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**truebluefan** · 12-18-2007, 12:38 PM

Cronulla Sharks head coach Ricky Stuart this afternoon agreed to extend his contract for three more seasons and will remain at the club through until 2011.

The current Australian Kangaroos coach, Stuart joined the Sharks for the 2007 season and was due to come off contract at the end of 2008.

His management, The Fordham Company, had been in negotiation with Sharks CEO Tony Zappia over a contract extension for the past two weeks.

Zappia was understandably pleased to have secured Stuart's services for three more seasons.

"Signing Ricky to an extended term of three years beyond 2008 was paramount to us maintaining our current stability and our long term future," Zappia said. "In the short time Ricky has been at the Sharks, the club has made excellent progress on a number of key fronts.

"From a football perspective, we are confident that with Ricky calling the shots for another four years we will be a strong and respected force in the NRL."

Likewise, Stuart was delighted to have confirmed his immediate future and was confident he could steer the Sharks in a positive direction.

"We made very satisfactory progress in the 2007 season and I can only see us building on that in 2008 and beyond," Stuart said. "I appreciate the club's confidence in wanting me on board for a few more years."

Stuart previous coaching successes include a premiership victory back in 2002 with the Sydney Roosters.

**truebluefan** · 12-24-2007, 10:25 AM

Bulldogs forward Nick Kouparitsas has signed on for two more seasons with the Club.

Kouparitsas, 23, was the 683rd first grade player for the Bulldogs when he debuted in 2006, playing three games that year.

2007 saw Kouparitsas' play 18 NRL games as he established himself as a regular first grader.

Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes commented, "There is no doubt that Nick has got better and better with each season. He is now a genuine running backrower who also makes an impact in defence."

Kouparitsas said, "I've had a great go at the Bulldogs over the last couple of years and there was no hesitation in extending for a couple more.

"I really feel at home at the Bulldogs and I can't wait for season 2008 to start."

Kouparitsas will be wearing the blue-and-white until at least the end of the 2010 season.

**truebluefan** · 12-24-2007, 10:28 AM

The 2008 Jim Beam Cup Draw has been officially released today with the Perth based WA Reds confirmed as one of the 12 sides where they'll travel to the Terry Lamb Complex in their opening match against the Chester Hill Rhinos.

Fellow newcomers Cronulla-Caringbah and Campbelltown Eagles are both away in the opening round. Campbelltown takes on Cabramatta and Mounties will host Cronulla-Caringbah.

Defending premiers The Entrance have dropped out along with Asquith and Seven Hills.

The introduction of the WA Reds is viewed as Perth's long-term goal of having a team in the NRL competition within the next 5-8 years. The WA Reds will be a side made up of local based players and will compete in the Jim Beam Cup for 2-3 seasons before hopefully being strong enough to take part in the Queensland Cup, which is now by far Australia's 2nd strongest competition.

2008 Jim Beam Cup
Round 1 -28-30 March
Belrose V Shellharbour
Sydney Bulls V Wentworthville
Cabramatta V Campbelltown
Mounties V Cronulla Caringbah
Chester Hill V WA Reds
Windsor V Erina

**truebluefan** · 12-24-2007, 10:29 AM

The coaching merry-go-round doesn't appear as likely in 2008 with Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens remaining with the 2005 premiers only days after Ricky Stuart committed himself to a long-term deal at the Sharks.

Sheens and Stuart were two of the five coaches off contract at the end of 2008 with only Steve Folkes (Canterbury), Graham Murray (North Queensland) and Nathan Brown (St George Illawarra) remaining off contract.

Folkes' future will firstly be decided by the upcoming Bulldogs Board Elections in February 2008 with two factions objecting to Chairman Dr George Peponis (although he will be elected Chairman unopposed) and Chief Executive Malcolm Noad. Should Peponis maintain control of the nine-man board Folkes will see out the entire 2008 season with his future to be decided in early May as to what direction the Bulldogs will take for the 2009 season.

