Paul Gallen Origin Retirement
Our inspirational leader announced that 2016 would be his final hit out in the Holden State of Origin arena, and assuming he starts in all three matches, he will finish his representative career with the most Origin games for the NSW VB Blues as captain. Gallen will forever be remembered as a State of Origin legend, and some highlights include a gladiator-like performance in the second game of the 2011 series with an 80-minute effort in the front row, and captaining the state to the famous drought-breaking series victory in 2014. On behalf of the people of New South Wales, we thank you Paul, for the leading the VB Blues from the front and leaving your blood, sweat and tears on the field throughout your decorated representative career.
Robbie Farah Return
The other half of the NSW VB Blues captaincy pairing made his return off the bench for the Wests Tigers this week, which was another great step in his preparation towards starting in the first game of the upcoming Holden State of Origin series. Tickets for Game I and Game III can be purchased here.
2016 Origin Launch
The 2016 Holden State of Origin series was launched earlier in the week at ANZ Stadium, alongside a spine-tingling promotional video designed to draw in the fans. NRL CEO Todd Greenberg launched the “This is Origin campaign”, along with VB Blues coach Laurie Daley and captain Paul Gallen, XXXX Queensland Maroons coach Kevin Walters and captain Cameron Smith. Watch the press conferences here.
Action Cameras and Weight-For-Age on Trial
In addition to the NSWRL “Respect” campaign, cameras strapped to the chest of referees will be trialled to monitor the behaviour of players, coaches and parents on the sideline. In another strategy to increase junior participation, parents will have the option to put their children in competitions and divisions based on their own weight and age. Children mature at different rates, and this is a wonderful opportunity for kids all shapes and sizes to have a fair go at playing the greatest game of all. Read more about the incredible initiatives here.
Junior Representative Season Heating Up
There are only two rounds left of the regular season in the NSWRL’s Harold Matthews u-16s and SG Ball u-18s competitions. The Parramatta Eels are seven from seven in the Harold Matthews, while the Illawarra Steelers are undefeated in the SG Ball. NSWRL Player Performance Manager, Jamie Feeney, reviewed the round that was and previewed the week to come, in the seventh instalment of Jamie’s Jury.
Round 7 Harold Matthews Results
Round 7 Harold Matthews Highlights
Round 8 Harold Matthews Team Lists
Intrust Super Premiership NSW Previews
We are only a month into the 2016 Intrust Super Premiership, but the competition has already thrown up some surprises. Illawarra, Wentworthville and Wests Tigers failed to make the finals last year, but take up the opening three spots on the ladder, while the premiers only just recorded their first victory of the season last Sunday. Round 5 promises excitement, and each game is previewed here.
Round 4 Intrust Super Premiership Team of the Week
Round 4 Intrust Super Premiership NSW Results
