finals last year, St Patrick's will be eager to strike back.
The team is also set for two more Group A encounters.
"We're not sure what to expect from Marymount (Brisbane)," Paul said. "And St Augustine's (Cairns) can throw up anything; they can blitz you on their day."
Paul's aiming to once again reach the knock-out stage before threatening perennial powerhouses St Brendan's and St Mary's (Toowoomba) for the title.
And with hulking backrower/centre Ryan Williamson in the side, the school is set to fare well.
Williamson was the most promising player at last year's carnival and the Queensland under 17 and State Open Schoolboy representative will again play an integral role.
But Paul is wary of using the strong ball runner too often with the young sensation set to compete in the looming Australian Open Schoolboy titles. "We've got to be careful how we use him with the nationals coming up. We don't want to burn him out," he said.
Although Williamson is a stand-out for the side, Paul believes his team's strength is in the players' ability to gel together.
"I don't think we've got as many individual star players compared to last year but we've got a stronger team across the park."
He nominated the school's halves combination of Tim Hanly and Callan Langer as crucial components of a side which boasts elusive fullback Ben Drury, promising centre Brian Schmidtke and hardy lock Cody Webber.
Ben Ward is set to provide a barrage of attacking raids. The towering front-rower's "got the size" to cause plenty of damage, according to Paul, who said his side's defence was much better now than at the start of the season.
His side lost to North Queensland heavyweight Kirwan State High in its most recent hit-out but produced an admirable effort in restricting the Townsville side to 16-6.
Mackay's Holy Spirit College will also take part in the carnival. The Mt Pleasant outfit will compete in division two for the Confraternity Plate. |
 KEEBRA PARK WIN STRUDDY'S CHALLENGE
Story By : Darren Hart Keebra Park SHS
On what can only be described as a very, very, very, slightly chilly night at Langlands Park (Easts Brisbane) on Wednesday night, the Keebra Park Open B side went head to head with arch rivals PBC in the Struddy’s Challenge Grand Final.
As the ice flows floated past and penguins headed to the Leagues Club for a Roast dinner the game kicked off with Keebra making the early running.
Against the play PBC took an early lead and converted to lead 6-0.
This lead was however levelled when Garrick Olislagers hit a hole and latched onto a well timed pass that saw him rocket over the line.. Learn More |
FARRER TOO SLICK FOR INVERELL
Story By : Geoff Newling
FARRER Memorial Agricultural High School found some of its best form to overrun an under-strength Inverell High 62-nil in their University Shield clash at Farrer's John Simpson Oval in Tamworth yesterday.
Inverell had three of their side pull out of yesterday's southern trek but were no match for a Farrer side smarting from last week's 24-14 Arrive alive Cup exit against All Saints Maitland.
Farrer coach Steve Cavanagh thought his side played well.
"We did okay today," Cavanagh said.
"We played a very good side last week and played well – the other side just played better.
"But we were also our own worst enemy last week.
"Today we wanted to right those mistakes and keep our structure.
"We didn't want the game to turn into a game of touch football.
"And the boys did it today. I was really happy with the way it went."
Farrer raced in 12 tries with five-eighth Jake Hawkins (5) and second-rower Paul Lambell (2) adding the goals.
Lock Pat Hunt and hooker Seb Swain were two of Farrer's best with Swain organising much of the attack along with halfback Matt Wilson.
Josh Dutton and Lambell also earned praise from their coach while Hawkins was strong at five-eighth and drove in with some stinging tackles.
Inverell coach Glenn Partridge had a team of triers.
"It didn't help when we had three players pull out this morning," Partridge said.
"It's always tough down here but they did try hard."
Halfback and captain Brock Hobday led by example, the tiny number seven playing well above his weight and landing plenty of solid tackles on bigger opponents.
Centres Corey Davis and Harley Lane, fullback James Curtis, lock Anthony Baldwin and hooker Mark Lewis also worked hard with Lane almost scoring two tries.
Farrer now plays the winner of a Hunter and North Coast region in a home game next month.
