NRL approves 2 referee system

December 11, 2008

NRL RefereeThe NRL has today passed one of the most groundbreaking rule changes in the history of the game.

The National Rugby League will now use a 2-referee system, with a single referee in charge of the play-the-ball area and the other ‘head’ referee standing at the 10-metre opposing teams defence line.

The ‘head’ referee will police the 10m rule, and be responsible for making the calls and blowing the whistle.

The new second referee will only relate information and provide tips to the referee who has the whistle.

During a game, the head and secondary officials will change positions and rotate their lead and follow roles.

“This is a major step and another demonstration of the priority that is placed in officiating our game,” NRL CEO David Gallop said today.
“Today’s decision is a fundamental change to the refereeing model and one that reflects the pace and demands of today’s game.

“Not for a second do I think this will stop people arguing about on-field decisions but they can’t argue about the professionalism or the dedication of those involved in making the decisions.”

In other changes, the NRL has changed the powers of the video referee, the video officials will now not be allowed to make a call on stripping decisions and also their ability to make calls on foul play.

Officials have been given the green light to discipline grapple tacklers, now they are able to sin bin the offender for serious, or repeat infringes.

The NRL will also take steps to “regulate public comment” from the players or game officials about potential judiciary bound situations.

And in another major alteration to NRL rules for next season, a defending player who tries to block a try-scoring attempt by using their feet or legs face misconduct charges.

The changes ensure the NRL remains at the forefront of development, one of the few sports who regularly change or improve their rules – not just for the safety, but for the betterment and further entertainment the game provides.

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Cameron Smith re-signs with Storm

December 10, 2008

Cameron Smith Melbourne StormMelbourne Storm Captain Cameron Smith has today committed his long term future to the Club, signing a contract extension that will see him remain in Melbourne until at least the end of the 2012 season.

After attracting intense interest from rival clubs, the Club’s highly credentialed leader has agreed to a new agreement and is excited to be remaining at the Club for the foreseeable future. “I spoke with a couple of clubs about my future, but I would have found it very difficult to play against the Melbourne Storm,” said Smith.

“This club has been a major part of my life, they gave me my opportunity in the game and have been very good to me, so to sign the new contract was very satisfying. “We’ve had quite a bit of success here over the past few years, and with Craig re-signing along with Cooper, Greg and a whole host of other players, I don’t see why we can’t be successful for a few more years yet.”

Smith, from the south-Brisbane suburb of Logan admits the temptation to return to Brisbane was strong. “The lure of returning to Logan where my family is was strong, particularly with a nine-month old baby girl at home,” said Smith.

“But my partner and I are very happy in, we have made this place our home and after speaking with a couple of clubs it didn’t take long for us to decide this is where we want to stay.”

Head Coach Craig Bellamy is delighted his Captain has pledged his future to the Club. “Cameron is without doubt the best hooker in the game, and he is central to how we play, so to have him here for the next four years is a wonderful bonus to the Storm,” said Bellamy. “It would have been impossible to replace Smith with someone of his calibre, both as a player and a leader, so I couldn’t be happier with his decision to stay.

The re-signing of Smith will be a major boost to the game in Victoria according to Storm CEO Brian Waldron. “What is most pleasing about Cameron Smith’s re-signing is that he has, like many of our players, chosen to remain with us despite there being opportunities to earn more elsewhere. This is testament to the selfless culture this playing group has developed here in Melbourne,” said Waldron.

“Cameron’s signing is a major bonus for rugby league in Victoria. His profile in this state’s sporting landscape has grown enormously in recent years and he will continue to play a vital role in the growth of the game’s profile in this market. I know sports fans in this state will be ecstatic with Camerons’s decision.”

Smith joined the Storm in 2002, making his NRL debut in the same year filling in at halfback. Smith won the first of his three straight Storm player-of-the-year awards in 2005, and the following year he won the game’s most coveted individual honour, the Dally M Medal.

