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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Made in Newcastle, reunited in Warrington and now ready for Wembley
Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Luke Yates came through the Newcastle Knights system together before reuniting at Warrington Wolves (Image: John Baldwin) A CONNECTION that was formed more than 10,000 miles away, reformed in Warrington and is now heading to Wembley. When Luke Yates joined Warrington Wolves midway through last year, it allowed him to reunite with a good friend from back home in Lachlan Fitzgibbon. Advertisement Indeed, his fellow Novocastrian – meaning a native of the New South Wales city of Newcastle – appears to have gone into bat for him. 'I think he got a 10 per cent fee,' Yates jokes before Fitzgibbon chirps up that he's still waiting for it. 'I think he put in a decent word for me with Gaz Chambers and Sam (Burgess) so it came to fruition pretty quick. 'I'm grateful for him being a bit of a cheerleader!' Fitzgibbon chimes in: 'He's doing himself a disservice! 'He's been churning out some great footy over here for years so for Warrington, it's great for us to have been able to get a player like Yatesy, especially mid-season. Advertisement 'He's going to be at the club for a long time, so hopefully we can get him a trophy to kick off.' Luke Yates powers forward during the recent Super League clash with Wembley opponents Hull KR (Image: Olly Hassell/ Finding themselves about to walk out onto British sport's biggest stage alongside each other will certainly be quite a moment for the two forwards who have been friends since they were teenagers. For two local lads, progressing through the ranks at Newcastle Knights to eventually turn out in the NRL was the ultimate honour. Fitzgibbon was the first to graduate into the first team at the end of 2015, with Yates taking that final step in 2017. Advertisement 'It's a full circle moment for us having come all the way from Newcastle,' Fitzgibbon says. 'I was 17 when we first started playing together, and Luke was 16 – he was the year below me. 'We've been great mates for 14 years so it's special.' Yates adds: 'It was the SG Ball comp when we first played together, which is the 18s. I played an age up. 'We went through the 20s, New South Wales Cup and then first-grade together, now we're on the other side of the world. 'It's a funny one but to get the chance to win a trophy together is really special for us as Newcastle lads.' Yates' NRL career was brief as he made the move over to England in 2019 with London Broncos. Advertisement Since then, he has carved out a reputation as one of Super League's hardest-working and most underrated forwards having moved on to Salford Red Devils and Huddersfield Giants before joining Warrington. Fitzgibbon went on to play more than 100 first-grade games for his hometown club but when he decided to take the plunge and move to Super League, he knew exactly who to turn to. 'When Yatesy moved over here, we always stayed in touch and when I was thinking about coming over, he was one of the first people I went to,' he said. 'We were speaking throughout and I was always interested in the kind of footy they played over here. Advertisement 'It made the decision much more comfortable knowing I was coming over here and having someone familiar close by.' Lachlan Fitzgibbon - seen here celebrating scoring against Leigh Leopards last year - is in the midst of his second season in England (Image: John Clifton/ And so then to Wembley – a place steeped in folklore but one both men will be desperate to create some happier memories of. While his move to The Wire came just after their loss to Wigan Warriors in last year's final, Yates experienced the national stadium at perhaps its most eery while playing for Salford. He helped them reach the 2020 final, which was played behind closed doors due to coronavirus restrictions, where they fell to an agonising 17-16 loss to Leeds Rhinos courtesy of a late Luke Gale drop goal. Advertisement 'We went for a look around the day before the game and it was empty, then it was the same again on game day,' recalls Yates, who was also on the losing side of the 2022 final as Huddersfield captain against Wigan in a game played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 'It was a bit of a weird thing because it took some of the emotion out of it. 'With the crowd there, they tend to lift you up and give you energy but we couldn't rely on that. 'It was amazing that we could go back and play during that period but looking back on it, it was very strange. 'I'm really looking forward to going back there with a crowd and hopefully there's a whole heap of Wire fans there to make it special.' Advertisement Luke Yates makes a tackle while playing for Salford Red Devils at an empty Wembley Stadium during the 2020 Challenge Cup Final, which was played behind closed doors due to Covid restrictions (Image: Allan McKenzie/ For Fitzgibbon, his Wembley experience lasted only 40 minutes last year as he succumbed to injury at half time during the defeat to Wigan. That set off a frustrating trend of injuries for the big back-rower that is still ongoing – having had post-season shoulder surgery, he has been plagued by rib issues throughout the year and came off against Castleford Tigers on Friday with a knee problem. However, he assured fans that he is absolutely ready to go for Saturday's showpiece against Hull KR. 'I'm going good,' he said. Advertisement 'I've had a tough six weeks or so with a few niggles so I haven't managed to play too many minutes. 'Last week was more of a precaution – I went over on my knee and it didn't look great, but it's pulled up fine. 'I'm ready to play the 80 minutes on Saturday. 'Everybody all over the world knows about Wembley so to get the opportunity to play there was incredible. 'I think there was 65,000 there and in terms of atmosphere, I've never experienced anything that came close to that. 'I've played semi-finals footy back in the NRL but nothing really compares to Wembley. 'The result wasn't great but hopefully we'll rectify that.' Advertisement Lachlan Fitzgibbon consoles teammate Matt Dufty following last year's Wembley defeat (Image: Richard Blaxall/ So after the journey through the age grades, the move to the other side of the world and all things in between, while Fitzgibbon and Yates' friendship get its ultimate high on Saturday? Neither of them has even won a major trophy, so is that about to change? 'Games like this one – it's why you play the game,' Yates said. 'Winning trophies is always the goal so if we can do that together, it will fill me with a great amount of pride.'
