The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans’ ongoing commitment to the Northern Rivers region will continue next year, with the club gearing up to play a full-scale NRL trial match at Lismore’s Oakes Oval.
Following on from the success of the club’s 2007 trial match in Lismore against Parramatta, the Jetstar Titans will tackle 2005 NRL premiers the Wests Tigers in their final hit-out of the pre-season at Oakes Oval on Saturday, February 28.
The two clubs will clash for the second annual Larry Corowa Shield – named in honour of the Indigenous rugby league star who was born in Murwillumbah and played for both the Gold Coast Seagulls and Balmain during his rugby league career.
In the build-up to the trial match, Jetstar Titans players will also be conducting rugby league coaching clinics and promotional visits in Lismore.
Tickets for the clash will go on sale from 9am tomorrow and can be purchased through the Lismore Workers Club, either in person or by calling 02 6621 7401. Tickets range in price from $10 for juniors to $30 for grandstand seating.
The last Jetstar Titans’ trial match played in Lismore was attended by a capacity crowd of more than 8000 and organisers are urgings fans to pre-purchase tickets early as this year’s match is again expected to draw a sell-out crowd.
Murwillumbah Mustangs junior and Australian international Anthony Laffranchi, who will feature in an advertising campaign in the lead-up to the trial, said he was excited to again be playing in the Northern Rivers region.
“As a boy who grew up in Murwillumbah you always relished the opportunity to see an NRL team run around on a country field so it’s going to be a great opportunity for the locals and the fans to watch the Titans and Tigers play,’’ said Laffranchi.
“The fans down there (last time) were fantastic and the support we had was second to none. It’s always good to see Northern NSW get behind the Jetstar Titans.
“It’s a great honour to play for the Larry Corowa Shield. Larry is an icon within the Northern Rivers, having been a part of Balmain and the Gold Coast as well.’’
Laffranchi won’t be the only homegrown hero to take the field in Lismore, with emerging Kyogle talents Will Matthews and Shannon Walker both strong chances to be a part of the full-strength squad picked by Jetstar Titans coach John Cartwright for the trial.
“We’ve got a lot of boys in our club now from the Northern Rivers so it’s a good chance to give them something back,’’ said Cartwright. “As far as the trial is concerned it will be a full dress rehearsal for the first game (round 1) against Newcastle.
“Everyone who is 100 per cent fit will play that day, both our feeder clubs are playing down there in Ipswich and the (Tweed Heads) Seagulls so it’ll be a great day if you’re a Titans supporter.’’
On the other side of the fence, the Wests Tigers also have a host of stars to select from including star five-eighth Benji Marshall and hooker Robbie Farah.
Cartwright said the Jetstar Titans held fond memories of Lismore, dating back to the club’s first ever full-scale trial match against Parramatta in the pre-season of 2007 – which the Gold Coast won 22-10.
Although the Lismore trial was in-fact the club’s second trial match, following a historic first appearance at Coffs Harbour, it was the first hit-out for the Titans’ full-strength side.
“It was a tremendous atmosphere,’’ said Cartwright. “It was probably a little bit surreal from our point of view because it was basically our first run-out in Titans gear and no one really knew what to expect. We’d done a lot of training but hadn’t put it together on the football field.
“So in that regard it was very exciting - the players did their lap after the game, the crowd all hung around and cheered them off, it was a great atmosphere and I think this time it should be even better.’’
Jetstar Titans managing director Michael Searle said the club was pleased to again be taking a pre-season trial match to fans who may not be able to attend games on the Gold Coast.
“We have a great relationship with the NRRRL, Group 1 juniors and Group 18 juniors so it’s a chance for us to get down there and do some great work in the community and also allow our fans that may not be able to get to competition games at Skilled Park to come along to an event,’’ said Searle.
“We took our first game there in 2007 and it was really well received – the fans absolutely loved it and it was a sell-out. It was quite an emotional day for everyone. I think there were a lot of nerves about how the team would go and whether we’d perform credibly.
“The boys did really well that day and I think from there we’ve continued to improve. Since we were down there last our football side has certainly come ahead in leaps and bounds.’’
