Since joining the North Queensland Cowboys in 2017, Peter Hola has slowly become an elite rising star.
On the back of his good form in the lower grades, Hola has been awarded both a top 30 spot and a new long-term deal at the Cowboys.
The new deal will see Hola remain at the Cowboys until the 2022 season.
Performing strongly for the Northern Pride U20’s side, Hola is held in high regard by the club.
“We think Pete is one of the better young forwards in the game,” Cowboys Director of Football Peter Parr said.
“To be able to play Queensland Cup last year and hold his own at such a young age in the middle of the field, showed us we had a special talent on our hands.
“Even though we had him on contract for another two years, we thought it was the right time to extend him, which shows how excited we are about his future at our club.”
Setting him with goals and challenges as he gets older and more mature, Cowboys coach Paul Green has been pleased with Hola’s development.
“Pete is progressing really nicely and we think his development is heading in the right direction,” Green said.
“He has met every challenge we’ve set so far and we’re really excited to have him in our top squad for at least the next four seasons.”
Paul Gallen’s last year, the signing of Shaun Johnson and a possible coaching change. Drama for the Cronulla Sharks and it is still only 2018.
Just how will all of that affect their chances in 2019 and can they overcome the adversity they face?
Since flying high following their maiden premiership success, inconsistency has crept into the Sharks overall game, as we dissect the issues plaguing their team.
Johnson changes the dynamics
The signing is confirmed! Shaun Johnson will join the Sharks from 2019. Is he the man and player they need to propel them even further, though?
A gifted player and ball-runner on any day, Johnson is a player that can make a difference for your team but who also needs a stabiliser alongside him.
If Townsend can step up to the plate and allow Johnson to just focus on his running game – his strength – the combination could work.
This would ideally be the combination for the Sharks, given Johnson and Matt Moylan are similar players when it comes to their style of play.
From a different perspective, the other answer in the halves could be Kyle Flanagan.
Many Sharks fans see him as a potential star but with the signing of Johnson, there are really just two options out there.
Cronulla Sharks halfback Shaun Johnson
The first; he is a surprise selection in the halves alongside Johnson, seeing as he is also a stabiliser and can control games when needed.
The second – and perhaps the least popular of the two – is that he is not named, grows impatient with no opportunity and opts to leave.
Signing Johnson unfortunately makes that a very real possibility and so weighing up when and how to appropriately blood Flanagan is crucial.
If he is indeed set for stardom in the NRL, he will want the opportunity to shine sooner rather than later.
And, in many ways, he has a great mentor and leader in Johnson alongside him to bring up to NRL speed.
Cronulla Sharks back-rower Wade Graham
Replacing Graham
When fit, he would be the first back-rower selected in the Sharks side. Unfortunately, Wade Graham’s injury means he will miss a decent chunk of the 2019 season.
That is perhaps the biggest blow and downside for the Sharks heading into the new season in more ways than one.
A hard-runner on the edges, the dynamic that Graham brings to any club or team he might play for is very unique.
Traditionally, back-rowers run set lines, hit gaps and feed off their halves.
For Graham, he can just set those plays up himself given his ability to steer the ship and control the ball.
Having previously played 5/8, Graham utilises those skills to provide the Sharks with an extra dynamic out wide.
Whether it is a draw and pass to suck a defender in, whether it is a deft kick behind the line for a repeat set or a crafty pass, Graham has that ability.
With his injury, the team dynamics shift significantly and they are left with one less play-making option in case the going gets tough.
Cronulla Sharks utility back Josh Dugan
No Holmes, no fanfare?
Valentine Holmes. What a season he had in 2018. When many thought he would take a while to transition to fullback full-time, he excelled.
Putting on a show and carving up individual defences on his own, Holmes’ loss is perhaps bigger than many might realise.
Although the Sharks do have two experienced players that can play fullback in Josh Dugan and Matt Moylan, the two are very different players.
Holmes excels at carting the ball back from a kick and can single-handedly produce a play or a moment to spark the Sharks attack.
Moylan and Dugan do have game-breaking abilities of their own but not to the extent that Holmes does, which could be costly.
Moylan’s strengths lie in his ball-playing ability. Having played plenty of five-eighth in his career, he is comfortable when it comes to assisting and setting tries up.
