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Saints
on TV 2000
News & Rumours Archives Year 2000 |
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Saints
on TV 2000
News & Rumours Archives Year 2000 |
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 23 Dec: From
the Sun Herald:
After browsing the news we discover that Brian Johnston is OK following a cancer scare. Last April (see below), the popular StGeorge CEO resigned his post citing health reasons. The good news is that the complication was an ulcer and not cancer as originally feared. Johnston has fully recovered. It is possible that Brian Johnston, former StGeorge and Australian back, will return to Rugby League as an administrator in 2001. However, his opportunities at StGeorge seem limited with his replacement, Peter Doust doing a fine job. Brian Johnston remains as a board member in the StGeorge Football & Leagues Clubs. 23 Dec: From
Glenn Baker at Jubilee Avenue:
Reports today have indicated that the rumours that have circulated regards Shaun Timmins fitness, or lack of it, after his knee injury in May 2000 have proven to be true. A report in today's Illawarra Mercury has Timmins quoted as saying "It's been pretty much the same the whole time I've been off, it's improving slowly but when I run anywhere, the bone really hurts on the side of my knee. "I've got no idea when it'll be right, I sort of wish it was a knee reconstruction, then I'd know when I'd be back.'' 22 Dec: Former
Dragon, Brad Mackay has announced his retirement from Rugby League.
The 31 year old was playing in the UK for the Bradford Bulls in 2000. A
StGeorge junior, Brad played most of his career with StGeorge where his
club career began in 1987. He represented NSW (17 times) and Australia
(12 tests, the first in 1990). He won the Clive Churchill medal in the
1993 Grand Final despite playing in the losing side. He quit StGeorge in
1994 following ongoing arguments over the captaincy with coach Brian Smith.
After a year with the ill fated Perth side Western Reds, he turned his
back on Super League to join Illawarra for 2 years before joining StGeorge
Illawarra in 1999. His last match for the Dragons was the 99 Grand Final.
Widely regarded as one of the best lock forwards to ever play for StGeorge, Brad Mackay was a versatile player who could put his talents to numerous positions. He is without a doubt, one of the gentlemen of Rugby League and always played the game with skill and fairness. He played a total of 218 first grade games (117 StGeorge, 21 Reds, 56 Illawarra, 24 StGeo-Ill). He will now return to Australia to take up a job as a fireman. 20 Dec: From
The Daily Telegraph, Sydney:
Former Dragon players and cousins, Wes Patten and Robbie Simpson were arrested outside Simeon's cafe, Botany early this morning. They were charged with aggravated break and enter along with 2 other men, Lindsay Munro and Wayne Carr. The four men were allegedly caught stealing a Wurlitzer vending machine. Patten, 26 was also charged with supplying the illegal drug, ecstasy while Simpson, 25 was also charged with driving while disqualified. Magistrate Brian Moloney noted that he was aware of Patten's criminal history and said that Patten "...shows a lack of respect" before granting each man $2000 bail to be lodged by an "acceptable person". Munro, who the Magistrate had earlier described as "a crime waiting to happen" was the only man able to raise bail. Patten, Simpson and Carr were all taken to Silverwater Jail where they will remain over Xmas and into the New Year, the matter being adjourned until 9th January. Wes Patten and Robbie Simpson both played 1st grade for the Dragons in 2000. Followers of the Patten saga may recall a news documentary on the ABC where Wes Patten was recorded by TV cameras being arrested. The charges were later dropped. The Police were recorded using racist remarks and Patten was eventually successful in litigation against the Police and the ABC. 16 Dec: Illawarra
Mercury reports on the long awaited WIN Stadium upgrade. The
state govt has granted $8MIL to improve the capacity of WIN stadium. The
upgrade will meet the demands of the NRL and the NSL (National Soccer League
re the Wollongong Wolves). Improvements to the northern &/or western
stand is expected to begin late in 2001.
