Tuesday, September 27, 2011

We are the Boys from Western Suburbs - Lyrics

We are the boys from Western Suburbs,
come along and give a cheer,
for the greatest football players,
the Rugby League team of the year.

...We're fighting fit and we are ready.
We play to win with all our might.
And if you think we're boasting,
stick around and hear us skite!

Three to go we're packing a scrum.
Won the ball we're having a run.
Centre's are running through,
fullback is in there too,
across the line and Wests have won again.

We've got the Rabbits digging burrows,
put the Dragons flame right out.
Now the Bears are hibernating,
since the Magpies dished it out.

Black and White are our club colours.
Wearing these we're brave and bold,
and the only time we'll change them,
is to put on Green and Gold.

We are the boys from Western Suburbs,
come along and give a cheer,
for the greatest football players,
the Rugby League team of the year!!!

Italy starts its road to the World Cup with the help of some Magpies

The FIRL, with the recent tour to England by its national A side, has been able to finalise the Azurri side, that will participate in the upcoming 2013 World Cup qualifications.

Captained by Anthony Minichello and Cameran Cirarldo, the Italian Rugby League national side will play in the European tournament where the last two places for the qualification for the 2013 World Cup will be assigned.

Italy will face Russia in Padova on the 15th October with a 15.00 kick off and then move to Belgrade (Serbia) where they will face Serbia on the 23rd October followed by the last game also in Belgrade against Lebanon on the 29th October.

Vice president Fabio Di Pietro, said that "just three years ago when F.I.R.L established the association Italia rugby league, it was unthinkable that Italy would participate in the World cup qualifications, this means that F.I.R.L has worked hard in the last three years, both within Italy and at an international level. The qualification for the 2013 World cup is a prestigious goal, but there is still alot of work to be done to develop rugby league to the highest level within the national territory.

For the qualifications Italy will be able to count on the best available players. The Azzuri team will be made up of players of the caliber of Anthony Minichiello, Cameron Ciraldo, Vic Mauro, Joel Reitmuller, all currently playing in the NRL, and Western Suburbs Magpie Rocky Trimarchi and Craig Gower.

The rest of the team will be made up of the best players originating from the SERIE A RL, who have just recently returned from the tour to England with the Italy A steam.

Daniele Veronese, secretary for the F.I.R.L belives that qualifying for the world cup will bring huge benifits for the development of rugby league in Italy and for the movement itself.

F.IR.L invites everyone to come and see these players of the highest level at Padova at the Plebiscito stadium on the 15th October at 15.00, to support Italy in their quest to qualify for the 2013 World Cup.

The Italian side that will Participate in qualification for the World cup, under the guide of Carlo Napolitano and Paul Broadbent are:

Matthew Sands, (Grifons PD); Craig Gower (Harlequins RL); Christophe Calegari (Lezignan); Vic Mauro (Manly Sea Eagles); Dom Nasso (Monto); Matt Parrata (Mt Isa); Cameron Ciraldo (Newcastle Knights); Ryan Ghetti (Northern Pride); Joel Riethmuller (North Queensland Cowboys); Alex Ranieri (North Sydney Bears
Ex Western Suburbs Magpie); Jean Christophe Borlin (Saint Gaudens); Ryan Tramonte (St Patricks Blacktown); Anthony Minichiello (c) (Sydney Roosters); Ray Nasso, Cederic Prizzon (Villefranche de Rouergue); Ben Falcone (Wentworth, Ex Western Suburbs Magpie); Rocky Trimarchi (Western Suburbs Magpies); Rhys Lennarduzzi (Western Suburbs Magpies); Ben Stewart (Windsor Wolves); Juan Pablo Carrara, Fabrizio Ciaurro, Thomas Covati, Giovanni Franchi, Romain Pavoni, Dean Vicelich, Matteo Rossi, Santiago Monteagudo, Rob Quitadamo(XIII del Ducato); Josh Mantellato (Wyong), Jonathan Marcinzack.

NSW Cup 2011 Grandfinal Team Lists

The 2011 NSW Cup Grand Final at ANZ Stadium will kick-off shortly after midday this Sunday.
Jon Stone has been appointed as the referee with Richard Daizli and Nick Beashel his assistants.


