Latest news with #Origin-affected
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Fix this': Calls for immediate change as Panthers caught in 'unfair' farce
NRL fans are once again demanding the competition be suspended during the State of Origin series, with the Penrith Panthers unable to have their five NSW players back up in Round 16 to take on the Warriors. The ARL Commission has flagged a standalone State of Origin series when the next broadcast deal comes into effect in 2028, but it can't come soon enough. As it stands, the NRL competition continues during State of Origin, and has a detrimental effect on the clubs with the most players in the showpiece event. As well as not being allowed to play NSW or Queensland players the weekend before an Origin game, clubs are often forced to make difficult decisions for the games that follow. This weekend, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary won't have son Nathan, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Dylan Edwards or Brian To'o at his disposal when Penrith travel to Auckland to take on the Warriors. Because State of Origin 2 is in Perth on Wednesday night, the Panthers haven't found a viable way to fly their Origin stars to Auckland for Saturday's game (taking into account rest and recovery). Adding to the frustrating situation is the fact Lindsay Smith is now the 19th man for NSW, meaning he'll have to remain in Perth until after Wednesday night's game. Smith is expected to fly to New Zealand and play on Saturday, but the Panthers aren't willing to risk injury to the other five with so much travel and a short turnaround. Speaking last weekend, Ivan Cleary labelled the situation "unfair". He said: "The Origin players won't be playing because they can't. I don't think it's fair that we can't play... we should be able to make that decision. Through flights, we just can't get them there." Cleary will roll with a largely second-string side to take on the Warriors, and the Panthers are astronomical odds to beat the home side. It's a hammer blow considering the four-time defending champs have battled back from last on the ladder to be ninth heading into Round 16. As many fans have pointed out, the current system completely compromises the NRL competition. The ideal scenario would be to put the NRL on hold for three weeks and play all three Origin games on back-to-back-to-back weekends. The NRL has seemingly realised this is the way forward, but it looks like any change to the current Origin system won't come into effect for at least three years. One person wrote on social media on Monday: "Standalone Origin would fix this. Unfortunately some people can't live without club footy for a couple of weeks so we are stuck with the current system." Another commented: "The game should be rescheduled if there's a literal inability to get the players there - that's crazy." While a third added: "The NRL is trying to expand out of NSW and QLD but persists with allowing Origin to disrupt it?! Makes no sense." RELATED: Canberra Raiders 'fuming' after key figure signs with Roosters NRL world sends flood of messages over news about Yvonne Sampson Others pointed out that Origin-affected games are a good opportunity for younger players or fringe-first graders to gain valuable NRL experience. While some suggested Cleary and the Panthers shouldn't be whinging considering they've won four-straight premierships. Tellingly, a poll of over 20,000 Yahoo Sport Australia readers has a standalone Origin series as the preferred option. Over 60 per cent of voters believe the current system compromises the NRL competition.
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'No shootout' between Bulldogs teammates: coach Ciraldo
Cameron Ciraldo insists he won't look at Canterbury's clash with South Sydney as a shootout between Lachlan Galvin and Toby Sexton for the Bulldogs' coveted halfback spot. Mid-season signing Galvin has been promoted to the starting line-up for his second Bulldogs game amid the State of Origin-enforced absence of five-eighth Matt Burton. But when he returns for round 17, coach Ciraldo will need to choose between superstar teen Galvin and Sexton as first-choice halfback to partner five-eighth Burton. Sexton was shifted to hooker to accommodate former Wests Tigers star Galvin coming on from the bench at halfback during Monday's defeat of Parramatta. And for all the speculation that the versatile Galvin could play in the back-line or back row at the Bulldogs, Ciraldo admitted after the match that the teenager's position of choice was in the halves. Sexton, meanwhile, has been a steady and reliable presence at halfback for the resurgent Bulldogs on their charge into premiership calculations this season. But even as a difficult call looms, Ciraldo said his two options would not be pitted against one another this Sunday. "There's no shootout, there's an opportunity to get two points against a really hard-working South Sydney team," Ciraldo said. "I feel like we've created a really good environment here where we're developing better people and better players every day. "The only thing we ask is that they put the team first, and that's what 17 players will do this week." Ciraldo also insisted off-contract