TICKETS ON SALE – 9am on Wednesday, December 10
WHERE - In person at Lismore Workers Club or phone 02 6621 7401
PRICING - Grandstand Tickets: $30 (limited numbers available), General Admission: Adult $20, Concession $15, Junior $10.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
League : yet more on Ricky
9/12 - The Board of the Australian Rugby League has today accepted the findings of World Cup organisers in relation to Australian Coach Ricky Stuart and noted Mr Stuart’s decision not to make himself available for the role of Kangaroos coach in 2009.
In doing so the Board also recognised the overall contribution made by Mr Stuart in his three years as Australian coach.
Today’s meeting made no decision in relation to appointing a coach for 2009.
There was some general discussion in favour of existing protocols that ensure the Australian coaching role is separated from State of Origin duties but it was felt that the matter would be more properly considered at the first available meeting of 2009 in February.
“It is important that we take the time to consider all possible options and the speed of recent events has not given us that opportunity,” ARL Chief Executive, Mr Geoff Carr, said today.
“Certainly it is not unusual to wait until the first meeting of the year to appoint the coach for that season.”
In doing so the Board also recognised the overall contribution made by Mr Stuart in his three years as Australian coach.
Today’s meeting made no decision in relation to appointing a coach for 2009.
There was some general discussion in favour of existing protocols that ensure the Australian coaching role is separated from State of Origin duties but it was felt that the matter would be more properly considered at the first available meeting of 2009 in February.
“It is important that we take the time to consider all possible options and the speed of recent events has not given us that opportunity,” ARL Chief Executive, Mr Geoff Carr, said today.
“Certainly it is not unusual to wait until the first meeting of the year to appoint the coach for that season.”
baseball : NEW YORK YANKEES CELEBRATE THE ELECTION OF JOE GORDON TO THE HALL OF FAME
Former New York Yankees second baseman Joe Gordon was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame today by the Veterans Committee. He received 10 of a possible 12 votes (83.3%) from Veterans Committee members who voted on the pre-1943 ballot, with 75.0% needed for election. The ballot he was on featured players who began their big league careers before 1943.
Gordon played seven seasons with the Yankees (1938-43, ’46) and was part of five Yankees pennant winning teams (1938-39, ’41-43), including four World Series champions (1938-39, ’41, ‘43). In 1942, he won the American League MVP Award after batting .322 with 18 home runs and 103 RBI. He becomes the second Yankees second baseman enshrined in the Hall of Fame, joining Tony Lazzeri, whom Gordon replaced following the 1937 season.
Prior to the 1947 season, Gordon was traded to the Cleveland Indians (for Allie Reynolds), where he played four seasons (1947-50) before retiring. Overall, he was a nine-time AL All-Star, making the team every year he was with the Yankees aside from his rookie season in 1938. He finished his career with a .268 lifetime batting average, 253 home runs and 975 RBI, hitting at least 10 home runs in each of his 11 Major League seasons. Gordon did not play in the Majors from 1944-45 due to military service.
Quotes regarding Gordon’s election to the Hall of Fame:
“As a young man in Cleveland, I remember what a spectacular ballplayer Joe Gordon was. He was a great second baseman, a great Yankee and an inspiration to millions of Americans for many years. The Yankees are proud of his election.”
George M. Steinbrenner (Yankees Chairperson)
"Joe Gordon was a real good guy and darn good ballplayer. He was a big part of the Yankees in the '40s. When we traded him for (Allie) Reynolds, it was just one of those good exchanges. He helped Cleveland a lot and Allie really helped us. It's great that Joe made the Hall; I think Allie should be in, too."
Yogi Berra (Hall of Fame member, teammate in 1946, played against Gordon from 1947-50)
“Joe was a terrific second baseman whose career paralleled Bobby Doerr. He was a great fielder who had great range. He didn’t hit for a high average, but he would hit for power. He was a great fielder and a great guy.”
Bobby Brown (teammate in 1946, played against Gordon from 1947-50)
“It’s about time and 40 years too late. I voted for him and campaigned for him [for the Hall of Fame] every year. He was one of the greats of the game—a truly brilliant defensive player. To me, he was the perfect second baseman with his ability to turn the double play and hit for power in such a difficult hitter’s park as Yankee Stadium. He made Phil Rizzuto and Lou Boudreau better. He wasn’t just good, he was great.”
