Latest news with #Knights'
The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Confirmed: Knights make huge call on Hastings comeback as he fights for future
JACKSON Hastings will be playing for his rugby league future when the Newcastle Knights take on the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. As reported by the Newcastle Herald on Monday, Jackson has been recalled at halfback for the Knights' round-15 clash. It will be the much-maligned playmaker's first appearance in the NRL in nearly a year. On a contract worth $750,000 a season, Hastings has previously been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland and Tyson Gamble. However, with Kalyn Ponga retaining his place at fullback for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble out with a broken thumb, Hastings has been called upon. He will start in the No.7 jumper, with Sharpe covering at fullback and Cogger sliding out to five-eighth. Though believed to be on the outer, Hastings has been captain of the Knights' NSW Cup side and was 18th man for the NRL side's come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly last round. Tyson Frzell is out with concussion, forcing a reshuffle to the pack. Matt Croker starts at prop, Phoenix Crossland switches to lock, with Jayden Brailey promoted from the bench to start at hooker. Matt Arthur is the new face in the interchange rotation. Bradman Best was close to a return from a hamstring injury, but coach Adam O'Brien has erred on the side of caution. Rookie Fletcher Hunt starts at left centre, with James Schiller on the wing. Jacob Saifiti (calf) and Jack Hetherington (shoulder) are at least a week away, while Leo Thompson has three games remaining on supension. There has been constant speculation around the reasons why Hastings hasn't been involved despite the Knights struggles in attack. O'Brien has confirmed the pivot won't be at the Knights in 2026. "The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said last month. Baring injury to Ponga, Hastings appears unlikley to get many more opportunties in the NRL this season. The 29-year-old's agent, Sam Ayoub, did not return calls from the Herald on Tuesday. MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT Hastings has been linked to a return to the English Super League, where he previously starred for Salford and Wigan. Leeds have shown interetst and Castleford has emerged as another potential landing spot for Hastings, but not until next season. "I'm a big fan of Jackson, he took the competition by storm when he was here," Castleford coach Danny McGuire told Love Rugby League . "I'm not sure of his circumstances at the minute but he's a player I admire. However, he's not really one we've spoke about. "A lot of what we're doing is for next year. We're planning for that and the year after." Jackson's partner Amelia Smith gave birth to baby daughter, Scottie, in April. His journey into fatherhood has been a distraction from his NRL absence. "Scottie's debut, you dream of stuff like this. Never felt pride like it," Hastings posted on Instagram with a picture of Scottie at her first game last month. The Roosters, fresh from a bye, have lost Robert Toia, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu to Origin duties. Nat Butcher (knee) and Naufahu Whyte (knee) return from injury. Dom Young has been named on the wing in what is potentially his last game for the Roosters before returning to the Knights. He will play on the right flank, with Mark Nawaqanitawase to shift to centre in Toia's absence. Sam Walker starts at halfback in his first game in the NRL this season after a knee reconstruction. The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home. However, they have not beaten the Roosters since a 20-6 victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 12, 2022. JACKSON Hastings will be playing for his rugby league future when the Newcastle Knights take on the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. As reported by the Newcastle Herald on Monday, Jackson has been recalled at halfback for the Knights' round-15 clash. It will be the much-maligned playmaker's first appearance in the NRL in nearly a year. On a contract worth $750,000 a season, Hastings has previously been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland and Tyson Gamble. However, with Kalyn Ponga retaining his place at fullback for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble out with a broken thumb, Hastings has been called upon. He will start in the No.7 jumper, with Sharpe covering at fullback and Cogger sliding out to five-eighth. Though believed to be on the outer, Hastings has been captain of the Knights' NSW Cup side and was 18th man for the NRL side's come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly last round. Tyson Frzell is out with concussion, forcing a reshuffle to the pack. Matt Croker starts at prop, Phoenix Crossland switches to lock, with Jayden Brailey promoted from the bench