Test Match: Australia 12 - New Zealand 8

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'Mason is a must': Hannant selects his Test replacement - NRL.COM

Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...t.aspx&usg=AFQjCNFdHVtg7rHvqvkR_O-joOJu_yoSYg

'Mason is a must': Hannant selects his Test replacement
Ben Blaschke
30 Apr 2010 16:09:00

Injured Bulldogs prop Ben Hannant has urged Kangaroos selectors to recall veteran forward Willie Mason when the Australian side to face New Zealand next week is picked on Sunday night.

The Aussies are in the midst of a front-row injury crisis with Hannant, who picked up a knee injury against Brisbane last week that will sideline him for a month, joining Steve Price and young gun Aiden Tolman, who has strained knee medial ligaments and is out six weeks, on the sidelines for the one-off Test on May 7.

Their absence opens the door for a new-look forward pack next week, but Hannant believes selectors must bite the bullet and recall Mason – despite a three-year absence from the Test arena.

“I think Willie is starting to show some really good form, so he could be a dark horse,” Hannant told NRL.com this morning.

“He’s been going great for North Queensland this year. He can play both front and back row, which is always a bonus, and he brings a bit of impact off the bench as well.”

With New Zealand set to name a powerful pack boasting the likes of Parramatta prop Fuifui Moimoi, Melbourne pair Jeff Lima and Adam Blair and Panthers dynamo Frank Pritchard, Hannant said Mason would provide the X-factor Australian needed.

“He is very big and powerful,” he said. “But he brings a lot of skill to his game as well.

“There is not much that can stop Willie when he is in his best form and he looks like he is in pretty good form at the moment.”

Mason is one of a number of players in contention for a bench spot behind incumbent Petero Civoniceva and St George Illawarra’s Michael Weyman, who look certain to be the Kangaroos’ starting duo.

And he is known to be on the selectors’ minds following Des Morris’ admission in Big League magazine this week that his name is certain to be raised on Sunday night.

Brisbane’s Sam Thaiday and Canberra’s David Shillington top the list of other contenders after being part of Australia’s Four Nations squad last year, but the list of challengers is lengthy with Cronulla pair Luke Douglas and Kade Snowden impressing and Eels youngster Tim Mannah also in fine form.

“It probably depends on who is eligible because there are so many out at the moment,” Hannant said. “But they could do worse than pick Willie.”

Hannant will be sorely missed by both Australia and the Bulldogs over the coming weeks but insisted he would be back in time to line up for Queensland when the State of Origin series kicks off on May 26.

“I’ll be back, for sure,” he said. “It’s obviously frustrating not to be available for Australia but I’m still young and there are plenty of years left to play Test footy.

“I just need to get back out there and be consistent and hopefully I’ll be right at the end of the year when the Four Nations is on again.”

Hannant is one of four Bulldogs missing for tonight’s clash with traditional rivals Parramatta, with five-eighth Ben Roberts, back-rower Yileen Gordon and strike centre Josh Morris also picking up injuries last week.

But he said his recovery was coming along well with a possible return in as little as a fortnight.

“I won’t start training until next week, hopefully, and then it will just be a case of getting fit and strong as quickly as possible before Origin,” he said.

Late NRL news:

• Canberra has taken a massive hit with four key players – Alan Tongue, Adam Mogg, Josh Miller and Shaun Fensom – all ruled out through injury ahead of tomorrow’s clash with the Warriors in New Zealand. Halfback Josh McCrone returns.

• Newcastle five-eighth Ben Rogers is in doubt for tonight’s trip to Brisbane, with Scott Dureau on standby. Broncos speedster Denan Kemp returns from broken ribs suffered last month.

• Melbourne star Greg Inglis has overcome an ankle injury and looks certain to play against North Queensland tomorrow.

 

[Capital_Shark]

I didn't know Hannant had such a sense of humour

 

[Gil]

Hasler lashes rep fixture

Hey Des....

:violin

 

[Capital_Shark]

Hey Des....

:violin

Ricky better look out or Des is gonna ace him for biggest whinging coach in the game.

 

[Beejay]

'Mason is a must': Hannant selects his Test replacement

Oh yeah fair enough Ben Hannant's opinion must be worth something because he has played a whole 2 games. Geez.

 

[Google News]

Disloyal Folau booted from Test - Herald Sun

Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...980583&usg=AFQjCNFxcbidH4ssGHv8FV7hnkHQ5w8GIw

Disloyal Folau booted from Test
By David Riccio
May 01, 2010 11:23PM

THE representative career of Brisbane Broncos star Israel Folau appears doomed, with Australian selectors poised to overlook the brilliant centre for next Friday's Test match against New Zealand in Melbourne.

On the cusp of walking out on a million-dollar deal at the Broncos to join rugby union franchise the Melbourne Rebels, Folau has already been told by Queensland coach Mal Meninga he won't be picked for Origin if he switches to a rival code, including AFL.

Folau's omission will be the biggest talking point when Australian coach Tim Sheens names his squad at Campbelltown Stadium.

"They're looking to the future and it's hard to know if he's part of that future," a source close to the Australian team said.

Sheens and the Australian selectors are expected to make few major changes to the side that won last year's Four Nations final.

Selectors will meet this morning to discuss several key issues, including:

* Will Melbourne halfback Cooper Cronk replace an underdone Johnathan Thurston?

* Who will claim a centre position, between Manly captain Jamie Lyon and Penrith ace Michael Jennings?

* Who between St George Illawarra's Michael Weyman, Manly's Josh Perry and Brisbane's Sam Thaiday will fill the void left by injured Warriors prop Steve Price?

* If Cronk misses out at halfback, will he edge ahead of NSW and Newcastle captain Kurt Gidley on the bench?

Former Kangaroos fullback Garry Jack said selectors had every right to overlook Folau.

"My own personal take on it is that I don't think he's playing well enough to deserve his place in the team anyway," Jack said. "Brett Morris deserves his spot ahead of him."

The Sunday Telegraph has also learned that both Sheens and the national selectors remain concerned about the fitness of Thurston.

