TO: NZRL Staff, Districts and Affiliates and Board

FROM: Cushla Dawson

DATE: 04 May 2009

RE: Media Summary Tuesday 28 April to Monday 04 May 2009

Kiwis worry over Jeremy Smith: Kiwis hardman Jeremy Smith is hopeful of defying a sprained ankle in Friday's test, saying he is confident they can make it back-to-back wins against the Kangaroos in . Smith and fellow-forward gave coach two injury scares amid a largely predictable 18 named on Sunday night for the World Cup final rematch. The biggest surprise was the choice of playmaker , who missed his ' NRL match on Sunday due to the flu, as captain ahead of Smith and .

Test of nerve for Marshall and Sheens: BENJI Marshall is "chuffed" to become a shock captain for the Test against on Friday night - but Kangaroos coach claimed his Tigers star would "have to get there first". Marshall has been firing several psychological shots towards his club coach and Test nemesis, claiming he was about to end the coaching veteran's Australian stint at one game. However Sheens turned up the heat on Marshall by talking up the various ailments that had him ruled out for the Tigers yesterday.

Hospital under a smoke cloud: Base Hospital is setting a poor example in allowing people to smoke in the main entrance, says Taranaki DHB chairman John Young. … On a good note, the committee was also told that the Waitara Bears Rugby League Club had led the way by making all outdoor areas at the Waitara Sports Grounds smokefree from the start of the season. "The new smokefree decision will reduce the amount that children see their adult role models as smokers," Mrs Boardman said.

Benji Marshall to lead Kiwis: Playmaker Benji Marshall will lead New Zealand in the one-off rugby league test against Australia in Brisbane on Friday. Wests Tigers star Marshall, who didn't play for his club in the match against the Bulldogs today, was named captain of the 18-man squad announced tonight. However, the national selectors were scheduled to meet again later this evening to consider medical reports on St George Illawarra's Jeremy Smith and Penrith's Frank Pritchard before confirming the squad.

Kearney has depth on his side for Anzac game: There have been very few occasions in the 101-year history of New Zealand league when there have been 17 world-class, injury and suspension-free players available for selection to the national team with depth left over. That's the case ahead of the May 8 test against Australia at Suncorp Stadium. The decisions for coach Stephen Kearney and the selectors Darrell Williams, and convener are where to play some of their talent.

Kearney rules out Leuluai, Webb: Kiwis rugby league coach Stephen Kearney has ruled out selecting British- based pair and for next week's trans-Tasman test. Leuluai started at in the World Cup final-winning team last November while test regular Webb missed the tournament due to a back injury, but Kearney said it was logistically too difficult to include any British-based players for the rematch in Brisbane on May 8.

Juniors switch to Sunday matches: Schoolboy rugby league gets under way for 2009 this weekend, and with it comes high hopes for the sport's revival in the region. Whangarei and Districts president Sonny Hohepa said this year's matches were on Sundays in a bid to give players more game time and develop the area's up and coming stars.

Sore chest sidelines prop: In-form prop is out of the Kiwis' May 8 rugby league test against Australia with a chest injury. The World Cup winner was yesterday ruled out of action for three weeks, starting with the Warriors-Dragons match in Wollongong on Sunday. Rapira's absence is a major blow for Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney, who has also lost skipper and prop to retirement.

White brought colour to call: What a treat it was to hear that voice again. Having turned the television on, a familiar crackle filled the air. Sky Sport's Stephen McIvor was interviewing Des White, the legendary Kiwi rugby league . Memories quickly flooded back. White was the Kiwi fullback of the 1950s, and the holder of a test goalkicking record.

Club backs McGahan: The Waitemata Rugby Club is standing by its man. Premier coach Hugh McGahan will be sentenced next week for his part in a $2 million pokie scam but club chairman Ron Jones says the former league international has the club’s full support. "What happened to Hugh occurred in his past before he came to Waitemata and that is his personal business," he says.

Plan for historic clash between Indigenous side and NRL All Stars team: v . v Michael Jennings. v . A one-off game of rugby league featuring these match-ups could become a reality under a proposal for an historic clash between an Indigenous side and an NRL All Stars team. The plan, to be tabled at today's NRL chief executives meeting, could generate up to $2million.

