Latest news with #NSWStateofOrigin
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Storm players waiting on Bellamy's big call
The 65-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down, this year adding to his work-load by joining the NSW State of Origin coaching team as a consultant. But having signed a five-year contract back in 2022 that allows him to decide each year whether he will continue in the head coach position or transition into a coaching director role, the question comes around annually. One of the premiership favourites, Melbourne are currently fourth on the ladder after some inconsistent form that has seen them go win-loss since round six. They host sixth-placed North Queensland on Friday night and are set to be back to full-strength after skipper Harry Grant and winger Xavier Coates sat out their Gold Coast win following State of Origin duty. Dally M Medal-winning halfback Jarome Hughes said he hadn't heard any whispers around what call his coach might make. Star playmaker Cameron Munster has been enlisted in the past to persuade "Bellyache" to sign on but also hadn't made a visit to his office. The coach has been rumoured to be considering a shift to the Titans in 2027, relocating to his Gold Coast property to be near extended family. "Usually around this time it's all in the papers of what he's going to do but there hasn't been much talk," vice-captain Hughes said. "He probably wouldn't want that to distract anyone either, likes to keep that close to his chest, what he's going to do. "I guess it's that time of year where it's probably going to come up now and he's probably going to have to make a decision soon and I'm sure Munny (Munster) will be back in his office trying to get him to stay another year." "He's such a great coach and he's been such a great mentor for all of us players for so long - so the longer he stays the better. "It's whatever's best for him and his family and whatever he wants to do but I can't see him hanging it up too soon. "He'll get bored at home in his mansion at Albert Park so I'm sure he'll go around again." The 65-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down, this year adding to his work-load by joining the NSW State of Origin coaching team as a consultant. But having signed a five-year contract back in 2022 that allows him to decide each year whether he will continue in the head coach position or transition into a coaching director role, the question comes around annually. One of the premiership favourites, Melbourne are currently fourth on the ladder after some inconsistent form that has seen them go win-loss since round six. They host sixth-placed North Queensland on Friday night and are set to be back to full-strength after skipper Harry Grant and winger Xavier Coates sat out their Gold Coast win following State of Origin duty. Dally M Medal-winning halfback Jarome Hughes said he hadn't heard any whispers around what call his coach might make. Star playmaker Cameron Munster has been enlisted in the past to persuade "Bellyache" to sign on but also hadn't made a visit to his office. The coach has been rumoured to be considering a shift to the Titans in 2027, relocating to his Gold Coast property to be near extended family. "Usually around this time it's all in the papers of what he's going to do but there hasn't been much talk," vice-captain Hughes said. "He probably wouldn't want that to distract anyone either, likes to keep that close to his chest, what he's going to do. "I guess it's that time of year where it's probably going to come up now and he's probably going to have to make a decision soon and I'm sure Munny (Munster) will be back in his office trying to get him to stay another year." "He's such a great coach and he's been such a great mentor for all of us players for so long - so the longer he stays the better. "It's whatever's best for him and his family and whatever he wants to do but I can't see him hanging it up too soon. "He'll get bored at home in his mansion at Albert Park so I'm sure he'll go around again." The 65-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down, this year adding to his work-load by joining the NSW State of Origin coaching team as a consultant. But having signed a five-year contract back in 2022 that allows him to decide each year whether he will continue in the head coach position or transition into a coaching director role, the question comes around annually. One of the premiership favourites, Melbourne are currently fourth on the ladder after some inconsistent form that has seen them go win-loss since round six. They host sixth-placed North Queensland on Friday night and are set to be back to full-strength after skipper Harry Grant and winger Xavier Coates sat out their Gold Coast win following State of Origin duty. Dally M Medal-winning halfback Jarome Hughes said he hadn't heard any whispers around what call his coach might make. Star playmaker Cameron Munster has been enlisted in the past to persuade "Bellyache" to sign on but also hadn't made a visit to his office. The coach has been rumoured to be considering a shift to the Titans in 2027, relocating to his Gold Coast property to be near extended family. "Usually around this time it's all in the papers of what he's going to do but there hasn't been much talk," vice-captain Hughes said. "He probably wouldn't want that to distract anyone either, likes to keep that close to his chest, what he's going to do. "I guess it's that time of year where it's probably going to come up now and he's probably going to have to make a decision soon and I'm sure Munny (Munster) will be back in his office trying to get him to stay another year." "He's such a great coach and he's been such a great mentor for all of us players for so long - so the longer he stays the better. "It's whatever's best for him and his family and whatever he wants to do but I can't see him hanging it up too soon. "He'll get bored at home in his mansion at Albert Park so I'm sure he'll go around again."
