Steve Orme | Sporting News

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New Zealand snatch late win

A 76th-minute try to Shaun Kenny-Dowall helped New Zealand snatch a 14-12 come-from-behind win over a gutsy Samoa in Whangarei on Saturday.

Steve Orme

Kiwis snatch late Four Nations win over unlucky Samoa

A 76th-minute try to Shaun Kenny-Dowall has helped New Zealand snatch a 14-12 come-from-behind win over a gutsy Samoa in Whangarei on Saturday afternoon.

Steve Orme

Deans fears for Beale

Former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans admits he fears what would happen to Kurtley Beale if the wayward star is lost to rugby union.

Steve Orme

Flanagan cleared to return to coaching

Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan has been cleared to return to work after the NRL lifted his suspension over the club's 2011 supplements program on Friday.

Steve Orme

10 things you might not know about the Barbarians

On their official website The Barbarians describe themselves as 'a rugby club which brings together players from different clubs to play a few matches each year to enjoy the camaraderie of the game and play attacking, adventurous rugby without the pressure of having to win'.

Steve Orme

Kiwis dominate Barbarians squad

The Wallabies will start life under new coach Michael Cheika against a Barbarians side loaded with New Zealanders at Twickenham on Sunday morning (AEST).

Steve Orme

NRC GF Preview: Brisbane City v Perth Spirit

Brisbane City host Perth Spirit in the inaugural final of the National Rugby Championship at Ballymore on Saturday, November 1. The match kicks-off at 7.30pm (AEDT).

Steve Orme

Cheap shots: How do these rate on the thug meter?

Sydney Kings import Josh Childress' sickening elbow on Perth Wildcats player Jesse Wagstaff was a shocker - but where does it rank against other 'errant elbows' in sport?

Steve Orme

Preview: Barbarians v Wallabies

The Wallabies play the Barbarians at Twickenham in the opening game of the 2014 spring tour on Sunday, November 2. The match kicks off at 1.30am (AEDT).

Steve Orme

Preview: Kangaroos v England

The Kangaroos host England in the second round of the 2014 Four Nations at AAMI Park on Sunday, November 2. The match kicks off at 4.00pm (AEDT).

Steve Orme

Watmough granted early release, joins Eels

Manly stalwart Anthony Watmough has been granted an immediate release from the final year of his Sea Eagles contract and will join arch rivals Parramatta on a three-year deal in 2015.

Steve Orme

Australia omit disgraced Beale

Australia coach Michael Cheika has not included Kurtley Beale in his November internationals squad, despite being eligible for selection.

Steve Orme

Cheika snubs Beale

New Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has resisted the temptation to parachute Kurtley Beale into his spring tour squad despite the Waratahs star being eligible for selection.

Steve Orme

The colourful career of Kurtley Beale

Kurtley Beale copped a hefty fine but the serial off-field offender once again survived the axe on Friday night.

Steve Orme

Beale survives axe, Pulver reluctantly accepts ruling

Wallabies star Kurtley Beale copped a hefty fine but survived the axe and is eligible to play for Australia effective immediately after a marathon six-hour hearing on a night of high drama at ARU headquarters.

Steve Orme

Folau backs Beale, endorses Cheika

Israel Folau has thrown his support behind suspended star Kurtley Beale and promised his other Wallabies team-mates they'll love every minute of playing under new coach Michael Cheika.

Steve Orme

Israel Folau wins John Eales Medal

Former NRL star Israel Folau has completed his stunning conversion to rugby union after winning the 2014 John Eales medal on Thursday night.

Steve Orme

Four Nations Preview: England v Samoa

England play Samoa in the first game of the Four Nations double header at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, October 25. The match kicks off at 5pm (AEDT).

Steve Orme

Jarryd Hayne: 10 things about America

Jarryd Hayne faces an uphill battle to make it in the NFL - but his biggest challenge just might be adjusting to some of the weird and wonderful parts of American life off the field.

Steve Orme

Gallen targets NRL in abusive tweet

Suspended Cronulla captain Paul Gallen could find himself in even more trouble after posting a crude tweet criticising NRL management.

Steve Orme

Who do the Wallabies play on the Spring tour?

The Wallabies play the Barbarians, Wales, France, Ireland and England on their annual Spring tour of the United Kingdom and Europe. The tour opens against the Barbarians on Sunday, November 2 at Twickenham and concludes on Sunday, November 30 at the same venue against England.

Steve Orme

Preview: Kangaroos v Kiwis

The Kangaroos host the Kiwis in the Four Nations opener at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, October 25. The match kicks off at 7.30pm (AEDT).

Steve Orme

The gospel according to Wallabies saviour Michael Cheika

Michael Cheika signed a three-year deal to coach the Wallabies at 10.30am Wednesday and faced the media two hours later flanked by ARU boss Bill Pulver.

Steve Orme

Cheika unveiled as Wallabies coach

Michael Cheika has been unveiled as Wallabies coach on Wednesday after agreeing to a three-year deal with the Australian Rugby Union.

Steve Orme

12 things you didn't know about Michael Cheika

Spend five minutes in Michael Cheika's company and you'll feel equal parts fear and admiration.

Steve Orme

The contenders: Who is in the mix to coach the Wallabies?

Ewen McKenzie is gone after sensationally falling on his sword just 15 months into his reign as Wallabies coach following Saturday's 29-28 loss to the All Blacks.

Steve Orme

Pulver: Wallabies can win World Cup

They don't have a coach, have won just two of their last seven Tests and are coming off the fortnight from hell – but if you listen to ARU boss Bill Pulver there is 'a lot to like' about the Wallabies 11 months out from the Rugby World Cup.

