NRL 2008: Will Dragons fly?

By Adam Sutcliffe

They have been a notably quiet NRL club during the 2007/2008 Rugby League off-season. A proud club that has misfired poorly in recent years, will the centenary of Rugby League be their season to go all the way in NRL 2008?

The man at the helm of the St George Illawarra Dragons, Nathan Brown seems so have certainly copped his share of criticism - however the former Dragons hooker has done well to hang in there, at a time when coaches are hung out to dry so quickly.

The burning question for every NRL fan has been why have the Dragons continued to fail with virtually an Australian Rugby League Representative Team at their disposal? The likes of Trent Barrett, Matt Head, Brett Firman all now lost to the once unstoppable club. Looking further back, even the likes of Paul McGregor, Rod Wishart and Brad McKay had the talent but never got the goodies come end of season NRL.

Is it the pressure of being one of the most heavily followed NRL clubs? Even before the Saints merged with the Steelers, the Dragons boasted the biggest club memberships and a huge following amongst NRL faithful. Their merchandise out sold everyone else, ever since they won 11 premierships straight in the good old days they have had an army of fans and that has continued the thrive. Does this huge following create more expectation? Coupled with the fact that the Red Vee hasn't won the major prize in over 25 years?

Personally, I think the creativity and player talent at the Dragons disposal has been the root of the problem over the past 15 years. Having so many talented players might be thought the only ingredient to win at the highest level of NRL, however the old saying "Too many cooks, spoil the broth" rings true.

Just like NSW Origin problems in previous years, having so many talented players running their own plays, going solo and most of the time not following coaches instructions can wreak havoc on the best of sides.

Too many times the Dragons get into top gear during an NRL game, then sign off and start coasting. Other times they simply turn up and some of the players tend to rely on the superstars to get them home. A big no-no.

And more recently, injury has been a disaster for this Rugby League club. Possibly the best player in the world on his day, Mark Gasnier unfortunately seems to get injured when he trips over a blade of grass and former Australian forward Jason Ryles gets injured and rarely plays to his ability that can be oh so damaging when he puts his mind to it.

Certainly its time the Dragons deserved some luck with injury and they will be hard to stop in NRL 2008 featuring the likes of: Dean Young, Matt Cooper, Ben Creagh, Jason Ryles and of course Gaz - however another of the old sayings keeps ringing in my ears and that is "Give me enthusiasm over talent anyday of the week" and maybe that is the key to the Dragons taking the title in NRL 2008.

NRL 2008 the first 5 Rounds

How's does your NRL team fare in the first few rounds of 2008 look? Here's a sneak peak at the first 5 rounds of NRL Rugby League draw in 2008 - In the weeks ahead we will start moving into predictions and how your NRL team should be looking after 5 rounds.

Round 1, March 14-17
Titans v Cowboys, Skilled Park, Fri 7.30pm.
Rabbitohs v Roosters, Telstra Stadium, Fri 7.30pm
Eels v Bulldogs, Telstra Stadium, Sat 5.30pm
Sea Eagles v Sharks, Brookvale Oval, Sat 7.30pm.
Knights v Raiders, Energy Australia Stadium, Sat 7.30pm
Broncos v Panthers, Suncorp Stadium, Sun 2.00pm
Wests Tigers v Dragons, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sun 3.00pm
Storm v Warriors, Telstra Dome, Mon 7.00pm

Round 2, March 21-24
Roosters v Broncos, Sydney Football Stadium, Fri 7.30pm
Rabbitohs v Bulldogs, Telstra Stadium, Fri 7.30pm
Panthers v Raiders, CUA Stadium, Sat 5.30pm
Knights v Sea Eagles, Energy Australia Stadium, Sat 7.30pm
Cowboys v Wests Tigers, Dairy Farmers Stadium, Sat 8.30pm
Warriors v Eels, Mt Smart Stadium, Sun 4.00pm
Storm v Sharks, Olympic Park, Sun 3.00pm
Dragons v Titans, WIN Stadium, Mon 7.00pm

