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DIEHARD
05-01-13, 07:49 PM
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans
Sunday March 10 6:30 PM - Toyota Stadium

DIEHARD
05-01-13, 08:23 PM
2nd time we have ever kicked off a season with an away game. (Last year was Cowboys away first then first home game was also the Raiders at Skilled Park.)

Might mean we get a great away following?

Sydney Titans Fanatic
05-01-13, 08:29 PM
Will be down at shark park watching Greg Bird and his Mighty gold coast titans kill the sharkies...(thats right i presume greg bird will get the captaincy haha)

DIEHARD
05-01-13, 08:31 PM
Will be down at shark park watching Greg Bird and his Mighty gold coast titans kill the sharkies...(thats right i presume greg bird will get the captaincy haha)

You love the games at Shark Park don't ya?

I've never actually been there!

Sydney Titans Fanatic
05-01-13, 08:38 PM
Oh there an awsome atmosphere... so many titans fans get down to shark park and its generally very close.... Ill also be collecting donations for the relay for life at shark park to...

Bayside Titan
05-01-13, 09:49 PM
I think that this will be a good opening Game as the Sharks have recruited fairly well last year.

Chaos
05-01-13, 10:44 PM
I used to love going to Shark Park when I lived in Sydney.
Northern hill for the kids with jumping castle...a local and very vocal crowd East of that.
On the Western side you could get close and personal with the players as they entered the ground and also after they walked back from their warm up on the second field.
I'll never forget the aura Peachey had running on to the field.

Sydney Titans Fanatic
05-01-13, 10:45 PM
if you live in sydney i think everyone whos been there will agree with me this is a must get to game for everyone

DIEHARD
05-01-13, 10:47 PM
Peachey was a freak. Amazing player, so exciting to watch and a great bloke.

TITAN PETE
06-01-13, 07:12 AM
One of Sydney's great footy Parks , it's also had more name changes than any other park in Australia too :surprise:

mup23
22-01-13, 07:38 PM
Very likely that Carney will miss the game, beating them down there will be a good start

DIEHARD
22-01-13, 07:40 PM
Very likely that Carney will miss the game, beating them down there will be a good start

Still struggling with injury?

That'd be a help to us that is for sure.

mup23
22-01-13, 07:49 PM
Still struggling with injury?

That'd be a help to us that is for sure.

Yeah still working on his achilles injury from the '12 finals. He's aiming for a return in round 2 or 3. Hopefully Kelly and Bird really step up against the Sharkies, Birdy always does and now he has the captaincy he should have a blinder

Boofhead
22-01-13, 07:50 PM
Todd Carney to miss NRL start
Brad Forrest | 22/1/2013

THE Cronulla Sharks would have fielded one of their strongest NRL squads in years, except injuries seem certain to prevent Todd Carney and Bryce Gibbs playing in round one of the 2013 NRL season.

Carney, the club’s chief playmaker and NSW Origin rep, was told last week to aim for round three, and not the season opener, as the club takes a conservative approach to his rehab after he tore his Achilles tendon in last season’s qualifying final against Canberra, which the Raiders went on to win.

‘‘Todd was disappointed, but he knows it is a long season and it is better to be properly fit after that type of operation,’’ said Sharks head physiotherapist, Konrad Schultz.

‘‘We’ll monitor his progress, but at this stage round two or three is his more likely return to the game.’’

A recent accident crippled prop Bryce Gibbs and his chances of playing any trial game, and threatened his start to the season proper.

Gibbs stepped back and trod on a glass at a barbecue at his Bundeena home; the accident badly cut his own Achilles, too.

The funnyman of the NRL front rower’s union, Gibbs was already undertaking a slow recovery from off-season shoulder surgery and could hardly see the funny side of limping around with a damaged foot sporting plenty of stitches.

He will definitely miss the Sharks’ first trial game against Manly on February 8 and may have to join Carney on the sidelines when the season proper begins on March 10, the Sharks hosting Gold Coast Titans at Shark Park.

After a strong off-season under head coach Shane Flanagan and new club strength and conditioner, David Boyle, and with the help of Sharks physiotherapist Konrad Schultz, the Leader can provide a rundown of the 30 squad players who were training towards the trials against the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on February 8, and Newcastle Knights at Skully Park, Tamworth, on February 23.

Paul Gallen: (elbow operation/cut arm): has showed no ill-effects from the elbow surgery in December since resuming training. Recovered from an infection to a cut arm which required antibiotics in hospital last week — a precaution ahead of his All Stars game.

Bryce Gibbs: (shoulder op/cut leg) Gradually regaining strength in his shoulder but a deep cut to his Achilles from his recent accident has set him back. Limping, he may be right for trial two but more likely won’t return until the season proper.

Luke Lewis: like fellow international Gallen, the Sharks’ ‘gun’ signing from the Panthers is inspiring his younger team-mates after fully recovering from thyroid cancer last year.

Ben Ross: the veteran prop had to recover from a broken hand late last season, and then had his foot trodden on during pre-season training. Now back keener than ever.

Anthony Tupou: the unlucky Tupou is reportedly very fit, having escaped one of the few pre-seasons without injury or serious operations.

Sam Tagataese: leading the way in boxing training.

Chris Heighington: the experienced new buy and backrower is leading the way in explosive, short sprints.

Andrew Fifita: bigger and faster and ready for the All Stars game. David Boyle says he will play fully fit at around 120 kilograms this season.

Wade Graham: the young back-rower has potential State of Origin written all over him.

Todd Carney: (achilles operation) while his training stepped up slightly through more running and passing drills, the Origin five-eighth and one of the best trainers was disappointed when told last week he won’t be fit to play the season opener. He will be brought along more conservatively, and aimed at returning by round three.

Nathan Gardner: (knee reconstruction) Has had a bit of ankle soreness. Series of passing drills with Carney, and more advanced. Could play trial two, but more likely season proper.

Michael Gordon: (broken fibula) Still getting over some ankle stiffness but the Origin rep is going better than when he returned for the final games for Penrith last season.

Ben Pomeroy: (groin surgery) Building his training load gradually and recovered from dizziness after boxing big Sam Tagataese (he took it out on young Rod Coates). Probably right for trial two.

Stewart Mills: (knee) Had an off-season knee clean-out but is back to full fitness.

Jonathan Wright: the giant wing recruit from the Bulldogs is impressing after getting first shot at centre through the trials.

Beau Ryan: Beau knows he’s going to keep copping plenty from his new team-mates, especially old Tigers team-mate Bryce Gibbs, but the new wing buy, new dad and Footy Show funnyman says: ‘‘I can’t be happier.’’

Alipate Ratini: (hamstring) the Fijian Sevens rugby recruit is almost fit, and very fast. Could play later.

Jayson Bukuya, Isaac De Gois, John Morris, Jon Green and Mark Taufua are all training well. Youngsters Rodney Coates and Tyrone Peachey and ex-Bulldogs backrower Tupou Sopoaga should also get their first taste of NRL through the trials.

Jeff Robson, Nathan Stapleton, Matt Wright, Chad Townsend and Ricky Leutele are raring to go.

http://www.theleader.com.au/story/1248360/todd-carney-to-miss-nrl-start/?cs=12

Hail Sezer
22-01-13, 07:58 PM
It'd be cool if we could get a run down on how the players are going like that

Chaos
22-01-13, 09:52 PM
Sharks have an awesome forward pack...I'm looking forward watching our new Titan captains out to impress in this game.
Myles loves these types of challenges and Bird's playing his old club.
No Carney swings into our favour.

This will be a cracking start to the season!

Julius Sezer
22-01-13, 09:53 PM
Carney's replacement Townsend is still good player... so no walk in the park especially when their forward pack screams Gallen and Luke Lewis. They also have Michael Gordon. :(

mup23
22-01-13, 10:06 PM
Bryce Gibbs is a big loss as well if he isn't back in time for round 1.

mup23
22-01-13, 10:07 PM
Do we have anyone in doubt for round 1?

Sydney Titans Fanatic
17-02-13, 07:33 PM
3 weeks guys until our first game....Whos headed to cronulla with me

Titanic
18-02-13, 05:22 PM
Carney looks like playing.

TITAN PETE
19-02-13, 10:07 AM
Carney on track for NRL opener: Flanagan

RSS
Steve Jancetic AAP Mon, Feb 18, 2013 - 4:50 PM

Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan has delivered the news every Sharks fan has been desperate to hear all off-season - star playmaker Todd Carney will be ready to go for the NRL season-opener.

Carney on Monday joined his teammates in running with the full Sharks squad for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon in last year's finals series, Flanagan revealing the NSW Origin pivot was ahead of schedule.

Off-contract at the end of the season, Carney was thought to be in danger of missing the early rounds of the competition, but Flanagan fully expects to have him available to face Gold Coast on March 10.

"He's been training on his own a fair bit but he hasn't been doing a lot of team stuff," Flanagan told AAP.

"He's back in doing the team stuff now, the opposed work.

"That was exciting for us to have him back, and he slotted pretty much straight back in.

"Give him a couple of weeks doing a bit of the team sessions and some defensive work and I think he'll be ready to go."

Flanagan said it had always been the plan to have Carney back on deck for round one.

Carney battled the injury through the back half of last season before it finally gave way during the Sharks' qualifying final loss to Canberra, when he crumpled to the Canberra Stadium turf as he attempted to step off his right foot.

"Our medical staff have always said the plan was to have him ready for round one and he's in front of that schedule - I have no reason to believe that he won't be ready," Flanagan said.

"He's got three weeks of real solid team stuff now and, if he gets through that, I can't see why not."

Flanagan said the squad was doing its best to put behind it the drama surrounding the Australian Sport Anti-Doping Authority's investigation into the club, preferring to keep the focus on preparing for Saturday night's final trial against Newcastle in Tamworth.

Julius Sezer
19-02-13, 05:08 PM
We will flogg the Sharks. Will be interesting how Albert Kelly goes...

Mr Stupid
19-02-13, 09:23 PM
We will flogg the Sharks. Will be interesting how Albert Kelly goes...

Love it! Lol

TITAN PETE
25-02-13, 06:31 AM
Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan is confident Luke Lewis will be ready for the opening round of the NRL season, despite not playing in any of the Sharks' trial matches.

Signing Lewis from Penrith was a huge coup for Cronulla, who beat Parramatta and Wests Tigers to secure his services last year.

However, the NSW and Australia back-rower has yet to play for his new team as he recovers from routine neck surgery, but Flanagan says he'll be in the starting line-up to face the Gold Coast at Shark Stadium.

"Luke is the ultimate pro and a very experienced player," Flanagan told AAP.

"He's knows his body better than anyone else, but he'll be right for round one.

"You know what you are going to get from Luke, so I am comfortable with him not playing in any of the trials."

Flanagan's side scored three late tries to pip Newcastle 22-16 in Tamworth on Saturday night to round off an unbeaten pre-season campaign.

Star playmaker Todd Carney is also yet to make an appearance this year after undergoing Achilles tendon surgery.

Flanagan is hopeful the NSW star will be fit to face the Titans, but is also happy to hold him back a week or so if necessary.

"Toddy will see his specialist again this week and we're confident he'll get the all clear," he said.

