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NRL Club News

Back to the future as Farah rejoins Tigers

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Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah

He left and now he is back! Robbie Farah has rejoined the Wests Tigers for the remainder of the 2018 season.

Playing in 247 NRL games for the club, Farah’s new deal eases the club’s lack of hooker depth.

With a stop-gap solution in Elijah Taylor and a young but niggling injury-riddled Jacob Liddle, Farah’s return is timely.

Tigers coach Ivan Cleary is pleased to welcome Robbie back, particularly for his experience.

“I look forward to welcoming Robbie back home to Wests Tigers this week,” said Cleary.

“Robbie brings a wealth of experience back to the club in a position where we feel we need some additional support at this stage of the season.

“All of my discussions with Robbie have been very positive, he understands the direction that the club is heading in, and how he can help contribute to that,” he said.

Farah rejoins the club from the South Sydney Rabbitohs where he played second fiddle to Damien Cook.

Despite that, Rabbitohs coach Anthony Seibold praised Farah’s professionalism during his 18 months with the club.

“I really want to thank Robbie for his service to our Club over the past 18 months.

“He showed his professionalism every single day through some challenging times for him.”

In the end, the club made the decision they felt was best for Farah.

“I’m sorry to see him go and personally I will miss having him around the team, but our decision to grant him a release is based on what we think is the best thing for him,” continued Seibold.

‘We had a great working relationship and I wish him the best of luck for the future.”

Farah also praised the club and its fans for his 18 months in the cardinal and myrtle.

“I would like to thank everyone involved at Souths for everything over the last 18 months, in particular the playing group, Anthony Seibold and all of the Members,” Farah said.

“It’s not an easy decision for me to leave the Club as I’ve formed many great friendships in my time at the Rabbitohs.

NRL Club News

Good form rewarded as Radley re-signs with Roosters

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Sydney Roosters utility Victor Radley

Making quite a splash in 2018, the Sydney Roosters have moved quickly to re-sign promising utility Victor Radley. 

Radley’s new deal is a long-term one as he looks set to remain in the Tricolours until the end of the 2023 season.

Radley, a local junior, has made 17 total appearances for the club and 14 this season.

His new deal has him proud to remain with the club, one that he loves and holds dear.

“There are no words for how proud I am to represent the Roosters, I just love the Club,” said Radley.

“I’m learning so much from Robbo, the coaches and all the senior boys, and this is where I want to build a career, so I’m stoked that I’ll continue to be a part of the team here,” he added.

Equally pleased are the club who could not speak highly enough of Radley.

“Victor is an instinctive footballer with an outstanding work ethic. His enthusiasm is infectious and just as importantly, he is a good man away from the field,” said Roosters Recruitment Manager Adam Hartigan.

“With his best football still ahead of him, its great news for the Roosters to have Victor locked in to the Club’s long-term plans,” he added.

NRL Club News

Super coach Bellamy re-signs with Storm

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Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy

With their round 15 clash just around the corner, Craig Bellamy has officially extended his stay as Melbourne Storm coach.

A four-time premiership winning coach, Bellamy’s new deal is until the end of the 2021 season.

That will see the coach many regard as the game’s best, in charge of the Storm for a remarkable nineteen years.

With 408 games as coach, Bellamy is fifth on the all-time list for most games coached.

His time at the club has garnered four premierships, six minor premierships, seven grand finals and three World Club Challenge wins.

The Storm know that Bellamy is one of the very best and were determined to retain him.

“I’m personally delighted Craig has once again recommitted himself to Storm,” Storm CEO Dave Donaghy said.

“He and Wendy have made Melbourne home and I’m sure the entire city will be as equally delighted by this news.



As the game has developed, so too have Bellamy’s philosophies and challenges, something Donaghy praised.

“Storm is a special Club, with wonderful people and an environment that allows our staff and players to constantly challenge themselves and grow in their roles – Craig has been a key driver of that.

“In speaking to Craig throughout this process, it’s clear his enthusiasm for coaching, especially our next generation of talent, shows no sign of slowing down. There is still much to achieve at Storm for him.”

For the man himself, there is no place he would rather be.

“I’m very happy to be remaining at Melbourne Storm,” Bellamy said.

“There were a number of factors to weigh up and I’m glad now to have my future decided.

“It would’ve been pretty hard to leave the players, I’m very close to the group here and that was one of the reasons I decided to stay.”

In the end, Bellamy was all about the loyalty to the club that gave him his coaching opportunity.

It would’ve been very hard to coach against guys like Cameron, Billy and Hoffy who were all here when I started in 2003,” Bellamy continued.

