NSW Coach reveals MASSIVE halves hint: Freddy & the Eighth
On a special episode of Freddy & the Eighth, NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley drops by to chat all things Origin and reveals a massive hint at who the NSW five-eighth will be. The boys raise the alarm bells after the Tigers' blowout loss. Plus, Laurie Daley tells the hilarious story of Wayne Bennett from his time at the Raiders.
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The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'Feels good': Blues tip Brian To'o to play Origin II
Brian To'o's teammates are confident he will play in State of Origin II as the star winger completes NSW's vital last session before flying to Perth. Coach Laurie Daley said this week the Blues would make the call on To'o and his sore left hamstring after Saturday morning's training in Homebush. To'o spent part of the warm-up consulting with NSW team physiotherapist Kenny Michalopoulos separately from his teammates. But the four-time premiership-winning winger ran unencumbered and joined in for the opposed session against the NSW U19s side coached by Blues legend Josh Jackson. To'o was briefly substituted out to rest and replaced on the left wing by Wests Tigers winger Luke Laulilii. But in the clearest sign yet he will overcome his hamstring issue, To'o was seen saying he "feels good" in a conversation with Michalopoulos towards the end of training. The Blues are expected to definitively make the call on the Panthers ace before their charter flight to Perth, which departs Sydney Airport mid-afternoon. Canterbury winger Jacob Kiraz had been on stand-by for an Origin debut and replaced To'o for Thursday's session, but Blues teammates expect To'o will play. "He's ready to rock," five-eighth Jarome Luai said prior to Saturday's session. "He's one of the best wingers to play this game of rugby league. He's a big piece in this puzzle." Blues right winger Zac Lomax was similarly confident, lauding To'o for his potential to help NSW claim a series victory at Optus Stadium on Wednesday. "He'll be ready to go. He's a professional, he gets himself ready and he's played a lot of games here (for NSW)," Lomax said. "We love having Bizza in the team, he's been an unbelievable asset." To'o ran for a game-high 225 metres in NSW's 18-6 game-one win and Lomax said the 26-year-old was essential in laying a platform for victory in the backfield. "His courage in the back of the field, his effort areas are unbelievable too," Lomax said. "The best thing for 'Biz' is he wants to get his team forward at the back of the field. That's massive and that's what Origin's about. "Since I've been able to play with him, that's just the thing that I admire about him, the way that he gets us forward." Luai reunites with To'o for the first time since the playmaker left Penrith to join Wests Tigers this season. He said To'o had been his usually energetic self despite the latest injury, which followed two previous hamstring lay-offs this season. "He's probably even moreso (energetic)," said Luai, called into Blues camp after a calf injury to Mitch Moses this week. "Because he's not really letting loose at training and stuff, so he's got more energy to bank up and let loose behind cameras and behind closed doors. "It's always good to have that and to feel that, I haven't been around that for a while. It's good to be with the boys." Brian To'o's teammates are confident he will play in State of Origin II as the star winger completes NSW's vital last session before flying to Perth. Coach Laurie Daley said this week the Blues would make the call on To'o and his sore left hamstring after Saturday morning's training in Homebush. To'o spent part of the warm-up consulting with NSW team physiotherapist Kenny Michalopoulos separately from his teammates. But the four-time premiership-winning winger ran unencumbered and joined in for the opposed session against the NSW U19s side coached by Blues legend Josh Jackson. To'o was briefly substituted out to rest and replaced on the left wing by Wests Tigers winger Luke Laulilii. But in the clearest sign yet he will overcome his hamstring issue, To'o was seen saying he "feels good" in a conversation with Michalopoulos towards the end of training. The Blues are expected to definitively make the call on the Panthers ace before their charter flight to Perth, which departs Sydney Airport mid-afternoon. Canterbury winger Jacob Kiraz had been on stand-by for an Origin debut and replaced To'o for Thursday's session, but Blues teammates expect To'o will play. "He's ready to rock," five-eighth Jarome Luai said prior to Saturday's session. "He's one of the best wingers to play this game of rugby league. He's a big piece in this puzzle." Blues right winger Zac Lomax was similarly confident, lauding To'o for his potential to help NSW claim a series victory at Optus Stadium on Wednesday. "He'll be ready to go. He's a professional, he gets himself ready and he's played a lot of games here (for NSW)," Lomax said. "We love having Bizza in the team, he's been an unbelievable asset." To'o ran for a game-high 225 metres in NSW's 18-6 game-one win and Lomax said the 26-year-old was essential in laying a platform for victory in the backfield. "His courage in the back of the field, his effort areas are unbelievable too," Lomax said. "The best thing for 'Biz' is he wants to get his team forward at the back of the field. That's massive and that's what Origin's about. "Since I've been able to play with him, that's just the thing that I admire about him, the way that he gets us forward." Luai reunites with To'o for the first time since the playmaker left Penrith to join Wests Tigers this season. He said To'o had