The 2005 Bob Fulton Cup is just around the corner, and a number of changes to the tournament's format have the crowds and media buzzing with anticipation. Whilst the competition will retain its usual format of sixty four teams (all Premier League, Division Two, and RSC sides plus invitational sides), but the tournament will now overlap with the season. The quarter finals and beyond will take part midweek during the season proper.

In a more drastic change, the ASRL has announced that all rounds will be randomly drawn, meaning that winners of round one fixtures will not know who they will be playing until the next round is drawn. This move is believed to have been a suggestion from Channel Nine, who intend to air these 'draws' each round.

The prizes have also gone up, signalling the ASRL's commitment to making the Bob Fulton Cup one of the most lucrative tournaments around. Not only does the winner receive a payout of $300,000, they will now also be an extra 'year' to use on contracts for the season. In the case of RSC sides, this will expand the 'safety net' by one, allowing the retention of eleven players rather than ten. For the invitational sides, who previously have been unable to win prize money, the side would be granted a place in the 2005/2006 ASRL competition should it take out the tournament. The runner up of the tournament receives $125,000, whilst third place takes out $75,000

The Invitational Sides
With a place in the ASRL available, eight invitational sides from around the region have placed successful bids to take part in the tournament. Any ASRL coaches wishing to take on an invitational for the duration of the tournament, please contact Chris Walker-Bush via PM or email.
- New Delhi Tigers (India)
- Singapore Pride (Singapore)
- Sutherland Suns (Sydney, Australia)
- Jakarta Jaguars (Indonesia)
- Tonga Reef Sharks (Tonga)
- Suva Surge (Fiji)
- Durban Cobras (South Africa)
- South Newcastle Cavaliers (Newcastle, NSW).

Round One Draw
Liverpool Rockets (D2) vs. Hunter Bantams (RSC) @ Liverpool Stadium
Bondi Battlers (D2) vs. Waikato Breakers (D2) @ Aussie Stadium
Ryde Eagles (RSC) vs. Tasmanian Devils (D2) @ Ryde Oval
New England Ferrets (D2) vs. Suva Surge (INV) @ Armidale Oval
Eastwood Pumas (D2) vs. Northern Territory Lions (RSC) @ Eastwood Oval
Hornsby Mavericks (PL) vs. Wodonga Badgers (RSC) @ Hornsby Sportsground
Gold Coast Crusade (PL) vs. Kensington Highrollers (RSC) @ Carara Stadium
Singapore Pride (INV) vs. Coffs Harbour Mudcrabs (PL) @ Stadium of Singapore
Carnarvon Cowboys (D2) vs. Brisbane Bulls (PL) @ Carnarvon Showground
Glen Innes Magpies (RSC) vs. Lake Heights Lightning (D2) @ Wilson Park
Wagga Stallions (PL) vs. Gisborne Heat (RSC) @ Beeboparoobop Park
North West Kookaburras (RSC) vs. Perth Taipans (PL) @ Armidale Oval
Campbelltown Invasion (D2) vs. Hawthorn Hurricanes (RSC) @ Campbelltown Oval
Birchgrove Pistoleers (RSC) vs. Newcastle Fear @ Birchgrove Oval
Canberra Chargers (D2) vs. Christchurch Avalanches (D2) @ Bruce Stadium
South Queensland Underdogs (D2) vs. Darwin Cyclones (PL) @ Ballymore
Northern Cannons (PL) vs. Balmain Storm (RSC) @ Brookvale
Sunshine Coast Wizards (RSC) vs. Central Phoenix (PL) @ Mooloolaba Stadium
Wollongong Destructors (PL) vs. Melbourne Exectioners (PL) @ WIN Stadium
Port Hedlands Jets (RSC) vs. South Newcastle Cavaliers (INV) @ Port Hedlands
Johannesburg Hyenas (RSC) vs. The Entrance Tigers (RSC) @ Newlands Stadium
Wellington Cougars (PL) vs. Central Coast Falcons (PL) @ Westpac Trust Stadium
Parramatta Vikings (PL) vs. Capetown Ravens (PL) @ Parramatta Stadium
Durban Cobras (INV) vs. Port Macquarie Stingrays (D2) @ ABSA Park
Tonga Reef Sharks (INV) vs. Port Kembla Voodoo (RSC) @ Mangweni Stadium
Sydney Oilers (PL) vs. Adelaide Attitude (PL) @ Telstra Stadium
Redfern All Whites (D2) vs. North Queensland Dolphins (D2) @ Redfern
Wests Panthers (RSC) vs. Sutherland Suns (INV) @ ANZ Stadium
Tamworth City Titans (D2) vs. Katherine Kings (RSC) @ Scully Park
Jakarta Jaguars (INV) vs. Surfers Paradise Punks (PL) @ Bung Karno Stadium
Western Suburbs Raiders (RSC) vs. Cairns White Pointers (RSC) @ Parramatta Stadium
New Delhi Tigers (INV) vs. Geelong Bengals (D2) @ New Delhi Stadium

