TINGHA SCORES DOUBLE ON DEBUT Nathan Blacklock has scored 2 tries on debut as Australia ran out winners 54-12 over The Papua New Guinea Kumuls. Mark Gasnier also scored a try, a sensational 80 metre effort. The Kumuls looked like they may be able to make a game of it with a try just before half time and the score favouring Australia 18-6 but in the end the Kangaroos ran away with it.

Tingha's first try for Australia

Tingha on the way to his 2nd try for Australia

12 Sep: It has been announced that there will be a minute's silence before the kickoff of next Saturday's elimination semi between St George and Brisbane. Last night at about 11pm (AEST), breaking news reports showed the New York World Trade Centre being hit by one, then two hijacked commercial airliners. This ultimately led to the collapse of the Twin Towers and the surrounding buildings. The death toll is expected to go into the thousands. The Pentagon in Washington was also struck by a hijacked airplane. The minutes silence is in remembrance of these

Commissioner Jim Hall, in his capacity as Match Review Committee boss, originally cited Barrett on a grade 2 striking charge in a late and controversial decision. The Dragons playmaker faced 3 weeks on the sideline. This was successfully reduced to a grade 1 striking charge when the judiciary panel didn't fully agree with Jim Hall (who is also the judiciary commissioner) and Barrett received a 1 week suspension. Barrett's advocate, Alan Sullivan QC (ex judiciary commissioner) then took the matter to the appeals tribunal.

"The critical question is whether Mr Barrett could be seen to give his arm what might be an extra nudge or whether the contact was part of the physical interaction between the two players," Street said in his summation. "The view of the majority of us is that the evidence is not adequate to establish positively on the balance of probability that the requisite intention was present. "It may have been intentional, it may not. The view of the majority of the tribunal is the player should have the benefit of the doubt by bringing in a finding that the decision of the judiciary should be quashed."

08 Aug: Further to rumours on July 24 (see earlier news) and more recent news this month (see 02 Aug), 29 year old Wayne Bartrim has officially signed with Castleford (UK) on a 2 year deal which begins in 2002. A goal kicker with a proud record, Bartrim has also served well as a utility forward, be it at lock or hooker. Wayne has extensive experience at club, state and international level and it's no doubt that he'll be a great asset to Castleford. Wayne Bartrim's loyalty to the Dragons has never been a question and he will be sorely missed. We wish him all the best for the future and hope that he sees 2001 off on a positive note.

“I am delighted to be coming to England, I have intended on going for some time now, said Jamie, I know that the Australians currently playing at Wigan are very impressed by the club and I also know that the standards both at Wigan and in Super League as a whole are very high” Having relatives in both countries, the Ainscoughs also wanted to spend time in the UK following the birth of a son (see May 3 Old News, 2001). A former Australian schoolboy rep and Australian Test three quarter, Jamie Ainscough

St George Illawarra Dragons today issued a press statement saying they were disappointed with the headline “I want to quit” which was attributed to Nathan Blacklock, but stated it would not unsettle their preparations for Friday night’s big game against the Parramatta Eels. The Dragons stated that the facts of the matter are: Nathan signed a four-year contract with the Dragons on the 4th July 2000 ensuring he played until the end of 2004.

Chief Executive Officer of the Dragons Peter Doust said he was surprised by the headline given his conversations with Nathan.  “Nathan and I have developed a very close relationship over the 12 months I have been involved with the Club and only this week, arising from the rumours, we agreed we couldn’t see him in anything other than the red and white”.  He went on to say “The Club believes Nathan will play Rugby League at the top level for a long time and we see his contribution to the Dragons as a very important element of our success going forward”.

Nathan Blacklock stated “I agree, I can’t see myself in anything other than the red and white”.
 

