By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sam_Chalmers]Sam Chalmers
Mark Gasnier was born on July 19, 1981 and raised in Sydney in New South Wales, Australia. He is one of the young and popular professional football players in Australia. He plays for the St. George Illawarra Dragons in the National Rugby League.
He is also known to be the nephew of the famous Rugby League legend, Reg Gasnier. Reg Gasnier is named as one of the 20th century's finest players. After his football playing career, he also became a football coach.
Mark Gasnier played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 1998 and 1999, while he attended high school at the famous Peakhurst High School. He then toured in New Zealand with the Australian Schoolboys in 1998.
Gasnier debuted in his junior rugby league playing for the Renown United club in the St George District. Mark Gasnier made his 1st Grade debut for the Dragons in the round 8 of the 2000 season against the Newcastle Knights and made his International debut in a 2001 Test match against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls and scored a try in each match.
In 2004, Mark Gasnier was taken out of the New South Wales State of Origin team because of a harsh and controversial phone message he sent.
In 2005, after trudging himself as the best centre of the team, he won the Dally M Centre of the Year. In that same year, it was reported that Mark Gasnier would be able to progress to rugby union. Gasnier entertained highly publicized meetings with New South Wales Waratahs Coach, Ewen McKenzie and Wallaby Coach, John Connolly. Nonetheless, he finally signed for a new one year contract, with added one year options for the next four years with the St George Illawarra Dragons. In 2006, he once again won the Dally M Centre of the Year.
At the start of 2007 it was reported that Mark Gasnier, together with Jason Ryles and Ben Hornby would captain the St George Illawarra Dragons. Gasnier was moved to five-eighth position for the Dragons, even though he was famous for being the centre.
After tackling with Nigel Vagana in the Charity Shield pre-season finals, Mark Gasnier unfortunately tore his pectoral muscle. As a consequence, he was not able to play until July. Gasnier made a big comeback to the St. George Illawarra Dragons on July 21 in the five-eighth position. Fortunately, the team won against the Penrith Panthers with a score of 38 - 20.
He was chosen to play for the Australian Kangaroos in October against the New Zealand Kiwis in Wellington.
Gasnier became the sole captain of the Dragons for the season of 2008. He came back to the centre position with Matt Cooper.
He is now chosen to join the New South Wales Rugby league team for the 2011 State of Origin series.
For more information on Mark Gasnier you should check out his profile on Footysocial at http://www.footysocial.com.au/players/markgasnier
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Mark-Gasnier---Brilliant-Career-Marred-By-Controversy&id=6563432] Mark Gasnier - Brilliant Career Marred By Controversy
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Matt Cooper - Sexiest Man In League
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sam_Chalmers]Sam Chalmers
Matt Cooper was born on April 18, 1979 and raised in Port Kembla, New South Wales, in Australia. He is a professional Rugby League football player. He owns a fashion store for men. He is also a professional model for magazines and calendars and he is also a brand endorser. He is currently signed to the St. George Illawarra Dragons of the National Rugby League.
This young and talented man became interested in football when he was still a kid, while coming with his father in watching and supporting the Western Suburbs Magpies. He started playing Rugby League at a very young age of six for the Shallharbour Sharks. As a child, he was very athletic. He also considered surfing as his sport.
When he was a teenager, his family moved to Illawarra. Since then, he already became a supporter of the Illawarra Steelers. In high school, this rugby enthusiast had the opportunity to be signed on to the Illawarra Steelers. At the end of 1998, the St. George Dragons and the Illawarra Steelers merged, hence, the St. George Illawarra Dragons. When he was 21, he made his debut match for the St. George Illawarra Dragons in the 2000 season.
All throughout his entire Rugby career, he was considered to be one of the try masters. This rugby hottie made his milestone 100th try in round 26 of the 2010 season at Kogorah. Matt Cooper is known for his excellent defense skills.
