Rugby League

Quinn returns to Knights

2013-01-12T17:53:00.000+06:00

Updated January 08, 2013 08:42:21

Newcastle will welcome back Anthony Quinn to the club this season after the former Melbourne winger agreed to a one-year contract with the Knights.

Quinn played 103 first grade matches for the Knights between 2002 and 2006 before linking with the Storm.

The 29-year-old made three appearances for New South Wales in the 2008 State of Origin series.

Tags: rugby-league, nrl, sport, newcastle-2300

First posted January 07, 2013 14:11:53

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Minichiello named Roosters captain

2013-01-12T17:21:00.000+06:00

Updated January 11, 2013 16:15:11

Anthony Minichiello has been named captain of the Sydney Roosters for the 2013 NRL season.

The 32-year-old fullback, who made his first-grade debut for the foundation club in 2000, will be supported by four vice-captains in Mitchell Pearce, Jake Friend, Jared Waera-Hargreaves and Boyd Cordner, the Roosters announced on Friday.

Minichiello, who has been at the Roosters since he was 16, was delighted to land the job.

"It's a massive honour, a huge honour to be named captain of the Sydney Roosters - it's such a historic club. There's been great captains all the way through since 1908, it's a foundation club and we've played every season in the league since 1908.

"It's a really special time for myself, my wife and my family - they're really proud and excited.

"It's probably the most meaningful highlight of my career to date. It's a pretty special moment."

Rookie NRL coach Trent Robinson said he took some time in the off-season to assess his squad before Minichiello emerged from the pack.

"Since we've come back to training, it's been clear that every day at training that Anthony's been leading the way on and off the field," Robinson said.

"The spirit and the work ethic that we've been trying to instil in this club, Anthony's been living it for a long time now and it's time for Mini to step up and lead the way on the field as well as being our captain."

Meanwhile NSW Origin forward Greg Bird has been re-signed by the Gold Coast Titans until 2017.

The Titans said they fought off offer from several other clubs to extend Bird's contract.

“I think the fact that Greg has committed to the club long term when he had big money offers from elsewhere says a lot about the type of character he is and also how much the Titans mean to him,’’ Titans chief executive David May said.

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted January 11, 2013 16:08:37

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Titans keen to snare Jennings

2013-01-12T16:45:00.000+06:00

Updated January 09, 2013 18:52:56

Sydney Roosters remain in a strong position to snare New South Wales Origin centre Michael Jennings despite 11th-hour interest from Gold Coast sparking a potential bidding war for his services.

The Titans, in need of firepower out wide following the departure of Beau Champion, are desperate to lure Jennings north on a big seven-figure deal.

But it is understood the Penrith star is keen to stay in Sydney.

That means the Roosters may still be able to offer less to keep the 24-year-old, who appeared on the way to Bondi Junction at the start of this week.

Despite Jennings being on the outer with Panthers officials, Penrith still holds a key to where he will play in 2013.

He's currently on a $600,000-per-season contract but the Roosters are reportedly willing to offer less - $2 million over four years.

With Jennings and his management not interested in a pay cut, and the Panthers reluctant to pay any part of his salary elsewhere, the Titans could come up trumps by stretching themselves with a massive deal.

Gold Coast, which suffered from salary cap pressures last season, now appears to have room to move under the cap after releasing foundation playmaker Scott Prince and Champion, who has returned to South Sydney.

Jennings' signature would add a match-winning back to their list of potent Origin forwards containing Nate Myles, Greg Bird, Dave Taylor and Jamal Idris.

Captaincy candidate Myles was tight-lipped on speculation Jennings could be an off-season recruit but admitted he would be a more than welcome acquisition.

The Titans have fresh memories how the Penrith centre, sensationally dropped by coach Ivan Cleary midway through last year, returned from injury in round 25 to inspire a 36-22 victory at Panthers Stadium.

"Any club that Michael is going to be an asset to with his speed and agility," Myles said on Wednesday.

"He hurt us in the second-last round of the year just with his skill so we know what he's capable of first-hand."

At a Gold Coast junior rugby league promotion, Taylor also spoke of the boost Jennings could provide the Titans but was not about to get his hopes up.

Myles is considered among the favourites to replace Prince as skipper

"Don't get me wrong I'd really enjoy the responsibility ... but we're rich for players who can do it," Myles said.

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, bondi-junction-2022, nsw, robina-4226, qld, australia

First posted January 09, 2013 18:52:56

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Bellamy weighing up rival offer

2013-01-12T16:14:00.000+06:00

Updated December 30, 2012 15:01:29

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has admitted he is weighing up a move to another NRL club, believed to be the St George Illawara Dragons.

Bellamy led the Storm to the NRL crown this year, a particularly sweet triumph after the side was stripped of its previous title in 2009.

The master tactician is in the last year of his contract with the Storm and is uncertain about his future.

A potential $6 million five-year contract with the Dragons is apparently on offer and Bellamy admits he faces a tough decision - especially as he expects his next coaching contract to be his last.

"It is either Storm or one other club and I want to make the decision in January," Bellamy told News Limited.

"It might be three years or it might be five years. It will see me out. I'm 54 now and that's probably long enough for my liking.

"I probably shouldn't say that but it's how I feel.

"The important thing is, I don't want this dragging on and on.

"The decision needs to be made in January or certainly before we go to England for the World club challenge."

Bellamy says the prospect of leaving long-time players such as captain Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk makes the decision difficult.

"Of course it would be hard to leave them," Bellamy said.

"That's part of the decision I have to make. We're all very close."

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, melbourne-3000, wollongong-2500, nsw

First posted December 30, 2012 15:01:29

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Champion returns to the Bunnies

2013-01-12T15:41:00.000+06:00

Updated January 08, 2013 15:19:50

South Sydney junior Beau Champion will return to Redfern for the 2013 and 2014 seasons, the NRL club announced on Tuesday.

