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**truebluefan** · 12-01-2007, 12:48 PM

Former Kiwi captain Mark Graham was named the player of the century at the New Zealand Rugby League's annual awards dinner tonight.

Rated the world's best back rower at his peak, Graham captained the Kiwis in 18 of the 29 tests he played from 1977-88.

A product of Auckland 's Otahuhu club, he forged an illustrious career with North Sydney in the Sydney premiership.

"This is incredibly humbling," said Graham, who travelled from Australia to attend the dinner.

"It's unbelievable to think I've been singled out from all the players who have worn the Kiwi jersey over the past 100 years."

Also honoured at the dinner was the late Cliff Johnson, who was named captain of the century. A 34-test veteran from 1950-60, prop Johnson led the Kiwis 14 times and played a total of 70 matches for his country.

Graham and Johnson were named along with 11 other players in the team of the century.

A panel of six judges was tasked with selecting the best of the best to mark New Zealand rugby league's 100th anniversary.

Players from the 1950s era dominated the final selection. Apart from Johnson, the others included were fullback Des White, centre Tom Baxter, winger Tom Hadfield, standoff George Menzies, hooker Jock Butterfield and second rower Ron Ackland. Named at loose forward was Canterbury 's Mel Cooke, who started his test career in 1959.

The brilliant Roger Bailey, a Kiwi from 1961-70, was the other centre and 1969-75 try-scoring sensation Phil Orchard was the other winger.

Completing the selection were Graham and modern-day greats Ruben Wiki and Stacey Jones, who finished their test careers only last year.

The judges were Bernie Wood, Peter Kerridge, John Coffey, Graham Lowe, Allen McLaughlin and Richard Becht.

The full team:

Fullback Des White ( Auckland )
1950-56
21 tests
132 points (2 tries, 63 goals)
Kiwi No 323

Wing Tom Hadfield ( Auckland )
1956-61
17 tests
45 points (15 tries)
Kiwi No 375

Centre Tom Baxter ( Auckland )
1949-56
29 tests
15 points (5 tries)
Kiwi No 320

Centre Roger Bailey ( Auckland )
1961-70
29 tests
36 points (12 tries)
Kiwi No 402

Wing Phil Orchard (Bay of Plenty & Wellington)
1969-75
21 tests
45 points (15 tries)
Kiwi No 475

Standoff George Menzies (West Coast)
1951-61
29 tests
12 points (4 tries)
Kiwi No 326

Halfback Stacey Jones ( Auckland )
1995-2006
46 tests
160 points (16 tries, 47 goals, 2 field goals)
Kiwi No 665

Prop Cliff Johnson ( Auckland )
1950-60
34 tests
9 points (3 tries)
Kiwi No 325

Hooker Jock Butterfield (Canterbury & West Coast)
1954-63
36 tests
21 points (7 tries)
Kiwi No 355

Prop Ruben Wiki ( Auckland )
1994-2006
55 tests
60 points (15 tries)
Kiwi No 655

Second row Mark Graham ( Auckland )
1977-88
29 tests
24 points (7 tries)
Kiwi No 535

Second row Ron Ackland ( Auckland )
1954-63
18 tests
3 points (1 try)
Kiwi No 354

Loose forward Mel Cooke ( Canterbury )
1959-64
22 tests
15 points (5 tries)
Kiwi No 384

**truebluefan** · 12-04-2007, 08:18 PM

Harlequins RL have signed Australian centre David Howell from NRL side Canberra Raiders on a two-year contract.

The club is awaiting Howell's final entry clearance, but is hoping he will arrive in the capital by the end of this week.

The 24-year-old plays at centre or wing, and made his first grade debut for St George-Illawarra Dragons in 2003, where he made 12 NRL appearances before joining the Raiders in 2005. He has scored 15 tries in 48 games for Canberra over the last three seasons.

Quins RL Head Coach Brian McDermott said: "David is a bit of a well kept secret in Australia. I've done a lot of homework on him, including speaking to some of his ex-coaches, and I've been told by them that he's got the potential to be another Michael Withers.

