Articles

[getsmarty]

Fijian Dragons proud to wear home country colours
Fiji Bati captain Korbin Sims, along with Joe Lovodua and Mikaela Ravalawa, talk about what it meant to represent their home country.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/06/26/fiji-dragons-proud-to-wear-home-country-colours/

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Wollongong family fun day
Sat 29 Jun 2019, 12:39 PM

A big thank you to all of the Red V Members who came along to our family fun day in Wollongong!




https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/06/29/wollongong-family-fun-day/

 

[Old Kogarah Boy 1]

A very good article about a Dragon great and his magnificent wife.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/i-...d-his-brain-for-research-20190628-p522bk.html

 

[getsmarty]

REPRESENTATIVE


Blacker named in Maroons U20s squad
Author
QRL Media
Timestamp
Sun 30 Jun 2019, 08:25 PM

The QRL is pleased to announce the Queensland Under 20s team to play New South Wales before Game Three of the Holden State of Origin series in Sydney on Wednesday week.

The young Maroons, who will be aiming to retain the Darren Lockyer Shield following last year’s impressive 30-10 victory, will enter camp in Brisbane this Thursday.

They will have two opposed sessions against the Queensland Origin team, with co-coaches Scott Prince and Paul Dyer to oversee the preparations ahead of the July 10 clash at ANZ Stadium.

Queensland Under 20s:

Elijah Anderson (Cowboys)

Nathan Barrett (Cowboys)

Logan Bayliss-Brow (Cowboys)

Eddie Blacker (Dragons)

Tanah Boyd (Titans)

Ethan Bullemor (Broncos)

Ben Condon (Cowboys)

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Storm)

Thomas Gilbert (Cowboys)

Kobe Hetherington (Broncos)

J'maine Hopgood (Panthers)

Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks)

Fanitesi Niu (Broncos)

Cory Paix (Broncos)

Brandon Russell (Knights)

Treymain Spry (Titans)

Murray Taulagi (Cowboys)

Braydon Trindall (Sharks)



https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/07/01/blacker-named-in-qld-u20s/

 

[getsmarty]

Jason Saab named in Blues' Under-20s squad
Author
NSWRL
Timestamp
Mon 1 Jul 2019, 12:24 PM

The NSWRL is pleased to announce the CABE NSW Under-20 squad to face Queensland in the State of Origin double-header at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday 10 July.

The Under-20 match will be played before Game Three of the Holden State of Origin series decider. The team will be coached by True Blue Mark O’Meley.

The 20-man squad includes NRL players Oregon Kaufusi (Parramatta Eels), Stefano Utoikamanu (Parramatta Eels), Sam Verrills (Sydney Roosters) and Brandon Wakeham (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Canterbury Cup NSW players Jason Saab (St George Illawarra Dragons) and Tex Hoy (Newcastle Knights), and Melbourne Storm’s Cooper Johns, the son of True Blue Matthew Johns.

NSW will be hoping to avenge last year’s 30-12 loss to Queensland at Suncorp Stadium which was their first loss since the Under-20 concept started in 2012.

The team will assemble in camp on Friday 5 July.

CABE NSW Under 20s

1 Tex Hoy (Newcastle Knights)
2 Tuipolota Katoa (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
3 Stephen Crichton (Penrith Panthers)
4 Ethan Parry (Parramatta Eels)
5 Jason Saab (St George Illawarra Dragons)
6 Cooper Johns (Melbourne Storm)
7 Brandon Wakeham (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
8 Spencer Leniu (Penrith Panthers)
9 Sam Verrills (Sydney Roosters)
10 Oregon Kaufusi (Parramatta Eels)
11 Teig Wilton (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
12 Matthew Doorey (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
13 Darby Medlyn (Canberra Raiders)
14 Luke Huth (Newcastle Knights)
15 Stefano Utoikamanu (Parramatta Eels)
16 Matt Croker (Newcastle Knights)
17 Ky Rodwell (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
18 Tommy Talau (Wests Tigers)
19 Alex Seyfarth (Wests Tigers)
20 Phoenix Crossland (Newcastle Knights)


Coach: Mark O’Meley



https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/07/01/jason-saab-named-in-blues-under-20s-squad/

 

[getsmarty]

WOMEN'S RUGBY LEAGUE


Dragons complete 2019 Women's Premiership squad
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Tue 2 Jul 2019, 10:30 AM

The St George Illawarra Dragons have finalised their 2019 NRL Holden Women's Premiership squad following the signing of a further five players.

Front-rowers Ngatokotoru Arakua and Najvada George, back-rower Sarah Togatuki and centres Alexandrea Kiriwi and Stephanie Mooka are the Dragons' final five signings for season 2019.

