Latest news with #FletcherSharpe
News.com.au
3 days ago
- General
- News.com.au
Dragons vs Knights: NRL live score updates, team news and SuperCoach analysis
Dragons vs Knights: NRL live score updates, team news and SuperCoach analysis The final teams are in for Dragons vs Knights, with star young gun Fletcher Sharpe holding the fullback jersey after Kalyn Ponga was ruled out. See all the late changes. FOLLOW LIVE
News.com.au
4 days ago
- General
- News.com.au
‘He's keen to play': Kalyn Ponga no certainty to face the Dragons as Knights superstar braces for three games in eight days
Superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga has declared he's keen to play, but Newcastle Knights coach Adam O'Brien isn't ready to make a definitive call on his availability for Friday's clash against the Dragons just 48 hours after the Origin opener. Ponga was one of many Queensland players to be kept quiet at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night, with the representative fullback flying down to Sydney where he wants to take his place at the back against a team just two points ahead of them on the ladder. 'I spoke to him this morning and he's keen to play,' O'Brien said. 'Those guys, especially after a loss, they want to get back out there straight away. 'It's important that I meet him this afternoon down in Sydney and get eyes on him and work out what's right for him, but also what's right for us given the fact that we trained without him all week and some guys got the job done last week. 'There are a few things to consider, but first and foremost I want to make sure that he's healthy. 'He'll play a big part in the decision whether he'll play or not. He's got no pressure from me.' Fletcher Sharpe will shift to fullback if the Knights decide to rest Ponga, with Newcastle in action again next Thursday when they host the Sea Eagles. Sharpe was phenomenal in their much-needed win over the Panthers in Bathurst and is ready to light it up at the back again if required. 'If Kalyn doesn't play, naturally 'Sharpey' will go back there,' his coach said. 'Until I see him this afternoon, I won't know. Any team that's got Kalyn Ponga in it, it gives you a better chance of winning. 'But at the same time, I'm mindful that he played last night. Fullbacks cover a fair bit of ground and we've got a short turnaround next week so it'll end up being three games in eight days. There's a bit to factor in.' The Knights are enjoying a more relaxed week after the pressure on the team was eased with their win over the undermanned premiers. And while O'Brien has enjoyed the positive vibes around town, he knows his side must move on to their next challenge against a Dragons side that always lifts at home. 'It was great to see smiles on the players' faces and good to see some people in coffee shops around town a bit happier with us,' he said. 'It was a bit of relief but a bit of confirmation that if we can hang onto the footy and play a certain style, we're a pretty effective footy team. 'That's done now and we need to go and recreate it.'
News.com.au
25-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Panthers' season from hell gets worse as enforcer Liam Henry banned for nasty crusher tackle
Panthers enforcer Liam Henry has been slapped with a two-game ban after being sin-binned and placed on report for a crusher tackle on Knights fullback Fletcher Sharpe. In the 22nd minute with the Knights leading 18-0 in Bathurst, Henry appeared to lift Sharpe up in a tackle and push down on the back of his neck, which drew a penalty. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer > 'Both feet left the ground,' Steve Roach said on Fox Leaue's coverage. After intervention from the Bunker, referee Belinda Sharpe called Henry out for further punishment. 'You have got a grip you lift him up and then you put pressure down,' referee Sharpe said. 'It is on report and it's in the bin.' Commentsator Andrew Voss had no issue with the decision due to the NRL's tough stance on crusher tackles. 'That's the tackle that we are trying to stamp out,' Voss said. 'If there is any sort of re-grip or second motion if you will. 'Liam Henry finds himself in the bin and Sharpe goes off the field for Newcastle.' Off the ensuing set, Dylan Lucas scored a try to make it a hat-trick for the star back-rower and give the Knights a commanding 24-0 lead. Henry will be rubbed out for two matches should he take the early guilty plea.