"Withers is someone I played with at Bradford ? he came over here as an unknown and became one of the best players in Super League.

"David has got a big frame and I'm expecting him to fill the gap left by Paul Sykes."

Howell is Quins' fourth off-season signing, along with Danny Ward, Gareth Haggerty and Dwayne Barker. In addition, Will Sharp and Lamont Bryan have been promoted from the Academy to the first team.

Harlequins RL are hoping to confirm details of their entire 2008 Super League squad by the end of next week.

**truebluefan** · 12-04-2007, 08:19 PM

New Broncos recruit PJ Marsh will visit his former stomping ground of Rockhampton tomorrow.

Marsh, who was born in Gladstone and grew up inland at Blackwater, played with both the Rockhampton Brothers and Central Queensland Comets before leaving to chase an NRL dream.

His career has so far included stints with both Parramatta and the New Zealand Warriors, and three Queensland State of Origin jerseys.

He joined the WOW Brisbane Broncos just last month.

Marsh will be at the Rockhampton Leagues Club tomorrow at noon to talk about his future and a new program involving the Central Queensland area.

WHAT: Bronco PJ Marsh in his former town of Rockhampton.

WHERE: The Phillips Room, Rockhampton Leagues Club, Cambridge Street, Rockhampton.

WHEN: Tuesday, December 4, at noon.

**truebluefan** · 12-04-2007, 08:19 PM

In a unique move, Wigan Warriors have reserved a squad number for Wigan Fans among the player squad numbers unveiled for the 2008 engage Super League XIII Season.

New signings Richard Mathers (1), George Carmont (4) and Andy Coley (15) will be joined in the squad by the Warriors faithful who have been awarded number 18.

Joe Lydon, who proposed the dedicated number for Wigan Fans, said:

"This is a new practice for Clubs who recognise the extra special support which loyal fans can provide to their team in both good and bad times. It is particularly apt for Wigan Fans. I look forward to many Wigan fans wearing the 18 shirt with pride."

Warriors Head Coach, Brian Noble said:

"Wigan fans have been fantastic, particularly in recent years. Their loyal support never ceases to amaze me and, as a team, we felt it important to recognise the special role they play.

"They are Wigan's '18th man' at every game - both home and away - and fully deserve squad number 18. It is a huge thank-you from us to them."

Elsewhere in the line-up, Phil Bailey has moved to number 12 and local star, Darrell Goulding, who impressed last season in the First Team moves to number 3. Another top youngster, Liam Colbon, moves to number 14 and hooker, Michael McIlorum, will take number 17.

New Wigan Chairman, Ian Lenagan added:

"The squad for 2008 is developing as we expected with Richard Mathers and George Carmont filling important gaps well and with the renewal of the contracts of six of Wigan's potential young stars. In addition, we have managed to free up some further funds under the salary cap with the release of Danny Hill and, if we can obtain talent at the right price, then we may well be able to add further to the squad."

The Squad Numbers Release coincides with the launch of the Warriors new 2008 home kit which goes on sale this Thursday (6th December) at the JJB Sports store on Robin Retail Park at 6pm with First Team players in attendance until 7pm. The shirt will then go on general sale from Warriors World and selected JJB stores on Friday 7th November at 9am, while shirts can be pre-ordered from Warriors World and wiganwarriors.com/store

Shirts are priced at 39.99 for adults and 29.99 for juniors and will be available in SB-4XL sizes (5XL is also available in Warriors World) with women's fit shirts in sizes 8-16.

