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Sonny Bill: I’ve lost respect for Mason

In a three-part interview on the NRL Footy Show this past few weeks, Sonny Bill Williams has spoken candidly with Phil Gould and shown a side to himself not yet seen in public. The usually shy SBW spoke extremely well and highlighted his desire to move ‘out of his comfort zone’ and become more vocal on Rugby League issues; willing to spend more time in the media and in front of the cameras.

The major bombshell dropped in the interview related to Willie Mason. When asked about his relationship with former team-mates Mason, Braith Anasta, Roy Asotasi, Mark O’Meley, Nate Myles and Brent Sherwin - who all left the Bulldogs in recent years. SBW singled out Mason and voiced his disappointment at big Willie’s departure, “I’ve lost some respect for Mase.” SBW said. Williams angry that Mason had previously convinced him to stay at the Bulldogs and to disregard the offers of up to double the salary elsewhere and remain ‘loyal’. In the end it was all for nothing, SBW watching on - as Mason packed his bags for the Roosters. It sets the scene for an explosive clash between the Bulldogs and Roosters in the weeks ahead.

Sonny Bill also touched on the recent Bulldogs management turmoil and how it affects the players. SBW explained how the headlines and uncertainty makes things uneasy even at playing level; “Some players can disregard all that, but for me I like to know the club is performing well at all levels” Williams said. SBW did point out that he felt the club was now united and certainly heading in the right direction, something Bulldogs fans will be happy to hear.

Discussed in depth was the Polynesian influence on the NRL and Rugby League in the current era. Sonny Bill Williams is the child of a Polynesian Father and White European Mother and SBW feels that the Polynesian group of players is at times being exploited - being signed to cheaper deals and not having a voice, their personality being a humble, quiet one and making them easy pushovers by club management. It’s this particular issue that has prompted Sonny to come out of his shell and move more into the media spotlight, giving himself and fellow Polynesians a greater voice in the community. Coming out of this topic, was the fact that Sonny Bill Williams and other Polynesians are unable to represent at State of Origin level. While representing NSW and Queensland at under 19’s - the jump to first grade and subsequent Kiwi representation at international level, means no Origin honours for the likes of SBW and co.

View the interviews below, in three parts - simply click the play icon on each video to view. (Email readers, you may need to visit the NRLNews.com site to view these videos)

Phil Gould and SBW Interview - Part 1 of 3

Phil Gould and SBW Interview - Part 2 of 3

Phil Gould and SBW Interview - Part 3 of 3

‘That’ Karmichael hit on Anasta

It’s got everyone in Rugby League circles talking, ‘that’ hit by Karmichael Hunt on Braith Anasta. An attempted shoulder charge by Karmichael went wrong, as the Roosters Braith Anasta fell into the tackle - causing a sickening collision, Anasta’s head snapping back upon connection with the point of Hunts shoulder.While the shoulder charge looks bad, there is no question that Anasta falling into the tackle made things a lot worse. Braith Anasta himself has said that there was no blame to be laid at the feet of Karmichael and it seemed likely the Rooster would go into bat at the judiciary should the Broncos need it.

Quickly following the Craig Wing prowler incident, the shoulder charge has quickly become public enemy number 1. While no one likes to see NRL players injured, the shoulder charge remains a great spectacle of our game and the outlawing of it would be a shame. The NRL currently has a great product and while it’s smart to consistently improve, changing a winning formula too much isn’t smart business.

View the Karmichael Hunt tackle on Braith Anasta above; you can subscribe to our weekly videos for free and be emailed as soon as we release a new clip - simply click here to be notified. 

NRL Teams Round 3, 2008

The NRL teams have been announced for Round 3, 2008 with several changes for various sides. Reni Maitua has been dropped from the Bulldogs team, Tim Smith and Nathan Hindmarsh are rushed back to assist Parramatta. Koopu named as 18th man for the Warriors to shadow Ropati as he battles a niggly injury. All eyes will be on the judiciary as several players battle to be available for this Round 3 of the NRL 2008.

