Toughest Men in Rugby League

Jim Beam recently ran a promotion, naming the 12 hardest men of Rugby League. The Daily Telegraph in Sydney published the 12 Rugby League hardmen and the list is as follows;

The Jim Beam "Toughest 12": Kevin Ryan, Shane Webcke, Noel Kelly, John Sattler, Malcolm Reilly, Ray Price, John O'Neill (dec), Mal Meninga, Geoff Toovey, Terry Randall, Trevor Gillmeister and Tom Raudonikis.

While there are some certainties there, the likes of Geoff Toovey must certainly be questioned. While Toovey possessed silky skills and terrier like qualities; can he be entered into 'toughest' category?

The team here at NRLnews.com got together and came up with a few names that most certainly should have been on the list: (By tough we are talking about the guys that could dish out the dirt and cop it back with ease.)

Les Boyd: One of the hardest men to ever play the game. Boyd's wrecking ball style saw him crush opponents physically before even worrying about the ball. While his fairness is regularly questioned, few could doubt his physical presence - he was simply a 'hard man' and one of the toughest to play League.

Wally Lewis: A rare breed of player that had the ultimate skill levels combined with the physical requirements to stand up to any opponent. An outright 'tough guy' Lewis could stand up to players much bigger and stronger and still come away a winner. Truly was 'The King' and possessed plenty of tough stuff that he dealt out regularly. Would resort to the biff if needed, but rarely had to, as opposing players feared the wrath of the great man.

Mark Geyer: An outright madman. The tough and physical Geyer sent fear racing through his opponents when he ran the ball or when he lined them up for a tackle. Geyer loved the shoulder charge and was always happy to turn on the biff when needed. A real force in the late 80's and early 90's when toughness was virtually mandatory.

Gordon Tallis: A brutal forward who was a talented player and had a very short fuse. Few tested the man they called Gordy - after his displays in the tough department. Virtually put Penrith forward Ben Ross in hospital after unloading on him with fists of rage. Rarely beaten and always feared, Tallis was a *must* to be included on the tough list.

Rob Gibbs: The man they called Rambo, this man ran hard, straight and had no thought of self preservation. Loved to put on the biff and unleashed his knuckles regularly. The journeyman League player feared no one in his day, but plenty kept well away from him.

We'd love to hear your comments! So NRL News readers, feel free to comment on this post or drop your thoughts in the shoutbox. We'll look at your selections and add to the list.

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NRL Finals: Week 3 Teams

And so there were four. The remaining NRL teams named their lineups for this weekends games, the Eagles, Cowboys and Storm all naming extended benches with some late decisions on inclusions to be made. The Eels remain as per program from last weekend.

The other interesting selection is in the referee department. Shayne Hayne has been dumped in favour of Paul Simpkins who will control the Cowboys / Manly game.

The decision to take Paul Simpkins over the likes of Sean Hampstead and Steve Clark is a very contentious one. Simpkins has been without confidence for the latter part of 2007 and has somehow been thrown another lifeline by Robert Finch and his selection team.

NRL Teams, Finals Week 3

SATURDAY
MANLY SEA EAGLES v NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS at Sydney Football Stadium, 7:45pm
SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Steve Bell, Steve Matai, Chris Hicks, Jamie Lyon Matt Orford (c), Jason King, Michael Monaghan, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Glenn Stewart, Luke Williamson. Interchange: Travis Burns, Glenn Hall, Mark Bryant, Steve Menzies, Matt Ballin, Jack Afamasaga, Adam Cuthbertson (three to be omitted).

COWBOYS: Matt Bowen, Ty Williams, Ashley Graham, Paul Bowman, Ben Farrar, Justin Smith, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott, Aaron Payne, Carl Webb, Sam Faust, Matthew Bartlett, Mark Henry. Interchange: David Faiumu, Jason Smith, Jacob Lillyman, Ray Cashmere, Neil Sweeney, Ben Vaeau (two to be omitted).