Round Two
Wests Panthers (RSC) vs. North Queensland Dolphins (D2) @ Suncorp Stadium
Darwin Cyclones (PL) vs. Central Phoenix (PL) @ Manuka Oval
Suva Surge (INV) vs. Lake Heights Lightning (D2) @ Fiji International Stadium
Parramatta Vikings (PL) vs. Christchurch Avalanches (D2) @ Parramatta Stadium
Johannesburg Hyenas (RSC) vs. Tonga Reef Sharks (INV) @ Johannesburg
Wollongong Destructors (PL) vs. Geelong Bengals (D2) @ WIN Stadium
Northern Cannons (PL) vs. Hawthorn Hurricanes (RSC) @ Brookvale Oval
Tamworth City Titans (D2) vs. Waikato Breakers (D2) @ Scully Park
Perth Taipans (PL) vs. Sydney Oilers (PL) @ Subiaco
South Newcastle Corsairs (INV) vs. Surfers Paradise Punks (PL) @ Mitchell Park
Liverpool Rockets (D2) vs. Coffs Harbour Mudcrabs (PL) @ Liverpool Stadium
Eastwood Pumas (D2) vs. Brisbane Bulls (PL) @ Eastwood Oval
Gold Coast Crusade (PL) vs. Wagga Stallionns (PL) @ Carara Stadium
Cairns White Pointers (RSC) vs. Central Coast Falcons (PL) @ Bundaberg Stadium
Hornsby Mavericks (PL) vs. Port Macquarie Stingrays (D2) @ Hornsby Stadium
Ryde Eagles (RSC) vs. Birchgrove Pistoleers (RSC) @ Ryde Stadium

haha central coast, time for revenge comes early.

how shit is that.

I play another PL team whilst most other PL teams have a go at Division 2 teams. ARGH

i'm gone after Round 1 lmao.

Chris I had a look through and its Geelong Bengals you are missing.

I hate you Chris!

woooo laters jakarta here comes tsunami number 2 motherfuckers

Chris predictions.

