NRL Magic Round 2025 LIVE: Knights out to snap five-game losing streak against depleted Bunnies
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Who wins the first of three games?
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2.36pm
Knights team list: no changes
No changes for Adam O'Brien's Knights, who are desperate to snap a five-game losing streak.
1. Kalyn Ponga (c), 2. James Schiller, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Greg Marzhew, 6. Fletcher Sharpe, 7. Jack Cogger, 8. Jacob Saifiti, 9. Phoenix Crossland, 10. Leo Thompson, 11. Dylan Lucas, 12. Kai Pearce Paul, 13. Tyson Frizell, 14. Jayden Brailey, 15. Mat Croker, 16. Adam Elliott, 17. Brodie Jones
2.27pm
Rabbitohs team list: Dodd makes debut in the halves
Finally, English import Lewis Dodd gets his chance to start in the halves.
With injuries to Jamie Humphreys, Jack Wighton, Cody Walker and a suspension for Latrell Mitchell, Dodd finally gets to start at five-eighth for the Rabbitohs.
1. Jye Gray, 2. Bayleigh Bentley-Hope, 3. Euan Aitken, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Isaiah Tass, 19. Lewis Dodd, 7. Jayden Sullivan, 8. Sean Keppie, 9. Peter Mamouzelos, 10. Tevita Tatola (c), 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Tallis Duncan, 13. Jai Arrow, 14. Liam Le Blanc, 15. Lachlan Hubner, 16. Davvy Moale, 17. Fletcher Myers
2.22pm
Who wins the first of three games?
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Daily Telegraph
11 hours ago
- Daily Telegraph
Keaon Koloamatangi to play round 15, SuperCoach NRL trade tips
Don't miss out on the headlines from SuperCoach. Followed categories will be added to My News. The second big bye round of the season was always going to be a tough one for SuperCoaches. And I'm sure many heads dropped when NSW coach Laurie Daley announced that SC stud Keaon Koloamatangi had won a place on his extended bench of the game in Perth. But I have the pleasure of being the bearer of good news – NSW's 19th man (Koloamatangi) WILL be available to play for Souths on Sunday. The 20th man (Lindsay Smith) would also be available but his side, Penrith, do not play in round 15. Annoyingly for Bulldogs fans – and his 8,158 SC owners – 18th man Matt Burton is not available for his club. For Queensland, none of the reserves – Mam (18th), Howarth (19th) and Horsburgh (20th man) were scheduled to play club footy this round anyway. Now for some quick Buy/Sell comments and then let's talk trades, captaincy choices or just general life advice via the comments section below: Re-live our live SuperCoach NRL Q&A via the comments section at the bottom of this article … Keaon Koloamatangi will line up for the Rabbitohs before joining Blues camp. Picture:Jacob Kiraz – He might be rocking a 105 BE but that's no reason not to buy Kiraz. Even in a tough matchup Kiraz's position-leading offloading and superb tackle busting pretty much guarantees he'll reach 60 points. And round 15 features a positive matchup against Souths who are conceding the second-most points per game to CTW. If he doesn't hit his BE he'll go close. With the Dogs covering this big bye round and round 18 too it's easy to see why Kiraz is the most popular buy of the week. BUY Scott Drinkwater – As a non-owner I rejoiced in Drinkwater's round 11 shocker against Manly where he was held to just 14 points, and pencilled in this week as the one to pick him up at a reasonable price. Now $744K IS a reasonable price for a guy who is averaging 81.9PPG, but I'd be lying if I didn't write that I thought/hoped the Storm would do a slightly better job of containing the Cowboys fullback, but even with his 105 points last week Drinkwater still dropped $160K in the past three rounds and is a strong buy this week. Covers both major byes – I'm finally hopping on board this Cowboy's bandwagon: BUY James Tedesco – For $100K more than Drinkwater you could get James Tedesco instead. Similarly to Drinkwater the Roosters skipper covers both major byes and he has some very juicy match-ups on the immediate horizon in the Knights (Round 15) and Wests Tigers (Round 18). It would be remiss of me not to mention that despite languishing in the bottom four both those teams have defended against fullbacks really well in 2025. I'm backing Teddy to buck that trend and average 85+ over the next month. BUY Haumole Olakau'atu – The Manly man mountain has been in beast mode the last two weeks scoring three tries, busting 13 tackles and averaging better than 100PPG over the span. Like many an edge forward, Olakau'atu can have the odd quiet game (he has scored 55 or fewer points five times this season) but the high ceiling (six scores of 80+ and three tonnes) more than offsets that for mine. Add to that a superb short term draw (Titans, Tigers, Souths), bye round coverage of rounds 15 and 18 and you have a strong BUY. Jamayne Isaako – The Dolphins winger went into last week's game as