01 Aug:More news has broken today that Nathan Blacklock is dissatisfied with the Dragons. A Sydney Telegraph (right) article quotes Blacklock as wanting to leave Saints and join Cronulla so he can be part of a more 'open style of play' and also to be with his Tingha cousin and old team mate, Preston Campbell. In an almost opposite version of the story, The Illawarra Mercury has run a report which has the club set to sign Nathan to a new contract this week. The Telegraph article would have us believe that Tingha is battling for recognition within his own club and that in itself gives the article a lack of credibilty. Unfortunately, we simply don't know enough at this stage to verify Nathan Blacklock's position with the club. While the issue is confusing to say the least, a question mark has now been raised over Chris Anderson's involvement in the whole affair. Anderson, Australian coach and Cronulla's coach for 2002 is rumoured to have made certain assurances to Blacklock while he with the Australian Test squad in New Zealand earlier this month.

by Katrina Beikoff

TO READ BOTH REPORTS FROM THE TELEGRAPH AND THE MERCURY, SEE BELOW
The initial report from the Sydney Morning Herald (July 28) is outlined below these articles.

BLACKLOCK ARTICLES (Telegraph and Mercury papers) - 01 AUGUST 2001:

Sydney Telegraph:
1st August 2001
Blacklock stuns Dragons
By KATRINA BEIKOFF
FREAKISH try scorer Nathan Blacklock has stunned the Dragons, confirming he is looking to move to the Sharks under Australian coach Chris Anderson because he feels St George Illawarra have no faith in him.
Blacklock yesterday launched a stinging attack on the Dragons management, claiming he wanted to switch clubs because his current team didn't want him.
The move has dazed the Dragons, who believe they are close to locking Blacklock back into his four-year contract, significantly increasing his current $170,000 deal and eliminating a "get-out" clause that would have allowed the star winger to negotiate with other clubs once he was picked to play for Australia.
But Blacklock yesterday said he was "heartbroken" over questions he believed Dragons officials had raised over whether he would be able to maintain his form and speed if he was secured by the club for four more years.
"They said these things and they're the kind of things that stick with you," Blacklock said yesterday.
"Now I'm keen to just pack up and go.
"I'm just trying to find a club that's got confidence in me."
Blacklock said he was also frustrated at the club because he no longer wanted to "just sit on the wing and watch the game go by".
"There's a lot in what (injured Sharks winger and rugby union recruit) Mat Rogers says about wanting to get more involved in the game.
"I know where he's coming from but look where I still am," Blacklock said.
Blacklock is the NRL's top try scorer with 22 tries in 21 games this year.
It is the fourth year in a row the entertaining winger has bettered 20 tries in a season – which is a record.
He said he was keen to move to the Sharks because they had a more open style of play and he could again team up with his cousin and old Tingha teammate Preston Campbell.
Dragons coach Andrew Farrar said yesterday the club did not want to lose Blacklock.
"Why would we want to replace someone who scores a try a game?" Farrar said.
"You'd have to have rocks in your head."
And Dragons chief executive Peter Doust said Blacklock's claims were "inexplicable".
Doust said Blacklock's four-year contract signed last year was one of the more unusual in the NRL but was designed to ensure the 24-year-old played out his career with the Dragons.
The get-out clause in the contract allowed Blacklock to test the market once he made the Australian team but gave the Dragons the last right of refusal, Doust said.
Blacklock toured New Zealand earlier this month as a back-up player but has not yet worn the green and gold on the field.
His selection in future representative teams is considered inevitable which is why the Dragons have re-opened negotiations on the contract so they can eliminate the clause.
Sharks football general manager Steve Rogers said the club had held no firm discussions with Blacklock.
"I've heard the rumours and that's all they are," Rogers said.
Anderson said he had also had no definite discussions with Blacklock.
"If he was available and wanted to come, we'd want to have him," Anderson said.
Blacklock, who has also previously indicated his frustrations by announcing he wanted to quit rugby league for union on missing NSW State of Origin selection, said he was so hurt when he learned of the Dragon's concerns he was prepared to walk away.
"It was heartbreaking," he said.
"I try to play my best but all they worry about is my body weight and body shape and that I would not be able to keep up my performance or my speed.
"They have no faith in me.
"I'm doing the best I can for the team but if that's the way they think, I'll move on."

