Country RL results.

[Phil_22]

Some Group 4 & group trial news

http://www.northerndailyleader.com....ue/trials-a-test-in-warm-weather/2484448.aspx

 

[Phil_22]

Some more group 19 news.

http://www.armidaleexpress.com.au/news/local/sport/rugby-league/rams-ready-for-boars/2482798.aspx

And a direct link to the Tenterfield Tigers website

http://tenterfieldtigers.com.au/

 

[aidenburke]

Not CRL but not sure where to put it. The Australian Defence Force Rugby League Championships is underway. The first game between Air Force and Navy was won by the Air Force 50-6.
Game 2 is Wednesday 14th March between Air Force and Army. Game 3 is Friday 16th March between Navy and Army.
Following the final game the Defence Rep side will be picked and play a trial against the Port Stephens Sharks from the Real NRL. All games are being played at Tomaree Sports Complex, Nelson Bay

 

[Phil_22]

STATE of Origin rivalry comes to the Armidale Sportsground tonight when the Legends of League revive the old NSW versus Queensland contest.
The likes of Scott Hill, Matt Geyer, Mark McGaw and Shaun Timmins will wear the sky blue tonight against a Maroons team featuring Mat Rogers, Tony Currie, Kerry Boustead and Colin Scott and a big crowd is expected.

For some it has been 25 years since their last Origin stoush, but the fire still burns.

“I played in the first one in 1980 and my last one was in ’87,” Scott said.

“Then I went to the Broncos in ’88.

“When you get together for these things there is still that contest.

“It’s always us versus them.”

McGaw played for the Blues in the late ’80s.

He said the rivalry was still alive but the legends game offered a chance to appreciate the “enemy” like never before.

“It’s always good to beat the Queenslanders,” McGaw said.

“But you get to see them in a different light.

“I had never met Colin before.

“You’re trained to see them as the enemy but things change in 20 years and it’s not all about rugby league every day of the week.

“We’re here to raise money for the kids and help rugby league.”

Scott agreed with that sentiment.

The players from the early days of Origin like Scott, McGaw and Boustead rub shoulders with the more modern stars like Rogers and Hill who are only recently retired.

“You do some reminiscing,” Scott said.

“I never got to meet these guys back when I played, not off the field.

“Now I’ve played in a few of these I’ve got to know a lot of guys.

“They’re not such bad guys after all.”

He said the younger players kept the older ones on their toes.

Guys like Hill, Rogers, David Peachey and Nathan Blacklock still have plenty of zip.

“There’s one or two guys who could still run around,” Scott said.

“They make it harder on us older blokes.

“But we’re all here for the same reason and it will definitely be entertaining.”

McGaw played in the recent Men of League game at Inverell, which was dominated by the younger brigade of Preston Campbell, Peachey and Chris Walker.

This time there are a few others who will keep the pace of the game high.

“Mat Rogers will be playing,” McGaw said.

“That’ll be good.

“They’ve just handed me the number six jersey so does that mean I’m slowing down?

“These guys are half my age.”

McGaw has had a long break from legends games prior to this year.

He infamously threw a few hay-makers at Mal Meninga in a game a few years ago.

“I haven’t played one of these since I got barred,” he joked.

“I didn’t really, but I’ve got seven kids – four of my own and three step kids – so life just took over.”

Tonight’s game will help support local kids, and others.

Organiser and another former Queensland Origin player Craig Teevan said they had chosen the Armidale hospital as the main beneficiary of tonight’s game.

Teevan said fans would see a great spectacle.

 

[Phil_22]

In group 19 trials last night.

Armidale Rams 30 beat Tenterfield Tigers 4 - a grade

Armidale Rams 26 beat Uralla Tigers 22 - reserve grade

 

[Phil_22]

New depth has Rams on the charge


21 Mar, 2012 04:00 AM
THE ARMIDALE Rams are sending out plenty of messages to the rest of Group 19 that they will be a much more formidable outfit in 2012.
Not only have the Rams signed well but they are being overwhelmed with senior players at training and to top it off they beat Tenterfield comfortably in Saturday’s trial match at the Armidale Sportsground.

They won 30-4 with Mona Masters scoring three tries in what was one of the curtain raisers to the big Legends of League game.

“I’m really happy with how we played,” Rams co-coach Brian Dennison said.
“There was plenty of effort out there but also a lot of quality in what we did.”

