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Stewart's return takes on greater importance after star ruled out of World Cup

Stewart's return takes on greater importance after star ruled out of World Cup

The Advertiser2 days ago
Maya Stewart's timely return for the Rugby World Cup took on even greater importance on Monday as Wallaroos trump card Charlotte Caslick was ruled out due to an ankle injury.
The inclusion of Stewart, who made a rapid recovery from a knee injury to be part of Australia's World Cup squad, will somewhat temper the loss of the rugby sevens star.
Caslick paused her sevens career, making a full-time switch to the 15-a-side code this year to add clout to the Wallaroos' Cup charge.
The three-time Olympian was just starting to find her feet in the centres before being ruled out.
Uncapped Wallaroos centre Manu'a Moleka has been called up for Caslick, who could still feature as an injury replacement later in the tournament.
But, having a fighting fit Stewart back in the squad is a huge boost.
Three years on from making her Wallaroos debut with a singular appearance at the last World Cup in New Zealand, the Nelson Bay flyer is now an established lethal weapon on the international stage.
Stewart has quickly become Australia's all-time leading tryscorer and was named Wallaroos player of the year in 2024.
The NSW Waratahs star will be a focal point of the Australian attack as they face Samoa (August 23), United States (August 31) and hosts England (September 7) in the group phase with an eye on reaching the quarter-finals.
"I was such a young kid, probably a bit naive at the last World Cup," Stewart said.
"Rolling into this World Cup, I feel more evolved as a player and a bit more established and keen to rip into a few games.
"I've probably changed a bit, maturing and playing more footy and spending a bit more time in the international set-up.
"So it's kind of cool to go from being a naive 22-year-old debuting at a World Cup, which is crazy, but now I'm 25 and I feel at a different place in my career."
Stewart's World Cup dreams looked shattered in May when the barnstorming winger sustained a knee injury playing a Test against Fijiana in Fiji.
After two previous long-term injuries - the 25-year-old has torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in both knees - she feared the worst.
"Once you had a few serious injuries, you know when something's not right," Stewart told the Newcastle Herald before flying to England on Monday afternoon bound for the World Cup.
"I didn't sleep that whole night in Fiji. I just wanted to get home. I couldn't get a scan over there and I was fully convinced I'd done my ACL, and I wasn't going to the World Cup."
It turned out to be a meniscal injury, which was "more painful" but less serious than a torn ACL.
After three months on the sidelines, Stewart marked her return to action in Australia's 36-5 win over Wales at North Sydney Oval on August 1 with a try.
"They probably thought my rehab was going to be a bit quicker than what it was, but for me, I would rather go a little bit slower, miss a few more games and have it really right for the big event," Stewart said.
"I felt really good in that game."
Stewart produced a player-of-the-match performance as the Wallaroos beat Scotland 31-22 in South Africa in October last year to claim the WXV2 trophy and secure World Cup qualification.
They have played seven Tests, five on home soil, in the past three months to prepare for the tournament.
"[Last year's performance] was reassuring, considering we've only just started to go full-time," Stewart said.
"It shows the potential of where our program is at and it gives you more confidence; with a bit more time together and a bit more training, that's the sort of performances that we can produce.
"It's really nice leading into this knowing off the back of '24, we've had some time together. It's really simple stuff, just a little bit more training, connections here and there and being able to nut out a bit more classroom work as well.
"The program is still not centralised, but, with the amount of time that we're having in camps and dedicated to Test matches, it feels like we almost are."
Hunter products Layne Morgan, Kaitlan Leaney and Ashley Marsters are also in the Wallaroos' World Cup squad in England.
Australia's best result in seven Cup appearances is third.
Maya Stewart's timely return for the Rugby World Cup took on even greater importance on Monday as Wallaroos trump card Charlotte Caslick was ruled out due to an ankle injury.
The inclusion of Stewart, who made a rapid recovery from a knee injury to be part of Australia's World Cup squad, will somewhat temper the loss of the rugby sevens star.
