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FanTalk: I want NRL back

I have been following the game for decades, from the early days at Belmore supporting the Berries to current days supporting the Bulldogs. It is a game, which I love, and game, which I have grown up with. Having the pleasure of seeing the greats play thru the years, players such as Beetson, Langlands, Brass, Price, Kenny, Sterling, Lamb the Hughes boys and the Mortimber boys and of late Steve Price and Sonny Bill Williams. The days of yesteryear is when we as supporters owned and loved the game, which they called rugby league, RUGBY LEAGUE was a game built around a club along with its members and most importantly its juniors. The game was never about the mighty dollar creating wealth it was about the foundation, the grass roots, and the juniors. The juniors bring to the club its true wealth; all clubs had their juniors, which developed the bases of the 1^st grade team. If you were to ask the true supporters of the game what is lacking in the game today, and most would say loyalty, that is loyalty at the grass roots.

The salary cap unfortunately does not offer the loyalty for both the player and the clubs; in fact it puts commercial restraints on both. The salary cap is a product of the NRL. Who is the NRL? Who owns the NRL? Who pays the wages of the NRL? I am sick of the NRL! I want my game back! It does not belong to the NRL! The game is mine and all supporters alike! I want it back!

Do away with the NRL and the salary cap and bring back rugby league! Bring back the rules of old; Make the scrums competitive, the play the ball competitive and get rid of the strip rule not mention the video referee, bring back the big hits! Reduce the cost to the clubs, such as travel, accommodation, the day-to-day running, and its overheads. Reduce the cost of game entry fees, making it affordable to all; we need make our game commercially attractive to bring back the corporate dollar.

Take the game back to its strong hold areas such NSW, QLD, NZ & ENG.

-          Start a new competition, which promotes and encourages loyalty and has juniors as its foundation employing sustainable growth.

-          Employ an import rule, which caps the amount of imports allowed to any club. (Any player other than a junior or scholarship player)

-          Have NSW, QLD, NZ & ENG run its own competition; say 8 teams each over 16 weeks, plus the finals;

-          Then the grand finalist from NSW, QLD, NZ & ENG enter into a Super competition; bringing together  8 elite teams to formulate the strongest competition equal to the State of Origin of old status.

-          Introduce a transfer rule similar to that of the Premier League in England football. Compensate the clubs for their development of their juniors of equal value of the signed contract to the alien club.

-          Employ a governing body, which has the interest of Rugby League, its clubs, its players, its sponsors, its growth and most importantly its fans; NOT media juggernaut!

-          Expand the game in time; develop the game in the other cities and countries thru the implantation of junior development within a plan over 5 -15 years.

In summary, what the game is experiencing now is not about Sonny Bill Williams it is about a game, which has been lost to the media dollar. In time I believe that we will be thanking the likes Sonny Bill Williams and Mark Gasnier for brining the current problems of the game to a head.

It is about time we stop the bleeding before it is too late, if it is not already too late.  I WANT MY GAME BACK!

Sharks manage to save sponsors

Cronulla Sharks power brokers have somehow managed to retain a restless sponsor today; PFK Chartered Accountants reported to be in talks with the club for several hours - wanting to clear the air over the Greg Bird alleged assault affair.

Sharks sleeve sponsor PKF Chartered Accountants were apparently set to walk away from the under-fire club, until an eleventh hour crisis meeting called by Sharks chief exec. Tony Zappia, coach Ricky Stuart and PKF senior management - apparently was able to save the club backing.

“I would like to announce that PKF will continue to support the Cronulla Sharks on the condition that a proportion of PKF’s sponsorship spend be put towards a formalised player welfare program focussed on the development and mentoring of all Shark’s players,” claimed PKF CEO David Ratcliffe in an electronic mail to staff members.

“Certainly, on the basis of the introduction of such a development program for the Shark’s players, PKF will remain associated with a team who shares PKF’s core values of respect, trust and integrity.”

PKF is only a single year in of their 3-season contract with the club, reports suggesting they inject up to $300,000 each year into the Sharks club.