Sexton remained content at the Bulldogs, despite the mid-season arrival of Galvin appearing to threaten his future at the club. "You wouldn't have found a happier guy than Toby Sexton after that win. There is a lot of bullcrap (speculation) that goes on out there," Ciraldo said. "But we just have a laugh about it and get on with it." Along with Manly and the Sydney Roosters, the Bulldogs are among three teams without any byes before any of the Origin fixtures. Kurt Mann, Max King, Stephen Crichton and Burton are all missing against the Rabbitohs, the Bulldogs' second of three games without their Origin contingent. Canterbury suffered a 36-point thrashing from a Dolphins side missing only one representative player in the first of their Origin-affected games last month. But Ciraldo shrugged at the fixturing quirk, pointing out the Bulldogs had it easier in other ways. Canterbury are spared a trip to Auckland this year, and leave Sydney only twice after the Origin period. "The scheduling ends up working itself out in the end,'' Ciraldo said. "We've had less travel, but we miss guys for those games and that's all right. "By the end of the year, you play 24 games, you play all the opposition. To be in the finals series, you've got to deal with all these things." Cameron Ciraldo insists he won't look at Canterbury's clash with South Sydney as a shootout between Lachlan Galvin and Toby Sexton for the Bulldogs' coveted halfback spot. Mid-season signing Galvin has been promoted to the starting line-up for his second Bulldogs game amid the State of Origin-enforced absence of five-eighth Matt Burton. But when he returns for round 17, coach Ciraldo will need to choose between superstar teen Galvin and Sexton as first-choice halfback to partner five-eighth Burton. Sexton was shifted to hooker to accommodate former Wests Tigers star Galvin coming on from the bench at halfback during Monday's defeat of Parramatta. And for all the speculation that the versatile Galvin could play in the back-line or back row at the Bulldogs, Ciraldo admitted after the match that the teenager's position of choice was in the halves. Sexton, meanwhile, has been a steady and reliable presence at halfback for the resurgent Bulldogs on their charge into premiership calculations this season. But even as a difficult call looms, Ciraldo said his two options would not be pitted against one another this Sunday. "There's no shootout, there's an opportunity to get two points against a really hard-working South Sydney team," Ciraldo said. "I feel like we've created a really good environment here where we're developing better people and better players every day. "The only thing we ask is that they put the team first, and that's what 17 players will do this week." Ciraldo also insisted off-contract Sexton remained content at the Bulldogs, despite the mid-season arrival of Galvin appearing to threaten his future at the club. "You wouldn't have found a happier guy than Toby Sexton after that win. There is a lot of bullcrap (speculation) that goes on out there," Ciraldo said. "But we just have a laugh about it and get on with it." Along with Manly and the Sydney Roosters, the Bulldogs are among three teams without any byes before any of the Origin fixtures. Kurt Mann, Max King, Stephen Crichton and Burton are all missing against the Rabbitohs, the Bulldogs' second of three games without their Origin contingent. Canterbury suffered a 36-point thrashing from a Dolphins side missing only one representative player in the first of their Origin-affected games last month. But Ciraldo shrugged at the fixturing quirk, pointing out the Bulldogs had it easier in other ways. Canterbury are spared a trip to Auckland this year, and leave Sydney only twice after the Origin period. "The scheduling ends up working itself out in the end,'' Ciraldo said. "We've had less travel, but we miss guys for those games and that's all right. "By the end of the year, you play 24 games, you play all the opposition. To be in the finals series, you've got to deal with all these things." Cameron Ciraldo insists he won't look at Canterbury's clash with South Sydney as a shootout between Lachlan Galvin and Toby Sexton for the Bulldogs' coveted halfback spot. Mid-season signing Galvin has been promoted to the starting line-up for his second Bulldogs game amid the State of Origin-enforced absence of five-eighth Matt Burton. But when he returns for round 17, coach Ciraldo will need to choose between superstar teen Galvin and Sexton as first-choice halfback to partner five-eighth Burton. Sexton was shifted to hooker to accommodate former Wests Tigers star Galvin coming on from the bench at halfback during Monday's defeat of Parramatta. And for all the speculation that the versatile Galvin could play in the back-line or back row at the Bulldogs, Ciraldo admitted after the match that the teenager's position of choice was in the halves. Sexton, meanwhile, has been a steady and reliable presence at halfback for the resurgent Bulldogs on their charge into premiership calculations this season. But even as a difficult call looms, Ciraldo said his two options would not be pitted against one another this Sunday. "There's no shootout, there's an opportunity to get two points