Leave tests 'sacred' from two refs – Kearney: Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney is relieved next week's test match will be controlled by one referee, as NRL chief executives prepare to debate the controversial two-referee system on Tuesday. The presence of two whistleblowers has divided NRL coaches this year, with Cronulla's calling for it to be scrapped but others including the Warriors' giving it a thumbs up. Kearney, also the Storm assistant coach, was guarded about the impact of two refs in the NRL but wouldn't like to see it extended to test football.

Kiwis worry over Jeremy Smith Kiwis hardman Jeremy Smith is hopeful of defying a sprained ankle in Friday's rugby league test, saying he is confident they can make it back-to-back wins against the Kangaroos in Brisbane.

Smith and fellow-forward Frank Pritchard gave coach Stephen Kearney two injury scares amid a largely predictable 18 named on Sunday night for the World Cup final rematch.

The biggest surprise was the choice of playmaker Benji Marshall, who missed his Wests Tigers' NRL match on Sunday due to the flu, as captain ahead of Smith and Roy Asotasi.

Smith limped off WIN Stadium with a high ankle sprain, after he twisted in a tackle from test teammate , as his Dragons beat the Warriors 12-11.

"I'm not too sure but it's not too good at the moment. Fingers crossed I can get out there on Friday," a deflated Smith told NZPA.

Smith, named the Kiwis' play of the year in 2008, said he would give himself every chance to be fit but would leave the final call up to Kearney.

"I'll do what's best for myself. I don't want to be going out there and putting the team in jeopardy by having a crook ankle.

"I'll wait and see what happens and see how I pull up during the week, and see what Steve wants to do.

"We've got such a good team and I'm pretty confident we can get out there and do the same as what we did to them last year."

Dragons coach Wayne Bennett said medical opinion put Smith in "a fair bit of doubt".

"He's a rough chance but it's an ankle injury, and we're optimistic it's not too serious, but it's going to be line ball for Friday."

Kearney and his fellow-selectors were scheduled to meet again to discuss Smith and Pritchard's injuries suffered at the weekend.

Honour for Marshall Marshall was named to succeed retired skipper Nathan Cayless, having led the Kiwis for the first time against England in their World Cup pool game last year. "It was a huge honour for Benji to lead his country against England and it was job he really took to," Kearney said.

"This is another step. Benji enjoys the extra responsibility and he'll have plenty of leadership support around him from the likes of Roy, Jeremy and others."

Injuries had restricted Marshall to only three tests (all one-off Anzac tests) before the World Cup but he appeared in six straight internationals in as many weeks in October-November last year.

Of the 17 who played in the 34-20 World Cup final win, only three missed selection: Cayless, Warriors prop Sam Rapira (sternum) and Wigan utility Thomas Leuluai, with the selectors opting against selecting he and fellow British-based player Brent Webb.

Asotasi, Pritchard and all returned after missing the World Cup through injury, while 2007 Kiwis prop was recalled.

Bennett spills the beans Nightingale revealed his Dragons coach and last year's Kiwis assistant Wayne Bennett spilt the beans last Monday that he and Smith had been selected in the test side.

But some wise words from Bennett kept he, and the prospective Kangaroos in the Dragons side, more focused then their opponents.

"Wayne spoke to all of us and said not to worry about it, don't change what you're doing when rep jerseys are on the line. I tried to put a bit of that into play," Nightingale said.

"You don't clock off because you know you've been picked, you've just got to be mentally strong and approach the game as you would any other.

"Maybe it was in the back of their (Warriors') minds and Wayne told us to block it out. What's the point in changing something that's not broken? "

Kearney's side assembled in Brisbane on Sunday night and will have their first training session on Monday before the starting team are named later in the week.

Kiwis: Benji Marshall (captain, Wests Tigers), (NZ Warriors), ( Roosters), (St George-Illawarra Dragons), (Warriors), (Warriors), Iosia Soliola (Roosters), Nathan Fien (Warriors), Jeremy Smith (Dragons), (), (Canterbury Bulldogs), David Fa'alogo (), (Warriors), Frank Pritchard (), Roy Asotasi (Rabbitohs), (), Jeff Lima (Storm), (Rabbitohs).

(Source: NZPA, 04 May 2009)

Test of nerve for Marshall and Sheens BENJI Marshall is "chuffed" to become a shock New Zealand captain for the Test against Australia on Friday night - but Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens claimed his Tigers star would "have to get there first".

Marshall has been firing several psychological shots towards his club coach and Test nemesis, claiming he was about to end the coaching veteran's Australian stint at one game. However Sheens turned up the heat on Marshall by talking up the various ailments that had him ruled out for the Tigers yesterday.

