No Binge eating earns Titans debut

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

CALEB Binge is the Gold Coast rookie who has won his NRL debut after a stunning body transformation to shed excess kilos.

Binge, 20, was told by Titans coach John Cartwright in the off-season that if he ever wanted to realise his play NRL dreams, he would need to make some sacrifices and get in shape.

In one devastating preseason, Binge dropped from 112kg to 100kg and will get his due rewards by making his NRL debut off the bench for the Titans in a must-win clash against Melbourne at Cbus Super Stadium.

Binge tipped the scales at 112kg and has had to work very hard to earn his spot. Source: News Limited

"He has done it the hard way too," Cartwright said.

"We spoke to him and said to go to another level he had to lose some weight and he has pretty much totally transformed himself.

"He tips the scales about 100kg now and he was up about the 112kg so he has worked really hard and certainly deserves his chance."

Binge gets his chance as replacement for suspended Paul Carter, the fiery backrower who was stood down for two games last week after a drink-driving incident.

Cartwright said Binge, a Ballina Seagulls junior who was once in the Broncos system, possessed a similar attitude to Carter and with an ability to play frontrow or on the edges, he would be a handy addition to a team ravaged by injuries and representative duties.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"He is a bloke I've always thought had a future in first grade strictly on his attitude," Cartwright said.

"He is a very similar player to Paul Carter. He is very aggressive. He doesn't take a backward step and he doesn't care for reputations.

"That is what you look for in guys who haven't played NRL — if they've got that quality it certainly helps when they get to that stage."

CHAMBERS FREE TO FACE TITANS

Titans lock Ashley Harrison will make his return from a neck fracture against the Storm to boost a Gold Coast side missing Greg Bird, Nate Myles, Dave Taylor, Albert Kelly and Aidan Sezer.

While much of the focus is the difficulty Melbourne have playing without their big three of Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater due to injury or Origin, if anything the Titans are worse hit.

Ashley Harrison returns to boost an under-strength Gold Coast against the Storm. Source: News Corp Australia

Cartwright is confident his men can rise to the challenge and snap a four-game losing streak.

"They're under siege as well, they've got their rep players out and we're in a similar boat I suppose and it's certainly not going to be easy," Cartwright said.

"You look at their pack and Will Chambers looks like he will play. They've still got four Kiwi internationals in their pack.

"We're certainly not underestimating them. We have the best possible side out there we can because we realise how difficult it's going to be.

"It's a crunch game for both clubs too … both clubs are in the same position, equal on the competition table and both desperate to win."

23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

McGuire a Maroon prop of the future

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

PROPS are as fashionable in State of Origin as Ford Falcons are on the roads.

They do the job just fine, and sometimes beautifully — as well as they ever did. It's just that the people that count want the job done differently these days.

Mal Meninga has chosen only one full-time, six-cylinder NRL prop for Queensland in the first two games, Matt Scott.

NSW have two to start, but none off the bench.

Josh McGuire's chances of a Maroons call-up look limited at best. Source: News Corp Australia

Bronco Josh McGuire, unwanted by Queensland so far, might be best off taking up a chance to play representative football for New Zealand this year.

History would caution the 24-year-old, 100-gamer to wait if playing for Queensland and Australia is his heart's desire, but more of that later.

Meninga plainly does not rate what McGuire has done so far as the makings of an Origin go-forward player, otherwise he would be in already.

CHAMBERS OUT AND SLATER AND INGLIS FIRM

McGuire was even left out of a Queensland Emerging Origin squad last summer.

And the fact that Queensland ran for 80m more than NSW in their game one loss tends to indicate that whatever was responsible for the Maroons being down 1-0, carting the ball up effectively was not one of the bigger factors.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

For game one, Meninga felt he could get enough go-forward out of Scott and Nate Myles and some smaller, quick backrow types.

In terms of bigger bodies, for game two, he has also summoned Sam Thaiday and Jacob Lillyman. Plus Dave Taylor, as another for running a wider angle.

BIG DOG TAYLOR TO BE LET OFF THE LEASH

Informed speculation has it that if Meninga wanted another prop, it would more likely be that Manly prop Brenton Lawrence would be next cab off the rank.

That amounts to a lot of names separating McGuire from the Queensland jersey he covets.

Jacob Lillyman is ahead of McGuire in the Maroons prop queue. Source: News Corp Australia

Noise coming out of those around McGuire is that New Zealand selection is emerging as an option for him. He can qualify for the Kiwis as he has a New Zealand-born mother, Karlene.

Plainly, Scott deserves to be the first prop picked for Queensland.

