Magpies celebrate Brain Cancer Awareness as Stapleford marks 10 years tumour free
Maitland FC women's players will wear special Brain Cancer Awareness jerseys against Adamstown on Sunday as their star forward Sophie Stapleford marks 10 years tumour free.
The annual Brain Cancer Awareness game has become a cherished part of the Magpies season as they celebrate favourite daughter and star forward Sophie Stapleford's successful battle against a brain tumour.
It is 10 years since Stapleford's life was turned upside down when world renowned neurosurgeon Charlie Teo told her: "You have a large aggressive brain tumour."
"These words completely changed my life. Everything suddenly came to a halt, literally I had to stop everything," Stapleford told the Maitland Mercury in 2022.
Doctors were able to successfully remove her brain tumour and after further treatment Stapleford returned to footballl in 2017.
"The 18th of May 2015, 10 years ago I became a survivor," Stapleford recalled this week of her recovery after surgery.
"There weren't many positive outcomes being spoken, you had two weeks left in you, you won't play sport again, a heart condition, a lot of every day side effects, there were a lot of hard times, the normal things became difficult.
"Resilience became a must and survival was the only option.
"With all of that, if you have a village of incredibly supportive, positive people lifting you up anything is possible.I am thankful for it all, I wasn't at the time but I am now.
"I am so thankful for every day that I can run on to the field, I'm blessed to be out here because there were days I couldn't be," she said.
Stapleford led Maitland when they entered the competition in 2021, and after a stint with the Newcastle Jets has been a mainstay of the Maitland team, leading them to the NPLW premiership last season.
She said she felt humbled by the day, but appreciated the club's effort to show her how much they cared about her.
It was also an opportunity to share the words from her pop's own battle with cancer that: "If you stay positive you can get through even the worst days."
"I strive to promote that because unless you've been there you really don't know," she said.
Stapleford said brain cancer kills more children in Australia than any other disease.
"It kills more people under 40 than any other cancer.There is a 22 per cent survival rate," she said.
"The financial cost of brain cancer, to both patients and society is the highest of all cancers.
"Brain tumours can have lasting and life altering physical, cognitive, and psychological impacts on a patients life more than any other disease.
"The stats are absolutely devastating, yet it is the least funded and the least talked about."
The Magpies had their first loss of the season in the Women's League Cup last weekend going down 3-2 to Charlestown Azzurri, but remain unbeaten in the premier league competition with eight wins and a draw.
They are six points clear on top of the table from Azzurri, who have a game in hand, and defeated their main rival 3-0 away in round 7 in April.
The other NPLW games this weekend have been postponed.
Maitland FC's NPLM game against Valentine on Saturday has been postponed.
It followed the wash-out of last Wednesday's round 10 catch-up fixture against Belmont Swansea.
The Weston Bears home game against Charlestown Azzurri on Saturday has also been postponed.
Maitland FC women's players will wear special Brain Cancer Awareness jerseys against Adamstown on Sunday as their star forward Sophie Stapleford marks 10 years tumour free.
The annual Brain Cancer Awareness game has become a cherished part of the Magpies season as they celebrate favourite daughter and star forward Sophie Stapleford's successful battle against a brain tumour.
It is 10 years since Stapleford's life was turned upside down when world renowned neurosurgeon Charlie Teo told her: "You have a large aggressive brain tumour."
"These words completely changed my life. Everything suddenly came to a halt, literally I had to stop everything," Stapleford told the Maitland Mercury in 2022.
Doctors were able to successfully remove her brain tumour and after further treatment Stapleford returned to footballl in 2017.
"The 18th of May 2015, 10 years ago I became a survivor," Stapleford recalled this week of her recovery after surgery.
"There weren't many positive outcomes being spoken, you had two weeks left in you, you won't play sport again, a heart condition, a lot of every day side effects, there were a lot of hard times, the normal things became difficult.
"Resilience became a must and survival was the only option.
"With all of that, if you have a village of incredibly supportive, positive people lifting you up anything is possible.I am thankful for it all, I wasn't at the time but I am now.
"I am so thankful for every day that I can run on to the field, I'm blessed to be out here because there were days I couldn't be," she said.
