NRL club memberships up for 2010

February 19, 2010

NRL Club MembershipsIt seems Rugby League supporters are finally getting behind their teams, as club membership growth is set to bring in an extra $25 million to NRL clubs in the coming season.

With many Sydney based clubs already struggling financially, the growth in memberships comes at an ideal time. The National Rugby League has also offered a $50,000 carrot to the team that can achieve the 10,000 ticketed membership figure first.

South Sydney lead the chase to the 10,000 member barrier, (Souths currently have 9160 members) and they are followed closely by St George Illawarra (9074) and the Bulldogs at (9051).

The big movers have been the Parramatta Eels who have gone close to doubling their member number this season, currently sitting at (6076). Also recording a gain the Cronulla Sharks moved to (2051) members which is a 21 percent rise on last year.

The Bunnies and Bulldogs in particular have had good marketing programs behind their memberships in the past few years. Always heavily supported, the Bulldogs have been focused on smashing the 10,000 barrier and over at Souths, since Crowe and Holmes a Court got on board they have made the 10,000 figure a priority as they like most clubs understand the importance and financial benefits strong membership rosters bring.

But in reality, these figures need to be much, much higher.

In a good move for 2010, several clubs have renamed the various membership types. While in the past there were ‘Season Ticket Holders’ and ‘Supporter Club Members’ – these are now being called ‘Ticketed Members’ and ‘Non Ticketed Members’.

A ticketed member is a member that pre-pays for seats at every home game and a non-ticketed member is a club supporter, without buying access to every game. Both memberships help the club and offer options to supporters who live long distances away and don’t need to attend every game.

When you compare the loyalty and amount of memberships the AFL clubs boast, it really makes the NRL base look decidedly puny.

Here are some club membership figures from the leading AFL teams:

Adelaide Crows: 51,000+ members

West Coast Eagles: 46,000+ members

Freemantle: 44,000+ members

Collingwood: 39,000+ members

When you compare these kind of figures, you realise that NRL fans need to seriously get on board and buy a membership to their footy club. Even if you live a long distance from your club, you don’t need to be a season ticket holder – simply purchase a membership to the Footy Club for a few bucks and help your team grow.

If you want to join, simply go NRL.COM/MEMBERSHIP and get on board with your club.

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NRL Injured Allstars Side

February 18, 2010

Most Injured NRL Players of alltimeWe first discussed the most injured NRL team of all time several years ago on NRLNEWS.COM (which included the likes of Brett Papworth, Brad Clyde and Andrew Johns) but given the recent spike in pre-season injuries to key players we felt it was time to revisit, but this time selecting the inaugral NRL Injured Allstars side from current injury-prone stars.

This will be a team featuring players that are always seemingly injured, some horror back luck here to say the least. We look forward to your suggestions and comments on who you think are the most injured players in the NRL.

1. Anthony Minichiello - The Roosters fullback has been a permanent fixture in the Hospital ward this past 3 years. An explosive fullback no doubt, but will he ever get out of cotton wool again?

2. Justin Hodges - The angry Queenslander with a bad attitude snares a spot on the wing, with too much competition in the centres in the injured allstars. Hodges has been a knee surgeons pin-up boy for years, dating back to his Roosters days. Still spends plenty of time in the dug-out with injuries.

3. Steve Matai - The New Zealand born centre has been an injury poster boy for the past few years. Not only has he regularly been out injured – but Matai makes an artform of clutching at an ankle, neck, leg or arm after most tackles in the NRL. Spends more time on the turf than he does on his feet in some games.

4. Brent Tate – The former Broncos flyer aka ‘Buzz Lightyear’ for his weird looking neck brace has been on the cover of World Worst Sporting Injuries several times now. Has had a horror run in the past 4-5 years and will hopefully get on the field again once more in 2010.

5. Eric Grothe – Only just managed to scrape into the Injured Allstars side. Grothe has had better luck in the past 18 months, but prior to this he made a career out of bandages. Back backs, busted knees and sore hips. He lived out of the back of an ambulance. But was this merely a cover to skip some training?

