Latest news with #Kiraz
The Advertiser
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Kiraz's calf a blow for Blues and Bulldogs
Jacob Kiraz's State of Origin dream has been dashed, with the in-form Canterbury winger set for a prolonged stint on the sideline with a calf injury. One of the best wingers in the competition over the past six weeks, Kiraz will miss at least a month after reporting soreness following the win over Sydney Roosters. The injury comes at the worst possible time for Kiraz, who had loomed as a genuine wing option for NSW this year. Even had he been overlooked for the May 28 opener, there was every chance Kiraz could have featured in the series if any NSW outside back suffered an injury. That now appears highly unlikely, given Kiraz himself is in a race against the clock to even be back on the field before the end of the series. His injury also comes as a blow to the Bulldogs, with Kiraz having been crucial in early-set yardage for the ladder leaders this year. The Lebanese international has topped 150 metres in five of the six games he has played this year, busting 31 tackles in the past three weeks alone. Blake Wilson appears the most likely man to replace him. Canterbury are one of several clubs at the pointy end of the ladder likely to have a relatively unaffected Origin period. Stephen Crichton will likely only play one game between now and the end of round 16, but Kurt Mann will most likely be their only other representative. Regardless, the high-flying club do have challenges in their pack, with prop Daniel Suluka-Fifita (concussion) to add to the list of outs against the Dolphins this week. Josh Curran will be able to return from suspension on Thursday night, but fellow backrowers Jacob Preston and Sitili Tupouniua remain banned. Lock Jaeman Salmon is also out with a foot injury until about round 20, testing the club's depth following their 9-1 start to the year. Jacob Kiraz's State of Origin dream has been dashed, with the in-form Canterbury winger set for a prolonged stint on the sideline with a calf injury. One of the best wingers in the competition over the past six weeks, Kiraz will miss at least a month after reporting soreness following the win over Sydney Roosters. The injury comes at the worst possible time for Kiraz, who had loomed as a genuine wing option for NSW this year. Even had he been overlooked for the May 28 opener, there was every chance Kiraz could have featured in the series if any NSW outside back suffered an injury. That now appears highly unlikely, given Kiraz himself is in a race against the clock to even be back on the field before the end of the series. His injury also comes as a blow to the Bulldogs, with Kiraz having been crucial in early-set yardage for the ladder leaders this year. The Lebanese international has topped 150 metres in five of the six games he has played this year, busting 31 tackles in the past three weeks alone. Blake Wilson appears the most likely man to replace him. Canterbury are one of several clubs at the pointy end of the ladder likely to have a relatively unaffected Origin period. Stephen Crichton will likely only play one game between now and the end of round 16, but Kurt Mann will most likely be their only other representative. Regardless, the high-flying club do have challenges in their pack, with prop Daniel Suluka-Fifita (concussion) to add to the list of outs against the Dolphins this week. Josh Curran will be able to return from suspension on Thursday night, but fellow backrowers Jacob Preston and Sitili Tupouniua remain banned. Lock Jaeman Salmon is also out with a foot injury until about round 20, testing the club's depth following their 9-1 start to the year. Jacob Kiraz's State of Origin dream has been dashed, with the in-form Canterbury winger set for a prolonged stint on the sideline with a calf injury. One of the best wingers in the competition over the past six weeks, Kiraz will miss at least a month after reporting soreness following the win over Sydney Roosters. The injury comes at the worst possible time for Kiraz, who had loomed as a genuine wing option for NSW this year. Even had he been overlooked for the May 28 opener, there was every chance Kiraz could have featured in the series if any NSW outside back suffered an injury. That now appears highly unlikely, given Kiraz himself is in a race against the clock to even be back on the field before the end of the series. His injury also comes as a blow to the Bulldogs, with Kiraz having been crucial in early-set yardage for the ladder leaders this year. The Lebanese international has topped 150 metres in five of the six games he has played this year, busting 31 tackles in the past three weeks alone. Blake Wilson appears the most likely man to replace him. Canterbury are one of several clubs at the pointy end of the ladder likely to have a relatively unaffected Origin period. Stephen Crichton will likely only play one game between now and the end of round 16, but Kurt Mann will most likely be their only other representative. Regardless, the high-flying club do have challenges in their pack, with prop Daniel Suluka-Fifita (concussion) to add to the list of outs against the Dolphins this week. Josh Curran will be able to return from suspension on Thursday night, but fellow backrowers Jacob Preston and Sitili Tupouniua remain banned. Lock Jaeman Salmon is also out with a foot injury until about round 20, testing the club's depth following their 9-1 start to the year.
