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NORTHERN EAGLES star recruit Ben Walker has declared he wants to become a free agent if the club cannot guarantee his future by the end of the month. Walker, who transferred from Brisbane in a two-year deal this season, said yesterday the financial instability of the Eagles had left players worried they would be left without a club next year should the joint venture collapse. "It would be nice to get an answer, yes or no (that the club will survive), but they can't do that, so it would be fair to release us as free agents so we know we could have a contract to go to," Walker said. "It gives us a chance to look elsewhere and try and find a club. "It is a tough situation. If the club is around next year, then we will be staying, but if you're not too sure if they're going to be there, it is a bit hard to stay loyal, I guess." Walker was supporting the stance of the Rugby League Players Association, which has sent a letter to the club requesting the players be released on July 27 if the Eagles are unable to solve their financial problems. Eagles and NSW back-rower Steve Menzies also backed the idea. "We support the players association. It's a bit worrying for most of the guys, they've got families and mortgages, and if they wait too long to decide their future, they may not have any options," Menzies said. Eagles chief executive Graham McNaney said he was still waiting to discuss the issue with the RLPA, and did not want to comment any further. The club may well know its future by July 27, as it is currently exploring two final options as its bail-out packages. Walker has been linked with English club Wigan, which released Matthew Johns on Wednesday.

BENNETT DEFENDS HODGES SACKING

THE axing of Brisbane Broncos teenager Justin Hodges was not retribution for joining another club, coach Wayne Bennett said today. Hodges was relegated to a Broncos feeder club in Toowoomba for the rest of the season after signing a three-year deal with the Sydney Roosters. Bennett said the decision to take 19-year-old out of the Broncos stable was based on the best interests of the club. "Justin informed us that he had signed with Eastern Suburbs (Roosters)," Bennett told ABC Radio today. "I don't have a problem with that - it is every player's right to do that. "But when he made that decision I had to make another decision. "Justin is a young player. We have taken him from a schoolboy player to a $200,000 player in three years. "I felt that his continuing to play in the NRL was denying other young players an opportunity. "I based the decision on what the club's needs are - not on Justin's. "The club needs to get other players to take jobs. It's not based on anger." Bennett said players such as Wendell Sailor has shown great loyalty to the club and all players need to recognise loyalty is a "two-way street". "(Sailor's) had bigger offers to go somewhere else and stayed here ... now he wants to move on and that is fine but he has given us a lot and I feel we need to give him something in return," he said. "At the moment we have given Justin a lot. "There is an opportunity for him to give us something back in return - he doesn't see that as what he wants to do here. "He wants to do it somewhere else. But I want to reward other young men who train just as hard as he does with the opportunity then to get that position in the club because Justin won't be here to fulfil it." Hodges, the man touted as the replacement for rugby union-bound Sailor, was left devastated by Bennett's decision. It is a decision which threatens to drive a wedge into the team, with players left stunned or angry at the way Hodges was dumped. Sailor is believed to be furious about Bennett's actions and at least one member of the coaching staff indicated he is against the hardline stance. "The boys have been ringing me all day, saying they're sorry about what happened in the (dressing) sheds before training," Hodges said. "I feel heartbroken because all I wanted to do was win a grand final with Brisbane." Hodges' best mate, Test winger Lote Tuqiri, said he thought it was "a gee-up" when he heard the news. "I hope Justin doesn't spend the rest of the year in the Clydesdales," he said. The Hodges three-year, $600,000 deal with the Roosters so angered Brisbane they have severed all contact with his manager Jim Banaghan. One of Banaghan's other young charges at the club, forward Corey Parker, has been warned he will suffer the same fate as Hodges if he does not come to terms immediately. Roosters recruitment head Arthur Beetson described the Broncos ultimatum as "Al Capone stuff" and accused the club of underpaying players. "Most of their players are grossly underpaid and grossly under-represented," Beetson said. "They have managers who will not do anything to the detriment of the Broncos. "It's a bit sad, but it doesn't surprise me that they dropped Justin. Bennett has spat the dummy and taken his football home. This will cost the club a lot of support." Hodges told Bennett on Tuesday night he had decided to accept the Roosters' offer because he wants to play fullback, and he feels he has no chance at the Broncos with Darren Lockyer there. Yesterday morning at training, Bennett told the players of Hodges' decision and when Hodges tried to go on to the field with his team-mates Bennett stopped him. "Wayne told me I didn't need to worry about training because I was no longer in the top 25," Hodges said. "He said to report for training with Toowoomba the next day at three o'clock." The Broncos issued a statement maintaining the club had made Hodges a substantial offer and emphasising the club's appreciation for the young players who had shown loyalty. "If we had matched, or even come close to the financial offer we believe the Roosters made to Justin, this young man would have been receiving more than many of our season 2001 Origin and Test debutants," said Broncos managing director Shane Edwards. Some of those players are believed to be on as little as $120,000 a year. Edwards said it is common knowledge in league circles the Broncos had a running battle with Banaghan over a number of issues, and with a number of players. Banaghan said the Broncos are embarking on "one big act of revenge", but he is not a puppet of Edwards or Bennett. "They're acting like spoilt brats," Banaghan said. "They are not getting their way, so they go and shoot the messenger. "It was no problem for them when they took Scott Prince from the Cowboys, Gorden Tallis and Anthony Mundine from St George and Glenn Lazarus from Canberra." Banaghan claimed one of the incentives offered to Hodges to stay in Brisbane was the chance to have free drinks to the value of $200 a week at a city nightclub. Another of Banaghan's players, P J Marsh, signed with New Zealand Warriors last week even though he had been earmarked as Parramatta's long-term halfback.

CLUBS SAY NO MORE CASH FOR EAGLES

Following the rejection yesterday by three leagues clubs of another request to provide more money for the Northern Eagles, the cash-strapped joint venture now faces a new ultimatum from its players - guarantee their contracts by July 27 or make them free agents. North Sydney Leagues Club president Jim Henry, his Manly Leagues Club counterpart Ken Arthurson and Central Coast Leagues Club boss Ray Maher met National Rugby League officials David Moffett, Malcolm Noad and David Gallop yesterday to discuss extra funding for the Eagles. But club chairman Ian Thomson later revealed the situation hadn't changed. Players Association chief executive Rob Lawson said a letter had been drafted asking the Northern Eagles and the NRL to guarantee the players be paid in full for the remainder of the season. If not, the PA believes all Northern Eagles players should become free agents at midnight on July 27 and be exempt from the salary cap next season. "The Rugby League Players Association is still very hopeful that good people like Ian Thomson and [chief executive] Graham McNaney can keep the Northern Eagles afloat because that's in the best interests of the game," Lawson said. "But because of the volatility of the situation and what's happened in the past, we feel that we must act now to ensure that there is no repeat of what happened at the Warriors." Thomson was unaware of the letter, which will be sent to the NRL today, but sympathised with the players' plight. "I haven't heard that [the PA request] and you're reluctant to give guarantees because you don't know what's going to happen down the track," he said. "But if it comes to that, and they want to know either way, then it's something we can do - we won't be keeping any secrets from the players." Of the meeting with the three leagues clubs, Thomson said: "The NRL called it, we didn't know what it was about until we got there." Moffett, the chief executive of the NRL, said Arthurson and Henry had been told that Manly and North Sydney would not both be re-admitted to the competition if the Northern Eagles were to collapse. Moffett said: "All the parties at the meeting made it clear that the joint venture was their first priority. "We also made it clear that we would not be discussing anything but a 15-team competition."

UK LEAGUE TO JOIN UNION

The first serious move to heal the century-old schism between the two rugby codes is under way in England and may result in one or more league clubs joining the union competition there next year, according to English rugby administrator Peter Wheeler. Wheeler said yesterday that rugby authorities in England had begun a dialogue with top league clubs with a view to unifying the two codes, a process made easier by the fact that union and league were no longer separated by professionalism and had grown much closer in on-field play. A former England captain and now chief executive of the Leicester Club, Wheeler, who was in Australia following the Lions tour, said: "Some of the league clubs are looking down the track and thinking where their future should lie. I hope we may see one or two in [the union competition] by the season after next, the one starting in September next year." He expected these clubs would play both codes for two or three years and then, if all went well, switch mainly, or entirely, to union. Asked if separate players within these clubs would play each code during the transitional period, he said: "There may be a mixture." Wheeler admitted that the proposed "unification" really amounted to an en-masse conversion of league clubs to union, but he believed such an outcome, if it occurred, would be dictated by financial realities. "The basic economics that drive professional sport will force the issue," he said. "Rugby union in the UK, in Europe, is growing strongly, it's making strong financial progress, and league is finding it difficult. That's the thing that will resolve it. If it was the other way round, I guess we'd be looking at becoming Super League clubs. "I also think the games have come closer together in the way they're played. I mean, look at the number of times in the [Lions] Test last Saturday night that there were rucks with the players lined up across the field, almost totally similar to a rugby league play-the-ball, except they weren't 10 yards back." He said many league clubs, including St Helens, Wigan, Bradford and Leeds, were involved in the dialogue, but he declined to name the clubs likely to start playing union in the next few years. "That could cause them extreme difficulty until they're ready," he said. "The timing needs to be right. I think at the present time they're looking very seriously at the possibility that union may be the future for them and assessing all the implications. It will be very difficult for them: there are some big obstacles and they've got to bring their supporters with them." Yet it was clear which direction history was heading. "Union in England is extremely positive. The European Cup has done tremendous things to make the game more popular on a European scale - the contest between Toulouse and Leicester and Cardiff and all that is not just nationalistic but tribalistic. This has really caught everyone's imagination and taken off in the last two or three years. "Rugby league in England has never been able to get out of Yorkshire and Lancashire, really. So that's what the league guys are seeing: they're seeing the sort of occasion we saw in Stadium Australia the other night, they're seeing Jason Robinson, who was one of their players not too long ago, playing a starring role - and all of it going out to hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide. "League doesn't have that, and there are some people [in league] who are looking at where their future lies and they've come to the conclusion it probably lies in union." Steve Mascord reports: Wigan chairman Maurice Lindsay last night said Wheeler's comments were "news to me" but admitted the landscape between the games was changing rapidly. "They've [union] taken Phil Larder, they've taken Ellery Hanley and they've taken Joe Lydon," Lindsay said. "They're all in high-profile coaching and development positions. They've also now taken Jason Robinson and I think it's well known that they've signed Iestyn Harris. NRL chief executive David Moffett said: "There may be a lot of other rugby union clubs who might be put out if rugby league clubs were given an armchair ride into the first division competition. "But, aside from that, it's the first I've heard of it."

MATTHEW V ANDREW

MATTHEW JOHNS will rely on body language to combat his brother Andrew when league's champion brothers come face to face on a football field for the first time next season. Older brother Matthew confirmed last night he has signed for the next two years with the Sharks. Wigan boss Maurice Lindsay granted Matthew a release from the final year of his contract on compassionate grounds. With Wigan very much in the hunt for the English Super League title Matthew will remain with the club until his commitments for the season are completed. As of last weekend Wigan were in second place in the English premiership, only two points behind Bradford. Speaking from England last night Matthew said it would be unusual to be lining up against Andrew. "It will be unusual and funny because we've often talked about it," Matthew said. "Joey always says he can tell by my body language when I'm about to do something on the field and vice-versa. Just watching him on telly I can see when he's going to take someone on or do something different with the ball. "I suppose you could call it his idiosyncrasies, I can tell when something's doing. I'll get another insight into how good a player he is. "Playing alongside of him I know but now I'm really going to find out." Matthew says his brother played a role in his decision to sign with the Sharks. "When I told him I was talking to the Sharks when it looked as though I would be coming home because of an illness in my wife's family he was very supportive of the move," said Matthew. "I've since thought to myself he might have ulterior motives because he wants to fix me up on the field. "But seriously Joey believes the Sharks under Chris Anderson will work out fine for me." But why the Sharks when he would have been in demand by many other clubs? Johns says he had heard in England that Adam Dykes was likely to move to Parramatta. "I spoke to Chris Anderson and told him that if he needed a five-eighth I might be available to come home," Johns said. "So when Adam signed with the Eels there was an opening for me. "At the end of the 1999 season Chris gave me a chance to play five-eighth for Australia. "I enjoyed my time with him there so when this situation arose I thought I would sound him out and the rest is now history. "I feel I still have at least two years left to play at NRL level and I couldn't be more enthusiastic about coming home to kick off with the Sharks." With Dykes moving to Parramatta the Sharks desperately needed a playmaker of Johns' calibre to steer them around the park. Depending on what happens with the Northern Eagles financially over the next month or so their five-eighth Ben Walker is the player most likely to be approached to replace Johns at Wigan. Walker is currently the season's leading pointscorer and won't have much trouble finding a new club either here or in England should he become a free agent.

BUNNIES V DRAGONS,SEASON OPENER

SOUTH Sydney chairman George Piggins' wish was granted last night – his club will play a grudge match against rivals St George Illawarra to open the 2002 season at the SCG. Piggins was hurt by St George Illawarra's stance when Souths was dumped from the NRL after the 1999 season. The Dragons were one of 13 clubs who signed affidivats as part of the NRL's case against Souths. "You only have to read what they said about us in their affidavit," Piggins said. "We had been around 100 years and were a grand old club. I thought they would have thought we were treated harshly and they would want us in the competition. "But they didn't. "If you needed a bit of feeling in a game this would add the right flavour and add to the atmosphere. "But I'm talking about the St George Illawarra officials, not the public." NRL chief executive David Moffett told The Daily Telegraph that the match between two of Australia's greatest rugby league clubs would "be in line with our desire to have the season opener as local derbies". Moffett added: "We would be silly not to give this match strong consideration. "At this stage I can't see why this game could not be part of our opening round. "It is very high on our list of priorities." When the courts returned Souths to the NRL earlier on July 6, St George Illawarra chief executive Peter Doust said: "We have been committed to 14 teams like a lot of other clubs in the premiership. I'm not prepared to feel warm and fuzzy about this whole thing yet." Last night Doust said his club would enjoy an SCG match-up with Souths. "If he (Piggins) wants it, we'd only be too pleased but at the end of the day it's the NRL that set the programming schedule," Doust said. "Looking back we took a provocative stance from the beginning and supported a 14-team competition. "We then took the view that a joint venture would be good for the game and good for us. "We were in opposition to Souths in some forms including affidavits. "But we're looking forward now, not back. Bringing Souths back is good for the game." Souths are this week expected to announce its first signing for next season. Among the players being chased include Adam Muir, Luke Priddis Glenn Grief and Paul McNicholas. Prop Ian Rubin has also been mentioned but is still under contract next season with the Sydney Roosters. Piggins confirmed his club would not pay exorbitant amount of money for players. "We won't be going over the salary cap – at this stage we'll be looking for youth and players looking for an opportunity," Piggins said.

JOHNS 'BEST EVER'

LONDON: British rugby league great Shaun Edwards has rated Australian Test halfback Andrew Johns the best player in the world of all time - and the best player in either league or union at the moment. Edwards, one of the most capped UK players and the highest scoring halfback in British rugby league, said Johns is the key to the Kangaroos' 28-10 win over New Zealand last Friday. "I watched the Australia-New Zealand game at the weekend, the result was pretty much expected. There was also an air of inevitability once the Kangaroos went 16-0 up," he told the rugby.com website. "However, the game was made special by the play of Australia's scrum-half Andrew Johns. "I think he is the best rugby player either league or union, in the world. "He created everything and it was a pleasure to watch him. "I would even go so far as to say he is the best player of all time. "To put in a performance like that after three months out shows what a true pro he is."

BUNNIES TO OPERATE UNDER FULL CAP

SOUTH SYDNEY will operate under a full $3.25 million salary cap for the 2002 NRL season. New chief executive Paul Dunn said money wouldn't be a concern for the Rabbitohs when they re-enter the premiership fold after two seasons on the outer. Dunn took up his new position today and said a lot of clubs would be envious of Souths' marketing opportunities after the club's successful battle with the league for reinstatement. But Dunn stressed the importance of the next 12 months, saying the club must take advantage of the public goodwill emanating from the Rabbitohs' popular legal victory. "There'll be a honeymoon period," he said. "If we don't do things right the first year, we'll be back where we started." Despite the NRL having already publicly welcomed Souths back into the 2002 competition, Souths won't sign any new players until the club's position is confirmed legally - hopefully this Friday. "We want it in writing," said Dunn, who added that a successful first season back for Souths didn't necessarily mean more wins than losses on the field. "(A success would be if we) spend less than we earn and people still think it's a good place to be involved with.".

DUMPED PRIDDIS COMES TO TERMS

Luke Priddis was hoping last week would be the culmination of a great year. Instead it turned into the worst week of his life. After he missed selection in the Australian side for the Test against New Zealand on Friday night, Broncos coach Wayne Bennett told Priddis his services would not be required next year. "I was very angry and absolutely shattered when Wayne first told me," Priddis said. "I've got rid of a lot of the animosity now but I'm still coming to terms with the decision." What most upset the NSW Origin star was the way the club went about sacking him. "The most disappointing thing for me was that I wasn't offered a contract at all," he said. "At first they told me to wait for a few weeks, then I heard nothing for seven weeks, then I'm told I'm not wanted." The former Australian Super League representative, who has played 69 first-grade games with the Broncos, was told he was a victim of salary-cap restrictions. "They couldn't afford me was the basic line," Priddis said. "I always knew I wouldn't be getting as much but to get nothing ..." Broncos chief executive Shane Edwards said the decision was made because of financial constraints, but that didn't make it any easier. "It was a very hard decision to make - he's a great player and a great person," Edwards said. "But there's a thing called a salary cap and we all have to live with that." Priddis has a young family - he and his wife Holly have two children, Steven, 7, and Amber, 2 - and is tired of playing musical chairs with their lives. The 24-year-old played with Canberra from 1996 to 1998. Then he moved to Adelaide to play with the Rams. When that club folded he joined Brisbane. Following his bucking by the Broncos, his tour of Australia's capital cities looks likely to continue. "I don't want to put the kids in a situation where they don't know what's going on," he said. "It's just going to take some time to sort this out. I'm resigned to living and playing in Sydney. "We're going to leave a pretty cruisy lifestyle up here and join the rat race in Sydney. It's not ideal." Ironically, the sacking comes in what is arguably Priddis's best year. The Woden Weston Rams junior played in all three State of Origin games and has been a consistent performer for the Broncos. "The year so far has been pretty kind to me," Priddis said. "I've achieved a few goals I've set out to achieve and I'm not going to let this upset it." Despite the setback, Priddis makes no bones about the desire that still burns in him to play in the NRL and says several clubs are bidding for his services. "In the long run this will just make me more determined," he said. "There are still a lot of things I want to achieve in this game. There's no use crying over spilt milk - you just go out and buy another carton."

EAGLES OUTRAGE OVER ILLEGAL HITS

NORTHERN EAGLES coach Peter Sharp has called for match officials to give Brett Kimmorley more protection after accusing St George Illawarra of using illegal tactics to target the Eagles half. Sharp's plea came as tension from Saturday night's encounter between the Eagles and Dragons at Brookvale Oval spilled over yesterday. The Eagles contacted the National Rugby League in an attempt to have Dragons forward Jason Ryles cited, claiming he tried to deliberately elbow Kimmorley in the head. They were told the video review panel had looked at the incident and found no further action was warranted. Ryles was penalised in the second half for a late tackle on Kimmorley after he had chipped ahead. "If Kimmorley didn't move his head, he would have ended up in the grandstand," Sharp said yesterday. "I'm concerned they were knocking him around. He was unnecessarily targeted, he was hit late on a number of occasions and nothing happened. The only one they got was Ryles later in the game. "I thought he could have had better protection in the first couple of kicks when their intentions became clear." The Eagles players were incensed after the game at the tactics the Dragons had used in the play the ball area. Three St George Illawarra players had gone on report for lifting tackles but they were all cleared yesterday, while prop Craig Smith also escaped further action after being penalised for a high tackle on Kimmorley early in the game. Dragons chief executive Peter Doust defended his club last night. "My response is if Manly (sic) are so concerned I would appreciate a call from them," he said. "We thought the referee's ruling on Ryles was appropriate and we also don't believe in clubs trying to cite other players. There is a system in place to handle that." Dragons coach Andrew Farrar also defended his tactics. "I still think there's a window in the game for aggressive defence which is within the rules," he said. "I know safety is an issue but as long as it is within the rules, playing the game hard and fast has always been part parcel to rugby league."

KING WALLY TAKEN TO HOSPITAL

LEAGUE legend Wally Lewis was taken to hospital tonight after appearing disorientated while reading a sports item on Channel Nine news in Brisbane. Lewis, 41, seemed in good health at the start of the news bulletin but suddenly appeared confused while introducing a story on the Brisbane Lions AFL team. He could not not finish his sentences and was taken off air. Newsreader Bruce Paige read the rest of the sports bulletin without any explanation on Lewis's condition. A Channel Nine spokeswoman said Lewis, who has been struggling with influenza for the past week, began to feel unwell while reading the bulletin. "As a precaution, Wally was taken to a local hospital and is awaiting test results," the spokeswoman said. She said Lewis expected to be back reading the sports bulletin tomorrow. In an illustrious career, Lewis was the Brisbane Broncos inaugural captain and played 31 State of Origin matches for Queensland between 1980 and 1991. He played 33 Test matches for Australia and was captain 23 times. Since leaving the game, Lewis has been a league commentator and has read the sport on Brisbane's Channel Nine for the past few years.

PLAYERS CALL FOR SHORTER SEASON

LEADING Australian Test stars last night called for the NRL season to be shortened following a whirlwind weekend of football. Some players – like Dragons duo Trent Barrett and Craig Smith – were forced to play two games in 24 hours after just two hours sleep last weekend. Sydney Roosters forward Bryan Fletcher, who featured in Friday's Test and then backed up in Sunday's Roosters-Bulldogs clash, said the season should be cut to protect the players. "They've got to make the season shorter," Fletcher said. "I don't know how they could make it fair, but something has to happen. "At the moment I'm still looking forward to every game, but my body is a bit battered and bruised." With seven rounds remaining in the regular season, four weeks of finals football and a Kangaroo tour, some players will be involved in upwards of 40 games. The elite players will return home from the end-of-season tour in early December and be expected at pre-season training in January. Even players from clubs that finish outside the top eight will be expected to swing back into full-scale training after just a month's break. Fletcher's call for a shorter season was supported by World Cup and NSW teammates Robbie Kearns and Adam MacDougall. When asked if the season was too tough on representative players, Kearns said: "Definitely, big time." "It's too long when you work in three Origin games, the one-off Test the other night and then six or seven games at the end of the year with the Kangaroo tour," Kearns said. "But the power brokers say there's no real fair way of running the competition unless you play everyone twice. "It's a hard predicament, but I know from some players' points of view it is too tough. "The thing is you've got some players who are off from the end of August until the start of January and others who are playing almost all year round. "There's no easy solution." Newcastle winger MacDougall, who has been sidelined for seven games this season with various injuries, said the competition schedule should be changed. "The format of the competition is pretty hard on the players," MacDougall said. "It's that time of year when every representative player is starting to feel the effects of it. "Something should be done."

ROGERS "A SURPRISE RETURN"

TEST winger Mat Rogers will make a surprise comeback for the Sharks next week after recovering from shoulder surgery that threatened to keep him out for the season. Rogers, who has announced he will follow Kangaroos teammate Wendell Sailor to rugby union next year, has not made a premiership appearance this year. Sharks coach John Lang says Rogers could have played next Saturday against the Northern Eagles at Toyota Park. "Mat would be in the side if we were playing a Grand Final," Lang said. "He has been given a clearance to play but the medical staff believes Friday week's game against the Roosters is the appropriate time to make his return. "It's great news for us. Mat's the sort of player who can make something out of nothing and win the game for you." There is no shortage of talent in Lang's squad at the moment. Fullback David Peachey and halfback Preston Campbell are scoring amazing tries on a weekly basis and five-eighth Adam Dykes probably has only Trent Barrett in front of him as the premiership's form pivot. The Sharks' season turned around four rounds ago when Peachey, Chris McKenna and Nick Graham returned from injury. They have won four straight and are again being mentioned as title contenders and with Rogers back their fortunes are certain to surge again. "I suppose people could say we've only beaten teams below us on the premiership table," Lang said. "But there is a feeling in the camp we can make our presence felt as the playoffs get closer." Giant centre Paul Mellor has signed a two-year contract to remain with the club and while they'll lose Martin Lang, Sean Ryan, Dykes and Rogers next year there is no shortage of optimism in the camp. Mellor is the sixth senior signing for the Sharks for next season along with lock Nick Graham, prop Jason Stevens, halfback Preston Campbell, forward Chris Beattie and new recruit Danny Nutley from Warrington. Coach Lang won't be there either and at this stage plans to have a year out of the game. While Rogers will be returning to his specialist wing position the coach has no doubts where his talents would be best suited. Rogers has said one of the reasons he is switching codes is to get a run at centre or five-eighth. "Mat's a great talent and probably his best position is fullback but of course we have David Peachey playing there," Lang said. "He has a beautifully long left-foot kick and everybody knows how he runs the ball back from his own territory. "At the moment Mat will start on the wing for us but the side will be picked on what appears to be right at the time." Since joining the league in 1967, the Sharks have yet to win a title. Grand Final appearances in 1973 (Manly), 1978 (Manly) and 1997 (Broncos, Super League) all ended in tears. But with Rogers back and the side in hot form 2001 might be a year to remember.

MATTHEW JOHNS "A SHARK"!

FORMER Newcastle and now Wigan five-eighth Matthew Johns today signed a two-year deal with the Sharks. Johns, a former Australian Test player, was granted a formal release from English Super League club Wigan overnight on compassionate grounds and immediately completed his negotiations with the NRL club. Johns, 29, played 174 first grade games with the Knights before heading overseas to Wigan this year after Newcastle failed to offer him a renewal of his contract, citing salary cap restrictions. "Matthew Johns is a major signing for us," Sharks football general manager Steve Rogers said. "He has the ability to direct a side around the field, which is well-documented given his time with Newcastle. "We've always had the nucleus of a good football side. Matthew Johns just gives us that something extra." Johns is one of four signings for the Sharks today. Penrith centre/winger Matthew Rieck, 21, signed a two-year deal while Sharks second rower Sam Isemonger re-signed for one year. Manly backrower Dean Bosnich signed for two seasons but like Isemonger his deal is subject to medical clearances with both players returning from knee reconstructions this season.

NEW CONTRACTS TO STOP BLOWOUTS

PLAYER contracts stacked with win bonuses are on the agenda amid claims that well-paid NRL players are not hurting enough in defeat At least one club is working on restructured player contracts in the wake of blow-out scorelines that have marred the Premiership this season. This would see players paid a smaller sign-on fee, but collect handsome payments for every victory. Losses would earn a paltry amount. Former Souths and Easts champion, Ron Coote, believes fat paypackets have contributed to a change of attitude toward defeat. "You see them get beat by plenty and they walk off as happy as Larry," Coote said. "You should walk off with your head down if you get beat by 30 or so points. "In my time playing rugby league, I would not have been laughing and joking coming off the field, I'll tell you. "They are all getting paid too well, I think. That's got a bit to do with it. Incentive contracts would make them hungrier." The issue was a major talking point among some of the game's greatest names at the mid-week launch of Graeme Langlands' biography. Coote and others that spoke to The Sunday Telegraph are irked at the sight of players enjoying a laugh with a friend from the opposition as they leave the field after being handed a walloping. They believe contracts that pay few dollars in defeat would soon wipe the smiles from players' faces – particularly given some of the scorelines this year: 66-12, 64-0, 58-14, 52-8, 50-6, 44-0 and 40-0. The "friendly" exchanges trouble Wests Tigers coach Terry Lamb and Dragons counterpart Andrew Farrar, both integral parts of the merciless Canterbury teams of the 1980s. "A loss has got to mean something to you – it's good to have mates from the other teams, but it's good to know when you are losing and to feel the loss," Lamb said. "It comes down to players jumping from club to club – the loyalty is not there for the jersey. The players do play to win, but at the end of the day they say `oh well, we lost, we'll have a beer' and that's it." On the subject of players not hurting enough after being thrashed, Farrar added: "I truly believe that. "In the last couple of years, teams on the end of a real good hiding have gone out in public after it. "To me, if you get beat by 20 or 30 points, it can be embarrassing – it was when I was playing. It probably doesn't mean as much to them as it used to ... which is a shame." Another factor is the NRL's top-eight finals format. Unlike when just five from 16 teams qualified, players know that in a 26-round season they can afford several major slip-ups and still make the semi-finals in September. Seen as a way of ensuring players never want to experience the foul taste of defeat, player contracts with heavy incentives for wins are inevitable, according to Farrar.

TV DEAL TO HELP FUND SOUTHS

THE NRL signed off on a $40 million television deal for the New Zealand broadcasting rights yesterday which will cover the funding for South Sydney's re-entry into the competition next year. Chief executive David Moffett announced the new five-year deal with existing carrier Sky TV, which reaches a third of homes in New Zealand. The deal was previously valued at $6.5 million a year but has now jumped to $8 million annually and lays the final piece down for Souths return. "This is one that's going to benefit the NRL and all 14 clubs, soon to be 15 clubs. The arrangements that we have put in place now for the next five years are going to enable us to take this game forward with a much greater degree of certainty than has been the case in the last few years," Moffett said. "The deal that we have done enables the NRL to say to all of the clubs that they have a $2.5 million grant next year and that also includes the reintroduction of South Sydney." The NRL funding will be crucial for Souths who are currently putting their infrastructure together to field a team in 2002. They are planning to run on a budget of $7 million which will be the smallest in the competition and even if it expands, depending on their corporate support, it will be equal smallest at $8 million. That figure would match the annual turnover of the New Zealand Warriors who are the leanest run operation at the moment. The Rabbitohs have confirmed a funding deal with Souths Juniors to the tune of $1.5 million a year and a $1 million deal with Channel Seven owner Kerry Stokes. The Souths board will be meeting next Tuesday and is expected to put in place a chief executive and the marketing arm. There has already been speculation on candidates for the chief executive who is expected to come from outside the club. Names mentioned include former St George Illawarra chief executive Brian Johnson and former Test forward Paul Dunn who has completed an MBA since he retired from football. Some Souths officials may consider Johnson unacceptable however given the Dragons opposed Souths re-introduction during the long running court action. The club is also on a drive to build one of the biggest membership bases in the code. When they were booted out of the competition they had 350 members but as of yesterday the figure was up to 4200. The club is hoping to sign its first player early next week. A number of top players have already been linked to the club including Northern Eagles forward Adam Muir and discarded Brisbane hooker Luke Priddis. "I've rung Luke to let him know we would be very interested in him," Souths director Sean Garlick said last night. "He is exactly the type of player we need at Souths, and Craig Colemam, myself and 'Gus' (Phil Gould) have a high opinion of him."

