Innholdsfortegnelse for 2019 - Round 1 i Big League Weekly Edition

ROOSTERS halfback Cooper Cronk says it would be selfish to think about his playing future as he prepares to line up for NRL game 350 against the Rabbitohs on Friday. The 35-year-old is off-contract at the end of the season and has no shortage of options should he decide to retire. The two-time Dally M Medallist is still at the top of his game, but no one would begrudge him if he decided to call it quits and move into a media or coaching position, or choose to settle down with his young family. Cronk hasn’t put a deadline on the decision, but admits he’ll have to consider his future at some point during the season. “I’ve thought about it in terms of my life and what it looks like…

DESPITE Cronulla enduring an off-season dominated by off-field drama, halfback Chad Townsend has called on the entire club to “move on”. The Sharks were embroiled in a salary cap saga, copping a $750,000 fine ($500,000 suspended) and a $707,000 penalty imposed on their salary cap over the next two years. Coach Shane Flanagan was deregistered by the NRL for breaching the conditions of his 2014 suspension, and the club lost its CEO after Barry Russell resigned following a tumultuous 12 months. There has also been plenty of speculation surrounding the future of star players due to salary cap constraints – the latest involving recently re-signed hooker James Segeyaro. Although Townsend admits the off-season hasn’t been ideal, he said it’s time to leave the drama in the past. He bemoaned the…

LOSING someone of Johnathan Thurston’s ilk is usually cause for concern, but Cowboys veteran Gavin Cooper is excited about what lies ahead as the club looks to bounce back from a disastrous 2018 campaign. There is no way North Queensland can replace what Thurston brought to the side, but in Michael Morgan and Te Maire Martin, the Cowboys have an exciting halves pairing who can help the team return to the top eight. Cooper spent the bulk of his career running off the legendary halfback’s left shoulder, and while he admits it’ll take a while to get used to life without ‘JT’, he’s backing Morgan to return to the 2017 form that saw him lead the NRL with 22 try assists as he guided the Cowboys to the grand final.…

8 Kevin Locke (2009) After just one win in their previous eight games, Warriors coach Ivan Cleary made a raft of changes for his side’s Round 12 clash with Wests Tigers – most notably dropping out-of-form recruit Denan Kemp for Locke. The 20-year-old scored the only try of the first half, converted Wade McKinnon’s four-pointer early in the second half and sealed a 14-0 shut-out with a late try. Locke made such an impression in 12 games that he was named the Warriors’ 2009 Supporters Player of the Year. 7 Tony Nash (1942) Winger Tony Nash progressed through the grades at Canterbury-Bankstown and produced one of the all-time great debuts, scoring four tries as the Berries held off a South Sydney fight-back to win 26-18 at the SCG. Nash represented…

cap, forcing the knee to lock at times. Surgery was necessary to remove the chip. Webcke went under the knife on the Monday in Brisbane and a piece of bone the size of a cashew was removed. He amazed the club physios and Bennett when he was back jogging on the Thursday. However, trauma from surgery would see his leg collapse when he least expected it. At 7.30am Saturday, with kick-off 12 hours away, Webcke was taken to a Townsville park for a private fitness test. He twice stumbled but claimed, after the knee warmed up, he felt fine and could play. Bennett revealed in the book Rugby League Yarns: “The physio looked at him and said, ‘he’s kidding’. I said to Shane ‘why do you do this?’, he said…

BEFORE there was a whisper of a Cleary father-son partnership, before there was a hint of Ivan returning to the foot of the mountains, and even before Nathan had made a name for himself, a conversation took place that would direct the paths of two careers. While enjoying a couple of cold beers, Ivan posed a question to John Lang – the premiership-winning mentor who coached his own son, Martin, on a record 176 occasions. With Nathan Cleary bursting onto the NRL scene, Ivan wondered whether one day he too might coach his son at the top level. “What was it like coaching your son?” Ivan asked Lang. His response, blunt but honest: “I didn’t find it ideal, but I’d rather coach my son than coach against him.” Lang says…

THE second season of NRLW may still be six months away, but the work has already begun on making sure the quality goes up a notch in 2019. Late in January, players in and around the Jillaroos squad came together for a camp to look at the next two years and what needs to be done to win the 2021 World Cup. It’s a long-term goal for the upper echelon, but it was when 50 development players joined them for the final two days that the planning for the here and now came in. Rugby league has always taken an approach of using its top players to bring along the next level. Jillaroos camps are done in a way that the game’s best can return to club setups and pass…

