Footy star put knocked out teeth in his sock and kept playing before surgery
There's no doubt rugby union star Sione Taufui can inspire his teammates.
The Newcastle Willdfires player had dental surgery on Tuesday after having three teeth knocked out in his team's 31-6 loss.
Incredibly, the centre played on before he was eventually convinced to come from the field by the Wildfires' physiotherapist.
"Sione went into a jackal and got cleaned out," his coach Scott Coleman said. "The Gordon player's shoulder went straight into his face as Sione looked up.
"Sione picked up two of the three teeth - he couldn't find the other one - and played on.
"Initially, he held the teeth in his hand and when the ball went to the other side of the field, he put them in his sock.
"We got a turnover and kicked down field and he was the first chaser down there.
"When he was walking back, our physio noticed the blood around his mouth and went out to treat him.
"When Sione smiled, the physio freaked out and asked where are you teeth? He replied: in my sock.
"The physio had to drag him from the field. He didn't want to be replaced."
Taufui went to hospital where he was cleared of a broken jaw and had two teeth reinserted.
"He had dental surgery on Tuesday and has two more lots of surgery to come," Coleman said. "He wants to play this weekend, but we have ruled him out."
Coleman was confident the courage and commitment Taufui showed would rub off on his teammates after a poor display against Gordon.
"We highlighted Sione's effort in our match review on Monday," Colemand said. "It was an example of someone not giving up and working for his teammates. That is the toughness and commitment we want."
The loss to Gordon was the Wildfires' second straight and dropped them to third place on the Shute Shield ladder.
Coleman hopes to have fly-half Connor Winchester and fullback Peta Alofipo (groin) available against the Galloping Greens.
Both face fitness tests on Thursday.
Winchester hasn't played since the 40-20 win over Norths on May 17 after succumbing to bone bruising in his left leg.
"Connor had scans on his leg last week. The bone bruising is healing but is not completely right," Coleman said.
"He did modified training on Tuesday and has pulled up well. If he gets through a full session on Thursday and has no complaints on Friday, he will play.
"We have missed him. His calmness and ability to understand and execute a game plan is exceptional."
Randwick are fresh from a 33-31 win over Warrighah and have a host on NSW Waratahs back on deck.
"Halback Michael McDonald played against Warringah and they are expected to have Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly and possibly Max Jorgensen back this week," Coleman said.
There's no doubt rugby union star Sione Taufui can inspire his teammates.
The Newcastle Willdfires player had dental surgery on Tuesday after having three teeth knocked out in his team's 31-6 loss.
Incredibly, the centre played on before he was eventually convinced to come from the field by the Wildfires' physiotherapist.
"Sione went into a jackal and got cleaned out," his coach Scott Coleman said. "The Gordon player's shoulder went straight into his face as Sione looked up.
"Sione picked up two of the three teeth - he couldn't find the other one - and played on.
"Initially, he held the teeth in his hand and when the ball went to the other side of the field, he put them in his sock.
"We got a turnover and kicked down field and he was the first chaser down there.
"When he was walking back, our physio noticed the blood around his mouth and went out to treat him.
"When Sione smiled, the physio freaked out and asked where are you teeth? He replied: in my sock.
"The physio had to drag him from the field. He didn't want to be replaced."
Taufui went to hospital where he was cleared of a broken jaw and had two teeth reinserted.
"He had dental surgery on Tuesday and has two more lots of surgery to come," Coleman said. "He wants to play this weekend, but we have ruled him out."
Coleman was confident the courage and commitment Taufui showed would rub off on his teammates after a poor display against Gordon.
"We highlighted Sione's effort in our match review on Monday," Colemand said. "It was an example of someone not giving up and working for his teammates. That is the toughness and commitment we want."
The loss to Gordon was the Wildfires' second straight and dropped them to third place on the Shute Shield ladder.
Coleman hopes to have fly-half Connor Winchester and fullback Peta Alofipo (groin) available against the Galloping Greens.
