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Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui departs battling Titans for UK Super League club Catalans Dragons

Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui departs battling Titans for UK Super League club Catalans Dragons

7NEWS9 hours ago
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui no longer has family ties to Gold Coast, with his younger brother Iszac leaving the struggling Titans for UK Super League club Catalans Dragons.
It comes as Brisbane signed North Queensland's back-up halfback Tom Duffy for 2026.
Prop Iszac has signed a two-year deal with the France-based club, which has also recently lured unwanted Bulldog Toby Sexton and Wests Tigers centre Solomona Faataape.
Captain Tino started his NRL career in Melbourne, but Iszac came through the Titans development pathways and has played 25 matches over three seasons, including 11 off the bench this season.
The 23-year-old told the Catalans club website he was looking forward to improving his game under their new coach, former England international Joel Tomkins.
'It's a great opportunity for me to improve my game, gain experience, and be a part of what Joel Tomkins is building within the playing group,' Iszac said.
'I'm also looking forward to living in such a beautiful part of the world in the south of France and experiencing it all with my family.'
The elder Fa'asuamaleaui, who has notched 108 NRL games, 15 State of Origin caps with Queensland and has played six matches for the Kangaroos, is set to test the open market.
He has a 10-year deal at the last-placed Titans until 2033 but has get-out clauses, the first at the end of next season.
The superstar lock is believed to be in the sights of NRL newcomers the Perth Bears, Canterbury and St George Illawarra.
The 25-year-old has also been linked back to competition heavyweights Melbourne after tasting premiership success with the Storm in 2020.
Duffy will join the Broncos next season after falling down the pecking order in his rookie season at the underachieving Cowboys.
The Cowboys' decision to re-sign fellow playmaker Jake Clifford spelt bad news for Duffy last month, with the 22-year-old Townsville product inking a one-year deal at the Broncos.
Duffy has played six NRL games to date and is set to join Ben Hunt in providing depth behind first-choice playmakers Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam.
'I think there's probably not a better club to go to at the moment as a half if you want to develop your game,' Duffy said.
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Tszyu, Zerafa score merciless first-round TKO's
Tszyu, Zerafa score merciless first-round TKO's

