All Stars crowd warning for Gold Coast

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THE original home of the NRL and Indigenous All Stars is in danger of never hosting the pre-season spectacle again with fears that a shocking turnout of between eight and 10,000 people will attend Friday night's match on the Gold Coast.

Introduced by the NRL in 2010, the All Stars concept is a week-long celebration of rugby league's commitment to Indigenous Australia, culminating with the best NRL players taking on the best Indigenous players the code has to offer.

Andrew Fifita tackles Cooper Cronk. Source: News Limited

However, while coach of the Indigenous All Stars Laurie Daley has had his own issues of finding enough players to field a competitive side, the NRL are battling to fill Gold Coast's Skilled Stadium.

As of Saturday, ticket sales for the match were predicted at just under 10,000.

The paltry figure is a slap in the face to the game's biggest names who will feature in the contest including Greg Inglis, Johnathan Thurston, Paul Gallen, Greg Bird, Matt Moylan and Kieran Foran.

The lowly-anticipated crowd also magnifies the worrying and steady decline in support for rugby league on the Gold Coast.

The Titans, who regularly played to a half empty Skilled Stadium last season, recorded their lowest home crowd (6,647) since re-entering the competition.

The Gold Coast's Skilled Stadium was the chosen venue for the inaugural All Stars clash in 2010 with 26,687 in attendance.

Penrith Panthers players Matt Moylan and Tyrone Peachey will face off against each other in the NRL and indigenous all stars game. Source: News Corp Australia

In 2011, 25,843 fans attended the match at Skilled while in 2012 there was further interest from Gold Coast locals with a crowd of 26,039.

Taking the match away from the Gold Coast for the first time to Suncorp Stadium in the most recent All Stars of 2013, a bumper crowd of 41,201 was on hand in Brisbane.

After a one-year hiatus of the All Stars match in 2014, the NRL felt it would be a fitting gesture to take this year's contest back to it's original home on the Gold Coast.

But unless there is a significant spike in ticket sales over the next five days, Friday night's All Stars match is likely to be the last of it's kind on the Gold Coast.

While Daley said he hoped the Gold Coast community supported the match, the NSW State of Origin coach is facing own dilemma.

Daley could be forced to give Inglis and fellow Indigenous All Stars backs Justin Hodges and Jack Wighton time in the forwards to due to an extreme shortage of Indigenous forwards available for selection.

Michael Ennis with NRL All Stars coach Wayne Bennett. Source: News Corp Australia

Underlining the short-supply of forwards is the fact that bench forwards for their respective clubs St George-Illawarra and the Gold Coast, George Rose and Ryan James, have been named as Daley's starting front-rowers.

The loss to injury (knee) of Indigenous forward Tom Learoyd-Larhs left Daley scouring the NRL for a replacement last Friday with South Sydney rookie Chris Grevsmuhl earning a call-up.

Daley said it was impossible not to expect some players would be deemed unavailable for selection when the season-proper is just under a month away.

"It's a game (All Stars) which has been scheduled into the calendar and given what I've heard, I'm assuming the players want to be a part of it,'' Daley said.

"It's at the beginning of a long schedule, but if you're going to play this match you've got to make sure that it's also respected.

"However, you can't help that blokes will have issues in regards to their health and at the end of the day their health is their priority.

"You can't expect them to go into games if they carrying a niggle, that's not fair on anyone.''

Both the Indigenous and NRL All Stars players will gather in camp on the Gold Coast this afternoon.

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Handcuffs to training paddock in eight hours

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AFTER being handcuffed and arrested for protesting against a coal mine at Maules Creek, Wallabies star David Pocock was taken into custody knowing he was due at training at 7am the next day in Canberra with the Brumbies.

Finger-printed and processed, Pocock was locked up around 8pm on November 30. By 11.30pm, he had been granted a release, and with partner Emma waiting outside the police station, the pair raced to their car.

