Moves, Rumours,Judiciary, Injuries ...

[Graham]

Israel Folau - Article headline suggested he'll likely return to NRL

Early days. He'd be daft to limit his options. Guess he'll only settle for the highest bidder.

Sensible approach.

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A return to where it all started is on the cards for Israel Folau with the cross-code star refusing to rule out a return to the NRL.

Folau is off contract at the end of the year and is in no rush to decide his playing future.

The lure of playing in a second World Cup might not even be enough to keep the star athlete in rugby union.

“Look, (the World Cup) is something I enjoyed last time around. But, in saying that, there’s plenty of options on the line and, when that time comes, I’ll make a decision when I’m ready,” Folau told media on Wednesday.

“There’s no rush. I want to make sure everything is set in position and I feel comfortable and I’ll come out and make that announcement.”

Folau is undoubtedly in the sights of multiple NRL clubs and would be a massive boost for the rugby league to have a player of his statue return to the code.

A rugby league Test representative at just 18, multiple State of Origin series victories with Queensland and a Premiership with Melbourne is a pretty handy resume and Folau’s list of achievements have only grown since joining rugby union.

Folau has now played 62 Tests for the Wallabies since debuting in 2013 and is the only three-time winner of the John Eales Medal.

At only 28, Folau is at the peak of his powers physically and no doubt will be in high demand, with multiple codes and countries all vying for his signature in the upcoming months.

The Waratahs remain confident they can keep Folau in the 15-man code, with his contract able to be supplemented by a Rugby Australia top-up.

A move from Sydney to Auckland could also weigh heavily into Folau’s plans though, after marrying New Zealand netball star Maria Tutaia last November.

 

[Graham]

After Round 2 2018:

Judiciary News

Parramatta prop Daniel Alvaro and Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans have both been charged by the match review committee following the Sea Eagles’ big win over the Eels on Sunday.

Alvaro was charged for Grade One Dangerous Contact – Head/Neck for a tackle in the 34th minute of the clash involving Sea Eagles Brian Kelly.

An early guilty plea will see Alvaro available to play next week.

Cherry-Evans was charged with a Grade One Dangerous Throw while making a tackle on Kirsome Auva’a.

Like Alvaro, an early guilty plea will see Cherry-Evans free to play in Round 3.

[Graham]

After Round 2

More Judiciary News:

• South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Sam Burgess has been charged with grade one dangerous contact charge following Saturday afternoon’s clash with the Panthers.

The incident occurred in the second minute of the match during a tackle on Panthers forward Reagan Campbell-Gillard.

If Burgess takes the early guilty plea, he will not miss any matches.

If the club decides to fight the charge and lose, Burgess will be suspended for one match.

• Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs forward Aaron Woods has been charged by the match review committee following the match against the Sydney Roosters.

  Woods was hit with a dangerous contact charge.

  The incident took place in the 15th minute of the match, with the contact on Roosters forward Isaac Liu.

  Woods will be free to play next week with an early guilty plea.

[Farmduck]

Scans have revealed Panthers prop Sam McKendry suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during the Panthers win over South Sydney on Saturday.

The 28-year-old, who tore the same ACL in 2016 and 2017, will now seek specialist medical advice about his best options for recovery.

McKendry suffered the injury while being tackled in the 42nd minute of Saturday's game at Panthers Stadium.

https://www.penrithpanthers.com.au/news/2018/03/19/injury-update-sam-mckendry/

[Vichyssoise]

He probably should call it a career. Chances are that he'll keep tearing that ACL every year until he retires.

[Graham]

Racists comments aimed at Greg Inglis.

Surgess says Inglis is a strong character has handled this well.

All the same he has called for action and placed s trust inright people at the club to identify the  offender and take appropriate action him.

Inglis has faced racist comments from within the game before, for example when Andrew Johns made a comment prompting hu to walk out of the Blues camp in 2010.

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Panthers executive general manager Phil Gould said the club believed they had identified the offender but he was denying making a racist comment.

"Our decision as a club, we know what we’re going to do with this," Gould said on Channel Nine’s 100% Footy program on Monday night.

"We’re not going to tolerate it, we’re not going to tolerate our members behaving like that near the tunnel in any way shape or form, let alone racial abuse of someone like Greg Inglis.

"No one in society should have to put up with that. We’ll deal with it and they won’t be welcome back at our ground."

 

[Graham]

Sydney Roosters will be without Daniel Tupou for an extended period of time after the winger suffered a torn pectoral muscle.