Perth Now
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Kiraz's calf a blow for Blues and Bulldogs
Jacob Kiraz's State of Origin dream has been dashed, with the in-form Canterbury winger set for a prolonged stint on the sideline with a calf injury. One of the best wingers in the competition over the past six weeks, Kiraz will miss at least a month after reporting soreness following the win over Sydney Roosters. The injury comes at the worst possible time for Kiraz, who had loomed as a genuine wing option for NSW this year. Even had he been overlooked for the May 28 opener, there was every chance Kiraz could have featured in the series if any NSW outside back suffered an injury. That now appears highly unlikely, given Kiraz himself is in a race against the clock to even be back on the field before the end of the series. His injury also comes as a blow to the Bulldogs, with Kiraz having been crucial in early-set yardage for the ladder leaders this year. The Lebanese international has topped 150 metres in five of the six games he has played this year, busting 31 tackles in the past three weeks alone. Blake Wilson appears the most likely man to replace him. Canterbury are one of several clubs at the pointy end of the ladder likely to have a relatively unaffected Origin period. Stephen Crichton will likely only play one game between now and the end of round 16, but Kurt Mann will most likely be their only other representative. Regardless, the high-flying club do have challenges in their pack, with prop Daniel Suluka-Fifita (concussion) to add to the list of outs against the Dolphins this week. Josh Curran will be able to return from suspension on Thursday night, but fellow backrowers Jacob Preston and Sitili Tupouniua remain banned. Lock Jaeman Salmon is also out with a foot injury until about round 20, testing the club's depth following their 9-1 start to the year.
The Advertiser
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Kiraz has Reynolds' backing to make Blues spot his own
Canterbury favourite Josh Reynolds has described Jacob Kiraz as the "form winger" of the NRL as the Bulldogs star bids to prove to NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley he warrants a maiden Blues call-up. Kiraz is one of several wingers fighting to make an impression on Daley in round 11, with the Blues coach set to name his team for the May 28 series opener in Brisbane on Monday. The Bulldogs winger has scored four tries in five games this season to leave Canterbury in first spot on the ladder ahead of Friday night's clash with the Sydney Roosters at Accor Stadium. Reynolds said Kiraz, whose only representative experience has been with the Lebanon national side, would not be overwhelmed by a potential Origin debut at Suncorp Stadium. "Seeing his try on the weekend (against Canberra), how he tip-toed down the sideline … he's definitely the in-form winger in the game," Reynolds said. "You can't go against that and knowing Kiraz and the type of player he is, he wouldn't be overawed by the arena. "He'll get there eventually, whether it's this year or the next few years, he's the ultimate competitor. "Loz (Daley) speaks about doing the little things right and that's Kiraz to a tee." Kiraz's availability will hinge on the fitness of incumbent duo Zac Lomax and Brian To'o. While Panthers winger To'o is on a bye after being plagued by hamstring issues, Lomax has one shot to convince Daley of his credentials when Parramatta face Newcastle on Friday after a six-week lay-off. The fact Kiraz is even being spoken of as an Origin-calibre player makes Reynolds proud. The former NSW playmaker played with the 23-year-old Kiraz towards the back end of his career which came full circle with a swansong at the Bulldogs. Kiraz also returned to Belmore in 2023 after failing to make the grade at several other NRL clubs before going on to become one of the Bulldogs' most reliable players. "It's a pretty cool story, there's a photo that floats around when I was playing first grade and he was really young," Reynolds said. "So it was cool to play with him and I'll always remember that. "I know he uses that he didn't get in at Newcastle or with the Cowboys, but he uses that now. "Now he probably plays with a bit of a smirk now, saying, 'you stuffed up'. "That's always good as a player, some people believe in you and some don't." Canterbury favourite Josh Reynolds has described Jacob Kiraz as the "form winger" of the NRL as the Bulldogs star bids to prove to NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley he warrants a maiden Blues call-up. Kiraz is one of several wingers fighting to make an impression on Daley in round 11, with the Blues coach set to name his team for the May 28 series opener in Brisbane on Monday. The Bulldogs winger has scored four tries in five games this season to leave Canterbury in first spot on the ladder ahead of Friday night's clash with the Sydney Roosters at Accor Stadium. Reynolds said Kiraz, whose only representative experience has been with the Lebanon national side, would not be overwhelmed by a potential Origin debut at Suncorp Stadium. "Seeing his try on the weekend (against Canberra), how he tip-toed down the sideline … he's definitely the in-form winger in the game," Reynolds said. "You can't go against that and knowing Kiraz and the type of player he is, he wouldn't be overawed by the arena. "He'll get there eventually, whether it's this year or the next few years, he's the ultimate competitor. "Loz (Daley) speaks about doing the little things right and that's Kiraz to a tee." Kiraz's availability will hinge on the fitness of incumbent duo Zac Lomax and Brian To'o. While Panthers winger To'o is on a bye after being plagued by hamstring issues, Lomax has one shot to convince Daley of his credentials when Parramatta face Newcastle on Friday after a six-week lay-off. The fact Kiraz is even being spoken of as an Origin-calibre player makes Reynolds proud. The former NSW playmaker played with the 23-year-old Kiraz towards the back end of his career which came full circle with a swansong at the Bulldogs. Kiraz also returned to Belmore in 2023 after failing to make the grade at several other NRL clubs before going on to become one of the Bulldogs' most reliable players. "It's a pretty cool story, there's a photo that floats around when I was playing first grade and he was really young," Reynolds said. "So it was cool to play with him and I'll always remember that. "I know he uses that he didn't get in at Newcastle or with the Cowboys, but he uses that now. "Now he probably plays with a bit of a smirk now, saying, 'you stuffed up'. "That's always good as a player, some people believe in you and some don't." Canterbury favourite Josh Reynolds has described Jacob Kiraz as the "form winger" of the NRL as the Bulldogs star bids to prove to NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley he warrants a maiden Blues call-up. Kiraz is one of several wingers fighting to make an impression on Daley in round 11, with the Blues coach set to name his team for the May 28 series opener in Brisbane on Monday. The Bulldogs winger has scored four tries in five games this season to leave Canterbury in first spot on the ladder ahead of Friday night's clash with the Sydney Roosters at Accor Stadium. Reynolds said Kiraz, whose only representative experience has been with the Lebanon national side, would not be overwhelmed by a potential Origin debut at Suncorp Stadium. "Seeing his try on the weekend (against Canberra), how he tip-toed down the sideline … he's definitely the in-form winger in the game," Reynolds said. "You can't go against that and knowing Kiraz and the type of player he is, he wouldn't be overawed by the arena. "He'll get there eventually, whether it's this year or the next few years, he's the ultimate competitor. "Loz (Daley) speaks about doing the little things right and that's Kiraz to a tee." Kiraz's availability will hinge on the fitness of incumbent duo Zac Lomax and Brian To'o. While Panthers winger To'o is on a bye after being plagued by hamstring issues, Lomax has one shot to convince Daley of his credentials when Parramatta face Newcastle on Friday after a six-week lay-off. The fact Kiraz is even being spoken of as an Origin-calibre player makes Reynolds proud. The former NSW playmaker played with the 23-year-old Kiraz towards the back end of his career which came full circle with a swansong at the Bulldogs. Kiraz also returned to Belmore in 2023 after failing to make the grade at several other NRL clubs before going on to become one of the Bulldogs' most reliable players. "It's a pretty cool story, there's a photo that floats around when I was playing first grade and he was really young," Reynolds said. "So it was cool to play with him and I'll always remember that. "I know he uses that he didn't get in at Newcastle or with the Cowboys, but he uses that now. "Now he probably plays with a bit of a smirk now, saying, 'you stuffed up'. "That's always good as a player, some people believe in you and some don't."
