http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/ Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:12:05 +0000 MyBB http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25645 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:00:43 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25645 Tries: Allen 2, Coyle , Yates, Hulme 2, Houghton, Grady, Doran, Varkulis 2, Thackeray King, Maiden
Goals: Grady 8 Tickton 2
Attend: 1,622]]> Tries: Allen 2, Coyle , Yates, Hulme 2, Houghton, Grady, Doran, Varkulis 2, Thackeray King, Maiden
Goals: Grady 8 Tickton 2
Attend: 1,622]]> http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25644 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:46:53 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25644 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25643 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:04:04 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25643
http://www.sporthull.co.uk/hullkr/news/H...ticle.html]]>
http://www.sporthull.co.uk/hullkr/news/H...ticle.html]]> http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25642 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:52:46 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25642 http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leagu...-prth.html

Paul Whatuira has told how he was on the verge of suicide before being locked up in a British mental hospital after bashing two innocent passers-by.

And the Kiwis star has revealed his breakdown was triggered by flashbacks to abuse inflicted on him as a six-year-old.

Whatuira – whose fiancee Venessa Almond gave birth to their first child on Friday, Gabrielle Kaea Whatuira – said he was traumatised by his past as he prepared for fatherhood.

"I hit rock bottom. Things that were in the past, when I was a kid, came back," Whatuira told Sunday News from Huddersfield, where he plays for UK Superleague side the Giants.

"It was something that I swept under the mat and it came back to bite me with a vengeance – it nearly finished me off. Once I was about to have my own kid – what was the happiest thing of my life – it brought back my childhood memories and brought up the past that I had never really told anyone about.

"It all crept up on me and drove me to unfortunately what happened last year."

Whatuira spent 13 days in a secure psychiatric hospital in Bradford, West Yorkshire, after being arrested in nearby Huddersfield on October 13. Police used a Taser gun to subdue him.

Speaking exclusively to Sunday News, the 28-year-old said he had been contemplating ending his life before the violent episode.

"I sat under a tree and thought about those things. I was on the brink," he said.

"[Then] for some reason I got up and started running. Unfortunately I did attack those two people. But if I didn't, I don't know what would have happened. I am happy that I did get arrested – I look back on it now and I was looking for help, I just didn't know how to deal with it. I can say from the bottom of my heart, what happened saved my life. I am really thankful that I didn't go down that path that leads to nowhere."

Whatuira is one of the most successful New Zealand league players. He played for the Warriors, Penrith and Wests Tigers – winning NRL titles with the latter two – before signing with the Huddersfield Giants in 2008. He also played 16 tests for the Kiwis, including starring in their 24-0 win over the Kangaroos in the 2005 Tri Nations final.

He is speaking out about his childhood abuse – the perpetrator was not a family member – to help heal other New Zealanders who have hit "rock bottom".

"I want it out there, I want my story to help others. I want them to know that there is light at the other side of the tunnel. I do believe that I can help inspire other people. And the way to go about it is to tell it right and real."

Whatuira kept his dark secret to himself for 22 years.

"It was something that I have been holding in ... it came back to bite me and it nearly pushed me off the edge," he said.

"I focused everything on rugby league. Sport was like a release. Without rugby league when I was growing up, I probably wouldn't be here now."

But with memories of the abuse resurfacing, Whatuira had gradually plunged into deep depression in the build-up to his bashing of the two men in Huddersfield.

He suffered severe insomnia, including being unable to sleep for six nights straight while on holiday with Venessa in Cyprus before his arrest.

On their return to the UK, Whatuira admitted himself to a Huddersfield hospital which specialises in neurological and mental health treatment.

But as he battled his "demons", he checked himself out in the early hours of the day of his meltdown.

"I got out of the hospital and I didn't know what I was doing. I was just running and bumped into those two guys and unfortunately I hit both of them.

"I look back on it now and I am thankful for being arrested because I would not know what step I would have taken [next]."

Parents Malcolm and Taurima Whatuira made a mercy dash to the UK to support their son when he was in the secure psychiatric hospital.

"I am very fortunate to have parents like I do, and also friends that I didn't realise would all be there for me in my time of need." He was "very remorseful" towards his two victims, writing apology letters to both.

"I had no control over myself. I couldn't control my emotions," he said.

