Bennett lost interest after Alex injury

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

NEWCASTLE coach Wayne Bennett has revealed he lost interest in rugby league following the devastating injury to Alex McKinnon.

McKinnon suffered a severe spinal injury against Melbourne in round three which has him confined to a wheelchair.

According to seven-time premiership winning coach, who shares a close bond with the 22-year-old, it was the "toughest" moment of his career.

NO TEARS, JUST SUPPORT FOR INJURED MCKINNON

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"I wasn't interested in football for a couple of weeks," Bennett revealed on Channel Nine's Footy Show.

"I didn't care whether we won or lost. I cared about the players but not the result. Football was still important to me but it wasn't that important."

On the weekend, Bennett, 64, celebrated his 700th game as a coach in the NRL, a feat never reached before and unlikely to ever be matched.

ANOTHER BILLIONAIRE WANTS KNIGHTS OWNERSHIP

Newcastle Knights forward Alex McKinnon. Source: News Corp Australia

The milestone came just days after he announced he will depart the Knights at the end of the season and, while he failed to deliver a premiership to the Hunter, Bennett says they achieved something much greater.

"We haven't won a premiership here but the thing I'm proudest about at the Knights is how we've handled it this year," he said.

BRONCOS NEED TO 'GET OVER' BENNY: GORDIE

Coach Wayne Bennett rallies his troops before the game. Source: News Corp Australia

"The club has been outstanding. No one is prepared for that or gone through that, in my history of coaching anyway, and I think the club's been wonderful. I'm really proud of that and the fans for supporting it."

Bennett first met McKinnon when the Aberdeen junior was just 16 years old and playing in St George Illawarra's lower grades.

KNIGHTS DETHRONE COMEBACK KINGS

Newcastle Knights forward Alex McKinnon with coach Wayne Bennett. Source: News Corp Australia

"I liked his style and the way he carried himself," Bennett said of his affection for McKinnon.

"I thought he was an outstanding young man and he still is. He's shown us just how outstanding he is. I'm really proud of him."

MASON WAITS ON BENNETT TO DECIDE FUTURE

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Such is McKinnon's selfless nature, Bennett revealed that as the player was being loaded into the back of an ambulance at AAMI Park after the incident: "(Alex) apologised to me for not being able to play."

23.34 | 0 komentar | Read More

Payto & Panda: Japan makes Super sense

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

PLAYER defections have become a hot topic in the game, so it's nice to bring you some good news on an important retention for Australian rugby.

Nathan Charles is on the verge of re-signing with the ARU and Western Force in a deal that will keep him here until the end of 2016.

Charles, 25, has been a high-priority target for clubs in Europe because he carries a German passport, which allows him to be classed as a local and doesn't count towards foreign quota.

But while the cash is appealing, Charles is strongly driven by his goal of playing in next year's World Cup and beyond for the Wallabies.

Having made his Test debut last month, Charles is desperate to play more games in the gold jersey.

Charles told us in a text that it is "nice to have my future sorted".

The only cystic fibrosis sufferer in the world who plays professional contact sport, Charles is an invaluable campaigner for the fight against the disease and in the process has become a shining light for Australian rugby.

***

HERE is a photograph that Israel Folau knew was being taken and was happy to pose for.

After a chance meeting with NRL head Todd Greenberg at the Allianz Stadium cafe was snapped and sent to the media, sparking claims Folau was destined to return to league, the Wallabies superstar made his frustrations clear on Twitter yesterday.

This image paints a far more realistic picture of Folau's future.

Here he is with the son of former Wallaby and Sunday Telegraph columnist Brendan Cannon, who revealed in a recent column that his youngest boy had changed his name from Samuel Thomas Cannon to Samuel "Izzy Folau" Cannon.

Folau is loving rugby, and is well aware of his impact on young fans.

While the NRL would love to have him back, Folau is now a global star who understands his immense potential in rugby, which is why he consistently talks about building a legacy in the 15-man code.

Israel Folau meets with Samuel Cannon. Source: News Corp Australia

***

AUSTRALIA'S top female referee Amy Perrett will join a small but distinguished club tomorrow when she officiates her first Shute Shield game between Sydney Uni and Gordon.

Perrett will join Roberta Barnett (2008) and Sarah Duncan (2011) as the only women to have wielded the whistle in Sydney's premier competition when she refs the main game at Uni no.1.

The 24-year-old, who has previously run the line in Shute Shield games, and reffed men in lower grades and Kentwell Cup Grand Finals, said blokes were often surprised to see her run out, but soon accepted that she knows her stuff.

