Pantomime villains: Why the Lions aren't everyone's cup of tea
Last Thursday in Adelaide, after the team announcement to face the Australia and New Zealand XV at the elite St Peter's College, a schoolboy tried to ask a question before being shut down by the Lions' management. Perhaps they were concerned he was going to draw attention to frequent offsides or the issues at the breakdown.
The battler
It is almost impossible to consider booing an Australian, never mind one as likeable off the field as Melbourne-raised Scotland centre Sione Tuipulotu.
Tuipulotu's brilliance for Scotland and the Lions comes after he failed to cement his place in Australian rugby.
If there is a slight point of contention, it was the Scottish centre's row with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on a chilly day last November in Edinburgh.
Suaalii tried to dominate Tuipulotu at the point of contact, but managed to injure himself making a big tackle. There was sledging between the two in a subsequent scuffle, with Suaalii telling his compatriot he would 'see you next time'. That next time comes on Saturday night.
The bruiser
Lions loosehead prop Ellis Genge will have happy memories of the last time he visited Suncorp Stadium. Playing for England, he helped defeat the Wallabies in the second Test in a standout performance that helped his country level the series, before going on to win it overall in Sydney.
Genge had been stung by Taniela Tupou saying that he looked forward to smashing him, and instead meted out the punishment to the Wallabies, running over Michael Hooper after just 30 seconds. The prop also shoved the Wallabies' captain in the chest after a try was scored by Billy Vunipola.
Genge escaped sanction after tackling halfback Nic White and using his elbow to keep the Wallabies player pinned to the ground.
'Leaning on me with an elbow is a nice way to put it. Ellis has that in his game,' White said after the game in Brisbane.
Wallabies fans will have an opportunity to see the new, matured Genge, who is letting his actions speak far louder than his words this time in Brisbane.
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The Advertiser
35 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Knee 'cooked' but Kyrgios back on track for US Open
Nick Kyrgios has come through his first match since March, and just his sixth this year, completing just under an hour on court in a men's doubles defeat at the ATP Tour's DC Open. Partnering French veteran Gael Monfils, and playing in front of NBA star Kevin Durant, the pair had a tough opening draw against third seeds Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Hugo Nys, and were beaten 6-2 6-2. Nonetheless, just being on court in the Washington heat was something of an achievement for the 30-year-old Australian who has been dogged by injury since reaching the Wimbledon final in 2022. Kyrgios has a current ATP ranking of 640, but has activated his protected ranking of 21 to be included on the official entry list for the final grand slam of the year in New York. "I wanted to play singles, but six weeks ago I had a bit of a niggle with my knee," Kyrgios said. "So it's just going to take a bit more time." Worryingly though the Canberran did grab at his knee during the contest and limped towards the end, later posting on Instagram: "Knee cooked but fans still f****d with us." Kyrgios last played doubles at the Australian Open in January, calling it quits in his opening match alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis when 7-5 3-2 down to fellow Aussies James Duckworth and Aleksandar Vukic. He subsequently played three singles matches, retiring when trailling 7-6 (8-6) 3-0 in the first round at Indian Wells in March. The wrist he had an operation on in September 2023 was still an issue. However, he reached the second round at the Miami Open later in the month, beating McKenzie McDonald for his first singles win since 2022. In the second round he lost to Karen Khachanov and this outing in the US capital was his first match since. Roger-Vasselin and Nys will next face Australia's Paris Olympics doubles champions Matt Ebden and John Peers after their straight-sets win. Earlier on Monday, Chris O'Connell went down 6-3 6-2 to American Ethan Quinn, while Vukic overcame big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4 3-6 6-3. Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin are also in the ATP 500 event but have received first-round byes. De Minaur told he was hoping to use the tournament as a springboard to climb the rankings ahead of the US Open. The hip injury suffered at Wimbledon 2024 meant the Australian No.1 did not play any of the hardcourt warm-ups before Flushing Meadows, so he has plenty of ranking points to gain. "It was somewhat difficult at the start of the year and mentally taxing knowing that I had zeros on my ranking because I missed Masters events," the current world No.13 said. "I knew it would be important to put myself in a good position for the back end of the year when I have little to defend, giving hope that I could gain some serious points and momentum and build on the ranking. "So going into the tail end of the year, I'm excited for the opportunity and hoping I can play good tennis and take care of my chances." Looking further ahead