Stapleford led Maitland when they entered the competition in 2021, and after a stint with the Newcastle Jets has been a mainstay of the Maitland team, leading them to the NPLW premiership last season.
She said she felt humbled by the day, but appreciated the club's effort to show her how much they cared about her.
It was also an opportunity to share the words from her pop's own battle with cancer that: "If you stay positive you can get through even the worst days."
"I strive to promote that because unless you've been there you really don't know," she said.
Stapleford said brain cancer kills more children in Australia than any other disease.
"It kills more people under 40 than any other cancer.There is a 22 per cent survival rate," she said.
"The financial cost of brain cancer, to both patients and society is the highest of all cancers.
"Brain tumours can have lasting and life altering physical, cognitive, and psychological impacts on a patients life more than any other disease.
"The stats are absolutely devastating, yet it is the least funded and the least talked about."
The Magpies had their first loss of the season in the Women's League Cup last weekend going down 3-2 to Charlestown Azzurri, but remain unbeaten in the premier league competition with eight wins and a draw.
They are six points clear on top of the table from Azzurri, who have a game in hand, and defeated their main rival 3-0 away in round 7 in April.
The other NPLW games this weekend have been postponed.
Maitland FC's NPLM game against Valentine on Saturday has been postponed.
It followed the wash-out of last Wednesday's round 10 catch-up fixture against Belmont Swansea.
The Weston Bears home game against Charlestown Azzurri on Saturday has also been postponed.
Maitland FC women's players will wear special Brain Cancer Awareness jerseys against Adamstown on Sunday as their star forward Sophie Stapleford marks 10 years tumour free.
The annual Brain Cancer Awareness game has become a cherished part of the Magpies season as they celebrate favourite daughter and star forward Sophie Stapleford's successful battle against a brain tumour.
It is 10 years since Stapleford's life was turned upside down when world renowned neurosurgeon Charlie Teo told her: "You have a large aggressive brain tumour."
"These words completely changed my life. Everything suddenly came to a halt, literally I had to stop everything," Stapleford told the Maitland Mercury in 2022.
Doctors were able to successfully remove her brain tumour and after further treatment Stapleford returned to footballl in 2017.
"The 18th of May 2015, 10 years ago I became a survivor," Stapleford recalled this week of her recovery after surgery.
"There weren't many positive outcomes being spoken, you had two weeks left in you, you won't play sport again, a heart condition, a lot of every day side effects, there were a lot of hard times, the normal things became difficult.
"Resilience became a must and survival was the only option.
"With all of that, if you have a village of incredibly supportive, positive people lifting you up anything is possible.I am thankful for it all, I wasn't at the time but I am now.
"I am so thankful for every day that I can run on to the field, I'm blessed to be out here because there were days I couldn't be," she said.
Stapleford led Maitland when they entered the competition in 2021, and after a stint with the Newcastle Jets has been a mainstay of the Maitland team, leading them to the NPLW premiership last season.
She said she felt humbled by the day, but appreciated the club's effort to show her how much they cared about her.
It was also an opportunity to share the words from her pop's own battle with cancer that: "If you stay positive you can get through even the worst days."
"I strive to promote that because unless you've been there you really don't know," she said.
Stapleford said brain cancer kills more children in Australia than any other disease.
"It kills more people under 40 than any other cancer.There is a 22 per cent survival rate," she said.
"The financial cost of brain cancer, to both patients and society is the highest of all cancers.
"Brain tumours can have lasting and life altering physical, cognitive, and psychological impacts on a patients life more than any other disease.
"The stats are absolutely devastating, yet it is the least funded and the least talked about."
The Magpies had their first loss of the season in the Women's League Cup last weekend going down 3-2 to Charlestown Azzurri, but remain unbeaten in the premier league competition with eight wins and a draw.
They are six points clear on top of the table from Azzurri, who have a game in hand, and defeated their main rival 3-0 away in round 7 in April.
The other NPLW games this weekend have been postponed.
Maitland FC's NPLM game against Valentine on Saturday has been postponed.
It followed the wash-out of last Wednesday's round 10 catch-up fixture against Belmont Swansea.
The Weston Bears home game against Charlestown Azzurri on Saturday has also been postponed.
Maitland FC women's players will wear special Brain Cancer Awareness jerseys against Adamstown on Sunday as their star forward Sophie Stapleford marks 10 years tumour free.
