What's new
By:
Advanced search…
The Front Row Forums

Register a free account today to become a member of the world's largest Rugby League discussion forum! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Articles

D

Drag Queen

Bench
Messages
2,981
getsmarty said:
macdonald-21.01.19-4.jpg


COWBOYS


Macdonald to live out North Queensland dream
Author
Joel Gould NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Sat 26 Jan 2019, 11:01 AM
gouldjoe-head.png

It's fitting Nene Macdonald's career kicked off with an extraordinary act of agility and it is equally apt that it will now continue at the North Queensland Cowboys, within driving distance of his Cairns-based family after seven years away from home.

The 23-year-old winger was signed when he was 15 in remarkable circumstances when current Cowboys recruitment manager Clint Zammit was working as a player agent.

"Nene was at Northern Pride under 16s training and I saw him jump clear over a four-or-five-foot agility pole. I signed him when I hadn't even seen him play," Zammit told NRL.com.

"I knew straight away he was an athlete. Then I watched him in the training session and he had skill, balance and was six-foot-three.

"I took a punt on him, got him into a good system at Kirwan High [in Townsville] and a year later he was playing Australian Schoolboys.

"He has a wonderful family in Cairns. Nene joining the Cowboys is a good fit for him and a good fit for us."

Macdonald was in the Titans system while attending Kirwan before Zammit got him a deal with the Sydney Roosters in 2012. He made his NRL debut two years later.

Nene ready to realise Origin dream

An NRL stint with the Titans was followed by two seasons at the St George Illawarra Dragons where his strong kick-returns and freakish finishing talents made the PNG international a regular in Paul McGregor's side.

He was on contract for 2019 but a heart-to-heart with McGregor about his homesickness cleared the way for Macdonald to join the Cowboys on a three-year deal.

I left home when I was 16 to pursue my NRL dream but I had another dream to play in front of my family

Nene Macdonald
"Mary [McGregor] was really understanding," Macdonald told NRL.com.

"He said 'we'd love you to stay and don't want you to go, but family always comes first'. They are the morals he lives by and I will forever be thankful to him for that.

"Then it all happened pretty fast. My ex-manager, Clint Zammit, is in Cowboys recruitment now and he knew I always dreamed of coming home, and said to let him know whenever I was ready.

"I was so close to all the boys at the Dragons so to make this move was the biggest decision I have made in a long while, but I hardly see my mum [Bessie] or my five older brothers and we are pretty close.

"To get the opportunity to come back and see them all the time was what I based the decision on."

Macdonald is also joining a team that has been dear to his heart all his life.

"I supported the Cowboys growing up when they had Ty Williams, Matt Sing, Josh Hannay and Matty Bowen who was my favourite player," Macdonald said.

macdonald-21.01.19-2.jpg

Cowboys winger Nene Macdonald. :copyright:cowboys.com.au
"I left home when I was 16 to pursue my NRL dream but I had another dream to play in front of my family, and now I get to do it.

"I have some family here in Townsville but most of them are in Cairns and they could only watch me on TV. After seven years away it was time to come home."

Zammit said Macdonald, a member of the Emerging Maroons, has also come home at just the right time for the Cowboys after the retirement last year of club stalwart Antonio Winterstein.

"Nene is a real finisher and his 'play two' carry is one of the best in the game," Zammit said.

"He starts your sets off really well and is like another big forward because he is so strong."

Five key matchups of the Cowboys’ 2019 draw

The former Dragon has no doubt he is part of a side that can repeat the heroics of the 2015 grand final.

"I'll never forget that night. That was the best grand final I have ever seen and I was going off at the TV when the Cowboys won," Macdonald said.

"They've done it before and there is in doubt we can do it again. Josh McGuire coming in is going to be a spark for the team and having Jordan McLean, Matt Scott and Michael Morgan back hopefully for the whole year.

