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Hodges case takes legal twist

Injured Queensland centre Justin Hodges has received legal advice that he may.......

Roy Masters' top five Origin matches

With tensions heightened by the recent release......

Roster rebels to face bans

Players who refuse to accept an offer from a rival club may be stood down from the NRL......

Beautiful one day...bruised the next

In the face of the blistering pace of an epic match and the quick-footed Blues attack.....

Shocking experience put coverage on the line

More than 2 million viewers tuned into Channel Nine's State of Origin coverage......

Hodges rules out legal action

STATE of Origin casualty Justin Hodges will not take legal action against Suncorp......

Channel Nine judges dumped

CHANNEL Nine commentators will not be judging the man of the match in future.......

Knights pour cold water on cauldron

NEWCASTLE centre Matthew Gidley last night revealed how he and five teammates destroyed.......

Hoppa free to face Dogs

MANLY winger John Hopoate will play against the Bulldogs on Sunday despite the fact.......

Nervous wingers meet on comeback trail

DRAGONS winger Nathan Blacklock is not sleeping, while Newcastle's Adam MacDougall has.......

Calls to ban stapling

THE Australian Rugby League has taken steps to ensure there is not a repeat.......

Brisbane gives up the ghost

THE supernatural and benevolent spirits that inspired Queensland and Brisbane rugby league.......

Walker awaits Qld call-up

LESS than a month after walking out on South Sydney and claiming to be contemplating.......

Few thrills on Dragons big dipper

NATHAN Brown was only half joking.......

Carroll central to fixing backline

SWITCHING Tonie Carroll to centre, his preferred club role, is one option.......

Finding comfort in home truths

.EVEN before the concussions had subsided and the knees had stopped swelling......

Ref abuse penalties to soar

LAST week's two-pronged attack on referee Paul Simpkins by Ricky Stuart and Brad Fittler marked.......

Blues take Battle I

The New South Wales Blues have won with first match of the 2003 State of Origin series......

The detractors are queuing up to demonise hell-raiser Gould

Nobody is sure when Phil Gould grew hooves and a tail. Perhaps it was when he began.......

No night lights for Blues as hosts play shifty tactics

Ah, Queensland! Beautiful one day, perfect the next.......

Blues wary of home ground 'payback'

NSW are bracing themselves for a backlash in the opening game of the State of Origin series tomorrow.......

Marooned in state of apathy

ANOTHER Origin series-starting game up in Brisbane. Another non-existent public build-up by......

Bolter soaks up Origin aura

PHIL BAILEY was a dog with two tails in camp last week. He was so happy even his head was wagging.......

Tallis No.1 enemy

HE's been involved in some of the most memorable and dramatic incidents in Origin football......

Johns: Blues ready

IT has been a tumultuous fortnight in the NSW Origin camp – yet Blues captain Andrew Johns yesterday labelled it the perfect preparation.......

WA in a national league of own

WA HAS been rewarded for its domination of the Roy Weston first grade Australian Rugby League championships with 13 players selected in a 17-man Australian developing States team.......

Kennedy fit as Menzies wins reserve spot

NSW second-rower Ben Kennedy will definitely play against Queensland in Origin I ………..

Something to crow about

Rugby league will never be the stuff of Hollywood movies, but the two Russells gave South Sydney's.......

Maroons looking for a lift as prodigal son-in-law returns

Ben Ikin has fought his way back from injury to be handed a crucial Origin role by Queensland.......

Knight in shining armour

The party-boy image is gone and now one of Newcastle's favourite sons is a role model, writes Brad Walter........

Rabbitohs transformed by Craigie's regression

Melbourne five-eighth Scott Hill signed a new contract on Saturday said to be worth $1.5 million.......

Warriors to consider luring Vagana home

New Zealand Warriors officials are considering a bold bid for Bulldogs centre Nigel Vagana.......

Sea Eagles wake for a dream win

Until just before half-time in yesterday's match against Wests Tigers, Manly chief executive Ian Thomson feared......

How some sharp thinking made it bye-bye to the Tigers' resurgence

Manly went to Leichhardt Oval yesterday fresh from a two-week break courtesy of the bye last weekend. ………..

Panthers up in extra time

PENRITH notched their eighth successive victory the hard way ………..

Raiders thump Eels

CANBERRA walloped Parramatta at Canberra Stadium at the halfway mark.......

'Ugly' Warriors take points

THE New Zealand Warriors bounced back from a rough patch to record a confidence-boosting win.......

Pongia makes NRL comeback

NATHAN BLACKLOCK's return to rugby league has grabbed the headlines recently but another player quietly made his comeback to the game in Australia today........

Tallis dismisses Gould claims

QUEENSLAND skipper Gorden Tallis has dismissed attacks on NSW coach Phil Gould as a "prank" to stir up.......

Maroon young guns united again

THE youngsters at the centre of the biggest upheaval at the Broncos since Wally Lewis was sacked.......

Johns a hard act to follow

In the countdown to Origin I, Andrew Johns has been re-assessing how he should approach the big......

