NRL 2023: Wayne Bennett’s All Blacks raid, Cowboys ban 2022 season talk | Sport Confidential

Chiefs fullback Shaun Stevenson revealed this week that he met Bennett at his farm near Warwick as the Dolphins attempted to woo him across the ditch.

The intensely private Bennett doesn’t invite anyone back to his beloved farm.

But he was happy to host Stevenson as he pieced together the Dolphins’ foundation NRL squad.

“I actually flew over and saw him in his farm in Toowoomba (sic) and it was nice to have a conversation with him,” Stevenson told SENZ Breakfast.

“Yeah, it was good, I mean … seeing him in real life, it’s pretty confronting because you don’t know what to say because he’s Wayne Bennett.

“But it was a good conversation and he’s a really nice man and he was just talking about what Redcliffe looked like for me and whatnot.

“It was a cool conversation to have, and it was just nice to meet the guy and talk about league and whatnot at that point of my career so yeah, it was cool.”

Stevenson opted against joining the Dolphins and is the equal leading tryscorer in Super Rugby Pacific this season.

COWBOYS UNVEIL BIZARRE BANNING

The Cowboys have banned talking about their fairytale 2022 season in an attempt to bounce back into premiership contention.

The Todd Payten era at North Queensland hit a low last weekend when the Cowboys were thumped 66-18 by the Wests Tigers.

The 48-point thrashing followed encouraging wins against the Roosters and Dragons which indicated the Cowboys might be finding some form following a slow start to the year.

The Cowboys haven’t been able to continue the momentum that saw them ride to last year’s preliminary finals, where they lost to Parramatta.

And they are sick of talking about 2022, with Payten and the players banning talk of last season.

“I hate referring to last year because we’re deep into this year’s footy,” forward Reuben Cotter said.

“We’ve fallen short a few games this year and have got a lot more work to do.

“Last year was great, but the focus is on this year now.”

Five-eighth Tom Dearden said: “It’s a different year, we don’t really like to look at last year. Every team has improved and we have to as well.”

A number of players produced similar responses when we asked them about the club’s fall from last year’s form.

When asked if there had been a 2022 ban put in place by the coaches, Cotter said: “From the top, but also the squad. We got sick of hearing it.

“You’re only as good as your last game. We need to improve our performances across the board.

“We’re looking ahead and we need to.”

It’s hard to see the Cowboys coming back from the Tigers debacle and being a title contender this year.

No team has ever won the premiership after conceding 50 points in a regular season game.

EXCLUSIVE: LAS VEGAS DREAM NOW A REALITY

The NRL is going to Las Vegas in one of the most significant events in rugby league’s 115-year history.

Sport Confidential can reveal the 2024 NRL season will kick-off in America, with the Brisbane Broncos set to spearhead rugby league’s bold $200 million plan to win over the hearts and minds of US sports fans.

The ARL Commission will ratify a five-year contract with American delegates for NRL premiership matches to be staged in the US until the end of 2028 – starting with a double header next year in Vegas.

News Corp last month revealed plans for the NRL to explore the possibility of staging a double-header in America to capitalise on the nation’s huge broadcasting-and-betting markets.

Now the American Dream is real.

The ARL Commission will give the green light to launching the 2024 Telstra Premiership season in America and only an 11th-hour collapse in talks will prevent four NRL teams playing historic matches in Sin City next March.

ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys and NRL boss Andrew Abdo returned to Australia a fortnight ago after a fact-finding mission where the high-powered duo met with American delegates.

US stakeholders were highly impressed with the V’landys-Abdo pitch. Now the NRL will proceed with due-diligence, logistic planning and stadium talks to showcase rugby league to 331 million Americans.

A formal announcement on the NRL’s double-header is expected in the next four to eight weeks pending advanced negotiations with American officials.

Abdo declined to comment on Thursday but V’landys told News Corp before his departure to the US that the American market was an untapped goldmine for the NRL.

“This (proposed double header in Vegas) is not a one-off experiment, it is all part of a five-year strategic plan for us to penetrate America,” V’landys said.

“People say we have tried this before in America and failed.

“They have never tried it to the magnitude we are going to try it.

“The potential benefits, financially, would be in the tens of millions.

“And if we do it right, it could be in the hundreds of millions.

“There’s significant revenue that could be generated for rugby league in America … and we’re going to explore it.”

Las Vegas’ 65,000-capacity Allegiant Stadium is slated to host four NRL teams next season.

It can also be revealed the Broncos are among the frontrunners to embark on the maiden American voyage.

Broncos chief executive Dave Donaghy said recently that Queensland’s flagship club was keen to be part of the historic venture to Vegas.

“We are certainly open to it and hearing more about the concept and what the NRL’s long-term plans for the US may be,” Donaghy said.

“Subject to aligning with our schedule and planning, I’m sure we would have a level of interest to have a discussion about what an NRL double header in Vegas would look like.

