'The heat is on' but Hasler remains cool under pressure
A defiant Des Hasler has backed himself to help dig Gold Coast out of a hole, while insisting David Fifita remains part of the Titans' long-term plans.
Sat second-last after nine rounds, the pressure is intensifying on Hasler with the Titans on a five-match losing streak.
Questions have also been raised over the future of Fifita, who was dropped last week and will undergo keyhole surgery on his ankle on Wednesday.
But as his team flew out for Friday's clash with Newcastle, Hasler insisted the current predicament was nothing new to him.
"It's all part of it. I've been here before in these positions. It's called being in the kitchen when the heat is on," Hasler said.
"We've just got to ride through it."
Asked how he planned to help the Titans dig their way through it, Hasler responded: "Start winning some games".
"That starts this Friday, which won't be easy," he said.
"They're in a situation where they have had a win after a couple of losses. Five-day turnaround will be challenging.
"But we will get down there and give it our best shot.
"I believe in these players."
Signed by the Titans on a three-year deal that began in 2024, Hasler showed signs of turning the club around in the second half of last season.
But they have started poorly this year, plagued by injuries with the coach also unhappy his team is one of the most penalised in the league for high tackles.
He pleaded with fans for patience as the Titans got their troops back on deck, while adamant the effort had been there from his side.
As to Fifita, the damaging second-rower has played limited minutes off the bench for the majority of this year, while also requiring pain-killing injections before games.
He was relegated to playing Queensland Cup for Ipswich last weekend, before being sent to see a specialist.
A report also emerged on Wednesday that the 25-year-old had been shopped to rival clubs, less than a year on from his decision to backflip on the Sydney Roosters to stay at the Titans.
But Hasler insisted the former Queensland State of Origin star remained a part of the Titans' future.
"Yep, big part of our plans," Hasler said when asked if he wanted Fifita at the club long-term.
"Our relationship is fine.
"Everything is good, everything is fine. We're going well, we want to go better. So there are no issues there.
"Dave just needed to work on some areas and had to think a few things through. We've done that."
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The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Five things you need to know about sport for the long weekend
Maitland coach Adams Hughes knew Braedyn Crowley would hit form, it was a matter of providing service to the prolific striker. Crowley has netted five goals in the past three games - all wins - to help the Magpies turn around their NPL Northern NSW campaign. Hughes is hoping Crowley - and Maitland - can carry that form into the Australian Cup clash with NPL leaders Broadmeadow Magic at Cooks Square Park on Saturday. "Braedyn is a fantastic goalscorer and we know if we get him service in the right areas, he is clinical in those spaces," Hughes said. "It has been a whole-squad approach. The movements, the actions and the patterns we are trying to play. He has a knack for being there at the right moment. There are others who are also close to going on a scoring run." Magic last qualified out of NNSW for the Australia Cup main draw in 2023. "They have some individuals who are top quality at this level," Hughes said. "We need to be on top of our game, be energetic and nullify their strengths if we can. We will have a go at them as well. It will be a good marker on where we are at." Edgeworth are through to the final round of the NNSW qualifying after Bangalow forfeited the clash set down for Jack McLaughlan Oval. In other Australia Cup games on Saturday, Weston are at home to Lambton and Cooks Hill travel to Coffs Harbour to take on the Northern Stars. In the NPLM, Adamstown host Charlestown Azzurri in a catch-up game at 4pm. In the NPLW, Broadmeadow tackle Charlestown on Saturday (4pm) at Magic Park. The Newcastle open women's netball representative side are set for an enormous three days in Camden, where they will play 24 30-minute games over three days in pursuit of the NSW title. Perennially a top-two performer, Newcastle are coached by former national league midcourter Narelle Eather and last claimed the title in 2023. They were runners-up last year. "It's really intense because there's no finals, it's first past the post," Eather said. "So, you have to try to win every single game. There's no time for dropping a game. If you do, you then have to hope for the rest of the weekend that one of the other top teams drop a game. "It's a different game playing three days in a row on the concrete. It comes down to