Koloamatangi states case for Blues recall after Barnett injury
'Keaon's numbers are great, that's the point we're missing,' Bennett said of Koloamatangi, who is averaging 140 metres and 30 tackles per game this season.
'And he's playing the full 80 minutes. He's not even looking to be brought off the ground.
'That's the remarkable thing - to have a middle forward these days who can do all that workload. Payne Haas is really good at it too, but this guy is in that league.'
Koloamatangi has played one State of Origin, helping NSW win game three of the 2023 series, and recognises that consistent form at club level is the key to earning a Blues recall.
'They had a dominant win in game one, so I don't think they'll change the team,' he said.
'I'm just trying to play my best footy for the Rabbitohs, and if the rep stuff comes, it comes. But I'm not too fussed, to be honest. If I get the call, I get the call.
'My main focus is the Bunnies … obviously one of my big goals is to get back there [in Origin], but obviously I have to play good at club level to be able to make the team.'
The Mascot Jets junior was confident he would be better a second time around in the Origin arena, given the experience he gained on debut two years ago.
'Especially playing for Tonga against Australia as well - you know, obviously they're a mixture of both Queensland and NSW,' he said.
'I'm confident in the way it's going at the moment. I feel like I'm playing good footy, so whatever happens, happens.'
He has embraced his move into the engine room and was hopeful his ability to also play on an edge would count in his favour when Daley sits down on Sunday to name his team for Origin II.
'Wayne puts his trust in me, and I don't want to let him down, to be honest,' he said. 'I don't want to be a liability for the team ... obviously the best props in the world, like Payne, they play massive minutes and do a massive amount of work.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
10 hours ago
- News.com.au
‘You keep signing everyone': Roosters star gives it to Gus Gould
Roosters and NSW star Angus Crichton has taken a cheeky dig at Phil Gould after the Bulldogs supremo pointed out the exodus of senior players from the Sydney glamour club. The Roosters are 12th on the ladder and have been competitive in what is a transitional year for the club following the departures of Luke Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Joey Manu, Joseph Sua'ali'i, Terrell May and Sitili Tupouniua. 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. They have also been without halfback Sam Walker so far this season as he recovers from an ACL injury, while Brandon Smith has joined the Rabbitohs mid-season. Appearing on Nine's 100% Footy on Monday night, Gould asked Crichton about the 'drain' of players from the Chooks, and the Roosters star had a cheeky retort. Gould: 'Angus, last year — Joey Manu, Sua'ali'i, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Luke Keary, Brendon Smith, Sam Walker, Sitili Tupouniua — it's a big drain on experienced talent isn't it?' Crichton jokingly replied: 'I know, somehow we still don't have any cash. And you guys keep signing everyone, so I don't know what's going on here. There needs to be an investigation.' Gould looked momentarily stunned before co-host Paul Gallen chimed in, telling Crichton: 'You're more than welcome here any time you want.' The Oracle wrote on X: 'How good was this! Angus Crichton giving it to Gus Gould. And didn't he have a valid point?' Watch the Gould vs Crichton exchange in the video above The Bulldogs have recruited Lachlan Galvin, Leo Thompson, Stephen Crichton, Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau in recent seasons during Gould's tenure as Canterbury's general manager of football Bulldogs. A secret document has revealed Canterbury have the salary cap profile of a premiership winning team, with no players earning more than a million dollars per season, modelling the even spread of talent that saw Penrith win four premierships in a row. Meanwhile the Roosters have impressed this season with a fairly inexperienced side, handing debuts to Robert Toia, Hugo Savala, Salesi Foketi, Taylor Losalu, Blake Steep, Xavier Va'a and Benaiah Ioielu, while getting more games into Sandon Smith. 'We've invested heavily in our young boys and they've been doing a great job for us,' Crichton added. 'Blake Steep has been huge for us. Salesi Foketi, and now seeing the young hooker Benaiah (Ioelu) come through, he's really crafty. 'Robert Toia, he's been great. I'm so happy he got his opportunity in Origin, he's just a baller and goes out there and kills it.' Crichton also praised the Roosters' young halves Sandon Smith and Hugo Savala, who have been more than capable playmakers in the absence of Sam Walker. 'Hugo's kick is what sort of has unlocked our team a bit,' the forward said. 'Being able to kick long and get into those grinds in games. If you play simple and kick to corners, that's halfway to you winning the game.' The departure of several senior players has the Roosters well and truly in the mix to sign Daly Cherry-Evans for next season after the Manly skipper said he wouldn't be at the Sea Eagles beyond this year. 'I don't know, you guys probably know more than me, I haven't heard anything,' Crichton said when asked about the DCE rumours. 'Obviously he's a great player and adds value wherever he goes. I'd just be disappointed if we lose any of our young guys that are doing such a great job for us. 'Sandon and Hugo have been huge for us, hopefully we can make sure everyone can stay. 'The bones of a good strong team are there and putting Sammy (Walker) in will definitely help boost that. He scores tries out of nowhere, points just flow off him. He's got the best short kick I've ever seen.' After a narrow 26-24 loss to the Raiders last week, the Roosters have the bye this week before taking on Newastle in round 15.
