League Newsletter #96
Matthew O'Neill
Edition: 96. (29th for 1999)
Date Sent: Friday July 23, 1999.
The Newsletter is a free news and information service from The World
of Rugby League with English Information thanks to the Official Hull
Kingston Rovers site for all the League lovers around the world.
World of Rugby League: http://rleague.com
English News: http://www.hullkr.co.uk
Features this week: English Super League Result, Australian News,
English News, NRL & ESL Player Stats, Local New Zealand Results,
Weekend Fixtures, Website Information & Summary and Newsletter
Sponsor.
ENGLISH SUPER LEAGUE RESULT
---------
A rare hat-trick of tries from Denis Betts has helped Wigan secure
two vital points in the only mid-week Super League match to stay in
touch with the Super League pacesetters. The Great Britain veteran
touched down twice in eight minutes just before half-time to double
his tally for the season and haul his side back in the game after
the Eagles had stunned the reigning Super League champions racing
out to an early 12-0 lead. The second half was all Wigan as they
scored 24 unanswered points to win 36-12 against Sheffield.
Brief Match Stats
Wigan 36 (Denis Betts 3, Andrew Farrell, Greg Florimo, Kris
Radlinski tries; Andrew Farrell 6 goals) defeated Sheffield 12
(Simon Baldwin, Matt Crowther; Martin Pearson 2 goals).
Week 21: http://rleague.com/esl99/esl-21.htm
ESL Table: http://rleague.com/esl99/table-esl.htm
ESL Stats: http://rleague.com/esl99/esl-stats.htm
AUSTRALIAN NEWS
---------
Written by: Matthew O'Neill.
Email: mailto:mat...@rleague.com
--- Newcastle hasn't ruled out surgery on international halfback
Andrew Johns' injured groin, even if it means he'll miss the finals
series. The Knights' worst nightmare raised its head yesterday when
Johns, arguably the world's No.1 halfback, was ruled out of Saturday
night's match against Balmain and remains in doubt for the rest of
the season. Johns has been under the care of specialist Neil Halpin
this week, the same surgeon who operated on Australian captain Brad
Fittler a few weeks ago.
Article: http://rleague.com/newsa/00213.htm
--- Graeme Langlands and Wally Lewis were during the week named as
Australia's 5th and 6th immortals of the post war era. Both
champions of their eras were added to the four original immortals
named in 1981, Clive Churchill, Bob Fulton, Reg Gasnier and John
Raper. It's an honour well deserved to both men who brought a lot of
joy to many Rugby League fans around the world. The Immortals have
been added by two but no way downgraded. In fact, the additions of
Langlands and Lewis make the list look even better and show what
great players Australia has produced post-war. Langlands was the
unlucky Immortal omission in 1981 and the unlucky man to miss out
this time was definitely Mal Meninga. His achievements in the game
stand him on a pedestal of his own. I had the pleasure of attending
the Immortals night and it was one of the best nights I've had. To
meet, talk too and have photos with Langlands, Lewis, Raper and
Gasnier were just an honour and a thrill.
Article: http://rleague.com/newsa/00207.htm
--- Mark Coyne is out of the St.George-Illawarra side to play
Brisbane tonight in the big Friday night game at ANZ Stadium. It was
to be the former Queensland stalwart's final game in his home state
and the Broncos had even organised a box for his family to watch the
match. Coyne's place in the centres and as captain will be taken by
Paul McGregor with Lee Murphy coming onto the bench.
Article: http://rleague.com/newsa/00209.htm
--- Tonie Carroll has been ruled out of the Brisbane side to play
St.George-Illawarra in the big Friday night blockbuster tomorrow
night at ANZ Stadium. With Carroll withdrawing from the Broncos
side, Michael Devere comes from the bench into the centres with
Philip Lee added to the bench.
--- Broncos winger Michael Hancock passes Allan Langer's mark of 240
first grade games for Brisbane tonight. Hancock, the only original
left at the Broncos will play in his 241st premiership match for
Brisbane against the Dragons in a must win game. A crowd of around
40,000 will be at ANZ Stadium to watch one of the best and most
crucial games of the year.
