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| Mackillop College win this years BRADLEY CLYDE SHIELD (Yrs 9 - 10) |
MACKILLOP COLLEGE WINS CLYDE SHIELD
Story By :  Photo By : Mackillop College
Mackillop College has taken out the top honour of winning the Bradley Clyde Shield (years 9-10) this year, after their impressive 10-4 win over St Francis Xavier at Northbourne Oval on Thursday.
Leading 4-0 at half time, Mackillop were tested by the St Francis side when scores drew level mid-way through the second half, but a late try sealed a win in what was a very entertaining game of Rugby League.
The Shield which is named after Raiders legend Bradley Clyde was presented by Clyde himself following the match, and he said it was great to see such a fine game of football.
“It was a good tough game and a real honour for Mackillop as they are now the best year 9-10 team in the ACT,” Clyde said. “It’s also a great honour for me to be involved with this shield, and I thank you for having me here today.
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| Melba High School win this years RAUTER SHIELD (years 7-8) |
In the Rauter Shield final (years 7-8) earlier in the day it was Melba high who ran out victors, with a golden point 20-16 win over Caroline Chisholm.
With the scores level at 16-16 at the end of full-time it was a long range try which sealed the win for Melba, as they managed to take home the shield.
Bradley Clyde was also on hand to present the Rauter Shield, and congratulated Melba on their win.
“It’s great to see a school from my old area North Canberra get a win so congratulations to Melba high,” he said. “Also congratulations to Caroline Chisholm for turning up and giving us a fantastic end to a great competition.
The two finals were the culmination of three days of round robin competitions involving around 50 schools from the Canberra Region.
Raider’s junior development officer Leigh Woodbridge said the numbers show strong interest in rugby league in Canberra, and thanked all schools for their participation.
“Today’s two finals show us the great amount of talent there is in Canberra,” Woodbridge said.
“Thank you to all schools for participating and we hope to see them all again next year, with maybe some new schools as well.” |
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| HITTING FORM: Sam Hala crossing for one of his four tries last week. Hala will look to continue his try-scoring form against the Dragons. |
LAST CHANCE FOR GOULBURN
Story & Photo By : ALLISON REDMAN 
These are the words that Goulburn Stockmen coach Mick Mantelli is emphasising to his team as they prepare for their do or die clash this weekend.
The Stockies come up against the Moss Vale Dragons on Sunday and will be looking to put their devastating extra-time loss behind them.
"To lose in that fashion, in extra-time is disappointing...we should have wrapped the game up but to their credit they fought right till the end and came away with the win," Mantelli said.
For the full story, please see Friday's Goulburn Post, available from our front office in Auburn St, or at all leading newsagencies across the Goulburn area. |
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| Young Brad Lupi has gone from U18s to U20s in 07 and is hopeful of a spot in the 08 National U20s comp. Photo: Steve Little. |
END OF AN ERA AS NORTHS FLEGG PLAY THEIR LAST MATCH
Story & Photo : Steve Little
On Friday night at Bear Park Norths Flegg Coach Will Leyshon and his team will bid farewell to 2007 and more!
With the introduction of the National Under 20s competition next year which will be managed by ex North Sydney first grader Michael Buettner, The North Sydney District will no longer field an under 20s representational side.
But all is not lost - quality North Sydney Flegg players are vying for a spot in next year’s South Sydney Under 20s side as the Bears and Bunnies link becomes even more important to the future of the North Sydney District.
The Jersey Flegg were impressive on last Saturday night against the Sydney Roosters, taking the match with a 28-18 Victory. Willie and the team can consider themselves unlucky this season, with several games lost by 2-4 points hindering their semi-final chances.
And so the boys will be looking to finish on a high big enough to represent the last of the Bears under 20s sides.
Meanwhile the North Sydney Premier League side have confirmed their premiership credentials with a comprehensive performance over the second placed Tigers last Sunday.
Shannon Hegarty steps up to the NRL giving young Flegg player Greg Nichols a spot in the backline on Friday night against the Bulldogs. A win will possibly promote the Bears to 3rd position on the ladder and hand the Club a home semi final!
Friday August 31 North Sydney Oval
Jersey Flegg V Canterbury-Bankstown at 5:30 p.m. - Premier League V Canterbury-Bankstown at 7:00 p.m. |
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| Dillemma...Israel Folau may turn his back on league for two years to follow his religion. |
ISRAEL: I'LL QUIT FOR TWO YEARS
Story & Photo By : Josh Massoud 
MELBOURNE sensation Israel Folau is poised to walk away from his burgeoning rugby league career to pursue a two-year long Mormon mission overseas.
Arguably the hottest prospect unearthed this season, the deeply religious 18-year-old has told The Daily Telegraph he could temporarily quit the game in just over 12 months.
"You've got be 18 or 19 to do the mission, so I guess it's something I'm thinking about along with my football career," Folau said.
"I've still got to make a decision about it for next year. It's possible I could do it next year."
Having burst on to the scene with 20 tries in his debut season, Folau is a hot tip to be crowned Rookie of the Year at next Tuesday nights Dally M Awards.
Carried out on thunderous thighs, his feats have prompted comparison with the great Mal Meninga.
But when it comes to fulfilling one of his religion's most fundamental requirements, the rampaging three-quarter isn't fazed by the stardom that awaits.
Should Folau decide to spread the message of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from next year, it is likely his mission will start after the season because he is contracted with the Storm until 2008.
"It's not something we have to do - it's up to the individual whether they go," Folau explained.
"Some of my brothers have done it, so there is a bit of pressure to go. My mum reckons I should go.
"I'll have to spend two years promoting the Mormon religion in another country or around Australia.. Learn More |
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| Farrer Ag High school in action last week Vs Sarah redfern High school Photo : ourfooty media (srhs) |
FARRER SURRENDERS LEAD LATE TO LET COONA IN
Story By : 
FARRER gave up a 20-12 lead late in the Group 4 under 16s elimination semi-final at Coonabarabran on Sunday with the home side snaring victory in the last five minutes.
Coona backrower Tyson Galvin's try with three minutes to play gave Coona a 22-20 lead and that was enough to keep their chances alive.
Sam Bowden scored two tries and Michael Adams and Sam O'Shannessey added one each as Farrer built a handy lead but the Unicorns stayed within striking distance and finished the better.
Daniel Nies and Walter Gray scored for Coona to keep them in touch before Cody Higgins cut the margin to just two points going into the last eight minutes.
"We ran out of gas in the end," Farrer coach Dan Mitchell said.
"We played twice during the year and won one game each and it was close again.
"Credit to them, they didn't give up.
"But I'm proud of the boys.
"It's just a shame we couldn't go one step further."
Coona lock Kyle Turner ran strongly while halves Bobby Stewart and Aaron Percival controlled things in the middle.
Mitchell said Will Jackman, Bowden, Adams and O'Shannessy were among Farrer's best.
Coona will now play the loser of the major semi between Gunnedah and West Lions. |
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| PHOTO : Quality game . . . Joey Latham barges through the opposition in the Wingham Tigers’ winning match against the Forster-Tuncurry Hawks at the Wingham Sporting Complex, Saturday. |
OUR PREMIERSHIP HOPES
Story & Photo By : 
A back-to-back premiership is within the sight of the Wingham under 18s rugby league squad after they eliminated the Forster-Tuncurry Hawks with a 32-20 win.
The Group Three final series began on Saturday at the Wingham Sporting Complex, with the under 18s Tigers the only Wingham team left.
The Hawks led six-nil early after a converted try under the posts.
The scores were level soon after Jaiden Myer gathered a Joey Latham grubber kick in the in-goal area. Adam Kerr converted the try.
Two tries in as many minutes midway through the first half took Forster-Tuncurry to a 16-six lead.
Jaiden Myer scored from dummy-half 10 minutes before the break.
Adam Kerr's conversion brought the Tigers within four points of the lead.
When Adam Kerr barged his way over the line just before halftime, the scores were levelled.
He was injured in the process, and Joey Latham took over the goal-kicking.
He converted the try to put the Tigers ahead for the first time in the match by 18-16.
The defence of both teams in the second half was strong.
Midway through the stanza, the Hawks went ahead again with a controversial try that came from a kick.
The try scorer looked to be well in front of the kicker, but Forster-Tuncurry led 20-18 with time running out.
With 10 minutes remaining, a penalty goal to Joey Latham levelled the scores at 20-20.
Minutes later, Joey Latham cut through the Hawks' defensive line to score under the posts.
He converted his own try for Wingham to lead 26-20 with five minutes remaining.
A late try by Tyson Sunderland, converted by Joey Latham, sealed victory for the Tigers 32-20 in a quality game of rugby league.
The Under 18s Wingham Tigers play again this Saturday at the Wingham Sporting Complex against the Port City Breakers at 11.30am in the minor semi-final.
Following this game, Port City plays Old Bar in reserve grade, while Forster-Tuncurry play Wauchope in first grade at 3pm. |
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| LIGHTNING JAC: Jac Harmon will play a crucial role for the Tigers in the under 11s’ grand final on Saturday. |
TIGER CUBS’ SIX OF THE BEST
Story & Photo By : By JOSH GIDNEY 
THE future of rugby league in Batemans Bay is in very good shape if the achievements of the Tigers junior sides are anything to go by.
