Nigel Vagana drops himself from lineup
March 19, 2008
South Sydney outside back Nigel Vagana has approached seniors players and staff at Souths and asked to be dropped from the Rabbitohs lineup for their game against the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium on Friday night.
Naturally taking Souths by surprise, key signing Nigel Vagana spoke of his on-going battle with injuries to his back and hamstring that have prevented him from being 100% fit and being able to give the Rabbitohs the strike power they needed from him out-wide.
Vagana has had to manage his back and leg problem during the pre-season and at 33 years of age the former Warrior, Bulldog and Cronulla Shark finds it that little bit harder to bounce back from niggles.
It’s a bold move from Nigel and certainly the right one, asking for 4 weeks out of first grade to get himself back to peak fitness - Vagana looked well short on pace and thrust in the game against the Sydney Roosters and ultimately in today’s NRL, anyone playing at even 95% will get found out and cost their team.
Souths senior players have backed Vagana and conferred with management before coach Jason Taylor chose to leave the representative centre out of the squad this week. Such is the interest in the club and players at Souths these days, immediately rumours swept around as to the playing future of Nigel Vagana.
Club captain David Kidwell doubts that Vagana will walk away from the club and the game he loves altogether.
“Nigel told the senior players he wanted to have a few weeks off to get over his injuries and get fully fit, and said we were OK with that,” Kidwell said. “It was a shock. We had no idea he was in that frame of mind but I don’t think he’s going to quit or anything like that. He just wants to get himself 100 per cent fit and we respect him for that because he’s put the team first.
“I think he just wants to get back to being the strike player that he has always been.”
Vagana joins Souths new recruit Craig Wing on the sidelines, the injured Wing set to watch for the 3 months after that horror shot from Roosters hooker Riley Brown.
Canberra get big names back for Knights clash
March 14, 2008
The Raiders get a nice boost ahead of their clash with Newcastle this weekend, with former Bronco and Queensland rep Neville Costigan proving his fitness for the match along with flyer William Zillman.
Costigan and fullback Zillman both had last minute fitness tests as Canberra pushed to get the stars back into their line-up. The Raiders feed off the aggression and physical presence of Costigan and will also enjoy the pace and attacking prowess of the up and coming Zillman from the back.For Zillman it’s his first hit out since damaging his anterior cruciate ligament in round 21 of the 2007 NRL season, in other news flanker Adrian Purtell will also return after suffering from a DVT scare last season.
Coach Neil Henry confirmed Costigan trained well in the leadup, managing his comeback well and will take the field tomorrow night at Energy Australia Stadium.
Former Rooster Nigel Plum and Joe Picker still remain as shadow players for Costigan who has not played a single NRL Pre-Season Trial game this year.
Zillman achieved much in his impressive season last year, bursting onto the scene for the Canberra Raiders and ending the NRL year as the clubs top try scorer. The speedy custodian wants to get into the action early to get his confidence back and start 2008 where he started last year - full of action.
“While i’ve been on the sidelines for a little while - in reality it’s only 4 NRL games I missed” Zillman said.
“Playing in the trial game during this years NRL pre-season the other week gave me a touch of confidence and I am looking to build on that this weekend”
There is no doubt Knights no.7 Jarrod Mullen will send plenty of bombs in the direction of the Canberra fullback, but Zillman and flankers Colin Best and Purtell have prepared for it and will be ready to face the heat.
“Kicking remains a huge weapon to NRL teams these days, lots of points are scored from kicks.”
“I am sure we’ll be tested, and we’re confident we’re up to it” confirmed Zillman
Canberra remain underrated as they do every NRL season, but facing the new look Knights might be an ideal chance to get the season off to a good start with an early win. While the game is played in Newcastle, the Raiders seem confident about their chances of pipping the new Brian Smith coached side.
Todd Carney signs with Raiders
March 14, 2008
In the end, it seems talk of Todd Carney leaving Canberra was pure genius on behalf of his management team. The discussions Carney and his manager had with Manly and Penrith more than likely served his purpose beautifully as the deal he inked with the Raiders today was probably heavily inflated due to the chances of the star half leaving his homeland. The deal signed today between Todd and the Raiders is set to keep the promising player in the ACT until 2010.
Carney has an option in his favour for the 2011-12 seasons, the clause offering him an out after the 2010 season as uncertainty continues over coach Neil Henry’s future with the club.
Henry is contracted through to the end of 2009 but has been strongly linked with the Brisbane job which becomes vacant at the end of this season.
Carney says he rejected offers from other clubs because Canberra felt like home and he says he has a premiership and State of Origin jumper in his sights.
“At the end of the day my heart was here,” Carney said.
“Money doesn’t buy happiness and I feel I’ve got my happiness here.”
