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[getsmarty]

TEAM LISTS


Frizell, Hunt named in lineup for Tonga Test
Author
NRL.com
Timestamp
Tue 16 Oct 2018, 04:01 PM

The official team lists for Saturday's Test between Australia's Kangaroos and Mate Ma'a Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.

U

Team Lists
Backs

• Fullback for Australia is number 1 James Tedesco
  1
  
  Fullback for Tonga is number 1 Will Hopoate
• Winger for Australia is number 2 Dane Gagai
  2
  
  Winger for Tonga is number 2 Daniel Tupou
• Centre for Australia is number 3 Tom Trbojevic
  3
  
  Centre for Tonga is number 3 Michael Jennings
• Centre for Australia is number 4 Latrell Mitchell
  4
  
  Centre for Tonga is number 4 Solomone Kata
• Winger for Australia is number 5 Valentine Holmes
  5
  
  Winger for Tonga is number 5 David Fusitu'a
• Five-Eighth for Australia is number 6 Luke Keary
  6
  
  Five-Eighth for Tonga is number 6 Tuimoala Lolohea
• Halfback for Australia is number 7 Daly Cherry-Evans
  7
  
  Halfback for Tonga is number 7 Ata Hingano

Forwards

• Prop for Australia is number 8 David Klemmer
  8
  
  Prop for Tonga is number 8 Andrew Fifita
• Hooker for Australia is number 9 Damien Cook
  9
  
  Hooker for Tonga is number 9 Siliva Havili
• Prop for Australia is number 10 Jordan McLean
  10
  
  Prop for Tonga is number 10 Siosiua Taukeiaho
• 2nd Row for Australia is number 11 Boyd Cordner
  11
  
  2nd Row for Tonga is number 11 Tevita Pangai Junior
• 2nd Row for Australia is number 12 Felise Kaufusi
  12
  
  2nd Row for Tonga is number 12 Sika Manu
• Lock for Australia is number 13 Josh McGuire
  13
  
  Lock for Tonga is number 13 Jason Taumalolo

Interchange

• Interchange for Australia is number 14 Ben Hunt
  14
  
  Interchange for Tonga is number 14 Sione Katoa
• Interchange for Australia is number 15 Jake Trbojevic
  15
  
  Interchange for Tonga is number 15 Addin Fonua-Blake
• Interchange for Australia is number 16 Tyson Frizell
  16
  
  Interchange for Tonga is number 16 Joe Ofahengaue
• Interchange for Australia is number 17 Aaron Woods
  17
  
  Interchange for Tonga is number 17 Peni Terepo

Reserves

• Reserve for Australia is number 18 Tyrone Peachey
  18
  
  Reserve for Tonga is number 18 Konrad Hurrell
• Reserve for Australia is number 19 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
  19
  
  Reserve for Tonga is number 19 Leivaha Pulu
• 
  20
  
  Reserve for Tonga is number 20 Robert Jennings
• 
  21
  
  Reserve for Tonga is number 21 Ben Murdoch-Masila

Australia Ins

• Reagan Campbell-Gillard
• Tyrone Peachey

Ins
Tonga Ins

• Ben Murdoch-Masila
• David Fusitu'a
• Leivaha Pulu
• Sika Manu
• Solomone Kata
• Tevita Pangai Junior

Australia Outs

Outs
Tonga Ins

• Manu Ma'u
• Tevita Tatola

Australia: The Kangaroos have named an unchanged line-up to the one that went down to New Zealand last week, meaning Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Tyrone Peachey again miss out. Luke Keary is named at five-eighth after being concussed early last week.

Tonga: Tonga have a handful of changes from the mid-year Samoa Test with Solomone Kata and David Fusitu'a replacing Konrad Hurrell and Robert Jennings in the three-quarter line, plus Sika Manu and Tevita Pangai jnr replacing Manu Ma'u and Tevita Tatola in the pack.

• Australia Kangaroos v Mate Ma'a Tonga preview

Australia v Tonga
Who will win Saturday's Test?

Australia v Tonga Who will win Saturday's Test?

• Australia 11+
  0%
• Australia 1-10
  0%
• Tonga 1-10
  0%
• Tonga 11+
  0%

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/10/16/frizell-hunt-named-in-lineup-for-tonga-test/

 

[getsmarty]

REPRESENTATIVE


Kangaroos v Mate Ma'a Tonga preview
Author
Chris Kennedy NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 17 Oct 2018, 08:46 AM

The anticipation for this first-ever meeting between the might of Australia and the emerging power of Tonga is palpable.

Neutral fans have been in awe of the passion and intensity frequently on show when the Mate Ma'a have clashed with Toa Samoa in recent years but Tonga's powerful surge into the final four of the last World Cup – and agonising two-point loss to England denying them a berth in the final – convinced everyone it's time for Tonga to get more chances against the 'big three'.

No doubt the defections from Australia and New Zealand of stars like Andrew Fifita, Jason Taumalolo, Siosiua Taukeiaho and David Fusitu'a boosted the little island's strength as a rugby league force and the result now is one of the most impressive forward packs in Test rugby league.

Their squad is boosted by the inclusion of veteran and spiritual leader Sika Manu who was in doubt with a knee injury. The only additions to the squad from the team that soundly beat Samoa back in June are Tevita Pangai jnr plus World Cup squad members Ben Murdoch-Masila and Solomone Kata. Manu Ma'u is missing – he has not played since a nasty facial fracture suffered in that very game – and Rabbitohs prop Tevita Tatola is not selected.

The Aussies will have few changes from the team that lost to New Zealand on Saturday; Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Tyrone Peachey are the two unused squad members who may get a chance while Mal Meninga will be hoping to have Luke Keary for more than the 16 minutes he got in a concussion-reduced debut.

Fifita: 'For us it will be bigger than Origin'

Key match-up: David Klemmer v Andrew Fifita. Two front row firebrands go head-to-head up front in one of the individual battles that could go a long way to deciding this test. Klemmer was the only green and gold forward to make over 100 metres against New Zealand (four of the Kiwis' forwards cracked 100 with two more over 90). Fifita can happily churn out 150+ metres in under 40 minutes of game time and with some other hard-running middles to share the load Fifita can go all out knowing he won't be required for 60 or 70 minutes of tackling. The two starting props are former Test and Origin teammates and each will be desperate to gain the edge over the other.

