Latest news with #Nanai
The Age
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
Maroons accused of ‘mind games' … and running scared of Spencer
NSW enforcer Angus Crichton has accused Queensland of playing 'mind games' in naming their starting side and claimed kicking off away from Spencer Leniu in the opening encounter was a deliberate play from the Maroons. The Blues experienced a minor hiccup in preparations for Origin II in Perth when Canterbury winger Jacob Kiraz was called into camp as cover for Brian To'o on Wednesday. NSW officials are adamant the Penrith winger will be fit for Wednesday's kick-off, but want him to sit out Thursday's session as he recovers from hamstring soreness. While the Blues have made only one change to the team that won the first game in Brisbane – Stefano Utoikamanu replaces injured Warriors prop Mitch Barnett – the Maroons have discarded their famed 'pick-and-stick' approach in a bid to level the series. Captain Daly Cherry-Evans has been dropped, so too Beau Fermor, with Kurt Capewell being recalled and Kurt Mann shifting to No.14 following the elevation of Tom Dearden to halfback. Ezra Mam has also been called up as part of an extended bench. But the biggest surprise for the Blues players was the suggestion that Pat Carrigan and Jeremiah Nanai weren't in the starting line-up. 'Surely Nanai's not on the bench,' Crichton said from NSW camp. 'Surely Paddy's not on the bench as well. I think they're trying to play mind games with us by naming those guys there. I can't see Paddy or Jeremiah not starting. [Nanai] was one of their best last game so they might be trying to play mind games, but we're more focused on ourselves.' Origin is synonymous with big hits, as the game's most feared forward packs tear into each other. Spencer Leniu has a reputation for his fearless kick-off returns, but the Maroons seemingly didn't want to engage with the Roosters prop when he came off the interchange bench in game one.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Maroons accused of ‘mind games' … and running scared of Spencer
NSW enforcer Angus Crichton has accused Queensland of playing 'mind games' in naming their starting side and claimed kicking off away from Spencer Leniu in the opening encounter was a deliberate play from the Maroons. The Blues experienced a minor hiccup in preparations for Origin II in Perth when Canterbury winger Jacob Kiraz was called into camp as cover for Brian To'o on Wednesday. NSW officials are adamant the Penrith winger will be fit for Wednesday's kick-off, but want him to sit out Thursday's session as he recovers from hamstring soreness. While the Blues have made only one change to the team that won the first game in Brisbane – Stefano Utoikamanu replaces injured Warriors prop Mitch Barnett – the Maroons have discarded their famed 'pick-and-stick' approach in a bid to level the series. Captain Daly Cherry-Evans has been dropped, so too Beau Fermor, with Kurt Capewell being recalled and Kurt Mann shifting to No.14 following the elevation of Tom Dearden to halfback. Ezra Mam has also been called up as part of an extended bench. But the biggest surprise for the Blues players was the suggestion that Pat Carrigan and Jeremiah Nanai weren't in the starting line-up. 'Surely Nanai's not on the bench,' Crichton said from NSW camp. 'Surely Paddy's not on the bench as well. I think they're trying to play mind games with us by naming those guys there. I can't see Paddy or Jeremiah not starting. [Nanai] was one of their best last game so they might be trying to play mind games, but we're more focused on ourselves.' Origin is synonymous with big hits, as the game's most feared forward packs tear into each other. Spencer Leniu has a reputation for his fearless kick-off returns, but the Maroons seemingly didn't want to engage with the Roosters prop when he came off the interchange bench in game one.