It was Armidale’s second trial after it lost to the Moree Boars seven days earlier.

“The one last week was a combined A grade and reserve grade, but this one was for players selected in A grade,” Dennison said.
“Although we got beaten last week we still played pretty well.”

The Rams have players coming out of their ears.

Dennison said 58 seniors have been to training and included in that is a massive influx of old faces and new.

Among those returning from Tenterfield are Brian and Ron Dennison and Geoff Swan while Clarrie Moran and Paul and Gary Quinlan return from Guyra.
John Roberts is also back from Group 11 and a few others have come other parts of the state, mostly to attend university.

But arguably the biggest signing is Guyra and former Country backrower Luke Hutton, though he didn’t play in the trial on Saturday.

“There’s a couple of juniors too,” Dennison said.
“There’s juniors from this year and the two Fijians.
“We’ve had guys come back from Tenterfield and Guyra and from other Groups as well.
“There’s a few from the uni who have study commitments at the moment but they’ll come in too.”

With such good numbers the club’s depth should be solid.

“That’s good because there’s competition for positions,” Dennison said.
“It’ll help if injuries happen as well.
“We aim to be three from three.
“We’ve got Guyra, the Boomerangs and Tenterfield – Guyra and Tenterfield away from home.”
Dennison is recovering from knee surgery and won’t himself play till May.

For Tenterfield the trial was a good way to start 2012 and give the club’s significant younger brigade a chance.

“We were very rusty,” Tenterfield captain-coach Damian Petrie said.
“But the average age of the side, if you take me out, is 19 or 20.
“There’s a lot of juniors from last year.
“For their first game of senior footy I thought they played very well.”

Apart from Petrie and Murray Johnson the Tigers team was vastly different to last year’s side, but it will still have a good pack when the competition starts if everyone is on deck.
“Simon Andrews has had knee surgery but we’re hoping he’ll be right to play,” Petrie said.
“And Lucas Dearden will be able to play for us more regularly this year.
“He was working in the mines last year but that finishes up this week.”

The Tigers face Tingha at Tenterfield in round one on March 30.

The Rams go to Guyra the
following day.

In other round one Group 19 games the Moree Boomerangs host Glen Innes, reigning premiers Inverell are at home to Uralla and Warialda has the bye. This weekend sees Tingha host the Group 19 Tens with a few teams from around the Group expected to line up for one last hit-out before the competition proper begins.

http://www.northerndailyleader.com....s-rams-on-the-charge/2495057.aspx?storypage=0

 

[Phil_22]

Tigers set for a great season


21 Mar, 2012 04:00 AM
THE season has begun for the Tenterfield Tigers with both seniors and juniors in action in trial games over the weekend.

On Saturday night, the seniors took on the Armidale Rams in a trial match before the NSW versus Queensland legends match in front of a big Armidale crowd.

Tenterfield lost the match, but it proved a great learning experience for the juniors from last year who have now moved into senior rugby league.

On Sunday the under18s took to the field for the group 19 trials. Two teams were selected on the day, a group 19 team and a president’s select squad who will join with group 4 and group 21 to compete in the northern division trials this Sunday in Tamworth.

Two Tenterfield juniors, Jarrod Mcintosh and Hayden Taylor were selected in the President’s team.

The club is very proud of their achievements and wish them all the best this Sunday.

Also this Sunday, the Tigers will be holding a family day where all sponsors and supporters are encouraged to come along to Rugby League Park to enjoy a barbecue with the players.

The afternoon will kick off at 3pm; it will also be a great chance for prospective players to register for the season.

The official season begins on Saturday, March 31 when the Tenterfield boys take on the Nathan Blacklock-led Tingha side at home in what promises to be a great match up.
http://www.tenterfieldstar.com.au/n...ue/tigers-set-for-a-great-season/2494806.aspx

 

[Phil_22]

Magpies hold sign on day


22 Mar, 2012 04:22 PM
The Glen Innes Magpies are encouraging all players interested in playing rugby league this year to head over to Mead Park for their sign on day this weekend.

Starting at 2pm on Sunday, the club will hold a training run for all grades followed by a barbecue.

Club officials are urging players from all grades, which have been training throughout the preseason as well as any interested players who are yet to go to training to attend the sign on day.