Sheens said Marshall was "injured and ill" - suffering from flu as well as a badly corked thigh.

"Benj will have to get there first … they'll have some issues there with their preparation," Sheens said. "I know it'll play - it's just how strong he'll be at that point.

"He's a lot better [yesterday] than what he was [on Saturday]. I expect him to play."

Still, Sheens denied his own players would target Marshall at Suncorp Stadium, even if the World Cup winner was not 100 per cent fit. "It's a huge mistake," Sheens said. "You ruin a game plan targeting people. The worst thing you can do is that … if it doesn't work you're in trouble."

After Marshall was made captain, even with Roy Asotasi in the side, Sheens said the role would "grow" Marshall. "He was chuffed by it, very much so, and very pleased, and I am for him," Sheens said.

Meanwhile club teammate , who missed selection, said Marshall could grow into a long-term Kiwi skipper.

"He captained one of the games in the World Cup, and he took a real leadership role throughout the whole tournament," Halatau said. "He was contributing to team talks and he's matured a lot over the last couple of years.

"Since we've had a lot of senior players leave, he's stepped up a bit. He's really focused on playing well after the World Cup and proving himself around training.

"There's no shit talk, he just gets the job done. When he's talking, it's not just for the sake of it. He's always constructive.

"I think he could be [a long-term captain], especially if he proves himself on Friday. I know Stephen Kearney has got a big rap on him."

Kearney certainly does, saying yesterday: "I just think that it is a natural step for him. It's a challenge that I believe he will rise to.

While Marshall was ruled out of his club side's clash with the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium yesterday after being unable to train all week, Tigers skipper revealed he had still been busy trying to put Sheens off his Test preparations.

"It should be interesting," Farah said. "I know Tim is really looking forward to it. It completes a set. He's done everything and deservedly so.

"He's probably one of the greatest coaches ever … and Benji reckons he's going to put him out of a job after one game.

"That's Benji for you."

(Source: Sydney Morning Herald, 04 May 2009)

Hospital under a smoke cloud Taranaki Base Hospital is setting a poor example in allowing people to smoke in the main entrance, says Taranaki DHB chairman John Young.

He urged a faster move to implement a fully smokefree hospital and surrounds as he had seen firsthand at the new Wellington Hospital last weekend.

"Certainly walking in the front door and not tripping over the butts was quite an experience," he said.

"Our image is impaired in the way we function here at Base. There may well be some urgency in addressing this. It is costing the health system so much," Mr Young said.

Taranaki's public hospitals are smokefree indoors but smokers are permitted to light up on the grounds.

Mr Young said it was an anomaly that while thousands more were dying in New Zealand through smoke-related disease each year, the road toll was attracting the most headlines and advertising.

"I am very conscious of what it costs the health services compared with the road toll yet we continually promote the road toll via the media."

Ministry of Health figures show that 5000 people the population of a town like Te Kuiti die early each year as a result of smoke-related illness.

In comparison about 350 people died on the roads each year. Mr Young's comments to the advisory committee meeting this week back those from his companion health board representatives who regularly complain about people crowding the hospital entrance to have their cigarettes.

It gave a bad example to others and was also unhealthy for the sick people coming in and out the doors, they said.

The board's planning and funding manager Sandra Boardman responded that work was under way to make the hospital smokefree but there was no timeframe as yet. And there were programmes and support for those wanting to give up. The aspiration was for the whole of Taranaki to become smokefree, Mrs Boardman said.

In her report to the committee, Maori Health chief adviser Christine Henare said hui had been held to work on strategies and policies aimed at making the hospital smokefree.

Ms Henare highlighted the absence of signs in the areas of the hospital's maternity services and whaiora coupled with financial pressures, which made for a difficult situation all round.

In her report, Mrs Boardman notes that the smokefree Taranaki Project was focusing on training in order to support the region to become smokefree. Options to provide workplace cessation training with the Quit Group and Quit @ Work were being explored.

The first pilot training was completed on March 12, she said.

On a good note, the committee was also told that the Waitara Bears Rugby League Club had led the way by making all outdoor areas at the Waitara Sports Grounds smokefree from the start of the season.

"The new smokefree decision will reduce the amount that children see their adult role models as smokers," Mrs Boardman said.

Signs had been put up, and the flags and goalpost surrounds will help promote the new stance.