Round 15, 1959 Although it was referred to as ‘The Rugby League News’, this issue from 1959 is incredibly iconic. It’s impossible to look past the cost – six pence - and the reminder that a ticket is required to attend the Test match. But what really is worth noting is Australian coach Clive Churchill, who is widely regarded as one of the best coaches of all time. And just for the record, New Zealand won that Test match. Round 3, 1980 What a cover. We’re not sure what’s more iconic though – a young Peter Sterling or his full head of hair. Regardless, this is one that brings back all sorts of memories. ‘Sterlo’ was 19 at the time and had just edged out John Kolc and Graham Murray…

NEW recruit Corey Harawira-Naera has his sights set on becoming a leader at the Bulldogs and knows that a lot more will be expected of him at his new club given the inexperience amongst the squad. “I’d like to work on having more of a leadership role and helping the halves out. At the Panthers Isaah Yeo was probably the main guy and it’s the same here with ‘Jacko’ [Josh Jackson], but I’d like to help him out a bit,” he told Big League. “I was only in my second season at Penrith last year, so I probably have a bit more expectation being here and being another year older. Also being a new player they’ve obviously brought me in for a reason.”…

WHILE Kalyn Ponga dominates headlines at the Knights, there’ll be plenty of people curious to see how Connor Watson handles his switch to fullback for the first time since 2017. The former Rooster (left) had an injury-plagued start to life in the Hunter but is eager to run out in front of a packed house against the Sharks on Friday. Watson’s greatest strength is his running game, but he knows it’ll take more than that to establish himself as one of the game’s elite fullbacks. Thankfully he’s been able to lean on Ponga for some tips as Newcastle prepare to unleash their revamped spine in 2019. “Fullbacks are the conductors of the defence. I’ve tried to get Kalyn’s thoughts on what he thinks in certain situations and how I can…

SPEEDSTER Josh Addo-Carr jokingly said that he’d fill in at fullback if required as the Storm prepare for life after Billy Slater. With the champion No.1 now retired, Scott Drinkwater was expected to take over at the back, only for him to sustain a pec injury in the trial loss to the Cowboys. That’s opened the door for Jahrome Hughes (above), who should be used to the role having played there five times last season. “It’s a massive blow for us and Scotty,” Addo-Carr told Big League. “He’d been training really well, but he’s pretty positive about it – he knows these things can happen and you can’t dwell on them. Everyone is behind him and wishing him a speedy recovery.…

CLUB legend Matt Bowen has been inducted into the North Queensland Hall of Fame. The former fullback had a glittering 13-year career with the Cowboys, scoring a club record 130 tries. He joins Paul Bowman and Matt Sing, who were both unveiled as inaugural inductees in 2015. “I’m extremely humbled to be inducted into the Cowboys Hall of Fame,” Bowen said. “‘Bear’ [Bowman] and ‘Singy’ [Sing] are two blokes I really looked up to when I came into first grade. To be inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside two players of that calibre is a huge honour. “The Cowboys are the only team I played for in Australia and I’m a home-grown product so this club, means the world to me.”…

Form: The Storm were defeated in trials against the Warriors and the Cowboys but of greater concern for coach Craig Bellamy was the loss of aspiring fullback Scott Drinkwater to injury. The Broncos warmed up for Round 1 with victories in low-key trials against ISP Cup outfits Souths Logan and Wynnum-Manly, plus they scored a narrow win over the Titans early this month. History: The Storm have been the Broncos’ toughest opponent over the past 20 years and enter this contest with the imposing recent record of 15 wins from the past 17 encounters. Even more startling is the Storm’s record in Round 1 matches – they’ve gone 17-straight seasons without losing in the opening round. The Storm have scored 30 points or more in their past four games against…