Whatuira will not be charged over the incident which left the men with facial injuries, one a broken nose and dental damage.

Under section two of the British Crimes Act, he is exempt from potential prosecution as he was deemed "mentally ill".

Three months on, Whatuira is well down the road to recovery.

He keeps a daily journal, recording his progress and his inner feelings. He is also immersing himself in the Giants' pre-season campaign.

Words of wisdom from his mother to "take one small step at a time" have also stuck with him.

"I am living my life and back to my normal thinking process – I am trying to live life to the fullest."

His advice to others struggling with their past was to talk to those who you love and trust. Whatuira said his greatest mistake was not seeking help during his younger years.

"I had [dealt] with it myself and that is not really the right way," he said. "If I had approached things in a different way, what happened last year would not have happened. But I didn't know how to trust people enough to talk.

"My advice would be to be open, talk to your family and friends.

"I had been holding onto this for so long. But I should have talked to people about it sooner because it definitely eats you up inside – it leaves you vulnerable to depression and going in the wrong direction, which was where I was going.

"There is light at the end of the tunnel, there is help out there."

Whatuira – widely regarded as one of the nice guys of league – wants to help raise awareness on depression and its effects, in a similar way to All Black great John Kirwan who fronts an acclaimed mental health promotional campaign.

"If my story can inspire people in some way or another, that is what I really want to do. I must have gone through it for a reason and if I can help people out in any way possible, then I will be happy," he said.

"Depression is a sickness and there is a cure."

Being a top performer in one of the toughest contact sports in the world didn't make him immune.

"Everyone thinks that just because you play rugby league that you are a tough guy," he said.

"But it is only a sport and we are only human beings – we do have feelings, we do hurt. Off the field we are just like everyone else."

But Whatuira now has many reasons to be happy. As well as the arrival of daughter Gabrielle, he will also marry Australian-born Venessa in October.

"I went through the s---house last year, this year better be different. I have a lot to look forward to," Whatuira said.

"Fatherhood is way better than winning two NRL premiership rings. I am over the moon – fatherhood is something that I will always cherish.

"I want to be strong for my family."
Sunday News]]> http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leagu...-prth.html

Paul Whatuira has told how he was on the verge of suicide before being locked up in a British mental hospital after bashing two innocent passers-by.

And the Kiwis star has revealed his breakdown was triggered by flashbacks to abuse inflicted on him as a six-year-old.

Whatuira – whose fiancee Venessa Almond gave birth to their first child on Friday, Gabrielle Kaea Whatuira – said he was traumatised by his past as he prepared for fatherhood.

"I hit rock bottom. Things that were in the past, when I was a kid, came back," Whatuira told Sunday News from Huddersfield, where he plays for UK Superleague side the Giants.

"It was something that I swept under the mat and it came back to bite me with a vengeance – it nearly finished me off. Once I was about to have my own kid – what was the happiest thing of my life – it brought back my childhood memories and brought up the past that I had never really told anyone about.

"It all crept up on me and drove me to unfortunately what happened last year."

Whatuira spent 13 days in a secure psychiatric hospital in Bradford, West Yorkshire, after being arrested in nearby Huddersfield on October 13. Police used a Taser gun to subdue him.

Speaking exclusively to Sunday News, the 28-year-old said he had been contemplating ending his life before the violent episode.

"I sat under a tree and thought about those things. I was on the brink," he said.

"[Then] for some reason I got up and started running. Unfortunately I did attack those two people. But if I didn't, I don't know what would have happened. I am happy that I did get arrested – I look back on it now and I was looking for help, I just didn't know how to deal with it. I can say from the bottom of my heart, what happened saved my life. I am really thankful that I didn't go down that path that leads to nowhere."

Whatuira is one of the most successful New Zealand league players. He played for the Warriors, Penrith and Wests Tigers – winning NRL titles with the latter two – before signing with the Huddersfield Giants in 2008. He also played 16 tests for the Kiwis, including starring in their 24-0 win over the Kangaroos in the 2005 Tri Nations final.

He is speaking out about his childhood abuse – the perpetrator was not a family member – to help heal other New Zealanders who have hit "rock bottom".

"I want it out there, I want my story to help others. I want them to know that there is light at the other side of the tunnel. I do believe that I can help inspire other people. And the way to go about it is to tell it right and real."

