Stacey Jones named new NYC coach

The legendary Stacey Jones will become the new Vodafone Junior Warriors coach at the end of the 2013 season. Photo: Photosport.
The 37-year-old made a club record 261 NRL appearances and also holds the record for most points (674) during his 12 seasons with Vodafone Warriors from 1995-2005 and his final year as a player in 2009.
Jones, who will step up from his current position as junior recruitment and pathways coach, has signed a two-year deal as NYC coach to the end of the 2015 season.
“I’m hugely excited about the opportunity to take on such an important role with the club that means so much to me,” he said.
“I moved into coaching after finishing my playing career and the more I got involved in it the more it became apparent to me that this was the direction I wanted to take after my playing career.
“I’m really enjoying the job I have now running our development programme and working with young elite players.
“Coaching the Vodafone Junior Warriors gives me the chance to go to the next level. I’m very excited about my new role and will give it my all.
“I understand and support the direction the club is heading and the vision (head coach) Matt (Elliott) and (general manager football operations) Dean (Bell) have if we’re to be successful and achieve what has eluded us for far too long – winning the NRL premiership.”
Elliott said Jones was the perfect choice for the job.
“Stacey meets all the criteria required to be successful in this role,” he said.
“I’ve always admired him from afar and having worked alongside him at the club since coming to the Vodafone Warriors I’ve witnessed first-hand what he has to offer as a coach.
“Stacey is going to play a critical role in preparing our young players to the highest possible level in readiness for NRL football.”
Former team-mate Bell said Jones has already shown special ability as a coach.
“I’ve been working closely with Stacey in his current role and it’s clear the club’s young elite players will benefit enormously from his mentoring,” he said.
“He’s the greatest player this club has produced and has so much mana within the club’s organisation and across the community at large.
“He, more than anyone, knows what it takes to become a top NRL player.”
Jones worked as a skills coach for the Vodafone Warriors in 2008 after returning from France and following his comeback year in 2009 he then coached his old club Point Chevalier in 2010 and 2011, taking the team to title success each season to earn promotion to Auckland’s Fox Memorial competition.
In 2012 he worked as a development officer for the Auckland Rugby League before being signed by the Vodafone Warriors to work as club’s junior recruitment and pathways coach under Bell’s management.
Vodafone Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said Jones would continue to report to Bell in his new position.
“Dean and his recruitment team have done a terrific job in attracting the best young players to the club and setting up a wider network of scouts,” he said.
“This has helped us to secure a number of talented young players such as Konrad Hurrell and Ngani Laumape, who have already played in the NRL, while there are also a number of others in line to follow them.
“What appealed to us when we appointed Matt was the clear vision he had for a club-wide approach to recruitment and development.”
He said Jones’ appointment was a key move in achieving this; and that there were other initiatives being planned to support the club’s goal of sustained success at NRL level.
STACEY JONES
Born: May 7, 1976
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Position: Vodafone Junior Warriors junior recruitment and pathways coach
Previous Roles: Auckland Rugby League football development officer 2012
Point Chevalier coach 2010-2011
Vodafone Warriors skills coach 2008
Playing Record:
Junior Clubs: Ponsonby-Maritime, Pt Chevalier (Auckland)
NRL Career: Vodafone Warriors 1995-2005, 2009
Club No: 24
NRL Debut: Vodafone Warriors v Parramatta, Parramatta Stadium, Sydney, April
23, 1995 (Round 7)
NRL Career: 261 appearances 1995-2005, 2009
NRL Points: 674 (77 tries, 176 goals, 14 field goals)
Super League: Les Catalans Dragons 2006-2007
Super League Debut: Les Catalans v Wigan, Stade Aime Giral, Perpignan, February
11, 2006 (Round 1)
Super League Career: 45 appearances 2006-2007
Super League Points: 133 (11 tries, 43 goals, 3 field goals)
Test Debut: v Tonga, Warrington, October 8, 1995 (World Cup)
Test Career: 46 tests for Kiwis 1995-2006; 6 tests as captain 2002 and 2006
Test Points: 160 (16 tries, 47 goals, 2 field goals)
Kiwi Number: 665
Awards: Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit 2005 Golden Boot Award 2002
New Zealand Player of the Year 1991, 1992, 2002 Vodafone Warriors Player of the Year 1997
Educated: St Paul’s College (Auckland)
http://www.warriors.co.nz

Knights finalise 18 for Melbourne

The Newcastle Knights have made a number of changes to their 18-man squad for Sunday’s game against the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park.
Akuila Uate, Adam Cuthbertson and Craig Gower join the team for David Fa’alogo, Neville Costigan and Adam Clydsdale.
Uate returns from a rib injury, Cuthbertson from a neck injury and Gower will make his debut for the Club after signing with the Knights earlier this week.
David Fa’alogo suffered a knee injury at training this week and will be sidelined for between four and six weeks while Neville Costigan will play NSW Cup on Sunday and Clydsdale returns to NYC.
“We are taking 18 to Melbourne and will finalise the bench tomorrow,” coach Wayne Bennett said after training on Saturday.
Traveling team: Boyd, McManus, Gagai, Leilua, Naiqama, Mullen (c), Roberts, Snowden, Waddell, Mason, Rochow, Houston, Smith, Scott, Sims, Cuthbertson, Uate, Gower.

USARL Week 3 – Baltimore Blues @ VFC Philadelphia Fight

The VFC Philadelphia Fight will take on the upstart Baltimore Blues this Saturday June 15. The game will start at 7pm at A.A. Garthwaite Stadium, East 11th Avenue & Harry Streets in Conshohocken.

The VFC Fight come in to the match 2-0 and at the top of the USARL standings, while the 0-2 Blues have had to endure two tough weeks of big losses against Jacksonville and the DC Slayers in succession.