to start at hooker. Matt Arthur is the new face in the interchange rotation. Bradman Best was close to a return from a hamstring injury, but coach Adam O'Brien has erred on the side of caution. Rookie Fletcher Hunt starts at left centre, with James Schiller on the wing. Jacob Saifiti (calf) and Jack Hetherington (shoulder) are at least a week away, while Leo Thompson has three games remaining on supension. There has been constant speculation around the reasons why Hastings hasn't been involved despite the Knights struggles in attack. O'Brien has confirmed the pivot won't be at the Knights in 2026. "The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said last month. Baring injury to Ponga, Hastings appears unlikley to get many more opportunties in the NRL this season. The 29-year-old's agent, Sam Ayoub, did not return calls from the Herald on Tuesday. MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT Hastings has been linked to a return to the English Super League, where he previously starred for Salford and Wigan. Leeds have shown interetst and Castleford has emerged as another potential landing spot for Hastings, but not until next season. "I'm a big fan of Jackson, he took the competition by storm when he was here," Castleford coach Danny McGuire told Love Rugby League . "I'm not sure of his circumstances at the minute but he's a player I admire. However, he's not really one we've spoke about. "A lot of what we're doing is for next year. We're planning for that and the year after." Jackson's partner Amelia Smith gave birth to baby daughter, Scottie, in April. His journey into fatherhood has been a distraction from his NRL absence. "Scottie's debut, you dream of stuff like this. Never felt pride like it," Hastings posted on Instagram with a picture of Scottie at her first game last month. The Roosters, fresh from a bye, have lost Robert Toia, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu to Origin duties. Nat Butcher (knee) and Naufahu Whyte (knee) return from injury. Dom Young has been named on the wing in what is potentially his last game for the Roosters before returning to the Knights. He will play on the right flank, with Mark Nawaqanitawase to shift to centre in Toia's absence. Sam Walker starts at halfback in his first game in the NRL this season after a knee reconstruction. The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home. However, they have not beaten the Roosters since a 20-6 victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 12, 2022. JACKSON Hastings will be playing for his rugby league future when the Newcastle Knights take on the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. As reported by the Newcastle Herald on Monday, Jackson has been recalled at halfback for the Knights' round-15 clash. It will be the much-maligned playmaker's first appearance in the NRL in nearly a year. On a contract worth $750,000 a season, Hastings has previously been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland and Tyson Gamble. However, with Kalyn Ponga retaining his place at fullback for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble out with a broken thumb, Hastings has been called upon. He will start in the No.7 jumper, with Sharpe covering at fullback and Cogger sliding out to five-eighth. Though believed to be on the outer, Hastings has been captain of the Knights' NSW Cup side and was 18th man for the NRL side's come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly last round. Tyson Frzell is out with concussion, forcing a reshuffle to the pack. Matt Croker starts at prop, Phoenix Crossland switches to lock, with Jayden Brailey promoted from the bench to start at hooker. Matt Arthur is the new face in the interchange rotation. Bradman Best was close to a return from a hamstring injury, but coach Adam O'Brien has erred on the side of caution. Rookie Fletcher Hunt starts at left centre, with James Schiller on the wing. Jacob Saifiti (calf) and Jack Hetherington (shoulder) are at least a week away, while Leo Thompson has three games remaining on supension. There has been constant speculation around the reasons why Hastings hasn't been involved despite the Knights struggles in attack. O'Brien has confirmed the pivot won't be at the Knights in 2026. "The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said last month. Baring injury to Ponga, Hastings appears unlikley to get many more opportunties in the NRL this season. The 29-year-old's agent, Sam Ayoub, did not return calls from the Herald on Tuesday. MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT Hastings has been linked to a return to the English Super League, where he previously starred for Salford and Wigan. Leeds have shown interetst and Castleford has emerged as another potential landing spot for Hastings, but not until next season. "I'm a big fan of Jackson, he took the competition by storm when he was here," Castleford coach Danny McGuire told Love Rugby League . "I'm not sure