survival of the mentally fittest, not just the physical." This year's squad is a mix of youth and experience. Norths goal attack Abbie Gray, a mainstay of the side, will captain Newcastle. Souths pair Aneeka Marcozzi, in the midcourt, and Erin Asquith at goal shooter are experienced campaigners and West Leagues Balance opens centre Laicy Costigan is among the rising talents. Charlestown and Maitland are also in the women's championship division. Cessnock and Charlestown are vying for the men's state title. Several games have been washed out this season, but Newcastle Rugby League's first-grade competition hasn't been as impacted by the weather compared to the region's other premier sports in 2025. The NEWRL continues over the long weekend and kicks off with a bumper clash at Belmont's Cahill Oval on Saturday, when in-form Lakes United (fourth) host Maitland (third) from 3pm. Former NRL player Brock Lamb is set to return from Maitland, and comes up against two of his former Knights teammates in Lakes forwards Sione and Peter Mata'utia. At the same time on Saturday, Kurri Kurri (sixth) are at home to Central (10th) and Macquarie (ninth) are away to Wyong (seventh). On Sunday at 3pm, competition leaders Western Suburbs are away to eighth-placed The Entrance, while South Newcastle (fifth) host Cessnock (second). Wanderers coach Luke Sherwood expects Samoan international Andrew Tuala to improve the Two Blues' scrum in the second half of the Hunter rugby season. Tuala played 50 minutes off the bench in the Two Blues' 22-12 win over University in a catch-up game on Thursday night. The win was Wanderers' second for the season. Tuala came on at loose head and then switched to hooker in the second half. "Defensively, we were really good," Sherwood said. "Uni were camped on our line late in the first half, but we held strong. Our scrum was going backwards, but we defended really well. "We started strong in the second half and got some points on the board. They scored a couple of late tries from kicks but I was happy with the defence. "AT [Tuala] played just over half a game. We changed the front row at half-time and it worked OK. "AT went hard for 30 minutes and then got gassed. He will be a week-to-week scenario. He is working in the mines so he can't fully commit to training and games." In the other catch-up game, Merewether had to work hard to topple Southern Beaches 25-7 at Ernie Calland Field. Newcastle men's division one coach Dave Willott has his sights on a finals appearance at the Hockey NSW Open Field State Championships. The division one men's and women's competition will be played out at Wyong Hockey Centre, starting Saturday and culminating in finals on Monday. Divisions two and three are being contested over the long weekend at Broadmeadow's Newcastle International Hockey Centre. Newcastle's men's side will be led by experienced campaigner and captain Nick Hill. "We've got a good mix of experience and some younger ones," Willott said. "Ryan Woolnough was recently announced in the Australian under-21 squad, and there will be some debutants. "Our goal is to make the final. But making the semis will be the first part of it then we'll go from there." Maitland coach Adams Hughes knew Braedyn Crowley would hit form, it was a matter of providing service to the prolific striker. Crowley has netted five goals in the past three games - all wins - to help the Magpies turn around their NPL Northern NSW campaign. Hughes is hoping Crowley - and Maitland - can carry that form into the Australian Cup clash with NPL leaders Broadmeadow Magic at Cooks Square Park on Saturday. "Braedyn is a fantastic goalscorer and we know if we get him service in the right areas, he is clinical in those spaces," Hughes said. "It has been a whole-squad approach. The movements, the actions and the patterns we are trying to play. He has a knack for being there at the right moment. There are others who are also close to going on a scoring run." Magic last qualified out of NNSW for the Australia Cup main draw in 2023. "They have some individuals who are top quality at this level," Hughes said. "We need to be on top of our game, be energetic and nullify their strengths if we can. We will have a go at them as well. It will be a good marker on where we are at." Edgeworth are through to the final round of the NNSW qualifying after Bangalow forfeited the clash set down for Jack McLaughlan Oval. In other Australia Cup games on Saturday, Weston are at home to Lambton and Cooks Hill travel to Coffs Harbour to take on the Northern Stars. In the NPLM, Adamstown host Charlestown Azzurri in a catch-up game at 4pm. In the NPLW, Broadmeadow tackle Charlestown on Saturday (4pm) at Magic Park. The Newcastle open women's netball representative side are set for an enormous three days in Camden, where they will play 24 30-minute games over three days in pursuit