In 2007, Smith captained the Storm to their second NRL premiership, defeating the Manly Sea Eagles 34-6; Captained Queensland to their second straight State-of-Origin Series win; and claimed the Golden Boot Award as the world’s best player at year’s end.

In another coup for the Storm, they’ve signed Members Equity Bank (MEB) as a sponsor. The new multi-million deal will see Members Equity Bank becoming the club’s front-of-jersey sponsor until the end of the 2011 season.
 
Storm CEO Brian Waldron is delighted to have found a major partner in MEB, particularly in the current financial climate.

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Why Mal Meninga is not the man for job

December 10, 2008

Mal Meninga Queensland Origin Coach KangaroosMal Meninga is a well respected Rugby League icon, few players have achieved such a level of respect in the game. Winning titles with the Raiders, representing Queensland and starring for the Australian Kangaroos.

But Mal Meninga isn’t the man for the vacant Roos coaching role.

Mal always found it hard to transition from the playing field to the coaching role; when kicking off his clipboard career in the late 90’s as Raiders coach – the former flying centre really struggled for results. Some said it may have been that the players saw him as a mate rather than a mentor, others said he lacked the ability to convey his gameplans successfully.

It seems Meninga’s personality was his worst enemy early on and prevented consistent coaching success, the situation culminating in a closed doors showdown earlier this decade with senior Raiders player Simon Woolford. Raiders insiders alleged that Meninga locked Woolford in the coaches room and motioned for the prominent hooker to ‘fight him’. Not a good look for Meninga, the Raiders club and the game.

Meninga eventually walked away from the coaching role, but his volatile personality again got the better of him. In 2001, Meninga attempted to launch his political career – but his introductory radio interview sent him into a spin, after less than a minute of the interview Meninga became flustered, left the studio mid-interview saying “It’s over, I’ll resign”.

It seemed the pressure, spotlight and uncertainty of the future was torching the once proud Rugby League talent.

Mal headed for Queensland where he kicked off several businesses including a fruit and vegetables outlet and car audio outlets.

But a turn of events would see Mal Meninga reinstated into League circles and re-launch his coaching career with the Queensland Maroons. This time, two things would help all the stars align and give Meninga the break he was craving.

Queensland had exceptional talent on the park, and the Maroons had some of the best football brains in the coaching box to assist Meninga.

This combination saw Meninga achieve State of Origin success and rebuild his status as a League coach in many peoples eyes. But has big Mal really evolved? Is he genuinely a top line representative coach, able to serve in roles that demand higher ability than the average NRL coach?

Unfortunately for Mal, probably not.

The Queensland role has been a good fit for the Maroons and Meninga, Mal is highly respected by his troops and his presence alone would provide motivation to the players pre-game and at half time. But, when the game is underway – it was clear to any Rugby League insider, that Neil Henry was calling all the shots and telling Mal which players to rotate and which moves to run.

That model works for Queensland, they’ve got every right to stick with it.

But when it comes to the Kangaroo’s, the ultimate coaching role in Rugby League – a state respected figurehead is really not the smart choice. Yes, inserting Mal as coach and surrounding him by assistants similar to the Queensland structure simply will not work. That model risks too much in-fighting prior and during games, plus not enough pull with selectors to get important players into required or certain individual game suited roles.

For starters, emotion and passion play a much smaller part in Kangaroos games. Not to take anything away from the green and gold jersey, however with Australia holding all the key players in the world – it’s a matter of the right rotations, the right plays at the right time and managing complacency.

The Kangaroos loss in the Rugby League World Cup final showed how critical the forward rotation was. Australia had the players and the form all tournament, but last minute injuries required a change in the forwards, a poor choice in the end may have contributed to the eventual loss and ruck punch for the Roos.

While some may say the Australian side is so good, it doesn’t matter – just throw any given 13 into the mix and they will win, the line between winning and losing was probably blurred quite a bit until that final night. Referee interpretations, physical elements in some international opponents and the improved speed of the UK based game have changed things. Ricky Stuart should be commended on doing a good job most of the way through, Stuart was concerned all along about referee interpretations and in the end it may have had some impact which is why Sticky got so pumped afterwards.