We will have a grill with hamburgers and hotdogs, many cases of Victory Summer Love beer and a jager shot stand. Come see a great match up of USA Rugby League action and also see the Fight Vixens perform. It is always an outstanding day.

The after party starts at 9:15pm at the Valley Tavern inside the Valley Forge Casino Resort.

GB Student Pioneers VS Casablanca Morocco

The FMRL ( federation marocain RL ) announced the first game of GB in Morocco  gonna be against Casablanca Rugby League, Saturday the22, June 2013 in TESSIMA Casablanca field , the last one are so believeing that the game going to be more strong and hard , playing with them to test thier experience , as all teams in Morocco , Casablanca are ready to face GB and hopefully to beat them

By : Souhail.aitalla@frml.ma

South Sydney Rabbitohs Vs Gold Coast Titans

Sunday, 16 June 2013

TICKETING INFORMATION

1.Children aged 4 and under are Free of Charge for admission to general admission area

2.There is no discount for children to Grandstand seating.  Babies do not attract a charge but must

remain on their parents lap.

3.Children aged 4-16 inclusive receive the Junior prices.  Students will be asked to provide high school ID at the gate

4.Concession prices are for Aged Pensioners and tertiary students only

5.Other government concession cards will not be accepted.

6.Proof of age and concessions cards may be requested on entry to Barlow Park

7.Grandstand seating does not guarantee protection for adverse weather conditions

8.Refunds will not be available due to adverse weather conditions

9.Due to capacity restrictions, Junior NRL passes will not be permitted entry

IMPORTANT GAME INFORMATION

TIMES

Gates Open 11.30pm

Northern Pride Vs Ipswich Jets 11.45am

South Sydney Rabbitohs Vs Gold Coast Titans 2.00pm

ATM/EFTPOS FACILITES

There will be ATM facilities inside the grounds.

ENTRY CONDITIONS

Due to stadium capacity, patrons are NOT permitted to bring their own seating, including chairs and blankets.

No food can be brought into the grounds

Only unopened bottled water can be brought into the grounds

DISABILITY ACCESS

There is disabled seating available in the grandstand in sections 1, 2 and 5.  Please request prior to purchase.  Disabled access is available at both entry gates. The Western grandstand disabled viewing seats are best accessed by the ramp after turning right from the entry gates. An access ramp at the Spence St gates allow disabled entry to the Falcon Deck and viewing areas on the raised area of the Eastern side of the ground. Additional viewing areas are located at ground level left and right of the tunnel entry. Disabled toilets are located at all permanent blocks in the grounds.

WET WEATHER

There is no undercover area for General Admission ticket holders

Grandstand seating DOES NOT guarantee protection from adverse weather conditions

Refunds will not be available due to adverse weather conditions

Barlow Park is a non-smoking venue

Entry & Exit
Entry for patrons will be via both Scott and Spence Street gates. Check your ticket location for the best entry point for your seats.  Spence and Scott Streets’ gates and two additional gates on Severin Street will be open for exit. Severin Street will be closed after the game in the interests of pedestrian safety. Scott and Severin Street gates will be open 10min before fulltime. Please note that alcoholic beverages will not be allowed to leave the Park upon exit.
Parking

Corporate Ticket Holders
The existing Barlow Park carpark will only be open for corporate ticket holders due to the size of this event. This parking will be strictly limited, and is accessible via the Scott St entrance. Please present your tickets upon entry to receive parking.

NOTE: the Barlow Park carpark will remain CLOSED for entry and exit for 30min after the completion of the match in the interests of patron safety. Please consider this if you anticipate needing to leave immediately after the game as no exceptions will be made.

Grandstand and General Admission Ticket Holders
The primary recommended parking for GA ticket holders will be the Cairns Showground facility. Entrances to the Showground will be open on Scott St closest to Severin St intersection; and Severin St opposite Loeven St. Cairns Showground will be collecting donations for patron parking to help raise money for facility upgrades on the day. This car park will be closed at the discretion of the Show Association when deemed full.
The secondary parking opportunity at the Cairns Regional Council car park will also provide patrons with close access to the Spence St gates and will be at no charge.

Patron Drop Off Point
For patrons who do not require parking, the drop off point for entry will be located on Spence St from the Southern corner of the grounds to the entry gate. This area will be monitored by Traffic Controllers and drivers are required to stay with their vehicles at all times to maintain traffic flow.
Changed Road Conditions
A number of traffic restrictions will be in place on match day for safety, as following:
Severin St will be a No Standing Zone between Scott and Spence Streets from 10.00am-5.00pm
Spence St will have a taxi rank in place between the entry gates and Severin St roundabout.
Scott St will be a No Standing Zone from the Severin St intersection to the Buchan Street roundabout.
Scott St will become one way only with vehicles to travel toward the Buchan Street roundabout for 30min after the end of the match.
Severin St will be closed between 1.00pm-2.00pm and again at 3.45pm-4.30pm.
Please consider these changed conditions when planning your trip to and from the game.

Food and Beverage
Additional food and beverage facilities will be in place around the ground on match day. Please refer to your venue map for locations. Limited EFTPOS facilities will be located in the Western grandstand for grandstand ticket holders. Four ATMs will be located on the Eastern side of the grounds for GA patrons.

Bigscreens
Two big screens will be placed in Barlow to enhance your footy experience! These two screens are located in the Northern and Eastern Corners of the grounds. Please refer to your venue map for exact locations.