a bit of a buzz buy and he handsomely rewarded those that brought him in with a two try and eight goal thumper of a game. The Dolphins are definitely riding a wave of good form and have scored a combined 100 points in their past two games. This week they play a Cowboys team which is missing a slew of origin muscle and then they play the Knights and Rabbitohs. Plenty more points look up for grabs and at $625K Isaako is a good short-term buy. I don't see him as a keeper till the end but for those with trades to play with – or head-to-head matches to win – then he's a BUY. NRL Round 15: Team talk and SuperCoach Q&A. Isaiya Katoa – As I mentioned above the Dolphins are flying and a large part of that can be put down to the excellent form of young half Isaiya Katoa. While I ultimately prefer the goalkicking upside of the likes of Nathan Cleary, Nicho Hynes and Jamal Fogarty et al, Katoa has proven to be a very reliable HFB with nine scores of 60+ from his 13 starts and a season low of 42. Like Isaako above I'm not sure he's a guy you would ride with till the end but certainly a short to medium term option. TENTATIVE BUY Herbie Farnworth – Continuing on the Dolphins theme, those looking for a replacement for the injured KL Iro could do far worse than pivot to the reliable Englishman. Farnworth has scored a try in each of his past seven games – and grabbed a double last week. Obviously the streak will end at some point, but you'd probably back him to bag a few more four pointers in the next three rounds. BUY. Nathan Lawson – Firstly the good. The injury to Christian Tuipulotu could/should mean that the rugby union convert has decent medium-term job security. Now the bad. Lawson had a shocker against the Dolphins and his limitations under the high ball were brutally exposed. Coach Shane Flanagan loves to pull the trigger after a defeat and often it's a winger who cops the blame (even when those inside them probably deserve to cop it) so despite the aforementioned injury issues at the club Lawson's job security is just okay in my book. With a BE of 0 then if he is named on TLT, then I can see the case for grabbing him as a cheapie who potentially covers rounds 15 and 18. But beware Flanno. RISKY BUY Reuben Garrick – Grabbed an easy looking 82 points against the Knights last week and is a captaincy option this week against a severely depleted Gold Coast team. The axing of Daly Cherry-Evans from the Maroons, the return of Tom Trbojevic and the need to bounce back from a humiliating capitulation against the Knights last week, should have the Sea Eagles primed for this match and I'm expecting 100+ from Garrick. BUY Jacob Preston – Having served his four match suspension Jacob Preston will return this week for the Bulldogs. Preston was rocking a 5RA of 86.8 prior to his suspension and with just 2% ownership he looks like a great POD. It should be noted that Preston scores tries in four of his five previous matches – I don't know that he can maintain that rate. WEAK BUY. Tom Trbojevic – He's back! Again! But I can never trust Tom's body to hold up. PASS. Jaxson Paulo – A popular purchase after scoring 138 points in his past two games but there's definitely a case of caveat emptor here with Paulo only filing in on the wing for the injured Murray Taulagi. Add to that a shocking defensive lapse against the Storm and he's a PASS for me. Savelio Tamale – I was hoping to hold Tamale as a 6th CTW option to play on match-ups but a nasty knee injury looks set to rule him out for an extended period. SELL. KL Iro – We're chasing further details of Iro's pec injury but unless there's some miracle news I think it's best to assume he's set for an extended period on the pine. SELL. DOLPHINS DECIMATED - Travis Meyn and Peter Badel The Dolphins have lost their four best forwards for the remainder of the 2025 season after captain Tom Gilbert and ex-Blues prop Daniel Saifiti joined Max Plath and Tom Flegler on the sidelines. Saifiti will undergo shoulder surgery this week and faces four to five months out in a further setback for the Dolphins in their bid to make the finals for the first time. The Dolphins have already lost Flegler (shoulder) and Gilbert (pec/shoulder) to injury and the scratching of Saifiti is another blow to Redcliffe's forward stocks ahead of Saturday's clash against the Cowboys. Saifiti injured his shoulder in round 8 against the Raiders. Dolphins medicos have tried to rehab the injury but have decided on season-ending surgery. Gilbert underwent surgery on a torn pec recently and was expected to return for the final month of the regular season. However doctors found shoulder damage that required repair and he will not be ready to play this year. Meanwhile, utility forward Plath will see a specialist amid fears he needs a knee reconstruction after originally being diagnosed with a minor injury. Flegler hasn't played in more than a year and is