6. Trent Barrett - The talented NSW and Australian half has spent plenty of time in the injury ward. Baz nearly had to make cotton wool part of his preparation back in his St George Illawarra days, while he has improved – even in his new Sharks career he has spent time on the stretcher for many weeks in a row.

7. Benji Marshall – The captain of the Injured Allstars, the Wests Tigers considered building a mini-Hospital at Lidcombe Oval to cater to Marshall. Shoulders like rubber bands at times, the Kiwi playmaker lives and breathes operations. Spent half a career under observation.

8. Jason Ryles - Vice Captain of the Injured Allstars, the former Saint now Rooster should be given a trophy for his injury achievements. The veteran has done it all in injury terms and has achieved the unthinkable, he has copped another injury prior to the season even starting with the Roosters in 2010. A candidate for Injured Allstars hall of fame.

9.  Robbie Farah - A relative rookie to the Injured Allstars, Farah has quickly climbed the ranks as a an injury poster boy. The gifted Tigers rake is notching up miles in the emergency ward quicker than any other upcoming player. Expect to see him selected in the team for the next few years.

10. Ben Ross -  A veteran that needs no introduction, Ross lives for Hospital food. This guy has gone to amazing lengths to ensure his selection in the Injured Allstars and was up until recently the highest paid player under the Injured Allstars salary cap. Brings amazing injury skills to the team.

11. Steve Simpson – Another veteran that knows how to bandage a busted knee or two. The Knights forward regularly buckles over with problems and has battled the injury blues for years. Amazing that he has managed to keep his lengthy career going with so much time in leg warmers on the sideline.

12. Willie Mason – A high profile addition, had the option of being selected for either foot in mouth disease or for impressive stints on the sidelines over the years for knee problems. No stranger to the ER Wards of Belmore and Bondi, a handy addition to the Injured Allstars NRL side.

13. Dean Young - Could have easily been selected at hooker, but Young gets pipped by the Rookie Injured Allstar Farah. Young has been a constant in the Allstar Injured selections for years. This guy will deadset be a hall of famer for the Injured Allstars in the years ahead. Was mentored by Ryles at the Dragons, giving Young a strong edge with injuries. This guy has done it all in such few years.

14. Kurt Gidley - Storming selection on the bench. Gids has been working hard to get injured in these past few years and ensured his selection with a recent mystery knee problem. Expect more from this talented Newcastle product.

15. Brett Kearney – The Sharks flyer is rarely seen on the field these days. He apparently has rented a Hospital room which ensures automatic selection in the Injured Allstars side.

16. Keith Galloway – The tearaway Tiger has done everything to get into the Injured Allstars side and secures a bench spot as he continues to find his way to the sidelines.

17. Matt Bowen - Unlucky to be forced out by Minichiello in the starting side. Bowen has been in outstanding injury form in recent seasons, a bench position is just reward for his efforts.

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Confident Soward the Key

February 17, 2010

Jamie Soward Dragons Chances NRL 2010While St George Illawarra supporters are still ruing the year that got away, the 2009 Minor Premiers will continue to reap the benefits from an ever-improving Jamie Soward this year.

After now having spent 2 full seasons with the Dragons, the 25 year old Soward has obviously blossomed under the guidance of Wayne Bennett. Given a licence to thrill under Bennett, Soward has really thrived – after getting a tonne of confidence from the backing of Bennett.

He might have had his doubters at the Roosters, but Jamie Soward is really making the Bondi brigade rue the day they let him go.

Phil Gould always touted the young half as a future Origin player, and Gus regularly used to use Soward as a training tool in NSW Origin Camps.

In only 2 and a bit seasons at the Dragons, Soward has already got his hands on club records. The creative no.7 nabbing the most points in a season record and also holding the highest game point scoring achievement after sinking 22 points in a single outing.

Sowards creativity, direction and accurate kicking are widely recognised – but what surprised many last week is the raw speed he showed to outpace Panthers gun Michael Jennings in a footrace to the try line.

Soward has always had fair pace, but to outsprint Jennings over 50 metres was an impressive feat and one that should have Dragons fans salivating over their prospects in 2010.

