| About this Site | Archives | Links | Search Engines | Email Me |
|
|
|
||||
|
|
14 July 2001 WHILE Souths supporters everywhere are dancing in the streets over last week's court decision that has seen them rejoin the NRL competition planning for 2002, surely league is going to be the great beneficiary. The way I see it, if only half of the 80,000 people who marched for Souths during the protests attend games on a weekly basis, the league's crowd figures will be boosted by about one million next season! That is really something to look forward to for all of us who love the game but have watched it struggle in recent seasons. The sport is set to boom if all those supporters can be wooed back to Souths and the other clubs they deserted in sympathy for the Rabbitohs. http://sport.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,2342272%255E5927,00.html A five-year broadcast deal between the National Rugby League and New Zealand's Sky TV has assured each of the 15 NRL clubs of a $2.5 million grant next year, chief executive David Moffett said. The NRL refused to reveal the worth of the deal but Moffett said the extra money in the league's coffers guaranteed the clubs of their funding. "The deal that we've done today enables the NRL to now say to all of the clubs that they have a $2.5 million grant next year," Moffett said. "That also includes the reintroduction of South Sydney." http://au.sports.yahoo.com/sports/20010713/aapleague/995021354-2551103510.html THE NRL signed off on a $40 million television deal for the New Zealand broadcasting rights yesterday which will cover the funding for South Sydney's re-entry into the competition next year. Chief executive David Moffett announced the new five-year deal with existing carrier Sky TV, which reaches a third of homes in New Zealand. The deal was previously valued at $6.5 million a year but has now jumped to $8 million annually and lays the final piece down for Souths return. "This is one that's going to benefit the NRL and all 14 clubs, soon to be 15 clubs. The arrangements that we have put in place now for the next five years are going to enable us to take this game forward with a much greater degree of certainty than has been the case in the last few years," Moffett said. "The deal that we have done enables the NRL to say to all of the clubs that they have a $2.5 million grant next year and that also includes the reintroduction of South Sydney." http://www.foxsports.com.au/common/story_page/0,5000,2342299%255E5927%255E%255Enbv,00.html 13 July 2001 South Sydney are set to step in and offer axed Brisbane Broncos and New South Wales Origin hooker Luke Priddis a contract to play in the famous red and green next season. Priddis said he'd be happy to hear from Souths and Rabbitohs coach Craig Coleman will be on the phone soon. http://www.sportal.com.au/league.asp?i=news&id=14230 http://www.rleague.com/newsarticle.php?articleID=2795 12 July 2001 Last Friday, after Souths won their Federal Court appeal against their exclusion from the League competition for the past two seasons, Moffett said the NRL would assess Souths' financial plan before deciding whether they would be allowed back next year. Yesterday, when asked whether Souths had submitted their financial plan, Moffett said: "No, no, but we're working with them on that. We don't see that as being a major priority at this stage." And, yes, Souths would receive the same NRL funding next season ($2.5million) as the rest of the clubs and, yes, Moffett thought the return of Souths was "a great opportunity to help in the healing process". Souths, he said, had a lot of support, in Sydney and throughout the country, "and we're looking forward to working with them positively right across the whole spectrum of the game". http://www.leaguehq.com.au/league/news/200107/12/league1.html Wing - Now onto the South Sydney victory in court last Friday. I heard about the decision just after training when we were warming down and (trainer) Ronny Palmer came over and said Souths were back in. Obviously I am happy for the club, and happy that the little guy won for a change. The competition will be better for having them back in it. There has been a lot of talk in the media about my Roosters contract clause that allows me to leave if South Sydney rejoin the competition. There is a little bit of pressure on me to let everyone know my decision, but I am not thinking about it at all so that takes it most of the pressure off. I will make my decision at the end of the season. http://www.sportal.com.au/league.asp?i=news&id=14245 When South Sydney won their recent court case they were led by the team's heart-and-soul, George Piggins. Not far behind was Rabbitohs junior, and the man who captained the team in its last NRL match against Parramatta in 1999, Sean Garlick. These days Sean Garlick is a board member of the club, which is set to make a dramatic return to the National Rugby League. He talks to Sportal's Karen Collins about the past, present and more importantly the future. http://www.sportal.com.au/league.asp?i=news&id=14258 The National Rugby League welcomed South Sydney into the 2002 competition with open arms, announcing plans to assist the club with its preparation. NRL chief executive David Moffett and Souths president George Piggins emerged smiling from a meeting at Souths Leagues Club, where they discussed the Rabbitohs' reinstatement following last week's Federal Court decision. Not only has the NRL accepted the ruling, it has embraced it, with the two groups to set up a working party to ensure a smooth transition. "We've had a very good meeting and we've agreed on a lot of things and the first thing that we've agreed on is that Souths are going to be back in the competition next year," Moffett said. "It'll involve setting up a working party with South Sydney and my staff to work through the myriad of issues that need to be worked through prior to the start of next season." http://www.excite.com.au/sport/nrl/news/story/aap/20010711/18/sports/league-souths-rugby_league.inp NRL chief executive David Moffett met Souths chairman George Piggins yesterday morning to confirm the Rabbitohs would be the Telstra Premiership's 15th club next season with a handshake. http://www.foxsports.com.au/common/story_page/0,5000,2324349%255E5927%255E%255Enbv,00.html South Sydney coach Craig Coleman has refused to rule out making a move for former Newcastle star Matthew Johns as the clubs begins recruiting ahead of their readmission to the NRL next season. Matthew Johns has admitted family reasons may force him to return home to Australia and has already confirmed talks with Sharks coach Chris Anderson. http://www.austarnet.com.au/feeds/sport_report.asp?display=4&story_id=14195&category=news THE NRL welcomed South Sydney into the 2002 competition with open arms today, announcing plans to assist the club with preparations. http://sport.