Latest news with #JacobLaban
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster wants 'hipdrop' consistency after Laban injury
Jacob Laban receives medical treatment after a hipdrop tackle. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ NZ Warriors v Canterbury Bulldogs Kickoff: 9.35pm Saturday, 9 August Accor Stadium, Sydney Live blog updates on RNZ Sport NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster has called for greater consistency in dealing with rugby league's notorious 'hipdrop' tackle, after losing rookie second-rower Jacob Laban potentially for the rest of their NRL season to injury. Laban was helped off the field late in Friday's heartbreaking 20-18 loss to the Dolphins , after veteran front-rower Felise Kaufusi landed heavily on his lower leg in a tackle. The injury has since been diagnosed as a fracture with an expected recovery time of 4-6 weeks. "Most likely six," coach Andrew Webster lamented. "That's hard to take, but we move on." The Warriors have five more regular season games and currently sit fourth on the competition table, well within the eight-team playoff cut-off, but with momentum stalled by back-to-back defeats. By the time Laban returns, they may have been eliminated from championship contention. Auckland-born Kaufusi was sin-binned for the offence and subsequently suspended two weeks on an early guilty plea, after serving two weeks earlier in the season on a similar dangerous charge. While the club is reportedly "fuming" over the penalty, with the suggestion that it should match the injury suffered, Webster was reluctant to throw petrol on the fire, but pointed out some inconsistency in the judicial process. "They always ask us for medical advice," he said. "They always ask us if we have any medical outcomes for players - we've been asked that through our manager from the judicial panel or someone from the NRL before a decision is made. "This decision was made before they received that information - that's all I'm going to say on that. It's up to them what they do with that information. "At the end of the day, our CEO can handle all that. I don't want to get into hot water, but the process just didn't seem consistent." The hipdrop - when a tackler lands on the ball-carrier's legs with his body - has been identified as a blight on the game of rugby league and Webster wants consistency with how it's treated. "I hate it when they say, 'We're going to crack down on this, we're going to go hard and stamp it out'," he said. "They just need to be consistent, so the punishment fits the crime. "If they believe each time that tackle happens, it needs to be this long, then that's how long it needs to be. It would be unfair on the first player you go after. "If they want to take in injuries, then they need to." Laban will join co-captain Mitch Barnett and star halfback Luke Metcalf on the sidelines with long-term injuries, both knees, adding to an ongoing injury crisis at centre - which forced fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad into the midfield - and a series of other more temporary issues. Egan missed the Dolphins encounter with concussion, but will now be held out against Canterbury Bulldogs on Saturday to rehabilitate a niggly shoulder complaint. "We were always planning to rest him," Webster explained. "Shouldn't be long term, but definitely needs another week. "He could play next weekend. He trained today, he just didn't take any collision. "There's wear and tear this time every year for every player, but particularly Wayde, because of his work-rate and his minutes. He just needs time - it's not something where he needs an operation, not like a dislocation." In Egan's previous absences, the Warriors have been well served by back-up Sam Healey, who will likely draw another start this weekend. "We always believe whoever the next guy is can offer something and Sam certainly can," Webster said." He offered something on the weekend." Others that sat out the Dolphins encounter are nearing returns, but will need to pass fitness tests later in the week. If five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita's calf is good to go, Te Maire Martin will probably resort back to his interchange utility role. Captain James Fisher-Harris' calf strain was thought to be a two-week proposition, but managed some limited activity at training this week. His front-row replacement, Demitric Vaimauga, was also a late withdrawal with a knee tweak, but may also be available against the Bulldogs. Rookie Eddie Ieremia-Toeava made his debut off the bench last week and may now have more minutes in store, with Laban gone. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Warriors cop brutal new setback as anger mounts over NRL's response to illegal act