For Meninga it might prove too much.

Many years out of the coaching role at NRL level, and only tasting some recent success at Origin level – but ultimately not the man to bring the national side together; requiring independent leadership to ensure the roster, structure and balance of all the elements is in place.

Is Mal the man for the job? Post your comments below -

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Broncos could now lose David Stagg

December 9, 2008

David Stagg Brisbane Broncos BulldogsThe player exodus at the Broncos could get worse, as form utility David Stagg ponders an attractive offer by the Bulldogs – however the deal is reliant on Brisbane letting the respected player leave his existing deal earlier than expected.

The Bulldogs have worked overtime to lure the 25-year-old to Belmore, after they recently booted Reni Maitua for repeated offences.

It’s believed new coach Kevin Moore is a big fan of Stagg and believes the speedy Bronco could be a good fit as the club continues to forge a new image on and off the field.

Broncos boss Bruno Cullen has hinted at considering a release for Stagg but ultimately they were keen for him to stay.

“If David came to us and said he had a fantastic offer and he wanted to go we would give it due consideration,” Cullen said.

“We know the Bulldogs are talking to him and it could be they can offer him a longer term deal.”

Stagg was also chased by UK Super League outfit Salford but chose to remain in Brisbane, but a move to Sydney is not out of the question, especially with former mates Ben Hannant and Michael Ennis already at Belmore and his old coach now long gone.

Broncos coach Ivan Henjak was quick to confirm Stagg was a big part of his and the Broncos’ 2009 plans.

“He has indicated his intention to take up his option for 2009 and until he says something different we will go forward as planned,” Henjak said.

Stagg has the attractive utility value of being able to cover the positions of pivot, centre, lock, second-row or hooker, and the possbility of losing new Bronco Aaron Gorrell to injury could have seen Stagg switched to hooker for a period.

But a Brisbane doctor has given Aaron Gorrell and his injury the all-clear to continue with his pre-season training.

“Aaron felt a click in the knee which required surgery in 2007 and there was minor swelling,” Cullen said.

“Thankfully, there are no problems.”

Gorrell has signed for only 12 months and this has contributed to speculation Gold Coast hooker Nathan Friend could join Brisbane in 2010, with contract negotiations at the Gold Coast at a standstill.

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Broncos recruit Gorrell outted already

December 8, 2008

Aaron Gorrell Brisbane Broncos NRLThe Brisbane Broncos were already facing a tough ask in 09 after losing founding coach Wayne Bennett, but only days after Ivan Henjack has taken the reigns - it seems an early injury blow has struck with the Broncos losing new signing Aaron Gorrell for the 2009 NRL season.

Previously with St George Illawarra but more recently playing in the UK Super League with the Catalans, Gorrell jumped at the chance to return home and link with the successful Brisbane outfit.

But after only a few training sessions, Gorrell was struck down last week with a knee injury and underwent an MRI scan. The results have been forwarded to Brisbane orthopaedic surgeon Peter Myers, who will see Gorrell on Tuesday.

The loss of the new hooker would be a crucial blow to the Broncos. Apart from major signing Israel Folau, the club has lost several faces. The biggest being Wayne Bennett, but last years form hooker Michael Ennis also packed up and headed for the Bulldogs – leaving the no. 9 spot very bare.

After a good showing in the UK Super League, Gorrell  was in demand – with the Catalans wanting him to take up his one-year option. But the Broncos weighed in, and it was an opportunity to good to pass up,” Gorrell said.

Gorrell said the chance to link up with the likes of Israel Folau, Darren Lockyer, Justin Hodges and Karmichael Hunt was highly enticing.

Veteran hooker PJ Marsh at this stage remains the no.1 hooking choice but played second fiddle to Ennis for most of 2008.  Leaving Toyota Cup standout Andrew McCullough as an alternative, who played 3 NRL games this year and helped the Broncos to the under-20s grand final.