Champion will re-join the Rabbitohs after being granted an immediate release from his contract with Gold Coast.

The former representative centre was pushed out of Souths before the 2011 season to create room under the salary cap for the arrival of Greg Inglis from Melbourne, after the Queensland and Australian representative's deal with Brisbane fell over.

But the 26-year-old Champion returns to Souths as the club bids to find an effective centre combination after Inglis' spectacularly successful move to fullback.

"I'm over the moon at having the opportunity to return to South Sydney," Champion said in a statement.

"(It is) the club where my career began, the team which I supported as a kid and the club which I've always dreamed of playing for," Champion said.

"I appreciate everything the people at the Titans and Storm have done for me over the past two years, and I think my time at both clubs have made me a better player and better person."

Champion spent 2011 with Melbourne and last year with the Titans.

The release of Champion by the Titans has fuelled speculation the Gold Coast club are moving in on Penrith representative centre Michael Jennings.

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire welcomed Champion's return to the Rabbitohs.

"Beau is a very experienced NRL player ... we're very happy to be able to add a player of his ability to our squad at this stage of the pre-season," Maguire said.

"Beau's inclusion to our squad increases the challenge for spots in our first grade team, which is always good for performance and team development.

"Beau is South Sydney, through and through."

A veteran of 90 NRL games, including 70 for the Rabbitohs from 2005-'10, Champion only played nine matches for the Titans during an injury-plagued 2012.

He has played twice for City Origin and for the Indigenous All Stars in 2010 and 2011.

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, redfern-2016, nsw, australia, robina-4226, qld

First posted January 08, 2013 14:57:27

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Paul Kennedy's top five sporting moments of 2012

2012-12-26T12:04:00.000+06:00

Updated December 21, 2012 07:20:09

The ABC's Paul Kennedy gives his verdict on the top five sporting moments of 2012.

Look back on a whirlwind year's biggest sporting stories and how they unfolded on ABC Grandstand.

Australian surfing had an excellent year with Stephanie Gilmore and Joel Parkinson both claiming world surfing titles in 2012.

Gilmore claimed her fifth women's world surfing title with victory over fellow Australian Tyler Wright in the penultimate event of the year at Biarritz in France.

She was the first ever surfer to win four titles in four attempts from 2007-2010, but fell back to the number three ranking in 2011 when her life was disrupted by a violent assault.

Read the story: Gilmore wins fifth world title

On the men's circuit, Joel Parkinson ended his long wait for a world title at the Pipeline Masters in Hawaii, edging out 11-time winner Kelly Slater to the gong.

Parkinson's title was a reward for consistency 2012 and could have won the championship without a single event victory.

However, he avoided that particular historical footnote by beating compatriot Josh Kerr in the final to take home the Pipeline Masters trophy as an added bonus.

Speaking at his trophy presentation in Hawaii after his bout with Kerr, Parkinson said:

Read the story: Parkinson wins first world surfing title

The Australians returned home with 85 medals - record breaker Jacqueline Freney with her incredible eight gold medals among them - but the London 2012 Paralympics stood out as a major success that put disabled sport truly on the map.

London Games chairman Sebastian Coe said the huge popularity of Paralympic Games showed disabled sport was fast becoming recognised as elite competition.

An unprecedented 2.7 million tickets were snapped up for nearly 45 million pounds ($72.12 million), exceeding 2012 organisers' original target of 35 million.

More than four billion people were estimated to have watched the London Games on television compared to 1.9 billion eight years ago in Athens.

Read the story: Paralympics put disabled sport on the map: Coe

Sydney's famous pressure paid big dividends as the Swans held off Hawthorn to take out the AFL premiership by 10 points.

Read the story: Swans snatch victory in classic grand final

The grand final surprised no one with its intensity - it was a game of bursts and savage swings of momentum, with first one, then the other team looking down and out, before the Swans won 14.7 (91) to 11.15 (81).

Both teams found kicking for goal difficult in blustery conditions, although thankfully earlier predictions of heavy rain and hail proved unfounded.

Veteran Ryan O'Keefe took the Norm Smith Medal, with 28 disposals and an amazing 15 tackles.

In the NRL, the Melbourne Storm won its first premiership since it was stripped it of two titles for salary cap breaches, beating the Bulldogs 14-4.

Read the story: Clinical Storm repel Bulldogs' bite

Sam Perrett had levelled the scores after Storm forward Ryan Hoffman scored the opening try of the match in the seventh minute.

But Melbourne half-back Cooper Cronk stamped his class on the match in the back end of the first half.

Cronk produced a deft pass for Billy Slater to score in the 32nd minute.

Melbourne consolidated its lead in the shadows of the break with Cronk's pin-point kick for winger Justin O'Neill to score in the corner in the 39th minute.

Melbourne maintained its 14-4 half-time lead through to the end of the game with a superb defensive display in the second half.

The Test team's form may have fluctuated of late, but captain Michael Clarke was a shining light for Australia throughout 2012, averaging 106.35 for the calendar year so far.

Clarke came to life on home soil, scoring a historic 329 not out against India, before making another double ton in the next match during the 4-0 series whitewash in January.

While he made a modest contribution in the West Indies in April (scoring 188 runs in 6 innings), he flexed his muscle at home again, smacking two double centuries against South Africa.

While his efforts against the Proteas were ultimately made in vain, they helped him become the world's leading run scorer of 2012 with 1489 runs.

Read the story: Is Clarke as good as Bradman?

But the stakes have been raised in the upcoming 2013 Ashes series with new England skipper Alastair Cook finding phenomenal form after taking over the captaincy from Andrew Strauss.

Cook led England to a first Test series win in India in December in 28 years, coming from 1-0 down to take the four-match series 2-1.

