Broncos Re-Sign Five Youngsters

The Brisbane Broncos have boosted their stocks by re-signing a handful of young guns who are set to lead them into the future.

Test winger Jharal Yow Yeh, Kiwi forward Alex Glenn, hooker Andrew McCullough, playmaker Ben Hunt and forward Dave Hala have all extended their contracts at the club.

Broncos chief executive Paul White hailed the announcement as a "great day" for the Broncos.

"We're absolutely thrilled that they have all signed upgraded and extended contracts with our club," he said.

"These players are a large part of the core of the talent we have developed, and that we believe will take us into the next chapter of success for the Broncos."

Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin was particularly pleased as Yow Yeh, Glenn, McCullough and Hunt were all members of Brisbane's Toyota Cup outfit he guided to the 2008 grand final.

"The club has worked hard to give these guys the opportunity to play NRL football and they have proven their ability to compete in the best rugby league competition in the world," he said.

Yow Yeh, Glenn and McCullough have all signed three-year extensions until the end of 2015.

Hala has re-signed until the end of 2014 while Hunt, who is the leading contender to take retired great Darren Lockyer's No.6 jersey, has signed a one-year extension until the end 2013.

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Four Nations Can Erase Pain of World Cup

One of the potential problems with rugby league's Four Nations, which opens with Australia playing New Zealand at Warrington tonight, is that it can hardly avoid comparisons with events on the other side of the world.

Set alongside rugby union's World Cup, the crowds will be smaller, the coverage minimal, the rugby and the off-field behaviour better. There will be more tries than goals. All that can be predicted with some confidence.

There is no denying that league's weakness is its lack of a convincing international dimension. The Four Nations, a concept which is itself a rather inadequate replacement for full tours to and by Great Britain, goes into cold storage after this tournament. It is scheduled to reappear in 2014, after a World Cup here the previous year.

By comparison with either that or rugby union's shindig, this is a condensed, intimate affair. Even four nations could be too many, however.

The concept began as Three Nations, with England, Australia and New Zealand playing each other twice, leading to a final. Provided nobody fell down on the job too badly, that was a guarantee of plenty of competitive rugby.

The worthy motive of encouraging France and Papua New Guinea – the next strata down – has diluted that promise. It seemed an exciting development when Wales beat the French to qualify for this year's tournament; now one rather fears for them.

With a couple of their brighter prospects opting to qualify for England, the talismanic Gareth Thomas retired and the guts kicked out of the professional structure in the Principality by the implosion of Crusaders, it will be a major achievement for Wales – now largely and creditably represented by Welsh-born players – to avoid three heavy defeats, starting with England at Leigh tomorrow.

The title will be decided by the games between the big three, culminating in the final at Elland Road on 19 November. Here, there is much to look forward to.

To see the Kangaroos and the Kiwis go head-to-head in a stadium as tight to the touchlines and as atmospheric as the Halliwell Jones is a treat no rugby league follower could resist. Likewise next weekend's double-header at Wembley: England (or rather Great Britain) have a good record against the Aussies in that stadium (or rather its predecessor) and the RFL is confident of topping the 50,000 mark for the two games. They are part of something of a blitz on London next week, with the rebranding of Harlequins RL (who revert to their old identity as London Broncos), the International Player of the Year awards and all four squads spending time promoting the game in the capital.

The key game could well be at Hull the following weekend, when England and New Zealand should be contesting a place in the final against Australia.

The Kiwis might look well below full power this time, but they have fooled us that way before. In Benji Marshall, they have a player who can take any game by the throat, whilst newcomers such as the full-back, Kevin Locke, and the scrum-half, Kieran Foran, look genuine prospects.

Australia, with that familiar spine of Queensland class and experience, also have some exciting new faces, headed by Akuila Uate, a winger who has the potential to become one of the very best.

Which leaves England, or the United Nations, as disgruntled purists might put it. Coach Steve McNamara's decision to use four players from the southern hemisphere has not pleased everyone, but that tough attitude of "whatever it takes" could be just the ticket.

Four Nations: Who's who

Australia

Coach Tim Sheens

Captain On his farewell tour, Darren Lockyer

One to watch Thrilling winger Akuila Uate

Bookies say 11-4 on

England

Coach Steve McNamara

Captain Pack leader par excellence, Jamie Peacock

One to watch Kiwi-born half-back Rangi Chase

Bookies say 7-1 shot

New Zealand

Coach Stephen Kearney

Captain Benji Marshall, developing into the tactical leader that the Kiwis need.

One to watch Kevin Locke

Bookies say 3-1

Wales

Coach Iestyn Harris

Captain Lee Briers

One to watch Widnes-bound Lloyd White

Bookies say At 100-1, the rank outsiders

New Zealanders Flock to Sydney for Grand Final

The Destination NSW New Zealand office has reported record enquiries about flights, accommodation and tickets for Sunday’s Telstra Premiership NRL Grand Final between the Vodafone New Zealand Warriors and the Manly Sea Eagles at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

There has been a significant increase in the number of interstate and international visitors attending this year’s Grand Final. Current ticket sales indicate that we may see a 40 per cent increase in the number of non-NSW visitors attending compared with last year.

