Latest news with #MitchMoses


Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
See the heartwarming moment State of Origin star Brian To'o's baby son sticks up for him when he's 'bullied' by his teammates
Brian To'o's young son Atreus has captured footy fans' hearts by defending his father from his Blues teammates as they horsed around with him following their 18-6 victory in the Origin series opener. It was a margin that flattered Queensland, considering Nathan Cleary (0-3) and Zac Lomax (0-1) missed all four try conversions attempts. Star winger To'o had a solid game for New South Wales, but suffered his share of knocks in the process. In a clip posted to social media by teammate Spencer Leniu, To'o could be seen in the sheds following the Blues' triumph with his ribs and leg both heavily strapped. Stephen Crichton and Leniu tried to help the Penrith star get his jersey off after the win as To'o winced in pain. It was too much for To'o's 18-month-old son Atreus, who gestured for Leniu and Crichton to stop hurting his dad before throwing a bottle at them. The sight of the tiny tot standing up to the NRL giants sent onlookers into fits of laughter. NSW playmaker Mitch Moses also posted heartwarming photos of himself after the match with his daughter Aspyn, who was wearing a tiny replica Blues jersey as she kissed his forehead while he sat on the field, soaking in the victory. While Moses, Crichton, Leniu and To'o all played well, Payne Haas turned in an 'inspirational' performce, on one leg, to power the Blues within reach of back-to-back State of Origin series wins. Carrying a quadriceps complaint, the Brisbane prop entered camp in doubt for Wednesday's series opener against Queensland. He barely trained but then bashed the Maroons in a first-half clinic that set up their victory. Haas's 140 run metres, 18 runs, three tackle breaks, three offloads and 29 tackles led a pack that set the tone in a dominant first half before hanging tough in a scrappy second half. 'I got a bit nervous on the bus, but all the boys showed faith in me,' the Broncos prop said of his mental state after managing his leg complaint. Haas is only 25 but has already played 15 Origins after debuting in 2019. Mitch Moses also gave fans a heartwarming moment as he celebrated the win with his daughter Aspyn (pictured) 'I'm just doing my job; I love this jersey so much. I love these boys and love playing for the people of New South Wales,' he said. 'I've just watched it (Origin) since I was a kid, just love this jersey . 'But I wouldn't say I'm at the top (of my game). I'm only 25, long way to go and still working.'


Daily Mail
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
NSW State of Origin stars shoot down shocking claim about Nathan Cleary
NSW have declared Nathan Cleary has nothing to prove at State of Origin level, adamant the Penrith halfback has already shown he can stand up on any stage. Cleary will return to the Origin arena for the first time in almost two years on Wednesday night, as the Blues begin the defence of the Shield at Suncorp Stadium. The 27-year-old will partner up with Mitch Moses for the first time after the Eels halfback led the Blues to victory in Cleary's injury-enforced absence last year. Cleary is widely regarded as the best player in the world, leading the Penrith dynasty and taking the club to four straight premierships. Some of the No.7's best football has come since his last Origin match, including carrying Penrith to their comeback win over Brisbane in the 2023 grand final. But even then the halfback had to answer questions of late whether he has ever owned an Origin series since his debut in 2018. In that time Cleary has had a 7-7 winning record for NSW, helping take the Blues to series wins in 2018, 2019 and 2021. The main criticism of Cleary is he is yet to taste victory in either of the two deciders he has played, while most of his NSW wins have been in one-sided games. 'It seems to be the common thread, and is talked about in the lead-up. But us internally, he's crossed most (final frontiers),' NSW captain Isaah Yeo said. 'The four premierships and carrying us to the 2023 one was a pretty fair one in itself. He has won World Cups, three State of Origin series. 'We have seen it on the biggest stages we could have - that being grand finals. 'Whether it is just taking control of grand finals, whether it is game management ... his ball-playing, his kicking, choosing the moments.' Cleary's on-field bodyguard at both Penrith and NSW, Liam Martin also rejected the suggestion the halfback has something to prove. 'It's rubbish,' Martin said. 'There are 16 other players. We haven't been great over the years with games we should have won but haven't. That's everyone's responsibility. 'I don't think he has anything to prove. He is the best player in the game. I am sure he will be looking to go out and kill it. And I am sure he will.' Blues coach Laurie Daley also leapt to the defence of his halfback on Tuesday, pointing out Cleary has won Origin series before. NSW have received good news with powerhouse prop Payne Haas cleared to play, after overcoming a minor quad tear. Daley also remains 'quietly confident' centre Stephen Crichton will play, pending how he wakes up with a corked quad on Wednesday. NSW's bid to win a second straight game at Suncorp after last year's decider will likely boil down to how Cleary and Moses link, with both usually dominant halves. What kind of early ball the pair can give Latrell Mitchell will also likely be key, given the danger of NSW's left edge running at Queensland debutant Robert Toia. The Maroons will have Cameron Munster and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui back after they missed last year's series, but all eyes will remain on Toia's battle with Mitchell. 'It's a real strength of his game the defensive side,' Maroons coach Billy Slater said. 'Sure it's a big task, but he has a few strengths to outlay as well.

News.com.au
19-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘I thought, wow': Daley left stunned by Luai phone call as Tigers star ‘owns' NSW Origin snub
Tigers star Jarome Luai has conceded his 'disappointment' in being left out of the Blues squad for Game I but earned praise for NSW coach Laurie Daley for his classy reaction to being overlooked. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer > Despite his heroics for New South Wales during last year's series win, Luai missed out this time around, with coach Laurie Daley preferring to go with two genuine No.7's in Mitch Moses and Nathan Cleary at five-eighth and halfback respectively. Luai found out he wouldn't be heading into Blues camp as he was walking into the sheds shortly after the Tigers' 22-12 loss to Souths. Daley detailed the phone call with Luai, with the Blues coach praising the way the star playmakers handled the news. 'It was a difficult one. I had to speak to Jarome after the game,' Daley said on the Big Sports Breakfast on Monday. 'I was able to get through to him and told him it was a gut feel with Mitch. I like the way he's (Mitch) playing and his kicking game will be so important. 'I just feel that if Queensland try and put pressure on Nathan Cleary and his kicking game, he have an outstanding option in Mitch. 'Again, it was a tough call but Jarome handled it like a professional. He said he totally understands but he'll be ready to go when called upon and I thought, wow, what a professional. A total pro.' Luai made himself available for media commitments at Campbelltown Stadium right after receiving Daley's phone call. While he acknowledged the setback was hard to hear, Luai believes he's in a position where he can 'control his selection'. 'He (Daley) just said, 'I'm going to leave you out of game one, and stay ready'. Which I will be,' Luai said via AFP. 'I heard what I needed to hear. And I am content with it because I know I am in control of the selection at the end of the day. 'I am still figuring out what my best is here so I am looking forward to that process and I have a bit of work to do on my game. 'I am in control of the selection at the end of the day. Looking at my form and the way I have been playing, I know I can be better. 'It is just about owning that now and moving forward. At the end of the day, just be a man about it all. 'I am disappointed because I know what I am missing out on. And I think if I wasn't (disappointed) I would probably be scared.'

News.com.au
19-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Laurie chats Cleary & Moses partnership
State of Origin: NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley was questioned on the halves link-up between Nathan Cleary and Mitch Moses.


The Advertiser
02-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Ryles would need 'a loan off Moses' to comment on refs
Jason Ryles has joked he'd need to take out a loan from Parramatta captain Mitch Moses to give his honest opinion about the officiating in the Magic Round loss to Cronulla.