"Additional advice and support will be given throughout the season to help maintain a smokefree culture within the club," Mrs Boardman said.

(Source: Taranaki Daily News, 04 May 2009)

Benji Marshall to lead Kiwis Playmaker Benji Marshall will lead New Zealand in the one-off rugby league test against Australia in Brisbane on Friday.

Wests Tigers star Marshall, who didn't play for his club in the National Rugby League match against the Bulldogs today, was named captain of the 18-man squad announced tonight.

However, the national selectors were scheduled to meet again later this evening to consider medical reports on St George Illawarra's Jeremy Smith and Penrith's Frank Pritchard before confirming the squad.

Both have injuries from this weekend's round of NRL games.

Smith limped off WIN Stadium with a high ankle sprain, after he twisted in a tackle from test teammate Nathan Fien, as his Dragons beat the Warriors 12-11.

"I'm not too sure but it's not too good at the moment. Fingers crossed I can get out there on Friday," a deflated Smith said.

Smith, named the Kiwis' play of the year in 2008, said he would give himself every chance to be fit but would leave the final call up to Kearney.

"I'll do what's best for myself. I don't want to be going out there and putting the team in jeopardy by having a crook ankle.

"I'll wait and see what happens and see how I pull up during the week, and see what Steve wants to do.

"We've got such a good team and I'm pretty confident we can get out there and do the same as what we did to them last year." Dragons coach Wayne Bennett said medical opinion put Smith in "a fair bit of doubt".

"He's a rough chance but it's an ankle injury, and we're optimistic it's not too serious, but it's going to be line ball for Friday."

Marshall, 24, takes over the captaincy from Nathan Cayless, who announced his retirement from international football last month after leading New Zealand to their final win over Australia in Brisbane last November.

It won't his debut as skipper.

He filled in for the Kiwis' 36-24 pool game win over England in Newcastle during the World Cup.

Two other former test captains are named in the squad - South Sydney prop Roy Asotasi (South Sydney) and Smith.

"We're lucky to have plenty of natural leaders in our group," Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney said.

"It was a huge honour for Benji to lead his country against England and it was job he really took to.

"This is another step. Benji enjoys the extra responsibility and he'll have plenty of leadership support around him from the likes of Roy, Jeremy and others."

The squad is largely based on the players used at the World Cup.

Of the 17 in the team for the 34-20 win over the Kangaroos, only three have not been included tonight.

Apart from Cayless, they are injured prop Sam Rapira and Wigan halfback-hooker Thomas Leuluai, who isn't being flown in.

Benji Marshall (captain), Lance Hohaia, Sam Perrett, Jason Nightingale, Manu Vatuvei, Jerome Ropati, Iosia Soliola, Nathan Fien, Jeremy Smith, Bronson Harrison, Greg Eastwood, David Fa'alogo, Simon Mannering, Frank Pritchard, Roy Asotasi, Adam Blair, Jeff Lima, Issac Luke.

(Source: NZPA, 03 May 2009)

Kearney has depth on his side for Anzac game There have been very few occasions in the 101-year history of New Zealand league when there have been 17 world-class, injury and suspension-free players available for selection to the national team with depth left over.

That's the case ahead of the May 8 test against Australia at Suncorp Stadium. The decisions for coach Stephen Kearney and the selectors Darrell Williams, Tony Kemp and convener Howie Tamati are where to play some of their talent.

Who will be halfback? There are options - Nathan Fien obviously, after steering the side to the World Cup. He would be my choice despite not reaching the same form this season, probably because of the uncertainty surrounding his expressed desire to stay in . No father of two children likes being in limbo in terms of feeding them.

But it would not surprise if Fien flourished in the Kiwis environment. He's tough defensively, he provides good service and the kicking game can largely be handled by Benji Marshall outside him.

They could use Marshall, who plays in seven for the Tigers. But how much better can he be at six, with just that much more time and space? And if he's half, who is five-eighth?

They could use Lance Hohaia there but who would then bring the amazing impact he does from the bench? And Hohaia is the ideal utility to have on the interchange given he can cover halfback, five-eighth, fullback and centre as well as relieve the hooker at dummy-half.

And for all those reasons I would prefer Sam Perrett at fullback over Hohaia - Perrett is playing well there for the Roosters and has test experience. The Kiwis are blessed for in-form props with Souths skipper Roy Asotasi, Melbourne's Jeff Lima and Adam Blair all at the peak of their powers. Eels prop and 2007 Kiwi is playing well in a losing team. Warrior Russel Packer is a future Kiwi for sure but 2009 may be too early.