"We started the drive back to Canberra at 11.30pm, I got home at 6.40am, had a shower and was at training by 7am," Pocock recalled.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham was seriously concerned that after a day of protesting – Pocock had chained himself to machinery on the site alongside farmer Rick Laird – and driving more than seven hours overnight, his star player with a history of injuries could have a training mishap.

"I really didn't know where he was, but I knew he was in a bit of trouble," Larkham said.

"He knew that he had to be at training the next day, I had full confidence that he was going to be there, and he turned up.

"I'm not sure how long he drove for and how much sleep he had, but he certainly turned up and yes, he was our best trainer on the day.

"There's a number of things about Poey that makes him special, he's certainly got some rugby ability, he's very skilful, he's got a really well-built body.

"He's struggled with his knee over the last couple of years, but he's got a lot of muscle, he's very strong.

"But mentally, I've never seen anyone like him.

"Just his ability to switch everything else off, and focus on the moment, he's very good like that.

"It doesn't matter what else he's done prior to the training session or through the week, he'll turn up and train for you or play for you at 100 per cent."

Pocock plead guilty to three charges stemming from that incident and this week avoided conviction in court.

"I don't condone breaking the law, I am not advocating anything that would see someone end up in police custody, it was a consequence of my actions and I was happy to deal with them," Pocock told the Sunday Telegraph.

"I am very grateful for this justice system we do have in Australia."

Pocock wasn't the only one arrested, but he was the only well-known professional sportsman.

"More than 300 protestors had been at Maules Creek and they hadn't received much press. Rightly or wrongly, an athlete gets arrested and it becomes news," Pocock said.

"That is what I hoped for, to lend some support to them.

"It wasn't a decision I made overnight. I had written letters, lobbied, protested, and it hadn't generated the awareness I'd hoped, so I took the next step.

"I don't think my action was going to stop the mine (it opened last week), my action didn't come from a place of vendetta against the mine, I wanted to highlight the plight of Rick Laird and hundreds of other farmers.

"Throughout the whole process, the mine workers were great, the security guards and police were great, I have absolutely no beef with them.

"People who ideologically don't agree with me have been willing to chat about the issues, and that is what I hoped."

Pocock has never shied away from standing up for his beliefs – he and Emma will not legally get married until the same rights are afforded to gay and transgender people - making him one of the world's most intriguing and admired rugby stars.

David Pocock causing trouble for the All Blacks defence. Source: Supplied

Also passionate advocate of action on climate change, Pocock is aghast that many of the world's top scientists are being ignored in regards to proposed solutions.

But while he is a relentless social campaigner, Pocock has now turned his full attention to what he is best known for; rugby.

Following two seasons blighted by knee reconstructions, the powerful flanker will be a major weapon for the Brumbies and Wallabies if he returns to trademark form.

"By this stage, I've done so much work that if the knee was going to go again, it would have happened," Pocock said.

"Some of the best advice I received after I did it asking was not to ask 'Why me?', but 'What can I make of this?'

"I decided to focus on the things I could influence and change, and that was really helpful."

Pocock embarked on the arduous rehabilitation but along with Brumbies medical staff ensured that it was not a carbon copy of the program he completed the previous year to avoid boredom and seek better results.

He has been named vice-captain of the Brumbies but will likely lead them out in their Super Rugby season opener against Queensland on Friday in Canberra, with regular captain Stephen Moore to come off the bench.

Pocock's natural leadership qualities have seen him repeatedly linked to the Wallabies' captaincy this year – he briefly held the post in 2011 and 2012 before injury sidelined him – but he laughs it off.

"I've hardly played any rugby in the last two-and-a-half years," Pocock said.

"It's not something I've actively sought in any team I've played for.

"My feeling is that it's a position where your job is to drive what is best for the team and to serve your teammates."

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Elias ‘hospitalised with heart condition’

Benny Elias (L) and former Tigers player Benji Marshall. Picture: Supplied Source: News Limited

BALMAIN rugby league legend Ben Elias has reportedly been hospitalised in Sydney after being diagnosed with a serious heart condition.