SOUTHS WANT "THE MAN"

WORLD-ranked boxer Anthony Mundine today admitted he was tempted to return to rugby league with South Sydney, perhaps on a part-time basis. In a hectic week which included his overseas debut and the birth of his second child, his son Rahime on Thursday night, Mundine was believed to be among the players sought by Souths coach Craig Coleman for the Rabbitohs' NRL re-entry next season. Unbeaten super middleweight Mundine said he hadn't spoken to Coleman since returning to Sydney yesterday from Montreal where he defeated American veteran Kevin Pompey earlier in the week. While Mundine was contracted to St George Illawarra when he quit the NRL last year, he admitted to a soft spot for Souths where he played junior football. "It is tempting, obviously rugby league has been a part of me since I was four years old and I showed them I was the best and I've left and I'm doing my thing in boxing," Mundine said here today. "League is going to have a place in my heart always, so now that the Bunnies are back in, that's the team which I really feel for. "I was a junior there for 10 years, I played for Zetlands Jets as a youngster, and if we could get some contract where I could just play the semi-finals, or do something like that, who knows..." Asked if the Dragons would still be his first choice if he returned to league, Mundine said: "It depends on who Souths get and what they do, but I'm really focussed on getting a world title shot and then maybe who knows after that." Mundine declared himself "really happy" with his performance against Pompay which lifted his record to eight wins (seven KO) and said he wanted his next fight to be in Australia against an opponent whose scalp would earn a top 10 world ranking. Prior to last week's bout, 26-year-old Mundine was ranked 14th by the International Boxing Federation and 29th by the World Boxing Council. "The next step is basically to just keep climbing the ladder and trying to get to No.1, because I want to fight for a world championship and they are not going to fight me if I am not a mandatory challenger," Mundine said. "I will sit down with my team and sort out what type will take us further and hopefully I will have the next one in Australia and then possibly go to the United States."

HOPOATE RETURNS

AFTER three months of dominating the headlines, controversial Manly winger John Hopoate was happy to play a supporting role tonight on his return to rugby league. The former Australian winger, who ended his career at the Wests Tigers after receiving a 12-week suspension for inserting his finger in the anuses of opposition players, made his return in first division tonight for the Sea Eagles against St George Illawarra. And his 'homecoming' seemed to have the desired effect on his teammates, with the ninth-placed Sea Eagles upsetting the second placed Dragons 28-18 at Brookvale Oval. Hopoate put his hand up for a return to the NRL following his comeback, but in truth the former New South Wales winger is a few weeks off his best. An underdone Hopoate made two try-saving tackles in the first half as the home side took a 16-12 lead into halftime, but he was content to limit his second-half influence to a handful of runs out of dummy half as Manly - the club with which he started his first grade career in 1993 - wrapped up the two points with a try to halfback Alex Moore with 20 minutes remaining. Immediately after the game Hopoate was looking ahead to a NRL return with the Northern Eagles, and a possible clash with his former side in two weeks. "I am happy to be back, happy to have a run in first division," the 27-year-old said. "I got through okay with no injuries. I am putting my hand up for the NRL next week against the Sharks, and if not there then definitely against the Tigers the week after." Only a smattering of supporters were on hand to watch the one-time Test winger start in the centres wearing No.20. Hopoate played the entire 80 minutes, even spending some time in the second row, but if the Northern Eagles were hoping for Hopoate to make a quick return to the NRL, coach Peter Sharp would have been sorely disappointed. The controversial winger looked to be in desperate need of a hit-out after playing his first match since March 24, when his finger-poking antics first became public knowledge following complaints by three Cowboys players - Paul Bowman, Peter Jones and Glenn Morrison. Even so, his first division coach Des Hasler saw enough for him to suggest he wouldn't be in charge of Hopoate for too long. "I think he's going to put plenty of pressure on the side above him and to be honest I can't see him being with us for too long," Hasler said. "With his size and stature I think he's going to be a good acquisition for any side in the NRL. He's just a real weapon, similar to (Wendell) Sailor.

FITLERS FINAL KIWI FLING

It's not surprising Brad Fittler didn't want official recognition attached to his last Test against New Zealand. After all, it had been a hell of a couple of weeks for the outgoing Australian captain. His final State of Origin appearance for NSW went all pear-shaped after Allan Langer returned from England to wreck the party, and then his 250th first grade match ended with Sydney Roosters being thrashed last weekend by the Northern Eagles. When someone suggested a formal send off last night at Wellington's WestpacTrust Stadium, Fittler immediately rejected the idea. "I'm happier than you could believe," he said after Australia's 28-10 win. "I've been feeling like a bit of a hoodoo for the past couple of weeks. They tried to have some kind of tribute for my last game in New Zealand but I said 'no way'." One thing Fittler appears to have no control over, however, is finishing his career at lock. Despite a preference for playing five-eighth, he conceded the Test No6 jersey now firmly belonged to Trent Barrett - man of the match last night against the Kiwis. It's all part of evolution, just like Nathan Blacklock being the likely replacement for Wendell Sailor on the wing for Australia. Sailor also said farewell last night, but unlike Fittler will have no Kangaroo tour at the end of the year as a final swan song. Australian coach Chris Anderson and many of the senior players thanked the rugby union-bound winger for his services at a private get-together the night before the game, but there were no regrets from Sailor. "It was just good to win tonight. Rugby league is in good shape with all the young blokes that played tonight, so they're probably not going to miss me too much," Sailor said. Fittler disagreed, though. "He's [Sailor] such a character," he said. "You hate him when you're playing against him because he's got a big mouth and he bags you, but you know every time he's in your side he'll play just like another forward. "He's a drawcard, people either love him or hate him, so he's good for the game. But there's a bit of mail about that Jonah Lomu might be coming over, so he's not a bad replacement, I suppose." But, in reality, that is about as likely as Henry Paul signing to play for the All Blacks. The New Zealand utility said last night he would make a firm decision on his playing future by Wednesday, when he returns to Bradford, and insisted the Bulldogs were still an option. St George Illawarra's Kiwi prop Craig Smith said he was likely to choose between four possible playing options next week. Unfortunately, the Dragons aren't one of them.

FORMER Newcastle star Matthew Johns is set to make a stunning return to the National Rugby League next season with the Sharks. Johns is considering quitting glamour English club Wigan despite having another season to run on his contract to link up with his former Test coach Chris Anderson. It is understood the Sharks approached Johns several weeks ago in England about a possible return to the NRL after it became clear they would lose Adam Dykes to Parramatta. "At this stage, nothing has been decided but if I do come back home next season, I will be playing with the Sharks," Johns said. "I have a lot of respect for Chris Anderson as a coach and the Sharks are in need of a five-eighth. But it is certainly not cut and dried. "I have another year to run on my contract with Wigan and I am really loving my football over here with the club and I would have to take an enormous pay cut to leave. "There are just some family health issues that we need to think about and it is just so hard when you are on the other side of the world. "Family has to come first and if that means having to return home then that is what we will be doing." Johns said the thought of playing against the Knights and his brother Andrew still concerned him. "I went to England in the first place because I felt it wouldn't be too comfortable playing against the Knights and Joey," he said. "But to be honest, I would rather cop that than having to retire. "I feel like I still have plenty to offer the game. I would not go back home and continue at that level if I did not think I could handle it." Johns said there was no strict deadline on him to make a decision. "I haven't really spoken to Wigan at length about it yet and there is no guarantee at this stage that I will have to," he said. "We still have quite a few games to go and that is all I am concentrating on. "The Sharks are aware of the situation and know that if I return, I have made a commitment to play with them." Sharks football manager Steve Rogers confirmed yesterday the club was interested in securing Johns. "Obviously with the loss of Adam Dykes (to Parramatta) that would be an option, but at this stage there has been nothing concrete put in place," Rogers said. "We certainly would be interested in Matthew Johns, or any other recognised five-eighth for that matter."

THE irrepressible roll of the Rabbitohs continues to gain momentum after Friday's Federal Court ruling. All companies who filed affidavits during the hearing, pledging sponsorship funds of $10m over three years for Souths in the event of a return to the NRL, have stood by their commitment. The principle major sponsor will be Channel 7 owner Kerry Stokes through his private company Australian Capital Equities. ACE owns Network Seven and Westrac, Australia's biggest caterpillar tractor franchise. The deal is worth $1m a year for three years, with an option for a further two. This is likely to see Westrac appear on the Souths jersey as major sponsor. Next year will also see Souths Juniors continue their annual injection of $1.5m. Illustrated Sports Clothing are also standing by their commitment of $1m over the next five years, with former sleeve sponsor RSL Com and other companies to weigh in with additional funds. But a cautious George Piggins has vowed his club will be budget wary, with no top player to get more than $150,000 next year. The victorious Souths president is worried spiralling player payments will ruin the game and has pledged his club would be responsible when it came to luring top-class players. When asked about a business plan, Piggins was typically forthright in his response yesterday. "There's only one business plan in sport and that's not to spend as much money as you have in the drawer," Piggins said. "We'll come back into the competition with a reasonable side and a plan that ensures we won't get ourselves into trouble financially, and I'd think that should be enough. We certainly won't need the propping up the likes of North Queensland, Melbourne, the Warriors or the Northern Eagles have been (getting). "We have won a battle, but from now on a new battle begins and that's to build the club again." Piggins said the Rabbitohs would operate on a budget next year that would not exceed $7 million. "We may even improve that with some of the promises that have been offered, but honestly, I don't want to spend more than that and I think it's immoral to spend more than that," he said. "I can't understand someone telling me I've got to spend eight to 10 million when I don't have to. "We want to pay our best player $150,000 . . . not $400,000. "I think it's ridiculous people are telling me I've got to have this amount of money and I'm sitting here saying I actually think I can do the job a lot cheaper. "If I listened to some people, we'd find ourselves in debt. "But what people don't realise – the same people who tried to portray us as a broke club – was that we had $1.8 million in reserve when they wound us up two years ago." Piggins will urge the NRL to look at spiralling player payments, which he claims is killing the game. "People might say I'm out of touch with some of the figures I've said, but, gee, the alternative is the game dies," he said. "I can tell you this much, we're the best financially controlled club in the competition and if we don't have a couple of extra zeros when we meet the NRL, are they going to penalise us for being bad managers? "Look, I'm not about to get this club into trouble by paying over-priced footballers." Piggins was more than confident his club would meet any criteria when he sits down with NRL boss David Moffett this week. And he also had a warning or Souths supporters still celebrating Friday's historic court decision. "I think Souths people have been given a warning that if they want their football side, get to games and get to the leagues club and support the team," he said. "If they want to keep it, people have to get out there and support it."

ANDREW JOHNS and Trent Barrett were tonight named as Australia's halves combination for Friday's Test match against New Zealand in Wellington. Johns was chosen ahead of World Cup half-back Brett Kimmorley who missed out on the squad while Barrett got the five eighth's position ahead of captain Brad Fittler who will play at lock. Newcastle's Danny Buderus was a surprise inclusion to make his Test debut at hooker in a new-look Australian team after missing out on the State of Origin series. Queensland wingers Lote Tuqiri and Wendell Sailor received starting berths ahead of NSW flanker Adam MacDougall with the latter starting off the bench. Maroon's second-rower Bradley Meyers will make his Test debut in the starting side, with Queensland and Brisbane team-mates Petero Civoniceva and Dane Carlaw both named on the bench. All up there are five Test debutants in the Kangaroos team - Buderus, Meyers, Tuqiri, Civoniceva and Carlaw. Australian team: Darren Lockyer, Lote Tuqiri, Ryan Girdler, Matthew Gidley, Wendell Sailor, Trent Barrett, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler (c), Bradley Meyers, Bryan Fletcher, Jason Stevens, Danny Buderus, Shane Webcke, Reserves: Petero Civoniceva, Robbie Kearns, Dane Carlaw, Adam MacDougall. Travelling back-up: Daniel Wagon.

When word of South Sydney's greatest triumph began to filter through to the leagues club just before 10am yesterday, the gathered faithful were, at first, reluctant to believe it. It had been arranged on Thursday night that all Rabbitohs members who had given their mobile-phone numbers to the club would receive a text message as soon as the verdict was handed down. On the big screen in the auditorium at Souths' Chalmers Street headquarters, the Channel 7 coverage was just starting when a handful of fans seated at the front began shouting, "We've won, we've won". Having dared to dream of victory over the might of the Murdoch empire in two previous court cases, only to find their nightmares worsened each time, they wanted official confirmation. Then the telephones began beeping and the tears flowed and the cheering drowned out the sound of the television before anyone could hear what the hell the three appeal court judges had decided. And it didn't stop until George Piggins returned from the Federal Court - like a messiah - some 90 minutes later and urged the growing crowd at the Redfern club to pause momentarily in their revelling. "We've been fighting for this day since 1994, when the Super League war started, and we're here today because we never gave in," Piggins told the hundreds-strong red-and-green army packed into the auditorium, members of which were by now sporting stickers proclaiming, "We're Back". It had been a tough road, the most remarkable thing being not that Souths had won but that their supporters had stuck so solidly to the cause in the two years since the club was kicked out of the NRL. "This is the best day of our lives," said Mark Courtney, author of the book, Between the Goalposts, about Souths' history from 1908. "It's like the movie The Castle. They just thought that they had so much money that they could outlast us." Construction Forestry Mining & Energy Union joint assistant State secretary Brian Parker compared it to the union's greatest wins over big business, poet Maurie Anthony predicted those same corporations would now be crawling over each other to sponsor Souths and others were just thankful they'd taken the day off work to be there. "It's great to tell people that you're a South Sydney supporter," said John Turner, who'd travelled to Melbourne to endure a 52-6 loss in one of the club's last games before expulsion in 1999. "You've got to suffer defeat to be able to savour victory." And as South Sydney Leagues Club tried to replenish its draught-beer stock for celebrations last night, no-one was reluctant anymore to believe the Rabbitohs could win. "We've got to stick together and make sure this never happens to us again," Piggins said. "And, maybe, next year we'll be here celebrating after we've won the grand final."

Souths' president, George Piggins, and his wife, Noelene, left the Sydney office of the club's lawyer, Nick Pappas, at 9.40am, as cold winds swept Phillip Street, smiled at the wall of TV cameras outside the court building and caught the lift to court 21A where, in the minds of a million sports followers, justice was finally done. The loyal and powerful contingent of Rabbitoh supporters who accompanied the couple on their march - the broadcaster Alan Jones, politicians Deirdre Grusovin and Anthony Albanese, coach Craig Coleman, former Souths Juniors president Henry Morris, members of the Souths board and media officer Norm Lipson - broke into unrestrained joy when a Full Bench of the Federal Court found the National Rugby League had acted illegally when it excluded the club from the competition two years ago. The scenes in the courtroom resembled the dressing room of a winning grand final team as red-and-green scarved supporters embraced, punched the air and whooped for joy at the decision, sent to the court via a video link with Melbourne. At Souths' Redfern licensed club, the switchboard was inundated with calls for season tickets for next year. Potential sponsors have also contacted the club, and the Channel 7 owner, Kerry Stokes, reaffirmed his promise of a $1 million sponsorship through one of his private companies. Lipson, one of the Souths zealots who have worked tirelessly and voluntarily for the Rabbitohs since the NRL first excluded them and the Federal Court judge Paul Finn ruled it had not breached the Trade Practices Act, best summed up the mood of the supporters: "My life has just begun." But meetings over the next week will determine how his life and the "march of the just and the brave", as Piggins describes the club's crusade, proceed. NRL sources say the first offer to Souths will be very attractive financial incentives to merge with another club. This will be rejected outright by Piggins, who told the Herald in May: "People did not give us a couple of million bucks for us to come this far and then buckle and merge." While the Federal Court could not order Souths' re-instatement, their only position will be a demand to be included in the 2002 competition as a stand-alone club. The NRL has previously proved to be recalcitrant to overtures from Souths - not one of the 14 club bosses uttered a word when the NRL chief executive, David Moffett, invited comment on potential peace manoeuvres with Souths after the Finn judgment. But Souths now have a powerful ally at News Ltd, half owner of the NRL. The media group's chief executive, John Hartigan, said in a press release yesterday that he "... hoped the NRL and South Sydney would begin immediate discussions regarding the club's participation in the 2002 competition". Moffett rang Piggins soon afterwards to congratulate him on the verdict. Unlike most of the powerbrokers, Hartigan has been a South Sydney sympathiser for some time. He was not a player in the Super League war, nor in the criteria process which led to Souths' illegal exclusion, and he appreciates the code's tribal loyalty. Lipson refused to confirm or deny a meeting six weeks ago between Hartigan, Piggins and himself at Piggins's Maroubra home. Hartigan told Piggins he was powerless to act until the court decision but that he admired the club's grit. His press release does not rule out an appeal to the High Court but Souths translate this to mean that the NRL is concerned about possible litigation by clubs who entered into mergers. Now that the criteria have been found to breach the Trade Practices Act, it is possible that Wests, Balmain, Norths, Manly, St George and Illawarra - which formed mergers because they were fearful of standing alone - could launch actions. However, the Northern Eagles are in a desperate financial position, and Wests Tigers blew their budget last year. Only St George Illawarra is stable. But St George supporters emailed the Herald yesterday, protesting that no meeting was ever held to vote on the merger, and these vocal fans may agitate to pull the joint venture apart. Any suggestion that Souths may return, via a vacancy created with a triple merger of St George Illawarra and Cronulla, has no basis. St George Illawarra is holding talks with the Sydney Cricket Ground and Football Stadium Trust for a four-year agreement to use the SFS as a home ground. As the Dragons would continue to play some games at WIN Stadium, it seems unlikely that there would be any opportunity to schedule matches for the Sharks' home ground. The most likely avenue for Souths' return is the dissolution of the Northern Eagles, but this may not happen in enough time for the Rabbitohs, which want to field a team next year. The Manly board has rejected any possibility of a third party being invited into the consortium to inject much-needed cash. Should the merger dissolve, the licence reverts to Manly. Realistically, the Brookvale club could only field a team of juniors, its poker machine revenue being only half that of St George. As well, a Manly collapse would leave a $27 million stadium at Gosford vacant and a potential growth area dormant. Another possibility is the collapse of Wests Tigers, with the Magpies reforming with Canterbury and Balmain linking with Parramatta. This would be welcomed by the Bulldogs, who would control the Liverpool-Campbelltown heartland of the code. A 15-team competition is another way of including Souths. This would force a bye but a shorter season would be welcomed by players who protest that the 26-round competition is too long. The only certainty is that the Souths' march won't stop until they are in the NRL. Before yesterday's judgment, they compared themselves with the Old Testament story of Masadah, the mountain in Israel where a handful of zealots held off the Romans for 10 years. They were eventually overrun but, rather than surrender, they jumped off a cliff to their deaths. Piggins said before the judgment: "If we lose, they will never take us." Afterwards he said: "This is the greatest story in sport." How ironic that on the weekend the Roosters can break Souths' record for the most number of premiership wins - if they beat the Northern Eagles tomorrow - the Rabbitohs have the opportunity of returning. Who knows what causes these great collisions in the sporting cosmos but yesterday we saw a rare alignment of the planets, a promise that Souths will take its rightful place in a more peaceful galaxy.

News Limited has not confirmed whether it will appeal any aspects of today's Federal Court decision, which may enable South Sydney to return to the National Rugby League competition. But the comapny's chief executive John Hartigan says if they do appeal, it will not affect an application from South Sydney to participate in the competition next season. Mr Hartigan says the company accepts the decision, and hopes the NRL and South Sydney can begin immediate discussions about the club's participation in next year's competition.

SOUTH Sydney today won an appeal against their expulsion from the National Rugby League, opening the way for a possible return to the competition. The Federal Court in Melbourne handed down the decision via a video link to Sydney. It was not immediately clear whether the decision will allow the club to take part in next year's competition. Hundreds of South Sydney supporters were overjoyed at the news, sparking emotional scenes outside the court in Sydney. The Rabbitohs, one of the founder clubs of the game, began their bitter legal battle with News Ltd 18 months ago after failing to make the NRL cut when the competition was reduced to 14 teams. The club's legal team said they will examine the decision and make an announcement about their next steps later today. Outside the court, Souths president George Piggins said the decision sends a message to those who run the game. "It's been a great day for rugby league and it's a great day for South Sydney," he said. "Lets just hope we can start healing the game and get back to playing football. "I expected to win ... I just thought we were right, we were wrongly done by and we were going to fight until we got justice and we got justice here today. "They've got to put the passion back in the game - it's a people's game, not a business. "It's not just about us, it's about trying to heal the game completely. "The people who want to buy the game for pay television should buy the end product and let people who run rugby league, run rugby league." News Limited may yet ask the High Court for leave to appeal the decision. The NRL is assessing the decision and is expected to make a statement later today.

NRL chief executive David Moffett today said he would accept the umpire's decision and start "very meaningful" talks regarding South Sydney's inclusion in the 2002 competition. But Moffett did not rule out an appeal against today's Federal Court ruling that the NRL breached section 45 of the Trade Practices Act by cutting Souths from its revamped 14-team format two years ago. The 2-1 judgement today did not reinstate the club into the NRL, but found that it should be compensated for being excluded. The case was referred back to the original trial judge, Justice Paul Finn, to assess damages for the Rabbitohs which could take weeks. Moffett said he would call an NRL board meeting on Monday and hold talks with the existing 14 clubs on Tuesday before discussing South Sydney's 2002 inclusion by the end of next week. The NRL boss said he spoke with Souths president George Piggins after the verdict and they finally agreed on one thing - they need more time. "First Souths have to put to us a case for their inclusion in the NRL in 2002," Moffett said. "I've already spoken to George after we had various hook-ups today and we both agreed that the NRL has a few things to do before we sit down and talk. "One of the things George and I agreed on today is that this is not personal - it has been about their decision to seek reinstatement. "We've been through three court cases and today the Federal Court handed down its decision and we accept the decision of the umpire and we will be talking to them about inclusion in 2002." Moffett said the NRL "wanted to move forward" but did not rule out an appeal. "I don't think a decision yet has been made as to whether there is going to be an appeal or not (but)...it is not going to get in the way of us having a discussion with South Sydney about their potential participation in the 2002 competition," he said. "One can presume they have plans already afoot, we expect them to present that to us and we will consider that on its merits. "We are very serious about considering their application for 2002. "While the judgement doesn't say we have to put Souths back in or run a 14-team competition, quite clearly we want to talk to Souths about today and we are going to do that."

NORTH Sydney took its first legal steps today to follow Souths' lead to be reinstated in the National Rugby League as a stand alone club. But Manly, St George, Illawarra, Balmain and Western Suburbs had no immediate plans to collapse their joint ventures after Souths won its appeal against exclusion from the NRL in the Federal Court today. As those five clubs sought legal advice, members of North Sydney football club met today and decided Souths' success had direct repercussions for the Bears' reinstatement. "It would appear there are implications in the decision that affect North Sydney and the lawyers who are members of the North Sydney Bears are going to study the decision in detail," former Norths chairman David Hill said tonight. "But the early suggestion is that the court decision may provide an opportunity for Norths. "The North Sydney members have never given up on the ambition to have North Sydney reinstated in the premier league. "Whether it's now or later we're going to hang in there until Norths get back." Norths' board also met informally tonight but had made no resolutions, chairman Mark Cannon said. Manly chairman Max Krilich said the Sea Eagles board would meet next week to discuss the "ramifications" of the Souths decision. Balmain chairman John Chalk said he expected Tigers supporters to raise the matter of standing alone, however, he said members had voted overwhelming to form the merger with Wests in the first place. Balmain joins Souths as the only clubs who refused to sign the NRL's 14-team agreement in 1998. "We had legal advice previous to this that at some stage if it (the 14-team competition) ever changed we would be able to take legal action," said Chalk, who's also a NRL and Australian Rugby League board member. "I'm glad Souths won, personally. "I know all the drama that's going to be involved but even though I'm on the NRL board, I'm a Balmain person and a rugby league person. "Souths have been through hell and I'm sure that we won't stand in their way on any shape or form." Wests Tigers chief executive Steve Noyce said the Magpies, Balmain and the joint venture club would seek legal advice before convening meetings to discuss how today's decision affected the clubs. It was a similar response from St George Illawarra chairman Warren Lockwood. "Because it's such a complicated decision we'll be looking at what the judgement means and we'll be taking whatever advice we need," he said. "There's no board meeting been scheduled as such. "Obviously the decision impacts on St George and on the Steelers but we've got an agreement for the joint venture and we'll be working through that and having a board meeting when we've got the facts available."

QUEENSLAND skipper Gorden Tallis admitted yesterday there is a possibility he won't play league again. Tallis, who has been diagnosed with a narrowing of the spinal column and had surgery to ease problems caused by a bulging disc, was responding to suggestions his career might be over. "My first reaction is 'pigs' arse', but there has to be a chance that I won't play again," Tallis said. "I'm going to see the doctor again on Sunday just to see how I'm progressing. "Not playing isn't something that I've given a lot of thought to. When they did the operation, the doctor told me I'd be able to live a normal life after it was performed."

ARTHUR Beetson was last night named captain of the Australia's indigenous rugby league team of the century. The great ball-playing prop of the 1960s and 70s with Balmain and then Eastern Suburbs was among a host of the game's superstars included in the side. Laurie Daley was named at five-eighth and Mal Meninga and Steve Renouf were partnered in the centres. Gorden Tallis filled a second-row spot in a further indication of the team's strength. The team was chosen by a panel of experts that included legendary radio commentator Frank Hyde, journalists Roy Masters and Ian Heads and historian David Middleton. It was announced before South Sydney played their latest match at Redfern Oval. The team is: Eric Simms, John Ferguson, Mal Meninga, Steve Renouf, Wendell Sailor, Laurie Daley, John Simon, Ian Russell, Gorden Tallis, Ron Gibbs, Arthur Beetson (c), Mal Cochrane, Sam Backo. Reserves: Cliff Lyons, Craig Salvatori, Dale Shearer, Bruce Olive. The Sun-Herald

National coach Chris Anderson said last night he would give skipper Brad Fittler the choice of which position he plays in his final five Tests. After Sydney's 50-24 win over North Queensland on Saturday night, Fittler finally confirmed he would retire from representative football at the end of the season, having strongly hinted at such a decision last week. "It's a big loss for us - there are always players coming through but his leadership will be hard to replace," Anderson said yesterday. "He's paid his dues. He's been playing for Australia for 10 years, I think he's getting married at the end of the year so I can see where he's coming from. "I've spoken to Freddie [Fittler] about playing lock, but in the end I'm going to leave it up to him on what he wants to do. I think he's earned that." Fittler's announcement gives added significance to the State of Origin decider at ANZ Stadium on July 1 and Australia's one-off Tests against New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, plus a series against Great Britain. Fittler said he wanted to concentrate on club football after a career of high achievement at Test level.

THE Northern Eagles board will discuss tonight whether to apply to the NRL to register disgraced winger John Hopoate as a player eligible for first grade. Hopoate was expected to sign a deal with Manly's first division team tomorrow, his manager Wayne Beavis said, after the Sea Eagles board yesterday agreed unanimously to offer him a career lifeline. Given the Northern Eagles can call on first division players from both Manly and North Sydney, the joint venture club must nominate a group of players from both clubs who fit under the $500,000 second tier salary cap as eligible for a first grade call up. The rule is in place to ensure the club does not have an unfair advantage over its NRL rivals, who have only one first division team to call upon. If the Eagles wanted to promote Hopoate to first grade they would have to make him one of their nominated first division players. It would then be up to the NRL to accept or refuse Hopoate's registration. "I'm sure it will be a topic of conversation at tonight's board meeting although it's not on the agenda," Eagles chief executive Graham McNaney said of Hopoate's eligibility for first grade. Despite NRL chief executive David Moffett and chairman Malcolm Noad attending tonight's board meeting, McNaney said the pair would not be approached to accept Hopoate's registration. Moffet, Noad and NRL legal affairs manager David Gallop were scheduled to attend the meeting to review the cash-strapped club's finances. "We won't be talking to the NRL about John tonight," McNaney said. The Eagles board meeting was due to start at 5.30pm and McNaney said it was not expected to be finished until late tonight. Meanwhile, Beavis indicated Hopoate's signing with Manly would be a formality after the former Wests Tigers winger last week approached the club for an opportunity. "We're talking with them tomorrow," Beavis said. "It's a good opportunity for him." The 27-year-old father of five has been working on a building site on Sydney's northern beaches since his forced resignation from the Tigers. Hopoate, who started his career with Manly in 1993, was suspended for 12 matches in March after being found guilty of sticking his fingers up opponents' anuses. He has another two games to serve of his suspension which means he could return for Manly in three weeks.

CANBERRA RAIDERS coach Mal Meninga today broke his silence over last week's punch-up, saying he and Mark McGaw buried the hatchet straight after the game. The former NSW centre laid into Meninga during a legends of league Origin showdown in Sydney on Saturday and the Queenslander retaliated with blows of his own. Meninga, with blood dripping from his forehead, refused to comment after incident and was said to be privately fuming that McGaw had "gone the biff". But Meninga spoke up today, saying bygones were bygones and he was surprised by the outcry after the match. "I just think that people in the media were clutching at a few straws, really, when they've got nothing else to write about, to be honest with you," he told ABC radio. "I think it's a bit stupid, actually, the way that everyone's carrying on about the incident. I mean everyone's fine, we had a chat after the game. "Let bygones be bygones, I'm not one of those people who want to carry on with those things off the field."

THE Bulldogs are set to pull off the signing coup of the year by snaring Kiwi international Henry Paul. Several NRL clubs have been hot on the trail of Paul for months since he decided he wanted to leave the British premiership to play in the NRL competition. When the Bulldogs narrowly missed on signing Craig Gower a fortnight ago they moved full steam ahead on Paul. They faced stiff competition from several other clubs, headed by Canberra and the New Zealand Warriors. Sources told The Daily Telegraph last night the Kiwi star was on the verge of signing a rich three-year deal with the Dogs. Paul's manager Simon Burgess admitted the classy utility player was close to making a decision. "There are still three clubs in there but we are moving in the right direction," Burgess said. "The Bulldogs are certainly right up there but no decision has been made yet." Paul has been a star for the Bradford Bulls in the English Super League for several years playing at both five-eighth and hooker. But it has been on the international scene against Australia for the Kiwis that Paul has really been a standout. Along with brother Robbie, he played a starring role as the Kiwis beat Australia in 1998 and 1999. Meanwhile, another of Burgess's clients, Great Britain and Leeds lock Kevin Sinfield, is also looking at playing in the NRL premiership next season. Burgess has had interest from several clubs, including the Northern Eagles.