Tupo failed to finish the match against the Bulldogs with a suspected pec tear.

Scans over the weekend have since confirmed the extent of the injury, with Tupou expected to be sidelined for 10-12 weeks while he recovers.

 

[Futtocks]

Benji Marshall on the day he dressed Wayne Bennett in a leotard and boob tube.

Don't worry; there are no photos of that particular event in the linked article.

[Graham]

Painful news for a fair number of Supercoach folk:

Round 3 2018

Nathan Cleary has suffered a medial ligament injury in his knee in the 11th minute of the Panthers loss to the Bulldogs. He will have scans this week to determine how long he will be out.

Edited March 23, 2018 by Graham

[Graham]

Matt Moylan is out of the Sharks VS Eels clash with a hamstring injury. The club has been given an exemption to bring Trent Hodkinson into the 21 named. He will start in Moylan's place.

[Graham]

Pre Round 4 2018:

Injury news

Parramatta Eels' Telstra Premiership campaign has gone from bad to worse with Jarryd Hayne set to miss 2-4 weeks with the hip injury he suffered in Saturday night's loss to the Cronulla Sharks.

Hayne had scans after suffering the injury in the 14-4 loss and will get the results on Monday afternoon.

He is facing a minimum of two games on the sidelines and could be out for a month. 

Bevan French is also under an injury cloud due to the shoulder injury he suffered at ANZ Stadium on the weekend in Parramatta's third straight loss to start the season.

With Clint Gutherson still a few weeks away from a return from knee surgery, utility Will Smith could start at fullback for the Eels in their Easter Monday clash with the Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium.

CASUALTY WARD:

 

Brisbane Broncos 

Broncos pair Corey Oates and Tevita Pangai jnr were the casualties to come out of the 9-7 win over Wests Tigers on Friday night. Both are set to miss two weeks with Oates suffering a hip injury and Pangai pulling a hamstring. Sam Thaiday received treatment for a nasty head gash but remained on the field. 

Tevita Pangai jnr (hamstring, round 6) 
Andre Savelio (knee, season) 
Jordan Kahu (jaw, round 9-12) 
Corey Oates (hip, round 6)

Canberra Raiders

The Raiders had no injuries from their 20-19 loss to the Warriors. Joseph Tapine could return in round four. Josh Hodgson told the Fox League coverage in the loss on Saturday that he is on track for a round 16-18 return.

Charlie Gubb (groin, round 9-10)
Josh Hodgson (knee, round 18)
Royce Hunt (knee, round 6-7)

Canterbury Bulldogs

Josh Cleeland (ankle, indefinite)

Cronulla Sharks

Jayson Bukuya left the field against the Eels and didn't return as a precaution with groin tightness. Josh Dugan failed to finish the game with an ankle injury but is not a concern. Braden Uele has overcome rib damage to play for Newtown in the Intrust Super Premiership over the weekend. Matt Moylan and Luke Lewis could be fit for round four against premiers Melbourne.

Sione Katoa (broken jaw, round 6)
Jayson Bukuya (groin, indefinite)
Braden Uele (ribs, round 4)

Gold Coast Titans

The Titans have a clean bill of health apart from off-season recruit Jack Stockwell, who is at least another week away from a shoulder injury.

Brendan Elliot (ankle, round 4)

Jack Stockwell (shoulder, round 4)

Manly Sea Eagles

Winger Jorge Taufua is expected to miss eight weeks after suffering a fractured collarbone. Dylan Walker is another week away from a return.

Dylan Walker (leg/ankle, round 5)
Jorge Taufua (collarbone, round 12)

Melbourne Storm

Kenny Bromwich was a late scratching for the Storm on Thursday night and will be monitored. Felise Kaufusi is a strong chance of returning in round four, according to coach Craig Bellamy. 

Sandor Earl (knee, season)
Kenny Bromwich (back, round 4)
Jahrome Hughes (shoulder, round 4)
Felise Kaufusi (hamstring, round 5)

Newcastle Knights

Connor Watson suffered a shoulder dislocation during Newcastle's clash with the Roosters on Sunday night and could be set for surgery, which would mean an extended stint on the sidelines. Chris Heighington was ruled out of the match with a hip flexor injury.

Chris Heighington (hip flexor, round 4)
Connor Watson (shoulder, round 10-12)

North Queensland Cowboys

Shaun Fensom (leg, round 5) 
Kane Linnett (pectoral, indefinite) 
Lachlan Coote (hamstring, round 4)

Parramatta Eels

Jarryd Hayne is be sidelined until round nine with a hip flexor injury. Bevan French and Kane Evans are both out until round six. 