NZ Herald
22-05-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Warriors v Raiders: Lewi Brown on why Luke Metcalf was destined for big things and why Warriors are thriving in 2025
'He came in a footy nerd, and he's still a footy nerd, and that's exactly what you want from your halfback. He's a great person to have around the team environment – always laughing, always smiling. 'He's recognising his talent, surrounding himself with the right people, and that's when you start seeing something special. He's got the mindset, and when you pair that with the right support, sky's the limit. 'We're seeing a young kid growing into a superstar. To witness that unfold in Auckland to see a great halfback emerging is special.' Metcalf's journey to the top hasn't been easy, but he's making the most of his opportunities. He tore his ACL in 2019 and then the Covid pandemic limited him to a training role, which eventually saw him return to the Cronulla Sharks, where he'd make his NRL debut before the Warriors came knocking on the back of a recommendation by Shaun Johnson. Metcalf endured more setbacks in 2023 with two hamstring injuries, before breaking his leg last year. Now he has found his stride, leading the Warriors to an 8-2 record to sit second on the ladder, while also the frontrunners in the Dally M medal race. 'I'm just really proud of him,' said Brown. 'The kid has been through some tough times, but he's come out the other side by learning about his body and improving his professionalism and now we're seeing him succeed.' Brown feels there are lots of similarities between this side and the one he played in that reached the 2011 grand final. They extend to more than the first-grade side, though. In 2011 the Warriors U20s won the grand final, while the reserve side lost in the New South Wales Cup decider. This year there is a similar trend, with the Warriors reserves top of the table, while their under-17s have gone back-to-back in the Harold Matthews Cup. He credits coach Andrew Webster for the resurgence, highlighting his similar qualities to Ivan Cleary, who was at the helm in 2011. 'I see a lot of similarities in the coach, the environment, the culture within the four walls,' said Brown. 'Everyone's on the same page and heading in the same direction. 'The style of footy they're playing, they're giving themselves opportunities to get into the game. A lot of people don't like kick-chase footy, but at the end of the day, that's what wins games. 'The way they're playing sets the platform and allows our X-factor players to get involved. Every game this season, we've laid a platform and played smart, mature footy off the back of it.' The Warriors are in their third season under Webster, who was an assistant at the club in 2015-16 before linking up with the Wests Tigers and Panthers, spending time with Cleary at both clubs. In Webster's first season with the Warriors in 2023, the Warriors got within a game of the grand final, before injuries and continual setbacks brought them back down to reality last season. Expectations were low heading into 2025, but the Warriors have defied all the odds to produce their best start to a season since 2002, when they also made the grand final. The club have sold out Mt Smart for Sunday's match against the Canberra Raiders, which will be a special moment for Brown. Since hanging up the boots, Brown has forged a career in the fashion industry, launching his own clothing line, Earls Collection. He was asked to design a jersey that the team will wear against the Raiders, called Dear Warrior, a tribute to the paths taken by players, staff, members and fans who find their way to the Warriors whānau. Brown says getting the opportunity to design a jersey was like getting the chance to make his debut again. The 38-year-old admitted that since retiring he's struggled with impostor syndrome, which saw him fall out of love with league, but the chance to reconnect with the Warriors 12 years after leaving the club was like a dream come true. He said the design was based off receiving a letter from the Warriors in 1994. View this post on Instagram A post shared by One NZ Warriors (@nzwarriors) 'It's easily one of the most special things I've ever done in my life,' said Brown. 'As a kid, getting that envelope with the Warriors emblem and my name on it –that was huge. It created a connection. That's when the dream of becoming a Warrior started. 'I think it's a reflection of how far I've grown on this journey – not just Lewi Brown the rugby league player, but Lewi Brown the person without rugby league as well. To reconnect with the club and the game – it's something I'll always cherish." The jersey was such a hit that it became the fastest-selling jersey in Warriors history. Brown said the players also love it, with co-captain James Fisher Harris asking if they will wear it again, as he is suspended for this weekend's clash.
