Recent Posts
All the NRL player comings and goings for your club in season 2011!
Brisbane Broncos
Acquired: Ben Hannant 2014 [Bulldogs], Shane Tronc - 2010 [Wakefield Trinity], Dane Carlaw - 2011 [Les Catalans Dragons]
Released: Steve Michaels [Titans], Lagi Setu [Mormon mission], Tim Smith [Sharks], Israel Folau [AFL - GWS], Antonio Winterstein [Cowboys], Tariq Sims [Cowboys], Ashton Sims [Cowboys], Korbin Sims [Knights]
Canterbury Bulldogs
Acquired: Aiden Tolman 2013 [Storm], Trent Hodkinson - 2013 [Sea Eagles], Ryan Tandy - 2010 [Storm], Kris Keating - 2012 [Eels], Grant Millington - 2012 [Sharks], Frank Pritchard - 2013 [Panthers], Michael Lett - 2011 [Dragons], Jonathon Wright - 2012 [Eels], Greg Eastwood - 2012 [ESL - Leeds]
Released: Ben Hannant [Broncos], Daniel Harrison [Sea Eagles], Luke Patten [ESL - Salford], Paki Afu [Eels], Blake Green [ESL - Hull KR], Tim Robinson [Sea Eagles]
North Queensland Cowboys
Acquired: Antonio Winterstein - 2013 [Broncos], Brent Tate - 2013 [Warriors], Arana Taumata - 2011 [Wests Tigers], Tariq Sims - 2012 [Broncos], Kalifa Fai-Fai Loa - 2012 [Dragons], Ashton Sims - 2012 [Broncos], Blake Leary - 2012 [Storm], Ricky Thorby - 2012 [Dragons], Gavin Cooper - 2012 [Panthers], Dallas Johnson [ESL - Catalans Dragons]
Released: Steve Rapira [Warriors], Antonio Kaufusi [Knights], Manase Manuokafoa [Eels], Anthony Watts [Roosters], Luke O'Donnell [ESL - Huddersfield Giants], Carl Webb [Eels], Willie Mason [Hull - KR], John Williams [Sharks], Steve Southern [Knights], Arana Taumata [Panthers]
St George Illawarra Dragons
Acquired: Mark Gasnier - 2014 [French Rugby - Stade Franηais], Daniel Penese - ? [Panthers], Adam Cuthertson - 2011 [Sharks]
Released: Jarrod Saffy [Super 15 Melbourne Rebels], Beau Henry [Knights], Neville Costigan [Knights], Kalifa Fai-Fai Loa [Cowboys], Jeremy Smith [Sharks], Ricky Thorby [Cowboys], Luke Priddis [Retired], Michael Lett [Bulldogs]
Parramatta Eels
Acquired: Manase Manuokafoa - 2011 [Cowboys], Carl Webb - 2012 [Cowboys], Reni Maitua -2011 [Unsigned], Brad Murray - ? [Roosters], Paki Afu - ? [Bulldogs], Jordan Atkins - ? [Titans], Casey McGuire [ESL - Les Catalans], Chris Walker - ? [ESL - Les Catalans]
Released: Feleti Mateo [Warriors], Krisnan Inu [Warriors], Kris Keating [Bulldogs], Nathan Cayless [Retired], Jonathon Wright [Bulldogs]
Newcastle Knights
Acquired: Siuatonga Likiliki - 2012 [Warriors], Beau Henry - 2014 [Dragons], Kyle O'Donnell - 2012 [Sharks], Neville Costigan - 2013 [Dragons], Antonio Kaufusi - 2012 [Cowboys], Steve Southern - 2011 [Cowboys], Korbin Sims [Broncos]
Released: Cooper Vuna [Super 15 Melbourne Rebels], Steve Simpson [Retired], Scott Dureau [ESL - Catalans Dragons], Ben Cross [ESL - Leeds]
Penrith Panthers
Acquired: Nafe Seluini - 2012 [Warriors], Arana Taumata - 2011 [Cowboys], Mike Worrincy - 2011 [ESL - Bradford]
Released: Wade Graham [Sharks], Daneil Penese [Dragons], Gavin Cooper [Cowboys], Frank Pritchard [Bulldogs], Maurice Blair [Storm]
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Acquired: Jamian Lowe - 2010 [Northern Pride], Craig Stapleton - 2010 [Wests Illawarra], Greg Inglis - 2013 [Storm]
Released: Colin Best [Sharks], Luke Capewell [Titans], Jamian Lowe [Storm]
Canberra Raiders
Acquired: Brett White - 2013 [Storm], Blake Ferguson - 2012 [Sharks], Mark Ioane - 2012 [Warriors]
Released: Justin Carney [Roosters], Brett Kelly [French League - Avignon], Troy Thompson [Storm], Scott Logan [Retired], Adam Mogg [Retired]
Sydney Roosters
Acquired: Justin Carney - 2012 [Raiders], Anthony Watts - 2013 [Cowboys], Lama Tasi - ? [Sea Eagles]
Released: JP Du Plessis [Super 15 Melbourne Rebels], Jason Baiteri [ESL - Catalans Dragons], Brad Murray [Eels], Lopini Paea [ESL - Les Catalans], Nick Kouparitsas [ESL - Harlequins]
Manly Sea Eagles
Acquired: Daniel Harrison - 2013 [Bulldogs], Tim Robinson - ? [Eels]
Released: Trent Hodkinson [Bulldogs], Josh Perry [ESL - St Helens], Lama Tasi [Roosters], Chris Bailey [ESL - London Harlequins]
