Police strike force to probe NRL betting
Exclusive by Dean Ritchie & Ray Thomas- The Daily Telegraph The NRL illegal betting scandal dramatically escalated yesterday with six suspicious matches now likely to be investigated by a police strike force.On the eve of the NRL's showpiece semi-final series, sources revealed betting on four NRL games this season "looked very hot" while another two matches contained highly irregular betting trends.The NSW State Crime Command detectives yesterday established a dedicated strike...
NRL TOP FINALS PICKS 
It’s finally here. The NRL finals have arrived and the eight sides still in contention for a premiership should all rightfully fancy their chances in a season that was one of the closest on record. Which teams will continue their march towards destiny? GOLD COAST TITANS V NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS What a team the Titans have become. Since their inception in 2007, John Cartwright’s men have wasted little time becoming premiership contenders, securing a top four spot this season to coincide with last...
Melbourne Storm's hell year ends in party after its win over Newcastle
By Russell Gould @ HeraldsunAFTER taking a moment to settle following yesterday's emotion-charged season swansong, Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy delivered his summary of a year from hell.Storm had just despatched Newcastle 34-4 in a game that raced quickly to its likely conclusion with early points to the home team, stalled, then finished with a rush of tries.On-field hugs followed the final whistle as did a video tribute to all of Storm's departing players, and reflecting on that caught...
NRL preview for punters round 26
The last round of the regular season is finally upon us. Its now officially do or die for the few teams still in contention for a finals birth. The sides who have secured a top eight spot will also be desperate to secure a home final, thus giving themselves the best possible chance of going deep into September. GOLD COAST TITANS V WESTS TIGERS The Titans will be desperate to return to the winner’s circle following their first loss in six matches last week against the Cronulla Sharks. John...
NRL preview for punters round 25
The penultimate round of the Telstra Premiership presents us with some huge matches that look set to have a massive bearing on the finals chances of many sides this week. Which teams will rise to the occasion and deliver a performance worthy of a top eight spot? NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS V BRISBANE BRONCOS A massive game for both sides, given a win for the Warriors would seal a finals birth, while a loss for the Broncos would almost end their season. The key to this match will surround...
Back the Raiders to go deep into NRL finals
Every NRL club will now be asking for the secret recipe behind the Canberra Raiders constant ability to upstage arguably the most methodical side in the competition for the past two seasons. Coming off terrific victories against the Sydney Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles, the Dragons yet again hit a brick wall against the Green Machine, losing 32-16 after leading 4-0 at halftime. Canberra’s win continues their ominous record against the Red V, with yesterday’s triumph their eighth successive...
Cowboys call crisis meeting
By AAP from abc.net.au North Queensland's nightmare season has culminated in a high-powered board meeting scheduled for Friday to determine why it has become an NRL cellar-dweller. Club chairman Laurence Lancini this week refused to guarantee anyone's position at the club, including chief executive Peter Parr and coach Neil Henry who is two seasons into a five-year deal. It is understood Henry's deal includes a clause to terminate the final year should he fail to get to the finals in four...
Roosters receive boost as Aubusson re-signs
By AAP from foxsports.com.au Sydney Roosters second-rower Mitch Aubusson has signed a two-year contract extension to keep him at the NRL club until the end of 2013. The in-form backrower returns from a shoulder injury for Monday night's crunch game against Gold Coast Titans, but will play in the centres in the absence of Kane Linnett. "We have a great young team that has been playing together for a number of years now, so to know I will be a part of that progress is great," 22-year-old...
NRL preview for punters round 24
The race for the Minor Premiership is literally over with the Dragons opening up a four point lead on nearest rivals, the Titans. The remaining seven spots in the top eight however are far from guaranteed, so expect a finals like intensity in a round where its do or die for most teams. PENRITH PANTHERS V SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS You feel a loss here for the Rabbitohs will signal an end to a season where injury has unfortunately taken its toll on a club which had high hopes of challenging for the...
Tigers suffer big blow ahead of Eels clash
By AAP from abc.net.au Wests Tigers are desperately hoping they will not be without two key props for Sunday's massive encounter with Parramatta. The Tigers have lost Bryce Gibbs to a knee injury, which will sideline him for up to three weeks, while Keith Galloway is no certainty to play at Parramatta Stadium as he recovers from concussion. "(Gibbs) doesn't miss many games but his work rate will be missed," Tigers coach Tim Sheens said. "His defence has been very, very good, as good as anyone...