Ever increasing representative honours for Soward are helping him no end in the confidence department and given the fact that the Dragons have several playmakers is handy to take the pressure off the current half-back week in, week out.

The Saints may have lost big Wendell Sailor, along with the likes of Chase Stanley and Mickey Paea but the increasingly confident Soward is the key to their success in 2010. He is more and more becoming the player to turn half chances into points and is willing to take the gamble when the game is on the line.

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NRL Top 8 Predictions

February 16, 2010

2010 NRL Top 8 Predictions and TipsYesterday we spoke about the teams that should miss the Top 8 in 2010, and we got plenty of feedback from passionate fans. Don’t forget to join us on Twitter for NRL discussion, at www.twitter.com/NRLNEWS

Today we look at the teams that will make the grade, the Top 8 and Top 4.

1. Melbourne Storm – The best team of the past decade remains impressively strong. The likes of Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Greg Inglis cannot be overlooked. Well coached and now with Brett Finch settling in as a genuine half – they have the whole package.

2. Bulldogs - The Belmore boys had a great year in 2009 and there is no reason why they shouldn’t improve. The strong squad has been improved with Dene Halatau, Steve Turner, Blake Green and Mickey Paea all joining. Expect big things.

3. Eels – Parramatta have an enviable squad, last years Grand Finalists have added Timana Tahu and Justin Poore who will bring more to the table. As with the Bulldogs, the incoming coach has had time to adjust and it should be another big year barring injuries.

4. Titans – The strong local support for the Gold Coast outfit has been phenomenal. They’ve developed so quickly and continue to boast a glittering roster. With Greg Bird joining to sure up their halves and excitement machine Joseph Tomane coming from the Storm – these guys will really challenge hard. If Toopi earns a contract, they have a genuine giant killing team.

5. Wests Tigers – Have been promising so much for the past few years. However, their recruitment drive has been smart over the past 18 months. First luring Gareth Ellis from the UK and now Jason Cayless and Lote Tiquiri join the ranks. Now boast genuine size in the forwards, their mobility and attacking prowess could be amplified. Watch this space.

6. South Sydney – Surely the Bunnies can be confident of a finals showing in 2010. They virtually have a representative team on paper. Wesser, Asotasi, Crocker, Sutton, Dave Taylor, Sam Burgess, Ben Ross and the list goes on. Lang knows how to motivate well and Souths fans can put the mortgage on the line – as they will certainly be around at the business end.

7. Dragons – While they should make the finals, St George Illawarra needed to really capitalise in 2009. It was their year. But now, they have lost a few faces, in Wendell, Poore, Stanley and Paea and more importantly their confidence has been smashed around even further after finishing so poorly yet again at the back end of the season.

8. Cowboys -  Due for a big year. Willie Mason could make or break this mob. If he remains healthy and motivated, the big man could add extra thrust to this promising group of players. Any team with JT stands a chance, if they travel well they will be there at the business end.

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Greg Bird needs to change

February 15, 2010

Greg Bird Titans NRLFormer Cronulla Shark and returning NRL pivot Greg Bird was back on Saturday Night, his appearance for the Allstar Indigenous side his first outing on Australian soil in nearly 2 years.

It was the ideal setting for Bird to return, a game in which he was sharing the stage with a host of other stars and with the main focal point being a celebration of our games best, including our Aboriginal stars.

Bird has been hounded in the press, but here was the chance to play some Rugby League without all eyes being on him. He could ease his way into the match and start to rebuild his image.

While Bird has successfully come away from the courts after his two assault hearings, surely his focus would be to rebuild his image and prove doubters wrong?

Well, just like his former ‘bash brother’ Paul Gallen who seems to struggle with behaving on the field – Bird seemed intent on making the wrong headlines, as he lashed out several times in the Allstar game.

While not doing anything highly illegal, Bird would be best served by ‘cooling it’ or soon enough he will find himself in hotter water.

It was petty, grubby stuff that is just not needed.