Both face fitness tests on Thursday.
Winchester hasn't played since the 40-20 win over Norths on May 17 after succumbing to bone bruising in his left leg.
"Connor had scans on his leg last week. The bone bruising is healing but is not completely right," Coleman said.
"He did modified training on Tuesday and has pulled up well. If he gets through a full session on Thursday and has no complaints on Friday, he will play.
"We have missed him. His calmness and ability to understand and execute a game plan is exceptional."
Randwick are fresh from a 33-31 win over Warrighah and have a host on NSW Waratahs back on deck.
"Halback Michael McDonald played against Warringah and they are expected to have Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly and possibly Max Jorgensen back this week," Coleman said.
There's no doubt rugby union star Sione Taufui can inspire his teammates.
The Newcastle Willdfires player had dental surgery on Tuesday after having three teeth knocked out in his team's 31-6 loss.
Incredibly, the centre played on before he was eventually convinced to come from the field by the Wildfires' physiotherapist.
"Sione went into a jackal and got cleaned out," his coach Scott Coleman said. "The Gordon player's shoulder went straight into his face as Sione looked up.
"Sione picked up two of the three teeth - he couldn't find the other one - and played on.
"Initially, he held the teeth in his hand and when the ball went to the other side of the field, he put them in his sock.
"We got a turnover and kicked down field and he was the first chaser down there.
"When he was walking back, our physio noticed the blood around his mouth and went out to treat him.
"When Sione smiled, the physio freaked out and asked where are you teeth? He replied: in my sock.
"The physio had to drag him from the field. He didn't want to be replaced."
Taufui went to hospital where he was cleared of a broken jaw and had two teeth reinserted.
"He had dental surgery on Tuesday and has two more lots of surgery to come," Coleman said. "He wants to play this weekend, but we have ruled him out."
Coleman was confident the courage and commitment Taufui showed would rub off on his teammates after a poor display against Gordon.
"We highlighted Sione's effort in our match review on Monday," Colemand said. "It was an example of someone not giving up and working for his teammates. That is the toughness and commitment we want."
The loss to Gordon was the Wildfires' second straight and dropped them to third place on the Shute Shield ladder.
Coleman hopes to have fly-half Connor Winchester and fullback Peta Alofipo (groin) available against the Galloping Greens.
Both face fitness tests on Thursday.
Winchester hasn't played since the 40-20 win over Norths on May 17 after succumbing to bone bruising in his left leg.
"Connor had scans on his leg last week. The bone bruising is healing but is not completely right," Coleman said.
"He did modified training on Tuesday and has pulled up well. If he gets through a full session on Thursday and has no complaints on Friday, he will play.
"We have missed him. His calmness and ability to understand and execute a game plan is exceptional."
Randwick are fresh from a 33-31 win over Warrighah and have a host on NSW Waratahs back on deck.
"Halback Michael McDonald played against Warringah and they are expected to have Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly and possibly Max Jorgensen back this week," Coleman said.
There's no doubt rugby union star Sione Taufui can inspire his teammates.
The Newcastle Willdfires player had dental surgery on Tuesday after having three teeth knocked out in his team's 31-6 loss.
Incredibly, the centre played on before he was eventually convinced to come from the field by the Wildfires' physiotherapist.
"Sione went into a jackal and got cleaned out," his coach Scott Coleman said. "The Gordon player's shoulder went straight into his face as Sione looked up.
"Sione picked up two of the three teeth - he couldn't find the other one - and played on.
"Initially, he held the teeth in his hand and when the ball went to the other side of the field, he put them in his sock.
"We got a turnover and kicked down field and he was the first chaser down there.
"When he was walking back, our physio noticed the blood around his mouth and went out to treat him.
"When Sione smiled, the physio freaked out and asked where are you teeth? He replied: in my sock.
"The physio had to drag him from the field. He didn't want to be replaced."