India won the first Test by nine wickets in Ahmedabad, before Cook led his side to a 10-wicket win in Mumbai and a seven-wicket victory in Kolkata.

Cook was named man of the series after top-scoring with 568 runs at an average of 80.28.

Read the story: Draw clinches India series win for England

Following Olympic disappointment in the pool, Australia's shining light Sally Pearson lived up to her favourite's tag to take gold in the women's 100m hurdles in London.

Read the story: Pearson storms to hurdles gold

Pearson clocked 12.35 seconds to break the Olympic record held by American Joanna Hayes, set in Athens, by 0.02 of a second.

Pearson just edged out America's defending Olympic champion Dawn Harper (12.37), with countrywoman Kellie Wells (12.48) taking the bronze.

The Aussie champion spent six weeks in Britain prior to the Olympics to escape the build-up, hype and pressure in Australia. After her win, she said:

And without Pearson's heroics, how else would this piece of ABC News 24 television history have come about? Take it away, Michael Rowland.

Tags: sport, olympics-summer, paralympics, surfing, nrl, australian-football-league, cricket, australia

First posted December 21, 2012 07:20:09

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NRL approves Sonny Bill contract

2012-12-26T11:31:00.000+06:00

Updated December 21, 2012 20:40:46

The wait is finally over for Sonny Bill Williams, with the ARLC informing the Sydney Roosters that the code-hopping superstar's 2013 playing contract has been registered.

After signing a one-year deal with the Roosters on November 13, it has been a drawn-out process for salary cap auditor Ian Schubert to approve the deal.

The dual-international is pursuing a boxing career on the side and has a fight against South African Francois Botha scheduled in February.

Williams represented the All Blacks this year before enjoying a stint in Japanese rugby, and there is every chance he will switch back to the 15-a-side code after his commitments with the Roosters are finished in 2013.

At his welcoming press conference with the Roosters back in November, Williams seemed nonplussed about returning to league, making it clear he was only doing so to honour a handshake promise to the club's chairman Nick Politis.

There were some concerns Williams would walk out on his Roosters deal if the NRL did not register the contract quickly.

Interim chief executive Shane Mattiske said signing off on the deal was a complex procedure.

"By the nature of Sonny Bill's other sporting commitments there have clearly been some unusual circumstances around the contract including his direct negotiation of the contract through a legal representative," Mattiske said.

"It has been the salary cap auditor's absolute responsibility to review all aspects of the payments in the contract and the negotiations leading up to the contract.

"Ian Schubert has done exactly what he is required to do throughout this process and his task has been made more challenging by deficiencies in the Roosters' documentation of the negotiations, which did not fully comply with the NRL's player contract and remuneration rules."

Mattiske said the Roosters can expect a fine in the new year for failing to put all their cards on the table.

The Roosters failed to follow regulations in recording and supplying information to the ARLC, Mattiske said.

Schubert had to seek advice from a solicitor in rubber-stamping the deal and Mattiske said the ARLC would also keep a close eye on Williams commercial agreements.

"There are a number of assurances on the part of the club and in relation to Sonny Bill's commercial agreements that are being relied upon in this process and that will be monitored," he said.

"Given the unusual features of this contract it was necessary for Ian to engage a solicitor to assist with the investigation which included interviews of a number of persons and a consideration of various documents.

"Ultimately, a report of the investigation was furnished to the Commission along with advice from Senior Counsel.

"The Commission has also determined that the club should face a sanction ... the amount of this breach will be assessed following a recommendation in the new year."

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, bondi-junction-2022, nsw, australia

First posted December 21, 2012 20:38:34

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Leilua to miss first four weeks

2012-12-26T11:01:00.000+06:00

Updated December 21, 2012 18:52:11

Axed Sydney Roosters centre BJ Leilua will have to sit out the first four matches of next year's NRL season regardless of which club he signs for.

The ARL Commission has announced it will impose a conditional registration on any contract submitted for Leilua that he cannot play until after round four.

The ban is in response to Leilua being found to have sent a naked photo of his ex-girlfriend to her brother and best friend and being placed on a one-year good behaviour bond with no conviction recorded.

Leilua was cleared of assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

The 21-year-old was on Tuesday released from the final two years of his Roosters contract and is now expected to sign with the Newcastle Knights once the ARLC officially announces an increase to the 2013 salary cap.

The NRL says it had been in the process of conducting a review of penalties and procedures imposed by the Roosters when he was terminated by the club.

"The matter proven in court is one that nobody can or should support," NRL interim chief executive Shane Mattiske said.

"Respectful relationships and the dangers of misusing social media are key elements of our education programs and BJ has been a part of those programs.

"The timing of the October court case was such that we gave the Roosters considerable opportunity to look at all aspects and report to the NRL.

"No matter if the player had stayed at the Roosters or gone to another club, we believe the original act, now proven in court, warrants the player being stood out of the game for some period.

"We will also seek assurances that any future club ensures that BJ participates in education programs to assist in learning from this experience."

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted December 21, 2012 18:52:11

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Roosters re-sign Tuivasa-Sheck

2012-12-26T10:25:00.000+06:00

Updated December 21, 2012 12:38:42

Sydney Roosters have locked up impressive teenager Roger Tuivasa-Sheck through to the end of the 2016 NRL season.

Earmarked as the heir apparent to veteran Anthony Minichiello in the Roosters' number one jumper, the 19-year-old was given a taste of the top grade this year when he played six games for the tri-colours.

He was named in the youth cup team of the year in 2012 after scoring nine tries in 12 games before his elevation to the NRL.

"I'm really enjoying being a part of the Roosters. The club has treated me so well ever since I got here," Tuivasa-Sheck said in a statement.

"I'm learning so much and I wanted to stay a Rooster and build a career here."