The recent headlines involving Greg Bird concerned the sponsor and they were concerned the reputation of their brand could suffer from the poor exposure.

The Sharks have not made any comment on the on-going arrangement at this stage.

Eels lose Finch, Mateo into halves

Eels rookie Kris Keating moves into the no.7 spot for the missing Brett Finch this weekend - but Parramatta coach Michael Hagan have revealed Feleti Mateo remains the key to beating an in-form Saints outfit this weekend at ANZ Stadium. The reliable Brett Finch has been ruled-out of the team with a broken cheekbone in which he picked up during the last Round win against the Bulldogs.

This is the only game Finch has missed in 2008, the Eels sure to miss their vocal halfback in a game they simply must win to ensure qualification for the Top 8 finals series.

“It’s come as a bit of a surprise to be honest. It’s been sore but I didn’t think it was broken,” Finch said. “I did it some stage during the second half against the Dogs. The disappointing thing is that after the season we’ve had, it’s happened now, right when we have put ourselves back in the hunt. But I’m confident the boys can get the job done without me.”

Parramatta coach Michael Hagan confirmed 19-year-old Kris Keating, with only 7 first grade games under his belt, will run on in the No. 7 jumper against the Dragons and Hagan said he has supreme faith in the upcoming rookie.

“He is a confident kid who has been playing really well at six for us,” Hagan said. “Defensively, he is very good and the rest of the boys have a lot of confidence in him so I don’t have any problem with him there.

“Losing Finchy is disappointing but you just have to get on with it. He doesn’t need to have surgery so he is some chance of playing next week.”

With Finch missing and Keating moving to no.7, talented Eels backrower Feleti Mateo moves back into the havels; taking up the pivot role once again.

Hagan says he will be looking to Mateo to be the dominant force for the Eels around the ruck. “He had a bit to say at training this morning, which was really positive, and I expect him to really take charge with Finchy not there,” Hagan said.

Don’t target Wing says Souths

Bunnies no.9 Issac Luke believes the Roosters may look to again ruffle the feathers ex-player Craig Wing again on Friday night - but says this time, the Rabbitohs will be ready.

Wing lines up against the Roosters for the second time this season - his first ended after just seven minutes, when a controversial hit by Riley Brown left him sidelined for almost four months. Wing admitted yesterday he was only now back to full fitness.

It’s just one sub-plot in a game with far more up for grabs than two points. Not only will this be Wing’s first match against the Roosters since the hit that wrecked his season - and that of his team - but it will also be the first occasion opposing five-eighth Braith Anasta has faced Kiwi David Fa’alogo since the latter punched him to the ground late last season. Fa’alogo was suspended for seven matches for the hit, and missed the round-one encounter, won convincingly by the Roosters.

Luke lit the fuse for more fireworks by claiming Wing would be targeted again, daring the Roosters to attempt anything against their playmaker. “Hopefully they’ll come out for him again, because we’ll be ready for it, and he’ll be ready for it,” he said.

Asked if he felt Wing would be targeted again, Luke said: “I think so. They were [targeting him] at the start of the year. They were always going to do it. I guess we just have to look after Wingy. But we’ll be all right.

“Wingy’s a high-profile player, and he knows what to do each time. He’ll be all right. But we’re there if he wants us. I guess it’s up to him, if he wants to protect himself or he wants us to protect him.”

Wing admitted he expected a torrid time against his former teammates.

“I’m no different to any other player that’s changed teams,” Wing said. “When I was at the Roosters, whenever we played against guys who used to play for us, we’d give them a bit of a niggle.

“But I don’t think it was an intentional kind of thing. That’s just footy. Things can happen. For me, it was a bit of freakish timing. It’s just bad luck.”

With Luke’s comments echoing between Rabbitoh and Rooster territory, Anasta said he expected Souths to lift their aggression after the hit by Brown, even if the Roosters hooker, who was not suspended over the “prowler” tackle, was not selected for round two himself.

