Latest news with #MagicRound
The Advertiser
12 hours ago
- General
- The Advertiser
New Penrith prodigy being likened to Spencer Leniu
It took one training session with Penrith's top squad for powerhouse prop Luron Patea to knock back a Japanese rugby deal and pursue a contract in the NRL. Patea has emerged as Penrith's next big thing in the past month, with the 20-year-old providing the Panthers much needed power and impact off the bench. The Panthers junior has already been compared to Spencer Leniu, after announcing himself as a genuine talent with a barnstorming performance in Magic Round. But while he has been a breakout star in the NRL for the past month, Patea's talent has been known on the global stage for some time. The son of a rugby union coach who also played overseas, Patea played both codes as a teen and represented Australian schoolboys in the 15-man game in 2022. He also had an offer to move to a top-tier Japanese rugby club in 2023, which would have brought with it his first professional contract. But the front-rower instead opted to stick with Penrith, taking a punt on trying to crack into a squad that had already won two straight premierships. "There was nothing really promised of training full time," Patea told AAP. "I had the opportunity to go to Japan and play rugby overseas. But I spoke to my manager and family and decided I wanted to try and stick with rugby league. "It was just go in and try and play my best footy and try and get that opportunity. And fortunately I did after that year. "Now when I get the chance to sit back after games, I think about doing my family proud. "But I'm also proud of myself for making the decision to stay and backing it." Patea said his main motivation had come from training one day with Penrith's squad in 2022, as part of their Pearls program. There, the top picks of talent from U19s and U17s experience a full day training with the NRL squad, and are handed the same kit and schedule as full-time players. "I spent that day with Moses (Leota) and Spencer," Patea said. "Talking to them, they were telling me about the club and how they came through. I wanted to experience that for myself. "It made me just want to stay." More of a rugby union watcher growing up, Leota and Leniu are now the men Patea look up to for their work ethic and aggression respectively. It's also the kind of player the Panthers need right now, after losing Leniu and his bench impact after 2023. "I hear a lot of people say I am like another, Spencer," Patea said. "That's a good thing for me. Spencer's obviously a really good player and what he did for the club when he was here, I want to do as well. "There are similarities in the way we run ... But I'm just trying to build confidence to play my game and not be compared to anyone else." It took one training session with Penrith's top squad for powerhouse prop Luron Patea to knock back a Japanese rugby deal and pursue a contract in the NRL. Patea has emerged as Penrith's next big thing in the past month, with the 20-year-old providing the Panthers much needed power and impact off the bench. The Panthers junior has already been compared to Spencer Leniu, after announcing himself as a genuine talent with a barnstorming performance in Magic Round. But while he has been a breakout star in the NRL for the past month, Patea's talent has been known on the global stage for some time. The son of a rugby union coach who also played overseas, Patea played both codes as a teen and represented Australian schoolboys in the 15-man game in 2022. He also had an offer to move to a top-tier Japanese rugby club in 2023, which would have brought with it his first professional contract. But the front-rower instead opted to stick with Penrith, taking a punt on trying to crack into a squad that had already won two straight premierships. "There was nothing really promised of training full time," Patea told AAP. "I had the opportunity to go to Japan and play rugby overseas. But I spoke to my manager and family and decided I wanted to try and stick with rugby league. "It was just go in and try and play my best footy and try and get that opportunity. And fortunately I did after that year. "Now when I get the chance to sit back after games, I think about doing my family proud. "But I'm also proud of myself for making the decision to stay and backing it." Patea said his main motivation had come from training one day with Penrith's squad in 2022, as part of their Pearls program. There, the top picks of talent from U19s and U17s experience a full day training with the NRL squad, and are handed the same kit and schedule as full-time players. "I spent that day with Moses (Leota) and Spencer," Patea said. "Talking to them, they were telling me about the club and how they came through. I wanted to experience that for myself. "It made me just want to stay." More of a rugby union watcher growing up, Leota and Leniu are now the men Patea look up to for their work ethic and aggression respectively. It's also the kind of player the Panthers need right now, after losing Leniu and his bench impact after 2023. "I hear a lot of people say I am like another, Spencer," Patea said. "That's a good thing for me. Spencer's obviously a really good player and what he did for the club when he was here, I want to do as well. "There are similarities in the way we run ... But I'm just trying to build confidence to play my game and not be compared