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NRL
- Thread starter mb64
- Start date
Wouldnt get too excited just yet MB, everyone was saying the same thing re Storm this time last year.
Manly will start favourites but are not certainties.
Melbournes 1 flag from 3 attempts over a period of dominance not recently seen proves there aint no certainties.
The Storm still have Smith, Slater, Inglis, Hoffman, White, Chambers, Johnson, Cronk and Quinn and Kiwi reps in the improving Lima, Manu and Blair so the Stormers should finish top 6. The origin period will hurt Storm due to lack of depth.
The Sharks should threaten top 4 also this year as will the Cowboys under Neil Henry - key being fitness of their roster.
Should the Cowboys have a good run with inury they will threaten top 4.
The Warriors who these days have more Aussies playing for them than Kiwis are also not gonna be far away if they dont have brain explosions. The return of general Stacey Jones to join Fien in the halves makes the Warriors a more potent side in regard to organisation. Mannering, McKinnon, Tate, Vatuvei, Jones, Fien, Hohaia, Ropati, Luck and of course the great leader that is Steve Price and the arrival of Bronco Denan Kemp Jacob Lillyman from the Cowboys and expected return of Greg Eastwood will ensure the Warriors are gonna be hard to press.
The Broncos still maintain a fair side with Folau, Hunt, Hodges, Wallace and Lockyer. Throw in Thaiday, Parker and the solid performers in Marsh, Clinton and Sims and the improving Kenny and Taylor the Broncs will go ok also. The arrival of Ennis, Kimmorley, Morris, Hodgson, Gordon, Stagg and Hannant, and the expected rise of prodigys in Idris and Barba, will see a marked improvement from the Canterbury outfit also.
Manly will start favourites but are not certainties.
Melbournes 1 flag from 3 attempts over a period of dominance not recently seen proves there aint no certainties.
The Storm still have Smith, Slater, Inglis, Hoffman, White, Chambers, Johnson, Cronk and Quinn and Kiwi reps in the improving Lima, Manu and Blair so the Stormers should finish top 6. The origin period will hurt Storm due to lack of depth.
The Sharks should threaten top 4 also this year as will the Cowboys under Neil Henry - key being fitness of their roster.
Should the Cowboys have a good run with inury they will threaten top 4.
The Warriors who these days have more Aussies playing for them than Kiwis are also not gonna be far away if they dont have brain explosions. The return of general Stacey Jones to join Fien in the halves makes the Warriors a more potent side in regard to organisation. Mannering, McKinnon, Tate, Vatuvei, Jones, Fien, Hohaia, Ropati, Luck and of course the great leader that is Steve Price and the arrival of Bronco Denan Kemp Jacob Lillyman from the Cowboys and expected return of Greg Eastwood will ensure the Warriors are gonna be hard to press.
The Broncos still maintain a fair side with Folau, Hunt, Hodges, Wallace and Lockyer. Throw in Thaiday, Parker and the solid performers in Marsh, Clinton and Sims and the improving Kenny and Taylor the Broncs will go ok also. The arrival of Ennis, Kimmorley, Morris, Hodgson, Gordon, Stagg and Hannant, and the expected rise of prodigys in Idris and Barba, will see a marked improvement from the Canterbury outfit also.
Yep Craig,
I'm tipping the Warriors to surprise a few people this year,
They have slipped under the radar a bit, prob because the NRL media is NSW based,
finished strong last year, and have added more strength to their squad,
Storms chances rest on the rookies, they have a good core group of stars, that you mentioned,
But alot will depend on the kids, the no -names , to replace the talent that has left,
These names may not be no-names at the end of the year, if they play well, Storm may have a good season,
Willie Isa, Joe Tomane, Aiden Tolman, Kevin Proctor.
The first two centre/ wingers, the second two back row fowards, all four are very good chances to make the top 17 straight away.
