Reining premiers the Cronulla Sharks boast a massive 456 games of first grade experience as
they take on a dominant Penrith Panthers in a grand final replay this week.
Continue reading “Sharks v Panthers In NSW Cup Grand Final Replay”
Tag: NRL
Ryan Tandy: A Life In The Headlines
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FORMER NRL player Ryan Tandy may have won a premiership with the Melbourne Storm but he spent the latter part of his career in the headlines:
2003 — Tandy made his NRL debut while at the St George Illawarra Dragons where he played three games for the club. In the same year he moved to the South Sydney Rabbitohs where he also made three appearances.
ANZAC Rookies Frustrate Fans
Photo by S.Alexander
Stephen Kearney has frustrated Rugby League fans with an apparent façade over questionable selections for New Zealand’s ANZAC clash. The most notable being the axing of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
Wests Tigers v Gold Coast Titans Round 8 Preview
What: NRL Round 8
Who: Wests Tigers v Gold Coast
When: Sunday 27th April – 3pm
Where: Leichhardt Oval
I Can Watch It On: Channel Nine
Form Guide
WT – LWWLWWW
GC – WLWWWWL
Things You Need To Know:
Human wrecking ball James Gavet is a huge loss for the Tigers, the enforcer dropping out with a hamstring injury. Sitaleki Akauola is on the bench to accommodate the return of Liam Fulton.
The Titans’ only change is Mark Ioane coming in for the suspended Matt White. Surprisingly William Zillman is still out of the side after reports he was training last week.
Reason To Watch:
Two (surprise) heavyweights go head to head with the Tigers coming off three wins and playing their best footy in recent seasons. The Titans are firming in premiership contention after a 5-2 start to the season. The Tigers always aim up at Leichhardt, and their 42-12 win over the Titans earlier this season shouldn’t be brushed aside.
Reason To Turn Away:
Just when the Tigers thought they’d never hear of him again, Benji arrives home asking for forgiveness from the rugby league brethren. He won’t be in black and gold again but the mere mention of his name is guaranteed to start a blue in Tigertown.
Say What:
“I’m not getting ahead of myself – the coaching staff know it’s a long haul getting to the semis.” – Mick Potter is keeping it real despite the Tigers’ great start to 2014.
Final Word:
Recent form and home ground advantage will get the Wests Tigers across the line – but only just. WT by 6.
Sam Alexander
Story published on sportal – http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/match-centre/314088/nrl
North Queensland Cowboys v Parramatta Eels Round 8 Preview
What: NRL Round 8
Who: North Queensland v Parramatta
When: Saturday April 26 – 5.30pm
Where: 1300Smiles Stadium
I Can Watch It On: Fox Sports
Form guide:
Cows: WLLLWLL
Eels: WLLWWWL
Things You Need To Know:
Ray Thompson shifts to halfback for Robert Lui who has been dumped to reserve grade. Rookie Kyle Feldt also finds himself on the outer, making way for Kane Linnett.
Following the Eels’ heart-breaking loss last week, Brad Arthur has only made one change with back rower Pauli Pauli moving into the starting line up. Peni Terepo shifts to the bench. Kenny Edwards is set for a lengthy stint in the injury ward following a fracture to his hand, with reports that he could miss 4-6 weeks. The Cowboys have won their past three against Parra.
Reason To Watch:
When the Eels are in this sort of form, they are one of the most exciting teams to watch in the competition. Jarryd Hayne is in irresistible touch while we’re enjoying Chris Sandow’s revival.
Reason To Turn Away:
The only thing turning away NRL fans recently is the constant refereeing blunders. The match officials look like they are controlling the game with zero confidence. Both these teams copped raw deals last start. Maybe steer clear of the post-match press conference – it could prove ugly if there is another contentious issue.
Say What:
“Our fans want to know they are getting a fair rub of green.” – Paul Green following last week’s controversial loss to the Eagles. Surely the old NSW conspiracy theory won’t fire up again will it?
Final Word:
Parramatta has blown away better sides than North Queensland this year, so be wary of discounting them. The Cowboys showed their potential last week against Manly but they continue to blow hot and cold and butchered another potential win – with considerable help from the video refs. Eels by 8.
Sam Alexander
Published on sportal – http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/match-centre/314085/nrl
Spirit of Anzac inspires Sydney Roosters to perform against St George Illawarra in Anzac Day clash
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Story published in The Daily Telegraph – Friday April 25, 2014
BOYD Cordner became the first Roosters player to win the Spirit of Anzac medal last year and his captain Anthony Minichiello wants more of the same on Friday.
Big crowd expected for NRL blockbuster between the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers
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THE Easter resurrection of NRL crowds in Sydney is set to continue with today’s blockbuster between the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium on track to post 40,000-plus fans.
Sydney Roosters v Cronulla Sharks Round 7 Preview
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What: NRL Round 7
Who: Cronulla Sharks v Sydney Roosters
When: Saturday April 19 – 7.30pm
Where: Remondis Stadium
I Can Watch It On: Fox Sports
Form guide:
Cron: LLLLWL
Roosters: LWWLLL
Things You Need To Know:
Both sides come into round seven with the less said about their recent form the better. The Sharks’ only change is Jonathan Wright in for Nathan Stapleton on the wing. Enforcers Paul Gallen, Luke Lewis and Anthony Tupou are still missing, leaving obvious holes in their go forward. Although there is a whisper Tupou might return. Daniel Mortimer and Dylan Napa are added to an extended bench for the Roosters, who are looking to break a three match losing streak.