Round 3, March 28-31
Broncos v Cowboys, Suncorp Stadium, Fri 7.30pm
Eels v Knights, Parramatta Stadium, Fri 7.30pm
Roosters v Storm, Sydney Football Stadium, Sat 5.30pm
Raiders v Dragons, Canberra Stadium, Sat 7.30pm
Titans v Sharks Skilled Park, Sat 8.30pm
Panthers v Rabbitohs, CUA Stadium, Sun 2.00pm
Bulldogs v Wests Tigers, Telstra Stadium, Sun 3.00pm
Sea Eagles v Warriors, Brookvale Oval, Mon 7.00pm

Round 4, April 4-7 (Aust and NZ Daylight Savings ends at 2am Sun 6th)
Storm v Broncos, Olympic Park, Fri 7.30pm
Bulldogs v Roosters, Telstra Stadium, Fri 7.30pm
Dragons v Sharks, Telstra Stadium, Sat 5.30pm
Titans v Raiders, Skilled Park, Sat 6.30pm
Cowboys v Eels, Dairy Farmers Stadium, Sat 8.30pm
Warriors V Knights, Mt Smart Stadium, Sun 4.00pm
Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs, Brookvale Oval, Sun 3.00pm
Wests Tigers v Panthers, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Mon 7.00pm

Round 5, April 11-14
Storm v Sea Eagles, Olympic Park, Fri 7.30pm
Eels v Titans, Parramatta Stadium, Fri 7.30pm
Dragons v Cowboys, WIN Stadium, Sat 5.30pm
Panthers v Roosters CUA Stadium, Sat 7.30pm
Warriors v Bulldogs, Mt Smart Stadium, Sun 2.00pm
Raiders v Wests Tigers, Canberra Stadium, Sun 2.00pm
Knights v Broncos, Energy Australia Stadium, Sun 3.00pm
Rabbitohs v Sharks Telstra Stadium, Mon 7.00pm.

Manly Sea Eagles; No sign of wounds from 07

Deep into pre-season training, the Manly Sea Eagles don't seem to be showing any ill effects from their punishing 2007 Grand Final loss.

While many say "You need to lose one before you win one!" - There has been many NRL teams that have gone within a whisker of winning the Grand Final and then disappear into the cellar in the years to follow.

Regardless of the talent on display at Manly in 2007, the crushing Grand Final defeat must have been hard for the squad to have forgotten. The Eagles have also lost some quality players from their 2007 squad; the likes of Michael Monaghan; easily the Eagles best player last year and livewire pivot Travis Burns have now moved on - but balancing the scales is some impressive recruits; the likes of which weren't burnt by the heavy NRL Grand Final loss the Eagles received.

Josh Perry, Heath L'Estrange and former NRL flyer David Vaealiki all come on board with the Eagles for this coming NRL season and the depth across the squad looks impressive for Manly.

Will Manly be a force in NRL 2008? Well, they will certainly be a Top 8 team - however the loss of Michael Monaghan will severely hurt Manly. The creative and passionate Monaghan was an attacking genius for the Eagles; he was able to graft wins out on occasions and could always spark their impressive backline.

The other problem hindering Manly is the lack of a true pivot. In the loss of Burns, Manly will have to continue to use Jamie Lyon in the halves and while Lyon possess skills and ability - his dynamics simply don't suit pivot in the modern day NRL game.

Having said all that, Manly will remain a power in 2008 NRL - however, they won't repeat the 2007 feat of making the Grand Final.

South Sydney Rabbitohs 2008 comes early

By Adam Sutcliffe

As the majority of NRL teams move their pre-season Rugby League training into full swing; the South Sydney Rabbitohs have had to be in top gear earlier than most.

After achieving success in 2007 on the back of their first NRL finals berth in nearly 15 years, the Bunnies plan for 2008 starts with a mission to Florida, USA on January 26th where they will take on the Leeds Rhinos in a Rugby League exhibition match.

The journey to the United States shows how advanced the South Sydney team have become in their back office and marketing mindset; a result of astute management from the likes of Peter Holmes a Court and Russell Crowe.

Coach Jason Taylor has also worked hard in the off-season reviewing hours of NRL footage with his assistants; focusing not only on Souths' success and failures of the year - but totally reviewing the seasons of NRL front runners Melbourne Storm and Manly Sea Eagles to see exactly how those teams achieved what they did in 2007 NRL.

Taylor and the rest of the Rugby League world know that the Bunnies only needed to score more tries in 2007. Similar to Cronulla, the South Sydney outfit boasted rock solid defence but regularly struggled to put on regular points in attack.

