DOCSLIB.ORG

Mad Butcher Club at MT SMART STADIUM, HOME of the MIGHTY VODAFONE WARRIORS

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Mad Butcher Club at MT SMART STADIUM, HOME of the MIGHTY VODAFONE WARRIORS Sir Peter Leitch’s Mad Butcher Club AT MT SMART STADIUM, HOME OF THE MIGHTY VODAFONE WARRIORS 7 May 2015 Newsletter #71 To subscribe or unsubscribe email: [email protected] Kiwis Triumph over the Aussies New Zealand: 26 Australia: 12 Kiwi boys celebrating their historic win! O say I have been living the Tdream is something of an understatement. I have been involved in rugby league for more than 50 years and in that time I have had some highlights. Shaun Johnson lifts the trophy. Isaac Luke leads a Haka in honour of the fans after the game. The mighty Mangere East Hawks in the Fox Memorial, managing the Kiwis when we beat Australia 24-0 in 2005, and plenty with the Vodafone Warriors, two grand finals for a start. But Sunday’s 26-12 win over Aus- tralia was the best ever. Manu Vatuvei loves scoring tries. Shuan Johnson gets it over the line. Photos courtesy of www.photosport.co.nz Proud To Be A Kiwi Thanks For Your Support What can you say? Beating Aus- The week in Brisbane was fantastic tralia three times in a row has not and I must say I owe a big thank happened since 1953, so I am as you to those who sent emails in proud as I can be to be a Kiwis support of the Kiwis. I asked for supporter. your support, and I got it, with emails even coming in from Prime It was a fantastic game, built on Minister John Key, Minister of solid defence, and all credit to the Sport Jonathan Coleman, the Gov- NZRL and coach Stephen Kearney ernor-General, and Victoria Cross and his team. winner Willie Apiata. Boy did it rain. Photo Dexter and I under our courtesy of www.photo- Kiwis umbrellas. sport.co.nz How the tide has turned, and the But thousands of ordinary Kiwis Kiwis will now go to England on like you also sent a message, and Dexter And I Go Into Camp their end of year tour with the aim even though I tried to reply to of becoming the world’s number them, I know I will have missed Me and my mate Dexter owe the one rated side. some of you, so my apologies. NZRL and Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney a huge vote of thanks for An absolute league legend in “The I always say the greatest gift you letting us be involved with the King” Wally Lewis, was might- can give anyone is your time, and Kiwis in camp. I do not take the ily impressed with what he saw, so many of you gave it freely for privilege for granted that is for telling me that Shaun Johnson the Kiwis. So thank you all. sure, but we had a terrific time and had a fine game. But more than the players and Kiwis staff were that, he said, every team goes into Never Seen Rain Like It great to us. a test knowing the game plan of their opponents, and the fact that And for the record, the decision to Luggage Might Have Been A Bit Australia were not good enough to call the game off on Friday night Over counter it, let alone stop the Kiwis, because of the weather was entire- was the difference. ly correct. When we checked in to fly to Bris- bane it is fair to say I might have The Kiwis win was the icing on the There was no option. The fans had a bit of excess baggage. cake and I can tell you we had a could not have got there because Included were nine cartons of terrific night on the Sunday. the transport systems were down, Lewis Rd Creamery chocolate and the ground was awash in milk. Big Manu Vatuvei was named water, which causes real safety player of the match, picking up the problems for the players. I wanted to arrive with a treat for Charles Savory Medal, named in the boys, and I tell you what, I honour of the New Zealand inter- Some people actually said on would not stand between hook- national who died at Gallipoli. Facebook that our Anzacs fought er Isaac Luke and a bottle of this in any weather. But I have to say I stuff, because you’d get trampled I really hope the NZRL does found that offensive. Quite apart in the rush. He loves it. something to build on this because from the fact they were fighting It put a smile on a lot of faces and it has been a long time coming. for their lives and had no choice, made the effort well worthwhile. using it to justify going ahead Every dog has its day, and we with a footy match is just tasteless Loading the haven’t had one since 1953, so I’m when we are respecting those who Lewis Road going to enjoy it. gave their lives in the Great War. Creamery milk into the Thank you the Mighty Kiwis. And let’s not forget that four peo- trusty Toyota. ple actually died in the storm