Rugby league in black and white
'I was born in the latter stages of the war and grew up in a mining community where the only cars were owned by the doctor and the vet,' says Allen Dodd of Kirribilli. 'Most merchants undertook horse-and-cart deliveries (C8), the most memorable being the butcher. After days of heavy snow, his cart stopped outside our house, which was on a steep bank. The subsequent loss of friction between ice and steel hooves left cart and horse (in that order) sliding down the bank, ending up in the front garden of the bottom-most resident. Happily, the horse survived, which is more than can be said of the butcher's stock, which vanished rapidly!'
Ellen Kassel of Collaroy experienced the delivery caper further afield: 'I remember getting ice, milk and bread deliveries in upstate New York growing up, but the best of that world was the sharpener man and his truck. When we heard the bells on that old truck, my grandmother would run for her scissors, and my dad, the carving knife. All the neighbours out in the queue, chatting with their very sharp things in hand. Did this happen in Australia, too? Couldn't happen now, I 'fear'.'
Port Macquarie's favourite son, Don Bain (C8), is getting a lot of love presently: 'Thank you, Don, for that heart-lifting laugh,' says Caz Willis of Bowral. 'It's thought-provoking to know if the future will hold musk sticks or musk Lifesavers. Think I'll stay with Caramello Koalas.'
The man himself also has an interesting take on the humble night-soil slinger: 'Two reasons I'm glad I wasn't a dunny man (C8): number one; number two.'
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News.com.au
4 hours ago
- News.com.au
‘Rising NRL star' proves Roosters don't need ‘crazy' Daly-Cherry Evans deal
The Roosters don't need Daly Cherry-Evans. That much was clear as they demolished the Dolphins 64-12 on Saturday night to claim a 10th win of the season and keep their finals hopes alive. Spencer Leniu triggered a snap four-man sin bin after he saw red mist and wanted to throw hands. But the Roosters composed themselves to blow the Dolphins off the park on the back of a dominant effort by their forwards and some clinical finishing. James Tedesco had another superb game to surely sew up his second Dally M Medal, while coach Trent Robinson would have been ecstatic by the performance of his young halves Sam Walker and Hugo Savala. Walker hasn't skipped a beat since returning from his ACL injury and he showed off his has his trademark spontaneity in attack on Saturday, typified by his tactical pause before throwing a cut-out pass to Daniel Tupou for an easy try. Walker's talent has been well known but the emergence of Savala this season has been a revelation for the Tricolours. The 194cm five-eighth looks silky smooth every time he touches the ball and his kicking game has proved a bonus for the Roosters — his pinpoint kicks to the corner set up Mark Nawaqanitawase for two tries against the Dolphins. 'Savala put in a five-cent piece,' Fox League commentator Warren Smith said, describing Savala as a 'rising star of the competition'. 'Savala is playing his hand beautifully,' Michael Ennis added. Savala has only played 16 games but it's hard to imagine Robinson not picking the 23-year-old anytime soon, but halves selection could soon prove a headache for Robbo. Chad Townsend has announced his retirement, but the Roosters could soon have two quality playmakers sitting in reserve grade if Cherry-Evans joins the glamour club as expected next season. The 36-year-old Manly veteran is yet to officially make a call on his future after announcing he wouldn't be playing at the Sea Eagles beyond 2025. Cherry-Evans told last month there was 'no update' on his next destination and he was focused on helping Manly secure a spot in the top eight. But it's widely expected Cherry-Evans will join the Roosters on a one-year deal, with recent reports he will play five-eighth alongside Walker before transitioning into a coaching role in 2027. The Roosters want Cherry-Evans to be the final piece of the premiership puzzle, like Cooper Cronk was in the 2018-19 glory years. But the success of this year's debutants and their home grown brigade of players like Walker, Savala, Robert Toia and Benaiah Iuoe suggests the Roosters might not need a high profile recruit like DCE to get them over the hump. Giving Cherry-Evans the No. 6 jersey would likely relegate Savala and Sandon Smith to reserve grade, which would be a waste of talent and could invite overtures from rival clubs. The reaction on social media to Walker and Savala's performance against the Dolphins summed it up. Veteran rugby league reporter Phil Rothfield wrote on X: 'Starting to think DCE might be playing NSW Cup for the Chooks.' One fan wrote on social media: 'I hope the Roosters haven't signed DCE for next season. Him standing in the way of Hugo Savala playing regular football would be a disgrace.' A second said: 'Signing Daly Cherry Evans is the dumbest signing considering they've got this young gun Savala playing so well.' A third commented: 'Tell me why we signed Daly Cherry-Evans again. The future is right there. Hugo Savala. Sam Walker.' A fourth said: 'Still crazy that Savala will probably be dropped to the bench for 37-year-old DCE next year.' Another urged the Roosters to 'sign Savala to a lifetime deal'. The Dolphins were without Herbie Farnworth and a host of first choice forwards, but putting 64 points on them will surely make the NRL's premiership contenders wary of facing the Roosters if they make finals. This season was supposed to be a write-off for the Roosters, but they have certainly unearthed some gems and could have a part to play in finals.
