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Network Ten Rugby League
Note: This post was going to be included in the same post as the Toronto Wolfpack Post. I then realized the Toronto post would need to be a two-parter and this would be its own post. The recent axings at Network Ten, make me think that a new FTA home of Rugby League is out of the question. However, I decided to share this post anyway.
Back in 2012, when Network Ten last bid for the NRL rights they had Joel Caine, Adam Hawse, Ben Ikin, Adam MacDougall, Andrew Moore, Steve Roach, and Ricky Stuart who would presumably form part of the network’s coverage. In 2020, the only Rugby League person the network has is Emma Lawrence. Who would join Emma on Network Ten’s coverage? Well, I have an answer. All this and more in the latest edition of the Blog of Cheese.
The following is the press release that Network Ten will use to unveil its Rugby League team.
Good evening, and welcome, distinguished guests, to a historic night. Rugby League returns to Network Ten for the first time since 1991. Rugby League has a long history with Network Ten, dating back to 1974 when Network Ten broadcast the “made for TV” Amco Cup. Network Ten would broadcast the mid-week completion throughout its entirety. In 1983, Network Ten began broadcasting the NSWRL with the “State Bank Big Game” on Sunday evenings. Network Ten was also the first to broadcast Monday Night Rugby League and Friday Night Rugby League.
Network Ten will be broadcasting the NRL differently than you are used to. Our NRL team will be set up in the studio for most of the season, with only our commentators at the ground. The commentary booth will feature a play-by-play commentator and one analyst. We will also use two sideline commentators for each side to give the viewer complete access. Network Ten will air its Monday night wrap show live online, before a replay on Free-to-Air Television later in the evening. Network Ten will also have several exclusive online shows.
Network Ten will unveil its broadcast team tonight, bringing you NRL coverage. Network Ten does not have the finances of Fox Sports, so launching a raid for Fox NRL talent would be silly, though we believe we have made astute moves to bring you the best team. Hannah Hollis will be heading up our coverage. Hannah will lead the Network’s coverage on Friday night and Sunday afternoon. James Bracey will be hosting Thursday night and Sunday night. Network Ten’s commentary team will be headed by Andrew Voss. Matt Thompson, Andy Raymond, and Matt Russell will join Andrew as play-by-play commentators. Andy and Matt will also work as sideline commentators.
Kezie Apps, Laurie Daley, Renee Gartner, Ruan Sims, Billy Slater, Jimmy Smith, Peter Sterling, Timana Tahu, Johnathan Thurston, and Dean Widders will join Network Ten as analysts. Network Ten NRL will also have many reporters as part of our coverage, bringing you the latest news. Our reports will include Michael Chammas, Emma Lawrence, Danika Mason, Adrian Proszenko, Brent Read, Brad Walter, and Andrew Webster.
As part of our commitment to ensuring our viewers are aware of every piece of information, Former match officials Daniel Eastwood, Luke Potter, and Luke Phillips will join the broadcast, providing viewers with a greater understanding of crucial decisions. Brien Seeney will be one of our injury experts, explaining medical diagnoses and returning to play. We still have a couple more additions to the team, though this, for the most part, will be the team. All our experts will work across our shows, all of which will be available online.And Another Thing: Given the spate of injuries in the NRL this season, I think the State of Origin teams will be made up of whoever is left standing. I’m sure the NRL coaches will be more than happy to return to the pre-COVID-19 format from 2021.
If you want to contact me, you can email me. Remember to like the page on Facebook to find out when new blog posts are available. Also to find out the latest news, views, and opinion from the world of Rugby League. Follow me on Twitter to get all of this, plus live and full-time scores from every game in the NRL. As well as full-time scores from the; Super League, Presidents Cup, Sydney Shield, Brisbane Rugby League, Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, Holcim Cup, National Rugby League W, and Women’s Super League.
Till next time,
Cheese
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For the New People
This post will be pinned to the top of Facebook and Twitter and will be for new followers. This post uses material from Rugby League 9s and What Is With All These News Articles? (which was posted on 15/11/2013) and Updated World Cup Squads and an Update of What I Have Planned (which was posted on 07/09/2017)
If you like the Facebook page or follow the Twitter account, you will notice that every day there are news articles from various sources and might be thinking, what does this have to do with a blog? Well, I plan on running a Rugby League website and podcast. This site will be a one-stop-shop for Rugby League news, results & opinion from around the world. Currently, the blog & podcast (which is on hiatus) are run as two separate accounts; they will be merged into one account when the website is up and running. The blog post news stories contain articles that people should be aware of and in style on the website. I post from a variety of websites, including; the Daily Telegraph, Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian, Fox Sports, Daily Mail, Mirror, The Sun, Guardian, Yorkshire Post, BBC, Sky Sports, Rugby Football League, Super League, National Rugby League, New South Wales Rugby League, Queensland Rugby League, NZ Herald, Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand Rugby League, Rugby League European Federation, Asia Pacific Rugby Leauge, International Rugby League, and RLWC2021.com (as well as several other websites). The stories go up during the NRL season at 8pm Sunday-Wednesday, 5pm Thursday and Friday, and 12pm Saturday. Off-season, all articles are posted at 8pm (All times are AEST). Sometimes personal circumstances prevent me from posting, though most days, I try to at least Media Releases/Club Statements. For stories involving legal matters, I will only post club/NRL statements or statements from the police.
I also post an On This Day Section. The On This Day section includes; the birth of every member of the English Hall of Fame, the birth of the majority of New Zealand Rugby League Legends of League, and the birth of every player included in the National Rugby League Hall of Fame, as well as Team of the Century coach Jack Gibson. It also consists of every single NSWRL/ARL/Super League/NRL Grand Final, as well as the Grand Finals for the BRL and Intrust Super Cup (note for the NSWRL and BRL, a number of those earlier games included as Grand Finals, were considered finals or challenge finals). Every single Challenge Cup Final, every AMCO Cup/Tooth Cup/KB Cup/National Panasonic Cup/Panasonic Cup final, the birth of the majority NSWRL/ARL/Super League/NRL clubs, when they played their first and last game, as well as every Rugby Football League/Super League (UK) Grand Final.
A number of the biographies are short only because I cannot find information online, including details for several New Zealand Rugby League Legends of League. I also have found limited data for the Queensland State League finals. Team names are referred to as what they are now (with the addition of mascots) due to several clubs having multiple identities, and to say, e.g. yes, this Roosters club is the same Roosters club that played in that Grand Final.
I would love to use the website 1895.com, but unfortunately, that website is currently in use, as is the 1895 Twitter account.
A massive thank you to the people at Rugby League Project who make the On This Day feature so much easier. Occasionally the On This Day will differ from the NRL (my dates are from Rugby League Project, and I trust that the team there has the correct information).
If you want to contact me, you can email me. Remember to like the page on Facebook to find out when new blog posts are available. Also, to find out the latest news, views, and opinion from the world of Rugby League. Follow me on Twitter to get all this, plus live and full-time scores from every game in the NRL. As well as full-time scores from the; Super League, Presidents Cup, Sydney Shield, Brisbane Rugby League, Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, Holcim Cup, National Rugby League W, and Women’s Super League.
Till next time,
Cheese
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Toronto Wolfpack and the future of Super League Part 2
In part two of the Celtic Crusaders/Toronto Wolfpack series, I will look at what has happened with Toronto and maybe the way forward for Super League. All this and more in the latest edition of the Blog of Cheese.
In 2014 the RFL received an application to join Super League from the CChairman of the Canadian Rugby League, Eric Perez. Eric was told that the team would need to start in League One and build up to Super League. In April 2016, a press conference announced the side’s details. The Toronto Wolfpack would be backed by ten businessmen, including Eric and Australian David Argyle. A condition of joining League One would be the side was responsible for travel and accommodation for all sides below Super League. The side would be coached by Paul Rowley, with Brian Noble serving as director of Rugby.
Toronto’s 2017 squad would include Rhys Jacks, Fuifui Moimoi, Bob Beswick, Ryan Burroughs, Ryan Bailey, Liam Kay, and Craig Hall. Toronto would finish champions of League One, losing only one game and drawing one (both in the Super 8 stage of the competition). 2018 saw the addition of Ashton Sims, Dave Taylor, Josh McCrone, Cory Patterson, Reni Maitua, Chase Stanley, and Darcy Lussick. The side would lose 2 games and draw 1 in the Championship. Toronto would finish fourth in Super 8s and then fail London in the “Million Pound Game” to decide the fourth team in Super League. Brian McDermott would join as the coach for the 2019 season.
With Ricky Leutele, Bodene Thompson, and Jon Wilkin among the recruits, Toronto would again dominate the Championship. Under the new finals system, Toronto would win promotion to Super League after defeating Featherstone in the Championship Final. Sonny Bill Williams would be the marquee signing for Toronto’s Super League debut. The club would play six fixtures before the season was suspended due to COVID-19. In July, Toronto withdrew from the 2020 Super League season, citing visa issues and a lack of revenue from playing all of their games in the UK due to COVID-19. Part of the issue with visas is the setup of the club. Instead of crisscrossing the Atlantic every second week, the club would spend part of the season in the UK and part at home in Canada. They would not be on the same visas as some NRL players in Super League; they would be on short-term visas, the same used by Tennis players and Golfers.
When Toronto first joined League One for the 2017 season, they agreed to not receive any “central funding” (TV money) from the RFL. Founder Eric Perez has recently claimed it was a last-minute addition added by the RFL. With no central funding, Toronto could negotiate its own media deals and keep all the profits. Rumours have existed that Toronto would allow fans to enter their home games for free. In January 2018, Ryan Bailey, Fuifui Moimoi, and Dave Taylor had their contracts terminated following an incident during a pre-season camp (Dave Taylor would not play a game for Toronto). Founder Eric Perez would leave the club in early 2018. In late 2018 reports emerged that Toronto had failed to pay its players on time. In December 2018, Toronto announced they were purchasing a minority stake in League 1 side the London Skolars, and reports have emerged London didn’t receive the promised money.
In 2019 it emerged several Super League clubs had not been compensated for releasing players to Toronto. Also in 2019, Toronto’s majority owner David Argyle stood down as Chairman and CEO following racist remarks to Swinton player Jose Kenga. In February of this year director of Rugby, Brian Noble, left the club. Also, in February, Toronto asked the RFL for salary cap relief. In July, it was reported that players were constantly being paid late, which was confirmed by Kallum Watkins’ wife in a post on social media.
Will the Wolfpack return in 2021? It remains to be seen. David Argyle is a mining magnate, and so is former Newcastle Knights owner Nathan Tinkler and look how that worked out. Toronto was always going to be a risk with a private owner. People see the dollar signs and ignore the hard work. Rugby League owners don’t make money, unlike the Premier League and the US big 4 sports (MLB, NBA, NFL & NHL). Ask Russell Crowe how much he has lost investing in South Sydney over 13 years, though Russell has red and green in his blood and won’t walk away.
Did the RFL do due diligence on Eric and David? Questions have to be asked. Given what has happened at Wigan Athletic, sometimes things just go wrong. Eric is now fronting the Ottawa Aces push, and I’m sure the RFL will have second and third thoughts about Ottawa and the New York team. I believe Ottawa will, unlike Toronto, receive central distribution money as a former League One club. Ottawa will also be better served through the involvement of the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, which owns a Canadian Football side, a minor league Hockey side, and a Minor League Football (Soccer) side. Another question is should the RFL be responsible for helping sides outside England in its competitions? The RFL’s job is to help grow the sport in the UK, not North America. Shouldn’t they accept all the risk if a North American side joins the RFL?
If Toronto decides to wind up shop, Super League/the RFL face an interesting decision on who is to take their spot, given the Championship has been cancelled and no side would earn the right to be promoted. As runners-up to Toronto in 2019, Featherstone would have a case to be the 12th Super League side, and London would also have a chance as the side relegated for Toronto. Newcastle has also put up its hand to take over the franchise, as has New York.
(Image from Wikipedia showing the location of the 10 UK Super League clubs all on the “M62 Corridor”)
Over the twenty-four years of Super League, only four clubs have won the Grand Final (Bradford [last in 2005], Leeds, St Helens, and Wigan), and only a further four have made the Grand Final (Castleford, Hull F.C., Salford, and Warrington). In any sense, that is a failure, and severe change needs to happen. With the possible demise of Toronto and in the aftermath of COVID-19, it may be time for Super League/RFL to reintroduce a franchise system, starting with the new TV deal in 2022. Under a franchise model, a team can grow and develop without fear of overspending just to avoid relegation, as has happened to several clubs. I believe the RFL should bite the bullet, drop some smaller clubs to the Championship, and add some big market city teams to grow the competition. Championship clubs can apply for an expansion franchise in three years. I would not eliminate all of the smaller market teams to keep history, though Super League needs to expand outside the “M62 corridor”. Some people have suggested eliminating the Salary Cap, which would result in a more significant gap between the haves and have-nots.
(Image from Wikipedia showing the Rugby League clubs in West Yorkshire)
Selecting the twelve clubs has been no easy task, with much research and back and forth of who claims some of the last spots. I looked at the criteria for the license system Super League used in 2008 and 2011. The criteria I have used are as follows: A team had to play in Super League the last 5 years, make a Grand Final (or best performed from the division in Super 8s), make the 1895 Final, have an academy side, or have an average crowd of 2,500. A breakdown of club performance is found in the attached document at the bottom of the article.
The sides that were considered were; Barrow, Bradford, Castleford, Catalans, Doncaster, Featherstone, Halifax, Huddersfield, Hull FC, Hull KR, Leigh, Leeds, London, Newcastle, North Wales, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Sheffield, St Helens, Swinton, Toulouse, Wakefield Trinity, Warrington, Whitehaven, Widnes, Wigan, Workington Town, and York City. Clubs under consideration fell into 4 categories: Those who competed in every season of Super League were automatic selections (Leeds, St Helens, Warrington, and Wigan), strong clubs that will benefit Super League (Castleford, Catalans, Hull FC, London, Newcastle, and Toulouse). Clubs who were in consideration for the last two spots (Huddersfield, Hull KR, Sheffield, Wakefield, and York) and not considered due to entering administration in the previous 5 years (Bradford and Widnes). Why I chose the 12 clubs is listed below (I have considered making “Super 8” as a side making the finals):
Castleford Tigers have competed in Super League from 1996-2004, 2006 and since 2008. They would finish 11th in 2005, though given Catalans were exempt from relegation, Castleford would be relegated. Since their return to Super League, Castleford has made the finals in 2009 and since 2014. In 2014 they made the Challenge Cup Final. In 2017 Castleford finished as League Leaders and made it to the Grand Final. Castleford is owned by Ian Fulton. Ian took over from his father, Jack, who had owned Castleford since the 1990s.