In other news, the StGeorge Soccer Association is planning an $80MIL reconstruction of Barton Park in Rockdale. If successful, the proposal will provide Rockdale with a 20,000 seat stadium by 2003. StGeorge-Illawarra RLFC is reported to be throwing it's weight behind the project thereby giving hope that Saints might have a home ground in the StGeorge district. 14 Dec: Media
reports state that the NRL and FOXTEL have signed a $400MIL deal which
gives FOXTEL exclusive Pay TV rights on Rugby League for the next
6 YEARS. Apparently C7 also put in a bid. Channel 9 retains the free to
air rights. FOXTEL's 3 largest shareholders are multi nationals Telstra,
News Corp (Murdoch) and PBL (Channel 9/Packer).
The whole deal, as well as the ownership of Rugby League was capped off with Telstra gaining naming (cup) rights for the next six years.
11 Dec: Anthony
Mundine stops Queenslander, Ian McLeod in the 9th round of a Super
Middleweight bout at Wollongong Entertainment Centre. The Fenech-trained
McLeod is the current Pan Asian Middleweight boxing champion. Mundine's
record boasts 4 wins (3 by KO) and he now wants to challenge the current
Australian Middleweight champion, Mark Bargero. |
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20 Nov: Nathan
Brown and Craig Smith have been named as co-captains for 2001
as the club decides to retain the same captancy system which was scrutinised
in 2000.
09 Nov: Murdoch's
News Corp recorded a loss of $434 mil in the last quarter...
04 Nov: Rumours
that News Ltd are about to dump Rugby League have been denied by Murdoch
press agents.
03 Nov: South
Sydney have taken a serious blow after losing to the News Ltd backed
NRL in today's court ruling. Although an appeal is on the cards, it looks
as if Souths' attempts to re-enter the League are all but done with. The
South Sydney Rabbitohs, a foundation club of Australian Rugby League were
kicked out of the comp by the NRL after the 1999 season on the grounds
that they did not meet the criteria set down by NRL guidelines.
EMAILS REGARDING THE STATE OF RUGBY LEAGUE & THE SOUTHS DECISION: Supporter's have their say - click here Our view: "We used to hate Souths. "In the late 60s, Souths were winning grand finals which 'rightfully' belonged to StGeorge...we even barracked for underdogs Balmain in 1969 and rejoiced to see them beat Souths in the Grand Final of that year. Indeed, we hated Souths as much as we hated Manly. "The traditional Charity Shield matches between Souths and Saints unofficially launched the season. These were often fiery affairs and were almost always close encounters no matter where either team finished the year before. The rivalry between Saints and Souths was intense; the intensity only being matched by the mutual respect. "But in recent times, the district / tribal rivalries of rugby league have been shoved aside to make way for court battles which culminated in a so-called 'compromise'. In the end, the whole thing has left in it's wake the pungent smell of treachery. "It's hard not to be touched by the commitment of South Sydney supporters who have fought hard to save their club. The way we see it, the people have spoken en-masse and the game will be poorer without Souths. Poorer financially as scores of supporters desert the game and poorer morally as big business wins out over tradition. Quite frankly, it just doesn't make any sense. "With crowd figures dropping and the appalling attempt to globalise the game through Murdoch's World Cup, one can only wonder...will rugby league survive without Souths?" 26 Nov: Red
hot favourites, Australia have defeated New Zealand in the World Cup Final
at Old Trafford in front of 44,000 people. It was hard fought but clean
match played in good spirit. Saints' Craig Smith took the
first hit up of the match for the Kiwis and put in a tremendous effort
for the losing team. Both teams were often offside and the ref missed at
least 6 knock ons. To make matters worse, the vid ref stuffed up a call
when disallowing an Aust try. For the first 40 minutes, Australia had a
ton of the ball but the underdogs kept them honest for most of the first
half with a few Australian players struggling. The Kiwis had every reason
to feel confident with the Kangaroos hanging onto a halftime lead of just
6 - 0.