Liverpool Rockets (D2) vs. Hunter Bantams (RSC) @ Liverpool Stadium
Bondi Battlers (D2) vs. Waikato Breakers (D2) @ Aussie Stadium
Ryde Eagles (RSC) vs. Tasmanian Devils (D2) @ Ryde Oval
New England Ferrets (D2) vs. Suva Surge (INV) @ Armidale Oval
Eastwood Pumas (D2) vs. Northern Territory Lions (RSC) @ Eastwood Oval
Hornsby Mavericks (PL) vs. Wodonga Badgers (RSC) @ Hornsby Sportsground
Gold Coast Crusade (PL) vs. Kensington Highrollers (RSC) @ Carara Stadium
Singapore Pride (INV) vs. Coffs Harbour Mudcrabs (PL) @ Stadium of Singapore
Carnarvon Cowboys (D2) vs. Brisbane Bulls (PL) @ Carnarvon Showground
Glen Innes Magpies (RSC) vs. Lake Heights Lightning (D2) @ Wilson Park
Wagga Stallions (PL) vs. Gisborne Heat (RSC) @ Beeboparoobop Park
North West Kookaburras (RSC) vs. Perth Taipans (PL) @ Armidale Oval
Campbelltown Invasion (D2) vs. Hawthorn Hurricanes (RSC) @ Campbelltown Oval
Birchgrove Pistoleers (RSC) vs. Newcastle Fear @ Birchgrove Oval
Canberra Chargers (D2) vs. Christchurch Avalanches (D2) @ Bruce Stadium
South Queensland Underdogs (D2) vs. Darwin Cyclones (PL) @ Ballymore
Northern Cannons (PL) vs. Balmain Storm (RSC) @ Brookvale
Sunshine Coast Wizards (RSC) vs. Central Phoenix (PL) @ Mooloolaba Stadium
Wollongong Destructors (PL) vs. Melbourne Exectioners (PL) @ WIN Stadium
Port Hedlands Jets (RSC) vs. South Newcastle Cavaliers (INV) @ Port Hedlands
Johannesburg Hyenas (RSC) vs. The Entrance Tigers (RSC) @ Newlands Stadium
Wellington Cougars (PL) vs. Central Coast Falcons (PL) @ Westpac Trust Stadium
Parramatta Vikings (PL) vs. Capetown Ravens (PL) @ Parramatta Stadium
Durban Cobras (INV) vs. Port Macquarie Stingrays (D2) @ ABSA Park
Tonga Reef Sharks (INV) vs. Port Kembla Voodoo (RSC) @ Mangweni Stadium
Sydney Oilers (PL) vs. Adelaide Attitude (PL) @ Telstra Stadium
Redfern All Whites (D2) vs. North Queensland Dolphins (D2) @ Redfern
Wests Panthers (RSC) vs. Sutherland Suns (INV) @ ANZ Stadium
Tamworth City Titans (D2) vs. Katherine Kings (RSC) @ Scully Park
Jakarta Jaguars (INV) vs. Surfers Paradise Punks (PL) @ Bung Karno Stadium
Western Suburbs Raiders (RSC) vs. Cairns White Pointers (RSC) @ Parramatta Stadium
New Delhi Tigers (INV) vs. Geelong Bengals






Liverpool Rockets vs Waikato Breakers
Tasmanian Devils vs New England Ferrets
Eastwood Pumas vs Hornsby Mavericks
Gold Coast Crusade vs Coffs Harbour Mudcrabs
Brisbane Bulls vs Lake Heights Lightning
Wagga Stallions vs Perth Taipans
Campbelltown Invasion vs Newcastle Fear
Canberra Chargers vs Darwin Cyclones
Northern Cannons vs Central Phoenix
Woolongong Destructors vs Port Headland Jets
Entrance Tigers vs Central Coast Falcons
Port Macquarie Stingrays vs Parramatta Vikings
Sydney Oilers vs Port Kembla Voodoo
Wests Panthers vs North Queensland Dolphins
Surfers Paradise Punks vs Tamworth City Titans
Geelong Bengals vs Cairns White Pointers

Waikato Breakers vs New England Ferrets
Hornsby Mavericks vs Gold Coast Crusade
Brisbane Bulls vs Perth Taipans
Newcastle Fear vs Darwin Cyclones
Northern Cannons vs Woolongong Destructors
Central Coast Falcons vs Parramatta Vikings
Sydney Oilers vs North Queensland Dolphins
Surfers Paradise Punks vs Geelong Bengals

Waikato Breakers vs Gold Coast Crusade
Brisbane Bulls vs Darwin Cyclones
Northern Cannons vs Central Coast Falcons
Sydney Oilers vs Surfers Paradise Punks

Gold Coast Crusade vs Brisbane Bulls
Northern Cannons vs Surfers Paradise Punks

Brisbane Bulls vs Northern Cannons

Don't want to shatter your dreams, Maunder, but the draw is entirely random beyond round one. There's no way to predict it, heh.

At least, your side will have good preparation by playing a tough trial against the oilers. Your centres will get some tackling practice.

Easy first round match for me. If Adelaide didn't spend so much on Dan Carter, they may have been even tough to beat.

I'll coach the Tonga Reef Sharks

I'd like to take on the Jakarta Jaguars, as I tried to start this team up many a season ago.

As for Christchurch, we face a bit of challenge in Canberra but we're quite capable of a win

I'll take on the Durban Cobra's seeing as they are a South African team.