Referee: Paul Simpkins

SUNDAY
Second semi-final
MELBOURNE STORM v PARRAMTTA EELS at Telstra Dome, 4pm
STORM: Billy Slater, Steve Turner, Matt King, Israel Folau, Anthony Quinn, Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk, Ben Cross, Cameron Smith (c), Brett White, Clint Newton, Ryan Hoffman, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Jeremy Smith, Matt Geyer, Michael Crocker, Jeff Lima, James Aubusson, Garret Crossman

EELS: Jarryd Hayne, Krisnan Inu, Joel Reddy, Timana Tahu, Eric Grothe, Brett Finch, Tim Smith, Nathan Cayless (c), Mark Riddell, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh, Ian Hindmarsh, Feleti Mateo. Interchange: PJ Marsh, Josh Cordoba, Chad Robinson, Daniel Wagon

Referee: Tony Archer

NRL Finals: Power Rankings Week 2

Only 4 NRL teams remain in the hunt for the 2007 prize; we take a look at the performances of the teams that played on the weekend and cast an eye over referee's Tony Archer and Shayne Hayne in their own quest for a shot at the Grand Final.

1. North Queensland Cowboys: Sent a warning shot to remaining teams in the Finals race with an impressive and confident shut-out of the Warriors. Forget talk of the heat helping the Cowboys, their 'no-name' forwards earned instant respect but pummeling the highly fancied New Zealand big men. While the Cowboys continued to flex their attacking flair and continued accumulation of points, it was their much improved defence that deserves the accolades. They plugged plenty of holes in their previously flakey line and scrambled desperately on a few occasions to keep their line in check. Question mark remains over their form away from home, but if they can keep Thurston out of jail this week when he visits the Judiciary - they will have every chance of upsetting Manly in Sydney. Paul Bowman on current form is the man the Cowboys need just as much as JT and Matt Bowen - the veterans cover defence is top notch, ensuring the Cowboys are much tighter in defence.
Power Ranking: 9.5/10
Odds of the Cowboys installing a 'nebulizer' on the sideline to assist Jason Smith in playing more minutes as the Finals tempo increases - 25/1

2. Parramatta Eels: Got their revenge on the Bulldogs this weekend, finally atoning for the 1998 disaster against Canterbury in the Finals series. The Eels forwards belittling the Dogs pack that boasts 5 internationals, the likes of Fui Fui Moi Moi, Nathan Cayless and Mark Riddell running hard for nice metres in a showing that will give themselves some confidence as they head into the Storm down south.
While attacking prowess has escaped them in the past 2 weeks, their rock solid and determined defence is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Finals campaign. After earning right of passage up the middle, good second phase play enabled them to beat the Dogs with footwork and speed - eventually running away with the game in the final 10 minutes. Joel Reddy did a fine job coming in under pressure and has certainly earned his stripes for the upcoming game.
Power Score: 9/10
Odds of Brian Smith losing his last remaining ounce of coaching respect if the Eels win the Grand Final the year immediately following his departure from Parramatta - 2/1

3. Canterbury Bulldogs: The Belmore bunker is lucky to still be standing, it looked certain irate fans would burn it down late Saturday night after another poor finals effort by the former 'Dogs of War'. Since winning the comp in 2004, the Bulldogs continue their downward spiral - the loss of key players Steve Price, Braith Anasta and Jonathan Thurston hurting their cause and now remaining players are being struck down with injury and old age. Their halves have been a spare parts setup all year with poor kicking direction and their fitness and speed has been questionable. Plenty of soul searching is to be had over the off-season, the major concern for the Bulldogs next year is the loss of more players and the improving form of teams below them. As the likes of Souths, Titans and Roosters all showed improvement in 2007 - their operations are sure to catch the dwindling Bulldogs setup quickly in 2008 at the current rate.
Power Score: 7/10
Chances of teaching 'Old Dogs - New Tricks' in 2008? - 500/1

4. NZ Warriors: Probably lucky that the Bulldogs stole the Sydney headlines, because the Kiwi's were down right awful. After putting in a decent showing last week, they were out muscled and totally out enthused by the Cowboys. Didn't have the mental edge to claw their way back after early troubles, edge defence was suspect and couldn't foot it with the Cowboys speed game. Future outlook isn't so bad, showed improvement in 2007 and will still be a force next year. Biggest disappointment will be losing the first home final and failing to capitalize on the perfect foundation.
Power Score: 6.5/10
Odds of hardcore New Zealand Rugby Union supporters ever being converted to full-time Warriors fans after yet another failure at the backend of the season by the Kiwi's? - 250/1

Referee 1: Shayne Hayne - kept a respectable 10m in his game and kept with regular season policing of direct markers. Missed several strip calls for both teams at various stages, touch judges and the video ref really should have given Hayne more help here. As strips were let go, both sides tended to play at the ball and got away with it.
Power Score: 7/10

Referee 2: Tony Archer - while he may have slightly been won over by the local crowd in Townsville, Archer continues to remain the form referee of the NRL, making very few errors in his game on Sunday. Barring a total disaster this week, Tony Archer should be awarded control of Rugby League's biggest game.