The North Queensland skipper has a shoulder problem that forced him to miss two matches last month.

He requires regular treatment and is facing end-of-season surgery.

Sheens is believed to be wary of a ferocious New Zealand pack ambushing the Kangaroos by targeting an underdone Thurston.

Cronk will be considered as his replacement if Thurston shows he's not 100 per cent right at tomorrow's medical tests in Sydney.

Also causing concern for Sheens is the front-row position made vacant by an injured Price.

Price and Penrith stalwart Petero Civoniceva have long proven the cornerstone to a successful Australian forward pack over the past decade.

But it appears likely that Weyman or Perry will be charged with filling the huge void of Price.

Brisbane's Thaiday - arguably the form forward of the NRL - also looms as a front-row option.

Jarryd Hayne's timely return to form for Parramatta against the Bulldogs on Friday night will be enough for him to hold off a challenge from the Wests Tigers' dual international Lote Tuqiri. Cronulla's Paul Gallen and Canberra's David Shillington will be rewarded for strong individual form despite their respective clubs struggling for wins this season.

Panthers veteran Luke Lewis is tipped to claim the No 13 jumper.

Tomorrow's Test team announcement will also cap an emotional two weeks for Melbourne trio of Billy Slater, Greg Inglis and Cameron Smith.

They will be selected to represent their country despite being embroiled in the current salary cap scandal.

 

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Thurston injury gives Prince a sniff at Test selection - Brisbane Times

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...t.html&usg=AFQjCNGC8nYrlCfh6zbl7bCgrxGIRN2OFQ

Thurston injury gives Prince a sniff at Test selection
SEAN BAUMGART
May 2, 2010 - 3:00AM

Gold Coast Titans were "the best we’ve looked all year" in a flashy win over the Penrith Panthers 32-24 at Skilled Park last night.

Led by returning skipper Scott Prince, the Titans playmakers cut loose on the Panthers to notch their third win over a top-five team in four weeks.

While Prince was taking apart the Panthers at Robina, 1400km up the coast one of his main obstacles for representative honours, North Queensland Cowboys halfback Johnathan Thurston, was leaving the field with a shoulder injury in Townsville.

With the Test incumbent now likely to be ruled out, the odds have shortened for Prince’s name to be called by selectors this afternoon when they name a team for Friday night’s Test against New Zealand.

The Titans are now the sole occupants of second spot on the NRL ladder behind the St George Illawarra Dragons, who trounced the Cronulla Sharks 38-0 last night.

During a golden run of four games that has for the most part been undertaken without Prince, who sat out April with a broken thumb, the Dragons were the only team to better the Titans.

But coach John Cartwright says the Titans are now better than the side that lost 19-6 to the Dragons in round six.

"It’s probably the best we’ve looked all year but it probably coincided with hanging onto the ball a bit more," he said. "Being a bit patient.

"That’s as good as we’ve played with the ball in hand. It’s probably the best kicking game we’ve had all year and they’re the basis for winning games.

"I think our average for getting to our kick, we were only 60 percent before that game and we were up over 80 for that game.

"If we do that, that’s when you see guys like Princey and (Preston) Campbell and (Will) Zillman come into their own.”

Penrith coach Matthew Elliott was on the back foot before the game, with second-rower Frank Pritchard pulling out with a calf injury during the warm-up.

But he said the Kiwi international would not have been able to help his side against a relentless Titans outfit last night.

"Franky would have made a difference, I don’t think he would have been the difference," he said.

With the Panthers completing 82 percent of their sets and the Titans getting to the kick 85 percent of the time, Elliott said the game felt like semi-finals football.

"They are the sort of battles we want to get into," he said. "They’re the sort of teams you want to play against.

"If we take the lesson this will be a really valuable performance for us, if we don’t it will be even more disappointing.

"I thought from (the Titans) it was a fantastic, really grinding team performance that was almost, for a long period of time, like semi-final footy. Just swapping sets and being prepared to get in that arm wrestle. And they were slightly better at it than us tonight for sure.”

Prince showed no signs of rust despite missing four rounds. He crossed for Gold Coast’s first try and was faultless with the boot, kicking seven goals.

Cartwright was reluctant to wade into the selection debate, but said the return of his skipper was a key element to the side’s victory after just four days off following their win in Manly on Monday night.

"I was (worried about short turnaround)," he said. "That was the real bonus of having Princey come into the side.

"You know, some fresh legs and leadership. Sometimes it just takes someone in your ear on the field. You feel a bit sorry for yourself sometimes.

"Sometimes rep footy’s not picked on form, so I’d stay out of that one.

"I think there are a number of guys in there that wouldn’t let the jumper down if they were picked.

“It’s probably unfair to single anyone out but I could probably think of half a dozen who wouldn’t let the Aussie jumper down.”

Campbell, who deputised at halfback while Prince was out, was at his elusive best against the club with which he won a premiership in 2003.

His deft, no-look pass in the 25th minute put second-rower Anthony Laffranchi over for the Titans’ second try.

Then seven minutes after the break he instigated the try of the match when he rolled a grubber into the in-goal, which Prince salvaged from going dead and lock Ashley Harrison pounced on under the posts.

Named at halfback during the week, the Inverell product dropped back to fullback to accommodate Prince’s return then moved into five-eighth mid-game.

He said the number on his back had little bearing on his approach to the game thanks to the calibre of players around him.

"I have faith in everybody around me, just like I hope they have faith in me, no matter where I play," he said. "In myself I feel confident that the boys are confident in me no matter where I play.

"Having Princey there, you don’t expect him to do too much more than what he’s supposed to, but he’s just such a quality player that he does do it.

"Even though we got through the game tonight, there were a couple of stages that were a little bit wayward, but he was the bloke that got us back on track.

"I think he’d be up to (Test football) for sure. Obviously he has got some tough opposition, but he’d never be out of place in a quality team like that. I’d have every faith in him."