of the NSW title. Perennially a top-two performer, Newcastle are coached by former national league midcourter Narelle Eather and last claimed the title in 2023. They were runners-up last year. "It's really intense because there's no finals, it's first past the post," Eather said. "So, you have to try to win every single game. There's no time for dropping a game. If you do, you then have to hope for the rest of the weekend that one of the other top teams drop a game. "It's a different game playing three days in a row on the concrete. It comes down to survival of the mentally fittest, not just the physical." This year's squad is a mix of youth and experience. Norths goal attack Abbie Gray, a mainstay of the side, will captain Newcastle. Souths pair Aneeka Marcozzi, in the midcourt, and Erin Asquith at goal shooter are experienced campaigners and West Leagues Balance opens centre Laicy Costigan is among the rising talents. Charlestown and Maitland are also in the women's championship division. Cessnock and Charlestown are vying for the men's state title. Several games have been washed out this season, but Newcastle Rugby League's first-grade competition hasn't been as impacted by the weather compared to the region's other premier sports in 2025. The NEWRL continues over the long weekend and kicks off with a bumper clash at Belmont's Cahill Oval on Saturday, when in-form Lakes United (fourth) host Maitland (third) from 3pm. Former NRL player Brock Lamb is set to return from Maitland, and comes up against two of his former Knights teammates in Lakes forwards Sione and Peter Mata'utia. At the same time on Saturday, Kurri Kurri (sixth) are at home to Central (10th) and Macquarie (ninth) are away to Wyong (seventh). On Sunday at 3pm, competition leaders Western Suburbs are away to eighth-placed The Entrance, while South Newcastle (fifth) host Cessnock (second). Wanderers coach Luke Sherwood expects Samoan international Andrew Tuala to improve the Two Blues' scrum in the second half of the Hunter rugby season. Tuala played 50 minutes off the bench in the Two Blues' 22-12 win over University in a catch-up game on Thursday night. The win was Wanderers' second for the season. Tuala came on at loose head and then switched to hooker in the second half. "Defensively, we were really good," Sherwood said. "Uni were camped on our line late in the first half, but we held strong. Our scrum was going backwards, but we defended really well. "We started strong in the second half and got some points on the board. They scored a couple of late tries from kicks but I was happy with the defence. "AT [Tuala] played just over half a game. We changed the front row at half-time and it worked OK. "AT went hard for 30 minutes and then got gassed. He will be a week-to-week scenario. He is working in the mines so he can't fully commit to training and games." In the other catch-up game, Merewether had to work hard to topple Southern Beaches 25-7 at Ernie Calland Field. Newcastle men's division one coach Dave Willott has his sights on a finals appearance at the Hockey NSW Open Field State Championships. The division one men's and women's competition will be played out at Wyong Hockey Centre, starting Saturday and culminating in finals on Monday. Divisions two and three are being contested over the long weekend at Broadmeadow's Newcastle International Hockey Centre. Newcastle's men's side will be led by experienced campaigner and captain Nick Hill. "We've got a good mix of experience and some younger ones," Willott said. "Ryan Woolnough was recently announced in the Australian under-21 squad, and there will be some debutants. "Our goal is to make the final. But making the semis will be the first part of it then we'll go from there." Maitland coach Adams Hughes knew Braedyn Crowley would hit form, it was a matter of providing service to the prolific striker. Crowley has netted five goals in the past three games - all wins - to help the Magpies turn around their NPL Northern NSW campaign. Hughes is hoping Crowley - and Maitland - can carry that form into the Australian Cup clash with NPL leaders Broadmeadow Magic at Cooks Square Park on Saturday. "Braedyn is a fantastic goalscorer and we know if we get him service in the right areas, he is clinical in those spaces," Hughes said. "It has been a whole-squad approach. The movements, the actions and the patterns we are trying to play. He has a knack for being there at the right moment. There are others who are also close to going on a scoring run." Magic last qualified out of NNSW for the Australia Cup main draw in 2023. "They have some individuals who are top quality at this level," Hughes said. "We need to be on top of our game, be energetic and nullify their strengths if we can. We will have a go at them as well. It will be a good marker on where we are at." Edgeworth are through to the