NRL Teams Round 3, 2008 are as follows:

FRIDAY
PARRAMATTA EELS v NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS at Parramatta Stadium, 7.30pm
EELS: Luke Burt, Taulima Tautai, Joel Reddy, Jarryd Hayne, Eric Grothe, Brett Finch, Tim Smith, Nathan Cayless (capt), Mark Riddell, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh, Daniel Wagon, Feleti Mateo. Interchange: Matt Keating, Josh Cordoba, Todd Lowrie, Weller Hauraki.
KNIGHTS: Kurt Gidley, James McManus, Wes Naiqama, Keith Lulia, Cooper Vuna, Jarrod Mullen, Scott Dureau, Daniel Tolar, Danny Buderus (capt), Jesse Royal, Chris Houston, Cameron Ciraldo, Zeb Taia. Interchange: Matt Hilder, Cory Paterson, Richard Faaoso, Danny Wicks, Adam MacDougall (one to be omitted)
Referee: Tony Archer

BRISBANE BRONCOS v NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS at Suncorp Stadium, 8.30pm
BRONCOS: Karmichael Hunt, Reece Robinson, Steve Michaels, Justin Hodges, Darius Boyd, Darren Lockyer (capt), Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, PJ Marsh, Sam Thaiday, David Stagg, Ashton Sims, Tonie Carroll. Interchange: Michael Ennis, David Taylor, Greg Eastwood, Nick Kenny.
COWBOYS: Matt Bowen, Obe Geia, Ty Williams, Ben Harris, Mark Henry, Travis Burns, Johnathan Thurston (capt), Ray Cashmere, Aaron Payne, Carl Webb, Sione Faumuina, Jacob Lillyman, Luke O’Donnell. Interchange: David Faiumu, Sam Faust, Justin Smith, Matt Scott, Dayne Weston (one to be omitted).
Referee: Ben Cummins

SATURDAY
SYDNEY ROOSTERS v MELBOURNE STORM at Sydney Football Stadium, 5.30pm
ROOSTERS: Anthony Minichiello, Amos Roberts, Mitchell Aubusson, Sam Perrett, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Braith Anasta, Mitchell Pearce, Nate Myles, Riley Brown, Mark O’Meley, Willie Mason, Anthony Tupou, Craig Fitzgibbon (capt). Interchange: Lopini Paea, David Shillington, Setaimata Sa, James Aubusson.
STORM: Billy Slater, Steve Turner, Will Chambers, Israel Folau, Anthony Quinn, Russ Aitken, Cooper Cronk, Jeff Lima, Cam Smith (capt), Adam Blair, Jeremy Smith, Ryan Hoffman, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Matt Geyer, Antonio Kaufusi, Sika Manu, Sam Tagataese, Clifford Manua (one to be omitted)
Referee: Shayne Hayne

CANBERRA RAIDERS v ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS at Canberra Stadium, 7.30pm
RAIDERS: Bronx Goodwin, Colin Best, Phil Graham, Joel Monaghan, Adrian Purtell, Terry Campese, Todd Carney, Troy Thompson, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Dane Tilse, Marshall Chalk, Nigel Plum, Alan Tongue (capt). Interchange: Joe Picker, Josh Miller, Trevor Thurling, Michael Weyman, Lincoln Withers (one to be omitted).
DRAGONS: Ben Hornby, Jason Nightingale, Mark Gasnier (capt), Matt Cooper, Josh Morris, Rangi Chase, Jamie Soward, Justin Poore, Simon Woolford, Dan Hunt, Beau Scott, Kirk Reynoldson, Dean Young. Interchange: Jarrod Saffy, Jason Ryles, Ben Ellis, Chase Stanley, Lagi Setu, Brett Morris (two to be omitted)
Referee: Gavin Badger