on Friday night, so it was entirely the right decision. Mad Butcher Club Newsletter Page 2 I’ll Let You In On A Secret late Stephen Kearney for that. He Veteran Meets Both Sides and his team keep the players very Young Dallin Watene-Zelezniak grounded, and that is probably not On the Wednesday the Kiwis was meant to me make his debut surprising when Stephen and his joined the Kangaroos at a lunch to last year and was injured. And assistant David Kidwell are both hear a very special guest speaker. then he was picked again but got also such humble guys. Damien Thomlinson joined the suspended. Australian Defence Force and at Test Dinner A First the age of 24 became a Comman- If there is a finer young man in the do. Kiwis I’ll be surprised. Before a ball had been kicked his- tory was being made by the NZRL. While serving in Afghanistan, He was in the camp when the boys The Kiwis, Junior Kiwis and Kiwi Damien lost both legs to a Taliban went to the Queen St mall in Bris- Ferns were all together for a test bomb. bane to do a signing session with dinner ahead of their respective kit sponsors BLK. test matches. The handing out of Giving up is clearly not in his na- test jerseys is something treated ture and he taught himself to walk Along came a young lad with an with great respect, and in what is with prosthetic legs. intellectual disability. Dallin asked obviously a first, the Junior Kiwis him if he had anything that he and Kiwi Ferns both had their jer- He has since participated in a wanted the Kiwis to sign butt the seys presented by the Kiwi player classic car rally, walked the Koko- young fellah said he didn’t. wearing the same number in the da Trail, taken up snowboarding, Anzac Test. and competed with four other Then I witnessed one of the most ADF members in the US Marine kind and remarkable things I have Former Vodafone Warrior and Corps Paralympic Trials. seen in a long while. Kiwi Clinton Toopi, who is based in Queensland now and does all Today, he uses his experiences, Dallin got out of his seat and went sorts of good work with the indig- passion for life and journey to and bought a jersey – paying full enous community, handed out the inspire and motivate others, and it price mind, he didn’t just get it for Kiwis jerseys. was an honour to be there to hear nothing. him talk about the Anzac spirit. NZRL boss Phil Holden gave a Then he got all the boys to sign terrific speech, which talked about Damien later presented the test it and presented it to this young Gallipoli and the war, and it was jerseys to the Kangaroos. man. spot on. You could see it hit home with the players,. Support our sponsors as they help If you could have seen him smile, make the newsletter possible. it was magnificent. I believe all these little influences played a big part in our success. It And what it made it so special for really is a team effort, and Dexter me was that there was no press and I saw that first hand, with there, no radio stations, no TV many people playing a part. cameras. This young man just got up and did it because he wanted to But you can’t take it away from do something for someone a little Stephen Kearney, the main man, less fortunate than him. and the boys who go out and do the job on the field. Good on you Dallin. You didn’t just make that young boy’s day, you made mine. The way the Kiwis played on the field and performed off it, they did us proud. And I want to congratu- Mad Butcher Club Newsletter Page 3 Brisbane Paper Less Than Sydney Paper Blames League Lunch Will Be A Ripper Impressed Queensland I am planning a big league lunch, The only thing worse than a bad Meanwhile over in Sydney, the as you know, at the Ellerslie Event loser is a bad winner, but I still Daily Telegraph’s Paul Kent knew Centre in June. have to say I enjoyed the piece in who was to blame – Queensland. the Courier Mail from Brisbane, He argued the ageing nature of Well it just got even bigger for after the Anzac Test about the plan the Kangaroos was pretty much to obvious reasons.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Position Australia Cook Islands England Fullback Billy Slater