The Magpie’s preseason has been hampered by wet weather as well as other sports running later than usual and as a result player numbers are slightly down.
Although the club still holds high hopes for the upcoming season.

Sunday is a great opportunity for any players who have been unable to get to training due to other sport or working commitments to start their season.

Following Sunday’s training and sign on day, the Magpies will train Monday and Wednesday the following week ahead of travelling to Moree for their opening match against the Boomerangs.

Following their first game, the under 18s, reserve grade and first grade sides will revert back to their usual Tuesday and Thursday night training starting at 6pm.

The first Tuesday night training run will be April 3.

http://www.gleninnesexaminer.com.au...-league/magpies-hold-sign-on-day/2497831.aspx

 

[Phil_22]

Wonder weekend for winning coach


26 Mar, 2012 04:00 AM
RON Dellar had a stellar weekend.
The Werris Creek, Group 4 and Northern Division coach celebrated success at all ends of the rugby league rainbow.
On Saturday night his beloved Werris Creek Magpies launched their centenary season at the Commercial Hotel/Motel in Werris Creek after playing a triangular pre-season “tournament” with Gunnedah and Kootingal.
Yesterday he moved up the road to Jack Woolaston Oval, North Tamworth where his Group 4 Under 18 side won both its games to win the Brazier Shield for the little league giant. And this Friday he will coach the Greater Northern Division Under 18s in a trial game with Farrer in preparation for a first round Country Championship match against Southern Stingrays in Wingham on April 14.
Like his Group 4 Under 18s the Werris Creek Magpies won both their games at the lush David Taylor Park on Saturday evening.
Kootingal played Gunnedah first in two 20 minutes halves, Dellar said.
“Kooty beat them and then we played Kooty in a 20 minute half and then played Gunnedah in two 20 minute halves,” he said.
“We won both. But we did have the jump on Kooty who had already played 40 minutes while we were fresh. We won that 16-nil and then beat Gunnedah 12-8. They were good trials for us, we’re going all right. All the forwards went well and Peter Darcy, in the centres, ran good and straight. He’s going to be good for us. Mick Clarke has also come back to us (from Quirindi rugby), he’s lost a lot of weight, is as skinny as a rake.”
Dellar said a “good crowd” then turned up at the Commercial Hotel to help launch a big centenary season for the Magpies.
Yesterday his Group 4 Under 18s won both their games at the Greater Northern Division Under 18 Selections Trials.
A 22-18 win over Group 21 was followed by a 22-6 victory over the Chairman’s XIII in the Brazier Shield Final, a shield Dellar has won a number of times.
A number of group 4 players, such as hooker Logan Harris and centre Mitch Denning stood out in the Brazier Shield win.
The highlight of the day, though, might have been the Luke Taylor-coached Chairman’s XIII.
“They went well (for a side thrown together from the three Groups),” Luke Taylor said. “They just played well as a team, that’s why they went well.”

http://www.northerndailyleader.com....wonder-weekend-for-winning-coach/2499943.aspx

 

[Phil_22]

New look Devils shine


26 Mar, 2012 04:00 AM
DENMAN Devils completed their preparations for the opening round of the Thiess Services Hunter Valley Group 21 first grade rugby league season with a Scanlon Shield success at Scone Park on Saturday.
The new look Devils beat Aberdeen 30-6 and Singleton 30-12 on their way to a 10-4 win over Muswellbrook in Saturday’s Scanlon Shield Final.
It was just the lead-in the Devils were looking for under new captain-coach Dean Amos, said club president, Jay Shepherdson.
“We had three good wins,” Shepherdson said yesterday.
“The boys played real well, our defence was excellent all day.
“Dean is going very well too, we’re very happy with him.”
A former Country fullback Amos was calling the shots from the back on Saturday as he moved up into the line at stages to take command.
“He’s still a very good player,” Shepherdson said.
“When something needs to be done he does it. He’s still a very classy player.”
Craig Edwards was another to shine at prop for the Devils while last year’s captain-coach Ben Hagan was strong and halfback Gary McKeon shone in his first hit out of the season.
McKeon scored three tries in the 30-6 in over Aberdeen, a side they play in their first home game of the new Group 21 season next Sunday.
The Denman season was ripped apart by injury last season.
That forced the club to go and attract new players.
They also signed on a new major sponsor, the Subzero Group, and worked a deal with the mining company whereby it provided jobs for four players.
Amos is one of those while backrower Troy Baxter, winger Tom Cremona and the as yet to arrive Mick Gibson complete.
Shepherdson ha also attracted former Wyong five-eighth Dean Wendt while Dane Cronin has been lured out of retirement.
Cronin scored twice in the 30-12 win over Singleton. “It was a good day out and made our season launch last night a big night,” Shepherdson said.