The acquisition of Craig Wing who joins South Sydney from the Roosters was based squarely around Wing's attacking ability. And coach Jason Taylor has made no secret of the fact he wants Wing to play at halfback, a position that Wing made his own later in the year for the Sydney Roosters.

2008 promises so much yet again for the South Sydney. With leading administrators, coaching staff and player roster - Souths continue to be injected with new talent through their North Sydney feeder club. The Bears only narrowly losing the Premier League Grand Final in 2007, but producing a bundle of talent that the Bunnies can tap into at any stage.

Their depth was a revelation in 2007, digging up the likes of Issac Luke who I believe is a future rep player and throwing someone like Fetuli Talanoa into the fray in their late season charge and seeing impressive results.

Our prediction for 2008? Their impressive buildup and strategic methodolgy will most certainly see South Sydney join the NRL Top 8 finalists again in the centenary year of Rugby League.

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Benji Marshall: Gambles with Tigers over career

By John Chelsea

Wests Tigers pivot Benji Marshall looks to be playing russian roulette with his young career after rejecting approaches from the Tigers to resign for a fixed period.

After Wests coach Tim Sheens inked a deal with the Rugby League club until 2010; Sheens immediately set about locking Benji Marshall up with the Tigers for as long as possible. Following advice of Sheens; Tigers club officials attempted to negotiate a deal with Marshall's manager Martin Tauber.

Tauber has rejected the Tigers advances stating that he has advised Benji Marshall at only 22 years of age and suffering recent injury and form lapses - that he again needs to prove himself on the Rugby League field for his own confidence and of course boosting his market worth.

With Marshall sidelined for long periods with shoulder problems and more recently being found out in defence on many occasions as the Tigers faltered in their late season charge for the finals - the stakes are extremely high.

If Benji Marshall reaches the end of 2008 and hasn't performed on the NRL field or continues to experience injury woes and remains sidelined; he could seriously find himself signing a minute deal or worse still - forced into early retirement.

The gamble is a big one. But so often is the case, when Rugby League players have contracts on the line - they tend to avoid or play through injury and usually come up on top. It's a simple, yet daunting equation for Marshall; perform or perish.

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Cronulla Sharks: Paul Gallen captain in 2008

By John Chelsea

It's an interesting move by Ricky Stuart to name Paul Gallen as the captain of the Cronulla Sharks for 2008.

While there is no questioning the ability, workrate and passion from Paul Gallen - is he really the best man for the job? The case against Gallen, stems from his hot headed interactions with referees and his 'play dead' actions that often get him into embarrassing trouble.

Maybe it might be the best thing for Paul Gallen. The added responsibility on the Rugby League field might just stop him from taking a swan dive or make him think twice before giving the ref a spray. Gallen is also known to 'go the biff' on occasion, and surely Ricky Stuart would have had a long talk about these kinds of antics.

The Sharks really do need to make something happen in NRL 2008; and it's going to be a tough gig for Gallen and his colleagues.

Suffering from reduced crowds, limited playing talent and a fairly new back office and coaching infrastructure - the Cronulla boys do face an uphill battle. Their defence was their best asset in 2007 and their season was built around this. If they can continue this impressive stat, it will give them a nice leg up in 2008.

Their problems have been mainly out wide; lack of speed and creativity rarely saw them cross the try line this season. Many of their points came through set plays and creative half work; the brainchildren of Ricky Stuart and his talented halves Brett Kimmorley and Adam Dykes.

As pre-season training gets back into full swing after Christmas; Paul Gallen will need to pour everything into his new role as Cronulla Sharks captain. Personally, the likes of Lance Thompson or Greg Bird may have been a more suitable choice. But if Paul Gallen sticks to NRL Rugby League and stops his 'soccer-like' diving - he may just go on to be a top notch skipper.

NZ

Timana Tahu wanted to be an All Black

By Adam Sutcliffe

It was revealed today that former Newcastle Knights and Parramatta Eels flyer Timana Tahu harbored plans to become an All Black with his transition to the Rugby Union game this year.

The classy outside back revealed on New Zealand TV tonight that he personally approached former Kiwi Rugby Union man, and now Wallabies coach Robbie Deans and discussed a possible move to Super 14 team the Canterbury Crusaders with a view to moving into the famous All Black Rugby Union side.