NSW winger Adam MacDougall could face civil litigation if he harms an opponent with his dangerous knee-lifting action. MacDougall will serve a one-match suspension this weekend for illegally lifting his knee on Queensland prop Petero Civoniceva during last Sunday's second Origin clash. Lawyer Mark O'Reilly, a Brisbane selector, , warned MacDougall could face more serious action if he failed to curb his knee lifting in future matches. O'Reilly said rugby league players accepted a level of risk but added an opponent throwing his knees was "outside those boundaries". "I'm not saying that one incident from Adam MacDougall exposes him to civil action," O'Reilly said. But he added a continuation of knee lifting, after being warned by the Australian Rugby League by way of the judiciary, means "he could face (legal) action".

UNWANTED NSW winger Nathan Blacklock is set to realise his representative dream by being picked on the end-of-season Kangaroo tour of England. Test coach Chris Anderson has thrown the NSW outcast a representative lifeline by revealing he has all but booked himself a plane ticket for the UK tour. The Australian coach last night declared the departure of a number of rugby league's premier wingers had catapulted Blacklock into Kangaroo contention. The news comes after it was revealed that Blacklock missed out on a NSW jumper following a split vote between selectors – a move that sparked public outrage. "(Blacklock) is a quality player and a very good chance for the end of the year," Anderson said. "It would be doubtful we would take the blokes going to union or England. He's a very exciting player, the crowds love him and as long as he keeps his form then he's a strong chance. Blokes like him excite the crowds and I think that's good for the game." Current Test wingers Wendell Sailor and Mat Rogers are switching to rugby union at season's end and it is understood their names have been deleted from the selectors' sheets. Rogers has missed the majority of the season with a shoulder injury anyway and Sailor has been a long way off his best form. NSW incumbent and Blacklock's St George Illawarra teammate Jamie Ainscough has also removed himself from the equation following his decision to sign a lucrative deal with powerful English club Wigan. Blacklock and Queensland winger Lote Tuqiri have now emerged as Australia's top wingers for the tour. The Dragons star was elated when informed of Anderson's comments. However, he stressed he would not be performing his trademark somersault until he was on the plane with a Test jumper in hand. "I'm flattered to hear that," Blacklock said. "It would be a dream come true. But if there's one thing I've learned over the past couple of weeks it's not to count on anything. "A lot can happen between now and then. I could get injured or another bloke could bolt out of the blue." The St George Illawarra flyer said he was still disillusioned about being left out of the NSW team. "It's still hard, but I'm coping," Blacklock said. "I'm trying not to think about it. "You get your hopes up when you hear people have been talking about you, but until you hear your name read out it's just that . . . talk."

NSW State of Origin lock Luke Ricketson is the latest target of rugby union poachers – only this time the bidders are overseas interests. The Australian has been told a European club has set its sights on the long-serving Sydney Roosters forward, whose current contract at Bondi Junction rolls over at the end of this season. Ricketson, who played for Ireland at the World Cup in the UK last year, has an option to extend by a further year. While the Australian Rugby Union has signed Kangaroo wingers Wendell Sailor and Mat Rogers, and is still considering opening negotiations with Dragons speedster Nathan Blacklock, as well as bidding for Roosters utility back Craig Wing, Ricketson is one to have slipped under its guard. One ARU official confirmed last night an informal meeting had already been held with Wing, who comes off contract with the Roosters at the end of next season. Another said of Ricketson: "He's certainly a very good player. But when his name came up in the past it was thought he was a rugby league boy through and through." However, Ricketson revealed to The Australian he played rugby union while attending Waverley College in Sydney's eastern suburbs, a traditional nursery for Wallabies. "I played as a kid at school, and I've followed the careers of others since then," he said. "As for switching codes, it hasn't been in the forefront of my mind. But I think if someone puts a contract in front of you, you'll look at it." Asked if he had fielded a rugby union approach from here or overseas, Ricketson replied: "I couldn't comment on that mate." But it is known the ARU has not, as yet, targeted Ricketson and with the Super 12 provinces requiring top-up money from the national body to sign any such high-profile player, it is safe to assume the only approach to Ricketson has come from Europe. The ARU might now join the queue to talk with Ricketson for while there has been a reluctance to chase rugby league forwards in the past, Ricketson has also played in the centres and would offer versatility. ARU contracts boss Jeff Miller believed the former Australian Schoolboys five-eighth, with his background in rugby union, could develop into a top-flight pivot if lured back from rugby league. Rogers has since signed with the NSW Waratahs for next season, while Sailor is contracted to play Super 12 for Queensland. With the NSW Rugby Union to shortly shift its offices to the Sydney Football Stadium, and with the Waratahs playing out of the same home ground as the Roosters, a move to NSW would provide a sense of familiarity for Ricketson. But given the size of contracts that Wallabies have accepted to head to Europe, the Roosters and ARU might be battling to match the money on offer. The move on Ricketson coincides with a growing number of league players being tempted to union in Britain. The Welsh Rugby Union is expected to sign Leeds rugby league five-eighth Ieystn Harris in the near future on a four-year deal worth £1.2 million. Bradford star Henry Paul has also been made an offer while English rugby officials have drawn up a list of young rugby league players it plans to target. Former Wallaby captain Michael Lynagh doubts whether the British Lions will rush ex-rugby league star Jason Robinson into their Test side for the series opener against the Wallabies in Brisbane on June 30. "If Robinson is given space, he basically beats whoever is in front of him," Lynagh wrote in an Internet column. "But he plays in the same position as Test certainty Dan Luger. (Coach Graham) Henry will have to convert one of them to play on the right flank in the limited time and lead-up games available".

WALK into the lair of Mark O'Meley and "The Ogre's" nickname suddenly takes on an entirely different dimension. There is treasure virtually everywhere you look: trampoline, swimming pool, stereo, snooker table, big-screen TV. They are the sort of items most 20-year-olds would be happy to have one of – let alone the whole set – but the rugged Northern Eagles prop does not consider any of them his most prized possession. That honour falls to a sheet of paper that is stuck up on the family refrigerator. O'Meley wrote on it in the off-season and he reads it almost every day. On it are a list of goals "The Ogre" believes will make him not only a better footballer, but hopefully a better man as well. "At the start of the year my goal was to try and get into the top 17, because I was coming back from injury and wanted to hold a spot there," O'Meley said. "Then obviously there's being consistent and getting into some rep football, which might open some doors for me at the end of the year." O'Meley did more than open one of those representative doors last week, being a surprise selection in the NSW Origin team – he nearly busted it off its hinges with a dominant performance against Queensland to help square the series. Along the way, the Blues prop also gave life to a series of urban myths, which were confirmed or exposed as the week wore on. He rubs Dencorub into his head and Vicks into his body before a game to psyche himself up (true). His partner, Sandy, plays rugby union in the front row for Gosford (true – she prefers second row but injuries have forced her up front). He scrummages against Sandy for practice in the backyard (false, but they do have family wrestles and "The Ogre" hates being tickled). He was just the tonic the NSW pack needed after they were towelled in the first game (true, and he certainly proved it). The Blues front-rower was arguably the best forward on the park that night, and capped off a solid display when he burst through a tackle from Queensland prop Shane Webcke and drew fullback Darren Lockyer before sending captain Brad Fittler over for a try. "I didn't want to just say I've made Origin," O'Meley said. "I wanted to try and perform on the field, make the most of my opportunities and do the best that I could." Fittler and Blues coach Wayne Pearce believe he did that but O'Meley was not so sure. He was happy enough with his game but also a little dirty on himself for missing five tackles. Put that down to his being something of a perfectionist. When he rejoined his Eagles team-mates this week, coach Peter Sharp told him he did not need to come to training until Thursday, but O'Meley was having none of that. He missed four tackles in the Eagles' loss last round against New Zealand Warriors and, given that he missed those five against Queensland, there was plenty of work to do at training on Tuesday. "I've only been averaging one or two a game but in two games, to be missing that many, there's something going on," O'Meley said. "So I've just got to . . . maybe my fitness level has dropped a little bit, or my technique, so I'll be doing a little bit of work on it this week and hopefully I can resolve it this weekend." Of course, it has been tough for O'Meley to move anywhere this week without having the media as his shadow. But he handles that side of things with maturity too, dealing with all reasonable media requests until midweek, when he shuts himself off so he can focus on the weekend's game. "I'm not used to this attention which I'm getting now, and I just don't want to let it go too far to my head," O'Meley said. "It's hard to keep it in perspective because it's so easy to let it all slip away. I've realised that (and) I've had some great people like (former Kangaroo) big Mark Carroll talk to me, and just say 'stay relaxed and don't think about it'." All the extra attention, and playing on that Sunday night before 70,000 screaming fans at Stadium Australia, must have seemed a long way from the days four years ago when O'Meley, then 16, made his living as a woodchopper. Those were tough times. O'Meley did not earn much money from the job and he had the added responsibility of looking after his partner, Sandy, and their son, Nicholas. He eventually found himself at the doorstep of North Sydney, where he begged for a start in the under-19s. He progressed through the grades and when the Bears merged with Manly at the end of 1999, he found himself a new home at the Northern Eagles. "I've still got another year at the club and I don't see myself leaving," O'Meley said. In the meantime, there are other goals to work on. Winning against Penrith tomorrow and breaking back into the eight is a start. Playing semi-finals is another. And making the Kangaroo tour at the end of the year would be the ultimate. His family will be with him every step of the way. Nick is now 3, while the latest addition to the family, Jake, is 10 months. They both play a big part in helping O'Meley keep his life in perspective. Or provide you with another goal to stick on the fridge. "I found when I broke my ankle last year, I really didn't know Nick as well as I thought," O'Meley said. "Being around him all day, I started to realise how he had (his own) little personality and how great he was. "I see some great father figures in the club and I'd like to take that role on as well." O'Meley is interrupted by a potential crisis. An earlier mishap for Nick has resulted in a cut finger and a Bananas in Pyjamas Band-Aid, but the Band-Aid fell off. "Go see Mum, dude. Mum will fix it," he says reassuringly. "But before you go, give Dad a high five. Give Dad a kiss." Nick obliges and wanders over to Mum with a smile on his face. "The Ogre'' has just scored another goal.

Fanatical NSW supporter Jeff Fenech promised Trent Barrett a pair of Mike Tyson's boxing gloves if the Blues beat Queensland in State of Origin II at Stadium Australia last night. But Barrett didn't need the armoury of the world's most fearsome fighter as he delivered his own knockout punch to Queensland to send the series into a deciding match at ANZ Stadium on July 1. The St George Illawarra playmaker also revealed he had to be coaxed by Blues coach Wayne Pearce into believing in his own ability to play out of position at halfback. Barrett had been controversially thrown the No.7 jumper at the expense of Test halfback Brett Kimmorley but responded with a man-of-the-match performance in NSW's 26-8 victory. "Some days I doubted it," Barrett said about the pressure of filling such a key role. "Jeff (Fenech) promised me a pair of Mike Tyson's boxing gloves if we won." The 23-year-old clicked instantly with NSW captain Brad Fittler, scoring a try and having a hand in two others as he repeatedly took on the Queensland defence. "To get man-of-the match with my dad sitting in the stands is a dream come true," Barrett said. "But it's not finished yet and we have to be humble about it (the win)." "It's not too much different to the way he plays at club level. He and Freddie (Fittler) stuck to their normal styles of play ... and spent equal amount of time at first receiver. "So I think before people start criticising the selection they should look at the way the guys play."

NSW winger Adam MacDougall received a "kick in the guts" last night for a "lazy" action which cost him a one-match suspension from the National Rugby League. The Newcastle flanker will miss Sunday's NRL clash with the Bulldogs at Marathon Stadium after pleading guilty to a "contrary conduct - lifting knees" charge before a hastily convened Australian Rugby League judiciary hearing after last night's second State of Origin encounter at Stadium Australia. MacDougall was charged with carelessly lifting his knee into Queensland prop Petero Civoniceva in the 69th minute of last night's showdown, which NSW won 26-8 to keep the three-match series alive. "It was unfortunate and a bit lazy and as a result I'm going to miss a game of football now," MacDougall said after his hearing. "But there was no intent and I'm sorry that it happened. "It ruined a pretty good night. It's disappointing, it a bit of a kick in the guts. "But in saying that it's going to be pretty hard to outweigh the joy of tonight. The guys really stood up and they were counted for. "It was a terrific team performance." MacDougall's suspension leaves the Knights dangerously short of backline players with fullback Robbie O'Davis ruled out for this weekend's clash after undergoing surgery on his broken thumb. But tonight MacDougall was more concerned about being free to play for the Blues in the Origin series decider at ANZ Stadium on July 1. "As long as I'm available for the next game, that's the main thing, I'll be ready and raring to go," he said. MacDougall told the judiciary he was guilty of making a careless and dangerous move in lifting his knee but said he initially thought Civoniceva was about to tackle him from the opposite side and he moved awkwardly to avoid the hit. He also added that he thought the first point of contact was made with his arm. "It was careless, it was lazy," MacDougall told the three-man panel of Greg Woods, Kevin Brasch and Ron Coote. Judiciary commissioner Jim Hall compared MacDougall's knee lift with that of St George Illawarra skipper Craig Smith, who has been found guilty of knee lifting on three occasion's this year. Hall recommended MacDougall receive a one-match ban. Woods, the regular NRL judiciary chairman, said because MacDougall had shown contrition the one-game ban was worthy punishment.

Queensland fullback Darren Lockyer is among the greatest rugby league players of all time, according to NSW captain Brad Fittler. Fittler paid the ultimate compliment to his State of Origin rival after Lockyer turned in another complete performance for the Maroons in a losing side here tonight. Lockyer was the man of the match in Queensland's surprise 34-16 win over NSW in Origin I last month and tonight was again the outstanding performer, even in a well-beaten side. The classy No.1 threatened the Blues every time he handled the ball and saved the Maroons from a scoreline much worse than the final 26-8 outcome with a flawless game at the back. "I thought he was outstanding. He's playing as good a football as I've seen anyone play ever," Fittler said. "The way he can turn a game ... that's why you can never be relaxed playing Queensland with him, and (Test winger) Wendell (Sailor), in their side. "(Lockyer) is in dynamic form and I couldn't give a bloke a big enough rap." Lockyer, captaining Queensland for the first time but proving a more than capable replacement leader for the injured Gorden Tallis, was particularly dangerous in the first half. It took a knee injury and a halftime pep talk from Fittler to his team before the 24-year-old's progress was slowed after the break. "You don't even try to let up on him but then you realise you have," Fittler said. "We put a kick through (tonight) and he dummied once and ran 80 metres. You've just got to keep the pressure on him." Lockyer's injury wasn't giving Queensland any great concern. He was receiving treatment for it straight after the game and it's unlikely to sideline him for even a single Brisbane club match, let alone the Origin series decider at ANZ Stadium on July 1.

KANGAROOS coach Chris Anderson wants to retain sacked State-of-Origin halfback Brett Kimmorley ahead of Trent Barrett or Andrew Johns for next month's Test against New Zealand. Anderson's unswerving support for Kimmorley is certain to promote a selection room showdown with the Australian panel members who voted Barrett man-of-the-match in Sunday night's Origin II game won 26-8 by the Blues. Australia plays New Zealand in New Zealand in a one-off Test match on July 13. By then Johns will be back and in contention for a shot at halfback or hooker after recovering from his knee injury. Johns would have supplanted Kimmorley for Origin I had he not suffered the injury the week before the game. Kimmorley was axed by the NSW selectors after a series of defensive lapses in Origin I at Suncorp Stadium won 34-16 by Queensland. Anderson as at Stadium Australia on Sunday night and said yesterday Kimmorley would still be his choice as Test halfback. "Kimmorley would be my pick for the Test match," Anderson said. "I don't see Barrett as a halfback, he's a five-eighth, that's where he plays. If Joey Johns is right we'll have to make a tough decision on the halfback." Anderson was not concerned that Australian selectors Bob McCarthy and Bob Fulton were part of the NSW panel that installed Barrett ahead of Kimmorley for Origin II. "That's right but they've said they like to see the coach get his team the same as Junior Pearce wanted." Unlike Pearce at state level the Australian coach gets a vote which means Anderson would have to convince Queensland selectors Arthur Beetson and Les Geeves to vote for Kimmorley. Anderson said he did not agree with the proposition that Kimmorley's defence was not up to scratch in the first Origin game. "Criticism of his defence is unfair, I think he is a good defender," Anderson said. "In that first Origin game the team wasn't tackling well and if you've got Gorden Tallis running at you 12 or 13 times you're going to miss the odd tackle. "Little blokes are going to need help, if the team's going up and defending well then the little blokes are not isolated. "Brett played well for Country on Friday night just as he did for Australia in the World Cup last year. "A player like that shouldn't just disappear overnight."

BULLDOGS captain Darren Britt is the latest to join the Australian exodus to Britain after signing a two- year deal with English Super League champion St Helens. The 194cm prop today said he would not take up a one-year option with the NRL club, opting instead to join the swelling Australian ranks in England to see out his career. "Although I had an option in my current contract to remain with the Bulldogs next season I must admit I've always harboured a desire to have a couple of years playing in England towards the end of my career," Britt said. "It will be difficult leaving Canterbury, a club I really respect and have enjoyed being a part of. "Playing with St Helens will be a great honour as the club has won every major title in the UK in the past year. "It will be my goal to be part of its future success and to play a role in helping to secure further achievements." Britt, 31, played six seasons with the now defunct Western Suburbs before linking with the Bulldogs in 1994 where he celebrated a premiership in 1995 and has been captain since 1998. Britt has played six Tests for Australia and was a member of last year's World Cup-winning team. He will link with St Helens later this year. "He's proven himself at the highest level as a hard working, highly skilled front-rower with a high work rate," said St Helens football manager Eric Hughes. "He's also revealed outstanding leadership qualities which will also be put to good use at St Helens."

QUEENSLAND will sack three forwards in a bid to spark their pack for the Origin decider in three weeks. Coach Wayne Bennett and his selectors have decided the Maroons forwards are to blame for Sunday's disappointing performance at Stadium Australia. Sources have told The Daily Telegraph that the Maroons are planning to axe makeshift hooker Nathan Fien, Sharks hardman Chris Beattie and veteran Kevin Campion. In a new-look side halfback Paul Green will move to hooker with the Northern Eagles' in-form Ben Walker coming in to take the No. 7 jumper. North Queensland heavyweight John Buttigieg, who missed Sunday night's game through injury, will come back into the starting side. And the selectors will also look closely at the Sharks' Chris McKenna who is expected to return from injury this weekend against Canberra. Bennett knows he needs to find more attacking options after his team relied too heavily on the brilliance of just one man. With Gorden Tallis out of the picture, the mercurial Darren Lockyer had a grand game and was the only Queenslander to consistently threaten the NSW defensive line. "We have got to get some help for Lockey," Bennett said. "We can't expect him to do it all for us." The Maroons were hoping that Cowboys hooker John Doyle, one of the stars of their big win at Suncorp Stadium five weeks ago, would be fit to play in the decider. But Doyle is still hampered by a leg injury and is rated no chance of taking the field. As a result, the busy Green will move to hooker where his strong defence and good ball skills will be well suited. But the absence of Tallis will continue to hamper Queensland, on the field and psychologically. "Gorden is a unique player and you can't replace players like that," Bennett said. "The Blues handed us a lesson this time but we will learn more from this than when we won in game one."

St George Illawarra officials are resigned to losing captain Craig Smith at the end of the season - but not for good. Dragons chief executive Peter Doust spoke with Smith's manager, Sam Ayoub, yesterday, with both describing the discussions as positive. But Smith, 29, has now rejected two offers made by the Dragons and is destined to finish his playing career in Britain. Afterwards, however, the Dragons want Smith to return to take up a coaching position, probably in strength and conditioning. "He could be very important to us in the long term, and we've talked about that," Doust said. "We'd like to see him back here in a role off the field." Despite the breakdown in negotiations because of Smith's poor judiciary record, the parting of company between the New Zealand Test prop and St George Illawarra is likely to be amicable. After three suspensions so far this season totalling nine matches, the Dragons consider re-signing Smith on an unrestricted contract to be too much ofa risk. Yet for the same reason, he feels that it would not be in his best interests to accept a deal containing financial penalties for any further infringements at this late stage of his career. Smith has asked for permission to negotiate with other NRL clubs before the June 30 anti-tampering deadline expires but is almost certain to join either Wigan or St Helens next year. St George Illawarra, though, are set to re-sign representative centres Shaun Timmins and Mark Gasnier. Timmins, who has not played since State of Origin II last year, had a bone graft on his degenerative left knee last week and the prognosis was positive for him to a make a successful return next season. The 24-year-old international has been offered a new two-year contract, while 19-year-old Gasnier selected for City in the revived clash against Country, at Bathurst tomorrow night is considering a deal Doust described as "the beginning of a lifetime relationship" with the club.

ANTHONY MUNDINE has another fight on his hands - against Cliff Lyons and Laurie Daley for the mantle of best indigenous five-eighth of the century. Timed to coincide with South Sydney's clash with the Murdi Paaki Warriors on June 16, the Rabbitohs have initiated the selection of the Aboriginal rugby league team of the century. The team will be selected by respected league figures Ian Heads, Frank Hyde, Roy Masters and David Middleton, with the panel chaired by Senator Aden Ridgeway, a noted league player in his youth. The list of possible players in contention is sure to provoke argument among league fans. Rabbitohs legends Eric Simms and Kevin Longbottom will battle it out for the fullback position. Wendell Sailor is favourite for a wing spot, with a very open race for the other between Dale Shearer and Nathan Blacklock, among others. Mal Meninga and Steve Renouf all but select themselves themselves in the centres. Former Rabbitoh Darrell Trindall and Wests Tiger John Simon are chances for the halfback spot. Along with that glittering array of backline names, the forwards will prove an interesting mix. Sam Backo and Arthur Beetson stand out straight away in the front row and Mal Cochrane is the only obvious contender to stand between them at hooker. Queensland captain Gorden Tallis could garner a second-row spot, with the other likely to come down to Ron Gibbs and Chris McKenna and the job of locking the scrum may result in a 50-50 split between Ian Russell and Jeff Hardy. Contenders: Fullback: Eric Simms, Colin Scott, Dale Shearer, David Peachey, Kevin Longbottom. Wingers: George Ambrum, John Ferguson, Wendell Sailor, Dale Shearer, Joe Kilroy, Nathan Blacklock, Larry Corowa, Lionel Morgan, Ricky Walford. Centres: Tony Currie, Steve Ella, Dale Shearer, Steve Renouf, Mal Meninga, Ron Saddler. Five-eighth: Cliff Lyons, Anthony Mundine, Percy Knight, Laurie Daley. Halfback: John Simon, Scott Gale, Ewan McGrady, Darrell Trindall. Front row: Arthur Beetson, Sam Backo, Craig Salvatori, David Grant, Bruce Olive. Hooker: Mal Cochrane, George Green. Second row: Ron Gibbs, Brett Gale, David Grant, Paul Roberts, Gorden Tallis, Chris McKenna. Lock: Ian Russell, Jeff Hardy.

ADAM MUIR's selection in the NSW Origin team proves he's still one of the game's leading backrowers – yet he is facing a massive $250,000 a season pay cut to play in the NRL next season. The cash-strapped Northern Eagles will tell Muir his income will be slashed if he signs a new deal for next season and beyond. Muir, 29, is off contract with the Eagles at the end of this season but he doesn't want to leave the club. His current four-year deal is worth $450,000 a season. Although the Northern Eagles are yet to table an offer, sources indicate Muir will be asked to sign for about $200,000 a year. And Muir, who replaced Parramatta's Nathan Hindmarsh in the NSW side, told The Daily Telegraph he is expecting a pay reduction. "When I signed the four-year deal I was on big money, Super League money," he said yesterday. "It doesn't worry me – I was lucky enough to be on good money for four years. "That money isn't around any more, well maybe it is, but only for the very top players." Muir lives near Newcastle and wants to stay with the Northern Eagles, who train once a week in Gosford, Wahroonga and Brookvale. "I'll sit down in the next couple of weeks and talk – I'm hoping to stay," Muir said. "But I'll keep my options open, maybe England." Northern Eagles chairman Ian Thomson was reluctant to discuss the offer that will be forthcoming to Muir. "We'd love him to stay. No offer has been put on the table yet," Thomson said. "Adam has been in good form this year and was also in good form last season in patches. "He seems to rise at this time of year – he gets a buzz out of representative football. "An end-of-season Kangaroo tour is also an incentive." Thomson said there was "no news" on whether Northern Eagles captain Geoff Toovey would take his option and play for one last season in 2002. "We haven't heard from Geoff yet. He's got until the end of the month to make a decision," Thomson said. "But Geoff is playing very good football." One player with his future already settled is Blues centre Ryan Girdler. The Penrith ace said yesterday NSW were determined to remedy the "embarrassing" performance in Origin I, won 34-16 by Queensland. "I think the boys are a little embarrassed and really want to make amends," Girdler said yesterday. "Our training sessions have been very intense. "I think our approach to this game has been different. "I just want to take this opportunity, play well, hopefully play against New Zealand and then the end of season tour."

INJURED Queensland captain Gorden Tallis has taken a dig at rugby union's targeting of league wingers, saying latest signing Mat Rogers wouldn't have made the Maroons State of Origin side this season. Test winger Rogers earlier this week announced he had taken up a three-year deal with the Australian Rugby Union, and would line up for the NSW Waratahs in the Super 12 competition. But in his Brisbane newspaper column today, Tallis said the ARU is welcome to another rugby league winger following Brisbane team-mate Wendell Sailor's decision to switch codes next year. "I'm not too worried about rugby union signing Mat Rogers ... they can sign as many wingers as they like," Tallis wrote in The Courier Mail. "This doesn't apply to Broncos wingers Wendell Sailor and Lote Tuqiri, but wingers are really only guys who hang around with footballers and the only reason they score a lot of tries is because they're marked by other wingers. "I don't think Rogers would have made the Queensland Origin team this year but he's a nice guy and I hope he does well in rugby union." Rogers, who played for the Maroons the past two years, was ruled out of this year's Origin series due to a shoulder injury. Tallis was man of the match in Queensland's series- opening win over the Blues at Lang Park last month but has been ruled out for the rest of the season following spinal surgery. The tough second-rower has joined the Queensland camp in Sydney preparing for Sunday's return Origin match at Stadium Australia. While the ARU have snared two prized league scalps in Rogers and Sailor, another player target, Brisbane's Darren Lockyer, is unlikely to jump ship. Elevated to the Queensland captaincy in the absence of Tallis, Test fullback Lockyer is soon expected to sign a new three-year contract with Brisbane.

KANGAROOS winger Mat Rogers today announced he had signed with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) for the next three years. Rogers will play with the NSW Waratahs in the Super 12 competition and could be in a blue jumper as early as October when they meet Queensland. The 25-year-old, currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, turned down offers from the Sharks and fellow NRL club the Bulldogs before deciding to swap codes. He joins his former Queensland team-mate Wendell Sailor as the latest high-profile rugby league player to join rugby union, and is an outside chance of joining the Brisbane Broncos winger on the Wallabies tour of Canada and Europe later this year. "It was a tough decision but the more and more I thought it about the more my heart said I want to play rugby union," Rogers said. "I feel within myself that I've made the right one." Rogers - flanked at this afternoon's press conference by his father Steve, NSW Rugby Union executive director Matt Carroll and ARU high performance manager Jeff Miller - is believed to have been offered upwards of $500,00 a season by the Bulldogs. The former Australian schoolboy rugby union player, who informed his Sharks teammates this morning of his decision, today described the Bulldogs offer as a "blessing in disguise". "It came in late and I guess when they did come in ... it really made me sit back and think do I really want to play rugby union," he said.

HEARTBROKEN Nathan Blacklock will consider quitting rugby league for rugby union after again missing out on a cherished NSW State-of-Origin jumper last night. Only a matter of hours after one of his finest moments in a glittering career, the St George Illawarra flyer had to cope with the reality he may never play in league's most demanding arena. Not even three more tries, including a spectacular 70m solo effort which won the game for the Dragons against Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval yesterday, could convince the NSW selectors to give him a shot at Origin glory. They opted to stay with proven performers Adam MacDougall and Jamie Ainscough. During yesterday's post-match interviews Blacklock put on a brave face and said he would soldier on in the game if again overlooked. But after joining team-mates and well-wishers back at the St George Leagues club the freakish winger with 17 tries from 15 games could no longer control his emotions. "I just had a feeling I wouldn't be picked," Blacklock said with an air of resignation. "I'm just happy for Ainsy but when the team came out he said he couldn't believe I was left out. I've just got to keep playing football, I'm not going to let it get to me." But after saying that, the Blacklock's usually bubbly persona hardened perceptibly. "I now think that I'm not the right bloke for the job," he said. "To be honest, if I had a chance I would love to prove people wrong. "But now that I haven't got that chance I'm going to have to consider what I'm going to do in the future, especially with rugby league. "You can't win no matter what you do, maybe another code will have to suit me. "I have't had an offer from union but I would love one." Rugby league can't afford to lose Nathan Blacklock. For the past two seasons he has been the game's leading try-scorer and is on course to make it three in a row. It has been suggested Blacklock isn't robust enough to handle Wendell Sailor or Lote Tuqiri. Ainscough and MacDougall merit retention in the NSW side but one suspects Sailor, Tuqiri and 15 other Maroons are already counting their blessings the Tingha Tornado won't be out there.

NSW prop Robbie Kearns was today ruled out of the second State of Origin game against Queensland while winger Adam MacDougall will undergo further tests on his injured ankle. Kearns had a precautionary scan this morning which revealed he had broken one of his ribs, forcing him out of the Blues side which will attempt to level the Origin series at Stadium Australia on Sunday. "The doctor said there was a big break in it and I'm out," Kearns said today. NSW selectors are yet to name a replacement for the Melbourne prop, however St George Illawarra forward Jason Ryles is expected to to come into the Blues side. Blues winger MacDougall will have precautionary scans on his ankle at 6.00pm today. Blues coach Wayne Pearce said if the scans showed no damage MacDougall would still have to prove his fitness at tomorrow's training session.