Souths' Isaac Luke is a sitter for hooker. Simon Mannering and Frank Pritchard will be the second rowers and they and likely lock Jeremy Smith bring imposing and faultless defence.

The centres will be Jerome Ropati and and outside them Ropati will have his Warriors partner Manu Vatuvei, 2008 international winger of the year, while the Tigers' 105kg block Taniela Tuiaki has regained the form that saw him selected in 2007 and should be back ahead of Jason Nightingale, who has not seen regular game-time.

Asotasi has to be the skipper again, resuming the job he did in 2007 after injury kept him out of the World Cup. He did nothing wrong during his stewardship and is in top form.

Jeremy Smith, 29, is a valuable vice-captain.

Goalkicker? Matai, Luke, Hohaia and Marshall all kick but Marshall is his club's regular boot so should get the nod.

LIKELY LINEUP

Peter Jessup's Kiwis team: Sam Perrett, Taniela Tuiaki, Steve Matai, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Benji Marshall, Jeff Lima, Isaac Luke, Roy Asotasi (c), Simon Mannering, Frank Pritchard, Jeremy Smith (vc): interchange Lance Hohaia, Adam Blair, David Fa'alogo, Greg Eastwood.

Others in the frame Bronson Harrison (Raiders), Iosaia Soliola (Roosters), Ben Roberts (Bulldogs). Plus the pair Thomas Leuluai (Wigan) and Brent Webb (Leeds).

Unlikely Future prospects Junior Sau (Knights), and (Warriors), Jason Nightingale (Dragons, not getting enough game-time), Setiamata Sa and Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Roosters) and (Eels, not showing enough form).

Kearney rules out Leuluai, Webb Kiwis rugby league coach Stephen Kearney has ruled out selecting British-based pair Thomas Leuluai and Brent Webb for next week's trans-Tasman test.

Leuluai started at hooker in the World Cup final-winning team last November while test regular Webb missed the tournament due to a back injury, but Kearney said it was logistically too difficult to include any British-based players for the rematch in Brisbane on May 8.

"At this stage it's very unlikely they will be selected," Kearney said.

"After the experience we had last year, that only highlighted how difficult it is. I'm another year wiser, too."

Both returned from England for Kearney's first match in charge, the centenary test in Sydney a year ago, but it was hardly ideal as the Kiwis lost 12-28.

After protracted negotiations with their clubs, both were released but Leuluai only flew in on the Tuesday night before the Friday match.

A clash with a Super League round this weekend and a round the following weekend would also need to be factored in, Kearney said.

He spoke to both players this week and told them to aim for the end-of-year quadrangular tournament in England and France, also involving Australia. "I just told them to keep playing good footy to be in contention. It'll be good to have players with some experience of the conditions over there."

It meant Lance Hohaia would likely wear the fullback's jersey in Brisbane, as he did in the World Cup final, while Issac Luke and Dene Halatau would vie for the starting hooker's spot, assuming Nathan Fien remained at halfback.

Kearney will name his team on Sunday at the end of the NRL round, the day before the side assemble in Brisbane.

Warriors prop Sam Rapira (sternum) was the only definite injury scratching at this stage, while Kearney didn't want to tempt fate by commenting on the squad being largely injury-free.

"I don't want to say too much, we've still got one round to get through."

From last year's World Cup-winning side, only Leuluai and captain Nathan Cayless (retired) are definitely out.

Key forwards Roy Asotasi and Frank Pritchard are certainties after injury ruled them out of the World Cup.

Kearney preferred not to name his captain until the team were announced, with Asotasi seemingly the leading contender but Jeremy Smith also in the mix.

Kearney and fellow selectors Howie Tamati, Darrell Williams and Tony Kemp discussed their team in recent days, with the coach admitting it was a difficult ask.

"If there's someone from outside the World Cup team who's in form, we're definitely going to pick them, but thankfully a number of the guys are playing well at the moment."

That included playmaker Benji Marshall who defied the flu to inspire his Wests Tigers to beat Newcastle with a stunning final quarter last Sunday.

"I saw the highlights and I heard a lot about it. I saw him fairly closely the week before (when assistant coach of Melbourne) and he did enough then to show me he's playing very well."