WIGAN WARRIORS SQUAD NUMBERS 2008

1. Richard Mathers
2. Mark Calderwood
3. Darrell Goulding
4. George Carmont
5. Pat Richards
6. Trent Barrett
7. Thomas Leuluai
8. Stuart Fielden
9. Mickey Higham
10. Iafeta Paleaaesina
11. Gareth Hock
12. Phil Bailey
13. Sean O'Loughlin
14. Liam Colbon
15. Andy Coley
16. Harrison Hansen
17. Michael McIlorum
18. Wigan Warriors Fans
19. Paul Prescott
20. Spare
21. Spare
22. Joel Tomkins
23. Ben Kavanagh
24. Eammon O'Carroll
25. Thomas Coyle
26. Nicky Stanton
27. Lee Mossop
28. Mark Flanagan
29. Sam Tomkins

**truebluefan** · 12-04-2007, 08:20 PM

Harlequins have bolstered their coaching staff with the appointment of former London Skolars boss Latham Tawhai as Assistant Coach.

Tawhai, last year's National League Two Coach of the Year, will join Head Coach Brian McDermott and assistant Rob Powell at The Stoop next season.

Tawhai has been involved in rugby league in the UK for eleven years. He signed for Keighley in 1996 and went on to play for Hunslet, Rochdale, Hull KR and Doncaster, before joining Skolars as Head Coach in 2005. He also represented New Zealand in the 1996 World Nines tournament.

Tawhai joins several other former Skolars staff in making the move across the capital. Quins Community Manager Kurt Pittman, utility forward Joe Mbu and former Quins Community Coach Tim Gee were all involved at the north London club prior to joining Harlequins.

Harlequins RL Chief Executive Paul Brown said: "It's a continuing reflection of the Skolars' growth as a club. Watching them since 2003, they've built a thriving semi-pro club in National League Two, developed a strong community rugby league programme and made great affiliations across London, and are a great force in rugby league now.

"Latham's full-time appointment in 2005 was another example of Hector McNeill and his board's foresight. We are very grateful to Hector and the Skolars for their handling of Latham's situation, and we look forward to working with them on the Capital Challenge and other projects to continue to develop London rugby league."

Since turning professional in 2003, London Skolars have consistently set the benchmark for player and community development work in the capital. In 2007 they narrowly missed out on the playoffs, and were the only National League Two side to employ a full-time coach in Tawhai.

They have also established the Middlesex 9s tournament, which is now an annual international event, and have worked with children in over 50 schools in north London to bring rugby league to a new audience and create a growing pool of potential players.

Quins RL Head Coach Brian McDermott said: "I've known Latham since I've been down here in London and, when we had a joint training session with the Skolars last year, I got to know of his qualities.

"I've been looking for another coaching assistant for a year but I was waiting for the right person to come along. Latham is a quality person and a quality coach, and I want people like that at our club."

Latham Tawhai said: "I'm buzzing about getting started. I'll miss the lads at Skolars. They're a great bunch, but I hope to get across and see them every now and then.

"Joining Quins is a great opportunity to be able to do an apprenticeship under someone like Brian McDermott. He's got a very good reputation. I spent a couple of days down there during my time at Skolars making some observations, and I was very impressed with the way things were being done. Mac seems to have a good mix of players - some young, exciting blokes coming through, and plenty of experience to go with them.

"I'm looking forward to being able to learn and develop as a coach, working alongside everyone and just being in that environment. Hopefully I can bring plenty to the table and help make Quins a force in Super League.

"I'm very thankful to the Skolars for the opportunity they gave me to be a Head Coach and for being so understanding in allowing me to move. I certainly learnt a huge amount in my time there.

"I think I've developed a good understanding of what it takes for a team from London to compete, the preparation needed to travel every other week, and the mental skills needed to put things in to practice."

**truebluefan** · 12-04-2007, 08:21 PM

Leeds Rhinos have received a massive boost from their supporters with fans rushing to purchase their season tickets before Saturday's Early Bird ticket deadline.

The Rhinos, who enjoyed a club record average attendance of over 17,000 last season, gave supporters the chance to renew their season ticket for the same price as last season and fans have been quick to show their support the Champions. Demand has been so high for seat season tickets in particular that the club is anticipating that seat tickets will be sold out to season ticket holders before the new season kicks off.