NRL News Rugby League

NRL Finals: Warriors melt away

NRL Finals Week 2, 2007

COWBOYS 49 d WARRIORS 12

RUGBY league's greatest player Johnathan Thurston faces the most anxious day of his career as he waits to find out if he will be rubbed out of Saturday's NRL grand final qualifier with Manly.

The two-time Dally M medal winner was at his awesome best for the Cowboys in yesterday's 49-12 flogging of the Warriors in Townsville.

But a controversial tackle on second-rower Wairangi Koopu could end the Cowboys dream run. Already on 93 demerit points, Thurston is almost sure to get a stint on the sideline.

Although he was not reported by referee Tony Archer, match reviewers will today decide if Thurston has a case to answer.

"I've never been in this position before," a concerned Thurston said last night. I've just got to wait and see.

"I think when I drove into the tackle he went one way and I went the other way. That's pretty much all I remember. There was no intention to cause him any injury."

Thurston received a boost, however, when the victim of the tackle issued a public plea for the Cowboys superstar not to be suspended.

Koopu offered the jittery half his support, saying: "It was fine. He just twisted me around a little bit funny. He got under me pretty quickly.

"I was hoping to run the ball at him a bit more but we didn't see too much of the ball. He's a quality player, Johnathan Thurston.

"I don't think he needs to be charged. He twisted me a funny way but there wasn't too much malice in it and I know he didn't mean it or do it on purpose. He does tackle quite low.

"I hope nothing comes of it. He needs to be on the field and leading his team."

Approached at the Cowboys' recovery session and told the comments, Thurston told The Daily Telegraph: "I'm grateful for him saying there was nothing in it and hopefully the judiciary see it the same. There was no intent to cause injury to him or anything."

Thurston was charged with contrary conduct and striking last year but escaped suspension. Asked for his account of the incident, he gave an insight into a possible judiciary defence when he said: "When I drove into the tackle, he went one way and I went the other way. That's pretty much all I remember."

The affair detracted a little from an afternoon that coach Graham Murray described as "one of the best (performances) the Cowboys have ever put up". In the final home appearances for Paul Bowman and Jason Smith, the Cowboys led just 18-12 at halftime against a Warriors outfit hanging in despite some poor execution in the sapping heat.

But in the second half, as Warriors boss Ivan Cleary was to later lament, "it became like a training run". North Queensland finished with eight tries and Thurston was in the thick of the action, underscoring how much he would be missed against the Sea Eagles.

Ty Williams' 38th-minute try, which edged the Cowboys in front for the final time, was entirely of Thurston's making - even if it did end in a forward pass. Thurston made the break, Thurston took the first pass off the next ruck and Thurston threw the money ball.

Like fullback Matt Bowen, who added a field goal to his typic- ally sizzling try, he was given an early shower. He had set up several touchdowns and kicked seven goals.

Cleary started his media conference by telling reporters: "I don't want to talk about today."

He said: "We left our worst till last, unfortunately . . . we're obviously not ready, not far off.

"It's a good experience in a weird sort of way."

Reserve Epalahame Lauaki was booked for a grapple tackle late in the game. The Cowboys expect to have prop Carl Webb back from a calf injury on Saturday.

Asked if he felt North Queensland could win the competition, Warriors prop Steve Price said: "They've got to go away. I don't know if their record's as good away as it is at home."

NRL Finals: Thats all FOLKES!

NRL Finals Week 2, 2007

Parramatta Eels 25 def Canterbury Bulldogs 6

The massive crowd providing the perfect atmosphere for the local derby, both sides ran on to a super charged Telstra Stadium.

Surprisingly the battle of the bash in the forwards going the way of the Eels early on. The willing Bulldogs forwards trying to get themselves pumped, but it was the thrust and second phase skill of Eels big men Fui Fui Moi Moi and Nathan Cayless giving the Parramatta side an early advantage centre field.