For Dugan, who has recently transitioned into more of a centre, he was, at one point, close to being an elite fullback.
Injuries struck him down, however, and he has not been able to recapture that same sort of magic or form.
His very own style is not too dissimilar from that of Holmes’; the difference being his age and the injuries that have recently held him back.
Of course, an option from left-field that we do not yet know about could emerge and surprise us all.
When push comes to shove, though, the loss of Holmes may just be larger than many people think.
Cronulla Sharks utility back Matt Moylan
Gains and Losses
Gains: Josh Morris (Canterbury Bulldogs, 2020), Braydon Trindall (2020), Shaun Johnson (New Zealand Warriors, 2021) and Aaron Woods (Canterbury Bulldogs, 2021).
Losses: Kurt Dillon (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Edrick Lee and Jesse Ramien (both Newcastle Knights), Trent Hodkinson (Manly Sea Eagles), Ricky Leutele (Toronto Wolfpack), Joseph Paulo (St Helens), James Roumanos (Canterbury Bulldogs) and Luke Lewis (retired).
Player to Watch
Although all the focus might just be on Kyle Flanagan, there is another young Shark that has many fans excited.
His name is Bronson Xerri. Now at the club until at least 2021, he has successfully come through the club ranks.
A strong performer, a talented player and still only 18, Xerri’s ability has been raved about by Sharks fans in the past.
With a potential NRL spot up for grabs in the centres, it remains to be seen whether the club believe Xerri is up for that opportunity.
When it arises, however, the U18’s and U20’s NSW Origin player is sure to impress and get people’s attention.
NRL News Predicted Line-up
1. Matt Moylan
2. Sosaia Feki
3. Josh Morris
4. Josh Dugan
5. Bronson Xerri
6. Shaun Johnson
7. Chad Townsend
8. Andrew Fifita
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Matt Prior
11. Wade Graham (when fit)
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Paul Gallen (C)
14. Aaron Woods
15. Scott Sorenson
16. Jayson Bukuya
17. Ava Seumanufagai
Despite some speculation of his spot being in jeopardy, Matt Dufty has signed a contract extension with the St George Illawarra Dragons.
The extension is for a further two seasons with Dufty already signed on at the Dragons for the 2019 season.
A local Penshurst junior, the live-wire fullback is ready for the challenge of competing for spots.
“I’m very happy about re-signing for another two years. It wasn’t a difficult decision,” Dufty said.
“The Dragons is somewhere where I think I could play my best footy and where I wanted to stay.”
“I feel like a weight has been lifted. I’ve had it over my head for a while now.
“I’m glad the positive discussions I’ve had with the club has ended this way.”
Despite no certainty to play given off-season moves, Dufty is excited at what lies ahead for the club and the jostling for spots.
“I’m really excited for this year to come. I’m not sure where I’ll play but it’s a good headache for Mary (coach Paul McGregor) to have,” he continued.
“We have all been playing different positions, trying to get our different combinations sorted and with the strike force we have, it’s exciting to see how we all play.”
Just as pleased with Dufty re-signing are the club, who always relish the chance to retain a local junior.
“He’s a local junior who has gone through our pathway system, and we know he’s a person we want here long-term at this club,” Dragons Director of Rugby League Pathways and List Management Ian Millward said.
“He’s a passionate Dragons player who brings a real skill set to the team.
“We have been in deep discussions and negotiating with Matt and his agent since last year.
“He was aware of our discussions with Corey Norman at all times and he knew where his future lied at our club at all times.”
Here we are with part three of Ricky’s NRL Previews, as we look at the Canterbury Bulldogs and the issues that await them!
It has been some season and off-season for the Bulldogs! Salary cap issues, players coming and going, a new board; it is all happening!
But as 2019 gets closer and closer, the club has been doing its best to rebuild both on and off the field.
What does 2019 have in store them and what issues await them? Let us delve right in!
A rudderless ship
With so much of today’s game now firmly based around the halves at your disposal and their play, the Bulldogs have had little luck in this area.
Last season, the Bulldogs tried combinations galore with seemingly little success. Matt Frawley was given a chance, many labelling him as a player far too good for reserve grade.
Lo and behold, when first-grade came knocking, many fans felt as if he was not up to the standard required for this level. That feeling also resonated with Jeremy Marshall-King.