Such is the lure of the All Black side that several Rugby League stars have become virtual traitors and have crossed country borders to play in the world renowned NZ rep side. The last in recent times was Brisbane Broncos and Australian Rep Brad Thorn who left Rugby League for Union and donned the All Black strip for several matches.

While Timana Tahu eventually signed with the NSW Warratahs, he has hinted that after his professional Rugby Union days are finished he is keen to represent the NZ Maori team; a fitting role for Tahu, himself a son of Maori father and a Aboriginal mother.

As Rugby League diehards ponder a lost star to Rugby Union, the concern shouldn't last long. Each time an NRL or League star has crossed code borders a new, improved and younger version appears. As Tahu leaves the Eels, the talented junior pool at Parramatta consisting of Kris Inu, Jarryd Hayne and Taulima Tautai are quickly ready to take up the slack. The Eels also bolstered by the 2007 off-season signing of Joe Galuvao who joins Parramatta for the 2008 NRL campaign.

* The Parramatta Eels have also followed in the footsteps of South Sydney for 2008; launching their own 'ParraTV' service. Launched at www.ParraTV.com.au this is a service available to subscribers only - where they can watch behind the scenes TV footage of the Parramatta Eels team; footage shot by Eels insiders during the 2008 season. At smart move by the Eels, who obviously saw potential revenue streams from the program developed by Russell Crowe at South Sydney.

The John Chow Experiment

This an internet promotional experiment only relating to John Chow.

Regular NRL News readers please disregard this post as it is purely for experimental and promotional requirements during the NRL off-season.

Regular NRL daily posting will resume in the early pre-season and leading up to the pre-season our posts and articles will be slightly less frequent. We thank you for your understanding.

The John Chow Experiment:
It's underway. The SEO test to see if the keyword of 'John Chow' can be steered in a different direction. Internet mogul and gatekeeper of sorts, with traffic over the 300,000 page view mark each month John Chow is an internet success story without doubt.

John Chow kicked off his personal blog in mid 2006 and after humble beginnings the Canadian resident now earns in the region's of $30,000 USD each month from his efforts to monetize his site. Interestingly enough, John Chow has many competitors who actually receive more traffic - however Chow is unmatched in his ability to make money online and squeeze every advertising dollar he can from his personal blog.

As the power of John Chow grew, his noted participation in link trading become more noticeable. You see in the world of website and blog promotion a Google PageRanking is critical to listing position in the search engine and also denotes how much you can charge advertisers who are keen to cash in on a link back from the higher Page Ranked sites, as they receive a 'vote' of sorts in Googles eyes which in turn adds to their Page Rank.

Chows ability to negotiate and trade links soon saw him being watched closely by Google. The big search engine giant frowns on link trading and soon John Chow was totally at loggerheads with the search giant. The first step was Google removing John Chows site from their directory and when his name 'John Chow' is searched the results returned from Google don't show the *actual* John Chow site anywhere.

As a personal test in SEO (Search Engine Optimization) I set about chasing a top spot under the keyword of John Chow. After creating a personal blog post based on John Chow - I now set about raising awareness and improving the popularity of this post in the form of link backs. The more backlinks to this post on John Chow - the higher the chances of sitting in Google's top 10 for the search term 'John Chow'.

Time will tell.

NRL Player Movement 2008

By Peter Roy

NRL Player movement and signings for 2008 are continuing. Most recently former Bulldogs outside back Trent Cutler has agreed to terms with the Tigers for 2008.

The son of former Bulldogs first grader Stan Cutler, youngster Trent burst on to the scene with some confident showings in first grade when called upon. After securing a regular spot in first grade, the small standing Cutler began to struggle when fully tested under the high ball. Rival NRL teams were regularly seeking Cutler out in attack and having plenty of success.

After some horror outings, Cutler lost all confidence and was relegated to reserve grade. It seems the Bulldogs have lost all confidence in Trent Cutler too, as they continue to clean out their ranks, the young back recently snapped up by the Wests Tigers.

For the Tigers its an interesting move. Cutler certainly needs some fine tuning and confidence more than anything, if anyone can mould the boy its Tim Sheens - one of the top 5 coaches in todays NRL Rugby League climate.

The attacking and carefree Rugby League played by the Wests Tigers might just be suitable to Trent Cutler and the once promising finisher could rise to stardom again. The Wests Tigers have opened the cheque book several times in the past few weeks, more recently signing former St George Illawarra Dragon Matt Head and journeyman outside back Nick Youngquest from the Penrith Panthers.

