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Sydney Morning Herald
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Bulldogs fans will see their long-term halfback on Monday. It's not Lachlan Galvin
'We got 45,000 to this game last year and I think we can do better this year. So, really hoping a big crowd turns up and that'll be a great experience for our young reserve grade side too. Mitch Woods is going to have his first game. Young Mitch Woods, people have seen him on the horizon for a while. 'He's going to have his first start in the NSW Cup on the weekend because we wanted him to experience Accor Stadium with a good crowd there. There'll probably be 30 or 40,000 there to watch the reserve grade in the afternoon. Make a day's entertainment out of it and come out and watch the football.' Gould has assured Woods that Galvin's arrival won't impede his progress towards an NRL career. The Bulldogs are yet to work out whether Galvin's best long-term position is five-eighth, halfback or in the back row. Galvin had success in the latter position as a junior at Western Suburbs Magpies, as part of the 2022 Harold Matthews Cup title-winning team. The Bulldogs are hoping to break the record attendance of 65,305 fans for a standalone NRL fixture, a mark set during their Good Friday win over South Sydney. If they achieve that ambition, the club could be on track to surpass AFL's Sydney Swans as the city's most-attended football team by the end of the season. The Bulldogs have already enjoyed a win over the Swans in securing the signature of Woods. The St Patrick's College Strathfield graduate was part of the Swans academy, but ultimately chose league over Australian Rules. Loading Gould has taken a personal interest in the development of Woods, who he has previously compared to arguably the greatest Bulldog of them all, former No.7 Steve Mortimer. The Bulldogs also have another promising playmaker in Cassius Tia, prompting the welcome headache of how best to utilise Galvin, Matt Burton, Tia and Woods when all of them are in a position to contest for first-grade spots. A decision on whether Galvin plays the Eels won't be made until closer to game day. 'He's virtually been in there all day, every day,' Gould said. 'He's been in and around the coaches and the video room and he won't go home. They can't get him to go home. He's on the training field for an hour after everyone's finished …
The Age
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Bulldogs fans will see their long-term halfback on Monday. It's not Lachlan Galvin
'We got 45,000 to this game last year and I think we can do better this year. So, really hoping a big crowd turns up and that'll be a great experience for our young reserve grade side too. Mitch Woods is going to have his first game. Young Mitch Woods, people have seen him on the horizon for a while. 'He's going to have his first start in the NSW Cup on the weekend because we wanted him to experience Accor Stadium with a good crowd there. There'll probably be 30 or 40,000 there to watch the reserve grade in the afternoon. Make a day's entertainment out of it and come out and watch the football.' Gould has assured Woods that Galvin's arrival won't impede his progress towards an NRL career. The Bulldogs are yet to work out whether Galvin's best long-term position is five-eighth, halfback or in the back row. Galvin had success in the latter position as a junior at Western Suburbs Magpies, as part of the 2022 Harold Matthews Cup title-winning team. The Bulldogs are hoping to break the record attendance of 65,305 fans for a standalone NRL fixture, a mark set during their Good Friday win over South Sydney. If they achieve that ambition, the club could be on track to surpass AFL's Sydney Swans as the city's most-attended football team by the end of the season. The Bulldogs have already enjoyed a win over the Swans in securing the signature of Woods. The St Patrick's College Strathfield graduate was part of the Swans academy, but ultimately chose league over Australian Rules. Loading Gould has taken a personal interest in the development of Woods, who he has previously compared to arguably the greatest Bulldog of them all, former No.7 Steve Mortimer. The Bulldogs also have another promising playmaker in Cassius Tia, prompting the welcome headache of how best to utilise Galvin, Matt Burton, Tia and Woods when all of them are in a position to contest for first-grade spots. A decision on whether Galvin plays the Eels won't be made until closer to game day. 'He's virtually been in there all day, every day,' Gould said. 'He's been in and around the coaches and the video room and he won't go home. They can't get him to go home. He's on the training field for an hour after everyone's finished …
NZ Herald