Whatuira kept his dark secret to himself for 22 years.

"It was something that I have been holding in ... it came back to bite me and it nearly pushed me off the edge," he said.

"I focused everything on rugby league. Sport was like a release. Without rugby league when I was growing up, I probably wouldn't be here now."

But with memories of the abuse resurfacing, Whatuira had gradually plunged into deep depression in the build-up to his bashing of the two men in Huddersfield.

He suffered severe insomnia, including being unable to sleep for six nights straight while on holiday with Venessa in Cyprus before his arrest.

On their return to the UK, Whatuira admitted himself to a Huddersfield hospital which specialises in neurological and mental health treatment.

But as he battled his "demons", he checked himself out in the early hours of the day of his meltdown.

"I got out of the hospital and I didn't know what I was doing. I was just running and bumped into those two guys and unfortunately I hit both of them.

"I look back on it now and I am thankful for being arrested because I would not know what step I would have taken [next]."

Parents Malcolm and Taurima Whatuira made a mercy dash to the UK to support their son when he was in the secure psychiatric hospital.

"I am very fortunate to have parents like I do, and also friends that I didn't realise would all be there for me in my time of need." He was "very remorseful" towards his two victims, writing apology letters to both.

"I had no control over myself. I couldn't control my emotions," he said.

Whatuira will not be charged over the incident which left the men with facial injuries, one a broken nose and dental damage.

Under section two of the British Crimes Act, he is exempt from potential prosecution as he was deemed "mentally ill".

Three months on, Whatuira is well down the road to recovery.

He keeps a daily journal, recording his progress and his inner feelings. He is also immersing himself in the Giants' pre-season campaign.

Words of wisdom from his mother to "take one small step at a time" have also stuck with him.

"I am living my life and back to my normal thinking process – I am trying to live life to the fullest."

His advice to others struggling with their past was to talk to those who you love and trust. Whatuira said his greatest mistake was not seeking help during his younger years.

"I had [dealt] with it myself and that is not really the right way," he said. "If I had approached things in a different way, what happened last year would not have happened. But I didn't know how to trust people enough to talk.

"My advice would be to be open, talk to your family and friends.

"I had been holding onto this for so long. But I should have talked to people about it sooner because it definitely eats you up inside – it leaves you vulnerable to depression and going in the wrong direction, which was where I was going.

"There is light at the end of the tunnel, there is help out there."

Whatuira – widely regarded as one of the nice guys of league – wants to help raise awareness on depression and its effects, in a similar way to All Black great John Kirwan who fronts an acclaimed mental health promotional campaign.

"If my story can inspire people in some way or another, that is what I really want to do. I must have gone through it for a reason and if I can help people out in any way possible, then I will be happy," he said.

"Depression is a sickness and there is a cure."

Being a top performer in one of the toughest contact sports in the world didn't make him immune.

"Everyone thinks that just because you play rugby league that you are a tough guy," he said.

"But it is only a sport and we are only human beings – we do have feelings, we do hurt. Off the field we are just like everyone else."

But Whatuira now has many reasons to be happy. As well as the arrival of daughter Gabrielle, he will also marry Australian-born Venessa in October.

"I went through the s---house last year, this year better be different. I have a lot to look forward to," Whatuira said.

"Fatherhood is way better than winning two NRL premiership rings. I am over the moon – fatherhood is something that I will always cherish.

"I want to be strong for my family."
Sunday News]]> http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25640 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:48:03 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25640 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25639 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:42:44 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25639 Hunslet v Oldham
Swinton v Halifax
Limoux v Leigh
Harlequins v Wakefield
St Helens v Toulouse
Widnes/Wigan St Judes v Lezignan
Catalans v Salford
Sheffield v Wigan
Siddal v Batley
Hull FC v Leeds Rhinos
Castleford v Barrow
Warrington v Featherstone Rovers
Blackpool v Whitehaven
Huddersfield v Hull KR
Dewsbury v Bradford Bulls]]> Hunslet v Oldham
Swinton v Halifax
Limoux v Leigh
Harlequins v Wakefield
St Helens v Toulouse
Widnes/Wigan St Judes v Lezignan
Catalans v Salford
Sheffield v Wigan
Siddal v Batley
Hull FC v Leeds Rhinos
Castleford v Barrow
Warrington v Featherstone Rovers
Blackpool v Whitehaven
Huddersfield v Hull KR
Dewsbury v Bradford Bulls]]> http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25638 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:21:44 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25638
hopefully widnes get a team that will bring a decent following any super league club bar catalans ]]>
hopefully widnes get a team that will bring a decent following any super league club bar catalans ]]> http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25637 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:18:11 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25637 Week Six Table