Six teams have qualified for grand finals, an outstanding achievement considering only one side, the under 16s, made the grand final last year.
This weekend, three of these teams, the under 10s, under 11s and under 12s Gold, will carry the hopes of the rugby league community when they contest grand finals at Mollymook on Saturday.
The under 10s and 12s will meet Albion Park, while the under 11s will take on arch-rivals the Shellharbour Stingrays.
The following Saturday, the under 14s, under 15s and under 16s will venture to the home of the St George-Illawarra Dragons, WIN Stadium, to contest their grand finals. |
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| Cowra centre Lee McClintock looks for room to move during his side’s 24-18 loss to Orange CYMS in the major semi-final yesterday. Several chances went begging for the previously undefeated Magpies |
BURNED AT THE DEATH
Story & Photo By : 
Cowra prop Luke Burns had three disallowed tries – including one after the siren – as Orange CYMS halfback Steve Morris almost single-handedly shattered the Magpies' unbeaten run in under 18s yesterday.
Burns was denied a try in a frantic final play after being adjudged to have lost the ball over the line as CYMS held on for a dramatic 24-18 major semi-final win at Bathurst St Pats Sporting Complex.
The ball swept from one side of the field to the other and then back again before ending up in Burns' hands.
The NSW Country under 18s front-rower appeared to score in the right corner but was ruled to have lost the ball sparking jubilant CYMS celebrations.
If the try had been awarded, stand-in kicker Aaron Denzel would have had the opportunity to send the match into extra time with a difficult conversion attempt from the sideline.. Learn More |
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| TRY TIME : Sarah Redfern HS score a try in their University Shield Semi Final clash - Sarah Redfern High School Vs Farrer Ag College |
SARAH REDFERN HIGH SCHOOL VS FARRER AG. COLLEGE
Story By : Dave Rawlings
Sarah Redfern High defeated Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School on Thursday 23rd at Townsen Oval, Minto in the Quarter Final of the University Shield.
The game was hotly contested through out the 70 minutes of play. Sarah got the first points on the board early with a strong run from Fruean.
Both teams had numerous scoring opportunities in the first half, with Farrer leading at the break.
Some solid defence from the Farrer fullback Blanch who halted the short side attacking raid from the Sarah boys, but with some hard work through the middle, Sarah started finding some gaps in the Farrer defence, with Vaotuua punching holes with his rugged ball running.
Eventual score was 30 - 20. Strong performances by both the five-eighths and full backs.
Sarah Redfern HS have now cemented a game with Junee HS at Campbelltown on the 12th of September and will be looking to progress into the Final. |
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| A GREAT WIN: A jubilant Knights side could not contain their excitement after beating the Roosters in the under 11 junior rugby league intra-town competition. |
KNIGHTS, STORM, BRONCOS TAKE OUT JUNIOR LEAGUE DECIDERS
Story & Photo By : Michaela Walsh 
THE junior rugby league season ended on a high with some fantastic finals games on Saturday.
Those who tasted glory will never forget their premiership win at Keith Cullen Oval, while those who came so close will look forward to a re-match next winter.
All six match-up's were played in the true spirit of the game, with some very close tussles.
In the three consolation games, the Donges IGA Sharks beating Paul's Seafood Eels, Chandlers Landmark Warriors took out the McDonalds Signs and Trophy's Souths and The SWSCU Tigers beat PJ's Fast Food Bulldogs in extra time.
The Young Fruit Basket Knights are the under 11 premiers after beating the Federation Motel Roosters in a hard fought game that was decided in the last minute, while the Hardy Bros Crushing Manly narrowly lost out to the Australian Seed Technology Storm in the under 9's. In the under 7's, Gordon Garling Moffit Broncos snatched victory from the Young Services Club Panthers.
There will be a full match report on the games in Wednesday's Witness. |
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| PHOTO : Chaydin Reid swats away CYMS defenders during Cowra’s minor-premiership winning 24-0 success over Orange CYMS on Saturday. |
UNDER 15'S SECURE MINOR PREMIERSHIP
Story & Photo By :
The Kibblers under 15s rugby league side played their last home game of the season on Saturday and gave the crowd plenty to cheer about with a 24-0 whitewash of Orange CYMS. This win secured the young Magpies the Group 10 minor premiership.
From the outset heavy defence featured as play centered around the middle of the field early on before Cowra started to gain the ascendancy.
Great running from the forwards got the Magpies in good field position before a slick backline movement saw Ryan Downing scoring out wide.
A great conversion from Ryan saw Cowra lead 6-0 after 10 minutes. Cowra's defence was not giving the CYMS side any easy metres.. Learn More |
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| Harry Day gets time for a well placed kick in play to get the Engadine Dragons deep in De La Salle's half ( Photo : ourfooty media ) |
U 14A 2007 PRELIMINARY FINAL
DE LA SALLE V ENGADINE DRAGONS
Story By : Grant Drinkwater
Engadine No.7 Harry Day took a great catch from the De La Salle kick and Engadine put it through the hands.
They broke De La twice in a row and would have scored except for the ever reliable Ryan Giles whose great defence from the outset was an indispensable part of De La’s hard fought victory over the irascible Dragons.
Dragon’s Michael Morris did a great barging run early on to smash through the clutching De La players arms. He continued this type of play right through the game and was instrumental part of a ferocious Dragon’s attack, one of Engadine’s best on the day.
The game see sawed with De La putting on some heavy pressure but Engadine was up to it with desperate defence forcing an uncharacteristic drop ball by Reece Davidson, just when it looked like De La would get across the line.
Suddenly Engadine got the ball wide on the right side and was almost through. Nearer to De La’s line they put up for a beautifully executed bomb that edged past the posts on nice angle, dropped within the in-goal, bounced and wham! Engadine were on the board. The try was converted as well. 6-0 to Engadine.. LEARN MORE |
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| NORTH RYDE Hawks cubs that rolled Concord-Burwood 26-12 to snare the U/13 Div 2 premiership. Pictured are Player of the Match Ryan McLachlan, Joel Davis, Evan Tuckwell, Bilal Darwich, Elias Barotelio, Reid Tepuke, Zane Westwood, Daniel Miller, Matt Furness, David Fangaloka, Jack Clarke, Luke Stone, Shayden Owens, Anthony Robinson, Denver Hay, Markus Jeffrey, Rod Zakarija, Nick Bell, Blake Hunt, David Morris, Jihad Elkheir (coach), managers Phil Morris & Linda Miller, trainers Shane Miller and Craig Westwood. |
RHINOS RULE ROOST IN JUNIOR NURSERY
Story By : THe Weekly Times
HOLY CROSS Junior Rugby League Club rule the roost after a memorable season in the 2007 Balmain Junior League competition.
The Rhinos are celebrating one of their finest campaigns on record after annexing both the Senior and Junior Club Championship trophies; the U/8 Benny Elias Shield as well as premiership titles in the U/11, U/12, U/15 and U/17 Div 1 age groups.
It has been a year to remember for Club president Stuart Stanton, secretary Gary Hinchliffe and the Rhinos fraternity who also supplied a batch of talented young footballers to the Balmain Junior Cup representative teams.
Promising cub Drew Laing received the Jack King Trophy for the U/16 Player of the Year while top forward prospect Matthew Mizzi,17, took out the Jan Carroll Memorial Award for his stand out peformances with the Rhinos’ champion U/17 outfit.
“Our success this year is due to the hard work put in by officials, coaches and players - both on and off the football paddock” said president Stanton.
“We’ve built the club from nine to 18 teams over the past four years by developing our young talent and assembling some of the finest coaches in the district.”
“To win the Club Championship is a great effort - an achievement we’re extremely proud of” he added.
DARREN McLEAN coached the Holy Cross U/17s to an impressive 30-16 victory over Concord-Burwood in a ‘Clash of the Titans’ at Leichhardt Oval.. Learn More
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| Big future...Israel Folau. |
ISRAEL IS THE NEXT MAL
Story & Photo By : Matthew Johns
I WAS on the phone to Melbourne Storm talent scout Peter O'Sullivan yesterday discussing Israel Folau's five-star performance against the Bulldogs on Friday night.
I've asked Sully, a man who has been responsible for Melbourne's amazing stockpile of young players, where Israel sat compared with the many other mega-talented footballers he has recruited, which includes players such as Billy Slater, Greg Inglis and Cooper Cronk.
O'Sullivan replied without hesitation that Folau is the best.
If that wasn't a big enough wrap, O'Sullivan went on to say, "Matty, this kid is going to be better than Mal Meninga".
I asked him to repeat it. He said again, "Israel Folau will be better than Mal".
O'Sullivan first spotted Folau at the Australian Schoolboys U15 Championships in Toowoomba.
Peter said he was tall, very gangly and, while he had talent, he didn't think he had just spotted the next Immortal.. Learn More about Israel Falou |
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| NEXT BIG THING: Rising Bronco David Taylor powers ahead, and (inset) with the man he'll have to replace, Petero Civoniceva |
MAKE TAYLOR A BRONCO FOR LIFE
Story & Photo By : Peter Badel 
TEST front-row great Steve Roach has called for Brisbane to sign Dave Taylor to a lifetime contract, labelling the teenage powerhouse a "one in a million" discovery.
