Latest news with #NRLTelstraPremiership
Courier-Mail
2 days ago
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
Queensland Maroons win 18-14 over NSW Blues in Women's State of Origin game 3
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRLW. Followed categories will be added to My News. Sarah Togatuki wore the pride of her family on Thursday night, taking the State of Origin field in Newcastle less than a week after the tragic death of her older sister, Jean. The inspirational NSW forward has been privately dealing with the sudden death of her sister, who was admitted to hospital before NSW claimed the series in Origin II in Sydney a fortnight ago, before passing away suddenly on Saturday. In a show of her immense strength and love for her family, Togatuki came off the bench for the Blues in Thursday night's 18-14 loss to Queensland at McDonald Jones Stadium. 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 > One of the most popular players in the NRLW, the 27-year-old Tigers star was supported by her Blues teammates and coach John Strange. 'I don't know if I could have done that (after) losing a sister on Saturday,' he said after the game. 'I had a chat to her about spending time with her family, but it was also really important to her and her family that she came out and represented them. 'So to show the strength of character to do that, is a real testament to who she is as a person and the love she has for her family and the game that she plays. 'She's certainly not underestimated by any of us for what she does. Outstanding player and even better person.' Skipper Isabelle Kelly, who has played alongside Togatuki in the NRLW for years, said the team rallied around her over the past few weeks. Sarah Togatuki embraces her family. Picture: NRL Photos 'When you know Sala, she's an infectious type of person. She wasn't in camp with us for a bit and we missed her, we missed her presence,' Kelly said. 'She puts everyone before herself and she's just really inspiring. 'A lot of us were saying we wouldn't have been able to do what she has done this week. 'She was a huge inspiration for us leading into this game and I know she would have done her family so proud, even though she came off, she's done all of us proud with the strength that she has. 'I feel really honoured and lucky to be able to pull on a jersey alongside her.' Togatuki's night ended early after taking a head knock after just 13 minutes on the field. There were emotional scenes at full-time as she embraced her family. There were emotional scenes in the stands. Picture: NRL Photos Jean was known to be the loudest and proudest supporter in the stands. 'In the blink of an eye, our family's world changed,' she wrote on Instagram. 'My beautiful big sister gained her wings and has gone to be with our brother JNR. 'It still doesn't feel real. She was only admitted to hospital two weeks ago, and now she's gone. The pain is overwhelming, especially for her four beautiful babies.' Meanwhile, Queensland skipper Ali Brigginshaw has defiantly declared she wants to keep playing representative football after enduring a horror few weeks of online abuse including death threats and calls for her to retire. Fresh off an 18-14 victory over NSW in Thursday night's State of Origin dead rubber in Newcastle, the Maroons captain said she will not pander to social media bullies and wants to keep playing as long as she's earning a jersey. 'I do want to keep playing on, I think people just look at your age and think that's enough, there was still comments out there tonight about when I'm going to retire and I still love my footy and if I get picked I get picked, but I'm not saying people should pick me just because I've been here before,' the 35-year-old said after putting Chelsea Lenarduzzi over from behind the ruck to score the matchwinning try in the dying minutes of game three. The Maroons celebrate after winning Women's State of Origin game three. Picture: Getty Images 'I want to prove I can play in this jersey. Hopefully I did that tonight. 'I'll do whatever it takes for this jersey. I'm really proud to represent Queensland and that's what hurts, surely people see how proud I am to do that. 'I do anything I'm asked, I play any position, I don't carry on. And to see how upset my family are to see the things said about it, that's what hurt the most.' Maroons coach Tahnee Norris backed her call, saying Brigginshaw has earned enough credit throughout her 17-year rugby league career, which started back in 2009. 'It's her decision, it's not mine. Ali is a true Origin player and a leader of this team, and I feel for her, she's had a tough couple of weeks, it's just wrong,' Norris said. 'I've got so much respect for her and what she brings to this team, what she's done for women's rugby league and how she's led this group of Maroons players, people don't understand, they don't see that. 'She plays herself into teams and we pick her, it's as simple as that, so it's up to her when she makes that call. 'Utmost respect for how she's handled herself the past few weeks, it's been really hard on her.'