  Final score: Australia 40 - New Zealand 12. 19 Nov: Trent
Barrett substituted at 5/8 in Australia's defeat of a determined Welsh
Dragons by 46-22 in Huddersfield. Wales actually led shortly after
half time 22-14 and looked the better team but Australia bounced back to
run away with the match by 9 tries to 3. In a previous match, New Zealand
crushed England 49-6 with Craig Smith leading the NZ pack.
Australia will now play NZ in the final.
01 Nov: Trent
Barrett plays for Australia and scores a try in Australia's 66-8 defeat
of Fiji at Gateshead, UK. In his Test debut, Barrett was named at 5/8 moving
aside Brad Fittler who played at Lock. |
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31 Oct: Paul
McGregor and Colin Ward have completed negotiations and will
be playing for the Dragons in 2001. Both players are to lend their
experience at an official level but both are expected lace up in 2001.
This is especially great news for supporters of Colin Ward who was written
off by many as 'never to play again' after suffering injuries in July 2000.
<clickherefor>
Colin Ward
19 Oct: From
Official site: Saints team doctor, Dr Martin Rafferty delivers
facts and confirms what we already knew, that 2000 was a horror year
for injuries. Dr Rafferty has been with StGeorge since 1990 and says
that he has never seen a season like the one which has just gone by. The
doctor refers to 2 broken jaws, a broken neck, a broken hand and a broken
leg as being just part of his workload in what was Saints worst injury
toll in a decade. Players copping surgery include Jamie Ainscough,
Luke Bailey, Matt Cooper, Andrew Hart, Jamie Fitzgerald, Ben Jeffries and
Jason Ryles, Lance Thompson, Shaun Timmins & Mark Gasnier.
The goods news is that all players appear to be 'progressing well' with only Shaun Timmins (who further aggravated his knee while trying to qualify for the World Cup Squad) is still unavailable for November training but is expected to be on deck soon after. If all goes to plan, Saints will boast an embarrassment of riches in 2001. 14 Oct: Australia,
with Trent Barrett, 'the Bullet' at five eighth, hand out an embarrassing
'defeat'
to the NZ Residents 108 - Nil at North Power Stadium in Gosford
in front about 16,000 people. Barrett looked great in the
green and gold, scoring 2 tries and was almost certainly the best player
on the field. This is a record for a Rugby League 'international' however,
one would have to wonder about the value of such matches. Medicine man,
Adam
McDougall scored 5 of Australia's 20 tries and half back
Andrew
Johns looks to have injured his groin.
In the curtain raisers, Junior Kangaroos - 48 defeated Junior Kiwis - 10 while Hazem El-Masri's Lebanon - 76 defeated Emergency Services - nil. Australia have now racked up 190 points without reply over the last week having also clobbered PNG 82-0 on Oct 7. 14 Oct: St
Helens defeat Wigan 29 - 16 in UK Grand Final at Old Trafford
overnight. Willie Peters played well in a losing team showing once
again that he posseses a pretty good boot. Wigan mounted a comeback with
25 minutes from fulltime when they ran in 2 tries in 3 minutes but StHelens
defence on the day was far too good and the UK Saints thoroughly deserved
their victory. St Helens are coached by Australian, Ian Millward
who
is a former Illawarra Steelers reserve grade coach and the son of
Dragons
boss,
Bob Millward. This was Ian Millward's first year as St Helens' coach.
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25 Sep: Doug
McClelland resigns as Dragons RLFC chairman stating that he wishes
to pass the responsibilty onto someone younger. Warren Lockwood was
nominated and then elected by the board of directors to be new chairman.
13 Sep: StGeorge
Illawarra officials confirm that a new alternative strip will be worn in
2001 in accordance with NRL guidelines. The NRL stipulates that the home
club has the choice of which jumper to wear if opposing jumpers are deemed
to be too similar.
12 Sep: The
Olympic Torch on day 97 began in Kurnell and continued through the St George
district, finishing the day in Parramatta. Olympic torch relay runners
proud to carry the torch today include Nathan Blacklock and St George
great, Reg Gasnier.