--- Western Suburbs coach Tom Raudonikis has challenged his Balmain
counterpart, Wayne Pearce, to a coaching swap for two matches to
stimulate enthusiasm for a joint venture, which threatens to be
over-ruled by members at the extraordinary meetings of both clubs on
Tuesday night. With six matches remaining, Raudonikis is seeking to
motivate his struggling team and encourage members of both clubs to
support the merger.
Article: http://www.smh.com.au/league/news/199907/23/23league4.html
--- NRL chief executive Neil Whittaker said there was a danger in
the league offering clubs more than $8 million to form joint
ventures. His comments came after Balmain and Wests said they
expected to be offered the same amount of money as other clubs that
asked for more funding to merge. North Sydney and Manly have already
stated that $8m is not enough of an incentive for them to form a
joint venture.
Article: http://sport.news.com.au/news/4384223.htm
--- Newcastle bound Canberra lock Ben Kennedy has been cleared of
any serious knee injury after surgery to repair a torn cartilage in
his left knee. Initial fears that Kennedy would be out for the
season has been erased and he should be back in time for the Raiders
last couple of matches before the finals. Captain Laurie Daley will
play at lock with the Mac Attack duo in the halves.
--- Matthew Ridge has paid for his poor judiciary record with the
Auckland captaincy as coach Mark Graham retained John Simon as
skipper for this weekend's clash with South Sydney. The return of
the former Kiwi fullback couldn't have come at better time for the
Warriors as they take on a Rabbitohs outfit fighting for survival,
which has also been strengthened by the return of halfback Darrell
Trindall from a lengthy suspension.
Article: http://rleague.com/newsa/00210.htm
--- Cronulla would be prepared to allow some games to be played at
the SFS under a joint venture with South Sydney, Sharks chairman
Barry Pierce said yesterday. Souths president George Piggins said
the Sharks insisted in previous talks that all games be played at
Shark Park. "For the really big games, the ones that would attract
more than 25,000 people, I think we would be prepared to go to the
Football Stadium," Pierce said.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald http://www.smh.com.au/league
--- Roosters captain Brad Fittler will play his 200thh first grade
game on Monday against former and junior club Penrith. Fittler
played 119 games for Penrith between 1989-95 and since coming to
Sydney City in 1995 has played in 80 matches for the Roosters.
--- Melbourne centre Tony Martin will be out for the next few weeks
after falling off a mountain bike on Monday. Martin underwent
plastic surgery to repair three severe gashes after he was flung
head first into a gutter when the front wheel of his bike collapsed
under him during an official training session by the Yarra River.
Article: http://rleague.com/newsa/00206.htm
--- The Sharks expect to have key players Mat Rogers (knee), Jason
Stevens (suspension), Russell Richardson (knee) and Jason Ferris
(ankle) available for the round 22 clash against North Queensland.
--- Former North Sydney star Greg Florimo now with English club
Wigan is hoping to play in next year's Lincoln Financial Group World
Cup - for Italy! The former 1994 Kangaroo tourist has opted to call
on his Italian ancestry to represent the Azzurri in the World Cup
qualifying tournament later this year.
Weekend NRL Teams: http://rleague.com/nrl99/teams.htm
Complete NRL Stats: http://www.smh.com.au/league/stats
ENGLISH NEWS
---------
Written by: Jonathon Knaggs.
Email: mailto:webm...@hullkr.co.uk
Website: http://www.hullkr.co.uk
--- Ellery Hanley was reinstated as head coach of St Helens after he
issued an apology to the club's board of directors. Hanley, the
former Wigan and Great Britain captain, was last week suspended on
full pay pending an investigation into highly critical comments
directed at the board. But, in a remarkable turn of events following
lengthy negotiations between lawyers representing both parties,
Hanley expressed his regret and insisted he would work closely with
the directors in future.
--- Bobbie Goulding could be on his way to a new life in rugby union
after turning down a contract with Huddersfield Giants. Goulding,
27, was happy at the McAlpine Stadium until his agent Tommy
Cunningham discovered the scrum-half's new, reduced terms for next
season.
