Latest news with #NSWCup
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Ex-winger who was ‘too slow, too big' now a key man up front for Dogs
First he pounced on a Jason Saab fumble and bolted 12 metres to score the opener, then he crashed over from close range after an offload from Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey. Yet Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo was more impressed with the tough carries and 27 tackles Hughes delivered during his 30 minutes than his tryscoring heroics. 'I thought his start to the game was really good, and his second stint,' Ciraldo said. 'He scored two tries and everyone sees that, but the stuff he's doing that front-rowers have to do, I thought he was brilliant at that.' Ciraldo said Hughes, who played all 25 games for Canterbury last season, was getting back to his best after undergoing ankle surgery earlier in the year. 'We missed him at the start of the year,' Ciraldo said. 'He had that syndesmosis injury and missed the first 12 weeks of the season. He was really good for us last year. 'He's just been building towards that. Last week it was hard to leave him out of the team … we wanted him to go back to NSW Cup and play big minutes. He went back and did that and totally deserved to come back into the team.' After the Bulldogs were knocked out in the opening round of the play-offs last year, they are on track for a top-two finish this season, and Hughes is confident they can do some damage in the finals. 'We're a different style of team, I reckon,' he said. 'We're real fit. We base our game [on] defence. You don't get picked in the team unless your defence is pretty good. So, yeah, we're a real defensive team, and I think that's what we'll need in those games.' It's a far cry from Hughes' debut season in 2023, when the Bulldogs won only seven games and finished third last. 'We got smashed [50-16] on my debut by the Bunnies on Anzac Day,' he recalled. 'That was one you don't want to really remember, but it was good, man. It was good to get out there [in the NRL].' Loading Hughes and NSW Origin representative Max King have formed a reliable front-row pairing for the Bulldogs that will be bolstered next season by the recruitment of Kiwi international Leo Thompson from Newcastle on a four-year deal. 'It's great competition,' Hughes said of Thompson's arrival. 'That's what we want. We want to beef up our middle pack. So it's great competition, man. It just pushes you to get better.'
The Age
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
Ex-winger who was ‘too slow, too big' now a key man up front for Dogs
First he pounced on a Jason Saab fumble and bolted 12 metres to score the opener, then he crashed over from close range after an offload from Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey. Yet Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo was more impressed with the tough carries and 27 tackles Hughes delivered during his 30 minutes than his tryscoring heroics. 'I thought his start to the game was really good, and his second stint,' Ciraldo said. 'He scored two tries and everyone sees that, but the stuff he's doing that front-rowers have to do, I thought he was brilliant at that.' Ciraldo said Hughes, who played all 25 games for Canterbury last season, was getting back to his best after undergoing ankle surgery earlier in the year. 'We missed him at the start of the year,' Ciraldo said. 'He had that syndesmosis injury and missed the first 12 weeks of the season. He was really good for us last year. 'He's just been building towards that. Last week it was hard to leave him out of the team … we wanted him to go back to NSW Cup and play big minutes. He went back and did that and totally deserved to come back into the team.' After the Bulldogs were knocked out in the opening round of the play-offs last year, they are on track for a top-two finish this season, and Hughes is confident they can do some damage in the finals. 'We're a different style of team, I reckon,' he said. 'We're real fit. We base our game [on] defence. You don't get picked in the team unless your defence is pretty good. So, yeah, we're a real defensive team, and I think that's what we'll need in those games.' It's a far cry from Hughes' debut season in 2023, when the Bulldogs won only seven games and finished third last. 'We got smashed [50-16] on my debut by the Bunnies on Anzac Day,' he recalled. 'That was one you don't want to really remember, but it was good, man. It was good to get out there [in the NRL].'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Stunning development for Nathan Cleary and brother as Tigers torched over Luai move
It was a family affair for the Cleary clan on Saturday as Nathan put on a clinic for the Panthers against the Wests Tigers. But his heroics might not have been the best performance of the day by a halfback named Cleary. Younger brother Jett produced his best game at NSW Cup level to date as the Warriors' reserve-grade team trounced the Rabbitohs 68-6. Jett scored two tries and had a hand in a plethora of others, while also slotting two conversions after taking over the kicking duties late in the game. Souths were absolutely decimated due to the injury crisis engulfing their first-grade squad, meaning NSW Cup players were playing up at NRL level. But it shouldn't take anything away from Cleary's performance, with the 20-year-old stepping up to reserve-grade level himself. Luke Metcalf's ACL injury has seen Tanah Boyd move up from NSW Cup to NRL, which in turn has seen Cleary promoted from Jersey Flegg (Under-21s) to NSW Cup. Saturday marked Cleary's third game in NSW Cup since Metcalf's injury forced a reshuffle, and the Warriors have won all three. Cleary hasn't missed a beat as the Warriors continued a historic winning streak with their 14th victory