Caslick paused her sevens career, making a full-time switch to the 15-a-side code this year to add clout to the Wallaroos' Cup charge.
The three-time Olympian was just starting to find her feet in the centres before being ruled out.
Uncapped Wallaroos centre Manu'a Moleka has been called up for Caslick, who could still feature as an injury replacement later in the tournament.
But, having a fighting fit Stewart back in the squad is a huge boost.
Three years on from making her Wallaroos debut with a singular appearance at the last World Cup in New Zealand, the Nelson Bay flyer is now an established lethal weapon on the international stage.
Stewart has quickly become Australia's all-time leading tryscorer and was named Wallaroos player of the year in 2024.
The NSW Waratahs star will be a focal point of the Australian attack as they face Samoa (August 23), United States (August 31) and hosts England (September 7) in the group phase with an eye on reaching the quarter-finals.
"I was such a young kid, probably a bit naive at the last World Cup," Stewart said.
"Rolling into this World Cup, I feel more evolved as a player and a bit more established and keen to rip into a few games.
"I've probably changed a bit, maturing and playing more footy and spending a bit more time in the international set-up.
"So it's kind of cool to go from being a naive 22-year-old debuting at a World Cup, which is crazy, but now I'm 25 and I feel at a different place in my career."
Stewart's World Cup dreams looked shattered in May when the barnstorming winger sustained a knee injury playing a Test against Fijiana in Fiji.
After two previous long-term injuries - the 25-year-old has torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in both knees - she feared the worst.
"Once you had a few serious injuries, you know when something's not right," Stewart told the Newcastle Herald before flying to England on Monday afternoon bound for the World Cup.
"I didn't sleep that whole night in Fiji. I just wanted to get home. I couldn't get a scan over there and I was fully convinced I'd done my ACL, and I wasn't going to the World Cup."
It turned out to be a meniscal injury, which was "more painful" but less serious than a torn ACL.
After three months on the sidelines, Stewart marked her return to action in Australia's 36-5 win over Wales at North Sydney Oval on August 1 with a try.
"They probably thought my rehab was going to be a bit quicker than what it was, but for me, I would rather go a little bit slower, miss a few more games and have it really right for the big event," Stewart said.
"I felt really good in that game."
Stewart produced a player-of-the-match performance as the Wallaroos beat Scotland 31-22 in South Africa in October last year to claim the WXV2 trophy and secure World Cup qualification.
They have played seven Tests, five on home soil, in the past three months to prepare for the tournament.
"[Last year's performance] was reassuring, considering we've only just started to go full-time," Stewart said.
"It shows the potential of where our program is at and it gives you more confidence; with a bit more time together and a bit more training, that's the sort of performances that we can produce.
"It's really nice leading into this knowing off the back of '24, we've had some time together. It's really simple stuff, just a little bit more training, connections here and there and being able to nut out a bit more classroom work as well.
"The program is still not centralised, but, with the amount of time that we're having in camps and dedicated to Test matches, it feels like we almost are."
Hunter products Layne Morgan, Kaitlan Leaney and Ashley Marsters are also in the Wallaroos' World Cup squad in England.
Australia's best result in seven Cup appearances is third.
Maya Stewart's timely return for the Rugby World Cup took on even greater importance on Monday as Wallaroos trump card Charlotte Caslick was ruled out due to an ankle injury.
The inclusion of Stewart, who made a rapid recovery from a knee injury to be part of Australia's World Cup squad, will somewhat temper the loss of the rugby sevens star.
Caslick paused her sevens career, making a full-time switch to the 15-a-side code this year to add clout to the Wallaroos' Cup charge.
The three-time Olympian was just starting to find her feet in the centres before being ruled out.
Uncapped Wallaroos centre Manu'a Moleka has been called up for Caslick, who could still feature as an injury replacement later in the tournament.
But, having a fighting fit Stewart back in the squad is a huge boost.
Three years on from making her Wallaroos debut with a singular appearance at the last World Cup in New Zealand, the Nelson Bay flyer is now an established lethal weapon on the international stage.