Apart from the odd face massage that Bird dished out and a few poor reactions after being hit heavily in a tackle – it was the challenge on Jarryd Hayne over the dead ball line that summed up what Greg Birds all about.

Chasing an attacking grubber kick, Bird challenged Hayne who was shadowing the ball as they neared the dead ball line.

But as the ball ran dead and they play was over, Bird continued to dangerously shove Hayne in the back as they neared the sideboards.

Now, this could have been accidental as the players came to a halt, but anyone who gave Bird the benefit of the doubt would have soon taken it back – as the former NSW Origin rep then proceeded to lean over Haynes shoulder and smash at the ball to waste time.

All this while the balls out of play.

Now in some peoples eyes, this is simply part and parcel of Rugby League. Playing hard and wanting to win at all costs.

But firstly given this was an Allstar Game where the ‘message’ of reconciliation and celebration, along with the actual quality of the game was more important than the end-result and secondly as Bird returns from horror headlines and 24 months he woud rather forget – wouldn’t he be well advised to start behaving on the field and trying to win back a few fans?

Sadly this wasn’t the case.

Greg Bird seems like an angry young bloke and while that might give him the edge and make him play better personally, it will only be a matter of time before he oversteps the line on the field and finds himself in judiciary trouble.

Fortunately for the Titans, they have massive depth this year and will have no trouble covering the former Sharks and Les Catalans player.

The only person he will be hurting is himself.

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AFL and Sheedy outsmarting League

February 10, 2010

Kevin Sheedy Greater Western Sydney AFLThe NRL might have employed Nathan Hindmarsh as Leagues face of the west and the current NRL stronghold has a long way before it’s dethroned, but at this stage AFL and Kevin Sheedy are proving to be extremely smart in their tactics.

At this stage, Sheedy and the AFL just want exposure – and they’re getting plenty of it.

Every jibe, tongue in cheek comment or intentional reference to the NRL draws attention and valuable real estate in NRL dominated Sydney newspapers.

Just look at both clangers from Sheedy this week.

The first, suggesting he had no idea who Nathan Hindmarsh was. An extremely smart and caluclating move, there is little doubt Sheedy probably knew of Hindmarsh – but his gesture that smacked of a little disrespect – instantly got headlines.

Several newspapers took the bait. Sheedy and the AFL get more Western Sydney exposure.

Then it was followed up by another beauty.

Sheedy soon claimed he wanted to be a member of all 4 Western Sydney NRL clubs. The Tigers, Eels, Penrith and Bulldogs.

It was soon Sheedy 2 – NRL 0, as the reporters again latched on to the comments and beat them up to generate more stories.

More exposure for the aging Sheedy and his new focus in the Greater West of Sydney.

The NRL needs to ignore Sheedy and refuse to comment in the future. Everytime the bait is laid out, the NRL keeps getting hooked.

And they’re playing right into the enemies hands.

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Souths, Tigers big expectations

February 8, 2010

Lote Tiquiri West Tigers NRLFringe finals sides in the past few years, South Sydney and Wests Tigers have their best chance in years to not only secure finals spots but have the potential to nail down a Top 4 NRL finish given their impressive recruiting for 2010.

Apart from the fairytale Wests experienced in 2005, both sides have been also-rans in recent seasons and could use that to their advantage as they sneak up on other sides in 2010.

For Souths, their transformation has been highly impressive. Under the control of Crowe and Holmes a Court, the Bunnies have built training facilities the envy of the League, recruited top flight players and combined it with depth from lcoal talent.

With experienced and well-respected coach John Lang at the helm, along with big names Sam Burgess, Dave Taylor and Ben Ross all rolling in – they look might solid in the forwards.

For the Wests Tigers, while they have recruited smartly with the likes of big names Lote Tiquiri and Jason Cayless coming on-board, joining with the Tigers’ great buy from 09 Gareth Ellis.

But other former proven players have also been welcomed back into the club, with their original departure being forced through salary cap pressures – the club was always keen to bring them back, the likes of Liam Fulton and Daniel Fitzhenry will rejoin their old teammates as they form a solid unit that also includes Tame Tupou of Brisbane Broncos fame.