to anyone else." It took one training session with Penrith's top squad for powerhouse prop Luron Patea to knock back a Japanese rugby deal and pursue a contract in the NRL. Patea has emerged as Penrith's next big thing in the past month, with the 20-year-old providing the Panthers much needed power and impact off the bench. The Panthers junior has already been compared to Spencer Leniu, after announcing himself as a genuine talent with a barnstorming performance in Magic Round. But while he has been a breakout star in the NRL for the past month, Patea's talent has been known on the global stage for some time. The son of a rugby union coach who also played overseas, Patea played both codes as a teen and represented Australian schoolboys in the 15-man game in 2022. He also had an offer to move to a top-tier Japanese rugby club in 2023, which would have brought with it his first professional contract. But the front-rower instead opted to stick with Penrith, taking a punt on trying to crack into a squad that had already won two straight premierships. "There was nothing really promised of training full time," Patea told AAP. "I had the opportunity to go to Japan and play rugby overseas. But I spoke to my manager and family and decided I wanted to try and stick with rugby league. "It was just go in and try and play my best footy and try and get that opportunity. And fortunately I did after that year. "Now when I get the chance to sit back after games, I think about doing my family proud. "But I'm also proud of myself for making the decision to stay and backing it." Patea said his main motivation had come from training one day with Penrith's squad in 2022, as part of their Pearls program. There, the top picks of talent from U19s and U17s experience a full day training with the NRL squad, and are handed the same kit and schedule as full-time players. "I spent that day with Moses (Leota) and Spencer," Patea said. "Talking to them, they were telling me about the club and how they came through. I wanted to experience that for myself. "It made me just want to stay." More of a rugby union watcher growing up, Leota and Leniu are now the men Patea look up to for their work ethic and aggression respectively. It's also the kind of player the Panthers need right now, after losing Leniu and his bench impact after 2023. "I hear a lot of people say I am like another, Spencer," Patea said. "That's a good thing for me. Spencer's obviously a really good player and what he did for the club when he was here, I want to do as well. "There are similarities in the way we run ... But I'm just trying to build confidence to play my game and not be compared to anyone else."
Perth Now
12 hours ago
- Business
- Perth Now
New Penrith prodigy being likened to Spencer Leniu
It took one training session with Penrith's top squad for powerhouse prop Luron Patea to knock back a Japanese rugby deal and pursue a contract in the NRL. Patea has emerged as Penrith's next big thing in the past month, with the 20-year-old providing the Panthers much needed power and impact off the bench. The Panthers junior has already been compared to Spencer Leniu, after announcing himself as a genuine talent with a barnstorming performance in Magic Round. But while he has been a breakout star in the NRL for the past month, Patea's talent has been known on the global stage for some time. The son of a rugby union coach who also played overseas, Patea played both codes as a teen and represented Australian schoolboys in the 15-man game in 2022. He also had an offer to move to a top-tier Japanese rugby club in 2023, which would have brought with it his first professional contract. But the front-rower instead opted to stick with Penrith, taking a punt on trying to crack into a squad that had already won two straight premierships. "There was nothing really promised of training full time," Patea told AAP. "I had the opportunity to go to Japan and play rugby overseas. But I spoke to my manager and family and decided I wanted to try and stick with rugby league. "It was just go in and try and play my best footy and try and get that opportunity. And fortunately I did after that year. "Now when I get the chance to sit back after games, I think about doing my family proud. "But I'm also proud of myself for making the decision to stay and backing it." Patea said his main motivation had come from training one day with Penrith's squad in 2022, as part of their Pearls program. There, the top picks of talent from U19s and U17s experience a full day training with the NRL squad, and are handed the same kit and schedule as full-time players. "I spent that day with Moses (Leota) and Spencer," Patea said. "Talking to them, they were telling me about the club and how they came through. I wanted to experience that for myself. "It made me just want to stay." More of a rugby union watcher growing up, Leota and Leniu are now the men Patea look up to for their work ethic and aggression respectively. It's also the kind of player the Panthers need right now, after losing Leniu and his bench impact after 2023. "I hear a lot of people say I am like another, Spencer," Patea said. "That's a good thing for me. Spencer's obviously a really good player and what he did for the club when he was here, I want to do as well. "There are similarities in the way we run ... But I'm just trying to build confidence to play my game and not be compared to anyone else."