Reject Drew's revenge

Former Eel Brad Drew last night came from the interchange bench to inspire Canberra to a………..

Panthers make it eight straight in golden point thriller

A try by rampaging Penrith back-rower Joe Galuvao in the final minute of golden point extra-time.......

Rabbitohs record worst start to season since 1946

Paul Langmack's South Sydney side is off to its worst start to a season since 1946.......

Unlikely Warriors produce the goods

A hooker who didn't pick up a football until he was 16 and a centre told three years ago he was too skinny for rugby league helped drag the Warriors out of their mid-season slump last night........

Reason for fear in every Maroon

The most commonly asked question I fielded during the week is which of the Queensland players.......

Gould the best man for Blues, say players

"The advantage Gus has is that he can make a big impact in a short time. He coaches from the heart.......

Stunned Sterling savages Kenny over origin 'treason'

A trio of former Blues greats headed by close mate Peter Sterling have slammed Brett Kenny......

Fantastic footy drawing record crowds

The National Rugby League is on track to break its attendance record, despite the rugby World Cup and the in-form Sydney Swans………..

Bulldogs fans not hedging bets

PUNTERS are trampling over each other to back the Bulldogs in tonight's match against the Sydney Roosters at Aussie Stadium........

Why Kenny wants Maroons to win

NSW legend Brett Kenny wants Queensland to whitewash the Blues in the State of Origin series to end Phil Gould's coaching reign.......

Justin comes of age

IT is the most eagerly anticipated comeback since Elvis did Hawaii, or at least until Alf did ANZ two years back......

Ryles the target

THE Blues' most potent forward Jason Ryles admits he has a problem that could bring his team undone against Queensland in Origin I.......

Who will pay penalty?

BILL HARRIGAN's aversion to awarding penalties in State of Origin football is likely to......

Hodgson slips out of net

BRETT HODGSON, last season's NSW fullback, will walk out on Parramatta at the end of this season after the club was about $80,000 short on the money he wanted......

Double agent corners his boss

NEWCASTLE coach Michael Hagan lobbed a hand grenade into the heart of Queensland football at Suncorp Stadium last Sunday.......

Young Roosters get their chance

OPPORTUNITY doesn't come a lot at the Roosters. For some, it might not come again........

Kearns - like a good red

ROBBIE Kearns was about to board the first plane out of Melbourne when coach Craig Bellamy walked through the door; now he's on the next flight to Brisbane........

Storm revise Hill offer

MELBOURNE lock Scott Hill is understood to be weighing up a five-year deal from the Storm which would see him finish his NRL career in the Victorian capital........

Storm call-up Sologinkin

MELBOURNE has called up former Canberra and Bulldogs prop Nathan Sologinkin to bolster its front row.......

The Late Mail

Sydney Roosters are set make a late reshuffle to their starting forward pack as the undermanned premiers take on the Bulldogs tonight.......

Baileys Reserve just the drop for the Blues

NSW reserves Luke Bailey and Phil Bailey have been dubbed "the Kahlua Brothers" by Queensland.......

Sea Eagles free to talk

Up to half of Manly's squad have been told they can negotiate with rival clubs.......

Kenny wants the Blues to lose and Gould to be on his merry way

NSW Rugby League chairman Colin Love last night pleaded for the Blues' former Origin greats to get.......

Nailgun aside, just a man about the house

Despite fears of being dropped from the front-rowers' club, Robbie Kearns is the real deal, says Roy Masters........

Teams - Round 13

NATIONAL Rugby League teams for round 13 of the premiership this weekend (all times AEST).......

Manly rumours wrong: Peachey

THE Cronulla camp was both miffed and angered today at more talk of classy fullback David Peachey......

Menzies, Anasta still Origin chance

NSW coach Phil Gould today indicated Steve Menzies and Braith Anasta were in a two-horse race......

Maroons get all clear

THE entire Queensland rugby league was passed fit......

Daley, Blues play it straight

NSW assistant coach Laurie Daley has tipped the Blues' hand for the State of Origin opener next......

Lockyer the main danger

NSW captain Andrew Johns yesterday admitted Queensland's Darren Lockyer made him "look silly" last Sunday at Suncorp Stadium........

Murray's magic

CLIMBING down the stairs of their jet after returning triumphantly from Sydney.......

Norton off leash

HE has become the first Bulldog to walk out of the salary cap-tarnished club – but he will not be the last........

Door opens for Field

RUGBY league halfback Craig Field yesterday signed with Newtown – opening the way for a return to his first club, South Sydney........

Ryles ready to rumble

FIERY Blues prop Jason Ryles has warned the Queensland forwards he won't be.......

Field a Jet but no chance for Souths

Craig Field yesterday agreed to play the remainder of the season with Newtown but.......

Around the traps - Thursday 5/6

NORTH QUEENSLAND Former Queensland Origin lock Travis Norton yesterday......

Ailing rookie now fighting fit for Sharks

Just over six months ago, Daniel Dumas was in hospital with the life-threatening meningococcal disease - this weekend he will make his NRL debut for Cronulla.......

Around The Traps

All the latest news on all 15 NRL clubs.......