Herald Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Ali Brigginshaw's wife calls out disgusting social media abuse after State of Origin, NRL news
The NRL world is rallying around Queensland Maroons skipper Ali Brigginshaw after her partner Kate revealed the vile social media abuse that had been sent their way. Brigginshaw and the Maroons find themselves down 2-0 in the State of Origin series with the Blues looking for a clean sweep next week at McDonald Jones Stadium. 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. But in the wake of the second contest, when the Blues prevailed 26-6 at Allianz Stadium, Kate revealed the family had been targeted by horrific online abuse. Taking to Instagram she exposed the extent to which some messages had gone with one telling the family to 'kill themselves'. 'Mental health affects everyone, in particular athletes,' she wrote. 'Anyone in the public eye is aware they open themselves up to opinion and scrutiny, however there is a fine line between a reasonable comment/dm and what is honestly far beyond anything even remotely reasonable, which is what Ali and our family have been subjected to for the last month. 'Bashing people on social media isn't cool. Ali Brigginshaw (left) and Kate at the Dally M Awards. Picture: Jonathan Ng The Maroons skipper was targeted by vile abuse. (Photo by) 'You think you're showing something bad about someone else when you're really showing something bad about yourself. 'Normal people don't go around vomiting hate about individuals they know absolutely nothing about, or send derogatory, sexist or cruel dms encouraging someone to kill themselves. 'Ironically, the same people showing support for MH (mental health) awareness and 'it ain't weak to speak' are the same people leaving comments and sending those disgusting dms. 'It is incredibly damaging and dangerous and I seriously encourage all those who do participate to think before leaving a comment or sending a dm about whether they would say those things to someone they loved.' The NRL world is rallying around Queensland Maroons skipper Ali Brigginshaw. (Photo by) Kate's post attracted heavy support from those across the NRL community with fans rushing to throw their arms around the family. One wrote on X: 'The absolute gutless dogs who are threatening Ali Brigginshaw (or indeed anyone) online need to get the book thrown at them.' A second added: 'You could not meet a nicer person than Ali Brigginshaw. A true Queenslander, one who should be respected and not abused by cowards.' A third posted: 'It's one thing to comment about her playing ability or career moves. It's a totally different thing to comment on her personal life or her as a person. That goes for any human on the planet. Ali has done more for international women's sport than any bloke in this comment section who probably have daughters that see her as a role model.' The NRL community has rallied around the veteran. (Photo by) Brigginshaw has been a stalwart of the Maroons' State of Origin squad since making her debut back in 2018. Throughout an illustrious career, the 35-year-old has pulled on the Queensland jersey 11 times while also playing 25 Tests for Australia. The NRLW icon will be hoping to go out on top and avoid a clean sweep when the two states lock horns next week. While there was concern she might miss out on selection for the third and final game of the series, selectors elected to give the veteran a shot at an Origin swan song. The third State of Origin contest will take place on May 29 at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle from 7:45pm (AEST). Originally published as Maroons star's wife calls out disgusting social media abuse
Herald Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Herald Sun
Bombshell twist after journo axed from Channel 9 NRL show, Danika Mason
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. New details have emerged in the wake of the Channel 9 storm that erupted last month on the set of 100% Footy. It was revealed in May that journalist Michael Chammas was told not to show up after producers were told Eels star Mitchell Moses did not want the reporter to be there. 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. According to the initial report, Moses' manager Isaac Moses told producers he would consider pulling Moses from his appearance on the show if Chammas was not replaced. The network's decision to bow to the demand made by the footballer and his representatives, reportedly left several journalists at Nine furious. Now further details have been uncovered with The Daily Telegraph's Phil Rothfield exposing the full weight of influence the controversial player agent has at the network. Two of Moses' biggest clients are NRL legend Cameron Smith and Today Show star Danika Mason. As Rothfield wrote for The Daily Telegraph: 'the network made the decision to keep Moses onside at the expense of their own journalist'. The move by the network didn't go down well with Rothfield and Andrew Webster torching the network in an edition of their popular Off the record with Buzz and Webby podcast. Webster said the saga was a 'really, really poor look' for Nine. 'It's weak as piss from Channel 9,' Webster, who has previously been employed by the free-to-air network, said. 'There's no way that should be allowed. It's hard for me to talk about because I left the joint last year after many years. I've got a lot of people that I love and respect who are still there and it probably is a good indicator for why I'm no longer working for the joint and the frustration you can get there when you're a journalist trying to do your job. 