04
Sep: The NRL has announced the 2001 draw which sees Saints playing their
first game against Cronulla, away. Their first home game is in round 2
against Wests Tigers. This is the official NRL draw and is subject to change
if other circumstances such as future court rulings (eg Souths) intervene.
2001 SEASON DRAW - CLICK HERE 04 Sep: Anthony
Mundine wins his 2nd professional boxing bout stopping his opponent
in the 6th round. Solomon Haumono also wins in the curtain raiser,
knocking out his opponent in the opening round.
01
Sep:
Players (from 3 grades) who have had contracts retained or extended: Trent Barrett (2004), Lance Thompson (2004), Nathan Blacklock (2003), Luke Bailey, Jason Hooper, Daniel Heckenberg, Ben Ross, Ben Hornby, Aaron Gorrell, Justin Smith, Scott Geddes, Jason Kent, Reece Simmonds, Nathan Heffernan, Ian Donnelly, Clint Hill, Mathew Head, Wade Forrester, Mark Simon, Grant Bobbin, Steve Duggan, Adam Atkins, Michael Gentle plus more as contracts are finalised. New signings to date: Willie Peters (halfback, ex-Souths, Wigan), Mark Riddell (Lock, ex-Souths Flegg(c)), Michael Howell (Lock, ex-StGregorys), Andrew Meads (2nd row + five eighth, ex-Balmain), Kieran Kerr (halfback, ex-Cronulla 1st div). Players who have been 'invited' to look elsewhere: Corey Pearson, Lee Murphy, Robbie Simpson, Wes Patten. Players under review: Colin Ward, Terry Lamey. Top 25 players likely for 2001 (within salary cap $3.25mil): Jamie Ainscough, Luke Bailey, Trent Barrett, Wayne Bartrim, Nathan Blacklock, Nathan Brown. Matt Cooper, Jamie Fitzgerald, Mark Gasnier, Andrew Hart, Daniel Heckenberg, Lee Hookey, Jason Hooper, Ben Hornby, Ben Jeffries, Terry Lamey, Chris Leikvoll, Willie Peters, Amos Roberts, Ben Ross, Jason Ryles, Craig Smith, Lance Thompson, Shaun Timmins,Darren Treacy. |
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27 Aug: ARL selectors
have named Trent Barrett in the 22 man Australian squad for the
World Cup to be staged in the UK and France from October 28 - November
25.
The Australian Rugby League's 22 man squad for the World Cup is as follows: Trent Barrett (St George Illawarra), Darren Britt (Bulldogs), Jason Croker (Canberra), Brad Fittler (Sydney Roosters, capt), Bryan Fletcher (Sydney Roosters), Matthew Gidley (Newcastle), Ryan Girdler (Penrith), Craig Gower (Penrith), Scott Hill (Melbourne), Nathan Hindmarsh (Parramatta), Andrew Johns (Newcastle), Robbie Kearns (Melbourne), Ben Kennedy (Newcastle), Brett Kimmorley (Melbourne), Darren Lockyer (Brisbane), Adam MacDougall (Newcastle), Mat Rogers (Sharks), Wendell Sailor (Brisbane), Jason Stevens (Sharks), Gorden Tallis (Brisbane, vice capt), Michael Vella (Parramatta), Shane Webcke (Brisbane). Nathan Blacklock misses out on selection! The selectors say they look for consistency when making selection decisions. Tingha has been the competition leading try scorer for 2 years running and has scored more than 20 tries per season for 3 years running, a feat never before achieved. Tingha's defence is often inspirational and his backing up is close to the best in the League. To top it off, Tingha's professional approach to the game both on and off the field has earned him the respect of all. Typically, Tingha has accepted his non-selection as part of the game and has stated that he will have to just 'try harder' in 2001. 'way to go champ!' 25 Aug: Shaun
Timmins' nagging knee injury has forced him to withdraw from the Australian
train-on squad. Australian team to be announced next Sunday after the Grand
Final.
In other news, Craig Smith has been selected in NZ World Cup Squad. 24 Aug: When
it comes to being a top bloke, Nathan Blacklock is the geniune article.