A surprise selection early on to start the year, he seemed to look the goods but then fell by the wayside in terms of halves selection.
He would, however, later return to the side as a hooker, much to the surprise of many. But that is neither here nor there.
Next came Moses Mbye. One of the staple figures for the Bulldogs in recent years, rumour and innuendo kick-started. Oh, and that thing called the salary cap breach as well.
Despite making a shift to fullback that seemed to work out ok for a while, the former half was eventually allowed to leave due to the cap issues the club faced.
That leaves us with one man. Kieran Foran. A premiership winner, a proven performer….though the struggles have been clear since he left the Manly Sea Eagles.
Those struggles continued in 2018 and left many Bulldogs fans scratching their heads with dismay and disappointment.
But with a new year comes renewed optimism. A chance to build around Lachlan Lewis, the soul shining light of the Bulldogs halves pool.
Get the right guy around him and he can succeed but the question is; who is that guy and is he available?
Canterbury Bulldogs halfback Lachlan Lewis
The Power and the Passion
The Bulldogs faithful are a passionate, determined and loyal bunch, though the recent years have not been as kind as they would like.
Their passion is resolute, undying and not going anywhere; that much, we know. What will perhaps be lacking to some extent in 2019, is the power.
In what has been a crazy off-season for recruitment, David Klemmer has left and Dylan Napa has come in.
On the outside looking in, the Bulldogs ability to sign a rep forward after losing a rep forward is astute business. A signing to take in your stride.
Many Bulldogs fans, though, are reserving judgment until they see Napa in action. Not because he is a bad replacement, but simply because they are not sure if he is consistent enough.
Klemmer, with all his rep honours and achievements, was, at times, an unsung hero of the Bulldogs forward pack. He ran hard, played hard and tackled hard.
With consistency to boot as his numbers often showed. On the flip side, Napa is an aggressor in the defensive slog but has been criticised for inconsistency when it comes to attacking output.
As we have seen in the past, though, a new team can bring new fortunes and knowing that he has to prove himself, could bring out even better form from Napa.
Either way, it is a handy addition for the Dogs, as their forward pack would have looked rather skinny with no big bopper addition.
Former Sydney Roosters prop Dylan Napa
Hook, line and sinker
Hooker. Arguably, the most important position in the game and yet for the Bulldogs, uncertainty reigns supreme in the position.
Realistically, there are three potential candidates. Michael Lichaa, Jeremy Marshall-King or Kerrod Holland.
Lichaa, although producing flashes of brilliance, is a much-maligned and heavily criticised player by the fans. Struggling under Des Hasler but coming to life under Dean Pay, he at least has the experience.
Marshall-King, whose foray in the halves did not quite go according to the script, is apparently being transformed into a hooker at the NRL level.
He transitioned to the role towards the back-end of the season and did alright, even if Bulldogs fans would rather someone a bit flashier and more suited to the role.
With both Lichaa and Marshall-King, size will always be a factor, particularly when it comes to the defensive side of things. However, that has not stopped them from becoming mainstays.
The third option – and this is the left-field one – is Kerrod Holland. Surprisingly, he did play some hooker in 2018 with surprising success but you would have to question whether he can maintain that level of consistency over a season.
Nevertheless, that option is there, as the Bulldogs fans cry out for a rake that can sweep the leaves.
Player to Watch
Passion, loyalty, love and a budding future star. Jayden Okunbor has everything at his disposal to succeed and loves the Bulldogs.
The hulking back-rower has come through the club ranks and so far impressed at every level he has played in.
From the Holden Cup to the Intrust Super Premiership, his exploits on the edges have contributed to many Bulldogs wins.
Part of the Bulldogs side that won the ISP in 2018, Okunbor’s sights are now firmly on first-grade.
At 21, he still has the world at his feet but may be a chance to snag a spot given the uncertainty of the make-up of the Bulldogs forward pack.
Should he snag a bench spot, it will certainly have Bulldogs fans chomping at the bit.