Steve Orme

McCaw: Yellow card a turning point

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw says the yellow card handed to reserve lock Patrick Tuipulotu was the catalyst for his side's miraculous 29-28 victory over the Wallabies in Bledisloe III.

Steve Orme

McKenzie resigns as Wallabies coach: How the drama unfolded

Ewen McKenzie's tumultuous 15-month reign as Wallabies coach is over after the 49-year-old confirmed his resignation just moments after his side's 29-28 loss to the All Blacks in Brisbane.

Steve Orme

Bledisloe Cup Preview: Wallabies v All Blacks

Australia hosts New Zealand on Saturday, October 18 in Bledisloe III at Suncorp Stadium. The match kicks off at 8.00pm (AEDT).

Steve Orme

Inglis is in the NRL to stay – for now

A relaxed Greg Inglis fronted the media inside Kangaroos camp in Brisbane on Friday afternoon to chat about a number of rugby league issues including Jarryd Hayne's shock departure, his own cross-code aspirations and player burnout.

Steve Orme

Five reasons the Wallabies will beat the All Blacks

After a week of turmoil has engulfed the team, Steve Orme explains why the Wallabies can put the controversy aside and claim victory against the All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup.

Steve Orme

Hooper dodges McKenzie questions

Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has again stopped well short of declaring his full support for besieged coach Ewen McKenzie.

Steve Orme

James won't put Slipper into McKenzie or Beale

Vice-captain James Slipper has become the first senior Wallaby to publicly back besieged coach Ewen McKenzie and declare suspended team-mate Kurtley Beale did the wrong thing.

Steve Orme

All Blacks keep Cruden on the outer

All Blacks first-five Aaron Cruden remains on the outer after he was sensationally left out of Steve Hansen's 23-man squad for Bledisloe III against Australia in Brisbane.

Steve Orme

Hansen snubs Cruden

All Blacks first-five Aaron Cruden remains on the outer, left out of Steve Hansen's 23-man squad for the Bledisloe Cup Test in Brisbane.

Steve Orme

Scotts: Hayne could make NFL inside 12 months

Jarryd Hayne isn't anywhere near fast enough to be a wide receiver but would make a handy running back and could be playing in the NFL inside 12 months as a kick returner – according to Australia's NFL pioneer Colin Scotts.

Steve Orme

Jarryd Hayne v NFL's best

How does Jarryd Hayne measure up?

Steve Orme

What's the latest in the Kurtley Beale saga?

Our leather-patch man updates the state of play four days after Australian Rugby Union CEO Bill Pulver announced Wallabies star Kurtley Beale will face a disciplinary hearing over 'deeply offensive' text messages he allegedly sent about a now former ARU staffer.

Steve Orme

A-League Review

David Villa made an immediate impact on the A-League with a goal on debut to help Melbourne City grab a 1-1 draw at Sydney FC on Saturday.

Steve Orme

Stubbins laments Jets' lack of finishing quality

Newcastle Jets coach Phil Stubbins concedes missed opportunities ultimately cost his side in Saturday's heart-breaking 1-0 loss to Central Coast Mariners in a competitive F3 derby at Gosford.

Steve Orme

Moss hails gutsy Mariners

Central Coast Mariners coach Phil Moss has praised his side's character after snatching a dramatic 1-0 victory over the Newcastle Jets in a willing F3 Derby on Saturday.

Steve Orme

Mariners strike late to claim F3 derby

An extra-time goal from Mitchell Duke helped the Central Coast Mariners snatch a 1-0 victory over the Newcastle Jets in an entertaining F3 Derby at Central Coast Stadium.

Steve Orme

McKenzie denies 'intimate' relationship with Di Patston

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie denied he is intimately involved with team Business Manager Di Patston as he faced the media for the first time on Friday over speculation the pair are in a relationship.

Steve Orme

How the latest Kurtley Beale drama unfolded

Is Kurtley Beale's Wallabies career over? Is coach Ewen McKenzie's job safe and just who is Di Patston? Our leather-patch man tries to explain the mess that all started with a stoush over a t-shirt.

Steve Orme

NBL season preview

It's a great time to be a basketball fan with the NBL getting underway this week. Get the lowdown on everything you need to know ahead of the new season.

Steve Orme

Great national anthem stuff ups

Argentine tenor Marcelo Zelada had a bit of a struggle with Advance Australia Fair before the Wallabies' 21-17 Rugby Championship loss to the Pumas on Sunday morning.

Steve Orme

Brave Burgess beaming

Sam Burgess was happy to play through the pain barrier with a broken cheekbone to help South Sydney Rabbitohs to NRL glory on Sunday.

Steve Orme

Brave Burgess to undergo surgery after leading Souths to grand final victory

Clive Churchill medal winner Sam Burgess says leaving the field was never an option despite knowing he had broken his cheekbone in the opening seconds of Sunday's 30-6 NRL grand final triumph over Canterbury.

Steve Orme

Burgess leads Rabbitohs to victory

Sam Burgess played the entire game with a suspected fractured cheekbone as South Sydney ended their 43-year premiership drought with a 30-6 victory over a brave Canterbury-Bankstown in an epic NRL grand final at ANZ Stadium.

Steve Orme

Rabbitohs win grand final

South Sydney Rabbitohs ended their 43-year premiership drought with a 30-6 victory over Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in Sunday's NRL final.