Jerry Coleman (played against Gordon from 1949-50)
Gordon played seven seasons with the Yankees (1938-43, ’46) and was part of five Yankees pennant winning teams (1938-39, ’41-43), including four World Series champions (1938-39, ’41, ‘43). In 1942, he won the American League MVP Award after batting .322 with 18 home runs and 103 RBI. He becomes the second Yankees second baseman enshrined in the Hall of Fame, joining Tony Lazzeri, whom Gordon replaced following the 1937 season.
Prior to the 1947 season, Gordon was traded to the Cleveland Indians (for Allie Reynolds), where he played four seasons (1947-50) before retiring. Overall, he was a nine-time AL All-Star, making the team every year he was with the Yankees aside from his rookie season in 1938. He finished his career with a .268 lifetime batting average, 253 home runs and 975 RBI, hitting at least 10 home runs in each of his 11 Major League seasons. Gordon did not play in the Majors from 1944-45 due to military service.
Quotes regarding Gordon’s election to the Hall of Fame:
“As a young man in Cleveland, I remember what a spectacular ballplayer Joe Gordon was. He was a great second baseman, a great Yankee and an inspiration to millions of Americans for many years. The Yankees are proud of his election.”
George M. Steinbrenner (Yankees Chairperson)
"Joe Gordon was a real good guy and darn good ballplayer. He was a big part of the Yankees in the '40s. When we traded him for (Allie) Reynolds, it was just one of those good exchanges. He helped Cleveland a lot and Allie really helped us. It's great that Joe made the Hall; I think Allie should be in, too."
Yogi Berra (Hall of Fame member, teammate in 1946, played against Gordon from 1947-50)
“Joe was a terrific second baseman whose career paralleled Bobby Doerr. He was a great fielder who had great range. He didn’t hit for a high average, but he would hit for power. He was a great fielder and a great guy.”
Bobby Brown (teammate in 1946, played against Gordon from 1947-50)
“It’s about time and 40 years too late. I voted for him and campaigned for him [for the Hall of Fame] every year. He was one of the greats of the game—a truly brilliant defensive player. To me, he was the perfect second baseman with his ability to turn the double play and hit for power in such a difficult hitter’s park as Yankee Stadium. He made Phil Rizzuto and Lou Boudreau better. He wasn’t just good, he was great.”
Jerry Coleman (played against Gordon from 1949-50)
Motorsport : A1GP News Round Up
London, Great Britain – With Christmas fast-approaching, the world of A1GP is as busy as ever with plenty of action continuing off the track.
It has been an eventful weekend for current A1GP World Cup of Motorsport Champion, A1 Team Switzerland. On Friday 5 December, seat holder Max Welti and driver Neel Jani attended a ceremony in Bern as the team was presented with a special award to commemorate the 2007/08 title success.
Auto Sport Switzerland and the Swiss National Sports Commission have awarded A1 Team Switzerland the Auto Sport Award for special merits in relation to Swiss motor racing. With this award, Switzerland pays tribute to the dedication and achievements of the representatives of a nation where motor racing is banned and it cannot rely on the support of its own automotive industry. The team then flew over to the UK to attend the annual Autosport Awards.
On Sunday 7 December the Autosport Awards took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, bringing together the most influential personalities in motorsport to celebrate outstanding achievements from the past year. This year A1GP’s official timing partner, TW Steel, was also the official watch partner to the Autosport Awards.
As ‘Official Watch Partner’ TW Steel presented Alexander Sims, the 20-year-old Formula Renault UK Championship runner-up, with an exclusively engraved watch as part of his prize for being named this year’s McLaren Autosport BRDC Award winner. The A1GP show car was also on display at the prestigious event.
This week also see the Motor Sport Business Forum take pace in the Grimaldi Conference and Exhibition Centre in Monaco. The event is a marketing and networking event bringing together motorsport professionals in a unique business setting away from the track. This year A1GP CEO, Pete da Silva, will be at the event on 10 – 11 December as a key speaker on ‘The Business of World Motorsport’. A1 Team Monaco will also have its car on display, although it will be in black livery with gold diamonds, as opposed to the red and white livery usual seen when racing on tracks around the globe.