    Position Australia Cook Islands England Fullback Billy Slater Johnathan Ford Sam Tomkins Wing Darius Boyd Anthony Gelling Josh Charnley Centre Greg Inglis Geoff Daniella Jack Reed Centre Justin Hodges Keith Lulia Kallum Watkins Wing Brett Morris Dominique Peyroux Ryan Hall Five Eighth Johnathan Thurston Leon Panapa Kevin Sinfield (c) Halfback Cooper Cronk Issac John Richie Myler Prop Paul Gallen Tinirau Arona James Graham Hooker Cameron Smith (c) Daniel Fepuleai James Roby Prop David Shillington Tere Glassie (c) Eorl Crabtree Second Row David Taylor Zane Tetevano Sam Burgess Second Row Sam Thaiday Brad Takairangi Gareth Ellis Lock Luke Lewis Zeb Taia Jamie Jones-Buchanan Interchange Daly Cherry Evans John Puna George Burgess Interchange Ben Hannant Fred Makimare Rangi Chase Interchange James Tamou Sam Mataora Gareth Hock Interchange Anthony Watmough Karl Temata Adrian Morley Reserve Robbie Farrah Aaron Cannings Ben Westwood Reserve Josh Morris Drury Low Tom Briscoe Reserve Glenn Stewart Neccrom Areaiiti Jonny Lomax Reserve Matthew Scott Nathaniel Peteru-Barnett Sean O'Loughlin Reserve Ryan Hoffman Dylan Napa Michael Mcllorum Reserve Nate Myles Tupou Sopoaga Leroy Cudjoe Reserve Todd Carney Samuel Brunton Rob Burrow Coach Tim Sheens David Fairleigh Steve Mcnamara Fiji France Ireland Italy Jarryd Hayne Tony Gigot Greg McNally James Tedesco Lote Tuqiri Cyril Stacul John O’Donnell Anthony Minichello (c) Daryl Millard Clement Soubeyras Stuart Littler Dom Brunetta Wes Naiqama (c) Mathias Pala Joshua Toole Christophe Calegari Sisa Waqa Vincent
    [Show full text]
  • New Zealand Australia
    30 OCT 2014 #48 30 : 12 NEW ZEALAND AUSTRALIA Martin Taupau is tackled by Corey Parker (L) and Cameron Smith (R) during the Four Nations test match between Australia and New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Australia on October 25, 2014. Photo: www.photosport.co.nz. reckon I might have to knock over the next person who dismisses the 10 players too, including Jarred Waerea Hargreaves, Sam Moa, Ben Matulino, Kiwis' outstanding 30-12 win over the Kangaroos with the comment about Sam McKendry, Elijah Taylor, Konrad Hurrell, Ben Henry, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, I how many top players the Aussies had out. Kirisome Auva'a and Sam Kasiano, so it is not we were not disadvantaged too. Let me be clear, the win was one of the best performances I have ever seen from a Kiwis It was truly magnifi cent performance and one I thoroughly enjoyed. Every player was great, outfi t, and we were great from the start. but perhaps Shaun Johnson led the way with an outstanding game, featuring terrifi c I cannot recall seeing the Aussies so fl ustered, dropping the amount of ball they did, and kicking and a wonderful solo try. I was privileged enough to watch it in Brisbane with some legends of Australian rugby The other player who stood out to me was JasonTaumalolo, the North Queensland league, and 99 percent of them agreed that the reason they were having so much trouble Cowboy. His commitment could not have been questioned, and he tackled fi ercely and was because the Kiwis were on fi re.
    [Show full text]
  • 22Nd October 2015 Newsletter #95 No Advertisements Are Paid for in This Newsletter
    Kiwis UK Tour Special 22nd October 2015 Newsletter #95 No advertisements are paid for in this newsletter. Kiwis and Staff, England Test Series 2015 Back row, left to right: James Saunders (Physio), Lewis Brown, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Alex Glenn, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Ben Matulino, Dean Whare, Jason Nightingale, Sam Moa, Dayne Norton (Head Trainer), Laurie Hale (Logisitics Manager) Middle Row, left to right: Karl McDonald (Physio), Joe Wehbe (Peak Performance Coach), Grant Chapman (Media Manager), Sir Peter Leitch, Manaia Cherrington, Martin Taupau, Isaac Liu, Gerard Beale, Jordan Kahu, Peta Hiku, Tuimoala Lolohea, Dr Simon Mayhew, Brent Gemmell (GM High Performance), Anthony Carbone (Athlete Support) NZ Kiwis VS. UK Day & Date UK kick off NZ kick off(NZDST) Venue Supporters Bay Leeds Friday, October 23 8.00 pm (BDST) Sat Oct 24, 8am Headingley Stadium, Leeds n/a England Sunday, November 1 5.00 pm (GMT) Mon Nov 2, 6am KC Stadium, Hull Area W10 England Saturday, November 7 2.30 pm (GMT) Sun Nov 8, 3.30am Olympic Stadium, London Area 241 England Saturday, November 14 1.00 pm (GMT) Sun Nov 15, 2am DW Stadium, Wigan WS4 • Depart Sunday the 18th of October(NZ DATE) the rest are UK dates • Arriving at Heathrow airport on the Monday the 19th and travel up to Leeds • Staying at the Leeds Marriott Hotel • Friday the 23rd we play Leeds at Headingley • Saturday the 24th we fly to France and travel to Perpignan - Staying at the Mercure Hotel • Sunday the 25th we travel to Barcelona then back to Perpignan and train at the Catalans Dragons Ground • Depart
    [Show full text]
  • TO: NZRL Staff, Districts and Affiliates and Board FROM: Cushla Dawson