The annual Brain Cancer Awareness game has become a cherished part of the Magpies season as they celebrate favourite daughter and star forward Sophie Stapleford's successful battle against a brain tumour.
It is 10 years since Stapleford's life was turned upside down when world renowned neurosurgeon Charlie Teo told her: "You have a large aggressive brain tumour."
"These words completely changed my life. Everything suddenly came to a halt, literally I had to stop everything," Stapleford told the Maitland Mercury in 2022.
Doctors were able to successfully remove her brain tumour and after further treatment Stapleford returned to footballl in 2017.
"The 18th of May 2015, 10 years ago I became a survivor," Stapleford recalled this week of her recovery after surgery.
"There weren't many positive outcomes being spoken, you had two weeks left in you, you won't play sport again, a heart condition, a lot of every day side effects, there were a lot of hard times, the normal things became difficult.
"Resilience became a must and survival was the only option.
"With all of that, if you have a village of incredibly supportive, positive people lifting you up anything is possible.I am thankful for it all, I wasn't at the time but I am now.
"I am so thankful for every day that I can run on to the field, I'm blessed to be out here because there were days I couldn't be," she said.
Stapleford led Maitland when they entered the competition in 2021, and after a stint with the Newcastle Jets has been a mainstay of the Maitland team, leading them to the NPLW premiership last season.
She said she felt humbled by the day, but appreciated the club's effort to show her how much they cared about her.
It was also an opportunity to share the words from her pop's own battle with cancer that: "If you stay positive you can get through even the worst days."
"I strive to promote that because unless you've been there you really don't know," she said.
Stapleford said brain cancer kills more children in Australia than any other disease.
"It kills more people under 40 than any other cancer.There is a 22 per cent survival rate," she said.
"The financial cost of brain cancer, to both patients and society is the highest of all cancers.
"Brain tumours can have lasting and life altering physical, cognitive, and psychological impacts on a patients life more than any other disease.
"The stats are absolutely devastating, yet it is the least funded and the least talked about."
The Magpies had their first loss of the season in the Women's League Cup last weekend going down 3-2 to Charlestown Azzurri, but remain unbeaten in the premier league competition with eight wins and a draw.
They are six points clear on top of the table from Azzurri, who have a game in hand, and defeated their main rival 3-0 away in round 7 in April.
The other NPLW games this weekend have been postponed.
Maitland FC's NPLM game against Valentine on Saturday has been postponed.
It followed the wash-out of last Wednesday's round 10 catch-up fixture against Belmont Swansea.
The Weston Bears home game against Charlestown Azzurri on Saturday has also been postponed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
Five things you need to know about sport for the long weekend
Maitland coach Adams Hughes knew Braedyn Crowley would hit form, it was a matter of providing service to the prolific striker. Crowley has netted five goals in the past three games - all wins - to help the Magpies turn around their NPL Northern NSW campaign. Hughes is hoping Crowley - and Maitland - can carry that form into the Australian Cup clash with NPL leaders Broadmeadow Magic at Cooks Square Park on Saturday. "Braedyn is a fantastic goalscorer and we know if we get him service in the right areas, he is clinical in those spaces," Hughes said. "It has been a whole-squad approach. The movements, the actions and the patterns we are trying to play. He has a knack for being there at the right moment. There are others who are also close to going on a scoring run." Magic last qualified out of NNSW for the Australia Cup main draw in 2023. "They have some individuals who are top quality at this level," Hughes said. "We need to be on top of our game, be energetic and nullify their strengths if we can. We will have a go at them as well. It will be a good marker on where we are at." Edgeworth are through to the final round of the NNSW qualifying after Bangalow forfeited the clash set down for Jack McLaughlan Oval. In other Australia Cup games on Saturday, Weston are at home to Lambton and Cooks Hill travel to Coffs Harbour to take on the Northern Stars. In the NPLM, Adamstown host Charlestown Azzurri in a catch-up game at 4pm. In the NPLW, Broadmeadow tackle Charlestown on Saturday (4pm) at Magic Park. The Newcastle open women's netball representative side are set for an enormous three days in Camden, where they will play 24 30-minute games over three days in pursuit of the NSW title. Perennially a top-two performer, Newcastle are