22-05-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Warriors v Raiders: Lewi Brown on why Luke Metcalf was destined for big things and why Warriors are thriving in 2025
'He came in a footy nerd, and he's still a footy nerd, and that's exactly what you want from your halfback. He's a great person to have around the team environment – always laughing, always smiling. 'He's recognising his talent, surrounding himself with the right people, and that's when you start seeing something special. He's got the mindset, and when you pair that with the right support, sky's the limit. 'We're seeing a young kid growing into a superstar. To witness that unfold in Auckland to see a great halfback emerging is special.' Metcalf's journey to the top hasn't been easy, but he's making the most of his opportunities. He tore his ACL in 2019 and then the Covid pandemic limited him to a training role, which eventually saw him return to the Cronulla Sharks, where he'd make his NRL debut before the Warriors came knocking on the back of a recommendation by Shaun Johnson. Metcalf endured more setbacks in 2023 with two hamstring injuries, before breaking his leg last year. Now he has found his stride, leading the Warriors to an 8-2 record to sit second on the ladder, while also the frontrunners in the Dally M medal race. 'I'm just really proud of him,' said Brown. 'The kid has been through some tough times, but he's come out the other side by learning about his body and improving his professionalism and now we're seeing him succeed.' Brown feels there are lots of similarities between this side and the one he played in that reached the 2011 grand final. They extend to more than the first-grade side, though. In 2011 the Warriors U20s won the grand final, while the reserve side lost in the New South Wales Cup decider. This year there is a similar trend, with the Warriors reserves top of the table, while their under-17s have gone back-to-back in the Harold Matthews Cup. He credits coach Andrew Webster for the resurgence, highlighting his similar qualities to Ivan Cleary, who was at the helm in 2011. 'I see a lot of similarities in the coach, the environment, the culture within the four walls,' said Brown. 'Everyone's on the same page and heading in the same direction. 'The style of footy they're playing, they're giving themselves opportunities to get into the game. A lot of people don't like kick-chase footy, but at the end of the day, that's what wins games. 'The way they're playing sets the platform and allows our X-factor players to get involved. Every game this season, we've laid a platform and played smart, mature footy off the back of it.' The Warriors are in their third season under Webster, who was an assistant at the club in 2015-16 before linking up with the Wests Tigers and Panthers, spending time with Cleary at both clubs. In Webster's first season with the Warriors in 2023, the Warriors got within a game of the grand final, before injuries and continual setbacks brought them back down to reality last season. Expectations were low heading into 2025, but the Warriors have defied all the odds to produce their best start to a season since 2002, when they also made the grand final. The club have sold out Mt Smart for Sunday's match against the Canberra Raiders, which will be a special moment for Brown. Since hanging up the boots, Brown has forged a career in the fashion industry, launching his own clothing line, Earls Collection. He was asked to design a jersey that the team will wear against the Raiders, called Dear Warrior, a tribute to the paths taken by players, staff, members and fans who find their way to the Warriors whānau. Brown says getting the opportunity to design a jersey was like getting the chance to make his debut again. The 38-year-old admitted that since retiring he's struggled with impostor syndrome, which saw him fall out of love with league, but the chance to reconnect with the Warriors 12 years after leaving the club was like a dream come true. He said the design was based off receiving a letter from the Warriors in 1994. View this post on Instagram A post shared by One NZ Warriors (@nzwarriors) 'It's easily one of the most special things I've ever done in my life,' said Brown. 'As a kid, getting that envelope with the Warriors emblem and my name on it –that was huge. It created a connection. That's when the dream of becoming a Warrior started. 'I think it's a reflection of how far I've grown on this journey – not just Lewi Brown the rugby league player, but Lewi Brown the person without rugby league as well. To reconnect with the club and the game – it's something I'll always cherish." The jersey was such a hit that it became the fastest-selling jersey in Warriors history. Brown said the players also love it, with co-captain James Fisher Harris asking if they will wear it again, as he is suspended for this weekend's clash.