GOLD COAST TITANS v CRONULLA SHARKS at Skilled Park, 9.30pm
TITANS: Preston Campbell, Ben Jeffery, Luke O’Dwyer, Brett Delaney, Jordan Atkins, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (capt), Luke Bailey (capt), Nathan Friend, Michael Hodgson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Aaron Cannings, Luke Swain, Josh Graham, Clint Amos, James Stosic, Gavin Cooper, Brad Meyers (three to be omitted).
SHARKS: Brett Kearney, Bryson Goodwin, Ben Pomeroy, David Simmons, Luke Covell, Brett Seymour, Brett Kimmorley, Adam Peek, Isaac De Gois, Luke Douglas, Paul Gallen (capt), Fraser Anderson, Greg Bird. Interchange: Jacob Selmes, Bryan Norrie, Kevin Kingston, Misi Taulapapa, Paul Stephenson (one to be omitted).
Referee: Jason Robinson

SUNDAY PENRITH PANTHERS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS at CUA Stadium, 2pm
PANTHERS: Rhys Wesser, Luke Rooney, Michael Jennings, Brad Tighe, Michael Gordon, Maurice Blair, Jarrod Sammut, Tony Puletua, Luke Priddis, Petero Civoniceva (capt), Frank Pritchard, Trent Waterhouse, Nathan Smith. Interchange: Paul Aiton, Adam Woolnough, Brendon Worth, Matthew Bell, Josh Bateman (one to be omitted)
RABBITOHS: Nathan Merritt, Germaine Paulson, Fetuli Talanoa, Yileen Gordon, Shannon Hegarty, John Sutton, Ben Rogers, Michael Greenfield, Issac Luke, Roy Asotasi (capt), David Kidwell (capt), Luke Stuart, Ben Lowe. Interchange: George Ndaira, Dean Widders, Manase Manuokafoa, Jaiman Lowe.
Referee: Tony De Las Heras

BULLDOGS v WESTS TIGERS at ANZ Stadium, 3pm
BULLDOGS: Luke Patten, Hazem El Masri, Tim Winitana, Willie Tonga, Heka Nanai, Ben Roberts, Daniel Holdsworth, Jarrad Hickey, Corey Hughes, Kane Cleal, Sonny Bill Williams, Andrew Ryan (capt), Lee Te Maari. Interchange: Chris Armit, Brad Morrin, Danny Williams, Michael Sullivan.
TIGERS: Brett Hodgson (capt), Beau Ryan, Dene Halatau, Chris Lawrence, Taniela Tuiaki, Tim Moltzen, John Morris, Todd Payten, Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Ben Te’o, Chris Heighington, Liam Fulton. Interchange: Rhys Hanbury, Danny Galea, Bronson Harrison, Corey Payne.
Referee: Jared Maxwell

MONDAY
MANLY SEA EAGLES v NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS at Brookvale Oval, 7pm
SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Steve Bell, David Vaealiki, Michael Bani, Jamie Lyon, Matt Orford (capt), Jason King, Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Glenn Stewart, Steve Menzies. Interchange: Josh Perry, Luke Williamson, Adam Cuthbertson, Mark Bryant, Heath L’Estrange, Glenn Hall, Jack Afamasafga (three to be omitted)
WARRIORS: Lance Hohaia, Patrick Ah Van, Brent Tate, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Michael Witt, Grant Rovelli, Sam Rapira, Nathan Fien, Ruben Wiki (capt), Simon Mannering, Logan Swann, Micheal Luck. Interchange: Ian Henderson, Evarn Tuimavave, Epalahame Lauaki, Sonny Fai, Wairangi Koopu (one to be omitted)
Referee: Sean Hampstead

Reni Maitua on the town, more trouble

Prominent Bulldogs forward Reni Maitua has again got himself into hot water, this time Maitua was on the Oxford St strip late over the Easter Weekend and got into a stoush; initially verbal - but it’s alleged that Maitua then got physically involved and the whole situations landed him in serious trouble with the Bulldogs.

Already on shaky ground after several off-field discipline issues, Reni Maitua didn’t need this and neither do the Bulldogs are any other NRL club. Fresh from the Jarryd Hayne shooting saga in Kings Cross, a fed up David Gallop will be an unhappy camper and surely will be straight on the phone to Bulldogs management.