The Advertiser

time2 hours ago

  • The Advertiser

Tszyu, Zerafa score merciless first-round TKO's

Nikita Tszyu is pondering his next move after restoring family pride with a devastating first-round TKO victory over the previously undefeated Lulzim Ismaili. Ismail's corner opted to stop the fight after the Macedonian copped a battering from "The Butcher" at the ICC Sydney Theatre on Wednesday night. Making his much-anticipated comeback following a year out of the ring, Tszyu needed barely a minute to show there were no lingering effects from hand surgery when he stunned Ismaili with two huge lefts. The 27-year-old slayer finished Ismaili with a liver punch that broke his hapless Germany-based opponent's rib. "I wanted to properly hurt him," Tszyu said. In improving his own record to 11-0 and capturing the vacant WBO intercontinental super-welterweight title, Tszyu also extended his famous family's incredible record in Australia to 52-0. As well as Tszyu himself, the 27-year-old's Hall of Famer dad Kostya (18-0) and older, former world champion brother Tim (23-0) have never lost a professional fight on home turf. After defending his family's honour, Tszyu admitted he'd been driven not only to deliver for his newborn daughter but also to quieten the doubters after his superstar sibling's three world-title losses in the US over the past 18 months. "I copped a lot of criticism with my brother's recent fights," he said. "I mean, this is boxing. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. "We celebrate our wins and we celebrate our losses. "There's no shame in it." Wednesday night's victory may have set up a domestic blockbuster with the Tszyus' arch-rival Michael Zerafa, who earlier destroyed American Mikey Dahlman also inside two minutes in the co-main event to claim the WBO intercontinental middleweight strap. The 33-year-old former world title challenger hurt Dahlman early with a big right before tripping and unfairly receiving a double count from the referee. An incredulous Zerafa mocked the decision and swiftly took matters into his own hands, punishing Dahlman further with a flurry of punches to the head. Standing corrected, the referee had no choice but to stop the fight and award Zerafa a TKO. While he would prefer to fight Tim Tszyu next, Zerafa said he was also prepared to settle for Nikita if need be - and show who's boss. "I believe I beat Nikita," he said. "Nikita's doing good things and beating who's in front of him and he's proving that he belongs at that level with me. "But I think there's a little bit more to do." If he really had his way, though, the WBC's soon-to-be fifth-ranked middleweight would prefer to be fighting internationally for boxing's biggest spoils than settling any scores in a domestic grudge match. "Overseas for a title eliminator, yeah, 100 per cent. Give me that," Zerafa said. "My dream was to be a world champion, not to fight one of the Tszyu brothers." Nikita Tszyu is pondering his next move after restoring family pride with a devastating first-round TKO victory over the previously undefeated Lulzim Ismaili. Ismail's corner opted to stop the fight after the Macedonian copped a battering from "The Butcher" at the ICC Sydney Theatre on Wednesday night. Making his much-anticipated comeback following a year out of the ring, Tszyu needed barely a minute to show there were no lingering effects from hand surgery when he stunned Ismaili with two huge lefts. The 27-year-old slayer finished Ismaili with a liver punch that broke his hapless Germany-based opponent's rib. "I wanted to properly hurt him," Tszyu said. In improving his own record to 11-0 and capturing the vacant WBO intercontinental super-welterweight title, Tszyu also extended his famous family's incredible record in Australia to 52-0. As well as Tszyu himself, the 27-year-old's Hall of Famer dad Kostya (18-0) and older, former world champion brother Tim (23-0) have never lost a professional fight on home turf. After defending his family's honour, Tszyu admitted he'd been driven not only to deliver for his newborn daughter but also to quieten the doubters after his superstar sibling's three world-title losses in the US over the past 18 months. "I copped a lot of criticism with my brother's recent fights," he said. "I mean, this is boxing. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. "We celebrate our wins and we celebrate our losses. "There's no shame in it." Wednesday night's victory may have set up a domestic blockbuster with the Tszyus' arch-rival Michael Zerafa, who earlier destroyed American Mikey Dahlman also inside two minutes in the co-main event to claim the WBO intercontinental middleweight strap. The 33-year-old former world title challenger hurt Dahlman early with a big right before tripping and unfairly receiving a double count from the referee. An incredulous Zerafa mocked the decision and swiftly took matters into his own hands, punishing Dahlman further with a flurry of punches to the head. Standing corrected, the referee had no choice but to stop the fight and award Zerafa a TKO. While he would prefer to fight Tim Tszyu next, Zerafa said he was also prepared to settle for Nikita if need be - and show who's boss. "I believe I beat Nikita," he said. "Nikita's doing good things and beating who's in front of him and he's proving that he belongs at that level with me. "But I think there's a little bit more to do." If he really had his way, though, the WBC's soon-to-be fifth-ranked middleweight would prefer to be fighting internationally for boxing's biggest spoils than settling any scores in a domestic grudge match. "Overseas for a title eliminator, yeah, 100 per cent. Give me that," Zerafa said. "My dream was to be a world champion, not to fight one of the Tszyu brothers." Nikita Tszyu is pondering his next move after restoring family pride with a devastating first-round TKO victory over the previously undefeated Lulzim Ismaili. Ismail's corner opted to stop the fight after the Macedonian copped a battering from "The Butcher" at the ICC Sydney Theatre on Wednesday night. Making his much-anticipated comeback following a year out of the ring, Tszyu needed barely a minute to show there were no lingering effects from hand surgery when he stunned Ismaili with two huge lefts. The 27-year-old slayer finished Ismaili with a liver punch that broke his hapless Germany-based opponent's rib. "I wanted to properly hurt him," Tszyu said. In improving his own record to 11-0 and capturing the vacant WBO intercontinental super-welterweight title, Tszyu also extended his famous family's incredible record in Australia to 52-0. As well as Tszyu himself, the 27-year-old's Hall of Famer dad Kostya (18-0) and older, former world champion brother Tim (23-0) have never lost a professional fight on home turf. After defending his family's honour, Tszyu admitted he'd been driven not only to deliver for his newborn daughter but also to quieten the doubters after his superstar sibling's three world-title losses in the US over the past 18 months. "I copped a lot of criticism with my brother's recent fights," he said. "I mean, this is boxing. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. "We celebrate our wins and we celebrate our losses. "There's no shame in it." Wednesday night's victory may have set up a domestic blockbuster with the Tszyus' arch-rival Michael Zerafa, who earlier destroyed American Mikey Dahlman also inside two minutes in the co-main event to claim the WBO intercontinental middleweight strap. The 33-year-old former world title challenger hurt Dahlman early with a big right before tripping and unfairly receiving a double count from the referee. An incredulous Zerafa mocked the decision and swiftly took matters into his own hands, punishing Dahlman further with a flurry of punches to the head. Standing corrected, the referee had no choice but to stop the fight and award Zerafa a TKO. While he would prefer to fight Tim Tszyu next, Zerafa said he was also prepared to settle for Nikita if need be - and show who's boss. "I believe I beat Nikita," he said. "Nikita's doing good things and beating who's in front of him and he's proving that he belongs at that level with me. "But I think there's a little bit more to do." If he really had his way, though, the WBC's soon-to-be fifth-ranked middleweight would prefer to be fighting internationally for boxing's biggest spoils than settling any scores in a domestic grudge match. "Overseas for a title eliminator, yeah, 100 per cent. Give me that," Zerafa said. "My dream was to be a world champion, not to fight one of the Tszyu brothers."

Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui departs battling Titans for UK Super League club Catalans Dragons
Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui departs battling Titans for UK Super League club Catalans Dragons

7NEWS

time9 hours ago

  • 7NEWS

Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui departs battling Titans for UK Super League club Catalans Dragons

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui no longer has family ties to Gold Coast, with his younger brother Iszac leaving the struggling Titans for UK Super League club Catalans Dragons. It comes as Brisbane signed North Queensland's back-up halfback Tom Duffy for 2026. Prop Iszac has signed a two-year deal with the France-based club, which has also recently lured unwanted Bulldog Toby Sexton and Wests Tigers centre Solomona Faataape. Captain Tino started his NRL career in Melbourne, but Iszac came through the Titans development pathways and has played 25 matches over three seasons, including 11 off the bench this season. The 23-year-old told the Catalans club website he was looking forward to improving his game under their new coach, former England international Joel Tomkins. 'It's a great opportunity for me to improve my game, gain experience, and be a part of what Joel Tomkins is building within the playing group,' Iszac said. 'I'm also looking forward to living in such a beautiful part of the world in the south of France and experiencing it all with my family.' The elder Fa'asuamaleaui, who has notched 108 NRL games, 15 State of Origin caps with Queensland and has played six matches for the Kangaroos, is set to test the open market. He has a 10-year deal at the last-placed Titans until 2033 but has get-out clauses, the first at the end of next season. The superstar lock is believed to be in the sights of NRL newcomers the Perth Bears, Canterbury and St George Illawarra. The 25-year-old has also been linked back to competition heavyweights Melbourne after tasting premiership success with the Storm in 2020. Duffy will join the Broncos next season after falling down the pecking order in his rookie season at the underachieving Cowboys. The Cowboys' decision to re-sign fellow playmaker Jake Clifford spelt bad news for Duffy last month, with the 22-year-old Townsville product inking a one-year deal at the Broncos. Duffy has played six NRL games to date and is set to join Ben Hunt in providing depth behind first-choice playmakers Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam. 'I think there's probably not a better club to go to at the moment as a half if you want to develop your game,' Duffy said.

Au revoir as Fa'asuamaleaui departs battling Titans
Au revoir as Fa'asuamaleaui departs battling Titans

