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| Monday 30 th June '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Story & Photo By :  Canowindra Public School has moved into the regional semi finals in the state wide primary school rugby league knockout. Canowindra now play Forbes Public in the regional semi final at Forbes on Thursday July 24th. The team is: Alex Willson, Tylah Reid, Bradyn Cassidy, Rohan Toole, Bailey Cain, Dan Friend, Bailey Burling, Gene Tarrant, Harry Whatman, Zak Whitehead, Regan Hughes, Jake Wythes, Ben Bermingham, Ben Edwards, Joe Fazzari, Ebann Malae, Robbie Wiegold, Jordi Brown, Sam McKenzie, Mat Fisher and Josh Flannery. |
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| Sunday 29 th June '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The two home sides are off to a good starts with impressive wins in their opening games at this years Australian Secondary Schoolboys Rugby League Championships at Wynunm, Brisbane. Matt Beddow carved up NSW CHS setting up good scoring opportunities for his Queensland teammates to defeat NSW CHS 20 - 10. Queensland White were much to strong for NSW CIS in game 3 with a convincing 42 - 0 hammering. Western Australia belted South Australia to the tune of 40 - 6 which shows some good improvement in junior rugby league in Western Australia since the ASSRL were hosted by the WARL in 2006. The Northern Territory gained to much territory on the Big V, defeating a game Victorian Affiliated team 20 - 16. |
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| Saturday 28 th June '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
St Dominic's College beat Westfields SHS 16-6 yesterday afternoon in their Arrive Alive Cup Tier A match played at the SFS after being ahead 10 - 0 at half time. St. Dominics College showed their true school spirit and the faith shown by coach Barry Walsh to regroup in the second half to hold out a very good Westfields SHS footy team. Westfields SHS are a strong side capable of putting on fast points against anyone, St. Dominics now go on to the next round of the National Arrive alive Cup. Tries to Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (2), John Feiloakitau-Fetuani with Blake Austin kicking 2 goals. This game is a CH 9 TV game and will be replayed in July (sunday mornings @ 6:00 am) |
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 Regional teams from all over the state converged on Inverell this week to contest the NSW PSSA State Trials (Open Primary Schools). The trials featured 12 representative teams from Sydney North, Sydney East, Sydney West, Sydney South-West, North Coast, South Coast, Riverina, Hunter, Western Region, North West Region, Polding Catholic and MacKillop Catholic regions. Two pools of 6 battled it out over three days with the eventual final coming down to a hard fought battle between Sydney North and Sydney East. Sydney North scraped home in the final 18-16 to be this years State Champions. At the conclusion of the tournament a 34 man NSW Development Squad was named and it included 4 Central Coast boys This is a fantastic achievement and places these boys in the top 34 primary school players across the state. They will now attend a training camp at the NSW Academy of Sport Narrabeen and the NSW team will then travel to Darwin for the National Championships. |
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| URALLA YOUNGSTER WINS A SPOT IN NSW TRAIN-ON SQUAD Story & Photo By :  NORTH West finished the PSSA State Open Rugby League Carnival with a good win over Western yesterday and while wins were few and far between at Inverell, the home side was rewarded for its efforts with Uralla Central School centre Tyson Nikora being named in the State train-on squad. Nikora was a standout for North West this week with some hard ball-running a highlight. Baden Chaffey, Nikora and James Ballinger were North West’s try scorers in a 22-6 win over Western that provided a good end to an otherwise unlucky carnival. “They played very well,” team co-manager Gary Humphries said. “The side that we scored four tries to three against made the final today so we were competitive but just lost a couple of close games. “The country teams usually end up down near the bottom so we play for the Bush Cup and we won that today.” Nikora will join the NSW training squad at Narrabeen in the school holidays for a camp where the State team will be selected to play at the national championships. Sydney North ended up with the silverware yesterday after it beat Sydney East in the State final 18-16. |
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Story & Photo By : Steve Mascord  TEENAGE debutant Lachlan Coote had five shots at grabbing a slice of immortality last night and fell just short in Penrith's gripping overtime draw with Brisbane. A denied try, a conversion attempt, a penalty shot and two field goals could all have made the 18-year-old the difference between the sides, but in the end the Origin-affected clash finished as the first draw of the season. Coote spectacularly flew above Brisbane fullback Josh Hoffman, reclaimed a Wade Graham kick and flicked the ball out to lock Nathan Smith who, in turn, sent late inclusion Brendan Worth hurtling towards the upright with 16 minutes left in regulation time. There was no doubt prop Worth got it down - but replays showed he was technically offside because he was inside the 10m when Coote and Hoffman contested the kick. That's even though he was not involved in the play at any time. After watching half a dozen replays, video ref Phil Cooley awarded a penalty to Wayne Bennett's men. But Coote did his best to still claim headline billing with seven minutes left when he threw a superb cut-out pass to centre Michael Jennings 30m out. The Junior Kangaroos star skipped out of two tackles and singed the turf as he dashed over to score. Coote's conversion attempt from a difficult position was close but not close enough. He had another chance to save the game with an 83rd-minute, 42m penalty goal attempt and an 85th-minute field goal shot from 50m out in overtime. Finally, nine minutes into extra time, he had his most wayward shot at being a hero with a wonky drop-goal attempt. |
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Story & Photo By :  SCHOOLS LEAGUE: Dubbo Senior College under-15s and Open teams are through to the finals of the Andrew Ryan Cup after qualifying games were played at Apex Oval. South Campus is also in the July 23 final and it is expected that Andrew Ryan, the Bulldogs captain, will be here for the day. Ryan came up through Dubbo junior league and St John’s College before embarking on a Sydney career that saw him earn State of Origin and Australian selection. “If the quality of football seen during the three carnivals decided so far is any indication then the finals should be great viewing,” Steve McLellan the Country Rugby League development officer and carnival organiser said. “On Tuesday, all the Dubbo schools were represented and as luck has it Delroy Campus - beaten by the Senior College in the 15s - will actually get a shot at the finals with Orange not having a team represented. “We’re looking forward to the finals which will see teams from the four preliminary carnivals come together. “Already we have held carnivals at Dubbo, Bathurst and Orange and Forbes has their turn next Tuesday. “The 15s should be really good with Bathurst High expected to be favourite considering that most of their players represented Group 10 this year and won the Southern Country NSW carnival.” From the Orange qualifying round James Sheahan won through in under-13s and Opens, while at Bathurst St Stanislaus College (13s), Bathurst High (15s) and Kelso High (Opens) won their divisions. McLellan said the Dubbo Opens final was a thriller between Dubbo Senior College and St John’s College. “Dubbo College seemed to be looking for an easy win leading 18-6 and it was 18-6 at half time before Saints got to the front 26-24 with less than four minutes left on the clock,” he said. “Then Josh Merritt produced a touch of magic and scored the winning try to get the College over the line.” |