Maitua has really put his career on the line here. Regardless of whether he was in the wrong or right, a late night escapade to Oxford St can only lead to trouble - especially for NRL footballers these days. His previous wrap sheet includes a DUI booking and some pre-season training mishaps - where it’s alleged the promising player went on a drinking binge and missed sessions.

It’s expected that Reni Maitua will be stood down from the first grade team this week and should management want to start toughening their stance on the situation at the Bulldogs - they may go as far as cutting loose the repeat offender Maitua. Something that would take a stack of courage, as surely another NRL club would snap up the likes of Maitua who is considered a Tier 1 player.

Grubber’s Power Rankings, Round 2

The Grubber was flattered to see that the Sydney Morning Herald has now decided to copy his famous Power Rankings segment for this seasons NRL, however no one else can be as ruthless or do it in style like the Grubber can and he was in no mood for being nice this week, after his Tips came in at 1 correct from 8 this Round. Only Nathan Brown’s Dragons saving the Grubber from a nudie run in the Sydney CBD.

You can access the Grubbers full NRL Power Rankings by clicking the link. It can also be accessed from the NRL News navigation menu on any page.

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Brownies Boys are back, beating Titans 30-12

The Dragons have started with plenty of committment early in their Round 2, 2008 Monday Night Football match against the Gold Coast Titans. Play getting underway in slippery conditions, with rain consistant throughout the first half.

St Illawarra were rewarded for their eagerness early on, keeping more than their fair share of possession and getting several repeat sets through smart, pinpoint kicking by Jamie Soward.

Matt Cooper was the man to get the Dragons on the board in the 11th minute, after plenty of ball the Dragons worked it through the hands and went to their left, having immediate success against the Titans right hand defence. Cooper had plenty to do, getting the ball around 17m out from the Titans line and with the attention of two defenders he had enough speed and shimmy to get through and take the defenfers with him to touch down in the corner. Mark Gasnier potting a long range conversion from the sideline in tough conditions to get his team to a 6-0 lead. Cooper obviously enjoying WIN Stadium, the classy centre now bagging 8 tries from his last 8 games at the Wollongong Stadium.

It looked like it could be a runaway game for the Dragons, with so much ball and the forwards getting big metres on several occasions. Beau Scott was particularly busy during this early part of the game. The kicking game was also A1 for the Dragons, Jamie Soward getting nice reverse spin on his kicks and trapping the Titans defenders in goal several times. Even the kick chase was enthusiastic for the Saints, 4 and 5 defenders chasing every ball - on one kick chase, Dean Young chasing hard and slamming rookie Jordan Aitkens into the turf - topping it off with a shove and a heavy verbal sledging spray that showed how pumped the Dragons were.

The Gold Coast Titans eventually started to get some possession around the 20 miunte mark and were fortunate to only be 6-0 behind, after a line ball forward pass call against Gasnier stopped what was a certain try to the evasive centre.

Jason Ryles was injected into the game by coach Nathan Brown in the 21st minute - with all eyes on the under pressure Dragons forward. His intent was immediately clear, the big forward taking a fearless hit up at full speed and collecting old team mate Luke Bailey in a big collision. Bailey fouling Ryles with a high shot and the Dragons getting a penalty from the play.

As the possession continued to even out, the Titans finally got some good field position around the 23rd minute mark and the St Illawarra defence made their first mistake - letting a high bomb bounce and the Titans getting their first set back to back in good position.

The Titans immediately made good on their chance, scoring a hot try after throwing it through several sets of hands, with Nathan Friend smashing over from short range. Preston Campbell and Anthony Laffranchi heavily involved to set this try up. All of a sudden we have a ball game. 6-6.

The back end of the first half developed into an arm wrestle. While the game was fast paced and handling was fairly good considering the wet conditions, each side hurt themselves with some silly plays - flirting with the sideline on several occasions and getting slid into touch. Highlighted with Mark Gasnier running from a scrum play on tackle 1 and while getting his opposite 1 on 1 - Gasnier failed to beat Luke O’Dwyer and was slid into touch on the first play with coach Nathan Brown about to jump out of the box.