For the Kangaroos to win: We wrote in our preview last week that if the Kangaroos' new-look spine clicked that should be enough to get them over the line. It did not, and the highly-impressive Kiwis were good enough to make them pay. It's the same again this week; Tonga will look to blow the Roos away through the forwards but Australia unquestionably have more class in the playmaking options. However Daly Cherry-Evans, James Tedesco and Damien Cook will all need improvement from last week.

For the Mata Ma'a to win: The forward pack is where they can get them. The Kangaroos pack was OK against New Zealand but the Kiwis pack was better. If Taumalolo, Fifita, Taukeiaho, Addin Fonua-Blake, Pangai jnr and co can get a roll on then the Aussies won't be able to dictate how they want to play. If this happens Tonga have enough strike in the backs to capitalise.

Kangaroos Stat Attack: Strike centre Latrell Mitchell, up against one of the form defensive centres in the sport – Roosters teammate Joseph Manu – last week managed 142 metres, three line breaks, six tackle busts, three offloads and two line-break assists. "Get Latrell the ball" should be the order of the day.

Mate Ma'a Stat Attack: 475. That is the number of tackles busted by Tonga's seven NRL-based forwards in 2018 (dummy-halves not included in this analysis). Fifita (117) has almost as many as Australia's entire starting pack (127 between McLean, Klemmer, McGuire, Cordner and Kaufusi) combined for this year. Taumalolo's 97, Fonua-Blake's 71, Pangai's 64 and Terepo's 60 are each more than any Kangaroos forward managed this year (bench forward Tyson Frizell's 54 is the most in the squad). Of course there are other things the Australia forwards do well but in terms of a dynamic and hard-to-handle forward running game, the Tongans are miles ahead.

And another thing: Australia will field a maximum of nine players who took part in the World Cup final while Tonga could have as many as 16 of their 17 from their 20-18 World Cup semi-final loss to England on the field. If continuity counts for anything, that is a tick infavour of the Mate Ma'a.

Australia v Tonga
Who will win Saturday's Test?

Australia v Tonga Who will win Saturday's Test?

• Australia 11+
  0%
• Australia 1-10
  0%
• Tonga 1-10
  0%
• Tonga 11+
  0%

Team Lists
Backs

• Fullback for Australia is number 1 James Tedesco
  1
  
  Fullback for Tonga is number 1 Will Hopoate
• Winger for Australia is number 2 Dane Gagai
  2
  
  Winger for Tonga is number 2 Daniel Tupou
• Centre for Australia is number 3 Tom Trbojevic
  3
  
  Centre for Tonga is number 3 Michael Jennings
• Centre for Australia is number 4 Latrell Mitchell
  4
  
  Centre for Tonga is number 4 Solomone Kata
• Winger for Australia is number 5 Valentine Holmes
  5
  
  Winger for Tonga is number 5 David Fusitu'a
• Five-Eighth for Australia is number 6 Luke Keary
  6
  
  Five-Eighth for Tonga is number 6 Tuimoala Lolohea
• Halfback for Australia is number 7 Daly Cherry-Evans
  7
  
  Halfback for Tonga is number 7 Ata Hingano

Forwards

• Prop for Australia is number 8 David Klemmer
  8
  
  Prop for Tonga is number 8 Andrew Fifita
• Hooker for Australia is number 9 Damien Cook
  9
  
  Hooker for Tonga is number 9 Siliva Havili
• Prop for Australia is number 10 Jordan McLean
  10
  
  Prop for Tonga is number 10 Siosiua Taukeiaho
• 2nd Row for Australia is number 11 Boyd Cordner
  11
  
  2nd Row for Tonga is number 11 Tevita Pangai Junior
• 2nd Row for Australia is number 12 Felise Kaufusi
  12
  
  2nd Row for Tonga is number 12 Sika Manu
• Lock for Australia is number 13 Josh McGuire
  13
  
  Lock for Tonga is number 13 Jason Taumalolo

Interchange

• Interchange for Australia is number 14 Ben Hunt
  14
  
  Interchange for Tonga is number 14 Sione Katoa
• Interchange for Australia is number 15 Jake Trbojevic
  15
  
  Interchange for Tonga is number 15 Addin Fonua-Blake
• Interchange for Australia is number 16 Tyson Frizell
  16
  
  Interchange for Tonga is number 16 Joe Ofahengaue
• Interchange for Australia is number 17 Aaron Woods
  17
  
  Interchange for Tonga is number 17 Peni Terepo

Reserves

• Reserve for Australia is number 18 Tyrone Peachey
  18
  
  Reserve for Tonga is number 18 Konrad Hurrell
• Reserve for Australia is number 19 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
  19
  
  Reserve for Tonga is number 19 Leivaha Pulu
• 
  20
  
  Reserve for Tonga is number 20 Robert Jennings
• 
  21
  
  Reserve for Tonga is number 21 Ben Murdoch-Masila

Australia Ins

• Reagan Campbell-Gillard
• Tyrone Peachey

Ins
Tonga Ins

• Ben Murdoch-Masila
• David Fusitu'a
• Leivaha Pulu
• Sika Manu
• Solomone Kata
• Tevita Pangai Junior

Australia Outs

Outs
Tonga Ins

• Manu Ma'u
• Tevita Tatola

Australia: The Kangaroos have named an unchanged line-up to the one that went down to New Zealand last week, meaning Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Tyrone Peachey again miss out. Luke Keary is named at five-eighth after being concussed early last week.

Tonga: Tonga have a handful of changes from the mid-year Samoa Test with Solomone Kata and David Fusitu'a replacing Konrad Hurrell and Robert Jennings in the three-quarter line, plus Sika Manu and Tevita Pangai jnr replacing Manu Ma'u and Tevita Tatola in the pack.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/10/17/kangaroos-v-mate-maa-tonga-preview/

 

[getsmarty]

WOMEN'S RUGBY LEAGUE


Scans confirm broken leg for Apps
Author
Alicia Newton NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 17 Oct 2018, 12:36 PM

Australian forward Kezie Apps has received mixed news on the injury front with scans confirming knee ligament damage and a fractured fibula in the Jillaroos' 26-24 win over the Kiwi Ferns on Saturday.

The 27-year-old left the field during the second half after being twisted awkwardly in a tackle while carrying the ball.