According to Fairfax Media, Elias was admitted on Friday to Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick.

Benny Elias in her playing days for Balmain. Picture: Supplied Source: News Corp Australia

It's understood an abnormality in his heart was found after the former Tigers hooker and his father underwent routine health checks.

The 51-year-old will remain under supervision indefinitely while further tests are performed, but the early indications are he could require surgery.

Old enemies Mario Fenech (L) and Benny Elias. Source: News Limited

Close friends and relatives visited over the weekend.

Elias played 14 Tests for Australia and 22 State of Origin matches for NSW.

Benny Elias, Laura Csortan and Wendell Sailor. Source: News Limited

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Moseley not so keen on sea change

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KIERRAN Moseley spent four years working as a carpenter in western Sydney, so the Titans' new hooker should be in love with the stunning beaches which surround him.

No, don't expect to see the Cloncurry kid shopping at City Beach in Cavill Avenue.

He will not even swim in the ocean lapping at his front door.

"You won't see me surfing any time soon. I'll get taken out on a rip or something," Moseley told The Sunday Mail.

"I'm not comfortable swimming in the sea. I will swim in dams, creeks and rivers, freshwater only.

Gold Coast surfers at Kirra Point. Picture by Scott Fletcher Source: News Corp Australia

"This is my first time at the Gold Coast. I just didn't grow up doing any of that beach stuff."

The Titans great recruitment tool, the Gold Coast, had no sway on Moseley.

His move north from Penrith was motivated purely by opportunity.

TIM FOR TAYLOR TO STEP-UP: HENRY

WHITE KNIGHTS TO RESCUE TITANS

Moseley has a good chance to become the Gold Coast's starting hooker this year and was given an opportunity to claim the position in last night's Toowoomba trial against the Warriors.

A full-time footballer for the first time in his life, Moseley is a rare talent whom Queensland coach Mal Meninga considers a future star.

Just 18 months ago he almost quit rugby league, returning home to north Queensland as he struggled to cope on Penrith's injured list.

Moseley is another case against the NRL's proposed rookie draft.

He had to move out of home for a rugby league opportunity and was almost lost to the game because of it.

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Thankfully the 20-year-old has found a home on the Gold Coast.

Moseley was the best hooker in his age group growing up in Queensland, starring in the Maroons' under-20 and under-18 sides.

He was considered the long-term hooker at Penrith.

This time last year Phil Gould extended him to the end of 2016 on a deal that would see him become a full-time Panther.

Then they signed Apisai Koroisau to combine with James Segeyaro, and Moseley was being asked by friends "What are you going to do now?".

"Everyone would have felt the same. I was down and other people were asking me why they signed him when I was there," Moseley said.

"I spoke to my manager and he asked what I wanted to do and I realised there wouldn't be an opportunity at Penrith.

"My manager looked around and then the Gold Coast were interested and I thought that was my best option.

Kierran Moseley in action for his former club the Panthers. Source: News Limited

"To be honest I am just glad Penrith let me leave for the Gold Coast because they could have said no and made me stay for two years in Penrith.

"Sometimes bad things become good things."

Such as the month he contemplated packing up and fleeing Penrith for north Queensland.

In 2013, an injured Moseley felt isolated from the team and questioned if living in western Sydney away from his family was really worth a football career that might amount to nothing.

"I injured my ankle and was down at the time. I wasn't doing anything at the time but sitting and thinking," he said.

"I couldn't do anything to help myself because I was taking these tablets and on crutches.

"I was down in the dumps. I was so close to going home. I made a few calls and spoke to some people who told me to stick it out.

"Penrith then let me go home for a week which was good of them and then when my leg got better I came back to Penrith.

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"After that we ended up winning the NYC grand final.

"I was thinking at the time, not many have this opportunity and I can't throw it away."

Moseley is battling Beau Falloon and Matt Srama to be the Titans No.9.

