International International Rugby League Thread

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MALTA RL

Prime Minister of Malta Dr Lawrence Gonzi was presented with a personalised Malta Knights international rugby league jersey when he met with Maltese Rugby League Association (MRLA) officials in Sydney, Australia.

Dr Gonzi was attending a State Reception held in honour of his visit to Australia where he reiterated the Maltese Government’s recent amendments to citizenship laws.

MRLA President Mark Sultana welcomed the announcement, “Although living in Australia, the Maltese in Australia, whether in the public eye or on the sporting field, are proud Maltese as well as Australian”

Dr Gonzi, proud of the efforts of such Australian based organisations as the MRLA, praised the efforts of such administrations before crediting Rugby League as a growing sport in Malta.

“Rugby League is a sport gaining a tremendous amount of support in Malta” said Dr Gonzi.

“The opportunity for Rugby League is immense”

The amendments are a further boost to Malta’s international rugby league progress with Hull KR forward Michael Vella one of a host third generation Maltese awaiting the alterations in order to be eligible to represent Malta, seven years after he represented Australia at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.

Other players benefiting of the amendments include Sharks’ hooker Luke Sant who plays in the NSW Premier League.

In a brief meeting with MRLA officials, Dr Gonzi was presented with a jersey baring the number 18, symbolising their number one supporter, with the first 17 jerseys occupied by the players themselves.

Malta’s team, possessing a significant number of Australian based Maltese players, will be in Malta in October when Malta’s inaugural Rugby League competition begins.

The October selection of players will have a local flavour of Maltese with up to seven players to be selected from the best of Malta’s local talent however MRLA officials are struggling to secure a grassed venue for the historic occasion, only nine weeks before the competition.

MRLA President Mark Sultana also presented a sincere letter for assistance from the Prime Minister for their endeavours to secure a pitch for matches that include an international against the touring British Defence Forces.

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

RUSSIAN TOUR

A party of youngsters from the ‘Energy’ club in Kazan have just completed a groundbreaking rugby league tour of the North West of England.

During their stay, the under 14’s played three matches, received specialist training and saw and met some of the code’s greats.

The party were warmly welcomed at both Wigan and St Helens where they were given tours of the clubs, one of the highlights being having their pictures taken with recently retired Great Britain captain Paul Sculthorpe.

At the Knowsley Road home of the current world champions and treble holders, the boys underwent a fitness test in the gym before stopping for souvenirs in the club shop.

While visiting Wigan, they were officially welcomed at the Town Hall where they were given a fascinating lesson in local history.

On the rugby side, they were guests at both of last weekend’s sensational Carnegie Challenge Cup semi finals.

In their own matches, the opener against St Cuthbert’s school was played in terrible conditions on a near flooded pitch. Performing with great bravery, Energy went down 24-10 but their opponents singled out skipper Sergey Nikolaevsky and German Davydov as joint men of the match.

Their second game renewed old friendships, with a return clash against New Spring Lions who had toured Kazan in May. The Lions gained revenge with a 22-3 win but paid tribute to the play of Maxim Sakharov and Marat Cibagatullin and presented them with trophies for their efforts.

The measure of what the Russian youngsters had learnt over the visit was apparent in their final performance, a narrow 18-16 defeat to renowned St Helens-based club Blackbrook. Stand off Nikolaevsky was again superb for Energy while home prop Tom Hunt was his side’s best in a terrific clash.

 

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DEVELOPMENT TRI-NATIONS

The second match in the Rugby League European Federation Tri-Nations Shield takes place in Prague on Saturday when the Czech Republic host Germany.

The Germans, who lost to Serbia 38-6 in the opening Shield fixture last month, in the first international to be played in Heidleberg, will travel with a 23 man squad encompassing six teams.

They will face a confident Czech Republic side looking for their first international win in their second year in the sport.

Czech captain, full back Michal Priputen is eagerly awaiting the clash. “We would like to welcome the German team to our country and we are looking forward to the challenge of international rugby league back in Prague for another year” he said. “This European Shield competition is the focus of our season, and we are determined to start with a win.”

Pripten is one of ten players in the home squad from the capital, another two coming through their Academy.

CZECH SQUAD

Prague:

Michal Priputen - Captain, Fullback

Jaroslav Stribny – Hooker

Tomas Holevsky - Second Row

Premec Bradle - Prop

Milan Mrtynek - Prop

Jan Sluka - Prop

Vaclav Prokes - Centre

Tony Brabec – Half Back

David Safranek - Winger

Tomas Ciporanov



Junior Academy:

Kuba Hrbac – Full Back

Petr Dobremysl – Half Back



Pardubice:

Andrew Mulhall



Olomouc:

Marcel Mana - Winger

Michal Kucera – Half Back

Pepe Kucera - Loose Forward

Tomas Kurka - Second Row

Petr Verbich - Second Row

Patrik Poledna – Half Back



GERMAN SQUAD

Bad Reichenhall/Muenchen
Leonhard Berngruber, Simon Cooper, Andreas Kettner, Julian Zabel

Heidelberg Sharks
Moritz Hottenrott, Michael Glaser , Anjum Khan, Dominik Bastian, Janus Kruse, Alex Kloepper, Nick Petit

Heidelberg Lions
Patrick Ruhstorfer, Benedikt Rehm

German Exiles
Dan Stocks, Kristian Keinhorst, Markus Keinhorst, Jimmy Keinhorst, Nick Keinhorst, Max Froeschner

N*rnberg
Peter Smutna, Max Kandel

Eintracht Frankfurt
Higgi Volkmann, Joachim Frera

In the final match of the Shield competition, Serbia will take on the Czech Republic in Belgrade on 18th August.

