The rumour mill is back in full swing and this week we’ll discuss Todd Carney’s battle to be fit for round 1, a possible move up north for Chris Sandow and reveal which Cowboys young gun almost left the club.
News and rumours via the ‘Luker’ on Sportal.com.au.
The mail from the Sharks is that star half Todd Carney is at long odds be fit for Monday night’s Round 1 showdown with the Cowboys. Carney injured his hamstring in the NRL Nines last month and has been struggling ever since. The classy playmaker has been working hard on his rehab but is fighting the clock to be fit and has been unable to run the side on the training paddock. His absence and the departure of Chad Townsend to the Warriors over the summer leaves the Sharks looking very ‘skinny’ in the halves. If Carney pulls out, the Sharks will go with the makeshift halves combination of Wade Graham and Daniel Holdsworth. Holdsworth is making his comeback to the NRL after five seasons in England. Winger Beau Ryan is also in doubt, with Eric Grothe junior on standby to make his return to the NRL after retirement.Taumalolo almost left Cowboys
The Cowboys came within a whisker of losing boom forward Jason Taumalolo over the summer.
Disenchanted at the lack of football he was getting under former coach Neil Henry, Taumalolo actually asked for a release. The powerhouse back-rower was inundated with interest from rival clubs and wanted out. But officials were able to change his mind after Henry parted ways with the club at the end of last season. New coach Paul Green has shown himself to be more of a Taumalolo fan and used the big forward to good effect in the Cowboys’ historic win at the NRL Nines. The Kiwi star is also expected to see a lot more game time in 2014 under Green.
Sandow to Brisbane… will it happen?
The hottest rumour in the game at the moment is that troubled halfback Chris Sandow is set to leave Parramatta to attempt to resurrect his career in Brisbane. There’s just one problem – neither club says they know anything about it. But the move makes sense… Sandow has no future at the Eels and needs a fresh start. And the Broncos are looking skinny for playmakers after the loss of Darren Lockyer, Scott Prince and Corey Norman in recent seasons. While it is being denied all around, stranger things have happened.
What’s the real reason Sam Burgess is going to quit Souths for English rugby at the end of the year? I can reveal that big Sam lost the support of many of his fellow players, who don’t appreciate his high profile and outside commitments that distract him from the job at hand. Word from within the club is that, despite the great player that he is, coach Michael Maguire won’t be too unhappy when Burgess does pack his bags and leave. Remember, this is the same coach who punted one of the best players in the game – Dave Taylor – because of his attitude. Many Souths fans are also unhappy with Burgess, venting their anger on social media at the star forward’s plans to quit the club that has done so much for him. Despite Burgess’ decision to go, his three brothers – Luke, Tom and George – are tipped to stay in the red and green.
Writing’s on the wall for Tamou
James Tamou remains one of the most destructive forwards in the game – but he appears at long odds to retain his spot in the New South Wales State of Origin team. Players and officials are unhappy with Tamou’s attitude and off-field behaviour. The writing was on the wall recently when the team held a bonding dinner – and Tamou wasn’t invited. He has some fences to mend over the next few months to win back the confidence of coach Laurie Daley and the players.
The Anthony Milford deadlock could be headed for mediation with both Canberra and the Broncos sticking to their guns over the classy utility back. Milford is contracted to the Raiders for 2014 but wants to move to the Broncos on compassionate grounds to be close to his ill father. I’ve heard Milford has told Broncos players there is no way he will return to Canberra. His management has sought legal advice and an impartial mediator is likely to be called in to resolve the situation. Milford has been playing for Samoa in the World Cup, making it difficult for the matter to be settled. But the star utility will return to Australia in coming weeks and the issue will be brought to a head then.Barrett’s big break
Trent Barrett hasn’t been left out in the cold despite missing out on the Cowboys’ top job to Paul Green recently. The former NSW and Test star has this week been appointed coach of Penrith’s premiership-winning Holden Cup team by the club’s football guru Phil Gould. It’s a great opportunity for Barrett – and hopefully a stepping stone to an NRL job in the future. Garth Brennan, who coached the Panthers to the under-20 title in October, will take over the reins of the Panthers’ NSW Cup team, Windsor Wolves.Furner’s final choice
Also in the coaching ranks, David Furner had a chance to join Manly’s staff – but declined. The Sea Eagles saw Furner, sacked by Canberra, as a good choice to replace Brad Arthur, who has gone to Parramatta. But Furner saw more potential at the Cowboys and will join Paul Green’s staff in Townsville in 2014.Get Ya Handbags Out
There were ugly scenes at a bar in North Sydney last week when a well-known ex-NRL star came to blows with the son of his former coach. A decade ago, the player came out in the media and said the reason his club didn’t win a premiership in the 1990s was because of the coach. It seems the coach’s son has a long memory – and after some angry words, fisticuffs ensued. The pair were both ‘asked’ to leave the Chatswood bar but carried on their disagreement outside.