McGuire's consistent NRL form, with a 35-tackle average and exactly 120m a game in metres made, has not yet made the decision up for the selectors.

CLOCK TICKING ON DCE

But props eating up the metres in the NRL who are eligible for Queensland and aged in their 20s are not thick on the ground.

At the established end of the scale, Lawrence is 30 and Scott turns 30 next month.

Petro Civoniceva remains the benchmark for Maroons props. Source: News Limited

Few last as long as Petero Civoniceva, who played his last Origin game at 36.

So there is some encouragement for McGuire to remain eligible for Queensland for another year or two at least.

And here's more — Sam Backo was 27 and a first grader for five seasons with Canberra before he was chosen for Queensland.

Backo had two rollicking rep seasons for Queensland and Australia in 1988 and 1989.

In games two and three of the 1988 Origin series, Backo won consecutive man-of-the-match awards against the Blues.

Around the same era, Mark Hohn was 29 before he was first recognised by Queensland and he played his one, cherished Test for Australia at the age of 30. Good things come to those who can wait.

23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Smith racks up the air miles for Origin

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

THE NRL's playing schedule has pushed Cameron Smith to breaking point with the Maroons skipper to play four games and travel almost 10,000km in 22 days.

Smith's exhaustive workload is another reason why veteran NRL coach Wayne Bennett believes the NRL's current playing calendar is unsustainable.

Between Origin I and the return bout on Wednesday night, Smith will have visited three states, four cities and Queensland's outback to meet his playing and ambassadorial demands.

When Smith returns home after Origin II, he will have chalked up 9698km in air travel — effectively the equivalent of a one-way trip from Melbourne to India.

Smith's promotional duties saw him on the back of a bull in Longreach. Source: Getty Images

Bennett said the Test captain should never have been placed in the position of bravely backing-up for Melbourne, three days after hurting his ankle in Origin I.

Storm football manager Frank Ponissi agreed, saying Smith's travel and playing commitments in the past month illustrates why reform is needed to protect the code's elite.

"I support Wayne's concern for welfare," Ponissi said.

"It's something we need to look at.

"Cameron isn't the only one but as Melbourne, Queensland and Australian captain, he has media commitments and promotional responsibilities on top of playing.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"Cameron has done a hell of a lot — it's pretty taxing on him. With Cam's ankle, being in the air constantly is not great for any injury.

"Like a lot of people, he has a family as well, so it's not just the physical side of things, it's the emotional side too.

"Cam won't whinge about it because he loves what he does, but we should never take our top stars for granted."

Storm skipper Smith also put in a shift for his decimated club side. Source: News Corp Australia

Smith's NRL Contiki tour began last month, when he left Melbourne to fly for Brisbane for Origin I on May 28.

The following day, he flew to Townsville to back-up injured against the Cowboys, before returning to Melbourne for an NRL clash against the Roosters on June 8.

Should State of Origin become a stand-alone competition?

Within 48 hours of facing the Roosters, Smith was back in the air last Tuesday, flying north for the Queensland team's visit to Longreach as part of their annual fan day.

On the same day, Smith flew back for Camp Maroon at Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast, before arriving in Sydney on Sunday to prepare for Origin II at ANZ Stadium.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Bennett says the NRL must minimise air travel where possible in an age where player rehabilitation is vital.

"The modern day player is as much about recovery as anything else because of the intensity of the games," he said.

"For Cam Smith to have to fly to North Queensland three days after Origin with an ankle injury ... that is not the ideal recovery for any NRL player."

23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

The Hunt is on as Blues target Ben

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

BEN Hunt is about to become the hunted.

New South Wales players are salivating at the prospect of Queensland taking its biggest selection risk of the last decade in a desperate bid to save the State of Origin series.

Coach Mal Meninga is faced with a horror choice of selecting an injured Daly Cherry-Evans or rookie half Hunt as his No. 7 for Wednesday night's must-win clash as the Maroons try to square the series.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Cherry-Evans failed to train in the team's crucial opposed session on Sunday morning, icing his injured knee after an attempted warm-up was aborted.

The Manly star requires a remarkable recovery to play in Origin II and if he plays, he will do so injured.

CHAMBERS OUT AS SLATER AND INGLIS FIRM

Their other option, Hunt, was an interchange hooker for the Brisbane Broncos just nine months ago and has only played half a season in the No. 7 jersey.

If the Maroons go with Option B, Hunt can expect to come under excruciating pressure in front of 84,000 fans at ANZ Stadium.

Meninga talks to Hunt during a Queensland training session at Sanctuary Cove. Source: News Corp Australia

Maroons officials had hoped Cherry-Evans would contest a vital opposed session against Queensland under-18s at Sanctuary Cove but he sat on the sidelines yet again with his knee heavily iced.