Illawarra Mercury:
1st August 2001
Doust expects to pin Blacklock down 
By PAUL SUTTOR 
St George Illawarra chief executive Peter Doust has reassured Dragons fans there will be no repeat of Nathan Blacklock's contract dramas.
Blacklock has a clause in his contract where he will become a free agent if he plays Test football and Doust said the crowd-pleasing winger's contract was the only one of its kind within the club.
``I think the Blacklock thing was a case where when we signed a contract, which was a four-year contract, quite a long contract, we wanted to see him finish his career as a Dragon,'' he said.
``There's always a debate with manager and the club as to `what if the player does this or what if he does that' so both parties are safeguarded.
``We just said if he represents, and let's hope he does, then let's give him an opportunity (to renegotiate).''
Blacklock had previously stated he would consider a switch to rugby union following his controversial snub from the representative selectors.
Doust said he expected to finalise the drama by the end of the week and lock Blacklock into the remaining three years of his original contract.
The Dragons boss paid tribute to Blacklock's efforts with the joint-venture club over the past three years where the winger from Tingha has topped the try-scoring lists for three successive years, amassing 71 tries for St George Illawarra in just 73 games.
``He has put up this year another season of try-scoring feats that make him special,'' he said.
``You could say it was a fluke after one year and the second year was unusual, but after the third year you can't say anything but he is a special product.''
Blacklock has scored 22 tries from 21 games this year and is well clear of his nearest rivals, Bulldogs winger Hazem El Masri and Brisbane's Lote Tuqiri, who have notched up 16 touchdowns apiece.
Only two other players in premiership history have topped the try-scoring tally in three consecutive seasons - South Sydney three-quarter Benny Wearing from 1927-29 and Gordon Wright, for Easts, from 1919-21.

24 July: Half back, Willie Peters has been named as five eighth in 1st Division for next weekend's Penrith match. His place in the first grade will be taken by Ben Hornby.
Keiran Kerr is currently still recovering from a hamstring injury.
Despite beginning the year in blistering form, Peters has been struggling in recent times and has often been found wanting defensively in the three quarter line against the bigger attacking centres.
Saints put in a dismal effort last weekend against the Cowboys and it is no surprise to see the axe fall.
Peters' dropping to first division add more fuel to the rumour that he may be moving to Souths in 2002
24 July: Unconfirmed reports in the UK press state that Wayne Bartrim is set to sign with Castleford for season 2002.
23 July: From the official site:
The St George Illawarra Dragons today announced that they had completed deals with a number of
players for 2002.
Heading the list is Kieran Kerr, the exciting young halfback who joined the club this season, has
re-signed for the 2002 season with an option for 2003.
Craig Stapleton, the tough uncompromising front rower who has made several first grade appearances
this season has also resigned with the Club for a further two years. 
Justin Smith, another young player with great potential, has also been upgraded and will join the
Dragons full time squad in 2002.
In addition Chris Leikvoll, Lee Hookey, Gary McBride and Ian Donnelly have all signed extended deals with the Club for a further two years.
The Club has also agreed to terms with Nathan Tutt from the Sydney Roosters for the next two years.
The 21 year old back rower has plenty of pace and size and is highly rated by Club officials.
The Dragons have also recruited 21 year old five eight/lock Damien Bower, the captain of the Northern Eagles 1st Division side, for a two year period.
Commenting on the signings, Dragons Chief Executive Peter Doust said “These signings and
extensions are in line with our policy of supplementing our top squad with high quality young players
to whom we can add value through our coaching staff and development expertise.”
19 July: Goods news for Trent Barrett who had his Australian Test Jersey returned after the bag containing his gear was stolen from his car. The jersey was found in a Wollongong resident's front yard and reported after Trent made a plea for it's return on TV. The Green and Gold Kangaroo jumper holds particular significance to the star five eighth as it was his first Aussie jumper to have the #6 on it.
18 July: The Dragons and the Rabbitohs are tipped to play in the opening round of the 2002 premiership. These quotes according to the Sydney Telegraph.
"If you needed a bit of feeling in a game, this would add the right flavour' - George Piggins
"If he (Piggins) wants it, we'd be only too pleased" - Peter Doust
"It would be wrong not to give this match strong consideration" - David Moffett
The tip is that the match will be played at the SCG. It promises to be a classic grudge match.
16 July: JUDICIARY NOT INTERESTED IN SAINTS THIS WEEK
This week, Saints had 3 more players potentially facing the judiciary. Barrett and Bartrim were placed on report and Smith was penalised for a head high. There was no way that any of these players were guilty of anything other than playing hard footy but on previous experience it looked as if Saints were once again destined for punishment. In something of a surprise for Saints fans, neither Trent Barrett, Craig Smith or Wayne Bartrim were cited to face the judiciary. All are available for next weekend (!)

