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News.com.au
2 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘I'm done': Emotional wife scenes spark DCE conspiracy, ‘disconnected' Manly slammed
Manly have been labelled a 'disconnected' team in crisis, with coach Anthony Seibold's job in doubt and Daly Cherry-Evans' body language under the microscope. The Tigers defeated Manly 26-12 on Sunday, handing the Sea Eagles a fourth consecutive loss that all but ended any hopes Manly had of making finals. In the past four games, Manly have scored just 32 points and conceded 116 points — they have looked increasingly uninspired in recent weeks and questions are being asked about the club's future after the dismal loss to the Tigers. 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? Join now and get your first month for just $1. 'To summarise Manly's performance today, they played like individuals trying to survive themselves without actually connecting together,' Cooper Cronk said on Fox League. Cherry-Evans cut a frustrated figure during the game when he threw an errant pass through the hands of Ben Trbojevic into touch as Manly pressed for a try. The 36-year-old halfback was spotted hugging his kids and having a heartfelt conversation with his wife after the game, which caught the eye of Fox League commentator Andrew Voss. 'There were signs yesterday particularly post match — there was an exchange had with his wife on the fence — it was very much 'last game' areas,' Voss speculated on SEN's V ossy & Brandy. 'It was like he was breaking the news, 'Nah that's it love, I'm done'. There was a very extended conversation, it seemed quite emotional. I thought that seemed a bit strange, three weeks from the end of the season, he's playing on next year, it's not the end of road for Manly. It was unusual.' Voss added: 'In the game, the reaction to the errant pass to Ben Trbojevic, it was emotionally a little over the top for Daly Cherry-Evans. 'Putting those pictures together, I thought, 'There's a player who's going to announce his retirement'.' Cherry-Evans was emotional in the changerooms post-game, sitting with his head in his hands and spotted deep in discussion with Tom Trbojevic and coach Anthony Seibold. 'I'm seeing a lot of weight, a lot of frustration,' Broncos great Corey Parker said when asked about Cherry-Evans' body language. 'To suggest that's it (he's played his last game), I don't know. I know Daly personally and he does things his own way, but I don't know 'that's it'. 'There's certainly something not clicking for the Manly Sea Eagles because they were very poor yesterday.' 'It certainly doesn't help that the side isn't travelling well,' said Greg Alexander. 'It's a totally disconnected team. 'They looked totally disconnected. They've got all these attacking weapons. I can't remember when Tom (Trbojevic) looked like he was going to break the line.' Alexander also savaged Manly five-eighth Luke Brooks, saying: 'Luke Brooks may as well not play, I'm serious, because he offers nothing.' Calls for 'clarity' as DCE mystery drags on Cherry-Evans announced early in the season he would be leaving Manly at season's end, but months later he is yet to confirm which club he is headed to. The veteran playmaker has long been linked to the Roosters, but nothing has been officially confirmed, while the Tricolours may be having second thoughts given the rapid development of young halves Sam Walker and Hugo Savala. Cherry-Evans told last month there was 'no update' on his next destination and he was focused on helping Manly secure a spot in the top eight. Parker said it would be helpful for all parties to some 'clarity' on Cherry-Evans' future. 'There's still talk about where he may or may not go,' Parker said on SEN. 'Everyone's says it's the Roosters and it's a done deal, but no one's got any clarity around it. 'I think the weight and burden of what he's dealing with — he's created it himself — and the lack of performance on the field have come to a head.' Reporter Cody Kaye told Fox Sports News Cherry-Evans announcing he was leaving Manly has undoubtedly played a part in Manly's dip in form. Kaye said: 'You've got to ask the question, 'how much it distracted him? How much it distracted the wider playing group? 'The difference between winning and losing is so small. If everybody isn't on the same page or harmonious, you aren't going to win a competition. 'You're not going to be competitive because if everyone's not pulling in the same direction, you've got a really big problem. I do think players at that club looked around and said, 'Well if the captain's not all in, why will I be?' 'This looks like an unhappy footy side. There's too many weapons in that team. 'Daly's performance yesterday, he never stopped trying. But it's a scattergun approach and I don't know if the guys on that team are fully aware of what Daly's going to do next. 