NRL Player Movement 2008

December 16, 2007

By Peter Roy

NRL Player movement and signings for 2008 are continuing. Most recently former Bulldogs outside back Trent Cutler has agreed to terms with the Tigers for 2008.

The son of former Bulldogs first grader Stan Cutler, youngster Trent burst on to the scene with some confident showings in first grade when called upon. After securing a regular spot in first grade, the small standing Cutler began to struggle when fully tested under the high ball. Rival NRL teams were regularly seeking Cutler out in attack and having plenty of success.

After some horror outings, Cutler lost all confidence and was relegated to reserve grade. It seems the Bulldogs have lost all confidence in Trent Cutler too, as they continue to clean out their ranks, the young back recently snapped up by the Wests Tigers.

For the Tigers its an interesting move. Cutler certainly needs some fine tuning and confidence more than anything, if anyone can mould the boy its Tim Sheens - one of the top 5 coaches in todays NRL Rugby League climate.

The attacking and carefree Rugby League played by the Wests Tigers might just be suitable to Trent Cutler and the once promising finisher could rise to stardom again. The Wests Tigers have opened the cheque book several times in the past few weeks, more recently signing former St George Illawarra Dragon Matt Head and journeyman outside back Nick Youngquest from the Penrith Panthers.

As 2008 draws closer be sure and visit NRL News for your early season guide including commentary videos and predictions and a return to regular daily posting as trial games get closer. The team at NRL News made some bold predictions in 2007, when we made our predictions in March of 2007, we successfully picked Manly to run 2nd and were equally successful in picking South Sydney to run 8th and make the finals.

We also encourage supporters to join us next year and send in their articles, questions, comments and predictions on all things NRL. We gave guest commentators a regularly weekly posting spot last year and we again wish to open the doors to NRL volunteers to speak their minds each week. Send an email to asutcliffe@gmail.com and introduce yourself and we will get you onto the team for next year.

Eels: Tim Smith Suspended

December 13, 2007

Parramatta Eels halfback Tim Smith has been suspended indefinitely by his NRL club after officials were alerted to his recent drinking session, only a week after player and club agreed on a cold turkey alcohol ban for Smith for the next 12 months.

The troubled Smith was recently given the benefit of the doubt by reporters here at NRL News also, however he seems to have deeper problems than first thought.

He has recently admitted himself into an inter-state rehab group for alcohol related troubles. At the age of 22, many felt the young halfback would be immediately axed by the Eels, however after reports his teammates have urged club officials to help rather than alienate the troubled star - the Rugby League club has agreed to suspend the player and see to it that he gets immediate help.

This latest episode for Tim Smith is another in a long line of headlines for the NRL in the offseason. NRL and Rugby League insiders would be quietly happy with the amount of NRL headlines being generated, stories that are boosting NRL stocks in a time when other sports take centre stage.

DOTA Allstars

The Bad Credit Experts

December 10, 2007

When it comes to finance, people with bumpy credit history in the past can find things extremely tough when applying for credit services such as car loans, home loans and personal loans.

This is where BadCreditOffers comes in.

A large repository of information and services for consumers with credit problems, BadCreditOffers specialize in bad credit loans. Featuring plenty of information, calculators and credit ratings tools - you will be able to research and get your credit requirements sorted quickly and easily with the BadCreditOffers online outlet.

It really is simple and straightforward to get things happening on the BadCreditOffers site in 3 easy steps. Browse, Compare and Apply. Check out their wide range of offers suited to consumers with past credit problems, compare the offers available and then easily apply for that product.

It couldn’t be more informative or more simple to consumers in this niche. Check out their handy information and services today.

Lighting Superstore

December 10, 2007

Featuring the best HID lights and a magnitude of other varieties, makes and models - MagnaLight.Com is truly a lighting superstore.

Their online shop features such a huge range of products its amazing. The likes of: military and marine grade lighting and equipment - but also remote control and hidden lighting for all different types of applications.

When you buy from their online shop, all orders over $300 get free ground shipping and the quality build and support on all the equipment is rock solid. To get an idea of the product quality, range and backup support - all you need to do is simply visit the customer testimonials featured on the MagnaLight.com website.

Fortunately the search engine within the MagnaLight.com site is easy to find and quite powerful. You will need it to get through their large product range. You will also find obscure and specialized products such as: mounting brackets, tripods and magnetic bases - giving you equipment for almost every purpose and application.

MagnaLight.com also keeps their customers updated with the latest news and product updates from their News section on the website. For all things in specialized lighting - you need to check out this online superstore!