“The game is keeping its cards close to its chest for now, but the one thing we want to provide for our players and staff and fans is really great opportunities.

“If you have the opportunity to play an NRL game at a stadium like that in Vegas, it would be negligent of us not to look at and give it serious consideration.”

Under the NRL’s Vegas plan, four clubs will tour America every year for the next five years.

That will ensure all 17 clubs get a slice of the American pie, with powerhouse clubs such as the Broncos, Melbourne, South Sydney and the Roosters to lead the way as Sin City pioneers.

Super coach Wayne Bennett is a massive fan of the NRL’s idea, saying: “I love Vegas. It’s my favourite place in America.

“There’s a huge market over there and it would be great to see NRL games in America.”

HYNES NOT SO DREAMY

He has become one of the NRL’s heart throbs but NSW debutant Nicho Hynes is “actually a grub” according to his former Melbourne Storm teammates.

Maroons duo Harry Grant and Christian Welch couldn’t resist having a lighthearted dig at Hynes ahead of next Wednesday’s Origin series-opener.

Hynes had a breakout season at Cronulla last year, clinching the Dally M Medal, and will make his first Origin appearance for the Blues at the Adelaide Oval.

He has become one of the NRL’s most popular players and considered to be an all-round nice guy.

But Grant said it was all an act.

“He’s fooled everyone, mate,” the Queensland hooker said with a smile.

“He is a fake nice guy. He’s actually a grub.

“Congratulations to Nicho, he’s done it the hard way. He’s taken the long route and finally got a debut, which he should be very happy about. It’s something special for him.

“I’m definitely not surprised (by his rise). He’s always had the skill and work ethic, he just needed some of the right opportunities.

“I know first-hand that timing is everything. It is a big thing when you’re chasing that opportunity.

“He handled it well with the way he went about his business. When he went to Cronulla he took all the right steps to get the best out of himself.

“He was rewarded last year with the Dally M and was unlucky to miss out on the World Cup. Now he gets a State of Origin debut, which is a credit to how hard he’s worked.”

Welch also jumped in on the banter.

“Nicho is a great friend and fantastic story,” he said.

“I’m so pumped for him to finally get his debut. I’m sure he’ll do a good job in hopefully a losing side.

“He’s got the Heath Ledger look but it’s actually a dirty mop. His dietary and cleanliness isn’t all rosy.

“He’s single at the moment, but it’s ‘buyer beware’ I reckon.”

MAROONS FIND THEIR POP STAR

Reece Walsh has a new nickname with Maroons players – Reece ‘Bieber’.

Walsh will make his Origin debut in Game One and Queensland teammates believe they have unearthed their footballing rock star version of pop sensation Justin Bieber.

With his entertaining playing style and model looks, the Broncos sensation has been mobbed by Maroons fans wanting autographs and photos with the 20-year-old, rated a 10-year Origin player by coach Billy Slater.

Broncos players have become used to the sight of Walsh attracting scores of fans at Red Hill.

“We’re calling him Reece Bieber,” said one Maroons player. “Wherever we go, the fans want a piece of ‘Walshy’ … he’s like a pop star.”

Walsh is lapping up life in Maroon.

“Being a young Queenslander and watching the Broncos and Queensland, this means so much,” he said. “Billy (Slater) was up there with my heroes, 100 per cent, ‘JT’ (Johnathan Thurston) was up there, so was Justin Hodges.

“Cooper Cronk and his field goal … it’s pretty crazy to be in camp rubbing shoulders with the coaching staff who I watched for so many years on TV wearing this amazing jersey.

“It’s surreal to be here now.”

SPOTTED

Tennis great Ash Barty’s husband Garry Kissick in the Broncos’ dressing rooms after last week’s loss to Penrith. We couldn’t see his heavily pregnant wife.

SHOOSH

Which NRL player agent has come under fire for contacting future rugby league children as young as 13 via their social-media accounts? It’s a disgraceful act and NRL bosses should watch the matter closely.

VIRUS SWEEPS THROUGH ROOSTERS

The Roosters have swooped by signing the recruitment guru who spotted Kalyn Ponga, Jason Taumalolo and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

Former Newcastle recruitment chief Clint Zammit officially began with the Roosters on Tuesday – two months after parting ways with the Knights.

Nicknamed ‘Virus’, Zammit is one of the most experienced talent spotters in the game, having delivered a raft of young guns to the NRL, headlined by Ponga, Taumalolo and ‘The Hammer’.

The Bondi glamour club have signed Zammit to work in tandem with Roosters recruitment chief Daniel Anderson, who was seriously injured after suffering a freak surfing accident in December.

WELCH OKAY WITH ‘TONGAN HELLO’

Former Melbourne teammates Christian Welch and Felise Kaufusi smoked the peace pipe following their heated clash at Suncorp Stadium.