A similar player to Segeyaro, Moseley is explosive out of dummy half and hits harder than his diminutive size suggests.

His talent will flourish now he doesn't have to take his tools to training.

"Full-time training is new to me. At the Titans it has been great, very different and full-on but great," he said.

"Last year I was just a part-timer. I was labouring and training in the afternoon.

"I was a carpenter. It was tough. Up at 5am to start at six and then finish at 2pm, and then try to get to training.

"It was hard to find the energy after work to perform at training.

"I feel comfortable here."

As long as there isn't a wave crashing down on him.

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Buzz: Tim puts hand up for A-League

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AUSTRALIAN soccer hasn't seen the last of superstar Timmy Cahill. Not by a long shot.

His move to Shanghai on a $6 million plus contract is short term and leaves the door open for an eventual homecoming, maybe as soon as the 2016 A-League season.

Australia's most powerful soccer administrators, including billionaire Frank Lowy, are even prepared to offer the champion striker a significant share and investment in a new A-League club in Sydney's south to convince him to finish his career in Australia.

WIN Jubilee Oval Kogarah. Source: News Limited

Don't be surprised if Kogarah Oval emerges as the venue of choice for the new A-League
team. The St George district has strong ties to the late and great Johnny Warren.

On top of that, it's understood the local council likes the idea of a full-time A-League club instead of the increasingly part-time Dragons, who now play only four NRL matches at the famous old venue each year.

A Cahill led A-League club would be worth millions to FFA at the TV rights negotiating table.

He is now rightly regarded as Australia's greatest-ever soccer player and, even at 36, he would add enormous interest to the competition.

The FFA, under Lowy and David Gallop, has already shown with the birth of the Wanderers three years ago they can move quickly to set up a new franchise.

They have already presented a proposal to Cahill and are continuing negotiations with his management team.

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He would be the face of the club as a player and captain for possibly two years, then be a part-owner.

It's known that FFA has been weighing up southern Sydney and the merits of the Sutherland Shire, where the NRL Sharks, headed by former Wanderers boss Lyall Gorman, would be willing partners in a joint venture.

But it is understood Kogarah is now the frontrunner.

The key is Cahill's commitment to his junior academy with Foxtel, a fantastic program that sends lucky Aussie kids to Disneyland and gives hundreds a fun experience with the game. Attaching the growing program to a new A-League club makes sense.

QUICK PITT STOP FOR PROUD MUM AND HER BUB

THIS is the first photo of Fox Sports footy expert Lara Pitt and her beautiful new baby boy.

Little LachlanXavier Pitt was born just two weeks ago and had his first trip to Fox Sports studios last week for a photo shoot for the Matty Johns Show. The bub stayed in the green room while the cameras were clicking.

Lara has vowed that motherhood won't be sidelining her from her commentary and news duties over the footy season.

Lara Pitt with her son Lachlan. Source: Supplied

SYDNEY'S UNHOLY ALLIANZ

SIX NRL clubs could be forced to play home games at Allianz Stadium if chief executive Dave Smith is successful in lobbying for a new 65,000-seat stadium at Moore Park.

To convince the government to fund the project, Smith has given a guarantee that it would become the new home of rugby league and be used in similar fashion to the AFL at the MCG and Etihad. Clubs forced to abandon their traditional old home grounds could include Manly, Cronulla, Wests Tigers, Souths and St George Illawarra who would join the Roosters as joint tenants. I texted Smith on Saturday for his comments on the situation but he did not reply.

DOCTOR CALLED FOR AILING COMMISSION

THE push is on for Bulldogs legend George Peponis to join the independent commission as chairman to replace John Grant, who is offside with the clubs. Dr Peponis would be forced to stand down from his role as chairman of the Canterbury League Club and the NSW Rugby League.

George Peponis and Malcolm Noad. Source: News Corp Australia

SONS RISING ON EAGLE ERA

IT was like a who's who of rugby league when the Manly Sea Eagles held their junior rugby league trials during the week.