• Dragons announce 2019 NRL Women's Premiership staff
• Dragons announce first 2019 Women's Premiership signings
• Dragons re-sign four juniors to Women's Premiership ranks
• Dragons make Women's Premiership statement with latest signings
• Dragons 2019 Women's Premiership signings tracker

"Across the board, I'm really excited about where we're at with the 22 players we have signed overall," Dragons Women's Premiership coach Daniel Lacey said.

"We have a really good mix with plenty of experience, talent and youth. We have new and returning players, local juniors and most importantly we have depth.

"We are excited by the possibilities of this squad. The competition can't come quick enough now."



Daniel Lacey reappointed as Dragons Women's Premiership coach

New Zealand Kiwi Ferns front-rower Arakua is the fifth inaugural premiership-winning Brisbane Bronco to sign with the Dragons for season 2019.

A wrecking ball off the bench for the Broncos last year, Arakua will bring undeniable aggression and firepower to the Red V pack, according to coach Lacey.

"Toru (Arakua) is another forward who brings experience to our pack and a player who lives up to theory of having someone playing with you rather than against you," Lacey said.

"She demonstrated her skill base in the inaugural Women's Premiership season and showed how good she can be when she ran over numerous players while playing for the Broncos, including some of our own!"

Queensland Origin centre Mooka's lofty rise through the rugby league ranks in 2019 will continue at the Dragons this season. Lacey labelled the proud indigenous woman Mooka as one of the success stories of this year's National Championships.

"Steph's athleticism was definitely something that stood out from the get-go when she ran out for Queensland Country, and it obviously impressed others too considering her selection for the Queensland Origin team," he said.

"She is someone we're really excited about working with at the Dragons, to see if she can reach her full potential. She'll be dangerous if she can."

Togatuki and George were two players who came to the Dragons attention following their selection in the Prime Minister's XIII team to face Papua New Guinea at the end of 2018.

Samoan international Togatuki joins the Dragons from last year's grand finalists Sydney Roosters, while Victorian junior George has been a long-term prospect for Lacey over the past two years.

"Sarah is someone with a lot of leg speed and aggression plus she runs at 100 miles an hour which is certainly impressive," Lacey said. "We identified line and game speed as something we need to improve on from last year and she'll definitely help the Dragons in those departments.

"Najvada actually came to the Dragons' attention at the inaugural National Championships in 2018. I've been in touch with her ever since, where we came up with a plan for her to keep building on her young rugby league career," Lacey added.

"Her move to the Wests Tigers' NSW Women's Premiership team this year came after her impressive performance for the Prime Minister's XIII team. Najvada is a very consistent forward with still a lot to learn so I'm excited to keep working with her."

North Sydney Bears Women's Premiership utility Kiriwi has recommenced her rugby league career this season following a pregnancy hiatus. Kiriwi's capability of playing in a number of positions has impressed Lacey most upon her return.

"I'm really keen to see what we can do with Lexi's game," Lacey said. "She's has really shown while playing for North Sydney that she can work hard on the field. Lexi's utility value is exactly what we needed in completing our squad."



Apps re-signs with the Dragons

The Dragons' Women's Premiership team is the pinnacle of the female rugby league pathway across the club's region – from Earlwood in Sydney to Bateman's Bay on the South Coast – with more than 15,000 girls and women from Under-6s to opens currently competing in our region across tackle, tag and touch football.

2019 St George Illawarra's NRL Holden Women's Premiership squad:

• Kezie Apps
• Ngatokotoru Arakua
• Shaylee Bent
• Brittany Breayley
• Keeley Davis
• Aaliyah Fasavalu-Fa'amausili
• Maitua Feterika
• Teuila Fotu-Moala
• Najvada George
• Rikeya Horne
• Takilele Katoa
• Alexandrea Kiriwi
• Stephanie Mooka
• Kimiora Nati
• Tiana Penitani
• Jessica Sergis
• Maddie Studdon
• Sarah Togatuki
• Shakiah Tungai
• Botille Vette-Welsh
• Maddison Weatherall
• Holli Wheeler

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/07/02/dragons-complete-2019-womens-premiership-squad/

 

[getsmarty]

WOMEN'S RUGBY LEAGUE


Finalised Dragons 2019 Women's Premiership signing tracker
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Tue 2 Jul 2019, 10:30 AM

Heading into their second NRL Holden Women's Premiership campaign, the St George Illawarra Dragons are currently in the process of announcing their 2019 22-woman squad.

Keep up-to-date with the Dragons' signing tracker for all the latest information and achievements of all the Red V's newest faces.