"I have mostly found the guys to be really respectful, to be honest," Perrett told us yesterday.

"Sometimes they're a bit shocked to see me running around with them but by about half-time it's out of their system and when they've figured out I know the game really well, there's a good level of respect there."

Perrett will represent Australia at the Women's World Cup next month in Paris, and also referees on the women's sevens circuit. She made her Test debut as a Women's Six Nations referee earlier this year in Scotland.

She believes there is nothing holding her back from pursuing higher honours in rugby, but is aiming more for the Rio Olympic Games than an historic Super Rugby role.

"That'd be more a dream for me than anything with the men's," she said.

"I am very excited to have a chance to do the Shute Shield and it should be perfect preparation for the World Cup."

Ryde referee Amy Perrett will referee a Shute Shield game. Source: Supplied

***

THE Mick Jagger curse is about to hit the Super Rugby finals, as we can reveal in this exclusive picture.

The rock God has a dubious reputation in sports, with any team he supports invariably crashing out of whatever tournament they play.

Brazilian soccer fans dubbed him Pé Frio - which translates as "cold foot", a term used to describe individuals who bring about bad luck - during the recent World Cup.

Jagger was supporting Brazil when they bombed 7-1 to Germany in the semi-final.

In the 2010 World Cup, Jagger supported England, the US and Brazil in separate games – all of who lost their respective matches.

So here's to the Chiefs.

Mick Jagger has arrived. Source: AFP

***

BULLDOGS coach Des Hasler has denied speaking to Tahs star Kurtley Beale, who has held a further meeting with the ARU as they bid to re-sign him for next year.

Hasler, who was spotted watching the Tahs in the stands a fortnight ago at Allianz Stadium and is reportedly targeting Beale as a fullback, said: "I haven't spoken to any Waratahs players full stop."

NSW coach Michael Cheika said of Beale: "I think he's had further chat with the ARU, it's hopefully headed in the right direction.

"What I like about Beale, there's all this stuff going on and he's just kept it so level ad is training hard, it's not even bothered him at all.

"It shows a really good state of mind of the player, and I think that's been reflected in his performances no doubt about it."

***

BRINGING Japan into Super Rugby makes the same sense for SANZAR as embracing Argentina, according to Bill Pulver.

But after an announcement that the 18th Super Rugby team in 2016 will be either Japan or Singapore-based, the ARU boss was quick to point out that doesn't qualify as an Aussie endorsement.

"You can understand strategic rationale behind Japan, but not at any price," Pulver said.

"We are obviously pleased it is going to be an Asian team. To some extent we see the same sort of strategic intent that existed to bring Argentina exists to bring Japan in. But at the end of the day we need to wait until these two tenders come in and assess them from there.

"Until you see the tenders, it is impossible to make the call."

Though Japan seems like a lay-down misere, Singapore has firmed as a strong favourite in recent weeks due to South Africa's objection to the long travel times required for them to reach Tokyo.

The clunky four-conference expansion model means the Asian team will be in a South African-dominated conference.

The possibility of Singapore getting the team – likely with a transplanted team of Pacific Islanders – has left many in Australian rugby dumbfounded, and Eddie Jones wrote recently SANZAR's integrity would be shot if Japan was overlooked.

23.34 | 0 komentar | Read More

Smith review paints grim future for Potter

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

AN internal Wests Tigers report that controversially claims coach Mick Potter struggles to "educate and communicate" has left him clinging to his future at Concord.

The report was compiled by new club consultant Brian Smith — a former first grade coach with 580 games experience, who ironically was a former mentor of Potter's during his playing days at St George in the 1990s.

Smith interviewed 40 people — including players, coaches, welfare officers and stakeholders — in finalising a report into the club's structure from NRL to junior representative level.

TIGERS UPSET OVER POTTER SPECULATION

Mick Potter gives directions during Wests Tigers training at Concord Oval. Source: News Limited

The Daily Telegraph has been told the report supported some earlier concerns Tigers management had about Potter's style.

Wests Tigers chief executive Grant Mayer, who assisted Smith in compiling the report, would not comment on Thursday but it is known he has spoken to Potter about the findings.

Given the report's contents, and recent media speculation, it is understood Potter will struggle to secure a new deal.

The report did not make any recommendations but did focus — and was harsh — on the coaching structure across the club's entire program.

There were though key comments in the report from players, who also questioned some elements of Potter's coaching. It's understood the report also centred on the need for stronger education.