With most of the early possession going to the Eels, it was a nice offload by SBW centre field to put Luke Patten through a hole. The Dogs counter punching well and scoring in the corner through Matt Utai. It was a classic counter attack and gave the Bulldogs the early mental edge. After a nice El Masri conversion from the touch-line, it was everything the struggling Bulldogs needed.

The Eels did well to hang in, they regained the possession advantage and kept punching holes centre field. The dam finally broke for the Dogs, an injury concern for Sonny Bill Williams gave the Eels a mental edge - a passionate Mark Riddell chipping and regaining to charge over the line - 6 all.

The passion and drive of Mark Riddell the Eels best asset as they tried to subdue the gritty Bulldogs. The major surprise in the game, the Eels forwards running rough shot over the Bulldogs international pack - setting a perfect scene for the outside backs. So often Moi Moi shattering the Dogs line and getting amazingly quick play the balls.

With Wagon starting in the centres, the Eels looked a touch slow on his edge - Wagon not a ball player or the type of man to set Grothe up with a spectacular pass - the move was purely to contain Sonny Bill Williams.

Continued possession saw the Eels score again through a nice final tackle play, worked through the hands. Mateo keeping it alive, the Eels setting up Grothe in the corner. All the play was with Parramatta, the Bulldogs were losing troops like no tomorrow - with SBW breaking his arm, Matuia injuring himself and eventually Sherwin going down too. The loss of troops crushing the hopes of the Bulldogs. SBW shattering his arm trying to tackle Nathan Hindmarsh and really hurting his teams chances as he bowed out of the match.

At halftime, while the Eels had the run of play - it still looked like the Bulldogs were close enough to grab some points. Frustration for Steve Folkes, the Bulldogs killing themselves with final tackle kicks. So many times Brent Sherwin kicking dead or getting stopped with the Ball.

In past years the Eels would have received a nervous or stifling talk from Brian Smith - however, this year the Eels came back on to the field to get right back into it. While their forwards kept dominating, the Eels just couldn't put the wounded Bulldogs to bed. The atmosphere visible in both sheds, the Bulldogs looking a little downcast - while Hagan had the Eels looking keen as he gave his speech.

It kept see-sawing in the second half, the Eels having all the ball and playing much better Rugby League - but the struggling and wounded Bulldogs just wouldn't lay down. The concern for the Bulldogs was their only try came 5 minutes into the game and was against the run of play, with 20 minutes to go - they simply didn't look like scoring again. The Dogs must be given credit for their never say die approach, they kept losing players all game - but somehow they clung to tackles and kept themselves in with a chance.

Surprisingly the Eels kept their second phase play going and didn't go into their shell as the game wore on, while they committed more errors than the Dogs - they kept threatening, their only advantage a Brett Finch snap field goal giving them a 7 point edge.

The straw that broke the Bulldogs back coming in the 75th minute, Timana Tahu snapping up a loose ball to run away and score under the posts. The Eels finally shattering the season of the Bulldogs and gaining themselves passage to next week against Melbourne at the Telstra dome.

To add to the confidence injection, a stylish in and away by Jarryd Hayne in the final minute saw the Eels touchdown again and further drive the nail into the Bulldogs coffin. The Dogs of War failing badly on D-Day and probably losing their well earned aura of finals ability.

The speed, skill and risk taking by the bold Eels youngsters making the Bulldogs look second hand and a yard behind. The Bulldogs are known for their gritty and take no prisoners approach to finals football - but maybe their style is outdated and lacking offensive punch.

After two solid games the Eels will take every confidence into their big match against the Melbourne Storm - while the Melbourne side have been the benchmark for 2 years, a rest this weekend and some previous matches against soft opposition might have them concerned about the plucky Eels.

NRL Finals: Match Day: Dogs v Eels

Courtesy NRL News

VENUE and TIME: Telstra Stadium, 7.45pm AEST, Saturday September 15

HEAD TO HEAD: Played 120, Eels 50, Bulldogs 65, drawn 5

LAST TIME: Eels 34 – Bulldogs 22, Telstra Stadium, round 21, 2007

COVERAGE: Channel Nine (live), ABC Radio, 2GB

INJURY WARD:

Parramatta will be without the services of centre Ben Smith for this clash, with the rangy three-quarter suffering a minor knee injury during last weeks grueling victory over the Warriors last Friday. Half Tim Smith also suffered a partial shoulder dislocation in the thrilling two point victory, with the talented number seven set to shelve corrective surgery at the end of the Eels finals campaign. Despite persistent rumours, fullback Luke Burt will not return from a troubling knee injury this weekend.