The Advertiser
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
How Nanai's club axing steeled him for Maroons
Queensland second-rower Jeremiah Nanai's round-one axing for North Queensland has proven to be a blessing in disguise, particularly for the Maroons. That is the view of Maroons No.14 and Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden who said Nanai's response in clubland was outstanding and had led to him being chosen for the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday night. Nanai was dropped after the loss to Manly for defensive issues and after one game in the Queensland Cup he was recalled and has not been out of the Cowboys side since. He has still missed 28 tackles in nine games but his efforts have been much improved. Maroons coach Billy Slater is a fan of Nanai and he has played eight Origin matches since Slater became coach. "Jeremiah has been playing back row for a long time, he brings so much punch," Dearden said. "I thought since he came back from getting dropped in round one, he has been awesome for the Cowboys in the back row and he deserves his spot. "(The axing) was about him wanting to work hard and be hungry to play footy again. "He was back in there pretty quickly and since he came back in, the way he has gone about his defensive part of the game and his efforts have been brilliant. "Jeremiah has got some of the best punch of any back-rower in the game and that's what makes him such a great player." Maroons legend Justin Hodges said on Fox League that the Nanai axing was "the kick up the butt he needed" to get him back in the Origin frame. Nanai's line running and ability to catch a high kick are his strengths. "He is very skilful for a back-rower. He has got big hands, he would probably be good at basketball," Dearden said. "He understands where to be in the right place at the right time. He is an aerial threat." Nanai is named to partner North Queensland lock Reuben Cotter in the back-row. Cotter has proven adept both in the middle or on an edge in Origin."Rubes, him moving to the back row, he is the ultimate competitor in Origin and just the toughness he plays with, he is built for that arena," Dearden said. "It doesn't matter where you put him in the forwards, you know he will turn up and do his job." Cotter has not appeared happy with his form at times this year but Dearden said he had been strong. "I thought he has been great this year, he plays with so much effort and that's what makes him such a great player to play with," Dearden said. "When you watch the game from the outside in, you don't always notice the areas he does so well. There is a reason he is in this team, it's all about those little effort areas and the toughness he plays with. He has been a great player for Queensland and I'm excited for him next Wednesday." Queensland second-rower Jeremiah Nanai's round-one axing for North Queensland has proven to be a blessing in disguise, particularly for the Maroons. That is the view of Maroons No.14 and Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden who said Nanai's response in clubland was outstanding and had led to him being chosen for the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday night. Nanai was dropped after the loss to Manly for defensive issues and after one game in the Queensland Cup he was recalled and has not been out of the Cowboys side since. He has still missed 28 tackles in nine games but his efforts have been much improved. Maroons coach Billy Slater is a fan of Nanai and he has played eight Origin matches since Slater became coach. "Jeremiah has been playing back row for a long time, he brings so much punch," Dearden said. "I thought since he came back from getting dropped in round one, he has been awesome for the Cowboys in the back row and he deserves his spot. "(The axing) was about him wanting to work hard and be hungry to play footy again. "He was back in there pretty quickly and since he came back in, the way he has gone about his defensive part of the game and his efforts have been brilliant. "Jeremiah has got some of the best punch of any back-rower in the game and that's what makes him such a great player." Maroons legend Justin Hodges said on Fox League that the Nanai axing was "the kick up the butt he needed" to get him back in the Origin frame. Nanai's line running and ability to catch a high kick are his strengths. "He is very skilful for a back-rower. He has got big hands, he would probably be good at basketball," Dearden said. "He understands where to be in the right place at the right time. He is an aerial threat." Nanai is named to partner North Queensland lock Reuben Cotter in the back-row. Cotter has proven adept both in the middle or on an edge in Origin."Rubes, him moving to the back row, he is the ultimate competitor in Origin and just the toughness he plays with, he is built for that arena," Dearden said. "It doesn't matter where you put him in the forwards, you know he will turn up and do his job." Cotter has not appeared happy with his form at times this year but Dearden said he had been strong. "I thought he has been great this year, he plays with so much effort and that's what makes him such a great player to play with," Dearden said. "When you watch the game from the outside in, you don't always notice the areas he does so well. There is a reason he is in this team, it's all about those little effort areas and the toughness he plays with. He has been a great player for Queensland and I'm excited for him next Wednesday." Queensland second-rower Jeremiah Nanai's round-one axing for North Queensland has proven to be a blessing in disguise, particularly for the Maroons. That is the view of Maroons No.14 and Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden who said Nanai's response in clubland was outstanding and had led to him being chosen for the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday night. Nanai was dropped after the loss to Manly for defensive issues and after one game in the Queensland Cup he was recalled and has not been out of the Cowboys side since. He has still missed 28 tackles in nine games but his efforts have been much improved. Maroons coach Billy Slater is a fan of Nanai and he has played eight Origin matches since Slater became coach. "Jeremiah has been playing back row for a long time, he brings so much punch," Dearden said. "I thought since he came back from getting dropped in round one, he has been awesome for the Cowboys in the back row and he deserves his spot. "(The axing) was about him wanting to work hard and be hungry to play footy again. "He was back in there pretty quickly and since he came back in, the way he has gone about his defensive part of the game and his efforts have been brilliant. "Jeremiah has got some of the best punch of any back-rower in the game and that's what makes him such a great player." Maroons legend Justin Hodges said on Fox League that the Nanai axing was "the kick up the butt he needed" to get him back in the Origin frame. Nanai's line running and ability to catch a high kick are his strengths. "He is very skilful for a back-rower. He has got big hands, he would probably be good at basketball," Dearden said. "He understands where to be in the right place at the right time. He is an aerial threat." Nanai is named to partner North Queensland lock Reuben Cotter in the back-row. Cotter has proven adept both in the middle or on an edge in Origin."Rubes, him moving to the back row, he is the ultimate competitor in Origin and just the toughness he plays with, he is built for that arena," Dearden said. "It doesn't matter where you put him in the forwards, you know he will turn up and do his job." Cotter has not appeared happy with his form at times this year but Dearden said he had been strong. "I thought he has been great this year, he plays with so much effort and that's what makes him such a great player to play with," Dearden said. "When you watch the game from the outside in, you don't always notice the areas he does so well. There is a reason he is in this team, it's all about those little effort areas and the toughness he plays with. He has been a great player for Queensland and I'm excited for him next Wednesday."