Tingha's 2000 contributions have been recognised at the NRL Grand Final
Breakfast when he was honoured with the Ken Stephen Memorial Award. The
award is in recognition for Nathan's off-field work with the kids in his
home town of Tingha. In November 99, Blacklock began efforts to raise funds
to build a community pool for Tingha which will replace the current unsafe
dam as a swimming venue. Additionally, he set up 'Tingha Blacklock Youth
Trust' which was instigated to assist indigenous kids in country areas
with sport and literacy in education.
Nathan said. “I think that it is very important to place a priority on children living in regional areas playing the game of Rugby League".  (info taken from official site) 20 Aug: Saints'
Jersey Flegg team defeated 50-4 in preliminary final by Canterbury and
are eliminated from semis.
16 Aug: Media
reports announce that Saints have signed Willie Peters formerly
of UK club, Wigan. Willie Peters, an Australian, will replace Luke Branighan
at
half back. Latest news is that Branighan will definitely be leaving Saints
and is looking for a new club. Wests Tigers were tipped to sign Branighan
but said they were unable to come up with the necessary money. Cronulla
are also interested in Branighan. (Update: reports insist that it's a done
deal and Luke will be in the swamp in 2001-2). When asked about the signing
of Willie Peters, Saints' CEO, Peter Doust was reported to
comment that the new half back is 'just what we're looking for'.
15 Aug: Trent
Barrett wins his 2nd BHP medal for best & fairest player. The awards
were held at the Novotel Hotel, Northbeach. Barrett has also won the Dally
M best player medal as well as 2GBs best & fairest award and looks
a certainty for the World Cup squad. Luke Bailey was rewarded for
a fantastic debut season (23 matches) when he was awarded the Geoff Selby
Memorial Coaches award. Nathan Blacklock was recognised for an outstanding
year which included his top try scoring record for 2 years running. Other
players honoured include Wayne Bartrim (1000 points & 200th
game), Jamie Ainscough (200th game & rep selection for NSW),
Craig
Smith (rep selection NZ) and Shaun Timmins (rep selection for
NSW & Aust).
Jersey Flegg fullback, Reece Simmonds won the Paul McGregor award and 1st Division fullback, Ben Hornby won the Mark Coyne award. Both awards are best player awards as chosen by the respective lower grade coaches. 14 Aug: Saints'
Jersey Flegg team defeats Roosters 20-8 and will now play in preliminary
final on Aug 20 against Canterbury.
06 Aug: Saints'
Jersey Flegg team loses semi to Manly 18-22 but stay alive in semis race.
05 Aug: Saints'
first division team eliminated from semis after losing to Canterbury 28
- 30.
01 Aug: Trent
Barrett
wins the 'Dally M' PLAYER OF THE YEAR award. Barrett
received 28 judge's points to beat off late charges from Brett Kimmorley
and Andrew Johns. Barrett was presented the award by PM Howard. As well,
Trent
Barrett is named as five eighth and Nathan Blacklock is
named as winger in the 'Dally M' TEAM OF THE YEAR. Nathan Blacklock
also
receives an award for TOP TRY SCORER. Other Dragons' players receiving
recognition were Amos Roberts and Luke Branighan who were
both nominated in the ROOKIE OF THE YEAR section, Saints being the only
team with 2 ROOKIE contenders. The gala event was often highlighted by
cheers from the upstairs gallery of fans where Saints were well represented.
Presenters included ex-Dragons, Steve Edge , John Raper ,
Norm
Provan and Graeme 'Changa' Langlands. Pictures
+ sound click here
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31 July: Rumours
abound that Saints are likely to sign discarded Brisbane halfback, Ben
Walker for 2001. Walker is also talking to Northern Eagles and Auckland.
(See Mark Coyne's article) In the meantime, there's a rumour going around that Luke Brahighan is a chance to remain a Dragon in 2001. 31 July:
Trent
Barrett, Nathan Blacklock and Shaun Timmins named in
the preliminary train-on squad for Australia's World Cup team.