“Melbourne Storm was the first Club to give me the opportunity to coach at first grade level, so I certainly owed the Club something in that respect and I’m looking forward to the next three years.”

NRL Club News

Kennar granted early release by Rabbitohs to undertake Mormon mission

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South Sydney Rabbitohs centre/wing Richie Kennar

Mormon missions are becoming more common among elite rugby league players and South Sydney Rabbitohs centre/wing Richie Kennar is the latest to undertake his.

Released from the final year of his contract with the Rabbitohs, Kennar was given the opportunity to follow his faith.

In six games for the Rabbitohs this year, Kennar scored five tries.

His departure comes with the blessing of coach Anthony Seibold who knows him well.

“I’ve known Richie since he was 18 and he is a great person on and off the field.

“He did a great job for us this year throughout the pre-season and in the games he played.

“This indicates how committed he is to his faith and obviously his faith is very important to him.

“We all wish him and his family the very best for the future and we look forward to finishing this season off with him here at South Sydney.”

 

NRL Club News

Raiders lock down Papalii for four more seasons

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Canberra Raiders forward Josh Papalii

They have had some forwards leave recently but the Canberra Raiders have re-signed forward Josh Papalii. 

The new four-year deal for Papalii means his future is sorted and he could not happier.

“I love Canberra and I love the green jersey,” Papalii said.

“This is my home and the Raiders have given me the opportunity to play in the NRL and I want to continue to repay them.”

He was quick to thank fans and members and knows Canberra is the place for him.

“Canberra is my home and this is the best place for me and my family to continue to live and for me to play my best footy,” Papalii continued.

“I want to thank all of the club’s members and fans for their continued support and hopefully I can continue to represent you and the community.”

With 161 games for the club, the junior has also represented both Queensland and Australia.

For the club, retaining his services is seen as a huge boost moving forward.

“Josh is a big part of our football team and our club,” Raiders Recruitment and High-Performance Director Peter Mulholland said.

“We know what a tremendous talent he is on the field and he’s the type of player others want to play with.

“We’re very happy that’s he’s re-signed with us and we look forward to seeing him continue his career in Canberra.”

NRL Editorials

Ricky’s NRL Interviews Pt 11: David Faiumu

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Former North Queensland Cowboys and Huddersfield Giants hooker David Faiumu

We are lucky to have another NRL interview to share with you all; former North Queensland Cowboys and Huddersfield Giants hooker and lock David Faiumu.

Faiumu opens up about his unexpected start in first-grade, the lead-up to the 2005 grand final, his Huddersfield move and much more.

Here the questions and answers so sit back and enjoy:

1. What are your earliest memories of rugby league?
Watching my local footy players in Wellington NZ. Being in the changing rooms with local A grade legends who my father played with.

I was the ball boy, running the water or kicking tee from the age of 6.  Players like Steve Kearney, Johny and Dave Lomax, Tana Umaga and many other footy legends all played for my two junior clubs Randwick and Wainuiomata back in the 80s and 90s.

2. You made your NRL debut for the North Queensland Cowboys in 2004; were you expecting it or was it as surprise at the time?
No, I wasn’t expecting it.
I was playing alright for the Cowboys reserve grade team and the first-grade boys were on a bit of a poor run in the early rounds of 2004.

Muzza [Graham Murray] tapped me on the shoulder after training during the week and said, ‘I heard you’ve been going alright in first-grade’ to which I replied with a quiet, ‘not too bad, Muz.’

He replied with ‘what does that mean, not too bad, mate; have you or haven’t you?’ I said, ‘yes, I have been going well.’
He said, ‘that’s better!’ Muz then asked me if I wanted a run with the big boys and I actually said, ‘yes, I have been going well.’

I must have been nervous as hell but Muzza just smiled and said, ‘you’re in this week, mate, you’ll make your first-grade debut.’
He shook my hand, congratulated me and told me to go and ring my mum.

3. In 2005, the Cowboys made the grand final; although you lost the game, what was the grand final atmosphere like on the day for yourself and the club?
It was amazing. The entire week leading up to it was something out of this world for me nothing I had ever experienced before, I’ll never forget it.

Just the nerves and excitement running through your body on game day; the music, dancers, fans dressed up in all the gear at the stadium and at the airports and the media exposure, it truly is something special.

4. You sought a move to Huddersfield; what prompted that decision?
Personal circumstances prompted the move. I had been involved in an off field incident that forced me to continue my career in England.

There had been a few off field indiscretions occur in early 2008 including mine. David Gallop and the NRL had quite simply had enough and came down hard on us which was the right thing for the NRL to do.

