Jan 29th, 2018

Jan 29th, 2018

Roosters to sign secret weapon

The Sydney Roosters are poised to make another major signing - this time off the field.

The Roosters are close to appointing sacked whistle-blower Chris James as a refereeing consultant for the upcoming season.

After retiring in 2003, Bill Harrigan broke new ground at the Roosters by becoming the game’s first refereeing consultant - and gave the team a vital edge over their rivals.

The Sydney Roosters have signed former NRL referee Chris James to help them for the 2018 season. (Getty)

In recent seasons, Gould has used former Roosters fullback Luke Phillips as a refereeing consultant, and Phillips has played a prominent role in the Panthers’ revival.

Referees boss Tony Archer sacked James - a veteran of over 200 NRL games - without explanation at the end of last season.

James is considering a wrongful dismissal suit against the NRL and his new role at the Roosters will give Trent Robinson’s men a vital edge in games.

James will advise players on refereeing interpretations - and the likes and dislikes of the individual referees who will handle their games each weekend.

Raiders hopes go to the dogs

A couple of months ago, I revealed that Canberra was interested in signing talented Wigan hooker Michael McIlorum.

Talks took place and things looked promising, but McIlorum knocked back the Raiders to sign with French club Catalans a few weeks ago.

Canberra's plans to sign Wigan hooker Michael McIlorum have fallen through. (Getty)

Why the change of heart?

McIlorum told mates he was keen on the Raiders - but didn’t want to put his dogs in quarantine for six months to allow them into Australia!

Olympian gives Bunnies pep talk

Souths spent last week at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra - and players were treated to an inspirational talk from a world champion.

Former walker Jane Saville - who won the hearts of the nation when she was infamously disqualified at the Sydney 2000 Olympics when within reach of a gold medal - talked to the Bunnies about motivation, mental preparation, and what it takes to be the world’s best.

Former Olympian Jane Saville, pictured above after being disqualified from the 2000 Olympics, has given the Rabbitohs a pep talk. (AAP)

Saville is well qualified in all those areas - she went to four Olympics, won three Commonwealth Games gold medals, and was rated number one in her sport in the mid-2000's.

Rabbitohs rue loss of rugby champ

Maurice Longbottom, one of the stars of Australia’s World Sevens rugby triumph in Sydney last weekend, is the one who got away from Souths.

Longbottom is a Souths junior from La Perouse and dreamed of following his uncle George - who played for the Bunnies in the 1980s - into the famous red and green.

Former Souths junior Maurice Longbottom was a star for Australia during their World Sevens rugby triumph. (AAP)

But Souths Juniors officials told the 22-year-old he was too small to make it in league a few years back.

So he switched to the 15-a-side game - and was dazzling as the Aussies swept to the title over the weekend.

Moley salutes Eels legend

Parramatta fans will always remember Neville Glover as the man who dropped THAT pass in the 1976 grand final against Manly.

Had Glover, who had a fine career and played for Australia, taken the ball, the Eels may well have won their maiden title… but it went to ground.

After football, Glover spent nearly 30 years in the police force and after retiring last year, he has devoted his life to helping charities including The Men of League, Ronald McDonald House, Cystic Fibrosis, Camp Quality and Make-A-Wish Australia.

Last week, in the Australia Day Honours list, Glover was awarded an OAM in the general division.

Well done, 'Nifty' Nev - Moley salutes you.