 

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Cronk in the running for Test spot as Thurston injures shoulder - National

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...4/1026&usg=AFQjCNF0r8lbqb7lxW9dsn138Q-gcm_61Q

Cronk in the running for Test spot as Thurston injures shoulder
Last Updated: May 01. 2010 11:21PM

Cooper Cronk, the Melbourne playmaker, is in line for a Test call-up against New Zealand after Johnathan Thurston, the Australian halfback, was injured in North Queensland’s 34-6 loss to the Storm yesterday.

Thurston took a heavy shot from Adam Blair, the second-rower, that rattled his right shoulder, forcing him from the field after 12 minutes and making him a doubt for the match against the Kiwis on Friday.

Cronk was instrumental in the win and it may have been enough to convince Tim Sheens, the Kangaroos coach, with the Test team to be announced this afternoon.

If Thurston is ruled out, Cronk’s only obstacle will be Scott Prince, the Gold Coast skipper, who was also impressive in the Titans’ 38-14 win over Penrith yesterday after making his return from a broken thumb.

Prince showed no signs of rustiness as he masterminded a win that moved his side into second place behind St George Illawarra.

The scheming halfback scored a try and kicked seven goals for a personal haul of 18 points after having a surgical pin removed from his thumb on Tuesday and having just one training session to prepare for the match.

“I copped a couple of whacks throughout the game,” said Prince, who wore a hand guard for protection. “I’m just happy there was no damage done. I’ll take a lot of confidence out of that.”

<EDITED>

 

[sharks.com.au RSS]

Sharks Gallen Selected In Australian Team

Sharks Gallen Selected In Australian Team
2/05/2010 3:27:00 PM

Inspirational Cronulla workhorse, Paul Gallen, has been selected in the Australian side to take on New Zealand in Friday night's Test in Melbourne.

Despite the Sharks disappointing start to the 2010 season, Gallen has been rewarded for his brilliant form with a spot in the back row.

"I've been pretty nervous over the last few weeks about selection," Gallen admitted.

"I mean last year when we (the Sharks) weren’t going so well, I was still reasonably confident that I could crack the side, but this year has been different.

"I just thought running at the bottom of the table for the past two years might have counted against me and my luck run out a bit... I've been sweating on a phone call so I'm very relieved."

Gallen's averaged a remarkable 141 run metres and almost 30 tackles per game - one of the highest in the NRL.

With ten tests and six origins under his sleeve, the former Sharks captain admitted that his experience in the representative arena may have helped him over the line, with a number of quality players left out.

"I guess having played 10 test matches before helped me, I've been there before and they know that I can perform at this level."

“It's definitely a reward for my efforts this season and in the past... I'm very happy to represent the club and it's also a reward for Sticky (Ricky Stuart) Flanno (Shane Flanagan) and Elk (Trent Elkin) who have all put a lot of effort in to me over the years."

The Australian side will play a strong Kiwi outfit on Friday night and Gallen knows what to expect.

"They're certainly a big, tough physical side, that's no secret."

"Our 20-all draw against them last year in England was probably the toughest game I have ever played."

"They were brutal and I don't think it will be any different this time around, they'll be switched on."

"We'll have a good week in camp with Tim Sheens... he's pretty relaxed, has some great ideas and I really enjoyed my time overseas with him so I'm looking forward to catching up with him again."

Australian side named:

1. Billy Slater
2. Brett Morris
3. Greg Inglis
4. Jamie Lyon
5. Jarryd Hayne
6. Darren Lockyer (c)
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Petero Civoniceva
9. Cameron Smith
10. David Shillington
11. Luke Lewis
12. Sam Thaiday
13. Paul Gallen

Interchange:
14. Kurt Gidley
15. Josh Perry
16. Anthony Watmough
17. Michael Weyman

http://www.sharks.com.au/?s=article-display&id=25190

 

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Injury rules Thurston out of NZ test - eTaiwan News

Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...Sports&usg=AFQjCNEnk2wUgV0OaYJezIuC-MRLQQ-CEg

Injury rules Thurston out of NZ test
Associated Press
2010-05-02 04:37 PM

A shoulder injury has ruled star halfback Johnathan Thurston out of the Australian rugby league team for Friday's trans-Tasman test against New Zealand, while Israel Folau missed selection.

Melbourne's Cooper Cronk was named Sunday at halfback in Thurston's place and in a largely predictable Kangaroos lineup for the one-off match at Melbourne.

He was one of four Melbourne Storm players included in the starting lineup despite heavy sanctions against the club by the National Rugby League for major salary cap breaches.

Cronk will pair in the halves with captain Darren Lockyer while Brett Morris, who scored three tries Saturday in St. George Illawarra's 38-0 NRL win over Cronulla, has held his place on the wing.

Storm captain Cameron Smith, center Greg Inglis and fullback Billy Slater were also included in Australia's starting 13.

Manly captain Jamie Lyon was named to partner Inglis in the centers, preferred ahead of Folau who last week cast doubt on his future in rugby league. Folau hinted at a switch to rugby union and reports linked him with a move to Australian Rules football but Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens said form and not a code switch was behind his omission.

"Jamie's a specialist right-side player and we were looking for a specialist. He's also a specialist center and a goalkicker and without Jonathan (Thurston) that's going to be an issue for us," Sheens said.

"(Folau) was considered. He's only been back (from injury) a while and he's not a specialist center, he's played a lot of wing."

Australia's selectors stuck largely with the squad which won last year's Four Nations tournament, retaining 12 members of the squad that trounced England in the final.

St. George prop Michael Weyman was the only uncapped player included in the 17-man squad.

West Tigers playmaker Benji Marshall was named to captain the New Zealand squad.

______

Lineups:

Australia: Billy Slater, Brett Morris, Greg Inglis, Jamie Lyon, Jarryd Hayne, Darren Lockyer (captain), Cooper Cronk, Petero Civoniceva, Cameron Smith, David Shillington, Luke Lewis, Sam Thaiday, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Kurt Gidley, Josh Perry, Anthony Watmough, Michael Weyman.

