Talking points

Tigers’ Woods more than ready to tee off in Origin

Greg Prichard The performances of Aaron Woods and Keith Galloway for Wests Tigers in the rain against Melbourne was a reminder of how valuable they might be against Queensland on Wednesday, particularly since the...

Early signs good for Bennett and Cleary as troops fall into line

Greg Prichard However long it takes for Wayne Bennett to get Newcastle to play the way he wants and start challenging for a premiership, it is bound to happen.

Sterling backs playmaker Mullen to realise his potential under Bennett

Greg Prichard PETER STERLING says master coach Wayne Bennett will do for Jarrod Mullen at Newcastle what he did for Jamie Soward at St George Illawarra.

Greg Prichard

In veteran, master coach has found his latest Lockyer

Greg Prichard Wayne Bennett has found his Newcastle version of Darren Lockyer at Brisbane and Ben Hornby at St George Illawarra.

Stuart throws down gauntlet for Blues

Greg Prichard NSW COACH Ricky Stuart has publicly challenged the top Blues-eligible props in the NRL to force him not to pick Paul Gallen in the front row for State of Origin I.

An ugly game, but a win doesn't have to be pretty

Greg Prichard If it wasn't the game from hell, it was from a place nearby. But they can't all be jewels, and one of the beautiful things about rugby league is that even if you play ugly but manage to win, it's...

Tamou bolts into Test calculations as selectors consider the options

Greg Prichard BARELY a week after NSW coach Ricky Stuart nominated him as one of the props under consideration for State of Origin selection, James Tamou is also a potential bolter for the Australian team.

Clock ticking for Blues wannabes as squad takes shape

Greg Prichard INJURED stars Glenn Stewart, Josh Dugan and Brett Stewart need to get back on the field quickly if they are to have any chance of making the NSW side for State of Origin I against Queensland at...