Bulldogs poised to overtake Swans as Sydney's biggest crowd-puller

Master v apprentice: The Wallabies' great debate nears a verdict

Sydney Morning Herald

16 minutes ago

Sydney Morning Herald

Master v apprentice: The Wallabies' great debate nears a verdict

This is a clash of master versus apprentice like Australian rugby has not seen in years, and right at the heart of the Wallabies' hopes of dismantling the British and Irish Lions. On one side stands Tom Lynagh, the evolving five-eighth whose father Michael's legacy ensured expectations would always follow him. On the other side awaits James O'Connor, the nation's last No.10 to battle the Lions, and who has developed a reputation in 2025 as a composed finisher off the bench. He also happens to be the man who mentored Lynagh behind the scenes at Ballymore last year, although the 22-year-old admits he has not heard from him for weeks. When Lynagh's Queensland Reds head to Christchurch to challenge O'Connor's Crusaders in the first week of the finals, more will be on the line than Wallabies caps. Australian rugby has been crying out for Super Rugby success. The country's two clubs still with hope have stumbled at this stage – the Reds, three straight quarter-final exits, and the Brumbies, perennial semi-finalists. Lynagh's task will be daunting. He's set to play 80 minutes, with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips ruled out with a concussion suffered on Saturday against the Fijian Drua. Loading 'You've seen how much of a professional he is,' Reds outside centre Josh Flook said. 'He's just improving week by week, he's getting more confident and his game management's increasing. Even just through the week how he's speaking up at meetings, it's a really cool thing, and we'll back him 100 per cent.' Triumph across the ditch might mean more than ending the Reds' first week of the finals hoodoo. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has stated finals form would favour consideration at the selection table, while noting those who had committed to Australian rugby would be preferred in tight choices. That puts Brumbies star Noah Lolesio, Schmidt's leading man in 2024, on the back foot, with the Gold Coast product headed for Japan. Should Lynagh orchestrate a finals shock in enemy territory, the jersey could be sealed. 'What I have seen [of Lynagh] is really positive,' Schmidt said. 'I think Tom is a really brave player, defensively he does a good job, and he's actually a lot better in the air than people would give him credit for. 'His kicking game is long enough, his passing game is efficient, and he's growing into a guy who can drive the game around the field. They're a lot of the aspects we would be looking for.' Lynagh is confident he has the game to thrive in Wallabies colours. He has developed a fierce running game to complement his booming boot – which inspired three of winger Lachie Anderson's four tries against the Drua – as his combination with Reds and Australia halfback Tate McDermott grows. 'The big thing about Tommy is he's strung multiple games together, which hasn't happened in the past,' McDermott said. 'He's controlled and led the side, which is not easy at his age. 'We can go into the Test arena together, 100 per cent, but in order to do that we have to be playing consistently good in the maroon jersey. 'I think we've only just started.' And yet, Lynagh refused to think that far ahead. 'Obviously, the deeper you go [in finals] you've got a better opportunity and more time to show what you've got,' Lynagh said. 'But I want to take care of what we've got in front of us and stay present.' In O'Connor's case, Schmidt has spoken to him about the prospect of an international swan song. The 34-year-old's steady hand, direct kicking game and effective work off the tee has been, in part, responsible for the Crusaders' second-place finish. O'Connor's Test return has the backing of former Wallabies skipper James Horwill, who waged war with the Lions alongside O'Connor in 2013 and declared: 'I'm sure he's in the mix'. Loading Such has been O'Connor's proficiency in the closing minutes, a fast start will be crucial for the Reds. This stage of the season has been a tipping point, but Lynagh declared the team was not the same as those that fell in the past. 'We've got belief to turn games around if things aren't going our way, and that's based on past experiences we've had as a team together,' Lynagh said.