Like the other Rugby players, Matt Cooper also has a career outside the game of rugby league. He is known for being a model. He is one of the many hot and desirable pin-up guys of the National Rugby League. Cooper is famous for posing for women's magazines and sports magazines. He also models for the rugby league's calendar entitled League of their Own. He is also one of the most seen players in the Sexiest Man in League list. He won the 1st place in 2001 and 2006. Other than his modeling career, he also has a fashion store which offers the hottest men's wear. He is known to have the best stylists for his fashion store including Gas, Huffer, Nobody, Elusive, Wesc, Matty Abs and his very own brand 30roc. His store was featured in the National Rugby League's Footy Show segment. He proves to the world that he is not just a pretty face; he also has ambitions to be a successful man.
He is also known to have the nickname "Crabpot" because first, he is one of the sexiest men in the rugby league, second, he is not just a pretty face, he is also a very talented rugby player, and third, he is famous for being a girl magnet. What more can he wish for?
For more information on Matt Cooper you should check out his profile on Footysocial at http://www.footysocial.com.au/players/mattcooper
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Matt-Cooper---Sexiest-Man-In-League&id=6563435] Matt Cooper - Sexiest Man In League
Matt Cooper was born on April 18, 1979 and raised in Port Kembla, New South Wales, in Australia. He is a professional Rugby League football player. He owns a fashion store for men. He is also a professional model for magazines and calendars and he is also a brand endorser. He is currently signed to the St. George Illawarra Dragons of the National Rugby League.
This young and talented man became interested in football when he was still a kid, while coming with his father in watching and supporting the Western Suburbs Magpies. He started playing Rugby League at a very young age of six for the Shallharbour Sharks. As a child, he was very athletic. He also considered surfing as his sport.
When he was a teenager, his family moved to Illawarra. Since then, he already became a supporter of the Illawarra Steelers. In high school, this rugby enthusiast had the opportunity to be signed on to the Illawarra Steelers. At the end of 1998, the St. George Dragons and the Illawarra Steelers merged, hence, the St. George Illawarra Dragons. When he was 21, he made his debut match for the St. George Illawarra Dragons in the 2000 season.
All throughout his entire Rugby career, he was considered to be one of the try masters. This rugby hottie made his milestone 100th try in round 26 of the 2010 season at Kogorah. Matt Cooper is known for his excellent defense skills.
Like the other Rugby players, Matt Cooper also has a career outside the game of rugby league. He is known for being a model. He is one of the many hot and desirable pin-up guys of the National Rugby League. Cooper is famous for posing for women's magazines and sports magazines. He also models for the rugby league's calendar entitled League of their Own. He is also one of the most seen players in the Sexiest Man in League list. He won the 1st place in 2001 and 2006. Other than his modeling career, he also has a fashion store which offers the hottest men's wear. He is known to have the best stylists for his fashion store including Gas, Huffer, Nobody, Elusive, Wesc, Matty Abs and his very own brand 30roc. His store was featured in the National Rugby League's Footy Show segment. He proves to the world that he is not just a pretty face; he also has ambitions to be a successful man.
He is also known to have the nickname "Crabpot" because first, he is one of the sexiest men in the rugby league, second, he is not just a pretty face, he is also a very talented rugby player, and third, he is famous for being a girl magnet. What more can he wish for?
For more information on Matt Cooper you should check out his profile on Footysocial at http://www.footysocial.com.au/players/mattcooper
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Matt-Cooper---Sexiest-Man-In-League&id=6563435] Matt Cooper - Sexiest Man In League
Friday, November 25, 2011
Sandor Earl - A Lifetime In League
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sam_Chalmers]Sam Chalmers
Sandor Earl was born on September 21, 1989, and raised in Sydney, Australia. He is one of the most famous professional rugby league football players in Australia. Today he plays for the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League.
Back in high school, he went to St Gregory's College in Campbelltown, New South Wales, which is one of the famous rugby nurseries in Australia. No wonder he is where he is right now.
Earl first entered the National Rugby League for the Sydney Roosters playing the wing position. He made his debut in the Round 16 of the season of 2009 against the Cronulla Sharks. In that year, in 2008, he played 13 games gaining 1 try and 4 points. The subsequent year, in 2009, Sandor Earl's statistics progressed to 3 tries and 12 points in 11 games.
