Raiders land Sezer, Tamou could be next

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CANBERRA coach Ricky Stuart proved himself every inch a Raider, poaching Titans five-eighth Aidan Sezer and then locking his sights on Cowboys Test prop James Tamou.

Gold Coast's $4 million pursuit of Daly Cherry-Evans has cost them Sezer, who will on Friday sign a $1.5 million deal with the Raiders after the Titans failed in their last-ditch bid to keep him.

The Titans only tabled a formal offer to Sezer on Friday morning but it was too little, too late.

Stuart had been privately wooing Sezer for weeks when many thought the Bankstown junior was mulling over potential moves to the Roosters or Sea Eagles.

Aidan Sezer of the Titans is tackled during the round five NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Brisbane Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium on April 3, 2015 on the Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Sezer did not return calls on Thursday night but his manager, Sam Ayoub, said the five-eighth and wife Raziye were not desperate to return to Sydney.

"Ricky had a number of chats with him. They made a good offer and it's a club that's building and on the rise," Ayoub said.

"That's nothing against the other clubs that have shown interest but it's a club that's appealed to him. They're a good club that's been down a little and they're recovering."

Titans CEO Graham Annesley declined to comment given the signing had not been confirmed and Ayoub said the Gold Coast only tabled an offer at the eleventh hour.

"We only received an offer from the Gold Coast (yesterday) morning," he said. "He's got a really good relationship with Neil (coach Henry).

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"He's not unhappy there. He's bought a property at Palm Beach.

"There was an opportunity for him to move on.

"The Titans have a bit invested in that area and weren't prepared to go to the dollars Aidan deserves going forward."

Stuart, already an enemy of the state as a star half-back and then successful coach with NSW, will not endear himself to fans north of the border if he backs up his Sezer coup with the signature of Tamou.

Despite being contracted to the Cowboys until the end of 2016, Tamou has fielded inquiries from three rival NRL clubs as speculation intensifies he is mulling over a release on compassionate grounds.

Cowboys hierarchy are aware Tamou has options and will consider granting a release, but will not subsidise any deal that sees him playing against North Queensland next season.

James Tamou takes on the Broncos defence. Source: Getty Images

Ayoub, who also manages Tamou, confirmed the Raiders had inquired about Tamou's"contractual position".

And while he insists the approach was not formal, The Courier-Mail understands it is the first step in Canberra's hope of snaring the 113kg prop Stuart turned into an Origin enforcer.

In 2012, Tamou was aligned with New Zealand when Stuart — then coach of the Blues — convinced him to defect to NSW and Australia.

Stuart was tight-lipped yesterday, but made no secret of his admiration for a player he helped mentor into one of the NRL's top props two years ago before Tamou's struggles with a neck injury.

"I keep hearing we are interested," Stuart said.

"Look ... James is a great player and I enjoyed coaching him in State of Origin.

"At the moment, there's been no formal communication. We can't fit him into the salary cap at the moment, but there are always balls up in the air at any club.

Ricky Stuart says the Raiders can't afford Tamou at the moment. Source: News Corp Australia

"Don Furner (Raiders CEO) looks at the salary cap here and that's fine by me."

It is understood family is a key factor in Tamou's possible move to the Raiders.

His partner Brittney McGlone is close to giving birth to the couple's second child and has links to Canberra, with her family owning a 269-hectare farm at Braidwood, 87km southeast of the nation's capital.

McGlone previously trained at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra and it is believed she still has career ambitions in track-and-field.

Tamou's wife, Brittney McGlone wants to continue her athletics career. Source: News Corp Australia

Tamou began the season slowly after neck surgery but the Cowboys are determined not to lose him after his outstanding display against Penrith last Monday night.

The loss of Sezer has added even more intrigue to who will partner Cherry-Evans next year at the Titans.

Rookie half-back Kane Elgey is also off-contract and being heavily pursued by Manly, who have lost Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran to Parramatta.

Elgey is expected to tour Manly's headquarters next week after he knocked back a three-year contract extension from the Titans.

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Lockyer to ensure Thaiday stays at Broncos

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THE Titans have ruled out chasing Sam Thaiday as the influence of Darren Lockyer and a $250,000 NRL allowance emerge as key factors in saving the Test star's career at the Broncos.

Thaiday has three more games, including tonight's clash with the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium, to convince Broncos coach Wayne Bennett he is worth retaining beyond this season.

The Courier-Mail can reveal Brisbane's recruitment and retention committee, of which Lockyer is a key member, will leverage the NRL's salary cap laws to ensure Thaiday remains at the Broncos.