I used my time in in England to grow and develop on and off the field and learn from the mistakes I had made earlier. I made a commitment to work hard, put my head down play well, look after my family and win the respect of my new club and fans.

I spent 8 years at the Huddersfield Giants and loved every minute of it. It is where my two daughters grew up for most of their childhood.

I completed a number of short courses in my early years at the Giants which led me to completing a BSc degree in Sport and Exercise Science at Huddersfield University. It took me four years to complete and was very tough at times.

Some nights I would be sleeping at the library (as it was 24 hours) trying to pump out assignments and then head straight to training and back to a lecture that same day. It was character building and I suppose has helped me to where I am today.  

5. During your time at the Giants, the fans developed a chant for you; were you expecting to become such a fan favourite at the Giants?
Not at all. Nathan Brown was my coach for most of my time there and had a massive influence on how I learnt how to play the game in a more consistent manner, which I am guessing helped me earn praise from the fans.

Before Browny, my footy was good for 2 or 3 weeks and then poor for 1 or 2. Football at training and games was based on all the non-talent related efforts which is something Browny helped instil not only on myself but on the many other players within our Giants squad.

Ultimately, these new found values resulted in the Giants making the top 4, top 6 every year and even playing in a Challenge Cup Final at Wembley.

6. Since your retirement as a player; how have you stayed active in the game?
Due to injury, I retired at the end of 2014. The club looked after me and got me to coach the under 19s Giants team with a former team mate of mine and good friend Chris Thorman. I also worked as the Giants Development Officer in a dual role. 

In 2016, I returned home to New Zealand and took up various roles with the New Zealand Rugby League as Development Officer for the Upper Central Region.
Then onto football administration as General Manager for the Wellington region.

In December 2017, our family returned to where my partner Belinda is from; Rockhampton in Central Queensland.
I am currently working for the QRL as the Wellbeing and Education Manager for the Central Region. 

I enjoy my role because a lot of what I talk about is mostly things I have experience of myself or have seen happen to the many players I have played with.

I really enjoy the coaching part of the game so I also coach part-time on the side as the Central Capras ISC assistant coach to Kim Williams.

7. If you could give any advice to young rugby league players, what would it be?
Tip 1 – Work hard, expect nothing from the game and give everything.

Tip 2 – While playing, find something you love doing outside of the game. I have seen and played with many players that have had to retire at a very young age due to injury, form or have even fallen out of love for the game.

So it’s important you have something you enjoy doing outside of the footy pitch. There is usually someone in your life that has done it or is currently doing it.

Pick their brains on their successes and failures and use it to help guide you towards that passion. Whether it’s to become a plumber, doctor, chippy, whatever it is. Anyone with life experience will always be willing to share their story with you. You just have to ASK!

NRL Editorials

NRL News Rd 15 Stats Breakdown: Parramatta Eels v South Sydney Rabbitohs

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Former South Sydney Rabbitoh Eric Simms

First stats breakdown of round 15; the Parramatta Eels v the South Sydney Rabbitohs. 

Although their seasons have been vastly different, history favours the Eels.

Just what will transpire, we shall find out as an exciting clash awaits us.

Parramatta Eels v South Sydney Rabbitohs Stats Breakdown

The Parramatta Eels and South Sydney Rabbitohs have played each other on 132 occasions; the Eels have won 59 games, Souths have won 68 and there have been five draws.

The Eels need just seven points against the Bunnies to score 2,200 total points against them.

The Bunnies need 30 points to score 2400 total points against the Eels.

The Rabbitohs won fourteen of the first nineteen games between the two sides including the first six.

The Eels have won four of the last six games between the two sides, including the last three.

The first game between the two sides was a 35-22 win for the Rabbitohs in round 2, 1947.

Biggest Wins

The South Sydney Rabbitohs biggest win over the Parramatta Eels was a 50-10 drubbing in round 18, 1951 & round 7, 1957.

The Parramatta Eels biggest win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs was a 54-0 whitewash in round 22, 2002.

Players to have been sin-binned/sent-off in this clash

  1. John Kolc (PAR) (sent-off) in round 20, 1979.
  2. Ray Price (PAR) (sin-binned) in round 8, 1982.
  3. Michael Pobjie (SOU) (sin-binned) in round 16, 1984.
  4. Ken Stewart (PAR) & Mario Fenech (SOU) (both sin-binned) in round 5, 1985.
  5. Peter Ford & Peter Sterling (both PAR) & Mario Fenech & Ian Roberts (both SOU) (all sin-binned) in round 24, 1986. Craig Coleman (SOU) sent-off in the same game.
  6. Mario Fenech (SOU) (sent-off) in round 19, 1987.
  7. Paul Quinn (SOU) & Aaron Raper (PAR) (both sin-binned) in round 5, 1996.
  8. Brad Watts (SOU) (sin-binned) in round 19, 2003.
  9. Nathan Cayless (PAR) & Beau Champion (SOU) (both sin-binned) in round 6, 2010.
  10. Fuifui Moimoi (PAR) (sin-binned) in round 3, 2011.

