Latest news with #Mulitalo
The Advertiser
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Ban to stretch Cronulla's backline even further
Ronaldo Mulitalo has added to Cronulla's backline issues, with the winger facing a one-match ban for his late shot that levelled Mark Nawaqanitawase. Mulitalo was on Sunday hit with a grade-two dangerous contact charge for hitting Nawaqanitawase after he passed in the Sydney Roosters' win on Saturday. If the Sharks were to fight the matter at the NRL judiciary, Mulitalo would risk a second game on the sideline. Cronulla have already faced depth issues in their outside backs this year, after Sione Katoa required shoulder surgery after an injury in a pre-season trial. Sam Stonestreet is also out with an ankle injury, after sustaining damage to his syndesmosis against Melbourne last week. Cronulla are hopeful of Katoa returning after next week's bye, otherwise Mulitalo's ban would leave the Sharks without both first-choice wingers against the Warriors. In that case, Chris Vae'ila would be the front-runner to debut for the Sharks. Mulitalo was sin-binned for the shot on Saturday night, with referee Grant Atkins identifying direct shoulder contact to the head after Nawaqanitawase passed. But the match review committee on Sunday deemed it to be dangerous contact and not a shoulder charge, which would have resulted in an extra game out. Penrith forward Liam Henry is also facing a two-match ban out of Saturday night's games, in trouble for a crusher tackle on Fletcher Sharpe in the loss to Newcastle. The review committee on Sunday opted for a grade-two charge, meaning Henry would risk a third match on the sideline if he elects to fight the ban. The last-placed Panthers at least expect to have their entire State of Origin cohort back for those games, provided the quintet get through game one unscathed. Backrower Scott Sorensen is also due back from a suspension against Parramatta next Sunday, while Luke Garner should be able to return from a concussion. Ronaldo Mulitalo has added to Cronulla's backline issues, with the winger facing a one-match ban for his late shot that levelled Mark Nawaqanitawase. Mulitalo was on Sunday hit with a grade-two dangerous contact charge for hitting Nawaqanitawase after he passed in the Sydney Roosters' win on Saturday. If the Sharks were to fight the matter at the NRL judiciary, Mulitalo would risk a second game on the sideline. Cronulla have already faced depth issues in their outside backs this year, after Sione Katoa required shoulder surgery after an injury in a pre-season trial. Sam Stonestreet is also out with an ankle injury, after sustaining damage to his syndesmosis against Melbourne last week. Cronulla are hopeful of Katoa returning after next week's bye, otherwise Mulitalo's ban would leave the Sharks without both first-choice wingers against the Warriors. In that case, Chris Vae'ila would be the front-runner to debut for the Sharks. Mulitalo was sin-binned for the shot on Saturday night, with referee Grant Atkins identifying direct shoulder contact to the head after Nawaqanitawase passed. But the match review committee on Sunday deemed it to be dangerous contact and not a shoulder charge, which would have resulted in an extra game out. Penrith forward Liam Henry is also facing a two-match ban out of Saturday night's games, in trouble for a crusher tackle on Fletcher Sharpe in the loss to Newcastle. The review committee on Sunday opted for a grade-two charge, meaning Henry would risk a third match on the sideline if he elects to fight the ban. The last-placed Panthers at least expect to have their entire State of Origin cohort back for those games, provided the quintet get through game one unscathed. Backrower Scott Sorensen is also due back from a suspension against Parramatta next Sunday, while Luke Garner should be able to return from a concussion. Ronaldo Mulitalo has added to Cronulla's backline issues, with the winger facing a one-match ban for his late shot that levelled Mark Nawaqanitawase. Mulitalo was on Sunday hit with a grade-two dangerous contact charge for hitting Nawaqanitawase after he passed in the Sydney Roosters' win on Saturday. If the Sharks were to fight the matter at the NRL judiciary, Mulitalo would risk a second game on the sideline. Cronulla have already faced depth issues in their outside backs this year, after Sione Katoa required shoulder surgery after an injury in a pre-season trial. Sam Stonestreet is also out with an ankle injury, after sustaining damage to his syndesmosis against Melbourne last week. Cronulla are hopeful of Katoa returning after next week's bye, otherwise Mulitalo's ban would leave the Sharks without both first-choice wingers against the Warriors. In that case, Chris Vae'ila would be the front-runner to debut for the Sharks. Mulitalo was sin-binned for the shot on Saturday night, with referee Grant Atkins identifying direct shoulder contact to the head after Nawaqanitawase passed. But the match review committee on Sunday deemed it to be dangerous contact and not a shoulder charge, which would have resulted in an extra game out. Penrith forward Liam Henry is also facing a two-match ban out of Saturday night's games, in trouble for a crusher tackle on Fletcher Sharpe in the loss to Newcastle. The review committee on Sunday opted for a grade-two charge, meaning Henry would risk a third match on the sideline if he elects to fight the ban. The last-placed Panthers at least expect to have their entire State of Origin cohort back for those games, provided the quintet get through game one unscathed. Backrower Scott Sorensen is also due back from a suspension against Parramatta next Sunday, while Luke Garner should be able to return from a concussion.