Wests Tigers lose Tuiaki for Dragons clash
March 13, 2008
It what is a big blow for the Wests Tigers, they are set to lose punishing winger Taniela Tuiaki due to a hamstring problem as they prepare to face the St George Illawarra Dragons in Round 1 at the Sydney Football Stadium.
A damaging runner that adds plenty to the outside backs at the Tigers, Tuiaki was missing from the Wests Tigers training run at the SFS earlier today, headcoach Tim Sheens confirming that Tuiaki is slated for a Round 2 return against the North Queensland Cowboys. The loss of their powerhouse winger and forward utility will no doubt hurt the Wests Tigers who are still reeling from a poor showing at Skilled Park against the Titans in a recent trial game.
Coming into the team is new boy and former Dragons reserve grader Beau Ryan.
The Tigers will utilize the SFS again on Saturday with Tim Sheens preferring to get extra time on the match surface before the game kicks-off.
Sunday’s match between the Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra Dragons is the first time the two teams have met at the SFS (Formerly Aussie Stadium) since the Tigers outpointed the Dragons in the 2005 preliminary final there - in the year where the Tigers went on to win the big one.
Souths get sponsor just in time
March 13, 2008
The smart management and active involvement from Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court has again paid dividends for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, with the improving club set to announce a large deal with the National Australia Bank as the home sponsor for the Rabbits in the 2008 NRL season.
With heavy involvement by Russell Crowe, the Bunnies have again been rescued by his high profile and ‘can do’ personality he began telephoning some of the Australia’s leading financial institutions to help source the sponsorship deal.
The million-dollar deal is set to be announced and is just in time for the Bunnies Round 1, 2008 NRL blockbuster against arch rivals the Roosters at ANZ Stadium.
It’s believed that NAB will be promoted on the front of the Souths jersey for the teams home games and the Rabbitohs continue to court major partners for away games. Souths has been a new backer since walking away from controversial fuel company Firepower at the end of 2007.
Impressively, Crowe and Holmes a Court refused to drop the NRL Clubs asking price of $2.5million a season and remained firm that the South Sydney brand was certainly an attractive one to corporations and one that would give plenty of coverage. It seems a step in the right direction and while other NRL clubs don’t have the power of Russell Crowe to do deals, there is no reason they should be ‘begging’ or reducing their prices in order to secure quick deals.
Many believed Souths would ink a deal with US Giant; Blackberry or potentially extend an existing relationship with airline Virgin Blue.
Can Penrith prove critics wrong?
March 12, 2008
As Penrith find themselves deep in a rebuilding phase, the crux of the Panthers 2008 NRL campaign lies in the hands of a few talented local products.
Naturally plenty of pressure will be applied to key off-season buys; Petero Civoniceva and Adam Woolnough and these two big units should go a long way to improving the defensive centre field problems of 2007.
Panthers coach Matt Elliott should also look to rookies Jarrod Sammut, Michael Jennings, Geoff Daniela and ex-Raiders half Josh McCrone to provide the spark the Panthers need in other areas to get them back to into the winners circle again.
If Penrith are to be serious finals contenders this time round, they will need to work hard in the areas of attitude, fitness and most importantly discipline. Too many times last year Penrith looked to be well off the NRL pace in terms of conditioning, with the Panthers losing several tight games after surrendering big leads. Early pre-season drills involving NRL referee’s at Panthers training was a step in the right direction for the mountain men as they try and curb their misbehavior problems on field.
Coach Elliott will be hoping that a more focused attitude from his squad will go a long way to improving their miserly 8 wins last year. Realistically though, the Panthers may struggle with depth this season should injuries or suspension bite them. It’s probably for this reason that most punters have penciled the Panthers in for a lower ladder position come end of season.
Advantages:
Penrith have an impressive array of younger talent coming through their junior sides, with players like Sammut, Jennings and Michael Gordon all making their marks last year. The Panthers do possess that try scoring potential from their outside backs and they should get plenty of chances to shine given the creative brand of footy that the Puletua brothers and others provide up front.
Penrith will have no problems in scoring tries, but they will have to stiffen their goalline defence if they hope to move up the ladder in season ’08. The additions of Civoniceva and Woolnough should go along way to solving that dilemma, as will the return of fullback Rhys Wesser from a lengthy injury spell.
Concerns:
With former halfback and favourite son Craig Gower relocating to French rugby and potential superstar Peter Wallace signing with the Broncos, it has left a massive hole in the Panthers halves pairing for this year. Former centre Luke Lewis steps into the unfamiliar role of five-eight, while enigmatic half Joe Williams gets first shot at the number seven jersey after two inconsistent years at Souths. The Panthers have seemingly the weakest halves pairing in the competition, with the most troublesome sign for coach Elliott is the lack of backup in the key playmaking positions.