coached by former national league midcourter Narelle Eather and last claimed the title in 2023. They were runners-up last year. "It's really intense because there's no finals, it's first past the post," Eather said. "So, you have to try to win every single game. There's no time for dropping a game. If you do, you then have to hope for the rest of the weekend that one of the other top teams drop a game. "It's a different game playing three days in a row on the concrete. It comes down to survival of the mentally fittest, not just the physical." This year's squad is a mix of youth and experience. Norths goal attack Abbie Gray, a mainstay of the side, will captain Newcastle. Souths pair Aneeka Marcozzi, in the midcourt, and Erin Asquith at goal shooter are experienced campaigners and West Leagues Balance opens centre Laicy Costigan is among the rising talents. Charlestown and Maitland are also in the women's championship division. Cessnock and Charlestown are vying for the men's state title. Several games have been washed out this season, but Newcastle Rugby League's first-grade competition hasn't been as impacted by the weather compared to the region's other premier sports in 2025. The NEWRL continues over the long weekend and kicks off with a bumper clash at Belmont's Cahill Oval on Saturday, when in-form Lakes United (fourth) host Maitland (third) from 3pm. Former NRL player Brock Lamb is set to return from Maitland, and comes up against two of his former Knights teammates in Lakes forwards Sione and Peter Mata'utia. At the same time on Saturday, Kurri Kurri (sixth) are at home to Central (10th) and Macquarie (ninth) are away to Wyong (seventh). On Sunday at 3pm, competition leaders Western Suburbs are away to eighth-placed The Entrance, while South Newcastle (fifth) host Cessnock (second). Wanderers coach Luke Sherwood expects Samoan international Andrew Tuala to improve the Two Blues' scrum in the second half of the Hunter rugby season. Tuala played 50 minutes off the bench in the Two Blues' 22-12 win over University in a catch-up game on Thursday night. The win was Wanderers' second for the season. Tuala came on at loose head and then switched to hooker in the second half. "Defensively, we were really good," Sherwood said. "Uni were camped on our line late in the first half, but we held strong. Our scrum was going backwards, but we defended really well. "We started strong in the second half and got some points on the board. They scored a couple of late tries from kicks but I was happy with the defence. "AT [Tuala] played just over half a game. We changed the front row at half-time and it worked OK. "AT went hard for 30 minutes and then got gassed. He will be a week-to-week scenario. He is working in the mines so he can't fully commit to training and games." In the other catch-up game, Merewether had to work hard to topple Southern Beaches 25-7 at Ernie Calland Field. Newcastle men's division one coach Dave Willott has his sights on a finals appearance at the Hockey NSW Open Field State Championships. The division one men's and women's competition will be played out at Wyong Hockey Centre, starting Saturday and culminating in finals on Monday. Divisions two and three are being contested over the long weekend at Broadmeadow's Newcastle International Hockey Centre. Newcastle's men's side will be led by experienced campaigner and captain Nick Hill. "We've got a good mix of experience and some younger ones," Willott said. "Ryan Woolnough was recently announced in the Australian under-21 squad, and there will be some debutants. "Our goal is to make the final. But making the semis will be the first part of it then we'll go from there." Maitland coach Adams Hughes knew Braedyn Crowley would hit form, it was a matter of providing service to the prolific striker. Crowley has netted five goals in the past three games - all wins - to help the Magpies turn around their NPL Northern NSW campaign. Hughes is hoping Crowley - and Maitland - can carry that form into the Australian Cup clash with NPL leaders Broadmeadow Magic at Cooks Square Park on Saturday. "Braedyn is a fantastic goalscorer and we know if we get him service in the right areas, he is clinical in those spaces," Hughes said. "It has been a whole-squad approach. The movements, the actions and the patterns we are trying to play. He has a knack for being there at the right moment. There are others who are also close to going on a scoring run." Magic last qualified out of NNSW for the Australia Cup main draw in 2023. "They have some individuals who are top quality at this level," Hughes said. "We need to be on top of our game, be energetic and nullify their strengths if we can. We will have a go at them as well. It will be a good marker on where we are at." Edgeworth are through to the final round of the NNSW qualifying after Bangalow forfeited the clash set down for Jack McLaughlan Oval. In other Australia Cup games on Saturday, Weston are at home to Lambton and Cooks Hill travel