http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/sport/general/new-look-devils-shine/2499940.aspx

 

[Phil_22]

The sting is back


26 Mar, 2012 04:00 AM
THE return of the Bumblebees took another distinct step at Jack Woolaston Oval, North Tamworth yesterday when the Greater Northern Division Under 18 side side was selected from trials between Group 4, 19 and 21 sides.
The Bumblebees is the nickname given to the distinct gold and black striped jumpers worn by Northern Division senior and junior sides over many years, but had been discarded a few years ago when Country Rugby League split Groups 4, 19 and 21 from the old Northern Division and sent them to new divisional setups north, east and south.
However, Greater Northern Division was rekindled last year and yesterday Under 18 sides from the three Groups, plus a Chairman’s XIII, played trial games at the North Tamworth Bears den to select a team to take part in the Country Championships.
Group 4 won the selection trials, for the Brazier Shield, and dominated selections.
The Ron Dellar-coached side beat Group 21 22-18 in their first game while the Chairman’s XIII, a side thrown together by divisional selectors to give more players a chance of impressing, beat Group 19 24-nil.
In the final, Group 4 had to work hard and scored late tries to seal a 22-6 win over the Chairman’s XIII.
Ron Dellar, who is also the Greater Northern Division coach, was delighted with another Brazier Shield success and is looking forward to moulding a big, strong and fast side.
His assistant coach, former Country Under 18 coach Garry Gardner, said the Northern Division side has plenty of talent with a number of players, such as Isaac McCormick (Denman) and Mitch Denning (West Lions) playing first grade for their clubs.
“I think we will give it a big shake,” Gardner predicted.
Dellar preferred to sit back and wait for a look at his side train this Friday. “They look a good bunch of players,”’ he said as the side stood for a NDL photo.
“We’ll train at 6pm this Friday night and have an opposed session against Farrer. Then we’ll train on Good Friday and then go to Wingham to play on April 14/15.”
The Greater Northern Tigers will then play the Southern Stingrays in their first round Country Championship match.
“They look a good side,” Dellar said.
“Hopefully Tremayne will be right.”’ Selectors added the injured Tremayne Sandbrook to the squad of 18 after the Farrer student “popped”’ his shoulder during the trials.

http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/sport/general/the-sting-is-back/2499928.aspx

 

[Phil_22]

Injury toll hits at Tens


27 Mar, 2012 01:00 AM
TINGHA TENS By Grant Robertson


THE INJURY toll was the biggest worry for sides after Saturday's Group 19 Tens at Tingha, but the host was still pretty happy with its efforts.



The Tigers put two sides into the men's competition and its first choice team won all of its games, while in the women's league tag final Tingha beat reigning Group champion Guyra to claim the prize in a five-team tournament.



In the men's competition only Guyra and Inverell entered sides in the end, which meant that Tingha rustled up two teams.



The Tigers firsts won all of its games, while reigning Group champion Inverell won two.



Those two would have met in the final but decided the injury toll was getting too high just a week out from the start of the 2012 premiership.



"We didn't play the final because of injuries," Tingha club president James Sheather said.



"I think all sides had a few.



"It's not what you want going into the start of the comp."


The Tigers took $500 of the prizemoney while Inverell pocketed $300.


But the Tigers were pleased with the day's results.



There were a few particularly good performers in the Tiger colours too.


"We're happy with our sides," Sheather said.



"Nick Dawson was good as always and Will Jerrard scored seven tries.



"He was the top try scorer on the day.



"Dawso put a few big hits on.


"I wouldn't want to run into him.



"All the boys had a bit of fun."



Apart from the injuries, the other downside for the day was the lack of support for the Tens event from other clubs.



Holding it a week before the start of the season probably contributed.



"It was disappointing that we only had four sides," Sheather said.



"We had to put in a second side and paid two lots of ($200) entry fees.



"We took $500 and Inverell got $300, so we both won $100 really because we nominated two teams."



Sheather said he would like to see the Group make it compulsory for all clubs to enter teams in the tournament in future.



