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rednwhites

rednwhites

Juniors
Messages
1,303
https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/r...preparing-to-take-over-licence-ng-b881057342z

Cronulla Sharks face relocation with NRL preparing to take over licence
Joe McDonoughNews Corp Australia
December 21, 2018 9:54AM
TOPICS
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
If the Sharks are crippled financially the NRL would take immediate control of the cash-strapped club, according to reports.

Fines totalling $800,000 were dished out to the club over the Shane Flanagan saga on Thursday, and further penalties are expected once the salary cap breach investigation is completed in January.

These significant hits to Cronulla’s coffers would throw the club’s immediate future into doubt, with the Daily Telegraph reporting the NRL’s considering the relocation of the one-time premiers.

Veteran league writer Dean Ritchie claims the NRL have held “Private talks at the highest level” because the governing body cannot afford for Cronulla to dive into brankruptcy without having a contingency plan.


1545358215363_G2A203V5K.2-1.png

Perth could take over the Cronulla Sharks, according to reports.Picture: Fox Sports
Ritchie says the option of relocating the Sharks to either Brisbane or Perth has been raised.

Of course, the Sharks - who endured a $3 million loss in 2018 and are currently without jersey sponsors - are confident they can avoid such a scenario, and have reportedly guaranteed two financial injections to keep them afloat in the short-term.

News Corp also understands the next stage of the Woolooware Bay development - based next to Shark Park - will result in another financial boon.

The NRL recently announced it would spend 12 months working on a relocation and expansion strategy.
 
BLM01

BLM01

First Grade
Messages
9,918
rednwhites said:
https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/r...preparing-to-take-over-licence-ng-b881057342z

Cronulla Sharks face relocation with NRL preparing to take over licence
Joe McDonoughNews Corp Australia
December 21, 2018 9:54AM
TOPICS
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
If the Sharks are crippled financially the NRL would take immediate control of the cash-strapped club, according to reports.

Fines totalling $800,000 were dished out to the club over the Shane Flanagan saga on Thursday, and further penalties are expected once the salary cap breach investigation is completed in January.

These significant hits to Cronulla’s coffers would throw the club’s immediate future into doubt, with the Daily Telegraph reporting the NRL’s considering the relocation of the one-time premiers.

Veteran league writer Dean Ritchie claims the NRL have held “Private talks at the highest level” because the governing body cannot afford for Cronulla to dive into brankruptcy without having a contingency plan.


1545358215363_G2A203V5K.2-1.png

Perth could take over the Cronulla Sharks, according to reports.Picture: Fox Sports
Ritchie says the option of relocating the Sharks to either Brisbane or Perth has been raised.

Of course, the Sharks - who endured a $3 million loss in 2018 and are currently without jersey sponsors - are confident they can avoid such a scenario, and have reportedly guaranteed two financial injections to keep them afloat in the short-term.

News Corp also understands the next stage of the Woolooware Bay development - based next to Shark Park - will result in another financial boon.

The NRL recently announced it would spend 12 months working on a relocation and expansion strategy.
Click to expand...
Lets face it. The powerbrokers in the game and the media want expansion and dilution of Sydney teams whether or not it is good or right for the game.
 
S

Saints Forever

Bench
Messages
3,906
Would be disappointed if Cronulla were relocated as I have always loved to “hate” them.

If they were relocated we would have control of a very large junior catchment area.

So I guess ultimately we would seriously benefit from such a development.
 
rednwhites

rednwhites

Juniors
Messages
1,303
Saints Forever said:
Would be disappointed if Cronulla were relocated as I have always loved to “hate” them.

If they were relocated we would have control of a very large junior catchment area.

So I guess ultimately we would seriously benefit from such a development.
Click to expand...


For Dragons supporters like me in Perth it would spice things up a lot. I hope it does happen.
 
Old Kogarah Boy 1

Old Kogarah Boy 1

First Grade
Messages
5,415
Saints Forever said:
Would be disappointed if Cronulla were relocated as I have always loved to “hate” them.

If they were relocated we would have control of a very large junior catchment area.

So I guess ultimately we would seriously benefit from such a development.
Click to expand...