The following season, 2010, he signed for the Penrith Panthers and played as wing because his former team, the Sydney Roosters had to let him go at the end of the 2009 season after he was allegedly charged with assault, although he was found not guilty of the charge.
He was named then as the Penrith Panthers' top rookie player of 2010. In his game for the 2010 season, he scored an awesome and miraculous mid-air try in the preliminary finals against the Canberra Raiders. Nevertheless, the Sydney Panthers still lost the game and got off of the finals the following week.
Sandor Earl also does modeling, aside from his football career. This is where he gained his popularity outside the playing field. Some frequently say that he is more popular being a model than being a football player. He is famous for modeling underwear that is why he is considered to be his team's glamour and hot guy. Thanks to his good looks and very beautiful body. His teammates also gave him the nickname "Princess" because of his modeling job.
Back in 2008, he was featured in the "Gods of Football" calendar as a fund raising activity for the breast cancer charity. He became very popular for the said calendar because he almost had nothing on in his photos. He then also modeled for the Australian underwear company, Cocksox.
When asked what his favorite body parts, he says his eyes. He describes himself in one word: fresh. He can't live without his mobile phone and the one thing that most people don't know about him is that he likes classical music.
The New Zealand Maori team also selected Sandor Earl to play for them against England as a training match for the 2010 Four Seasons.
Now Sandor Earl had already played in 16 games in his entire career. He already had 6 tries and 24 points.
For more information on Sandor Earl you should check out his profile on Footysocial at http://www.footysocial.com.au/players/sandorearl
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Sandor-Earl---A-Lifetime-In-League&id=6563443] Sandor Earl - A Lifetime In League
Sandor Earl was born on September 21, 1989, and raised in Sydney, Australia. He is one of the most famous professional rugby league football players in Australia. Today he plays for the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League.
Back in high school, he went to St Gregory's College in Campbelltown, New South Wales, which is one of the famous rugby nurseries in Australia. No wonder he is where he is right now.
Earl first entered the National Rugby League for the Sydney Roosters playing the wing position. He made his debut in the Round 16 of the season of 2009 against the Cronulla Sharks. In that year, in 2008, he played 13 games gaining 1 try and 4 points. The subsequent year, in 2009, Sandor Earl's statistics progressed to 3 tries and 12 points in 11 games.
The following season, 2010, he signed for the Penrith Panthers and played as wing because his former team, the Sydney Roosters had to let him go at the end of the 2009 season after he was allegedly charged with assault, although he was found not guilty of the charge.
He was named then as the Penrith Panthers' top rookie player of 2010. In his game for the 2010 season, he scored an awesome and miraculous mid-air try in the preliminary finals against the Canberra Raiders. Nevertheless, the Sydney Panthers still lost the game and got off of the finals the following week.
Sandor Earl also does modeling, aside from his football career. This is where he gained his popularity outside the playing field. Some frequently say that he is more popular being a model than being a football player. He is famous for modeling underwear that is why he is considered to be his team's glamour and hot guy. Thanks to his good looks and very beautiful body. His teammates also gave him the nickname "Princess" because of his modeling job.
Back in 2008, he was featured in the "Gods of Football" calendar as a fund raising activity for the breast cancer charity. He became very popular for the said calendar because he almost had nothing on in his photos. He then also modeled for the Australian underwear company, Cocksox.
When asked what his favorite body parts, he says his eyes. He describes himself in one word: fresh. He can't live without his mobile phone and the one thing that most people don't know about him is that he likes classical music.
The New Zealand Maori team also selected Sandor Earl to play for them against England as a training match for the 2010 Four Seasons.
Now Sandor Earl had already played in 16 games in his entire career. He already had 6 tries and 24 points.
For more information on Sandor Earl you should check out his profile on Footysocial at http://www.footysocial.com.au/players/sandorearl
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Sandor-Earl---A-Lifetime-In-League&id=6563443] Sandor Earl - A Lifetime In League
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Darren Lockyer - The Greatest Rugby Player Ever?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sam_Chalmers]Sam Chalmers
One of Brisbane's finest is throwing in the towel with finality and Darren Lockyer fans the world over will surely miss their idol on the field. After declining an offer from the Widnes Vikings to join the Super League, Lockyer announced his retirement from the National Rugby League and 2011 will be his last year. This autumn one of the most illustrious careers in rugby's recent history in England is officially coming to an end.
