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| Roosters half back Mitchell Pearce is finding his stride |
ROOSTERS STORM BACK INTO RACE FOR FINALS
Story By : 
Sydney Roosters 64 North Queensland 30
Referee Gavin Badger blew his whistle for the start of the game.
Given the flash floods, ripped-apart buildings, upturned trees, ice-cold temperatures, howling winds whistling through a deserted Aussie Stadium and general mayhem throughout Sydney caused by all this hellish weather, it was hard to know what would come first: full-time or the end of the world.
Thankfully, it was full-time. And then the realisation of an occurrence even more stunning than the end of civilisation as we know it: the Roosters had a win. And roared past the half-century with 11 tries. To be, wait for it, just two wins outside the top eight.
Remember how Newcastle could never win without Andrew Johns? The Cowboys are equally hapless without Johnathan Thurston. After their 44-14 loss to Parramatta without Thurston before Origin I, they've now let in 108 points - and copped two absolute hidings - when their No.7 and skipper has been away on representative duty. Punters take note.
It was a ridiculous scoreline given the Armageddon-like weather. Both sides were expecting a score along the lines of 10-4, good buddy. Instead, there were 16 tries and the third-highest score in the Roosters' 100-year history.
They're now on one of the best winning streaks they've had for ages . . . one on the trot.
"I don't say it's a turning point - we won't know that for another four or five weeks," Roosters coach Chris Anderson said.
"If we put a few wins together, then we can have a look up and see where we are. At the moment, we're still pushing uphill, but tonight was just a real shot in the arm for the team, an injection of confidence." |
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| 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 |
SCHOOLBOYS PUT IN SOME SUPER EFFORTS ON PADDOCK
Story By : 
WHILE Mackay State High's open schoolboy side assured itself of a top-four finish in the coveted Super 8 series, the school's under 15 outfit swept into the final of the North Queensland Challenge.
Both sides brushed aside their Charters Towers opponents last week.
The under 15s will now tackle Cairns State High after the school holidays in a bid to be tagged as one of the best young sides in the north.
Coach Don McDermott said his team showed grit to overcome a disappointing first round 20-20 draw with Pioneer/Mirani to surge into top spot in their pool.
"We started off a bit slowly, probably because we didn't have any trials," he said.
"But we gained some momentum during the series and are starting to play some good football."
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| Visit Mackay SHS Rugby League page |
His side caused an upset by defeating competition favourites Kirwan 16-10 before thumping the Charters Towers combined schools outfit 38-6 at Ayr last week.
McDermott's side boasts a lethal halves combination in Capricornia captain Dylan Smith and Queensland representative Leon Curry, who was recently named as player of the tournament at the under 15 State Championships.
Fullback Ian Read offers plenty of promise and centre Rogan Dean is in fine form after snaring six tries in his last three appearances.
Fourteen-year-old prop Daniel Matsen is developing into a highly-rated forward. He ran 40m to score the match-winning try against Kirwan, beating the fullback and dragging defenders over the line. |
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| Feleti Mateo ... topping the list of the hottest young properties in the NRL. See the full photo gallery here. / The Daily Telegraph |
NRL STARS OF THE FUTURE
Story By : 
THEY are the hottest young properties in the NRL. Young, bright and extremely talented, these 10 emerging talents are already on their way to becoming the stars of tomorrow.
STEVE MASCORD and BARRY TOOHEY take a look at just what makes them special and you can check out our exclusive online picture gallery of the players.
1. FELETI MATEO: Parramatta second rower
ONE man in the Wests Tigers dressingroom on Monday night was utterly unsurprised at the way Parramatta's Feleti Mateo has earlier dismantled the joint venture side.
Mateo, 23, scored two tries in the 38-8 Eels success to end a six-game winning run for Wests Tigers. Assistant coach Royce Simmons, who first saw the second-rower when he guided Tonga two years ago, just shook his head.
"He came back from London, I didn't know much about him at all,'' Simmons recalled of the international against Samoa at Campbelltown Stadium.
"All the Tongan boys, they said 'he can play halfback'.
They were all monsters, weren't they? I said 'we'll give this bloke a go' and he played really good. Obviously he's got some skill. He's got ball-playing ability. He can pass before the line, that's what he did playing (five-eighth) for the Tongan side. He's got a lot bigger since then.
"He can kick the ball, believe it or not. He's not your No.1 or No.2 kicker but he's got that ability in his game. He runs a real good line and he's got a real good off-load, hasn't he? He's got a lot of things covered.''
Despite having been loaned out by Parramatta, Mateo's performance was enough for him to win a nomination as 2005's Best International Newcomer at the Gillette Awards. Yet he failed to make an impact in his first year back in Australia, 2006.
"I always knew he was going to make first grade, it was just a matter of time,' said team-mate Nathan Hindmarsh. "He had to work hard on his fitness this year. That's why we sent him away and gave him a taste of first grade over there. Even (against) Wests Tigers, he was struggling a bit.
"(But) he's going to progress into a great player. When he gets that right hand out with the ball in one arm, it's a bit scary. He's just got to learn sometimes just to tuck it under the wing.''
 2. ISRAEL FOLAU: Melbourne winger
STORM coaching assistant Matthew Johns saw plenty of teenage winger Folau during the pre-season and was raving about him even before he broke into the top grade.
"To be honest, I thought his biggest challenge was going to be actually breaking into first grade because of all the competition at the Storm,''Johns said. "You could see in training he had the goods but with so many good outside backs at the club, I thought he might battle to snare a spot.
"But Belly (coach Craig Bellamy) put him straight in and now he has been playing so well the the other guys are having to fit around him. They fought so long and hard to keep a player like Steve Turner but he has spent some time in the Queensland Cup because of this kid.''
Johns said it is "scary'' just how good Folau could be. "He is still learning. I think he is probably more of a natural centre than he is a winger,''Johns said.