The Daily Telegraph has also been told Smith has pushed for the club to hire a head of football.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Potter was queried last year when under pressure about his communication skills. The club is aware Potter struggles to educate younger players. That was a key reason why Wests Tigers appointed assistant coaches Todd Payten and David Kidwell, both recently retired players.

Reports emerged on Thursday that the current squad wanted Payten as head coach, but the club won't rush into any decision on Potter.

The report from Mayer and Smith was not heavily critical of Potter but was firm in his appraisal.

Some senior players believe the club needs more education for the club's rising band of players.

None of the senior players speaking about Potter have gone public. Most stakeholders at Concord are refusing to comment.

Former coach Brian Smith has conducted an internal review of the Wests Tigers. Source: News Limited

The review comes as Potter seeks a new deal with the joint venture club, but several recent disappointing results have delayed that.

The club is still trying to finalise its new board, which will include three independent directors. The board recently agreed to extend Potter's deal by a further year, subject to securing a top-eight spot this year.

Club officials have strongly supported Potter but are now committed to making what they claim is the "right decision for the club's future".

In an email to club members on Thursday, Mayer said: "Opinion and unnamed sources does nothing but jeopardise the team's focus on making the NRL finals.

Mick Potter talks to Robbie Farah during a training session. Source: News Corp Australia

"It's unhelpful and distracting.

"Running concurrent to the push to the finals is the board's decision on our coaching structure and head coach for 2015. We've had independent input to this process and a number of players and staff have been consulted.

"The results of this review have highlighted many areas to address and we will do so privately and without public comment.

"These decisions will not be rushed and will be made with the best interests of Wests Tigers in mind.''

23.34 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bad Boys sequel as Sharks eye Lui

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

FROM one NRL bad boy to another; the Cronulla Sharks are eyeing Robert Lui to replace sacked five-eighth Todd Carney.

In a fascinating subplot to Friday's clash against Lui's North Queensland at Remondis Stadium, Cronulla staffers have spoken internally about making an approach to the controversial Cowboys playmaker.

Sports Confidential can confirm Lui's management has been approached - on an informal basis - about the off-contract 24-year-old's desire to return to Sydney.

Robert Lui could be bound for Cronulla. Source: News Corp Australia

Lui's previous stint in Sin City - where he spent three seasons at Wests Tigers - ended on an awful note after he was charged and found guilty of assaulting his partner, Tahleah Backo, who was pregnant at the time.

Although there were some peculiar circumstances that led to the incident, Lui's actions were ultimately indefensible and he was banned from playing NRL for much of 2012.

To their credit, the Cowboys have worked overtime to help the couple rehabilitate in Townsville over the past two years.

Lui repaid that faith last season, when he knocked back a $1.2 million offer from the Warriors to stay in the tropics for another 12 months.

Former Cronulla star Todd Carney in action. Source: News Limited

He is once again a free agent, and, as one of the few experienced halves left on the market, has landed on Cronulla's radar as a target to replace Carney in 2015.

Sharks CEO Steve Noyce said he was unaware of the football department's approach, and suspended head coach Shane Flanagan remains banned from recruiting players until early September.

While the irony of chasing a player with a criminal record to replace one with a lengthy rap sheet is sure to be noted, Lui appears to have learned some vital lessons.

As a former Tiger, he also fits the club's recent recruitment criteria and remains extremely close to ex-team mate Andrew Fifita.

Would it be hypocritical for the Sharks to sign Robert Lui having sacked Todd Carney for poor off-field behaviour?

***

Sydney FC's new coach Graham Arnold during a training session. Source: News Corp Australia

Winning: Graham Arnold enjoyed a positive start to his Sydney FC tenure on Wednesday night; the Sky Blues thrashing Macarthur Rams 5-1 in their first trial. We're predicting it will be a sign of things to come for the A-League underachievers.

Dunce cap: Come on down Collingwood president Eddie McGuire, who told Sydney to "Get Stuffed" after being dragged kicking and screaming into his latest fight with the Swans. To borrow a line off the Manly Sea Eagles die hards," Guess what Eddie, Sydney hates you too".

Shoosh: Todd Greenberg wasn't the only NRL figure spotted in a meeting with cross-code sensation Israel Folau this week. Our spies at Olympic Park caught the Waratahs weapon having lunch with Tigers halfback Luke Brooks at Ribs & Rumps on Wednesday. Both players are ambassadors for ANZ Stadium, which explains the lunch.

***

Daniel Tupou watches Roosters training from the sideline. Source: News Corp Australia

Roosters officials are filthy with the NSWRL for failing to advise them of Daniel Tupou's torn lat muscle, which the towering winger suffered during the first half of Origin III. Tupou carried the injury for 10 days before returning to Roosters HQ on Monday, where it was finally diagnosed.