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,2321301%255E5927,00.html http://i7sport.com.au/ 11 July 2001 Matthew Johns will be free to return to Australia for family reasons at the end of the year, with his English rugby league club Wigan resigned to losing the former Test five-eighth. Johns, 29, is just seven months into a two-year contract with the Super League glamour club following his forced departure from Newcastle at the end of last season. http://www.abc.net.au/news/sport/rugbyleague/2001/07/item20010711080955_1.htm South Sydney moved another step closer to a return to the National Rugby League after a meeting of 14 chief executives welcomed the return of the Rabbitohs. It appears a 15-team-competition will almost certainly be the format for next season's competition with Souths taking the extra place. The CEOs want to ensure funding of all 15 clubs remains the same and thus a 16-team format could not be sustained. This further enforces the view that only Manly and not North Sydney would go it alone next season should the Northern Eagles merger fail. The meeting addressed possible formats for a 15-team draw, with the club bosses resolving to ask the NRL to investigate a 26-week competition with 12 home and away games plus two byes for each club. The league will also consider starting the competition in March, rather than February, to accommodate a Country Carnival series of matches in the pre-season. http://www.austarnet.com.au/feeds/sport_report.asp?display=4&story_id=14146&category=news Former Newcastle international Matthew Johns has been identified as South Sydney's first big-name recruitment target after being granted a release by Wigan. News of Johns's impending return from England coincided yesterday with an announcement in Brisbane of the second comeback this season by 2000 premiership captain Kevin Walters and the revelation the Broncos would not be offering NSW Origin hooker Luke Priddis a new contract. Walters still does not have a clearance from Warrington following his brief stint in Britain earlier this year but has been named in the Brisbane side to play the New Zealand Warriors on Sunday at Carrara Stadium. http://www.leaguehq.com.au/league/news/200107/11/league1.html The National Rugby League and South Sydney officials have confirmed that the Rabbitohs are definite starters in next year's national competition. The NRL and South Sydney decided on terms for the club's reinstatement during a meeting this morning. Both sides agreed that the Rabbitohs would receive the same support as other NRL clubs, including funding of $2.5 million. NRL chief executive David Moffat says they will work with the club to ensure a smooth transition into the League next season. http://www.abc.net.au/news/sport/rugbyleague/2001/07/item20010711131647_1.htm http://www.excite.com.au/sport/nrl/news/story/abc/20010711/09/sports/abc-11jul2001-17.inp HAVING saved South Sydney, George Piggins has turned his gunsights on the NRL. Piggins has called for the 14 NRL clubs to open their financial books to independent auditors, while warning league fans that Souths' return to the NRL is not the magical remedy that will right the ills currently infesting the game. Piggins has realised the present climate is more a catalyst, the best time for change. http://sport.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,2317944%255E5927,00.html The National Rugby League has agreed to sustain current club funding levels while a meeting of the 14 chief executives welcomed South Sydney's likely return next season in a 15-team premiership. But while the NRL's partnership executive decided to widen its $2.5 million grants to 15 clubs in 2002 - conditional on Souths' expected entry - club bosses and the league ruled out further expansion. "Clearly, if you have a 16th team, you have to have the money to support a 16th club and that is just not there," NRL chief David Moffett said. It wasn't revealed where the additional funding would come from but NRL president Malcolm Noad indicated the league's board may have to explore the possibility of reducing costs. http://au.sports.yahoo.com/sports/20010710/aapleague/994762158-739065892.html SOUTH Sydney must convert their popular appeal into hard currency if they are to survive in the NRL, coaching great Jack Gibson said today. If home attendance figures are the measure of a side, the Rabbitohs would have spent four of their final five years in the national competition anchored to second last spot with only the Gold Coast Seagulls below them. In the five seasons between 1995 and 1999 (after which Souths were ousted from the premiership) the Rabbitohs averaged 7528 patrons for home games, 3000-plus less than merger side North Sydney (10,754). Gibson says it's a record on which the Rabbitohs have to improve. http://sport.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,2319473%255E5927,00.html 10 July 2001 The National Rugby League (NRL) board has foreshadowed a 15-team competition which will include South Sydney for next season. The board met yesterday for more than three hours and authorised NRL management to begin discussions with Souths about its return next year. NRL chief executive David Moffett says a 15-team competition was favoured by the board. "We briefly discussed an issue of 14 teams but when you have a look at the logistics surrounding a 15-team competition, that is what we're concentrating on, and for next year we're looking at the introduction of South Sydney which will make it a 15-team premiership competition," he said. http://www.abc.net.au/news/sport/rugbyleague/2001/07/item20010709165844_1.htm South Sydney are certain to figure in the National Rugby League next season with North Sydney likely to lose their presence as the Northern Eagles join venture heads towards break-up. Speaking after a specially convened NRL board meeting with the clubs, NRL chief executive David Moffett indicated the concept of a 16-team competition had been discussed but that a 15-team format was the likely outcome of South Sydney's successful court case for reinstatement. Former Norths president David Hill has been part of a push for the Bears to stand alone in a 16-team competition in 2002 if the Northern Eagles joint venture club collapses. http://www.austarnet.com.au/feeds/sport_report.asp?display=4&story_id=14120&category=news The National Rugby League will meet with South Sydney later this week after the 14 clubs currently competing in the premiership gave the thumbs up the foundation club being re-admitted. However, the clubs ruled out the possibility of a 16 team competition and will be primarily focused on a 15 team competition next year which would include the Rabbitohs. The NRL board yesterday approved meetings between the league and Souths, and with today's passing by the clubs there's expected to be nothing standing in the way of a comeback for one of rugby league's oldest clubs. The ruling out of a 16 team competition however sees no chance that Manly or North Sydney will return to the premiership as single identities. The Northern Eagles merger is said to be in serious financial trouble and today's meeting makes nothing clearer for the embattled club. http://www4.tpgi.com.au/users/sdodds/news.html#souths21 A meeting of the 14 chief executives has welcomed the likely return of South Sydney to next year's National Rugby League competition. But while the CEOs expressed unified commitment to a 15-team competition, they all agreed any further expansion could not be sustained. Their resistance to a 16-team competition would scupper any plans for Manly and North Sydney to stand alone should the troubled Northern Eagles joint venture fold. http://au.sports.yahoo.com/sports/20010710/aapleague/994742174-269115437.html http://www.foxsports.com.au/common/story_page/0,5000,2312054%255E5927%255E%255Enbv,00.html