“I think they’ll try and fire up over what happened to Wingy in the first match,” Anasta said. “But it wasn’t intentional. It wasn’t good - the poor bloke was out for half the season - but it certainly wasn’t our objective to take him out of the game.”

Besides, Anasta has his own score to settle, even if he maintains it won’t form any motivation for him. “I’ve never spoken to the bloke and I don’t intend to,” Anasta said. “He punched me in the head. Simple as that. That’s all there was to it. But there’s no animosity there. I really don’t care.

“He got me a good one. But we’ve got a lot more important thing to worry about than individual contests. It’s not even worth worrying about or talking about. That incident, I’ve moved on.”

Wing has, too, but only just. He says he is only now returning to top gear after the round-one injury, which forced him to undergo shoulder surgery.

“I feel like I’m just starting to have my game fitness,” he said. “I’m just feeling more and more comfortable with the games I’m playing. Unfortunately, the end of the season for us is coming around all too soon. There’s only two games to go. This is probably like round seven for me.

“[Round one] seems like last year. I’ve had a whole new off-season since then, a whole rehabilitation process. It ruined the start of my season, but what can you do?

“We’ve only got two more games left, and the season’s over. There’s nothing worse than going into an off-season on the wrong foot. And we are playing one of the top teams. If we can put in a good show then it leaves us with a bit of encouragement for the off-season.”

NRL Teams Round 25 2008

NRL Teams, Player Lists and Squad Lineups for Round 25 of the NRL kicking off this Friday night with the Roosters and the Rabbitohs.

FRIDAY
SYDNEY ROOSTERS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS at Sydney Football Stadium, 7.35pm

ROOSTERS: Sam Perrett, Amos Roberts, Mitchell Aubusson, Setaimata Sa, Brent Grose, Braith Anasta, Mitchell Pearce, Mark O’Meley, James Aubusson, Nate Myles, Willie Mason, Anthony Tupou, Craig Fitzgibbon (capt). Interchange: Lopini Paea, David Shillington, Sia Soliola, Jake Friend.

RABBITOHS: Nathan Merritt, Luke Capewell, Fetuli Talanoa, Beau Champion, Jamie Simpson, Craig Wing, Chris Sandow, Scott Geddes, Issac Luke, Roy Asotasi (capt), Luke Stuart, David Fa’alogo, John Sutton. Interchange: Beau Falloon, David Kidwell, Manase Manuokafoa, Eddy Pettybourne, Shannan McPherson (one to be omitted)

Referee: Steve Lyons

WESTS TIGERS v CRONULLA SHARKS at Leichhardt Oval, 7.35pm

TIGERS: Brett Hodgson (capt), Taniela Tuiaki, Tim Moltzen, Chris Lawrence, Beau Ryan, Benji Marshall, John Morris, Ryan O’Hara, Robbie Farah, Bryce Gibbs, Daine Laurie, Chris Heighington, Dene Halatau. Interchange: Stuart Flanagan, Liam Fulton, Corey Payne, Bronson Harrison, Alan Schirnack (two to be omitted).

SHARKS: Brett Kearney, Misi Taulapapa, Ben Pomeroy, David Simmons, Luke Covell, Brett Seymour, Brett Kimmorley, Ben Ross, Isaac De Gois, Adam Peek, Luke Douglas, Fraser Anderson, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Danny Nutley, Grant Millington, Kade Snowden, Terrence Seu Seu, Blake Green (one to be omitted)

Referee: Sean Hampstead

SATURDAY
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v MELBOURNE STORM at EnergyAustralia Stadium, 5.30pm

KNIGHTS: Kurt Gidley (capt), James McManus, Junior Sau, Adam MacDougall, Wes Naiqama, Jarrod Mullen, Scott Dureau, Daniel Tolar, Matt Hilder, Ben Cross, Steve Simpson, Cameron Ciraldo, Mark Taufua. Interchange: Jess Royal, Chris Bailey, Matt White, Chris Houston, Akuila Uate (one to be omitted).

