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This should be the year the Tigers make it back to the finals. They have increased their depth with some good buys, and Lote Tuqiri has arrived in time for the first round to complete the picture. Perhaps the key is whether young Robert Lui is successful at halfback.  

When the Cronulla enforcer sat down for contract talks this week with Sharks CEO Richard Fisk and his agent David Riolo, he kept thinking about the personal pride of being a one-club football player. "I spoke to a Sharks legend about it - Andrew Ettingshausen," Gallen said. "He was like me in that he had other options but never left.  

Fox Sports rugby league commentator Laurie Daley offers his thoughts and predictions for round one of the much-anticipated 2010 NRL season. Parramatta's trial form has been ordinary to say the least and it will be interesting to see if the Eels have been holding something back in readiness to surprise the Dragons. A fired up Justin Poore will give the Eels plenty of mongrel up front as he battles his former club.  

Last ranking: 4 They are premiers, and have had success already this season, winning the World Club Challenge. No Cooper Cronk or Brett White to start the season, but they still kick off with the superstar trio of Greg Inglis, Billy Slater and Cameron Smith intact. 2. Position last ranking: Last ranking: 8 Stormed into the finals and then all the way to the grand final last season, and have added Timana Tahu, Justin Poore and Shane Shackleton.  

The pin-up boys played their part, now the National Rugby League (NRL) surely prays its rogues' gallery also plays by the rules during the 2010 premiership race. On-field excellence has been routinely undermined by after hour indiscretions in recent seasons and for the NRL's image-conscious handlers this season is no exception ahead of Friday night's opening match between Parramatta and St George Illawarra. The alleged drug dealing of Danny Wicks and Chris Houston ensured Newcastle assumed the unaccep  

DANIEL MORTIMER is in a win-win situation despite shunning the security of a long-term new contract at Parramatta, his manager says. Regarded as the hottest young property in rugby league, Mortimer yesterday signed a two-year deal estimated to be worth $500,000 to remain at Parramatta until 2012. His contract includes an option for a third year and the man who negotiated its terms, Steve Gillis, believes it leaves his client ideally placed to capitalise on an anticipated rise of the $4.2 million salary

The [third-year] option gives him the advantage of sourcing his market value at the end of the two years   -Steve Gillis

 

And before all that, Jarryd Hayne brings those dazzling yellow Nikes out for Parramatta v St George Illawarra. So will this be the winter Nathan Hindmarsh wins an elusive premiership? Or will the Melbourne Storm find another gear?  

Kiwis' rugby league coach Stephen Kearney wants to entice and capture the hearts of 40 Sydney-based, New Zealand eligible, Under-20 players - by putting down a traditional Maori hangi. A mixture of players who were either born in New Zealand but live in Australia, or were born in Australia but have New Zealand heritage, were selected. The scheme 'our identity and what do we represent' is the first one-day Junior Elite Roots Camp which will be held at Paramatta Stadium on Sunday.

We want them to be really aware of their Kiwi roots and we want them to know that New Zealand has a big interest in them   -Tony Kemp

 

WESTS Tigers recruit Lote Tuqiri has been sitting on 99 career games for the past eight seasons - and now his chance has arrived.  

The rookie commentator was criticised last year for overplaying his role on the show and continually butting in on good interviews. The show's executive producer Gary Burns would not speak on the record, other than to confirm Voss would have a reduced role. "I need to talk to Andrew when he gets back from the Winter Olympics," was all Burns was prepared to say.