Gains and Losses
Gains: Morgan Harper and Tui Katoa (both 2019), Jack Cogger (Newcastle Knights, 2020), Chris Smith (Sydney Roosters, 2020), Sauaso Sue (Wests Tigers, 2020), Christian Crichton (Penrith Panthers, 2021), Nick Meaney (Newcastle Knights, 2021), James Roumanos (Cronulla Sharks, 2021), Dylan Napa (Sydney Roosters, 2021) and Corey Harawira-Naera (Penrith Panthers, 2022).
Losses: Lachlan Burr (New Zealand Warriors), Matt Frawley (Huddersfield Giants), Moses Mbye (Wests Tigers), Brett Morris (Sydney Roosters), Josh Morris and Aaron Woods (both Cronulla Sharks) and Zac Woolford (Newcastle Knights). Greg Eastwood, Asipeli Fine and Clay Priest (all released).
NRL News Predicted Line-up
Nick Meaney
Reimis Smith
Will Hopoate
Kerrod Holland
Christian Crichton
Kieran Foran
Lachlan Lewis
Aiden Tolman
Michael Lichaa
Dylan Napa
Josh Jackson (C)
Corey Harawira-Naera
Rhyse Martin
14. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
15. Sauaso Sue
16. Adam Elliott
17. Danny Fualalo
Just two more NRL previews to go, as part 15 looks at the Sydney Roosters and their 2019 chances.
As the reigning champs, all the pressure is on to perform at that same level.
In the modern NRL era, going back-to-back is an anomaly, a feat that just does not happen. Not yet anyway.
If you were going to back any side to do it, though, the Roosters would be strong favourites given the strength of their side.
The pressure of going back-to-back
The reason why as to teams cannot go back-to-back is like an enigma of some sort. Almost like it cannot be explained.
Teams have gone close in the past – very close at that – yet fallen at the final hurdle.
Although there is no finite way to prove how or why they did not go on with it, there can be some assertions made as to why.
The pressure that comes with the game, with consistency, with constant performance and continuity, simply increases every year.
Teams that win a premiership are often scouted more so than others, as teams look at ways to stop them from performing at a high level for a second season.
For the Roosters, if they are to buck this trend, their new signings need to gel quickly, for starters.
Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson
In addition to that, the premiership winning players from last season need to emulate their 2018 form.
Doing so is never easy as the weight of expectation becomes greater and greater.
They have the ability to do so but it makes it that much harder when you strive for successive premierships.
Can they do it? It will be a wait and see as they look to achieve what no team has this modern NRL era.
Crichton Time
Changing clubs and being able to replicate your form immediately is a tall order but that is the challenge facing Angus Crichton.
Bursting onto the scene with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Crichton quickly established himself in the NRL.
As an effective, reliable, talented hole-runner, his try-scoring feats soared on the Rabbitohs edge.
But with a new team, some uncertainty as to how he will fit in and whether he can gel, has some expecting that time is needed.
Time to find his home in the Roosters line-up, even if other elite players are around him to make his life easier.
Sydney Roosters back-rower Angus Crichton
The opportunity to play alongside Cooper Cronk on your inside does not come around every day but Crichton will need to develop a new understanding.
It will be one thing to run a good line, making it look effortless; it will be another be to in sync with Cronk and his thoughts to produce maximum effectiveness.
Getting that combination going is one of the keys for the Roosters in going back-to-back, a rarely achieved feat in recent NRL history.
Both are quality players and so you will back them both to succeed but new team-mates need time to mesh.
Emergence of the new blood
Often criticised for being unable to produce quality juniors, three of the Roosters strongest performers in 2018 were their own.
Latrell Mitchell, Joseph Manu and Victor Radley all shone across the season in different ways.
All three played crucial roles in the premiership winning season but all three are very different players.
Mitchell, who is perhaps the brightest emerging player in the game, took the NRL by storm in 2018.
Although he might lack the speed, he makes up for it with pure strength and a deadly fend that wreaked havoc.
Sydney Roosters centre Joseph Manu
Many-an-opponent found themselves on the end of the fend, with it often leading to tries, breaks or opportunities.
Joseph Manu is of a similar build and although all the attention may have gone towards Mitchell, Manu just went about his own business.
Impressing Roosters fans with his consistent performances, Manu’s stocks are rising as he looks to make an even bigger impression in 2019.
With such potency on the right and left side at centre, the Roosters are blessed with strong, powerful players who are good to watch in full flight.