The Advertiser
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Broncos hooker still holds hope for 2026 contract offer
Off-contract starting Brisbane hooker Cory Paix is yet to receive an offer for next year but he's philosophical about uncertainty over his future. "I would love to be a Bronco for life but sometimes in life you don't always get what you want," the 25-year-old is the only Broncos hooker in the top-30 squad without a deal for 2026. Veteran Billy Walters is contracted until the end of next year, young gun Blake Mozer secured an extension through until the end of 2027, although the club is yet to announce it, and Tyson Smoothy will join Wakefield Trinity on a three-year deal from 2026. Mozer's management has met with Brisbane in the past week and the club has made it clear they want to keep him, but so far no offer has been tabled. Paix returns to the starting side away against Manly on Saturday night. He started in the opening six rounds of the competition and has played the last five off the interchange bench. "I need to go out and play some good footy first before I get a contract. That's at the forefront this weekend," he said. Paix wants to stay at a club that "means the world" to him. "I came here straight out of school and even during school I was part of the junior academy," he said. "I have got my family close by and obviously the Broncos have spent a lot of time on me developing me into the person and player I am. Brissie is home to me." The Broncos have won four games when Paix started this season and only one when he hasn't. He said he was "super excited" to be back in the No.9 jersey. "My job doesn't change too much," he said. "I spoke with Madge (coach Michael Maguire) and worked on a few things in key areas he thought I could get better at. I thought I went away and done that. Now it is time for me to step up. We haven't been getting the results lately." The Broncos have lost five of their past six matches and it is second half collapses that have let them down. "If we can fix up little minor things that we have identified then I think we will give ourselves enough energy at the back end of games to really compete and go after it," Paix said. Brisbane have won just twice at Brookvale Oval in the last 33 years. The Broncos have not played away against Manly since 2014 due to an agreement from the Sea Eagles to host their "home" game at Suncorp Stadium during Magic Round. Brisbane's last victory at Manly was in 2010, a 22-6 win when Darren Lockyer was captain of the club. In 16 games at the venue since 1988 the Sea Eagles hold a 10-5 advantage with one drawn. Off-contract starting Brisbane hooker Cory Paix is yet to receive an offer for next year but he's philosophical about uncertainty over his future. "I would love to be a Bronco for life but sometimes in life you don't always get what you want," the 25-year-old is the only Broncos hooker in the top-30 squad without a deal for 2026. Veteran Billy Walters is contracted until the end of next year, young gun Blake Mozer secured an extension through until the end of 2027, although the club is yet to announce it, and Tyson Smoothy will join Wakefield Trinity on a three-year deal from 2026. Mozer's management has met with Brisbane in the past week and the club has made it clear they want to keep him, but so far no offer has been tabled. Paix returns to the starting side away against Manly on Saturday night. He started in the opening six rounds of the competition and has played the last five off the interchange bench. "I need to go out and play some good footy first before I get a contract. That's at the forefront this weekend," he said. Paix wants to stay at a club that "means the world" to him. "I came here straight out of school and even during school I was part of the junior