Fifita ready to 'rip and tear' for Ipswich in Q Cup
Dropped Gold Coast back-rower David Fifita will return to his home city of Ipswich to play in the Queensland Cup and is ready to run 250m, offload at will and have fun.
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Perth Now
38 minutes ago
- Perth Now
Two more Dolphins stars ruled out for season
The Dolphins have been hit with the devastating news that representative forwards Daniel Saifiti and Tom Gilbert have been ruled out for the season. With Test prop Tom Flegler already not expected back this year with a shoulder nerve issue and lock Max Plath suffering a suspected ACL tear in Friday's 56-6 win over St George Illawarra, the seventh-placed Dolphins are now in a precarious position for depth. Former NSW prop Saifiti will have surgery on Wednesday on a shoulder issue that has ruled him out since round eight but the club confirmed he would not play again this year. Captain Tom Gilbert was set to return to the Queensland side for game one of the State of Origin series when he tore a pectoral in the round 11 loss to the Warriors. He was initially set to be sidelined until round 24 but in a statement the Dolphins revealed there was worse to come. "During that operation medical staff also found a labrum tear in his shoulder that was subsequently repaired," the club said. "However the extended shoulder rehab period required for Gilbert means now he will not be able to return late in this year, as was first hoped." Plath, who the club confirmed suffered an MCL injury against the Dragons, will see a specialist next week about his ACL. The best case scenario would be a partial tear rather than a full tear that would rule him out until next year. The Dolphins are not able to buy any replacements as their top 30 roster is full for the year. They do have new signing Sebastian Su'a and veteran Kenny Bromwich set to return from injury at some stage. AAP was told former Newcastle prop Su'a was six weeks away from action after he arrived at the club with a knee injury that he has since been rehabbing. Bromwich has not played since May when he injured a shoulder playing for North Devils in the Queensland Cup. The Dolphins will at least have hard man Ray Stone back from an AC joint issue against North Queensland on Saturday night in Townsville. Stone has been named on the bench against the Cowboys, with in-form utility Kury Donoghoe to start at lock. Dolphins fullback Trai Fuller has played 40 minutes and 60 minutes in two games for the Capras in the Queensland Cup on his return from an ACL tear. The intention is for him to play a full match against Redcliffe on Saturday as he nears a return to the NRL as a utility option.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- News.com.au
Diamonds trio leads Lightning's blitz of the Firebirds
Diamonds trio Cara Koenen, Liz Watson and Courtney Bruce led the charge as Sunshine Coast Lightning blitzed Firebirds 72-62 to claim the Queensland Cup and Battle of the Bruce. Bruce, playing her 150th Super Netball game, was dynamic in the defensive circle and really proved a menace to Emily Moore and Mary Cholhok. The keeper had 12 deflections and seven gains. Watson controlled the midfield alongside Leesa Mi Mi - her workrate was second to none. The midcourter had 26 goal assists and 19 centre feed receives. While Cara Koenen didn't miss a shot all night. Firebirds tried to stay in the fight - but repeated turnovers led to their seventh consecutive loss. The two Queensland sides were fairly evenly matched in the first quarter with both teams having the lead at some point. It really amped up in the Super Shot period with Firebirds swapping out Mary Cholhok for long range shooter specialist Abigail Latu-Meafou. The move paid off with Latu-Meafou netting two of her three super shots. Lighting's defence, led by Bruce, worked hard to keep the super shooter away from the long range area. It produced a crucial turnover which led to Steph Fretwell sinking a super shot in the final seconds of the quarter to put Sunshine Coast ahead 18-17 at the first break. Firebirds defenders Ruby Bakewell-Doran and Isabelle Shearer forced Fretwell and Koenen to get creative in the second quarter - slowing the shooting rate but not halting it. The damage on the scoreboard could have been far greater were it not for Latu-Meafou netting another two super shots. But it just wasn't enough to catch up to the fast-moving Lightning side who took a 37-33 lead into half time. Lightning really hit the accelerator in the third quarter outshooting Firebirds 20-13 to take an 11 point lead into the final break. Firebirds staged a comeback in the final quarter, getting some quick goals on the board much to the delight of the 4666 strong crowd at Nissan Arena. But clawing back an 11 goal deficit in a single quarter was always going to be a big ask. Firebirds did hang on to win the final quarter 16-15 but Lightning took the game 72-62 Mi Mi means business Leesa Mi Mi was everywhere tonight - her darting runs created plenty of opportunities for the Lightning. Mi Mi had ticked the box in the gains, deflections and intercepts columns on the stat sheet. She created plenty of opportunities with 14 goal assists. The agile centre worked really well with Liz Watson - signalling what could become a key link up for the Diamonds in the near future. Firebirds need a spark The Firebirds are now on a seven game losing streak and it is going to take a lot to snap them out of it. We got a glimpse of what the Firebirds can do in the final quarter - where they staged a comeback. But they need to win more than one quarter if they want to get a win on the board. Cholhok has been a key addition under the post but the costly turnovers in the midcourt are hampering her shooting rate. They just seemed out of touch with the very clinical Lightning side. Firebirds have a tough game next week against Thunderbirds but a win would give them a massive confidence boost and could reignite their season. A few consecutive wins and other results going their way and Firebirds could still be playing finals netball.