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Bad news for Maroons as Cowboys flyer still sidelined
Queensland have suffered a blow in their bid to level the State of Origin series after Murray Taulagi failed to recover from injury for the last round before teams are picked for game two. North Queensland winger Taulagi had been expected to overcome a calf issue in time to face Melbourne and make a late charge for selection calculations for Origin II in Perth on June 18. Instead, coach Todd Payten has omitted the six-time Maroon from his extended squad altogether, with Jaxson Paulo to hold a starting spot on the wing for Friday's away trip. AAP has been told Taulagi is a chance for selection in round 15 but is rated as unlikely to be brought into the Maroons' set-up given he has not played since round 11. It means Queensland coach Billy Slater will need to look elsewhere if he wants to replace Valentine Holmes following an underwhelming series opener from the veteran. Reece Walsh is set for one last chance to push his own selection case. Brisbane have named Walsh at fullback to face Gold Coast and will give him until captain's run to prove he has completely recovered from the knee injury that sidelined him for six weeks. Walsh is considered the leading alternative to Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga, who disappointed in last week's game-one loss. It comes as Broncos coach Michael Maguire axed Deine Mariner to allow Jesse Arthars and Selwyn Cobbo to line up on the wings against the Titans on Saturday night. South Sydney's injury woes are finally beginning to ease as Jack Wighton and Cody Walker return from calf injuries to face Canberra. As a result the Rabbitohs dropped Jye Gray from the 17 despite a superb start to the season, with Jayden Sullivan pushing to the bench in his place. The Raiders have Jamal Fogarty back from the groin issue that ruled the halfback out of the win over the Sydney Roosters. A strong NRL debut from rugby sevens convert Nathan Lawson encouraged St George Illawarra to drop Tyrell Sloan, with Christian Tuipulotu back from his hamstring injury to line up on the other wing. The Dolphins could welcome Jeremy Marshall-King back from a leg injury, naming the hooker in their extended squad. Cronulla winger Sione Katoa will play his first game of the season against the Warriors after undergoing shoulder surgery, with second-rower Teig Wilton back from his own shoulder issue too. Elsewhere, Canterbury have named Lachlan Galvin on their extended bench as he hopes to make his Bulldogs debut against Parramatta following a mid-season move from Wests Tigers. Tom Trbojevic will need another week to recover from his corked quad so Lehi Hopoate will hold the fullback spot for Manly's game against Newcastle. Gold Coast have lost Jojo Fifita and Sam Verrills to broken hands ahead of the clash with the Broncos, but are hoping AJ Brimson will return from a head knock. The Titans are applying for an exemption to allow Brimson to face the Broncos, given Saturday's clash comes before the utility clears the usual 11-day return-to-play window. Queensland have suffered a blow in their bid to level the State of Origin series after Murray Taulagi failed to recover from injury for the last round before teams are picked for game two. North Queensland winger Taulagi had been expected to overcome a calf issue in time to face Melbourne and make a late charge for selection calculations for Origin II in Perth on June 18. Instead, coach Todd Payten has omitted the six-time Maroon from his extended squad altogether, with Jaxson Paulo to hold a starting spot on the wing for Friday's away trip. AAP has been told Taulagi is a chance for selection in round 15 but is rated as unlikely to be brought into the Maroons' set-up given he has not played since round 11. It means Queensland coach Billy Slater will need to look elsewhere if he wants to replace Valentine Holmes following an underwhelming series opener from the veteran. Reece Walsh is set for one last chance to push his own selection case. Brisbane have