"But we will err on the side of caution with him as it's been such a big injury. He's been well ahead in all of his rehab work, but we must make sure everything is right.

"The docs couldn't be happier with him so it's looks good."

One player who has featured in the trials is another new arrival Michael Gordon, who'll take over the kicking duties from Carney this season.

Gordon has played less than 20 games in the last two years due to a badly broken leg and a knee ligament injury.

However, Flanagan is confident the former NSW representative will hit the ground running.

"Michael has not had too much football in the last few years," he said.

"But he's looked sharp. He played the first half in Tamworth and he did well.

"He's a good player and we're happy with what we've seen from him."

karnage
25-02-13, 11:30 AM
Routine neck surgery??? I am not sure that there is such a thing.

patskE
25-02-13, 03:10 PM
i have future the day before so not sure if i can back up the next day or not.
only time will tell haha

C-Whiz
01-03-13, 07:53 AM
Does anyone want to watch it somewhere, as a group?

I'd be keen to find a local bar/pub that could become our away game regular.

I'll make a thread....

psmitty
01-03-13, 10:37 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ItO9fZNzDA

Good review on who he thinks will make the Round 1 team. He likes Brad Takairangi at centre with Gordon staying at wing. Also check out http://www.titans.com.au/news-display/Cartwright-and-players-ready-for-action/69054 where Cartwright also mentions that he likes Takairangi and that he is a chance for centre. I think I would prefer a Takairangi/Gordon left side to a Gordon/Don left side for the first round. He is a big unit and can offload and make breaks and has some good pace. His defence was his only concern at the Roosters.

karnage
01-03-13, 11:03 AM
I made mention on Twitter the other night (through my website handle) that I think the Sharks are over valued and that Gallen is over rated by the fact that he has forged an entire career out of looking good in losing teams. I copped so much flak from Sharks fans that I thought my phone was going to break!!!

They are very touchy fans and they have over high expectations of their team in 2013. Carney is due for his bi-annual meltdown this year and Gallen looks like he will be playing busted all year.

They are ripe for the picking in Round 1.

Hail Sezer
01-03-13, 11:15 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ItO9fZNzDA

Good review on who he thinks will make the Round 1 team. He likes Brad Takairangi at centre with Gordon staying at wing. Also check out http://www.titans.com.au/news-display/Cartwright-and-players-ready-for-action/69054 where Cartwright also mentions that he likes Takairangi and that he is a chance for centre. I think I would prefer a Takairangi/Gordon left side to a Gordon/Don left side for the first round. He is a big unit and can offload and make breaks and has some good pace. His defence was his only concern at the Roosters.

I think Taka will get the centre spot with Gordon on the wing outside him. Carty seemed very keen on him and there have been some very suggestive tweets lately from the likes of Toopi to Taka suggesting that he is lined up for centre come round 1. Maybe I'm looking into it too much but i wouldn't mind it at all, from what I've heard he is a good player. His offload will be lethal with Gordon staying on his shoulder.

I'm amping for this game. We're paying 2.60 h2h on the TAB here. I never bet on us because I'm bias as **** but this may in fact be worth a dabble.

DIEHARD
05-03-13, 05:42 AM
I can't wait for kick off. It's going to be a great season and it feels like a new era. I back us to win, but it really comes down to our halves.

I guess I dont expect any surprises when the team is announced, but I'd like a couple.

DIEHARD
05-03-13, 05:46 AM
Cronulla Sharks playmaker Todd Carney looks fit and ready to tackle the Titans in round one

TWO weeks ago, Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan was telling NRL insiders that star five-eighth Todd Carney was no hope of recovering from a torn achilles tendon in time to face the Gold Coast Titans.

While his acceleration and trademark swerve were showing signs of returning, given the importance of Carney to Cronulla's title aspirations, Flanagan wasn't taking any chances.

Scroll through their roster, with recruits Luke Lewis, Michael Gordon, Beau Ryan and Chris Heighington, and you realise why Jack Gibson's famous line that "waiting for the Sharks to win a premiership is like leaving the porch light on for Harold Holt" could finally be under pressure.

It's taken three seasons, but Flanagan has assembled an all-star line-up capable of challenging for the title and a fit Carney is a must for the big end-of-season games.

Chad Townsend appeared a far more sensible alternative to start the season, giving Carney that little bit of extra time to get himself cherry ripe.

http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl

david may
05-03-13, 11:17 AM
3 weeks guys until our first game....Whos headed to cronulla with me
I'll be there mate

chicbarn
05-03-13, 11:42 AM
Coach sidelines Mark Minichiello

Travis Meyn | March 5th, 2013

Mark Minichiello will miss the Titans' first game. Pic: Jerad Williams
TITANS coach John Cartwright is set to make one of the biggest selection decisions of his career in overlooking foundation forward Mark Minichiello for the club's first game of the season.

Minichiello will be a noticeable omission from the 18-man squad Cartwright names this afternoon for Sunday's clash against the Sharks at Cronulla.

The foundation Titan holds the record for the most games played for the club and has been a regular in the team in its six-year history, signing a two-year contract extension last year.

But he will start the season on the sideline as Cartwright opts for youth in Ben Ridge and Ryan James while utility Luke O'Dwyer will be on the extended bench.

Roosters recruit Brad Takairangi has won the race for the Titans left centre spot while Albert Kelly will be the Gold Coast's halfback in 2013.

Burleigh's Anthony Don was pushing for an NRL debut on the wing but Cartwright will keep Gordon on the flank outside Takairangi.

DIEHARD
05-03-13, 12:49 PM
Wish I could be there. But can't because of stuff out of my hands. Penrith too is a bust for me.

See some of your at our designated watering hole.

DavidBouveng
05-03-13, 01:09 PM
Where's titanic? Ridge starting overctaylor and mini and others. U must appreciate that.

Tamwelg
05-03-13, 01:11 PM
Titans Round 1 Team Announcement

Adam Gardini | Tuesday 5 March 2013

iSelect Gold Coast Titans Coach John Cartwright has named three new faces in an 18-man squad for the club’s season opening clash against Cronulla at Shark Stadium on Sunday night.

New iSelect Titans recruits Albert Kelly, David Taylor and Brad Takairangi will all make their club debuts for the Titans on Sunday after impressing coach Cartwright during the club’s three pre-season trial match victories over the Warriors, Broncos and Cowboys.

Kelly, a 21-year-old former Australian Schoolboys representative, forms a new-look halves combination with young gun Aidan Sezer. Kelly will play his 15th NRL match this weekend against Sharks - the club he made his NRL debut for in 2010.

Queensland State of Origin forward David Taylor, 24, has been named on the interchange bench in what will mark his 113th NRL match since making his debut for the Brisbane Broncos in 2006.

Takairangi, who joined the Titans in February after a pre-season switch from the Sydney Roosters, has been named in the centres alongside winger Kevin Gordon. He will play his 30th NRL match this weekend.

The trio will become the 71st (Takairangi), 72nd (Kelly) and 73rd (Taylor) players to represent the club since 2007.

iSelect Titans v Cronulla Sharks
Sunday, March 10 | 6.30pm (AEDT) - Sharks Stadium

1. William Zillman
2. Kevin Gordon
3. Brad Takairangi
4. Jamal Idris
5. David Mead
6. Aidan Sezer
7. Albert Kelly
8. Luke Douglas
9. Matt Srama
10. Nate Myles
11. Greg Bird
12. Ben Ridge
13. Ashley Harrison

14. Dave Taylor
15. Luke Bailey
16. Ryan James
17. Beau Falloon
18. Luke O' Dwyer

http://www.titans.com.au/news-display/Titans-Round-1-Team-Announcement/69243

patskE
05-03-13, 01:16 PM
mmmm not a fan of ridge and harrison both starting... would of thought it would of been one or the other

thelwall
05-03-13, 01:24 PM
me either..... didnt expect to see no mini either - carty seems different

teke
05-03-13, 01:27 PM
Good looking team, 2 hookers so it can prolong Sramas career :laugh: :nope:

Supergoose
05-03-13, 01:37 PM
The Sharks are going to feel some pain when we bring on Taylor and James from the bench. Great looking side. No qualms from me.

Hail Sezer
05-03-13, 01:50 PM
Monstrous side. I'm fine with it. Not typical Carty..could be a good thing.

Mr Stupid
05-03-13, 02:16 PM
Monstrous side. I'm fine with it. Not typical Carty..could be a good thing.

Agree 100%. Love the impact of the bench. Feels like a genuine changing of the guard that Scott P's departure is only part of.

Boofhead
05-03-13, 02:17 PM
Taylor will probably start, and so he should. Talk about knocking the morale out of a marquee signing.

Rage
05-03-13, 02:26 PM
Looks like a great team, definitely different to what Carty was putting up last year.

DavidBouveng
05-03-13, 02:40 PM
Looks like the game plan is 'absorb, then unleash'.

I like it, and respect that carty recognizes ridges value over mini / odwyer.

That being said, if he starts Taylor or bailey, no qualms either.

Good side.

karnage
05-03-13, 02:43 PM
Taylor will probably start, and so he should. Talk about knocking the morale out of a marquee signing.

I think Taylor is better off coming into the game once it has settled and he can unleash his power on an edge. Very pleased to see Ridge get the chance to start. The only question marks are over Takarangi - we really don't know anything about him.

Good looking side.

DavidBouveng
05-03-13, 03:08 PM
I think Taylor is better off coming into the game once it has settled and he can unleash his power on an edge. Very pleased to see Ridge get the chance to start. The only question marks are over Takarangi - we really don't know anything about him.

Good looking side.

I think it looks good also, but im excited partly because its fresh and signals that Carty is looking past names, and into form as well as tactic and gameplan, all of which has been absent in years gone by.

One swallow does not make a spring, but sometimes the swallow is pretty and a sign of possible change.

Rage
05-03-13, 03:34 PM
How does everyone feel about Srama sharing the hooking duties and not doing the full 80 minutes? I've been out of nrl over the off-season so I don't know anything about what happened in trials or such. Anyone care to weigh in?

Mexican titan
05-03-13, 03:51 PM
How does everyone feel about Srama sharing the hooking duties and not doing the full 80 minutes? I've been out of nrl over the off-season so I don't know anything about what happened in trials or such. Anyone care to weigh in?

Srama and Falloon shared the hooking job in a few games last year and for me it's the way to go. If Falloon can string a few games together I don't think there is much between them either as players. Matt is still young so I prefer a shared role at this stage to take a bit of pressure off. Beau Falloon from memory scored a few tries coming off the bench last year.

Smakked
05-03-13, 04:00 PM
Good looking side, BIG ****in scary if your the opposition.

Chaos
05-03-13, 04:24 PM
Probably the best side I've seen the Titans field...The big play is having Bailey on the bench...it will suit his style of game.

I don't know who will be dropped from the bench but I hope Carty keeps the rotation going with his props.

Harrison was always going to be our lock and to make way for Ridge in the team, Myles had to go prop...he plays like a prop anyway.

With two work horses in the back row and lots of props to rotate, I suspect opposition teams will defensively start opening up at the back of each halve..
They will also find it hard to penetrate the ruck area in attack.