'He cut a really dejected figure in the changerooms after. I've never seen Daly that upset. 'In the background of all this is the constant linking to the Roosters for next year and whether or not the Roosters, having watched Daly's form dip, have got buyer's remorse. There's a lot going on for Daly Cherry-Evans right at the moment. Seibold is contracted as coach until the end of 2027 but disgruntled Manly fans are calling for the coach's head. 'We're sticking solid with 'Seibs',' Manly chairman and owner Scott Penn told the SMH last week. 'We haven't achieved what we want to achieve yet, we're focused on finishing this year strongly, then getting stuck into 2026. The Manly turmoil comes amid reports club officials have instructed workhorse Jake Trbojevic to sit out the last three games of the season following his latest concussion. Cherry-Evans will play his 350th game against the Dolphins on Saturday at Brookvale Oval.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Haas delivers Kangaroos dagger blow to Walters in wake of cagey post-match act
Payne Haas has delivered a huge blow to Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters after confirming his defection to Samoa, ahead of Australia's Ashes campaign later this year. Haas gave a cagey response to claims he'd already decided to turn his back on Australia after being asked about the situation following Brisbane's stirring comeback win over the Dolphins on Saturday night. 'I haven't announced anything publicly. It's all smoke and mirrors at the moment,' Haas told Fox League's Eloise Sohier after the Suncorp Stadium blockbuster. 'Personally I haven't said anything so it's been a bit of media speculation but hopefully something will come out soon.' On Sunday morning, the speculation around Haas' international allegiance was finally put to bed after Samoa coach Ben Gardiner put out a statement confirming the Kangaroos and NSW prop's bombshell switch. 'We're excited to welcome Payne into the Toa Samoa family,' Gardiner said. 'He's a proven performer on the biggest stages and we can't wait to see him in blue.' Speaking to reporters a short time later on Sunday, the 25-year-old provided further insight into the reasons behind his international defection. Haas - whose mother is of Samoan heritage - revealed that he'd been weighing up a move since playing a Test for the Kangaroos against Samoa in Townsville in 2023. "The anthems started playing and my mind started racing back to lots of memories with my mum and making us sing the Samoan national anthem a lot in the back of the car," Haas said. "I think from that moment onwards I wanted to play for Samoa and represent my mum's side... and really make them proud, my grandparents as well... I get my moment to play for Samoa now and it's something I've always wanted to do and I'm just privileged and blessed." Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters loses Payne Haas for Ashes Walters made it clear that they he'd respect the decisions of any of his Kangaroos players with Pacific Island backgrounds, if they choose to switch national allegiances. The Kangaroos coach insisted he wanted to keep hold of the likes of Haas, as well as Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who are also thinking of playing for Samoa. And Haas says Walters' stance and his relationship with his former Brisbane coach made their conversation about his national switch much easier. "Kevvie was pretty open and he was really good about it," Haas said. "I feel like this is something I've wanted to do for the last few years to represent Samoa so it wasn't hard for me and Kevvie took it well." However, the news is a massive blow for Walters and the Kangaroos, who have lost arguably the best prop in the game before their end-of-season Ashes series against England, starting in October. And the situation could be even more challenging for the Kangaroos if Maroons stars Tabuai-Fidow and Fa'asuamaleaui follow suit. RELATED: Second Storm star under fire over unseen act in Panthers controversy Huge call made on Tedesco as Walters drops major Kangaroos hint Speaking last week, Matty Johns said he believed 'the dominoes have started to fall' as Haas edged closer to a switch, and suggested Fa'asuamaleaui would 'follow Payne to Samoa'. And he believed their additions could help Samoa lift next year's Rugby League World Cup, joining the likes of Jarome Luai, Blaize Talagi, Terrell May, Stephen Crichton and Brian To'o in a star-studded side. Haas could make his Test debut for Samoa in the Pacific Championships opener against New Zealand on October 19 in Auckland. His defection from the Kangaroos is also likely to spark fresh debate around eligibility laws for State of Origin and Test footy, as Haas has been a mainstay for the Blues in recent years and can continue playing for NSW due to the fact Samoa is a tier-two Test nation.