Steve Orme

Five reasons the Bunnies and Bulldogs can win the grand final

Are the Bunnies marching towards destiny or will the Bulldogs become the first club to win the premiership from outside the top four since the inception of the NRL in 1998? We've run the rule over both teams and come up with five reasons each will win the 2014 NRL grand final.

Steve Orme

NRL Grand Final Preview: Rabbitohs v Bulldogs

The South Sydney Rabbitohs meet the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium on Sunday, October 5 in the first NRL preliminary final. The match kicks off at 7.20pm (AEDT).

Steve Orme

Will Ennis do a Jana and throw down crutches?

He has all-but ruled himself out Sunday's NRL decider twice but is Canterbury captain Michael Ennis on the verge of the bravest comeback since Aussie battler Jana 'Drama' Pittman threw down her crutches?

Steve Orme

Do you care who wins the NRL grand final?

Unless you're a South Sydney or Canterbury fan you've already watched your team get knocked out of the premiership race. So if it can't be your boys who would you rather see doing a victory lap on Sunday night: The Rabbitohs. Bulldogs or none of the above?

Steve Orme

Preview: Argentina v Wallabies

Argentina hosts Australia on Sunday, October 5 in a Rugby Championship fixture at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza. The match kicks off at 9.40am (AEDT).

Steve Orme

Greenberg: Luke decision not heartless

Todd Greenberg has rejected claims the NRL is being heartless by banning suspended South Sydney hooker Issac Luke from going on stage after Sunday's NRL grand final.

Steve Orme

Luke rubbed out of NRL Grand Final

South Sydney hooker Issac Luke will miss Sunday's NRL grand final against Canterbury after he was found guilty of a dangerous throw on Sonny Bill Williams at the judiciary on Tuesday night.

Steve Orme

Ennis: I need a miracle

Canterbury captain Michael Ennis has all-but ruled himself out of Sunday's NRL grand final against South Sydney, admitting he'd need a 'miracle' to overcome a foot injury in time.

Steve Orme

Grand Final heat: South Sydney sweat on Luke charge

South Sydney players are hopeful hooker Issac Luke can clear his name at the judiciary and fully expect Canterbury captain Michael Ennis to play in Sunday's NRL grand final at ANZ Stadium.

Steve Orme

Des Hasler: Bulldogs are Grand Final underdogs

It took Canterbury coach Des Hasler just six seconds to start the mind games ahead of next Sunday's NRL grand final against South Sydney.

Steve Orme

Bulldogs reach Grand Final

Canterbury Bulldogs set up an NRL Grand Final showdown against South Sydney Rabbitohs after beating Penrith Pathers 18-12 on Saturday.

Steve Orme

Ennis injured as Bulldogs edge Panthers to make NRL grand final

Canterbury-Bankstown will play South Sydney in the 2014 NRL grand final after the Bulldogs overcame an ankle injury to skipper Michael Ennis to score a gutsy 18-12 victory over Penrith at ANZ Stadium.

Steve Orme

NRL Prelim Final Preview: Panthers v Bulldogs

The Penrith Panthers meet the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium on Saturday, September 27 in the second NRL preliminary final. The match kicks off at 7.55pm (AEST).

Steve Orme

SBW still open to NRL return

Departing Roosters forward Sonny Bill Williams gave a rare interview on Friday night after his second coming in the NRL ended with a 32-22 preliminary final loss to South Sydney.

Steve Orme

Maguire: Issac Luke has no case to answer

South Sydney coach Michael Maguire is adamant Issac Luke doesn't have a case to answer while the bloke he up-ended hopes he is cleared to play in next Sunday's NRL grand final – but the Rabbitohs hooker faces an agonising few days.

Steve Orme

Rabbitohs storm into NRL grand final

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are through to their first grand final in 43 years after coming from behind to beat reigning premiers the Sydney Roosters 32-22 in a brutal preliminary final at ANZ Stadium.

Steve Orme

NRL Prelim Final Preview: Roosters v Rabbitohs

The Sydney Roosters meet the South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium on Friday, September 26 in the first NRL preliminary final. The match kicks off at 7.55pm (AEST).

Steve Orme

Preview: Springboks v Wallabies

South Africa hosts Australia on Sunday, September 28 in a Rugby Championship fixture at Newlands Stadium, Cape Town. The match kicks off at 1.05am (AEST).

Steve Orme

Minichiello: I’m No South Sydney Bunny

Defiant Roosters veteran Anthony Minichiello is adamant he won't be South Sydney's bunny in Friday's blockbuster NRL preliminary final at ANZ Stadium.

Steve Orme

A reason to fear and a reason to cheer

You've ridden every try, brain snap and bad call all season and your team are now one win away from the big dance. But what's the one thing keeping you awake at night and what's giving you reason to dream your boys will make it through to the NRL decider?

Steve Orme

GI confession: Inglis comes clean

Finally someone has admitted it: South Sydney superstar Greg Inglis fronted a massive media pack at Redfern Oval on Tuesday morning and publicly confirmed the Bunnies were a mess this time last season.

Steve Orme

Bennett a Bronco for life - again

Returning Broncos mentor Wayne Bennett reported for duty in Brisbane on Monday and fronted the local media to mark the start of his second coming.

Steve Orme

Roll up, roll up for the Des Hasler Show

Four NRL coaches fronted the media on Monday morning. Three of them looked like they would have preferred double root canal surgery followed by a prostate exam. The other looked like a bloke who has already won two comps and is at his happiest in September.