Catalans Dragons: The former Elite Championship team joined Super League in 2006. Catalans were exempt from relegation in their inaugural year. They reached the Challenge Cup final in 2007. Won the Million Pound Championship in 2017 to avoid relegation. In 2018 Catalans won the Challenge Cup. Have only missed the finals in 2006, 2010, 2017, and 2019. Their average crowds have increased in the last few years and averaged 10,000 last year. Set the Super League ground record in 2018 when they played Wigan at Nou Camp. Catalans are owned by Bernard Guasch, who has been involved with Catalans since the start.
Huddersfield Giants: Competed in Super League from 1998-2001 (2000 as Huddersfield-Sheffield) and since 2003. Following an undefeated Northern Ford Premiership (current Championship) in 2002, Huddersfield returned to Super League in 2003. Has made the finals in 2003, 2009-15, and 2017-18. In 2013 they won the League Leaders Shield. Made the Challenge Cup Final in 2006 and 2009. Huddersfield is owned by Ken Davy, and Ken has owned Huddersfield since 1996.
Hull F.C.: Started the Super League Era in Second Division (current Championship). Won Second Division in 1997, joining Super League in 1998. Made the finals in 2001-02, 2004- 2007, 2010-2013 and 2015-2018. They were runners-up in 2006. Hull has made 4 Challenge Cup finals in the Super League era in 2008, 2013, 2016, and 2017 (winning the last 2). Hull is owned by Adam Pearson. Adam has owned Hull since July 2011.
Hull Kingston Rovers: Entered Super League in 2007. Made the playoffs in 2009-2011 and 2013. In 2016 lost the Million Pound Game to Salford. In 2017 would finish third in “The Qualifiers” and win promotion back to Super League. Neil Hudgell is the majority shareholder and has been since 2019. Neil has been Chairman since 2004.
Leeds Rhinos: One of the Super League “Big 4” (who have contested every Super League season). They have been the most dominant team in the Super League era appearing in 10 Grand Finals (winning 8 titles) and 9 Challenge Cup Finals in the Super League era (3 Cup victories). Leeds did the double in 2015. Leeds is owned by Paul Caddick and Garry Hetherington, who has owned Leeds since 1997.
London Broncos: Competed in Super League from 1996-2014 and 2019. Finished second in 1997, made the Challenge Cup Final in 1999 and made the finals in 2003 and 2005. Backed by David Hughes, who has been involved with the club since 1996. If you are going to have a national competition, then you need to have a team in the nation’s capital. London also competes in the national under-16s and under-19 academy competitions (something many clubs do not).
Newcastle Thunder: Gateshead Thunder competed in Super League in 1999, bankrolled by Shane Richardson. Gateshead would merge with Hull FC at the end of the season. A new Gateshead side has competed in the lower leagues since 2001. In 2015 the club was bought by Newcastle Falcons owner Semore Kurdi, who renamed the club Newcastle Thunder. The club shares Kingston Park with the Falcons. Semore has owned the Falcons since 2011, proving he is in for the long haul. Newcastle also competes in the national under-16s, and under-19 academy competitions (something many clubs do not) and the junior numbers are growing very quickly. They have expressed an interest in taking over the license of Toronto.
St Helens: One of the Super League “Big 4” (who have contested every Super League season). St Helens has been the most consistent team appearing in 11 Grand Finals (winning six titles) and 8 Challenge Cup Finals in the Super League era (3 Cup victories). St Helens did the double in 1996 and 2006. St Helens are owned by Eamon McMannus. Eamon has owned St Helens since November 2001.
Toulouse Olympique: Toulouse applied to join Super League in 2003, though they would lose out to Catalans. In 2005, They became the first non-English team to appear in the Challenge Cup Semi-Finals. Toulouse unsuccessfully applied for a Super League license for 2011. Toulouse competed in the Championship from 2009-2011. Rejoined League 1 in 2016, they went through an undefeated season and have competed in the Championship since 2017. After 5 weeks of the Championship, they were undefeated before the season was suspended and cancelled due to COVID-19. Toulouse has a close relationship with Rugby Union side Stade Toulousain and was scheduled to play at Stade Ernest-Wallon in 2020.
Warrington Wolves: One of the Super League “Big 4” (who have contested every single season of Super League), Have appeared in 4 Grand Finals and 6 Challenge Cup finals in the Super League era (4 Cup victories). Warrington is owned by Simon Moran, and Simon has owned Warrington since 2003.
Wigan Warriors: One of the Super League “Big 4” (who have contested every Super League season). After being the dominant team in the pre-Super League era, they have been bought back to the field. Have appeared in 10 Grand Finals (winning 5 titles) and 5 Challenge Cup finals in the Super League era (3 Cup victories). Wigan did the double in 2013. Wigan is owned by Ian Lenagan, and Ian has owned Wigan since October 2007.
Once again, a lot of the information about the history of Toronto comes from this article by freelance journalist John Davidson. He goes into more detail about the financial mismanagement of Toronto.
And Another Thing: I know the NRL has had a lot on its plate this year. Hopefully, we will still have Hall Of Fame inductees this year, even if the ceremony is kept to a minimum due to COVID-19.
If you want to contact me, you can email me. Remember to like the page on Facebook to find out when new blog posts are available. Also, to find out the latest news, views, and opinion from the world of Rugby League. Follow me on Twitter to get all this, plus live and full-time scores from every game in the NRL. As well as full-time scores from the; Super League, Presidents Cup, Sydney Shield, Brisbane Rugby League, Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, Holcim Cup, National Rugby League W, and Women’s Super League.
Till next time,
Cheese
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Toronto Wolfpack 1.0?
I had planned to write about the plight of the Toronto Wolfpack by first writing about the history of the Celtic Crusaders. Though given the length of the post already, I have decided to split the post in two. So here in Part 1 is a history of the Celtic Crusaders, who existed from 2006-2011 and share some similarities with the Toronto Wolfpack. In Part 2, I will look at the demise of the Toronto Wolfpack and maybe find a way forward for Super League. All this and more in the latest edition of the Blog of Cheese.
In March 2003, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) decided to shake up its club competition, changing from 9 club teams to 5 regional teams. One of the new clubs would be the Celtic Warriors, formed partly by Bridgend RFC and their owner Leighton Samuel. The other half of the team was owned by the WRU after problems with Pontypridd RFC. Over a year later, Leighton threatened and revoked threats to sell the team to the WRU. One attempt was considered legally binding, and Leighton sold the club. Later that year, the RFL approached Leighton about starting up a Rugby League team in Wales, based in part on the success of the Welsh clubs in the Rugby League Conference. The new team, the Celtic Crusaders, were meant to join National League Two (the Current League One) in 2005; this was then changed to 2006. Celtic was admitted to National League Two in June 2005. A month later, London and Hull FC played a Super League game at Brewery Field, the future home of Celtic.
Toowoomba Clydesdales coach John Dixon would be appointed as the club’s inaugural head coach. John headed to the UK with some Queensland Cup players, including Tony Duggan, Anthony Griffin, and Jace Van Dijk. The Crusaders would have a successful first year finishing 3rd, just missing out on an opportunity for promotion. Jace Van Dijk was named player of the year. Inaugural CEO Chris O’Callaghan resigned in June 2006. For 2007, Celtic was bolstered by players such as Neil Budworth, Mark Dalle Cart, Darren Mapp, and Terry Martin and would finish first in National League 2. Celtic would join National League One (the current Championship) in 2008. Josh Hannay and David Tangata-Toa would join for 2008. Celtic would finish second in National League One and lose in the Grand Final.
In 2005, the RFL announced they would be abandoning promotion and relegation and moving to a “licensing system” in 2009 to improve the quality of Super League. The RFL would award points based on several criteria (to read the criteria used for 2009, click here ). Nineteen teams would apply for a license. Twelve from Super League: Bradford, Castleford, Catalans, Harlequins, Huddersfield, Hull FC, Hull KR, Leeds, St Helens, Wakefield, Warrington, and Wigan. The rest came from outside Super League: Celtic, Featherstone, Halifax, Leigh, Salford, Toulouse, and Widnes. The RFL decided to make Super League a 14-team competition in 2009. Three clubs would be awarded a category A license (Hull FC, Leeds, and Warrington ), three more would be awarded a category B license (Bradford Bulls, St Helens, and Wigan Warriors), the final eight clubs would be awarded a category C license (Castleford, Celtic, Catalans, Harlequins, Hull KR, Huddersfield, Salford, and Wakefield). Licenses would be valid for three years, with an option to renew in 2011.
Celtic’s summary from the RFL was: The club’s Brewery Field home ground was considered to be “limited and old fashioned” though well maintained, and there was a commitment to improving the facilities immediately. Celtic Crusaders acknowledged the necessity to develop a new facility in the future. The RFL considered the club’s financial projections to be subjective because the enterprise is a new venture but noted that the club had shown financial stability since its formation. The RFL noted positive relationships had been developed between the club and commercial partners and that there were opportunities to be exploited through a relationship with Welsh language television channel S4C The RFL noted that independent market research had found support for Super League in South Wales but acknowledged that only reality would provide full testing. The club has scholarship and academy team development at an early stage, but the RFL noted playing infrastructure was “very good in places”. Source
For 2009. the squad was bolstered by several former NRL players, including Ryan O’Hara, Adam Peek, Lincoln Withers, and Jason Chan; Matty Smith would join on loan during the season. Celtic’s entry into Super League would be a poor one, finishing 14th with only 3 wins for the season. Problems also existed off-field. CEO Dave Thompson would stand down mid-season. It was revealed mid-season that Celtic had violated visa regulations, with six players on incorrect visas. The six players (Jace Van Dijk, Damien Quinn, Darren Mapp, Mark Dalle Cort, and Josh Hannay), had their contracts terminated. Coach John Dixon was fired at the end of the season. Despite numerous reassurances from Leighton and denials of financial troubles, Leighton would sell the club in December. In late 2009, the club dropped Celtic and was rebranded simply as the Crusaders.
Geoff Moss of Wrexham FC would take over as owner of the club for the 2010 season. Former Bradford and Wigan coach Brian Noble would be the club’s second coach. Michael Witt, Nick Youngquest, Jarrod Sammut, Weller Hauraki, and Frank Winterstein would all join the club, as would former Welsh Rugby Union international Gareth Thomas. Clinton Schifcofske would join the club mid-season after a stint in Rugby Union. 2010 would be a much more successful year for the Crusaders, making the finals after finishing eighth position. Off-field problems continued with Brian Noble leaving at the end of the year and the club being placed into administration.
Former assistant and Welsh dual international Iestyn Harris would take over as head coach for 2011. The club would start 2011 on negative four points after entering administration in 2010. The club had initially planned to apply for a license for 2012-2015, though on July 26, the club withdrew their license due to financial issues, with the club folding at the end of the 2011 season.
Much of the information about the history of the Crusaders comes from this article by freelance journalist John Davidson. He goes into more detail about the financial mismanagement of the Crusaders since 2009.
And Another Thing: I had planned to write about NRL Chairman Peter V’Landys, though given I am involved with an Intrust Super Cup side that is bidding for an NRL license, I decided to hold off on that post.
If you want to contact me, you can email me. Remember to like the page on Facebook to find out when new blog posts are available. Also, to find out the latest news, views, and opinion from the world of Rugby League. Follow me on Twitter to get all this, plus live and full-time scores from every game in the NRL. As well as full-time scores from the; Super League, Presidents Cup, Sydney Shield, Brisbane Rugby League, Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, Holcim Cup, National Rugby League W, and Women’s Super League.
Till next time,
Cheese
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2020 NRL Season Preview
The 113th NRL season begins tonight, with off-field issues grabbing the headlines. On-field, the Sydney Roosters look to become the first team to win three straight titles since the Parramatta Eels in 1983 or the Fortitude Valley Diehards in 1990.
I bring you the 10th NRL season preview on this site. The usual goodies are here; in-depth gains and losses for each club and the top 17 of each club. The premiers, wooden spooners, biggest movers & sliders, top try scorer, Dally M Medalist, State of Origin winners, and my 2020 ladder at the bottom of the post. One to Watch returns for 2020. All this and more, in the latest Blog of Cheese.
Premiers: I think Cameron Smith has already decided if he will play on in 2021. As much as I believe he could do it again next year, I think this will be his final year. Cameron will guide the Storm to their second battle with the Roosters, though this time, the Storm will be on the winners’ stage.
Wooden Spoon: The Titans had one of the worst seasons in recent memory of any NRL team. New coach Justin Holbrook will need to put a massive broom through what was happening on the Gold Coast in 2019. I think the Titans will just fall short of 15th, though they will show signs of promise for 2021.
Biggest Movers: Depending on how long it takes Valentine Holmes to return to his best, the Cowboys could be a real danger side in 2020
Biggest Sliders: The Sharks will struggle in 2020. Playing out of Netstrata Jubilee Stadium will be a strange experience. Whilst Parramatta and Canterbury have both won premierships playing out of their rivals’ home ground, the Sharks will miss the advantage of PointsBet Stadium.
Top Try Scorer: In all the years I have done a season preview, I have never picked anyone who finished close to the top try-scorer, so take this with a grain of salt. I think Suli Vunivalu will be one of the wingers to benefit from the new mid-air tackle rules. It will just depend on if he or Josh Addo-Carr get more ball to score tries in 2020
Dally M: Until the extent of his injury was revealed, I had John Bateman as my Dally M winner. As I state below when I write about the Raiders, John has a phenomenal win percentage with the Raiders, compared to when he is missing. Missing the first 5-6 weeks will cost John in the end. Mitchell Moses will pick up many points in Parramatta Eels victories, with Clint Gutherson, the only other teammate who could regularly steal votes.
State Of Origin: It is going to be a challenging year for Queensland. They are yet to win a game outside of Queensland since 2017. With Queensland not hosting a game until game 3, it is possible the series could be over after Game 2. I think Queensland will win Game 1 in Adelaide, New South Wales will win game 2 in NSW, and Queensland will win game 3 on the 40th anniversary of the first-ever Origin game.
