The NRL thread

by Luke Mon 02 Apr 2012, 6:43 pm

First topic message reminder :

Following on from other threads to make the RL section easier to follow, we know have this thread. So all news etc from what is in my opnion the best league in RL, views and other things that people want to add or put across about the Aussie/New Zealand leagues, please feel free to put in here.

Parramatta's remarkable skipper Nathan Hindmarsh has announced that this year will be his last. After a fantastic career that has spaned 15 years, and over 300 games, all for the Eels.

Melbourne's Cooper Cronk has signed a 4 year deal to remain at the club.

New Zealand Warriors utility Lewis Brown will be leaving the club at the end of this year. After agreeing a 3 year deal with the Penrith Panthers.

A potential white night has gone public with his intentions to save financially stricken NRL club the Gold Coast Titans.
Billy Rae has said that his consortium are deadly series in there take over bid. Meanwhile media reports say that Scott Hill & 5 other buisness men are a rival consortium to take over the Titans.
Th

by aucklandlaurie Fri 19 Apr 2013, 12:05 pm

Anyway the Kiwis have held on to the kangaroos to 6 all at half time.

by **Pal Joey** Fri 19 Apr 2013, 12:39 pm

Roos bounding away with it in the 2nd half now.

by **Pal Joey** Fri 19 Apr 2013, 1:05 pm

32-12 in the end.
Gutsy 1st half from the Kiwis but the 2nd was mostly all one way traffic for the Kangaroos.

by **Kenny** Fri 19 Apr 2013, 1:31 pm

St George Illawarra have signed Gareth Widdop on a 4 year contracr from next season

by **Pal Joey** Fri 19 Apr 2013, 1:48 pm

The struggling Warriors' injury woes have deepened with seasoned prop Steve Rapira ruled out for the rest of the NRL season.

Scans confirmed Rapira ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee playing for the Auckland Vulcans in the second-tier NSW Cup at the weekend and he will undergo reconstruction surgery.

Rapira was making his return to action after having plastic surgery to repair an ear injury suffered in the Warriors' third-round loss to Cronulla.

Warriors utility Sio Siua Taukeiaho broke his leg playing for the Vulcans and will be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

"It's a tough game we're involved in but it's really disappointing for all concerned when players have their seasons ended like this,"Warriors coach Matthew Elliott said.

by **Kenny** Fri 19 Apr 2013, 3:36 pm

So if St George sign Rangi Chase aswell , they could have a future England half back pairing playing next season

by George Hotel1895 Fri 19 Apr 2013, 3:48 pm

Gareth Widdop signs for the Dragons. This move will either make him or break him.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/st-george-dragons-sign-melbourne-storms-gareth-widdop-in-2m-deal/comments-e6frexpr-1226624329490

by **Pal Joey** Sat 20 Apr 2013, 6:38 am

A little surprised to hear that. I think it's more of a case of the Dragons dangling the fruits rather than the Storm wanting to get rid of him.

by Luke Wed 01 May 2013, 2:24 pm

LB,

How do you feel with this british invasion?

Parramatta signing Mossop, Hock and Richards, St George signing Cooper, and apparently the Roosters and Warriors favorites to sign Tomkins at the end of this season.

Is it just down to impact of the Burgess boys? is it more fundamental than that?

by **Kenny** Wed 01 May 2013, 8:44 pm

I dont blame any of the Superleague boys going over to the NRL the standard is better plus the wages on offer just can't be matched over here .

I read Widdop will be on £350,000 a season next year at St George

by **Pal Joey** Wed 01 May 2013, 10:30 pm

Tiger,

They all add an extra dimension to the NRL. Maybe in the short term it reduces the SL in terms of depth but with greater numbers of your guys playing here, learning the Aussie style of play and how to handle individual opposition on a weekly basis - it can only bode well for your GB side and the SL down the track if/when players return.

The Burgess bros have had a massive impact here. We can't stop raving about them. They are a powerful and skilful lot, aren't they?

by Luke Thu 02 May 2013, 3:43 am

I agree what Kenny says LB, and theres no doubt it improves there game, and they become better players.

I just wondered if the Aussies thinks it's stopping there young players? And why they're suddenly signing British players when that never really used to be the case?

Agree the Burgess boys are tearing it up over there, makes you wonder if they'd want to come back to SL, and which club as they'd certainly have there pick.

by **Pal Joey** Thu 02 May 2013, 8:48 am

Aiden Tolman resigns with the Dogs for another 4 years.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/tolmans-resigns-with-bulldogs-on-fouryear-deal-20130502-2iu36.html#

by **Pal Joey** Thu 02 May 2013, 8:53 am

There's a chance Benji Marshall could be passed fit to play in tomorrow night's clash with Canterbury at ANZ.
(I will be at the game so I'll let you know how it went...)