Steve Orme

NRL Finals Week 3 Rundown

And then there were four. The South Sydney Rabbitohs face the Sydney Roosters in the 2nd preliminary final next Friday while the Penrith Panthers meet the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the 1st grand-final qualifier on Saturday night.

Steve Orme

Josh Jackson escape stuns league fans

Canterbury Bulldogs forward Josh Jackson has escaped charge for his chicken wing tackle on Manly prop Josh Starling, prompting an avalanche of criticism from stunned league fans.

Steve Orme

Canterbury Bulldogs triumph

Trent Hodkinson scored Canterbury Bulldogs' golden point to earn a thrilling 18-17 win over Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL preliminary final.

Steve Orme

Thurston blames slow start but Cowboys fans slam refs

Skipper Johnathan Thurston and his team-mates have copped it on the chin but try telling Cowboys fans the referees didn't cost them their season for the third straight year.

Steve Orme

Roosters end Cowboys' season with controversial win

The Sydney Roosters will play South Sydney for a spot in the NRL grand final next Friday night after a dramatic and controversial 31-30 victory over North Queensland in an epic first semi final at Allianz Stadium.

Steve Orme

Sea Eagles keep Bulldogs guessing over Matt Ballin

Will Manly hooker Matt Ballin play or won't he? Even Manly coach Geoff Toovey and the man himself were at odds over that question on the eve of Saturday's sudden-death semi-final against Canterbury.

Steve Orme

NRL Semi-Final Preview: Roosters v Cowboys

The Sydney Roosters meet the North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium on Friday, September 19 in the first NRL semi final. The match kicks off at 7.55pm (AEST).

Steve Orme

Friend return up there with the toughest

From Clive Churchill kicking the winning goal with a broken arm wrapped in cardboard, to Andrew Johns winning the 1997 grand final with a punctured lung and Shaun Kenny-Dowall playing out the 2013 decider with a broken jaw.

Steve Orme

Robinson roasts North Queensland over Minichiello chook photo

He is known for his stoic demeanour but Roosters coach Trent Robinson's feathers were well and truly ruffled on Thursday over a 'disrespectful' photo of skipper Anthony Minichiello dressed as a barbecue chicken.

Steve Orme

NRL Semi-Final Preview: Sea Eagles v Bulldogs

The Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles meet the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, September 20 in the second NRL semi final. The match kicks off at 7.45pm (AEST).

Steve Orme

NRL fines Cowboys $10,000 over Tweet and coach rant

North Queensland have been slugged with a $10,000 fine after coach Paul Green allegedly questioned the integrity of the NRL match review committee and judiciary.

Steve Orme

NRL Finals: Six things Sea Eagles must do against Bulldogs

Six questions the Sea Eagles must answer in Saturday's semi-final against Des Hasler's Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium.

Steve Orme

NRL Finals Week 2 Rundown: What you need to know

South Sydney and Penrith are through to the preliminary finals, with the Sydney Roosters and North Queensland to play in semi-final 1 on Friday night while Manly will meet Canterbury in the second semi on Saturday night.

Steve Orme

Australia hold off Argentina

Australia survived a late scare to defeat a committed Argentina 32-25 in the Rugby Championship in Gold Coast on Saturday.

Steve Orme

Australia hold on for narrow victory over fast-finishing Argentina

Australia survived a late scare to defeat a committed Argentina 32-25 in Round 4 of the Rugby Championship at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday night.

Steve Orme

NRL Elimination Final Preview: Storm v Bulldogs

The Melbourne Storm host the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at AAMI Park on Sunday, September 14 in the second NRL elimination final. The match kicks off at 4.10pm (AEST).

Steve Orme

Lyon, Toovey hit out at Inglis

Manly skipper Jamie Lyon and coach Geoff Toovey have both suggested South Sydney star Greg Inglis influenced the outcome of the tackle that sent him spearing into the Allianz Stadium turf in Friday's qualifying final.

Steve Orme

Rabbitohs smash Sea Eagles to move one win away from NRL grand final

An Adam Reynolds master-class has put South Sydney one win away from a grand-final berth after a convincing 40-24 victory over Manly in the second qualifying final at Allianz Stadium.

Steve Orme

NRL 2nd Qualifying Final Preview: Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs

The Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles meet the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium on Friday, September 12 in the second NRL qualifying final. The match kicks off at 7.55pm (AEST).

Steve Orme

Preview: Wallabies v Argentina

Australia hosts Argentina on Saturday, September 13 in Round 4 of the Rugby Championship fixture at Patersons Stadium. The match kicks off at 8pm (AEST).

Steve Orme

NRL Elimination Final Preview: Cowboys v Broncos

The North Queensland Cowboys host the Brisbane Broncos at 1300SMILES Stadium on Saturday, September 13 in the first NRL elimination final. The match kicks off at 7.55pm (AEST).

Steve Orme

Beau Ryan: The fully sick rapper

Former Wests Tigers and Cronulla Sharks winger Beau Ryan has turned 'rapper', teaming up with hip hop stars Justice Crew to release his debut single.

Steve Orme

Dessie's top tactics for muzzling the media

It's a rite of passage for all rugby league reporters. Until you've been 'Dessied' you are not a card-carrying member of the NRL writers' fraternity.

Steve Orme

NRL 1st Qualifying Final Preview: Roosters v Panthers

The Sydney Roosters meet the Penrith Panthers at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, September 13 in the first NRL qualifying final. The match kicks off at 5.50pm (AEST).

Steve Orme

Taufua: I ate too many M&M's

Eccentric Manly winger Jorge Taufua has offered a unique and slightly bizarre explanation for his shocker against the Cowboys on Saturday night, admitting he ate too many M&Ms on the eve of the game.