been his usually energetic self despite the latest injury, which followed two previous hamstring lay-offs this season. "He's probably even moreso (energetic)," said Luai, called into Blues camp after a calf injury to Mitch Moses this week. "Because he's not really letting loose at training and stuff, so he's got more energy to bank up and let loose behind cameras and behind closed doors. "It's always good to have that and to feel that, I haven't been around that for a while. It's good to be with the boys." Brian To'o's teammates are confident he will play in State of Origin II as the star winger completes NSW's vital last session before flying to Perth. Coach Laurie Daley said this week the Blues would make the call on To'o and his sore left hamstring after Saturday morning's training in Homebush. To'o spent part of the warm-up consulting with NSW team physiotherapist Kenny Michalopoulos separately from his teammates. But the four-time premiership-winning winger ran unencumbered and joined in for the opposed session against the NSW U19s side coached by Blues legend Josh Jackson. To'o was briefly substituted out to rest and replaced on the left wing by Wests Tigers winger Luke Laulilii. But in the clearest sign yet he will overcome his hamstring issue, To'o was seen saying he "feels good" in a conversation with Michalopoulos towards the end of training. The Blues are expected to definitively make the call on the Panthers ace before their charter flight to Perth, which departs Sydney Airport mid-afternoon. Canterbury winger Jacob Kiraz had been on stand-by for an Origin debut and replaced To'o for Thursday's session, but Blues teammates expect To'o will play. "He's ready to rock," five-eighth Jarome Luai said prior to Saturday's session. "He's one of the best wingers to play this game of rugby league. He's a big piece in this puzzle." Blues right winger Zac Lomax was similarly confident, lauding To'o for his potential to help NSW claim a series victory at Optus Stadium on Wednesday. "He'll be ready to go. He's a professional, he gets himself ready and he's played a lot of games here (for NSW)," Lomax said. "We love having Bizza in the team, he's been an unbelievable asset." To'o ran for a game-high 225 metres in NSW's 18-6 game-one win and Lomax said the 26-year-old was essential in laying a platform for victory in the backfield. "His courage in the back of the field, his effort areas are unbelievable too," Lomax said. "The best thing for 'Biz' is he wants to get his team forward at the back of the field. That's massive and that's what Origin's about. "Since I've been able to play with him, that's just the thing that I admire about him, the way that he gets us forward." Luai reunites with To'o for the first time since the playmaker left Penrith to join Wests Tigers this season. He said To'o had been his usually energetic self despite the latest injury, which followed two previous hamstring lay-offs this season. "He's probably even moreso (energetic)," said Luai, called into Blues camp after a calf injury to Mitch Moses this week. "Because he's not really letting loose at training and stuff, so he's got more energy to bank up and let loose behind cameras and behind closed doors. "It's always good to have that and to feel that, I haven't been around that for a while. It's good to be with the boys."
News.com.au
3 hours ago
- News.com.au
Man, 20, charged over alleged death threats to Newcastle Knights player James Schiller
NSW Police have charged a 20-year-old man for allegedly making death threats and sending vile messages to Knights winger James Schiller last week. Schiller copped a barrage of abuse on his social media following Newcastle's 26-22 golden point victory over the Sea Eagles last week. Schiller had a mixed performance, committing five errors, missing four tackles, and giving away three penalties but also scored and produced several moments of brilliance in the Knights' comeback win. 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. But after the Knights' incredible victory, Schiller returned to the dressing room over the moon, only to open his phone to see several vile threats aimed in his direction. 'Count your days c--- I will end your f---ing life,' the private message to Schiller read. 'Doesn't make up for it even though you won … 'Five errors, two penalties, 1 six again and partridge in a pear tree. I hope Dane (Gagai) jams his c--- down your throat and you choke and die.' The threats directed at Schiller were addressed by Knights coach Adam by O'Brien following the game, who labelled it 'worrying'. 'That is worrying,' O'Brien said. 'I want to protect them … and for him to go through that over a couple of errors … it's a game of footy. 'He's got a family. That's partly the reason why you do want to protect them. 'I think it's a societal problem, isn't it? It's not just football players who are getting that sort of stuff. 'I understand there is some legislation, and I think at the moment it's in the hands of authorities to try and help in this situation with James. 'We need to be able to stop people doing it, change their thought process before doing it.' Lake Macquarie Detectives launched an investigation into the incident after Schiller was reportedly shaken up by the ordeal. It led to them arresting and charging a 20-year-old man on Friday. The man was charged with use of carriage service to menace/harass/offend. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday, July 30. Police have the authority to charge individuals for threats made through social media and this incident isn't the first of its kind. In 2021, two men were charged after sending abusive or threatening messages to NRL star Latrell Mitchell on social media.