Commenting on the news Chief Executive Gary Hetherington said, "We have received fantastic support from the fans through our season ticket campaign. We wanted to reward our loyal supporters from last season with our price freeze and that has obviously been very well received. We have a limited number of seats within the ground and we would urge any supporter who wants a seat for any of our home games next season to purchase a season ticket to avoid disappointment.

"The new Gold Package we have introduced has proved popular as well and with junior season tickets starting from just 40 we believe we offer fantastic value for the entire family," added Hetherington.

Early bird prices start from only 40 for Juniors and 181 for Adults but must be purchased before 4pm on Saturday 8th December and receive up to 3 games for free. Juniors get free entry to all away games too. The Rhinos ticket office at Headingley Carnegie will be opening late until 7pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week to cope with demand from supporters plus the ticket office will be open from 9am until 4pm this Saturday.

Fans who upgrade to the new Gold season ticket package will get free entry to the Carnegie Cafe Bar at every home game next season but book early to avoid disappointment. Alternatively, fans can call the ticket office on 08700 606050 to book their season ticket for next year.

**truebluefan** · 12-04-2007, 08:21 PM

Talented footballers from Central Queensland have a direct pathway to the NRL after the announcement of a new rugby league relationship today.

The WOW Brisbane Broncos will have an official affiliation with the Central Comets for the next three years after a landmark deal between the two clubs.

Players from the area who sign agreements with the Broncos will have the capacity to stay and work or study in Central Queensland, while playing with local State League entity, The Central Comets, until they are required for NRL duty.

Underpinning the affiliation today was the dual registration of State of Origin-experienced hooker PJ Marsh with both the Broncos and Central Comets.

In effect, Marsh - a Central Queenslander himself, originally from Blackwater - is now eligible for the Comets in the Queensland Cup.

"Our idea is that talented kids should be able to stay in Central Queensland without it denigrating their NRL dreams," said Broncos Elite Player Development manager Peter Nolan.

"We want to create an environment where rugby league players can develop without having to move to the 'big city'.

"Even if players from the area do come to Brisbane to train, if they are required to turn out in the Queensland Cup, they will be sent back to play for the Comets."

Central Comets executive officer Rob Crow said the agreement was mutually beneficial to both parties.

"The affiliation provides a direct path to the NRL from Central Queensland, with players who are currently signed available to play for the Comets when not required by the Brisbane Broncos," said Crow.

"It will allow talented Central Queenslanders to play for the Broncos while being able to stay local and commence university, trade qualifications or career opportunities until the NRL club requires their services.

"This agreement also allows a combined approach from both the Broncos' High Performance Unit and the Comets and Central Queensland Rugby League junior and senior development plans.

"From our point of view this agreement provides the best possible outcome for the future of Central Queensland rugby league."

In addition, the Broncos will provide game development services, most particularly in the strength, conditioning and skill areas, to further help the Central Queensland region.

For Marsh, who has joined the Broncos after eight seasons in the NRL with clubs in both Sydney and New Zealand, the scheme provides a framework not present when he began his career.

"I was forced to leave Central Queensland to chase a rugby league career in Sydney, and then even in another country," said the former Blackwater, Rockhampton Brothers and Central Comets player.

"With an agreement like this, kids from Rockhampton, Gladstone, Blackwater, Emerald, Biloela and any other town in central Queensland can follow their dreams without moving too far from home."

**truebluefan** · 12-04-2007, 08:22 PM

Bulldogs CEO Malcolm Noad made the following statement today regarding Bulldogs player Reni Maitua and his non-attendance at a training session yesterday.

"After discussions with Reni Maitua, his manager Gavin Orr, Steve Folkes and myself it has been decided that Reni will be training with the Bulldogs Premier League team (part-time squad) indefinitely. It will be up to Steve Folkes as to when Reni returns to the fulltime squad.

