NRL expansion bid drops a bombshell

The newly christened Brisbane Bombers have poured cold water on concerns they will face legal action from AFL namesakes Essendon.

The NRL expansion bid announced yesterday that it would be known as the Brisbane Bombers – a moniker reportedly chosen from over 15,000 entries in a web-based competition.

However, AFL heavyweights Essendon are furious and are looking at legal options to rectify alleged trademark infringement.

Brisbane Bombers director Nicholas Livermore said the name had been approved by three legal experts.

“We short listed about 15 names and selected what would work corporately and commercially and what kids would enjoy,” he said.

“I can understand the name may raise some eyebrows from a rival code because they have an attachment to it and they’ve been around for a very long time.

“If you do your research there’s no less than five cross overs between the NRL and the AFL in the brands.”

Livermore also revealed the other short option for the fledgling franchise’s identity was the ‘River City Kookaburras’.

Brisbane Bombers director Craig Davison declared the upstart bid – which is hoping to join the competition as early as 2013 – was looking to capitalise on a built-in rivalry with the NRL incumbent Broncos.

He also shot down concerns the Broncos would suffer if the Bombers are allowed to enter the league.

“I think that’s a very week argument,” he said.

“Brisbane is the rugby league capital of the world and we get 13 top-class games at Suncorp Stadium each year. There are more than 100 in Sydney.

“We’re talking Brisbane versus Brisbane. With no disrespect to (North Queensland) Cowboys or (Gold Coast) Titans when there’s a local derby it has to be between two teams who are 100 meters apart down the road.

“The Broncos are at the top and our goal would be to climb the ladder and be as good as the Brisbane Broncos.”

Other shared species

Bulldogs; Western (AFL), Canterbury-Bankstown (NRL)

Tigers; Richmond (AFL), Wests (NRL)

Magpies; Collingwood (AFL), Western Suburbs (ARL/NRL)

Blues; Carlton (AFL), New South Wales (State of Origin)

Kangaroos; North Melbourne (AFL), Australia (Test Rugby League)

Lions; Brisbane (AFL), England (Test Rugby League)

NEVER TO BE CONFUSED: West Coast Eagles (AFL) and Manly-Warringah SEA EAGLES (NRL).

He might be the nephew of Puff, but it seems Mark Gasnier is the Magic Dragon

For the nephew of Puff the Magic Dragon, it seems St George Illawarra superstar Mark Gasnier is the one with all the tricks up his sleeve.

He shocked the Dragons faithful when he left in 2008 to chase riches in French rugby. He surprised them when he returned half-way through 2010 to help the Red V win their first premiership in more than three decades.

But today we saw Gasnier’s most stunning trick yet – the NSW Origin centre announced this season would be his last in the NRL.

At 29 years old, in peak physical fitness, with more than three years and $1 million left on his contract, with rep jerseys being heaped before him, the centre will walk away from the game.

And what’s more, he knew before a ball was kicked in 2011 that he would do so.

The nephew of rugby league Immortal Reg Gasnier, claimed he told Dragons CEO Peter Doust in February of his intention to retire.

“He didn’t think I was serious and laughed it off, but then I rang him a couple of months ago and I said I was fair dinkum and that he should look to spend the extra cash for me on a new player,” Gasnier said.

“I decided earlier on in the year, but finding the right time to announce it was difficult – now is the right time. I was something I considering for a long time.

“It’s a thought process that you want to make sure you’re fair dinkum about it. Sometime your thought processes change with the mood you’re in and you want to make sure you go through the troughs.”

Surprise.

The 2005 and 2006 Dally M centre of the year admitted he didn’t have the mental fortitude to press on beyond 2011.

“Physically I could play on for a couple of years, but mentally I couldn’t,” he said.

Gasnier’s shock announcement has sparked doubts about the Dragons’ ability to contend next year given coach Wayne Bennett and reigning Dally M fullback Darius Boyd are headed to Newcastle.

The former Stade Francais recruit denied Bennett’s departure influenced his decision.

“I would love to be coached by Steve Price here, that didn’t have one once of influence on my decision. But mentally I don’t think I’d be 100 there,” he said.

The likes of Kyle Stanley, Jason Nightingale, Tim Moltzen and Chase Stanley will be in line to replace Gasnier at right centre.