NORTON MOVES HOME TO THE TOYOTA COWBOYS

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys today announced the signing of Bulldogs lock Travis Norton........

Anasta a chance as Origin utility

Snubbed Bulldog Braith Anasta is under consideration for a surprise Origin reprieve.......

Spare part Roosters

SYDNEY Roosters coach Ricky Stuart has named a spare parts team including three NRL rookies.......

Bonded Blues

THE great State of Origin feud that stole the headlines for a fortnight has been settled at a traditional NSW bonding session.......

Punters ignore Raiders

CANBERRA'S remarkable surge to the top of the NRL ladder appears to have won it few......

Daley schools Timmins

FORMER Blues captain Laurie Daley last night outlined his plans to help Shaun Timmins settle into the unfamiliar role of NSW State of Origin five-eighth......

Hohaia axed

NEW Zealand Warriors coach Daniel Anderson has axed Kiwi Test five-eighth......

Harrigan to ref Origin 1

REFEREE Bill Harrigan was today appointed to control next weekend's opening State of Origin game - his 11th in a row and 19th overall.......

Dragons forced to move home game

ST George Illawarra has been forced to move its round 17 National Rugby League game.......

Souths name Walker at half

SHANE Walker has become the fourth South Sydney halfback in as many weeks.......

Sand won't hurt Origin: Qld

RUGBY League officials from both sides of the Queensland-NSW border today.......

Carroll free to tackle the Blues

QUEENSLAND lock Tonie Carroll was today cleared to play.......

Raiders at full strength

TABLE-topping Canberra have named a full strength team to host Parramatta in Saturday night's NRL match at Canberra Stadium........

Vella tips Eels for finals

MICHAEL VELLA's mates are already asking the Parramatta prop about.......

Maroons rely on Lockyer boot

QUEENSLAND will enter the first State of Origin series played under the "golden point" rule without a recognised goalkicker........

Lates News

For all the latest news on all 15 NRL clubs………..

Work ethic and versatility prompt two Blues debuts

While a pyjama-clad Josh Perry was sitting in his car yesterday awaiting a radio news bulletin to hear whether he was in the NSW Origin side, Phil Bailey didn't have a clue.......

Anasta and co in the doghouse

NSW chairman of selectors Bob McCarthy took aim at his former club yesterday in defending the Blues' decision to snub Bulldogs internationals.......

Suncorp's sand trap sees sweet steppers sidelined

If life's a beach for many footballers, the State of Origin teams may soon play on one........

Timmins named ahead of Anasta

St George Illawarra's Shaun Timmins will start at five-eighth for NSW in the first State of Origin.......

Red-faced Maroons

WITH a few simple words, Robbie O'Davis sold an entire state a dummy yesterday.......

NSW have the goods

AFTER weeks of fear and loathing about Queensland's State of Origin superiority NSW have......

Bolter gets call-up

HIS name was not seriously considered until just after 10am yesterday………..

Anasta will focus on 'Dogs

BRAITH Anasta will concentrate on getting the Bulldogs back on track after suffering.......

Bronco to face judiciary

BRISBANE Broncos utility and Queensland Origin selection Tonie Carroll today was charged.......

Dragon faces surgery

ST George Illawarra winger Amos Roberts is almost certain to miss the remainder.......

Qld snub Schifcofske

QUEENSLAND selectors have decided to go without a recognised goal kicker for next week's rugby league State of Origin series opener against New South Wales at Suncorp Stadium........

Timmins Blues bolter

ST GEORGE Illawarra utility Shaun Timmins is the surprise selection ahead of Braith Anasta at five-eighth in the New South Wales State of Origin rugby league team named today........

No phone call for Braith: selectors

NSW chairman of selectors Bob McCarthy says Braith Anasta will be afforded no special treatment after his surprise omission from the Blues side for the opening State of Origin game today........

Joey wanted their bodies on the line - and he got it

Andrew Johns used a novel motivational tool to inspire Newcastle to a great victories yesterday.......

Panthers cash in as fans rejoice in record run

Boom club Penrith are already $500,000 ahead of budget this season......

Origin hopes have hit man Flannery going in for the kill

Sydney's Christopher Flannery played the role of rent-a-killer of Melbourne's hopes yesterday,......

Joey's got 'em at sixes and sevens

On the eve of Origin selection, Andrew Johns yesterday inspired a few of his fellow......

Stubborn southerners lose the script but not the plot

.The Broncos are big. In fact, everything in Queensland is big......

Sheppard plays the Entertainer

Heard the story about the experienced former Sydney Roosters coach who recently tried to snap his leading playmaker out of a form slump with some harsh words while at a representative team camp?......

Johns the party pooper

QUEENSLAND Premier Peter Beattie called it "a soft opening" of the redeveloped Suncorp Stadium........

Origin different game for Broncos

HOW much of a form guide yesterday's match can prove to be for next week's State of Origin match will never be known........

Teething problems

ONLY in Queensland ...When engineers were consulted to figure out how much room television OB vans.......