Initial fears of an ACL injury were put to bed early by support staff but Apps went for scans upon arrival back into Sydney.

Not the way I wanted to end my year but everything happens for a reason. I want to thank everyone for your support and concerns. Just finished with all the scans for my knee and I’ve done Lateral ligament damage and fractured my fibula! Bring on an injury free 2019 #teamrehab pic.twitter.com/sPstHxWN5E

— Kezie Apps (@KezieApps) October 16, 2018
The Dragons back-rower broke the same leg in 2017 but is expected to recover over the off-season with surgery not required.

Australian teammate Jess Sergis suffered medial cruciate ligament damage to her right knee two days prior to the clash.

Sergis injured her leg on the training paddock and missed the chance to make her international debut with Hannah Southwell a late replacement in the backline.

The 21-year-old is expected to make a full recovery.

Kiwi Ferns playmaker Kimiora Nati will see a specialist on Thursday to determine the severity of a knee injury with growing concerns she's ruptured her ACL.

Kiwi Ferns halfback Kimiora Nati. Grant Trouville/NRL Photos
The Broncos five-eighth, who won the Karyn Murphy Medal on grand final day, limped from the field in the opening half after attempting to play on with the injury.

In other news, Roosters winger Taleena Simon is set for surgery after injuring her ankle in the NRLW decider against Brisbane earlier in the month.

Simon conceded a penalty try in the defeat by extending her leg to jolt the ball free from Nati's hands, injuring herself in the process. She's expected to miss most of the pre-season.

Meanwhile, Jillaroos fullback Nakia Davis-Welsh has announced she's expecting her first child.

The NSW representative signed a deal with the Roosters in June but fell pregnant and sat out the inaugural NRLW.

The Tricolours were aware of the situation throughout process with Davis-Welsh due in April next year.

Davis-Welsh took to Instagram on Tuesday night to deliver the news.



https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/10/17/scans-confirm-broken-leg-for-apps/

 

[getsmarty]

TEAM LISTS


Graham to lead English squad
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Wed 17 Oct 2018, 10:48 AM

St George Illawarra Prop James Graham has been named as captain of the England team to face France at Leigh Sports Village on Wednesday, 17 October. Coach Wayne Bennet announced his squad including eight debutants.

The game against France will be England's first on home territory since they reached the final of last year's World Cup, having since beaten New Zealand 36-18 in Denver.

England squad for the match against France:
James Shaul (Hull FC)
Tom Johnstone (Wakefield Trinity)
Reece Lyne (Wakefield Trinity)
Mark Percival (St Helens)
Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield Giants)
Richie Myler (Leeds Rhinos)
Jake Connor (Hull FC)
James Graham (St. George Illawarra Dragons)
Josh Hodgson (Canberra Raiders)
Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Oliver Holmes (Castleford Tigers)
Elliott Whitehead (Canberra Raiders)
George Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Adam Milner (Castleford Tigers)
Luke Thompson (St Helens)
Robbie Mulhern (Hull KR)
Liam Sutcliffe (Leeds Rhinos)

France's 19-man squad: Bastien Ader, Lucas Albert, Jason Baitieri, William Barthau, Lambert Belmas, Ilias Bergal, Rhys Curran, Alrix Da Costa, Bastien Escamilla, Morgan Escare, Theo Fages, Tony Gigot, Mickael Goudemand, Benjamin Jullien, Paul Marcon, Thibault Margalet, Hakim Miloudi, Romain Navarrete, Justin Sangare.

Information sourced via www.rugby-league.com. Click here to view original article.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/10/17/graham-named-in-england-squad/

 

[getsmarty]

REPRESENTATIVE


Graham proud to lead his nation
Author
Brad Walter Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 17 Oct 2018, 12:00 PM

As he prepares to oversee a James Graham-captained England team against France, Wayne Bennett has confirmed he wants to continue coaching at international level beyond next year's southern hemisphere Lions tour and is seeking a new mid-season fixture to replace the Denver Test.

With Wigan premiership-winning captain Sean O'Loughlin among 10 players from last year's World Cup squad unavailable for the Test against France at Leigh on Wednesday, Graham will captain England for the first time since 2014.

The St George Illawarra prop is one of five NRL players in the England team for the Test. South Sydney brothers Tom and George Burgess and Canberra pair Josh Hodgson and Elliott Whitehead complete that list.

"Even though I have done it before it's still an indescribable feeling to explain what it means to lead out your country," Graham said.

"Obviously, I am very proud and there is a lot of reflection in terms of about the people who have done it before."

England prop James Graham takes on Australia. NRL Photos
The clash with France will be followed by the upcoming three-Test series against New Zealand, who beat Australia 26-24 in Auckland last weekend. A Lions tour is scheduled for the end of next season.

Just like his NRL situation with Brisbane, Bennett is contracted to coach England until the end of next season but he told reporters in Leigh on Tuesday that he was keen to remain in the role for the Kangaroos tour of Britain in 2020, and possibly the 2021 World Cup.

"I hope so," Bennett said. "I certainly will be next year. We'll just have to see how I'm going but, if I'm not getting the job done or [have] lost the players' confidence, then I won't stay longer than I should."

Bennett has already said he wants to continue coaching at club level beyond his 70th birthday (2020) but he won't be with the Broncos as they have begun interviewing replacements for the season after next.

In the meantime, Bennett is focused on finding an opponent for England to play on next June's stand-alone representative weekend after the Kiwis announced a Test against Tonga following the fallout from the Denver Test.

With Australian players involved in State of Origin, England may turn to Samoa or Fiji.

"I see Tonga and New Zealand have positioned themselves to play each other and I just need to talk to Kevin [Sinfield] and a few of the staff to find out what is really going on," Bennett said.

"We need that mid-year Test because it has helped us enormously and I don't want to lose it."

England played Samoa at Campbelltown Stadium in 2017 and travelled to Denver this year to play New Zealand as part of a three-deal with Moore Sports International but the Kiwis turned to Tonga after being left out of pocket from the venture.

