Latest news with #OriginI
Perth Now
an hour ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Storm star set to miss Titans after ugly Origin outing
Skipper Harry Grant is set to sit out Melbourne's NRL clash with Gold Coast after his State of Origin shocker. The star hooker was the only member of the Storm's Origin contingent to return to Melbourne from Brisbane, given Saturday's clash is a Titans home game at Cbus Super Stadium. Cameron Munster, Xavier Coates, Trent Loiero and Stefano Utoikamanu all remained in Queensland, with Melbourne players joining them later on Friday. Despite flying home Grant was a notable absence from their captain's run. He went into Origin I on Wednesday night with just 55 minutes game time in six weeks under his belt due a hamstring injury, and turned in his worst ever performance as Queensland lost 18-6. With Bellamy on the NSW coaching staff, the Blues forwards targeted the 27-year-old, forcing him into 43 tackles which emptied his fuel tank, with Grant making only five runs for 23 metres. Bellamy was cagey about his captain facing the Titans before conceding it was unlikely. "Obviously he (Grant) hasn't played much footy," Bellamy said Friday. "He's OK physically ... like the others, he's disappointed in the result as you would be. "He seems OK this morning, I haven't ruled him out at the moment but he's probably doubtful, to be quite honest, especially with the amount of footy he hasn't played. "We're just trying to do what we think is best for tomorrow afternoon but also do what's right by the players too. "We'll see how they are when we get up there ... see how they're feeling." Burly centre Jack Howarth could make a return from six weeks out with a shoulder dislocation after being named in the reserves. The youngster didn't look restricted by the injury but Bellamy said he hadn't done a lot of contact work. "He's (Howarth) got through most of the training without doing a whole heap of contact this week so it's another step up for him today." When Bellamy was the head NSW Origin coach from 2008-10 he spoke of discomfort plotting against his Storm players, including Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk. But taking on an advisory role to coach Laurie Daley rather than calling the shots, Bellamy said he "really enjoyed" the return to the Blues' box. "I wasn't in the camp the whole time ... it's obviously enjoyable when you get the win, they're a really good group of guys, staff and players." Both the Storm (fourth) and Titans (16th) are coming off the bye, with Melbourne looking for some consistency after trading wins and losses in the past six rounds. Bellamy said Gold Coast, who have the worst defensive record in the competition, had plenty of strike power. "They probably haven't got the results that they want and they've lost a few close games," he said. "They've come back a couple of times and won close games as well so they've certainly got some guys who can run the footy really well. "We just need to make sure we're aware of that tomorrow night and make sure our defence is up to scratch."
The Advertiser
15 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Blues reveal 'secret weapon' after Origin 1 success
Battered NSW centre Stephen Crichton has been in the wars but credits his teammates and the medical staff for his star defensive performance in Origin I. The Bulldogs captain twisted his elbow in a tackle on Wednesday night after overcoming a quad complaint in the build-up. The star centre made 16 tackles and had one try assist in an 80-minute performance that looked unlikely when he hobbled from the training field on Monday. Crichton says it wouldn't have been possible for him to play his starring role without the work done by Blues trainers and the confidence shown by his teammates that his body was ready for the demands of Origin. "On game day it was just a box tick, I was ready to go," Crichton said on Thursday. "The boys just getting around me as well and giving me that confidence too. "We've got elite physios that got me ready 48 hours before the game and they gave confidence to me to go out and do my job." Another Blues star under a pre-game injury cloud was player of the match Payne Haas, who dominated the middle of the Queensland defence despite carrying a quad strain. Crichton was full of praise for the Brisbane forward and said his power running contributions were vital to the continued success of the Blues. "He's been the best front rower throughout the year and I'm so happy he's representing NSW and he's a part of our team," Crichton said. "It's always nice running off the back of his carries, he's always scattering in as well so it's good to have him in the team." Crichton was quick to laugh off speculation he had done significant damage to his elbow and said a lighter club load would have him fit and firing for game two. "I think I just twisted it (his elbow) in one of the tackles but it's good now," Crichton said. "Obviously going into a bye now so got a long turnaround to look after it." Crichton's former Panthers teammate Brian To'o said the Blues were pleased with the game one win, but not resting on their laurels before a trip to Perth, where NSW have dominated their two previous games. "It's obviously pretty exciting, a wonderful opportunity as well," To'o told AAP. "It was obviously a really scrappy game yesterday but really happy with the win and still things to improve." Battered NSW centre Stephen Crichton has been in the wars but credits his teammates and the medical staff for his star defensive performance in Origin I. The Bulldogs captain twisted his elbow in a tackle on Wednesday night after overcoming a quad complaint in the build-up. The star centre made 16 tackles and had one try assist in an 80-minute performance that looked unlikely when he hobbled from the training field on Monday. Crichton says it wouldn't have been possible for him to play his starring role without