final round of the NNSW qualifying after Bangalow forfeited the clash set down for Jack McLaughlan Oval. In other Australia Cup games on Saturday, Weston are at home to Lambton and Cooks Hill travel to Coffs Harbour to take on the Northern Stars. In the NPLM, Adamstown host Charlestown Azzurri in a catch-up game at 4pm. In the NPLW, Broadmeadow tackle Charlestown on Saturday (4pm) at Magic Park. The Newcastle open women's netball representative side are set for an enormous three days in Camden, where they will play 24 30-minute games over three days in pursuit of the NSW title. Perennially a top-two performer, Newcastle are coached by former national league midcourter Narelle Eather and last claimed the title in 2023. They were runners-up last year. "It's really intense because there's no finals, it's first past the post," Eather said. "So, you have to try to win every single game. There's no time for dropping a game. If you do, you then have to hope for the rest of the weekend that one of the other top teams drop a game. "It's a different game playing three days in a row on the concrete. It comes down to survival of the mentally fittest, not just the physical." This year's squad is a mix of youth and experience. Norths goal attack Abbie Gray, a mainstay of the side, will captain Newcastle. Souths pair Aneeka Marcozzi, in the midcourt, and Erin Asquith at goal shooter are experienced campaigners and West Leagues Balance opens centre Laicy Costigan is among the rising talents. Charlestown and Maitland are also in the women's championship division. Cessnock and Charlestown are vying for the men's state title. Several games have been washed out this season, but Newcastle Rugby League's first-grade competition hasn't been as impacted by the weather compared to the region's other premier sports in 2025. The NEWRL continues over the long weekend and kicks off with a bumper clash at Belmont's Cahill Oval on Saturday, when in-form Lakes United (fourth) host Maitland (third) from 3pm. Former NRL player Brock Lamb is set to return from Maitland, and comes up against two of his former Knights teammates in Lakes forwards Sione and Peter Mata'utia. At the same time on Saturday, Kurri Kurri (sixth) are at home to Central (10th) and Macquarie (ninth) are away to Wyong (seventh). On Sunday at 3pm, competition leaders Western Suburbs are away to eighth-placed The Entrance, while South Newcastle (fifth) host Cessnock (second). Wanderers coach Luke Sherwood expects Samoan international Andrew Tuala to improve the Two Blues' scrum in the second half of the Hunter rugby season. Tuala played 50 minutes off the bench in the Two Blues' 22-12 win over University in a catch-up game on Thursday night. The win was Wanderers' second for the season. Tuala came on at loose head and then switched to hooker in the second half. "Defensively, we were really good," Sherwood said. "Uni were camped on our line late in the first half, but we held strong. Our scrum was going backwards, but we defended really well. "We started strong in the second half and got some points on the board. They scored a couple of late tries from kicks but I was happy with the defence. "AT [Tuala] played just over half a game. We changed the front row at half-time and it worked OK. "AT went hard for 30 minutes and then got gassed. He will be a week-to-week scenario. He is working in the mines so he can't fully commit to training and games." In the other catch-up game, Merewether had to work hard to topple Southern Beaches 25-7 at Ernie Calland Field. Newcastle men's division one coach Dave Willott has his sights on a finals appearance at the Hockey NSW Open Field State Championships. The division one men's and women's competition will be played out at Wyong Hockey Centre, starting Saturday and culminating in finals on Monday. Divisions two and three are being contested over the long weekend at Broadmeadow's Newcastle International Hockey Centre. Newcastle's men's side will be led by experienced campaigner and captain Nick Hill. "We've got a good mix of experience and some younger ones," Willott said. "Ryan Woolnough was recently announced in the Australian under-21 squad, and there will be some debutants. "Our goal is to make the final. But making the semis will be the first part of it then we'll go from there." Maitland coach Adams Hughes knew Braedyn Crowley would hit form, it was a matter of providing service to the prolific striker. Crowley has netted five goals in the past three games - all wins - to help the Magpies turn around their NPL Northern NSW campaign. Hughes is hoping Crowley - and Maitland - can carry that form into the Australian Cup clash with NPL leaders Broadmeadow Magic at Cooks Square Park on Saturday. "Braedyn is a fantastic goalscorer and we know if we get him service in the right areas, he is clinical in those spaces," Hughes said. "It has