England: 1. James Shaul (Hull FC), 2. Tom Johnstone (Wakefield Trinity), 3. Reece Lyne (Wakefield Trinity), 4. Mark Percival (St Helens), 5. Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield Giants), 6. Richie Myler (Leeds Rhinos), 7. Jake Connor (Hull FC), 8. James Graham (St. George Illawarra Dragons), 9. Josh Hodgson (Canberra Raiders), 10. Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), 11. Oliver Holmes (Castleford Tigers), 12. Elliott Whitehead (Canberra Raiders), 13. George Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs). Interchange: 14. Adam Milner (Castleford Tigers), 15. Luke Thompson (St Helens), 16. Robbie Mulhern (Hull KR), 17. Liam Sutcliffe (Leeds Rhinos).


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/10/17/graham-proud-to-lead-his-nation/

 

[getsmarty]

Rival club reportedly weighing up move for Jarryd Hayne



Scott Pryde


The St George Illawarra Dragons are said to be eyeing off an off-season move for out-of-contract Eels back Jarryd Hayne.

Channel Nine’s The Mole is reporting the Dragons are considering making a play for the former representative star with pre-season training just a few weeks away.

Hayne is still yet to receive an official offer for a spot on an NRL roster at the Eels or any other club.


Just last week, Eels CEO Bernie Gurr told both AAP and Triple M that there were issues behind the scenes holding off the Eels offering Hayne a new contract, who is said to be frustrated by what is seemingly a breakdown in negotiations between the two parties.

Hayne had a poor 2018 season after switching back to his former club, having previously spent a short spell at the Gold Coast Titans. That followed his previous failed bid at both the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers and rugby sevens, where he attempted to make the Olympic Games squad with Fiji.

Since returning to the NRL, he spent two lacklustre seasons at the Titans, struggling with injury at times, before being shipped off to the Eels where his role in a poor side wasn’t locked down for any length of time.

He played multiple positions in the backline, but his form, along with the rest of the blue and gold, wavered throughout the season.

It’s understood that with no contract on the table for the maligned former star, the Dragons are looking at the prospect of offering him a reduced contract to fit in under the salary cap, with the plan being for Hayne to either play fullback or centre.

The move would shape as an interesting one, given Matt Dufty has locked down the fullback role, while Timoteo Lafai, Euan Aitken and Zac Lomax are in contention for the centre slots at the Red V.


https://www.theroar.com.au/2018/10/17/rival-club-reportedly-weighing-up-move-for-jarryd-hayne/

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons reportedly consider bid for off-contract Eels star Jarryd Hayne
Staff writers, FOX SPORTS
October 17, 2018 5:39pm
ST GEORGE Illawarra are reportedly considering a making a play for off-contract Parramatta star Jarryd Hayne.

According to Wide World of Sports, the Dragons may make Hayne a “modest offer to test the waters”.

Hayne remains without a deal for 2019 and recently revealed over social media yet was still waiting on an offer from the Eels.

Eels chief executive Bernie Gurr stated on Tuesday that the club wished to keep Hayne on next season.

The club told foxsports.com.au on Wednesday that position hasn’t changed.

Following the release of Nene Macdonald to North Queensland and the retirement of Jason Nightingale, the Dragons have been looking to sure-up their outside backs.

They recently announced the signings of Brisbane flyer Jonus Pearson and Canberra’s Mikaele Ravalawa on two-year deals, but the club’s recruitment boss Ian Millward said they were still on searching the player market.

Could Jarryd Hayne be in a Dragons jersey next season?


“We are still on the lookout but we want to be patient once again. We don’t feel at the moment what we’re looking for is currently out there,” Millward said earlier this month.

“We have certain criteria that we’re looking at and we don’t want to compromise ourselves by signing someone just to make up the numbers.

“We’re really excited about the players we’re bringing in — keeping in mind that Zac Lomax is an outstanding prospect — but we’re still on the lookout for one more player.”

The Dragons have been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Hayne to the Dragons? Saints ‘consider signing disgruntled Eel’

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...e/news-story/4161adc0aaff121539e09451f4c14ca2

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons ready to make shock swoop for Jarryd Hayne
Adrian Proszenko17 October 2018 — 8:28pm

St George Illawarra have emerged as a shock contender for the services of Jarryd Hayne if the cross-code star can’t strike a deal with Parramatta.

The Eels are due to return to training in less than a fortnight but Hayne remains unsigned. While the club is keen to retain the former NSW and Australian back, they need to move players in order to make it happen.

The Eels are attempting to offload several big-name players including Corey Norman, Mitchell Moses, Bevan French, Brad Takairangi and Michael Jennings. Jennings has been offered up to Newcastle, one of the few clubs that still have money remaining under the salary cap.

Hayne took to social media to express his frustration that the Eels are yet to table him an offer.

Getting impatient: Jarryd Hayne is still waiting for a contract from Parramatta.Credit:Adam McLean

“5 weeks still waiting for a contract??” Hayne Tweeted recently.

Hayne’s situation isn’t lost on the Dragons, who could swoop should he slip through Parramatta’s grasp. The Red V believe they could cobble together a deal worth about $500,000 – the same amount Hayne was on last season - in what would be a stunning coup.

The Dragons have an outside back spot to fill after Nene Macdonald signed a three-year deal with North Queensland and Jason Nightingale called time on his career.

Hayne took a mammoth $700,000 pay cut to return to the blue and golds after a failed stint on the Gold Coast. Despite the salary sacrifice, there was some scepticism about the move given his messy exit from the Titans.

But after overcoming injuries, Hayne showed glimpses of his brilliant best, justifying the gamble and seemingly doing enough to earn another contract.

The Eels remain hopeful of sorting out a deal, but the interest from the Dragons will apply additional pressure to make it happen quickly.


https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/dr...ck-swoop-on-jarryd-hayne-20181017-p50aaj.html

 

[getsmarty]

St George Illawarra premiership heroes, Fien, Soward to face off at NSW Touch Country Championships

• Cameron Mee

Local Sport

Home-ground advantage: Wollongong will host this weekend's touch football Country Championships. Picture: Sylvia Liber.

Nathan Fien and Jamie Soward shared some of the most memorable moments of their playing careers as teammates, the biggest being 2010’s NRL premiership.

But this weekend they will line up as opponents.

The duo will face off in the touch rugby league Country Championships, to be held at Dalton Park this weekend, with Fien playing for the Wollongong men’s over 30s team and Soward representing Wagga Wagga.

While Fien has had a sizable involvement in touch rugby league in the region for a number of years through his children, the competition marks his first representing Wollongong as a player and he’s looking forward to coming up against his former St George Illawarra teammate.