It should be a great forward clash against the Sharks and the ex-Sharkies will be out to prove a point.

Titanic
05-03-13, 05:31 PM
No complaints and ten observations:

1. If your job's on the line then you had better take a good look at yourself and our coach seems to have done that ... good on him.

2. I don't like twin hookers so I would plump for O'Dwyer but that is unlikely based on the coaches previous comments and yet it is not the end of the world as Falloon brings his own game to the table.

3. Takairangi may be a gamble but our left has been so problematic over the years that having a ball-player there should be a pleasant change so if we can score three and only leak two then we are better than we've ever been.

4. Taylor playing big minutes off the bench is fine, why not? He averaged 60+ minutes last season.

5. Neither Ridge nor Harrison are impact players so they are well suited to burning up that early defense and then make way for the juggernauts. I think later in the season there will only be one of them starting ... preferably the younger one.

6. Kelly/Sezer ... boom or bust ... I can't wait to watch their seasons develop.

7. If I was Zillman I would be looking over my shoulder.

8. I really hope that Gordon and Mead have both been working on combating taller opponents under the high ball. Don and O'Dare won't be idle in QCup.

9. Fingers crossed that we play smarter ... less unforced errors, less unnecessary penalties and wider attack.

10. This pack won't smash teams out of the park because they are not those sort of players but they are skilled ... if they can gell then the sky is the limit.

Tamwelg
05-03-13, 05:31 PM
Carney named for round one clash
Tuesday 5 March 2013 3:51 PM

Sharks coach Shane Flanagan has delivered a couple of selection surprises in his round one team to take on the Titans on Sunday.

As has been touted in recent weeks Todd Carney has been named to make his return from an Achilles tear, however Flanagan?s naming of Ricky Leutele and Matthew Wright in the centres comes as more of a shock and is an indication form has been the deciding factor with the pair having impressed in the trials and throughout the pre-season.

With Leutele and Wright pairing up new recruits Jonathan Wright and Beau Ryan will debut in Sharks colours on the wings, while former Panther Michael Gordon will take his place in the side at fullback.

Of the other high profile new recruits Luke Lewis will start in the back row in the Sharks forward pack, while Chris Heighington has been chosen on a seven-man interchange bench.

Flanagan has named a 20-man squad for the match, with a final decision on his 17-man team to be delayed until later in the week.

The Sharks play the Titans at Sharks Stadium on Sunday, with kickoff at 6.30pm.

Sharks Team List
Round 1 v Gold Coast Titans

1. Michael Gordon
2. Jonathan Wright
3. Ricky Leutele
4. Matthew Wright
5. Beau Ryan
6. Todd Carney
7. Jeff Robson
8. Andrew Fifita
9. Isaac De Gois
10. Ben Ross
11. Luke Lewis
12. Wade Graham
13. Paul Gallen

Interchange

14. Chris Heighington
15. Jon Green
16. John Morris
17. Anthony Tupou
18. Jayson Bukuya
19. Mark Taufua
20. Chad Townsend

Noddy1979
05-03-13, 05:51 PM
mmmm not a fan of ridge and harrison both starting... would of thought it would of been one or the other

What you don't like two true 80 minute defensive machines actually playing 80 minutes? It gives a better rotation for the rest of the bench.

TITAN PETE
05-03-13, 06:56 PM
We have the Sharks covered in the back line so hopefully & 6 & 7 will feed them the pill while our Big Boys march over the advantage line.

I can't wait it's almost Xmas Morning again :D

Tamwelg
05-03-13, 06:59 PM
We have the Sharks covered in the back line so hopefully & 6 & 7 will feed them the pill while our Big Boys march over the advantage line.

I can't wait it's almost Xmas Morning again :D

Bugger Christmas, this is better.

TITAN PETE
05-03-13, 07:01 PM
Bugger Christmas, this is better.

So true mate I'm excited about Thursdays game :D

Big Dan
05-03-13, 07:02 PM
Great pack of forwards great interchange bench.I am just shocked about Takarangi in the centres.Postional play in the games I have seen first hand his positional play is vey poor.Against the warriors he was caught in no mans land numerous times.Takarangi would be a good bench player he can cover many positions.Kevin Gordon playing out side Takarangi will have nightmares against quality opposition.if this is the best left centre we have we are in trouble.

Big Dan
05-03-13, 07:07 PM
How does everyone feel about Srama sharing the hooking duties and not doing the full 80 minutes? I've been out of nrl over the off-season so I don't know anything about what happened in trials or such. Anyone care to weigh in?

Both players have strengths in different area Fallon was strong in the trials great strength wise close to the line and busy in open play.Srama keeps them guessing around the ruck great turn of pace and good vision.Both players great at various parts of game.Really enjoy watching both players.

Julius Sezer
05-03-13, 07:10 PM
Good team selections. I'm pleased the Carty has taken some initiative into putting Ben Ridge into the starting lineup. I know people might not enjoy the idea of Falloon on the bench because Srama is an 80 minute player and also is a good talent but everytime Falloon came onto the field he created spark and scored quite a few tries. He does freshen things up when it comes to attack. So i actually like Falloon on the bench.

Cant wait too see Dave Taylor, Ryan James and Idris all on the field at the same time.

david may
05-03-13, 07:16 PM
Great pack of forwards great interchange bench.I am just shocked about Takarangi in the centres.Postional play in the games I have seen first hand his positional play is vey poor.Against the warriors he was caught in no mans land numerous times.Takarangi would be a good bench player he can cover many positions.Kevin Gordon playing out side Takarangi will have nightmares against quality opposition.if this is the best left centre we have we are in trouble.
Did you see him against the cowboys? I thought he had a terrific game....

Boonarga
05-03-13, 07:32 PM
Same as last year, I'm not liking the rotating hookers. Srama is an 80 minute player. Falloon is good but Srama is better.
Poor Mini, he was one of our better players in the second half of last year.

This is a strong team and I expect a top 4 finish.

Supergoose
05-03-13, 07:46 PM
I think Taylor is better off coming into the game once it has settled and he can unleash his power on an edge. Very pleased to see Ridge get the chance to start. The only question marks are over Takarangi - we really don't know anything about him.

Good looking side.

Takairangi is a goal-kicking, attack oriented player who I believe lead the Roosters in off-loads in limited game time. He's also from the Cook Islands. I'd say a step up from fellow Cook Islander Dom Peyroux. If he can get Kevvie a sniff of open space, it'll be more than anyone else has done for him in three years.

teke
05-03-13, 09:11 PM
Great pack of forwards great interchange bench.I am just shocked about Takarangi in the centres.Postional play in the games I have seen first hand his positional play is vey poor.Against the warriors he was caught in no mans land numerous times.Takarangi would be a good bench player he can cover many positions.Kevin Gordon playing out side Takarangi will have nightmares against quality opposition.if this is the best left centre we have we are in trouble.u obviously never saw Taka play in Roosters successful 2010 season at left centre. Kevin is quite pleased to have him inside and those 2 will form a good duo

K2G
05-03-13, 09:18 PM
Well i for one am very very pleased with the team. No real complaints. Just a few thoughts and minor reservations...

One of my mates (a cowboy supporter) at the titansVcowboys trial game, said he thought David Mead was the best fullback on the park that night. I really hope Zillman can have a blinder of a season starting round 1 this year, the side looks great when he is firing. But should he not, i hope Carty doesn't give him (or any player) 18 rounds to find his feet ever again...

I think Srama is an 80min hooker, and to expand and improve his game, he needs as much game time as possible, not less. Falloon is a try from dummy half specialist, nothing particularly great about him otherwise, and i think Srama is a much better hooker over-all. Yes Falloon provides good spark, but so would any half decent little man with fresh legs at the back end of games. Regardless, i think a quick and skillfull little man who can cover multiple positions is a must on the bench and seeing as Falloon is the best non-starting one of those we have right now (although Zillman, O'dare, Barba, or Irwin could potentially fill this spot) I'm happy for him to be there.

Taka will be good for us this season. I predict an adjustment period, as it will take atleast a few rounds, for him to gel with Gordon and his inside men - but i forsee him setting up/scoring more tries than he is responsible for letting in. Furthermore, he is very young and has very decent potential for the next 3 - 5 years.

I really hope Sezer, Kelly and Srama have been working on their respective kicking games. I think this will be the most obvious (and perhaps, the only) area in which we notice the loss of Princey this season. Did we force any line drop-outs during the trials? Fair enough Sezer didn't get much of the kicking duties last year, but i seem to recall him having trouble with finding wingers and fullbacks quite often in games. He also missed a (difficult/sideline) conversion during the all-stars game. Hate to be a downer, but we need to improve here, should we want to challenge for a top 8 (let alone top 4) spot.

We are building some good depth, as signaled by the exciting young players that didnt make the cut. I'm genuinely excited to see Ioane, Don, Irwin O'dare, Hunt, Page and the like, get their shot come rep duties or injury. Personally don't think its a bad thing for Mini to miss the first few rounds as he will play with renewed determination (to not drop the ball or give penalties) and return to top form when he does inevitably make his return.

Looks like we have an absolutely super line up. Fingers crossed we have the game plan to match.

teke
05-03-13, 09:37 PM
No complaints and ten observations:

1. If your job's on the line then you had better take a good look at yourself and our coach seems to have done that ... good on him.

2. I don't like twin hookers so I would plump for O'Dwyer but that is unlikely based on the coaches previous comments and yet it is not the end of the world as Falloon brings his own game to the table.

3. Takairangi may be a gamble but our left has been so problematic over the years that having a ball-player there should be a pleasant change so if we can score three and only leak two then we are better than we've ever been.

4. Taylor playing big minutes off the bench is fine, why not? He averaged 60+ minutes last season.

5. Neither Ridge nor Harrison are impact players so they are well suited to burning up that early defense and then make way for the juggernauts. I think later in the season there will only be one of them starting ... preferably the younger one.

6. Kelly/Sezer ... boom or bust ... I can't wait to watch their seasons develop.

7. If I was Zillman I would be looking over my shoulder.

8. I really hope that Gordon and Mead have both been working on combating taller opponents under the high ball. Don and O'Dare won't be idle in QCup.

9. Fingers crossed that we play smarter ... less unforced errors, less unnecessary penalties and wider attack.

10. This pack won't smash teams out of the park because they are not those sort of players but they are skilled ... if they can gell then the sky is the limit.Zilly is safe at fullback for the foreseeable future, Mead won't see Q Cup ever again, the 2 hookers will fade out in first half of the season and titans will go top 8

Titanic
05-03-13, 10:16 PM
Zilly is safe at fullback for the foreseeable future, Mead won't see Q Cup ever again, the 2 hookers will fade out in first half of the season and titans will go top 8

I think by midway you'll have your wish and Mead will be wearing the 1 and one or both of those wingmen will be in the first team.

mup23
06-03-13, 12:50 AM
Looks like Carty has been feeling pressure and has been forced to field the best possible team instead of his mates. Good to see Mini and Michaels having to actually perform if they want another jersey.

I think Srama would be best used as an 80 min hooker but I can't fault Falloon as a backup as he adds to the team in his limited time.