Canterbury will be at full strength for the first time since round 17 this season, with boom backrower Sonny Bill Williams return from a one week suspension bolstering an already imposing forward pack. Williams return has forced a forward re-shuffle, with Willie Mason moving into the front row and Chris Armit pushed back to the bench.

FORM: The Eels showed that they are more than just a flashy attacking unit when they ground out a gritty 12-10 victory at the Warriors home fortress to open their semi-final series. In a dour, forward dominated match, the underrated Eels pack proved that they can muscle up with the best of them as they continuously repelled a second half Warriors attacking onslaught to record a morale boosting away victory. The resolute performance was a far cry from Parramatta’s 68-22 annihilation of the Broncos the previous week, with the Eels proving too many that they are now legitimate premiership threat.

Despite losing their past three matches, the Bulldogs are slowly building momentum for a belated premiership charge. Canterbury showed marked improvement in their heartbreaking 18-20 loss to the Cowboys last Saturday in Townsville, with only poor finishing and a 4-12 penalty count against them costing the Bulldogs a confidence boosting victory. The return of Williams will provide Canterbury with another attacking option, but the ‘Dogs will need to rectify a defensive line that has leaked 96 points in their past three games.

KEY MATCH-UPS:

Nathan Cayless vs Willie Mason

Cayless enjoyed a welcome return to form against the imposing Warriors pack last Friday night, with the Kiwi representative producing an inspiring 20 hit-ups for 141 metres gained, 37 tackles and 2 offloads in a tremendous captains knock. Cayless will again have to step up against the powerful Bulldogs pack this Saturday night, with the Eels skipper responsible for halting the progress of Mason and O’Meley.

The normally outspoken Mason has been shielded from the media ahead of this Saturday’s blockbuster, with the powerhouse prop enjoying a low profile ahead of one of the season’s most highly anticipated showdowns. The imposing frame of Mason is virtually unstoppable close to the line, and the towering front-rower has been in damaging form since his return from wrist injury two weeks ago. Against the Cowboys last Saturday, Mason contributed 15 hit-ups for 121 metres gained, 23 tackles and 2 offloads in what was an unusually high involvement rate for the giant prop.

Hazem El Masri vs Eric Grothe

Two dynamic wingers of vastly differing styles clash head to head this Saturday night, with the battle between the power of Grothe and the footwork of El Masri sure to be a highlight.

More than just an accomplished goal-kicker, El Masri is regarded as one of the best finishing wingers in the NRL with his strong defensive game and exhilarating footwork rewarded with Origin representation earlier this season. While the Eels are sure to capitalise on the substantial height difference between the two opposing wingers, the Bulldogs have targeted Grothe as the Eels defensive weakness. Look for El Masri to capitalise on the powerful wingers defensive frailties by getting on the outside through either a long swooping cut out pass, or a well weighted Sherwin grubber kick.

It was a typically tradesman like performance from Grothe last Friday night against the Warriors, with the explosive winger playing like an extra forward by making 14 hit-ups for 100 metres gained. One of the strongest players in the NRL, Grothe will be looking to add to his season try tally of nine against El Masri this Saturday night, with Eels kickers Smith and Finch set to target an aerial raid over the diminutive Bulldogs winger.

VERDICT: Telstra Stadium will showcase one of Sydney’s great rugby league rivalries this Saturday night, with an expected crowd of over 50,000 set to witness what is sure to be an epic, and closely fought encounter. The Eels head into this clash as slight favourites on the back of their recent winning form, but the Bulldogs will be buoyed by finally being able to name their strongest squad. It is no secret that Canterbury will try to dominate through their world class forward pack, but if the Eels show the same defensive resolve as they did against the Warriors last week, than the Bulldogs will struggle.

Parramatta Eels Team -
Jarryd Hayne, Krisnan Inu, Joel Reddy, Timana Tahu, Eric Grothe, Brett Finch, Tim Smith, Nathan Cayless (c), Mark Riddell, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh, Ian Hindmarsh, Feleti Mateo
Interchange - PJ Marsh, Josh Cordoba, Chad Robinson, Daniel Wagon.