Roosters' chief operating officer football Brian Canavan said Tuivasa-Sheck was a crucial component of the club's long-term plans.

"Roger is an exciting young talent and has been a wonderful asset to the club both on and off the field," Canavan said.

"Blessed with amazing footwork, evasion and ability to break the line, Roger has the ability to thrill crowds while being a dependable contributor week in week out."

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted December 21, 2012 12:32:39

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Eels sack player who knocked out Maitua

2012-12-20T20:54:00.000+06:00

Updated December 19, 2012 08:21:41

Parramatta has sacked youth player Shaun Anderson for knocking out clubmate and NRL star Reni Maitua on a night out in Kings Cross in Sydney.

The Eels say they have conducted a full investigation into the incident that took place over the weekend outside the Tunnel nightclub in Kings Cross, and have cleared senior player Maitua of any wrongdoing.

Anderson, 18, has had his contract terminated for punching Maitua to the ground.

It is the second up-and-coming talent the Eels have sacked in the past week, after they also tore up the contract of Jamil Hopoate for bad behaviour at an NRL rookie camp in Sydney.

Eels chief executive Ken Edwards said the club would continue to take a hard line.

"I make no apology for the club's firm policy on player behaviour," Edwards said in an Eels statement.

"When a player signs with Parramatta, they acknowledge the high standards of behaviour expected. Our players need to be committed to the club, their team-mates, our members and supporters.

"As a club we will continue to strive for excellence and foster a culture of respect, inclusiveness and teamwork."

Anderson claimed on Channel Nine that the Eels had showed favouritism by clearing Maitua, who is being touted as a future captain of the club.

"I thought he was about to deck me ... so I stood back and hit him first and that's what happened. And then he was out cold on the ground," said Anderson.

"It's an NRL player's word against an under-20s player's word. Straight up they're going to pick the NRL player aren't they?"

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, kings-cross-2011, parramatta-2150, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted December 19, 2012 08:13:31

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ARLC announces major rule changes

2012-12-20T20:18:00.000+06:00

Updated December 18, 2012 20:17:02

The Australian Rugby League Commission has made a series of major changes to playing and eligibility rules after a commission meeting on Tuesday.

The changes include scrapping of the controversial benefit of the doubt rule and a dramatic overhaul of the decision-making process for awarding tries.

From the start of the 2013 NRL season referees will make an on-field call in relation to all try-scoring situations, and if in doubt will signal `time out' and refer to the video referee.

However the video referee will only change the on-field referees' original decision if there is sufficient evidence to suggest that decision was wrong.

The meeting also decided to make a major change to the rules determining State of Origin eligibility.

From 2013 no player will be eligible to play for New South Wales or Queensland unless he has lived in that state before the age of 13.

The father-son loophole will remain, however.

The player must also be eligible to play for Australia.

"State of Origin is an incredibly important part of the game and the heart of the concept is a person's state of origin," ARLC chairman, John Grant, said in a statement.

"It is fundamental therefore that the concept is preserved on that basis, simply because it is so unique.

"The Under 13 cut-off is one that has been put forward by the general manager of game development, Andrew Hill, after consultation with greats like Wayne Bennett, Bob Fulton and Tim Sheens, the state leagues and the Origin coaches."

The ARLC also clarified the definition of what will constitute an illegal shoulder charge.

"Where a defender, without attempting to tackle, grab or hold the ball-carrier (or any opposing player) using the arms or hands, makes direct physical contact using the shoulder or the upper arm (tucked into the side)," the commission's statement read.

ABC / AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, state-of-origin, sydney-2000, nsw, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted December 18, 2012 20:17:02

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Campbell hopes NRL players get pay rise

2012-12-18T01:56:00.000+06:00

Updated December 11, 2012 07:02:13

The man who conceived the NRL's All Stars idea - Preston Campbell - said he would understand if players boycotted the rugby league showpiece over a salary dispute.

But Campbell hoped players would consider the impact the game had on the community programs it helped fund before striking.

Campbell was in Brisbane on Monday to help launch the final stage of public voting for the 2013 All Stars clash on February 9 to be held at Lang Park for the first time.

However, Campbell admitted he was concerned the headline event may be a fizzer if big name players opted to stay away.

The Rugby League Players Association held its latest round of talks with the Australian Rugby League Commission last week in a bid to increase the NRL salary cap from $5 million to $6.5 million next season.

Players have refused to rule out an All Stars strike over the dispute.

Campbell said players deserved a pay increase but hoped they did not earn it by ditching the All Stars clash.

"I understand the boys want to get what they can," he said.

"If the boys get a bit more then they deserve it. It's a tough environment playing rugby league.

"But at the same time players have to realise that without the support of the community, without people buying merchandise or going to games, switching the TV on to watch a match, the game wouldn't be as great - we need to remember that."

The All Stars concept has helped raise almost $5 million for NRL community programs in its first three years, with the ARLC hoping to increase the initiatives it supports next year.

The All Stars game was one of the projects that helped the ARLC take out Governing Body of the Year at this year's Beyond Sport Federation Awards in London.

"It would be disappointing if the game wasn't played," Campbell said.

"We would have to work a bit harder in trying to get the message out there.

"This is a great vehicle to get to a wider audience.

"It is making a big difference in so many people's lives."

Broncos star Justin Hodges said a strike would damage the good work the game did on and off the field.

"It would hurt everything," he said.

"As players we want to get paid like everybody else. We deserve it. We put our bodies through a lot of torture.

"But I will leave it to the players association. Hopefully we can get out there and play ... especially a game that means so much to our people."

Public voting on the Indigenous side and a 64-man NRL All Stars shortlist will end on January 14.

Laurie Daley will return as Indigenous All Stars coach while Wayne Bennett will again take up the NRL team's reins.