academy," he said. "I have got my family close by and obviously the Broncos have spent a lot of time on me developing me into the person and player I am. Brissie is home to me." The Broncos have won four games when Paix started this season and only one when he hasn't. He said he was "super excited" to be back in the No.9 jersey. "My job doesn't change too much," he said. "I spoke with Madge (coach Michael Maguire) and worked on a few things in key areas he thought I could get better at. I thought I went away and done that. Now it is time for me to step up. We haven't been getting the results lately." The Broncos have lost five of their past six matches and it is second half collapses that have let them down. "If we can fix up little minor things that we have identified then I think we will give ourselves enough energy at the back end of games to really compete and go after it," Paix said. Brisbane have won just twice at Brookvale Oval in the last 33 years. The Broncos have not played away against Manly since 2014 due to an agreement from the Sea Eagles to host their "home" game at Suncorp Stadium during Magic Round. Brisbane's last victory at Manly was in 2010, a 22-6 win when Darren Lockyer was captain of the club. In 16 games at the venue since 1988 the Sea Eagles hold a 10-5 advantage with one drawn. Off-contract starting Brisbane hooker Cory Paix is yet to receive an offer for next year but he's philosophical about uncertainty over his future. "I would love to be a Bronco for life but sometimes in life you don't always get what you want," the 25-year-old is the only Broncos hooker in the top-30 squad without a deal for 2026. Veteran Billy Walters is contracted until the end of next year, young gun Blake Mozer secured an extension through until the end of 2027, although the club is yet to announce it, and Tyson Smoothy will join Wakefield Trinity on a three-year deal from 2026. Mozer's management has met with Brisbane in the past week and the club has made it clear they want to keep him, but so far no offer has been tabled. Paix returns to the starting side away against Manly on Saturday night. He started in the opening six rounds of the competition and has played the last five off the interchange bench. "I need to go out and play some good footy first before I get a contract. That's at the forefront this weekend," he said. Paix wants to stay at a club that "means the world" to him. "I came here straight out of school and even during school I was part of the junior academy," he said. "I have got my family close by and obviously the Broncos have spent a lot of time on me developing me into the person and player I am. Brissie is home to me." The Broncos have won four games when Paix started this season and only one when he hasn't. He said he was "super excited" to be back in the No.9 jersey. "My job doesn't change too much," he said. "I spoke with Madge (coach Michael Maguire) and worked on a few things in key areas he thought I could get better at. I thought I went away and done that. Now it is time for me to step up. We haven't been getting the results lately." The Broncos have lost five of their past six matches and it is second half collapses that have let them down. "If we can fix up little minor things that we have identified then I think we will give ourselves enough energy at the back end of games to really compete and go after it," Paix said. Brisbane have won just twice at Brookvale Oval in the last 33 years. The Broncos have not played away against Manly since 2014 due to an agreement from the Sea Eagles to host their "home" game at Suncorp Stadium during Magic Round. Brisbane's last victory at Manly was in 2010, a 22-6 win when Darren Lockyer was captain of the club. In 16 games at the venue since 1988 the Sea Eagles hold a 10-5 advantage with one drawn.