NZ Herald
06-05-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Warriors v Dragons: Andrew Webster defiant as half Tanah Boyd linked with return to Australia
The 24-year-old is at the Warriors on a two-year contract, and is therefore able to negotiate a deal with a rival club from November 1, and would require an early release if he was to relocate. But for Webster, no notion of Boyd leaving the club early will be entertained. 'That's the first time I've heard that,' said Webster when asked about reports of interest in Boyd. 'I'm playing every ball on its merits. 'I've got no intention of letting him go. We absolutely love him here. He's learning a great job. 'He's got two guys in front of him [who are] going brilliantly. We all know that can change in a second. 'I've had nothing but positive conversations with him.' Brisbane Broncos hooker Billy Walters, and English pair Brad O'Neill of Wigan and Danny Walker of Warrington are the other names on the Cowboys' reported shortlist. In his career so far, Boyd has made 69 NRL appearances, all of which came for the Titans before he joined the Warriors. This season, Boyd has been instrumental in the Warriors' New South Wales Cup side's form, seeing them top the table in reserve grade. In seven games so far, Boyd has created 10 tries, averages 77 running metres per game, kicked 39 goals and made 119 tackles. However, there is also precedent for the Warriors to release players early, when wanted by an Australian club. In February, 21-year-old forward Zyon Maiu'u was allowed to depart the Warriors to sign a two-year deal with the Bulldogs, in order to allow him the chance to play first-grade football. Then, at the end of March, Dylan Walker was granted a release from the final year of his contract to join the Parramatta Eels. Walker's release came on personal grounds, in order to reunite with his family, who left New Zealand to return to Sydney. That release was so sudden, the 30-year-old had been named to face the Wests Tigers the night before. For Boyd, the combination of regular NRL opportunities in combination with wanting to return to Australia could play a part in requesting a release.
Daily Mail
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Wantaway Wests Tigers star breaks silence on 'big couple of weeks' as youngster receives surprising reception on NRL return
It's been a busy month for wantaway Wests Tigers star Lachlan Galvin but amid all the furore around his impending exit from the NRL club, the 19-year-old playmaker appears dedicated to helping his side keep winning. The five-eighth returned to feature for Benji Marshall's side this weekend as he proved a pivotal cog in the Wests Tigers' two-point victory against Cronulla Sharks at the Leichhardt Oval. The youngster set up two tries in an impressive attacking performance that saw him also make 29 tackles. After turning his nose up at a $5.5million offer from the Tigers to extend his contract for a further six years, per The Sydney Morning Herald, it had been thought that Galvin would receive a hostile welcome back on his first-grade return. In fact, the youngster was heavily cheered by the fans on Sunday, despite speculation having arisen that certain members of the team were not pleased with Galvin's desire to test his worth on the open market. On Easter Monday, Galvin was demoted to play for the Wests Magpies in the New South Wales Cup but on Sunday he spoke to members of the media after the match. 'I wanted to make sure I came in and was doing everything for the team, it wasn't about me this week,' Galvin said to Fox League. 'It was Anzac Round and we just wanted to come in and do everyone proud, do our fans proud, that's what we wanted to do this week and not worry about myself. 'I just wanted to come out here and do the team proud and all of us boys did that tonight. 'Obviously, it's been a big couple of weeks and to get the win in front of the fans, that's why you play the game of rugby league, to win and come out and do it in front of the fans. It was a great win, we'll get back to training next week and work even harder and go again next week.' Despite being dropped last week from the first-grade squad, Galvin said he was feeling the love from fans and his team-mates. 'I'm feeling great, I've massive support around me, all I want to do is play rugby league, that's the reason I live to be honest, to play this game and that's all I want to do, work hard and let my footy do the talking. 'Obviously, it's been a big couple of weeks but to come out here and win is great.' Adam Doueihi booted a penalty to seal the golden point victory for the Tigers and copped praise from his young team-mate, Galvin, who called his shot at goal 'clutch'. Doueihi, meanwhile, revealed that the past two weeks had 'rattled' Galvin, lauding the youngster for coming out to perform on Sunday. 'He was really good, he's a kid that's probably been a bit rattled over the past few weeks and I really do feel for him the way he's been bombarded with the media and all the outside noise but inside our four walls we really do have high respect for the kid,' Doueihi said. 'I get on really well with him, he's a really down-to-earth kid that just loves playing footy. 'You could see that tonight the way he came out and just owned the game and still put his plays on is a credit to the kid himself and I'm glad he was in our team today.' Galvin is understood to have served the club a legal letter, according to The Sydney Morning Herald, in which he claimed that he had been bullied. He has been subjected to intense scrutiny over the past fortnight but on Friday, members of his team fronted the media to deny that there was any tension in camp, even after team-mates Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva had published social media posts that appeared to criticise his actions. Senior coach Marshall, meanwhile, was not interested in talking about the ongoing saga ahead of today's game, adding that no one needed to know why the young five-eighth was recalled to the team. 'Everyone wants to know why I picked the team; you don't need to know why,' Marshall said. 'I picked the team that I think is best for us this week, and we'll go with that… We've made a real effort to just move on and focus on what we can control now, and that's playing footy.