Steve Orme

Mad Monday: Topless barmaids, drag queens and booze

Yep, it's that time of year again already. When footballers dress up like women, superheroes and cartoon characters and stay at their local watering hole an hour or 10 too long.

Steve Orme

NRL Finals: The inside mail

The Sea Eagles play the Rabbitohs in the second NRL qualifying final on Friday, the Roosters meet the Panthers in the first qualifier on Saturday evening, the Cowboys host the Broncos in the first elimination final on Saturday night and the Storm play the Bulldogs in the second sudden-death final on Sunday.

Steve Orme

Watmough denies Parramatta rumours

Manly veteran Anthony Watmough has taken to social media to rubbish reports he has signed a three-year deal with Parramatta from 2016.

Steve Orme

The NRL Finals rundown: What you need to know

The Sea Eagles play the Rabbitohs in the second NRL qualifying final on Friday, the Roosters meet the Panthers in the first qualifier on Saturday eveing, the Cowboys host the Broncos in the first elimination final on Saturday night and the Storm play the Bulldogs in the second sudden-death final on Sunday.

Steve Orme

Wallabies storm home to beat Springboks

A 79th-minute try to Rob Horne and a clutch conversion from Bernard Foley have helped Australia snatch a highly controversial 24-23 victory over South Africa at Patersons Stadium.

Steve Orme

Hasler loses it over officiating

'Very, very poor' and 'dumb, dumb, dumb' – that was Canterbury coach Des Hasler's scathing assessment of referees Gerard Sutton and Alan Shortall after Thursday's 21-14 loss to South Sydney.

Steve Orme

Smith plays down ankle injury

Melbourne captain Cameron Smith is quietly confident a high ankle sprain suffered in his side's vital 22-12 victory over Brisbane won't rule him out of Week 1 of the NRL finals.

Steve Orme

Preview: Wallabies v Springboks

Australia hosts South Africa on Saturday September 6 in a Rugby Championship fixture at Patersons Stadium. The match kicks off at 8.00pm (AEST).

Steve Orme

Ankle surgery ends Glenn Stewart's career at Manly

Manly stalwart Glenn Stewart has played his last game for the club after undergoing ankle surgery on Thursday, his younger brother Brett has confirmed.

Steve Orme

Folau snubbed by Waratahs team-mates

Israel Folau is NOT one of the 10 best players on the Waratahs roster ... well at least that's what his team-mates think.

Steve Orme

Move over Cleo Bachelors: The NRL's 'dusty dozen' revealed

We here at Sportal were outraged to learn of Cleo's NRL snub for their annual Bachelor of the Year awards. No leaguies made the final cut of 30 nominees – not one!

Steve Orme

SOLVED: We unravel the NRL finals jigsaw puzzle

And then there were 11. After 24 NRL Rounds 11 teams are still in contention to play finals footy in 2014. We reveal exactly what the top eight will look like while our resident rugby league reprobate The Lurker chimes in with a grubby prediction or two.

Steve Orme

Smith: Flanagan could face fresh penalties from ASADA

NRL boss Dave Smith has confirmed suspended Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan could face further sanctions from ASADA after 12 past and present Sharks players accepted bans for anti-doping breaches on Saturday.

Steve Orme

Hayne: Eels can win the premiership

Parramatta captain Jarryd Hayne admits he is daring to dream of an NRL premiership this season after the Eels kept their finals hopes alive with a spirited 22-10 comeback win over ladder-leaders Manly.

Steve Orme

ITM Cup review

An eight-try blitz saw Canterbury romp past Waikato 58-27 to continue their impressive start to their ITM Cup defence.

Steve Orme

Des Hasler's NRL finals form guide

Eccentric Canterbury coach Des Hasler is the master of talking up rival teams and in the next breath insisting his own mob are flying 'under the radar'.

Steve Orme

ASADA's Cronulla findings: what does it all mean?

Steve Orme takes a look at a dramatic day in the NRL as ASADA got serious with the Cronulla Sharks.

Steve Orme

Ten excuses you haven't heard from Ricky Stuart – yet

Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has made a career out of making excuses for his various teams' woeful performances.

Steve Orme

Origin v Bledisloe: Which is the toughest?

Saturday's Bledisloe Cup Test has been described as one of the toughest of all time but league fans reckon they've seen State of Origin warm-ups that were more intense.

Steve Orme

McKenzie names unchanged squad for Bledisloe II

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie has named an unchanged 23-man squad for Saturday's must-win Bledisloe Cup clash against the All Blacks at Eden Park.

Steve Orme

Beale unsure of retaining fly-half spot

He was happy with his personal performance but Wallabies fly-half Kurtley Beale admits he might not have done enough to secure the number 10 jumper for Bledisloe II in Auckland next Saturday.

Steve Orme

McKenzie backs captain's decisions

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie has backed skipper Michael Hooper's decision to turn down two kickable penalty goals late in the first half of Saturday's 12-all draw with the All Blacks in Bledisloe I.

Steve Orme

Wallabies hold All Blacks to a draw

Australia have denied New Zealand a tier-one record 18th consecutive victory after Bledisloe I ended in a 12-all draw in wet conditions at ANZ Stadium.

Steve Orme

Stuart launches bizarre post-match tirade

Beseiged Canberra coach Ricky Stuart called for patience and hit out at his growing army of critics in a bizarre post-match tirade following Canberra's 34-16 loss to St George Illawarra on Saturday afternoon.