League Immortals Andrew Johns and Bob Fulton, Matty Johns and Greg Alexander were all there to watch their sons and grandsons try out for the club's junior rep teams.

There's some football pedigree there.

CHAMPS' MOMENT OF TRUCE

ONE of rugby league oldest feuds is officially dead and buried. For years, Anthony Mundine and Laurie Daley didn't talk because of the boxer's verbal sniping.

Daley has invited Mundine to be part of his Indigenous All Stars camp on the Gold Coast this week. "The other business is ancient history," Daley said. "Choc's still a great athlete and is obviously very passionate about the indigenous rights. The boys will love having him around."

Laurie Daley and Anthony Mundine watch as ball goes loose during the Canberra v St George elimination final in 1996. Source: News Corp Australia

CONTINUOUS ROLL CALL

RAY Hadley has announced the signings of ABC veteran David Morrow and Brett Finch to the 2GB Continuous Call team for 2015. Finch is there to replace Steve Blocker Roach after doing an outstanding job in his debut commentary season on Channel Nine last year. Australia's oldest commentator (now Wok Ryan has retired), Robbie Fulton, is back with the Big Marn Darryl Brohman.

WIN FOR THE COUNTRY

WHEN Geoff 'Pinky' Prenter was editing Rugby League Week way back in the 1970s, he and Jimmy Huxley always made sure bush football got great exposure. Little would he have expected to be appointed last week as the inaugural media liaison officer for the Country Rugby League. This is a wonderful appointment to bring attention and exposure for hundreds of clubs that are battling for survival.

Geoff Prenter is the CRL's inaugural media liaison officer. Source: Supplied

SAINT

THE Manly Sea Eagles are going bush this week to spread the gospel at Jamie Lyon's old town Wee Waa and at the mighty Moree Boomerangs. It's a pity more clubs aren't doing it.

SAINT II

THE 4am hot dogs on QF 12 from Los Angeles to Sydney, superbly prepared by flight attendant Matt, an absolutely fanatical Manly Sea Eagles supporter.

SINNER

THE NRL's ridiculously dumb trial of 10 referees at one game. It's a waste of time and money. The Four Nations and the Nines showed clearly we only need one referee.

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SHOOSH

THERE is a rumour about the Titans being relocated to Ipswich if they continue to struggle to make ends meet on the Gold Coast.

SHOOSH II

WHICH former rugby league superstar is currently embroiled in seriously bitter divorce proceedings.

ROAR VALUE

THE wonderful Katy Perry was in Sydney in September last year but no one from the NRL had the foresight to approach her management about performing at the grand final. No, that's not me in the shark suit.

Katy Perry performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl. Source: AP

TICKETS PLEASE

WE told you last week about Super Bowl tickets selling for as much as $18,000 on the day of the game. At least you could get a part refund. On the way out of the stadium, fans were offering $40 for used tickets as souvenirs.

MOORE THE MERRIER

ANDREW Moore's appointment as chief rugby league commentator at the ABC continues a long tradition of Aunty's great broadcasters who have had names starting with an M. McGilvray, May, Marks, Maxwell, Morrow, Morphett and now Moore.

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Cowboys put dampener on Bennett’s return

Anthony Milford trying to spark the Broncos attack in Mackay. Picture: Evan Morgan Source: Evan Morgan / News Corp Australia

UPDATE: COWBOYS recruit Jake Granville came back to haunt the Broncos on Saturday night after scoring a late try to sink his former club and clinch North Queensland's 18-6 trial victory in Mackay.

Stuck behind hooker Andrew McCullough last season, Granville made the brave decision to quit the Broncos in search of a fresh opportunity under Cowboys coach Paul Green.

And the move is paying early dividends, with Granville's energy and dummy-half spark proving the difference in a scrappy hit-out between Queensland's fierce NRL foes.