unlikely to return from a nerve problem this season. The Dolphins have hit form in recent weeks under new coach Kristian Woolf with big wins against the Bulldogs and Dragons, but their depth will now be tested in the run to September. Tom Gilbert will miss the remainder of the season. Picture:SHARKS v DRAGONS Thursday, 7.50pm, Sharks Stadium Sharks 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Mawene Hiroti 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes Interchange: 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Siosifa Talakai 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele Reserves: 18. Tuku Hau Tapuha 19. Hohepa Puru 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Toby Rudolf 22. Billy Burns Dragons 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Nathan Lawson 3. Moses Suli 4. Corey Allan 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Toby Couchman 13. Jack De Belin Interchange: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Hamish Stewart 16. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 17. Hame Sele Reserves: 18. Blake Lawrie 19. Lachlan Ilias 20. Michael Molo 21. Nick Tsougranis 22. Sione Finau TITANS v SEA EAGLES Friday, 8pm, CBUS Super Stadium Titans 1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Allan Fitzgibbon 6. Kieran Foran 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Jaimin Jolliffe 9. Sean Mullany 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas Interchange: 14. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 15. Iszac Fa'asumaleaui 16. Josh Patston 17. Tukimihia Simpkins Reserves: 18. Arama Hau 19. Tom Weaver 20. Sam Verrills 21. Ben Liyou 22. Ryan Foran Sea Eagles 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Ethan Bullemor 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic Interchange: 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Jazz Tevaga 16. Corey Waddell 17. Nathan Brown Reserves: 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Jakob Arthur 21. Michael Chee Kam 22. Matthew Lodge KNIGHTS v ROOSTERS Saturday, 5.30pm, McDonald Jones Stadium Knights 1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Greg Marzhew 5. Fletcher Hunt 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Jack Cogger 8. Mathew Croker 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Brodie Jones 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Phoenix Crossland Interchange: 14. Matt Arthur 15. Thomas Cant 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana Reserves: 18. Kyle McCarthy 19. Tyrone Thompson 20. Mason Teague 21. Brock Greacen 22. Wilson De Courcey Roosters 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Mark Nawaqanitawase 5. Dominic Young 6. Hugo Savala 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Salesi Foketi 11. Egan Butcher 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley Interchange: 14. Sandon Smith 15. Zach Dockar-Clay 16. Blake Steep 17. Nat Butcher Reserves: 18. Ethan King 19. Makahesi Makatoa 20. Taylor Losalu 21. Tom Rodwell 23. Xavier Va'a COWBOYS v DOLPHINS Saturday, 7:35pm, Queensland Country Bank Stadium Cowboys 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Braidon Burns 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Karl Lawton 10. Coen Hess 11. Sam McIntyre 12. Kai O'Donnell 13. Jason Taumalolo Interchange: 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Griffin Neame 17. Kaiden Lahrs Reserves: 18. Thomas Duffy 19. Semi Valemei 20. Jaxson Paulo 21. Marly Bitungane 22. Mason Kira Dolphins 1. Jake Averillo 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe Interchange: 14. Ray Stone 15. Connelly Lemuelu 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Josh Kerr Reserves: 18. Sean O'Sullivan 19. Aublix Tawha 20. Harrison Graham 21. Tevita Naufahu 22. Junior Tupou RABBITOHS v BULLDOGS Sunday, 4.05pm, Accor Stadium Rabbitohs 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jack Wighton 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Jai Arrow 9. Siliva Havili 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. Euan Aitken 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Lachlan Hubner Interchange: 14. Davvy Moale 15. Sean Keppie 16. Liam Le Blanc 17. Tevita Tatola Reserves: 18. Ryan Gray 19. Campbell Graham 20. Lewis Dodd 21. Fletcher Myers 22. Jacob Host Bulldogs 1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Jacob Kiraz 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Toby Sexton 8. Josh Curran 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Bailey Hayward Interchange: 14. Jake Turpin 15. Harry Hayes 16. Lipoi Hopoi 17. Kurtis Morrin Reserves: 19. Blake Taaffe 20. Enari Tuala 21. Samuel Hughes 22. Luke Smith 23. Jonathan Sua BYES: Broncos, Eels, Panthers, Raiders, Storm, Warriors, Tigers
The Advertiser
15 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Confirmed: Knights make huge call on Hastings comeback as he fights for future