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

In order: Current European Rankings

England
France
Wales
Lebanon
Ireland
Scotland
Russia
Georgia
Holland
Serbia
Germany
Czech Republic
Austria
Estonia
Greece
Malta
Italy
Morocco
Sweden
Norway
Latvia
Ukraine

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

From the Euro website.

RLEF NEWS
- SERBIANS FAVOURITES TO LIFT EUROPEAN SHIELD
- LEBANESE ON TOUR
- CZECHS OUT TO SPOIL PARTY

Two trophies will be up for grabs in one match on Saturday, 18th August when Serbia face the Czech Republic in the final game of this summer’s ‘European Development Tri-Nations Shield’.
Already the Serbians have won in Germany while the Germans were successful in Prague; meaning that the Czech’s travel to Belgrade on Saturday knowing that they have to win by a 28 point margin if they are to take the Shield.
As an added attraction, Serbia are looking to hang to the Slavic Cup they won 36-28 in Prague last year on its inauguration and which is played for annually between the nations.
The more experienced Serbian team will be selected for Saturday’s match from a 25 man squad who will play against Lebanon Espoir on 15th August.

SERBIA
1. Nenad Matejic - Red Star
2. Dusan Mijuskovic - Red Star
3. Nenad Grbic - Podbara
4. Milos Milanko - Dorcol
5. Ivan Mitic - Dorcol
6. Mate Granic - Dorcol
7. Jovan Vujosevic - Dorcol
8. Radoslav Novakovic (cap.) - Dorcol
9. Zoran Pesic - Podbara
10. Soni Radovanovic - Dorcol
11. Nikola Jerkovic - Red Star
12. Ivan Antic - Dorcol
13. Dalibor Vukanovic - Dorcol
14. Mario Milosavljevic - Podbara
15. Marko Zebeljan - Podbara
16. Milos Kucancanin - Red Star
17. Vukasin Popovic - Dorcol
18. Petar Maukovic - Podbara
19. Ivan Djordjevic - Red Star
20. Milos Banduka - Red Star
21. Marko Milosavljevic - Podbara
22. Dario Milosavljevic - Podbara
23. Ivan Susnjara - FPN XIII
24. Nemanja Popsogorovic - Dorcol
25. Nenad Tomic - Dorcol

Serbian captain Radoslav Novakovic commented, “The game against Lebanon will be perfect preparation for the international against our friends from the Czech Republic. After that, our coaches Dino Vikas and Marko Jankovic will choose a 17 men squad who will be fully prepared for Czech game. We hope that we will win the Euro Shield and at the same time keep Slavic Cup trophy.”
‘Liban Espoir’ are the cream of the Lebanese national championship and will play in their first full international fixture against the Serbians.
Previously the locals have faced Moroccan select sides, Oxford University, England Lionhearts and the British Army's Cypriot garrisons.
The second match of their tour will pit the Espoirs against a Serbian Federation Development XIII on August 18th, in the first match of a double-header which is headlined by Serbia's European Shield clash.
LRLC Director of Coaching Remond Safi, Liban Espoir's head coach since 2005, is satisfied with the squad's preparations so far, allowing for the fact that a number of his players are currently working abroad. "We've gone okay considering we have several rookies in the team, and they've started to fit in well. We're starting to complete sets and the bonding's gone well amongst the players" he said.
The full Lebanese head coach, Darren Maroon, is attempting to fly to Belgrade for the tour to assess potential candidates ahead of the country’s do-or-die World Cup qualifiers this autumn.
Czech Republic skipper Michal Priputen is confident that his side can put on a show despite being the underdogs.
“We were disappointed with our showing against Germany last time out although they played very well and fully deserved to win” he noted. “We are very well aware of Serbia’s strength but we have nothing to lose. We are fighting for two trophies and we will do our best to win at least one of them. We are bringing some supporters and partners with us and we hope they enjoy the trip with us.”