Clint Gutherson (knee, round
Brad Takairangi (eye socket, round 10)
Jarryd Hayne (quad, round 9)
Bevan French (shoulder, round 6)
Kane Evans (ribs, round 6)
Greg Leleisiuao (ankle, round 7)
Jaeman Salmon (neck, round 5)

Penrith Panthers

The big injury out of the round was Nathan Cleary and the halfback is set to miss 10 weeks with an MCL injury. Jarome Luai is in line to make his NRL debut at halfback in Cleary's absence. Utility Tyrone May remains on track for round five. In better news for the Panthers, Tyrone Phillips is a strong chance of an early return from a pectoral tear.

Nathan Cleary (knee, round 13)
Tyrone May (knee, running, round 5)
Sam McKendry (knee, season)
Tyrone Phillips (pectoral, round 10)
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (jaw, round 7)

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Campbell Graham (hand, indefinite)
Adam Reynolds (knee, round 5)
Tyrell Fuimaono (dislocated toe, round 14)

St George Illawarra Dragons

No injuries.

Sydney Roosters

Daniel Tupou (pectoral, round 13-15)

Warriors

Former skipper Simon Mannering is expected to return from a shoulder injury as the Warriors look to secure four wins in a row to start a season for the first time in club history.

Gerard Beale (leg, round
Isaiah Papali'i (knee, round
Nathaniel Roache (neck, season)
Simon Mannering (shoulder, round 5)

Wests Tigers

Benji Marshall had scans on an ankle injury suffered in the second half of the side's loss to the Broncos and remained in a moon boot over the weekend. The injury is not as serious as first feared and he is a strong chance to play against Parramatta on Easter Monday. Marshall will be named in the No.6 jersey on Tuesday and given every chance to prove his fitness. Tyson Gamble is set to be named on the bench as cover for Marshall while Tuimoala Lolohea is set to return from a knee injury and could also be used at five-eighth if needed. Josh Reynolds is two weeks away from a return from his hamstring injury. Elijah Taylor is set to miss two to four weeks with the hamstring injury that kept him out of Friday's clash with Brisbane.

Jacob Liddle (shoulder, round 5)
Tui Lolohea (knee, round 5)
Josh Reynolds (hamstring, round 5)
Benji Marshall (ankle, round 4)
Elijah Taylor (hamstring, round 6-8)

[Graham]

Alex and Teigan McKinnon have announced on Twitter they’re expecting their first child.

The couple announced the news on Thursday afternoon with a picture of the ultrasound and the caption “ Baby McKinnon coming soon.”

[Graham]

Connor Watson will not be having surgery.

Initially, there were concerns that Watson would require surgery which would have required three to five months of recovery.

Scans have since revealed Watson has a capsular injury to his left shoulder.

The club’s medical staff has consulted with an orthopaedic surgeon and believe managing his shoulder conservatively is his best option.

[Graham]

Is Ricky Stuart close to the exit at Raiders? Played 3 Lost 3

Surely too soon to think like that.

Yes Raiders have lost their first three games, but not by much.

Looking for answers some think it’s a fitness issue with Raiders, others that it’s a mental problem.

Whatever, surely a couple of wins will settle things down.

[Lounge Room Lizard]

Never really rated Ricky. His record is very poor in close games his teams has won/lost. His constant blaming Refs and failure to see his own team faults, for me, are a joke. Bitching last week over a clear Obstruction and failing to acknowledge his Team blew the chance to beat the Warriors, after leading with 7 minutes left, a prime example.

I think Raiders have issues and Ricky is part of that issue. I think the Raiders have given plenty of time for Ricky to get a quality team out. He has failed for me in that area. I wouldnt be too surprised if Ricky is replace in the next 12 months.

Edited March 29, 2018 by Lounge Room Lizard

[Farmduck]

Curtis Sironen and Kelepi Tanginoa each suffered knee injuries in the 16-point win  on Saturday night over Canberra and Manly's worst fears were confirmed on Sunday. Tanginoa and Sironen have been ruled out for the rest of the season after scans revealed serious damage. Tanginoa suffered MCL and ACL ruptures to his knee while Sironen has an ACL rupture. Fullback Tom Trbojevic has a medial ankle sprain and is likely to miss two weeks.