been a whole-squad approach. The movements, the actions and the patterns we are trying to play. He has a knack for being there at the right moment. There are others who are also close to going on a scoring run." Magic last qualified out of NNSW for the Australia Cup main draw in 2023. "They have some individuals who are top quality at this level," Hughes said. "We need to be on top of our game, be energetic and nullify their strengths if we can. We will have a go at them as well. It will be a good marker on where we are at." Edgeworth are through to the final round of the NNSW qualifying after Bangalow forfeited the clash set down for Jack McLaughlan Oval. In other Australia Cup games on Saturday, Weston are at home to Lambton and Cooks Hill travel to Coffs Harbour to take on the Northern Stars. In the NPLM, Adamstown host Charlestown Azzurri in a catch-up game at 4pm. In the NPLW, Broadmeadow tackle Charlestown on Saturday (4pm) at Magic Park. The Newcastle open women's netball representative side are set for an enormous three days in Camden, where they will play 24 30-minute games over three days in pursuit of the NSW title. Perennially a top-two performer, Newcastle are coached by former national league midcourter Narelle Eather and last claimed the title in 2023. They were runners-up last year. "It's really intense because there's no finals, it's first past the post," Eather said. "So, you have to try to win every single game. There's no time for dropping a game. If you do, you then have to hope for the rest of the weekend that one of the other top teams drop a game. "It's a different game playing three days in a row on the concrete. It comes down to survival of the mentally fittest, not just the physical." This year's squad is a mix of youth and experience. Norths goal attack Abbie Gray, a mainstay of the side, will captain Newcastle. Souths pair Aneeka Marcozzi, in the midcourt, and Erin Asquith at goal shooter are experienced campaigners and West Leagues Balance opens centre Laicy Costigan is among the rising talents. Charlestown and Maitland are also in the women's championship division. Cessnock and Charlestown are vying for the men's state title. Several games have been washed out this season, but Newcastle Rugby League's first-grade competition hasn't been as impacted by the weather compared to the region's other premier sports in 2025. The NEWRL continues over the long weekend and kicks off with a bumper clash at Belmont's Cahill Oval on Saturday, when in-form Lakes United (fourth) host Maitland (third) from 3pm. Former NRL player Brock Lamb is set to return from Maitland, and comes up against two of his former Knights teammates in Lakes forwards Sione and Peter Mata'utia. At the same time on Saturday, Kurri Kurri (sixth) are at home to Central (10th) and Macquarie (ninth) are away to Wyong (seventh). On Sunday at 3pm, competition leaders Western Suburbs are away to eighth-placed The Entrance, while South Newcastle (fifth) host Cessnock (second). Wanderers coach Luke Sherwood expects Samoan international Andrew Tuala to improve the Two Blues' scrum in the second half of the Hunter rugby season. Tuala played 50 minutes off the bench in the Two Blues' 22-12 win over University in a catch-up game on Thursday night. The win was Wanderers' second for the season. Tuala came on at loose head and then switched to hooker in the second half. "Defensively, we were really good," Sherwood said. "Uni were camped on our line late in the first half, but we held strong. Our scrum was going backwards, but we defended really well. "We started strong in the second half and got some points on the board. They scored a couple of late tries from kicks but I was happy with the defence. "AT [Tuala] played just over half a game. We changed the front row at half-time and it worked OK. "AT went hard for 30 minutes and then got gassed. He will be a week-to-week scenario. He is working in the mines so he can't fully commit to training and games." In the other catch-up game, Merewether had to work hard to topple Southern Beaches 25-7 at Ernie Calland Field. Newcastle men's division one coach Dave Willott has his sights on a finals appearance at the Hockey NSW Open Field State Championships. The division one men's and women's competition will be played out at Wyong Hockey Centre, starting Saturday and culminating in finals on Monday. Divisions two and three are being contested over the long weekend at Broadmeadow's Newcastle International Hockey Centre. Newcastle's men's side will be led by experienced campaigner and captain Nick Hill. "We've got a good mix of experience and some younger ones," Willott said. "Ryan Woolnough was recently announced in the Australian under-21 squad, and there will be some debutants. "Our goal is to make the final. But making the semis will be the first part of it then we'll go from there."