Taufui went to hospital where he was cleared of a broken jaw and had two teeth reinserted.
"He had dental surgery on Tuesday and has two more lots of surgery to come," Coleman said. "He wants to play this weekend, but we have ruled him out."
Coleman was confident the courage and commitment Taufui showed would rub off on his teammates after a poor display against Gordon.
"We highlighted Sione's effort in our match review on Monday," Colemand said. "It was an example of someone not giving up and working for his teammates. That is the toughness and commitment we want."
The loss to Gordon was the Wildfires' second straight and dropped them to third place on the Shute Shield ladder.
Coleman hopes to have fly-half Connor Winchester and fullback Peta Alofipo (groin) available against the Galloping Greens.
Both face fitness tests on Thursday.
Winchester hasn't played since the 40-20 win over Norths on May 17 after succumbing to bone bruising in his left leg.
"Connor had scans on his leg last week. The bone bruising is healing but is not completely right," Coleman said.
"He did modified training on Tuesday and has pulled up well. If he gets through a full session on Thursday and has no complaints on Friday, he will play.
"We have missed him. His calmness and ability to understand and execute a game plan is exceptional."
Randwick are fresh from a 33-31 win over Warrighah and have a host on NSW Waratahs back on deck.
"Halback Michael McDonald played against Warringah and they are expected to have Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly and possibly Max Jorgensen back this week," Coleman said.
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The Advertiser
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'A lot fitter than me': Knights NRLW forward ignites a Newcastle rugby career
Tomas Aoake reckons there is nothing like watching his partner, Knights NRLW forward, Grace Kukutai play live. For the past four years, the sporting guns have lived on opposite sides of the world. Aoake, 29, plays Major League Rugby for San Diego and last Saturday made his debut for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield. Kukutai was a professional netballer in New Zealand, before switching to rugby union and playing Super W for the Waikato Chiefs. Last year, the athletic 28-year-old swapped codes and is gearing up for a second season with the Knights in the NRLW. "We have been together almost 11 years and have been a part for large periods," Aoake said. "It's good to be playing in the same place. "We do a lot of training together in the off-season. She is a lot fitter than me. She keeps me accountable on that front. "I have been helping her out with skills work. I came from a rugby league background. I was in the Warriors system for three years out of school and then transitioned to rugby. "I love watching her play, especially live. If Grace knows I'm in the stands, she pushes that litttle bit harder." The long-term partner's debuts for Newcastle were vastly different. Kukutai was concussed in a crunching tackle by Roosters and Jillaroos prop Millie Elliott in the season-opener last season, and spent most of the campaign helping the Knights' reserve-grade team make the NSW Premiership grand final Aoake, playing off the bench, scored a try with his first touch in a 27-26 triumph over Randwick last Saturday. "He literally arrived on Sunday and played the next Saturday," Kukutai said. "He only got 20 minutes, but with his first touch he scored. He's so annoying ... he's actually the most humble person." Kukutai is expected to play a bigger role in the Knights' NRLW squad this season, starting against Canterbury at Accor Stadium on July 4. Aoake will make his run-on debut for the Wildfires at outside centre in place of Veni Vahai (shoulder) against Western Sydney at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. He will play out the season with Wildfires before returning to San Diego for the 2026 MLR season. "Our coach at San Diego, John Manenti was the Aussie Sevens coach and knew Darren Coleman was here at the Wildfires," Aoake said. Kukutai is enjoying the time the pair have together. "I think the Wildfires finish up in August, and who knows what will happen after that, but it's just nice for a few months," she said. "Just just having that support at home. You miss it a little bit being away from family and friends." Aoke's arrival has been timely for the Wildfires, who have lost Sione Taufui (mouth) and Vahai (shoulder) to injury in consecutive weeks. "He has come from a high standard," head coach Scott Coleman said. "He is contracted to San Diego and played for Auckland in the NPC. He has good skills and a high rugby IQ." Aoake is one of three changes from the win over Randwick. Mesu Kunavuala comes in at lock for Kirk Tufuga (concussion) and Elyjah Crosswell replaces Danny Maiava (hamstring) on the side of the scrum. The Wallabies squad are based in Newcastle from Friday