[Guest]

Isn’t it about time that manly relocated to the central coast and that the dragons moved to Wollongong fulltime.

Brookvale oval is a dump and an embarrassment to the billion dollar NRL. Plus their crowds for such a good team are pathetic. While WIN Stadium looks great 3/4’s full never mind when it’s nearly sold out.

[Graham]

Injuries are mounting with just four rounds played of the new season.

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The North Queensland Cowboys have lost Test prop Jordan McLean for three months with a foot injury.

McLean suffered the injury in the 33-14 loss to the Penrith Panthers on Thursday night.

McLean is booked in for surgery on Monday morning and is set to miss the entire Origin series.

Cowboys general manager of football Peter Parr said the situation was “sad for Jordan and disappointing for the club”.

“We were so excited for him to come and play football for the club so to lose him for an extended period of time is disappointing for everyone,” Parr said on the club website.

“Our first priority is to look after him, and the second priority is to ensure that the team gets on and plays as good as we can without him.”

 

[Graham]

Judiciary News

Surgess has been charged. Will Bunnies' fans want him to challenge this and risk a two game ban when he might, repeat might not be found guilty........?

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South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Sam Burgess looks set to spend some time on the sidelines after being charged by the match review committee following the Rabbitohs win over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

Burgess has been hit with a grade one dangerous contact charge from the Good Friday clash.

The incident took place just before the hour mark, with Burgess placed on report during a tackle involving Bulldogs centre Josh Morris.

Burgess currently has 85 carryover points due to a charge in Round 2, where he accepted the early guilty plea.

If he is to accept the early guilty plea this week he will miss Friday’s match against the St George Illawarra Dragons.

Burgess can fight the charge but if he is to be found guilty, he will also miss the following match against the Sydney Roosters.

 

[Graham]

Manly are in the wars with injuries.

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Manly have been struck a massive blow with two players ruled out for the rest of the season and star fullback Tom Trbojevic sidelined for a few weeks with an ankle injury.

In devastating news, forwards Kelepi Tanginoa and Curtis Sironen have both been ruled out for the rest of the season following results of knee scans taken this morning.

Tanginoa has suffered MCL and ACL ruptures to his knee, while Sironen has an ACL rupture.

Trbojevic has a medial ankle sprain and is likely to miss two weeks.

Sea Eagles head coach Trent Barrett said it was a disappointing result for Tanginoa and Sironen.

“Both players worked extremely hard in the pre-season and have been very good for us in the first four weeks of the competition,” Barrett said on the club website.

“We all feel for them. Kelepi and Curtis will have the club’s full support.

“It is a big blow to the side but we have plenty of good depth in the forwards, so we will fight on.”

 

[Graham]

Melbourne Storm lock forward Dale Finucane will be sidelined for at least the next month.

Finucane suffered a fractured right thumb in the first half of Friday night’s clash against Cronulla.

Scans on Monday confirmed the injury with Finucane ruled out for the next 4-6 weeks.

Finucane has missed only one game for Melbourne club since joining them in 2015.

Head coach Craig Bellamy will name his replacement on Tuesday with the Storm playing the Wests Tigers in Round 5..

[RabbitRhinoovOZ]

Sam Burgess found guilty and will miss 2 weeks, This game has become an absolute joke its no wonder so many old fans have walked away from the sport, I see worse things than that every week that go by without punishment.

Edited April 3, 2018 by RabbitRhinoovOZ

[Davo5]

2 matches for Burgess is a joke,the NRL are in danger of turning the game into 13 a side netball !

[Graham]

Harsh!

Would have been one match if he'd accepted guilt.

So the judiciary are also clamping down it seems.

I thought his movement was instinctive with ball in the grip of the same arm, though it was high and moved with Sam's body towards the would be tackler as Sam resisted being tackled, and so could have been seen as dangerous, but also NOT.

Two matches is over the top though.

This policy of saying come and argue your case, but if you do bother us and we decide you are guilty you'll get twice the penalty is certainly a deterrant, not always fair, but they are warned. 

Edited April 3, 2018 by Graham

[Graham]

Wests Tigers are pleased to announce that the club has extended the contract of Corey Thompson.

The new deal will see Thompson remain with Wests Tigers until at least the end of the 2019 NRL season.

Thompson joined Wests Tigers this season after two years in the English Super League and has been a standout performer so far in 2018, scoring three tries in the opening four games.

Thompson said he was thrilled to be extending his stay at Wests Tigers.