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Panthers lashed over 'insensitive' treatment of coach
CANBERRA general manager Don Furner has launched into Penrith chief executive Glenn Matthews on the eve of tomorrow night's clash between the two teams in Canberra, branding him "insensitive" towards Panthers coach John Lang.
Furner said he couldn't believe Matthews had repeatedly referred in public to making plans for next year with Raiders and future Penrith coach Matthew Elliott. "I don't know John Lang, but I feel for him," Furner said. "He has given Penrith great service, but they have moved him on and from the outside it looks like they are now rubbing salt into the wounds. We have no problem with Matt deciding his future, but it just seems to me that the way Penrith talk is insensitive towards their current coach. I wonder how it all goes down inside their own camp."
Eels first call for Lyon
Sources tell us the possibility of Jamie Lyon returning to Parramatta next season is genuine - because Lyon made the first move. And even if he had made some agreement with another NRL club ages ago and changed his mind, it wouldn't matter. They couldn't say boo, because they would be done under anti-tampering. Contractually, Lyon has been under Parramatta's jurisdiction all along, even while playing for St Helens in England.
Trouble in wings for Stuart
Australian coach Ricky Stuart would have some explaining to do to his Sydney Roosters fullback Anthony Minichiello if Minichiello was moved from fullback to wing for the Test against New Zealand on May 5. Players know enough about representative selections to realise selectors would not make such dramatic moves without the say-so of the coach.
Crowe goes on the buses
Just a week after Peter Holmes a Court and Russell Crowe gained control of the Rabbitohs, South Sydney Leagues Club cancelled a bus service for fans travelling to home games at Telstra Stadium. While patronage wasn't high, the football club is now considering underwriting the cost of the buses.
Ballot mystery
Still on the fallout at Souths over the privatisation of the football club, why didn't someone move a motion to destroy the ballot papers at the end of the March 19 extraordinary general meeting of members to vote on Holmes a Court's and Crowe's $3 million offer for a 75 per cent stake in the Bunnies? It's not unusual at such meetings and has happened at Souths before when George Piggins was in control. Instead, he is now threatening legal action over the vote.
Chance for young refs
Steve Clark is missing from the first-grade refereeing ranks this weekend, but he is just getting a one-week break while referees' boss Robert Finch has a look at young Gavin Badger. The other experienced referees will also get a game off at some stage. Finch said rookie refs Jared Maxwell, Ben Cummins and Tony De Las Heras were all likely to be seen in first grade this season.
Shark circles Tigers
A representative acting on behalf of South African rugby union halfback Ruan Pienaar has contacted Wests Tigers, who are on the lookout to replace Gold Coast-bound Scott Prince next season. The 22-year-old son of former Springboks fullback Gysie Pienaar lists Australia as the best country he has visited in a profile on the website of his Super 14 club, The Sharks, saying: "It's beautiful".
Blocker's call to help clubs
Steve "Blocker" Roach, Manly's assistant coach, advocates a "buddy system" to support cash-strapped bush clubs and junior leagues. "I'm willing to put in $100 to pay for the insurance premium of someone in the bush or the juniors and have that player become my buddy," Blocker said. "If every player in the NRL and ex-players had someone they identified with, watching them play, giving advice, it would establish great relationships with the grassroots as well as meeting their $8m annual insurance bill."
Tipping top guns
Three weeks in and there are three joint leaders at footytips.com.au. flo schulz, Holden and Gerard Ebert all have 20 points.
LATEST COMMENTS
thanks to the boys in black who won todays grand final. you's really made me proud. the big fellas took it out in 2003 n you's took it out in 2006 against the same teams in 3years. keep up the great work boys!!
- Posted by: tanya guttie on October 1, 2006 9:03 PM
How can any Panthers fan be surprised with what goes on within the Panthers camp.
Ever since thier inseption they have pulled one surprise after another.
Was the loss of Fittler the biggest surprise for Penrith/Panther fans or winning a premiership this century?
You tell us Panther fans.
PS John Lang is a players coach, one who moulds a team into winners, doesn't need 10 internationals to ensure success, he will mould what he has into a team of winners.
- Posted by: the professor on April 30, 2006 7:18 PM
Cheryl, thugs can be found in any walk of life not just in rugby league or sport in general, go away and take your hatred of rugby league with it.
On to the footy, I am really looking forward to Sunday when the Knights take on the Cowboys, should be a good game but I am not confident as I tipped against the Knights...
- Posted by: Julie on April 14, 2006 7:13 PM
I was surprised when I heard the news that Penrith had selected Elliott for next year, given John Lang's record @ the Panthers. But as a supporter I have to believe that those in charge have a better view of the NRL and how to succeed in it than myself or most other Panthers supporters.
As for talking about the future, given that this decision has been made there is no hiding from it so to act like it isn't happening isn't a good idea either.
- Posted by: Peter on March 31, 2006 11:17 PM
Cheryl,
You know what really speaks volumes for the education in the country? When rugby league haters can't spell "volumes"
- Posted by: Tam on March 31, 2006 5:32 PM
Cheryl,
Seeing you are clearly so well educated perhaps you could explain how, if you have spent your life avoiding Rugby League, you come to be writing in a Rugby League blog? And is your problem only with commentators or is it sports people in general. I'd also love to hear how Rugby League is responsible for the slipping standard of Australian education. I hope you have a lovely weekend, sounds like you need it.