 3. PETER WALLACE: Penrith five-eighth
THE Panthers were hoping to build for their future around Wallace but were blindsided by a spectacular offer from the Brisbane Broncos.
"He's a confident, good hard-working kid who is only going to get better and better as he develops,'' Panthers coach Matt Elliott said. "The only problem now is you feel as if you are developing him this season for someone else.''
In a Panthers side struggling for any sort of consistency, Wallace has proven to be a bit of a revelation with great composure and ball-playing skill.
 4. KRISNAN INU: Parramatta centre
MADE his Test debut for New Zealand at fullback earlier this season after just one top grade game for the Eels. What's more, he was one of the Kiwis' best players in a performance which had future star written all over it.
Inu has not nailed down a permanent first grade spot yet but is being groomed for Timana Tahu's centre position for next season. "He is a very talented player - a tremendous prospect,'' Eels assistant coach David Fairleigh said. "He showed a lot of character the way he handled fullback in the Test.''
Mark Hughes says Inu had huge raps as a schoolboy. "Three years ago I was tipped off on Inu,'' Mark Hughes said. "Westfields coach Wayne Lambert said he was the best player to have ever gone through the school. It was a pretty big rap but he, along with Mateo, have really burst onto the scene this year.''
 5. CHRIS LAWRENCE: Tigers centre
TIGERS coach Tim Sheens is very protective of his good young players and doesn't like to see them fall prey to outside influences like too much media attention. But privately, he would be more than rapt in the progress of this young bloke.
Lawrence was still at school late last season when Sheens pitched him into first grade and he has continued to impress this season off the bench. Few people will forget the try he scored at Gosford against Melbourne when he left five defenders in his wake after a scrum win.
"He has virtually gone from S G Ball into first grade which is a huge step,''Sheens said. "He still has a lot to learn. There are a lot of things in his game he has to work on...but he is quick with good instincts for the game so we have some hopes for him.''
 6. CORY PATERSON: Newcastle secondrower
THIS bloke has come through the Knights system alongside Jarrod Mullen and Luke Walsh and already has plenty of people excited about how far he can go in the game. "He's still learning but he has a great future - no doubt,'' Andrew Johns says.
"He is a big lump of a kid who is still growing into his body and I think he has future top-liner written all over him.'' Paterson seems to be revelling under the coaching of Brian Smith, and Johns likes the Western Australian product's hands and instincts for the game.
"He is a bit more old school. You can just see in the way he plays - he has some lovely touches - he just has a great feel for the game,''Johns said.
And keep an eye on ...
 7. Karl McNichol (Bulldogs): The Sharks recently signed this Bulldogs centre for a staggering $200,000 a year - and he hasn't played first grade yet. The 18-year-old was nominated by most at the Dogs as ``the next big thing'' and has been compared to Sonny Bill Williams.
 8. Luke Walsh (Knights): Newcastle coach Brian Smith believes Walsh could be the Knights' best halfback - and they've already got an Origin no.7 in Jarrod Mullen. The jockey-sized Walsh is another protege of Andrew Johns.
 9. Denan Kemp (Broncos): A former soccer player from country Queensland who caught the eye with a sizzling solo try on debut against Manly. Limited opportunities so far but earmarked as Brent Tate's replacement.
 10. Eddie Paea (Souths): Another from the amazing Paea production, Eddie is a talented young halfback and currently the NSW Under 19 captain. Contains zip and creativity. |
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| Rockhampton's Mitchell Locks shapes to pass as the rain starts to fall. |
JUNIORS TRIUMPH OVER BUNDABERG
Story By : Morning Bulletin
ROCKHAMPTON has continued its domination over Bundaberg in junior rugby league, once again taking out the 26th Annual Sullivan Shield at Browne Park last weekend.
The competition is based on a win-loss margin, with teams in the under-10, under-11 and under-12 age groups playing two games at home and two games away.
The teams first clashed in Bundaberg, with Rockhampton leaving 4-2 winners.
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BRAD MAKES NSW COUNTRY
Story By : 
This is a fantastic result for a young player who has a future in the sport and is one of Parkes' most talented young footballers after being selected in the Australian Merit under 15s in 2005.
Brad has made this team as a 16 year old (17 in November) and still has another year left in the under 18s which is a testament to his talent and reputation in the game in country NSW.
Brad is the son of Rob and Sonya Graham, and is also contracted to NRL team Parramatta when he finishes school at the end of 2008.
A second rower, Brad is a punishing front-on defender who is also blessed with excellent speed and great footwork.. Learn More |
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Barba, who is about to turn 18, has signed with NRL club the Bulldogs and will leave for Sydney within days.
"It was all a bit sudden," Barba said yesterday.
The Bulldogs had expressed some interest last year.
But he then didnt hear from them until receiving a phone call out of the blue earlier this week.
"I'm leaving on the weekend or Monday," Barba said.
"They'll put me up in a house down there with other young players who are away from home."
Barba will play Jersey Flegg for the rest of the season and then in the new national under 20 competition next year.
He has been in scintillating form at both club and representative level in Mackay at fullback.
And the speedy back is set to get his hands on the ball even more with the Bulldogs.
"They want me to play five-eighth," said Barba, who had also attracted interest from the North Queensland Cowboys.
He is not unfamiliar with the playmaking position, having worn the No.6 shirt in juniors.
"When I was around under 15 and under 16 I played there.".. Learn More |
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| Best foot forward: teenage Melbourne Storm centre Will Chambers rolls one down at Storm's tenpin bowling break rom regular NRL training yesterday. Picture: Michael Klein |
STORM ROOKIES ROAD WORTHY
Story By : Herald-Sun
MELBOURNE Storm co-captain Cameron Smith says one win in the next two away games will earn the club a pass mark. The NZ Warriors await on Sunday.
With the possibility of six players missing because of State of Origin commitments, Storm is again set to promote a host of rookies to cover the void, with the undermanned squad to face a desperate New Zealand Warriors in Auckland on Sunday.