New coach Ivan Henjack wouldn’t have expected to feel the blow torch until the 2009 NRL kick-off arrived; however with unfortunate incidents such as this one – Henjack would already feel like he has the electric blanket on level 3 during those summer nights.

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Ricky Stuart falls on sword

December 8, 2008

Ricky Stuart resigns as Kangaroos coachRicky Stuart has today resigned as coach of the Australian Kangaroos.

After nearly 3 weeks of headlines regarding his outburst after the Australian World Cup loss, Stuart has reluctantly walked away from his post.

His decision to leave came through a media statement today.

It was an impossible position for both the ARL and Ricky Stuart after his unusual outburst at referee Ashley Klein and match officials director Stuart Cummings 24 hours after the loss, in a hotel foyer in Brisbane. It was poor form to initially blow up about the loss, but to carry on 24 hours later was the straw that broke Stuarts back essentially.

It’s a shame not only for Ricky Stuart but for the Kangaroos to also lose a highly talented coach. While Stuart made an emotional error after the loss, an error which Stuart eluded to and apologised for in his newspaper column – this doesn’t suggest he is a bad coach. However, his decision to walk was the right one and his tough call should now ensure the matter is forever put to bed.

Stuart was also slapped with a $20,000 fine by World Cup officials for his outburst.

It’s believed when the Australian Rugby League board met on Tuesday after they considered the matter, they urged Stuart to fall on his sword and quit the post – saving them the uncomfortable role of dismissing the popular and talented Australian coach.

Stuart, wasn’t answering questions on the matter but said it was obviously a tough call to make.

“This has been the most difficult decision to make in view of the great honour and enjoyment that comes from coaching our national team,” Stuart said.

“I believe that making this decision is in the best interests of the game and for me personally.

“In view of the circumstances it was the only decision.

“The penalty that has been handed down has been accepted by me as fair and reasonable.

“There are some elements of the fine that I could debate but in the best interests of the game it is time to move on and leave them unchallenged.

Stuart said he has apologised to everyone involved in the incident.

It’s a sad end to Stuarts chapter as Australian Kangaroos coach. His ability to steel the players and bring together the group, is a very rare skill in Rugby League coaching circles. Probably only Phil Gould has the ability to do what Stuart does with his team bonding success and the ‘us vs them’ mentality. While Stuart and Gould aren’t on speaking terms anymore – Stuart does owe a lot to his former Bondi coaching mentor Gould.

Stuart and his Cronulla Sharks may be the only winners in this decision today, the coach now free to focus soley on getting the Sharks over the line for the NRL top honour after a highly successful 2008 season.

While the Australians did lose the World Cup, it was hardly a walk over result and that remains the only game the side lost. It was always a tough gig for Stuart. If the Roo’s lifted the World Cup – critics would say “It was an easy job, anyone could do it.” But on the flipside, lose the thing – and everyone is calling for the axe.

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Benji Marshall set to quit Tigers

December 7, 2008

Benji Marshall Rugby Union Touch FootballSpeculation is rife in League circles that Benji Marshall will announce his defection to Rugby Union within 2 weeks – the prominent NRL and Kiwi reportedly ready to take on new challenges in his young career.

It seems according to media reports that Marshall is in talks with European Union outfits, paving the way for defection prior to 2010.

While UK Super League clubs have also been keen to snare the talented half, it seems Marshall is willing to change his trade and attempt to make a name for himself in the 15 a side game

Its believed Marshall has seen the success of Craig Gower and Mark Gasnier in recent times, a big plus being the lower profile for the well known local star.

While fighting injuries in recent times, Marshall has achieved most on offer in League – the ultimate with a 2005 premiership and more recently World Cup honours with New Zealand.

Now it seems Union and the UK is his next challenge.

Only 3 weeks ago, Marshall was holding aloft the League World Cup Trophy and flying in the face of his critics who said he was soft and a target of the Kangaroo attackers.

Marshall is no stranger to other forms of the game, recently representing Australia in touch footy at the 2003 world cup in Japan, beating New Zealand in the final.