JACKSON Hastings will be playing for his rugby league future when the Newcastle Knights take on the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. As reported by the Newcastle Herald on Monday, Jackson has been recalled at halfback for the Knights' round-15 clash. It will be the much-maligned playmaker's first appearance in the NRL in nearly a year. On a contract worth $750,000 a season, Hastings has previously been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland and Tyson Gamble. However, with Kalyn Ponga retaining his place at fullback for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble out with a broken thumb, Hastings has been called upon. He will start in the No.7 jumper, with Sharpe covering at fullback and Cogger sliding out to five-eighth. Though believed to be on the outer, Hastings has been captain of the Knights' NSW Cup side and was 18th man for the NRL side's come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly last round. Tyson Frzell is out with concussion, forcing a reshuffle to the pack. Matt Croker starts at prop, Phoenix Crossland switches to lock, with Jayden Brailey promoted from the bench to start at hooker. Matt Arthur is the new face in the interchange rotation. Bradman Best was close to a return from a hamstring injury, but coach Adam O'Brien has erred on the side of caution. Rookie Fletcher Hunt starts at left centre, with James Schiller on the wing. Jacob Saifiti (calf) and Jack Hetherington (shoulder) are at least a week away, while Leo Thompson has three games remaining on supension. There has been constant speculation around the reasons why Hastings hasn't been involved despite the Knights struggles in attack. O'Brien has confirmed the pivot won't be at the Knights in 2026. "The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said last month. Baring injury to Ponga, Hastings appears unlikley to get many more opportunties in the NRL this season. The 29-year-old's agent, Sam Ayoub, did not return calls from the Herald on Tuesday. MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT Hastings has been linked to a return to the English Super League, where he previously starred for Salford and Wigan. Leeds have shown interetst and Castleford has emerged as another potential landing spot for Hastings, but not until next season. "I'm a big fan of Jackson, he took the competition by storm when he was here," Castleford coach Danny McGuire told Love Rugby League . "I'm not sure of his circumstances at the minute but he's a player I admire. However, he's not really one we've spoke about. "A lot of what we're doing is for next year. We're planning for that and the year after." Jackson's partner Amelia Smith gave birth to baby daughter, Scottie, in April. His journey into fatherhood has been a distraction from his NRL absence. "Scottie's debut, you dream of stuff like this. Never felt pride like it," Hastings posted on Instagram with a picture of Scottie at her first game last month. The Roosters, fresh from a bye, have lost Robert Toia, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu to Origin duties. Nat Butcher (knee) and Naufahu Whyte (knee) return from injury. Dom Young has been named on the wing in what is potentially his last game for the Roosters before returning to the Knights. He will play on the right flank, with Mark Nawaqanitawase to shift to centre in Toia's absence. Sam Walker starts at halfback in his first game in the NRL this season after a knee reconstruction. The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home. However, they have not beaten the Roosters since a 20-6 victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 12, 2022. JACKSON Hastings will be playing for his rugby league future when the Newcastle Knights take on the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. As reported by the Newcastle Herald on Monday, Jackson has been recalled at halfback for the Knights' round-15 clash. It will be the much-maligned playmaker's first appearance in the NRL in nearly a year. On a contract worth $750,000 a season, Hastings has previously been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland and Tyson Gamble. However, with Kalyn Ponga retaining his place at fullback for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble out with a broken thumb, Hastings has been called upon. He will start in the No.7 jumper, with Sharpe covering at fullback and Cogger sliding out to five-eighth. Though believed to be on the outer, Hastings has been captain of the Knights' NSW Cup side and was 18th man for the NRL side's come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly last round. Tyson Frzell is out with concussion, forcing a reshuffle to the pack. Matt Croker starts at prop, Phoenix Crossland switches to lock, with Jayden Brailey promoted from the bench to start at hooker. Matt Arthur is the new face in the