One thing Bellamy has been very good at, at his time at the club,
is bringing in talented kids and getting them up to speed for first grade almost straight away,
He will need to do it again, for them to remain a force.
I'm tipping the Warriors to surprise a few people this year,
They have slipped under the radar a bit, prob because the NRL media is NSW based,
finished strong last year, and have added more strength to their squad,
Storms chances rest on the rookies, they have a good core group of stars, that you mentioned,
But alot will depend on the kids, the no -names , to replace the talent that has left,
These names may not be no-names at the end of the year, if they play well, Storm may have a good season,
Willie Isa, Joe Tomane, Aiden Tolman, Kevin Proctor.
The first two centre/ wingers, the second two back row fowards, all four are very good chances to make the top 17 straight away.
One thing Bellamy has been very good at, at his time at the club,
is bringing in talented kids and getting them up to speed for first grade almost straight away,
He will need to do it again, for them to remain a force.
Good post Kiwi.
I think the 3 of your countryman World Cup Kiwis in Blair , Lima and Manu are gonna be absolutely pivotal for the Storm going forward.
hopefully their experience in the Cup will stand them ready to take it up a level each which will make the Stormers a strong force this season.
I think the 3 of your countryman World Cup Kiwis in Blair , Lima and Manu are gonna be absolutely pivotal for the Storm going forward.
hopefully their experience in the Cup will stand them ready to take it up a level each which will make the Stormers a strong force this season.
It just goes on and on doesnt it.
Manly Full Back Brett Stewart arrested last night under alleged charge of sexual assault of girl following Maly season launch
but wait it gets even better.
Anthony Watmough also alleged to have smacked a club sponsor accross the face last night at season launch also.
Fair dinkum these blokes are miscreants.
Manly Full Back Brett Stewart arrested last night under alleged charge of sexual assault of girl following Maly season launch
but wait it gets even better.
Anthony Watmough also alleged to have smacked a club sponsor accross the face last night at season launch also.
Fair dinkum these blokes are miscreants.
Yep, He is on charges of raping a 17 year old,
and the NRL are spewing,
Manly being premiers, play a big part in the new TV promos,
And Stuart in particular , features heavily, and now, they may not be going to air,
NRL starts next week.
and the NRL are spewing,
Manly being premiers, play a big part in the new TV promos,
And Stuart in particular , features heavily, and now, they may not be going to air,
NRL starts next week.
Todd Carney gets arrested
By Phil Rothfield and Rebecca Wilson | March 08, 2009 12:00am
Todd Carney ... has been charged with one count of malicious damage and granted conditional bail to appear in Goulburn Local Court on April 1. / The Daily Telegraph
LEAGUE bad boy Todd Carney is in trouble for allegedly damaging a car on a rampage in Goulburn last week.
Carney was arrested early yesterday morning with a mate at a pub in Goulburn. He was later charged with one count of malicious damage and granted conditional bail to appear in Goulburn Local Court on April 1. Police allege Carney and another man were captured on CCTV footage jumping on and damaging a car parked outside a Goulburn club around 11pm on February 28. A police spokesman said security vision was given to investigators on Friday and Carney and another man were arrested without incident shortly after midnight yesterday. The club's CEO Peter Walker met Goulburn police on Friday to hand over the video. "Todd was drinking at the club before the incident occurred. He's not a member, but he comes in as a guest because his home address is still in Canberra,'' Walker told us. This incident happened just a few days after Carney met NRL boss David Gallop and told him he would give up the grog if he was allowed to play in the NRL this year. Carney's manager David Riolo yesterday said he knew nothing about it. "I can't comment but I'll be disappointed if it's happened,'' Riolo said. We've been told no one was hurt in the incident. Carney has been cleared by the Raiders to play bush football this year with the Atherton Roosters, who play in the Cairns competition
link http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,25153977-5016360,00.html
By Phil Rothfield and Rebecca Wilson | March 08, 2009 12:00am
Todd Carney ... has been charged with one count of malicious damage and granted conditional bail to appear in Goulburn Local Court on April 1. / The Daily Telegraph
LEAGUE bad boy Todd Carney is in trouble for allegedly damaging a car on a rampage in Goulburn last week.