Head coaching records

Terrence Fearnley (PAR) – 8/8 at 100%.
Jason Taylor (PAR) – 1/1 at 100%.
Brian Smith (PAR) – 10/11 at 90.9%.
Bernie Purcell (SOU) – 6/7 at 85.7%.
Dave Watson (SOU) – 5/6 at 83.3%.
Dave Bolton (PAR) – 3/4 at 75%.
Frank Curry (SOU) – 3/4 at 75%.
John Lang (SOU) – 3/4 at 75%.
Rupert Rayner (SOU) – 11/16 at 68.6%.
Clive Churchill (SOU) – 13/19 at 68.4%.
Kenneth Kearney (PAR) – 4/6 at 66.7%.
Michael Maguire (SOU) – 6/10 at 60%.
George Piggins (SOU) – 4/7 at 57.1% (1 draw)
Denis Doneghue (SOU) – 5/10 at 50%.
Rupert Rayner (PAR) – 3/6 at 50%.
Jack Gibson (PAR) – 3/6 at 50%.
Bill Anderson (SOU) – 3/6 at 50%.
Ron Willey (SOU) – 3/6 at 50%.
Ian Johnston (PAR) – 2/4 at 50%.
Daniel Anderson (PAR) – 2/4 at 50% (1 draw)
Johnny Slade (PAR) – 1/2 at 50%.
Cecil Fifield (PAR) – 1/2 at 50% (1 draw).
Norm Provan (PAR) – 1/2 at 50%.
John Peard (PAR) – 1/2 at 50%.
John Monie (PAR) – 4/10 at 40% (1 draw).
Ken Shine (SOU) – 2/5 at 40%.
Jason Taylor (SOU) – 2/5 at 40% (1 draw).
Brad Arthur (PAR) – 3/8 at 37.5%.
Vic Hey (PAR) – 3/9 at 33.3%.
Ron Hilditch (PAR) – 1/3 at 33.3%.
Michael Hagan (PAR) – 1/3 at 33.3%.
Shaun McRae (SOU) – 1/3 at 33.3%.
Michael Cronin (PAR) – 1/5 at 20%.
Ricky Stuart (PAR) – 0/1 at 0%.
Robert McCarthy (SOU) – 0/1 at 0%.
Frank McMillan (PAR) – 0/2 at 0%.
Charlie Gill (PAR) – 0/2 at 0%.
Ken Slattery (PAR) – 0/2 at 0%.
Ronald Boden (PAR) – 0/2 at 0%.
Brian Hambly (PAR) – 0/2 at 0%.
Ron Lynch (PAR) – 0/2 at 0%.
Johnny King (SOU) – 0/2 at 0%.
John O’Neill (SOU) – 0/2 at 0%.
Stephen Kearney (PAR) – 0/3 at 0%.
Paul Langmack (SOU) – 0/3 at 0%.
Ian Walsh (PAR) – 0/4 at 0%.
John Gibson (SOU) – 0/4 at 0%.
Craig Coleman (SOU) – 0/4 at 0%.
Ken Thornett (PAR) – 0/5 at 0%.

Players to have scored three or more tries in one game in this clash

  1. Nathan Merritt (SOU) scored five tries in round 22, 2011.
  2. Ian Moir (SOU) scored five tries & Bob Honeysett (SOU) scored four tries in round 7, 1957.
  3. Ray Price (PAR) scored four tries in round 21, 1978.
  4. Matt Petersen (PAR) scored four tries in round 12, 2003.
  5. Jack Rayner (SOU) & Keith Gersbach/Dan Munro (both PAR) scored three tries in round 2, 1947*.
  6. Johnny Graves (SOU) scored three tries in round 10, 1948*.
  7. Dale Puren (SOU) scored three tries in round 14, 1955*.
  8. Eric Sladden (SOU) scored five tries & Ian Moir (SOU) scored five tries in round 16, 1957.
  9. Col Alterator & Geoff Weekes (both PAR) scored three tries in round 10, 1962.
  10. Ken Foord (PAR) scored three tries in round 9, 1963.
  11. Michael Cleary (SOU) scored three tries in round 4, 1965.
  12. Phil Smith (SOU) scored three tries in round 1, 1972.
  13. Harry Eden (SOU) scored three tries & Owen Stephens (PAR) scored four tries in round 10, 1975.
  14. Eric Grothe (PAR) scored three tries in round 3, 1980.
  15. Steve Ella (PAR) scored three tries in round 3, 1981.
  16. Mick Pattison (SOU) scored three tries in round 14, 1981.
  17. Will Harris (PAR) scored three tries in round 5, 1983.
  18. Graham Lyons (SOU) scored three tries in round 9, 1990.
  19. Russell Wyer (PAR) scored three tries in round 5, 1996.
  20. Luke MacDougall (SOU) scored three tries in round 2, 2005.
  21. Semi Radradra (PAR) scored three tries in round 10, 2016.
  22. Semi Radradra (PAR) scored three tries in round 26, 2017.