A native of Brisbane, Lockyer made his inaugural debut at 18-years-old on NRL with the Broncos starting from the bench in a 60-14 massive win against Parramatta in the 13th round. Having previously played rugby in towns with no Aussie Rules, the young Lockyer was recognized for his great potential in the sport when he won the club's award for rookie of the year. Fast-forward to the present and the legendary captain of the Broncos now holds 34 trying scores and 54 Test caps under his belt-both ground-breaking Australian records that every other player in the league cannot hold a candle to. If there's one last hurrah that the 34-year-old giant wants to deliver to his beloved country, it's to be anointed as the captain of the Australia team that would compete against England, Wales and New Zealand in the Four Nations series. Closing the curtains on a successful stint at the league with one last international victory is a great way of making more history one final time.
Although it's probably tempting to designate the NRL as a penultimate stage in one's career in the game by jumping to the Super League as the swan song career season finale, Lockyer remains certain and at peace with is choice. Although he plans to take a one-year break from the game, Lockyer won't linger very far from the NRL. In fact, league insiders expect his return as a coach for the Brisbane Broncos soon after. His former Great Britain coach Brian Noble considers the 30-something as an icon, legend and the cream of the crop. He also adds that Lockyer's level of performance has propelled the game to greater heights and that Lockyer himself was the difference between losing and winning. Noble also ends with an affectionate note saying Lockyer is an awesome bloke that no one could really hate him.
Darren Lockyear has helmed three teams and led the Australia national team, the Queensland State of Origin team and the Brisbane Broncos as their captain towards victories in their respective competitions. In fact, one of the highlights of his career was when he was captain of all three teams in 2006 and all three finished as champions at the end of the season. Lockyer's phenomenal streak continued in 2009 when he broke the record for most Test caps and in 2010 the greatest trying score for the Australia national team. Darren Lockyer is considered by many as the greatest fullback that ever played the game.
For more information on Darren Lockyer you should check out his profile on Footysocial at http://www.footysocial.com.au/players/darrenlockyer
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Darren-Lockyer---The-Greatest-Rugby-Player-Ever?&id=6563243] Darren Lockyer - The Greatest Rugby Player Ever?
One of Brisbane's finest is throwing in the towel with finality and Darren Lockyer fans the world over will surely miss their idol on the field. After declining an offer from the Widnes Vikings to join the Super League, Lockyer announced his retirement from the National Rugby League and 2011 will be his last year. This autumn one of the most illustrious careers in rugby's recent history in England is officially coming to an end.
A native of Brisbane, Lockyer made his inaugural debut at 18-years-old on NRL with the Broncos starting from the bench in a 60-14 massive win against Parramatta in the 13th round. Having previously played rugby in towns with no Aussie Rules, the young Lockyer was recognized for his great potential in the sport when he won the club's award for rookie of the year. Fast-forward to the present and the legendary captain of the Broncos now holds 34 trying scores and 54 Test caps under his belt-both ground-breaking Australian records that every other player in the league cannot hold a candle to. If there's one last hurrah that the 34-year-old giant wants to deliver to his beloved country, it's to be anointed as the captain of the Australia team that would compete against England, Wales and New Zealand in the Four Nations series. Closing the curtains on a successful stint at the league with one last international victory is a great way of making more history one final time.
Although it's probably tempting to designate the NRL as a penultimate stage in one's career in the game by jumping to the Super League as the swan song career season finale, Lockyer remains certain and at peace with is choice. Although he plans to take a one-year break from the game, Lockyer won't linger very far from the NRL. In fact, league insiders expect his return as a coach for the Brisbane Broncos soon after. His former Great Britain coach Brian Noble considers the 30-something as an icon, legend and the cream of the crop. He also adds that Lockyer's level of performance has propelled the game to greater heights and that Lockyer himself was the difference between losing and winning. Noble also ends with an affectionate note saying Lockyer is an awesome bloke that no one could really hate him.