"In addition, Reni has agreed to enter into a behavioural agreement with the Bulldogs. This agreement will contain very strict guidelines and if he doesn't follow those guidelines his playing contract will be terminated. He has entered into that agreement freely.

"Basically, Reni has one last chance with the Club."

Gavin Orr, manager for Reni Maitua, added, "Reni is very embarrassed for the anguish he has caused his family, the Club and its fans. He takes full responsibility for his actions over the last few days.

"It has been speculated that Reni wants to leave the Club. That is not the case. Reni is 100% behind the Bulldogs."

**truebluefan** · 12-07-2007, 05:48 PM

Canberra Raiders Fans have chosen inspirational skipper Alan Tongue as their best and fairest player for 2007, presenting him with his second Canberra Raiders fans choice player of the year award last week.

It's the second year in a row Tongue claimed the honour of the fans best, after taking out the award in 2006.

The award is determined through an online voting system through www.thegh.com.au, where fans submit their 3-2-1 votes each week based on the Raiders performances.

These votes are then tallied by site administrators, with the top vote getter each week receiving three points for the award, while the second and third vote getters get two and one points respectively.

In a very close competition Tongue finished on top of the leader board with 19 points, just one point above five-eighth Todd Carney on 18 points and two points above Raiders Player of the Year Scott Logan who finished with 17 points.

In a strong indication of the awards merit the final standings where almost identical to the Raiders Dally M votes in season 2007, with only Tongue and Carney's positions reversed in the Raiders top five vote getters for the season.

Raiders Captain and Fans choice winner Alan Tongue said it was a great honour to go back to back with the award, and thanked the fans for their support in 2007.

"To win this award again is a huge thrill for me as it's determined by the people that count the most, the fans," Tongue said. "The Raiders fan base proved this year that they're as strong as ever and hopefully this continues in 2008."

Spokesman for the award Marko Milinkovic said the 'fans choice' is a great way to show the Raiders that the fans support the club, and it also represented a wide cross section of Green machine faithful.

"The Raiders have always had a very strong and loyal supporter base in the NRL and having our own award to present is a brilliant way to show some of the support this great club really has," Milinkovic said. "The best aspect of this award is that it is voted for by a wide range of fans, from the Raiders Army Lads in Bay 72, right through to Raiders fans based in the UK."

Canberra Raiders fans Choice player of the year

19 pts - Alan Tongue (winner)
18 pts - Todd Carney
17 pts - Scott Logan
12 pts - Michael Dobson
9 pts - Terry Campese

**truebluefan** · 12-07-2007, 05:48 PM

The Mitsubishi Electric Bulldogs have signed up rugby league legend Andrew Johns in a skills coaching role for the 2008 season.

Johns' coaching duties at the Bulldogs will involve working with the halves, hookers and backs, starting this week.

Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes said, "When the opportunity arises for a player of the calibre of Andrew Johns to help you out, you're mad not to utilise him.

"Obviously everyone is aware of what this bloke can do with a football and we'll be tapping in to that as our top grade playmakers and younger players spend time with him."

Bulldogs CEO Malcolm Noad said, "Even though we made the finals in 2007, we failed to meet our own high standards and those of our supporters. We held a full review of the season and today's announcement of Andrew's coaching role with the Club is the first of a number of new initiatives the Bulldogs will undertake as we head into the 2008 NRL season.

"We have increased our medical roster with the inclusion of an additional physiotherapist to ensure thorough injury prevention programs and additional support in the treatment of injuries. In January, we'll be moving our administrative and training headquarters out to Sydney Olympic Park as the Club continues to embrace the best sporting precinct in the Southern Hemisphere. A brand new gymnasium, double the size of the current gym at Belmore Sports Ground, will be built at the Athletic Centre which will house our existing equipment plus $120,000 of the latest state-of-the-art exercise equipment."

Folkes added, "The energy and enthusiasm that has been shown by the players at training so far has been high. The recent movement of players to and from the Club has enabled us to expand our playing and training philosophy which I believe will result in a very positive and exciting 2008 season for us."