Brawling NRL agents to cop six-month bans
The pair will be issued with code of conduct breach notices following revelations in this column last year the two had fought on the pavement outside a pub during a schoolboy carnival.
They had earlier exchanged angry words inside the pub before stepping outside.
My information is the integrity unit studied CCTV footage before deciding to take action against the managers.
The two agents manage some of the biggest names in rugby league.
Dawson has Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, while Orr has Val Holmes, Jahrome Hughes, Dylan Brown and Selwyn Cobbo.
The NRL is to be congratulated on taking action against Orr in particular, who was also involved in another incident in Las Vegas last year that was not acted on.
SAINT
Tim Tszyu may have lost his world title fight in Las Vegas last weekend, but he handled it with so much class and dignity. No excuses. No complaints. Beaten fair and square by a better fighter on the occasion. His reaction and great sportsmanship afterwards was a wonderful example to be setting all young Aussie athletes at all levels of sport.
SINNER
Brad Fittler seems to have a problem with Polynesian rugby league players wanting to honour their heritage and play for Samoa or Tonga in representative football. This is actually a great thing for the international game. These guys are entitled to play State of Origin — and for the Pacific nations — as long as they were either born in Australia or played their first junior footy here. That the Kangaroos are now facing a real challenge to remain the number one country, is a good thing.
SHOOSH
Which board member from a Queensland-based NRL club got blind drunk and made a complete goose of himself in front of hundreds of guests at a recent charity function. It didn't help that he'd been to a long lunch for six hours beforehand.
SPOTTED
Maroons and St George Illawarra Dragons star Val Holmes recovering in hospital after season-ending surgery with his kids Billy and Ardie.
SPOTTED
She would have been just another face in the crowd at Shute Shield rugby at North Sydney Oval 10 days ago, but Mark Latham's former partner Nathalie Matthews was the subject of much attention at Northern Suburbs v Eastwood last weekend.
SPOTTED
He may have bolted in to win the federal election earlier this year, but our prime minister Anthony Albanese is having an absolute shocker in our NRL tipping competition and looking a most likely wooden spooner. In fairness, the PM is a Rabbitohs tragic and has to tip them each week despite their shocking run with injuries.
SPOTTED
Dessie Hasler maintains a close friendship with the Fainu family from his days at the Manly Sea Eagles, when the boys were emerging in pathways. Dessie caught up with Sione, Samuela and Latu at Leichhardt Oval last week after the Wests Tigers v Titans game.
SPOTTED
Two sporting heavyweights sitting side-by-side on a Brisbane to Sydney flight on Thursday — former Olympic boss John Coates and golf legend Greg Norman.
WOMEN'S GAME NOT SO SUPER
Women's rugby league is struggling big time in England, nowhere near as strong as our NRLW competition.
You'll remember the English side was beaten 90-4 by the Jillaroos in Las Vegas in March.
Now the Warrington Wolves have had to forfeit a Super League fixture against St Helens this weekend due to a lack of players.
DCE PUTS ENERGY INTO DRINK
Daly Cherry-Evans is already planning for life after the Sydney Roosters.
The Manly Sea Eagles skipper and ex-Wallabies star Quade Cooper have recently invested into a sports energy drink business.
They are on board with one of Australia's fastest growing companies Hyro; the hydration drink company taking on global heavyweights like Gatorade and Powerade.
The company in Australia is fronted by entrepreneurial couple Steve Chapman and Taylor Bird.
Cherry-Evans and Cooper was seen last week shooting a Hyro commercial in Sydney.
Both have invested their own money into the company.
Cherry-Evans, 36, is quitting Manly at the end of the season for a stint at the Roosters... and Friday night's loss to Melbourne Storm showed why he's needed.
The Roosters led 30-28 after 66 minutes but couldn't close down the game.
KEVVIE'S TOUGHEST DECISION
Proud Queenslander Kevvie Walters is facing his first test of state loyalty with the selection of his Australian captain for the Kangaroos tour to England in October.