***

David Williams made a quiet return to Sea Eagles training this week, following his season-long ban for betting on NRL games. He will continue to train at Narrabeen for the rest of the year, but has already been linked with the Roosters for 2015.

***

On top of uncertainty over their coaching structure, Gold Coast Titans are facing a sizeable salary cap fine for failing to correctly declare Scott Prince's pay-out last year. The NRL is set to announce the fine in the very near future.

***

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

We can only wonder how Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter feels about his old Dragons coach, Brian Smith.

The Tigers paid Smith $25,000 to review Potter's department, a process that included interviews with key players and staff.

Smith returned a report that was far from glowing about the former St George fullback.

We can reveal Potter has an option in his favour for next year, but it can only be activated if the Tigers make the top eight.

Even if they do, it's hard to see how Potter would feel comfortable staying put after learning the contents of Smith's review.

***

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Speaking of Tigers coaches and much was made of the joint venture's snubbing of Tim Sheens at Tuesday night's gala dinner.

It should come as no surprise, given Sheens and the Tigers are scheduled to face-off in the NSW Supreme Court in early December, over the 2005 premiership winner's disputed contract settlement.

***

We mentioned a few weeks back how Anthony Watmough had sounded out Eels coach Brad Arthur, amid his disenchantment with Manly management for failing to re-sign Glenn Stewart.

The latest mail suggests Parramatta is willing to buy-out a large chunk of Watmough's heavily back-ended deal for next year, which is worth $970,000.

But Manly coach Geoff Toovey is adamant that no players will be released early and has commenced negotiations with Watmough's management for a two-year extension.

***

Here's some exciting news for transparency – a concept ASADA and the NRL have not exactly championed during the supplements investigation.

The AAT this week ruled that Earl can be named in his appeal against ASADA.

The matter is set down for hearing in Sydney on August 18.

***

Monday Night with Matty Johns crew with Rise for Alex wrist bands. Source: News Corp Australia

BAND BOND HELPS ALEX

THIS weekend is all about rising for Alex McKinnon, the young man who is teaching humanity a lesson in courage and hope.

The Monday Night with Matty Johns crew from Fox Sports were only too happy to show their support, donning the RiseForAlex wristbands and encouraging people to show their support.

The NRL will chip in $1 for every fan who attends a match this weekend, while The Saturday Daily Telegraph, Fox Sports and Crown Resorts Foundation will also combine to donate $1 for every copy of The Saturday Daily Telegraph sold tomorrow.

***

Dave Smith and Nick Politis. Source: News Corp Australia

CRANKY CLUB CHAIRMAN CALL COUNCIL OF WAR

Le Sands restaurant in Brighton has hosted some of the hottest meetings in NRL history and it will be no different next Wednesday, when club chairmen gather to devise a plan to combat the NRL's intention to force them to appoint three independent directors.

Smith's huff and puff in The Sunday Telegraph a fortnight ago has been viewed as a declaration of war from some of the most powerful figures in clubland, led by Roosters chairman Nick Politis and Bulldogs counterpart Ray Dib.

The pair interpreted Smith's desire to parachute external directors into their boardrooms as an insult to their business acumen.

Politis was overseas when the comments were made, but was still astonished.

He and Dib are two of Sydney's most successful businessmen and don't take kindly to be dictated to, particularly when their respective clubs are so profitable.

The NRL has since been in damage control behind-the-scenes, attempting to shift blame.

But the smother tactic hasn't convinced anyone, given Smith has been privately talking up independent directors — including a female — since the start of the year.

***

THE reason the New Zealand Warriors are trying to hose down their latest play to lure Manly centre Steve Matai to Auckland is because they are supposed to be forbidden from approaching him until November.

Under the current NRL rules, rival clubs are banned from approaching players from other teams until November of the year they are off-contract.

***

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

THE Australian Rugby Union have been caught dithering over the retention of Wallaby Kurtley Beale.

The Canterbury Bulldogs were in a strong negotiating position with Beale until last weekend, when the NSW inside centre turned in a blinder against Queensland.

The performance coincided with news about the Bulldogs pursuing Beale, meaning Waratahs powerbrokers were immediately putting the heat on the ARU to up the ante on a new deal.

***

EDDIE McGuire has been copping it from all angles in Sydney this week but the Collingwood president still found time to talk to Channel Nine supremo David Gyngell. McGurie was miffed about the NRL's push to try to install independent chairmen at every club.