The Warriors clash is the first test in a tough road trip for Storm.
Melbourne faces North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville the following Saturday with most of the Storm squad to travel about 9000km in 10 days.
Smith, who will be named at hooker for Queensland, said yesterday: "It's going to be a tough time for us. To get two wins will be fantastic; to get one win will be good.
"Certainly we'll be trying to get two wins. We certainly think we're capable of getting two wins."
Smith said Storm would miss little in having James Aubusson wear his No. 9 jersey.
Aubusson, off-contract at the end of the season, delivered a man of the match performance in his first career start, against the Sydney Roosters, when Smith was busy with Origin I duties.
Centre Will Chambers, who scored a try on debut in Round 10 and another two for Queensland under-19s last month, Garret Crossman, Sam Tagataese, Ian Donnelly, Jeff Lima and Jeremy Smith will be handed greater responsibility.
"It'll be a bit of a learning curve for them but I'm sure they'll play well," Smith said.
Storm is poised to lose six players for Origin II at Telstra Stadium tomorrow week.
New South Wales prop Brett White appears likely to retain his position, with Ryan Hoffman, 18th man for the Blues in Game 1, fighting Paul Gallen for a call-up and Anthony Tupou tipped to miss out.
Matt King will be named either in the centres or wing for the Blues, while Smith, Dallas Johnson and Greg Inglis are automatic Maroons selections.
Cowboys enforcer Carl Webb has earned a recall for Queensland after missing the opening game with a calf injury, while veteran Brett Kimmorley, missing from Origin since 2005, is set to replace Jarrod Mullen at halfback for NSW.
Smith said Queensland was primed to break its 10-year hoodoo in Sydney.
He said the Maroons' chances of claiming a breakthrough victory would not be hampered by Brisbane's poor club form.
The Broncos, who provided seven Queenslanders for Game 1, need to win at least nine of their last 12 games to reach this year's finals after crashing to second-last.
In contrast Storm, last year's other grand finalist, is top of the ladder.
"It doesn't matter how their team's going, they always seem to go well in the rep stuff," Smith said.
"It didn't (hurt us) in the first game or in the Test, either."
The Maroons won Game 1 in Brisbane last month 25-18.
Queensland halfback Johnathan Thurston will arrive in Brisbane tomorrow shrouded in controversy after being involved in a street brawl in Townsville early on Sunday morning.
The Cowboys said yesterday Thurston was unlikely to be charged over his involvement in the brawl, which left one man in hospital. |
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| Juggernaut ... Chris Lawrence "thrusts" against the Paramatta Eels. Photo: Getty Images |
YOUNG TIGER ON THE HUNT
Story By : Jamie Pandaram
WESTS Tigers youngster Chris Lawrence has been given free rein to attack Newcastle's defensive line as often as possible this weekend, with coach Tim Sheens naming the 18-year-old at five-eighth.
Sheens said the hard-running Lawrence would add "thrust" to his side's attack and wanted him to play a direct running role, having abandoned his experiment with Liam Fulton at No.6 following Monday night's 38-8 loss to Parramatta.
"He has played centre mostly but playing closer to the game is what we've always planned for him, and I'm sure Tigers fans would like to see that too," Sheens said. "He adds thrust to our attack, he is powerful and a lot quicker than Liam. He won't be playing a true five-eighth role. It's pretty similar to what happened against Melbourne … it is a running role."
Sheens also named Shannon McDonnell as the replacement for injured skipper Brett Hodgson, who is expected to miss at least three weeks with a fractured cheekbone.
Wests Tigers' loss to the Eels, their first since round four, was described by Sheens as "an abomination".
"We didn't play well as team," he said. "We don't have a team of superstars but we play well together and [on Monday night] we didn't play well as a team."
Meanwhile, Storm pair Adam Blair and Matt Rua will make long-awaited returns to the NRL. Kiwi Blair returns after recovering from a bad ankle injury sustained during last year's Tri-Nations final.
In player movements, Canberra has signed forward Nigel Plum for the remainder of 2007 after he was released by the Roosters. Plum has been signed until the end of 2009.
And Parramatta prop Aaron Cannings has signed a three-year deal with the Gold Coast Titans, starting next season.
"I'm looking forward to playing under [coach] John Cartwright," Cannings said. |
WESTERN CLASH WITH SOUTH COAST
Story By : 
SCHOOLS LEAGUE: The Western Area boy's team comprising a number of Dubbo players will come up against South Coast in the opening round of the NSW Primary Schools Championships at Cudgeon on the Far North Coast today.
Coached by Chris Sutton from Bowen Public in Orange, Western is grouped in the same pool as South Coast, Sydney West, Polding, North Coast and Sydney South West hoping to make it into the top placings come the final series on Thursday.
Former NRL forward Wayne Sing will look on proudly when his son Marshall plays at five-eighth for Western.
Marshall, is one of four boys from Dubbo South Primary, the others being halfback Tony Pellow, Kaide Ellis at second-row and Joe Stageman off the bench. Dubbo West's Sharne Robinson is a prop.
Western under-11s: 1 Michael Ryan (Wellington), 2 Ceejay Harrison (Mudgee), 3 Tieryn White (Bathurst), 4 Bradyn Cassidy (Canowindra), 5 Luke Tarrant (Cowra), 6 Marshall Sing (Dubbo South), 7 Tony Pellow (Dubbo South), 8 Dylan Michie (Mudgee), 9 Zachery Adams (Gulgong), 10 Sharne Robinson (Dubbo West), 11 Alex Wilson (Canowindra), 12 Kaide Ellis (Dubbo South), 13 Mitchell Browne (Cowra), 14 Joe Stageman (Dubbo South), 15 Nathan Leach (Mulyan, Cowra), 16 Rohan Toole (Canowindra), William Sheely (Kandos). Coach Chris Sutton (Bowen Public, Orange). Manager: Rob McPherson (Bowen).