Benji was heavily involved in touch again this weekend at the NSW State Cup in Port Macquarie, where several thousand players come together for the popular code.

Marshall will leave Australia later this week for a break in Whistler, Canada. Benji will link up with the Tigers in the new year to begin pre-season training.

The loss of Marshall would be a huge blow to the Tigers, who are also fighting to retain hooker Robbie Farah beyond next year. Farah and Marshall among few remaining 2005 combatants. The Tigers would be virtually unrecognizable in 2010 should the big guns walk away.

Coach Tim Sheens, also off contract at the end of 2009, would probably reconsider things from 2010 if a complete rebuild of the roster was required. Should the key players move on, it would make sense to have a new coach with fresh ideas get a shot at the next phase of the young clubs future.

Sheens is expected to toy with Marshall at half-back in 2009. A move to give the Kiwi pivot more options and a reduced workload.

“It’s no secret I’ve talked about experimenting with him at seven,” Sheens said. “I’m not saying that’s where he’s going to play, I’m just saying I’ve got an inkling to experiment with him there.

“I’m hoping next year will be an improvement.

“I’m hoping Benji will develop his game in the area of maturity and his skill around the halves to direct a game.

“I still think there’s a lot of work for him to do, but he’s come a long way in the last 12 months.

“I think it’s a lot brighter, the prospect of his next season.”

It will be a long 2 weeks for not only Marshall but Tigers fans now, as they await the outcome of his negotiations and eventual decision – for his choice will no doubt effect the decision of Farah and the overall future of the club.

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Maitua may go legal, to remain in NRL

December 4, 2008

Sacked Bulldogs representative player Reni Maitua remains in high demand with several NRL clubs keen to bring the talented utility on to their books for 2009 and beyond. 

While NRL chief executive David Gallop claims the National Rugby League ’might not’ allow Maitua to register with other clubs in 2009, it may face a lengthy legal battle should they try and de-register Maitua.

In recent times the NRL has stood behind clubs, backing their hardline stance on trouble makers – however, Maitua hasn’t done anything wrong other than turn up late a few times and show a poor attitude.

Maitua’s agent Sam Ayoub has asked the question; “How can he be deregistered when there has been no serious offence committed?”

“There’s a lot of talk going on at the moment and some of that is the supposed possibility of deregistration,” Ayoub said.

“But I doubt very much that would be the case.

“If you go out and have a drink, is your boss going to ban you and then prevent you from getting a job elsewhere?”

With this line of thinking by Ayoub, it seems if the NRL deregister Maitua there could be swift legal action.

Ayoub refused to name the 3 NRL clubs keen for the services of Maitua.

“We’re not in a hurry to jump into things right at the moment,” Ayoub said.

“We’ve got a few issues to resolve and then we’ll sit down and chat about the future.”

Ayoub and Maitua will be meeting with Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg and coach Kevin Moore on Thursday night prior to deciding whether any appeal will take place.

It’s common knowledge that Maitua wasn’t happy at Belmore, one of the last remaining members of the close knit 2004 squad – Maitua has seen close mates Braith Anasta, Sonny Bill Williams and Willie Mason all leave the club. Because of this, it’s unlikely he will appeal the decision – but expect the situation to turn legal should the NRL attempt to restrain his trade.

With several NRL keen to latch on to Maitua for 2009, this story is not expected to go away any time soon. 

Apparently when Maitua wanted out mid-season the Cowboys were quick to offer a contract for 2009 earlier – but the Dogs didn’t grant the player a release. 

While the UK Super League remains the last option, at this stage it seems Maitua and Ayoub aren’t giving it any priority.

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Panthers in massive marketing blunder

December 4, 2008

Panthers Raiders Marketing Image BlunderThe Panthers marketing gurus have managed one of the biggest sporting stuff-ups for some time – the Penrith club releasing a marketing campaign that wrongly shows the players from the Canberra Raiders celebrating on material as opposed to their own players.

NRL News was at first thought it was a practical joke when an anonymous tip-off via email alerted us to the marketing nightmare that unfolded in Penrith.