The leading contenders are NSW Blues skipper Isaah Yeo — the incumbent Australian skipper, and Cameron Munster, who led Queensland so magnificently in this year's State of Origin series.
Yeo did a great job with the Australian side under Mal Meninga last year; taking over from James Tedesco to lead the Aussies to victory in the Pacific Championships.
Yet he failed to inspire the Blues against the Maroons in Origin this year in his first crack as a NSW captain after replacing Jake Trbojevic.
Not that you can blame the champion NSW lock for the Blues' series defeat.
On the other hand, Munster did so well as Queensland captain — even dealing with the tragic death of his father in the build-up to the series decider in Sydney.
Thrown into the job to replace Daly Cherry Evans, Munster — despite not being a club captain — won man-of-the-match in Origin II in Perth.
It turned out a masterstroke by coach Billy Slater to put the Storm five-eighth in as skipper.
There's also the likes of Harry Grant and Nathan Cleary as possibilities.
So we tracked down Walters on Friday to get his views.
'We've got some great options,' Walters said. 'And that excites me.
'In most of my time playing for the Kangaroos we had Mal (Meninga).
'Regardless of who's the captain, we'll have so many great leaders from the clubs and Origin teams.
'Obviously, it's not my decision alone and we'll be consulting the right people. The commission will sign off on it.
'Someone will run out first, but we need all the senior guys to contribute as leaders.'
DRAGONS AND DOGS UNITE
Long time rivals Canterbury and St George Illawarra have joined forces in a unique NRL partnership.
Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton and his Dragons counterpart Tim Watsford have reached a profit-sharing agreement for the Las Vegas season-opener next year and for all future games between the clubs.
'We're going to work together off the field to strengthen what is one of league's most formidable rivalries to deliver what two of the NRL's most passionate supporter bases deserve,' Warburton said.
'We fiercely compete for 80 minutes in two games each season, but we're partners in growing the game for the other 363 days.
'It's about giving fans the best possible experience on game day.'
Last weekend was a perfect example of the special rivalry that exists between these two clubs.
A thrilling game that went down to the wire with a stack of controversy and blow ups afterwards.
It's such great theatre.
'The profit share arrangement ensures both clubs are invested in the game's success from revenue and fan experience perspectives,' Warburton said. 'As the game continues to generate momentum, club-to-club collaboration is important.
'We are building for success both on and off the field and rivalries of this nature are paramount to the success of not only the club, but the game more broadly.'
More NRL clubs should be working together in this manner. Imagine the crowds that the Bulldogs and Dragons will attract if Saints can get their act together and both clubs work together on the promotion of the game.
WHEN YOU SWYSH UPON A STAR
He might be nearing the end of his career but Broncos old skipper Adam Reynolds remains one of rugby league's most loved characters.
The veteran halfback gets more requests than any other NRL player on the popular video messaging platform Swysh.
More than 1500 athletes have signed up with Swysh to record messages for fans on special occasions with ten per cent of the fee going to charity.
Reynolds is soon to release his life story in a book that will be available for Father's Day.
There will be much revealed in regards to his messy departure from the South Sydney Rabbitohs three years ago.
THE SWYSH TOP TEN
1. Adam Reynolds
2. Brian To'o
3. Stephen Crichton
4. James Tedesco
5. Jordan Riki
6. Ryan Papenhuyzen
7. Matt Burton
8. Tom Trbojevic
9. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
10. Hudson Young
SEN'S RATINGS STRUGGLE
Sports network SEN has had a disastrous result in Sydney's latest radio ratings.
All shifts from Andrew Voss and Greg Alexander (1.2%) at breakfast through to Joel Caine and Bryan Fletcher (1.2%) on drive fell substantially.
The Big Sports Breakfast on Sky Sports Radio also suffered a ratings fall that could be put down to the absence of Laurie Daley, who was off air while coaching the Blues State of Origin team.