Mercury
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Mercury
‘Listen to Joey': Knights coach slammed amid $2m truth bomb
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. The Newcastle Knights have been urged to recall Jackson Hastings and stick with a consistent halves pairing amid growing pressure on coach Adam O'Brien. Newcastle take on Penrith in Bathurst on Saturday in a must win game, which you can watch on Fox League via Kayo. The Knights will be without Kalyn Ponga who is in Queensland camp, while the Panthers are missing Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo and Brian To'o due to NSW Origin duties. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. In Ponga's absence, young gun Fletcher Sharpe has been moved from the halves to fullback, with Tyson Gamble and Jack Cogger named in the halves. Jackson Hastings has been included on an extended interchange, but it remains to be seen if the out-of-favour veteran earns a recall for his first NRL game of the year. Speaking to Tigers great Steve 'Blocker' Roach criticised the move to move Sharpe out of the halves and said it was time for O'Brien to pick and stick. 'They're struggling because they don't pick the same halves every week,' Roach said. 'They've swapped and changed half a dozen times. You've got to have that continuity in your spine, especially in your halves. Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger and Tyson Gamble have all played in the halves for Newcastle this year. 'They dropped Cogger a couple of weeks ago and now they've brought him back. I don't really know what they're doing.' 'Same thing with moving Fletcher Sharpe back to fullback. He's killing it at five-eighth, why would you move him? I know Kalyn's not there this week but I don't get it … to weaken one position to strengthen another.' O'Brien has chopped and changed his halves this season, with a feud behind the scenes reportedly a contributing factor in the decision to leave Hastings out of the team. Knights legend Andrew Johns has called on O'Brien to pick Hastings, who is on a $700,000 contract that ends at the end of this year. 'They've got to work out who their halves are (because) Tyson Gamble's not a halfback, he's a really good 14,' Johns said. 'One thing about Jackson, he's polarising as we all know, but he can get you around the park. He'll organise, he can get a game plan on, he kicks well and he brings other players into play. 'There's rumours about certain feuds and all this, which I couldn't give a rat's about. Jackson Hastings (right) hasn't played an NRL game this season. 'Whoever's the best No.7, put them in there and leave them there, because there's no stability in the key areas.' Roach agreed, adding: 'Listen to Joey Johns, probably the greatest halfback ever to play. If he's saying he (Hastings) should be there and leading the team around, what do you reckon? I'd be listening to Joey.' Knights coach responds amid $2m payout drama The Knights sit 16th on the ladder having lost seven of their past eight games, placing immense scrutiny on coach Adam O'Brien, who is contracted to the end of 2027. O'Brien has been the coach since 2020 and made finals four times, but this year's form has many wondering if he will be sacked. 'I don't even know how to help Newcastle,' Braith Anasta said on BTFU's 180 Podcast. 'I'd hate to be in that inner sanctum now, the vibe would be like a funeral. 'The whole thing around him is the $2 million payout. I don't think many other coaches, the way they're going and position they're in, would have survived as long as he has. 'A lot of it has to do with the money he is owed with a payout there and you've got to question why they re-signed him, they weren't exactly flying … that was pretty crazy.' Knights coach Adam O'Brien is under pressure. Photo: NRL images. O'Brien said on Thursday: 'I've got good, strong support from the board. 'They understand the situation that we're in with our depth and the injuries. 'Pressure and expectation comes with the job, I understand that. I'm used to it by now. 'We want results and I understand our supporters and sponsors want results - but I can't get fixated on that narrative. I've just got to focus on getting today right and being really committed to fighting our way out with the players.' Tigers legend on Galvin: 'See ya later' All signs are pointing to Lachlan Galvin being granted an early release from the Tigers at the end of this season after the young playmaker's decision not to stay beyond his contract that expires at the end of 2026. Lachlan Galvin may have played his last game for the Tigers. (Photo by) There is growing speculation Galvin could even leave the Tigers mid-season, with the joint venture club reportedly expecting a transfer fee of $165,000 for his departure. Balmain Tigers legend Roach, who urged Galvin to show 'loyalty' to the Tigers earlier this year, said it was time for the two parties to go their separate ways. 'You've got to want to play for your club,' Roach told 'I'm old school. If you don't want to be there, see ya later. Good luck to him. 'I think he does some good things and he's got potential but I don't think he's the type of player they're saying he is. He's not a Fittler or a Daley yet. Maybe it's a little bit of overhype. 'He's got ability, he's going to be good. But maybe they've pumped him up a bit too much too early.' Originally published as 'Listen to Joey': Knights coach slammed amid $2m truth bomb
News.com.au
03-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Sharpe inspires Knights' win over Souths
NRL: Young Newcastle gun Fletcher Sharpe scored a hat-trick against the Rabbitohs to inspire the Knights to a big Magin Round victory.
