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Crocker and Inglis to miss Club Challenge

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has today announced the 21-man squad he will take to England to contest the World Club Challenge against Leeds Rhinos at Elland Road on March 1 (Australian time).

 

Injury has forced backrower Michael Crocker and Greg Inglis to miss the trip, while club captain and current World Player of the Year Cam Smith will stay in Melbourne as his partner is due to give birth to their first child in early March.

 

Melbourne Storm Squad: 

 

1. Russell Aitken
2. Adam Blair
3. Will Chambers
4. Cooper Cronk
5. Israel Folau
6. Liam Foran
7. Matt Geyer
8. Ryan Hoffman
9. Dallas Johnson
10. Antonio Kaufusi
11. Jeff Lima
12. Ben MacDougall
13. Sika Manu
14. Dane Nielsen
15. Anthony Quinn
16. Billy Slater
17. Jeremy Smith
18. Sam Tagataese
19. Aiden Tolman
20. Steve Turner
21. Brett White

Newcastle start 2008 with a win

The Newcastle Knights have started 2008 on a positive note, with a gritty away win over the NZ Warriors. After being behind for most of the match, the Knights dug deep and got an important win as they seek to repair confidence damage from last year. The result was a 22-14 win for the Brian Smith coached side.

Playing at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland in poor conditions both sides showed enough in their early season hit out to impress their coaches for this year.

The Warriors looked well-drilled in the first half but fell away in the second as Newcastle showed more determination and coped with the wet conditions.

The hosts had jumped out to an early lead when when Patrick Ah Van scored from a Wade McKinnon grubber just two and a half minutes into the game.

Fellow winger Manu Vatuvei was bundled out in the corner three minutes later but he got over the line soon afterwards, picking up a cutout pass and stepping inside his opposite Aquila Uate and forcing his way over in a tackle.

Vatuvei was in the action again in the 24th minute, coming off his wing to break through on the right hand side of the field 40m from the line before delivering an inside pass to forward Wairangi Koopu, who had an unchallenged run to the line.

Warriors kicking machine Michael Witt missed his first two kicks of the year - both from the sideline - but he was on the board for the season when converting Koopu’s try from under the post.

Newcastle didn’t trouble the Warriors defence too many times in the first 30 minutes but they went close in the 32nd when Jarrod Mullen was hauled down near the line, and in the following play Mark Taufua was also held up just short.

The Warriors were nearly in again 11 minutes into the second half, a Nathan Fien try disallowed for a knock-on at a bomb.

But it was the visitors who scored next in the 57th minute as winger Cooper Vuna benefitted when a Warriors attack broke down and he ran 70m to score in the corner.

Newcastle were back in the game with 12 minutes to go when Chris Bailey scored after the Knights had forced a goalline dropout from the previous set of six.

Newcastle nearly got in front four minutes later when Uate caught a crossfield kick but he was unable to force the ball before crossing the dead ball line.

But a grubber kick down the right hand side with seven minutes to go allowed Zeb Taia to score in the corner, and with two minutes to go Richard Fa’aosi took a reverse pass to score under the posts.

Storm heap more humiliation on Manly

It may have only been a Rugby League trial game and the first one of 2008, however the young stars and future depth at the Storm continued to give the Manly Sea Eagles nightmares during their 56-10 romp at Gosford.

With the game divided into three 30-minute periods, both teams fielded their second string sides in the opening stanza, with the second period chosen as the term to unleash the first choice teams on each other.

The game got off to the perfect start for the Storm with local Central Coast Storm player Jade Williams scoring in the corner from their first set of six.

Cam Smith, playing at hooker in the first period due to his unavailability at the World Club Challenge against Leeds, scored two tries in four minutes to give the Storm a 14-0 lead, the second a typical burrow from dummy half one metre from the try-line.

It was then the turn of another local product five minutes later when Alex Moore scored under the posts after halfback Liam Foran had placed a perfectly weighted grubber kick in his path.