against a really hard-working South Sydney team," Ciraldo said. "I feel like we've created a really good environment here where we're developing better people and better players every day. "The only thing we ask is that they put the team first, and that's what 17 players will do this week." Ciraldo also insisted off-contract Sexton remained content at the Bulldogs, despite the mid-season arrival of Galvin appearing to threaten his future at the club. "You wouldn't have found a happier guy than Toby Sexton after that win. There is a lot of bullcrap (speculation) that goes on out there," Ciraldo said. "But we just have a laugh about it and get on with it." Along with Manly and the Sydney Roosters, the Bulldogs are among three teams without any byes before any of the Origin fixtures. Kurt Mann, Max King, Stephen Crichton and Burton are all missing against the Rabbitohs, the Bulldogs' second of three games without their Origin contingent. Canterbury suffered a 36-point thrashing from a Dolphins side missing only one representative player in the first of their Origin-affected games last month. But Ciraldo shrugged at the fixturing quirk, pointing out the Bulldogs had it easier in other ways. Canterbury are spared a trip to Auckland this year, and leave Sydney only twice after the Origin period. "The scheduling ends up working itself out in the end,'' Ciraldo said. "We've had less travel, but we miss guys for those games and that's all right. "By the end of the year, you play 24 games, you play all the opposition. To be in the finals series, you've got to deal with all these things."
The Advertiser
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Knights must defy grim Origin stat to revive season
Newcastle will need to defy the equal-worst State of Origin period record of modern times to kickstart their ailing NRL season and ease pressure on Adam O'Brien. Heading into round 12, the Knights and Manly had a league-worst 20 per cent win record in Origin-affected matches since 2016. Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga will miss Saturday's clash with understrength Penrith in Bathurst in the Knights' only change forced by Origin. Newcastle have lost both games that Ponga has missed ahead of past Origin games, though have won three when he has been rested after Maroons appearances. The Knights can also expect to be without Origin representatives for the second game of the series, held four days after their round-15 clash with the Sydney Roosters. O'Brien has shifted Fletcher Sharpe from five-eighth to fullback. The under-fire coach said Ponga's absence would prompt the Knights, already this season's worst attacking side by the numbers, to play "a lot less expansive". "I anticipate we'll get Fletch in and around on the ball a lot more, he's a runner more than a passer," he said. Even Ponga has been unable to spark the Knights this season, producing try assists in only three of 10 games. O'Brien said his side could sometimes rely too heavily on their star fullback, and that his absence would be a test. "Over-reliance? Yeah, you could agree with that," he said. "He's a quality player and most players rely on their best strike weapons. But he's not with us this week so we have to adjust." Making the task more difficult, the Panthers are the only side O'Brien has not defeated since taking charge in 2020, though the Knights did draw with Penrith that season. Penrith are missing five players to Origin duty - the equal most of any team - but memorably defeated the Knights when they rested a slew of players after Origin II in 2023. The four-time reigning premiers have slipped to 15th this season, and O'Brien felt both sides were similarly depleted given the Knights are missing Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew and Jacob Saifiti to injury. "It sort of levels things out a little bit," he said. "(The Panthers) stick to their structures really well. I don't expect them to change too much. They're a very good side at finding space in your defensive line." O'Brien felt confident he had the support of the Knights' management regardless of the result on Saturday, when the Knights risk losing an eighth game in nine outings. "I've got good, strong support from the board. They understand the situation we're in with our depth and the injuries," he said. "That pressure and expectation comes with the job. I'm used to it now. We want results and I understand that our supporters and sponsors want results as well. "But I can't get fixated on that narrative, I've just got to focus on getting today right and being really committed to fighting our way out with the players." Newcastle will need to defy the equal-worst State of Origin period record of modern times to kickstart their ailing NRL season and ease pressure on Adam O'Brien. Heading into round 12, the Knights and Manly had a league-worst 20 per cent win record in Origin-affected matches since 2016. Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga will miss Saturday's clash with understrength Penrith in Bathurst in the Knights' only change forced by Origin. Newcastle have lost both games that Ponga has missed ahead of past Origin games, though have won three when he has been rested after Maroons appearances. The Knights can also expect to be without Origin representatives for the second game of the series, held four days after their round-15 clash with the Sydney Roosters. O'Brien has shifted Fletcher Sharpe from five-eighth to fullback. The under-fire coach said Ponga's absence would prompt the Knights, already this season's worst attacking side by the numbers, to play "a lot less expansive". "I anticipate we'll get Fletch in and around on the ball a lot more, he's a runner more than a passer," he said. Even Ponga has been unable to spark the Knights this season, producing try assists in only three of 10 games. O'Brien said his side could sometimes rely too heavily on their star fullback, and that his absence would be a test. "Over-reliance? Yeah, you could agree with that," he said. "He's a quality player and most players rely on their best strike weapons. But he's not with us this week so we have to adjust." Making the task more difficult, the Panthers are the only side O'Brien has not defeated since taking charge in 2020, though the Knights did draw with Penrith that season. Penrith are missing five players to Origin duty - the equal most of any team - but memorably defeated the Knights when they rested a slew of players after Origin II in 2023. The four-time reigning premiers have slipped to 15th this season, and O'Brien felt both sides were similarly depleted given the Knights are missing Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew and Jacob Saifiti to injury. "It sort of levels things out a little bit," he said. "(The Panthers) stick to their structures really well. I don't expect them to change too much. They're a very good side at finding space in your defensive line." O'Brien felt confident he had the support of the Knights' management regardless of the result on Saturday, when the Knights risk losing an eighth game in nine outings. "I've got good, strong support from the board. They understand the situation we're in with our depth and the injuries," he said. "That pressure and expectation comes with the job. I'm used to it now. We want results and I understand that our supporters and sponsors want results as well. "But I can't get fixated on that narrative, I've just got to focus on getting today right and being really committed to fighting our way out with the players." Newcastle will need to defy the equal-worst State of Origin period record of modern times to kickstart their ailing NRL season and ease pressure on Adam O'Brien. Heading into round 12, the Knights and Manly had a league-worst 20 per cent win record in Origin-affected matches since 2016. Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga will miss Saturday's clash with understrength Penrith in Bathurst in the Knights' only change forced by Origin. Newcastle have lost both games that Ponga has missed ahead of past Origin games, though have won three when he has been rested after Maroons appearances. The Knights can also expect to be without Origin representatives for the second game of the series, held four days after their round-15 clash with the Sydney Roosters. O'Brien has shifted Fletcher Sharpe from five-eighth to fullback. The under-fire coach said Ponga's absence would prompt the Knights, already this season's worst attacking side by the numbers, to play "a lot less expansive". "I anticipate we'll get Fletch in and around on the ball a lot more, he's a runner more than a passer," he said. Even Ponga has been unable to spark the Knights this season, producing try assists in only three of 10 games. O'Brien said his side could sometimes rely too heavily on their star fullback, and that his absence would be a test. "Over-reliance? Yeah, you could agree with that," he said. "He's a quality player and most players rely on their best strike weapons. But he's not with us this week so we have to adjust." Making the task more difficult, the Panthers are the only side O'Brien has not defeated since taking charge in 2020, though the Knights did draw with Penrith that season. Penrith are missing five players to Origin duty - the equal most of any team - but memorably defeated the Knights when they rested a slew of players after Origin II in 2023. The four-time reigning premiers have slipped to 15th this season, and O'Brien felt both sides were similarly depleted given the Knights are missing Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew and Jacob Saifiti to injury. "It sort of levels things out a little bit," he said. "(The Panthers) stick to their structures really well. I don't expect them to change too much. They're a very good side at finding space in your defensive line." O'Brien felt confident he had the support of the Knights' management regardless of the result on Saturday, when the Knights risk losing an eighth game in nine outings. "I've got good, strong support from the board. They understand the situation we're in with our depth and the injuries," he said. "That pressure and expectation comes with the job. I'm used to it now. We want results and I understand that our supporters and sponsors want results as well. "But I can't get fixated on that narrative, I've just got to focus on getting today right and being really committed to fighting our way out with the players."