Gasnier hurt his team again, giving away a holding penalty on a livewire Preston Campbell. Campbell playing solidly and looking dangerous with the ball in hand.

The teams going into half time still locked at 6-6 and the game remaining anyones for the second half.

Nathan Brown must have had a good talk with his team at half time, the Saints coming out full of energy from the restart of play and were over the line in minutes. Jason Nightingale scoring, as the Titans let a Soward bomb bounce and paid the ultimate price. Jordan Aitkens getting lost in the traffic and caught up with Rangi Chase as the bounce sat up nicely for Nightingale.

The Dragons got the confidence start they needed and remained in control, as Mark Gasnier was next to cross - scoring off a nice deep attacking kick play from the Dragons. After a quick play the ball the Dragons swung it deep to the right at speed and Rangi Chase stabbed through a nicely angled kick for Gasnier to sprint through and ground untouched.

Things looking tragic for the Titans at 24-6 in arrears. To their credit the Gold Coast Titans didn’t fold, they remained busy and the likes of Ashley Harrison kept busy centre field with plenty of tackles. While busy, they were failing to wrap the ball up at times - the Dragons as they remained confident, stood in tackles and off-loaded far too easily.

The unusually quiet Scott Prince burst to life for the Titans in the final quarter of the game, running some nice attacking plays with Matt Rogers for the Titans to threaten - culminating in Anthony Laffranchi being held up in the 60th minute. The raids paid dividends, the Titans scoring off a Prince pin-point kick seconds after the Laffranchi charge.

At 24-12 and still 20 minutes to go the Titans got a bit of a sniff and suddenly had some momentum and with both sides boasting 100% completion rates up until this period of the half - it was still an open game.

A 64 minutes in, the Titans really hung themselves with a brain-snap penalty in front of their own posts. The defence rushing from the goal line, led by Matt Rogers - the Titans were clearly inside the 10m. The penalty kick giving the Dragons the advantage at 26-12, meaning the Titans had to score three times to grab a miracle win.

When you look at the stats, the missed tackles were where the Titans lost this one. Sure, the possession favoured the Dragons and thus taking petrol from the Gold Coast tank - but at 27 missed tackles the Titans were off the pace in defence. Matt Rogers in particular looking shakey in defence, a week after personally sledging Jonathan Thurston about his tackling in the media.

The Saints rounding out the game with some impressive defence, Chase Stanley looking particularly safe in the line and pulling off a nice late him on Matt Rogers to snuff out a possible try. Stanley looking like he has bulked up for NRL season 2008 and could prove a handy utility for the Dragons this season.

Capping of the good night off for the Dragons was a late Matt Cooper try off a magic kick from Jamie Soward. Cooper flying through under pressure from Jordan Aitkens to ground a tough chance and then amazingly slipping into a concrete wall at the back of WIN Stadium due to the wet grass. Luckily Coops getting up ok after what looked like a horror collision with the wall - WIN officials needing to install pads in that dead ball area urgently.

John Chelsea with NRL Gossip

Off the field, the NRL News team have been around the grounds to find out whats happening in Rugby League circles - John Chelsea reports on what’s cooking:

The Sunday Telegraph this weekend had to publish an official apology to the Parramatta Eels and Kris Inu, after reports that Eels players avoided Inu’s Birthday party due to the lack of alcohol were way off the mark. The Eels missed the event as they were committed to the teams 2008 season launch.

The prominent Rugby League radio program on 2SM is in doubt after the owner of the segment went financially bust - leaving stars; Mark Geyer, Graham Hughes, Brett Papworth and Cricketer Gavin Robertson out of pocket and with little chance of seeing a return on their investments at Radio Station 2SM.

Disgraced Rugby Union man, Matt Henjack looks set to play in England - after talks with NRL teams proved fruitless. It looks like Henjack could play in the Heineken Cup in the coming weeks.

Reports out of South Sydney suggest the club has been approached by legal eagles, offering free legal assistance should Souths or Craig Wing wish to take civil action against Riley Brown for that prowler tackle last week. Regardless, South Sydney CEO Peter Holmes a Court said Craig Wing is not interested in a legal challenge and just wants to move on from the horror tackle.