FARRER 62 (Dominic Bower 2, Scott Blanch 2, Luke Wheeldon 2, Josh Dutton 2, Matt Wilson, Demeille Landsborough, Jake Hawkins, Seb Swain tries, Hawkins 5, Paul Lambell gls) d INVERELL 0. |
 |
| Coming Through: Turvey Park front rower Curtis Gage (right) attempts to break a tackle of Kangaroos defender Josh Ashcroft in a 12 year’s junior game at Staunton Park on Saturday. Photo: Hayley Hillis |
TURVEY PARK ON TOP IN U12
Story By : 
Turvey Park came up with a surprise, but well-earned, win over previously undefeated Kangaroos in an under 12 Group Nine Junior Rugby League southern pool game at Staunton Park on Saturday.
The victory for Turvey Park signalled the rise of the team this season, while the loss for Kangaroos may just be the spark the defending premier needs to spur it on in the coming weeks.
At the end of the exciting clash, only two conversions by Tristan Dixon and Jeremy Sykes proved the difference on the scoreboard.
Both teams scored two tries apiece and the goal kicks were the winning bonus. For Turvey Park, Jeremy Sykes, Ben Coombs and Jake Allen were among the better players in a good team performance and none tried harder than Alex Lyons, Harry Lucas or Harry Burey for Roos.
Meantime, Kangaroos ended the undefeated run of Turvey Park in the under 15 competition with a 54-4 victory.
While Roos took the two competition, Turvey Park was without the services of seven players who where all part of the victorious G9JRL U15 team. |
FORMER SCHOOLBOY RETURNS HOME
Story By : ( QLD Correspondent )
2004 U15s Australian Schoolboy Dane Hogan has recently returned to his home state of Queensland with the intention to hit the NRL sooner rather than later.
Last year when Dane started with the Dragons he was 101kg, sounds good but was unfit because of a pelvis injury that had him out for most of the 2006 season.
Being able to play only 5 games for Redcliffe State High and a couple of trail games for the AIS, Dane wasn’t at his peak. But by the end of the pre-season he’d lost 5kg and was weighing in at 96kg.
“The Dragons have such a professional set up with access to great advice for players. The nutritionists gave advice on what to shop for when you do your groceries, and how to cook and eat better”.
Family-oriented Dane is waiting for his parents to follow his move to North Queensland at the end of this year.
Dane has been lucky to be signed with the Cowboys for 3 years already. The Cowboys offer came at the right time for Dane who wanted to return to the Sunshine State, so the decision to play for the Cowboys was an easy one.
Dane has been signed by the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville with a plan to play in the Toyota National 20s Rugby League.
The competition will have the team flying in and out of Townsville replicating the 1st grade NRL teams, and creating as much hype, with the plan for a great fan base around the country.
He only moved to Townsville earlier this month and is heavily into training with the team already.
“Getting up at 5.30 am to do weight sessions is killing me” but training four days a week morning and afternoon has put Dane back into the 98kg range, on track for his target weight of 103kg for NRL debut.
“We have a slow recovery session on Sundays if we play on Saturday which is good, like swimming in the pool. At the moment I only get one day off a week from training, sometimes two”, but obviously Dane is loving the new team.
You can hear the excitement about his future when talking about the new 20 year olds rugby league competition and starting for the Young Guns.
Hoping to reach his goal weight to be competitive on the field against other forwards or 2nd rowers like Sonny Bill, Dane is positive about his move north.
Dane speaks highly of several important players in his footy career so far. His parents have been very supportive of him, and he openly admits he wouldn’t be where he is today without them.
The Redcliffe State High School Rugby League Excellence Program also comes up in conversation with Dane a fair bit.
He credits the school’s specialised program to helping him become a better footy player and person in general. The staff at Redcliffe High really looks after us kids.
Watch out for Dane to hit an NRL town near you soon! |
WHOLE NEW BALL GAME
Story By :
INVERELL High School returns to Farrer High's Simpson Oval for a University Shield showdown today determined to improve on its Arrive Alive Cup regional final defeat of six weeks ago.
It will be a big ask though with Farrer stung by its own Arrive Alive Cup demise.
 TOUGH ASSIGNMENT FOR INVERELL HIGH
INVERELL High's open rugby league team faces a mammoth task against Farrer in today's University Shield regional final in Tamworth.
Last time Inverell played Farrer they lost 50-0 in the Arrive Alive Cup.
"We are hoping for a much better result and I believe if we can get off to a good start it will be to our benefit," coach Glenn Partridge said.
"They are going to be very hard at home and with the school support."
Inverell High has worked closely on its discipline following a poor display in the win against Macintyre.
They have been boosted with confirmation captain Brock Hobday will play after overcoming a hand injury and have also gained Adam Kennedy to bolster the forward pack.