13 July: Australia have defeated NZ by 28-10 in convincing fashion. Nathan Blacklock did not play but is one step closer to representative honours with a pic of him wearing a Green & Gold jumper in the team photo. Newcastle's Andrews Johns was the star of the match playing just his 2nd game after 11 weeks on the sideline. Dragons five eighth, Trent Barrett wasn't far behind and set up numerous scoring opportunities as well as snaring a try for himself. On the losing side, Saints' prop forward, Craig Smith played with valour. Both players backed up brilliantly for the following day's match against the Eagles. Pic right: Nathan Blacklock lines up for a photo shoot proudly wearing the Green & Gold. - from Sunday Telegraph's Lindsay Moller

10 July: ANTHONY MUNDINE WINS IN CANADA
Wearing red and white trunks, Anthony Mundine has completely out-classed Kevin Pompey in Canada to with by TKO in 3 rounds. 'Choc' was originally billed to fight Alex Hilton but Hilton pulled out 2 weeks ago. Mundine was forced to find another opponent at late notice. SOTV Mundine page
10 July: 29 year old, Ex-Steeler John Simon has announced his retitement from  League. The Wests Tigers half back says he no longer enjoys playing and has lost the desire to compete. Simon played an important part in the Wollongong district during Illawarra's development. In total, he played 230 game at 1st grade and rep level and represented NSW and Australia (Super League) in his 10 year career.
09 July: TINGHA PACKS HIS BAGS FOR NZ
Just when we thought Nathan Blacklock was yet again snubbed by the selectors, we hear today that an ankle injury to 1st reserve Daniel Wagon has opened the door for Tingha who has been told to join the Kangaroos in New Zealand. Although he has only been selected as a reserve, this is great news as it appears at last that the world's best winger has finally managed to get a toe in the door of the selection room. Well done Nathan! Here's hoping you get a run!
09 July: The South Sydney Rabbitohs re-admission into the NRL for 2002 is now a mere formality following the annoucement from boss David Moffett that they have a 100% chance of being successful with their application.
Last Friday (6 July), Souths won their appeal in the High Court and this paved the way for one of Rugby League's foundation clubs to be playing again next year. Souths have a history which dates back to 1908 and have won 20 premierships, more than any other club. The Dragons are 2nd with 15 premierships.
Souths were booted out of the NRL for seasons 2000 and 2001 amidst uproar that the NRL had abandoned the traditions of the game in the name of pragmatism.
Souths boss and ex-player, George Piggins always maintained that Souths would stand alone and refused to consider mergers or re-locations. It is the opinion of many, including this writer, that Rugby League has suffered without Souths and their re-emergence in 2002 will be a major boost for the game.
-Willow
05 July: Saints have re-signed Lee Hookey and Chris Leikvoll for a further 2 years each. They join Mark Gasnier who also recently signed a 2 year deal.
01 July: Queensland have hammered NSW 40-14 in the deciding SOO match to take out the 2001 series. NSW forwards were woeful while Qld skipper, Darren Lockyer and recalled half back, Allan Langer cut the NSW defence to ribbons. Veteran winger, Jamie Ainscough played well in a losing side in what was his final match for NSW. Well done Jamie.