SEN also performed poorly on weekends, dropping to just 0.3 for Sunday NRL.
In Sunday league ratings, the 2GB Continuous Call team fell from 9.9% to 7.5%.
The big improver was Triple M which jumped from 5% to 6.2%, more than double the audience of the ABC.
Sunday NRL Sydney
2GB 7.5% down from 9.9%
Triple M 6.2% up from 5%
ABC 3% up from 2.7%
SEN 0.3% down from 1.5%
Brisbane NRL Sunday
Triple M 12.1% up from 11%
4BC 4.2% down from 4.6%
ABC 3.4% down from 7.8%
SEN 0.6% up from 0.4% THE BETTER HALF with Kristi Wilkinson - partner of Tom Trbojevic
Okay we did Jurbo a couple of weeks ago, now Turbo. What's he really like away from the footy spotlight?
If you know Tom, you know he does not enjoy the spotlight! Tom is a very down to earth, family-oriented man, some may say shy at first, but once he brings out his sarcasm, you know he feels comfortable. Away from footy, Tom enjoys cooking, golf, walking our dog CJ and travel.
Where did you two meet? Did you know he was a famous footy player?
We met was at Macquarie Uni back in 2020, where we both studied business degrees. He needed me to help him pass his final exam and in exchange he took me for a drink.
Now you guys are getting married in December, how did he propose?
Tom had just finished playing for Australia back in November last year, and we had planned a trip to Europe. Before heading overseas, we started our time off down in Bowral at Osborn House. Unbeknown to me, Tom had planned for the hotel staff to set up our room with rose petals, champagne and candles while we were at dinner on the first night. When I got back, I got the shock of my life. I loved how much of a surprise it was, it was really special.
How is he around the house with chores, cooking, stacking the dishwasher, cleaning, gardening, feeding the dog etc?
Tom is extremely helpful around the house, I will give him that! When it comes to the outdoors … not so much. Tom despises gardening and mowing the lawn, the only outdoor job he enjoys is cooking a steak on the barbeque!
I guess all footy professionals are healthy eaters but surely he breaks out every now and then with some fast food?
Our house is full of healthy food so the majority of the time, we eat a very clean diet. The day after a game though … I could find Tom anywhere from the local KFC, to getting a Maccas McFlurry, to enjoying enough pizza to feed a family!
Tell us about his relationship with Jake, Ben and Luke? How tight are they?
Well they spend most days at training together and then choose to spend their days off together, so they're pretty tight! They have a group chat with the four of them and their mum, Mel, called 'My Boys' and it's constantly going off.
I asked this same question to Alix: The NRL is a roller coaster of highs and lows. Tom's had some tough times with injuries. How do you cope when he's having a rough trot?
It is definitely a roller coaster! Tom cares so much about his teammates and ensuring he is doing his job for Manly that when uncontrollable situations occur, it can be really challenging. We definitely lean on each other during the more difficult times to try and lift the mood, stay positive and move forward.
He's had some great moments; won a Dally M; played for NSW and Australia. I bet you're proud.
Tom has achieved an inspiring amount playing football, but nothing comes close to his achievement of dating me! (haha). In all seriousness, what makes me most proud is how he shows up every day ... as a person and a partner. Phil Rothfield Sports Editor-at-Large
Phil Buzz Rothfield is a 43-year veteran of sports journalism. He covered his first rugby league grand final in 1978 - the Manly Sea Eagles - Cronulla Sharks replay. Buzz has been involved in the coverage of every State of Origin game since its inception in 1980 and has covered sport in major countries including England, Russia, the United States and Brazil. NRL
Cam Munster, Billy Slater and Cam Smith have a special piece in their career which Reece Walsh missed out on - an apprenticeship away from the forensic gaze of the NRL. NRL
Jake Clifford has won the battle for scrumbase contracts at the Cowboys - and it is set to deliver a former Australian schoolboys playmaker to the Broncos.
