gong_eagle
First Grade
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SHARKS
Stuart's Cronulla close to being very scary
February 26, 2008
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/new...eing-very-scary/2008/02/25/1203788247606.html
WHO'S NEW: Karl Filiga (Bulldogs), Blake Green (Eels), Grant Millington (Roosters), Bryan Norrie (Panthers), Kade Snowden (Knights), Adam Peek (Dragons), James Storer (Eels), Sam Moa (Balmain Tigers).
WHO'S GONE: Adam Dykes (Hull FC), Phil Leuluai (Salford), Craig Stapleton (Salford), Cameron Ciraldo (Knights), Josh Hannay (Celtic Crusaders), Dane Nielsen (Storm), Henry Perenara (retired), Anthony Watts (Cowboys), Dayne Weston (Cowboys).
BIGGEST QUESTION: When the going got tough last year, the Sharks got going, but not in a good sense. The Sharks lost nine matches by four points or less - a win in just one of those games would have given them a spot in the finals. If they can turn around that statistic, they will be well in contention when the going gets really tough, in the finals. How halfback Brett Kimmorley handles life without the little "c" next to his name will also have some bearing on whether 2008 is another season of missed opportunity for the club which makes a living out of it. "Noddy" likes to run the show on the field, and won't enjoy having the title taken from him.
JOB SEEKERS: Blake Green has guided Parramatta to two consecutive Premier League titles, and in the future it is hoped he will be able to help the Sharks break through in first grade. Green is still green, but he was signed up last year with a fair amount of pomp for a player with just six first-grade games to his name. Brett Kimmorley and Greg Bird will be Ricky Stuart's first-choice halves combination. Green, however, could easily break them up at some stage.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Karl Filiga has all the trademarks of Sonny Bill Williams except the trademarked name. That's because some would know him as Karl Filiga and others would know him as Karl McNichol. Filiga was signed from the Bulldogs as McNichol last May on a contract which could see him earn $200,000 a season over three years. He has since switched to his mother's maiden name - his father left the family home when Karl was just four. The 19-year-old centre/back-rower played his first game for the Sharks in the 44-0 drubbing by South Sydney and failed to impress, however the Sharks did not expect much out of him after he missed most of last year because of chest and foot injuries. Stuart is treating Filiga as a project player, although he is certain to be given time in first grade. Nathan Stapleton is a little further behind in terms of development, and in promise, but he has also been tagged as one to watch. Stapleton, an 18-year-old centre who will be part of the Sharks' National Youth Competition squad, comes from a northern NSW town called Deepwater, and Stuart is likely to throw him, ahem, into the deep end, this season. Some onlookers rated him the best on field in the Gosford trial, although as the scoreline suggested, he didn't have a lot of opposition.
REASONS TO BE EXCITED: The nine-games-by-four-points-or-less stat might haunt Stuart in the dead of night. However, it is also a reason to be positive about the Sharks' prospects. It showed they were within touching distance of being genuine title contenders. Greg Bird and Paul Gallen are both within touching distance of becoming regular representatives players, and as long as they stay fit, the Sharks will be difficult to topple in the week-to-week grind. If they do get to the finals, Stuart is one of the best in the business at whisking his players into a finals frenzy. You know he will have them peaking at the right time.
REASONS TO BE WORRIED: They are the team that has never won a premiership. Whenever we have become excited about a Cronulla side, they invariably disappoint, ensuring the game's longest premiership drought continues. Still, with the amount of rain that has been dumped on Sydney recently, Sharks fans will be hoping it's some sort of sign. Rain dance, please.
Glenn Jackson
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BULLDOGS
Style police put pressure on Folkes to teach young pups new tricks
February 27, 2008
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/new...pups-new-tricks/2008/02/26/1203788347442.html
WHO'S NEW: Charlie Leaneo (Dragons), Justin Tsoulos (Eels), Aaron Groom (Sea Eagles), Michael Sullivan (Warrington), Danny Williams (Roosters).
WHO'S GONE: Mark O'Meley (Roosters), Karl Filiga (Sharks), Willie Mason (Roosters), Trent Cutler (Wests Tigers), Jon Green (Dragons), Billy Ngawini (Titans), Adam Perry (retired), Brent Sherwin (Castleford).