Gasnier has scored 90 tries in 160 games with the joint venture since making his debut in 2000.

He scored the opening try of last year’s drought-breaking grand final win over the Sydney Roosters.

He played 11 times for NSW and 15 Tests for Australia.

Kevin Moore falls on his sword

He went from a cherub-cheeked kid on ball boy duty to calling the shots for first grade, but four decades as a Bulldog ended today for Kevin Moore when he resigned as head coach.

Moore, the son of Canterbury-Bankstown patriarch the late Peter ‘Bullfrog’ Moore, fell on his sword after months of speculation due to the club’s disappointing start to 2011.

The club’s board decided to sack Moore for 2012 on Tuesday, but the third-year coach has decided to walk immediately.

His decision ends more than 40 years with the Canterbury-Bankstown club in roles including ballboy, first grade halfback and of course, coach.

Former international Jim Dymock will take over for the rest of the season.

The Bulldogs head into tomorrow’s clash with New Zealand 11^th on the ladder with seven wins from 16 games, despite a roster considered to be one of the league’s best.

“I was told by Ray Dibb, Canterbury-Bankstown RLFC chairman and Todd Greenberg, club CEO, that my services as head coach were no longer required by the club after season 2011,” Moore said in a statement.

“Having considered the impact this would have on my family, my support staff and the players and importantly, the club I love and have been involved with since the early 1970s, I will stand down effective immediately.

“I feel very privileged to have been part of a great club for so long.”

Moore took over from brother-in-law Steve Folkes as head coach for 2009, winning the Dally M coach of the year award.

However, the Dogs disappointed last season and are no guarantees to play finals footy this year after a string of morale-sapping defeats.

Greenberg acknowledged Moore’s contribution to the club over four decades but admitted the Dogs needed a change to reverse their on-field fortunes.

“Kev has been great for our club over a 40-year period across a number of roles, from ball boy to head coach,” Greenberg said.

“However with regard to the head coaching position, it had become clear that it was time for a change.”

Not even Captain Socceroo can convince starlet to pull on green and gold

Not even Captain Socceroo Lucas Neill could convince starlet Brent McGrath to commit to Australia’s looming Under 20s World Cup campaign, it emerged today.

FFA technical director Han Berger revealed the Danish-based striker was endangering his international future by rejecting his nation’s call to arms for the tournament, which starts at the end of the month.

After unveiling Australia’s 21-man squad, Berger revealed the Brondy sharpshooter and Hadjuk Spilt midfielder Steve Lustica opted out of the championship to chase club honours.

Both were considered certainties for Jan Versleijen’s squad.

McGrath rejected warnings from Socceroos powerbrokers Berger, coach Holger Osieck and Neill that pulling out of the under-age competition would harm his chances of pulling on the green and gold in the future.

The 19-year-old made his full Socceroos debut against Germany in March.

“They both let us know that they prefer to do the pre-season with the clubs instead of playing for the Young Socceroos in the U20 World Cup,” Berger said.

“With Brent McGrath, I tried to convince him and Socceroos coach Holger Osieck tried.

“Finally I asked Lucas Neill to contact Brent to make him aware of the fact that we think it’s not really a good position for him to take.

“At the end of the day he decided to stick with his position and it is like it is.”

Sixteen of the squad were part of the team that finished second at last year’s Asian Under 19 Championships, while Tommy Oar, Kofi Danning, Ben Kantarovski, Rhyan Grant and Sam Gallagher played for the Young Socceroos at the 2009 Under 20 World Cup.

The team will play friendlies against South Korea (July 20) and England (July 22) in Denver before heading to their Colombian base of Manizales.

Australia have been drawn in Group C alongside Ecuador (31 July), Costa Rica (3 August) and Spain (6 August).