Queensland, who arrived in Sydney last night, only has one more training session before Origin II.

BLUES COMPLETE DREAM ORIGIN PREP

Hunt, who this time last year Hunt was battling to secure 20 minutes of game time as Brisbane's understudy hooker, ran in Cherry-Evans' place again on Sunday.

It would be a remarkable turnaround for a kid whose own father Geoff even told the youngster to walk away from the Broncos.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Although Cherry-Evans now looks unlikely to play, Greg Inglis and Billy Slater trained and will definitely play at ANZ Stadium.

Hunt will play on the right side of the field and former Blues star Matthew Johns says Hunt better be ready to be the target of enormous traffic from the Blues.

"They (NSW) will rush at him (Hunt) whenever he's got the ball," Johns said.

"They will take as much of his decision-making time off him as possible.

TIME RUNNING OUT FOR DCE

"They will verbal him. They will knock him over after he's passed the ball.

"They will send traffic at him. They will test his mettle.

"NSW's whole mission will be to make life as miserable as possible. That's football.

"No doubt Laurie (Daley, coach) will say, 'let's get out there and put him under as much pressure as possible and see if he can handle it'."

Blues players remain doubtful of Daly Cherry-Evans's injury status, despite the star missing training. Source: News Corp Australia

On Sunday, Manly forward Anthony Watmough believed Cherry-Evans would still play.

"He doesn't play many games injured with Manly, they seem to wrap him up in cotton wool, so it'll be interesting to see how he goes," he said.

STUART: BLUES BUILT FOR THIS ONE CHANCE

"He's a danger in any team. We've seen him dominate games week in and week out, so we're going to have to put pressure on him and all of them.

"If we can stop their big men from going forward, we can go a long way to stopping his running game and getting us on the back foot."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The NSW camp have said all week they think Cherry-Evans will play.

Pressed on Queensland's injury toll, Watmough said: "They're crying out that they are injured and that, but it's pretty much the same team that played except for Corey Parker, because Cooper didn't really play much the last game.

"They gave us a good run last time. We both have injuries but we'll both be better come Wednesday night."

23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Time for the Coal Train to hit top speed

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

FOR Petero Civoniceva it was just another photo with a smiling youngster but for Dave Taylor it was a memory he still treasures.

So much so that Taylor recently posted the photo of himself as a boy and the inspiring Civoniceva on Instagram.

What a contrast they were back then, the famous forward and the anonymous kid from the bush.

In a sense they still are.

If they were shares, Civoniceva would be the bankable blue chip who you could rely on for steady growth and solid dividends while Taylor was that boom or bust mining company that might make you rich – or you could do the lot.

But for all the contrasts, psychologist Phil Jauncey, who deals extensively with footballers from all codes, believes that there may be a common thread in the careers of both men, which can solve the riddle of unlocking Taylor's vast potential.

Just as Taylor can play in the backline so did Civoniceva as a centre for Redcliffe before he joined the Broncos, labouring in reserve grade for several seasons as coach Wayne Bennett famously said to recruiter Cyril Connell "why did you sign that kid?''

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"When Petero first came to the Broncos from Redcliffe he was not sure of his role,'' Jauncey said.

"In the early days Petero had all this talent but he tried to be a back. When he concentrated on just being a forward, he improved and little things then came into play such as outrunning other forwards.

BIG DOG TAYLOR TO BE LET OFF THE LEASH

CHAMBERS OUT AS SLATER AND INGLIS FIRM

"These guys get confused in their roles. People tell them how fast they are. You don't need to get rid of the ball.

''You are not a distributor.

"Once you work out how simple your game needs to be, then the other things can just happen.

"Taylor is a big, fast player but rather than being a back, he just needs to be a forward. Get what you have to do right, then let the flair take over.''

Taylor and Petero Civoniceva celebrate after Queensland win the 2011 series. Source: News Limited

You could just imagine the last line of conversation in the Queensland selection room before they picked Taylor for the second State of Origin match.

It would have gone something like "look, it's probably got to be Taylor. Let's just go with him. Who else? Stuff it. Let's just do it.''

Blessed with strength and skill, Taylor may be a 120kg beefcake who some trainers feel could have been an Olympic weightlifter but he has always made Queensland nervous.

Is he fit enough? Will he try and be too clever and make an error (19 in 12 NRL games this year)? Can someone tell him he is there to lay bricks and mortar and not the fancy interior decorating?

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Few people have watched Taylor closer than Gorden Tallis. At times he has sounded like a strident critic but it comes from the fact that one thing that irks him is wasted potential. His faith in Taylor has grown this season.