“It’s interesting, I haven’t come up against professionals in touch and to come up against the old mate Sowie,” Fien said. “The last time we played together was back in the Dragons, so it was a very long time ago now, but Sowie’s got a lot more experience in touch than what I do.

“I’m looking forward to catching up, getting out on the field and seeing how he’s travelling. It’s always good to catch up with your old teammates, especially one you’ve won premierships with.”

An Illawarra Rugby League premiership winning-coach with Thirroul before moving to Collegians, Fien returned to Thirroul to contest the first edition of the Illawarra Premier Touch League.

The competition established an elite touch rugby league competition in the Illawarra and Fien has credited it for helping prepare the Wollongong side for the Country Championships.

“It’s helped us with the combination side of things, a lot of the guys hadn’t played together before. Playing in this division it’s just a matter of getting time on the field together, developing those combinations and hopefully putting it all together in the Country Championships.”

Fien’s men’s over 30s team is one of seven Wollongong sides to feature at the Country Championships, with the association’s men’s and women’s opens teams considered leading contenders.

With so many teams competing, the association is gunning for the club championship trophy and Wollongong Touch Association vice-president Tim Robinson is confident they will be celebrating a successful tournament on Sunday night.

“Wollongong and Doyalson are the two major teams in the men’s opens division,” Robinson said. “They’re both filled with Newcastle NRL Touch stars, so I’m sure those two sides will be facing off in the grand final, as they have done in the past five years.

“Doyalson have had the wood over Wollongong over those last five years, so Wollongong will be hoping to have one back.”


https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/5707732/fien-soward-set-for-dalton-park-face-off/?cs=302

 

[getsmarty]

REPRESENTATIVE


Bennett's England thrash France ahead of NZ series
Author
NRL.com
Timestamp
Thu 18 Oct 2018, 11:19 AM

Some new faces impressed as Wayne Bennett's England warmed up for their upcoming series against New Zealand with a 44-6 thrashing of France in Leigh.

Winger Tom Johnstone scored a first-half hat-trick in his Test debut as Bennett called up four new players to his team ahead of their first clash with the Kiwis next weekend (12.30am, October 28 AEDT).

"We're pretty well covered in those positions, but he's someone I've noticed in the last 12 or 18 months and I've been waiting to give him an opportunity," Bennett said of Johnstone in his post-match press conference.

"He's played well tonight but (St Helens winger) Tommy Makinson is a pretty fair player. He's certainly got a future on the wing for England if it's not this year.

"There were a couple of players I hadn't seen play before, so I learned a bit about them.

"It was the type of game we needed."

Rabbitohs prop Tom Burgess opened the scoring in the second minute before Johnstone's rapid hat-trick, with tries to debutant Luke Thompson and Raiders forward Elliott Whitehead giving the hosts a 38-0 half-time lead.

The second half was a closer affair with Hull FC playmaker Jake Connor scoring a try to go with his five goals and St Helens five-eighth Theo Fages crossing for a consolation try for France.

Several big-name players are likely to return to the England line-up for the series against New Zealand.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/10/18/bennetts-england-thrash-france-ahead-of-nz-series/

 

[getsmarty]

Which Dragons player has the best banter?
We asked the players which fellow teammate had the best banter in 2018. Who would you pick?

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/10/18/which-dragons-player-has-the-best-banter/

 

[getsmarty]

The best of Tariq Sims' 2018 season
NRL.com takes a look back at the best Tariq Sims' 2018 season for St George Illawarra Dragons

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/10/18/the-best-of-tariq-sims-2018-season/

 

[dragon-83]

https://www.youngwitness.com.au/sto...eal-with-st-george-illawarra-dragons/#slide=2

James Schiller inks deal with St George Illawarra Dragons
Local Sport


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Young’s James Schiller has become the latest footy player from the Hilltops to enter the professional ranks of the NRL after recently signing with St George Illawarra Dragons.

The club approached Schiller earlier this year on the advice of renowned Dragons talent scout Brian Keenan, who had been monitoring his performances.

At the time Schiller had been a standout performer for both the Young Yabbies Rugby Club and the Young Cherrypickers.

READ ALSO: Photos from the Young Masters rugby league tournament

His natural ability had already been noted over the past 18 months which resulted in his selection in the ACT Brumbies Elite Development Academy.

This was followed by keen interest from rival NRL clubs Penrith and Canberra however, it was the Dragons who tabled a three-year contract.

As part of the contract James will remain in Young for 2019 to allow him to complete his academic commitments.

The Dragons have also included a clause which allows him to play for the Cherrypickers next season before making the move to Wollongong in November 2019.

“We genuinely believe it is within the best interest of James and the Dragons to allow him to complete his education in his current environment. We would not want him to be removed at such a young age and we are confident he will develop just as effectively playing senior grade country football under Roy Jewitt,” Dragons Recruitment Manager Richard Agar said.

READ ALSO: Hospital wears bright colours for mental health

Schiller’s excited to be undertaking a journey into professional sport but he is totally aware of the commitment and sacrifice that will be both expected and required.

“I have already commenced the Dragons off-season training program of track work and gym sessions. It certainly is much more intense than anything I’ve ever done, but I want to arrive at Wollongong as well prepared as possible,” Schiller said.

Although Schiller will only have one more year of football in Young he is quick to acknowledge the support of everyone who has been involved over the years – especially the Young Yabbies.

“I have had some outstanding coaches and sporting figures over the years who have supported me both on and off the field. People such as Ned Mullany, Wally Everdell, John Turner, Mick Hudson, James Shannon, Shane Botham and Roy Jewitt who have been great to me over a long period of time and more recently Matt Murray and Greg Smith have supported me faultlessly during my return to rugby league,” Schiller said.

 

[getsmarty]

REPRESENTATIVE


Why Frizell's family is supporting Tonga
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Thu 18 Oct 2018, 03:30 PM

Australian second-rower Tyson Frizell's grandfather has never travelled to watch him play but he will be among the capacity crowd at Mt Smart Stadium for Saturday night's historic Test between the Kangaroos and Mate Ma'a Tonga.

"He has come over to watch Tonga but also to support me," Frizell said. "That is how much this game has had an effect on the Tongan community."

Frizell is eligible to play for Tonga through his mother Sophia and his brother Shannon, who made his international rugby debut this year for the All Blacks after he was born and raised in the island kingdom.

