Cotter starting 9! 0-4 Grant back to 14
NRL: Brent Read has advised Billy Slater to move Harry Grant back to the bench and start Reuben Cotter in the number nine jersey.
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The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
England's Vegas hiding by Australia did damage: coach
Former England women's rugby league head coach Craig Richards believes the 90-4 humiliation by Australia in Las Vegas in March did "a lot of damage" to the perception of the sport in this country. His side's march to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup had a surge of interest in the women's game and led indirectly to a number of star England players landing historic contracts in the fully professional NRL. Richards, who announced his departure from the England job in an emotional press conference after their last defeat to New Zealand, hopes the chastening experience in the US will act as a timely wake-up call for the domestic game. "Social media-wise, it did a lot of damage," said Richards of the Las Vegas clash, which was bolted onto an international program that also saw the start of the men's NRL season and the Super League clash between Wigan and Warrington. "I don't think it was a true reflection of where we are at. I'm not saying we're anywhere close to beating the Aussies, but I also don't believe there is a 90-point gap. "Internally it didn't harm us, but it made us question whether we are resting a little bit, and if we need to dig in a little bit deeper. I think the women's game is still in a good place, but we don't hide from the fact that there is still a lot to be done." After leaving the international set-up, Richards returned to St Helens where he succeeded Matty Smith as women's joint head coach alongside Derek Hardman for the start of the current campaign. He will lead Saints out at Wembley on Saturday as they bid for their fifth successive women's Challenge Cup win against Wigan, in a match Richards hopes will serve as a timely reminder of the strength of the English women's game. Former England women's rugby league head coach Craig Richards believes the 90-4 humiliation by Australia in Las Vegas in March did "a lot of damage" to the perception of the sport in this country. His side's march to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup had a surge of interest in the women's game and led indirectly to a number of star England players landing historic contracts in the fully professional NRL. Richards, who announced his departure from the England job in an emotional press conference after their last defeat to New Zealand, hopes the chastening experience in the US will act as a timely wake-up call for the domestic game. "Social media-wise, it did a lot of damage," said Richards of the Las Vegas clash, which was bolted onto an international program that also saw the start of the men's NRL season and the Super League clash between Wigan and Warrington. "I don't think it was a true reflection of where we are at. I'm not saying we're anywhere close to beating the Aussies, but I also don't believe there is a 90-point gap. "Internally it didn't harm us, but it made us question whether we are resting a little bit, and if we need to dig in a little bit deeper. I think the women's game is still in a good place, but we don't hide from the fact that there is still a lot to be done." After leaving the international set-up, Richards returned to St Helens where he succeeded Matty Smith as women's joint head coach alongside Derek Hardman for the start of the current campaign. He will lead Saints out at Wembley on Saturday as they bid for their fifth successive women's Challenge Cup win against Wigan, in a match Richards hopes will serve as a timely reminder of the strength of the English women's game. Former England women's rugby league head coach Craig Richards believes the 90-4 humiliation by Australia in Las Vegas in March did "a lot of damage" to the perception of the sport in this country. His side's march to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup had a surge of interest in the women's game and led indirectly to a number of star England players landing historic contracts in the fully professional NRL. Richards, who announced his departure from the England job in an emotional press conference after their last defeat to New Zealand, hopes the chastening experience in the US will act as a timely wake-up call for the domestic game. "Social media-wise, it did a lot of damage," said Richards of the Las Vegas clash, which was bolted onto an international program that also saw the start of the men's NRL season and the Super League clash between Wigan and Warrington. "I don't think it was a true reflection of where we are at. I'm not saying we're anywhere close to beating the Aussies, but I also don't believe there is a 90-point gap. "Internally it didn't harm us, but it made us question whether we are resting a little bit, and if we need to dig in a little bit deeper. I think the women's game is still in a good place, but we don't hide from the fact that there is still a lot to be done." After leaving the international set-up, Richards returned to St Helens where he succeeded Matty Smith as women's joint head coach alongside Derek Hardman for the start of the current campaign. He will lead Saints out at Wembley on Saturday as they bid for their fifth successive women's Challenge Cup win against Wigan, in a match Richards hopes will serve as a timely reminder of the strength of the English women's game.