In a remarkable appraisal ahead of Brisbane's do-or-die clash against Canberra today, Roach said the Broncos should never risk losing the talent of a man he believes will ascend to Origin football next season.
Taylor has been one of the finds of the 2007 NRL season, with the 19-year-old terrorising opponents with his massive 115kg frame.
The Blackwater product is off contract at the end of the year but with the NRL's anti-tampering rule having been scrapped this season, rival clubs can approach Taylor at any time.
A veteran of 19 Tests, Roach urged the Broncos to sign Taylor for the long haul or face a heated bidding war.
"They should sign him for life," Roach said. "A guy like Dave Taylor doesn't come along very often. There's plenty of the boring old tuck-it-under-the-arm props but this kid has genuine skill.
"They'd be mad not to tie him up long term. If he went on to the open market tomorrow, every club in the game would want him.
"He's a one-in-a-million talent. I know the Broncos are keen to keep a lid on things but what people don't understand is that it's so difficult for a front-row forward to make it in the top grade at the age of 20.
"If you do it, you're a special talent. He scored two tries against the Bulldogs last week. How many teenage props can do that? They have probably the most fearsome pack in the game and he demolished them."
Broncos boss Bruno Cullen said the club planned to begin contract extension talks with Taylor at the end of this season.
But Cullen insists the Broncos will not be breaking the bank to secure Taylor, who has been rated the next Shane Webcke.
"You have to do the best thing by the club and the kid," Cullen said. "Dave has just turned 19, he doesn't want to be tied up for too long. We wouldn't offer him a big-paying contract at this stage of his career.
"Anything can happen between 19 and 23. To offer him a long-term deal now, if he goes very well down the track you're cheating him out of what he could earn.
"I'd say his next contract would be no more than two or three years so he can develop gradually into an elite player and that doesn't happen overnight.
"I'm not trying to be negative, I'm just trying to balance things.
"We're very happy with him, we know we have potentially a good footballer on our hands and we'll be doing everything we can to make him a 10-year player."
Roach said Taylor's glimpses of brilliance this season, highlighted by his audacious one-handed pick-up of a low pass against the Bulldogs last week, was proof he was capable of representing Queensland next season.
And the former Balmain prop called for Taylor to be taken with the Kangaroos for the October Test against New Zealand.
"I think they should take him as 18th man to New Zealand," Roach said.
"I wouldn't play him but it would be a great experience for him and help his development. I think he'll definitely play for Australia. You have to start blooding all these young blokes.
"He'll get a lot out of seeing how the seasoned rep players prepare themselves, how professional they are. It would be an invaluable learning curve for him. He's a Test player of the future." |
 JUNEE HIGH - THE JUGGERNAUT CONTINUES
Story By : John Stewart (Junee)
The Junee side continued its rampant charge to the 2007 University Shield title with a victory in the inaurgural Country Cup Opens CRL State championship, downing St Mary's of Maitland 22 to 20 in a high-class display of flamboyant rugby league.
The physical Maitland school started the game strongly, taking advantage of a swarm of early possession to cross the line twice and gain their school an early 10 point advantage.
However, St Mary's soon learnt to beware of a Junee side on the ropes with an opportunistic chip-over-the-top and regather by 5/8th and captain Matt Hands sending a flying Daniel Pratt over for a try in the corner.
As possession evened out and the big Maitland forwards began to tire, Halfback Simon Wilson took the advantage sending a long ball out to ranging centre Mathew Ward who charged 60m to score under the posts.
A penalty late in the tackle count again sent Junee on the attack, with a well placed grubber from Wilson setting up a line drop right on the half time siren.
With one play remaining in the half, Junee again chipped over the top to find a flying Matt Ward who casually strolled over to score his second and send his team into the sheds with a 16-10 halftime advantage.
It didn't take the Maitland side long to regather it's composure in the second half, pouncing on an uncharacteristic mistake from winger John Stewart to score first points.
Things only got tougher for Junee as inspirational forward Cameron Woo was sin-binned in a controversial decision that shocked the pro-Junee crowd.
Weak penalties and repeat sets took it's toll on Junee, with Maitland crashing over again to gain a 20-16 lead.
With St Mary's on the attack, bone-crunching defence from 1976 CRL representative Charles Curry forced an error and gave tireless second-rower Adam Hands the chance to stretch out and score the match winner for Junee.
It was a monumental effort for the tiny Junee school, which boasts a population of under 300 students.
Junee now has it's eyes set on Sarah Redern to book a spot in the University Shield grand final. |
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| Junee High School’s Blake Cowled dives over for the first of many tries during his team’s 34-point thumping of Blayney High School in the University Shield yesterday. Junee High now moves through to the tournament’s semi-final stage.Photo: Kerrie Stewart |
JUNEE HIGH ON FIRE
Story & Photo By : 
Slick passing display propels school into the semi-finals
ANOTHER flawless performance from the Junee High School rugby league team has propelled it into the University Shield semi-finals following its 34-0 thumping of Blayney High School at Willow Park yesterday.
After sweeping through the Riverina side of the draw, Junee High made it look all too easy once again against the central west heavyweights, taking just six minutes to cross the line and send out an ominous warning of what was to follow.
Blake Cowled was the opening try scorer, finding himself on the end of a superb piece of play from Cameron Woo.
Less than 10 minutes later Matt Ward extended the lead with a try of his own, before Jordan Walker, Simon Wilson and Adam Clarke followed suit, all benefactors of some outstanding passing that team official Pamela Halliburton called “poetry in motion”.
With a 26-0 lead at half-time, the Junee boys could sense they were nearly home, but running into the breeze proved to be a big challenge as the second half got under way.. Learn More
Junee
High School |
34 - 0 |
Blayney
High School |
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At Apex Oval yesterday, Dubbo came back from 18-4 down after 24 minutes to edge ahead 26-24 with 12 minutes to go and eventually held on to win 32-30.
It was magnificent stuff from the Dubbo forwards who dominated in the second half, an effort that left coach Craig May singing the praises of Madden.
"I thought Madden was absolutely outstanding and not far behind him was Max Ray, only a 16-year-old boy who came up with a real champion game out there today," May said.
"Engadine were very strong seven through to one (in the backs) and our forwards had to take control and they did that.
"I called it before the game that Madden's charges with the ball would be important for us and it was particularly important for him to run straight rather than try and set up players.
"The results speak for themselves - he scored three tries and set up another for our captain Jeremy Brown - it was a great effort and the reason why we get a shot at Gunnedah in a semi-final."
The game was only four minutes old when Madden broke into the clear, drew the fullback and sent Jeremy Brown over.
But that lead was short-lived as the Engadine backs - most of who are Cronulla Sharks signed juniors - got into gear and before long Dubbo was behind 12-4 after converted tries to centre Hayden Peacock and tall fullback Stewart Mills.. Learn More |
FARRER FIXES ON FINAL FOUR SPOT
Story By :
FARRER'S University Shield quest kicks into finals mode at Sydney today when it tackles Sarah Redfern High for a spot in the final four.
The Farrer boys travelled down to Sydney yesterday in readiness for their quarter-final test against what co-coach Gus Comi expects will be a sizeable and quick opposition.
"They're a 90 per cent Polynesian side," Comi said.
"They're in West Tigers territory so there's probably a few Wests juniors there, and they've got plenty of speed out wide and a mobile pack."
Comi and co-coach Steve Cavanagh weren't getting too bogged down in details of Sarah Refern though as their side takes aim at a semi-final berth alongside Gunnedah High.
That semi-final will be against Country Cup winners Junee but is still a win away and Farrer has a few things to address first – starting with the way that they start today.
They were guilty of a poor start against Rutherford High School a fortnight ago and, while it didn't cost them, they won't want to be taking the chance again.
"Our speed off the ground also needs to improve, and we've worked on a couple of things to try to improve that," Comi said.
"We've got to win the battle on the ground to win.
"It's a matter of us getting quick play the balls and slowing them down." .. Learn More |
LOCAL SCHOOL PRAISES ADOPT-A-RAIDER
Story By : Canberra Raiders
This is a letter sent out from St.Michaels Kaleen School Principal David Austin
Often the publicity from NRL players within our wider community is negative: alcohol, performance enhancing drugs, etc. I just wanted to share a positive story with you.
The Canberra Raiders have implemented an excellent programme called ‘Adopt-A-Raider’. The 'Adopt-A-Raider' programme involves aligning 21 local primary schools, with a member of the Raiders top players for the duration of the 2007 NRL season. Through this program the schools can utilise their adopted Raider in a variety of ways (eg. guest speaker or presenting awards at a school assembly).
Troy Thompson, Canberra Raiders prop was an ex-student of St Michael’s Primary School, Kaleen in Canberra and at St Michael’s we were lucky enough to have Troy as our 'Adopt-A-Raider' for 2007. He has visited our school a number of times and has gone well beyond what we expected.
Last Friday, Troy, in his own time, joined the whole school for our annual Walkathon. He walked with the students on our 6km course and spent much of the day with the staff, parents and students. He has also offered to match the highest money-raiser in the school- in excess of $700. On top of this,
Troy is also organising goal-posts to be donated and erected on our school oval (noticing we needed a set after playing a game of touch one lunch time with our Year 5/6 students).