interchange rotation. Bradman Best was close to a return from a hamstring injury, but coach Adam O'Brien has erred on the side of caution. Rookie Fletcher Hunt starts at left centre, with James Schiller on the wing. Jacob Saifiti (calf) and Jack Hetherington (shoulder) are at least a week away, while Leo Thompson has three games remaining on supension. There has been constant speculation around the reasons why Hastings hasn't been involved despite the Knights struggles in attack. O'Brien has confirmed the pivot won't be at the Knights in 2026. "The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said last month. Baring injury to Ponga, Hastings appears unlikley to get many more opportunties in the NRL this season. The 29-year-old's agent, Sam Ayoub, did not return calls from the Herald on Tuesday. MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT Hastings has been linked to a return to the English Super League, where he previously starred for Salford and Wigan. Leeds have shown interetst and Castleford has emerged as another potential landing spot for Hastings, but not until next season. "I'm a big fan of Jackson, he took the competition by storm when he was here," Castleford coach Danny McGuire told Love Rugby League . "I'm not sure of his circumstances at the minute but he's a player I admire. However, he's not really one we've spoke about. "A lot of what we're doing is for next year. We're planning for that and the year after." Jackson's partner Amelia Smith gave birth to baby daughter, Scottie, in April. His journey into fatherhood has been a distraction from his NRL absence. "Scottie's debut, you dream of stuff like this. Never felt pride like it," Hastings posted on Instagram with a picture of Scottie at her first game last month. The Roosters, fresh from a bye, have lost Robert Toia, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu to Origin duties. Nat Butcher (knee) and Naufahu Whyte (knee) return from injury. Dom Young has been named on the wing in what is potentially his last game for the Roosters before returning to the Knights. He will play on the right flank, with Mark Nawaqanitawase to shift to centre in Toia's absence. Sam Walker starts at halfback in his first game in the NRL this season after a knee reconstruction. The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home. However, they have not beaten the Roosters since a 20-6 victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 12, 2022. JACKSON Hastings will be playing for his rugby league future when the Newcastle Knights take on the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. As reported by the Newcastle Herald on Monday, Jackson has been recalled at halfback for the Knights' round-15 clash. It will be the much-maligned playmaker's first appearance in the NRL in nearly a year. On a contract worth $750,000 a season, Hastings has previously been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland and Tyson Gamble. However, with Kalyn Ponga retaining his place at fullback for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble out with a broken thumb, Hastings has been called upon. He will start in the No.7 jumper, with Sharpe covering at fullback and Cogger sliding out to five-eighth. Though believed to be on the outer, Hastings has been captain of the Knights' NSW Cup side and was 18th man for the NRL side's come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly last round. Tyson Frzell is out with concussion, forcing a reshuffle to the pack. Matt Croker starts at prop, Phoenix Crossland switches to lock, with Jayden Brailey promoted from the bench to start at hooker. Matt Arthur is the new face in the interchange rotation. Bradman Best was close to a return from a hamstring injury, but coach Adam O'Brien has erred on the side of caution. Rookie Fletcher Hunt starts at left centre, with James Schiller on the wing. Jacob Saifiti (calf) and Jack Hetherington (shoulder) are at least a week away, while Leo Thompson has three games remaining on supension. There has been constant speculation around the reasons why Hastings hasn't been involved despite the Knights struggles in attack. O'Brien has confirmed the pivot won't be at the Knights in 2026. "The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said last month. Baring injury to Ponga, Hastings appears unlikley to get many more opportunties in the NRL this season. The 29-year-old's agent, Sam Ayoub, did not return calls from the Herald on Tuesday. MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT Hastings has been linked to a return to the English Super League, where he previously starred for Salford and Wigan. Leeds have shown interetst and Castleford has emerged as another potential landing spot for Hastings, but not until next season. "I'm a big fan of Jackson, he took the competition by storm when he was here," Castleford coach Danny McGuire told Love