Latest news with #ARLC
News.com.au
27-05-2025
- General
- News.com.au
Could State of Origin head overseas?
Buzz Rothfield tells the Off the Record podcast the ARLC is considering taking a State of Origin game to New Zealand, while Andrew Webster suggests the showpiece event could go to Wembley.
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Popular Channel Nine star QUITS two months after losing out on major role
A popular Channel Nine star has sensationally quit following a major shake up at the network. Weekend sports reporter Roz Kelly, who provided commentary for the 2012 London Olympics and 2024 Paris Olympics, has handed in her resignation just two months after she was overlooked for the role as Today's new sports presenter. Instead, the position went to Nine rugby league sideline reporter Danika Mason. It is believed Danika nabbed the coveted role after the chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commision Peter V'landys backed the media star for the job. It is not yet known whether Roz has another gig lined up, however sources close to her have said the sports presenter is eyeing up a move to South Africa, according to From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Roz, who is married to South African cricketer Morne Morkel and shares two children with the sportsman, lived in Cape Town for five years, but moved back to Sydney following her husband's retirement from the sport. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Nine for comment. The Today show job opening comes after Aussie sports presenter Alex Cullen was axed for accepting a $50,000 gift from The Block billionaire Adrian Portelli. The TV presenter, 44, accepted the eye-watering sum after he was the first media personality to use Portelli's self-proclaimed nickname 'McLaren Man' live on-air last week—sparking a firestorm. Today host Karl Stefanovic announced live on-air in January that Cullen had left the network following the incident with Portelli. 'As most of you are well aware, our colleague Alex Cullen has not been on air with us this past week,' a solemn Stefanovic told viewers. 'There has been widespread reporting on the circumstances surrounding this, what I can say is that last night, Alex and Nine agreed that he would finish with the network. 'Alex has, of course, been part of the Today family for five years now, he's always ready with a smile and a laugh and without hesitation speaking for all of us here, we can say that we are going to miss him terribly, that's for sure.' 'Alex is a terrific fella, what you see is what you get and he has been a great mate to all of us over these years and we wish Alex, his wife Bonnie and his beautiful kids all the very best for the future,' Stefanovic continued. A Nine spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'Nine has agreed with Today presenter and journalist Alex Cullen that he will finish with the network following a review into a recent incident.' The scandal kicked off when Portelli, 35, had grown tired of his long-used nickname 'Mr Lambo' and offered the cash reward to the first person to use his new moniker 'McLaren Man' on air, with Cullen obliging on the Today just over a week ago. The Block entrepreneur then posted what appeared to be a bank transfer of $50,000 to the presenter on Instagram. Accepting cash, gifts or benefits to undermine journalistic independence, and improperly using a journalistic position for personal gain, are both breaches of the journalism code of ethics as defined by the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance union. The ill-advised stunt led to Cullen being suspended by Nine and he did not appear on the show while the network investigated the payment. The sum has been donated to charity by Portelli.
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Taylan May makes bombshell claim on his playing future as troubled footy star breaks silence on dark period - and why he is a 'whole different person' after checking into a mental health clinic
Troubled footy star Taylan May has opened up on some of the dark times he has experienced over the past year, admitting that he had contemplated taking his own life, but is now plotting a return to play in the NRL - and insists he is ready to play as soon as next week. The 23-year-old had put his footy career on hold in order to focus on his mental wellbeing and admitted that checking himself into a mental health facility 'was the best thing that could have happened to me.' Despite not having played in the NRL since May of last year after he was stood down by Penrith, the footy now insists he is ready to return to play once again. 'Yeah 100 per cent - I will play next week,' he said to Channel 9, before being asked whether he felt he posed a risk to NRL clubs. 'Not the way I am now and truly trying to be,' he responded. 'That's just me being honest, I wouldn't lie... there's no risk, no way.' The former Samoa international was released by the four-time reigning premiers last year after being charged with domestic violence offences. May pleaded not guilty to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of stalking or intimidation intending to cause fear, as well as two counts of contravening an apprehended violence order (AVO). The charges related to an incident involving his wife on April 8. They were later dropped and May was subsequently cleared to return to rugby league by ARLC chairman Peter V'landys. His agent, Ahmad Merhi, revealed in April that the footy star, who is the younger brother of Terrell May and Tyrone May, had checked himself into a private facility in order to address mental health issues. 'It was probably the best thing that could have happened for me, it opened my eyes up to a lot of things,' May said speaking on his treatment. 'A day in a psych ward felt like a week. Yeah man, it was good,' he said. 'I feel like I came out of it totally different. My mindset has changed, my beliefs have changed, and I'm a whole different person now.' May was then asked whether he did not like the person he was before going into the psychological ward. He replied: 'My name was unknown in the psych ward and I was happy to come out and be unknown. 'I just didn't like the person that Taylan was.' 'I got suicidal and I think that's fair to say. It's not a sob story, it's how I felt. 'I think honestly just my family and having the support of my wife and kids telling me it's gonna be alright, I think that's what kept me going. I couldn't picture leaving them in this world. I brought them into this world - me and my wife - why would I leave them? 'They need me and I haven't done anything for them yet and I haven't set them up.' While May has been away from the footy pitch, he has delved into different creative outlets, focusing on producing music. It is understood he has also started taking Bible classes. 'Anyone wanna join my Bible studies I'll be running it every Thursday 6pm dm for location,' he published on his social media in recent months. 