    TO: NZRL Staff, Districts and Affiliates and Board FROM: Cushla Dawson DATE: 28 October 2008 RE: Media Summary Wednesday 29 October to Monday 03 November 2008 Slater takes place among the greats: AUSTRALIA 52 ENGLAND 4. Billy Slater last night elevated himself into the pantheon of great Australian fullbacks with a blistering attacking performance that left his coach and Kangaroos legend Ricky Stuart grasping for adjectives. Along with Storm teammate and fellow three-try hero Greg Inglis, Slater turned on a once-in-a-season performance to shred England to pieces and leave any challenge to Australia's superiority in tatters. It also came just six days after the birth of his first child, a baby girl named Tyla Rose. Kiwis angry at grapple tackle: The Kiwis are fuming a dangerous grapple tackle on wing Sam Perrett went unpunished in last night's World Cup rugby league match but say they won't take the issue further. Wing Sam Perrett was left lying motionless after the second tackle of the match at Skilled Park, thanks to giant Papua New Guinea prop Makali Aizue. Replays clearly showed Aizue, the Kumuls' cult hero who plays for English club Hull KR, wrapping his arm around Perrett's neck and twisting it. Kiwis flog Kumuls: New Zealand 48 Papua New Guinea NG 6. A possible hamstring injury to Kiwis dynamo Benji Marshall threatened to overshadow his side's big win over Papua New Guinea at Skilled Park last night. Arguably the last superstar left in Stephen Kearney's squad, in the absence of show-stoppers like Roy Asotasi, Frank Pritchard and Sonny Bill Williams, Marshall is widely considered the Kiwis' great white hope.
    [Show full text]
  • Imports Boost Canty United's Premiership Chances Canty on Top
    INSIDE: Boxing on Sport B15 Sports Editor: Greg Ford Contact: [email protected] 03 943 2752 THE PRESS, CHRISTCHURCH Thursday, September 29, 2011 B16 RUGBY LEAGUE NETBALL Canty on top Manly look as semifinals begin today to veterans THE NUMBERS Matt ■ Canterbury 48 Manly are convinced their Richens (14-13-10-11) Wellington wealth of grand final experi- Porirua 44 (12-9-13-10) ence will give them the upper hand in Sunday’s NRL clash NPC SHOOTING against the Warriors. ■ Canterbury: Sophia Fenwick The Sea Eagles will have a 23/27 85.2%, Ellen staggering 10 players with Teenage goal shoot Sophia Halpenny 25/36 69.4%. grand final experience run- Fenwick has slotted into the ■ Wellington: Jezrae Te Runa- ning onto the ANZ Stadium Canterbury provincial netball Morehu 29/36 80.6%, pitch – including eight from team like a seasoned cam- Jamilah Gupwell 15/20 the club’s 2008 premiership- paigner and last night helped 75%. winning side – ready to guide her side qualify top at the a host of young blood. national tournament. In contrast, the Warriors Fenwick’s Canterbury side have just three – Lance held off a determined Welling- I played OK I Hohaia, who was a utility for ton outfit 48-44 at Porirua’s Te the Warriors in the 2002 grand Rauparaha Arena to seal the think, but there’s final against the Sydney Roo- top seeding going into today’s ‘ still more to do. sters, and former Parramatta Unfinished business: Warriors wing Manu Vatuvei farewells fans at semifinals. pair Krisnan Inu and Feleti Auckland Airport yesterday.
    [Show full text]
  • Sir Peter Leitch Club at MT SMART STADIUM, HOME of the MIGHTY VODAFONE WARRIORS
    Sir Peter Leitch Club AT MT SMART STADIUM, HOME OF THE MIGHTY VODAFONE WARRIORS 21st September 2016 Newsletter #140 By David Kemeys Former Sunday Star-Times Editor, Former Editor-in-Chief Suburban Newspapers, Long Suffering Warriors Fan RIKEY DID the Vodafone Warriors get hammered at the weekend. The constant theme was that we Cneed a player clearout. That is hardly groundbreaking stuff, but what was, was that players were named. Hugh McGahan singled out Manu Vatuvei and Ben Matulino, arguing both had failed to live up their status as two of our highest paid players. The former Kiwi captain said Warriors coach Stephen Kearney could make a mark by showing the pair the door, and proving to the others that poor performances won't be tolerated. “Irrespective of his standing, Manu Vatuvei has got to go,” McGahan told Tony Veitch. “And again, irre- spective of his standing, Ben Matulino has got to go. They have underperformed. If you're going to make an impact I'd say that's probably the two players that you would look at.” Bold stuff, and fair play to the man, he told it like he saw it. Kearney, on the other hand, clearly doesn’t see it the same way, since he named both in the Kiwis train-on squad, and while he acknowledged they had struggled this year, he backed himself to get the best out of them. In fact he went further, he said it was his job. “That's my responsibility as the coach, to get the individuals in a position so they can go out and play their best.