The Inverell team is: James Curtis, Dan Harmon, Corey Davis, Harley Lane, Peter Saunders, Anthony Baldwin, Andrew Blair, Mark Reynolds, Mark Lewis, Jared Gooda, Will Latham, Steve Akhurst, Brock Hobday (c), Nick Asara, Adam Kennedy, Nathan Johns, Codey Bailey, Robert Ellis, Guy Stanborough. The match starts at noon. |
"I'm hoping we can be a lot better and put up a bit of a show," Inverell coach Glen Partridge said.
"The thing we've got to do is get off to a good start.
"We've played three games and in that Farrer game we dropped the ball from the kick-off and we've done that in two more games.
"When we did that against Farrer, we were on the back foot from the start. That's the only game we've lost."
Farrer also anticipates a tougher opponent.
"We fully expect them to be a much improved side," Farrer co-coach Steve Kavanagh said.
"They'll be confident after beating Coonabarabran and Glen Innes and MacIntyre were also strong sides and they beat them on this side of the draw in the University Shield too so they're definitely going well.
"And we're coming off a loss too."
The Arrive Alive Cup may be out of reach after last week's loss to All-Saints Maitland but that means Farrer will now focus on the Uni Shield.
"That's the way all the boys have been treating it," Kavanagh said.
"All-Saints was a very good side but needs to improve a lot.
"We analysed where we went wrong and the team has looked to rectify those things.
"From a negative, a lot of positives have come."
Kavanagh points to Friday's win by Gunnedah High over Coonabarabran High on the other side of the Uni Shield draw, in which Gunnedah compiled a 40-nil lead before winning 40-24, as an example for his side.
"A lot of people would have expected Coonabarabran to win that game and a lot of people will expect us to win this one," he said.
"But we have to respect our opponents."
The game kicks off at noon. |
 |
| TOO GOOD: The footwork of Stirling Siejka leaves an Orange High prop grasping at thin air during yesterday’s Astley Cup rugby league encounter at Carrington Park. Photo: ZENIO LAPKA |
ORANGE STRIKES
Story By : Dallas Reeves 
WHEN Bathurst High School sports co-ordinator Grant Hanrahan did his calculations before the first Astley Cup tie of 2007 on home turf he was factoring in a draw at worst for the boys soccer.
In the end Thursday's 2-0 loss proved costly in the overall tally as 40-time winners Orange High School won the two-day series 412 points to 388.
Bathurst High won five of the eight events but some big winning margins for Orange High saw them steal the first round after yesterday's action.
If Orange High can beat Dubbo Senior College in Orange next Thursday and Friday they will seal their 41st title since the inter-schools event began back in 1923.
Yesterday's action saw Bathurst score a 51-49 win in athletics at Bathurst Sportsground, while Orange won the hockey 3-0 (80-20) at Cooke Hockey Complex.
Going into the rugby league (Carrington Park) and girl's soccer (Proctor Park) Orange High held a huge lead of 367 to 233 (134 points).
Bathurst High came close with a slashing 58-16 (78-22) rugby league win and a dominant 2-0 (75-25) girl's soccer victory.
Orange High sports co-ordinator Lynne Middleton praised the girl's soccer and rugby league sides for their commitment when in trouble.
Three second-half tries to Jace Delaney, Riley Law and Mitch Evers proved crucial in Orange High earning vital points from the league, while defenders Sophie Pickering, Amanda Harvey, Erin Little and goalie Leah O'Brien battled hard when outclassed in the girl's soccer. |
GROUP 11 READY FOR BIG WEEKEND
Story By : By BARRY HILDEBRANDT 
Group 11 under 15s and 16s are primed for a 'big show' in the Southern NSW Country Championships, according to 15s coach Neil Millgate.
On June 3 in Dubbo, both sides finalised their preparations with full scale hit-outs against Maitland.
Millgate's 15s finished 24-all with the visitors while the Sean Barker-coached under 16s looked good beating Maitland 24-14 in the main game.
Group 11 will take their two sides to Cootamundra for the Southern Championships this weekend.
Millgate said while his15s shared the points with four tries each, his boys showed enough to suggest they will be in with a chance at Cootamundra.
"We're in with a big show, it was a very impressive trial," Millgate said.
"We put them under a lot of pressure and forced mistakes in the first 30 minutes to lead 16-0 just before the break when Maitland scored, then got back into it again and led clearly before they got over for two late tries.