Perth Now
7 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Broncos hooker still holds hope for 2026 contract offer
Off-contract starting Brisbane hooker Cory Paix is yet to receive an offer for next year but he's philosophical about uncertainty over his future. "I would love to be a Bronco for life but sometimes in life you don't always get what you want," the 25-year-old is the only Broncos hooker in the top-30 squad without a deal for 2026. Veteran Billy Walters is contracted until the end of next year, young gun Blake Mozer secured an extension through until the end of 2027, although the club is yet to announce it, and Tyson Smoothy will join Wakefield Trinity on a three-year deal from 2026. Mozer's management has met with Brisbane in the past week and the club has made it clear they want to keep him, but so far no offer has been tabled. Paix returns to the starting side away against Manly on Saturday night. He started in the opening six rounds of the competition and has played the last five off the interchange bench. "I need to go out and play some good footy first before I get a contract. That's at the forefront this weekend," he said. Paix wants to stay at a club that "means the world" to him. "I came here straight out of school and even during school I was part of the junior academy," he said. "I have got my family close by and obviously the Broncos have spent a lot of time on me developing me into the person and player I am. Brissie is home to me." The Broncos have won four games when Paix started this season and only one when he hasn't. He said he was "super excited" to be back in the No.9 jersey. "My job doesn't change too much," he said. "I spoke with Madge (coach Michael Maguire) and worked on a few things in key areas he thought I could get better at. I thought I went away and done that. Now it is time for me to step up. We haven't been getting the results lately." The Broncos have lost five of their past six matches and it is second half collapses that have let them down. "If we can fix up little minor things that we have identified then I think we will give ourselves enough energy at the back end of games to really compete and go after it," Paix said. Brisbane have won just twice at Brookvale Oval in the last 33 years. The Broncos have not played away against Manly since 2014 due to an agreement from the Sea Eagles to host their "home" game at Suncorp Stadium during Magic Round. Brisbane's last victory at Manly was in 2010, a 22-6 win when Darren Lockyer was captain of the club. In 16 games at the venue since 1988 the Sea Eagles hold a 10-5 advantage with one drawn.
The Advertiser
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Why Blues want Newcastle venue to be made permanent
For second-rower Yasmin Clydsdale bad weather in Newcastle has more impact than just keeping footy fans away from game three of women's Origin. The recent deluge on NSW's mid-north coast has stopped Clydsdale's husband Adam from being able to cross a creek to get to their cows on their farm in the upper Hunter. But the Newcastle NRLW star knows nothing will stop footy-mad supporters in the region from turning out in numbers to see NSW lift the women's State of Origin shield on May 29. She's adamant Newcastle should always host a game of women's Origin to honour the passion and support the locals have for the women's game. "They (Newcastle) always show up for women's rugby league so it's like a reward," Clydsdale said on Thursday. "I always say we have such amazing and passionate fans so if we only had one (game) in NSW, I definitely think Newcastle would be the place. "It's a rugby league town, they live and breathe rugby league so they'll just get on board anything rugby league related. "They're not fans, they're supporters, and they always show up for us." The forward is better placed than most to know what it would mean for locals struggling with flooding and intense rainfall, owning a cattle farm in the town of Rouchel in the upper Hunter. "It's pretty scary at the moment, we can't even get to our cattle because the creek's up so high we can't cross," Clydsdale said. "Adam's making sure the cows are OK but we just can't get to them right now so hopefully they're all safe." NSW were stunned by a Lauren Brown field goal in Newcastle last year, but Clydsdale is determined to give her home fans the treat of seeing a NSW whitewash. "It feels a bit surreal to have already won the series, but we have a team that's very competitive and we want to win three-nil," Clydsdale said. Fellow Hunter local Jesse Southwell has starred for NSW in the first two games and says everyone in rugby league knows Newcastle fans turn up for women's sport. "The NRL sees that as well, Newcastle always shows up for the women's game, doesn't matter who's playing," Southwell said. "That's why the Magic Round is there as well, they'll get around it." The belief McDonald Jones Stadium should always host Origin is even held outside those who grew up in the region, with Sydney-born winger Jaime Chapman full of praise for the Hunter faithful. "The roar of the crowd is like no other in Newcastle, especially when you're playing for the Blues," Chapman told AAP. "I don't like it when I'm going down there playing against Newcastle, but when they're behind you, you can really feel it. "It gives you this feeling of adrenaline you don't get in other stadiums." For second-rower Yasmin Clydsdale bad weather in Newcastle has more impact than just keeping footy fans away from game three of women's Origin. The recent deluge on NSW's mid-north coast has stopped Clydsdale's husband Adam from being able to cross a creek to get to their cows on their farm in the upper Hunter. But the Newcastle NRLW star knows nothing will stop footy-mad supporters in the region from turning out in numbers to see NSW lift the women's State of Origin shield on May 29. She's adamant Newcastle should always host a game of women's Origin to honour the passion and support the locals have for the women's game. "They (Newcastle) always show up for women's rugby league so it's like a reward," Clydsdale said on Thursday. "I always say we have such amazing and passionate fans so if we only had one (game) in NSW, I definitely think Newcastle would be the place. "It's a rugby league town, they live and breathe rugby league so they'll just get on board anything rugby league related. "They're not fans, they're supporters, and they always show up for us." The forward is better placed than most to know what it would mean for locals struggling with flooding and intense rainfall, owning a cattle farm in the town of Rouchel in the upper Hunter. "It's pretty scary at the moment, we can't even get to our cattle because the creek's up so high we can't cross," Clydsdale said. "Adam's making sure the cows are OK but we just can't get to them right now so hopefully they're all safe." NSW were stunned by a Lauren Brown field goal in Newcastle last year, but Clydsdale is determined to give her home fans the treat of seeing a NSW whitewash. "It feels a bit surreal to have already won the series, but we have a team that's very competitive and we want to win three-nil," Clydsdale said. Fellow Hunter local Jesse Southwell has starred for NSW in the first two games and says everyone in rugby league knows Newcastle fans turn up for women's sport. "The NRL sees that as well, Newcastle always shows up for the women's game, doesn't matter who's playing," Southwell said. "That's why the Magic Round is there as well, they'll get around it." The belief McDonald Jones Stadium should always host Origin is even held outside those who grew up in the region, with Sydney-born winger Jaime Chapman full of praise for the Hunter faithful. "The roar of the crowd is like no other in Newcastle, especially when you're playing for the Blues," Chapman told AAP. "I don't like it when I'm going down there playing against Newcastle, but when they're behind you, you can really feel it. "It gives you this feeling of adrenaline you don't get in other stadiums." For second-rower Yasmin Clydsdale bad weather in Newcastle has more impact than just keeping footy fans away from game three of women's Origin. The recent deluge on NSW's mid-north coast has stopped Clydsdale's husband Adam from being able to cross a creek to get to their cows on their farm in the upper Hunter. But the Newcastle NRLW star knows nothing will stop footy-mad supporters in the region from turning out in numbers to see NSW lift the women's State of Origin shield on May 29. She's adamant Newcastle should always host a game of women's Origin to honour the passion and support the locals have for the women's game. "They (Newcastle) always show up for women's rugby league so it's like a reward," Clydsdale said on Thursday. "I always say we have such amazing and passionate fans so if we only had one (game) in NSW, I definitely think Newcastle would be the place. "It's a rugby league town, they live and breathe rugby league so they'll just get on board anything rugby league related. "They're not fans, they're supporters, and they always show up for us." The forward is better placed than most to know what it would mean for locals struggling with flooding and intense rainfall, owning a cattle farm in the town of Rouchel in the upper Hunter. "It's pretty scary at the moment, we can't even get to our cattle because the creek's up so high we can't cross," Clydsdale said. "Adam's making sure the cows are OK but we just can't get to them right now so hopefully they're all safe." NSW were stunned by a Lauren Brown field goal in Newcastle last year, but Clydsdale is determined to give her home fans the treat of seeing a NSW whitewash. "It feels a bit surreal to have already won the series, but we have a team that's very competitive and we want to win three-nil," Clydsdale said. Fellow Hunter local Jesse Southwell has starred for NSW in the first two games and says everyone in rugby league knows Newcastle fans turn up for women's sport. "The NRL sees that as well, Newcastle always shows up for the women's game, doesn't matter who's playing," Southwell said. "That's why the Magic Round is there as well, they'll get around it." The belief McDonald Jones Stadium should always host Origin is even held outside those who grew up in the region, with Sydney-born winger Jaime Chapman full of praise for the Hunter faithful. "The roar of the crowd is like no other in Newcastle, especially when you're playing for the Blues," Chapman told AAP. "I don't like it when I'm going down there playing against Newcastle, but when they're behind you, you can really feel it. "It gives you this feeling of adrenaline you don't get in other stadiums."