"The backline is pretty exciting. Benny Barba has all the skills. He's won the Man of Steel in Super League and the Dally M, so he has been one of the best in the game before and I'm sure he can do it again. I'm excited to play alongside him.

"On the other wing is Kyle Feldt and he's another big body so I can't wait to see how our combination goes."



https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/01/26...always-dreamed-of-playing-in-front-of-family/
Click to expand...
I had a brainfart earlier in the week and thought he was with the Titans. Probably too much vino o_O. He's still incredibly young with a lot of talent and further potential. I hope this doesn't bite us in the arse. Cheers GS Xx
 
G

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
34,132
Talau named Jersey Flegg coach
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Tue 29 Jan 2019, 03:26 PM

St George Illawarra have named Willie Talau as the Dragons' Jersey Flegg coach for the upcoming 2019 season.

Talau played 277 first grade games across his distinguished 13-season NRL and English Super League career with the Bulldogs, St Helens and Salford.

The dual New Zealand and Samoan international has worked his way through the coaching ranks of the Bulldogs' junior representative for the past four years, which culminated in their SG Ball team qualifying for the grand final in 2018.

Since agreeing to be head coach of the Dragons' Under-20s side – a decision he described as a "no brainer – Talau has ensured his young squad that those who work hard will reap the rewards.

"Rugby league has been my life for a long time. Over the past four years, I've transitioned into coaching. That's another challenge all together but it's been exciting," Talau said.

"My career is full of good experiences that I can draw upon as coach, especially with these young fellas. I've been where they want to go with their careers, and I know where they're at right now.

"When we first started our pre-season it was a clean slate with most of the players untried at the Jersey Flegg level, so I've already made sure to lay down core values.

"One of them was that I reward hard work and that comes through competing every day. It doesn't matter how old are you are, if you're good enough you'll play."

With the Under-20s first trial less than a month away, Talau is excited to see the squad build past another arduous trial.

"This time of year we have been working really hard. The players are being challenged on a daily basis," Talau said. "It comes with the territory this time of year. We have to work hard and build a foundation for the rest of the season."


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/01/29/talau-named-jersey-flegg-coach/
 
BLM01

BLM01

First Grade
Messages
9,918
getsmarty said:
Talau named Jersey Flegg coach
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Tue 29 Jan 2019, 03:26 PM

St George Illawarra have named Willie Talau as the Dragons' Jersey Flegg coach for the upcoming 2019 season.

Talau played 277 first grade games across his distinguished 13-season NRL and English Super League career with the Bulldogs, St Helens and Salford.

The dual New Zealand and Samoan international has worked his way through the coaching ranks of the Bulldogs' junior representative for the past four years, which culminated in their SG Ball team qualifying for the grand final in 2018.

Since agreeing to be head coach of the Dragons' Under-20s side – a decision he described as a "no brainer – Talau has ensured his young squad that those who work hard will reap the rewards.

"Rugby league has been my life for a long time. Over the past four years, I've transitioned into coaching. That's another challenge all together but it's been exciting," Talau said.

"My career is full of good experiences that I can draw upon as coach, especially with these young fellas. I've been where they want to go with their careers, and I know where they're at right now.

"When we first started our pre-season it was a clean slate with most of the players untried at the Jersey Flegg level, so I've already made sure to lay down core values.

"One of them was that I reward hard work and that comes through competing every day. It doesn't matter how old are you are, if you're good enough you'll play."

With the Under-20s first trial less than a month away, Talau is excited to see the squad build past another arduous trial.

"This time of year we have been working really hard. The players are being challenged on a daily basis," Talau said. "It comes with the territory this time of year. We have to work hard and build a foundation for the rest of the season."


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/01/29/talau-named-jersey-flegg-coach/
Click to expand...
A very warm welcome to an outsider..... even from a club that hates the Dragons. Refreshing!.
Well Done Dragons.
Hope he produces the goods of coaching..there may be higher positions available in the ensuing years.
 
