Robert Whittaker: 'I do think I'm better than Dricus Du Plessis'
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18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Billy Slater delivers truth bomb for Broncos fans after backlash around Reece Walsh
Maroons coach Billy Slater has hit back at criticism of Reece Walsh after insisting the Broncos would have been thumped by the Eels if not for their star fullback. NRL great Cooper Cronk described Walsh's display as 'rocks or diamonds' in last week's shock 22-20 defeat to the lowly Eels, with the Brisbane No.1 having a second half to forget as his side missed the chance to close in on the top-four. Walsh was at fault for Parramatta's opening try to Sean Russell when he failed to diffuse a towering bomb from Mitchell Moses. And his sloppy pass gifted Parramatta crucial field position that led to Zac Lomax's second try. The 23-year-old also took several poor options in attack that included a forward pass and an attempted 40/20 kick that went out on the full. But it was Walsh's piece of individual brilliance to step through Parramatta's defensive line and set up a try for Billy Walters that saw Brisbane reclaim the lead, before Josh Addo-Carr scored to put the Eels back in front. With time almost up, Walsh was then denied a match-winning try for being offside on a kick from Gehamat Shibasaki, prompting Broncos fans to chastise him for another erratic display. However, Queensland coach Slater - who has worked closely with Walsh at Origin level and rates him highly - insists the backlash against the Brisbane No.1 is unwarranted. Speaking on Nine's Sunday Footy Show, Slater admitted there were parts of Walsh's game he needed to work on but claimed the Broncos would have suffered a much heavier defeat if it wasn't for him. "Well if Reece didn't play on the weekend, they get beat (sic) by 20," the Queensland coach said. "Sure, there's parts of his game he needs to work on - but he nearly won the game for them twice. There were a lot of errors around Reece on the weekend, but all the good stuff was around Reece as well. If he doesn't play, they don't even get close." RELATED: Tributes flow as NRL premiership-winner announces retirement Bulldogs rocked by potentially season-ending blow for star player Damning stat about Latrell amid calls for 'investigation' at Souths Billy Slater says Brisbane still haven't figured out ideal style Slater said Brisbane's loss was more symptomatic of their failure to successfully adapt their game plan when behind on the scoreboard. "I don't think the Broncos understand who they are and what they're trying to do. They are trying to play a really consistent and structured type of game, but when they get behind, they feel like they've got to play," he added. "When you're trying to play catch-up, that's when errors happen." The Maroons mentor says the 'high-percentage style of game' that Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has tried to introduce is evident. He believes the Broncos are still trying to figure out what works best for them though but believes with six games still to play before the finals series begins, there's still time for Brisbane to find their rhythm. "I just don't think the Broncos have worked out the balance to their game yet," he said on Nine's Billy Slater Podcast. "You can see they are trying to play a high-percentage style of game and trying to work really hard to get that fluency... I just don't know if it suits all of their players. "Kotoni Staggs didn't see much ball, he wasn't injected into the game. They need to work out how to extract the best out of their footy team and work to their strengths. Once they find that, they are one of the best teams in the competition. Consistency has been a real issue for them this year and it was an issue even within the game. There's still a bit of work to do, but they've got six weeks to work it out.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Tributes flow around NRL world after premiership-winner announces retirement
NRL fans and pundits are paying tribute to Chad Townsend after the veteran halfback confirmed he'll retire at season's end. The 34-year-old took to social media on Tuesday to announce the news, which ws expected but never officially confirmed until now. 'It's hard to put into words what this game means to me,' Townsend wrote over a photo with his family. 'I'd like to thank the Yarrawarrah Tigers for giving me an opportunity to fall in love with this game. The memories and friendships I created at my junior club still live with me today and I am very grateful for that. 'To the teams I played for, the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, New Zealand Warriors, North Queensland Cowboys and Sydney Roosters, I am forever grateful for the opportunity you gave me to fulfil my dreams of playing in the NRL. I'd like to thank all the fans who have showed love and support to me throughout my journey. I have always enjoyed connecting with people through our shared love of rugby league." He added: 'To all my teammates over the years, thank you for being there for me throughout the highs and lows that is the rollercoaster of the NRL. We shared some incredible memories together and this will be the thing I miss the most. To my coaches, football staff and club staff, thank you for all your support throughout my career. I have been lucky to work with some incredible people and build some great relationships. 'To my management, Gavin and Chris at Pacific Sports Management, we have shared a long journey together. Thank you for your guidance and support throughout my entire NRL career. 'To my beautiful wife Marissa and our kids Myra, Cairo, Miami and Malibu, thank you for your unwavering support throughout my career. You have been there through it all, on and off the field. Every win, every loss, we did it together. 