With scores locked 6-all for 30 minutes, Granville broke the stalemate, winning the race to a kick in the 68th minute to seal a fine debut in Cowboys colours.

Josh McGuire unable to break through the Cowboys defence. Picture: Evan Morgan Source: News Corp Australia

Winger Kyle Feldt then delivered the coup de grace three minutes from time, crossing out wide to put a dampener on master coach Wayne Bennett's return to the Broncos.

The speedy Granville was ably supported by Robert Lui, who staked a claim for the five-eighth jumper, scoring a slick solo try and outpointing Broncos rival Anthony Milford.

Cowboys coach Paul Green said Granville's performance gave him a welcome selection headache in a hooking position that has troubled the club for the past two years.

"It's good to win, Jake sparked us well when he came on there, he got us going forward there," Green said.

"I saw some good things from my boys, I'm pretty happy.

"Even though it's a trial, you are practising for round one. We coughed up a bit of ball early but we defended well and came out on top."

Cowboys recruit Ben Hannant played strongly up front against his former Broncos teammates.

Glenn Hall wrapped up by the Broncos defence. Picture: Evan Morgan Source: News Corp Australia

Bennett rolled out new recruits Milford, Adam Blair and James Gavet, but the trio struggled to dominate as the Cowboys pack slowly claimed control.

The veteran coach late conceded the Broncos have some work to do ahead of their season-opener against Souths on March 5.

"It wasn't too bad," Bennett said.

"We need to work on our kicking game.

"The halves (Ben Hunt and Milford) were OK, but we have a long way to go.

"I just wanted everybody to come off healthy. We did that. We didn't win but it feels good to be coaching the Broncos again."

Having repelled Brisbane's early onslaught, it took 17 minutes for the Cowboys to land the first blow, Lui dummying through after Jordan Kahu failed to defuse a high kick.

Rookie Brisbane prop Joe Ofahengaue levelled scores at 6-all when he crashed over two minutes before half-time.

The second half was broken into 20-minute stints. Neither side penetrated after the break but in the final quarter, Granville broke Brisbane's spirit.

The scoreline, however, was of secondary importance to some key personal performances.

Broncos enforcer Blair was solid without setting the world alight, while fellow recruit Gavet tried hard. Hunt and Milford showed some slick touches, but neither truly dominated in a scrumbase union that remains a work in progress.

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Gajdosova shocks Kerber in Fed Cup

Jarmila Gajdosova of Australia, right, is embraced by Fed Cup team captain Alicia Molik. Source: Bernd Weissbrod / AP

JARMILA Gajdosova has come from a set down to defeat German top gun Angelique Kerber and hand Australia a surprise 1-0 lead in their Fed Cup clash in Stuttgart.

Gajdosova, ranked 54th, produced one of the performances of her career in Stuttgart, defeating world No. 10 Kerber 4-6 6-2 6-4 in the opening singles rubber of the first-round World Group tie played on an indoor hard court.

Veteran Samantha Stosur will attempt to double Australia's advantage when she faces Andrea Petkovic in Saturday's second singles match.

Jarmila Gajdosova of Australia reacts during her single match against Angelique Kerbe. Source: Getty Images

Gajdosova's victory vindicated captain Alicia Molik's decision to overlook the higher-ranked Casey Dellacqua for the opening singles.

Molik said on Friday she felt Gajdosova had the power game to rattle Germany's top-ranked player and so it proved as the 27-year-old hammered 37 winners to 29.

Kerber edged a high-quality first set, with the German securing a single break and giving away nothing on serve.

Angelique Kerber of Germany looks dejected after her single match against Jarmila Gajdosova. Source: Getty Images

But Gajdosova maintained an aggressive approach and gained the momentum in the second, converting her first break point of the match to go 4-2 up and breaking again to square the match.

The Australian dropped serve in the opening game of the deciding set but fought back strongly.

She was broken to love when serving for the match at 5-4 up regained composure to break Kerber for the third time in the set to secure a memorable win in one hour and 49 minutes.

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