to Coffs Harbour to take on the Northern Stars. In the NPLM, Adamstown host Charlestown Azzurri in a catch-up game at 4pm. In the NPLW, Broadmeadow tackle Charlestown on Saturday (4pm) at Magic Park. The Newcastle open women's netball representative side are set for an enormous three days in Camden, where they will play 24 30-minute games over three days in pursuit of the NSW title. Perennially a top-two performer, Newcastle are coached by former national league midcourter Narelle Eather and last claimed the title in 2023. They were runners-up last year. "It's really intense because there's no finals, it's first past the post," Eather said. "So, you have to try to win every single game. There's no time for dropping a game. If you do, you then have to hope for the rest of the weekend that one of the other top teams drop a game. "It's a different game playing three days in a row on the concrete. It comes down to survival of the mentally fittest, not just the physical." This year's squad is a mix of youth and experience. Norths goal attack Abbie Gray, a mainstay of the side, will captain Newcastle. Souths pair Aneeka Marcozzi, in the midcourt, and Erin Asquith at goal shooter are experienced campaigners and West Leagues Balance opens centre Laicy Costigan is among the rising talents. Charlestown and Maitland are also in the women's championship division. Cessnock and Charlestown are vying for the men's state title. Several games have been washed out this season, but Newcastle Rugby League's first-grade competition hasn't been as impacted by the weather compared to the region's other premier sports in 2025. The NEWRL continues over the long weekend and kicks off with a bumper clash at Belmont's Cahill Oval on Saturday, when in-form Lakes United (fourth) host Maitland (third) from 3pm. Former NRL player Brock Lamb is set to return from Maitland, and comes up against two of his former Knights teammates in Lakes forwards Sione and Peter Mata'utia. At the same time on Saturday, Kurri Kurri (sixth) are at home to Central (10th) and Macquarie (ninth) are away to Wyong (seventh). On Sunday at 3pm, competition leaders Western Suburbs are away to eighth-placed The Entrance, while South Newcastle (fifth) host Cessnock (second). Wanderers coach Luke Sherwood expects Samoan international Andrew Tuala to improve the Two Blues' scrum in the second half of the Hunter rugby season. Tuala played 50 minutes off the bench in the Two Blues' 22-12 win over University in a catch-up game on Thursday night. The win was Wanderers' second for the season. Tuala came on at loose head and then switched to hooker in the second half. "Defensively, we were really good," Sherwood said. "Uni were camped on our line late in the first half, but we held strong. Our scrum was going backwards, but we defended really well. "We started strong in the second half and got some points on the board. They scored a couple of late tries from kicks but I was happy with the defence. "AT [Tuala] played just over half a game. We changed the front row at half-time and it worked OK. "AT went hard for 30 minutes and then got gassed. He will be a week-to-week scenario. He is working in the mines so he can't fully commit to training and games." In the other catch-up game, Merewether had to work hard to topple Southern Beaches 25-7 at Ernie Calland Field. Newcastle men's division one coach Dave Willott has his sights on a finals appearance at the Hockey NSW Open Field State Championships. The division one men's and women's competition will be played out at Wyong Hockey Centre, starting Saturday and culminating in finals on Monday. Divisions two and three are being contested over the long weekend at Broadmeadow's Newcastle International Hockey Centre. Newcastle's men's side will be led by experienced campaigner and captain Nick Hill. "We've got a good mix of experience and some younger ones," Willott said. "Ryan Woolnough was recently announced in the Australian under-21 squad, and there will be some debutants. "Our goal is to make the final. But making the semis will be the first part of it then we'll go from there." Maitland coach Adams Hughes knew Braedyn Crowley would hit form, it was a matter of providing service to the prolific striker. Crowley has netted five goals in the past three games - all wins - to help the Magpies turn around their NPL Northern NSW campaign. Hughes is hoping Crowley - and Maitland - can carry that form into the Australian Cup clash with NPL leaders Broadmeadow Magic at Cooks Square Park on Saturday. "Braedyn is a fantastic goalscorer and we know if we get him service in the right areas, he is clinical in those spaces," Hughes said. "It has been a whole-squad approach. The movements, the actions and the patterns we are trying to play. He has a knack for being there at the right moment. There are others who are also close to going on a scoring run." Magic last qualified out of NNSW for the Australia Cup main draw in 2023. "They have some individuals who