As for Victor Radley, he was perhaps the surprise packet in many ways. Although his ability was not in question, where and how he would fit was.
Sydney Roosters utility Victor Radley
Playing as a utility man off the bench, his versatility across hooker, back-row and lock served him well.
His stocks rose, his form rose, and he earned the trust of coach Trent Robinson as Mr Reliable across the park.
As 2019 looms, Radley has a chance to cement a spot in the starting pack with the departure of Ryan Matterson.
But with forwards galore and plenty of minutes to go around, can he hold down a starting spot or will he become Mr Fix-It yet again?
2019 Gains and Losses
Gains: Egan Butcher (2019), Craig Garvey (Canberra Raiders, 2019), Brock Lamb (Newcastle Knights, 2019), Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos, 2020), Brett Morris (Canterbury Bulldogs, 2020) and Angus Crichton (South Sydney Rabbitohs, 2021).
Losses: Kurt Baptiste (North Queensland Cowboys), Blake Ferguson (Parramatta Eels), Ryan Matterson and Paul Momirovski (both Wests Tigers), Sean O’Sullivan (Brisbane Broncos) and Dylan Napa and Chris Smith (both Canterbury Bulldogs). Mitch Cornish, Eloni Vunakece and Frank-Paul Nuuausala (all retired). Dean Matterson (released).
Player to Watch
As their middle forwards unfortunately do not get any younger, the Sydney Roosters are always a team to keep an eye on the future.
That future in the front row goes by the name of Poasa Faamausili, a hulking young Kiwi prop, ready to take the NRL world by storm.
Lauded for his work-ethic and strong approach to the game, his one start saw him impress in a sign of things to come.
With Origin likely to hit the Roosters hard along with any unfortunate injuries they may face, Faamausili is a name that could be heard more often in 2019.
A strong performer through the club ranks, the young Kiwi prop is primed for a big season in 2019. He just needs the opportunity.
It is now time for part two of Ricky’s NRL previews, the Canberra Raiders!
For a number of seasons now, the Raiders have gone into it confident and chomping at the bit to impress.
By the end of it, they have been left scratching their head and ruing missed opportunities.
As 2019 rolls around, are the fortunes of the Raiders set to change with some astute signings? Or will it be much of the same?
A superbly talented side capable of beating anyone on their day, yet mired with inconsistency over the course of a 25-round season.
Let us jump in and delve deeper into the key areas for the Raiders.
The halves conundrum
The Raiders have had nightmares for years about a lack of quality halves play and cohesion. When one performs, the other does not.
When there are injuries, the backups just are not up to standard.
And therein lies the issue the Raiders have in the halves. Although it takes 17 players to achieve true greatness, it is the halves who see the ball the most.
At crucial times, the Raiders have struggled; unable to get repeat pressure and unable to put the opposition on the back foot.
This inability, due to a lack of consistency in the halves, has cost them. Many have come and gone and tried but unfortunately, not succeeded.
Blake Austin, Mitch Cornish, Sam Williams and Aidan Sezer just to name a few. Williams and Sezer are still with the club and should nothing change, both might end up playing in the halves come 2019.
But that is something that Raiders fans do not want. They want a star in the halves. Someone to create, someone to lead, someone with pedigree.
Is that man out there? Or will the halves conundrum continue in the nation’s capital?
Canberra Raiders utility Elliott Whitehead
The English Invasion
Canberra is quickly becoming the home away from home for English players, as the Raiders bring their tally up to 4 in 2019.
With both Josh Hodgson and Elliott Whitehead already proving themselves in the league, the Raiders will be hopeful that their two new English recruits can do the same.
John Bateman and Ryan Sutton both join to add some starch and punch to the Raiders team but can they enjoy similar success to their counterparts?
Hodgson made an impact almost from the get-go and was a player that many regarded as one of the elite hookers in the game.
Showing that on an almost weekly basis, his work-rate and crafty play have had Raiders fans pleased for several years.
Former Wigan Warriors now Canberra Raiders utility John Bateman
Whitehead has been much the same. Covering at back-row, centre and even five-eighth when needed, he has shored up his side and provided the Raiders with some mettle.
The success of those two bodes well for Bateman and Sutton but as we have seen in the past, not all English recruits make a splash or even play at all.