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| Friday 27 th June '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 IN an age where NRL players are athletes first and footballers second, Matt Mundine a cousin of former Dragons star Anthony Mundine breaks the mould. Dragons under-20s coach Steve Price says it is Mundine's mould that needs to change. Compare his 112-kilogram frame to first grade stars Matt Cooper and Sonny Bill Williams and the physiques just don't match, even if Mundine's freakish talents sometimes set the under-20s Toyota Cup competition alight. Playing at lock for St George Illawarra, the Earlwood Saints junior is equally at ease taking a hit up or throwing a cut out ball. He has talent and it's just a matter of developing this 18-year-old into a NRL super star. `He is going pretty good for us,'' Price said. ``But he still has a long way to go if he wants to become an NRL player. He needs to do a lot more, especially at the back end of the field.'' And lose a few more kilograms, even if weight does not seem to faze the man himself. ``I work hard on my fitness, but it's just the way I am,'' Mundine said. ``It doesn't really bother me.'' The biggest test for the Dragons is making sure Mundine, signed until the end of 2010, fulfils his potential. ``Matt has got to learn to train harder and get mentally a lot tougher with himself,'' Price said. ``He has come up with some good touches for us this year.'' Like last Friday night against Penrith when Mundine threw a cut out ball on the last tackle to hit winger Sam Vickery on the fly for Vickery. Mundine kicked the goal from the sideline, or his kick which led to a Dragons try and another conversion from the sideline, before he was replaced early in the second half, with Penrith winning 24-16. Mundine described the under-20s like a ``mini-first grade''. He said: ``Most of the teams are really competitive and the competition is very professional.'' There is no doubting Mundine has the ability to press hard for a NRL birth in the near future, but it just may be a little further down the track than what some people think. ``He has a long way way to go before he starts contemplating first grade,'' Price said. |
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| ARRIVE aLIVE CUP UPDATE Traditional rugby union school St Stanislaus College has stunned opponents in a giant-killing run to the Round of 32 in the 2008 Arrive Alive Cup. Contesting just their third Arrive Alive Cup season, “Stannies” have taken a disciplined approach to this year’s tournament and in turn defeated Redbend Forbes Catholic High School and Dubbo High School. The Bathurst school now faces a showdown with highly-rated Illawarra Sports High on Monday at St Mary’s’ Western Weekender Stadium, for a chance to take on St Gregory’s in the Tier B Round of 16. St Stanislaus College coach Paul McDonald, a former SG Ball Under-18 coach and development officer, said the team’s success in the competition had the school “buzzing”. “The momentum is huge at the moment, everyone is pretty excited,” McDonald said. “We’re getting a run on the local WIN and Prime television stations and the local newspaper as well. “There’s a real sense of pride about the school which is great – everyone’s really interested in how we are going.” McDonald said the team’s performances improved through playing trial games against the Bathurst Panthers Under-18 and Bathurst St Patrick’s sides. “When we won both games, we knew we were in for a bit of a show in the main competition,” McDonald said. “The guys are really enjoying it and it’s great to have both the sports on offer at the school – it’s just another avenue for the boys to play sport.” Monday’s match-up between St Stanislaus and Illawarra will be preceded by several Arrive Alive Cup fixtures being held this weekend. The round will be highlighted by tomorrow’s Round of 16 televised clash between powerhouse schools St Dominic’s College and Westfield Sports High at the Sydney Football Stadium.
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Last week from the 15th May to the 18th May the Queensland Secondary Schools Rugby League State Titles took place in Ipswich. Sunnybank High had a very big involvement in the carnival with 10 of the 20 members of the Metropolitan West team from Sunnybank High. It is a very demanding task to play four games of Rugby League in four days, but all boys represented their school and their Region with pride and are to be commended on their efforts. Well done boys. The highest individual honour that an individual can have at the conclusion of the carnival is to be selected in the State team and Luke Page was fortunate enough to be selected in the team. This selection is just reward for Luke as he has shown a great dedication to his training and playing commitments this year and the Sunnybank staff wish Luke all the best as he takes on NSW later in the season.
Padua were the first team to post points five minutes into the match when a Sunnybank mistake gifted Padua the ball, the score line after the conversion read 6 - 0. The next 10 minutes saw plenty of commitment from both sides as the wet conditions allowed for little footwork from the attacking team and plenty of bruising defence from the defensive team. Sunnybank scored with 10 minutes remaining in the half and posted another four pointer with a few minutes remaining to take the lead at half time 12 - 6. Just after half time one of the tries of the season was put together with an inspiring bust through the defensive line from Luke Page ending in an inside ball to John Puna who showed a clean pair of heels to sprint the last 40 metres to score. (All thanks to Mr. Way for the sprint coaching there). That try made the score line 18 - 6. From here Sunnybank completed only a minimal amount of their sets in attack but all credit must go to the boys defence as they held Padua out and posted another try to make the score 24 - 6. Sunnybank now move on towards the SE QLD Arrive Alive Cup Quarter Finals, with their opponent not yet known. |
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 WINDSOR Wolves junior and Penrith Panther prodigy Lachlan Coote is having a blinder of a season in the Toyota Cup, currently leading the player of the year wards and being one of the youngest in the rugby league competition. Standing at just 175cm tall and weighing only 73kg, Coote has proven certainly to be more than meets the eye, expected to debut any time soon for first grade. Coote scored a massive 14 out of the 34 points scored for the NSW Under 18s State of Origin side which played as a curtain-raiser in Queensland two weeks ago. Coote scored a try and kicked five successful conversions which was the Blues’ only taste of victory before the first grade side lost dismally 30-0. “My main goal would be to just keep playing the way I am and maybe get a first-grade game,” Coote said. “But in the future it would be nice to get the fullback spot.” Far from tender, but at the tender age of 17, Coote said he doesn’t think his age and size should go against him in relation to Panther selection. “I don’t think you should let the age gap affect you, you have to play your own game,” he said. “I think having a good side and us all working together has really helped my game. “It is a really strong competition and it is great to follow the first grade around.” The young fullback, however, might get more of an insight into the Panthers first-grade side than he intended, with three horrific weeks of injury for the NRL side, especially in their game against the Sydney Roosters two weeks ago. And with Rhys Wesser suffering an injury after last weekend’s game against St George, Wesser will be unfit to play this Friday night’s TV game against Brisbane at CUA Stadium, making Coote the perfect candidate to replace him. Panthers Toyota Cup coach Steve Georgallis said he had very little doubt the 17-year-old would be an asset to the first-grade side. “He has got first grade written all over him,” Georgallis said. “He is a standout, the players love playing with him and he is a really good talker out the back and is quite knowledgeable on the game. “He grew up at Windsor and I think he has always played above his age, which has obviously helped his game.” This season Coote has so far scored 14 tries for Penrith and kicked 35 goals, making him one of the competition’s leading pointscorers. The Panthers take on the Brisbane Broncos on Friday night at Penrith with intentions to play a much closer game of football after its flogging by the Broncos of 48-12 in Round One of the Telstra Premiership. |
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Story & Photo By : NATALIE PEUT  IT an imposing 100kg and 185cm, 15-year-old Christopher Grevsmuhl has been selected to represent Queensland in rugby league for the first time. Grevsmuhl moved to Townsville six months ago from Hughenden in the hope of improving his skills and pursuing his dream to one day play for the North Queensland Cowboys. "Out at Hughenden we would only play eight games for the whole season," Grevsmuhl said. "I moved here to create a new life and concentrate on my schooling and my football. "My brother Daniel moved to Townsville a while ago and told me how good the football was here." Mother Nerida said it was a big decision to make the move to Townsville, after spending all their life in Hughenden. "It was a big move and a big adjustment but I think it's been the best move," Nerida said. "He's come ahead so far in both his schooling and his football." She said they had been approached by the Broncos but he and his family were holding off in the hope of gaining a scholarship with the Cowboys. "We've got a manager in Col Davis and he has sent some selectors to come and watch him, so hopefully something will come from there," Nerida said. Grevsmuhl's biggest influences in Townsville so far have been his three coaches – his school coach Brendan Logan, his Northern coach Dave Elliott and his club coach Danny Wilton. "They have really brought the best out in him," Nerida said. | LEARN MORE | |