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted December 11, 2012 07:02:13

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Eels dump Jamil Hopoate over behaviour

2012-12-18T01:21:00.000+06:00

Updated December 11, 2012 12:58:39

The Parramatta Eels have terminated Jamil Hopoate's contract over behavior issues at an Eels training camp.

Jamil, brother of former NRL star William Hopoate, left the premises of Parramatta's rookie camp in Sydney against strict club orders, and failed to attend formal presentations at the camp.

Hopoate was part of a group of privileged players invited to take part in the camp, which was designed to give an insight into the training and lifestyle requirements of NRL-grade players.

Parramatta CEO Ken Edwards said Hopoate had to go as the club is focussed on players who will put the Eels first.

"Unfortunately Jamil has failed to respond to on-going support, tutoring and mentoring from our dedicated coaching staff as well as our welfare and education department," Edwards said in a statement.

"While the club regrets losing such a talented player, the club has made it very clear that we expect high standards of behaviour across all grades."

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, parramatta-2150, nsw, australia

First posted December 11, 2012 12:57:37

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League trumps rugby in charity boxing

2012-12-18T00:50:00.000+06:00

Updated December 16, 2012 08:20:37

Plenty of punches landed but there was no serious damage as rugby league came out 3-1 winners in its rivalry with rugby union in a charity boxing event in Auckland.

NRL players Paul Gallen, Greg Bird and Manu Vatuvei all won their bouts over three two-minute rounds at the Fight for Life for prostate cancer awareness on Saturday night.

Former All Black Carlos Spencer got one back for rugby, while Willie Mason and another ex-All Black, Troy Flavell, fought out a draw in the battle of the big boys.

NSW skipper Gallen proved the surprise packet with a unanimous decision against All Blacks hooker Hika Elliot.

At the weigh-in, Gallen had talked down his abilities against an opponent who boasted a 62-0 record in karate.

But the Cronulla forward picked his moment to throw his punches and was able to find his mark with a series of combinations.

Gallen said he had privately backed himself, even if all the talk about Elliot's ability had made him nervous.

"I didn't want to be over-confident, to be honest," he said.

"I heard so much about the bloke and how good a fighter he was, I just wanted to go out there and do what my trainer told me."

Despite his clear-cut victory, he won't be hurrying back into the ring.

"I've got no plans to be a boxer."

Gallen won despite carrying an elbow injury from training a couple of weeks ago and for which he will have surgery on Thursday.

He said the rehabilitation period was only a fortnight, so he would be 100 per cent for the new NRL season.

Vatuvei also got all the judges' votes against London Games rowing gold medallist Eric Murray.

The Warriors winger could not quite tag Murray with a big shot, his opponent managing mostly to keep himself out of range, but he was buzzing after the fight.

"It was an awesome feeling," he said.

"I'm happy I jumped in. Eric and I went in to put on a good show and hopefully everyone enjoyed it."

Bird won an incident-filled contest over Blues back Rene Ranger via a split decision.

Bird was caught flush with a right hand in the second round and dropped to the canvas.

But Ranger was docked two points for throwing the punch after the referee had called for the fighters to break.

"I've copped bigger hits than that on the footy paddock," Bird said.

"I'll be right. The head's pretty solid."

Spencer got a majority verdict over former Kiwi Jarrod McCracken.

The bout developed some feeling, with Spencer unhappy with some of McCracken's tactics, including a couple of punches thrown when Spencer's back was turned.

"A win's a win," he said.

"It was more like a league match than a boxing match."

Mason and Flavell provided plenty of entertainment with a mix of big punches and occasional wrestling, and could not be separated by the judges.

In a six-round women's lightweight professional bout, New Zealander Daniella Smith's aggressiveness paid dividends as she beat Australian Lauryn Eagle by unanimous decision.

AAP

Tags: boxing, rugby-league, rugby-union, new-zealand, australia

First posted December 16, 2012 08:07:28

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All Stars boycott unlikely: Gallen

2012-12-18T00:18:00.000+06:00

Updated December 11, 2012 13:16:45

NSW and Cronulla captain Paul Gallen claims talk of a strike is premature in the players' quest for a greater slice of the NRL money pie.

Gallen, preparing for a charity boxing bout in New Zealand on Saturday night, said he did not believe the players and the NRL were too far apart as negotiations continue for a salary cap increase.

With ARL Commission chairman John Grant desperate to limit a cap increase in a bid to preserve money in a future fund, speculation has arisen that players could boycott next year's All Stars game if their demands are not met.

But Gallen denied that option was under serious consideration.

"There's no way in the world players want that," Gallen said.

"We love the fans, it's a blue-collar game and the fans love us because we get out there and we put our body on the line every single week.

"We certainly don't want to get to that stage. There certainly hasn't been talk about that."

Gallen was confident the resolution could soon be found in talks for a new collective bargaining agreement.

"I think both sides are working hard to get something done," he said.

"I don't think we are too far apart and every meeting I've been to, they've been more productive.

"It's certainly not a stand-off ... certainly no rush to get it done."

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted December 11, 2012 13:16:45

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NRL calls for HSG to honour player payments

2012-12-17T23:48:00.000+06:00

Updated December 13, 2012 18:18:50

The NRL has called on the Hunter Sports Group to use the upcoming half million-plus club grant payment to pay its players, in the wake of the Tax Office's move to wind up the Newcastle Knights.

As a result of Nathan Tinkler's $2.7 million debt, the ATO announced plans to wind up both his NRL franchise and A-League side, the Jets.

Knights members' investments are secured by a $20 million bank guarantee, but the NRL wants to ensure players and staff do not become casualties in the argument between Tinkler and the ATO.

To this end it wishes the upcoming $583,333 the club receive later this month will be put aside for wages before being used elsewhere.