We at St Michael’s Primary School in the ACT are very appreciative of the Canberra Raiders for their 'Adopt-A-Raider' programme, and especially to Troy Thompson who gives his time freely to the community of St Michael’s.
It is a great initiative and we are very lucky to have Troy on board for 2007. I have enclosed some photos from our Walkathon and an assembly earlier this year when Troy was a guest speaker.
Yours sincerely, David Austin,
Principal, St Michael's Primary School Kaleen |
NSWRL UNDER 13 COCA COLA CHALLENGE
Semi Finals
Date: Tuesday 11th September, 2007
Time: 6:30pm
Venue: Western Weekender Stadium,
St Mary’s
Semi Final 1: 6:30pm
St John’s Lakemba (Canterbury) V St Mary’s (Penrith)
Semi Final 2: 7:30pm
Mona Vale (Manly) V Kingsgrove Colts (St George) |
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| Try Scoring MUDCRAB - William Feeney |
MEET THE FLYING FEENEY
Story & Photo By : 
YOUNG rugby star William Feeney is a try-scoring machine.
Playing for the Redland Mudcrabs, William, 8, scored an astounding 94 tries last year, winning him the award for Best Player and a nomination for Walla Player of the Year.
Nicknamed 'The Flying Feeney' by the team manager, he has scored an amazing 62 tries so far this season and, with only two games remaining, hopes to bring that up to at least 70.
He is also a mad keen cricketer. Playing with the Muddies Under 10s last summer, William was the only junior player to score more than 80 runs.
William hopes to pursue a career in professional rugby.
* Do you know someone who should be profiled in The Redland Times Sports Watch section? Send details and a photo to mail.redlandtimes@ruralpress.com with the subject "Sports Watch". |
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| Current Tweed Seagulls, and former Kyogle, fullback Shannon Walker, enjoying a solid debut season. |
NRL-BOUND WALKER, SCORES 16 TRIES FOR SEAGULLS
Story & Photo By : STEVE SPINKS 
TWEED Seagulls flyer Shannon Walker has finished agonisingly short of being the top tryscorer in the Queensland Cup.
The 18-year-old, who is in his first year of first grade in the old Brisbane first grade competition, scored a try in the Seagulls' 26-16 victory over Brisbane Easts on Sunday, his 16th of the season, which secured third spot on the ladder for the Tweed team.
However, John Taminika, of Easts, and Rory Bromley, of Redcliffe, both managed tries in the last round to take their tally up to 17.
"I'm still pretty happy with that," Walker told The Northern Star yesterday.
(But) I wasn't really keeping track with all that (try-scoring tally)."
Walker being underwhelmed by the situation is understandable.
After all, the freakish former Kyogle fullback has been scoring tries at a rate of knots for years.
However, the fact he has kept his strike rate up since stepping up to the Queensland Cup just shows the class the youngster possesses.
Walker's freakish ability has helped the Seagulls to a best-ever home-and-away season.
The Tweed team finished third behind perennial Queensland Cup powerhouses the North Queensland Young Guns, which is the Cowboys' NRL feeder team, and Redcliffe.
The Seagulls play Redcliffe this weekend in the qualifying semi-final.
'The competition up here is heaps quicker than at home,' Walker said.
'The other players are bigger and everything. It took me a while to get used to the boys and I didn't start off the best.
"But we've (the Seagulls) come together now and I'm just stoked to be here."
Walker's coach, Troy McCarthy, has told The Northern Star that he believes the fullback will be playing in the NRL within 12 months.
And the Titans contracted youngster hopes this is the case.
"I'm contracted with them (the Titans) for another two years," Walker said.
It's highly possible (that I could get into the top 25). I'm working on it."
When he's not training, Walker works for the Titans as a development officer along with former Kyogle school-mate Will Mathews, who plays in the second-row for the Seagulls. Mullumbimby's Dan Molenaar, a prop, plays off the interchange bench for the Seagulls.
It helps having some mates here," the former Kyogle High student said.
Will's been handling it well. We know the way each other plays, so it's easy for me to run off him. |
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| Easts Under 11s Kyle Denning, Leith Curd and Luke Stilinovich take advice from former Broncos Mick De Vere and Michael Hancock |
MAGPIES LEARN FROM THE BEST
Story & Photo By : Zane Jackson
IF you see the Eastern Suburbs junior rugby league under-11s darting around the field like NRL superstars this weekend, that is because they have had a secret weapon in training.
Former Broncos legends Michael Hancock and Mick De Vere oversaw the team's training yesterday, giving the young up-and-comers, like Luke Stilinovich, valuable hands-on league advice.
"I've been looking forward to it, because both of them have played NRL," Luke said.
"They can teach us a lot of rugby skills." Team-mate Leith Curd said meeting the two former Australian Test team and Broncos players had his whole team excited.
"Everyone is excited because they were good players," Leith said.
"They gave us some good advice." De Vere said taking youngsters through their paces in rural areas where big name players usually do no visit, was one of the highlights of his job as a development officer.
"It's good to get around the state and teach the kids," De Vere said.
"Our main aim is to get the kids participating and active, and just teaching them the fundamentals.
"We're just trying to give something back to the game that has given us so much." Michael Hancock said they taught the young Magpies players everything from the basics of passing to kicking and tackling.
"We travel around all the way from Thursday Island to Tamworth (New South Wales) doing these kind of activities, and everywhere we go the kids have a good time," Hancock said.
"We'll do everything from teaching basic footy skills to taking questions." |
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| St Brendan's College coach Terry Hansen (left), Matt Minto, Aaron Fairweather, Ben Faulkner, Barry Blackman and Lyndon Law. |
ST BRENDAN'S PRIDE INTACT DESPITE LOSS
Story & Photo By : 
ST Brendan's College may have bowed out of the 2007 Arrive Alive Cup finals race but the Yeppoon powerhouse will be back bigger and better next year.
That's the verdict from proud coach Terry Hansen following his team's 30-6 loss to Gold Coast school Palm Beach Currumbin in the Queensland final at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
Led by Australian schoolboys forward Kevin Proctor, Palm Beach was never headed after a tight opening period. .. Visit St. Brendan's College |
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| Pambula/Merimbula under 18s Bulldogs were named Minor Premiers |
PAMBULA/MERIMBULA UNDER 18S MINOR PREMIERS
Story & Photo By : 
Merimbula/Pambula Under 18s claimed the South East Group 16 rugby league 2007 Minor Premiership with a convincing 52-22 win over Eden Tigers at the Pambula Sporting Complex on Saturday.
The Tigers proved why they are the team to beat in 2007 after showing glimpses of form with a soft win over the undermanned Eden outfit.
The locals went into the break leading 28-4 and were scoring a point a minute in the second half until Eden slowed play down.
Star centre and try scoring machine Elliot Gibbons led the charge for his team bagging four tries.
With the semi-finals just two weeks away the Bulldogs decided to rest players who were struggling with minor injuries and actually played the second half with only 12 men.
The Bulldogs defence improved on its effort against Tathra and showed in the first half how aggressive they can be off the defensive line. They will need to work on this over the next two weeks, and they will need to as they take on the huge Cooma Stallions in the Major Semi-Final at Eden on Sunday the August 26.
Tries for the Bulldogs came from Elliott Gibbons 4, Ben Preo, Tom Reardon, Ivan Schneider, Tory Smith, Trent Fitzpatrick and Jack Nugent while Wade Edmed kicked 6 goals. |
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS WINDALE FRIDAY COMPETITION
Story By : Robert Bailey - Assistant Principal At Charlestown East Public School
As the Assistant Principal At Charlestown East Public School, I thank you for the opportunity to inform your readers of the Newcatle Knights Windale Friday Competition.
10 U/12 yrs and 12 U/10 yrs teams play each Friday at The Windale Sports Complex, Lake Macquarie (Newcastle).
The competition is run by Helene O'Neill, the Newcastle Knights Development Officer and boys from Gateshead Sports High School referee the games.The U/10 yrs play a modified game of 4 tackles, no kicking and no scrums.
The U/12 yrs teams play the International Mod Rules.The competition was established in 1999 to 'capture' the boys 'lost to Saturday Club Football' by providing them an opportunity to play rugby league for their school on Friday afternoon.
Many of these boys have enlisted with their local rugby league clubs and now play club rugby league on Saturday. These boys have not been lost to the code.
The teams play for the 'fun' associated with the game, with NO competition winners or losers.
The competition is played over terms two and three and the enthusiasm shown by all the boys is absolutely mind boggling. and the junior referees give their all and enjoy every contest.
Congratulations to the students, teachers, Knights officals and the parent bodies from all the schools involved for your input of providing transport and vocal support of your school team. Rugby League is definitely the winner at this venue each Friday. |
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| Kieran Foran is representing Australian Schoolboys in Rugby League and is playing for the Sea Eagles Photo: Danielle Butters |
FOLLOWING IN BIG FOOTSTEPS
Story & Photo By : 
Marist College in North Sydney continues its history of producing world-class sports stars with another young rugby league player making giant strides.