NSW selectors have dumped half-back Brett Kimmorley and brought his Northern Eagles team-mates Adam Muir and Mark O'Meley into the Blues' squad to face Queensland in the second State Of Origin clash next Sunday. St George Illawarra five-eighth Trent Barrett replaces Kimmorley while Sydney Roosters lock Luke Ricketson takes over from discarded Canberra forward Jason Croker. Three forwards will make their debut against the Maroons in the second interstate battle after the Blues' forwards put on a dismal show in the Origin opener on May 6 which Queensland won 34-16. Sharks prop Jason Stevens was overlooked for selection in the NSW front row after he injured his neck during today's 36-6 loss to Parramatta today. Selectors retained Melbourne prop Robbie Kearns, who will team up with Eagles debutant O'Meley in the front row. Parramatta second rower Nathan Hindmarsh was omitted in favour of Muir, while Brisbane centre Michael De Vere lost his place to Penrith's goalkicking centre Ryan Girdler. His Penrith team-mates Matt Adamson and Craig Gower join Eels back rower Andrew Ryan on the Blues' bench. Newcastle forward Ben Kennedy lost his position on the bench. NSW: Mark Hughes, Adam MacDougall, Ryan Girdler, Matthew Gidley, Jamie Ainscough, Brad Fittler (c), Trent Barrett, Luke Ricketson, Adam Muir, Bryan Fletcher, Robbie Kearns, Luke Priddis, Mark O'Meley. Res: Michael Vella, Matt Adamson, Andrew Ryan, Craig Gower.

MAT Rogers will become the second rugby league international to walk out on the code this year and sign a lucrative contract with the Australian Rugby Union. The Sunday Telegraph understands Rogers will announce tomorrow that he is quitting the Sharks to join fellow World Cup winger Wendell Sailor in rugby union. Rogers' ARU deal is expected to be worth $350,000 a year over three years, plus an additional $10,000 a game if he makes the Wallaby team in his initial season. Yesterday, Rogers was tight-lipped about his future, as was ARU boss John O'Neill who refused to comment. The only ARU official doing any talking was high performance manager Jeff Miller, who has been locked in negotiations with Rogers for months. "Negotiations with Mat are going extremely well, however we haven't signed him to an ARU deal as yet," Miller said. "Cronulla have the last right of refusal and we understand Mat will be talking to Cronulla on Monday." A Sharks source said yesterday the club was resigned to losing its champion winger to rugby next year and had braced itself for such an announcement tomorrow. "We had a meeting with `Sludge' (Steve Rogers) on Friday and we were going through the playing roster and he said we should take it that Mat won't be here next year," the Sharks source said. "`Sludge' said Mat had 99 per cent agreed to go to union. We were half resigned to losing him anyway because we could not afford the money he was asking. "After having kept Jason Stevens, `Sludge' said take it for granted Mat is not going to be here and he would tell us for sure on Monday." The ARU have been relentlessly chasing Rogers for four months. Along with his goalkicking talent, ARU officials are keen to slot Rogers in as five-eighth, where they see him as an ideal back-up for the brilliant but injury plagued Stephen Larkham. Incoming Sharks coach Chris Anderson, who coached Rogers during last year's World Cup, said he wouldn't be surprised if Rogers wasn't at the club next year. "I haven't heard anything, but it wouldn't surprise me. He's been doing a fair bit of talking in the paper," Anderson said. "There was a bit of water gone under the bridge before I got there, but I don't think it was entirely a football decision. "It's a tough time for him to be making choices," Anderson added, referring to the recent death of Rogers' mother Carol. Rogers said yesterday he was still unsure about his future, but the former schoolboy union representative five-eighth admitted the attraction in union was the opportunity to play other positions. "I have played the game before and I enjoyed playing it ... rugby league is still an option, but like I said the other day, I'm just a bit jaded on the wing," he said. "But we are getting towards something. It's been a painstaking process, although I've tried to step aside and leave everything to my manager. "I haven't signed with rugby at this stage. If there's strong mail, all I can say is there was strong mail three months ago that I'd signed with the ARU. "But I've got to keep my options open. I've got to speak about things with my wife and I've got to be happy." Sharks football manager and Mat's father Steve said his son would make a final decision on his future next week. "I'm happy for Mat to do whatever Mat wants to do," Steve said. "I know there has been plenty of speculation and I have had a number of father and son discussions with Mat regarding his future that is best kept between us."

THE career of St George Illawarra international Shaun Timmins has been saved following revolutionary surgery. Timmins successfully underwent a procedure to correct a rare bone degeneration in his left knee that had prompted fears he may never play again. The 24-year-old is the first professional athlete in Australia to have had such surgery, known as an osteochondaral transplant, and he has already set his sights on off-season training in November. The hard-running centre has not played since turning out for NSW in State of Origin II on May 24 last year. "I'm really happy," Timmins said. "It was very frustrating before the operation. I was waiting around for so long to see what they could do for me. "Now I'm hoping to be fully fit for off-season training at the start of November." The ailment had left Timmins with an ulcer-type hole in a weight-bearing part of his left knee. This resulted in excruciating pain every time he ran. After a failed operation in February, Dragons doctor Martin Raftery scoured the world of sports medicine in an attempt to find a cure. Eventually, Sydney orthopaedic surgeon Dr Allan Turnbull was found to be just as experienced in treating the condition as anyone overseas. During the operation last week a "plug" of bone was taken from a non-weight-bearing part of Timmins' affected knee. This was then placed into the hole left by the disease. "This (operation) was a big question mark -- no other athlete at the highest level had undergone this," Dr Raftery said. "But it's been very successful. Now he's got eight weeks off walking and we'll slowly rehabilitate him over six months. "Firstly, we've got to basically `hog-tie' him for the first three months because we've got to keep him quiet to help with the recovery." In a sign of St George Illawarra's confidence in Timmins' ability to recover, the club will meet his manager George Mimis tomorrow to commence talks on re-signing him for 2002 and beyond.

THE Northern Eagles want answers from the NRL as to why referee Steve Clark was used on Friday night when it was known he was suffering a leg injury. The Eagles, whose physiotherapist treated Clark for a leg problem before the game against the Warriors, believe another first-grade referee should have been appointed. Clark was forced off with a hamstring injury at halftime, leaving rookie Matt Cecchin in charge for the second half. The Eagles contend the policing of the game changed in Clark's absence, a contributing factor in them forfeiting a huge lead to lose 34-30. "Our physio treated him, so that's one of the questions we're going to ask the NRL on Monday; was he fit and, if there was a doubt, should a replacement have been there?" Eagles chief Graham McNaney said. NRL referees boss Peter Louis said it was not known Clark had a potentially serious injury when he was appointed.

ROOKIE referee Matt Cecchin copped a hammering after Friday night's controversial victory by the Warriors. He got thrown in the deep end when Steve Clark couldn't return for the second half. Most of the talk since the game has revolved around the awarding of the final try to the Warriors after video referee Mick Stone threw the decision back to "refs call". It is unclear,whether Jason Death got the ball on the line or not but young Cecchin showed a good deal of ticker on two counts late in the game. He told a Northern Eagles player, while waiting for Stone to adjudicate, to either be quiet or they'd be a man short. Then -- right on fulltime -- he awarded a penalty to the Eagles after a voluntary tackle from the Warriors. Both actions showed a deal of confidence sometimes lacking in more experienced referees. To the Northern Eagles fans still seething, don't forget Stone incorrectly awarded a try to Brendon Reeves after it was obvious he'd lost the ball over the line. Or the fact your team held a 30-12 lead with 25 minutes remaining.

Northern Eagles directors last night formally asked the North Sydney and Manly clubs for financial help, even though they have already been warned the answer will be "no". Eagles chairman Ian Thomson described a meeting of the board of the joint venture, which faces a $1 million loss this year, as "very, very positive". But while the board was confident of attracting further funding from a number of sources, Thomson confirmed the Bears and the Sea Eagles had been asked to go to their licensed clubs for help. "We have asked Manly and North Sydney for additional funding and that request, we expect, will be passed on to their leagues clubs," Thomson said late last night. Manly Leagues Club chairman Ken Arthurson and his Norths equivalent Jim Henry have warned the Eagles there is no money left in the pot. But Thomson said: "I think it is one thing to say there is no money when you think there is a chance the funding can come from somewhere else. "It is quite another to say 'no' when there is a chance the club won't be there unless you can help." Asked whether he was suggesting the two-year-old merged club would fold unless its constituents came the rescue, Thomson replied: "I don't think things are that black and white. "We are basically looking at improving the situation through increased sponsorship, and we have also explored some avenues for making some operational changes which will help us. "Our budgets for the year have already shown an improvement and we anticipate further improvement in the second half of the season." The Eagles board will meet again in two weeks, when representatives of the NRL are likely to attend.

NRL commissioner Jim Hall has admitted to club chief executives there have been inconsistencies in the judicial system this year. Hall's admission at a meeting of CEOs yesterday was an important step in reviving the clubs' faith in a system that has drawn much criticism. During his half-yearly report Hall detailed the changes, made to provide a more consistent approach to charging players. A number of club bosses said it was important for them to hear the declaration by Hall. "What I was referring to was the way the gradings have been made," Hall said last night. "We've always had a problem getting consistency because you'd make a charge and then take it to a hearing where the panel would hear evidence and submissions and downgrade (the charge) and that would create a perception of inconsistencies. "We've had to adjust our gradings and you'll find there's been more grade ones than twos because we've been working on the guidelines that the judiciary panel provide in each decision." St George Illawarra has been the most vocal critic and led the call for a clarification to be issued on contrary conduct after the well documented problems surrounding captain Craig Smith's running style. Dragons chief executive Peter Doust said last night he was happy with the outcome of yesterday's meeting. "Judiciary systems are processes, and as long as the process can continue to be improved, I don't have a problem with it," Doust said.

PARRAMATTA have made an enormous investment in their future by offering their second million-dollar contract in a week – this time to secure the services of boom forward Nathan Hindmarsh. The retention of Hindmarsh, 21, for four more years comes only days after powerhouse prop Michael Vella also re-signed with the Eels. The backbone of the young Eels pack that has powered Brian Smith's team to third place on the premiership ladder is now under lock and key until the end of 2005. And Hindmarsh couldn't be happier that his future is secure out west. "I'm now here for another four years and I don't have to worry about anything else except playing good football," Hindmarsh said last night. Hindmarsh was already signed until the end of next season but had his deal extended by a further three years. Parramatta did not wish to reveal financial details but it is understood Hindmarsh commanded about $330,000 a season – or $1.3 million for four years. The Eels have emerged as genuine premiership contenders this season and are undefeated in their last eight games. And they are sparing no expense to keep the young players who have got them there and who have helped the Eels attract the fourth highest average home crowd (15,430) in the league. "Nathan has been the No.1 player at our club for the last 18 months," said coach Smith. "His selection for the World Cup tour and in State-of-Origin needs only to be complemented now by a premiership victory." "He has worked very hard to achieve his goals and everyone at the club is very excited he is continuing his career with the Eels." Hindmarsh said the fact Smith was staying on as coach made his decision easier. "I came here in 1998 because it was a professional club – nothing has changed. I didn't want to go anywhere else," Hindmarsh said. "As a club Parramatta seem to be getting stronger each year and (my decision) was a lot easier knowing Brian (Smith) was coaching. "He has been my only first grade coach. "If not for him, I wouldn't have learnt so much. He's one of the best coaches around. "I also enjoy playing alongside the likes of Michael Vella and Nathan Cayless." Hindmarsh grew up on a dairy farm in the Southern Highlands town of Robertson, playing rugby league for the first time aged 12 for the Robertson Spuddies. Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald said of Hindmarsh's signing: "It is great news for the Parramatta club that one of our most outstanding young prospects has decided to remain with us until at least 2005. "It demonstrates the great club spirit among our key players. All goes well for this season and our future." Hindmarsh said the Eels were in with a real chance of their first premiership since 1986. "During the past couple of years we have started from behind the pack (in the opening rounds) and been chasing all season," he said. "This year we want to stick close by the top four – that will make it a lot easier come semi-final time." Parramatta also want to extend the contract of Cayless, who has been in impressive form this season.

WESTS TIGERS fullback Matt Seers has been questioned by his club and police over his presence at a nightclub at which a staff member was assaulted last Sunday morning. The alleged assault on a bartender took place at the exclusive Tank nightclub in Sydney's Establishment Hotel. The Australian learned yesterday the injured man, who sustained a broken nose and a gashed forehead when struck in the face, made an official complaint to police on Monday evening. Tigers chairman John Chalk said last night that while Seers had admitted being in the nightclub, the player said he was sober and not involved in any brawl. "Matt Seers has said that he certainly was there, but he was in no way involved," Chalk said. "He has spoken to his manager and his lawyer and said 'I was not involved in any way'. That is the statement that has been made to me." Chalk said the club would stand behind Seers and leave further inquiries to the police. "It is under police investigation, I believe – I will let the police handle it," he said. A source at Tank said he understood that the 3am attack was unprovoked. "Two guys were sparring and mucking around, and the barman asked them to stop," he said. "A little fight broke out that the barman attempted to break up, then he was punched full-blood in the face." A NSW police spokesman yesterday confirmed the incident was being examined. "There has been an assault reported from that hotel on the Saturday. Police are investigating the matter and interviewing witnesses," he said. Footage from the hotel's surveillance system was also being reviewed. Seers has had a chequered career. Late in 1998, when playing for North Sydney, he admitted himself to a drug rehabilitation centre seeking treatment for cocaine addiction. Then, after another incident at a nightclub, Seers was cleared by the Tigers of any wrongdoing, but was put on notice by the club that a further slip-up would threaten his career. "Matt has been going really well and everyone is really happy with his progress," Tigers chief executive Steve Noyce said last night. "He had a hiccup I guess a month ago now and was dropped, but he has been here in chat room sessions and so on. "We continue to work with him and he has been performing well on the field." Noyce said Seers had met his commitments for a Sunday team swim session and could not determine nor discipline him about the late hour he was out on the town. "At the current time, from our investigations, Matt is no way involved," he said. From a club perspective the Wests Tigers can not afford another bout of controversy after the much-publicised drug-taking affair of Kevin McGuinness and Craig Field at the start of the season, and the bottom-poking tactics of John Hopoate that cost the winger his career.

PENRITH hooker Craig Gower today again stalled on making a decision about his future as his unique attempt to have a get-out clause installed in his contract was backed by Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett. Gower and his manager Greg Willett met with Panthers chief executive Mark Levy and coach Royce Simmons today, but left the meeting without making a decision on the World Cup rake's future. Willett said Gower was now likely to make a decision on Monday after a meeting between the manager, the Penrith hooker's father and two local businessman. That meeting will decide whether Gower stays at Penrith or accepts an offer from one of the three other clubs chasing his services - the Bulldogs, Parramatta and St George Illawarra. Willett denied money was an issue for Gower, who has been offered upwards of $400,000 a year by the Panthers and rival clubs. His decision is likely to have ramifications in the northern hemisphere as well, with several clubs waiting on Gower's decision before committing to Bradford and New Zealand five-eighth Henry Paul. "It will be happening on Monday," Willett said today. Willett also defended the proposed "get-out clause" which Gower is pushing to have in his new deal, and today he received support from an unlikely ally. Bennett, the Queensland and former Australian coach, said although the Broncos would not consider such a clause, he could understand Gower's concerns. "It's fair enough," Bennett said. "He's in a tough spot and Penrith's in a tough spot. He's a wonderful player. I'm sure they don't want to lose him and I am sure he doesn't want to leave them. "A player as talented as him wants to be part of a successful organisation."

"I've still got my life," was Gorden Tallis's stark reaction today to the devastating news he would not play rugby league again this year because of a spinal cord problem that could have put him in a wheelchair. The Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Origin captain will enter Brisbane's Holy Spirit Hospital tomorrow for surgery that, hopefully, will save his career. The 27-year-old forward has no chance of making a late bid for the end-of-season Kangaroo tour of England. Tallis, who reflected on a similar type of spinal damage which forced his former St George team-mate Nathan Brown into premature retirement earlier this year, told stunned team-mates in private today before making the news public. "Thankfully this happened while I was playing football," said Tallis who turned in a man-of-the-match performance in Queensland's 34-16 Origin upset over NSW this month. "If I had dived head first into a pool or had a motor car accident, it could have been much worse. "I have to look at the positives. I have a chance to fight another day and I hope they can fix the problem. "It was a freakish accident, but in a way I'm glad it happened." Brisbane's medical director Dr Peter Friis believed Tallis would make a full recovery and would hopefully be back playing next year. "There are no 100 per cent guarantees," said Dr Friis, explaining Tallis had a congenital narrowing of the spinal canal and a diseased bulging disc. That makes it difficult for the spinal cord, which is an extension of the brain, to pass through freely. Tallis suffered pins and needles in his hands and wrists after being hit in a high tackle by Northern Eagles forward Adam Muir eight days ago, a tackle which may now have saved him from more serious damage and possibly ending up wheelchair-bound. His symptoms alerted Dr Friis and his support staff to a possible problem and, following a number of scans and investigations, his condition was diagnosed and surgery recommended. Dr Geoff Askin will remove Tallis's diseased disc and fuse two of his vertebrae in an operation Dr Friis described as "low risk". "Gorden will be in hospital about three days, be back in light training in six weeks and full training, hopefully, in six months," Dr Friis said. Tallis plans to travel to Sydney later next week to be in camp with the Queensland Origin team for the return match on June 10. As was the case with young Cronulla and Parramatta prop Adam Ritson, who was found to have brain tumours only after suffering several severe head knocks, Muir's tackle may have been a blessing for Tallis. He now joins club mates Phil Lee and Ben Ikin, who are out for the rest of the season following knee reconstructions. "For any club to lose a player of Gordie's calibre is a big blow," said chief executive Shane Edwards. Test fullback Darren Lockyer is expected to take over the Brisbane, and possibly Queensland, captaincy. Bookmakers reacted to rumours of Tallis's injury by easing both Brisbane in premiership betting and Queensland in Origin markets. CentreBet, which wrote a $12,000 wager on Queensland winning the series at $1.60 yesterday, said the Maroons had firmed but were now back out to that quote. Brisbane is out from $3.00 (2/1) to $3.50 (5/2) with Gerard Daffy tipping few punters would be rushing in despite the Broncos' 50-6 win over North Queensland on Sunday. "Tallis is one of those players punters perceive to be a key to Brisbane and we're not expecting to be knocked over with bets for a while," he said.

SACKED North Queensland coach Tim Sheens has fired a broadside at the man who replaced him at the Cowboys, Murray Hurst. Sheens claims Hurst, his former assistant, turned on him and played a part in his departure from the club last week. "I would say what Murray Hurst has done ranks among my biggest disappointments in nearly 20 years of coaching," Sheens said. "I gave him his job and protected him when elements in the club wanted to sack him a couple of years ago. "Then this year, he not only jumped out of the way when bullets were fired at me, he supplied some bullets of his own to the people who were trying to sack me. "To me, it was a low act from him and I told him as much." After a good win over the NZ Warriors last week, Hurst and the Cowboys crashed back down to earth yesterday as Brisbane ran 50 points past them. To Sheens, this was no surprise. "They were partying after the Warriors win for a couple of days and were not training hard," he said. "I could have predicted this result. "Who will the club sack next now that they have been thrashed again?" Sheens had been at war with the board for much of his five years with the Cowboys and was finally given a payout last week. "It all started halfway through year one when some board members thought they knew more about football than the coach," he said. "They were talking to other coaches like Chris Anderson and John Lang behind my back and it was very destabilising."

NRL commissioner Jim Hall will tonight go home to his inner-city apartment, stretch out on his leather lounge and turn on the television. Within a few hours he will have looked at around 30 incidents of foul play on video. By midnight he will have sent a list to the NRL carrying the names of players he believes should be suspended. This is the unseen side of the NRL judicial process, where it all starts – in a "courtroom" with a spectacular view of Hyde Park, complete with fridge, dining table and family portraits hanging from the wall. After weeks of outcry from players and coaches about perceived inconsistencies and nit-picking, Hall threw open his doors last weekend to show The Sunday Telegraph how the video review process works.

THE ANALYSIS Hall and fellow match reviewers Steve Simms and Mark Harris are assigned games to watch live each weekend. After watching those matches, notes are made in relation to "suspect" incidents. These are e-mailed to the other two men to double-check, each watching the game separate to his colleagues so to form his own opinion. The trio tape all seven games, so when Hall receives the e-mails from Simms and Harris, he sits on his lounge and pops a video in his VCR (which has just replaced an overused one). The first game is Penrith-Newcastle. There are six incidents in this game that have been marked by the reviewer. One, involving Newcastle hooker Danny Buderus, leaves you in no doubt as to the thoroughness of these reviewers. Buderus goes slightly high on Penrith winger Robbie Beckett in the first half. Neither Beckett nor the referee or touch judges so much as flinch. There is not even a mention of it in the press. But Hall has his finger on the pause button. "Mmmm ... full contact with the face," he muses. After almost a dozen replays, Hall scribbles a note in red ink that this constitutes a grade one careless high tackle. Back at his home in Newcastle, Buderus has no idea that at that very moment he is the subject of such scrutiny from the NRL foul play watchdog. Hall continues to pore through the videos. He comes to the Brisbane-Eagles game. Referee Mark Oaten, in an earlier phone conversation, has told Hall of issuing a warning on the run to Brisbane prop Petero Civoniceva over lifting his knees. Hall checks two instances. Both are cleared. "Even though he raised his knee up a bit, he stamped his foot down before he reached the tackler and turned it sideways," he says. "We've got to record it, but no action on that one. "He's got to make contact, that's the judge's direction." The commissioner is more concerned, however, on the hit by Adam Muir that put Gorden Tallis out of the game. Hall's first words upon seeing the tackle are: "It's a little short forearm to the head, I think. He's wrong-footed him ... it could be the shoulder that's hit him. "He (Tallis) doesn't hit his head on the ground, so the damage has to have come from the tackle. "With that one I probably need another angle." Quite often if television footage is inconclusive, Hall will ask the NRL to locate another angle from the host broadcaster. On viewing a different angle on Monday morning, Hall charged Muir with a grade one careless high tackle. In total on this weekend, Hall and his fellow reviewers have analysed 29 incidents.

THE CONFERENCE By 9pm, Hall phones Simms and Harris and the trio begin their weekly conference call. The commissioner runs through every incident, adding his thoughts and asking for the opinions of the other two men. This is not a vote. If there is conjecture over an incident, Hall has the final say because he ultimately has to prove the player's guilt at the judiciary. "Cayless Blumfield will be out for about a month, what grading do you think? It's more than a (grade) one because it's more than a reflex. Grade two? Done." Hall discusses a forearm from Newcastle's Timana Tahu on Penrith captain Steve Carter and a similar one from Buderus on Craig Greenhill. "It looked as though Buderus slid down on him (with his forearm), didn't it? It's a nuisance one, like Tahu's. We should speak to the club (Newcastle) about it, eh?" The trio move on to the Cowboys-Warriors match and a tackle from Warriors captain Kevin Campion that saw him placed on report. "He got him flush, I think," Hall offered. "I thought it was a two. Righto? Two it is."

THE CHARGE SHEET After completing the conference call, Hall moves to his lap-top computer. The time is just past 10pm. He types in what is called a summary sheet, which outlines every incident the trio has viewed. Attached to that is a charge sheet, listing the players that the committee feels have a case to answer. The names on the list are Buderus, Campion, Parramatta's Nathan Cayless and Brisbane's Scott Prince. Hall also requests additional footage of the Muir-Tallis incident and a high tackle from Bulldogs centre Nigel Vagana on Dragons star Trent Barrett. Prince, the Broncos five-eighth, emerged as the lucky man of the round. He was originally charged with a grade one dangerous throw on Eagles fullback Brendon Reeves, but had it dismissed when Hall changed his mind after watching better-quality footage on Monday morning. The summary and charge sheets are e-mailed to the NRL around midnight. Then it is off to bed, Hall knowing his work for the week as NRL commissioner has begun.

LONDON: Two of the best-performing Australian players in the English Super League have confirmed that they want to return to NRL clubs. Former North Sydney and Newcastle forward David Fairleigh, who has signed for one year with treble crown winners St Helens, and Brisbane Broncos centre Tonie Carroll, on a two-year contract with Leeds, are both planning to play in Australia again. Both have impressed at their new clubs, with Fairleigh and fellow Newcastle recruit Peter Shiels beefing up the Saints front row, while Carroll has scored 10 tries for Leeds this season - eight in two games. Carroll, 26, said it had always been his plan to go back to Australia and the Broncos, which he joined in 1993. "It is my plan. I'm very seriously going back to Australia. Whether I get an offer, well, that's the thing," he told AAP. "I've only got three games to go to play 100 games for the Broncos so that's a very big milestone for me and I hope to achieve it." Carroll admitted his desire to play representative football again would be a factor in his decision. He was approached by Queensland coach Wayne Bennett to play State of Origin this year before the Maroons selectors decided to stick with Australian-based players. "That will have a bearing on whether I do stay or whether I do decide to go home. It does have a very big bearing and when the time comes I've just got to make that decision. I did feel homesick," he said. But he held no hopes that the NRL's decision to exempt long-serving players from the salary cap from 2003 would apply to him. Carroll doubted that the NRL would count him as having been at the Broncos for 10 years in 2003. "I wouldn't say so, no. I'd still have another three or four years to go," he said. Fairleigh, 30, who ended a career-long trophy drought when he joined St Helens this year, winning both the world club championship and the Challenge Cup, is also planning a return. "I've got three options - one, I can re-sign with Saints, two, I can go back to Australia or three, I could retire. "I've just got to see how my body's feeling at the end of the year but at the moment I'm feeling really good mentally and physically so we'll just wait and see what happens in a couple of months."

THE spate of player collisions with umpires in the AFL has spread to the National Rugby League, with a St George Illawarra player sent off for man-handling a referee during a match. Promising Dragons prop Ian Donnelly is in hot water after he grabbed and flung referee Phil Dorahy in a Jersey Flegg match against the Sharks on Friday at the Sydney Football Stadium. In a remarkable incident, the 20-year-old latched onto Dorahy's collar as the referee ran past him, then swung him around in an aggressive manner. Dorahy had no hesitation in dismissing the prop. An upset Donnelly claims to have confused the referee with a Sharks player because of their similar coloured uniforms. He has been charged with contrary conduct and is likely to face the NSWRL judiciary on Tuesday night. "It was a case of mistaken identity," Donnelly said yesterday. "It happened directly after a scuffle. I was running away following the play when he (Dorahy) bumped into me. "I thought he was a Cronulla player having a go at me, because their outfits are pretty much the same, so I grabbed him and that was it. "As soon as I brought him around in front of me I knew he wasn't one of them and I let him go. He just blew his whistle and sent me. There wasn't any talk – it happened too quickly to realise what happened. I was off." The man-handling comes on the back of three incidents this year in the AFL, which has come under fire for some lenient sentences. Brett Harvey (Kangaroos), Todd Curly (Western Bulldogs) and Adrian Fletcher (Fremantle) have been found guilty and suspended for a total of five weeks. There are four cases of first-grade rugby league players being found guilty of touching a referee -- perhaps the most famous being Steve Roach's head-pat of Eddie Ward a decade ago. St George Illawarra officials support Donnelly's defence of mistaken identity. The Dragons actually approached referee officials during the Jersey Flegg game to request they change their uniforms. This was done in time for first grade, where Paul Simpkins wore a black and orange strip. "I couldn't believe the referee's strip -- when he was in line with Cronulla you thought he was one of them," said Dragons chief executive Peter Doust. Donnelly, a Ballina junior in his second year at the Dragons, said he was not a malicious player. "It's all a big shock," he said. "I've never been sent off in my life and have been sin-binned just once – when I was 14. "I'm a front-rower so I take the hard yards, but I'm not a dirty player." Head of the NSWRL referees, Denis Spagarino, would not comment on the incident.

NEWCASTLE'S financial position received a massive boost yesterday with confirmation the defunct Gold Coast Chargers had signed off on a $500,000 loan to the Knights. After months of negotiations, the Chargers board is understood to have agreed to the loan at a meeting on Thursday night after seeking guarantees from the Knights and the NRL. The news comes on top of Friday's $1.45 million settlement of the sale of the failed Knights Leagues Club to businessman Con Constantine. The sale effectively means the Knights are once again debt free after a disastrous 2000 and in a far stronger position to secure their financial situation, at least in the short- to mid-term. It is understood the Knights will have no problems in paying out about $1.5 million in half-yearly player payments at the end of July and are still on target to make a small profit at the end of the season. Knights chief executive Ian Bonnette refused to discuss details of the financial arrangement with the Chargers. "The arrangement we have is confidential," he said. "But I will say it is not a survival package for us. "We sought assistance from the Chargers in a bid to shore up our position in case our cash flow is affected by things such as bad weather on game days. "Our crowds are a little bit down on budgeted estimations but we have tightened the belt in other areas and are still on target to make a small profit."

HENRY PAUL, the Bradford and New Zealand five-eighth, will sacrifice almost $1.5 million to live his dream of playing in the NRL. Paul, 27, said he would quit England and play next season in Australia – and The Daily Telegraph understands up to four clubs will express interest. However, Paul will be forced to reject a four-year deal worth $1.95m ($489,000 a season) from the Bradford Bulls. With the NRL's $3.25m salary cap, Australian clubs will only offer Paul a two-year contract worth $500,000. Paul, also being chased by British rugby union clubs, said in England last night: "I've done everything and won everything I can with Bradford during my career here. I'm very keen to play (in) the NRL." "I'm just waiting now to see who's going to put their hand up and wants me to play for them. "I think it could be time for me to go and try something different. "I know union is keen. I am a rugby league boy. "I back myself to play union but I'm really keen to play NRL. It's definitely my number one choice." Clubs who may negotiate with Paul are Penrith, Canterbury, St George Illawarra, Parramatta and Wests Tigers. Canberra is also showing interest. His manager Simon Burgess is in England talking with Paul but was last night unavailable for comment. Canberra has already made an official offer for Paul. New Raiders coach Matt Elliott coached Paul at Bradford and the pair remain close mates. "I have spoken to Henry but the Bradford offer is a big one," he said. "What we gave Henry was a final offer." Asked about Bradford's offer, Elliott said: "People have to understand that that sort of cash isn't in the marketplace." "But he would certainly contribute to our team. He is a strong bloke and is one out of the box in regards to unpredictability. He's also an outstanding goalkicker. "Your players in the top bracket have to be your best every week. If they're not they can mow the field, mark the lines and wash the jerseys." When asked about Paul, St George Illawarra chief executive Peter Doust said: "We're not in the market for that sort of player – a five-eighth or lock – at that price." Penrith chief executive Mark Levy said: "Penrith would be interested if Craig Gower decides to sign with another club." Bulldogs football manager Garry Hughes said: "Not at this stage – we will sit down in the next week and review who we're interested in and who we're not interested in. But we haven't made any approaches." Wests Tigers chief executive Steve Noyce said: "We'd always be interested in good players but I think he'd be out of our price range." Paul is off contract in October but would like to sort out his future within the next couple of months so, if he leaves, Bradford has the chance to find a replacement.