Toilets
Amenities will be located around the ground with additional units to be located behind the grandstand on the southern end of the field. Refer to your venue map for your closest location
Source : http://www.ticketscairns.com.au

Northern Pride Vs CQ Capras

Saturday, 29 June 2013

GAME NIGHT START TIME
A home game schedule is enclosed with the majority of home games (10 matches) played on a Saturday night. At all home games the main game will kick off at 6.30PM. Gate opening times will vary depending on pre game matches. Please check www.ticketscairns.com.au or www.northernpride.com.au for more details.
GAME TICKETS
Each spectator attending the match must present their game ticket to enter the Stadium. Ushers will be available to direct you to your seats if required. If you do forget your ticket there is a reprint fee and you must show photo I.D.
ENTERING BARLOW PARK
Both Scott St and Spence St will be open on Game Day, however Pre-Purchased tickets will only be available at the Scott St Box Office.
Patrons are prohibited to bring any food or drinks into the venue.
CAR PARKING
Car Parking is available in the main Scott Street entrance to Barlow Park. The car park has limited capacity and will cost $5 per game. Season car park membership ($50 for 11 regular season games) is available by contacting the Northern Pride office Ph 40460500, email admin@northernpride.com.au.
CODE OF BEHAVIOR
The Skill 360 Northern Pride and Barlow Park Management reserve the right to eject patrons from the venue if they are deemed to be behaving in an unruly manner at any home matches.Patrons will be ejected immediately if any objects are thrown inside the venue, on the playing surface or anywhere on Barlow Park premises. This is to ensure the safety of the players and other patrons at home matches. Patrons will also be ejected immediately or refused entry if their game ticket is not produced upon request by Skill 360 Northern Pride representatives or ushers.
AFTER GAME PARTY
The After Game Party will be held at Barlow Park in the Corporate Room so that all Pride Supporters can meet the players and kick-on without having to leave the venue.. The After Game Party will feature a Man of the Match Award, Coaches’ Address and Announcements. It will be attended by ALL Skill360 Northern Pride players and coaches.
Source : http://www.ticketscairns.com.au

Injury update after Round 13

Newcastle Knights forward David Fa’alogo will be sidelined for at least the next month following a knee injury he suffered at training on Tuesday.
“Dave had scans yesterday and they showed he has a grade two medial ligament strain in his right knee,” Performance Director Jeremy Hickmans said.
“He will be out for the next four to six weeks.”
The Knights will also be without young forward Alex McKinnon for the next 12 weeks following ankle surgery.
McKinnon suffered the injury in the Knights Round 12 game against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium, in a tackle that riled coach Wayne Bennett.
“Alex had surgery on Friday for a fractured fibula and syndesmosis damage,” Hickmans added.
“He will be out for approximately 12 weeks so we won’t get him back until about Round 24.
“It is fair to say we have been particularly unfortunate with injuries this season.”
Meanwhile Bennett hasn’t rule out the return of Danny Buderus and Akuila Uate from injury, or the late inclusion of new recruit Craig Gower, for this Sunday's game against Melbourne Storm.
“Danny is very close, whether he is back this week or not I am not sure,” Bennett said.
“I will give them until Saturday.”
Darius Boyd, who injured his ankle in Round 11 and managed to play in the opening State of Origin match just ten days later, didn't complete training on Tuesday but Bennett said that was about managing his load.
“Darius probably shouldn’t have played on Saturday,” Bennett added.
“Two games in three days wasn’t the ideal situation for him, but he didn’t want to let the boys down and he put his hand up to play.”
Source : http://www.newcastleknights.com.au

England and Exiles prepare for battle

A few shots from the England and Exiles camp this week

Elliott Whitehead free to play for Dewsbury Rams on loan

Want-away Bradford second row Elliott Whitehead is to be loaned out to Championship part-timers Dewsbury.

Whitehead has submitted a transfer request to the Bulls as he wants to join a top-four Super League club.

Whitehead was dropped for last Sunday's game at St Helens after asking for a move and has been training with the club's Under-19s.
However he now looks set to join the Bulls' partnership club, the Rams.
"Elliott is currently training with the academy and will also go and train with Dewsbury, who he will be made available to play for," coach Francis Cummins told the Bradford Telegraph & Argus.
"Elliott has made the decision that he wants to leave but no offers have come in for him."
Source : http://www1.skysports.com

Brett Ferres determined to seize England spot against Exiles

Brett Ferres hopes to be in Steve McNamara's England plans after cancelling a family holiday to stay in contention for Friday's match against the Exiles.

The Huddersfield second rower lost his place in McNamara's elite training squad two years ago and had intended to take his wife and children away for a break this weekend.
But some impressive displays for the Giants have been rewarded with a call-up to England's 19-man squad and Ferres is keen to impress at Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium.
"It's nice to be back in the mix," he said. "Obviously a lot of these players have been involved now for a couple of years and I do feel like the new boy.

"I've been trying to get back in for some time and obviously form has got me here.

Support

"I had planned to go away with the family next week and get away from rugby for a bit but we've put it on the back burner.
"I'm really lucky that my missus and kids support me and they will be cheering me on at the weekend.
"Obviously it's a really important week for me. The first step was to get in the squad, now I have to try to get in the 17.
"Two are going to miss out and hopefully I will not be among them."
The Exiles are leading 2-1 since the international origin concept was introduced in 2011 and Ferres predicts another tough challenge.
"There are some fantastic players in there," he said. "They've got a great squad and good coaching staff and they will be looking to get one over on us.
"It's an important game for them as well. They will want to get the bragging rights over on us."
http://www1.skysports.com 