One to Watch: Introduced last year, this is for players yet to play in the NRL. One of the previous year’s One’s to Watch players, Thomas Fleggler, had a great year, while the other, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, played very little NRL. This may be cheating, though I think George Williams will have a great first year in the NRL. While several English backs have struggled in the NRL in recent years, I think George will improve Aidan Sezer.
Brisbane Broncos
Gains: Jesse Arthas (Titans), Brodie Croft (Storm), Jordan Kahu (Cowboys),
Losses: Tanah Boyd (Titans), Troy Dargan (Rabbitohs), George Fai (Rugby Union), Shaun Fensom and Matt Gillett (Retired), Patrick Mago (Rabbitohs), Kodi Nikorima (Warriors), James Segeyaro (Released), Gehmat Shibasaki (Knights), Sam Tagataese (Retired)
The Broncos had an indifferent 2019, with their final spot confirmed during the season’s last weekend. They fell out of the finals with what could be regarded as the worst performance of the season. The Broncos have recruited Brodie Croft, a halfback who has been called a Cooper Cronk clone, though, like the club he joins, he had an indifferent 2019. The pack remains the big question. While they have several talented forwards, they lack the experience to match it with the best packs in the game. The pressure will also be on Anthony Seibold after Broncos chairman Karl Morris commented on the premiership drought, which is at 14 years, well over the previous longest of 6 years. Should make the finals, though maybe a year or two away from breaking the premiership drought.
Top 17
1. Jamayne Isakko 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Darius Boyd 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Brodie Croft 8. Matt Lodge 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Hass 11. Alex Glenn (c) 12. David Fifita 13. Tevita Pangai Jr 14. Andrew McCullough 15. Patrick Carrigan 16. Thomas Flegler 17. Joe OfahengaueCanberra Raiders
Gains: Curtis Scott (Raiders), George Williams (Wigan),
Losses: Brad Abbey (Released), Ata Hingano (Mackay). Royce Hunt (Sharks), Joey Leilua (Tigers), Jordan Rapana (Japanese rugby union), Reuben Porter (Mounties), Aidan Sezer (Huddersfield),
The Raiders made the Grand Final, which surprised some people, though considering they were rarely outside the top four, it may not have been that much of a shock. The Raiders recruited Curtis Scott and George Williams, who will both have pressure to perform in 2020, given their high status and the status of the players they replaced. The players will have been burning all off-season, knowing how close they were to being premiers. The last time the club finished in the top four, they missed the finals the following season, which the club hoped to avoid in 2020. May start the season slowly without John Bateman, who was a pivotal component of the 2019 season. Without John in the side, the Raiders lost all 3 games; with John, they won 73.91% of games. Should have enough talent to finish near the top of the ladder.
Top 17
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker (c) 4. Curtis Scott 5. Michael Oldfield 6. Jack Wighton 7. George Williams 8. Sia Soliola 9. Josh Hodgson (c) 10. Josh Papalii 11. John Bateman 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Joseph Tapine 14. Ryan Sutton 15. Corey Horsburgh 16. Dunamis Lui 17. Emre Guler
Canterbury Bulldogs
Gains: Dean Britt (Rabbitohs), Sione Katoa (Panthers), Joe Stimson (Storm)
Losses: Connelly Lemuelu (Cowboys), Danny Fualalo, Kaiyne-Lee Kalache and Michael Lichaa and Nu Brown (Released), John Olive (Newtown)
A disappointing 2019 for the Bulldogs; the side was a definite possibility to finish with the wooden spoon at the end of July. They would then turn the ship around and lose one game for the rest of the season. The club will be hoping Dean Pay has found what works. The club is still hampered by the salary cap movements of former coach Des Hasler, so have only recruited several mid-level players. The pressure will be on Josh Jackson to lead from the front. The club will hope they are in a decent position to attack when Keiran Foran returns during the representative period. They will miss the eight, though they won’t be taken lightly by any team.
Top 17
1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2. Nick Meaney 3. Kerrord Holland 4. Will Hopoate 5. Jayden Okunbor 6. Jack Cogger 7. Lachlan Lewis 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10.Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson (c) 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Adam Elliott 14. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 15. Joe Stimson 16. Renouf To’omaga 17. Sione Katoa
Cronulla Sharks
Gains: Mawene Hiroti (Rabbitohs), Royce Hunt (Raiders), Jesse Ramien (Knights), Connor Tracey (Rabbitohs),
Losses: Jayden Brailey (Knights), Kurt Capewell (Panthers), Sosaia Feki (Castleford), Kyle Flanagan (Roosters), Paul Gallen (retired), Aaron Gray (Released), Brett Morris (Roosters), Matt Prior (Leeds)
The Sharks will look back at the 2019 season and wonder what might have been. Despite scoring more tries than the opposition, they lost some games, with goal-kicking letting them down. Supporters will be hoping one of the many goal-kicking coaches will have been working overtime at Sharks training during the off-season. The 2020 season will be a strange one for the club. Not only will they be playing home games at the home of arch-rivals the St George Illawarra Dragons, but they will also do so without inspirational leader Paul Gallen, something the Sharks haven’t done since 2000. Massive questions remain over the fitness of Josh Dugan; the club will also hope Matt Moylan is back to full fitness. Remondis Stadium could always provide a few wins, with Rugby League analyst Phil Gould calling it the Bermuda Triangle. Missing those few wins may be the difference between making the top eight and missing out.
Top 17
1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Dugan 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Bronson Xerri 5. Josh Morris 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Wade Graham (c) 12. Britton Nikora 13. Jack Williams 14. Braden Hamlin-Uele 15. Jason Bukuya 16. Billy Magoulias 17. Connor Tracey
Gold Coast Titans
Gains: Tanah Boyd (Broncos), Greg Leleisiuao (Eels), Beau Fermor (Knights), Sam Lisone (Warriors), Jonus Pearson (Dragons), Sam Stone (Knights)
Losses: Jesse Arthars (Broncos), Michael Gordon (Retired), Ryley Jacks (Storm), Leilani Latu (Warrington), Brenko Lee (Storm), Will Matthews (retired), Jack Stockwell (Burleigh)
The Titans had a terrible 2019 season, with the club winning just 4 games, the last coming back in June. Coach Garth Brennan was shown the door in July, possibly having his card marked never coach in the NRL again. The Titans enter the new year with a young coach who is untested at the NRL level, though big things are expected. It is almost a sense of Deja Vu for the club, as they went through the same thing in 2018. A point of difference this time is Justin Holbrook has had success at the top level, guiding St Helens to the 2019 Super League title. The finals look a couple of years away for the club; a more realistic goal would be to be competitive week in, week out.
Top 17
1. AJ Brimson 2. Anthony Don 3. Brian Kelly 4. Kallum Watkins 5. Phillip Sami 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Nathan Peats 10. Jarrod Wallace 11. Kevin Proctor (c) 12. Keegan Hipgrave 13. Jai Arrow 14. Jai Whitbread 15. Shannon Boyd 16. Bryce Cartwright 17. Tyrone Peachey
Manly Sea Eagles
Gains: Danny Levi (Knights), Brayden Musgrove (Knights)
Losses: Kane Elgey and Trent Hodkinson (retired), Apisai Koroisau (Panthers), Lloyd Perrett (Wynnum-Manly)
Des Hasler weaved his magic in 2019, with the Sea Eagles returning to the finals and surprising many along the way. One of many clubs that have been quiet on the recruitment front, with most of the top team returning for season 2020. Will be hoping star Tom Trbojevic is fit, given he only managed 12 games in 2019. With Tom on board, they could be pushing for the top four.
Top 17
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Tafua 3. Brad Parker 4. Moses Suli 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Dylan Walker 7. Daly Chery Evans (c) 8. Martin Taupau 9. Danny Levi 10. Addin Fonua-Blake 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Taniela Paseka 15. Cade Cust 16. Corey Wadell 17. Jock Gosiewski
Melbourne Storm
Gains: Nico Hynes (Falcons), Brenko Lee (Titans), Ryley Jacks (Titans), Chris Lewis (Falcons), Isaac Lumelume (Sharks), Aaron Pene (CQ Capras), Darryn Schonig (Falcons)
Losses: Brodie Croft (Broncos), Will Chambers (Rugby Union), Scott Drinkwater (Cowboys), Solomone Kata (Ryby Union), Curtis Scott (Raiders), Joe Stimson (Bulldogs), Billy Walters (Tigers)
The Storm led from the front pretty much all season and never fell from equal first from round 12. A loss in week one of the finals saw the club face the Roosters in week 3 of the finals instead of in the Grand Final. An interesting off-season for the club, as they let Curtis Scott leave after Will Chambers had already left. The club also discovered that Suli Vunivalu and Josh Addo-Carr won’t be there in 2021. The biggest surprise was letting Brodie Croft leave the club. The club faced a jigsaw puzzle in 2019, trying to fit Ryan Papenhauzen, Jerome Hughes and Brodie Croft into two starting positions. The upgrade to Ryan Papenhauzen’s contract after a strong 2019 forced the Storm’s hand. The question for the Storm is regarding evergreen hooker Cameron Smith. If Cameron decides to extend his career for a 20th season, the club may lose Harry Grant. With Smith and Craig Bellamy in charge of the side, they should still finish near the top of the table. It will be up to the supporting cast to help the Storm return to the big stage.
Top 17
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Marion Seve 4. Justin Olam 5. Suliasi Vunivalu 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith (c) 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane 14. Tui Kamikamica 15. Tino Faasuamaleaui 16. Harry Grant 17. Brandon Smith
Newcastle Knights
Gains: Jayden Brailey (Sharks), Tyronne Roberts-Davis (Burleigh), Gehamat Shibasaki (Broncos), Enari Tuala (Cowboys)
Losses: Jamie Buhrer (Retired), Beau Fermor (Titans), James Gavet (Huddersfield), Slade Griffin (Retired), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Hull KR), Danny Levi (Sea Eagles, Jesse Ramien (Sharks), Nathan Ross (Retired) Zac Woolford (Newtown)
The Knights were in a prime position to return to the finals until the calendar turned to July. The start of July sparked a 6 game losing streak for the club that followed an earlier 5 game-losing streak. All of which was too much for the board members, and Nathan Brown was shown the door. Another club with a new coach and, like the Titans, a former assistant of Trent Robinson. With the Kalyn Ponga to five-eighth experiment seemingly over, Adam O’Brien’s big question is who fills the number 6 jersey, with several candidates putting their hand up. If the new five-eighth can combine with Mitchell Pearce and Kalyn Ponga, the Knights may end their 6 season finals drought.
Top 17
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Edrick Lee 3. Bradman Best 4. Tautau Moga 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Kurt Mann 7. Mitchell Pearce (c) 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Mitch Barnett 13. Tim Glasby 14. Jacob Saifiti 15. Aidan Guerra 16. Sione Mata’utia 17. Connor Watson
North Queensland Cowboys
Gains: Scott Drinkwater (Storm), Valentine Holmes (NFL), Connelly Lemuelu (Bulldogs), Esan Marsters (Wests Tigers), Reece Robson (Dragons)
Losses: Carlin Anderson (Townsville Blackhawks), Kurt Baptiste (Easts Tigers), Javid Bowen (Northern Pride), Scott Bolton (Retired), Gideon Gela-Mosby (Pride), Jordan Kahu (Broncos), Te Maire Martin (Retired), Matt Scott (Retired), Enari Tuala (Knights)
The Cowboys had a tough 2019, and after two years of missing the eight, the glory days of 2 grand finals in 3 years must seem like an eternity ago. The Cowboys enter the 2020 season in a new stadium much closer to the city, hopefully making it easier to fill the stadium regularly. With Valentine Holmes returning to the NRL and wanting to play fullback, the Cowboys are as clear as last year on who should be in the halves. After losing many outside backs to injury and/or discipline early in 2019, the club was fortunate enough to pick up Scott Drinkwater before the June 30 deadline. Who partners Michael Morgan in the halves is the big question, though I think I have come up with a solution which you can see in the Cowboys’ top 17.
Top 17
1. Valentine Holmes 2. Justin O’Neill 3. Esan Marsters 4. Michael Morgan (c) 5. Kyle Feldt 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Jake Granville 10. Josh McGuire 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Cohen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Shane Wright 15. Francis Molo 16. John Asiata 17. Reece Robson
Parramatta Eels
Gains: Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Panthers), Ryan Matterson (Tigers)
Losses: Josh Hoffman (Townsville), Greg Leleisiuao (Titans), Tim Mannah (Retired), Manu Ma’u (Hull FC), Matt McIlwrick (retired), Tepai Moeroa (Rugby Union)
The Eels surprised many to finish 5th in 2019, with their new home of Bankwest Stadium turning into a fortress from game 1. In 2019, the club was forced to play two early-season home games at ANZ before winning 9 of their 10 home games at Bankwest Stadium. In 2020 the Eels had 11 games at home, with Darwin the only home game on the road. If the Eels pick up a few wins on the road, they could finish near the top of the ladder.
Top 17
1. Clint Gutherson (c) 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 4. Waqa Blake 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Nathan Brown 14. Brad Takairangi 15. Kane Evans 16. Daniel Alvaro 17. Oregon Kaufusi
Penrith Panthers
Gains: Kurt Capewell (Sharks), Apisai Koroisau (Sea Eagles), Zane Tetevano (Roosters)
Losses: Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Eels), Wayde Egan (Warriors), Tyrell Fuimaono (Dragons), Tim Grant (Retired), Sione Katoa (Bulldogs), Sam McKendry (retired), James Maloney (Catalans), Paea Pua (Mounties), Hame Sele (Released), Frank Winterstein (Toulouse), Nick Lui-Toso (unsigned)
The Panthers struggled out of the gates in 2019, losing six straight early in the season. The club then turned it around, winning seven straight and becoming the only team to defeat the Eels at Bankwest. The club would then go on another losing streak, winning only two games from late July. With James Maloney heading to the south of France, the Panthers officially become Nathan Cleary’s team. Even though Nathan is only 22, the pressure is on him to deliver as he enters his 5th NRL season. It is a situation that draws parallels to a former halves partner of James Maloney in Mitchell Pearce. The club has lost many players from 2019 and only brought in 3 players, preferring to promote from within. It might be a long year for the mountain men, with the club looking light on in the front row.