Stewart has quickly become Australia's all-time leading tryscorer and was named Wallaroos player of the year in 2024.
The NSW Waratahs star will be a focal point of the Australian attack as they face Samoa (August 23), United States (August 31) and hosts England (September 7) in the group phase with an eye on reaching the quarter-finals.
"I was such a young kid, probably a bit naive at the last World Cup," Stewart said.
"Rolling into this World Cup, I feel more evolved as a player and a bit more established and keen to rip into a few games.
"I've probably changed a bit, maturing and playing more footy and spending a bit more time in the international set-up.
"So it's kind of cool to go from being a naive 22-year-old debuting at a World Cup, which is crazy, but now I'm 25 and I feel at a different place in my career."
Stewart's World Cup dreams looked shattered in May when the barnstorming winger sustained a knee injury playing a Test against Fijiana in Fiji.
After two previous long-term injuries - the 25-year-old has torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in both knees - she feared the worst.
"Once you had a few serious injuries, you know when something's not right," Stewart told the Newcastle Herald before flying to England on Monday afternoon bound for the World Cup.
"I didn't sleep that whole night in Fiji. I just wanted to get home. I couldn't get a scan over there and I was fully convinced I'd done my ACL, and I wasn't going to the World Cup."
It turned out to be a meniscal injury, which was "more painful" but less serious than a torn ACL.
After three months on the sidelines, Stewart marked her return to action in Australia's 36-5 win over Wales at North Sydney Oval on August 1 with a try.
"They probably thought my rehab was going to be a bit quicker than what it was, but for me, I would rather go a little bit slower, miss a few more games and have it really right for the big event," Stewart said.
"I felt really good in that game."
Stewart produced a player-of-the-match performance as the Wallaroos beat Scotland 31-22 in South Africa in October last year to claim the WXV2 trophy and secure World Cup qualification.
They have played seven Tests, five on home soil, in the past three months to prepare for the tournament.
"[Last year's performance] was reassuring, considering we've only just started to go full-time," Stewart said.
"It shows the potential of where our program is at and it gives you more confidence; with a bit more time together and a bit more training, that's the sort of performances that we can produce.
"It's really nice leading into this knowing off the back of '24, we've had some time together. It's really simple stuff, just a little bit more training, connections here and there and being able to nut out a bit more classroom work as well.
"The program is still not centralised, but, with the amount of time that we're having in camps and dedicated to Test matches, it feels like we almost are."
Hunter products Layne Morgan, Kaitlan Leaney and Ashley Marsters are also in the Wallaroos' World Cup squad in England.
Australia's best result in seven Cup appearances is third.
Maya Stewart's timely return for the Rugby World Cup took on even greater importance on Monday as Wallaroos trump card Charlotte Caslick was ruled out due to an ankle injury.
The inclusion of Stewart, who made a rapid recovery from a knee injury to be part of Australia's World Cup squad, will somewhat temper the loss of the rugby sevens star.
Caslick paused her sevens career, making a full-time switch to the 15-a-side code this year to add clout to the Wallaroos' Cup charge.
The three-time Olympian was just starting to find her feet in the centres before being ruled out.
Uncapped Wallaroos centre Manu'a Moleka has been called up for Caslick, who could still feature as an injury replacement later in the tournament.
But, having a fighting fit Stewart back in the squad is a huge boost.
Three years on from making her Wallaroos debut with a singular appearance at the last World Cup in New Zealand, the Nelson Bay flyer is now an established lethal weapon on the international stage.
Stewart has quickly become Australia's all-time leading tryscorer and was named Wallaroos player of the year in 2024.
The NSW Waratahs star will be a focal point of the Australian attack as they face Samoa (August 23), United States (August 31) and hosts England (September 7) in the group phase with an eye on reaching the quarter-finals.
"I was such a young kid, probably a bit naive at the last World Cup," Stewart said.