Benefit of the doubt for all

BEFORE the Broncos, aka the Queensland State of Origin team, were so comprehensively beaten by.......

Shadow hangs over Origin hopefuls

QUEENSLAND face an anxious wait today to see if Tonie Carroll and Justin Hodges have cases to answer.......

Anasta faces chop

NSW selectors are expected to deliver a bombshell this morning by leaving Braith Anasta out of the side to play Queensland in the opening State of Origin clash........

Field shines in park footy comeback

DESPITE being out of the NRL for more than two years, former first- grade star Craig Field proved yesterday he has not lost any of his skills........

Campion stitches up victory

COWBOYS secondrower Kevin Campion, who was a New Zealand Warrior at the time, once claimed more than 3000 stitches had been inserted in his body during his career to.......

Girdler return a happy problem

THE only problem facing the in-form Panthers is where to play former international Ryan Girdler when he returns from a shoulder injury in two weeks........

Teams - Round 12

TEAMS for round 12 of the premiership this weekend (all times AEST):.......

Raiders topple sloppy Sharks

The tense victory consolidated Canberra's spot on the top of the ladder and ended Cronulla's three-match winning streak.......

Broncos sack drug cheat

ENGLISH Super League club London Broncos have sacked winger Dominic Peters after he tested positive for a banned substance earlier this week.......

Slater confident of green light

TRY-SCORING sensation Billy Slater is battling flu and a calf injury ahead of the Melbourne Storm's clash with NRL premiers Sydney Roosters on Sunday.......

Clubs lose points for cap breaches

THREE English Super League clubs were deducted points by the Rugby Football League today for breaching the salary cap last season.......

Rushing defence 'stymies' Johns

TEST coach Chris Anderson yesterday defended the form of those NSW State of Origin players under fire, but admitted they were less dominant this season......

Broncos build for new era

BRISBANE are confident they have secured a forward pack to bring them another generation of success after re-signing three key players yesterday......

Why the Sharks bit back

BRILLIANT Sharks halfback Brett Kimmorley last night revealed the reason that......

Craig fielding offers

ONE-TIME bad boy Craig Field has returned to Australia and will make a dramatic return to league this week........

Speedster fuelling turnaround

IT takes grit to make first grade and talent to make the most of the opportunities that come your way.......

Partnership with respect

MICHAEL Hagan had run into Wayne Bennett a few times. Mainly in dressing rooms or stadium tunnels.......

Viability of more teams doubtful

STRUGGLING clubs could be forgiven for feeling they are being circled by a flock of buzzards these days.......

Weather cramps NZ style

THEY dream of sunny Sunday afternoons and green grass, and footballs as big as watermelons, and footballs that are ... dry.......

Gus and Joey call truce on TV

NSW coach Phil Gould tonight described his feud with captain Andrew Johns as "bulldust" and defended his controversial pre-Origin camps.......

Bulldogs re-sign Patten

THE Bulldogs today re-signed fullback Luke Patten for another three NRL seasons......

Manly part of secret talks with Gold Coast group

Manly last night identified themselves as one of two clubs planning to attend a secret presentation today about relocating to the Gold Coast........

Panthers release Roarty

SECOND-rower Ben Roarty is quitting high-flying Penrith in the midst of its dream National Rugby League season to secure his playing future in England........

Walker's return short-lived

IT is only a fortnight since Chris Walker tore up a $600,000 contract with South Sydney - yet the......

Blacklock bides his time

ST GEORGE Illawarra winger Nathan Blacklock will play in the Dragons' Premier League side on Sunday......

Gold Coast eager for return

THE Gold Coast are confident of making a comeback to the NRL......

Video refs to lift game

REFEREES boss Robert Finch has instructed video referees to use the "benefit of the doubt" rule where possible next weekend.......

Maroons odds trimmed

THE campaign by NSW coach Phil Gould to have the Blues recognised as underdogs for State of Origin......

League pair get drugs ban

BRITISH league players Dominic Peters and Martin Moana have been suspended following positive dope tests.......

Baying for Johns' blood

Johns - he just wants to start enjoying his football again........

Hop off the bus, Gus

Elias - calls on Gould to quit........

No charges over Bulldogs' trip

NO charges will be laid by police investigating sexual assault allegations that drew the Bulldogs rugby league club into scandal........

Tahu back for Knights

TEST winger Timana Tahu will return for Newcastle on Sunday when the Knights take on Brisbane.......

Guttenbeil out four weeks

ANankle injury to second rower Awen Guttenbeil has forced a shuffle in the New Zealand Warriors'.......

Swain back for Broncos

HOOKER Richard Swain has been named in Brisbane's 18-man squad.......

Five for argument's sake

1. REFEREES boss Robert Finch would be well placed.......

Knights back ref on send-off

NEWCASTLE Knights have supported referee Paul Simpkins' decision to send off......

Joey and Gus's mind games

ANDREW Johns' dominating personality is at the centre of his fallout with NSW coach Phil Gould.......

Gould playing age-old game

THERE may be method in Phil Gould's apparent madness in telling the world's best footballer......