BIGGEST QUESTION: This joint has endured too much in the off-season to boil their plight down to one burning issue. The most pressing, of course, is whether coach Steve Folkes will have a job beyond the start of winter. We're told his tenure won't hang on wins and losses but the Bulldogs' style of play. But let's theorise for a second and say they start getting regularly lapped by 30 points. Who, then, would replace him? Wayne Bennett? Steve Kearney? Mick Potter? Graham Murray? Other relevant questions include: Who will replace departing chief executive Malcolm Noad? Will Graeme Hughes place his bottom in the big chair he's always coveted? Or will it be Noad's boardroom nemesis, Ray Dib? And how many will actually turn up to Noad's farewell drinks? Seriously, the biggest question facing the Doggies in 2008 is whether the players can turn a blind eye to the bunfight in the front office. Noad asked superstar Sonny Bill Williams a few weeks ago if the off-field drama was playing on his mind. "I just play football, bruz," was his simple response. This season, SBW and his teammates will need to play football with more spirit and resilience like never before at a time of crisis.
JOB SEEKERS: Michael Sullivan escaped the NRL to play in England because he was battling a gambling addiction. With those demons exorcised after two seasons at Warrington, he has taken another punt by coming to Belmore. But he has the ability to provide some cunningness to a forward pack sans Mason and O'Meley. While Daniel Holdsworth looks to fill Sherwin's shoes at halfback, recruit Aaron Groom will push Ben Roberts for the No.6 jumper.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Young halfback Ben Barba has been compared to none less than Johnathan Thurston. (Is that why they snapped up the unproven playmaker until the end of 2010?) Bulldogs recruitment guru Keith Onslow heard about the 18-year-old working wonders in Mackay, brought him down last June, and he scored so many points in Jersey Flegg the jaws of those in attendance for those 11 matches remain on the floor. Perhaps the biggest show of faith is this: when Sherwin departed for the old Dart, they turned their eyes to Barba.
REASONS TO BE EXCITED: Well, life cannot possibly get any worse on the field than it has been off it. And hell hath no fury like a Bulldog scorned. As they have shown before at Belmore, they revel when the excrement is hitting the fan the most.
REASONS TO BE WORRIED: Make no mistake, Mason and O'Meley are huge holes to fill in a pack renowned for grinding its opposition backwards. There will be untold pressure on Chris Armit and Jarrad Hickey.
Andrew Webster
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EELS
A land of milk and honey if Smith sticks to milk and cookies
Andrew Stevenson | February 28, 2008
WHO'S NEW: Joe Galuvao (Souths).
WHO'S GONE: Aaron Cannings (Titans) Richard Fa'aoso (Knights) Blake Green (Cronulla) PJ Marsh (Broncos), Timana Tahu (union, Waratahs), Justin Tsoulos (Bulldogs) and Ian Hindmarsh (retired).
BIGGEST QUESTION: We all know who runs the Eels around the paddock. Tim Smith, simple. The big question is who's driving Smith around the paddock. In fact it's not so much on the paddock but off it that will decide the Eels' fate this season. Sure, Smith has the odd brain explosion when faced with a crowded defensive line. Sure, he can go missing in the trenches or butcher the crucial last-tackle play. But he's still Parramatta's best option behind the steering wheel if he can exorcise his demons, start listening to the milk-and-cookies voices in his head and shut out the one whispering, "It's beer o'clock".
JOB SEEKERS: With former coach Brian Smith a long way away, Feleti Mateo holds his own future in his hand - just the same way as he mitts the footy. Mateo has the talent and the frame to be anything. We've seen his stride, his reach and his ability to beat a tackle on the outside. There's more to come and, with Tim Smith not due back on the pitch until a few weeks into the competition, Mateo will start at five-eighth and get his chance. Souths couldn't get their money worth out of big Joe: if coach Michael Hagan can, Galuvao can cause plenty of problems.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Jarryd Hayne and Krisnan Inu. Hayne, rookie of the year in 2006, and Inu, runner-up for the same award last season, will find the going a little tougher when they start 2008 closer to the action. Picked in the centres, these two have enough talent to star anywhere, although they may miss the space the flanks offered. Another to watch is Mark Riddell, with the burly hooker now a svelte 98kg, down from 107 kg last season.