New Zealand squad: Lance Hohaia, Jason Nightingale, Sam Perrett, Junior Sa'u, Steve Matai, Alex Glenn, Kieran Foran, Benji Marshall (captain), Zeb Taia, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Ben Matulino, Adam Blair, Bronson Harrison, Sika Manu, Frank-Paul Nu'uausala, Sam Rapira, Aaron Heremaia, Issac Luke.

 

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Former St Helens star Jamie Lyon recalled to Australia Test squad - The Guardian

Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...helens&usg=AFQjCNEuvOOB3kA4aTGrwltcpGJIG8Y-pw

Former St Helens star Jamie Lyon recalled to Australia Test squad
guardian.co.uk
2 May 2010 10.39 BST

The former St Helens centre and Super League Man of Steel, Jamie Lyon, has been recalled by Australia for Friday's Test against New Zealand in Melbourne.

The 28-year-old who won the prestigious Man of Steel award in 2005 was selected ahead of Brisbane Broncos' Israel Folau, who is expected to announce a switch of codes in the near future but Australia coach Tim Sheens and Australia Rugby League boss Colin Love denied his omission was on political grounds.

Lyon, who is now co-captain at Manly Sea Eagles, last played for Australia in the Anzac Test in 2007.

New Zealand hooker Aaron Heremaia, who played his first professional rugby league in England with Leigh, Widnes and Halifax, will be one of three debutants for the Kiwis in the Anzac Test.

The 27-year-old Perth-born Heremaia, who was a member of Leigh's Northern Rail Cup-winning team in 2006, began his NRL career last year with New Zealand Warriors after leaving Halifax and made his 19th first-grade appearance against Canberra yesterday.

Brisbane utility player Alex Glenn and Newcastle back rower Zeb Taia are the other new faces in coach Stephen Kearney's 18-man squad, which does not contain any Super League-based players.

Australia: B Slater (Melbourne); B Morris (St George Illawarra), G Inglis (Melbourne), J Lyon (Manly), J Hayne (Parramatta); D Lockyer (Brisbane, capt), C Cronk (Melbourne); P Civoniceva (Penrith), C Smith (Melbourne), D Shillington (Canberra), L Lewis (Penrith), S Thaiday (Brisbane), P Gallen (Cronulla).

Replacements: K Gidley (Newcastle), J Perry (Manly), A Watmough (Manly), M Weyman (St George Illawarra).

New Zealand: A Blair (Melbourne), K Foran (Manly), A Glenn (Brisbane), B Harrison (Canberra), A Heremaia (NZ Warriors), L Hohaia (NZ Warriors), I Luke (South Sydney), S Manu (Melbourne), B Marshall (Wests Tigers, capt), S Matai (Manly), B Matulino (NZ Warriors), J Nightingale (St George Illawarra), F-P Nuuausala (Sydney Roosters), S Perrett (Sydney Roosters), S Rapira (NZ Warriors), J Sa'u (Newcastle), Z Taia (Newcastle), J Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters).

 

[jaye]

any other kiwi cuzy bro's on here???i luv the sharkies congrats mus go to Gal for makn the ozzie squad..butt go the kiwi's take it ez on our Gal bro's..yeeeeeah!!!!

 

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Manly halves rewarded with rep jerseys - The Australian

Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...281513&usg=AFQjCNEOfTZsgAufm83J2KI-1hMZM3RHSw

Manly halves Trent Hodkinson and Kieran Foran rewarded with rep jerseys
Margie McDonald
May 03, 2010 12:00AM

MANLY'S pair of young halves, Trent Hodkinson and Kieran Foran helped the team yesterday get back in the winner's circle and consequently earned themselves representative jerseys.

Unlike last Monday night at Brookvale against the Titans, when Manly let slip two competition point, the Sea Eagles stayed in command and in front of Souths at ANZ Stadium.

But there were still palpations for the small number of Manly fans who ventured west to cheer on their team at Homebush.

The Rabbitohs revived memories of Canberra Stadium a week ago and enjoyed a fightback late in the game with three tries, including two to centre Beau Champion, who made a mockery of the Sea Eagles left-side defence.

That onslaught reduced a 24-point lead to just eight.

But a few errors, a little bad luck and a bunch of very tired players combined to ensure Souths did not pull off the miracle in successive weeks.

The 22-year-old Hodkinson was named City Origin halfback after just seven NRL games. And 19-year-old Foran was named to play in his second Test for New Zealand after just 17 games in first grade.

Sometimes the organisational and play-making skills of a class player like Matt Orford, who is now playing in England, take time to replace. But with two talented youngsters like Hodkinson and Foran locking together, the Sea Eagles aren't missing out on anything.

Both have kicking games the equal of Orford, they both like challenging the defensive line and, given the way they interchange their roles, it makes it very hard to counter them.

"We'll take the two points but we're making it so hard on ourselves with second-half lapses that are killing us," Foran said.

But he is looking forward to playing alongside Benji Marshall in next Friday's Test match against Australia in Melbourne.
"I just can't wait for it," he said.

Souths giant second-rower, Dave Taylor, is hard to miss on a football field and it shouldn't be long before representative jerseys are hung in his closet. Look no further than Souths' first try yesterday to see why. Ten metres from the line he accepted a pass from John Sutton and broke Jamie Lyon's tackle.

And from nine metres out and he dragged Hodkinson and Tony Williams, with a combined weight of 210kg, across the line to score. Manly's win was in keeping with the theme of teams bouncing back after losing having given up a lead the previous week. Just as Canberra did against the Warriors after surrendering an 18-point lead against Souths last weekend.

Newcastle also won against Brisbane on Friday night after being humiliated by Cronulla last week.

Manly was on a four-match winning streak when the Titans scored that last-gasp 24-22 win at Brookvale, after the seasiders had led by 10 points midway through the second half.

Manly's fifth win of the season sets it up nicely to meet competition leader St George Illawarra at Brookvale on Saturday.

 

[sharks.com.au RSS]

Australia & New Zealand Test Match Sold Out

Australia & New Zealand Test Match Sold Out
3/05/2010 4:13:37 PM

Friday night’s historic Test match between the VB Kangaroos and New Zealand at Melbourne’s AAMI Park has sold out.