"Rolling into this World Cup, I feel more evolved as a player and a bit more established and keen to rip into a few games.
"I've probably changed a bit, maturing and playing more footy and spending a bit more time in the international set-up.
"So it's kind of cool to go from being a naive 22-year-old debuting at a World Cup, which is crazy, but now I'm 25 and I feel at a different place in my career."
Stewart's World Cup dreams looked shattered in May when the barnstorming winger sustained a knee injury playing a Test against Fijiana in Fiji.
After two previous long-term injuries - the 25-year-old has torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in both knees - she feared the worst.
"Once you had a few serious injuries, you know when something's not right," Stewart told the Newcastle Herald before flying to England on Monday afternoon bound for the World Cup.
"I didn't sleep that whole night in Fiji. I just wanted to get home. I couldn't get a scan over there and I was fully convinced I'd done my ACL, and I wasn't going to the World Cup."
It turned out to be a meniscal injury, which was "more painful" but less serious than a torn ACL.
After three months on the sidelines, Stewart marked her return to action in Australia's 36-5 win over Wales at North Sydney Oval on August 1 with a try.
"They probably thought my rehab was going to be a bit quicker than what it was, but for me, I would rather go a little bit slower, miss a few more games and have it really right for the big event," Stewart said.
"I felt really good in that game."
Stewart produced a player-of-the-match performance as the Wallaroos beat Scotland 31-22 in South Africa in October last year to claim the WXV2 trophy and secure World Cup qualification.
They have played seven Tests, five on home soil, in the past three months to prepare for the tournament.
"[Last year's performance] was reassuring, considering we've only just started to go full-time," Stewart said.
"It shows the potential of where our program is at and it gives you more confidence; with a bit more time together and a bit more training, that's the sort of performances that we can produce.
"It's really nice leading into this knowing off the back of '24, we've had some time together. It's really simple stuff, just a little bit more training, connections here and there and being able to nut out a bit more classroom work as well.
"The program is still not centralised, but, with the amount of time that we're having in camps and dedicated to Test matches, it feels like we almost are."
Hunter products Layne Morgan, Kaitlan Leaney and Ashley Marsters are also in the Wallaroos' World Cup squad in England.
Australia's best result in seven Cup appearances is third.
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Broncos superstar to make big call on Samoa defection

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"If (switching allegiances) is what he's decided to do then that's awesome." The news looms as a blow for new Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters, who had coached Haas during his tenure at Brisbane. On winning the Kangaroos job, Walters had indicated his hopes of convincing Samoa-eligible players such as Haas, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui to stay put in the Australian set-up. "It's disappointing for the green and gold as he's grown up in our system," said Meninga, who stepped down as Kangaroos coach earlier this year. "(Walters) will be disappointed." Haas represented Australia four times between 2019 and 2023, most recently appearing in the shock loss to New Zealand in the 2023 Pacific Cup final. Outgoing Australia coach Mal Meninga says a call by Payne Haas to defect to Samoa will help make international rugby league more competitive. Reports on Thursday linked the NRL's best prop to a change in eligibility, with the Brisbane behemoth set to begin preferencing his Samoan roots over the Kangaroos in future international fixtures. It comes after months of speculation Haas could join the likes of Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton and Jarome Luai as superstar players to have chosen Samoa over Australia in recent years. Under International Rugby League rules, a player eligible for a tier-one nation such as Australia and a tier-two nation such as Samoa can change allegiance provided they do not represent both teams in the same calendar year. Haas's decision would clear him to be available for the post-season Pacific Championships, featuring a mouth-watering clash against Pacific rivals Tonga in Brisbane. The call will also rule Haas out of representing Australia in the first Ashes tour since 2003. The move is a significant boost for Samoa, who underlined their status as a new powerhouse of international rugby league by making the World Cup final in 2022. Having Haas on deck for the 2026 edition of the tournament