• Dragons announce 2019 NRL Women's Premiership staff
• Dragons announce first 2019 Women's Premiership signings
• Dragons re-sign four juniors to Women's Premiership ranks
• Dragons make Women's Premiership statement with latest signings
• Dragons complete 2019 Women's Premiership squad with five signings

2019 St George Illawarra's NRL Holden Women's Premiership squad:

• Kezie Apps
• Ngatokotoru Arakua
• Shaylee Bent
• Brittany Breayley
• Keeley Davis
• Aaliyah Fasavalu-Fa'amausili
• Maitua Feterika
• Teuila Fotu-Moala
• Najvada George
• Rikeya Horne
• Takilele Katoa
• Alexandrea Kiriwi
• Stephanie Mooka
• Kimiora Nati
• Tiana Penitani
• Jessica Sergis
• Maddie Studdon
• Sarah Togatuki
• Shakiah Tungai
• Botille Vette-Welsh
• Maddison Weatherall
• Holli Wheeler

MEET THE PLAYERS

Kezie Apps
Born: February 4, 1991 (aged 28)
Birthplace: Bega, New South Wales
Junior club: Bega Roosters
Current club: Helensburgh Tigers (Inspirations Paint Illawarra Women's League)
Position: Second row
Representative honours: New South Wales Origin (2014-current); New South Wales Origin captain (2019); Australia Jillaroos (2014-current); Women's All Stars (2013-17); Country New South Wales (2018-19)


Ngatokotoru Arakua
Born: May 13, 1997 (aged 22)
Birthplace: Mauke, Cook Islands
Junior club: Manurewa Marlins
Current club: Mt Albert RLFC (ARL Farrelly Photos Women's Premiership)
Position: Prop
Representative honours: New Zealand Kiwi Ferns (2017)


Shaylee Bent
Born: September 13, 2000 (aged 18)
Birthplace: Penrith, New South Wales
Junior club: Glenmore Park Brumbies
Current club: Mounties (Harvey Norman NSWRL Women's Premiership)
Position: Centre/Back-rower
Representative honours: New South Wales City (2019); Indigenous All Stars (2019); New South Wales Origin (2019)


Brittany Breayley
Born: February 7, 1991 (aged 28)
Birthplace: Mackay, Queensland
Junior club: Mackay Magpies
Current club: Brothers Ipswich (SEQ Women's Division)
Previous club: Brisbane Broncos (2018)
Position: Hooker
Representative honours: Australia Jillaroos (2014-present); NRL Women's All Stars (2013-2017); Queensland Maroons (2014-present); 2018 Dally M Female Player of the Year.


Keeley Davis
Born: July 5, 2000 (aged 18)
Birthplace: Wollongong, New South Wales
Junior/current club: Corrimal Cougars (Inspirations Paint Illawarra Women's League)
Position: Utility
Representative honours: New South Wales Country (2018-19); Australia Prime Minister's XIII (2018); Australia Jillaroos (2018)


Aaliyah Fasavalu-Fa'amausili
Born: December 21, 2000 (aged 18)
Birthplace: Rosehill, New South Wales
Junior club: Auburn Warriors
Current club: Wentworthville Magpies (Harvey Norman NSWRL Women's Premiership)
Position: Lock
Representative honours: New South Wales City (2019); Prime Minister's XIII (2018)


Maitua Feterika
Born: May 19, 1992 (aged 27)
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Junior club: Manurewa Marlins
Current club: Brothers Ipswich (SEQ Women's Division)
Previous club: Brisbane Broncos (2018)
Position: Second row
Representative honours: New Zealand Kiwi Ferns (2014-present); Queensland City (2018-19); Queensland State of Origin (2018); Samoan dual international (2011)


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/07/02/dragons-2019-womens-premiership-signing-tracker/

 

[getsmarty]

MEET THE PLAYERS Part 2


Teuila Fotu-Moala
Born: 29 November, 1993 (aged 25)
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Junior club: Otahuhu Leopards
Current club: North Sydney Bears (Harvey Norman NSWRL Women's Premiership)
Previous club: Brisbane Broncos (2018)
Position: Second row
Representative honours: New Zealand Kiwi Ferns (2014-current); Tonga Commonwealth Championships (2018)


Najvada George
Born: February 21, 1999 (aged 20)
Birthplace: Melbourne, Victoria
Junior club: Werribee Bears (NRLVIC Women)
Current club: Wests Tigers (Harvey Norman NSWRL Women's Premiership)
Position: Prop
Representative honours: New South Wales City (2019); Combined Affiliated States (2018); Australia Prime Minister's XIII (2018)

Rikeya Horne
Born: September 14, 1999 (aged 19)
Birthplace: Shellharbour, New South Wales
Junior club: Corrimal Cougars
Current club: Cabramatta Two Blues (Harvey Norman NSWRL Women's Premiership)
Position: Utility back
Representative honours: Australia Jillaroos Commonwealth Championships (2018); New South Wales Country (2018-19); Australia Prime Minister's XIII (2018)


Takilele Katoa
Born: March 13, 1991 (aged 28)
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Junior club: Yenda All Stars/Griffith Waratahs
Current club: Bidgee Bulls (Group 8)
Position: Prop
Representative honours: New South Wales Country (2019); Tonga Commonwealth Championships (2018); New South Wales Origin (2019)