Sydney businessman John Singleton doesn't like the word "vision" but he does have a landscape for a 16-team National Rugby League in 2002. "My scenario is someone to hate - Manly," he said. "Someone to love - South Sydney. And we can have someone to grow - a Central Coast team." http://www.leaguehq.com.au/league/news/200107/10/league1.html Manly and North Sydney delegates to the Northern Eagles board last night unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to the merger for now. Northern Eagles directors met for three hours in Gosford to discuss the future of the cash-strapped joint venture, and that of Manly and Norths should it fold at the end of the season. Both clubs believe they can stand alone if News Ltd wants 16 teams in the National Rugby League next season after the return of South Sydney, but there is a risk that neither would be admitted as a single entity, despite Manly holding one of 14 licences to play in the NRL until 2006. http://www.leaguehq.com.au/league/news/200107/10/league2.html The Northern Eagles' amalgamation is in danger of breaking up - raising the possibility of Manly and North Sydney fielding separate sides next year in a 16-team competition. After South Sydney's court win for re-admission to the National Rugby League last Friday, a meeting of Norths directors resolved to instruct their delegates on the Northern Eagles board to ensure the continuation of the joint venture. http://www.leaguehq.com.au/league/news/200107/09/league5.html 9 July 2001 The chief executive of the National Rugby League says it is too early to say if the Souths decision will affect clubs merged last year. Souths won their Federal Court case last Friday against their exclusion from the league and the NRL has called for talks today to look at the club's application for next year. Chief Executive David Moffett says any talk this morning over the future of the Northern Eagles is premature. http://www.abc.net.au/news/sport/rugbyleague/2001/07/item20010709105340_1.htm SOUTH Sydney coach Craig Coleman last night unveiled a hit list of players the Rabbitohs will target as NRL chief executive David Moffett confirmed the Bunnies will be back in 2002. Roosters star Craig Wing, Cowboys forward Glenn Morrison and Broncos halfback Shaun Berrigan head the shopping list. It appears nothing can stop the Rabbitoh juggernaut after Moffett last night gave Souths a green light to return to the NRL next year. Asked about the Rabbitohs' chances of re-entering the competition in 2002, Moffett said: "Given the amount of support out there and the amount of support I know they've got financially, I tend to think it's likely to be 100 per cent." http://au.sports.yahoo.com/sports/20010708/aapleague/994575235-2483765255.html http://sport.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,2295982%255E5927,00.html http://www.excite.com.au/sport/nrl/news/story/aap/20010708/18/sports/league-rugby_league.inp http://www4.tpgi.com.au/users/sdodds/news.html#souths9 National Rugby League boss David Moffett said South Sydney were a 100 per cent chance of playing in next year's competition. Speaking on Channel Nine's Footy Show, Moffett gave the club and its legion of supporters they will be back in the competition soon rather than later after Friday's court victory against expulsion from the league. "Given the amount of support out there and the amount of support I know that they've got financially, I tend to think it's likely to be 100 per cent," Moffett said. http://www.sportal.com.au/league.asp?i=news&id=14060 8 July 2001 History will record that the salvation of the South Sydney Rabbitohs came in a Melbourne courtroom on July 6, 2001. But a midweek smoko in a south Coogee house months earlier marked the beginning of the end of the war between Souths and those who wanted to consign them to the rugby league scrapheap. The meeting has remained a closely guarded secret until now because the three men who attended agreed it was best that way. No need to raise false hopes. But that trio of fiftysomethings - Souths' president George Piggins, News Ltd chief executive officer John Hartigan and freelance journalist and Rabbitohs zealot Norm Lipson - knew that it marked a special day in Souths' battle to return to the National Rugby League. http://www.leaguehq.com.au/league/news/200107/08/league7.html South Sydney Rabbitohs have won their appeal case following expulsion from the National Rugby League. The Rabbitohs, Australia's oldest club, lost their first court battle last November after being kicked out of the NRL 18 months ago by Rupert Murdoch's News Ltd. But a federal court ruled in their favour on Friday, although it is not clear whether the decision will allow the club to take part in next year's competition. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport/hi/english/rugby_league/newsid_1426000/1426624.stm The Federal Court has ruled in favour of South Sydney being readmitted to the National Rugby League. After more than six weeks of deliberations, the Federal Court handed down its decision on the club's appeal against its exclusion from the competition. The Rabbitohs have been engaged in a bitter legal battle with News Ltd for 18 months, since being cut from a reduced 14 team NRL. http://cnn.sportal.com/vipa/0,8464,cnnhome^2Fartdisplay|AR_333798^7CCB_4^7CSP_937,00.html South Sydney will sign its first player for 2002 within the week and hold at least two home games at NorthPower Stadium next season. They were the plans of Rabbitohs coach Craig Coleman and chairman George Piggins as they prepared their assault on next year's National Rugby League competition, a day after the Federal Court ruled against their axing from the NRL competition two years ago. Coleman revealed his shopping list today, rattling off names such as St George Illawarra skipper Craig Smith, Penrith and NSW prop Matt Adamson, Sydney Roosters back Matt Sing, North Queensland forward Glenn Morrison and North Sydney hooker Jamie Goddard. He almost guaranteed Souths centre Jacin Sinclair would be signed to a one-year deal after he scored three tries for the Rabbitohs in their 40-18 caning of the Umina Bunnies at NorthPower Stadium today. And Coleman was confident Roosters utility Craig Wing would activate a clause in his contract allowing him to return to the Rabbitohs if they made it back into the top grade competition. http://au.sports.yahoo.com/sports/20010708/aapleague/994560831-3020750855.html 6 July 2001 South Sydney today has succeeded in its last-ditch bid to be re-admitted into the National Rugby League. After six weeks of deliberations, the Federal Court handed down its decision on South Sydney's appeal against their exclusion from the NRL. The full bench of the Federal Court found the NRL breached Section 45 of the Trade Practices Act in excluding Souths. The 2:1 judgement does not reinstate the club into the NRL, but finds that it should be compensated for being exluded. The case will now be referred back to the original trial judge, Justice Paul Finn, to assess relief for the club. http://www.leaguehq.com.au/league/news/200107/06/league11.html Souths look to damages by: Scott Brooks Souths are expecting to claim a considerable damages payout after succeeding in an appeal against News Limited and the National Rugby League in claiming they were