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- The Advertiser
Broncos star axed as Walsh gives Maguire new hope
Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has swung the axe with representative outside back Selwyn Cobbo dropped from the team. The decision, after the Broncos lost six of seven matches, shows Maguire is prepared to be make big calls for poor performances. Josiah Karapani, 23, will come into the side on the wing for his first NRL match of the season against Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. Star fullback Reece Walsh returns to No.1 after missing six weeks with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and will partner halves Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds for the first time as a combination in 2025. The Broncos have not been happy with 23-year-old Cobbo's recent performances at fullback and wing. Maguire explained his decision, with Cobbo expected to play Queensland Cup for Wynnum Manly. "As a group, and as a leadership group and as a coach, we're pushing standards here and expectations in how we're doing things, and Karapani's got his opportunity and Selly's got to look at a few things in his game," Maguire said. "(Karapani) has been really consistent in the way he's been playing through the pre -season ... and he's obviously experienced first grade. When he has played, he's played really well. I know he'll do a good job." Maguire said Cobbo "definitely" could force his way back into the side. Cobbo is off-contract but Maguire said he did not look at his axing as having an impact on whether he would still be at the Broncos next year. "I'm here to coach the team. We're creating standards and ... the more you meet those, the more opportunities you have," Maguire said, while confirming he would keep private the intricate detail of the areas Cobbo needed to Deine Mariner was also dropped while prop Pat Carrigan moves to his favoured lock position. The Broncos have lacked competitive tension in recent weeks for spots with Walsh and half/hooker Ben Hunt (hamstring) unavailable. That has now changed with Hunt not far away from a return. "It's (about) having the players available too," Maguire said. "We're starting to get the spine everyone gets excited about with Reyno and Ez and Reece ...and we'll get Hunty back in there at some stage. "It just tinkers with how you're playing and with those boys in there ... you're looking at a different outcome. "Reece is ready to go so we are looking forward to bringing his energy back in, but also to his experience and just who he is. He's a good player. I love coaching him. He'll do his job for the team." Maguire wore an "Adam Reynolds 300" shirt in tribute to the Brisbane captain who will reach the milestone against the Titans. He said it was "an honour" to mentor the 34-year-old, whom he gave an NRL debut to in 2012 at South Sydney. "To think further down the track, we're playing 300 it's an incredible achievement really," Maguire said. "For a little fella like him, he's had every big man running at him, makes plenty of tackles, pushes the team around the park and he's had some massive moments. "Grand final winner (in 2014), been in a few more grand finals and helped a lot of players. One thing that stands out for me is how Reyno influenced his teammates." Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has swung the axe with representative outside back Selwyn Cobbo dropped from the team. The decision, after the Broncos lost six of seven matches, shows Maguire is prepared to be make big calls for poor performances. Josiah Karapani, 23, will come into the side on the wing for his first NRL match of the season against Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. Star fullback Reece Walsh returns to No.1 after missing six weeks with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and will partner halves Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds for the first time as a combination in 2025. The Broncos have not been happy with 23-year-old Cobbo's recent performances at fullback and wing. Maguire explained his decision, with Cobbo expected to play Queensland Cup for Wynnum Manly. "As a group, and as a leadership group and as a coach, we're pushing standards here and expectations in how we're doing things, and Karapani's got his opportunity and Selly's got to look at a few things in his game," Maguire said. "(Karapani) has been really consistent in the way he's been playing through the pre -season ... and he's obviously experienced first grade. When he has played, he's played really well. I know he'll do a good job." Maguire said Cobbo "definitely" could force his way back into the side. Cobbo is off-contract but Maguire said he did not look at his axing as having an impact on whether he would still be at the Broncos next year. "I'm here to coach the