Perth Now
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
How Nanai's club axing steeled him for Maroons
Queensland second-rower Jeremiah Nanai's round-one axing for North Queensland has proven to be a blessing in disguise, particularly for the Maroons. That is the view of Maroons No.14 and Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden who said Nanai's response in clubland was outstanding and had led to him being chosen for the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday night. Nanai was dropped after the loss to Manly for defensive issues and after one game in the Queensland Cup he was recalled and has not been out of the Cowboys side since. He has still missed 28 tackles in nin e games but his efforts have been much improved. Maroons coach Billy Slater is a fan of Nanai and he has played eight Origin matches since Slater became coach. "Jeremiah has been playing back row for a long time, he brings so much punch," Dearden said. "I thought since he came back from getting dropped in round one, he has been awesome for the Cowboys in the back row and he deserves his spot. "(The axing) was about him wanting to work hard and be hungry to play footy again. "He was back in there pretty quickly and since he came back in, the way he has gone about his defensive part of the game and his efforts have been brilliant. "Jeremiah has got some of the best punch of any back-rower in the game and that's what makes him such a great player." Maroons legend Justin Hodges said on Fox League that the Nanai axing was "the kick up the butt he needed" to get him back in the Origin frame. Nanai's line running and ability to catch a high kick are his strengths. "He is very skilful for a back-rower. He has got big hands, he would probably be good at basketball," Dearden said. "He understands where to be in the right place at the right time. He is an aerial threat." Nanai is named to partner North Queensland lock Reuben Cotter in the back-row. Cotter has proven adept both in the middle or on an edge in Origin."Rubes, him moving to the back row, he is the ultimate competitor in Origin and just the toughness he plays with, he is built for that arena," Dearden said. "It doesn't matter where you put him in the forwards, you know he will turn up and do his job." Cotter has not appeared happy with his form at times this year but Dearden said he had been strong. "I thought he has been great this year, he plays with so much effort and that's what makes him such a great player to play with," Dearden said. "When you watch the game from the outside in, you don't always notice the areas he does so well. There is a reason he is in this team, it's all about those little effort areas and the toughness he plays with. He has been a great player for Queensland and I'm excited for him next Wednesday."
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Need to be tougher': Tom Trbojevic incident that saw State of Origin player axed
Todd Payten has pinpointed Jeremiah Nanai's defence as an area he needs to improve after dumping him to reserve grade after the Cowboys' embarrassing loss to Manly in round one. And a couple of worrying moments involving the Queensland State of Origin forward provided the perfect example. Nanai only had two runs in 58 minutes, making just 16 metres in total. It was a seriously worrying performance from a State of Origin forward, but his efforts in defence were even worse. He managed to make 23 tackles, but missed more (3) than he had runs. Two of the missed tackles led to Sea Eagles tries, including a diabolical effort in the first half when Tom Trbojevic ran straight past him. Trbojevic got the ball at first-receiver and never really looked like passing, brushing straight past Reece Robson (one of the best defenders in the NRL) as Nanai hung out an arm with a rather weak effort. Nanai stopped moving in defence and only had eyes for the man outside Trbojevic, and by the time he realised Turbo was running it was too late. Trbojevic streamed downfield and set up Ethan Bullemor for a try under the posts. It made the score 24-0 after just 28 minutes. The second questionable effort came in the second half when Daly Cherry-Evans dived over for a try that looked all-too easy. After Taniela Paseka sucked in multiple defenders before off-loading to Cherry-Evans, the veteran halfback found himself one-on-one with Nanai close to the line. Cherry-Evans didn't do much to beat Nanai, but left the Cowboys forward clutching at thin air as he stepped past him. Nanai was up against it to prevent the try, but you'd expect a better effort from a State of Origin player. The worrying scenes and the fact he's been dropped might pose a huge headache for Queensland coach Billy Slater. The Maroons mentor stuck solid with Nanai in last year's Origin series, preferring him to David Fifita despite widespread calls for Slater to pick the Titans player. It might be a different story for Nanai in 2025, with Tom Gilbert and Max Plath likely to come into calculations. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Corey Horsburgh could also return after missing out last year due to injuries and form, while Slater will be hard-pressed keeping Fifita out again after they lost 2-1 in 2024. RELATED: NRL takes action after furore over Ivan Cleary's 'terrible' comment Dylan Brown 'disaster' amid key detail about Kalyn Ponga's exit Speaking this week after axing Nanai, Cowboys coach Payten said the 22-year-old is "an elite attacking player", but conceded: "Jeremiah ... needs to improve some defensive parts of his game and he is going to get some time in the Q Cup to do that. It wasn't an easy decision but I just felt it was important for the group that if we want to improve as a team, defence is first and foremost." Payten had revealed before the season started that defence was an area he was intent on fixing. "We have to show more resilience when things are going against us. That's our priority," he said. "The decisions we make under fatigue across the group and as individuals need to be tougher ones."
