By Adrian Proszenko
Two of the Nine Network's biggest league personalities, Ray Hadley and Andrew Voss, are scheduled to face off in court next week. In a bitter dispute that could have ramifications for his future at the station, Voss is suing Hadley for defamation over comments made surrounding the unveiling of the Ray Warren statue in Junee last year. Stuart Littlemore QC will represent Voss in a case scheduled to begin on Monday. Voss has barely been seen on our screens this year. Insiders have suggested his decision to litigate is partly behind his demotion to Queensland Cup duty. Nine may have won the broadcast rights for the NRL but the legal stoush has clouded Voss's future at the network. However, he is holding out hope of extending his stay for a 19th year at the network and beyond. ''I've got no reason to think otherwise at this point,'' Voss said yesterday. ''A contract was mentioned a few months ago but that was before we even knew where the rights went. Since the rights have been awarded our sports boss has been overseas.'' The prospect of the pair being cross-examined in the witness box is sure to be create plenty of media interest.
PLAN B FOR BARRETT
Suing Ray Hadley for defamation ... Andrew Voss.Credit: Stuart Walmsley
Trent Barrett will get a consolation prize after missing out on the NSW coaching gig. The former Dragons and Sharks playmaker is almost certain to be named as Laurie Daley's replacement for the vacant Country position when the CRL board meets to ratify the posting on September 12. South Sydney's Michael Maguire was the pea for the job until he ruled himself out due to club commitments.
CARNEY, IN BRIEF(S)
Todd Carney is many things - Origin star, Dally M winner, Shire resident. Now he can add underwear ambassador to his CV. The Sharks playmaker has signed up with Waxx Industries to spruik their line of reg grundies. On their website, Carney reveals his secret skill is singing. Daniel Mortimer and Tim Mannah are also ambassadors.
GALLOWAY'S BIG MOVE
Congratulations to Phil Gould's all-time favourite footballer, Keith Galloway, who recently proposed to partner Serena Bromicombe.
END OF AN ERA
This year's Dally M Awards could be the last ones co-run by News Ltd. The ARLC has been talking about starting an awards night without the media giant.
ROBINSON'S IN THE RACE
Former Footy Show favourite Allan Robinson will be riding his luck in the Newcastle Council elections. The former jockey is backing himself to shake up City Hall.
WE TOLD YOU SO
Ben Murdoch-Masila's re-signing this week wouldn't have come as a surprise to Tigers fans - we revealed the move weeks ago. And don't be surprised if the Eels lock up fullback Jake Mullaney long term.
GRIFFIN REWARDED AT LAST
Anthony Griffin re-signed with Brisbane on July 18. Friday night's win against lowly Penrith was the first since he put pen to paper.
DRAGONS HOLD FIRE
We reported last week that St George Illawarra face the prospect of going into next season $400,000 under the salary cap because they can't attract talent. Dragons CEO Peter Doust addressed the issue of retention and recruitment in a video message to fans on the club website the next day. ''We do have money to spend,'' Doust said. ''You never know what could happen at other clubs or what players may choose to do in the off season. We are keeping our options open.''
SHOULDER CHARGE AT RISK
The shoulder charge appears to be on the way out, given the ARLC's decision to clamp down on the game's controversial tackling technique. However, a definitive decision is unlikely until respected official Brian Canavan concludes his report into the matter in early October. ''The announcement doesn't have any impact on what we're doing because we're just conducting straight scientific and medical analysis,'' Canavan said. ''We don't have enough data to make a suggestion or recommendation at this stage.''
BIG WIG UNDERSTANDS
Before he became the NSW minister for sport, Graham Annesley was one of the game's best referees. So he can fully appreciate what the current crop of whistleblowers are going through. ''It's always the case at the business end of the season that the stakes rise and people tend to focus more on every decision, particularly as it could mean teams making or missing out on the top eight,'' Annesley said.
NRL TAKES ROOT IN WEST
Perth is likely to host up to three NRL fixtures next season. Expect the ARLC to have more say in where games will be scheduled in the future.
HAIR TO THE RESCUE
For those of you who, like your correspondent, are not hirsute enough to participate in Movember, there is a new charity to consider - Sidetember. The fundraiser encourages participants to grew sideburns this month to build awareness of brain injuries, a leading cause of death and disability in young people. Tigers legend Ben Elias is attempting to rope in as many of his footy mates as possible and has challenged his old sparring partner, Mario Fenech, to grow some mutton chops. To get involved, go to www.sidetember.com.
ONE TO GIVE AWAY
Anyone looking for a last-minute Father's Day gift could do worse than check out ABC journalist Craig Hamilton's new book, A Better Life, which was recently launched by Wayne Bennett.