Carney was arrested early yesterday morning with a mate at a pub in Goulburn. He was later charged with one count of malicious damage and granted conditional bail to appear in Goulburn Local Court on April 1. Police allege Carney and another man were captured on CCTV footage jumping on and damaging a car parked outside a Goulburn club around 11pm on February 28. A police spokesman said security vision was given to investigators on Friday and Carney and another man were arrested without incident shortly after midnight yesterday. The club's CEO Peter Walker met Goulburn police on Friday to hand over the video. "Todd was drinking at the club before the incident occurred. He's not a member, but he comes in as a guest because his home address is still in Canberra,'' Walker told us. This incident happened just a few days after Carney met NRL boss David Gallop and told him he would give up the grog if he was allowed to play in the NRL this year. Carney's manager David Riolo yesterday said he knew nothing about it. "I can't comment but I'll be disappointed if it's happened,'' Riolo said. We've been told no one was hurt in the incident. Carney has been cleared by the Raiders to play bush football this year with the Atherton Roosters, who play in the Cairns competition
link http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,25153977-5016360,00.html
DON'T think for a minute that Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy hasn't tried to resolve the club's stink with the NRL judiciary. When NRL boss David Gallop and chief operating officer Graham Annesley visited the club on February 18, they held a long discussion with Bellamy, who simply wants to move on. As revealed in The Daily Telegraph on Friday, judiciary chairman Greg Woods and panellists Royce Ayliffe and Darrell Williams have been stood down indefinitely after launching defamation action in the Supreme Court. Believe us: Bellamy and Melbourne chief executive Brian Waldron are going to dig in on this one. They know they did the wrong thing but believe they have done more than enough to rectify the situation. There are fears this has come down to a matter of cash over principle. Not surprisingly, Ray Hadley teed off on Gallop on his 2GB radio show on Friday. Hadley is best mates with Bob Fulton and Fulton is best mates with Royce Ayliffe and has been pushing his case behind the scenes for some time.
link http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,25153977-5016360,00.html
link http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,25153977-5016360,00.html
Just a misunderstanding'- Watmough
By David Riccio | March 08, 2009 12:00am
ANTHONY Watmough emerged from crisis talks with Manly officials yesterday to deny an alleged assault would derail his season.
Watmough awoke yesterday as the central figure in a police investigation after it was alleged he slapped a club sponsor, named only as Paul, at the Manly season launch on Friday night.
A 10-minute phone call yesterday between Watmough and Paul, who is believed to be the owner of a landscaping company, resulted in Manly officials not taking disciplinary action against their star back-rower. There were no police charges laid over the incident.
"It's all been sorted,'' Watmough said. "I don't think there was all too much in it. There's nothing for me to be worried about. It was just a misunderstanding. To say my career was on the line is ridiculous. I'll be there round one, ready and raring.''
Club in crisis: the full story at the Manly Sea Eagles
Phil Rothfield: Eagles legacy lies in tatters
Watmough appeared before club officials, including coach Des Hasler, just before 11am at their training base at Narrabeen's Sydney Academy of Sport. Manly chief executive Grant Mayer and football manager Steve Gigg also attended the 30-minute emergency meeting.
Mayer denied the club had gone soft on taking action against Watmough. "We're happy with the resolution that has been made between Anthony and the sponsor involved,'' Mayer said.
"Anthony spoke at length with the sponsor and we're happy to let things be, at the request of both parties. I think all players understand their role in the public eye and Anthony is no different. He knows the consequences of his actions ... we're satisfied we can all move on.''
However, it's not the first time Watmough has been forced to defend his character. In June, 2007, he was placed on an apprehended violence order following accusations by former girlfriend Gillian Rixon that he bashed her in 2004 and 2005. He was fined $3000 for assault in 2005 after an altercation with Rixon's cousin at a family gathering.