Meanwhile, on June 19-20 at St Marys in Sydney, Western Area will compete in the Open boy's division with games against North Coast, Polding, South Coast, Sydney South West and Hunter. |
 MATES HELPING MATES
Story By : QRL Media Release
THE Toowoomba Rugby League is breaking ground with a new community initiative, designed to foster the strong bonds between teammates in rugby league. Working in partnership with QR’s Organisational Health and Wellbeing the Toowoomba Rugby League has launched the “Mates Helping Mates” program.
The “Mates Helping Mates” program is aimed at educating Rugby League players to look after themselves and to look after their mates, promoting the positives of living a healthy lifestyle. The Toowoomba Rugby League aims to provide information and support to our young Rugby League players so that those players can grow into healthy old men.
In 2007 the Toowoomba district has experienced the suicide of three well-known junior rugby league players, bringing the issue to a head
"This is something I’ve been talking about for more than two years," TRL Chairman Noel Davis told the Toowoomba Chronicle recently.
"I’ve decided enough is enough. There has to be something in place that lets our young people know where they can turn and more importantly gives them somewhere to turn.
"It's more than that, in that we also need to equip people with the necessary skills if someone does turn to them for help.
"This could be a young guy whose marriage has broken up and he’s struggling to deal with it or a 16-year-old who is just struggling with growing into a young adult.
"We don't want to lose these people and it’s time we did something instead of sitting back and watching it happen."
In consultation with QR’s Organisational Health and Wellbeing and with the local Rugby League clubs the Toowoomba Rugby League will be running a series of workshops designed at promoting the positive messages related to healthy lifestyles.
The first workshop will be an information session so that the Rugby League community can learn more about the program. The information session will be held on Wednesday the 6th June at the Clive Berghofer Stadium. The information session will feature guest speakers from QR’S Organisational Health and Wellbeing.
The Toowoomba Rugby League in partnership with QR are planning to print brochures and posters that promote the “Mates Helping Mates” program and the support networks that are available to Rugby League players throughout the Darling Downs.
The motto of the “Mates Helping Mates” program is “We want our young men to grow into healthy old men”. The Toowoomba Rugby League hopes that by promoting the positives of living a healthy lifestyle and by helping to educate our players that support is available that our young Rugby League players will be healthy old men of the future. |
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| Chris Binge jnr, Ballina Seagulls player, has been chosen to represent the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Under-15s team. |
CHRIS BINGE JUNIOR SHINES AT RUGBY LEAGUE TRIALS
Story By : 
CHRIS Binge junior adopted a pretty simple philosophy at the recent NSW Combined Catholic Colleges rugby league selection trials in Sydney.
I was just trying to play better than the players I was up against, he said.
As a result the youthful talent was picked for the NSW CCC Under-15s team for the Australian Schoolboys Championships to be held in Adelaide in later this month.
Last year I was only 14 when I went to the trials so I didn't make the team, but this year I found it a bit easier, although it was still competitive, he said. I'm pretty happy to finally make it.
Chris, who's contracted to the Brisbane Broncos and plays for Ballina Under-15s and Woodlawn College, was selected at centre for the side.
A strong runner who models his game on Brisbane's Justin Hodges, Chris said he enjoys playing an expansive game and likes to take on his opposite number one-on-one.
Chris' next goal is to win the Australian crown and be selected into the Australian merit side.
His preparation for the Champs will feature another two trips to Sydney before the end of June; with full-day training camps followed by games against the Wests Tigers and Parramatta Eels SG Ball sides.
A presentation night where he will be handed all his NSW playing gear will also be held in Parramatta, with Chris excited to meet former NSW playing greats.
Chris isn't the only talented member of his family, with father Chris Binge senior a former league star and now Seagulls first grade coach and younger brother Caleb, 14, also contracted to the Broncos.
Chris and Caleb have dreams of following in the footsteps of another set of brothers from Ballina - Mitch and James Aubusson - and Chris senior said they had no better people to look up to.
I coached Mitch and he had a huge influence on both my boys, he said.
They are both great role models for the boys and if they can achieve half of what the Aubusson brothers have, then there will be exciting times ahead.?
Chris senior also praised the junior development at Ballina Seagulls.
Ballina are a good product nursery and they have good structures with their junior development, he said.
The way the club runs their structures is a credit to them. Chris and Caleb owe a lot of their development to Ballina. They wouldn?t be where they are without them. |
 TRIAL TURN AROUND
Redcliffe High’s most exciting game of football for 2007 was played by the Year 8 Sci-Fleet Toyota Challenge team against Wavell HS on Tuesday afternoon at Shaw Sports. Way back in March Wavell HS agreed to a pre-comp trial game to give the boys some experience before the season commenced. The trial game was played at Dolphin Oval – home to Redcliffe – was a smashing we’d rather forget. Wavell’s outfit was too big, too fast, too strong, and overall looked liked they’d been playing together for years. And the end 44-nil scoreboard for the trial proved that. It was not the confidence booster Redcliffe was looking for and needed for (apprentice) Coach Kirsty.
Since that initial game when the Redcliffe boys didn’t know each other’s names, not to mention strength or weaknesses, training sessions have become integral. Each weeks training schedule has been catered to the next week’s match. Building on prior errors or working to a target against certain teams.
This week Redcliffe was lucky enough to come off a double bye thanks to a team withdrawal and spent the last two weeks prior to meeting Wavell HS for the second time, concentrating on safe passing and heavy defence with double training sessions.. Learn More |
| Mick Esdale dives across the line in the dying minutes of the game to seal the Comets first win of the season. |
ESDALE SECURES COMETS' WIN
Story By : The Morning Bulletin
CENTRAL Comets hooker and local high school teacher Mick Esdale will arrive at work today with bragging rights after leading his team to their first win of the season over the Souths Logan Magpies at Browne Park on Saturday night.