Qantas Young Socceroos Squad for FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011

Matthew ACTON (gk) (Brisbane Roar), Mustafa AMINI (Central Coast Mariners), Terry ANTONIS (Sydney FC), Jake BARKER-DAISH (Gold Coast United), Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk) (Adelaide United), Kerem BULUT (Mlada Boleslav), Kofi DANNING (Brisbane Roar), Matthew FLETCHER (Uncontracted), Petar FRANJIC (Melbourne Victory), Sam GALLAGHER (Central Coast Mariners), Rhyan GRANT (Sydney FC), Brendan HAMILL (Melbourne Heart), Bernie IBINI-ISEI (Central Coast Mariners), Ben KANTAROVSKI (Newcastle Jets), Mathew LECKIE (Borussia Monchengladbach), Dylan McGOWAN (Gold Coast United), Tommy OAR (FC Utrecht), Dimitrios PETRATOS (Sydney FC), Trent SAINSBURY (Central Coast Mariners), Lawrence THOMAS (gk) (uncontracted), Marc WARREN (Sheffield United).

Johnston rejects T20 riches to focus on Sachin and Co.

Mitchell Johnston will leave a seven-figure sum on the table and forgo playing in the inaugural Big Bash League to ensure his fitness for Australia’s marquee series with India, he announced today.

Johnston declared he wouldn’t sign with any of the eight franchises for Australia’s new-look domestic Twenty20 competition, which starts on December 16, just 10 days before the series opener against Sachin Tendulkar and Co.

The Test spearhead would have commanded more than $100,000 to take part in the new competition and fielded an offer from the Perth-based Scorchers.

However, Johnston revealed his priority was Australia’s international schedule, which includes tours to Sri Lanka and South Africa before a home summer involving two Tests against New Zealand and the much-anticipated, four-rubber showdown with the Indians.

"At the moment I've decided not to sign with any of the Twenty20 sides," Johnson told reporters in Brisbane at Australia's training camp.

"The Scorchers approached me and at the moment I'm just happy to focus on the summer coming up.

"With India coming over, they're obviously a strong side, and it might give me a chance also to go back to grade cricket if the opportunity's there. We've got a big summer coming up, Sri Lanka first, then South Africa, they're going to be big Tests for us in their home towns, and a big summer here, so that's where my main focus is."

Cricket Australia hoped all their high-profile stars would join the new competition to generate interest – Johnston is the first to ignore the Jolimont directive.

Newly-appointed skipper Michael Clarke, Allan Border Medallist Shane Watson, opener-in-waiting Phillip Hughes, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and quick Peter Siddle are yet to sign Big Bash League contracts.

Doug Bollinger is the only other player who played in last season’s Ashes Series yet to find a franchise.

The original contracting window closes on July 22 – franchises can sign between 14 and 18 players, including two from overseas.

The Big Bash League, contested by city-based franchises rather than the traditional state associations, is an attempt to capitalise on the tribalism that has made the football codes so popular.

Traditional colours, names and player loyalties will be thrown out in the window, with players allowed to sign for the highest bidder.

The winners will qualify for the lucrative ICL tournament.

The salary cap is set at $1million and minimum wage for players at $20,000.

Click HERE for up-to-date player signings

Big Bash League

Franchise                           Colour                       Venue                       

Adelaide Strikers                  Blue                            Adelaide Oval          

Brisbane Heat                      Teal                            Gabba                       

Hobart Hurricanes               Purple                         Bellerive Oval          

Perth Scorchers                   Orange                       WACA                       

Melbourne Renegades       Red                             Etihad Stadium       

Melbourne Stars                  Green                         MCG                          

Sydney Sixers                      Pink                            SCG                         

Sydney Thunder                  Green                         ANZ Stadium            

NRL Power Rankings - Round 18

1. St George Illawarra: Sat back this weekend and recovered from a gruelling schedule over the representative season. With plenty of stars set to return, the defending premiers are exactly where they want to be.

2. Melbourne Storm: Great victory over the Bulldogs with the ‘big three’ backing up after Origin. This might be Craig Bellamy’s best effort with the southern franchise, given they are under the cap and still in line for the minor premiership.

3. North Queensland Cowboys: Wins without Johnathan Thurston are as rare as hen’s teeth, but that’s what’s they achieved against a red-hot Newcastle last night. Although the Kangaroos half will be out for at least another four weeks, signs are good for the Townsville-based outfit.

4. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles: Lucky, rather than good against the wasteful Rabbitohs on Sunday. Kieran Foran could well take advantage of Thurston’s injury to take the lead in the Dally M running while Glenn Stewart has been outstanding.