treated unfairly when kicked-out of the elite rugby league competition in 1999. Souths head lawyer Arthur Pappas maintained that the club will be after the maximum amount for damages possible, however the idea of sorting through what should be awarded will take a long time. "Costs of the appeal have already been ordered separately in Souths' favour and the cost of the trial will also need to back to the trial judge because that will be a more complicated exercise," Pappas told 2UE. "As far as damages are concerned though I think rather than it being an economic calcuation of what Souths have lost in profits, it's more a calculation of what Souths have lost in good-will through two-years of inactivity in the premier rugby league competition." "It remains to be seen just how much that figure will be." If somehow the NRL decided to deny Souths entry into next year's competition, it would have to find another method other than the 14-team criteria it used in the first instance. Pappas said the ruling puts some power in the hands of clubs. "The only reason Souths was excluded was because it was the 15th team under a set of criteria set by the National Rugby League," he said. "Upon Souths' application for re-admission that criteria could not be used as a grounds for Souths to be excluded. "This injunction goes for any club not just Souths" "I would imagine there would be a huge public backlash if they were to try and find another reason." Early indications are that News Limited are against appealing the verdict and will make an attempt to convince the NRL to ask Souths back into the compeition. http://www.sportal.com.au/league.asp?i=news&id=13956 News Limited has not confirmed whether it will appeal any aspects of today's Federal Court decision, which has opened the way for South Sydney's return to the National Rugby League competition. But CEO John Hartigan said if they do, it will not affect an application from South Sydney to participate in the competition next season. South Sydney today won an appeal against its expulsion from the National Rugby League after a bitter 18-month legal battle. Hartigan said the company accepted the decision, and hoped the NRL and South Sydney could begin immediate discussions about the club's participation in next year's competition. http://www.leaguehq.com.au/league/news/200107/06/league14.html WE WON!!!!! 2 of the 3 federal court judges have ruled in favor of SOUTHS!!! Hundreds and hundreds of supporters are now celebrating at the Leagues Club. Alan Jones addressed the crowd and said that he had received a call from News Ltd CEO informing Souths that they will accept the decision and will encourage the NRL to do the same. Alan also said that today's decision wasn't just good for Souths but good for sport: a victory for common sense. Calls, faxes and emails of congratulations are pouring into the Club - including one from the Sydney Cricket & Sports Ground Trust who are eagerly looking forward to Souths first home game of 2002. Many of the emails that we are receiving will be posted to the Fans Say section of this web-site, today and over the weekend. George Piggins and the Souths board will be holding a media conference at 2.00pm at the Club. More info about the decision and this historic day will be posted later in the afternoon. http://www.souths.com.au/ Jones: Victory for common sense SOUTH Sydney's general manager, broadcaster Alan Jones, said the Rabbitohs' successful appeal against expulsion from the National Rugby League will lead to a resurgence in the game. "The history book suggests that South Sydney are an integral part of the game, and they have been for so many years, and this is a victory for common sense," Jones said. "And it's to be hoped now that the forces who have influence in the game decide that we've had enough bitterness, enough court battles, enough crying, enough unhappiness and enough alienation. "The game desperately needs to be put back together again and we must use this decision today now to mobilise all the best forces in rugby league for the best interests." He said the NRL now have the opportunity to bring those back to the game who have been driven away. http://southsydney.homestead.com/news060701B.html 6th July, 3:10pm. Written by Troy Dodds. NRL to meet with Souths NRL chief executive David Moffett says he will meet with the South Sydney Rabbitohs as soon as possible. Moffett said that whilst it's too early to tell if the Rabbitohs will be back playing in the competition, he will seriously consider any application presented by the club. The Rabbitohs today won their federal court appeal against both News Limited and the NRL, with News Limited already announcing that they will not appeal the ruling. Even if the NRL do appeal today's ruling, it's believed that it will have no effect on the Rabbitohs return to the premiership. There will be an NRL board meeting on Monday and if all goes smoothly the 14 NRL clubs will be contacted to discuss the possibility of a Souths return. It's expected that the NRL will meet with the Rabbitohs next Friday to discuss all possible options. http://www4.tpgi.com.au/users/sdodds/news.html#souths3 6th July, 12:30pm. Written by Steve Willoughby. News Limited will not contest decision It's just been revealed that News Limited will not appeal this morning's court decision which went in favour of the South Sydney Rabbitohs. It's also been indicated, according to long-time Rabbitohs supporter Alan Jones, that News Limited will attempt to persuade the NRL to equally agree with the court's decision. Press conferences from both the NRL and South Sydney are expected this afternoon. http://www4.tpgi.com.au/users/sdodds/news.html#souths3 6th July, 11:16am. Written by Steve Willoughby. Glory glory to South Sydney South Sydney fans around Australia are rejoycing today following a decision in the federal court which will allow the club to continue the fight against the NRL and News Limited. It looked like the Rabbitohs were set for another defeat when the first of three judges ruled against the appeal. But then in an amazing turn-around, the second and third judges both ruled in favour of the appeal, meaning that on a majority vote the Rabbitohs walked away with victory. Perhaps the biggest news coming from the judgment is the ruling that the 14-team competition was unlawful. Whilst the Rabbitohs cannot automatically be re-admitted to the competition, club president George Piggins said that the NRL have a moral obligation to invite the Rabbitohs back into the premiership. Piggins left the court room not only looking relieved but also excited following the ruling which could well go down as the most emotional in Australian sporting history. The Rabbitohs will hold a press conference at 2:00pm this afternoon. The NRL will also make comments this afternoon regarding the decision. They are currently looking over the judgement. Whilst it's unlikely to happen, the majority of rugby league fans are hoping that the NRL will bite the bullet and invite the Rabbitohs back into the competition. http://www4.tpgi.com.au/users/sdodds/news.html#souths3 6th July, 10:27am. Written by Troy Dodds. Souths win federal court appeal The South Sydney Rabbitohs became a step closer to re-gaining a position in the National Rugby League competition today by winning their federal court appeal. Souths