The second period saw both teams put out their full strength teams, and the grand final replay everyone had come to see was on in earnest.

Manly drew first blood when a cross field kick from former Storm halfback Matt Orford was spilled by Steve Turner, the balling falling into the waiting arms of Anthony Watmough who fell over the line to give the Sea Eagles their first points.

A wonderful piece of kicking from Cooper Cronk, who found Turner from 30 metres with the outside of his right foot, set up Israel Folau for a try. In taking the catch in mid-air, Turner flicked the ball out to Folau who had the easy task of crossing the try-line.

Orford was having a huge influence over proceedings, and it was another pinpoint grubber kick from the little halfback that wrong-footed Billy Slater, slipping to allow Michael Roberts to gather and score under the posts.

As if taking it in turns to score tries, it was Melbourne’s turn for the next four-pointer. Slater turned provider for Cronk to send the Storm in at the second break 32-10 leaders.

The third period saw both teams experiment with their line-ups, and it was the Storm who coped the best.

An inside ball from Cronk found Slater on the run, the flying fullback busting the last man’s tackle to cross, and three minutes later it was Sam Tagetaese’s turn to provide the inside ball for Slater with the result the same.

In the 77th minute, a dummy pass from five-eighth Russell Aitken saw him to break the line, while another dummy pass saw him send the fullback the wrong way crossing the try-line to extend the Storm’s lead to 40 points.

The scoring for the Storm was complete with two minutes remaining when young centre Will Chambers crossed in the corner, the Storm totally outclassing the Sea Eagles by 46 points.

STORM 56 (Tries: Slater 2, C. Smith 2, Williams, Moore, Folau, Cronk, Aitken, Chambers; Goals: Turner 4, J. Smith 2, Foran, C. Smith) def. SEA EAGLES 10 (Tries: Watmough, Robertson; Goals: Orford) at Bluetongue Stadium

The Sharks quest for an extra 10%

The Cronulla Sharks could be considered the unluckiest team in last years NRL. On the back of rock solid defence the Sharks were competitive in virtually all their regular season matches and narrowly missed the finals with a statistic that read 9 losses by 4 points or less. There is certainly no need for Ricky Stuart to reinvent the wheel this year, if he can get the Sharks to produce an extra 10% across the board they will be there at the business end of the season.

The Sharks players themselves will be surely be primed to take the next step forward this season. It seams that while many of the players bare little known names, coach Ricky Stuart might have the nucleus of a premiership winning squad – a group of tough, skilful, big bopper forwards, a creative and dynamic halves combination and an pacey backline.

The injury curse that haunted the Sharks during the 2007 NRL could be the silent killer that derails their campaign. One of the weaknesses for the Sharks is depth, as they lack the quality backup talent of other NRL clubs. If the Shire boys can reverse those narrow defeats of last year into solid victories, then a Top 8 birth will be all but theirs for the taking.

Advantages:

While some punters might feel that Brett Kimmorley and Greg Bird hold the keys to the Sharks 2008 NRL chances,  I believe that the Cronulla forward pack is more influential. Luke Douglas, Ben Ross and Jacob Selmes will provide the go forward, while Paul Gallen and Lance Thompson will provide their teammates with the all important second phase play.

The Sharks also have a dynamic hooking duo in rotation, through Isaac De Gois and Brett Kearney, and expect to see the likes of either Dave Simmonds or the talented Mitch Brown to reap the rewards from any opportunities created up the middle.

Concerns:

Depth in the forwards isn’t an immediate worry for coach Ricky Stuart, however will be praying that injuries don’t bring down their backline. Blake Green, Brett Kearney and Brett Seymour can readily step into the halves, but the Sharks will be struggling for raw speed if Simmonds, Brown or Covell go down. With coach Stuart already playing ex-forwards Anderson and Pomeroy in the centres, it only leaves Misi Taulapapa and utilities David Cooper and Paul Stephenson with top grade experience to fill the void.