Top 17
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dean Whare 4. Brent Naden 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou (c) 9. Api Koroisau 10. Zane Tetevano 11. Issah Yao 12.Viliame Kikau 13. James Fisher-Harris 14. Kurt Capewell 15. Moses Leota 16. Mitch Kenny 17. Spencer Leniu
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Gains: Troy Dargan (Broncos), Bryson Goodwin (Warrington), Patrick Mago (Broncos), Steven Marsters (Dragons), Latrell Mitchell (Roosters)
Losses: Billy Brittain (Dragons), Sam Burgess (Retired), George Burgess (Wigan), Dean Britt (Bulldogs), Adam Doueihi (Tigers), Jacob Gagan (Norths Devils), Mawene Hiroti (Sharks), Greg Inglis and John Sutton (Retired), Connor Tracey (Sharks), Kyle Turner (Retired)
The Rabbitohs did well to make it to the preliminary final, given they lost Greg Inglis, who retired after just 2 games, and Sam Burgess only managed 19 games due to injury. The Rabbitohs of 2020 is a very different-looking side with Greg, Sam, John Sutton and Kyle Turner riding off into the sunset with 872 NRL games between them (though John and Greg will still be involved with the club). South Sydney also enter 2020 with only one Burgess brother (Tom), a feat not seen since 2010 (Sam). The Rabbitohs, like the Cowboys, enter the season with a new high-quality player wanting to play fullback, forcing reshuffling and, in the Rabbitohs’ case, the loss of Adam Doueihi. With Greg Inglis around the club, I have no doubt Latrell Mitchell will be a successful fullback and will challenge as the best fullback in the game. Latrell looks happy at the Rabbitohs; a happy Latrell can only help the Rabbitohs. It will be interesting to see how Wayne handles his final season at the Rabbitohs with Jason Demetriou ready to take over in 2021. They should be a top-four side.
Top 17
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Campbell Graham 4. James Roberts 5. Dane Gagai 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds (c) 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Tom Burgess 11. Jaydin Su’a 12. Cameron Murray 13. Liam Knight 14. Corey Allan 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Tom Amone 17. Ethan Lowe
St George Illawarra Dragons
Gains: Tyrell Fuimaono (Panthers), Issac Luke (Warriors), Trent Merrin (Leeds), Brayden Wiliame (Catalans)
Losses: Mitchell Allgood (Released), Jai Field (Eels), Patrick Kaufusi (Townsville), Jeremy Latimore (retired), Lachlan Maranta (Wynnum-Manly), Steven Marsters (Rabbitohs), Darren Nicholls (Souths Logan), Jonus Pearson (Titans), Reece Robson (Cowboys), Lachlan Timm (Redcliffe), Gareth Widdop (Warrington)
It was a disappointing season for the Dragons, with Paul McGregor lucky to keep his job. Paul will enter the season with the help of Shane Flannagan, who will know a strong performance at the Dragons will help his case to return to the NRL in 2022. The Dragons could be in for another long year, though they will be buoyed by the return of Trent Merrin.
Top 17
1. Matt Dufty 2.. Tristan Sailor 3. Euan Aitken 4. Tim Lafai 5. Zac Lomax 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt 8. Paul Vaughan 9. Cameron McInnes (c) 10. James Graham 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tariq Sims 13. Trent Merrin 14. Korbin Sims 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Isaac Luke 17. Jackson Ford
Sydney Roosters
Gains: Kyle Flanagan (Sharks), Josh Morris (Sharks)
Losses: Cooper Cronk (Retired), Bernard Lewis (Northern Pride), Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs), Zane Tetevano (Panthers)
The Roosters achieved what no other club had done in a long time, winning back-to-back titles. Trent Robinson was criticized throughout the season for resting players due to player workload. Trent has the trophy at Roosters HQ and the premiership ring to prove he was on the right track. Losing the experienced Cooper Cronk is a massive loss for the club. New signing Kyle Flanagan will play a backseat role to Luke Keary. The handy pickup of Josh Morris will help cover the loss of Latrell Mitchell. With 3 premierships already under his belt, many think Trent Robinson can guide the Roosters to their 3rd straight premiership, which would put the club and coach with the game’s greats. They will finish near the top, though I have questions about whether they can win three straight.
Top 17
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Manu 4. Brett Morris 5. Ryan Hall 6. Luke Keary 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Boyd Cordner (c) 12 .Angus Crichton 13.Victor Radley 14. Lindsay Collins 15. Mitchell Aubusson 16. Nat Butcher 17. Issac Liu
Warriors
Gains: Wayde Egan (Panthers), Kodi Nikorima (Broncos), Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (Norths Devils)
Losses: Blayke Ayshford (Retired), Sam Lisone (Titans), Issac Luke (Dragons), Tevita Satae and Ligi Sao (Hull FC)
The Warriors had an inconsistent 2019, only winning back-to-back games in rounds 9 and 10. The club picked up Kodi Nikorima mid-season to replace Shaun Johnson, who left late in 2018, though Kodi failed to fill Shaun Johnson’s shoes. Kodi was shifted to the bench at the back end of the season. If Steven Kearney is to survive into 2021, he needs to avoid chopping and changing between Kodi and Chanel Harris-Tavita. If Chanel is the Warriors’ five-eighth, he must be given an extended period at the position. The loss of Isaac Luke is an interesting one, as Isaac seemed to discover some of his old form in 2019. Young gun Wayde Egan has big shoes to fill. Another position Steven can’t chop and change with. The other surprising move is shifting noted finisher David Fusitu’a into the centres. Hopefully, a more consistent Warriors in 2020 will miss the finals.
Top 17
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c) 2. Patrick Herbert 3. David Fusitua 4. Peter Hiku 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Blake Green 8. Agnatius Paasi 9. Wayde Egan 10. Leeson Ah Mau 11. Tohu Harris 12. Adam Blair 13. Jazz Tevaga 14. Lachlan Burr 15. Leivaha Pulu 16. Kodi Nikorima 17. Josh Curran
Wests Tigers
Gains: Adam Doueihi (Rabbitohs), Luciano Leilua (Dragons), Joey Leilua (Raiders), Zane Musgrove (Rabbitohs), Billy Walters (Storm),
Losses: Robbie Farah (Retired), Mahe Fonua (Hull FC), Ryan Matterson (Eels), Esan Marsters (Cowboys), Ben Matulino and Robbie Rochow (Retired)
Another frustrating year for the Tigers, again finishing one game outside the eight. The most disappointing part of the Wests Tigers season was in late August, on a Thursday night at Lottoland, when Jacob Liddle suffered an ACL injury. The club resisted signing an experienced hooker who could help the club while Jacob recovers. At the moment, Billy Walters has won a three-horse race to start the season at hooker, though Harry Grant still may call Concord home in 2020. Another club will have to juggle players for positions, with Adam Doueihi, Josh Reynolds and Moses Mbye all able to fill several positions in the top 17. The Adam Doueihi conundrum remains a great question. Think the Tigers will miss the top eight.
Top 17
1. Adam Doueihi 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Moses Mbye (c) 4. Joey Leilua 5. Corey Thompson 6. Benji Marshall (c) 7. Luke Brooks 8. Alex Twal 9. Billy Walters 10. Thomas Mikaele 11. Chris Lawrence 12. Michael Chee Kam 13. Elijah Taylor 14. Luke Garner 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Josh Aloiai 17. Josh Reynolds
And Another Thing: It would be great for the NRL to announce that female Rugby League players will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. How great would it be to see pioneers and greats like Nellie Doherty, Molly Cane, Tasha Gale and Karyn Murphy in the Hall of Fame
Ladder
1. Melbourne Storm
2. Sydney Roosters
3. Canberra Raiders
4. Parramatta Eels
5. South Sydney Rabbitohs
6. Manly Sea Eagles
7. Brisbane Broncos
8. Newcastle Knights
9. North Queensland Cowboys
10. Cronulla Sharks
11. Wests Tigers
12. Warriors
13. Penrith Panthers
14. Canterbury Bulldogs
15. St George Illawarra Dragons
16. Gold Coast Titans
If you want to contact me, you can email me. Remember to like the page on Facebook to find out when new blog posts are available. Also, to find out the latest news, views and opinions from the world of Rugby League. Follow me on Twitter to get all this, plus live and full-time scores from every game in the NRL. As well as full-time scores from the; Super League, Canterbury Cup NSW, Intrust Super Cup, Kingstone Press Championship, Kingstone Press League 1, Ron Massey Cup, Sydney Shield, Brisbane Rugby League, Jersey Flegg, Hastings Deering Colts, Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, BHP Premiership, National Rugby League W anWomen’s’s Super League.
Till next time,
Cheese
2020 NRL seaosn, 2020 NRL Season Preview, Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders, Canterbury Bulldogs, Cronulla Sharks, Gold Coast Titans, Manly Sea Eagles, Melbourne Storm, Mitchell Moses, National Rugby League, Newcastle Knights, North Queensland Cowboys, NRL, Parramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers, Rugby League, South Sydney Rabbitohs, St George Illawarra Dragons, Suli Vunivalu, Sydney Roosters, warriors, Wests Tigers -
Expansion, Relocation, The Bradley Report and Haven’t We Been Here Before?
Once again, expansion and relocation are buzzwords in the world of the NRL, with every expert having their opinion on what the NRL should look like. Should we have more teams? Should we have fewer teams? Should some teams move?. All of this sounds familiar. So I thought I would look at the history of relocation, rationalisation and maybe where we all could be headed. All this and more in the Latest Blog of Cheese
On May 8 1973, new NSWRL boss Kevil Humpries told the Sydney Morning Herald about his vision for the future of the NSWRL, including a reduction of teams from twelve to six through amalgamation. Kevin also wanted to add Newcastle, Illawarra, Canberra, Wagga and Brisbane teams.
By the early 1980s, many NSWRL clubs were no longer financially viable. The newly incorporated NSWRL decided that clubs must meet specific criteria to compete. The League kicked out Western Suburbs and Newtown at the end of 1983, and Western Suburbs took the NSWRL to court and were reinstated.
In July 1986, Ken Arthurson proposed a “Super League” to replace the current KB Cup with four or five from Sydney, two from Brisbane, three Country New South Wales teams, Queensland Country and Auckland.
On April 9 1992, a blueprint for the expansion of Rugby League was tabled by the Premiership Policy Committee of the NSWRL, followed in August by an Organisation Review by Dr G. Bradley, which was distributed to the premiership clubs. As it became known, the Bradley Report was central to the ARL replacing the NSWRL as the governing body of the premiership. The report concluded that:
“…to reduce the number of clubs in Sydney, will be very hard for the League to implement given the long-playing traditions of some of those clubs. In the long term, however, it is likely that Sydney is not going to be able to support eleven clubs as it does at present. Therefore in the long term, this is the only viable solution. Sydney based clubs are going to have to move to new areas, merge or be relegated from the League. This is going to be a painful process. In the long term, I believe that the ARL should be looking to reduce the number of clubs in the National Competition to fourteen, thus allowing clubs to play two complete rounds. This will mean, assuming that only four new clubs are admitted from areas outside Sydney, that there will be only five clubs based in Sydney.”
Reducing the number of Sydney teams was put on hold in 1995 due to the Super League War. One of the conditions that the ARL and Super League agreed to was that the NRL needed to be reduced from the then 22 teams to 14 teams by the end of 1999
The expansion of the NRL has long been a discussion among NRL fans for nearly a decade. Since the Gold Coast Titans first competed over twelve years ago, the AFL has added two sides, the A-League has added 5 sides (3 are still going, with 1 on the way), and Super Rugby added one team (yet they have lost one). Since the expansion of the NRL is back at the forefront of discussion, I thought I would look at where the NRL could go, as well as way up the positives and negatives of each bid. As I have stated previously (Rugby League in Australia: State of the Game), the NRL should split from a 16-team league into two 8-team divisions. With 18 teams, I think the NRL should split into three divisions.
Below I will look at every expansion bid, give a history, and analyse each bid’s pros and cons.
The first bid I will look at is one of the failed bids from 2004, which missed out when the NRL expanded to 16 teams, the Central Coast Bears.
The Central Coast Bears can trace their roots back to the North Sydney Bears. North Sydney had decided to leave their then-current home of North Sydney Oval and move to the Central Coast for the beginning of the 1999 season to avoid rationalisation. Due to one of the wettest winters in 1998, the stadium on the Central Coast was delayed, and the move never happened. The previous owner of the stadium, John Singleton, had attempted to offer money to any potential team to relocate to the Central Coast; however, they would have to rename themselves the Bears. In 2004 John withdrew from being part of the bid team, and John also removed the relocation clause. The Central Coast Bears were rumoured to take over the ownership of the Gold Coast Titans; however, this did not eventuate. The club has stated they will play most home games on the Central Coast, with one at North Sydney Oval. North Sydney Bears currently play in the NSW Cup due to a feeder relationship with the Sydney Roosters. North Sydney competes in Jersey Flegg, SG Ball and Harold Matthews as a stand-alone club.
Pros:
- Central Coast is already a substantial Rugby League area, so it will have the support of locals if the club is based on the coast like the Central Coast Mariners.
- Several NRL players are Central Coast juniors and may want to return to the team.
- There are supporters of the North Sydney Bears who stopped following the Rugby League once the Bears were kicked out of the competition. A new Bears team would see them return to support the team
Cons:
- Sydney is already an overcrowded market with 9 NRL teams, 2 AFL teams, 2 A-League (soon to be 3) teams and a Super 14 side, who all compete for fans, sponsorship and general income
- The number of people who would initially become new fans of the game would be minimal, with most fans coming from rival NRL clubs, so the game would not grow a more extensive supporter base.
- The Sydney Roosters have established a link with the Central Coast region through junior representative programs, making any new team would have to force the Roosters out.
The second bid I will look at is the West Coast Pirates. The Pirates previously existed between 1995 and 1997 as the Western Reds (Perth Reds in 1997). Perth was excluded from the NRL after three short seasons as part of the comprise to shrink from 22 teams across the ARL and Super League. In 2006, the WARL resurrected the Western Reds. In 2008 and 2009, the Reds played in the Jim Beam Cup as part of a progression plan to return to the NRL. In 2010, the Reds entered a team in SG Ball. In 2012 the WARL launched the West Coast Pirates, who would replace the Western Reds. Several NRL sides have taken games to Perth, including a double-header in 2018 and State of Origin in 2019.