blue were grilling at their first contact

What did we learn that we already know, this late Tuesday afternoon in the near Rivesaltes hotel? Little or nothing ... You tell me that it was not the purpose of the maneuver, the key to the President of the FFR XIII, consisting of "selling" the two games of the World Cup 2013 to be held in France.Even the new coach, Richard Agar, has not deigned to pronounce the name of one player who typed Elite him in the eye in the semi-finals and final of the championship of France, which he viewed via video.Was it because, at the table facing the press, appeared Maxime Grésèque, the only non-Dragon of the lot, and as everyone knows impressive ease throughout the season 2012 - 2013?Still, that as a response to the question, we had to settle for civilized words, closer to the jargon that the information that was picked naively: "I saw some good young people and foreigners - it's just an observation, not a criticism - at these meetings is intense, though less compared to that prevailing in the Super League, and a healthy organization of the game "Ah, yes! The Wildcats guide explained that it was not his "philosophy", fetch for the France team "foreign players whose grandparents have French origins."
 Dimitri Pelo should not be ...He even said they "talked to Clint Greenshields and Dimitri Pelo", two potential candidates back in blue for World Cup, and he followed - by far, inevitably - the current course in Australia and Benjamin Garcia Tony Gigot, who figures to outsiders for a place in the list of ... 24 (and not 23, so).The case seems Pelo already set, if one believes Gilles Dumas, manager of traffic: "He married October 19, participation is compromised."The President of the French Federation, he stressed that "beIN SPORT is currently the only TV channel in the running for the broadcasting of matches of the Blues."So we did not totally wasted our time at this press conference back in Perpignan, another promise we are probably in July, and August 19, still in Perpignan for two other appointments of day. Still 40 "or more, but not necessarily the same," added Jean Alonso, Senior Vice-President of the FFR XIII, in charge of high level.
 A "shrink" passed by Manchester UnitedOh, I almost forgot: on the one hand the future captain is not yet appointed, the other we were introduced to a new member of staff tricolor, Damian Hughes, an Englishman, mental trainer of his condition, which works four years to Warrington Wolves, having previously provided advice to Manchester United and Sale Sharks.Because no one in the entourage of blue, not the cache: the successor Aurelian Cologni will not revolutionize all three shots ladle. Its main task is to know "how the group feels, and where does he go?"We have the answer: as far as possible, of course!
 Three full weeks of preparation before matrch in HullSerious things, in fact, will not begin until October 6 to Perpignan for a week working on the ground this time. Followed by another in Avignon, and a third and final will start with the friendly match October 18 Arnauné Toulouse stadium, against the United States on the eve of departure to Hull, where the Blues face off nine days later (27 oxtobre) with the Papuans.Preparation for the map, the Dragons, the evening of a long - and difficult for organizations - season, being mainly invited to a recovery program, while the few elite players who will accompany them in this perilous but exhilarating adventure, inevitably cooler with only three or four league games in the legs, on the other hand will be subject to a more dynamic system."Create an atmosphere in blue, for players who will be proud to wear the tricolor jersey," this is what Richard Agar will focus first.And it all began on Tuesday evening with a barbecue, which involved Jason Baitieri, recovering from his Achilles tendon operation, but not Younis Khattabi, on vacation in China and therefore not aware of its being convened, and Mathieu Griffi, apologized. October 28 at Craven Park Hull is a wildcard that the French try not to grill ...

A wind of Super League on Toulouse

Saturday 22 June, at 18 hours, Toulouse will for the first time witnessed a match of Super League, Championship Rugby League the toughest of the Northern Hemisphere.

Dragons-vs-Hull-KR-22.06.13En may be waiting to review this show more regularly through Toulouse Olympique XIII, everyone is invited to visit the Ernest Wallon stadium to support the Catalans Dragons who will take on the English Hull KR .

The TO XIII hoping to take part in this competition 2015, this event is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate to the decision of the RFL (English Federation), in charge of the review of applications, and the Rose City the region are eager to attend games with only the Super League secret, including a tasty derby against the Catalans Dragons.

This event is offered at very competitive rates, with seats ranging from 10 € to 25 €. Reduced (price 'concession') is given to students upon presentation of their card. For children under 12, the input is only € 3.

A ticket to the seat of TO XIII (Arnauné Stadium - 107 Frederick Ave Estèbe in Toulouse) is open during business hours (9am-12h and 14h-18h Monday to Friday). You also have the opportunity to purchase tickets on the Internet: www.to13.com/billetterie/

Casty two years to Roosters

Rémi Casty, Catalans Dragons captain, has given his consent to the NRL club Sydney Roosters. The 28 year old international prop indeed join the Australian team at the end of this season for a two-year contract on the 2014 and 2015 seasons.As agreed with the President of the Catalan Dragons Bernard Guasch and his contract, which included a release clause in the event of an offer of an NRL club, he was released from his contract last year to pursue his career in the best league in rugby league on the planet.After studying the various Australian proposals, Catalan captain is engaged with the Sydney Roosters where he will join former Dragons coach Trent Robinson, who indeed knows more than anyone the qualities of the pillar."This is the culmination of my career. After 8 years the Dragons, I realized a childhood dream by integrating an NRL club. This is an idea I Germais for over a year and a half and I finally see materialize and I would like to thank the club to let me take this opportunity. I spent eight wonderful years the Dragons and I am proud to have worn the shirt, so I can not thank the club for everything he has given me. This will obviously be the first club that I would contact if I want to return one day in the Super League, "said Rémi Casty.French first player in history to have been named in the Super League Dream Team last season, the international pillar continues his meteoric rise since its inception in the blood and gold jersey in 2006. Author of 18 trials in 155 Super League games, he became the last season one of the references of the position in the Super League."Even if it is a loss for our club, as Remi is a great leader, it is a incredible opportunity for him to go to compete with the best. I was aware of the negotiations from the beginning and we have always operated seamlessly with Remi. I promise to return to the club after his Australian experience and it will be harder to share her knowledge to our young forwards already pushing "we entrusted Bernard Guasch, the President of the Catalan Dragons."It is a great recognition of the work done in our club. Recruitment our coach, fitness trainer and now a player certify quality work that makes our club and also valued members of Catalans who knew to change their technicians and players. " Christophe Jouffret concluded, the Director General of Perpignan franchise.

ITALY ANNOUNCES SHIELD TRAIN ON SQUAD

The Federazione Italiana Rugby League has announced an initial 47-man train-on squad three weeks ahead of Italy’s competition-defining clash against Russia in the European Shield 2012-13. The lure of the forthcoming World Cup means that Italy assistant coach Paul Broadbent, who resumes his control of the Azzurri’s European Shield campaign, has an abundance of talent available. University of Gloucestershire All Golds scrum half Matt Bradley, Hemel’s Joel Miranda and young Warrington centre James Saltenstall headline a clutch of 11 newcomers to the squad.