News.com.au
26-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘Scary': Nathan Cleary move puts NRL on notice as Panthers purr to seven straight
Nathan Cleary is back and in a big way. Everything Cleary touched turned to gold on Saturday as Penrith leapfrogged the Broncos into fifth spot on the NRL ladder with a dominant 36-2 win at home over the Tigers. The Panthers have now won seven in a row and are in the hunt for the all-important top four place, an incredible feat considering they were languishing in last spot only two months ago. 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? Join now and get your first month for just $1. But it was seeing their No. 7 back with the kicking tee in hand and without strapping that had Panthers fans believing a fifth straight premiership is a real possibility. Cleary was at his masterful best in Saturday's win, setting up three tries while he returned to the goalkicking duties and didn't miss any of his six attempts. The halfback hasn't kicked goals for Penrith since the round 14 win over the Tigers due to a groin injury, but being back with the tee suggests that niggling injury is now in a rear-view mirror. The 27-year-old moved freely as he tore the Tigers to shreds, creating line breaks at will with his acceleration and ball-playing mastery. 'There are a few teams in the NRL getting nervous watching that,' Andrew Voss said in Fox commentary as Cleary rang rings around the hapless Tigers. While the reigning premiers now set their sights on a top-four finish, rivals should be worried because next week, for the first time in 2025, they will be at full strength. And their form turnaround has many wondering, they can't do it again, can they? 'Penrith are travelling better than anyone in the competition other than maybe the Raiders,' Greg Alexander said in Fox commentary. Voss added: 'Rivals should be worried, very worried'. Tigers back to the drawing board The Tigers aren't the first team to have been strangled out of the contest by Penrith, but Benji Marshall will be disappointed with his side's inability to conjure anything in attack. Taylan May was held up early, and Starford Toa scooped up a loose ball, but he had no support on a night they failed to register a single line break. Their only points came from a penalty goal to open the scoring, with halfback Latu Fainu only running once before he was taken off as Sunia Turuva carted it up 25 times from the back. They don't have the squad to match it with Penrith's grinding tactics, which is why fans will be hoping they return to the free-flowing footy that works so well for them. Last week's win over the Titans gave them some breathing space in a bid to avoid the wooden spoon, but Gold Coast's win across the ditch means the Tigers are just two points clear of bottom spot.
The Advertiser
20-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Walters poised to become national rugby league coach
Rugby league legend Kevin Walters could be announced as Australia's new head coach as soon as Monday. The former Queensland and Brisbane mentor is poised to take charge of the Kangaroos for Australia's first Ashes tour in 22 years after the NRL season concludes. Walters was tight-lipped when quizzed about his link to the vacant role on Sunday, but expected an announcement to be made imminently. "I can't tell you anything. There'll be a decision made tomorrow," the former multi-premiership winning player said on Fox League's NRL coverage. "We'll just wait and see. Obviously I'd be very privileged and grateful to get the opportunity to coach Australia. "It's a privilege to put the green and gold on and to coach the side, even more so. We'll just see what happens tomorrow." The Australian Rugby League Commission has been on the hunt for a new Kangaroos boss since Mal Meninga stepped down to join expansion side the Perth Bears, who enter the NRL in 2027. Replacement options had been thin on the ground given ARLC rules prevent active club coaches from taking the role. That precluded South Sydney mentor Wayne Bennett from contention despite his interest, with Walters rocketing into the frame once favourite Brad Fittler pulled out to focus on his media duties. Cameron Smith, one of the greatest players of the modern era, had flagged his interest but is untested as a professional head coach. Walters coached Brisbane to the 2023 grand final, which the Broncos narrowly lost after a Penrith comeback, and was fired a year later after the side missed the 2024 finals. Prior to that, Walters led Queensland to victory in two of four State of Origin series as coach. Rugby league legend Kevin Walters could be announced as Australia's new head coach as soon as Monday. The former Queensland and Brisbane mentor is poised to take charge of the Kangaroos for Australia's first Ashes tour in 22 years after the NRL season concludes. Walters was tight-lipped when quizzed about his link to the vacant role on Sunday, but expected an announcement to be made imminently. "I can't tell you anything. There'll be a decision made tomorrow," the former multi-premiership winning player said on Fox League's NRL coverage. "We'll just wait and see. Obviously I'd be very privileged and grateful to get the opportunity to coach Australia. "It's a privilege to put the green and gold on and to coach the side, even more