Agreed SF,

I've always loved the area of Cronulla itself over the years.
I use to surf there day after day for several years after work.
I've had some good times at the club back in the late 70's ...............
but l just love hating the Cronulla team, the players and the coach.



Keep in mind, they've had their fair share of quality players .............Pierce, Miller, Rogers, McGaw, Peachy, even Col Best was a good player who happen to play for us as well, BUT as l said, l just can't stand the team as a whole, the players, especially the coach, people like Elle MacPherson old man, Peter Gow, who was CEO and wanted to absorb the Dragons into the club and retain next to nothing of our Saints ................. Just about all their CEO's have been crook.

Even Nark fans like kindergarten journalist Phil Rothfield, who has made a career out of being a total knob.

I do like some fans like, think he's called 'Miller is a legend' who a regular poster on our forum.
He seems like a nice enough sort of chap but the others, no thanks.

I really dislike the Nulla Narks and my crocodile tears would flood the lounge room on game day. Yep, sure would be tough to see the go!
 
AyiosYiorgos

AyiosYiorgos

Coach
Messages
14,164
Dragons fullback Matt Dufty ready to last the distance in 2019
MICHAEL CARAYANNIS, The Daily Telegraph
December 31, 2018 4:14pm

Subscriber only
Matt Dufty’s legs failed him.

His trademark speed was gone as the St George Illawarra fullback struggled with the week-to-week grind of the NRL.

Dufty had never run for so many metres before becoming just one of 20 players to break 3000 running metres for the year.

Coach Paul McGregor knew he was battling and had a frank conversation with Dufty ahead of St George Illawarra’s round 24 clash against Canterbury.

“I was feeling run down,” Dufty said.

“My legs were dead. My body was pretty fatigued. (McGregor) gave me the option of sitting out for the week or playing off the bench and I said I wanted to play off the bench. No-one wants to not play footy.

“My calves and legs (were struggling). I was doing that much running my body wasn’t used to it. Twenty three weeks of doing K’s and K’s — a lot of running just caught up with me.

“It hasn’t happened before. You can’t compare 20s or NSW Cup to first grade. You can’t clock off for a second because you’re going to get burnt. I found that out last season.”

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Dragons fullback Matt Dufty struggled with his increased running load. Picture: AAP
The Dragons modified Dufty’s training program in a bid to have him firing for the back end of the year. But he has approached this pre-season with a different mindset to ensure his body can last the distance in 2019.

“They kept me off the field a bit more and let me freshen up,” Dufty said.

“It showed towards the end of the year because I was playing the footy I wanted to play.

“I’ve just had a long break. I wanted to get in and train as hard as I can and prove to the coaching staff and all the players I want that position back and cement that fullback spot for 2019. Maybe closer to the year I’m not sure what the coaching staff will do. But at the moment I’m training 100 per cent.

“I’m training a lot better than I was last year. I’m feeling a lot better. When your mind tells you your body is sore and you can’t do it, it’s just a lie. You can do it if you really want to. That’s what I’ve been working on. It’s really been pushing me.”

After featuring in all of the Dragons’ final seven matches last year Dufty had a goal of playing 80 per cent of games in 2018. He was just one of five players to feature in all 26 games this year.

“As a whole I was pretty happy,” Dufty said.

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Matt Dufty was just one of five players to feature in all 26 of the Dragons’ games this year. Picture: AAP
“For the start of the year the first eight rounds were pretty easy. You’re playing footy again so that’s outstanding. It’s just in that middle bit when your Origin boys aren’t there. It’s a different feel when your whole team is not there but that’s where players like myself who aren’t playing Origin need to step up and keep playing good footy.

“(I need to improve on) effort areas off the ball and catching the ball on the full. All the things good fullbacks do. They are easy fixes, just a mindset shift.”

The off-contract local St George junior had to deal with uncertainty at the start of pre-season when he was linked with a move away from the club.

Dufty reached out to Dragons assistant coach Ben Hornby before meeting with McGregor the following day.

“I wasn’t used to it,” Dufty said.

“It’s something new. I only saw it when it got sent to me by friends and family about 100 times. That’s when I called Benny and spoke to him.