29 June: Craig Smith today confirmed he would leave the Dragons at the end of the season. Smith said he was happy with the Dragons' original offer to re-sign him but rejected a revised offer from the club which was put forward after Smith copped a six-week suspension for a careless high tackle last month.
It is believed the new offer effectively halved his wage, with Smith to make up the shortfall in incentive payments if he remained suspension free. From News Interactive
29 June: In response to recent rumours of a Saints - Cronulla merger, Dragons management have released the following statement:
A STATEMENT FROM DRAGONS C.E.O PETER DOUST 
St George Illawarra Dragons Chief Executive Officer Peter Doust today made the following statement in relation to recent unfounded rumours. 
"I continue to be amazed about the rumour mill that exists within the game of rugby league. It starts here, it moves there and who knows where it finishes.
The St George Illawarra Dragons are 100% committed to our five-year business plan with the National Rugby League. We remain fully committed to the St George and Illawarra regions and have not, and will not, consider a variation to this commitment.
The game of rugby league has been through considerable change in recent times and I believe that the major priority is stability and confidence for the Club and it’s supporters," said Doust.
Mr Brian Johnston, a Director of St George Leagues Club and St George Football Club, a shareholder (sic) in the joint venture, has been linked to these unfounded rumours but has stated that he would have nothing to do with such a venture.
27 June: Mail on teams for the Canberra match: Canberra players Jason Croker, Mark McLinden and Ken Nagas are all reported as being out of the upcomimg match for July 7th. Croker and McLinden are out for the season.
The Saints camp reports no lasting injuries from last weekend despite Trent Barrett having to leave the field with a suspect torn calf muscle and Mark Gasnier being knocked out of the match following a deliberate head high fro NZ's Jerry Seu Seu (judiciary gave Seu Seu 1 week suspension). we have to wait and see how Barrett and Jamie Ainscough pull up after this weekend's State Of Origin III.
Definitely available is front rower, Craig Smith who is returning to the Canberra match following six weeks suspension. poste script: Barrett unavailble for SOO due the leg injury
26 June: According to a recent poll, the St George Illawarra Dragons are the most popular football team in NSW with 563,000 supporters. Overall, Saints came in 3rd behind Brisbane and Melbourne as the most widely supported club in Australia. The Morgan Poll surveyed about 18,800 between July 2000 and March 2001.
26 June: It has been reported that the Saints v Canberra match will in fact be the 10,000th game of 1st grade Rugby League. The Dragons have a history of featuring in special matches. The first ever drawn Grand Final, the first ever 1st grade match in Adelaide and the first ever RL match under lights are just  a few examples for trivia buffs.
25 June: Backrower, Andrew Hart has reportedly been given permission to negotiate with other clubs. Rumour has it that the Bulldogs are interesting in signing Hart for 2002.

24 June: Nathan Blacklock scored 2 tries today in the Saints v NZ match to take his 2001 tally to 20 tries. Apart from from being the competition's leading try scorer for 2001, Tingha also created history when he became the only 1st grade player ever to score 20 tries or more for 4 seasons in a row. Congrats Tingha. Well done... very well done! For trivia buffs: Nathan Blacklock has scored 90 career tries, 89 of them for the Dragons in a little over 90 matches. He has scored 20 tries in 2001 from 17 matches.