News.com.au
06-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
2025 Peter Mulholland Cup live stream: Holy Cross Ryde v All Saints Maitland, Round 1
The best schoolboy rugby league players in NSW will be on show when the 2025 Peter Mulholland Cup kicks off Tuesday with Holy Cross Ryde taking on All Saints Maitland from 11am at Woy Woy Oval. A host of elite pathways players will be backing up from the Harold Matthews Cup grand final last Saturday. Chase Butler, the classy halfback who led the Newcastle Knights against the Warriors in the U17s Harold Matthews Cup decider will spearhead the Maitland students. The Knights went down narrowly to the Warriors, but Butler and co will be striving for redemption in the Peter Mulholland Cup opener streamed live and free on KommunityTV. 'Chase Butler is a halfback who is champing at the bit. He's really skilful, leads the team around and is very much a leader in the squad,' All Saints head of sport Elliott Plank said. 'We're very lucky to have a strong rugby league tradition at this school. 'We have a number of players at the Knights, St George and Manly, plus a few union boys and they're helping those guys. 'That's rubbing off onto the whole squad. The pathways boys and non-pathways boys are really keen to show what they can do on this stage. 'We've lost a bit of experience but it feels like we've gained some enthusiasm.' All Saints' clash with Holy Cross will be one of seven Peter Mulholland Cup fixtures exclusively live streamed on KommunityTV on Tuesday and Wednesday. Plank said while there is one eye on the future with the age of their squad, there is a real hunger within the group to push for higher honours in the present. 'We're looking pretty good. Got a young side and a fair few of them played in Year 10 last year. With that little bit of experience they're keen to have a crack,' he said. 'We feel like the draw is pretty good. We played a few of these sides last year and know what to expect with those guys. 'The boys have been training really well. The commitment they've shown in getting to training and getting around each other has been great. 'They keep each other accountable and they're motivated to do better than last year. They're doing everything we've asked of them.' In terms of personnel, All Saints has benefited from high-level talents in a number of key positions. 'Cody Field is a fullback with St George in Harold Matts who is looking for a big year, and Charlie Jones played five-eighth in that team and brings a great kicking game and is a big, tough defender,' Plank said. On the other side of the coin, Holy Cross College is led by Balmain Harold Matthews halfback Christian Azzi. Azzi captained the Tigers throughout an improved U17s season, and he'll be looking to carry his form over into the Schoolboys Cup. He's not the lone Balmain product in the side, with Sioeli Iongi, Christian Mardini and Jarrod Kanaan also set to feature in the opener. Holy Cross will also feature Parramatta duo Christopher Moala and Michael Nauer, fresh off their appearance in the semi finals of the Harold Matthews Cup. Watch All Saints take on Holy Cross live on KommunityTV from 11am Tuesday at Woy Woy Oval. HOLY CROSS v ALL SAINTS Holy Cross 1. Marcus Cesaro, 2. Christopher Moala, 3. Matthew Fakhr, 4. Jarrod Kanaan, 5. Cohen Davis, 6. Finn Kusto, 7. Christian Azzi, 8. Kasinga Noa, 9. Isaac Kusto, 10. Sioeli Iongi, 11. Michael Nauer, 13. James Baranowski, 14. Christian Mardini, 17. Jake Jasper, Tim White (Coach) All Saints 1. Riley Rostron, 2. Cody Beavis, 3. Lachlan Brown, 4. Harrison Dunn, 5. Benji Thompson, 6. Cody Field, 7. Chase Butler, 8 Connor Cassidy, 9. Heath Connell, 10. Preston Metcalf, 11. Roy Simpson, 12. Lewis Jones, 13. Mason Walmsley, 14. Coby Balcombe, 15, Kaden Lawler, 16. Darcy Emmett, 17. Xavier Bellamy, 18. Lucas Walton
Daily Telegraph
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Telegraph
Peter Mulholland Cup live stream: Holy Cross Ryde v All Saints Maitland, Round 1