FORMER Australian Rugby League chairman Ken Arthurson says it is inevitable that the Northern Eagles joint venture will break down – and it could happen before the end of the year. "There is no risk it will fall apart," Arthurson said. "It gives me no pleasure to say that but I believe it has to happen. "I really wanted to see it work but it's in dire straits at the moment." If the merger ended, Arthurson said Manly would resume their role in the premiership as a single entity because they held the NRL franchise. That would leave Norths playing, at best, first division. Arthurson, the chairman of Manly Leagues Club, said the merger was living on borrowed time because of tension on the board, overspending on players and a lack of direction. As Sea Eagles and Bears factions fight for control of the joint venture club, Norths Leagues Club boss Jim Henry ruled out financial support for the merger. "We have no money for the joint venture, not a penny," Henry said. The grim predictions will rock rugby league and cause further speculation about the game's long-term future. NRL chief executive David Moffett said he was surprised by talk of the merger collapsing, "I have been assured by parties from Manly and Norths that they want the joint venture to be a success," Moffett said. Although Manly would be willing to stand alone in the premiership, the Sea Eagles would struggle for finance. Arthurson, the most respected man in league after a lifetime of service to the game, said he had been stunned by the extent of the merger's financial problems. He said Northern Eagles chairman Ian Thomson talked to him about financial shortfalls three weeks ago. "He said the problems had been caused by less-than-expected crowds," Arthurson said. "I said: 'How do you expect to draw crowds when you play games at 5.30 in the evening?' "That's when people are getting ready for dinner or they're picking up their kids from sport. "Or they've just finished playing sport themselves. "Why would people who live in Manly want to drive to the Central Coast to watch the team play when they can sit in their loungeroom and watch it for nothing on pay-TV?" Arthurson said he was not involved in decision-making at Manly football club and was not on the board but he could see the problems. Asked if the merger would dissolve, he said it was "inevitable". "But we would be honour-bound to maintain the commitment to our supporters and to the Central Coast," he said. Arthurson, the CEO of Manly Rugby League Club before heading the NSWRL, the ARL and the international board, said he had warned about overspending for years. He said the maximum amount of money most clubs could count on each season was about $5.5m. It would come from $1m in gate money, $1m from a leagues club grant, $2.5m from News Limited and $1m from sponsors. "Yet clubs are spending $7m and $8m," he said. "Something's got to give." He said he warned News Ltd last year when clubs wanted more money. "I told them (News Ltd) if they propped up the clubs then, they would have to do it again the following year – and they'll have to do it again next year, " he said. "If you look at the figures of football clubs and leagues clubs for the past five years, you'll see there is no way they can justify the money they are offering. "I don't care how much money players get, provided the club offering the money can afford it." Bears boss Henry said the club industry, and leagues clubs in particular, were experiencing a downturn in trading. "As a consequence the priorities are the members' amenities," he said. Henry said he was alarmed at the money paid to footballers. "The average man and woman, who are the backbone of rugby league, can't understand it," he said.

PENRITH second-rower Matt Adamson has threatened to switch to rugby or head overseas unless he fulfils his dream of being selected for representative league this season. Adamson said he was seriously thinking about following Brisbane winger Wendell Sailor's lead and defecting to the 15-a-side game. The 28-year-old, who played five Super League Tests for Australia in 1997, said rugby union was luring him with the bait of representative football. "The fact that they've shown interest as far as representative footy on the union side of things ... I've been passionate for years of playing rep footy but I haven't had that opportunity yet," Adamson said. "I'm just going to see how the next four months go with rugby league to see if I can crack it and if I don't, well, I might have to look at other options."

PLAYERS who have been with the one NRL club for 10 years or more will be exempt from the salary cap under new laws agreed to during today's NRL board meeting. The new rule will come into effect from 2003 and apply to players who've competed at a club for 10 consecutive years or more. Currently, 20 NRL players will be eligible for the exemption in 2003 but many of them are expected to retire before then.

THE cash-strapped Northern Eagles will be ordered to appear before the NRL to reveal its financial situation. The NRL board tonight declared the need to interview the Eagles board after admissions it was behind on its financial projections for the quarter. NRL chief executive David Moffett and his representatives will question the Eagles board, which has put its financial losses down to poor crowds this season. The NRL resolved at its board meeting tonight to insist on addressing special board meetings of clubs falling behind their submitted business plans. "We have received a range of assurances from the Northern Eagles in relation to their situation," Moffett said. "While the board accepts those, it also sees the need to have the situation discussed fully with the directors of the club. "As we continue our regular review of club finances, we will seek similar meetings with any other club that faces the same circumstances. "It is not a case of laying down the law, but it is a case of working to ensure everyone understands the need for salary-cap restraint and the need to keep clubs viable." Australian captain and vice skipper Brad Fittler and Gorden Tallis joined Rugby League Players' Association representatives Tony Butterfield and Rob Lawson at today's meeting. The group outlined the strength of the association's membership and its views in relation to both funding and the need for a clear voice for players in the game's decision making. "It was an impressive performance from the players and there remains an enormous amount of common ground for us to build on," Moffett said. "We have agreed to continue our dialogue on a range of issues, including the collective bargaining process."

IT was close to the Bulldogs' worst game of the season. But it was the day the fans turned in one of their finest performances. At a game touted as the heavyweight hooliganism bout of the series, the Bulldogs blue and white army had little to cheer for and only their own team to complain about. The Dragons' red and white army, separated from the Bulldogs by an uncrossable bridge of police-issue blue, had plenty to say but no-one to say it to after much of the Bulldogs camp left early to avoid witnessing the final scoreline. Coach Steve Folkes said his team were terrible on the ground. "We didn't have the right attitude from the whistle," Folkes said. The final 26-14 scoreline could easily have been far greater in the Dragons favour. It was a game when the Bulldogs' Steven Price, Darren Britt, and Hazem El-Masri spent more time on the big screen pleading for calm than any of their teammates for stand out play. When 106kg prop Barry Ward attempted a kick and chase midway through the second half, it was a sure sign the team was not playing to the script. The only crowd reaction was a collective moan. The potential for violence between the fanatical elements of the Bulldogs and their neighbouring St George fans had attracted much of the focus of the NRL fixture before play began. Considered the two teams with the most volatile supporters in the league, yesterday's clash was as important to the NRL as a test of crowd control as it was for the on-field display and result. Police said there were no arrests at the game. There were four evictions, down on the average at most NRL matches. A number of supporters were turned away before the game began, however, because they were considered drunk and disorderly. Police, on the lookout for supporters issued with warnings they could face life bans if they were again caught in violence like that which erupted after the round 10 clash with the Eels at Parramatta, said they had not identified any of the louts. If they did turn up they kept quiet. More than 20 security guards patrolled the hill where the core of the Bulldog army congregated, beating drums, waving supporter flags, and calling for authorities to "leave us alone". Seven security officers were stationed permanently facing the crowd behind the dead ball line – where the in-goal area saw little action in the first half from the Bulldogs and a glut from the Dragons in the second. With nine minutes to go, when Nathan Blacklock crossed for his third try for the Dragons, it was enough for most of the Bulldogs fans, who turned on their heels and left. A crowd of 21 police met fans who left the Sydney Showground by bus direct to Canterbury after track work cancelled rail services to the area. A further swarm of police and Cityrail security patrolled the rail platforms that carried supporters to Lidcombe and the city. But it was the tone of the crowd of 15,173 – filled largely by families – that made the difference yesterday. One fan jumping on the metal slats in the lower stands checked his own behaviour before he really got started, quickly turning to one of more than 100 police at the game. "Will I get in trouble for that?" he said. He didn't.

PARRAMATTA last night began securing their long-term future by signing State of Origin forward Michael Vella to a new four-year deal. Insiders say the deal is worth close to $1 million. Vella said last night he just couldn't imagine leaving Parramatta, with the young Eels this year in contention to break a 15-season premiership drought. "I'm a local junior and have played here all my life and didn't want to leave," Vella said. "The guys here all get on really well. Even players who come from other clubs say what a good club this is. It is very professional and has good harmony. "I wasn't looking at another club because I have so many friends here at Parramatta. "We have a lot of young players here. "Guys like Nathan Cayless and Nathan Hindmarsh will make sure we have a good side in the years to come and we can hopefully get that premiership. "A four-year contract means I have a bit of security – and I love playing under coach Brian Smith. "The Eels have done a lot for me over the years and I am very grateful." Smith said the retention of Vella, who toured with Australia's World Cup squad last year, was significant. "The re-signing of Michael Vella is good news for the club," Smith said. "He has made great progress over the last few years, and I am sure everyone at the Eels will be very excited about the news that Michael has committed further to the club." Vella's manager Brian Satterley added last night: "Being a local junior player and coming through the ranks with the likes of Nathan Cayless and Nathan Hindmarsh, Michael feels the club will continue to prosper." Vella said his immediate plans were to be part of NSW's three-game State-of-Origin series this year. "I've played five State-of-Origin matches but never an entire series," Vella said. "I played the first game last year, got dropped for the second match, but came back for the third game. I want to play a whole series." Vella began his career with the Eels at 19 in 1997. He swept from SG Ball to first grade in just two seasons. He started this season slowly with Smith starting him from the interchange bench. Privately, Vella expressed disappointment at being benched. However, in the past two months Vella has performed strongly and reclaimed his position in the Parramatta starting side. Vella will be called upon to handle the heavy workload early in this weekend's local derby against Penrith at Parramatta Stadium.

NORTHERN EAGLES chairman Ian Thomson today conceded the club's decision to sign halfback Brett Kimmorley may have been "poor" in light of its current financial woes. The Eagles are expected to incur a million-dollar shortfall this season, and Thomson admitted a reduction in player salaries could be one of the off-shoots of their money problems. News of the Eagles' financial plight comes less than a year after the club moved heaven and earth to sign NSW and Australian halfback Brett Kimmorley. The Eagles reportedly signed Kimmorley to a contract worth $450,000 a season for two years, with a two-year option, midway through last season. "I suppose it's always easy in hindsight to say that was a poor decision," Thomson said. "But I can understand why they did it. I think in terms of the budget they probably thought they could justify it. "If we hadn't had those potential losses from gate takings then maybe that was smart thinking on their part. "You would have expected our crowds to go up with having Brett Kimmorley here." Kimmorley has been in disappointing form for the Eagles this season and is in danger of losing his place in the NSW side. Eagles officials and coach Peter Sharp have defended his form, claiming he is still the player they want to build the club around. However, the club's financial problems could heap more pressure on Kimmorley's shoulders, with the Eagles unlikely to enter the player market and almost certain to have difficulty retaining the likes of former Test forward Adam Muir under a reduced salary cap. NRL chief executive David Moffett today said the league had talked with the Eagles about their financial status and discussions were ongoing. "We get regular quarterly reports from all of the clubs," Moffett said. "We're currently doing some work on those right now and I would expect to have a report (on the Eagles) in my hands by the end of this week. "We have already (talked with them) but obviously it's ongoing. "It's well known that the clubs have been working on getting their salaries down to the actual salary cap. "Once they do that they will be in a position to manage their financial affairs." Moffett wouldn't buy into statements from Thomson that more clubs were battling financial problems and described claims that pay TV had eroded the Eagles' support as a "furphy". "The idea that pay TV has only just come into being is a furphy," Moffett said. "Pay TV has been around for years." Thomson admitted a permanent move to the Central Coast would be a "short-term solution" to the club's problems, but said a more realistic plan would be to upgrade Brookvale Oval.

LONDON: Britain hopes to take another step on the road to international revival by sending the first England under-16 side on tour to Australia and New Zealand later this year. The July tour will include an inaugural Test, for this age level, against New Zealand. The England squad has a number of players with a pedigree to suggest they will be Great Britain stars of the future, including Wakefield-born Craig Vines, whose grandfather Don played international league in the 1950s, and Hull's Graeme Horne, whose elder brother Richard is tipped to play for Great Britain against the touring Kangaroos later this year. England also named a 22-man squad which will undertake the first under-18 tour of the Anzac countries in five years. The visit, also in July, will include two Tests each against Australia and New Zealand. The squad includes Wigan utility Sean O'Loughlin, son of former Wigan, Salford and Widnes player Kieron, and Bradford lock Jamie Langley, whose father was a centre for Leeds.

North Queensland trainer Bryan Hider and physio Donna O'Connor have been asked to take a week off after coach Tim Sheens yesterday took another seven days of stress leave. Sheens is expected to part company with the club before his latest stint of stress leave is complete. A severance package would be dependent on News Limited taking control of the club, something expected to occur by Friday. "Donna O'Connor and Bryan Hider have been told to have another week off work," said chief executive Rabieh Krayem. "After discussions with [caretaker coach] Murray Hurst, it was decided that with the situation as it is, it would be in the best interest of the team that Donna and Bryan have a week's leave." Hurst said he had no comment on the issue of Hurst and O'Connor but that his conscience was clear. Wigan late last night confirmed Castleford's Australian coach, Stuart Raper, as the replacement for Frank Endacott, who was sacked on Monday. Hurst was immediately installed as a possible replacement for Raper. "Good Lord, that's a newy to me," said Hurst. "I've had opportunities to go over there before but I didn't take them."

THE NRL judiciary tonight upheld its grading of a careless high tackle charge against St George Illawarra's Craig Smith, meaning the Dragons captain was suspended for six weeks. Smith pleaded guilty to the careless high tackle charge arising out of the Dragons 20-20 draw with the Sydney Roosters at the weekend. However, he chose to contest the grading of the charge before the judiciary. Smith was charged following a tackle on Roosters centre Matt Sing. He will miss five NRL matches as well as the Kiwis Test against France in June.

Castleford coach Stuart Raper was appointed today to replace the sacked Frank Endacott at Wigan. The Australian's contract at Castleford expired at the end of the season but he will join the Warriors immediately after both clubs reached a settlement. He will be in charge for Saturday's match against Hull.

BRONCOS and Queensland captain Gorden Tallis is on notice to stop abusing referees after his outburst against rookie referee Tony Archer last Sunday. Tallis climbed into Archer under the Broncos goalposts in the dying stages of the 26-all draw with Canberra at Bruce Stadium. A decision by Archer to award a line dropout against the Broncos enraged Tallis who was replaced by Wayne Bennett. NRL referees boss Peter Louis says Tallis's behaviour was unacceptable and has instructed Archer to talk to him the next time he controls a Broncos game. "I asked Tony what Gorden had said to him," Louis said. "Tony said it was basically a lot of swear words like 'you've got to be f...ing kidding and you've got to be joking' and so on. "I thought Arch had shown maturity for a guy who had done only 20 games."

CONTROVERSIAL refereeing decisions over ball-stripping directly led to another brace of draws in Round 12 of the NRL premiership.The 20-20 Dragons-Roosters draw at WIN Stadium and the 26-26 Raiders-Broncos impasse at Bruce Stadium took the season's draw tally to six. At WIN Stadium, referee Steve Clark penalised St George Illawarra five-eighth Trent Barrett for what appeared to be a legitimate one-on-one strip on Roosters winger Trent Clayton. The penalty saw secondrower Craig Fitzgibbon kick a short-range goal for the draw. At Bruce Stadium, Broncos centre Chris Walker scored inside the last minute only to see the winning try denied by video referee Ian Parnaby. Despite inconclusive video evidence, Parnaby ruled Raiders prop Todd Payten had been stripped of the ball in a two-man tackle before Walker got possession. Raiders fullback Clinton Schifcofske missed a 30-metre field goal attempt right on fulltime after halfback Brett Finich had missed with two earlier shots to break the deadlock.

A DEFIANT NRL chief executive David Moffett last night slammed reports that he was set for the sack. A Sunday newspaper quoted un-named sources within News Limited as saying that Moffett's days in charge of the NRL were numbered in the wake of his decision to take a mid-season holiday. The reports were strenuously denied by both Moffett and the NRL last night. "The story contained numerous inaccuracies and I put no credence in it," Moffett said. Moffett has been copping plenty of criticism since The Daily Telegraph revealed he was set to take a fortnight's break mid-season to follow the Tour De France bicycle race. A spokesperson for News Ltd, a 50 per cent stakeholder in the NRL, said the company knew nothing of any move to get rid of Moffett. "News Limited is unaware of any moves to replace David Moffett," director of News Limited corporate affairs Kris Neill said. Moffett spent last weekend in Bourke, helping to promote the game in the bush.

OUTGOING Canberra coach Mal Meninga would be interested in replacing his former mentor Tim Sheens at the troubled North Queensland Cowboys next season or possibly heading to England. But Meninga's long-time Brisbane-based manager Jim Banaghan today killed off weekend rumours top English club Wigan was chasing the former Queensland Test centre to replace ex-Kiwi coach Frank Endacott. "We haven't spoken to or heard from Wigan but we'd definitely throw in for the Cowboys job," Banaghan said. Sheens, who eclipsed Warren Ryan's club coaching record this year, missed his first NRL club assignment last week after stepping down for health reasons.

His days at the Cowboys, again languishing at the bottom of the ladder, appear numbered, especially with his health problems diagnosed as stress-related. Cowboys chief executive Rabieh Krayem said today Sheens was due to report back for duty tomorrow after assistant coach Murray Hurst deputised during the Cowboys' 42-34 loss to premiership pacesetters Newcastle at Marathon Stadium yesterday. Meninga is currently in the process of transferring the Raiders' coaching reins to his successor, former Bradford coach Matthew Elliott. It was noticeable Elliott called most of the shots during Canberra's 26-26 draw with Brisbane at Bruce Stadium yesterday with Meninga content to take a back seat. Banaghan said too much was being made in the media about Elliott taking control at Canberra when it was supposed to be a dual coaching arrangement for the season. "Mal knows he is going and it was always his intention to move further into the back seat," Banaghan said. "It's round 13 and the halfway stage of the competition so it's a good time for Mark to move into the jockey's seat. "Some people are carrying on like pork chops. Mal always said he planned to step back and that's exactly what he is doing."

NRL boss David Moffett will be told to hop on his bike and ride out of rugby league at the end of the season. Moffett's mid-season cycling trip to Europe, where he aims to follow the Tour de France, has tipped his last remaining supporters over the edge and he will be paid out the final year of his NRL deal. Even those who backed Moffett for the job ahead of John Brass are now questioning the decision, and that's where Moffett's problems lie. Highly placed sources at the NRL and News Limited told The Sun-Herald this week that Moffett's days as the boss of the NRL were numbered. Denials will come but knowledge of the push to remove Moffett will be fresh news to all but the most senior of decision makers. "This is fair dinkum," said a highly-placed News Limited source. "It's not set in stone yet but the momentum is gathering quickly. He is getting rid of himself and the push is coming from ARL sources, some of whom questioned his appointment in the first place because of his rugby union background. "The moves that are going to start now ... he'll be gone at the end of the year. "People can't put up with this any more. At this stage there is no replacement in mind but that will happen soon. "His leadership style is very questionable. Any support he did have is now gone." The key to the situation is his ARL supporters have finally grown tired of Moffett's behaviour and both News and the ARL are dismayed at his mid-season trip. In the conservative world of rugby league Moffett has been described as odd. He has been strongly criticised publicly and privately for his failure to wear a tie, his decision to award radio rights to 2GB and the non-materialisation of the "strategic plan". But until his mid-season jaunt, decision-makers were prepared to wear his eccentric traits and to back him. Moffett's passion for the game is also under question. "His passion for the game is clearly not there," said a highly placed NRL source. "He wants to get on his bike and ride around the countryside. He can do that and keep riding. "It sends the wrong message. He hasn't really fitted into the game like we hoped." Even though Moffett is on the way out, NRL figures are suspicious of News' motives. "I just hope this isn't a plan to bring John Brass into the frame," said another NRL source. "He is Super League through and through." News sources say Brass has not been considered. The Sun-Herald has learned Moffett deliberately leaked news of his impending bike-riding trip to News Limited in order to gauge the response. He expected criticism but didn't know it would trigger behind-the-scenes manoeuvring to end his career at the NRL. "All my critics will be out in force but no-one has said anything to me," he said. "Anyway, when is a good time to take a holiday? "I have a passion for cycling and it is my son's sport. Last year in the off-season I planned to do a cooking course in Italy before the World Cup. I had to cancel that because of rugby league. "The so-called off-season is when we should be doing our planning for the coming season so there is no real time off. "We have a very good staff at the NRL, capable of looking after things in my absence. I'm contactable over there and I'm only 20 hours away. "I'll be able to monitor the situation and come back if need be."

JOHN HOPOATE has gone from being a football outcast to being chased by clubs on both sides of the league world. A Super League club in England has opened negotiations to have Hopoate resume his career with them, rather than in Australia. The unnamed English club hopes to convince Hopoate of the advantages of making a fresh start overseas rather than resume playing in a blaze of publicity in Australia. Hopoate's manager Wayne Beavis said he had been requested by the English club to forward details of Hopoate's career. "They're very enthusiastic," he said. "I'll send a resume on Monday and we should have a reply within 24 hours. "John still has about seven matches to go of his suspension so there is time for talks." Hopoate was suspended for contrary conduct after video evidence of him poking rival players in the backside. The case made worldwide headlines, including derisive exposure even in countries not playing rugby league. As a consequence, Hopoate's contract with the Tigers was ended and a financial settlement reached. So any NRL club wanting to sign Hopoate for this season will have to re-register him before the closing date of June 30.

Beavis said there was also interest in Hopoate from NRL clubs but he would delay pursuing them until the suspension was closer to ending. "If he is registered before June 30 he will be right to play early in July," he said. Despite the horror of Hopoate's offence, more rational thinking now accepts it should not mean the end of his career. Although the British offer will have appeal, it is more likely Hopoate and his wife and five children will prefer the warmth of Australia to the north of England cold. Beavis has also sent a chill through the Australian rugby league scene by saying British clubs are once again ready to raid the NRL for players. Beavis said at least a dozen first-graders had been targeted by English clubs for next season – and that followed a similar exodus last year. "There have been inquiries from 12 clubs about players from the NRL," he said. "I have a fax from one club that is in the top five. They have three spots available. "And there are many others with spots available or with vacancies that will open up before their season starts."

UNION will intensify its bid to sign league superstar Darren Lockyer with a meeting between the ARU and the Queensland fullback's manager next week. Lockyer heads a list of league stars that union will attempt to poach in a daring raid before league's anti-tampering deadline expires on June 30. Fellow Kangaroo Mat Rogers is also top priority for the ARU, which is eyeing off the 2003 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. ARU high-performance manager Jeff Miller last night confirmed rugby's interest in the brilliant Maroons fullback. "We're looking at where our squads might need a little bit of strengthening," Miller said. "I think Lockyer would be quite good at fly-half, fullback's another one.

"He's got a fair range of skills. "He would have to be one of the priority signings for the Brisbane Broncos so therefore I can only assume that he would be looking at reasonable money." Lockyer, off contract with Brisbane at the end of this season, last night declared he would consider any offer put on the table before giving the Broncos the final right of reply. "The Australian Rugby Union haven't spoken to me personally but I'm interested to see if they have got anything to say. I'll see what is on offer before I sign on the dotted line (in Brisbane)," the Kangaroo fullback said. "I would be stupid not to explore all avenues." Lockyer's manager George Mimis said he would hold discussions with Miller and the man who convinced Wendell Sailor to switch codes earlier this year, Michael O'Connor. The meeting will take place in Sydney next week where Mimis will also discuss other business opportunities with the ARU. "I'll be meeting with the ARU on a range of business issues in the coming week and Darren will be discussed," Mimis said. O'Connor, a dual international in league and union, is one of the ARU's talent scouts. It is understood the bid to snare Lockyer's signature will be pushed up a gear before the second State-of-Origin clash at Stadium Australia on June 10.

Miller also confirmed rugby officials had watched last Sunday's Origin clash won 34-16 by Queensland to monitor the performances of some other potential recruits. Sharks winger Rogers is another star who rugby union has expressed interest in and will attempt to lure before the rugby league market opens up after June 30. "We're still interested in Mat Rogers," Miller said. "He could also be a candidate at flyhalf." Rogers is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury and was unavailable for comment yesterday. However, he has previously expressed interest in hearing what the ARU has to say about a possible switch of codes. Both Rogers and Lockyer are viewed as utility players who could cover a number of positions in the backline. Another league star who had previously been offered to the ARU, Craig Gower, is no longer in the running for a contract. "We looked at Gower after he was offered to us but we won't be pursuing him," Miller said.

THOUSANDS of fans stayed away from last night's Bulldogs-Sharks NRL match as more than 200 police and security guards breath tested and searched patrons for alcohol and weapons. In a major crackdown on hooliganism, police patrolled Toyota Stadium at Cronulla to stop any offensive behaviour after a brawl at a Bulldogs home game three weeks ago. Sharks group general manager Ed Gibson said only 12,000 fans instead of the anticipated 15,000 had turned up. Breath testers manned every entry turnstile at the ground as mounted police and security officers patrolled streets outside the Cronulla ground. Following reports flares were to be taken to the ground by some fans, security officers searched every bag at the gates. More than 20 transit police guarded the train station as crowds trickled to the ground.

NRL chief executive David Moffett spent the early part of the match mingling with the crowd, including the hill which was swamped by a major Bulldogs presence. Georges River regional commander Chris Evans, in charge of operations last night, said the police numbers – which included 20 officers paid for by the Sharks – were sufficient to handle any situation. On the eve of last night's match, police hand delivered final warning notices to louts who had been identified from video surveillance as among the main troublemakers. The letters were part of a new police protocol to rid sport of hooliganism and make sporting events such as NRL fixtures safe for families. Bulldogs supporter Troy Belling, 25, of Cronulla, last night said he had noticed the police presence and extra security at the ground. "Everyone knows they have to behave. We know we have to be responsible," he said.

Sixteen-year-old Ryan Mee, from Minto, said breath testers were checking every person as they arrived at the ground. "They are really serious about doing something about [the violence]," he said. Gibson said the Sharks were disappointed at the effect concerns over violence had on the crowd turnout for the match. However, all NRL clubs were prepared to work together to ensure hooligans were eliminated from the games, he said. "It's unfortunate not only for the Bulldogs but for the whole NRL," Gibson said.

PLAYERS and officials were last night mourning the death of one of the game's greatest supporters, Carol Rogers. Carol Rogers, mother of current Test winger Mat and wife of former Cronulla, NSW and Australian legend Steve, had been fighting a long battle with breast cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago and had also battled a brain tumour. She collapsed during halftime at the Anzac Test last year, when Mat broke the Australia-New Zealand individual pointscoring record.

THE Kangaroos will play Test matches in Huddersfield, Wigan and Bolton as part of this year's Ashes series against Great Britain. The venues were confirmed last night by the English Rugby Football League after more than a month of talks between it and the ARL. The ARL approved the schedule at a board meeting on Monday night, but delayed announcing the final tour dates and venues until it had been ratified by the RFL. A number of stadiums were considered for the series, with Sunderland and Newcastle among those mentioned as possible venues for Ashes Tests. But is is believed both clubs, along with with Liverpool, rejected approaches, while talks with Everton and Manchester City broke down. The Kangaroos will also play matches against Wigan, St Helens, Bradford and Leeds as well as a Test against Papua New Guinea. The ARL is yet to confirm a Test against France with French officials reluctant to take on the world champions.

THE ARL will seek assurances from Channel 9 the station will not abuse the privilege of having a permanent camera in State of Origin team dressing-rooms. Queensland and NSW officials have expressed concern over pre- and post-match vision from the dressing-rooms at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday night. Coach Wayne Bennett was shown pacing the floor of the Queensland dressing-room while his players celebrated their 34-16 victory on the field. Later in the telecast NSW skipper Brad Fittler was shown berating his players for their below-par performance. Fittler had cleared the rooms of everyone except the players and it was meant to be a private moment. Viewers saw Blues prop Jason Stevens naked, although he was hunched over and spared any real embarrassment. QRL managing director Ross Livermore said he had raised certain issues about Nine's coverage with ARL chief executive Geoff Carr and he expected those matters to be taken up with Nine. Livermore said Channel 9 had the right to show dressing-room scenes before and after the match and at halftime. But they had to give one minute's warning to team management to avoid situations where players could be caught in the nude, or where coaches wanted to speak to players without intrusion. "It may seem pretty harmless capturing Wayne (Bennett) by himself in the sheds but from what I understand he didn't know he was being filmed and he didn't want to be filmed," Livermore said. "He wanted the players to have the limelight. Instead everyone is talking about Bennett being by himself." NSW media officer Paul Ritchie said he was surprised when he saw Fittler on Channel 9's news on Monday "giving his spiel" to the players. "You couldn't hear anything Freddy (Fittler) was saying but it was apparent from the gestures on his face he was angry," Ritchie said. "He had kicked the trainers and everyone else out and he didn't expect it to be on TV." Channel 9's Director of Sport Gary Burns said a "gentleman's agreement" governed dressing-room shots and the station was always careful not to invade the players' privacy. Burns said the telecast's G rating meant Channel 9 had to ensure there was no nudity. On Sunday night players were captured in various stages of undress in the build-up to the match but nothing more than is seen in close-up at team medicals where television crews from all stations have open slather. Whatever the pros and cons of Nine's coverage, it proved to be a winner with the viewing public, according to ratings systems, OzTAM and ACNielsen. OzTAM figures showed the match peaked with a rating of 37 in Sydney at 8.30pm, with 1,107,000 viewers, while in Brisbane the telecast peaked at 37 at 9.15pm, with 648,000 viewers. ACNielsen figures made Origin a clear winner in Sydney with 866,000 viewers at 8.30pm, while in Brisbane ratings peaked between 9.15pm and 9.30pm at 47 with 758,000 viewers. The Sydney figures were the highest for an Origin match since 1996. Channel 9 has the live telecast rights to the remaining matches – in Sydney on June 10 and in Brisbane on July 1.