With the scores locked at 16-all and only 10 minutes remaining on the clock, the crowd were on the edge of their seats as Comets five-eighth Nat Bowman narrowly missed a field goal, but were soon on their feet as Esdale broke the line to seal a nail-biting win with only three minutes remaining. I
t was certainly a night to remember for Esdale, who celebrated his 50th match in Comets colours with two tries, including the match-winner. |
 WHO'S THE FASTEST IN THE QRL CUP?
On a day when fleet-footed Shannon Walker shone for Tweed Heads against Norths, fellow schoolboy sprint stars Davies and Obe Geia also put forth their claims to ‘Fastest Man in the League’.
Having already earned a try earlier in the match, Geia posted an 85m effort past half-a-dozen defenders in the last minute to finish narrowly ahead of his old nemesis.
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| Obe Geia helping kids learn about stretching their Quad's and about footy |
“Rodney beat Obe last year in high school athletics and the boys were reminding Obe about it all week,” revealed Parish.
“I think Obe got his cash when it counted most.”.
Talking of last years schoolboys scoring tries this weekend, Sydney Roosters half back Mitchell Pearce interpected a long Newcastle pass a showed plenty of toe when he ran over 50 meters to score his first try in the NRL. They reckon the 1st one is the hardest
Luke Capewell playing 1st grade for with Rabbitohs feeder club Easts scored a clever try on the weekend as well.. Learn More |
 PERCENTAGE KEEPS DE LA SALLE ON TOP
Story & Photo's By :
After the completion of the 1st round of home & away games, Cronulla junior team De La Salle 14A's remain on top of the ladder despite having the bye on the weekend.
In other news Gymea 16A's had a torrid time against De La Salle at Corea Oval on Sunday going down 16 - 0.
(See photo's)
In the A grade, Cronulla Caringbah had a tight and tough 22 all draw at Captain Cook Oval. |
 FARRER BELTS BRAVE THS
Story By : 
A FIELD goal by Tamworth High's Josh Scharkie probably brought the biggest cheer at Scully Park yesterday but it was it was only a consolation in the 74-1 University Shield loss to Farrer High. Farrer ran in 14 tries, including three to starting wingers Pat Hunt and Dominic Bower, to get their Uni Shield campaign off to a good start.
But the green and golds didn't have it all their own way, with THS providing patches of solid resistance.
"They were great," Farrer co-coach Gus Comi said of the THS boys.
"They tried hard and tackled well.
"To keep us to 28 at halftime was an excellent effort.
"They had a green army running at them and when one stops, another one comes, but they tackled well so that's a good sign."
With NSW CHS reps Angus McHattan and Seb Swain and regular five-eighth Jake Hawkins out, several players stood up... Learn More |
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| Looking on the bright side ... dumped Cronulla Shark Josh Hannay puts on a burst of speed for the Gymea Gorillas yesterday. Photograph: Mark Evans / The Daily Telegraph |
HANNAY'S DAY OUT IN THE PARK
Story By : Steve Masssoud 
A LESSER man would have backed out. Upon seeing his new teammates urinating in public before kick-off he would have turned away and said, "This is definitely not for me".
We now know Josh Hannay is not a lesser man, despite being treated like one this week. Less than a year after dining out on rugby league's grandest fare, he yesterday sat down to a super-sized helping of humble pie. Instead of pushing the plate away, Hannay asked for seconds.
After a decade-long NRL career featuring a grand final and four Origin appearances, the 27-year-old centre somehow found himself playing five-eighth for the Gymea Gorillas against the Engadine Dragons.
Along with former top-grade star Brett Seymour, he was banished to A-grade because Sharks coach Ricky Stuart does not believe the pair have a future at Cronulla.
By amazing coincidence they were slated to begin their new incarnation as park footballers on the same humble patch of dirt, Anzac Oval in Engadine.
But while Hannay arrived for duty, Seymour went MIA. His reason – a "calf strain" – prompted an entire afternoon's worth of winks and nudges for the lads in the outer. "I think he injured himself on the way to the game, mate," Hannay wisecracked.
Left to carry the ignominity alone, Hannay squared his shoulders and bore the load like an Olympic weightlifter who is going for gold. Warming up among a crowd containing everything from giant silver Weimaraners to snotty-nosed toddlers, Hannay wore a sheepish smile.
The other Gorillas did not let the rare opportunity slip, teasing him like an old mate. They even tossed a puppy his way for good measure. They had met him on Thursday night, when the newest Gorilla walked through the mist at Corea Road Oval to universal disbelief.
"He's been absolutely great," the Gymea coach Justin Bailey said. "His attitude was sensational. I just can't understand what the Sharks are doing putting a bloke like him, who's played Origin, in park footy."
Engadine officials said likewise about Seymour, who finally arrived to take in the bizarre proceedings from under a tree.
As the minutes to kick-off passed, Hannay's smile refused to recede.
Perhaps he sensed an unforgettable occasion was unfolding – one that might inspire trivia questions under beer bottle caps in years to come – and decided to take away happy memories.
"I'm expecting to get targeted a fair bit," Hannay said. "It should be a lot of fun."
Dressed in a jumper bereft of sponsors for the first time since he turned out for Moranbah as a 15-year-old in Queensland, Hannay joined teammates for their pre-game drills. For one front-rower, that routine included relieving his butterflies on a wooden fence.
With a school of Sharks first-graders – including Greg Bird and Paul Gallen – watching from the hill, Hannay was in the mix from the start. Engadine booted the kick-off high in his direction. As it hung in the air, the crowd – three times bigger than usual – jeered and roared for a fumble.
But on a day when Hannay rose above everything thrown in his direction, the kick was caught. Ten minutes later he was dashing away for a 60-metre try, leaving a pair of Engadine part-timers strewn on the turf like snapped ten-pins.