The Warriors' injury-plagued NRL season has gone from bad to worse after confirmation back-rower Jacob Laban has suffered a broken leg after an illegal tackle from Felise Kaufusi. The Dolphins star was hit with a two-game ban after the match review committee handed him a grade two dangerous contact charge for coming in as the third man and targeting the legs of the Warriors star in the tackle. But the Warriors are reportedly 'fuming' about the grading and the two-game ban for Kaufusi, after seeing their playe wiped out for the rest of the regular season, as a result of the tackle. It's understood the Auckland-based club are calling on the NRL to implement a change to their judiciary process that takes into account the extent of injury to players, before suspensions are handed down. Laban was in obvious pain after being hit low from Kaufusi in the second half of his side's heartbreaking late defeat to the Dolphins, with Faufusi subsequently sent to the sin bin. The Warriors forward was already wrapped up in the tackle by two other Dolphins defenders when Kaufusi entered the fray as the third man in and targeted his legs, causing them to twist awkwardly and leaving Laban crying out in agony. The back-rower was helped off the field by Warriors medical staff and played no further part in the contest as Jamayne Isaako snatched a 20-18 win for the Dolphins with a try in the dying stages. It's since been confirmed that Laban suffered a broken leg and is set to be sidelined for at least the next six weeks, continuing a wretched spate of injuries for the Warriors. They are already missing a host of first-team regulars including Mitch Barnett, Luke Metcalf, Rocco Berry and James Fisher-Harris and have seen their top-four hopes take a massive hit. Warriors question two-game ban for Felise Kaufusi And according to Code Sports, furious Warriors officials believe the match review committee should have upgraded Kaufusi's charge and handed him a longer suspension after learning the extent of Laban's injury. The NRL has maintained that charges for illegal acts are made on the basis of potential 'risk of injury', rather than the 'outcome of injury'. But the Warriors are unhappy that the charge was handed down to Kaufusi before they'd received confirmation of Laban's broken leg. And it's led to questions about why the NRL didn't choose to adopt a new rule brought in by the ARL Commission, that could have seen Kaufusi hit with a more significant suspension. The ARLC recently announced a change to the judiciary process that gives it powers to upgrade or downgrade charges, and even hand down fresh sanctions for on-field incidents. And the Warriors clearly believe Kaufusi's punishment is incongruous with the damage done to their player. Andrew Johns wants third man in tackles stamped out of NRL Kaufusi's suspension comes after league 'Immortal' Andrew Johns called on the NRL to crack down hard on third man in tackles to try and eliminate the controversial practice from the game. His fury came after Karl Lawton's tackle on Siua Wong in June that left the Roosters star with a serious knee injury and saw the Cowboys forward slapped with a two-game ban. RELATED: Fan fury over 'farcical' Crichton update as legend urges NRL rule change Classy Jayden Campbell act missed in Panthers trainer furore Fans fume over Reece Walsh act as Bennett rocked over 18th man drama "It's dangerous, I hate it," Johns told Nine about the incident at the time. "If you have two players in the tackle, and momentum is pretty much (stopped), that third man shouldn't be able to go in like that. A couple of years ago we saw Liam Knight get hit from behind and it pretty much destroyed every ligament in his knee. "The player cannot see it coming. And what's come into the game is they back into the tackle so they can see the third man coming in and spearing at the knee. And what's happened with that happening is we have crushers coming into the game, because of players turning and twisting looking for that third man." Andrew Webster confirmed Jacob Laban out for 4-6 weeks with leg fracture after Kaufisi tackle. He didnt comment too much, but is obvious club are very displeased that injury to Laban wasn't taken into account when assessing Kaufisi punishment. @NZWarriors @nzheraldsport — Michael Burgess (@mikeburgess99) August 5, 2025 The Warriors are seething after the cannonball tackle that injured Jacob Laban resulted in a broken saw Felise Kaufusi charged with a grade two NRL rejected to implement their controversial new rule that allows the ARLC to upgrade Kaufusi's charge.📝 DT — The League Scene (@LeagueScenePod) August 4, 2025 These tackles are squarely the fault of the nrl and referees. In days gone once called held, play the ball, no passing, no post contact metres, no throwing to the ground - no walking off the mark. Now they let it go calling held 3 or 4 times. Players then come in late. — Joey M (@JoeyM38668349) August 4, 2025 They shouldn't need to implement additional powers. If the people in the MRC are being too soft, direct them to get tougher or sack them and replace them with people who will. — Jeff Smith (@Jeffro6366) August 4, 2025
NZ Herald
25-05-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Warriors v Raiders: NRL live updates from round 12 clash