Reason To Watch:
James Maloney’s form has come under the microscope and he will be primed to turn things around. His NSW jumper may hinge on him doing so
Reason To Turn Away:
Other than the fact that both sides have left a lot to be desired in recent fixtures, there’s also the question of Todd Carney’s new Eminem-style haircut, making him stand out for all the wrong reasons against Manly. Carney only put a huge target on his back. Between a mix of a below par performance and his new ‘style’, critics were more than happy to pounce on the enigmatic five-eighth. Why give them added ammunition?
Say What:
“We need to be a lot better. It was embarrassing for us, that first half … (I am) terribly disappointed. As far as energy levels goes, other teams have enthusiasm and we don’t have it week to week,” – Sharks coach Peter Sharp sums up Cronulla’s woes in brutal fashion.
Final Word:
Although the Roosters have had a modest start to the season, they are still a genuine premiership side. The time has come for them to hit their straps and to put it simply; they are too tough for the Sharks. Cronulla’s recent form speaks for itself. Roosters by 18.
Sam Alexander
Find the preview published at http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/match-centre/314075/nrl
Farah Injured as Tigers Maul Cowboys
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An elbow injury to Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah soured his side’s 16-4 victory over North Queensland at Campbelltown Stadium.
What: NRL Round 6
Who: Wests Tigers v North Queensland Cowboys
Result: Tigers 16-4
When and Where: Saturday April 12, Campbelltown Stadium – 7.30pm
Match Rating: 6/10
80 Minutes in 80 Seconds: The Tigers’ great win has been overshadowed by the departure of captain Robbie Farah who left the field in the dying minutes nursing a hyper extended elbow. The injury wasn’t pretty – early reports suggest he may have dislocated it – and comes on the back of a serious ankle injury to full-back James Tedesco last week. The Cowboys were completely outclassed in a match where the Tigers dominated possession and field position. Johnathan Thurston won the first round of his duel with Luke Brooks, scooping up a Brooks error and sending Brent Tate over. Things were looking good for the Cowboys but errors proved costly as they let the hosts back into the game. Farah called for ‘more energy’ at half-time and the Tigers certainly delivered, sealing their fourth win of the season.
Who Killed It? Robbie Farah produced a brilliant captains knock before the injury. He controlled the game beautifully, picking up a try through some super vision at dummy half and setting up another for rookie half Blake Austin. James Gavet was a standout off the bench, making crunching tackles and some barnstorming runs.
Who Stank It Up? Rookie fullback Michael Morgan had yet another rough night, rarely looking comfortable under the high ball. In the moments you would expect the experience of Johnathan Thurston to pull through; it was nowhere to be found. Thurston’s most prominent failure being when he butchered a certain try on the back of a Brent Tate line break.
What Do I Need To Know? Martin Taupau limped off the field in the 40th minute with a hip flexor injury along with Kurtis Rowe who was later replaced at fullback by Tim Simona. Antonio Winterstein’s hamstring injury in the 63rd minute looked ugly and the flying winger could find himself in some trouble.
Look Out Up Ahead: The hot-and-cold Cowboys take on the dangerous Sea Eagles Friday night at Brookvale Oval. Wests Tigers are against the rampaging Eels in a Monday night match up at Parramatta.
Check out the review published on sportal.com.au http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/robbie-farah-injured-in-wests-tigers-victory/1p292rwdcdlmh1wrwbaknxdgjs
Titans Upset Storm in Thriller
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Melbourne Storm have suffered their second straight defeat with a 28-26 loss to the Gold Coast Titans in their NRL clash at AAMI Park.
What: NRL Round 5
Who: Melbourne Storm v Gold Coast Titans
Result: Titans 28-26
When and Where: Sunday April 6 – AAMI Park
Crowd: 11,930
Match Rating: 8/10
80 MINUTES IN 80 SECONDS
This one see-sawed thoughout before ending in a nail-biter. Sisa Waqa’s 7th minute try set the tone for the match up, with the Titans hitting back in the 15th minute through a Kevin Gordon four pointer and again in the 18th minute thanks to a Brad Tighe try. The Titans opened up a handy lead but the Storm fought their way back to level at 26-all in the dying stages. A contentious late penalty goal saw the Titans sneak home for a memorable win – and pole position on the competition table.
WHO KILLED IT
Cooper Cronk had a massive impact on his side’s performance just when they needed an experienced head to lead the troops. Unfortunately for the Storm it wasn’t enough as an inspired Titans outfit, led by Albert Kelly, proved impossible to see off. Special mention to Sisa Waqa and David Mead for standout performances on the wing. Brad Takairangi’s crunching defence, continually shutting down Ryan Hoffman, also deserves praise.
WHO STUNK IT UP?
Although his overall performance was not bad, Ryan Hinchcliffe will be feeling horrible after conceding the penalty that led to the Titans winning conversion.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW
Dayne Weston was placed on report following a crusher tackle.
WHAT THE?
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy will be ropeable after a suspect penalty went the Titans’ way in the dying minutes, gifting them the win through a last minute goal, nailed by Greg Bird.
LOOK OUT UP AHEAD
The inspired Titans take on neighbours Brisbane on the Gold Coast on Friday, while the Melbourne Storm will be looking to bounce back against the Dragons at AAMI Park on Monday.
Sam Alexander
Published on sportal.com.au – http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/gold-coast-titans-upset-melbourne-storm-with-last-gasp-penalty/1q7do123jjq361bkleu3uimmtt
S.J.A 