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Sharks threaten rep game restings
CRONULLA coach Shane Flanagan has become the latest NRL coach to threaten to pull players out of next week’s NSW City Country fixture due to welfare issues.
On the same day Canberra counterpart Ricky Stuart vowed to protect his players from what he claimed was an exhibition match, Flanagan said he wouldn’t be risking his stars in Mudgee.
“The Des one, it’s obviously a four-day turnaround so there’s player welfare there. And it’s the first I’ve heard of Ricky pulling his players out,” Flanagan said.
“We play on the Friday night, so it’s a concern for us as well. We won’t be letting any players play that are carrying injuries into the game. We could pull players out there as well.”
His comments come despite skipper Paul Gallen coming out of retirement to captain the City side at the request of coach Brad Fittler.
Flanagan reluctantly agreed to Gallen’s decision this week, admitting the Sharks had a responsibility to promote the game in regional centres.
The defending premiers could have up to 12 players involved across the representative weekend, including Kangaroos Valentine Holmes and James Maloney. Flanagan said an injury to Gallen would greatly affect their season.
“As a senior club, we’ve got a bit of an obligation to develop rugby league, whether it’s in our area or out,” he said. THE Gold Coast Titans have added extra business nous to their board with experienced executive Geoff Jones.
Jones, chief executive officer of ticketing, entertainment and data analytics company TEG Pty Ltd, has had a successful career with senior positions in businesses including Nine Entertainment, Ticketek, Fosters, and IMG.
He also has strong sporting pedigree as the first assistant coach of Super Rugby franchise the ACT Brumbies.
The club last night announced Jones’ addition to the board following the recent resignation of Paul Donovan.
“Securing Geoff’s services for our board is a massive coup for the Titans and the NRL,” club chairwoman Rebecca Frizelle said.
“We are very fortunate to be able to add Geoff’s broad experience and talents to our existing high-calibre board.”
Although based in Sydney, Jones has previously lived on the Gold Coast. INJURED flyer James Roberts is set to be sidelined for up to four weeks, opening the door for David Mead to clinch a starting jersey.
Brisbane confirmed yesterday that their star centre had suffered ligament damage in his ankle, following an accidental collision with teammate Matt Gillett in Thursday’s win over the Panthers at Suncorp Stadium.
While the news is better than expected after Brisbane thought he had fractured the ankle, it is still a blow for Roberts. Given his recent red hot form, the Kempsey-born speedster was firming for a NSW Origin debut.
However, the injury will likely keep him out of the side for Game One, with coach Laurie Daley to name his team in the same week Roberts is due back for Brisbane.
NSW City coach Brad Fittler also revealed yesterday that prior to the injury, he was going to name Roberts for next Sunday’s clash against the Country side.
The Broncos will now have a week off from club duties for the representative round, giving coach Wayne Bennett plenty of time to pick a suitable replacement.
Versatile back Mead is the most obvious option, but Redcliffe duo Jonus Pearson and Tom Opacic will also be pressing for a recall to first grade.
Bennett said after his side’s win on Thursday that whoever came into the side for Roberts would have no problem filling in for the 24-year-old.
“We lost Ben Hunt (hamstring) and nobody blinks an eye because we’re a confident footy team,” Bennett said.
“That’s the way we make them at the Broncos. If we lose James for a while we’ll get someone in there and get the job done.”
“I’m delighted to join the Titans Board and help the club grow into the powerhouse it has the potential to be”, he said.
“I have been really impressed by the vision and passion demonstrated by the board and management, as well as the commitment and direction of the entire playing group.”
He joins existing board members Darryl Kelly, Trish Hogan, Tony Hickey, Lynne Anderson, Ned Pankhurst, and Fraser Perrin.