the Sydneysider added: "I've got the experience now. I've got the knowledge, the physicality side of things. Everything is just there for me to go out and perform. "I can really have a swing these next three or four years and really show that I'm at my peak and break through some barriers. "I'm ready to go deep into tournaments. It's just up to myself to put those results right." Nick Kyrgios has come through his first match since March, and just his sixth this year, completing just under an hour on court in a men's doubles defeat at the ATP Tour's DC Open. Partnering French veteran Gael Monfils, and playing in front of NBA star Kevin Durant, the pair had a tough opening draw against third seeds Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Hugo Nys, and were beaten 6-2 6-2. Nonetheless, just being on court in the Washington heat was something of an achievement for the 30-year-old Australian who has been dogged by injury since reaching the Wimbledon final in 2022. Kyrgios has a current ATP ranking of 640, but has activated his protected ranking of 21 to be included on the official entry list for the final grand slam of the year in New York. "I wanted to play singles, but six weeks ago I had a bit of a niggle with my knee," Kyrgios said. "So it's just going to take a bit more time." Worryingly though the Canberran did grab at his knee during the contest and limped towards the end, later posting on Instagram: "Knee cooked but fans still f****d with us." Kyrgios last played doubles at the Australian Open in January, calling it quits in his opening match alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis when 7-5 3-2 down to fellow Aussies James Duckworth and Aleksandar Vukic. He subsequently played three singles matches, retiring when trailling 7-6 (8-6) 3-0 in the first round at Indian Wells in March. The wrist he had an operation on in September 2023 was still an issue. However, he reached the second round at the Miami Open later in the month, beating McKenzie McDonald for his first singles win since 2022. In the second round he lost to Karen Khachanov and this outing in the US capital was his first match since. Roger-Vasselin and Nys will next face Australia's Paris Olympics doubles champions Matt Ebden and John Peers after their straight-sets win. Earlier on Monday, Chris O'Connell went down 6-3 6-2 to American Ethan Quinn, while Vukic overcame big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4 3-6 6-3. Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin are also in the ATP 500 event but have received first-round byes. De Minaur told he was hoping to use the tournament as a springboard to climb the rankings ahead of the US Open. The hip injury suffered at Wimbledon 2024 meant the Australian No.1 did not play any of the hardcourt warm-ups before Flushing Meadows, so he has plenty of ranking points to gain. "It was somewhat difficult at the start of the year and mentally taxing knowing that I had zeros on my ranking because I missed Masters events," the current world No.13 said. "I knew it would be important to put myself in a good position for the back end of the year when I have little to defend, giving hope that I could gain some serious points and momentum and build on the ranking. "So going into the tail end of the year, I'm excited for the opportunity and hoping I can play good tennis and take care of my chances." Looking further ahead the Sydneysider added: "I've got the experience now. I've got the knowledge, the physicality side of things. Everything is just there for me to go out and perform. "I can really have a swing these next three or four years and really show that I'm at my peak and break through some barriers. "I'm ready to go deep into tournaments. It's just up to myself to put those results right." Nick Kyrgios has come through his first match since March, and just his sixth this year, completing just under an hour on court in a men's doubles defeat at the ATP Tour's DC Open. Partnering French veteran Gael Monfils, and playing in front of NBA star Kevin Durant, the pair had a tough opening draw against third seeds Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Hugo Nys, and were beaten 6-2 6-2. Nonetheless, just being on court in the Washington heat was something of an achievement for the 30-year-old Australian who has been dogged by injury since reaching the Wimbledon final in 2022. Kyrgios has a current ATP ranking of 640, but has activated his protected ranking of 21 to be included on the official entry list for the final grand slam of the year in New York. "I wanted to play singles, but six weeks ago I had a bit of a niggle with my knee," Kyrgios said. "So it's just going to take a bit more time." Worryingly though the Canberran did grab at his knee during the contest and limped towards the end, later posting on Instagram: "Knee cooked but fans still f****d with us." Kyrgios last played doubles at the Australian Open in January, calling it quits in his opening match alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis when 7-5 3-2 down to fellow Aussies James Duckworth and Aleksandar Vukic. He subsequently played three singles matches, retiring when trailling 7-6 (8-6) 3-0 in the first round at Indian Wells in March. The wrist he had an operation on in September 2023 was still an issue. However, he reached the second round at the Miami Open later in the month, beating McKenzie McDonald for his first singles win since 2022. In the second round he lost to Karen Khachanov and this outing in the US capital was his first match since. Roger-Vasselin and Nys will next face Australia's Paris Olympics doubles champions Matt Ebden and John Peers after their straight-sets win. Earlier on Monday, Chris O'Connell went down 6-3 6-2 to American Ethan Quinn, while Vukic overcame big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4 3-6 6-3. Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin are also in the ATP 500 event but have received first-round byes. De Minaur told he was hoping to use the tournament as a springboard to climb the rankings ahead of the US Open. The hip injury suffered at Wimbledon 2024 meant the Australian No.1 did not play any of the hardcourt warm-ups before Flushing Meadows, so he has plenty of ranking points to gain. "It was somewhat difficult at the start of the year and mentally taxing knowing that I had zeros on my ranking because I missed Masters events," the current world No.13 said. "I knew it would be important to put myself in a good position for the back end of the year when I have little to defend, giving hope that I could gain some serious points and momentum and build on the ranking. "So going into the tail end of the year, I'm excited for the opportunity and hoping I can play good tennis and take care of my chances." Looking further ahead the Sydneysider added: "I've got the experience now. I've got the knowledge, the physicality side of things. Everything is just there for me to go out and perform. "I can really have a swing these next three or four years and really show that I'm at my peak and break through some barriers. "I'm ready to go deep into tournaments. It's just up to myself to put those results right." Nick Kyrgios has come through his first match since March, and just his sixth this year, completing just under an hour on court in a men's doubles defeat at the ATP Tour's DC Open. Partnering French veteran Gael Monfils, and playing in front of NBA star Kevin Durant, the pair had a tough opening draw against third seeds Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Hugo Nys, and were beaten 6-2 6-2. Nonetheless, just being on court in the Washington heat was something of an achievement for the 30-year-old Australian who has been dogged by injury since reaching the Wimbledon final in 2022. Kyrgios has a current ATP ranking of 640, but has activated his protected ranking of 21 to be included on the official entry list for the final grand slam of the year in New York. "I wanted to play singles, but six weeks ago I had a bit of a niggle with my knee," Kyrgios said. "So it's just going to take a bit more time." Worryingly though the Canberran did grab at his knee during the contest and limped towards the end, later posting on Instagram: "Knee cooked but fans still f****d with us." Kyrgios last played doubles at the Australian Open in January, calling it quits in his opening match alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis when 7-5 3-2 down to fellow Aussies James Duckworth and Aleksandar Vukic. He subsequently played three singles matches, retiring when trailling 7-6 (8-6) 3-0 in the first round at Indian Wells in March. The wrist he had an operation on in September 2023 was still an issue. However, he reached the second round at the Miami Open later in the month, beating McKenzie McDonald for his first singles win since 2022. In the second round he lost to Karen Khachanov and this outing in the US capital was his first match since. Roger-Vasselin and Nys will next face Australia's Paris Olympics doubles champions Matt Ebden and John Peers after their straight-sets win. Earlier on Monday, Chris O'Connell went down 6-3 6-2 to American Ethan Quinn, while Vukic overcame big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4 3-6 6-3. Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin are also in the ATP 500 event but have received first-round byes. De Minaur told he was hoping to use the tournament as a springboard to climb the rankings ahead of the US Open. The hip injury suffered at Wimbledon 2024 meant the Australian No.1 did not play any of the hardcourt warm-ups before Flushing Meadows, so he has plenty of ranking points to gain. "It was somewhat difficult at the start of the year and mentally taxing knowing that I had zeros on my ranking because I missed Masters events," the current world No.13 said. "I knew it would be important to put myself in a good position for the back end of the year when I have little to defend, giving hope that I could gain some serious points and momentum and build on the ranking. "So going into the tail end of the year, I'm excited for the opportunity and hoping I can play good tennis and take care of my chances." Looking further ahead the Sydneysider added: "I've got the experience now. I've got the knowledge, the physicality side of things. Everything is just there for me to go out and perform. "I can really have a swing these next three or four years and really show that I'm at my peak and break through some barriers. "I'm ready to go deep into tournaments. It's just up to myself to put those results right."