QUEENSLAND captain Gorden Tallis will become rugby league's first $1 million a season player following his destructive performance in Sunday's opening State of Origin match. Tallis's manager George Mimis revealed last night five multi-national companies have this week opened negotiations on corporate sponsorship. "Five large companies contacted us within 24 hours of the State of Origin match – Gorden is a tremendous corporate ambassador," Mimis said. With his profile in Queensland now equal to King Wally Lewis in the 1990s, Tallis is ready to zoom past leading NSW players Brad Fittler, Andrew Johns and Trent Barrett in off-field earnings. Leading marketing agent Max Markson last night admitted Tallis was an attractive proposition to the corporate sector. "He could well be the first player through the $1m barrier," Markson said. "Companies would use his name, his image, make personal appearances and speak at staff motivation sessions. "He could also work on television, radio and for newspapers. "Gorden has tremendous potential in the Brisbane market. All other footballers are fighting against themselves in Sydney. He wouldn't get this sort of sponsorship if he lived in NSW. "A strong and determined company would want a strong and determined player." Tallis, 27, remains unconcerned by his rising corporate appeal. "That's why I've got a manager – the best thing I do is play footy," Tallis told The Daily Telegraph. "I just do what I can on the football field – anything off the field is a bonus." Coincidently, it was claimed yesterday that Australia will also have its first million-dollar Test cricketer under a new pay deal negotiated with the ACB. Under the new agreement, the ACB said the Australian squad would be the best paid national sporting team in the country and the highest paid cricket team in the world. Tallis's manager said the big forward was now ready to cash in after confirming his status as the world's premier forward in Sunday night's Origin blockbuster. "Gorden is a unique commercial proposition off the field," Mimis said. "There are two sides to Gorden Tallis – the rugby league player and the role model. "Gorden's profile is high because he is Brisbane and Queensland captain and Australian vice-captain. "Gorden, by living in Brisbane, has a better shot at the corporate dollar. He gets a large slice of the pie by living in Queensland." Tallis will play his 150th first grade game in Sunday's match against Canberra at Bruce Stadium. He made his debut for St George in 1992. "I always wanted to play 200 first grade games – that's pretty good for a forward," Tallis said. "I've got three years to go with Brisbane so I should get up the other 50 games. "And don't forget I sat out a season (with Super League in 1995)." Meanwhile, discussions on a new upgraded contract are "ongoing" between the Broncos and Queensland fullback Darren Lockyer. "No deal has been done but things are looking good," said Mimis, also the manager for Lockyer. "We are heading in the right direction." It was rumoured yesterday that Lockyer, after his effort in Origin I, had become rugby union's new No. 1 target.

WESTS TIGERS games will not move from Campbelltown to Concord this season under a limited peace deal made in the fractured camp of the joint-venture club yesterday. While emergency meetings were held to soothe the boardroom brawl that could affect the future control of Wests Tigers, the ailing club also called in former captain Jarrod McCracken to help Terry Lamb boost the team's on-field performances. In a management split which adds further turmoil to the Wests Tigers season, the meeting between two brawling Western Suburbs factions failed to solve a rift that will dictate who becomes the next Wests Tigers chairman. Western Suburbs Football Club president Jim Marsden said yesterday the meeting with Western Suburbs Leagues Club chairman, Peter Hardgrove, achieved little other than assurances Wests Tigers games would not be moved from Campbelltown. Marsden – who has been blamed for much of the Wests Tigers' first year financial problems – is under enormous pressure from the dominant Wests faction, the leagues club at Ashfield. Marsden is the deputy chair of Wests Tigers and is poised to take over from Balmain's John Chalk as club chairman, but needs full backing of the four Wests Ashfield-aligned directors on the seven-man Magpies board – support he does not currently enjoy. The dispute, which comes on top of the club's horror season start, has emerged while Wests Tigers are confronting claims that senior players at the club have had enough and are looking to move on. Chairman John Chalk confirmed as many as four players had already indicated they were looking to leave. On top of the Craig Field and Kevin McGuinness bans for positive drug tests and John Hopoate's sacking for unsavoury conduct, he said the latest row was the last thing the club needed. "We don't need anything like this at the moment." he said. "We have to keep all of this at arm's length." "The Wests Tigers club has been through enough." Prop Shane Walker yesterday confirmed he had been fielding offers from London clubs, but denied there was discontent among the team. "As a senior player I'm trying to help get things back on track. I'm not abandoning ship, not yet anyway," Walker said.

News Ltd will start making changes at the Cowboys today after taking control of the club last night, The Sydney Morning Herald reported in Friday’s editions. News, which owns 50 per cent of the Cowboys, came to an agreement with the club last night. "I have just come back from meeting with News in Sydney and we have reached an agreement in principle for the restructure of the club," North Queensland director Laurence Lancini said last night. "Pending the approval of directors and shareholders, we will now be able to restructure the club and get the Cowboys up where they belong." Under terms of the agreement, News will start pouring money into the club again and is expected to shake up the club’s management and board. The catalyst for the News Ltd move, which comes a month after the company said it would sell its stake in the Cowboys if the right offer came up, was a study on the club by major sponsor CHR. The study recommended major changes to the running of the club.

WELLINGTON: The Warriors have set their sights on a match against rugby union's Hurricanes to be played under hybrid rules here next February. The Auckland-based league club are due to meet again with Auckland Rugby Union officials later this week as negotiations continue for a game against the Blues. But with the Blues lurching from bad to worse in recent weeks, the Warriors are expecting them to back down and their attention has turned to the star-laden Hurricanes. "It's a thought process and we'd love to see it happen," said Warriors chief executive Mick Watson said. "There's been no formal approach yet. We have to finish our process with Auckland and see what their thoughts are but I don't believe it'll happen. "We spoke with the Blues because we thought of a local derby, but the optimum occasion, the pinnacle event, would definitely be the Hurricanes. "You want to see Jonah (Lomu), (Christian) Cullen, (Tana) Umaga up against Stacey Jones, Francis Meli, Motu Tony. We would love Wellington to give it some thought." With All Blacks commitments in mind, the Warriors are thinking of a pre-season game in January-February played under hybrid rules. There would be no lineouts, teams would be 13-a-side with no flankers, rucks and mauls would be allowed and the scrum would be based on rugby sevens with minimal pushing.

NORTH QUEENSLAND coach Tim Sheens has been forced to take a week's stress leave amid mounting speculation surrounding his future at the club. Assistant coach Murray Hurst will be in charge of the first grade team until next Tuesday and today selected the Cowboys team for Sunday's trip to Marathon Stadium to play table-topping Newcastle. North Queensland chief executive Rabieh Krayem confirmed today Sheens was having blood tests. "He's been told by doctors to stay home for a week and he's having further tests ... hopefully he'll be back next week," Krayem said. The Cowboys are propping up the NRL ladder, leading to ongoing speculation that Sheens is under pressure to retain his position with the club.

QUEENSLAND 34 NEW SOUTH WALES 16 Lang Park was laid to rest as an old-style football field last night - and resurrected as a graveyard. In the last game at what is now Suncorp Stadium before it is redeveloped, a Maroons side with 10 Origin debutants scored a blazing 34-16 win over NSW in game one before 38,909 enthralled Queenslanders. At the venue where it was born 21 years ago, State of Origin football was more or less saved by Wayne Bennett and his team of untried rookies. The stadium lay awaiting the demolisher late last night, its send-off fitting and complete. "It was," Maroons coach Bennett said, summing up the evening, "back to 1980." Bennett cast fullback Darren Lockyer as Wally Lewis and skipper Gorden Tallis as Arthur Beetson in his updated production of the first Origin, which was won 20-10 by the Maroons. And he even had an original cast member on hand last night, Lewis presenting the players with their jerseys before kick-off. It did the trick, as the ghosts of the former cemetery were roused and the Maroons - who had won just one of their previous seven Origin clashes there - brought one era to an end by giving every indication they had opened another. "It's a very special ground and it's a very special moment," said Tallis after one of Queensland's biggest victories. "It's probably only my first win here so I'm going to soak it up." Bennett, back to save the Maroons from humiliations such as last year's Origin III, watched his rookies shine in a six-tries-to-three win but chose to praise long-time allies Lockyer and Tallis. "I thought it was a Wally Lewis-type performance," said Bennett of Lockyer. "We needed him to dominate the game and he was outstanding. Gorden was outstanding. It reminded me of 1980 when we all started this." Lockyer was the undisputed star, gliding through gaps while hapless New South Welshmen grasped at thin air. He combined magnificently with debutant winger Lote Tuqiri for Queensland's first try after just three minutes and seemed, at times, impossible to tackle. But the abilities of Lockyer and Tallis are well known. Last night really belonged to the likes of North Queensland utility John Doyle, who scored a stirring try in the 45th minute on the back of his own break from halfway. "I was through," he recalled at full-time. "Locky was outside me, and the next thing I knew I found myself in the clear and I was over the line. "Unbelievable! This is the best ground, the best atmosphere I've ever played in. The whole place is going for us. It's unreal." And it belonged to Brisbane forward Carl Webb, who bounced out of four tackles on his way to a powerhouse try just before half-time. NSW, whose skipper Brad Fittler said changes might be necessary, looked capable of winning a couple of times last night - while video referee Eddie Ward was checking footage of what the Blues hoped would be ruled tries. Ward flashed the red light for centre Matthew Gidley and second-rower Bryan Fletcher and the effect was clearly felt immediately by the whole team. Gidley crossed with ease in the seventh minute but somehow Tuqiri managed to knock the ball free before he could touch down. Five minutes later, the Maroons scored their second try. And Fletcher raced through the defence from a standing start in the 44th minute, seemingly certain to score a try which, if converted, would have narrowed the margin to 16-10. But dogged defence forced him to drop the ball just short of the line. One minute later, Doyle's name was etched into Origin folklore. "I think there could be changes," Fittler said. "I'd say there will be. In these games you haven't got that many chances. There's only three Origins a year, so you've got to make the most of your opportunities. This could have been one of the great games. Our effort brought it down. I can't remember one tackle we dominated." NSW coach Wayne Pearce, however, said: "I can assure you there won't be wholesale changes." Queensland's success was even more impressive given the loss through injury during the match of second-rower Brad Meyers (cork) and centre Darren Smith (groin), and Shane Webcke receiving a poke in the eye. "That added to the performance," said Bennett. "We just didn't have the guys in the end to fill the holes." Origin II is set down for the Olympic stadium on June10. "I'll need a month to get over that one," Tallis said. QUEENSLAND 34 (D Lockyer, D Smith, C Webb, J Doyle, J Buttigieg, C Walker tries; D Lockyer 5 goals) bt. NEW SOUTH WALES 16 (M Gidley, B Fittler, T Barrett tries; M De Vere 2 goals) at Suncorp Stadium. Referee: Bill Harrigan. Crowd: 39,909.

NSW hooker Luke Priddis last night declared war against his Brisbane teammates in the lead-up to State of Origin I on Sunday. Priddis, 24, will make his debut in the Origin cauldron of Suncorp Stadium and expects a rousing welcome from the big Brisbane forwards. "There's been a bit of joking about it from Gordie and the boys over the past few weeks but I wasn't really sure whether I'd be here or not," Priddis said. "Now that I'm here I'm really fired up to give it to them. "It should be a fierce battle once we get out there. "They'll be in maroon jerseys and I'll be in a blue one so there's no question about where loyalties lie." For the first time in 20 years of Origin a record number of players will make their debuts in sky blue or maroon jumpers. The Blues have four players untested – Priddis, Mark Hughes, Nathan Hindmarsh and Michael De Vere – while Queensland have a staggering 10 rookies. It is a big step for these young guns to take the giant leap from club football to the trench warfare of Origin. But the Blues look to have an edge. The four Blues debutants have impressive credentials despite never having played Origin football. Parramatta star Nathan Hindmarsh has been on a Kangaroo tour, Priddis played for NSW during Super League and has won a Grand Final with Brisbane – while centre De Vere has won two premiership rings with the Broncos. Fullback Hughes could be a Maroon target but his club form suggests he will handle the challenge. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't surprised (to be in the team) but the boys have made me feel welcome," Hughes said. "When you play with such a strong side your confidence grows." Blues coach Wayne Pearce said the squad chosen is capable of getting the job done. "There's four new faces but they've all played finals football and they've all shined at club level," Pearce said. Queensland look to be strong in the forwards but vulnerable in the halves. Paul Green was dumped for the third game of the series last year while Parramatta utility Daniel Wagon is untested. Wagon has played finals football but the task of marking Brad Fittler and Brett Kimmorley appears ominous.

ADAM MacDOUGALL has accused the NRL of going "over the top" with the recent spate of charges against players for lifting knees in tackles. The NSW winger made the comment yesterday after being cleared to play in the opening State of Origin game against Queensland on Sunday, despite the fact he could carry a torn hamstring into the match. Lifting knees in tackles has become a target for NRL commissioner Jim Hall. Seven players have been booked for the offence and charged with contrary conduct. The best-documented case involves St George Illawarra captain Craig Smith, who has been suspended twice this season for lifting his knees. The Kiwi international has threatened to quit the NRL and play out his career in England if charged one more time. And the Dragons are currently waging a war against the NRL over the definition of contrary conduct. MacDougall was involved in the most infamous incident of lifting knees during Origin II at Lang Park last year. The Newcastle winger lifted his knee into the ribs of Maroons five-eighth Julian O'Neill as he was taking the ball out of his own half. But a specially convened video review committee found no problem with the incident and no action was taken. MacDougall admitted yesterday the O'Neill incident had looked dangerous but added he had mistimed his run and had never come under scrutiny for lifting his knees since. "I don't think any player actually sets out to hurt another player and I just think Craig Smith is obviously the flavour of the month with knee lifting," MacDougall said. "If you look at all players, I think there's some sort of bracing mechanism they use to set themselves to be hit. "I think maybe they (the NRL) are going a little bit over the top but in saying that I suppose the players' safety is of paramount importance. "I just hope the league moves on to something else and hopefully we can focus on other positives." That appears unlikely, at least in the short term, with two of MacDougall's team-mates poised to defend themselves against the charge at the NRL judiciary tonight. Knights forward Clinton O'Brien faces one match on the sidelines if the charge is upheld, while Matt Parsons will be available to play regardless of the panel's verdict. The issue of lifting knees, plus other concerns over inconsistencies in the charging process, will be raised at the next chief executives meeting later this month. Dragons boss Peter Doust met Hall yesterday in an ongoing attempt to clarify the contrary conduct charge and clear Smith's name in the process. "There needs to be certain elements in the knee lift for it be an offence, one of which is contact," Doust said. "There needs to intent, there needs to be injury, there needs to be evidence to say the player has done the act intentionally." The Dragons captain is scheduled to meet Hall today. NSW finally received some good news yesterday after MacDougall made it through the Blues first training session at Randwick army barracks. The Blues have had an awful run heading into Origin I with key players Andrew Johns, Ryan Girdler and David Peachey all late withdrawals through injury, while MacDougall was also in doubt with a torn hamstring. MacDougall went for a precautionary run in the morning yesterday before joining the Blues for afternoon training. "I've actually got a torn hamstring but in saying that there's a chance that it might be fully recovered before the game," MacDougall said. "I'm willing to risk it given the fact that it's Origin football and that doesn't come around very often. I've played enough Origin football to realise you can't afford not to be 100 per cent fit and I'm pretty confident that come Sunday I'll be close to 100 per cent." NSW coach Wayne Pearce said he was confident that MacDougall, who will mark Queensland winger Wendell Sailor at the coach's request, would finish the game. MacDougall said he was looking forward to having one more shot at Sailor, who will switch codes at the end of the season after signing with the Australian Rugby Union. "I'm sure in the back of the head he's going to want one last chance to get a crack at me and get over the top of me . . . and I'm willing to give him that opportunity," he said. In the Queensland camp yesterday, Darren Smith declared himself fit after two training sessions, despite missing the past month with a groin injury. "There was a bit of a twinge when I first got to the camp, but the medical people have done wonders and I ran without pain or soreness. I'll be there on Sunday," he said. Queensland medical officer Roy Saunders described yesterday's two training sessions as good enough tests and said he was confident Smith would take his place in the side. Fullback Darren Lockyer has been handed the goalkicking duties for the Maroons but later admitted he was reluctant about the task. The Australian fullback hasn't kicked for his club Brisbane for two seasons and said he doesn't enjoy the role, but unfortunately for him he is the only recognised kicker in Queensland's 17-man squad. "Goal-kicking is not a hobby I enjoy and there is certainly a lot more pressure in Origin, but I'll do it," Lockyer said. Referee Bill Harrigan has been appointed to control Origin I, bringing his career tally of interstate clashes to 13.

THE Bulldogs have proposed a judiciary-style grading system to determine penalties for coaches who criticise referees, and calling the whistle-blower a cheat is at the worst end of the scale. Bulldogs Leagues Club president Gary McIntyre made the suggestion yesterday as part of his strategy to defend coach Steve Folkes against a $10,000 fine imposed by the NRL, after Folkes was accused of bringing the game into disrepute with a verbal attack on referee Tim Mander two weeks ago. "The NRL rules do not prohibit criticism of referees," McIntyre said yesterday. "It is clear from the rules that criticism of the referee is permitted but the issue is when does it cross the line and become not in the best interest of the game. "There are no guidelines for the clubs to assist them in determining when that line is crossed." After Parramatta and the Bulldogs fought out a 20-all draw two weeks ago, Folkes was heavily critical of Mander's performance in the post-match press conference – including accusations of refereeing to the home crowd – and was subsequently served a breach notice from the NRL. McIntyre said the club would oppose the charge, but had written to the NRL to get clarification of exactly which comments were in breach. "It was a lengthy interview," he said. "We are not expected to determine which of the comments made by our coach were objectionable and which were not objectionable. "We have written and asked for particulars on which of the comments are objectionable and for what reason, and which of the comments we need to defend." A grading system of punishable offences for a coach's public statements needs to be implemented to help them know their boundaries, he proposed. "It would be good if we had some type of guideline that gave some type of grading to assist us with this," he said. "The highest grade might be accusing the referee of cheating or dishonesty, obviously the worst. The next down an accusation of bias, the third suggesting he was influenced by the home crowd, and further down saying he had an off game and further down and so on." But regardless of the NRL's response, the Bulldogs will stand behind Folkes and his comments about Mander. "The preliminary view of the club is that the comments of Steven Folkes did not cross the line. "They fell within a reasonable criticism which they might not like to hear but are nevertheless not prohibited," he said. The Bulldogs deadline to reply to the notice has been extended to Monday. Concerned over crowd violence involving Bulldogs supporters in recent months, Sharks officials met with representatives from the police, CityRail, the NRL and the Bulldogs yesterday in preparation for their home game with the club in two weeks. "The Bulldogs representatives gave us a couple of clues into the behaviour of their fans and we have our intelligence on them as well," Sharks group general manager Ed Gibson said. "But to be honest, the Friday night game, peak hour traffic and only one train line into the area might affect the amount of Bulldogs supporters that come. It might be a bit of a hike for a lot of them." Gibson said the club did not expect any outbreak of inter-club violence, with the Bulldog Army traditionally segregating themselves in the smaller, southern area of the ground. "We expect them to be creatures of habit and go to the same area," he said. Bulldogs halfback Darrell Trindall and Wests Tigers hooker Ciriaco Mescia will join Knights Matt Parsons and Clinton O'Brien at the NRL judiciary tonight. Mescia (careless high tackle – grade four) faces three weeks suspension and Trindall (careless high tackle – grade one) two weeks if found guilty.

PARRAMATTA halfback Jason Taylor enjoyed a feast with teammates at an Italian restaurant in Balmain last night. Hours earlier he was digesting a pointscoring feast which saw him pass Mick Cronin's record for the most goals ever kicked in first grade rugby league history. Cronin had booted a record 865 goals but a remarkable 11 successes from 11 attempts against Wests Tigers yesterday saw Taylor topple Cronin's record. "I'm very honoured by what I have done today and am proud of what I've achieved," Taylor said. Taylor scored 26 points at Leichhardt Oval yesterday to guide his side to a clinical 66-12 victory. He broke the record converting a Nathan Cayless try in the 63rd minute. Taylor received warm applause from the crowd of nearly 15,000 and even got a congratulatory tap on the back from referee Steve Clark. Statistics reveal Taylor requires just 94 points to pass Daryl Halligan's all-time pointscoring record of 2034 first grade points.

The Parramatta side celebrated Taylor's achievement by shouting him dinner at Just Grappa restaurant. Cronin was away on a short golf trip and could not be contacted, however Halligan praised Taylor. "Jason is as good as it gets. He has been at the forefront as goalkickers have improved in recent times. He's a top class kicker," Halligan told The Daily Telegraph. Taylor seems to change the angle of the ball on the mound when kicking into the wind. "To have a great victory on top of all the goals I kicked makes it very enjoyable," Taylor said. "I remember watching Mick Cronin when I was a kid -- Cumberland Oval was close to home. "I would have told anyone who said in those days I would rival anything he did that they were having me on." Parramatta coach Brian Smith added: "Jason is dedicated and deserves this."

Parramatta scored 11 tries and led 36-0 at half-time in a ruthless performance against a Wests Tigers side sinking under the pressures of on and off field drama. Cayless, Brett Hodgson, David Solomona and Jason Moodie each scored two tries for Parramatta. The Eels even scored two tries when forward Ian Hindmarsh was sin-binned. Wests Tigers were actually jeered off the field at half-time. "We set a goal at the beginning of the year to get a good start," Smith said. "Last year after nine or ten rounds we were 12th and played under pressure all year. We didn't want that pressure this season. "Had I been guaranteed 66 points, we wouldn't have wasted a minute on it. "To be in the top four after 11 rounds is a whole heap better than last year when we were dragging the chain." Wests Tigers were behind just 6-0 nearing the halfway mark of the first half before the side fell into a hole it could not climb out of. Parramatta tries came in the 20th, 24th, 31st, 34th and 39th minutes and all were converted by Taylor. Taylor is a cunning and intelligent footballer who enjoys the freedom and time afforded him when his forwards are dominating.

NEWCASTLE props Matt Parsons and Clinton O'Brien today joined the growing list of NRL players charged for illegal use of the knees. Competition leaders Newcastle face losing O'Brien to suspension after he and Parsons were cited after the NRL judiciary review panel's check of weekend matches. It brings to five the number of players caught in an apparent crackdown on players lifting their knees in tackles, which started when St George Illawarra captain Craig Smith received the first of two suspensions for the offence last month. O'Brien had only recently returned from a four-match suspension for a reckless high tackle.

New Zealand Warriors prop Richard Villasanti could face up to two weeks on the sideline after being charged with a dangerous throw and also a careless high tackle during yesterday's win over Sydney Roosters. Bulldogs halfback Darrell Trindall faces a careless high tackle charge for the second time in two weeks after the game against North Queensland. And teammate Steven Hughes is up on the same charge after playing his first match in first grade for over a year. Other players cited were Canberra's Todd Payten (careless high tackle) and Wests Tigers Ceriaco Mescia (careless high tackle). Asked if the charges to the two Knights proved he was not being singled out, Smith refused to enter the debate. "If I were to say anything it could be detrimental to my own case," he said. "All I'm really worried about is me at the moment. It's my career that seems to be on the line."

Smith indicated tonight a negative outcome from tomorrow's meeting with NRL judiciary chairman Jim Hall would convince him to quit Australia and take up an offer with an English club. "We've got a meeting with Jim Hall tomorrow and if we come out of it with something positive that will go a long way towards making up my mind as to where I'm going to be next year," Smith said. "I think the point we're trying to make is that there are a fair few guys with similar running styles." St George Illawarra management met with NRL chief executive David Moffett last week when the Dragons challenged the contrary conduct concept and showed a video dossier to prove players other than Smith were lifting their knees. Moffett referred the Dragons to a meeting with Hall, which will be chaired by NRL legal affairs director David Gallop. Knights coach Michael Hagan said he was yet to review O'Brien's and Parson's incidents and would not comment on whether the NRL had an agenda to wipe out knee lifting.

I DON'T think I will ever forget those words. All Dr Peter McGeoch said was: "You've done your medial ligament." I didn't need to hear the rest. I knew I was gone. It happened so simply. I took the ball down the short side and looked infield to pass and I just got tackled around the legs. I don't even know who it was. I felt this pop but it didn't hurt. There was no real pain. I got up to run thinking it was okay, just a bit of a twinge. But then it felt really wobbly, really strange. I've never had a knee problem. I've had my fair share of injuries but never a knee so I didn't really know what to expect. But once I got into the dressing room, I knew I was in trouble. I can't really explain how it feels because I'm still stunned. It's almost as if I'm in denial and it hasn't sunk in yet. But it will. I haven't felt as excited about a representative match for a long time as I was for the first State of Origin game. I am still not sure if I would have been chosen at halfback.

Everyone was tipping that way but you never know until the team is read out. But that doesn't matter now. Playing halfback for NSW would have meant so much to me. But I'm not the first bloke to have bad luck through an injury. Plenty of players have been in a similar position to me in the past. It's just one of those things that can happen and I've just got to come to grips with that over the next few weeks. The doctor has already told me I'll be out for at least six weeks and maybe eight. That puts me out of the entire Origin series. But I'll be back well before the semi-finals so leading the Knights to hopefully a premiership has to be my goal now.

I can't say much more except that what happened is just the way it goes. Sure, I'm shattered from a personal point of view but from a team point of view I was proud of the way the boys hung in there in the second half against the Dragons. We enjoyed a good lead at halftime but they threw everything at us in the second half and no one let the team down. To weather the storm and come away with an important win shows just what the team is made of. From what I've seen the boys have the ability to get the job done while I'm on the sidelines.

DARREN Albert's blinding speed has taken him to some of the sport's greatest heights. But he is quickly learning he won't be able to simply outrun the biggest challenge of his career. The Knights' 1997 grand final hero is fighting to save his first grade career at the club as the emergence of a host of talented youngsters headed by Justin Ryder is threatening to over-run him. Realising he is no sure thing to remain in Newcastle when his contract expires at the end of the season, Albert has already shelved plans to buy a new house in the city with the club telling him to take a substantial pay cut. On top of the football pressures, he is also trying to cope with the painful break-up of a relationship five weeks ago. "We had been engaged for four months and I had been seeing her for a couple of years but now it is all over," Albert said of the relationship. "It ended pretty suddenly and it has been tough getting through that. "Then I picked up the knee injury which has kept me out for a couple of weeks, so it has all come on top of each other."

It is no coincidence Albert's loss of form before the injury came at the same time as his relationship crumbled. It doesn't seem that long ago he was being touted as a possible State of Origin winger but things have soured since. Ryder, one of the finds of the season, continues to impress on a weekly basis, making Albert's once automatic selection in first grade a thing of the past. "Yeah, I thought I started the season pretty well but the last month or so, my form has suffered a bit," Albert said. "The personal dramas have had a fair bit to do with that but I have to sort that out and get back to playing some good football. "Everyone in the side has been playing great and there is a bit of pressure there on everyone to perform." Asked about his future, Albert said it was still up in the air. "I don't really know at this stage," he said. "I was buying a new house but that is a bit risky at the moment, so I have put that on hold. "I would love to stay in Newcastle -- I have been here seven years now -- but I'll just have to wait and see. "I suppose it is up to me to really put in and turn things around."

Knights coach Michael Hagan and football manager Mark Sargent offered Albert a new two-year deal on Tuesday. But Hagan admitted the offer was significantly down on what he had been earning. "We spoke to his manager David Hall on Tuesday and put an offer to him," Hagan said. "Alby is still very much a part of our plans but the fact is we have a number of players off contract who we know will have to be upgraded. "We have to make some concessions for that but while the offer is probably a significant reduction, there are incentives in there for him to earn some good money. "We will now just wait for him to come back to us."

PENRITH are in big danger of losing strike forward Matt Adamson after the club's initial firm contract offer was rejected last week. A bitterly disappointed Adamson said he had no idea where his future was heading beyond this year in light of the Panthers' initial offer. Among the game's most damaging forwards, Adamson was one of his team's best players in last week's morale-boosting 19-12 victory over Canberra. A repeat of that performance against Melbourne today will be a major contributing factor in the Panthers' hopes of chalking up their fourth win of the season. Adamson's manager George Mimis conceded the Panthers would have to increase their offer if they hoped to keep the big forward at the club. "Penrith only made their first firm offer last week and it was unacceptable," Mimis said. "As far as Matt's future at Penrith stands, it is up in the air at the moment." Asked how close a new contract with the Panthers was, Adamson didn't exactly mince his words. "It's nowhere near ... nowhere near at all," he said. Adamson and Mimis said every indication at this stage pointed towards waiting until the June 30 anti-tampering deadline expired so they could get well into the marketplace.

Already the giant forward has been sounded out by the ARU's high performance manager Jeff Miller and Mimis confirmed rugby was still very much an option. Adamson is disappointed at progress made by the Panthers. "I suppose the club's priority at this stage is to sign Ryan and Craig and, if that's the case, I guess I'll just have to wait to see what eventuates," he said. Penrith chief executive Mark Levy said the club was keen to keep Adamson on board but refused to divulge details of any contract offer. "George Mimis manages both Matthew and Ryan Girdler and I can assure Matthew his name has certainly been discussed," Levy said. "We have had periodical discussions with George and as far as I'm concerned, things are well in control as far as Matthew is concerned." Adamson is determined not to let the perceived uncertainty surrounding his future affect his on-field performances with the struggling Panthers.

He dismissed the notion his cloudy future was spurring him on to reproduce the form that saw him play five Super League Tests for Australia in 1997. "I'm not thinking I've got to play well because it will help with a contract, I'm just thinking about playing well to help the club climb the ladder," Adamson said. "The team still has a lot of work to do and I've just got to go out and do what I do best to try and help us win a few games." "Good form is certainly going to help when it comes to a new deal, but the main focus is helping the team perform to its potential." Craig Gower's manager Greg Willett has indicated he will be waiting until the anti-poaching deadline expires to explore other options for his client. And with Girdler signing a new three-year deal with the Panthers, Gower remains Penrith's major priority ahead of Adamson. Adamson has previously said the decisions of Girdler and Gower will directly affect his future, as he has made no secret of the fact he wants to continue playing in a competitive team.