Air New Zealand Group General Manger Australasia, Bruce Parton, said the airline has put on extra services to accommodate the last minute rush, with thousands of Kiwi’s keen to watch their home grown heroes play in their second NRL Grand Final match.

“We’ve added two 747 return services – one sold out in an hour on Sunday and when the other went on sale this week, it was gone in six minutes.

“We’ve also added some additional A320 services either side of game day and upgraded a number of flights to larger 777-200 aircraft in order to cater for as many fans as possible,” Mr Parton said.

Last year the Grand Final generated more than $15 million in new money for the State with over 20,000 interstate and overseas visitors coming to Sydney for the iconic Australian event. Destination NSW has worked hard to grow this opportunity with its NRL partners.

(Source: Destination NSW)

Why Has Sydney Jumped on the Warriors Bandwagon?

The big game might be taking place in Manly's backyard, but Sunday's grand final is shaping up like a home match for the all-conquering Warriors.

Thousands of Kiwis and Pacific Islanders on both sides of the Tasman have snapped up tickets for the NRL showpiece, which was yesterday declared an 82,500 sell-out.

And most Aussie supporters look ready to embrace the underdogs in the same way Aucklanders discovered a sudden affection for the Irish rugby team this month.

The Warriors' opponents are the club league fans most love to hate - "Anyone But Manly" sentiment is as strong in Sydney as anti-Wallaby feeling is in Auckland.

Yesterday the city's Daily Telegraph newspaper poked fun at the "silvertails" - named because they are from Sydney's wealthy North Shore - who remain favourites only with the bookies, and their own fans.

"Ever since we were old enough to kick with both feet we were taught there were two teams to support; our own and whoever was playing Manly," wrote columnist Paul Kent.

He suggested the Warriors should follow Russell Crowe, Crowded House, Phar Lap and pavlova as Kiwi imports Aussies claimed as their own.

"With no hint of shame I'm here to tell you that if you can't bring yourself to cheer for Manly ... then it is OK to follow the New Zealand Warriors," he said.

"Or, as I like to call them, the Sydney Warriors. Our grand final team."

In the 1970s and 80s, Manly gained a reputation as a rich club that poached other teams' best players.

NRL marketing director Paul Kind says the club from the northern beaches perpetuated the "us and them" myth.

"It's a healthy culture in many respects," he said.

And on Sunday it will benefit the Warriors, whose underdog status will also attract strong backing.

"There will be supporters of other Sydney teams who have had a long-held grudge against Manly," said Mr Kind. "They would rather back another team against Manly.

"People also love an underdog and the type of fairytale run the Warriors have had."

The NRL boss expects the grand final to have a strong Kiwi feel.

Prime Minister John Key will take his place in the cheap seats next to the Warriors' No 1 fan, Sir Peter Leitch.

And there won't be an All Black in sight; a point not lost on league bosses delighted that the Warriors are sharing the NZ limelight during the Rugby World Cup.

"The fact the Warriors have found a place in the sun during [the rugby tournament] is fantastic for rugby league in New Zealand," said Mr Kind.

Sydney Fast Ferries Takes You to the NRL Grand Final

2011 NRL Grand Final Cruise - 2 October 2011

Package includes:
- Manly/Circular Quay to Homebush Bay return
- Bus Transfer from Homebush Bay to
ANZ Stadium and return after game.

- Sausage Sizzle and 1 x free beer or wine
- Departure from Manly Wharf at 1.00pm and
from Circular Quay at 1.30pm.
- Return approximately 10.00pm

$120*per ticket
* does not include entry to NRL Grand Final

Ticket Sales
(02) 9818 6000
onboard ferries, Manly Ticket Booth, online at www.sydneyadventurecruises.com.au

Take the stress and hassle out of travelling with the masses of footy revelers and paying for car parking for the NRL grand final.

Sydney Fast Ferries are offering a return cruise to the NRL Grand final departing from Manly and Circular Quay. There will be a BBQ Sizzle on the top deck as your cruise to Homebush Bay for this years grand final. Enjoy a drink from our licensed bar and kick start your grand final plans with a group of friends.

Private bus transfers have been organized to get your from the wharf straight to ANZ Stadium, no waiting in massive ques to dampen your finals spirit . Take in all the game action at ANZ stadium and enjoy the same private bus transfers back to the wharf where our boats will be waiting to bring you home or drop you off in the city to keeping your celebrations going. After all it is the last long weekend before the festive season.

Sydney Fast Ferries has joined forces with Searock Bar, Circular Quay to offer you free entry and $5 drinks all night at the NRL Grand Final after party.

Call us on (02) 9818 6000 and purchase your tickets TODAY!

NRL link: http://sydneywhalewatchingadventurecruises.com.au/cruises/2011-nrl-grand-final-cruise