REASONS TO BE EXCITED: Manly might be the club thinking, 'Let's go one better this year', but if truth be told, the Eels pushed Melbourne a lot harder - in both their final and round 23 clash, despite losing both. With big forwards able to bash the pill over the line (Fuifui Moimoi and Nathan Cayless), backed by workhorses such as Josh Cordoba, Chad Robinson and Nathan Hindmarsh, Parramatta can lay the requisite platform for the show-offs in the back line to do what they do best.
REASONS TO BE WORRIED: Apart from Smith, the other designated driver is Brett Finch, just about the most maligned half in the game. Hagan picked him up after Ricky Stuart had played havoc with his mental state at the Roosters and the softly, softly approach worked wonders. There's a lot on his shoulders, a burden that could become unbearable should Smith not stick to the warm milk.
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SOUTHS
Wing beats weight of expectation
February 29, 2008
WHO'S NEW: Nathanael Barnes (Tweed Heads Seagulls), George Ndaira (Sydney Roosters), Jamie Simpson (Brisbane Norths), John Tamanika (Brisbane Easts), Craig Wing (Sydney Roosters).
WHO'S GONE: Joe Williams (Penrith), Paul Mellor (retired), David Peachey (retired), Joe Galuvao (Parramatta), Peter Cusack (Hull), Shane Rigon (retired), Reece Simmonds (retired), Stuart Webb (Dragons).
BIGGEST QUESTION: After winning Test and NSW jerseys as a hooker, can Craig Wing re-establish himself in the halves this season? While he wore the No.7 jersey for the Roosters in their 2002 grand final win, he has spent most of the past five seasons playing hooker.
JOB SEEKERS: With Peter Cusack released to join Hull, Jaiman Lowe, Manase Manuokafoa, Scott Geddes, Michael Greenfield, Eddie Pettybourne and Luke Stuart are locked in a six-way battle to be Roy Asotasi's starting front-row partner. After bulking up 10kg during the off-season to 100kg, Lowe's brother Ben is also in contention for a place in the forwards. Most interest will revolve around the identity of Wing's halves partner - between Jeremy Smith, Eddie Paea and Ben Rogers.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Nathanael Barnes was recommended to Souths by John Lang after starring in the Queensland Cup and is now within sight of his NRL debut. While flashy Titans recruit Shannon Walker stole the headlines at Tweed Heads Seagulls, 25-year-old Barnes was the competition's equal leading try-scorer with Brisbane Easts winger John Tamanika, another Rabbitohs signing.
REASONS TO BE EXCITED: The return of Wing gives the Rabbitohs a premiership-winning halfback, while second-rower David Kidwell is like another signing after missing all but three games last year through injury. In addition, Souths last season unearthed a group of youngsters with bright futures, and there are more to come. The under-20s scrumbase trio of Chris Sandow, Luke Capewell and Jason Clarke are tipped as stars of the future.
REASONS TO BE WORRIED: After securing a place in the top eight for the first time in 18 years a week before last season's finals, the Rabbitohs seemed to drop off in intensity. The expectations will be greater this season, and with their success generating resentment from rival clubs they will have to be at the top of their games every week.
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TITANS
Baby boy is up and walking but can he avoid the terrible twos?
March 1, 2008
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/gold-coast-titans/2008/02/29/1204226992982.html
SEASON PREVIEW - GOLD COAST TITANS
WHO'S NEW: Brenton Bowen (Cowboys), Aaron Cannings (Eels), Matthew Cross (Panthers), Ashley Harrison (Roosters), Ben Jeffery (Wests Tigers), Billy Ngawini (Bulldogs).
WHO'S GONE: Jake Webster (Hull), Matt Hilder (Knights), Richie Mathers (Wigan), David Myles (retired), Lelea Paea (rugby union).
BIGGEST QUESTION: Players get second-year syndrome, but do clubs get it too? We'll soon find out. The Titans were riding a wave straight out of the breaks off the Gold Coast last year, but they are just a club now, albeit still an infant one. Time will tell whether they suffer the terrible twos.