Players to have played for both sides in this clash

  1. Les Bell (SOU: 1943-1946 & PAR: 1947-1949)
  2. Arthur Slattery (SOU: 1943-1945 & PAR: 1947-1949)
  3. Martin Gallagher (SOU: 1953-1958 & PAR: 1960)
  4. Brian Hambly (SOU: 1956-1958 & PAR: 1961-1967)
  5. Kerry Burke (PAR: 1964-1968 & SOU: 1969-1972)
  6. Denis Pittard (SOU: 1968-1973 & PAR: 1974-1975)
  7. Mick Pattison (PAR: 1978-1980, 1983-1984 & SOU: 1981-1982)
  8. Nathan Gibbs (SOU: 1978-1983 & PAR: 1984)
  9. Tony Melrose (PAR: 1980-1981 & SOU: 1982-1983)
  10. John Kambas (PAR: 1983 & SOU: 1984)
  11. Brian Jackson (PAR: 1985-1991 & SOU: 1992)
  12. Greg Drake (PAR: 1989-1992 & SOU: 1995)
  13. Matt Goodwin (PAR: 1990-1991 & SOU: 1992)
  14. Matt Munro (PAR: 1990-1991 & SOU: 1998)
  15. David Penna (PAR: 1990-1993, 1998-2000 & SOU: 1994-1997)
  16. Jason Bell (PAR: 1989-1992, 1997-1999 & SOU: 1994-1996)
  17. John Fearnley (PAR: 1991-1994 & SOU: 1995)
  18. Peter Johnston (PAR: 1989-1991, 1996-1997 & SOU: 1992-1993)
  19. Paul Quinn (PAR: 1991-1992 & SOU: 1994-1997)
  20. Rod Maybon (SOU: 1988-1993 & PAR: 1996)
  21. Phil Howlett (PAR: 1994-1995 & SOU: 1996-1998)
  22. Michael Speechley (SOU: 1984-1985 & PAR: 1993-1995)
  23. Dean Schifilliti (SOU: 1994 & PAR: 1999-2000)
  24. David Kidwell (PAR: 1999-2000 & SOU: 2007-2009)
  25. Wade McKinnon (SOU: 2002-2003 & PAR: 2004-2006)
  26. Paul Stringer (SOU: 2002-2004 & PAR: 2005-2006)
  27. Dean Widders (PAR: 2002-2006 & SOU: 2007-2008)
  28. Adam Peek (SOU: 2002 & PAR: 2003-2006)
  29. Jamie Russo (PAR: 2002 & SOU: 2003-2004)
  30. Craig Stapleton (PAR: 2004 & SOU: 2010)
  31. Manase Manuokafoa (SOU: 2005-2008 & PAR: 2010-2011)
  32. Jeremy Smith (PAR: 2006 & SOU: 2007-2008)
  33. Joel Reddy (PAR: 2005-2011 & SOU: 2014-2015)
  34. Daniel Irvine (PAR: 2000-2002 & SOU: 2007)
  35. Beau Champion (SOU: 2005-2010, 2013-2014 & PAR: 2015)
  36. Chris Sandow (SOU: 2008-2011 & PAR: 2012-2015)
  37. Joe Galuvao (SOU: 2006-2007 & PAR: 2008-2009)
  38. Chris Walker (SOU: 2003 & PAR: 2011)
  39. Nathan Peats (SOU: 2011-2013 & PAR: 2014-2016)
  40. Kirisome Auva’a (SOU: 2014-2016 & PAR: 2017-2018)
  41. Nathan Brown (SOU: 2015-2016 & PAR: 2017-2018)