"Gotta see how I pull up tomorrow and get clearance from the doctor. Feeling confident though."

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/marshall-hoping-for-return-against-dogs-20130502-2iuij.html

by **Pal Joey** Thu 02 May 2013, 8:59 am

Josh Dugan still may be handed a lifeline by the Dragons...

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/dugans-dragons-deal-still-to-be-completed-20130502-2iv6l.html

by **Pal Joey** Thu 02 May 2013, 9:01 am

The Dragons have signed young South Sydney centre Dylan Farrell on a three-year deal.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/dragons-lure-farrell-from-rabbitohs-20130502-2iuer.html#ixzz2S7W1Xd9a

by **Pal Joey** Thu 02 May 2013, 9:02 am

Frank Pritchard has scotched rumours of unrest at Belmore in the most emphatic fashion – by agreeing to a three-year extension to remain at Canterbury.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/pritchard-signs-16m-deal-to-stay-with-bulldogs-20130502-2iue1.html

by **Pal Joey** Thu 02 May 2013, 9:05 am

The Brisbane Broncos will be without Test centre Justin Hodges (groin) and fiery young forward Josh McGuire (calf) when they take on second-placed South Sydney at Suncorp tomorrow night.

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/brisbane-broncos-ready-for-gi-assault-20130502-2iu5v.html

by **Pal Joey** Thu 02 May 2013, 9:09 am

Gold Coast Titans rookie Anthony Don is looking forward to his match-up against NZ Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei. Shocked

Don, 25, will make just his third NRL appearance for the Titans in Sunday's trip to play the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium where giant winger Vatuvei will be returning for the home side after missing their Anzac Day clash with premiers Melbourne.

by George Hotel1895 Tue 07 May 2013, 2:22 am

A good story this about Adam Reynolds.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/reynolds-skills-honed-on-city-streets/story-e6frep8x-1226636210193

by **Pal Joey** Thu 09 May 2013, 1:22 pm

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary is remaining tight-lipped about the NRL club's pursuit of Cronulla star Todd Carney.

Reports on Wednesday suggested the Panthers were now the front-runners to win the NSW five-eighth's signature, despite Carney's desire to stay loyal to the Sharks.

Rumours have also suggested the Warriors are throwing big money at Carney to bring him across the Tasman in 2014 as Shaun Johnson's halves partner.

by **Pal Joey** Thu 09 May 2013, 1:23 pm

Todd Carney has admitted he doesn't deserve to hold onto his NSW No.6 jersey just because he's the incumbent, in an exclusive interview on Sterlo.

Speaking about the upcoming series in a one-on-one with legendery Blues halfback Peter Sterling, Carney understands he needs to make an irresistable case with his next three NRL games to get a crack at his second straight series.

NSW coach Laurie Daley has admitted five-eighth is one of just two positions still up for grabs as he nails down selection for game one.

Read more: http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/state-of-origin/sterlo-todd-carney-admits-incumbency-isnt-enough-to-keep-him-in-the-nsw-origin-no6-jersey/story-fn31yxah-1226637937410#ixzz2SnViEJ6q

by **Pal Joey** Thu 09 May 2013, 1:24 pm

Todd Carney will remain at Cronulla after knocking back a rich five-year deal from Penrith on Thursday.

The Panthers were informed about Carney’s decision around lunchtime.

It’s believed Penrith had offered Carney a five-year deal worth about $4.5 million.

by **Pal Joey** Thu 09 May 2013, 1:25 pm

Sydney Roosters play maker James Maloney has a better kicking game than Todd Carney and that will land him the coveted role of New South Wales five-eighth according to former Blues back rower Nathan Hindmarsh.

Read more: http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/state-of-origin/james-maloney-backed-for-nsw-five-eighth-based-on-his-kicking-game-says-nathan-hindmarsh/story-fn31yxah-1226637897412#ixzz2SnWDauRU

by **Pal Joey** Thu 09 May 2013, 1:26 pm

Penrith back-rower Sika Manu says former club Melbourne are most vulnerable against physically big teams, and urged his Panthers pack to make their size count in Sunday's NRL clash with the Storm.

In Manu, the Panthers have a man who spent six years in the Storm inner-sanctum and got very used to sitting in a winning dressing shed.