Kaerujim 5
League Lover 5
SteRhino1988 5
Mickl84 5
Barra 5


and all yet to score:

Bramley Rhino
Young Angus
Underdog
BOB
Pleyndamour
Wakeymandan
MattHKR
Jammy Dodger
Gazcoops
Erik The Viking



Friday 12th March 2010

Hull Kingston Rovers v Wakefield Trinity Wildcats


Saturday 13th March 2010

Warrington Wolves v Bradford Bulls


Good Luck!!]]> Week Six Table

Kaerujim 5
League Lover 5
SteRhino1988 5
Mickl84 5
Barra 5


and all yet to score:

Bramley Rhino
Young Angus
Underdog
BOB
Pleyndamour
Wakeymandan
MattHKR
Jammy Dodger
Gazcoops
Erik The Viking



Friday 12th March 2010

Hull Kingston Rovers v Wakefield Trinity Wildcats


Saturday 13th March 2010

Warrington Wolves v Bradford Bulls


Good Luck!!]]> http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25636 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:39:26 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25636
That would provide England with more intense preparation for the end-of-season clashes with Australia and New Zealand, according to Larder, who was national coach for the 1995 Rugby League World Cup and was defence coach with England when they won the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup.

"Mid-season internationals against France and Wales are not the kind of games that will make our young stars battle-hardened," Larder told the April edition of Rugby League World magazine.

"They need to be subjected to the pressures that only playing regularly against the best will give."

Tony Smith, who stepped down as England coach after November's Four Nations final defeat by Australia, also mooted the idea of assembling an England-based team of Antipodeans after his side recorded a second consecutive one-sided win over the French last June.

Larder believes such a match would help to create the type of intensive build-up Australia enjoy with their State of Origin series and he believes Huddersfield coach Nathan Brown would be the ideal man to take charge of the all-stars side.

"A young and talented Australian coach, like Nathan Brown, given control of a team of his own countrymen would be surely motivated to create the kind of intensity that we see annually in the State of Origin," said Larder.

"There are some exceptional Australians playing in Super League and the ones I have spoken to would love to be involved in these clashes and promise to hold nothing back as long as the games were promoted properly."

The Rugby Football League, who are still conducting a search for Smith's successor, are due to announce details of the 2010 England-France international later this week.

http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/...arder.html]]>
That would provide England with more intense preparation for the end-of-season clashes with Australia and New Zealand, according to Larder, who was national coach for the 1995 Rugby League World Cup and was defence coach with England when they won the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup.

"Mid-season internationals against France and Wales are not the kind of games that will make our young stars battle-hardened," Larder told the April edition of Rugby League World magazine.

"They need to be subjected to the pressures that only playing regularly against the best will give."

Tony Smith, who stepped down as England coach after November's Four Nations final defeat by Australia, also mooted the idea of assembling an England-based team of Antipodeans after his side recorded a second consecutive one-sided win over the French last June.

Larder believes such a match would help to create the type of intensive build-up Australia enjoy with their State of Origin series and he believes Huddersfield coach Nathan Brown would be the ideal man to take charge of the all-stars side.

"A young and talented Australian coach, like Nathan Brown, given control of a team of his own countrymen would be surely motivated to create the kind of intensity that we see annually in the State of Origin," said Larder.

"There are some exceptional Australians playing in Super League and the ones I have spoken to would love to be involved in these clashes and promise to hold nothing back as long as the games were promoted properly."

The Rugby Football League, who are still conducting a search for Smith's successor, are due to announce details of the 2010 England-France international later this week.

http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/...arder.html]]> http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25635 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:06:12 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25635
Should have signed Brough ages ago when we had the chance.]]>
Should have signed Brough ages ago when we had the chance.]]> http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25634 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:22:45 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25634
Buderus looks a shoe-in to be going now, which wouid release lots of salary cap. Not sure Lauitiiti will be retained either, and he'll also be on a lage contract. I'm still not sure over Brent Webb's fitness after his awful back problems. Keith Senior is another one: he's probably around for another year or so you would think, but again he must be one of the highest paid players at the club.