“Mathew Bradley is a young halfback with the ability to organise a team very well and with a good kicking game,” said Broadbent, who saw his side crush Germany at home last year, but lose overseas to Serbia and Russia. “Joel Miranda is a hooker with a wealth of experience and his game awareness will challenge teams in and around the ruck area,” he added. While Saltenstall is joined by former Castleford wingman Richard Lepori.

Broadbent, who will visit Italy several times to oversee elite camps and run his eye over the domestic season continued: “The squad is looking very exciting; everyone wants to be part of this new chapter in the rapidly expanding history of Italian rugby league.”

“Last season was a steep learning curve for our players,” admitted his assistant coach Kelly Rolleston who is in charge of the current domestic champions XIII del Ducato. “I expect players like Davide Rancati, Ivan Barani, Chris De Meyer, Nourou Bance and Giacomo Alfonsi will be much better players from the experience. With Fabrizio Ciaurro our top performer in the European Shield now having experience in the UK I expect him to play a big part in this year’s campaign.”

Russia’s victory in Belgrade last month means that victory in the Stadio Augusteo in the town of Este will ensure the 2012-13 European Shield will be on the plane back to Moscow.

Pictured: Big things are expected of Ivan Barani.

ITALY 47-MAN TRAIN-ON SQUADSimone Boscolo, Gialuca Ferro, Alden Filipovic, Edoardo Paluello, Giacomo Simioni (Arieti Este), Ray Nasso,  Romain Pavoni (Avignon XIII),  Luca Cenerini, Francesco Fragalà, Thomas Piscitelli, Pierangelo Ceretti, Gerard Fraser, Cosimo Corvino, Sebastian Gurra  (Brescia RL), Jason Dubas-Fisher (Bury Titans), Remi Fontana (Carpentras), Fabrizio Ciaurro (Coventry Bears), Nicola Facco,  Nicola Reffo (Grifons Padova), Joel Miranda (Hemel Stags), Christophe Calegari,  (Lezignan Corbieres), Chris De Meyer, Gert Peens  (NW Roosters), Richard Lepori (Oldham Bears), Mauro Pettenello (Padova 555), Jonathon Marcinczak (Racing Club Albi), Dario Esposito (Sheffield Eagles), Chris Vitalini (South Wales Scorpions), Matthew Bradley (University of Gloucestershire All Golds), Cedric Prizzon (Villefranche en Rouergue), James Saltenstall (Warrington Wolves), Eugenio Alfonsi, Giacomo Alfonsi, Nourou Bance, Ivan Barani, Fabio Berzieri, Giovanni Franchi, Octavian Ilinca, Drake Muyodi, Fabio Nannini, Davide Rancati, Daniel Stead (XIII del Ducato), Stefano Cardella, Riccardo Dodi, Rodrigo Marchesi (XIII del Duomo), Luca Cerza, Andrea Sola (XIII della Ghirandina)
source: http://www.rlef.eu.com

Tomkins: Focus is on England & Wigan, not NRL

Wigan and England star Sam Tomkins has dismissed an NRL move as just speculation and is currently focusing on playing for England and Wigan.
Tomkins told Skysports.com that he has not signed with any NRL club, and at present he is a Wigan Warriors player for the next couple of years. If anything did change, he says he would not hide anything.
"There are rumours everywhere," said the 24-year-old. "Everyone seems to have an opinion on where I'm going apart from me.
"I can tell you I've not signed any contract with anyone. I'm a Wigan player for the next couple of years as it stands and, if anything was to change, I'd be completely open about it.
"I am not hiding anything, I've not signed anywhere, it's speculation.
"From my point of view, I'm concentrating on playing for England and for Wigan and, if that was to change, I'd be the first to put my hand up and tell everyone."

Source: skysports.com

International Origin success crucial for Crabtree

England and Huddersfield Giants forward Eorl Crabtree has highlighted Friday’s International Origin Match against the Exiles as a pivotal moment for the England squad ahead of Rugby League World Cup 2013.

England will play their only competitive pre-World Cup game against the Exiles at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington (8.00pm) and Crabtree believes it will be a significant occasion for players and coaching staff alike.

“I’m really enjoying being in the England camp so far,” said Crabtree, who is part of a 20-man squad spending the week at the team’s Loughborough University base. “It’s quite intense and we’re working hard for the game at the weekend.

“We know we need to be well prepared for Friday. This is going to be the most intense game any of us will play all season until the World Cup starts so we need to make the most of it.

“As players we all know that we need to grab the opportunity and put in a big performance and put ourselves in the frame to get selected for the World Cup at the end of the season.

“Some people have labelled the International Origin Match as a sort of warm-up for us but that’s not something I agree with. This is a test for us and a massive game for the group.

“From a personal perspective I’d like to win. We haven’t won this series yet against the Exiles and I’d like to be part of the England squad that changes that.”

Crabtree is one of three Giants players in the squad alongside Leroy Cudjoe and England newcomer Brett Ferres, and for the first time in International Origin Match history they won’t be lining up against any club-mates but Crabtree says he isn’t concerned with the Exiles squad.