But when victory becomes a habit, the losses and the reasons for losing tend to become more obvious.

by **Pal Joey** Thu 09 May 2013, 1:26 pm

Fox Sports league expert Ben Ikin looks ahead to round nine action in the NRL and picks out the five things he is most looking forward to:

http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/ikin-see-clearly-the-five-things-ben-ikin-is-looking-forward-to-most-in-round-nine-of-nrl-action/story-fn2mcuj6-1226637872312#.UYuV2aDLlng

by **Pal Joey** Thu 09 May 2013, 1:27 pm

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has revealed the club is yet to offer superstar international Sonny Bill Williams a new deal.

Signed to the Bondi-based club for one season, the 27-year-old has been a revelation in a red hot side but Robinson told NRL360 on Wednesday night that the club is yet to begin talks with Williams for next season.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/sydney-roosters-yet-to-offer-superstar-sonny-bill-williams-new-deal-for-2014/story-fn2mcuj6-1226637913819#.UYuWEKDLlng

by **Pal Joey** Thu 09 May 2013, 1:29 pm

New South Wales coach Laurie Daley has told us he's got Plan B in every position.

Read more: http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/state-of-origin/vote-who-should-take-brett-stewarts-new-south-wales-state-of-origin-fullback-jersey/story-fn31yxah-1226637753311#ixzz2SnX5N65Z

I'd go Jarryd Hayne then Michael Gordon.

by **Pal Joey** Thu 09 May 2013, 1:31 pm

Gold Coast Titans have entered the race for the man regarded as the British version of Billy Slater, Wigan attacking wizard Sam Tomkins.

The Titans have reportedly held preliminary talks with Tomkins' management, although the England international's $1 million price tag may prove a stumbling block.

If money is the deciding factor, NRL rivals the Warriors are likely to trump the Titans.

Former Wigan star Dean Bell, now the NZ Warriors' football operations chief, flew to England recently to meet the fullback.

While they have a star-studded pack, the Titans are scouring the market for a marquee back with strike power as part of their mission statement to win a title by 2015.

Tomkins, who can play fullback or five-eighth, shapes as the ideal target.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/gold-coast-titans-enter-the-race-to-sign-boom-england-fullback-sam-tomkins/story-fn2mcuj6-1226638023461#.UYuWv6DLlng

by **Pal Joey** Thu 09 May 2013, 1:34 pm

At the end of the 2006 season South Sydney's Nathan Merritt was positioned at the top of that year's try-scoring list. No great surprise for a man considered one of the game's best finishers at 23 years of age and in his fifth season of first grade.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/peter-sterling-south-sydney-winger-nathan-merritt-has-earned-his-chance-at-state-of-origin/story-fn2mcuj6-1226638007204#.UYuXNaDLlng

Good option for Brett Morris' replacement with Akuila Uate on the other wing.

by George Hotel1895 Sun 26 May 2013, 8:21 pm

3 Blues players to make their debuts in origin 1. I do hope this year NSW win the series.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/may/26/state-of-origin-nsw-name-team

by **Pal Joey** Mon 27 May 2013, 12:57 am

So do I.

I've got great seats for Origin 1... right on the halfway line but up on Level 4.

by George Hotel1895 Mon 27 May 2013, 10:44 am

Kurt Gidley rules out of Origin1
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nsw-utility-kurt-gidley-ruled-out-of-state-of-origin-i-with-a-foot-injury/story-fni3fqyo-1226651650884

by **Pal Joey** Mon 27 May 2013, 11:02 am

Actually, even though he is a consistent player, tries his best and has lots of Origin experience - I've always felt he lacked that extra something. Nice bloke though... probably too nice. Wouldn't mind seeing Sutton there. He has some mongrel and is a very tough competitor. They'll most likely play it safe and call up Tim Grant though.

by George Hotel1895 Mon 27 May 2013, 11:08 am

Linebreaker wrote:Actually, even though he is a consistent player, tries his best and has lots of Origin experience - I've always felt he lacked that extra something. Nice bloke though... probably too nice. Wouldn't mind seeing Sutton there. He has some mongrel and is a very tough competitor. They'll most likely play it safe and call up Tim Grant though.