Old Kogarah Boy 1

Old Kogarah Boy 1

First Grade
Messages
5,415
BLM01 said:
A very warm welcome to an outsider..... even from a club that hates the Dragons. Refreshing!.
Well Done Dragons.
Hope he produces the goods of coaching..there may be higher positions available in the ensuing years.
Click to expand...

He will need to brake down the Boys Club fodder of Young, Hornby, Head etc. who must now be all Assistant Coaches to The Master Painter.....if he is to progress.

upload_2019-1-29_19-54-2.png
 
Last edited:
G

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
34,132
frizellt-17112444.jpg



REPRESENTATIVE


Kangaroos and Jillaroos set to play at iconic English stadiums
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 30 Jan 2019, 10:26 AM
walterbrad-head.png

The Kangaroos and Jillaroos are set to be based in Leeds for the 2021 World Cup and could play at some of England's most iconic football stadiums after venues for the 16-nation tournament were announced.

Manchester United's Old Trafford, Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, Leeds United's home ground, Elland Road, Liverpool's Anfield, Newcastle's St James Park and Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium are among 21 venues that will host men's, women's and wheelchair World Cup games.

While only England's matches have been confirmed so far, Australia are expected to open their defence of the Paul Barrie`re Trophy at the Emerald Headingley Stadium and are likely to play another pool match at Middlesbrough FC's 34,000 seat Riverside Stadium.

Assuming all goes to plan for the Kangaroos, they would be aiming to play in the semi-final at Elland Road and final at Old Trafford, which will host the men's and women's deciders as a double-header.

The Jillaroos are also set to play at Emerald Headingley and York Community Stadium, which will host both semi-finals of the eight-nation women's World Cup, while the opening game will be at Anfield, which is also the venue for a men's quarter-final.

The opening match of the men's tournament will be played at St James Park and feature England, who will also play pool matches at Sheffield FC's Bramall Lane and University of Bolton Stadium.

England have been pencilled in for the quarter-final at Anfield and a semi-final at Emirates Stadium in London, which will be the first time any sport besides soccer has been played at Arsenal's 60,000-seat home ground.

jillaroos-win-17120260.jpg

Jillaroos players celebrate their Women's Rugby League World Cup win. :copyright:Grant Trouville/NRL Photos
The other quarter-final venues are Hull's KCOM Stadium, University of Bolton Stadium and John Smith's Stadium, which is the home of Aaron Mooy's Huddersfield Town FC as well as Super League's Huddersfield Giants.

Emerald Headingley (Leeds Rhinos), Halliwell Jones Stadium (Warrington Wolves) and Totally Wicked Stadium (St Helens) are other Super League venues awarded World Cup matches.

All three will host three matches, with New Zealand also likely to play at Emerald Headingley, as will Leigh Sports Village, Club Doncaster and Workington Community Stadium. A pool match will also be played at Coventry's Ricoh Arena.

The 2021 World Cup will feature four pools of four teams, with Australia, England, New Zealand and Tonga to be the top-seeded team in each of the pools.

Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Lebanon were also given automatic entry after making the quarter-finals of the 2017 World Cup, while France, Wales and Jamaica have since qualified.

The remaining five places will be determined later this year, with four spots coming from the final European qualifying tournament featuring Ireland, Italy, Russia, Scotland, Spain and the winner of a play-off between Greece and Norway in London on May 18.

A play-off between the United States and Cook Islands will decide the 16th team.

Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena will be the venue for the final of the wheelchair World Cup, which will be played concurrently with the men's and women's tournaments for the first time.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/201...aroos-set-to-play-at-iconic-english-stadiums/
 
G

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
34,132
How Ben Hunt helped lure Corey Norman to Dragons
Dragons
  • January 30, 2019 3:09pm
  • Source: AAP
7ecc61f0c9d57566bd08a04e958dab75

Ben Hunt has revealed how he helped lure Corey Norman to the Dragons.Source: AAP
St George Illawarra star Ben Hunt has revealed how he urged club officials to look past Corey Norman’s chequered history and lure him to Wollongong.