Darren Lockyer and Sam Thaiday. Source: News Limited

The notion of Thaiday taking a pay cut to remain at Red Hill fuelled talk he would join the Titans but Gold Coast says they have no plans to table an offer.

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While Bennett largely dictates the Broncos' hiring and firing, his opinions on recruitment are shaped by trusted advisers. They include Lockyer and list manager Peter Nolan, who are part of a retention team that will use the NRL's long-serving player allowance to table a palatable offer for Thaiday.

A Sydney rival has lodged interest in Thaiday, but Lockyer last night strongly indicated the 29-year-old has a future under Bennett.

Lockyer can empathise with Thaiday after benefiting from NRL salary cap allowances in his final years at the Broncos.

"Sam is giving himself the best chance of remaining a Bronco," Lockyer said.

"From the outside looking in, Sam has responded well to the challenge the coach has given him.

"All he can control is his performances on the field and the training paddock. The rest is out of his control.

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"At this point in your career the best deal should not be judged by the biggest number put on the table. Pathways in his post-playing days should be a big consideration.''

Under the code's recently-amended veteran's allowance rule, clubs are eligible for incremental salary cap allowances depending on a player's continuous years of service.

Thaiday and 15-season stalwart Corey Parker are the Broncos who can benefit most from the discount.

Thaiday is playing his 13th consecutive year at Red Hill, meaning he qualifies for a maximum $250,000 dispensation for any salary lodged with the NRL's salary cap auditor.

That enables the Broncos to pay Thaiday less under the salary cap while rewarding the former skipper for his long service. Factor in the high-level backing of Lockyer, who won a premiership with Thaiday in 2006, and the Maroons ace appears safe at the Broncos.

Wayne Bennett says he's happy with how Sam Thaiday is progressing. Pic Darren England. Source: News Corp Australia

Bennett was tight-lipped on Thursday, saying: "I couldn't be more pleased with Sam's efforts right now but he understands my position. There's a mixture of players that we have to make decisions on and we haven't done that yet.''

Thaiday's agent George Mimis said Thaiday had been a loyal to the Broncos and he hoped to open discussions with the club over the next few weeks.

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Tallis: Coote’s a smart choice

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GT'S Socialites have been dealt a harsh double blow this week.

I suspect most NRL SuperCoaches are facing a similar issue thanks to a glut of injuries and the fallout from the game between Canterbury and Souths, but that solidarity doesn't make it any easier for me to take.

My two grievances come in the form of an injury and a suspension as a result of last Friday's drama.

First I lost Canterbury's Brett Morris to a hamstring injury for about three months and then the news came that his captain James Graham will be serving two suspensions for four weeks.

While we continue to reign supreme in the head-to-head stakes, this is not great news for GT's Socialites.

Jack Bird celebrates after scoring against the Roosters. Source: Getty Images

I thought I was pretty lucky to already have "must-buy" cheapie Jack Bird in my ranks but now I've had to do some scrambling and trading anyway.

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I have recruited former Panther and blossoming Cowboy Lachlan Coote to replace Morris.

The North Queensland No. 1 has played three games this season and is on track to make some good money over the coming rounds.

He's only averaging 40.33 points at the moment but as he and the Cowboys get stronger, I think his points will get a lot better.

After spending a fair amount of time in rehab and on the recovery table, he is certainly striking up a solid combination with Johnathan Thurston and Michael Morgan.

He is a smart player and really showed his ability against his old club last week, earning 59 points.

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With my other trade, I have booted Graham for Trent Merrin.

Merrin is one of the top 10 players so far this year and it is my priority to start getting as many guns as I can.

I have Ethan Lowe, Corey Parker, Cameron Smith and Simon Mannering already from the top 10, with Merrin a great addition.

This will also leave me with $184,100 in the bank for next week, meaning I should be able to continue picking up top players.

Hopefully my captain, JT, will also start to make his way into those top 10 players.

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Free Bird the man to help Sharks fly

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SO often when a club is enduring the most difficult of times, it opens a door of opportunity for a young star to emerge. For the Cronulla Sharks this period of adversity has unearthed Jack Bird.

Bird was all class against top notch opposition last Sunday.

Normally an outside back, Bird was shifted into five-eighth and his speed, skill, but more than anything, his confidence, was exactly what the Sharkies needed.

Tough too! His backstory will reinforce that.

Bird suffers from a severe arthritic condition that requires fortnightly injections to keep the pain at bay and control his arthritis.

The injections are expensive and the working class family relied on the help of community fundraising to ensure young Jack got the medical help he needed.

Sharks skipper Paul Gallen was the star attraction at that fundraiser for the Bird family and four years later Gallen once again championed Bird's cause by going to Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan and pleading with him to put the kid in first grade.