Steve Orme

Minichiello to play English Super League

Gold Coast veteran Mark Minichiello has signed a two-year deal with English Super League club Hull FC.

Steve Orme

NRL Great Debate: Hayne v Inglis

Jarryd Hayne has been soaring all year but Greg Inglis' 10-out-of-10 performance against Brisbane has divided the rugby league community over who is the best player in the game right now.

Steve Orme

Five things the Wallabies must do to win Bledisloe I

Steve Orme lists the non-negotiables for the Wallabies ahead of the opening Bledisloe Cup clash at ANZ Stadium.

Steve Orme

Inglis leavesNRL veterans in awe

Greg Inglis did his best play down his virtuoso performance in Thursday's 42-16 win over the Broncos – but two players who have seen it all in rugby league were left in awe of the South Sydney superstar.

Steve Orme

Wallabies take risk for All Blacks clash

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie is throwing caution to the wind, blooding Kurtley Beale for their Bledisloe Cup opener with the All Blacks.

Steve Orme

Bledisloe I preview: Wallabies vs All Blacks

Australia hosts New Zealand on Saturday, August 16 in Bledisloe I at ANZ Stadium. The match kicks off at 8.00pm (AEST).

Steve Orme

Sonny Bill won't rule out NRL return

Sonny Bill Williams made a rare media appearance on Wednesday afternoon and opened up about leaving rugby league, the possibility of a return to the NRL and the thumb injury that could sideline him for several weeks.

Steve Orme

Reynolds cops three-match ban

Fiery Canterbury pivot Josh Reynolds has accepted a three match ban for two separate brain snaps in Friday's 41-10 loss to Brisbane, while three other players will fight charges at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday.

Steve Orme

Beale named to start against All Blacks

Australia coach Ewen McKenzie has sprung a major selection surprise after naming Kurtley Beale to start at flyhalf against New Zealand in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney.

Steve Orme

Famous dressing room blowups: Josh Reynolds joins list

Ben Barba's leg wasn't the only thing in the firing line of Josh Reynolds' right boot on Friday night.

Steve Orme

Reynolds could miss three weeks

Canterbury hot-head Josh Reynolds is facing a possible three-week suspension after he was charged with two separate incidents over his meltdown in Friday's 41-10 loss to Brisbane.

Steve Orme

Bledisloe Cup next on Folau bucket list

He has won a rugby league World Cup, three State of Origin series, an NRL grand final and a Super Rugby title – but for code-hopper Israel Folau beating the All Blacks remains his personal Everest.

Steve Orme

Toovey not happy with referees – again

The only thing predictable about South Sydney's 23-4 victory over Manly was Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey's post-match blow up about the refs.

Steve Orme

NRL players demand Todd Carney's return

Todd Carney shouldn't have been sacked, Jarryd Hayne is the best player in the game, Darius Boyd has been unfairly hounded by the media and NRL stars don't earn enough money – and at least one player doesn't know who David Smith is!

Steve Orme

Dodging the Media: NRL’s Greatest Escapes

In the spirit of Robbie Farah's dramatic back-door exit at Campbelltown Oval on Monday night, we've trawled through the archives to honour the best media brushes and escapes in rugby league.

Steve Orme

Cartwright resigns as Titans coach, Searle steps down

Gold Coast coach John Cartwright has resigned while club founder Michael Searle has also stepped down as the club's director of football on a dramatic day for the Titans.

Steve Orme

Beale still keeping his options open

Kurtley Beale saved his best side-step of the season for the Waratahs' victory ceremony on Tuesday.

Steve Orme

Minichiello to retire at end of 2014 season

Sydney Roosters stalwart Anthony Minichiello has announced this season will be the last of his glittering NRL career.

Steve Orme

Minichiello announces retirement

Sydney Roosters veteran Anthony Minichiello announced on Monday that this season will be the last of his glittering NRL career.

Steve Orme

Your say: Board and Stuart to blame for Raiders mess

Ricky Stuart is back in the hot seat after Sunday's 54-18 hammering to the Warriors – but some of you blame the Raiders board for letting 'Sticky' anywhere near the joint in the first place.

Steve Orme

REVEALED: The mystery of Michael Cheika's golf club

The vision of Waratahs coach Michael Cheika brandishing a golf club and waving it around during his pre-match speech against the Brumbies set tongues wagging last week.

Steve Orme

McCaw: 'I should have done better'

A devastated Richie McCaw admits he 'should have done better' after conceding the penalty that allowed the Waratahs to steal the Super Rugby title from the Crusaders in the final minute of Saturday' epic decider in Sydney.

Steve Orme

Waratahs to uphold philosophy

Coach Michael Cheika says staying true to the Waratahs' new identity in Saturday's Super Rugby final against the Crusaders is just as important as winning.

Steve Orme

Foran Flu Shot for Sea Eagles

He was the best player on the field as Manly took another big stride towards their first minor premiership in 17 years, but coach Geoff Toovey confirmed five-eighth Kieran Foran was no certain starter in Friday's 16-4 win over Brisbane.

Steve Orme

Waratahs assistant: I'm no spy

His players have labelled him 'The Mole' but former Crusader and current Waratahs assistant coach Daryl Gibson insists he has no secrets to tell ahead of Saturday's Super Rugby final at ANZ Stadium.

Steve Orme

Wests Tigers in crisis as Farah skips training

The crisis at the Wests Tigers deepened on Wednesday after skipper Robbie Farah was a no-show at training.