Cashed up with no one to buy

TIM Sheens is about to know what it's like having fistfuls of cash and nobody to spend it on.......

Fears of player exodus over sponsor

WESTS TIGERS fans are not convinced players would want to represent the club if issues surrounding......

The art of playing your best when you don't have the ball

It was a game in which neither side really played well enough to win......

Blacklock fires in triumphant return

As nervous premier-league debuts go, that of Nathan Blacklock for St George Illawarra yesterday was memorable.......

Blue settled, Johns is ready to play Origin

NSW captain Andrew Johns yesterday made a phone call to coach Phil Gould.......

Impatient Storm put the heat on Hill

Melbourne's Scott Hill risks having his offer withdrawn by the Storm unless he re-signs before Sunday's.......

Harrigan denies Souths

Frustrated South Sydney captain Bryan Fletcher last night refused to accept referee Bill Harrigan's.......

Muddy waters

The mud flew in a battle of wills between two of the game's biggest names -.......

All 14 teams for round 11

All 14 teams for round 11......

The Late Mail

All the latest news on all 15 NRL clubs......

Bell starts Storm signings

Melbourne Storm has made headway this week with several players coming out.......

Telstra football expo will meet public demand for sport

The Telstra Football Expo will satisfy the burgeoning appetite of footy fanatics according to event organiser, Carolyn Ledowsky.......

Vagana set to re-sign with Bulldogs

New Zealand rugby league international Nigel Vagana is expected to join halfback Brent Sherwin and sign a long-term deal with the Bulldogs........

Gould says Hopoate isn't suited to Origin

NSW coach Phil Gould has defended his selectors' decision to omit in-form Manly winger.......

Wiki has the X factor

. Some people say it's the X factor which makes Canberra forward Ruben Wiki such a talented and passionate rugby league player......

86 seconds of false alarm

A Government inquiry into betting on a NRL game has cleared players and clubs of any.......

No more Mr Nice Guy: offended Anasta out to state his case

Fired up by the NSW selectors' reluctance to pick him at five-eighth......

Mad Dog sniffing out a comeback

Australian Test winger Adam MacDougall has escaped being released by Newcastle by insisting he will play again in two weeks......

Massage sinks in for Souths' Mr 1000

Danny McAllister, the 1000th man to play for South Sydney, feared his career had ended......

By Michael West and Adam Daff

RADISSON Maine, the "worldwide conglomerate" and major sponsor of Wests Tigers Rugby League Club operates as a......

Simply the bets: a footballer's guide

AS GOOD ideas go, this one rated up there with the radio on the motorbike or the authentic heated toilet seat.......

Croker still firing for Raiders

HISTORY today beckons for Jason Croker.......

Sherwin's a Dog for life

HALFBACK Brent Sherwin yesterday signed a new five-year deal with the.......

Re-inventing the champion

PRESTON Campbell's Dally M Medal is safely tucked away in a cupboard at home. Out of sight but rarely out of mind........

Souths to field five ex-Dragons

AT South Sydney, seven players used to wear Dragons gear........

Mad Dog cleared for Knights return

NEWCASTLE winger Adam MacDougall was last night granted a medical clearance.......

NRL: stop innuendo

The National Rugby League has issued a statement begging for speculation surrounding a so-called betting scandal to stop........

Latest News

Blacklock admits blunder

. RETURNING St George Illawarra winger Nathan Blacklock last night revealed......

Green's miracle operation

TO most of us it would be considered a medical miracle......

Betting claims probe

RUGBY league's hottest rumour about players betting on the Manly-Souths game......

Bennett one-out on new decider'

PARRAMATTA and the NRL have launched a broadside at Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett for his......

Braith puts hurt aside

BRAITH ANASTA is ready to step into Trent Barrett's boots for Origin I at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on June 11.......

Dogs re-sign Sherwin

Sherwin - five-year deal.......

Johns-Gould rift deepens

THE NSW State of Origin camp went into damage-control mode last night as an apparent......

Storm sign fast mover

MELBOURNE Storm cashed in on the Dragons decision to re-sign try-scoring winger Nathan Blacklock yesterday, by snaring one of its brightest young prospects........

Betting plunge fears spark TAB probe

The National Rugby League last night admitted it was powerless to prevent gambling.......

Around The Traps

For all the latest gossip on all 15 NRL clubs......

Same line-up for Cowboys

NORTH Queensland coach Graham Murray has opted to stick with Matt Bowen at halfback.......

Good times ahead - Nissen

Broncos chair, Mr Don Nissen, believes the team’s return to Suncorp Stadium will provide the perfect.......

Swain named, but remains in doubt

Richard Swain has been named in an unchanged Broncos line-up for this Friday night’s blockbuster against the Bulldogs in Sydney........

STORM SKIPPER TO JOIN 100 CLUB

On the verge of playing 100 games for the Storm, Melbourne skipper Stephen Kearney has.......

Sharp feels for axed Hoppa

Manly coach Peter Sharp admits he doesn't know what John Hopoate has to.......

Robbie to Return Early for 200th

Knights' veteran fullback, Robbie O'Davis, is set to commemorate a remarkable comeback .......