Backyard Teak Furniture

December 6, 2007

Looking for the ideal furniture setting for your outdoor area? Featuring the quality, design and long lasting advantages of teak furniture settings - befurnished.com specialises in all forms of outdoor teak furniture and makes shopping easy to providing their service online, so no need to join the shopping queues - simply browse and buy.

From teak tables, chairs, deep seats and arrangements featuring teak and alloy - the range is huge! So even if you require teak chairs for your patio or a complete table and chairs setting for a large backyard and barbeque area - you’re covered!

Also available on the website is live help and support from befurnished.com operators and best of all, delivery is free - so your order is shipping quickly and for no additional cost to you. Ordering is made easy and totally safe through their PayPal based and hacker safe system - allowing for all major credit cards to be used. If you prefer to fax your order directly to the office, this service is available also.

Pop in today and grab your teak outdoor furniture in time for Christmas!

The NRL Players Fishbowl

December 5, 2007

By Adam Sutcliffe

It’s almost like a broken record. How many times do we hear it? NRL player drunk, NRL player out too late, “Whats that?” you say. “You didn’t know NRL players were human?”

As an NRL reporter, I am personally sick of the amount of stories circulating about NRL players lifestyle habits, social habits and where they are supposed to be or not be hanging out.

The latest episode involves the Parramatta Eels’ halfback Tim Smith. And while Smith may have been involved in drinking related episodes before - is it really anything newsworthy? What has Tim Smith done? It’s something that many males his same age do on a weekly basis - have a few too many drinks and get a bit too rowdy. It might not be nice, pretty or polite - but we aren’t in the 1950’s anymore and he hasn’t killed anyone.
This time it’s alleged that Tim Smith was intoxicated, used bad language and didn’t have his belt done up tight enough. Come on, is this really newsworthy?

How did it reach the news? Some ‘innocent’ bystander took it on himself to ring all the local newspapers and tell them how it was horrible to see Tim Smith drunk and something along the lines of he had never heard such bad language before. Come on, let’s get real now.

If the allegations are true, and while we certainly not condoning them - lets not string the NRL player up for murder. For example an NRL player cannot eat, sneeze or sleep anywhere without someone from the public recording every detail and ringing the newspaper gossip columns when the player forgets to wipe their bum or heaven forbid eat a meal without using a knife or folk.

It’s time for the public to wake up to themselves, realise that NRL players are NOT all perfect and for these morons who decide to ring the newspapers at every instant, to really get a life and find something more interesting to talk about. Shouldn’t we be talking about the Centenary of Rugby League on our doorstep for 2008?
Because if its the drinking habits of males between the age of 20 and 30 you want to study or follow - just visit any local pub or bar on a Friday or Saturday night, and if you don’t want to hear naughty words then heaven forbid, make sure you are home before midnight, or your perfect mindset might be destroyed forever. Maybe our latest public critic Charles Brincat who took it upon himself to notify the papers could form a foundation or something similar? “The Society of Goodie Goodies against Swearing and Misbehaviour” perhaps?
Heck, it’s a wonder this guy even knew it was an NRL player they were reporting to the gossip columns. That’s all from this reporter, I am off to wash my mouth out with soap before the secret society take me away.

Sports Betting and More

December 5, 2007

With online betting outlet Bet365.com you are not only able to enjoy the best of sports wagering, but you can also enjoy a full range of online gambling and casino games. All from the ease of a single site and simplified single account.

Featuring handy bonuses such as a 100% match bonus for up to 100 pounds worth of gambling chips. You can also enjoy your time at bet365.com knowing that you are using the most secure and convenient single wallet account system. That means one account supports your sports, casino and poker games!

Show you skils in their dedicated on-line poker section, feel like playing something else? Well you can actually choose from around 65 different games accessible instantly at any one time. Or with a suitable free download and correct software you can access up to 80 games at bet365.com

So to cater for all your betting needs in one place, from casino online gambling, to sports wagering and the online poker stakes - you only need to visit one place and thats bet365.com and to get your attention some more, the current progressive jackpot for ‘Gold Rally’ stands at just under 500,000 pounds. A huge chunk of change that someone is going to take home at some stage.

Wests Tigers building nicely for 2008

December 4, 2007

By Adam Sutcliffe

As our Rugby League off-season continues to boil with stories of poaching, player misbehaviour and conferences - one Sydney based team that has been quietly building their troops for an assault on the 2008 NRL is the Wests Tigers.