are top quality at this level," Hughes said. "We need to be on top of our game, be energetic and nullify their strengths if we can. We will have a go at them as well. It will be a good marker on where we are at." Edgeworth are through to the final round of the NNSW qualifying after Bangalow forfeited the clash set down for Jack McLaughlan Oval. In other Australia Cup games on Saturday, Weston are at home to Lambton and Cooks Hill travel to Coffs Harbour to take on the Northern Stars. In the NPLM, Adamstown host Charlestown Azzurri in a catch-up game at 4pm. In the NPLW, Broadmeadow tackle Charlestown on Saturday (4pm) at Magic Park. The Newcastle open women's netball representative side are set for an enormous three days in Camden, where they will play 24 30-minute games over three days in pursuit of the NSW title. Perennially a top-two performer, Newcastle are coached by former national league midcourter Narelle Eather and last claimed the title in 2023. They were runners-up last year. "It's really intense because there's no finals, it's first past the post," Eather said. "So, you have to try to win every single game. There's no time for dropping a game. If you do, you then have to hope for the rest of the weekend that one of the other top teams drop a game. "It's a different game playing three days in a row on the concrete. It comes down to survival of the mentally fittest, not just the physical." This year's squad is a mix of youth and experience. Norths goal attack Abbie Gray, a mainstay of the side, will captain Newcastle. Souths pair Aneeka Marcozzi, in the midcourt, and Erin Asquith at goal shooter are experienced campaigners and West Leagues Balance opens centre Laicy Costigan is among the rising talents. Charlestown and Maitland are also in the women's championship division. Cessnock and Charlestown are vying for the men's state title. Several games have been washed out this season, but Newcastle Rugby League's first-grade competition hasn't been as impacted by the weather compared to the region's other premier sports in 2025. The NEWRL continues over the long weekend and kicks off with a bumper clash at Belmont's Cahill Oval on Saturday, when in-form Lakes United (fourth) host Maitland (third) from 3pm. Former NRL player Brock Lamb is set to return from Maitland, and comes up against two of his former Knights teammates in Lakes forwards Sione and Peter Mata'utia. At the same time on Saturday, Kurri Kurri (sixth) are at home to Central (10th) and Macquarie (ninth) are away to Wyong (seventh). On Sunday at 3pm, competition leaders Western Suburbs are away to eighth-placed The Entrance, while South Newcastle (fifth) host Cessnock (second). Wanderers coach Luke Sherwood expects Samoan international Andrew Tuala to improve the Two Blues' scrum in the second half of the Hunter rugby season. Tuala played 50 minutes off the bench in the Two Blues' 22-12 win over University in a catch-up game on Thursday night. The win was Wanderers' second for the season. Tuala came on at loose head and then switched to hooker in the second half. "Defensively, we were really good," Sherwood said. "Uni were camped on our line late in the first half, but we held strong. Our scrum was going backwards, but we defended really well. "We started strong in the second half and got some points on the board. They scored a couple of late tries from kicks but I was happy with the defence. "AT [Tuala] played just over half a game. We changed the front row at half-time and it worked OK. "AT went hard for 30 minutes and then got gassed. He will be a week-to-week scenario. He is working in the mines so he can't fully commit to training and games." In the other catch-up game, Merewether had to work hard to topple Southern Beaches 25-7 at Ernie Calland Field. Newcastle men's division one coach Dave Willott has his sights on a finals appearance at the Hockey NSW Open Field State Championships. The division one men's and women's competition will be played out at Wyong Hockey Centre, starting Saturday and culminating in finals on Monday. Divisions two and three are being contested over the long weekend at Broadmeadow's Newcastle International Hockey Centre. Newcastle's men's side will be led by experienced campaigner and captain Nick Hill. "We've got a good mix of experience and some younger ones," Willott said. "Ryan Woolnough was recently announced in the Australian under-21 squad, and there will be some debutants. "Our goal is to make the final. But making the semis will be the first part of it then we'll go from there." Maitland coach Adams Hughes knew Braedyn Crowley would hit form, it was a matter of providing service to the prolific striker. Crowley has netted five goals in the past three games - all wins - to help the Magpies turn around their NPL Northern NSW campaign. Hughes is hoping Crowley - and Maitland - can carry that form into the Australian Cup clash with NPL leaders Broadmeadow Magic at Cooks Square Park on Saturday. "Braedyn is a fantastic