The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Broncos star axed as Walsh gives Maguire new hope
Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has swung the axe with representative outside back Selwyn Cobbo dropped from the team. The decision, after the Broncos lost six of seven matches, shows Maguire is prepared to be make big calls for poor performances. Josiah Karapani, 23, will come into the side on the wing for his first NRL match of the season against Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. Star fullback Reece Walsh returns to No.1 after missing six weeks with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and will partner halves Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds for the first time as a combination in 2025. The Broncos have not been happy with 23-year-old Cobbo's recent performances at fullback and wing. Maguire explained his decision, with Cobbo expected to play Queensland Cup for Wynnum Manly. "As a group, and as a leadership group and as a coach, we're pushing standards here and expectations in how we're doing things, and Karapani's got his opportunity and Selly's got to look at a few things in his game," Maguire said. "(Karapani) has been really consistent in the way he's been playing through the pre -season ... and he's obviously experienced first grade. When he has played, he's played really well. I know he'll do a good job." Maguire said Cobbo "definitely" could force his way back into the side. Cobbo is off-contract but Maguire said he did not look at his axing as having an impact on whether he would still be at the Broncos next year. "I'm here to coach the team. We're creating standards and ... the more you meet those, the more opportunities you have," Maguire said, while confirming he would keep private the intricate detail of the areas Cobbo needed to Deine Mariner was also dropped while prop Pat Carrigan moves to his favoured lock position. The Broncos have lacked competitive tension in recent weeks for spots with Walsh and half/hooker Ben Hunt (hamstring) unavailable. That has now changed with Hunt not far away from a return. "It's (about) having the players available too," Maguire said. "We're starting to get the spine everyone gets excited about with Reyno and Ez and Reece ...and we'll get Hunty back in there at some stage. "It just tinkers with how you're playing and with those boys in there ... you're looking at a different outcome. "Reece is ready to go so we are looking forward to bringing his energy back in, but also to his experience and just who he is. He's a good player. I love coaching him. He'll do his job for the team." Maguire wore an "Adam Reynolds 300" shirt in tribute to the Brisbane captain who will reach the milestone against the Titans. He said it was "an honour" to mentor the 34-year-old, whom he gave an NRL debut to in 2012 at South Sydney. "To think further down the track, we're playing 300 it's an incredible achievement really," Maguire said. "For a little fella like him, he's had every big man running at him, makes plenty of tackles, pushes the team around the park and he's had some massive moments. "Grand final winner (in 2014), been in a few more grand finals and helped a lot of players. One thing that stands out for me is how Reyno influenced his teammates." Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has swung the axe with representative outside back Selwyn Cobbo dropped from the team. The decision, after the Broncos lost six of seven matches, shows Maguire is prepared to be make big calls for poor performances. Josiah Karapani, 23, will come into the side on the wing for his first NRL match of the season against Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. Star fullback Reece Walsh returns to No.1 after missing six weeks with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and will partner halves Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds for the first time as a combination in 2025. The Broncos have not been happy with 23-year-old Cobbo's recent performances at fullback and wing. Maguire explained his decision, with Cobbo expected to play Queensland Cup for Wynnum Manly. "As a group, and as a leadership group and as a coach, we're pushing standards here and expectations in how we're doing things, and Karapani's got his opportunity and Selly's got to look at a few things in his game," Maguire said. "(Karapani) has been really consistent in the way he's been playing through the pre -season ... and he's obviously experienced first grade. When he has played, he's played really well. I know he'll do a good job." Maguire said Cobbo "definitely" could force his way back into the side. Cobbo is off-contract but Maguire said he did not look at his axing as having an impact on whether he would still be at the Broncos next year. "I'm here to coach the