fans at the court and at the South Sydney Leagues Club erupted in noise when the decision was handed down. Whilst South Sydney are still a long way off gaining re-entry into the NRL, the decision this morning confirmed that the fight will go on. Rumours are now floating about that the NRL will bow to public pressure by allowing the Rabbitohs back into the competition. The result of the appeal will now be handed back to Justice Paul Finn who originally ruled against the Rabbitohs in November last year. Finn will decide exactly who will pay for the court costs aswell as decide exactly what the Rabbitohs will get out of this victory. The NRL can now ask the high court for leave to appeal, or go back to Justice Paul Finn and argue against the damages and costs which are set to be awarded to the Rabbitohs. Souths president George Piggins said upon leaving the court that he believed the decision took a big step in seeing rugby league back on it's feet. He said that the NRL need to look at the competition and claimed that the excluding of clubs was illegal. http://www4.tpgi.com.au/users/sdodds/news.html#souths3 The decision - what it all means Sportal The Rabbitohs have won an appeal against its expulsion from the NRL, opening the way for a possible return to the competition. But the verdict does not guarantee the club automatic reinstatement into the elite competition next year. This is what it all means: The full bench of the Federal Court found the NRL breached section 45 of the Trade Practices Act in excluding Souths. The 2-1 judgement does not automatically reinstate the club into the NRL, but found that it should be compensated for being excluded. The NRL can now ask the high court for leave to appeal, or go back to the original trial judge Justice Paul Finn and argue against the damages and costs which are set to be awarded to the Rabbitohs. Upon Souths' application for re-admission the 14-team criteria cannot be used against them by the NRL as grounds for their exclusion. They would have to find another legal argument. This injunction goes for any club, not just Souths. The Section (45) of the Trade Practice Act that saved Souths states: a corporation shall not make a contract, arrangement or understanding that contains an "exclusionary" provision or boasts a provision that could "substantially" lessen competition. http://www.sportal.com.au/league.asp?i=news&id=13961 Rabbitohs' court win The Federal Court has ruled in favour of South Sydney being readmitted to the National Rugby League. After more than six weeks of deliberations, the Federal Court handed down its decision on the club's appeal against its exclusion from the competition. The Rabbitohs have been engaged in a bitter legal battle with News Ltd for 18 months, since being cut from a reduced 14 team NRL. The decision doesn't guarantee the Rabbitohs inclusion in the NRL next year, but the two to one verdict will me it hard for league officials to deny the tradition-rich club. The South Sydney legal team described the verdict as "the best possible result." Rabbitoh's director Sean Garlick had said that the club reckoned it had about a 50-50 chance of beating News Limited in court. "We'll be looking for somebody in the NRL with a bit of courage to invite us back," he told Channel Seven yesterday. Garlick, like most Rabbitohs officials and supporters, believes that many fans disgruntled by the move to throw the foundation club out of the NRL would come back to the game as a result of the Court's decision. For whatever reason, Souths - the oldest surviving Australian club - has never fitted into News Ltd's plans for the game and aren't seen as part of its future by the media empire that now effectively runs the NRL. Born out of a meeting at Redfern Town Hall on January 17, 1908, the Rabbitohs were the third rugby league club formed after Glebe and Newtown, and easily the most successful. But despite having won more premierships (20) and produced more internationals (61) than anyone else, Souths have been forced to spend much of their recent history staving off extinction or a fate worse - being swallowed up in a merger with fellow foundation club Sydney City. http://www.austarnet.com.au/feeds/sport_report.asp?display=4&story_id=13941&category=news South Sydney has won its court case against News Limited to be readmitted into the National Rugby League Competition South Sydney has won its court case to be readmitted into the National Rugby League competition. After six weeks of deliberation the Federal Court has found in favour of the foundation club. The Rabbitohs began a bitter battle with News Limited 18 months ago, after being dumped from the mix when the league was reduced to 14 teams. http://www.rugbyleague.co.nz/news.asp?id=11145 OVER TO YOU MR MOFFETT by: Scott Brooks Sportal New Limited and the NRL now have a chance via an little old club from Chalmers Street in Redfern to restore the game of rugby league to the sort of heights it once soared - all thanks to the rulings from two of three Federal Court judges. Yes the Rabbitohs are on the verge of making a stunning comeback into the game it helped start in this country way back in 1908. One thing our great game has lacked in the past two seasons is the support of the real rugby league people, who have been turned off the code by several dollar-inspired decisions made by an organisation formed out of one of the most bitter sporting disputes in this country. The Federal Court ruling does not have the power to order the Rabbitohs return to the competition, but only financial relief for what has been widely perceived as a moral wrong- doing. But how can they turn a blind eye to the Rabbitohs who have retained just about every original supporter, whilst adding a swag of alienated league people from other clubs who are looking to put their weight behind the 'Aussie battler'. The NRL must now realise more than ever that rugby league is more than just a sport and more than just a business and more importantly bigger than someone's idea of what should appear on television. The reaction to this decision has already been one of euphoria for most of the followers of the game and it demonstrates just how wrong the corporate bodies involved in this whole war have been about rugby league and the people whole follow it. There have been some amazingly stupid decisions by the NRL in the past and surely that is where the dunce cap wearing ends. News Limited now have a responsibility to realise that the courts and the people have spoken and that they must attempt to get the game back on its feet. They don't have a responsibility to walk down the path they have been walking over the past few years with blindfolds on in the hope of attracting the corporate dollar. South Sydney's general manager, broadcaster Alan Jones, highlights just how important the Rabbitohs' successful appeal against expulsion from the NRL is to a resurgence in the game. "The history book suggests that South Sydney are an integral part of the game, and they have been for so many years, and this is a victory for common sense and it's to be hoped now that the forces who have influence in the game decide that we've had enough bitterness, enough court battles, enough crying, enough unhappiness and enough alienation. "The game desperately needs to be put back together again and we must