"Everybody is in love with his potential," Tallis said.

HOW GUERRA AND PEARCE CLEANED UP THEIR ACT

HAGAN CHECKS PLAN OF ATTACK

"To his credit, every time the Titans have run out on the field this year Dave has been in their best three to five players.

"I don't judge people on potential. That comes from their mum and dad. I judge them on their effort.

''Dave Taylor's efforts have been so much better this year.''

The consensus is Taylor has all the attributes - he just need to get his game right. Source: News Corp Australia

Tallis agrees that simplicity has to be the mantra of Taylor's game and it must stretch all the way to the training paddock in the build-up to Wednesday night's game.

"Dave has to train properly and don't worry about the big plays," Tallis said.

"Little things win State of Origin matches. The big plays are for the big moments and for the big players.

"The thing I remember most about Origin are blokes making efforts. Martin Lang making a great chase, players collapsing from exhaustion after making a lot of tackles. I remember those ahead of the cut-out passes or chip and chases.

SHAYNE'S THE REAL HAYNE TO BE WARY OF

ALFIE: FUN WELCOME IN THIS SERIOUS GAME

"I think the problem with him is that it comes too easily for him. Dave has been such a star all of his life that he has never done it tough.

"I grew up as an eight-year- old playing in the backyard against my brother getting knocked around and I found out how hard it was. I got hurt playing against my neighbours, who were all older than me.

''I doubt whether Dave ever really got knocked around.''

Mal Meninga watches Taylor during a training session at Sanctuary Cove. Source: News Corp Australia

One Manly player spotlighted Taylor's unused potential last year when he said "every time I faced up to him I thought 'I am not going to enjoy him trying to run through me' but he never tried to – he seemed to want to do something with the ball or run around me.''

If a NSW player says that after Wednesday's game at Sydney's ANZ Stadium, Taylor will have had a bad night.

If ever there was a night for the ''Coal Train'' to be the living proof of his nickname, this is it.

23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

‘Tough man’ Scott Maroons’ top target

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

FORGET Paul Gallen; Beau Scott is the NSW sniper who has become enemy No.1 in Queensland even earning the ironic nickname of "tough man".

Scott's repeated cheap shots in the series opener at Suncorp Stadium last month have not been forgotten by the Maroons with his victim fullback Billy Slater only now set to play his first game exactly three weeks later.

Storm officials were seething that Slater was twice targeted illegally by Scott in Origin I, hit so late and blindsided in tackles that the NSW forward was officially warned by the referees for his foul play.

Brent Tate of the Maroons is picked up by Josh Reynolds and Scott during game one.

The first incident came when Scott mauled Slater well after he'd passed the ball leading up to Darius Boyd's first try in just the fifth minute.

Video replays showed that Scott took three steps after Slater's pass before he made contact with the fullback.

The second late shot came in the final minute of the game, hitting Slater two steps after the pass in a blow which injured the fullback's AC joint.

Slater admitted Scott's hit was late but refused to discuss the incident at length.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"Yeah, yeah, probably ... a little bit (late)," he said.

"That's just the way it goes. That is part and parcel of playing Origin.

"I'm not going to whinge about it. I have copped my fair share but we also give out our fair share."

CHAMBERS OUT AS SLATER AND INGLIS FIRM

BIG DOG TAYLOR TO BE LET OFF THE LEASH

While the Maroons know Scott pushes the boundaries, they've refused to whinge or complain about his tactics.

The opposite occurred with the Blues, skipper Paul Gallen complained in his post-game press conference about Josh Papalii's tackle that aggravated his neck injury in the second half.

The Sydney press called Papalii's tackle a "dog shot", yet video replays showed he only took one step after Gallen's pass and former Blues coach Phil Gould declared in commentary there was nothing in it.

Scott might be in for some rough treatment following his part in the Tate tackle. Source: Getty Images

Maroons enforcer Nate Myles is usually the man to hand out punishment on behalf of Queensland but even he took no issue with Scott's tactics.

"No, it's just part of the game," Myles said.

"I think that is why we feel so blessed to be involved in these games because you do get to be part of some pretty crazy shit, if you know what I mean.

HAGAN CHECKS PLAN OF ATTACK

SHAYNE'S THE REAL HAYNE TO BE WARY OF

"We might put some eyes in the back of our helmets when we run on to the field I don't know.

"No one really cares what happens, we just have to go out there and like I said before go out there and adjust to the game and try to get the win.

"Just do our best, it is part of origin football and why it gets the viewers it does."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Scott is not the only Blues player to have upset the Maroons, with several players understood to be bemused at Aaron Woods' plan to seek revenge on Brent Tate for speaking honestly about the dangerous throw by Scott and Josh Reynolds.