Perhaps its me, but i don't rate Sutton. I don't recall him ever having a stand out 80 minutes. To much hit and miss for me.

by **Pal Joey** Mon 27 May 2013, 11:12 am

He's just, this minute, set up a try for Sam Burgess. 12-all at Endeavour. 45 min.
Know what you mean though. People don't think much of him here but he is consistently solid.

by George Hotel1895 Thu 30 May 2013, 8:37 pm

Raiders winger moves to French union club.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/canberra-raiders-winger-signs-big-money-deal-with-french-rugby-club-pau/story-fni3gmmu-1226654131675

by **Kenny** Fri 31 May 2013, 5:42 pm

Rumours going around that Wigans Shaun Wane and Sam Tomkins will sign for New Zealand Warriors . Wane to work as assistant for the first year before taking over in 2015 and Tomkins has been offered £650,000
a year after tax

by **Pal Joey** Sun 02 Jun 2013, 3:46 am

George Hotel1895 wrote:Raiders winger moves to French union club.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/canberra-raiders-winger-signs-big-money-deal-with-french-rugby-club-pau/story-fni3gmmu-1226654131675

He's a fairly decent player but can be a hothead too.

by George Hotel1895 Tue 04 Jun 2013, 7:20 pm

Craig Gower to leave London Broncos and return to Australia, and the Rumour mill says he going to play for the Newcastle Knights
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/22775882

by George Hotel1895 Fri 07 Jun 2013, 8:37 pm

Some Els fans won't be happy to move some home games to the ANZ Stadium.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/parramatta-eels-looking-at-shift-to-anz-stadium/story-fni3ga7r-1226658949837

by **Kenny** Wed 12 Jun 2013, 11:24 am

French international prop Remi Casty is the latest player to quit Super League for the NRL after signing a two-year contract with Sydney Roosters.
Catalans Dragons have agreed to release skipper Casty at the end of the season to enable him to link up with former coach Trent Robinson, who moved to the Roosters at the end of last year.

by George Hotel1895 Wed 12 Jun 2013, 7:24 pm

Sam Burgess wishes he could play SOO.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/i-wish-i-could-play-state-of-origin-says-south-sydney-forward-sam-burgess/story-fniabob6-1226662057361

by **Kenny** Thu 13 Jun 2013, 12:04 am

Anyone see Sam Tomkins interviewing the stars of the new Superman movie ? ( it was the Superleague Man of Steel meets The Man of Steel )

He has a word with Russell Crowe who instead of talking to him about the film tells Tomkins what a good player he is and if he ever wants a chat about his future to give him a call . Crowe then tells him that if he ever does think about playing in the NRL to make sure it's with a team that's in Australia not outside of it .

by George Hotel1895 Thu 13 Jun 2013, 7:11 am

Kenny wrote:Anyone see Sam Tomkins interviewing the stars of the new Superman movie ? ( it was the Superleague Man of Steel meets The Man of Steel )

He has a word with Russell Crowe who instead of talking to him about the film tells Tomkins what a good player he is and if he ever wants a chat about his future to give him a call . Crowe then tells him that if he ever does think about playing in the NRL to make sure it's with a team that's in Australia not outside of it .

It would make sense for Sam to go to South Sydney with a former Wigan coach their and 4 other Englishman, but it could be that NZ and the Warriors appeal to him more.

by **Kenny** Thu 18 Jul 2013, 4:13 pm

Super League's oldest-ever player Steve Menzies will return to Manly Sea Eagles as a club ambassador when he hangs up his boots at the end of the season.

Menzies, who scored 180 tries from 349 games for the Sydney club from 1993-2008, will be back at Brookvale Oval next season after announcing his retirement at the end of the season, just two months before his 40th birthday.

The second row forward will be involved across all aspects of the business, including event and corporate appearances.

"I spent my entire NRL career with the Sea Eagles and I'm excited to be involved with Manly once again," said the Australian legend.

"It will be great to be back on the northern beaches, sharing my love for the club that gave me my start."

by George Hotel1895 Thu 08 Aug 2013, 10:05 am

Mick Potter set for the Spanish Archer from West Tigers.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/potter-to-be-punted-by-wests-tigers/story-fni3gpz1-1226693037749

by George Hotel1895 Fri 20 Sep 2013, 8:00 am

Great news for the storm and Rugby League in Victoria.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/storms-owners-in-for-long-haul/story-fni3gpfh-1226722416164

I think Griffin is on borrowed time.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/brisbane-coach-anthony-griffin-gives-broncos-staff-the-axe/story-fniabm4i-1226723069642

by Luke Tue 24 Sep 2013, 2:20 am

New Zealand Warriors have announced that they have signed Sam Tomkins. Suprise how quiet they kept that they wanted him, not heard much about it since well Oct last year, and every month since.

by **Kenny** Sat 28 Sep 2013, 1:19 pm

It is more then a rumour that Steve McNamarra will leave his position as England RL coach after the World Cup and he has spoken to both the Eels and the English Union side Bath .

I don't like losing League men over to Union but i will make an exception this once in an effort to stop Parramatta Eels making a huge mistake and hiring Steve McNamarra as head coach ! It is however a double edge sword for me as his other job offer is for defensive coach at Bath !

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