'Doesn't matter what religion any religion, come.' It is unclear what clubs would make a play for the centre, with the Wests Tigers having previously shown an interest in snapping him up The former Penrith star had sparked some speculation that he could make a dramatic switch from playing footy to pursue a career in the music industry in recent months, rebranding himself as 'Mayfair' and has published clips of his tracks online. Yet, the footy star appears to be keen to get back onto the playing field, notably to play with his brother Terrell, who currently plays prop for the Wests Tigers. 'I'll just put it out there, I honestly wanna play with my brother,' he said. 'He's spoke about that in the media and it will be a dream come true, not just for us but for my family. Playing with him would light a bigger fire inside me. 'You've got to come to reality, it's not always gonna fall your way. If it doesn't, I'd definitely go to another team, whoever wants me.' May, who made his debut with the Panthers in 2021, would go on to make 30 NRL appearances for Ivan Cleary's side and also won five caps for Samoa. Rumours have bubbled in recent months that the Tigers were ready to explore a deal to sign the free agent. The young footy star said he also anticipated some scrutiny from those within the NRL community but it appears he is blocking out criticism. 'I don't blame them,' he said, when asked how he will cope with possible backlash from some in the community. 'They get to have their opinion and everyone has their opinion about somebody. 'You could be the nicest guy, but someone is still gonna hate you and that's the truth.' Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or
Daily Mail
08-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Why the NRL's newest team held secret talks with billionaire Andrew Forrest in move that will shock footy fans
Peter V'landys insists the Perth Bears can be immediately competitive, adamant their link with North Sydney will set them up for success. In their bid to get off to a roaring start when they enter the NRL in 2027, V'landys may also call upon a rival rugby code to help bring ensure the team can battle with the best of them. The Australian Rugby League Commission chairman has held secret talks with Western Force owner and Aussie billionaire Andrew Forrest over the prospect of a radical player-swap agreement between the cross-code sides. Forrest, who owns the Force, is worth approximately $23.8billion, and made his fortune in the Australian mining industry. V'landys hoped that Forrest, also known as ' Twiggy ', being a self-made man, would understand the value of how the NRL was thinking outside the box with the idea to share players. 'Look we've had talks with Twiggy Forest with regards to the Western Force and there's an opportunity here that might never been done anywhere in the world where the two teams could be combined to a certain degree and can use each other's players in specific matches,' V'landys said. 'So we're going to look at that. It's a novel idea. And who's to argue with Twiggy Forrest, who's a self-made man. 'Look, as anyone that knows me, we look at the things outside the square and that's outside the square, and we'll look at it. If it can help both games in Western Australia, why wouldn't we do it? 'As I said, we're only looking at it and naturally we'll be consulting our member clubs back in New South Wales. But there's some other availabilities for our clubs in the eastern states, and we'll look at those as well.' Uncertainty remains though how that situation would work, given the league and union seasons in Australia run almost concurrently throughout the season. V'landys also revealed that there is a lot of interest in sponsoring the Bears from some very big organisations. That, he believes is telling of how successful this expansion could be. 'The sooner we get started, the better, because we've had some very big companies that want to sponsor the Perth Bears,' V'landys said. 'They can see how exciting it is, they can see the potential of it, and I'm sure we'll announce some very big sponsors in the next month or so.' The league confirmed on Thursday Perth would become the 18th franchise, joining the competition one year before Papua New Guinea's 2028 admission. The announcement ends a long push from Western Australia to have a team in the competition, after the Western Reds were killed off in the Super League war. The Bears link will also revive the moniker of one of the league's foundation clubs, after North Sydney's exit following the failed merger with Manly in 2000. The club will wear red and black in a nod to the Bears' heritage, while at least one home game a year will be played at North Sydney Oval. Other home games will be played at the 20,500-seat capacity HBF Park in Perth, with the state government tipping in $65.6 million in financial support. Beyond bringing fans to stadiums in Sydney and giving the club an initial fan base, Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'landys said the Bears logo would help the club find early success. 'Everyone thought the Dolphins wouldn't be competitive and they were competitive (on arrival in 2023),' V'landys said. 'I am confident the Bears will be competitive in the first year. 'They have a head start because they have a combination with an established club. They have football managers and juniors and pathways 'They will provide the players because they have pathways and juniors back in the eastern states. 'You will be surprised how good they will be in 2027.' Under the terms of the agreement, the NRL will own the club for at least the first five years while it is managed at arms-length from head office, before it becomes member-owned. V'landys indicated a board would be appointed in coming weeks, with a Western Australian to chair the club alongside at least two other local directors. A CEO will also need to be appointed, before a coach is announced in the coming weeks or months to begin plans on how to set the club up on the field. Former Parramatta coach Brad Arthur remains the early favourite, while English international Sam Burgess has shown interest. That appointment will allow the team to begin signing players from November 1 for 2027, with the Bears facing a challenge to convince players to move west. But in the long run, NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said he expected the team to be comprised of local players, with rugby league to be introduced to up to 500 schools. 'Any initial franchise will require a certain amount of relocation,' Abdo said. 'The investment the government will provide us in the next few years will mean we can accelerate the pathways in schools and clubs. 'The development of talent on the field means this will be a team made up predominantly of Western Australia based players in a very short period.'