"The biggest thing for us was all 20 players in the squad got a run and our bench players were impressive when asked to perform.
"The back rowers led by Riley Cape, Oliver Scott and Matt Langby worked non-stop while our size in the front row through Dylan Hill and Mathew Park will be to our advantage.
"In the backs the halves Blake Baxter and Josh Merritt were always looking for breaks and created room to move for the centres (Brad Spencer and Ken Everson).
"In the main I think we've got all bases covered."
Outstanding Wellington five-eighth Richard Peckham had a great game for Group 11 under 16s with two tries and he showed why he was considered good enough to play for the Australian Indigenous under 16s against New Zealand Maoris recently.
"Richard was very good for us," Neil Millgate said.
"He's got a lot going for him and we're really looking forward to him leading the way at Cootamundra."
And it wasn't only the Group 11 coaching staff and spectators who were impressed with the local sides, with Cronulla Sharks talent scouts keen to spot a player who would be of interest in the long term.
Under 15s:
GROUP 11 24 (Josh Merritt 2, Jake Stoneham, Mathew Langby tries, Merritt 3, Blake Baxter goals) drew with MAITLAND 24 (Trent Thew 3, Thomas Rumbel tries, Mitch Cullen 4 goals).
Under 16s:
GROUP 11 24 (Richard Peckham 2, James Augustin, Zac Redfern tries, Peckham 4 goals) def MAITLAND 14 (Hayden Crouch, Jay Stevens, Brodie Sauter tries, Taylor Mathews goal). |
 |
| YOUNG REP: Young league player Brad Dewar will be playing the Under 15s Group Nine in the Southern NSW rugby league championships this weekend. |
BRAD REPRESENTING RIVERINA
Story By : Ashlea Maher
UNDER 15's Group Nine local representative, Brad Dewar is hoping four months of hard work will pay off with a win in the in the Southern NSW Championships, to be played in Cootamundra this weekend.
Brad is the only representative from Young in the Group Nine side which consists of players from all over the Riverina.
The team will play against sides from Group Seven from Ulladulla and Group Six from Camden on Saturday, and if successful will go through to play the leading group of the southern area, the Illawarra side on Sunday.
Riverina coach, Clarrie Cook said Brad will not disappoint when he plays full back winger for the side on the weekend.
Cook said Brad, who also plays in the under 15s Cherrypickers, is one of the top players of the side, with plenty of speed and is very tough.
"Brad has been playing for league for three years, and every year he has made it to the representative side, and considering 300 kids vie for the 20 positions it's big achievement just to make the team," Cook said.
Brad has been travelling to Junee every week since February to train with the Group Nine in preparation for this weekend's championships, and with the side's final training tonight in Wagga Wagga, Cook said the team looks in peak form.
"If the team play the way they know how, they'll be a good chance on the weekend," Cook said. "The side won the Under 14 years' competition last year, and have only lost three games in the past three years," Cook said.
If the Riverina side are successful on the weekend, they will go on to face the Northern NSW champions in Newcastle in the Country NSW championships.
The winner of the northern championships will also be decided on weekend, the match played in Tamworth.
Cook said there will also be plenty to play for during the match, with National Rugby League scouts tipped to be present at the match. |
 |
| ROOSTER BOOSTER: Wagga league prodigy Josh Murray hands over an autographed Roosters jumper to Brothers juniors president Steve Kimball at Staunton Park this week.Photo: Les Smith |
TEENAGER REJECTS MOVE TO SYDNEY
Story By : Les Muir
Young halfback decides to finish his schooling in Wagga
WAGGA teenager Josh Murray has turned down a chance to move to Sydney to further enhance his prospects of playing in the NRL premiership.
Murray, 15, was asked by the Sydney Roosters to relocate to the eastern suburbs to be closer to the club, but politely declined.
Instead, Murray will stay in Wagga to play football with Brothers and to complete his high school education at Kildare Catholic College.
Josh’s father Scott Murray made it clear yesterday his son’s decision did not mean he did not wish to pursue his NRL ambitions with the Roosters.
The teenage halfback has just completed a nine-week season with the Roosters in the Harold Matthews Cup competition, winning acclaim even from first grade coach Chris Anderson.
“Josh loved it and the Roosters were keen for him to stay,” his father said.
“They wanted him to relocate to Sydney, but we thought it was important he be with his family and friends.