    [Show full text]
  • Two Kiwis on Their Way out of NRL: Kiwis Coach Stephen Kearney Is Philosophical About Two Kiwis Leaving the NRL to Pick up More Money in England
    TO: NZRL Staff, Districts and Affiliates and Board FROM: Cushla Dawson DATE: 18 May 2009 RE: Media Summary Tuesday 12 April to Monday 18 May 2009 They are happy helping others: One helps out people from the other side of the world, one mentors the troubled kids at her league club, and another just looks after his mum. What the five winners of this year's Young Community Leaders Awards have in common, though, is a dedication to social work, rather than their social lives. Emma Daken, Teresa Edge, Henare Mihaere, Fofo Molia and Libby Tuite were chosen from nearly 60 nominees to receive the awards, which recognised Wellingtonians under the age of 25 working in the not-for- profit sector, either as a volunteer or in a paid position. Anzac test to stay - and it'll be in Brisbane: Despite the Kiwis' dire results in mid-year tests across the Tasman, the Anzac league test is likely to survive and remain in Brisbane because the New Zealand Rugby League cannot afford to host the game. NZRL chairman Ray Haffenden admits there are conflicting views about the test's value after New Zealand's run of eight successive defeats but has given it his backing and said the league cannot afford to scrap the game, nor host it. No sign of league World Cup cash: Six months since the World Cup final, the much-trumpeted tournament profit apparently still sits in a Rugby League International Federation bank account. New Zealand has not been told what the final profit is, or how it will be distributed and RLIF boss Colin Love couldn't be reached last night.
    [Show full text]
  • Sir Peter Leitch | Newsletter
    THE ACTION KICKS OFF THIS SATURDAY NIGHT Sir Peter Leitch Club Newsletter RLWC 2017 24th October 2017 It’s 4 days until the Kiwis play # their first game of the 2017 RLWC 193 Back The Kiwis By Enjoying Lunch By David Kemeys Former Sunday Star-Times Editor, Former Editor-in-Chief Suburban Newspapers, Long Suffering Warriors Fan E ARE only days from the kick-off of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, with Australia and England W– in what will be a hell of a match - doing the honours on Friday night. Of course the Kiwis take on Samoa on Saturday night at Mt Smart, and that one should be a good game too. League legend Olsen Filipaina is taking the ball out, which is pretty cool given he has represented the Kiwis and Samoa. The game I am looking forward to is the Kiwis v Tonga in Hamilton, because there is not going to be a lot of love lost when those two sides meet, after everything that has gone on. Before a ball is kicked I have the Kiwis lunch at the Ellerslie Events Centre to look forward to on Friday. When Pete asked if I would take it on with Gordon Gibbons and Tony Feasey, I foolishly said yes, not want- ing to let Pete down. But in truth Gordon has been amazing and we have an incredible line-up of Kiwis greats taking to the stage, and players with a long history of World Cup and test glory in attendance. I have been to several of Peter’s Kiwis lunches and enjoyed every one of them.
    [Show full text]
  • Wellington Women's Rugby League Representative Trial
    Welcome to “PASS IT ON…” Wellington Rugby Leagues enewsletter for 2010. The idea of “PASS IT ON…” is that you do just that and forward it to as many people as you can, who then forward it to as many people as they can. The more people we can tell about the World of Wellington Rugby League the better!!! Message from Dingo Where is the rain? No doubt we will all be crying out for it to go away in the months ahead but it would be great to get a good dumping in the next week or so just to soften the fields a bit and get the grass growing again. That aside wasn’t it fantastic to see junior footy get underway last weekend with lots of supporters around the grounds in the sunshine and heaps of kids out there enjoying throwing the ball around. Our junior numbers are growing and that is a testament to the hard workers in all our local clubs. Parents, coaches and volunteers, sometimes one in the same, are the lifeblood of our game and I thank you all for your commitment to making sure our kids enjoy the great game. At the senior level Porirua again lead the way in premiers with Petone, University, Wainuiomata and Randwick bunched in behind and all capable of knocking off the premiers on their day. St George, Te Aroha and Upper Hutt are all working hard without much success and will need considerable improvement to challenge the 5 sides above them. Premier reserves see University and Randwick leading the way both undefeated, their clash this week should see an outright leader.