the work done by Blues trainers and the confidence shown by his teammates that his body was ready for the demands of Origin. "On game day it was just a box tick, I was ready to go," Crichton said on Thursday. "The boys just getting around me as well and giving me that confidence too. "We've got elite physios that got me ready 48 hours before the game and they gave confidence to me to go out and do my job." Another Blues star under a pre-game injury cloud was player of the match Payne Haas, who dominated the middle of the Queensland defence despite carrying a quad strain. Crichton was full of praise for the Brisbane forward and said his power running contributions were vital to the continued success of the Blues. "He's been the best front rower throughout the year and I'm so happy he's representing NSW and he's a part of our team," Crichton said. "It's always nice running off the back of his carries, he's always scattering in as well so it's good to have him in the team." Crichton was quick to laugh off speculation he had done significant damage to his elbow and said a lighter club load would have him fit and firing for game two. "I think I just twisted it (his elbow) in one of the tackles but it's good now," Crichton said. "Obviously going into a bye now so got a long turnaround to look after it." Crichton's former Panthers teammate Brian To'o said the Blues were pleased with the game one win, but not resting on their laurels before a trip to Perth, where NSW have dominated their two previous games. "It's obviously pretty exciting, a wonderful opportunity as well," To'o told AAP. "It was obviously a really scrappy game yesterday but really happy with the win and still things to improve." Battered NSW centre Stephen Crichton has been in the wars but credits his teammates and the medical staff for his star defensive performance in Origin I. The Bulldogs captain twisted his elbow in a tackle on Wednesday night after overcoming a quad complaint in the build-up. The star centre made 16 tackles and had one try assist in an 80-minute performance that looked unlikely when he hobbled from the training field on Monday. Crichton says it wouldn't have been possible for him to play his starring role without the work done by Blues trainers and the confidence shown by his teammates that his body was ready for the demands of Origin. "On game day it was just a box tick, I was ready to go," Crichton said on Thursday. "The boys just getting around me as well and giving me that confidence too. "We've got elite physios that got me ready 48 hours before the game and they gave confidence to me to go out and do my job." Another Blues star under a pre-game injury cloud was player of the match Payne Haas, who dominated the middle of the Queensland defence despite carrying a quad strain. Crichton was full of praise for the Brisbane forward and said his power running contributions were vital to the continued success of the Blues. "He's been the best front rower throughout the year and I'm so happy he's representing NSW and he's a part of our team," Crichton said. "It's always nice running off the back of his carries, he's always scattering in as well so it's good to have him in the team." Crichton was quick to laugh off speculation he had done significant damage to his elbow and said a lighter club load would have him fit and firing for game two. "I think I just twisted it (his elbow) in one of the tackles but it's good now," Crichton said. "Obviously going into a bye now so got a long turnaround to look after it." Crichton's former Panthers teammate Brian To'o said the Blues were pleased with the game one win, but not resting on their laurels before a trip to Perth, where NSW have dominated their two previous games. "It's obviously pretty exciting, a wonderful opportunity as well," To'o told AAP. "It was obviously a really scrappy game yesterday but really happy with the win and still things to improve."
The Advertiser
17 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Fan photos from Origin's return to Newcastle as NSW Blues women look to make history
Women's State of Origin returned to Newcastle for just the second time on Thursday night as fans flocked through misty weather to see if NSW would defend its record to date over the Maroons. Among the Blues stars was local talent and Kotara Bears alum Jesse Southwell who, now at 20, stands on the precipice of history with the opportunity to become the first women's team to seal a 3-0 Origin whitewash. "I never thought Origin would even come to Newcastle, let alone be able to play in one, so I can't wait. "It's cool. Growing up here, I never expected to be playing rugby league as an adult with my mates. "The way that the older girls have paved the way for every single young girl coming through now, it's just incredible to be part of." When Origin came to Newcastle for the first time last year, the match was sold out, and while torrential rain prevented a 30,000-capacity crowd from turning up, 25,782 fans still filled the stands. It was the biggest crowd for a stand-alone women's rugby league match until that bar was raised to 26,022 at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium for this year's Origin I on May 1. Newcastle has the chance to reclaim the record mantle with the NRL expecting in excess of 20,000 on Thursday night. Women's State of Origin returned to Newcastle for just the second time on Thursday night as fans flocked through misty weather to see if NSW would defend its record to date over the Maroons. Among the Blues stars was local talent and Kotara Bears alum Jesse Southwell who, now at 20, stands on the precipice of history with the opportunity to become the first women's team to seal a 3-0 Origin whitewash. "I never thought Origin would even come to Newcastle, let alone be able to play in one, so I can't wait. "It's cool. Growing up here, I never expected to be playing rugby league as an adult with my