"Hunter Sports Group continues to assure us that the club is in a sound position," NRL interim chief executive, Shane Mattiske, said.

"There are also clear safeguards agreed by Nathan Tinkler and the Knights at the time of the sale of the club that remain in place.

"These include a significant bank guarantee.

"It is important in the meantime that we ensure all commitments are met to players and staff and we are simply ensuring through the payment of the grant that these are a priority."

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, newcastle-2300

First posted December 13, 2012 18:17:04

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Tinkler keeps control after Knights meeting

2012-12-17T23:17:00.000+06:00

Updated December 18, 2012 01:09:30

Mining magnate Nathan Tinkler has maintained his control over the Newcastle Knights NRL team after an emergency meeting of the club's board and members.

Last week the Australian Tax Office moved to wind up the Knights and the Newcastle Jets A-League franchise because of a $2.7 million debt.

The debt is owed by Mr Tinkler's Hunter Sports Group (HSG).

The Knights Members Club (KMC) board has been increasingly nervous and there was speculation it would ask Mr Tinkler to hand back the club's NRL licence.

There was a $20 million bank guarantee when Mr Tinkler privatised the club in case things turned sour.

Mr Tinkler's right-hand man, HSG chief executive Troy Palmer, Knights boss Matt Gidley and coach Wayne Bennett addressed the meeting and did their best to allay members' fears.

Mr Palmer and Mr Gidley reinforced their view that HSG intends to pay the tax bill in the next few weeks.

The pair also said all of HSG's creditors would be paid, and that an audit report into the Knights' 2012 financial operations would reveal HSG had met all requirements.

After the meeting, Mr Palmer said it was business as usual for HSG and the Knights.

"Everyone agrees what a great job Nathan and the team has done and where the club has gone in a short period of time," he said.

"I think the members club are more than happy with that after asking their questions today.

"We are excited about next season."

Board chairman Nick Dan confirmed he had received assurances at the meeting.

"We want to see the club fully capitalised and I'm confident that this football club will always survive," he said.

ABC/AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, newcastle-2300, nsw, australia

First posted December 17, 2012 20:55:00

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Cowboys rope in Tamou

2012-12-17T22:44:00.000+06:00

Updated December 10, 2012 13:25:57

Star forward James Tamou has re-signed with North Queensland for another three years after a break-out 2012 season.

Tamou will remain a Cowboy through 2016 in a massive signing coup for the Townsville-based club.

It is the perfect early birthday present for the young prop, who turns 25 on Thursday.

"When I first came to the Cowboys, I hadn't played in the NRL and now I'm playing Origin and Test footy which shows how much being here has helped my game," Tamou told the club's website.

"I owe this club a lot and I love the area and the people here so my goal was to stay with North Queensland.

"I think we have a great squad and can challenge for titles next year and beyond that."

Tamou has played 78 games for North Queensland since his debut in 2009 and signalled his arrival as a true NRL force when he was named for all three State of Origin clashes for New South Wales last season.

"After the way he played this year, I think everyone now knows what a talented footballer James is," Cowboys general manager Peter Parr said in a statement.

"His 2012 season was one of the best by a front-rower in this club's history.

"Not only did he play representative football, he excelled at that level and he was among our best players week-in, week-out with his team-mates recognising him with the players' player of the year Award.

"At 24, his best years as a forward in the NRL are still ahead of him and our members and fans can look forward to at least his next four years being with the Cowboys."

New Zealand-born Tamou played for the Junior Kiwis in 2007 and New Zealand Maori in 2008, and was selected for the Kiwis' Four Nations squad in 2011, but pledged allegiance to Australia this year.

He made his Kangaroos debut in the ANZAC Test in April and scored a try against his country of birth in Australia's Test win on his home ground in Townsville in October.

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, townsville-4810, qld, australia

First posted December 10, 2012 13:25:57

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Smith joins Brumbies coaching ranks

2012-12-17T22:14:00.000+06:00

Updated December 11, 2012 08:09:23

Former NRL coach Brian Smith has joined the coaching staff of Super Rugby club the ACT Brumbies for next season.

Smith coached NRL clubs Parramatta, St George Illawarra, Newcastle and the Roosters.

Smith never won a premiership in more than 20 years as a top grade coach, but his football experience and track record with young players will certainly help an inexperienced Brumbies squad.

He will take on the Brumbies' role vacated by Newcastle Knights veteran Danny Buderus, working alongside Brumbies head coach Jake White.

Brumbies' chief executive Andrew Fagan says Smith will bring a wealth of experience to the club.

"There is particular focus of his work around those defensive systems, but I think because of his experience we'll be using him to look at exchanging ideas in all sorts of areas," Fagan said.

The Brumbies' appointment of Buderus as a part-time coach was over even before it started, with the NRL blocking the rugby franchise's move to sign him as a collision coach.

The league issued a statement seeking "an immediate explanation" from the Knights with regards to the deal after saying no third party agreement had been lodged as the NRL salary cap requires.

Brumbies boss Andrew Fagan said he thought that Buderus had Newcastle's blessing but evidently not the NRL's.

The Knights later said in a statement that the final agreement between Buderus and the Brumbies had not been seen by the club and needed to be submitted to and approved by the NRL.

But Newcastle chief executive Matt Gidley did say the club had encouraged Buderus to seek varied work experience.

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, nrl, rugby-league, sport, canberra-2600, act, australia

First posted December 11, 2012 08:03:06

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ATO pushes to wind up Knights, Jets

2012-12-17T21:40:00.000+06:00

Updated December 13, 2012 20:50:56

Senior figures at Newcastle's NRL and A-League teams say Nathan Tinkler is working quickly to pay a multi-million-dollar tax office debt to avoid the clubs being wound up.