The reigning Four Nations Champions, Australia, and World Champions, New Zealand, will open Australia’s newest sporting stadium in front of a 30,000-strong crowd.

Less than 1,000 tickets to the VB Test were available heading into the weekend, with fans spurred on by yesterday’s team announcements snapping up the last few remaining tickets this morning.

CLICK HERE to view the Australian team named.

“The response to the VB Test has been outstanding,” ARL Chairman, Mr Colin Love AM, said.

“The support of the Melbourne sporting public to representative Rugby League including State of Origin and World Cup matches underlines the passion of Victorian sports fans.

“The Victorian Government is to be congratulated for the construction of a state-of-the-art sporting facility in AAMI Park and Rugby League is proud to feature in the stadium’s official opening.

“The fans are in for a great match and given the rectangular design of the stadium, the best atmosphere they could hope for at a Rugby League game.”

The VB Test is a highlight of an exciting package of Rugby League events secured for Melbourne including a Four Nations Test between Australia and England in October and Game One of the 2012 Harvey Norman State of Origin Series.

“Victorians love their sport and AAMI Park is a great addition to Melbourne’s first-class network of sporting infrastructure, that reaffirms us as the sporting capital of the world,” Victorian Sports Minister, Mr James Merlino said today.

“Our multi-million dollar stadium is something all Victorian sports fans will be proud of and it is a fantastic achievement to sell out the new state-of-the-art venue on its opening night.

“There’s no question that a rectangular pitch has been the missing link in our world-famous network of sporting infrastructure in Melbourne – and the blockbuster trans-Tasman test between the Aussies and the Kiwis will open the stadium in style.

“AAMI Park will set a new Australian benchmark for rugby league, rugby union and soccer.”

The VB Test is one of two Rugby League matches featured in AAMI Park’s opening weekend, with the Melbourne Storm to play the Brisbane Broncos at the stadium this Sunday, May 9.

While tickets for the Storm’s opening game at their new home ground have only been on sale since last Thursday, sales have been strong and fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance.

“Nobody could ever deny the passion of Melbourne Storm fans and they have deserved for a long time to be at a venue like this,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said.

“This is the start of a whole new set of opportunities for the Storm and Rugby League in Victoria.”

Gates at AAMI Park this Friday (May 7) open at 6:00pm, with the VB Test between the VB Kangaroos and New Zealand kicking off at 8:10pm.

Fans are urged to arrive early and plan their trip ahead at www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au

The VB Test will also be broadcast on the Nine Network (live in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne).

Source: http://www.sharks.com.au/?s=article-display&id=25237

 

[Yahoo News]

The Adjudicator, NRL R9

The Adjudicator loves a weekend of representative rugby league; when good players become great, others are exposed as average and strong clubs are reduced to rubble.

Source:http://foxsports.com.au/story/0,20797,27071191-5018866,00.html?from=public_rss

The Adjudicator gives his verdict for round nine of the NRL premiership
By The Adjudicator
May 07, 2010

<EDITED>

Australia v New Zealand, AAMI Park, Friday 8pm (EST)

The Adjudicator's verdict: "While the Kiwis will give themselves a hope, their real battle will be an internal one. There is every chance Adam Blair, Issac Luke and Benji Marshall have spent all week preparing for the "who can produce the most knee-knocking Haka" contest rather than figuring out their on-field combinations. No such trouble for the Aussies who are made up either of Storm players enjoying the novelty of competing for a result or players from other clubs too scared to deprive Inglis, Slater, Cronk and Smith of a rare moment of relevance in 2010. Australia by 22."

LATEST COMMENTS FROM FANS
Henry from Sunbury says: "If the Aussies are fair dinkum, they would remove the Storm players to give the Kiwis a chance of winning. As the Aussie team is second rate without the boys from the Storm. But like the Wizz I have a suspicion that they have been bribed to play as badly as thr rest of the Aussie team."

Geoff from Terrigal says: "Gary Freeman picks the Kiwis - HELLO! Good on you Gary, love your faith and patriotism. But history says Australia will win - if we ignore the World Cup of 2008. Can we?"

Geoff from Terrigal says: "In response to the fearsome Maori Haka the convicts and free settlers should pull out faux guns and 'shoot' the Kiwis - in joint loving memory of Captain Cook, who set the example about 1770. The surviving convicts will win by lots."

Rob of Dapto says: "Stadium is brand spanking but the matchup is not. Another tired mid-season rev up for mine and they need to try much harder as Rob is yawning! AAMI Stadium opening does not ‘insure’ I will stay awake throughout – no siree Bob. Straya by 20+ again and ensuring the end of year rematch will be willing where KIWI have a serious dig."

Andrew says: "If the Kiwis had a full strength team available i would salivate at watching this. The likes of Vatuvei, Tuiaki, Fui, Pritchard, Eastwood added to Bronson, Benji, Luke, Blair etc would possibly top Origin. Unfortunately they are, as usual, decimated by injuries and instead of picking the next best team Kearney has gone for a bunch of fringe first graders like Nuuausala and Matulino, rookies like Heremaia (2 hookers... really?) and Sika Manu who is 1 NSW cup game back from a broken leg. Could be worse, they could have picked Cayless but if anyone thinks this side will come anywhere near the Aussies they're dreaming. Australia by 30."

Jack Muir from Melbourne says: "If the inexperienced world champion Kiwis win on Friday night I will be on a bender that both Braddy and Crazy Dan would shudder at the thought of so i'm sure I can put on a couple of drinks. Oh Rugby League.... Oh Adam Blair.... Oh the games that unites and embraces people of all races and creeds.... the game that embraces whanaus......... the only purely proleteriat sport in the world...... the game of the people........ the greatest game....... modern day gladiators running and defending with purpose and entertainment........... modern warfare........... oh rugby league"

Gene Murphy from South Auckland, Otara says: "My favorite match of the year this one, I love the trans tasman battles because the pure physicality of the match is a sight to be seen. Even the pre match Haka sends tingles down the spine, a bit like the tingles Dave Shillington will be getting after Warea-Hargreaves and co line him up after his comment about the kiwis being soft. We need Benji and Foran to play out of their skin and Luke to dart around the rucks after the quick play of the balls. Completing sets will be the key against this vaunted Aussie backline but their forward pack holds no fears. Kiwis by 4 with Shillington taken off a stretcher."