So I reckon we've at a minimum got a large chunk of salary cap becoming available for 2011, possible a REALLY large chunk.

Leeds are still promoting youngsters through, but you'd think there'll be a substantial dip into the NRL or RU market at some point.]]>
Buderus looks a shoe-in to be going now, which wouid release lots of salary cap. Not sure Lauitiiti will be retained either, and he'll also be on a lage contract. I'm still not sure over Brent Webb's fitness after his awful back problems. Keith Senior is another one: he's probably around for another year or so you would think, but again he must be one of the highest paid players at the club.

So I reckon we've at a minimum got a large chunk of salary cap becoming available for 2011, possible a REALLY large chunk.

Leeds are still promoting youngsters through, but you'd think there'll be a substantial dip into the NRL or RU market at some point.]]> http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25633 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:13:54 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25633
The award, which is voted for by all 14 Super League coaches, comes after a memorable opening to the season by the Australian.

The 32-year-old has been the Black and Whites' stand-out player so far, helping Hull to three wins from four games in the month.

Also nominated for the award were Wakefield Wildcats half-back Danny Brough and Wigan Warriors winger or full-back Amos Roberts.

The Super League dream team for the month of February in full is: Aaron Murphy (Wakefield), Amos Roberts (Wigan), Daryl Millard (Wakefield), George Carmont (Wigan), Pat Richards (Wigan), Michael Witt (Crusaders), Danny Brough (Wakefield), Andy Coley (Wigan), James Roby (St Helens), Shane Tronc (Wakefield), Glenn Morrison (Wakefield), Craig Fitzgibbon (Hull FC), Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan


http://www.sporthull.co.uk/headlines/HUL...ticle.html]]>
The award, which is voted for by all 14 Super League coaches, comes after a memorable opening to the season by the Australian.

The 32-year-old has been the Black and Whites' stand-out player so far, helping Hull to three wins from four games in the month.

Also nominated for the award were Wakefield Wildcats half-back Danny Brough and Wigan Warriors winger or full-back Amos Roberts.

The Super League dream team for the month of February in full is: Aaron Murphy (Wakefield), Amos Roberts (Wigan), Daryl Millard (Wakefield), George Carmont (Wigan), Pat Richards (Wigan), Michael Witt (Crusaders), Danny Brough (Wakefield), Andy Coley (Wigan), James Roby (St Helens), Shane Tronc (Wakefield), Glenn Morrison (Wakefield), Craig Fitzgibbon (Hull FC), Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan


http://www.sporthull.co.uk/headlines/HUL...ticle.html]]> http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25632 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:21:02 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25632
I'd hate for us to draw a SL team, always like to play a NL team at this point, preferably away from home.

Leigh away would be my choice, many a time been there and have been royally thrashed, would be great to stick a cricket score past Millward.]]>
I'd hate for us to draw a SL team, always like to play a NL team at this point, preferably away from home.

Leigh away would be my choice, many a time been there and have been royally thrashed, would be great to stick a cricket score past Millward.]]> http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25630 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 23:49:47 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25630 Friday 12th March
Hull KR v Wakefield Wildcats
Wigan Warriors v Hull FC
St Helens v Crusaders RL

Saturday 13th March
Warrington Wolves v Bradford Bulls
Catalans Dragons v Castleford Tigers

Sunday 14th March
Harlequins RL v Salford City Reds
Shuddersfield Giants v Leeds Rhinos]]> Friday 12th March
Hull KR v Wakefield Wildcats
Wigan Warriors v Hull FC
St Helens v Crusaders RL

Saturday 13th March
Warrington Wolves v Bradford Bulls
Catalans Dragons v Castleford Tigers

Sunday 14th March
Harlequins RL v Salford City Reds
Shuddersfield Giants v Leeds Rhinos]]> http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25629 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 23:35:43 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25629
Bramley Rhino
DaddyHKR
Richard Elgar



DaddyHKR moves up to second, with Brammers keeping her lead. Richard Elgar is the only big mover, everyone else stays mainly in the same spot.