CZECH SQUAD
1) Priputen Michal(Captain) –Tatra Beroun
2) Hrbac Jakub - Beroun Hlinky RL Academy
3)Ciporanov Tomas - Zabehlice Riders
4)Stepan David - Exiles
5)Smith Mathew – CANZA Prague
6)Poledna Patrik - Olomouc
7)Blaha Jiri - Sadska United
8)Bradle Premek - Petrovice
9)Mulhall Andrew – CANZA Pardubice
10)Sluka Jan - Zabehlice Riders
11)Kurka tomas - Olomouc
12)Holovsky Tomas - Petrovice
13)Mana Marcel - Olomouc

14)Mrtynek Milan - Beroun Old Boys
15)Verbich Petr - Olomouc
16)Stribrny Jaroslav - Petrovice
17)Urbanek Oldrich - Olomouc

After the battles on the field, the nations will travel to England where their delegates will take part in top level meetings before the Carnegie Challenge Cup final in London on Saturday 25th August, and will be guests of the RFL at that event.
The night before, Serbia will play the British Prison Service while on the Sunday, the Germans take part in the London MX9s event and a number of Czech players are expected to play for the RLEF IX in that tournament.

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

From the Euro website.

MX9 TOURNAMENT

GREAT BRITAIN STUDENTS coach Paul Fletcher has named a squad for next week’s MX9s International Rugby League tournament at London Skolars, dominated by players from his own Leeds Met Carnegie squad which is currently dominant in Student Rugby League. Nine of the squad coming to London are from Carnegie, and should put up a strong challenge to MX9s holders BARLA. Among the other players in the squad is centre Stuart Dunbar, who studies at Bradford but who came through the Scotland Students team. GB Students will be managed by Carl Richards.
Great Britain Students: Matt Carbutt, Danny Johnson, Mark McKinley, Nick Walker, Danny Garside, Neil Cherryholme, Jimmy Giblin, Tom Tsang, Jon Nichols (all Leeds Met Carnegie); Sam Gee, Adam Scott (Edge Hill College); Stu Dunbar (Bradford); Nigel Scott (Hull); Dave Saxon (Liverpool); Tom Lever (Lancaster).

GERMANY will be led by skipper and half-back Leo Berngruber from Bad Reichenhall, a former team-mate of London Skolars star winger Austen Aggrey at Birmingham Bulldogs. “Most of the players will be from the Heidelberg area, which is just south of Frankfurt,” explained Germany RL President Simon Cooper. “The team will be almost entirely German domestic players rather than featuring the German Exiles side that plays in the Midlands Merit League, although we will have winger Paul Szehofner from Telford Raiders and hopefully the Exiles player-coach and loose forward Dan Stocks, who also plays for Hemel Stags.” Germany will be coached by Uwe Jansen.

Germany: Julian Zabel, Leo Berngruber, Andreas Kettner (all Bad Reichenhall),
Anjum Khan, Moritz Hottenrott, Dominik Bastian, Nick Petit, Michael Glaser, Alex Kloepper, Janis Kruse (all Heidelberg), Dan Stocks, Paul Szehofner, Max Fröschner (all German Exiles), Higgi Volkmann, Joachim Frera (both Eintracht Frankfurt).

SERBIA have included all three former Warrington Wizards players - Dalibor Vukanovic, Zoran Pesic and Soni Radovanovic – two of whom also played in the RL Conference with London Skolars A. Another interesting figure in their squad is prop Elliott Pickering, who has Serbian roots but plays flanker in rugby union in London.
SERBIA: Dimitris Dajc, Nenad Grbic, Milos Milanko, Ivan Antic, Dusan Mijuskovic, Mate Granic, Jovan Vujosevic, Radoslav Novakovic (c), Zoran Pesic, Milos Kucancanin, Soni Radovanovic, Marko Zebeljan, Dalibor Vukanovic, Branko Vojvodic, Nenad Matejic, Elliot Pickering, Haris Dajc.


The MX9s involves 12 international teams and takes place at New River Stadium on Sunday 26 August, concluding a magnificent weekend of rugby league in the capital:
London’s Rugby League Weekend Wonderland:
Friday 24 August at New River Stadium, White Hart Lane, Wood Green –
5pm - Serbia v Great Britain Prison Service followed by
7pm - London Skolars v York City Knights – clash of the National League 2 play-off chasers
Saturday 25 August at Wembley Stadium – Carnegie Challenge Cup Final: St Helens v Les Catalans Dragons
Sunday 26 August at New River Stadium – Fifth Annual MX9s International Rugby League Tournament including club tournament and CAMRA Real Ale Festival.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Tutaki, I know this may sound a bit silly but do you know of any international league tours as I want to go on one withing the next say 18mths? Any ones you suggest?

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Tutaki, I know this may sound a bit silly but do you know of any international league tours as I want to go on one withing the next say 18mths? Any ones you suggest?

There is the All Golds Tour of Great Britain and France this year which is the NZ team with Steven Price and possibly one other Aussie to commemorate the 1908 tour which involved the Kiwis and the legendary, Dally Messenger.

There is also the World Cup 2008 although that is being held in Australia but involving 10 nations.

Other then that, there are hundreds of tours involving European Nations every year although that probably doesn't appeal to you seeing as though it's not the Aussies.