“I talked to (McGregor) the next day and he said; ‘he is definitely not releasing me for 2019’.”
 
G

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
34,132
The 2018 NRL team of the year


6. Gareth Widdop (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Now, before you throw your accusations of bias at me, Widdop had a fantastic season. There were points when maybe he wasn’t quite at the top of his game, but he guided the Dragons into the eight and his influence over the club was more than visible when he missed the semi-final against the Rabbitohs with injury.

His future may not be completely decided with the Red V, but he has committed to the 2019 season and will play a critical role in where the Dragons end up at the end of next season.


11. Tariq Sims (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Tariq Sims reminded us just how damaging he can be throughout 2018. After some lean form in the previous years, he got back to doing what he does best throughout 2018.

He could well pick up the mantle for most improved player from the year just gone, picking up almost 2500 metres with the ball by season’s end, as well as making halves around the country fear for their safety as he raced out of the defensive line and constantly turned up the pressure.



https://www.theroar.com.au/2018/12/27/the-2018-nrl-team-of-the-year/


P.S Unable to post entire article...Internal server error...AGAIN.
 
S

Saints Forever

Bench
Messages
3,906

If we had a first grade standard coach, the club wouldn’t need to appoint a Coaching Advisor.

Would be simpler to fire L Plate, Young and Hornby and appoint a better and more experienced group of coaches.
 
G

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
34,132
Mick Crawley joins Dragons as coaching advisor
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Thu 3 Jan 2019, 11:47 AM

The St George Illawarra Dragons have announced that Mick Crawley will fulfil the role of coaching advisor in 2019 – a holistic role that will encompass the NRL side's coaching program.

Crawley has spent the past 12 years as an NRL assistant coach at the North Queensland Cowboys (2009-11), Newcastle Knights (2012-14) and Canberra Raiders (2007-08, 2015-18).

Crawley has worked alongside veteran mentors Graham Murray, Wayne Bennett and Ricky Stuart in his 35 years spent coaching rugby league.

Crawley was also named the Under-20s Coach of the Year in 2014 while in charge of the minor premiership-winning Knights.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/01/03/mick-crawley-joins-dragons-as-coaching-advisor/
 
G

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
34,132
Super League changes set to end NRL debate about return to one referee
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 2 Jan 2019, 07:26 PM
walterbrad-head.png

Debate about a return to one referee is all but over, with Super League poised to follow the NRL’s lead and introduce a second referee after adopting golden-point extra time, a reduction from 10 to eight interchanges and shot clocks for scrums and drop-outs for this coming season.

The changes, which also include time off whenever the ball is out of play in the last five minutes of matches, will bring Super League closely in line with the rules in the NRL and the northern-hemisphere competition will also trial two referees this year.

Super League officials said there was widespread support for two referees, particularly among former NRL players who had witnessed improvements first hand since the introduction of two referees for Telstra Premiership matches in 2009.

With the other rule changes likely to increase pressure on match officials as a result of the quickening pace of the game, Super League clubs have given their support for two referees but there was insufficient time to for a second referee to be introduced this season.

Instead, the dual referee system will be trialled this year, with a view to introducing a second referee for all Super League fixtures in 2020.

Best of 2018 - The highs and lows of being a coach

A statement on the Super League website outlining the rule changes said they had been "tried and tested in the NRL".

  • The changes have become adopted, accepted and very broadly liked by fans, commentators, players and coaches.
  • The shot clock, introduced in 2016, has become a natural, non-enforced part of the fabric of a faster-paced game.
  • NRL research into golden point revealed approximately 70% of fans favoured a mechanism to determine the ultimate winner of a game.
The new rules will be in place for next month’s World Club Challenge between Sydney Roosters and Wigan, which is likely to feature a single referee for the last time.

It is unclear whether the changes will flow to international level, with Tests currently controlled by one referee and teams allowed 10 interchanges each, while there is no golden point or shot clock.

Super League will install shot clocks at each of the 12 grounds that regularly stage premiership matches as a visible and pivotal part of the process of reducing the number and length of stoppages in matches and ensuring more action with the ball in play.