Grany Hay says: "I live in hope for the Kiwis, but can anyone tell me why Sika Manu has been selected ahead of a fit and in form Jeff Lima?"

Kiwis fan Joel says: "Heya Mr A, 1st off the bat Shillington as a tool, he played half of the Kiwis team last weekend?? The warriors have 4 players in the squad. Ok now with the game in mind, I believe where this game will be lost by us Kiwis is our obvious issues out wide!! We have some of the shortest wingers/centres in the game, cronk, smith and Locky will hoist it high all day long and Inglis and co will make us look like lost children at a playground!!Im a Kiwi, but im also a realist."

<EDITED>

 

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Dragon teammates face off in Test

KIWI winger Jason Nightingale is ready for his biggest test this year marking St George Illawarra teammate and Australian flyer Brett Morris in Friday's Test match.

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Dragon teammates face off in Test
BY MICHAEL CARAYANNIS
05 May, 2010 04:00 AM

KIWI winger Jason Nightingale is ready for his biggest test this year marking St George Illawarra teammate and Australian flyer Brett Morris in Friday's Test match.

Nightingale flew to Melbourne as part of an 18-man Kiwi squad on Sunday but was unsure about his role within the side.

Having spent all of this season for the Dragons on the right-hand side and with Morris named to play on the left flank for Australia, it is likely the two close friends will square off.

"It's going to be a big challenge,'' Nightingale told the Leader from the Kiwi's Melbourne base.

"We haven't really spoken about it before but some of the boys had mentioned it.

"It will be a good test. We both know each other's game really well.''

Nightingale said the pair had not played against each other since an under 18 SG Ball match between St George and Illawarra.

"I think they won 11-8,'' Nightingale said. "And he scored a try.''

The Renown United junior, 23, played the last of his four Test matches for the Kiwis from the interchange bench in the corresponding match last year.

He toured with the side in the Four-Nations tournament at the end of last year but was unable to surpass Sam Perrett and Bryson Goodwin for a spot in the starting side.

Perrett joins Nightingale in the squad while Goodwin has been overlooked.

"It means everything to me to play for New Zealand,'' Nightingale said.

"It is something that I always wanted to do since I was young.''

The world champions head into the match as rank outsiders.

Dragons in-form prop Michael Weyman will make his Test debut for Australia, while Sharks Test forward Paul Gallen will play in his 11th international.

 

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Fly by Nightingale goes on the defensive - TVNZ

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Fly by Nightingale goes on the defensive
Published: 6:30AM May 05, 2010
Source: NZPA

Jason Nightingale has grown accustomed to playing on the outer, the wing where the ball does not necessarily come his way.

So the St George-Illawarra and Kiwis winger faces a familiar core responsibility in Friday's Anzac league Test against the Kangaroos - damage limitation.

The 22-year-old earns his fifth cap when AAMI Park makes its sporting debut - though only because Manu Vatuvei is back in Auckland recovering from a hamstring injury.

Nightingale makes no attempt to compare his attacking prowess with that of the New Zealand Warriors behemoth, and although he scored a respectable five tries in eight games for the Dragons this season, the Sydney-born speedster realises his defensive work will be a priority when marking up against Jarryd Hayne.

While the Parramatta superstar took eight games to score his first try of the season against the Bulldogs last weekend, he looms as yet another offensive threat in a backline studded with try-scoring capabilities.

Billy Slater and Greg Inglis fit that mould, as does Nightingale's Dragons teammate Brett Morris who leads the National Rugby League's try-scoring stats after round eight with 11.

Since the Kiwis assembled on Monday, Nightingale's advice has been sought on how to limit Morris on the left flank.

Unfortunately he has not been too illuminating about a finisher who notched a hattrick in his last NRL outing against Cronulla.

"A few of the boys have been asking me how to stop him but there isn't really a formula," he said.

"You have to be on your game and stay up on him."

However, it is Hayne that shapes as Nightingale's major concern now the 2009 Dally M player of the year switches from fullback for the Eels to his favoured wing position.

Not that Hayne hugs the sideline, his roving commission is what makes him so dangerously unpredictable.

"When he plays on the wing in (State of) Origin he works on getting involved in the middle, he gets involved more out of the wing position," Nightingale said.

"It's always ominous going up against him, he's one of the best players in the world."

Fortunately Nightingale's tactical awareness has been well practiced at the Dragons under legendary coach Wayne Bennett.

While Morris and Matt Cooper are a regular source of points on the left side, Nightingale and his centre partner Beau Scott are more defensively inclined.

"My role outside Beau is predominately defensive, we're working on shutting down tries more than scoring them. Our left edge is a pretty potent attack so we base our game more on defence.

"That's what we're trying to achieve more than the flashy left sided players."

Keeping Hayne off the score sheet would amount to a minor victory for Nightingale who realises he is only playing by default.

"If Manu wasn't out I wouldn't be here so there's some sort of pressure on me," he admitted.

And considering Vatuvei's presence, Nightingale said replacing him was not a one-man job in the back three.

"If Manu was here he'd take a bit of pressure off the team but it just means me, Sammy (Perrett) and Lance (Hohaia) have to step up and fill his shoes."

 

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Lyon recalled to Test side - St Helens Today

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Lyon recalled to Test side
Published Date: 04 May 2010

Ultra popular ex-Saint Jamie Lyon has been recalled to the Australia squad to face New Zealand on Friday.

The 28-year-old Man of Steel winner got the nod ahead of the Brisbane Broncos' Israel Folau.

"He was considered but is only just back from injury," said coach Tim Sheens. "He is not a specialist centre and I was really after a specialist right centre which is why Jamie Lyon got the nod.

"He is also a goalkicker, which is a factor now Johnathan Thurston is out."