He also said Guyra looked stronger, especially with its influx of imports.


Super Spuds club president Terry Vidler said he was also happy with Guyra's efforts considering it was the first time the side had played together.



The Tigers head to Tenterfield on Saturday for round one, which is a tough away trip to start the season, while Guyra faces Armidale on Sunday in its debut at the new sports complex.


Glen Innes also travels to Moree while Inverell hosts Uralla in the lower grades and Warialda has the bye.

http://www.northerndailyleader.com....-league/injury-toll-hits-at-tens/2501603.aspx

 

[Phil_22]

Boomerangs’ season kicks off


29 Mar, 2012 10:35 AM
THE Moree Boomerangs start their 2012 campaign this weekend against Glenn Innes.


The action will start at 11am at Taylor Oval on Saturday with the ladies league tag, followed by under 18s, reserve grade and the A grade game.
Both clubs will be looking to start the season with a win.

A grade coach Warren Sampson said the players were in better shape this year and have been training three days a week for the past two months.
“I am looking for big games this weekend from our senior players in our forward pack and this should give our backs plenty of attacking opportunities,” Sampson said.

In the lower grades, coaches Cliff Sampson and James Haines are also predicting strong performances this weekend.
Players Trevor Tighe, Jason Saunders, Alfred Newman and Rob Doolan all performed well at the group trials and are looking forward to the start of the season this weekend, according to Sampson.

In reserve grade, coach Haines is confident his team will perform well at the weekend.
Haines says the team are the “reigning premiers and are always hard to beat at home”.

In the ladies league tag coach Cecil Craigie is predicting the girls to do well after good performances at the weekend at the Tingha 10s competition.
The team has a good blend of youth and experience and has been working well together at training.
Boomerangs vice president Wayne Craigie says “he is expecting a big crowd for the first home game of the season and is sure that the teams will play some exciting football on the day”.

http://www.moreechampion.com.au/new...ague/boomerangs-season-kicks-off/2505111.aspx

 

[Phil_22]

Hoping to fly high again


BEN LONERGAN
29 Mar, 2012 11:57 AM
The Glen Innes Magpies get their season underway in all four grades on Saturday when they travel to Moree to take on the Boomerangs.
The club has put in a big preseason, and although they are heading into the match without a trial under their belt, coaches are hoping the tough training over the last two and a half months will be enough to secure a fast start to the season.
Player numbers were worrying only two weeks ago, but an influx over the past week sees the Magpies taking strong first and reserve grade sides to Moree.
Both the juniors and league tag sides will also be looking to come home with wins.
First grade coach Dale Keegan said the club is highly anticipating the start to the new season.
“We are looking forward to another successful season for the Glen Innes Magpies,” he said.
“We’re going to be strong in all three men’s grades.”
Keegan said it was great to see a number of locals put their hand up to play in recent days.
“In the past week we’ve had a great influx of local players, which is going to add a lot of depth to the Magpies this year,” he said.
“As a result we will be fielding three competitive men’s sides on Saturday in Moree.”
Keegan said they are hoping for a big crowd for their first home game on April 14 against the Tenterfield Tigers.
“The first home game should be a big turnout, with a number of players not available for Moree returning to play against Tenterfield,” he said.
Reserve grade co-coach Tim Penn said he also holds high hopes for the season ahead.
“Looking at some of the players we have on deck it should be a great year.” The Magpies will also hold an auction at the Services Club for jersey sponsorship for the 2012 season after the April 14 game against Tenterfield.

o New season: Magpies president Howard Whan, treasurer Ann McKenzie and major sponsor Pat Lonergan from the Services Club

 

[Phil_22]

New look Rams set for Superspuds opener


MICHAEL WARREN
30 Mar, 2012 04:00 AM

Armidale Rams first grade captain-coach Brian Dennison says his side will try and exploit Guyra's ruck area on Sunday when it opens its Group 19 rugby league campaign.

“There has been talk the Spuds have signed a few bigger blokes to bolster their forward pack, so we’ll be looking to turn them around a lot during the match with fast dummy movement in attack and defence,” he said.

“We’ve worked a lot in the ruck area at training this week and we'll look to utilise Clarrie’s (Moran) kicking game against Guyra.”

The Rams, who have played two trials in the past three weeks, will take confidence into their match against the Spuds after a recent 30-4 win against Tenterfield.