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Aussie Matt Dufty bans mum from Challenge Cup Final
Warrington full-back Matt Dufty has banned his mum from this weekend's Challenge Cup final at Wembley because she has never seen him win. Dufty's dad Glenn is planning to jet in from Australia in the hope of watching his son lift major silverware for the first time, but mum Leonie is under strict instructions to stay at home. "My mum hasn't seen me win yet," laughed Dufty. "She's come over and watched me seven times and we've lost all seven. So she's not allowed to come this week." The 29-year-old Dufty, who joined the Wolves midway through the 2022 season, has emerged as an increasingly important component in a side whose spine has been ravaged by injuries during this campaign. He was coached by his dad from an early age and earned rave reviews in the NRL, but is still missing the major trophy that he believes will make all his family's early sacrifices worthwhile. "My dad's coming over for the game because he didn't get the opportunity to come and watch me play last year," added Dufty. "He's been a big part of my rugby league journey and he came out to watch me play in Las Vegas earlier this year, but he hasn't seen me lift anything professionally. "So if I could get some silverware whilst he's watching I think it would be special for me and for our family." Despite scoring his side's opening try, Dufty endured a final to forget last season when he was sin-binned after just five minutes and Warrington never fully recovered as they slid to an 18-8 defeat to Wigan. But he has continued to emerge as one of Super League's star playmakers this season, assuming extra responsibility during long injury lay-offs for the likes of captain George Williams and hooker Danny Walker. "It's been a bit of a different year and while I probably haven't had the same impact on the team, I feel like I've grown into a different role," added Dufty, who played for St George Illawarra and Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL. "For me it's been about learning and growing as a player and doing what's best for the team. I've learned a lot about myself as a player and a leader." Having started in the game at the age of four after he was rejected for a soccer camp, Dufty grew up as a keen scholar of the game on both sides of the world, and can think of few better scenarios than capping his career with a Challenge Cup winners' medal. "It was always something we watched back home," added Dufty. "Then when you come over you realise how important the Challenge Cup is to English culture and how much prestige is behind it. "Last year I got to experience it first-hand and it wasn't the way we wanted it, but we've got another chance two years in a row and the experience we gained from 2024 is going to be massive for us." Warrington full-back Matt Dufty has banned his mum from this weekend's Challenge Cup final at Wembley because she has never seen him win. Dufty's dad Glenn is planning to jet in from Australia in the hope of watching his son lift major silverware for the first time, but mum Leonie is under strict instructions to stay at home. "My mum hasn't seen me win yet," laughed Dufty. "She's come over and watched me seven times and we've lost all seven. So she's not allowed to come this week." The 29-year-old Dufty, who joined the Wolves midway through the 2022 season, has emerged as an increasingly important component in a side whose spine has been ravaged by injuries during this campaign. He was coached by his dad from an early age and earned rave reviews in the NRL, but is still missing the major trophy that he believes will make all his family's early sacrifices worthwhile. "My dad's coming over for the game because he didn't get the opportunity to come and watch me play last year," added Dufty. "He's been a big part of my rugby league journey and he came out to watch me play in Las Vegas earlier this year, but he hasn't seen me lift anything professionally. "So if I could get some silverware whilst he's watching I think it would be special for me and for our family." Despite scoring his side's opening try, Dufty endured a final to forget last season when he was sin-binned after just five minutes and Warrington never fully recovered as they slid to an 18-8 defeat to Wigan. But he has continued to emerge as one of Super League's star playmakers this season, assuming extra responsibility during long injury lay-offs for the likes of captain George Williams and hooker Danny Walker. "It's been a bit of a different year and while I probably haven't had the same impact on the team, I feel like I've grown into a different role," added Dufty, who played for St George Illawarra and Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL. "For me it's been about learning and growing as a player and doing what's best for the team. I've learned a lot about myself as a player and a leader." Having started in the game at the age of four after he was rejected for a soccer camp, Dufty grew up as a keen scholar of the game on both sides of the world, and can think of few better scenarios than capping his career with a Challenge Cup winners' medal. "It was always something we watched back home," added Dufty. "Then when you come over you realise how important the Challenge Cup is to English culture and how much prestige is behind it. "Last year I got to experience it first-hand and it wasn't the way we wanted it, but we've got another chance two years in a row and the experience