Pros:
- It would be one step closer for the NRL to be indeed a national game
- It would add a lot of new fans to the game. A lot more fans watching the games on pay TV and free to air, which would increase ratings which in turn would raise the revenue brought in from TV
- With the demise of the Western Force, it is easier for the Pirates to gain a foothold in WA
Cons:
- Considering Perth is not a Rugby League region, the question of how many fans would attend games/become members remains in doubt
- The high cost for the West Coast Pirates to travel across the country every second week.’
- It could take several years, maybe even over a decade, before the side becomes entrenched in the Western Australian sporting landscape.
The third bid I will look at is the Western Corridor bid. The Western Corridor bid was launched in 2010. It covers the regions of Logan, Ipswich City, Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba and the Darling Downs; the club’s heartland region will encompass Ipswich, Logan and Toowoomba. Rugby League has been played in Ipswich since 1909. Ipswich participated in what would be known as the BRL from 1909-11. In 1982, a team from Ipswich joined the Winfield State League. Since 1986, the Ipswich Jets has participated in the BRL/QLD Cup. Logan participated in the BRL/QLD Cup from 1987-2002. Since 2003 Logan has featured in the QRL through an association with the Souths Magpies, with the new side known as the Souths Logan Magpies. Rugby League has been played in Toowoomba since 1919. From 1982-2006 a team from Toowoomba participated in the BRL/QLD Cup. Since 2012 Toowoomba has participated in the Hastings Deering Colts and Mal Meninga Cup.
Pros:
- The area covered by the Western Corridor is one of the fastest-growing areas in Queensland.
- A large Polynesian base in the Logan area
- A second side out of Suncorp Stadium would see a game in Brisbane every week.
Cons:
- The Western Corridor could struggle against the Broncos, who have ruled Brisbane for 30 years.
- The Western Corridor may not gain the support of businesses based in Brisbane.
- Fans in Ipswich/Logan/Toowoomba may not travel to Brisbane.
The next bid I will look at is the Redcliffe Dolphins. The Redcliffe Dolphins have played in the Brisbane Rugby League/Queensland Cup since 1947. The Redcliffe Dolphins have wanted to join the NRL for many years. Part of the reason Redcliffe forced Gold Coast to change from the Dolphins was Redcliffe’s desire to one day join the NRL. Redcliffe is viewed as one of the favourites to join the NRL.
Pros
- The Redcliffe Dolphins are already set up financially, so unlike other recent expansion teams across multiple codes, they are unlikely to face financial difficulty.
- A 10,000-seat boutique stadium that hosts some A-League games and the Intrust Super Cup Grand Final
- If the club expands to include the Moreton Bay Region, it could have a large base of supporters and businesses.
Cons:
- Supporters of other Intrust Super Cup clubs wouldn’t support Redcliffe
- Possibility people who live at Redcliffe don’t travel to Suncorp Stadium, where the majority of home games will be played
- If Redcliffe doesn’t expand to the Moreton Bay Region, it will be a tiny population area and may struggle like Manly and Cronulla.
The final bid I will look at is the Brisbane Bombers. The Brisbane Bombers were launched in 2011, and the Brisbane Bombers is headed by CEO Nicholas Livermore and chairman Craig Davison. Not much is known about the bid.
Pro
- Brisbane has a population of over 2.5 million, which means it could support 2 teams.
- A second side out of Suncorp Stadium would see a game in Brisbane every week.
- A possible chance to attract sponsors who want to get involved with the NRL but can’t get in with the Broncos
Con
- The Bombers have targeted the Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast regions, though given the Storm has set up a base on the Sunshine Coast, it is unlikely they would accept the Bombers.
- No base to build from
- It could be seen by some as just a publicity exercise.
Other NRL bids have been mentioned, including a Queensland Brothers bid, a PNG team, and a team from Central Queensland. However, I believe none of these bids has a serious chance of ever being entered into the NRL. The Central Queensland bid seems dead, as the website is no longer active. If I had to choose which two sides would join the NRL, I would select Perth and the Western Corridor bid. I would structure it, so the Perth side entered a year before the Western Corridor side.
I believe it would be doubtful any NRL club will relocate. The only way an NRL club relocates is if the side falls over, the NRL takes over the licence for a season then the club is reborn in a different city.
And Another Thing: The NRL has moved club and competition databases for local competitions from SportsTG to MySideline. I cannot complete the 2019 Rugby League blog post because this process is incomplete.
If you want to contact me, you can email me. Remember to like the page on Facebook to find out when new blog posts are available. Also, to find out the latest news, views and opinions from the world of Rugby League. Follow me on Twitter to get all this, plus live and full-time scores from every game in the NRL. As well as full-time scores from; Super League, Canterbury Cup NSW, Intrust Super Cup, Kingstone Press Championship, Kingstone Press League 1, Ron Massey Cup, Sydney Shield, Brisbane Rugby League, Jersey Flegg, Hastings Deering Colts, QRLW, Women’s SEQ Division 1, Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Rugby League, Women’s National Rugby League and Women’s Super League.
Till next time,
Cheese
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Second Tier Rugby League – QLD edition
For the latest post, I thought I would look at the history of the second-tier Rugby League in a two-part series. Part two will deal with the current QLD Cup, The State League, the BRL and how we got here. All this and more in the latest edition of The Blog of Cheese.
Rugby League in Brisbane began in 1909 and was run by the QARFL. In 1922, The BRFL was unhappy with how the QARFL ran the game, and the BRL took control of the local competition. The QARFL tried to take back control of the competition to no avail. By the late 1920s, the QARFL held its own competing competition with clubs from Ipswich and two from Brisbane. The schism lasted until 1952.
From 1909-1932, the competition was haphazard, with teams coming and going and no team lasting from 1909-32. Clubs competing over the years were Fortitude Valley (1909-10 and 1914-32), North Brisbane (1909-11 and 1914), South Brisbane (1909-14), Toombul (1909-10), Ipswich (1909-11 and 1916), Ipswich B (1911), Valley-Toumbal (1911-12), Natives (1912-13) Kurilpa (1912), Railways (1913 and 1917-20), West End (1913-15 and 1919-20), Toowong (1914), Wynnum (1941 and 1931), Bulimba (1915 and 1920), Western Suburbs 1915-32), Woolloongabba (1915-16), Coorparoo (1917-32), Merthyr (1917-18), Wattles (1917), Westerns (1917-18), Carlton (1917-32), Past Christian Brothers (1920-29), Past Grammars (1920 and 1924-32) and University (1920-32).
In 1933, the Brisbane Rugby League introduced District Rugby League. Eastern Suburbs replaced Coorparoo, Southern Suburbs replaced Carlton and Northern Suburbs replaced Past Grammars. They were joined by; Fortitude Valley, Past Christian Brothers (whose players had to prove they went to a Christian school), University (who would leave at the end of the season) and Western Suburbs. Wynnum-Manly joined the BRL in 1951. South Coast joined in 1952 (left at the end of 1953). Redcliffe joined in 1962, and Ipswich joined in 1986. In 1987, Fortitude Valley was renamed Seagulls-Diehards (part of a short-lived joint venture with Tweed Heads Seagulls). Logan joined in 1988. In 1996, Brothers renamed themselves Pine Rivers Brothers. Fortitude Valley folded at the end of 1995. The Brisbane Rugby League finished at the end of 1997, leaving the QLD Cup as the premier Rugby League competition in Queensland.
In 1982, the QRL launched a State Cup. The State Cup featured the BRL sides and several representative sides. In 1988, the competition was changed, with the BRL results going toward the State Cup, instead of playing additional fixtures. In 1991, the Brisbane Capitals and the Brisbane Metros represented the BRL sides. Other sides competing included; Central QLD (1982-91), Gold Coast (1982-88), Ipswich (1982-1985, then as a BRL side), North QLD 1982-91, Rockhampton (1982-95), Toowoomba (1982-91, 94-95, Wide Bay (1982-92), Gladstone (1983-90, 92-95), Gold Coast Group 18 (1991-95), Northern Territory (1991-1992), Central Division (1992), and Northern Division (1992). From 1993-95 the State Cup was divided into groups based on the geographical area, allowing regional club sides to enter. These clubs included Brisbane-Ipswich Second Division (1993), Bundaberg (1993-95), Burkeidn-Whitsunday (1993-94), Cairns (1993-95), Callide Valley (1993), Central Burnett (1993-94), Central Highlands (1993-95), Central West (1993-95), Herbert River (1993-95), Mackay (1993-95), Maryborough-Hervey Bay (1993-95), Mount Isa (1993-95), Northern Districts (1993-95), South Burnett (1993-95), South West (1993-95), Sunshine Coast (1993), Townsville (1993-95), Ipswich Diggers (1993-95), Brisbane Broncos (1994-95), South Queensland Crushers (1994-95), Sunshine Coast-Gympie (1994-95) and Mid West (1995)
In 1996 the State Cup was re-launched as the QLD Cup (sponsored by Channel 9) and saw BRL sides competing alongside representative sides from outside Brisbane. Alongside the BRL clubs were; Bundaberg, Cairns, Central Queensland, Mackay, Port Morseby, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba. Bundaberg, Mackay and Sunshine Coast would withdraw at the end of 1996. In 1997, Burleigh joined the competition from Gold Coast Group 18. Port Moresby left at the end of 1997. Channel 9 withdrew as a naming rights sponsor at the end of 1997. Bundaberg re-joined for 1998, alongside Gold Coast and Townsville; all three sides would only last the season. Also leaving at the end of 1998 was BRL club Brothers, who competed the 1998 season as Brisbane Brothers. Bundaberg Rum took over the naming rights for the 2000 season. Cairns would leave at the end of the 2000 season. The North Queensland Young Guns joined in 2002. Logan left at the end of 2002 after being taken over by Southern Suburbs. Tweed Heads joined in 2003 from the Gold Coast competition. Brothers and Fortitude Valley formed Brothers-Valleys, who competed in 2004, lasting only one season. Also leaving at the end of 2004 was Western Suburbs. In 2005, Wizard Home Loans took over as the naming rights sponsor. Toowoomba would leave at the end of 2006, being replaced by Aspley for 2007. Aspley and North Queensland, who were both feeder sides, would leave at the end of 2007 due to the National Youth Competition, which started in 2008. Mackay and the Northern Pride joined in 2008. 2009 saw Sunshine Coast re-joining the competition. Present naming rights sponsor Intrust Super came on board in 2010. In 2014, the PNG Hunters joined the competition. Townsville re-joined in 2015.
From 1999-2006 Toowoomba Clydesdales were the Brisbane Broncos’ feeder side. In 2007, Aspley Broncos were Brisbane’s feeder. In 2008-2010 Eastern Suburbs acted as a Brisbane feeder. In 2008 and 2009, Burleigh acted as a feeder of Brisbane. Central QLD had a relationship with Brisbane(2008-14) and Ipswich (2013-17). Brisbane currently has feeder relationships with Northern Suburbs (since 2008), Redcliffe (since 2006), Souths-Logan (since 2015), and Wynnum (since 2008)
Townsville Stingers were the feeder club of the North Queensland Cowboys in 1998. In 1999 and 2000, the North Queensland Young Guns joined the NSW Cup as they weren’t allowed to enter a team in the QLD Cup. North Queensland re-joined the QLD Cup in 2002. Since 2008, Mackay and the Northern Pride have been North Queensland’s feeder sides (Townsville joined as a feeder in 2015).
From 1998-2007, Northern Suburbs was a feeder of Melbourne (2005-06 as a co-feeder with North Sydney). Since 2011, the Easts Tigers have been a feeder of the Melbourne Storm. In 2014, Sunshine Coast became a co-feeder of Melbourne.
Gold Coast currently have feeder relationships with Burleigh (2007 & 2010-current) and Tweed Heads (since 2007). Ipswich Jets were a Gold Coast feeder from (2007-12). Central Queensland was a Gold Coast Feeder for one season (2017)
Several non-QLD NRL clubs have had feeder relationships with QLD Cup clubs, including; Canberra (Souths-Logan 2008-14), Cronulla (Eastern Suburbs 2000-02), Manly (Sunshine Coast 2009-10), Penrith (Eastern Suburbs 2004-05) and South Sydney (Eastern Suburbs 2007).
In 2015 the Brisbane Rugby League was re-launched as a reserve-grade competition for the Brisbane-based Intrust Super Cup clubs and the Ipswich Jets. The clubs in 2015 were Carina, Eastern Suburbs, Gaters, Logan, Normanby, Redcliffe, Valleys, Western Suburbs and Wynnum Manly Redland City. At the end of 2016, Carina, Gaters and Normanby had left the competition, and Wynnum Manly dropped Redland City from its name. Ipswich returned to the local league in 2018. Also, in 2018, Souths Logan replaced Logan. In 2919 the BRL was re-launched for 2020. The ISC sides would withdraw. Most ISC sides would have two feeder clubs. Eastern Suburbs (Carina and Bulimba), Northern Suburbs (Valleys and Wests Panthers), Redcliffe (Brighton and Pine Rivers), Souths Logan (Normanby), Wynnum (Wynnum Juniors and Beenleigh). Each ISC squad will have a maximum of 30 contracted players which will feed into the BRL sides, with each BRL side allowed to field a maximum of 8 ISC players per game. A 10th club is still to be confirmed.
And Another Thing: It is interesting the NRL claim that they are growing the game in the Pacific, though I wonder how much promoting they would be doing without the government’s help? Sport for development in the Pacific
If you want to contact me, you can email me. Remember to like the page on Facebook to find out when new blog posts are available. Also, to find out the latest news, views and opinions from the world of Rugby League. Follow me on Twitter to get all this, plus live and full-time scores from every game in the NRL. As well as full-time scores from; Super League, Canterbury Cup NSW, Intrust Super Cup, Kingstone Press Championship, Kingstone Press League 1, Ron Massey Cup, Sydney Shield, Brisbane Rugby League, Jersey Flegg, Hastings Deering Colts, Women’s SEQ Division 1, Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Rugby League, Women’s National Rugby League and Women’s Super League.
Till next time,
Cheese
Thanks to this web page for all the State League teams: WINFIELD STATE LEAGUE RESULTS 1982-1995)
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Second Tier Rugby League – NSW Edition
For the latest blog post, I thought I would look at the history of the second-tier Rugby League in Australia in a two-part series. Part one will deal with the current NSW Cup, The Ron Massey Cup, the Sydney Shield and how we got here. All this and more in the latest edition of The Blog of Cheese.