goalscorer and we know if we get him service in the right areas, he is clinical in those spaces," Hughes said. "It has been a whole-squad approach. The movements, the actions and the patterns we are trying to play. He has a knack for being there at the right moment. There are others who are also close to going on a scoring run." Magic last qualified out of NNSW for the Australia Cup main draw in 2023. "They have some individuals who are top quality at this level," Hughes said. "We need to be on top of our game, be energetic and nullify their strengths if we can. We will have a go at them as well. It will be a good marker on where we are at." Edgeworth are through to the final round of the NNSW qualifying after Bangalow forfeited the clash set down for Jack McLaughlan Oval. In other Australia Cup games on Saturday, Weston are at home to Lambton and Cooks Hill travel to Coffs Harbour to take on the Northern Stars. In the NPLM, Adamstown host Charlestown Azzurri in a catch-up game at 4pm. In the NPLW, Broadmeadow tackle Charlestown on Saturday (4pm) at Magic Park. The Newcastle open women's netball representative side are set for an enormous three days in Camden, where they will play 24 30-minute games over three days in pursuit of the NSW title. Perennially a top-two performer, Newcastle are coached by former national league midcourter Narelle Eather and last claimed the title in 2023. They were runners-up last year. "It's really intense because there's no finals, it's first past the post," Eather said. "So, you have to try to win every single game. There's no time for dropping a game. If you do, you then have to hope for the rest of the weekend that one of the other top teams drop a game. "It's a different game playing three days in a row on the concrete. It comes down to survival of the mentally fittest, not just the physical." This year's squad is a mix of youth and experience. Norths goal attack Abbie Gray, a mainstay of the side, will captain Newcastle. Souths pair Aneeka Marcozzi, in the midcourt, and Erin Asquith at goal shooter are experienced campaigners and West Leagues Balance opens centre Laicy Costigan is among the rising talents. Charlestown and Maitland are also in the women's championship division. Cessnock and Charlestown are vying for the men's state title. Several games have been washed out this season, but Newcastle Rugby League's first-grade competition hasn't been as impacted by the weather compared to the region's other premier sports in 2025. The NEWRL continues over the long weekend and kicks off with a bumper clash at Belmont's Cahill Oval on Saturday, when in-form Lakes United (fourth) host Maitland (third) from 3pm. Former NRL player Brock Lamb is set to return from Maitland, and comes up against two of his former Knights teammates in Lakes forwards Sione and Peter Mata'utia. At the same time on Saturday, Kurri Kurri (sixth) are at home to Central (10th) and Macquarie (ninth) are away to Wyong (seventh). On Sunday at 3pm, competition leaders Western Suburbs are away to eighth-placed The Entrance, while South Newcastle (fifth) host Cessnock (second). Wanderers coach Luke Sherwood expects Samoan international Andrew Tuala to improve the Two Blues' scrum in the second half of the Hunter rugby season. Tuala played 50 minutes off the bench in the Two Blues' 22-12 win over University in a catch-up game on Thursday night. The win was Wanderers' second for the season. Tuala came on at loose head and then switched to hooker in the second half. "Defensively, we were really good," Sherwood said. "Uni were camped on our line late in the first half, but we held strong. Our scrum was going backwards, but we defended really well. "We started strong in the second half and got some points on the board. They scored a couple of late tries from kicks but I was happy with the defence. "AT [Tuala] played just over half a game. We changed the front row at half-time and it worked OK. "AT went hard for 30 minutes and then got gassed. He will be a week-to-week scenario. He is working in the mines so he can't fully commit to training and games." In the other catch-up game, Merewether had to work hard to topple Southern Beaches 25-7 at Ernie Calland Field. Newcastle men's division one coach Dave Willott has his sights on a finals appearance at the Hockey NSW Open Field State Championships. The division one men's and women's competition will be played out at Wyong Hockey Centre, starting Saturday and culminating in finals on Monday. Divisions two and three are being contested over the long weekend at Broadmeadow's Newcastle International Hockey Centre. Newcastle's men's side will be led by experienced campaigner and captain Nick Hill. "We've got a good mix of experience and some younger ones," Willott said. "Ryan Woolnough was recently announced in the Australian under-21 squad, and there will be some debutants. "Our goal is to make the final. But making the semis will be the first part of it then we'll go from there."