Alexandrea Kiriwi
Born: May 24, 1997 (aged 22)
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Junior club: Manurewa Marlins
Current club: North Sydney Bears (Harvey Norman Women's Premiership)
Position: Centre


Stephanie Mooka
Born: March 5, 1991 (aged 28)
Birthplace: Thursday Island, Queensland
Junior club: Edmonton Lightning
Current club: Wests Brisbane Panthers (SEQ Women's Division)
Position: Centre
Representative honours: Queensland Country (2019); Queensland State of Origin (2019)


Kimiora Nati
Born: June 17, 1988 (aged 31)
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Junior club: Manurewa Marlins
Previous club: Brisbane Broncos (2018)
Position: Halfback
Representative honours: New Zealand Kiwi Ferns (2017-present); Cook Islands Moanas (2018); Cook Islands Rugby Sevens; Cook Islands League Tag.


Tiana Penitani
Born: January 12, 1996 (aged 23)
Birthplace: Canberra, ACT
Junior club: La Perouse United
Current club: Cronulla Sharks (Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership)
Position: Wing/Centre
Representative honours: New South Wales City (2019); New South Wales Origin (2019); NRL National Championships MVP (2019); Youth Olympics – rugby sevens (2014); Australia Rugby Sevens World Cup (2013); Australian Youth Olympic Festival – rugby sevens (2013); Australian Oztag Under-18s World Cup winner (2012); Australian Little Athletics multi-event champion (2011); Australian All Schools 80-metre Hurdles championship (2009)

Jessica Sergis
Born: September 15, 1997 (aged 21)
Birthplace: Sydney, New South Wales
Junior club: Coogee-Randwick Wombats
Current club: Helensburgh Tigers (Inspirations Paint Illawarra Women's League)
Position: Wing/Centre
Representative honours: New South Wales Origin (2017, 2019); Australia Jillaroos (2017); New South Wales City (2018-19)

Maddie Studdon
Born: October 16, 1994 (aged 24)
Birthplace: Sydney, New South Wales
Junior club: Mascot Jets
Current club: Cronulla Sharks (Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership)
Previous club: Sydney Roosters (2018)
Position: Halfback
Representative honours: New South Wales City (2018-19); New South Wales Origin (2012-present); Australia Jillaroos (2014-17); Women All Stars (2013-17); New South Wales and Australia touch football.


Sarah Togatuki
Born: October 14, 1997 (aged 21)
Birthplace: Sydney, New South Wales
Junior club: Brothers Penrith
Current club: Mounties (Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership)
Previous club: Sydney Roosters (2018)
Position: Second row
Representative honours: Samoa Commonwealth Championships (2018); Australian Prime Minister's XIII (2018); New South Wales City (2019); Samoa national team (2019)


Shakiah Tungai
Born: November 29, 1996 (aged 22)
Birthplace: Wollongong, New South Wales
Junior/current club: Port Kembla Blacks (Inspirations Paint Illawarra Women's League)
Position: Utility back
Representative honours: New South Wales Country (2018-19); First Nation Gems (2018); Australia Prime Minister's XIII (2018); Indigenous All Stars (2019); New South Wales Origin (2019)


Botille Vette-Welsh
Born: September 13, 1996 (aged 22)
Birthplace: Kaitaia, New Zealand
Current club: Wests Tigers (Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership)
Previous club: Sydney Roosters (2018)
Position: Fullback/Hooker
Representative honours: New South Wales Origin (2019); New South Wales City (2017-19); New Zealand Maori All Stars (2019)


Maddison Weatherall
Born: September 10, 2001 (aged 17)
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Junior club: Wests Illawarra Devils
Current club: Berkeley Eagles (Inspirations Paint Illawarra Women's League)
Position: Prop
Representative honours: New South Wales Under-18s State of Origin (2019)


Holli Wheeler
Born: January 28, 1990 (aged 29)
Birthplace: Taree, New South Wales
Junior club: Old Bar Pirates
Current club: CRL Newcastle (Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership)
Position: Utility forward
Representative honours: New South Wales Country (2017-2019); New South Wales Origin (2018-19); Australia Prime Minister's XIII (2018); Australia Jillaroos (2018)






https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/07/02/dragons-2019-womens-premiership-signing-tracker/

 

[getsmarty]

'We're no longer mates': Frizell on Norman
Author
Alicia Newton NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 3 Jul 2019, 07:00 AM

It was operation 'Stop Kalyn Ponga' for the opening two games of the series but Blues forward Tyson Frizell has now turned his attention to shutting down Dragons teammate Corey Norman in next week's Origin decider.

While the Maroons continue to play mind games with where Norman will play, Frizell expects just as much attack to come at him down the Blues' right edge particularly with Cameron Munster set to be given a further roaming role around the paddock.