in a row. It's the all-time record for most-consecutive wins in NSW Cup. Jett continues to make a name for himself after splitting with his famous brother and father and heading across the ditch. The 20-year-old is a Penrith junior, but signed a three-year deal with the Warriors to try and forge his own path away from the Panthers. They started him in Flegg, it's good to see they are bringing him along slowly — James Cheeseman @ (@shaggy84329) July 27, 2025 Come home some day Jett. Good to see your career come along though — Michael Bianchi .. Panthers 1991-2003,21,22,23,24 (@Penropennies) July 27, 2025 Can he kick? Surely he gets a chance. Tannah Boyd is not the answer. — Rich Giovanni 'Conte' Mollo (@mollogio) July 26, 2025 He's going to look great back in the panthers jersey after this unofficial 'loan' ends - kids got talent — Sport Season (@NRLFan1967) July 26, 2025 Nathan Cleary in ominous form for Panthers Just a few hours after Jett's superb display, his brother Nathan was doing similar things at NRL level. Nathan had three try-assists and a line-break, while also kicking six from six conversions in the Panthers' 36-2 victory over the Tigers. The fact he's goal-kicking again means his groin injury is well behind him, and it's a scary sight for the rest of the NRL. The Panthers have now won seven-straight games in a stunning surge up the NRL ladder after sitting rock-bottom just two months ago. Ivan Cleary's side are now fifth on the NRL ladder and just three points behind the Warriors in fourth. "I'll be happy to make the top eight, really," said coach Cleary after being asked if his team can dare to dream of a top-four finish. "I'm very proud of the boys, the whole club really, the way we've just sort of hung in there and essentially just trusted what we do. It's funny how things fall your way a little bit when you're winning and it's probably the opposite when you're not. We can reflect more on that later on." Tigers' loss piles pressure on Benji Marshall and Jarome Luai The woeful loss for the Tigers has sparked questions of marquee signing Jarome Luai, who moved from Penrith on a $6 million deal last off-season. The $1.2m-per-year offer was too good to refuse as it allowed Luai to set his family up, but questions are being asked as to whether the Tigers overpaid. Luai won four premierships at Penrith, but has struggled while trying to be the main man at the Tigers and step out of Cleary's lengthy shadow. He hasn't scored a try all season and only has 10 try assists after 21 rounds. RELATED: Cameron Munster 'open' to switch to Melbourne Storm's rival NRL world all says same thing about Reece Walsh after Broncos loss One person wrote on social media: "As a Wests Tigers fan for nearly 49 years I am getting incredibly frustrated with the club! We paid big money for Jarome Luai for what! I thought he was the answer to turning the team around! Big mistake we do better without him!" Another wrote: "Luai was NEVER going to be a messiah for the club. He's good, but NOT that good. Wests Tigers need some hard-working raw-boned forwards to help (Terrell) May out. Then you might see some improvement. Sadly I don't think Benji's the answer as coach either." After a promising start to the season, the Tigers are now 13th on the ladder and just two points ahead of the last-placed Rabbitohs. The Titans' win over the Warriors vaulted them out of 17th place and put Wayne Bennett in danger of being handed his first wooden spoon ever.
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
‘This is that on steroids': Beer Footy and Food Festival returns with a bang
Jai Arrow is relieved to be one of the last fit men standing at the Rabbitohs this season, but there is one downside to his clean bill of health with the veteran forward 'filthy' that he'll miss Saturday's Beer Footy and Food Festival at Henson Park. More than 10,000 people are expected to fill out the suburban venue where they'll be treated to 30 different beer vendors, 20 food trucks, live pro wrestling and streaker bull rush as the Jets take on the Dragons in the NSW Cup. Arrow will be in Gosford preparing to take on the Sharks when the annual event gets under way, and he'll be jealous when he sees all the pictures on social media of people living it up on the famous hill. 'It looks unreal,' he said at the launch of the event as he tucked into a Japanese-Mexican fusion taco. 'I'm filthy that we're playing on Saturday night at 7.30. If it had been Friday night, it would have been ideal. 'That's what I was saying to (Sharks forward) Toby Rudolf. Both of us are playing each other this week, and we would have been here straight after the game if we were playing on Friday night. 'It looks like a really cool event. You've got the wrestlers here which I'm quite intrigued about because I know James Graham wrestled one of those boys last year at one of their big events. 'It'll be a cracking day and I'm spewing that I'm missing out on it.' Roosters lock Victor Radley is sidelined with a shoulder injury but will make the trip to enjoy an afternoon of old-school fun. 'A lot of my friends play for the North Sydney Bears, and you go to North Sydney Oval on a random Saturday or Sunday afternoon and you watch the footy and it's such a great day,' he said. 'This is that on steroids. 'It's one of the best days of the year for any footy fan.' One of the highlights of the day will be streaker bull rush, which is a spin on the old schoolyard game. Hit artist Freddy Crabs was there to explain the game at the launch and copped a few bruising shots for his troubles, including a couple of heavy hits from Roosters NRLW star Jasmin Strange. 'I'm so sore from my game on Sunday so I better post that video because my S and C (strength and conditioning) team won't be happy with me doing full contact after that,' she laughed.