Perth Now
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Knights must defy grim Origin stat to revive season
Newcastle will need to defy the equal-worst State of Origin period record of modern times to kickstart their ailing NRL season and ease pressure on Adam O'Brien. Heading into round 12, the Knights and Manly had a league-worst 20 per cent win record in Origin-affected matches since 2016. Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga will miss Saturday's clash with understrength Penrith in Bathurst in the Knights' only change forced by Origin. Newcastle have lost both games that Ponga has missed ahead of past Origin games, though have won three when he has been rested after Maroons appearances. The Knights can also expect to be without Origin representatives for the second game of the series, held four days after their round-15 clash with the Sydney Roosters. O'Brien has shifted Fletcher Sharpe from five-eighth to fullback. The under-fire coach said Ponga's absence would prompt the Knights, already this season's worst attacking side by the numbers, to play "a lot less expansive". "I anticipate we'll get Fletch in and around on the ball a lot more, he's a runner more than a passer," he said. Even Ponga has been unable to spark the Knights this season, producing try assists in only three of 10 games. O'Brien said his side could sometimes rely too heavily on their star fullback, and that his absence would be a test. "Over-reliance? Yeah, you could agree with that," he said. "He's a quality player and most players rely on their best strike weapons. But he's not with us this week so we have to adjust." Making the task more difficult, the Panthers are the only side O'Brien has not defeated since taking charge in 2020, though the Knights did draw with Penrith that season. Penrith are missing five players to Origin duty - the equal most of any team - but memorably defeated the Knights when they rested a slew of players after Origin II in 2023. The four-time reigning premiers have slipped to 15th this season, and O'Brien felt both sides were similarly depleted given the Knights are missing Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew and Jacob Saifiti to injury. "It sort of levels things out a little bit," he said. "(The Panthers) stick to their structures really well. I don't expect them to change too much. They're a very good side at finding space in your defensive line." O'Brien felt confident he had the support of the Knights' management regardless of the result on Saturday, when the Knights risk losing an eighth game in nine outings. "I've got good, strong support from the board. They understand the situation we're in with our depth and the injuries," he said. "That pressure and expectation comes with the job. I'm used to it now. We want results and I understand that our supporters and sponsors want results as well. "But I can't get fixated on that narrative, I've just got to focus on getting today right and being really committed to fighting our way out with the players."
The Advertiser
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Concussion leaves Penrith with more Origin-round issues
A last-minute concussion has further dented Penrith's playing stocks, with Luke Garner's head knock leaving the Panthers without their five first-choice back-rowers. Garner suffered a concussion at training on Tuesday, prompting confusion around the naming of their team to take on Newcastle. It's understood the utility back-rower was ruled out by the doctor after the club entered him into the NRL's system to play in the No.11 jersey on Saturday. That prompted the space to be left vacant on the NRL's website, with an automated system not allowing players to be named while they are in concussion protocols. Jordan Riki was subsequently elevated from the bench into Penrith's starting side, with former Wests Tigers forward Austin Dias brought onto the bench. The head knock could not have come at a worse time for the Panthers. Lock Isaah Yeo and second-rower Liam Martin are both unavailable to face the Knights due to State of Origin selection, as part of five Panthers in the Blues' camp. Back-rower Scott Sorensen still has another week to serve for a shoulder-charge ban, as a result of electing to fight the sanction at the judiciary last month. And to make matters worse, Isaiah Papali'i has suffered a knee injury which is set to rule him out for at least two weeks. It means Riki will start in only his second NRL game, while Liam Henry has also moved from his regular position of prop into the second row. Fellow prop Lindsay Smith has been named at lock. While Penrith are also without NSW stars Nathan Cleary, Brian To'o and Dylan Edwards for Saturday's match in Bathurst, Newcastle are equally impacted. Kalyn Ponga is their sole Origin representative, but Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew and Jacob Saifiti are all out injured. The Panthers desperately need to win through the representative period this year given they sit 13th on the ladder, after losing their past three Origin-affected rounds. The