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Warriors defiant after loss, Bulldogs answer critics
The Warriors' top-four dream is threatening to slip away after a 32-14 loss to Canterbury continued their disastrously timed form slump ahead of the NRL finals. Saturday night's loss in rainy Sydney caps a tough month for the depleted Kiwi side, who will finish a weekend outside the top four for the first time since round six. Now in fifth, the Warriors' top-four hopes have been left to rely on red-hot Penrith losing once on the run home - assuming they win all four of their own remaining games. That is easier said than done for the Warriors, who have lost their last three matches and have watched the Panthers, 17th after round 12, jump into fourth. "Everyone wants to be a top-four team. It gives you a really good shot at the end of the season," said Warriors coach Andrew Webster. "But tonight won't define us. We've got a lot of football to play at the back end of this year. "No one is happy in there (in the dressing room). We wish we were winning each week at the moment. But there's a lot to build off and a lot of spirit in that group. We'll keep fighting." To make matters worse, Te Maire Martin will join an already busy casualty ward after a head knock 23 minutes into his first game replacing Tanah Boyd at halfback. Boyd is set to replace Martin for next week's clash with giant-killers St George Illawarra, who could leave the Warriors as low as seventh on the ladder by the end of round 24. The Warriors are still not guaranteed to play finals but will finish the season with a winning record if they can snatch one more victory. Canterbury's three biggest losses this season have all come in the wet, but the Bulldogs finally mastered the slippery conditions before 25,377 home fans. "I woke up and read in the paper today that we couldn't play in the wet. It was nice to prove that one wrong," said coach Cameron Ciraldo. They remain in the hunt for a top-two spot, only behind second-placed Melbourne on points differential. After three early penalty goals between the sides in the driving rain, the Bulldogs began to control territory on the back of Matt Burton's boot. Bailey Hayward replaced North Queensland-bound Reed Mahoney at starting hooker as a possible glimpse into the Bulldogs' future. Mahoney only made it on in the final 16 minutes when the result appeared beyond doubt, with Ciraldo indicating Hayward would remain at No.9 next week. "He's earned the right to start the game through his performances. That's really hard on Reed, because Reed's been doing a lot of good things for us," Ciraldo said. "It's not so much about him, it's more about Bailey." Hayward sent a short ball from dummy half for Viliame Kikau to score the Bulldogs' first try, the big man slipping over attempting a left-foot step and sliding to the tryline. Errors hurt the Warriors and put the Bulldogs in position to score their second on the left through rookie winger Jethro Rinakama. On the back of two repeat sets, Enari Tuala dived over on the right in the final 90 seconds of the first half to lift the scoreline to 20-2 and leave the Warriors at sea. A crisp pass from Jacob Kiraz helped Tuala to his second as the final 10 minutes approached. In his fourth NRL game, Sam Healey had his first try with a kick for himself out of dummy half, before a late Roger Tuivasa-Sheck intercept try put some respectability on the scoreboard. The Warriors' top-four dream is threatening to slip away after a 32-14 loss to Canterbury continued their disastrously timed form slump ahead of the NRL finals. Saturday night's loss in rainy Sydney caps a tough month for the depleted Kiwi side, who will finish a weekend outside the top four for the first time since round six. Now in fifth, the Warriors' top-four hopes have been left to rely on red-hot Penrith losing once on the run home - assuming they win all four of their own remaining games. That is easier said than done for the Warriors, who have lost their last three matches and have watched the Panthers, 17th after round 12, jump into fourth. "Everyone wants to be a top-four team. It gives you a really good shot at the end of the season," said Warriors coach Andrew Webster. "But tonight won't define us. We've got a lot of football to play at the back end of this year. "No one is happy in there (in the dressing room). We wish we were winning each week at the moment. But there's a lot to build off and a lot of spirit in that group. We'll keep fighting." To make matters worse, Te Maire Martin will join an already busy casualty ward