Form: The Warriors, with much to prove following the departure of Shaun Johnson, were undefeated in trial matches against the Storm and Tigers, while the Bulldogs went down narrowly to Canberra in Bega in their only pre-season hit-out. History: The Warriors have struggled to cope with the Bulldogs’ physical style in recent seasons, winning just two of the past nine encounters. In their only fixture last season, the Warriors outscored the Bulldogs four tries to three but went down 27-26. Lachlan Lewis kicked the winning field goal for the Dogs on his 22nd birthday, while Rhyse Martin – who was picked in reserve grade this week – kicked five goals from five attempts. Danger sign: Neither side is seen as a serious top eight contender this season but both will…

Panthers Stadium Sunday 4.05pm Form: The Panthers were 28-6 winners of their opening trial against South Sydney but paid a high price with the loss of back-rower Viliame Kikau to a knee injury, while their second hit-out resulted in a worrying 20-0 loss to Sunday’s opponents. The Eels led Canberra 20-0 in their opening trial before going down 22-20, but their defeat of the Panthers should instil some confidence. History: The Eels were the dominant outfit in this match-up for the best part of 35 years but recently these contests have been fought on far more even terms. The Panthers have won four of the past five encounters and they prevailed in both clashes last season. Both were played in searing heat, the first in the opening round when the…

DEFENDING premiers Redcliffe suffered an opening round loss, going down 22-18 against the Northern Pride. Cowboys wingers Gideon Gela-Mosby and Nene Macdonald scored for the Pride while five-eighth Jake Clifford controlled the game with his impressive kicking game. 2018 runners-up Easts Tigers opened their campaign in style with a comfortable victory against Mackay, scoring five tries to two. A late try to Sam Burns and conversion by Todd Murphy gave the Falcons a two-point triumph against Wynnum Manly at Sunshine Coast Stadium. Shaun Hudson and Kalifa Faifai Loa both grabbed doubles in Townsville’s 34-6 demolition of Ipswich, while Ryland Jacobs and Ryley Jacks scored as Tweed Heads held PNG scoreless. Kainoa Gudgeon and Jack Madden both bagged doubles and Bessie Aufaga-Toomaga booted six goals in the Capras’ 36-14 win over…

RUGBY league has, and always will, stir up great emotion. There are the on-field feats of bravery and stunning athletic prowess, which get you on your feet and screaming until your throat is hoarse. Off the field, many of us spend countless hours talking and defending and predicting what will happen on the weekend. It takes over lives during winter (and sometimes summer, as witnessed recently) and as frustrating as it can be sometimes, I think we can agree that we love it. Through it all, Big League has been there. In 2019, we’re celebrating 100 years of being rugby league’s official magazine. Every step of the way we’ve been there with team lists, news, player features and statistics. Since 1920, if you had your Big League, you were ready…

How did you handle the move to New Zealand? The move was really easy. I came over two days prior to starting pre-season so I was straight into things. That probably made it easier because most of my focus was on my training rather than thinking about home, family and my friends. Also, knowing I’d be back in two months for Christmas gave me something to look forward to. Are you enjoying your time with the Warriors? Yes, I’m loving it. They’re a great bunch of blokes here and they’re always keen to do things together when we have an early day or day off, so it makes every day enjoyable. The fans are also very welcoming and very passionate so they’ve made my time here even better. What’s your…

MURRAY TO ORIGIN South Sydney lock Cam Murray is the perfect modern day No.13 and I believe he’ll make his State of Origin debut in 2019. He has a brilliant work ethic and he’s a great defensive player. His opponents are never comfortable because he carries the ball confidently, he’s really strong and has the best play-the-ball in the competition. He fights for every inch on the ground, which allows Damien Cook to play over the advantage line. We saw how damaging Cook was in Game One last year when the Blues had momentum. Murray creates that momentum – he reads the game well, knowing when to tip the ball on or play directly to his halves; this gives the opposition’s defensive line no time to relax. He was head…

Storm v BroncosKnights v SharksRoosters v RabbitohsWarriors v BulldogsWests Tigers v Sea EaglesCowboys v DragonsPanthers v EelsTitans v Raiders Michael Carayannis The Sunday Telegraph StormSharksRoostersWarriorsWests TigersCowboysPanthersTitans Michael Chammas NRL.com BroncosKnightsRoostersBulldogsWests TigersDragonsEelsTitans Rebekka Wake Reader Tipster BroncosKnightsRoostersBulldogsWests TigersDragonsPanthersRaiders David Middleton League Historian StormSharksRoostersWarriorsWests TigersCowboysPanthersTitans Maria Tsialis Big League StormSharksRoostersBulldogsWests TigersCowboysPanthersTitans Footyhead Little League StormSharksRabbitohsBulldogsWests TigersDragonsPanthersRaiders…