four-time defending premiers are expected to name all five Blues players for the round-13 match against Parramatta, given it is five days after Origin I. The timing of Garner's concussion means he should be released from protocols and able to play in that match too. But Penrith have already indicated their NSW stars won't back up in round 16, given they play in Auckland three days after Origin II in Perth. A last-minute concussion has further dented Penrith's playing stocks, with Luke Garner's head knock leaving the Panthers without their five first-choice back-rowers. Garner suffered a concussion at training on Tuesday, prompting confusion around the naming of their team to take on Newcastle. It's understood the utility back-rower was ruled out by the doctor after the club entered him into the NRL's system to play in the No.11 jersey on Saturday. That prompted the space to be left vacant on the NRL's website, with an automated system not allowing players to be named while they are in concussion protocols. Jordan Riki was subsequently elevated from the bench into Penrith's starting side, with former Wests Tigers forward Austin Dias brought onto the bench. The head knock could not have come at a worse time for the Panthers. Lock Isaah Yeo and second-rower Liam Martin are both unavailable to face the Knights due to State of Origin selection, as part of five Panthers in the Blues' camp. Back-rower Scott Sorensen still has another week to serve for a shoulder-charge ban, as a result of electing to fight the sanction at the judiciary last month. And to make matters worse, Isaiah Papali'i has suffered a knee injury which is set to rule him out for at least two weeks. It means Riki will start in only his second NRL game, while Liam Henry has also moved from his regular position of prop into the second row. Fellow prop Lindsay Smith has been named at lock. While Penrith are also without NSW stars Nathan Cleary, Brian To'o and Dylan Edwards for Saturday's match in Bathurst, Newcastle are equally impacted. Kalyn Ponga is their sole Origin representative, but Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew and Jacob Saifiti are all out injured. The Panthers desperately need to win through the representative period this year given they sit 13th on the ladder, after losing their past three Origin-affected rounds. The four-time defending premiers are expected to name all five Blues players for the round-13 match against Parramatta, given it is five days after Origin I. The timing of Garner's concussion means he should be released from protocols and able to play in that match too. But Penrith have already indicated their NSW stars won't back up in round 16, given they play in Auckland three days after Origin II in Perth. A last-minute concussion has further dented Penrith's playing stocks, with Luke Garner's head knock leaving the Panthers without their five first-choice back-rowers. Garner suffered a concussion at training on Tuesday, prompting confusion around the naming of their team to take on Newcastle. It's understood the utility back-rower was ruled out by the doctor after the club entered him into the NRL's system to play in the No.11 jersey on Saturday. That prompted the space to be left vacant on the NRL's website, with an automated system not allowing players to be named while they are in concussion protocols. Jordan Riki was subsequently elevated from the bench into Penrith's starting side, with former Wests Tigers forward Austin Dias brought onto the bench. The head knock could not have come at a worse time for the Panthers. Lock Isaah Yeo and second-rower Liam Martin are both unavailable to face the Knights due to State of Origin selection, as part of five Panthers in the Blues' camp. Back-rower Scott Sorensen still has another week to serve for a shoulder-charge ban, as a result of electing to fight the sanction at the judiciary last month. And to make matters worse, Isaiah Papali'i has suffered a knee injury which is set to rule him out for at least two weeks. It means Riki will start in only his second NRL game, while Liam Henry has also moved from his regular position of prop into the second row. Fellow prop Lindsay Smith has been named at lock. While Penrith are also without NSW stars Nathan Cleary, Brian To'o and Dylan Edwards for Saturday's match in Bathurst, Newcastle are equally impacted. Kalyn Ponga is their sole Origin representative, but Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew and Jacob Saifiti are all out injured. The Panthers desperately need to win through the representative period this year given they sit 13th on the ladder, after losing their past three Origin-affected rounds. The four-time defending premiers are expected to name all five Blues players for the round-13 match against Parramatta, given it is five days after Origin I. The timing of Garner's concussion means he should be released from protocols and able to play in that match too. But Penrith have already indicated their NSW stars won't back up in round 16, given they play in Auckland three days after Origin II in Perth.