“I’ve had a quick glance at the Exiles squad,” he said. “I’m not too interested in what they are doing. We know they’re all good players otherwise they wouldn’t be selected but we’ve got a really strong squad ourselves and that’s what I’m concentrating on.


 read more : http://www.superleaguefans.com/

Around the grounds

Back-to-back clean sweeps of all three grades have provided a significant mid-season boost for the Vodafone Warriors’ NRL and NYC teams as well as feeder club the Vulcans in the New South Wales Cup. Photo: Photosport.
In fact in the last three weeks the three teams have collectively won eight of nine matches, the only reverse being the Vodafone Junior Warriors’ 10-24 loss to Newcastle on May 26.
June has started perfectly. In the opening weekend of the month the three teams combined to score 138 points including 25 tries while conceding only 48 points; on Sunday the total points scored in three matches was 108 (20 tries) with 46 conceded.
Going into this week’s round of matches the Vodafone Warriors are 13th on the NRL ladder and fourth on the NYC table while the Vulcans have climbed inside the top eight in the New South Wales Cup, their three straight wins lifting them to sixth.
South Sydney continues to lead the NRL competition by a point from Melbourne, Canberra is a point ahead of Penrith in the NYC and the unbeaten Cronulla heads the NSW Cup with 28 points.
Elsewhere Mount Albert is a point clear at the top of Auckland's Fox Memorial premiership from Point Chevalier and in the English Super League Wigan is an impressive five points ahead of nearest challenger Huddersfield.
NRL:
Parramatta 24, Sydney Roosters 38; North Queensland 26, Canterbury-Bankstown 36; Newcastle 8, St George Illawarra 14; Vodafone Warriors 18, Manly 6; Penrith 18, Wests Tigers 20; Melbourne 38, Cronulla 6; Canberra 30, Brisbane 18.
Points: South Sydney 22, Melbourne 21, Sydney Roosters 20, Manly 17, Gold Coast 16, Cronulla 14, Canterbury-Bankstown 14, Canberra 14, Newcastle 12, Penrith 12, Brisbane 10, St George Illawarra 10, Vodafone Warriors 10, Wests Tigers 10, North Queensland 8, Parramatta 8.
NYC:
Parramatta 22, Sydney Roosters 24; Newcastle 24, St George Illawarra 10; North Queensland 24, Canterbury-Bankstown 24; Vodafone Warriors 52, Manly 20; Penrith 50, Wests Tigers 12; Melbourne 34, Cronulla 10; Canberra 38, Brisbane 28.
Points: Canberra 23, Penrith 22, Sydney Roosters 20, Vodafone Junior Warriors 17, Melbourne 16, Newcastle 14, Wests Tigers 14, Brisbane 14, Canterbury-Bankstown 13, Gold Coast 12, Parramatta 11, South Sydney 11, St George Illawarra 10, Manly 8, Cronulla 7, North Queensland 6.
NEW SOUTH WALES CUP:
North Sydney 42, Canterbury-Bankstown 20; Newcastle 28, Illawarra 26; Cronulla 10, Mounties 0; Auckland Vulcans 38, Manly 10; Wentworthville 26, Wests Tigers 24; Newtown 26, Windsor 22.
Points: Cronulla 28, North Sydney 20, Newcastle 20, Windsor 19, Newtown 16, Auckland Vulcans 15, Wests Tigers 14, Wentworthville 14, Mounties 12, Illawarra 10, Wyong 10, Canterbury-Bankstown 8, Manly 8.
AUCKLAND (FOX MEMORIAL):
Papakura 28, Howick 22; Mount Albert 72, Bay Roskill 4; Mangere East 28, Marist 12; Otahuhu 24, Northcote 20; Point Chevalier 36, Glenora 6.
Points: Mount Albert 18, Point Chevalier 17, Mangere East 16, Howick 15, Otahuhu 14, Papakura 12, Marist 8, Glenora 8, Northcote 2, Bay Roskill 0.
ENGLISH SUPER LEAGUE:
Leeds 42, Castleford 24; Hull Kingston Rovers 35, Huddersfield 28; Widnes 32, Wigan 38; Les Catalans 30, Hull FC 4; London Broncos 10, Warrington 82; St Helens 30, Bradford 18; Wakefield 46, Salford 10.
Points: Wigan 31, Huddersfield 26, Warrington 25, Les Catalans 22, Leeds 21, Hull FC 20, Hull Kingston Rovers 18, St Helens 17, Bradford 16, Wakefield 13, Widnes 12 Castleford 10, Salford 9, London Broncos 8.
Source : http://www.warriors.co.nz

Titans, Broncos in queue for ‘underpaid’ Barba

 

Ben Barba’s future at the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs is not yet guaranteed beyond this season, with the reigning Dally M medallist featuring in recruitment talks with two Queensland clubs.
It is understood the Gold Coast Titans and Brisbane Broncos have been sounded out over their willingness to sign Barba from the Bulldogs in 2014.
Although officials from all three clubs were on Monday tight-lipped about the negotiations, the move north will only stand a chance if Canterbury-Bankstown convince Israel Folau to return to rugby league.
Brisbane chief executive Paul White and recruitment manager Andrew Gee did not return calls.
With Folau tipped to command in excess of $750,000-a-season, the Bulldogs cannot accommodate both him and Barba under the salary cap.
A move to the Gold Coast would give Barba the chance to link with brother Marmin. The Titans have also cleared $1 million to spend on recruitment.
Read more at Foxsports.com.au

 

Rugby 13. A new sport with more and more fans in tow

Interview with Pierluigi Gentile, secretary of the Italian Rugby Football League and Vincenzo Elifani, owner of Sagad, sponsor of the National Rugby League 13.


Mr. Gentile, what is the rugby 13?
Rugby 13 is a sport that is part of the great family of rugby, is played with thirteen players instead of fifteen, and it is said that, globally, it is even more popular than rugby at 15.
Unfortunately, in Italy this sport was played by more than 70 years. Today is recovering thanks to the foot of some sports fans of this sport.
Unlike rugby at 15, this is a discipline much more dynamic and easier to practice. Playing with two men less in the scrum, they are much less frequent than the static phases, which sometimes make it a little "slow" games of rugby to 15.