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| Thursday 26 th June '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Marsden SHS have had 3 ex-students make NRL debuts in the last week. Congratulations to Esi Tonga (Titans), Chris Sandow (Souths) and Joseph Tomane (Storm). All boys went through Marsden SHS rugby League program from 2004 to 2006 well down boys. This just adds to Marsden’s Long list of NRL players and current QLD Origan Players Cam Smith and Israel Folau. Marsden Makos Have qualified for all of the Broncos cups in 2008 which means they are in the best 8 schools in south east qld. They are equal first in Under 14’s division after beating Keebra Park the 2007 winners. Marsden SHS rugby league program is coming of age we would like to thank all the local business for coming on board in 2008 and sponsoring the rugby league program. |
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The Cronulla Junior League played 3 catch up game at Shark Park last night with two more games tonight and then 3 more next week. The first game was an under 15a's game between De la Salle and the Gymea Gorilla's. Gymea are the form team of the past couple weeks after their fantastic 2 point win over Competition leaders Cronulla Caringbah two weeks ago. De la who have been plagued by injury this year stood up tonight to grasp a last second draw when Luke Manahan kicked a simple 43 meter goal to add the points to draw the match after a well deserved penality. Gymea play good footy these days, they stick to a good plan, their plays are pretty simple, Jack kicks on the fourth or fith to keep the opposition away from their own line and it keeps oposing team on the back foot, if you let them, the Gorilla's will eventually wear you down. Tonite we saw Jack Sommerfield go in for 2 really good tries and had the De la parents a bit worried (ha ha, parents, we've all got them) and young Ryan Willis is kicking well to convert 3 from 3 attempts. De la scored more tries than Gymea which is a good sign coming to the business end of the season, but with most of its team almost playing, De la are looking forward to the finals and playing a few teams in the comp at full strength. Engadine were again too strong for Menai as they scored a cold 18 - 8 win to keep wiining games of footy, Engadine are the scary team this year, on their day they are fast, full of it and hard to stop. Oh yeah, there were a few spies from CC looking, looking tonight hey boyz. LEARN MORE ABOUT CRONULLA JUNIOR FOOTY |
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| MiXeD ReSuLTS FoR eNDeaVouR Endeavour University & Buckley Shield Rugby League teams travelled up the Princess highway to play 2 CHS games of footy against Hunter Sports High School. The Buckley Shield side turned last weeks flogging by Westfields into a good hard fought win over Hunter. The Buckley Shield under 14's team won the game 14 - 8 while the University Shield side crumpled under the pressure and in the end got hammered 32 - 6. NO PHOTO'S, MISSED THE BUS |
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Congratulations to De la Cronulla for winning the Cronulla Schools Knockouts on Shark Park on Wednesday arvo. De La defeated a spirited Aquinas College Menai to take this years under 16's Knockout Competition. Well done to all the Ref's and the arl d people who set up this terrific day of schoolboys rugby league LEARN MORE ABOUT CRONULLA JUNIOR FOOTY |
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 JARED Brodrick is hoping to use a rugby league scholarship with the Australian Institute of Sport as a springboard to break into the Toyota Cup next year. Brodrick is currently completing Year 12 at James Sheahan Catholic High School and playing in Group 10 with Orange CYMS - but he is also contracted to the St George Illawarra Dragons. That relationship is in place so the 18-year-old can link up with the NRL club when his schooling is complete - and the utility is keen to do so and emulate the feats of former team-mate Daniel Mortimer. Mortimer also held an AIS scholarship last year and then went on to be selected in the Australian Schoolboys side. He is now a regular in Parramatta’s Toyota Cup team and Brodrick is aiming to follow the same path as his former CYMS and school team-mate. Mortimer also helped Brodrick secure the scholarship, with the half recommending him to AIS head coach Brian Johnson. Brodrick and Orange Hawks under 18s halfback Scott Rosser will go into camp in Canberra in the school holidays with the program in full swing. “I’ve been to two camps now. We had one last October for about a week and then we had one in January this year and then we’ve got one coming up,” Brodrick said. The pair are also likely to be part of an AIS team which will head to France and England in November on a three-week tour. They will come up against teams like the French and English under 19s, with both players excited about the chance to test themselves against international opposition. “I got the letter in the mail earlier in the week. I’m stoked, I can’t wait to go over there ,” Rosser said. “I’ve had a bit of exposure to overseas players with the Country under 16s when we went to New Zealand, but nothing on this level before.” The AIS scholarships are offered to talented players from regional areas in an attempt to see country-based players afforded the same opportunities as their counterparts from the city. Players of Year 11 or 12 school age can receive a scholarship where they have a stringent training regime devised for them as they continue their education in their home town, while remaining with their home club. The scholarship program has been a success since being established in 2002, with a number of graduates currently plying their trade in the NRL. |
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IT took some brilliant play from Scott Rosser and Jace Delaney to snatch a 24-20 win over competition leaders Cowra. Deep in their own half Rosser made a long burst down the sideline, came to the fullback and found the ever-present Delaney backing up on the inside to score under the posts. Mitch Hurford converted to make it 24-20. Cowra held a 20-18 lead and with only four minutes left looked likely to hold on. Hawks raced to an 18-4 lead and looked in control but defensive lapses crept into their game. Hawks led 18-10 at the break and Cowra hit back in the second half to hit the front. Hawks scored 3 tries in the first half - Matt Codner diving through the defence, Delaney diving over from dummy-half and Rosser fooling the defence for an easy try. Hawks were also well served by Nathan Williams with his strong defence - 20 tackles for an inside centre is a big effort. Almost every week topping the tackle count, Taylor Voican worked hard in defence and attack. Ryan Davis ran the ball strongly and Ryan Roach chimed in from fullback, proving dangerous. Still, it was a great team effort and leaves Hawks only one point from joint leaders Panthers and Cowra. A pleased coach Paul Codner knows his troops still have to improve on their defence when it comes to the busy end of the season. BEST AND FAIREST: 2 - Jace Delaney, 1 - Scott Rosser, Matt Codner, Nathan Williams. |
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| Wednesday 25 th June '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Story & Photo By : Antony Stewart  THE week just keeps getting better and better for Cowboy Brandon Boor. After recently securing his first National Rugby League contract, Cairns product Boor was yesterday selected to make his debut for North Queensland against South Sydney on Saturday night. The 20-year-old has been one of the stand-outs for the club’s under-20 team and Cowboys coach Ian Millward said he thoroughly deserved his call-up. Boor will start from the interchange bench at Dairy Farmers Stadium as North Queensland tries to avoid falling to its ninth consecutive defeat. "He’s been outstanding (for the under-20s), the metres he’s been making have been quite exceptional … and I just think he deserves the opportunity," Millward said. "He’s got size. He’s playing well and I mentioned to the players three or four weeks ago he is pretty close to the mark, so I can’t talk about it and not do something about it." The Cairns Kangaroos junior has come in at the expense of Ben Farrar, who Millward said would be given a chance to find some consistency in the Queensland Cup. Boor will likely slot into the centres when he takes the field for the first time, with utility Ben Harris to shift from the backline into the back row. After agreeing to a two-year deal with the Cowboys last week, Boor said he could hardly believe his eyes when he saw his name on the team sheet. "(Monday) was probably one of the happiest days of my life, being named," he said. Boor will be joined in the Cowboys team by fellow under-20s player and Atherton product Nick Slyney who earned a recall for the potential wooden spoon decider. |