He played the entire first half, inspiring not only his own team of plumbers and tradies but also the other mob. Engadine five-eighth Andy Johnson was forced off with a knee injury, but begged his coach for a reprieve.
"I don't want to let Hannay get over the top of me. You've got to let me back on, coach," he pleaded.
He returned, but it was not enough to get the locals home. Conservative estimates put the score at 36-12 to the Gorillas, but, as one Engadine official noted: "We didn't have our star player."
Mobbed afterwards by the Sharks in the crowd, Hannay said: "It was really enjoyable to come back and do this.
"The NRL is always talking about grass roots and how important they are – maybe they should get a few more of us to come back and play park footy.
"It was actually good to play the game just for fun again." |
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| New Dragon... Jamie Soward is relishing his opportunity at the Dragons / The Sunday Telegraph |
STUART SECURES SOWARD'S FUTURE
Story By : Steve Massoud
NEW St George Illawarra star Jamie Soward is tipping that the man who helped get him a start at the Dragons will already be plotting his downfall.
Six days after helping pilot Sydney Roosters to an upset win over Cronulla, halfback Soward was a star for the joint venture in Friday night's win over Brisbane.
Dragons coach Nathan Brown revealed he was signed on the recommendation of Sharks coach Ricky Stuart.
"Ricky Stuart gave him a rap, Albert (recruitment manager Craig Young) gave him a ring two weeks ago,'' Brown said.
"He's taught him well about how to steer a team around the park.''
But next Monday, Soward is due to take on Stuart's Sharks for the second time in three weeks and the young No7 admitted: "I'd imagine Ricky will be looking at the tapes of the Roosters game and trying to lock me up.
"I'm looking forward to settling down now and hopefully playing first grade for the rest of the year.''
Soward feared before Friday night's 11-4 win at OKI Jubilee Stadium that the experienced Dragons forwards wouldn't take orders from him.
"They all introduced themselves out on the field and they were all good and listened to what I had to say,'' he said.
"Halfback is a pretty difficult spot. As any half would know, you have to come in and yell at forwards and I wasn't sure how they were going to take it, but they took it pretty well.
Meanwhile, Dragons captain Jason Ryles, said he would not be unduly concerned if he missed out on an Origin call-up.
"To be honest, I really don't care,'' he said.
"I'm just trying to play well each week for the Dragons and trying to get ourselves out of this little hole. If I do get picked, great. If I don't, it's not a disaster.'' |
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| Sawtell young guns, Luke Uikelotu and Kevin Gordon, have both been selected in the NSW CHS rugby league teams. |
HELPING BOYS GET A PIZZA THE ACTION
Story By : 
IF you were looking for an excuse to grab a pizza on either or both of the next Monday nights, then Eagle Boys at Toormina may have just given you the perfect excuse.
To help Sawtell rugby league players Luke Uikelotu and Kevin Gordon get to the national CHS championships, Eagle Boys have promised to donate $1 from every pizza sold over the next two Mondays to help the pair out with their expenses.
Uikelotu has been selected in the state under 15s team which is travelling to Adelaide in mid-June while Gordon, who has again been selected in the open?s team, will be spending the first week of the July school holidays in Townsville where he gets to pull on a sky blue jersey.. Learn More |
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| Youngster Mitchell Pearce is the Roosters' last halfback. / The Daily Telegraph Mitchell Pearce plays against the Sharks for the Jets (Photo's By : ourfooty Media ) |
JUNIOR JUNIOR IS LAST HALF STANDING
Story By : Steve Massoud
TEENAGER Mitchell Pearce last night vowed to defy the pressure of being the Roosters' last-standing halfback.
Barely old enough to drive, the 18-year-old has been asked to steer the Roosters' attack for the remainder of the season.
The son of Tigers great Wayne Pearce is now the only recognised No. 7 at Bondi following the double departure of fellow halves Josh Lewis and Jamie Soward in the past fortnight.
Despite the fact Pearce will make just his eighth NRL appearance this weekend, the Roosters yesterday ruled out signing a back-up No. 7 this season.
Coach Chris Anderson is adamant Pearce can lead the foundation club away from the bottom of the ladder in its 100th season.
"We see him as our future halfback and there's a lot of experience around him now," Anderson said.
"Well stick with him.
"He's a good, tough kid. He's certainly not daunted."
After training at half ahead of tomorrow's crunch game against Newcastle in Gosford, Pearce last night steeled himself for a steep rise in responsibility.
"Opes (Anderson) and I have had a bit of a chat about a couple of things and now it's up to me to prove myself," he said.
"I suppose if I thought about it too much, I would feel more pressure.
"The only pressure comes from myself really."
Despite having the crucial halfback role lumped on his tender shoulders, Pearce felt more weight prior to his highly publicised first NRL trial in February.
"It was probably worse before the season started, during the trials," he said. "I didn't have the respect . . . I was an unknown.
"Since I've had a few games there's a bit more confidence and less pressure than back then."
Pearce suffered a setback, however, when he was dropped to reserve grade last weekend.
In his absence, Soward stepped in – providing kick assists for both tries in the Roosters' golden-point 13-12 win over Cronulla.
Soward's performance threw 11th-hour doubt on his impending release to St George Illawarra, and even Pearce admitted to being in the dark.
"I didn't have a clue what the club were going to do with Jamie," he said.
"I only found out (he had gone to St George Illawarra) when the other boys told me on Monday night."
Initially disappointed about his axing to Premier League after the team's 26-2 loss to Melbourne, Pearce returns this week with a view to not have to make the drop again this season.
"It was pretty tough. I probably didn't have my best game and although the side defended well, our attack was a bit ordinary," he said.
In light of Soward's performance last week, Anderson described the timing of the 22-year-old's exit as "unfortunate". |
| This is the team that have been selected to represent NSW.
Congratulations to everyone involved, and to the players too.