Perth Now
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Ban to stretch Cronulla's backline even further
Ronaldo Mulitalo has added to Cronulla's backline issues, with the winger facing a one-match ban for his late shot that levelled Mark Nawaqanitawase. Mulitalo was on Sunday hit with a grade-two dangerous contact charge for hitting Nawaqanitawase after he passed in the Sydney Roosters' win on Saturday. If the Sharks were to fight the matter at the NRL judiciary, Mulitalo would risk a second game on the sideline. Cronulla have already faced depth issues in their outside backs this year, after Sione Katoa required shoulder surgery after an injury in a pre-season trial. Sam Stonestreet is also out with an ankle injury, after sustaining damage to his syndesmosis against Melbourne last week. Cronulla are hopeful of Katoa returning after next week's bye, otherwise Mulitalo's ban would leave the Sharks without both first-choice wingers against the Warriors. In that case, Chris Vae'ila would be the front-runner to debut for the Sharks. Mulitalo was sin-binned for the shot on Saturday night, with referee Grant Atkins identifying direct shoulder contact to the head after Nawaqanitawase passed. But the match review committee on Sunday deemed it to be dangerous contact and not a shoulder charge, which would have resulted in an extra game out. Penrith forward Liam Henry is also facing a two-match ban out of Saturday night's games, in trouble for a crusher tackle on Fletcher Sharpe in the loss to Newcastle. The review committee on Sunday opted for a grade-two charge, meaning Henry would risk a third match on the sideline if he elects to fight the ban. The last-placed Panthers at least expect to have their entire State of Origin cohort back for those games, provided the quintet get through game one unscathed. Backrower Scott Sorensen is also due back from a suspension against Parramatta next Sunday, while Luke Garner should be able to return from a concussion.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Papenhuyzen learns fate as he and Mulitalo clear air
Melbourne star Ryan Papenhuyzen has avoided any charge over his last-minute hit on Ronaldo Mulitalo and the pair have cleared the air following Cronulla's NRL win. In a dramatic closing to the Sharks' 31-26 win over the Storm, Papenhuyzen was hit high by Siosifa Talakai before Mulitalo stood over the top of the Melbourne No.1. The pair clashed again on the next play, when Mulitalo defused a last-ditch Melbourne bomb and copped a high swinging arm from Papenhuyzen while on the ground. Referee Adam Gee placed Papenhuyzen on report, but opted against giving Cronulla a penalty in order to end the game and stop emotions boiling over again. Talakai was on Sunday handed a fine over his high shot on Papenhuyzen, while the Storm fullback was not charged at all. "Me and Ronaldo spoke after the game, we're all good," Papenhuyzen said afterwards. "We just spoke about having a competitive nature and that's going to happen in games. We respect that about each other. We spoke about it, we're all good. It's all on the field and we just get on with it. "It was two competitive sides. It just got a bit competitive there and heated. That's what you like." Papenhuyzen's non charge means he remains either a possible - if unlikely - option for NSW for State of Origin I, or the man to lead the Storm with other representative players out. The news was not so good for Warriors star James Fisher-Harris, who is facing a one-match ban after his high shot on Harrison Graham. On return from a pectoral strain, Fisher-Harris was sin-binned for the high tackle late in his second-placed team's win over the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium. His absence briefly allowed the hosts back into the game, and the Warriors co-captain is now set to miss the clash with Canberra next week. Fisher-Harris would risk a second match on the sideline if he attempted to fight the charge and was unsuccessful.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
BYU football recruit sparks buzz as MVP of Under Armour Next Camp
When Bott Mulitalo lines up in the trenches, you can feel the shift. Pads pop a little louder. Coaches stop mid-sentence. Recruits watch quietly. And last weekend at the Under Armour Next Camp in Salt Lake City, the Lone Peak standout made sure everyone knew why he's BYU's top offensive line commit in the class of 2026. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound Mulitalo left no doubt, taking home the Offensive Line MVP award after a commanding performance that showcased his raw strength, balance, and explosiveness against the best competition from across the West. The four-star recruit didn't just win reps—he erased defenders. Advertisement Mulitalo, who is currently rated No. 90 overall in the 2026 class by 247Sports, has transitioned from the defensive line to offensive tackle, a move that looks more genius by the day. While he continues to refine his pass-blocking sets, his natural ability to anchor and drive defenders into the turf is already at a collegiate level. It wasn't just the trophy that made headlines—it was who he did it in front of. The Salt Lake City edition of the Under Armour Camp drew elite talent from states like Arizona, California, Oregon, and Colorado. Among the BYU faithful, though, Mulitalo's performance stood tallest. He was one of five Cougar commits competing, part of a strong showing from BYU's 2026 class that also included fellow four-star Brock Harris. Mulitalo's early commitment to BYU came after flipping from Oregon, largely due to his growing connection with offensive line coach TJ Woods. That bond now looks like a cornerstone in BYU's rebuilding strategy up front. The message from Mulitalo this weekend was clear: he's not just committed—he's coming for dominance. Advertisement If this is what he's doing before his senior year, just imagine the impact when he finally suits up in Cougar blue. Related: AJ Dybantsa take his talents to international stage Related: BYU Basketball players are turning heads for unexpected choice