Cronulla Sharks likely 2008 Starting Squad:

1- Mitch Brown
2- David Simmonds
3- Fraser Anderson
4- Ben Pomeroy
5- Luke Covell
6- Greg Bird
7- Brett Kimmorley
8- Luke Douglas
9- Isaac De Gois
10- Ben Ross
11- Paul Gallen
12- Lance Thompson
13- Karl Filiga

14- Brett Kearney
15- Jacob Selmes
16- Reece Williams
17– Eddie Sua

2008 Trial / Pre-Season Matches:

23/02/08 v South Sydney Rabbitohs @ Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
01/03/08 v Newcastle Knights @ Cessnock

2008 Player Acquisitions  and Departures:

Acquisitions  –
Kade Snowden (Newcastle), Blake Green (Parramatta), Bryan Norrie (Penrith), Karl Filiga (Canterbury), Jarryd Hogan (Sydney Roosters), Alex Butschies (Byron Bay)

Departures –
Anthony Watts and Dayne Weston (North QLD), Adam Dykes (Hull), Matt Raferty (Parramatta), Cameron Ciraldo (Newcastle), Robert Worsley (Canterbury), Sitaleki Timani (Super 14 – Western Force)

Manly to unleash Zimbabwe flyer

In a testament to their impressive recruitment staff, the Manly Sea Eagles are set to unleash a 22 year old Zimbabwe born winger in their trial game against the Melbourne Storm. A former war refugee, Gideon Mzembe is a name that NRL fans are going to be hearing a lot more about.

Lightning fast, the Broncos did their best to keep hold of the young gun but Manly eventually got their man and will seek to replace the speed lost with Chris Hicks after his departure to the UK Super League.

You won’t mistake Gideon Mzembe when you see him, featuring one red boot and one blue boot the slender winger stands out in a crowd. I suppose one has to be fast when he is dodging bullets as a youngster and Mzembe has left behind a life of death and destruction and now gets his chance to shine in front of Manly boss Des Hasler.

Born in Zimbabwe of Malawian parents, Mzembe only had a tiny taste of NRL football with the Brisbane Broncos over the past three seasons. He was 18th man in several matches last season including the Broncos clash with Manly at Brookvale Oval during State of Origin time. Mzembe went to primary school in Brisbane at Kalangur before attending secondary school at Ipswich Grammar where he played rugby union. Younger brother Pacharo has recently graduated from Nida and is a budding actor of great promise.

Mzembe has teamed up with exciting winger Michael Bani at the Sea Eagles and can relate to Bani’s rise in the NRL last season.

“I’m grateful to Manly for the opportunity and I’m pleased to be thrown in the deep end against a side like Melbourne - I can’t wait for kick off,” Mzembe said.

Mzembe will travel with the Sea Eagles squad to Ettalong before the game where the team will rest up before the 7:30pm trial against the Storm.

Don’t underestimate the Raiders backline

The Raiders are always written off as ‘also-rans’ before each NRL season commences, but by the look of their sharp and speedy backline this year certainly some opposition teams could come away with their tails between their legs. A name that will continue to rise out of the wilderness at the Raiders is pure speedman William Zillman, the young fullback who made a name for himself last year is rumoured to be even quicker and is arguably the quickest man in the NRL.

With the Raiders squad not having the luxury of a high profile name to guide them around the field, head coach Neil Henry will again be forced to call upon on the exuberance of the youngsters to give Canberra an edge against teams seemingly better off in terms of recognizable talent.

With a backline full of attacking brilliance and blinding speed, the Raiders season will hinge on whether they can rectify their woeful goalline defensive lapses of last season. Always tough to beat on their home soil, coach Henry will also need to rectify his charges poor traveling record for them to seriously challenge for a Top 8 position.

While Henry has a determined and willing team at his disposal, his young Raiders will struggle to continuously keep their intensity at the optimum level in what will be another close season.

Advantages-

A number of the Raiders youngsters will be better for the experience gained last year, so expect Canberra to cause a few upsets against some of their more fancied opposition. Coach Henry has some of the best young talent at his disposal, with William Zillman, Bronx Goodwin, Terry Campese and Todd Carney looking to kick on from successful debut seasons.

