West Coast Pirates Fight For a Berth in NRL

THE Western Reds have been officially consigned to the history books and so has any chance of an alliance between the two Perth consortia bidding to enter the NRL in coming years. 

WA Rugby League chief executive John Sackson yesterday announced plans for Perth to push for a place in an expanded premiership as the West Coast Pirates, distancing the city from the Reds moniker it carried during its three-year existence in the 90s.

The Reds were eventually victims of the Super League war but Perth is among the favourites to regain a place in the premiership should the ARL Commission decide to expand in the near future.
A final decision is expected to hinge on the game's next broadcasting deal. While the WARL is ready should Perth gain the thumbs-up, it isn't the only interested party. Perth millionaire Tony Sage, who owns the Perth Glory soccer team, has also announced plans to bid for a licence.

Officials from both consortia recently met to discuss the potential for a united bid but were unable to find any common ground.

"We were interested in what they had to say," Sackson said.
"But . . . there were differences of approach. We felt our model was a better model in terms of nurturing development and promoting grass roots rugby league."

Sackson held a phone hook-up with ARL Commission officials last week and finished that conversation with the impression the broadcasting deal would be completed in late September, whereupon a decision on expansion would be made.

Southeast Queensland is considered the other most likely destination should the game decide to go from 16 teams to 18.

Meanwhile, the frantic few days before the June 30 deadline for player movement continued yesterday when Penrith winger Sandor Earl joined Canberra and Newcastle forward Lisiate Fa'aoso linked with Melbourne for the remainder of the season.

The Sydney Roosters have also brought in ex-Penrith hooker Nafe Seluini as a replacement for Anthony Mitchell, who is joining North Queensland.

And former Roosters winger Sam Perrett will have his first training with Canterbury this morning.

Maroons Coach Mal Meninga Expects Better Of His Team; Unfazed By NSW Selection Issues

QUEENSLAND coach Mal Meninga has turned up the heat on his side ahead of the Origin decider by admitting he has not been completely satisfied with the Maroons' performances in the first two games. 
 
The Maroons have struggled with their execution this series without the cool-headed organisation of former skipper Darren Lockyer, putting pressure on his five-eighth replacement Johnathan Thurston to fire in the Suncorp decider next Wednesday night.

Emboldened by their 16-12 win in Origin II, the Blues are growing in confidence and believe they have finally struck the right formula in team balance and attitude to end Queensland's six-year interstate dominance.

While praising his side's commitment and desire, Meninga said the major lesson he has learned from the opening two matches is Queensland's need to be more clinical across the board.

Meninga's warning came as the Maroons prepared to launch their preparations for Origin III with the first training session at a rain-soaked Stockland Park on the Sunshine Coast today.


"We have always talked about preparation and the effort has been there but we have let ourselves down a bit in execution," Meninga said.

"We have to come up with the right formula, the right plan and the right team to get on with the business of winning the decider.

"It is getting more difficult each year. Ricky (Stuart, NSW coach) has a very good side, they believe they are more desperate than us and they understand the cauldron of Suncorp Stadium.

"It's a challenge each game we play. It's different to club footy, you have to focus intensely on each game and you only have three games so every time you put the Maroon jersey on you have to be at your best.

"It's about how we handle it all. The side has to realise NSW are coming to our home and we have to start well."

While the Maroons are sweating on the fitness of injured fullback Billy Slater, Queensland hierarchy do not expect Blues hitman Glenn Stewart to take a knee injury into the decider.

Asked about how the Blues were shaping up after naming another extended squad, Meninga said: "I don't really care to be honest with you, it will sort itself out.

"We have had to endure this before in regards to their make up. We will plan around what to expect, we don't expect Stewart to play but we have to make sure we are settled to prepare as best we can."

Maroons prop Petero Civoniceva said he was not concerned that Queensland's 20-man squad could derail their preparations.

"It's not disruptive at all," he said.

"It's something we have to deal with week in, week out with our own (club) teams.

"You get guys who are carrying injuries into games every week and it's a process.

"The core of our team is our strength and we've got some great combinations that has brought us a lot of success over the years.

"I'm sure that familiarity will help us in our preparation."