From 1908-1916, NSWRFL reserve grade featured the first-grade clubs as well as many stand-alone clubs, including; Enfield (1908), Belmore (1910), Banksia (1911), Waverly (1911-12), South Sydney Federals (1910-12), Western Sydney (1912-13), Mosman (1910-14), Redfern (1911-14), Grosvenor (1911-15), Marrickville (1911-15), Sydney (1908-16), Randwick (1915-16) and Surry Hills (1912 and 1915-16).
From 1917-1996, the NSWRL reserve grade competition featured all the sides that featured in first grade.
In 1997, Super League ran with a reserve grade competition. The ARL re-named its reverse grade Presidents Cup (an underage competition with a couple of overage players). The Presidents Cup continued for 1998.
In 1999, the NRL handed control of the reserve grade competitions to the state bodies. The NSWRL competition was named First Division which existed until 2002. In 2003 the competition was re-named Premier League, which existed until 2007. Since 2008 the competition has been known as the NSW Cup. In 2016, Intrust Super became the naming rights sponsor, and the competition was renamed the Intrust Super Premiership. Intrust Super withdrew from sponsorship at the end of 2018. In 2019 clothing manufacturer Canterbury took over the naming rights with the competition, re-named Canterbury Cup NSW. Below are the different teams that have appeared over the years, listed under the team for which they were a feeder Note: In 2000, Newtown acted as a feeder to the Warriors. North Queensland Young Guns competed in 2000 and 2001.
From 1908-26, the NSWRL third-grade competition was open to any club. Some featured teams include; Drummoyne, Kennsington, Leichhardt, Mascot, Rozelle, Souths Federal, South Sydney Kinkora and Sydney. Third grade returned from 1927-72, featuring first-grade sides only, and it returned briefly from 1982-94.
In a previous post, Rugby League in Australia: State of the Game, I wrote about the history of the third-tier Rugby League in Sydney. Whilst clubs have continued to chop and change at the Ron Massey Cup/Sydney Shield level (A complete list of Ron Massey Cup/Sydney Shield clubs by year at the end of this article, local A-Grade Rugby League is on its last legs. Four years ago, I wrote of a massive problem facing the NSWRL; it is clear the CEO, the COO and the rest of the people at the NSWRL didn’t read what I wrote or, more likely, don’t care. In 2019, the local A-Grade Rugby League was all but dead. Cronulla, Easts (who were kicked out of the South Sydney Competition), Manly/Norths, and Paramatta A-Grade teams have joined Balmain, Canterbury, St. George and Wests in the Sydney Combined Competition and surely it’s only a matter of time until they are joined by Penrith and South Sydney. The same problem from four years ago exists today, clubs backed by clubs (leagues/sporting) dominate clubs, forcing the smaller clubs to fold (though this problem is not unique to the Sydney A-Grade. This problem exists across NSW and QLD). A new problem exists, where clubs are forced to travel around Sydney to play Rugby League. To prevent that and the scenes from Narrabeen earlier this year, it is time to split the SCC into two conferences.
East Conference: Balmain, Cronulla, Easts, Manly, Norths, Souths and St George,
West Conference Canterbury, Parramatta, Penrith and Western Suburbs
Below is the current state of the Sydney A-Grade outside South Sydney/Penrith.
And Another Thing: Since people are naming their Team of the Decade. Here is mine:
1. Billy Slater 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Greg Inglis 4. Justin Hodges5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Johnathan Thurston 7. Cooper Cronk 8. James Graham 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jesse Bromwich 11. Josh Papalii 12. Sam Burgess 13. Jason Taumalolo14. Cameron Munster 15. Matt Scott 16. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 17. Wade Graham
If you want to contact me, you can email me. Remember to like the page on Facebook to find out when new blog posts are available. Also, to find out the latest news, views and opinions from the world of Rugby League. Follow me on Twitter to get all this, plus live and full-time scores from every game in the NRL. As well as full-time scores from; Super League, Canterbury Cup NSW, Intrust Super Cup, Kingstone Press Championship, Kingstone Press League 1, Ron Massey Cup, Sydney Shield, Brisbane Rugby League, Jersey Flegg, Hastings Deering Colts, Women’s SEQ Division 1, Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Rugby League, Women’s National Rugby League and Women’s Super League.
Till next time,
Cheese
Jim Beam Cup/Bundaberg Cup/Ron Massey Cup clubs by year.
2003
Erina Eagles Guildford Owls, Newtown Jets, Orimbuh Magpies, Ryde-Eastwood Hawks, St Marys-Penrith Cougars, South Sydney Juniors, Sydney Bulls, The Entrance Tigers, Wentworthville Magpies, Windsor Wolves and Woy Woy Roosters.
2004
Cabramatta Two-Blues, Erina Eagles, Guildford Owls, Newtown Jets, Orimbuh Magpies, Ryde-Eastwood Hawks, South Sydney Juniors, Sydney Bulls, The Entrance Tigers, Wentworthville Magpies, Windsor Wolves and Woy Woy Roosters.
2005
Asquith Magpies, Belrose Eagles, Cabramatta Two-Blues, Erina Eagles, Newtown Jets, Orimbuh Magpies (failed to finish the season), Sydney Bulls, The Entrance Tigers, Wentworthville Magpies, Windsor Wolves and Woy Woy Roosters.
2006
Asquith Magpies, Belrose Eagles, Cabramatta Two-Blues, Erina Eagles, Newtown Jets, Orimbuh Magpies, Sydney Bulls, The Entrance Tigers, Wentworthville Magpies and Windsor Wolves.
2007
Asquith Magpies, Belrose Eagles, Cabramatta Two-Blues, Chester Hill Rhinos, Erina Eagles, Mounties, Sevin Hills Demons, Shellharbour City Marlins, Sydney Bulls, The Entrance Tigers, Wentworthville Magpies and Windsor Wolves.
2008
Belrose Eagles, Cabramatta Two-Blues, Campbelltown Eagles, Chester Hill Rhinos, Erina Eagles, Mounties, Shellharbour City Marlins, Southern Sharks, Sydney Bulls, WA Reds, Wentworthville Magpies and Windsor Wolves.
2009
Bankstown City Bulls, Cabramatta Two-Blues, Campbelltown Eagles, Chester Hill Rhinos, Mounties, Penrith Brothers, Southern District Rebels, Sydney Bulls, WA Reds, Wentworthville Magpies and Windsor Wolves.
2010
Bankstown City Bulls, Cabramatta Two-Blues, Campbelltown Eagles, Mounties, Penrith Brothers, The Entrance Tigers, Wentworthville Magpies and Windsor Wolves.
2011
Bankstown City Bulls, Cabramatta Two-Blues, Kingsgrove Colts, Mounties, Sydney Bulls (failed to finish the season), The Entrance Tigers, Wentworthville Magpies and Windsor Wolves.
2012
Auburn Warriors, Blacktown City Workers, Cabramatta Two-Blues, Kingsgrove Colts, Mounties, The Entrance Tigers, Wentworthville Magpies and Windsor Wolves.
2013
Asquith Magpies, Auburn Warriors, Blacktown City Workers, Burwood North Ryde, Cabramatta Two-Blues, Guildford Owls, Kingsgrove Colts, Mounties, The Entrance Tigers, Wentworthville Magpies, Western Suburbs Magpies and Windsor Wolves.
2014
Asquith Magpies, Auburn Warriors, Blacktown City Workers, Burwood North Ryde, Cabramatta Two-Blues, Guildford Owls, Kingsgrove Colts, Mounties, The Entrance Tigers, Wentworthville Magpies, Western Suburbs Magpies and Windsor Wolves.
2015
Asquith Magpies, Auburn Warriors, Blacktown City Workers, Burwood North Ryde, Cabramatta Two-Blues, Guildford Owls, Kingsgrove Colts, Mounties, Wentworthville Magpies, Western Suburbs Magpies and Windsor Wolves.
2016
Asquith Magpies, Auburn Warriors, Blacktown City Workers, Cabramatta Two-Blues, Concord Burwood Wolves, Guildford Owls, Hills District Bulls, Mounties, Wentworthville Magpies, Western Suburbs Magpies and Windsor Wolves.
2017
Auburn Warriors, Blacktown City Workers, Cabramatta Two-Blues, Concord Burwood Wolves, Guildford Owls, Hills District Bulls, Mounties, St Marys Saints, Wentworthville Magpies and Western Suburbs Magpies.
2018
Asquith Magpies, Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles, Cabramatta Two-Blues, Glebe Burwood Reds, Guildford Owls, Hills District Bulls, Mounties, Penrith Brothers, St Marys Saints, Wentworthville Magpies and Western Suburbs Magpies.
2019
Asquith Magpies, Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles, Cabramatta Two-Blues, Glebe Burwood Reds, Guildford Owls, Hills District Bulls, Mounties, Penrith Brothers, St Marys Saints, Wentworthville Magpies and Western Suburbs Magpies.
Sydney Shield
2012 (shortened competition played towards the back end of the season)
2013
Asquith Magpies, Auburn Warriors Belrose Eagles, Blacktown City Workers, Burwood North Ryde, Cabramatta Two Blues, Guildford Owls, Hills District Bulls, Kingsgrove Colts, Mounties and Wentworthville Magpies
2014
Asquith Magpies, Auburn Warriors Belrose Eagles, Blacktown City Workers, Burwood North Ryde, Cabramatta Two Blues, East Campbelltown Eagles, Guildford Owls, Hills District Bulls, Mounties, Peninsula Seagulls and Wentworthville Magpies.
2015
Asquith Magpies, Auburn Warriors Belrose Eagles, Blacktown City Workers, Cabramatta Two Blues, East Campbelltown Eagles, Guildford Owls, Hills District Bulls, Mounties, Peninsula Seagulls, Wentworthville Magpies, Western Suburbs Magpies and Windsor Wolves.
2016
Asquith Magpies, Auburn Warriors Belrose Eagles, Blacktown City Workers, Cabramatta Two Blues, East Campbelltown Eagles, Guildford Owls, Hills District Bulls, Mounties, Peninsula Seagulls, St Marys Saints, Wentworthville Magpies, Western Suburbs Magpies and Windsor Wolves.
2017
Asquith Magpies, Belrose Eagles, Blacktown City Workers, Cabramatta Two Blues, East Campbelltown Eagles, Guildford Owls, Hills District Bulls, Moorebank Rams, Mounties, St Marys Saints, Wentworthville Magpies and Western Suburbs Magpies.
2018
Asquith Magpies Belrose Eagles, Blacktown Worker Sea Eagles, Cabramatta Two Blues, East Campbelltown Eagles, Guildford Owls, Hills District Bulls, Moorebank Rams, Penrith Brothers, St Marys Saints and Wentworthville Magpies.
2019
Asquith Magpies Belrose Eagles, Cabramatta Two Blues, East Campbelltown Eagles, Guildford Owls, Hills District Bulls, Moorebank Rams, Penrith Brothers, Ryde Eastwood Hawks, St Marys Saints, Sydney University, Wentworthville Magpies.
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International Rugby League 2019-2025
Last November, the RLIF announced a rolling calendar for the next eight years. While seeing the RLIF planning forward was great, they made a few mistakes. In the latest post, I attempt to fix those mistakes and what I hope will come from the RLIF’s governance review. All that and more in this, the latest international Blog of Cheese.
At the annual RLIF Congress, the RLIF announced a rolling calendar for the next eight years. The rolling calendar will see a mix of world events, regional events and tours. Included in the calendar are; an Oceania Cup in 2019 and 2020, then every two years. A European Championship in 2020 and every two years. A nines world cup in 2019. Great Britain touring the Pacific in 2019, and the Kangaroos touring the UK in 2020. The RLIF also announced a new competition for nations in the Middle East and Africa, the MEA Championship. While overall, what the RLIF has revealed is excellent, several events seem to have been announced without considering how they affect other tournaments or confederations. The RLIF is currently trying to appease everyone and will end up with many haphazard tournaments that mean nothing.
A Pacific/Oceanic Cup is long overdue, with the last tournament being held in 2009 (which was only staged to select the fourth nation for the 2010 Four Nations). The 2019 tournament will consist of Australia, New Zealand and Tonga in Pool A, with Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa in Pool B. Teams in Pool B will be unable to win the Oceanic Cup, with the winner of Pool B promoted to Pool A, to replace Australia in 2020 who will be in the UK. Having half the countries compete in a tournament they cannot win is ridiculous. It would make more sense to have the winner of Pool A play the winner of Pool B in the Final. Given that three of the top four sides in the world are in Pool A, I would reorder the pools so Pool A would be a Melanesian pool consisting of Australia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Pool B would be a Polynesian pool made up of New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga. Given the Oceanic Cup comes under the APRLC, I would rename the Oceanic Cup to either the Pacific Cup or the APRLC Cup. I would also add Pacific/APRLC Cup B to feature; the Cook Islands, Hong Kong, the Philipines, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Pacific/APRLC Cup C would include India, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore and Norfolk Islands. When I would schedule these tournaments will come later in this post.
The Great Britain Lions have a long history in international Rugby Leauge. They started as the Northern Union in 1907. In the 1920s, they became the Lions and Great Britain in 1948. In the 1990s, they were named Great Britain and Northern Island. Northern Island was dropped from the name in 2004. Great Britain last played in 2007. Former RFL Chairman Richard Lewis stated in 2007, on the return of the “home nations” “It will bring consistency. What I am passionate about is the international game being consistent. To me, it has always been illogical that we play as Great Britain for three or four years, and when the World Cup comes along, suddenly we become England. In the major competitions, which will be most years, we will play as England. That will also allow Scotland and Wales to develop.” Bringing Great Britain back could be great for the game, though scheduling is a problem. In 2019, while Great Britain is touring, Ireland and Scotland will be trying to qualify for the World Cup. More than likely, Great Britain will be just England and Wales. Whilst the RLIF Congress happened before Wales qualified for the World Cup, they played Ireland, so the RLIF knew half of Great Britain would be unavailable to tour. When I schedule, Great Britain will come later in this post.
I mentioned establishing the Middle East and Africa Championship in a previous post. However, I now believe that the countries in the Middle East should be split into Asia and Europe. The RLIF has created MEA to give South Africa a country to compete against at a regional level. The MEA makes less sense, given that last month, Turkey (a Middle Eastern country) became an affiliate member of the RLEF. Ethiopia, Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, Burundi, Nigeria, Cameroon and Congo should make up the African confederation. Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Palestine should be added to the APRLC.