How it started AS Big League celebrates its 100th season, we’ve taken a walk down memory lane to see what the magazine looked like a century ago and discover why and when it came to be. The first issue of The Rugby League News was published by the NSW Rugby Football League on May 1, 1920. A journal devoted to the interests of rugby league, it contained the only authorised list of names, numbers and positions of players, now known as the team list – something the magazine still exclusively publishes. The opening paragraph of the first issue reads: “In introducing this, the first number of The Rugby League News, we hope to arouse your interest by giving greater publicity to our doings. For too long have our ideals been…

IT’S been 10 years since fresh-faced fullback Gareth Widdop touched down late to clinch a heart-stopping win for the Melbourne Storm in the Toyota Cup Grand Final. On Saturday night, the Englishman will finally get the chance to return to the No.1 jersey when the Dragons get their season underway against the Cowboys in Townsville. Plenty of unwanted attention has been on the Red V this off-season, but the ongoing Jack de Belin hearing has masked a major on-field switch that will define where they finish in 2019. Former Eel Corey Norman has joined the club, prompting Dragons coach Paul McGregor to recalibrate the spine that had them sitting in first place after 16 rounds in 2018. The playmaker’s arrival means Widdop will shift to fullback, with livewire Matt Dufty…

SHIFTING from fullback to five-eighth this season, Jack Wighton is confident his halves combination with Aidan Sezer (right) will be successful, but warns it could take time for the duo to click. “It’s just going to be an experiment, we’re going to take it week-to-week and game-by-game, and we’ll work things out as we go,” Wighton said. In 130 NRL games Wighton has started in the halves on just 10 occasions, but after a full pre-season in the line, coach Ricky Stuart has handed him the No.6 jersey. “Ricky really pushed me to train as a half. As we got into it more and more, I was feeling more comfortable and they could see that,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to be back in the line – either as a…

THE Titans had one of the most impressive recruitment sprees for 2019, welcoming five-eighths Tyrone Peachey, Tyrone Roberts and Ryley Jacks to join halfback Ashley Taylor, increasing their depth dramatically. “We’ve got four first grade-playing halves so it’s a good hand to have,” captain Ryan James told Big League. “It’s a positive sign for the club.” James is particularly excited by Peachey’s arrival. “He has that X-factor and versatility. He creates options in and around the ball and he makes the rep sides.”…

HIS father may be a Tigers legend, but on Saturday night Curtis Sironen will go against the family name and line-up in opposition colours when the Sea Eagles travel to Leichhardt Oval. The back-rower looked to be following a similar path to his father Paul, only to move to Manly in 2017 following five seasons with the Wests Tigers. This weekend not only marks his first game against his junior side, but it’ll also be his first NRL match since he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Round 4 last year. Sironen is hoping for plenty of support this weekend but knows his father will be torn, especially given younger brother Bayley has also left the Wests Tigers for South Sydney. “There’s no chance of that. He’s already a bit…

THEY may have lost some X-factor in Valentine Holmes and Jesse Ramien, but Sharks co-captain Paul Gallen is confident that the Sharks have successfully filled the void – and then some. Gallen believes Josh Morris’ arrival and Matt Moylan’s move to the No.1 will strengthen the squad’s attacking power. “We’ve lost some really good outside backs,” Gallen (above)toldBigLeague. “We’ve covered the try-scoring ability in the outside backs and picked up some ball-playing ability in Matt Moylan. ‘Val’ was a tryscorer – but I don’t think his ball-playing is quite like Matt Moylan’s.”…

THE Dragons have endured a challenging lead-up to the season with much of the focus being on off the field incidents. However, fans can take comfort in knowing emerging winger Jordan Pereira has extended his contract with the club until the end of 2021. Pereira (above) made his NRL debut in Round 19 last year and became a revelation for the Red V. “When I arrived at the Dragons I wasn’t ready to play first grade. I knew if I was going to be ready I’d have to become a sponge and soak up all the information from the leaders and coaching staff around me. They have been crucial for my development, and the best thing is that I’m still learning,” he said.…