Teams will be penalised if they fail to beat the shot clock for scrums (35 seconds) or drop-outs (30 seconds), while sanctions will also be introduced to ensure no more than 80 seconds of match time is used up by each kick at goal.

With the number of interchanges reduced from 10 to eight, the demands on Super League players will become even greater – emphasising the attritional nature of the contest, rewarding the fittest and most mobile players, and providing additional attacking opportunities for the most skilful.

In addition, in the last five minutes of each fixture, the clock will automatically be stopped following a penalty or a drop goal that goes out of the field of play, or a conversion – or after a try, if a team chooses not to take the conversion attempt.

That process will be extended if the scores are level at full-time by the introduction of golden-point extra time, providing two five-minute periods in which to determine a winner.

The 12 Super League clubs proposed the law changes after extensive consultation with players, coaches, fans, commercial partners and the NRL, during and following the 2018 season.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/201...o-end-nrl-debate-about-return-to-one-referee/
 
G

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
34,132
The importance of cultural identity to Kerr
Author
Jack Brady
Timestamp
Fri 4 Jan 2019, 08:09 AM

St George Illawarra front-rower Josh Kerr grew up with a big questions over where he belonged.

The Dragons indigenous player representative had always been immersed in his culture thanks largely to native language and dancing, but his formidable years blurred those lines.

A proud Ngugi, Noonuckle and Geopul person of the Quandamooka nation of Stradbroke Island, Kerr was one of few indigenous kids at his high school.

"I think the biggest issue we face as young indigenous men and women is probably cultural identity," Kerr said.

"I was always made out to be a drunk and a drug addict and whatnot at school – it's a touchy subject.

"It was hard because I've never been nor will I ever be those things. Although it led me to think, is this who we are as people? They made their jokes about me, and the only reason I went along with it was so I could fit in.

"What everyone needs to learn now is how to handle [vilification and racism]. If we teach young people about the First Peoples, in 10, 15, 20 years' time, I believe we'll phase out the racism and hopefully come together as a one nation."

The rise of the Indigenous All Stars and several of rugby league's greatest ever helped Kerr shape his own identity as an indigenous rugby league player.

Signed by the Melbourne Storm at 16 and representing the Queensland Origin Under-20s team since, Kerr is mere months away from his third season at the Red V; a first grade debut at the forefront of his mind.

"Our people were once upon a time classified as flora and fauna, and for someone like Arthur Beetson – a proud indigenous man – to be the first captain of the Queensland State of Origin side shows how far rugby league has come," Kerr said.

"From Artie to now, where Johnathan Thurston, Greg Inglis and Matt Bowen are national icons, it's a good look for our people and the game.

"These players helped inspire and encourage me as a young man to stand up for what I believe in. I look back on it now, and it's bad to say, but I'm glad I went through what I did so I could be the person I am today.

"People always see the bad side of our culture, but if you've seen the things I've seen, you will fall in love with it. I cannot speak highly enough of my people."

July last year saw the Dragons introduce their inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) of which Kerr played an integral part.

The 22-year-old helped in the development and official launch of the Dragons' RAP, one that holds a vision of reconciliation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, their histories and cultures as well as support the nation's aim to close the gap.

"It was pretty special to be a part of the RAP from the beginning. (The Dragons) told me they wanted me to be a part of it and take a lead with it. It was an honour and very special for myself and my family," Kerr said.

"The RAP is a massive step forward in helping educate young indigenous and Torres Strait islander kids as well as non-indigenous people about our culture."

The launch of the Dragons' RAP coincided with NAIDOC Week in 2018.

The theme? "Because of her we can!"

For Kerr his mother Angela was worthy of such recognition throughout NAIDOC Week and beyond, always and forever.

"100 per cent, my mother has been the best role model for me," Kerr said.

"My mother was adopted, and the lady who adopted her kept in contact with her real mum. When mum was of age, she was informed of who her real mum was.

"The lady who adopted mum was a white woman too so back then for someone like that to raise my mother into the lady she is today. It's good to know that there were people like that back then.

"If it wasn't for my mum and her adopted parents," Kerr added, fighting back tears. "I wouldn't be the person I am today."