30 July:
Weekend press reports that Lance Thompson has accepted full responsibility
for the fight with Andrew Hart in St George Leagues Club 7 days
earlier. Touted as a future captain, Thompson released an emotional
statement apologising to Hart, the club, his family and the fans. Hart
is reported to be just as keen to put the incident behind him. Both players
admit that too much drink and too much talk led to the fight and both agree
that it was an outburst born out of frustration.
The incident now seems to be put to rest following a photo-shoot of Hart and Thompson (all smiles) outside StGeorge Leagues. The club deserves a pat on the back for handing out immediate disciplinary action with reported fines to Hart ($5,000) and Thompson ($15,000) as well as dragging both players over hot coals. This is more than other clubs seem willing to do with similar incidents at Cronulla (Nathan Long & Chris McKenna) and at Penrith (Craig Gower & Steve Carter) which were hushed up by both club's management. 29 July:
Nathan
Blacklock re-writes the history books, topping the comp try scoring
tally for 2 years running (only done once before by Ken Irvine in the 70s)
as well as scoring 20 tries or more per season for 3 years running - a
feat never before achieved.
27 July:
Further to our rumour of 30 June, David Waite has apparently accepted
the job as Coaching Director of Great Britain. The short contract of 4
months allows Waite to remain open to any offers which may eventuate in
Australia or NZ in 2001.
25 July:
Sydney Morning Herald reports that a brawl between Andrew Hart and Lance Thompson took place last Sunday night in StGeorge Leagues Club. The fight described by one witness as 'one of the all time best' began playfully as the boys were apparently sparring over who would wear the #12 jersey next year. The SMH article goes on to report that Lance Thompson was sent home by the cops in a taxi but returned later to resume the 'argument' which apparently spilled into the carpark was ultimately won by Andrew Hart. The club has fined the players and barred them until further notice from both the StGeorge and Steelers Leagues clubs. Coach, Andrew Farrar is reported to be unconcerned and believes there will be no ongoing problem between the players, however, he stressed that this sort of behaviour is not tolerated. SydneyMorningHerald
Shaun Timmins (Knee) - SEASON Lee Murphy (cheekbone) - SEASON Jamie Ainscough (Elbow) - SEASON Colin Ward (Neck) - SEASON Matt Cooper (Jaw) - SEASON Lance Thompson (Knee) - SEASON Mark Gasnier (Leg) - SEASON Corey Pearson (Thumb) - SEASON Anthony Mundine (Retired) - FOREVER Wayne Bartrim (Shoulder) - WILL MISS ROUND 26 MATCH |
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30
June: RUMOUR FROM THE UK: DAVID WAITE TO COACH BRITAIN.
28
June:
Nathan Blacklock (24 yr old) signs 3 year contract with Saints. Dragons’ new Chief Executive Officer Peter Doust has announced the re-signing of Nathan Blacklock to a contract which ensures the NRLs top try scorer to a future with the Dragons until 2003. Doust reports that this continues the club’s build up of player retention for 2001 – having already re-signed Lance Thompson, Trent Barrett, Jason Hooper and Daniel Heckenberg for future seasons. 28 June:
Jason
Ryles suspended one week for high tackle in round 21 on Newcastle forward,
Butterfield. In a curious twist, Tony Butterfield received no suspension
for a similar high tackle which knocked out Saints' Craig Smith for
the match. The judiciary ruled that Butterfield was 'justified' in retaliating
to a rising knee from Smith. Butterfield played out the match.
Butterfield, a player held in high regard is currently playing his last season and a suspension may have seen his career end on a sour note... 26 June:
Trent
Barrett now leads the Dally M (best NRL player) awards.
25 June:
David
Waite stands down as head coach. Andrew Farrar now head coach.