Steve Orme

Cheika: Waratahs not fazed by history

They have lost their last 11 games against the Crusaders including two Super Rugby finals - but coach Michael Cheika his Waratahs are not haunted by the ghosts of past failures ahead of Saturday's decider at ANZ Stadium.

Steve Orme

Assistant coaches hold key for Waratahs

One has put the 'steel' back in the NSW defence and the other won four titles with the enemy – meet the secret men scrumhalf Nick Phipps says are central to the Waratahs' chances of ending their Super Rugby title drought.

Steve Orme

Geale loses title fight with TKO

Gennady Golovkin has retained his WBA and IBO middleweight world title belts with a spectacular third-round knockout of Australia's Daniel Geale at Madison Square Garden.

Steve Orme

Golovkin knocks out Geale

Gennady Golovkin retained his WBA and IBO middleweight world titles with a spectacular third-round knockout of Australia's Daniel Geale.

Steve Orme

Cheika wants Waratahs to ignore Crusaders

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika doesn't want his players to give the Crusaders a second thought ahead of Saturday's Super Rugby final against the seven-time champions.

Steve Orme

Geale vs Golovkin preview

Australia's Daniel Geale will fight reigning WBA and IBO middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin from Kazakhstan on Sunday, July 27 at Madison Square Garden. The fight is scheduled to start from 11am (AEST).

Steve Orme

Waratahs hold off Brumbies to make Super Rugby final

The Waratahs will host the Crusaders in the Super Rugby final on Saturday night after a hard-fought 26-8 victory over the Brumbies in a brutal second semi-final at Allianz Stadium.

Steve Orme

Crusaders hammer Sharks to cruise into Super Rugby final

The Crusaders are the first team through to the 2014 Super Rugby final after a 38-6 annihilation of Jake White's Sharks at AMI Stadium.

Steve Orme

Robinson: Refs targeted Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in Knights loss

Furious Roosters coach Trent Robinson has slammed the performance of referees Gavin Badger and Grant Atkins in Friday's shock 16-12 loss to Newcastle, accusing the whistle-blowers of unfairly targeting Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

Steve Orme

Geoff Toovey: No 'issues' at Manly

A day after Kieran Foran broke the code of silence about the off-field dramas that threaten to derail Manly's premiership tilt, Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey declared all is well at the club.

Steve Orme

Super Rugby semi final preview: Waratahs v Brumbies

The Waratahs host the Brumbies in the second Super Rugby semi final on Saturday, July 26 at Allianz Stadium. The match kicks off at 7.40pm (AEST).

Steve Orme

Foran: Sea Eagles have 'issues'

Manly five-eighth Kieran Foran has broken his silence on the civil war being waged at the Sea Eagles, admitting there are 'issues' at the club.

Steve Orme

McKenzie: Wallabies can beat All Blacks

Coach Ewen McKenzie has boldly declared his Wallabies have closed the gap on the all-conquering All Blacks ahead of next month's Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney.

Steve Orme

Boyd admitted to mental health clinic

Newcastle full-back Darius Boyd has been admitted to a mental health clinic.

Steve Orme

Cheika not scared of losing Folau, Beale

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika insists he isn't scared of losing dynamic duo Israel Folau and Kurtley Beale to rugby league, as NRL clubs continue to circle.

Steve Orme

Exclusive: Aussie greats haunt English cricketers

England quick Stuart Broad reckons his London hotel room was haunted by ghosts during the Poms' 95-run loss to India in the second Test at Lords. But we all know the Poms are haunted permanently by Australian cricketers...

Steve Orme

Reynolds under threat from Keary

South Sydney coach Michael Maguire has refused to guarantee star half-back Adam Reynolds' starting spot for the remainder of the season as young gun Luke Keary continues his rise.

Steve Orme

Hasler: Kurtley Beale not on the radar

Canterbury coach Des Hasler was at his cryptic best on Thursday, insisting he has no interest in off-contract Waratahs star Kurtley Beale.

Steve Orme

Darius Boyd's 27th birthday: Many unhappy returns

The face of rugby league, Darius Boyd, turned 27 on Thursday.

Steve Orme

Would you want Kurtley Beale at your NRL club?

Dual international Lote Tuqiri reckons Wallabies star Kurtley Beale would easily cut it in the NRL and rugby league clubs are starting to circle.

Steve Orme

NRL Superheroes revealed

No doubt a few NRL players fancy themselves as superheroes and in a couple of weekends, a few of them will at least look the part.

Steve Orme

Shayne Hayne's new career

The NRL won't get rid of controversial ref Shayne Hayne despite his recent woeful performances - but we think it's time our sun-tanned friend had a career change and plenty of you agree.

Steve Orme

Waratahs outclass undermanned Reds

Kurtley Beale scored a double in the absence of injured team-mate Israel Folau as the Waratahs finished the regular season with a 34-3 bonus-point victory over the injury-ravaged Reds at Suncorp Stadium.

Steve Orme

Farah: Shayne Hayne is arrogant

Furious Wests Tigers captain Robbie Farah says 'arrogance' stopped referee Shayne Hayne from going upstairs to review a no-try ruling in the third minute of Friday's 40-8 loss to Manly.

Steve Orme

Sea Eagles thump Tigers but referees steal spotlight

Manly have romped into top spot on the NRL ladder with a 40-8 victory over an undermanned Wests Tigers at Brookvale Oval – but the referees were once again the villains on another tough night for the whistle blowers.

Steve Orme

Friday night NRL, AFL, Super Rugby - ALL THE ACTION

Check out all the action from the Sea Eagles v Tigers, Crows v Hawks, Blues v Chiefs and Brumbies v Force.