Kaufusi was sin-binned in the opening minutes of last weekend’s Dolphins-Storm grudge match after collecting Welch in the face with a swinging arm.

The tackle cost Kaufusi a spot in Queensland’s team for Wednesday night’s Origin series-opener in Adelaide after he was hit with a three-game ban.

Welch and Kaufusi spent eight years together at Melbourne, winning two NRL premierships and also representing Queensland.

And they were quick to bury the hatchet after full-time.

“I got the ‘Tongan Hello’ in the first set,” Welch said with a laugh.

“He is a great mate. We are all sweet. He came into the sheds and we had a beer.

“That’s Felise and the Bromwich (Jesse and Kenny) boys. They are aggressive competitors who are out to make a mark. He just got it slightly wrong on me.

“They are great mates of mine. We played together for a long time.

“There is no hate there, there’s a lot of love.”

Given the respect between the former Storm players and their ex-teammates, it was somewhat surprising to see Kaufusi and the Bromwichs toeing the line.

But Welch said it was exactly what he expected.

“We always expected it,” he said.

“I said to the boys during the week ‘don’t wait for something to happen’. I knew Kaufusi and the boys would come out swinging – quite literally.

“We had to be prepared for their aggression. But there’s also ways of going about it with your actual football, line speed, building pressure. You don’t need to do the scrappy things.

“I’m sure he would have been in the team for Queensland being such an aggressive player and stalwart of Origin.”

FREDDY FEELING PINCH

Is Blues coach Brad Fittler feeling the pressure of this make-or-break Origin series?

Fittler will head into the upcoming series off-contract, with his NSW coaching future on the line.

The alternative thinker has traditionally been very relaxed when it comes to media during his reign as Blues mentor.

But he has tightened things up ahead of the crucial series-opener in Adelaide.

Instead of every NSW player being available for media after training each day, Fittler’s media team is now only offering “selected players”.

It’s a change from his usual open-door media policy and could be a sign of intensity ramping up in the Blues’ camp.

MAM IN DEMAND

Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam was a busy man last weekend.

Mam could have enjoyed a long weekend given the Broncos hosted Penrith at Suncorp Stadium last Thursday night.

But he was straight back on the tools.

Mam’s family has an indigenous dance troupe and they were booked out for the weekend.

Mam was back at Suncorp on Friday dancing before the Queensland Reds hosted the Auckland Blues.

And then he was at the Gabba on Saturday to perform before the Brisbane Lions beat the Gold Coast Suns.

Mam even danced between training sessions at Red Hill last week as part of the NRL’s indigenous round celebrations.

CAPES BEHIND MAROONS

Broncos vice-captain Kurt Capewell has shown tremendous class following his Maroons axing.

Capewell spoke about being dropped from Queensland’s Origin I team this week, vowing to use his omission as motivation to win a spot back.

And he has shown he is well and truly behind his beloved Maroons.

The Queensland team trained at Brisbane’s Red Hill headquarters on Tuesday.

After the session, Capewell jumped on the team bus to say hi to the squad and coaches.

He gave them hugs and wished them well in their quest to beat the Blues.

It was a classy act from a player that would have been hurting.

PUNTERS FLOCKING TO MAROONS

The Maroons are receiving support from punters not seen since the golden era of their decade of dominance.

The TAB has seen a plunge on Queensland for Game One, with about 70 per cent of money on the Maroons in head-to-head betting.

“It’s a fast and in-form side that Billy Slater’s assembled and punters snapped up the value early on Queensland,” TAB’s media man Rohan Welsh said.

“We’ve had one punter outlay $9,000 on the Maroons at $2.30, they’re into $2.25 now. While Queensland by 1-12 is the most popular margin.

“The Blues are still $1.67 favourite but that’s just the way Queensland likes it isn’t it?”

WHAT’S IN A POSTCODE?

Darren Lockyer is such a Queensland legend he has his own postcode … well, sort of.

For the second year running, brewing giant XXXX is celebrating Maroon pride by removing its logo from the Origin jersey and replacing it with the hometown postcodes of Queensland’s 17 players.

Queensland selector Lockyer emerged from Roma (4455) to become an Origin legend and the former Maroons skipper will never forget his ties with the bush town that also produced the great Artie Beetson.

“Seeing the postcode on the Maroons jumper is always a nice reminder of where a player comes from,” Lockyer said.

“For me, it was Roma and it’s where I cut my teeth as a player.

“I played first grade in Roma as a teenager and that gave me a good launch pad for what was to come in the NRL.

“I was a 15-year-old playing against 40-year-old props which was a bit daunting.

“I was mentally and physically ready for the NRL, and later Origin, because of the grounding I got playing in Roma.

“Roma epitomised the spirit of State of Origin, the locals love their rugby league and Origins were always special nights.”

Originally published as NRL 2023: Wayne Bennett’s All Blacks raid, Cowboys ban 2022 season talk | Sport Confidential