after a head knock 23 minutes into his first game replacing Tanah Boyd at halfback. Boyd is set to replace Martin for next week's clash with giant-killers St George Illawarra, who could leave the Warriors as low as seventh on the ladder by the end of round 24. The Warriors are still not guaranteed to play finals but will finish the season with a winning record if they can snatch one more victory. Canterbury's three biggest losses this season have all come in the wet, but the Bulldogs finally mastered the slippery conditions before 25,377 home fans. "I woke up and read in the paper today that we couldn't play in the wet. It was nice to prove that one wrong," said coach Cameron Ciraldo. They remain in the hunt for a top-two spot, only behind second-placed Melbourne on points differential. After three early penalty goals between the sides in the driving rain, the Bulldogs began to control territory on the back of Matt Burton's boot. Bailey Hayward replaced North Queensland-bound Reed Mahoney at starting hooker as a possible glimpse into the Bulldogs' future. Mahoney only made it on in the final 16 minutes when the result appeared beyond doubt, with Ciraldo indicating Hayward would remain at No.9 next week. "He's earned the right to start the game through his performances. That's really hard on Reed, because Reed's been doing a lot of good things for us," Ciraldo said. "It's not so much about him, it's more about Bailey." Hayward sent a short ball from dummy half for Viliame Kikau to score the Bulldogs' first try, the big man slipping over attempting a left-foot step and sliding to the tryline. Errors hurt the Warriors and put the Bulldogs in position to score their second on the left through rookie winger Jethro Rinakama. On the back of two repeat sets, Enari Tuala dived over on the right in the final 90 seconds of the first half to lift the scoreline to 20-2 and leave the Warriors at sea. A crisp pass from Jacob Kiraz helped Tuala to his second as the final 10 minutes approached. In his fourth NRL game, Sam Healey had his first try with a kick for himself out of dummy half, before a late Roger Tuivasa-Sheck intercept try put some respectability on the scoreboard. 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But there's a lot to build off and a lot of spirit in that group. We'll keep fighting." To make matters worse, Te Maire Martin will join an already busy casualty ward after a head knock 23 minutes into his first game replacing Tanah Boyd at halfback. Boyd is set to replace Martin for next week's clash with giant-killers St George Illawarra, who could leave the Warriors as low as seventh on the ladder by the end of round 24. The Warriors are still not guaranteed to play finals but will finish the season with a winning record if they can snatch one more victory. Canterbury's three biggest losses this season have all come in the wet, but the Bulldogs finally mastered the slippery conditions before 25,377 home fans. "I woke up and read in the paper today that we couldn't play in the wet. It was nice to prove that one wrong," said coach Cameron Ciraldo. They remain in the hunt for a top-two spot, only behind second-placed Melbourne on points differential. After three early penalty goals between the sides in the driving rain, the Bulldogs began to control territory on the back of Matt Burton's boot. Bailey Hayward replaced North Queensland-bound Reed Mahoney at starting hooker as a possible glimpse into the Bulldogs' future. Mahoney only made it on in the final 16 minutes when the result appeared beyond doubt, with Ciraldo indicating Hayward would remain at No.9 next week. "He's earned the right to start the game through his performances. That's really hard on Reed, because Reed's been doing a lot of good things for us," Ciraldo said. "It's not so much about him, it's more about Bailey." Hayward sent a short ball from dummy half for Viliame Kikau to score the Bulldogs' first try, the big man slipping over attempting a left-foot step and sliding to the tryline. Errors hurt the Warriors and put the Bulldogs in position to score their second on the left through rookie winger Jethro Rinakama. On the back of two repeat sets, Enari Tuala dived over on the right in the final 90 seconds of the first half to lift the scoreline to 20-2 and leave the Warriors at sea. A crisp pass from Jacob Kiraz helped Tuala to his second as the final 10 minutes approached. In his fourth NRL game, Sam Healey had his first try with a kick for himself out of dummy half, before a late Roger Tuivasa-Sheck intercept try put some respectability on the scoreboard.