Sydney Morning Herald
7 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Walters confirmed as Kangaroos coach for Ashes series
Skinner was officially appointed as Jillaroos head coach in February ahead of their historic Las Vegas match – taking over from long-time coach Brad Donald. She will continue to lead the Australian women's team for the Pacific Championships later this year and into the 2026 World Cup. 'Jess Skinner had significant success in her first outing as Jillaroos coach in Las Vegas earlier this year,' V'Landys said. 'Jess has progressed through the coaching pathways and is a fantastic choice to lead Australia's most prolific national women's team until the end of the World Cup.' Eels release Matterson to join Sam Burgess' Wolves; Parramatta have released out-of-favour back-rower Ryan Matterson for the remainder of the year. Matterson, a former NSW Origin representative who has spent most of this season either in NSW Cup or in the club's injury ward, will leave immediately to join English club Warrington on a loan deal for the rest of the Super League season. The 30-year-old still has one more year to run on his deal with the Eels, worth around $700,000 in 2026. Under the terms of the loan, Matterson can return to Parramatta next year if he chooses not to pursue opportunities elsewhere. The Eels had given Matterson permission to negotiate with rival clubs, but his management has been unable to land him a contract in the NRL. Wolves coach Sam Burgess, however, was prepared to take a chance on the player as he looks to improve on his side's current position of eighth on the Super league ladder. The deal is similar to the one Wests Tigers negotiated with the Wolves last year which allowed John Bateman to leave the club mid-season for a stint in Super League. That arrangement helped ease the Tigers' salary cap pressure and ultimately led to Bateman choosing to continue his career at the Cowboys this season instead of returning to play at the Tigers under Benji Marshall. The Eels are privately hopeful Matterson can find a deal elsewhere in 2026, with the player not in the long-term plans of coach Jason Ryles. Matterson has played just four NRL games off the bench for the Eels this season. Tigers extend Koroisau until end of 2028 Billie Eder Api Koroisau has signed a two-year extension with the Wests Tigers, which will keep him at the joint venture club until the end of 2028. The 32-year-old was already contracted through to the end of next year, but the Tigers were eager to retain their skipper as they continue to rebuild under coach Benji Marshall. Koroisau's extension has been anticipated for a number of weeks and was the reason the Tigers let emerging talent Tallyn Da Silva go to Parramatta. 'This club has become family to me. I've felt nothing but support from the players, staff, and especially Benji - he's someone I really admire and enjoy playing under,' Koroisau said. 'I'm stoked to re-sign and can't wait to help lead this team for a few more years.' Marshall said Koroisau was a crucial part of the team's future success. 'Api is a great player, but more so he is the heart and soul of this team,' Marshall said. 'His leadership, experience and energy are invaluable. Having him commit to our future is massive for the direction we are heading in. We are thrilled to have him and his wonderful family here long term.' Eels young gun set to miss next month with broken hand Michael Chammas Parramatta have been dealt a blow with rookie-of-the-year contender Isaiah Iongi expected to miss the next month with a broken hand suffered in the loss to Canberra at the weekend. The Eels were set to be boosted by the return of halfback Mitchell Moses, but the positive news has been offset by the disappointment of their fullback being sidelined. Joash Papalii has been playing in the halves but is the club's back-up fullback. It could open the door for Dylan Brown to return to the team in the halves however coach Jason Ryles has previously stated his desire to plan for the future. NRL backs 'outrageous' calls that left Dragons coach seething Christian Nicolussi The NRL have defended the two contentious calls Dragons coach Shane Flanagan claimed cost his side victory against Canterbury and a potential NRL finals berth. An NRL spokesperson confirmed Dragons forward Luciano Leilua was correctly penalised for interfering with a Jacob Kiraz play-the-ball, and there was no video evidence to suggest Viliame Kikau knocked on when being tackled by Tyrell Sloan. After reviewing footage on Monday, the spokesperson backed the Bunker's decision to punish Leilua for knocking