What is the Federation IRFL (Italy Rugby Football League) Rugby 13?
The Federation IRFL of which I am proud to be the secretary is a federation which was founded four years ago with the intent to promote not only at senior level but also youth rugby to 13 in Italy.
Since 2009 we have had an exponential growth of practitioners, from 200 in the first year we went to more than 2000 of this year, all participants in our activities.
But, at this point, I would like to clarify that our Federation is not antagonistic to the movement of rugby at 15, but rather seeks to create a movement that works toward a common goal which is to try to form better quality players on a technical level, able to take advantage of the experiences of two sporting codes to improve technically and physically, for the benefit of all-round movement of the oval ball.
Precisely for this reason, and to avoid an unnecessary rivalry between the two sporting codes, our schedules never coincide with the activities of the movement to 15.


What are you driving this movement?
This remarkable and sudden growth, and in some ways unexpected, our movement has meant that even the CONI attended to us. This allowed us to make an official request for an observatory to become a Sports Discipline Associated with the CONI.
Our simple goal is to promote more and more this beautiful sport, and begin to propagandarlo, as indeed is already happening, including youth and women's categories. Moreover, no less important, is our commitment to spread the sport in society. In fact, we have already been able to successfully organize sports projects in prisons like the one carried out in the prison of Frosinone, or with children with hearing impairment (Isis Magarotto). Of course, we are ready and determined to toss the others because we strongly believe that sport is a great way to make us feel everyone equal, united and better.


Dr. Elifani, what is its relationship with rugby?
I've always been a fan of the sport. When I was very young I have also been practicing for a while, but then naively I left and I still regret this. In more recent years I have made the executive instead of some rugby teams. I was adviser to the chairman of Rugby Rugby Frascati and Castel Gandolfo. In addition, since Italy entered the "Six Nations", I always follow our national, sometimes even when playing abroad.


Why did you decide to sponsor with the logo of his company of the Italian National Rugby 13?
In the world of rugby there are values ​​such as loyalty, respect, genuineness, tenacity and solidarity that have always been of fundamental references of my way of being, therefore, Pierluigi when my friend asked me to become a sponsor of the National I did not think twice and say I'm very pleased and honored to have linked the name of my company to this movement honest and clean, as well as proud to have printed on the blue shirt.

Townsend signs two-year deal with Warriors

The New Zealand Warriors have signed Cronulla Sharks halfback Chad Townsend to a two-year deal.
Townsend confirmed the deal via his personal Facebook account saying:
“Hey people I would just like to let you all know that I have signed a contract to join the NZ Warriors for the next 2 years so I will be moving to NZ sometime after the season is over.”
Townsend went on to thank the Sharks for giving him a start but stated the Warriors deal was a chance for him to further his career.
Townsend will be joined at the Warriors in 2014 by Sharks backrower Jayson Bukuya who signed a two-year deal with the Auckland based club earlier in the year.
An official announcement is expected tomorrow.

Read more: http://www.zerotackle.com

Vikings sign Danny Tickle 

Widnes Vikings today confirm the signing of England International Danny Tickle on a three-year deal.

Currently at Hull FC, the goalkicking second-rower will join the Vikings ahead of the 2014 Super League season.

30 year-old Danny made his debut for Halifax in 2000 before returning to his Lancashire roots and joining Wigan Warriors mid-way through the 2002 season. A move to Hull FC followed in 2007, where the man dubbed ‘Mr. Consistency' has been a solid and reliable performer ever since.

The Club recently announced that Matt Beech has become a Director of Widnes Vikings. His investment has been integral in securing the signature of Danny Tickle.

Matt Beech commented: "I am delighted to be able to play a part in bringing a player of Danny's quality to our Club, and I look forward to seeing him pull on our shirt for the first time."

Joining forces with the Vikings offers Tickle the opportunity to not only work under the tutelage of Denis Betts once again, but also renew acquaintances with several of his former team-mates. He admits that it is an exciting proposition:

"Widnes are definitely a Club on the way up and when I've spoken with Denis, the things he's had to say have confirmed this even more. From coming into Super League last season, you can already see the progression they've made.

"They're now starting to come together as a team and looking at some of the performances they've been putting in, it's obvious that things are only going to get better.

"It's another challenge for me and it's going to be a tough one. I had a good 5 years at Wigan and I've been at Hull FC for 7 years. Now is the perfect time for me to move on and test myself again.

"I've always worked hard and looked after my body, so I've got a good number of years left in front of me. Individually, nothing will change by moving Clubs and I'll still be the player I've always been. Like every professional sportsman, I want to be competitive and I want to win things.

Source : http://www.superleaguefans.com

A new lounge for Pole hope of Salon-de-Provence

Saturday, June 8, the Paca League Rugby League inaugurated the new shelter the Pole and hope its new premises in Salon-de-Provence.
In the event of rugby league in PACA is Michel Thonon, Mayor and General Counsel of the Bouches du Rhone and Thierry Barbaud, Responsible for monitoring the Poles to DRJSCS Raymond Molitor, former President of the League of PACA Rugby League and the Pole who came to cut the ribbon marking the start of 200m2 renovated premises. Now, the center hopes of Salon-de-Provence has a boarding smelling success. Which sits just over the course of Excellence Rugby League in Provence. And the way to achieve the creation of such a structure was initially littered with pitfall.
At first, the PACA League Rugby League had to find a room. A situation that could not be unlocked with the help of the Jourdan Foundation and the Municipality salonaise. Then Patrice Rodriguez, director of the center hope to Salon-de-Provence, PACA Regional Technical Advisor, had to start looking for funding. And what financing. In total, no less than € 80,000 for work that was done in the way of property 140 Swallows. Thus, at this address, rented by Jourdan Foundation with the consent of the municipality, there are the new premises of the league PACA and especially the new boarding school division hopes Rugby League.
Patrice Rodriguez for the creation of these new premises was a lesser evil. "We make every effort to ensure that young people are in optimal condition for successful dual curriculum and training them in whole. We have a school operating agreement with the school Adam Craponne and headmaster Mr. Seguin and quality trainings with Chautard Florian (Ed. National Technical Advisor and coach the pole). They provide quality housing was a need to bring up the level. This is the essential tool for excellent dynamics. "
All guests at the inauguration were then found an aperitif organized by Xavier Vasson, league president PACA and treiziste Friendly Salon-de-Provence supporter of the first hour of this huge project and brotherhood salonaise.