Most prolific point-scorers in this clash

Eric Simms (SOU) – 2 tries, 81 goals & 7 field goals (181 pts)*
Michael Cronin (PAR) – 7 tries & 70 goals (161 pts)*
Bernie Purcell (SOU) – 3 tries & 52 goals (113 pts)*
Luke Burt (PAR) – 6 tries & 32 goals (88 pts)
Chris Sandow (SOU/PAR) – 3 tries, 25 goals & 1 field goal (63 pts)
Johnny Graves (SOU) – 6 tries & 10 goals (54 pts)*
Nathan Merritt (SOU) – 12 tries & 2 goals (52 pts)
Arch Brown (PAR) – 2 tries & 21 goals (48 pts)*
Adam Reynolds (SOU) – 1 try & 22 goals (48 pts)
Kevin Longbottom (SOU) – 2 tries & 17 goals (42 pts)*
Steve Ella (PAR) – 7 tries, 8 goals & 2 field goals (41 pts)*
Denis Pittard (SOU) – 7 tries & 9 goals (39 pts)*
Neil Baker (SOU) – 18 goals & 2 field goals (38 pts)
Ian Moir (SOU) – 12 tries (36 pts)*
Keith Campbell (PAR) – 16 goals (32 pts)
Brett Hodgson (PAR) – 3 tries & 10 goals (32 pts)
Semi Radradra (PAR) – 8 tries (32 pts)

Disclaimer: As always, these are merely the most prolific point-scorers in games between these two sides. 

Also, players with asterisks next to their total points played in an era where either tries were worth three points and/or field goals were worth two points.

NRL Club News

New deal for Stockwell at the Titans

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Gold Coast Titans prop Jack Stockwell

Finding a new home on the Gold Coast, prop Jack Stockwell has re-signed with the Gold Coast Titans until the end of 2019.

Despite an early injury setback, Stockwell made his club debut in round six and has played seven games for the club to date.

His NRL debut came back in 2011 during his time at the St George Illawarra Dragons, culminating in a total of 70 NRL games at present.

Stockwell drew praise from Titans coach Garth Brennan for persevering and for his experience.

“As we all know, Jack had an early shoulder issue that needed to be sorted out when he first arrived at the club, but since that surgery he has shown how professional and diligent he is with his recovery and preparation,” Brennan said.

“He’s a quiet character but he is someone that speaks with his actions.”

Brennan also praised Stockwell’s strong form off the bench for the club.

He has made a real impact coming off the bench this year playing in the middle and he provides us with what we need,” Brennan continued.

“Jack has played 70 NRL matches and is up to the task of NRL football.

I know he’s enjoying life up here on the Gold Coast and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with him next season.”

NRL Club News

NRL Teams Rd 15

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Another Teamlist Tuesday as we head into NRL teams for Rd 15. 

Some teams scored much needed wins, others surprises losses.

One thing is for sure, the season and the top eight are starting to take shape.

Who can continue their charge forward? We will soon see.

Here are the teams for rd 15 of the NRL Telstra Premiership:

Parramatta Eels v South Sydney Rabbitohs (#NRLparsou); ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park; Thursday June 14. Kick-off: 7:55 pm.

Eels: 1. Bevan French 2. Josh Hoffman 3. Michael Jennings 4. Jarryd Hayne 5. George Jennings 6. Clint Gutherson (C) 7. Corey Norman 8. Daniel Alvaro 9. Cameron King 10. Peni Terepo 11. Manu Ma’u 12. Brad Takairangi 13. Nathan Brown.

Interchange: 14. Reed Mahoney 15. Tim Mannah (C) 16. David Gower 17. Marata Niukore.

Reserves: 18. Siosaia Vave 19. Suaia Matagi 20. Jaeman Salmon 21. Mitch Moses.

Coach: Brad Arthur.

Rabbitohs: 1. Alex Johnston 2. Campbell Graham 3. Greg Inglis (C) 4. Dane Gagai 5. Robert Jennings 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. George Burgess 11. John Sutton 12. Angus Crichton 13. Sam Burgess.

Interchange: 14. Adam Doueihi 15. Cameron Murray 16. Jason Clark 17. Tevita Tatola.

Reserves: 18. Robbie Farah 19. Hymel Hunt 20. Mark Nicholls 21. Tyrell Fuimaono.

Coach: Anthony Seibold.

North Queensland Cowboys v New Zealand Warriors (#NRLnqlwar); 1300 Smiles Stadium, Townsville; Friday, June 15. Kick-off: 6 pm. 

Cowboys: 1. Michael Morgan 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Enari Tuala 4. Justin O’Neill 5. Javid Bowen 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston (C) 8. Matt Scott (C) 9. Jake Granville 10. Scott Bolton 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo.