so. We'll just see what happens tomorrow." The Australian Rugby League Commission has been on the hunt for a new Kangaroos boss since Mal Meninga stepped down to join expansion side the Perth Bears, who enter the NRL in 2027. Replacement options had been thin on the ground given ARLC rules prevent active club coaches from taking the role. That precluded South Sydney mentor Wayne Bennett from contention despite his interest, with Walters rocketing into the frame once favourite Brad Fittler pulled out to focus on his media duties. Cameron Smith, one of the greatest players of the modern era, had flagged his interest but is untested as a professional head coach. Walters coached Brisbane to the 2023 grand final, which the Broncos narrowly lost after a Penrith comeback, and was fired a year later after the side missed the 2024 finals. Prior to that, Walters led Queensland to victory in two of four State of Origin series as coach. Rugby league legend Kevin Walters could be announced as Australia's new head coach as soon as Monday. The former Queensland and Brisbane mentor is poised to take charge of the Kangaroos for Australia's first Ashes tour in 22 years after the NRL season concludes. Walters was tight-lipped when quizzed about his link to the vacant role on Sunday, but expected an announcement to be made imminently. "I can't tell you anything. There'll be a decision made tomorrow," the former multi-premiership winning player said on Fox League's NRL coverage. "We'll just wait and see. Obviously I'd be very privileged and grateful to get the opportunity to coach Australia. "It's a privilege to put the green and gold on and to coach the side, even more so. We'll just see what happens tomorrow." The Australian Rugby League Commission has been on the hunt for a new Kangaroos boss since Mal Meninga stepped down to join expansion side the Perth Bears, who enter the NRL in 2027. Replacement options had been thin on the ground given ARLC rules prevent active club coaches from taking the role. That precluded South Sydney mentor Wayne Bennett from contention despite his interest, with Walters rocketing into the frame once favourite Brad Fittler pulled out to focus on his media duties. Cameron Smith, one of the greatest players of the modern era, had flagged his interest but is untested as a professional head coach. Walters coached Brisbane to the 2023 grand final, which the Broncos narrowly lost after a Penrith comeback, and was fired a year later after the side missed the 2024 finals. Prior to that, Walters led Queensland to victory in two of four State of Origin series as coach.
News.com.au
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
‘He's someone I idolise': Nicho Hynes reveals the meaning behind his post-try celebration in emotional tribute to Steven Munster
Footy players have been doing their bit to raise money for Try July with their celebrations, but there was extra meaning behind Nicho Hynes' dance on Friday night as he paid an emotional tribute to the passing of Steven Munster. Hynes made his NRL debut alongside Cameron Munster at the Storm back in 2019 and spent plenty of time with his father in the sheds after games. It's why he wanted to honour him after scoring a try, with the support shown by teammates and rivals highlighting Munster's standing in the game. The Sharks strike early through Nicho Hynes! ðŸ'° Watch #NRLSharksDolphins on ch.502 or stream on Kayo: âœ�ï¸� BLOG ðŸ'¢ MATCH CENTRE — Fox League (@FOXNRL) July 11, 2025 'It was just a little dance that we used to do every time we had a couple of beers together,' the Sharks halfback said after he scored twice in the 24-12 win over the Dolphins. 'I've just been thinking about him a lot. I've been talking to my girlfriend about it. That could have been me. That could be anyone waking up without their dad or a parent. 'I'm sending lots of love to his family. I just remember after games at Melbourne, seeing his old man and old lady in the sheds always smiling and happy. 'It touched me a lot, big time.' The friendship goes back to 2018 when Hynes was new in Melbourne and was taken in by Munster who supported him early on and made him feel at home. The former Dally M Medal winner says he idolises the Storm champion who bravely led the Maroons to State of Origin glory on Wednesday night just days after his father died. 'I think he was meant to be on the Aussie tour that year and I think something happened and he got kicked out or whatever and he ended up coming to pre-season, which was my first pre-season there,' Hynes recalled. 'I was a nobody. I was literally there on a train and trial (deal) and he didn't have to give me any time of day, but that's not the Melbourne Storm way. They do give everyone time of day. 'He ended up having me at his house for a couple of weeks and whenever he wanted to go for a feed, he'd ask me to go for a feed. He was just someone who was so nice and caring and wanted to help out and make me better. 'I looked up to him and I've looked up to him ever since I met him. He's just someone I idolise. 'Even now, seeing the way he's handled it and went out and performed the other night, I don't think I've seen and played with a better rugby league player live – Cameron Smith, obviously – but Cam Munster… what he's gone through to do that and deliver, I'm just so proud of him.'