Rugby League . "I'm not sure of his circumstances at the minute but he's a player I admire. However, he's not really one we've spoke about. "A lot of what we're doing is for next year. We're planning for that and the year after." Jackson's partner Amelia Smith gave birth to baby daughter, Scottie, in April. His journey into fatherhood has been a distraction from his NRL absence. "Scottie's debut, you dream of stuff like this. Never felt pride like it," Hastings posted on Instagram with a picture of Scottie at her first game last month. The Roosters, fresh from a bye, have lost Robert Toia, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu to Origin duties. Nat Butcher (knee) and Naufahu Whyte (knee) return from injury. Dom Young has been named on the wing in what is potentially his last game for the Roosters before returning to the Knights. He will play on the right flank, with Mark Nawaqanitawase to shift to centre in Toia's absence. Sam Walker starts at halfback in his first game in the NRL this season after a knee reconstruction. The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home. However, they have not beaten the Roosters since a 20-6 victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 12, 2022. JACKSON Hastings will be playing for his rugby league future when the Newcastle Knights take on the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. As reported by the Newcastle Herald on Monday, Jackson has been recalled at halfback for the Knights' round-15 clash. It will be the much-maligned playmaker's first appearance in the NRL in nearly a year. On a contract worth $750,000 a season, Hastings has previously been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland and Tyson Gamble. However, with Kalyn Ponga retaining his place at fullback for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble out with a broken thumb, Hastings has been called upon. He will start in the No.7 jumper, with Sharpe covering at fullback and Cogger sliding out to five-eighth. Though believed to be on the outer, Hastings has been captain of the Knights' NSW Cup side and was 18th man for the NRL side's come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly last round. Tyson Frzell is out with concussion, forcing a reshuffle to the pack. Matt Croker starts at prop, Phoenix Crossland switches to lock, with Jayden Brailey promoted from the bench to start at hooker. Matt Arthur is the new face in the interchange rotation. Bradman Best was close to a return from a hamstring injury, but coach Adam O'Brien has erred on the side of caution. Rookie Fletcher Hunt starts at left centre, with James Schiller on the wing. Jacob Saifiti (calf) and Jack Hetherington (shoulder) are at least a week away, while Leo Thompson has three games remaining on supension. There has been constant speculation around the reasons why Hastings hasn't been involved despite the Knights struggles in attack. O'Brien has confirmed the pivot won't be at the Knights in 2026. "The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said last month. Baring injury to Ponga, Hastings appears unlikley to get many more opportunties in the NRL this season. The 29-year-old's agent, Sam Ayoub, did not return calls from the Herald on Tuesday. MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT Hastings has been linked to a return to the English Super League, where he previously starred for Salford and Wigan. Leeds have shown interetst and Castleford has emerged as another potential landing spot for Hastings, but not until next season. "I'm a big fan of Jackson, he took the competition by storm when he was here," Castleford coach Danny McGuire told Love Rugby League . "I'm not sure of his circumstances at the minute but he's a player I admire. However, he's not really one we've spoke about. "A lot of what we're doing is for next year. We're planning for that and the year after." Jackson's partner Amelia Smith gave birth to baby daughter, Scottie, in April. His journey into fatherhood has been a distraction from his NRL absence. "Scottie's debut, you dream of stuff like this. Never felt pride like it," Hastings posted on Instagram with a picture of Scottie at her first game last month. The Roosters, fresh from a bye, have lost Robert Toia, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu to Origin duties. Nat Butcher (knee) and Naufahu Whyte (knee) return from injury. Dom Young has been named on the wing in what is potentially his last game for the Roosters before returning to the Knights. He will play on the right flank, with Mark Nawaqanitawase to shift to centre in Toia's absence. Sam Walker starts at halfback in his first game in the NRL this season after a knee reconstruction. The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home. However, they have not beaten the Roosters since a 20-6 victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 12, 2022.