'When I think about the young kid from Yarrawarrah who was footy obsessed, who just wanted to play footy with his mates, who stood on the family hill waving his flag, who had dreams of making it to the NRL and who had to earn everything he got, my heart and soul are filled with love and gratitude.' RELATED: Bulldogs rocked by potentially season-ending blow for star player Damning stat about Latrell amid calls for 'investigation' at Souths NRL world pays tribute to Chad Townsend's career Townsend spent the majority of his NRL career at Cronulla, playing 146 games for the Sharks and helping the club win their maiden premiership in 2016. He remains a cult hero amongst Sharks fans after playing halfback in that grand final victory over the vaunted Melbourne Storm. He also had two stints at the New Zealand Warriors, and played 70 gamed for North Queensland from 2022 to 2024. He signed a one-year deal with the Sydney Roosters for 2025, and it was widely expected to be his final season in the NRL. Townsend started the year as the Roosters' starting halfback, but was dropped to reserve grade in Round 6 after the emergence of Hugo Savala. The Roosters' singing of Townsend was largely around helping develop young halves Savala, Sandon Smith and Toby Rodwell. The 35-year-old was recalled to NRL level in Round 20 against Cronulla, but coach Trent Robinson later admitted it was a mistake after the Roosters' 31-18 loss. Altogether he's played 268 first-grade games, and represented the Prime Minister's XIII in 2018. He also played two games for the City Origin team before the concept was scrapped. Tributes have been flowing for Townsend on social media, with many praising his career of perseverance and determination. Congratulations on a great career Chad 👏Chad will retire from Professional Rugby League at the end of the 2025 Season ❤️ — Sydney Roosters 🐓 (@sydneyroosters) July 29, 2025 After 268 games in the NRL, Cowboy No.301 @chadtownsend10 has today announced he will hang up the boots at season's end. Congrats on an amazing career and all the best in retirement, Chaddy! — NQ Cowboys (@nthqldcowboys) July 29, 2025 Congrats on a great career legend — Tony (@TonyMur52735441) July 29, 2025 Best wishes Chad. — Mark Wright (@crustybakerinoz) July 29, 2025 Amazing Career Chad hold your head up brother I'm a Brisbane fan but what you did for the warriors and over in Auckland was nothing short of amazing truly grateful and sincere enjoy the season go hard my brother love and blessings 🙌🏽❤️ — Lennox 𓁻 (@zaapN_) July 29, 2025 Crongrats on a mighty fine career CT. Had experiences a lot of FG players won't have and you squeezed playing wise the most out of your game but also understood the game, off field and building a brand. You have done that and will continue to thrive in future years. Best wishes — ⚫️⚪️🔵Michael ⚫️⚪️🔵 (@bigmig81) July 29, 2025 Feel like this is the perfect time to share my Chad Townsend era as a teen. To say I was a bit of a fan is an understatement 🤣 @chadtownsend10 — CJ (@CJSharkies) July 29, 2025
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Trbojevic to stay at centre with knee all clear
Tom Trbojevic has revealed he expects to see out the season at centre, while downplaying knee concerns ahead of Manly's clash with the Sydney Roosters. One month into the fullback's shift out of the No.1 jersey, Manly suffered their first loss with Trbojevic in the centres in Sunday's 42-4 defeat to Canterbury. That has left the Sea Eagles likely needing four wins from six games, with crucial matches against fellow finals hopefuls the Roosters on Saturday night at Brookvale. Manly's defeat also prompted calls for Trbojevic to return to No.1, after his shift was initially considered a short-term sugar fix to help him regain confidence. Trbojevic has long maintained his preferred position is fullback, where he won the 2021 Dally M Medal and has been one of Manly's best players for the past decade. But the 28-year-old said he now expected to remain on the right edge for the rest of the year after being moved by coach Anthony Seibold. "My indication is that I will stay there," Trbojevic said. "I've moved there, so my focus is on being there and being the best version of myself there. "It's like anything. If you go move to do a different role in a job thinking you're not going to be there fulltime ... you're not going to perform the job well. "That's just my focus, I have to do it the best I can, that's all I can focus on." Since moving to centre against Wests Tigers last month, Trbojevic has been directly involved in nine of Manly's 15 tries, six of those when he roamed to the left, creating an extra number on that side. Lehi Hopoate, however, has not had as much impact at fullback, while Trbojevic's right side has been found out in defence at times. "I still feel like I have been able to do what I do best and that is move around the field and play footy," Trbojevic said. "It obviously wasn't our best performance on the weekend, mine included. I just have to reflect on that and get better and move forward. But feeling good." Trbojevic and his brothers Ben and Jake spent Tuesday visiting their old Mona Vale Public School, swamped by students ahead of NSW public education week. The trio inspected the school's goalposts that were built by their father, while Jake was labelled a teacher's pet, Ben the troublemaker and Tom the maths whiz. Tom and Jake were also quizzed about their contracts, adamant it was the furthest thing from their minds this late in the season as the pair's management close in on extensions for beyond next year. Tom also declared his right knee needed no serious examination, after he briefly stayed down following an awkward tackle late in Sunday's loss. "It was a bit ginger but I got up and felt all right which is good," Trbojevic said. "It feels good now and I was able to play the rest of the game."