The team will play in the 2007 Under 17's NSW Vs QLD match at Telstra Stadium on June 13 th '07 before the 2 nd State of Origin Game. Good luck - Go the Blues Learn More |
 SOUTHCOAST WIN STATE CARNIVAL!! KEEBRA FEATURES WELL IN STATE SELECTION!
Story By Darren Hart Keebra Park SHS
With ten boys playing rep football last weekend in the State Championships in Dalby there were high expectations that the team would perform well and make it back to back State titles for the South Coast side coached by Keebra Park's Kurt Richards.
Once again they faced off against Met East in the finals and once again they emerged victorious (16-6).
With the announcement of the Qld team it was great to hear the names of four Keebra boys and congratulations to Kenny Edwards, Leo Vaiga, Robert Lui and Bodie Clarke.
These selections will see the boys head into camp from the 1st to the 8th of July in preparation for the National Championships that start in mid July in Townsville. Prior to this they will play against the NSW rep side in Mackay. |
 RAY INSPIRES WIN - SENIOR COLLEGE MAKES TOM KEMP FINAL
By BARRY HILDEBRANDT
A Max Ray-inspired Dubbo Senior College is through to the Tom Kemp Shield under-16 final after leading from the front in a 38-16 victory over Lithgow High yesterday at Apex Oval.
The home side was up 10-4 early but surged back in front 22-10 at the break before just doing enough to get into the final against either Gilgandra High or Canowindra High.
Coached by Andrew Livingston, Dubbo's forward pack ran hard with the ball and made positive tackles which tested the Lithgow resolve for the most part.
Afterwards Livingston was warm in his praise for his side and especially Ray's leadership.
"It's a big plus for a side when the captain leads from the front and that's what Max was able to do today," Livingston said.
"His running stretched the Lithgow defence every time he had the ball and with good support from his fellow forwards, that's where we seemed to make a lot of ground.
"Our halves Elliot Knight and Jordan Boney also played very well in a strong team showing."
Up a converted try midway through the first half, Lithgow was playing strongly but when under pressure started to drop off tackles and were made to pay as Boney, Knight and hooker Allan Arnold made ground on the back of the forwards led by Ray and Tom Smith.
In the minutes leading up to oranges Dubbo piled on three tries and seemingly had the bag in their keeping going into the second stanza with a 12 point advantage.
While the Dubbo coach at the break asked for positive field position and no-frills attack, the players often coughed up the ball but they made up for these mistakes with strong defence and quite often got the ball back.
Lithgow's inability to see out their six tackles also played in Dubbo's hands and their plan to kick early in the tackle count failed to make an impact.
Dubbo College 38 (Max Ray 2, Matt Marks, Nathan Kenyon, Jordan Boney, Allan Arnold, Grant Kemp tries, Boney 5 goals) def Lithgow High 16. |
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| Waves under-16 back rower Solly Little. |
TERRIFIC TREBLE ENOUGH TO TAKE BROTHERS PAST WESTS
Story By : 
TRY-SCORING machines Mitchell Jenner and Ian de Villiers both deserved to be on the winning side of the scoresheet, but only one was allowed to have that feeling.
Jenners hat-trick of four-pointers proved to be enough for his Brothers under-15 team to defeat a gallant Wests 22-20 in Bundaberg Junior Rugby League fixtures on Sunday.
De Villiers was the stand-out for the Panthers, also crossing three times to keep his team in the hunt.
It was not as close in the remaining match in that age division, as two tries each from Warren Broackhurst and Dylan Rogers propelled Easts to a comfortable 34-14 win over Isis.. Learn More |
FROM BALMAIN TO BEARS, TEEN CENTRE HITTING IT OFF
Story By : Grant Robertson
GROUP 4 ; NORTH Tamworth centre Kye Howarth was a Balmain Tiger just a few weeks ago but is back in Bears colours and making an impact in Group 4.
The 18-year-old scored four tries in Sunday's 72-12 win over Gunnedah and polled three best and fairest points for his effort.
Despite the big scoreline it was the North defence that impressed and allowed the likes of Josh Laurie and Nathan Handley to create opportunities for centres Howarth and Jamie Mitchell.
"Our defence was good," Howarth said.
"It was probably the best defence we've had all year.
"Our attack was good too in the second half.
"Our halves did a good job getting the ball out for us.".. Learn More |
JUNIOR LEAGUE U13S
Story By : 
THIS game against Singleton was always gong to be a very close game. From the first tackle the game was set for battle.
With no ball time in the first half the forwards were flat out with their defence which Singleton took full advantage of by scoring 14 unanswered points in the first half.
Bad ball security in the first half weighed heavily on the boys.
The boys went out in the second half with a lot to do. With a great deal of courage from Nick Vickery and Daniel Shipman, who had both come off injured in the first half, as they returned to the game for the second half and were a great lift to the other boys.
Muswellbrook Under 13s started to get some ball time and were quick to take advantage of this to push the attack with Angus McNeil shooting down the side line to make a great solo try.
This try was enough to lift the boy's spirits and the forwards led by Rhys Kavanagh and Daniel Shipman made room for the backs to use the ball.
Great thinking by Jacobe Dowell saw him move quickly down the blind side to score another quick try.
Tom Quinn-Bates followed this up by being everywhere looking for holes in the defence which saw him put the ball down under the post.
Nick Vickery played a great second half and scored Muswellbrook's final try.
The score was 20 - 16 and the boys had pulled off another big second half to come back from behind.
With only three minutes left on the clock Singleton managed to break Muswellbrook's defence and bring the score to 20 -20 as the referee blew his whistle for full time after an unsuccessful conversion of this try.
This game was a great team effort by all the boys to come back strong in the second half. |
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| Ready to fire … the Dragons are looking to revive their season with the likes of new halfback Jamie Soward, left, and five-eighth Rangi Chase. |
RANGI THE RENEGADE
Story By : Jamie Pandaram
Rangi Chase has had tougher battles than facing Darren Lockyer on his run-on debut, writes Jamie Pandaram.