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Story & Photo By : PORMPURAAW'S pioneering rugby league players head home today having blazed a trail for other Cape York schools and students. The Pormpuraaw State School youngsters took part in ARL Development Cup under-12 finals on Wednesday afternoon, competing against sides from White Rock, St Joseph’s and Mossman in their first time in the competition. See more pictures in our junior rugby league photo gallery. For the 20 Pormpuraaw youngsters, competing was a whole-of-community effort. Support from their school and sponsors helped the students make the trip – the first outside the community for many players. Cape PCYC small grants officer Sarah Addo said ability on the football field was not the only criteria for participation. "They have to do well at school as well," said Addo, whose organisation sponsored the school’s trip. Pormpuraaw learnt plenty on its trip south, extending its tour with a match against Bentley Park College yesterday afternoon. Addo said the youngsters could return as more complete players in the future, with plans to start a four-team junior competition in the community next month. |
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 THE moment Wayne Pearce was on television talking about the NSW selection, saying he hoped his son would be left alone another year, Mitchell Pearce was at home receiving the phone call. "I'd prefer to see him held back for 12 months,'' Pearce said. "You're in the NSW team,'' the phone call said. Pearce got off the TV later and turned on his phone and just a few minutes after that the phone rang, and it was his son. These are the proud moments in family life. A father, a son and a bond. Pearce always believed his boy had the goods and last night he said the only thing that surprised him was the speed of his success. As for waiting another year, forget that. That was the talk of a father, and as a former coach and captain of the Blues, Pearce knew his boy was ready. The NSW selectors needed only a little convincing. The one quality they wanted to know about Pearce was whether he was tough enough. Tough? They got back. Like an ingrown toenail. "You know what they say about apples and trees?'' Brad Fittler said. Fittler couldn't talk him up enough. Ricky Stuart saw it early. As far back as anybody needed to go was last Sunday when Newcastle sent a small infantry at him and Pearce kept climbing off the deck, taking them on. "Have a look at the vision of that,'' said Steve Roach, an assistant in camp with the Blues. "Newcastle clearly had a game plan based around putting some pressure on him,'' said Fittler, "and he won the game for us.'' To understand where NSW is going you first have to understand where Mitchell Pearce is from. Brought up on the mean streets of St Ives, in the leafy north, he was the young boy that grew up running on to Leichhardt Oval after his dad's games, in the midst of legends. Initially, Wayne and Terri tried to steer him away from rugby league. "We had him playing soccer for four years,'' said dad. "We didn't want him to get into rugby league and not play other sports, so he kept playing other sports and at the end of every year he'd say 'can I play league next year?''' Nobody was better placed to understand the toll the game asked than Pearce, who turned desire into a career. So he wanted his son to be sure. His only demand for his boy was that he never give up. All other lessons came through example. He taught me a lot about attitude, because that was probably his strength,'' Mitchell said. "As a player, he was straight up and tough. Very mentally strong.'' Back to apples and trees. At 11 and 12 Mitchell was the NSW 800m champion, an age and distance where the difference is mental make-up. Mitchell was the best. He eventually found league and now, at 19, he holds the most crucial position in NSW football. He's the second youngest NSW player ever and the youngest ever to play halfback in Origin. All around are proud. "It's not like one of your own has made it,'' Roach said, "but gee I'm proud of him.'' They were a rare breed those Balmain Tigers, back when Mitchell was young. Garry Jack's son now plays for the Swans. Roach has three sons, one playing rugby in Ireland, another playing juniors at Canterbury and the third playing water polo for Australia. And Wayne Pearce, whose boy was in his arms just that little while ago, is now the father of the NSW halfback. "Good mums,'' Roach explained. | LEARN MORE ABOUT MITCHELL PEARCE | |
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 The women’s game starts at noon and will be made up of two 15-minute halves. The two all-Moruya teams – the Blue Bottles and the Stingrays – are captained by Trudi Badullovich and Michelle Cottington respectively. The game will start at 12.30pm and will precede the Sharks’ under 18 match against Cooma at 1pm. The Sharks’ first grade team will be out to atone for the thrashing they took the last time they played the mountain men, while the under 18s will seek redemption for the 40-20 loss they suffered on the same day. The Sharks play their best football on their home turf, so a good showing is expected by both grades. The first grade game starts at 2.30pm. WOMEN GET IN ON IN CAIRNS In Our Competition in Cairns there are four teams & at the moment we are on top of the Ladder. On Saturday 28th June,2008, Kangaroos will be playing against Innisfail in the curtain raiser game for Northern Pride Vs Burleigh Bears @ Cairns Barlow Park. LEARN MORE ABOUT 'WOMEN in LEAGUE' |
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| Tuesday 24 th June '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MITCHELL Pearce is poised to complete one of rugby league's most endearing stories when he is named halfback for the Blues this morning. Twenty-two years after father Wayne led NSW to their first clean sweep over Queensland, Pearce will replace the injured Peter Wallace after the Brisbane playmaker was controversially scratched last night. On a dramatic day for NSW, five-eighth Greg Bird was also ruled out with a knee injury - paving the way for selectors to gamble on Pearce alongside Roosters teammate Braith Anasta at the Blues' scrumbase. A further worry for NSW surrounds star centre Mark Gasnier, who is battling a back injury and is virtually no hope of being fit in time for the July 2 deciderat ANZ Stadium. Pearce, 19, has played just 28 NRL games. But former NSW great Andrew Johns, in camp as an assistant, has already said Pearce has greatness ahead. "I hold him in the highest regard,'' Johns said. "For his age, what he is doing now is leap years above what he should be doing. The thing I like most about him is how tough he is,'' Johns added. "He's so tough, and everything develops from there.'' Wallace was initially considered available when the Blues selectors met at 4pm yesterday despite not having a specialist clearance. He faxed a clearance through shortly before 6pm, only to receive a call later ruling him out. "They just told him he wasn't being picked,'' Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett said. This left only two options for the Blues to consider - Pearce or Kurt Gidley. While Gidley was the favoured halfback before Origin I, the injury to Bird and uncertainty about Wallace forced a rethink about the NSW halves pairing. Two new halves, with no experience together, was considered too risky. Combined with the importance of a series decider, selectors began to favour an established club pairing like Pearce and Anasta. As Johns attests, Pearce is also considered tough enough to handle the rigors of Origin football. As well as both halves positions, he can play fullback and hooker and, importantly, can lift the tempo of the game when he is injected. The only other father and son to have played for NSW are Parramatta's Eric Grothe Sr and Jr, while Mat Rogers played for Queensland after father Steve played for NSW. Queensland's Martin and John Lang are the only other Origin father and son pairing. Wayne Pearce played for NSW 15 times and remains the only man to captain and coach the Blues to series wins. Bird was naturally disappointed at his omission. "When it first happened and I was on the ground, that (Origin III) was all I was really thinking about,'' he said. "I was pretty hopeful (yesterday morning). It hadn't swelled up too much (and) it didn't feel too bad. But the way the injury is, if it was too rushed, it could go the other way and keep me out longer.'' Gasnier is rated little chance of coming up in time for the July 2 encounter. Should he withdraw, Canberra's Joel Monaghan or Penrith's Luke Lewis will come in. Another change will be the return of Jarryd Hayne on the wing in place of Steve Turner. Hayne missed Origin II due to suspension. LIKELY NSW SQUAD: Brett Stewart, Jarryd Hayne, Joel Monaghan, Matt Cooper, Anthony Quinn, Braith Anasta, Mitchell Pearce, Paul Gallen, Willie Mason, Ryan Hoffman, Brett White, Danny Buderus, Ben Cross. Interchange: Kurt Gidley, Craig Fitzgibbon, Anthony Laffranchi, Steve Simpson. |