Last Sunday Bird repaid his skipper. And from his first touch you could see he was a little special.

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Jack Bird celebrates scoring in the Sharks' shock win over the Roosters. Source: Getty Images

The way he moved, the way he held the football and held himself at the point of defensive contact.

His first big moment came in the 32nd minute, off an inside ball from Luke Lewis. Bird exploded into the open field and found himself one-on-one with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Bird didn't hesitate. Instead he challenged Roger to a sprint for the corner post…..with ball looping low in his right grip, he looked every bit the footballer and athlete.

Then he showed his strength, timing and confidence to put a mighty fend into Sheck's chest which left the Roosters star flat on his face, as Bird smiled and slammed the ball over the line.

Five minutes later he showed toughness and talent when surrounded by Roosters. Seemingly trapped in-goal, Bird stepped and accelerated into the teeth of the Roosters kick chase and surged himself into the field of play by an inch.

Only minutes before half-time, it was a mighty play.

With the Sharks leading 4-0 they needed another boost after half-time to cement their belief, and Bird provided again.

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On the last tackle, 20 metres out, he skimmed across the defence and convinced Roosters winger Daniel Tupou that he was about to throw a long ball. Tupou raced up, Bird kicked behind and Valentine Holmes collected the ball for an easy try.

Young Jack was having a blinder, but how would he go with the game on the line?

In the NRL, when the scoreline is tight and the clock is showing only minutes to go, the game becomes a completely different beast.

Like playing $5 hands at the Blackjack table, then suddenly you're sitting in the High Rollers.

What you do, good or bad, has far greater consequences.

Here's how Bird handled his first trip to the High Rollers.

Bird is mobbed by his teammates after scoring. Source: Getty Images

Cronulla's 14-0 lead was evaporating quickly, the Roosters were surging and with five minutes to go the Sharks looked like a boxer about to be given the standing eight count, holding a slender two-point lead.

Cronulla were on the attack but seemed to be just chewing up time rather than getting the vital try.

It's last tackle, Mick Ennis is dummy-half and looking for a ball handler. The television replays would show a young Jack Bird saying to the experienced Ennis, "Here! Give it here!"

Ennis did exactly that, Bird accelerated and then stepped inside young defensive tyro Dylan Napa to slam the ball over the line to ice the game, and get try number two for the afternoon.

Sharks fans should be excited. Bird may still only be a player of potential and will no doubt have his share of lows, as well as highs in 2015, but you can see the class.

Last week the Sharks rediscovered their style against the high flying Roosters. They hustled and bustled defensively and exuded energy with the football. They were once again a difficult and awkward opposition to play.

Tonight they face another team who have rediscovered themselves in 2015, the Newcastle Knights. For a town built on coal and steel, the high flying Tinkler/Bennett era was never a good fit. Under Rick Stone they are fighting with the underdog spirit the people of Newcastle best identify with.

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Meninga: South Sea brothers need our help

Brothers Declan and Jaquan Marou with Teeal Tanna raising money for victims of the Vanuatu cyclone. Source: unknown / Supplied

THE NRL's appeal to raise money for the victims of Vanuatu's cyclone disaster is one I hope all Queenslanders will support as a sign of gratitude for the South Sea islanders that helped to make this state so great.

This is a cause personally close to my heart, given my proud South Sea islander heritage.

But it is also an opportunity for Queenslanders to help a wonderful group of people in their time of need, and acknowledge the strong historical ties.

Over a period of four decades from the middle of the 19th Century, around 60,000 labourers were brought from the Papua New Guinea and the South Sea islands — including what is now known as Vanuatu — to work in the Queensland cane fields.

These workers were "blackbirded", which basically means tricked or taken against their will to become "indentured workers" in a foreign land.

Most became canecutters, but these labourers were also used to help build roads and railways all the way down the Queensland coast to northern NSW.

My Pop and my father were among them — they were cane cutters until the 1960s.

DONATE: go to unicef.org.au/nrl or call toll free: 1800 822 542

Mal Meninga has been a vocal supporter of South Sea islanders' cultural history in Australia. Source: News Corp Australia

These workers helped to build the Queensland we know today, working hard for long hours and short pay packets a long way from home.

Then, at the start of the 20th Century, came the "White Australia" immigration policy, and they were told to get out of the country they had been taken to by force, worked hard to help, and now had to justify their own existence to stay in.

Some were married, some had their employees act as sponsors for them, meaning about 2000 were allowed to stay.

But thousands upon thousands more were not.

The "lucky" ones were shipped back to their own islands.