Article: http://rleague.com/newse/00124.htm
--- Bradford Bulls centre Nick Zisti has left by mutual consent to
join Italian rugby union club Roma. Zisti joined Bradford from
Cronulla Sharks in the close season and has made 10 appearances for
the Bulls, including three as substitute.
--- Halifax Blue Sox have made an approach for Auckland Warriors
Kiwi Test stand-off Gene Ngamu for next season; the Blue Sox have
tabled an offer the Ngamu and expect an answer by the end of the
week. Halifax have also signed 21yr old prop James Gannon from
Balmain.
--- Leeds are boosted by the return of international pair Daryl
Powell and Terry Newton for Friday's Super League match against St
Helens at Headingley. Both players missed last Friday's
record-breaking 86-6 victory over Huddersfield with a bruised
shoulder and sore neck respectively.
--- Sheffield Eagles centre Karl Lovell has been suspended for three
matches and fined £250 after being found guilty of making a late
strike with his forearm. Wakefield scrum- half Glen Tomlinson, sent
off in the same match for using foul and abusive language, picked up
a two-match ban and a £200 fine.
--- Super League clubs Wakefield and Sheffield have avoided
punishment following an investigation into their controversial
league match. Referees supremo Greg McCallum conducted an inquiry
into Sunday's stormy encounter at Belle Vue where six players were
sin-binned, one sent off, three placed on report and two others
taken to hospital with facial wounds.
--- London Broncos loose forward Peter Gill has received a one-match
ban and a £200 fine for a careless high tackle during the Broncos'
28-14 defeat at Warrington last Sunday.
--- Doncaster Dragons have signed Hunslet's promising young second
row forward Jamie Thackary on a months loan, Thackary spent last
month on-loan at Sheffield Eagles. The Dragons have also signed
former GB Under 21 international James Mosley.
--- Hunslet meanwhile have increased the number of ex-Hull KR
players at the club by signing former Robin Jamie Leighton from
Amateur RL.
--- Dewsbury Rams have followed up the signing of Wakefield's Sean
Richardson by signing former Hunslet prop Darren Ballantyne after he
impressed on a three game trial.
NRL & ESL PLAYER STATS
---------
NATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE
Statistics in brackets are games played
Leading Pointscorers
Matt Geyer (Melbourne) - 15t, 64g, 188pts. Avg: 11.06 (17).
Ryan Girdler (Penrith) - 13t, 51g, 2fg, 156pts. Avg: 10.40 (15).
Andrew Johns (Newcastle) - 5t, 60g, 4fg, 144pts. Avg: 9.60 (15).
Daryl Halligan (Canterbury) - 4t, 58g, 132pts. Avg: 8.80 (15).
Jason Taylor (Norths) - 1t, 61g, 2fg, 128pts. Avg: 7.11 (18)
Andrew Walker (Sydney City) - 7t, 48g, 124pts. Avg: 6.89 (18).
Leading Tryscorers
16: Nathan Blacklock (St.George-Ill). Avg: 1.00 (16).
15: Robbie Ross (Melbourne). Avg: 0.94 (16).
15: Matt Geyer (Melbourne). Avg: 0.88 (17).
14: Robert Miles (Sydney City). Avg: 0.82 (17).
13: Darren Albert (Newcastle). Avg: 1.08 (12).
13: Ryan Girdler (Penrith). Avg: 0.87 (15).
13: Rod Silva (Canterbury). Avg: 0.68 (19).
Leading Goalkickers
64: Matt Geyer (Melbourne). Avg: 3.76 (17).
61: Jason Taylor (Norths). Avg: 3.39 (18).
60: Andrew Johns (Newcastle). Avg: 4.00 (15).
58: Daryl Halligan (Canterbury). Avg: 3.87 (15).
52: Luke Williamson (Canberra). Avg: 3.47 (15).
51: Ryan Girdler (Penrith). Avg: 3.40 (15).
Most Field-Goals
4: Andrew Johns (Newcastle). Avg: 0.27 (15).
3: Darrell Trindall (Souths). Avg: 0.27 (11).