Next weeks fixtures up soon.]]>
Bramley Rhino
DaddyHKR
Richard Elgar



DaddyHKR moves up to second, with Brammers keeping her lead. Richard Elgar is the only big mover, everyone else stays mainly in the same spot.

Next weeks fixtures up soon.]]> http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25628 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 23:29:56 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25628
I'll qualify this by saying this season is shaping up to be a corker, and the salary cap and franchising system is working very very well IMO.

But there's a big but. My dream is that one day England will beat Australia in a meaningful Test series. And I just can't see it happening.

Leeds shoud and could just about have done Melbourne last week, albeit in crappy English conditions. But...

Wigan's resurgence of form is down in no small part to Pat Richards and Amos Roberts playing at the top of their game again. Matt King won MoM for Warrington this weekend; Orfod won the game for Bradford. Menzies is arguably Bradford's best forward, and he's 89. Similarly Fitzgibbon is still one of the best in SL and he's got a bus pass too.

The Halifax lad at Melboune has said he wouldn't be anywhere near the player he is if he'd stayed over here, and might be playing "park football". He wears earrings though so could be full of marmite.

Nathan Brown and Maguire at Wigan have transformed sides who were previously run by some of the best English coaching staff we had.

So, nearly all the best coaches in SL are foreign, and not only are some of the best players in SL Aussies and Kiwis or Islanders, but many of them are old and well past their prime, and might not get into first grade any more in the NRL. Over here they're still stand-outs.

I really think, if we're ever to seriously challenge at International level again, we need to smell some roses and make some changes.]]>
I'll qualify this by saying this season is shaping up to be a corker, and the salary cap and franchising system is working very very well IMO.

But there's a big but. My dream is that one day England will beat Australia in a meaningful Test series. And I just can't see it happening.

Leeds shoud and could just about have done Melbourne last week, albeit in crappy English conditions. But...

Wigan's resurgence of form is down in no small part to Pat Richards and Amos Roberts playing at the top of their game again. Matt King won MoM for Warrington this weekend; Orfod won the game for Bradford. Menzies is arguably Bradford's best forward, and he's 89. Similarly Fitzgibbon is still one of the best in SL and he's got a bus pass too.

The Halifax lad at Melboune has said he wouldn't be anywhere near the player he is if he'd stayed over here, and might be playing "park football". He wears earrings though so could be full of marmite.

Nathan Brown and Maguire at Wigan have transformed sides who were previously run by some of the best English coaching staff we had.

So, nearly all the best coaches in SL are foreign, and not only are some of the best players in SL Aussies and Kiwis or Islanders, but many of them are old and well past their prime, and might not get into first grade any more in the NRL. Over here they're still stand-outs.

I really think, if we're ever to seriously challenge at International level again, we need to smell some roses and make some changes.]]> http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25626 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:28:28 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25626
& also the 'paul cooke to wakey on loan' rumour!!?

Anyone know anything....?? any more rumours??]]>
& also the 'paul cooke to wakey on loan' rumour!!?

Anyone know anything....?? any more rumours??]]> http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25625 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:17:59 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25625 Batley 70-6 Leeds Met
Drighlington 10-42 Dewsbury
Featherstone 74-0 Workington
Gateshead 12-44 York
Leigh 52-4 Wath Brow
London Skolars 16-42 Limoux
Oldham 80-6 Blackwood Bulldogs
Ovenden 10-88 Halifax
Rochdale 22-32 FC Lezignan-Corbieres
Royal Navy 12-50 Blackpool
Sheffield 54-0 Thatto Heath
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_le...efault.stm]]> Batley 70-6 Leeds Met
Drighlington 10-42 Dewsbury
Featherstone 74-0 Workington
Gateshead 12-44 York
Leigh 52-4 Wath Brow
London Skolars 16-42 Limoux
Oldham 80-6 Blackwood Bulldogs
Ovenden 10-88 Halifax
Rochdale 22-32 FC Lezignan-Corbieres
Royal Navy 12-50 Blackpool
Sheffield 54-0 Thatto Heath
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_le...efault.stm]]> http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25623 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:40:10 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25623
The Welsh outfit were without the services of new signing Gareth Thomas, who will start training with his team-mates this week, and the former British Lion did not make the trip to watch the match, remaining instead in South Wales.