Frizell was stoked for Norman's but it didn't take long for him to declare the pair were now interstate rivals and he'll target him like any other opponent.

"We're no longer mates with him now pulling on that Queensland jersey," Frizell told NRL.com.

"But I'm happy for him on a personal level because to get a debut for Queensland after 10 years he'll add a lot. He's dangerous, I think people underestimate his running game.

"You could put him anywhere and he'll roam around the field, add in Munster and there's a lot of danger signs there for us already.

"I daresay they won't try and change too much if Corey did go back to fullback. I don't think it would bother him too much, it's just another game for him."

NSW have opted for an unchanged line-up but the Maroons have called on two debutants in Norman and Storm's Christian Welch.

NSW forward Tyson Frizell. Grant Trouville/NRL Photos
Frizell said a second series victory over the Maroons for him would taste even sweeter given the Blues were forced to come from behind after their loss in game one at Suncorp Stadium.

"We probably copped it more this year than last year but they're all as enjoyable as any one of them," he said.

"It's an awesome feeling to work so hard in these camps and come away with a win.

"You just want to be winning as many as you can. We can't rely on what happened in game two. Queensland have done it for so long and people don't realise how hard it is to win it like that."

Dragons and NSW forward Tariq Sims was suspended for one match by the judiciary on Tuesday after being found guilty of a dangerous contact charge on North Queensland's Michael Morgan.

He will next be available for selection for St George Illawarra's round 17 match against the Raiders.

The suspension means David Klemmer is set to return to the NSW Origin side after being initial left out for the series decider.

"I guess it's hard to make those decisions," Frizell said.

"I'm glad I'm not making them. It would've been hard to drop Tariq, or dropping anyone after game two even if it meant to leave one of your more consistent forwards in the Blues.

"How do you put an opinion on that? You didn't want Tariq to lose but you also want Klem to get an opportunity. Klem who was our best forward in Origin I. It definitely won't be a disruption."


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/07/03/were-no-longer-mates-frizell-on-norman/

 

[getsmarty]

St George Illawarra Dragons legend Jamie Soward launches scathing attack on former club

WRITTEN BYSPORTING NEWS
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ST. GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Former St George Illawarra playmaker and premiership winner Jamie Soward has launched a scathing attack at his former club, saying they won't make the finals this season and questioned the decision to re-sign Paul McGregor.


Soward played 141 games in the Red V and led them to a Grand Final victory over the Roosters in 2010, and has always been an outspoken figure within the game even during his playing days.


And on Friday morning he pulled no punches when talking on Macquarie Sports Radio about his former club after their 16-14 loss to the Storm on Thursday night in Wollongong.

"They're gone, St George are gone," he said.

"In past years they have started fast and then faded out, I don't see how they come back from an Origin campaign and put the accelerator down.


"They are two points outside the eight but their for and against stinks, they will rue that opportunity last night, they should have won that game.

"They had a lot of outs but nobody has an excuse this year when you look at Manly and the way they have competed this year with so many players out."

There is still time for the Dragons to turn it around and were without a plethora of stars last night due to Origin duty, and are still missing the likes of Gareth Widdop, Jack De Belin and Zac Lomax.

MORE: Souths sign former premiership winner | Queensland coach gives son debut jersey

But it is the early season re-signing of coach Paul McGregor that has left Soward scratching his head - in six years at the club he has only made the finals twice and the side is underperforming in 2019 after a solid campaign last year.

"You are wondering why some of these coaches are re-signed, it amazes me considering that none of them were being chased and it's not a personal attack but what do you look for, what do fans want and what is a pass mark for St George this year," he said.


"Canterbury are last and have re-signed their coach to an extension; Brisbane are 14th have Seibold with five years; St George re-signed Paul McGregor and they aren't in the top 8 either.

"I've had Mary as coach, and the issue I have is do you get the best person for the job or do you get a clubman."

The Dragons are currently two points outside the top eight, but in the remaining nine games have to play six teams currently above them on the ladder and are at long odds to book a spot in the finals after being touted as top four hopes before the season began.

 

[getsmarty]

NSW claim victory in Wheelchair State of Origin
Author
Hannah McGrory
Timestamp
Sat 6 Jul 2019, 07:03 PM

New South Wales have won their first official State of Origin title after defeating Queensland 52-4 at Quaycentre on Saturday afternoon.

Following a 54-18 victory in the Interstate Challenge last year, NSW have recorded their second dominant win over QLD in front of an impressive crowd.

The 80-minute match was filled with skilful, hard hitting and high intensity plays as the NSW side scored a total of ten tries whilst only conceding one in the first half. Corey Cannane assisted his side to victory after scoring four tries within the first half.

NSW Man of the Match, Brett Henman, opened up the scoring for NSW in the fourth minute of the match. Henman was ecstatic with the result after all the hard work which had gone in to training leading up to the game.