“Despite Tenterfield not fielding their best team against us a few weeks back in our final pre-season hitout I still thought we showed enough promising signs ahead of our match against Guyra,” he said.

“Guyra will be difficult; they play with a lot of passion and spirit and will be difficult to beat at home.”

Dennison said a noticeable increase in his players’ fitness has given him confidence the Rams are ready for the full 80-minute hitout.

“There is no doubt the players’ fitness has improved over the past three months and, if it comes down to that part of the game, I’m confident the guys will come through,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Armidale Rams Rugby League Club is now an official ambassador of the NSW Government's Tackling Domestic Violence campaign after its players signed a code of conduct to stamp out the social issue within regional communities like Armidale last week.

Likely round one Rams line-up:
Alistair Faulkner, Mona Masters, Steve Gordon, Chad Borger, Paul Quinlan, Travis Naylon, Clarrie Moran, Anthony Possle, Ron Dennison, Matthew Munzenrider, Geoff Swan, Jamie Beaten, Gary Quinlan, Bill Hyde.

http://www.armidaleexpress.com.au/n...k-rams-set-for-superspuds-opener/2505547.aspx

 

[Phil_22]

Tigertown tussle


30 Mar, 2012 04:00 AM
TENTERFIELD starts its second year back in Group 19 tomorrow as the 2012 rugby league season arrives with a thud at venues around the region.

Not only is the Group 19 premiership kicking off but Group 21 also starts its competition and Group 4 hosts its annual Wests Knockout tournament.

An all-Tiger battle takes place at Tenterfield Rugby League Park when the home side hosts Tingha tomorrow and even though Tenterfield passed its first test in 2011 in a foreign competition, there are still reasons for uncertainty in 2012.
“Last year was an unknown but at least I knew we had some guys who had played footy at a pretty high skill level,” Tenterfield coach Damian Petrie said.

“We had the Dennison boys and Damien Bryant and we’ve had to replace them with younger kids.
“They’re good kids but it’s one thing being a start in under 18s and being 19 and thinking ‘this is a bit different, playing against men’.
“But they get their shot.
“We’re still pretty confident.
“The good thing this year is because we have so many 19 year olds we have more depth in reserve grade to pressure for A grade spots.”

Last year’s beaten finalists Tingha want to go a game better this season but beating Tenterfield at home was a tricky task for all teams in 2011.

“It’s a good test for us,” Petrie said.
“I don’t know a lot about them, except for (Nick) Dawson.
“He is a whole-hearted player and one of the best players I’ve played against in the last few years, in Brisbane or anywhere.”

Petrie also said he expected the Tigers to be strong thanks to Nathan Blacklock’s return to the club as coach and the interest that would generate among Tingha players.

Tomorrow’s other game in Group 19 sees Glen Innes travel to Moree.
The beaten grand finalists from last year have been drawn the Boomerangs to start the new season in a good test for both sides.
Sunday’s big game is at Guyra’s new home ground against arch-rivals Armidale.
The Super Spuds have moved to the Guyra Sports Complex on the edge of town and have brought in a few players from overseas to help bolster their squad. Armidale has also signed well and the game should be a big one for both clubs.

http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/sport/rugby-league/tigertown-tussle/2506027.aspx

 

[Phil_22]

Hawks to kick-off in lower grades


PATRICK FAHY
30 Mar, 2012 09:43 AM
The 2012 Group 19 season kicks off tomorrow, with the Inverell Hawks to host the Uralla Tigers at Varley Oval. The ladies league tag will kick-off at 1pm and will be followed by the juniors at 2pm and reserves at 3.30.
First grade however will have to wait until after the Easter break to start their title defence, as Uralla have no team in the top-grade this year.
The players had a chance to have a run around a the Tingha 10s competition, where the Hawks finished runners-up in the men’s competition.
Some first grade players are likely to have a run in reserves, in order to give them more match practice ahead of their first game of the season. The Hawks first graders will now kick-off their title defence against arch-rivals Tingha in round two at the Sporting Complex.