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. The best schoolboy rugby league players in NSW will be on show when the 2025 Peter Mulholland Cup kicks off Tuesday with Holy Cross Ryde taking on All Saints Maitland from 11am at Woy Woy Oval. A host of elite pathways players will be backing up from the Harold Matthews Cup grand final last Saturday. Chase Butler, the classy halfback who led the Newcastle Knights against the Warriors in the U17s Harold Matthews Cup decider will spearhead the Maitland students. The Knights went down narrowly to the Warriors, but Butler and co will be striving for redemption in the Peter Mulholland Cup opener streamed live and free on KommunityTV. 'Chase Butler is a halfback who is champing at the bit. He's really skilful, leads the team around and is very much a leader in the squad,' All Saints head of sport Elliott Plank said. 'We're very lucky to have a strong rugby league tradition at this school. 'We have a number of players at the Knights, St George and Manly, plus a few union boys and they're helping those guys. 'That's rubbing off onto the whole squad. The pathways boys and non-pathways boys are really keen to show what they can do on this stage. 'We've lost a bit of experience but it feels like we've gained some enthusiasm.' All Saints' clash with Holy Cross will be one of seven Peter Mulholland Cup fixtures exclusively live streamed on KommunityTV on Tuesday and Wednesday. All Saints halfback Chase Butler has impressed in the Knights' Harold Matts campaign. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography Plank said while there is one eye on the future with the age of their squad, there is a real hunger within the group to push for higher honours in the present. 'We're looking pretty good. Got a young side and a fair few of them played in Year 10 last year. With that little bit of experience they're keen to have a crack,' he said. 'We feel like the draw is pretty good. We played a few of these sides last year and know what to expect with those guys. 'The boys have been training really well. The commitment they've shown in getting to training and getting around each other has been great. 'They keep each other accountable and they're motivated to do better than last year. They're doing everything we've asked of them.' All Saints fullback Cody Field in action for the Dragons. Picture: Sean Teuma In terms of personnel, All Saints has benefited from high-level talents in a number of key positions. 'Cody Field is a fullback with St George in Harold Matts who is looking for a big year, and Charlie Jones played five-eighth in that team and brings a great kicking game and is a big, tough defender,' Plank said. On the other side of the coin, Holy Cross College is led by Balmain Harold Matthews halfback Christian Azzi. Azzi captained the Tigers throughout an improved U17s season, and he'll be looking to carry his form over into the Schoolboys Cup. He's not the lone Balmain product in the side, with Sioeli Iongi, Christian Mardini and Jarrod Kanaan also set to feature in the opener. Holy Cross will also feature Parramatta duo Christopher Moala and Michael Nauer, fresh off their appearance in the semi finals of the Harold Matthews Cup. Watch All Saints take on Holy Cross live on KommunityTV from 11am Tuesday at Woy Woy Oval. HOLY CROSS v ALL SAINTS Holy Cross 1. Marcus Cesaro, 2. Christopher Moala, 3. Matthew Fakhr, 4. Jarrod Kanaan, 5. Cohen Davis, 6. Finn Kusto, 7. Christian Azzi, 8. Kasinga Noa, 9. Isaac Kusto, 10. Sioeli Iongi, 11. Michael Nauer, 13. James Baranowski, 14. Christian Mardini, 17. Jake Jasper, Tim White (Coach) All Saints 1. Riley Rostron, 2. Cody Beavis, 3. Lachlan Brown, 4. Harrison Dunn, 5. Benji Thompson, 6. Cody Field, 7. Chase Butler, 8 Connor Cassidy, 9. Heath Connell, 10. Preston Metcalf, 11. Roy Simpson, 12. Lewis Jones, 13. Mason Walmsley, 14. Coby Balcombe, 15, Kaden Lawler, 16. Darcy Emmett, 17. Xavier Bellamy, 18. Lucas Walton