team. We're creating standards and ... the more you meet those, the more opportunities you have," Maguire said, while confirming he would keep private the intricate detail of the areas Cobbo needed to Deine Mariner was also dropped while prop Pat Carrigan moves to his favoured lock position. The Broncos have lacked competitive tension in recent weeks for spots with Walsh and half/hooker Ben Hunt (hamstring) unavailable. That has now changed with Hunt not far away from a return. "It's (about) having the players available too," Maguire said. "We're starting to get the spine everyone gets excited about with Reyno and Ez and Reece ...and we'll get Hunty back in there at some stage. "It just tinkers with how you're playing and with those boys in there ... you're looking at a different outcome. "Reece is ready to go so we are looking forward to bringing his energy back in, but also to his experience and just who he is. He's a good player. I love coaching him. He'll do his job for the team." Maguire wore an "Adam Reynolds 300" shirt in tribute to the Brisbane captain who will reach the milestone against the Titans. He said it was "an honour" to mentor the 34-year-old, whom he gave an NRL debut to in 2012 at South Sydney. "To think further down the track, we're playing 300 it's an incredible achievement really," Maguire said. "For a little fella like him, he's had every big man running at him, makes plenty of tackles, pushes the team around the park and he's had some massive moments. "Grand final winner (in 2014), been in a few more grand finals and helped a lot of players. One thing that stands out for me is how Reyno influenced his teammates." Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has swung the axe with representative outside back Selwyn Cobbo dropped from the team. The decision, after the Broncos lost six of seven matches, shows Maguire is prepared to be make big calls for poor performances. Josiah Karapani, 23, will come into the side on the wing for his first NRL match of the season against Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. Star fullback Reece Walsh returns to No.1 after missing six weeks with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and will partner halves Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds for the first time as a combination in 2025. The Broncos have not been happy with 23-year-old Cobbo's recent performances at fullback and wing. Maguire explained his decision, with Cobbo expected to play Queensland Cup for Wynnum Manly. "As a group, and as a leadership group and as a coach, we're pushing standards here and expectations in how we're doing things, and Karapani's got his opportunity and Selly's got to look at a few things in his game," Maguire said. "(Karapani) has been really consistent in the way he's been playing through the pre -season ... and he's obviously experienced first grade. When he has played, he's played really well. I know he'll do a good job." Maguire said Cobbo "definitely" could force his way back into the side. Cobbo is off-contract but Maguire said he did not look at his axing as having an impact on whether he would still be at the Broncos next year. "I'm here to coach the team. We're creating standards and ... the more you meet those, the more opportunities you have," Maguire said, while confirming he would keep private the intricate detail of the areas Cobbo needed to Deine Mariner was also dropped while prop Pat Carrigan moves to his favoured lock position. The Broncos have lacked competitive tension in recent weeks for spots with Walsh and half/hooker Ben Hunt (hamstring) unavailable. That has now changed with Hunt not far away from a return. "It's (about) having the players available too," Maguire said. "We're starting to get the spine everyone gets excited about with Reyno and Ez and Reece ...and we'll get Hunty back in there at some stage. "It just tinkers with how you're playing and with those boys in there ... you're looking at a different outcome. "Reece is ready to go so we are looking forward to bringing his energy back in, but also to his experience and just who he is. He's a good player. I love coaching him. He'll do his job for the team." Maguire wore an "Adam Reynolds 300" shirt in tribute to the Brisbane captain who will reach the milestone against the Titans. He said it was "an honour" to mentor the 34-year-old, whom he gave an NRL debut to in 2012 at South Sydney. "To think further down the track, we're playing 300 it's an incredible achievement really," Maguire said. "For a little fella like him, he's had every big man running at him, makes plenty of tackles, pushes the team around the park and he's had some massive moments. "Grand final winner (in 2014), been in a few more grand finals and helped a lot of players. One thing that stands out for me is how Reyno influenced his teammates."
