Koloamatangi's selection push continues
Keaon Koloamatangi sends another message to NSW Blues selectors with an early try against the Raiders.
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Perth Now
33 minutes ago
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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.
7NEWS
36 minutes ago
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Neale Daniher honoured with guard of honour from both teams before King's Birthday clash
Neale Daniher has been honoured by Collingwood, Melbourne and the wider AFL community with an 'incredibly touching' guard of honour before the traditional King's Birthday clash on Monday. The pre-match begun, as always, with the Big Freeze 11 sliders, where Sunrise star Matt Shirvington and Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus led a group of 10 Aussie icons, dressed in the theme of Aussie icons. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Guard of honour formed for Neale Daniher. Then, when the two teams entered the stadium for their last-minute pre-match run-throughs, every Melbourne player ran over to Daniher on the sidelines to each give him their own touch. Minutes later, players from both sides, as well as coaches and umpires, formed a guard of honour for the Australian of the Year, just ahead of the first bounce of the game. Daniher was wheeled through the guard of honour by his son Luke in what was an emotional scene. A sea of the iconic blue beanies formed the backdrop to the guard of honour, which was conducted on the boundary line near the crowd. It was a special touch added to what has already become a landmark event on the Australian sporting calendar. 'This is a magic moment,' Dale Thomas said. Bruce McAvaney added: 'What a football family the Danihers are, and what an Australian family they've become. 'And for Neale, who could have hidden away from this and we wouldn't have seen them for all these years, he has delivered in spades in terms of inspiration.' Kate McCarthy was at ground level when it happened: 'Really emotional scenes just then as both teams gave the guard of honour to Neale Daniher and incredibly touching down here.' Melbourne players get around Neale Daniher before Pies clash
News.com.au
40 minutes ago
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Every Big Freeze 11 slider takes the plunge
From Ariarne Titmus to Mark Taylor, watch every slider from Big Freeze 11 take the plunge to raise funds and awareness for FightMND.