The ATO has filed documents with the Federal Court to wind up Mr Tinkler's Hunter Sports Group, the Newcastle Knights and the Jets due to debts of $2.7 million.

The documents show the Knights have debts of $1.4 million, the Jets owe just over $1 million and HSG has debts of $184,000.

The two clubs and their parent company were given notice of the debts in September but failed to pay within the 21-day deadline.

A hearing has been set down for February 20.

In a video message to fans, Knights chief executive Matt Gidley says it is business as usual for the club.

"I've been advised that the outstanding payment to the ATO will be paid shortly and the issue will be resolved," he said.

"Our number one priority at the moment is to support our football team and not let this affect the great work our coaching staff and players are doing currently.

"For now, it's business as usual for us at the Knights."

Jets chief executive Robbie Middleby says the club remains focused on the current season.

"Our main concern at the Newcastle Jets at the moment is that the players and the staff over in Perth have got their mind on the jobs."

Football Federation Australia and the NRL says they have been assured the teams' operations will not be affected.

The news comes just weeks after another two of Mr Tinkler's companies were placed in liquidation and his private jet was seized.

The ATO has declined to comment further on the action.

An NRL spokesman says the league has been told the club's "issues" are under control.

The Jets are in Perth for tomorrow night's game with the Glory, and forward Adam Taggart says the news has not unsettled the team.

"It's something we can't really do anything about, so at the end of the day it doesn't really affect us," he said.

"We're going to go out there as a team and feeling the same as every week, so I don't think it really affects us too much to be honest."

Midfielder Ruben Zadkovich said a similar thing at a pre-match media conference in Perth.

"We don't know much about it. It's just business as usual for us, we're just focused on the football, and leave all the off-field stuff to them," he said.

Hunter Sports Group has issued a statement saying it was unaware of the ATO's action until being alerted by the media.

A spokeswoman says it is business as usual for both Newcastle clubs.

"We advise that any outstanding sum will be paid as soon as possible, well before the reported hearing date on the matter next February," the statement says.

Former Knights chairman Rob Tew, who brokered the deal to sell the club to Mr Tinkler, says it does not spell the end of the club.

"There's a course of action that's clearly identified within the sale of contract which includes accessing the bank guarantee and the club returning to a membership-owned entity."

The president of Jets supporter group the Squadron, Tim Verscheldon, says it is another hurdle for the club, which was on the brink of financial collapse when Mr Tinkler took over in 2010.

"I personally will never knock Nathan for what he's done for this town, this region, both sporting clubs," he said.

"He came in and saved us from the brink and put us on a new path, everything is just a stepping stone to something bigger."

Professor Ian Ramsey is the director of the Centre for Corporate Law and Securities Regulation at the University of Melbourne.

He says the matter may not get to court, if the debts are repaid before then.

"If this amount is disputed by the companies concerned, the critical job for the court is to work out what amount, if any, is owed," he told PM.

"But of course there is a major threat over the companies, which is that unless they pay this amount the court finds that it's owing, the court can wind up the companies.

"And effectively that means the appointment of a liquidator, a company's assets are sold, and that's the end of the company. That's the end of their businesses."

Tags: tax, a-league, nrl, newcastle-2300, nsw, australia, muswellbrook-2333

First posted December 13, 2012 11:51:25

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Pre-Christmas deal up to players: RLPA

2012-12-17T21:04:00.000+06:00

Updated December 14, 2012 12:30:09

Rugby League Players' Association (RLPA) chief executive David Garnsey says a pre-Christmas agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement is solely down to the speed of NRL players accepting the proposal.

Garnsey will on Friday - in conjunction with the NRL - formalise a document for club delegates to take back to their team-mates, with the assumption players will make a call before they break next week for Christmas.

"There's sufficient enthusiasm and ability, more to the point because they're in training - they're not spread to the four wings as they might be if they were on leave, [so] that they can [act] relatively quickly," Garnsey said.

"I would hope the players wouldn't need to think about it for huge numbers of days before forming a view.

"Before Christmas is eminently possible, but I don't control that end of it - that's up to the players."

It is believed a hectic week of negotiations has delivered a $5.8 million salary cap for the 2013 season - an increase from the current $5 million, yet short of the players' target of $6.5 million - that includes a minimum wage of $80,000.

Several players have been part of the negotiations, but Garnsey says it is vital all players have a voice.

"We'll be making sure we can get as wide a view as possible from the playing group," Garnsey said.

"I'll be relying on my captains and my club delegates to hold individual meetings with their clubs and discuss the proposal thoroughly with all the players so they can get back to me with a response.

"The ultimate goal here is that every member of the association has a chance to feed his view into what's happening. We're not going to restrict it to a limited group of players to make this call."

AAP

Tags: rugby-league, nrl, sport, australia

First posted December 14, 2012 12:27:31

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Life lessons through league

2012-12-17T20:32:00.000+06:00

Kathleen Dyett

Updated December 11, 2012 19:54:47

It was a gruelling training session and former NRL star Alan Tongue definitely put participants through their paces.

For six weeks Tongue has been training and mentoring young people behind the wire fences of Canberra's Bimberi Youth Justice Centre.

He developed the program which is based on his experience on the field and at rookie camps.

"There's so many positive messages that sport and in particular rugby league can pass on and lessons about life," Tongue said.

"I've been putting this program together for a while and with the help of a lot of people here, we've got it in."

During the mentoring sessions, Tongue has encouraged the young people to respect others, take responsibility for their actions and work hard to achieve their dreams.

Those same lessons are played out on the centre's oval during training sessions and no one is let off lightly.

"I actually get the guys to set the standards and the rules that we're going to live by," Tongue said.

"We have physical penalties for bad language which is a bit of a laugh at the start until you can't walk towards the end of the first session because it's so hard.