RANGI Chase was a teenage thug: a law-breaker, drug-taker, and menace to the society of a small southern town in New Zealand's north island.
He wants people to know this, because Chase hopes to become an inspiration for youngsters whose self-confidence takes a battering from the knocks of hard life: "If I can do it, anyone can do it".
The 21-year-old makes his NRL run-on debut tonight wearing the Dragons' contentious No.6 jersey, lining up against the world's best player, Darren Lockyer. However, young Chase has conquered far tougher foes than Lockyer; self-doubt, evil temptation and grief.
Chase was smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol in primary school, a by-product of living in a house with walls splashed in beer, walls that muffled the sounds of domestic violence within.
It was his grandparents' house in rural Dannevirke, a town where most of the population are employed in a giant meatworks factory. Chase was born to a 15-year-old mother and a father who ran off and started a family with another woman. His mother Reremai agreed that her parents should raise Rangi due to difficult personal circumstances.
Chase received plenty of love from his nan Kara, and "koro" - or grandfather - Rangi, whom he was named after. But, "they liked to drink, a lot". And his koro was a demon on the drink.
When he was 14, Chase's grandmother died of a stroke. "I used to see my nan getting a hiding," Chase says. "When she died I felt really guilty, I still keep asking myself why I never stepped in and tried to stop it. To be honest, I was scared man, I was only young."
But he doesn't harbour anger towards his grandfather - in fact, Chase admires the man greatly and credits him for being a father figure. "He was always telling his drinking mates that I would play for the Kiwis or All Blacks. My koro was a hard man, tough on his kids - it's a big family, my mum's got 11 brothers and sisters. But my grandad had a soft spot for me," Chase says. "I went everywhere with him, the pub, the TAB. Sometimes we would be at the pub until midnight, I would be sitting under the table. If he drove anywhere, I'd be in the front seat, I was his little sidekick.
"I have this image of him in my head. He would always take me to footy games, and stand on the sidelines with a beer in one hand, and a leash holding our little pet dog in the other. He was always at my games, he still is.".. Learn More |
GROUP 4 U16 SIDE PRIMED FOR TITLES
Story By :
GROUP 4 has selected an Under 16 squad it hopes will bring it Country Championships success next month following a good trial win over Group 19 on Saturday.
Coach James Gallen said the 23-man squad selected following the trial at Bingara was well-balanced and in form.
"We didn't keep score but we scored about 10 tries," he said.
"We showed good pace in the backs and there's good mobility in our forwards.
"Les Wortley showed a lot of speed and Jie Smith too.
"Nathan Simpson from Narrabri played pretty well and Jay Chatfield from West was very good in the forwards and he'll be an asset to the team.
"We've picked a squad of 23 and that will be trimmed down in a couple of weeks depending on injuries and training.
"We've already lost Reece Jaeger, who dislocated his knee again, so that's a bit of a downer."
Last year Group 4 won the Plate final at the Under 15s and 16s Country Championships and with Tamworth hosting the northern NSW section this year, the Group is aiming high again.
"We've got a bit of size and we'll have good depth right down to number 20, which is what we were aiming for," Gallen said.
"We've got kids from five different clubs and they're all in good form for their own club sides.
"We train next weekend and the weekend after and then we're into it."
The side will train at North Tamworth next Saturday from 2pm and again the following Saturday at Longmuir Field at Gunnedah, also at 2pm.
The squad will be trimmed following those sessions before the championships on June 16 and 17.
GROUP 4 UNDER 16s: Dylan Baker (Narrabri), Marcus Bower (Farrer), Sam Bowden (F), Jay Chatfield (West Lions), James Cooper (WL), Paul Flynn (WL), Kyle Gallen (Gunnedah), Josh Griffiths (G), Jarrod Johnson (WL), Nathan Laurie (North Tamworth), Andy Mack (G), Darren Mason (N), Sam O'Shanessey (F), Kyle Northey (G), Cameron Pyne (WL), Kurt Resch (NT), Jeremy Sampson (NT), Nathan Simpson (WL), Jie Smith (G), Shaun Stevenson (WL), Brock Stewart (NT), Les Wortley (G), Damien Young (F). |
TIME HOME TEAM AWAY TEAM VENUE
12:00 PM
Sat 31/Mar 28 Canterbury def. Taranaki 20 Rugby League Park, Canterbury Detailed Results
12:45 PM
Sat 31/Mar 82 Auckland Crowns def. Coastline 0 Cornwall Park, Auckland Detailed Results
1:00 PM
Sat 31/Mar 34 Wellington def. West Coast 16 Wise Pk, Wainuiomata Detailed Results
2:00 PM
Sat 31/Mar 10 Bay of Plenty def. by Auckland SeaLions 46 Puketewhero Par |
NEW ZEALAND JUNIORS
2007 Loin Foundation NJC U16's |
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| Grateful ... Todd Carney (Getty Images) |
CARNEY ADMITS HE EXPECTED THE SACK
Story & Photo By : 
Troubled Canberra Raiders star Todd Carney says he was expecting the club to sack him after becoming involved in a third incident with police.
Carney was suspended indefinitely from the Raiders first grade squad after allegedly leading ACT police on a car chase earlier this month.
The 20-year-old is facing three charges including negligent driving, not stopping a vehicle when requested and driving while disqualified.
The matter has been adjourned for two weeks in the ACT Magistrates Court.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the incident, Carney said he was grateful that the Canberra Raiders board last week decided not to terminate his contract.
He said he was determined to repay their faith.
"I made the mistake and it's something I've got to do to get myself back on track and I'm willing to do that to put a Raiders jumper back on," he said.
Carney said he had agreed to undergo a rehabilitation plan and wanted to continue playing with the club.
He could be back playing with the first grade squad in a matter of weeks, pending the outcome of police charges. |
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JOEL ROMELO SAYS
G'DAY
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