Cronulla Sharks
Acquired: Tim Smith - 2011 [Broncos], Wade Graham - 2012 [Panthers], Jeremy Smith - ? [Dragons], Colin Best - 2012 [Rabbitohs], John Williams - 2011 [Cowboys]
Released: Kyle O'Donnell [Knights], Trent Barrett [Retired], Grant Millington [Bulldogs], Blake Ferguson [Raiders], Josh Lewis [French League - Toulouse], Adam Cuthertson [Dragons]
Melbourne Storm
Acquired: Troy Thompson - 2011 [Raiders], Adam Woolnough - ? [Retirement], Elijah Niko - ? [Warriors], Jaiman Low - 2011 [Rabbitohs], Maurice Blair - 2011 [Panthers]
Released: Aiden Tolman [Bulldogs], Ryan Tandy [Bulldogs], Jeff Lima [ESL - Wigan], Brett Finch [ESL - Wigan], Ryan Hoffman [ESL - Wigan], Brett White [Raiders], Greg Inglis [Rabbitohs], Blake Leary [Cowboys]
Wests Tigers
Acquired: Wade McKinnon 2011 [Warriors]
Released: Arana Taumata [Cowboys]
Gold Coast Titans
Acquired: Steve Michaels 2012 [Broncos], Luke Capewell - ? [Rabbitohs]
Released: Mat Rogers [Retired], Jordan Atkins [Eels]
New Zealand Warriors
Acquired: Feleti Mateo 2013 [Eels], Krisnan Inu 2013 [Eels], Steve Rapira 2012 [Cowboys]
Released: Wade McKinnon [Wests Tigers], Siuatonga Likiliki [Knights], Brent Tate [Cowboys], Ian Henderson [ESL - Les Catalans], Elijah Niko [Storm], Patrick Ah Van [ESL - Bradford], Nafe Seluini [Panthers], Mark Ioane [Raiders], Steve Price [Retired], Jesse Royal [Released]
Courtesy of www.leagueunlimited.com
Picture: New Zealand winger Jason Nightingale takes to the air against England
New Zealand have withheld a brief second half England comeback to register a 24-10 victory in their Four Nations opener at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.
The Kiwis dominated possession and held an 18-0 lead early in the second half before two quick back-to-back English tries had the home side under pressure at 18-10 with a quarter of the game remaining.
But New Zealand regained their focus - skipper Benji Marshall turned on the razzle dazzle to create space for winger Jason Nightingale and then finish in the corner, putting the game out of England's reach in the 66th minute.
...
Full article HERE
Meanwhile, in a precursor to the game, the Junior Kangaroos triumphed over the Junior Kiwis in the first encounter of a two match series.
A double from rookie fullback Dane Gagai has helped the Junior Kangaroos to a 24-16 win over the Junior Kiwis at Westpac Stadium, Wellington.
..
Full article HERE
With the dust having finally settled on the NRL season, it's time to look forward to the upcoming Four Nations tournament - it promises to be intriguing viewing..
article via LeagueUnlimited
Australia
The Kangaroos enter any contest with the favouritism tag and it's no different in this year's Four Nations. Australia are reigning champions following their 46-16 demolition of England at Elland Road last season. However, there are a number of missing players from that successful side including the injured Greg Inglis, Johnathan Thurston, Justin Hodges and Jarryd Hayne. But the quality of depth in Australia means high quality replacements. Storm playmaker Cooper Cronk slots into the number seven, while centres Wilie Tonga and Brent Tate find themselves back in the Green and Gold after a few years in the wilderness.
Rustiness may be a concern though, with the 'spine' of Slater, Darren Lockyer, Cronk and Cameron Smith having not laced on a boot in a number of months. Fortunately, Australia get the chance to flush out any cobwebs against Papua New Guinea in their opening fixture.
Australia's two biggest strengths are composure under pressure and consistency. Rarely do the Kangaroos get flustered which allows their talent and 'big game performers' to take centre stage at the crucial moments. And haven't they got some entertainers. Billy Slater is without doubt the one to watch, after a season of playing without reward look for the fullback to emerge refreshed and at his lethal best.