They can train with the Ravens and Hyena's

Round One Draw
Liverpool Rockets (D2) vs. Hunter Bantams (RSC) @ Liverpool Stadium
Bondi Battlers (D2) vs. Waikato Breakers (D2) @ Aussie Stadium
Ryde Eagles (RSC) vs. Tasmanian Devils (D2) @ Ryde Oval
New England Ferrets (D2) vs. Suva Surge (INV) @ Armidale Oval
Eastwood Pumas (D2) vs. Northern Territory Lions (RSC) @ Eastwood Oval
Hornsby Mavericks (PL) vs. Wodonga Badgers (RSC) @ Hornsby Sportsground
Gold Coast Crusade (PL) vs. Kensington Highrollers (RSC) @ Carara Stadium
Singapore Pride (INV) vs. Coffs Harbour Mudcrabs (PL) @ Stadium of Singapore
Carnarvon Cowboys (D2) vs. Brisbane Bulls (PL) @ Carnarvon Showground
Glen Innes Magpies (RSC) vs. Lake Heights Lightning (D2) @ Wilson Park
Wagga Stallions (PL) vs. Gisborne Heat (RSC) @ Beeboparoobop Park
North West Kookaburras (RSC) vs. Perth Taipans (PL) @ Armidale Oval
Campbelltown Invasion (D2) vs. Hawthorn Hurricanes (RSC) @ Campbelltown Oval
Birchgrove Pistoleers (RSC) vs. Newcastle Fear @ Birchgrove Oval
Canberra Chargers (D2) vs. Christchurch Avalanches (D2) @ Bruce Stadium
South Queensland Underdogs (D2) vs. Darwin Cyclones (PL) @ Ballymore
Northern Cannons (PL) vs. Balmain Storm (RSC) @ Brookvale
Sunshine Coast Wizards (RSC) vs. Central Phoenix (PL) @ Mooloolaba Stadium
Wollongong Destructors (PL) vs. Melbourne Exectioners (PL) @ WIN Stadium
Port Hedlands Jets (RSC) vs. South Newcastle Cavaliers (INV) @ Port Hedlands
Johannesburg Hyenas (RSC) vs. The Entrance Tigers (RSC) @ Newlands Stadium
Wellington Cougars (PL) vs. Central Coast Falcons (PL) @ Westpac Trust Stadium
Parramatta Vikings (PL) vs. Capetown Ravens (PL) @ Parramatta Stadium
Durban Cobras (INV) vs. Port Macquarie Stingrays (D2) @ ABSA Park
Tonga Reef Sharks (INV) vs. Port Kembla Voodoo (RSC) @ Mangweni Stadium
Sydney Oilers (PL) vs. Adelaide Attitude (PL) @ Telstra Stadium
Redfern All Whites (D2) vs. North Queensland Dolphins (D2) @ Redfern
Wests Panthers (RSC) vs. Sutherland Suns (INV) @ ANZ Stadium
Tamworth City Titans (D2) vs. Katherine Kings (RSC) @ Scully Park
Jakarta Jaguars (INV) vs. Surfers Paradise Punks (PL) @ Bung Karno Stadium
Western Suburbs Raiders (RSC) vs. Cairns White Pointers (RSC)[B] @ Parramatta Stadium
New Delhi Tigers (INV) vs. Geelong Bangels

So atm the following invitational sides are taken...

Durban: Big Mick
South Newcastle: CWB
Sutherland: MrC
Tonga: Andrew
Jakarta: G8 A Raid