Canterbury


1. Trent Cutler
2. Michael Lett
3. Nathan Smith
4. Jonathan Wright
5. Bryson Goodwin
6. Ben Roberts
7. Josh Reynolds
8. Tim Browne
9. Joel Romelo
10. Chris Armit
11. Jake Foster
12. Brad Morrin
13. Harlan Alaalatoa
14. Shane Pumipi
15. Martin Taupau
16. Michael Hodgson
17. Junior Tia-Kilifi
19. Gary Warburton
20. Daniel Rauicava
COACH: Justin Holbrook
Auckland


1. Glen Fisiiahi
2. Willie Peace
3. Sione Lousi
4. Ivan Penehe
5. Nuivoa Taka
6. Brett Seymour
7. Pita Godinet
8. James Gavet
9. Alehana Mara
10. Jeremy Latimore
11. Ukuma Taai
12. Matt Robinson
13. Isaac John14. Darin Kingi
15. Mataupu Poching
16. Tulson Caird
17. Steve Rapira
18. Anthony Gelling
COACH: Ritchie Blackmore

No One Supports the Silvertails

Kia ora cuz … any other week of the year that’s 'g’day mate' to you, but admit it - we’re all Kiwis this week. For so many years we’ve scoffed at each other’s accents and told jokes at each other’s expense, but now we’re united against a common enemy, and the old ANZAC spirit is back. Break out the bare feet and serve yourself some fush and chups - it’s a wuckid week to be a Warrior. 

Just like any other NRL fan, I knew Manly was on the nose, but I hadn’t realised the depth and intensity of the hatred of the club until this week, when a huge proportion of true-blue NRL supporters from across Australia shifted their support to another country, rather than cheer on one of their own. 

Even the Premier of New South Wales, Barry O’Farrell, couldn’t bring himself to support his state’s only remaining team when asked by Ken Sutcliffe live on National Nine News which club he was supporting. Kenny thought it was a no-brainer, but decades of political training kicked in, and the big Lib ducked and weaved like Benji Marshall heading for the try line, rather than be seen by voters to be cheering on the most-loathed team in the league.

In a way Manly brings it on themselves, putting itself in the position of “us against the world” to motivate and inspire them to reach the top. And it works … three grand finals in five years is not a bad achievement.

But Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler is only kidding himself with his claims of underdog status for this weekend. Asked by The Daily Telegraph who should be favourites, the man with the mane replied, “When you look at what they've done and how they are playing, they should definitely be the favourites. But it will be a 50/50 game.” The Warriors have never won the grand final, and just over a week before the big game TAB Sportsbet had Manly at $1.75 to win, and the Warriors at  $7.00. Try and spin that Des.

I grew up in New Zealand and I love a true underdog, so it’s an easy choice for me this weekend. Even though I live in Sydney, I’ve been to Auckland many more times than I’ve been to Manly; somehow the Spit Bridge is more of a mental hurdle than the Tasman Sea. And I’m not alone in that. News reports covering the influx of Warriors fans flying into Sydney wondered publicly whether Manly supporters would finally stir themselves to cross the Spit Bridge and make for ANZ Stadium.

There the stage is set for an epic clash: the Warriors peaking at just the right moment, the Sea Eagles determined to lift a big middle finger to the world west of the Spit Bridge. One thing is certain: no matter who wins, the NRL trophy will be heading east, travelling over water to a far-away community that’s simply bursting at the seams with Kiwis.

NB The views expressed in this column are those of the author and are not an official view of the NRL.
 
Leila McKinnon, Channel 9 NRL.com

Saturday, September 17, 2011

WESTS TIGERS SEASON ENDS WITH WARRIORS LOSS

Wests Tigers have tonight been eliminated from the Telstra Premiership finals with a 22-20 loss to the Warriors at the Sydney Football Stadium.

In front of a crowd of 27, 109, Wests Tigers led 18-6 at half-time before a try in the 78th minute saw the Warriors take the lead for the first time in the match.

It was a heart-breaking way for the Wests Tigers season to come to an end.