BIG HIT: Hawks Todd Prince and new captain-coach Paul Stephenson put on a big hit during last years’ grand final against Glen Innes.



http://www.inverelltimes.com.au/new...hawks-to-kickoff-in-lower-grades/2506352.aspx

 

[Phil_22]

http://www.northerndailyleader.com....ue/super-fresh-spuds/2507093.aspx?storypage=0


Super fresh Spuds
BY GRANT ROBERTSON
31 Mar, 2012 04:00 AM
GUYRA Rugby League Club is 90 years old this year but everything else about the place is new.
The Super Spuds have a new home ground, a new coach and a band of new players for this year’s Group 19 premiership tilt, which begins against arch-rivals Armidale

tomorrow.

While stories in the Sydney press claiming Guyra was chasing Wille Mason over the summer were pure fantasy, the club has recruited some big bodies from across the sea.

Four Fijian imports and a New Zealander have boosted the Spud roster, including Fiji Bati internationals Apakuki Mate and Josua Koroibulu.

“I’ve played against Tonga, Samoa, PNG,” Koroibulu said.

“I’ve been playing for Fiji since 2002.

“I started as a lock or second rower and I’m a prop now.”

Mate has also been part of several Fijian touring teams.

The Fijians are already discovering the climate is very different at the top of the range compared to their native land.

And it’s only March.

“The weather is shocking,” Koroibulu said.

“I haven’t experienced cold weather and in Guyra it is going to be winter soon. I have been here three weeks and I have found it difficult to breathe.

“The air is very thin.”

But he is looking forward to his season in Guyra.

Other new recruits like Mate, former Armidale Blues rugby union centre Ray Paserio and Kiwi forward Matt Tyler are also keen, as is new coach Jon Jacks.

Jacks has moved from Brisbane where he coached Northern Suburbs and knows the Spuds are heading into a challenging competition.

“We don’t have the money that the bigger clubs do, like Inverell, Glen Innes and Armidale,” he said.

“We can’t compete with them in that way, and it’s only getting worse because those towns are growing.”

The season opener against Armidale will be a stern test for the Spuds because the Rams have also rung in big changes over the summer and look formidable.

Former Spuds Gary Quinlan and Clarrie Moran are just a couple of Rams who have returned to Armidale, though in a blow for the Rams Guyra backrower Luke Hutton will not be heading to Armidale as pre-season rumours suggested.

Joining the new recruits at Guyra are regulars like Rodney Bull and Ben Vidler, as well as returning Spuds like Luke Burey and Jason Rolff.

But injury has already hit after last weekend’s 10-a-side tournament at Tingha which will make it even harder for the Spuds on Sunday.

“We suffered a lot of injuries at the Tingha Tens,” Jacks said.

“It will be very difficult against a well-prepared Armidale side.

“We will go in as underdogs.”

The club is also settling into its new home at the Guyra Sports Complex.

After saying goodbye to their Red Hill home at the showground after so many years the Spuds hope their new digs can become just as big a graveyard for visiting teams.

“We’re expecting a big crowd,” Jacks said.

“We’re here at the new complex and it’s also 90 years for Guyra this year.”

Any interested player can still sign up with the Spuds, whose women’s side, the Spudettes, are the reigning LeagueTag champions in G19.

They are especially keen to sign up more juniors in order to field an under 18s side this year.

The first games of the new G19 season will be played at Moree and Tenterfield today.

The Boomerangs host last year’s beaten grand finalist, Glen Innes, at Taylor Oval while Tingha travels to Tenterfield for the all-Tiger showdown at League Park.

Reigning premier Inverell hosts Uralla in the lower grades but has a bye in first grade.

The Warialda lower grades also have the first


We invite and encourage our readers to post comments. Comments are moderated and will appear as soon as our editor has approved them. When posting comments you agree to be bound by our Terms and Conditions. Super Spuds captain Dan Vidler and new coach Jon Jacks with new recruits Apakuki Mate, Ray Paserio, Matt Tyler and Josua Koroibulu at the Guyra Sports Complex.