JOB SEEKERS: Brenton Bowen will be interesting to watch. He wasn't even the best Bowen at his former club, North Queensland, although it would have taken a fair bit to outshine his cousin Matt. A fresh start might give this speedster a fresh spark.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: While Shannon Walker's flashy feet have been attracting hype quicker than, well, he, his good mate Will Matthews is the player Titans officials believe could make even more of an impact. Both players have treaded the same path, hailing from the northern NSW town of Kyogle, being schooled at Palm Beach Currumbin before starring together with Australian Schoolboys and Junior Kangaroos sides. Both helped Queensland Cup side Tweed Heads Seagulls to the premiership last year, and both are in the process of negotiating long-term deals at the club, which may see them in Titans jumpers until 2012. Matthews is expected to play NRL football before Walker, having looked even more impressive than Brisbane giant David Taylor with the Junior Kangaroos.
REASONS TO BE EXCITED: With the logistical problems of being a first-year entity over, the footballers can get on with simply playing football. Co-captains Luke Bailey and Scott Prince were impressive last year, and Mat Rogers, like his whole team, will be better for the run. The players ignored the distractions well last year, so without them they should improve again. The club also has a new stadium to christen, and if they can build up some early momentum at Skilled Park, they can ensure that, like the Terminator series, the sequel is better than the original.
REASONS TO BE WORRIED: How many sequels do you know that are better than the original? The Titans performed admirably in their first season, finishing just one win out of the eight. However, the club found out the hard way that having a good side on paper does not necessarily mean good results, especially when the players get injured. The Titans' biggest hurdle last year was depth. Although they are in a slightly better position now, it only takes one injury to knock a side around. Every one of the Titans' key players have had more than their fair share during their careers.
Glenn Jackson
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ROOSTERS
Big names bring burden of expectation
March 4, 2008
WHO'S NEW: Mark O'Meley, Willie Mason (Bulldogs), James Aubusson (Storm), Riley Brown (Knights), Albert Hopoate (religious duties), Jai Ayoub (Balmain Ryde Eastwood), Matt Hands (Junee), Mose Masoe (Wellington, NZ).
WHO'S GONE: Craig Wing (Rabbitohs), Ashley Harrison (Titans), Heath L'Estrange (Sea Eagles), Joel Monaghan (Raiders), Chris Beattie (Lezignan), Willie Brown (released), Jarryd Hogan (Sharks), John Williams (Cowboys), Danny Williams (Bulldogs).
BIGGEST QUESTION: Brad Fittler had nothing to lose when he took over as caretaker coach from Chris Anderson last year, but how will he cope with the acid placed upon him for the entire season? The players say Fittler has installed the warm-and-fuzzy vibe - something they needed at Bondi Junction after 2½ seasons of darkness. But nothing furrows a coach's brow and gives him a sweat moustache more than a side struggling to find the next loss. Fittler hasn't one grey hair yet but it will be in times of relative crisis that he will know if he's cut out for this clipboard-carrying caper. And chairman Nick Politis is never one to keep his thoughts to himself when things are heading south, regardless of whether you're a favourite son.
JOB SEEKERS: The best way for the Roosters to offset the departure of Craig Wing to arch rivals South Sydney - apart from smacking their behinds in round one - is for James Aubusson to shine in the No.9. Wing wasn't too happy when they signed Aubusson from the Storm ahead of him, but the Roosters clearly have faith in their new hooker. But Aubusson showed as Cameron Smith's understudy last year that he's a handy prospect - and he can help cover at halfback where the Roosters are lacking some depth. Australian and Origin lock Anthony Tupou isn't after a job - he's got the lock position locked up - but he is also trying to ensure a contract extension beyond this season.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Setaimata Sa has been afforded lofty praise for some time but this season he looms as an everywhere man. He's best suited to lock and the Roosters believe this is where he will eventually find his feet but he has an ability to cover halfback, five-eighth, centre and possibly No.9. No word yet on whether he can fit into the Roosters' mascot outfit.
REASONS TO BE EXCITED: O'Meley and Mason are enormous assets, not least because they have won a premiership at the Bulldogs alongside five-eighth Braith Anasta, who finished last season as arguably the in-form pivot in the competition. Mason, in particular, has shown in the Roosters' trials that he wants to play plenty of minutes. He also has the ability to hit the line, spin and off-load - something they've been lacking for some time.
REASONS TO BE WORRIED: While there is talent to burn in the pack, how much cover do they have in the back line?
