The Lurker

[Berkeley_Eagle]

http://www.sportal.com.au/league-news-display/the-lurkernrl-rumour-filemonday-229557


Back from a weekend of lurking, our man reports on drama at Canterbury, an interesting development in Todd Carney's contract talks and a fallout at Parramatta.

In-fighting at the Bulldogs
Losing four of their opening five games isn't the Bulldogs' only problem. I'm hearing that morale in the Canterbury camp is crumbling, with a couple of players exchanging heated words on the training paddock last week. Des Hasler runs a tight ship and should get the Bulldogs back on track soon, but with injuries, a series of losses and the Ben Barba situation all taking their toll, the Bulldogs are far from a happy camp at present.

Mills on the way out of Cronulla?
The Sharks are in danger of losing boom centre Stewart Mills to a rival club next season. The local junior has caught the eye of Cowboys coach Neil Henry and Dragons coach Steve Price. The Sharks have baulked at offering Mills a new deal until Todd Carney's negotiations are completed. The Dragons see him as an ideal replacement for veteran centre Matt Cooper to boost an area they have struggled in since Mark Gasnier retired.

Price still on the chopping block
He has won two games back-to-back, but my mail is Dragons coach Steve Price is still a man with his head on the chopping block. The Dragons are coming good with consecutive wins over the Sharks and Knights, but officials remain convinced they need a high-profile coach to attract playing talent for 2014. Recruitment has been a major problem for the Dragons, and the club believes that won't be solved until they find a coach with the ability to bring in class players.

Warriors step up Carney chase
With negotiations between Todd Carney and Cronulla stalling, the Warriors are suddenly a realistic chance of recruiting the Former Dally M Medallist. The Warriors are throwing a HEAP of money at Carney – far greater than the offer from the Sharks or Dragons. And the uncertainty over Cronulla's future only adds to the Warriors’ hopes of gaining his services.

Media to shun the Eels
Don't be surprised if Parramatta's media coverage is scarce in the next few weeks after a fierce blow-up last week. The press walked away en masse from an Eels recovery session last Tuesday after waiting for an hour to interview players following the heavy loss to the Roosters. Secret deals were then done with certain media organisations, with players offered around for interview on the proviso that they were on-off 'exclusives'. Those left out of the loop are furious and several emails have been fired off to CEO Ken Edwards seeking an explanation. Edwards has shown poor form by thus far failing to respond.

http://www.sportal.com.au/league-news-display/the-lurkernrl-rumour-filemonday-229557

 

[manlyfan76]

The dogs just don't smell right. Worse then normal, I just hope that they don't bond over all of this ( image of a pair of post-mating German shepherds) and go on a winning streak.

 

[Clint]

The name "The Lurker", sounds like some sort of pervert.
Surely they could come up with a better name than "The Lurker".

 

[Dan79]

The name "The Lurker", sounds like some sort of pervert.
Surely they could come up with a better name than "The Lurker".

I believe the Lurker is a big George Michael fan

 

[MWSE]

The name "The Lurker", sounds like some sort of pervert.
Surely they could come up with a better name than "The Lurker".

I believe the Lurker is a big George Michael fan

He must have heard the Rod Stewart story.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Isn't a lurker just someone who browses internet forums without actually posting themselves. Great way for journos to pick up the scent of fresh gossip, whether or not it's factual, who cares.

 

[mozgrame]

To lurk is to loiter furtively.

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

Lurker's Friday dose reports on Gus Gould stepping up his influence in mountain territory, some big money offers for some big names and a former Tigers' hero left up in the air.

Gus gets down to business
Gus Gould is clearly feeling the pinch at the under-performing Panthers. Gus has shaken up the club's coaching ranks this week, replacing Guy Messio as coach of feeder club Windsor despite the Wolves being one of the best-performed teams in the NSW Cup. Holden Cup coach Garth Brennan has been named to take over, with Gould set to make other personnel changes within the club as pressure mounts. Brennan is highly regarded at the Panthers and is seen as a future first grade coach.