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 GROUP Nine etched its name into rugby league history by beating Group 11 34-18 in the Centenary Plate grand final at Fisher Park on Saturday. Group Nine was crowned the best Group in Country NSW after producing a wonderful performance to blow away Group 11. Hulking front-rower Grant Wooden was the star of the show and he turned in a man-of-the-match performance – which also resulted in him being selected in the NSW Country team. Group Nine captain-coach Craig Field lauded the performance of the team and said the playing group would forever remember the achievement. “This is great and the boys will never forget this moment,” Field said. “To be recognised as the best Group in NSW is a huge honour, especially because it is in such a special year for rugby league being the 100th year. “It has been a long campaign for everyone and this is a really good feeling for everyone in the squad. “This is not just about the players; it is about everyone in the squad from the players to the selectors and all the support staff.” Pumped up for the occasion, Group Nine bolted out of the blocks and by half-time the team had established virtually a match-winning 22-6 lead. Flying fullback, Grant Miller, who returned from a shoulder injury for the grand final, was sensational and bagged two tries while Matt Richards, Damian Willis, Sam Geale and Matt Hornby also bagged four-pointers. Geale was a late inclusion to the team after former NRL star and hooker Adam Perry was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury. Field later paid tribute to the entire team for the performance but saved special praise for his Brothers teammate Wooden. “Grant Wooden was outstanding,” Field said. “Everyone played really well and we didn’t have a bad player out there. “But Grant was head and shoulders above the rest of the players on the field and I think anyone who watched the game would have realised that. “Grant proved yesterday why he was the first player picked in the Country team.” |
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Story & Photo By :  With the NSW CRL Junior Rugby League representative season coming to a close, this year like previous years has seen the local talent in the Lithgow district well represented in the various Group teams. The highlight for this year was the strong performances of the under 13’s Luke Morris and Omar Abdul-Rahim who were part of the winning under 13’s Country Championship side. Brad Morris, who represented the under 16s, was also very unlucky not be part of a winning side when they were narrowly defeated by Group 9 in the final. In the under 12 division, in what is a relatively new initiative Lithgow, Storm players Matt Swift, John Morgan and Wayde Egan represented the club as part of the Group 10 under 12 development squad. Although beaten in their games the boys performed well and have gained some valuable experience, bringing back new confidence to their club games. The squad this year was coached by the Storm’s Kyle Egan and his coaching staff Mark Swift and Kevin Morgan. For the Group 10 under 10 side, Luke Morris and Omar Abdul-Rahim represented Storm in a team that improved every game they played. They started off with a 4-all draw against Group 11 which they won on a count back as they scored the first try. The second game saw them put in a strong performance to defeat Group 20 36-10. This form continued into their last with another convincing win against Group Nine 32-18. Local coaching staff again featured as part of the team with Gavin Morris managing the under 13 side. For the under 14s it was a tough weekend and although improving on the previous year’s performance they were unable post a win. For the Storm side Keith Pati again represented the club and put in another good performance. The under 16, coached by Kip Maranda, saw Brad Morris as the Storm’s representative in a side that had a very successful weekend making the Cup final after two tough games on the Saturday in which they defeated Illawarra, 12-8, and Cup favourites Group 11 26-20. In the final on Sunday against a very physical Group 9 they were only beaten in the last five minutes. Unfortunately for Brad, who had played strongly all weekend, he sustained an injured in the last game that may see him out for the remainder of the season. This is terrible luck for him as he had been performing so strongly for the Storm side this season. |
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| Monday 23 rd jUNE '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Story & Photo's By :  The Parramatta Eels hosted two practice hits out for both the NSW CCC Under 18's and U 15's State Rep teams at the Fairfield Junior Footy Club. Both NSW CCC teams recieved a real good work out by the Parra Eels SG Ball & world Champion Harold Matthews Cup teams in time for next weeks ASSRL Championships in Brisbane. The Parramatta SG Ball team played the NSW CC under 18's and from the kick off both teams showed speed and power through the enter of the ruck and out wide. Albert Kelly was instrumental in most of the CCC's play and snuck between defenders to score a try himself before the break and the visiting CCC were up 5 tries to zero. In the second half the Eels spent a lot of time in defence and were starved of the ball while CCC piled on four more tries to one to finish a real good game before they head over to Perth in Western Australian for another practice game before they head up to Darwin for the Australian Schoolboys Championships in July. The second game of the day was the Riegning 2008 Harold Matthews Cup Champions up against the NSW CCC Under 15's. This game was the exact opposite of the Under 18's game with the Eels too slippery for the younger CCC boys. Parramatta are a great footy team and the under 15's will have learnt a lot from their experience of playing this slick Eels outfit. "We knew that this would be a tough trial, a really good test, we played a side that play really good football and we didn't have the ball in the second half and that cost us" said a happy coach Mick Lewis. Mick is also the head coach of this year successful Harold Matthews Cup side and reckon " yeah, it feels kinda funny playing these boys" Mick also added that the CCC boys showed real character today Although the Eels managed to work 9 tries accoss the CCC line, there ware plenty of positivies for the CCC boys to take up to Brisbane on Saturday when they fly up to the ASSRL Under 15 Championships. The games were held at Fairfield Park, the home of the Fairfield JRLFC, They are a small and proud little club with only 3 teams this year, the teams are under 15's, under 11's and the mighty little under 7's. Good on ya's Fairfield footy club, it was a great day enjoyed by lots of players & their families and all. |
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| Saturday 21 st June '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IGNATIUS Park College claimed victory in the under-15 Cowboys Stockland Super 10s competition final. Ignatius Park beat Yeppoon team St Brendan's college 16-14 at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Monday. The game was the curtain-raiser for the Cowboys under-20s clash with the Newcastle Knights. The Super 10s match was a tough game between the two rivals, with Ignatius gaining a 10-0 lead going into halftime. But it was St Brendan's who fought back to dominate the second half, but the side missed an opportunity to score in the final minutes. Ignatius Park scrambled well to make the tackles, stopping St Brendan's from scoring a match-winning try. Queensland Schoolboys representative Glen Day was the standout, assisting Ignatius Park to the final victory. North Queensland Cowboys development manager Kristian Woolf said Ignatius was the best side from as far north as Cairns and as far south as Rockhampton. "They all enjoyed their win and were excited to be playing at Dairy Farmers Stadium," Woolf said. "There is always a rivalry between the two teams, they have previously met in other competition finals over the years." In the open Cowboys Challenge competition Ignatius Park will play Mackay in Prosperpine and Kirwan High School will play St Brendan's College in Mackay tomorrow. |