we gained from 2024 is going to be massive for us." Warrington full-back Matt Dufty has banned his mum from this weekend's Challenge Cup final at Wembley because she has never seen him win. Dufty's dad Glenn is planning to jet in from Australia in the hope of watching his son lift major silverware for the first time, but mum Leonie is under strict instructions to stay at home. "My mum hasn't seen me win yet," laughed Dufty. "She's come over and watched me seven times and we've lost all seven. So she's not allowed to come this week." The 29-year-old Dufty, who joined the Wolves midway through the 2022 season, has emerged as an increasingly important component in a side whose spine has been ravaged by injuries during this campaign. He was coached by his dad from an early age and earned rave reviews in the NRL, but is still missing the major trophy that he believes will make all his family's early sacrifices worthwhile. "My dad's coming over for the game because he didn't get the opportunity to come and watch me play last year," added Dufty. "He's been a big part of my rugby league journey and he came out to watch me play in Las Vegas earlier this year, but he hasn't seen me lift anything professionally. "So if I could get some silverware whilst he's watching I think it would be special for me and for our family." Despite scoring his side's opening try, Dufty endured a final to forget last season when he was sin-binned after just five minutes and Warrington never fully recovered as they slid to an 18-8 defeat to Wigan. But he has continued to emerge as one of Super League's star playmakers this season, assuming extra responsibility during long injury lay-offs for the likes of captain George Williams and hooker Danny Walker. "It's been a bit of a different year and while I probably haven't had the same impact on the team, I feel like I've grown into a different role," added Dufty, who played for St George Illawarra and Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL. "For me it's been about learning and growing as a player and doing what's best for the team. I've learned a lot about myself as a player and a leader." Having started in the game at the age of four after he was rejected for a soccer camp, Dufty grew up as a keen scholar of the game on both sides of the world, and can think of few better scenarios than capping his career with a Challenge Cup winners' medal. "It was always something we watched back home," added Dufty. "Then when you come over you realise how important the Challenge Cup is to English culture and how much prestige is behind it. "Last year I got to experience it first-hand and it wasn't the way we wanted it, but we've got another chance two years in a row and the experience we gained from 2024 is going to be massive for us."
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
How Neale Daniher's blue beanie blockbuster is inspiring change, fuelling hope
Motor neurone disease warrior Neale Daniher has a simple but powerful message for young people in 2025: learn how to be resilient. "It's not a matter of if life gets tough, it's when and how often," the 2025 Australian of the Year said. "Character isn't just built in the good times - it's built even more in the tough times. Like a nation, like a football club, like a family, strength is forged through struggle." This long weekend the 64-year-old former Melbourne coach and Essendon player will rally the nation once again around FightMND, the charity he co-founded and which has raised $115 million for research to find a cure for the disease he has battled since 2013. FightMND's 11th annual "Big Freeze at the 'G" fundraiser takes place before the June 9 King's Birthday AFL clash between Collingwood and Melbourne. Big Freeze 11 blue beanies have been on sale at Coles and Bunnings stores in recent weeks and the MCG is expected to be a sea of blue on Monday. Inspired by the words of the philosopher Kierkegaard - "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards" - Daniher said: "This year we're daring everyone to live it forward. To live in the moment. To take bold steps toward a brighter future for those living with MND and in memory of those we've lost." The theme for this year's sliders is "iconic Australians" - a nod to Daniher's Australian of the Year honour. The 10 celebrities taking the toboggan plunge into a pool of ice costumed as Aussie stage, screen and sporting legends include Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus, actor Matt Nable (who lost his brother to MND), former Australian cricket captain and 1999 Australian of the Year Mark Taylor, Olympian and Sunrise co-host Matt Shirvington, AFL legends Peter Daicos and Aaron Davey, netballer Liz Watson and Aussie cricket captain Alyssa Healy. "Since the first Big Freeze in 2015, this movement has grown into a force of nature, fuelled by the generosity of Australians across the country," Daniher says. "The generosity and unwavering spirit of the community has inspired change and fuelled hope." A year after his diagnosis, Daniher co-founded FightMND with Dr Ian Davis and Pat Cunningham. Sadly, MND has since claimed the lives of Dr Davis and Mr Cunningham's wife Angie, but the legacy they created with Daniher lives on. "Neale is an inspiration to many millions of Australians," AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, a FightMND board member, said. "His achievements on the footy field were remarkable, while his legacy off the field in helping raise awareness and find a cure for MND is legendary. There is no bigger champion than Neale, as he continues to amaze us with his resilience, passion and drive, all while keeping his cheeky Daniher wit." While MND has robbed the West Wyalong-born, Riverina-raised Daniher of the ability to speak, he uses eye-gaze technology to communicate. When he accepted his Australian of the Year Award in Canberra in January, his speech was read by a robotic voice. But the voice now sounds like the real Neale thanks to AI and recordings of his media conferences from his coaching days. "It's much better than the robot voice I had, but I don't sit around listening to myself all day," Daniher told 7News. He recently took his message in person to school students in Perth - his first official interstate trip as Australian of the Year. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE OUR NEXT AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR With his young, WA-based grandson Cooper watching on, he urged the 200 students to face life's challenges with strength and positivity. "What do you wish for someone you love?" he asked. "Most people would say 'I want them to be happy' or healthy or to find something they're passionate about, or maybe to find love; and all of that is important. "But today, I want to give you an alternative. The one thing I really wish for Cooper - and for you - is to learn how to be resilient. "Resilience is simply the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change and keep going when things get tough. It doesn't mean you don't feel pain, disappointment or frustration. It means you don't let those feelings define you or stop you from moving forward. "You have to find the courage to take responsibility, not to pass the buck, not to procrastinate, not to make excuses. You have to summon something from within you, from the better side of your character, and let it help you rise up." Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at Motor neurone disease warrior Neale Daniher has a simple but powerful message for young people in 2025: learn how to be resilient. "It's not a matter of if life gets tough, it's when and how often," the 2025 Australian of the Year said. "Character isn't just built in the good times - it's built even more in the tough times. Like a nation, like a football club, like a family, strength is forged through struggle." This long weekend the 64-year-old former Melbourne coach and Essendon player will rally the nation once again around FightMND, the charity he co-founded and which has raised $115 million for research to find a cure for the disease he has battled since 2013. FightMND's 11th annual "Big Freeze at the 'G" fundraiser takes place before the June 9 King's Birthday AFL clash between Collingwood and Melbourne. Big Freeze 11 blue beanies have been on sale at Coles and Bunnings stores in recent weeks and the MCG is expected to be a sea of blue on Monday. Inspired by the words of the philosopher Kierkegaard - "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards" - Daniher said: "This year we're daring everyone to live it forward. To live in the moment. To take bold steps toward a brighter future for those living with MND and in memory of those we've lost." The theme for this year's sliders is "iconic Australians" - a nod to Daniher's Australian of the Year honour. The 10 celebrities taking the toboggan plunge into a pool of ice costumed as Aussie stage, screen and sporting legends include Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus, actor Matt Nable (who lost his brother to MND), former Australian cricket captain and 1999 Australian of the Year Mark Taylor, Olympian and Sunrise co-host Matt Shirvington, AFL legends Peter Daicos and Aaron Davey, netballer Liz Watson and Aussie cricket captain Alyssa Healy. "Since the first Big Freeze in 2015, this movement has grown into a force of nature, fuelled by the generosity of Australians across the country," Daniher says. "The generosity and unwavering spirit of the community has inspired change and fuelled hope." A year after his diagnosis, Daniher co-founded FightMND with Dr Ian Davis and Pat Cunningham. Sadly, MND has since claimed the lives of Dr Davis and Mr Cunningham's wife Angie, but the legacy they created with Daniher lives on. "Neale is an inspiration to many millions of Australians," AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, a FightMND board member, said. "His achievements on the footy field were remarkable, while his legacy off the field in helping raise awareness and find a cure for MND is legendary. There is no bigger champion than Neale, as he continues to amaze us with his resilience, passion and drive, all while keeping his cheeky Daniher wit." While MND has robbed the West Wyalong-born, Riverina-raised Daniher of the ability to speak, he uses eye-gaze technology to communicate. When he accepted his Australian of the Year Award in Canberra in January, his speech was read by a robotic voice. But the voice now sounds like the real Neale thanks to AI and recordings of his media conferences from his coaching days. "It's much better than the robot voice I had, but I don't sit around listening to myself all day," Daniher told 7News. He recently took his message in person to school students in Perth - his first official interstate trip as Australian of the Year. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE OUR NEXT AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR With his young, WA-based grandson Cooper watching on, he urged the 200 students to face life's challenges with strength and positivity. "What do you wish for someone you love?" he asked. "Most people would say 'I want them to be happy' or healthy or to find something they're passionate about, or maybe to find love; and all of that is important. "But today, I want to give you an alternative. The one thing I really wish for Cooper - and for you - is to learn how to be resilient. "Resilience is simply the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change and keep going when things get tough. It doesn't mean you don't feel pain, disappointment or frustration. It means you don't let those feelings define you or stop you from moving forward. "You have to find the courage to take responsibility, not to pass the buck, not to procrastinate, not to make excuses. You have to summon something from within you, from the better side of your character, and let it help you rise up." Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at Motor neurone disease warrior Neale Daniher has a simple but powerful message for young people in 2025: learn how to be resilient. "It's not a matter of if life gets tough, it's when and how often," the 2025 Australian of the Year said. "Character isn't just built in the good times - it's built even more in the tough times. Like a nation, like a football club, like a family, strength is forged through struggle." This long weekend the 64-year-old former Melbourne coach and Essendon player will rally the nation once again around FightMND, the charity he co-founded and which has raised $115 million for research to find a cure for the disease he has battled since 2013. FightMND's 11th annual "Big Freeze at the 'G" fundraiser takes place before the June 9 King's Birthday AFL clash between Collingwood and Melbourne. Big Freeze 11 blue beanies have been on sale at Coles and Bunnings stores in recent weeks and the MCG is expected to be a sea of blue on Monday. Inspired by the words of the philosopher Kierkegaard - "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards" - Daniher said: "This year we're daring everyone to live it forward. To live in the moment. To take bold steps toward a brighter future for those living with MND and in memory of those we've lost." The theme for this year's sliders is "iconic Australians" - a nod to Daniher's Australian of the Year honour. The 10 celebrities taking the toboggan plunge into a pool of ice costumed as Aussie stage, screen and sporting legends include Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus, actor Matt Nable (who lost his brother to MND), former Australian cricket captain and 1999 Australian of the Year Mark Taylor, Olympian and Sunrise co-host Matt Shirvington, AFL legends Peter Daicos and Aaron Davey, netballer Liz Watson and Aussie cricket captain Alyssa Healy. "Since the first Big Freeze in 2015, this movement has grown into a force of nature, fuelled by the generosity of Australians across the country," Daniher says. "The generosity and unwavering spirit of the community has inspired change and fuelled hope." A year after his diagnosis, Daniher co-founded FightMND with Dr Ian Davis and Pat Cunningham. Sadly, MND has since claimed the lives of Dr Davis and Mr Cunningham's wife Angie, but the legacy they created with Daniher lives on. "Neale is an inspiration to many millions of Australians," AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, a FightMND board member, said. "His achievements on the footy field were remarkable, while his legacy off the field in helping raise awareness and find a cure for MND is legendary. There is no bigger champion than Neale, as he continues to amaze us with his resilience, passion and drive, all while keeping his cheeky Daniher wit." While MND has robbed the West Wyalong-born, Riverina-raised Daniher of the ability to speak, he uses eye-gaze technology to communicate. When he accepted his Australian of the Year Award in Canberra in January, his speech was read by a robotic voice. But the voice now sounds like the real Neale thanks to AI and recordings of his media conferences from his coaching days. "It's much better than the robot voice I had, but I don't sit around listening to myself all day," Daniher told 7News. He recently took his message in person to school students in Perth - his first official interstate trip as Australian of the Year. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE OUR NEXT AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR With his young, WA-based grandson Cooper watching on, he urged the 200 students to face life's challenges with strength and positivity. "What do you wish for someone you love?" he asked. "Most people would say 'I want them to be happy' or healthy or to find something they're passionate about, or maybe to find love; and all of that is important. "But today, I want to give you an alternative. The one thing I really wish for Cooper - and for you - is to learn how to be resilient. "Resilience is simply the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change and keep going when things get tough. It doesn't mean you don't feel pain, disappointment or frustration. It means you don't let those feelings define you or stop you from moving forward. "You have to find the courage to take responsibility, not to pass the buck, not to procrastinate, not to make excuses. You have to summon something from within you, from the better side of your character, and let it help you rise up." Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at