The Advertiser
15 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Afridi, Shamar Joseph headline list of BBL nominees
Pakistan superstar Shaheen Afridi is poised to play in the Big Bash League for the first time, after headlining a list of first nominees for next week's draft. Afridi was one of several Paksitan stars to be unveiled on Tuesday, along with Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan. The quartet are expected to be available for the entire season, with Pakistan having a sizeable gap in their schedule across the Australian summer. Brisbane Heat will become immediate favourites for Shaheen's signature, after winning the first spot in the June 19 overseas player draft. West Indies phenomenon Shamar Joseph has also nominated again after going unsold last season, when he could not play the full tournament. This year, he should be available for the entire campaign. England duo Alex Hales and Sam Curran are also available, and will be cleared to play the majority of the season plus finals if they are picked. A similar scenario applies for New Zealand pacemen Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson, while Sri Lanka entertainer Kusal Perera is another nominee. English pair Heather Knight and Sophie Ecclestone are the biggest names to nominate for the WBBL, with Lauren Bell, Shabnim Ismail and Deandra Dotton also available. Pakistan superstar Shaheen Afridi is poised to play in the Big Bash League for the first time, after headlining a list of first nominees for next week's draft. Afridi was one of several Paksitan stars to be unveiled on Tuesday, along with Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan. The quartet are expected to be available for the entire season, with Pakistan having a sizeable gap in their schedule across the Australian summer. Brisbane Heat will become immediate favourites for Shaheen's signature, after winning the first spot in the June 19 overseas player draft. West Indies phenomenon Shamar Joseph has also nominated again after going unsold last season, when he could not play the full tournament. This year, he should be available for the entire campaign. England duo Alex Hales and Sam Curran are also available, and will be cleared to play the majority of the season plus finals if they are picked. A similar scenario applies for New Zealand pacemen Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson, while Sri Lanka entertainer Kusal Perera is another nominee. English pair Heather Knight and Sophie Ecclestone are the biggest names to nominate for the WBBL, with Lauren Bell, Shabnim Ismail and Deandra Dotton also available. Pakistan superstar Shaheen Afridi is poised to play in the Big Bash League for the first time, after headlining a list of first nominees for next week's draft. Afridi was one of several Paksitan stars to be unveiled on Tuesday, along with Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan. The quartet are expected to be available for the entire season, with Pakistan having a sizeable gap in their schedule across the Australian summer. Brisbane Heat will become immediate favourites for Shaheen's signature, after winning the first spot in the June 19 overseas player draft. West Indies phenomenon Shamar Joseph has also nominated again after going unsold last season, when he could not play the full tournament. This year, he should be available for the entire campaign. England duo Alex Hales and Sam Curran are also available, and will be cleared to play the majority of the season plus finals if they are picked. A similar scenario applies for New Zealand pacemen Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson, while Sri Lanka entertainer Kusal Perera is another nominee. English pair Heather Knight and Sophie Ecclestone are the biggest names to nominate for the WBBL, with Lauren Bell, Shabnim Ismail and Deandra Dotton also available.