use this decision today now to mobilise all the best forces in rugby league for the best interests." Just how the competition will be structured for next year if the red and green are allowed re-entry is up to the NRL power-brokers, who will no doubt be standing firm on the 14-team format for the elite competition. It is a well-known fact that 12 teams is the ideal model for many in the NRL camp, which will directly put the heat on clubs like the Northern Eagles, who are in desperate need of financial backing and the Sharks, not permitted by local council to develop land it owns to make much-needed dollars. But if these clubs do go to the wall, it would have been done by natural attrition, not forced upon them by a group of people professing to know what's best for the game as was the case with Souths. If NRL chief David Moffett had his way, he would have been in France following a bike race at the time of this court decision. But it was an overwhelming negative public reaction that forced him to cancel the trip and remain in Australia to do what he's paid to do. Let's hope for the good of rugby league, his organisation takes notice of popular opinion in this case. http://www.sportal.com.au/league.asp?i=news&id=13954 SOUTH Sydney today succeeded in their last ditch bid to be re-admitted into the National Rugby League. After six weeks of deliberations, the Federal Court handed down its decision in favour of South's appeal against their exclusion from the NRL. Foundation club the Rabbitohs began their bitter legal battle with News Ltd 18 months ago when they didn't make the NRL cut after the competition was reduced to 14 teams. This decision does not mean they will be automatically returned to the competition. http://southsydney.homestead.com/news060701.html http://www.sportal.com.au/league.asp?i=news&id=13941 NRL to Souths: Let's talk From our wire services 06jul01 THE NRL will begin talks with the South Sydney club to consider the Rabbitohs' possible readmission into the 2002 competition. This follows an 18-month legal battle which culminated today with the Federal Court upholding an appeal against the Souths' expulsion from the NRL competition. NRL CEO David Moffett said today that although the decision made no order to reinstate South Sydney, they believed it was in the best interests of all to open discussions with the club. "Souths have shown tremendous spirit and we need to talk to them about whether that can be brought back to the football field," Moffett said in a statement. "The club has publicly talked of its plans and it's now time for them to put those businesses cases to us in a formal way. "Today's judgement is in essence a very technical one, we need to put those technicalities and the difficulties of the past few years behind us and concentrate on the future of the game." http://southsydney.homestead.com/news060701A.html Well done Souths Fri Jul 6, 12:50pm Written by: Matthew O'Neill South Sydney today has scored their finest ever victory winning the appeal in the Federal Court against the NRL and News Limited. The court judges found 2-1 in favour of the Rabbitohs, but the ruling does not necessarily force the NRL to readmit the club. The matter will now be remitted to trial judge Justice Paul Finn for damages. However the NRL will be under immense pressure to readmit the Rabbitohs back into the National Premiership. Souths have fought the good fight and it's taken many knocks but the Rabbitohs have come on top proving that the good guys do eventually win with patience and courage. Rugby League has the potential to be the winner today. It's now up to the NRL to ensure that our great game can move forward and readmit Souths back into the premiership. On top of the Allan Langer show last week, the return of Souths would be the perfect thing to happen for Rugby League in Australia. Much more will be available later in the day following press conferences from Souths and the NRL, as the verdict becomes clearer. News Limited has already indicated through John Hardigan that they won't be appealing the verdict and will recommend that South Sydney return to the premiership next season. Well done to South Sydney on a famous victory. It's an emotional and great day for everyone except the other sports. Stay tuned to this website for more stories about this great day. Readers are encouraged to email the website with their views on Souths great day. UP THE RABBITOHS http://www.rleague.com/newsarticle.php?articleID=2654 South fans jumping for joy By By Lisa Davies After a bitter 18-month legal battle, South Sydney supporters had their dreams realised when the Federal Court opened the way for the club's possible return to the national league competition. High profile and vocal supporters of the Rabbitohs cause were jubilant as the club's successful appeal against its expulsion from the National Rugby League was announced. Outside the Sydney court, the club's general manager and broadcaster Alan Jones said the NRL now had the opportunity to bring those back to the game who had been driven away. "The history book suggests that South Sydney are an integral part of the game and they have been for so many years - this is a victory for common sense," Jones said. "The game desperately needs to be put back together again." On the way to join celebrations at Rabbitohs' headquarters, media personality Andrew Denton said that at a time when sport was "becoming less about the fans and more about big corporations", it was a moment of justice. "It's a great example of the law supporting the people and it's good not just for Souths but for sport in general," Denton told AAP. "I expect a lot of emotion and I think a lot of tired relief - an enormous number of people have worked very very hard over the last 18 months ... for nothing, and this is their vindication." But Denton said it did not necessarily follow that other merger clubs would return to their original forms. "What each club does is up to them, but I suspect financially it's not going to be an option for them. "I suspect that the desire for peace in rugby league might be greater than the desire for those clubs to re-merge. Anthony Albanese, federal Labor MP and Souths board member, said the result showed "you can't buy everything." "I am sure News Ltd and the NRL will support us coming back next year as a standalone club because I think they need us in the competition," Albanese told ABC radio. Radio and television personality Mikey Robbins said the fans had finally seen justice. "Today is basically Christmas Day, New Years Eve, July the fourth and Bastille Day all rolled into one," Robbins told AAP. "We've obviously had a moral victory in the streets, we've now had a legal victory and it's up to the powers that be to recognise this and take rugby league back," he said. http://au.sports.yahoo.com/sports/20010706/aapleague/994390334-470654999.html Souths supporters celebrate hard-fought win By By Lisa Davies After a bitter 18-month legal battle, South Sydney supporters had their dreams realised as the Federal Court opened the way for the club's possible return to the national league competition. High profile and vocal supporters of the Rabbitohs' cause were jubilant as the club's successful appeal against its expulsion from the National Rugby League was announced. Outside the Sydney court, the club's