Thurston was ruled out on medical grounds after suffering a shoulder injury for North Queensland Cowboys against Melbourne Storm last night and his place went to Melbourne's Cooper Cronk.

Lyon's performances at Knowsley Road made him a firm terrace favourite during his two-year stint at the club.

Squad: B Slater (Melbourne); B Morris (St George Illawarra), G Inglis (Melbourne), J Lyon (Manly), J Hayne (Parramatta); D Lockyer (Brisbane, capt), C Cronk (Melbourne); P Civoniceva (Penrith), C Smith (Melbourne), D Shillington (Canberra), L Lewis (Penrith), S Thaiday (Brisbane), P Gallen (Cronulla).
Replacements: K Gidley (Newcastle), J Perry (Manly), A Watmough (Manly), M Weyman (St George Illawarra).

 

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Waerea-Hargreaves stands his ground - Yahoo!Xtra Blogs (blog)

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Waerea-Hargreaves stands his ground
NZPA
May 6, 2010, 1:34 pm

When Jared Waerea-Hargreaves disrespected his rugby league elders, notably Petero Civoniceva, during last year's Four Nations it was nothing personal -- he was just trying to maintain a harmonious relationship with mum.

The upstart Kiwis front rower's slanging match with the Kangaroos veteran amid the 20-20 draw in London is hardly the stuff of trans-Tasman league legend, though their full and frank discussions re-emerged as a talking point ahead of tomorrow's Anzac test in Melbourne.

Waerea-Hargreaves didn't endear himself to Civoniceva when he stormed off the interchange bench at The Stoop and refused to kowtow to an adversary 14 years his senior.

Civoniceva, with 40 tests and 256 first grade games worth of credibility, took exception to his durability being questioned by a then 20-year-old with a mere six National Rugby League games on his CV.

Any bad blood between the pair was washed away by a few beers in a Leeds pub later in the tournament, but although Waerea-Hargreaves listened intently to a legend's career advice, he is again prepared to talk the talk -- and walk the walk -- as part of an inexperienced pack determined to protect the Kiwis' status as world champions.

"I was brought up in an environment where you had to stand your ground," said Waerea-Hargreaves of his issue with authority.

"I was always the little white honky boy copping a bit of a flogging here and there from the dark Maori boys.

"I'd run back to Mum and say 'Look, these guys have been bullying me'."

Karen Waerea's advice was explicit and has never deviated once he took an accelerated pathway from Rotorua via Brisbane and Sydney to an international sporting arena.

"If I took a backward step Mum would clip me ears -- I'd rather get clipped by Petero than me Mum."

Mrs Waerea will be in his ear in the hours before the 10pm (NZT) kick-off, giving her boy a gentle reminder of what he learned from those unhappy playground experiences at Glenholme primary.

"We have a good yarn before every game.

"Sometimes she wishes she could be out there with me. She played a bit of footy back in the day."

While Mum built his character, a move to Dad's place in Brisbane when he was nine shaped a meteoric rise to test football.

A rugby player during high school, Waerea-Hargreaves made Queensland age-group rep sides and his physical presence was identified in 2006 by Mike Newton, the scout who now manages the 1.93m, 108kg tearaway.

Newton facilitated a move to Sydney the following season, and a place in the NSW Waratahs academy system for the raw loose forward.

"I was a blindside flanker but I wasn't too good in the air at the lineouts," he confessed.

"I was all over the place, my balance wasn't too good."

His tackling style didn't quite fit with union either: "I was running around trying to belt blokes and getting pinged for shoulder charges, obviously can't do that."

Waerea-Hargreaves was still a key member of the inaugural Australian Rugby Championship-winning Central Coast Rays but realised his future probably lay in the 13-man code.

"Ever since 2007 Mike was saying 'you're a league player playing union'."

Waerea-Hargreaves had barely studied league -- and never played a minute of it -- before signing a two-year deal with Manly in 2008.

It was hardly a memorable introduction.

"My first game was an NRL trial against the Melbourne Storm. I lasted 11 minutes. I was gone mate .... physically I was gone."

Warea-Hargreaves eventually got up to speed and made six appearances for the Sea Eagles, enough to register with Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney.

He selected Waerea-Hargreaves for his test debut against Tonga last year, in Rotorua of all places.

"I nearly cried after finishing the haka. To do it in front of my family in my home town was just unbelievable."

And then to the Kangaroos last October, where he arguably came of age before his 21st in January.

"I wanted to get on the field and let my brothers around me know I was there. I didn't want them thinking 'Has Jared done anything?' I wanted them to go 'Jared's on'."

Now at the Sydney Roosters, and with another three NRL games under his belt, Waerea-Hargreaves carries the same philosophy into his fifth test.

With Roy Asotasi and Fuifui Moimoi out injured the onus is on Waerea-Hargreaves, Sam Rapira and Frank-Paul Nuuausala to keep Civoniceva and his big boppers quiet.

"Roy and Fuifui are two big cannonballs firing at a wall. They're massive but they're not in," Waerea-Hargreaves said one last statement of intent.

"We've dealt with it, and moved on."

Teams for tomorrow's Anzac rugby league test played between the Australia and New Zealand at AAMI Park here (10pm NZT):-

New Zealand: Lance Hohaia (NZ Warriors), Sam Perrett (Sydney Roosters), Junior Sa'u (Newcastle Knights), Steve Matai (Manly Sea Eagles), Jason Nightingale (St George Illawarra Dragons), Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers, captain), Kieran Foran (Manly Sea Eagles), Adam Blair (Melbourne Storm), Zeb Taia (Newcastle Knights), Bronson Harrison (Canberra Raiders), Frank-Paul Nuuausala (Sydney Roosters), Isaac Luke (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Sam Rapira (NZ Warriors). Interchange: Aaron Heremaia (NZ Warriors), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters), Ben Matulino (NZ Warriors), Sika Manu (Melbourne Storm). 18th man: Alex Glenn (Brisbane Broncos).

