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The Advertiser
a day ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Payten declares Maroons must pick star to win Origin
North Queensland coach Todd Payten says if Queensland want to win the second State of Origin match to level the series they need to start Tom Dearden in the halves. Dearden is favoured to replace veteran Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans for the must-win match in Perth, with the Cowboys captain consistently delivering for his NRL team. Cherry-Evans, 36, failed to ignite the Queensland attack in game one in Brisbane, which NSW dominated to win 18-6. While Kiwi Test halfback Jahrome Hughes starred for Melbourne in their 38-14 victory over North Queensland at AAMI Park on Friday night, Dearden still impressed in the losing side. Payten was firm in his belief that the 24-year-old was ready to be picked to wear the No.7 jersey rather than have a bench role for the June 18 match. Dearden has already done the job for the Kangaroos, steering Australia to victory over Tonga in the Pacific Cup final last November, while he also impressed in the Maroons No.6 jumper in the absence of Cameron Munster last year. "You're asking the wrong person, I know he's ready, it's just not my decision," Payten said after the Storm match. "Selfishly, I'd love him to come off the bench, but if they want to win, I'd be putting him in the halves." Dearden downplayed the selection quandary for Queensland coach Billy Slater, saying he was only focused on the Cowboys. "I wasn't really looking at it as an audition," he said. "I thought like I probably could have been a lot better with helping us with direction and then handing the ball over in the right area, so there's probably a few areas I need to look at from that performance." Melbourne skipper Harry Grant, who had an uncharacteristically poor Origin outing after being hobbled by a hamstring injury, looked back to his best against North Queensland. "I had a pretty clear focus of what I needed to work on from that (Origin) game it sort of hurt not being able to play after that, against the Titans, and that was just precautionary with the hamstring," the hooker said. "I had a pretty narrow focus and it was pleasing to just get a win for the team and everyone sort of played their role within our game plan." His Storm teammate Stefano Utoikamanu also put his hand up to replace Mitch Barnett in the NSW squad, with the Warriors prop ruled out for the season with an ACL rupture. Utoikamanu and Keaon Koloamatangi are the favourites to take Barnett's spot with the Melbourne forward named 19th man in the Blues squad for game one when he was on stand-by for an injured Payne Haas. Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, who is an advisor to the NSW coach Laurie Daley and will join the squad in Perth, said Utoikamanu had pushed his case for selection. "You think he'd be right up there in the firing line, I think he's a real big chance," Bellamy said. "He was really solid, and some of his runs really stood out and I'm sure Laurie will be looking at his defence as well and hopefully for Stef, he'll line up in the next game." North Queensland coach Todd Payten says if Queensland want to win the second State of Origin match to level the series they need to start Tom Dearden in the halves. Dearden is favoured to replace veteran Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans for the must-win match in Perth, with the Cowboys captain consistently delivering for his NRL team. Cherry-Evans, 36, failed to ignite the Queensland attack in game one in Brisbane, which NSW dominated to win 18-6. While Kiwi Test halfback Jahrome Hughes starred for Melbourne in their 38-14 victory over North Queensland at AAMI Park on Friday night, Dearden still impressed in the losing side. Payten was firm in his belief that the 24-year-old was ready to be picked to wear the No.7 jersey rather than have a bench role for the June 18 match. Dearden has already done the job for the Kangaroos, steering Australia to victory over Tonga in the Pacific Cup final last November, while he also impressed in the Maroons No.6 jumper in the absence of Cameron Munster last year. "You're asking the wrong person, I know he's ready, it's just not my decision," Payten said after the Storm match. "Selfishly, I'd love him to come off the bench, but if they want to win, I'd be putting him in the halves." Dearden downplayed the selection quandary for Queensland coach Billy Slater, saying he was only focused on the Cowboys. "I wasn't really looking at it as an