Andrew Webster
Stuart's Cronulla close to being very scary
February 26, 2008
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/new...eing-very-scary/2008/02/25/1203788247606.html
WHO'S NEW: Karl Filiga (Bulldogs), Blake Green (Eels), Grant Millington (Roosters), Bryan Norrie (Panthers), Kade Snowden (Knights), Adam Peek (Dragons), James Storer (Eels), Sam Moa (Balmain Tigers).
WHO'S GONE: Adam Dykes (Hull FC), Phil Leuluai (Salford), Craig Stapleton (Salford), Cameron Ciraldo (Knights), Josh Hannay (Celtic Crusaders), Dane Nielsen (Storm), Henry Perenara (retired), Anthony Watts (Cowboys), Dayne Weston (Cowboys).
BIGGEST QUESTION: When the going got tough last year, the Sharks got going, but not in a good sense. The Sharks lost nine matches by four points or less - a win in just one of those games would have given them a spot in the finals. If they can turn around that statistic, they will be well in contention when the going gets really tough, in the finals. How halfback Brett Kimmorley handles life without the little "c" next to his name will also have some bearing on whether 2008 is another season of missed opportunity for the club which makes a living out of it. "Noddy" likes to run the show on the field, and won't enjoy having the title taken from him.
JOB SEEKERS: Blake Green has guided Parramatta to two consecutive Premier League titles, and in the future it is hoped he will be able to help the Sharks break through in first grade. Green is still green, but he was signed up last year with a fair amount of pomp for a player with just six first-grade games to his name. Brett Kimmorley and Greg Bird will be Ricky Stuart's first-choice halves combination. Green, however, could easily break them up at some stage.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Karl Filiga has all the trademarks of Sonny Bill Williams except the trademarked name. That's because some would know him as Karl Filiga and others would know him as Karl McNichol. Filiga was signed from the Bulldogs as McNichol last May on a contract which could see him earn $200,000 a season over three years. He has since switched to his mother's maiden name - his father left the family home when Karl was just four. The 19-year-old centre/back-rower played his first game for the Sharks in the 44-0 drubbing by South Sydney and failed to impress, however the Sharks did not expect much out of him after he missed most of last year because of chest and foot injuries. Stuart is treating Filiga as a project player, although he is certain to be given time in first grade. Nathan Stapleton is a little further behind in terms of development, and in promise, but he has also been tagged as one to watch. Stapleton, an 18-year-old centre who will be part of the Sharks' National Youth Competition squad, comes from a northern NSW town called Deepwater, and Stuart is likely to throw him, ahem, into the deep end, this season. Some onlookers rated him the best on field in the Gosford trial, although as the scoreline suggested, he didn't have a lot of opposition.
REASONS TO BE EXCITED: The nine-games-by-four-points-or-less stat might haunt Stuart in the dead of night. However, it is also a reason to be positive about the Sharks' prospects. It showed they were within touching distance of being genuine title contenders. Greg Bird and Paul Gallen are both within touching distance of becoming regular representatives players, and as long as they stay fit, the Sharks will be difficult to topple in the week-to-week grind. If they do get to the finals, Stuart is one of the best in the business at whisking his players into a finals frenzy. You know he will have them peaking at the right time.
REASONS TO BE WORRIED: They are the team that has never won a premiership. Whenever we have become excited about a Cronulla side, they invariably disappoint, ensuring the game's longest premiership drought continues. Still, with the amount of rain that has been dumped on Sydney recently, Sharks fans will be hoping it's some sort of sign. Rain dance, please.
Glenn Jackson
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BULLDOGS
Style police put pressure on Folkes to teach young pups new tricks
February 27, 2008
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/new...pups-new-tricks/2008/02/26/1203788347442.html
WHO'S NEW: Charlie Leaneo (Dragons), Justin Tsoulos (Eels), Aaron Groom (Sea Eagles), Michael Sullivan (Warrington), Danny Williams (Roosters).
WHO'S GONE: Mark O'Meley (Roosters), Karl Filiga (Sharks), Willie Mason (Roosters), Trent Cutler (Wests Tigers), Jon Green (Dragons), Billy Ngawini (Titans), Adam Perry (retired), Brent Sherwin (Castleford).