Rumblings continue out Penrith way, while coach Matt Elliott remains under pressure - bad blood continues from last season between assistant coach Matt Adamson and senior Penrith Players including the Puletua brothers and Frank Pritchard. With so many players unhappy, many are expected to leave at the end of the year when contracts end. One leading player rumoured to be moving on after this season is Luke Lewis, the former flyer has been linked with former mentor Peter Mulholland and his new home at the Bulldogs.

Former St George mentor Harry Bath has made headlines this week, after only one week of the 2008 NRL - Bath has suggested the Dragons clean-out the ranks, starting with Nathan Brown at the top. This will be water off a ducks back to Browny who is now used to the comments being fired his way. In saying that; Browny will no doubt expect much more from his players tonight against the Titans - after they left him stranded last week, going down poorly to the plucky Wests Tigers.

Kevin Naiqama, the younger brother of Wes continues to impress in the junior grades at the Newcastle Knights. Following his brother the Newcastle, the younger Naiqama scored a nice try to get the Knights home in the Toyota Cup over the Manly side this weekend.

Russell Crowe remains silent on Rabbitohs poor early season form; after playing a pivotal role in the early season sponsorship deals between Souths and National Australia Bank (NAB) - Crowe has been busy working overseas on a new movie and has refused to comment on the Rabbitohs’ losing streak or ‘that’ tackle on Craig Wing. Maybe Rusty needs to give the Bunnies one of his famous inspirational speeches to get them going.

The Grubber on Suicide Watch after Unpredictable NRL Results

One of our favourite sons here at NRL News, the Grubber has officially been placed on suicide watch; after NRL Results have seen the League tipster unable to manage even one correct tip in his popular predictions.

It started with the injury-riddled Brisbane Broncos getting over the in form Sydney Roosters on Friday night. The new look Broncos proving very slick as they disposed of the Chooks with ex-Panther Peter Wallace guiding them around nicely.

The pain didn’t end there. Just like many in Rugby League circles, the Grubber predicted that the South Sydney Rabbitohs would quickly bounce back and get themselves into gear for 2008 - but they fell to the unpredictable Bulldogs; under pressure and without Sonny Bill Williams; the Dogs did more than enough to get home with a no name forward pack.

As Super Saturday got underway things got worse for the Grubber and many tipsters around Australia. The Panthers at home were near certainties to wipe the floor with the Canberra Raiders, but CUA Stadium turned cold and Matt Elliott was looking for blades to cut his wrists as the Mountain Men turned into Mountain Mice and gifted the Raiders so much ball that they took away the two competition points.

Then moving north Brian Smith has gone from the outhouse to the penthouse as the Newcastle Knights stopped last years Grand Finalists Manly in a cracker game that went into Golden Point. Josh Perry the villain and hero, turning up against his old side - but gifting them with a crucial penalty after a brain snap headbutt that cost the Eagles dearly. This game was such an upset, it’s hard to find even a Knights supporter that tipped their team in this one.

Results continued to be turned on their head, when the Wests Tigers proved successful in their raid on Cowboy territory up north. The Tigers pulling off a magnificent smash and grab raid, beating the North Queenslander’s in their home patch - something few manage to do. So good is the Tigers form, they won’t want Benji Marshall back in too much of a hurry and they also have the likes of Dean Collis, Taniela Tuiaki, Bryce Gibbs and Ryan O’Hara all to come back in the weeks ahead. Tim Sheens has these guys playing out of their skin and they are proving a real dark horse in the early rounds.

Alas, the slaughter wasn’t over. Tipsters were admitted to hospital wards all over Australia on Sunday, as the Cronulla Sharks won a game in the trenches against the Melbourne Storm. The Shire lads systematically breaking down the defence lines of both 2007 Grand Finalists in the space of 2 weeks. The Storm had no answer when things got tough and the Sharks proved their gritty, take no prisoners style will get them further in this years NRL.