named Walsh at fullback to face Gold Coast and will give him until captain's run to prove he has completely recovered from the knee injury that sidelined him for six weeks. Walsh is considered the leading alternative to Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga, who disappointed in last week's game-one loss. It comes as Broncos coach Michael Maguire axed Deine Mariner to allow Jesse Arthars and Selwyn Cobbo to line up on the wings against the Titans on Saturday night. South Sydney's injury woes are finally beginning to ease as Jack Wighton and Cody Walker return from calf injuries to face Canberra. As a result the Rabbitohs dropped Jye Gray from the 17 despite a superb start to the season, with Jayden Sullivan pushing to the bench in his place. The Raiders have Jamal Fogarty back from the groin issue that ruled the halfback out of the win over the Sydney Roosters. A strong NRL debut from rugby sevens convert Nathan Lawson encouraged St George Illawarra to drop Tyrell Sloan, with Christian Tuipulotu back from his hamstring injury to line up on the other wing. The Dolphins could welcome Jeremy Marshall-King back from a leg injury, naming the hooker in their extended squad. Cronulla winger Sione Katoa will play his first game of the season against the Warriors after undergoing shoulder surgery, with second-rower Teig Wilton back from his own shoulder issue too. Elsewhere, Canterbury have named Lachlan Galvin on their extended bench as he hopes to make his Bulldogs debut against Parramatta following a mid-season move from Wests Tigers. Tom Trbojevic will need another week to recover from his corked quad so Lehi Hopoate will hold the fullback spot for Manly's game against Newcastle. Gold Coast have lost Jojo Fifita and Sam Verrills to broken hands ahead of the clash with the Broncos, but are hoping AJ Brimson will return from a head knock. The Titans are applying for an exemption to allow Brimson to face the Broncos, given Saturday's clash comes before the utility clears the usual 11-day return-to-play window. Queensland have suffered a blow in their bid to level the State of Origin series after Murray Taulagi failed to recover from injury for the last round before teams are picked for game two. North Queensland winger Taulagi had been expected to overcome a calf issue in time to face Melbourne and make a late charge for selection calculations for Origin II in Perth on June 18. Instead, coach Todd Payten has omitted the six-time Maroon from his extended squad altogether, with Jaxson Paulo to hold a starting spot on the wing for Friday's away trip. AAP has been told Taulagi is a chance for selection in round 15 but is rated as unlikely to be brought into the Maroons' set-up given he has not played since round 11. It means Queensland coach Billy Slater will need to look elsewhere if he wants to replace Valentine Holmes following an underwhelming series opener from the veteran. Reece Walsh is set for one last chance to push his own selection case. Brisbane have named Walsh at fullback to face Gold Coast and will give him until captain's run to prove he has completely recovered from the knee injury that sidelined him for six weeks. Walsh is considered the leading alternative to Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga, who disappointed in last week's game-one loss. It comes as Broncos coach Michael Maguire axed Deine Mariner to allow Jesse Arthars and Selwyn Cobbo to line up on the wings against the Titans on Saturday night. South Sydney's injury woes are finally beginning to ease as Jack Wighton and Cody Walker return from calf injuries to face Canberra. As a result the Rabbitohs dropped Jye Gray from the 17 despite a superb start to the season, with Jayden Sullivan pushing to the bench in his place. The Raiders have Jamal Fogarty back from the groin issue that ruled the halfback out of the win over the Sydney Roosters. A strong NRL debut from rugby sevens convert Nathan Lawson encouraged St George Illawarra to drop Tyrell Sloan, with Christian Tuipulotu back from his hamstring injury to line up on