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 WHEN Chris Sandow said he needed to go home for a funeral, eyebrows raised in unison. Because already this boom Aboriginal had dodged, shimmied and talked his way out of countless Gold Coast training runs. Crook shoulder, he said. Sore back too. And now distant aunties were dropping quicker than communists in Rambo III. But still the Titans relented. Gave their young star his Saturday while they ran 40s, pumped weights and sweated rivers. "And afterwards we all watched the Queensland Cup game on telly," one staffer recalls. "And there was Chrissy . . . sitting on the hill with his mates." Roughly a year after having his Titans contract torn to shreds, the kid dubbed "Aboriginal Alfie" is finally set for the ultimate resurrection this Monday night, wearing the Souths No. 7 as he prepares to tackle the Queensland club that punted him. "And if he plays a blinder everyone will say we were wrong," Titans coach John Cartwright shrugs. "But Chris always had to go. He just wasn't happy here. But why that was . . . mate, you'd have to ask him." Insiders will tell you the first cracks appeared when Sandow was drafted into the "Blue" squad - a torturous training group that started every morning at 5.30am. The aim was to weed out the weak. The soft touches. Those guys who prefer excuses to sacrifice. Guys like Sandow. First this Australian Schoolboy - dubbed a more exciting prospect than Israel Folau - talked his way out of training. Then dodged physio appointments. Eventually went walkabout for days without telling anyone. "So unfortunately we had to make an example of him," says Scott Sattler, then Titans football manager. "And while the decision could come back to haunt the club, it saved his career." Indeed, Sandow, 19, is now Next Big Thing at a club desperate for someone to get the crowd chanting "Glory, glory . . ." again. There's his brilliant kicking game. Smart hands. And a surprising maturity from this kid who was once all speculation passes and chip kicks. Speaking to The Saturday Daily Telegraph recently, Sandow credited his exciting revival on change. Getting away from old temptations, he said. Old habits. The birth of son Stephen, now seven months, completed his transformation. "Because when there's a chance to slack off at training, I think of him. "Or if I'm coming last in a sprint, I think of him. "Stephen just pops into my head and I get this burst." It's a burst now lifting this half and the Bunnies team he controls. Bringing all those Sandow aunties back, too. |
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 New South Wales junior rugby league teams continue to fall victim to Maitland's rich deposit of junior playing talent. Maitland's under 15 representative team took out the Northern division of the NSW junior age Country Championships in Port Macquarie last weekend. With Newcastle Knights junior coaching co-ordinator Laurie Clifton in the coaching staff, the team beat three sides from across Northern NSW to claim the title. Clifton said the win came to a cluster of young players who had endured years of playing together without closing out a major victory. "These boys have been playing together for about four years and have never won anything, so they were ecstatic," he said. The team was chosen from junior clubs across Maitland, Morpeth, Cessnock and Kurri Kurri and according to Clifton a select few certainly used the tournament to make a statement. "Players like Shay Padberg played really well, he is going places with his footy, as is Geordie Connelly, he has a good footy head as well. "And Michael Steele in particular was absolutely outstanding, he really played well." The Padberg and Connelly combination at halfback and five eighth is not a new one for the Maitland team, with the two close mates having played together in previous representative sides. Maitland's team manager Dave Watson said the victory could be traced back to a developmental level. "I really think this goes back to the development system we have with the Knights. We are always looking to improve our players and they help us with that." Clifton said his involvement came as an extension of his role with the Knights. "Part of my job with the Knights involves working with the coaches on developing talent," he said. "The only thing stopping me from doing this has been the time it takes. But this year I have had the time and it has been really good." Maitland will now go through to a grand final against the southern Country winners to determine who will be the overall NSW Country Champion. |
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| SUCCESS BRINGS CRITISIM AND NO RESPECT. The Nerang under 14s are cosidered to be one of the form teams on the gold coast, the boys train hard and are extremley committed to the game of rugby league. 11 of the boys gained selection in the Goldcoast Vikings rep team with 6 of them progressing to selection in the south east kookaburras side to play in the state carnival in cairns, the team remain un beaten this season and have just wont the presidents cup for 2008, have scored 430 points for and only 8 points against, many are under scholorship program at Keebra High and a few of them are involved at an elite level with NRL clubs. Having said all of that the boys and parents are slowly losing interest in the game and wondering if there efforts although recognised are infact worth the abuse and critisism that the team recieves is pathetic and for what (being good) your kidding. Its demoralising for the boys who train real hard only to know by the end of the week the team thay have drawn to play will and do infact forfiet and this happens every weekend which is a disgrace and the district say all they can do about it is advise the team to advance an age group so that we have some form of cometition, which is an issue only because some of these boys will not turn 14 until after the season finishes so they will be playing against players that are 2 years in advance in all areas. Although the district thought that this was a great idea they advise the coach and manager that the parents would have to sign a disclosure that the district wouldn't be responsiable if the players were hurt doing this , but it was the districts idea to do this. The lack of support and continuious critisism that the team has recieves is starting to take its toll, some have looked at other codes, some have looked at walking away which is a poor reflection on the game they love, the boys are boys are just want to play footy and have the right to be able to compete within there own age group, we say train hard , play well, play fair and enjoy this great game. We say strive to be the very best you can be which is hypocitical because it seams that if you do succeed and do everything that the districts say to do and to achieve what they suggest then you recieve no support from the people that should support them. in thwe words of one of our players " if achieved but feel like a loser" and that is so sad to hear those words from kids that just WANT TO PLAY FOOTY. |
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| FRiday 20 th June '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NSWCIS U/18 TRIAL AGAINST HUNTER ACADEMY OF SPORT The NSWCIS U/18 Rugby League team, playing in Pool A of the U/18 Australian Championships in Darwin, played a trial game against the Hunter Academy of Sport U/18's at Maitland on Wednesday 18/6. Playing without starting hooker Sam George and lock James Toole, who were away on Arrive Alive duties with St Stanislaus College, the CIS boys impressed coach Paul Chambers with their ability to keep their shape in attack and defence with several players stepping into new roles within the squad. The Hunter boys played great football as well muscling up in defence and showing great line speed and tackling ability. Unfortunately the wet conditions resulted in handling errors form both teams. The final result was NSWCIS 24-Hunter Academy of Sport 16, with CIS tries to 2nd rower Arda Dalcek (Waverley College), prop Ben Ryan(Barker College), centre Brad Calder (Belmont Christian College) and winger Sam Prendergast (Lindisfarne College). 5/8 Rhys Lenarduzzi(Chevalier College) had an outstanding night with the boot in general play and with goal kicking, slotting two conversions over from the sideline. Coach Paul Chambers (Bishop Druitt College) felt that all played contributed positively with props Costa Xenos (St Philips Christian College Port Stephens), Ben Ryan and Zac Pitt (Shell Harbour Anglican College) showing good form, twins Arda and Artug Dalcik were dominant in attack and defence and the halves rotation of Sam Hodges (Riverina Anglican College) and Chad Hastings (Bishop Druitt College) worked well. Rhys Lenarduzzi steered the team around the paddock with great composure and fullback Isaac Upton (Hunter Valley Grammar) was inspirational. Winger Sam Prendergast also played very well. |