(Source: NZPA, 29 April 2009)

Juniors switch to Sunday matches Schoolboy rugby league gets under way for 2009 this weekend, and with it comes high hopes for the sport's revival in the region.

Whangarei and Districts president Sonny Hohepa said this year's matches were on Sundays in a bid to give players more game time and develop the area's up and coming stars.

"Having the schoolboys' competition on Sunday allows players to play two games in one weekend if they wanted to - club games on Saturdays for the older players, as well as schoolboy league on Sundays," he said.

The schoolboys' competition will be staged at three different venues this year - Otangarei, the City Knights' grounds, the Northern Wairoa grounds in Dargaville and Simson Park, home to Moerewa Rugby League Club.

A committee chaired by Paddy Walker - whose children and grandchildren will play for the Manaia View School and Te Rawhitiroa Kura Kaupapa teams in the competition - has been elected to oversee the running of the competition.

There are hopes the competition will attract 400 schoolboys this year, aged from 5 to 17.

To be competitive in age-group league, junior league needed to have the numbers so more talent could emerge to represent the region, Hohepa said. Each of the eight clubs playing in the Whangarei and Districts senior competition - Takahiwai, Kaikohe, Moerewa, Hikurangi, Wairoa, Bay Slayers, City Knights and Portland - needed to guarantee they would have at least two schoolboy teams of any age, to remain playing senior footy.

"It has been the ruling in the past, but it will be policed better this year," Hohepa said.

Along with club teams, school teams and whanau teams have also been invited to participate.

Hohepa also confirmed under-16 and under-18 Northern zone teams, consisting of players from Whangarei and Districts, Rodney and Hibiscus Coast associations, will compete at the national schoolboys' rugby league tournament in Hopuhopu, Waikato, during August.

Last year, Northland's under-16 and under-18 teams were excluded from the national tournament due to a restructure, which only saw the main league centres competing.

"The smaller provinces missed out again," Hohepa said.

However, that won't be happening this year, with the new Northern zone board overseeing Northland rugby league, he said.

Schoolboy league games kick off on Sunday from 9am at various venues.

(Source: Michelle Curran, The Northern Advocate, 29 April 2009)

Sore chest sidelines prop In-form prop Sam Rapira is out of the Kiwis' May 8 rugby league test against Australia with a chest injury.

The World Cup winner was yesterday ruled out of action for three weeks, starting with the Warriors-Dragons match in Wollongong on Sunday.

Rapira's absence is a major blow for Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney, who has also lost skipper and prop Nathan Cayless to retirement.

Rabbitoh Roy Asotasi and Melbourne's Adam Blair are now front-runners to start at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, while Warriors' tyro Russell Packer may get his chance from the bench.

Rapira's injury breaks a remarkable 66 game streak for the Warriors which dates back to his debut in 2006.

The good news is fullback Wade McKinnon returns from a hamstring injury, forcing impressive utility Lance Hohaia back to a six-man bench.

McKinnon missed the club's last two matches against the and Melbourne but he was named to come back into the starting line-up.

"It's a shame for Sam and for us because he has been outstanding so far," said coach Ivan Cleary.

"He has been one of most reliable players for us over a long period and he also had a fantastic World Cup tournament for the Kiwis.

"If that's a negative, it's a positive to have Wade back at fullback. He was close to being right against the Storm but it wasn't worth risking him in the end. There's a long way still to go this season."

With Rapira out, Jesse Royal is named to partner captain Steve Price in the front row.

Sunday's match will be centre Jerome Ropati's 99th first-grade match since his debut in 2003. That leaves him on target to play his 100th match in the Warriors' next home game against the Cowboys on May 17.

Wing Manu Vatuvei is also within reach of a milestone. His two tries against the Storm lifted his career tally to an impressive 49 in just 79 matches; only three players have scored 50 tries for the Warriors (76 in 244 matches), (60 in 110 matches) and (57 in 129 matches).

Vatuvei has four tries in four games so far this year and 20 in his last 21 NRL matches. Meanwhile, Warriors workhorse Micheal Luck has been snubbed by selectors despite becoming the first player in NRL history to crack the 70-tackle barrier against Melbourne on Saturday. Luck made 74 tackles in the 14-14 draw and led the NRL in tackles last year and 2007.

Super League referee Richard Silverwood has been appointed to control the May 8 test between Australia and New Zealand in Brisbane. Silverwood was the 's referee of the year in 2006 and controlled the Challenge Cup final the same season.