“(I’m)absolutely stoked. We had a plan, all the boys stuck to it, they did their job, our defence was awesome and it was fantastic,” Henman told NSWRL following the match.

Cory Cannane was next to break through the defensive line to score their second of the match, with the conversion attempt waved away.

NSW continued to display a terrific defensive display as QLD struggled to break through. They capiatlise on the impressive defence with Cory going over for his second of the game to extend their lead out to 16- nil.

The Blues continued to favour the right-hand side as Brad Grove was next to barge over and score.

Following 19 minutes, QLD were in for their first of the match through Shaun Harre. The attempted conversion was waved away.

QLD than forced a goal line drop out, after a deft kick sat up in goal before NSW took it out of the field of play. They continued on the attack, with an early kick on the third tackle saw James Hill race down side of the field beating three NSW players before the ball slowly rolled in to touch.

NSW remained to apply pressure with Cory Cannane scoring back-to back tries. NSW were then awarded back-to-back penalties inside the final minute of the first half, opting to take the two points and successfully kicking a penalty goal. NSW had a dominant lead at half-time, 32- 4.

NSW started the second half strong, but were disallowed a try after a nice passage of play occurred down the left edge. They were next in to score through their Captain, Craig Cannane in the left corner. The conversion attempt was waved away.

Brad Grove impressed with his pace down the left edge, making the break to set up Michael Johnson to score. The conversion was successful to extend NSW’s lead 40-4.

The home side were in again, following a brilliant chase from Jason Attard as went over for his first four-pointer. The kick was successful to extend the lead to 46-4.

NSW’s Liam Luff pushed his way through the defensive line to score and bring up NSW’s 50-point mark. The conversion was successful as NSW secured an impressive 48- point lead, in the final ten minutes of play.

NSW successfully defended their line throughout the second half, as QLD were left scoreless.



https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/07/07/nsw-claim-victory-in-wheelchair-state-of-origin/

 

[getsmarty]

Long-running Gasnier dispute gears up for resolution - at last
Kylar Loussikian and Samantha Hutchinson
Updated July 8, 2019 — 12.17amfirst published at 12.15am

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After two long years the dispute between rugby league great Mark Gasnier and the rest of his family is finally coming to a head.

The one-time Origin star first took his older brother Dean to the Supreme Court in January 2017 over the proceeds of a multi-million dollar property redevelopment in Woolooware.

It’s set to be heard in October.

Former St George Illawarra star Mark Gasnier is heading to court in a family dispute over the spoils of a redevelopment.Crediteter Rae

But not before a bizarre fishing expedition by Dean Gasnier’s lawyers unearthed the extent of the feud and the murky allegations behind the family breakdown.

Among the claims — none substantiated — is an allegation that the former St George-Illawarra Dragons premiership winner secretly used a loan in the name of the family trust to splash out on a luxury $1.8 million Avalon property in 2013.

Then there was a request for enormous amounts of information from St George about Mark Gasnier’s sponsorship deals with vague allegations that money had been deposited in the family trust in 2011 and 2012 but not declared as income.

Most intriguing was the application for documents about benefits, even rental assistance, given to Mark Gasnier by James Vertzayias’ now-defunct property development outfit Globe Project Group between 2006 and 2012.

Vertzayias, an undischarged bankrupt bodybuilder whose company sponsored St George, was close to a number of NRL identities.

When Vertzayias declared himself insolvent in 2012, it was believed among those waiting the $60 million owed included Mark Gasnier's manager George Mimis and then Dragons coach Nathan Brown.

We will never know what Dean Gasnier was hoping to unearth.

All his applications were rejected, an easy win for Mark Gasnier.

Gasnier has been in good form of late. Late last month he flew to Perth in a last-minute bid to assist the Blues prepare for their winning performance in State of Origin II.


https://www.smh.com.au/national/lon...p-for-resolution-at-last-20190707-p524y9.html

 

[Old Kogarah Boy 1]

i have a feeling that this may have already been posted............. sorry in advance if it has.



NRL Speculation is rife that the @nthqldcowboys and winger Nene Macdonald will part ways, after an incident on Magnetic Island.

1. 1. NRL News‏@nospam09 Jul 4
      #NRL The incident in question saw McDonald allegedly fleeing the scene of a June 30 crash, with the club investigating. The winger is expected to to receive a notice to appear in court.
      
      
   2. 
      NRL News‏@nospam09 Jul 4
      #NRL And, just like that, the @nthqldcowboys release Nene Macdonald from his playing contract via mutual consent, with Nene and his management making the call for him to take some time away from the game.
2. Statement: Nene Macdonald
   Author
   Cowboys.com.au
   Timestamp
   Fri 5 Jul 2019, 10:32 AM
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   The North Queensland Cowboys today released NRL squad member Nene Macdonald from his playing contract.
   
   The release is by mutual agreement, with the club, Nene and his management deciding Nene needs some time away from the game.
   