“Wagga is a great place to grow up and he can finish his schooling with his mates.”
Despite staying in Wagga, Josh Murray is still intent on forging an NRL career, according to his father.
“Josh will go back and play with the Roosters again next year,” Murray said,
“He learned so much this year and was really stoked with the way things went.
“He got so much value out of his time with the Roosters.”
Starting halfback in eight games for the Roosters in the Harold Matthews Cup, Murray commuted between Wagga and Sydney to train and play over a 15-week period.
“He played really well and was one of the better halfbacks in the (Harold Matthews Cup) competition,” his father said.
Making the most of his links with the Roosters, Josh arranged for the NRL club to give him a framed autographed jumper and a $400 kit, including a track suit and other gear, which he promptly gave to Brothers junior club.
“He wanted to give something back to Brothers,” Scott Murray said. “I think the club is going to auction it.” |
 |
| Mitchell Pearce diving over the line between the posts to score the winning try. Photo: Dallas Kilponen |
ROOSTERS CLAIM LAST-MINUTE WIN
Story By : Will Swanton 
Panthers 20 Roosters 24
MITCHELL Pearce scored a miracle try right on full-time to get the Roosters home in his first meeting with Craig Gower since their infamous flare-up at a Sunshine Coast golf resort in 2005.
Last time Gower got so close to Pearce, he was chasing him with a beer bottle. Gower didn't attempt to grope Mitchell's sister, or commit any of the other offences he was accused of at the Sunshine Coast debacle which cost him the captaincy for a season. But he was again left with plenty of regrets after Pearce ran 90 metres to score the match-winner with 30 seconds left on the clock. Gower, who equalled Panthers legend Greg Alexander's mark of 227 first-grade games, had lost possession. He was inconsolable afterwards.
Gower and Pearce did not shake hands after full-time, walking straight past each other without a world being spoken. Pearce's father, the legendary former Kangaroo Wayne, was among the onlookers. Controversy erupted in what appeared to be the latest instance of a player feigning injury. .
Referee Ben Cummins ruled a knock-on against Penrith's Paul Aiton after a back-slamming tackle from the Roosters' Queensland Origin forward Nate Myles. As the teams prepared to pack a scrum, Aiton received medical attention. Cummins then called a gobsmacked Myles over, placed him on report and gave the Panthers a penalty.
From the very next play, Aiton was running around with all the energy in the world. He nearly scored, fearlessly charging into the Roosters' defensive wall right on their try line. Video referee Pat Reynolds having already started the match with two contentious decisions, ruled Aiton had fallen centimetres short of the line.
Reynolds took the obstruction rule to the nth degree by disallowing a Penrith try to Nick Youngquest in the third minute because of the most remotest of possible obstructions in back play. And he rejected a try to Rooster Craig Fitzgibbon off a pinpoint accurate Pearce kick because of what he believed was a knock-on. Few agreed with either verdict. The game was just four minutes old.
Gower chip-kicked over the top for a rampaging Frank Pritchard to regain possession and send Nathan Smith over to score to give the Panthers their 10-6 half-time lead. Another sweet kick from Pearce had given the Roosters their opening four-pointer to Sam Perrett in front of a shivering crowd of 5831. Junior Moors powered over from a Gower ball for 14-6 but Setaimata Sa replied for the Roosters with exactly half an hour on the clock.
Amos Roberts found a gaping hole to score under the black dot and the Roosters led by four, but Myles botched a play-the-ball and the Panthers found themselves on attack.
Gower gave a short pass to barnstorming prop Joel Clinton and the Panthers were up, but not for long enough. Pearce's arm was raised in triumph 20 metres before he reached the try line.. Learn More about Mitchell Pearce |
 FARRER KAYOED IN CUP
Story By : Samantha Newsam
FARRER will be directing its attention towards the University Shield after squandering a half-time lead and bowing out of the Arrive alive Cup in rain-sodden Maitland yesterday.
The Tamworth school was beaten 24-14 by All Saints College in their Tier B round one match at King Edward Oval – the third venue for the match – to end its stay in the competition.
The script though was writing a different story at half-time with first-half tries to Sean Russ and Kurt Resch and a Dominic Cower conversion giving Farrer a 10-6 lead at the break.
But that didn't last long with All Saints scoring two quick tries to grab an 18-10 lead just nine minutes after half-time.