ST GEORGE Illawarra utility player Jason Hooper has undergone emergency microsurgery to save a finger he almost severed with an electric saw while renovating his new home. As a result of the horrifying accident, the Dragon will be sidelined for up to eight weeks. Hooper, 23, last night recalled the frightening moment when he looked down to see the extensive damage to the little finger on his left hand. "I thought I had lost my finger – it was hanging at right angles," Hooper said. "I could see the bone. It was unbelievable." Hooper was home alone working in the Oak Flats house on Tuesday when the accident happened. "I was cutting some wood with my dropsaw and the timber just kicked back and took my hand under the blade," he said. A shaken Hooper used his shirt to wrap up his hand and then drove to his wife Deanne, who was at his mother-in-law's home. "She said: 'What is going on?' and I said 'I think I have lost my finger'," he said. Deanne drove her wounded husband to Shellharbour Hospital and then to Wollongong Hospital, where he had surgery that night to repair his tendons and ligaments. The surgeons could not believe Hooper's luck. The blade just missed the finger's artery and nerve. "It is going to be all right – they saved it," said a relieved Hooper, who now has his hand in a cast. What makes the accident harder for Hooper to take is he is a qualified carpenter. "I've been doing this for six years and the boys are giving it to me," he said. Hooper's loss is a big blow for the Dragons because he had been one of their most consistent performers in the first 10 rounds of the premiership. "I suppose it is just one of those things. I have to come back bigger and better," he said. Hooper had been chosen to play five-eighth in the absence of suspended Trent Barrett for tomorrow's game with Newcastle at the SFS. Dragons coach Andrew Farrar now plans to share the five-eighth duties between Jamie Fizgerald, Ben Hornby and Amos Roberts, "At this stage I don't know myself who will play the majority of the game there," Farrar said. ST GEORGE Illawarra officials will meet commissioner Jim Hall again next week over Craig Smith. Yesterday they spoke to NRL chief David Moffett, director of football Graham Annesley and legal affairs manager David Gallop. The Dragons presented video of incidents they believed were similar to Smith's knee-lift action that went unpunished.

DAVID MOFFETT has challenged coaches to come up with an alternative to the current judicial system or stop whingeing about the process. The NRL boss made the call yesterday after the match review committee was attacked, yet again, on several fronts. St George Illawarra coach Andrew Farrar renewed his attacks and accused NRL commissioner Jim Hall of "nitpicking", while Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett joined those calling for greater consistency. The latest assault came a day after Penrith's Royce Simmons and Parramatta's Brian Smith also raised concerns about the system. "If anybody's got a better suggestion, then we're always prepared to listen to it but so far no one has come up with one," Moffett said. "And we'd encourage clubs with concerns to do what the Dragons have done and that is to go through the right channels by either seeking a meeting with us or with Jim Hall." Dragons chief executive Peter Doust, chairman Warren Lockwood and Farrar met Moffett and other NRL officials yesterday to clarify the contrary conduct charge. The Dragons feel they have not been treated fairly this season in relation to the number of players they have had charged with the offence compared with other NRL clubs. Of most concern to the Dragons is their captain Craig Smith, who is currently serving his second suspension this season for raising his knees in tackles. His future in the NRL is under a cloud. The Kiwi international had a two-year offer on the table from the club but baulked at signing because of concerns that his running style could continually attract charges. He said last night he would quit the game in Australia if he is cited a third time by the NRL's match review committee when he returns against the Sydney Roosters next week. "I was considering leaving this time around so if it happens again, well I'm gone," Smith told Channel Seven. The Dragons went to the meeting armed with footage of a range of contrary conduct offences this year including raising knees, head slams and obstructing, for which other clubs have gone unpunished. "We know we're not peachy clean here at the Dragons but is everyone being reviewed the same as us?" Farrar said. "To me, I think they're nitpicking. And if they're going to nitpick, they've got to nitpick right across the board, not just pick and choose." Farrar left the meeting early to attend Dragons training at the SFS and later learned from Doust the club would meet with Hall next week. Farrar also found an ally in Bennett, who said after Broncos training the game had "never been cleaner" but there was still inconsistency from the match review panel. "I think we need to review the guidelines of what an offence is and isn't," Bennett said. "I sympathise with guys like Royce (Simmons) about consistency. Where Royce and I get frustrated is you see your players get charged for an offence and you see a similar offence go un-charged." Moffett also met Eagles chief executive Graham McNaney over the appointment of referee Stephen Richards for the Eagles-Canberra match but again there seemed to be little progress. Richards officiated so poorly in the Eagles versus Cowboys match last weekend that referees boss Peter Louis reportedly apologised to the Cowboys on Monday. "David said they weren't making any changes and I said 'Fine, end of story. I am just telling you it might have been prudent to have given him another game given the pressure he has been placed under'," McNaney said. Northern Eagles coach Peter Sharp rallied behind halfback Brett Kimmorley yesterday, saying growing speculation he will lose his position in the NSW State of Origin team to Andrew Johns was unfair. "Brett has been a victim of our inconsistent form, but he is a great player and warrants a spot in NSW," Sharp said. "He has carried us on a couple of occasions. Put him in that company (NSW) and he would come out of the ground. He would enhance the team, no doubt about it." Sharp said Kimmorley is still playing at his best form, and if he did not have him the side's sluggish fortunes would have seen him "hanging from the Harbour Bridge" by now. He conceded Johns was playing the best football of his career, but said he would much prefer to see a team with he and Kimmorley as team-mates. "They had such a great mix last year, and I would hate to take a ball carrier out of that team. I don't think he needs to be abandoned," he said. Wests Tigers centre Terry Hill denied there was a rift between he and coach Terry Lamb last night, saying he would honour his three-year deal with the club. "There is no problem between Terry Hill and Terry Lamb," Hill told 2GB radio. "I have not approached the club for a release and not contacted any other clubs."

NORTH QUEENSLAND Cowboys coach Tim Sheens today urged the NRL to consider interchanging referees to help educate up-and-coming whistle blowers. Sheens believed his idea was an alternative to the NRL's plan to trial two referees. Sheens' comments come after NRL referees coach Peter Louis publicly apologised to the Cowboys coach after young referee Stephen Richards blundered in North Queensland's last-round loss to Northern Eagles. The NRL will trial two referees on the field together this season with teams out of playoffs contention providing the clubs agree to the experiment. But Sheens gave league officials an alternative today, which he said would benefit the game and help young referees gain valuable experience. His proposal includes pairing an experienced and rookie referee in a 60/20-minute split, giving the young whistle blower an opportunity to control a top grade match. "You don't replace a fresh (Australian skipper Brad) Fittler during a game and you probably don't replace a fresh (referee Bill) Harrigan but there's probably a referee at the moment climbing the ladder who could do with a 20-minute game," Sheens said. "If you have a referee policing the ruck area by standing in that ruck area you've got a problem because he can get in the way. "I believe interchanging the referees, giving them a break is a better way to go."

THE Bulldogs have banned a further six fans for life, bringing to 15 the number of hooligans outlawed from attending future home games. NRL chief executive David Moffett will also hold crisis talks with the police, the Bulldogs and Parramatta tonight following the outbreak of violence at last Friday night's match between the two clubs at Parramatta Stadium. Suggestions raised to curb violence include making offenders report to police on the day of matches, segregating rival fans and closing the "Hill" at the Sydney Showground. The crackdown came on a black day for the Bulldogs in which: The NRL issued coach Steve Folkes with a breach notice carrying a $10,000 fine for making disparaging remarks about referee Tim Mander after Friday night's game against Parramatta; Lock Travis Norton was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury; and Halfback Darrell Trindall was charged by the NRL match review committee with a careless high tackle. It was reported yesterday the NRL was also looking at restricting the club to day games only but Moffett vehemently denied this radical solution was under discussion. "That's the first I've heard of it and under the terms of our contract with Channel Nine we simply wouldn't be able to do that," Moffett said. "They are able to pick the games they wish to cover five weeks in advance and if they wanted to pick the Bulldogs on a Friday night they would be at liberty to do so." Moffett admitted the ongoing problem with unruly fans attending Bulldogs games was one of the most serious facing the code at the moment and the police might have to become more heavily involved. "They have a role to play and there is a significant role to play once the fans are outside the grounds," Moffett said. "It will be very interesting to get their perspective on it but I see this as a shared responsibility between all the parties involved. I think it has a negative impact on the game and there were some terrific games of football on the weekend and nobody is talking about them at the moment which is a shame." The crisis forced Bulldogs chief executive Bob Hagan to go to ground yesterday, declining to comment further on the issue until a solution had been found. Hagan issued a statement through the club saying the offenders seemed to thrive on media coverage and the club would "refuse to offer a comment and play into the hands of a group of hooligans who are wreaking havoc at games". "By no means does this suggest we are sweeping this matter under the carpet but rest assured we are working very hard with the police, security at other clubs and the NRL to work out the best way to eradicate the sort of problems we saw on Friday night," he said. "When a plan to deal with the problem has been finalised a statement will be released." Reports of fan violence after Friday night's game was rejected in e-mails on the Bulldogs website yesterday, with claims police had mismanaged the situation, and the trouble had started after they tried to force some supporters from the ground armed with batons. But there were just as many first hand accounts from long-time supporters who said they were disgusted by the actions of some fans, and would not be attending Bulldogs games in the future.

The Bulldogs' fan trouble should subside for this weekend as the club will play North Queensland in Townsville on Saturday but problems could resurface at their next Sydney game against the Sharks at Toyota Park the following Friday night. Sharks president Barry Pierce said he would talk to Hagan and Bulldogs chairman Barry Nelson before the match but added the club was likely to increase security. "No doubt with all the publicity we'll be looking to make sure everything is in order here," Pierce said. When asked if he would increase security both inside and outside the ground, he responded: "At this stage we haven't made that decision but if it's warranted, yes." The Bulldogs have until May 1 to respond to the NRL's breach notice and proposed $10,000 fine for Folkes. Hagan maintained last night the club would stick by him. "He's a bloke that doesn't go off half-cocked and we've had a good talk about it and the club's view is that we should support him," Hagan said.

RUGBY LEAGUE's worst kept secret was confirmed today when Australian Test coach Chris Anderson was officially confirmed as the Sharks' coach for next year. Sharks chairman Barry Pierce announced Anderson had signed a three-year deal with the Cronulla-based NRL team, taking over from John Lang at the start of next season. It's believed Anderson's association with the Sharks was one of the main reasons he departed Melbourne early this month. Anderson will officially take up his new position on November 1. However, he will begin work immediately with Sharks general manager Steve Rogers to build a team for next season with the re-signing of Australian Test players Jason Stevens and Mat Rogers their priority. "I don't think we need to be going and spending loss of money buying top line players," Anderson said. "The team is competitive as it is now. There's not a huge amount of players to bring in. Depending how negotiations go changes should be minimal, maybe two to three changes at the most." Lang announced early this season he would quit the Sharks when his contract expired at the end of the year.

FANS responsible for violence at league matches will face life bans from the code under a NSW Police operation to target troublemakers. A two-hour meeting of police regional commanders from Macquarie and Georges River, the NRL and club representatives from the Bulldogs and Parramatta tonight agreed to a coordinated campaign to remove individuals sparking crowd violence inside and around grounds. Police and league officials issued a warning to the hooligans who have marred the game with violence: "We'll get you." The NRL, with the help of its clubs and police, plan to hand out photographs of trouble makers to personnel manning gates at grounds and to security guards to ensure "hoodlums" are never allowed to enter NRL grounds. As part of the operation, the NRL and police, in conjunction with the clubs, will instigate a full audit of safety and security measures at all grounds. The measures include an assessment of facilities such as the seating arrangements and hill areas. "Where the hill area is a factor contributing to the security issue we will be able to make recommendations accordingly but these audits will go well beyond that," Georges River regional commander Chris Evans said tonight.

The North Queensland Cowboys have welcomed the apology from the National Rugby league (NRL) for Sunday night's sin-bin fiasco, but still feel the team were robbed of two crucial points. NRL referees coach Peter Louis has phoned Cowboys coach Tim Sheens and admitted rookie referee Stephen Richards made a mistake when he sent Cowboys prop Robert Relf to the sin-bin. Cowboys chief executive Rabbieh Krayem says the mistake cost the Cowboys two points. "Obviously, the sin-binning was a major turning point in the game and a couple of other incidents and obviously the admission doesn't change the result of the game," he said. "Obviously, from Peter Louis' point of view, by coming out and saying the referee had erred in those decisions probably gives you a sort of satisfaction but that still, at the end of the day, doesn't change the result of the game and us not getting two points on the weekend."

Ten players have pleaded guilty to offences in round 10 of the National Rugby League. Northern Eagles forwards Mark O'Meley and Paul Stringer, Penrith's Scott Sattler and the Roosters' Michael Korkidis will all miss a week after early guilty pleas. Penrith's Jody Gall will miss two weeks on a high tackle charge. Northern Eagles forward Danny Lima, the Bulldogs Darrell Trindall, Warriors forward Jerry Seu Seu, Sharks prop Chris Beattie and Parramatta's Michael Vella all escaped suspension. Parramatta's Ian Hindmarsh will defend a dangerous throw charge which carries a one week penalty.

The National Rugby League (NRL) chief executive, David Moffett, says he will meet police and club officials next week, after violence marred the game between The Bulldogs and Parramatta last night. Police ejected 20 fans from Parramatta Stadium for bad behaviour, but the problems continued when the match ended, with a police officer taken to hospital after a full can of soft drink was thrown at him. The clubs doubled the security at the ground, and Mr Moffett says it was only a minority of spectators who caused the problems. He says he has been briefed about the incidents and the league will take action to address them. "It's once the fans left the ground that the major problems occurred," he said. "We need to get a full briefing as to the incidents, both inside and outside the ground, and then in conjunction with the clubs and security people put measures in place to take care of it because we can't have this continue."

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA will present the NRL with a video dossier of unpunished incidents they believe prove Dragons captain Craig Smith was victimised. NRL chief executive David Moffett confirmed he had organised a meeting with Dragons chief executive Peter Doust for Thursday when the joint-venture club would show him video evidence of players who had committed similar actions to those that landed Smith with two suspensions for contrary conduct - lifting knees.

"Peter Doust rang today to say that he was coming and talking to us," Moffett said. "He said they were compiling a video to show us but it's not for public viewing." Smith will meet with his manager Sam Ayoub on Monday or Tuesday to decide whether to continue his career in Australia or accept an offer from England to escape the criticism and bans over his running style. NRL referees' coach Peter Louis said the Dragons' complaints would not result in match officials coming down hard on players lifting knees during this weekend's round of matches. "We're not specifically looking at lifting knees. If the referees or touch judges see a reason to act, they will," Louis said.

NRL boss David Moffett has declared he will look into a fierce outburst by Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes in the wake of last night's exciting 20-all draw with Parramatta at Parramatta Stadium. An angry Folkes ripped into referee Tim Mander after the match and is set to become the first coach fined for abusing officials this season. On the wrong end of a 10-3 penalty count – including the last eight penalties in a row – Folkes was irate after the match. "We were the better side and should have won but for the fellow with the whistle," Folkes said. "He (Mander) just refuses to referee both sides and always refs to the home team. "He is known for it.

The crowd says boo and he gives a penalty. In a game as tight as that, you need an even shake from the referee and I don't think we got that tonight." Moffett will look into Folkes' comments on Monday morning but is certain to hit the Bulldogs with a fine of at least $10,000. "I don't want to comment now . . . we will look at it after the weekend," Moffett said. "It's just a pity that this has taken the focus off what was a great game of football."

NRL crowds have increased by 14 per cent over the past fortnight following a month of unsavoury events which threatened to bring the game to its knees. A total of 213,236 fans attended round eight and nine matches, compared to 187,167 for the same period last year. The jump in numbers is an indication rugby league is on the way up after a horror start to the season saw crowds dwindle and left fans dissatisfied. A month of quality football has seen gate-takings improve and, if the trend continues, the game could record its best figures since 1994.

NRL chief executive David Moffett said the rise was encouraging for the code following a month most people would rather forget. "If we continue to head in the direction we are going and there are no more on-field or off-field incidents, this is a positive sign," Moffett said. "The NRL has worked hard to develop a better marketing strategy with clubs and it appears to be working." Moffett said a combination of entertaining football, a close competition and good weather was also behind the upward trend. "Rugby league fans are not like the AFL fans in Melbourne – they don't go to the football rain, hail or shine. "But we have seen what good weather can do for crowds over the past fortnight."

FORMER Parramatta winger Eric Grothe today signed a contract with the Sydney Roosters until the end of the 2003 NRL season. Grothe, who quit the Eels last month and later said the Parramatta board did not want him at the club, chose to join the Roosters because he was impressed with coach Graham Murray, the winger's manager Steve Boland said today. Boland said Newcastle had withdrawn its offer to sign Grothe two weeks ago while the 21-year-old had rejected offers from Wests Tigers and the Bulldogs.

Boland said Grothe was content to play in first division for his new club but hoped to break through into the first grade ranks before the end of the season. However, Boland said it would be a further four to five weeks before Grothe would be recovered from an ongoing knee injury and be fit to return to the game. Grothe was a surprise selection in last year's NSW State of Origin team but withdrew with injury.

NRL coaches last night spoke out about refereeing inconsistencies, with several claiming a lack of uniformity in decisions was leading to a dramatic increase in player frustration. Aware of the high level of dissatisfaction, NRL referees coach Peter Louis said the league may experiment by interchanging referees during games later this season. In a Daily Telegraph survey, coaches were asked if they had lost confidence in referees, touch judges and video referees. Most responded in the affirmative.

Outlining a proposal to interchange referees, Louis said: "That could be the next step – it is something we have to give serious consideration. "Everyone has been complaining about consistency, so this may be something that helps in that area. "It could be an option to trial in matches played later this year between teams not in the finals." Here's what NRL coaches said yesterday about the quality of refereeing.

Terry Lamb (Wests Tigers): "I know what referees go through on the field and they make mistakes but I think they're making a lot of mistakes. I think they are being pressured too much because the game is so fast."

MICHAEL HAGAN (Newcastle): "I think we have to accept errors are being made and just hope they balance out. Referees are being placed under enormous pressure and fatigue by refereeing on their own. I would have two referees – one in each half of the field."

TIM SHEENS (North Queensland): "I think we need decisions to be closer to 100 per cent than they are now. I'm not prepared to say I've lost confidence but, by the same token, I think work needs to be done in the refereeing and touch judge ranks to get on-field decisions right."

JOHN LANG (Sharks): "I'm not happy across the board on match officials. "In our games, the referees have done well, better than the touch judge and video referees. The refs have the toughest job – they make hundreds of judgments in a game, so you can accept mistakes. But there have been some 'clangers' from the other blokes. As a group, I think we're struggling."

DANIEL ANDERSON (Warriors): "I rarely ring Peter Louis because they don't make any changes. They only have eight to 10 first-grade referees and don't have the depth to make changes. If there were 20 first-grade referees, they'd be under the hammer."

PETER SHARP (Northern Eagles): "The players get frustrated at the inconsistencies and the difference in standard between the top and bottom referees."

BRIAN SMITH (Parramatta): "I still think they are searching to find their way with a new approach to analysis and meeting the standards required by players, public and media."

ROYCE SIMMONS (Penrith): "All I'll say is I watched all the games last weekend and nearly every coach would be ringing in complaining – that's not good."

GRAHAM MURRAY (Roosters): "They're doing a good job under trying circumstances. There will always be refereeing controversies."

REFEREES coach Peter Louis demoted two referees and a touch judge from first grade last night after a weekend of controversial rulings. Sean Hampstead and Tony Archer will control first division games this weekend while touch judge Steve Nash has a week off from the pressures of football. Louis said Archer was due for a stint in first division under Louis' rotation program that saw rookie referee Shane Hayne and Steve Richards elevated to first grade earlier in the season.

Hayne will control the Penrith-Canberra game at Penrith Stadium on Saturday while Richards has the Cowboys-Northern Eagles game on Sunday in Cairns. "Tony was always going to be rotated and the decision to send him back to first division has nothing to do with his handling of the Newcastle-Sharks game on Sunday," Louis said. "Sean's case was different, there were a few problem areas in the St George Illawarra-Parramatta game." Hampstead told the players both before kickoff and just after halftime that transgressions in the play-the-ball would lead to sin-binning.

When the penalties continued to flow and players were not sent to the bin Hampstead was always going to have a problem with Louis. Louis has also spoken to video ref Ian Parnaby who – after an effort by Sharks prop Jason Stevens on Sunday – signalled "no try" instead of "ref's call". "Ian was not entitled to make that call on the information available," Louis said. back

The Judiciary had a very busy night tonight.It found test captian Brad Fitler guilty of head slamming and so to the same for Trent Barrett,who both copped 2 weeks for their indescretion.Saints Skipper,Craig Smith was found guilty of grade one contrary conduct.This eminates from his lifting of the knee.Wayne Bartrim copped a 1 week suspension for his "kicking" of player.Adrian Morley got a 2 week suspension for a head high tackle.Bulldogs winger Shane Marteene was suspended for one match after the NRL judiciary found him guilty of head-slamming an opponent in a tackle.Newcastle front rower,Troy Fletcher scored himself a 5 week suspention for a wreckless head high tackle.

PENRITH Test centre Ryan Girdler said today he had no intention of leaving the Panthers and was looking to sign a new deal with the club soon. There has been speculation in recent weeks about Penrith's ability to retain the likes of Girdler and international hooker Craig Gower. The Panthers are running last with just two wins from nine starts this season, but Girdler is keen to stay with the struggling club. "Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks, I can make my decision and sign up out there and we can get everything under way, and we can sign most of the guys, because I think we've got a good side out there," Girdler said. "We're just going through a rough trot. "There's no easy way out. I'm not going to sign for another club and take the easy option."

AUCKLAND: Warriors coach Daniel Anderson has been rewarded for his side's strong start to the NRL competition with a four-year contract. Anderson signed the contract before the Warriors' impressive 52-8 demolition of Penrith at Ericsson Stadium yesterday. The win took the Warriors to seventh in the NRL standings and in contention for a playoffs berth. The contract would offer the Warriors the continuity they needed to succeed, club general manager Mick Watson said today. "You can see they're playing a better brand of football, a better technical game. Certainly they've got a better defensive shape, and I think it's those decisions which will eventually give us the premiership we seek." The contract is reward for impressive results by the Warriors since Anderson, who was assistant coach at Parramatta last year, was named as the club's coach last October.

HAMILTON: Tawera Nikau bid farewell to his wife Letitia in an emotional funeral service at their home town yesterday. The former Melbourne Storm player had travelled home from England, where Letitia Nikau died on April 5. "Farewell my princess, you gave me everything," Nikau said beside her grave at the Kimihia Cemetery at Huntly, on New Zealand's north island. The 36-year-old mother of two, manager and businesswoman, was farewelled by more than 500 mourners. She died in hospital after paramedics were called to the couple's northern England home. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Overseas news reports quoted friends as saying Letitia was suffering from depression before she died. Nikau, who has not spoken publicly about his wife's death, returned to Huntly last week with the couple's two children, Heaven-Leigh, 13, and Tyme-Kane, eight. Among the mourners were New Zealand, Waikato and Maori representative players, including Fight For Life suicide prevention campaigner Dean Lonergan, Kiwi coach Gary Freeman and players Clayton Friend, Dwayne Mann and Peter Brown. Nikau had often described his wife as the driving force behind his sporting success. Melbourne Storm chief executive John Ribot told mourners Letitia's reputation as a tough negotiator was true - and that he experienced it in talks over her husband's contract during his stint at the grand final-winning club. He said she and Nikau had both contributed to Melbourne Storm winning the 1999 premiership.

The couple were both from Huntly, but had property in New Zealand, Sydney, England and a holiday home in Spain. Tributes have flowed in from fans at every club for which Nikau has played, including current English club Warrington Wolves. A family friend said it was not known if Nikau and his children would stay in New Zealand or return to England. back

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA boss Peter Doust lashed out at the NRL judiciary, claiming his club was "being made an example of" after three Dragons were among eight players charged following an eventful Easter weekend of matches. Doust fears the league could drive Dragons captain Craig Smith out of the game after judiciary commissioner Jim Hall again charged the hard-running front rower with lifting knees. He thinks playmaking five-eighth Trent Barrett was unfairly targeted after also being hit with a contrary conduct charge, for head-slamming. And Doust feels interchange forward Wayne Bartrim should have been applauded for not retaliating, rather than charged for an "attempted kick", during St George Illawarra's 24-6 loss to Parramatta at WIN Stadium last Saturday night.

Smith served a two-week suspension this season for lifting knees and faces a similar stint on the sidelines if found guilty at the judiciary tomorrow night. Doust admitted to not having seen the video of Saturday's game yet - and the Dragons won't enter any pleas until club officials do - but he was quick to defend all three players today. "I'm concerned for Craig Smith because I know he's been endeavouring to avoid any criticism of his running style," Doust said. "I know he's been successful in his last couple of matches and I'm very concerned that this sort of ongoing charging will drive him out of the game." Smith, who said he'd been working hard in recent weeks on projecting his body more forward while taking the ball up to alleviate any high-knee action, seemed gobsmacked today at his latest citing. "I can't remember doing anything like that in the game, and (Dragons coach) Andrew Farrar said he'd watched the video four times and didn't see the incident," Smith said. "It's a worry, of course it is.

It's not something you want weighing on your mind." Barrett was one of three players, including Australian captain Brad Fittler, charged with head-slamming. The Dally M Player of The Year will be outed for two matches if he enters an early guilty plea, or three games if found guilty at the judiciary tomorrow night. But Doust wants to know why other players hadn't been picked up for head-slamming this season. "What about the others who have done it in other games," he said, choosing not to name individuals "at this stage". "It sounds to me that we seem to find ourselves as a club that seems to be in the position where examples are being made and stands are being taken." Doust qualified that statement by referring to Dragons prop Jason Riles being suspended for one game this season for obstruction.

"How many obstructions have there been since then that have been uncharged or unexamined by the commissioner? "We were made an example of because, as the commissioner said, there was an increasing number of them." The Dragons CEO believes "the league, or the commissioner" is now "making an example of" other players at his club. "Well, I just hope they're consistent, but they haven't given me confidence with their consistency since the Riles situation."

THE New Zealand Warriors may soon be required to play only a handful of matches in Sydney as clubs consider following the Bulldogs' lead in transferring home games against the Warriors across the Tasman. Tired of drawing small crowds against the Warriors, all eight Sydney clubs have either committed to the move or are considering it after the Bulldogs drew the season's biggest crowd of over 27,000 to Wellington for their "home" match. The reaction from the clubs means there is a real possibility that in the next few years -- perhaps as early as next season -- the Warriors may not be scheduled to play in Sydney. Clubs have paid particular attention to the Bulldogs experiment because of the annual struggle in attra

cting crowds to Warriors matches. Last year Warriors games in Sydney averaged 8792. This year that figure is 9684. St George Illawarra has inspected WestpacTrust Stadium with an eye to playing a home match against the Warriors there beyond this season. "We are interested and we've already had a look," admitted Dragons chief executive Peter Doust. "We certainly can't do it this year but when we sit down to plan 2002, we'll have that and other issues on the table, such as playing in regional NSW." Fellow joint-venture club Wests Tigers also looks favourably at the idea. "The thing I've spoken about with people at the joint venture is that we have 13 home games each year split 7/6 between our two home grounds," Tigers chief executive Steve Noyce said. "That means we've got the split right one year and wrong the next, depending on whether you're from Leichhardt or Campbelltown.

"Playing the Warriors in Wellington or another option -- like taking a game to the bush -- is a possibility and that would give us an even 6/6 split. "They (Bulldogs) got 27,000 there and these days you've got to consider everything." Penrith CEO Mark Levy said: "If it's such a success for other people we'll have to look at it. "We'll see what sort of crowd we get for our Warriors game." The Bulldogs are locked into a contract with the WestpacTrust Stadium that will see them play a home game against the Warriors for the next four years. The club decided to take the game to New Zealand after a series of small crowds against the club formerly known as Auckland, culminating in just 7132 fans attending last year's match at the 110,000-seat Stadium Australia. The Bulldogs had no problems with season ticketholders and corporate box holders, charging them for only 12 home games instead of 13. Of the other clubs, Northern Eagles, Sharks, Sydney Roosters and Parramatta said they would not rule out making the move.

CRAIG GOWER's manager Greg Willett has warned Penrith they may have trouble keeping the star hooker unless the club gives him permission to negotiate. Willett wrote a letter to the Panthers more than a week ago but said yesterday he had yet to receive a reply from the club. Rumours were stronger than ever yesterday that Gower was set to quit the Panthers at the end of the season and sign with the Sydney Roosters.

"We still want a release to talk to other clubs and feel now is the perfect time as Craig isn't playing," Willett said. "We didn't want a repeat of the Brett Kimmorley circus last year and, with Craig recovering from shoulder surgery, commonsense says to get things done while he doesn't have to worry about playing. "But if Penrith are too dumb to let him do it then it's a worry for him to stay there. If we don't get permission I'll wait until after June 30, but if I have to wait until then I'll still be talking to other clubs."

THE English club of heartbroken Tawera Nikau said they would support the former New Zealand star's decision should he step down from the sport in the wake of his wife's tragic death. Nikau will tomorrow attend the funeral of his wife Letitia, who he found hanged at their northern England home last week. The towering former Cronulla and Melbourne forward returned to his homeland on Friday to be met by friends and family in an emotional reunion at Auckland airport. His coach and close friend at the Warrington Wolves in England, Daryl Van De Velde, believes the tragedy may result in Nikau leaving the game to be with his family.

"I haven't even asked him about football, to be honest, but it wouldn't surprise me if he doesn't play again," said a shattered Van De Velde from England. "He's got a young family, two young kids that he's got to look after ... I think football would be the last thing on his mind. "If he doesn't want to play again we'll support him fully. "I've known him 11 years and it's gut-wrenching what's happened. He's a professional guy, the most professional I've coached and he'll get through it." The couple have a daughter, Heaven, 13, and son Tyme, seven.

Nikau joined the Wolves after winning a premiership with Melbourne Storm in 1999. Storm executive director John Ribot will travel to New Zealand to attend the funeral on behalf of the club. Letitia Nikau acted as her husband's manager and negotiated all his contracts. "I had a lot to do with Tawera and Letitia and I respected her professionalism," said Storm CEO Chris Johns. "Tawera is actually on the record as saying he owes most of his success to his wife ... he's absolutely shattered." English police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Letitia Nikau's death.

PARRAMATTA's Brian Smith has been appointed coach of the Country rugby league team to face City in a one-off clash on June 8. Smith, originally from Maclean on the New South Wales north coast, was appointed at a meeting of the Country Rugby League today. NSW Rugby League general manager Chris Turner said Sydney Roosters coach Graham Murray is likely to be endorsed as City coach when the NSWRL board meets on Tuesday week.