The Advertiser
11-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Hot-and-cold Manly in slump as Sharks hold strong
Manly's hot-and-cold NRL season has left them at risk of a freefall, slumping to their forth loss in five games after a lacklustre 30-14 defeat to Cronulla. Second on the ladder after the opening four rounds, Manly now have a losing record after again showing themselves to be among the NRL's least consistent sides. The Sea Eagles threw away a chance to add to the list of NRL comebacks on Sunday, going from 14-0 down to level at 14-14 before the 16-point defeat. The result kept Cronulla fifth, with Nicho Hynes and Briton Nikora impressing down the right edge, and Blayke Brailey having some nice moments. But while Manly finished the round in eighth spot, they look a long away from the team that set the competition alight over the opening month. They have now lost three games in a row at home for the first time since 2022, and hold a 4-5 record despite playing six of their opening nine games at Brookvale. Sunday's match in some ways summed up their season so far, with the Sea Eagles' slump having coincided with Daly Cherry-Evans' announcement he is leaving at year's end When Manly's attack is on like it was early in the second half when Tolu Koula produced a double, they are among the most dangerous teams in the NRL. But when it is off like when they completed at just 61 per cent, they can be beaten by anyone. "I'm a really firm believer your defence and attack are very much linked," Cherry-Evans said. "When you're putting yourself under pressure through defence, it can lead to some really poor attack because you start to chase the game. "That was the story of the first half. Our attack was a bit clunky and we had nine errors compounding it with ill-discipline. "You don't want to be falling into a trap of hoping your attack saves your defence. "But that 20 minutes after halftime was exactly the sort of football team I believe we can be, and have shown at times." After Cronulla burst out of the blocks to claim a 14-0 halftime lead, the hosts were back in the game when Koula's double made it 14-12 with 26 minutes left. Luke Brooks then broke into open space from the kick-off and had a chance to send Koula over for his third, only for the centre to spill the pass back inside to him. And while the Sea Eagles got the score back to 14-14 via a penalty goal, more errors proved costly. Haumole Olakau'atu attempted to push an offload in their first set in tight space, prompting an error from Reuben Garrick. Garrick then cleaned up a Sharks grubber-kick at the end of their next set, but spilled the ball at the last second and handed an easy try to Braydon Trindall. From there, the floodgates opened. Ronaldo Mulitalo and KL Iro both scored late, with Mulitalo's try coming from some nice lead-up play from a kicking Billy Burns. Earlier, Hynes had shown his return to form when he spotted Tom Trbojevic at marker and kicked for Mulitalo to score after a Nikora break. The half was again involved in the Sharks' next, when Brailey skirted out of dummy-half and found the halfback, who put Addin Fonua-Blake over untouched. "He's had a number of good performances now," coach Craig Fitzgibbon said of Hynes. "He is running the ball, kicking well. I feel like he is organising the team well. He's in a good head space and not letting it get to him." Manly's hot-and-cold NRL season has left them at risk of a freefall, slumping to their forth loss in five games after a lacklustre 30-14 defeat to Cronulla. Second on the ladder after the opening four rounds, Manly now have a losing record after again showing themselves to be among the NRL's least consistent sides. The Sea Eagles threw away a chance to add to the list of NRL comebacks on Sunday, going from 14-0 down to level at 14-14 before the 16-point defeat. The result kept Cronulla fifth, with Nicho Hynes and Briton Nikora impressing down the right edge, and Blayke Brailey having some nice moments. But while Manly finished the round in eighth spot, they look a long away from the team that set the competition alight over the opening month. They have now lost three games in a row at home for the first time since 2022, and hold a 4-5 record despite playing six of their opening nine games at Brookvale. Sunday's match in some ways summed up their season so far, with the Sea Eagles' slump having coincided with Daly Cherry-Evans' announcement he is leaving at year's end When Manly's attack is on like it was early in the second half when Tolu Koula produced a double, they are among