Latest News - Rd. 24

Before big games, I would often challenge my players with the question: ''Can we win without the ball?'' We often hear coaches at news conferences explaining away their team's loss on the day by referring to possession statistics. You've heard the standard lines. ''We only had 45 per cent of the ball,'' they moan.

Melbourne halfback Cooper Cronk has laughed off suggestions by Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett that leading NRL sides - including the Storm - deliberately give away penalties as a tactic to slow the game. Bennett questioned whether the likes of the Storm and ladder-leading Sydney Roosters were playing within the spirit of the game by purposely infringing in a bid to reorganise their defensive line.

The Easts Tigers have maintained third position on the Intrust Super Cup ladder following a gritty 27-12 victory over local rivals Wynnum Manly on Sunday. While the traditional bay-side derby wasn't exactly champagne rugby league, no one could doubt the commitment of either side with both battling to secure a spot in the top five.

Danny Buderus played his 250th game for the Newcastle Knights last weekend but the Club celebrated his record-breaking milestone at Sunday's home game against the Melbourne Storm. The Club legend led the team on to the field with his three kids and was greeted by a massive banner as well as former record holder and friend Andrew Johns.