Wests Tigers made the first break of the match in the 2nd minute when centre Chris Lawrence found some open space but his inside pass saw the ball go behind captain Robbie Farah.

After a settling in period, Wests Tigers prop Keith Galloway scored the opening try in the 15th minute by charging over the top of Warriors full-back Kevin Locke to score next to the posts.

Five-eighth Benji Marshall converted the try to give Wests Tigers a 6-0 lead. Bryce Gibbs left the field with a sprained right ankle suffered in the lead up to the try. He left the field for more treatment.

Marshall gave Wests Tigers a 10-0 lead in the 21st minute when he stepped back inside to beat three defenders to score 10 metres out from the posts. Marshall converted his own try for a 12-0 lead after 22 minutes.

The Warriors got on the board in the 27th minute when full-back Kevin Locke scooted out from dummy half to brush off the tackle of Matt Groat before offloading to five-eighth James Maloney to score behind the posts. Maloney converted the try to leave the Warriors trailing 12-6 after 29 minutes.

Gibbs will not return for the rest of the game due to the ankle injury, leaving Wests Tigers with just three on the bench.

Wests Tigers captain and hooker Robbie Farah dived over for a 'Farah special' from dummy half in the 35th minute for a 16-6 lead. Marshall converted the try to give Wests Tigers an 18-6 lead after 37 minutes.

The game was erupted for a minute when adult man streaked across the field before finally being escorted from the field by security.

Marshall attempted a field goal in the 39th minute but the ball was touched in flight and didn't go through the posts. The score remained 18-6 at half-time.

2nd Half
The Warriors enjoyed some good fortune through a try to second-rower Feleti Mateo after he ran onto on a good pass to beat three defenders to score behind the posts. Maloney converted the try to leave the Warriors trailing 18-12 after 51 minutes.

The try came after a forward pass was missed by the referees who then penalised Wests Tigers for raking the ball out in a tackle on winger Manu Vatuvei when replays showed he appeared to have lost the ball.

Two minutes later, Wests Tigers prop Aaron Woods came within a metre of scoring next to the posts.

Marshall extended Wests Tigers lead to 8 points when he converted a penalty goal in the 56th minute for a 20-12 scoreline after Locke was penalised for diving in low on a standing tackle on second-rower Gareth Ellis.

The Warriors got back to 20-16 in the 66th minute when utility Lance Hohaia dived over from dummy half to score next to the posts. Maloney converted the try toleave Wests Tigers leading 20-18 with 12 minutes remaining.

Inu put the Warriors ahead in the 77th minute with a try after a crossfield bomb by half-back Shaun Johnson saw centre Chris Lawrence and winger Lote Tuqiri collide to spill the ball. Inu grabbed the ball and fell short of the line before having a second attempt without a hand on him to score. It was awarded a try on video referee decision.

Maloney missed the conversion attempt to make it 22-20. The Warriors held on to win to advance through to play the Melbourne Storm.


By Wayne Cousins, SFS.
16/09/2011 9:41:29 PM

Monday, September 12, 2011

OPEN LETTER TO FANS FROM SIMON DWYER

On the eve of tonight’s qualifying final, injured Wests Tigers injured second rower Simon Dwyer has penned an open letter to supporters.

Dwyer is waiting on surgery to his injured right arm and remains unsure whether the operation will take place in Australia or overseas.




Here is Simon’s letter.
“Whilst the medical opinions I have received are not very encouraging, I’m remaining very positive. I have undergone acupuncture and am still researching all of the doctors all over the world. If it is better for me to have surgery overseas, wherever that may be, we will go there. If not, then I will have the surgery here. Wests Tigers Club Doctor Donald Kuah has been a tremendous help in speaking to specialists who have experience with this kind of injury. All of the medical people I have seen have been very good.

“My team-mates, the coaching staff, and the management at Wests Tigers have been great. Every time I go to training, they want to know what is happening and what the best course of action is. The players have offered to do whatever they can to assist me. Plenty of the boys ring me during the week just to see how I am going. I never really knew how close they were to me until this actually happened. I didn’t know what extent they would go to help me. I feel that all the adversity the club has gone through this year has made the boys tighter as a group. Everyone wants to help each other out. Head Coach Tim Sheens has also been tremendous. He constantly rings me and offers his support. I can’t thank him enough.