The Kangaroo Tours are absolutely outstanding. I'll let you know when the next one is coming up. They play matches in France, Wales, England, Ireland and USA.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Thanks mate, appreciate it.

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Aug 16 - Almost 3,000km from Penrith exists quite possibly rugby league’s most passionate supporters. It’s Papua New Guinea, the country that has produced players such as Marcus Bai, Adrian Lam, Neville Costigan and the Panther’s own Paul Aiton and Keith Peters.

Thousands of Australians, including Panthers director Greg Chapman and CEO Glenn Matthews, have in recent years travelled to PNG to walk the Kokoda Track, which became part of Australian history 65 years ago when Australian soldiers defeated the advancing Japanese army that had swept across the South Pacific.

It was those same Australian soldiers who took rugby league to PNG. Today, rugby league is considered the national sport.

With the tip of North Queensland just 100km from PNG, the country has not surprisingly adopted the Cowboys as their team in the NRL. However, it seems the Panthers may be fighting back, with a group of trekkers returning with the news that the latest fashion accessory in PNG is a Penrith Panthers tattoo.

Jeremy Bath, works with ClubsNSW, an organisation regularly paying for young people to walk the Kokoda Track as part of a leadership program developed by former Army Major and Upper House politician Charlie Lynn.

“At first I thought my eyes were tricking me, but upon closer inspection I confirmed that these tattoos were in fact Penrith Panthers stickers," Jeremy wrote.

“Children, even babies are wearing the tattoos. Entire villages I passed through had children proudly wearing the Panthers logo somewhere on their body.

“One father told me his son is so proud of his Panthers tattoo that he hasn’t washed his arm for several weeks. I might add the father seemed quite chuffed at his son’s dedication."

Just where the stickers originated from remains a mystery. With villages speaking no or very little English, the riddle of the Panthers stickers proved beyond the detective skills of the trekkers. The most likely suspect is a noodle company which may have included the sticker in the product box.

 

[Tigger Please!]

Everytime I've seen footage of PNG villages, no matter how remote, I've always seen NRL jerseys being worn by a surprising amount of people.
They love it.

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Everytime I've seen footage of PNG villages, no matter how remote, I've always seen NRL jerseys being worn by a surprising amount of people.
They love it.

It is beyond crazy. A few years ago, a newsagent was broken into early in the morning by hundreds of PNG's who wanted to ensure they got their copy of the State of Origin edition.

Whenever Australia goes to PNG to play, some fans walk for as long as a week or more to get to the game.

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Kiwi's appoint new coach

Former New Zealand fullback Gary Kemble has been confirmed as the Kiwis' new rugby league coach.
The 50-year-old is replacing Brian McClennan, who is heading to England to take over at Super League club Leeds.
Kemble has been handed the position over 14 other contenders with his contract to run until the the end of next year's World Cup.
His first assignment will be the one-off test against Australia in Wellington in October, after which the Kiwis go on a three-Test tour of England.
Kemble made 19 Test appearances for New Zealand from 1980 to 1986, with his playing career including a lengthy spell with English club Hull.
He has previously served as an assistant coach with the Kiwis, as well as taking the reigns with the Junior Kiwis, the New Zealand Residents, New Zealand A and the then Auckland Warriors' reserve grade side.

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Samoan domestic comp (August 4):

Naenae 30 def Saint 6
Broncos 16 drew Vaimoso Giants 16
Lepea def F-Ula-Ale (forfeit)
Sharks 26 def Sarina 16
Roosters 20 def Barracudas 10
Blackie 39 def Wests Tigers 4

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Hard work pays off for Panthers
OTILLY RABUKU
Sunday, July 15, 2007



RUGBY League champs Nadera Panthers made it five years in a row after defeating Nabua Broncos 28-11 in the grand final at Post Fiji Stadium on Friday night.


The star-studded Panthers outfit was confident from the start to see the new Fiji National Rugby League Vodafone Cup settle in Nadera.
Under floodlights, Panthers rallied on the services of its Fiji Bati caps Iowane Divavesi, Asaeli Saravaki, Waisale Suka, Sevanaia Koroi, Viliame Tukana and former Bati captain Savirio Matairakula.
Dee Cees Nadera Panthers head coach Vula Dakuitoga said it was a well deserved win for his boys.
"Our aim was to equal our winning record set from 1993 to 1998 and today our boys stood out in the game," he said,
The former Bati skipper said hard work paid out for the team and the credit goes to the endless support of their families.
"Commitment towards our goal with the support of all our families and the Nadera community paved the way to victory," Dakuitoga said.
"I really overloaded them towards our final week of training and there's no secret about our string of successes because I only believe in hard work," he said.
Top level fitness and experience played a huge role in the Panthers win. Dakuitoga said the Broncos gave his boys a good run.
"Broncos was an equally good team that came this far and they gave us a good run," he said.
Broncos coach Amenatave Yavala saluted his side and said there was always a next time.
"We gave them a good run but too many mistakes cost us," he said.
"Core of the team is our development players and they still have a long way to go," Yavala said.
Panthers blended with its upcoming seasonal players, proved too good for their Nabua counterparts as Bati first-five-eighth Suka ran in for the first try in 10th minute.
Bati cap Marika Koroivue dashed in for a converted try giving the Blue Printery Nabua Broncos a 6-4 lead in the opening minutes of play.
Nippy Panthers halfback Asaeli Saravaki and Lusio Tanoa added another two converted tries taking them to a 14-6 lead at halftime.
Panthers sealed their win with two tries from Suka and Apete Saumudu booting in the conversions.
A last minute try by Broncos Jo Tadulala and a drop goal by Save Ravonu were not enough to match the fast-paced Panthers side.
The FNRL now gears up for the start of its Vodafone Super Six competition with the opening match between Suva and Nasinu at the Post Fiji Stadium on Friday night.