The first of those was a "freakish" effort, Farrer coach Gus Comi said.
"It was from a kick and the ball bounced on its end and away from the fullback," he said.
"Then around the 15-minute mark we had four sets of six at the line and couldn't convert."
It was a common theme for Farrer and one that also bit them late in the game after Scott Blanch had crossed for their third try midway through the half.. Learn More |
 EASTERN SUBURBS TIGERS UNDER 7's ON A ROLL
Story By & Photo's : Jodie Beatie Team Manager
Photo 1- Jack
He isn't one of our quickest boys but makes up for it with his determination and always gives 110% every game.
I think Jack is from the Shane Webke mould.
Photo 2- Kyle
He is the Benji Marshall of the side, fast and elusive, he side steps, goose steps, scores many tries but also will wait in goal until a team mate arrives so they can score the try.
Kyle had even organised with his winger one day, that he would kick to his wing at kick off and hopefully then the boy on the wing would pick up the ball and score. The winger got finger tips to the ball, it bounced into touch just short of the try line. At under 7's, I thought that was FANTASTIC creative play. It definitely caught the other team off guard.
Photo 4 - The boys singing the Tigers team song. The boys sing the team song after every game. |
 |
| ‘GREAT BOOST’: Kieran now looks to a bright RL future. |
SELECTION A REWARD FOR TIME AND EFFORT
Story By : DAMIR GOVORCIN 
TALENTED five-eighth Kieran Foran looks set to follow his friend and former team-mate Mitchell Pearce in the NRL competition after gaining selection in the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSW CCC) opens team to compete at the Australian championships to be held in Townsville from July 11-16.
Kieran, in Year 11 at Marist College, North Shore, plays in the Jersey Flegg competition with Manly and is considered a future first-grader.
The 16-year-old played alongside Mitchell in both the college’s A grade and Metropolitan Catholic Colleges (MCC) representative team, and says the current Sydney Roosters halfback has had “a big influence on my life and playing style”.
Kieran’s brother, Liam, is on the books of the Melbourne Storm.
“Mitchell is someone who I have learnt a lot from, but the biggest impact and influence on my game has come from my brother Liam,” he said.
“Liam took up a position with Melbourne at the beginning of this year and is really enjoying it.
“My family is very supportive of both of us in sport – it would be impossible without their continued support.”
On his selection in the NSW CCC team Kieran said: “It is just such a wonderful boost to my game and confidence. I will now be playing with some of the best players in NSW – guys I am in awe of.”
Marist College rugby league coach Patrick Lowe said Kieran’s selection is “vindication of the time and effort he puts into the game”.
“He has shown steady improvement over a three-year period and he has now become an outstanding league player,” he said.
“It’s a deserving reward for Kieran as it is difficult to try to maintain a balance between school and his sport.
“He trains twice a week after school for the Marist A Grade league team, on top of the six-seven sessions per week commitment he has to Manly.
“I would like to see Kieran enjoy another year of NSW reps next year before he makes a decision about his undoubtedly bright future.”
Born in New Zealand, Kieran took up league at the age of four playing with the Auckland-based Ellerslie Eagles until he was seven.
He moved to Sydney with his family a year later joining the Asquith Magpies.
Three years ago, he was scouted by Manly and has since been developing his game in the SG Ball and Jersey Flegg competitions.
Kieran describes himself as a “fairly spiritual guy", often saying a prayer before a game.. Learn More |
BONEY GIVES COLLEGE EDGE OVER GILGANDRA
A man-of-the-match performance from Jordan Boney behind the scrum gave Dubbo College Senior Campus the winning edge over Gilgandra High in the Tom Kemp Cup under 16s final played on Thursday at Cale Oval in Narromine.
Boney scored one of Dubbo's six tries in the 26-12 victory and with his kicking game spot-on in the heavy conditions he continually put the Gilgandra defence under pressure.
Gilgandra scored two converted tires in the first half to lead 12-8, but when Dubbo played smart football and limited the risk with their passes the tries came.
"It was always going to be a game played in the forwards and I can't heap enough praise on my players," coach Andrew Livingston said.
"While they carted the ball up and drained the Gilgandra defence, our defence was also fantastic to put the ball carrier on his back and when that pressure mounted we got a lot of cheap ball from turnovers.
"With the side we had from the start of the knockout I was confident we could get the job done and the players really lifted when it counted.