Across the ditch, the high flying Eels were quickly brought back down to Earth as the NZ Warriors wheeled out a rejuvenated Manu Vatuvei to seek revenge on the team that burnt him in a boil over at Parramatta Stadium last year. The Warriors minus captain Steve Price and potent fullback Wade McKinnon, still had plenty at home and showed the Eels - they won’t be push overs in Auckland this year.

So as we prepare for Monday Night Football, the Grubber is bunkering down somewhere in Sydney hoping that NRL Results will go his way - meaning the St George Illawarra Dragons need to get home over the Gold Coast Titans and secure him the correct tip for at least one game in Round 2 - so he won’t have to perform the obligatory undie run should he remain winless in the tipping department.

Vatuvei gets revenge, Warriors get Eels 30-16

Just 12 months ago, the Parramatta Eels turned Manu Vatuvei into a nervous wreck, bombing and pressuring the NZ Warriors winger into submission and consigned him to bombing raids each week as other NRL teams tried to get the same success. He may have waited a while, but Vatuvei finally got some revenge yesterday as the Warriors minus Steve Price and Wade McKinnon did more than enough to get over the Eels in Auckland.

Manu Vatuvei had a minor relapse against the Storm last week, dropping some ball and heap pressure on his team. But this week, he was ready. Expecting the enemy to come out and test him for the whole match - Vatuvei was ready for whatever the Eels would throw at him.

Parramatta had not forgotten. Coach Michael Hagan said Vatuvei was “spoken about”. But Vatuvei said he was unperturbed.

“I knew they would try and test me out,” he said. “They were trying to put me off … they said, ‘Watch out’. I said, ‘Watch out, who cares, I’ll come back at you’.

“Last year, each time I did a mistake, I went into my shell a bit. That’s a big thing for me this year: every time I do a mistake, I put it behind me and carry on.”

Hence the TV spot and how Vatuvei, all 112 kilograms of him, was the difference here.

But his teammates weren’t bad either. Australian bookmakers believe that without Steve Price and Wade McKinnon the Warriors aren’t much of a team. That view clearly isn’t shared across the Tasman. Normally, Auckland on a sunny Easter weekend is a ghost town, but 15,250 turned up yesterday.

And the Warriors held in such poor esteem by the bookies rewarded them. Lance Hohaia was sound at fullback; the younger forwards, including debutant Sonny Fai, stood up; and the two centres, Jerome Ropati and the busy Brent Tate, were outstanding.

Everything, though, happened down Vatuvei’s left wing. Warriors halfback Grant Rovelli put up two early bombs for Vatuvei to leap for. There was a chance created by Ropati, although Vatuvei lost the ball into the arms of his opposing winger, Grothe.

Then the opening try, for which Vatuvei was to blame: Hayne made some room, but ultimately the Eels went 6-0 up because Vatuvei missed a one-on-one tackle on Grothe, who scored.

But then the Warriors were level, and Vatuvei was to blame for that as well, using his brute strength to cross with little room to move.

Then the Eels lobbed up a bomb. Vatuvei caught it. The crowd went wild. Vatuvei, enthused, tried to offload the ball to Ropati, and turned over possession. The crowd booed.

He was given a reprieve. The Eels countered, but Feleti Mateo’s pass to send Todd Lowrie over on the siren was ruled forward, and they remained behind at half-time.

Halfway through, and a mixed report card. But the Warriors earned full marks in the second term, racing to an insurmountable 30-10 lead by the 62nd minute, after conceding a try to Joel Reddy shortly after the break.

Vatuvei overturned that four-pointer nine minutes later. He made a big burst down the wing and ended that set a metre short of the line but won his side a penalty for ball-stealing. Then Michael Witt wafted a kick into the in-goal, where the gentle giant awaited. He touched down, raised the ball skywards, and appeared to say a silent prayer of thanks. “I always thank the Lord, first of all, for my good performance and His strength,” Vatuvei said.

By now, the Eels had quit their sledging. Tate scored and then it was all Vatuvei: a 60-metre bust to set up Evarn Tuimavave to romp through. Most of the Warriors headed straight for Vatuvei to congratulate the big man.