THE fight for spine spots has been decided at the Wests Tigers – for Round 1 anyway. Josh Reynolds has been named on the bench, with club legend Benji Marshall clinching a halves spot alongside Luke Brooks. New skipper Moses Mbye will miss Round 1 through injury, with Corey Thompson taking the fullback position. Esan Marsters will be the team’s first-choice goalkicker. Marsters is also hoping to improve on his strike rate after an inconsistent 2018 with the boot. “It’s my second year of goal-kicking so the pressure is on me now. Last year was mixed, so I’ve been practising a lot more.”…

Form: In their opening trials the Knights went down narrowly to St George Illawarra while the Sharks scored a narrow win over the Sea Eagles. These teams met in a trial at Maitland a fortnight ago when the Sharks stormed to a 30-6 victory. Trial form is a notoriously poor indicator of future performance but there’s no disputing that the Sharks will carry an edge in experience and teamwork. History: Success has proven elusive for the Knights against the Sharks in recent seasons and Cronulla will be playing for their ninth-consecutive head-to-head win in this fixture. After going close to victory in 2017, the Knights were on the receiving end of crushing defeats last season, falling 48-10 at home and 38-12 away. Danger sign: The Knights will field their strongest…

Form: Wests Tigers played a single trial, a 26-16 defeat to the Warriors in Whangarei, while the Sea Eagles were beaten narrowly by the Sharks before recording a 38-20 victory over a second-string Roosters side. History: The Sea Eagles hold a narrow lead in head-to-head results however Wests Tigers have been successful in four of the past five encounters. Last year the Tigers equalled their record-winning margin against Manly, cruising to a 38-12 victory at Lottoland before squeaking home 22-20 at Campbelltown. Manly haven’t fared well at Leichhardt, winning one of their past seven games there. Both clubs have undergone coaching change since last season; the Tigers signing Michael Maguire to replace Ivan Cleary, while Manly have transitioned from Trent Barrett to Des Hasler. Danger sign: Wests Tigers displayed a…

Cbus Super Stadium Sunday 6.10pm Form: The Titans suffered narrow trial losses to North Queensland and Brisbane but coach Garth Brennan found cause for encouragement from both hit-outs. The Raiders prevailed in both of their trials, defeating Parramatta and Canterbury. History: The Titans lead the head-to-head record 12-10 but the Raiders have won three of the past four encounters, including a 32-18 result when they last met at GIO Stadium in Round 9 last season. In the corresponding game last year, the Raiders led 24-6 at Cbus Super Stadium before going down 30-28. It was a continuation of a trend of the Raiders losing tight games that has dogged the club in the Ricky Stuart era. Danger sign: The Titans have recruited impressively, adding bulk to their engine room through…

THE seventh Ron Massey Cup season kicks off this weekend in what looks sure to be another closely-contested competition. In the lead-up to the season, the NSWRL announced that the grand final will be played at the new 30,000-seat Bankwest Stadium for the next five years. The season kicks off on Friday night with a clash between Mounties and Hills District. Mounties wil be eager to start strong after 2018 finished in disappointment. Though they claimed second spot on the ladder at the end of the regular season, they were unceremoniously bounced from the finals in straight-sets. Cabramatta will host defending premiers Wentworthville on Saturday in what’s set to be a fierce match after Cabramatta fell one game short of a spot in last year’s grand final. Wenty will face…

CANBERRA playmaker Jack Wighton has promised to make no more off-field blunders and has called on all misbehaving players to “pull their head in” in the wake of the ARL Commission’s stance on player behavior. Wighton was handed a two-month suspended jail sentence and fined $3,500 after last year pleading guilty to two charges of assault occasioning bodily harm, three counts of common assault and one charge of public urination. He said his punishment has given him a new perspective on his role as an NRL player. “I did the crime and I’ve done my time, I’ve had all my punishments and they’re all out of the road and I’m ready to roll. I feel fresh and ready to go,” Wighton told Big League. “With what’s been going on, there’s…

ALL eyes will be on McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday when the most-hyped player in the game makes the move from fullback to five-eighth in a switch that has already drawn comparisons to Darren Lockyer. While the rugby league world waits with bated breath, Kalyn Ponga appears as relaxed as ever ahead of his second NRL game in the No.6 jersey. The gifted youngster took the NRL by storm in 2018 with 11 try assists, six tries and 140 tackle-breaks in his first full season in the top grade. The move to the halves will have its challenges – as he found out in the All Stars game – but there are few doubts he’ll overcome them as the season progresses alongside Mitchell Pearce. “My first game in the All…