Tigers need some talls
The Tigers' search for a front-rower has reached desperate lengths. With several of their big men out with long-term injuries, the club is now looking to England - and former Eels and Dragons prop Justin Poore. The 28-year-old Poore is currently with the struggling Wakefield club and is believed to be keen to return home.

Cash to lure Ash
English clubs won't let veteran Cowboys winger Ash Graham retire in peace. Graham, aged 29 and just two tries short of the magical century barrier, confirmed this week that he is set to hang up the boots at season's end because of a chronic ankle injury. But several English clubs have targeted Graham and are begging him to extend his 10-year career for another season or two. Graham is still leaning towards retirement, but that may change if a big-money offer comes in.

More flight trouble for a Tiger
A delayed flight prevented Tigers' 2005 grand final hero Pat Richards from completing an epic 37,000 kilometre footballing journey last week. Richards flew out of England last Tuesday to be best man at his brother's wedding in Sydney , didn't have a drink, and flew back to Britain two days later to play for his Wigan club against Wakefield last Sunday. Unfortunately, the long flight home was delayed by a couple of hours and Richards missed kickoff.


http://www.sportal.com.au/league-news-display/the-lurkernrl-rumour-filefriday-230106

 

[manlyfan76]

Gus must have been offended by my Penriff is sinking remark.

 

[StuBoot]

The name "The Lurker", sounds like some sort of pervert.
Surely they could come up with a better name than "The Lurker".

Reminds me of an old Origin match.
Rabs was commentating as only Rabs can..." and Jason Smith gives it on to to his brother lurking..".
From then on I always called Darren Smith..."Lurking Smith"

Footnote: It could have been Darren passing to Jason ( Lurking )

 

[anthonyb1965]

OMG, the names these people use to spread gossip an lies!!! I only recently visited Sportal and found this dude (apologies if elsewhere) called the "The Lurker".

Maybe he/she should be called the "Creeper" or even better "The Greaser".

At least they don't seem to write the trash that's in the Tele this morning.

Over and out!!

 

[Clint]

It has been bought up previously anthonyb (refer below). But that's ok. I agree 100% with everything you said. Weird name imo.

http://forums.silvertails.net/Thread-The-Lurker?pid=484143&highlight=lurker

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

The Lurker's back on board for his Friday dose of gossip and he's dredged up more dirt on the Knights, a promising Brit and some security issues at a recent international match.

Knights plan to make Eastwood's day
The Knights have launched a bid to snatch the Bulldogs' classy back-rower Greg Eastwood. The big Kiwi played under Wayne Bennett at the Broncos and the master coach is a big fan of Eastwood's ability to break the line and his smart ball skills. Eastwood was close to re-signing with the Bulldogs a couple of days ago but the Knights' bid has complicated the process. Newcastle still have some money to spend in the cap and Eastwood would be a handy pick-up to strengthen their pack.

Dragons dancing in the dark
Many people in the know in rugby league consider the Dragons are still in the dark ages. And that was highlighted by the club’s bizarre move to announce the re-signing of coach Steve Price midway through a hammering from the Roosters on ANZAC Day. The timing was farcical – and left the club red-faced and embarrassed. Good luck to Price, he’s had a tough year after the club chased Craig Bellamy before a ball was kicked. He deserves another chance - and will be judged on his performance next season with a better line-up than the current squad. But having been only given a 12-month extension, he's set to go through similar stressful speculation about his future a year from now.

The trials of Tomkins
Player manager Wayne Beavis has recommended against the Roosters signing boom Brit Sam Tomkins after flying home from England this week. Beavis believes Tomkins' massive wage demand - close to $1 million a season - on top of a hefty transfer fee, are way over the top for a player unproven at NRL level. That leaves the Warriors as favourites to get Tomkins, although they are also hesitating at his asking price of nearly $1 million a season.

Security wet behind the ears
Why was there so little security at Penrith when the crowd invaded the field at last weekend’s Samoa – Tonga game, resulting in the game being called off 45 seconds early? Because officials sent half the security guards on duty home hours earlier – because it was wet! Yet another brilliant decision that could have had dire consequences had a player or spectator been injured in the chaotic scenes

 

[simon64]

I'd love to see the Knights snare Eastwood.

Butthurt anyone ?