of his circumstances at the minute but he's a player I admire. However, he's not really one we've spoke about. "A lot of what we're doing is for next year. We're planning for that and the year after." Jackson's partner Amelia Smith gave birth to baby daughter, Scottie, in April. His journey into fatherhood has been a distraction from his NRL absence. "Scottie's debut, you dream of stuff like this. Never felt pride like it," Hastings posted on Instagram with a picture of Scottie at her first game last month. The Roosters, fresh from a bye, have lost Robert Toia, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu to Origin duties. Nat Butcher (knee) and Naufahu Whyte (knee) return from injury. Dom Young has been named on the wing in what is potentially his last game for the Roosters before returning to the Knights. He will play on the right flank, with Mark Nawaqanitawase to shift to centre in Toia's absence. Sam Walker starts at halfback in his first game in the NRL this season after a knee reconstruction. The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home. However, they have not beaten the Roosters since a 20-6 victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 12, 2022. JACKSON Hastings will be playing for his rugby league future when the Newcastle Knights take on the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. As reported by the Newcastle Herald on Monday, Jackson has been recalled at halfback for the Knights' round-15 clash. It will be the much-maligned playmaker's first appearance in the NRL in nearly a year. On a contract worth $750,000 a season, Hastings has previously been overlooked in favour of Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger, Phoenix Crossland and Tyson Gamble. However, with Kalyn Ponga retaining his place at fullback for the Maroons in Origin II and Tyson Gamble out with a broken thumb, Hastings has been called upon. He will start in the No.7 jumper, with Sharpe covering at fullback and Cogger sliding out to five-eighth. Though believed to be on the outer, Hastings has been captain of the Knights' NSW Cup side and was 18th man for the NRL side's come-from-behind 26-22 triumph over Manly last round. Tyson Frzell is out with concussion, forcing a reshuffle to the pack. Matt Croker starts at prop, Phoenix Crossland switches to lock, with Jayden Brailey promoted from the bench to start at hooker. Matt Arthur is the new face in the interchange rotation. Bradman Best was close to a return from a hamstring injury, but coach Adam O'Brien has erred on the side of caution. Rookie Fletcher Hunt starts at left centre, with James Schiller on the wing. Jacob Saifiti (calf) and Jack Hetherington (shoulder) are at least a week away, while Leo Thompson has three games remaining on supension. There has been constant speculation around the reasons why Hastings hasn't been involved despite the Knights struggles in attack. O'Brien has confirmed the pivot won't be at the Knights in 2026. "The club has also been upfront and honest that going forward he won't be offered a new deal," O'Brien said last month. Baring injury to Ponga, Hastings appears unlikley to get many more opportunties in the NRL this season. The 29-year-old's agent, Sam Ayoub, did not return calls from the Herald on Tuesday. MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT Hastings has been linked to a return to the English Super League, where he previously starred for Salford and Wigan. Leeds have shown interetst and Castleford has emerged as another potential landing spot for Hastings, but not until next season. "I'm a big fan of Jackson, he took the competition by storm when he was here," Castleford coach Danny McGuire told Love Rugby League . "I'm not sure of his circumstances at the minute but he's a player I admire. However, he's not really one we've spoke about. "A lot of what we're doing is for next year. We're planning for that and the year after." Jackson's partner Amelia Smith gave birth to baby daughter, Scottie, in April. His journey into fatherhood has been a distraction from his NRL absence. "Scottie's debut, you dream of stuff like this. Never felt pride like it," Hastings posted on Instagram with a picture of Scottie at her first game last month. The Roosters, fresh from a bye, have lost Robert Toia, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu to Origin duties. Nat Butcher (knee) and Naufahu Whyte (knee) return from injury. Dom Young has been named on the wing in what is potentially his last game for the Roosters before returning to the Knights. He will play on the right flank, with Mark Nawaqanitawase to shift to centre in Toia's absence. Sam Walker starts at halfback in his first game in the NRL this season after a knee reconstruction. The Knights are hoping the last-minute win against Manly can spark their season and end their struggles at home. However, they have not beaten the Roosters since a 20-6 victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 12, 2022.