Round One Draw
Liverpool Rockets (D2) vs. Hunter Bantams (RSC) @ Liverpool Stadium
Bondi Battlers (D2) vs. Waikato Breakers (D2) @ Aussie Stadium
Ryde Eagles (RSC) vs. Tasmanian Devils (D2) @ Ryde Oval
New England Ferrets (D2) vs. Suva Surge (INV) @ Armidale Oval
Eastwood Pumas (D2) vs. Northern Territory Lions (RSC) @ Eastwood Oval
Hornsby Mavericks (PL) vs. Wodonga Badgers (RSC) @ Hornsby Sportsground
Gold Coast Crusade (PL) vs. Kensington Highrollers (RSC) @ Carara Stadium
Singapore Pride (INV) vs. Coffs Harbour Mudcrabs (PL) @ Stadium of Singapore
Carnarvon Cowboys (D2) vs. Brisbane Bulls (PL) @ Carnarvon Showground
Glen Innes Magpies (RSC) vs. Lake Heights Lightning (D2) @ Wilson Park
Wagga Stallions (PL) vs. Gisborne Heat (RSC) @ Beeboparoobop Park
North West Kookaburras (RSC) vs. Perth Taipans (PL) @ Armidale Oval
Campbelltown Invasion (D2) vs. Hawthorn Hurricanes (RSC) @ Campbelltown Oval
Birchgrove Pistoleers (RSC) vs. Newcastle Fear @ Birchgrove Oval
Canberra Chargers (D2) vs. Christchurch Avalanches (D2) @ Bruce Stadium
South Queensland Underdogs (D2) vs. Darwin Cyclones (PL) @ Ballymore
Northern Cannons (PL) vs. Balmain Storm (RSC) @ Brookvale
Sunshine Coast Wizards (RSC) vs. Central Phoenix (PL) @ Mooloolaba Stadium
Wollongong Destructors (PL) vs. Melbourne Exectioners (PL) @ WIN Stadium
Port Hedlands Jets (RSC) vs. South Newcastle Cavaliers (INV) @ Port Hedlands
Johannesburg Hyenas (RSC) vs. The Entrance Tigers (RSC) @ Newlands Stadium
Wellington Cougars (PL) vs. Central Coast Falcons (PL) @ Westpac Trust Stadium
Parramatta Vikings (PL) vs. Capetown Ravens (PL) @ Parramatta Stadium
Durban Cobras (INV) vs. Port Macquarie Stingrays (D2) @ ABSA Park
Tonga Reef Sharks (INV) vs. Port Kembla Voodoo (RSC) @ Mangweni Stadium
Sydney Oilers (PL) vs. Adelaide Attitude (PL) @ Telstra Stadium
Redfern All Whites (D2) vs. North Queensland Dolphins (D2) @ Redfern
Wests Panthers (RSC) vs. Sutherland Suns (INV) @ ANZ Stadium
Tamworth City Titans (D2) vs. Katherine Kings (RSC) @ Scully Park
Jakarta Jaguars (INV) vs. Surfers Paradise Punks (PL) @ Bung Karno Stadium
Western Suburbs Raiders (RSC) vs. Cairns White Pointers (RSC) @ Parramatta Stadium
New Delhi Tigers (INV) vs. Geelong Bengals (D2)

I'll take the Pride they are my babies. I still remember when you robbed them of entry into the ASRL.

i'll take suva. since i have some fiji power out wide for wellington

Durban: Big Mick
South Newcastle: CWB
Sutherland: MrC
Tonga: Andrew
Jakarta: G8 A Raid
Singapore: Brandell
Fiji: Doug
New Delhi: Maunder

damn, i was hoping to fluke another good draw for the second round...ah well, will be good to match up against a premier league side - even though i'll probably get my butt kicked.....lol.

I think Ryde is missing from Round 2

Ryde and someone else. Any idea who it is?

Hmm is it Birchgrove?

Updated

Perth Taipans (PL) vs. Sydney Oilers (PL) @ Subiaco

:bang: :bang: :bang:

Yay. Lucky you noticed they weren't there.

Round Two
Wests Panthers (RSC) vs. North Queensland Dolphins (D2) @ Suncorp Stadium
Darwin Cyclones (PL) vs. Central Phoenix (PL) @ Manuka Oval
Suva Surge (INV) vs. Lake Heights Lightning (D2) @ Fiji International Stadium
Parramatta Vikings (PL) vs. Christchurch Avalanches (D2) @ Parramatta Stadium
Johannesburg Hyenas (RSC) vs. Tonga Reef Sharks (INV) @ Johannesburg
Wollongong Destructors (PL) vs. Geelong Bengals (D2) @ WIN Stadium
Northern Cannons (PL) vs. Hawthorn Hurricanes (RSC) @ Brookvale Oval
Tamworth City Titans (D2) vs. Waikato Breakers (D2) @ Scully Park
Perth Taipans (PL) vs. Sydney Oilers (PL) @ Subiaco
South Newcastle Corsairs (INV) vs. Surfers Paradise Punks (PL) @ Mitchell Park
Liverpool Rockets (D2) vs. Coffs Harbour Mudcrabs (PL) @ Liverpool Stadium
Eastwood Pumas (D2) vs. Brisbane Bulls (PL) @ Eastwood Oval
Gold Coast Crusade (PL) vs. Wagga Stallionns (PL) @ Carara Stadium
Cairns White Pointers (RSC) vs. Central Coast Falcons (PL) @ Bundaberg Stadium
Hornsby Mavericks (PL) vs. Port Macquarie Stingrays (D2) @ Hornsby Stadium
Ryde Eagles (RSC) vs. Birchgrove Pistoleers (RSC) @ Ryde Stadium