2008 Likely NRL Starting Side:
1- Rhys Wesser
2- Luke Rooney
3- Michael Jennings
4- Brad Tighe
5- Michael Gordon
6- Luke Lewis
7- Joe Williams
8- Adam Woolnough
9- Luke Priddis
10- Petero Civoniceva
11- Tony Puletua
12- Frank Pritchard
13- Trent Waterhouse
14- Paul Aiton
15- Frank Puletua
16- Nathan Smith
17– Tim Grant
Player Acquisitions and Departures:
Acquisitions:
Petero Civoniceva (Brisbane), Joe Williams (South Sydney), Adam Woolnough (Newcastle), Brad Tighe (Newcastle), Josh McCrone (Canberra)
Departures:
Joel Clinton and Peter Wallace (Brisbane), Craig Gower (French rugby union), Nick Youngquest (Wests Tigers), Bryan Norrie (Cronulla), Matthew Cross (Gold Coast), Brett Firman (released)
Cameron Smith won’t miss Round 1
March 12, 2008
There were doubts over Cameron Smith starting in the Melbourne Storm lineup for Round 1, with his first child yet to be born and due any day. However, Storm fans can rest easy now - as the potent hooker is now a proud dad and ready to take his position on the field for Monday Night Football against the NZ Warriors.
His little girl, Jada Grace Smith was born at 1:54pm weighing in at an even eight pounds and both mother and daughter are fine and healthy.
“I was getting a bit worried there because the baby was two days overdue,” said Cameron Smith.
“We thought we were going to have to induce the baby, but luckily Barb went into labour this morning.
“Barb and Jada are both doing really well, and I’m just so glad the wait is finally over.
“It’s a great relief she had the baby before the game on Monday night otherwise I might have had another tough decision to make about whether I played or not.”
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Born at 1:54pm, the little girl weighed in at an even eight pounds and both mother and daughter are fine and healthy.
“I was getting a bit worried there because the baby was two days overdue,” said Smith.
“We thought we were going to have to induce the baby, but luckily Barb went into labour this morning.
“Barb and Jada are both doing really well, and I’m just so glad the wait is finally over.
“It’s a great relief she had the baby before the game on Monday night otherwise I might have had another tough decision to make about whether I played or not.”
Manly Sea Eagles to face their demons
March 12, 2008
There has been little if any talk of the Manly Sea Eagles during the NRL off-season. Seemingly flying under the media spotlight, as the Bulldogs had their boardroom fights and the Roosters poached their players and the dramatic headlines continued as the Eels dodged bullets in Kings Cross; yet the Eagles were left to quietly lick their Grand Final wounds from 2007 in relative peace.
As struggling clubs and coaches face up to the pressure of the season start; the likes of Matt Elliott and the Panthers ready to try and erase the memory of 2007, or Nathan Brown trying to get his team a premiership in what could be his final year at the helm or maybe Brian Smith and his catastrophe up in Newcastle - still no talk of Manly.
Des Hasler and the boys must be secretly happy about not having to answer too many questions about their build-up or new look side for 2008.
In reality, Manly face more pressure than most as they try to keep their winning ways intact with their Round 1 clash with Cronulla at Brookvale a stern early test. Fortunately for the Sea Eagles it’s a home game and the opposition side in the Sharks have been woeful in their trial form - so it could be the small advantage that the Sea Eagles need to get going.
For Manly, losing the Grand Final by such a heft margin was hard enough - but they then had to watch as prominent players left the club to join the UK Super League. Of most importance is the loss of Michael Monaghan, so often a game breaker for them - but talent in Travis Burns and Chris Hicks will also be sorely missed. Even 3 to 4 player changes can hurt a club and force them to lose their winning cohesion and habit.
We saw something similar at Penrith in the aftermath of their big Grand Final win in 2003. As they started losing only a few players such as Scott Sattler, Joe Galuvao and Paul Whatuira the cracks started to appear. While all strong players, these guys weren’t considered game breakers and many thought the Panthers machine would roll on - however, this proved far from true.
This is the syndrome that the Manly Sea Eagles face and getting a confident early start to the 2008 NRL season is critical to their chances more than other teams.
Jamie Lyon continues to find his feet at pivot and will take time to gel with Matt Orford, the gap between the Super League and the NRL was obvious for Lyon - with the former star struggling to reach the dominance of his early NRL career. The same concerns could possibly be held for David Vaealiki another former Parramatta Eel who joins the Manly Sea Eagles for 2008 after a stint in the UK Super League competition.