STORM: Billy Slater, Steve Turner, Matt Geyer, Israel Folau, Anthony Quinn, Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk, Jeff Lima, Cameron Smith (capt), Brett White, Michael Crocker, Jeremy Smith, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Aiden Tolman, Adam Blair, Sika Manu, Antonio Kaufusi, Scott Anderson (one to be omitted)

Referee: Shayne Hayne

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS v CANBERRA RAIDERS at Dairy Farmers Stadium, 7.30pm

COWBOYS: Mark Henry, Ty Williams, Ashley Graham, Ben Farrar, John Williams, Travis Burns, Johnathan Thurston (capt), Carl Webb, Aaron Payne, Shane Tronc, Luke O’Donnell, Sione Faumuina, Ben Harris. Interchange: Steve Southern, Ben Vaeau, Ray Cashmere, Matt Scott, Dayne Weston (one to be omitted)

RAIDERS: David Milne, Adrian Purtell, Colin Best, Joel Monaghan, Brett Kelly, Terry Campese, Alan Tongue (capt), Scott Logan, Glen Buttris, Dane Tilse, Trevor Thurling, Joe Picker, Nigel Plum. Interchange: Josh Miller, Marshall Chalk, Neville Costigan, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Cy Lasscock, Ben Jones (two to be omitted).

Referee: Matt Cecchin

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS v PARRAMATTA EELS at ANZ Stadium, 7.30pm

DRAGONS: Jason Nightingale, Wendell Sailor, Mark Gasnier (capt), Matt Cooper, Josh Morris, Ben Rogers, Ben Hornby, Dan Hunt, Stuart Webb, Jason Ryles, Beau Scott, Ben Creagh, Dean Young. Interchange: Matt Prior, Kirk Reynoldson, Lagi Setu, Ben Ellis, Rangi Chase, Jarrod Saffy (two to be omitted)

EELS: Jarryd Hayne, Luke Burt, Taulima Tautai, Krisnan Inu, Tony Williams, Kristopher Keating, Brett Finch, Nathan Cayless (capt), Matthew Keating, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh, Chad Robinson, Feleti Mateo. Interchange: Josh Cordoba, Todd Lowrie, Junior Paulo, Weller Hauraki.

Referee: Tony Archer

SUNDAY
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS v PENRITH PANTHERS at Mt Smart Stadium, 2pm

WARRIORS: Wade McKinnon, Malo Solomona, Brent Tate, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Michael Witt, Nathan Fien, Ruben Wiki, Ian Henderson, Steve Price (capt), Simon Mannering, Ben Matulino, Micheal Luck. Interchange: Lance Hohaia, Wairangi Koopu, Sam Rapira, Logan Swann, Evarn Tuimavave (one to be omitted).

PANTHERS: Rhys Wesser, Luke Rooney, Michael Jennings, Brad Tighe, Michael Gordon, Maurice Blair, Luke Lewis, Tony Puletua, Luke Priddis, Petero Civoniceva (capt), Matthew Bell, Trent Waterhouse, Nathan Smith. Interchange: Daniel Penese, Adam Woolnough, Frank Puletua, Paul Aiton, Jarrod Sammut, Josh Bateman (two to be omitted)

Referee: Ben Cummins

BULLDOGS v BRISBANE BRONCOS at ANZ Stadium, 3pm

BULLDOGS: Hazem El Masri, Heka Nanai, Jamal Idris, Tim Winitana, Matt Utai, Ben Roberts, Daniel Holdsworth, Jarrad Hickey, Corey Hughes, Chris Armit, Garry Warburton, Andrew Ryan (capt), Lee Te Maari. Interchange: Frank Winterstein, Brad Morrin, Charlie Leaeno, Nick Kouparitsas.