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/01/04/the-importance-of-cultural-identity-to-kerr/
 
G

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
34,132
tackle-bronx-nrl-2018-rd03-wests-tigers-v-brisbane-broncos.jpg


STATS


Stat Attack: Ranking each team's desperation defence
Author
Tanisha Stanton NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Fri 4 Jan 2019, 02:01 PM
stantontanisha-head.png

Even though they finished ninth on the ladder in 2018, when it came to scrambling in defence, the Wests Tigers were second to none.

It took an average of 12.7 missed tackles for the Wests Tigers let the opposition over their goal line, the most of any club in the league.

The stat explains why the Tigers had the sixth best defensive record last season despite finishing with more missed tackles per game than any other team.

Eventual premiers Sydney Roosters finished closely behind with an average of 12.1 missed tackles per try conceded.

Top-eight teams the Penrith Panthers and the New Zealand Warriors filled the third and fourth spots for efficient scramble defence – it took the Panthers an average of 11.9 missed tackles and Warriors an average of 11.6 missed tackles before they allowed opposition teams to put points on the board.

Runners-up Melbourne Storm claimed the fifth spot with an average of 11.0 missed tackles per try conceded, while the Cronulla Sharks on average missed 10.3 tackles before a try was conceded.

stat-attack_missed-tackles-per-try-conceded_20190104-1.jpg

Bottom-eight teams in the Canberra Raiders (9.3), North Queensland Cowboys (9.2), Gold Coast Titans (8.6), Parramatta Eels (8.6), Canterbury Bulldogs (7.8) and the Newcastle Knights (7.6) also ranked at the bottom of the chart for average missed tackles per try conceded.

The Manly Sea Eagles' desperation defence left a lot to be desired, ranking last with an average of just 6.9 missed tackles per try conceded.

It comes as no surprise as the side also conceded the most points throughout the season (622).



https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/01/04/stat-attack-ranking-each-teams-desperation-defence/
 
G

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
34,132
widdopg-18030821nh-1.jpg


DRAGONS


St George Illawarra Dragons: 2019 Round 1 predicted team
Author
Chris Kennedy & Jamie Soward
Timestamp
Sun 6 Jan 2019, 08:01 AM

Coach Paul McGregor needs to sort out why the Red V are so good at starting seasons and so poor at finishing them; if he can unlock that mystery the premiership window is open for the Dragons.

The arrival of ex-Eels playmaker Corey Norman provides a huge boost to the club with both he and Gareth Widdop able to play fullback, halfback or five-eighth. His signature will be even more useful given the loss of Kurt Mann to Newcastle.

Korbin Sims provides a like-for-like bench replacement for Leeson Ah Mau. Nene Macdonald (Cowboys) and Jason Nightingale (retired) leave wing spots open with young gun Zac Lomax a good chance of starting on the flank in 2019 after some impressive games at centre late in 2018.

round1-dragons_20181200.jpg

Resident NRL.com expert Jamie Soward says:

"If Corey Norman comes then he goes straight into the six role with Widdop to fullback and Dufty misses out.

"You've got depth on the bench, I would have Korbin Sims starting and James Graham coming off the bench. Last season once his form went out he got a bit tired. He's a competitor and if you start him on the bench you have someone to come on in that second 20 minutes and keeps the intensity up and maintains the rage.

"I want Lomax in the centres with Tim Lafai, Ravalawa and Pereira on the wings and Aitken misses out."

NRL.com's predicted Round 1 team:

  1. Gareth Widdop
  2. Zac Lomax
  3. Euan Aitken
  4. Tim Lafai
  5. Jordan Pereira
  6. Corey Norman
  7. Ben Hunt
  8. Paul Vaughan
  9. Cameron McInnes
  10. James Graham
  11. Tyson Frizell
  12. Tariq Sims
  13. Jack De Belin
  14. Blake Lawrie
  15. Jacob Host
  16. Luciano Leilua
  17. Korbin Sims
Other squad members: Mitch Allgood, Jai Field, Josh Kerr, Jeremy Latimore, Darren Nicholls, Jonus Pearson, Mikaela Ravalawa, Reece Robson, Tristan Sailor, Lachlan Timm


https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/01/06/st-george-illawarra-dragons-2019-round-1-predicted-team/
 
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