audition," he said. "I thought like I probably could have been a lot better with helping us with direction and then handing the ball over in the right area, so there's probably a few areas I need to look at from that performance." Melbourne skipper Harry Grant, who had an uncharacteristically poor Origin outing after being hobbled by a hamstring injury, looked back to his best against North Queensland. "I had a pretty clear focus of what I needed to work on from that (Origin) game it sort of hurt not being able to play after that, against the Titans, and that was just precautionary with the hamstring," the hooker said. "I had a pretty narrow focus and it was pleasing to just get a win for the team and everyone sort of played their role within our game plan." His Storm teammate Stefano Utoikamanu also put his hand up to replace Mitch Barnett in the NSW squad, with the Warriors prop ruled out for the season with an ACL rupture. Utoikamanu and Keaon Koloamatangi are the favourites to take Barnett's spot with the Melbourne forward named 19th man in the Blues squad for game one when he was on stand-by for an injured Payne Haas. Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, who is an advisor to the NSW coach Laurie Daley and will join the squad in Perth, said Utoikamanu had pushed his case for selection. "You think he'd be right up there in the firing line, I think he's a real big chance," Bellamy said. "He was really solid, and some of his runs really stood out and I'm sure Laurie will be looking at his defence as well and hopefully for Stef, he'll line up in the next game." North Queensland coach Todd Payten says if Queensland want to win the second State of Origin match to level the series they need to start Tom Dearden in the halves. Dearden is favoured to replace veteran Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans for the must-win match in Perth, with the Cowboys captain consistently delivering for his NRL team. Cherry-Evans, 36, failed to ignite the Queensland attack in game one in Brisbane, which NSW dominated to win 18-6. While Kiwi Test halfback Jahrome Hughes starred for Melbourne in their 38-14 victory over North Queensland at AAMI Park on Friday night, Dearden still impressed in the losing side. Payten was firm in his belief that the 24-year-old was ready to be picked to wear the No.7 jersey rather than have a bench role for the June 18 match. Dearden has already done the job for the Kangaroos, steering Australia to victory over Tonga in the Pacific Cup final last November, while he also impressed in the Maroons No.6 jumper in the absence of Cameron Munster last year. "You're asking the wrong person, I know he's ready, it's just not my decision," Payten said after the Storm match. "Selfishly, I'd love him to come off the bench, but if they want to win, I'd be putting him in the halves." Dearden downplayed the selection quandary for Queensland coach Billy Slater, saying he was only focused on the Cowboys. "I wasn't really looking at it as an audition," he said. "I thought like I probably could have been a lot better with helping us with direction and then handing the ball over in the right area, so there's probably a few areas I need to look at from that performance." Melbourne skipper Harry Grant, who had an uncharacteristically poor Origin outing after being hobbled by a hamstring injury, looked back to his best against North Queensland. "I had a pretty clear focus of what I needed to work on from that (Origin) game it sort of hurt not being able to play after that, against the Titans, and that was just precautionary with the hamstring," the hooker said. "I had a pretty narrow focus and it was pleasing to just get a win for the team and everyone sort of played their role within our game plan." His Storm teammate Stefano Utoikamanu also put his hand up to replace Mitch Barnett in the NSW squad, with the Warriors prop ruled out for the season with an ACL rupture. Utoikamanu and Keaon Koloamatangi are the favourites to take Barnett's spot with the Melbourne forward named 19th man in the Blues squad for game one when he was on stand-by for an injured Payne Haas. Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, who is an advisor to the NSW coach Laurie Daley and will join the squad in Perth, said Utoikamanu had pushed his case for selection. "You think he'd be right up there in the firing line, I think he's a real big chance," Bellamy said. "He was really solid, and some of his runs really stood out and I'm sure Laurie will be looking at his defence as well and hopefully for Stef, he'll line up in the next game."