As 2008 draws closer be sure and visit NRL News for your early season guide including commentary videos and predictions and a return to regular daily posting as trial games get closer. The team at NRL News made some bold predictions in 2007, when we made our predictions in March of 2007, we successfully picked Manly to run 2nd and were equally successful in picking South Sydney to run 8th and make the finals.

We also encourage supporters to join us next year and send in their articles, questions, comments and predictions on all things NRL. We gave guest commentators a regularly weekly posting spot last year and we again wish to open the doors to NRL volunteers to speak their minds each week.

Eels: Tim Smith Suspended

Parramatta Eels halfback Tim Smith has been suspended indefinitely by his NRL club after officials were alerted to his recent drinking session, only a week after player and club agreed on a cold turkey alcohol ban for Smith for the next 12 months.

The troubled Smith was recently given the benefit of the doubt by reporters here at NRL News also, however he seems to have deeper problems than first thought.

He has recently admitted himself into an inter-state rehab group for alcohol related troubles. At the age of 22, many felt the young halfback would be immediately axed by the Eels, however after reports his teammates have urged club officials to help rather than alienate the troubled star - the Rugby League club has agreed to suspend the player and see to it that he gets immediate help.

This latest episode for Tim Smith is another in a long line of headlines for the NRL in the offseason. NRL and Rugby League insiders would be quietly happy with the amount of NRL headlines being generated, stories that are boosting NRL stocks in a time when other sports take centre stage.

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Jarryd Hayne stays an Eel

Boom Eels rookie Jarryd Hayne has surprisingly stayed with his birth club in recent days; the result coming to light after South Sydney announced they were withdrawing from the race to sign the talented Rugby League back.

With only a few years in the game, Hayne has become hot NRL property and has also attracted Rugby League interest from across the globe.

A deceptive and crafty winger or fullback, Hayne has been on a try scoring run that has seen him enjoy State of Origin success at an early age. However, the Hayne bloodlines do go back and intertwine with South Sydney.

It's been widely reported about Hayne's father Manoa Thompson and his links with Souths, many feeling that Hayne would retrace his fathers steps and link with the rising South Sydney Rabbits Rugby League club. With the likes of high profile owners in Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court, and now an impressive playing roster over at South Sydney - it certainly seemed that the Rabbits had a chance of pulling off a big NRL Rugby League signing coup.

In what is a vote for loyalty, which is rare these days - Jarryd Hayne looks to have stayed at Parramatta for less money than he could have earned at Souths or even overseas in the UK Super League competition. Hayne through his manager expressed thanks to the Eels for giving him his start and felt comfortable staying with the Parramatta club.

Surely the fact too that close friend and school mate Kris Inu remains at the Eels played a part in the decision. The Rugby League up and coming stars grew up playing footy together in the suburb of Minto, alongside fellow friend Israel Folau.

The continued easy going influence of new Eels coach Michael Hagan must be having a positive effect on players and now with the injection of Andrew Johns to perform some skills work with the halves - the players must be happy as a squad in their current surroundings. The times of Brian Smith now seem a world away as his strict hardline approach has relocated to Newcastle.

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Denis Fitzgerald continues to bumble

By Adam Sutcliffe

The bumbling and embarrassing antics of Parramatta Eels Chief Executive Denis Fitzgerald keep continuing, this time even before NRL Rugby League season 2008 has started.

There probably aren't too many people still listening to old Denis. The Eels boss seems to have lost all respect and any idea of reality several years ago. Many of the power brokers in NRL and Rugby League circles aren't on speaking terms with Fitzgerald and it continues to amaze many how the struggling boss somehow continues to keep his job. And continue to look so stupid.

This time, Denis has managed to come out with 2 shockers in the space of 48 hours. After firstly ousting the Ray Price name from the stadium bar at the Parramatta, in favour of a 'Cumberland' name - apparently to boost public 'non-league' acceptance of the room. Many feel that a continuing to sour relationship between Fitzgerald and Price could be the real reason the former Eels great is losing his naming recognition within the club. The breakdown in relationship with Ray Price is a sad situation for the Eels club and fans alike, the former star of all the Eels Grand Finals - Price continues to get a raw deal as his seating and now naming rights are stripped away.