There are still 9 rounds to go before the semis.
The most tries scored in one season by a Saints player is 26 by Tommy Ryan in 1957.
Most tries by a Saints player in one match is held by Jack Lindwall with 6 tries in 1947 (vs Manly).
Saints top try scorer is Johnny King (played 1960 - 1971) with 143 tries from 195 games.
By our reckoning, Tingha has the goods to take all these records, starting with Tommy Ryan's this year.
24 June: Both the NSW and Qld teams have been selected for the series deciding, SOO III to be played at ANZ Stadium in Brisbane on July 1st. Jamie Ainscough has once again retained his wing position while SOO II 'man of the match', Trent Barrett has been named at half back. At the time of writing, Barrett was under an injury cloud following a leg injury in the Saints v NZ match last weekend.
The big surprise in the Qld team is the re-calling of 35 year old half back legend, Alan Langer.

20 June: Craig Smith says he has been left with no option but to leave the Dragons at the end of this year. 

Last night, he rejected St George Illawarra management's incentive-based contract offer. Currently Smith is on about $300K per year and it's understandable why he would reject such an offer but on the other hand, he has spent little time on the field following suspensions and it's clear that the next suspension will be a lengthy one. Therefore, it's understandable why the club sees him as a liability. Smith has had some attractive offers from the UK but the possibly is there that he may be playing against the Dragons next year. One of the world's best front rowers makes a return to Saints in round 18 against the Raiders. One question remains, will Smith retain the captaincy?

18 June: Anthony Mundine has defended his Pan Asia title after punishing New Zealander Mike Makata at the Whitlam Recreation Centre in Sydney's west (Liverpool) tonight. Makata's team threw in the towel in the 5th round. Mundine is now tipped to meet Canada's Alex Hilton on July 10th in what will be Choc's first fight outside of Australia. After the fight, Mundine announced once again that he is after the world title.

MUNDINE DOWNS MAKATA IN 5

14 June: Rumours persist that Saints are a chance of signing Cronulla 2nd rower, Nathan Long for season 2002. Another rumour doing the rounds is that huge ex Brisbane forward and current RU convert, Brad Thorn is available and is also being targetted by Saints' management. 14 June: It has been confirmed that Jamie Ainscough will be joining Wigan in 2002. Club officials at St George Illawarra have agreed to release Jamie from his contract which originally concluded next year. 10 June: NSW have delivered a heavy defeat to Qld at Stadium Australia to the tune of 26-8. The match was controlled by the half combination of Brad Fittler and Trent Barrett. Try scorer Barrett was named man of the match. Jamie Ainscough put in a sterling effort scoring a try and riding well on the back of a dominant NSW forward charge. The series is now squared at 1 game each with the decider to be played at ANZ, Brisbane on July 1st.

010610barrett.jpg

03 June:  NSW SELECTORS & COACH ARE A DISGRACE SACK THE LOT OF THEM! Following Nathan Blacklock's omission from the NSW team, I felt it necessary to wait for a day. The outrage felt would not lend itself well to a rational report. Well, here it is a day later and the outrage had turned into disgust. Last night's news which shows a humble champion winger sitting despondently on foyer steps best illustrates NSW Rugby League's day of shame. The selectors have made a major error and we will not support their narrow view of what makes a footballer. Lets name names: Wayne Pearce (coach & selector), Bob McCarthy (chairman & selector), Bob Fulton (selector), Frank Fish (selector) and Geoff Gerard (selector). For those who think there are a few Rugby League legends amongst that line up, think again. What we have here are a bunch of yesterday's heroes who have lost touch with the basics of the game and wouldn't know real talent if it ran over the top of them. Tingha is the stand out attacking player of the competition  and yet these self proclaimed 'selectors' are playing politics with a player's career. Their petty prejudices have now become abundantly apparent. Nathan Blacklock's 2nd hat trick of 2001 and the winning try at Leichhardt was a great Rugby League moment. But there is little acknowledgment or reward for the achievements of Australia's and the world's best winger in over a generation. Incredibly, the selectors feel they  Nathan Blacklock's record 1999: Top try scorer in comp 2000: Top try scorer in comp 2001 (so far): 17 tries after 15 rounds (2nd place has 12 tries) So far: 87 tries since 1998 know best against the overwhelming evidence and the overwhelming weight of well informed opinion. According to some reports, Tingha is hurting. So much so that he may quit League in favour of Union. I don't blame him but we hope this doesn't happen. There's every chance that Tingha may be wearing a Green & Gold jersey later this year as it appears only injury to another player will see him in a Blue's jersey.Whatever the future holds, there is no doubt that Nathan Blacklock is a true champion both on and off the field and that is something that Pearce, McCarthy and Co. can never take away. Hang in there Tingha, we know you deserve better!