Canterbury Bulldogs Team -
Luke Patten, Hazem El Masri, Daryl Millard, Willie Tonga, Matt Utai, Ben Roberts, Brent Sherwin, Mark O'Meley, Corey Hughes, Willie Mason, Sonny Bill Williams, Andrew Ryan (c), Reni Maitua
Interchange - Adam Perry, Nick Kouparitsas, Chris Armit, Jarrad Hickey.

Referee - Shayne Hayne

NRL Finals: Advantages on offer

NRL Finals Week 2, 2007
By John Chelsea

The media attention and overall build-up to this Saturdays NRL Final between the Eels and the Bulldogs has been unlike anything seen in recent years. The two old foes getting all the Sydney headlines and look certain to attract a large crowd to Telstra on the weekend.

While the build-up is great for the NRL; 'a promoters dream!' as they say - The advantages are also there for the winner of this match to take with both hands.

While survival is the first thought for both teams; winning this match also brings huge benefits; bucket loads of confidence, momentum and a finals experience edge moving into Week 3. The Sydney winner will benefit from increased mental toughness after a week of media and fan scrutiny in Week 2 of the Finals.

The winner faces Melbourne at the Victorian Telstra Dome venue. A big road trip no doubt; however the Storm face hurdles of their own as one of the Sydney sides head down south to put an end to the Storm juggernaut.

The lack of tight, gritty, arm wrestle style matches for the Storm is sure to hinder them in their Week 3 outing. After smashing Brisbane and then having a week off - not really an ideal build-up, will they be ready for a battle hardened, defence oriented Sydney team that is ready to take them into the trenches?

While many think the Storm are specials, their free flowing style might not be the right type of game against their upcoming opponent. In recent years of NRL Finals - the Grand Final winner has done so on the back of Finals form, not so much regular season form.

Take the Broncos in 2006, struggling for most of the regular season - they put it all together in the Finals and it was momentum through the final 4 weeks got them over the line. It was the same for the Wests Tigers in 2005, an average contender through the year - their fairytale came true when they started believing in themselves after some big finals wins. Their run at the end just couldn't be stopped.

Thats why all the spoils are on offer for either the Eels or the Bulldogs if they can win on Saturday night. Winning the tough local derby will give them confidence and momentum - putting one of them in a perfect position to mount a serious attack on the highly fancied Storm in Week 3 and give themselves every chance of making the NRL Grand Final.

NRL Finals: Eels More Relaxed

NRL Finals Week 2, 2007
By Adam Sutcliffe

As they get ready to face their long time finals nemesis the Bulldogs; a team they have traditionally struggled against at this time of year - the Eels have one advantage they didn't have in previous years: Michael Hagan.

While the astute teachings of Brian Smith over the past decade have helped lift the Eels to a regular NRL Finals contender; the school teacher and sometimes over analytical style of Brian Smith has at times hindered the Eels at crucial times of the season.

The granular detail of the game plan, the tense pre-game speech and sometimes baffling substitutions would all contribute to the nerves among Eels sides in previous years. The Smith coached Eels became experts at beating themselves at times.

Enter: Michael Hagan

Denis Fitzgerald and the Eels chased Hagan for one main reason; his cool and calm persona under any conditions. Many questioned the decision to chase and sign Hagan - some Eels faithful crying foul when Jason Taylor was let go in 2006. But it seems Fitzgerald and the Eels have got things spot on.

Never was this more evident that last week against the NZ Warriors. In a classic finals style Rugby League game - the Warriors and Eels slugged it out with limited scoring opportunities. With 15 minutes remaining and no points on the board, the Eels clawed their way back. Parramatta players later claiming they always had belief they could get over the top of the Warriors. In one period of the match the Eels defended 6 consecutive sets from the Warriors; while their strength and ability has come from years of Brian Smiths regime - their coolness under pressure and total belief is something Michael Hagan has added to the mix.

With finals demons fresh in some of their minds, Michael Hagan is the perfect tonic for the sudden death bound Eels. Senior Eels players have commented on the surprising calmness of Hagan regardless of the situation at hand; Nathan Cayless commenting that Hagan only raised his voice once in 2007 - during the St George Illawarra upset loss at WIN Stadium.

As the Eels prepare for sudden death this week against the Bulldogs, their relaxed and ice cool coach will be a huge asset. The other ace Hagan has up his sleeve - when he does 'rev up' or give the players a serve, they will surely sit up and listen due to its rarity.

I'm sure the Eels are hoping that Hagan saves that 'Ace' for the Grand Final.

