Blues hoping to breaking Origin record again
The NSW Women's Blues are hoping to break the State of Origin crowd record again in Sydney for game two, says star Yasmin Clydsdale.
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The Age
15 hours ago
- The Age
Maroons winners and losers: Will Slater's decisions save the series?
Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater has denied he was tempted to issue an SOS to Canberra enforcer Josh Papali'i, declaring he already had the troops to inspire a State of Origin boilover. Papali'i retired from representative rugby league on the eve of the 2023 series after earning 23 Origin caps, but on Sunday proved he still had the mettle to lead a pack. In becoming the most capped Raider of all time against South Sydney, the 33-year-old scored twice and ran for 81 metres and five tackle busts, while his coach Ricky Stuart lauded his leadership as key to their top of the table ascent. The Maroons are still missing Thomas Flegler (shoulder) and Tom Gilbert (pectoral) to injury, while captaincy contender Tino Fa'asuamaleaui heads into game two in Perth with a sternum concern. New South Wales won game one through the middle, as an engine room led by Payne Haas ran rampant to finish with 124 more post-contact metres and 30 extra tackle-busts than their rivals. Loading But Slater was emphatic in that the squad assembled could save the series. 'No, no I haven't,' Slater said, when asked if he had discussed a comeback with Papali'i. 'There are quite a few things we didn't get right, and that's what we'll go over in the first couple of days. Then it's up to the players to go out there in that 80 minutes and deliver that, but that [the forwards battle] is certainly one area.
Sydney Morning Herald
15 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Maroons winners and losers: Will Slater's decisions save the series?
Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater has denied he was tempted to issue an SOS to Canberra enforcer Josh Papali'i, declaring he already had the troops to inspire a State of Origin boilover. Papali'i retired from representative rugby league on the eve of the 2023 series after earning 23 Origin caps, but on Sunday proved he still had the mettle to lead a pack. In becoming the most capped Raider of all time against South Sydney, the 33-year-old scored twice and ran for 81 metres and five tackle busts, while his coach Ricky Stuart lauded his leadership as key to their top of the table ascent. The Maroons are still missing Thomas Flegler (shoulder) and Tom Gilbert (pectoral) to injury, while captaincy contender Tino Fa'asuamaleaui heads into game two in Perth with a sternum concern. New South Wales won game one through the middle, as an engine room led by Payne Haas ran rampant to finish with 124 more post-contact metres and 30 extra tackle-busts than their rivals. Loading But Slater was emphatic in that the squad assembled could save the series. 'No, no I haven't,' Slater said, when asked if he had discussed a comeback with Papali'i. 'There are quite a few things we didn't get right, and that's what we'll go over in the first couple of days. Then it's up to the players to go out there in that 80 minutes and deliver that, but that [the forwards battle] is certainly one area.
Perth Now
15 hours ago
- Perth Now
Maroons coach defends Mam selection
Maroons coach Billy Slater has defended his decision to choose controversial Brisbane Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam in an extended 20-man Queensland squad for Wednesday week's State of Origin clash in Perth. On a day when Slater also confirmed the axing of 36-year-old Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, his selection of Mam – who isn't expected to make Queensland's match-day 17 but could be the 18th man – raised eyebrows, with the Broncos star having only recently returned from a nine-match NRL suspension after being banned for a drug-driving scandal that resulted in him being sent to rehab and fined $120,000. Ezra Mam is a controversial inclusion in an extended Maroons squad. Liam Kidston Credit: News Corp Australia 'He's been doing a great job over the last few weeks since he's returned,' Slater said in explaining his selection of Mam. 'We feel that the squad will benefit from him being here. He's been a part of this squad before and I'm sure he'll take his opportunity if presented. 'I'm sure people will have their speculation around all the people selected.' As well as those players who missed out, including veteran Manly halfback Cherry-Evans, whose spot has gone to North Queensland Cowboys half Tom Dearden for a game the Maroons must win to keep the Origin series alive. 'It's just a case of the best person for the position,' Slater said. 'When you're in this position to make decisions, you have to think what's best for the footy team. We just feel Tom is the right person for the No.7 jersey right now. 'Obviously Daly wanted to play and he was disappointed that he wasn't going to get the opportunity but he took the news with great character and great respect. 'We had a good conversation. We've got a great relationship. 'You won't hear a negative word from me about Daly Cherry-Evans. What he's given this jersey and what he's done for this footy team in this group, that will be with all Queenslanders and with Daly for the rest of his life. 'No-one can take that away from him.' Dearden's previous spot on the bench is set to go to Canterbury's Kurt Mann, while Warriors star Kurt Capewell is set to be included in the 17 at the expense of axed Gold Coast Titans forward Beau Fermor. Slater said the Maroons' new captain would be announced on Tuesday when the final 17 was confirmed. Maroons 20-man squad: Kalyn Ponga, Xavier Coates, Robert Toia, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Valentine Holmes, Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden, Mo Fotuaika, Harry Grant, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Kurt Capewell, Jeremiah Nanai, Pat Carrigan, Kurt Mann, Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter, Trent Loiero, Ezra Mam, Jack Howarth, Corey Horsburgh.