One-time New Zealander Kieran Foran was recently selected to play in the centres for the Australian schoolboys under-19s side, which will line up against the New Zealand schoolboy side in Auckland on October 1.
The 17-year-old joins a long list of Marist players who have experienced success in first-grade rugby league.
That list includes Manly Sea Eagles try-scoring legend Ken Irvine and the Sydney Roosters Mitchell Pearce - who Kieran played alongside at Marist last year.
While Kieran is aware of the great names who have come before him, the quietly-spoken centre admitted he was pinching himself at his selection.
"I'm trying not to think about it. I'm just taking it one step at a time," he said. Kieran was spotted by Australian selectors earlier this year when he played in the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges side in the Australian Championships.
"They announced the side on the last day - I was pretty rapt when I heard my name," he said.
The Year 11 HSC student will fit his Australian duties around a hectic training schedule with the Manly Sea Eagles Premier League side, where he plays at five-eighth.
Kieran's family first moved to Sydney from Auckland when he was seven years old.
And while he has always been a New Zealand Warriors fan, he said he has pledged his allegiance to Australia.
"There was never a question about who I was going to play for - I go to school in Australia and that's who I'm going to play for," Kieran said. |
 PALM BEACH IS NOT THE ONLY TALK OF THE TOWN ON THE COAST.
Story By : Tony Proud 
Keebra Park under 13s were crowned the Steve Renouf Shield Champions for 2007 downing Wavell 15-14 with a field goal in the final 2 minutes to win the game.
The future of our game is in great hands with 9 boys collectively from both sides are part of the Broncos Elite Development program, hence what a game it was.
Redcliffe did do well but was beaten by Wavel in the semis and Keebra beat Marsden in the semis.
Both played at Suncorp which was a huge experience for the boys as they were the game between the Arrive alive cup and main game which meant there was a crowd of around 30,000 - 40,000 people there watching them.
Yeah none of the big guns from the past few season are there ah but same as you we had a few younger kids in the senior team as well so the future rivalry is looking good. |
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| PHOTO : Both teams played the game in the right spirit and held a presentation following the game. |
QUARTER FINAL VICTORY FOR CANOWINDRA PUBLIC
Story & Photo By : 
Canowindra Public School won their Westmont Shield quater final against Smithfield West 26-6 at the Oval last Thursday.
Smithfield West arrived Wednesday afternoon and were treated to fine country hospitality, a sheep shearing demonstration that night and a balloon inflation on Thursday morning.
Smithfield West meanwhile initiated theCanowindra boys into the intricacies of the haka as half the Sydney team was of polynesian descent.
Despite being a bit nervous the Canowindra Public boys opened the game with their usual blend of fortress like defence and expansive attack, which shocked the bigger Smithfield West team, who maybe thought that Canowindra's size meant they would be easy beats.
A couple of penetrating hit ups from Curtis Hughes, Tim Wythes and Simon Whatman took play into Smithfield West's quarter from where Jayden Brown almost got over the line in the next hit up.
From the next play the ball travelled to the right side of the field where Smithfield had bunched up and Kurt Tidswell exploited the open space and went over the line for the first score of the game.. Learn More |
 UNDER 7's MAKE THEIR MARK
Story By : BLUE HAVEN RAIDERS NEWS
We took the under 7 boys up to West Maitland Sunday 19th August to the minI gala day. After a scenic trip up there lead by coach Mick we all arrived safely.
The boys first up played Budgewoi in a nail biting game but they were to strong and won.
Then we went up against a LARGE West Maitland team. The boys played hard and to the true spirit of the game. But took a lose against an extremly good team.
We then faced Erina.
Both teams were extremly pumped but our Raiders proved too strong.
We qualified in third position for the semi-finals to come up against the second West Maitland (white) team. Another nail biting experience.
We won that game which put us into the GRAND FINAL.
We played Erina in the GRAND FINAL. What a great experience this was for the boys. Both teams played very well but our RAIDERS just proved to strong We won 26-8.
The under 7 boys made our club proud. Being the club's first year these boys really showed everyone what Blue Haven is all about.
CONGRATULATIONS To: Hayden, Hayden, Craig, Jye, Byron, Barry, Lochlan, Troy, Matt and James.
YOU PLAYED IN THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THE GAME OF RUGBY LEAGUE AND DID YOUR CLUB PROUD.
FIRST YEAR, FIRST TEAM TO WIN A GALA DAY GRANDFINAL . WHAT CHAMPIONS. |
ST MARY’S MISSES ON COUNTRY CUP
Story By : PATRICK MAY 
All Saint's College, St Mary's Campus, Maitland's open rugby league team endured a heartbreaking loss to Junee High School yesterday afternoon in the grand final of the Country Cup.
The students went down 22-20 and were attacking the Junee tryline when the fulltime siren sounded.
St Mary's also had a try disallowed with around three minutes to go, according to coach Colin Love.
"It was just one of those things when both sides claimed that they grounded the ball first, and the linesman made a call," Love said.
"We had it, it was our game, but in the end lapses in concentration cost us. We let them collect their own line dropout in the first half and they scored a couple of tries from kicks.
"They had a good number six and 13, and they certainly played well as a team. They were never going to lie down, they kept at us, we had a drop in concentration and they knocked us down. We can all look forward to a long bus ride home."
St Mary's started the stronger of the teams and skipped away to a 10-0 lead. St Mary's held a 14-10 lead at half-time and scored first in the second half, but couldn't stay in front when Junee began to dominate in the second half and key players were injured.
"It was a good game to watch," Love said.
"We were killing it early on, but once Junee got a sniff they kept throwing everything at us. It was anybody's game and one kick was the difference.
"On the last tackle in the last set, we were right on their line, we were in it right to the death, but that's football."
Love hailed the efforts of two-try hero Sam Levido, and said Rowan McGeaghie, Jacob Sinclair and Ben Tupuo had big matches.
Matthew Harris and Alex Kowalski also crossed the line for St Mary's, while Michael Gavin kicked two goals.
St Mary's will have one more chance for silverware this season when they take on St Francis Xavier College, Hamilton in the Knights' knockout final. |
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| Valla footballing talent Andrew Yeung was selected to captain a combined independent schools team in Adelaide in June, where he was named the Tigers’ man of the match. |
MAN OF THE MATCH
Story By : Jessica Welsh
Andrew Yeung, of Valla Beach, sported his love for rugby league when he captained the Combined Independent Schools (CIS) team at the Australian secondary schools boys rugby league competition in Adelaide last month.
Yeung said according to his coach, school teacher at Bishop Druitt College Phil Atkinson, he was the first to captain a CIS team in the 'pool A' division of the inter-state competition.
The under-15s player said the competition was fierce in Adelaide "most of the boys selected for the competition are signed to contracts with major clubs."
Although his team often came close, victory was just out of their grasp. The team played well despite their strong opposition and most were happy to have made it to inter-state level, Yeung said.
"Australia is the leading country in rugby league. To play in the nationals is the highest you can play as a 15-year-old, so I felt pretty privileged," he said.
Yeung was named man of the match in the final game of the competition, where a representative from the Tigers' national club presented him with a Tigers' jersey.
In the lead up to the Adelaide competition, Yeung and his team mates played a curtain-raiser game for the Newcastle Knights versus Canberra Raiders national rugby league game at Energy Australia Stadium in Newcastle.
Overwhelmed by the size of the stadium filled with thousands of adoring fans, Yeung forgot to make a call on the coin toss. It was a memorable moment in his footballing career, Yeung said.
Yeung displayed a talent for rugby league at the tender age of 8, when he played for the Bowraville Tiger's Under 9s.
He has played every year since as a Rooster for Nambucca Heads and reached the grand finals every year.
This year however, Yeung was going to give the football season a miss. But with some persuasion from his local club, Yeung signed on late and played his first under 15s game late last month.
Now that he is back on the field for Nambucca Heads, Yeung hopes to see another grand final and perhaps a career in football. |
HOOKER STARS IN MCCARTHY WIN
Story By :
McCARTHY Catholic High School hooker Alex Jenkins helped his side to a 28-12 win over Peel Technology High in their West Leagues Year 10/11 Rugby League Challenge at Scully Park on Wednesday night.
McCarthy dominated possession early which allowed the busy hooker to cross for three soft tries.
A greater commitment in defence by Peel and an even share of possession allowed them to claw their way back to a six-point deficit early in the second half.
However, McCarthy's superior fitness helped it dominate the final stages. Pat Flynn also scored twice for McCarthy while Kane Stevenson scored twice for Peel in a game where James Cooper (McCarthy) was voted man of the match.
The round three match between Duval High and Tamworth High has now become a semi-final with the winner to play Oxley High. |
 HALF THE GRAND FINAL TEAMS DECIDED
Story & Photo's By :
WELL WHAT A GAME!
Story By : Grant DRINKWATER
The thing I enjoy the most about this game was the absolute commitment of both teams.
There was no dirty play as the game was just too fast and physical to get sidetracked by any silly stuff.
The first ten minutes were end to end football with De La probably having a slight advantage with better field position and penalties going there way.
De La made some strong attacks through the middle of the ruck with their big forwards just driving through tackles leaving the Cronulla Caringbah guys scattered on the ground behind them.