“I must admit it was a bit of shock as to how many people actually cared what had happened to me. Every Wests Tigers game I have been too, plenty of fans come up and ask how I’m going. I can’t thank them enough for their support. It has been a real eye opener.

“I’ve started to practise writing with my left hand but the more I practice, the worse I get (laughing). I will just have to keep on trying. Like you all, I will be cheering the boys on very loudly. I know they can do it. I just would like to thank everyone again for their well wishes.”

WESTS TIGERS SET NEW WINNING STREAK RECORD



Wests Tigers set a new Club winning streak record in beating St George-Illawarra Dragons at ANZ Stadium on Friday night.In winning the opening qualifying final, Wests Tigers went past the previous record of eight consecutive victories to record their ninth straight win.
The previous record was set from round 16 to round 24 - the year Wests Tigers won their inaugural premiership.
Here is the Wests Tigers new winning streak. May it continue!
Rd 19 d Nth Qld Cowboys 38-18, Dairy Farmers Stadium
Rd 20 d v Roosters 19-12,Leichhardt Oval
Rd 21 d Manly 14-12, Bluetongue Stadium
Rd 22 d St George Illawarra 16-14, SFS
Rd 23 d Penrith 32-18, Centrebet Stadium
Rd 24 d Parramatta 31-12, SFS
Rd 25 d Gold Coast Titans 39-10, Campbelltown Sports Stadium
Rd 26 d Cronulla Sharks 30-22, Toyota Stadium
1st Qualifying Final d St George-Illawarra 21-12, ANZ Stadium.

CHRIS LAWRENCE DECLARES HIMSELF A CERTAIN STARTER


Chris Lawrence may have declared himself a certain starter to line up against the Warriors this Friday night at the Sydney Football Stadium but
Wests Tigers Head Coach Tim Sheens remains optimistic.
Lawrence was named in the team to play St George-Illawarra at ANZ Stadium last Friday night to make his return from a hamstring injury but was a late scratching, resulting in winger Matt Utai moving to the centres.
“I’m playing no matter what,’’ a smiling Lawrence said.
“I was pretty close to playing last week. I worked really hard early in the week and put my body through a lot.
“It wasn’t just my hammy. My body was pretty sore later on in the week, especially Thursday. I had another run but my body was feeling the effects of the tough week.
“The medical staff felt that going into a game fatigued like that was probably not the best preparation so they decided to give me another weekend to freshen up.”

Sheens said Lawrence would be picked in the side but didn’t declare him a certain starter.
“If he finishes his training this week and if he is right, he will play,’’ Sheens stated.
“But he is no certainty. I hope he does think he is a certainty. That would be good if he is but there is no such thing as a certainty in this business.”
Should Lawrence take to the field against the Warriors, it will be just his ninth game after a horror run with injuries, highlighted by a dislocated hip in round 3. Lawrence described his season as ‘frustrating’.
“I get over one thing and I’d be coming through the back end of it and then something else happens. But that’s footy. You have got to cop the good with the bad,’’ Lawrence said.
“Hopefully there can be some light at the end of the tunnel. Potentially, there are only 3 games away from the grand final, so that’s the motivating factor for me at the moment.
“When I first did my hip, I thought that was my season. My first thoughts were basically to try and think about next year.
“I got some pretty good news after the scans and got the chance to come back this year. I got back probably earlier than what I would have thought.
“I felt like everything was going good and it was just a shame I had to come down with another injury to just set me back.
“These things happen and I have worked pretty hard to get myself back and as I said, the motivating factor was playing this time of the year.
“Everyone starts the year wanting to play in semi-final football. I’m just looking forward to getting back on the field.”

WESTS TIGERS FANS - WE NEED YOU AT SFS

Wests Tigers supporters - WE NEED YOU at the Sydney Football Stadium on Friday, September 16, to get behind the team.

The incredible support the players received at ANZ Stadium on Friday night help lifted the team to victory over the Dragons.