BRONCOS: Karmichael Hunt, Darius Boyd, Joel Moon, Justin Hodges, Denan Kemp, Darren Lockyer (capt), Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Michael Ennis, Joel Clinton, Corey Parker, Sam Thaiday, Tonie Carroll. Interchange: Ashton Sims, Greg Eastwood, Nick Kenny, David Stagg

Referee: Jarred Maxwell

MONDAY

MANLY SEA EAGLES v GOLD COAST TITANS at Brookvale Stadium, 7pm

SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Steve Bell, Steve Matai, David Williams, Anthony Watmough, Matt Orford (capt), Brent Kite, Matt Ballin, Josh Perry, Steve Menzies, Glenn Hall, Glenn Stewart. Interchange: Heath L’Estrange, Mark Bryant, Adam Cuthbertson, Jason King.

TITANS: Ben Jeffrey, Jordan Atkins, Josh Graham, Brett Delaney, Esi Tonga, Mat Rogers, Scott Prince (capt), Brad Meyers, Nathan Friend, Michael Hodgson, Anthony Laffranchi, Gavin Cooper, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: James Stosic, Will Matthews, Daniel Conn, Luke O’Dwyer, Aaron Cannings, Clint Amos (two to be omitted)

Referee: Jason Robinson

Pritchard wants out?

Mark Geyer, one of Penrith’s greats, has been vocal with his opinion that Frank Pritchard should not be released by the Penrith Panthers and should be made to continue playing. Geyer’s statement is amid numerous reports of the backrower’s apparent discontent at the Penrith club.

The subject of numerous claims, it is believed that Pritchard wants out, and more recently has been linked to Super League club Leeds.

The accusations that Pritchard “faked” a shoulder injury to remain on the bench during the Panthers’ 40-6 loss against Melbourne last night has added fuel to the fire and doubt about his commitment has obviously grown.

 

Pritchard came off at halftime during the Panthers v Storm clash last night and allegations arose when he did not want to return to the field while the Penrith trainers believed he was fit enough to continue playing.

It is believed that a senior Penrith player together with a club official had to convince Pritchard to even return to the interchange bench for the 2nd half of the match.

While Pritchard did not return to the field, coach Matthew Elliott talked down the accusations by saying “physically he wasn’t right to go”.

Believing that “he’s playing like he wants to go way”, Geyer stands firm, and in line with the Panthers club, who claim they will not release Pritchard, who still has two years remaining on his current contract.

Geyer is of the opinion that players these days find a way out of contracts too easy and encourages the Panthers to make a stand and make Pritchard earn his money. In comparing the situation to that of Sonny Bill Williams, Geyer goes on to say that the Panthers team has been built around Pritchard and he obviously can’t just say when he wants to leave.

Taking a hard line, Geyer says he would make Pritchard enjoy his time and regardless of whether or not he wants to stay, there isn’t much he can do. On the publicity front, Geyer has also called on Pritchard to publicly resolve the situation with the Panthers’ Fans in mind.

It comes as no shock that David Riolo, Pritchard’s Manager, refused to make any comment on his client’s future.

Storm cruise over Panthers

It was the Melbourne Storm on another training run tonight, as they seemingly crushed the Penrith Panthers without breaking into a sweat 40 -6.

The precision of the Storm, along with their freakish ability and well coached gameplans have them set to reach their 3rd Minor Premiership in as many years.

It was a comprehensive 8 tries to 1 victory for the Storm tonight - sending them exclusively to the top of the NRL Table. With seemingly still plenty left in their tank, other NRL sides much be seriously considering whether they should turn up if they have to face Melbourne in the GF.

The only enemies for the Storm seem to be complacency and effects of extended travel, as they remain in Sydney on the Central Coast before they face the Knights later this week.

Pivot Greg Inglis was again at his exciting best tonight with a 3 try performance to go with former Panther Steve Turner’s double, the Panthers throwing away their chances of a Top 8 spot with a heavy loss tonight.

Things started to mount against the Panthers after a late, low hit by Luke Priddis on Cooper Cronk gifting the Storm an early penalty with Anthony Quinn scoring soon after, the game all but over at half-time with the Storm racing away to a 20-0 lead.