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Knights coach sorry for criticising frustrated fans
Adam O'Brien has apologised for his post-match attack on Newcastle's fans, conceding success-starved Knights supporters are within their rights to boo his team. It comes as the Knights prepare to lose second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul to Wests Tigers next season as the Englishman inks a three-year deal. Calling a snap press conference on Friday, coach O'Brien said he'd let the Knights faithful down with comments made after Thursday's 26-22 win over Manly, and hoped to eventually win their respect back. Trailing 16-0, The Knights were booed off at halftime by their home fans before rallying for just their third win in 11 games. At full-time, O'Brien called the fans' half-time response "really disappointing" and claimed those who booed "don't know anything about rugby league, and they're probably the ones who cheered at the end". On Friday, O'Brien explained he had been walking to the dressing sheds from the coaches' box when the booing occurred, so he was unaware of it until the post-match press conference. "I was unprepared for that question ... I went straight into protection mode for our playing group," O'Brien said. "That's not an excuse, I'm here to own that that's not how I feel about our members. I understand we're here because of those people. "I apologise unreservedly to our members and fans that I offended and I can understand why they would be offended." Through 14 rounds, the Knights have had statistically the worst attack in the NRL and had lost four consecutive games at home before the comeback win on Thursday night. O'Brien's job has come under scrutiny with the Knights languishing in the bottom four, and the coach understood recent results would have left the fans frustrated. "Our members have a right to let us know when we've fallen short," he said. "They're bigger than me. They have every right (to boo) and the reality is we haven't given them the performances recently for them to be cheering about." O'Brien planned to apologise to the playing group on Friday and was particularly disappointed with his comments given the Knights' fan base is traditionally among the most loyal in the league. The Knights had the NRL's fourth-largest home crowds on average last year despite a middling season that finished with an elimination final loss. Even when they collected three wooden spoons between 2015 and 2017, the Knights' average home crowds remained in the top half of the 16 NRL clubs each season. "They sit through all types of weather and all sorts of scorelines with unwavering loyalty," O'Brien said. "I'm disappointed that I let them down with an emotional response, looking to protect the playing group when I didn't have all the facts. "Hopefully over time I can, by owning this, earn back a bit of their respect because it's not how I feel about them." Elsewhere, Pearce-Paul is set to help solve the Tigers' personnel issues at second row by joining the club next season. The Englishman had the best of his 33 NRL games in the Knights' win on Thursday night and is expected to join Samuela Fainu as a first-choice second-rower at the Tigers next season. Adam O'Brien has apologised for his post-match attack on Newcastle's fans, conceding success-starved Knights supporters are within their rights to boo his team. It comes as the Knights prepare to lose second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul to Wests Tigers next season as the Englishman inks a three-year deal. Calling a snap press conference on Friday, coach O'Brien said he'd let the Knights faithful down with comments made after Thursday's 26-22 win over Manly, and hoped to eventually win their respect back. Trailing 16-0, The Knights were booed off at halftime by their home fans before rallying for just their third win in 11 games. At full-time, O'Brien called the fans' half-time response "really disappointing" and claimed those who booed "don't know anything about rugby league, and they're probably the ones who cheered at the end". On Friday, O'Brien explained he had been walking to the dressing sheds from the coaches' box when the booing occurred, so he was unaware of it until the post-match press conference. "I was unprepared for that question ... I went straight into protection mode for our playing group," O'Brien said. "That's not an excuse, I'm here to own that that's not how I feel about our members. I understand we're here because of those people. "I apologise unreservedly to our members and fans that I offended and I can understand why they would be offended." Through 14 rounds, the Knights have had statistically the worst attack in the NRL and had lost four