New Zealand
Although the title holding Australian side are firm favourites with the bookmakers, New Zealand look primed for an ambush. The Kiwis boast unprecedented talent in the playmaking positions and a tough forward pack blessed with speed, aggression, footwork and the ability to offload - the necessary ingredients to beat the Kangaroos.
The World Cup champions often play their best in a tournament when they can build into form with matches under their belt. Considering the ease in which they dismantled Samoa 50-6 last weekend, they already appear to be on their game.
From the outside looking in, coach Stephen Kearney - head coach of Parramatta next season - seems to have found the right balance between motivation and tactics. The current Kiwi side play with passion but also stick to the gameplan, one that looks to be centred around pace and footwork in the ruck. Their X-factor is South Sydney hooker Issac Luke (pictured), who is exceptionally dangerous up the centre of the field. In Saturday's opener against England he'll be starting off the bench behind Thomas Leuluai but that move serves to increase his impact once he takes the field.
England
England upset New Zealand to make the Four Nations final on home soil last year but found themselves outclassed by a ruthless Australia in the decider. The Poms are once again not expected to make it to the final two, but the efforts of NRL imports Gareth Ellis and Sam Burgess should leave teammates inspired. Both would know the Aussies and Kiwis are indeed mere mortals who, like every other, do make errors and can be beaten. If England play without fear and hesitation, they could surprise a few.
But there a number of weaknesses in this English outfit. They are dreadfully inconsistent across the 80 minutes, as highlighted by their second half capitulation in their 18-all draw against the Maori last weekend. England's fringe defence is also prone to poor reads which spells trouble against the slick backlines of NZ and Australia. They also lack a genuine playmaker. However, young halfback Sam Tomkins looked promising in the Maori warm up fixture. The 21-year old Wigan Warrior showed he has the running game to pose questions.
England's strength lies unequivocally in the forwards. An explosive backrow trio of Burgess, Ellis and veteran Sean O'Loughlin is coupled with the endurance of props captain James Graham and Stuart Fielden, who will lay a solid platform. The big question is whether England have the talent in the halves and backs to fully capitalise.
Papua New Guinea
Realistically, Papau New Guinea, won't win a game but their involvement in the competition must not be belittled. The Kumuls bring an injection of passion and spirit that will be worth the price of admission alone. The side represents a diverse nation - it is reported that PNG contains nearly 1,000 tribes exist with over 800 different languages - united by their religious obsession for rugby league.
PNG are renowned for their reckless physicality (the example of Jesse Joe Parker suffering a fractured eye socket in a try saving tackle against England in the 2008 World Cup lingers in my mind). You can be assured each player will put everything on the line.
But their squad is an unknown quantity. Nearly all 24 members have been drafted from the domestic PNG competition. Cronulla's Paul Aiton is skipper and the only NRL representative, while 32-year old Hull Kingston Rovers prop Makali Aizue is the sole English Super League player. One who I have seen is the Queensland Cup's Rod Griffin. The Northern Pride second rower has impressed with his solid defence and ability to find a gap on the edge of the ruck.
As an unashamed fan of international rugby league, the Four Nations is an opportunity to not just see the cream of the crop but also those from across the rugby league spectrum, who simply play for their love of the sport.
Squads
AUS - Darren Lockyer [c] - Brisbane Broncos, Sam Thaiday - Brisbane Broncos, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs - Canberra Raiders, David Shillington - Canberra Raiders, Paul Gallen - Cronulla Sharks, Greg Bird - Gold Coast Titans, Anthony Watmough - Manly Sea Eagles, Cooper Cronk - Melbourne Storm, Billy Slater - Melbourne Storm, Cameron Smith - Melbourne Storm, Kurt Gidley - Newcastle Knights, Matthew Scott - North Queensland Cowboys, Willie Tonga - North Queensland Cowboys, Petero Civoniceva - Penrith Panthers, Luke Lewis - Penrith Panthers, Darius Boyd - St George Illawarra Dragons, Brett Morris - St George Illawarra Dragons, Dean Young - St George Illawarra Dragons, Todd Carney - Sydney Roosters, Nate Myles - Sydney Roosters, Brent Tate - New Zealand Warriors, Robbie Farah - Wests Tigers, Chris Lawrence - Wests Tigers, Lote Tuqiri - Wests Tigers