There was a hint of a Panthers revival early in the second half with a Nathan Smith try a few minutes in from the break. But it was short lived for the Panthers, the Storm charging downfield and gaining a repeat set - then a 50/50 penalty against Rhys Wesser at the play the ball breaking their backs immediately, with the Storm scoring from the restart.

There is a slim chance the Panthers can sneak into the Top 8 if they win their remaining two matches and pray other results go their way.

The problems were also compounded off the NRL field for the Panthers with TV commentary claiming Penrith trainers had mentioned backrower Frank Pritchard refused to go back onto the field after copping a shoulder injury from an attempted tackle on Jeff Lima.

Melbourne look set to secure the NRL minor premiership with a single game remaining if they get over the top of the Newcastle Knights on Saturday and Manly and Cronulla both go down in their games.

MELBOURNE 40 (G Inglis 3 S Turner 2 J Lima A Quinn C Smith tries C Smith 4 goals) bt PENRITH 6 (N Smith try M Gordon goal) at CUA Stadium. Referee: M Cecchin. Crowd: 8,813.

NRL Weekly Rankings Round 24

The NRL Weekly Rankings are back, each team ranked on their weekend performance only. How did your team fare in NRL Round 24? 

1. Melbourne Storm: The carnival rolled into Penrith this week and Bellamy’s boys didn’t disappoint. A mere training run for the Storm, yet they still racked up over 40 points. Complacency the only enemy remaining for this well drilled team.

Grubbers Comment: Truth in the rumour that Craig Bellamy is cutting Storm training back to 2 nights a week? Strong to certain.

2. Cronulla Sharks: Strong and dominant for the full 80 minutes against the Roosters, Ricky Stuart might not have a tonne of superstars, but has a big rangy side across the park. Need a fit Brett Kearney to be any chance of winning the comp.

Grubbers Comment: “A Bird in the hand, is worth two in the can!”

3. St George Illawarra Dragons: Looked like the Dragons of old, a damaging Gasnier and Cooper at their flashy best. Showed a great team effort to roll the NZ Warriors looking good for the NRL finals at this stage.

Grubbers Comment: Chances of Gasnier throwing another flick pass like he did on the weekend and getting it to stick? 100/1

4. Manly Sea Eagles: The Wests Tigers probably made them look better than what they were, but the Eagles are still at the top end of the NRL ladder and have benefited from an improved Matt Orford kicking game. Beaver in fine form, but Watmough has been struggling for weeks.

Grubbers Comment: Chances of Steve Matai getting through a single game without going down injured for some reason? 250/1

5. Canberra Raiders: Seemingly nothing can stop them. Even a solid half from the Bunnies didn’t phase the Green Machine. Neil Henry must have made some speech at half time, as they clicked into gear and blew the Rabbitohs away in period 2. Could be the ‘Fairytale’ winners a la Tigers in 2005.

Grubbers Comment: Likelihood of Todd Carney being put on suicide watch should the Raiders make the Grand Final? 5/1

6. Brisbane Broncos: Got home on Darren Lockyer brilliance in golden point, but played solidly all game. Only Scott Prince could keep the Titans in the same stratosphere as the Broncos on this night, will need to wait 2 weeks for a serious hit out as they face the Bulldogs this week.

Grubbers Comment: Odds that Ivan Henjack will have the toughest job in Australia next year as he takes the reigns at the Broncos? 3/1

7. Newcastle Knights: Were home and hosed by half time and slipped into cruise control. Defence remains the key element to their finals campaign. Will miss Danny Buderus, but their points difference looks good enough to get them through. Face the Storm in Newcastle in what should be a cracker this weekend.

Grubbers Comment: Odds of the Knights inviting hooker Terrence Seu Seu back for the remainder of the season after Bedsy has been ruled out indefinitely? 100/1

8. Parramatta Eels: May have taken this game too lightly and took a long time to overpower the struggling Bulldogs. Regardless, a win is a win and the Eels are again in the mix. The attitude of Jarryd Hayne seems to be the key to unlock several elements of the Eels, face a massive test against the form Dragons this weekend.