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
‘Get rid of it!': Rule gripes, ump ‘stinkers' revealed in coaches round table
Never has conjecture over the state of Australian rules football felt hotter than it does right now, as the league's newest football boss, Greg Swann, descended at AFL House on Monday morning. The now-former chief executive of the Brisbane Lions has publicly stated that he has '43 pages of stuff' that people across the league want him to fix, as the 2025 home-and-away season edges closer to the finish line. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Joining AFL 360 at the conclusion of Round 19 on 'Coaches Night', two of the competition's mastermind coaches in Chris Scott and Sam Mitchell were quizzed on numerous topics that could be on Swann's agenda in the coming months. From the contentious sub rule, to the upcoming Tribunal hearing of Steven May, to the length of quarters — among several other things — the two-time Geelong premiership coach and Hawthorn great provided their two cents on a range of issues. Read the full transcript of their discussion below: SUB RULE Sam Mitchell: 'No, get rid of it. It's horrible.' Chris Scott: 'Same.' Asked by Whateley if he believes it would be an 18-0 majority of coaches in favour of removing the sub rule, Mitchell replied with a resounding 'yes'. Scott: 'It was brought up (recently), and there were no dissenters. I'm pretty sure most of the coaches were there last time we were together.' LENGTH OF GAMES Scott: '(It can be tidied up) easily. I think the game's too long, full stop. I think they should shorten the actual quarter length. But the score reviews ... the umpires waiting for the ruckmen to get to a stoppage is a complete nonsense. Sometimes, we've had players come from the interchange bench and get to the stoppage, because the umpires are waiting for the ruckmen. If a player's there, throw it up. If there are no players there, there it up.' Mitchell: 'I'm 120 (minutes total in a game). I like the game, I want more of the game — but less of the stuff in between. I like 120, I'd love a 30-minute quarter and when it gets to 29 minutes, you're waiting for the siren. At the moment, we send a message out to our players sometimes going: 'This is going to be a 34-minute quarter'. That's too long.' Scott: 'I think I'd probably come a little bit more towards you if the playing time was the same, but the wasted time was removed.' BOUNCING THE BALL — STAY OR GO? Mitchell: 'I'm a bounce guy. I like the bounce, but no recalls. I think variability is one of the great parts of our game ... the best umpires bounce it well.' Scott: 'No bounce.' DRAFTING FATHER-SON PLAYERS AND ACADEMIES Scott: 'And no father-son while we're at it!' Scott continued tongue-in-cheek. 'I sort of am (serious though). I think all these things are romantic ideas. When you get to a really equalised competition where every little bit matters, the idea that you have these hug outliers ... I get it controversial, I get it would be pushed back on by the romantics.' 'The Academies serve a purpose, you've just got to pay the right price for the player. And I think if it's really important to develop the game in New South Wales and Queensland, Geelong and Hawthorn (for example) can help with that as well. Let's get up there and really grow the game.' SIMPLIFYING THE GAME FOR UMPIRES Mitchell: 'That's beyond (my scope). The thing I would like, as far as the safety element, I think it should be more incumbent on the player who's 'trying to get hurt' that he is disincentivised to do that. That is something I would lean towards.' STEVEN MAY'S UPCOMING TRIBUNAL Scott: 'If I were the MRO, I wouldn't have put it up.' When asked by Garry Lyon whether the collision was a 'football accident', Scott agreed. Scott: 'The way I think about these things, and the way we coach our players is, you have to be committed to the ball. But in a split-second moment you're second to the ball, you have a very high duty of care to your opponent. I thought he delivered on his duty of care. It would've been very easy for him to turn his body to protect himself. He's going for the bouncing ball, bit of a bad bounce (and) sits up a little bit. His arms are by his side; I thought he did everything he could to mitigate contact, and it was an accident.' Mitchell: 'Well we've got them (Melbourne) in a couple weeks, so I'll be a little bit biased,' he joked. 'I don't think he was trying to hurt him, so I think intent should be taken into account with the MRO more than outcome.' IS DISSENT BACK IN OUR GAME? Scott: 'Well it's, not is it? Has that been explained to you (Mitchell) that if you point to the scoreboard, it's a free?' Mitchell: 'A couple of years ago I feel like it was explained, and it hasn't been one since.' Scott: 'He's (Worner) not even engaging with the umpire here!' Mitchell: 'I have a vague memory, that when the dissent (rule) first came in, that if you point to the scoreboard, that'll be 50 (metres). But that's happened a lot of times since then, and it hasn't been paid ... let's see if it happens again this week.' Scott: 'For me, it's a bit like the protected area (rule). You see a 50-metre penalty paid, and you go: 'Yeah, that is a 50 — the problem is, you missed the 50 before that'. If you're going to pluck that out and say: 'No, that's right' — alright, communicate it to us and players won't (do it). 'My point is, if he's talking to the umpire saying: 'LOOK AT THE SCOREBOARD'... he didn't do that! He was looking at it for his own curiosity (and saying): 'Oh yeah, that was a bad free kick'. And it was! Two stinkers.'