So how do I fix the eight-year cycle? It is challenging for the RLIF for this year and 2020. The RLIF want the World Cup qualifiers done by 2019, Great Britain wants to tour the Pacific, and the RFL and World Cup organising body want the Kangaroos to tour the UK in 2020 to build interest for the 2021 World Cup. To appease everyone is impossible. The only way to fix this would have been for Great Britain tour after the 2021 World Cup. That would allow the RFL to avoid a situation where Great Britain and Ireland will either be England and Wales or Ireland and Scotland will be the second choice to the Lions, which is unacceptable. My solution for the remaining three years is below. The plan for 2022-2025 could be replicated for 2026 onwards.
2019: RLIF 9’s, 2021 World Cup qualifiers, countries already qualified for the World Cup, tour the Southern Hemisphere
2020: Australia to tour England, countries already qualified for the World Cup to tour Europe
2021: World Cup (England)
2022: Great Britain tour.
2023: Pacific Cup, European Championship, Americas Championship (all double as World Cup Qualifiers)
2024: RLIF 9’s in World Cup host nation. The second year of World Cup qualifiers.
2025: 2025 World Cup (venue TBA)
Under my schedule post-2021 World Cup, Great Britain will tour in 2022, with World Cup Qualifiers pushed back a year. Having World Cup qualifiers end 2 years out from a World Cup leads to a situation where Jamaica qualify for a World Cup three years before the tournament. Some players who played in 2018 won’t be part of the Jamaican team in 2021. If the Cricket World Cup (14 months), Rugby World Cup (10 months), and Football World Cup (7 months) can all hold World Cup Qualifiers a year before its World Cup, then so can Rugby League. The first year of World Cup Qualification also doubles as Regional Championships. Having the RLIF 9’s in the host country would be a great way to build interest in the lead-up to the World Cup. Countries already qualified for the World Cup can also play test matches in 2024.
Currently, countries that are members of the RLIF are divided into three categories; Full Member, Affiliate Member and Observer. From the RLIF website RLIF MEMBERSHIP POLICY – According to the Constitution of the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF), there are two categories of Membership: Full and Affiliate. In addition to these categories, the RLIF ranks Observers as an entry-level category.
The RLIF stated in July that the Governance Working Group was working towards governance reform which was to be put to members in September, with adoption in November. In November, the RLIF said: “The Board and membership of the RLIF have formally approved a proposal to alter the organisation’s governing documents which will allow them to modernise how it conducts its business”. In February, the RLIF revealed that three independent directors will be presented to the membership at an EGM in April. RLIF Charman Graeme Thompson said, “The governance reform process has been detailed and lengthy, which is right and proper, as it represents organisational progression. In particular, it guides how we make future strategic decisions.”
What I hope from the governance reform is greater scrutiny of Full and Affiliate members. Hopefully, once countries reach a membership level, they have to meet the same criteria annually to retain that membership level. Whilst some of the requirements are the same in different years, the variable criteria (for example, annual reports, annual accounts, and domestic competitions) should be sent annually to the RLIF to prove they are being met. It is unfair for countries to reach specific criteria when some members at that level cannot meet them. If a country cannot meet the requirements, it should be dropped down to the next level.
And Another Thing: The following blog post will be on a topic I have already covered a few times next month. Another one may be out in June. Depending on what happens through Rugby League this year, I may do one a month.
If you want to contact me, you can email me. Remember to like the page on Facebook to find out when new blog posts are available. Also, to find out the latest news, views and opinions from the world of Rugby League. Follow me on Twitter to get all this, plus live and full-time scores from every game in the NRL. As well as full-time scores from; Super League, Canterbury Cup NSW, Intrust Super Cup, Kingstone Press Championship, Kingstone Press League 1, Ron Massey Cup, Sydney Shield, Brisbane Rugby League, Jersey Flegg, Hastings Deering Colts, Women’s SEQ Division 1, Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Rugby League, Women’s National Rugby League and Women’s Super League.
Till next time,
Cheese
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2019 NRL Season Preview
After an off-season featuring several off-field incidents, the NRL is back tonight for its 112th season. A “New Era” of the NRL tonight (though why this is considered a new era and what is different than the old one is anyone’s guess). 2019 is also a big year for the international game with the Oceanic Cup, the return of Great Britain and Ireland, and the RLIF World Cup Nines. The NRL will induct its first non-player into the Hall of Fame, and it is unclear if it will be from; Coaches, Referees or Contributors.
I bring you the 9th NRL season preview on this site. The usual goodies are all here; in-depth gains and losses for each club, as well the top 17 of each club, the premiers, wooden spooners, biggest movers & sliders, top try scorer, Dally M Medalist, State of Origin winners, and my 2019 ladder at the bottom of the post. For the first time, Ones to Watch. All this and more, in the latest Blog of Cheese.
Premiers: In eight years, I have never picked a premier, though I have picked a team that went to the Grand Final several times. I could make a case for a few teams and have switched who I think will win in 2019. I think new coach Anthony Seibold will continue to weave his magic to help Kodi Nikorima and Anthony Milford to guide the Broncos to their 7th premiership.
Wooden Spoon: I have massive questions about the fitness and form of Keiran Foran. He is one of the few shining lights at Belmore. If he can’t get back to his best, it will be a long year for the Bulldogs.
Biggest Movers: The return of Tyrone Roberts to the Gold Coast will give Ash Taylor the confidence he needs to take the next step in his career and return the Titans to the finals.
Biggest Sliders: I had them as my biggest improvers this year. Had Shaun Johnson stayed, they would have been in my eight. His loss will be too significant to cover, and the Warriors will slide back down the ladder.
Top Try Scorer: In all the years I have done this, I don’t think I have ever picked the correct try scorer, so consider this as the person who won’t win. That player is Latrell Mitchell. Latrell became one of the best centres in the NRL in 2018; he will continue to improve in 2019. Not many opposition centres can stop Latrell when he is firing.
Dally M: He went close in 2017 and missed most of 2018 through injury. In 2019, Josh Hodgson will become the first Englishman to win the Dally M Medal, a year after Roger Tuivasa-Sheck became the first New Zealander.
State Of Origin: It is a big year for State of Origin, with the game heading to Perth for the first time. New South Wales is the defending champions for only the second time since 2005; Queensland is in a new era without Slater, Thurston, Cronk and Smith. This series will be very close. After a blip on the radar, I think the Maroons will bounce back in 2019.
Ones to Watch Something new for 2019 for players who have yet to debut in the NRL (why Scott Drinkwater misses out). I have had the pleasure of seeing both players play live in 2018, and I think both will become regular first-graders in 2019. 19 is young for a front-rower, though, at 199cm and 108 kg, Thomas Flegler is too good not to have a bench spot for the Broncos. The other player has the most challenging name to pronounce in NRL history. Commentators will be sweating when he makes his NRL debut. He has just turned 19, though, at 197cm and 107kg, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will be unstoppable when he takes the field.
Brisbane Broncos
Gains: Shaun Fensom (Cowboys), Herbie Farnworth (Norths Devils), Richie Kennar (Morman mission), Sean O’Sullivan (Roosters), Ilikena Vudogo (Rugby Union), Tanah Boyd (Souths Logan Magpies)
Losses: Corey Allan (Rabbitohs), Jordan Kahu, Josh McGuire (Cowboys), Haydyn O’Hara (Souths Logan Magpies), Tom Opacic Cowboys), Jonis Pearson, Andre Savelio (Hull FC), Marion Seve (Storm), Korbin Sims (Dragons). Tyson Smoothy (Sunshine Coast Falcons). Sam Thaiday (Retired)
The second post-Wayne Bennett Era begins at the Broncos in 2019, with Anthony Seibold hoping it goes better than the first. The Broncos have lost several experienced players who were regular members of the Broncos’ top 17. Much has been written about the Broncos’ young forward pack, though it will be up to Kodi Nikorima and Anthony Milford to steer the side around the park. Matt Gillett will be fresh after missing most of 2018 through injury. Anthony Seibold will get the best out of Jack Bird, Anthony Milford and Kodi Nikorima, paying off the faith of the Broncos board.
Top 17
1. Darrius Boyd (c) 2. Corey Oates 3. James Roberts 4. Jack Bird 5. Jamayne Isakko 6. Anthony Milford 7. Kodi Nikorima 8. Matt Lodge 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Joe Ofahengaue 11. David Fifita 12. Matt Gillett 13. Tevita Pangai Jr 14. Kotoni Staggs 15. Jayden Su’a 16. Thomas Fleggler 17. Payne Hass
Canberra Raiders
Gains: John Bateman (Wigan), JJ Collins (Knights), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors), Reuben Porter (Wyong), Bailey Simonsson (Rugby Union), Ryan Sutton (Wigan)
Losses: Blake Austin (Warrington), Shannon Boyd (Titans), Craig Garvey and Setefano Hala (Roosters), Charlie Gubb (Widnes), Junior Paulo (Eels), Liam Knight (Rabbitohs), Mikaele Ravalawa (Dragons)
The Raiders have continued to raid Supr League, picking up two more Englishmen, with the club hoping John Bateman and Ryan Sutton have the same level of success as Josh Hodgson and Elliott Whitehead. The club will also expect the Jack Wighton experiment to succeed and return to the finals for the first time since 2016. Will make the bottom of the eight.
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Nic Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker (c) 4. Joey Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Josh Papali 9. Josh Hodgson (c) 10. Ryan Sutton 11. Joseph Tapine 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. John Bateman 14. Sia Soliola 15. Siliva Havili 16. Luke Bateman 17. Emre Guler
Canterbury Bulldogs
Gains: Jack Cogger (Knights), Christian Crichton, Corey Harawira-Naera (Panthers), Nick Meaney (Knights), Dylan Napa, Reuben Porter (Roosters), James Roumanos (Sharks), Chris Smith (Roosters), Sauaso Sue (Tigers),
Losses: Lachlan Burr (Warriors), Josh Cleeland (Ipswich Jets), Greg Eastwood (Newtown), Asipeli Fine (Released), Matt Frawley (Huddersfield), David Klemmer (Knights), Moses Mbye (Tigers), Brett Morris (Roosters), Josh Morris (Sharks), Clay Priest (Released), Tommy Talau (Tigers), Cameron Torpy (Northern Pride), Aaron Woods (Sharks), Zac Woolford (Knights)
The Bulldogs have lost several experienced players as Dean Pay tries to manage the Salary Cap of the Des Hasler era. Besides Dylan Napa, the Bulldogs have a lack of quality signings. It will be a long year at Belmore.
Top 17
1. Will Hopoate 2. Christian Crichton 3. Kerrord Holland 4. Marcelo Montoya 5. Remis Smith 6. Keiran Foran 7. Lachlan Lewis 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson (c) 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Adam Elliott 14. Fa’amanu Brown 15. Corey Harawira-Naera 16. Rhyse Martin 17. Sauaso Sue
Cronulla Sharks
Gains: Shaun Johnson (Warriors), Josh Morris (Bulldogs), Toby Rudolf (Redcliffe Dolphins), Aaron Woods (Bulldogs)
Losses: Bessie Aufaga To’omaga (CQ Capras), Kurt Dillon (Rabbitohs), Trent Hodkinson (Sea Eagles), Edrick Lee (Knights), Ricky Leutele (Toronto), Luke Lewis (Retired), Joseph Paulo (Retired), Jesse Ramien (Knights), James Roumanos (Bulldogs), James Segeyaro (Released), Harrison Smith (Redcliffe Dolphins),
The Sharks have picked up the experienced Shaun Johnson and Josh Morris to offset the loss of Luke Lewis. The signings of Shaun Johnson and Josh Morris give the Sharks one of the most potent backlines in the NRL. The loss of Valentine Holmes could be telling. The club hopes Matt Moylan can churn out the same kick return metres. The club hopes to send out Paul Gallen on a winning note. Will make the finals
Top 17
1. Matt Moylan 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Josh Dugan 4. Josh Morris 5. Sione Kata 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Wade Graham (c) 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Paul Gallen (c) 14. Matt Prior 15. Jason Bukuya 16. Ava Seumanufagai 17. Blayke Brailey
Gold Coast Titans
Gains: Jessie Arthurs Rabbitohs), Shannon Boyd (Raiders), Ryley Jacks (Storm), Brian Kelly (Sea Eagles), Tyrone Peachey (Panthers), Kupe Pere (Storm), Tyrone Roberts (Warrington), Treymain Spry (Roosters),
Losses: Kane Elgey and Brandon Elliott (Sea Eagles), Joe Greenwood (Wigan), Konrad Hurrell (Leeds), Tyronne Roberts-Davis (Burleigh Bears), Ryan Simpkins (Retired)
The key to the Gold Coast Titans’ season is Tyrone Peachey. If the Titans can figure out Tyrone’s best position, they could return to the finals for the first time since 2016. Halfback Ash Taylor will be under increased pressure to deliver on the promise. The return of good friend Tyrone Roberts at five-eighth will bring out the best of Ash Taylor Will just miss the top eight.
Top 17
1. AJ Brimson 2. Anthony Don 3. Tyrone Peachey 4. Brian Kelly 5. Brenko Lee 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Nathan Peats 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Ryan James (c) 13. Jai Arrow 14. Mitch Rein 15. Moeaki Fotuaika 16. Bryce Cartwright 17. Max King
Manly Sea Eagles
Gains: Kane Elgey (Titans) and Brandon Elliott, Reuben Garric (Dragons), Trent Hodkinson (Sharks), Albert Hopoate (Redcliffe), Corey Waddell (Panthers)
Losses: Taealoaloa Amone (Sea Eagles), Lewis Bown (Retired), Brian Kelly (Titans), Shaun Lane (Eels), Darcy Lussick (Toronto), Joey Lussick (Salford), Akuila Uate (Huddersfield), Antonio Winterstein (Panthers), Jonathan Wright (Retired), Matthew Wright (CQ Capras), Tom Wright (Rugby Union)
The return of the “mad scientist” Des Hasler could be the key signing to the Sea Eagles’ success in 2019. Will be relying on the Trbojevic brothers for success in 2019. Another long year on the Peninsula.