Almost seven years after battling for Darren Lockyer’s famed No.6 jumper in Brisbane, the pair are set to form a lethal halves pairing in the Red V in this NRL season.

Despite Hunt and captain Gareth Widdop leading the Dragons to the top of the table for half of last season, the club opted to chase Norman over the summer.

aa39b9ff8c930df76e00176250dd6e08

St George Illawarra signing Corey Norman at Dragons trainingSource: Supplied
Round 1
And Hunt was immediately on board with the plan which sees Widdop play fullback before returning to England at the end of the season.

“I definitely had a few chats with (coach Paul McGregor) and the recruitment staff down there before they decided to sign him,” Hunt told AAP.

“I was all for it. They were really excited that I wanted him to come down and had played with him before. We definitely had those discussions.”

Both players rose through the ranks together at the Broncos before Hunt made his first grade debut in 2009, and was followed by Norman the next season.


71c3c5d96cdc0745ceac601612484389

Corey Norman and Ben Hunt during their time at the Broncos. Picture: Glenn BarnesSource: News Limited
However only once in four years did the pair combine at the scrumbase before Norman secured a lucrative deal with Parramatta.


“I told them I always enjoyed my time playing with him, and I knew he was a great competitor no matter what sort of situation he was in,” Hunt said.

Norman arrives at the Dragons with some heavy off-field baggage, including an eight-week suspension and $20,000 fine in 2016 after he pleaded guilty to drug possession at Sydney’s Star casino.

The NRL-imposed penalty also related to a police warning for consorting with criminals and filming and distributing video of incidents including apparent drug use and sexual activity.

74f756f0cfcfb5ef3e28d987d6f73a16

Corey Norman has a chequered past. Picture: Zak SimmondsSource: News Corp Australia
And the ink had barely dried on his new deal when historic footage emerged on social media of him with another male snorting an unknown substance, though no action was taken by the NRL.

Hunt believes Norman has grown from his mistakes.

“He’s obviously made a few mistakes — which a lot of us have — but he’s definitely grown up from the bloke I used to know and he just wants to play some good footy,” he said.


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/525d4ab1cf8937354fafb11c2e8f1ac5
 
G

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
34,132

NRL talking points: What should excite you most about your club in 2019


DRAGONS — Another attacking threat

There should be no reason for a points drought at St George Illawarra this season.

Both Gareth Widdop and Ben Hunt combined well in 2018, but with Corey Norman also now in the mix, the Dragons will be even more of an attacking threat.

Coach Paul McGregor hasn’t yet confirmed his ideal spine for 2019, but Norman is tipped to partner Hunt in the halves, with Widdop shifting to fullback.


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...9/news-story/17c725f8f380ba78b24d6610800d7706
 
AyiosYiorgos

AyiosYiorgos

Coach
Messages
14,164
Paul McGregor yet to decide what to do with Corey Norman and Gareth Widdop
Paul Crawley, The Daily Telegraph
January 30, 2019 7:04pm

Subscriber only
Paul McGregor still has not decided if it will be Corey Norman or Gareth Widdop partnering Ben Hunt in the St George Illawarra halves this year, or who will be switching to fullback.

But rather than see it as a problem he needs to solve ASAP, McGregor plans to use it as his X-factor in 2019.

There is no doubt when Widdop suffered his shoulder injury late last year the Dragons’ title charge took a massive hit.

But that is exactly why McGregor has used the weeks since Norman’s arrival to train every member of his spine in different positions.

“Without a doubt, it has been a problem for me the last three years,” McGregor said.

“When Gareth has been injured at different stages, which he has been injured nearly every year, we just haven’t had the quality of depth to cover that, or the experience.