Sydney Morning Herald
2 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Harley Reid wants a multimillion-dollar mega deal. These are the pitfalls and positives
There are more than 30 players across the league now signed until at least 2030, including Melbourne star Kysaiah Pickett, who inked a nine-year deal in June that ties him to the club until the end of 2034. He is the league's longest-signed player. Gold Coast defender Mac Andrew is also on a deal which could extend until 2034, but he must hit certain triggers. Fremantle's Hayden Young is tied to his club through to 2033, while teammate Andrew Brayshaw has signed until 2031. Luke Davies-Uniacke, Max King, Sam Taylor, Connor Rozee, Aaron Naughton, Noah Balta and Connor Idun are among a group contracted until 2032. The debate Industry sources, including list managers and player agents, who spoke to this masthead outlined the pros and potential pitfalls of long-term contracts. But all agreed they were here to stay, unless the AFL legislates change with the AFL Players Association when discussions over the next CBA begin. However, the AFLPA said on Tuesday it had no intention of allowing caps on the length of contracts. It favours the current system, arguing players are already heavily regulated, including having no say on the club they are drafted to, while there are also restrictions on free agency. 'We don't see any reason to change,' interim AFLPA chief executive Ben Smith told RSN this month. It argues long-term contracts will be awarded to a relatively small number of players, pointing out the average length of an AFL career is about six years. The benefits and potential pitfalls of long-term contracts were a topic of discussion at the recent AFL chief executives conference. Safeguards The AFL has introduced what's been dubbed the 'Buddy Franklin rule' – a club's board and executive must sign off on contracts of six or more years. The AFL can also intervene and torpedo the deal, if it feels a club will be financially hamstrung. While this rule ensures there is official transparency between the football department and a club's board, this is still no guarantee the player will flourish. Industry figures contacted by this masthead, for instance, say while Reid is likely to become a superstar, at 20, how can anyone be certain what will transpire over the next decade? The potential pros Security: A long-term deal gives a player – and his family – the financial and emotional security to plan for their future. This helps to retain – and recruit – top talent. Prime years: The club signing the player should have confidence it will reap the best years of the player's career. One recruiting manager said it was important, at times, to be well-researched but also bold in this role, and long-term contracts were now a reflection of this. Salary cap flexibility: While a player may sign a multi-million dollar deal, the money does not have to be paid annually at the same rate. For instance, it could be front-ended, allowing the club greater flexibility to snare more top-end talent years later when the salary cap, as it has always done, increases. Tasmania Devils: The impending addition of the league's 19th club has rivals keen to put their best talent out of arm's reach, at least in the Devils' early years. A long-term contract is the best way to do this, list managers argue. Trade: One potential advantage is that if the player seeks a trade, there can be certainty in the salary the prospective suitor will take on, although this can be reworked. The potential cons Desire: Once the huge pay cheque has been guaranteed, the focus switches to whether that player – now considered a 'franchise cornerstone' – will still have the 'edge' required to reach his full potential. Commitment: As a follow-on to the above point, one veteran recruiter, without giving a specific example, questioned what would happen if a player opted to sit out a year, or even years, over a dispute, or personal issues. 'How does the contract then look in terms of this?' he said. Injuries: If a player is seriously hurt, misses an extended period, then eventually returns to the field but is no longer capable of being an A-grader, the club may find it hard to justify to fans and sponsors the player's huge contract. Loading Concussion and salary cap: The number of players forced into medical retirement because of head trauma is rising. While the AFL provides salary-cap relief for up to three years, with decreasing percentages of relief each year, when a player is recommended to retire by the AFL's medical board, a long-term contract means the club could be on the hook for a long period. While the public debate flares, Eagles coach Andrew McQualter has made it clear what his struggling club thinks about Reid. 'I've got a pen in my pocket, I'm heading over there [to Reid's house] after this,' McQualter joked on 7 News Perth on Monday.