But Cronulla Caringbah hung tight with some desperate defence to hold De La out. |
EX-PUPIL SATTLER HELPS UNDER-14 FINALS SIDE
Story By : Gold Coast.com.au
COOMBABAH STATE High School knew just who to call on to prepare their under-14 team for the state rugby league final of the Michael Hancock Cup.
Former student Scott Sattler, an ex-Origin player and current football manager of the Gold Coast Titans, put the youngsters through some drills yesterday ahead of tomorrow week's showdown with Palm Beach Currumbin.
"It's fantastic to have someone of Scott's experience come down and do some work with the boys," said Rod Pryor, who heads the rugby league program at Coombabah.
"Scott has helped us out numerous times in recent years."
Coombabah lost just two of their 10 games leading up to the final -- against Mountain Creek and Keebra. They reversed the Mountain Creek loss during the semis knockouts. |
 VICTORIOUS UNDER 15 HAVE DEPTH
Story By : 
THE reputation of Mackay State High School's rugby league academy rose another notch yesterday when its under 15 side dominated the final of the North Queensland Cowboys Challenge.
Mackay made a lightning start to the final against Cairns State High School at Townsville, leading 18-0 after 15 minutes before running out 28-8 winners.
"They played well right across the park," coach Don McDermid said.
"They stuck to their game plan in attack and had a really good completion rate. There were only three dropped balls in the whole game."
Former Cowboys star Peter Jones named lock Daniel Simpson as man of the match, and McDermid singled out other players, including centre Rogan Dean, halves Dylan Smith and Leon Curry and fullback Buchanan Rawhitti.
"One of the best things for us is that three of the six forwards in this side are 14, and have another year in under 15s," McDermid said.
"We've got great depth in our teams."
The MSHS open team reached the northern division final of the Arrive Alive Cup this season, and with strong depth in the other teams the academy is building a reputation to rival other schools in the north.
The school's under 14 side beat Townsville's Kirwan high recently, and the Year 8 team won the local competition.
"We get lots of comments from the public about how professional they are.
"They got out of the bus, warmed up for 10 minutes and were 18-0 ahead after 15 minutes.
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 PALM BEACH
CURRUMBIN
SHS |
30 - 6 |
 ST. BRENDAN’S COLLEGE YEPPOON |
TREIS : Anthony Flores 2, Luke Dumas, Kayne Lawton, Kevin Proctor, Joel Munro
GOALS : Jordan Rapana 3 |
TRIES : Tom Iles
GOALS : Tom Iles |
ARRIVE ALIVE CUP STATE FINAL
Story By : QRL
GOLD Coast school Palm Beach Currumbin has won the Queensland final of the Arrive Alive Cup for a sixth time under coach Rod Patison, defeating St Brendan’s Yeppoon 30-6 at Suncorp Stadium.
Led masterfully by Australian Schoolboys forward Kevin Proctor, PBC was never headed after a tight opening period.
While centre Anthony Flores scored two tries and fullback Jordan Rapana was the official Man of the Match, it was Proctor who did the destroying and put the game in the bag.
In a sequence of play that drew comparisons with Sonny Bill Williams, midway threw the second half the rangy teen smashed into a trio of defenders, held the ball high with one hand and tipped a spectacular pass to the flying Flores.
Proctor then added another try shortly after to blow a 14-0 advantage out to an unassailable 24-0.
After bravely fighting through a succession of qualifiers, involving lengthy travel, St Brendan’s Yeppoon struggled to match the likes of Proctor and 122kg prop Ronnie Alovili in the middle.
The Central Queensland outfit was also thwarted through a lack of cohesion when close to the line and did not score its first try until 10 minutes before the final siren, with lock Tom Iles crossing.
There was no doubting the fighting qualities of St Brendan’s however, exemplified by a play in the first half when PBC half Kayne Lawton looked set to score from an eye-catching sideline movement.
Lawton was over the tryline and bringing the ball around beneath the posts when the St Brendan’s defence swooped in and punched the ball from his grasp, leaving the young playmaker red faced.
But PBC would not be denied and neither would Lawton, making amends with a try in the second half.
The first Queensland school to ever win the national title, in 2001, Palm Beach Currumbin has now progressed to this year’s national semi finals.
Either Patrician Brothers Blacktown or St Dominic’s will be their opponents on Friday, August 31 at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
New South Wales teams have won the last four Arrive Alive Cup national titles, though three-time successive winner Endeavour State High was a shock elimination this week. ARRIVE ALIVE CUP QLD FINAL - Suncorp Stadium Friday August 17, 4.30pm |
PALM BEACH
CURRUMBIN SHS |
ST BRENDAN’S COLLEGE
YEPPOON |
1. Jordan RAPANA
2. Jordan RANKIN
3. Luke DUMAS
4. Anthony FLORES
5. Cameron GIBSON
6. Kevin PEASE
7. Kayne LAWTON
8. Ronnie ALOVILI
9. Dain BARR
10. Kurt FOGGO
11. Kevin PROCTOR
12. Tim JAMES
13. Matt O’RIELLY
14. Chris BLOOMFIELD
15. Luke O’MAHONEY
16. Theo STUART
17. Lain WINDLEY
18. Joel MUNRO
19. Strath JOHNSTON |
1. Tyrone CRANSTON
2. Ryan FRASER
3. Lyndon LAW
4. Aaron FAIRWEATHER
5. Hughie STANLEY
6. Matt MINTO
7. Ben HUNT
8. Brad TAYLOR
9. Tony HACKETT
10. Adam MORRISEY
11. Ben RIDGE
12. Ethan HORROCKS
13. Tom ISLES
14. Luke RICHMOND
15. Jakk KAVANAGH
16. David McLELLAN
17. Ben FAULKNER |
| COACH: Rod PATISON |
COACH: Terry HANSEN |
 MAN' MOUNTAIN PRIMED FOR FINAL
Story By : QRL
GET out to Suncorp Stadium on Friday evening and watch one of the biggest blokes in rugby league. Not in the main game between the Broncos and Bulldogs – in the Arrive Alive Cup State final.
There’s no two ways about it. Palm Beach Currumbin prop Ronnie Alovili is a giant of a kid, jumping on the scales at a mighty 122kg.
What’s even scarier, he’s trimmed down 11kg this year and is one of the five quickest in the PBC team over 40m.
Charged with stopping the man mountain in the Queensland final is St Brendan’s College Yeppoon, a team not foreign to carrying its own share of big boppers.
Indeed it will be a case of the shoe being on the other foot this year. In 2006 St Brendan’s contested the Arrive Alive Cup State final with Brisbane Broncos colossus David Taylor at the helm.
While there are plenty of talented players on both teams this year – Ben Hunt, Ben Ridge and Kevin Proctor are all Australian Schoolboys reps – it will be hard for spectators to ignore Alovili.
“I’ve probably only ever coached one kid that came close to Ronnie’s size,” says Rod Patison, PBC’s coach for almost two decades.
“He’s had to work very hard and his progress is a credit to him. He arrived here with very little experience of structured training, but with a lot of athleticism and raw ability.
“It is interesting training such a big guy. We’ve had him rowing, swimming and cycling just to vary things and keep him off his legs.”
Carrying a reputation as a wild child before he switched to Palm Beach Currumbin, Alovili was known more for his judicial record than his training ethic.
There are even stories of him hiding under trees to avoid conditioning sessions.
But Patison believes those days are well behind Alovili and the young buck is making advances in all areas of his life.
“I’m happy the way he’s come along. There’s a lot he has learnt and even more still to learn,” says Patison.
“I believe the better a kid is positioned off the field, the better he’ll be on the field. And Ronnie has used football as a lever to get more involved in his schoolwork, which is particularly pleasing.”
To qualify for the Queensland final, Palm Beach Currumbin knocked out reigning State champion Keebra Park SHS 14-6. St Brendan’s Yeppoon beat Mackay SHS 28-8 in the northern qualifier.
St Brendan’s five-eighth Matt Minto earned acclaim earlier this season, scoring 50 points from six tries and 13 goals (from 13 attempts) in a match for Rockhampton club All Blacks. The nephew of NRL player Scott Minto, he has been signed by the Penrith Panthers
Should Palm Beach triumph in the Queensland final, it will be the school’s sixth Queensland title during Patison’s reign.
The winner of this week’s State final will progress to a national semi final on Friday, August 31 at Dairy Farmers Stadium, Thuringowa. |
| 50 - 16 |
TRIES : Jie Smith 3, Judd McDonald 2, Mitch Campbell, Kyle Gallen, Farran Lamb, Trent Hilton
GOALS : Gallen 7 |
TRIES : Bryce Hardes, Tim Alliston, Terry Beacham
GOALS : Alliston 2 |
BRILLIANT GUNNEDAH CHARGES INTO FINAL FOUR OF UNI SHIELD
Story By :
GUNNEDAH High School stormed into the University Shield semi-finals with another magnificent attacking display against Taree's Chatham High in yesterday's quarter- final at Gunnedah's Kitchener Park.
But it was in defence that the Gunnedah boys really impressed.
Plenty of strong tackling paved the way for the 50-16 win described as "inspirational" by coach Jeff Allen.