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Storm players waiting on Bellamy's big call
Melbourne players are in the dark about Craig Bellamy's future despite their coach saying he intends to make an decision this week on whether to continue for a 24th year at the helm of the NRL club. The 65-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down, this year adding to his work-load by joining the NSW State of Origin coaching team as a consultant. But having signed a five-year contract back in 2022 that allows him to decide each year whether he will continue in the head coach position or transition into a coaching director role, the question comes around annually. One of the premiership favourites, Melbourne are currently fourth on the ladder after some inconsistent form that has seen them go win-loss since round six. They host sixth-placed North Queensland on Friday night and are set to be back to full-strength after skipper Harry Grant and winger Xavier Coates sat out their Gold Coast win following State of Origin duty. Dally M Medal-winning halfback Jarome Hughes said he hadn't heard any whispers around what call his coach might make. Star playmaker Cameron Munster has been enlisted in the past to persuade "Bellyache" to sign on but also hadn't made a visit to his office. The coach has been rumoured to be considering a shift to the Titans in 2027, relocating to his Gold Coast property to be near extended family. "Usually around this time it's all in the papers of what he's going to do but there hasn't been much talk," vice-captain Hughes said. "He probably wouldn't want that to distract anyone either, likes to keep that close to his chest, what he's going to do. "I guess it's that time of year where it's probably going to come up now and he's probably going to have to make a decision soon and I'm sure Munny (Munster) will be back in his office trying to get him to stay another year." Hughes felt that Bellamy was still the best coach in the game and hoped he could be convinced to continue in the role, that he first took on in 2003 and has since led the Storm to 21 finals series. "He's such a great coach and he's been such a great mentor for all of us players for so long - so the longer he stays the better. "It's whatever's best for him and his family and whatever he wants to do but I can't see him hanging it up too soon. "He'll get bored at home in his mansion at Albert Park so I'm sure he'll go around again."
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Koloamatangi ready for Origin after Blues injury blow
Mitchell Barnett has been ruled out for the season after scans confirmed the Warriors and NSW State of Origin prop has suffered a ruptured ACL. Barnett had the worst news confirmed on Monday in Auckland, after being assisted from Accor Stadium in the Warriors' 36-30 win over South Sydney on Sunday. His injury comes as a mega blow for the Warriors, with Barnett a key member of the club's rise up the ladder to second spot this year. It is also a significant issue for the Blues. Barnett laid an early foundation for NSW in their 18-6 series-opening win, and has just two-and-a-half weeks before the next clash in Perth on June 18. Stefano Utoikamanu looms as the favourite for the spot, after he was part of NSW's 20-man squad for game one and placed on standby for Payne Haas. But Keaon Koloamatangi will also likely remain an option, after being the form prop of the NRL for the past month following his move infield from the second row. The Rabbitohs forward topped 200 metres again against the Warriors, scored a try, made eight tackle busts and played 80 minutes for the third straight game. Koloamatangi debuted in the 2023 dead rubber, starting in the second row and tapping on a pass in the lead up to the first NSW try. "Obviously one of my big goals is to get back there," Koloamatangi said. "But obviously you've got to play good at club level to be able to make the team. So I'm trying to just do that." Asked if he would enter the arena better prepared now with that experience under his belt, the Souths enforcer said he would. "Especially after playing for Tonga against Australia as well," added the 27-year-old. "They're obviously a mixture of both New South Wales and Queensland players. "My confidence is high at the moment. I feel like I'm playing good footy. Whatever happens, happens." Koloamatangi's move to the front row has made him one of several big-minute machines in the middle. Haas has long been the benchmark for props, while Terrell May has also become an 80-minute option for Wests Tigers after his move there from the Sydney Roosters this year. Koloamatagi's situation is slightly different, given he lost 10kg in the pre-season - which made him the leanest he has been since he was a teenager playing centre. "You've got to be lean and a lot fitter than back in the day. There's not many big-muscle props anymore that play," Koloamatangi said. "Especially with the interchanges going down to eight. The more minutes you play, the more valuable. "No matter what position I play, I try and be the best at it. "Obviously, the best props in the world, like Payne, they play massive minutes and do a massive amount of work. So I just try and do that for my team." Mitchell Barnett has been ruled out for the season after scans