Rugby League

Kearney says Eels centre spot is wide open

GREG PRICHARD

Esi Tonga could find himself playing alongside his representative star brother, Willie, in the premiership opener if he can come up with a big game for Parramatta against Penrith in Friday's trial at Centrebet Stadium.

Kiwis test could lead to new NRL team for Perth

BRAD WALTER

Perth is being strongly considered as the venue for October's test against the Kiwis in a move that may help give NRL officials an insight into whether to admit a new team from the city.

Warriors testing their options in final trial

The Warriors have resisted the temptation to rest front rowers Russell Packer and Ben Matulino for their final 2012 trial.

Storm keep rolling on under Bellamy

If there were any remaining doubters about the coaching credentials of Melbourne Storm mentor Craig Bellamy, they were silenced last year.

McClennan shooting for NRL title with Warriors

Brian McClennan is sticking to his bold target of shooting for the NRL premiership in his first year in charge of the Warriors.

Manly tough enough to prevail says Toovey

TOM WALD - AAP

New Manly coach Geoff Toovey has called on his battle-hardened troops to draw on their big-match experience in the World Club Challenge clash against Leeds.

Canterbury march on into Des Hasler era

JOE BARTON - AAP

Of the 16 coaches preparing their squads for the 2012 NRL season, new Canterbury mentor Des Hasler understands he faces arguably the toughest challenge.

Kiwi Ben Roberts out to prove a point at Eels

IAN MCCULLOUGH - AAP

A desire to prove a point to Canterbury is driving Ben Roberts to be a success in Parramatta's problematic five-eighth position.

Warriors wary of more preseason injuries

CHRIS BARCLAY - © Fairfax NZ News

The Warriors may consider keeping their prized front row assets in cotton wool for their final NRL dress rehearsal.

Warriors' Maloney concentrating on task at hand

BRAD GREENSHIELDS - AAP

James Maloney raised more than a few eyebrows in November when he signed to play for the Sydney Roosters from 2013.

NRL referee Matt Cecchin reveals homosexuality

NRL referee Matt Cecchin, who helped control last year's grand final, has revealed he is homosexual.

Warriors lose Rapira brothers for NRL opener

CHRIS BARCLAY - © Fairfax NZ News

The Warriors' unbeaten pre-season has been soured by injuries to the Rapira brothers.

Shaun Kenny-Dowall suffers lacerated kidney

Star Kiwis and Sydney Roosters centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall has been hospitalised after suffering a lacerated kidney during training last week.

Beast Vatuvei's back and his body's better

AARON LAWTON - © Fairfax NZ News

After limping his way through the entire 2011 season, Warriors superstar Manu Vatuvei is finally back to full fitness and quietly hoping for a bit more luck on the injury front this year.

Ivan Cleary rips into Penrith Panthers role

The journey from Mt Smart to the foot of the Blue Mountains continues Ivan Cleary's tendency to venture into unfamiliar territory.

West Tigers beat Parramatta 20-12 in NRL trial

Wests Tigers brushed off the cobwebs and Parramatta, as Tim Sheens' men gave a glimpse of why they're considered NRL premiership favourites with a 20-12 trial win in Gosford.

Knights-Panthers NRL trial match ends 18-all

Star Newcastle recruit Darius Boyd showed his fans how important he will be to the Knights' premiership aspirations with a classy display in an 18-all draw against Penrith in a NRL trial at Port Macquarie on Saturday night.

Vatuvei magic gives Warriors win over Souths

Two tries in the space of four minutes from Manu Vatuvei helped set up a 22-14 NRL trial win against South Sydney.

New league chief coy on next TV deal

IAN MCCULLOUGH - AAP

Australian Rugby League commission chairman John Grant forecast a "significant increase" but called for patience as the game's new administration negotiates the all-important new NRL broadcast deal.

Chalk predicts bright future for rugby league

IAN MCCULLOUGH - AAP

Outgoing chairman of the now-dissolved ARL John Chalk says he was delighted to hand over the reins to rugby league's new independent commission and predicted a bright future for the game.

Sam Thaiday will leave his mark as captain

Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin doesn't want the captaincy to change the passionate and aggressive way forward Sam Thaiday plays for the NRL club.

Rugby league set to prosper - Darren Lockyer

Darren Lockyer says rugby league can at last realise its full potential for players and at the grassroots with the advent of the independent commission.

Injury setback for Warriors' Micheal Luck

Comeback delayed

Warriors star Micheal Luck has had a setback with his problem left wrist, meaning a further delay to the start of his season.