would strengthen Samoa's case for a first World Cup trophy. "It's fantastic news if you're Samoa, they're setting up for the World Cup," Meninga told SEN. "The attraction for going to Samoa is they believe they will be the first Samoan side to win the World Cup. "If you're wanting to see more competitive games in the international space then it's really good." Samoan representative Tommy Talau said his countrymen would be particularly keen for October's clash with Tonga, who boast Addin Fonua-Blake and Jason Taumalolo in their pack. "All the Samoans that will be at that game will be cheering for him. They'll probably be saying, 'It's about time'," said Manly utility Talau. "If (switching allegiances) is what he's decided to do then that's awesome." The news looms as a blow for new Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters, who had coached Haas during his tenure at Brisbane. On winning the Kangaroos job, Walters had indicated his hopes of convincing Samoa-eligible players such as Haas, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui to stay put in the Australian set-up. "It's disappointing for the green and gold as he's grown up in our system," said Meninga, who stepped down as Kangaroos coach earlier this year. "(Walters) will be disappointed." Haas represented Australia four times between 2019 and 2023, most recently appearing in the shock loss to New Zealand in the 2023 Pacific Cup final. Outgoing Australia coach Mal Meninga says a call by Payne Haas to defect to Samoa will help make international rugby league more competitive. Reports on Thursday linked the NRL's best prop to a change in eligibility, with the Brisbane behemoth set to begin preferencing his Samoan roots over the Kangaroos in future international fixtures. It comes after months of speculation Haas could join the likes of Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton and Jarome Luai as superstar players to have chosen Samoa over Australia in recent years. Under International Rugby League rules, a player eligible for a tier-one nation such as Australia and a tier-two nation such as Samoa can change allegiance provided they do not represent both teams in the same calendar year. Haas's decision would clear him to be available for the post-season Pacific Championships, featuring a mouth-watering clash against Pacific rivals Tonga in Brisbane. The call will also rule Haas out of representing Australia in the first Ashes tour since 2003. The move is a significant boost for Samoa, who underlined their status as a new powerhouse of international rugby league by making the World Cup final in 2022. Having Haas on deck for the 2026 edition of the tournament would strengthen Samoa's case for a first World Cup trophy. "It's fantastic news if you're Samoa, they're setting up for the World Cup," Meninga told SEN. "The attraction for going to Samoa is they believe they will be the first Samoan side to win the World Cup. "If you're wanting to see more competitive games in the international space then it's really good." Samoan representative Tommy Talau said his countrymen would be particularly keen for October's clash with Tonga, who boast Addin Fonua-Blake and Jason Taumalolo in their pack. "All the Samoans that will be at that game will be cheering for him. They'll probably be saying, 'It's about time'," said Manly utility Talau. "If (switching allegiances) is what he's decided to do then that's awesome." The news looms as a blow for new Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters, who had coached Haas during his tenure at Brisbane. 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'Rage' drives 'Punky' as end looms for Hawks great
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The Advertiser

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He is among nine Hawks to reach 300 games and his 307th this Saturday in the game against Melbourne at the MCG will put him equal with Mitchell at third on the club list. Breust has kicked 552 goals, seventh-highest at Hawthorn, and he made the 2014 and '18 All-Australian teams. But his impact at Hawthorn goes well beyond his significant on-field exploits. "If you could make your culture around the type of club you want to be and the type of person you want to be, Luke Breust is perfect,' Mitchell said. Hailing from the small NSW country town of Temora, Breust proved a bargain-basement selection when the Hawks recruited him with the No.47 pick in the 2008 rookie draft. He did not make his debut until 2011. Mitchell said for all the support Breust received when he was starting, he has paid that forward 10-fold. "I said to the players 'who has he helped?' Every player put his hand up, no hesitation, straight away," he added. 