Grubbers Comment: Odds of the Eels getting any more second chances in 2008? 150/1

9. Gold Coast Titans: Down on personnel but playing with heart. Played well for most of this game against strong opponents in the Broncos. Scott Prince is to the Titans what Andrew Johns was to Newcastle, Preston Campbell also toughed out this match with a broken jaw. Close but no cigar.

Grubbers Comment: “A jaw-dropping performance from Preston Campbell!”

10. Sydney Roosters: Opponents have worked out how to nullify their tries from kicks and the Roosters are struggling to score through the hands. Low on confidence and doubting their chances it seems, Willie Mason kicking his team in the guts while they are struggling is a major team killer.

Grubbers Comment: Chances of Willie Mason copping a hospital pass from team mates in this weekends match? Strong to certain.

11. NZ Warriors: Faced a hot team on their day, NZ Warriors played OK, Wade McKinnon again a standout - had a few early calls went their way, could have been a different result. Their poor for and against, means they need to win both remaining games and hope for some favourable results.

Grubbers Comment: Can win the comp, just need a few more Wade McKinnons.

12. South Sydney Rabbitohs: Did everything right early on and probably high fived too much during half time. Looked sharp and committed early on and to be fair, probably copped the full wrath of the Green Machine in full flight during period 2.

Grubbers Comment: Odds of Chris Sandow being allowed to kick a field goal again before half time? Slim to none.

13. North Queensland Cowboys: Weren’t good enough early on to dent the Newcastle confidence. Showed some ticker to fight back late in the game, but the horse had bolted. Last few outings are showing glimpses of confidence for next year under new coach Neil Henry.

Grubbers Comment: Chances of Luke O’Donnell ever curbing that ‘temper, temper’ of his? 100/1

14. Bulldogs: Faced mammoth odds in this game, yet came out firing. Didn’t quite have the experience or concentration to shut the Eels out completely but an encouraging showing for next year.

Grubbers Comment: Chances of the Bulldogs searching for long lost brothers of Jamal Idris? 2/1

15. Wests Tigers: Silly penalties cost them dearly, had several early opportunities with the try line wide open and spilled the final pass - in the end this told the story. Defence was poor on line and understandably coach Tim Sheens wants to make changes; will miss the NRL finals for the 3rd successive year.

Grubbers Comment: Chances that several Tigers players will be playing for their contractual lives this weekend? 5/1

16. Penrith Panthers: Were never in this game, looked edgy early and spilt the pill. Lacked possession from the outset and were never going to chase the Storm down, obviously an unhappy home again as Pritchard and others are ready to put the cue in the rack. Petero remains an outstanding contributor and without his efforts, this team would be fighting for the spoon no doubt.

Grubbers Comment: Chances of Panthers management installing a sideline X-Ray machine for Frank Pritchard to ensure injuries are genuine? 3/1

Bird caged by Sharks after Glassing

During a brief court hearing today, Cronulla Sharks and NRL star Greg Bird was pinned as the alleged attacker in the glassing of his girlfriend Katie Milligan over the weekend.

The charges laid relate to an alleged assault occasioning grievous bodily harm on Katie Milligan; a US National who has been the girlfriend of Greg Bird for some months. The woman copping a broken eye socket and severe wounding when smashed in the face with a glass.

According to details discussed in court today, Bird drove Milligan to hospital to receive medical attention - with major eye wounding and face lacerations.

Initial discussions to Police led them to believe that Bird’s room-mate, Greg Watson, was the attacker and had left the scene.

But after Police investigations, it has been learned that Mr Watson was playing golf during the period where the alleged assault took place.

Mr Watson also provided information to Police; confirming that Greg Bird had phoned him saying: “Something’s up with Katie, there’s blood in the unit, we’ve told police it was you.”

Apparently Bird then asked Mr Watson over the phone: “How do you feel about that?”

In legal proceedings today, Acting Police Sergeant Matt Zalunardo spoke to the court; saying “Bird lied to police by alleging other people were in the apartment at the time of the incident, about 7.30am on Sunday.”