The enthusiasm of the younger brigade is sure to inspire the older guys, and Canberra Stadium is yet another advantage – most teams dread the road trip to play in Canberra’s freezing cold conditions.

Concerns-

One of Canberra’s strengths is also their greatest weakness – inexperience. Only Alan Tongue, Colin Best, Lincoln Withers, Scott Logan and Colin Best have played 100 top grade career games, with the average age of the Raiders top 17 being only 24 years. If the Raiders are hit with injuries, than coach Henry will be forced to blood youngsters from either the Raiders under 20 Toyota squad, or from the local Canberra competition.

Canberra Raiders likely 2008 Starting Squad-

1- William Zillman
2- Colin Best
3- Joel Monaghan
4- Phil Graham
5- Adrian Purtell
6- Todd Carney
7- Michael Dobson
8- Scott Logan
9- Lincoln Withers
10- Troy Thompson
11- Dane Tilse
12- Neville Costigan
13- Alan Tongue

14- Josh Miller
15- Michael Weyman
16- Marshall Clark
17– Tom Learoyd-Lahrs

Trial Matches-

16/02/08 v Gold Coast Titans @ Briggs Rd Sporting Complex, Ipswich
23/02/08 v Brisbane Broncos @ Wade Park, Orange
01/03/08 v North QLD Cowboys @ Brothers RL Park, Mackay

2008 Gains and Losses –

Gains – Joel Monaghan (Sydney Roosters), Matt Smith (QRL)

Losses – Andrew Dunemann and Jason Williams (QRL), Brad Cross (West Belconnen), Matt Bickerstaff (released), Josh McCrone (Penrith)

Piggy no more, Riddell’s diet success

Parramatta Eels hooker Mark Riddell has been working overtime in the Rugby League off-season, the prominent rake shedding 8 kilo’s off his bulky frame with the aid of the Eels training staff. Barely recognizable after the makeover, Riddell cuts a noticeably different physique.

Copping plenty of jibes from his teammates, Riddell has successfully transferred into a leaner and faster player with the Eels obviously looking for more potency and speed of foot, after the loss of PJ Marsh to the Broncos.

While Eels players laughed and joked about Mark Riddell’s new found fitness during a press conference this week, the usually jovial hooker was focusing hard on a drills session with the assistance of Andrew Johns. It’s a good sign for both Piggy and the Eels - with insiders suggesting that Riddell may look to the UK Super League for 2009 regardless of his current agreement with Parramatta that ends next year.

It seems in this years competition, Riddell may be called upon to play extra minutes and continue to rotate into the forward pack when needed. His new regime puts him in good stead to take some workload away from busy backrowers Nathan Hindmarsh and Chad Robinson - allowing the Eels more options in attack when they have the ball in hand.

Cowboys hang Murray out to dry

In the latest round of coaching bombshells, the North Queensland Cowboys have today announced that Graham Murray’s existing coaching contract will not be renewed beyond 2008.

In a surprising move, the Cowboys have closed the door on the coach that pretty much took them from cellar dwellers to NRL heavyweights during his reign as head coach. The move seems directly aimed at securing Wayne Bennett as head coach for the club for 2009 and beyond. Many insiders felt that Bennett would consider Sydney as first option to be closer to family, however the current movement by the Cowboys suggest they are going all out for the long term Broncos coach.

It also adds another element of uncertainty to Sydney based clubs, with Graham Murray sure to be desired in some corners depending on local results. St George, Newcastle and the Bulldogs being big candidates if their years start poorly. It also looks likely the former Warriors coach Daniel Anderson will be the front runner for the Broncos job, meaning Murray will get a decent shot at securing a Sydney club.

It’s a move that will leave a bad taste in the mouthes of Cowboys supporters, Graham Murray having led the club out of the wilderness only to be hung out to dry during their prime years. While most NRL heavyweights have the utmost respect for Wayne Bennett, it remains to be seen whether the award winning coach still has the desire, ability and longevity to succeed outside his well known Red Hill Walls.