The always outrageous Fitzgerald has now also called for various NRL boardmembers to be stood down citing 'conflict of interest' issues. Only hours after the Ray Price situation has been aired publically.

At the NRL's Rugby League conference in the Hunter Valley, Denis the menace has opened fire and continued to poor more egg on his already covered face - by saying that Nick Politis, the Sydney Roosters chairman, Cronulla chairman Barry Pierce and St George Illawarra director Bob Millward all resign from their NRL board of directors positions.

What makes things even more embarrasing for the out of touch Eels boss, is that Fitzgerald was at one stage a member of the ARL, NSWRL and NRL boards as well as continuing to be the boss of Parramatta.

It really is amazing that this embarrasing and incompetent guy can remain in a position of power. High hypcrytical, out of touch with the real world and his actions and remarks are mind boggling.

What's the scariest, is that this guy can get into a position of power - and 99% of the Rugby League community can see how he has a negative effect on the Parramatta Eels club itself and the NRL as a whole - yet somehow he can dodge bullets and keep his bumbling self in the throne.

If there was a TV series similar to Survivor - then Denis Fitzgerald would be the ultimate contender. Somehow, after his outrageous outburts and negative relationships with Rugby League powerbrokers - this guy stays alive. Even at a personal level does this guy not feel embarrassment or realise how blatently stupid he looks? His teflon abilities would make him truly - the ultimate NRL survivor.

Oh well, it could be worse. Just spare a thought for the poor people that have to live with him.

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The NRL Players Fishbowl

By Adam Sutcliffe

It's almost like a broken record. How many times do we hear it? NRL player drunk, NRL player out too late, "Whats that?" you say. "You didn't know NRL players were human?"

As an NRL reporter, I am personally sick of the amount of stories circulating about NRL players lifestyle habits, social habits and where they are supposed to be or not be hanging out.

The latest episode involves the Parramatta Eels' halfback Tim Smith. And while Smith may have been involved in drinking related episodes before - is it really anything newsworthy? What has Tim Smith done? It's something that many males his same age do on a weekly basis - have a few too many drinks and get a bit too rowdy. It might not be nice, pretty or polite - but we aren't in the 1950's anymore and he hasn't killed anyone.

This time it's alleged that Tim Smith was intoxicated, used bad language and didn't have his belt done up tight enough. Come on, is this really newsworthy?

How did it reach the news? Some 'innocent' bystander took it on himself to ring all the local newspapers and tell them how it was horrible to see Tim Smith drunk and something along the lines of he had never heard such bad language before. Come on, let's get real now.

If the allegations are true, and while we certainly not condoning them - lets not string the NRL player up for murder. For example an NRL player cannot eat, sneeze or sleep anywhere without someone from the public recording every detail and ringing the newspaper gossip columns when the player forgets to wipe their bum or heaven forbid eat a meal without using a knife or folk.

It's time for the public to wake up to themselves, realise that NRL players are NOT all perfect and for these morons who decide to ring the newspapers at every instant, to really get a life and find something more interesting to talk about. Shouldn't we be talking about the Centenary of Rugby League on our doorstep for 2008?

Because if its the drinking habits of males between the age of 20 and 30 you want to study or follow - just visit any local pub or bar on a Friday or Saturday night, and if you don't want to hear naughty words then heaven forbid, make sure you are home before midnight, or your perfect mindset might be destroyed forever. Maybe our latest public critic Charles Brincat who took it upon himself to notify the papers could form a foundation or something similar? "The Society of Goodie Goodies against Swearing and Misbehaviour" perhaps?

Heck, it's a wonder this guy even knew it was an NRL player they were reporting to the gossip columns. That's all from this reporter, I am off to wash my mouth out with soap before the secret society take me away.

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Wests Tigers building nicely for 2008

By Adam Sutcliffe

As our Rugby League off-season continues to boil with stories of poaching, player misbehaviour and conferences - one Sydney based team that has been quietly building their troops for an assault on the 2008 NRL is the Wests Tigers.

Already boasting the likes of Benji Marshall, Brett Hodgson and Robbie Farrah - the Tigers initially built up their forward stocks by signing boom Dragons big man Corey Payne. Now the Tigers have pulled off a real coup in luring another former Dragon; Matt Head back from the UK Super League.