"David Waite has acted like the perfect gentlemen throughout this current ordeal. It comes as no surprise to learn that he stood aside with style. David Waite can sleep well at night content with the knowledge that he always tried to do the right thing." ST
GEORGE GREAT PASSES AWAY
23 June: Jack Lindwall's funeral, St Raphaels Church, Sth Hurstville JACK LINDWALL COMPS: 1939 - 1949 GAMES: 133 PREMIERSHIPS: 1941, 1949 RECORD MOST TRIES FOR ST GEORGE IN ONE GAME: 6 tries, 3/5/47 vs Manly@ Hurstville EQUAL RECORD MOST POINTS IN ONE GAME: 36 points, 3/5/47 vs Manly @ Hurstville 15 June:
Trent Barrett signs with Saints for 4 years ! Trent Barrett has agreed to terms with the Dragons and is now contracted to remain with the club for 4 years. Barrett agreed to remove his option clause from the contract and this paved the way to securing his services until 2004. 13 June:
Terry
Lamey charged and likely to get 1 week suspension for fighting
John
Hopoate in match v Wests Tigers. Hopoate will get 2 weeks.Tigers' forward,
Luke
O'Donnell faces maximum of 3 weeks for late and high tackle which knocked
out Saints' halfback Luke Branighan in a fiery Friday night match
10th June:
Doug
McClelland has announced that he will resign as chairman at the end
of the year. McClelland's replacement is likely to be former St George
and NSWRL chairman Warren Lockwood.
5th June:
Peter
Doust appointed as new Chief Executive Officer for StGeorge Illawarra,
replacing Brian Johnston who stood down last month (see archives). Doust
has had a long association with StGeorge and his father, Laurie Doust
was also a long serving member of the StGeorge board.
4th June:
Nathan
Blacklock NRL's top try scorer after round 18.
4th June:
Wayne
Bartrim plays 200th career 1st grade match (round 18).
2nd June:
David
Waite yesterday admitted St George Illawarra was "polarised" along
pre-joint venture lines...
2nd June: David
Waite yesterday admitted St George Illawarra was "polarised" along
pre-joint venture lines...SMH article, see below:
waite_smh.jpg The coach and his successor ... David Waite and Andrew Farrar cast their eye over the Dragons at training last night. Picture: DAVE TEASE
David Waite yesterday admitted St George Illawarra was "polarised"
Waite was still awaiting an explanation of the eight-man board's
"We've had a fairly tough year and people have polarised a little,"
"It's like a marriage, the honeymoon year is really easy but in the
"We obviously - across all levels of our club - haven't worked hard
Despite taking St George to the 1996 grand final and repeating the
Each of the three candidates was given 45 minutes to put his case to
Johnson, a former St George player and Illawarra lower-grade coach,
Speculation that the four directors each from St George and Illawarra
By contrast, all three won support from directors but the board was
Having been in charge of Illawarra for two seasons before the merger
Although he and Waite were appointed co-coaches when the two
"For political reasons we were called co-coaches but I always said to
Waite said he and Farrar always knew that the dual coaching role
Following their second request for an answer early last month,
McLelland advised them that a decision would be made soon after but
"I'm just very disappointed," Waite said yesterday. "Rugby league logic
"[So] it's obviously this season that seems to have had more influence
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30th May: David
Waite axed as coach. Andrew Farrar to take over in 2001.
25th May:
Shaun
Timmins
out for 3 weeks as a result of ligament damage in Origin II.
SAINTS RE- SIGN THOMMO
FOR 4 YEARS
Injured St. George Illawarra second-rower Lance Thompson agreed to a new four-year deal with the Dragons today. Thompson suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Dragons’ victory over Penrith on April 22 and had surgery this week. But despite the severity of the injury, Dragons’ officials have no doubts that Thompson will make a full recovery. The 22-year-old will watch from the sideline again on Sunday as the Dragons play the homesick Northern Eagles at the Sydney Football Stadium. - From Oztips 22nd May:
Darren
Treacy fronts Video Review Panel as a result of and incident in Saturday
Night's round 16 match. Treacy was charged with making a late tackle by
a touch judge report and the subsequent ref ruling saw Treacy being penalised
and placed on report. The charges are dismissed out of hand.