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ABC News
16 minutes ago
- ABC News
Why the Dolphins-Roosters clash doubles as a Dally M showdown for Isaiya Katoa and James Tedesco
With six points on offer in every game and anonymous judges, the Dally M race has become murkier and harder to predict than ever before. But with five rounds remaining, the Dolphins-Roosters match at Lang Park on Saturday should double as the opening salvo of the final run for this year's version of rugby league's ultimate individual prize. Relying on the votes to reliably make sense is an easy way to get your heart broken, and given the judges are now anonymous, it's a game of shadows even before it goes behind closed doors. But anything less than a race to the finish between Phins halfback Isaiya Katoa and Tricolours fullback James Tedesco simply won't match up with the reality that has unfolded before us in 2025. Canberra's top contender is Joseph Tapine, but a prop has to practically walk on water to win an award like this, while Canterbury has experienced a season which has been a triumph of the many rather than one built on the excellence of the few. Despite its dynasty, Penrith is yet to win the big Dally M prize and its slow first half of the year just about ensures that streak will continue. New Zealand's Luke Metcalf led at the halfway point of the season but has since succumbed to a knee injury. Cronulla's Will Kennedy was second, but that form has been harder for him to come by in the months since, and while teammate Blayke Brailey has shined recently, his run has surely come too late. Terrell May was four points off Metcalf's lead, but the Tigers lengthy losing run will count against him, and outside the top eight there are no other contenders. Payne Haas rounded out the top five, but Origin representation and a few missed games here and there are enough to cross him out, and Brisbane's losing streak in the middle of the year won't help matters either. Melbourne's Cameron Munster is an outside chance, but the presence of Jahrome Hughes, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Harry Grant through much of the season can always drag points away. That leaves Katoa and Tedesco, two men at opposite ends of time — a young prince and an old master, the first son of tomorrow and one of the last heroes of a past age. At 21, Katoa would be the youngest Dally M winner in 40 years. At 32, Tedesco would join Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston in winning the medal again at an age when most players are slowing down. They're coming at the prize from different directions and in different ways. Katoa was equal fifth when voting went dark, fresh off a six-point haul in the Dolphins 44-6 win over Canterbury in Round 12. Metcalf's lead wouldn't have lasted much longer because the competition's youngest club started rewriting its own history by the week, with Katoa at the heart of it. They set a record for their biggest ever win in Round 13, then broke it in their very next game. In a month, the Dolphins broke 50 points more times than the Gold Coast Titans have in their entire existence, and while the points have slowed a little, the beautiful football has not. Injuries have torn apart their forward pack and are now spreading into their backline, but they are not shambling to the finish line as the parts fall away, they are speeding up to a point where their first-ever finals berth feels possible, and so much of that possibility has flowed from Katoa. His play is not singular, and it's a measure of how well-drilled and adaptable the Dolphins have become that they've sustained their level of play despite the many players they've lost along the way. Katoa is a creator and he is surrounded by finishers like Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Herbie Farnworth, or players with a bit of both in them like halves partner Kodi Nikorima and Swiss army knife Jake Averillo. The Phins middle has been ripped apart by injury, but their back row depth has proven to be outstanding with Kurt Donoghoe, Oryn Keeley and Connelly Lemuelu thriving both on the ball and off it. There's a lot of heroes at Redcliffe but the Dally M is an award for playmakers — aside from Jason Taumalolo and Cameron Smith, every winner for the past 20 years has been a half or a fullback. Katoa is the ringmaster of the Phins attacking circus, drawing the eye and directing it where he will, and that means the votes will flow like a river. He is second in the league for try assists, first in line break involvements, and first, by a huge margin, for line engagements. His trademarks — like when he looks inside to play out or when he controls the tempo of his running as he goes to line, mixing fast and slow and always equalling out to smooth — speak to his enormous sophistication as a footballer, especially for