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Story & Photo By : Luke Horton  Rising NRL star Aiden Tolman continues to impress all and sundry at the Melbourne Storm, with the club extending his contract until the end of 2010 earlier this week. The Hat Head youngster and former Smithtown Tigers product has already made his mark at the Storm, playing in three NRL games this year after making his debut against Canberra in round six. Tolman has also been starring for Melbourne feeder club the Central Coast Storm in the Sydney Premier League. The 103kg prop is still only 19, but Storm coach Craig Bellamy believes he has a bright future ahead of him. “Aiden has come through our developmental system and has played extremely well this year, forcing his way into NRL calculations most weeks,” Bellamy said. “He's definitely a Melbourne Storm type of player. “He works hard and does all of the little things that are so important in the way we play here.” Other clubs had expressed an interest in Tolman’s signature, but the young behemoth said he was most happy where he was. “My girlfriend is settled and happy here too and that also played a part. “With the coaching staff we have here I can’t imagine being in a better learning environment and the club has helped me immensely over two years I’ve already been here. “Now I’ve just got to knuckle down and work hard and do my best to force my way into being a regular in the first-grade team.” Tolman’s parents Trish and Mark still live at Hat Head and went down to see their son play in his debut earlier this year. |
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Story & Photo By : James Phelps and Josh Massoud MASADA Iosefa is a housing commission kid who patrolled the mean streets of Mount Druitt. Wade Graham is a 17-year-old league prodigy who splits his time reading HSC texts and opposition defences. Tonight, Panthers coach Matt Elliott plans to unleash the teenage odd couple in one of the most exciting NRL double debuts in memory. MainGame can exclusively reveal that explosive Samoan-born hooker Iosefa and Graham, a crafty halfback who has been compared to Brad Fittler, will be tossed into what is a season-defining game for the injury-ravaged Panthers. Both were told they will be playing first grade against the Dragons tonight, and have trained with the top squad all week. Pending any 11th-hour posturings from Elliott - and he is known for last-minute changes - they will inject plenty of intrigue into tonight's clash. And according to those who've witnessed their rise, their debuts are not before time. The Blacktown City duo have set the Toyota Cup alight. Silky skills, brute strength and pace to burn. Their sublime playmaking combination has made the young Panthers almost unbeatable. And it's their polished performances that have made them the talk of the town. So much so, the whispers yesterday became a deafening roar, travelling down the M4 before hitting pay-dirt at the bottom of Mount Ousley. "I am more concerned about that young kid from the 20s playing," Dragons coach Nathan Brown said at a press conference in Wollongong. That's right. Forget wrecking-ball Frank Pritchard, it is 20-year-old Iosefa that Brown fears. "I can't pronounce his name but he can play. Sometimes unfortunate things like what happened with Priddis the other night can produce the next champion. "He has a lot of ability and is a fine young player." Iosefa, the cousin of Storm hit-man Jeff Lima, was last year picked on a Kiwi tour before even playing a Toyota Cup game. His talent is undeniable but MainGame yesterday learned that life has sometimes been a struggle for the kid who most judges say could be anything. One of seven children, Iosefa spent most of his youth on the hard streets of Sydney's west. According to Peter Ross, his former teacher at Patrician Brothers Blacktown, Iosefa could have ended up in the slammer. "It was a tough neighbourhood he came from," said Ross. "At 14 or 15 he was going down that path and I had to tell him he would end up in jail if he continued. But to his credit he knuckled down and put better people around him. He got out of the gang environment and come Year 12 he was a model student. A real role model." Despite his troubles off the field, Iosefa's talent has never been in doubt. "He was only 15 and he basically won us the MCS tournament," Ross said. "He was man of the match every game. That year we also came second in the Arrive Alive Cup. Again it was because of him. I reckon we might have won it if he didn't get knocked out in the final." Lima reckons his "skinny cousin" will go all the way. "He was always very talented but had to work hard to get to where he is now," Lima said. "He was a little midget back then, and he still is. But I think he will go very far. He is a quick learner and he trains hard. He does all the extras and is also a good listener." Lima will today pick up the phone and give Iosefa some advice: "Tackle hard I will tell him. Make the first one count." For Graham, advice will be just as plentiful. Currently completing his HSC at Hills Sports High, the P-plater was swamped with good luck messages after word of his debut infiltrated classrooms yesterday. Graham's Arrive Alive Cup coach, former Eel Dallas Weston, said the buzz around the schoolyard was "incredible". "He came and saw me for about 20 minutes today," Weston said. "He's a bit nervous, but everyone at the school is so excited for him. "All the kids his own age are in awe. Wade is the first kid to come through our system to play NRL - it will be a big moment for the school." The son of a local concreter, the impressive playmaker is admired equally for his brains off the field. He currently mixes blue riband subjects such as physics and chemistry with the demands of training. "Wade is a really diligent kid," Weston continues. "There's been times when he's asked to skip training to go to the library to complete his studies. He realises how important they are." Both Iosefa and Graham were coached at Blacktown City by Wayne Jorgenson, now secretary of the club that also spawned Luke Lewis. Jorgenson rates the level-headed Graham as one of the most exciting prospects that he has handled. "I said six years ago he would be Penrith's next Brad Fittler, and the kid has done nothing to make me think otherwise since," Jorgenson said. "He has played in all the junior rep teams ahead of his time and captained the NSW under-18s last Wednesday night."He started off in the second-row, but I moved him to halfback and people thought I was crazy. "He's got great organisational skills - and he's a chatty one. "Having both Wade and Iosefa debut in the same match - it's a great night for our junior club." |
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NARRABRI High bounced back from a loss in the Under 16 A Final with a 28 point success in yesterday’s 60th Peel Schools Rugby League Carnival Open A Final. Narrabri beat St Joseph’s Aberdeen 38-10 after watching its talented Under 16s loser to Farrer 25-6 in their 16 A Final. Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School was the most successful school at yesterday’s secondary section of the Peels Schools, winning four of the divisions – 13A, 14A, 15A and 16A.– but Narrabri excelled in winning the Open final, spearheaded by outstanding lock Sean Russ, Brodie Hobday and Alex Davis. Their success came after their Under 16 side lost its 16A Final to Farrer 25-6. That was a disappointing finish, coach Brad Graham said. “We just dropped too much ball, dropped the ball from the kick off and were on the back foot the rest of the way. “But the Opens did make up for it and made it a sweet day.” Graham also coached the opens and was delighted with their support play... LEARN MORE |
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| Thursday 19 th June '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Story By : Stand in Coach Steve Speechley will use his full Grand Final winning Matty's Cup side to play NSW CCC U 15's on Sunday at Fairfield Park. Parra's SG Ball play the CCC U 18's. Change of venue for the game on Sunday plus additional information about the SG Ball team. The game will now be played at Fairfield Park, Ulverstone St Fairfield. Same time 12pm. The Parramatta SG Ball team will play NSW CCC Opens prior to the Matts game at 10.30am The Parramatta Harold Matthews Team trained tonight. The stand-in head coach Steve Speechley (normally assistant coach) instructed the players to not take the CCC team lightly and we must treat them with respect. The team did not drop one pass during the brisk session and are looking forward to the game. The grand final team that beat Penrith was announced to take the field excluding exciting winger Jacob Gagen. Jacob is representing NSW CHS under 15's at the national carnival. |