Darren Lockyear has helmed three teams and led the Australia national team, the Queensland State of Origin team and the Brisbane Broncos as their captain towards victories in their respective competitions. In fact, one of the highlights of his career was when he was captain of all three teams in 2006 and all three finished as champions at the end of the season. Lockyer's phenomenal streak continued in 2009 when he broke the record for most Test caps and in 2010 the greatest trying score for the Australia national team. Darren Lockyer is considered by many as the greatest fullback that ever played the game.
For more information on Darren Lockyer you should check out his profile on Footysocial at http://www.footysocial.com.au/players/darrenlockyer
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Darren-Lockyer---The-Greatest-Rugby-Player-Ever?&id=6563243] Darren Lockyer - The Greatest Rugby Player Ever?
Monday, November 21, 2011
Greg Bird - Talented Yet Controversial League Player
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sam_Chalmers]Sam Chalmers
Gregory Bird is an Australian professional rugby league football player. He was born on February 10, 1984 in Newcastle, New South Wales in Australia. He is currently signed on to the Gold Coast Titans of the National Rugby League. Before, he was signed on to the Cronulla - Sutherland of the national Rugby League and the Catalans dragons of the Super League.
Gregory was raised at Lochinvar in the Hunter Valley. He played for the West Mainland and Maitland Pumpkin Pickers. He went to the Rutherford Technology High School and played for them. He was a famous rugby player in his school. He was also then a member of the Newcastle Knights under 18 SG Ball side. Then in 2001, he represented and captained the junior Australian Kangaroos. He also played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 2001.
In 2002, Gregory Bird made his debut match for the Cronulla - Sutherland Sharks at the Toyota Park versus the Bulldogs in Round 7.
In 2004, he had a ten week suspension because in the round four match, he kneed the Souths winger Shane Marteene in the head.
In 2006, he was voted as the Cronulla - Sutherland Sharks' Player of the Year. He had a serious rib injury in round 21 of the season against the Newcastle Knights which resulted to his missing of seven matches.
He was also known that year for modeling for the Naked Rugby League 2007 - 2008 charity calendar. The said calendar was produced for the benefit of raising money for the National Breast cancer Foundation of Australia. Also, in the same year, he was allegedly rumored to have sent inappropriate text messages to the model Lara Bingle. Gregory Bird denied the incident and the Sharks spokesman Rob Willis backed him up with his statement and said that there was no harassment and nothing inappropriate happened.
Gregory Bird made his debut for the Country origin and the New South Wales Blues in game 2. He was given the award Man of the Match for the game 3 of the series.
In 2007, he made his debut for the Australian Test and was called the Player's Player in a match between Australia and New Zealand.
In 2008, he was chosen for Australia for the May's Centenary Test, then he was again named in the New South Wales Blues Side, and in the game one of the State of Origin, this rugby star was named Man of the Match. In that year also, he was named in the preliminary 46 - man Kangaroos Squad for the Rugby League World Cup.
In 2009, the Gold Coast Titans officially announced that Gregory Bird is already signed on their team. To this present day, Bird remains signed to the Gold Coast Titans.
For more information on Greg Bird you should check out his profile on Footysocial at http://www.footysocial.com.au/players/gregbird
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Greg-Bird---Talented-Yet-Controversial-League-Player&id=6563384] Greg Bird - Talented Yet Controversial League Player
Gregory Bird is an Australian professional rugby league football player. He was born on February 10, 1984 in Newcastle, New South Wales in Australia. He is currently signed on to the Gold Coast Titans of the National Rugby League. Before, he was signed on to the Cronulla - Sutherland of the national Rugby League and the Catalans dragons of the Super League.
Gregory was raised at Lochinvar in the Hunter Valley. He played for the West Mainland and Maitland Pumpkin Pickers. He went to the Rutherford Technology High School and played for them. He was a famous rugby player in his school. He was also then a member of the Newcastle Knights under 18 SG Ball side. Then in 2001, he represented and captained the junior Australian Kangaroos. He also played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 2001.