Daily Telegraph
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Telegraph
Tom Weaver knocked out cold as Canterbury Bulldogs defeat Gold Coast Titans, NRL 2025 news
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. The Canterbury Bulldogs have bounced back to record their seventh win of the season after defeating the Gold Coast Titans 38-18 on Sunday. The Bulldogs got off to a lightning quick start with Jacob Kiraz crossing for the first try inside the opening five minutes. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of Magic Round, LIVE in 4K with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. And while it was jubilation for the Dogs, the Titans were dealt a cruel blow with No.7 Tom Weaver suffering a category one head knock attempting to tackle Viliame Kikau. The 22-year-old was left in all sorts in terrifying scenes as he slumped to the turf before being helped from the field. 'The tackle has come with a casualty, Weaver is down for the count. He may have played his last minute in the game,' Andrew Voss said. Watch the moment Weaver is knocked out in the video player above He had no idea where he was. Weaver was out like a light. The Titans hung around with their highly-fancied opponents, heading into the halftime sheds only down 14-8. But the Dogs flicked the switch in the second half as they raced away with the contest by scoring four tries to two. Kiraz scored in the 44th minute for his second, before assisting Jacob Preston's brace with an impressive effort after yet another attacking Toby Sexton kick. Stephen Crichton folded down the blind side, with saw Kiraz throw a big dummy and ultimately take a defender with him before the winger offloaded to Preston in space. Next a Crichton break and a no-look pass gave Kiraz a clear run to the try line, scoring to complete his hat-trick and bolster his Origin credentials. The Dogs bounced back in style. (Photo by) The Titans hit back in the 60th minute through AJ Brimson and Beau Fermor while flyer Alofiana Khan-Pereira also scored a runaway try from a break. However, it wasn't enough to inspire a comeback win with a Reed Mahoney try putting the icing on the cake and ultimately the Bulldogs now remain atop the NRL ladder after nine rounds. Both Chris Randall and Brian Kelly were also sent to the sin bin for separate professional fouls while Preston was also given his marching orders for a crusher tackle. The Dogs will return to action next weekend when they take on the fourth placed Raiders in Canberra on Saturday afternoon. For the Titans, they'll venture into Newcastle for a clash against the Knights on Friday night. - with Originally published as Titans star knocked out cold in terrifying scenes at Magic Round
7NEWS
04-05-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Gold Coast halfback Tom Weaver knocked out in terrifying incident against Canterbury
Gold Coast halfback Tom Weaver was knocked out in the opening few minutes of a day that only got worse for the Titans, who went down 38-18 to Canterbury on Sunday. In what was an ominous sign for what was to come in the NRL clash, the Bulldogs started with a bullet and the Titans lost Weaver in a whirlwind start to the game. Attempting a tackle with his head low to the ground, the 22-year-old's head collided with Viliame Kikau's leg and was knocked out before he even hit the ground. He laid flat on his back with both arms stunned in the air in what was a terrifying sight before making a wobbly attempt to regain composure and get to his feet. 'The tackle has come with a casualty, Weaver is down for the count. He may have played his last minute in the game,' Andrew Voss said. Weaver was eventually taken to the bench where he underwent and immediately failed a HIA, showing category one signs that ruled him out of the rest of the game. His absence didn't help the Titans, who couldn't stop a rampant Canterbury winger Jacob Kiraz. Kiraz enhanced his State of Origin chances for NSW with a hat-trick of tries in the win, while Titans coach Des Hasler explained dropping David Fifita. Demoted to the Queensland Cup, representative second-rower Fifita was playing 35km to the west as his Titans teammates battled at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, but he was unable to inspire the Ipswich Jets who lost 32-0 to the previously winless Northern Pride. 'David ... there were just some areas that we wanted him to look at to work on, and some thinking along those lines,' Hasler said of his controversial call. Fifita ran for an underwhelming 58m from nine runs in Ipswich with 20 tackles and none missed. 'We had no ball and no chance in the match but David's attitude was great and defensively he couldn't be faulted,' Jets chairman Steve Johnson said. Hasler said he would 'review' this week whether Fifita earned a recall for the clash with Newcastle. Hasler, now under pressure after the side's fifth loss in a row, moved fullback Jaylan De Groot into a playmaking role as cover but it was not a success. Kiraz was magnificent for the ladder-leading Bulldogs and is a strong chance to debut for NSW with incumbent Blues wingers Zac Lomax and Brian To'o on the injured list. It was his aerial prowess, class finishing and willing kick-chase that stood out. Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo said Kiraz was right in Origin contention. 'If he keeps playing like that he is going to be banging the door down,' he said. 'We learned a lot of lessons out of (the loss to Brisbane) last week and I thought the first 20 minutes we played some our style of footy. Then we allowed the Titans back. 'It was very important we came out and controlled the second half and I thought we did that really well.' Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey had a stellar match with his running game a highlight. Half Toby Sexton sent up a towering bomb for winger Kiraz to leap high and score. Tracey scored next after a sensational late offload from second-rower Jacob Preston. Against the run of play Titans back-rower Beau Fermor crashed over out wide before prop Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, on the fifth tackle, went into halfback mode with a chip and chase that led to a try to centre Phil Sami. Titans centre Brian Kelly was sin-binned for a professional foul from a scrum. Canterbury, leading 14-8 at halftime, were off their game for the last 25 minutes of the first half, but a stern chat from Ciraldo got them back on track. Kiraz scooted over after half-time for his second. He then caught a Sexton bomb with panache to put Preston over. Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton carved through threadbare defence to put Kiraz over for his third. The Titans rallied with Fermor and winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira scoring. The Bulldogs had Preston sin-binned late for a crusher tackle.