Walker joins Roosters where rabbits fear to tread

Former Rabbitoh Chris Walker attended his first Sydney Roosters training session yesterday in a place where most rabbits -.......

Plenty of merry men - but someone forgot Robin Hood

If the Sydney Roosters are the best team in the NRL, the second-best team may soon be their bench......

Barrett's season ends in compo

St George Illawarra are in line for a $200,000 insurance payout following yesterday's news......

What's a signature worth?

SOME years ago now, when Kerry Packer invited me to join Channel 9, I asked what he had in mind.......

Solomona sacked

PARRAMATTA coach Brian Smith has axed Kiwi international David Solomona in the second shake-up at the Eels in a fortnight.......

Walker move condemned

OUTSPOKEN Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald last night admitted the Sydney Roosters' controversial signing.......

Anasta's Origin test

TRENT BARRETT's serious injury has increased pressure on Braith Anasta to.......

Around The Traps

Saints Sydney Red V Members Forum Report 2003

St George Illawarra held their second annual Member evening at St George Leagues Club this evening........

City-Country waste of time

IF Bobby McCarthy, the chairman of the NSW selection panel is to be believed, and I hope he is mistaken, at least 15 positions in the NSW team were uncertain going into last Friday night's City-Country game........

Dragons pay for Brown's comment

ST GEORGE Illawarra are prepared to pay the $10,000 fine for coach Nathan Brown after......

Ryles, Kearns lead from front

TWO vastly contrasting props have emerged as potential leaders in the NSW forward pack after the Blues named an updated 25-man squad yesterday.......

Bennett Origin fears

QUEENSLAND coach Wayne Bennett last night said he "feared the worst" for this year's State of Origin series with the NRL's much-vaunted golden-point tiebreak rule already......

Walker signs paltry deal

THE Sydney Roosters last night revealed how they controversially squeezed Chris Walker under the salary cap -......

Sudden-death blunder

EUPHORIA over the NRL's first golden-point finish turned into a nightmare yesterday following the revelation referee Steve Lyons erred with his match-winning penalty to Manly......

Gallop backs referee

NRL boss David Gallop tonight threw his support behind referees coach Robert Finch and claimed the standard of officiating was better than ever despite another......

Tapp to take legal action

SOUTH Sydney chief executive David Tapp will pursue legal action against a Rabbitohs supporter who made "slanderous" and "defamatory.......

This golden obsession may cost teams dearly

Parramatta warned the National Rugby League of a potential injustice with the golden point six months before it became the first club to fall victim to it........

Injury saves ref from paying penalty

The penalty that shouldn't have been: Brendon Reeves' kick hits Ashley Graham, left, before Matt Petersen pounces on the ball, right, having run back into an onside position. Photos: Courtesy Fox Sports.......

Hoppa dumped from Blues: NSW down to 25

The New South Wales State of Origin squad has been reduced from 33 down to 25,.......

Five for argument's sake

. GRAHAM MURRAY's successive wins with the City Origin side have moved him into the box seat to succeed Phil Gould as NSW State of Origin coach next season........

New rule earns rave reviews

THOSE narks who question rugby league progress should have been at Brookvale.......

Walker could be wearing tricolour

SOUTH Sydney's runaway star Chris Walker could be wearing a Roosters' jersey by the end of this week.......

Manly's golden point

GOLDEN-POINT critic Peter Sharp yesterday became the first beneficiary of the new rule as Manly made history by winning the first premiership match to go into extra-time.......

Hagan gives Blues serve

NEWCASTLE coach Michael Hagan launched a surprise attack on NSW's State of Origin selection system as Blues coach Phil Gould and the state panel sat down to prune their squad from 33 to 24.......

Dragons sweat on Bailey return

ST GEORGE Illawarra are hopeful prop Luke Bailey will return against South Sydney at the SCG on Sunday.......

Brown faces $10,000 fine

NRL chief executive David Gallop last night described Dragons coach Nathan Brown's expletive-laden post match press conference on Saturday evening as an "unacceptable outburst".......

Referees' boss says official was wrong after Dragons see red

NRL referees' coach Robert Finch has admitted touch judge Steve Nash erred on Saturday night -.......

Kearns tops the list of bolters for the Blues

NSW look set to name four players not included in their initial State of Origin squad when a 25-man line-up for the first match is announced today.......

Tipsters take the points but punters might be out of pocket

Just as the golden point giveth to Manly and taketh from Parramatta, it had a similar impact on football tipsters and punters yesterday........

Welcome to the golden age

It was the best of times, with brain-rattling tackles and golden points, and the worst, with high error rates and disquiet at official.......

Walker is the man with the golden boot for Manly

This was a game of three halves, to quote a current television advertisement........

Roosters remember the basics of kick, chase, tackle

Rugby league is a simple game. When I played for Canterbury in the 1980s, we went.......

After another loss Souths are flat out deciding who was their 1000th player

Long after the dust has settled on yesterday's frustrating match at Toyota Park, South Sydney fans will still be arguing........