and from www.sun.com.fj


Quote:
Panthers deny Broncos


Dee Cees Nadera Panthers successfully defended the National Vodafone Cup after denying victory to archrival Nabua Broncos in a 28-11 thrilling encounter on Friday night.
It was dramatic clash at the Post Fiji Stadium which saw the teams feature again in the grand finals.
The Broncos, who came close to outshining the Nadera-based team failed to break the losing jinx.
While on the other hand, skippered by national rep Iowane Divavesi the Panthers steered a strong 16-4 lead into the breather to keep the Broncos at bay before continuing to impress further until the final whistle to dominate both spells.
Vula Dakuitoga acknowledged the success of his team.
However, he finds a lot of strength in team work which proved to play a vital role in their feat. “I would like to thank the team for their outstanding performance,” Dakuitoga said.
“We could have created a better margin because I know that the team has a lot of capable players.
“The boys worked according to plan despite the pressure from Broncos and with each side sharing an equal number of experienced players, our strength came from team work,” he said.
Nadera qualified to the final after defeating Island Electrics Lautoka Crushers 26-6 while Nabua booked a spot in the final after edging Saru Dragon 13-10 in a keenly contested clash.
“The semi-final was a tough clash for us despite the win Lautoka Crushers gave us a good run for our money and winning the final means that we have to work extra next season to defend our title.
“We expect a new team coming in to challenge us but by then our young players will be developed and they’ll take the approach more professionally, so I trust that they’ll be out to continue the trend.”

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Last night Bridgend-based Welsh club Celtic Crusaders upset the English bookies odds when they defeated Featherstone Rovers comfortably at Featherstone 32-12, before a crowd of 2,993, and a television audience probably in excess of 100,000 on Sky Sports. It was an impressive victory against the competition leaders, putting the Welsh club in second place with a game in hand over first placed Featherstone (2 points ahead of CC) and third placed Barrow. It gives the Crusaders a chance to come first in the regular season, and thus qualify for the NL1 promotion automatically, if they can win their remaining six games. Otherwise they will have to enter the playoffs to fight for a second place promotion.

It is very good that CC won by 20 points, because this denied Featherstone the chance to earn a bonus point (for a 12 points or less loss) and thus perhaps winning the regular competition on for and against. The National Leagues are on a results grading system of three points for a win, two points for a draw, and one point for a loss of 12 points or less.

Promotion to NL1 is a precondition for applying to the RFL for a Super League franchise. But with a talented team, and strong financial backing from multi millionaire owner Leighton Samuels, the Welsh club are not only now favorites for promotion to NL1, but also a good chance of making the professional big time of Super League in 2009.

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

UPCOMING FIXTURES

4th August Czech Republic v Germany in Prague
18th August Serbia v Czech Republic, Belgrade
October - NZ v Aus in Wellington
20th Oct: Northern Union v All Golds (Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington)
20th Oct: Russia v Ireland (WC Qualifier)
27th Oct: Great Britain v New Zealand (Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield)
27th Oct: France v Scotland (Venue TBA)
28th Oct: Lebanon v Russia (WC Qualifier)
28th Oct: Wales v Papua New Guinea (Venue TBA)
3rd Nov: Great Britain v New Zealand (KC Stadium, Hull)
4th Nov: Wales v Scotland (WC Qualifier)
4th Nov: Lebanon v Ireland (WC Qualifier)
WC 10th Place play off semis
9th Nov: European Group 1 Runner Up v European Group 2 Runner Up (Venue TBA, England)
9th Nov: Atlantics Play-off qualifier v Pacific Play-off qualifier (Venue TBA, England)
10th Nov: Great Britain v New Zealand (JJB Stadium, Wigan)
11th Nov: France v Papua New Guinea (Venue TBA)
WC 10th Place final
14th Nov: ? v ? (Venue TBA, England)
17th Nov: France v New Zealand (Venue TBA)

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

The Jacksonville Axemen announced to day that they will donate $1 from every admission to the AMNRL Grand Final to the Jamaican Rugby League to help with Hurricane Relief. The island of Jamaica is going to be slammed by hurricane Dean (A severe Category 4 storm) later today. The Axemen hosted the Jamaicans only 2 weeks ago to a very successful 4 day training camp and game and they had recently made plans to visit the Island Nation for their upcoming Grand Finals and to try and formulate a plan for a visit to play some games in the near future. We are sure that they are going to have some pretty severe damage and that some of those effected with be within the Rugby League Community. We are hoping for the best but planning to offer as much help as we can.
You can stay up to date on the Grand Final and the Fund Raising Efforts at

www.jaxaxe.com

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

LEBANON 16 bt SERBIA 14

Liban Espoir scored a thrilling victory against the Serbian national team on Wednesday. Scrum half Roy Abla's superior kicking proved the difference in the three tries a piece of the game, giving the Espoirs their first win against a sovereign national side.