in the lead-up to the Test against Fiji (July 6) and will hold a meet and greet session for fans at the Wildfires' game. Tomas Aoake reckons there is nothing like watching his partner, Knights NRLW forward, Grace Kukutai play live. For the past four years, the sporting guns have lived on opposite sides of the world. Aoake, 29, plays Major League Rugby for San Diego and last Saturday made his debut for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield. Kukutai was a professional netballer in New Zealand, before switching to rugby union and playing Super W for the Waikato Chiefs. Last year, the athletic 28-year-old swapped codes and is gearing up for a second season with the Knights in the NRLW. "We have been together almost 11 years and have been a part for large periods," Aoake said. "It's good to be playing in the same place. "We do a lot of training together in the off-season. She is a lot fitter than me. She keeps me accountable on that front. "I have been helping her out with skills work. I came from a rugby league background. I was in the Warriors system for three years out of school and then transitioned to rugby. "I love watching her play, especially live. If Grace knows I'm in the stands, she pushes that litttle bit harder." The long-term partner's debuts for Newcastle were vastly different. Kukutai was concussed in a crunching tackle by Roosters and Jillaroos prop Millie Elliott in the season-opener last season, and spent most of the campaign helping the Knights' reserve-grade team make the NSW Premiership grand final Aoake, playing off the bench, scored a try with his first touch in a 27-26 triumph over Randwick last Saturday. "He literally arrived on Sunday and played the next Saturday," Kukutai said. "He only got 20 minutes, but with his first touch he scored. He's so annoying ... he's actually the most humble person." Kukutai is expected to play a bigger role in the Knights' NRLW squad this season, starting against Canterbury at Accor Stadium on July 4. Aoake will make his run-on debut for the Wildfires at outside centre in place of Veni Vahai (shoulder) against Western Sydney at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. He will play out the season with Wildfires before returning to San Diego for the 2026 MLR season. "Our coach at San Diego, John Manenti was the Aussie Sevens coach and knew Darren Coleman was here at the Wildfires," Aoake said. Kukutai is enjoying the time the pair have together. "I think the Wildfires finish up in August, and who knows what will happen after that, but it's just nice for a few months," she said. "Just just having that support at home. You miss it a little bit being away from family and friends." Aoke's arrival has been timely for the Wildfires, who have lost Sione Taufui (mouth) and Vahai (shoulder) to injury in consecutive weeks. "He has come from a high standard," head coach Scott Coleman said. "He is contracted to San Diego and played for Auckland in the NPC. He has good skills and a high rugby IQ." Aoake is one of three changes from the win over Randwick. Mesu Kunavuala comes in at lock for Kirk Tufuga (concussion) and Elyjah Crosswell replaces Danny Maiava (hamstring) on the side of the scrum. The Wallabies squad are based in Newcastle from Friday in the lead-up to the Test against Fiji (July 6) and will hold a meet and greet session for fans at the Wildfires' game. Tomas Aoake reckons there is nothing like watching his partner, Knights NRLW forward, Grace Kukutai play live. For the past four years, the sporting guns have lived on opposite sides of the world. Aoake, 29, plays Major League Rugby for San Diego and last Saturday made his debut for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield. Kukutai was a professional netballer in New Zealand, before switching to rugby union and playing Super W for the Waikato Chiefs. Last year, the athletic 28-year-old swapped codes and is gearing up for a second season with the Knights in the NRLW. "We have been together almost 11 years and have been a part for large periods," Aoake said. "It's good to be playing in the same place. "We do a lot of training together in the off-season. She is a lot fitter than me. She keeps me accountable on that front. "I have been helping her out with skills work. I came from a rugby league background. I was in the Warriors system for three years out of school and then transitioned to rugby. "I love watching her play, especially live. If Grace knows I'm in the stands, she pushes that litttle bit harder." The long-term partner's debuts for Newcastle were vastly different. Kukutai was concussed in a crunching tackle by Roosters and Jillaroos prop Millie Elliott in the season-opener last season, and spent most of the campaign helping the Knights' reserve-grade team make the NSW Premiership grand final Aoake, playing off the bench, scored a try with his first touch in a 27-26 triumph over Randwick last Saturday. "He literally arrived on