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Tafua 3. Dylan Walker 4. Moses Suli 5. Brad Parker 6. Kane Elgey 7. Daly Chery Evans (c) 8. Martin Taupau 9. Api Koroisau 10. Adam Fonua-Blake 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Lloyd Perrett 15. Kelepi Tanginoa 16. Frank Winterstein 17. Manase Fainu
Melbourne Storm
Gains: Tom Eisenhuth (Panthers), Marion Seve (Broncos), Albert Vete (Warriors),
Losses: Louis Geraghty (Sunshine Coast), Tim Glasby (Knights), Ryan Hoffman (Retired), Ryley Jacks (Titans), Zev John (Redcliffe Dolphins), Sam Kasiano (Catalans), Kupe Pere (Titans), Billy Slater (Retired), Lachlan Timm (Dragons), Young Tonumaipea (Morman mission)
The Strom will enter 2019 without Billy Slater in round 1 for the first time since 2002. Coincidentally 2002 was the last time the Storm missed the NRL finals (excluding 2010, when they were punished for exceeding the Salary Cap). The club hopes to succeed with the players they have, as the only additions to their squad, all joined before June 30 last year. Still, have enough class to make the eight.
Top 17
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Will Chambers 4. Curtis Scott 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Brodie Croft 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith (c) 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Joe Stimson 13. Dale Finucane 14. Kenny Bromwich 15. Tino Faasuamaleui 16. Christian Welch 17. Brandon Smith
Newcastle Knights
Gains: James Gavet (Warriors), Tim Glasby (Storm), Hymel Hunt (Rabbitohs), David Klemmer (Bulldogs), Edrick Lee (Sharks), Mason Lino (Warriors), Kurt Mann (Dragons), Jesse Ramien (Sharks), Zac Woolford (Knights)
Losses: Jack Cogger (Bulldogs), JJ Collins (Raiders), Matt Cooper (Easts (Tigers), Corry Denniss (Rabbitohs), Faitotoa Faitotoa (Redcliffe Dolphins), Christian Hazard (Tweed Heads Seagulls), Chris Heighington (Retired), Tom Hughes (Easts (Tigers), Brock Lamb (Roosters), Jacob Lillyman (Retired), Jock Madden (Tigers), Chanel Mata’utia, Pat Mata’utia (Released), Nick Meaney (Bulldogs), Dylan Phythian (Burleigh), Ken Sio (Salford), Luke Yates (London)
The Knights have added several experienced players to end their finals drought. The Knights will have one of the best forward packs in 2019. Kaylan Ponga’s move to five-eighth is the only question mark hanging over the Knights. If Kaylan can succeed at five-eighth, the Knights will return to the finals for the first time since 2013.
Top 17
1. Nathan Ross 2. Edrick Lee 3. Tautau Moga 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Kalyn Ponga 7. Mitchell Pearce (c) 8. David Klemmer 9. Danny Levi 10. Tim Glasby 11. Aidan Guerra 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Mitch Barnett 14. Jacob Saifiti 15. Daniel Saifiiti 16. Jamie Buhrer 17. Kurt Mann
North Queensland Cowboys
Gains: Kurt Baptiste (Roosters), Peter Hola (Northern Pride), Jordan Kahu (Broncos), Nene MacDonald (Dragons), Josh McGuire and Tom Opacic (Broncos), Daniel Russell (Souths Logan Magpies)
Losses: Josh Chudleigh (Mackay), Lachlan Coote (St Helens), Shaun Fensom (Broncos), Sam Hoare, Shaun Hudson and Kyle Laybutt (Townsville), Kane Linnett (Hull KR), Ethan Lowe (Rabbitohs), Johnathan Thurston and Antonio Winterstein (Retired)
The Cowboys begin life without Johnathan Thurton and could struggle unless they figure out who replaces Thurston. Is it Te Mare Martin with Jordan Kahu at fullback? Or does Jake Clifford play in the halves, Te Mare to fullback and Jordan in the centres? It could be another challenging year for the Cowboys in their final year at their current stadium.
Top 17
1. Jordan Kahu 2. Nene MacDonald 3. Justin O’Neil 4. Ben Hampton 5. Kyle Feldt 6. Michael Morgan (c) 7. Te Mare Martin 8. Matt Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. Josh McGuire 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Cohen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Scott Bolton 16. John Asiata 17. Jordan McLean
Parramatta Eels
Gains: Andrew Davey (Townsville Blackhawks), Blake Ferguson (Roosters), Shaun Lane (Sea Eagles), Maika Sivo (Panthers),
Losses: Kirisome Auva’a (Retired), Kenny Edwards (Catalans), Cameron King (Featherstone), Suaia Matagi (Huddersfield), Corey Norman (Dragons), Beau Scott (Retired), Tony Wiliams (Released)
The Eels will be hoping Bank West Stadium will give the Eels as much success as when they moved into Parramatta Stadium in 1986. The Eels will be hoping rookie Dylan Brown can help Mitchell Moses guide the Eels back into the eight after a poor 2018. The club will also expect Blake Ferguson can be the powerhouse from kick returns that Semi Radradra was. Will finish outside the top eight.
Top 17
1. Clint Gutherson (c) 2. Bevan French 3. Michael Jennings 4. Blake Ferguson 5. George Jennings 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Junior Paulo 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Kane Evans 11. Brad Takairangi 12. Tepai Moreoa 13. Nathan Brown 14. Shaun Lane 15. Manu Ma’u 16. Tim Mannah (c) 17. Kysa Pritchard
Penrith Panthers
Gains: Tyrell Fuimaono (Rabbitohs), Brendon Gotuno (PNG Hunters), Tim Grant (Tigers), Brayden McGrady (Tweed Heads Seagulls), Hame Sele (Dragons), Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (Tigers)
Losses: Tim Browne (Retired), Oliver Clark (Tigers), Christian Crichton (Bulldogs), Tom Eisenhuth (Storm), Corey Harawira-Naera (Bulldogs), Adam Keighran (Warriors), Soni Luke (Tigers), Trent Merrin (Leeds), Tyrone Peachey (Titans), Maika Sivo (Eels), Corey Waddell (Released), Jayden Walker and Peter Wallace (Retired)
The Panthers have lost experience, though they have recruited several former Panthers who are returning to the fold. Will be alive deep in September and hope to go one better in 2019.
Top 17
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Josh Mansour (c) 3. Dean Whare 4. Waqa Blake 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (c) 6. James Maloney (c) 7. Nathan Cleary (c) 8. James Tamou (c) 9. Sione Kata 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Issah Yao (c) 12. Viliame Kikau 13. James Fisher-Harris 14. Wade Egan 15. Moses Leota 16. Tyrell Fuimaono 17.Jack Hetherington
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Gains: Corey Allan (Broncos), Taealoaloa Amone (Sea Eagles), Cory Dennis (Knights), Kurt Dillon (Sharks), Liam Knight (Raiders), Ethan Lowe (Cowboys), Matt McIllwrick (Tigers), Bailey Sironen (Tigers)
Losses: Jesse Arthurs (Titans), Jason Clark (Warrington), Angus Crichton (Roosters), Robbie Farah (Tigers), Tyrell Fuimaono (Panthers), Hymel Hunt (Knights), Robert Jennings (Tigers), Richie Kennar (Morman mission)
An iconic Rugby League club and an iconic Rugby League coach join forces in 2019. The question regarding the Rabbitohs season is how quickly they can adapt to Wayne Bennett. Another club hoping to go one game better in 2019
Top 17
1. Alex Johnston 2. Braidon Burns 3. Greg Inglis (c) 4. Dane Gagai 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. George Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Tom Burgess 11. John Sutton 12. Sam Burgess 13. Cameron Murray 14. Adam Doueihi 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Liam Knight 17. Dean Britt
St George Illawarra Dragons
Gains: Zeik Foster (CQ Capras), Lachlan Maranta (Rugby Union), Corey Norman (Eels), Jonus Pearson (Broncos), Mikaele Ravalawa (Raiders), Korbin Simms (Broncs), Lachlan Timm (Storm)
Losses: Leeson Ah Mau (Warriors), Kane Bradley (Tigers), Reuben Garrick (Manly), Patric Herbert (Warriors), Nene MacDonald (Cowboys), Kurt Mann (Knights), Jason Nightingale (Retired), Hame Sele (Panthers)
One of the big questions around the Dragons is whether they can revert the slide down the ladder; they seem to take every season after starting the season strongly. The other thing to watch around the Dragons is Gareth Widdop and Matt Dufty. How will Gareth adjust to playing fullback, considering Gareth hasn’t played fullback in the NRL since Round 20, 2012. Will Matt Dufty be happy with a bench role/playing on the wing? It won’t surprise me if Gareth leaves before the end of the season. Will miss the eight.
Top 17
1. Garreth Widdop (C) 2. Matt Dufty 3. Euan Aitken 4. Tim Lafai 5. Jordan Pereira 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt 8. James Graham 9. Cameron McInness 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jack de Bellin 14. Korbin Sims 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Jacob Host 17.Jai Field
Sydney Roosters
Gains: Angus Crichton (Roosters), Craig Garvey and Setefano Hala (Raiders), Ryan Hall (Leeds), Brock Lamb (Knights), Brett Morris (Bulldogs),
Losses: Kurt Baptiste (Cowboys), Mitch Cornish (Retired), Blake Ferguson (Eels), Brendan Frei (Norths Devils), Grant Garvey (Released), Ryan Matterson and Paul Momirovski (Tigers), Dylan Napa (Bulldogs), Frank-Paul Nu’uausala (Retired), Sean O’Sullivan (Broncos), Reuben Porter and Chris Smith (Bulldogs), Treymain Spry (Titans), Eloni Vunakece (Retired)
The defending premiers have added Angus Crichton to an already impressive forward pack. Have added two quality wingers in Brett Morris and Ryan Hall, which will mean North Sydney Bears will have a test representative most weeks, with James Tedesco a lock for the fullback position and Daniel Tupou on the other wing. As in most years, the media have written articles about how the defending premiers will be the team to go back-to-back, which seems to have become an annual tradition. They will not go back to back, though they will go close.
Top 17
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Joseph Manu 5. Brett Morris 6. Luke Keary 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jarred Waerea-Hargrages 9. Jake Friend 10. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 11. Boyd Cordner (c) 12. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley 14. Lindsay Collins 15. Mitchell Aubusson 16. Zane Tetevano 17. Issac Liu
Warriors
Gains: Leeson Ah Mau (Dragons), Lachlan Burr (Bulldogs), Jackson Frei (Rooster), Patrick Herbert (Dragons), Adam Keirgan (Panthers), Taane Milne (Tigers), Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard (Wynnum Seagulls)
Losses: Manaia Cherrington (Released), James Gavet (Knights), Anthony Gelling (Widnes), Shaun Johnson (Sharks), Motu Love-Henry (Wynnum Seagulls), Mason Lino (Knights), Simon Mannering (Retired), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Raiders), Junior Pauga (Wynnum Seagulls) Zac Santo (Townsville), Patrick Sipley (Wynnum Seagulls) Albert Vete (Storm)
The loss of Shaun Johnson is a massive one for the club. Shaun left in December when most other clubs had locked down their halves for 2019, so the Warriors were caught out. The Warriors will rely heavily on Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Blake Green and Issac Luke. It could be too much of a hill for the Warriors to climb.
Top 17
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c) 2. David Fusitua 3. Peter Hiku 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Blake Green 7. Chanel Harris-Tavita 8. Agnatius Paasi 9. Isaac Luke 10. Leeson Ah Mau 11. Tohu Harris 12. Isaiah Papalili 13. Adam Blair 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Sam Lisone 16. Nathaniel Roache 17. Bunty Afoa
Wests Tigers
Gains: Oliver Clark (Panthers), Robie Farah. Robert Jennings (Rabbitohs), Jock Madden (Knights), Ryan Matterson (Roosters), Moses Mbye (Bulldogs), Paul Momirovski (Roosters), Tommy Talau (Bulldogs)
Losses: Kane Bradley (Dragons), JJ Collins (Raiders), Pita Godinet (Released), Tim Grant (Panthers), Tuimola Lolohea (Leeds), Matt McIIlwrick (Tigers), Taane Milne (Warriors), Kevin Naiqama (St Helens), Baily Sironen (Rabbitohs), Sauaso Sue (Bulldogs), Malakai Watene-Zelezniak
A new skipper, a new coach, and some old familiar faces give the Tigers a mix of the old and new for 2019. In what is likely Robbie Farah’s last year in the NRL, the club will be hoping Jacob Liddle can take the next step in his career and be ready to wear the number 9 in 2020. It might take a year to adapt to the style of Michael Maguire.
Top 17
1. Moses Mbye (c) 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Mahe Fonua 4. Esan Marsters 5. Corey Thompson 6. Benji Marshall 7. Luke Brooks 8. Ben Matulino 9. Robbie Farah 10. Russel Packer 11. Chris Lawerence 12. Chris McQueen 13. Elijah Taylor 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Matt Eisenhuth 17. Alex Twal
And Another Thing: I wonder how the former Cronulla CEO (Current Manly CEO) escaped punishment for the Cronulla Sharks salary cap drama.
Ladder
- Brisbane Broncos
- Melbourne Storm
- Sydney Roosters
- South Sydney Rabbitohs
- Penrith Panthers
- Cronulla Sharks
- Newcastle Knights
- Canberra Raiders
- Gold Coast Titans
- North Queensland Cowboys
- St George Illawarra Dragons
- Wests Tigers
- Warriors
- Parramatta Ees
- Manly Sea Eagles
- Canterbury Bulldogs
If you want to contact me, you can email me. Remember to like the page on Facebook to find out when new blog posts are available. Also, to find out the latest news, views and opinions from the world of Rugby League. Follow me on Twitter to get all this, plus live and full-time scores from every game in the NRL. As well as full-time scores from; Super League, Intrust Super Premiership Cup, Intrust Super Cup, Kingstone Press Championship, Kingstone Press League 1, Ron Massey Cup, Brisbane Rugby League, Jersey Flegg, Hastings Deering Colts, Women’s SEQ Division 1, NSWomen’s’s Rugby LeagueWomen’s’s National Rugby League anWomen’s’s Super League.
Till next time,
Cheese
2019 NRL Season, 2019 NRL Season Preview, Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders, Canterbury Bulldogs, Cronulla Sharks, Dally M, Gold Coast Titans, Josh Hodgson, Latrell Mitchell, Manly Sea Eagles, Melbourne Storm, Newcastle Knights, North Queensland Cowboys, NRL, Parramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers, Rugby League, South Sydney Rabbitohs, sport, St George Illawarra Dragons, Sydney Roosters, warriors, Wests Tigers