The Lebanese, under the watchful gaze of national team coach Darren Maroun, got off to the best of starts when Serbia knocked on from the kick off, but nerves and mis-timing scuttled the visitors opening few sets, allowing Serbia to settle into their game. After five minutes the hosts best players combined in midfield to score a scintillating rugby league try. An offload twenty metres from Lebanon's try line allowed halfback Jovan Vujosevic to feed second row Soni Radonavic, whose well time pass put right wing Ivan Mitic in on six minutes. Dalibor Vukanovic's conversion gave the Serbs a two-point lead that they would hold until 32nd minute.

There would not be too many other defensive lapses from the Lebanese whose tough tackling and well organised team structure won them the at times brutal match, which saw second row Ibrahim Ballout (hand), three-quarter Mohammed Jamil (cheek) and hooker Darwich Darwich (back) head to hospital at full time, leaving Lebanon with only 15 fit men for Saturday's match.


Prop Amin Maassarani led the way with an indefatigable tackling stint, ably supported by lock Youssef Helou and second row Rudi Hachache, who was well looked after in attack by the Serbian defence. But, using their passionate defending as a base, the Espoirs began to eke out better field position as fatigue began setting into the hosts.

From a repeat set Lebanon drew level when utility Omar Darwich unleashed his trademark left-foot step to cut through the middle of the defence and put the ball down under the black dot. Abla's convrsion made it 6-6 at the interval.

Sensing the chance for a hostoric win Lebanon further settled into their stride, with prop Robin Hachache leading the forwards up the middle and fullback Pierre Nasr's outside backs working the ball out of the red zone with mechanical efficiency. On 52 minutes five eighth Ali Karoush took an offload from Robin Hachache and managed to get to the line. Abla's kick made it 12-6 before Serbia launched a series of strong counter attacks, with Lebanon's right side defence of Ghassan Dandash and Wael Harb coping under enormous pressure. Vukanovic was at the heart of Serbia's most damaging strikes, with centre Milos Milanko taking an offload that looked forward and putting it over the line. The failed conversion meant Lebanon remained two points in front with 17 minutes left.

Karoush struck again after more strong work from Lebanon's forward pack, angling through the defence to score on the right side of the field. Abla's kick just missed, setting up a tense finish, and when centre Nenad Grbic touched down after another wide-raning Serbian foray on 79 minutes the Lebanes just had to hold on for one more set which they did.

Technical director Danny Kazandjian was full of praise for his side's defending: this was the best prepared Espoir side and our defensive organisation was something to be proud of. Serbia were only able to get round the outside of us on a couple of occasions. Our tackling in the 79th minute was as uncompromising as it was in the 1st.

Head coach Remond Safi: "all our hard work and effort has paid off in the end to give us the victory that we thoroughly deserve even though we should have registered a bigger score. We didn't stick to our gameplan but hopefully we can in the second game. Our best area in the game was our defence. Strong and brutal.

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

SERBIA 56 bt CZECH REPUBLIC 16

Monday 20 August 2007

SLAVIC CUP

Favourites Serbia’s comprehensive 56-16 victory over the Czech Republic in Belgrade brought them two trophies.

They retained the Slavic Cup, won in Prague last year and finished top of the ‘Rugby League European Federation Tri-Nations Shield’ standings with their second win.

Germany, courtesy of their success against the Czech’s a fortnight ago claimed second spot.

Czech prop Tomas Holovsky gave his side a surprise lead in the tenth minute but, urged on by a passionate crowd of just under 700, the locals responded.

Outstanding hooker Zoran Pesic and man of the match Filip Brkic led the Serbian revival although Czech skipper Michal Priputen crossed to pull it back to 26-10 at the break.

Superior fitness and expertise saw the Serbians take a second half stranglehold although the visitors had the satisfaction of ending with a spectacular try in the closing minutes.

RLEF Development Executive and Shield Tournament Director, Kevin Rudd, commented, “I have been extremely pleased with the way all three nations have staged their matches. Serbia were worthy winners, they have stronger foundations in place. With a senior domestic competition and age group representative sides, they have a greater talent reservoir. All the full, associate and affiliate members of the RLEF family will meet up for the Carnegie Challenge Cup weekend next week where discussion will start about Shield entrants for 2008.”