The Age

16 minutes ago

The Age

Master v apprentice: The Wallabies' great debate nears a verdict

This is a clash of master versus apprentice like Australian rugby has not seen in years, and right at the heart of the Wallabies' hopes of dismantling the British and Irish Lions. On one side stands Tom Lynagh, the evolving five-eighth whose father Michael's legacy ensured expectations would always follow him. On the other side awaits James O'Connor, the nation's last No.10 to battle the Lions, and who has developed a reputation in 2025 as a composed finisher off the bench. He also happens to be the man who mentored Lynagh behind the scenes at Ballymore last year, although the 22-year-old admits he has not heard from him for weeks. When Lynagh's Queensland Reds head to Christchurch to challenge O'Connor's Crusaders in the first week of the finals, more will be on the line than Wallabies caps. Australian rugby has been crying out for Super Rugby success. The country's two clubs still with hope have stumbled at this stage – the Reds, three straight quarter-final exits, and the Brumbies, perennial semi-finalists. Lynagh's task will be daunting. He's set to play 80 minutes, with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips ruled out with a concussion suffered on Saturday against the Fijian Drua. Loading 'You've seen how much of a professional he is,' Reds outside centre Josh Flook said. 'He's just improving week by week, he's getting more confident and his game management's increasing. Even just through the week how he's speaking up at meetings, it's a really cool thing, and we'll back him 100 per cent.' Triumph across the ditch might mean more than ending the Reds' first week of the finals hoodoo. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has stated finals form would favour consideration at the selection table, while noting those who had committed to Australian rugby would be preferred in tight choices. That puts Brumbies star Noah Lolesio, Schmidt's leading man in 2024, on the back foot, with the Gold Coast product headed for Japan. Should Lynagh orchestrate a finals shock in enemy territory, the jersey could be sealed. 'What I have seen [of Lynagh] is really positive,' Schmidt said. 'I think Tom is a really brave player, defensively he does a good job, and he's actually a lot better in the air than people would give him credit for. 'His kicking game is long enough, his passing game is efficient, and he's growing into a guy who can drive the game around the field. They're a lot of the aspects we would be looking for.' Lynagh is confident he has the game to thrive in Wallabies colours. He has developed a fierce running game to complement his booming boot – which inspired three of winger Lachie Anderson's four tries against the Drua – as his combination with Reds and Australia halfback Tate McDermott grows. 'The big thing about Tommy is he's strung multiple games together, which hasn't happened in the past,' McDermott said. 'He's controlled and led the side, which is not easy at his age. 'We can go into the Test arena together, 100 per cent, but in order to do that we have to be playing consistently good in the maroon jersey. 'I think we've only just started.' And yet, Lynagh refused to think that far ahead. 'Obviously, the deeper you go [in finals] you've got a better opportunity and more time to show what you've got,' Lynagh said. 'But I want to take care of what we've got in front of us and stay present.' In O'Connor's case, Schmidt has spoken to him about the prospect of an international swan song. The 34-year-old's steady hand, direct kicking game and effective work off the tee has been, in part, responsible for the Crusaders' second-place finish. O'Connor's Test return has the backing of former Wallabies skipper James Horwill, who waged war with the Lions alongside O'Connor in 2013 and declared: 'I'm sure he's in the mix'. Loading Such has been O'Connor's proficiency in the closing minutes, a fast start will be crucial for the Reds. This stage of the season has been a tipping point, but Lynagh declared the team was not the same as those that fell in the past. 'We've got belief to turn games around if things aren't going our way, and that's based on past experiences we've had as a team together,' Lynagh said.

Hasler given last warning for saying bunker ref Badger ‘got it wrong'

Sydney Morning Herald

35 minutes ago

Sydney Morning Herald

Hasler given last warning for saying bunker ref Badger ‘got it wrong'