However, the St George Illawarra star never considered joining the likes of Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo in defecting to Tonga for last year's World Cup and wants to continue playing in the green and gold jersey for as long as he can.

"I love playing for Australia, that has always been a dream and a goal of mine, and as long as I have that opportunity I will be doing everything I can to play for Australia," Frizell said.

"It is all I ever wanted to do, but I am pretty excited to be playing against Tonga and I am expecting a lot of people to watch."

Kangaroos v Tonga preview

The 27-year-old recalled going to watch Tonga play at Campbelltown Stadium in 2006 with his family and said most relatives on the side of his mother, who is the eldest of eight siblings, would be supporting him – but not the Kangaroos.

"We've never seen a game like this," Frizell said. "I have got a lot of family who have come over to see this game, more so because Tonga are playing.

"Other than my mum, they are probably all going to go for Tonga. They will be supporting me as much as possible but in the back of their minds they are hoping Tonga win.

"It is the first time my grandfather has travelled to watch one of my big games so this is pretty huge for him. That is what rugby league does, it gets everyone involved culturally."

Frizell also has an awareness of the significance of this Test in Tonga as he and his family would travel to the Pacific nation on a regular basis during his childhood to visit Shannon, who was adopted but denied entry to Australia by immigration authorities.

The brothers would play rugby union together in village tournaments and Frizell said the success of Mate Ma'a Tonga at last year's World Cup had a huge impact.

"Games like this give kids something to aspire to. They can dream that one day they will get to pull on the red jersey," he said.

"Growing up I spent a lot of my holidays in Tonga, especially with Shannon being over there, and I know how hard it is to come from the islands and be able to play NRL or Super Rugby. That is why I am so proud of him. He has exceeded all expectations, probably even his own.

"I am very proud of my Tongan heritage, and I like what the boys are doing by playing for Tonga and helping to put Tonga on the map."

Kangaroos forward Tyson Frizell. Shane Wenzlick/NRL Photos
Frizell concedes Australian supporters will be massively outnumbered on Saturday night and is looking forward to the atmosphere after watching Tonga's World Cup games in New Zealand last year.

However, he insisted the Australian players are just as passionate about the international game as their Tongan rivals and they are determined to put in a good performance after last Saturday's 26-24 defeat by New Zealand.

"I wouldn't say they are more passionate about the jersey, because I am very passionate about the Australian jersey," he said. "They definitely have a passionate fan base but that is Tonga in any sport and when they are doing well everyone is going to back them.

"We will probably have about 500 supporters and everyone else will be going for Tonga. I would say half of Tonga will be here. It is a small island and because of that it is not too often you see the country do well in sport.

"I am so happy for what they have done because of my background – as a fan and also being of Tongan heritage. It should be really exciting."


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/10/18/why-frizells-family-is-supporting-tonga/

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Dragons announce Mudgee fixtures for 2019
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Fri 19 Oct 2018, 11:15 AM

The St George Illawarra Dragons, in conjunction with Mid-Western Regional Council, the NRL and Destination NSW have today announced the Dragons two fixtures at Glenn Willow Regional Sports Stadium, Mudgee for 2019.

The Dragons will play the 36th annual Charity Shield against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday, March 2 and their Round 10 NRL Premiership game on Sunday, May 19. The opponent for Round 10 is yet to be determined and will be announced once the 2019 NRL Draw is released later this month.

These matches are part of a two-year deal struck between the Dragons and Mid-Western Regional Council ahead of the 2018 season.

Dragons Chairman Brian Johnston, who grew up nearby in Dunedoo, said the Dragons' continued partnership with Mudgee emphasises the importance of the long-term prosperity of Rugby League in country areas.

“The Dragons are proud of our continued commitment to support the development of Rugby League in regional NSW, in particular the Mid-Western region,” said Johnston.

“We enjoy a very positive relationship with Des Kennedy and the Mid-Western Regional Council and we have fantastic support throughout this region.

“I come from Dunedoo myself, so I know first-hand the passion that exists for Rugby League in this region and we are looking forward to returning to Mudgee in 2019 to play the traditional Charity Shield against the Rabbitohs in the pre-season and then again in May for an NRL Premiership match.

“We have a growing Membership base in Mudgee and the surrounding area and we have a package in 2019 that includes tickets to both games,” added Johnston.

Mayor of the Mid-Western Region, Des Kennedy said the community was eager to welcome back the Dragons and NRL following hugely successful games earlier this year.

“We’re excited to continue our successful partnership with the St George Illawarra Dragons in 2019,” Cr Kennedy said.

“The 2018 Charity Shield in February and Round 11 Dragons vs Raiders game in May broke previously held attendance records at the Glen Willow Stadium in Mudgee.

“We look forward to co-ordinating the two 2019 fixtures with the club to bring professional rugby league to people in regional areas.”

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said that Regional NSW has both the sporting facilities and the tourism and hospitality facilities required to host major sporting events.

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring every corner of NSW gets its fair share of the record tourist dollars and investment coming into our State and major sporting events are an excellent way to drive more visitors to the regions,” Mr Marshall said.

“Regional NSW has the facilities required to host major sporting events and I am delighted the NSW Government has partnered with the NRL to showcase the best of the NRL in regional NSW.”

Member for Dubbo Troy Grant said the match would attract more out of town visitors with Destination NSW’s promotional support.

“Mudgee has already proven it has a strong and passionate NRL fan base, with close to 9,000 fans turning out for this year’s Dragons match against the Raiders,” Mr Grant said.

“With the additional promotional support, next year’s match will encourage more supporters to plan a trip to Mudgee, giving thousands of visitors the opportunity to see just how incredible our corner of NSW is.”

Ticketing details for the Charity Shield and NRL fixture are still to be finalised and will be communicated as soon as possible.

All Red V Members will be provided with an exclusive pre-purchase window and receive discounts on match tickets.

A specific ‘Mudgee Add On’ package is available within the Red V Membership program, providing a ticket to both the Charity Shield and Mudgee Premiership game in 2019.
 Click here for more information.