BIGGEST QUESTION: This joint has endured too much in the off-season to boil their plight down to one burning issue. The most pressing, of course, is whether coach Steve Folkes will have a job beyond the start of winter. We're told his tenure won't hang on wins and losses but the Bulldogs' style of play. But let's theorise for a second and say they start getting regularly lapped by 30 points. Who, then, would replace him? Wayne Bennett? Steve Kearney? Mick Potter? Graham Murray? Other relevant questions include: Who will replace departing chief executive Malcolm Noad? Will Graeme Hughes place his bottom in the big chair he's always coveted? Or will it be Noad's boardroom nemesis, Ray Dib? And how many will actually turn up to Noad's farewell drinks? Seriously, the biggest question facing the Doggies in 2008 is whether the players can turn a blind eye to the bunfight in the front office. Noad asked superstar Sonny Bill Williams a few weeks ago if the off-field drama was playing on his mind. "I just play football, bruz," was his simple response. This season, SBW and his teammates will need to play football with more spirit and resilience like never before at a time of crisis.
JOB SEEKERS: Michael Sullivan escaped the NRL to play in England because he was battling a gambling addiction. With those demons exorcised after two seasons at Warrington, he has taken another punt by coming to Belmore. But he has the ability to provide some cunningness to a forward pack sans Mason and O'Meley. While Daniel Holdsworth looks to fill Sherwin's shoes at halfback, recruit Aaron Groom will push Ben Roberts for the No.6 jumper.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Young halfback Ben Barba has been compared to none less than Johnathan Thurston. (Is that why they snapped up the unproven playmaker until the end of 2010?) Bulldogs recruitment guru Keith Onslow heard about the 18-year-old working wonders in Mackay, brought him down last June, and he scored so many points in Jersey Flegg the jaws of those in attendance for those 11 matches remain on the floor. Perhaps the biggest show of faith is this: when Sherwin departed for the old Dart, they turned their eyes to Barba.
REASONS TO BE EXCITED: Well, life cannot possibly get any worse on the field than it has been off it. And hell hath no fury like a Bulldog scorned. As they have shown before at Belmore, they revel when the excrement is hitting the fan the most.
REASONS TO BE WORRIED: Make no mistake, Mason and O'Meley are huge holes to fill in a pack renowned for grinding its opposition backwards. There will be untold pressure on Chris Armit and Jarrad Hickey.
Andrew Webster
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EELS
A land of milk and honey if Smith sticks to milk and cookies
Andrew Stevenson | February 28, 2008
WHO'S NEW: Joe Galuvao (Souths).
WHO'S GONE: Aaron Cannings (Titans) Richard Fa'aoso (Knights) Blake Green (Cronulla) PJ Marsh (Broncos), Timana Tahu (union, Waratahs), Justin Tsoulos (Bulldogs) and Ian Hindmarsh (retired).
BIGGEST QUESTION: We all know who runs the Eels around the paddock. Tim Smith, simple. The big question is who's driving Smith around the paddock. In fact it's not so much on the paddock but off it that will decide the Eels' fate this season. Sure, Smith has the odd brain explosion when faced with a crowded defensive line. Sure, he can go missing in the trenches or butcher the crucial last-tackle play. But he's still Parramatta's best option behind the steering wheel if he can exorcise his demons, start listening to the milk-and-cookies voices in his head and shut out the one whispering, "It's beer o'clock".
JOB SEEKERS: With former coach Brian Smith a long way away, Feleti Mateo holds his own future in his hand - just the same way as he mitts the footy. Mateo has the talent and the frame to be anything. We've seen his stride, his reach and his ability to beat a tackle on the outside. There's more to come and, with Tim Smith not due back on the pitch until a few weeks into the competition, Mateo will start at five-eighth and get his chance. Souths couldn't get their money worth out of big Joe: if coach Michael Hagan can, Galuvao can cause plenty of problems.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Jarryd Hayne and Krisnan Inu. Hayne, rookie of the year in 2006, and Inu, runner-up for the same award last season, will find the going a little tougher when they start 2008 closer to the action. Picked in the centres, these two have enough talent to star anywhere, although they may miss the space the flanks offered. Another to watch is Mark Riddell, with the burly hooker now a svelte 98kg, down from 107 kg last season.