Complete article

**truebluefan** · 12-24-2007, 10:30 AM

The Cronulla Sharks have appointed NSW State of Origin forward Paul Gallen to the club captaincy for the 2008 season.

The 26-year-old Gallen, who assumed the role in the absence of an injured Brett Kimmorley towards the end of 2007, was humbled by the appointment and was looking forward to contributing to what is hoped will be a successful season for the Sharks next year.

"While I captained the team towards the back end of last season, to have the job on a permanent basis is a great honour," Gallen said. "I really enjoyed my time as captain and was hoping it would one day become full time, so getting the news today is a big thrill.

"Noddy will be hard act to follow but I realise I still have a lot to learn as far as the captaincy goes and he is one guy I'll be looking for to provide some advice and guidance."

Complete article

**truebluefan** · 12-24-2007, 10:30 AM

The New Zealand Rugby League has reaffirmed Gary Kemble as Kiwi coach through to the end of the World Cup in Australia next year.

The NZRL board today discussed Kemble's position in a review of the Kiwis' end of season international programme against Australia, Great Britain and France.

"Gary has the board's support to continue as coach through to the World Cup, as he was contracted to do when he was appointed," said chairman Ray Haffenden.

"In beginning our review of the tour today, our focus was on the head coach's job and, after considering reports, we have stayed with the status quo."

Former Kiwi fullback Kemble was appointed in mid-August only eight weeks before his first test as coach against Australia in Wellington on October 14.

"The test against Australia and the following tour to Britain and France provided a difficult assignment for everyone involved," said Kemble.

"While results didn't go the way we hoped, I have always wanted to continue in the role. There's much work to be done and I'm confident the Kiwis will perform well in next year's Centenary Test against Australia and then in the World Cup."

Kemble said he welcomed the board's support to enable him to complete his contract.

**truebluefan** · 12-24-2007, 10:32 AM

In light of the NRL's recent decision on the Grand Final kick off time, Sri Lankan Cricket player Marvin Attapatu looks foolish by naming his countries cricket selectors as 'Muppets'. The real 'Muppets' or puppets are the NRL and Mr Gallop himself.

For years I have defended David Gallop despite the fact that the NRL has continually 'dropped the ball' over the past few years. However there comes a time when even the most devoted Rugby League follower must sit back and realise that in it's 100th season Rugby League is not controlled by the governing body, the fans or the players. It is run by the media, which ironically is the very fight that the Super league war was all about.

On Tuesday, Mr Gallop and the NRL announced, after increasing pressure from fans, that the Grand Final kick-off time would be changed next year. However it would not be changed to 3:00pm as the extreme majority of fans ands players wanted, but to 5pm.

Complete article

**truebluefan** · 01-05-2008, 06:31 PM

As Hull KR welcome new arrivals Clint Newton and Ben Galea to Craven Park they begin their pre-season training with the Robins in great shape.

Both Newton and Galea traveled to England during the Christmas and New Year period and arrived fit and excited with the challenges that face them within the Super League.

The NRL champions have endured a grueling off-season training regime back home for the last six weeks and are now fully prepared for the hard work that awaits them.

After arriving in the UK on the 28th of December it took the two players only 24hours before they where in the gym with strength and conditioner Billy Mallinson, who remarked; "It's great to see players that possess such ambition and dedication, they both trained well and have arrived in great shape, these players are true professionals and I am looking forward to working with them.

"Back home pre-season is notorious for being extremely difficult not only from a physical aspect but also mentally, players are really put through their paces and training at Melbourne was just as hard as I had been told, so I had prepared myself for that," Newton commented.

The 26-year-old is looking forward to the beginning of the season and is impressed with how his new colleagues are shaping up for their second season in Super League.

"It'll be good for us when we all train together, and I'm really looking forward to our pre-season camp in Portugal, not only to get to know all the players, but also for warmer weather," Newton added.

Fans are reminded that season passes are on sale from the Official Club shop at Craven Park and 269 Holderness Road.
As Hull KR welcome new arrivals Clint Newton and Ben Galea to Craven Park they begin their pre-season training with the Robins in great shape.