WARRIORS:

Wade McKinnon, Denan Kemp, Simon Mannering, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Joel Moon, Stacey Jones, Jesse Royal, Ian Henderson, Steve Price (capt), Ben Matulino, , Micheal Luck (vc). Interchange (two to be omitted): Nathan Fien, Russell Packer, Lewis Brown, Patrick Ah Van, Lance Hohaia, Aidan Kirk.

(Source: - The Dominion Post and AAP, 29 April 2009)

White brought colour to call What a treat it was to hear that voice again.

Having turned the television on, a familiar crackle filled the air. Sky Sport's Stephen McIvor was interviewing Des White, the legendary Kiwi rugby league fullback.

Memories quickly flooded back.

White was the Kiwi fullback of the 1950s, and the holder of a test goalkicking record.

But to a child of the 1970s, a sports-mad radio-tuned child that is, he was the voice of Carlaw Park, the rickety home of rugby league.

I was reminded about the joy of radio commentaries recently, listening on the car radio to Allen McLaughlin's call of the Warriors' clash against the Roosters.

It was a rare sporting venture away from the goggle box, and highly enjoyable.

The crowd is a much more integral and intimate part of proceedings, via radio calls. I'm going to shun the box now and then, and tune into radio.

White was, to my mind, the king of the sports commentators in the 1970s, a man with a bit of gravel in the voice and the ability to shovel in a load more stones when the action got hot.

He could paint a picture, and didn't mind laying the brushstrokes on thick. He didn't shy away from calling the biffo either, and there was a bit about in those days. The memory tells me that he loved inserting make-believe statements by the players during matches to help relay the plot.

Radio was prominent in our house, because we didn't have television. But live television coverage of sport was still fairly limited in the 1970s anyway.

For my pocket money, the other stellar Auckland sports caller of the day was Alan Richards, who covered soccer and cricket. Richards had many qualities, including a tactical know-how and a slightly grumpy tone especially when the combatants were getting it wrong to his mind. Marvellous stuff, and a lesson in critical observation.

Des White was always the favourite though, the king of Sunday listening.

It was wonderful to hear the 82-year-old White, with anecdotes from the crazy old days still flowing.

So, a thanks to Des White. He introduced at least one young listener to the world of rugby league, made it vibrant and fascinating, and I still adore the game to this day.

You can't pay a commentator a better compliment than that.

(Source: Chris Rattue, NZ Herald, 28 April 2009)

Club backs McGahan The Waitemata Rugby Club is standing by its man.

Premier coach Hugh McGahan will be sentenced next week for his part in a $2 million pokie scam but club chairman Ron Jones says the former league international has the club’s full support.

"What happened to Hugh occurred in his past before he came to Waitemata and that is his personal business," he says.

"We at Waitemata are happy to continue our relationship with him as our premier coach and will support him in any way we can," Jones says.

McGahan, who played 53 matches for the Kiwis and captained the side in 17 tests, pleaded guilty this month to four charges of conspiracy to use a document to defraud the North Harbour Rugby Union and New Zealand.

He is not prepared to comment until after his sentencing on May 5.

The scam, which involved the fraudulent use of grants from pokie machine proceeds, took place between August 2002 and November 2004.

Former All Black Doug Rollerson, ex-league star and his business partner Stanley Wijeyaratne have already pleaded guilty to their involvement.

Todd was sentenced to 12 months home detention and 190 hours of community service and has already paid back $300,000.

Wijeyaratne was fined $50,000 and ordered to make $400,000 reparations.

Rollerson was convicted and freed without penalty.

Jones says the club has plans in place should McGahan’s sentence prevent him from coaching for the rest of the season.

The 47-year-old first joined Waitemata as assistant coach and took on the head coaching job two years ago.

He led the Henderson-based club all the way to the Gallaher Shield final last season but the team was comprehensively beaten by Ponsonby.

He still has strong ties to rugby league through his role as a newspaper columnist and media commentator.

(Source: Western Leader, 28 April 2009)

Plan for historic clash between Indigenous side and NRL All Stars team MATT Bowen v Billy Slater. Greg Inglis v Michael Jennings. Scott Prince v Darren Lockyer.

A one-off game of rugby league featuring these match-ups could become a reality under a proposal for an historic clash between an Indigenous side and an NRL All Stars team.

The plan, to be tabled at today's NRL chief executives meeting, could generate up to $2million.