Interchange: 14. Ben Hampton 15. Shaun Fensom 16. Corey Jensen 17. Sam Hoare.

Reserves: 18. Justin O’Neill 19. Ethan Lowe 20. Mitch Dunn 21. Francis Molo.

Coach: Paul Green.

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C) 2. David Fusitu’a 3. Peta Hiku 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Blake Green 7. Shaun Johnson 8. James Gavet 9. Issac Luke 10. Agnatius Paasi 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Tohu Harris 13. Adam Blair.

Interchange: 14. Karl Lawton 15. Chris Satae 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Simon Mannering.

Reserves: 18. Gerard Beale 19. Mason Lino 20. Ligi Sao 21. Anthony Gelling.

Coach: Stephen Kearney.

Sydney Roosters v Penrith Panthers (#NRLsydpen); Allianz Stadium, Moore Park; Friday, June 15. Kick-off: 7:55 pm.

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Joseph Manu 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Luke Keary 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend (C) 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Isaac Liu.

Interchange: 14. Sio Siua Taukeiago 15. Zane Tetevano 16. Kurt Baptiste 17. Victor Radley.

Reserves: 18. Nat Butcher 19. Lindsay Collins 20. Paul Momirovksi 21. Billy Smith.

Coach: Trent Robinson.

Panthers: 1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2. Christian Crichton 3. Tyrone Peachey 4. Dean Whare 5. Tyrone Phillips 6. James Maloney  (C) 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Trent Merrin 9. Sione Katoa 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Corey Harawira-Naera 12. Isaah Yeo 13. James Fisher-Harris.

Interchange: 14. Wayde Egan 15. Kaide Ellis 16. Jack Hetherington 17. James Tamou.

Reserves: 18. Jarome Luai 19. Liam Martin 20. Tyrone May 21. Nick Lui-Toso.

Coach: Anthony Griffin.

Canterbury Bulldogs v Gold Coast Titans (#NRLcbygld); Belmore Sports Ground; Saturday, June 16. Kick-off: 3 pm.

Bulldogs: 1. Moses Mbye 2. Brett Morris 3. John Olive 4. Will Hopoate 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Jeremy Marshall-King 7. Matt Frawley 8. Aaron Woods 9. Michael Lichaa 10. David Klemmer 11. Josh Jackson (C) 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Adam Elliott.

Interchange: 14. Clay Priest 15. Kerrod Holland 16. Renouf To’omaga 17. Aiden Tolman.

Reserves: 18. Reimis Smith 19. Rhyse Martin 20. Greg Eastwood 21. Lachlan Lewis.

Coach: Dean Pay

Titans: 1. Michael Gordon 2. Anthony Don 3. Dale Copley 4. Brenko Lee 5. Philip Sami 6. AJ Brimson 7. Ash Taylor 8. Jack Stockwell 9. Nathan Peats 10. Ryan James (C) 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Keegan Hipgrave 13. Jai Arrow.

Interchange: 14. Mitch Rein 15. Will Matthews 16. Moeaki Fotuaika 17. Morgan Boyle.

Reserves: 18. Bryce Cartwright 19. Leilani Latu 20. Kane Elgey 21. Jai Whitbread.

Coach: Garth Brennan.

St George Illawarra Dragons v Manly Sea Eagles (#NRLsgiman); WIN Stadium, Wollongong; Saturday, June 16. Kick-off: 5:30 pm. 

Dragons: 1. Matt Dufty 2. Nene Macdonald 3. Euan Aitken 4. Tim Lafai 5. Kurt Mann 6. Gareth Widdop (C) 7. Ben Hunt 8. James Graham 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jack de Belin.

Interchange: 14. Jeremy Latimore 15. Jason Nightingale 16. Leeson Ah Mau 17. Jacob Host.

Reserves: 18. Blake Lawrie 19. Patrick Herbert 20. Reece Robson 21. Hame Sele.

Coach: Paul McGregor.

Manly: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Moses Suli 4. Brian Kelly 5. Akuila Uate. 6. Trent Hodkinson 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (C) 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Manase Fainu 10. Martin Taupau 11. Joel Thompson 12. Frank Winterstein 13. Jake Trbojevic.

Interchange: 14. Matthew Wright 15. Brad Parker 16. Shaun Lane 17. Taniela Paseka.

Reserves: 18. Thomas Wright 19. Lewis Brown 20. Toafofoa Sipley 21. Lloyd Perrett.

Coach: Trent Barrett.

Cronulla Sharks v Brisbane Broncos (#NRLcrobri); Southern Cross Group Stadium, Cronulla; Saturday, June 16. Kick-off: 7:30 pm. 