"At the end of the game though it was Jordan Boney who won the player of the match award and it was rightly deserved - his play in general was intelligent." |
 |
| RISING STAR: Tumut High School lock Blake Jones gave NRL scouts something more to think about by scoring four tries against Mt Austin High in the Buckley Shield game in Wagga yesterday.Photo: Les Smith |
NRL EYES ARE ON STAR TUMUT TEEN
Story By : Les Muir
BLAKE JONES WAS THE TEARAWAY STAR AS TUMUT SMASHED MOUNT AUSTIN 46-0
TUMUT teenager Blake Jones yesterday showed why there is a growing list of NRL clubs wanting to sign him to a contract.
Only 14 years old, Jones was the tearaway star as Tumut High School smashed Mount Austin High in a Buckley Shield tie in Wagga.
Too strong, skilful and quick, the young lock scored four fabulous tries for Tumut High in a 46-0 whitewash of Mt Austin.
Up by 16-0 at half-time, Tumut High ran rampant in the second half, scoring another five tries to storm into the Riverina final of the Buckley Shield.
Slicing through from 45 metres out, Jones scored the first of Tumut High's eight tries in the seventh minute and bagged another three tries in the second half. |
 |
| Cronulla's Tom Hancock on the end of another deadly pass. ( Photo : ourfooty media) |
New South Wales Win U17 Clash
Story By :
SHARP-shooting Parramatta youngster Nathan Gardner stole the limelight with 24 points as New South Wales trumped Queensland 52-18 in the Under 17 Origin clash at Telstra Stadium.
The Blues raced away from a hard-fought 12-all halftime scoreline, posting seven tries to one in a rampant second stanza. It avenged a 42-16 thrashing in the same contest in 2006.
 |
| It was raining tries at Telstra Stadium with both teams scoring fantastic tries (Photo's : ourfooty media) |
Eels winger Gardner was far from a lone hand in the victory, however his two tries and eight goals were impossible to ignore in the wash-up. Many of the conversions came from the sideline, curling them in both from left and right of the posts.
The masterful kicking display overshadowed one of the great tries of the year from Queensland fullback and Rockhampton Brothers talent Anthony Raymond, who scooped up a ball in his own in-goal and showed remarkable pace to run the length of the field.
Bizarrely, New South Wales team had four members stuck in the elevator at the team hotel before kick-off.
Yet the home side didn’t waste any time breaking out of the blocks, winger Gardner pulled up just short in the second minute.. Learn More | PHOTO GALLERY | |
FIRST SILVERWARE FOR 2007
Wavell Highs Year 10 Blue Rugby League team opened the Schools silverware collection on Tuesday the 13th of June in the final of the local/ district Sci-Fleet Toyota , Aspley/Broncos Challenge.
Having defeated Pine Rivers High 28 - 12 in the Major Semi-final the Wavell side were prepared for the rematch after Pine Rivers progressed to the Grand Final by via their win over Aspley High the previous week.
Early tries to Dean Fogarty and Harrison Holmes saw Wavell lead the first half before Pine Rivers scored in the corner with 30 seconds remaining, taking the game to the halftime break with the score 8 to 4 in Wavells favour.
Unforced errors in the early stages of the second half saw Wavell have to come up with some scrambling defence to repel Pine Rivers sustained attacks.
A period of possession allowed Wavell High to take advantage of some good field position.. Learn More |
 ST. DOMINICS COLLEGE PENRITH
Last weeks results - All games were washed out.
This week’s semi finals 1st grade finished as minor premiers and proceed straight through to the grand final next week.
2nd Grade play Blacktown on Oval 1 at 2pm U15 play Blacktown on Oval 1 at 1pm U13B play Campbelltown on Oval 3 at 1pm 14A’s take on the 14B’s on Oval 3 at 2pm All other teams not playing in semi finals will stay at school and support our other teams. |
 LOCAL BALMAIN PCYC SIDE TO PLAY IN ORIGIN AT TELSTRA TONIGHT
Story By : 
Balmain PCYC U’8’s has been selected through a ballot to play mini games at half time during the NSW v QLD U17’s and the State of Origin at Telstra Stadium.
President of Balmain PCYC, Mick O’Keefe stated “this is an outstanding opportunity for our young players and something which remain in their memories forever”.
PCYC Coach – Natalie Devenish said “thank you for the opportunity to represent Balmain District Junior Rugby League… we will do you proud”.