   The club will provide Nene with ongoing support and wishes him well in his future endeavours.
   

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons active holiday clinics: July
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Mon 8 Jul 2019, 01:30 PM

St George Illawarra Dragons' rugby league holiday clinics are on again this July with clinics scheduled to occur at Todd Park, Blakehurst and WIN Stadium (2), Wollongong.

Each child will be given the opportunity to rub shoulders with NRL Dragons players at both Kogarah and Wollongong clinics.

Participants this July will also become a 2019 Red V Junior member which includes 2019 junior member cap and goodies, membership benefits including 10 per cent off merchandise, 20 per cent off pre-sale tickets, access to member exclusive events as well as a water bottle (courtesy of Australian Defence Force), fruit and football.

Todd Park, Blakehurst

• Date: Monday, July 15
• Time: 9:30am-12:30pm
• Age: 5-12 years

WIN Stadium 2, Wollongong

• Date: Tuesday, July 16
• Time: 12:30pm-3:30pm
• Age: 5-12 years

Registrations are now open. Register for the Wollongong clinic here, and the Blakehurst clinic here.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/07/08/dragons-active-holiday-clinics-july/

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons partner with i98FM Illawarra Convoy and Illawarra Community Foundation
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Mon 8 Jul 2019, 01:08 PM

St George Illawarra are proud to partner with the Illawarra Community Foundation and the i98FM Illawarra Convoy ahead of the Dragons' Round 17 clash against the Canberra Raiders at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on Sunday, July 14.

The i98FM Illawarra Convoy will be game day partner of the Raiders clash, with the Dragons to donate $1 of every ticket sold to the foundation as well as provide over 100 tickets to convoy families. Venues NSW and the NRL have also agreed to donations that match what the Dragons raise for the event.

• Buy tickets to the Dragons' Round 17 clash against Canberra

The Dragons were joined at training by four families on Monday morning; families who will directly benefit from the positive support of the event and Illawarra Community Foundation and i98FM Illawarra Convoy.

Celebrating its 15th year in 2019, the i98FM Illawarra Convoy is the largest truck convoy (721 trucks and 900 motorbikes) in the southern hemisphere, and one of the largest regional one-day fundraising events in Australia given it has raised over $14 million in the past 14 years.

The 2019 convoy will be held on November 17, beginning in Appin and culminating at the Illawarra Regional Airport, for a huge free family fun day, featuring live entertainment from freestyle motocross displays, market stalls, helicopter joy flights and kid rides.

The Illawarra Community Foundation has supported over 130 local families in a number of ways including providing food and fuel vouchers, medical equipment, pharmacy accounts, school fees, uniforms, tuition and unfortunately on some occasion funeral expenses.

"The i98FM Illawarra Convoy is an institution in the Illawarra and our game on Sunday against the Raiders is all about highlighting awareness of the event and raising fund for the Illawarra Community Foundation, who will distribute the funds to worthy charities and people across the region," St George Illawarra CEO Brian Johnston said.

"The Dragons are honoured to have the i98FM Illawarra Convoy as match day partners. We hope that all Red V members and fans turn out in droves to support not only the team against Canberra on Sunday night, but also the convoy and Illawarra Community Foundation."

Illawarra Community Foundation manager Mark Rigby was delighted to partner with the Dragons at WIN Stadium.

"I would like to say a big thank you on behalf of all the families, the i98FM Illawarra Convoy and the Illawarra Community Foundation. We are thrilled to have the support of our local NRL team," Rigby said.

"For many of the families dealing with potentially life threatening illnesses, entertainment can often be unaffordable due to treatment costs and loss of income due to parents not working during treatment. Even something as simple as attending a football game can often be out of reach.

"It is an exciting partnership that will not only help us assist families financially but also assist us in supporting our local children's ward and other vital projects within the area.

"The convoy continues to grow each year and the support received via this game day partnership will contribute to the funds raised leading into our 15-year anniversary event."

For further information about the Illawarra Community Foundation, please visit https://illawarraconvoy.com.au/illawarra-community-foundation.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/201...ra-convoy-and-illawarra-community-foundation/

 

[getsmarty]

The i98FM Illawarra Convoy to partner Dragons
The Dragons were joined at training by four families on Monday morning; families who will directly benefit from the positive support of the event and Illawarra Community Foundation and i98FM Illawarra Convoy.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/07/08/the-i98fm-illawarra-convoy-to-partner-dragons/

 

[getsmarty]

WOMEN'S RUGBY LEAGUE


New Dragons make Pacific Women's RL history
Author
Nefertiti Matatia Pacific Games News Service
Timestamp
Tue 9 Jul 2019, 07:00 AM

Maitua Feterika and Kimiora Nati are used to lining up as teammates – for the Kiwi Ferns at the 2017 Women’s Rugby League World Cup, in the Brisbane Broncos’ inaugural NRL women’s premiership winning side of 2018, and soon at the Dragons for the 2019 NRLW campaign.