"That trust has really just built up. We've really created a good sense of belonging and I think a lot of kids who come in here are really longing for that."

Bimberi's programs and services manager Leonie McKenna says she is already seeing results.

"We've noticed a change in some of the behaviours in the young people and they've actually brought through some of the messages in their daily life," she said.

"They've actually pulled each other up in some of their behaviours, which is a sign the messages are getting through."

Ms McKenna says she would like to see the program continue at the centre and it could be run once a term.

At Bimberi, 16 youths have successfully completed the program and received a Canberra Raiders jersey for their efforts.

One participant, who can not be named, says he has always been an NRL supporter and it has been great to meet Tongue and learn how to train hard.

"He's shown me how to be confident - just to dream, achieve and believe about ourselves and look after ourselves," he said.

"I've been playing football since I was six and it has really shown me how life is better being good and trying real hard in life."

Tongue plans to continue running the program at Bimberi and also hopes to expand into schools and other youth justice centres.

Tags: states-and-territories, rugby-league, act, canberra-2600

First posted December 11, 2012 19:52:21

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NRL, players close to salary cap deal

2012-12-17T20:00:00.000+06:00

Updated December 13, 2012 07:01:07

Players and the NRL moved closer to resolving their stand-off over a salary cap increase on Wednesday as the league unveiled a naming and digital rights deal.

Players and players' association representatives were locked in talks with NRL officials, both sides conceding some progress in their bid to find common ground as they attempt to split up the game's broadcast deal riches.

ARL Commission chairman John Grant indicated the new five-year deal with Telstra, worth more than $100 million and double the previous deal, had already been factored into its discussions with players, who are seeking a $1.5 million rise in the current $5 million cap.

"We've seen some really positive progress today. There's a range of issues that we continue to discuss," interim NRL chief executive Shane Mattiske said.

"But I'm very pleased with the way those discussions have progressed today and we seem like we've made some progress towards coming to a conclusion."

Mattiske declined to comment on the specific nature of the progress.

New South Wales Origin and Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen said the NRL had been responsive after the initial slow start to talks.

"Things are looking very positive," he said.

"They've moved a long way from where they first started.

"As players, we're definitely getting to where we need to be. We're not there yet but it's not too far off."

Under the terms of the digital rights deal, NRL matches will be broadcast live on mobile phones and tablets, with the telco giant extending its association with the NRL into a 17th season.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia

First posted December 12, 2012 16:25:17

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League the winner in Folau's AFL exit

2012-12-10T12:44:00.000+06:00

Quentin Hull

Updated November 01, 2012 18:27:11

A red-letter day for one code is a red-faced day for another.

'The war' continues to rage but Israel Folau has symbolised an almighty battle within it and today rugby league is dancing on the AFL's battered millions.

The west cannot be bought - the heart and soul of Sydney's working class has repelled the cashed-up invaders from the south.

There were always two stories accompanying Folau's switch of codes and inevitably the journey of an athlete is lost in the cacophony of inter-code combat.

A young man's decision to leave everything he knows to try something new must be applauded. It is also very brave to admit very publicly that it didn't work out.

Australians who live by the mantra of "having a go" - and that's most of us involved with sport - would be hypocritical to knock that aspect of Folau.

Sure, there was a big chunk of cash to be earned, but it's likely his earnings in the next two years will fail to match what would have earned if he saw his AFL contract through.

Folau's story was always bigger than that.

The majority of Giants jumpers bought by fans have the number four on them and the most of the Sydney media or public wouldn't know who Jonathon Patton is.

So where did the AFL go so wrong with Folau compared to what is going so right with Karmichael Hunt?

Marketing was always a huge part of Hunt's recruitment but his talent was undeniably adaptable.

Having seen the amazing PR machine created by Special K, the AFL tried try and replicate it and the amazing vertical leap of Folau was enough to take a risk.

What will really hurt the AFL is that it had its "pawns" stationed in the wrong battlefields.

Success in Sydney and man down on the Gold Coast would have been a much preferred outcome considering the enormity - both in populous and psyche - of the AFL's task in these two frontiers.

Rugby league has always shown itself to be forgiving to a prodigal son and Folau will be welcomed back with open arms.

As for the AFL it might be best served asking the premiers across town, who have been in residence for 30 years, just how tough it is to make it in Sin City.

Tags: nrl, australian-football-league, rugby-league, sport, australia

First posted November 01, 2012 18:25:02

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Anderson appointed as referees' boss

2012-12-10T12:13:00.000+06:00

Updated November 14, 2012 12:48:48

Daniel Anderson will be the new NRL referees' chief heading a leadership team as an elite performance manager.

The two-time grand final coach will be assisted by former referees Tony Archer and Russell Smith who take on roles as technical coaches.

The appointments come after a season in which refereeing decisions came under scrutiny, particularly over television replays.

Anderson warned fans not to expect an end to refereeing controversy but said he hopes to bring consistency to the game's officiating.

"I don't profess to have the answer to people arguing one decision or another and we have to accept that there will always be a bit of that in rugby league," Anderson said.

"What I do hope to do is work closely with clubs and referees to ensure rugby league is refereed consistently and that we build an environment which is conducive to referees performing at their best on a consistent basis."

NRL interim chief executive Shane Mattiske said Anderson's ability to build a team as a respected coach with the New Zealand Warriors, St Helens, Paramatta and the Kiwis was a key reason for his appointment.

"At NRL level we have identified performance coaching and team building as key priority areas and Daniel has a strong track record in both. There is a wealth of refereeing talent and technical support available to him.

"Tony Archer has refereed the past six NRL grand finals as well as Test matches and Origins while Russell Smith has refereed Tests, Super League grand finals and Challenge Cup finals.

"Both have been named International Referee of the Year."

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia

First posted November 14, 2012 11:55:03

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