**

THE reason ex-NSW premier Barry O'Farrell's name continues to be linked to a role at NRL HQ is because the long-time Tigers fan is the prime candidate to become the Wests Tigers inaugural chairman once the NRL finally announces the club's new boardroom structure.

***

OLYMPIC champion Ian Thorpe's decision to speak publicly about his sexuality has been one of the talking points of the week, with plenty of people offering congratulations and others questioning the fact he was paid $400,000 for the interview. There was hardly one hundredth of the fuss when NRL referee Matt Cecchin decided to declare he was gay a couple of seasons ago.

***

The NRL is so paranoid about the existence of a sex tape that it's frozen the release of a children's book featuring one of the players rumoured to be involved.

23.34 | 0 komentar | Read More

NRL crowds surge past 2m to support Alex

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

RUGBY league crowds have finally surged ahead of last year's figures as the code prepares for more record attendances to salute fallen hero Alex McKinnon this weekend.

So far 2,048,853 fans have gone through the turnstiles after 128 games of footy in a phenomenal comeback from what appeared to be a crowds crisis earlier this season.

CEO Dave Smith said the NRL's goal was to attract an average 16,500 fans per game this year. So far the average crowd is 16,006.

"We are on track to meet that target," he said.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"The competition has never been closer and the quality of football this year is fantastic.

"We have worked hard with the clubs to encourage families back to the game, with most offering family tickets for $40-50.

"That is making the game more affordable and, combined with children's activities, is creating another reason to go to the footy.

"We have also broken our all-time membership record and we know that members are more likely to attend games."

After a slow start, fans have returned to the grounds as the season reaches its conclusion. Source: Getty Images

Smith said there had been virtually no growth in rugby league attendances over the last 10 years and structural change was needed to drive bigger crowds.

This includes providing better facilities for fans from the time they leave home, throughout the game and on their trip back home again.

Smith said NRL's longer term goal was to attract an average 20,000 fans per game.

"That's why we are moving to use the bigger stadiums, which are able to cater for crowds of 20,000 or more," he said.

"But, having said that, we need better facilities and we need a new stadium purpose-built for Rugby League".

23.34 | 0 komentar | Read More

Real Madrid sign Kroos for $36 million

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

TONI Kroos on Thursday became Real Madrid's first high profile signing for the new season, moving from Bayern Munich on a six-year deal just days after winning the World Cup with Germany.

The 24-year-old playmaker had an outstanding World Cup, scoring two goals in two minutes in the 7-1 semi-final rout of Brazil, en route to overcoming Argentina 1-0 in Sunday's final.

Spanish media said Real and Bayern agreed a deal in the region of €25 million ($36m).

The two clubs said the transfer fee would remain secret.

Kroos is due to be unveiled by his new employers at a press conference on Thursday. His arrival could hasten the departure of fellow German Sami Khedira who risks losing his midfield place.

Real hailed their latest catch as "one of the most important players of the moment."

A Real statement described Kroos as "a playmaker capable of finding the best option in any situation, with a vision of the game enabling him to help his teammates, as well as an impressive kick."

Kroos, whose contract with Bayern expired next season, sided with Real over alternatives such as Manchester United or Chelsea. A Bayern statement confirmed it had made a deal with Real and that Kroos had signed a six year contract.

"The two clubs have agreed to remain silent about the transfer fee," it said.

"We thank Toni Kross for his time at Munich," said Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

"We have experienced great successes with him."

Kroos arrives at the Santiago Bernabeu with 11 trophies already on his cv, the World Cup the jewel in a collection including the 2013 Champions League, Bundesliga titles and the Club World Cup.

He joined Bayern as a teenager in 2007, making his first team appearance at the age of 17. He became a regular after an 18-month loan spell at Bundesliga rivals Bayern Leverkusen.

This is the second high profile World Cup player to move to La Liga this month, following Luis Suarez's reported €95 million ($137 million) transfer from Manchester City to Real's arch rivals Barcelona.

The path from the World Cup to Spain could also see Monaco's Colombia hotshot James Rodriguez join Kroos at Real.

The World Cup's top scorer with six goals told Spanish sports daily Marca on Monday: "I'd jump at the chance of going to Real Madrid." Real have also been linked with a move for Keylor Navas, the goalkeeper whose heroics helped Costa Rica reach the World Cup quarter finals. Navas plays with Levante in the Spanish first division and his arrival would increase pressure on Iker Casillas already criticised for his role in Spain's World Cup collapse.

23.34 | 0 komentar | Read More