In 2002, Gregory Bird made his debut match for the Cronulla - Sutherland Sharks at the Toyota Park versus the Bulldogs in Round 7.
In 2004, he had a ten week suspension because in the round four match, he kneed the Souths winger Shane Marteene in the head.
In 2006, he was voted as the Cronulla - Sutherland Sharks' Player of the Year. He had a serious rib injury in round 21 of the season against the Newcastle Knights which resulted to his missing of seven matches.
He was also known that year for modeling for the Naked Rugby League 2007 - 2008 charity calendar. The said calendar was produced for the benefit of raising money for the National Breast cancer Foundation of Australia. Also, in the same year, he was allegedly rumored to have sent inappropriate text messages to the model Lara Bingle. Gregory Bird denied the incident and the Sharks spokesman Rob Willis backed him up with his statement and said that there was no harassment and nothing inappropriate happened.
Gregory Bird made his debut for the Country origin and the New South Wales Blues in game 2. He was given the award Man of the Match for the game 3 of the series.
In 2007, he made his debut for the Australian Test and was called the Player's Player in a match between Australia and New Zealand.
In 2008, he was chosen for Australia for the May's Centenary Test, then he was again named in the New South Wales Blues Side, and in the game one of the State of Origin, this rugby star was named Man of the Match. In that year also, he was named in the preliminary 46 - man Kangaroos Squad for the Rugby League World Cup.
In 2009, the Gold Coast Titans officially announced that Gregory Bird is already signed on their team. To this present day, Bird remains signed to the Gold Coast Titans.
For more information on Greg Bird you should check out his profile on Footysocial at http://www.footysocial.com.au/players/gregbird
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Greg-Bird---Talented-Yet-Controversial-League-Player&id=6563384] Greg Bird - Talented Yet Controversial League Player
Saturday, November 19, 2011
David Williams - Rugby Leagues Cover Boy
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sam_Chalmers]Sam Chalmers
When it comes to raw talent and magnetic charisma, the Australia Rugby League does not have a dearth of clear-cut examples. David Williams, in particular, was voted by Outsports Readers as the hottest athlete in the world and won the King of the Hardwood competition in 2009. He beat out 63 other jocks to clinch the title in a contest spearheaded by Mariner Duck Guy which is closely similar to the NCAA men's basketball popularity contest.
Williams participated in a 'Gods in Football' campaign to raise awareness of and money for breast cancer research-and in the process stood out from the rest of the hot Aussie athletes who also showcased their chiseled assets and physique in a colourful calendar and DVD. William's magnetic appeal shouldn't precede his talent of the game, where he can shift between wing and centre roles if necessary. Impressive athletic skills run in the Williams family because in fact David is the younger brother of John Williams, who plays for the Cronulla Sharks.
The 'Wolfman' with his signature beard knows when to clean up for a calendar photo shoot yet is ready to get down to business when it comes to no-nonsense, in-your-face rugby. He may look like a pretty boy but he is the real deal (and according to reputable league insiders, not gay). There are detractors but his following certainly outnumbers them. Williams has had a cult following since 2008 ever since he scored a try in the NRL Grand Final where his team won against Melbourne Storm.
Another notable career milestone was being selected to be part of the Australia squad for the Rugby League World Cup in 2008 at Dairy Famers Stadium where he made his trial run against Papua New Guinea. In that same competition Williams was one of a few players to score in the green and gold a hat-trick on debut aside from making 3 try scores. The slot to play in the World Cup Finals against New Zealand in November 22, 2008 was providential to Williams but a setback to Brent Tate, his teammate who was the original choice but had to back out due to a hip injury.
Funny and laid-back, Williams again showed his charitable streak by dying his beard pink in a match against Penrith Panthers in 2009 and encouraging his Manly team-mates to do the same so that the team can raise money for the Women of League Round.