Daniel Holdsworth set to join Cronulla Sharks
The Sharks are set to sign former Canterybury Bulldogs and St George Illawarra Dragons pivot Daniel Holdsworth in a bid to take the pressure off star halfback Todd Carney next season. Holdsworth has been playing good football for Salford and Hull FC in England for the past four seasons but wants to return to Australia. With few experienced halves on the market, the 29-year-old was in the sights of both the Melbourne Storm and the Sharks. Craig Bellamy was keen to sign Holdsworth as a back-up to his star number seven Cooper Cronk, particularly in the Origin period. But Holdsworth believes he has a better chance of playing regular first-grade at the Sharks, where he will put pressure on veteran Jeff Robson for a spot in the line-up. The Sharks have room to move in the salary cap – don’t be surprised if they also make a late bid for Roosters journeyman front-rower Luke O’Donnell. And they are still well in the hunt for Canberra bad boy Blake Ferguson, particularly after releasing long-serving centre Ben Pomeroy.
Daniel Conn on comeback trail?
He retired two years ago at just 25 years of age due to a serious neck injury – but Daniel Conn could be on the comeback trail. The former Bulldogs, Gold Coast Titans and Sydney Roosters forward has been training hard in recent months and wants to pull on the boots again. A glamour boy off the field, Conn was carving out a fine career on it when tragedy struck in 2011. Conn suffered a major neck injury that required surgery to have his spine fused. After surgery, doctors advised Conn to retire and he reluctantly agreed.
Eric Grothe Jr closing in on NRL return
Another player on the comeback trail, Eric Grothe Jr, is so confident he will find a club he has dispensed with the need for a manager. Grothe is handling negotiations himself and has four clubs interested in his services. At 33, Grothe would be one of the oldest wingers in the NRL should he gain a contract after three years out of the game. But the powerhouse flanker believes the time out of football has allowed several nagging injuries to heal and he has kept himself in good shape. Expect him to sign with either his old club the Parramatta Eels or another Sydney team.
North Queensland Cowboys set to pounce on John Asiata
The North Queensland Cowboys are set to announce a handy signing in Roosters Holden Cup back-rower John Asiata. A member of the NYC team of the year this season, Asiata has plenty of ability but had too many established back-rowers ahead of him at the Roosters. Expect him to play some NRL over the next two seasons at the Cowboys.
Pressure mounting on Anthony Griffin
Anthony Griffin’s job as Broncos coach for 2014 is far from safe. Elements within the Broncos ranks, concerned at the club’s failure to make the finals this season, are pushing for former Queensland and Test star Kevin Walters to replace Griffin. Walters is set to join the Broncos next season – as an assistant coach. But if senior figures at the club get their way, Walters will take over the top job by the time the club kicks off their 2014 campaign next March. Walters also has some handy allies in highly-regarded former Broncos greats, who played alongside him during the club’s glory days in the 1990s. The former star five-eighth has served a good apprenticeship under one of the greatest modern-day coaches in Craig Bellamy and the pressure is on for a change at the top. Look for movement at boardroom level in coming weeks.
Sea Eagles swoop for Tony Satini
Manly are set to come up with an astute signing for the future in boom Panther Tony Satini. Captain of the Penrith team that won the Holden Cup earlier in the season, Satini was dropped for the finals in a move the led to some angst among fans. Satini was hot property despite the snub and had offers from several NRL clubs. Expect a formal announcement that he will be joining the Sea Eagles in the next few days.
Breathe easily, Parramatta fans
Eels fans can breathe easily now Brad Arthur has been formally appointed as coach for next season. Had Arthur missed the job, the Bulldogs were poised to swoop on star recruit Will Hopoate. I’ve been told the Bulldogs had secret talks with young Hoppa’s minders and assured them they would match the big contract the Eels put the boom centre on. But Hopoate is happy with the choice of Arthur ahead of Jason Taylor and has promised Eels officials he will now honour his lucrative deal with the club.
John Cartwright earns handy pay rise
Titans coach John Cartwright hasn’t been the biggest fan of the print media over the years – but the news hounds did just get him a handy pay rise. When Cartwright was leaked as a potential target for the Eels job in the press, Titans officials pressed the panic button. So much so that they gave ‘Carty’ a six-figure bonus to remain on the Gold Coast.