Sydney Morning Herald
08-05-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Perth Bears picnic includes another $25m for club as V'Landys chats with Twiggy
This included $35 million for grassroots funding and $5.6 million in match day support and tourism marketing. Cook later said the extra $25 million was to 'support the club in its establishment'. 'This is work that we will do with the NRL and with the new board to make sure that they've got the support they need to really get ahead and make sure that we're match fit for 2027,' he said. Cook confirmed the $20 million for the high-performance centre was not included in the $65.6 million figure because that money was part of an election commitment. 'There's been a whole range of numbers thrown around. Today, we're providing you with absolute clarity around what the proposal is and the benefit that will be for Western Australia,' he said. The new club will be not-for-profit and owned by members, but the board governing it will be controlled by the ARLC for at least the first years of the club's life. Cook said independent modelling conducted by Acil Allen on behalf of the government suggested the state would get a return on investment of $28 million every year once the team entered the competition. Loading The government is yet to make that modelling public in its entirety. Cook said the government took a strong negotiating position with V'Landys, which secured the club structure. 'The club will be chaired by a Western Australian. Every dollar of WA government support will be spent in Western Australia to develop the game. The NRL will not charge a license fee,' he said. Cook said V'Landys was a 'great mate', while the rugby chief praised Cook for being a strong negotiator. 'He was a halfback I couldn't catch, so he's certainly a wily character and a very good negotiator. But at the end, I think we're both very satisfied with the deal that was done,' he said. When questioned whether the video he posted to social media on Wednesday was filmed in advance of the deal being signed, Cook said he had recorded that video three times. 'Once the agreement was signed – I signed the agreement yesterday – and then we were obviously able to then release the video,' he said. Negotiations between the WA government and ARLC have been marred by leaks, with some figures published in east coast media suggesting the NRL was seeking up to $320 million. 'Let me say this and let me make it very clear: we never leaked single word,' V'Landys said. 'It certainly wasn't leaked by us at any stage, and I can confidently say in my career, I haven't leaked a single thing, and I didn't start with this one.' Hungry for the AFL's lunch V'Landys took aim at Seven West Media when asked about the media coverage of his attempts to expand the competition into WA. 'Well, I think the media coverage has been a bit biased, in the sense that the main newspaper here is owned by Seven West Media, that has the AFL rights,' he said 'Let's be quite frank ... they don't want us to be here because they realise we're going to be competitive, and we're going to take some of their lunch, and we eat a lot, so we'll be taking a fair bit of their lunch.' V'Landys bristled when questioned whether he consulted with the AFL on the expansion west. 'I don't see McDonald's checking with Kentucky Fried Chicken when they're opening a new store. So we certainly have not consulted with the AFL,' he said. V'Landys boasted that the club already had large sponsors lined up which would be announced in the coming months. 'I've got to tell you, the sponsors certainly haven't been worried about the AFL because we've been inundated with sponsorship requests,' he said. Twiggy enters the chat The new $20 million high-performance centre in Malaga will be for use by both the Bears and the Western Force. V'Landys also dropped a bombshell during the press conference that he was in discussions with mining billionaire and Western Force owner Forrest about player sharing. 'We've had talks with Twiggy Forrest in regards to the Western Force, and there's an opportunity here that may never have been done anywhere in the world, where the two teams could be combined to a certain degree, and can use each other's players in specific matches,' he said.