The NRL issued Hasler with a final warning on Thursday. 'The final warning relates to comments made by Mr Hasler following round 13 of the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, as well as previous public statements regarding officiating,' the statement read. 'Mr Hasler has been reminded of his obligations under the NRL rules and code of conduct as well as his general responsibility as a sporting leader. 'Negative public remarks about match officials significantly hinder the recruitment and retention of match officials at the community and pathways tiers of the game.' Hasler could face a fine if he makes future comments criticising match officials. The NRL looks at such incidents on a case-by-case basis and hands down penalties based on the seriousness of each incident. Cowboys coach Todd Payten was given a final warning by the NRL last month for 'repeated and consistent criticism' of match officials. 'Easy as': Bellamy to coach on in 2026, loved taking back seat to Daley in Origin Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy will make it 24 years in charge of the club after agreeing to continue in 2026. Bellamy's contract finishes at the end of next season and he refused to look beyond when asked on Thursday. The Storm coach took time to speak with his family, some senior players and club management before locking in next season - he admits his reasons to stay remain the same. His players greeted the news with loud cheers when informed on Thursday morning. 'I'm still enjoying what I'm doing and we have a pretty good group of guys here, staff and players - it always seems to be the same answer every year but I'm still enjoying myself and still enjoying what I'm doing,' Bellamy said. 'There are considerations with the footy, the club, the team and there are private things as well - all that comes under consideration and, sometimes, it takes a little while to figure it all out. 'But this is where we have come to.' When asked about his thoughts beyond 2026, Bellamy gave a smile. He's due to coach his 600th Storm game in round 26 against Sydney Roosters at AAMI Park. 'Not really, no, I take it a week at a time,' Bellamy said. 'That's how I take my life and how I take my footy as well. I don't get too far ahead of myself.' Bellamy had no comment after reports claiming he was considering a move to Gold Coast Titans in 2027 but a senior Storm official dismissed it as 'rubbish'. Bellamy has, perhaps, had a vision of how he can continue in coaching after the Storm following his first game as coaching advisor to NSW coach Laurie Daley during game one of State of Origin last Wednesday night. It was Bellamy first foray into Origin since his time as Blues coach ended in 2010 and he only returned to help his former Canberra teammate Daley while former Storm players Brett White and Matt King are also on the staff. 'It was pretty hectic, a couple of plane rides, but I really enjoyed it,' Bellamy said. 'It was something different, a different group and the players were really good guys but the main reason I went into camp was that Laurie was a good mate of mine and two of the assistant coaches played here. 'I really enjoyed it, actually.' Most importantly, Bellamy seemed to relish taking a back seat and not having to make all the calls as head coach. 'Easy as, no problems whatsoever,' Bellamy said with a smile. If it is a future role that Bellamy could fill beyond his Storm years, he isn't quite ready to admit it. 'I don't know,' Bellamy said. 'But it was different certainly and I didn't have any problems shutting my mouth. If I felt like saying something, I offered my opinion if I thought it was worthwhile. Otherwise, I just tried to help the coaches.' White and King were two former Storm players that Bellamy hadn't coached with before Origin and he took some satisfaction from seeing how they had developed. 'It was interesting to see how they've come on - they present really well and are strong in their opinions,' Bellamy said. 'It was nice seeing them like that. I reckon I saw it [coaching] in 'Whitey' as a player but I didn't see it in 'Kingy' as he was always a laid-back dude so he's changed a little bit from that but he's always been a great guy.' The Storm sit in fourth place but have frustrated Bellamy in recent weeks due to their inconsistent form. So, just like the Bellamy of old, he has cracked whip at training after identifying some areas he hadn't pushed hard enough in and he hopes that will snap his team into line starting with Friday night's clash with North Queensland Cowboys at AAMI Park. Storm skipper Harry Grant needed to complete the captain's run on Thursday and wake up comfortably on Friday before Bellamy will lock him in for the match after battling a hamstring injury. Bellamy also enjoyed the chance to play the old man, claiming energetic outside back Sua Fa'alogo was likely to go deaf from playing his 'boombox' too loudly. 'I'm not quite sure I want to be young if I'm like Sua with that boombox - he's going to be deaf by the time he's 30,' Bellamy said grumpily. 'But having new players, younger players, come in, it's part of keeping things fresh and they help keep you a little younger than what you are - I don't think that hurts.' Tigers tyro back to state his case for Galvin's No.6 jersey Adrian Proszenko Latu Fainu will get the chance to stake his claim as Lachlan Galvin's long-term replacement when he returns from injury on Sunday for the Wests Tigers. Fainu has been named on coach Benji Marshall's bench after overcoming a thumb injury that has sidelined him since round five. He is one of three members of the Fainu family poised to take on the Panthers, alongside Samuela and Sione. Latu recently stated his desire to become the long-term halves partner of Jarome Luai, and will get his chance after Galvin joined the Bulldogs. Galvin has been named on an extended Canterbury bench, while Heath Mason will again start at five-eighth for the Tigers. 'I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make this team better. For me, if it means getting that six role, I'm all in,' Latu said in April. 