Already boasting the likes of Benji Marshall, Brett Hodgson and Robbie Farrah - the Tigers initially built up their forward stocks by signing boom Dragons big man Corey Payne. Now the Tigers have pulled off a real coup in luring another former Dragon; Matt Head back from the UK Super League.
The talented Head lost his chance with the Dragons, when the clubs patience ran out over his injury woes. There was never a question mark over Heads ability, the sharp halfback forcing the Dragons to offload the impressive Brett Firman only a year before. The Dragons impatience may be the Wests Tigers big gain, as the western Sydney NRL club continue to improve their roster for 2008.

Matt Head will be kept busy earning his halfback spot at the Tigers; as Wests also boast an upcoming junior with impressive bloodlines. Blake Lazarus, cousin of former NRL star Glenn; has continued to impress in lower grades and has his sights set on a first grade half back debut in the near future. A Western Suburbs junior, Lazarus spent time in the Parramatta competition before being scouted to the Wests under 20’s squad.

The recruitment drive has also netted the Wests Tigers Nick Youngquest, the journey man outside back spending time more recently with Penrith. Youngquest will add speed and agility to the Wests backline and the added bonus of more goal kicking options. A talented, and also experienced Youngquest will cover nicely for the loss of Kiwi International Paul Whatuira who leaves to join the UK Super League.

With their roster filled now for 2008, the Tigers look to have plugged some holes well and added some firepower to get them back into the NRL Rugby League semi-finals for the first time since winning the prize in 2005. Coach Tim Sheens continues to have a positive effect on the club and his access to more playing talent; the likes of Matt Head, Nick Youngquest and Corey Pain only gives him more options and punch on the field.

Mobility Aids

December 4, 2007

Experts in the supply of wheelchairs and motorised scooters for the elderly and immobile; A&J Mobility Solutions supply direct to the public.

They also stock an extensive range of walking frames; many of which can be found on their website along with a load of other disability equipment.

Featuring fast delivery and extensive service to their clients, A&J Mobility Solutions have earned a respected reuptation from prompt service to the disabled, eldery and those with general mobility problems.

Also strengthening their reputation is the fact their equipment is all high grade, quality material and built to the highest standards. All equipment sold is followed up by solid local Australian support; including manufacturer and supplier support from overseas.

Topping off the quality equipment; is a complete focus on delivering friendly and helpful advice to the elderly, disabled and immobile.

A&J Mobile’s product range is extensive; it also includes products to assist in the bathroom, stairwells, transfer benches, walking equipment and seat walkers.

Based out of Toongabbie in NSW, A&J’s website also provides a perfect mechanism for browsing their products and getting a better feel for requirements. All contact details can be found on A&J’s website. (www.mobsol.com.au)

Cameron Smith - World Best Rugby League Player

December 2, 2007

If you didn’t already believe it; it’s now official. Cameron Smith has been crowned the “World Best Rugby League Player.”

While many in NRL Rugby League circles have believed Cameron Smith is the ultimate player; it seems the rest of the Rugby League World now think so too.

The Rugby League ‘Golden Boot‘ Award was adjudicated by a world wide judging panel for the first time ever, Cameron Smith beat the likes of Jamie Peacock, who was an outright superstar in the UK Super League and he also beat off a challenge from NRL Rugby League star Jonathan Thurston.

In winning the Golden Boot award, Smith bucks the recent trend of recent Rugby League stars coming through the ranks - most of which are typically ‘athlete clones’ many relying on athletic ability rather than Rugby League creativity or individuality.

The always crafty Cameron Smith might not possess a lighting streak of speed, he doesn’t have a towering build but he regularly uses his guile, passion and creativity to wreak havoc on opposing Rugby League teams.

At his NRL club the Melbourne Storm, Cameron Smith is surrounded by some of the best talent in the NRL and while he along with his team mates claimed the ultimate prize, winning the NRL Grand Final; Smith also fought hard and helped an underrated Queensland side claim the State of Origin prize in 2007.

In some ways, Cameron Smith is a throw back to the older days of Rugby League. Not blessed with blinding speed or poster boy good looks, Smith is a straight shooter and regularly uses his cunning on the field to leave enemy defence lines bamboozled by his raids.

It’s refreshing to not only see a deserving winner of Rugby League’s ultimate prize, and sure it’s a nice victory for the NRL to have one of theirs win the prize - but ultimately, it’s a win for a genuine nice guy of the NRL. Unlike some of his colleagues in Rugby League, Smith has managed to keep himself out of the troublesome limelight and continued to perform weekly on the field.

He is not an ‘athlete clone’ like many of today’s NRL stars, he is a hard worker that relies on an astute football brain to bring out his Rugby League best each week.

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