WE’RE all excited about the return of the NRL, but fans aren’t the only ones Blake Ferguson reminded us that the players are pretty keen too, topping off a fantastic try in the recent All Stars game with a stunning backflip There was no sign of the foot injury that had affected his pre-season with new club Parramatta, and we can rest assured if ‘Fergo’ can get the Eels firing again, it won’t be the last time we see him jumping for joy @NRL…

IT’S been a horror off-season for the NRL and no one has felt the brunt of it more than NRL CEO Todd Greenberg. From assault charges to sex tape sagas and everything in-between, Greenberg has had his work cut out for him as calls for action have grown louder. As Round 1 kicks off and the focus finally goes back to the football field, Greenberg is looking forward to putting the drama behind him and is certain the game will grow from it. “Absolutely it has been a learning opportunity. There’s no doubt it’s been the most difficult off-season that I’ve experienced,”Greenberg tells Big League. “But in saying that, when you go through these sorts of difficulties it gives you an opportunity to update or change policies, rules and procedures…

Todd Greenberg NRL CEO Congratulations to all past and present from Big League on a momentous achievement. I can’t imagine there would be many people involved in the game who haven’t been touched at some stage by the chronicle of rugby league. Over 100 years, that is an incredible amount of people, and an astonishing legacy to continue into the future. Big League has provided the colour and the unique content which has inspired generations of supporters. Amid the constant swarm of information which the game gives us all, Big League’s constant focus on the good and the great about the game is always welcome. A flick through its pages over time is a rugby league history lesson. When I went to games when I was young with my father,…

FOOTYHEAD 40 2019 PREDICTION LAST year my crystal football came pretty close to guessing the premiers – it fancied the Storm and the Rabbitohs – the two teams brushed aside by the Roosters to take the premiership! Grandpa’s taken my crystal ball out to his shed to tune up and he promises this year it’ll pick a winner. The trouble is, all I can see are coaches! Last year’s grand finalists, the Roosters and Storm, have the two most successful coaches in the NRL, but the crystal football fancies other clubs starting over with different coaches. Wayne Bennett and Anthony Seibold swapped places at two of the strongest clubs, the Broncos and Rabbitohs and both clubs may be even stronger for it. The clashes between those sides will be a…

THE Warriors boast a deep backline contingent, with the likes of Gerard Beale, and Taane Milne unable to force their way into a full-strength starting line-up. But don’t be surprised to see explosive recruit Patrick Herbert (left) skip the queue and snare an NRL debut in 2019. The 22-year-old was the Warriors’ standout in their trial win in Melbourne, playing fullback and centre, before enjoying a cameo in the final hit-out against the Wests Tigers. “Patty’s a really good player, I was thrilled when I heard he’d been signed by the Warriors,” new Warriors Canterbury Cup coach Nathan Cayless told Big League. Born in Whakatane, Herbert spent the previous four seasons at St George Illawarra, scoring 25 tries in 32 NYC games and 21 tries in 46 ISP appearances. “I’ve…

DOMINATING the middle is on the agenda for the Eels, with Junior Paulo talking up Daniel Alvaro and Nathan Brown. Paulo has been named on an extended bench for Round 1. The Eels junior returns to the club after three years in Canberra. “Daniel Alvaro had a massive season last year. We played under-20s together,” Paulo told Big League. Paulo said he’s been impressed with Nathan Brown and is keen to play alongside him. “I’m looking forward to playing with Nathan. Everyone knows how good he is and it was unfortunate for him to finish last year with an injury, but he’s ticked the right boxes in pre-season”…

VETERAN back-rower John Sutton says his sole focus is on beating the Roosters this Friday, rather than the personal duel with former team-mate Angus Crichton (pictured). The Round 1 clash has plenty of fascinating storylines and will be a re-match of sorts after the Tri-colours knocked South Sydney out of last year’s finals series, and all eyes will be on how the men in cardinal and myrtle treat their former comrade. “I’ll focus on what I’m doing and not on ‘Gus’,” Sutton said. “He’s a good bloke. I haven’t seen him for a while but he’s a champion. He’s going to have a long career in the NRL. He’s a good player and good mate. It will be a good challenge this week.”…