general manager and broadcaster Alan Jones said the NRL now had the opportunity to bring those back to the game who had been driven away. "The history book suggests that South Sydney are an integral part of the game and they have been for so many years - this is a victory for common sense," Jones said. "The game desperately needs to be put back together again." On the way to join celebrations at Rabbitohs' headquarters, media personality Andrew Denton said that at a time when sport was "becoming less about the fans and more about big corporations", it was a moment of justice. "It's a great example of the law supporting the people and it's good not just for Souths but for sport in general," Denton told AAP. "I expect a lot of emotion and I think a lot of tired relief - an enormous number of people have worked very very hard over the last 18 months ... for nothing, and this is their vindication." But Denton said it did not necessarily follow that other merger clubs would return to their original forms. "What each club does is up to them, but I suspect financially it's not going to be an option for them. "I suspect that the desire for peace in rugby league might be greater than the desire for those clubs to re-merge. Anthony Albanese, federal Labor MP and Souths board member, said the result showed "you can't buy everything." "I am sure News Ltd and the NRL will support us coming back next year as a standalone club because I think they need us in the competition," Albanese told ABC radio. Radio and television personality Mikey Robbins said the fans had finally seen justice. "Today is basically Christmas Day, New Years Eve, July the fourth and Bastille Day all rolled into one," Robbins told AAP. "We've obviously had a moral victory in the streets, we've now had a legal victory and it's up to the powers that be to recognise this and take rugby league back," he said. http://au.sports.yahoo.com/sports/20010706/aapleague/994390334-2416885785.html SOUTHS SUCCEED IN FEDERAL COURT CHALLENGE South Sydney today won an appeal against its expulsion from the National Rugby League, opening the way for a possible return to competition. The Federal Court in Melbourne handed down the decision via a video link to Sydney. It was not immediately clear whether the decision will allow the club to take part in next year's competition. Hundreds of South Sydney supporters were overjoyed at the news, sparking emotional scenes outside the court in Sydney. The club's legal team said they would examine the decision and make an announcement about their next steps later today. http://southsydney.homestead.com/NRL060701.html Court throws Souths a lifeline By By Laine Clark South Sydney won an appeal against its expulsion from the National Rugby League, opening the way for a possible return to competition. The Federal Court in Melbourne handed down the decision via a video link to Sydney. It was not immediately clear whether the decision will allow the club to take part in next year's competition. Hundreds of South Sydney supporters were overjoyed at the news, sparking emotional scenes outside the court in Sydney. The Rabbitohs, one of the founder clubs of the game, began their bitter legal battle with News Ltd 18 months ago after failing to make the NRL cut when the competition was reduced to 14 teams. The club's legal team said they would examine the decision and make an announcement about their next steps later today. Outside the court, George Piggins said the decision sent a message to those who ran the game. "It's been a great day for rugby league and it's a great day for South Sydney," he told reporters. "Lets just hope we can start healing the game and get back to playing football. "I expected to win ... I just thought we were right, we were wrongly done by and we were going to fight until we got justice and we got justice here today." "They've got to put the passion back in the game - it's a people's game, not a business. "It's not just about us, it's about trying to heal the game completely. "The people who want to buy the game for pay television should buy the end product and let people who run rugby league, run rugby league." News Limited may yet ask the High Court for leave to appeal the decision. The NRL was assessing the decision and was expected to make a statement later today. http://au.sports.yahoo.com/sports/20010706/aapleague/994384858-2215567374.html Souths win would force rethink on joint ventures By By Sharon Mathieson If South Sydney marches back into the National Rugby League competition, News Limited and the NRL can expect to dragged through a similar protracted legal process another six times. The former Australian Rugby League clubs that have made up St George Illawarra, Wests Tigers and the Northern Eagles joint venture clubs would have every right to feel they had been illegally forced into a marriage few wanted. But the mergers were deemed necessary to ensure survival, or at least a presence, in a 14-team competition. The chairmen of St George, Illawarra, Balmain, Western Suburbs, Manly and North Sydney mostly agreed they would seek legal advice and convene a board meeting to discuss their club's stance if the Rabbitohs won their appeal in the Federal Court today. Souths have, so far, unsuccessfully fought media giant News Ltd and the NRL in the civil courts claiming they were unfairly axed from the NRL at the end of the 1999 season. "From a legal point of view we've had a little bit of discussion about it a while ago," North Sydney chairman Mark Cannon said. "If it came out in Souths favour I think all the joint venture clubs would run around suing the NRL." Cannon said while he expected the merged clubs to react with legal action he hoped the issue would be laid to rest to ensure the future of the game. He, like many of his counterparts, predicted News Ltd - a 50 per cent shareholder in the NRL - would pull out its financial backing if it continued to be dragged through the courts. As a result the NRL would eventually die. St George Illawarra chairman Warren Lockwood said St George merged with Illawarra to ensure its survival in the reduced 14-team competition. "If Souths win their case I assume that makes it 15 teams and that certainly breaks the agreement that we undertook with the NRL," he said. "We would certainly be looking at how that affected our joint venture and how that affected our future." Western Suburbs Magpies board member and Wests Tigers chairman Peter Hargraves suggested his club might seek compensation for its forced merger but doubted the joint venture would collapse. "We would have to look at every possibility, what would be best for our club," he said. "At the moment we're quite happy in our joint venture but maybe at some stage we would seek compensation." Balmain and former Wests Tigers chairman John Chalk also predicted the marriage between Balmain and the Magpies would survive. "We would need to talk to our lawyers about it to see if their was some kind feel if what happened with us was coercion or we were forced to merge because of the way the competition was structured," Chalk said. "We would need to take some serious legal advice on that." The decision on South Sydney's court case was expected to be handed down in the Federal Court at 10am Friday. http://au.sports.yahoo.com/sports/20010706/aapleague/994379195-1275748399.html 