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He had just that little bit of rage behind his eyes," Mitchell said. "He's still burning to make sure he can achieve as much and help us achieve as much as we can." Known as "Punky", Breust is the game's ultimate cult figure and Mitchell added he was the rarest of beasts - an AFL player with no enemies. Hawks fans sound as though they are booing when they roar his name after he kicks a goal. "He's as good a person as I've ever met, and anyone has ever met in footy. I don't think you'll ever meet anyone who says 'I don't know about that Luke Breust' - he's universally loved," Mitchell said. The small forward returned to the senior team for last week's win over Collingwood for a career total of 306 games. He and fellow forward, and good friend, Jack Gunston are the only veterans on their list to play in Hawthorn premierships. Breust and Gunston played in the 2012-15 grand finals, winning three flags. 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  • Courier-Mail

Nikita Tszyu causes stir with breast milk, placenta acts

Don't miss out on the headlines from Boxing/MMA. Followed categories will be added to My News. New father Nikita Tszyu has revealed he's been drinking his wife's breast milk and using her frozen placenta as a supplement as he prepares for his long-awaited boxing comeback next week. Known as Australian boxing's dark prince, Tszyu also revealed that older brother Tim is heading to Japan and won't be at his fight against Lulzim Ismaili on Wednesday, August 20. Tszyu, who welcomed his first child – a daughter named Curiosity – in June made his breast milk revelation this week. 'It's available and it tastes good,' he told Code Sports moments after meeting Ismaili face-to-face for the first time on Thursday. 'It's not for strength gains or anything like that. I'm drinking it because it's available. 'My wife eats a very clean diet and she's pumping out very pure breastmilk, so why not?' As the news swept through Australian boxing on Thursday, cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia even weighed in, saying: 'There's actually no need to do that, bro,' with Nikita responding: 'Don't knock it till you try it!' Tszyu seemed surprised at the reaction to his newfound hydration method. 'Everyone does it. Everyone's tried it. We've all been a little bit curious,' he said. 'We've just had a baby, so where else do you get it from? 'I'm still yet to do a breastmilk cappuccino, but that's the next step. 'We need more breastmilk though.' Just add it to the list of quirky Nikita Tszyu tales. Last week Code Sports revealed he had recently spent a morning as a tourist at the Erotic Heritage Museum in Las Vegas. 'It was quite beautiful really,' he said of his solo escapade. 'Sex is usually hidden and frowned upon in our society these days. 'I like the reactions I got when I showed people what I bought. It was just fun.' Two years ago he revealed he ate a still-beating snake heart before drinking its blood while on a training camp in Thailand. Nikita Bedwell and Nikita Tszyu. More recently, he confirmed his wife – also named Nikita – freeze-dried her placenta, and 'The Butcher' is using it as a supplement during training camp. Random side quests and unique diets aside, Tszyu says he is a changed man in the two months since Curiosity arrived. 'Looking into her eyes, it gives me so much strength,' he said. 'Coming home each day after a hard training session, my body is just thrashed and I see that little face. 'It gives me all this energy and all this light. It reminds of why I'm doing this. 'I want to keep my family life and my boxing life separate, so even when I come home from training, there's no boxing talk. Unless I want to talk about it, home is my way of escaping from this world. 'Boxing is quite crazy and chaotic and there's a lot of stress that can be obtained. 'Home is my safe place away from it.' Nikita Tszyu in training camp. Pictures: No Limit Boxing/Gregg Porteous Tszyu says mum and baby will stay at home when he steps into the ring for the first since his war with Koen Mazoudier last August, and revealed older brother Tim won't be at the bout either. The fight will be one month and a day since Tim's loss to Sebastian Fundora, and 'The Soul Taker' – who has attended every one of Nikita's bouts – is taking some time away from boxing. That includes training for a marathon, and heading overseas. 'He's going to Japan – he needs some time off and time away just to reset himself,' Nikita said. 'The boxing world is cruel, and full of assholes who are full of things to say that are all bullsh*t. 'He just needs to go away and do what he needs to do.' It's a double-edged sword for Nikita. 'I'm kind of jealous – I want to go to Japan,' he said. 'I feel like I was Japanese in a past life. 'I'm so drawn to that country and their culture. I wish I was Japanese. 'I've been once, when I was about 17. It's beautiful. I can't wait to go back.'

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