In 2010 Williams suffered an injury at the beginning of the season during an opening head-on clash with the Tigers. His 2010 NRL campaign became bleak when a training injury sidelined him during pre-match training on the eve of that game. Coach Des Hasler believed that Williams could've staged a comeback if only he aced his fitness and medical tests ahead of the Dragons match. The rebounding player subsequently had surgery and was back on his feet in no time. Today Williams enjoys the security and the perks of a three-year deal for St. Helens at the Super League.
For more information on David Williams you should check out his profile on Footysocial at http://www.footysocial.com.au/players/davidwilliams
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?David-Williams---Rugby-Leagues-Cover-Boy&id=6563246] David Williams - Rugby Leagues Cover Boy
When it comes to raw talent and magnetic charisma, the Australia Rugby League does not have a dearth of clear-cut examples. David Williams, in particular, was voted by Outsports Readers as the hottest athlete in the world and won the King of the Hardwood competition in 2009. He beat out 63 other jocks to clinch the title in a contest spearheaded by Mariner Duck Guy which is closely similar to the NCAA men's basketball popularity contest.
Williams participated in a 'Gods in Football' campaign to raise awareness of and money for breast cancer research-and in the process stood out from the rest of the hot Aussie athletes who also showcased their chiseled assets and physique in a colourful calendar and DVD. William's magnetic appeal shouldn't precede his talent of the game, where he can shift between wing and centre roles if necessary. Impressive athletic skills run in the Williams family because in fact David is the younger brother of John Williams, who plays for the Cronulla Sharks.
The 'Wolfman' with his signature beard knows when to clean up for a calendar photo shoot yet is ready to get down to business when it comes to no-nonsense, in-your-face rugby. He may look like a pretty boy but he is the real deal (and according to reputable league insiders, not gay). There are detractors but his following certainly outnumbers them. Williams has had a cult following since 2008 ever since he scored a try in the NRL Grand Final where his team won against Melbourne Storm.
Another notable career milestone was being selected to be part of the Australia squad for the Rugby League World Cup in 2008 at Dairy Famers Stadium where he made his trial run against Papua New Guinea. In that same competition Williams was one of a few players to score in the green and gold a hat-trick on debut aside from making 3 try scores. The slot to play in the World Cup Finals against New Zealand in November 22, 2008 was providential to Williams but a setback to Brent Tate, his teammate who was the original choice but had to back out due to a hip injury.
Funny and laid-back, Williams again showed his charitable streak by dying his beard pink in a match against Penrith Panthers in 2009 and encouraging his Manly team-mates to do the same so that the team can raise money for the Women of League Round.
In 2010 Williams suffered an injury at the beginning of the season during an opening head-on clash with the Tigers. His 2010 NRL campaign became bleak when a training injury sidelined him during pre-match training on the eve of that game. Coach Des Hasler believed that Williams could've staged a comeback if only he aced his fitness and medical tests ahead of the Dragons match. The rebounding player subsequently had surgery and was back on his feet in no time. Today Williams enjoys the security and the perks of a three-year deal for St. Helens at the Super League.
For more information on David Williams you should check out his profile on Footysocial at http://www.footysocial.com.au/players/davidwilliams
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?David-Williams---Rugby-Leagues-Cover-Boy&id=6563246] David Williams - Rugby Leagues Cover Boy
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Sam Burgess - Fresh Young Talent, Hard Man On The Field
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sam_Chalmers]Sam Chalmers
20-year-old Sam Burgess is one of the hottest professional rugby league stars to watch out for. The prop and back rower, who used to be under contract to the Bradford Bulls of the Super League until the end of the 2010 season, recently transferred to the South Sydney Rabbitohs. By inking a deal with one of the most popular rugby clubs on the planet, the young Burgess was able to fulfill his dream of finally penetrating the Australia National Rugby League. After being swooned by a host of other clubs, he was convinced by no one else but actor Russell Crowe (who has controlling interest in the Rabbitohs) to sign with the South Sydney club.