"They were very well controlled," Allen said.
"We knew they (Chatham) would be tough but we ground it out, particularly in defence."
Big prop Mitch Campbell opened the scoring for Gunnedah but it was a quick double from fullback Jie Smith that really gave the home side an early boost.
At 14-nil the attack was on song already but then Gunnedah had to start tackling.
They held the Taree side out for several sets before finally cracking.
But Gunnedah was back on song when Farran Lamb finished off a brilliant passage of play that went through countless sets of hands.
Trent Hilton and Lamb touched the ball twice in the hot-potato play before Lamb reached out to score in the corner.
A good conversion from Kyle Gallen made it 20-6 and soon it was 26-6 when Judd McDonald rolled over the line after Smith split the defence again.
A momentary lapse let the visitors add their second try just before halftime but Gunnedah reasserted its advantage after the break when Gallen showed up the Chatham defence from close range following a slips catch from Andrew Seach off a Chatham kick.
Captain Hilton was dangerous throughout and got on the board to make it 38-12 before Smith raced onto an offload from Zac Newcombe, showed a Karmichael Hunt-style skip and sped away to score his third and the game was well beyond doubt.
McDonald came up with his second to bring up the half century before the school that produced NSW captain Danny Buderus finished off the scoring.
"In the forwards Mitch Campbell and Trent Hilton, two of the senior players, led the team," Allen said.
"Kyle Gallen at five-eighth had a great game and the centres Judd McDonald and Zac Newcombe created so much pressure around the ruck area with some dummy half scoots.
"It was a great team effort."
Lamb and Chad McDonald were also impressive while Smith was an ever-present danger from the back.
"We have to thank Jamie Gallen for his motivational ability," Allen said.
"And manager Bob Heath for his management skills and thanks to Chatham for a great game.
"We were at full strength today."
Gunnedah will now play their historic semi-final against a side from Sydney or the south coast, most likely at Gunnedah, in the coming weeks.
The region's other Uni Shield hope Farrer High will play its quarter-final against Sarah Redfern High in Sydney next week. |
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| Schoolwork and league stardom: Chase Stanley at Endeavour Sports High before another big game. Picture: Lisa McMahon |
CENTRES OF ATTENTION
Story by : 
ENDEAVOUR Sports High student Chase Stanley became the youngest St George Illawarra NRL player when he made his debut in round two this year at OKI Jubilee Stadium against Newcastle.
Then 17, he also scored a try with his first touch in NRL football and he's made a habit of scoring ever since, including in the Dragons' return clash with the Knights in Newcastle on the weekend.
Chase certainly has good bloodlines.
His uncle is the famous All Black outside back, ``Smokin'' Joe Stanley, who knew how to find the line.
Chase's older sister Kyrsty represented Australia in karate at the age of 12, winning the state karate championships four years running.
Chase and his four brothers Kyle, 16, Jamie, 14, Mutu, 9, and Reremoana, 7 have starred in junior league for Hurstville United in various grades, with Kyle training with the Dragons' Premier League squad, before undergoing a leg operation recenly.
Chase, managed by longtime family friend Lance Thompson, the Sharks and former Dragon star, was ``surprised'' at the size of his new contract and is grateful to the Dragons.
``I have learnt so much from the experienced guys like Ben Hornby, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper and Rylsey (Jason Ryles),'' Chase said.
``As a local junior I always wanted to play NRL for the Dragons and I didn't expect it to come so soon. It has been exciting and a great experience.''
Stanley said combining HSC studies with NRL football and training had been ``tough.''
``But the teachers at Endeavour have really helped me a lot,'' said Chase, who manages to train three days a week most weeks.
``I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given. Now I just want to play the rest of the year consistently.''
Dragons chief executive Peter Doust has been impressed by the youngster.
``The way he has handled the transition to NRL football has been great, especially given that he has combined this with his final year of school,'' Doust said.
Dragons coach Nathan Brown was equally pleased to have extended Chase's contract to 2010.
``Chase has definitely got a big future ahead of him if he continues to keep working hard and applying himself as he has done this year,'' Brown said.
``Our plan at the start of the year was to play him in Premier League but he really impressed us in the off-season when he joined the full-time squad after Christmas.
``His efforts in the pre-season, combined with some early-season injuries, gave him his opportunity in the NRL where he has been outstanding, especially considering his age.'' LEARN MORE ABOUT ENDEAVOUR SHS |
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| On the burst: A Kingsgrove Colts player slips a pass in the final against Riverwood Legion. Picture: Chris Lane |
GLORIOUS JUNIORS
Story By : Michael Carayannis
On the burst: A Kingsgrove Colts player slips a pass in the final against Riverwood Legion. Picture: Chris Lane
HURSTVILLE United dominated the St George Junior Rugby League finals on the weekend, winning four of the 18 titles on offer and finishing runners-up in one more.
St George Junior League president Chris Books said the standard of football over the weekend was at its highest level for some time.
``It was the best grand final weekend we can remember,'' he said.
``One of the best things was that almost all clubs were represented over the two days.''
A crowd of over 4000 people watched the matches over the two days.
``Although it was a bit of a shorter season due to things like wet weather it was a successful year,'' Books said.
``We have had good growth in numbers and have had two division in the majority of age groups for the first time in a number of years.'' Senior Club Champions Hurstville United finished the day with four premiership victories.
The club comprehensively won the under-9 division two match and picked up three more hard-fought wins in the under-12, under-13 and under-19 matches.
The biggest victory of the weekend went to the impressive Kingsgrove Colts Blue under-10 division one side.
The team defeated Riverwood Legion 50-0 in a tough game for the Legion boys.
The Colts dominated their age-group all year, losing just one game.
The Colts also had success with their under-11 division two team, which fought through knock-out matches for the entire semi-final series to win the premiership over Arncliffe Scots 22-18.
Kingsgrove Colts president Peter Goddard said that winning the two premierships and retaining the Junior Club Championship capped the most successful season ever for the Colts.
``This achievement will be a great platform for our 50th anniversary celebrations next year,'' he said.
``Having five teams in grand finals and the resounding wins in the under-10s and 11s shows how strong the Colts have become and the contribution the club has made to junior rugby league in the St George district.''
The Scots had their own success, coming from behind to defeat Kingsgrove in the under-16 match while having a four-point victory over Renown United in the under-10 division two final.
Earlwood Saints celebrated the day in style with two wins from two matches, led by a 52-10 win in the division two under-14 match over Arncliffe. LEARN MOORE & SCOREBOARD |
 HILLS SPORTS STILL ALIVE IN ARRIVE ALIVE CUP
Story By : Action Jackson 'Jacko' CLARK (ESHS Buckley Shield team)  A new era has dawned on the coveted Arrive alive Cup with both last years National Finalists Keebra Park who were defeated last week by Palm Beach Currimbin & now Endeavour SHS have been eliminated from the 2007 Competition.
Endeavour Sports High and Hills Sport High battled it out in the Arrive Alive Cup which turned out to be an absolute thriller that was won by Hills Sports in the dying minutes 20 – 18 which destroyed Endeavours chance of winning the Arrive Alive Cup 4 years in a row.
Endeavour came out on fire with two quick tries in the first 20 minutes at Oki Stadium.
Hills struck back with a try under the sticks. Endeavour lead going into the sheds at half time 12 – 6.
Hills struck back in the second half scoring two unconverted tries to make it 14 – 12 Endeavours way.
After about 20 minutes of play Hills scored once more and converted with a great kick extending the score to 20 – 12.
Then with pure desperation and heart Endeavour’s 2nd rower scored and brought the score to 20 – 18 but unfortunately Endeavour couldn’t capitalise and Hills got the win they deserved.
Although Endeavour had many year 10 and 11 players for them due to injury they played really well. |
 DE LA SALLE UNDER 14A (1) MATCH REPORT
Story & Photo By : 
A very entertaining match played in windy, dusty conditions. Such a shame that what was once newly refurbished lawn (NRL) has become such a barren and uninviting playing surface now.
Hopefully, with a well earned rest in the off season and the newly installed recycled water irrigation system, Captain Cook may once again return to its former glory.
For those too young to remember, that means a playing surface covered in grass!
Unfortunately there are many young players around the Shire (and indeed NSW) who probably have no idea what it is like to compete on soft, well grassed playing surfaces.
The De La KNIGHTS certainly put the sword to the dragon today but not before a very tough and arduous battle.
If only the EELS players looked as “hot” in their team shirts as our De La 14A1’s look in their newly acquired sponsored shirts! .. Learn More |
LITTLE 'UNS KEEP BALL ROLLING
Story By : 
ALL that glitters is not gold…it’s Maroon! Queensland’s primary school kids kept a remarkable year rolling for the Sunshine State, winning the APSRL National Under 12 Exchange on Sunday.
After defeating New South Wales Blue 22-12 in the final, coach Greg Stanley called his young troops ‘fantastic ambassadors for rugby league’.
The Queenslanders had been beaten 16-6 by NSW Blue in qualifying, but bounced back with a composed performance in the decider.
“It was close on the scoreboard at 16-12 for a while there, but I always felt we were in the driver’s seat,” Stanley said.