Tour and travel packages are being finalised and will be available for Corporate Partners and Red V Members to enjoy all that the Mudgee region has to offer. Click here to register your interest.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/10/19/dragons-announce-mudgee-fixtures-for-2019/

 

[getsmarty]

Matt Dufty looks back on 2018
At the end of 2018 we sat down with our young fullback to discuss the 2018 season highlights and what Dufty is looking forward to in 2019.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/10/19/matt-dufty-looks-back-on-2018/

 

[getsmarty]

Open season: All 16 NRL teams’ off-contract stars in 2019
NRL Premiership

• October 18, 2018 1:14pm
• Mark St John@markdfstjohn
• Source: FOX SPORTS

Damien Cook, Valentine Holmes, Dylan Napa and Shaun Johnson are off-contract in 2019.Source: FOX SPORTS
THE November 1 deadline signals the start of the transfer market for players coming off-contract in 2019.

All 16 NRL teams have a plethora of talent coming off contract next season and will be keen to wrap up the services of their best and brightest.

However, they will face stiff competition from the other 15 teams as the wild west of the player transfer market gets into full swing.


From premiership-winning prop Dylan Napa to wooden spooners’ halfback Mitchell Moses, there is some marquee talent coming off the books at the end of next season.

Fox League brings you the two players that each club will be keen to re-sign and keep out of the clutches of the circling recruiters from the other 15 teams.



Scroll down for all 16 NRL teams’ main off-contract stars in 2019.


ROOSTERS

Dylan Napa

At the ripe age of 25, the premiership-winning prop has amassed 121 first-grade games and has represented the Maroons on five occasions over the last two seasons.

Zane Tetevano

The 27-year-old forward has played 79 first grade games and is coming off his best season, where he played 27 games for the Roosters.

STORM

Cameron Munster

The 24-year-old Kangaroos and Maroons No.6 is one of the best players in the game and will have any number of teams ready to pounce if the Storm don’t move quickly to re-sign him.

Joe Stimson

At only 22, Stimson has only played 39 NRL games in two seasons, but he kept Ryan Hoffman out of the Storm second row in 2018, which shows the potential he has for a long career.

RABBITOHS

Damien Cook

The reigning Dally M hooker of the year is still only 27 and a late bloomer with just 74 NRL games to his name, but the Blues and Kangaroos hooker will be around for a long time to come.

George and Tom Burgess

They bounced back into form in 2018 and Tom (118 games) and George (137) will have no shortage of interest if the Rabbitohs can’t retain one or two of them.

SHARKS

Valentine Holmes

Still only 23 and with 66 tries from 105 NRL games, eight tries from five Maroons appearances and 15 tries from 12 Tests, Holmes will be one of the most sought after signatures in the game.

Wade Graham

He seems like he has been around forever, but Graham is still only 27 and with 219 NRL games, seven Blues’ appearances and six Tests, Graham could have his pick of any club he wants if the Sharks don’t lock him down.

PANTHERS

James Fisher-Harris

The 22-year-old Kiwis’ international has already played twice for his country and with 63 NRL games to his name, he is a player that both Penrith and opposing teams could build their forward pack around.

Waqa Blake

The 23-year-old Fijian international has scored 33 tries in 78 NRL games and is coming off his most consistent season, with 13 tries in just 16 games for the Panthers.

BRONCOS

Alex Glenn

He may be closer to the end of his career than the start, but the 30-year-old veteran has scored 54 tries in 238 games and if he is squeezed out of the Broncos’ boom young pack, he would have no shortage of suitors.

Joe Ofahengaue

The 23-year-old has played 70 NRL games and four Tests for Tonga and has a long future at club and international level ahead of him.

DRAGONS

Matthew Dufty

He had a breakout year in 2018 scoring 13 tries in 26 games and now has 16 tries in 33 games of first grade. At 22, his speed and running game make him a valuable commodity if the Dragons can’t find room for him in their future plans.

Tariq Sims

Source: AAP
The 28-year-old had his best season of first grade and earned a Blues’ jersey in 2018. Sims has scored 35 tries in 155 NRL games and has represented Fiji on five occasions.

WARRIORS

Shaun Johnson

Now 28, Johnson is coming off a strong season for the Warriors. With 63 tries and 917 points from 162 NRL games and 183 points from 25 Tests, Johnson still has plenty left to offer.

Solomone Kata

At 23, Kata has already scored 44 tries in 87 first grade games and has nine Tests for Tonga and New Zealand to his name, with his best years still ahead of him.

WESTS TIGERS

Luke Brooks

Entering his seventh year of first grade, Brooks is still only 23. The reigning Dally M halfback of the year is blossoming into the brilliant player many predicted he would be.

Mahe Fonua

The 25-year-old behemoth had an injury-ravaged 2018 campaign, but with 25 tries from 60 games, five Tests for Tonga and a cult following for his mullet, he will no doubt attract interest from rival clubs.

RAIDERS

Jordan Rapana

The 29-year-old has an outstanding strike rate of 67 tries from 97 games and five tries from eight Tests for the Kiwis, making the potent finisher a potential target for opposition teams.

Joseph Tapine

Still only 24 years of age, Tapine has scored 14 tries in 83 NRL games and already has seven Tests for New Zealand, making him a juicy prospect if the Raiders can’t lock him up long term.

KNIGHTS

Lachlan Fitzgibbon

The 24-year-old second-rower is coming off his most consistent season of first grade and his ability to hit a hole will see him receive plenty of interest.

Shaun Kenny-Dowall

Now at the back end of his career at 30 years of age, SKD has scored 131 tries in 254 club games, as well as nine tries in 21 Tests, and his experience and try scoring ability make him a valuable commodity.

BULLDOGS

Rhyse Martin

The late-blooming 25-year-old scored four tries and 36 goals from 38 attempts in his first season of NRL and the versatile goalkicking forward should attract a number of clubs if the Bulldogs opt not to re-sign him.

Michael Lichaa

The 25-year-old is entering his sixth year of first grade with 100 games to his name and despite not yet reaching his potential, Lichaa still has his best years ahead of him.

COWBOYS

Ben Barba

The now 29-year-old is the reigning Super League Man of Steel and with 99 tries in 168 NRL games, Barba seems focused on finishing his career in Australia, be it at the Cowboys or elsewhere beyond 2019.

Coen Hess

Still just 22, Hess has already scored 25 tries in 59 first grade games and has five appearances for the Maroons, with a long career for club state and country ahead of him.

TITANS

Ryley Jacks

Coming off his best season in the NRL, the 26-year-old late bloomer now has six tries in 25 games of first grade and was a big part of the Storm’s charge to the 2018 Grand Final.