Burgess owes a portion of his success on the field and in the career side of things to the careful guidance of his manager, Chris Caisley. Caisley saw a lot of potential in Burgess even before the latter made his Great Britain debut and snagged in 2007 the Super League's young player of the year award shortly thereafter. Before joining his present club, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, he played for England in the end-of-the season Four Nations tourney where he scored two tries in spite of England's submission to Australia. Although he missed the 2008 World Cup in Australia due to an injury, he contributed in England's win over France 66-12 in June of the present season. He is set to make the final cut for the next Four Nations series having been selected by Coach Tony Smith to be a part of the train-on squad.
Only two other Englishman has a spot in the NRL in 2010 and Burgess is one of them. Loose forward Wigan favourite Mark Flanagan will be joining the Wests Tigers next year and incidentally Gareth Ellis, Burgess' England team-mate has just finished an initial season with the same club. Burgess admits that leaving England for a chance at NRL wasn't an easy decision, but he has been thrilled at the idea of playing in Australia. This is understandable since he made his grand debut when he was 14 at Bradford and has many mates at his original club. With a new chapter of his life at Souths, Burgess fulfills a wish that he has had since he was 15. He credits the Bradford Bulls for shaping his career, notably the coaches and the staff of the England club. He names Steve McNamara as having a great influence over his athletic career.
Even if it was a tough decision to accept, Peter Hood, Bradford's head chairman, said they couldn't stand in the way of Burgess' dream. Although they did everything they could in order to convince the player not to leave, they respect Burgess for being honest about his ultimate objective of testing himself in the Australia playing field.
For more information on Sam Burgess you should check out his profile on Footysocial at http://www.footysocial.com.au/players/samburgess
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Sam-Burgess---Fresh-Young-Talent,-Hard-Man-On-The-Field&id=6563251] Sam Burgess - Fresh Young Talent, Hard Man On The Field
20-year-old Sam Burgess is one of the hottest professional rugby league stars to watch out for. The prop and back rower, who used to be under contract to the Bradford Bulls of the Super League until the end of the 2010 season, recently transferred to the South Sydney Rabbitohs. By inking a deal with one of the most popular rugby clubs on the planet, the young Burgess was able to fulfill his dream of finally penetrating the Australia National Rugby League. After being swooned by a host of other clubs, he was convinced by no one else but actor Russell Crowe (who has controlling interest in the Rabbitohs) to sign with the South Sydney club.
Burgess owes a portion of his success on the field and in the career side of things to the careful guidance of his manager, Chris Caisley. Caisley saw a lot of potential in Burgess even before the latter made his Great Britain debut and snagged in 2007 the Super League's young player of the year award shortly thereafter. Before joining his present club, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, he played for England in the end-of-the season Four Nations tourney where he scored two tries in spite of England's submission to Australia. Although he missed the 2008 World Cup in Australia due to an injury, he contributed in England's win over France 66-12 in June of the present season. He is set to make the final cut for the next Four Nations series having been selected by Coach Tony Smith to be a part of the train-on squad.
Only two other Englishman has a spot in the NRL in 2010 and Burgess is one of them. Loose forward Wigan favourite Mark Flanagan will be joining the Wests Tigers next year and incidentally Gareth Ellis, Burgess' England team-mate has just finished an initial season with the same club. Burgess admits that leaving England for a chance at NRL wasn't an easy decision, but he has been thrilled at the idea of playing in Australia. This is understandable since he made his grand debut when he was 14 at Bradford and has many mates at his original club. With a new chapter of his life at Souths, Burgess fulfills a wish that he has had since he was 15. He credits the Bradford Bulls for shaping his career, notably the coaches and the staff of the England club. He names Steve McNamara as having a great influence over his athletic career.
Even if it was a tough decision to accept, Peter Hood, Bradford's head chairman, said they couldn't stand in the way of Burgess' dream. Although they did everything they could in order to convince the player not to leave, they respect Burgess for being honest about his ultimate objective of testing himself in the Australia playing field.
For more information on Sam Burgess you should check out his profile on Footysocial at http://www.footysocial.com.au/players/samburgess
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Sam-Burgess---Fresh-Young-Talent,-Hard-Man-On-The-Field&id=6563251] Sam Burgess - Fresh Young Talent, Hard Man On The Field
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