confirmed the Warriors and NSW State of Origin prop has suffered a ruptured ACL. Barnett had the worst news confirmed on Monday in Auckland, after being assisted from Accor Stadium in the Warriors' 36-30 win over South Sydney on Sunday. His injury comes as a mega blow for the Warriors, with Barnett a key member of the club's rise up the ladder to second spot this year. It is also a significant issue for the Blues. Barnett laid an early foundation for NSW in their 18-6 series-opening win, and has just two-and-a-half weeks before the next clash in Perth on June 18. Stefano Utoikamanu looms as the favourite for the spot, after he was part of NSW's 20-man squad for game one and placed on standby for Payne Haas. But Keaon Koloamatangi will also likely remain an option, after being the form prop of the NRL for the past month following his move infield from the second row. The Rabbitohs forward topped 200 metres again against the Warriors, scored a try, made eight tackle busts and played 80 minutes for the third straight game. Koloamatangi debuted in the 2023 dead rubber, starting in the second row and tapping on a pass in the lead up to the first NSW try. "Obviously one of my big goals is to get back there," Koloamatangi said. "But obviously you've got to play good at club level to be able to make the team. So I'm trying to just do that." Asked if he would enter the arena better prepared now with that experience under his belt, the Souths enforcer said he would. "Especially after playing for Tonga against Australia as well," added the 27-year-old. "They're obviously a mixture of both New South Wales and Queensland players. "My confidence is high at the moment. I feel like I'm playing good footy. Whatever happens, happens." Koloamatangi's move to the front row has made him one of several big-minute machines in the middle. Haas has long been the benchmark for props, while Terrell May has also become an 80-minute option for Wests Tigers after his move there from the Sydney Roosters this year. Koloamatagi's situation is slightly different, given he lost 10kg in the pre-season - which made him the leanest he has been since he was a teenager playing centre. "You've got to be lean and a lot fitter than back in the day. There's not many big-muscle props anymore that play," Koloamatangi said. "Especially with the interchanges going down to eight. The more minutes you play, the more valuable. "No matter what position I play, I try and be the best at it. "Obviously, the best props in the world, like Payne, they play massive minutes and do a massive amount of work. So I just try and do that for my team." Mitchell Barnett has been ruled out for the season after scans confirmed the Warriors and NSW State of Origin prop has suffered a ruptured ACL. Barnett had the worst news confirmed on Monday in Auckland, after being assisted from Accor Stadium in the Warriors' 36-30 win over South Sydney on Sunday. His injury comes as a mega blow for the Warriors, with Barnett a key member of the club's rise up the ladder to second spot this year. It is also a significant issue for the Blues. Barnett laid an early foundation for NSW in their 18-6 series-opening win, and has just two-and-a-half weeks before the next clash in Perth on June 18. Stefano Utoikamanu looms as the favourite for the spot, after he was part of NSW's 20-man squad for game one and placed on standby for Payne Haas. But Keaon Koloamatangi will also likely remain an option, after being the form prop of the NRL for the past month following his move infield from the second row. The Rabbitohs forward topped 200 metres again against the Warriors, scored a try, made eight tackle busts and played 80 minutes for the third straight game. Koloamatangi debuted in the 2023 dead rubber, starting in the second row and tapping on a pass in the lead up to the first NSW try. "Obviously one of my big goals is to get back there," Koloamatangi said. "But obviously you've got to play good at club level to be able to make the team. So I'm trying to just do that." Asked if he would enter the arena better prepared now with that experience under his belt, the Souths enforcer said he would. "Especially after playing for Tonga against Australia as well," added the 27-year-old. "They're obviously a mixture of both New South Wales and Queensland players. "My confidence is high at the moment. I feel like I'm playing good footy. Whatever happens, happens." Koloamatangi's move to the front row has made him one of several big-minute machines in the middle. Haas has long been the benchmark for props, while Terrell May has also become an 80-minute option for Wests Tigers after his move there from the Sydney Roosters this year. Koloamatagi's situation is slightly different, given he lost 10kg in the pre-season - which made him the leanest he has been since he was a teenager playing centre. "You've got to be lean and a lot fitter than back in the day. There's not many big-muscle props anymore that play," Koloamatangi said. "Especially with the interchanges going down to eight. The more minutes you play, the more valuable. "No matter what position I play, I try and be the best at it. "Obviously, the best props in the world, like Payne, they play massive minutes and do a massive amount of work. So I just try and do that for my team."