the most dangerous teams in the NRL. But when it is off like when they completed at just 61 per cent, they can be beaten by anyone. "I'm a really firm believer your defence and attack are very much linked," Cherry-Evans said. "When you're putting yourself under pressure through defence, it can lead to some really poor attack because you start to chase the game. "That was the story of the first half. Our attack was a bit clunky and we had nine errors compounding it with ill-discipline. "You don't want to be falling into a trap of hoping your attack saves your defence. "But that 20 minutes after halftime was exactly the sort of football team I believe we can be, and have shown at times." After Cronulla burst out of the blocks to claim a 14-0 halftime lead, the hosts were back in the game when Koula's double made it 14-12 with 26 minutes left. Luke Brooks then broke into open space from the kick-off and had a chance to send Koula over for his third, only for the centre to spill the pass back inside to him. And while the Sea Eagles got the score back to 14-14 via a penalty goal, more errors proved costly. Haumole Olakau'atu attempted to push an offload in their first set in tight space, prompting an error from Reuben Garrick. Garrick then cleaned up a Sharks grubber-kick at the end of their next set, but spilled the ball at the last second and handed an easy try to Braydon Trindall. From there, the floodgates opened. Ronaldo Mulitalo and KL Iro both scored late, with Mulitalo's try coming from some nice lead-up play from a kicking Billy Burns. Earlier, Hynes had shown his return to form when he spotted Tom Trbojevic at marker and kicked for Mulitalo to score after a Nikora break. The half was again involved in the Sharks' next, when Brailey skirted out of dummy-half and found the halfback, who put Addin Fonua-Blake over untouched. "He's had a number of good performances now," coach Craig Fitzgibbon said of Hynes. "He is running the ball, kicking well. I feel like he is organising the team well. He's in a good head space and not letting it get to him." Manly's hot-and-cold NRL season has left them at risk of a freefall, slumping to their forth loss in five games after a lacklustre 30-14 defeat to Cronulla. Second on the ladder after the opening four rounds, Manly now have a losing record after again showing themselves to be among the NRL's least consistent sides. The Sea Eagles threw away a chance to add to the list of NRL comebacks on Sunday, going from 14-0 down to level at 14-14 before the 16-point defeat. The result kept Cronulla fifth, with Nicho Hynes and Briton Nikora impressing down the right edge, and Blayke Brailey having some nice moments. But while Manly finished the round in eighth spot, they look a long away from the team that set the competition alight over the opening month. They have now lost three games in a row at home for the first time since 2022, and hold a 4-5 record despite playing six of their opening nine games at Brookvale. Sunday's match in some ways summed up their season so far, with the Sea Eagles' slump having coincided with Daly Cherry-Evans' announcement he is leaving at year's end When Manly's attack is on like it was early in the second half when Tolu Koula produced a double, they are among the most dangerous teams in the NRL. But when it is off like when they completed at just 61 per cent, they can be beaten by anyone. "I'm a really firm believer your defence and attack are very much linked," Cherry-Evans said. "When you're putting yourself under pressure through defence, it can lead to some really poor attack because you start to chase the game. "That was the story of the first half. Our attack was a bit clunky and we had nine errors compounding it with ill-discipline. "You don't want to be falling into a trap of hoping your attack saves your defence. "But that 20 minutes after halftime was exactly the sort of football team I believe we can be, and have shown at times." After Cronulla burst out of the blocks to claim a 14-0 halftime lead, the hosts were back in the game when Koula's double made it 14-12 with 26 minutes left. Luke Brooks then broke into open space from the kick-off and had a chance to send Koula over for his third, only for the centre to spill the pass back inside to him. And while the Sea Eagles got the score back to 14-14 via a penalty goal, more errors proved costly. Haumole Olakau'atu attempted to push an offload in their first set in tight space, prompting an error from Reuben Garrick. Garrick then cleaned up a Sharks grubber-kick at the end of their next set, but spilled the ball at the last second and handed an easy try to Braydon Trindall. From there, the floodgates opened. Ronaldo Mulitalo and KL Iro both scored late, with Mulitalo's try coming from some nice lead-up play from a kicking Billy Burns. Earlier, Hynes had shown his return to form when he spotted Tom Trbojevic at marker and kicked for Mulitalo to score after a Nikora break. The half was again involved in the Sharks' next, when Brailey skirted out of dummy-half and found the halfback, who put Addin Fonua-Blake over untouched. "He's had a number of good performances now," coach Craig Fitzgibbon said of Hynes. "He is running the ball, kicking well. I feel like he is organising the team well. He's in a good head space and not letting it get to him."