In the lead up to the Shield clash, Liban Espoirs, a team made up entirely from the domestic Lebanese competition, defeated Serbia 16-14 in their first full international, both sides scoring three tries.

Winger Ivan Mitic opened the scoring, Dalibor Vukanovic converting and the hosts held the lead in a stifling 32 degrees for half an hour when Omar Darwich crossed by the posts, Roy Abla’s goal levelling.

Six minutes into the second period, powerful Lebanese stand-off Ali Kharouj scored the first of his two tries, Alba goaling but just after the hour centre Milos Milanko crossed after fine work from Vukanovic and Milos Kucancanin.

Vukanovic missed the conversion from wide out and, in the closing stages, the sides swapped unconverted touchdowns; Kharoui completing his double and Nenad Grbic replying.

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

LEBANON 50 bt SERBIAN DEVELOPMENT 0 in Belgrade

Monday 20 August 2007

LEBANON RL

Serbian Development XIII 0 Liban Espoir 50 - FC Radnicki, Belgrade.


Liban Espoir romped to their biggest ever win on Saturday against a young, brave but outgunned Serbian Development squad on the outskirts of Belgrade. Playing in picture perfect conditions, the Espoirs reveled in the wide open spaces, cutting loose after their hard fought two-point victory against the Serbian national team on Wednesday. Half back Roy Abla orchestrated his team with distinction, seven of his side’s eleven tries being scored by backs while their defence was ruthless and impregnable. Espoirs were gifted the best possible start when Serbian jitters resulted in a dropped kick off and stand-off Omar Darwiche angled across from the scrum base before feeding Rudi Hachache to score. Lebanon’s leading point’s scorer went on to repeat his four-try feat registered last July on his side’s Cypriot tour. Hachache and rookie wing Wael Harb shared the next three tries, with Harb’s searing pace a constant threat out wide. AUB props Mounir Finan and Adel Kanso were a handful up front while back rowers Wael Tawil, Ibrahim Ballout and Youssef El Helou were magnificent with the ball. Left winger Gilbert Haydamous scored after some fine handling to make the half time score 26-0. In the second period centre Najy Bassil got the first of his brace after a wonderful looped pass from Abla. Abla got on the score sheet himself late in the game, racing over from twenty metres out. Liban Head Coach Remond Safi was effusive in his praise: “I was very impressed with the side. We stuck to our game plan with the ball getting out wide far more than it did against Serbia.”



LEBANON

Tries: Rudi Hachache 4, Naji Bassil 2, Wael Harb 2, Robin Hachache, Roy Abla, Gilbert Haydamous.

Goals: Ibrahim Ballout 2/4, Abla 1/5, Wael Tawil 0/2

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

NSWRL TO BOOST RUSSIAN WC SQUAD
Monday 20 Aug 2007 16:55
by (Press Release)
Source: www.nswrl.com.au




NSW Rugby League players of Russian descent have added incentive to perform well in the upcoming Premier League, Jim Beam Cup and Jersey Flegg finals series ? they could find themselves playing in the Centenary World Cup next year.

Several spots in the Russian Bears national squad - likely to come under the tutelage of four-time premiership winning coach Tim Sheens - remain up for grabs as the Bears attempt to qualify for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

As Europe 'B' group winners ahead of Serbia and Holland, Russia graduated to the Europe 'A' qualifying campaign but have had their momentum halted after two consecutive losses; a 50-12 drubbing to Ireland and a 22-8 defeat to Lebanon.

The Bears must now face Ireland on October 20 in Dublin and Lebanon the following week in Moscow, with two winning results being their only chance of securing a spot in the Repechage stage in November this year.

Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) operations manager and World Cup spokesperson Tas Baitieri said any NSWRL player wishing to make themselves available for Russian selection must pass a RLIF parent/grandparent eligibility rule.

"As long as the NSWRL player has a parent or grandparent of Russian descent, and can provide documentation as such, he is considered eligible for selection in the Russian national team," Baitieri said.

"The Bears are looking to boost their squad with some local players and it would be an excellent opportunity for those eligible to not only gain themselves experience at international level, but to represent a proud Rugby League nation which continues to strengthen."

Baitieri said that NSWRL players should not underestimate the standard of the Russian national squad. The squad is drawn from Russia's 10-team first-grade competition, which includes teams such as Locomotive - defending Russian premiers and regular competitors in the Rugby Football League's Carnegie Challenge Cup and Dynamo.

He said Wests Tigers coach Sheens, should he take on the coaching role with Russia once again, will have the Russians well-prepared for their two do-or-die clashes.

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

TICKET SALES FOR HULL DERBY PASS 19,000 WITH TWO WEEKS TO GO!!
Monday 20 Aug 2007 23:56
by (Press Release)
Source: www.hullfc.com




Tickets sales for Hull's fourth Super League derby of the season are now over 19,000.

With almost a fortnight still be go before the game at the KC Stadium on Sunday, September 2 (12-30pm), Hull FC revealed today, they had sold 19,150 tickets for the match with neighbours Hull KR.