NZ - Benji Marshall [c] (Wests Tigers), Antonio Winterstein (Brisbane Broncos), Bronson Harrison (Raiders), Greg Eastwood (Leeds Rhinos), Adam Blair, Sika Manu (Melbourne Storm), Junior Sa'u (Newcastle Knights), Sam McKendry, Frank Pritchard (Penrith Panthers), Nathan Fien, Jason Nightingale, Jeremy Smith (St George Illawarra Dragons), Issac Luke (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Sam Perrett, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters), Lewis Brown, Lance Hohaia, Simon Mannering, Ben Matulino, Manu Vatuvei (Warriors), Thomas Leuluai (Wigan Warriors)
ENG - James Graham [c] (St Helens), Ryan Atkins (Warrington Wolves), Tom Briscoe (Hull FC), Kevin Brown (Huddersfield Giants), Tony Clubb (Harlequins RL), Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield Giants), Darrell Goulding (Wigan Warriors), Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos), Luke Robinson (Huddersfield Giants), Sam Tomkins (Wigan Warriors), Michael Shenton (Castleford Tigers), Gareth Widdop (Melbourne Storm), Sam Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Eorl Crabtree (Huddersfield Giants), Gareth Ellis (Wests Tigers), Stuart Fielden (Wigan Warriors), Darrell Griffin (Huddersfield Giants), Ben Harrison (Warrington Wolves), Shaun Lunt (Huddersfield Giants), Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan Warriors), James Roby (St Helens), Joel Tomkins (Wigan Warriors), Ben Westwood (Warrington Wolves), Garreth Carvell (Warrington Wolves)
PNG - Paul Aiton [c] (Cronulla Sharks), Ryan Tongia (Titans NYC), Michael Mark (Hunslet Hawks), Jessy Joe Parker (Port Moresby Vipers), Larsen Marabe (Agmark Rabaul Gurias), Elijah Riyong (Port Moresby Vipers), Dion Aiye (Agmark Rabaul Gurias), Benjamin John (Parkes Spacemen), George Moni (Agmark Rabaul Gurias), Rodney Pora (Agmark Rabaul Gurias), Rodney Griffin (Northern Pride), Sigfred Gande (Agmark Rabaul Gurias) Glen Nami (Goroka Bintangor Lahanis), Pidi Tongap (Agmark Rabaul Gurias), Joseph Pombo (Canterbury Bulls), Nickson Kolo (Masta Mak Rangers), Johnson Kuike (Masta Mak Rangers), Makali Aizue (Halifax RLFC), Emmanuel Yere (Sheffield Eagles), David Loko (Mioks), Charlie Wabo (Hunslet Hawks), Richard Kembo (Newtown Jets), Desmond Mok (Ipswich Jets), Alex Haija (Rugby Union)
Schedule
Saturday, Oct 23
New Zealand v England
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
8.00pm (NZ), 6.00pm (AUS EDT)
Sunday, Oct 24
Australia v PNG
Parramatta Stadium
4.00pm (AUS EDT), 6.00pm (NZ)
Saturday, Oct 30
New Zealand v PNG
International Stadium, Rotorua
6.00pm (NZ), 4.00pm (AUS EDT)
Sunday, Oct 31
Australia v England
AAMI Stadium, Melbourne
6.30pm (AUS EDT), 10.00pm (NZ)
Saturday, Nov 6 DOUBLE HEADER
England v PNG
Eden Park, Auckland
6.00pm (NZ), 4.00pm (AUS EDT)
New Zealand v Australia
Eden Park, Auckland
8.15pm (NZ), 6.15pm (AUS EDT)
Saturday, Nov 13
FINAL
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
7.00pm (QLD), 10.00pm (NZ), 8.00pm (NSW).
Both the New South Wales and Queensland selectors have named their sides for State of Origin Game III, to be held at ANZ Stadium July 7
[ Click here to read more ]
To all the loyal readers out there NRL Live will be returning again (much like Lote Tuqiri) for the 2010 season
[ Click here to read more ]
With the dust having settled on the 2009 NRL season, NRL Live has selected the thirteen best players by position of the year
[ Click here to read more ]
To all the loyal readers out there, it has been a while but NRL Live will be up and running again in the coming week.
So stay tuned for some new content and my thoughts about all things rugby league in the lead up to the 2009 NRL finals series
[ Click here to read more ]
At the midway point of the season we often hear about the players who have made an impact since shifting clubs over the off season. Michael Ennis, Ben Hannant, Israel Folau, Isaac de Gois, Darius Boyd and Michael Weyman are just some names that spring to mind
[ Click here to read more ]
Here are the team lists for State of Origin and Round Fifteen of the 2009 NRL Premiership. This post will be updated as further squads are released throughout the day. The Queensland side is expected to be named at 2:00pm.
[ Click here to read more ]
|
|
|
Comments (2)
Add Comments
Read More
Comment by ethos
on 2009 NRL Player Movements (Updated 18/03 - Eastwood joins Bulldogs)
NRL Live
The Golden Point
The site's been a bit dead this season but I'm hopeful I'll find some time to write in 2011.
Importantly, I've posted a 2011 Player Movements article RIGHT HERE. So, all comments can go there now, and I'll update it with any news.