Sunday and played the next Saturday," Kukutai said. "He only got 20 minutes, but with his first touch he scored. He's so annoying ... he's actually the most humble person." Kukutai is expected to play a bigger role in the Knights' NRLW squad this season, starting against Canterbury at Accor Stadium on July 4. Aoake will make his run-on debut for the Wildfires at outside centre in place of Veni Vahai (shoulder) against Western Sydney at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. He will play out the season with Wildfires before returning to San Diego for the 2026 MLR season. "Our coach at San Diego, John Manenti was the Aussie Sevens coach and knew Darren Coleman was here at the Wildfires," Aoake said. Kukutai is enjoying the time the pair have together. "I think the Wildfires finish up in August, and who knows what will happen after that, but it's just nice for a few months," she said. "Just just having that support at home. You miss it a little bit being away from family and friends." Aoke's arrival has been timely for the Wildfires, who have lost Sione Taufui (mouth) and Vahai (shoulder) to injury in consecutive weeks. "He has come from a high standard," head coach Scott Coleman said. "He is contracted to San Diego and played for Auckland in the NPC. He has good skills and a high rugby IQ." Aoake is one of three changes from the win over Randwick. Mesu Kunavuala comes in at lock for Kirk Tufuga (concussion) and Elyjah Crosswell replaces Danny Maiava (hamstring) on the side of the scrum. The Wallabies squad are based in Newcastle from Friday in the lead-up to the Test against Fiji (July 6) and will hold a meet and greet session for fans at the Wildfires' game. Tomas Aoake reckons there is nothing like watching his partner, Knights NRLW forward, Grace Kukutai play live. For the past four years, the sporting guns have lived on opposite sides of the world. Aoake, 29, plays Major League Rugby for San Diego and last Saturday made his debut for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield. Kukutai was a professional netballer in New Zealand, before switching to rugby union and playing Super W for the Waikato Chiefs. Last year, the athletic 28-year-old swapped codes and is gearing up for a second season with the Knights in the NRLW. "We have been together almost 11 years and have been a part for large periods," Aoake said. "It's good to be playing in the same place. "We do a lot of training together in the off-season. She is a lot fitter than me. She keeps me accountable on that front. "I have been helping her out with skills work. I came from a rugby league background. I was in the Warriors system for three years out of school and then transitioned to rugby. "I love watching her play, especially live. If Grace knows I'm in the stands, she pushes that litttle bit harder." The long-term partner's debuts for Newcastle were vastly different. Kukutai was concussed in a crunching tackle by Roosters and Jillaroos prop Millie Elliott in the season-opener last season, and spent most of the campaign helping the Knights' reserve-grade team make the NSW Premiership grand final Aoake, playing off the bench, scored a try with his first touch in a 27-26 triumph over Randwick last Saturday. "He literally arrived on Sunday and played the next Saturday," Kukutai said. "He only got 20 minutes, but with his first touch he scored. He's so annoying ... he's actually the most humble person." Kukutai is expected to play a bigger role in the Knights' NRLW squad this season, starting against Canterbury at Accor Stadium on July 4. Aoake will make his run-on debut for the Wildfires at outside centre in place of Veni Vahai (shoulder) against Western Sydney at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. He will play out the season with Wildfires before returning to San Diego for the 2026 MLR season. "Our coach at San Diego, John Manenti was the Aussie Sevens coach and knew Darren Coleman was here at the Wildfires," Aoake said. Kukutai is enjoying the time the pair have together. "I think the Wildfires finish up in August, and who knows what will happen after that, but it's just nice for a few months," she said. "Just just having that support at home. You miss it a little bit being away from family and friends." Aoke's arrival has been timely for the Wildfires, who have lost Sione Taufui (mouth) and Vahai (shoulder) to injury in consecutive weeks. "He has come from a high standard," head coach Scott Coleman said. "He is contracted to San Diego and played for Auckland in the NPC. He has good skills and a high rugby IQ." Aoake is one of three changes from the win over Randwick. Mesu Kunavuala comes in at lock for Kirk Tufuga (concussion) and Elyjah Crosswell replaces Danny Maiava (hamstring) on the side of the scrum. The Wallabies squad are based in Newcastle from Friday in the lead-up to the Test against Fiji (July 6) and will hold a meet and greet session for fans at the Wildfires' game.