team. We're creating standards and ... the more you meet those, the more opportunities you have," Maguire said, while confirming he would keep private the intricate detail of the areas Cobbo needed to Deine Mariner was also dropped while prop Pat Carrigan moves to his favoured lock position. The Broncos have lacked competitive tension in recent weeks for spots with Walsh and half/hooker Ben Hunt (hamstring) unavailable. That has now changed with Hunt not far away from a return. "It's (about) having the players available too," Maguire said. "We're starting to get the spine everyone gets excited about with Reyno and Ez and Reece ...and we'll get Hunty back in there at some stage. "It just tinkers with how you're playing and with those boys in there ... you're looking at a different outcome. "Reece is ready to go so we are looking forward to bringing his energy back in, but also to his experience and just who he is. He's a good player. I love coaching him. He'll do his job for the team." Maguire wore an "Adam Reynolds 300" shirt in tribute to the Brisbane captain who will reach the milestone against the Titans. He said it was "an honour" to mentor the 34-year-old, whom he gave an NRL debut to in 2012 at South Sydney. "To think further down the track, we're playing 300 it's an incredible achievement really," Maguire said. "For a little fella like him, he's had every big man running at him, makes plenty of tackles, pushes the team around the park and he's had some massive moments. "Grand final winner (in 2014), been in a few more grand finals and helped a lot of players. One thing that stands out for me is how Reyno influenced his teammates." Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has swung the axe with representative outside back Selwyn Cobbo dropped from the team. The decision, after the Broncos lost six of seven matches, shows Maguire is prepared to be make big calls for poor performances. Josiah Karapani, 23, will come into the side on the wing for his first NRL match of the season against Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. Star fullback Reece Walsh returns to No.1 after missing six weeks with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and will partner halves Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds for the first time as a combination in 2025. The Broncos have not been happy with 23-year-old Cobbo's recent performances at fullback and wing. Maguire explained his decision, with Cobbo expected to play Queensland Cup for Wynnum Manly. "As a group, and as a leadership group and as a coach, we're pushing standards here and expectations in how we're doing things, and Karapani's got his opportunity and Selly's got to look at a few things in his game," Maguire said. "(Karapani) has been really consistent in the way he's been playing through the pre -season ... and he's obviously experienced first grade. When he has played, he's played really well. I know he'll do a good job." Maguire said Cobbo "definitely" could force his way back into the side. Cobbo is off-contract but Maguire said he did not look at his axing as having an impact on whether he would still be at the Broncos next year. "I'm here to coach the team. We're creating standards and ... the more you meet those, the more opportunities you have," Maguire said, while confirming he would keep private the intricate detail of the areas Cobbo needed to Deine Mariner was also dropped while prop Pat Carrigan moves to his favoured lock position. The Broncos have lacked competitive tension in recent weeks for spots with Walsh and half/hooker Ben Hunt (hamstring) unavailable. That has now changed with Hunt not far away from a return. "It's (about) having the players available too," Maguire said. "We're starting to get the spine everyone gets excited about with Reyno and Ez and Reece ...and we'll get Hunty back in there at some stage. "It just tinkers with how you're playing and with those boys in there ... you're looking at a different outcome. "Reece is ready to go so we are looking forward to bringing his energy back in, but also to his experience and just who he is. He's a good player. I love coaching him. He'll do his job for the team." Maguire wore an "Adam Reynolds 300" shirt in tribute to the Brisbane captain who will reach the milestone against the Titans. He said it was "an honour" to mentor the 34-year-old, whom he gave an NRL debut to in 2012 at South Sydney. "To think further down the track, we're playing 300 it's an incredible achievement really," Maguire said. "For a little fella like him, he's had every big man running at him, makes plenty of tackles, pushes the team around the park and he's had some massive moments. "Grand final winner (in 2014), been in a few more grand finals and helped a lot of players. One thing that stands out for me is how Reyno influenced his teammates."