'Chammas works his guts out. He chases like a greyhound. The only silver lining is that it disproves the theory that he's in Isaac Moses' pocket. Because Moses has speared him from being on the show.' Webster said the NRL should be asking questions about how the incident played out. 'It's not good. It's outrageous,' he said. 'The NRL should step in. They're the host broadcaster. If I'm the NRL I'm going what's this So player managers now decide who appears on football panels? That's bulls***.' Rothfield said: 'Who do they think they are? How dare they. I'm so angry about it and it's got nothing to do with me'. Why is Isaac Moses a controversial figure? Moses was notably one of the agents banned for six months for his role in the Melbourne Storm salary cap saga. He was also sensationally deregistered for breaching his obligations as an agent, in relation to an investigation into the Parramatta Eels in 2021. However, his accreditation was later reinstated after Roosters chairman Nick Politis famously lobbied ARLC chair Peter V'landys to allow him to be a player agent again. But soon after Moses returned, Politis would come to regret his decision as he reportedly felt blindsided by Moses' client Joseph Suaalii's defection to rugby and sensationally declared he would never deal with the agent again. More recently he seemingly was the man behind Lachlan Galvin's messy exit from the Tigers. The player's agent reportedly had no interest in listening to the Tigers' offers and informed the club that he had no faith in Marshall's coaching ability, believing the rookie coach didn't have the tools to develop his client into a star of the game. It wasn't the first time Isaac Moses has ruffled feathers at the joint venture either as he managed James Tedesco, Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods and Mitch Moses when they were all coming off contract all at the same time in 2017. In the end, only Brooks signed a new deal, with the Tigers left licking their wounds after three of their four star players moved to rival clubs and resulted in the club having to go through a rough roster rebuild. Originally published as Bombshell twist after journalist axed from Channel 9 NRL show
Mercury
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Mercury
‘Listen to Joey': Knights coach slammed amid $2m truth bomb
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. The Newcastle Knights have been urged to recall Jackson Hastings and stick with a consistent halves pairing amid growing pressure on coach Adam O'Brien. Newcastle take on Penrith in Bathurst on Saturday in a must win game, which you can watch on Fox League via Kayo. The Knights will be without Kalyn Ponga who is in Queensland camp, while the Panthers are missing Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo and Brian To'o due to NSW Origin duties. 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. In Ponga's absence, young gun Fletcher Sharpe has been moved from the halves to fullback, with Tyson Gamble and Jack Cogger named in the halves. Jackson Hastings has been included on an extended interchange, but it remains to be seen if the out-of-favour veteran earns a recall for his first NRL game of the year. Speaking to Tigers great Steve 'Blocker' Roach criticised the move to move Sharpe out of the halves and said it was time for O'Brien to pick and stick. 'They're struggling because they don't pick the same halves every week,' Roach said. 'They've swapped and changed half a dozen times. You've got to have that continuity in your spine, especially in your halves. Fletcher Sharpe, Jack Cogger and Tyson Gamble have all played in the halves for Newcastle this year. 'They dropped Cogger a couple of weeks ago and now they've brought him back. I don't really know what they're doing.' 'Same thing with moving Fletcher Sharpe back to fullback. He's killing it at five-eighth, why would you move him? I know Kalyn's not there this week but I don't get it … to weaken one position to strengthen another.' O'Brien has chopped and changed his halves this season, with a feud behind the scenes reportedly a contributing factor in the decision to leave Hastings out of the team. Knights legend Andrew Johns has called on O'Brien to pick Hastings, who is on a $700,000 contract that ends at the end of this year. 'They've got to work out who their halves are (because) Tyson Gamble's not a halfback, he's a really good 14,' Johns said. 'One thing about Jackson, he's polarising as we all know, but he can get you around the park. He'll organise, he can get a game plan on, he kicks well and he brings other players into play. 'There's rumours about certain feuds and all this, which I couldn't give a rat's about. Jackson Hastings (right) hasn't played an NRL game this season. 'Whoever's the best No.7, put them in there and leave them there, because there's no stability in the key areas.' Roach agreed, adding: 'Listen to Joey Johns, probably the greatest halfback ever to play. If he's saying he (Hastings) should be there and leading the team around, what do you reckon? I'd be listening to Joey.' Knights coach responds amid $2m payout drama The Knights sit 16th on the ladder having lost seven of their past eight games, placing immense scrutiny on coach Adam O'Brien, who is contracted to the end of 2027. O'Brien has been the coach since 2020 and made finals four times, but this year's form has many wondering if he will be sacked. 