the ball out of Kiraz' hands, and how he still had hold of Kiraz as he tried to get to his feet. The footage showed Leilua with his left hand on the elbow of Kiraz, then his foot comes forward and dislodges the ball. Kiraz did not play the ball correctly, but was not given the chance to do so because of Leilua's actions. Kikau also appeared to knock the ball into Sloan when he raced in off his wing in the 78th minute. Rather than stop play and give the ball to the Dragons, referee Adam Gee awarded the Dogs a fresh set, and they scored the match-winner a minute later. The spokesperson was satisfied Kikau was trying to quickly pass the ball, and that there was nothing to suggest the ball travelled forward into Sloan. Flanagan was seething after the game, describing the Leilua call as 'outrageous'. 'They're a good side the Bulldogs, they compete hard, but there were some decisions tonight that cost us two competition points, and could cost us an opportunity to play semi-finals,' he said. Flanagan preferred not to comment on Monday, and was focused on making sure his side were ready for the road trip to Townsville to face the Cowboys on Friday. Christian Tuipulotu (hamstring) and Mat Feagai (ankle) are in contention to replace Sione Finau on the left wing after the youngster dislocated his shoulder scoring against the Dogs in the second half on Saturday night. Tabuai-Fidow considers Samoa switch Michael Chammas Queensland superstar Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is considering walking away from the Kangaroos to represent Samoa at the end-of-season Pacific Championship. With NSW prop Payne Haas and Maroons counterpart Tino Fa'asuamaleaui also weighing up the move, the news of Tabuai-Fidow's potential defection looms as a hammer blow to incoming coach Kevin Walters' hopes of winning the first Ashes series in more than two decades. The Dolphins fullback, who has represented Australia for the past two years and would be an almost guaranteed selection in the Kangaroos team for the Ashes, is strongly considering changing his international allegiance. The Australian Rugby League Commission is putting the finishing touches to the deal for Walters to take charge of the Kangaroos in the three-Test series against England starting at the end of October. One of Walters' first assignments will be to convince a host of Australian-eligible players to represent the Kangaroos instead of the countries of their family heritage. Other potential Kangaroos who have previously represented Samoa include Stefano Utoikamanu and Jeremiah Nanai. Potential Samoa team Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow Brian To'o Izack Tago Stephen Crichton Roger Tuivasa-Sheck Blaize Talagi Jarome Luai Terrell May Danny Levi Payne Haas Jeremiah Nanai Jaydn Su'A Tino Fa'asuamaleaui Sua Fa'alogo Spencer Leniu Josh Papalii Shawn Blore Tabuai-Fidow represented Samoa at the 2022 World Cup, where injury limited his involvement to just one game. He was one of Queensland's best players in game three of this year's State of Origin series after being moved to fullback to cover for the injured Kalyn Ponga. Tabuai-Fidow's form has him strongly in the conversation for the Kangaroos No.1 jersey currently held by Penrith's Dylan Edwards. Other fullback options include Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga – if he is fit to play and chooses to represent Australia. Storm enforcer banned for elbowing rival's head Dan Walsh One enforcer in, one enforcer out. Melbourne's Nelson Asofa-Solomona is set to miss Thursday's showdown with the Roosters as he faces a three-game ban for elbowing, while the Tricolours' own hitman Victor Radley will manage a shoulder injury after scans cleared him of serious injury. The Roosters do face being without halfback Hugo Savala once more for a critical clash with the Storm though after he was spotted in what the club described as a precautionary moon boot while already recovering from a wrist injury. Savala had a cortisone injection to ease a foot injury last week and given the young playmaker was already out with ligament damage in his wrist, he is considered unlikely to be available. While Roosters coach Trent Robinson recalled Chad Townsend for his first NRL appearance since April in an error-riddled 31-18 loss to Cronulla last week, playmaker Sandon Smith was also withdrawn from NSW Cup on Saturday. Immortal Andrew Johns on The Sunday Footy Show described Townsend's elevation over Smith against the Sharks as a 'head scratcher' that he couldn't comprehend given Smith's Anzac Day heroics against the Dragons and running threat this season.