- Posted by: The Gaffer on March 31, 2006 5:23 PM
George Piggins
Is it any surprise that George wants a recount???
This guy is like a bush fly who just does'nt know when to go away.
He will cost either the Leagues or Football clubs thousands and STILL lose.
When will Souths EVER be able to finally see the backend of this bloke?
Everey bit of trouble that Souths have had over the last 10 years can be traced back to him as the source.
Presently, IF you believe him, he is taking Andrew Denton, Holmes a Court and now KPMG to court because he didn't get his own way......"Let's have a party George if you did happen to win with 74.99% of members against you!!
- Posted by: Graham Peppercorn on March 31, 2006 4:35 PM
Cheryl if you have spent your life trying to ignore rugby league (What a sad, sad existence you lead) then why have you posted a comment on a page that is solely dedicated to rugby league! Take your misguided opinions of the great game and your gripes with the education system elsewhere.
Back to the footy, more bad news is on the horizon for Penrith in 2007 unfortunately for all you Panther fans. On top of losing Lang, word around the camp fire is that Craig Gower wants out and will ask for a release at the season's end. The clubs handling of the aftermath of his bucks weekend and the manner in which Lang was shown the door are supposedly behind his trail of thought. I hope for the Panther's sake something changes between now and then.
- Posted by: Where there's smoke there's fire on March 31, 2006 3:38 PM
Al, put your head back in the sand mate. Pienaar's a top young player & would go well in either code. It's a new world mate - open ya eyes!
- Posted by: Grazy on March 31, 2006 3:10 PM
I have spent my life trying to ingore the "Thugby League" mentality - the commentators do not know how to speak, the players are illiterate. It is a Neanderthal 'sport'.
The majority of sports people do not know how pronounce the name of the country - they say "Straya".
Speaks voulumrs of the education systems in the nation.
- Posted by: Cheryl on March 31, 2006 3:01 PM
Mathews has alot to answer for, he is way out of his depth and will be looking for someone to blame for his actions.
- Posted by: Glenn on March 31, 2006 2:51 PM
Young referees!!! what ever happened to Steve Lyons & Matt Checcin...
- Posted by: bring back the refs on March 31, 2006 2:47 PM
Penrith as a community didn't let Lang go. I would have loved to see him with Penrith for many years to come. It's a damn shame. Haven't yet seen a good report from Matthew Elliot for 2006...than again there is still the season is only 4 rounds old. Hopefully there will be a turn around and give the current Penrith fans something to look forward too.
- Posted by: Natasha on March 31, 2006 1:38 PM
Blocker's $100? Better than a tap on the head I say.
- Posted by: Squizy on March 31, 2006 12:41 PM
Why not ask Robert Finch why the best up ad coming referee in the game Steve Lyons is in Premier League. Apparrently Finch doesnt like referee's to have a personality ? Or was it he sin binned Brett Finch for back chat last year ? Please explain....
- Posted by: SP on March 31, 2006 11:18 AM
So is this South African Union bloke any good? I've never seen him play, because quite frankly even if they were playing a Union Test match in my backyard, I'd close the blinds.
- Posted by: Al on March 31, 2006 11:03 AM
I agree with roachy too, what a champ to offer that mentoring to someone who might not get the opportunity. Well done Steve, you come from a time when footy wasnt all about "endorsements". It was simply about the footy.
- Posted by: David on March 31, 2006 10:52 AM
Well done Blocker, best idea in ages from anyone in footy.
- Posted by: Dirty Stanchez on March 31, 2006 10:19 AM
I am a passionate Eels supporter and provided he has the right mindset, I would,like most Eels fans love nothing more than to see Jamie Lyon slip on that "Mighty Eels" jumper once more.I just hope it's not at the expense of someone like Timana Tahu.Timana has to remain at centre and be very much a part of Parra's future.Take note Michael Hagan.
- Posted by: Paul Whelan on March 31, 2006 10:00 AM
i totally agree with the blocker roach comment. the grassroots, not the TV ratings, is where the future of football in Australia will be decided, and a buddy system would be a great start in an area where the cashed up AFL already has great intentions and initiatives.
- Posted by: mahesh on March 31, 2006 9:59 AM
Why pay $8m in insurance each year to insurance companies who are obviously charging unrealistically high premiums. This is far more than is likely to be paid out in claims in any one year. The NRL and all other league administrations should set up a pool of funds to self-insure. This will save money for what's really needed - a higher salary cap and more funds for junior development.
- Posted by: John on March 31, 2006 9:07 AM
What a great idea from Steve Roach, paying $100 a year to help pay the insurance of some youngsters and bush playes. AFL is encroaching on League territory so it is also a fantastic idea to "buddy up" with a pro player. This will give the kids someone to follow and hopefully keep them in th egame longer.
- Posted by: Paulo on March 31, 2006 12:27 AM
i love to sit and watch my footy on TV
penrith panthers is the team for me
i love it when the boys score
thats when i let out a big roar
so you'll always be the team for me
as i sit back and watch you's on TV.