Mark Hughes reflects on his incredible legacy ahead of the NRL Beanies for Brain Cancer round
Lifestyle
Mark Hughes joins the Backstage podcast with Matty and Cooper Johns ahead of the NRL Beanies for Brain Cancer round this weekend.
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Daily Telegraph
an hour ago
- Daily Telegraph
NRL news: State of Origin alarm bells as Kalyn Ponga ruled out, Reece Walsh put on notice, latest Queensland Maroons, NSW Blues team news
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Queensland star Kalyn Ponga is out of the State of Origin decider in a massive blow for Billy Slater's men. The Knights captain left the field in distress in the 60th minute of Newcastle's narrow 22-18 loss to the Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. He was seen after the game in a moon boot and will go for scans over the weekend for what is believed to be a Lisfranc injury. If it is confirmed as a Lisfranc his season will be over. But what is for certain is he won't be part of Slater's side for the series decider in just over a week. If a midfoot sprain is confirmed, the best-case scenario would see the Knights star sidelined for two to six weeks. Reece Walsh will likely replace Kalyn Ponga in the State of Origin decider. (Photo by) But if it is as feared and scans reveal it is a high-grade injury, the 27-year-old would require surgery and would miss the remainder of the NRL season – a massive blow to the Knights' slim chances of playing finals footy in 2025. It comes after the fullback suffered a Lisfranc injury last season on his opposite foot, which required surgery and saw him miss 11 weeks of football. Kalyn Ponga injury opens door for Reece Walsh Origin recall Ponga's injury has opened the door for Reece Walsh to earn an Origin call-up. Walsh will line up against the Warriors on Saturday afternoon and a strong display will all but certainly see him recalled by Slater. While Dolphins star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is another fullback option for Slater, but that move appears less likely. Walsh has played five Origin games and if not being out with a knee injury early in the season, many believe he would have been Slater's preferred No.1. Walsh's knee is still far from right with the fullback seen limping on several occasions during the Broncos' 34-28 comeback win over Cronulla last week. However, the 22-year-old says it is getting better each week. 'It's good, I was trying to hide it (laughs),' Walsh said of his knee. 'It's a work in progress. I am still trying to get used to the feel of it.' NSW will have a home-ground advantage for the series decider, which will take place at Sydney's Accor Stadium on Wednesday, July 9. Originally published as Kalyn Ponga ruled out of State of Origin decider as Reece Walsh set to be recalled
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
From dust bin to Perth board: Cumins back with Bears
The man who spearheaded Perth's initial bid to return to the NRL has been placed on the Bears' board, eight months after being told his bid was "in the dust bin". Peter Cumins was on Saturday unveiled as one of nine directors, who will sit under inaugural chair and former Liberal party federal MP Ben Morton. The board also includes former treasurer Joe Hockey, ex-WA Cricket CEO Christina Matthews, North Sydney chair Daniel Dickson and Bears tragic James Bracey. But it is Cumins' name which is of most interest ahead of Perth's 2027 entry. The Cash Converters executive chair had spent more than a decade trying to have a Perth side back in the competition and led a high-profile consortium bid. But his dream looked dashed when he was accused of low-balling the NRL last year, not offering a license fee as part of the Western Bears' push for inclusion. The consortium later responded by offering up a $20 million fee, but by that point the NRL had moved on and decided to negotiate with the state government instead. Even so, Cumins' consortium remained crucial in the establishment of the 18th franchise. It was the consortium who reached an agreement with North Sydney for Perth to link with the Bears, while the bid document remains with the NRL. Despite the rejection, Cumins had long maintained he was open to assisting with any Perth side if it was to be admitted to the NRL. "It is very disappointing for us, but if they can get a team up in Perth and there is anything I can do to help, then I will," Cumins told AAP in January. "That was my motivation for being involved. "I am a rugby league man. I would love to see a Perth team get up. If it is not privately owned and is owned by the NRL then I am not fussed. "I will do anything to assist ... if asked." The appointment of the Bears' board puts the framework in place for coach Mal Meninga to hit the open market in November. Meninga has already appointed Penrith assistant Ben Gardiner as one of his deputies, while former Seven West news boss Anthony de Ceglie is CEO. "The Perth Bears is a club which is taking shape by