'When I first came to Wests Tigers, they brought me to play in the halves. That's all I've ever wanted to do. That's the position I've been playing my whole career, since I started playing footy. I feel most comfortable there, I feel I can add more value to the team as a half. 'Whatever the team needs, I'm all in. I love the club.' There are plenty of other big-name inclusions in round 14. Kalyn Ponga is back for Newcastle after Origin, while fellow state representatives Harry Grant, Xavier Coates (Storm) and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins) also return after being rested last weekend. Reece Walsh is a huge in for a Brisbane side under immense pressure after dropping six of their last seven games. Walsh will wear the No.1 jersey against the Titans after overcoming a knee injury that has sidelined him since round seven. Cody Walker and Jack Wighton have overcome calf issues and will return for the Rabbitohs, their first game together since round seven. Jake Trbojevic is back for Manly's clash with Newcastle after being cleared following a concussion. The same goes for Will Penisini, who rejoins the Parramatta backline for the King's Birthday clash against Canterbury. Nathan Lawson retains his spot on the wing after a strong Dragons debut, with the return of Christian Tuipulotu (hamstring) forcing Tyrell Sloan out of the side to face the Dolphins. Back-rower Jaydn Su'A is out with an ankle sprain. Like Mark Nawaqanitawase, Lawson represented Australia in rugby sevens at the Paris Olympics and picked the brain of 'Marky Mark' before making the switch. 'Me and Mark are actually good mates, we came through a few sevens tournaments together, we played a few comps and played a bit of footy growing up,' Lawson said. 'It was good to be able to lean on him and [Eel] Bailey Simmonsen, I went to school with him as well. I've been chatting to those two boys, they make it look pretty easy.' Koloamatangi states case for Blues recall after Barnett injury He's performed an uncanny impersonation of Payne Haas in his past two games, and in the process, South Sydney powerhouse Keaon Koloamatangi has staked a claim to line up alongside him in Origin II. NSW will almost certainly require front-row reinforcements as they attempt to clinch a second successive series in Perth after winning the series opener 18-6 at Suncorp Stadium last week. Blues enforcer Mitch Barnett suffered a knee injury in his team's 36-30 win against Souths on Sunday. Scans on Monday confirmed a season-ending ACL injury, one that ends Barnett's 2025 campaign. Melbourne Storm middle forward Stefano Utoikamanu was a standby player for the Blues last week, and NSW coach Laurie Daley may promote him into the 17 for the game in Perth. But Wests Tigers wildcard Terrell May and Koloamatangi have also been racking up numbers that Daley will find hard to ignore. Koloamatangi was switched from second row to prop by Souths coach Wayne Bennett two games ago, and the 27-year-old has delivered consecutive eye-catching performances. In Souths' 22-12 win against the Tigers on May 18, Koloamatangi carted the ball for 282 metres and made 49 tackles, prompting Bennett to compare him to former Brisbane greats Glenn Lazarus, Shane Webcke and Andrew Gee. On Sunday, he followed up with a bulldozing try, 218 attacking metres and 40 tackles in the loss to the Warriors. This time Bennett compared him to Haas, widely regarded as the NRL's best prop. 'Keaon's numbers are great, that's the point we're missing,' Bennett said of Koloamatangi, who is averaging 140 metres and 30 tackles per game this season. 'And he's playing the full 80 minutes. He's not even looking to be brought off the ground. 'That's the remarkable thing - to have a middle forward these days who can do all that workload. Payne Haas is really good at it too, but this guy is in that league.' Koloamatangi has played one State of Origin, helping NSW win game three of the 2023 series, and recognises that consistent form at club level is the key to earning a Blues recall. 'They had a dominant win in game one, so I don't think they'll change the team,' he said. 'I'm just trying to play my best footy for the Rabbitohs, and if the rep stuff comes, it comes. But I'm not too fussed, to be honest. If I get the call, I get the call. 'My main focus is the Bunnies … obviously one of my big goals is to get back there [in Origin], but obviously I have to play good at club level to be able to make the team.' The Mascot Jets junior was confident he would be better a second time around in the Origin arena, given the experience he gained on debut two years ago. 'Especially playing for Tonga against Australia as well - you know, obviously they're a mixture of both Queensland and NSW,' he said. 'I'm confident in the way it's going at the moment. I feel like I'm playing good footy, so whatever happens, happens.' He has embraced his move into the engine room and was hopeful his ability to also play on an edge would count in his favour when Daley sits down on Sunday to name his team for Origin II. 'Wayne puts his trust in me, and I don't want to let him down, to be honest,' he said. 'I don't want to be a liability for the team ... obviously the best props in the world, like Payne, they play massive minutes and do a massive amount of work. 'I'm just trying to do that for my team.'

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Master v apprentice: The Wallabies' great debate nears a verdict

Master v apprentice: The Wallabies' great debate nears a verdict

Hasler given last warning for saying bunker ref Badger ‘got it wrong'

Bulldogs poised to overtake Swans as Sydney's biggest crowd-puller

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Master v apprentice: The Wallabies' great debate nears a verdict

Master v apprentice: The Wallabies' great debate nears a verdict

Hasler given last warning for saying bunker ref Badger ‘got it wrong'

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