consecutive games at home before the comeback win on Thursday night. O'Brien's job has come under scrutiny with the Knights languishing in the bottom four, and the coach understood recent results would have left the fans frustrated. "Our members have a right to let us know when we've fallen short," he said. "They're bigger than me. They have every right (to boo) and the reality is we haven't given them the performances recently for them to be cheering about." O'Brien planned to apologise to the playing group on Friday and was particularly disappointed with his comments given the Knights' fan base is traditionally among the most loyal in the league. The Knights had the NRL's fourth-largest home crowds on average last year despite a middling season that finished with an elimination final loss. Even when they collected three wooden spoons between 2015 and 2017, the Knights' average home crowds remained in the top half of the 16 NRL clubs each season. "They sit through all types of weather and all sorts of scorelines with unwavering loyalty," O'Brien said. "I'm disappointed that I let them down with an emotional response, looking to protect the playing group when I didn't have all the facts. "Hopefully over time I can, by owning this, earn back a bit of their respect because it's not how I feel about them." Elsewhere, Pearce-Paul is set to help solve the Tigers' personnel issues at second row by joining the club next season. The Englishman had the best of his 33 NRL games in the Knights' win on Thursday night and is expected to join Samuela Fainu as a first-choice second-rower at the Tigers next season. Adam O'Brien has apologised for his post-match attack on Newcastle's fans, conceding success-starved Knights supporters are within their rights to boo his team. It comes as the Knights prepare to lose second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul to Wests Tigers next season as the Englishman inks a three-year deal. Calling a snap press conference on Friday, coach O'Brien said he'd let the Knights faithful down with comments made after Thursday's 26-22 win over Manly, and hoped to eventually win their respect back. Trailing 16-0, The Knights were booed off at halftime by their home fans before rallying for just their third win in 11 games. At full-time, O'Brien called the fans' half-time response "really disappointing" and claimed those who booed "don't know anything about rugby league, and they're probably the ones who cheered at the end". On Friday, O'Brien explained he had been walking to the dressing sheds from the coaches' box when the booing occurred, so he was unaware of it until the post-match press conference. "I was unprepared for that question ... I went straight into protection mode for our playing group," O'Brien said. "That's not an excuse, I'm here to own that that's not how I feel about our members. I understand we're here because of those people. "I apologise unreservedly to our members and fans that I offended and I can understand why they would be offended." Through 14 rounds, the Knights have had statistically the worst attack in the NRL and had lost four consecutive games at home before the comeback win on Thursday night. O'Brien's job has come under scrutiny with the Knights languishing in the bottom four, and the coach understood recent results would have left the fans frustrated. "Our members have a right to let us know when we've fallen short," he said. "They're bigger than me. They have every right (to boo) and the reality is we haven't given them the performances recently for them to be cheering about." O'Brien planned to apologise to the playing group on Friday and was particularly disappointed with his comments given the Knights' fan base is traditionally among the most loyal in the league. The Knights had the NRL's fourth-largest home crowds on average last year despite a middling season that finished with an elimination final loss. Even when they collected three wooden spoons between 2015 and 2017, the Knights' average home crowds remained in the top half of the 16 NRL clubs each season. "They sit through all types of weather and all sorts of scorelines with unwavering loyalty," O'Brien said. "I'm disappointed that I let them down with an emotional response, looking to protect the playing group when I didn't have all the facts. "Hopefully over time I can, by owning this, earn back a bit of their respect because it's not how I feel about them." Elsewhere, Pearce-Paul is set to help solve the Tigers' personnel issues at second row by joining the club next season. The Englishman had the best of his 33 NRL games in the Knights' win on Thursday night and is expected to join Samuela Fainu as a first-choice second-rower at the Tigers next season.