The pieces of the puzzle look to have really come together for both these sides, and if you take the example of the Bulldogs in 2009 – a genuine team rebuild and culture can be achieved in record periods.

The change required for both the Tigers and Bunnies isn’t anywhere near as great, so only small areas of improvements will see these sides ensure Finals security in 2010.

For Wests the confidence factor alone that comes with Tiquiri is worth its weight in gold. In a similar fashion that Wendell Sailor achieved for Saints, big Lote regardless of his form – will instill massive confidence in his younger less experienced teammates.

Just having a player of that caliber will lift others in the side no-doubt.

For Souths, it’s all about depth and new coach John Lang.

The Bunnies have such good depth across the park, they have aces up their sleeves should injuries start to occur consistently. As with so many sides these days, injuries can literally halt a mid-season charge at the finals.

Topping this off, Lang has the ability to get the best out of all forms of players. Respected, players all want to play for this coach and this will be a great asset for the South Sydney outfit brimming with talent.

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Storm have 2 aces up sleeve

September 30, 2009

Storm Cam Smith Ryan HoffmanThey are the 2 ace cards for the Melbourne Storm that will make such a difference to last years team – a team that suffered a humiliating loss to Manly 40-0 in the NRL Grand Final.

Cameron Smith and Ryan Hoffman.

Both were sidelined last year and it was obvious how much the Storm missed their services.

For Cam Smith, almost everyone knows who crucial the hooker is to the Melbourne side.

But favourites Melbourne also rely heavily on the non-stop workload of Ryan Hoffman.  Running hard on the fringes, making copious amounts of tackles of pulling off that critical stop mid-field – you can expect Hoffman to be there.

The Storm are much fresher in 2009 and deserve their hot favouritism as bookmakers last night penned them in as 1.60 favourites. The Eels being posted at 2.35.

The crowd factor is something the Storm have also learnt to deal with, as expected there will be 75,000 pro-Eels fans and possibly as little as 5,000 Storm faithful at ANZ Stadium on Sunday – but the 2 aces of Smith and Hoffman will ensure the Southerners will be much more competitive than last time round.

Smith hasn’t enjoyed the best of form in 2009, the consistent rake sets such high standards – that by comparison in 2009, he hasn’t quite been at the loft heights of previous years, yet.

His cool, calm personality is rare flustered and aids the Storm through tough periods of the game. Most only notice his cutting runs, or slick passing from around the ruck – but if you watch how many times Smith shuts down an opposition raid around the ruck, smothers a kick in behind the line or pushes through to backup a forward run – you’ll see how valuable he is in other areas.

For Hoffman, who used to hail from Campebelltown in Sydneys West – it’s a chance to play in yet another Grand Final after missing out last year. Hoffman confirming he would rather ‘lose’ a Grand Final than be forced to sit on the sidelines and watch again.

“Losing a grand final is one of the hardest things. It’s devastating losing a grand final, but not being able to play, not being able to help your teammates. You are just helpless and that is worse I feel.” said Hoffman.
“It’s just because you know how hard they are working and not being able to contribute to them is a hard thing.

“It is such a helpless feeling. I was feeling sorry for the boys out on the field to have what happened to them during the game.

“It was quite hard for them, I felt for them rather than for myself.

“But that’s done and now I get a chance to rectify that moment last year this year.” confirmed the Storm forward.

The Storm have a strong contingent of 9 players left in the squad from their Premiership winning 2007 NRL squad. This will be their 4th Grand Final in as many years, so far they have only won the 1 and they know the pressure that will come if they lose this match – an unwanted pressure that may remain with them for years to come.

But as Hoffman pointed out; if the Storm can win – “People determine greatness by premierships and if you get a couple of premierships in a decade then I suppose you deserve to be ranked as one of the quality teams,” he said.

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Dogs fans bash Eels legend

September 30, 2009

Bulldogs Fans Violence Attack Eels Terry LeabetterTERRY Leabeater , the former Parramatta Eels bookend, along with female companions were apparently assaulted at ANZ Stadium by Bulldogs fans on Friday night.