Both Newton and Galea traveled to England during the Christmas and New Year period and arrived fit and excited with the challenges that face them within the Super League.

The NRL champions have endured a grueling off-season training regime back home for the last six weeks and are now fully prepared for the hard work that awaits them.

After arriving in the UK on the 28th of December it took the two players only 24hours before they where in the gym with strength and conditioner Billy Mallinson, who remarked; "It's great to see players that possess such ambition and dedication, they both trained well and have arrived in great shape, these players are true professionals and I am looking forward to working with them.

"Back home pre-season is notorious for being extremely difficult not only from a physical aspect but also mentally, players are really put through their paces and training at Melbourne was just as hard as I had been told, so I had prepared myself for that," Newton commented.

The 26-year-old is looking forward to the beginning of the season and is impressed with how his new colleagues are shaping up for their second season in Super League.

"It'll be good for us when we all train together, and I'm really looking forward to our pre-season camp in Portugal, not only to get to know all the players, but also for warmer weather," Newton added.

Fans are reminded that season passes are on sale from the Official Club shop at Craven Park and 269 Holderness Road.

**truebluefan** · 01-05-2008, 06:31 PM

New Hull FC prop Peter Cusack has only been at KC Stadium a week and yet the towering 6ft 4in Australian prop has no doubts he has made the right decision.

The former Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs star admitted it was a big decision for him and his family to come, but he revealed: "I've only been here a week and I already know this was the right decision for me."

When coach Peter Sharp approached him last month, he admitted: "I was excited about the opportunity to play in England but also realised it was a big decision for me and my family.

"We talked it over and felt it was a great opportunity for us. We decided to come and I have to say any reservations we have had have disappeared through the friendliness of everyone we have met so far.

"Since we arrived everyone has been so good, friendly and helpful. That makes such a big difference.

"The boys have been terrific as well, they have all been so welcoming and I have already sensed a great spirit in the camp.

"It has been a busy time what with setting the house up with furniture and everything else you have to do but we're settled and I can't wait for the season to start and to get playing."

First impression are so important and Cusack said: "I'm convinced I've made the right decision and I have to say Scott Logan, who is a big mate of mine, was spot on when I asked him what Hull was like.

"He gave the place a big rap and that certainly helped me in making up my mine."

Cusack is looking to play next week in Paul King's Testimonial game against Super League rivals Huddersfield Giants at the KC Stadium (2-30pm).

"It will be good to get my first game under my belt," he said. "This is an exciting experience and hopefully during my time here we can win things.

"I am still very ambitious and I'd like to think I can help Hull win some trophies. I'm also excited about playing in the Challenge Cup, a competition with such history."

**truebluefan** · 01-14-2008, 07:55 AM

Following an approach from the Gold Coast Titans earlier this month, the Canberra Raiders have locked in a third pre-season trial match, with 2008 season preparations set to begin on Saturday 16 February 2008 in Ipswich.

Raiders Football Manager David Sharpe today confirmed the trial and stated, "The Raiders are happy to accommodate a late request from the NRL's newest franchise, the Gold Coast Titans, as it provides Head Coach Neil Henry with a great opportunity to look at the young players in our system."

In what promises to be a great afternoon of Rugby League, the Ipswich Jets will host four matches at Briggs Road Sporting Complex with the Titans v Raiders main game likely to kick off at about 7.15pm.

Ipswich Jets CEO, Brad Wolens, this afternoon said, "I am waiting to hear back from QRL officials about Extreme Heat Measures before actually determining game kick off times."

Pre-Season Trial Fixtures ? 16 February 2008, Briggs Road Sporting Complex

Game #1: Colts - Ipswich v Tweed Heads
Game #2: FOG's Cup - Ipswich v Tweed Heads
Game #3: Queensland Cup - Ipswich v Tweed Heads
Game #4: Gold Coast Titans v Canberra Raiders

Tickets available through Ipswich Jets Leagues Club (Ph: 07 3202 1887)

Adults: $15.00, Children: $8.50