REASONS TO BE EXCITED: Manly might be the club thinking, 'Let's go one better this year', but if truth be told, the Eels pushed Melbourne a lot harder - in both their final and round 23 clash, despite losing both. With big forwards able to bash the pill over the line (Fuifui Moimoi and Nathan Cayless), backed by workhorses such as Josh Cordoba, Chad Robinson and Nathan Hindmarsh, Parramatta can lay the requisite platform for the show-offs in the back line to do what they do best.
REASONS TO BE WORRIED: Apart from Smith, the other designated driver is Brett Finch, just about the most maligned half in the game. Hagan picked him up after Ricky Stuart had played havoc with his mental state at the Roosters and the softly, softly approach worked wonders. There's a lot on his shoulders, a burden that could become unbearable should Smith not stick to the warm milk.
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SOUTHS
Wing beats weight of expectation
February 29, 2008
WHO'S NEW: Nathanael Barnes (Tweed Heads Seagulls), George Ndaira (Sydney Roosters), Jamie Simpson (Brisbane Norths), John Tamanika (Brisbane Easts), Craig Wing (Sydney Roosters).
WHO'S GONE: Joe Williams (Penrith), Paul Mellor (retired), David Peachey (retired), Joe Galuvao (Parramatta), Peter Cusack (Hull), Shane Rigon (retired), Reece Simmonds (retired), Stuart Webb (Dragons).
BIGGEST QUESTION: After winning Test and NSW jerseys as a hooker, can Craig Wing re-establish himself in the halves this season? While he wore the No.7 jersey for the Roosters in their 2002 grand final win, he has spent most of the past five seasons playing hooker.
JOB SEEKERS: With Peter Cusack released to join Hull, Jaiman Lowe, Manase Manuokafoa, Scott Geddes, Michael Greenfield, Eddie Pettybourne and Luke Stuart are locked in a six-way battle to be Roy Asotasi's starting front-row partner. After bulking up 10kg during the off-season to 100kg, Lowe's brother Ben is also in contention for a place in the forwards. Most interest will revolve around the identity of Wing's halves partner - between Jeremy Smith, Eddie Paea and Ben Rogers.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Nathanael Barnes was recommended to Souths by John Lang after starring in the Queensland Cup and is now within sight of his NRL debut. While flashy Titans recruit Shannon Walker stole the headlines at Tweed Heads Seagulls, 25-year-old Barnes was the competition's equal leading try-scorer with Brisbane Easts winger John Tamanika, another Rabbitohs signing.
REASONS TO BE EXCITED: The return of Wing gives the Rabbitohs a premiership-winning halfback, while second-rower David Kidwell is like another signing after missing all but three games last year through injury. In addition, Souths last season unearthed a group of youngsters with bright futures, and there are more to come. The under-20s scrumbase trio of Chris Sandow, Luke Capewell and Jason Clarke are tipped as stars of the future.
REASONS TO BE WORRIED: After securing a place in the top eight for the first time in 18 years a week before last season's finals, the Rabbitohs seemed to drop off in intensity. The expectations will be greater this season, and with their success generating resentment from rival clubs they will have to be at the top of their games every week.
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TITANS
Baby boy is up and walking but can he avoid the terrible twos?
March 1, 2008
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/gold-coast-titans/2008/02/29/1204226992982.html
SEASON PREVIEW - GOLD COAST TITANS
WHO'S NEW: Brenton Bowen (Cowboys), Aaron Cannings (Eels), Matthew Cross (Panthers), Ashley Harrison (Roosters), Ben Jeffery (Wests Tigers), Billy Ngawini (Bulldogs).
WHO'S GONE: Jake Webster (Hull), Matt Hilder (Knights), Richie Mathers (Wigan), David Myles (retired), Lelea Paea (rugby union).
BIGGEST QUESTION: Players get second-year syndrome, but do clubs get it too? We'll soon find out. The Titans were riding a wave straight out of the breaks off the Gold Coast last year, but they are just a club now, albeit still an infant one. Time will tell whether they suffer the terrible twos.