Full NRL Stats - http://rleague.com/nrl99/nrl-stats.htm
Thanks to James Stewart for the more detailed stats.
Visit his website - http://rleague.com/bulldogs
Individual club stat pages are available as well on the front page;
select the NRL club of your choice in the list box.
http://rleague.com
ENGLISH SUPER LEAGUE
Stats include mid-week Sheffield v Wigan match.
Leading Pointscorers
Iestyn Harris (Leeds) - 13t, 95g, 1dg, 243pts.
Sean Long (St.Helens) - 15t, 70g, 1dg, 201pts.
Ian Herron (Gateshead) - 1t, 72g, 148pts.
Steve McNamara (Bradford) - 3t, 56g, 124pts.
Lee Briers (Warrington) - 5t, 46g, 6dg, 118pts.
Andrew Farrell (Wigan) - 4t, 56g, 1dg, 116pts.
Leading Tryscorers
19: Toa Kohe-Love (Warrington).
18: Anthony Sullivan (St.Helens).
16: Francis Cummins (Leeds).
15: Greg Fleming (London), Sean Long (St.Helens).
14: Matthew Daylight (Gateshead).
Leading Goalkickers
95: Iestyn Harris (Leeds).
72: Ian Herron (Gateshead).
70: Sean Long (St.Helens).
56: Steve McNamara (Bradford).
53: Andrew Farrell (Wigan).
50: Bobbie Goulding (Huddersfield).
Most Drop-Goals
6: Lee Briers (Warrington), Willie Peters (Gateshead).
3: Gavin Clinch (Halifax), Graham Holroyd (Halifax), Tommy Martyn
(St.Helens).
Full ESL Stats - http://rleague.com/esl99/esl-stats.htm
LOCAL NEW ZEALAND RESULTS
---------
Latest Results from various New Zealand based competitions.
Information thanks to: Dave Stewart.
Website: http://www.exposures.co.nz
Mad Butcher Fox Memorial Premiership
Thanks to: http://www.exposures.co.nz/pages/frame_league.htm
Rnd 17 Results: Glenora 36 d. Northcote 18, Otahuhu 44 d. Manurewa
16, Te Atatu 22 d, Hibiscus Coast 20, Mangere East 52 d. Eastern 28,
Ellerslie 26 d. Central 14, Marist 22 d. Marist/Bay 20.
Sharman Cup
Rnd 3 Results: Otara 30 d. Mt Albert 22, Ponsonby 26 d. Papakura 18,
Bay/Roskill 24 d. Papatoetoe 14, Waitemata Bye.
Phelan Shield
Rnd 3 Results: Pt Chevalier 20 d. Richmond 18, East Coast Bays 20 d,
Mt Wellington 4, Howick 18 defeated Pakuranga 8, Southern Bye.
Otago Rugby League Premier Competition
Thanks to: http://www.otagoleague.co.nz
Championship Rnd 2, Week Four: University 20 d. St.Clair Dragons 12,
Stormers 30 d. South Pacific Raiders 8, St Kilda Sharks Bye.
To find out more on anything concerning Rugby League in New Zealand
(excluding Warriors) please visit the Exposures Online site. Thanks
to Dave Stewart for permission to use the scores on the Weekly
Newsletter.
Online Exposures: http://www.exposures.co.nz
League section: http://www.exposures.co.nz/pages/frame_league.htm
Otago League Info: http://www.otagoleague.co.nz
WEEKEND FIXTURES FOR JULY 23-26
---------
Courtesy from: http://rleague.com/live
AUSTRALIA
National Rugby League (Rnd 21)
*Fri Jul 23: Brisbane v St. George at ANZ Stadium.
Sat Jul 24: Western Subs v Canterbury at Campbelltown.
*Sat Jul 24: Balmain v Newcastle at Leichhardt Oval.
*Sat Jul 24: Canberra v North Q'land at Bruce Stadium.
Sun Jul 25: Cronulla v Melbourne at Shark Park.
Sun Jul 25: North Sydney v Parramatta at North Syd Oval.