On Takairangi: I'm excited to see how he goes and I'm hoping he gets a chance to prove himself even if he doesn't quite hit the ground running.

Obviously the season revolves around Kelly and Sezer (again, they have to be given time together) and hopefully with Rogers and Presto helping out it'll run smoothly.

Is Mat Rogers going to be our water boy and play the same role Alfie did with the Bronies/Maroons - helping the halves out with plans and encouragement?

Smakked
06-03-13, 01:41 AM
Overall wil be an exciting game and i am looking forward to it.

Titans by 12

mup23
06-03-13, 01:50 AM
I'm all over Titans 1-12 @ $3.90
I don't think Carney will play, but even if he does we're every chance

teke
06-03-13, 04:31 AM
I think by midway you'll have your wish and Mead will be wearing the 1 and one or both of those wingmen will be in the first team.if this happens its either cause There is a big injury toll or the team isn't going aswell as we currently project.

It's a good looking side ATM and I'm pumped for some good results this yr

DIEHARD
06-03-13, 07:20 AM
I'm happy to see the team and happy to see Taka in at centre.

Not a fan and never a fan of dual hookers. But Falloon has been surperb and Im happy to have him covering our back.

And check out that bench!

Happy to see Luke Bailey back!

Rage
06-03-13, 08:14 AM
I tend to agree. I've never been a fan of dual hookers either. Even though Falloon is great, I felt we always lost a bit of intensity when Srama came off in last year's games. Still, as has been said, he's a perfect addition to the bench spot to cover us when needed.

So far, this is definitely shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons yet!

Rage
06-03-13, 08:19 AM
By Ed Jackson AAP Tue, Mar 05, 2013 - 6:31 PM

Gold Coast coach John Cartwright says deciding to omit veteran forward Mark Minichiello from his opening round NRL line-up was one of the toughest selection calls he's had to make.

Minichiello, who holds the record for the most Titans appearances in their six-year history, was left out on Tuesday for Sunday's clash with Cronulla in Sydney with youngsters Ben Ridge and Ryan James getting the nod.

Cartwright said the decision doesn't mark the end of the road for the 31-year-old but was made to reward the best-performing players in the club's pre-season trials.

"It was really tough. There's a few there that didn't deserve not to be there but I had to narrow it down," he said.

"No matter who missed out it was going to be tough."

Three players will debut for the club against the Sharks - Albert Kelly, Dave Taylor and Brad Takairangi.

Kelly has been given the nod to replace departed club captain Scott Prince in the No.7 jersey against the club that sacked him in 2012.

But Cartwright said building Kelly up as Prince's replacement was the last thing his new recruit needed, backing the 21-year-old to shine through his own natural flair.

"He's just got to go out and play like it's in the backyard," Cartwright said.

"That's what has impressed everyone since he's been here and through the trials."

Queensland representative forward Dave Taylor has also been told to back his instincts.

The giant 24-year-old will start from the bench in his first appearance since moving from South Sydney, but after an off-season hampered by injury, Cartwright says simplicity is the key for his star.

"Dave has got as much potential as anyone in the game," Cartwright said.

"He's a gamebreaker ... he'll start on the bench but he's a very destructive player.

"Basically Dave's just got to run hard and tackle hard."

Takairangi, picked up from the Sydney Roosters in the off-season, won a battle with Kevin Gordon for the left centre's role with flyer Gordon to remain on the wing.

Veteran forward Luke Bailey is also in the squad and looks likely to make his return to action after working his way back from a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon injury last year.

Titans: William Zillman, Kevin Gordon, Brad Takairangi, Jamal Idris, David Mead, Aidan Sezer, Albert Kelly, Luke Douglas, Matt Srama, Nate Myles, Greg Bird, Ben Ridge, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Dave Taylor, Luke Bailey, Ryan James, Beau Falloon, Luke O'Dwyer (one to be omitted).

yappie
06-03-13, 08:33 AM
Snuck over to watch a sharks training session NO Carney they looked pretty ordinary but one thing they have obviously pick up on is Brad Takairangi playing in the centers and his defense or laack of. All their shifts were focuses on his edge so look out Bradley their coming your way.

karnage
06-03-13, 11:07 AM
I like having Falloon in the team as it gives Srama a breather and gives us valuable cover if one of our halves go down during the game. I agree that Srama needs to be protected - he is no good to anybody if he is out injured. Players like Smith and Farrar who turn up and play 80mins at hooker (AT A HIGH LEVEL!) are super rare, Srama may get their one day but he is not there yet.

I actually don't think Falloon is that far behind Srama in terms of talent, I really like him.

As an aside, there has been what I would call 'educated' money being wagered on the Sharks for the least wins (wooden spoon) in recent days. I won't repeat the reason that was given for the bets but on top of that there are some pretty concrete reports that they have had a very disjointed off-season as a result of the size of their casualty ward, they have hardly trained at all as a top 13.

Suprised our mate Inside Word hasn't had anything to say on it...:laugh:

TITAN PETE
06-03-13, 11:46 AM
I like having Falloon in the team as it gives Srama a breather and gives us valuable cover if one of our halves go down during the game. I agree that Srama needs to be protected - he is no good to anybody if he is out injured. Players like Smith and Farrar who turn up and play 80mins at hooker (AT A HIGH LEVEL!) are super rare, Srama may get their one day but he is not there yet.

I actually don't think Falloon is that far behind Srama in terms of talent, I really like him.

As an aside, there has been what I would call 'educated' money being wagered on the Sharks for the least wins (wooden spoon) in recent days. I won't repeat the reason that was given for the bets but on top of that there are some pretty concrete reports that they have had a very disjointed off-season as a result of the size of their casualty ward, they have hardly trained at all as a top 13.

Suprised our mate Inside Word hasn't had anything to say on it...:laugh:

It's still early mate :D

I agree with the Srama/Falloon comments , anyone that has seen Matty being replaced will see he is replaced when the tank is running on empty, i think he's probably a couple of years away from being a complete 80 minute player , the only guys that do it are the Smiths,Friends & Farah's of the game & they are much more seasoned players than Srama.

Very surprised to see we are $2.75 to win this game but if the TAB are giving money away i'm happy to take from them ;)

DIEHARD
06-03-13, 11:52 AM
I agree with Srama/Falloon. First time Id agree with dual hookers, but in this case it seems like a sensible strategy. I think Karnage is spot on.

teke
06-03-13, 12:38 PM
I have stated I don't like the dual hookers, I never stated which one i would prefer. I actually think Falloon has it over Srama and is a 80 min player. His passing is way better and so is his options.

K2G
06-03-13, 03:02 PM
I have stated I don't like the dual hookers, I never stated which one i would prefer. I actually think Falloon has it over Srama and is a 80 min player. His passing is way better and so is his options.

Wow :surprise:
I couldn't possibly disagree more with you blokes.
I've never been a fan of coaches picking safe players over dynamic ones. From a coaching perspective, it should be easier to bring Srama's level of passing up, than improving Falloon's vision and decision making; which is very one dimensional imo.
Think we've got a few cases of Cartwrightus breaking out amongst the forum!

mup23
06-03-13, 03:34 PM
Betting has been suspended. Sharkies might be in a fair bit of trouble here. Nothing concrete yet.

Tamwelg
06-03-13, 03:52 PM
Sharks players could be stood down
Josh Massoud

The Daily Telegraph
March 06, 2013 3:51PM

BOOKMAKERS have suspended betting in Cronulla's season opener match against Gold Coast amid speculation that up to 14 Sharks players could be stood down in relation to ASADA's investigation of the club.

The Daily Telegraph understands ASADA this week informed Sharks officials and players of the extent of their involvement in the investigation, which focuses on the brief period sports scientist Steve Dank spent at the club in 2011.

The Sharks have also hired a top lawyer to guide them through this difficult period.

It's understood the lawyer has spoken to several of the players implicated.

Sharks coach Shane Flanagan has this afternoon declined to comment on the current situation, but denies any Sharks players were interviewed by ASADA.

Sources close to the club, however, believe that ASADA are trying to cut a deal with the club to have players stood down immediately for six months.

Dank was dismissed from Cronulla after his supplement program fell foul of Sharks doctor, David Givney.

The Daily Telegraph has also revealed that Dank continued to treat players at a former Bankstown medical clinic, away from the supervision of their clubs.
Stephen Dank has denied any wrongdoing.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/at-least-six-cronulla-sharks-players-in-sights-of-asada-officials/story-e6frep5x-1226591552380

Toads
06-03-13, 04:26 PM
Sources close to the club, however, believe that ASADA are trying to cut a deal with the club to have players stood down immediately for six months.

If this is true. There can only be one reason for this, and that's to save some face with the debacle that unfolded a month ago. Otherwise, they'd put them through the wringers if they (ASADA) had some solid evidence..

Stand your ground, Sharkies.

teke
06-03-13, 04:31 PM
Wow :surprise:
I couldn't possibly disagree more with you blokes.
I've never been a fan of coaches picking safe players over dynamic ones. From a coaching perspective, it should be easier to bring Srama's level of passing up, than improving Falloon's vision and decision making; which is very one dimensional imo.
Think we've got a few cases of Cartwrightus breaking out amongst the forum!I have never rated Srama as high as others cause he had to improve a hell of a lot to make the hooker his position which he hasn't yet

Supergoose
06-03-13, 05:08 PM
There is a distinct difference in fluency when Srama and Falloon are swapped. The players get used to the way a certain hooker passes and when to time their runs. Falloon is a super hooker but just different to Srama. I'm not sure there's a struck match between them but I do like having both of them in the 17.

Titanic
06-03-13, 05:13 PM
I have never rated Srama as high as others cause he had to improve a hell of a lot to make the hooker his position which he hasn't yet

Mate, you're closer than I am but there must several things to consider about that. One would be is he getting coached and another would be if the coach wants the rotation then Srama's preparation would be different. I am not sold on either one but I am certainly sold on only one.

patskE
06-03-13, 05:18 PM
SHARKS HAVE 14 PLAYERS that could be banned for 6 months!
betting has been suspended on the game!

patskE
06-03-13, 05:19 PM
Bookmakers have suspended betting in the Cronulla Sharks‘ season opener match against the Gold Coast Titans amid speculation that up to 14 Sharks players could be stood down in relation to ASADA’s investigation of the club.

The Daily Telegraph understands ASADA this week informed Sharks officials and players of the extent of their involvement in the investigation, which focuses on the brief period sports scientist Steve Dank spent at the club in 2011.

The Sharks have also hired a top lawyer to guide them through this difficult period.

It’s understood the lawyer has spoken to several of the players implicated.

Read more: http://www.zerotackle.com/nrl/sharks-players-could-be-stood-down-8683/#ixzz2Mk3ZUJvC
Follow us: @zerotackle on Twitter | zerotackle on Facebook

DavidBouveng
06-03-13, 05:19 PM
another way to look at it is that we have Bird Harrison Myles Douglas and Taylor all known for being able to play big minutes if not the whole game.

to add Mini or someone tpo the bench at the expense of Falloo means these guys get their minutes cut, id rather the young emerging hooker who makes 50 tackles a game get a breather and re set himself, than one of those forwards really.

im not crazy fussed either way, but looking at it this way for me makes it so that 2 hookers is a slight winner for me.

