Latest news with #Melbourne-raised
Sydney Morning Herald
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Tuipulotu and Suaalii set for re-match after two Aussies named in Lions squad
The stage has been set for a feisty re-match between Sione Tuipulotu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in July after the Melbourne-raised Scotland captain was named in the British and Irish Lions squad. Tuipulotu and former Brumby-turned-Ireland winger Mack Hansen became the seventh and eighth Australian-raised players to be selected as Lions on Thursday night at a grandiose team naming event in London. With coach Andy Farrell watching on at the 02 Arena, his 37-man squad was read out by Wales legend and Lions chairman Iuean Evans. The squad – which will be captained by England lock Maro Itoje – will next month embark on a nine-game tour of Australia, which is preceded by a clash with Argentina in Dublin. Players discovered the news of their Lions selections as they gathered at the clubs, with tradition dictating they don't get a phone call with the news beforehand. Ireland had the most players selected with 15, followed by England (13), Scotland (8) and Wales, who paid a price for their recent slump with just two players. That equalled the smallest ever representation, after Ireland in 1993 and Scotland in 2009 and 2017. The squad contained plenty of surprises, after months of speculation. There was no Owen Farrell and Ireland captain Caelen Doris was also left out after picking up a shoulder injury. Twenty-year-old Henry Pollock, who only has one Test cap for England, was the bolter of the squad after turning in storming for Northhampton. Marcus Smith and Elliot Daly also made the cut, but there were no spots for contenders Jamie George, Sam Prendergast, Dewi Lake, Jack Willis and George Ford. Aussie Lions
The Age
08-05-2025
- Sport
- The Age
Tuipulotu and Suaalii set for re-match after two Aussies named in Lions squad
The stage has been set for a feisty re-match between Sione Tuipulotu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in July after the Melbourne-raised Scotland captain was named in the British and Irish Lions squad. Tuipulotu and former Brumby-turned-Ireland winger Mack Hansen became the seventh and eighth Australian-raised players to be selected as Lions on Thursday night at a grandiose team naming event in London. With coach Andy Farrell watching on at the 02 Arena, his 37-man squad was read out by Wales legend and Lions chairman Iuean Evans. The squad – which will be captained by England lock Maro Itoje – will next month embark on a nine-game tour of Australia, which is preceded by a clash with Argentina in Dublin. Players discovered the news of their Lions selections as they gathered at the clubs, with tradition dictating they don't get a phone call with the news beforehand. Ireland had the most players selected with 15, followed by England (13), Scotland (8) and Wales, who paid a price for their recent slump with just two players. That equalled the smallest ever representation, after Ireland in 1993 and Scotland in 2009 and 2017. The squad contained plenty of surprises, after months of speculation. There was no Owen Farrell and Ireland captain Caelen Doris was also left out after picking up a shoulder injury. Twenty-year-old Henry Pollock, who only has one Test cap for England, was the bolter of the squad after turning in storming for Northhampton. Marcus Smith and Elliot Daly also made the cut, but there were no spots for contenders Jamie George, Sam Prendergast, Dewi Lake, Jack Willis and George Ford. Aussie Lions
The Age
05-05-2025
- Sport
- The Age
Bulls-eye: NBA star Giddey fills in for local basketball team in Frankston
Australian basketball star Josh Giddey has begun his NBA off-season training – by taking to the courts in a local competition in Frankston. The Melbourne-raised Chicago Bulls guard shocked locals at the Frankston Blues' stadium by playing as a fill-in for the Vales in the Monday night men's championship competition. Footage emerged of Giddey knocking down a three-pointer, whipping off passes and delivering a highlight-reel block that wowed spectators – and those on his own team. It's a far cry from nailing monster half-court buzzer-beaters to torpedo LeBron James and his Los Angeles Lakers, but Giddey was right at home on the old floor at Dreamstreet Lending Arena. Giddey has enjoyed a career season with the Bulls, averaging 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game, and is line for a bumper new five-year contract where he could earn more than $250 million. The 22-year-old, now a restricted free agent, is currently on a four-year contract worth about $42 million. Veteran NBA reporter Brian Windhorst has said he expects the Bulls will look to re-sign Giddey on a $47 million per season deal. 'This is the kind of play I thought he would have all year,' Windhorst told ESPN. 'The going rate for a starting point guard in the NBA is around $US30 million ... and he is their starter.
Sydney Morning Herald
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Bulls-eye: NBA star Giddey fills in for local basketball team in Frankston
Australian basketball star Josh Giddey has begun his NBA off-season training – by taking to the courts in a local competition in Frankston. The Melbourne-raised Chicago Bulls guard shocked locals at the Frankston Blues' stadium by playing as a fill-in for the Vales in the Monday night men's championship competition. Footage emerged of Giddey knocking down a three-pointer, whipping off passes and delivering a highlight-reel block that wowed spectators – and those on his own team. It's a far cry from nailing monster half-court buzzer-beaters to torpedo LeBron James and his Los Angeles Lakers, but Giddey was right at home on the old floor at Dreamstreet Lending Arena. Giddey has enjoyed a career season with the Bulls, averaging 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game, and is line for a bumper new five-year contract where he could earn more than $250 million. The 22-year-old, now a restricted free agent, is currently on a four-year contract worth about $42 million. Veteran NBA reporter Brian Windhorst has said he expects the Bulls will look to re-sign Giddey on a $47 million per season deal. 'This is the kind of play I thought he would have all year,' Windhorst told ESPN. 'The going rate for a starting point guard in the NBA is around $US30 million ... and he is their starter.