the day and will quickly capture the hearts and minds of fans as we approach 2027," ARL Commission chair Peter V'landys said. "The inaugural and historic Perth Bears Board is comprised of a diverse group of individuals with the right skills to ensure the Perth Bears Club is successful and thrives. "The group comprises industry leaders both in Western Australia as well as across Australia more broadly, as well as sporting leaders. "The heritage of the North Sydney Bears, the energy of the west, all combined with an innovative and talented board of exceptional individuals will set the new club on the right path immediately." PERTH BEARS INAUGURAL BOARD: Ben Morton (Chair; Western Australian Business and Community Leader, Former Australian Government Minister) Emma Garlett (Western Australian lawyer) John Dumesny (Experienced Sports Administrator) Joe Hockey (Former Australian Treasurer and Diplomat) Christina Matthews (Western Australian Sports Administrator and Tourism Leader) Daniel Dickson (Chair of North Sydney Bears) James Bracey (TV sports presenter and journalist, former North Sydney Bears board member) Jacqueline Johnstone (Governance, integrity and strategy expert) Peter Cumins (Western Australia Businessman) The man who spearheaded Perth's initial bid to return to the NRL has been placed on the Bears' board, eight months after being told his bid was "in the dust bin". Peter Cumins was on Saturday unveiled as one of nine directors, who will sit under inaugural chair and former Liberal party federal MP Ben Morton. The board also includes former treasurer Joe Hockey, ex-WA Cricket CEO Christina Matthews, North Sydney chair Daniel Dickson and Bears tragic James Bracey. But it is Cumins' name which is of most interest ahead of Perth's 2027 entry. The Cash Converters executive chair had spent more than a decade trying to have a Perth side back in the competition and led a high-profile consortium bid. But his dream looked dashed when he was accused of low-balling the NRL last year, not offering a license fee as part of the Western Bears' push for inclusion. The consortium later responded by offering up a $20 million fee, but by that point the NRL had moved on and decided to negotiate with the state government instead. Even so, Cumins' consortium remained crucial in the establishment of the 18th franchise. It was the consortium who reached an agreement with North Sydney for Perth to link with the Bears, while the bid document remains with the NRL. Despite the rejection, Cumins had long maintained he was open to assisting with any Perth side if it was to be admitted to the NRL. "It is very disappointing for us, but if they can get a team up in Perth and there is anything I can do to help, then I will," Cumins told AAP in January. "That was my motivation for being involved. "I am a rugby league man. I would love to see a Perth team get up. If it is not privately owned and is owned by the NRL then I am not fussed. "I will do anything to assist ... if asked." The appointment of the Bears' board puts the framework in place for coach Mal Meninga to hit the open market in November. Meninga has already appointed Penrith assistant Ben Gardiner as one of his deputies, while former Seven West news boss Anthony de Ceglie is CEO. "The Perth Bears is a club which is taking shape by the day and will quickly capture the hearts and minds of fans as we approach 2027," ARL Commission chair Peter V'landys said. "The inaugural and historic Perth Bears Board is comprised of a diverse group of individuals with the right skills to ensure the Perth Bears Club is successful and thrives. "The group comprises industry leaders both in Western Australia as well as across Australia more broadly, as well as sporting leaders. "The heritage of the North Sydney Bears, the energy of the west, all combined with an innovative and talented board of exceptional individuals will set the new club on the right path immediately." PERTH BEARS INAUGURAL BOARD: Ben Morton (Chair; Western Australian Business and Community Leader, Former Australian Government Minister) Emma Garlett (Western Australian lawyer) John Dumesny (Experienced Sports Administrator) Joe Hockey (Former Australian Treasurer and Diplomat) Christina Matthews (Western Australian Sports Administrator and Tourism Leader) Daniel Dickson (Chair of North Sydney Bears) James Bracey (TV sports presenter and journalist, former North Sydney Bears board member) Jacqueline Johnstone (Governance, integrity and strategy expert) Peter Cumins (Western Australia Businessman) The man who spearheaded Perth's initial bid to return to the NRL has been placed on the Bears' board, eight months after being told his bid was "in the dust bin". Peter Cumins was on Saturday unveiled as one of nine directors, who will sit under inaugural chair and former Liberal party federal MP Ben Morton. The board also includes former treasurer Joe Hockey, ex-WA Cricket CEO Christina Matthews, North Sydney chair Daniel Dickson and Bears tragic James Bracey. But it