JOB SEEKERS: Brenton Bowen will be interesting to watch. He wasn't even the best Bowen at his former club, North Queensland, although it would have taken a fair bit to outshine his cousin Matt. A fresh start might give this speedster a fresh spark.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: While Shannon Walker's flashy feet have been attracting hype quicker than, well, he, his good mate Will Matthews is the player Titans officials believe could make even more of an impact. Both players have treaded the same path, hailing from the northern NSW town of Kyogle, being schooled at Palm Beach Currumbin before starring together with Australian Schoolboys and Junior Kangaroos sides. Both helped Queensland Cup side Tweed Heads Seagulls to the premiership last year, and both are in the process of negotiating long-term deals at the club, which may see them in Titans jumpers until 2012. Matthews is expected to play NRL football before Walker, having looked even more impressive than Brisbane giant David Taylor with the Junior Kangaroos.
REASONS TO BE EXCITED: With the logistical problems of being a first-year entity over, the footballers can get on with simply playing football. Co-captains Luke Bailey and Scott Prince were impressive last year, and Mat Rogers, like his whole team, will be better for the run. The players ignored the distractions well last year, so without them they should improve again. The club also has a new stadium to christen, and if they can build up some early momentum at Skilled Park, they can ensure that, like the Terminator series, the sequel is better than the original.
REASONS TO BE WORRIED: How many sequels do you know that are better than the original? The Titans performed admirably in their first season, finishing just one win out of the eight. However, the club found out the hard way that having a good side on paper does not necessarily mean good results, especially when the players get injured. The Titans' biggest hurdle last year was depth. Although they are in a slightly better position now, it only takes one injury to knock a side around. Every one of the Titans' key players have had more than their fair share during their careers.
Glenn Jackson
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ROOSTERS
Big names bring burden of expectation
March 4, 2008
WHO'S NEW: Mark O'Meley, Willie Mason (Bulldogs), James Aubusson (Storm), Riley Brown (Knights), Albert Hopoate (religious duties), Jai Ayoub (Balmain Ryde Eastwood), Matt Hands (Junee), Mose Masoe (Wellington, NZ).
WHO'S GONE: Craig Wing (Rabbitohs), Ashley Harrison (Titans), Heath L'Estrange (Sea Eagles), Joel Monaghan (Raiders), Chris Beattie (Lezignan), Willie Brown (released), Jarryd Hogan (Sharks), John Williams (Cowboys), Danny Williams (Bulldogs).
BIGGEST QUESTION: Brad Fittler had nothing to lose when he took over as caretaker coach from Chris Anderson last year, but how will he cope with the acid placed upon him for the entire season? The players say Fittler has installed the warm-and-fuzzy vibe - something they needed at Bondi Junction after 2½ seasons of darkness. But nothing furrows a coach's brow and gives him a sweat moustache more than a side struggling to find the next loss. Fittler hasn't one grey hair yet but it will be in times of relative crisis that he will know if he's cut out for this clipboard-carrying caper. And chairman Nick Politis is never one to keep his thoughts to himself when things are heading south, regardless of whether you're a favourite son.
JOB SEEKERS: The best way for the Roosters to offset the departure of Craig Wing to arch rivals South Sydney - apart from smacking their behinds in round one - is for James Aubusson to shine in the No.9. Wing wasn't too happy when they signed Aubusson from the Storm ahead of him, but the Roosters clearly have faith in their new hooker. But Aubusson showed as Cameron Smith's understudy last year that he's a handy prospect - and he can help cover at halfback where the Roosters are lacking some depth. Australian and Origin lock Anthony Tupou isn't after a job - he's got the lock position locked up - but he is also trying to ensure a contract extension beyond this season.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Setaimata Sa has been afforded lofty praise for some time but this season he looms as an everywhere man. He's best suited to lock and the Roosters believe this is where he will eventually find his feet but he has an ability to cover halfback, five-eighth, centre and possibly No.9. No word yet on whether he can fit into the Roosters' mascot outfit.
REASONS TO BE EXCITED: O'Meley and Mason are enormous assets, not least because they have won a premiership at the Bulldogs alongside five-eighth Braith Anasta, who finished last season as arguably the in-form pivot in the competition. Mason, in particular, has shown in the Roosters' trials that he wants to play plenty of minutes. He also has the ability to hit the line, spin and off-load - something they've been lacking for some time.
REASONS TO BE WORRIED: While there is talent to burn in the pack, how much cover do they have in the back line?
Andrew Webster