mates. "The way that the older girls have paved the way for every single young girl coming through now, it's just incredible to be part of." When Origin came to Newcastle for the first time last year, the match was sold out, and while torrential rain prevented a 30,000-capacity crowd from turning up, 25,782 fans still filled the stands. It was the biggest crowd for a stand-alone women's rugby league match until that bar was raised to 26,022 at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium for this year's Origin I on May 1. Newcastle has the chance to reclaim the record mantle with the NRL expecting in excess of 20,000 on Thursday night. Women's State of Origin returned to Newcastle for just the second time on Thursday night as fans flocked through misty weather to see if NSW would defend its record to date over the Maroons. Among the Blues stars was local talent and Kotara Bears alum Jesse Southwell who, now at 20, stands on the precipice of history with the opportunity to become the first women's team to seal a 3-0 Origin whitewash. "I never thought Origin would even come to Newcastle, let alone be able to play in one, so I can't wait. "It's cool. Growing up here, I never expected to be playing rugby league as an adult with my mates. "The way that the older girls have paved the way for every single young girl coming through now, it's just incredible to be part of." When Origin came to Newcastle for the first time last year, the match was sold out, and while torrential rain prevented a 30,000-capacity crowd from turning up, 25,782 fans still filled the stands. It was the biggest crowd for a stand-alone women's rugby league match until that bar was raised to 26,022 at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium for this year's Origin I on May 1. Newcastle has the chance to reclaim the record mantle with the NRL expecting in excess of 20,000 on Thursday night. Women's State of Origin returned to Newcastle for just the second time on Thursday night as fans flocked through misty weather to see if NSW would defend its record to date over the Maroons. Among the Blues stars was local talent and Kotara Bears alum Jesse Southwell who, now at 20, stands on the precipice of history with the opportunity to become the first women's team to seal a 3-0 Origin whitewash. "I never thought Origin would even come to Newcastle, let alone be able to play in one, so I can't wait. "It's cool. Growing up here, I never expected to be playing rugby league as an adult with my mates. "The way that the older girls have paved the way for every single young girl coming through now, it's just incredible to be part of." When Origin came to Newcastle for the first time last year, the match was sold out, and while torrential rain prevented a 30,000-capacity crowd from turning up, 25,782 fans still filled the stands. It was the biggest crowd for a stand-alone women's rugby league match until that bar was raised to 26,022 at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium for this year's Origin I on May 1. Newcastle has the chance to reclaim the record mantle with the NRL expecting in excess of 20,000 on Thursday night.
Sydney Morning Herald
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
He's the angriest coach in the NRL. But Craig Bellamy lightened up for Origin
With a camera crew following his every move, Craig Bellamy last year revealed the game-day angst he has carried his whole career. Despite having coached more than 500 NRL matches, Stan's Revealed - Craig Bellamy: Inside the Storm documentary lifted the lid on how nerves frequently make the hours before a game almost unbearable for one of rugby league's greatest ever mentors. On Wednesday night, clutching a Jim Beam and cola (no Queensland sugarcane champagne, thank you) in the Suncorp sheds, Bellamy toasted the Blues' grinding 18-6 Origin I victory, and Laurie Daley. And for once, a pleasurable game-day experience. Bellamy, Daley's sounding board in the coach's box, made sure he sat largely out of sight of Channel 9's cameras. And revelled in the fact it was someone else going through the emotional wringer only a head coach can truly understand. A coach's burden can be a cruel and unusual punishment. An incredible investment in the 17 players in the middle, so much work poured into them, their game plan and every possible scenario … and then you have to watch on, largely unable to influence proceedings any further beyond interchanges and relayed messages. 'So I was well-behaved,' Bellamy grinned. No blow-ups, he swears. Daley confirms.
The Age
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
He's the angriest coach in the NRL. But Craig Bellamy lightened up for Origin
With a camera crew following his every move, Craig Bellamy last year revealed the game-day angst he has carried his whole career. Despite having coached more than 500 NRL matches, Stan's Revealed - Craig Bellamy: Inside the Storm documentary lifted the lid on how nerves frequently make the hours before a game almost unbearable for one of rugby league's greatest ever mentors. On Wednesday night, clutching a Jim Beam and cola (no Queensland sugarcane champagne, thank you) in the Suncorp sheds, Bellamy toasted the Blues' grinding 18-6 Origin I victory, and Laurie Daley. And for once, a pleasurable game-day experience. Bellamy, Daley's sounding board in the coach's box, made sure he sat largely out of sight of Channel 9's cameras. And revelled in the fact it was someone else going through the emotional wringer only a head coach can truly understand. A coach's burden can be a cruel and unusual punishment. An incredible investment in the 17 players in the middle, so much work poured into them, their game plan and every possible scenario … and then you have to watch on, largely unable to influence proceedings any further beyond interchanges and relayed messages. 'So I was well-behaved,' Bellamy grinned. No blow-ups, he swears. Daley confirms.