Advance sales indicate another sell out crowd for this all ticket game and Hull are advising fans who haven't bought tickets to get them now to avoid disappointment.

Hull is also warning supporters to be aware that the Ticket Office at the KC Stadium will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday, August 27.

Hull FC V Hull KR
Sunday 2nd September KO 12-30pm
Ticket Office 0870 837 0004

News sent by: www.hullfc.com

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Thursday 23 August 2007

MX9

Their will be a truly European flavour to this Sunday's MX9s International Rugby League tournament at London Skolars as the European Federation have announced a squad drawn from eight different nations, including Malta, Italy, Latvia and Estonia! Coached by Patrick Wozniak, the Euro Presidents team will feature four Italian internationals including Tiziano Franchini, who has been a driving force behind Italian Rugby League, while Ross van der Hoek has played internationally at World Cup tournaments for both Scotland Students and Canada! The squad reflects the excellent work going on by the European Federation development staff which has seen internationals take place in the Czech Republic, Germany, Estonia and Latvia and many more destinations this summer previously considered unlikely places for rugby league to succeed.



Euro Presidents squad:

Malta: Andrew Zammit (wing)

Estonia: Mark Zuhho (fullback); Leonti Fjodorov (3/4)

Czech Republic: Andy Fairhurst (hooker); Michal Priputen (3/4)

Lebanon: Daniel Mourad (hooker/halfback)

Latvia: Juris Beikmanis (hooker); Kaspars Jakuss (5/8); Arturs Ozolins (back row)

Scotland/London: Ross Van Der Hoek (scrum half)

England/London: Malaki Forrester (prop)

Italy: Andrea Zacchia, Augustin Ramirez, Mirko Pellegrini, Tiziano Franchini (all forwards).

Coach: Patrick Wozniak - France
Manager: Danny Kazandjian - Lebanon



The MX9s begins on Sunday at 11am at New River Stadium on White Hart Lane, Wood Green, and features 12 national teams plus an 8-team social competition and CAMRA beer festival.

On Friday evening, London Skolars face arguably the biggest night of their professional lives when they take on York City Knights at New River, knowing that a win will put them one foot into the National League 2 Play-offs for the first time ever. A record crowd of approaching 20,000 is expected, with huge numbers of seats sold in the main stand. Standing room on the St Cuthberts Terrace on the north side of the ground will be available if the crowd overspills the seating area. Kick off is at 7pm with Serbia playing British Prison Service at 5pm in a curtain-raiser.

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Move over Ronaldinho, there's a new game in town: League

Alex Brown in London
August 30, 2007


BARCELONA officials are preparing for a hectic few days. For one, they're dealing with Chelsea's aggressive bid to poach their marquee player, Ronaldinho, before the transfer deadline closes on Friday.

And for another, they're co-ordinating the arrival of Stacey Jones, Jason Croker, Clint Greenshields, Adam Mogg and company before their presentation to the Nou Camp crowd before Sunday's La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao.

As astonishing as it may seem, rugby league - and, more specifically, the Catalans Dragons' progression to the Challenge Cup final last weekend - has been a major talking point in Barcelona in recent days, and Barca officials have taken notice.

The capital of the Catalonia region, Barcelona has previously received little in the way of rugby league exposure, but the successes of the Dragons, based in the southern French city of Perpignan, appear to have captured the imagination of the Spaniards, not least because the final against St Helens was televised live around Barcelona.

Following a week of media interviews and meetings between the clubs' management teams, Barcelona football officials have agreed with the Catalans Dragons for the players and Mick Potter's coaching staff to attend Sunday's match at Nou Camp and be presented before the crowd which, if at capacity, will number about 99,000.

"I have only driven past that stadium before, and it is absolutely incredible," Potter said of the invitation. "We're only 30 minutes from the Spanish border, and a comfortable drive to Barcelona, so there are very strong ties in the region. It is absolutely enormous, and, if all this is to go through, it would be something that the players and I will never, ever forget."

If all goes to plan, the parading of the Dragons players on Sunday at the largest stadium in Europe will be the first step in establishing a foothold for rugby league in Barcelona.

Barca football officials, according to a report in The Guardian newspaper in London, are considering applying for a Super League licence, with an eye to fielding their own rugby league team in the future.

If that does not go ahead, the Dragons are seeking permission to stage at least one match next season in the Spanish city, hopeful of capitalising on their success and novelty value among the local population.

"If the Barcelona were to apply for a licence, it would be much like the clubs in England that field a league and a union side," Potter said. "But that's a long way off. Right now, I am just happy that the work of the players and the coaching staff is being acknowledged.

The media interest has been five times that of what we normally receive in France and Spain, and we've had TV crews following us all around the place.

"It has been a real fight for credibility and profile with a team that has been undermanned and under-resourced for the most part. So it's very satisfying for all of us that this is happening. Imagine if the game took off in Barcelona - it would be incredible."


http://www.smh.com.au/news/football/...067189820.html