5831e52490804ba7117761f893bb9c78

Norman has signed with the Dragons for 2019.
“But the beauty of what I have now is that collectively they all might be on the field at the same time.

“We have been fortunate enough to train for the unexpected, or the expected you could say, that comes during the season.

“We have real quality and depth in all positions and experience and versatility to interchange between positions in games. That is the truth of it.”

It has seen Norman and Widdop switch between five-eighth and fullback while also teaming up in the halves, allowing Hunt to train at hooker and Cameron McInnes at lock.

McGregor said he had also not ruled out keeping Matt Dufty in his top 17, or potentially starting him.

“He is definitely a part of what we need in 2019 and beyond,” McGregor said.

be8f4eadfbab6b14f3c20b76571e1037

This season will be Widdop’s last in the NRL. Picture by Brett Costello.
“I have already spoken to Duff that we want him as a longterm player.

“I am off contract this year so that is not entirely my decision.

“But I genuinely want Matt if I am coach going forward at the club beyond ‘19.

“They are all getting their fair share of time and I want to have a look at them in the trials.

“We are four weeks away from a trial and seven weeks away from the comp.

“I will not make a decision before I need to.”

McGregor also praised Norman’s attitude since the switch.

“He has been fantastic,” McGregor said. “He is refreshing to have around. He is always up.

“I think he found it a little bit challenging when he first got here.

“Any change is challenging, he is no different. But I feel the last fortnight, probably the last week actually, he is starting to really take hold of what he needs to do for the footy team.

c84dd8441c411844872d7a9dba766291

How will Dufty deal with his demotion? Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images.
“In every respect, it is a rounded sort of approach. His performance in conditioning is much improved from when he got here.

“His knowledge of our team structures and systems is coming to him more naturally. He has clarity around that.

“And he is becoming more boisterous in the approach that he is getting more confident within the playing group that he can talk more.

“It is not one thing that he has done better. He is actually improving in the gym.

“I know that he is not that keen on it but he is approaching it with a feeling that we get our confidence through our preparation and he is attacking that well.”
 
G

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
34,132
generic_story_screens2.jpeg



CLUB NEWS


Dragons' Kogarah home renamed Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Fri 1 Feb 2019, 10:20 AM

Georges River Council have announced Network Strata Services as the new naming rights sponsor of Kogarah's Jubilee Stadium for the next three years.

Georges River Council Mayor Kevin Greene said he was pleased Netstrata had come on board as naming rights sponsorship of the esteemed venue.

"I am delighted to announce Netstrata, a locally-based company with a strong history in the Georges River area, as the naming rights sponsor of Netstrata Jubilee Stadium," Mayor Greene said.

"Netstrata enters into the partnership at an exciting time for the stadium as its profile continues to increase, becoming a sought-after venue for professional football clubs and elite training.

“2019 is set to be an action-packed year of sport at the stadium."

The Dragons will host a fan day and the club's first trial against the Newcastle Knights at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Saturday, February 23.

The Red V's first official 2019 Telstra Premiership game at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium will occur on Thursday, March 21 against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/01/dragons-kogarah-home-renamed-netstrata-jubilee-stadium/
 
BLM01

BLM01

First Grade
Messages
9,918
getsmarty said:
generic_story_screens2.jpeg



CLUB NEWS


Dragons' Kogarah home renamed Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Fri 1 Feb 2019, 10:20 AM

Georges River Council have announced Network Strata Services as the new naming rights sponsor of Kogarah's Jubilee Stadium for the next three years.

Georges River Council Mayor Kevin Greene said he was pleased Netstrata had come on board as naming rights sponsorship of the esteemed venue.

"I am delighted to announce Netstrata, a locally-based company with a strong history in the Georges River area, as the naming rights sponsor of Netstrata Jubilee Stadium," Mayor Greene said.

"Netstrata enters into the partnership at an exciting time for the stadium as its profile continues to increase, becoming a sought-after venue for professional football clubs and elite training.