The final Lippo Village circuit design has now been submitted to the FIA for approval and the granting of the relevant licence. The 3.2-kilometre circuit comprises of 13 –turns running anti-clockwise. A1GP Lippo Village, Indonesia will be held from the 6 - 8 February 2009.
An additional test for the A1GP test car has also been confirmed to take place in Portugal at the new Autodromo Internacional do Algarve on 10 – 13 January 2009. A1GP will be the circuit’s first international car race meeting at the track when the series heads to Portugal on 10 – 12 April 2009.
It has been an eventful weekend for current A1GP World Cup of Motorsport Champion, A1 Team Switzerland. On Friday 5 December, seat holder Max Welti and driver Neel Jani attended a ceremony in Bern as the team was presented with a special award to commemorate the 2007/08 title success.
Auto Sport Switzerland and the Swiss National Sports Commission have awarded A1 Team Switzerland the Auto Sport Award for special merits in relation to Swiss motor racing. With this award, Switzerland pays tribute to the dedication and achievements of the representatives of a nation where motor racing is banned and it cannot rely on the support of its own automotive industry. The team then flew over to the UK to attend the annual Autosport Awards.
On Sunday 7 December the Autosport Awards took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, bringing together the most influential personalities in motorsport to celebrate outstanding achievements from the past year. This year A1GP’s official timing partner, TW Steel, was also the official watch partner to the Autosport Awards.
As ‘Official Watch Partner’ TW Steel presented Alexander Sims, the 20-year-old Formula Renault UK Championship runner-up, with an exclusively engraved watch as part of his prize for being named this year’s McLaren Autosport BRDC Award winner. The A1GP show car was also on display at the prestigious event.
This week also see the Motor Sport Business Forum take pace in the Grimaldi Conference and Exhibition Centre in Monaco. The event is a marketing and networking event bringing together motorsport professionals in a unique business setting away from the track. This year A1GP CEO, Pete da Silva, will be at the event on 10 – 11 December as a key speaker on ‘The Business of World Motorsport’. A1 Team Monaco will also have its car on display, although it will be in black livery with gold diamonds, as opposed to the red and white livery usual seen when racing on tracks around the globe.
The final Lippo Village circuit design has now been submitted to the FIA for approval and the granting of the relevant licence. The 3.2-kilometre circuit comprises of 13 –turns running anti-clockwise. A1GP Lippo Village, Indonesia will be held from the 6 - 8 February 2009.
An additional test for the A1GP test car has also been confirmed to take place in Portugal at the new Autodromo Internacional do Algarve on 10 – 13 January 2009. A1GP will be the circuit’s first international car race meeting at the track when the series heads to Portugal on 10 – 12 April 2009.
League : More on Ricky Stewart
Ricky Stuart has today informed the Australian Rugby League that he would not make himself available to coach the Kangaroos in 2009.
ARL Chairman and World Cup Tournament Director, Mr Colin Love AM, said that Mr Stuart informed him of the decision at a meeting in Phillip St today which had been called to discuss the findings of a report into the circumstances surrounding an encounter between Mr Stuart, English based referee Ashley Klein and RFL Match Officials Director Mr Stuart Cummings at the team hotel at noon on November 23.
Mr Stuart was informed that he was to be fined $20,000 under the World Cup disciplinary provisions with the money to be donated to the tournament charity the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
In accepting the fine Mr Stuart also offered the following statement to be tendered at tomorrow’s ARL Board Meeting:
”I have today advised the chairman of the ARL Colin Love that I will not be putting my name forward for consideration to coach the Australian Kangaroos in 2009.
“This has been a most difficult decision to make in view of the great honour and enjoyment that comes from coaching our national team.
“I believe that making this decision is in the best interests of the game and for me personally. In view of the circumstances it was the only decision.
“The penalty that has been handed down has been accepted by me as fair and reasonable. There are some elements of the findings that I could debate but in the best interests of the game it is time to move on and leave them unchallenged.