He’s obviously got his head in the sand
James O’Connor’s manager may have flung dirt at stories linking his client to rugby league but he’s obviously got his head in the sand. O’Connor’s name had been mentioned as a possible recruit at a number of clubs – nothing more, nothing less – and it would have at least been worth a call to see if the leaguies were fair dinkum. Especially now that a deal with Western Force has fallen through and JOC is headed to parts unknown in an attempt to revive his spluttering rugby career.
Surprise win adds to Terry Campese’s disappointment
Italy’s surprise trial win over England has done nothing to temper Terry Campese’s disappointment at being forced out of the Azzurri squad by Ricky Stuart. Campo was set to play a pivotal role for the Italians and had even gone to the trouble of arranging travel plans for relatives who wanted to watch him in action in the UK. But it all came crashing down when Sticky arrived at Canberra and ordered his star five-eighth to rest up his troublesome knees instead.
Arthur can’t get rid of Sandow
New Eels coach, Brad Arthur has suffered a setback before he has even walked in the doors of Parramatta HQ. The Eels have been hoping to offload high-priced and high maintenance halfback Chris Sandow for 2014 to English club Salford. The club is being bankrolled by a British millionaire, Dr Marwan Koukash, and the Reds were interested in Sandow. But Salford has decided to spend up big on former NRL halves Rangi Chase and Tim Smith, ending the Eels’ hopes of punting Sandow. The Parramatta players are delighted the board performed a late backflip to give the job to Arthur, the Manly assistant coach. Star fullback Jarryd Hayne pushed hard for Arthur, while prize recruit Will Hopoate was talking of walking out on his deal if Jason Taylor got the job.
Taylor the control freak
Why did Taylor miss out on the top job the last minute? My Parra spies tell me the former star halfback wanted too much control at the Eels across a variety of areas. In the end, the board decided Arthur, who filled in as caretaker coach when Steve Kearney was punted 12 months ago, was a safer option. As you may have read, Arthur had given up on the role when the board appeared certain to give the job to Taylor – so much so that he jumped on a plane to Bali and is there for the next week holidaying with his family.
Hoffman to Bulldogs?
I tipped readers this time last week that the Broncos were set to sign Sharks speedster Stewart Mills and Dragons utility Daniel Vidot. Both signed days later but their acquisition strengthens the likelihood of talented fullback Josh Hoffman leaving the club. With Ben Barba, Vidot and Mills all coming on board, the Broncos have a glut of outside backs. Hoffman, who has stood out at fullback over the last couple of seasons, is known to be upset that the club bought Barba to fill his spot. Hoffman is being hunted by the Bulldogs to replace Barba and the mail is he will come to terms soon.
SBW’s poor form
Several members of the Kiwi camp are still baffled by Sonny Bill Williams’ late inclusion in the World Cup squad at the expense of luckless Storm forward, Tohu Harris. I have learned that Kiwi coach Steve Kearney spoke to SBW day before the team was chosen – and the Roosters superstar confirmed that he was not available. The decision to dump Harris after he was given the call-up has left a sour taste in many people’s mouths, and rightly so – it was very shabby.
11/10/13
There’s never a dull moment for The Lurker, who has uncovered a secret mission to Auckland, news on Daniel Anderson’s return to Parramatta, further developments at the Eels and a couple of potential Brisbane signings.
Shane Flanagan embarks on Kevin Locke mission
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan is set to embark on a secret hit-and-run mission to Auckland to sign Warriors fullback Kevin Locke. Several clubs, headed by Canterbury, are interested in Locke, who is under contract to the Warriors for 2014 but will be released after the Kiwi club signed British superstar Sam Tomkins. But Flanagan looks set to get the jump on them all, flying to Auckland in an all-out bid to snare the talented fullback. The Sharks already boast a representative-class fullback in Michael Gordon, but Flanagan will have several options if Locke puts pen to paper. He could move either one to the wing, or use Locke in the halves alongside Todd Carney. Locke is a smart ballplayer and could be a good foil for Carney, taking the pressure off the Dally M Medal winner.
Daniel Anderson set for Parramatta Eels return
Daniel Anderson is set to get the job of Parramatta football manager after the club went cold on veteran Brian Smith. Anderson, the current referees boss, steered the Eels to a grand final in 2009, when they lost to the salary-cap cheating Melbourne Storm. Anderson still has close ties to the Eels and is known to want to get out of the pressure cooker job of referees boss.
