Daramalan College will face an undefeated St Edmund's College in the under-18 grand final of the ACT Junior Rugby Union this Sunday at Viking Park. St Edmund's will come into the game the strong favourites, boasting a point differential of plus-317 in just 11 games. They will, however, be cautious of a Daramalan side they had to come from behind to beat the last time the two schools met. Daramalan rugby master Sean Connochie was more than happy to admit St Eddies were 'the benchmark' side in the competition but remained optimistic about his side's chances. "I think we've got the players that can step up in a grand final situation," Connochie said. His counterpart at St Edmunds, Pat Langtry, said his players had the utmost respect for their opposition. "If you were stupid enough to underestimate Daramalan on Sunday ... you would do that at your own peril, I can assure you," he said. When asked about the importance of the fixture, Langtry said: "[If you're a junior] it's the game you want to be in. We're in it and we're happy about that." The under-18s Daramalan side is the focal point of a resurgent rugby program at the Dickson high school. Connochie puts their success down to a core group of players that have developed and grown alongside each other over the past few seasons.
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Claiming the Hayne Train
With all the interest in Jarryd Hayne in the US, David Pocock thinks rugby union has an opportunity to jump on the bandwagon ahead of the Wallabies' historic Test against the USA Eagles. "I think we might just claim him. They're just calling him an Aussie rugby player, so I think we might just claim the Hayne Train and get on it!" Pocock said. "As an athlete, it's pretty amazing to see what he's doing and we've all been watching with interest." Pocock noted rugby union was one of the fastest growing sports in the US, and with the general inability of the Americans to differentiate from Hayne's rugby league, there could be some added interest in the Wallabies Test and the sport itself. "With Sevens in the Olympics now, there's a lot more funding and I think it's the kind of game that if the Americans decide to take an interest and got their heads around it, they could be a real powerhouse," Pocock said.
Hodgson stays in shape for England call-up
While most of the Raiders squad will be able to put their feet up after the final two games of the season, hooker Josh Hodgson will have an individual training plan mapped out to ensure he's fit for England's Test matches with New Zealand. Hodgson will work with Canberra's strength and conditioning staff Nigel Ashley-Jones and Leigh Woodbridge to make sure he's ready to represent his country if selected. "After the Parramatta game I'll probably have a week off to rest the body, then get back into it with Nigel or Leigh Woodbridge to keep my legs moving and keep my strength up," Hodgson said. "I usually do a lot of training, anyway. I'm not the type of person who doesn't do anything for six weeks. It's something I'm used to."
Raiders members take jerseys off players' backs
The Raiders will use their final home match of the season against the Penrith Panthers on Monday night to thank their most loyal supporters, with the annual member appreciation round at Canberra Stadium. Eighteen Raiders members have been selected at random from members who attended every home game this season to receive a jersey straight from the players' back, with the presentation to occur at full-time. In addition to this, another 40 members who have attended every game have been selected to line the tunnel as the players run onto the ground, giving them an up-close experience as a thank you for their support.
Rogic's success leads to Celtic eyeing off more Canberra talent
Locker Room understands Scottish football powerhouse Celtic have been tipped off about another exciting Canberra player. Discussions are at the preliminary stages, but don't be surprised to see the move happen in the near future. Celtic are understood to be rapt with the development of ACT product Tom Rogic, who has overcome injury to showcase his talent in the Scottish Premier League. Rogic's form earned him recalled to the Socceroos squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in September.
Canberra Brave crowds chanting for new ice rink
Fans of the Canberra Brave told ACT sports minister Shane Rattenbury in no uncertain terms at the team's final home game last weekend they were hoping for a new ice rink to be built. The Brave regularly sell out the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre, which has a capacity of about 800 people. A spokesman for the minister said: "As the current rink is a private and commercial operation, the government has no plan to invest capital in the facility. However, I have heard there may be some discussions occurring with potential private investors regarding a possible new rink for the territory. There are indications that privately-owned ice facilities can be profitable, which really opens up new possibilities. I have indicated that I would be open to discussions around any proposal of this nature. The owner has worked with the Brave to make some minor upgrades to improvements, such as raised nets and more seating." The Brave have made the finals of the Australian Ice Hockey League in their first two seasons.
Soliola sorry for Pommy bashing
He's one of the NRL's most feared hitmen but off the field, you'd struggle to find a nicer bloke than Canberra Raiders forward Sia Soliola. That was demonstrated at this week's Les McIntyre Medal presentation night, where the Canberra Raiders Cup player of the year was crowned. Interviewed on stage before the award was announced, Soliola spoke about his time at St Helens and joked people in England "speak English, but you can't understand a word they say". Soliola was then told one of the award's finalists, Queanbeyan Kangaroos halfback Jack Miller, was in fact English. Miller went on to win the award but not before Soliola went out of his way to apologise for his unintended quip.