“2019 is set to be an action-packed year of sport at the stadium."

The Dragons will host a fan day and the club's first trial against the Newcastle Knights at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Saturday, February 23.

The Red V's first official 2019 Telstra Premiership game at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium will occur on Thursday, March 21 against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/01/dragons-kogarah-home-renamed-netstrata-jubilee-stadium/
Click to expand...
Thanks 86..Geez that name's a mouthful. I thought it was Kogorah or Jubilee Oval anyway or am I being too historical.
 
G

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
34,132
iz8_2963.jpg


CLUB NEWS


Kerr called into Indigenous All Stars squad
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Fri 1 Feb 2019, 02:20 PM

St George Illawarra Indigenous player representative Josh Kerr has been called into the Indigenous All Stars team as the injury replacement for Titans prop Ryan James.

A proud Ngugi, Noonuckle and Geopul person of the Quandamooka nation of Stradbroke Island, Kerr played a crucial role in establishing the Dragons' Reconciliation Action Plan in 2018.

This will be Kerr's maiden senior first grade appearance at any level.

The Indigenous All Stars will play the Maori All Stars at Melbourne's AAMI Park on Friday, February 15.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/01/kerr-called-into-indigenous-all-stars-squad/
 
G

getsmarty

Immortal
Messages
34,132
jillaroos-team_int.jpg


JILLAROOS


Jillaroos find gains from pain at Gold Coast camp
Author
Alicia Newton NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Thu 31 Jan 2019, 06:28 PM
newtonalicia-head.png

Australian Jillaroos coach Brad Donald has responded to squad feedback by ordering a summer training camp on the Gold Coast this week.

A group of 24 players assembled on Tuesday to kick-start 2019.

The side's World Cup defence officially kicks off in 2021 but preparations are already underway.

Locations for the women's World Cup in the UK were unveiled on Wednesday with Liverpool's Anfield to host the opening ceremony and the final set down for Old Trafford in Manchester.

"We got together girls that we know have been at the top of the game for a while that we think will go on to the 2021 World Cup," Donald told NRL.com from the Gold Coast.

"It's very similar to what we did when I first took over the team – talk about the Jillaroos' values, systems, behaviours and vision – we reviewed all that.

"The feedback that came back from the girls last year was that we lost touch with them throughout the year even though a majority of them were in the top 40 system."


Amid all the excitement of the NRLW and Holden Women's State of Origin, international rugby league was in the background for most of the year.

The Jillaroos played just one end-of-season international against the Kiwi Ferns last October.

"There was so much focus on club footy, playing for their regions at nationals, their states and NRLW clubs," Donald said.

"They thought the Jillaroos group trail blazed. We've taken that on board. We've got them in camp now and will do so again in August between the two seasons to keep that contact.

"They are very vocal and take a lot of control in ensuring the culture and standards are upheld while doing some long-term planning for the 2021 World Cup."

Part of the camp included a 3am start at Palm Beach Currumbin.

"There were a number of things that came as a surprise to them and it was so good to see," Donald said.

"They had no idea what was going on the next day. We turned a board around at 9.30pm after the RLPA spoke to them and told them they needed to be in the team meeting room by 3am the next morning.


"They didn't know where they were going. Even through the activities, we didn't give away how long they were going to be there for. To their credit, there wasn't one ounce of complaint."

Donald even pointed out that self-discipline was on show in camp.

"It was exceptionally physical and at the end of it the leadership group grabbed a couple of the girls who were late to a session the day before," he said.

"They went down and did beach sprints for penalties. The way they helped each other through it and what we learnt about them under duress. I'd find it hard to find anyone who had a bad experience."

A further 50 development players are expected to join the camp on Saturday.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/02/01/jillaroos-find-gains-from-pain-at-gold-coast-camp/
 
Old Kogarah Boy 1

Old Kogarah Boy 1

First Grade
Messages
5,415
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Top