The talented Head lost his chance with the Dragons, when the clubs patience ran out over his injury woes. There was never a question mark over Heads ability, the sharp halfback forcing the Dragons to offload the impressive Brett Firman only a year before. The Dragons impatience may be the Wests Tigers big gain, as the western Sydney NRL club continue to improve their roster for 2008.

Matt Head will be kept busy earning his halfback spot at the Tigers; as Wests also boast an upcoming junior with impressive bloodlines. Blake Lazarus, cousin of former NRL star Glenn; has continued to impress in lower grades and has his sights set on a first grade half back debut in the near future. A Western Suburbs junior, Lazarus spent time in the Parramatta competition before being scouted to the Wests under 20's squad.

The recruitment drive has also netted the Wests Tigers Nick Youngquest, the journey man outside back spending time more recently with Penrith. Youngquest will add speed and agility to the Wests backline and the added bonus of more goal kicking options. A talented, and also experienced Youngquest will cover nicely for the loss of Kiwi International Paul Whatuira who leaves to join the UK Super League.

With their roster filled now for 2008, the Tigers look to have plugged some holes well and added some firepower to get them back into the NRL Rugby League semi-finals for the first time since winning the prize in 2005. Coach Tim Sheens continues to have a positive effect on the club and his access to more playing talent; the likes of Matt Head, Nick Youngquest and Corey Pain only gives him more options and punch on the field.

Mobility Aids

Experts in the supply of wheelchairs and motorised scooters for the elderly and immobile; A&J Mobility Solutions supply direct to the public.

They also stock an extensive range of walking frames; many of which can be found on their website along with a load of other disability equipment.

Featuring fast delivery and extensive service to their clients, A&J Mobility Solutions have earned a respected reuptation from prompt service to the disabled, eldery and those with general mobility problems.

Also strengthening their reputation is the fact their equipment is all high grade, quality material and built to the highest standards. All equipment sold is followed up by solid local Australian support; including manufacturer and supplier support from overseas.

Topping off the quality equipment; is a complete focus on delivering friendly and helpful advice to the elderly, disabled and immobile.

A&J Mobile's product range is extensive; it also includes products to assist in the bathroom, stairwells, transfer benches, walking equipment and seat walkers.

Based out of Toongabbie in NSW, A&J's website also provides a perfect mechanism for browsing their products and getting a better feel for requirements. All contact details can be found on A&J's website. (www.mobsol.com.au)

Cameron Smith - World Best Rugby League Player

If you didn't already believe it; it's now official. Cameron Smith has been crowned the "World Best Rugby League Player."

While many in NRL Rugby League circles have believed Cameron Smith is the ultimate player; it seems the rest of the Rugby League World now think so too.

The Rugby League 'Golden Boot' Award was adjudicated by a world wide judging panel for the first time ever, Cameron Smith beat the likes of Jamie Peacock, who was an outright superstar in the UK Super League and he also beat off a challenge from NRL Rugby League star Jonathan Thurston.

In winning the Golden Boot award, Smith bucks the recent trend of recent Rugby League stars coming through the ranks - most of which are typically 'athlete clones' many relying on athletic ability rather than Rugby League creativity or individuality.

The always crafty Cameron Smith might not possess a lighting streak of speed, he doesn't have a towering build but he regularly uses his guile, passion and creativity to wreak havoc on opposing Rugby League teams.

At his NRL club the Melbourne Storm, Cameron Smith is surrounded by some of the best talent in the NRL and while he along with his team mates claimed the ultimate prize, winning the NRL Grand Final; Smith also fought hard and helped an underrated Queensland side claim the State of Origin prize in 2007.

In some ways, Cameron Smith is a throw back to the older days of Rugby League. Not blessed with blinding speed or poster boy good looks, Smith is a straight shooter and regularly uses his cunning on the field to leave enemy defence lines bamboozled by his raids.

It's refreshing to not only see a deserving winner of Rugby League's ultimate prize, and sure it's a nice victory for the NRL to have one of theirs win the prize - but ultimately, it's a win for a genuine nice guy of the NRL. Unlike some of his colleagues in Rugby League, Smith has managed to keep himself out of the troublesome limelight and continued to perform weekly on the field.

He is not an 'athlete clone' like many of today's NRL stars, he is a hard worker that relies on an astute football brain to bring out his Rugby League best each week.

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