For Bateman and Sutton, however, both are coming off rather successful stints with the Wigan Warrriors and they will want to emulate that form for the Raiders.
How do you solve a problem like no Rapana?
Perhaps the biggest talking point for the Raiders heading into 2019 is Jordan Rapana.
One of the elite wingers in the modern era, the news that Rapana will miss close to half the season is a huge blow for a Raiders side who relies so heavily on him.
Over the years, he has formed a lethal combination with Joey Leilua and on his day – which is basically most weeks – he can change a game on his own, single-handedly.
Not having that game-breaking ability out wide leaves a yawning gap in the Raiders attack and it is one that they can only hope to patch up.
Rapana’s ability to create, break tackles, make space for himself and produce either tries, breaks or assists, particularly for a winger, is often uncanny.
It is his consistency and his try-scoring feats that have many in awe of how he plays and how he manages to produce such stellar performances.
With his injury ruling him out until at least halfway through the year, the Raiders will have some tough decisions to make in terms of who replaces him during that time.
Is Michael Oldfield the man to step up? A reliable, hard-working winger, who had a decent 2018 for the Raiders.
Or is it someone else? Another youngster to burst onto the scene like Nick Cotric perhaps? Or even Brad Abbey to make a name for himself?
Canberra Raiders winger Jordan Rapana
Player to Watch
Many talented kids have made a name for themselves at the Raiders and Mascot junior Emre Guler will want to do the same.
The strapping prop got a taste of first-grade towards the back end of the season and with spots in the forward pack up for grabs, he looms as a handy option.
Coach Ricky Stuart will have his hands full when it comes to selecting his forward pack but he cannot go wrong if Guler gets the nod.
A key player in the Raiders 2017 Holden Cup side, Guler also has accolades for NSW and the junior Kangaroos to his name.
As he made his way through the ranks at Mounties, his impressive form continued as he laid the foundation for the feeder club.
Those performances were enough to get him noticed and banging on the door for consistent first-grade. If the Raiders need another young gun to call on, Guler may well be their man.
2019 Gains and Losses
Gains: Andre Niko, Brendan O’Hagan, Hudson Young and Kyle Paterson (all 2019), JJ Felise (Newcastle Knights, 2020), Ryan Sutton (Wigan Warriors, 2020) and John Bateman (Wigan Warriors, 2021).
Losses: Blake Austin (Warrington Wolves), Shannon Boyd (Gold Coast Titans), Charlie Gubb (Widnes Vikings), Junior Paulo (Parramatta Eels), Mikaele Ravalawa (St George Illawarra Dragons), Makavesi Dakuwaqa and Craig Garvey (both released).
NRL News Predicted Line-up
1. Jack Wighton
2. Nick Cotric
3. Jarrod Croker (C)
4. Joey Leilua
5. Michael Oldfield
6. Aidan Sezer
7. Sam Williams
8. Iosia Soliola
9. Josh Hodgson
10. Ryan Sutton
11. Josh Papalii
12. Elliot Whitehead
13. John Bateman
14. Siliva Havili
15. Joseph Tapine
16. Emre Guler
17. Luke Bateman
Criticised heavily alongside his twin brother George by the fans, the South Sydney Rabbitohs have opted to re-sign Thomas Burgess on a new long-term deal.
Burgess, who will have the chance to add to his 119 NRL games over the course of the new deal, stays on at the club with brothers George and Sam.
An English international, Burgess has played across numerous international competitions for the England side.
The man himself is pleased to continue his tenure with the Rabbitohs.
“I’m really looking forward to the seasons ahead and wearing that famous Red and Green jersey,” Burgess said.
“Souths are all I’ve known and I’m really pumped to be signed up long term now.
“The Club gave me a chance when I came to Australia for the first time, a 20-year-old young lad, not knowing what to expect.
“Now six or seven years down the track, I’m still enjoying my football here.”
The Englishman is proud to play in front of the vocal Souths fans and was even prouder to bring up 100 NRL games in 2018.
“I love calling Sydney home and I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else in the NRL than with the Rabbitohs,” he continued.
“To play my 100th game with Souths last year was really significant for me, but now it’s about quality rather than quantity and I want to play my best each week.
“I’m looking forward to getting out there and performing for the Members.