All the action live as the Warriors host the Raiders in their round 12 NRL clash in Auckland. Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey, 22. Ali Leiataua, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Luke Metcalf, 10. Bunty Afoa, 9. Wayde Egan, 12. Marata Niukore, 11. Leka Halasima, 4. Kurt Capewell (c), 13. Erin Clark. Interchange: 8. Jackson Ford, 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Jacob Laban, 16. Demetric Vaimauga, Reserve: 21. Tanah Boyd. Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes, 2. Savelio Tamale, 3. Matthew Timoko, 4, Sebastian Kris, 5. Xavier Savage, 6. Ethan Strange, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Corey Horsburgh, 9. Tom Starling, 10. Joseph Tapine (c), 11. Simi Sasagi, 12. Zac Hosking, 13. Morgan Smithies. Interchange: 14 Owen Pattie, 15. Noah Martin, 16. Josh Papalii, 17. Ata Mariota. Reserve: 18. Jed Stuart Warriors re-sign Leka Halasima, Jacob Laban on long-term deals The Warriors have moved swiftly to re-sign promising duo Leka Halasima and Jacob Laban on long-term deals until the end of the 2029 NRL season. Halasima wasn't off contract until 2027 and Laban in 2026 but the Warriors have moved early to keep them at the club, with two new teams, the Perth Bears and a Papua New Guinea-based franchise, entering the competition in 2027 and 2028 respectively. Both players debuted in the NRL last year, with Halasima featuring in every match this season, starting in the last five, while Laban has featured four times. 'It's so exciting for us seeing Leka and Jacob signed for so long,' said Warriors coach Andrew Webster. 'We're really proud of them and what they've already achieved. We have so much belief in them and they're paying that back with their performances.' Halasima, 19, produced a stunning performance in the Warriors' 26-24 win over the Wests Tigers last month, scoring a solo 70m try which ultimately proved to be the game winner. Laban, 21, scored his first NRL try in last week's 16-12 win over the Dolphins. Both players have been named to face the Canberra Raiders on Sunday. Andrew McFadden, Warriors general manager of recruitment, pathways and development, said it was a 'significant moment'. 'It reinforces what we are working towards in making this a development club, building it around players we are bringing through from the local game. 'Leka and Jacob are terrific examples of the talent in New Zealand while also showing off the opportunities available through our pathways.' Last month, the Warriors re-signed fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad until the end of the 2027 NRL season, while also signing Morgan Gannon from Leeds Rhinos and five-eighth Jye Linnane from the Newcastle Knights, on three year deals. Meanwhile the Warriors have confirmed centre Moala Graham-Taufa will leave at the end of the season. The 23-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
RNZ News
21-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
NZ Warriors secure young forwards Leka Halasima, Jacob Laban through 2029
Leka Halasima has played every minute of his past three outings for the Warriors. Photo: David Neilson/Photosport Warriors v Raiders Kickoff 6pm Sunday, 25 May Go Media Stadium, Auckland Live blog updates on RNZ Sport NZ Warriors have secured two key components of their second-row production line for the future, with youngsters Leka Halasima and Jacob Laban extending their stays at Mt Smart through the 2029 NRL season. The deals make them the longest-contracted players on coach Andrew Webster's roster. Halasima, 19, has been a revelation during the team's 8-2 start to the current campaign, debuting in 2024, carving out a bench role to start this season and ultimately earning promotion to the starting line-up. The powerhouse scored tries in three consecutive games against Wests Tigers, Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos, and has played the full 80 minutes in his past three outings against North Queensland Cowboys, St George Illawarra Dragons and the Dolphins. Laban, 21, also debuted last season and was named Warriors Rookie of the Year, but was sidelined by injury to start 2025. He returned to action against the Broncos last month and scored his first NRL try against the Dolphins last Saturday. "Two local juniors that we're really proud of," Webster said. "Everyone's proud of their development, everyone's had a lot to do with it. "They've given themselves every opportunity to show what their talent it and when you've got guys working hard like that, you get to see how brilliant they are. "Rapt for the boys, rapt for the club and I think our fans will be unbelievably excited by that. Jacob Laban celebrates his first NRL try against the Dolphins. Photo: DAVE HUNT "We just want them to keep being grounded and keep working hard. They're going to be a huge part of the club's success going forward." The pair join Demitric Vaimauga, 21, who is signed through 2028, while a fourth young forward - Tanner Stowers-Smith, 21 - stepped up to first grade against the Dolphins and is named to return this week against Canberra Raiders. "He looked like he had been there for a long time," Webster recalled. "He's a guy that's worked really hard. "I find his fundamentals so reliable and then he adds a punch. In his first game of NRL, when it got hard, his motors stood up too - that's the first thing that often goes. "He's one for the future and we love the fact he's a Christchurch boy too. A lot of people are critical that we don't develop the game down there, but we've got more than 17 guys in our system that are from the South Island. "It's great for him to debut for the club." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