C-Whiz
06-03-13, 05:21 PM
Does anyone know why this game is on at 6:30pm on a Sunday?

Seems odd to me, but maybe I am missing something.....

Works out well though because otherwise I would have been pushing it to make it in time for the Away Game viewing at Tallai!!! :thumbsup:

Sydney Titans Fanatic
06-03-13, 05:43 PM
its the first of the twiglight games on the sunday night...

teke
06-03-13, 06:00 PM
Sharkies 2011 wooden spoon anyone ?

Douglas was with them then :ugh:

Toads
06-03-13, 06:09 PM
wrong thread

Titanic
06-03-13, 06:29 PM
to add Mini or someone tpo the bench at the expense of Falloo means these guys get their minutes cut, id rather the young emerging hooker who makes 50 tackles a game get a breather and re set himself, than one of those forwards really.

We need centres and that would be my choice. I thought Takairangi would have been the choice but as he's starting I would rather be blooding some outside back but not really complaining just commenting. Too excited for whingeing.

Julius Sezer
06-03-13, 07:14 PM
Sharks look to be screwed

Mr Stupid
06-03-13, 07:42 PM
NRL threatening to take away all Sharkies Premierships...oh hang on...

Mexican titan
06-03-13, 09:24 PM
Does anyone know why this game is on at 6:30pm on a Sunday?

Seems odd to me, but maybe I am missing something.....

Works out well though because otherwise I would have been pushing it to make it in time for the Away Game viewing at Tallai!!! :thumbsup:

Might be good for us that this game is late in the round. If the game was tomorrow night then the Sharks might have been at full strength but by the time Sunday evening rolls around who knows what the Sharks will look like.:wave: Not that I am happy about this this. As a League supporter foremost I just wish we could have one year without any crap.

MightyTitans
06-03-13, 10:00 PM
Sharkies 2011 wooden spoon anyone ?

Douglas was with them then :ugh:

Dont forget albert kelly aswell

Mr Stupid
07-03-13, 07:14 AM
Might be good for us that this game is late in the round. If the game was tomorrow night then the Sharks might have been at full strength but by the time Sunday evening rolls around who knows what the Sharks will look like.:wave: Not that I am happy about this this. As a League supporter foremost I just wish we could have one year without any crap.

All league fans would hate all this I'm sure. God knows, as Titans fans we know how demoralising these off field incidents are for fans. Only silver lining is it bumps SBW off the front page of the Tele.

Mexican titan
07-03-13, 08:03 AM
All league fans would hate all this I'm sure. God knows, as Titans fans we know how demoralising these off field incidents are for fans. Only silver lining is it bumps SBW off the front page of the Tele.

Couldn't agree more. I think the Titans should get on the front foot in relation to Douglas (and possibly Kelly). As this gets messy in the next day or so clubs that are more transparent will be the ones that get our respect.
What still gets me though is that the substances that the Sharks players supposedly took were not illegal at that time and no positive blood tests were obtained. It seems ASADA want some heads and don't really care how they get them.

Boofhead
07-03-13, 08:13 AM
The game might not even go ahead...

karnage
07-03-13, 09:25 AM
The people that spoke to me 3 or 4 days mentioned a certain Titans name as being in the mix, he has been referred to on this thread. Also mentioned Manly, Cowboys, Dogs and Knights.

This will not be confined to the Sharks but all the other clubs mentioned do not have the number of players implicated that the Sharks do.

My information is that the number of Sharks is 6, not the 14 being bandied around.

The last point to mention is that the entire drug testers case rests on players coming forward and accepting suspensions to avoid risk being slapped with a full 2 years. Given that the drug testers never, ever actually catch anybody there is a fair chance that if the players say nothing they will not actually wear a suspension at all. The next 24 hours will be very interesting.

Finally, this is not just a distraction for Sharks players - it would be a distraction for our squad as well. They are also going to go and play in front of a very angry and very motivated home crowd now. This is not necessarily a good story for us...

Toads
07-03-13, 09:36 AM
Only silver lining is it bumps SBW off the front page of the Tele.

Not if David Gyngell and Channel 9 has anything to do with it. Expect an onslaught of the Ad from 6pm onwards.

IIRC.. his missus (Leila McKinnon) is Chook Supporter. Probably why the SBW thing is getting more air time than what it's worth.

Titanic
07-03-13, 09:58 AM
Blake Ferguson? Careful of your Dream team.

DIEHARD
07-03-13, 10:11 AM
Absolutely stunning and terrible developments. Who knows what is going to happen. It's like 1996 all over again with uncertainty over a match.

I hope the match does go ahead and the Sharks pull up their reserves if needed.

Titanic
07-03-13, 11:32 AM
They have to field a team.

DIEHARD
07-03-13, 11:45 AM
They have to field a team.

That's right. Our TV deal depends on delivering 8* games a week.

teke
07-03-13, 12:14 PM
Blake Ferguson? Careful of your Dream team.You shouldn't be playing if u have Blake in your team

Titanic
07-03-13, 12:38 PM
Lol ... and don't forget you can only pick a player once :)

Mexican titan
07-03-13, 04:02 PM
Absolutely stunning and terrible developments. Who knows what is going to happen. It's like 1996 all over again with uncertainty over a match.

I hope the match does go ahead and the Sharks pull up their reserves if needed.

Of course the game will go ahead. Cronulla have signed quite a lot of players since 2011, and particularly this year so they will field a good side regardless. I just read that Gallen is not involved either. But what a distraction they are dealing with. I am still stuffed how blokes can be banned for taking something that was not on the banned list at the time. If anyone can clear this up let me know.:helpme:

DavidBouveng
07-03-13, 04:45 PM
Of course the game will go ahead. Cronulla have signed quite a lot of players since 2011, and particularly this year so they will field a good side regardless. I just read that Gallen is not involved either. But what a distraction they are dealing with. I am still stuffed how blokes can be banned for taking something that was not on the banned list at the time. If anyone can clear this up let me know.:helpme:

I think its been said they continued to take it after the substance was put on the banned list and that is the problem.

Noddy1979
07-03-13, 05:12 PM
I hate to say this but Albert Kelly was there in that time period.

Boofhead
07-03-13, 05:23 PM
I hate to say this but Albert Kelly was there in that time period.

He never went to training back then so he should be right! :laugh:

Mexican titan
07-03-13, 05:42 PM
Apparently 6 of the 17 players in the Sharks team are in the 14 in supposed trouble. As Sterlo just said on Fox if you were taking something that, at the time wasn't on the banned list, and there are no positive tests, admit to nothing. Why make it easy for ASADA who are very desperate to get a scalp out of this.

DavidBouveng
07-03-13, 05:55 PM
I hate to say this but Albert Kelly was there in that time period.

more worried about luke douglas whose 'iron man' run of 170 odd straight games since debut is the type of amazing physical feat that will now come under scrutiny. he was often in doubt but miraculously played on the weekend.

not implying that he had anything to do with anything,i love douglas and he was my favourite signing from our 2011 spree (before Nate Myles went nuts) but ive been following the drug stories in american sports and once drugs in sport grips the minds of fans, innocence is lost and everything is brought into question.

Titanic
07-03-13, 06:42 PM
Watching Roosters/Rabbits from last year and Takairangi played right side but really well.

karnage
07-03-13, 10:13 PM
Watching Roosters/Rabbits from last year and Takairangi played right side but really well.

Little off topic but I thought Champion looked alright for the Bunnies tonight. I always liked him and I hope he has a good year.

Titanic
07-03-13, 10:20 PM
Little off topic but I thought Champion looked alright for the Bunnies tonight. I always liked him and I hope he has a good year.
He pinned Jennings and even passed twice ... amazing what happens when you're told what to do.

thelwall
07-03-13, 10:41 PM
its more the players that continued taking it after 2011 so as far as i can understand douglas isnt included ?

DavidBouveng
07-03-13, 11:46 PM
yeah thats a good point.

also, if he was in any way involved, we as a team would have likely been named as one of the teams the other week, but we were given the all clear, so i guess we are fine.

david may
08-03-13, 05:48 AM
Of course the game will go ahead. Cronulla have signed quite a lot of players since 2011, and particularly this year so they will field a good side regardless. I just read that Gallen is not involved either. But what a distraction they are dealing with. I am still stuffed how blokes can be banned for taking something that was not on the banned list at the time. If anyone can clear this up let me know.:helpme:
Nobody outside of the sharks and Asada really knows the status.

The game will be played for certain. I've had that confirmed by the Nrl. And we are expecting their strongest side.

Aside from that all I think we can do is prepare to play what is certain to be a great game of football.

david may
08-03-13, 05:58 AM
yeah thats a good point.

also, if he was in any way involved, we as a team would have likely been named as one of the teams the other week, but we were given the all clear, so i guess we are fine.
Db

I don't think anyone really knows what the boundaries of the investigation are. Have heard three or four inside stories and they are all different.

We spoke with all our players when the acc report came out. We have also audited all our processes, systems and compliance and have great confidence that we are as good as we can be with regard to the execution of the wada and Asada rules that govern our sport.

TITAN PETE
08-03-13, 07:49 AM
Titans expect fired-up Sharks
AAP | 11:12am March 7, 2013

GOLD Coast players are preparing to meet a full-strength and fired-up Cronulla in their NRL season-opener on Sunday amid speculation a number of Sharks players could be stood down.

As many as 14 Cronulla players have reportedly been urged to accept six-month suspensions over an Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency (ASADA) investigation which stems from the report the Australian Crime Commission released last month.

Betting has been suspended for Sunday's match because of the uncertainty.

Titans players and officials said on Thursday they knew no more than anyone else about how their opponents would line-up on the weekend.

But veteran backrower Ashley Harrison warned his teammates not to take anything for granted despite the possibility of facing a severely-understrength Sharks team.

"You have a look at all the teams that have faced a bit of adversity in the past, they usually come out on the weekend and play some really good footy," Harrison told reporters on Thursday.

"We have to be right on our game, whoever they throw on the paddock."

Titans chief executive David May said prop Luke Douglas and halfback Albert Kelly, who were both at the Sharks during the 2011 period under investigation, had not been contacted by authorities, nor had the club, and there was nothing to suggest they had cause for concern.

"There's nobody at the club, be it myself, any of the executives, any players past or present or any coaching staff who have been contacted by anybody," May told ABC Radio.

"Nobody's been contacted, whether it's by the police, ASADA, the ACC (Australian Crime Commission) or the NRL."

Titans fullback Will Zillman said he had full faith in the club and believed he and his teammates should be confident any supplements they were given were within the rules.

