Latest news with #NRL
Sydney Morning Herald
20 minutes ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Tuivasa-Sheck on verge of joining Saudi-backed rebel rugby comp on $1m deal
'I raised it at a recent CEO's meeting to ensure everyone's aware of the real and genuine Rugby 360 concept,' George said on Wednesday. 'I'm aware of players that have been interviewed and engaged with. I'm aware of the significant financial opportunities that it could bring, particularly around the branding of the players as individuals. 'I needed to alert everyone so that they are across this and what it could bring in the next few years, because it's a real and genuine concept that is growing momentum and could be quite attractive to any number of players. My understanding is that the financial windfalls are real and they're significant. I'm sure that the financial windfalls are far greater than anything we've ever seen before in rugby.' Nine's Danny Weidler reported on Monday that Storm superstar Ryan Papenhuyzen is also on the radar of R360 organisers. Fellow Storm teammate Nelson Asofa-Solomona is another name being discussed. The R360 competition has private equity and Saudi Arabian money behind the concept, with organisers moving to reach their desired target of players before September to meet the contractual obligations that will trigger the financial backing it requires to get off the ground. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has bankrolled LIV Golf, the Saudi football league, which has had Cristiano Ronaldo as its marquee player, and won hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Former England rugby international Mike Tindall is the public face of R360. Tindall, who is married to British royal family member Zara Phillips, is in Australia to watch the British and Irish Lions series. The concept will follow a hybrid model of Formula 1 and the Indian Premier League, with private owners to invest in franchises all around the world. Loading The players who agree to sign with R360 aren't signing for specific franchises but rather to the competition itself, with the potential of auctions and drafts being floated. One model being discussed will see a joint Australia and New Zealand-based franchise as well as teams based in the United States, France, England, South America, Asia and South Africa in an eight-team competition that could grow to as large as 12 teams. Competition organisers want to launch a one-off tournament next season, potentially from July to September, before adopting a regular format in 2027. The intended format in 2027 will see the competition split into two blocks, with the first half of the tournament played between March and May and the second stage played between September and December. That window is largely in competition with the NRL, which currently runs from March to October. 'I spoke to Andrew Abdo about it too, because the NRL should be right across it as well,' George said. 'They need to understand whether there's any opportunity with it rather than fight against it. As I understand it, current rugby jurisdictions are against it. 'Maybe it's an opportunity for the NRL to look at having access to a talent pool at a particular time of the year. I'm not sure if those times and opportunities will come to light, but as a game we need to be across it.'
The Age
20 minutes ago
- Business
- The Age
Tuivasa-Sheck on verge of joining Saudi-backed rebel rugby comp on $1m deal
'I raised it at a recent CEO's meeting to ensure everyone's aware of the real and genuine Rugby 360 concept,' George said on Wednesday. 'I'm aware of players that have been interviewed and engaged with. I'm aware of the significant financial opportunities that it could bring, particularly around the branding of the players as individuals. 'I needed to alert everyone so that they are across this and what it could bring in the next few years, because it's a real and genuine concept that is growing momentum and could be quite attractive to any number of players. My understanding is that the financial windfalls are real and they're significant. I'm sure that the financial windfalls are far greater than anything we've ever seen before in rugby.' Nine's Danny Weidler reported on Monday that Storm superstar Ryan Papenhuyzen is also on the radar of R360 organisers. Fellow Storm teammate Nelson Asofa-Solomona is another name being discussed. The R360 competition has private equity and Saudi Arabian money behind the concept, with organisers moving to reach their desired target of players before September to meet the contractual obligations that will trigger the financial backing it requires to get off the ground. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has bankrolled LIV Golf, the Saudi football league, which has had Cristiano Ronaldo as its marquee player, and won hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Former England rugby international Mike Tindall is the public face of R360. Tindall, who is married to British royal family member Zara Phillips, is in Australia to watch the British and Irish Lions series. The concept will follow a hybrid model of Formula 1 and the Indian Premier League, with private owners to invest in franchises all around the world. Loading The players who agree to sign with R360 aren't signing for specific franchises but rather to the competition itself, with the potential of auctions and drafts being floated. One model being discussed will see a joint Australia and New Zealand-based franchise as well as teams based in the United States, France, England, South America, Asia and South Africa in an eight-team competition that could grow to as large as 12 teams. Competition organisers want to launch a one-off tournament next season, potentially from July to September, before adopting a regular format in 2027. The intended format in 2027 will see the competition split into two blocks, with the first half of the tournament played between March and May and the second stage played between September and December. That window is largely in competition with the NRL, which currently runs from March to October. 'I spoke to Andrew Abdo about it too, because the NRL should be right across it as well,' George said. 'They need to understand whether there's any opportunity with it rather than fight against it. As I understand it, current rugby jurisdictions are against it. 'Maybe it's an opportunity for the NRL to look at having access to a talent pool at a particular time of the year. I'm not sure if those times and opportunities will come to light, but as a game we need to be across it.'
