Latest news with #NSWStateofOrigin
7NEWS
16-07-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Gallen nabs controversial points win in overhyped SBW fight
The fight didn't match the hype but Paul Gallen has earned boxing bragging rights over his old rugby league rival Sonny Bill Williams, winning a contentious split points decision in their much-vaunted Sydney clash. Two judges scored it 77-74 and 76-75 in favour of Gallen while a third had New Zealander Williams winning 77-74 in Wednesday's relatively tame affair at Olympic Park's Qudos Bank Arena. After all the spite and verbal barbs landed over the previous decade, the fight simply didn't hit the heights as both men laboured, working to their traditional strengths. Former Australian and NSW State of Origin captain Gallen (15-3-1, 8 KOs) attempted to put pressure on from the start, while Williams, who is 12 centimetres taller, utilised his jab and movement. The 39-year-old dual international tried to thwart Gallen's charges by holding and clinching, and was deducted a point by referee Les Fear In the seventh round. He was later threatened with disqualification. Williams wasn't interviewed in the ring after the fight and declined to attend the post-fight media conference. 'I definitely lost one round, I think the second round and there was one other pretty close one and he got a point taken off, so how the hell is he winning (on one judge's card)?' Gallen said. 'I got the win. That's all that matters and it will be there forever. 'I'm 44 years old in less than a month's time. 'Sonny just came upon to me and said he wants to have a coffee man-to-man and I'm on for that. 'I've finished my fights, I'm getting with my life. 'I'm not going to gloat, it's been a long time coming. I got the job done and that's all that matters,' added Gallen, while also revealing he had come down with COVID two weeks before the fight. On the undercard, world-ranked Victorian Kris Terzievski moved closer to a bridgerweight world title shot by retaining his two regional titles with a sixth-round stoppage of Gold Coast-based New Zealander Troy Pilcher. Terzievski (14-1-2, 11 KOs) put Pilcher (10-2-1, 8 KOs) down with a body shot in the fifth and referee Fear stopped the fight after two more knockdowns in the sixth. Earlier, two sons of famous fathers each had a quick win on the undercard. With his father and former world champion Anthony Mundine in his corner, 25-year-old super middleweight Rahim Mundine (2-0, 1 KO) stopped Fijian opponent Joe Vatusaqata (1-5-1, 1 KO) in the second round. Heavyweight Alex Leapai jnr improved to 5-0-1 (4 KOs), with a first round knockout of Herve Silu Mata (3-4, 2 KOs) Leapai's father, also named Alex, unsuccessfully challenged former IBF, IBO and WBO heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko in 2014. Another winner on the undercard was New Zealander David Nyika, who bounced back from his loss to IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia with a fifth-round stoppage of fellow Kiwi Nik Charalampous.
The Advertiser
28-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Tiger's concussion may end any June switch for Da Silva
Benji Marshall has admitted Apisai Koroisau's concussion could impact the Tallyn Da Silva situation and whether Wests Tigers would consider releasing the young hooker mid-season. Set to leave the Tigers after they decided to keep Koroisau at No.9, Da Silva has until Monday's June 30 deadline to secure a deal elsewhere if he is to make a mid-season move. However any hope of that could now be quashed, after Koroisau picked up a concussion in Friday night's 28-10 loss to Manly. The head knock will rule him out of next Sunday's clash with the Sydney Roosters, potentially making Da Silva a more valuable asset for the Tigers. Several clubs are known to be interested in the 20-year-old hooker, with Parramatta favourites to secure his services and Manly another option. Da Silva is contracted to the Tigers until the end of next year, but the club have opted to let the Campbelltown junior walk after keeping Koroisau as their No.9. NRL rules state all mid-season signings must be completed by June 30, meaning Da Silva could not move on after filling in at No.9 for the Tigers next week. Asked if that would impact the Da Silva situation, Marshall suggested it could. "It's something we will have to talk about over the weekend," the Wests Tigers coach said. "Honestly I don't know (if he will be at the Tigers next week). that is up to him and his management. "We will leave that up to them where that lands." Da Silva did not get any minutes off the bench in the Tigers' loss to Canberra last week, before starting on Friday after Jarome Luai's unavailability prompted a spine reshuffle. The dummy-half is considered one of the best young hookers in the game, with Anthony Seibold confirming Manly's interest on Friday night. "We have spoken to Tallyn, but I have no idea about the timelines," Seibold said. "The only thing the club have spoken to him about is next year." Koroisau's concussion comes with the Tigers already set to be without their chief playmaker next week as Jarome Luai will be at the NSW State of Origin camp. Tristan Hope is the club's hooker in reserve grade, otherwise another reshuffle could be required if Da Silva moves before the end of Monday. The Tigers have now lost six games straight, with Marshall admitting ladder pressure was starting to tell after a good start to the season. "If I am looking at it performance wise, yeah, sure we've improved. But the results are damning a bit," Marshall said. "We've improved. But while a lot of people probably expected us to still be at the bottom of the table, we expected a lot more from ourselves. "A couple of results here or there that maybe could have gone our way, we're still learning how to win those. Benji Marshall has admitted Apisai Koroisau's concussion could impact the Tallyn Da Silva situation and whether Wests Tigers would consider releasing the young hooker mid-season. Set to leave the Tigers after they decided to keep Koroisau at No.9, Da Silva has until Monday's June 30 deadline to secure a deal elsewhere if he is to make a mid-season move. However any hope of that could now be quashed, after Koroisau picked up a concussion in Friday night's 28-10 loss to Manly. The head knock will rule him out of next Sunday's clash with the Sydney Roosters, potentially making Da Silva a more valuable asset for the Tigers. Several clubs are known to be interested in the 20-year-old hooker, with Parramatta favourites to secure his services and Manly another option. Da Silva is contracted to the Tigers until the end of next year, but the club have opted to let the Campbelltown junior walk after keeping Koroisau as their No.9. NRL rules state all mid-season signings must be completed by June 30, meaning Da Silva could not move on after filling in at No.9 for the Tigers next week. Asked if that would impact the Da Silva situation, Marshall suggested it could. "It's something we will have to talk about over the weekend," the Wests Tigers coach said. "Honestly I don't know (if he will be at the Tigers next week). that is up to him and his management. "We will leave that up to them where that lands." Da Silva did not get any minutes off the bench in the Tigers' loss to Canberra last week, before starting on Friday after Jarome Luai's unavailability prompted a spine reshuffle. The dummy-half is considered one of the best young hookers in the game, with Anthony Seibold confirming Manly's interest on Friday night. "We have spoken to Tallyn, but I have no idea about the timelines," Seibold said. "The only thing the club have spoken to him about is next year." Koroisau's concussion comes with the Tigers already set to be without their chief playmaker next week as Jarome Luai will be at the NSW State of Origin camp. Tristan Hope is the club's hooker in reserve grade, otherwise another reshuffle could be required if Da Silva moves before the end of Monday. The Tigers have now lost six games straight, with Marshall admitting ladder pressure was starting to tell after a good start to the season. "If I am looking at it performance wise, yeah, sure we've improved. But the results are damning a bit," Marshall said. "We've improved. But while a lot of people probably expected us to still be at the bottom of the table, we expected a lot more from ourselves. "A couple of results here or there that maybe could have gone our way, we're still learning how to win those. Benji Marshall has admitted Apisai Koroisau's concussion could impact the Tallyn Da Silva situation and whether Wests Tigers would consider releasing the young hooker mid-season. Set to leave the Tigers after they decided to keep Koroisau at No.9, Da Silva has until Monday's June 30 deadline to secure a deal elsewhere if he is to make a mid-season move. However any hope of that could now be quashed, after Koroisau picked up a concussion in Friday night's 28-10 loss to Manly. The head knock will rule him out of next Sunday's clash with the Sydney Roosters, potentially making Da Silva a more valuable asset for the Tigers. Several clubs are known to be interested in the 20-year-old hooker, with Parramatta favourites to secure his services and Manly another option. Da Silva is contracted to the Tigers until the end of next year, but the club have opted to let the Campbelltown junior walk after keeping Koroisau as their No.9. NRL rules state all mid-season signings must be completed by June 30, meaning Da Silva could not move on after filling in at No.9 for the Tigers next week. Asked if that would impact the Da Silva situation, Marshall suggested it could. "It's something we will have to talk about over the weekend," the Wests Tigers coach said. "Honestly I don't know (if he will be at the Tigers next week). that is up to him and his management. "We will leave that up to them where that lands." Da Silva did not get any minutes off the bench in the Tigers' loss to Canberra last week, before starting on Friday after Jarome Luai's unavailability prompted a spine reshuffle. The dummy-half is considered one of the best young hookers in the game, with Anthony Seibold confirming Manly's interest on Friday night. "We have spoken to Tallyn, but I have no idea about the timelines," Seibold said. "The only thing the club have spoken to him about is next year." Koroisau's concussion comes with the Tigers already set to be without their chief playmaker next week as Jarome Luai will be at the NSW State of Origin camp. Tristan Hope is the club's hooker in reserve grade, otherwise another reshuffle could be required if Da Silva moves before the end of Monday. The Tigers have now lost six games straight, with Marshall admitting ladder pressure was starting to tell after a good start to the season. "If I am looking at it performance wise, yeah, sure we've improved. But the results are damning a bit," Marshall said. "We've improved. But while a lot of people probably expected us to still be at the bottom of the table, we expected a lot more from ourselves. "A couple of results here or there that maybe could have gone our way, we're still learning how to win those.
The Advertiser
03-06-2025
- 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
03-06-2025
- 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
02-06-2025
- 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."