Steve Orme

Williams banned for season

Manly winger David Williams has been banned for the rest of the 2014 season for placing bets on several NRL games he was involved in.

Steve Orme

Super Rugby Round 19 Preview: Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs

The Reds host the Waratahs on Saturday, July 12 at Suncorp Stadium in Round 19 of Super Rugby. The match kicks off at 7.40pm (AEST).

Steve Orme

Wayne Bennett quits Newcastle Knights

St George Illawarra, Brisbane and North Queensland are among those taking a keen interest in Wayne Bennett's decision to quit the Newcastle Knights at the end of the season.

Steve Orme

Toovey terrorises NRL...again

Fiery Manly coach Geoff Toovey fronted the media on Thursday morning and was grilled over David Williams' alleged involvement in the NRL's latest betting scandal.

Steve Orme

Our new-look NRL: Nut jobs, bores and crims

NRL bad boy Blake Ferguson has completed a referees course, what next, Tommy Raudonikis the NRL judiciary chairman, or John Hopoate for CEO?

Steve Orme

O'Connor caught with pants down

What do you do if you're a former Wallabies star who was shown the door for behaving badly and are trying to negotiate a contract with the Reds for the 2015 Super Rugby season?

Steve Orme

Waratahs in Super shape

For almost two decades NSW rugby fans have had their dreams of a Super Rugby title shattered. But this is their year, surely? We take a look at the minor premiers' road from here and those threatening to cut them down.

Steve Orme

Force hold off Reds to keep finals hopes alive

The Force have kept their hopes of a maiden Super Rugby finals berth alive with a tense 30-20 victory over the Reds in Perth.

Steve Orme

NRL-AFL-Super Rugby: Friday - ALL THE ACTION

The Chiefs host the Hurricanes, the Bulldogs play the Sea Eagles and the Kangaroos meet the Hawks. Check out all the action that happened in a dramatic night across the codes.

Steve Orme

Time to take the booze out of State of Origin

It's a week out from the Socceroos' World Cup opener and Tim Cahill is on the drink with Socceroos team-mates and arguing with fans.

Steve Orme

Todd Carney's next career move

Rather than join the chorus of Todd Carney bashers we thought we'd do something positive and start planning the great man's future - with your help of course.

Steve Orme

Stars line up to congratulate Kyrgios

From Hollywood actors to an Indian cricket superstar and everything in between, they were lining up to praise Australian teenager Nick Kyrgios after his Wimbledon upset over Rafael Nadal.

Steve Orme

Cooper Cronk: Selfish or heroic ahead of Origin return?

Melbourne have backed superstar half-back Cooper Cronk's sooner-than-expected return from a broken arm after he was named in Queensland's squad for Origin III.

Steve Orme

Cronk returns for Maroons, Morris and Cordner back for Blues

Queensland have named veteran duo Cooper Cronk and Corey Parker to return from injury in Origin III next Wednesday at Suncorp Stadium.

Steve Orme

Sharp resigns amid Carney photo scandal

Cronulla coach Peter Sharp has resigned in the wake of the Todd Carney photo scandal.

Steve Orme

Dennis injured, Waratahs claim top spot

Skipper Dave Dennis suffered a suspected torn anterior cruciate ligament as the Waratahs claimed top spot on the Super Rugby ladder with a comprehensive 39-8 bonus-point victory over an injury-ravaged Brumbies at ANZ Stadium.

Steve Orme

Tedesco injured against Raiders: Karma or bad luck?

Boom Wests Tigers full-back James Tedesco's season is all-but over after he suffered a broken knee cap in the opening minute of Saturday's clash against Canberra – the club he turned his back on earlier this month.

Steve Orme

Trent Robinson: Impatience cost us

Roosters coach Trent Robinson says his side's impatience cost them victory in Friday's 24-16 loss to Manly at Brookvale Oval.

Steve Orme

NRL open door for Elkin's NRL return

The NRL have upheld Trent Elkin's two-year ban for his role in Cronulla's 2011 supplements program but have opened the door for former Sharks head trainer to return to rugby league at the end of his ban.

Steve Orme

Super Rugby Round 17 Preview: Waratahs v Brumbies

The Waratahs host the Brumbies on Saturday, June 28 at ANZ Stadium in Round 17 of Super Rugby. The match kicks off at 7.40pm (AEST).

Steve Orme

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves: Thug or enforcer?

Is Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves a thug or is he just misunderstood?

Steve Orme

Breaking: Waratahs will win Super Rugby title**

Super Rugby is back on after a three-week break for the June international window. We've had a look at the state of play to get you back in the swing of things with three rounds to go until the finals.

Steve Orme

Folau: Skelton must play against All Blacks

He was the beneficiary of Will Skelton's sublime pass that led to his second try in Saturday's 39-13 demolition of France, so it's no surprise Israel Folau has urged Ewen McKenzie to pick the giant rookie in the Bledisloe Cup opener against New Zealand.

Steve Orme

Humble Skelton plays down memorable debut

Will Skelton produced a debut performance that will launch him into the rugby stratosphere in Saturday's 39-13 victory over France - but the Wallabies lock had his giant feet firmly on the ground after the game.

Steve Orme

Toovey furious over Blues no-show at Watmough hearing

Furious Manly coach Geoff Toovey has blown up at Blues coach Laurie Daley and his support staff for choosing the pub over Anthony Watmough's judiciary hearing on Wednesday night.

Steve Orme

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