Under the new motto of ‘Belong Believe’ the Panthers showed an image depicting Raider Clinton Schifcofske amongst team mates after kicking the winning goal in extra time against the Wests Tigers in 2006. The print run apparently amounting up to at least 100,000 copies of the incorrect marketing piece.

Pumping his fists in the air with excitement, the Raiders’ former player Schifcofske is swarmed by other players at Canberra including Lincoln Withers, Jason Smith and Adrian Purtell.

“And, yeah, I know all about it,” is all Panthers boss Mick Leary could muster when discussing the situation with the media yesterday.

“I’ve only just finished speaking with my marketing staff and they know I’m not happy. That I can’t see a funny side to it.

“In any type of business it’s all about getting things right. But in this case it certainly isn’t right . . . someone has stuffed up.”

The error allegedly tracks back to Sydney advertising outlet Thomas Marsden – the company leaving account executive Raj Chikkerur to provide an overview of the situation.

“Oh, dear . . . dear, dear,” Chikkerur said of the mammoth blunder.

“Deary, deary me.”

As of last week, the Panthers had released up to 30,000 merchandise pamphlets with the wrong image emblazoned on the back page. The incorrect image is also the lead design in a membership campaign already appearing on a full page ad – in up to 60,000 copies of Rugby League Week Magazine.

“So while you can’t see me, I’m in a cold sweat,” Chikkerur added. “I’ve never had my name in print and didn’t need the first time to be like this.

“But what can I say? This has never happened before. All we can do is apologise. I will apologise to people in the street if I have to.”

2008 was already a year to forget for the troubled Panthers club, poor results coupled with in-fighting saw the Penrith outfit re-assess their coach and roster for 2009.

Eventually finishing 12th on the NRL ladder. But even after such a horror year, surely the Panthers and their advertising people could find at least one image of celebration?

“Look, without repeating myself all I can really say is that we’re not happy and we will be rectifying things,” Leary said.

So who actually chose the offending image for the Panthers?

When the question was put to Chikkerur, of the advertising agency – his response was;

“Yes, that would be my artist who chose it,” he confirmed.

“Right now, he’s on three days leave . . . but I’ll certainly be asking him about it on his return.”

After reading today’s headlines, chances are the artist might not bother heading back in to work.

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Souths: Wing at odds with sponsor

December 4, 2008

Craig Wing John McGrathPrized South Sydney recruit Craig Wing is reportedly at loggerheads with a third-party sponsor over a six-figure sum that was paramount in luring Wing to the Bunnies in 2008.

Wing had agreed to a $100,000 contract with well known real estate guru John McGrath – a 3rd party deal given the nod by the NRL.

Wing linked with the Rabbitohs for around $1 million over 4 years after walking away from the Roosters to rejoin his junior club South Sydney. It’s believed with 3rd party agreements in place, Wings salary is up to around $350,000 a season with the sweeteners.

However the deal with McGrath, a school boy friend of South Sydney boss Russell Crowe, but who also has close links to the Roosters, has gone south over terms in the agreement.

Apparently under the agreement, Craig Wing is supposed to do 18 hours a week in promotions and appearances with McGrath’s real estate group.

Reports suggest with recovering injuries adding to Wings schedule in 2008, the star recruit needing quite some time to recover from his shoulder surgery, in addition to club training and general duties – the McGrath work has slipped below the required rate.

Whether Wing is concerned or keen to make alternative arrangements over the deal is uncertain. However, just last month Wing signed a agreement with Foxtel, a move that could possibly be easing some of the financial strain felt by the souring McGrath deal.

However, in a sign that relations with McGrath aren’t totally unwound, Wing used the real estate group to try to sell his Centennial Park pad in late October.

South Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson said the issues with the McGrath-Wing agreement does not have an impact, Wing’s main contract with the Rabbitohs.

“Craig hasn’t approached us saying it is a problem,” Richardson said.

“This was a deal done externally and is really between Craig and John.”

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