One things for sure, if Wayne Bennett accepts the role he will be walking into a team bristling with talent and if he can’t succeed with a crop like that, it’s certainly time to hang up the clipboard.

Melbourne Storm name squad for Manly game

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has named his squad for this Friday’s 1^st pre-season trial game against the Manly Sea Eagles. The game will be played at Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford, NSW from 7:30pm.

 

The first-grade clash will be preceded by a NSW Rugby League Cup clash between Central Coast Storm and Manly at 5:30pm, and an Under-20’s game between Melbourne Storm and Manly Sea Eagles from 4:00pm.

 

The first-grade game will be divided into three 30-minute periods, with the Storm fielding a young team for the opening period, with a full-strength team taking to the field in the second period. The make-up of the team for the third period will be decided on the night.

 

Due to Cam Smith’s unavailability for the World Club Challenge against Leeds Rhinos on February 29, he will play in the first 30-minute period, with Matt Geyer taking the number 9 jersey for the second period.

 

Antonio Kaufusi will make his long-awaited return to action in the front-row after suffering a season-ending knee injury during the 2007 State-of-Origin series.

 

Former Brisbane Bronco Clifford Manua will get his first chance to impress in the front-row alongside Kaufusi in the first period.

 

After leaving Melbourne in 2004 and spending three years playing rugby in Scotland, Ben MacDougall will don the Storm colours once again when he lines up in the centres during the first period.

 

With Greg Inglis out injured and not likely to return to action until at least Round 3 of the NRL season, Russell Aitken gets his chance to impress in the five-eighth spot when he takes to the field during the second period.

 

Squad for Friday’s game:

 

First period starting team:

1. Jade Williams

2. Russell Webber

3. Ben MacDougall

4. Dane Nielsen

5. Joseph Tomane

6. Alex Moore

7. Liam Foran

8. Antonio Kaufusi

9. Cam Smith

10. Clifford Manua

11. Lucas Miller

12. Kevin Proctor

13. Sinbad Kali

 

Interchange:

14. Regan Tanner, 15. Aiden Guerra, (remaining interchange players selected from Central Coast Storm team)

 

Second period starting team:

1. Billy Slater

2. Steve Turner

3. Will Chambers

4. Israel Folau

5. Anthony Quinn

6. Russell Aitken

7. Cooper Cronk

8. Brett White

9. Matt Geyer

10. Jeff Lima

11. Jeremy Smith

12. Ryan Hoffman

13. Dallas Johnson

 

Interchange:

14. Sam Tagataese, 15. Adam Blair, 16. Sika Manu, 17. Aiden Tolman

 

Third period starting team:

Players will be selected to play during the third period on the night

 

Coach: Craig Bellamy.

Eel scare: Nathan Hindmarsh to go under knife

Veteran Eels and State of Origin forward Nathan Hindmarsh is set to urgently go under the knife before the start of the 2008 NRL season after a knee complaint concerned Eels officials during last weeks training.

Hindmarsh consulted Eels staff after hearing a click with his knee and the Parramatta training staff didn’t want to take any chances with their valuable forward and booked him in for an arthroscope immediately. “No big deal” the affable Hindmarsh said, playing his usual cheeky self. “Just a clean up, more than anything” he said.

To someone like Nathan Hindmarsh, a category 4 cyclone bearing down on Parramatta Stadium in his mind would be just a gusty wind. “She’ll be right mate, just a bit of wind” he would say.

In any case the Eels forward is set to be back for the first round of the NRL season, with coach Michael Hagan hinting he would rest Nathan Hindmarsh as long as possible to ensure a strong healing of the operation.

Hagan continues to focus his efforts on reducing the workrate of Hindmarsh for the NRL 2008 season, after continuing concerns last year the busy tackling machine is becoming too much like Craig Fitzgibbon and tiring himself out too much in defence, hence reducing his attacking power.

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