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What's behind Charlie Curnow's fall in 2025?
Loading At this stage of last season, Charlie Curnow was five clear atop the goalkicking list and on track for a third straight All-Australian blazer. Just 12 months on, the man who became the face of Carlton's rise out of the doldrums to premiership contention remains emblematic of the club, but for the wrong reasons. Down on form and goals, the pin-up boy of Princes Park has been unable to make a mark on 2025, to the point that he has even been linked to what would be a blockbuster trade out of the navy blue at season's end. Curnow's campaign, and that of the Blues, plumbed a new low last week when he was held goalless by journeyman defender Toby Pink, and his side embarrassed by the up-and-coming North Melbourne, who recorded just their 19th victory from their past 121 games. Loading Melbourne great Garry Lyon accused Curnow of having 'lost his appetite for being a great player', while another respected pundit David King has noted the star forward's tendency to be outmarked by opponents from an unwillingness to 'fight the fight'. The sliding numbers At a glance, Curnow's drop-off from his peak in 2022-24 does not appear dramatic, but over the course of the year the difference becomes pronounced. Averaging 2.9 goals per game in that period, Curnow is now down to 2.1. Through a 23-game home-and-away season, that becomes the difference between a 48-goal year or 67, the latter enough to win the Coleman in any year from 2018 to 2022. His 27 goals places him equal 12th, well behind Jesse Hogan and Jeremy Cameron.
Sydney Morning Herald
6 hours ago
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What's behind Charlie Curnow's fall in 2025?
Loading At this stage of last season, Charlie Curnow was five clear atop the goalkicking list and on track for a third straight All-Australian blazer. Just 12 months on, the man who became the face of Carlton's rise out of the doldrums to premiership contention remains emblematic of the club, but for the wrong reasons. Down on form and goals, the pin-up boy of Princes Park has been unable to make a mark on 2025, to the point that he has even been linked to what would be a blockbuster trade out of the navy blue at season's end. Curnow's campaign, and that of the Blues, plumbed a new low last week when he was held goalless by journeyman defender Toby Pink, and his side embarrassed by the up-and-coming North Melbourne, who recorded just their 19th victory from their past 121 games. Loading Melbourne great Garry Lyon accused Curnow of having 'lost his appetite for being a great player', while another respected pundit David King has noted the star forward's tendency to be outmarked by opponents from an unwillingness to 'fight the fight'. The sliding numbers At a glance, Curnow's drop-off from his peak in 2022-24 does not appear dramatic, but over the course of the year the difference becomes pronounced. Averaging 2.9 goals per game in that period, Curnow is now down to 2.1. Through a 23-game home-and-away season, that becomes the difference between a 48-goal year or 67, the latter enough to win the Coleman in any year from 2018 to 2022. His 27 goals places him equal 12th, well behind Jesse Hogan and Jeremy Cameron.