They now need you to help beat the Warriors in the Week 2 semi-final. This is our home ground so let's fill the SFS with a sea of black, white and orange and get the boys home.




Victory over the Warriors will see Wests Tigers clash with minor premiers Melbourne Storm in Melbourne in the preliminary final on Saturday, September 24, at either AAMI Park or Etihad Stadium.

Come on Wests Tigers fans, bring your flags, banners, wear your jerseys with pride! And bring your loud voice.

Kick-off is 7.45pm.

WE NEED YOU!.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

SPECIAL TICKET OFFER FOR FRIDAY NIGHTS GAME

Integrated ticketing on major event public transport services will operate
for this Friday night's match between Wests Tigers and St George-Illawarra.
A record-breaking crowd is set to converge on ANZ Stadium for the opening clash of the Telstra Premiership Finals Series.

Already more than 30,000 supporters have snapped up tickets with ANZ Stadium lower bowl seating to be split between Wests Tigers and Dragons fans to showcase the colour and passion of the rival teams.
The record attendance for a Week 1 Finals match in Sydney is 33,315, set last year in the match between the Wests Tigers and Sydney Roosters at the Sydney Football Stadium.
To assist fans travelling to the match on Friday night, all tickets will include entry and travel on public transport to and from the game on CityRail, Sydney Olympic Park Major Event Buses, regular Sydney Buses, Liverpool to Parramatta T-way Buses and Sydney Ferries.

Patrons travelling to ANZ Stadium are encouraged to:
• avoid peak hour traffic by taking advantage of additional express trains and Major Event bus services included in every ticket. Remember to keep tickets for the return trip;
• not drive unless they have pre-booked car parking;
• arrive early for the chance to enjoy the Toyota Cup Qualifying Final action between the North Queensland Cowboys and Wests Tigers.

Please note that an additional access fee applies for travel from the airport stations to the city, which will require a separate ticket.

For information on available public transport services, visit www.131500.com.au
Please note, Wests Tigers will not be offering a Supporter Bus service for Friday’s game.
As the finals countdown continues, the NRL today also announced that more than 3,000 volunteers from junior leagues across Sydney will also receive free entry into the Week 1 Sydney matches as a reward for their contribution to the game throughout the year at grassroots level.
The offer is a ‘thank you’ the NRL has generally provided each finals series in Week 3 but with no guarantee of a final at ANZ Stadium in Week 3 it has been moved to Week 1 to ensure volunteers get an opportunity to attend a finals clash.
Already, the NRL has provided for Junior Pass holders to receive free entry into Sydney’s Week One Telstra Premiership Finals at ANZ Stadium and the Sydney Football Stadium.
At ANZ Stadium, Junior Pass holders are to report to any venue box office where they will be presented with a match entry ticket.
At the Sydney Football Stadium, supporters presenting either an NRL Junior Pass or a Manly Next Generation membership card will be granted access via Gate i and seating in Bays 1-6.
The $28 million Junior Pass program provides free entry for registered children and officials to Telstra Premiership regular season matches and is the only one in Australian professional sport to give future stars free access to its matches.

Turn ANZ into a Wests Tigers Fortress

It is a massive task but a group of proud Wests Tigers Members have today done their best to help transform ANZ Stadium into a black, white and orange fortress.

In a great joint promotion between ANZ Stadium, Wests Tigers and the NRL, plenty of orange, black and white paint and materials were made available for Members to help turn the stadium into a ‘real home ground advantage’ for the qualifying final clash against St George Illawara on Friday night.

More than 100 Wests Tigers Members registered for the exclusive opportunity after the ideas was first raised on Monday. Members were given just over 3 hours to paint as many banners as they could.
Wests Tigers thank those Members who attended ANZ Stadium to decorate the ground in the team colours. Your efforts and artwork are much appreciated.

Go Wests Tigers!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Thankyou for 2011

Its that time again to give a big big thankyou to the wonderful people who keep the Magpies club on the football field.