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Perth Now
‘Magnet getting really close': star Pie pushes towards return
Collingwood forward Dan McStay is closing in on a return in the King's Birthday clash with Melbourne on Monday. McStay sustained an MCL tear to his left knee in the Magpies' win over Essendon on Anzac Day. The addition of McStay would be a timely boost to the Magpies front half after small forward Lachie Schultz injured his hamstring against Hawthorn last Friday. Collingwood coach Craig McRae says McStay's 'magnet is getting really close'. 'There's a big chance Dan will be available, we're not quite ready to announce that, he's still got a little to go, we train Friday and then again Sunday,' he said. 'But his magnet is getting really close to being considered, just a couple of little things to tick off before we can announce that.' Bobby Hill was absent from Collingwood's main training on Wednesday morning to deal with a family illness. But, barring any curveballs to his own health, McRae expects Hill to front the Dees for his 100th game. 'Bobby's wife and kids are sick, he's home looking after them, we give him compassionate leave to do those (things),' he said. 'One of our welfare team went and trained with him this afternoon, hopefully he plays his 100th game this weekend. 'At this stage, barring him getting sick, that will be the case.' Craig McRae expects Hill to play despite missing training on Wednesday. Michael Klein Credit: News Corp Australia The Fight MND cause extended beyond the occasion and Neale Daniher for McRae a couple of years ago, when his brother in-law, Pat, was diagnosed with MND. 'Yeah it is close to home, Pat got diagnosed literally the MND round a couple years ago,' McRae said. 'He's my wife's brother, it's a tough one, like Bec (Daniher) said, the sea blue beanies is going to offer home – that's Pat's words. 'Maybe it's not in his lifetime but there's an opportunity to pay it forward for the possibility of the future. 'The work the Daniher's have done and he's speaking to us, to hear his wisdom, his want and desire for a cure. '11 years he's been fighting this beast and every year it feels like we're getting behind it more and more.'
West Australian
4 days ago
- West Australian
GSFL 2025: Albany back on winners list after thumping Denmark-Walpole as star Morgan Davies makes his return
Albany bounced back well from two straight losses, fielding a much stronger side in round six of the Great Southern Football League competition on Saturday to thrash Denmark-Walpole by 78 points at McLean Park . The Sharks were buoyed by the long-awaited return of former WAFL midfielder Morgan Davies and Claremont colts listed players Charlie Anning and Aiden Clark. Brock Anning and Jack Day were key inclusions for the reigning premiers and Hamish and Angus Bowles also played. The Magpies trailed by only 10 points at quarter-time but the visitors stretched the margin to 26 points by the long break. However a 13-goal to four second half put the game beyond doubt as the Sharks beat the Magpies for a second time this season. Brett Peake booted seven goals as the Sharks ran out big winners, 20.14 (134) to 8.8 (56). Davies in his first game of football since August 2023 and first for the Sharks since 2021, finished with three goals in a dazzling return. Isaac Baum (three goals), Angus Bowles (two) and Jesse Owens (two) also got in on the action. Brock Anning, Owens, Bryce Blaszkow, Davies, Baum and Clark were terrific contributors for the visitors, who responded well after losses to the top two sides in the previous fortnight. Sharks coach Roy Addis said it was a 'wonderful result' for the team. 'I think we played well and adapted to the conditions in the wet,' he said. 'It was a solid team performance overall, but we still have six players out to injury so we'll just keep ticking along and doing our thing with new inclusions. 'Eighteen out of the 22 players who were out for our side on the weekend have come up through the Sharks system of 16s and colts, so it's great to see our work and their work over the years paying off in that way, and it shows we've got options for the season as well, so we're not worried.' Simon Barker, Ryan Hick and Jaden Guidi (two) were influential for the Magpies and Tyler Stone finished with four majors.