Daily Telegraph
9 hours ago
- Daily Telegraph
Artist disgusted by ‘appalling beast of anti-Semitism'
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News. Archibald Prize-winner Tim Storrier claims woke politics have hijacked the Australian arts scene while pro-Palestinian activism is allowing the 'appalling beast of anti-Semitism' to emerge unchallenged. One of this country's greatest living artists – his work appears in major collections around the world – Mr Storrier says he is speaking out because Jewish and non-Jewish artists fear publicly commenting. The 76-year-old told The Saturday Telegraph he believed galleries and funding bodies were dominated by diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) advocates whose rigid approach had 'excluded' non-conforming artists. 'They're quite open, for instance, about the fact that old, straight, white men – and I fit into that cadre – are not welcome,' he said. Even more concerning for Mr Storrier is his suspicion that artists are being overlooked for exhibitions or funding if not openly 'pro-Palestine' following the outbreak of Israel-Hamas hostilities in October 2023. Artist Tim Storrier, pictured at his studio, is speaking out about the anti-Semitism that is rife in the arts world. Picture: Jonathan Ng 'We've seen a complete hijacking of the arts by woke politics,' he said. 'Then the pro-Palestinian thing came out of left field and that's a very delicate topic. 'But it's not appropriate for happenings in the Middle East to drive our cultural institutions and our arts. 'I see this appalling beast of anti-Semitism sticking its head up. It's disgusting and outrageous. 'I'm staggered when you consider the positive history of Jewish artists, sponsors, collectors and gallerists over decades in Australia. 'Unfortunately, in this environment, it seems the only thing some artists can do is keep their heads down. 'It also surprises me that people who select or fund some of the art that's appearing these days can't tell the difference between political propaganda and fine art.' Sculptor Nina Sanadze says lots of Jewish artists are cancelling their shows because they don't want to be on the radar. Picture: Louis Trerise Mr Storrier, who is not Jewish, said arts ministers should be more involved. 'It seems their only real interest in the arts is to get a picture taken with Cate Blanchett,' he added. Sculptor Nina Sanadze told The Jewish Independent in February: 'The problem is a pattern of pressure from those in high-standing positions – artists, curators, academics – making a statement against genocide and forcing the Jewish creative community to either agree or lose their career or funding. 'You have to fit their ideals, which is a lot of pressure, particularly if you're Jewish and you're not loudly demonstrating that you are a 'good Jew'. 'Lots of Jewish artists are cancelling their shows because they don't want to be on the radar.' Others are 'being cancelled' says Jewish musician, film maker, and painter Anita Lester. 'October 7 was a devastating period and I said something publicly about how silent the creative community had been, a community that prides itself on standing up for human rights,' Ms Lester said. 'I was digitally lynched and for a show I had booked the venue had to hire three times the security. I haven't booked or been booked for a gig since. 'I had a film in development. The funding fell through. 'I was publicly mocked, I was seriously doxed.' Jewish musician, film maker, and painter Anita Lester says she 'was digitally lynched'. Picture: Supplied A non-Jewish immigrant artist told this masthead they had publicly defended an impacted Jewish artist and were now 'totally being ignored by the art system in general'. 'I have received awards, used to get Creative Australia funding, was part of art prizes and suddenly I am only facing rejection,' they said. 'People like me, we left communist systems in China or Russia, or regimes in places like Iran and parts of Africa to come here for safety and freedom of speech. 'Now we are being shut out because we don't express the same viewpoint as the dominant pro-Palestine, anti-Israel narrative that has been shaping the art world since October 7. 'There is this propaganda machine brainwashing a large part of the art world and not allowing anyone to express anything other than one ideology. It's quite scary. 'I have no problem with people having a political point of view. But others shouldn't be scared they'll be disadvantaged for not falling into line.' Creative Australia – an arts funding and advisory body for the federal government – was approached for an opinion on the Israel-Palestine issue. A spokeswoman said the organisation 'does not take a position on geopolitical' matters. The art world has encountered other controversies in recent times. Biennale of Sydney artistic director Hoor Al Qasimi. Picture: Dan Boud Emirati royal Hoor Al Qasimi was appointed in May last year as artistic director for the 2026 Sydney Biennale – an international festival of contemporary art – sparking an outcry from Jewish leaders who claimed she is an anti-Israel activist. The appointment of Ms Al Qasimi was announced by Sydney Biennale CEO Barbara Moore. The two are well known to each other. Ms Al Qasimi is president of the International Biennale Association and Ms Moore is a vice-president. Biennale of Sydney CEO Barbara Moore. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers Artist Khaled Sabsabi. Artist Khaled Sabsabi, a board member of the Sydney Biennale, was part of the search committee for the artistic director. He was also at the centre of a storm in February after being chosen by Creative Australia to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale. Mr Sabsabi was dumped days later after a range of his early works hit the spotlight, including a 2006 video montage depicting imagery of the 9/11 attacks entitled Thank You Very Much. The Saturday Telegraph sought comment from Ms Al Qasimi, Ms Moore and Mr Sabsabi. Do you have a story for The Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email tips@