Last weekend, Watmough was named man of the match after Manly's World Club Challenge win against Leeds.
link http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,25153548-5006066,00.html
By David Riccio | March 08, 2009 12:00am
ANTHONY Watmough emerged from crisis talks with Manly officials yesterday to deny an alleged assault would derail his season.
Watmough awoke yesterday as the central figure in a police investigation after it was alleged he slapped a club sponsor, named only as Paul, at the Manly season launch on Friday night.
A 10-minute phone call yesterday between Watmough and Paul, who is believed to be the owner of a landscaping company, resulted in Manly officials not taking disciplinary action against their star back-rower. There were no police charges laid over the incident.
"It's all been sorted,'' Watmough said. "I don't think there was all too much in it. There's nothing for me to be worried about. It was just a misunderstanding. To say my career was on the line is ridiculous. I'll be there round one, ready and raring.''
Club in crisis: the full story at the Manly Sea Eagles
Phil Rothfield: Eagles legacy lies in tatters
Watmough appeared before club officials, including coach Des Hasler, just before 11am at their training base at Narrabeen's Sydney Academy of Sport. Manly chief executive Grant Mayer and football manager Steve Gigg also attended the 30-minute emergency meeting.
Mayer denied the club had gone soft on taking action against Watmough. "We're happy with the resolution that has been made between Anthony and the sponsor involved,'' Mayer said.
"Anthony spoke at length with the sponsor and we're happy to let things be, at the request of both parties. I think all players understand their role in the public eye and Anthony is no different. He knows the consequences of his actions ... we're satisfied we can all move on.''
However, it's not the first time Watmough has been forced to defend his character. In June, 2007, he was placed on an apprehended violence order following accusations by former girlfriend Gillian Rixon that he bashed her in 2004 and 2005. He was fined $3000 for assault in 2005 after an altercation with Rixon's cousin at a family gathering.
Last weekend, Watmough was named man of the match after Manly's World Club Challenge win against Leeds.
link http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,25153548-5006066,00.html
NRL star quizzed over sex assault claims
Exclusive by Phil Rothfield | March 07, 2009 12:00am
MANLY'S champion fullback Brett Stewart is under investigation for an alleged sexual assault on Friday night after the club's 2009 season launch.
The Sunday Telegraph understands Manly police have issued an interim AVO against the Sea Eagles superstar, who is the face of the NRL’s multi-million dollar advertising campaign this year.
Stewart was interviewed by Manly police until 4am this morning before being allowed to leave with his manager George Mimis.
He cannot return to his home in Manly because it is only two houses away from the alleged victim.
The Sunday Telegraph understand Stewart left Manly police station and spent the night at his girlfriend’s home.
The Sea Eagles have hired top Sydney lawyer Geoff Bellew to handle the case and say Stewart will vig orously defend the allegations .
Senior NRL officials have told The Sunday Telegraph and decision will be made on Monday whether to scrap the season’s advertising campaign because of the seriousness of the allegations.
The club's Chief Executive Officer Grant Mayer later issued a statement stating that on the basis of legal advice which has been received, neither the Club nor Brett will be making any further comment pending the conclusion of that investigation.
It read: "On the evening of Friday 6 March 2009, Brett Stewart of the Manly Sea Eagles was spoken to by Dee Why Police in relation to an allegation of sexual assault of a 17 year old girl.
"Having been spoken to by Police, he was released without charge.
"The allegation is denied. However, the Club acknowledges that the investigation is ongoing and in these circumstances, and on the basis of legal advice which has been received, neither the Club nor Brett will be making any further comment pending the conclusion of that investigation."
Another incident from the season launch in which second-rower Anthony Watmough punched a sponsor has been settled after a meeting this morning between the parties involved.
link http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,25151781-5012652,00.html
Exclusive by Phil Rothfield | March 07, 2009 12:00am
MANLY'S champion fullback Brett Stewart is under investigation for an alleged sexual assault on Friday night after the club's 2009 season launch.