"You can't turn a blind eye to it but the Titans are great, all the protocols they follow are spot on and I've never had to second-guess anything," Zillman said.

toddythetitan
08-03-13, 08:45 AM
Online article from todays courier
Gold Coast Titans are wary of a backlash from Cronulla when they meet at Sharks Stadium on Sunday.Mystery surrounds the makeup of the embattled home side after 14 of its players were targeted for investigation by the Australian Sports Doping Authority.With the threat of heavy sanctions hanging over the club, it could be a severely depleted Sharks outfit that lines up in round one.The Titans have absorbed more than their share of off-field blows during their six-year existence and will not be underestimating their stricken opponent."That's out of our control,'' said lock Ashley Harrison."If you have a look at all the teams with adversity that we've faced in the past, they come out on the weekend and play good footy."We'll have to be right on our game whoever they throw on the paddock.''Fullback William Zillman said the unfolding drama would not distract Gold Coast from its opening assignment of the new season."It's business as usual for us. It is important not to get caught up in that, but it's not too difficult to stay focused,'' Zillman said.The Titans' depth and stability means they are likely to arrive in Cronulla as warm favourites when betting, suspended by many bookmaking agencies on Wednesday, are reopened.Even if the Sharks are reduced to a second string team Harrison has been around the NRL too long to be seduced by names and reputations.That is why the Gold Coast and Queensland backrower is withholding excitement about his side's chances until after the game on Sunday night.There has been little hype about the Titans during the pre-season and rightly so after their sub-par performances over the past two seasons.But the addition of forward Dave Taylor and utility Brad Takairangi to a fully fit list has delivered a big and aggressive pack to the club.Such is their depth, club favourites Mark Minichiello and Steve Michaels missed selection for round one and 18th man Luke O'Dwyer is set to be omitted."On paper it looks great. But we're yet to perform on the footy field,'' the straight-shooting Harrison said."If we do our job on the weekend we might be able to get excited after that.''The Titans have four representative players - Harrison, Greg Bird, skipper Nate Myles and Country prop Luke Douglas - in their starting pack.On the bench they can choose from Test forward Taylor, former international Luke Bailey and 114kg hitman Ryan James who excelled in last month's NRL All Stars match.Gold Coast sought dry turf for training yesterday at Kingscliff but lost fringe first grader Cody Nelson to a knee injury inside the first 15 minutes.

Hopefully Codys knee isn't too bad and makes a swift recovery!!

DavidBouveng
08-03-13, 08:50 AM
Online article from todays courier
Gold Coast Titans are wary of a backlash from Cronulla when they meet at Sharks Stadium on Sunday.Mystery surrounds the makeup of the embattled home side after 14 of its players were targeted for investigation by the Australian Sports Doping Authority.With the threat of heavy sanctions hanging over the club, it could be a severely depleted Sharks outfit that lines up in round one.The Titans have absorbed more than their share of off-field blows during their six-year existence and will not be underestimating their stricken opponent."That's out of our control,'' said lock Ashley Harrison."If you have a look at all the teams with adversity that we've faced in the past, they come out on the weekend and play good footy."We'll have to be right on our game whoever they throw on the paddock.''Fullback William Zillman said the unfolding drama would not distract Gold Coast from its opening assignment of the new season."It's business as usual for us. It is important not to get caught up in that, but it's not too difficult to stay focused,'' Zillman said.The Titans' depth and stability means they are likely to arrive in Cronulla as warm favourites when betting, suspended by many bookmaking agencies on Wednesday, are reopened.Even if the Sharks are reduced to a second string team Harrison has been around the NRL too long to be seduced by names and reputations.That is why the Gold Coast and Queensland backrower is withholding excitement about his side's chances until after the game on Sunday night.There has been little hype about the Titans during the pre-season and rightly so after their sub-par performances over the past two seasons.But the addition of forward Dave Taylor and utility Brad Takairangi to a fully fit list has delivered a big and aggressive pack to the club.Such is their depth, club favourites Mark Minichiello and Steve Michaels missed selection for round one and 18th man Luke O'Dwyer is set to be omitted."On paper it looks great. But we're yet to perform on the footy field,'' the straight-shooting Harrison said."If we do our job on the weekend we might be able to get excited after that.''The Titans have four representative players - Harrison, Greg Bird, skipper Nate Myles and Country prop Luke Douglas - in their starting pack.On the bench they can choose from Test forward Taylor, former international Luke Bailey and 114kg hitman Ryan James who excelled in last month's NRL All Stars match.Gold Coast sought dry turf for training yesterday at Kingscliff but lost fringe first grader Cody Nelson to a knee injury inside the first 15 minutes.

Hopefully Codys knee isn't too bad and makes a swift recovery!!

welcome to the forum mate!

DIEHARD
08-03-13, 09:03 AM
Welcome Toddy!

I think we indeed need to be focused on our game. The Shadks will field their strongest side. And it is unknown how they will react to the crisis.

Titanic
08-03-13, 09:47 AM
we're going to cut off their fins and shove them up their djins.

DavidBouveng
08-03-13, 04:00 PM
Peter Sharp to coach the sharks against us on weekend after Coach Flano stodd down along with other staff.

Cronulla as a club will do well to survive from this.

Titanic
08-03-13, 05:16 PM
NRL rescue package is an amazingly pro-active move by the ARLC/Dave Smith ... excellent administration.

Rage
08-03-13, 05:48 PM
AAP Fri, Mar 08, 2013 - 5:47 PM

Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan has been stood down by the under-fire NRL club.

The Sharks are at the centre of an investigation by the Australian Sport Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA).

Fairfax reported that football manager Darren Mooney, head trainer Mark Noakes, physiotherapist Konrad Schultz and club doctor David Givney have also been told their services are no longer required at the Sharks.

It is understood that those sacked were not given reasons for being let go but the club is set to hold a media conference at its Cronulla headquarters at 6pm (AEDT) on Friday.

Former Northern Eagles and Manly coach Peter Sharp is set to take over as Sharks coach for Sunday's clash with Gold Coast.

Flanagan had been coach of the club since late 2010 when he took over from Ricky Stuart.

He expressed surprise at the decision.

"I'm shattered," said Flanagan, who was questioned by ASADA officials on Friday.

"None of us had any knowledge of what was happening.

"I've got the support of the players here.

"I still believe that the players have not done anything wrong.

"I don't oversee anything. My involvement, I've got no idea, bar being coach at the time."

His standing down and the sackings come during a tumultuous few days for the Sharks.

Fourteen Cronulla players had reportedly been offered full pay by the embattled NRL club if they stood down for six months in return for waiving their right to sue the Sharks over the drugs scandal, according to a News Ltd report.

The deal reportedly included an automatic one-year extension with a repeat of any representative bonuses earned last year.

The offer came in the face of ASADA's evidence regarding the alleged use of banned peptides at the Sharks in 2011.

Players are believed to have been encouraged to accept a six-month ban over the alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs with the alternative being a two-year ban.

It's understood Sharks players are claiming if they did take banned substances, they did so unknowingly.

It's been reported the products were not on the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list at the time but both were included in the Australian Crime Commission report into doping and match-fixing under the heading "Performance and Image Enhancing Substances".

It's not yet known if the Sharks' players will be stood down from Cronulla's season opener against the Titans on Sunday.

toddythetitan
08-03-13, 09:45 PM
cheers guys glad to be apart of the forum team :)

karnage
08-03-13, 10:36 PM
I reckon our team is walking into an ambush on Sunday evening. The crowd is going to be seething with anger, and the Sharks will look to take it out on their first opponent.

I hope I'm wrong but I'm beginning to get a bad feeling about this one - I had been so confident up until this afternoon when the excrement hit the fan well and truly...

gothabull
09-03-13, 12:06 AM
Agreed karnage hope our boys a bringing some protection with that crowd too they will be loathing

mup23
09-03-13, 01:08 AM
I reckon our team is walking into an ambush on Sunday evening. The crowd is going to be seething with anger, and the Sharks will look to take it out on their first opponent.

I hope I'm wrong but I'm beginning to get a bad feeling about this one - I had been so confident up until this afternoon when the excrement hit the fan well and truly...

If we can get a good start then the Sharks' heads will drop. It'll be a convincing 20 point game either way

TITAN PETE
09-03-13, 06:25 AM
Cronulla Sharks coach Shane Flanagan stood down two days from first NRL game of the season

The Daily Telegraph March 08, 2013 4:55PM

. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited


Shane Flanagan has been stood down as coach of the Cronulla Sharks as the drug scandal widens, saying he's "shattered" and believes the players have done nothing wrong.


In a major cull of staff, Cronulla also sacked football general manager Darren Mooney, head trainer Mark Noakes, physiotherapist Konrad Schulz and long-serving medico, team doctor Dave Givney, who is also the NSW State of Origin team's medical officer.


?I?m shattered,? Flanagan said. ?None of us had any knowledge of what was happening.?

He added: "I've got to support the players here. I still believe that the players have not done anything wrong. I don't oversee anything. My involvement ... I've got no idea, bar being coach at the time.


"I've worked really hard to get this footy team together and I feel sorry for all the current players as well as the new players who have come to our club.

"Now they've just been ripped apart."

Assistant coach Peter Sharp will take control of the Sharks for Sunday's match against the Gold Coast Titans at Shark Park.

Sharks Deputy Chairman Keith Ward said a review of the 2011 season was taken by the club and showed management failures.

Ward said it was in the club's best interest to "stand down Shane Flanagan pending the full management review." Ward says the actions in "no way reflect anti-doping violations.

"The board wholeheartedly apologises for the events."



Three board members addressed the Sharks players at 5pm, informing them of the decision to stand down their coach and other staff.

Asked if ASADA had uncovered any positive blood or urine tests at the Sharks, Ward replied: ?As part of the routine drug testing of our players, which happens continually, through 2011 there were no positive blood or urine tests."

Ward said players who might be caught up in ASADA investigations would receive financial and legal support from the club.



He said the club had appointed former Brisbane Broncos CEO Bruno Cullen as interim CEO. However, a reporter tweeted that Cullen had yet to accept the role.

Flanagan was questioned by ASADA officials at Sharks Park on Thursday.

Fox Sports expert Mark Gasnier said he had sympathy for Flanagan.

"At the end of the day we're speculating what his involvement is. If he had involvement and knew players were taking performance-enhancing drugs and turning a blind eye or giving a tick of approval that's a different story.

"I think the ramifications have already been big enough with the impact on the reputation of the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks."

After recruiting impressively during the off-season with the likes of Luke Lewis, Michael Gordon and Beau Ryan joining the club, the Sharks were seen as genuine premiership contenders, but their season now lies in tatters.

Flanagan was also played an integral role in bringing troubled star Todd Carney to the club.

Interim coach Sharp, formerly head coach of the Northern Eagles and Manly Sea Eagles, joined the Sharks as an assistant at the end of the 2011 season.

Earlier this week, senior players Paul Gallen, Ben Pomeroy and John Morris confronted ex-Cronulla head conditioner Trent Elkin wanting answers after they had been summoned to an extraordinary meeting where sports lawyer and ex-ASADA senior counsel Richard Redman had advised a group of 14 players to plead guilty and accept six-month suspensions.

Ward appeared Friday along with Dr Tricia Kavanagh former Justice of the Industrial Court and Deputy Chair of the Australian Sports Drug Agency.
Dr Kavanagh has been assisting the Sharks with an investigation and legal review of club activities during a period in 2011 that is the subject of the ASADA investigation.

Flanagan started his coaching career as Parramatta SG Ball coach in 1997 and after stints in the Roosters lower grades, he followed Stuart to the Sutherland Shire in 2007.