7NEWS
15 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Spencer Leniu sparks wild NRL brawl as four players binned during Roosters' big win over Dolphins
The Sydney Roosters have thrashed the Dolphins 64-12 and sent a warning to the rest of the NRL after four players were sin-binned in an explosive confrontation. A huge melee erupted at Suncorp Stadium after Roosters flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase scored the second of his three tries in the ninth minute. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Four players binned in wild NRL brawl. Tricolours' forward duo Spencer Leniu and Naufahu Whyte were binned, as were Dolphins pair Frank Molo and Aublix Tawha after a fiery clash broke out. Leniu appeared to instigate the fracas after inexplicably raising his fists and squaring up to his opponents. 'That's ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous behaviour from Spencer Leniu,' said Warren Smith on Fox League. 'How can you explain the behaviour of Spencer Leniu. What is Tahwa supposed to do and then Naufahu Whyte comes and grabs him.' The incident came just minutes after both sides were warned when Leniu was involved in another scrap. From the ensuing kick-off Siua Wong was knocked senseless in an accidental head clash. The late and great Arthur Beetson would have loved the physicality in a showdown that honoured his enormous legacy to both clubs. The rugby league Immortal won premierships at the Dolphins in 1965, in the Brisbane Rugby League competition, and Roosters in 1974-75. He played tough and he played with flair. The Roosters did it far better to stay in ninth position on 26 points, equal with the eighth-placed Dolphins. The hosts' for and against is still superior but it took a battering in their biggest ever loss. Roosters captain James Tedesco had a blinder and won the Artie Legacy Medal for man of the match, but had plenty of mates. The Dolphins, without eight of their best players, hit a brick wall and were unable to thwart the rampant visitors. Dolphins lock Kurt Donoghoe was heavily involved in all the early heated moments. His counterpart Victor Radley was in his face. It was magnificent theatre. The physicality of the clash was a throwback to the Beetson era, but the Roosters had all the aces. Nawaqanitawase leapt high to snaffle a Hugo Savala bomb to open the scoring. The man they call 'Marky Mark' was in again after brilliant work by centre Robert Toia. Then all hell broke loose with the sin-binnings before the Roosters administered torment upon torment. Speed demon Tevita Naufahu, who scored a double, crossed out wide on the wing with a show of blistering speed to claw the Dolphins back. Roosters centre Billy Smith went over after a sensational tip-on by Tedesco. Radley crashed over and Savala scored before Leniu, relishing his reputation as the man opposing fans love to hate, stormed over to make it 36-6 at the break. Tedesco notched a double inside eight minutes of the second half getting underway. Nawaqanitawase was at it again to snaffle a high ball to take the Roosters beyond 50 and the procession continued with Daniel Tupou notching a late double. The Roosters, brilliantly guided by half Sam Walker, made a huge statement about their premiership credentials while the ill-disciplined and bumbling Dolphins have a huge task to recover from what was a rugby league lesson they must learn from quickly.