5. Brisbane Broncos: Had the weekend off but get a chance to keep their form going against the sorry Gold Coast Titans this weekend. Darren Lockyer’s farewell is getting closer and closer and the Broncos will be keen to send the legendary pivot out a winner.

6. Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks: Wow. Simply wow. Four wins in a row. If they keep this up, there Sharks will be in the eight, an unthinkable scenario at the start of the season. Paul Gallen’s admission that he is exhausted is a worry.

7. New Zealand Warriors: Scored a regulation victory over the Titans last Friday and face the beleaguered Bulldogs this weekend. The coming weeks are their chance to cement a play-off spot.

8. Newcastle Knights: Dropped a stinker to the understrength Cowboys on Monday night. Welcomed back Jarrod Mullen from a pectoral injury, but were out-enthused by a gritty Cowboys outfit. Have to win the tough ones to stay in play-off reckoning.

9. Penrith Panthers: Steve Georgallis’ honeymoon ended with Sunday’s shock loss to the Roosters, but Penrith still have the tools to make a run at the finals.

10. Parramatta Eels: Only two wins out of the eight after last Friday’s victory against the Tigers. Jarryd Hayne’s switch to five-eighth could be the key to the rest of Parramatta’s season.

11. Wests Tigers: Uh oh. Angry players, a Benji Marshall that maybe came back a touch too soon, an exodus of talent and a losing streak at exactly the wrong time of the season. The Tigers have to get back on track now or a season full of promise will go down the drain.

12. South Sydney Rabbitohs: Should have beaten Manly. Their wastefulness in tough contests will be the difference between a September berth and another early exit.

13. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs: The pressure on coach Kevin Moore continues to mount after the weekend’s loss to Melbourne. The Bulldogs were not disgraced, but they need to start winning starting this weekend.

14. Sydney Roosters: Back in the winner’s circle at the expense of a listless Panthers. Have too much to do to make the finals, but will provide more than nuisance value for teams jockeying for spots in the eight.

15. Canberra Raiders: Their season is officially over after falling to the Sharks on Saturday night. The year’s big disappointment.

16: Gold Coast Titans: In a bad place. No light at the end of the tunnel this season. Mat Rogers’ heart-warming comeback lasted 20 minutes. Probably a good indication of how 2011 has been for the boys from the glitter strip.

We didn't respect Cowboys: Stone

Bemused Newcastle coach Rick Stone accused his team of not respecting an understrength North Queensland outfit in the wake of tonight’s loss.

Stone blamed the shock 22-12 defeat at Ausgrid Stadium on a lack of ball security and the Knights’ testing recent schedule, but he also had a shot at his team’s attitude against a team missing Kangaroos half Johnathan Thurston.

“We lacked respect for the ball and maybe the opposition too,” Stone said.

“It was very disappointing to be honest, they turned up with the right sort of effort.”

The loss meant the Knights stayed in sixth place but slipped to six points adrift of the fifth-placed Brisbane Broncos.

“The past few weeks have taken it out of us, perhaps there was a bit of us beating ourselves,” Stone said.

“We had our chances to win, we made enough chances but we didn’t take them.”

Stone revealed Kurt Gidley was doubtful for Sunday’s clash with Manly due to a grade one hamstring tear.

“At this stage I’d say he’d be doubtful, it’s the same as the one he had before Origin,” Stone said.

North Queensland coach Neil Henry paid tribute to his team – which remained in fourth place – for winning without their talismanic halfback.

“It was a gutsy win, they have got some dangerous players,” Henry said.

“It was a massive win for the boys, the pressure was on without John (Thurston), Aaron (Payne) and Tariq (Sims).

“Hats off to them, it’s a big win for the club.”

However, with the Dally M frontrunner out for at least another four weeks, Henry knows the Townsville-based club will have to keep producing to preserve their top-four status.

“We have got to protect where we are, we’ve got to stay in touch with that top four,” he said.

“It was a good win, it’s satisfying because we were at long odds to win the game but we stuck with it.”

Ex-Knight Corey Paterson, who scored the match-winning try on his Cowboys debut, was relaxed before his return to Newcastle.

“He was pretty relaxed beforehand, it was good to see him do well and be a handful,” Henry said.