Un nouveau salon pour le Pôle espoir de Salon-de-Provence

Samedi 8 juin, la Ligue Paca de Rugby à XIII a inauguré le nouveau centre d’hébergement du Pôle espoir et ses nouveaux locaux à Salon-de-Provence.

Pour cet évènement du rugby à XIII en PACA c’est Michel Thonon, Maire de la ville et Conseiller Général des Bouches du Rhône ainsi que Thierry Barbaud, Responsable du suivi des Pôles à la DRJSCS, Raymond Molitor, ancien Président de la Ligue PACA de Rugby à XIII et du Pôle, qui sont venus couper le ruban qui marque la mise en route de 200m2 de locaux rénovés. Désormais, le Pôle espoir de Salon-de-Provence dispose d’un internat qui sent bon la réussite. Ce qui assoit un peu plus le parcours d’excellence du rugby à XIII en Provence. Et le chemin pour parvenir à la création d’une telle structure était, au départ, jonché d’embuche.

Dans un premier temps, la Ligue PACA de Rugby à XIII a dû trouver un local. Une situation qui n’a pu se débloquer qu’avec l’aide de la Fondation Jourdan et de la municipalité Salonaise. Ensuite, Patrice Rodriguez, directeur du Pôle espoir de Salon-de-Provence et Conseiller Technique Régional PACA, a dû se mettre en quête d’un financement. Et quel financement. Au total, ce ne sont pas moins de 80 000€ de travaux qui ont été réalisés dans la propriété du 140 chemin des Hirondelles. C’est ainsi qu’à cette adresse, louée par la Fondation Jourdan avec l’accord de la municipalité, on retrouve les nouveaux locaux de la ligue PACA mais surtout le nouvel internat du Pôle espoir de Rugby à XIII.

Pour Patrice Rodriguez, la création de ces nouveaux locaux était un moindre mal. « Nous mettons tout en œuvre pour que les jeunes soient en condition optimale pour réussir leur double cursus et assurer leur formation en globalité. Nous avons une convention scolaire de fonctionnement avec le lycée Adam de Craponne et son proviseur M. Seguin et des entrainements de qualité grâce à Florian Chautard (ndlr Conseiller Technique Nationale et entraineur du pôle). Leur fournir un logement de qualité était une nécessité pour les amener vers le haut niveau. C’est l’outil essentiel d’une excellente dynamique».

Tous les invités à cette inauguration se sont ensuite retrouvés autour d’un apéritif organisé par Xavier Vasson, président de la ligue PACA, et l’Amicale treiziste de Salon-de-Provence supportrice de la première heure de ce projet faramineux et de la fraternité Salonaise. 

Source : http://www.ffr13.fr

We'll be there with Grubber

St Michael's, Rochdale

Arthur Staniland RIP

It was with much regret that the club has learned of the death of former player Arthur Staniland, aged 86, on 7th June 2013.

Arthur made his debut for Leeds aged just 16 on New Years Day 1944 at York.

He went on to make 95 first team appearances, scoring 49 tries, in a career that was unfortunately often blighted by injuries.
Also, in the last years of the Second World War, with a national shortage of professional players, Arthur had a loan spell with Oldham.

His most successful season with Leeds was probably in 1951-52 when he scored 17 tries. As well as playing for the first team, he was also a regular in the successful Leeds 'A' team winning several 'A' team leagues and cups.

He left Leeds in December 1952 along with Harold Oddy as part of the deal that saw George Broughton transfer to the club from Castleford. He went on to play for Castleford between 1952 - 1956, before coaching roles (first and 'A' teams) at Halifax, Batley & Bramley (1956 - 1972).

We would like to pass on our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends at this time.
Source : http://www.therhinos.co.uk

Thousands flock to hugely successful Children's day

Over 5,800 people, both old and young, flocked to Headingley Carnegie Stadium on Sunday for the annual Children's Day event.

Leeds Rugby Foundation worked in partnership with the Garry Chappelow Memorial Fund and the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation to run a hugely successful fun-filled day for all families. There were a host of activities for everyone including rugby, football and cricket tournaments. There were also activities including, Eureka, archery and wheelchair basketball which the Lord Mayor of Leeds had his own personal taste of.
The two main attractions were the annual mascot race featuring Leeds Rhinos' Ronnie the Rhino as well as the eagerly anticipated cricket match between the stars of Emmerdale and the West Yorkshire Police force.
Flamingo Land, RSPB, and many more were also in attendance as were a host of stars.
Yorkshire and England International cricketer Ryan Sidebottom and Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis, who are both Leeds Rugby Foundation's Vice Presidents, were all at the event. World famous Schindler's Ark author Thomas Keneally was also present signing copies of his new book in the Taverner's Suite.
Leeds Rhinos stars Jamie Peacock, Stevie Ward, Carl Ablett, Joe Vickery, Liam Sutcliffe, Brad Singleton, Ian Kirke, Ben Jones-Bishop, Paul McShane and Mitch Achurch took time out of their busy schedules to join the fun.
Leeds Rugby Foundation, Chief Executive, Lucy Owen commented: "It truly was a memorable day. The weather was fantastic, as was the turnout and the many number of events which took place. Congratulations to the winners of all the tournaments and thanks to everyone who contributed to making the day a fantastic one."
Fun was had by all involved and the Leeds Rugby Foundation must pay a special thanks to Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Police, Leeds United Foundation and all the activity leaders who made the day a great one.

Source : http://www.therhinos.co.uk