Des Hasler has always been a coach keen on fitness and there is no doubt the Sea Eagles will be physically prepared well and will be at premium fitness for this weekends match. But for the Grand Final losers of 2007, it shouldn’t be a cakewalk. The Sharks were underachievers last year and will be desperate for a strong early win and Ricky Stuart will be sure to target Brett Stewart who returns from that severe head knock in the GF and recent knee surgery in the off-season along with new boys David Vaealiki and Michael Bani who are new additions to the Sea Eagles backline.
Riley Brown primed for Roosters debut
March 11, 2008
A grand final win is something that former Knight Riley Brown is hopeful for in the future, but for the time being the young utility is focused on a positive start to the season, earning a run on spot for the Roosters at hooker. Walking away from the Newcastle Knights last season after the Brian Smith clean-out, Brown is now man ready to start again.
The 23-year-old Queenslander has impressed his coach, Brad Fittler in pre-season training and shown form in the trial matches strong enough to earn him a spot in the starting team for Friday night’s NRL season opener against South Sydney at ANZ Stadium.
Brown came to the Roosters from Newcastle to fill the gap left following the departure of Craig Wing and Heath L’Estrange from the club, and Fittler could not be happier with the hooker’s attitude.
“Riley was one of the only players not to miss a session in pre-season,” Fittler said. “He’s in the starting team because he’s got the spot and once you’ve got the spot people have to get it off you.”
“He’s a pleasure to coach, he comes with the same attitude every day. He’s unassuming and just goes about his business, and it was this attitude that has got him a jumper for the first game.”
“He gets to play hooker and he’s done a fair bit of work over the pre-season so we’ll see how he goes,” he said.
Brown is pleased to be in the run-on side for his debut game for his new club and is especially excited to be playing in the local derby.
“I’m absolutely pumped for it,” Brown said. “Friday’s game against the Rabbitohs is a big match and one I’m looking forward to.”
“I trained hard in pre-season and it’s obviously paid off. I try hard all the time so it’s good to get in the team,” he said.
“I’m not nervous yet but I’m sure as kick-off gets closer it’ll start to kick in.”
Tallis: Broncos can make Top 4
March 11, 2008
The new look Brisbane Broncos forward pack will be under more pressure than ever as they try to create a successful new engine room at the club that has lost several familiar faces there in recent times.As new club signings Ben Hannant, Sam Thaiday and Corey Parker all speak of stepping up to take up the slack, after Petero Civoniceva has left Brisbane along with the likes of Dane Carlaw, Brad Thorn and only a season before; Shane Webcke.
The talk has been around new guys Joel Clinton and Ashton Sims wanting to stamp their authority too and put themselves in the best position to take over the reigns permanently.
With the NRL 2008 season only days from kick-off, now it’s showtime.
The Broncos forwards will be acid tested by the guys who only last year led them around the Rugby League field - Petero Civoniceva.
For each Broncos supporter and anyone who has ever been involved with the club, it will be an unusual experience to see big Petero run out for the Penrith Panthers this weekend.
Rarely has a Brisbane Bronco player worn the jersey with more pride and there is no doubting the impressive prop will be wanting to get some revenge on the club that didn’t show him enough respect.
Partnering him will be the Puletua gang, Frank and Tony, plus that other giant NZ rep Frank Pritchard.
All big, all tough and sure to be encouraged by the likes of Petero by their side; they are really going to give the new Broncos forward pack an early test and a good guide as to how they will perform this season without their experienced former stars.
There is no doubting, that the Broncos, having Darren Lockyer back in charge, Justin Hodges freed to perform his usual duties and a fresh Karmichael Hunt, have the nucleus of a powerhouse side that should realistically not only make the finals and but achieve a top 4 finish.
It’s been said before, but it can only happen if the forwards lay that all important platform and the new men have big shoes to fill, lets not forget the fact that a specialist hooker PJ Marsh also comes into the new pack and should provide good gel amongst the group.
What’s critical is the early rounds of this years NRL as Lockyer starts to get his timing and confidence back, as he returns from a long layoff.
I have kept an eye on his comeback from knee surgery and no one that I have seen, has been more committed or professional in their road back.
Looking sharp at training for sure, but the skipper needs a chance to get his timing back. A failing forward pack with little go-forward will create nightmares for Lockyer as he returns.
I expect coach Wayne Bennett to have explained all this to the new forwards in particular to ensure the path of Lockyer and that of the Broncos is laid out correctly for this season.
This it, no time to shy away from the collisions. The Broncos forwards must work in numbers and throw themselves into the heat of battle without fear.
If this can happen, Darren Lockyer and the classy outside backs at Brisbane will have the ideal chance to forge a winning start in what shapes to be a new era at the club that has achieved so much in such a short time in the NRL.