 

[Phil_22]

http://www.tenterfieldstar.com.au/news/local/sport/rugby-league/clash-of-the-tigers/2510609.aspx

Clash of the Tigers


04 Apr, 2012 04:49 AM
SATURDAY saw a bumper crowd pack into Rugby League Park for the season opener in what was a great day of rugby league action.
In the ladies league tag match, Tingha secured a big victory however it must be said that the Tenterfield team already looks more confident than last season and it won’t be long until they put some wins on the board.
The Tingha side put together some brilliant team attacking play and the Tenterfield side itself will be looking to establish the same sort of combinations as they grow together as a team.
In the under 18s match, the Tenterfield boys went down 30-22, but won over the big crowd with their commitment and never-say-die attitude.
Their chances of winning took a cruel blow when leader Jarrod McIntosh was helped from the field with a broken collarbone and were dented further when star centre Jake Landers left the field with a hamstring injury.
The boys were forced to finish the match undermanned and were courageous in defeat. A highlight of the match was giant young prop Richard Taber crossing for a double.
The reserve grade boys also looked a far more committed line up in their first match, eventually going down 36-14. They were led well by veteran hard man Shaun Bird and recovered well to keep themselves in the match after being down early. Tingha were grand finalists in reserve grade last season and if the reserve grade boys can keep that effort up in coming weeks, victories are sure to come.
Many spectators were left disappointed in the A grade match as Nathan Blacklock took up a coaching position and failed to take the field.
Tenterfield went down 34-8 but just like the under 18s, won over plenty of admirers for their effort. Injuries also took their toll on Tenterfield in this match but all players continued to compete right to the final whistle.
The side that took the field on Saturday featured only four players over the age of 23 and many of the young brigade are still teenagers.
It was a great learning experience for these boys and it is hoped supporters will stick with the team and support them throughout the season.
The Tigers will now take a break over Easter and return to the field on Saturday, April 14 in all four grades in an away match against Glen Innes.
The club would like to sincerely thank all spectators for their attendance on Saturday, your presence gives all the players a lift and the club looks forward to your continued support throughout the season.
Tenterfield Rugby League Club

The claws are out: Nick Dawson from Tingha crawls from a tackle by Joe Foster as Jake Kelly moves in.

 

[Phil_22]

http://www.gleninnesexaminer.com.au...-league/magpies-start-with-a-win/2509926.aspx

Magpies start with a win


BEN LONERGAN
03 Apr, 2012 10:39 AM
Making your first grade debut is a daunting task for all young rugby league players, but making it at Moree against the Boomerangs and playing at prop would make that task even more intimidating for most.
But none of those factors seemed to worry 20-year-old Jared Willis on Saturday as he led the Glen Innes Magpies to thrilling 38-36 victory over the Boomerangs with a man of the match performance.
It was a perfect start to the season for the Magpies, who headed to Moree with a depleted forward pack. But Willis helped fill the void in the front row in his first game of football in over two years.
Although, the Boomerangs were first to strike on the day with two early tries to take an 8-nil lead.
Magpie fullback Ross Lewis opened the scoring for Glen midway through the first half when he burst through the middle of the field to score under the posts.
New Magpie recruit Brett Stapleton crossed for the first of his two tries shortly after and when skipper Jake Key strode onto a Jay Hampson pass the Magpies were up 18-8.
But the Boomerangs hit back with two converted tries of their own to take a 20-18 lead.
The Magpies scored right on half time to take a 24-20 lead into the break.
In another great story to come out of the match, Joel Jackson capped off his return to rugby league with a try just after half time.
Jackson hadn’t played since compound fracturing his right leg in a Toyota Cup match for Wests Tigers in 2010.
Just as Glen had regained momentum in the match, mistakes began to once again creep back into their game.
The Boomerangs swooped on the extra opportunities to see another lead change.
Magpie hooker Jamie Watts again gave Glen the lead when he dived over from dummy half to give Glen a 34-30 advantage and when Stapleton raced down the left touch line for his second Glen were up 38-30 with 10 minutes left on the clock. The Boomerangs again hit back following a Magpie mistake to reduce the deficit to only two points, but Glen were able to hold on in the dying stages for a stunning two point win.


Magpie coach Dale Keegan said it was an impressive debut by Willis.
“It’s good to see an up and coming local play like that,” he said.
“He carried the ball well and worked tirelessly around the ruck.”
Keegan said to come back from Moree with two points without a trial under the belt was a terrific effort.
“It’s always good to get a win at Moree,” he said.
“It was extremely hot out there too, which made it difficult.”
Although their ball handling was sloppy at times, Keegan said overall he was happy with their first hit out of the year.
“Early on we didn’t help ourselves by making a number of handling errors,” he said.
“Once we started to complete out sets we started to score points and get into a good rhythm.”
The Magpies now have a week off over Easter before hosting Tenterfield at Mead Park on April 14.

o Winner’s circle: Jamie Watts feeds the ball onto Jared Willis while Nick Say watches on.