Flanagan took over from Ricky Stuart in late 2010 season after Stuart stood down.

C-Whiz
09-03-13, 06:41 AM
I reckon our team is walking into an ambush on Sunday evening. The crowd is going to be seething with anger, and the Sharks will look to take it out on their first opponent.

I hope I'm wrong but I'm beginning to get a bad feeling about this one - I had been so confident up until this afternoon when the excrement hit the fan well and truly...I hear what you are saying, but to be honest, i think it has gone WAY beyond being angry about what has happened, and I would say they are probably more shell-shocked than anything. Half the coaching staff goooone 2 days before the season starts!

If you were a Sharks player/fan the last thing you are worried about is the result in round 1, right?

IMO they won't be thinking about winning game 1 just to make a statement, they will be wondering if they will be finishing the season. I expect some frustration and anger from the Sharks and Gallen to lead from the front as always, but after they settle, I don't expect a whole lot of structure.

If Titans stay to the game plan, throw it around and get out to a lead the Sharks will have no interest or desire chasing down a lead.

Mr Stupid
09-03-13, 07:35 AM
Are they transferring game to Skilled Park? Just read on twitter.

DavidBouveng
09-03-13, 07:55 AM
No I think there was a poor news report saying it was at GC and called Shane Flanagan Steve Flanagan.

Jamal's Hamstring
09-03-13, 09:03 AM
I am really on the fence with this one. I thought the sharks would go well this year but it is impossible to predict how all the bull**** will impact on the group. I agree it won't be close but I am unsure who takes it.

DavidBouveng
09-03-13, 09:09 AM
our scandal last year had a huge effect on us in hindsight. and our players didnt really have alot to do with it, it was all the club.

this is directly affecting their players emotionally and distracting them immensely, so i think they will be nothing like the team we would have faced without all this rubbish going on.

that being said, they will be unpredictable tomorrow and we need to be ready for anything.

Mr Stupid
09-03-13, 09:33 AM
Yep, it's all pretty unsettling. Lets hope the boys can maintain their rhythm

Rage
09-03-13, 09:38 AM
I don't think all that's happened will fire up the Sharks and inspire them to want to make a statement. Rather than firing the boys up, when everything was collapsing last year around the Titans, it had a detrimental effect as even mentioned by Bird in one of his interviews earlier this week. I expect a similar effect for the Sharks, but that might just be wishful thinking...

Titanic
09-03-13, 10:47 AM
I think we are over-stating the players depth of understanding. The players not involved will just be worried about the game ... they have jobs and need to be winning. The players who are targeted may be worried about the outcome of the investigation but they have a siege mentality and that means security to them. They will be at full strength and ready to play for their stood down coach.

Toads
09-03-13, 12:56 PM
I'm predicting that the Sharkies will come out hard the first 20-30 minutes. If we can hold em out defensively during then, we should be able to wear em down. With saying that though, we need to keep it on em for the entire 80 minutes and have no lapses in our own defense, to pull off this win. :)

Rage
09-03-13, 01:18 PM
Ben Horne AAP Sat, Mar 09, 2013 - 12:02 PM

Cronulla captain Paul Gallen says the Sharks will play for "the five people that are no longer here" in confirming a full-strength squad would take on Gold Coast in Sunday's NRL opening round encounter.

While a cloud still hangs over the Sharks players, with as many as 14 players believed to be weighing up whether to admit to taking banned substances and accepting a six-month ban, Gallen said all would take on the Titans at Sharks Stadium.

Gallen briefly spoke to the media after Saturday morning's training session, which was run by new interim coach Peter Sharp following Friday's stunning decision to stand down coach Shane Flanagan.

Flanagan was removed while while football manager Darren Mooney, trainer Mark Noakes, physiotherapist Konrad Schultz and doctor David Givney were all sacked for what the Sharks board described as "serious management failures" during sports scientist Stephen Dank's three-month term at the club in 2011.

The players on Friday night confronted the board demanding Flanagan's reinstatement, but the threat of a boycott of the Titans clash at Shark Park was dismissed.

"Not a lot was discussed," an ashen-faced Gallen said of Friday night's players meeting.

"We were told what happened to the five staff members who aren't with us at the moment and as a team we're sticking together.

"We're playing tomorrow and we're just going to get out there and do our best for the five people that are no longer here and ourselves.

"What's going on I'm sure you can all understand, is more than hard on everyone - we're sticking together, we're here tomorrow to play a game of footy, we're going to get out there tomorrow to do our best.

"We're looking forward to 80 minutes of concentrating on what we do best.

Asked if he was still allowed to be contact with Flanagan, Gallen said:

"Shane's a friend of mine, I can speak to whoever I want to."

The entire squad took part in Saturday's session minus Jayson Bukuya and Chad Townsend, who it seems have both been omitted from the extended squad named on Tuesday.

DIEHARD
09-03-13, 02:00 PM
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sBknAcTaMiI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Toads
09-03-13, 08:32 PM
Hmm.. you might be onto something there, Diehard. After witnessing the intensity that the Cowboys played with tonight. I'm beginning to think we might be in a bit of strife this year.

Scratch that previous comment of mine in this thread.

karnage
09-03-13, 09:48 PM
That's awesome Diehard - exactly the message I was trying to convey!! :laugh:

On the other hand, I don't know where people are getting the idea that this will be a lob sided match. If that's the case - go down your local TAB and back both teams 13+. I doubt very much wether you will collect on either ticket.

Believe me, Sharks fans and players are ANGRY. That won't necessarily translate into a win but they will be dishing it up both on the park and in the stands. A quick memo to the away fans who might be attending - keep any jokes about drug cheats to yourselves if you want to get out of there alive!!:D :thumbsup: :fight:

DIEHARD
09-03-13, 10:20 PM
Sharks fans are legendary for their siege mentality. They have a strong supporters group and had a huge boost to membership pre-season.

Lots of Sharks supporters are in a very bad place, this game is something they can hold on to.

DavidBouveng
09-03-13, 11:29 PM
That's awesome Diehard - exactly the message I was trying to convey!! :laugh:

On the other hand, I don't know where people are getting the idea that this will be a lob sided match. If that's the case - go down your local TAB and back both teams 13+. I doubt very much wether you will collect on either ticket.

Believe me, Sharks fans and players are ANGRY. That won't necessarily translate into a win but they will be dishing it up both on the park and in the stands. A quick memo to the away fans who might be attending - keep any jokes about drug cheats to yourselves if you want to get out of there alive!!:D :thumbsup: :fight:


Sharks fans are legendary for their siege mentality. They have a strong supporters group and had a huge boost to membership pre-season.

Lots of Sharks supporters are in a very bad place, this game is something they can hold on to.

I'm watching Argo while I read both of ur posts lol.

Tehran stadium, and the angry mob are not happy that Shah Flano has been stood down and are not to be trifled with.

If any away fans get cornered , diehard , karnage and myself can go down and pose as a film crew trying doing a doco on the sharks drama and get them out.

Titanic
10-03-13, 01:37 AM
More like the Three Stooges :chair:

mup23
10-03-13, 03:25 AM
WOW, pretty damning coming from their chairman. Doesn't sound good at all
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/cronulla-sharks-chairman-claims-players-were-injected-with-horse-drugs/story-e6frexnr-1226593894057?from=public_js


Cronulla Sharks chairman Damian Irvine claims players were injected with horse drugs
Phil Rothfield
The Sunday Telegraph
March 10, 2013 12:00AM


THE Cronulla Sharks rugby league club sacked four coaching staff members and suspended their coach Shane Flanagan because they did not reveal allegations some players were injected with drugs used on horses.

The club's chairman Damian Irvine alleged his football club staff had not notified the board about the allegations of drug use which date back to 2011.

One of the drugs is believed to be TV-500, a substance used on horses to increase muscle growth, strength and endurance.

The stunning claims were made as the club prepared to open the season tonight against the Gold Coast Titans.

Irvine broke his silence on the scandal that has rocked the club and the NRL. He spoke exclusively to The Sunday Telegraph Sports Editor-at-Large Phil Rothfield.

PHIL Rothfield: Damian, this is your fault. I've told you for years you need a CEO. You should stand down.

Irvine: Mate, when paid staff fail to report ... injecting players with equine substances, I can't help (Editor's note: the staff have denied any knowledge of this). Players deserve professional support, not people who risk their careers.

Equine substances. What evidence do you have of that?

They were well aware of it. It happened over a few weeks.


What was the substance?

I don't know, it was labelled that. I'd have to check my notes.

I'm told there was a bottle of tablets with a sticker that said: "Not for human use."

There's a massive failing in the system if those boys had something else in bottles.

When a doctor threatens to resign when a practice is going on, it's a pretty major thing.

For the board not to be told about it, that's why we are where we are today.

But Shane Flanagan and David Givney parted company with Stephen Dank.

Blokes on hundreds of thousands per year in privileged positions of working for an NRL club should know better.

I can't believe you left the country with this happening.

I have to make a living somehow.

These guys you've sacked or stood down have pulled together a roster capable of winning a premiership and you've just kicked them out.

You're saying this happened because we were under-resourced and didn't have a CEO. Melbourne Storm were the best resourced club in the game and look what happened there with the salary cap.

If people choose to make poor decisions, regardless of the structure, they have to pay the consequences.

Particularly those in highly paid management jobs.

We're not talking about $90,000-a-year employees.

It's devastating for a lot of people but the pain now will help the club in the future.

Sometimes you make hard decisions.

People have to be accountable. We've made a courageous decision.

We could have waited and said, let's see what happens. They're all good people but they've made errors.

Why the doctor, Dave Givney? He threatened to resign.

He's got a duty of care over the players.

He was the one who raised concerns and got rid of the sports scientist.

He did.

We're talking about the Kangaroos and State of Origin doctor.

That doesn't mean that when someone makes the wrong decision, that they can't be accountable.


Where's your evidence?

I can't breach a legal document and evidence in an investigation.

The briefing we got, including all the evidence from the players, that has gone through numerous legal people, we all agreed we had no choice.

The full story will come out and we can judge it all on that.

Players' health and safety has to come first.

Steve
10-03-13, 07:07 AM
Sharks fans are legendary for their siege mentality. They have a strong supporters group and had a huge boost to membership pre-season.

Lots of Sharks supporters are in a very bad place, this game is something they can hold on to.

That's it. A team that's been in the comp since '67 and has never won a premiership doesn't have many bandwagoners. They''ll stick with the club to the end of the earth, and fight all the way.

The fans will be baying for blood, and the players will be happy to deliver. It won't be a pretty match, but I suspect it will be brutal.

DavidBouveng
10-03-13, 07:35 AM
Awesome article report from Roy masters in the smh.

I'm in bed and too lazy to link it, but its by far the best account of everything so far.

Smakked
10-03-13, 08:05 AM
This will be a good game, our forwards will get a real test today, we will need a strong defensive line. Cant wait

GOLDHAMMER
10-03-13, 09:09 AM
Considering what has transpired recently,the teams response to what happens in todays game will be an indicator of how much the squad has grown.Having a core group of SOO players should help calm the nerves of facing a hostile crowd,the players need to hang in and stay calm,and take the chances that come,and once they have a lead dont let the sharks back into the game.