A big thankyou to our sponsors for 2011





Principal Sponsor – Wests Ashfield Leagues Club

Other valued sponsors and supporters.
Sydney Credit Union
Carney Spaul Marketing – preferred gear supplier
Prime Physiotherapy, Liverpool, Moorebank and The Whitlam Centre
Alsco Linen Services, Ingleburn
Pratten Park Magpies
Elastoplast’s – preferred strapping supplier
Gatorade
Fruit Lovers, Moorebank
Wests Leagues Club, Leumeah
The Whitlam Leisure Centre, Liverpool
Rigg Place Medical Centre, Bonnyrigg
Mr Frame, Ingleburn
Macarthur Ford, Campbelltown
Wests Tigers
The management and staff of Campbelltown and Liverpool City Councils, The
Whitlam Leisure Centre.


CLUB STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

Medical Team.
Dr Inanch Mehmet, Club Doctor
Dr Arash Nabavi, Club Surgeon
Mr Gavin Williams, Prime Physiotherapy
Mr Daniel Wainwright, Prime Physiotherapy

Mr Tim Foulcher, Prime Physiotherapy

Club ball boys.
Dean Woodley, Turoa Williams, Ryan Topolski and Ben Kitchen.

NSW Cup Coaching Staff.
Leo Epifania, Head Coach
Jason Williams, Assistant Coach.
David Mc Ewan, Head strapper, orange shirt and strapping orders
Mark Cudmore, Head trainer, statistics and yellow shirt
Mick Stierli, Strength and conditioning and blue shirt
John Harbon, Manager, logistics and interchange official. (Ground maintenance)
Noel Cummings, Manager, logistics and statistics. (Ground maintenance)
Valerie Mc Ewan, Masseuse, player welfare, sideline warm up, interchange assistant
and special projects
Bluey Schafer, Gear manager and ground manager
Jeff Aplitt, Change room manager and sin bin official
Linda Kitchen, Strapper, masseuse, player welfare, statistics and special projects
Matt Ryan, trainer, yellow shirt and sideline radio
Charlie Tuxford, Change room manager
Ian Phillips, Ground announcer and scoreboard attendant
Keith Hoare, Game day statistics.
Steve Hartas, Gate attendant and merchandise sales

SG Ball coaching staff.
Head Coach, Jason Williams
Assistant Coach, Stan Presdee
Manager, Mark Nicholls
Strength & Conditioning Coach, Levih Warby
Medical Trainer, Matt Hall
Assistant Trainer, Col Harris
Assistant Trainer, Allan Pham
Reverend Tony Gibson

Harold Matthews coaching staff.
Head Coach, Ben Rogers
Assistant Coach, John McPherson
Manager, John Shaw
Strength & Conditioning Coach, Warren Hall
Medical Trainer, Michael White
Assistant Trainer, Adem Baskonyali

17 Development coaching staff.
George Zahra, Head Coach
Paul Mamo, Assistant Coach and Skills Coach
Shane Sultana, Skills Coach
Jim Sell, First aid officer and trainer.
Warren Nichol, trainer

Other important people associated with our Club.

Website
Graeme Szynal.

Archives.
Mr James Mc Whinnie, Mrs Aalma Mc Whinnie and Mr Craig Woodley. Preserving
the Clubs proud history for generations to come.

Club Photographer.
Mr Grant Guy.

Local Print Media.
Ms Vera Bertola, Cumberland Newspapers
Mr Paul Haigh, Fairfax Media

NSW Rugby League.
Mr Bob Saunders – NSW Cup and Logistics Manager
Ms Jo Farr – Clearances and administration
Mr Brad Preston – Media and game results
Mr Greg Nichols – Game day logistics

Wests Tigers.
Messer’s Stephen Humphries CEO, Tim Sheens Head Coach, Grand Jones NYC
20’s Head Coach, Tony Carson Welfare, Warren Mc Donnell Recruitment Manager,
Wests Tigers Medical, Media and Support Staff and Mr Ben Rogers Coaching and
Development Manager.

Plus a big thankyou to the players who represented the jersey with such pride, their parents and support networks. Also thankyou to the Wests supporters, well wishers, and other volunteers and helpers that have made this season a possibility.

The Club wishes everyone a wonderful off season, and we'll see you all next year.

Wests Forever!