Fuck...

Wests Panthers (RSC) vs. North Queensland Dolphins (D2) @ Suncorp Stadium
Darwin Cyclones (PL) vs. Central Phoenix (PL) @ Manuka Oval
Suva Surge (INV) vs. Lake Heights Lightning (D2) @ Fiji International Stadium
Parramatta Vikings (PL) vs. Christchurch Avalanches (D2) @ Parramatta Stadium
Johannesburg Hyenas (RSC) vs. Tonga Reef Sharks (INV) @ Johannesburg
Wollongong Destructors (PL) vs. Geelong Bengals (D2) @ WIN Stadium
Northern Cannons (PL) vs. Hawthorn Hurricanes (RSC) @ Brookvale Oval
Tamworth City Titans (D2) vs. Waikato Breakers (D2) @ Scully Park
Perth Taipans (PL) vs. Sydney Oilers (PL) @ Subiaco
South Newcastle Corsairs (INV) vs. Surfers Paradise Punks (PL) @ Mitchell Park
Liverpool Rockets (D2) vs. Coffs Harbour Mudcrabs (PL) @ Liverpool Stadium
Eastwood Pumas (D2) vs. Brisbane Bulls (PL) @ Eastwood Oval
Gold Coast Crusade (PL) vs. Wagga Stallionns (PL) @ Carara Stadium
Cairns White Pointers (RSC) vs. Central Coast Falcons (PL) @ Bundaberg Stadium
Hornsby Mavericks (PL) vs. Port Macquarie Stingrays (D2) @ Hornsby Stadium
Ryde Eagles (RSC) vs. Birchgrove Pistoleers (RSC) @ Ryde Stadium

Round Three BFC Draw

Suva Surge vs. Ryde Eagles @ Fiji International Stadium
Liverpool Rockets vs. North Queensland Dolphins @ Liverpool Stadium
Surfers Paradise Punks vs. Perth Taipans @ The Slam Pit
Gold Coast Crusade vs. Tonga Reef Sharks @ Carara Stadium
Wollongong Destructors vs. Christchurch Avalanches @ WIN Stadium
Tamworth City Titans vs. Cairns White Pointers @ Scully Park
Central Phoenix vs. Eastwood Pumas @ Alice Springs Oval
Northern Cannons vs. Hornsby Mavericks @ Brookvale

Here we go again annother friggin Premmier League side, up against Christchurch

Suva Surge vs. Ryde Eagles @ Fiji International Stadium
Liverpool Rockets vs. North Queensland Dolphins @ Liverpool Stadium
Surfers Paradise Punks vs. Perth Taipans @ The Slam Pit
Gold Coast Crusade vs. Tonga Reef Sharks @ Carara Stadium
Wollongong Destructors vs. Christchurch Avalanches @ WIN Stadium
Tamworth City Titans vs. Cairns White Pointers @ Scully Park
Central Phoenix vs. Eastwood Pumas @ Alice Springs Oval
Northern Cannons vs. Hornsby Mavericks @ Brookvale

Quarter Final Draw
Note: Quarter finals not to be played until a later date.

Tamworth City Titans vs. Northern Cannons @ Scully Park
Surfers Paradise Punks vs. Wollongong Destructors @ The Slam Pit
North Queensland Dolphins vs. Suva Surge @ Dairy Farmer's Stadium
Gold Coast Crusade vs. Central Phoenix @ Carara Stadium