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Koloamatangi ready for Origin after blow to teammate
Mitchell Barnett has been ruled out for the season after scans confirmed the Warriors and NSW State of Origin prop has suffered a ruptured ACL. Barnett had the worst news confirmed on Monday in Auckland, after being assisted from Accor Stadium in the Warriors' 36-30 win over South Sydney on Sunday. His injury comes as a mega blow for the Warriors, with Barnett a key member of the club's rise up the ladder to second spot this year. It is also a significant issue for the Blues. Barnett laid an early foundation for NSW in their 18-6 series-opening win, and has just two-and-a-half weeks before the next clash in Perth on June 18. Stefano Utoikamanu looms as the favourite for the spot, after he was part of NSW's 20-man squad for game one and placed on standby for Payne Haas. But Keaon Koloamatangi will also likely remain an option, after being the form prop of the NRL for the past month following his move infield from the second row. The Rabbitohs forward topped 200 metres again against the Warriors, scored a try, made eight tackle busts and played 80 minutes for the third straight game. Koloamatangi debuted in the 2023 dead rubber, starting in the second row and tapping on a pass in the lead up to the first NSW try. "Obviously one of my big goals is to get back there," Koloamatangi said. "But obviously you've got to play good at club level to be able to make the team. So I'm trying to just do that." Asked if he would enter the arena better prepared now with that experience under his belt, the Souths enforcer said he would. "Especially after playing for Tonga against Australia as well," added the 27-year-old. "They're obviously a mixture of both New South Wales and Queensland players. "My confidence is high at the moment. I feel like I'm playing good footy. Whatever happens, happens." Koloamatangi's move to the front row has made him one of several big-minute machines in the middle. Haas has long been the benchmark for props, while Terrell May has also become an 80-minute option for Wests Tigers after his move there from the Sydney Roosters this year. Koloamatagi's situation is slightly different, given he lost 10kg in the pre-season - which made him the leanest he has been since he was a teenager playing centre. "You've got to be lean and a lot fitter than back in the day. There's not many big-muscle props anymore that play," Koloamatangi said. "Especially with the interchanges going down to eight. The more minutes you play, the more valuable. "No matter what position I play, I try and be the best at it. "Obviously, the best props in the world, like Payne, they play massive minutes and do a massive amount of work. So I just try and do that for my team." Mitchell Barnett has been ruled out for the season after scans confirmed the Warriors and NSW State of Origin prop has suffered a ruptured ACL. Barnett had the worst news confirmed on Monday in Auckland, after being assisted from Accor Stadium in the Warriors' 36-30 win over South Sydney on Sunday. His injury comes as a mega blow for the Warriors, with Barnett a key member of the club's rise up the ladder to second spot this year. It is also a significant issue for the Blues. Barnett laid an early foundation for NSW in their 18-6 series-opening win, and has just two-and-a-half weeks before the next clash in Perth on June 18. Stefano Utoikamanu looms as the favourite for the spot, after he was part of NSW's 20-man squad for game one and placed on standby for Payne Haas. But Keaon Koloamatangi will also likely remain an option, after being the form prop of the NRL for the past month following his move infield from the second row. The Rabbitohs forward topped 200 metres again against the Warriors, scored a try, made eight tackle busts and played 80 minutes for the third straight game. Koloamatangi debuted in the 2023 dead rubber, starting in the second row and tapping on a pass in the lead up to the first NSW try. "Obviously one of my big goals is to get back there," Koloamatangi said. "But obviously you've got to play good at club level to be able to make the team. So I'm trying to just do that." Asked if he would enter the arena better prepared now with that experience under his belt, the Souths enforcer said he would. "Especially after playing for Tonga against Australia as well," added the 27-year-old. "They're obviously a mixture of both New South Wales and Queensland players. "My confidence is high at the moment. I feel like I'm playing good footy. Whatever happens, happens." Koloamatangi's move to the front row has made him one of several big-minute machines in the middle. Haas has long been the benchmark for props, while Terrell May has also become an 80-minute option for Wests Tigers after his move there from the Sydney Roosters this year. Koloamatagi's situation is slightly different, given he lost 10kg in the pre-season - which made him the leanest he has been since he was a teenager playing centre. "You've got to be lean and a lot fitter than back in the day. There's not many big-muscle props anymore that play," Koloamatangi said. "Especially with the interchanges going down to eight. The more minutes you play, the more valuable. "No matter what position I play, I try and be the best at it. "Obviously, the best props in the world, like Payne, they play massive minutes and do a massive amount of work. So I just try and do that for my team." Mitchell Barnett has been ruled out for the season after scans confirmed the Warriors and NSW State of Origin