HALFBACK Nathan Cleary is optimistic his shift to the left side of the field and James Maloney’s move to the right will have a positive impact on the team’s performance in 2019. Coach Ivan Cleary implemented the change at the start of pre-season and it’s how the side will line up on Sunday against the Eels. “Dad came up with it after watching us last year and he wanted to try something new,” the younger Cleary said. Viliame Kikau (left) will miss the opening month due to a knee injury suffered in a trial against South Sydney, but Cleary is looking forward to combining with Kikau and Waqa Blake throughout the season. “We’ve been working on a few combinations – I’ve been thrown into the Fijian edge with (Kikau) and…

THE footy is back and it’s not just one of the most exciting weeks of the year for rugby league fans – it’s the most important week of the year for Fantasy coaches. This is the final week you can change your team as much as you like – from next week on you have to use a precious trade for each change and can make just two per week from then on. Here are my tips for your initial squad. GRAB YOURSELF A BARGAIN Scour the team lists looking for cheap or rookie players who look set for a long run in first grade. I’m currently eyeing off Dylan Brown, Adam Keighran, Reuben Garrick and Mikaela Ravalawa. Be wary of teams that have a senior player who is injured…

Form: The Roosters’ preparation consisted of their World Club Challenge victory over Wigan and a 38-20 trial loss to Manly with an understrength line-up. The Rabbitohs went down 28-6 to Penrith at Redfern Oval before their 36-24 Charity Shield defeat of St George Illawarra in Mudgee. History: Playing in the World Club Challenge has only occasionally led to a Round 1 defeat by the defending premiers. Over the past 10 years, seven of the 10 competing Australian teams have won their opening game. Ironically, one of the three to lose was the Roosters in 2014, after they played the WCC against Wigan in Sydney. The Roosters meet the Rabbitohs at the SCG for the first time since 1993. Last year the regular season honours were shared, but the Roosters prevailed…

1300SMILES Stadium Saturday 7.35pm Form: Launching a new era following the retirement of Johnathan Thurston, the Cowboys were encouraged by trial victories over the Titans and Storm, while the Dragons downed Newcastle 18-10 before their Charity Shield defeat in Mudgee. History: The Dragons have won the past three encounters to draw level with the Cowboys at 15 wins apiece in head-to-head results since 1998. Last year St George Illawarra ended a 13-year drought in Townsville with a 24-10 victory. Danger sign: Both clubs start the new season under pressure; the Cowboys kicking off a campaign without Thurston for the first time since 2004; while the Dragons have been distracted by the Jack de Belin situation and coach Paul McGregor has a looming headache trying to determine the team’s best configuration.…

RESERVE grade in New South Wales is set for a major revamp, with Canterbury coming on board as the new naming rights partner for the second-tier competition (now known as the Canterbury Cup), while Parramatta’s new home, Bankwest Stadium, has been locked in to host the grand final for the next five years. “This is the first time in Australian sport that a traditional apparel partner has sponsored the naming rights of a competition,” NSWRL Head of Commercial and Digital, Jodie Cross said at the season launch. “NSWRL pride ourselves on being innovative and we think this partnership is a real innovative marketing approach.” Last year’s wooden-spooners Newcastle will take on 2018 Grand Finalists Newtown to launch the brand new season on Friday, but all eyes will be turn to…

TOWNSVILLE halfback Adam Cook bagged 22 point as Townsville opened the season in style with a 62-6 thrashing of Ipswich at North Ipswich Reserve last Saturday. Defending champions Norths Devils and Burleigh were locked at 24-all after 80 minutes to split the points in the opening round. Easts halfback Dray Ngatuere-Wroe bagged two tries to help the Tigers record a 22-12 win against Mackay at Langlands Park. Wynnum Manly scored in the opening minute of the game and maintained the lead for the rest of the game against Sunshine Coast. Northern Pride opened their campaign with a 22-12 triumph over Redcliffe at Barlow Park. Tweed managed to hold on at the death to score an 18-14 victory against Western Mustangs at Piggabeen Sports Complex. Second-rower Jacob Alick and centre Vaea…