'I don't even know how to help Newcastle,' Braith Anasta said on BTFU's 180 Podcast. 'I'd hate to be in that inner sanctum now, the vibe would be like a funeral. 'The whole thing around him is the $2 million payout. I don't think many other coaches, the way they're going and position they're in, would have survived as long as he has. 'A lot of it has to do with the money he is owed with a payout there and you've got to question why they re-signed him, they weren't exactly flying … that was pretty crazy.' Knights coach Adam O'Brien is under pressure. Photo: NRL images. O'Brien said on Thursday: 'I've got good, strong support from the board. 'They understand the situation that we're in with our depth and the injuries. 'Pressure and expectation comes with the job, I understand that. I'm used to it by now. 'We want results and I understand our supporters and sponsors want results - but I can't get fixated on that narrative. I've just got to focus on getting today right and being really committed to fighting our way out with the players.' Tigers legend on Galvin: 'See ya later' All signs are pointing to Lachlan Galvin being granted an early release from the Tigers at the end of this season after the young playmaker's decision not to stay beyond his contract that expires at the end of 2026. Lachlan Galvin may have played his last game for the Tigers. (Photo by) There is growing speculation Galvin could even leave the Tigers mid-season, with the joint venture club reportedly expecting a transfer fee of $165,000 for his departure. Balmain Tigers legend Roach, who urged Galvin to show 'loyalty' to the Tigers earlier this year, said it was time for the two parties to go their separate ways. 'You've got to want to play for your club,' Roach told 'I'm old school. If you don't want to be there, see ya later. Good luck to him. 'I think he does some good things and he's got potential but I don't think he's the type of player they're saying he is. He's not a Fittler or a Daley yet. Maybe it's a little bit of overhype. 'He's got ability, he's going to be good. But maybe they've pumped him up a bit too much too early.' Originally published as 'Listen to Joey': Knights coach slammed amid $2m truth bomb
Courier-Mail
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
NRL news: Terrell May opens up about live stream gaffe as he sends message to NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley, State of Origin 2025
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Wests Tigers star Terrell May has apologised for his live stream outburst where he told his friend to chuck his Blues jersey 'in the bin' after revealing he had been snubbed by Laurie Daley. May confirmed the rumour he was not in Daley's 20-man squad live on Twitch – a live streaming platform and social network – where he was playing and streaming Call of Duty Warzone with his friends. 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. Breaking the news of his NSW Blues omission to his mates and the general public, the Tigers enforcer instructed his friend to throw the Blues jersey he bought for him in the bin as he confirmed the rumour he is set to miss out. 'You know that Blues jersey I bought you? Chuck it in the bin,' May said on his Twitch stream last Thursday night. Terrell May has addressed his NSW snub and his viral live stream gaffe. Image: Getty/Twitch After dropping the bombshell he won't be selected by Daley, May then joked he may have to defect from NSW to get a run in the Origin arena. 'Might have to switch my allegiance,' May quipped. His comments prompted a fiery response from former Blues coach Brad Fittler, who labelled his actions 'pathetic'. Daley wasn't bothered by them saying they had no bearing on his selection now or in the future. But May has set the record straight and apologised for his comments, stating frustration got the better of him. 'When all those reports came out, there were so many comments saying 'I can't believe you didn't make it' … I got a bit frustrated,' he told Nathan's Lawns and Gardens. 'I never should have said that. That's on me. Obviously, I was joking, but no one really knows me personally, so I shouldn't assume people are gonna know me. 'I wish I could take that back, but I can't. At the end of the day, that's on me. 'Now, I gotta live with it. I'm just gonna keep grinding to earn their trust.' May continues to make headlines for online activity May's online activity continues to make waves with his YouTube Vlog making headlines earlier this month. Terrell May revealed he had been snubbed by Laurie Daley while streaming Call of Duty. May's video which showed an NRL fan asking if he could take a selfie with several Tigers players while they were waiting in a terminal at Brisbane Airport last weekend was surrounded in controversy. In the video, Tigers captain Jarome Luai appeared to be in the middle of a video call with his family and had headphones in his ears at the time of the request. The star playmaker then appeared to brush the fan off and his decision not to engage in conversation with the member of the public sparked debate about the obligations expected of NRL players off the field. Throughout the clip May humorously directed the fan to instead take photos with Royce Hunt and Jahream Bula as he attempted to rile up his teammates. Originally published as Terrell May opens up about live stream gaffe amid bold declaration to NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley