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Payten declares Maroons must pick star to win Origin
North Queensland coach Todd Payten says if Queensland want to win the second State of Origin match to level the series they need to start Tom Dearden in the halves. Dearden is favoured to replace veteran Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans for the must-win match in Perth, with the Cowboys captain consistently delivering for his NRL team. Cherry-Evans, 36, failed to ignite the Queensland attack in game one in Brisbane, which NSW dominated to win 18-6. While Kiwi Test halfback Jahrome Hughes starred for Melbourne in their 38-14 victory over North Queensland at AAMI Park on Friday night, Dearden still impressed in the losing side. Watch all the highlights as the Storm take on the Cowboys in Round 14!#NRLStormCowboys — NRL (@NRL) June 6, 2025 Payten was firm in his belief that the 24-year-old was ready to be picked to wear the No.7 jersey rather than have a bench role for the June 18 match. Dearden has already done the job for the Kangaroos, steering Australia to victory over Tonga in the Pacific Cup final last November, while he also impressed in the Maroons No.6 jumper in the absence of Cameron Munster last year. "You're asking the wrong person, I know he's ready, it's just not my decision," Payten said after the Storm match. "Selfishly, I'd love him to come off the bench, but if they want to win, I'd be putting him in the halves." Dearden downplayed the selection quandary for Queensland coach Billy Slater, saying he was only focused on the Cowboys. "I wasn't really looking at it as an audition," he said. "I thought like I probably could have been a lot better with helping us with direction and then handing the ball over in the right area, so there's probably a few areas I need to look at from that performance." Melbourne skipper Harry Grant, who had an uncharacteristically poor Origin outing after being hobbled by a hamstring injury, looked back to his best against North Queensland. "I had a pretty clear focus of what I needed to work on from that (Origin) game it sort of hurt not being able to play after that, against the Titans, and that was just precautionary with the hamstring," the hooker said. "I had a pretty narrow focus and it was pleasing to just get a win for the team and everyone sort of played their role within our game plan." His Storm teammate Stefano Utoikamanu also put his hand up to replace Mitch Barnett in the NSW squad, with the Warriors prop ruled out for the season with an ACL rupture. Utoikamanu and Keaon Koloamatangi are the favourites to take Barnett's spot with the Melbourne forward named 19th man in the Blues squad for game one when he was on stand-by for an injured Payne Haas. Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, who is an advisor to the NSW coach Laurie Daley and will join the squad in Perth, said Utoikamanu had pushed his case for selection. "You think he'd be right up there in the firing line, I think he's a real big chance," Bellamy said. "He was really solid, and some of his runs really stood out and I'm sure Laurie will be looking at his defence as well and hopefully for Stef, he'll line up in the next game."
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Payten declares Maroons must pick star to win Origin
North Queensland coach Todd Payten says if Queensland want to win the second State of Origin match to level the series they need to start Tom Dearden in the halves. Dearden is favoured to replace veteran Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans for the must-win match in Perth, with the Cowboys captain consistently delivering for his NRL team. Cherry-Evans, 36, failed to ignite the Queensland attack in game one in Brisbane, which NSW dominated to win 18-6. While Kiwi Test halfback Jahrome Hughes starred for Melbourne in their 38-14 victory over North Queensland at AAMI Park on Friday night, Dearden still impressed in the losing side. Payten was firm in his belief that the 24-year-old was ready to be picked to wear the No.7 jersey rather than have a bench role for the June 18 match. Dearden has already done the job for the Kangaroos, steering Australia to victory over Tonga in the Pacific Cup final last November, while he also impressed in the Maroons No.6 jumper in the absence of Cameron Munster last year. "You're asking the wrong person, I know he's ready, it's just not my decision," Payten said after the Storm match. "Selfishly, I'd love him to come off the bench, but if they want to win, I'd be putting him in the halves." Dearden downplayed the selection quandary for Queensland coach Billy Slater, saying he was only focused on the Cowboys. "I wasn't really looking at it as an audition," he said. "I thought like I probably could have been a lot better with helping us with direction and then handing the ball over in the right area, so there's probably a few areas I need to look at from that performance." Melbourne skipper Harry Grant, who had an uncharacteristically poor Origin outing after being hobbled by a hamstring injury, looked back to his best against North Queensland. "I had a pretty clear focus of what I needed to work on from that (Origin) game it sort of hurt not being able to play after that, against the Titans, and that was just precautionary with the hamstring," the hooker said. "I had a pretty narrow focus and it was pleasing to just get a win for the team and everyone sort of played their role within our game plan." His Storm teammate Stefano Utoikamanu also put his hand up to replace Mitch Barnett in the NSW squad, with the Warriors prop ruled out for the season with an ACL rupture. Utoikamanu and Keaon Koloamatangi are the favourites to take Barnett's spot with the Melbourne forward named 19th man in the Blues squad for game one when he was on stand-by for an injured Payne Haas. Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, who is an advisor to the NSW coach Laurie Daley and will join the squad in Perth, said Utoikamanu had pushed his case for selection. "You think he'd be right up there in the firing line, I think he's a real big chance," Bellamy said. "He was really solid, and some of his runs really stood out and I'm sure Laurie will be looking at his defence as well and hopefully for Stef, he'll line up in the next game."
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Daly Cherry-Evans tipped for early exit amid telling moves from Manly and Roosters
Former NRL premiership winner Matty Johns reckons the recent clean-out of players at the Roosters could be an indication the Tri Colours are looking to sign Daly Cherry-Evans this season, before his contract with Manly runs out. DCE has made it clear this will be his 15th and final season with the Sea Eagles, and Manly's form has taken a nosedive since the captain made that bombshell announcement in March. The Roosters are widely expected to sign the 36-year-old on a reported two-year dal worth $1 million per season but nothing has yet been confirmed by the club or player. Roosters coach Trent Robinson admitted again this week that DCE is a player they're interested in but brushed off suggestions they are releasing players to free up salary cap space for the veteran halfback. Robinson's side agreed to release injured hooker Brandon Smith to Souths this week, and the Kiwi Test star suggested DCE's move to the Roosters was already 'signed and delivered'. The Tri Colours were also happy to let out-of-favour winger Dom Young return to the Knights until a financial dispute over his wages scuppered the move. And the Roosters have also reportedly offered Chad Townsend to rival clubs after dropping the veteran halfback earlier in the season. Johns says it could be a sign the Roosters are trying to free up cap space to sign DCE this season. And he believes the fact Manly have named teenage playmaker Joey Walsh in the extended squad for Saturday's game against the Cowboys is further evidence the Sea Eagles are planning for life without DCE. Walsh is viewed as a long-term successor for Cherry-Evans in Manly's halves but suggestions are the 18-year-old is not quite ready to step up to first grade. The Sea Eagles have agreed a three-year deal to bring Canberra halfback Jamal Fogarty to the club as DCE's replacement from next season, but Walsh's elevation to the Manly reserves could be an indication he's line for an NRL debut in the coming weeks when Cherry-Evans is expected to be away on State of Origin duty. Speaking on SEN radio, Johns says the situation at Manly and the Roosters' willingness to move on players suggests Robinson's side might be trying to sign the Sea Eagles skipper before this year's June 30 deadline, rather than waiting until next year. "There's been a bit of talk about this the other day when players were being released (by the Roosters) and I said 'ah for DCE for next year'. "But they were so urgent to get rid of some blokes and now it's come out that Chad Townsend (is being offered to rival clubs). I'm thinking what's at play here? Is there a chance of him (DCE joining before the June 30 deadline). It could happen and as you said Joey Walsh being named on the extended bench. Might be something at play boys. And how big would that be?" Roosters great Bryan Fletcher agreed it might also be best for the Sea Eagles after pointing out that DCE's form had taken a massive dip since he announced he was leaving Manly. "Well he's not happy there, as we know, because he's not staying there," Fletcher said. "And I mean he's been a fantastic player but the last month something's been on his mind. "Because he hasn't been great. Especially last week (against the Sharks), he missed a couple of tackles that led to tries. So maybe he's thinking 'it's coming' you know." Johns says the nature of Manly's poor defeat at home to Cronulla last week - coming off a bye and a solid win against Penrith two weeks ago - showed to him there's more going on at the Sea Eagles than just inconsistent form. "There's more at play," he said. "They had a week off to prepare for that Cronulla game so two weeks to prepare... and we expected them to come out flying. But they were so slow out of the blocks and just some of the things the players were doing, which has never been their get-up. "Like Haumole (Olakau'atu) was taking the ball up and trying to pass before the line and you're going 'what's going on here'?" Fletcher feels that "there is tension at the club between the players over the (DCE) announcement" and has urged Manly's captain to come out and clarify his future for the good of the team.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Payne Haas claim shot down as Broncos player linked with $2m switch to rivals
Former NRL player Denan Kemp has slapped down suggestions Payne Haas would walk out on Brisbane and sign with the Perth Bears. Haas is coming off contract with the Broncos at the end of 2026, which coincides with the Bears entering the competition in 2027. Many believe the Bears will target Haas as their first high-profile signing, and could be willing to offer as much as $2 million per season. The likes of Jahrome Hughes, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Selwyn Cobbo have also been touted as top targets, with AAP reporting Papenhuyzen is a 'prime target'. Discussing the situation on SEN radio on Friday, former Broncos player Kemp suggested the likelihood that Haas would switch to Perth is slim. "They talk about Haas going, but Payne Haas can get paid $1 million and win a premiership somewhere else," he said. "Surely that's what he's thinking with his next contract - winning a premiership. You'd have to go as high as $2 million because why would you go and spend the rest of your career in Perth, when he could even be a cross-code star (in rugby). That's how many options Payne has, and I don't see that happening (signing with the Bears)." Complicating matters for Haas is his delicate family situation. Both of his parents are currently incarcerated, meaning he's had to become the legal guardian for two of his younger brothers - Hans and Geejay - who are both still at school. Haas also has two children with partner Leilani - three-year old daughter Lalita and five-month-old son Luckee - meaning he'd have to relocate all six of them if he moved interstate. Speaking last year, Leilani opened up on the incredible strength Haas has showed amidst the chaos. "I'm just so proud of him," she said. "He is so strong mentally. His whole life is in the media. What he is doing for his family, what he is doing for me. I'm sorry if I can't put it into words. His strength is just ... he is amazing. He's really stepped up to care for those young boys. I don't know how he doesn't collapse.' RELATED: Knights rocked as news about Kalyn Ponga comes to light Teammate makes call on following Lachie Galvin out of Tigers Haas said of the difficult situation: 'I'm not angry but I do get sad. I do feel down for my little brothers. I just feel for them and they have to see this kind of stuff. I get supported by Lani and I'm unable to thank her enough. She is in a tough spot but she doesn't back down from anything. She has taken on so much for me and I can't thank her enough for that.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Payne Haas (@lege_era0) On Thursday, Storm halfback Hughes also moved to shut down links to the Bears. Hughes is also off contract at the end of 2026, but can't see himself leaving the Storm. "I think my name's probably only up there because I'm off contract around that same time," said the Kiwi Test halfback. "I haven't really thought about it, and if I have it my way then I'll be here forever, so I might have to talk to 'J-Rod' (Storm boss Justin Rodski) soon about that." Due to expected increases to the salary cap in coming years, the Perth-based Bears will present an opportunity for the first player in the history of the game to break the $2 million barrier. North Sydney Bears board member Billy Moore predicted last week that the market for players will explode in the next few years, and suggested that Dylan Brown's $14 million deal across 10 years with Newcastle will soon be regarded as "benign".