SEA EAGLES

Dylan Walker

The 24-year-old is coming off an injury interrupted campaign, but with 56 tries from 119 NRL games, two appearances for the Blues and four Tests for the Kangaroos, Walker will be one of the most sought after signatures on the open market.

Joel Thompson

The now 30-year-old is approaching the twilight of his career, but is still as consistent as ever. With nearly 200 first grade games under his belt Thompson still has plenty left to offer.

EELS

Mitchell Moses

The time has come for 24-year-old Moses to live up to his undoubted potential. With 384 points from 105 NRL games and four Tests for Lebanon, there will be no shortage of suitors, if the Eels elect not to re-sign him.

Clinton Gutherson

The 24-year-old Eels’ skipper has scored 26 tries in 66 games of first grade and while he is one of the club’s favourite sons, there will be a number of teams keen on poaching the utility beyond 2019.


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...9/news-story/37910bbb39539488ae4a65cd2f76f5ea

 

[getsmarty]

2019 Mudgee fixtures announced
The Dragons will play the 36th annual Charity Shield against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday, March 2 and their Round 10 NRL Premiership game on Sunday, May 19.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2018/10/19/2019-mudgee-fixtures-announced/

 

[Drakon]

• 19/10/18

Jarryd Hayne and St George Illawarra ‘not a bad fit’, says Mark Geyer
The former Penrith Panther thinks it could work, but will it happen?
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Written BySTEVE ORME @SteveOSportal


He didn’t see it coming but Penrith legend Mark ‘MG’ Geyer believes the rumour Parramatta veteran Jarryd Hayne could make a shock switch to St George Illawarra makes perfect sense for both player and club.

The news of the Dragons’ interest in the two-time Dally M medal winner, initially reported by Wide World of Sports, spread quickly on Wednesday.

Hayne is growing more frustrated by the day over the Eels’ failure to table an offer for the 2019 season.

Eels CEO Bernie Gurr and coach Brad Arthur have both publicly expressed their desire to re-sign the Hayne Plane but Geyer believes the 30-year-old should join the Red V if he receives a genuine offer.

MORE: Tevita Pangai Junior will reportedly re-sign with Brisbane Broncos … for now | Geoff Toovey supporters' sign taken down as Des Hasler's Manly return nears |

“I hadn’t thought about any other club in Sydney acquiring him but the minute I heard about the Dragons I thought it’s not a bad fit,” Geyer said on Triple M’s The Rush Hour With MG.

“Nene Macdonald is gone (to North Queensland), Jason Nightingale retired and Hayne is a utility back with experience.

“… And I think the baggage that Jarryd Hayne is carrying from the 2009 (grand-final loss to Melbourne) as an Eel has crippled him a bit and I think a change of club could be just what he needs.

“… Everything seems to me that Parramatta are baulking at signing Jarryd Hayne and if they do sign him they’re going to come back with a reduced offer.

“I believe he’s still got two really good years in him, maybe three and I think at the Dragons he will play without the handcuffs of expectation that he’s been basically shackled with all this time.”

Hayne returned to the Eels in 2018 on a one-year deal after walking out on his $1.2 million deal with Gold Coast to return ‘home’ for $700,000 less.

After a sluggish start due to consecutive hip injuries, the former Kangaroos and NSW star finished the Eels disastrous campaign strongly.

Hayne went public with his frustrations at Eels management last weekend but Geyer believes the versatile veteran would thrive in Wollongong.

“I think for the Dragons they’ve got a really good leadership group in (James) Graham, (Tariq) Sims, (Jack) DeBelin, (Tyson) Frizell and they’ve got (Gareth) Widdop and (Ben) Hunt in their halves,” Geyer said.

“But they’ve had two massive losses (Macdonald and Nightingale) … obviously they’ve got Tim Lafai and (Euan) Aitken in the centres but I just think for his experience at the moment (it’s worth signing Hayne) for at least two years.

“And I think Jarryd Hayne without that expectation he’s got in the blue and gold, I think it could be a really good move for him.”


https://www.nospam47.com/au/rugby-l...it-says-mark-geyer/12v7ood4vrv3i1134xf1j79fjz

 

[getsmarty]

Jarryd Hayne may be a great player, but one Dragons star not keen on wantaway Eel
Scott Bailey, AAP
October 20, 2018 6:43am


ST GEORGE Illawarra don’t need Jarryd Hayne to push for next year’s NRL title, according to former Dragons centre Matt Cooper.

The Dragons have been linked with making a play at Hayne this week, who remains unsigned by Parramatta as negotiations continue over his stay. The Dragons wouldn’t publicly comment on speculation when contacted earlier this week, but it remains questionable whether they would have the room within their salary cap to offer a sizeable deal for the two-time Dally M Medallist.

Where would Jarryd Hayne fit in the St George backline in 2019? Picture: Getty Images
Cooper played with Hayne as a youngster at State of Origin level, and while he was unsure if the reports were accurate he didn’t believe there was a need for Hayne in the Dragons’ roster next year.

“If we were to sign him I don’t know where he would play,” Cooper told reporters at the Dragons’ announcement of an NRL game at Mudgee.

“We do have a great side at the moment. As much as he is a great player it would be hard to fit him into the side if we have a healthy side.

“If he signs here that would be great, he’s a great player and leader. But in saying that I think we’ve got the side that can win the comp next year.”

Former Origin teammates Matt Cooper (L) and Jarryd Hayne (R) with Willie Mason (C). Picture: Gregg Porteous
Hayne, a former fullback, played the majority of last season in the centres for Parramatta before finding form on the wing late in the year. Euan Aitken and Tim Lafai are well established as the Saints’ centres, while coach Paul McGregor must also find a spot for young star Zac Lomax after starring in the first week of this year’s finals.

There could however be room on the wing, following the departures of North Queensland-bound Nene Macdonald and the retiring Jason Nightingale. The Eels have long said they want to keep Hayne, who wanted to wait until the end of the season before making a decision on his future but last week hinted at frustration over the lack of an offer via social media.

Meanwhile the Dragons will play their round-10 match in Mudgee on May 19, with an opponent to be confirmed when the NRL’s draw is released next week.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...l/news-story/ebfd79cc7a4bfcc99c9bfc4367417a91