    [Show full text]
  • Semester 1 – Term 2, 4Th May 2015 Term Two Important Dates
    Semester 1 – Term 2, 4th May 2015 Term Two Important Dates Junior Campus Senior Campus 7 May Y7 & 9 Immunisation Day 6 May Senior Soiree 6pm Drama Room 8 May Y7‐9 Cross Country Fun Run 18‐22 May Education Week 12‐14 May NAPLAN Testing 20 May Athletics Carnival 18‐22 May Education Week 20 May Athletics Carnival Next Newsletter: 25th May 2015 College Principal’s Report It’s great to be back after my term off. I’m feeling refreshed and looking forward to the rest of the year. On Tuesday I welcomed back our students who’ve been on the DE&T study trip to China. They came home looking somewhat tired after an overnight plane trip, but saying they had a great experience and have made fast friends with students from the other schools with whom they travelled. I’d like to thank Ms Atzarakis for accompanying them on the trip and being prepared to spend 6 weeks away from her family to care for our students. She tells me if was a wonderful experience and well worth it. Welcome back! Recently our college took part in an International Study of City Youth. This is a major longitudinal study of Year 10 students in cities around the world to find out more about student journeys through school into further study, work and life beyond school. The study aims to examine relationships between students, communities and schools to better understand how different approaches to learning opportunities influence student outcomes. 150 of our Year 10 students participated in the study.
    [Show full text]
  • Reconciliation Action Plan 2020– 2023
    GOLD COAST TITANS Reconciliation Action plan SEPT 2020– SEPT 2023 ON THE COVER 2020 Gold Coast Titans Indigenous ABOUT THE ARTIST jersey design. Laura Pitt is a 25-year-old from the Gamilaroi The design, titled “Healing”, is the work of tribe, living in Coffs Harbour in northern New artist Laura Pitt. South Wales. The blue circles in the middle with the Pitt has been passionate about telling her symbols on the outside represent the Titans story through art since her childhood and as community. Passion is represented through a football fan was inspired to bring her work to the coloured dots surrounding the players life through sport. and supporters with links of the blue and All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists ochre lines that merge together as one. The were encouraged to submit designs for the handprintes and blue and white waterholes Titans 2020 Indigenous jersey, with all entries surrounding the area represent connection to required to use the Titans’ colours of sea, the land. The blue and yellow healing leaves sand and sky to tell a story about the Club, its represent the resilience of the team that play connection to the region and its commitment together and heal together. to community values. There are messages about healing, support “I wanted to be able to interpret my life and togetherness, with the message about story into the artwork to go onto the jersey, connection with the community a major because it is a really big thing – especially for focus. the Indigenous players at the club,” Pitt said.
    [Show full text]
  • Warriors' Win a Wee Relief, but Russell's Relief No Joke
    press.co.nz Out of the shadows Ben Smith a special utility for ABs B17 THE PRESS, Wednesday, June 5, 2013 B18 RUGBY LEAGUE Maroons set to make it eight Quite remarkably, because Queensland cussions with the referees, Smith rarely will be gunning for their eighth- KEY MATCH-UP puts a foot wrong. consecutive series victory, NSW look like If NSW are to win, they will need Rob- starting favourites for the first State of bie Farah to shade the Queensland and Origin grudge match in Sydney tonight Australian skipper. Queensland boast five players who Smith said yesterday that Thurston is will lay serious claims to joining the still not feeling 100 per cent. exclusive Immortals club in retirement. The play-maker has been hampered One of them, South Sydney’s Greg by a virus since Sunday. Inglis, is the game’s most in-form strike ‘‘Johnathan is still a little bit dusty,’’ weapon. Smith said. Inglis has barged, blasted and ‘‘He looks like he’s on the mend but sprinted his way to the top of the Dally M we’ll see how he goes at training and rankings this season — and, along with hopeful he’ll be right to go on Wednesday Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper night.’’ Cronk and Johnathan Thurston, will Thurston, could break camp if his spearhead the Maroons attack. Robbie Farah (NSW), left, and Cameron partner, Samantha, goes into labour with Thurston, virus and the impending Smith (Queensland) are benchmark their first child. birth of his first child notwithstanding, players for their teams tonight.
    [Show full text]