West Australian
5 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Knights coach sorry for criticising frustrated fans
Adam O'Brien has apologised for his post-match attack on Newcastle's fans, conceding success-starved Knights supporters are within their rights to boo his team. It comes as the Knights prepare to lose second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul to Wests Tigers next season as the Englishman inks a three-year deal. Calling a snap press conference on Friday, coach O'Brien said he'd let the Knights faithful down with comments made after Thursday's 26-22 win over Manly, and hoped to eventually win their respect back. Trailing 16-0, The Knights were booed off at halftime by their home fans before rallying for just their third win in 11 games. At full-time, O'Brien called the fans' half-time response "really disappointing" and claimed those who booed "don't know anything about rugby league, and they're probably the ones who cheered at the end". On Friday, O'Brien explained he had been walking to the dressing sheds from the coaches' box when the booing occurred, so he was unaware of it until the post-match press conference. "I was unprepared for that question ... I went straight into protection mode for our playing group," O'Brien said. "That's not an excuse, I'm here to own that that's not how I feel about our members. I understand we're here because of those people. "I apologise unreservedly to our members and fans that I offended and I can understand why they would be offended." Through 14 rounds, the Knights have had statistically the worst attack in the NRL and had lost four consecutive games at home before the comeback win on Thursday night. O'Brien's job has come under scrutiny with the Knights languishing in the bottom four, and the coach understood recent results would have left the fans frustrated. "Our members have a right to let us know when we've fallen short," he said. "They're bigger than me. They have every right (to boo) and the reality is we haven't given them the performances recently for them to be cheering about." O'Brien planned to apologise to the playing group on Friday and was particularly disappointed with his comments given the Knights' fan base is traditionally among the most loyal in the league. The Knights had the NRL's fourth-largest home crowds on average last year despite a middling season that finished with an elimination final loss. Even when they collected three wooden spoons between 2015 and 2017, the Knights' average home crowds remained in the top half of the 16 NRL clubs each season. "They sit through all types of weather and all sorts of scorelines with unwavering loyalty," O'Brien said. "I'm disappointed that I let them down with an emotional response, looking to protect the playing group when I didn't have all the facts. "Hopefully over time I can, by owning this, earn back a bit of their respect because it's not how I feel about them." Elsewhere, Pearce-Paul is set to help solve the Tigers' personnel issues at second row by joining the club next season. The Englishman had the best of his 33 NRL games in the Knights' win on Thursday night and is expected to join Samuela Fainu as a first-choice second-rower at the Tigers next season.
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Knights coach sorry for criticising frustrated fans
Adam O'Brien has apologised for his post-match attack on Newcastle's fans, conceding success-starved Knights supporters are within their rights to boo his team. It comes as the Knights prepare to lose second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul to Wests Tigers next season as the Englishman inks a three-year deal. Calling a snap press conference on Friday, coach O'Brien said he'd let the Knights faithful down with comments made after Thursday's 26-22 win over Manly, and hoped to eventually win their respect back. Trailing 16-0, The Knights were booed off at halftime by their home fans before rallying for just their third win in 11 games. At full-time, O'Brien called the fans' half-time response "really disappointing" and claimed those who booed "don't know anything about rugby league, and they're probably the ones who cheered at the end". On Friday, O'Brien explained he had been walking to the dressing sheds from the coaches' box when the booing occurred, so he was unaware of it until the post-match press conference. "I was unprepared for that question ... I went straight into protection mode for our playing group," O'Brien said. "That's not an excuse, I'm here to own that that's not how I feel about our members. I understand we're here because of those people. "I apologise unreservedly to our members and fans that I offended and I can understand why they would be offended." Through 14 rounds, the Knights have had statistically the worst attack in the NRL and had lost four consecutive games at home before the comeback win on Thursday night. O'Brien's job has come under scrutiny with the Knights languishing in the bottom four, and the coach understood recent results would have left the fans frustrated. "Our members have a right to let us know when we've fallen short," he said. "They're bigger than me. They have every right (to boo) and the reality is we haven't given them the performances recently for them to be cheering about." O'Brien planned to apologise to the playing group on Friday and was particularly disappointed with his comments given the Knights' fan base is traditionally among the most loyal in the league. The Knights had the NRL's fourth-largest home crowds on average last year despite a middling season that finished with an elimination final loss. Even when they collected three wooden spoons between 2015 and 2017, the Knights' average home crowds remained in the top half of the 16 NRL clubs each season. "They sit through all types of weather and all sorts of scorelines with unwavering loyalty," O'Brien said. "I'm disappointed that I let them down with an emotional response, looking to protect the playing group when I didn't have all the facts. "Hopefully over time I can, by owning this, earn back a bit of their respect because it's not how I feel about them." Elsewhere, Pearce-Paul is set to help solve the Tigers' personnel issues at second row by joining the club next season. The Englishman had the best of his 33 NRL games in the Knights' win on Thursday night and is expected to join Samuela Fainu as a first-choice second-rower at the Tigers next season.