Thomas would have been impressed as Crusaders surged into an early 12-6 lead as both Mark Bryant and Lincoln Withers touched down.

However, Warrington, without first-choice half-backs Lee Briers and Richie Myler, rallied to claim their fourth win in five matches this term with Matt King producing another outstanding display.

The Australian winger scored two tries and set up a couple more with Ben Westwood also grabbing a brace and Simon Grix, Michael Monaghan, Chris Hicks and David Solomona crossing as well.

Indeed, man-of-the-match King should have scored a hat-trick but made a mess of touching down Chris Bridge's kick over the line seven minutes from time.

But it was Crusaders who were on the board first on five minutes as Bryant took a return pass from Peter Lupton to notch his first try since arriving from Manly two years ago.

Warrington drew level with Bridge's burst setting the platform for Ryan Atkins to send King over for his first.

Wake-up call
But Crusaders restored their lead shortly afterwards with Lincoln Withers quickest to react to Michael Witt's kick after 16 minutes.

But that served as something of a wake-up call for the hosts and they finally clicked into gear when Grix forced his way over to tie up the scores again at 12-12.

Two tries in two minutes then ensured Warrington headed into the break with a stranglehold on proceedings with King again playing a leading role.

The Australian raced onto Bridge's pass to give Warrington the lead for the first time, before then setting up Westwood's opener.

The same player grabbed his second soon after the restart to all but kill off any hopes Crusaders had of forcing their way back into the contest.

Gareth Raynor did squeeze in at the corner, but saw his try for the visitors chalked off for a forward pass.

There were no such problems for Warrington who extended their advantage through Monaghan after he had created the opportunity with a 40-20 kick.

Crusaders were penalised after a couple of skirmishes before King put Hicks in at the corner with Bridge booting the touchline conversion - and Solomona also crossed to complete the rout.

http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/mat...60,00.html]]>
The Welsh outfit were without the services of new signing Gareth Thomas, who will start training with his team-mates this week, and the former British Lion did not make the trip to watch the match, remaining instead in South Wales.

Thomas would have been impressed as Crusaders surged into an early 12-6 lead as both Mark Bryant and Lincoln Withers touched down.

However, Warrington, without first-choice half-backs Lee Briers and Richie Myler, rallied to claim their fourth win in five matches this term with Matt King producing another outstanding display.

The Australian winger scored two tries and set up a couple more with Ben Westwood also grabbing a brace and Simon Grix, Michael Monaghan, Chris Hicks and David Solomona crossing as well.

Indeed, man-of-the-match King should have scored a hat-trick but made a mess of touching down Chris Bridge's kick over the line seven minutes from time.

But it was Crusaders who were on the board first on five minutes as Bryant took a return pass from Peter Lupton to notch his first try since arriving from Manly two years ago.

Warrington drew level with Bridge's burst setting the platform for Ryan Atkins to send King over for his first.

Wake-up call
But Crusaders restored their lead shortly afterwards with Lincoln Withers quickest to react to Michael Witt's kick after 16 minutes.

But that served as something of a wake-up call for the hosts and they finally clicked into gear when Grix forced his way over to tie up the scores again at 12-12.

Two tries in two minutes then ensured Warrington headed into the break with a stranglehold on proceedings with King again playing a leading role.

The Australian raced onto Bridge's pass to give Warrington the lead for the first time, before then setting up Westwood's opener.

The same player grabbed his second soon after the restart to all but kill off any hopes Crusaders had of forcing their way back into the contest.

Gareth Raynor did squeeze in at the corner, but saw his try for the visitors chalked off for a forward pass.

There were no such problems for Warrington who extended their advantage through Monaghan after he had created the opportunity with a 40-20 kick.

Crusaders were penalised after a couple of skirmishes before King put Hicks in at the corner with Bridge booting the touchline conversion - and Solomona also crossed to complete the rout.

http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/mat...60,00.html]]> http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25622 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:35:34 +0000 http://www.rugbyleagueforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=25622
But a wins a win, and what a cracking game. Best game in a long time at Craven Park.

Ben Galea is immense how he can just come-back from a injury, and play 80minutes.]]>
But a wins a win, and what a cracking game. Best game in a long time at Craven Park.

Ben Galea is immense how he can just come-back from a injury, and play 80minutes.]]>