There is a feeling Scott got off lightly for his role in the tackle, with so much attention directed towards Reynolds, and believe Tate had every right to speak out about the tackle that cartwheeled him.

"If there was anyone entitled to make an opinion it was Tatey," skipper Cameron Smith said.

"Then everyone carried on when it should have just been left at that."

23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blue wave an inspiring sight

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

SEVENTEEN players; 17,000 Blatchy's Blues.

NSW players have spoken about the inspiration they draw from looking and hearing Blatchy's Blues, the massive band of supporters decked out in blue who will sit at the northern end of ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night.

"It is pretty much like having ­another player on the field," NSW five-eighth Josh Reynolds said.

Paul Gallen catches the Blue wave in Sydney. Source: News Limited

The group was founded by Blues tragic Dan Blatch, who wore a blue wig for Origin II in 1999 while celebrating his 18th birthday.

Blatchy's Blues have now become an integral — and fun — part of all Origin games in Sydney. And the players love the raw passion and noise.

"They are amazing," NSW forward Anthony Watmough said.

"You see that end and it's full of blue wigs and blue shirts. We feed off that. They are awesome and ­really bring the boys home.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"It has to be pretty daunting for them (Queensland) too, running out and seeing all that blue, whereas we have to run out there (Suncorp Stadium) and see all that maroon.

"They are a great thing for the sport. All the Blatchy's Blues will be chanting. It's going to be intimidating.

"Hopefully we sell every single seat in the stadium and hopefully we can get the victory in Sydney."

Watmough's sentiments were echoed by Reynolds.

Little doubt who these guys are going for. Source: News Limited

"They try and get you home. We need to use them," he said. "I have never played in front of them. Last year I sat on the bench. I know the boys, you can tell they draw from it.

"If there are 17,000 of them, plus all the other fans out there, it gives you another leg and you want to do it for them.

"It is pretty much like having ­another player on the field."

Blatchy's Blues will congregate for a pre-game party from 4pm outside ANZ Stadium.

Their rivals, the Maroon Crusaders, will gather at AllPhones Arena before the game. They have about 3000 in their ranks.

23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mann on a mission for Melbourne

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

RISING Melbourne Storm star Kurt Mann says his stuttering side must find a way to execute better if it is to snap a two-game losing streak.

The clash on the Gold Coast looms as a crucial game. If 11th-placed Storm is defeated, it ­would begin to lose touch with the top eight.

Skipper Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Will Chambers and Ryan Hoffman are on State of Origin duty, but the Titans have their own problems.

They have lost four games in a row and forwards Greg Bird, Nate Myles and David Taylor are unavailable because of Wednesday's Origin II.

Mann was Melbourne's stand-out in the loss to the Roosters. Source: News Corp Australia

On top of that, back-rower Paul Carter was last week stood down by the club after a high-range drink driving ­offence in Surfers Paradise.

But Storm players know what the Titans are capable of after they defeated them at AAMI Park in Round 5.

CHAMBERS FREE TO FACE TITANS

"They are a pretty strong side and we know that," Mann said.

"Their defence over the past couple of weeks has been really strong and probably the best part of their game lately. And they have a lot of good attacking players and outside backs.

"Our effort has been good. We just need to work on our execution."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy will hope Ben Roberts and Ben Hampton can click in the halves as he continues to search for a winning combination in the absence of injured Test halfback Cooper Cronk.

Mann, named in the centres, is likely to move to fullback in place of Cameron Munster after starring at the back in last Sunday week's heavy loss to Sydney Roosters.

"I played most of my footy coming up at fullback," Mann said. "They threw me in the centres (in first grade) and I found my feet there.

"But I'm not sure where I'm playing this weekend. I probably feel most confident at fullback at the moment, but I'm happy to play anywhere."

Mann has proven to be a real prospect for Melbourne in the absence of more established stars. Source: News Corp Australia

The 21-year-old Queenslander has been a revelation for Melbourne this season and signalled his arrival with a match-winning try on debut against Manly last month.

Bellamy labelled him his side's best player in the loss to the Roosters and the youngster said he was starting to feel as if he ­belonged in the NRL.

"I'm definitely getting a bit more confident," Mann said.

"Especially with the speed of the game — I haven't been out on my feet as much as I was at the start. The physical side out of it is what I still need to get used to."

Tonight's game will be the last time Melbourne will be without its Origin stars this season.

Mann urged his teammates to step up in their absence.

"It's a tough period missing a few of our key players," he said. "But it's a good chance for our young blokes to stand up and hopefully put in a good performance."

23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More