16th May:
Mark
Gasnier's career has been stalled as reports say that he has a broken
leg resulting from an injury in the round 15 match. He will be out for
a mimimum of 12 weeks which means the season.
10th May:
Amos
Roberts
scores 10 points for NSW Residents in their match v Qld Residents
at the weekend. The match featured the best of NSW 1st Division and Metropolitan
Cup players up against the best of the Qld Bundy Gold Cup players. Roberts
scored a 90 metre solo try to wrap up the match for NSW who won 22-14.
10th May:
Shaun
Timmins and Jamie Ainscough play for victorious NSW Blues in
1st State of Origin vs Qld at the SFS. Gorden Tallis is sent off
in the 71st minute for abusing the headline grabbing and all round dodgy
ref Bill Harrigan in a match which went down to the wire.
8th May:
Craig
Smith and Lance Thompson receive death threats according to
reports in the Sydney Telegraph after they spoke critically about Anthony
Mundine. The report says that the threats were made anonymously last Thursday
through the club and the matter was not reported to Police. Both Smith
and Thompson say they are still friends with Mundine.
5th May:
Mundine
to
take up boxing. Anthony Mundine announces that he wants to be an international
boxer. He says that boxing in the international arena will help him to
gain a wider audience and promote the plight of the Aboriginal people.
5th May:
Jamie
Ainscough selected on the wing for NSW in the State Of Origin match
No.1, replacing Eric Grothe jnr who pulled out following training run injury.
2nd May (evening):Outstanding
1st division back, Amos Roberts has been named in 1st grade for
round 14 match v Auckland replacing Shaun Timmins who has State
of Origin commitments. Roberts will play on the wing with
Mark Gasnier
moving to the centres. The half combination is Luke Branighan (#7)
and
Trent Barrett (#6). Anthony Mundine has not been named
as a starter.
2nd May:
Matt
Cooper and Terry Lamey returning from injury for round 14 against
Auckland. Amos Roberts, from 1st division touted as possible backline
starter in 1st grade.
2nd May:
Craig
Smith pleads guilty to high tackle charge and receives a 4 match suspension.
Wayne
Bartrim accepts a 2 match suspension for various high shots.
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26 April:
Lance
Thompson confirmed out for the season as a result of a torn anterrior
cruciate ligament and has had surgery to repair the damage. The injury
was sustained in the round 12 match against Penrith.
19 April:
Colin
Ward named as possible reserve player for round 12
16
April : Shaun Timmins today was selected in the Australian team
to take on the Kiwis in the Friday's Anzac test match
Full Australian
squad:
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The
Sydney
Roosters are rumoured to be offering Brad Fittler's five-eighth
position to Trent Barrett for next season
St. George Illawarra
may reduce the number of games
The club hopes
to receive funding for the upgrade in the
The Dragons sold
out WIN Stadium three times last
'There's just no excuse for a
performance like that and I would like to apologise to all our fans, because
we were dreadful...some of us are defintely going to get dropped -
'...we'll find out who is tough at this club and who isn't' - David Waite 'They should just button their mouths up and start playing football.' - Johnny Raper 'I'm just chilling out - I've been told to say nothing' - Anthony Mundine
|
|
Craig
Smith - Sidelined for 2 weeks. Grade 3 careless tackle was reduced
to grade 2 and Smith pleaded guilty effectively side-stepping a 4 week
ban.
Craig
Smith - charged with grade 3 careless tackle has appointment with the
footy police on Tuesday. If he pleads guilty he will miss 4 weeks.
Shaun
Timmins - knee injury, out for minimum 2 weeks.
Colin
Ward - shoulder injury and operation - may return in March
Melbourne
Storm, yet to record a win are thrashed in Round 2 by Newcastle
New
Saints' Jersey rumoured for 2001
Phil
Gould tipped to coach Saints next year
Solomon
Haumono has been welcomed back into Saints' ranks. He has signed a
one year contract playing for incentives only |
 |
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