Leabeter’s wife Jenny and a 2nd woman were also victims in the ANZ Stadium attack.

Bulldogs fans have had a long history of violence at NRL games and sadly it seems the trend may have continued after they were defeated at the weekend.

Leabeater, who was in need of medical help after at the attack – passed details of the flare up on to Parramatta and NRL heavyweights after the events occurred.

Stadium came to the assistance of Leabeater and his companions soon after, helping him exit the venue safely.

ANZ Stadium management were made aware of the incident by Sunday morning. It is understood at least 3 Bulldogs fans took part in the attack.

Police are also investigating the incident, which occurred when Leabeater was inside a stadium lift.

“What those blokes did was pretty ordinary,” Leabeater said last night.

“There was no need for it.

“It was a misunderstanding and not even related to the footy.

“There is a far bit of bark off me. But I wasn’t worried about myself.

“I was more worried about the girls. I’m not overly happy.” Onlookers said the attackers were Bulldogs supporters.

Some claim the fans were not entirely to blame for the flare-up.

Stadium management last night confirmed the incident occurred.

“We are aware of an incident that occurred in one of the stadium’s lifts involving an alleged assault,” an ANZ Stadium spokesman said.

“One person was provided with medical attention as a result of the incident and our customer service staff provided assistance to this person to make sure he was able to safely continue his way out of the stadium.

Because of the location inside the lift, our CCTV cameras didn’t capture the incident and we have not been notified of any complaint made to police about the alleged assault.”

Leabeater was the official spokesman for the 3P ticket which gained control during Parramatta Football Club elections and, later, leagues club elections late last year and earlier this year.

He formed a combination with Geoff Bugden – nicknamed The Bookends – for Parramatta in the 1986 Grand Final.

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Moyso: An Eels HRT Double?

September 29, 2009

Parramatta Eels Grand Final NRL 2009In this months Moyso Moment; the great man dreams of an Eels / HRT double in 2009. The big man wants recruits, so read his gospel and get on board –

As I sit and write this a matter of days before the grand final and less than 2 weeks from the Bathurst 1000 – I keep asking myself, can we really do it? Can Parramatta complete the fairytale ending to what must surely be the greatest come back in Rugby League history. And can Holden go on to Bathurst and break the three year stranglehold of Ford?

Like most Eels fans I’ve lived through the roller coaster ride over the last 9 weeks of watching a team that was literally fighting off the wooden spoon after round 16 and now stands proud as Sydney’s great hope for the 2009 NRL Grand Final.

The ‘experts’ have tipped against the blue and gold’s week after week, sighting plenty of statistics and history to support their view. But they’ve all been wrong – again and again…

Parra is up against a formidable foe no doubt. Melbourne are a well drilled and methodical team that simply wears their opponents down and then strikes with lightening speed from the likes of Slater and Inglis. On paper they are a formidable and many would say unbackable favourite for Sunday’s game.

The ‘experts’ say so, but they’ve tipped against the blue and gold many times in the last 2 months and continue to get it wrong. They kept saying ‘insert defeated team here are too strong for Parramatta, they have the runs on the board and everything points to them beating the boys from the west. But they were wrong every time. Not once or twice or even three times. The great journos and ex players who get paid to write about Rugby League simply got it wrong for the last 2 months and they’re going to get it wrong again this weekend.

That’s because the Grand Final isn’t about statistics or pack weights or win loss ratios. It’s about heart and determination and that feeling deep down that makes a knocked down boxer get back up and a runner keep running even when the winner has crossed the line. It’s that voice in your head that says ‘not now, not yet, this isn’t over’. And I know Parramatta has that strength of character. They have more to win because they have more to lose.

Do yourself a favour and back the mighty Eels this weekend. I think they will win and win the same way they have to get to this point. By not believing in the experts, but by believing in themselves.

If HRT and the other Holden teams can go to the mountain next week with the same focus and determination and winning spirit as Parramatta the Brock trophy is already ours.

Go the Mighty Eels and Go the Iron Lion…..

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