Balmain PCYC is a small developing club of three teams playing in the Balmain District Junior Rugby League competition. Balmain has produced a number of rugby league greats including Wayne Pearce, Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach, and Don Furner. |
 |
Rockhampton's Anthony Raymond will join the Queensland under-17 side when they play New South Wales to-night. |
PLAYER OF FUTURE ON SCHOOL TIME-OUT
Story By : 
WHILE his classmates are busy preparing for their mid-year exams, Rockhampton junior rugby league star Anthony Raymond is getting ready for the biggest night of his life.
The talented youngster will join the Queensland Under-17 team to play New South Wales at Telstra Stadium in Sydney tomorrow night in a curtain-raiser to State of Origin II.
Raymond, who will line up at full-back, flew down to Brisbane on Friday to go into camp with his team, before heading to Sydney yesterday to prepare for the big game. |
 |
| Group 11's Lionel O'Malley comes to help Hayden Hodge stop the progress of Maitland's Jacob McKendry in their under-15s trial on Sunday. |
JUNIOR TEAMS SET TO IMPRESS AT COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Story By : Barry Hildebrandt
Group 11 under 15s and 16s are primed for a 'big show' in the Southern NSW Country Championships, according to 15s coach Neil Millgate.
On Sunday in Dubbo, both sides finalised their preparations with full scale hi touts against Maitland.
Millgate's 15s finished 24-all with the visitors while the Sean Barker coached under 16s - including Wellington's Richard Peckham - looked good, beating Maitland 24-14 in the main game.
Group 11 will take their two sides to Cootamundra for the Southern Championships on the weekend of June 16-17.
Millgate said while his 15s shared the points with four tries each, his boys showed enough to suggest they will be in with a chance at Cootamundra.
"We're in with a big show, it was a very impressive trial," Millgate said.. Learn More |
 |
| Les Davidson watching the footy at the Aquinas Colts homeground (Photo : ourfooty media) |
DAVIDSON FIRES UP NSW FORWARDS
Story By : Photo By :
FORMER Origin hardman Les Davidson has urged the NSW forwards to assert their authority from the outset at Telstra Stadium on Wednesday night after addressing the Blues at a team dinner.
Davidson, a former South Sydney and Cronulla second-rower, was a special guest when the NSW team had dinner at the Sharks Leagues Club on Thursday night and warned the Blues not to let Origin III become a dead rubber.
Cronulla and Australian coach Ricky Stuart, who preceded Graham Murray in the NSW job and played 14 Origins as halfback for the Blues, also spoke to the players. "It was pretty laid-back," Davidson said. "I sat with the forwards and Ricky sat with the backs.
"They're pretty relaxed at the moment and nothing seems to bother them, but as the game gets closer they're going to get a bit more fired up. They'll have to. Queensland got the jump on us in the first game, and our blokes didn't really respond.
"Whether they were shellshocked, I don't think so - but big Tonie Carroll came out and started to loosen a few of the boys up, and they didn't stand up for themselves. They can't afford to let that happen to them again, so hopefully our blokes will get the jump on them this time, or if not they are able to weather the storm and come home strong."
With the Blues having lost the past three Origin encounters, Davidson said he had little doubt heads would roll if they were again beaten on Wednesday - and lost a second successive series.
Worse, the third game at Suncorp Stadium would then become a celebration of Maroons dominance - something that hasn't happened since 1995.
"One thing I did say is that they've got a chance to level it in this game and make it an interesting decider in the next one, because having a dead rubber is no fun whatsoever," Davidson said. "If that was to happen, I know the selectors would be scratching their heads and wondering what to do - and I think things would have to change."
NSW coach Graham Murray cancelled a planned training run at Toyota Park yesterday due to the wet weather, with the players reporting that the heavy conditions the day before had taken their toll.. Learn More |
|
MORE JUNE '07 - FOOTY NEWS HERE * July '07 Footy News - July '07 Archives |
|
|
|
|
Queensland have broken with tradition this year and have sent 2 seperate teams to the Championships. 
2007 COWBOYS CHALLENGE 
BRISBANE METRO 
ELITE SYDNEY CHS COMP'S
SYDNEY 
OBE GEIA 
Jeff HARDY
Bulldogs win Harold 2007 Matthews Cup Grand Final 
2003 
2002 
2001 
ENGLAND 
ENGLAND 
WELSH 
BARLA
FRENCH 