“I have apologised to every person and body that I feel I needed to address and by making this decision I would hope that it will be interpreted as me not condoning my conduct in any way, shape or form. I am fully aware of the importance of protecting the game’s image and reputation from the grass roots level to the international arena.
“I would like to thank Colin Love and his board and the players with whom I have been associated for their support and commitment to the Australian jersey during the past three years.”
Mr Love said that Ricky had made an outstanding contribution to the profile and performance of the Kangaroos since 1986.
“In many ways his actions today have underlined his commitment to the ideals he has set for the Kangaroos.
“In a clear error of judgment Ricky acted inappropriately and he has conceded that from the outset.
“Like all of us he has had to wait for the report from Robert Weber SC to be finalised and today was his first opportunity to review that.
“Not only has he accepted the $20,000 penalty imposed by the World Cup Tournament under its disciplinary code, Ricky has chosen to set an example for coaches at every level about the respect that needs to be shown to officials.
“Anyone who has seen the pride Ricky places in representing Australia will know that he is paying a heavy price.
“People need to accept that he is paying it and allow him to move on with a clean slate.
“They also should acknowledge the contribution he has made to the profile of the international game, the spirit of the Australian team and to the success of the 2008 World Cup over the last two years.”
Mr Weber’s report confirmed that Mr Stuart had abused both refereeing officials in the foyer of the hotel the morning after the game, that there had been some physical contact between Mr Stuart and Mr Cummings, that while the abuse was not loud it was littered with profanities.
ARL Chairman and World Cup Tournament Director, Mr Colin Love AM, said that Mr Stuart informed him of the decision at a meeting in Phillip St today which had been called to discuss the findings of a report into the circumstances surrounding an encounter between Mr Stuart, English based referee Ashley Klein and RFL Match Officials Director Mr Stuart Cummings at the team hotel at noon on November 23.
Mr Stuart was informed that he was to be fined $20,000 under the World Cup disciplinary provisions with the money to be donated to the tournament charity the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
In accepting the fine Mr Stuart also offered the following statement to be tendered at tomorrow’s ARL Board Meeting:
”I have today advised the chairman of the ARL Colin Love that I will not be putting my name forward for consideration to coach the Australian Kangaroos in 2009.
“This has been a most difficult decision to make in view of the great honour and enjoyment that comes from coaching our national team.
“I believe that making this decision is in the best interests of the game and for me personally. In view of the circumstances it was the only decision.
“The penalty that has been handed down has been accepted by me as fair and reasonable. There are some elements of the findings that I could debate but in the best interests of the game it is time to move on and leave them unchallenged.
“I have apologised to every person and body that I feel I needed to address and by making this decision I would hope that it will be interpreted as me not condoning my conduct in any way, shape or form. I am fully aware of the importance of protecting the game’s image and reputation from the grass roots level to the international arena.
“I would like to thank Colin Love and his board and the players with whom I have been associated for their support and commitment to the Australian jersey during the past three years.”
Mr Love said that Ricky had made an outstanding contribution to the profile and performance of the Kangaroos since 1986.
“In many ways his actions today have underlined his commitment to the ideals he has set for the Kangaroos.
“In a clear error of judgment Ricky acted inappropriately and he has conceded that from the outset.
“Like all of us he has had to wait for the report from Robert Weber SC to be finalised and today was his first opportunity to review that.
“Not only has he accepted the $20,000 penalty imposed by the World Cup Tournament under its disciplinary code, Ricky has chosen to set an example for coaches at every level about the respect that needs to be shown to officials.
“Anyone who has seen the pride Ricky places in representing Australia will know that he is paying a heavy price.
“People need to accept that he is paying it and allow him to move on with a clean slate.
“They also should acknowledge the contribution he has made to the profile of the international game, the spirit of the Australian team and to the success of the 2008 World Cup over the last two years.”
Mr Weber’s report confirmed that Mr Stuart had abused both refereeing officials in the foyer of the hotel the morning after the game, that there had been some physical contact between Mr Stuart and Mr Cummings, that while the abuse was not loud it was littered with profanities.
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