Gold Coast chief executive Michael Searle is behind the plan to play the match on the eve of Australia Day next January at Skilled Park, with profits to be filtered into Aboriginal education programs and mentoring.

The proposal would include one player from each NRL team to comprise the All Stars, with the 17th player to come from Toyota Cup.

Both would pick powerhouse sides in what would be a spectacular rugby league showpiece event.

The teams would be picked online by fans, with selectors not involved.

The plan came after Searle talked to Titans star , who played in the Indigenous Dreamtime side that confronted the New Zealand Maori in a match before last year's World Cup, winning 34-26. "Preston said it would be incredible to represent your country but how amazing it was to represent your people," Searle said. "I have had feedback from and Greg Inglis and they like the idea.

"It would also give the game a new revenue stream. 10 per cent of players in the NRL are indigenous.

"The game would be a great way to kick off Australia Day celebrations."

Searle said he would have "no problem" obtaining television rights and sponsorship and even felt confident of government funding.

The All Stars could field a team including Billy Slater, Manu Vatuvei, Darren Lockyer and Roy Asotasi, while the Indigenous side could run Greg Inglis, Scott Prince, , Matt Bowen and Johnathan Thurston.

English-born Wests Tigers second-rower would give the game a Super League flavour.

Former Australian captain and commentator could be the Indigenous coach.

"I'd love to be involved -- it sounds like a great initiative," said Daley, whose grandmother was Aboriginal.

The CEOs will meet this morning in Penrith with other issues to be discussed including crowds, television ratings, player behaviour, two referees and a possible pre-season competition next season. Cronulla coach Ricky Stuart joined Manly's in calling for the two-referee system to be reviewed immediately.

But NRL officials claim the change has been a success and that two referees will continue.

(Source: Dean Ritchie, Melbourne , 28 April 2009)

Leave tests 'sacred' from two refs - Kearney Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney is relieved next week's test match will be controlled by one referee, as NRL chief executives prepare to debate the controversial two-referee system on Tuesday.

The presence of two whistleblowers has divided NRL coaches this year, with Cronulla's Ricky Stuart calling for it to be scrapped but others including the Warriors' Ivan Cleary giving it a thumbs up.

Kearney, also the Melbourne Storm assistant coach, was guarded about the impact of two refs in the NRL but wouldn't like to see it extended to test football.

"Tests are sacred and the current rules should be left alone as much as possible," he told NZPA.

"With a (four-nation) tournament coming up at the end of the year, it's good to keep some consistency in the internationals."

The referee for next Friday's trans-Tasman test in Brisbane is yet to be confirmed but it will likely be an Englishman, an NRL spokesman said.

There was no push for the test to be played under the two-ref system, the spokesman said, because it would require an international rule change and a meeting of the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF).

Next Friday's City-Country State of Origin trial would be controlled by two refs after a meeting of the Rugby League, while Queensland officials will be consulted on whether the system is used in State of Origin.

The chief executives, including the Warriors' Wayne Scurrah, will meet at Penrith tomorrow.

"It's just the first time we've had the clubs together since the competition started so I wrote to the clubs and asked them to talk to their coaching staffs about it," the NRL's chief operating officer Graham Annesley told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"But we're not anticipating any major changes and I don't expect much to come out of that in effect to there being an immediate change to things."

Stuart called for the two-ref system to be scrapped in his Sunday Telegraph column after his Cronulla side slumped to their sixth straight defeat, to South Sydney on Friday. He said inexperience was the issue and it was "costing teams games".

"Last year we used to struggle to find eight referees up to NRL standard. Today we are trying to fill 16 spots and the depth just isn't there. " He gained partial support from the Bulldogs' Kevin Moore while Parramatta's Daniel Anderson admitted there were some "bumps" in the system.

Cleary, Penrith's Matthew Elliott, South Sydney's Jason Taylor and Newcastle's Brian Smith all offered "strong backing" for the system, while Roosters coach supported it, "but in a different format".

Tigers and Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens supported two refs but felt it should have been trialled in the under-20 competition.

Annesley said inexperience and depth was an issue, but said there was always controversy around decisions regardless of the format.

"Having two referees is an attempt to reduce the number of errors that are made in games, just as the introduction of the video referee was.

"But anyone who thinks it is going to eliminate mistakes or eliminate controversy is kidding themselves."

(Source: NZPA, 27 April 2009)