He fields up to 100 bombs in a regular training session, and has specialist catching drills with former Kiwi fullback Richie Barnett, who says “if he gets that right, he could be a world-beater”.

Vatuvei was bad last week and great this week. As Eels skipper Nathan Cayless said: “You’ve got to give him credit. He keeps turning up, and he had a great game today.”

NZ WARRIORS 30 (M Vatuvei 2 G Rovelli B Tate E Tuimavave tries M Witt 5 goals) bt PARRAMATTA 16 (L Burt E Grothe J Reddy tries L Burt 2 goals) at Mt Smart Stadium. Referee: S Hayne. Crowd: 15,250.

Sharks in huge upset, beating Storm 17-16

The Cronulla Sharks have done what few teams have managed to do in the past 18 months - travel to Olympic Park Melbourne and beat the Storm in their home patch. Cronulla took down their trade mark gritty defence based Rugby League and frustrated the Storm into submission, the match boiling over with 10 minutes to go - Ben Ross and Brett White sent from the field after some foul play.

Cronulla have certainly refined their trench warfare style game and were at their rock solid best today, not scoring a lot of points but proving committed and eager in the defence line. The Storm rarely troubled them through the hands when they went wide and it was probably only kicks that made things difficult for the Sharks at the back.

Knocked unconscious last week by Josh Perry, Sharks prop Ben Ross took a cheap shot at Storm halfback Cooper Cronk in the 67th minute, evoking an immediate reaction from rival prop Brett White who stepped in and bludgeoned Ross to a pulp.

Looking back to the game and it started at a frenetic pace yet slowed to a canter just after halftime, a trend that is appearing across the board with day games so far this season.

The Sharks opened up a 14-point lead after just 11 minutes with David Simmons, the elusive Brett Kearney and Paul Gallen all finding their way to the line through a variety of means. This was partly due to a glut of possession which seemed to catch the Storm off-guard and their defence was left wanting.

Poor kicking by the usually reliable Luke Covell meant the game was still within reach for the Storm and couldn’t offer the Sharks a buffer later in the game.

Melbourne hit straight back though and trailed by only two points after 20 minutes thanks to tries from the crafty Russell Aitken and White, who would later come to the rescue of Cronk.

The middle 30 minutes or so saw the game slow down – an issue possibly brought about by the new restricted interchange laws.

The excitement began to build again around the 60th minute with lots of niggle creeping in and reached a peak when young gun Israel Folau scored in the 67th minute, with referee Tony Archer going upstairs for clarification of the onside and grounding.

Ross was undoubtedly in the wrong, cocking an elbow and forearm at Cronk as the Melbourne halfback kicked across field for Folau. To his credit, Ross did try to help Cronk up but as Storm players gathered around Ross they appeared to hold him to the mercy of White, who delivered one straight to the jaw and got another away that appeared largely ineffectual.

The incident won’t help Ross at all. He was knocked out last week and has had a string of unfortunate incidents in the game including a recent knee reconstruction and his famous stoush with Gorden Tallis.

For the record, Tallis belted the stuffing out of him and things haven’t quite gone to plan since for the former Maroon.

The remaining 13 minutes of the game saw both sides squander scoring opportunities before Cronulla halfback Brett Kimmorley, who had himself committed several errors on the day, stole the game with a 79th minute field goal from 30 metres out.

And what better man to do it considering Kimmorley history at the ground…

Cronulla are now the early season dark horses after knocking off Manly and Melbourne away from home – the two hardest road trips in the NRL. They face the Titans next week up on the Gold Coast with their opponents still to face St George Illawarra tomorrow night.

Melbourne will travel to Sydney next weekend to play the Roosters, the last team to defeat the Storm until today.

Full Time:
Round 2 - Full Time :: March 23rd, 2008 3:00pm

Cronulla 17 - Simmons, Kearney, Gallen Tries, Covell 2/5, Kimmorley 1 FG

Storm 16 - Aitken, White, Folau Tries, Smith 2/5

Venue: Olympic Park, Melbourne
Referee: Tony Archer
Crowd: 10,720

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