Commission heralds bright new era for league

Rugby league is today finally back in charge of its own destiny for the first time since April 1, 1995.

McKendry has big boots fill for Penrith

CHRIS BARCLAY - © Fairfax NZ News

Sam McKendry used to struggle into a pair of club-issue shorts when he started out at the Penrith Panthers, now the Kiwis international has big boots to fill.

Warriors on trial to lift game against Souths

AARON LAWTON - © Fairfax NZ News

It was a win – his first as Warriors coach – but Brian McClennan was far from satisfied with his side's 26-10 preseason victory over the Titans in Auckland last Saturday.

Adam Blair brings claws to Tigers: Marshall

Kiwi powerhouses unite out West

GEORGINA ROBINSON

Adam Blair is impressing his Wests Tigers with an ethic and maturity that complement his renowned mongrel, according to Benji Marshall.

Warriors named for second trial against Souths

Manu Vatuvei, Russell Packer and Kevin Locke have been named in a Warriors squad to travel to Australia for their second NRL trial against South Sydney.

Manly stars out to prove their NRL worth

Manly players claim their NRL premiership defence will be the perfect opportunity to prove they were just as vital to the club's success as departed coach Des Hasler.

Williams in doubt for World Club Challenge

Manly coach Geoff Toovey says David Williams still has some hurdles to overcome before his selection for rugby league's World Club Challenge against Leeds.

NZ TV deal the first stop for new NRL bosses

BRAD WALTER

A new TV agreement in New Zealand is set to be the first deal finalised by the new NRL independent commission. | Broadcast rights threat

Rabbits' Greg Inglis to miss start of NRL season

Superstar South Sydney centre Greg Inglis expects to miss the start of the NRL season with the ankle injury he suffered in Saturday night's NRL All Stars match.

Waerea-Hargreaves plays down Thaiday bust-up

IAN MCCULLOUGH - AAP

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves insists there's no bad blood between him and Sam Thaiday after their bust-up during the NRL All Stars clash.

Injured Lillyman to miss start of NRL season

Lillyman faces weeks on the sideline

Prop Jacob Lillyman looks set to miss the start of the season after suffering an arm injury in the Warriors' trial match against Gold Coast.

Broadcast rights threat to NRL and Super Rugby

Sanzar officials and the Warriors are watching a crucial legal appeal against a landmark Australian court decision.

Hooker sure he can shoulder on

He is the Warriors' only signing from a rival NRL club this year and it wouldn't be a stretch to describe him as a marquee one at that.

Shaun Johnson shrugs off second year blues

A month out from the start of the NRL season, rising Warriors star Shaun Johnson has admitted he's still being hampered by a bulged disc in his back.

Warriors too strong for Gold Coast Titans

The Warriors have won their opening trial of the season after a blazing first half performance.

Innovations add intrigue to All Stars game

Indigenous All Stars coach Laurie Daley admits his side have not focused too heavily on the experimental rules that will feature in Saturday's encounter with the NRL All Stars.

Brent Tate finally returns from knee injury

Brent Tate wants NRL officials to crack down on the cannonball tackle this season after the controversial ploy almost ended his career.

NRL bad boy Carney facing battle for Origin spot

Revelations that Todd Carney will start the year at No 7 for Cronulla may have ruined any chance he had at finally playing State of Origin.

McClennan names Warriors side for Titans trial

On Saturday night in Auckland, the Warriors will take to the footy field for the first time under new coach Brian McClennan.

Rugby union, league stars tee off

Friendly sporting rivalry heads to the green

The clubs were out in Auckland this afternoon as rugby union took on league in a friendly golf tournament.

Bluey names strong team for trial game

Nathan Friend will make his Warriors debut on Saturday in a squad featuring the bulk of the side that contested last year's grand final.

Carney: This time it's different

New Sharks' playmaker focussing on the future

Cronulla recruit Todd Carney insists he's put his troubled past behind him and is on track to make a success of the upcoming NRL season.

NRL coverage in NZ still not a done deal

Sky Television has downplayed concerns it won't screen the NRL this season – but has stopped short of making any guarantees.

Melbourne Rebels enter race to sign Cronk

JOSH RAKIC

The Melbourne Storm must fend off the attention of rugby union's Melbourne Rebels in their battle to retain star playmaker Cooper Cronk.

Warriors star will not be disciplined by club

Warriors player Kevin Locke will not face internal disciplinary action after being sentenced on driving charges.

Jerome Ropati itching for NRL after knee inury

Off-contract Warriors star Jerome Ropati has put any talks of an extension with the club on hold until after he makes his NRL return in just over a month.