QLD: Darren Lockyer (c), Lote Tuqiri, Darren Smith, Paul Bowman, Wendell Sailor, Daniel Wagon, Paul Green, Kevin Campion, Brad Meyers, Dane Carlaw, Petero Civoniceva, Nathan Fien, Shane Webcke. Res: Chris Walker, Chris Beattie, Carl Webb, Russell Bawden. Coach: Wayne Bennett

---

03 June:

for the NSW wing spot but only if injury to existing players permit. If not, Blacklock is a near certainty for Country Origin. Jason Ryles chances for NSW selection get better every week. Lance Thompson (pic right) has also been touted as a possible NSW rep. Also we have Mark Gasnier who may miss out on NSW selection but looks odds on to be be selected for City Origin as will half back Willie Peters. Another contender for City is Mark Riddell. In total, that's eight possibles out of a squad of 17.

23 May: Jason Ryles set for NSW Origin Selection Following a series of strong performances, Saints prop Jason Ryles (age 22) is set for selection in the State Of Origin NSW squad. The inclusion of Ryles is seen as an opportunity for the Blues to regain some of the up front authority which was lacking the 34-16 loss to Queensland on May 6th. S.O.O. II will be played on June 10th.

9 May: Willie Peters is set for rep honours when the City Origin side is chosen next month. The Illawarra Mercury reports that  Willie can be confident of a spot due to the lack of other options for City selectors. from Jubilee Avenue

27 Apr: Media reports have quoted Craig Smith as saying that he will quit Australia should he get a 3rd suspension this season for his running style. This follows a meeting between Saints and the NRL last Thursday where the Dragons pointed out inconsistencies in the the recent judiciary rulings. Smith is currently on a 2 week suspension. He has already been offered contracts by 2 English clubs and has stated that he wants to stay with the Dragons. However, if he is suspended a third time for the same offence, we may see him departing for the UK.

On last Thursday's Footy Show, Nathan Blacklock didn't even rate a mention and the same was the case in a recent Telegraph article by Peter Frillingos. In fact, the media in general has all but ignored Nathan Blacklock as a contender for the available wing spot. I always thought that consistency was the main criteria the selectors looked for when making their decision. Blacklock  has scored more tries than anyone else (78 from the last 90 games), he was winger of the year in 2000, he has topped the try scoring list for 2 years running and is the only player in history to score more than 20 tries per season for 3 seasons running.  How much more consistent can Tingha be? Defensively, Nathan has saved countless tries and often bundles his opposite into touch. He has just turned 24 which is a perfect age for a representative winger. Also, he hasn't missed a game for the best part of 3 seasons. When Nathan was overlooked by the selectors for last year's SOO & World Cup, he took it on the chin. He didn't complain and commented that he would just have to try harder. In other words, he is a professional. It now appears that a strong media campaign has all but extinguished Nathan's chances for higher honours. In my view, if Nathan Blacklock misses out on selection for the Blues on Sunday night, then the credibility of the NRL will come under serious question. I for one will be asking why and others will be pointing the finger squarely at the old boys who seem to have a problem with giving due credit to an outstanding Rugby League player who just happens to be from a background which differs from their own.

purchased through Ticketmaster, 07 33319000. These tickets are priced at a group rating. $16.25 (adult) and $11.45 (concession). Tickets can also be purchased from the St George Supporters Club of Queensland. Further info: Contact Tas Maras, Pres. St George Supporters Club of Queensland on 0403 014 247. Otherwise, just rock on up on the day and sit anywhere you can!