The Sunday Telegraph understands Manly police have issued an interim AVO against the Sea Eagles superstar, who is the face of the NRL’s multi-million dollar advertising campaign this year.
Stewart was interviewed by Manly police until 4am this morning before being allowed to leave with his manager George Mimis.
He cannot return to his home in Manly because it is only two houses away from the alleged victim.
The Sunday Telegraph understand Stewart left Manly police station and spent the night at his girlfriend’s home.
The Sea Eagles have hired top Sydney lawyer Geoff Bellew to handle the case and say Stewart will vig orously defend the allegations .
Senior NRL officials have told The Sunday Telegraph and decision will be made on Monday whether to scrap the season’s advertising campaign because of the seriousness of the allegations.
The club's Chief Executive Officer Grant Mayer later issued a statement stating that on the basis of legal advice which has been received, neither the Club nor Brett will be making any further comment pending the conclusion of that investigation.
It read: "On the evening of Friday 6 March 2009, Brett Stewart of the Manly Sea Eagles was spoken to by Dee Why Police in relation to an allegation of sexual assault of a 17 year old girl.
"Having been spoken to by Police, he was released without charge.
"The allegation is denied. However, the Club acknowledges that the investigation is ongoing and in these circumstances, and on the basis of legal advice which has been received, neither the Club nor Brett will be making any further comment pending the conclusion of that investigation."
Another incident from the season launch in which second-rower Anthony Watmough punched a sponsor has been settled after a meeting this morning between the parties involved.
link http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,25151781-5012652,00.html
All this drama off field not to mention the allegations of gang assault put on the junior Tigers boys last week.
As for Carney fair dinkum, talk about a wasted talent looks like the Roosters may have to rethink signing him.......... so much for his rehab.
Maybe the first cracks have appeared in the Manly implosion post premiership ;D
Had to *smile* myself laughing at an article in the SMH i think it was with Reni Maitua sooking that cos hes had to take a 2ook pay cut he cant afford his phone bill.
Fair Dinkum ive never heard so much *smile* in my entire life.
The guys been on well over 200k for past 4 years youd reckon so whats he done with his money he shouldnt have a mortgage youd think.
Christ dont hese blokes know that many out there are trying to support familys and mortgages on 40 - 50 60 k a year.
Says alot bout his mentality for mine, if you werent such an imbecile Reni youd still be at the dogs on 300k.
Cretin no sympathy at all especially when i review my occupation and the possibilities that i could do some severe harm or even threaten the life of someone if i stuff up and compare the pittance i am on compared to these morons it makes me sick to my stomache.
As for Carney fair dinkum, talk about a wasted talent looks like the Roosters may have to rethink signing him.......... so much for his rehab.
Maybe the first cracks have appeared in the Manly implosion post premiership ;D
Had to *smile* myself laughing at an article in the SMH i think it was with Reni Maitua sooking that cos hes had to take a 2ook pay cut he cant afford his phone bill.
Fair Dinkum ive never heard so much *smile* in my entire life.
The guys been on well over 200k for past 4 years youd reckon so whats he done with his money he shouldnt have a mortgage youd think.
Christ dont hese blokes know that many out there are trying to support familys and mortgages on 40 - 50 60 k a year.
Says alot bout his mentality for mine, if you werent such an imbecile Reni youd still be at the dogs on 300k.
Cretin no sympathy at all especially when i review my occupation and the possibilities that i could do some severe harm or even threaten the life of someone if i stuff up and compare the pittance i am on compared to these morons it makes me sick to my stomache.
craig said:
When I was in my 20s, I used to work 5 or 6 days a week to pay my mortage and feed my kids,
I used to play rugby league on my one day off for nothing, had to pay my own insurance to cover myself for injury,
All because I enjoyed playing .
Poor Reni, life is so tough.