“It was a great effort over the course of the week. There was a lot of sickness in the camp and at least one kid was missing each day with the flu, but they stuck at it.
“They improved every day and that was the aim. Little steps, using each game to get where we wanted to be”
Stanley said his squad started out ‘complete strangers’, having been brought together from all corners of the State.
But an induction in the spirit of Queensland and a jersey presentation from former State of Origin player Mat Rogers helped the team peak at just the right time.
“We didn’t let them play trial matches in Maroon, only when the titles got underway. We stressed what a difference it is being able to wear that jersey,” Stanley said.
“We told them, ‘You’re no longer the standout player in your club. The people inside and outside of you are the best in Queensland. They can throw long passes that will hit you on the chest 99 per cent of the time.’ It took them a while to appreciate that fact and play accordingly.”
“They were reminded they were special and meant something and I can’t talk highly enough of their behaviour and the way they represented Queensland. They wore white shirts and ties everywhere, which is unfamiliar for some boys, but they received a lot of positive comments.”
APSRL NATIONAL U12 EXCHANGE
Game 1: QUEENSLAND 40 (Benjamin McBride 2, Jordan Drew, Harry Pondekas, Ryan Gardner, Ashley Taylor, Oshae Tuiasau, Brenko Lee tries; Jordan Perese, Brenko Lee, Harry Pondekas, Ashley Taylor goals) d NORTHERN TERRITORY.
Game 2: QUEENSLAND 58 (Jordan Perese 2, Jordan Drew, Wilson Leger, Harry Pondekas, Ryan Gardner, Corey Featherston, Ashley Taylor, Brenko Lee, Jai Arrow, Perry Tua tries; Harry Pondekas, Corey Featherston, Ashley Taylor, Jordan Perese, Rinsma Saueha, Brenko Lee, Jai Arrow goals) d SOUTH AUSTRALIA 0.
Game 3: NSW BLUE 16 (Alex Jalloh 2, Mandelo Vito tries; Blake Kersley, Alex Jalloh goals) d QUEENSLAND 6 (Duncan Paia’aua try; Jordan Perese goal).
Game 4: QUEENSLAND 22 (Oshae Tuiasau 3, Ryan Gardner tries; Wilson Leger, Jordan Perese, Rinsma Saueha goals) d NSW WHITE 6 (Dylan Fitzgerald try; Bryce Donovan goal).
Game 5: QUEENSLAND 38 (Jordan Perese 2, Jordan Drew, Harry Pondekas, Ashley Taylor, John Paterson, Brenko Lee tries; Wolson Leger, Ryan Gardner, Ashley Taylor, Jordan Perese, Rinsma Saueha goals).
Final: |
| QUEENSLAND |
22 - 12 |
NSW BLUE |
TRIES : Jordan Drew, Wilson Leger, Ashley Taylor, Jai Arrow tries; Wilson Leger, Ashley Taylor, Jordan Perese
GOALS : Blake Kersley, Alex Jalloh |
Info
unavailable |
|
 Wednesday, August 15, 2007
NRL MEDIA RELEASE
Tickets for the 2007 NRL Grand Final go on sale to the general public today from 9am.
While some tickets will be held back until Grand Final week, today’s release is the main allocation of tickets and represents the best opportunity for fans to get the best possible seat for the match.
Tickets will be made available for sale to the general public in New Zealand from 11am (9am Sydney time)
At this stage there are tickets available across all categories.
Tickets are available through Ticketek outlets, on 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au. New Zealand customers can also call 09 307 5000 or 0800 842 538 (toll free in NZ).
All customers - including season ticket holders - can purchase tickets just once.
Customers can buy a maximum of eight Grand Final tickets, which ensures fans should have an opportunity to purchase tickets while also restricting opportunities for scalping.
Due to a public holiday in Brisbane today, only a limited number of Ticketek outlets will be open.
Those agencies are listed at the end of this Media Release.
Brisbane fans can still access tickets over the phone or via the internet.
Similar to last year, the NRL will release a second allocation of approximately 14,000 tickets, held across all categories, to season ticket holders of the Grand Final teams on Monday, September 24.
Any remaining tickets will then be released for public sale the next day.
Tickets for week one of the NRL finals series will go on sale to away season ticket holders at 9am the Monday before the match and to the general public at 9am the Tuesday before the match.
Home season ticket holders will be contacted by their club. Ticket limits may apply, depending on the venue.
Grand Final Ticket Categories and Prices
Price Category |
Adult
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Concession |
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Family |
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1 |
$155.00
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$120.00 |
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$420.00 |
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2 |
$115.00 |
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$90.00 |
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$315.00 |
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3 |
$90.00 |
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$65.00 |
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$245.00 |
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4 |
$50.00 |
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$32.00 |
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$115.00 |
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Concessions are available to full pensioners (Aged, War, TPI, Invalid & Disability) and juniors 4-15 years only). Family passes consist of 2 adults and 2 juniors or 1 adult and 3 juniors These prices are inclusive of GST and Ticketek booking fee.
Ticketek may charge an additional transaction fee.
Further enquiries: John Brady 02 9339 8524, 0408 881222; David Taylor 02 9339 8555, 0405 228 974.
Queensland - 8 Agencies |
Royal Show Day wed 15 August |
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Open |
Closed |
Closed? |
Myer - City Box Office |
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closed |
Queensland Lions Soccer Club |
9am |
7pm |
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Queensland Rail |
10am |
4pm |
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Metropolitan -7 Agencies |
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Brisbane Convention Cent |
9am |
5pm |
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Carindale Westfield S/C |
10am |
3pm |
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Westfield Chermside |
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closed |
Itel |
9am |
5pm |
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Stadium Store |
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closed |
The Alan Langer Clothing Shop |
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closed |
South Bank Visitor Info Centre |
9am |
5pm |
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Regional - 8 Agencies |
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Caboolture Sports Club |
9am |
5:30pm |
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Gold Coast Arts Centre |
9am |
5:00pm |
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Stockland Shop |
9am |
4:30pm |
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Gold Coast Convention Centre |
9am |
5:00pm |
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Surfers Paradises News |
6:30am |
7:00pm |
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Townsville Civic Theatre |
9am |
5:00pm |
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Cairns Taipans |
9am |
5:30pm |
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FOR FULL DETAILS PLEASE VISIT NRL.COM |
BABE BLITZES OPPOSITION
Story By : 
The BABE (Bingara, Ashford, Bundarra, Emmaville) 16 years' rugby league team defeated a combined St Joseph's (Oberon) and St Patrick's (Blayney) team in the state semi-final of the Country Rugby League Cup.
The team played outstanding rugby league to win the match 28-4 at Coolah.
The BABE team is made up of eight boys from Ashford, five boys from Bundarra, five boys from Emmaville and one boy from Bingara Central Schools.
The BABE team led from the start to the finish and their outstanding defence was the foundation on which the victory was built.
The entire team was committed in defence and tackled with great aggression to overcome their size disadvantage.
Lance Epple (Emmaville), Kyle Hartley (Ashford) and Adam McPhilips (Emmaville) were punishing in defence.
With the ball the BABE team played to their game plan perfectly and dominated field position and point scoring once the game opened up.
Chris Lewis (Ashford), Daniel McClellan (Bundarra) and Morgan Boney (Ashford) directed the BABE attack to perfection and the hard running of George McMullen (Bundarra), Corey Baker (Ashford) and Adam McPhilips punched holes in the opposition defence.
Leading 14-4 at half time BABE had been by far the better team but were only leading by a small margin. Try scorers in the first half were George McMullen (2) and Toby Woodward.
Early in the second half, the class of Daniel McClellan showed when he scored three quick tries to put the game out of reach of the Oberon/Blayney side.
Daniel also kicked one goal in each half.
The win was a great reward for a great team effort by all players. The best players for the BABE team were Daniel McLennan and George McMullen (Bundarra), Adam McPhilips (Emmaville), Morgan Boney, Chris Lewis and Corey Baker (Ashford).
The Ashford Central School team members were: Tyler King, Jake Lennon, Michael Sepping, Kyle Hartley, Morgan Boney, Chris Lewis, Corey Baker and Toby Woodward. Congratulations boys!
The BABE team will now play Murrumburrah High School in the state final of the Country Rugby League Cup at Dubbo on August 15.
The BABE alliance has played together since 1997 and have won the 13 years division of the Country Cup in 2004 and 2005. They have never been past the semi-final stage in the 16 years division.
They did reach the semi-finals in 2006 but were beaten in extra time by Coolah Central School who went on to win the final easily.
In 2007 the team has played Warialda High School, Holy Trinity (Inverell), Bowraville Central School, Woodenbong Central School and St Joseph's (Oberon) and St Patrick's (Blayney), scoring a total of 104 points while conceding just 20 points.
The team is hoping to win the first BABE 16 years state title. |
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ITS A CAT FIGHT IN BRISSY WRL GRAND FINAL 
2007 COWBOYS CHALLENGE 
BRISBANE METRO 
ELITE SYDNEY CHS COMPS
SYDNEY 
OBE GEIA 
Jeff HARDY
Bulldogs win Harold 2007 Matthews Cup Grand Final 
2003 
2002 
ENGLAND 
ENGLAND 
WELSH 
BARLA
FRENCH 