But on Monday in Samoa they made history on opposite teams, each captaining their country of heritage in the first ever women’s rugby league 9s competition at the Pacific Games.

Feterika led Samoa onto the field for the opening game of the tournament, hand-in-hand with Nati, who captained the Cook Islands.

It was an extraordinary moment for both women, the most experienced players in the event alongside Kiwi Ferns and New Zealand Warriors centre Luisa Gago, who is also representing Samoa.

The other teams in the women’s competition are Fiji, Niue, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, while seven teams comprising mostly domestic players are contesting the men’s event (Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau and Tonga).



Cameron Smith speaks ahead of 400th

“This is my first time representing the Cook Islands in rugby league,” Nati revealed.

“It’s really good to be here with all the Pacific islanders. I’m very grateful to be part of it.”

“It’s a special moment for all the young kids back at home. Being raised with nothing they can come here and look up to the ones playing today. I guess it’s just a stepping stone for us women to set that platform to go back home and to develop the sport."

Feterika said representing her Samoan heritage was a significant milestone in her rugby league career.

“Every time I put on this jersey it’s like giving back to my parents and my village and our people," she said.

"There’s so much talent and we need to showcase that talent, especially for Samoa. We need to put that on the map.”

Nati’s Cook Islands edged Feterika’s Samoa 16-12 in a tight opening match of the day, and the Cook Islands captain admitted she was relieved to come out on top in that particular contest.

“It was awesome," she said.

"That was the one team I didn’t want to go down to because I know a lot of them, and Feterika is their go-to woman."

Cook Islands finished the day on top of their pool with a further win over debutants Solomon Islands, while Samoa also comfortably beat Solomon Islands to finish second. In the other pool, Fiji finished top with wins over PNG and Niue, while PNG edged past Niue to claim second spot.



Tackle of the week: Round 16

In Tuesday’s women’s semi-finals, PNG will face Cook Islands and Fiji will play Samoa. The winners of each will progress to the gold medal match and the losers will play for bronze.

In the men’s event PNG and Samoa ended the day as the top two ranked teams, with Fiji and Tonga also in medal contention. In Tuesday’s semi-finals, PNG will play Tonga and Fiji will face off against Samoa. The winners of each will progress to the gold medal match and the losers will play for bronze.

Day two’s medal matches kick off at 2pm Samoa time (11am AEST) on Tuesday. For live scores and updates visit: https://www.facebook.com/aprlconfederation/

- Nefertiti Matatia, Pacific Games News Service


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/07/09/new-dragons-make-pacific-womens-rl-history/

 

[getsmarty]

Uluru statement
The ARLC joins 13 of Australia’s leading organisations in publicly supporting the Uluru Statement.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/07/09/uluru-statement/

 

[getsmarty]

ARLC pledges support for Uluru Statement
Author
NRL.com
Timestamp
Wed 29 May 2019, 08:30 AM

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter Beattie says the game will proudly support the Uluru Statement, following a statement of support from leading organisations on Wednesday. .

The statement comes following the NRL's 2019 Indigenous Round celebrated the contribution Australia's First Nations people have made and continue to make to both society and the game of rugby league.

Beattie has thrown the support of the ARLC behind the concept.

"Rugby League has a long and special relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and as a sport we are committed to listening and working together with communities to achieve reconciliation," he said.

"The Australian Rugby League Commission is proud to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart and we look forward to walking together with our First Nations peoples towards a constitutionally enshrined voice in the Parliament."

The NRL has joined 13 other leading Australian organisations in pledging their support for the statement.

The Uluru Statement was issued in 2017 on behalf of First Nations peoples and is an incredibly personal and important proclamation to the Governments and peoples of Australia, seeking three actions:

• Constitutional reforms to empower our people and take a rightful place in our own country.
• The establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution.
• A Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making between governments and First Nations and truth-telling about our history.

The ARLC joins 13 of Australia’s leading organisations in publicly supporting the Uluru Statement.

Forty major banks and law firms throughout the country have a united voice in supporting the Statement and in turn, supporting truth-telling and agreement-making between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and governments.

The NRL is proud of its work in the indigenous community:

• An established Indigenous Council, giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples a direct voice in the Game;
• An Indigenous Players Advisory Group, providing our Indigenous Players a direct voice in the game;
• As displayed through the Indigenous Round, the annual Indigenous All Stars matches and by becoming the first national sporting organisation to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan at elevate level.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/07/09/arlc-pledges-support-for-uluru-statement/

 

[getsmarty]

Convoy families visit Dragons training
On Monday morning the Dragons were joined at training by four families who will directly benefit from the partnership of the Dragons and the Illawarra Community Foundation and i98FM Illawarra Convoy at this weekend's game.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/07/11/convoy-families-visit-dragons-training/