Civoniceva tells teammates: I won't let you down

Michael Chammas Even after 299 NRL games, 45 Tests and 32 State or Origin appearances, Petero Civoniceva's worst fear is disappointing his teammates.

Legacy building: influence of coaching kings felt well beyond their own clubs

Michael Chammas THE impact Wayne Bennett and Tim Sheens have had on rugby league has been felt far beyond the 11 premierships they've collected during the past 28 years.

Perrett picked to play for Roosters

Michael Chammas and Brad Walter SAM PERRETT will play for Sydney Roosters in Sunday's match against Manly, but it may be his last for the club with the Kiwi international still hoping to join the Bulldogs before June 30.

Queensland selectors keep faith with Slater to make stunning recovery

Michael Chammas DESPITE Billy Slater having been ruled out for at least a month with a knee injury, the Maroons haven't given up hope of retaining their fullback for the series decider on July 4.

Manly set to retain another cornerstone as Raiders give up Ballin chase

Michael Chammas HAVING lost the services of Tony Williams and Darcy Lussick for next season, Manly are poised to retain off-contract hooker Matt Ballin, as Canberra resign themselves to missing out on his signature.

Choosing long studs leaves rueful Parker with a fight against infection

Michael Chammas BRISBANE will be without Corey Parker for tonight's intrastate derby against North Queensland after he underwent surgery on Wednesday night for a gash in his shin.

Bin there, done that - but this time Blues get extra man

Michael Chammas FOR the second time in as many games this series, a sin-binning turned the game on its head. In game one, NSW paid the price for Michael Jennings's ill-discipline, but, last night, they benefited...

Sin-binning proves the difference again

Michael Chammas For the second time in as many games this series, a sin-binning turned the game on its head.

Halves need to give full effort - Barrett

Michael Chammas NSW assistant coach Trent Barrett has put the onus on Todd Carney and Mitchell Pearce to lead the Blues to a series-levelling win tonight.

League

Magic Johnson gets his kicks by keeping party tricks up his sleeve

Michael Chammas SHAUN JOHNSON has set the rugby league world alight over the past year with his freakish skills, but the Warriors halfback last night conceded he wanted to be remembered for more than just his party...

Dragons' youngsters channel Maroons to put their heroes to the test

Michael Chammas EVANDER CUMMINS is no Billy Slater, but the St George Illawarra and NSW under-20s fullback was the next best thing yesterday, imitating the Maroons superstar in an opposed session against the Blues.

Farah says Blues will still fire if Grant fails to shake off knock

Michael Chammas ROBBIE FARAH believes the Blues can overcome a late reshuffle in the front row if Tim Grant is forced out of game two with the hamstring injury that sidelined him midway through yesterday's session.

Big wet forces NSW to lean on big men

Michael Chammas NSW assistant coach Trent Barrett believes the decision to pick three front-rowers for game two will help the Blues in the wet conditions forecast for Wednesday night.

Injury scare in Blues camp as Grant goes down

Michael Chammas NSW debutant Tim Grant sent a scare through Blues camp this morning, leaving the field mid-way through the team 's training session with a hamstring injury.

The son also rises: Sironen name back in the game for Tigers, but Sheens remains cautious

Michael Chammas IN THE final round of the 1998 season, four-year-old Curtis Sironen led Balmain out on to Leichhardt Oval in his father Paul's final game for his beloved Tigers.

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Ailments are nothing to worry about, says Blues doctor

Michael Chammas NSW medical staff insist there is no cause for concern after Brett Stewart was forced to sit out yesterday's training session in Kogarah with a cold.

Waqa favoured to replace Chambers

Michael Chammas SISA WAQA is expected to be called into the Melbourne back line for tonight's clash with the Wests Tigers, rushed in for Will Chambers, who has been sidelined with a rare blood-clotting disorder.

Eye of the Storm: Blair blows hot and cold in the west

Michael Chammas HAVING been denied of a fitting farewell with Melbourne following a season-ending five-game suspension last year, things didn't get much better for Adam Blair when he joined the Wests Tigers.

Gould gives backing for game's new direction

Michael Chammas THE Penrith general manager, Phil Gould, who didn't see eye to eye with David Gallop during his reign as NRL boss, last night backed the direction the Australian Rugby League Commission is heading.