5 July 2001 THIS IS IT FOLKS! THE DECISION OF OUR APPEAL TO THE THE FULL BENCH OF THE FEDERAL COURT WILL BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW The Club received notification at 12noon Thursday July 5 that we are back in the Federal Court, to hear the decision of the Full Bench, tomorrow, Friday July 6, between 9.30am and 10.00am. There will be no close circuit telecast from the Court Room to other areas within the Federal Court House - therefore only a very limited number of seats will be available in the public gallery. Nor will the decision be broadcast on Pay TV as was the original decision on November 3 last year. All supporters are invited to come to the South Sydney Leagues Club. The decision will be phoned through to the club the absolute moment it comes to hand. For those who can't make it to the Club, the result will be posted here within minutes of it being announced. Due to such short notice, we ask you to please call or email your friends and family to let them know that tomorrow is the day. With only a few hours to go, the Club would like to thank EVERYONE who has contributed to the Fightback. We await tomorrow's decision full of pride, for we have truely proven that we are The Pride of The League. Come on the Rabbitohs!! http://www.souths.com.au/ D-Day for Souths GEORGE Piggins is ready to reluctantly concede defeat in South Sydney's bitter fight for reinstatement to the National Rugby League if the club again loses out in the Federal Court tomorrow. The full bench of the Federal Court will hand down its decision on Souths' appeal against exclusion from the NRL at 10am (AEST). And, while remaining cautiously optimistic, Piggins, the defiant chairman of the embattled club, tonight conceded another defeat would be one too many. "We'll discuss it with the barristers and the solicitors but I just think that, if we get beat this time, we've got to really look at it and just think that that's the end of the section," Piggins said. http://southsydney.homestead.com/news050701.html Judgement day for Souths Thu Jul 5, 5:17pm Written by: Michael Murray The South Sydney Rabbitohs will find out tomorrow whether or not their case for reinstatement to the NRL has been successful. At 9:30am the full bench of the Federal Court will hand down their decision on the appeal held by the Rabbitohs. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the end is nigh for Australia's most prolific rugby league club. South Sydney were excluded from the NRL after the 1999 season. http://www.rleague.com/newsarticle.php?articleID=2638 5th July, 3:22pm. Written by Troy Dodds. Souths decision tomorrow The decision of South Sydney's appeal to the full bench of the federal court will be known at 9:30am tomorrow morning. The Rabbitohs were alerted at midday today that a decision was ready to be handed down. There will be no television coverage of the decision but LeagueAustralia.com will be bringing you news direct from the court house as it breaks. The Rabbitohs were appealing against a decision made in November last year in which it was found that the NRL were not in breach of the trade practices act by excluding the Rabbbitohs from the 2000 competition. Whilst the court cannot rule the Rabbitohs back into the competition, they can award damages - something which could eventually lead to the club's re-entry into the premiership. Souths were controversially excluded from the competition at the end of 1999 when they failed to meet the NRL's criteria for a 14-team competition in 2000. The Rabbitohs have been fighting the ruling ever since and although suffering major setbacks over the past 18 months, have never lost the passion that made such a great football club over the past 90 years. Be online at 9:30am tomorrow morning as we will bring you news as soon as it breaks. http://www4.tpgi.com.au/users/sdodds/news.html#souths The future of rugby league club South Sydney will be known at 10am tomorrow (Friday) morning when the Federal Court hands down its decision of the Rabbitohs' case for readmission to the National Rugby League. The full bench of the Federal Court has been deliberating for more than six weeks and will hand down its verdict at 10am (AEST). Regardless of the result, the Rabbitohs' match against Umina will go ahead at Gosford's NorthPower Stadium on Saturday afternoon. http://www.sportal.com.au/league.asp?i=news&id=13902 4 July 2001 THE SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS' SQUAD After his impressive debut in South Sydney's last game against the Murdi Paaki Warriors, coach Craig Coleman has again selected Beau Mundine, the first cousin of boxer and former footballer, Anthony Mundine, in the first grade squad to play the Umina Bunnies at North Power Stadium in Gosford, this Saturday 7 July 2001, commencing at 3.30pm. The big, strong running centre was outstanding in his initial appearance and as predicted by Coleman, Mundine displayed maturity beyond his twenty years and said, "he is one of those players who always seem to find the tryline." He likened Beau Mundine, a product of the Moore Park club, to his illustrious cousin and described him as another "excitement machine and a potential star in the making." The South Sydney squad for this Saturday's clash against Umina is:
The squad will be training at Redfern Oval on Tuesday and Thursday prior to the match starting at 5pm. The media and supporters are welcome to attend. Further information can be obtained by telephoning Stephen Sim or Brandon Punter at the South Sydney Rugby League Football Club on 9319 5244. THE SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS' SQUAD http://www.southsydney.homestead.com/ss040701.html 3 July 2001 Some of the greats of rugby league, including former Test forwards Mark Carroll and Mark Geyer, will go head-to-head as South Sydney continues it's tour of regional NSW at NorthPower Stadium on Saturday. Carroll will pack down in the Souths front row as the Rabbitohs continue life after the National Rugby League with a match against Umina. Souths coach Craig Coleman has again named Beau Mundine, a cousin of champion boxer and former footballer Anthony Mundine, in his squad. Geyer is in a strong Umina team that also contains former premiership players Cliff Lyons, Owen Cunningham, Greg Florimo, Mark Soden and Robert Tocco. Newtown and North Sydney, also victims of the league's rationalisation over the years, will feature in the earlier matches. http://www.sportal.com.au/league.asp?i=news&id=13747 http://www.austarnet.com.au/feeds/sport_report.asp?display=4&story_id=13747&category=news 2 July 2001 Former Australian Test forwards Mark Carroll and Mark Geyer will go head-to-head when South Sydney plays Umina at NorthPower Stadium on Saturday. Carroll will pack down in the Souths front row as the Rabbitohs continue life after the National Rugby League. Souths coach Craig Coleman has again named Beau Mundine, a cousin of champion boxer and former footballer Anthony Mundine, in his squad. Geyer is in a strong Umina team that also contains former premiership players Cliff Lyons, Owen Cunningham, Greg Florimo, Mark Soden and Robert Tocco. Newtown and North Sydney, also victims of the league's rationalisation over the years, will feature in the earlier matches. http://au.sports.yahoo.com/sports/20010702/aapleague/994050281-604799037.html |