I really think todays game will shape our year.

Mr Stupid
10-03-13, 09:58 AM
Gallen says they'll be playing for the five sacked staff. Why play hard for the very people who may have stuffed up your playing career with their mismanagement. Loyalty only stretches so far. Smash em Titans!!!!

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 10:18 AM
Excited for this game. Have to be sharp in every aspect of our game. Time to put the Sharks back into the sea.

gothabull
10-03-13, 10:23 AM
I've waited all year for this game it's set to be pretty spectacular i reckon it will be the game of the round we are up against it and it will be full grunt everyone at my work thinks sharks got this but not me we can do it come on titans!:fight:

karnage
10-03-13, 11:08 AM
I'm watching Argo while I read both of ur posts lol.

Tehran stadium, and the angry mob are not happy that Shah Flano has been stood down and are not to be trifled with.

If any away fans get cornered , diehard , karnage and myself can go down and pose as a film crew trying doing a doco on the sharks drama and get them out.

Hilarious!!:laugh:

There was only one thing I could think of watching that movie and that was Homer with his Ayatollah Arsahola T-Shirt.
'But Marg, it works for all the Ayatollah's!!'

Genius...

Hail Sezer
10-03-13, 03:39 PM
NYC team is locked at 6 all

Hail Sezer
10-03-13, 03:44 PM
NYC Sharks lead 12-6 after 28 minutes

Hail Sezer
10-03-13, 03:46 PM
Jamal Fogarty takes an intercept and runs 80m but is dragged down on his way to the try line.

Hail Sezer
10-03-13, 03:48 PM
Matt Beddow scores under the posts as Titans under-20s hit back to level the scores at 12-all after 32 mins

Hail Sezer
10-03-13, 03:53 PM
Hymel Hunt line break puts Jamal Fogarty over for a try under the posts. Fogarty converts as NYC Titans hit the front 18-12 after 37 mins

Titanic
10-03-13, 04:14 PM
Great stuff HS ... keep it up and keep the up-dates coming too.

Hail Sezer
10-03-13, 04:27 PM
Sorry had to chuck the flat roast in the oven.

Sam Johnson scores for the NYC Titans and Fogarty converts to extend their lead to 24-12 after 48 mins.

Hail Sezer
10-03-13, 04:31 PM
Hymel Hunt scores for the NYC Titans to extend their lead to 28-16 with 15 mins remaining

Titanic
10-03-13, 04:34 PM
C'mon boys, put 2012 to sleep.

Hail Sezer
10-03-13, 04:35 PM
If this doesnt get you excited about the game tonight, I'm not sure what will...

http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/5f22c782894911e29b0e22000a9f12cb_7.jpg

Hail Sezer
10-03-13, 04:48 PM
NYC Titans win their first match of the season, beating the NYC Cronulla Sharks 29-16

Titanic
10-03-13, 05:19 PM
After the capitulations of last season, this result is a real triumph for the club, the coaching staff and the players.

DavidBouveng
10-03-13, 05:27 PM
RLW mole reporting a standing ovation for sharks players after their WARM UP!

Gonna be a long night. What have we walked into?

Good test of mental strength. Myles bird harro need to lead with composure till the craziness settles just a tad.

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 05:35 PM
Away jersey is a disgrace

Titanic
10-03-13, 05:35 PM
Perfect start to the season ... no complacency.

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 05:36 PM
penalty to start the season.

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 05:39 PM
omfg i knew the season would be like this. Giving away too many penalties and and making crucial errors.

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 05:40 PM
OMFG shouldve been a try. What a start. Unlucky forward pass. Sezer/Kelly already weaving magic

Titanic
10-03-13, 05:41 PM
we look infinitely more settled

Titanic
10-03-13, 05:42 PM
our jersey is really bad ... I mean friggin' terrible.

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 05:44 PM
Defence looking real solid

DIEHARD
10-03-13, 05:44 PM
OK here we go team! Go Titans!

Looking really good so far.

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 05:45 PM
As i thought Sezer is playing the more halfback role

Boonarga
10-03-13, 05:45 PM
Kelly saves 6 points. Prince would have missed that tackle.

DIEHARD
10-03-13, 05:46 PM
Away jersey is a disgrace

I actually like it. Better than last year's. I never really liked to swords off to one side, looks off balance. I will definitely grab one during the season.

DavidBouveng
10-03-13, 05:47 PM
Taka doing well so far

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 05:50 PM
we are amazing in defence

DavidBouveng
10-03-13, 05:53 PM
Idris having a dig.

Titanic
10-03-13, 05:53 PM
great set of 6

DIEHARD
10-03-13, 05:54 PM
Massive 40/20 from Carney. This will test us.

DavidBouveng
10-03-13, 05:54 PM
Heavy start to the game... Ripe for Taylor to devastate.

...if we defend this 40/20

DIEHARD
10-03-13, 05:54 PM
Idris having a dig.

Yea he is doing well.


we are amazing in defence

Some real daisy cutters out there. Love it.

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 05:54 PM
Ben Ridge is massive. Carney is ordinary

DIEHARD
10-03-13, 05:57 PM
Awesome hit by Kelly chasing down that kick. He is a little Alfie! There chasing and always having a dig in defence.

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 05:57 PM
We have had few opportunities to attack. But when we did attack we looked dangerous.

Boonarga
10-03-13, 05:58 PM
This is great. We have a halfback that doesn't have to hide in defense.

Jamal's Hamstring
10-03-13, 05:59 PM
No chance to watch the game today but all sounds like a solid start for the boys.

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 06:01 PM
taylor on the field! Idris, Taylor and now waiting for James to get on the field

DavidBouveng
10-03-13, 06:02 PM
We are working from a great defensive base, and bending the line making good yardstick just have to polish off the attack

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 06:03 PM
crap sharkies score off a kick

Boonarga
10-03-13, 06:04 PM
Wrong play for us to put the kick in. Should have went through the hands.

Titanic
10-03-13, 06:04 PM
That was woeful, Takairangi covered him and Gordon just stopped and looked.

Titanic
10-03-13, 06:05 PM
Now we'll find out what we've got.

Nick
10-03-13, 06:06 PM
I would prefer ridge back out there then Taylor, he is having a blinder in defence.
How good is our defence! KG doent look 100% for mine.. They are really targeting his wing on the last..

kwigibo
10-03-13, 06:08 PM
On the back of a ridiculous penalty. Beau Ryan obstructs the defender but somehow receives the penalty. Sezer wouldn't have had to throw him out of the way if you could trust the refs to actually whistle cheating.

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 06:09 PM
barely had any opportunities to attack. Gotta make most of them

DavidBouveng
10-03-13, 06:10 PM
Albys body shape has changed for the better since titans Xmas party. Looks good

Titanic
10-03-13, 06:14 PM
Honestly everybody saw that except Gordon.

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 06:14 PM
unlucky Taka. An absolute offloading machine. If Kevvy was on his wing it would have been an easy try.

gotitans101_
10-03-13, 06:17 PM
Taka has looked dangerous but he needs far more awareness - he's offloaded to nobody a few times now and it might end up costing us.

patskE
10-03-13, 06:18 PM
good half tbh. we havnt really had to many chances, cant really remember to many tackles in the 20(only chance was late in the half to taka but he forced the pass so wasnt a tackle)
sharks just going side to side, and both edges have good defense, once we get a few chances we should be alright. they needed to go to the air to score which is a good sign. taka needs to help kev under the high ball more but with his height

Boonarga
10-03-13, 06:19 PM
Really, that was a good half from our boys with promising signs. Unfortunately, they are now going to have a halftime coaching session.

Titanic
10-03-13, 06:19 PM
That was a great half of football ... the half's looked good, the defence was great, except for a couple of really crappy left-side errors out wide. I've got to say the new guys all looked pretty fair except Taylor who didn't have much of a chance.

DIEHARD
10-03-13, 06:20 PM
How about Bailey and his skills?! One for the career highlight reel.

Jamal's Hamstring
10-03-13, 06:21 PM
How about Bailey and his skills?! One for the career highlight reel.

Bailey putting more kicks in?

teke
10-03-13, 06:22 PM
If you look at it again beau Ryan had no intention of going for the kick, he was there to get in Kevs way. Good tactics.

Taka needs to calm down a bit but he's taking notes off bird who is also trying to offload every run.

Titans right side is rock solid led by Kelly

Good quality game

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 06:23 PM
just gotta get more ball and we should create opportunities

hatchy84
10-03-13, 06:24 PM
If we get ball we should crack them like manly against broncos

teke
10-03-13, 06:27 PM
Omg bailey, what can ya say :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Boofhead
10-03-13, 06:28 PM
Looking the goods, just need the ball. Sharks will tire towards the end of the game.

teke
10-03-13, 06:29 PM
Bad jersey colour clash

DIEHARD
10-03-13, 06:37 PM
Awesome kick by Sezer and take by Mead. We are in!

Rage
10-03-13, 06:38 PM
Really piling the pressure on and Mead scores!

Titanic
10-03-13, 06:38 PM
great set to a try :)

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 06:38 PM
as i knew. We will create an opportunity. And we did

Rage
10-03-13, 06:39 PM
Great conversion by Sezer. I don't want to get ahead of myself but how great are our halves!

Titanic
10-03-13, 06:42 PM
Zillman is gun shy.

Rage
10-03-13, 06:46 PM
Dammit, Fifita breaks through.

Titanic
10-03-13, 06:46 PM
Harrison just stood there watching ... do we have enough?

Nick
10-03-13, 06:47 PM
I hope Ridge owns Harrisons lock jersey by seasons end.. Harro just watched that unfold infront of him.

teke
10-03-13, 06:47 PM
Bloody good game

Boofhead
10-03-13, 06:50 PM
Where is Srama?

Titanic
10-03-13, 06:53 PM
Good tackle ... no try

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 06:56 PM
We gotta win this game. Stay positive boiz!

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 07:02 PM
hopefully its a try

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 07:02 PM
it should be a try!

Boonarga
10-03-13, 07:03 PM
We are playing the better footy. Just not finishing off well.

Titanic
10-03-13, 07:04 PM
Excellent 6 inch run by Taylor :)

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 07:06 PM
tense moments. Gotta aim for the win.

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 07:11 PM
oh no. Birdy nearly pulled it off. Zillman would have been straight thru

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 07:14 PM
omffgfggg we nearly had it. So close.

Titanic
10-03-13, 07:17 PM
A really good effort and let the postmortems begin.

Julius Sezer
10-03-13, 07:17 PM
wat a crap and painful way to lose the first game of the season

teke
10-03-13, 07:18 PM
Good game and a better effort than our first win last yr.

Boonarga
10-03-13, 07:20 PM
Can't complain much about that effort. Execution at times a little rusty but looks promising. Well Done lads.

hatchy84
10-03-13, 07:20 PM
Sezar choked his body language was never gonna kick that goal

hatchy84
10-03-13, 07:21 PM
Played well but great start

Boofhead
10-03-13, 07:21 PM
The better team... Full of drug cheats won in the end?