“The accused person… is trying to deceive by inferring other people were involved” Sergeant Zalunardo stated.

Police have also alleged that during the time the incident took place, Bird was heard telling Ms Milligan to “stop being a f***ing idiot”, and denied attacking her.

Bird’s legal representative Les Nicholls has questioned the police facts, concerned that the Police witness was not in court and the alleged victim hadn’t even provided a statement.

The Sharks have today stood down Greg Bird until further notice until the matter has been resolved.

Sharks boss Tony Zappia said it was now unlikely Bird would take the field again in 2008 with the representative player now expected in court on October 8.

“On behalf of the Sharks and after consultation with our chairman Barry Pierce, members of the board and coaching staff, considering the allegations being made concerning an incident said to involve Greg Bird, we will be standing Greg down for an indefinite period of time,” the statement read.

“So as to not pre-empt the legal process, I won’t be discussing any details of the incident nor matters which now have been referred to a court hearing.

“Also, the club does not want to pre-judge Greg until we have had an opportunity to meet with him, his management company and his legal counsel face to face, however we are mindful that the allegations made by police prosecution at this point in time are extremely serious.”

The NRL has thrown their weight behind the Sharks and is backing their stance on the situation.

“These are very serious allegations against the player,” NRL chief executive David Gallop said.

“At this stage the best solution for all parties is that the legal process is allowed to unfold with Greg off the field.

“We acknowledge that the club is taking the matter extremely seriously.”

Sharks fans are divided over the situation, with their team rolling nicely towards the NRL finals - the loss of Greg Bird will seriously affect their chances. Should Greg Bird be stood down in the interim period while the court decides his fate?

Scrap the NRL Salary Cap

The NRL should scrap the salary cap says Dave Thomas and introduce a grading system; feel free to comment on Dave’s opinion below or email NRL News with your own article, thoughts or NRL insight - NRLfeedback@gmail.com

In light of the extraordinary attention the Sonny Bill Williams “issue” has attracted over recent times, and the fact that I am a long-time lover of the game of rugby league and hate to see the serious and permanent damage that is occurring as well as the ground we are losing to Aussie Rules, Football (Soccer) and Rugby, I have been giving the issue of the salary cap and player payments some considered thought.

What I have come up with, in my opinion, seems to be a simple yet effective solution to a serious problem (so simple, in fact, that I am sure it may have been already thought of).

Scrap the salary cap, and every player gets a grading (be it from 1 to 6, or A to F, it doesn’t matter, as long as it is fair and consistent) based on the same / similar things that dictate their current worth. Things like skill level, potential value to the club from a revenue perspective, ability, etc., (would you consider including salary level as an indicator as well — not sure). This grading system should be open and transparent, issued and monitored by an independent body, and apply to all players. Rookies may get a separate grading (”R”) on their debut year, to allow for the grading process to be carried out and a grade to be determined. Alternatively, they may be able to be graded on their performance in the lower grades.

Each team would then be allowed to have a certain number of graded players per team — maybe 3 x “A” grade players, 3 x “B” grade players, and so on. Clubs may get a discount on “R” (rookie) grade players, or on players that have come up through their feeder clubs. The market would dictate the value of a player, and since the salary level of the team as a whole was not capped, but the numbers of different graded player was, a club could spend what a player was worth (according to the market) not what the salary cap allowed — problem solved!

All of the clubs would get a fair share of talent (by limiting the number of different grades of player a team may have), making sure all teams are competitive, and the players get a fair market price for their labour, as dictated by the market.

If players earn additional income from sponsorships or otherwise, it is something that should be their business, not the NRL.

As in all markets for instance, if there is a glut of “A” grade players, their value will come down and more teams will have more choice. The converse is also applicable.

I understand the above is a very simplistic view of it all, but surely it is some good food for thought?

This might also make things a bit easier for new teams in other states (the NRL needs to make it a truly national competition), and may go a long way to help solve the problem of poaching from overseas.

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