The Advertiser

time10 hours ago

  • The Advertiser

Au revoir as Fa'asuamaleaui departs battling Titans

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui no longer has family ties to Gold Coast, with his younger brother Iszac leaving the struggling Titans for UK Super League club Catalans Dragons. It comes as Brisbane signed North Queensland's back-up halfback Tom Duffy for 2026. Prop Iszac has signed a two-year deal with the France-based club, which has also recently lured unwanted Bulldog Toby Sexton and Wests Tigers centre Solomona Faataape. Captain Tino started his NRL career in Melbourne, but Iszac came through the Titans development pathways and has played 25 matches over three seasons, including 11 off the bench this season. The 23-year-old told the Catalans club website he was looking forward to improving his game under their new coach, former England international Joel Tomkins. "It's a great opportunity for me to improve my game, gain experience, and be a part of what Joel Tomkins is building within the playing group," Iszac said. "I'm also looking forward to living in such a beautiful part of the world in the south of France and experiencing it all with my family." The elder Fa'asuamaleaui, who has notched 108 NRL games, 15 State of Origin caps with Queensland and has played six matches for the Kangaroos, is set to test the open market. He has a 10-year deal at the last-placed Titans until 2033 but has get-out clauses, the first at the end of next season. The superstar lock is believed to be in the sights of NRL newcomers the Perth Bears, Canterbury and St George Illawarra. The 25-year-old has also been linked back to competition heavyweights Melbourne after tasting premiership success with the Storm in 2020. Duffy will join the Broncos next season after falling down the pecking order in his rookie season at the underachieving Cowboys. The Cowboys' decision to re-sign fellow playmaker Jake Clifford spelt bad news for Duffy last month, with the 22-year-old Townsville product inking a one-year deal at the Broncos. Duffy has played six NRL games to date and is set to join Ben Hunt in providing depth behind first-choice playmakers Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam. "I think there's probably not a better club to go to at the moment as a half if you want to develop your game," Duffy said. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui no longer has family ties to Gold Coast, with his younger brother Iszac leaving the struggling Titans for UK Super League club Catalans Dragons. It comes as Brisbane signed North Queensland's back-up halfback Tom Duffy for 2026. Prop Iszac has signed a two-year deal with the France-based club, which has also recently lured unwanted Bulldog Toby Sexton and Wests Tigers centre Solomona Faataape. Captain Tino started his NRL career in Melbourne, but Iszac came through the Titans development pathways and has played 25 matches over three seasons, including 11 off the bench this season. The 23-year-old told the Catalans club website he was looking forward to improving his game under their new coach, former England international Joel Tomkins. "It's a great opportunity for me to improve my game, gain experience, and be a part of what Joel Tomkins is building within the playing group," Iszac said. "I'm also looking forward to living in such a beautiful part of the world in the south of France and experiencing it all with my family." The elder Fa'asuamaleaui, who has notched 108 NRL games, 15 State of Origin caps with Queensland and has played six matches for the Kangaroos, is set to test the open market. He has a 10-year deal at the last-placed Titans until 2033 but has get-out clauses, the first at the end of next season. The superstar lock is believed to be in the sights of NRL newcomers the Perth Bears, Canterbury and St George Illawarra. The 25-year-old has also been linked back to competition heavyweights Melbourne after tasting premiership success with the Storm in 2020. Duffy will join the Broncos next season after falling down the pecking order in his rookie season at the underachieving Cowboys. The Cowboys' decision to re-sign fellow playmaker Jake Clifford spelt bad news for Duffy last month, with the 22-year-old Townsville product inking a one-year deal at the Broncos. Duffy has played six NRL games to date and is set to join Ben Hunt in providing depth behind first-choice playmakers Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam. "I think there's probably not a better club to go to at the moment as a half if you want to develop your game," Duffy said. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui no longer has family ties to Gold Coast, with his younger brother Iszac leaving the struggling Titans for UK Super League club Catalans Dragons. It comes as Brisbane signed North Queensland's back-up halfback Tom Duffy for 2026. Prop Iszac has signed a two-year deal with the France-based club, which has also recently lured unwanted Bulldog Toby Sexton and Wests Tigers centre Solomona Faataape. Captain Tino started his NRL career in Melbourne, but Iszac came through the Titans development pathways and has played 25 matches over three seasons, including 11 off the bench this season. The 23-year-old told the Catalans club website he was looking forward to improving his game under their new coach, former England international Joel Tomkins. "It's a great opportunity for me to improve my game, gain experience, and be a part of what Joel Tomkins is building within the playing group," Iszac said. "I'm also looking forward to living in such a beautiful part of the world in the south of France and experiencing it all with my family." The elder Fa'asuamaleaui, who has notched 108 NRL games, 15 State of Origin caps with Queensland and has played six matches for the Kangaroos, is set to test the open market. He has a 10-year deal at the last-placed Titans until 2033 but has get-out clauses, the first at the end of next season. The superstar lock is believed to be in the sights of NRL newcomers the Perth Bears, Canterbury and St George Illawarra. The 25-year-old has also been linked back to competition heavyweights Melbourne after tasting premiership success with the Storm in 2020. Duffy will join the Broncos next season after falling down the pecking order in his rookie season at the underachieving Cowboys. The Cowboys' decision to re-sign fellow playmaker Jake Clifford spelt bad news for Duffy last month, with the 22-year-old Townsville product inking a one-year deal at the Broncos. Duffy has played six NRL games to date and is set to join Ben Hunt in providing depth behind first-choice playmakers Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam. "I think there's probably not a better club to go to at the moment as a half if you want to develop your game," Duffy said.

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