Brad Arthur all but concedes Parramatta Eels defeat
Still on the Eels, and Brad Arthur has all but conceded defeat despite being promised the head coach job by club president Steve Sharp last week. That leaves the way open for Jason Taylor, who helped the Roosters to this year’s title, to take over the reins. The push for Taylor was on political grounds – several board members want to make Sharp’s position untenable and went against Arthur as a result. The green light for Taylor has left Sharp in an embarrassing predicament – one that the rogue directors hope will see him resign from his post.
Brisbane Broncos eyeing Stewart Mills, Daniel Vidot signatures
The Broncos are looking to beef up their outside back stocks, with a question mark over the future of Jharal Yow Yeh and Justin Hodges nearing the end of his career and being plagued by injury. The club is considering signing both Cronulla winger Stewart Mills and Dragons centre/winger Daniel Vidot. Both are speedsters who can beat a man and should thrive in the Broncos’ free-flowing attacking game. Mills wants out of the Sharks after being barely used in the club’s run to the finals this year.
Also, the SMH is reporting that William Hopoate is now having seconds thoughts (he’s probably thought about it a lot more than that) about joining the Parramatta Eels, as his father John is not happy with the club over over turning Steve Sharp decision to bring Brad Arthur. John did some work in the offseason with Manly and was impressed with the Sea Eagle assistant coach and was hoping his son would be playing underneath him. There are links to South Sydney and the Bulldogs are still lurking.
9/10/13
While the majority of NRL players and coaches are embarking on a well-deserved rest, The Lurker has stepped it up, delivering a bumper edition with news on the Eels, Sticky Ricky, a porn star (yes, a porn star) and more.
Position untenable for Eels chairman Steve Sharp’s position as Parramatta chairman is untenable after he was outvoted over the appointment of a new coach. Sharp went public in his support for Manly assistant Brad Arthur but was rolled 4-2 by his board, with Jason Taylor the preferred choice. There is some scrambling now going on behind the scenes to resolve the debacle but Sharp has lost any power and influence he may have wielded. His decision to grant club great Ray Price an interview over the coaching position further raised eyebrows.
Sticky Ricky adds to Canberra coaching staff Ricky Stuart is already starting to gather his coaching staff for next season. Dean Pay and Matt Parish look ready to follow Stuart to the Raiders. But there might also be a surprise. Stuart may announce a former Canberra team-mate as another member of his coaching team.
Things are about to get physical We hear of one star player on the nose at his club. He is larger than life off the field and seemingly well-liked. But team-mates have had a gutful of his childish and publicity-seeking antics. We hear things are about to get physical.
Does Max Delmege want back at Manly? Former Manly owner Max Delmege spent plenty of time around the Sea Eagles in grand final week, leading to speculation he wants back in at the club. Delmege, who estimates he spent $15 million of his own money keeping the club afloat, has told those close to him that he’d love to get involved again in some capacity. But I hear it’s highly unlikely the red carpet will be rolled out.
Porn king spotted in Sea Eagles dressing room Porn king Con Ange certainly loves his rugby league – and he doesn’t seem to care which club it is he follows. Ange was spotted in the Manly dressing room after their grand final loss.
Burgess brothers create more history The Burgess brothers created their own little piece of history last week. No, they didn’t help Souths into the club’s first grand final in 42 years. But they did manage to make front-page news in mass-circulation English newspaper, The Daily Mirror. A big achievement for rugby league in the UK.
Who hit the sauce in a big way? Who’s the well known actor who ‘starred’ during a spate of rugby league appearances in grand final week? He hit the sauce in a big way and is fast gaining a reputation as a pest to be avoided at all costs.
Tensions high at Gold Coast Titans Don’t think for a minute John Cartwright is happy about having Neil Henry appointed assistant coach at the Titans. Nothing unnerves a coach more than having an accomplished deputy under him who aspires to greater things. I will watch developments with interest.
Rumour of the week Corey Parker to Penrith. We did notice Parker and Panthers boss Phil Gould took to Twitter to quickly shoot down the speculation but don’t be surprised if it’s raised again over the summer.
6/10/13
He may have a grand final hangover, but The Lurker has still managed to deliver with news of a disgruntled Kangaroo, a boost for the Blues, doubts over the Wolfman and concerns following a star’s return to grassroots footy.