NRL News

NRL Finals: Bulldogs Firming

NRL Finals Week 2, 2007

By Adam Sutcliffe

The Bulldogs have now firmed to $1.78 favourites with Australian bookmakers, with the Eels $2.05 outsiders in the Sydney based NRL elimination final this Saturday Night.

Amazingly even after 3 consecutive losses and a recent loss against the Eels in regular season; the Bulldogs still remain outright favourites. The Eels have done their best to talk up the strike power of the Bulldogs, their off-field plan seemingly working - with the Eels relishing the underdog tag for the game.

With Sonny Bill Williams returning for the Bulldogs, their scrum build certainly does look potent. Nearly every player in the Bulldogs forward pack is an international; with the likes of Willie Mason, Mark O'Meley, Sonny Bill Williams, Andrew Ryan and Reni Mautuia locking in together.

There is no question the Dogs will be a force centre field, but can their struggling halves and outside backs get the job done when the gaps open? A fresh Sonny Bill Williams should be worth at least 6 points to the Dogs if not more, an extra gallop last week for Willie Mason and Mark O'Meley should have them getting closer to prime match fitness.

The Bulldogs have gone to great lengths to pull the shutters down at training this week, reports of Matt Utai, Corey Hughes and Luke Patten all having niggling injuries have been hidden from reporters and prying cameras.

The Bulldogs will most certainly be targetting Eels new boy Joel Reddy with high balls and fringe running forwards; however the same can be expected of their own Matt Utai - with the shorter and possibly injured Utai lining up against the likes of Eric Grothe. With Hazem El Masri on the other flank, expect both Bulldogs wingers to be heavily targetted by larger, high flying Eels outside men.

The key to this game for the Eels will be a mistake free, positive start. The Eels tend to struggle after early setbacks, while the Bulldogs have a mentally strong grinding style - they can usually dig themselves out of problems no matter how far gone the game is. When these teams met recently, the early parade of Eels tries really set the scene for Parramatta. The Eels growing an extra leg that eventually saw them close out the match.

Referee Shayne Hayne takes control of this game and his laid back style will probably be slightly more suited the Bulldogs. The Eels rely heavily on quick play the balls and the Bulldogs will fight hard to slow the ruck and assist their lack of speed. Hayne tends to take a back seat and not 'over officiate' like Steve Clark and Paul Simpkins do. Expect the Bulldogs to take full advantage of this and try to gain a slight edge.

NRL Tip: Bulldogs in a close one.

NRL News

Channel 9 snares Laurie Daley

By Adam Sutcliffe

As reported by NRL News earlier in the year, Channel 9 has successfully chased and secured Laurie Daley for a supporting commentary and possible Footy Show role with the station in 2007.

The talented Fox Rugby League man will join the likes of Sterling, Gould and Matt Johns for Channel 9's weekend NRL coverage and is rumoured to be spearheading a revised Footy Show format with Matt Johns on Thursday nights.

The acquisition of Laurie Daley is a smart move by Channel 9; many feeling that the current lineup is a little tired and in need of new blood. The likes of Ray Warren have been an institution for many years and while 'Rabs' is considered the voice of Rugby League - some minor slip-up's of late have seen colleague Sterling make corrections for the veteran when he gets things mixed up.

The opportunity for Laurie Daley to also take a leading role on the Channel 9 Footy Show is also a big draw card for Channel 9. The struggling show rates poorly these days and has done for the past few years; the original and unique humour of the early years by Paul Vautin and the team has been impossible for them to recapture. Channel 9 may elect to turn the Footy Show away from its current variety format and make it similar to the NRL on FOX program currently involving Daley and Warren Smith each Wednesday on Foxtel.

It has also been rumoured that Channel 9 have come to an agreement with radio man Ray Hadley to join their stables in 2008. If true, it would be a case of 'Back to the Future' with the current 2GB radio announcer previously involved with the Footy Show several years ago.

The moves are long overdue by Channel 9; the recent additions of Ben Ikin and Mark Geyer certainly weren't enough to secure the future of Rugby League at the station. With the signing of the astute Daley - Channel 9 suddenly get a lot more credibility; their only problem now is the imminent retirement of Ray Warren and who to replace him with. While Andrew Voss is next in line, the reliable Voss doesn't have the aura or profile Ray Warren does. Maybe this is where Ray Hadlee might be coming into play?

NRL News