is Cumins' name which is of most interest ahead of Perth's 2027 entry. The Cash Converters executive chair had spent more than a decade trying to have a Perth side back in the competition and led a high-profile consortium bid. But his dream looked dashed when he was accused of low-balling the NRL last year, not offering a license fee as part of the Western Bears' push for inclusion. The consortium later responded by offering up a $20 million fee, but by that point the NRL had moved on and decided to negotiate with the state government instead. Even so, Cumins' consortium remained crucial in the establishment of the 18th franchise. It was the consortium who reached an agreement with North Sydney for Perth to link with the Bears, while the bid document remains with the NRL. Despite the rejection, Cumins had long maintained he was open to assisting with any Perth side if it was to be admitted to the NRL. "It is very disappointing for us, but if they can get a team up in Perth and there is anything I can do to help, then I will," Cumins told AAP in January. "That was my motivation for being involved. "I am a rugby league man. I would love to see a Perth team get up. If it is not privately owned and is owned by the NRL then I am not fussed. "I will do anything to assist ... if asked." The appointment of the Bears' board puts the framework in place for coach Mal Meninga to hit the open market in November. Meninga has already appointed Penrith assistant Ben Gardiner as one of his deputies, while former Seven West news boss Anthony de Ceglie is CEO. "The Perth Bears is a club which is taking shape by the day and will quickly capture the hearts and minds of fans as we approach 2027," ARL Commission chair Peter V'landys said. "The inaugural and historic Perth Bears Board is comprised of a diverse group of individuals with the right skills to ensure the Perth Bears Club is successful and thrives. "The group comprises industry leaders both in Western Australia as well as across Australia more broadly, as well as sporting leaders. "The heritage of the North Sydney Bears, the energy of the west, all combined with an innovative and talented board of exceptional individuals will set the new club on the right path immediately." PERTH BEARS INAUGURAL BOARD: Ben Morton (Chair; Western Australian Business and Community Leader, Former Australian Government Minister) Emma Garlett (Western Australian lawyer) John Dumesny (Experienced Sports Administrator) Joe Hockey (Former Australian Treasurer and Diplomat) Christina Matthews (Western Australian Sports Administrator and Tourism Leader) Daniel Dickson (Chair of North Sydney Bears) James Bracey (TV sports presenter and journalist, former North Sydney Bears board member) Jacqueline Johnstone (Governance, integrity and strategy expert) Peter Cumins (Western Australia Businessman)
News.com.au
2 hours ago
- News.com.au
Kalyn Ponga ruled out of State of Origin decider as Reece Walsh set to be recalled
Queensland star Kalyn Ponga is out of the State of Origin decider in a massive blow for Billy Slater's men. The Knights captain left the field in distress in the 60th minute of Newcastle's narrow 22-18 loss to the Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. He was seen after the game in a moon boot and will go for scans over the weekend for what is believed to be a Lisfranc injury. If it is confirmed as a Lisfranc his season will be over. But what is for certain is he won't be part of Slater's side for the series decider in just over a week. If a midfoot sprain is confirmed, the best-case scenario would see the Knights star sidelined for two to six weeks. But if it is as feared and scans reveal it is a high-grade injury, the 27-year-old would require surgery and would miss the remainder of the NRL season – a massive blow to the Knights' slim chances of playing finals footy in 2025. It comes after the fullback suffered a Lisfranc injury last season on his opposite foot, which required surgery and saw him miss 11 weeks of football. Ponga's injury has opened the door for Reece Walsh to earn an Origin call-up. Walsh will line up against the Warriors on Saturday afternoon and a strong display will all but certainly see him recalled by Slater. While Dolphins star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is another fullback option for Slater, but that move appears less likely. Walsh has played five Origin games and if not being out with a knee injury early in the season, many believe he would have been Slater's preferred No.1. Walsh's knee is still far from right with the fullback seen limping on several occasions during the Broncos' 34-28 comeback win over Cronulla last week. However, the 22-year-old says it is getting better each week. 'It's good, I was trying to hide it (laughs),' Walsh said of his knee. 'It's a work in progress. I am still trying to get used to the feel of it.' NSW will have a home-ground advantage for the series decider, which will take place at Sydney's Accor Stadium on Wednesday, July 9.