News.com.au
14 hours ago
- News.com.au
Newcastle best bets, inside mail for Saturday, June 7, 2025
Racenet and The Daily Telegraph form analyst Adam Sherry provides his best bets and race-by-race analysis for Newcastle on Saturday. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. NEWCASTLE BEST BET Race 5 No. 2: QUEEN'S RHAPSODY Resumed with a smart win and hard to beat again. NEXT BEST Nice win on a heavy track two starts back. Back to provincial grade after a sixth in town. VALUE BET Race 8 No. 1: RUSH ATTACK Freshened after failing at Hawkesbury and has trialled well since. BEST EXOTIC Quinella Race 5: 2, 5 QUADDIE Race 5: 2, 5 Race 6: 1, 2, 7, 10 Race 7: 2, 3, 10 Race 8: 1, 2, 5, 8 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW Talented apprentice MOLLIE FITZGERALD has some nice rides and looks a good chance in the TAB Jockey Challenge. INSIDE MAIL – NEWCASTLE EXTRIO (9) is a two-year-old against the older horses. Sat three-wide to win her Warwick Farm trial from Confidentiality and Central Coast. Tracked speed before getting clear and closed stylish to win her May 29 Rosehill trial by over a length on a Heavy 9. COSMIC EAGLE (8) is another two-year-old filly on debut. Raced outside the leader before dashing away to win her Rosehill trial on the same day in slightly quicker time. MEDITERRA (10) also starts her career off a trial win, her one at Kembla on May 12. BOHEMIAN ART (1) was well backed on debut and raced outside the leader when a neck second behind Impressionism who kicked back to beat here on Apr 26. She bled from one nostril when fifth to Monte Veebee at Kembla second-up. Worth another chance. ZO FRILLING (9) followed three placings with a fourth to Faceoff last start. Will appreciate the extra trip. OAKFIELD EARTH (7) also debuted in that race won by Impressionism where she finished a three length sixth. Went to the tricky Quirindi track and finished a half-length fourth. Bet: Bohemian Art to win ARISTOCRAT (11) made steady ground from near last when fourth to Regulated Affair on debut then battled away on the heavy ground when sixth to Agarwood at Randwick. Winkers and tongue tie on and dropping back to provincial grade can help him break through. LORD VETTORI (3) has placed in four of his six start including second placing at his last two. Boxed on gamely behind Faceoff on a Heavy 9 at Goulburn last start. MATETE (4) has been just behind the placegetters in his four runs and won't be far away again. DIVO (2), the grandson of Makybe Diva, has won both trials this preparation. The margin wasn't great in his latest Wyong heat but it was on a Heavy 9. JUST RESPONSE (4) sat three-wide and cruised home to win on the Beaumont on May 7. Led all-the-way to beat Smashing Nova on a heavy track on the Beaumont last Monday. MAGIC FLAMES (7), the half-sister to city winner Magic Pharoah, has shown nice ability with placings in her two Randwick trials. QUEEN'S RHAPSODY (2) kicked off her second preparation with a stylish win from Missie Lee over 1100m at Hawkesbury and will appreciate stepping up to 1200m here and even further in time. Gets in well with a 3kg claim. TRUE AMOR (5) was scratched a couple of time before resuming with a length fourth to Secure at Warwick Farm on May 7. Will take benefit from the run and appreciate the drop back t provincial grade. NINGALOO REEF (1) returned with a big win at Hawkesbury. LOUNERSE (1) will appreciate a drop back in grade on her second last of 11 in the Midway at Randwick on May 24. Prior to that was a narrow winner over this track and distance. AUTUMN DREAM (2) debuted with an upset win over Hurry Miss in a Warwick Farm Super Maiden over 1300m before finishing just behind the placegetters in her next two over 1600m. CALYX ROSE (7) took improvement from her first two runs when she stepped up to 1375m to win at Cowra and followed with an all-the-way win over 1500m here on Feb 1. MISSILE SEEKER (2) missed the start by a couple of lengths before coming through the middle of the field to score by a length from Willie Oppa at Wyong on a Heavy 9. Boxed on for sixth to Piggyback at Warwick Farm last start. AIX EN PROVENCE (3) resumed with a close third to Miss Kim Kar at Canterbury first-up last campaign. Was a close second in a Midway three starts later. Trialling well. CARNEGIE HILL (10) has claims on his last start Hawkesbury win. RUSH ATTACK (1) was freshened after racing keenly and finishing down the track behind Enter The Dragon at Hawkesbury on Apr 9. Just pipped by Pocketing in a Randwick Midway and beaten a length onto seventh behind Inferencia in a Rosehill Midway. SCHOLL DEEP (8) was a three-quarter length third to Fiftyfivechevy on a Good 4 here then relished the heavy track when a smart winner over Better Explain here on May 3. Gets in well with the 3kg claim. OAKFIELD MAMSELLE (5) has a win and a second from three first-up runs. Is two from two over the mile.