Lockyer's late try provides Brisbane with a fairytale farewell to the old ground

Darren Lockyer lived the dream as Brisbane farewelled ANZ Stadium yesterday - then Wayne Bennett forecast a nightmare........

Luke's cool hand settles Panthers' nerves

Rejuvenated Penrith last night overcame early injuries to key forwards Ben Ross and Joe Galavao to extend their winning streak to five consecutive games with.......

Fiery Dragons go down fighting

Nathan Brown tried hard to avoid saying what he really felt about the decision by touch judge Steve Nash, but in the end he had to get it off his chest......

Morrison's injury takes gloss off Cowboy win

Glenn Morrison's State of Origin dreams were in ruins last night after the North Queensland lock suffered a suspected broken jaw in a controversial tackle by Wests Tigers' Willie Manu.......

Walker: I didn't have a heart

Chris Walker sacrificed his $900,000 contract because he did not have the desire to play for Souths.......

Toopi out for six weeks

New Zealand Warriors centre Clinton Toopi has been ruled out of the National Rugby League for six weeks with a hand injury......

Panthers roll Raiders

PENRITH stretched their winning streak to five games tonight when they fought back to defeat.......

Barrett to miss first two Origins

TRENT BARRETT is all but resigned to missing the start of the State of Origin series, with the incumbent NSW five-eighth almost certain to undergo ankle surgery next week.......

Dogs keep Dragons at bay

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA coach Nathan Brown wasn't willing to risk a $10,000 fine tonight, but his captain Lance Thompson didn't hold back.......

Hill sent off in Tigers loss

WESTS TIGERS' centre Terry Hill was sent off in his side's loss to North Queensland in the NRL match at Dairy Farmers Stadium tonight.......

Tallis cleared for ANZ clash

IN-FORM skipper Gorden Tallis will play in the Brisbane Broncos' ANZ Stadium farewell clash against the Melbourne Storm tomorrow after being cleared of a calf muscle injury.......

Leeds chasing Blacklock

ENGLISH Super League leaders Leeds Rhinos have owned up to being the club chasing former Kangaroo winger Nathan Blacklock, who is set to return to rugby league after a brief stint in union.......

Barrett in doubt for Origin I

Country Origin five-eighth Trent Barrett said last night he feared he would miss the opening State of Origin game after aggravating an ankle injury during the warm-up before last night's narrow loss to City.......

Barrett hurt in rep trial

NSW finished tonight's NSW State of Origin trial with more questions than answers after.......

Blacklock receives release

NATHAN BLACKLOCK could be back playing in the NRL by next weekend after the NSW Waratahs today granted him a release from his rugby contract.......

Maroons hopefuls to fight it out

FULLBACKS Clinton Schifcofske and Rhys Wesser won't be playing for a Queensland Origin jersey when their respective National Rugby League teams meet tomorrow night.......

Video bloopers not in least funny

EVENTS at Telstra Stadium last Friday night confirm the NRL will have to be dragged kicking and screaming into the technology age.......

Jason just big kid at heart

TO work out what makes Jason Ryles tick all you have to consider is this: inside him is a small boy. He washed him down with a glass of milk before bed last night.......

Tax office still watching Bulldogs

BULLDOGS rugby league players remain under investigation by the Australian Taxation Office following last year's NRL salary cap crisis........

Blues should show some loyalty

I FEEL like holding up a banner with the word "LOYALTY" written across it in large print for the NSW State of Origin selectors.......

Walker still Origin chance

CHRIS WALKER's sudden departure from South Sydney has not ruled him out of State of Origin contention for Queensland this year.......

Smith, Johns click at training

COUNTRY coach Brian Smith and captain Andrew Johns yesterday came forward to lay to rest stories that they have been feuding for seven years.......

Bushies still play with pride

FOR a brief moment this week their two worlds collided. The "Little Master", Clive Churchill, and his modern-day equivalent Andrew Johns.......

CEOs were right to reject cap rise

NOTHING worse than reading a dry old salary cap story, right?......

Manly delay Walker decision

MANLY chief executive Ian Thomson will give Chris Walker 48 hours to "get his head together" before assessing whether the NRL club wants to sign the troubled centre.......

The Late Mail

City Origin coach Graham Murray won't decide until a few hours before kick-off who will have the goal-kicking duties in tonight's representative season opener against Country........

Numbers equal cash in Origin

Representative players are almost certain to get a pay rise this season, with a three-nil State of Origin series whitewash to be worth almost $30,000 a man.......

Schwarzenegger gets a front row spot for Origin

Hollywood hardman Arnold Schwarzenegger has been called up for State of Origin duty this season........

Beating about the bush

The differences between city and country football are not more legend than fact, writes Roy Masters.......

Bellamy ready for next challenge

Former Bronco assistant Craig Bellamy was always expecting a tough transition into his head coaching.......

Broncos facing tougher Storm wall

AFTER a fortnight of scoring at will, the Brisbane Broncos face a much sterner test of their attacking.......

Old Boys to farewell ANZ

The Brisbane Broncos team that opened proceedings at ANZ Stadium in 1993 will be hoping for a better result from their 2003 counterparts this weekend........