THE ARL has accused Cable & Wireless Optus of breaching a $2.5 million sponsorship deal and has indicated it will take the telecommunications company to court seeking damages. ARL chairman Colin Love said the six ARL-aligned NRL clubs - Newcastle, the Sydney Roosters, St George Illawarra, Wests Tigers, the Northern Eagles and Parramatta - had begun to remove C&W Optus signage from grounds after determining the contract between the two parties had been breached.

ARL chief executive Geoff Carr said the league had sent a reply to C&W Optus' notice that it was terminating its sponsorship contract because the ARL had breached their contract. "The ARL notified Optus today that it accepted its repudiation of contract and the ARL is terminating the contract with Optus and is reserving its right in relation to damages," Carr said. The telecommunications company claimed the NRL's major sponsorship agreement with Telstra had compromised its deals with the six ARL clubs. Under Telstra's naming-rights deal of the NRL, the company's logo is painted on the grass at grounds and worn on player's jumpers.

C&W Optus director of marketing Steve Cameron said the agreement with the ARL specified the clubs could not agree to deals with a competitor. But Carr has said the league had received legal advice confirming it had not broken its deal with C&W Optus. The $2.5 million in funding was the final payment of a $5 million, two-year deal agreed to after the ARL forgot to invoice the telecommunications company for its $5 million in promised sponsorship last year. While that was being renegotiated, the six franchises agreed to a NRL agreement to honour the competition's major sponsor, which was announced as Telstra in December last year.

FORMER Test centre Terry Hill is poised to ask Wests Tigers for a release from his $350,000 contract. The Daily Telegraph understands Hill wants to join the Northern Eagles. He spent six seasons at Brookvale with Manly between 1994 and 1999, which included winning the 1996 grand final. Two other Sydney-based clubs have been identified as possible new homes for Hill. Hill, 29, has not formally requested a release but sources last night confirmed he was unhappy at the Tigers. Contacted last night, Hill said: "No comment." Hill would have to switch clubs before the NRL's June 30 deadline. The most significant sticking point is whether Hill can find a satisfactory financial settlement with Wests Tigers. He has two more years remaining on his deal.

A veteran of nine Tests and 14 appearances for NSW, Hill and Wests Tigers coach Terry Lamb have experienced a difficult season, culminating in a controversial decision which had Hill coming back from injury in first division for Wests. Hill's desire, however, to join the Northern Eagles may be hampered by a running verbal battle he has had with coach Peter Sharp. Former Manly chief executive Ken Arthurson may be called in to assist negotiations. He arrived in Sydney from a Tasmanian holiday last night. Wests Tigers officials were last night denying their player had indicated he was seeking a release. "There's nothing in it," said Wests Tigers chief executive Steve Noyce. "There is no indication he wants out – definitely not." And Wests Tigers chairman John Chalk added: "He hasn't mentioned that to me and I'm sure Terry would have told me." "I know if he has a problem he would tell me." However, sources have indicated that Hill and Sharp could work through their differences – if in fact he was to join the Northern Eagles.

Sharp would be told how valuable Hill could be in the Northern Eagles backline. But Hill has taken several public shots at Sharp and the pair are currently at loggerheads. Last year the veteran three-quarter said: "If Manly (Northern Eagles) don't perform this year, Sharp should be held accountable. "He got rid of virtually everyone he didn't want, barring me, because I asked for a release. Blokes like Hopoate and Serdaris – guys that can play. "He wanted to change the 'Bozo culture' and he's done that – anyone associated with Bozo has been given the punt at Manly. "The rubbers are gone, the strappers are gone, Brian 'The Sheriff' Hollis is gone after 13 years – they all got the bullet. "So all I'm saying is if they don't perform this year, he should go back to Maitland and coach." In the same story, Sharp fired back saying: "Terry's entitled to have his opinion but I don't happen to agree with it. It was his decision to leave here. There was no pressure from me or anyone else." Hill has not played for the past five weeks due to a persistent hamstring injury. He has previously played with Souths, Easts and Wests. back

AUSTRALIA's version of rock and roll wrestling hopes to lure bad boy John Hopoate into its ranks. International Wrestling Australia (IWA) hopes to pit Hopoate, whom IWA describes as a classic "heel" or bad guy, against his former Manly team-mate Mark "Spud" Carroll, the "babyface" or good guy. IWA chairman Tyrone Townsend - better known as "Psycho" Tyrone Townsend - was attempting to set up a meeting with the disgraced former Wests Tigers winger and his manager Wayne Beavis this week to offer Hopoate a new career in professional wrestling.

Townsend had even worked out a trademark move for the former Australian international who retired from the code last week after he was found guilty of sticking his finger up the anuses of opposition players. "His finishing move could be called the 'Hopoate spike'," said Townsend, adding that it would only be shown "at our over 18s shows". Hopoate has displayed his passion for the sport, imitating moves by WWF wrestler "The Rock" during try-scoring celebrations with the Tigers last season. Townsend ultimately hopes to stage a match up between Carroll and Hopoate and has already had interest from Panthers entertainment management - the leagues club associated with Penrith. "Because he's been so cut off from rugby league now and he's virtually unemployable, he must be feeling pretty bad," Townsend said. "And I'm sure his kids are copping a living hell. "It would be really good for his self esteem and his profile, and probably for his kids too, if he was to get into wrestling. "It would almost legitimise some of his heel, or underhanded, tactics in football."

It seems Hopoate has already had an impact on Australian professional wrestling. "Last Wednesday night at UNSW Roundhouse a midget wrestler was pretending to shove a baseball bat up my backside," Townsend said. "And some of those crazy fans were cheering out: 'Give him the Hopoate!'" Townsend admitted Hopoate could not expect big bucks for his efforts in the ring, with ex-Gladiators star Vulcan paid about $200 per match. But he predicted a match between Carroll and Hopoate would attract big money, sponsorship and publicity.

Townsend said former Test prop Carroll was beginning training within the next few weeks while retired Penrith forward Mark Geyer had also expressed interest.

BILL HARRIGAN was retained today as a top grade NRL referee despite being found at fault for a sin bin blunder on the weekend. Harrigan allowed play to restart during Sunday's 42-14 win to St George Illawarra without ensuring sin binned Dragons lock Jason Hooper had left the field.

After being awarded the penalty, Penrith took a quick tap and centre Ryan Girdler lunged for the line as Hooper joined winger Nathan Blacklock in attempting to prevent the try. The Dragons and Hooper were yesterday cleared of any blame and Harrigan was found at fault. But Harrigan managed to keep his place in first grade and will control Sunday's clash between Canberra and North Queensland at Bruce Stadium. back

News Limited is willing to sell its 50 percent stake in North Queensland but has no intention of deserting Melbourne, National Rugby League director Malcolm Noad said last night. While the Cowboys deny concern of a financial crisis, they took the significant step of assuring players at a meeting on Friday that they would be paid their wages despite an internal review of the club's budget. The reassurance about the Storm comes after the departure of national coach Chris Anderson and a 2-6 start to the season.

The Cowboys issued a statement before Saturday night's 14-14 draw with Parramatta claiming News Ltd had not funded the club for three years. Chief executive Rabieh Krayem said last night: "It's like what if I went into business with you but said, 'You pay for everything and I'll take half the profits?' We want to move on." Cowboys officials say they are negotiating with News Ltd regarding the sale but Noad, one of the media conglomerate's nominees to the NRL board, said: "We have not heard from them on the issue in the recent past. "If they were to make us an offer, we would certainly listen.

If a club believes it is ready to stand on its own two feet, then who are we to argue?" Noad said it was part of the Super League-ARL peace deal that News Ltd would "trade down" its involvement in clubs. He denied claims by the Cowboys that News Ltd was still funding Canberra but insisted the company had no intention of leaving Melbourne high and dry. "We still fund Melbourne but they are a reasonably young club," he said. "They, too, will be expected to stand on their feet in the reasonably near future." Asked when that would happen, Noad said: "In rugby league, your guess is as good as mine." The Cowboys want to convince sponsors and supporters to buy a part of the club once it is bought back from News Ltd. Krayem said there was no threat of the Cowboys encountering serious financial difficulties, but added: "Every office has belt-tightening; ours is no different." The Cowboys have a board meeting scheduled for tomorrow night, at which the issue was expected to be discussed with their News Ltd nominees, Stephen Rue and Keith Brodie.

The wife of former Melbourne forward Tawera Nikau has been found dead in her Northern England home. According to reports in England, Letitia Nikau was found hanged last week and despite continued attempts to save her, died in hospital on Thursday. The couple had moved to England,with their 2 children,Heaven and Tyme,after Nikau accepted a deal with Super League club Warrington. The Warrington club have released this brief statement: "Warrington Wolves are deeply saddened by the loss of Letitia Nikau, who died last night.Our thoughts are with Tawera and the children".

CONFIRMATION Chris Anderson will join the Sharks next season and a demand he quit as Kangaroo tour coach hastened his departure from the Melbourne Storm on Monday. Anderson ended almost 18 months of bad blood between himself and club management by standing down as coach even though he was contracted to the end of next season. A brief conversation between Storm chief executive Chris Johns and Sharks football manager Steve Rogers last Thursday provided the management with the ammunition to set up the final showdown. "At last week's chief executives' meeting I asked Steve Rogers if Chris Anderson had agreed to coach his side next year," Johns said. "Rogers confirmed that had happened and so it was time for us to sort out Chris's future with our club.

" For nearly two months, Rogers, chairman Barry Pierce and the Sharks management have consistently denied they had reached an agreement with Anderson. Johns said it was true the Storm had asked Anderson to step down as Australia's coach to concentrate on his club duties. "Last year we said it would not be acceptable for Chris to coach at State of Origin level because he would be away from the side for too long," Johns said. "And we've since told him the same attitude would apply if he wanted to coach Australia on the Kangaroo tour at the end of the year. Obviously those conditions did not sit well with Chris and played some role in the eventual parting of the ways."

The sacking of Anderson's son Ben from the playing roster in 1999 also had a detrimental affect. "It's true that Chris and I fell out over Ben's departure but that issue is irrelevant. It happened 18 months ago and the major reason we decided to part company is that the coach wants to go to another club," Johns said. "That's all that's happened here. There hasn't been an escalation of anything that's happened in the past. Our working relationship was not ideal but we were getting the job done." The strained relationship between Johns and Anderson and the loss of Brett Kimmorley were having an effect on the players. Johns admits he could have handled the Kimmorley negotiations better. "Innuendo and rumours about what was supposed to be happening in the club haven't helped matters," Johns said. "So we just wanted to settle things down and tell Chris he had done a great job for us – but because he had decided to move on we had to move on as well."

DISGRACED player John Hopoate has threatened to sue the New Zealand Cancer Society for using a photo of him sticking his finger up an opponent's anus. The photo of Hopoate's finger interfering with North Queensland captain Paul Bowman is being used to advertise prostate cancer checks and tells worried men "It won't hurt a bit - promise".

Hopoate's manager Wayne Beavis confirmed the use of the photograph was unauthorised and they were concerned it further tarnished the image of the former Wests Tigers winger. Beavis said he was investigating the legal ramifications and had further meetings planned with lawyers.

TEST coach Chris Anderson will reject advances from at least two other NRL clubs to join the Sharks. Anderson's manager George Mimis said tonight at least three premiership clubs had expressed interest in signing the former Melbourne mentor but hinted a deal with the Sharks was all but completed. "They've expressed a strong interest but it's not done," Mimis said of the Sharks. He said a final decision on Anderson's future club would come down to "culture and fit", qualities Anderson had identified in the Sharks.

The Bulldogs and Storm premiership-winning coach declared he parted ways with Melbourne because he was "diametrically opposed" to executive director John Ribot and chief executive Chris Johns. "I want to go to a place that's about the same sort of culture that I'm comfortable with," Anderson said. "I think that's a lesson I've learnt here. "(The Sharks) are one club that I've identified that have got a good culture." Denials were rife today that Anderson had quit the Storm to link with the Sharks as John Lang's successor. But Johns clarified the innuendos tonight when he confirmed on radio that Anderson had told him he would head to Cronulla.

Sharks chairman Barry Pierce confirmed the coaching role would be discussed at tonight's board meeting but said there would be no announcement until the end of the month. Pierce expressed surprise today that Anderson had split with the Storm but then admitted the Sharks had held preliminary discussions with the Australian Test coach. "His name has been brought up. There have been a couple of discussions," Pierce said of Anderson. "But he was on a two-year contract still to go there (Melbourne).

This has thrown everything completely out the window now." Pierce said there had also been discussions with former Manly coach Graham Lowe and Castleford coach Stuart Raper. As for reports Anderson signed a $425,000 contract with the Sharks on Saturday, Pierce responded with: "I was in Kincumber (on the NSW Central Coast) on the weekend visiting friends before the Northern Eagles game. "I can assure you there was no contract and that amount of money would not be considered by us." The Sharks chairman said the announcement of the new Sharks coach would be discussed at the April 26 annual general meeting and then ratified by the new board before being made public.

Mimis said money would not become an issue for Anderson because every offer would only vary by 10 per cent and that was not enough to sway his decision. "Chris' decision won't be dictated financially because wherever he may decide to go the numbers will be right," Mimis said. "I don't think money is going to enter the equation. It comes down to culture and fit." Amid rumours some Storm players would leave the club with Anderson, Kiwi Test second rower Stephen Kearney said he was unaware of any team-mates intending to switch clubs with the former coach. back

STORM coach Chris Anderson will be replaced by Mark Murray for the rest of the season. There had been speculation for weeks that Anderson was set to quit the Melbourne club. He had been linked to the Sharks for next season after John Lang announced he would stand down at the end of this season.

It was widely known that Anderson and chief executive Chris Johns didn't enjoy the best of relationships. "It's a decision made to benefit the club," Storm boss John Ribot said. "We have to look at the future of the club and we firmly believe we can get this back on track. "We've got players on long-term contracts and, to be fair, it allows them to settle in. "And for the others coming off contract, it allows Mark to assess the talent he has and what he thinks he needs in the future.

"We've been a very successful team very quickly and we thank Chris for the work he's done. "And in the best interests of where we are, it allows Chris to concentrate on getting his coaching in place for next year, it frees up time for the representative commitments he has and he goes with our blessing." It's believed Storm management delayed announcing Anderson's resignation until it had contacted the team, which was on its way to the Victorian coastal resort of Sorrento for a two-day camp.

"Things weren't working out between myself and the club and it was better that we end it now. We both wanted the best for the club," Anderson said in a statement. "My family and I loved the four years down here. We had great success and great players and the club is in for a good future. "The players and the fans have been fantastic and I'd like to thank them for the association with the club." Sharks general manager Steve Rogers denied his club had signed Anderson as John Lang's replacement. "It's certainly not true at this point in time," Rogers said. "We're still discussing our situation at board level and, regardless of what's taking place in Melbourne, we'll make our decision when we've finalised and rationalised what's best for us." back Advertise with us ©News Limited Privacy Policy

Wests Tigers coach Terry Lamb has had to explain why he and his players laughed at footage of John Hopoate jamming his fingers up the backside of Dragons player Craig Smith a month ago. As the club was poised to sack Hopoate, Lamb told The Sun-Herald he thought the dirty tactics were "funny" when he saw footage at a club video session after the round two match against St George Illawarra. He and his team were increasingly amused as they watched the Smith incident several times.

Tigers players said Lamb held the remote control at the video session. "Everyone had a big laugh," one player said. But yesterday Lamb expressed regret about not taking action and effectively giving approval to Hopoate's actions. "We watched the incident involving Smith and we all had a bit of a laugh," Lamb admitted. "We thought it was OK because Hoppa is good mates with Craig. We thought it was just a gee-up." "But, mate, if I could see into the future I wouldn't have taken this job if I knew that this would happen. No-one has that ability, though." "I don't feel guilty because I didn't know about all the other incidents. "Regardless of everything that has happened, I'll go into the board meeting and more than likely back Hoppa."

Tigers chief executive Steve Noyce was made aware of the situation yesterday at a meeting at a training session at which the players expressed a degree of guilt for egging Hopoate on. Club chairman John Chalk was told of the repeated viewings of the Smith incident and was stunned."That's a new one on me," he said. "I'll be talking to Terry about that. "We will have to have a look at that situation once the other things are worked out." Hopoate also carried on with his behaviour at training sessions, but all the while it was let go and now it has resulted in the NRL, Hopoate and the Tigers becoming laughing stocks.

Sunday, April 1, 2001 Hopoate announces resignation Controversial rugby league winger John Hopoate today announced his resignation from the West Tigers club. Hopoate issued a statement through his manager Wayne Beavis, saying he belived his decision was in the best interests of the club, its sponsors and its supporters. His announcement came after Wests Tigers chairman John Chalk met with Beavis late yesterday.

It followed widespread publicity given to his appearance before the National Rugby League judiciary last week when he received a 12 match suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct in jabbing his fingers into North Queensland players' anuses.

"I sincerely regret that anything I may have done has caused stress, anxiety and disappointment to everyone involved with the West Tigers," said Hopoate in his statement. "I am distressed to think that I have been the centre of controversy creating intense media attention that has reflected adversely on the image and morale of the Wests Tigers Club." Hopoate said his resignation had been accepted by Chalk and he would make no further comment on the matter.

"My only request is that my family and I be left to get over the events of this traumatic week and our privacy be respected." Beavis said there had been no decision on whether Hopoate's resignation from the club equated to his retirement from the game. Asked if Hopoate's rugby league career was over, Beavis replied: "We haven't discussed that. "He's very emotional. He's not in a position to be sitting down talking about what he's doing for the next six months. "He's just formally resigned, that's it. Beavis said Hopoate's contract with the Tigers would have expired at the end of the season. "His contract was up this year anyhow," Beavis said.

NEWCASTLE skipper Andrew Johns posted a try scoring treble to smash his previous pointscoring record and set a new club mark of 29 points in a match as the Knights walloped the New Zealand Warriors 45-24. Johns, who now leads the National Rugby League's pointscoring this season, added eight goals and a field goal to his three tries.

Johns was sure to have caught the eye of New South Wales selector Bob Fulton, who made the trip to Newcastle tonight, ahead of the first State or Origin on May 6.

Bulldogs fans tried to hit Wendell Sailor with bottles to distract themselves from the sound of their own team's bubble bursting at the Sydney Showground last night. After being undefeated for the first five weeks of the season, the Bulldogs have now lost their past two matches after the premiers overwhelmed them 34-6. Sailor was pelted with projectiles and jeered by a section of the 16,642 crowd after playing up to them following his second try, which he scored with four minutes left in the game.

Adding to the agitation of the Dogs Army was the fact that neither of their target's tries was controversy free. The first, after 46 minutes, appeared to come after two-try teammate Chris Walker regathered a kick in an offside position. The second came after an apparent foward pass from replacement Stuart Kelly.

ANOTHER TIGER HITS THE HEADLINES/SPONSER IN DOUBT

Wests Tigers fullback Matt Seers yesterday withdrew from the match against Canberra amid allegations he was involved in a nightclub incident on the same night that John Hopoate, Kevin McGuinness and Craig Field were suspended. Seers was replaced in the team, with the club under pressure to take firm action against errant players - including a veiled threat to withdraw a sponsorship deal if Hopoate is not sacked.

Don Smallgoods, on board as the Tigers' major sponsor for only six weeks, is understood to have demanded that the club disassociates itself from Hopoate or lose the company's backing following the winger's 12-match suspension for unsportsmanlike interference. Indications that Hopoate's contract would be terminated at an extraordinary board meeting before the game at Campbelltown tomorrow saved Wests chief executive Steve Noyce from having to fly to Melbourne for a crisis meeting with the company.

The publicity surrounding the case means that every indiscretion by the club's players is under the microscope. Seers is alleged to have been involved in an argument outside a Cronulla nightclub on Wednesday night after he and a group of friends were refused entry. Tigers officials were yesterday trying to confirm details of the incident and said he had withdrawn from the match against Canberra because of a head cut suffered last weekend. Seers could not be contacted for comment but had told the club he had done nothing wrong.

RAIDERS players had a gun pulled on them during a wild brawl outside a Canberra nightclub early yesterday morning. The gun was produced moments before Raiders international lock Jason Croker was bashed with an iron fence picket. Utility player Craig Simon disarmed the man with the gun and prop Luke Davico threw the weapon on to a nearby roof. Seeing teammate Croker on the ground with the picket-wielding assailant about to strike him again, Davico crash-tackled him to the ground. Other Raiders players involved were skipper Simon Woolford, halfback Andrew McFadden and former utility player Jason Burnham. Croker was taken to hospital by ambulance and released early yesterday after having 15 stitches inserted in a head wound.

Australian Federal Police interviewed the players at yesterday's 8am training session and absolved them of any blame in the incident. The police are continuing their investigation and are seeking to interview four men believed to be from Sydney. Raiders chief executive Kevin Neil will forward a full report on the incident to the NRL today. "Police have confirmed our players happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time," Neil said. "It is an unfortunate incident but we have conducted our own investigation and our players are blameless. "The players said they were terrified when the gun was produced and did all they could to protect themselves." Croker, who toured with the Kangaroos' World Cup side last year, said: "I was injured in an incident at a Kingston nightclub last night. "I was hit over the head with a heavy object and was taken to hospital. "At the hospital my wound was stitched. "I attended Raiders training at 8am where the club doctor told me I would be right to play next weekend."

AFP spokesperson Jane O'Brien said police were called to an incident at Kingston at about 2am yesterday. "There were about 30 people on the scene and a man was struck on the head and transported to hospital," Ms O'Brien said. "Police have taken possession of a firearm found on a roof at the scene but at this stage there is no suggestion it was pointed at or used to threaten anybody. "The investigation has not been completed." The Daily Telegraph has learned one of the four men at the nightclub grabbed a handbag from Jason Burnham's girlfriend just as last drinks were called.

Burnham and the man became involved in a heated argument as the man's accomplices started trashing the nightclub. Outside the club one of the men and Burnham began fighting and the situation quickly got out of hand. Burnham left the Raiders last year for a playing stint in England before returning to Australia this year. He was at Bruce Stadium on Sunday to watch the Raiders celebrate their 20th anniversary in the league by beating Parramatta 22-6. back

TIGERS PAIR OUT FOR 6 MONTHS FOR DRUG USE.

CLAIMS of depression and intoxication tonight failed to save Wests Tigers pair Craig Field and Kevin McGuinness from a six-month suspension as the NRL Drugs Tribunal took its toughest stance yet on recreational drug use. The players, who were too distraught to face the media after an emotional two-hour hearing, will now appeal in the civil courts. Field admitted to taking cocaine at the Tigers' season launch at Sydney's Star City Casino on February 10 but said he didn't know what the pill was because he was too was drunk and depressed after losing money gambling. McGuinness said he knowingly took two ecstasy tablets the night before the launch because he was depressed after breaking up with his girlfriend.

The pair were subjects of a random drugs test by the Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA) at a pre-season training session two days later. Field, the Tigers' chief playmaker, maintained he did not know the person who supplied him with cocaine but McGuinness, the club's top tryscorer, conceded he received his from a flatmate. Distressed Tigers chairman John Chalk was shocked and disappointed the pair did not receive the minimum 12-week ban for recreational drug use. "A decision was made by the tribunal to suspend the players for six months," Chalk said. "On behalf of the club I'm extremely disappointed with that decision. "The legal representatives of the players will make statements at the end of the week in regard to dealing with that decision. "It's obvious the players are in a highly emotional state and you would appreciate the fact that they are being counselled at the current time by the club doctor.

It was a long and enduring tribunal." The players were suspended for six months from today, ruling them out for the remainder of the 2001 season, with tribunal chairman Sir Laurence Street, QC, disregarding their absence from the Tigers' past two matches after they stood themselves down on March 12. The NRL's stance took the Tigers by surprise, with the board having prepared a statement before the hearing detailing the club's planned internal action against the players, which was believed to have included fines of up to $100,000 each. Asked what penalty the club would impose, Chalk replied: "That will be reviewed again after the decision tonight." "The tribunal have found to give the players six months, which is extremely harsh.

It is a very large penalty for those people to be out of the game during that time. "They did come forward and admit the offence, which was in some way in their favour, but obviously the tribunal found that the minimum of 12 matches and the maximum of two years ... they chose to choose something between as a penalty." Field is believed to be on a $350,000 a year contract and McGuinness on $300,000.

EAGLES PLAYERS FACE THE MUSIC.

THE Northern Eagles board hopes to finalise an investigation against forwards Mark O'Meley and Paul Stringer, who were allegedly involved in a fight outside a pub. Eagles chief executive Graham McNaney said under the terms of the club's code of conduct the pair will likely find themselves fined or suspended - or both - if they're found guilty of bringing the club into disrepute.

JUDITIARY UPDATE(TUES).

Wests Tigers' winger John Hopoate has pleaded guilty to striking and escaped suspension, but will appear before the National Rugby League judiciary tomorrow night on a contrary conduct charge. Team-mate Shane Walker will defend one high tackle charge and ask for the penalty for another to be reduced. Parramatta's Alex Chan has pleaded guilty to a high tackle charge and will miss three weeks. Team-mate Nathan Cayless will plead guilty but challenge the one week ban he is facing.

Newcastle winger Adam MacDougall will defend a careless high tackle charge. North Queensland's Peter Jones will miss a week for a dangerous throw, while Canberra's Lesley Vainikolo and Penrith's David Woods are free to play this weekend after early pleas of guilty for offences. Penrith's Lee Hopkins has pleaded guilty to one high tackle charge but will defend another tomorrow night before the judiciary.

HOPOATE TREATS COWBOYS LIKE FINGER PUPPETS!!

The North Queensland Cowboys say they are confident the National Rugby League (NRL) judiciary will make the right decisions when assessing their written complaint against West Tigers' player John Hopoate. Hopoate is charged with acting against the true spirit of the game, after he allegedly inappropriately touched three Cowboys' players during the weekends match. He will face the NRL judiciary tomorrow night. Cowboys' chief executive officer Rabieh Krayem says the club will not be pursuing criminal actions against Hopoate.

A TOTAL of nine players have been charged with 12 offences by the NRL judiciary tonight.(Mon)

Wests Tigers winger John Hopoate faces two charges, one of contrary conduct and another of striking, with the former automatically referred to the judiciary panel. Hopoate's poor judiciary record means he faces a lengthy stint on the sideline if he fails to be cleared of the contrary conduct offence. Fellow Tiger Shane Walker was charged with two counts of grade two careless high tackles, and faces a two-match ban.

Penrith replacement forward Lee Hopkins was also hit with two grade two careless high tackle charges and faces the same suspension as Walker. Parramatta prop Alex Chan faces up to a four-match ban for his grade three reckless high tackle charge on Canberra halfback Brett Finch, for which he was sent off in yesterday's 22-6 win to the Raiders.

Eels skipper Nathan Cayless could miss this weekend's clash with Melbourne after he was charged with a grade three careless high tackle. Newcastle winger-cum-fullback Adam MacDougall was cited for a grade two careless high tackle and will be banned for one match unless he successfully defends the charge before the judiciary on Wednesday night. North Queensland forward Peter Jones was slapped with a grade one dangerous throw after being placed on report for the incident on Tigers hooker Ciriaco Mescia on Saturday night.

Panthers centre David Woods will escape suspension for his grade one careless high tackle, as will Raiders winger Lesley Vainikolo for a grade one contrary conduct charge for lifting his knees. back

COWBOYS SEETHING AT TREATMENT FROM HOPOATE

North Queensland have threatened to cite Wests Tigers winger John Hopoate over behaviour Cowboys chief executive Rabieh Krayem yesterday described as "disgraceful". Hopoate was sent to the sin bin and teammates Luke O'Donnell and Shane Walker were reported during North Queensland's fiery 24-10 win at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Saturday night. "If John Hopoate is reformed, then he needs to go back to school," Krayem said yesterday. "We have a number of complaints about him from our players. We'll be checking the video and if we can verify those complaints, we'll certainly be putting something into the league. His behaviour was disgraceful."

Wests Tigers chief executive Steve Noyce did not respond to Krayem's claims. Hopoate was sent to the sin bin during the first half for elbowing Cowboys lock Glenn Morrison while in possession.

STORM BREWING IN MELBOURNE!

Melbourne chief executive Chris Johns last night confirmed at least two of his players scuffled with each other at training on Saturday - but denied it was a sign of internal trouble.The Storm, the 1999 premiers, have won just two matches this season and with coach Chris Anderson believed to be on the move at season's end, officials are being forced to deny discontent in the camp.

Those involved in the scuffle, news of which surfaced on Channel9 yesterday, are believed to be forwards Danny Williams, Ben Roarty and Rodney Howe.

Johns insisted nothing should be read into the incident in relation to harmony within the club. "It has been happening since I played and it will continue to happen," he said.

PREMIER coach Wayne Bennett's 14-season reign at the Brisbane Broncos will come to an end this year. The longest-serving coach with a single club in the NRL, Bennett has told close friends he is keen to step down at the end of this season. Sources in Brisbane told The Daily Telegraph yesterday that Bennett wanted to continue his association with the Broncos in a less "hands on" role.

His plan is to oversee the general coaching set-up at the club, moving aside to give another coach an opportunity with the classy Broncos side. In Auckland to prepare for Brisbane's clash today with the New Zealand Warriors, Bennett last night refused to discuss his future. "It's my intention neither to confirm nor deny this sort of rumour," Bennett said. The Broncos are currently looking at three main contenders to take over the day-to-day coaching of the premiers.

Current Canberra coach Mal Meninga, the Sharks' John Lang and former Canberra utility Craig Bellamy are the men in contention. Bennett is known to favour Bellamy, who has been his right-hand man at the Broncos for the past three years. But the Broncos board is keen on a more high-profile coach, bringing both Lang and Meninga into the picture.

WESTS TIGERS stars Craig Field and Kevin McGuinness will appear before an NRL inquiry on Wednesday night after their B samples proved positive to banned drugs. Field and McGuinness face lengthy suspensions and will also appear before the Tigers board where they are expected to be fined at least $20,000 each.

The players were informed yesterday by the Australian Sport Drug Agency (ASDA) of the result of the tests on their B samples. "We have been advised that the B samples are consistent with the A samples," said solicitor Keith Bagley, who is representing Field and McGuinness. Both players also waived their right to a seven-day suspension of proceedings if they had doubts about the testing procedure.

Both players will accept that the tests showing cocaine and ecstasy in their samples were accurate. However, both will be represented by a barrister and are hoping their explanation of the circumstances will lead to a lesser penalty than the minimum 12 matches.

LEAGUE NEWS

BEN WALKER WANTS TO BE FREE AGENT