ABC News
an hour ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Collingwood players Dan Houston and Bobby Hill will not play against Fremantle in AFL round 19
Collingwood recruit Dan Houston and Norm Smith Medallist Bobby Hill have been ruled out of facing Fremantle at the MCG. Houston suffered a mild abdominal strain in the Magpies' defeat to Gold Coast last Friday night and will miss the next two weeks. ABC Sport is live blogging every round of the AFL and NRL seasons in 2025. ABC Sport is live blogging every round of the AFL and NRL seasons in 2025. The former Port Adelaide superboot had scans after playing the Suns, with results ruling him out of facing the Dockers and Richmond. Hill will sit out a fourth straight match after dealing with personal reasons, and battling with illness last week. "Hill returned to training over the weekend," Collingwood high performance boss Jarrod Wade said. "His focus is on resuming full training before a timeline is placed on his return." Along with Houston, veteran Jeremy Howe will leave another hole in Collingwood's defence after suffering an adductor strain against Gold Coast, ruling him out for two weeks. But in better news for the Magpies, forward Beau McCreery is set to return against Fremantle after recovering from a hamstring that led him to miss the past three matches. Premiership star Jordan De Goey is due to come out of concussion protocols in coming days after copping a hit at training. But De Goey will be put through a two-week training block before being considered to play. The 29-year-old has been restricted to five games this season, the last coming in round eight against Geelong. Collingwood being without a number of key players will not worry them. In round nine, the Magpies travelled to Perth undermanned and managed to secure a 14-point win against Fremantle at Perth Stadium. AAP
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Revealed: What NRL stars are sniffing before games - after fans spotted some of the league's biggest stars in strange act before match
It was the vision that left footy fans wanting answers - what exactly were the Origin stars including Nathan Cleary and Latrell Mitchell sniffing in the sheds ahead of the series decider? The answer will surprise many: a combination of boiling water and eucalyptus oil, which helps clear the airways. The treatment can also potentially enhance focus for athletes. Both NSW and Queensland players were spotted inhaling moments before heading out on to Accor Stadium in Sydney on July 9. According to Maroons team doctor Matthew Hislop, the smell is 'pretty pungent' - and he revealed the practice is becoming more common in the NRL. Another method is the use of smelling salts – also known as ammonium carbonate, which can be paired with eucalyptus oil. The answer will surprise many - a combination of boiling water and eucalyptus oil, which helps clear the sinuses - it can also potentially enhance alertness and focus for athletes Luke Bowen, a senior exercise physiologist, told the Sydney Morning Herald that even though smelling salts have been outlawed under NRL concussion protocols, the ritual still unfolds in many dressing rooms. 'I don't think they're prohibited, but yes, they are widely used in rugby league,' Bowen said, before adding that some clubs also use Vicks VapoRub on their players. 'It increases your alertness and your arousal. There is (also) some weak evidence around increasing heart rate, increasing respiratory rate.' In 2013, the NRL warned clubs off using smelling salts, fearing a dangerous outcome when treating head injuries, namely concussions. Ominously, the smelling salts were frquently used to bring players out of their daze. 'The NRL continues to monitor each game in relation to compliance with our rules relating to head injuries,' NRL football operations manager Nathan McGuirk said at the time. 'The vast majority of cases of head injuries have been dealt with in a textbook manner by club medical and training staff, however there have been rare occasions that have required clubs to provide further information in relation to concerning incidents. 'We will continue to develop and review the games rules and procedures in relation to head injuries by following the current and latest research from the world's leading experts in the field of concussion. 'We have made dramatic rule changes to the way the game is played including the world-wide ban of the shoulder charge technique.'