Sharks: 1. Valentine Holmes 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Edrick Lee 6. Matt Moylan 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham (C) Paul Gallen (C).

Interchange: 14. Joseph Paulo 15. James Segeyaro 16. Jack Williams 17. Jayson Bukuya.

Reserves: 18. Kurt Capewell 19. Ava Seumanufagai 20. Scott Sorenson 21. Sosaia Feki.

Coach: Shane Flanagan.

Broncos: 1. Darius Boyd (C) 2. Corey Oates 3. James Roberts 4. Jordan Kahu 5. Jamayne Isaako 6. Anthony Milford 7. Kodi Nikorima 8. Matt Lodge 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Sam Thaiday 11. Alex Glenn 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Josh McGuire.

Interchange: 14. Patrick Mago 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Tevita Pangai Jr. 17. Kotoni Staggs.

Reserves: 18. Sam Tagataese 19. Troy Dargan 20. Tom Opacic 21. David Fifita.

Coach: Wayne Bennett.

Newcastle Knights v Melbourne Storm (#NRLnewmel); McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle; Sunday, June 17. Kick-off: 2 pm. 

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Ken Sio 3. Sione Mata’utia 4. Cory Denniss 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Connor Watson 7. Jack Cogger 8. Herman Ese’ese 9. Slade Griffin 10. Josh King 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Mitch Barnett 13. Aidan Guerra (C).

Interchange: 14. Danny Levi 15. Chris Heighington 16. Luke Yates 17. Jacob Lillyman.

Reserves: 18. Nick Meaney 19. Sam Stone 20. Brock Lamb 21. Brent Naden.

Coach: Nathan Brown

Storm: 1. Billy Slater 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Will Chambers 4. Curtis Scott 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Ryley Jacks 8. Tim Glasby 9. Cameron Smith (C) 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Kenny Bromwich.

Interchange: 14. Brandon Smith 15. Christian Welch 16. Joe Stimson 17. Jahrome Hughes.

Reserves: 18. Young Tonumaipea 19. Sam Kasiano 20. Patrick Kaufusi 21. Cheyse Blair.

Coach: Craig Bellamy.

Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders (#NRLwstcan); Campbelltown Stadium; Sunday, June 17. Kick-off: 4 pm.

Tigers: 1. Corey Thompson 2. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak 3. Esan Marsters 4. Mahe Fonua 5. Kevin Naiqama 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Luke Brooks 8. Russell Packer (C) 9. Elijah Taylor 10. Ben Matulino 11. Chris Lawrence 12. Robbie Rochow 13. Matt Eisenhuth.

Interchange: 14. Alex Twal 15. Matt McIlwrick 16. Josh Aloiai 17. Tim Grant.

Reserves: 18. Michael Chee-Kam 19. Tyson Gamble 20. Sauaso Sue 21. Chris McQueen.

Coach: Ivan Cleary.

Raiders: 1. Jack Wighton 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker (C) 4. Joey Leilua 5. Michael Oldfield 6. Blake Austn 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Iosia Soliola 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Joseph Tapine 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Josh Papalii.

Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili 15. Luke Bateman 16. Dunamis Lui 17. Liam Knight.

Reserves: 18. Emre Guler 19. Brad Abbey 20. Jack Murchie 21. Craig Garvey.

Coach: Ricky Stuart.

 

NRL Club News

Joe Greenwood departs Gold Coast Titans effective immediately to return to England

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Former Gold Coast Titans back-rower Joe Greenwood

Joe Greenwood’s tenure in the NRL has come to an end, with the Gold Coast Titans releasing the forward effective immediately. 

Greenwood will return to England where he has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Wigan Warriors.

Joining the Titans at the start of the 2017 season, Greenwood played in 22 games.

Unable to add to that tally in 2018, Greenwood has been playing with the Burleigh Bears.

When an opportunity arose for Greenwood to return to England, the Titans were not about to stand in his way.

“Joe has been given an opportunity to return home and to play top flight rugby league at one of the premier clubs in the English Super League,” Head Coach Garth Brennan said.

“The entire club wish him all the best for the future and I know he will be a success back in his home country.”

With the chance to play for Wigan and prove himself on the table, Greenwood is excited to don the jersey.

“I am really pleased to have signed a long-term deal for Wigan and to move on to the next chapter in my career,” Greenwood said.

“Wigan is a massive club and speaking a few times to Ian Lenagan and Kris Radlinski I felt it was the right decision to make and a great opportunity for me.

I can’t wait to get over there and get stuck into the business end of the season.”