Australia: Billy Slater (Melbourne Storm), Brett Morris (St George Illawarra Dragons), Greg Inglis (Melbourne Storm), Jamie Lyon (Manly Sea Eagles), Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels), Darren Lockyer (Brisbane Broncos, captain), Cooper Cronk (Melbourne Storm), Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sharks), (Luke Lewis (Penrith), Sam Thaiday (Brisbane Broncos), Petero Civoniceva (Penrith Panthers), Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm), David Shillington (Canberra Raiders).

Interchange: Kurt Gidley (Newcastle Knights), Josh Perry (Manly Sea Eagles), Anthony Watmough (Manly Sea Eagles), Michael Weyman (St George Illawarra Dragons). 18th man: Nate Myles (Sydney Roosters).

Referee: Richard Silverwood (England).

 

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Preview: Kangaroos v Kiwis - sportal.com.au

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Preview: Kangaroos v Kiwis
06/05/2010 11:34 AM
Scott Brooks

VENUE & TIME: AAMI Park, Friday, May 7, 8.00pm (AEST)
COVERAGE: Channel 9

HEAD TO HEAD: Played 116, Australia 85, New Zealand 28, draws 3
LAST TIME: New Zealand 20 - Australia 20 at Twickenham Stoop, London, Four Nations, 2009

WALKING WOUNDED: Australian coach Tim Sheens has largely remained loyal to the side that got the job done in the 2009 Four Nations Final, naming 12 players from that squad of 17 for Friday night's historic clash with the Kiwis at the new Melbourne Stadium. Johnathan Thurston, Ben Hannant and Justin Hodges were all part of that final, but will be missing due to injury. The only debutant for the Kangaroos will be interchange prop Michael Weyman, while incumbent Test lock Nathan Hindmarsh has every right to feel aggrieved after being completely overlooked by the selectors. The Kiwis have been dealt a series of crushing injury blows leading up to this game with Fuifui Moimoi, Jeremy Smith, Roy Asotasi, Frank Pritchard, Simon Mannering, Manu Vatuvei and Nathan Fien all unavailable due to ailments picked up during the opening eight rounds of the NRL season. Kiwi selectors have chosen three new faces in the initial squad of 18, those being Warriors hooker Aaron Heremaia, Brisbane utility Alex Glenn and Newcastle back-rower Zeb Taia. At least two of those players will make their Test debuts on Friday night.

FORM: After the shock of losing the 2008 World Cup Final to the Kiwis, the Aussies have settled back into their winning ways, posting four wins and a draw in Tests contested since. That draw was ironically against the Kiwis in last year's Four Nations when a Cameron Smith try in the final minute saved the Aussies from another shock loss to their rivals from across the Tasman. Most of the Aussie players in the 17-man squad have been in impressive form to start the season, with backs Jarryd Hayne and Greg Inglis finally clicking into top gear last weekend after both experienced slow starts to their respective 2010 campaigns. The Kiwis' form since holding aloft the 2008 World Cup has been far from ideal, failing to make the final of the last year's Four Nations and copping a 28-point flogging at the hands of the Aussie in last season's May Test played in Brisbane. Despite the injury-curse hitting the Kiwis yet again, most of the players in the squad have performed strongly at times for their clubs this season, although the likes of forwards Jared Waerea-Hargreaves are Sika Manu are probably down a touch on match fitness.

WHO'S HOT: Dragons and Australian flyer Brett Morris has the potential to become one of the great meat pie grabbers in rugby league, bagging another hat-trick last weekend to maintain his place at the top of the NRL tryscorers list. Not only does he possess great finishing skills, but he proved against the Sharks last Saturday night that he can produce spectacular passes to set tries up as well. His one-arm ball to send Matt Cooper was all class. He will be a fixture in Test teams for a long time to come. The same could be said of Souths and New Zealand hooker Issac Luke, who has been in astonishing form this season. Although the Bunnies have been inconsistent, Luke has been reveling behind their big pack and is without doubt the most dangerous ball-runner out of dummy half.

WE THINK: You have to go back to 1998 to find a successful Kiwi side in these early season Tests and Friday night should continue the May pain for New Zealand as its injury-ravaged line-up attempts to combat a red-hot Aussie 17. The Aussies will field a solid pack that should have the juice to eventually roll over the top of their inexperienced opponents, particularly late in the game, allowing the likes of Slater, Inglis, Hayne and co. to cash in on the scoreboard. A lot will be expected of new the Kiwis halves combo of Benji Marshall and Keiran Foran and the dangerous Luke out of dummy-half, but their impact will be greatly reduced if New Zealand's understrength pack fails to fire. Regardless of the result, it should be a memorable night for the official opening of the 31,500-capacity AAMI Park. Australia by 20.

TEAMS
Australia: 1. Billy Slater (Melbourne), 2. Brett Morris (St George Illawarra), 3. Greg Inglis (Melbourne), 4. Jamie Lyon (Manly), 5. Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta), 6. Darren Lockyer [c] (Brisbane), 7. Cooper Cronk (Melbourne), 8. Petero Civoniceva (Penrith), 9. Cameron Smith (Melbourne), 10. David Shillington (Canberra), 11. Luke Lewis (Penrith), 12. Sam Thaiday (Brisbane), 13. Paul Gallen (Cronulla). Interchange: 14. Kurt Gidley (Newcastle), 15. Josh Perry (Manly), 16. Anthony Watmough (Manly), 17. Michael Weyman (St George Illawarra). 18th Man: Nate Myles (Sydney Roosters).

New ZealandSquad): Adam Blair (Melbourne), Kieran Foran (Manly), Alex Glenn (Brisbane), Bronson Harrison (Canberra), Aaron Heremaia (New Zealand), Lance Hohaia (New Zealand), Issac Luke (South Sydney), Sika Manu (Melbourne), Benji Marshall [c] (Wests Tigers), Steve Matai (Manly), Ben Matulino (New Zealand), Jason Nightingale (St George Illawarra), Frank-Paul Nuuausala (Sydney Roosters), Sam Perrett (Sydney Roosters), Sam Rapira (New Zealand), Junior Sa'u (Newcastle), Zeb Taia (Newcastle), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters).

Referee: Richard Silverwood