Apr 13: 22-year-old prop, Jason Ryles has signed a 3 year contract & will remain as a Dragon until the end of 2004, club chief executive Peter Doust said today.
Jason was coming off contract this year and it's great news that we'll be keeping him. His powerful tackle busting runs has been a trademark of his play.
Other players who have been re-signed since last season include Trent Barrett, Amos Roberts, Nathan Blacklock, Luke Bailey, Lance Thompson & Jason Hooper.
Apr 9: Saints have been allowed to keep their 2 competition points following the NRL's blaming of Ref Bill Harrigan. This has to be a first!
Harrigan sin binned Jason Hooper in the 21st minute of the round 8 Penrith match but allowed play to continue before Hooper could leave the field. Hooper got involved in a tackle but did not prevent a Penrith try. NRL investigation found that Harrigan had erred by not stopping play. Once sin binned, it is the ref's responsibilty to clear the player from the field before play can continue.
Apr 9: Mark Riddell appears to be OK & will may play next weekend. The mighty Saints hooker was injured in a tackle last weekend and was stretchered off with a precautionary neck brace in place. Although selected to play against the Eels on Saturday, he is considered as being in doubt.
Apr 6: Prop forward, Craig Smith, 29 will be playing his 100th first grade game when he runs onto the field against Penrith on Sunday.
Apr 2: Melbourne coach, Chris Anderson has quit the Storm. The announcement was made early on Monday evening. Anderson has been in turmoil with Storm management for months now and was apparently given the option to quit or be sacked. He has been replaced by caretaker coach, Mark Murray.
Considered petty by many, Anderson has few friends in Dragon territory following his prompting of the juciary to scrutinise the running action of Craig Smith (see March 6).
Apr 1: Rumours that Craig Smith has a broken jaw appear to be exaggerated. Smith was knocked out in Sundays win over the Cowboys after he was struck on the chin by a rising elbow from NQ forward, Nick Paterson. Paterson later escaped suspension after pleading guilty to a grade one striking charge - his previous clean record saving him from being sidelined.
Apr 1: Wests Tigers player, John Hopoate has resigned from the Tigers just prior to a Tigers' club board meeting. This ends a week of controversy for John Hopoate who was found guilty of sticking his fingers into opposition player's back sides. Having disgraced himself, John Hopoate was suspended for 12 weeks but opted to resign rather than face the further humiliation of being sacked.
Mar 30: Rumour is that there is no chance that Saints will be signing Jamie Goddard. All indications are that club officials will be spending more on nurturing the talent which is already in the club. Earlier this month, Jamie Goddard from the Northern Eagles was touted as a possible new signing to replace Nathan Brown.
Mar 30: Craig Smith has denied any move St Helens for 2002. Although there has been some interest from other overseas clubs, Craig Smith has expressed his desire to stay with the Dragons for at least 2 more years. From Jubilee Avenue.
Mar 27: The possible signing of Jamie Goddard from Northern Eagles is now up in the air following an oustanding performance by Mark Riddell in Friday night's match (23Mar). Riddell made it very clear that he the best man in the club to replace the retired hooker,  Nathan Brown. Goddard played in 1st division for the Eagles and was outplayed by Saints' 1st Division hooker, Aaron Gorrell who was returning from injury. Goddard's release from the Eagles is expected today.
Mar 27: In other 'good' news, there is no news regarding injuries and/or suspensions this week with all players coming out of last Friday's match unscathed. Jason Ryles, Wayne Bartrim and Daniel Heckenberg all make their return this week but Trent Barrett is still in doubt and will probably miss the NQ clash.
Mar 26: Rumours surfacing that Craig Smith  has been offered a huge contract to play in the English Super League, possibly with Hull or St Helens, in 2002.
Mar 23: Newspaper & TV reports have carried news of 'surprise and bewilderment' at the decision by National Rugby League judiciary commissioner Jim Hall to suspend Dragon's forward, Jason Ryles for one week. The recipient of Ryle's tackl