“They are the cornerstone of our Club and without them, the Club wouldn’t be in the position it’s in today.”
In a move that should surprise no-one, Shane Flanagan has resigned as head coach of the Cronulla Sharks effective immediately.
In charge of the club for seven seasons, Flanagan led the Sharks to the promised land, guiding the side to a maiden NRL premiership.
Club Chairman Dino Mezzatesta praised Flanagan for his efforts with the club in his time as coach.
“Shane was our first premiership winning coach, he is the Coach of our Team of the Half Century and he has given exceptional service and dedication to our Club,” said the Chairman.
He worked tirelessly to build our team and our Club into a competitive force and he will forever hold a special place in the Club’s history.”
Joining as an assistant in 2007, Flanagan was handed the head coaching mantle in 2010.
Embroiled in numerous sagas during his tenure, Flanagan made the decision in the best interests of the club.
“This was obviously one of the toughest decisions of my 36-year rugby league career to resign from the head coaching role at Cronulla,” said Flanagan.
“The last month has taken an enormous mental and emotional toll on my family and myself.”
Although his decision is now made, Flanagan intends on responding to notice handed to him by the NRL.
“I intend on responding to the notice issued by the NRL, however I have made this decision in the best interests of the entire club and the players to allow the best possible preparation for the 2019 season without constant speculation and uncertainty as to who their Head Coach will be,” he continued.
Canterbury Bulldogs and QLD Maroons prop Dylan Napa
NRL, what a complete mess. PeteW72 is back, as he looks at the NRL’s poor handling of incidents in recent years. Should incidents be a blanket permanent ban?
It’s time to get tough and make decisions that will drive a better culture for the future of the game.
As fans, we have witnessed mad Monday shenanigans, the lies and deceit of the coaching merry go round, the Cronulla Sharks and Wests Tigers debacle of recent days.
Of course, we have also seen a string of police charges against stars of our game.
This is not a new phenomenon or the current generations problem. Things of this nature would have occurred in other times. Times without social media and different ideology of what society deemed acceptable.
Over the past few years, we have had players involved in betting, social and performance enhancing drugs scandals, DUI, assaults, sexual and physical abuse.
When will players learn! The NRL needs to set an example and make a statement. For too long, the game has taken a soft stance on off field discretions.
Life or lengthy bans need to be imposed depending on the offence. This may sound harsh but how do we as a game promote itself to all men, woman and children if we take a soft stance.
Wests Tigers forward Michael Chee-Kam
This is the only way that will stop the continuous unsavoury incidents that have plagued our great game.
Players will soon realise that if they misbehave, commit a crime or disrespect woman, they will not have a future in the game.
Easier said than done. After all, we are in the main talking about keeping a lid on young men to make better decisions.
Add alcohol and temptations and it can equal mayhem. Boys will be boys; their just young blokes having fun like they all do, right?
Of course they can and most do it without harm to themselves or others. However, if they know that if they overstep the line which society accepts, they will be punished accordingly.
By setting a tough example, the players will witness first hand their peers being removed from the game, carry the shame of their deeds and see the impact on family as they lose their livelihood and lifestyle.
Young men who will need to adjust from earning hundreds of thousands per year to a modest pay rate working in a real job without the perks and adulation they once had. For some, perhaps even incarcerated.
The majority of players are young men earning extremely good money. Amounts most will never receive in the workforce. Most don’t have higher education or work qualifications to fall back on.
Parramatta Eels utility Jaeman Salmon
Everyone deserves a second chance. Do they? How do we welcome back someone convicted of abuse or assault particularly against a woman? What message and example does that send?
For the current players under investigation or those that have been charged, they have the presumption of innocence until convicted. If convicted, then the administration needs to make the tough call.
This is not an over reaction. Off field incidents impact the game and the clubs and eventually the fans.
A prime example are the Cronulla Sharks who in recent times have had tremendous success on the field. Yet, they are in financial trouble and without a major sponsor.
It is a shame that a few are ruining the reputation of the many. I feel sorry for the so many great young men and woman involved in the game.
They do not deserve to be associated with the bad reputation the game gets by the off field dramas.
I love Rugby League, watching, reading, talking about it. Just not all the rubbish that goes with it. I am sure I am not alone.