NDTV
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Suryakumar Yadav's Fifty Goes In Vain As Eagle Thane Strikers Beat Triumph Knights Mumbai North East
India's T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav lit up the opening day of the third season of the T20 Mumbai League 2025 with a blistering 25-ball half-century, but his heroics weren't enough as Sairaj Patil's impressive cameo helped a spirited Eagle Thane Strikers claim a five-wicket win against Triumph Knights Mumbai North East at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday. Suryakumar (50), ably supported by Jigar Rana (53), anchored the Knights' innings as they posted a competitive 179/7 after being asked to bat first. The start wasn't ideal for the Knights but Rana and Parikshit Valsangkar steadied the innings with a crucial 88-run partnership. Once Rana fell to a slower ball and Parikshit was run out in the next over, Suryakumar took control of the proceedings. The India star found able company in Jay Jain (24) as the pair added 40 runs to keep the innings steady during the middle overs. Jain's stay ended when he was cramped for room by Amit Pandey, with keeper Anish Chaudhery whipping off the bails. Despite the quick wickets, Suryakumar remained calm and clinical at the death, unleashing a flurry of powerful strokes to lift the Knights to a strong finish and set the tone for the tournament. In response, Varun Lavande powered the Strikers' chase with a fiery 57 off 38 balls, guiding them to a strong 89/1 at the halfway mark. His 73-run stand with Anish (37) laid a solid foundation, but the momentum briefly shifted after the Knights' came up with a couple of quick wickets. However, Sairaj Patil's entry ensured that the Strikers remained in the contest as he smoked four mammoth sixes in his 22-ball unbeaten 47 to seal the deal for his side. Earlier, in the tournament opener at the DY Patil Stadium, SoBo Mumbai Falcons edged past ARCS Andheri in a Super Over after rain halted the match just three overs into the Falcons' innings. Put in to bat, the Falcons were 26/1 when play was stopped, with opener Ishan Mulchandani (8 off 5) bowled by ARCS Andheri spinner Musheer Khan. Stand-in captain Angrish Raghuvanshi (15 not out) and Amogh Bhatkal (1 not out) were at the crease when heavy showers forced an early end to the match. In the resulting Super Over, Akash Parker smashed a quickfire 27 runs for the Falcons. In response, ARCS Andheri faltered and could only manage 13, handing SoBo Mumbai Falcons a narrow win. Considered one of the best domestic T20 leagues across the country, the tournament was earlier inaugurated in the presence of MCA President Ajinkya Naik, Secretary Abhay Hadap, former MCA President Dr Vijay Patil, Chairman of League Governing Council Vihang Sarnaik along with MCA Apex Council Members at the DY Patil Stadium. The second match of the day, played at Wankhede Stadium between Aakash Tigers MWS and Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals, was also affected by rain and reduced to a nine-over contest. Batting first, the Royals put up a competitive 96/4, thanks to Rohan Raje's explosive 48 off 21 balls. In reply, the Tigers were restricted to 88/5, with Maxwell David Swaminathan starring with the ball, picking up two crucial wickets to seal a eight-run win for the Royals. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