The less lucky were dropped on the nearest convenient island, a place they didn't know and they were not welcome. Because of local tribalism, violence often followed.

But there are also stories of others who were simply dropped in the ocean and left to fend for themselves.

The ones that were able to stay established themselves up the eastern seaboard, living in regions like Cairns, Tonwsville, Mackay, Bundaberg — where I was born — the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

And the way that many of these men were able to make themselves a part of their new communities was through rugby league.

Devastation in the aftermath of Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu. Source: Supplied

Being Islanders, they obviously had the build to play the game, but for them it was a way to engage with their community, build relationships and friendships, and be seen as more than just the hired help.

That is how my dad engaged with his community. The game allowed him to become a respected part of his community.

He was a cane-cuttuer and worked in the saw mills. He worked hard for a living. But he was respected by the people in the community because of his work traits, and because he played rugby league.

So when the people of Vanuatu ask for help after having their lives destroyed by Cyclone Pam, my history and my heritage compels me to give what I can.

As Queenslanders, with the role South Sea islanders played in our state's history and heritage, I hope you feel the same way.

The NRL are holding a fundraising round next weekend across all levels — all the way down to juniors — where rugby league people can help make a difference to the lives of a nation that desperately needs our help with a gold coin donation.

So far, more than $65,200 dollars in donations have ben collected from the rugby league community, with the NRL tipping in another $50,000 themselves.

It goes a long way in a country where $37 can buy a first aid kit for the injured, and $59 can provide drinking water kits to help a family survive.

If you can help, please go to unicef.org.au/nrl or call toll free: 1800 822 542

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The brain training device giving Day the edge

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GREEN jacket hunter Jason Day is backing a brain-training headband to get into the zone to conquer Augusta and deal with the distraction of playing in Tiger Woods' slipstream.

The Queenslander had relished the idea of playing the first two rounds of the Masters with comeback man Woods but playing in the group behind him for the opening 36 holes throws up a different challenge.

The biggest crowds in golf follow the former world No. 1 and the constantly shifting tapestry of "runners" trying to get into the best position to peer at the enigmatic star can become an unwanted blur of activity and noise.

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Day, Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler were the final group in the 97-man field to tee off early behind Tiger's army and will follow him again early in the second round.

Jason Day clowns around with his son, Dash and wife Ellie. Source: AFP

Everything about Day's Masters preparation has been meticulous, down to playing the course last Friday with a Focus Band around his head on different holes and from his previous problem spots on the course.

Day ditched two sports physchologists from his early visits to the Masters and turned to the feedback band that beeps from a wireless EEG reading whenever he is using the desired "quiet side'' of his brain.

"It's one of the tools we use for clarity, which is so important on a course like Augusta," said Day's caddie-coach Col Swatton.

"It measures brain activity and works on better focus."

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Day has a marvellous record on the par-five 13th, where he has harvested eight birdies in his 13 rounds at Augusta, but the uphill first has tripped him five times with bogeys to be his worst hole on the course.

"We used the band there and it just showed Jason's uncertainty because he's worried that if he finds the bunker on the right with his driver he's going to make bogey,'' Swatton said.

"We'll go with a different shot, or a three-wood, and that clarity really helps.''

Day is all for nutting out the extra detail: "We went over the holes where we are over par in the past and worked out if they were driving problems or second shot problems.

"It's a mental process and that brings in the Focus Band to see if something is distracting me on the uncomfortable shots. Being able to commit to a shot is so important around Augusta.''

Day's trouble holes at Augusta are the first and the 18th, with its tough tee shot, while the tricky par-three sixth is the only hole on the course he has never birdied.

Huge galleries follow Woods's every move. Source: AFP

Countryman Adam Scott wants to get right into the Masters hunt with an early round 66 or 67.

"One great round can go a long, long way at a major," said Scott, whose opening 64 at the 2012 British Open got him into the hunt until the final putt.

"You get off to a good front nine and anything is possible on the back nine at Augusta (with two reachable par fives).''

His 66 in 2012 is his best in 48 rounds at Augusta while Day proved Scott's point with his striking 64 in the second round in 2011 which he rode to second.

Former British Open champion Ian Baker-Finch said world No. 5 Day had taken his game to a new level with big tournament wins this year and last.

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"There is a certain level or style of player who get to a point where they expect to win,'' Baker-Finch said yesterday.

"I think Jason has got to that point now when he gets to a major, like Adam has been the last couple of years.''

Baker-Finch tipped Day to get right into the mix as top Aussie while also saying he commended Scott's decision to go back to the broomstick putter.

"I think he has the ability to win again," Baker-Finch said of the 2012 Masters champion.

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