someone so young. Listen to how other players, former and current, talk about him. The tired old buzzwords — brilliant, unbelievable, freakish, a natural, a 10-year Origin player — don't do the job because Katoa demands greater detail. You have to pop the hood. "I think of the boys working in and around him, and the rewards they're getting off his style of play," Shaun Johnson said on Fox League after one Dolphins win. "He's direct, he's running the footy and he's playing at various speeds. Every element we see in the footage looks different; there's not one repetitive movement. "He's got such a variety in his tool kit, but none of it is low percentage. For a 21-year-old, 50 games experience, that's what's got me scratching my head. "The way he's balancing his game and executing — he's not overplaying. This was an 80-minute masterclass, and he was at the centre of it." The battle between his kicking game and Tedesco's positional play is where they'll cross paths the most on Saturday, and Tedesco knows what's coming because he's an unabashed fan of Katoa. "I love watching him. Some of his ball-playing, we talk about it at training, it's unbelievable," Tedesco said on the Freddy and the Eighth podcast earlier this year. "We'll come in on a Monday and say, 'See that Katoa, see that try he set up?' "It's so impressive for a young kid. Playing against him, if you slide off, he'll show and go, or play short, (but if you come up) he goes out the back. "I was talking to Cooper (Cronk) about him and he was so impressed. He's a real student of the game who loves watching and learning." Tedesco was just three points off the lead when voting was silenced and his football since has been a continuation of a great regeneration, a return to his best in defiance of what has come before. What's happening in 2025 is far from a last gasp. It's a continuation of what happened last year, when Tedesco lost out on the Dally M to Hughes by a solitary point. The Melbourne man taking the medal was the right call, but Tedesco's return to true excellence after a slower 2023 season was something to behold. He finished on a career high for tries, and set a new career high for linebreaks and try assists. He led the league in tackle busts for the fifth time in seven seasons, and was just 128 yards shy of setting a new career best mark for run metres. Tedesco's raw attacking numbers are down for 2025 because the Roosters had to retool, and there are less tries and assists to go around. The 2024 edition of Trent Robinson's side scored the sixth most tries of any team in premiership history, a level of attack that was not sustainable with the departure of Luke Keary, Joseph Manu, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and the long-term injury to Sam Walker. They had to find a way to retool and they have, and Tedesco has done it with them. He is running the ball more often later in the tackle count, acting more as a yardage weapon who provides attacking shape than out-and-out playmaker. It gives the Roosters' youngsters a strong platform to build from. The style is tougher and better suited to younger legs, but Tedesco is thriving in it. At the time of writing, he leads all fullbacks in tackle busts, total runs and run metres, and continues to find the attacking touch when called upon. After losing his Australia and New South Wales jerseys, Tedesco was meant to be over the hill, but he's steadily dragged himself back the way he came, past the generation of fullbacks who came after and were supposed to replace him, until he's back at the top again. It's a tremendous feat of evolution and adaption at an age where change can be the hardest thing of all, and another Dally M would be the capstone on the second part of his career. Like Smith or Thurston or Cronk proved before him, once a player hits the top, there's nowhere else to go, and we can grow accustomed to even the greatest wonders. Sometimes, we all need a reminder of what a truly great career looks like. For Katoa, the stakes are simpler. A Dally M win would be physical proof of what all know to already be true — that the future has arrived and his time has come. There's no way of knowing which is in the lead, but both men still have time to secure the medal, or have it slip from their grasp, which brings us back to Lang Park on Saturday night. A Dolphins win will leave the Roosters two wins out of the eight with four games remaining, which is getting perilously close to the state of mind where the phrase "mathematically possible" is invoked as proof your finals dreams are still alive. 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17 minutes ago
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NewsLocal Sport Junior Rising Star 2025/26: Highlighting the best U18s talent in New South Wales
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