prop has suffered a ruptured ACL. Barnett had the worst news confirmed on Monday in Auckland, after being assisted from Accor Stadium in the Warriors' 36-30 win over South Sydney on Sunday. His injury comes as a mega blow for the Warriors, with Barnett a key member of the club's rise up the ladder to second spot this year. It is also a significant issue for the Blues. Barnett laid an early foundation for NSW in their 18-6 series-opening win, and has just two-and-a-half weeks before the next clash in Perth on June 18. Stefano Utoikamanu looms as the favourite for the spot, after he was part of NSW's 20-man squad for game one and placed on standby for Payne Haas. But Keaon Koloamatangi will also likely remain an option, after being the form prop of the NRL for the past month following his move infield from the second row. The Rabbitohs forward topped 200 metres again against the Warriors, scored a try, made eight tackle busts and played 80 minutes for the third straight game. Koloamatangi debuted in the 2023 dead rubber, starting in the second row and tapping on a pass in the lead up to the first NSW try. "Obviously one of my big goals is to get back there," Koloamatangi said. "But obviously you've got to play good at club level to be able to make the team. So I'm trying to just do that." Asked if he would enter the arena better prepared now with that experience under his belt, the Souths enforcer said he would. "Especially after playing for Tonga against Australia as well," added the 27-year-old. "They're obviously a mixture of both New South Wales and Queensland players. "My confidence is high at the moment. I feel like I'm playing good footy. Whatever happens, happens." Koloamatangi's move to the front row has made him one of several big-minute machines in the middle. Haas has long been the benchmark for props, while Terrell May has also become an 80-minute option for Wests Tigers after his move there from the Sydney Roosters this year. Koloamatagi's situation is slightly different, given he lost 10kg in the pre-season - which made him the leanest he has been since he was a teenager playing centre. "You've got to be lean and a lot fitter than back in the day. There's not many big-muscle props anymore that play," Koloamatangi said. "Especially with the interchanges going down to eight. The more minutes you play, the more valuable. "No matter what position I play, I try and be the best at it. "Obviously, the best props in the world, like Payne, they play massive minutes and do a massive amount of work. So I just try and do that for my team."
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bizarre runaway try puts Tigers on path to Magic win
Jahream Bula has shaken off a mid-game ankle injury and scored Wests Tigers' crucial length-of-the-field try in a hectic 34-28 win over St George Illawarra at Magic Round. The Dragons found some success with their call to drop Lachie Ilias for rookie Lykhan King-Togia but it was rival halfback Jarome Luai who had his fingerprints all over a match-defining first half on Saturday night. Already down 10 points, Saints had their spirits broken on the stroke of half-time after Jaydn Su'A dived over the line to score what would have been the Dragons' third try. But just before Su'A hit the turf, the ball inexplicably dropped from the second-rower's grasp without a defender touching him in the wet conditions. Bula collected the footy and sprinted from the in-goal to score under the posts just before the siren sounded. Bula turning up the MAGIC ✨ #NRLTigersDragons Telstra Moment of the Match. — NRL (@NRL) May 3, 2025 In a flash, the Dragons went from what could have been four points down had Su'A scored, to 16 points in arrears and hanging by a thread. The bizarre turn of events proved pivotal to the end result when the Dragons fought back into the game in the second half. Bench hooker Jacob Liddle crossed for two tries and closed the deficit to one score, continuing his excellent season to date. Bula's miracle try also came after he was left struggling to run when his ankle twisted awkwardly in a tackle from Clint Gutherson and Val Holmes. The sides traded four-pointers in the final 10 minutes as Adam Doueihi and then Dragons forward Hamish Stewart crashed over but the Tigers never gave up their lead. Replacing the axed Ilias at halfback, teenager King-Togia looked the goods early in his fifth NRL game, sending a flat pass to put Dylan Egan over for the game's first points. He blew the Dragons' next set in the red zone sending a no-look flick pass straight to Tigers winger Charlie Staines but put Liddle in for his second try after Saints made a break down the left side. King-Togia now has the same number of try assists for the season as Ilias managed in seven games, according to the NRL website. Four-time premiership-winner Luai continued to push his NSW State of Origin case laying on two tries in the space of three minutes in the first half. He put a kick on to the left side that Doueihi fielded uncontested, passing the ball left for Staines, who confirmed a tryscoring double. After a penalty in the set after points, the Tigers marched up the other end where Luai threaded a grubber kick past the line for Samuela Fainu to score. The result means that if highly-fancied Canterbury beat Gold Coast on Sunday, the Dragons will finish the weekend as the only side never to have won at Magic Round. Tigers centre Brent Naden left the contest early in the second half with a knee injury, with Dragons forward Emre Guler joining him on the sidelines with a shoulder injury later on.