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ryan Papenhuyzen responds after Storm ace linked with $2m move to rival code
Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has addressed the reports he is being chased by a European rugby league on big money with the star's contract running out at the end of 2026. Papenhuyzen is one of the most popular players in the NRL and raised eyebrows last year when he only signed a one-year extension to stay on at the Storm. The fullback would most likely attract big money offers from rival clubs if he becomes available. The Perth-based Bears could have the opportunity to make Papenhuyzen the first player in the game to break the $2 million barrier when they come into the comp in 2027 when they build their roster. Although it appears Papenhuyzen is also attracting interest from outside the NRL. The 26-year-old fullback has been linked to a northern hemisphere rugby union competition named R360. The Saudi-backed league is reportedly in the very early stages of development. Although players have reportedly been offered $2 million a season to join. Speaking on 100% Footy, Channel Nine reporter Danny Weidler said Papenhuyzen was a potential target from the start-up rugby franchise. Papenhuyzen has been made aware of the reports and admitted most players would "have to consider" the huge money thrown at them. While the money was eye-opening, the Melbourne fullback remained coy on whether it was of interest of him to make a switch to rugby union. Instead he said he wasn't looking any further than aiming to win back-to-back competitions with the Storm. "I've just got a big focus for winning the premiership and hopefully going back-to-back next year and then we'll see, but you always look forward to your future and see what's happening," he said. "I'm sure my manager is doing a good job with that and has got it all under control." Coach Craig Bellamy has led the Storm to second level on points with the Bulldogs. They both sit two points behind the Canberra Raiders. Bellamy himself is yet to commit past the 2026 season having recently signed a one-year extension. With the introduction of the Perth Bears there has been plenty of speculation around the top NRL stars coming off contract. Papenhuyzen and Storm teammate Jahrome Hughes are both off contract at the end of 2026, coinciding with Perth's introduction the next year. Papenhuyzen does have a 'mutual' option at the Storm for 2027, meaning he can remain if both he and the club agree. Although it appears Papenhuyzen would be offered a serious contract boost from Perth as a key signing. The fact the fullback only signed a one-year extension last year suggests he wanted to keep his options open and see what eventuated with the expansion teams. Papenhuyzen spoke glowingly about the introduction of a new club, but admitted he was happy in Melbourne. 'Obviously, there's speculation whenever you're coming off contract, but I'm here right now, I want to win premierships with the Storm, we've got a really good squad and we're really doing something nice," he said in May. 'I'm sure when that time comes around my manager will be all over it. But for me, it's just getting back here and trying to be as present as I can here because if you're not present, you can see the results that happen like they did on the weekend.' And his teammate Hughes also suggested he would like to remain in Melbourne. 'I haven't looked too far ahead with that sort of stuff,' Hughes said when his future was put to him. 'I think my name's probably only up there because I'm off contract around that same time. 'I haven't really thought about it, and if I have it my way then I'll be here forever, so I might have to talk to 'J-Rod' about that. I don't really know what Perth's like. I heard it's a nice place, but I haven't thought about it at all.'