Flegg Sharks pushing for Grand Final glory

The Under 19 Cronulla Sharks will have the support of Chris Anderson and most of his NRL squad when they attempt to put their name on the Jersey Flegg trophy for the first time.......

Cronulla Sharks Team Sheet 18th May 2003

Sharks Team Sheet .......

STORM UNCHANGED FOR BRONCOS CLASH

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has named an unchanged side for this Sunday’s clash with the Brisbane Broncos at ANZ Stadium (2.30pm)........

KEARNS REWARDED WITH CITY CALL-UP

Melbourne Storm workhorse Robbie Kearns has been rewarded for his outstanding start to the 2003.......

BEAVER,HOPPA AND SOLO MAKE CITY SIDE

Congratulations to Steve Menzies, John Hopoate and Solomon Haumono on their selection in the City side to play Country in......

Knights Team

Team line up.......

Johns ready for Roosters clash

Andrew Johns returns to a Newcastle team containing six players who will be required to back-up against a strong Roosters outfit after coming .......

BIG GAME FOR LOCK AND COACH

North Queensland Toyota Cowboys representative lock GLENN MORRISON is expected to play his 150th first grade game against......

CONTINUING WET DISRUPTS FOOTBALL

The continuing wet weather has disrupted rugby league matches in the Penrith district this weekend........

Souths vs. Cronulla Match Preview

The Allight South Sydney Rabbitohs are looking to bounce back this Sunday against the Cronulla Sharks at Toyota Park........

FLEGG BULLDOGS GRAND FINAL

The Mitsubishi Electric Bulldogs will contest their first grand final of 2003 when the Jersey Flegg Representative Team take on the Cronulla Sharks this.......

FEENEY BACK IN FIRST GRADE

Jamie Feeney will make a return to the Mitsubishi Electric Bulldogs First Grade team for this Saturday's NRL match against the Bulldogs........

BYE PERFECTLY TIMED

THE 10th round week's bye is perfectly timed for the Warriors.......

Tigers team & preview

This is a crunch match for both sides. Radisson Maine Wests Tigers are looking to stay in touch with the top 8.......

Teams for round 10

National Rugby League teams for round 10 of the premiership this weekend (all times AEST)........

Around The Traps

For all the latest news on all 15 NRL clubs.......

Noad defends board

NATIONAL Rugby League chairman Malcolm Noad has questioned whether Penrith chief executive Shane Richardson understands the roles of the separate NRL boards........

French league legend dies

FORMER French rugby league and union international, Henry Marracq has died after a long illness. He was 66.......

Eight NSW spots up for grabs

COUNTRY coach Brian Smith last night boldly claimed eight positions in this year's NSW State of Origin squad were still up for grabs.......

Langmack: No unrest

SOUTH Sydney coach Paul Langmack moved swiftly yesterday to dispel rumours of a widening rift between him and other players over the departure of Chris Walker.......

'Confused' Walker out

SOUTH Sydney's prize recruit Chris Walker has turned his back on a $600,000 fortune by quitting the club after only five games.......

Tackle tape gets replay

NRL chief executive David Gallop and chief operating officer Graham Annesley yesterday viewed replays of the controversial Ben Harris tackle on Todd Byrne last Friday night.......

Rabbitohs release Chris Walker

SOUTH Sydney today granted Chris Walker a release from his contract with the NRL club.......

City stars take aim at kicker's role

HAZEM EL MASRI has been successful with 35 goals from 45 attempts this season yet says he can kick better........

Clubs reject salary cap rise

MOVES to raise the NRL's $3.25 million salary cap were soundly beaten when the clubs voted 11-4 against the proposal yesterday........

Busy time looms in old bush town

JOHN "Bear" Wilson has known Jamie Lyon since he was a kid........

Hostile crowd awaits Joey

QUEENSLAND legend Wally Lewis believes the intensity of the State of Origin reception waiting in Brisbane for NSW skipper Andrew Johns will rival that of the first interstate game in 1980........

Sack the board

NRL chief executive David Gallop will forward a proposal to dismantle the six-man NRL board in what amounts to a massive shake-up of the game........

True to name, disillusioned Walker wanders away from $700,000 contract

Queensland Origin centre Chris Walker will meet Manly officials tomorrow after walking out on a $700,000 contract at South Sydney - but his long-term future may be in rugby union with the NSW Waratahs........

It's a lucky Country for lone Raider O'Hara

A call from Country coach Brian Smith to his Canberra counterpart Matt Elliott last week convinced him Raiders prop Ryan O'Hara would be the perfect complement to his representative forward.......

Sharks to find $500,000 for Hill and Vagana

NRL clubs last night voted 11-4 against raising the salary cap, but Cronulla confirmed they planned an audacious bid for Scott Hill and Nigel Vagana anyway........

Morris, even with a minor role, feels at home in the Country

Suddenly, it's as if the past seven losses never happened. Parramatta hooker John Morris is in camp with a Country Origin side containing six of his former teammates at Newcastle........