the other wing. The Dolphins could welcome Jeremy Marshall-King back from a leg injury, naming the hooker in their extended squad. Cronulla winger Sione Katoa will play his first game of the season against the Warriors after undergoing shoulder surgery, with second-rower Teig Wilton back from his own shoulder issue too. Elsewhere, Canterbury have named Lachlan Galvin on their extended bench as he hopes to make his Bulldogs debut against Parramatta following a mid-season move from Wests Tigers. Tom Trbojevic will need another week to recover from his corked quad so Lehi Hopoate will hold the fullback spot for Manly's game against Newcastle. Gold Coast have lost Jojo Fifita and Sam Verrills to broken hands ahead of the clash with the Broncos, but are hoping AJ Brimson will return from a head knock. The Titans are applying for an exemption to allow Brimson to face the Broncos, given Saturday's clash comes before the utility clears the usual 11-day return-to-play window.
Perth Now
15 hours ago
- Perth Now
Bad news for Maroons as Cowboys flyer still sidelined
Queensland have suffered a blow in their bid to level the State of Origin series after Murray Taulagi failed to recover from injury for the last round before teams are picked for game two. North Queensland winger Taulagi had been expected to overcome a calf issue in time to face Melbourne and make a late charge for selection calculations for Origin II in Perth on June 18. Instead, coach Todd Payten has omitted the six-time Maroon from his extended squad altogether, with Jaxson Paulo to hold a starting spot on the wing for Friday's away trip. AAP has been told Taulagi is a chance for selection in round 15 but is rated as unlikely to be brought into the Maroons' set-up given he has not played since round 11. It means Queensland coach Billy Slater will need to look elsewhere if he wants to replace Valentine Holmes following an underwhelming series opener from the veteran. Reece Walsh is set for one last chance to push his own selection case. Brisbane have named Walsh at fullback to face Gold Coast and will give him until captain's run to prove he has completely recovered from the knee injury that sidelined him for six weeks. Walsh is considered the leading alternative to Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga, who disappointed in last week's game-one loss. It comes as Broncos coach Michael Maguire axed Deine Mariner to allow Jesse Arthars and Selwyn Cobbo to line up on the wings against the Titans on Saturday night. South Sydney's injury woes are finally beginning to ease as Jack Wighton and Cody Walker return from calf injuries to face Canberra. As a result the Rabbitohs dropped Jye Gray from the 17 despite a superb start to the season, with Jayden Sullivan pushing to the bench in his place. The Raiders have Jamal Fogarty back from the groin issue that ruled the halfback out of the win over the Sydney Roosters. A strong NRL debut from rugby sevens convert Nathan Lawson encouraged St George Illawarra to drop Tyrell Sloan, with Christian Tuipulotu back from his hamstring injury to line up on the other wing. The Dolphins could welcome Jeremy Marshall-King back from a leg injury, naming the hooker in their extended squad. Cronulla winger Sione Katoa will play his first game of the season against the Warriors after undergoing shoulder surgery, with second-rower Teig Wilton back from his own shoulder issue too. Elsewhere, Canterbury have named Lachlan Galvin on their extended bench as he hopes to make his Bulldogs debut against Parramatta following a mid-season move from Wests Tigers. Tom Trbojevic will need another week to recover from his corked quad so Lehi Hopoate will hold the fullback spot for Manly's game against Newcastle. Gold Coast have lost Jojo Fifita and Sam Verrills to broken hands ahead of the clash with the Broncos, but are hoping AJ Brimson will return from a head knock. The Titans are applying for an exemption to allow Brimson to face the Broncos, given Saturday's clash comes before the utility clears the usual 11-day return-to-play window.