Sun Jul 25: South Sydney v Auckland at SFS.
*Mon Jul 26: Sydney City v Penrith at SFS.
Night games kick off at 7.30pm and day games at 2.30pm.
* Indicates a night game.
Website: http://rleague.com/nrl99
Queensland Cup (Rnd 19)
Saturday July 24
Norths Devils v Burleigh Bears at Bishop Park, 2.00pm (ABC).
Ipswich Jets v Central Capras at North Ipswich Res, 6.00pm.
Sunday July 25
Redcliffe Dolphins v Wests Panthers at Dolphin Oval, 3.00pm.
Wynnum Seagulls v Easts Tigers at Kougari Oval, 3.00pm.
Toowoomba Clydesdales v Souths Magpies at Toara Park, 3.00pm.
Logan Scorpions v Cairns Cyclones at Meakin Park, 4.00pm.
Website: http://rleague.com/qld99
NSWRL 1st Division (Rnd 21)
Sat Jul 24: Western Suburbs v Canterbury at Campbelltown.
Sat Jul 24: Balmain v Newcastle at Leichhardt Oval.
Sat Jul 24: Canberra v Cronulla at Bruce Stadium.
Sun Jul 25: North Sydney v Parramatta at North Sydney Oval.
Sun Jul 25: South Sydney v St. George at SFS.
Sun Jul 25: Illawarra v Manly at WIN Stadium.
Mon Jul 26: Sydney City v Penrith at SFS.
Results: http://rleague.com/nrl99/nsw-results.htm
Swan Brewery WARL Premiership (Rnd 11)
Saturday July 24
North Beach v Canning.
Joondalup v South Perth.
Rockingham v Fremantle.
ENGLAND
English Super League (Week 21)
Wed Jul 21: Sheffield v Wigan at Don Valley Stadium
Fri Jul 23: Leeds v St Helens at Headingley.
Fri Jul 23: London v Halifax at the Stoop.
Sat Jul 24: Sheffield v Warrington at Don Valley Stadium.
Sun Jul 25: Wigan v Salford at Central Park.
Sun Jul 25: Huddersfield v Gateshead at McAlpine Stadium.
Sun Jul 25: Hull v Wakefield at the Boulevard.
Sun Jul 25: Bradford v Castleford at Odsal Stadium.
Website: http://rleague.com/esl99
Northern Ford Premiership (Round 23)
Friday July 23
Lancashire Lynx v Featherstone Rovers.
Sunday July 25
Hull Kingston Rovers v Bramley at 3:00pm.
Keighley Cougars v Rochdale Hornets at 3:00pm.
Leigh Centurions v Barrow Border Raiders at 3:00pm.
Swinton Lions v Whitehaven Warriors at 3:00pm.
Widnes Vikings v Oldham at 3:00pm.
Workington Town v Dewsbury Rams at 3:00pm.
Batley Bulldogs v York at 3:15pm.
Hunslet Hawks v Doncaster Dragons at 3:30pm.
Draw & Results: http://rleague.com/esl99/division1.htm
WEBSITE INFORMATION & SUMMARY
---------
The World of Rugby League in the last two weeks has had some very
exciting changes done to it in the development to make the site more
professional and easier to navigate. A new front-page design will
carry into the sub-pages, which are currently under construction to
be updated.
A new NRL 40 question trivia quiz was put onto the website
yesterday. Be sure to test how good your League knowledge is in
Australia.
Semi-Finalists for the Web Awards was announced early this morning
and the World of Rugby League is only one of two league websites
nominated for the Sports semi-final awards along with the Canberra
Raiders official website. It's a proud honour for the site and the
hard work put into the site by James Stewart, Jonathon Knaggs and
myself plus all the people who send snips via email has all paid off
with the recognition. Special thanks to King Street Computers for
their support to ensure the newsletter and the site remain the No.1
Rugby League presence on the web.
Thank you to everyone for subscribing to the free Rugby League
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Kindest Regards,
Matthew O'Neill
Email address: mailto:mat...@rleague.com
Rugby League site: http://rleague.com
ICQ UIN: 1444514
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