Brisbane City Landmarks Turning Maroon In Lead-Up to 2012 State of Origin Decider

Last night, Brisbane took on a new shade of parochial pride with the Story Bridge, Kuripla Bridge, Wheel of Brisbane and City Hall among the city landmarks to turn maroon in the lead-up to this year's Origin series decider tomorrow week.

The new colour scheme is part of the "Show Your Colours" campaign, which was launched in the Queen Street Mall yesterday.

The campaign is designed to get the state behind the Maroons as they go for a record seventh consecutive series wins over New South Wales, and to promote Brisbane as a major events destination.


The city's residents are being asked to play their part and decorate their houses, cars, workplaces and everything else in maroon to celebrate being a Queenslander and display their pride in their state.

FANS: Darren lockyer with Breeanna Dwyer, 7, Hudson Spencer, 9, Chloe, 9, and Kane Martin, 6.

Former Queensland captain Darren Lockyer said the campaign would lift the Queensland players for their must-win game.

"As a rugby league player, it doesn't get any more exciting than Origin at Suncorp (Stadium)," Lockyer said.

"It's about supporting your team, the more maroon we see the better we'll play."

Pictures: Annette Dew

Source: The Courier-Mail

Ricky Stuart: Origin's Saviour?

I hate to admit it but the main reason State of Origin is so exciting this year is because of Blues coach Ricky Stuart. Taking nothing away from the greatness of the mighty Maroons, I believe Stuart’s unbridled passion for Origin football has put a new and exciting spin on a concept now in its fourth decade.

Make no mistake, the current Queensland State of Origin team is a juggernaut, a once-in-a-generation mix of outstanding leadership, management, coaching and talent. While I have enjoyed every victory across the Maroons stellar six-year run, the wins have always meant more when beating spirited opposition, and you don’t get much more spirited than a Ricky Stuart-coached footy team.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Ricky away from football and truth be told you can’t help but like the guy. He’s one of those rare individuals who can make you feel like you’re the only person in the room when you’re in his company. He’s smart, brutally honest, speaks his mind and always has time for people.

While Stuart’s place in rugby league is well known, it’s when he talks of his family and friends you see past the coach and get an insight into makes the man. Those in his circle of trust will tell you there’s not a more loyal or caring bloke on the planet and I’m sure his Blues players feel the same way.

Over the last couple of months, I have watched Stuart passionately promote all things New South Wales State of Origin. Many times I’ve thought that too much of his thinking has made its way into the public arena.  While Queensland were flying under the radar it seemed the Blues were having daily debates on everything from team selections to venues and referees.

But after seeing the television ratings for Origin I and noting the how many more conversations I’ve personally had about State of Origin this year, I’ve come to understand why Stuart’s public posturing has been a good thing for NSW, and almost necessary.

Up here in Queensland, we are openly passionate about Origin football. From the very rich and powerful through to the battlers and young families, we publicly celebrate our love for the mighty Maroons, often and loudly. We don’t hide; it can even be embarrassing at times, but it’s there for all to see.
I won’t say that NSW don’t have the same passion for State of Origin, but I do believe it’s often hidden away. One of the many good things Ricky Stuart has been able to achieve over the last 18 months is to help NSW fans feel proud to be openly passionate about their footy team.

Every time Stuart fronts a camera or puts pen to paper you get a sense that this bloke would give his right arm to see NSW beat Queensland. He smiles and jumps around when things are going well but looks all bitter and twisted when things go the way of the Maroons.

Origin means so much to Stuart and he will never stop wearing his blue heart on his sleeve. The whole of NSW is feeding off his emotions at the moment and it’s taken the competitive tension between the two bitter rivals to a whole new level.

Ricky’s passion is also doing weird and wonderful things to us rednecks north of the border. Never in my life have I wanted to see Queensland beat NSW so badly and I know I have Ricky Stuart to thank for that.

Next Wednesday night, like the rest of my fellow Queenslanders, I can’t wait to loathe the NSW coach and his band of merry blue men. Nothing would give me greater delight than to see Queensland beat NSW on their home turf, in front of their home crowd at a time when it has never meant more to them.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/rugby-league/state-of-origin/ricky-stuart-origins-saviour-20120605-1ztzu.html#ixzz1wzfawg1w