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| GUTSY FARRER STAYS ALIVE Story By : GEOFF NEWLING FARRER Memorial Agricultural High School’s First XIII, playing away from home without key players and with just 16 players, scored one of its most courageous and impressive Arrive alive Cup victories yesterday. Farrer beat St Patrick’s Blacktown 32-10 in Sydney in a stirring display that had coaches Steve Cavanagh and Gus Comi searching for superlatives to describe the performance. Farrer led 8-6 at half-time and blew open the game in the second half with a combination of gallant defence and lightning attacks. “It was a fantastic win,” Cavanagh said. “We had a patched-up side. “We came down with four or five key players out and had just 16 (squad of 17 allowed for Arrive alive Cup games). “So it was a very pleasing win.” Farrer started the game with some first-half mistakes against a big St Pat’s side. “We had a bit of dropped ball in the first half,” Cavanagh said. “At half-time we worked on a couple of things – our ball control and our speed at the line in defence. “And we smacked them in the second half.” He said under 16 Matt Allwood made a great debut off the bench after being a late draftee to give the 16. His forward pack also stood up. Jake Hinkelbein, Dominic Horne, Andy Mack and Brett Jarrett all took the ball up strongly and defended well. Lock Shae Collins was a standout. Jake Hawkins also made a difference when inserted into the game and halfback Marcus Bower also impressed. Cavanagh said five-eighth Kurt Resch also starred in the second half. “It’s the best half of football I’ve seen him play for us,” Cavanagh said. “He carved them up. “It’s unfair to single any one player out though. They were all great. “At different stages we held them out for seven sets of six on our line. “They were held up twice over the line as well.” Farrer will now play All Saints, Maitland in their next Arrive alive Cup game. |
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WILLIAM Hopoate still has another year to run at Cromer High School - but already he earns more than his teachers. The Daily Telegraph can reveal Hopoate has created NRL history after finally signing a $300,000 deal with the same Manly club where his famous father starred. Gallery: Meet the kid tipped to be a superstar The staggering contract, over three years, is the largest ever offered to a schoolboy and ends a furious bidding war that had six clubs scrapping for the boom fullback's signature. "And," manager Tyran Smith says, "it's nothing compared to what this boy will eventually earn." Still only 15, Hopoate boasts the build of Storm superstar Israel Folau and has represented Australian Schoolboys since 2007. The kid with the famous surname is also tipped to be included in the Sea Eagles' 2009 NRL squad - despite HSC studies preventing him from training full-time. "I've always supported Manly because of dad so now to be playing at the club, yeah it's all good," Hoppa Jr said last night. "But dad also wants me to stay at school and graduate next year. He wants me to make sure I have something to fall back on in case I never make it in league." Now pursuing a heavyweight boxing career, Hopoate Sr is constantly stressing the importance of discipline and sacrifice to his eldest of eight children. The former NRL bad boy also insists there's "no way" his boy will ever be involved in the same controversies, negative headlines or lengthy stints on the sideline through suspension. "Because William is nothing like me," the 1995 Kangaroo says. "He's a lot better player and doesn't have the same hot head. I know there's going to be some comparisons. Pressure. But my time is finished . . . this is all about William." The unique deal, signed off yesterday, represents the first major strike for Sportsplayer Management - a fledgling company overseen by Hopoate Sr and fellow NRL retiree Tyran Smith. Boasting a plush high-rise office in Sydney's CBD, the seasoned duo aim to create a bold new voice for promising Polynesian and Aboriginal players. "Everyone has been talking about fronting for the Islander and Aboriginal boys - but right now no one is walking the walk," Smith says. "So that's what we're about, giving these players the advice, support and financial knowledge that we never received ourselves. "Because plenty of guys I played with left the game with nothing. They were dudded, pushed into bad investments . . . how does anyone let this happen? "So we want to change that. If players come to us with the right tools and attitude, we're going to make sure they get all the results they deserve." And it's started with Hopoate. The only kid on the Northern Beaches who can now spot his teachers a loan. |
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| Wednesday 18 th June '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Story & Photo BY : GEOFF NEWLING FARRER Memorial Agricultural High School’s Arrive alive Cup chances against St Patrick’s Blacktown in Sydney today have been hammered by injury and unavailability. The Tamworth school, who struggled through a 12-8 win over St John’s College Woodlawn last week, has just 16 fit players for this morning’s Cup match. “We’re taking down the bare 16,” Farrer coach Steve Cavanagh said as they travelled to Sydney via their team bus yesterday. “We’ve had a few changes – got a fair few out. But we’re confident the young blokes we’ve brought in can do the job.” Missing from the Farrer side are hooker Josh Dutton (suspended), centre Jacob Wheeldon (broken jaw), Ben Williams and goalkicking winger Dominic Bower (hamstring). “Dominic pulled out this morning with a hamstring strain,” Cavanagh said. “Matt Allwood comes onto the bench for us,” Cavanagh said. “He’s been performing well in the Under 16s.” Cameron Rogers has moved from five-eighth to hooker to replace Dutton. Rogers showed some good glimpses in last week’s win over Woodlawn. It means Farrer has a new halves combination, with halfback Jake Hawkins starting from the bench. Kurt Resch starts at five-eighth with Marcus Bower the new halfback and Ryan Pooley moving to the centres for Wheeldon. Pooley was one of the stars in the 12-8 success against Woodlawn with a string of try-saving tackles, and will need to be at his best again with tall centre Cameron Mitchell.. LEARN MORE |
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| Tuesday 17 th June '08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GUNNEDAH AND MUSWELLBROOK DOMINATE CARNIVAL Story By : Northern Daily Leader GUNNEDAH and Muswellbrook teams dominated the primary sections of the 60th Peel Schools Rugby League Carnival in Tamworth at the Tamworth Minor League Playing Fields on Saturday. Gunnedah’s St Xavier’s Primary School was named most successful school after three of the 12 divisions, Gunnedah South won the march past and Muswellbrook’s St James and Muswellbrook Public Schools won two divisions. St Xavier’s Aiden Davis was also named player of the final in his side’s 30-16 A win over Westdale while Hillvue’s Jeff Slater was named player of the final after his side’s 18-12 Open A Final win over Westdale. Peels Schools Carnival committeemen were delighted with the day, the only blight on which was some poor catering. They are hoping for better when Wednesday’s secondary sections are held at Minor League and Scully Park. Media liaison officer Mike Cashman said 104 teams had entered the 2008 Peel Schools. 57 played in Saturday’s primary sections and another 47 are entered for Wednesday’s secondary divisions. “We had a peak of 244 teams in 1969 which at that stage was the biggest schoolboy carnival in the southern hemisphere,” Cashman said. “We’ll have about 1500 players all up this year from 7s to opens.” All players are to receive a commemorative medal from the NRL celebrating the 100th year of rugby league. With the Peel Schools celebrating its 60th year it will make Wednesday’s secondary carnival even more special with a dinner and ceremonies at West League Club after the Open Secondary Final (4pm kickoff). “The regional celebrations are one of five across the state,” Cashman said . “It’s even more special with us celebrating our 60th year. “That’s why they decided to stage one of the five here.” |
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SUNNYBANK HIGH DEFEAT PADUA COLLEGE 
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| NATIONAL SCOREBOARD | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MATTYS CUP & SG BALL SQUAD LISTS Balmain Cronulla |
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QUEENSLAND SCOREBOARD |
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QUEENSLAND WIZARD CUP *QUEENSLAND STATEWIDE WRAP Round 18. |
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ARL DEVELOPMENT SHIELD *CENTRAL DIVISION *NORTHERN DIVISION |
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NSW SCOREBOARD |
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 CHEERLEADER of the WEEK |
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2007 COWBOYS CHALLENGE 
BRISBANE METRO 
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SYDNEY 
OBE GEIA 
Jeff HARDY
Bulldogs win Harold 2007 Matthews Cup Grand Final | PROFESSIONAL WEBSITE HOSTING & EMAIL SYSTEMS BY : |
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