Anthony Watmough avoids Tim Sheens reunion
Anthony Watmough has withdrawn from the Kangaroos but my spies tell it was had more to do with his rocky relationship with coach Tim Sheens than injury. Officially, Watmough declined to go on the World Cup tour because of a knee problem. But Manly sources told me weeks ago Watmough would not tour because of his history with Sheens, having clashed with the veteran coach in the past. There had been rumours for some time that the Sea Eagles second-rower would make himself unavailable. Although he was ruled out with a knee injury, Watmough has been stunning strongly in recent weeks. The Stewart brothers Glenn and Brett also declared themselves unavailable after the grand final.
Daniel Tupou a born and bred Blue
Finally some good news for the New South Wales Blues. The Roosters’ grand final hero Daniel Tupou is a born and bred Blue. The high-flyer was born in Sydney and played his junior football in Sydney’s west before Roosters talent scouts got hold of him. Surely Laurie Daley will have him under serious consideration for next year’s Origin series after his dominant performance under pressure in the biggest game of the year.
Sea Eagles having second thoughts?
Manly might be regretting offering winger David Williams a new three-year contract after his grand final shocker. One official was overheard asking ‘has he actually signed the deal’ after the game on Sunday night at ANZ Stadium. He was no match for the Roosters outstanding young winger Daniel Tupou. The same official was overheard saying: “The money would be better spent on keeping someone like Peter Hiku long term.”
Flanagan, Sheens unhappy with Andrew Fifita
I’m hearing both Sharks coach Shane Flanagan and his Australia counterpart Tim Sheens weren’t happy that star forward Andrew Fifita ran around in an Aboriginal knockout tournament in Newcastle last weekend. Both coaches would have preferred Fifita to take a well-earned break after his outstanding 2013 campaign and not risk copping an injury in a competition where he would have had a big target painted on his head. Fifita got through the tournament intact and should be commended for putting back into grassroots footy, but it could easily have gone oh so wrong, particularly with the World Cup coming up.
Previous news and rumours.
Parramatta Eels: The former Manly Sea Eagles utility was only just released from the Salford City Reds – only six months into a three year deal.
Verdict: This is a good signing for the Eels. Foran showed some good form in 2011 when inserted into the Manly line up for his injured brother – Kieran, and will provide something that the Eels are sorely missing – Depth!
Newcastle Knights: Russel Packer and his bladder will heading to Newcastle in 2014 after signing a 4 year deal with the club.
Packer has managed 110 games for the Warriors, as well as 2 tests for the kiwis, however, he was often injured and struggled for form and consistency in 2013.
He was also involved in that infamous ‘peeing’ incident in which cameras spotted Packer urinating during a match at Suncorp Stadium.
Verdict: Packers joins a long list of players who have had some disciplinary issues to link up with Wayne Bennett. There’s no doubting Packer’s talent and combined with Bennett’s ability to get the best out of some the NRL’s ‘bad boys’-this looks to be a good signing for the Knights.
North Queensland Cowboys:
Paul Green will become the first former Cowboys to return as a head coach after accepting a 2 year deal.
Green – who was a member of the Cowboys squad in 1999 and 2000 will link up with the team once his duties as assistant coach with Roosters is completed after the Grand Final.
Verdict: This is hard to grade, as this is Green’s first opportunity at coaching a first grade side. Henry finished off the season in strong fashion, but was still ousted. And whilst Green certainly has the squad to be successfully in his debut season, whether he can take the Cowboys further into September remains to be seen.
Love the nrl news and rumours section! Feel like I can get my dose here without having to visit 10 websites!
Any updates on Cam Smith and Chery-Evans situation with both rumoured to be heading to the Broncos?
Cheers
Hey, thanks for the feedback.
Cam Smith has been given a deadline by the Storm and he said he wants to resolve his contract before the commencement of the 2014 season. So far it seems he’s favouring a move up North.
Daly-Cherry Evans is still contracted for a further two seasons and wont be heading to Brisbane before that. Manly will not release him and they’re trying their best to work out a deal, however, they some salary cap issues. He’s saying all the right things, but the whispers wont go away and according to a few sources, he does want to head up to Brisbane. Another thing to look out for is the head coaching position at the Broncos, as Cherry Evans senior and Anthony Griffin are good friends. If the Broncos don’t improve then look for a new coach to come in, and that could possibly impact Cherry Evans’ desire to move back.
These are all from different sources over the course of a few months and I wont profess to know the players or even attempt to get in their head. It’s just information I’ve come across through social media and various news outlets.
Seriously we waited for something like this……. Reliable….. Fresh and on the ball updates in the game we love…. Thanks talkin-smack……keep up the good work!